PM - 33

Marquis Gai had a residence in the capital. Originally, Emperor Wen allocated land to build it for the convenience of his eldest daughter’s return visits. Over the years, though it remained unused, a steward maintained it daily, so moving in posed no problem. However, despite being able to reside there, Princess Dingyang claimed she was accompanying the Empress Dowager and brought Marquis Gai’s daughter into the palace, temporarily settling her in the Jingfu Hall of the Northern Palace.

Fu Wei felt as if sitting on pins and needles these past two days because Princess Dingyang frequently invited her to tea and sightseeing, clearly creating opportunities for her to be alone with the young lady. But Fu Wei herself was female and had no particular hobbies, so she felt quite powerless against this forced matchmaking.

The young lady was an extremely adorable and gentle girl, only twelve years old, named Langlang—her name evoking the clear, resonant sound of striking stones. Upon seeing the young emperor, her eyes would curve into smiles. She didn’t call her “Your Majesty,” but rather chased after her, calling her “Brother Ayin.”

Brother Ayin… At moments like these, Fu Wei always felt somewhat dazed. Though many people were named “Yin” and most were male, subconsciously, Fu Wei still felt the name sounded feminine. Pairing it with “brother” just seemed mismatched.

Being busy with state affairs, she didn’t know how to communicate with children, so she resorted to making conversation, “Is Langlang the youngest at home?”

The young lady nodded vigorously, “I have two older sisters who are already married.”

“What brings you to the capital this time?”

Langlang was a straightforward child, “For marriage. Mother said I am destined to become the empress. When I meet Your Majesty in the palace, I must make sure you like me.”

At twelve years old, she was only three or four years younger than Fu Wei, but to her, Langlang still seemed too young. Fu Wei crossed her arms and had to look down to examine her, “So, does Langlang like me?”

She nodded vigorously again, “Yes.” Emphasizing it further, she confirmed, “I really like you!”

Fu Wei laughed, “What do you like about me? Did your mother tell you that I am the emperor and you must like me?”

Langlang shook her head, “No. I like how Brother Ayin looks. Your eyes are like Erhai Lake, and your nose is like a small mountain. But I think you look a bit like my older sister. If you were one of my sisters, I would like you even more.”

Fu Wei’s heart sank. A child’s words were the most truthful. Her appearance was gradually revealing her gender. The reason close people didn’t mention it was out of fear. One day, if someone used this as a weapon against her, what could she do besides angrily reprimand them for their audacity?

She slowly stepped back, feeling somewhat anxious. Not far away were two close ministers. She dragged her steps over and asked Hulü, “The young lady says I look like a woman. What does the commander think?”

Hulü Puzhao’s face instantly turned red, stammering, “The... the young lady is young and speaks without thinking... that, I never thought Your Majesty looked effeminate. Your Majesty is a heroic ruler; where in the world could there be such an ambitious woman!”

At first, Fu Wei had asked him with a heavy heart, as she had always avoided this question, fearing that bringing it up might expose her. Despite his fervent denial, the ultimate reason was still tied to that last statement: women couldn’t be ambitious. Women were supposed to focus on embroidery and raising children. Because she had ambition, she wasn’t considered a woman—it all sounded quite reasonable.

She then turned to Shangguan Zhao, “Minister, what do you think? Do I look like a woman?”

Shangguan Zhao’s heart trembled, “My Lord...”

He couldn’t speak, strangely unable to even come up with a polite response. After knowing her for so many years, during their last meeting, he thought the young emperor should have grown into a handsome young man. Yet, aside from her majesty and decisive personality, other aspects remained ambiguous.

Seeing him silent, Fu Wei grew restless. The closer the person, the more direct the perception. Aside from the deliberately tough facade on the court, she would unconsciously reveal her girlish nature in private, which she knew was not good.

Still not strong enough, she thought disheartenedly, ultimately falling short compared to men. How could she bridge this gap? In her absent-minded state, Shangguan Zhao blurted out “gentle appearance, strong heart,” directly comparing her to Prince Lanling, which was quite considerate.

She smiled bitterly and turned around, “Gentle appearance, strong heart... If I were to carve two slashes on my face, probably no one would say that about me anymore.”

She paced off. Langlang waved by the pool, inviting her to watch the fish. She gently persuaded the girl away and lifted her robe to enter the curtains.

Fortunately, Princess Dingyang wasn’t present today. Empress Dowager Liang’s interest was entirely on the fruits sent as tribute from the south. Seeing her arrive, she beckoned her to partake. Fu Wei shook her head, “Mother, I have a couple of things I wish to discuss with you.”

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager placed her silver needle and motioned for the attendants to dismiss everyone standing by.

“What is it?” The Empress Dowager pushed the desk aside and sat upright, “I heard the other day that you had a serious disagreement with the Chancellor. Is that true?”

She hesitated, speaking dejectedly, “It’s just a difference in political views. I wanted to reorganize the Ministry of Personnel, but he appointed his own man as the Minister, and the ministry fell back into his hands.”

After listening, the Empress Dowager was angry but helpless. After a long sigh, she said, “Well, he is a stubborn insect that doesn’t die easily. If Your Majesty wants to fight him, you need to be patient. But I advise Your Majesty, no matter how angry you are, you must maintain imperial dignity. If you resort to physical altercations, how will it sound when spread around?”

She was startled, “Even Mother has heard about this?”

“Naturally.” The Empress Dowager’s expression was solemn, “Tearing clothes apart—such matters can’t be concealed, can they?”

She touched her forehead and forced a smile, “All exaggerated talk, Mother shouldn’t listen to it. What I want to discuss with you today is Marquis Gai’s daughter.”

The Empress Dowager hummed, her gaze drifting to the child rolling up her sleeves to catch fish by the pool, “I quite like the young lady. This child is guileless. As she grows older, she’ll learn to discern right from wrong. After entering the palace, I’ll personally guide her, minimizing her contact with Princess Dingyang, and she’ll gradually become obedient.”

Fu Wei couldn’t help but grin, “Mother misunderstands my meaning. I don’t want the young lady to enter the palace. I plan to arrange a different marriage for her.”

The Empress Dowager was greatly surprised, “Why? Does Your Majesty forget that behind her stands Marquis Gai? Right now, you urgently need the support of the feudal lords. Winning over one means reducing future threats. Do I need to teach you this?”

She understood the reasoning well, but her unspoken troubles couldn’t serve as excuses. She had to express her stance indirectly, “I once heard the story of Mother and the late emperor. Their love was known throughout the palace. Now I’m preparing to marry the empress. I’ve met the empress twice—she is virtuous and beautiful, and I admire her deeply. Mother knows that my birth mother was a concubine of the late emperor. Shortly after giving birth to me, she was forced to commit suicide. I fear that if the crown prince isn’t born of the empress, someone might follow my mother’s tragic path.” She turned to look at the distant young lady, feigning deep sorrow, “I spoke briefly with Langlang earlier. She has a pure heart. If one day she follows my mother’s fate, how could I bear it? Moreover, keeping her here would surely harm the empress. Talk of deep marital affection would then become a joke. Furthermore, Marquis Gai holds great power. If the heir comes from the young lady, interference by the maternal family won’t be far off. To balance the chancellor, the heir years later would become another me. To prevent future troubles, my idea is to choose a close minister of the emperor for the young lady. This way, we can gain favor without planting seeds of disaster for future generations. What does Mother think?”

Empress Dowager Liang seemed moved, murmuring, “What Your Majesty says is very true. Two tigers fighting will inevitably affect the royal lineage. But who can match the young lady? Who is someone Your Majesty truly trusts?”

“Minister Shangguan,” Fu Wei replied, “Only Minister Shangguan.”

The Empress Dowager was even more astonished, “Shangguan Zhao? Are you serious, Your Majesty? Don’t forget that the Shangguan family was implicated in the Wuling case. Moreover, Shangguan Zhao isn’t a marquis or nobleman. How can he match the young lady?”

“Regarding titles, I will find a way. As for Mother’s concerns, I understand them too. Please rest assured. Since I’ve decided to do this, I have full confidence. The military power of the Shangguan family was handed over to General Wei Ji Dao on the day the Wuling case concluded. The current Shangguan family only holds an empty title. Even if Marquis Gai wants to ally, there might not be much benefit. Without benefit, it’s naturally wiser to submit to the rightful authority. Isn’t that right, Mother?”

The Empress Dowager finally relaxed, smiling, “Good child, with such meticulous thoughts, your father in heaven would be proud. I often think about the vast empire the late emperor left you, appointing regents who harbor disloyal intentions. At your young age, how can you manage? But now I see you possess statecraft skills. Whether power returns to you is just a matter of time. Here with me, whether today or tomorrow, you won’t hear a single objection. As long as you believe something is right, go ahead confidently. I fully support you.”

Fu Wei also smiled, “Mother, why do you refer to yourself as ‘this old body’ recently? You’re not that old yet.”

The Empress Dowager shook her head, “A widow, whether old or not, makes no difference.”

Losing one’s beloved leaves one’s heart prematurely aged. Sometimes, when Fu Wei looked at the Empress Dowager, she felt she might not be any luckier than her mother, Lady Lou.

“And regarding Princess Dingyang...”

The Empress Dowager said, “Leave it to me. I’ll persuade her. But granting a title to Minister Shangguan will surely be another fierce battle. Is Your Majesty prepared?”

Without merit, one cannot be granted a title—that was an ancient rule. Objections wouldn’t just come from the Chancellor; various feudal lords would rise against it. The road ahead would be arduous. Currently, the only thing she could rely on was her imperial status. As for what scene would unfold, she herself didn’t know.

Lacking confidence in the upcoming difficulties, she couldn’t let the Empress Dowager worry along with her. Fu Wei put on an air of nonchalance and laughed, “Mother, don’t worry about me. I have my ways.”

Leaving Zhuolong Garden, she headed straight to Mingguang Hall and ordered the Ministry of Personnel to convene the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers for discussion. There was no need to select a formal venue like Quefei or Deyang Halls—it would hinder open discussion.

“Where does Your Majesty wish to hold it?” the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel asked, “Perhaps in the Eastern Palace’s sleeping quarters. Instead of calling it a political discussion, just refer to it as casual conversation. No need for the Ministry of Personnel to issue orders; dispatch palace eunuchs to invite the ministers.”

Fu Wei suddenly understood and happily bowed to Sun Mo, “Thank you for the advice.”

Sun Mo waved his hands repeatedly, “Not at all, Your Majesty flatters me. I am merely serving Your Majesty, casually suggesting an idea. How dare I claim credit before Your Majesty.”

Regardless, the emperor hosting a casual gathering meant the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers dared not neglect it. The Eastern Palace’s attendants dispersed with orders, heading directly to the residences of the key ministers. The Chief Eunuch went to the Chancellor’s residence, where the steward respectfully welcomed him in. Jianye asked, “Where is His Excellency?”

The steward pointed towards the inner courtyard, “Someone has been sent to inform him. Please wait, honored guest.”

The Chancellor came out from the gate, a piece of silk wrapped around his head—he had just washed his hair. Water dripped from the ends of his hair, soaking a large area of his chest. Jianye was momentarily stunned. Such a sight of the Chancellor was rare. Important figures often gave the illusion of not needing basic necessities. So encountering the Chancellor washing his hair was indeed a precious experience.

The Chancellor’s imposing demeanor did not diminish in the slightest. He frowned and asked, “Does His Majesty have an order?”

Jianye clasped his hands in respect, “His Majesty has arranged a casual discussion in the sleeping quarters and specifically ordered me to invite Your Excellency to preside.”

The young emperor holding a casual discussion was indeed unprecedented. The Chancellor wore a skeptical expression, “Who else is invited? Am I the only one?”

How could a discussion between two people take place? Jianye indicated that the Chancellor was overthinking, “All Three Dukes and Nine Ministers are invited. Please, Your Excellency, enter the palace soon. The one His Majesty most hopes to see is none other than Your Excellency.”

The Chancellor’s face was expressionless. The most anticipated one? He would rather not come at all! With all the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers present, this couldn’t be just a casual discussion—it was merely a show, an illusion.

Feeling weak in his limbs, he didn’t know why, but recently dealing with her alone had exhausted all his energy. Young people sure knew how to make trouble. The Chancellor took off the silk scarf from his head and threw it into the steward’s arms. What was there to wait for? He might as well change clothes and go to court. He returned to his bedroom with his hands hanging down and picked out a sturdier garment with finer stitching to wear. In front of the mirror, he combed his hair; there was no time to wait for it to dry, so he carefully tied it up with a crown.

The carriage didn’t delay at all, reaching Canglong Gate in just the time it took to burn two sticks of incense. He got out of the carriage and entered the Eastern Palace through the three-tiered gate. Halfway, he encountered Shangguan Zhao again. This time, there was no concern for decorum. He strode ahead with his head held high, ignoring even his bow.

Hulü Puzhao welcomed him into the sleeping quarters. He climbed the more than ten-zhang-high white jade steps. Step by step, when he reached the terrace and looked up, he saw the young emperor sitting alone deep within the palace, facing sideways, eyes closed, brows furrowed. Though possessing a majestic imperial air, beyond that facade, he was certain she was hatching another devious plan.

The Chancellor deliberately made his footsteps heavier, shaking his sleeves as he approached. Upon noticing him, she rose from her seat. The eunuch announced loudly: “The Emperor rises for the Chancellor.” Their eyes met briefly, filled with both awkwardness and disdain, and they simultaneously averted their gazes.

What nonsense! Fu Wei inwardly spat. Coming so quickly, he must be trying to probe the situation before the other ministers arrived. Therefore, she decided to keep her lips tightly shut and not speak. One reclined at the head, the other sat upright below, neither showing any intention to converse.

The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat subtle. The attending eunuchs became even more cautious, their tails tucked between their legs. Not a single cough could be heard in the vast hall. Jianye wore a bitter face, his gaze darting back and forth, looking at the young emperor and then glancing at the Chancellor. On each of their faces were five parts anger, three parts pride, and two parts indescribable confusion and sorrow… This deadlock seemed difficult to break.

If one said the young emperor was young and prone to impulsive actions, it was somewhat unreasonable for the experienced Chancellor to act childish as well. Between ruler and minister, despite frequent encounters, the emperor couldn’t dismiss the Chancellor, nor could the Chancellor depose the emperor. Wouldn’t it be better to maintain harmony instead of creating such animosity? What was the point!

Jianye edged closer and whispered softly to the young emperor: “Your Majesty…”

The young emperor finally snapped out of it, her lips quivering slightly, “Did Father Chancellor wash his hair?”

The Chancellor affirmed, “Using soapberries and spices, it worked quite well.”

Jianye rolled his eyes. What kind of conversation was this! Since their last fight, they couldn’t even maintain a superficial harmony. How sad.

Fu Wei fell silent again. The faint scent drifting from the Chancellor lingered in the sleeping quarters, that smell truly unsettling. Unable to resist, she turned her head and looked at him again, only to find him looking back at the same moment. Their gazes collided, and he immediately feigned boredom, casually shifting his attention to the gold and silver wall beams.

Fu Wei cursed inwardly but couldn’t do anything about him. After suppressing herself for a long while, she finally said, “That day I ruined Father Chancellor’s black robe. Today, I’ll compensate you with a new one. Is that alright?”

The Chancellor probably didn’t expect her to bring up that robe again and was momentarily stunned. Once he gathered himself, his complexion wasn’t good, but he still tried to appear magnanimous, lightly saying, “It’s just a black robe, not worth much. Your Majesty need not dwell on it.”

She viciously thought about stripping him naked! Once stripped, he wouldn’t be able to maintain even a shred of dignity, let alone pretend to be noble!

The Chancellor probably sensed the deep malice in her gaze and seemed somewhat uneasy. He pretended to remain calm, tugging at his right lapel and straightening his back even more.

If the confrontation in the hall could take physical form, it would surely be a stormy scene with lightning and thunder. The eunuchs felt uneasy, and even Hulü Puzhao standing nearby with a hand on his sword found it hard to breathe. Subconsciously, he gasped for air but dared not exhale.

Fortunately, someone came to break the tension. The nobles, having received an invitation for casual talk, mostly appropriately dressed in loose robes. But having spent years navigating the court, gathering everyone together like this obviously implied a deeper purpose. Thus, a group of officials in Confucian attire silently ascended the stairs in two lines. Upon entering the hall and looking around, seeing the young emperor dressed in ceremonial robes and the Chancellor in formal attire, they immediately felt self-conscious compared to their own relaxed appearance.

The young emperor’s face lit up with a proper smile. Without waiting for the eunuch to announce the formalities, she stood up to greet them personally. The ministers entered the hall and bowed deeply in unison. Jianye’s loud announcement of “We respectfully thank all the lords for their courtesy” indicated that this was not an ordinary meeting in the court but involved matters of rank.

Fu Wei scanned the hall and first offered a broad reassurance, “Today is not for official deliberations, just casual talk. Please, gentlemen, take your seats.”

The ministers sat down, still feeling as if thorns were pricking their backs. They glanced sidelong at the Chancellor. His expressionless face, paired with his half-dry hair, always gave the impression that something significant was about to happen.

The attendants in the hall served fruits and fragrant tea to each noble. Today, the young emperor was exceptionally approachable, frequently gesturing for everyone to feel at ease. The more amiable the emperor appeared, the more anxious the ministers became, one hand holding the lacquered cup, the other pressing against their chests to regulate their breathing. After a long wait, the young emperor finally spoke—

“I have a matter to consult with all of you.”

The nobles immediately looked up at the imperial visage. The visage was very gentle, speaking in a tone of consultation: “The emperor’s close ministers are my arms and legs. I have two attendants, Shangguan and Hulü. Hulü, the commander, will soon inherit his father’s title. Shangguan, being the youngest son, has suffered from the disadvantage of age… After much deliberation, considering Shangguan’s usual loyalty and bravery, I wish to bestow upon him an additional title. What do you all think?”

① Wall Beam: A horizontal beam exposed in the wall resembling a belt.