PM - 47

The Hall of Eternal Prosperity has always been the venue for hosting state banquets. The young emperor’s marriage is such a joyous occasion, and with lords from all regions traveling far to attend, it would be unacceptable to let them leave empty-handed without witnessing the ceremony. The Empress Dowager had thought everything through: there must be feasting and generous rewards. As she put it, the value of gifts doesn’t matter; once accepted, the favor is secured. The young emperor is about to assume personal rule, and the current nobility are watching closely. If any mishap occurs in court or among the officials, opportunists will seize the moment, sending the situation spiraling into unpredictability.

“What does Your Majesty intend to do? Should we seize this opportunity to pressure the Chancellor into relinquishing power, or should we wait a little longer and proceed cautiously?”

She hardly hesitated. “The cases involving Prince Jing and the Yan clan are right before us. It’s an excellent opportunity, but I don’t know who’s pulling the strings, so we can’t rush into danger blindly. If someone’s aim is to drive a wedge between me and the Chancellor, wouldn’t bringing it up now in front of the civil and military officials play right into their hands? For the Regent to step down is a simple matter—it doesn’t require ancestral approval, and could be resolved with ease. Therefore, I think it best to delay slightly, waiting until after the lords and envoys have left the capital before reopening discussions. This approach would be more advantageous.”

The Grand Tutor no longer understood the young emperor’s intentions. In the past, he burned with ambition, only lamenting the lack of an opportunity to strike down the Chancellor decisively. Now that a perfect chance has fallen into his lap, he begins to hesitate again.

“I believe… the princes, after all, are of the Yuan bloodline…”

The young emperor smiled and shook her head. “Teacher, you’ve forgotten—Prince Jing also comes from the Yuan lineage. He may not have been uninvolved in the Wuling case last time, but because the investigation didn’t dare dig too deeply, he got off lightly. Now he’s restless again—or perhaps someone won’t let him rest—and another weapons scandal has surfaced. I must eliminate him eventually, but at this critical juncture, stability in governance takes precedence. Who is the pillar stabilizing the seas? You’d say it’s me, but deep down, we both know the real answer is the Chancellor.”

As the Grand Tutor listened, he gradually grasped the young emperor’s thoughts, sighing heavily. “Who knows when such a rare opportunity will come again?”

She laughed even more warmly. “Teacher, rest assured, opportunities will arise. In fact, I feel… the Chancellor isn’t such a bad person.”

This statement earned her quite a scolding from the Grand Tutor, who reminded her sharply that she was forgetting past grievances. Hadn’t the Chancellor once ruthlessly suppressed dissent and wielded the emperor as a puppet to command the lords? Hadn’t Fu Wei herself cowered behind the throne, sobbing quietly? All these memories seemed like fleeting clouds now. With control over the entire government, what challenges remained for him? Naturally, he appeared reformed, but did that mean peace had truly arrived? In his eyes, he alone ruled the land, while the emperor was merely a child whose smiles could be easily dismissed.

Fu Wei couldn’t argue back against the Grand Tutor and could only glare helplessly. Reflecting on it, the treacherous chancellor indeed committed countless crimes in the past. But since yesterday, hadn’t he already washed away his sins? She felt uneasy hearing others speak ill of him—it seemed she was fiercely protective.

At the appropriate time, she proceeded to the Southern Palace to lead the civil and military officials to the banquet. Unlike the solemn ceremony of the previous day, today was a gathering of close friends and colleagues, free from rigid protocols, creating a lively atmosphere. After three rounds of drinks, Huji dancers performed soft, sinuous movements. Their attire differed greatly from the Central Plains’ style: short tops above and pants adorned with beads below. Their slender waists swayed gracefully to the music, captivating the audience with hypnotic allure, twisting like serpents.

The eyes of the assembled officials were glued to their chests and waists. Even the usually refined Confucian scholars couldn’t hide their lustful gazes, which amused Fu Wei.

“Are the Huji beautiful?” she asked the princes. “These were brought back by the Cavalry General during his conquest of Qiuci. Trained rigorously by musicians, they excel in poetry, music, and art, standing out among palace women.”

The men of the Yuan family were indeed skilled warriors, yet they also fell prey to beauty—a weakness the emperor exploited. By training these Huji dancers rigorously and gifting them strategically, she planted spies within the various states. While ambitious lords might resent this tactic, they dared not refuse her generosity. Casting a wide net ensured that even one or two successes justified her efforts.

“The Huji possess discernment and gentle dispositions, making them ideal servants for queens and noblewomen. After the dance concludes, they’ll be entrusted to your household stewards. Since the queens and ladies are dining in the Northern Palace, I ask you gentlemen to convey my gifts on their behalf, expressing my sentiments.”

Her words sounded pleasant enough, though privately, she found them amusing. A ruler openly gifting concubines and maidservants to nobles in front of officials wasn’t exactly dignified. Hence, she cleverly reframed the gesture—not as gifts to the lords themselves but to their inner chambers. The effect was the same, yet it provided a veil of respectability. Of course, the noblewomen likely hated her guts. Having just married a beautiful empress, she wasted no time distributing women to elder relatives, marking her as nothing short of a tyrant!

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness…” The lords exchanged knowing glances, realizing the term “kindness” was misplaced and correcting it to “generosity.” Glancing around, they noticed the absence of the Chancellor, lamenting, “Ru Chun isn’t here. What a pity.”

Though relations were strained, these men had grown up together in the palace until age twelve. Even if outward harmony masked inner conflict, warm greetings were still necessary.

“Ru Chun isn’t coming?” Prince Jing belatedly turned to Dai Hou beside him. “I saw two rows of red-clad cavalry at Canglong Gate earlier and assumed he’d already arrived.”

Dai Hou smirked, ladling clear wine into a cup with a long-handled lacquer spoon and placing it before Prince Jing. “Isn’t all military authority inside and outside the capital under his control… Elder Brother, drink up.”

Even absent, his influence loomed large. Now that his power base was robust, none of the gathered lords or ministers mattered much to him. He came or stayed away as he pleased, heedless of anyone’s face.

Seated at the head table, Fu Wei faintly overheard their conversation, aware that discontent toward him ran high. But as the saying goes,虱多不痒 (too many lice cause no itch), and he had endured enough. Just then, a eunuch announced the Chancellor’s arrival. Instantly, all eyes turned to the grand hall doors. Against the cold, dark sky, flames flickered mournfully, casting an eerie glow. Yet a figure emerged confidently from the night, clad in a gold-embroidered robe and crowned with a purple-gold headdress. His brows shimmered with subtle radiance, exuding elegance and languid charm. In that moment, Fu Wei’s world brightened.

Her heart leapt with joy; rising almost fully from her seated position. His gaze swept across her face before bowing respectfully to the assembly. “I caught a chill but am feeling better this evening. I hurried to join the feast but still arrived late. Please forgive me, Your Majesty and esteemed guests.”

If he claimed illness, his demeanor betrayed no weakness. However, Fu Wei noticed the fatigue etched on his brow and his pale complexion, confirming he was indeed unwell.

Her heart ached for him, yet she restrained herself from showing too much concern. The prime seat on the emperor’s left awaited him. Watching him settle in, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Has my esteemed father-in-law recovered somewhat?”

He looked at her, his eyes filled with tender affection. Their silent communication spoke volumes. Bowing politely, he replied, “Thank you for asking, Your Majesty. I’m much improved.”

Relieved, she smiled faintly, lips pressed together. Turning away, her tense shoulders relaxed visibly.

The lords weren’t so easily appeased. Smiling, one remarked, “Earlier, Your Majesty graciously bestowed Huji dancers upon us to serve our inner courts. Surely, we can’t overlook the most important figure—the Chancellor!”

This placed Fu Wei in a bind. How could she gift him Huji dancers when she wished to rid his household of women entirely? She glanced at him uncertainly. Holding his wine cup, he wore an ambiguous smile, clearly amused by her predicament.

Fortunately, she had prepared a fallback. Pretending magnanimity, she tapped the lacquer table and said, “If the Chancellor requires anything, I won’t hesitate to provide. However, these Huji are meant as servants for queens and noblewomen. The Chancellor lives alone—where would he keep them? Wouldn’t it be awkward?”

Was this rhetorical? The Chancellor smiled gently, inclining his body toward her. “Yes,” he responded.

Fu Wei sensed that he had retracted his claws in her presence. Whatever she said, he likely wouldn’t contradict her. No need for overt declarations of loyalty—his glances and gestures conveyed his devotion sufficiently.

She hadn’t expected him to attend, assuming he’d deliberately avoided this meeting due to uncertainty about its outcome. Being present made him a target. Yet, unwilling to leave her vulnerable, he braved illness to support her. Observing his every move, she knew she was safe. When others urged him to drink, she inwardly disliked it but lacked the authority to intervene. Fidgeting anxiously, she picked up her own cup and took a hearty sip.

Eventually, the conversation circled back to the emperor’s recent marriage. Some kings from Emperor Wen’s era were still alive—elderly figures commanding respect. Among them, King Chu was the most prestigious, naturally leading the other princes.

Old kings often spoke bluntly, unafraid of offending. Laughing heartily, King Chu’s words lacked tact. “Your Majesty ascended the throne ten years ago and finally married recently. This isn’t just a blessing for the people but also for the Yuan clan. At sixteen, a Yin emperor assumes full power. Does Your Majesty know how many officials serve in our court? How many acres of farmland exist nationwide? What are the annual salt taxes, and how many soldiers are stationed in each region?”

This was clearly a challenge directed at the Chancellor. Smiling, she replied, “Today is a family banquet. Let’s avoid discussing state affairs.”

King Chu waved dismissively. “Your Majesty errs. Imperial family matters are state matters. Lords reside far from the capital and rarely visit. Now that we’re gathered, some advice must be given.”

All eyes turned to the Chancellor, who initially sipped his wine indifferently. But seeing King Chu press aggressively, he set his cup down.

A sharp clink echoed through the hall. Slowly shifting his gaze, he scrutinized King Chu with narrowed eyes. “Uncle King asks questions that seem unfair. Forget about Your Majesty being under sixteen—even ruling sovereigns face fluctuating tax and military data. How could precise figures be cited? Instead of probing further, allow me to ask Uncle King a few things. Former Emperor decreed splitting Pengcheng Commandery into two: establishing Chu Kingdom in the north and Pei Commandery in the south. Has Pei Commandery been transferred to King Han? Annually, lords offer three tributes: fees, ceremonial coins, and sacrificial gold. Which of these has Uncle King fulfilled? In the sixth year of Yuanyou, lords lost jurisdiction over official appointments, leaving them reliant solely on rents and taxes. Has Uncle King complied?”

Finishing, he arrogantly bowed. “Uncle King’s achievements surpass mine. Since we’re comparing merits, I seek guidance.”

His queries highlighted issues most regional lords ignored. With deft precision, he subtly rebuked them.

Fu Wei watched King Chu with interest. Politics, when played well, was fascinating—arguably unmatched by any other pursuit.

King Chu flushed, struggling for breath. “This concerns my internal affairs. What business is it of yours?”

“Uncle King speaks wisely—if not in office, don’t meddle. Why concern yourself with major state policies?” Satisfied to see King Chu’s face darken further, he worried momentarily about the old man collapsing from anger, which might startle the young emperor.

Since the topic had escalated thus far, pleasantries were abandoned. Most lords supported renting out fields and estates. Yet Yan Wang’s territory, where civilian unrest erupted, showed no response—an act of defiance.

Straightening himself, he smiled at Yan’s prime minister. “In May, Mars halted in the southeast, signaling unrest. Does the minister know?”

The minister tensed, rising hastily to bow. “Yes, the entire commandery trembles.”

“People in Shanggu and Yuyang struggle. By imperial decree, public lands sustain the populace. Eight of twelve regional lords distributed aid. Others followed suit. Yet Yan Wang remains indifferent, chilling indeed! Kings should cherish subjects like children. How does Yan Wang justify his conduct?” Sternly, he continued, “Why hasn’t Yan Wang attended court to congratulate His Majesty on his nuptials?”

Cold sweat dripped from the minister’s forehead as he stammered, “The king… suffers prolonged illness…”

The Chancellor scoffed. “Too ashamed to face His Majesty, perhaps? I fear no enemies. Convey this message: commoners are Yin citizens. Govern well,自救; otherwise, central officials will soon assist. Let’s hear no more ‘internal affairs’ excuses. As long as I hold this post, I safeguard the state. Once dismissed, I’ll retire peacefully.”

His resolute words left attendees uneasy. Yan’s minister hastily bowed agreement. King Chu’s expression, however, seethed with hatred.

“Chancellor speaks well. Have you heard rumors? Intercepted arms shipments linked to Prince Jing and the Yan clan. What explanation do you offer?”

Neighboring Chu and Jing received news faster than others. Each kingdom monitored developments closely. Though Jing’s report hadn’t spread widely, King Chu’s mention hit a nerve, prompting anticipation of the Chancellor’s reaction.

Unexpectedly, the Chancellor’s countenance didn’t change. Frowning tightly, he replied, “What explanation does Uncle King expect? Should I resign over unsubstantiated claims? Who dispatched those troops? Has Jing uncovered the superior officer? Without evidence implicating the Yan clan, why explain? And if linked to Uncle King, how would he defend himself? Even assuming the Yan clan’s involvement, how does it relate to me? Raised by Emperor Wen, born and bred in the capital, treated as his own son, later enfeoffed alongside brothers—how am I different? Grateful for my upbringing, I never forget. Does Uncle King suggest renouncing my heritage? Fine. Order the genealogist to remove me from records. Thank you for facilitating.”

Glancing at Fu Wei, his final words hinted at their shared secret. Her heart fluttered, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling in the hall. His towering affection felt tangible, genuine.

Deflated, King Chu departed sourly. Ordering removal from genealogical records wasn’t his prerogative. Hoping for imperial intervention, he addressed the young emperor. “Ultimately, we worry about succession. His Majesty isn’t a child anymore. Reclaiming power is rightful. Stop monopolizing governance. The realm belongs to the Yuan clan, not your Yan family.”

Had they crossed the line? Seated above, the young emperor observed as Three Dukes, Nine Ministers, and lords awaited judgment. After prolonged silence, an unsatisfactory verdict emerged: “Repeatedly, I’ve stated today focuses on family matters, not politics. Discussions about relinquishing power occurred privately between me and my father-in-law. No need for interference. Under the Chancellor’s decade-long tenure, people prospered, and barbarians submitted. I trust Yan’s integrity. Those slandering him will face punishment.” Smiling, she added diplomatically, “We’re close kin. Must every meeting escalate tension? Perhaps the Huji displeased?”

Surveying, the central carpet lay vacant of dancers. Surprised, she queried, “Who ordered the performance stopped?”

The Grand Musician startled, quickly restarting the orchestra. Resuming, the Huji performed ‘Zhezhi,’ a solo dance introduced from the Western Regions. Graceful and dynamic, their sleeves fluttered dramatically, bells jingling melodiously, gradually dissipating martial tension.

Fu Wei exhaled relief. Verbal and psychological battles proved more nerve-wracking than actual combat. She wasn’t worried about losing but feared his incomplete recovery might worsen from excessive agitation.

Eyes returned listlessly to the renewed performance, allowing her a stolen glance at him. Exhausted, he rested his forehead on one hand, leaning heavily. Occasionally meeting his gaze revealed profound weariness.

Why was he so ill? Her heart raced uncomfortably. The banquet dragged on, enthusiasm waning. Everyone endured stoically, relieved when it ended. Rising to bid farewell, the young emperor maintained formal decorum, escorting guests courteously to the entrance.

King Chu lingered, dissatisfied. Fu Wei tilted her head innocently, smilingly asking, “Grandfather, any further advice?”

Nearby, the Chancellor observed coolly. Several times, King Chu hesitated, words faltering. Finally, sighing heavily, he stormed off.

“You’ve enraged the royal family.” Once alone, she teased, supporting her waist. “If you were a lawyer, who could match you?”

He shrugged helplessly, sleeves drooping. “Without this, I’d be imprisoned today.” Suddenly dizzy, he swayed.

Hurrying to support him, she whispered anxiously, “Still unimproved? You’re killing me with worry!”

Turning, he smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine, Your Majesty. Night deepens. Rest early. I’ll depart.”

Reaching out, she blocked him. “Returning in such condition? Alone, cold—what to do? Your quarters feel desolate compared to my warm bed…” Shyly glancing at him, she suggested, “Stay tonight. I’ll warm your feet, alright?”

Silent, the Chancellor slowly blushed.

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Footnote: ① 王父 (Wángfù): Refers to grandfather or an honorary title for elders.