Chapter 3: An Old Acquaintance from the East (II)

The emperor and empress arrived late, and the banquet at Dianhong Terrace had not yet begun. However, many scholars and students were already seated.

The spring banquet was grand; anyone with a name in the court could receive a cup of new wine from the emperor. This spring was different from previous years — last year was the first time Emperor Zhao held the imperial examination after ascending the throne, so there were many new faces at the banquet compared to the past three years.

A young civil official was explaining to his recently selected friend who had just entered the Qiongting Palace: “...You didn’t come to Bianjing three years ago, so you don’t know much — after the Citang Incident, His Majesty was still young and hastily ascended the throne, naturally making many court officials uneasy.”

Xu Dan was from Youzhou, ranked eleventh in the second class this year’s imperial examination. Although he couldn’t compare to the top scorers, due to his excellent local reputation, he was exceptionally promoted and selected for the Qiongting Palace.

Before the young official finished speaking, Xu Dan interrupted, puzzled: “But the late emperor had many sons. After Crown Prince Chengming passed away, why did the Chancellery choose His Majesty, the sixth son?”

“Shhh, shhh!” The young official stamped his feet anxiously, lowering his voice to scold him, “How dare you speak such words aloud? Calling you foolish is an understatement! His Majesty was like a dragon lying low, blessed by heaven. When the mountains crumbled, he soared into the sky.”

“He doesn’t dare say it, I’ll say it for him.”

On Xu Dan’s other side, a scholar holding a cup looked around and suddenly interjected: “After the Citang Incident, upon hearing the tragic news of the crown prince, the late emperor grieved deeply and passed away suddenly. With the emperor’s sudden death, the edict for establishing the heir had not been rewritten, leaving the capital without a ruler. Ministers of the Chancellery gathered overnight to discuss countermeasures. Powerful families in Bianjing became restless, each wanting to push their own royal sons onto the throne, teetering on the brink of a bloody power struggle...”

The emperor and empress had not yet arrived, nor had the prime minister. Seeing everyone drinking and talking, the young official sighed and couldn’t resist leaning closer to continue explaining to Xu Dan: “Later, Grand Tutor Yu intervened, proposing that the current emperor ascend the throne since he was not born of a powerful family woman. As a prince, His Majesty was timid, and although his mother had once been favored by the late emperor, she was originally a servant, unfit to be empress dowager. The Grand Tutor’s move drew heavy criticism from the Censorate, accusing him of emulating historical figures like Li Si and Zhao Gao, manipulating a young sovereign to control the empire.”

“But among the late emperor’s sons, only the current emperor lacked the threat of powerful maternal relatives. He also received years of care from Crown Prince Chengming, making him close to the eastern palace. After much argument and no resolution, history shows us examples of aristocratic chaos and ministerial tyranny. These lessons were fresh in everyone’s minds, making the current dilemma difficult to resolve.”

“Bianjing was in crisis, with the Imperial Guard and the palace guard even drawing swords against each other at the eastern gate, on the verge of armed conflict... At this critical moment, Her Majesty the Empress stepped in, resolving the crisis.”

Xu Dan listened with awe, exclaiming repeatedly: “It was truly perilous! But how could Her Majesty, a mere woman, resolve such national crises?”

The scholar holding the cup retorted disapprovingly: “They say women from northern You are bold and fierce, even producing female generals. Yet you, a person from Youzhou, utter these words and belittle women! The current empress is no ordinary person!”

Xu Dan quickly apologized: “I was biased. I have long heard of Her Majesty’s excellent reputation, a remarkable woman rarely seen in a hundred years.”

The young official beside him also agreed: “Indeed, the empress hails from a distinguished family of founding ministers of the Great Yin dynasty. The Su family has served generations wearing official hats, with two generations having three prime ministers, how illustrious! Her Highness is the eldest granddaughter of Su Wenzheng Gong, the daughter of the emperor’s tutor, with deep scholarly roots. She studied under Minister Gan and Master Zhengshou, excelling in both literature and martial arts, truly deserving of being called a lady of virtue, like the orchids of Lipei and Yuanzhi.”

The scholar holding the cup couldn’t bear the endless flattery and interjected succinctly: “Her Majesty was already designated as the crown princess but hadn’t completed her marriage to Crown Prince Chengming due to mourning for her father. Upon this incident, Her Majesty, to protect the life of the current emperor, who shared a close bond with Crown Prince Chengming, ensuring he wouldn’t become a puppet with uncertain days ahead, took the imperial sword passed down through the Su family and executed the arrogant powerful ministers on Yujie Street, paving the way for His Majesty.”

“All upright and learned ministers in the court were students of the Su school. Even the Yan family, which hadn’t been stationed in Youzhou, had old ties with the Su family. Everyone fought to protect Her Majesty, deterring the almost erupting rebellion in Bianjing. The Grand Tutor conceded on behalf of the powerful families, allowing His Majesty to ascend the throne.”

Xu Dan sighed: “As a rough man from the north, I’ve only heard of Her Majesty’s virtuous words and deeds, but I didn’t know she possessed such courage. Men across the land would feel ashamed upon hearing this.”

The young official cut in: “Not finished yet — when His Majesty ascended the throne, he hadn’t yet reached adulthood. According to custom, the Chancellery should assist in governance. But with Grand Tutor Yu leading the Chancellery, people worried about the harm of monopolizing power. They wanted the empress dowager to rule behind the curtain, but the emperor’s birth mother’s status was too low to do so.”

“Thus, they argued for more than half a month. Only then did all the ministers unanimously recommend that Her Majesty and Grand Tutor Yu jointly govern, supporting each other like nook, finally settling the political turmoil.”

The scholar holding the cup sighed: “Her Majesty, at just over twenty years of age, governing alongside the emperor was unprecedented. Initially, there were those who criticized her as a hen crowing at dawn, but over the years, Her Majesty not only restrained the Grand Tutor’s influence but also helped the emperor manage floods, control locust plagues, and send the Yan family to pacify border troubles in the north. Upright and never greedy for power, her virtue is celebrated throughout the land.”

Xu Dan said: “Besides her family heritage and the teachings of renowned tutors, Her Majesty grew up alongside Crown Prince Chengming. Crown Prince Chengming was titled at twelve and never received any criticism from literati across the land. Such a talented figure met his end at the hands of rioters, truly...”

The young official unusually didn’t reprimand him for this reckless speech, merely sighing: “The Citang Incident caused national mourning. In the first year of Jinghe, for three springs, snow covered the land and flowers didn’t bloom. It’s only this year we see clear skies. The passing of a saintly ruler is just like this.”

The three were still murmuring quietly when they heard a eunuch announce the arrival of the emperor and Grand Tutor Yu from afar. Everyone at Dianhong Terrace stood up to bow.

“Long live our emperor—”

Emperor Zhaodi Song Lan was nineteen this year, a head taller than when he first ascended the throne. Walking alongside Prime Minister Yu Qiushi, he casually raised his hand, signaling everyone to rise, subtly exuding the authority of a ruler.

Xu Dan bowed and, after sitting back down, secretly glanced. Young Emperor Zhao appeared neither smiling nor serious, chatting jovially with influential ministers nearby. Those rumors of “timidity,” “humility,” and “anxiety” seemed never to have appeared on his face.

However, this pair, often perceived as wielding swords hidden beneath smiles, showed none of the rumored tension in private.

After sitting down, Song Lan glanced at the still-empty seat beside him reserved for the empress and turned to inquire concernedly: “Grand Tutor, how is your health recently?”

Yu Qiushi respectfully answered with a relaxed expression: “Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern, I am well.”

He paused briefly, asking tentatively: “I heard that Your Majesty brought back an old acquaintance from the North.”

Song Lan toyed with the jade tassel at his waist, not answering his question: “Zibai, why worry about such trivial matters? Regardless of whom I bring back from where, I will always rely on you.”

Yu Qiushi said: “I have no other intentions. It’s just that Your Majesty’s actions might invite criticism from court officials.”

Song Lan smiled: “Zibai need not worry. Last year, during the special imperial examination, though this person didn’t arrive, his essay ‘Injury of Knowledge’ circulated widely in the capital. I intended to meet him on this trip. His official position is already determined; it’s just that the paperwork hasn’t been issued. Since childhood, I’ve been lonely, rarely meeting kindred spirits. I found him congenial, and on impulse, didn’t wait for the Ministry of Personnel’s paperwork, directly bringing him back to the capital with the imperial entourage. I considered that this action, though procedurally incorrect, isn’t a major offense. A couple of days of debate won’t matter.”

Yu Qiushi said: “Just that I heard this person is…”

Before finishing, the palace servants began announcing the arrival of Her Majesty the Empress with their drawn-out tones. Yu Qiushi gave Song Lan a meaningful glance and immediately stood up, respectfully waiting to one side.

Upon arriving, Luo Wei first saw Song Lan standing up to greet her from afar.

She first met Song Lan when she was nine and a half, and he was a year younger. After becoming familiar, every time he saw her coming, he would wave from afar, full of youthful spirit. Now, with his elevated status, he couldn’t act as freely as before, so he sent an attendant, stood up to welcome her, showcasing their affection to the world.

Only she didn’t know how much of this affection was genuine and how much was pretense.

Luo Wei crossed her hands and slightly bowed, performing a usual courtesy to the emperor. Beside her, Yu Qiushi respectfully knelt and kowtowed: “Your humble servant greets Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Rise, Grand Tutor.”

“I thank you for your grace.”

Today, Song Lan wore an ochre yellow robe. By custom, he should wear vermilion or gold-purple, but he disliked those colors, opting instead for the uncommon light gold, which wasn’t against regulations.

On his robe, a rhinoceros horn belt loosely cinched his waist. His long hair was tied in a bun atop his head, adorned with black jade, adding a touch of solemnity to his otherwise somewhat childish face.

Below the terrace, whispers praised the harmonious relationship between the emperor and empress, envied by all. Luo Wei gracefully took her seat to Song Lan’s right.

For some reason, on this warm spring day, both their hands were cold as ice, unable to sense even a trace of warmth from each other.

Yet Luo Wei naturally ignored the discomfort in her palm. Song Lan, however, showed concern, tightening his grip and softly asking: “Why is Sister’s hand so cold? After recovering, you shouldn’t overexert yourself. Have you been busy lately?”

“Though it’s been some days since the beginning of spring, the wind is strong today,” Luo Wei shook her head, her expression calm, even managing a sweet smile. She then said, “I haven’t seen the Grand Tutor since the New Year. A few days ago, I heard Suiyun mention missing her father. Today, we must find an opportunity for you father and daughter to meet.”

The person Luo Wei referred to was Yu Qiushi’s youngest daughter, Yu Suiyun, who entered the palace the second year after Song Lan’s marriage.

Song Lan’s harem was sparse. Besides the empress, there was now only Yu Suiyun as a noble consort and a concubine titled by the empress dowager.

Yu Suiyun, being Yu Qiushi’s daughter, naturally didn’t get along well with Luo Wei. Their interactions were minimal, so Luo Wei’s statement carried an ambiguous challenge towards the prime minister.

Song Lan glanced at Yu Qiushi. After Yu Qiushi smiled and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty,” he let out a long sigh of relief.

Luo Wei watched these two perform their roles coldly.

Previously blind and deaf, she hadn’t noticed the undercurrents between this ruler and minister, always thinking Song Lan was still the bewildered child she first met, fearing the authority of adults, forced to be humble.

Upon realizing the truth, she was shocked to find it was all a show for the world and her eyes. Only now, with the timing not yet ripe, the chill in her heart couldn’t be expressed.

After the empress took her seat, the grand banquet at Dianhong Terrace commenced. The music played the chapter of peace and harmony. Civil officials and newly minted scholars came forward to pay respects, creating a momentarily noisy scene.

“Banquet?”

Luo Wei felt drowsy today, frequently lost in thought. It wasn’t until Song Lan whispered a name she had never heard beside her that she abruptly regained some clarity.

She lifted her head and immediately saw the green-clad gentleman who had just been led onto the stage.

He approached calmly, his every movement devoid of constrained fear, exuding only nonchalant laziness.

A shadow darkened, thoughts suddenly surged.

Song Lan leaned closer to her, speaking softly so only they could hear: “…Sister, this is Ye San Gongzi, whom I promoted from Beiyōu. He is actually an old acquaintance of ours, Sister, do you remember?”

The man in green stood straight to bow, performing three kowtows before raising his head: “Your humble servant, Ye He, pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Highness.”

Luo Wei stared at him intently. He seemed to notice, a faint, barely perceptible smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Song Lan spoke: “Tingyan, rise.”

He responded: “Your servant thanks Your Majesty.”

As Luo Wei had previously mentioned, though it had been a bright spring day just moments ago, clouds now piled higher in the sky. Clouds obscured the sun, dimming the sky.

On one side stood solemn palace servants with lowered heads, while on the other, the prime minister watched coldly. The green-clad minister’s gaze swept past Luo Wei, pausing for an instant.

After a faint smile, the sky above the imperial court foreboded a storm.

Luo Wei heard herself ask: “Lord Ye San? Lord San… Has he come of age?”

Song Lan didn’t notice her unusual tone and simply smiled in response: “Naturally, Lord San’s given name is He, his style name is Quhua, and his courtesy name is Tingyan.”

“Yan… Which yan?”

“The yan of grand feasts.”