Chapter 21: Conflict

Jiang Qionglin then entered the Daming Palace through the Danfeng Gate. As the two of them walked north along the lake in the Imperial Garden, they could see the lavishly decorated emperor’s sleeping quarters. Along the lakeside stretched a corridor about a hundred zhang long, extending from the Danfeng Gate deep into the Daming Palace. Walking along this corridor, Jiang Qionglin noticed the intricate carvings on its ceiling—luxurious yet elegant.

This area had been renovated after Chen Zhao ascended the throne; previously, it housed the concubines’ quarters. The Empress’s residence, the Ban Yue Palace, had been bestowed upon Noble Consort Shu by the previous emperor. Chen Zhao continued to honor the late emperor’s wishes and did not revoke this decision.

As they proceeded, they encountered numerous palace maids bowing to Shi Wenxing. The complexity of court etiquette was an eye-opening lesson for Jiang Qionglin.

The current empress was the late emperor’s first wife. After the late emperor killed Emperor Wen to seize the throne, his progeny dwindled, with only Chen Zhao bearing him four sons and three daughters. Now that the princes and princesses had mostly grown up and were granted residences outside the palace, the Daming Palace appeared deserted except for the cleaning maids.

Exiting the corridor, they saw a group of maids standing outside the pavilion in the Imperial Garden. They were neatly lined up on the steps, heads bowed respectfully. Inside the pavilion sat Chen Zhao alone. From afar, her sharp eyebrows and dignified presence exuded an unmatched beauty and commanding aura.

This was a sight Jiang Qionglin had never seen before.

“Your humble servant Jiang Qionglin pays respects to Your Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years.” Jiang Qionglin knelt inside the pavilion to pay his respects.

“My dear minister, please rise,” Chen Zhao extended her hand to help him up, but he trembled slightly and avoided her touch.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After Shi Wenxing and the other servants withdrew, Jiang Qionglin stood aside with his head lowered, neither overly familiar nor distant. If he maintained the aloofness he displayed at Huan Yi Pavilion, it would seem pretentious now.

He genuinely felt fear—a deep, inner fear.

Empress Chen Zhao was the foremost person of this era, surpassing all women and even men. He had no reason not to submit.

“Qionglin appears more composed and speaks more harmoniously now, making one even happier,” Chen Zhao smiled.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness.”

“Oh... Minister, you are mistaken,” Chen Zhao slowly said, “I merely provided you a platform to showcase your talents, without favoritism. Your position as the top scholar is entirely due to your own efforts. Do not belittle yourself.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your praise.” Jiang Qionglin felt uneasy.

Chen Zhao chuckled softly and reached out to hold his hand, only to find his palm drenched in sweat.

Chen Zhao laughed again and asked, “Why are you so nervous?”

“Your humble servant... I...”

“There’s no need to be constrained. Just consider me as Yuehua.”

“...” Jiang Qionglin clenched his teeth and remained silent.

“What? Unwilling?” Chen Zhao asked again.

Jiang Qionglin shook his head. After a while, he finally mustered the courage to look up and meet Chen Zhao’s eyes, saying, “Lady Yuehua wouldn’t refer to herself as ‘I’, so I feel no pressure. But facing Your Majesty, I have to be cautious.”

Chen Zhao gazed at him tenderly.

Jiang Qionglin continued, “You are the sovereign, and I am the subject. A subject should adhere to proper etiquette, maintaining our roles without overstepping boundaries.”

“I understand your meaning,” Chen Zhao released Jiang Qionglin’s hand and sat back down at the table, “From now on, I will be more mindful and not cause any distress to my dear minister.”

“Your Majesty...”

“You may withdraw.” Chen Zhao rubbed her forehead and waved her hand.

Shi Wenxing immediately stepped forward and gestured for Jiang Qionglin to leave.

Seeing Chen Zhao’s unwell expression, Jiang Qionglin hesitated, thoughtfully refraining from further words.

“Your servant takes his leave.” After speaking, Jiang Qionglin rose and departed.

This reunion wasn’t particularly pleasant, but it wasn’t bad either. At least, Chen Zhao didn’t get angry over his previous impudence. Everything she did seemed genuinely out of appreciation for his talent. Jiang Qionglin’s worried heart finally settled, and he left the palace with peace of mind.

After leaving the palace, Shi Wenxing led Jiang Qionglin through the Chang Le and Da Ning wards, finally stopping in front of a large mansion in the Yong Xing Ward.

Yong Xing Ward, located between the Xing Qing Palace and the Daming Palace, was part of Taiping Prefecture’s upscale residential area. The mansions here were exorbitantly priced, and without some power, no one would dare sell to you. Most were requisitioned by the royal family to reward ministers who made significant contributions.

Outside the mansion gates hung two brand-new red lanterns on the crossbeam, with the characters ‘Jiang Mansion’ brightly written on the plaque. Jiang Qionglin felt a jolt in his heart when he heard Shi Wenxing say, “Lord Jiang, this mansion has been graciously bestowed by Her Majesty. It will be your new residence.”

After Shi Wenxing knocked on the door, it was promptly opened.

Out came a middle-aged man accompanied by four male and four female servants, the leading figure being the relatively well-dressed steward Zhang Si Hai.

“Your humble servant Zhang Si Hai greets you, Lord.”

“Your humble servant Yu Ji, Shao Yao, Bi Jin, and Qing Yi greet you, Lord.”

“Your humble servants greet you, Lord.”

Jiang Qionglin was taken aback and asked, “This is...”

“In response to your inquiry, these four female servants were personally trained by Lady Su Yun and bestowed by Her Majesty. The four male servants are also selected from the most capable eunuchs in the palace. The steward is transferred from the Ministry of Revenue and is adept at managing household affairs. Henceforth, these nine will serve you. If you find the number insufficient, I shall report to Her Majesty tomorrow to request additional staff.”

“Thank you for Her Majesty’s great kindness; nine is already more than enough.” Jiang Qionglin nodded and told everyone, “Please rise. We are now one family; there’s no need for excessive formalities.”

“Thank you, Lord.” Several maids couldn’t help but become flustered upon seeing Jiang Qionglin, their faces flushing red as their hands trembled slightly while lifting their skirts, clearly excited.

With his task completed, Shi Wenxing returned to the palace. Surrounded by everyone, Jiang Qionglin entered the house and discovered that although the exterior of the mansion appeared modest, the interior was exquisitely decorated. From small plants and trees to the cushions on the beds in the bedrooms, everything was meticulously chosen, rivaling the emperor’s residence.

Especially by the pond in the courtyard, clusters of bright red peonies bloomed luxuriantly, creating a delightful scene. It was evident that Chen Zhao had put her full effort into ensuring his comfort.

Jiang Qionglin loved this mansion deeply, subconsciously equating it with ‘home.’

News of Jiang Qionglin being awarded a luxurious residence spread quickly, drawing jealousy and resentment from many officials in the court, especially Prince Wu Rui’an.

Most people’s dissatisfaction with Jiang Qionglin was merely superficial—ignoring him or looking past him—but Wu Rui’an took every opportunity to ridicule him, wishing to recount every gesture and smile from his days at Huan Yi Pavilion.

Such scenes were witnessed by Empress Chen Zhao several times, and each time, Wu Rui’an was required to apologize to Jiang Qionglin.

Over time, Wu Rui’an feigned illness and stopped attending court, neglecting his duties at the Ministry of Works. Whether it was vice-ministers or ministers, he ignored them all.

He seemed to revert to his former self from three years ago, indulging in pleasures and abandoning official duties and national matters.

Even regarding captives, whom he usually showed no leniency towards, he casually waved them off, saying, “Let them go. If the Turks return, I’ll don my armor and fight again. By then, those who only enjoy life in the capital will realize they owe their peace to my defense of the borders. Perhaps only then will they appreciate my contributions.”

After the Turkish captives were released, Princess Tianxiang became even more grateful to Rui An, constantly surrounding him and causing him annoyance. After a few days, Wu Rui’an began avoiding her.

Suddenly neglected, Princess Tianxiang naturally felt hurt and complained to anyone who would listen, accusing Wu Rui’an of irresponsibility and indulgence in pleasure-seeking women.

One day, Jiang Qionglin accompanied the empress on a hunting trip, drawing crowds of commoners. Most gathered on Jing Xi Street, and even Di Jiang couldn’t resist joining the excitement.

As the royal convoy passed by, Jiang Qionglin sat on a fine horse, his dark red official robe accentuating his divine appearance. Without hypocrisy or affectation, his calm demeanor even impressed Rui An, who watched from the octagonal pavilion. Internally, he had to admit that Jiang Qionglin was truly handsome and talented. Had he not come from a lowly background, perhaps he would have to reconsider his opinion.

After the convoy passed, the crowd dispersed. By the lake, spring blossoms flourished, filling hearts with joy.

“Shopkeeper, isn’t that Prince Rui An?” Wen Yao pointed to the octagonal pavilion.

Di Jiang followed her gaze and saw a beautiful couple embracing on the pavilion. The woman lay in Wu Rui’an’s arms, feeding him a peeled grape.

“They say Prince Wu neglects his duties. Seems true,” Wen Yao mused, stroking her chin before heading upstairs.

“Come back!” Di Jiang called out softly, but Wen Yao acted as if she hadn’t heard. Upon reaching the top, she spoke to Wu Rui’an for a while and then pointed downstairs to indicate where Di Jiang was.

Seeing Di Jiang, Wu Rui’an smiled and greeted her, saying, “Fancy meeting you here, Shopkeeper Di. Come sit?”

“No need,” Di Jiang shook her head and turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, Wu Rui’an leaped down from the pavilion, landing steadily in front of her, blocking her path. “Shopkeeper Di, after such a long time, do you really have to be so cold, even as friends?”

Di Jiang sighed inwardly and reluctantly followed him upstairs.

Upstairs, a lavishly dressed woman reclined against the railing, watching Di Jiang with a smile. “And who might this lady be?”

“This is an old friend of mine, the manager of Jian Su Medical Hall, Di Jiang.” Wu Rui’an bent down and kissed the beauty’s lips.

Wen Yao frowned, visibly disgusted. Di Jiang merely rolled her eyes and poured herself a cup of tea.

“So she’s the manager of Jian Su Medical Hall. I’ve heard much about her,” the beauty giggled, moving closer to Wu Rui’an.

Di Jiang reciprocated with a smile, showing no hint of anger in her eyes.

“Shopkeeper Di, it’s been a while, and you’re still the same,” Wu Rui’an said indifferently.

“And what exactly am I like?” Di Jiang sipped her tea calmly.

Wu Rui’an smiled, enunciating each word, “Heavy sword without a blade, great skill without craft, no move surpasses a move.”

“Your Highness flatters me too much,” Di Jiang shrugged, not accepting his praise.

At this moment, Wen Yao grinned slyly, “Our shopkeeper isn’t as mysterious as Your Highness describes. For her, it’s just four words: Take! The! Money! And! Run!”

“Not at all,” Wu Rui’an shook his head and continued, “Your shopkeeper’s nature is akin to the poetry of a poet, described as leaning against a screen, basking in the sun, with no worldly thoughts.”

Di Jiang suddenly looked up to see his usual faint smile, as if this were an offhand remark. Just as she was about to speak, the beauty in his arms clenched her fist and lightly pounded his chest twice, pouting, “You’re so annoying, always staring at beauties! Sisi is jealous!”

“Jealous?” Rui An grabbed the beauty’s small hand, his lips landing on her cherry-red mouth. Restrained in his embrace, she struggled symbolically before succumbing to the enjoyment.

Soft moans barely audible emanated from her lips, leaving Wen Yao stunned.

Wen Yao’s smile froze on her face. After a while, she swallowed hard and laboriously said, “Sho... Shopkeeper, wha... what is he doing?”

Di Jiang’s expression darkened, and she lightly smiled, “Prince Wu’s reputation for being flirtatious spread throughout Taiping Prefecture when he was twelve. Are you just meeting him?”

“But he clearly...” Wen Yao persisted.

“Enough, it’s none of our business. Let’s go.” With that, Di Jiang slightly bowed to Rui An as a farewell gesture and turned to leave without looking back.

Wen Yao followed behind, turning her head multiple times, only to find Wu Rui’an seemingly oblivious to their departure, still passionately kissing the beauty.

“Wu Rui’an! How dare you betray me!” At that moment, a shrill voice rang out behind them, startling Di Jiang and Wen Yao. Turning around, they saw Princess Tianxiang arriving.

The princess, dressed in finery and leading a group of attendants, rushed to the octagonal pavilion. What she saw was Wu Rui’an embracing a beauty named Sisi, lost in a passionate kiss, oblivious to their surroundings.

On one side was carnal desire; on the other, intense jealousy.

Seeing this scene, Princess Tianxiang’s flawless complexion turned ashen, trembling with rage. She stood there dumbfounded for a moment. Despite her outburst, the couple remained entangled, oblivious.

“How dare you not separate at once for this princess!!” Princess Tianxiang pointed at them furiously, shouting, “In broad daylight, how shameless can you be!”

Indeed, quite shameless. Di Jiang inwardly mocked, ready to watch the spectacle unfold.

“Princess Tianxiang?” Only then did Wu Rui’an raise his eyelids, slowly opening his eyes, straightening up, and turning to look at her, indifferently asking, “Why are you here?”

“How dare you ask me that? Tell me, who is this wretch?!”

“She is not a wretch; her name is Liu Sisi.” Wu Rui’an affectionately glanced at Sisi.

This glance further enraged Tianxiang. Her face flushed red as she exclaimed, “Just a courtesan! Isn’t she a wretch?!”

“You, as a princess of the realm, call everyone a wretch. Between you and Sisi, who is more detestable?” Wu Rui’an’s expression turned cold as he glared at Tianxiang, “How can you uphold the dignity of a princess behaving like this?”

Sisi, hiding her laughter behind her hand while leaning on Wu Rui’an’s chest, cast a pitying glance at Princess Tianxiang. Her look clearly conveyed: Men prefer gentle women. You? You know nothing of tenderness.

Standing not far away, Di Jiang somehow produced a handful of melon seeds. While munching, she observed, “Ah, the drama of two women fighting over one man is the best. This Princess Tianxiang, relying on her status, disregards Wu Rui’an’s dignity. She definitely won’t win against Liu Sisi. Hmm... Will she angrily return to her country and lead troops south? Will our Great Xuanwu face war? I’d better hurry home to pack essentials in case we need to flee.” Saying this, she prepared to leave.

Wen Yao stared wide-eyed, stammering, “Flee? Where to? Is there really going to be a war?”

“...” Di Jiang shot her a glance, fell silent for a moment, then burst out laughing, “You really lack a sense of humor.”

“What do you mean? I completely don’t understand this situation anymore,” Wen Yao pouted, on the verge of tears, “Just recently, he was hugging you, swearing to the heavens that he liked you…”

“How do you know that?” Di Jiang hummed, smiling mischievously at her.

Wen Yao was startled by this look, realizing she had let something slip. She quickly forced a laugh, “I happened to pass by your door and accidentally overheard…”

“Yes…” Di Jiang smiled and slapped her back, “Mrs. Zhang Er’s ox is sick. Tonight, you go help her plow the field!”

“What? The ox is sick? Then we should treat the ox!”

Di Jiang shook her head, “The ox is tired and needs rest. Unlike you, who has nothing to do after eating, if we don’t make you work, you’ll become even more unruly.”

“Shopkeeper, I’m sorry!” Wen Yao hung her head, pleading.

“Let’s go,” Di Jiang sighed, waving her hand, “There’s nothing for us here.”

“Oh…” Wen Yao kept looking back as she followed Di Jiang, her mind filled with images of Wu Rui’an passionately kissing the beauty.

It was utterly embarrassing.

Wen Yao felt heartbroken but helpless.

If only Di Jiang had feelings for Wu Rui’an, with her methods, a simple gesture would make him devoted, never looking at another ordinary woman again!