CXD - 47

In the afternoon, within the imperial palace.

Above the double-eaved hip roof, glazed green tiles refracted a solemn glow under the slanting sunlight. Below the white marble steps, the young minister who had been summoned to the palace stood tall. He spread his arms as the eunuch assigned to routinely check for concealed weapons lightly patted down his sleeves, waist, back, and boot shafts.

After a moment, the eunuch straightened up, smiling gently as he gestured upward with a high-pitched voice: “Young General Shen, please proceed.”

Yuan Ce stepped forward, ascending the stone steps one by one, and entered the palace corridor.

The tranquil corridor was filled with the scent of imperial-grade ambergris incense. As he passed through the corridor, the fragrance grew stronger the deeper he went.

Turning a corner and walking further, the gilded vermilion doors of the inner hall came into view.

“Your Majesty, Young General Shen has arrived.”

On the dragon-carved throne, the emperor in yellow robes raised his eyes.

Yuan Ce crossed the high threshold and met the imposing gaze that looked down upon him from above.

The emperor, in his forties, had clear eyes. Seeing the youth meet his gaze without flinching, a flicker of sharp scrutiny passed through his eyes.

Their gazes met briefly before Yuan Ce lowered his eyelids and bowed deeply. “This humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Xingwu also withdrew his scrutinizing gaze. “There’s no need for formalities. Step forward. You may be seated.”

“It’s rare to see someone who dares to look directly at His Majesty upon entering the inner hall for the first time. Truly worthy of being the son of a distinguished military family,” a middle-aged man with a deep voice suddenly remarked with a laugh from the lower left side of the throne.

Yuan Ce took his seat on the lower right side of the throne and glanced at the rarely seen Hedong Circuit Governor, Fan Denian. “Governor Fan is too kind.”

Emperor Xingwu glanced at the two men seated below, accepted the tea offered by a eunuch, and sipped it. Suddenly, he heard Fan Denian let out a sigh.

“Why does Governor Fan sigh?” Emperor Xingwu set down his teacup and looked over.

Fan Denian shook his head regretfully. “I was just thinking about how the person who once sat here, discussing foreign affairs with Your Majesty and me, was Governor Shen. In the blink of an eye, everything has changed…”

Emperor Xingwu chuckled and glanced at Yuan Ce. “We don’t think it’s all change. The person sitting opposite you today will someday also be Governor Shen, won’t he?”

Fan Denian paused, slightly reining in his bold demeanor. When he looked at Yuan Ce again, he gave a faint smile beneath his mustache. “As Your Majesty puts it, this humble servant is quite curious about what the future Governor Shen thinks about the queen of Xiluo falling critically ill.”

Yuan Ce: “Thanks to Your Majesty’s favor, this humble servant still lacks experience and would not dare presume such a lofty position.”

Emperor Xingwu waved his hand. “Since Governor Fan has asked, you may speak your thoughts.”

“In my humble opinion, Princess Deqing married into Xiluo over a decade ago and bore three daughters but has no male heir to inherit the throne. If she passes away from this illness, the matrimonial alliance between Xiluo and Great Ye will be severed. The king of Xiluo is already old, and power in Xiluo has gradually fallen into the hands of two princely sons born of concubines. One prince favors Central Plains, while the other distances himself from it. Whether Xiluo draws closer to or further from Great Ye in the future depends on which of these two princes ultimately inherits power.”

Emperor Xingwu: “Are you saying that whether Xiluo declares war on Great Ye depends on the internal struggle within their royal family? That we can only sit and wait for them to resolve it?”

“Not exactly,” Yuan Ce shook his head. “I believe that as long as I remain in Hexi for even a single day, regardless of which prince inherits power, Xiluo would not dare to declare war on Great Ye.”

The eunuch pouring tea trembled, spilling water everywhere.

... This fearless young man might as well have said outright that whether Xiluo declares war depends on him!

His resounding words echoed under the high, hollow dome of the hall. The vast chamber fell deathly silent, yet beneath the silence, it felt as though a pot of boiling water was simmering.

Fan Denian narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Yuan Ce.

Emperor Xingwu raised an eyebrow and turned his scrutinizing gaze back to Yuan Ce.

Yuan Ce calmly stared ahead, accepting their appraisal.

Hexi and Hedong had always been two regional powers the emperor sought to balance. In the past, Hexi’s military strength surpassed Hedong’s. To avoid arousing Hedong’s jealousy and to prevent excessive suspicion from the emperor, his elder brother had always kept a low profile in the capital.

However, his brother’s death proved that hiding one’s abilities was futile.

Over the past three years, Hexi had lost its governor, greatly diminishing its military strength, while Hedong’s borders remained peaceful and prosperous. Now, Hedong’s influence had overtaken Hexi. The emperor needed a new governor of Hexi to stabilize the triangular relationship between the court, Hedong, and Hexi.

But whether a nineteen-year-old youth could shoulder such a heavy responsibility was a concern for the emperor. This was why, during this period, he hadn’t been formally granted an official position and could only maneuver indirectly through the academy to bring down the Zhong family.

If he couldn’t convince the emperor that only he could rival Xiluo and counterbalance Hedong, he wouldn’t be able to avenge his brother’s death. Worse, he might never leave this walled city and see Hexi fall into others’ hands.

After a long silence, Emperor Xingwu nodded. “Very well. Since you possess such courage, return to Hexi immediately to take charge. From today onward, Hexi’s military affairs will be handed over to you. The position of Hexi governor will continue to be temporarily held by the deputy governor, under whom you will learn. Do not disappoint me!”

Fan Denian’s expression turned cold.

Yuan Ce rose and bowed deeply. “This humble servant accepts the order.” After a brief pause, he added, “Your Majesty, before I depart, I have an improper request.”

“Speak.”

“I have one matter left to settle in the capital. May Your Majesty allow me to delay my departure by a few days?”

At that very moment, an eunuch hurried into the hall and whispered into Emperor Xingwu’s ear: “Your Majesty, Princess Yongying has arrived...”

Emperor Xingwu glanced at Yuan Ce below and nodded to the eunuch.

Beside him, Fan Denian sneered at Yuan Ce. “I’ve heard that when Young General Shen was at the academy, he had a close relationship with Zhong Boyong, the son of Lord Kang Le. Are you staying behind to monitor the outcome of the Zhong family’s corruption case?”

Yuan Ce raised his eyes.

Emperor Xingwu raised his eyebrows and looked at Yuan Ce. “Is that so?”

“Of course not!” A clear female voice rang out from outside the hall. “Uncle Fan has been back in the capital for several days now. Why haven’t I heard anything about the engagement between Young General Shen and me?”

Jiang Zhiyi stepped across the threshold of the hall, gracefully walked forward guided by a eunuch, and curtsied to the throne. “Zhiyi pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Xingwu’s stern expression softened into a fatherly smile. “How long has it been since you last visited me, little one? Is this rare visit solely for the sake of your future husband?”

Jiang Zhiyi smiled brightly and addressed the throne. “Even Your Majesty is well-informed. Your Majesty has always cared about Zhiyi’s marriage and selected many families for me over the past few years. Now that my marriage has been settled, Uncle instructed me to come to the palace and inform Your Majesty.”

“So he stayed behind to arrange your betrothal?”

“Exactly, Your Majesty. I won’t allow him to leave without finalizing our engagement.” Jiang Zhiyi smiled and exchanged a glance with Yuan Ce beside her.

“But the husband you’ve chosen is truly capable, and now he must go far to Hexi to serve your imperial uncle. While your engagement can be settled in time, your wedding will likely be delayed.”

Jiang Zhiyi sighed and frowned. “Zhiyi heard everything outside the hall, Your Majesty. You’re sending away the one man I’ve finally set my heart on...”

“What can be done? Can your imperial uncle keep a general with such an important mission in the capital just for you?”

“Then, Your Majesty, could I go to Hexi with Young General Shen?”

Yuan Ce turned his head to look at Jiang Zhiyi.

Jiang Zhiyi glanced back at him.

Earlier, when Yuan Ce suggested she accompany him to Hexi, her uncle had considered it and agreed—but said that this matter should ultimately gain the emperor’s approval. If Yuan Ce were to make the request, it might raise suspicions that he wanted to avoid leaving future children as hostages in the capital. But if she were to make the request, it would reduce such doubts about his intentions.

“Nonsense!” Emperor Xingwu’s expression turned stern as he lightly scolded her. “You’ve lived your entire life in Chang’an. How could you possibly endure the journey to Hexi? The road from Chang’an to Hexi is so long—you’d probably give up halfway and run back!”

“Then let me try, Your Majesty. If I can’t endure it halfway, I’ll send word, and you can send someone to fetch me back. But right now, I truly don’t want to be separated from Young General Shen… I promise not to delay the journey. Set a date, Your Majesty. If you say we must arrive in Hexi by February, then I assure you I won’t hold us back until March!”

Emperor Xingwu eyed her but still didn’t relent.

“Your Majesty, after my parents passed, I lived under someone else’s roof in the Yong’en Marquis’s household for ten years. Now that I’m finally about to have a home of my own, you can’t separate us like this…” Jiang Zhiyi pouted playfully.

Emperor Xingwu’s expression softened slightly.

“Or, or you could send someone else to Hexi?” Jiang Zhiyi suddenly turned to Fan Denian. “Uncle Fan, you’re so capable. Your ambitions surely aren’t limited to Hedong. Why not take charge of both Hedong and Hexi? Replace my fiancé and go to Hexi!”

“...” Fan Denian’s eyes widened in alarm. He immediately stood up, clasped his hands toward the throne, and said, “Your Highness, please don’t take the princess’s jest seriously.”

Yuan Ce suppressed a smile and glanced at Jiang Zhiyi.

Jiang Zhiyi lifted her chin and inwardly sneered.

If Uncle Fan likes meddling in affairs, she’d give him something to meddle about.

Emperor Xingwu raised his hand to gently signal Fan Denian to sit down and sighed deeply at Jiang Zhiyi. “Look at what you’ve done! I was having a perfectly peaceful discussion, and now you’ve turned this place upside down!”

“If Your Majesty agrees to my request, the chickens won’t fly, and the dogs won’t bark anymore!”

After a moment of deliberation, Emperor Xingwu waved his hand. “Fine, fine. I’ll grant your wish.”

________________________________________

After leaving the inner hall, Jiang Zhiyi and Yuan Ce walked side by side toward the exit.

Once the eunuch guiding them had left and they were alone on the palace path, Yuan Ce reached out and lifted Jiang Zhiyi’s chin, studying her as if seeing her in a new light. “Who taught you how to act harmless while secretly scheming?”

“Hmm?” Jiang Zhiyi pulled back, waving his hand away. “I’m wearing makeup! Let go quickly!”

Yuan Ce released her.

“Something so simple doesn’t need teaching. I’ve seen my fair share of palace intrigues since childhood.” Jiang Zhiyi tilted her chin confidently. “And then there’s my grandmother, Princess Ding’an. Her title means ‘peaceful stability,’ and she once rose from the inner palace to the court. Though she passed away early and I don’t remember her face, I must still carry her clever blood.”

“So, if you have such talent, what will you do if I offend you in the future? Will you scheme against me like this?” Yuan Ce narrowed his eyes at her.

“Don’t offend me, then.” Jiang Zhiyi looked at him strangely. “What are you worried about? Did you do something bad?”

Yuan Ce’s brow arched. “Of course not.”

________________________________________

At night, in the study of the Yong’en Marquis’s residence, Yuan Ce and Lord Yong’en sat across from each other, finishing a game of chess. After putting away the jade pieces, Lord Yong’en opened the conversation: “Today, I told Yiyi to go to the palace.”

“She mentioned it to me,” Yuan Ce nodded. “Thank you, Lord, for considering everything thoroughly.”

“Since we are to become family, your matters are also Yiyi’s matters. If you want to take Yiyi to Hexi, I don’t oppose it. But getting His Majesty’s approval is easier with Yiyi going than with you asking directly.”

He shouldn’t have agreed to let Zhiyi rush off to Hexi so hastily, but thinking about the divination at Taiqing Temple—

The two youngsters were only engaged and hadn’t married yet. If separated, who knows what changes might occur in the future? With the situation in Xiluo still unclear, if Zhiyi could temporarily retreat to a distant place far from the emperor’s gaze, even if Xiluo’s envoys came again seeking a Great Ye princess for marriage, neither the Xiluo people nor the emperor would think of Zhiyi. Thus, this marriage alliance wouldn’t fall upon their family.

Since the divination said Shen Yuance could change Zhiyi’s fate, keeping her by his side seemed the wisest choice.

Fortunately, for the emperor, Zhiyi’s parents were deceased, and her family no longer held power or influence in court. Compared to noble families entangled in political webs, marrying a titled but powerless princess to a general wielding significant military power was more reassuring. Thus, the emperor was pleased to see it happen.

“Of course, I have my own selfish motives,” Lord Yong’en said gravely, looking at Yuan Ce. “By supporting you, I hope you’ll take care of Yiyi every step of the way. Once you reach Hexi, ensure she lives as comfortably as she does in Chang’an. Don’t let her suffer even the slightest discomfort.”

Yuan Ce nodded. “There’s no need for you to remind me, Lord. I’m well aware of her habits regarding food, clothing, shelter, and travel.”

“This child is indeed particular about those things, but don’t mistake it for immaturity,” Lord Yong’en sighed. “Her father sacrificed his family for the greater good, and my sister followed her husband, neglecting her. As her uncle, I feel guilty about her. Over the years, I’ve spoiled her, raising her to be delicate.”

“All these years, living in luxury and comfort as a princess has been her way of consoling herself. Though she lost her parents, she found solace in these privileges, making her feel less pitiable.”

Yuan Ce nodded. “I understand.”

Lord Yong’en smiled with relief. “It seems she’s told you quite a bit. Seeing her cry and cling to you today makes me, her uncle, very content.”

Yuan Ce raised his head in confusion, not fully understanding that statement.

“Does she act the same way around you as she does outside?”

Yuan Ce shook his head.

“That’s right. Despite her aloof demeanor these years, like a snow lotus from the Tian Mountains unwilling to speak much, before the upheaval in her family, she was a lively chatterbox. She’d cling to whoever she liked, calling out ‘big brother’ or ‘big sister,’ and if upset, she’d burst into tears... Does she act like that around you?”

Yuan Ce blinked. “Even more so.”

“In recent years, she’s gained imperial favor, and many in the capital flatter her. Disliking insincerity, she stopped mingling with others, maintaining a distant demeanor. Only in front of me and her elder sister Baojia does she show her true self—laughing and crying like she did as a child. Now that she’s regaining her true nature around you, becoming livelier outside too, I naturally find it comforting.”

Yuan Ce’s eyelids flickered.

Unfortunately… How long would this genuine nature last?

“Uncle!” Just as the two fell silent, a reproachful female voice sounded outside the study. Jiang Zhiyi stomped her feet as she entered. “How could you reveal all my secrets!”

Lord Yong’en looked up. “You little rascal, eavesdropping on adults!”

Jiang Zhiyi stepped forward. “But aren’t you talking to my fiancé?”

“The things I’ve said are simply hopes that he’ll understand you better and forgive you more in the future.” Lord Yong’en took Jiang Zhiyi’s hand and gestured for Yuan Ce to come closer.

Yuan Ce hesitated, then reluctantly extended his hand to accept Jiang Zhiyi’s hand passed to him by Lord Yong’en.

“From today onward, I entrust Yiyi to you. I hope you’ll treat her sincerely and wholeheartedly.”

Yuan Ce’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his hand stiffened, frozen in place.

Jiang Zhiyi glanced at Yuan Ce. “Uncle, your solemnity is making him nervous. There’s no need for you to say it—he’s always sincere and devoted to me, isn’t he?”

Meeting Jiang Zhiyi’s earnest, trusting gaze, Yuan Ce’s eyes flickered. Slowly curling his fingers, he loosely held her hand and softly hummed his agreement.