QYT - 15

“...A substitute bride? A substitute bride?! I’m going to the Gao family to demand an explanation!”

“I did accuse Cui Hongyi, so what! If someone surnamed Cui hadn’t committed a crime, let alone my accusation, even if someone had beaten the imperial drum to report him to the Emperor, he would still be fine. It was the Emperor’s wise decision to have him arrested!”

“...The rice is already cooked? You didn’t even get a clear look at her, how could you... get so drunk? You fool! One drunken mistake ruins a lifetime!”

“Ah, I disagreed when you insisted on writing that marriage proposal. If only I had known...”

The next day, at dawn, curses from Jiang Zhunian echoed from the main courtyard, occasionally accompanied by the sound of shattered teacups. Qing Wei opened her eyes, lying alone on the bed, the space beside her empty—Jiang Cizhou had risen before dawn, likely sobered up and full of regret, and had already gone to the main hall to explain to Jiang Zhunian.

Qing Wei waited until Jiang Zhunian’s scolding subsided, then got up. The maids outside heard the movement and pushed the door open: “Does the young mistress wish to wash up?”

Qing Wei had seen these two maids yesterday. One was named Liufang, and the other Zhuyun, specially assigned by the Jiang family to serve her. Qing Wei wasn’t used to being waited on and said, “You two just fetch me some water; I can manage the rest myself.”

Liufang smiled, “Today, I’m afraid not. The young mistress will be accompanying the young master to the palace later, so we must not be careless.”

“To the palace?”

Qing Wei realized that on the first day of marriage, the new bride had to serve tea to her elders. Besides Jiang Zhunian, Jiang Cizhou’s elders also included the Empress Dowager in the palace.

Zhuyun said, “The Empress Dowager dotes on the young master, so the young mistress needs to go to the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.”

Qing Wei had a birthmark on her face, so she needed to wear a veiled hat when going out. Zhuyun, with her skillful hands, styled her hair in a convenient “falling horse” bun and adorned it with two dangling jade hairpins.

Jiang Zhunian had been waiting in the main hall for a while. He had stopped scolding, but his anger hadn’t subsided. He sat in an armchair with a displeased expression. When a servant nearby announced, “The young mistress is here,” he acted as if he hadn’t noticed.

Qing Wei glanced at Jiang Zhunian. He was thin, with a long beard and a broad forehead. If he weren’t frowning, his features would seem kind. At first glance, he looked a bit like a thinner version of the God of Longevity from New Year’s paintings, holding a peach of immortality.

Qing Wei took the tea from Liufang’s hand and offered it to Jiang Zhunian: “Father-in-law, please have some tea.”

Jiang Zhunian peered at her, his gaze falling on the birthmark above her eye, and he gasped, drawing a sharp breath.

But the die was cast; what could he do?

He left Qing Wei standing for a moment, then took the tea from her hand and said coldly, “Our Jiang family’s ancestors were scholars, with a tradition of literary pursuits. We don’t adhere to the notion that a woman without talent is virtuous. Since you’ve married into our family, you are now a Jiang family member and cannot be illiterate. Have you studied?”

“I have,” Qing Wei replied. “When I was young, my father taught me The Analects and The Book of Poetry. I can also recite a few chapters of Mencius.”

Jiang Zhunian nodded, a hint of pleasure just appearing on his face, when he heard a “However...”

Qing Wei was a martial artist; she knew that her posture and movements would easily give her away to others. Moreover, in Yuezhou these past two years, she had more than once disciplined the minor thugs around Yuan Wenguang. Jiang Zhunian could easily verify these things. “However, because my father was a craftsman, I followed him on his travels north and south since childhood, and I had to learn some self-prespreservation skills. My father later found a martial arts master for me, and after two or three years of studying, I began practicing martial arts.”

She knew these words would displease Jiang Zhunian, so she tried to compensate, “Although my martial arts aren’t highly skilled, they are sufficient to handle ordinary household thieves. I’ve traveled extensively across the land and am also very experienced in journeys, so I can serve as a guard...”

Jiang Zhunian hissed, drawing another sharp breath: “Stop, stop! Let me ask you, did Ziling marry you to guard the house and ensure safe travel?”

The two characters, Ziling, should be Jiang Cizhou’s courtesy name.

Qing Wei shook her head and fell silent.

Jiang Cizhou, from the side, said, “Last time I passed by Guning Wine Shop, I asked Chaotian to buy me a pot of wine, but he wouldn’t, saying I should quit drinking. What’s the use of a disobedient attendant by my side? He even pestered me for silver to buy himself a new saber. She knows martial arts, which I think is great. From now on, Chaotian won’t need to follow and protect me; she can replace him.”

“Young Master—” Chaotian, the attendant with flat brows and narrow eyes beside Jiang Cizhou, exclaimed in astonishment.

Jiang Zhunian scolded: “You’re already married! What nonsense are you spouting? She doesn’t know the rules, and you’re even more out of line!”

At this moment, a servant came in to report:

“Young Master, the carriage is ready.”

They still had to go to the palace today to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. Jiang Zhunian found both of them irritating and waved his hand, telling them to leave quickly.

But then, Jiang Cizhou and Qing Wei walked out, one after the other, one slouching carelessly, the other striding like the wind. Jiang Zhunian was already tired of scolding him, so today he picked a new target: “Look at her! Give her a saber too, and she’ll be a full-fledged martial artist when she steps out!”

Qing Wei paused, then immediately quickened her steps, walking formally for a few paces.

Jiang Cizhou instructed Derong: “Did you hear that? Go fetch Chaotian’s new saber and give it to my lady.”

Chaotian’s face changed again: “Young Master?”

“The Jiang family’s relationship with the Empress Dowager is both close, yet undeniably a bit of a social climb. The deceased eldest young mistress was the Empress Dowager’s distant cousin and wasn’t particularly close to her. She was only acquainted with Princess Ronghua. Who is Princess Ronghua? She is the late emperor’s sister, the current emperor’s aunt, and Prince Xiao Zhao’s birth mother. It’s because of this connection that the Jiang family gradually grew closer to the Empress Dowager.”

On the way to the palace, Jiang Cizhou found it troublesome to explain in detail. He called Derong into the carriage compartment and had him explain the Jiang family’s origins with the palace to Qing Wei.

Derong spoke unreservedly, his strength lying in his directness and ease of understanding.

“Five years ago, didn’t the late Emperor issue an edict for the construction of Xijintai? The Empress Dowager might have felt that the young master hadn’t achieved much for a long time, and Xijintai was an opportunity, so she had Prince Xiao Zhao take him along. Later, the platform collapsed, and the young master was injured—it wasn’t a minor injury as rumored outside. Think about it, Prince Xiao Zhao, who was injured with the young master, is still in the palace, his life hanging by a thread. The young master’s injuries were quite severe; it took him two years to recover. The Empress Dowager might have felt guilty, and since then, she has shown even greater concern for the young master. On every important occasion, she would summon the young master to the palace for a visit.”

“Returning to Xijintai. Logically, the Empress Dowager, being a resident of the deep palace, cannot meet with external officials. However, after Xijintai collapsed, the late Emperor died in sorrow. When the current Emperor ascended the throne, he was still very young, and at that time, the court was somewhat chaotic. It was the Empress Dowager who assisted in governance and stabilized the court. The Emperor is filial and remembers the Empress Dowager’s kindness, so he tacitly allowed the younger generation of external officials who are related to the Empress Dowager to visit her in the palace on important occasions.”

Who were these external officials related to the Empress Dowager? Besides a few minor households like the Jiang family, there was also the He residence.

He Shiqing, the current Minister of the Bureau of Literature, was the Empress Dowager’s younger brother.

And the Empress Dowager’s nephew, He Hongyun, was one of the most outstanding among the younger generation, currently holding the official position of Director of the Water Department in the Ministry of Works.

Qing Wei had heard Cao Kunda mention all of these.

Jiang Cizhou remained silent throughout the journey. When the carriage reached Zhuque Street, he lifted the curtain and tapped Chaotian’s shoulder with his fan: “We’re at Guning Wine Shop. Go buy me a pot of wine.”

Chaotian refused, “The old master said for you to quit drinking.”

“Do you want your saber or not?”

Chaotian sat quietly for a long while, then jumped out of the carriage. After a moment, he returned with a pot of Luofu Spring wine. He handed the wine to Jiang Cizhou and, with a complicated expression, urged, “We’re almost in the palace, Young Master, drink less.”

“What do you know?” Jiang Cizhou took the wine pot and pried open the lid. “It’s precisely when we get to the palace that I should drink.”

The carriage stopped at Xihua Gate of Zixiao City. The people from Xikun Palace knew that Jiang Cizhou was bringing his new bride to the palace today, so they had arrived early on the inner side of the palace gate to greet them.

Smelling Jiang Cizhou’s strong alcoholic scent, the welcoming eunuch was not surprised and merely smiled, “Young Master Jiang is still in high spirits from the wedding!”

Xikun Palace was inside four layers of palace gates, and it took about half an hour to walk there. It was already chenshi (7-9 AM), and the Empress Dowager had just finished her morning chanting. She was currently feeding fish in the pavilion in the garden. There was a lake in the garden, with winding wooden bridges paved with white marble. Qing Wei removed her veil and followed Jiang Cizhou across the bridge, finding a young man standing in the pavilion besides the Empress Dowager.

This man was under thirty, dressed in a light purple official robe, slender in build, with delicate features and an aquiline nose. From a distance, he somewhat resembled the Empress Dowager.

Upon seeing Jiang Cizhou, he smiled, “Aunt, Ziling is here.”

In Xikun Palace, the only external official who could call the Empress Dowager ‘aunt’ was probably He Hongyun, whom Derong had mentioned earlier.

The Empress Dowager looked younger than expected, with a pair of long eyebrows that swept upwards towards her temples. Upon seeing Jiang Cizhou, her eyes softened considerably: “Just now, Nianxi was about to leave, and I told him to wait. Ziling should be bringing his new bride to see me. And indeed, no sooner said than done, here you are.” Her gaze fell upon Qing Wei’s face, and she said with a smile, “She is a good girl.”

Jiang Cizhou said, “How can you say it’s not proper? This morning, the first thing Ziling thought of when he woke up was to bring his wife to the palace to see the Empress Dowager.”

As he spoke, a strong smell of alcohol emanated from him.

The Empress Dowager frowned, then said, “You’ve just gotten married, so I won’t scold you now, for fear of dampening your joy. But you’re older now, and you’re a married man. Over these past few years, you’ve experienced some things and aren’t as reckless as before. But why haven’t you changed this drinking habit of yours? His Majesty values you and has entrusted the Black Eagle Division to you. This is your good fortune, and also your burden. You must not betray His Majesty’s trust.”

Jiang Cizhou said, “Ziling remembers. Next time, I will certainly drink less.”

He Hongyun quipped from the side, “Aunt just said that Ziling is celebrating a new marriage and would absolutely not speak ill of him, yet now she can’t help herself. Aunt deeply cares for Ziling, they are very close. Your nephew watches with envy.”

He, presuming on the Empress Dowager’s favor, spoke without much restraint. The Empress Dowager, hearing this, glanced at him, her tone calm: “You are the same. The new task His Majesty has given you, you must handle it diligently and carefully, and make sure it is done well. I know you, you have a cunning mind, and are very clever. You should focus your efforts on your business acumen. It’s not impossible, as long as you do your main job well, and I protect you, who can say anything about you?”

He Hongyun received the admonition and bowed in assent.

The group chatted with the Empress Dowager for a while. Not long after, Cao Kunda arrived. He saw Qing Wei following Jiang Cizhou, and without changing his expression, bowed to the Empress Dowager: “His Majesty has finished his morning imperial duties and will be free at noon. He said he wishes to come to Xikun Palace to dine with Your Majesty.”

The Empress Dowager said kindly, “He is filial; let him come.”

Cao Kunda assented, and just as he was about to leave, the Empress Dowager called him back, “Go to Yuande Hall and have the Empress come as well.”

Cao Kunda assented and left. Before leaving, he passed by Qing Wei and Jiang Cizhou and said, “Congratulations, Young Master Jiang, on your new happiness.”

Since the Emperor was coming, Jiang Cizhou and He Hongyun naturally couldn’t stay much longer. After a few more words with the Empress Dowager, they all took their leave.

The palace eunuchs led the group outside. After exiting the triple palace gates, He Hongyun paused: “Ziling, hold on.”

Jiang Cizhou turned around: “Something wrong?”

He Hongyun rubbed his hands and glanced at Qing Wei, seeming a bit hesitant.

Qing Wei immediately understood and had the young eunuch lead her to Xihua Gate first.

He Hongyun said, “There’s a matter that I reluctantly need to ask Ziling for help with.”

“Nianxi, just say it.”

“A while ago, the Black Eagle Division sealed off Shifang Pavilion in Liushui Alley. I heard they were trying to catch the escaped bandit from the dark prison in the south of the city. I wonder if there has been any result in that case?”

Jiang Cizhou said, “I’m not clear about this matter. The case is entirely the responsibility of Wei Jue. Why? Does Nianxi also want to find that bandit and gain a merit?”

“Oh, no, not that. It’s just, Ziling, you know I have an estate...”

Jiang Cizhou, hearing him mention “estate,” immediately chuckled, “Just now the Empress Dowager told you not to focus your mind on business matters, and so quickly you’re already calculating again?”

He Hongyun’s estate was in the city outskirts. Though called an estate, it was actually a private garden for courtesans and drinking.

He Hongyun said with a bitter smile, “It’s just that recently, besides one ‘Fudong,’ there isn’t a single good one at my estate; it’s truly a laughingstock, and I feel quite upset. But what can I do? There are eighteen alleys in Liushui Lane, with many businesses. First-class, ninth-rate, what kind of beauties aren’t there? With my status, I can’t openly seize people. Now...” He paused, then whispered, “You know, the Empress Dowager is keeping a close eye on me.”

“So,” he took a step back and bowed to Jiang Cizhou with clasped hands, “I had no choice but to bother Ziling. Didn’t Wei Jue seal off Shifang Pavilion earlier? If you ask me, the bandit from the dark prison must have long run away. He’s been interrogating a few courtesans for so many days, what has he found out? He’s simply not a quick-witted person! So Ziling, can you think of a way to give Meiniang and her courtesans to me? I will definitely...”

“Alright,” Jiang Cizhou said before He Hongyun could finish. He wore a mask, hiding his expression, only a faint smile played at the corner of his lips. “They’re in the copper vault. When do you want them?”