Meng Zhao rubbed his forehead, a look of headache and frustration crossing his face.
“Is it that troublesome?” Chao Yan asked.
“Precisely.”
The two of them walked together towards the pavilion. Several of the windows around the building stood open.
As evening approached, the wind that had been clamorous throughout the day quietened. Threads of cool air drifted into the pavilion. Both men were in the prime of life and felt no chill, so they left the windows open and sat facing one another.
Zhao He followed quietly behind. Seeing this, he stepped forward lightly, refilled their tea, then silently withdrew and stood guard by the entrance.
Chao Yan lifted his teacup, nudged aside the floating tea leaves with the lid, took a sip, and said, “What exactly happened?”
“Prince Yan’s people have made a complete mess of things.”
Chao Yan considered this for a few moments.
“I’ve heard nothing recently about Fourth Uncle causing trouble. I have, however, heard a few things about several of my aunts seizing farmland, galloping horses through busy streets, and allowing their servants to commit acts of violence.”
“This happened more than a year ago. Your Highness’s remarks about the assassination gave me an idea, so I found an excuse to review old case files.
“Looking back through them, I found one file that seemed wrong. Upon careful examination, I discovered that the pre-execution identity verification records had been handled carelessly. They did not even record the condemned prisoner’s physical characteristics.
“Your Highness knows that when prisoners are admitted to prison, their physical characteristics are recorded. If those details are absent, it is effectively the same as the characteristics not existing at all.
“I personally handled that corruption case involving an official embezzling disaster-relief funds. I arrested the officials responsible for carrying out the execution and interrogated them thoroughly. Only then did I learn that the condemned prisoner had been switched before the execution.
“That prisoner was a relative of the Princess Consort of Yan. Long before she married Prince Yan, he had already been working for His Highness.
“The officials responsible for verifying the prisoner’s identity before the execution, those responsible for archiving the records afterwards, and those responsible for escorting him… every one of them accepted bribes and abused public office for private gain. It’s utterly disgraceful.”
Meng Zhao slammed a hand onto the table. The tea in the cups sloshed violently, spilling across the tabletop.
Chao Yan acknowledged this and pondered for a moment. “Now that you’ve uncovered the substitution of the condemned prisoner, Fourth Uncle’s side…”
“His Highness Prince Yan has invited me to his residence.”
Meng Zhao gave a derisive snort. “Minister Zhang has been invited as well. Someone from Minister Zhang’s household specifically came to ask when I intended to visit Prince Yan’s residence and informed me that the minister would accompany me. He’s testing whether I’ll go. If I go, he’ll go. If I don’t, he won’t.”
Chao Yan smiled. “It seems Third Brother has no desire to attend, seeing as you’ve come all the way here.”
“I was indeed hoping to use Your Highness as a shield.”
Meng Zhao smiled. “Ordinarily I’d happily go. Prince Yan’s residence serves excellent food, and it’s always worth turning up for a free meal. But this time…”
He trailed off.
He knew perfectly well why Prince Yan had extended the invitation. That was precisely why he dared not attend, no matter how many gifts Prince Yan might offer. If he attended, his offence would cease to be mere negligence and become active concealment.
If the matter later came to light, the consequences would be far more severe. The Meng family was already one of the foremost aristocratic families in the realm and enjoyed the Emperor’s trust. Why take such a risk?
Unless Prince Yan could guarantee the family’s prosperity forever. But Prince Yan lacked that capability. At least while the Crown Prince remained alive, he would never possess it.
A charge of negligence was something Meng Zhao could bear. Yet Prince Yan’s invitation could not simply be declined without reason.
The imperial relatives of today were no longer like those of the dynasty’s early years, when they possessed hereditary fiefs. They were now confined to the capital. Though their power had been greatly reduced, they remained exceptionally skilled at making life difficult for others.
And there was very little anyone could do about them.
Especially the princesses. The Emperor currently doted upon them beyond measure. Anyone with eyes could see that he was using them as a warning to the less obedient princes and imperial sons.
He might as well have said openly that so long as they remained as harmless as the princesses, he would indulge them in every way.
Yet who could willingly surrender power painstakingly built over many years? Even if they wished to, their followers would never agree.
When the Emperor himself had still been Prince Cheng, had he not formed factions and cultivated private alliances?
Once imperial sons reached adulthood, they were traditionally granted princely titles and assigned residences befitting their rank within the capital. If no suitable residence was available, the Ministry of Works would construct one.
Yet this Emperor, having seized the throne amid the chaos following the late Emperor’s sudden death, had not bestowed the title of wang* upon a single son.
(*TN: Although the character 王 (wáng) can be translated as either “king” or “prince”, in historical scholarship, when referring to the emperor’s sons, the most appropriate translation is “prince”. When an emperor bestowed this title upon his sons, it was the highest non-imperial honour, meaning they were elevated to the status of a prince of the blood and are usually granted a fiefdom or “princely state”, high status and income, as well as military power.)
Instead, he had moved all of them into the Eastern Garden.
Fortunately, the Eastern Garden was large and there were relatively few princes. Otherwise there would not have been enough room.
Even so, the princes continued forming private factions behind the scenes.
The irony was that while they were still children, the Emperor had remembered how little familial affection he himself had received and had overcompensated, placing very few restrictions upon them.
By the time they reached adulthood, however, the hidden injuries left by that disastrous military defeat had grown increasingly severe.
Looking at his vigorous young sons, the Emperor suddenly became afraid and hurriedly attempted to restrain them. By then, however, it was already too late.
How could a person’s ambitions be allowed to grow and then be forced to shrink again? Unable to deal with Prince Yan directly, Meng Zhao had come to seek refuge with the Crown Prince.
If Prince Yan later demanded an explanation, he could simply say that the Crown Prince had summoned him to discuss official business. That would make further questioning difficult. Unfortunately, he seemed to have arrived at an inconvenient moment. The Crown Prince was preparing to go out.
Meng Zhao was not arrogant enough to expect the Crown Prince to alter plans to visit an elder simply for his sake. Having said everything he needed to say, he rose to leave. If he could not avoid the invitation, then he would simply attend. Surely Prince Yan was not going to force him to declare his loyalties and sign a written pledge on the spot.
“Third Brother, where are you going?” Chao Yan called after him. “Stay here and avoid Fourth Uncle for a while.”
“Your Highness?” Meng Zhao said in surprise.
Chao Yan smiled. “A-Yun and I shall quietly visit Cining Temple. I’ll leave Zhao He here. He can tell anyone who asks that you and I are discussing official matters.”
“How could that be acceptable?” Meng Zhao protested. “Wouldn’t that inconvenience Your Highness too greatly?”
Rising to his feet, Chao Yan patted him on the shoulder. “What sort of friendship do we share? There’s no need to stand on ceremony. Enough. I must be off. I shouldn’t keep A-Yun waiting. And the matter of the substituted prisoner is not your fault.”
With that, he headed for the exit. Meng Zhao remained where he was, watching his departing figure.
Then suddenly he called out, “Your Highness, are you on the Meng family’s side?”
Chao Yan stopped. Turning back, he looked genuinely surprised. Raising an eyebrow, he slowly looked Meng Zhao up and down before laughing.
“Of course I’m on the Meng family’s side. We all serve His Majesty, do we not? Why ask such a question, Third Brother?”
Meng Zhao let out a sigh that sounded both annoyed and helpless. “Your Highness, everyone in court is on your side. Everyone serves His Majesty.”
“I see,” Chao Yan replied, appearing not to understand at all.
Meng Zhao continued, “But those same people divide themselves into factions and attack one another. Nothing can be accomplished like this.
“The realm is rotting away day by day. Does Your Highness truly intend to stand by and watch? Or do you have other plans? It is difficult for one man alone to accomplish great things.
“My father, my elder brother, and the entire Meng family all wish to achieve something meaningful rather than merely struggle for survival in this mire…”
Chao Yan raised a finger and pressed it lightly against his lips. “Third Brother, be careful. Walls have ears.”
Meng Zhao sighed softly. “Your Highness…”
Chao Yan lowered his hand and looked directly into his eyes. “I do not wish to watch the realm decay day after day.
“The higher I have risen, the more clearly I understand how dangerous it is to involve oneself before understanding how the current situation can be changed. Therefore, I only do what lies within my capabilities and what will at least prevent matters from becoming worse.
“You say the Meng family wishes to accomplish practical things. Then go and accomplish them. Given the state of the nation, you will undoubtedly encounter setbacks. But you have ability. Your father has ability. Your elder brother has ability. You are capable of acting according to your convictions. The only difference lies in scale.
“If today you pass a policy that benefits tens of thousands of common people, that is meaningful work. If tomorrow you resolve a case and help one person, one family, or one district, that too is meaningful work. In my view, meaningful work is not measured by size or quantity, provided it is done sincerely. Must meaningful work truly be ranked into different grades?”
Meng Zhao found himself speechless.
“Third Brother, I should go now,” Chao Yan said. “I shall pretend I never heard any of this.”
Meng Zhao only reacted a moment later. “I respectfully see Your Highness off.”
After leaving the pavilion, Chao Yan summoned Zhao He and instructed him to remain beside Meng Zhao and tell outsiders that he and Vice Minister Meng were discussing official business.
Zhao He acknowledged the order.
After taking a few steps, Chao Yan added, “If Minister Zhang comes regarding Prince Yan’s invitation, let him come inside and shelter here as well.”
As Meng Zhao had said, if Meng Zhao refused the invitation, Minister Zhang would likely do the same. Since Chao Yan was already extending protection to one man, he did not mind helping another. Offering help in a snowstorm was far more valuable than adding flowers to brocade.
Besides, his fourth uncle had never liked him. Ever since he had been named Crown Prince, the two had been at odds. One more grievance would hardly matter.
Meng Zhao continued watching until Chao Yan’s figure disappeared from sight. Only then did he sit back down and carefully consider Chao Yan’s words.
The Crown Prince had clearly stated that he did not need the Meng family. But could he truly avoid needing them forever? If he refused the Meng family’s support, then when the Emperor died, he might never ascend the throne successfully. He might well follow the Emperor into death. Even if he survived, he could easily spend the rest of his life imprisoned in a temple or Daoist monastery.
Indeed, that was precisely why Meng Ji’s daughter Nini, Meng Zhao’s niece, had become the Crown Prince’s future consort. The Crown Prince would need the Meng family one day.
Who did not wish for their family to prosper for generations? Even if not for oneself, then for one’s descendants.
……
Gu Yun sat in the pavilion, waiting and waiting before finally seeing Chao Yan return.
Throwing aside the crape myrtle blossoms he had mangled into a pulpy mess that leaked flower juice everywhere, he sprang to his feet. “Let’s go, let’s go.”
Chao Yan smiled. “Your knees don’t hurt anymore?”
“Just a little jump doesn’t hurt. They seem to be getting better and better.”
Chao Yan thought to himself that once the medicine prescribed by the physician in Zhuyang County was finished, he should have the imperial physicians examine him again.
The wound on his back should be checked as well. Judging by the timing, the white bandages ought to be ready to come off. His gaze fell upon Gu Yun’s stained fingertips. Taking his hand, he ordered water to be brought over.
“Dirty, aren’t they?”
“I’ll do it myself.”
Gu Yun withdrew his hand, carefully washed it clean, dried it with a handkerchief, then urged Chao Yan to hurry up. Chao Yan ruffled his hair.
The two boarded a carriage. This carriage was considerably less grand than the previous one. If they sat facing each other, their knees would touch.
There were fewer attendants accompanying them as well. Before Gu Yun could ask about it, Chao Yan explained the reason. Gu Yun was not particularly interested. He listened with half an ear and promptly forgot about it. His thoughts were entirely occupied by Xu Jingzhou.
The carriage swayed along the road. Before darkness fully fell, they arrived at Cining Temple. The evening light was dim and even the road beneath their feet was becoming difficult to see.
Holding Gu Yun’s hand, Chao Yan led him to Consort Shu’s residence.
Knowing in advance that they would be arriving, Consort Shu had already prepared a meal. It was nowhere near as lavish as the fare in the Eastern Palace. The dishes were simple household cooking. Gu Yun was not fussy and ate with great enjoyment.
After the meal, he began considering how to use a walk for digestion as an excuse to visit Xu Jingzhou. Before the words could even leave his mouth, Chao Yan, as though he could read his thoughts, reached out and patted his stomach.
“Zhao Xun, take A-Yun for a walk and help him digest his food.”
Zhao Xun was gnawing on a pig’s trotter, her hands and mouth shining with grease. She quickly swallowed the meat she was chewing. “All right! Wait until I’ve finished this trotter.”
Picking up another piece, she held it out towards Gu Yun. “Want one? I fished it straight out of the pot. The trotters served at the table had all the bones removed. Eating them wasn’t satisfying at all.”
Zhao Xun’s mourning period had ended long ago. Moreover, she was still a growing girl. Consort Shu therefore did not require her to remain vegetarian like herself. Whenever Zhao Xun wanted meat, she simply had it prepared for her When guests visited, meat dishes were served at table as well, though Consort Shu herself never touched them. They were there solely for the guests.
Gu Yun looked at the richly braised pig’s trotter and reached out to take it. Just as he did so, Chao Yan said, “Zhao Xun, you’re a young lady.”
Gu Yun immediately remembered his own current status. His fingers curled slightly and he withdrew his hand.
Zhao Xun shouted towards Chao Yan, “I’m only this uncouth when I’m eating pig’s trotters! Normally I’m perfectly ladylike. Her Ladyship knows that. Your Highness, you’ve frightened Miss Gu so much that she doesn’t dare eat!”
As Gu Yun had not yet formally entered the Eastern Palace or been invested as Secondary Consort, he was still addressed as Miss Gu.
Chao Yan looked at him. “Do you want one?”
Gu Yun shook his head.
“Really?”
This time Gu Yun nodded. Chao Yan pressed his lips together and said nothing further.
Across the table, Zhao Xun snorted. After rapidly demolishing two pig’s trotters, she washed her hands and dragged Gu Yun outside.
On the road, she glanced around before lowering her voice. “His Highness is ridiculously particular. Don’t pay attention to him. He only talks. He’d never actually stop you. If he annoys you, next time we’ll get two plates of pig’s trotters, sit on his bed, and gnaw on them until he dies of anger.”
Gu Yun stared at her in utter shock. After a long pause, he said, “We’ll lose our heads.”
“How would we?” Zhao Xun sounded entirely unconcerned.
“I’ve got Her Ladyship protecting me. My head definitely isn’t going anywhere. And you’re so favoured by him that yours certainly won’t either. I reckon my head would roll before yours ever did.”
Gu Yun: “…”
“Really,” Zhao Xun continued.
“I saw from a distance how His Highness protected you in front of His Majesty before. When we arrived, he was still holding your hand. And this time he was holding your hand again.”
As she spoke, she reached out and poked his stomach. “Still no baby in here? My mother says that when a man and a woman are together, they get a baby.”
Gu Yun: “…”
Gu Yun lifted the hem of his skirt and quickened his pace. He had no desire to discuss having children with a young girl. Besides, two men could hardly have a child together. Zhao Xun skipped after him, giggling all the while, with four palace maids trailing behind.
Gu Yun deliberately tried to shake them off, choosing the most difficult paths he could find. After walking for the better part of an incense stick’s burn, Zhao Xun finally stopped giggling. She looked like a zombie, stooped over at her “advanced age”, dragging her legs as she shuffled forward.
The palace maids hurried to support her. She stretched out a hand towards Gu Yun. “Stop for a bit, stop for a bit!”
Gu Yun turned back to look at her. “I’d still like to walk a while longer.”
Zhao Xun waved her hand. “No. I’m done walking.”
“Then rest here,” Gu Yun said. “I’ll walk a bit longer.”
Zhao Xun nodded and agreed, sending two palace maids after him. All of them had some martial training and were physically robust. Gu Yun knew he would not be able to lose them with the same trick again, so when they reached a pavilion, he asked one of them to fetch some water.
After the maid left, he claimed that his stomach was hurting and asked the other to go and find Chao Yan.
The maid looked extremely conflicted. She feared that if she left, something might happen to Miss Gu while she was alone.
Seeing this, Gu Yun immediately bit down on his own lip until it bled, putting on an expression of obvious pain.
The maid stamped her foot and ran off. The place where water could be fetched was not far away. The other maid would likely return very soon.
The moment no one remained beside him, Gu Yun straightened up. Wiping the blood from his lips, he lifted his skirt and ran down the mountain path to the left.
If Xu Jingzhou truly wished to see him again, he would certainly be keeping an eye on the people entering and leaving the temple. By now, he ought to know Gu Yun had arrived and should be waiting at the place where they had met before.
When he reached the spot, sure enough, Xu Jingzhou was there. The man waved at him and shot over like a rocket “Finally! I was starting to think you weren’t coming!”
Gu Yun held out a hand. “Help me up. I nearly killed myself running here to see you.”
Xu Jingzhou supported him, fumbled around at his waist, pulled out a water flask, and handed it over. “I figured you’d come running to see me, so I brought water beforehand. Well? Feeling so touched you want to call me Dad? Sigh, I miss my dad.”
Gu Yun rolled his eyes. “Idiot.”
Unscrewing the flask, he took several mouthfuls. The heart hammering wildly in his chest gradually settled back down. He handed the flask back.
“Let’s go to the pavilion and sit down. We can talk properly there.”
“Fine.”
Gu Yun took a step and said, “Support me. My knees hurt a bit.”
“What happened?”
“I’ll tell you in a moment.”
“Oh.”
Xu Jingzhou helped Gu Yun towards the pavilion. After only a few steps, he decided Gu Yun was moving too slowly, crawling along like a tortoise. Without warning, he hoisted him over his shoulder.
Gu Yun: “…”
Gu Yun said, “I’ve just eaten!”
Striding along as fast as the wind, Xu Jingzhou replied, “Hang in there. Don’t die. We’re almost at the emergency room.”
Gu Yun: “…” I’ve really had rotten luck for eight lifetimes straight.
The sky was pitch black, with no light anywhere around them. Neither of them noticed the solitary figure standing silently beside the grove of gold-inlaid jade bamboo in the distance, watching them.
