Even though the New Year atmosphere had swept through the entire capital of the Great Jin Dynasty, the palace was unexpectedly lifeless, even worse than usual. Since His Highness the Crown Prince suffered severe injuries last time, he had been beyond medical help, but thanks to the personal treatment by the renowned physician Xia Qing from Jinling, he managed to save his life. However, even though his life was preserved, he would be no different from a cripple for the rest of his days. This meant the Crown Prince position would inevitably be lost. The Empress seemed to have aged ten years overnight. While she still held the title of Empress, she now spent day and night chanting scriptures and praying in the Buddhist hall, appearing ready to abdicate her position.
Under normal circumstances, the Empress’s behavior would have caused chaos in the harem, regardless of how the court viewed it. The imperial consorts would fight desperately for the chance to occupy this position—after all, being the nation’s mother meant being the most honored woman under heaven. Yet now no one showed interest, simply because the Emperor was furious over Xuan Hua’s affair. Fifth Prince’s attempt to harm the Crown Prince led to his execution, and Consort De, who had always appeared most prudent, had also taken religious vows. Among the newly promoted consorts, Jiang Dan was beaten to death, and Wang Lian’er suddenly contracted a serious illness. Anyone with eyes could see the irregularities, thinking something must have happened in the harem. Who would dare seek trouble at such a critical moment? Even those with great ambitions now held back. Moreover, the Emperor’s mood was truly terrible.
Originally, among the princes who seemed capable of competing for succession—excluding the Crown Prince who was never favored—Xuan Hua’s sudden downfall had enormous impact on the court. The ministers had secretly, or rather openly, divided into two factions: one supporting Xuan Li, and another suddenly rising power supporting Xuan Pei. The latter, reinforced by Xuan Hua’s former subordinates, was now evenly matched with Xuan Li, even showing signs of surpassing him.
Regardless, New Year’s Eve still had to be celebrated, just not as festively, appearing rather desolate.
In Cining Palace, Empress Dowager Yide looked over the list in her hands, nodded, and said slowly, “Follow what’s written above, and add a sandalwood red jade ruyi scepter.”
Aunt Yang bowed in acknowledgment, handed the list to a palace maid nearby, then circled behind Empress Dowager Yide to carefully massage her shoulders. “If people see Your Majesty sending New Year gifts to Prince Jinying’s manor…” These New Year gifts were all being sent to Prince Jinying’s manor. In past years, since learning of Xiao Shao’s identity, Empress Dowager Yide had always maintained the idea of protecting Xiao Shao, only caring for him secretly while never doing anything that might arouse suspicion. This was the first time she was openly sending gifts to Prince Jinying’s manor for New Year.
“Do you think those people don’t know if we don’t send them?” Empress Dowager Yide gave Aunt Yang a meaningful look. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. After all these years of being timid and cautious, if I don’t act now, I’m afraid there won’t be another chance in the future.”
These words were tactful yet carried a startling implication. Aunt Yang was shocked and immediately knelt before Empress Dowager Yide, no longer caring about anything else: “Your Majesty must not speak so.”
“Enough.” Empress Dowager Yide waved her hand. With no other people in the great hall now, Empress Dowager Yide’s eyelids seemed to close slightly, but her voice remained clear: “The weather is about to change. Dark clouds gather before the storm. Wan Niang, you and I have lived most of our lives—what haven’t we seen? Would we be blinded by this little wind?” She sighed deeply: “It’s just that I still have many unfulfilled wishes. I used to think there was still time, but in the blink of an eye, most of a lifetime has passed.”
Aunt Yang kept her head down, listening quietly, until Empress Dowager Yide asked, “How is the Emperor’s health?”
“According to Eunuch Li, it seems to have worsened,” Aunt Yang said with difficulty. The Emperor’s serious illness was known only to a few trusted individuals and Empress Dowager Yide. These days, everyone in the palace assumed the Emperor was particularly gloomy because of his bad mood over Xuan Hua’s affair, rarely even leaving his bedchamber. In truth, it was because the Emperor’s body was increasingly deteriorating—illness strikes like a mountain falling but leaves like silk being drawn. Even the Son of Heaven couldn’t escape the ravages of time. Now with Xuan Hua’s death, the court situation was turbulent and unstable. If news of the Emperor’s serious illness spread, it would cause immeasurable chaos, so they had to conceal this information.
“This is all fate.” Empress Dowager Yide’s voice revealed neither joy nor anger. “A new Crown Prince must be established sooner or later, and the demons and monsters below will start moving soon.”
Aunt Yang had served Empress Dowager Yide for many years, and the latter didn’t avoid her in many matters. There were almost no secrets between the master and servant. Hearing this, Aunt Yang asked, “Does Your Majesty intend to personally attend court?”
If the Emperor’s condition continued to deteriorate, it would be impossible to hide forever. With so many eyes watching in the palace, many of them shrewd, once the truth came out, if not causing chaos throughout the realm, it would at least cause considerable trouble. Empress Dowager Yide had been decisive in her younger days and had experience with regent rule. Only later, when the Great Jin Dynasty gradually stabilized and the imperial position became secure, did she fade from court view. If it really came to that point, there would be nothing inappropriate about Empress Dowager Yide emerging to control government affairs.
“What would I do attending court?” Empress Dowager Yide’s smile turned somewhat cold, her silver hair glinting coldly under the golden light of her jeweled hairpins. She toyed with her ruby finger guards: “Without stirring this pool of water, how can we catch anything worthwhile? I also want to see who exactly is coveting this realm’s territory.” She slowly lowered her head: “Thinking that because I’m confined to the harem there’s nothing I can do—they’re truly just jumping clowns.”
Aunt Yang probed carefully: “But His Majesty’s intention is to want…”
“I originally thought this position was prepared for him, that he would inherit the Great Jin Dynasty’s territory legitimately. But now it seems he has no interest in this position. He has the same temperament as his father, even more stubborn. I can’t control him—no, I’m afraid. This elderly stern woman rarely showed signs of fatigue. Though she appeared glorious on the surface with decisive methods, her early years were marked by her husband’s suspicion, her maternal family’s collapse, and losing both son and daughter in middle age. Some pain could never be shared with others—no matter how well concealed, only she knew the inner suffering. She thought she owed Hong Xi Crown Prince, so naturally wouldn’t make things difficult for his son. It must be said that Hong Xi Crown Prince’s final fate had her reasons too. Not wanting to repeat past mistakes, she could only step back. She sighed deeply: “The Emperor wants to follow his own nature, but even emperors face things beyond their control. Both the Emperor and I owe him. Regardless of what the Emperor thinks, I must help him.”
“But if he’s unwilling,” Aunt Yang found this difficult, carefully probing, “according to Your Majesty’s wishes, which side should be helped?” This realm would always be the Xuan family’s realm. If that person wouldn’t accept, one of Xuan Li and Xuan Pei would have to be the future Crown Prince of the Great Jin Dynasty. Empress Dowager Yide hadn’t shown much enthusiasm for either grandson, but her attitude was indeed very important.
“Wan Niang, don’t you understand?” Empress Dowager Yide smiled, but that smile appeared somewhat strange to Aunt Yang. “The reason I’ve delayed taking a stance is to observe both their actions. The Great Jin Dynasty’s territory will always belong to the Xuan family. But now there are outsiders wanting to share in this realm. The stage is already set—I also want to see exactly who is performing in this play.”
Aunt Yang’s body trembled as she instinctively looked up at Empress Dowager Yide. She saw this old woman who had experienced the Great Jin Dynasty’s storms, witnessed the transformation from turmoil to current peace and prosperity, and had cultivated a somewhat reclusive nature suddenly burst forth with fierce determination in her eyes. In an instant, it was as if she had returned to those days of war and battle, as if her gray hair hadn’t yet grown and youth hadn’t yet faded—a sharp sword unsheathed, absolutely fierce and ruthless.
The sounds of New Year’s Eve fireworks and firecrackers faintly drifted from outside, probably set off by the imperial consorts and ladies in the harem seeking festive good fortune. After all, no one knew of the Emperor’s serious illness, and thinking he simply wasn’t holding a New Year feast due to his bad mood over Xuan Hua’s affair, these women could only entertain themselves during lonely times. Empress Dowager Yide closed her eyes, as if falling asleep on the soft couch. Aunt Yang quietly took a blanket from nearby and carefully covered Empress Dowager Yide, trimmed the lamp wicks in the candlesticks, then silently withdrew from the bedchamber.
…
This day, Prince Jinying’s manor was exceptionally lively.
The day before, Jiang Ruan had brought Xiao Shao to the General’s Manor to pay respects to Zhao Guang’s family. Though the Zhao men were quite dissatisfied that Xiao Shao had quietly stolen away their family’s daughter, the Zhao women were very pleased with Xiao Shao. This was because Xiao Shao was handsome, and though his temperament was cold, he was steady, with not even a single concubine by his side—this point most satisfied the Zhao women. If there was anything unsatisfactory, it was his somewhat poor reputation, but seeing Xiao Shao’s careful and attentive care for Jiang Ruan, they felt this point wasn’t important either.
Though Xiao Shao appeared aloof on the surface, he was thorough in his courtesies, giving no one any fault to find. Combined with Jiang Xinzhi and Jiang Ruan’s usual good social skills mediating between them, the Zhao family’s concerns were resolved. They truly treated Xiao Shao as a legitimate son-in-law. Today was New Year’s Eve, to be spent at Prince Jinying’s manor. Jiang Ruan had originally thought it would just be the two of them, since Xiao Shao had no other relatives. Who knew that while he had no relatives, his martial brothers had come in droves.
Guan Lianghan naturally went to accompany his parents, but Mo Cong, Xia Qing, and Qi Feng arrived uninvited. Mo Cong had probably been pressured by his family about marriage talks recently and escaped on New Year’s Eve. Finding nowhere else to hide, he brazenly came to the prince’s manor.
Xiao Shao naturally wouldn’t say anything, and Jiang Ruan wouldn’t chase people away. Steward Lin thought it was good—the more people, the more lively the manor appeared, which was very auspicious. In his joy, he secretly added several precious dishes to the New Year feast without telling Jiang Ruan, using his own private money. However, the manor’s servants always had ample private funds, and as head steward, he naturally wouldn’t care about such expenses. But after Mo Cong arrived and saw the dishes, he exaggeratedly exclaimed: “I don’t think even the imperial kitchen’s food compares to this. Third Brother, you’re truly too extravagant and luxurious!”
“Absolutely extravagant!” Xia Qing nodded in agreement while desperately stuffing food into his mouth.
Mo Cong glanced at him with disgust: “Watch your manners. We’re from the same school after all, and you’re a famous person too. How can you eat like an uncouth country bumpkin?”
“What do you know?” Xia Qing had an unrestrained nature and frowned: “All living beings in the world should return to their true hearts. Why bother with those complicated trivial matters? They’re all illusions!”
“That’s natural—” Mo Cong looked at him with a smile. When it came to verbal sparring, Xia Qing was no match. He deliberately drew out his voice and shook his head: “I heard that Historian Lin’s eldest daughter is a bookworm, and scholarly families are most particular about rules and etiquette.”
“You… you’re talking nonsense.” Xia Qing was startled and somewhat guilty: “Miss Lin is not such a pedantic person.”
“Oh my, if you don’t believe it, fine. But everyone in our capital circle knows exactly what kind of temperament Miss Lin has. If you don’t believe it, alright—tomorrow I’ll have my third sister-in-law mention you to Miss Lin, saying you don’t care about external objects and etiquette, that when eating you emphasize freedom and spontaneity, most free and easy…”
The half crystal shrimp dumpling in Xia Qing’s mouth dropped with a plop. In desperation, he could only turn to Xiao Shao for help: “Third Brother…”
Qi Feng stuffed a steamed bun in his mouth and laughed, scolding: “What a fool.”
Lu Zhu was outside building a snowman, Lian Qiao was crouched on the ground setting off fireworks, and Tian Zhu stood with arms crossed watching them. Things he previously found contemptible about girls’ activities no longer seemed so disdainful. The corners of Tian Zhu’s mouth turned up slightly. Lu Zhu’s snowman was a complete mess, barely recognizable as human-shaped, with a head bigger than its belly. She was muttering while trying to fix it when Jin Er walked by and couldn’t help laughing: “Hey, building yourself for fun?”
“What’s it to you?” Lu Zhu flared up like a lit firecracker upon seeing Jin Er, especially after learning he’d been frequenting brothels for missions recently. She’d initially been suspicious, then personally witnessed Jin Er sweet-talking a courtesan from a brothel—clearly an experienced playboy. Seeing this made Lu Zhu both angry and heartbroken, so she’d been ignoring Jin Er these past days.
Jin Er rubbed his nose, truly not knowing what he’d done to anger this young miss again. Seeing Lu Zhu finish speaking and truly ignore him while continuing to build her snowman, he suddenly felt somewhat guilty. After thinking, he crouched beside Lu Zhu, wanting to help her build it together. But Lu Zhu didn’t mock him as usual—she just kept her head down silently building snow. Jin Er found this strange, then suddenly felt something hot on his hand. He froze, seeing a crystal-clear teardrop on the back of his hand. He suddenly realized something and quickly reached out to turn Lu Zhu toward him by her shoulders. Indeed, Lu Zhu’s shoulders were trembling. He lifted her chin and saw a pitiful face streaked with tears.
“What’s wrong?” Jin Er panicked somewhat, quickly using his sleeve to wipe Lu Zhu’s tears: “I was wrong. Hey, don’t cry. If I did something to make you angry, why don’t you hit me a few times to vent?”
Jin Er was experienced at coaxing women—usually his smooth talk could make crying women laugh through their tears. But facing the weeping Lu Zhu, he was somewhat at a loss, not knowing what to say.
Hearing this, Lu Zhu cried even harder, sobbing: “Why are you coming to coax me? Why did you provoke me? Go find your sweetheart and stay away from me.”
Jin Er was stunned, not understanding what Lu Zhu meant by “sweetheart.” More urgently, he needed to stop Lu Zhu from crying: “When did I provoke you? How did this become my fault again? Hey, stop crying—your crying makes me not know what to do.”
Lu Zhu ignored him and turned to leave. Her nature was straightforward, coming from common origins, unlike other women who were coy. Bold and innocent with some spirit, she cried while saying: “Provoking this one and that one—truly not a good person. Lecher! Playboy young master!”
Jin Er finally caught on to something and quickly followed, trying to wipe her tears: “Speak clearly—who else did I provoke? How did I become a playboy? I’m not even married yet. Don’t ruin my reputation for no reason—be careful you’ll have to take responsibility.”
Lu Zhu glared at him, still with teardrops, fiercely saying: “That courtesan from Fengjiao Tower—dare you say you didn’t provoke her?” Seeing Jin Er’s dazed expression, Lu Zhu stamped her foot and ran off. Jin Er stood stunned for a moment until Tian Zhu coolly remarked: “If you don’t chase after her, she’ll go provoke the male courtesans at the boy brothel.”
Watching Jin Er run off, Lian Qiao was delighted, but forgot she still held a lit firework. Suddenly someone grabbed her hand and pulled it aside—the firework shot up into the sky. Only then did she realize what happened, looking at the ash and debris on the ground with some fear, hearing a man’s low voice scolding: “Be more careful.”
Lian Qiao looked up to see Ye Feng also looking at her. Their eyes met, and both felt a mutual shock. Lian Qiao quickly withdrew her hand, and Ye Feng also coughed lightly, acting as if nothing happened while looking at the fireworks in the sky. Steward Lin walked by carrying a lantern and happened to see this scene. Immediately tears of joy flowed as he put his hands together, closed his eyes, and prayed: “Heaven has eyes! Finally protecting Prince Jinying’s manor with flourishing population and romance everywhere.”
“Wonder when this old peach blossom will bloom?” Jin Si jumped down from the wall with a grass stem in her mouth, smiling as she teased Steward Lin.
Steward Lin’s old face reddened: “What does a little girl know? Back when this old man was the most handsome in the capital, countless young ladies threw sachets and flowers—that was truly a building full of red sleeves waving…”
“Achoo.” Jin San sneezed, pulling Jin Si away: “What tired old stories—why are you still standing here? What’s there to listen to from an old geezer’s tales?”
“Who’s an old geezer!” Steward Lin jumped in fury: “This old man is a handsome man, a handsome man!”
…
Everyone had their own way of spending New Year’s Eve—some warm and cozy, others cold and lonely. For instance, at Eighth Prince’s manor, though there was music, dancing, fine wine and delicacies, something seemed lacking. The man in the main seat had a gentle smile at the corners of his mouth, as if basking in spring breeze, holding a white jade cup and smiling as he clinked it with his companion.
The person across from him wore gray clothes with a long veil covering most of his face—none other than Yuan Chuan. He drained his wine in one gulp and sighed: “The Great Jin Dynasty’s fine wine is truly fragrant and mellow, especially rich in Your Highness’s manor.”
“These are merely external possessions,” Xuan Li smiled slightly with utmost sincerity, as if facing a lifelong close friend: “If you like it, I’m willing to share all this with you.” What he referred to as “all this” certainly wasn’t limited to the wine before them—the implications would be for both to consider.
Yuan Chuan set down his wine cup, his red lips curving: “Speaking of which, with Fifth Prince gone and the Crown Prince unable to handle great responsibilities, establishing a new Crown Prince is urgent. Your Highness’s great cause is within reach—congratulations are in order.” He then cupped his hands in a Great Jin Dynasty salute.
Xuan Li watched quietly, neither stopping him nor returning the courtesy, his smile unchanged, as if this wasn’t worth mentioning.
Yuan Chuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. This young man wasn’t stupid—at least his patience was not to be underestimated. Hearing such news, he showed neither pride nor worry, seemingly knowing there was more to be said. Dealing with intelligent people required no beating around the bush, so Yuan Chuan didn’t plan to hide anything and smiled: “But Yuan Chuan believes Your Highness still has some troubles.”
Xuan Li smiled without speaking. Yuan Chuan continued: “Forgive Yuan Chuan’s boldness, but the Great Jin Dynasty’s territory rightfully belongs to Your Highness—this is beyond dispute. Among the princes now, besides Your Highness there’s also Thirteenth Prince. Your Highness is exceptional among men with natural talent and charm—this is flawless. Even if Thirteenth Prince came from behind, relying merely on newly gathered forces wouldn’t be fearsome, but…” He paused, his tone becoming somewhat regretful: “He happens to be backed by Prince Jinying’s manor.”
Xuan Li’s fingers moved almost imperceptibly—even this tiny motion was caught by Yuan Chuan, who smiled: “Prince Jinying’s manor commands three hundred thousand troops, with unfathomably deep foundations. As the saying goes—whoever controls the Jinwei controls the realm. Perhaps this isn’t without reason.”
Xuan Li sighed, showing just the right amount of difficulty: “I’ve tried befriending Prince Jinying Xiao Shao, but unfortunately couldn’t move him no matter what. I don’t know how Thirteenth Brother won his favor to receive such secret protection—perhaps it’s heaven’s will.”
“Your Highness is mistaken.” Yuan Chuan smiled mysteriously: “There’s no such thing as heaven’s will in this world, and the heavenly secrets glimpsed can’t be changed overnight. This realm should rightfully be Your Highness’s. In fact, it’s not that Thirteenth Prince won Prince Jinying’s favor, but rather that Thirteenth Prince won Princess Jinying’s favor.”
“Could Yuan Chuan enlighten me?” Xuan Li asked with a smile.
Yuan Chuan bowed his head respectfully: “Naturally. With court chaos, Thirteenth Prince is well-protected and difficult to approach. Prince Jinying’s manor is like an iron fortress. The only opening can only be through Princess Jinying.”
“Oh?” Xuan Li’s smile deepened.
“With women, attacking the heart is supreme.” Yuan Chuan also smiled.