Outside the gates of the Gao residence, an unremarkable blue sedan chair sat quietly. Apart from two sedan bearers at front and back, only Gao Qi stood nearby, hands hanging at his sides.
Gao Qiao sat properly in the sedan wearing court robes and feathered cap, holding his jade tablet in both hands. Seeing Li Mu emerge, he nodded slightly, lowered the sedan curtain, and the chair moved forward.
Li Mu took the reins from a servant who led out his horse, mounted, and followed slightly behind.
One sedan, one horse – in the dim morning light tinged with pale blue radiance, they headed toward Jiankang Palace.
Luoshen stood behind the gate, watching as the sedan chair ahead and the figure on horseback gradually disappeared into the half-bright, half-dark daylight. She raised her gaze toward the direction of that palace city with its vast halls and towering buildings, grand and imposing.
Since her earliest memories, she had entered and exited that place countless times, so familiar with it that she could navigate without losing her way even with eyes closed.
Yet thinking carefully, wasn’t that place also like a mirage in the clouds – ethereal, distant, and unreachable?
Within that palace city formed by countless magnificent halls clustered together, there had been innumerable court sessions between ruler and ministers.
Today’s court session was merely one among countless others.
But because of a person named Li Mu, today was destined to become a special court session.
Who could have imagined that the obscure barbarian general of yesteryear would soar straight to the clouds, ascending to the heavens, assuming the position of Grand Marshal above all officials, wielding power and authority with magnificent dignity – from this day forward, below one person, above ten thousand.
Luoshen could not witness this court session personally, but she could imagine that scene: in the Golden Luan Hall, all officials standing solemnly, Li Mu in golden crown and vermillion robes receiving the seal and sash before the throne platform – how glorious that moment must have been.
Among the countless gazes cast upon his back, besides awe and envy, there would surely be no shortage of dark, resentful surveillance filled with jealousy and displeasure.
This was a victory for the humble-born, and also a brand of shame upon the aristocratic families’ foreheads.
She could further imagine that when her father, who had held sway in court for many years, subsequently presented his personally written resignation letter and spoke the words of retiring due to illness, what shock and tremor those people throughout the court, above and below the vermillion steps, must have felt at that moment.
That evening, as soon as night had fallen, a palace carriage escorted by ceremonial guards stopped before the gates of the Gao residence.
Empress Dowager Gao Yongrong brought the young emperor out of the palace to visit the Gao residence, personally coming to see Gao Qiao.
Li Mu was still outside and had not returned.
After Gao Qiao returned from court and entered his study, that door had remained closed. Even upon learning that the Empress Dowager had arrived with the young emperor, he did not appear.
Luoshen led the household to kneel and welcome the imperial carriage in the front hall.
Gao Yongrong wore a smile as she exchanged pleasantries with Luoshen.
Luoshen could see that although she was trying to conceal it, her cousin’s conversation seemed somewhat distracted.
She knew that in her cousin’s eyes and those of the civil and military ministers, father’s resignation memorial had come rather suddenly.
After a few words, Gao Yongrong asked about Gao Qiao’s health.
Luoshen led her and the young emperor to the study. At the door, she knocked gently, and the door opened in response from within.
Gao Qiao stood behind the door in plain cap and blue robes, wide sleeves and broad hems, his face gaunt and expression serious. Looking at Gao Yongrong and the young emperor coming up the corridor steps outside, his figure motionless, he waited until she led the young emperor before him, then stepped back and knelt: “Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager honor this humble dwelling. Gao Qiao failed to come forth to welcome you – I beg forgiveness.”
Gao Yongrong gently pushed the young emperor’s shoulder.
The young emperor was just over four years old, not yet formally educated, but already extremely clever.
Before last year’s great rebellion, Gao Yongrong had earnestly requested that Gao Qiao serve as Crown Prince Tutor. Luoshen also knew her father indeed intended to personally teach the boy to read once he was older. Unexpectedly, the Celestial Master rebellion and Xu Mi’s rebellion erupted in succession, leaving the nation without peace, so the matter was shelved until now.
The child firmly remembered his mother’s instructions. Walking before Gao Qiao, he reached out to grasp Gao Qiao’s sleeve and said clearly: “Please rise quickly, Grandfather – don’t let Deng’er cause you such ceremony…”
Seeing Gao Qiao lift his head as if to speak, Gao Yongrong had already stepped forward to help him up, saying: “Uncle, please rise quickly! Today this niece brings Deng’er home as family to visit our elder. I earnestly beg Uncle not to bring those court kneeling ceremonies into the home. If so, it would be treating us as outsiders, not considering this niece and Deng’er as your own people.”
Gao Qiao said nothing more, slowly rose from the ground, and sat cross-legged in the center of a square couch.
Luoshen seated Gao Yongrong and the young emperor as well. Servants quickly brought tea. Luoshen rolled up her sleeves, knelt to one side, and personally prepared the tea.
Gao Yongrong asked about Gao Qiao’s health, her tone full of concern. Hearing Gao Qiao say he was perfectly fine, she sighed in relief: “This niece has long wanted to bring Deng’er to visit Uncle. Previously, first there were numerous affairs, and second, hearing that Uncle had been keeping his doors closed lately, I feared disturbing Uncle’s peaceful recuperation and never managed to make the trip. Finally returning home today and seeing Uncle well, I too am at ease. I earnestly beg Uncle to set his mind at rest and take good care of his health. Uncle’s wellbeing is Great Yu’s blessing.”
Gao Qiao remained noncommittal, his gaze falling on the young emperor seated beside Gao Yongrong, as if thinking of something, slightly lost in thought.
Gao Yongrong noticed and quickly said: “Deng’er is dull by nature and, being young, has not formally entered school. But this niece dares not be lax – when free, I personally teach him diligently about the deeds of Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, and the ancient sages, hoping he might become a wise ruler someday. Fortunately this child is diligent and devoted to learning. After the late emperor’s passing, this has been some comfort to me…”
As if her own words triggered sadness, her eyes reddened and she lowered her head to take out a handkerchief, gently wiping her tears.
Gao Qiao withdrew his gaze and nodded: “The child can be taught.”
Gao Yongrong stopped crying and smiled: “Uncle praises him too highly. Last year when the late emperor was still alive, he wanted to request Uncle serve as Crown Prince Tutor to personally teach Deng’er reading. Unexpectedly the rebellion erupted and the late emperor unfortunately passed away, so the matter came to nothing. Now that state affairs are settled, taking this opportunity, this niece has an immodest request. Once Uncle’s health recovers, could you spare time to serve as Deng’er’s tutor? Uncle’s talent reaches to the heavens and learning fills five carriages – if Deng’er could learn even one or two parts of Uncle’s abilities, it would greatly benefit his future.”
Gao Qiao stared at Gao Yongrong without speaking.
The study suddenly fell quiet, only the sound of bubbling water boiling in the teapot reaching their ears.
The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat strange.
Luoshen finished preparing the tea and gently served it before the two.
Gao Qiao finally spoke, word by word: “Since ancient times, a ruler’s scholarship has always been secondary. A king’s virtue comes first.”
His tone sounded very grave.
Luoshen quietly glanced at her father, then at her cousin.
Gao Yongrong seemed startled, probably not expecting Gao Qiao to respond this way. After a pause, she immediately recovered and smiled: “Uncle speaks absolutely correctly. This niece means that besides studying under Uncle’s tutelage, Deng’er also needs Uncle to teach him much about the way of rulership and principles of conduct.”
She indicated for the young emperor to perform the disciple’s kneeling obeisance to his teacher.
The child had been taught very cleverly by his mother. He immediately rose to bow to Gao Qiao as a disciple, but Gao Qiao stopped him.
His face broke into a smile as he gazed at the child, gently telling him to sit back down without ceremony, then turned to Gao Yongrong.
“His Majesty is at an age like a young tree just taking root – precisely the right time for instruction. One must avoid spoiling and indulgence. With wise teachers guiding his studies, only then might he possibly become a wise ruler someday. I cannot take on this responsibility. Langya’s Yan Gui far surpasses me in talent and learning. In his youth he was known throughout his home region for sincerity and filial piety – he could serve as imperial tutor. There’s also Feng Wei, whose character and learning could also handle the position. After I leave, you may hire these two as tutors. I expect they will devote their utmost effort to instructing His Majesty.”
Gao Yongrong was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked toward Luoshen and smiled: “A’Mi, would you trouble yourself to take Deng’er out to rest for a while?”
Luoshen knew her visit tonight to see father must relate to the resignation father submitted today. After saying so much, now she was finally getting to the main point.
She glanced at her father, saw his expression was calm, agreed, rose and led the young emperor out of the study.
After Luoshen left, Gao Yongrong said: “Uncle, I won’t hide it – this niece returns home tonight both to visit Uncle and to earnestly request that Uncle might withdraw his resignation and continue serving in court?”
“I know this is an immodest request. Because of Aunt’s tragic death, Uncle remains devastated with grief even now. This niece feels the same. But the dead cannot return to life. Uncle’s heart is set on northern expedition, and you’re in your prime – this should be the time to display great ambition and fulfill noble aspirations. If you retire now, wouldn’t it be not only Great Yu’s court’s loss, but also regrettable for Uncle himself?”
She paused.
“Moreover, I’ve always regarded Uncle as an elder. Before Uncle I won’t hide anything. The reason I hope Uncle will stay, besides the reasons just mentioned, is also for Deng’er’s sake…”
Her eyes gradually reddened again, her tone sorrowful.
“The late emperor unfortunately died of illness, Deng’er is young, and I’m just a woman – a widow with orphaned child in already difficult circumstances. The rebellion just ended, the court still faces internal troubles and external threats. If Uncle leaves, should such chaos arise again in future, who will manage the overall situation? Who will assist the young emperor? This niece begs Uncle – once your health recovers, please consider the greater good and stay to continue managing state affairs. Great Yu cannot be without Uncle!”
Gao Qiao said: “Feng Wei will replace me as Interior Minister, Li Mu holds the position of Grand Marshal – one manages internal affairs, one external. I’ve also prepared a list of capable officials for important positions, submitted today along with my resignation. In future you, as Empress Dowager, will assist the young emperor. When matters arise, consult with these two and employ those on the list more often, distinguishing good from bad. Even if problems occur, why fear having no support?”
Gao Yongrong said: “Compared to Uncle, others are ultimately outsiders…”
Gao Qiao said: “You don’t trust Li Mu?”
Gao Yongrong started, quickly explaining: “Uncle must not misunderstand! How could this niece not trust my brother-in-law? It’s just that His Majesty is young, I’m just a woman who understands nothing of court affairs – a widow with orphaned child inevitably must think comprehensively and dare not be careless about anything…”
Gao Qiao smiled faintly: “Why must the Empress Dowager be so modest? When the late emperor was alive, seven or eight out of ten memorials submitted by ministers were probably reviewed and approved by the Empress Dowager on the late emperor’s behalf. Managing state affairs – the Empress Dowager has long been familiar with this. Now with Li Mu externally and Feng Wei internally, you need only follow proper procedures step by step, properly fulfill your role as Empress Dowager assisting the young emperor. When the young emperor comes of age to rule personally, what is there to worry about?”
Gao Yongrong’s heart skipped a beat, her complexion changing slightly as she looked at Gao Qiao, seeing his eyes fixed on her face with a cold expression.
Her first reaction was to firmly deny it.
But in that brief instant, several thoughts flashed through her mind.
Previously when she reviewed memorials for the emperor, she always imitated his handwriting. The matter was extremely secret, known only to a few trusted confidants.
She hadn’t expected Gao Qiao to know this, yet he had never mentioned it before, only now seeming to casually bring it up.
She quickly dismissed the idea of denial. Steadying herself, she hurriedly explained: “Uncle must not misunderstand! It wasn’t that this niece intended to overstep. It’s just that the late emperor was weak, and those memorials couldn’t be delayed. The late emperor asked me to help him – I had no choice but to reluctantly comply. This niece can swear that every memorial I reviewed on his behalf was sent to His Majesty for prior review before being returned to the ministers…”
While explaining, she was rapidly going through the people around her in her mind, suspecting which one had betrayed her.
Gao Qiao seemed to guess her thoughts and said coolly: “Shortly after the late emperor ascended the throne, he showed signs of laziness, clearly not taking court affairs seriously. He often spent nights in the imperial gardens, fond of women, yet every daily memorial was reviewed and sent out without exception, while you often defended the late emperor before me.”
“You should know that going too far is as bad as falling short. I guessed long ago.”
Gao Yongrong’s back was already covered in cold sweat. Before she could breathe a sigh of relief, she heard Gao Qiao continue: “A’Rong, since childhood you’ve been methodical in your actions – this was originally a good thing. Later you entered Jiankang as empress from your position as princess consort, then became today’s Empress Dowager. Having reached your current position, using some schemes and methods in your actions is understandable as long as you keep the greater picture in mind. That previous matter, though contrary to proper protocol, was excusable. But there’s another matter I must ask you about.”
He stared at Gao Yongrong, his tone gradually becoming stern.
“You and Prince Xin’an probably had secret dealings in the past, didn’t you? How exactly did he die that night? He originally used the Shao woman to spy on me, which led to Eldest Princess later being harmed by that woman. Do you dare say you had no prior knowledge of the Shao woman and no connection to this matter?”
If Gao Qiao’s earlier revelation about her reviewing memorials on the late emperor’s behalf was still a minor matter, then at this moment, hearing such direct questioning from his lips, a bone-chilling coldness instantly enveloped her entire being from head to toe.
She couldn’t help but shiver.
She wouldn’t admit it, but neither dared she immediately deny it.
She didn’t know whether Gao Qiao’s words were based on solid evidence or, like the earlier matter, merely his own suspicions and deductions based on subtle clues.