Being summoned outside of regular hours usually meant serious business. No longer pretending to sleep, she leaped up to face Jiang Changyang. His eyes sparkled with mirth, seemingly pleased. She sighed softly, “Let me fetch your clothes.”
“What a pity,” Jiang Changyang remarked, eyeing her up and down. He caressed her face, speaking gently, “No need. I’m leaving now. I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t worry.”
No time to change clothes, yet he came to inform her. Entering with a greeting, leaving with a notice of his whereabouts, always ensuring she knew where he was… Mudan’s heart warmed. She hurriedly adjusted his hairpin, smiling, “I’ll wait for you. No matter how late.”
Jiang Changyang turned to leave, but at the screen, he looked back and whispered, “You’re beautiful.” Then he strode out.
Mudan smiled. If he had time to compliment her, it couldn’t be too urgent. Reassured, she lit a candle and began analyzing the growth and blooming patterns of various peonies she had recorded in late spring.
Jiang Changyang stood in the doorway, peering out. In the dim light, Eunuch Shao was accompanied by only one young eunuch. Both were wrapped in hooded cloaks, their faces mostly obscured by shadows. The young eunuch held the reins, seeming impatient, while Eunuch Shao sat motionless on his horse.
“My lord?” Wu called softly.
Jiang Changyang quickly stepped out, cupping his hands in greeting to Eunuch Shao, “Chief Eunuch, I trust you’re well?”
Eunuch Shao turned, his plump face appearing somewhat puffy in the lamplight. His expression, as always, was a mix of benevolence and humility, with a hint of arrogance in his sidelong glance. He smiled at Jiang Changyang and the small courtyard behind him, “General, your courtyard is quite exquisite. It looks small but runs deep inside.”
His words implied Jiang Changyang had taken too long. Jiang Changyang smiled and mounted his horse, “I apologize for the delay, Chief Eunuch.”
Eunuch Shao whipped his horse’s rump, exclaiming, “Oh my!” He drawled, “We can’t disobey imperial orders. I should be the one asking for the General’s understanding.”
Jiang Changyang couldn’t quite gauge Eunuch Shao’s attitude. It didn’t seem malicious enough to be bad news, yet his tone was oddly sarcastic. Jiang Changyang pondered silently, guessing that Eunuch Shao himself might not know the purpose of the summons, and was deliberately acting mysterious due to his unease.
Suddenly, Eunuch Shao said, “Congratulations, General. Your new wife is like jade, virtuous and capable. And with your Hu concubine as beautiful as a flower, warm and tender. You truly enjoy the blessings of a harmonious household.”
The Hu concubine referred to Maya, still residing in You Garden. Why bring her up suddenly? Jiang Changyang merely responded politely, “You flatter me.”
Eunuch Shao noticed his horse heading towards the palace and abruptly blocked the way, smiling, “You’ve got the wrong direction, General Jiang.”
Wu’s expression changed slightly. A late-night urgent summons not to the palace? Where were they going? His hand discreetly moved to his waist. Jiang Changyang glanced at him, calmly saying, “If not the palace, then surely we’re heading to Furong Garden?” There was a secret passage between Furong Garden and the palace, which the Emperor often used to ride to Furong Garden for relaxation after handling state affairs. Being summoned at this hour, they must be going there.
This time, Eunuch Shao genuinely smiled, “General Jiang is indeed quick-witted and composed.”
Hearing Eunuch Shao suddenly mention these words—the Emperor’s evaluation of him—Jiang Changyang felt more at ease. After a short ride, they reached Furong Garden’s entrance. Eunuch Shao flashed his waist token, and the guards briefly illuminated Jiang Changyang’s face with a torch before stepping aside.
The two silently passed through a willow grove, then crossed a pond full of lotus leaves amid frog croaks. They halted before a brightly lit small building. Jiang Changyang removed his sword, handed it to a young eunuch at the door, and quietly awaited his audience. After about two cups of tea’s time, someone finally came to summon him inside.
Originally brilliantly lit, the building’s interior was shrouded by layer upon layer of curtains. By the time they reached the innermost chamber, the lamplight had dimmed considerably. The Emperor sat behind the dragon’s desk, the lamplight accentuating the deep lines around his nose. His eyelids drooped, appearing listless. He watched impassively as Jiang Changyang entered steadily, performed the nine kowtows, rose, and stood at attention. Then he spoke flatly, “How has your month been?”
Jiang Changyang paused before replying, “Your subject is overwhelmed with gratitude.”
“Hm…” The Emperor let out a scornful laugh, “You? Overwhelmed? With a lovely wife and beautiful concubine, surrounded by friends, dabbling in business, and even managing some women’s affairs for your in-laws. You’ve been living quite comfortably. Is this what Fang Bohui so carefully groomed you for?”
Jiang Changyang lowered his eyes, “In response to Your Majesty, ‘To cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to all under Heaven.’ Your subject is learning to manage his household well.”
“On this point, you’re stronger than Jiang Zhong,” the Emperor finally said after a long pause. “What do you think of that child in Fengle Ward?”
Jiang Changyang didn’t understand why he suddenly mentioned Prince Jing’s illegitimate child but cautiously replied, “Your subject hasn’t seen the child. My wife says he’s lovely and has a good appetite.”
“Good appetite?” The Emperor muttered something under his breath, then fell silent again.
After a while, the Emperor stood up. Eunuch Shao hurried forward to support him as he slowly walked out from behind the dragon’s desk. Jiang Changyang noticed that the Emperor had lost weight over the past month.
The Emperor stopped by the window, waving Eunuch Shao away. Eunuch Shao left without hesitation, leaving only the Emperor and Jiang Changyang in the room.
Although Jiang Changyang kept his eyes lowered, he knew the Emperor was watching him intently. He felt hot; the collar of his robe was a bit tight. He made a mental note to ask Mudan to adjust it when he returned home. Outside, the wind rustled, growing louder. The rumble of thunder approached from afar, and the distinct smell of damp earth mixed with fresh air seeped through the window cracks. It had finally started to rain.
Unexpectedly, the Emperor asked, “Do you know about the Epiphyllum Tower?”
Jiang Changyang hesitated briefly, then decided to be honest: “I know a little, but nothing definite.”
“What do you know? Tell me,” the Emperor seemed very interested.
Jiang Changyang rubbed his head, looking troubled, “I only know that Your Majesty goes to the Epiphyllum Tower every Lantern Festival to hang a lotus lantern in memory of someone from the past. I know nothing else.”
“…Someone from the past…” The Emperor sighed, “What do you think of your father, Jiang Zhong?”
Jiang Changyang replied, “One should not speak ill of one’s father.”
“Not speak ill of one’s father?” The Emperor laughed, “Your words are truly cunning. You’ve said everything, yet nothing at all. Have you and he come to this?”
Jiang Changyang remained silent, knowing that saying anything without understanding the situation could be a mistake.
“Playing the silent fool again, pretending to be dense when you don’t want to answer difficult questions. In this, you’re very much like Jiang Zhong. Often when I look at you, I can’t help but think of him, especially when he was young. Back then, I thought he was as loyal and reliable as you. Are you loyal and reliable, Jiang Dalang?” The Emperor’s tone seemed teasing, his manner seemingly friendly, but his words were unpleasant. It gave Jiang Changyang the impression that the Emperor’s mood soured whenever he saw him as if he doubted him.
Was he loyal and reliable? Jiang Changyang paused before answering gravely, “In response to Your Majesty, humans have seven emotions and six desires. We feel fear, despair, greed, and cowardice, and sometimes pursue dreams recklessly. If you ask whether I want your favor or if I like fame and fortune, I do. Building merit and achieving renown are what every man aspires to. But if you ask whether I would abandon my principles as a person, betray my conscience and my loved ones for these things, I would not, nor would I stoop to such levels.”
The Emperor coldly interjected, “Did you marry your wife out of true love, or was it a strategic move? Pretending to be loyal, trustworthy, and simple?”
Jiang Changyang smiled openly, his gaze clear, “She and my mother are indeed my weaknesses. You say I have a lovely wife and beautiful concubine, but in truth, I will only have one beloved wife. There will be no beautiful concubine. That Hu woman is merely a promise.”
The Emperor turned to look at him, his slightly cloudy eyes filled with an indecipherable emotion, “Back then, I entrusted my weakness to Grand General Jiang to protect, yet he watched her die tragically before his eyes. Because, as you said, he was afraid. He betrayed me! Afterward, no matter what he did, I always remembered that incident.” He had held onto it for decades, reminding himself every time he saw Jiang Zhong that no one could be trusted.
The Emperor’s emotions were running high. Cold sweat seeped from Jiang Changyang’s back as he stepped back, looking up at the Emperor, “Now, everything of mine and his is in Your Majesty’s hands.”
The Emperor waved his hand, “You all think that although I’ve tolerated him, I’ve always hated him in my heart, punishing him because I resent that incident, don’t you? I’m not that kind of person. Otherwise, ten Jiang Zhongs would have died ten times over.”
If Your Majesty says you’re not, then you’re not. Cutting flesh with a blunt knife for decades – it’s Your Majesty who’s cruel. Jiang Changyang thought to himself, but his expression showed surprise and shame, clearly displaying the embarrassment and trepidation of having his thoughts exposed by the Emperor.
The Emperor was very satisfied with this reaction, though his tone became increasingly casual, “See, you did think so.” He spoke forcefully, “You’re all wrong. What could compare to this empire, these vast lands?”
This, Jiang Changyang believed.
The Emperor just wanted one attitude: “Actually, you are different from Jiang Zhong. At least you dare to let me know what you’re unwilling to do.” He raised his chin, “You just don’t want to be in the inner guard, right? Fine, I’ll grant your wish. In a few days, you’ll go to the Ministry of War.”
Jiang Changyang took a deep breath and knelt directly, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness.”
The Emperor turned back to look at him, “Before that, you need to do one thing for me.” He slid a jade pendant from his sleeve, “Prince Min gave this to me today, saying he bought it at a high price from a Yangzhou merchant. To investigate what this is about.”