After a while, Shen Zhishu finally averted his gaze, walked over to pour himself a cup of tea, and took a sip.
The northern climate was dry, and her lips were somewhat chapped. The back of her hand still bore marks from where she had scraped it against the brick wall when climbing into the city. Yet she sat there steadily, appearing calm when not speaking, showing no signs of tension despite being among rebel troops.
It had been more than a year since they had last met. When he had left the capital, she was still Meng Tinghui, the newly crowned female champion scholar who had recently entered the Hanlin Academy and was cautious in all her dealings. Now, seeing her again, this woman had become what officials called a treacherous favored minister. Even in Qingzhou, thousands of li away, he had heard much about the tumultuous affairs in the capital’s court.
While in the Hanlin Academy, she had dared to remonstrate with the Crown Prince at night. After entering the Chancellery, she had also dared to submit memorials impeaching Wang Qi. In the prison, she had privately administered punishment to court officials and had secretly communicated with the Censorate to force Wei Mingxian out of court. Though only of the fourth rank, she enjoyed imperial-bestowed carriages and residences. Even someone as diplomatic as Liao Congkuan was willing to be close to her. The Emperor had appointed her as the lead official for the enthronement ceremony, and because of her, four important court officials had been demoted during an audience. Although she had been demoted herself, which court official in the capital would dare look down on her now?
Even he, who had been in a ruler-minister relationship with the Emperor for over twenty years, had to address her as “Madam Meng” when he saw her.
When he had seen her that spring day at Yan’s Tavern, how could he have imagined that this woman would one day enjoy such glory and imperial favor? Yet this overwhelming imperial grace upon her… His brows tightened slightly. Thinking of the person on the nine-dragon throne thousands of li away, he found it incomprehensible.
He knew that person’s temperament better than anyone. He would never put aside state affairs merely for a woman. And what virtue or ability did Meng Tinghui possess that would make that person particularly fond of her? In terms of appearance, there were many female officials in court more beautiful than her; in terms of scholarship, she might not necessarily be the most learned among the female officials in court; in terms of official conduct, his sister Shen Zhili was also skilled in navigating politics. Looking it over, it seemed only her fearless demeanor set her apart from other women, making her appear more proud.
The clear tea in his cup gradually cooled.
He set down his cup, and unexpectedly Meng Tinghui spoke from behind: “His Majesty has decreed that Qingzhou be elevated to Qingzhou Prefecture, with Master Shen appointed as Prefect. Additionally, the Northern Chao’an Pacification Commission will be moved from Chongzhou Prefecture to Qingzhou Prefecture, with the position of new Pacification Commissioner yet to be decided.”
Shen Zhishu was surprised. “So sudden?”
Her gaze was bland. She still appeared to be resting. “It’s not sudden. Master Shen himself said he grew up with His Majesty. How could you not know His Majesty’s temperament? How His Majesty is calculating the affairs of the northern border—Master Shen surely understands better than I do.”
His gaze toward her gradually changed. “Madam Meng truly lives up to His Majesty’s trust.” Only now did he understand how well she comprehended that person, and how willing she was to devote herself to him.
In this regard, perhaps no other woman in court could surpass her.
Meng Tinghui raised her eyes to look at him: “Master Shen has been governing Qingzhou for over a year. Even for the Emperor’s enthronement ceremony, you did not receive an order to return to the capital. Do you not resent His Majesty?”
Shen Zhishu shook his head. “His Majesty has his judgment in all matters.”
She smiled slightly. “His Majesty’s moving of the Chao’an Command to Qingzhou Prefecture—the court officials all understand the deep meaning behind this. The vacant position of Pacification Commissioner—does Master Shen not want it?”
He had never expected her to say these things and in such an unrestrained manner. He cautiously replied: “My experience is still shallow. How dare I aspire to command a regional commission? The position of Pacification Commissioner should be filled by an important minister selected by His Majesty. Only then can the military morale in the north be secured.”
Meng Tinghui pressed her lips together in a half-smile, looking at him without speaking.
Shen Zhishu felt uncomfortable under her stare and averted his eyes toward the window, saying softly: “…I had thought that remaining in Chao’an wouldn’t be so bad.”
She said quietly: “Is it because of Yan Fuzhi?”
Shen Zhishu was startled and looked back at her. “You…”
Meng Tinghui’s lips curved slightly. “The Yan family is wealthy and influential in the region. If Master Shen had the help of the Yan family’s eldest daughter, serving as an official in Chao’an would be quite convenient.”
His expression immediately became very unpleasant as he stared at her: “In Madam Meng’s eyes, am I truly so contemptible?”
She just looked at him, saying nothing for a long time.
That fine spring day when she first met this man, with his carefree and romantic air plus those beautiful eyes, he was truly capable of captivating countless young ladies. After entering the capital, she had both heard and seen how he was favored by countless female officials and noble daughters at court. His illustrious family background was unmatched in court, and his relationship with the Emperor was unparalleled. How could such a man form affection with a merchant’s daughter without some ulterior motive?
No, she truly couldn’t understand how he and Yan Fuzhi could have developed mutual affection.
Shen Zhishu coldly flicked his sleeve and said: “Madam Meng has always been good at scheming and ingratiation, but don’t apply your methods to me. My relationship with Miss Yan is none of Madam Meng’s concern!”
She knew he was truly angry, so she didn’t take offense at his sarcasm. After a long while, she softly said: “Does Master Shen know, in my entire life I have no parents and no relatives. The only person I can call a friend is Yan Fuzhi.”
Shen Zhishu stood still without making a sound, his face dark.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open. Someone called for them to come out, saying that Huo Dewei had assembled all military officers of ninth rank and above, waiting for Meng Tinghui to proclaim His Majesty’s edict of amnesty.
Meng Tinghui immediately composed herself and walked out with Shen Zhishu.
They returned along the original path, back to that place where the towering wooden post made her shudder with cold fear. Gao Hai’s head was still high above, with several broken arrows dangling precariously. A hundred or so military officers in armor had gathered, listening to her read the Emperor’s proclamation of pardon word by word. They then noisily passed around the golden-decorated imperial edict for examination.
Meng Tinghui coldly observed these people.
They were completely without discipline. The imperial edict, personally written by the Emperor, was seized by this unruly mob without even the courtesy of kneeling to receive it, as if obtaining the yellow silk meant obtaining immunity from death. Yet how many of these people could truly recognize the powerful calligraphy on it?
Her official robes hung down, concealing her tightly clenched hands.
Initially, she had merely been angry—furious at how these people could eat imperial rations yet wantonly harm officials and civilians. But now she truly felt hatred, hating how these people could so disregard the Emperor’s august authority. Neither caring for the people nor being loyal to the ruler—how had these troops been spoiled to become so arrogant and unrestrained?
After the officers had finished their commotion, Huo Dewei finally collected the imperial edict, tucked it into his bosom, and stepped forward to address her: “I will now send people to open the city gates and order each unit to collect their weapons and leave the city to return to camp!”
Meng Tinghui raised her head to glance at Gao Hai’s severed head, eyes still open in death. Her voice and expression were equally cold: “Don’t rush. Before I entered the city, I had an agreement with Deputy Commissioner Di Nian. If Commander Huo is willing to open the city and surrender weapons, you should arrange it with him in advance. This will facilitate the imperial army officers’ entry into the city to collect weapons and reorganize troops. Commander Huo’s subordinate soldiers are now scattered and idle. It will take considerable time to gather them and have them surrender their weapons. Why not first let Master Shen leave the city, while I stay here with Commander Huo? What do you think?”
Before Huo Dewei could respond, Shen Zhishu angrily exclaimed: “Impossible!”
Huo Dewei frowned, thought for a moment, and said: “As long as you’re willing to stay, letting him leave the city is fine, so that people outside the city will know we’re sincerely submitting to the imperial court! But if we are to arrange a time with the imperial army outside the city to open the gates, let’s set it for half an hour later! Any later, and I fear you might try some trick!”
Meng Tinghui lowered her eyelashes. “Then in half an hour. Please have Commander Huo order the guards on the city wall to inform the imperial troops waiting outside.”
Huo Dewei snorted coldly twice and turned to arrange the various matters.
Shen Zhishu grabbed her official sleeve and quickly said in a low voice: “What exactly are you trying to do?”
Meng Tinghui pulled her hand away from his grasp. Seeing an officer coming over to escort him out of the city, she gave him a push from behind. She hid her face behind his back and whispered: “Go out and tell Lieutenant Di that the rebels are willing to surrender, but to prevent any changes, he should immediately bring over General Song’s troops.”
Shen Zhishu raised his eyebrows and changed his expression. He turned his head, wanting to speak, but was interrupted by the officer. He had no choice but to follow the man toward the city wall.
Meng Tinghui watched him go before relaxing her brow with a sigh. She then surveyed the chaotic and undisciplined state of the nearby rebels before finding a place to sit down and wait.
Half an hour was not a very long time. Even with Shen Zhishu leaving the city and Di Nian sending someone on horseback to report to General Song’s troops, going back and forth fifteen li, the main army could not arrive so quickly.
But this was good. If General Song’s troops arrived early, those ten thousand soldiers would have nowhere to hide. Seeing them, how would the rebels in the city be willing to open the gates and surrender their weapons?
She had done all she could plan; the rest was up to fate.
Her thoughts drifted back to that night in the Ruisi Palace.
His upturned lips were so handsome, his gaze sharp, his eyes bright as he looked at her, saying he would take her to West Mountain to enjoy the snow.
She reminisced, unconsciously closing her eyes slightly.
He wanted her to order Di Nian to slaughter the entire garrison of rebels after they surrendered. He did not fear the words of court officials or the people of the world, but she alone did not want his reputation for benevolence and sagacity to be damaged in the slightest.
She had to do it better. Only then would it work.