He couldn’t quite grasp what Zhao Changyu and Fu Zhi were thinking. Arranging such a prominent marriage for Zhao Hezhen at this time—wasn’t it for the title?
And what did the Fu family hope to gain by forming a marriage alliance with the Zhao family at such a time?
Struck by this blow, Zhao Changyu’s energy was far less than before. His health had already been poor, and this further pushed him to the end of his strength. After saying only a few words, he had Chengbo see the guests out, keeping only Zhao Sanniang to attend his sickbed.
Zhao Zhongyu would have preferred Zhao Ji to stay. Having just assumed the position of heir apparent, and being the nephew, Zhao Ji was the best choice to attend the sickbed.
But seeing Fu Zhi and Fu Tinghan there, he temporarily refrained from voicing his objection and withdrew for now.
Fu Zhi then took his leave with Fu Tinghan.
Zhao Hanzhang nodded to Fu Tinghan and, after seeing him off, returned just in time to deliver medicine to Zhao Changyu.
Zhao Changyu accepted the medicine bowl and glanced at her leg. “Better?”
Zhao Hanzhang nodded without changing expression. “Better.”
Zhao Changyu couldn’t help smiling. He tilted his head back and drank all the medicine, then sighed. “You cannot be so willful in the future. My days are numbered. During this time, mend relations with the second branch.”
Zhao Hanzhang readily agreed, then said with some hesitation, “Grandfather, this morning when I went to the garden with Young Master Fu to cut roses, we happened to see a stone come loose from the artificial mountain and fall. It seemed to hit someone.”
Zhao Changyu felt his breath catch in his chest. “Who did it hit?”
Zhao Hanzhang replied, “At the time, they were receiving the edict in front—I don’t know if Elder Sister went or not. If she didn’t, then it was probably her. We were far away, and since she made no sound, I couldn’t be sure if it was her.”
With a moment’s thought, Zhao Changyu understood. The second branch likely wouldn’t want to make this public either. Today was very important to them—they least wanted any mishaps.
But a grudge had definitely been formed.
Zhao Changyu sighed wearily and waved his hand. “Forget it. Do as you please, as long as you know what you’re doing.”
He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was more determination. “Since the match is settled, let’s also set the wedding date. While I’m still here, complete your marriage. Afterward, I’ll entrust your mother and brother to you.”
Things being as they were, it would be better to divide everything up before his death. That way the first and second branches could at least preserve some family affection and have a way out in the future.
Zhao Hanzhang wanted to say it wasn’t necessary, but meeting Zhao Changyu’s gaze, she fell silent.
Fine. She couldn’t let him die with an uneasy heart. Marriage it was—this would actually make it more convenient for her and Professor Fu to find a way back.
When Zhao Hanzhang returned to Qingyi Pavilion, Wang Shi, who had been pacing anxiously, immediately came forward. “How is your grandfather? Does he want to see Erlang?”
“Grandfather took his medicine and went to sleep. The physician said he’s fine,” Zhao Hanzhang reassured her. “Tomorrow I’ll take Erlang to see Grandfather.”
Wang Shi breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t know what matter could make your grandfather so angry he fainted.”
Zhao Hanzhang said, “Prince Hejian is dead.”
Wang Shi was unconcerned. “In the past two years, the number of imperial clan members who’ve died must be at least a hundred if not two hundred. I don’t recall Prince Hejian having any connection with our family.”
Zhao Hanzhang explained, “Prince Hejian was generous with his wealth and fond of worthy men. His reputation was fairly good. Among the imperial clan, aside from Prince Donghai, only he had some renown. Previously he held Chang’an and still enjoyed popular support. With his death, Chang’an is completely without aid and likely cannot hold out much longer.”
“Moreover…” Zhao Hanzhang paused before continuing, “Reputation is something that, used well, can rally people throughout the realm to defend the throne and protect the nation. Used poorly, it leads to loss of popular support.”
“The new Emperor has only just ascended the throne—this is a time when everything needs rebuilding. Internally, the masses are watching and waiting; externally, powerful enemies are eyeing us hungrily. Killing Prince Hejian at this time is equivalent to destroying one’s own foundation,” Zhao Hanzhang said. “Prince Donghai has made a terrible move.”
Wang Shi was more concerned with family property matters. “But those are state affairs. What do they have to do with us? Now that your marriage is settled, has your grandfather mentioned when he’ll fix your dowry?”
“The connection is significant,” Zhao Hanzhang murmured softly. “If we’re lucky, Luoyang can remain stable for a while, long enough for me to find the way back. If we’re unlucky…”
She sighed. “To survive, we may have to leave Luoyang temporarily.”
Wang Shi was stunned. “Leave Luoyang? Where would we go?”
“Runan.”
“Return home?” Wang Shi’s voice nearly cracked in alarm. She shook her head repeatedly. “No, no. I only went back to Runan once, when your father was still alive. You don’t know…”
She paused, then said, “Luoyang is wonderful. His Majesty is here—this is the safest place, isn’t it?”
Zhao Hanzhang replied, “It’s precisely because the Emperor is here that this place isn’t safe.”
Seeing Wang Shi on the verge of tears, she couldn’t help asking curiously, “What’s wrong with our Runan home? Is there some problem?”
Wang Shi’s shoulders slumped as she shook her head. “No. If we truly must return, then we’ll return.”
After nightfall, the Zhao household grew quiet. The two major events of the day seemed to have no impact on them.
The second branch’s servants moved about very carefully. Although Zhao Changyu had fallen ill, they still couldn’t resist having the kitchen prepare extra delicacies. They even brought out fine wine, planning to celebrate quietly.
Zhao Hewan reclined on her bed, a cloth strip bound around her forehead, listening to Wu Shi complain. “You shouldn’t have gone. You gained this injury for nothing, and you can’t even speak of it. Tonight you can’t even appear before your grandfather.”
Zhao Hewan clutched her handkerchief tightly and asked in a low voice, “So the person who came today was Young Master Fu of the Fu family? He and Third Sister have settled their betrothal just like that?”
Wu Shi made a sound of agreement and continued her nagging. “Don’t go out for a while. The first branch’s temper is high right now. We’ve gained the advantage, so we should avoid them for the time being. Your uncle-grandfather is still alive—don’t make things too ugly before him…”
Zhao Hewan didn’t listen much, still dwelling on the matter. “The title has been given to our family, so why would Young Master Fu still betroth himself to her? Mother, could there have been a mistake about this?”
Wu Shi frowned. “There’s no mistake. The betrothal cards and gifts were exchanged before your grandfather. How could it be false?”
“But…” Zhao Hewan bit her lip. “Wasn’t it said that Uncle-Grandfather arranged Third Sister’s marriage to petition for Second Brother to become heir apparent? Now the marriage is set, but Father has been made heir apparent instead.”
Wu Shi said somewhat awkwardly, “I don’t know where that rumor came from. Just let it pass after hearing it—how did you come to believe it?”
“Didn’t Mother say it with Liu’er? How is it…” Before she could finish, a slap struck, directly turning her face to the side. Zhao Hewan covered her face and stared at her mother in shock.
Wu Shi’s face was stern as she said in a low, angry voice, “What nonsense are you spouting? When did Mother say such things? I think that stone really did damage your head. If you continue speaking wildly in the future, you can go back to kneeling in the ancestral hall.”
Zhao Hewan’s face turned deathly pale.
Wu Shi stood up and called servants in. “Eldest Miss just came out of the ancestral hall and has fallen ill. You are not to let her leave recently. If she goes out again and is frightened or injured, I’ll hold you all responsible.”
The maids responded in alarm and bowed as they saw Wu Shi out.
Zhao Hewan’s tears fell like rain as she covered her face and sobbed aloud. “Lying to me—everyone’s lying to me!”
“Eldest Miss,” a maid came forward to comfort her, “please stop crying. The old master and the heir apparent are drinking in the front courtyard. If they hear crying, they’ll surely be angry.”