Great Zhou was the mother nation. This was known throughout the realm.
The Song territories were not yet a nation. Song’s Prime Minister Yuan was a reformed corrupt official, and Marquis Chu was an innovative merchant. This too was known throughout the realm.
One could tell competence at a glance. Therefore, choosing the capital over Yang City was naturally better, lest Great Qiu pin the accusation of insincerity on Song. And just as Mo Zi had said, if the Qiu King dared not go, his hypocrisy would be immediately exposed, giving Song continued opportunity to attack.
Yuan Cheng also wrote two letters. In his letter to the Qiu King, he stated that if the peace talks were held in the capital, he would travel upstream by light boat to secure a hundred years of prosperity for all people. To the Great Zhou Emperor, that was a different matter altogether—not necessarily a conspiracy, but he wouldn’t rashly risk himself, so strategies must be devised.
In the fourth month, the Qiu King’s reply arrived. Stripping away all the grandiose rhetoric from beginning to end, it condensed to one essential sentence: as long as this matter was announced to all people, regardless of the outcome of the peace talks, he guaranteed Yuan Cheng’s safe return.
Soon the Great Zhou Emperor issued an edict: when two nations warred, envoys were not to be killed, much less distinguished princes and ministers of the age. Even if negotiations failed, both parties would be allowed to leave safely.
With this back and forth, the peace talks were pushed to the ninth month.
After the date was set, Song’s upper structure began to formalize. Jin Yin, also known as Chu Yu, was formally granted the title of Marquis Anming by the Cabinet, first rank. Yuan Cheng, from his previously assumed position as prime minister, was additionally granted the title of Minister of Works, first rank. The two men held equal official rank, commanding the Three Cabinets. The Three Cabinets consisted of the Military Cabinet, the Civil Cabinet, and the Legal Cabinet, while Zhang Zhen, General Chen Sheng under Jin Yin, Elder Li, Yang Qiao’s father, Wei An, Teng Guo—these six presided over them, appointed as Six Ministers, second rank. The Six Departments beneath the Three Cabinets managed various specific affairs. The differences between Song’s officialdom and that of Great Zhou and Great Qiu, besides the still unknown question of who would ultimately become emperor, were the voting rights granted to officials of fourth rank and above in the Three Cabinets and Six Departments on major decisions, the system of nationwide referendum on extraordinary matters, and the law allowing women to take examinations for external official positions.
Mo Zi, Yang Qiao, Qiu Shuang, Luo Ying, and Xiao Yi each received official ranks, with Mo Zi holding the highest as Minister of Works, second rank. However, Mo Zi declined, accepting only the position of Chief Manager of the Yang City Shipyard. She had never wished to become an official in government, considering herself unsuited for such work and harboring no great ambitions. Being a dedicated shipbuilder and managing a thriving shipyard was the career she aspired to.
In the eighth month, when osmanthus flowers filled the air with golden fragrance, Mo Zi boarded the ship to the capital alongside Yuan Cheng. Yuan Bao had already been weaned and was left in the far rear, cared for by his great-grandparents who had specifically moved to Yang City to reunite with them.
That night, upon entering Yun Province’s major port, someone delivered a letter from Jin Yin.
After reading it, Yuan Cheng laughed.
Mo Zi shared the same study with him and was reading the Records of the Grand Historian. Seeing him like this, she asked, “What did Young Master Jin say to make you laugh so?”
“He says I’m devious, cunning, shameless, and despicable for granting him a marquis title without his personal consent.” Although both were first rank and a marquis was one step closer to the throne than Minister of Works, Yuan Cheng had insisted on this matter against everyone’s objections, forcing the Three Cabinets and Six Departments to reluctantly yield. Everyone could see his intention, and Jin Yin was certainly no exception.
“If he objected, why didn’t he come to Yang City to say so himself? Since he didn’t come, he should have been prepared.” Mo Zi could imagine Jin Yin’s teeth-grinding expression and also found it amusing. “By the way, has he departed?”
Crisis was also opportunity. If the peace talks held a trap, there was the possibility of becoming famous in one battle. Song had one marquis and one Minister of Works—the people were still waiting to see who would claim the throne, Yuan Cheng was still calculating, and Jin Yin was still resisting.
“He didn’t mention it.” Yuan Cheng handed her a letter. “From Dou Lu, for you.”
Mo Zi opened and read it, furrowing her brow. “From this letter, it seems Jin Yin doesn’t plan to attend. He appears to have seen through your intention to push him into position. What should we do?”
Yuan Cheng seemed unconcerned. “It’s fine if he doesn’t go. I still can’t figure out why the Qiu King proposed peace talks. Ping City is now equivalent to the border. He can guard one side against a sudden Great Qiu attack, and also avoid any conspiracy that might occur in the capital. If something happens to you and me, with him there, Song won’t fall into chaos.”
“Go with the flow?” Mo Zi’s eyes sparkled. “How about we never return?”
“You’d abandon your son too?” Yuan Cheng asked.
“We could have Grandfather bring the baby out.” After speaking, Mo Zi suddenly realized, “Even if Jin Yin doesn’t think of it, Elder Li is deeply cunning and would certainly suspect.”
Yuan Cheng smiled. “Good that you understand.”
Hua Yi entered. “Prime Minister Yuan, General Wei has arrived.”
“Please show him in.” Only a few people knew of the cooperation between Great Zhou and Song, so Wei Jia was visiting under cover of night.
Mo Zi moved to leave.
“You’re also well acquainted with him. Don’t you want to exchange a few words?” Yuan Cheng found this strange.
“Forget it. I’m afraid he’ll ask me about Yang Qiao, and I don’t know what to say.” Last time Wei Jia brought reinforcement troops, he specifically sought her out about Yang Qiao, but Yang Qiao seemed to have truly moved on, and she didn’t want to meddle unnecessarily.
“He seems fine to me.” Yuan Cheng thought Wei Jia was a good man—excellent at archery and military strategy, unaffected in the slightest by romantic entanglements.
Mo Zi knew this too. “He only asked me once. It’s me who feels awkward. You two chat. I’m going to sleep.”
So when Wei Jia entered the cabin, only Yuan Cheng was waiting.
“His Majesty appointed me as Welcoming Envoy to lead a hundred ships to escort Prime Minister Yuan—no, Minister of Works.” Heartbreak made boys grow into men, and battlefields made men mature. Wei Jia’s boyish appearance was gone, his face carved with sharp angles, his gaze steady.
“Many thanks, Young General Wei—no, Grand General.” Though his methods might not align with being upright and aboveboard, Yuan Cheng genuinely appreciated honest people in his bones.
Wei Jia clasped his hands. “I dare not presume. I’ve only advanced one rank, incomparable to Minister of Works who wields power over an entire region. Brother Zhizhou, I also heard you welcomed a son—congratulations! He must be nearly a year old now?”
“Truly the blink of an eye. I suddenly feel myself growing old.” Yuan Cheng joked in an elderly tone, then became serious. “Since His Majesty sent you to greet me, I imagine the Qiu King also sent someone.”
Wei Jia nodded in affirmation. “I go south, Bai Yu goes north. Before I came, His Majesty had me convey a few more words, so I came to see you as soon as I entered port.”
Yuan Cheng made a sound of acknowledgment. “What words?”
“Those colluding with Great Qiu may not be limited to Prince Su.” Though he knew Yuan Cheng was careful with people, Wei Jia couldn’t help lowering his voice.
Yuan Cheng furrowed his brow in contemplation, only speaking after a long while. “Who else?”
“Not yet confirmed. Bai Yu was originally investigating the Crown Prince’s murder case, but later, due to Prince Su’s rebellion and the border crisis, the investigation was temporarily suspended. Shortly after Prince Su’s defeat, someone who previously served the Crown Prince secretly passed information to Bai Yu, saying he knew who killed the Crown Prince. But by then we all already knew the Crown Prince died at the hands of Great Qiu cavalry—Prince Su had let them in. Bai Yu naturally went to meet this person, but the person never appeared and there’s been no further news since.” Wei Jia looked at Yuan Cheng.
Seeing him like this, Yuan Cheng said, “Brother Wei, don’t ask me. I’ve been away from Great Zhou for so long—I can’t casually speculate.”
Wei Jia grinned. “I know. Either someone was playing a joke, or that person was silenced. There’s another matter—Prince Jing intercepted a batch of smuggled ships carrying concealed iron ore in the northern rapids. Afterward, everyone involved committed suicide, but it can be confirmed they were heading to Great Qiu.”
“Such trade is common at the border. The waterways can’t be completely sealed.” Minerals had always been forbidden for private merchants to trade, but smuggling was different—they sold precisely what couldn’t be sold.
“His Majesty said if I told you this and you seemed indifferent, I should remind you that Great Zhou is Song’s ally.” Wei Jia could see Yuan Cheng’s nonchalant attitude.
Yuan Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly. “His Majesty means for me to interfere during the peace talks?”
“His Majesty only hopes you can help us and not stand by idly.” Wei Jia had always considered Yuan Cheng a genius, just extremely capricious. The Emperor probably knew this too, hence applying pressure.
“Then it depends on opportunity.” Yuan Cheng’s answer wasn’t evasive but factual. “If all remains peaceful during my time in the capital, I can’t very well stay away just to search for this person.”
“Naturally.” But as long as he agreed to help, things would take a turn—Wei Jia believed this.
After Wei Jia left, Yuan Cheng told Mo Zi about this matter.
“There are still people colluding with Great Qiu?” Mo Zi said in surprise.
“Beneath prosperity lie a thousand wounds and a hundred holes, yet no one can deny the Great Zhou Emperor’s benevolence. It’s just that the ruler’s benevolence struggles to suppress the ministers’ greed. After fratricide, if internal strife follows—” Some things needn’t be stated too directly; he knew she understood.
“Prosperity’s peak inevitably leads to decline—it’s natural law. Our lives are limited; we can only live in the present.” Otherwise, one couldn’t sleep at night.
At that very moment, the ship of Great Qiu’s King Wu Yan also entered Great Zhou’s borders. According to his promise of one ship with a hundred people, aside from shadow guards for protection, he brought not a single soldier. Accompanying him was also Imperial Consort Ying.
“Grand Chancellor, has the King retired?” Imperial Consort Ying came to deliver nourishing soup.
Duan Ge’er Feng, who had just emerged, bowed his head. “Still reading. Your Ladyship arrives at just the right time—please persuade the King to rest earlier.”
“As if he would listen to anyone’s advice.” Imperial Consort Ying had given birth to a son three months ago, and with Imperial Consort Xiang’s downfall, she had clearly become the head of the harem. Compared to the arrogant and meddlesome Imperial Consort Xiang, her dutiful management of the inner palace earned praise and support from the ministers.
“The King still listens to one or two of Your Ladyship’s words now.” Duan Ge’er Feng was also satisfied with Imperial Consort Ying’s proper conduct.
Imperial Consort Ying smiled gracefully and called out, “Your Majesty, this consort has prepared nourishing soup. May I bring it in?”
Hearing Wu Yan’s invitation to enter, Duan Ge’er Feng stroked his white beard and departed.
Wu Yan looked up, in no mood to smile. “You just gave birth. You should rest more.” To demonstrate good faith for the peace talks, he had brought Imperial Consort Ying along.
“Once Your Majesty drinks this soup, this consort will go rest.” Imperial Consort Ying presented the bowl.
Wu Yan finished it. “Go then. Restore your energy so you can help me win this round.”
Imperial Consort Ying’s face suddenly showed difficulty.
“What is it?” Wu Yan asked.
“Your Majesty, there’s something weighing on this consort’s heart that troubles me. May I ask about it?” Imperial Consort Ying spoke in gentle, soft tones.
“Ask.” Wu Yan looked at her. Imperial Consort Ying’s virtue lay in never pressuring him, whether regarding emotions or state affairs.
“I heard that Prime Minister Yuan brought his wife along this time. This consort will certainly meet her. Might this consort be permitted to try winning back her heart for Your Majesty?” Imperial Consort Ying lowered her eyes.
“Win back?” Wu Yan first laughed twice, then his gaze instantly sharpened. “She has already borne another man’s child. So heartless—why should I cling to her?” His words were cold; his heart ached.
Imperial Consort Ying said no more and withdrew, gently closing the door. As she did, the corners of her lips curved upward.