Court Secrets

Proofreader/Editor: Nene Yashiro

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An announcement from the court came down, stating that there were vacancies to be filled. Aside from a few older scholars who didn’t want to take the exams anymore, the rest of the young and ambitious decided to participate in the spring examination in March.

This time, Zhang Ling accepted Madam Xiao’s invitation and moved into the Tang family’s home. The financial strain was one reason, but he also wanted to exchange and learn from Tang Jiwei.

With two scholar candidates in the house, Madam Xiao was racking her brain every day about how to supplement their meals. Fried chicken, duck, fish, and meat came one after another, but Zhang Ling, having not eaten such greasy food in a long time, suffered from stomach discomfort and ended up surrendering to plain boiled cabbage.

“What are you eating to fill your stomach? Look, today your aunt bought a big fish; we can make soup for dinner!” Madam Xiao said, holding up a large carp with a smile.

Tang Jiwei looked at Zhang Ling’s pallid face and felt it was unfair to him, so he spoke up and said, “Soup can be quite greasy; let’s steam it instead!”

Madam Xiao was very supportive of this suggestion. She was running out of ideas and welcomed any new thoughts. It was better to have ideas than to be stagnant!

“Alright! What my son said makes sense; let’s steam it!” Madam Xiao decisively concluded with a wave of her hand.

Tang Jiwei, who had been sipping tea to alleviate the grease, said to Zhang Ling, “My mother is too enthusiastic; just adapt to it.”

Zhang Ling smiled, his dimples appearing instantly. “Am I that ungrateful? It’s just that my stomach has grown accustomed to such bland meals that I find it hard to adjust to anything richer.”

Though he spoke teasingly, Tang Jiwei heard a lot of sorrow in his words. Zhang Ling was not much older than him, yet he had already tasted the bitterness of life. Balancing making a living with studying was likely a struggle that others couldn’t imagine.

Zhang Ling didn’t seem to harbor any grievances and continued to read and think.

“Jiwei, what kind of person do you think the new emperor is? The journey I’ve taken hasn’t been peaceful, but it feels like a time of national stability. The previous emperor worked hard but left quite a mess behind; if we’ve come this far, he should be a good emperor we can serve wholeheartedly.”

Tang Jiwei remained silent. Han Zhen came down like thunder, issuing laws and improving upon the legal loopholes of the Jian Yuan Dynasty, significantly raising the status of merchants. The national treasury must have filled up considerably this time.

“Let’s wait and see; some emperors are ambitious when they first take the throne, but only time will reveal their true colors.”

Zhang Ling found it strange that Tang Jiwei, someone who was direct and perceptive, was so vague in his views about the emperor. Thinking about the upcoming spring examination, Zhang Ling returned to his studies with renewed energy.

After dinner, Tang Jiwei usually liked to go out for a walk, but Zhang Ling was detained by Madam Xiao and couldn’t leave, watching as Tang Jiwei waved goodbye at the door.

The lights in the capital were brighter than in other places, more dazzling. He had been to many places, each with its own flavor, but none could match the allure of the capital. Perhaps being beneath the emperor’s feet had imbued the place with a certain charm over time. Tang Jiwei strolled slowly, keenly observing everything along the street.

“Master Tang.” A person brushed past him, grabbing his wrist and effortlessly pulling him away from the bustling crowd.

Tang Jiwei recognized that this person had exceptional martial skills and didn’t dare to act rashly, waiting for him to stop before probing further.

The man in black brought him to a narrow alley and gestured for him to follow.

“Who are you?” Tang Jiwei asked, remaining still.

The man in black said, “I’m a death warrior from the Yōu Group. My name is Mo Yan. My master sent me to work for you, and from now on, I will only follow your orders!”

Tang Jiwei clenched his fist behind his back. The more trust Han Zhen showed in him, the more dangerous his situation became. He didn’t want to be the one who was used and then cast aside; this time, he absolute “Where are you taking me?”

Mo Yan walked in front, lowering his head as he replied, “Liu Xing Courtyard.”^[1]Liu Xing Courtyard – A Traditional Chinese Courtyard house found althrought Ancient China

Tang Jiwei’s nerves tingled; although the route was completely different from last time, he had a feeling that Liu Xing Courtyard was the place where he had last met Han Zhen.

“Isn’t that place your master’s residence outside the palace? How dare you let us common folk inside?” Tang Jiwei asked.

After several twists and turns, they arrived at the courtyard entrance. Mo Yan said, “My master trusts his subordinates; besides, the Young Master is someone my Master values, so you are not just a commoner!”

That piqued Tang Jiwei’s interest. He smiled slightly. Although Mo Yan spoke coldly, there was a certain sharpness to his words. It turned out that a strong general indeed had capable subordinates! He shouldn’t underestimate Han Zhen’s ability to gather talents and win people’s hearts; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been fooled by him twice.

“Please follow me,Young Master. You can’t go to the back courtyard; we can work in the middle courtyard,” Mo Yan reminded Tang Jiwei, worried he might accidentally wander into the wrong place.

Tang Jiwei’s suspicions arose again; this courtyard didn’t seem as ordinary as it appeared. The layout was intricate, with multiple entrances and exits, much like a rabbit’s burrow. Han Zhen’s lair was certainly not simple.

As they entered the building, Tang Jiwei saw four or five people scattered throughout the room, each working methodically at their own tables. The room was piled high with notebooks and loose papers. Tang Jiwei casually picked one up, which listed the name of the Inspector General and his family tree, recording all the officials his family had once held and any misdeeds they had committed.

“Master, this is what the master wants you to handle this time,” Mo Yan said, handing Tang Jiwei a piece of paper that boldly displayed the name Zhang Yuan.

Tang Jiwei looked at Mo Yan, puzzled. “Are you sure this was personally given to you by your master?”

“Yes, I personally received it, so there’s no mistake. Do you have any questions, Young Master?” Mo Yan replied.

Tang Jiwei nodded, found a stool without loose papers, sat down, and gestured for Mo Yan to do the same. “Zhang Yuan is the son-in-law of Princess Yucheng. Isn’t bringing him down going to affect the relationship between the emperor and the empress dowager?”

Princess Yucheng, Han Bi, was the empress dowager’s biological daughter, but Han Zhen was not; he was the legitimate son of the late Empress Jia Yi. The current empress dowager was the later emperor’s newly appointed empress. Although she held a noble status, she couldn’t compete with Han Zhen, who had everything under his control. Now that he hadn’t managed to grab the throne for his son, was he really not afraid of a fire breaking out in the rear courtyard?

Mo Yan pondered for a moment before saying, “Young master, it’s only my duty to obey my master’s orders. He must have considered everything before letting you take action. I hope you will give it your all.”

Tang Jiwei’s eyes lit up. “You are indeed loyal!”

After completing his task, Mo Yan left one subordinate behind to take Tang Jiwei back later and slipped into the night, disappearing from sight. The remaining one was the third member of the Yōu Group, named Mo Li.

“Mo Li?” Tang Jiwei looked at the tall and imposing man in front of him, feeling a bit uncomfortable. The fish he had eaten for dinner seemed to be stuck in his throat. This muscle-bound man, who looked ready to burst through his black clothes, was named Mo Li?

Mo Li noticed Tang Jiwei’s awkward expression and frowned, saying, “It’s a name given by the master; I dare not refuse!”

“Your master is indeed talented!” Tang Jiwei smiled.

After teasing Mo Li a bit, Tang Jiwei began to examine Zhang Yuan’s background. As a son-in-law, Zhang Yuan was indeed underutilized. Marrying a princess meant he could not hold a high official position, which had always been the rule. Zhang Yuan came from a decent family and was quite handsome; logically, he could have achieved a successful career on his own merits. Marrying the princess seemed glamorous but was actually a loss.

Zhang Yuan was the legitimate second son of the Duke of Qingping, but being the second son meant he couldn’t inherit the title. The Duke’s title was no longer of much value. When the discussion of succession took place years ago, he had sided with Han Jihong, expressing his intention to marry the second princess, Han Bi. However, Han Jihong was no match for Han Zhen and was ultimately schemed against and met his demise, leaving Zhang Yuan without support.

After reviewing Zhang Yuan’s information, Tang Jiwei felt that his past judgment of people had been flawed. Zhang Yuan was clearly a scheming and duplicitous character. Why had he recommended this person to Han Zhen in his previous life? This extensive record was full of evidence of his collusion with ministers and intentions towards the throne, along with his corrupt practices of selling positions and accepting bribes. With such a person around, both the harem and the court would be in turmoil.

“Are you saying he has taken a concubine? Did the princess allow it?” Tang Jiwei asked as he flipped through the records.

Mo Li nodded and said, “I received news of this a few days ago. Although it was secretly brought in covered up, I heard about it after hiding in the beams for several days. On the surface, it was just a maid from the main room, but in reality, she was enjoying the privileges of a concubine while pregnant!”

Tang Jiwei closed the records and said, “You seem to have a knack for uncovering these secrets. I imagine you know a thing or two about palace intrigues?”

Mo Li was caught off guard; it was unusual for such a strong man to be engaged in secretive matters. He usually kept his pleasure in this area to himself. Mo Li had to reflect on his own character.

“Why don’t you tell me about it? You must know quite a bit about palace matters. It’s just the two of us now; why not share some stories?” Tang Jiwei teased him.

Mo Li was naturally someone who loved to share his stories, and he had so many secrets that he had no one to tell them to. Meeting someone like Tang Jiwei, who seemed cunning and mischievous, was a perfect match.

Mo Li pulled over a small stool and began to recount, speaking eloquently and with engaging detail. At first, Tang Jiwei was just teasing him, but gradually, he started to hear the information he was interested in.

“So, you’re saying the empress has been neglected for a long time? Wasn’t the relationship between the emperor and her, deeply affectionate before he ascended the throne? How could she be overlooked after he took the throne?” Tang Jiwei furrowed his brow.

Mo Li waved his hand dismissively. “Royal affairs are never as simple as ordinary people perceive. The empress hasn’t left Fengzao Palace for a long time; even the crown prince hasn’t visited her. Isn’t that tragic?”

Tang Jiwei found it hard to understand. The empress, Wei, was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhen Guo and was matched by the previous emperor himself; even Han Zhen had approved of this marriage. During their time in the Wangfu, it could be said they treated each other with respect. Was Han Zhen really so ruthless now that he was in power, discarding not just Gu Zhenguan but others as well?

“I told you, you can’t tell anyone else. I also found out about this unintentionally while waiting in the palace. The emperor might have grown distant from the empress because of the Grand Duke,” Mo Li said seriously, glancing out the window from time to time, looking like a thief feeling guilty yet excited. 

“Grand Duke of the State? Isn’t he one of the emperor’s supporters? He helped the emperor significantly when it came to establishing the heir back then. How did he manage to annoy the emperor now?” Tang Jiwei was puzzled by Mo Li’s words, sensing he was close to the truth but just missing a piece. 

Mo Li stood up, shaking his foot. “I can’t say any more. I dare not speak too much about matters concerning my master. Anyway, the court is not as simple as you think. It’s better to be a guard; it’s just selling your life, and we don’t need to understand these complex matters. As long as we follow our master, we’ll have no worries about food and clothing.” 

Tang Jiwei chuckled. “You’ve already said so much, and you’re afraid to say a bit more? Are you not satisfied or what? How many people working for the emperor don’t want to climb higher? You’re really naive!” 

Mo Li scratched his head; he couldn’t make sense of such complex matters either. If it weren’t for the fact that Mo Yan was his cousin and that his master valued him for his martial skills, he probably would still be in the countryside swinging a hoe! 

Mo Li stretched his neck forward, excitedly saying, “Do you want to hear about Concubine Shen? I know all about it!” 

Tang Jiwei pulled over a book to block him, saying, “Concubine Shen is also your master’s private matter; it’s not good to talk too much about it. I won’t listen!” 

Mo Li shook his foot and frowned; why wouldn’t he let him finish? Holding in such secrets for too long isn’t good for the body! Besides, Concubine Shen is such a stunning and delicate beauty; how lucky is the master to have her? Mo Yan wouldn’t allow him to speak, and even the newcomer didn’t appreciate this discovery. He really was lonely and misunderstood! 

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Author’s Note: Rolling around and being cute, please save this! If you love me, please collect me! 【Reaches out】 

Little Theater 

Mo Li: “Bro, Concubine Shen is truly stunning like a flower!” 

Mo Yan: “The only flower is the widow from your village.” 

Mo Li: “I’m talking about that kind of flower, not the withered one. My master is truly lucky.” 

Mo Yan: “Serving my master is her good fortune.” 

Mo Li: *Slammed down* “Why won’t anyone admit that Concubine Shen is beautiful? Is being beautiful a crime?” 

Mo Yan: “Women who covet my master are the ones at fault!” 

Mo Li: *Kneeling and hugging his leg* “Bro, I was wrong! Concubine Shen isn’t my type!” 

Mo Yan: “What about the widow from your village?” 

Mo Li: *Wiping tears* “I’ll go marry her!”