Chapter 37

The window of the hall remained wide open, and for some unknown reason, the evening wind suddenly grew stronger, causing the leaves on the high branches to rustle. A number of gusts of wind swept through the open window and entered the room, making the lamp on the bronze crane flicker, casting a dim and uncertain light.

Yang Ji raised his neck and looked at the king before him…

The candlelight was dim, and Zhao Zhun stood with his hands behind his back. His eyes were slightly lowered, his expression aloof with no trace of emotion, yet it made one feel an involuntary chill upon seeing him.

Yang Ji had long known that Zhao Zhun was not an easy ruler to deal with. Past experiences had made it difficult for him to trust others. In this world, Zhao Zhun trusted neither his son nor his wife; this man, from beginning to end, only trusted himself.

Perhaps—

Lu Bu Wei had been the one person he would have never suspected, but how much trust he had truly placed in him, no one knew.

The March night still had a slight chill, yet Yang Ji, standing there, felt as though his inner garment was soaked with sweat. At this moment, he no longer exhibited the calm demeanor he usually had in the court or in front of others. His eyes lowered to avoid the king’s gaze, and then he knelt straight before Zhao Zhun. Fortunately, his back remained straight, still bearing the dignity of a scholar.

The ground had no mat, and kneeling on it, Yang Ji felt the coldness creeping up from the floor, reaching his knees…

But he did not dare move an inch.

He stayed kneeling, his face still bearing a semblance of composure from earlier, but his tone was now tinged with urgency, “Your Majesty, I have followed you for many years and have never dared deceive you in the slightest.”

“Many years…”

Zhao Zhun gently mouthed the words, and without commanding anyone to rise, he walked closer to Yang Ji, his eyes still without a trace of emotion as he looked at him. “You didn’t say it, but I almost forgot. Yang Qing has been with me for over a decade…” As he spoke, he placed his hand on Yang Ji’s shoulder and pressed it lightly. “But I haven’t forgotten. When my brother was still around, you were the person he trusted the most.”

With these words—

Yang Ji’s face lost the calmness it had earlier.

He wanted to bow deeply, but the hand on his shoulder, though seemingly unintentional, firmly restrained his movements… His face turned pale as he looked at Zhao Zhun, his lips trembling, “Your Majesty, that was many years ago. Since I chose to follow you, I have had no more dealings with the deposed crown prince.”

At this point, his voice became bitter: “Moreover, the matter with the deposed crown prince, I was involved in it. It was I who presented the case of the crown prince colluding with the empress’s family to the late emperor…”

“Your Majesty…”

Yang Ji gathered his thoughts and, with his neck straight, looked at the king. His voice was hoarse, but his face still showed respect and submission. “Though I cannot compare to the Duke of Rong in terms of loyalty and long-standing ties, since I chose to follow you, you are the only ruler in my heart.”

“How could I dare deceive you?”

Zhao Zhun had been listening intently. When Yang Ji finished speaking, his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. After a long silence, he suddenly let out a laugh, “A wise man knows how to read the situation; you’ve done very well…” After these words, he patted Yang Ji’s shoulder, then sighed, “Now that Bu Wei is gone, I only have you by my side. Yang Qing, please don’t disappoint me.”

After he finished speaking, he withdrew his hand from Yang Ji’s shoulder.

Then, Zhao Zhun extended his hand to help Yang Ji up, and as he helped him to his feet, he casually remarked, “I heard that Prince Jin has been getting close to your daughter recently?”

Hearing this, Yang Ji felt as though he might kneel again, but before he could make a move, Zhao Zhun stopped him…

Zhao Zhun kept his hand on Yang Ji, his face bearing a usual calm smile, his voice as usual, “Alright, have you also started to act like those self-righteous scholars, kneeling at every turn?” After speaking, he let go of Yang Ji, sitting back in his chair. He picked up the tea cup on the table and, holding it, said, “I have seen your daughter. She’s intelligent and refined, indeed a fine girl.”

“I mention this matter to you only to ask for your opinion…”

He paused slightly as he spoke, taking a sip of the slightly cold tea before lifting his eyes to look at the man across from him, smiling as he asked, “Yang Qing, do you have intentions of marrying your daughter to Prince Jin?”

Although the man before him spoke lightly and smiled, Yang Ji did not dare to relax at all. Once the words were finished, he quickly bowed with clasped hands and replied, “The Yang family only serves His Majesty. As for my youngest daughter…” His voice lowered slightly, and his tone carried a touch of sorrow as he continued, “She lost her mother when she was young, and I truly wish to keep her by my side for a few more years.”

“As for the marriage, while Prince Jin is indeed extraordinary in appearance and talent, he is not a suitable match for my daughter…”

“Oh?”

Zhao Zhun raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly as he set the tea cup down on the table. He then said, “So you mean to say that my son is unworthy of your daughter?” His tone, though still calm, had deepened significantly.

Hearing this, Yang Ji quickly kneeled, but unlike earlier, his expression was composed. “That is not what I meant.”

He remained kneeling, his voice steady and calm as he continued, “Prince Jin has grown up alongside Your Majesty and is exceptional in both civil and military affairs. Though the crown prince has already been decided, many in the court still stand behind Prince Jin. If news were to spread that the Yang family intends to form a marriage alliance with Prince Jin, it would undoubtedly cause speculation among the court officials, and even the Empress’s family would not remain indifferent.”

“Moreover—”

Yang Ji paused, lifting his gaze slightly to look at the man sitting on the throne. Seeing the indifferent expression on his face, he went on, “Currently, both the crown prince and Prince Jin have their respective supporters. The situation in court remains stable, but adding another factor could upset the balance.”

“At that time, I fear the calm court situation of the past decade may once again fall into turmoil.”

This remark was somewhat audacious, but Zhao Zhun did not show anger. He sat back in his chair, his eyebrows slightly lowered as he continued to observe Yang Ji. After a long while, he finally withdrew his gaze and smiled again, “It seems I have not misjudged you, Yang Qing.”

“As for your daughter…”

Yang Ji quickly responded, “My daughter has been kept within the family home, rarely seeing outsiders. There will be no more rumors about her reaching Your Majesty’s ears. Please rest assured.”

Zhao Zhun, seeing his words, did not speak further. He motioned for Yang Ji to rise and then said, “You have only one daughter, so it is understandable to want to keep her for a few more years. But, it is also important not to delay her marriage. In Bianliang, there are many worthy young men from prominent families. If she has someone she likes, just let me know, and I will make sure to support her.”

After Yang Ji respectfully agreed…

Zhao Zhun gestured for him to sit again, then continued, “When I allowed Prince Jin to grow in influence, it was because the crown prince’s maternal family was too powerful, and I feared a situation like the deposed crown prince’s family meddling in court affairs. But now, after so many years, Prince Jin’s power continues to grow…”

His expression darkened slightly as he spoke, his voice lowering, “During the hunting event, he dared to show disrespect to his own brother in front of so many people. Who knows how arrogant he must be in private?”

Yang Ji, sitting in the chair, put down his tea cup and looked at the man, but after a while, he cautiously asked, “What do you plan to do?”

Zhao Zhun curled his fingers around the armrest, then said, “Bu Wei, this eldest son, has indeed done well for me. Moreover, from his appearance, he clearly has some ability. While the crown prince’s supporters are numerous, they are mostly elder scholars…” He spoke slowly, then added, “It is time for my youngest son to suffer some setbacks.”

This meant that Zhao Zhun intended for Lu Qihuai to follow the crown prince, using this to weaken Prince Jin’s influence.

Yang Ji understood that the man in front of him was a master at such strategies: using Prince Jin to constrain the crown prince, and vice versa, so that Zhao Zhun could sit securely on the throne without needing to take direct action. Though he thought about these matters, his expression remained unchanged, and after Zhao Zhun finished speaking, he asked, “What rank do you plan to assign him?”

Zhao Zhun did not respond immediately. He clasped his hands behind his head and looked at Yang Ji, then said, “The night is deep, Yang Qing. It is time for you to return.”

Yang Ji, hearing this, did not say more. He rose, bowed, and then walked towards the exit under Zhao Zhun’s watch.

As he reached the curtain…

He heard the man behind him speak into the empty space, “Please have the crown prince come to see me before tomorrow’s court session.”

Yang Ji, hearing these words, hesitated briefly but did not stop. He continued walking out. As he stepped outside, the night sky was filled with stars, the lanterns in the corridor swaying slightly, casting shadows on the path. He stood there for a moment, finally letting out a long breath.

The eunuchs waiting outside greeted him respectfully, “The sedan chair is ready for you, sir. Please follow me.”

Yang Ji replied indifferently, “No need.”

After taking the lantern handed to him, he walked away, but after a few steps, he couldn’t help but glance back… The grand palace seemed like a crouching tiger in the night, even in slumber, it was not to be underestimated.

The man within the palace was indeed a born king…

His imperial strategies had always been executed flawlessly.

Zhao Zheng’s eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at Zhao Xun. His hand gripping the jade tablet even tightened, his fingers turning pale from the force.

A third-ranked Du Du Qian Shi—

This was not a mere ceremonial position for aristocrats to amuse themselves with. This was a high-ranking and powerful official post. Moreover, the current Grand Du Du was old, and many were vying for his position. If Lu Qi Huai could rise to this post, his future would be secure.

For a moment, the court was in an uproar.

An elderly official stepped forward and bowed to the high seat, saying, “The Duke of Rongguo has just passed away. As his son, he should observe mourning for three years. Even if the crown prince intends to grant him a reward, why not delay it? After the mourning period is over, the reward can be given, thus respecting the customs of our ancestors while also showing His Majesty’s appreciation for talents.”

Naturally, other officials who supported the crown prince countered, “I agree with the crown prince. The border wars are not yet settled, and there are countless petty thieves. To bury this talent for three years just to adhere to the ancestor’s customs would be a waste for our country.”

Soon, more and more officials voiced differing opinions. In the end, Zhao Zhun raised his hand and spoke, “What the crown prince says aligns with my thoughts. While the customs of our ancestors should be respected, we must also consider the situation. I believe that Lu Qi Huai’s loyalty and bravery make him a rare pillar of the nation.”

“Indeed, when the late emperor was still alive, there was a precedent for such matters. Moreover, as one keeps filial piety in their heart, even if the Duke of Rong’s spirit were to be aware, he surely would not mind.”

Since the emperor had spoken, no one dared to object. However, the thoughts of the officials varied. The eldest son of the Duke of Rong had been appointed to such a high position so quickly, and since it was the crown prince who had proposed this decree, it was likely that his future would be limitless.

—-

After the morning assembly.

The officials were leaving, and Zhao Xu, holding the bright yellow imperial edict, was about to go personally to the Duke of Rong’s residence to present it. Just as he was about to step outside, he was stopped by Zhao Zheng… At this moment, Zhao Zhun had already returned to the Jixian Hall to handle state affairs, and the other officials had long since exited.

Apart from the guards on either side, no one else was present.

Zhao Xu, having his way blocked, was not angered. His face still bore the usual calm and warmth. He turned to Zhao Zheng and, in a gentle tone, asked, “Zheng, did you stop me because you have something to say?”

Zhao Zheng found Zhao Xu’s demeanor especially irksome. In terms of literature, he considered himself no less skilled than Zhao Xu, and in terms of martial prowess, Zhao Xu was even weaker. Zhao Xu was born with advantages—his noble birth and esteemed maternal family had granted him everything from the start. What could Zhao Xu have that compared to him?

Yet this brother, whom he despised, had managed to achieve something great this time… From the third-rank deputy governor to a position like this? Who didn’t know that Zhao Zheng had always intended to place his own trusted subordinates in such roles? Even their father had turned a blind eye to it, but now Zhao Xu had beaten him to it. Not only that, but with Lu Qihuai’s support, Zhao Xu had gained a loyal ally, who would surely be grateful in the future.

At this thought, Zhao Zheng’s face darkened, and his tone became slightly cold. “Brother, you are truly impressive. I had thought you were only interested in poetry and painting, paying no attention to worldly affairs.” He sneered, “But I never expected you to be clever enough to achieve two goals with one move.”

Zhao Xu listened to the anger in his words but merely smiled faintly.

He lowered his eyes to adjust the folds of his sleeves and then looked up at Zhao Zheng. “If it weren’t with Father’s approval, would I dare to bring up such matters in the court?” With these words, he withdrew his hand, seeing Zhao Zheng furrow his brows in contemplation. Zhao Xu didn’t continue the conversation and said, “I still need to deliver the edict, so I won’t trouble you further.”

With that, Zhao Xu turned and walked out, not bothering with Zhao Zheng any longer.

Zhao Zheng, however, did not stop him. He merely watched Zhao Xu’s retreating figure, his brows furrowed deeply, his face filled with contemplation. Could it be that this was only their father’s will? He had always trusted his own judgment and never interfered with his decisions, but why had he been caught off guard by Zhao Xu’s swift action in such an important matter? Zhao Zheng looked back at the palace. Beneath the sunlight, it gleamed even more brightly than usual—this was everything he had ever desired. But today, his heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand.

What exactly did Father intend to do?

—-

The weather was clear today.

Shen Wei had just finished a meeting with the steward and was now sipping a cup of flower tea.

This tea had been prepared by her servants, with honey added, giving it a sweet and rich flavor. After taking a sip, she turned to Mo Qi and asked, “How is Xuan Yue doing?”

Mo Qi responded respectfully, “I visited the eldest young master as you instructed. Compared to a few days ago, his health has improved quite a bit. He is now able to walk around the courtyard, but…” She paused slightly before continuing, “His hand still hasn’t healed.”

Hearing this, Shen Wei furrowed her brows slightly.

Lu Qihuai had narrowly escaped death in the tiger’s den. It was already a miracle that he had recovered so quickly, and his hand would need more time to heal. She thought for a moment before saying, “Tell the people attending to the eldest young master to be extra cautious these days. They must take good care of him and make sure nothing happens to him again.”

Mo Qi quickly acknowledged her instructions.

As the two of them were talking, a voice from outside announced softly, “Madam, the old madam sent word. The crown prince has arrived and has already been welcomed into the Dacheng Zhai.”