Chapter 24: Premeditated?

The front courtyard of the Regent’s Estate was not far from the Golden Courtyard. It took but a short walk, the time to drink a cup of tea, to get there.

Ji Yucang stepped out of the Golden Courtyard and followed the covered corridor to the front courtyard.

Several young men stood on the veranda outside the study. Among them were a young martial general in black armor, a noble young minister in a luxurious purple robe, a modest and introverted youth, and a middle-aged strategist in his thirties.

They were chatting idly when they saw the Regent approaching from afar. They immediately fell silent and knelt in unison to pay their respects.

Ling Feng, the personal bodyguard, pushed open the door to the study and then bowed and stepped aside.

Ji Yucang entered the study, and the others rose silently and followed him in.

The Prime Minister, clad in a dignified purple robe, stepped forward first and presented two memorials to him: “These were delivered half an hour ago. The Prefect of Jizhou, Mr. Chen, has reported that there was a month of continuous heavy rain this summer, almost all the crops were flooded, and the harvest this year is expected to be less than thirty percent of previous years. Mr. Chen requests a reduction in taxes to help the people of Jizhou get through the autumn and winter.”

He paused, “The second memorial was sent by the King of the South. He wishes to marry Princess Pingyao and requests the Emperor’s permission for the marriage.”

Ji Yucang opened the first memorial and glanced at it, his tone indifferent: “What is the actual situation in Jizhou?”

“A spy reported last month that the Kingdom of Yong has enjoyed good weather this year, with excessive summer rain only in Liangzhou, Nanjun, and Xilin, but the overall situation is not severe.” Yan Qingchen replied, his eyes downcast, providing a detailed and precise answer to the Regent’s question, his intelligence accurate, his words cautious, not daring to be the slightest bit vague, “Even Xiwai, which has suffered from disasters year after year, managed to save this year’s harvest by timely flood control measures.”

Before Ji Yucang became the Regent, he had already raised a group of elite spies, numbering in the hundreds, each with their own duties. Some were responsible for gathering intelligence on the battlefield, keeping abreast of the movements of various countries, while others were tasked with inspecting the territories of the Kingdom of Yong on behalf of the Regent.

Yan Qingchen, whom Ji Yucang had promoted to Left Prime Minister, was currently in charge of overseeing the spies who inspected the various regions.

“So, Chen Hanshan falsely reported the disaster?”

“Yes.” Yan Qingchen nodded, “I have investigated and found that this year should be a bountiful year for Jizhou.”

Ji Yucang said nothing, merely writing the word “Approved” on the memorial.

“Send a few men to keep a close eye on Jizhou.”

“Yes.”

“There’s no need to respond to the King of the South’s memorial.” Ji Yucang said calmly. “The year is coming to an end, and he needs to come to the capital to report on his duties. Let him discuss any requests in person.”

Yan Qingchen nodded. “Yes.”

After the Left Prime Minister had finished his report, the Right Prime Minister, Xie Tinglan, stepped forward and presented a memorial: “Nan Dynasty has sent a document by express courier, expressing their desire to form a marital alliance with the Kingdom of Yong. They specifically wish to marry their princess to the Regent.”

Nan Dynasty?

Ji Yucang’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing across them, his voice stern: “What is the current situation in Nan Dynasty?”

“In the past few years, thanks to their esteemed princess, internal strife has been quelled, and the border has been relatively stable. However, after a decade of warfare, many of the capable military generals in the court have been killed or wounded, with few left.” Xie Tinglan, who was in charge of diplomatic etiquette, had a good understanding of the situations in various countries, “After that princess met with misfortune, Western Zhou Dynasty has begun to make a comeback. Nan Dynasty has suffered four consecutive defeats and lost three cities. The Nan Dynasty Emperor is eager to seek help from a powerful nation.”

General Chu Yunxiao, clad in a black robe, frowned: “Nan Dynasty’s national strength is waning, there’s no value in a marriage alliance.”

“Who says there’s no value in a marriage alliance?” Ji Yucang glanced at him. “If Western Zhou Dynasty takes over all of Nan Dynasty’s territory, they will become a neighboring country of the Great Yong Kingdom. In twenty years, they will be strong enough to pose a threat to us.”

Chu Yunxiao hesitated, then argued: “Western Zhou Dynasty lacks resources. Even if they swallow up Nan Dynasty, they will struggle to govern it. Twenty years should not be enough for them to grow strong enough to rival the Great Yong Kingdom.”

Due to its harsh geographical conditions, Western Zhou Dynasty is adept at training cavalry and accustomed to banditry. They invade other countries to acquire wealth and land.

However, it is impossible for them to govern a country well.

Firstly, there are few wise ministers skilled in managing territory, and secondly, they are accustomed to barbaric methods, making civilized governance policies unsuitable for them. As Nan Dynasty’s national strength declines, it will only drag down the combat effectiveness of Western Zhou Dynasty, causing their military forces to be dispersed, resulting in a loss rather than a gain.

In Chu Yunxiao’s view, if the rulers and nobles of Western Zhou Dynasty were wise, seizing a few prosperous cities from Nan Dynasty would be sufficient. As long as they plunder the wealth and land from a few cities, it would be enough to alleviate the economic pressure on Western Zhou Dynasty.

Overindulgence would lead to indigestion.

Ji Yucang’s voice was indifferent: “If I were to desire Nan Dynasty’s territory, do you think a marriage alliance would be worth it?”

Chu Yunxiao was taken aback. “Your Highness means…”

“Send them a reply,” Ji Yucang did not acknowledge Chu Yunxiao’s reaction and instructed Xie Tinglan directly, “If they wish for a marital alliance, I want to see their sincerity. The two legitimate princesses of Nan Dynasty, ten key ministers of the court, are to come to the Kingdom of Yong to discuss the marriage alliance in person.”

Xie Tinglan nodded. “Yes.”

Chu Yunxiao’s brows furrowed slightly, and he exchanged a discreet glance with Yan Qingchen, somewhat puzzled by Ji Yucang’s intentions.

The young Emperor would be taking direct control of the government next year, and the Empress Dowager and her son viewed the Regent as a thorn in their side, eagerly rallying the powerful ministers in the court to have the strength to contend with the Regent after the Emperor took power.

The Regent’s efforts should be focused on court politics, holding onto real power, making the young Emperor hesitant to act rashly even after taking direct control. At this moment, forming a marriage alliance with Nan Dynasty, or even contemplating war with them, wouldn’t he be spreading himself too thin?

“Have the two prime ministers finished reporting official matters?” Song Sihan, the Minister of Rites, who had been standing behind them, stepped forward, “I have something to report.”

Yan Qingchen and Xie Tinglan moved aside in unison. “Please, Minister Song.”

“Does Your Highness know that the eldest son of the Qin family, Qin Yanshu, is to marry Princess Pingyao?” Song Sihan asked respectfully, “The Emperor summoned me yesterday to discuss the arrangements for the princess’s marriage and asked me to prepare in advance.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the study fell silent.

Everyone inadvertently thought of the Regent’s newlywed wife, Shen Ning, the eldest daughter of the Shen family, Qin Yanshu’s former fiancée.

Was the Emperor’s intention to marry Princess Pingyao to Qin Yanshu premeditated, or was it a spontaneous decision?

If it was premeditated, then Shen Ning’s accident at the mountain in the suburbs… was it deliberate or an accident?

Yan Qingchen pondered, “It seems they’ve all set their sights on the mysterious Golden Armored Guards under the princess’s command.”

Princess Pingyao, the eldest daughter of the late Emperor, whose given name was Ji Mingxi, was the current Emperor’s eldest sister and was already twenty-three years old, yet to be married.

Her birth mother was the late Concubine Sheng, the late Emperor’s favorite woman. The late Emperor’s love for them knew no bounds, making Princess Pingyao the only princess with the title of ‘Grand Princess’ among the current princesses.

Even the Empress Dowager’s daughter, Princess Jiahe, did not receive such honor.

After the late Emperor’s passing and the young Emperor’s ascension to the throne, the Empress Dowager had twice requested the Emperor to confer the title of Grand Princess upon Princess Jiahe, but both times were rejected by the Regent, leaving her feeling resentful to this day.

Due to the fact that Concubine Sheng had no sons, the late Emperor was concerned that Princess Pingyao might be bullied. Before his passing, he bestowed upon her a unit of Golden Armored Guards for her protection.

No one knew the exact number of these guards, some said there were five thousand, others said two thousand, and some claimed there were only five hundred.

This unit of Golden Armored Guards was not required to go to battle and did not have to obey imperial orders, they were solely responsible for protecting Princess Pingyao. However, it was clear that both the Empress Dowager and the Qin family believed that these guards possessed mysterious and formidable skills, capable not only of protecting Princess Pingyao but also the Emperor.

If used effectively, they might even be able to purge the court of disloyal elements, instill awe in the imperial court, and help the Emperor consolidate his rule over the kingdom.

Therefore, Qin Yanshu’s desire to form a marriage alliance with Princess Pingyao was obvious in its intent.