Schemes
Proofreader/Editor: Nene Yashiro

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The woman seated at the head of the table in Duanyang Palace wore lavish garments, a golden hairpin symbolizing power shimmering with a golden glow. Her well-maintained complexion showed little sign of age, and her elongated phoenix eyes gleamed with shrewd calculations. Kneeling on the cold, smooth floor below her was a person weeping inconsolably.

“Mother, if you don’t intervene to save Zhang Yuan, he will undoubtedly die. Mother, can you bear to see your daughter widowed at such a young age? I beg you!”

The person kneeling was Princess Yucheng, Han Bi, her makeup a mess from crying, and the pride she usually held was entirely absent.

The Empress Dowager gestured to a nearby maid to help her up, but Princess Yucheng stubbornly refused to rise.

“Even if you kneel here until you wear out the stones of my Duanyang Palace, this matter is beyond redemption; the situation is already settled, and you must accept your fate!” The Empress Dowager placed her hand on a nearby jade Ruyi and gently stroked it.

Princess Yucheng stood up and shouted, “Mother, Zhang Yuan has offered you so much tribute. He is so filial and loyal to you, always putting your interests first. Can’t you save him for the sake of the past? I truly do not want to be a widow!”

The Empress Dowager found Princess Yucheng to be utterly useless; she couldn’t even manage her husband and now caused such a scene in her palace. Everyone could see that this situation was a foregone conclusion. If she intervened further, she would gain nothing and might even incur the charge of interfering in the harem’s affairs. She was the last person willing to sacrifice her own interests, even for her daughter.

“Yucheng, you are a royal princess. You should understand the helplessness of being born into a royal family. When your personal interests conflict with the interests of the royal family, you must choose the lesser of two evils. This principle has been instilled in you since childhood. Do you still not understand?” The Empress Dowager scolded her, feeling exasperated.

She recalled the news she had just learned from her spies in the previous dynasty, and another wave of discomfort washed over her. She pointed at Han Bi and said, “Your husband secretly raised a concubine in your household! What kind of man is he? You are a princess, a noblewoman of the imperial family, yet you tolerate a lowly maid being tyrannical in your palace? You truly bring shame to the royal family!”

The Empress Dowager flicked her sleeve, clearly angered by this news. Had it not been for her informants in the previous dynasty, she would have been the last to know about such a scandal.

Princess Yucheng cried without dignity, recalling the grandeur of her wedding years ago, with a procession of ten miles and a crowd of well-wishers, only to find herself in such a ridiculous and tragic situation.

“Mother, you know Zhang Yuan is a good man. He is capable and talented; he is someone destined for greatness. How could he not run afoul of the law? Please ask my brother to spare him! He can work for my brother like a servant in return!”

The Empress Dowager was so angered that she nearly toppled over, pointing at her nose and saying, “How can you not understand? Times have changed! If your second brother were the emperor, I could still help you, but this is your elder brother’s realm. His allowing me to retain my position as Empress Dowager is already showing him mercy. How can I go and plead with him? You are being too naïve!”

The maid quickly helped the Empress Dowager sit down and advised, “Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. The princess is just confused and will come to understand in time.”

“I doubt she will ever understand!”

The Empress Dowager glanced at her, her face filled with unwillingness and resentment, resembling the expression she had years ago when she saw Empress Jia Yi. Back then, she too had felt discontent, thinking she was no less than Jia Yi in terms of family background and character. After Jia Yi’s death, she finally had the opportunity to wear the phoenix crown.

However, her son also perished in the endless struggles. She had won against Jia Yi but had completely lost to her son.

But Han Bi was not her; Han Zhen had long since taken wing. She could only survive in the harem, too afraid to give him advice about governing.

“Mother, can you truly bear to see your daughter become a widow? Zhang Yuan may have no title or official position, but he cannot die! If he dies, everyone will mock me, and I will become a laughingstock!” Han Bi stepped forward and grasped the hem of the Empress Dowager’s dress, pleading earnestly.

Years ago, Zhang Yuan’s request to marry the second princess Han Bi had already become a well-known story, and the relationship between Princess Yucheng and Zhang Yuan was considered legendary.

Yet today, she was being asked to suppress her grief over losing her husband. How could she endure the disparity between their past and present?

Seeing her daughter’s distress, the Empress Dowager softened her tone, saying, “Bi’er, you also know that Zhang Yuan is harming the interests of the Later Qin. He is losing face for the royal family. If you give him up, others will only commend you for sacrificing family for justice. If you remain stubborn, won’t it bring shame to your brother?”

“He’s ashamed? Ha! When he was dealing with Zhang Yuan, did he ever think that I would lose face? He deserves it!” Princess Yucheng retorted angrily.

“Shut your mouth! Do you want to end up in prison with Zhang Yuan? Don’t blame me for not protecting you then. Your brother only cares about the empire. Gu Zhenguan is a cautionary tale. Can you compare to him? He was executed for treason, and do you think you hold more weight in your brother’s heart than he did? The outcome of threatening the throne and the kingdom is always the same. As a royal princess, you should understand this by now.”

The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, feeling a chill at the thought of Han Zhan’s ruthlessness. Seeing Han Bi look frightened and speechless stirred her compassion.

Indeed, back then, how deep was the bond between the Emperor and Gu Zhenguan? Yet when their interests clashed, it was cut cleanly. Even after years of being invaded in the palace, she had to be subdued by the emperor’s cruel resolve.

Seeing Princess Yucheng rendered speechless from fear, she stood up to help her, gently patting her hand, “As a princess, you should understand your mission. You enjoy a privileged status and position that others will never have, and you must pay the corresponding price. Only when a Han sits upon the throne can you be a true princess. During a change of dynasty, you and I are but prisoners.”

“Do not blame your mother for being heartless. In comparison to this world and your own interests, you must first protect the Han family’s empire. I am the Empress Dowager, and you are the princess among countless phoenixes!”
Han Bi had completely lost hope. Her elder brother was no longer the indulgent Han Jihong, the one she could charm and tease; now he was Han Zhen, who cared only for the empire. She had always feared this elder brother.

In her youth, she had been jealous of Gu Zhenguan, who was able to walk so closely with Han Zhen, resenting Gu Zhenguan for capturing everyone’s attention, including their father’s.

At this moment, as she stepped out of Duanyang Palace and squinted at the glaring sun, she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. What did it matter if she had once been the envy of the capital? What did it matter if she had been the center of attention? Now, she was just a remnant soul. And yet, she, this unappreciated princess, was still alive in this world, still able to see the sunlight of tomorrow.

Gu Zhenguan, let your elder brother wait in the underworld; what he owes you will eventually be repaid by him.

Tang Jiwei sneezed violently, not knowing who was speaking of him. It had been happening frequently lately; if it continued, he’d probably end up drinking with the barefoot doctor nearby.

“Brother, Big brother, where are you?”

Tang De was the first to arrive, and when Tang Jiwei set down his brush, which he had just used to copy a painting by Zheng Daozi, he saw Tang De bouncing in.

“What’s the rush?” Tang Jiwei asked.

Madam Xiao walked in from the courtyard and frowned at Tang De’s clumsy appearance. She scolded him, saying he wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything acting so foolishly. Tang De scratched his head, noticing that his aunt seemed to be increasingly in the mood to lecture him, so he hurriedly pushed her out.

“Brother, I really have something important to discuss with you. I won’t bother you with any trivial matters,” Tang De insisted, dragging a chair over and sitting in front of Tang Jiwei.

Tang Jiwei nodded and replied, “Thank you. What serious matter do you have?”

“Brother, can you lend me thirty taels of silver?” Tang De stared at him intently.

Tang Jiwei tapped his forehead with the brush and chuckled, “So your ‘serious matter’ is that you’re short on cash?”

“Yeah, yeah! Brother, please lend it to me!”

Tang Jiwei rolled up the painting and started walking toward the door. “Not lending!”

Tang De panicked. He had thought his brother would be straightforward and hand over the money without a second thought, but it was completely different from what he had imagined.

Tang De immediately chased after him, clinging to Tang Jiwei’s arm like a persistent pest.

“You need to tell me what you’re planning to do with it. Thirty taels isn’t a small amount; it’s enough to support a family for a year. If you’re using it to flaunt wealth or get scammed, wouldn’t I be harming you? That would harm my money too!”

Tang Jiwei stopped and looked at Tang De, realizing he didn’t seem to be speaking from an irrational mindset. His money wasn’t easy to come by, and it wouldn’t be handed over so easily.

Tang De clung to Tang Jiwei’s arm and explained, “My friends and I want to partner up to open an inn. I’ll invest the majority, and they’ll put in a smaller amount. I only have a little over ten taels, which isn’t enough!”

Tang Jiwei asked, “Why are you investing the majority?”

“Because it was my idea! After observing the business, I found that opening an inn is the only way I can earn some money to marry. I’ve found a prime location with lots of passing travelers; there will surely be people needing a place to stay. Brother, just think of it as investing in my business!” Tang De said with a mischievous grin.

Tang Jiwei turned to leave, but Tang De shouted, “Aunt, help!” trying to keep him from going.

Madam Xiao, who was sweeping in the courtyard, raised her head and said, “Calling for your aunt won’t help. Your brother is the head of the household; the money is in his hands, and I don’t have a single coin.”

Tang De despondently said to Tang’s mother, “Why doesn’t my mother give me all the money? My brother is too extravagant!”

Madam Xiao didn’t bother with him. When Tang De turned around, he found that Tang Jiwei had already disappeared, and he hurriedly chased after him.

The manager of Xiangrui Zhai treated Tang Jiwei as a guest of honor. Although the works he was copying hadn’t been recognized yet, and their prices hadn’t risen, the manager secretly kept a few pieces. If Tang Jiwei were to soar in the future, those pieces could fetch a high price, perhaps becoming rare treasures.

“You’re here! Thank you for your hard work. Little two, go get the wages!” The manager welcomed Tang Jiwei in politely.

“Don’t be so formal. I’m still the same person; it doesn’t make a difference. Just relax,” Tang Jiwei said, noticing the manager seemed a bit restless.

“It’s not that I’m being formal; I’m just worried that once you pass the exams, my little shop will face hard times! Of course, I must congratulate you on topping the preliminary examinations; congratulations!” The manager clasped his hands in greeting.

Tang Jiwei knew the manager’s thoughts well. Merchants were often slippery; although he had never engaged in trade, he had seen countless people. How could he not understand the manager’s ulterior motives?

“Don’t worry; if I do well in the future, I’ll be sure to lend a hand occasionally, but I really can’t accept the money,” Tang Jiwei said.

The manager admired his integrity. This person was truly boundless in potential, and today’s assistance would surely bring blessings in the future. He immediately presented several authentic masterpieces, noting that money was too crude, while calligraphy and paintings were much more refined.

“This is too much. You’ve helped me during my difficulties; how can I accept such valuable things?” Tang Jiwei declined.

The manager smiled and said, “You must be laughing at me for being a profit-seeking merchant, right? I won’t beat around the bush. Tang, you’re an honest person, so I’ll be straightforward. I genuinely admire your talent and wish to associate with you, but I, Li Jiming, don’t just associate with anyone. We’re forming this bond based on mutual benefit. I believe you have limitless potential, but I’m not asking for your help; I just want to make a friend. If I ever need assistance in the future, I won’t decline. What do you think?”

Tang Jiwei raised an eyebrow, stood up, and clasped his hands, saying, “I would rather follow your wishes; I’ll recognize you, Brother Li, as a friend.”

“Ha ha, good, good!” Li Jiming clapped his hands in delight, presenting three pieces of artwork. “Since we’re friends, don’t be polite. We’ve met; I, Li Jiming, will indulge in the arts for once.”

After thanking him, Tang Jiwei left with the three pieces. As soon as he stepped out, he saw Tang De squatting at the entrance. Tang Jiwei kicked him in the backside, causing Tang De to stumble.
“Brother, what are you doing?”

Tang Jiwei replied, “I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you squatting here to attract wealth for people?”

Tang De made a pained expression, frowning darkly. “Brother, I’m almost sixteen now. You’re successful, so of course, you can’t understand the feelings of someone like me, a street thug. I’m an adult too! Mother and Father are always praising you in my ears. I’m a man; I want to support my family through my own efforts. Can’t you help me out just this once?”

Tang Jiwei pondered for a moment, holding the painting. “Lead the way; I need to see what kind of treasure you’re making me spend so much silver on!”

Tang De’s eyes lit up instantly. He quickly dropped his sulky demeanor, jumping up to serve his brother, explaining as they walked.

“God of Wealth, here we go! Let’s open an inn!”

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The author has something to say: By the request of the beloved concubine downstairs, here’s another update~

With deep feelings, the author hopes the concubines also… you know what I mean【sends a flirty wink~】