Chapter 47

No one knew when Xie Hengzhi had entered the room.

He stood there silently, without making the slightest sound.

If Yiling hadn’t caught sight of his figure in the bronze mirror just in time…

“L-Lord?” Mama Cao and Mallow were just as startled as Yiling. Their minds seemed to freeze, and as they turned around in a daze, their eyes rolled back, nearly fainting.

Under the ghost-struck gazes of the three, Xie Hengzhi stepped forward into the room.

His expression betrayed no clear emotion, leaving no hint of what he might be thinking. As he passed by Mama Cao and Mallow, he didn’t spare them a glance. Instead, he waved his hand decisively, motioning for them to leave.

Mallow, as if escaping death, immediately pulled the trembling-legged Mama Cao.

Mama Cao, however, was reluctant to leave, glancing back at Yiling with every step.

Once the two had left, only Yiling’s rapid breathing remained in the room.

The moment before, she had just confirmed that the true object of Shang’s affections was Hu Yanqi, not Xie Hengzhi. Her long-held understanding had been completely overturned in an instant, with no time to process the shock, and now she had to face Xie Hengzhi’s scrutiny head-on.

How could she possibly have time to think carefully? She only knew that if she wanted to survive, she must not go to Hu Ba.

So, before Xie Hengzhi could speak, she straightened her back, putting on an expression of resolute determination.

Who would have thought that Xie Hengzhi would merely glance at her lightly, not even pausing in his stride, as he walked directly to the wardrobe, pulling out a clean set of clothes?

Then he turned his back to Yiling and reached out to undo the belt at his waist.

The court robe he wore was stained with a large patch of tea. He took it off and carelessly tossed it aside before calmly putting on the fresh set of clothes he had taken out. His movements were unhurried and deliberate.

Yiling, who had been watching him change for quite some time, was utterly confused.

What did this mean? How much had he overheard? Why was there no reaction at all?

Sensing Yiling’s gaze, Xie Hengzhi finally turned to look at her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

That smile made Yiling’s spirit completely deflate.

Mockery.

He was mocking the string of flattery she had hastily improvised earlier!

Yet he seemed uninterested in questioning her further.

Unlike the imposing aura he had displayed last night, he didn’t even seem inclined to demand an explanation from Yiling.

This left her feeling increasingly uncertain. What was he planning?

She stood up, leaning against the vanity, watching Xie Hengzhi’s back with guarded eyes.

When he had finished dressing and calmly fastened his belt, he walked out without looking back.

Yiling froze for a moment before asking anxiously, “Where are you going?”

Xie Hengzhi stopped in his tracks, adjusted his hairpiece with one hand, then turned to look at her, his gaze direct.

“The Emperor is hosting a banquet tonight in the Suitong Palace for the second son of the King of Hu Ba. Naturally, I’m going to attend.”

A banquet for the second son of the King of Hu Ba at this moment…
Yiling didn’t even know what she was thinking as she asked, “My wedding banquet?”

“If you choose to interpret it that way,” Xie Hengzhi replied, his tone calm, even tinged with a hint of teasing, “then so be it.”

Was it really a foregone conclusion?

Yiling nearly collapsed, staggering as she grabbed onto the vanity for support.

Seeing her dazed expression, Xie Hengzhi took a step closer. “What’s this? Overjoyed?”

Overwhelmed, yes, but not with joy.

But what could she do? It was clear that Xie Hengzhi believed she was eager to reunite with that Hu Ba man. She had no way to explain herself; should she tell him she wasn’t actually Shang?

If she did, she might avoid going to Hu Ba, but she’d probably end up in a temple having Taoist priests cast spells on her for three days and nights.

Forcing herself to stay calm, Yiling clenched her teeth and nodded.

“If you dare send me to Hu Ba—”

Xie Hengzhi raised an eyebrow, curious to hear what she would say.

But what could she say? Even in calm moments, she couldn’t come up with a solution. Now, in her panic, her mind was a complete blank. Without thinking, she blurted, “I’ll ruin your reputation! I’ll make the whole world know you’re impotent!”

Xie Hengzhi: “…”

At that moment, Li Chun, who had come to urge Xie Hengzhi to enter the palace, happened to approach the door and heard this furious shout. Startled, he stumbled back three steps, falling to the ground and scrambling away.

The commotion was audible to both people inside the room.

Yiling’s face turned bright red with embarrassment, but Xie Hengzhi remained as composed as an outsider, narrowing his eyes at her with his lips pressed tightly together.

Was it possible that even this couldn’t threaten him?

As Yiling was reeling from Xie Hengzhi’s shamelessness, she heard him say, “A mere tarnished reputation is nothing. Compared to the benefits of being granted a noble title by the Emperor, it’s hardly worth mentioning.”

With that, Xie Hengzhi turned and left.

Only Yiling was left sitting weakly in front of the vanity, despair filling her heart.

The benifits of the King.

Xie Hengzhi had risen to become the fastest-promoted top scholar since the founding of Great Liang through unscrupulous means. With the promise of such benefits, how could he resist the temptation?

And yet, he made it seem so righteous, as if it were Yiling herself who wanted to marry, while he appeared to be magnanimously granting her wish.

No.

Staring into the bronze mirror, her breath heavy and uneven, Yiling’s heart trembled.

She could not go to Hu Ba. She couldn’t sit idly by and wait for her fate.

The palace corridors were long and silent, the snow on the ground blending with the sky, making it seem endless.

Xie Hengzhi walked slower than the palace servants passing by, his steps unhurried, as if strolling leisurely in the most prestigious place under heaven.

On the way to Suitong Palace, one had to pass through Yunjiang Pavilion. As Xie Hengzhi entered, he saw someone standing ahead, seemingly waiting for him.

He stared for a moment before quickening his pace to approach.

“It’s so cold. Why is the queen standing here?”

He then bows respectfully.

Shen Shufang looked at Xie Hengzhi, who lowered his head humbly, and said coldly, “This palace does not deserve Lord Xie’s courtesy.”

Xie Hengzhi’s expression remained unchanged. “Hierarchy must be observed. The queen is mistaken.”

Seeing his feigned ignorance, Shen Shufang grew angry.

She had always disliked Xie Hengzhi, feeling he was unworthy of Shang Yiling’s devotion. After returning to the palace and learning about the events at Taiyi Palace, Shen Shufang thought even less of him.

The Emperor had merely hinted at a noble title and hadn’t issued an official decree. Yet Xie Hengzhi had already agreed to send his legitimate wife away without even pretending otherwise.

And Shang Yiling still liked him so much? Her devotion was entirely wasted!

“How am I mistaken?” Shen Shufang sneered. “Lord Xie, who can even give away his wife to someone else, must be the reincarnation of Guanyin. It’s only right that I bow to you instead.”

Xie Hengzhi still maintained his calm demeanor, as if he couldn’t hear Shen Shufang scolding him.

“I dare not, Your Majesty.”

“Why wouldn’t you dare, Lord Xie?”

Shen Shufang had the eyes of a dragon and the brow of a phoenix. When her expression was calm, she looked majestic and graceful, but when she mocked someone, those sharp eyes could be cutting and cruel.

“I have seen much, but I have never seen anyone offer their wife for personal gain. Lord Xie, perhaps you should take a few more wives and concubines.

You could offer them up one by one, and surely it would ensure your success and wealth. Why trouble yourself every day? Aren’t you afraid of tiring yourself out?”

Xie Hengzhi raised his eyes, intending to say something, but when he saw Shen Shufang’s angry expression, he decided not to provoke her.

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

At that moment, the voice of the Crown Prince suddenly came from behind.

“Shufang? Jin Xuan?” The Crown Prince approached quickly, surveying the two of them. “What are you doing here?”

Shen Shufang was annoyed at the sight of anyone.

These men, one and all, were no good.

Facing Xie Hengzhi, who appeared impervious to everything, she glared at him and walked away angrily.

As she passed the Crown Prince, she seemed to think he was in her way and shot him an annoyed glance.

The Crown Prince received the unwarranted glare and turned to ask Xie Hengzhi, “What happened?”

“We met by chance on the road,” Xie Hengzhi said. “Her Majesty, out of concern, greeted me.”

Greeted?

The atmosphere hardly felt like a greeting.

But now was not the time to discuss this.

“As soon as I returned to the palace today, I heard Zhou Ge Lao mention the events of today. Did you truly agree to Father’s command?” the Crown Prince asked.

Xie Hengzhi answered calmly, “The Emperor is the ruler, and as a subject, I naturally follow His Majesty’s wishes.”

The Crown Prince didn’t say anything further but glanced at Xie Hengzhi.

The wind was blowing all around, kicking up snow and dust, obscuring their vision.

The two of them walked toward Suitong Palace in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

Inside Suitong Palace.

Except for the Emperor, all the ministers and secretaries of the six ministries were already present, gathered in small groups, whispering to each other.

When they saw the Crown Prince and Xie Hengzhi enter together, they immediately fell silent, glancing around awkwardly.

Occasionally, they would sneak a glance at Xie Hengzhi, their hearts filled with curiosity, but none of them dared to ask.

Did he really just send his wife away like that?

Although the ministers present had all been involved to some extent, the deed was done, and they felt that the cost of this action was too great.

Even if he is made a prince later, what does it matter? A man of stature having to sacrifice his wife for personal gain that will surely go down in history, won’t it?

Even Zhou Ge Lao kept his distance, not daring to approach Xie Hengzhi.

Xie Hengzhi sat at the back of the hall, silent and unreadable, and no one could tell what mood he was in.

Was he pleased with the prospect of being made a prince, or was he humiliated by his wife’s impending remarriage?

Perhaps it was both. No one knew the truth.

In any case, the strange banquet began as the night descended.

Delicious dishes were set out on the tables, and the singing girls and dancers were already waiting behind the hall.

Everyone began to look around, wondering when Hu Yanqi would arrive.

Though his guesthouse was far at the border of the capital, it shouldn’t be this late, right? Surely they wouldn’t have to wait for him along with the Emperor?

As the doubts spread, Hu Yanqi’s figure finally appeared at the door.

The curious onlookers quickly turned their attention away and sat upright.

Great Liang was a nation of etiquette, but with Xie Hengzhi sitting there, no one knew whether they should greet Hu Yanqi. They all decided to pretend not to see him and kept their attention fixed ahead.

Hu Yanqi stepped into Suitong Palace and was met with this scene.

But he wasn’t bothered in the slightest; if anything, his smug expression only grew more obvious.

After entering, he first glanced at Xie Hengzhi, then walked straight up to the Crown Prince, greeting him with a peculiar gesture of their own.

After the Crown Prince nodded, Hu Yanqi walked toward Xie Hengzhi and cupped his hands. “I hear Lord Xie is about to be promoted. I offer my congratulations in advance.”

Feeling the Crown Prince’s gaze, Xie Hengzhi smiled faintly. “His Majesty’s decree has not been issued yet, Prince Hu Yanqi. Your congratulations are premature.”

Hu Yanqi narrowed his eyes slightly.

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that there was something hidden in Xie Hengzhi’s words.

Before he could think further, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly grew tense, and everyone stood in unison.

The Emperor had arrived.

Everyone’s expressions changed as they stood up, eager to show their respect.

The Emperor sat down amidst the welcoming voices and looked down, seeing that Xie Hengzhi had returned home to change into a clean outfit for the banquet. He couldn’t help but feel satisfied.

“All ministers, please be seated,” the Emperor gestured. “Today, Prince Hu Yanqi has come from afar, and I am pleased. I have set this feast to celebrate the peaceful relations between our kingdom and the Hu Ba; let us drink and rejoice together!”

The Emperor’s enthusiasm was already high, and before the wine was even served, the atmosphere had reached a peak, with everyone offering their polite words, pushing the mood even higher.

Only Xie Hengzhi, even while drinking, looked absent-minded and unhappy.

The Emperor glanced at him but didn’t press the matter.

People are not without emotions. It had already been rumored in the capital that Xie Hengzhi and his wife, the Shang family, were very close, almost inseparable.

Now, suddenly having to send his wife to another man, even with all the benefits at stake, it was understandable that he might not be able to smile and feel happy.

Others felt the same.

Thus, throughout the banquet, Xie Hengzhi could feel the occasional stares directed at him as people subtly scrutinized his mood.

Especially Hu Yanqi, who seemed to be constantly wary of Xie Hengzhi, always watching his every move.

By the time the wine had been passed three times, the grand banquet was nearing its end.

Xie Hengzhi remained unmoved, and everyone present knew that the matter had been settled.

The eight instruments in the hall played in harmony, with the singers and dancers dressed in elaborate robes and makeup, swaying gracefully, mesmerizing everyone.

Among them, the one most overjoyed was Hu Yanqi, who was intoxicated by the wine.

He raised his wine cup and walked up to the Emperor, his heart surging with excitement as he said, “I have already prepared enough provisions and horses. We are only waiting for Your Majesty’s command, and the Hu Ba warriors will definitely do their utmost to assist Great Liang in flattening Beiyou!”

The Emperor immediately turned to Xie Hengzhi and asked, “Jin Xuan, when do you think it would be best to begin the Northern Expedition?”

Xie Hengzhi stood up, lowering his gaze as he respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, I believe that with the year-end approaching, it is not advisable to go to war at this time, as it would cause the people to be unsettled.”

The Emperor did not respond immediately. Seeing this, Hu Yanqi took the initiative to speak, “Lord Xie, you are mistaken. It is precisely because the year-end is approaching that we should launch the Northern Expedition to rally the people’s spirits. If we allow Beiyou to continue invading Great Liang without punishment, how can the people have peace during the New Year?”

Xie Hengzhi furrowed his brow, a hint of anger evident in his eyes.

“Great Liang has always valued peace. Even if we must go on the Northern Expedition, we must have a just cause. We cannot simply launch a large-scale attack because of minor skirmishes like the one at Chiqiu. That would be beneath the dignity of a great nation.”

At this point, everyone in the room could see that Xie Hengzhi was likely reluctant and was deliberately delaying the Northern Expedition.

Thus, everyone acted as if they were quail, not daring to intervene.

Even the Crown Prince only looked at Xie Hengzhi with a serious expression.

“Minor skirmishes?”

Only Hu Yanqi turned to smile at Xie Hengzhi.

He already understood the Emperor’s intentions, and now he just needed someone like him to speak out.

“So, Lord Xie thinks that Beiyou’s massacre of Great Liang’s citizens is just a minor skirmish? Truly an eye-opening opinion.”

At this, the Emperor still leaned back in his chair, holding his wine cup in one hand, his eyes lowered and silent, yet his attitude was clear.

Xie Hengzhi turned his head to glance at him, paused for a moment, and then said, “If we begin the Northern Expedition, the costs in resources and manpower will be enormous. If it is just over a few lives lost at Chiqiu, it seems an overreaction.”

Hu Yanqi walked toward Xie Hengzhi with a smile.

“I’ve always heard that Lord Xie is diligent and cares for the people. I didn’t expect that Lord Xie would think the massacre of Great Liang’s citizens by Beiyou was a trivial matter. May I ask, what kind of matter does Lord Xie consider important? Is the slaughter of thirty-four lives in Chiqiu not a big deal?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Xie Hengzhi suddenly looked up, his gaze fierce.

It wasn’t just him. The Crown Prince and the ministers also raised their heads, glaring at Hu Yanqi with stern expressions.

Hu Yanqi felt the change in the atmosphere, and before he could react, the Emperor’s face darkened, and he slammed his wine cup onto the table.

Even the musicians in the corner sensed the dangerous atmosphere and quickly waved their hands to signal their people. The music and singing ceased abruptly, and the singers and dancers swiftly exited Suitong Palace, holding their instruments and skirts.

In an instant, the hall, which had been filled with music and dance just moments before, became eerily quiet.

Even though Hu Yanqi was unaware of the sudden change, he knew something was terribly wrong.

He turned around and met the Emperor’s cold gaze.

“Prince Hu Yan, how did you come to know—” the Emperor asked, his voice cold and deliberate. “That Beiyou slaughtered thirty-four citizens of Great Liang?”

With the Emperor’s question, the entire room became even more silent.

It was indeed true that Beiyou had slaughtered thirty-four civilians during their invasion of the Chiqiu border, but the Emperor, though furious, had kept the news sealed, only reporting that five or six people had died.

Except for the ministers present, no one in Great Liang knew the truth.

How did a Hu Ba man know the exact number of thirty-four?

Unless, of course, he was involved in the incident himself!

Hu Yanqi thought for a moment, his face turning pale as he realized that he had been trapped.

Since entering the capital yesterday to propose an alliance, he had not received a clear response. So today, he had his subordinates secretly inquire about the situation between Great Liang and Beiyou, trying to gauge the Emperor’s intentions.

However, his subordinates had failed to obtain any concrete information, only overhearing two officials discussing the slaughter of thirty-four lives at Chiqiu.

He had never expected this to be a closely guarded secret in Great Liang.

Seeing Hu Yanqi’s change in expression, the Crown Prince suddenly stood up, angrily demanding, “How did Prince Hu Yanqi come to know this?”

He had always been in favor of peace and could not stand the warmongering attitude of the pro-war faction.

Today, seeing Hu Yanqi pressuring for an immediate Northern Expedition, the Crown Prince had reached his limit.

“This is a state secret. If Prince Hu Yan does not give a reasonable explanation, our court will have no choice but to suspect that this is a plot by the Hu Ba to sow discord with malicious intent!”

“Absolutely not!” Hu Yanqi immediately shouted in protest.

“If not,” the Emperor stood up, hands behind his back, looking down at Hu Yanqi, “then how did you come to know?”

At this moment, the Hu Ba had only sought an alliance for the purpose of launching a Northern Expedition, with the only reward being a woman.

Although his words were sincere, the Emperor still had his doubts in his heart.

However, the benefits of expanding territory had momentarily clouded his judgment. With Hu Yanqi revealing his true intentions, not only did the Emperor sense malicious intent, but he also felt he had been played, which was intolerable.

Under the watchful eyes of dozens of pairs of eyes, Hu Yanqi realized he had no way to explain.

Should he tell the Emperor that he had secretly sent people to investigate Great Liang’s state secrets?

The consequences of that would be as bad as, if not worse than, being suspected of deliberately sowing discord between Great Liang and Beiyou. It would make people even more wary of his true intentions.

No.

He must have been set up.

He…

Suddenly, Hu Yanqi turned and glared at Xie Hengzhi.

It must have been this man’s doing!

Damn him; now he was stuck with no way out. He had no choice but to accept this silent loss.

“Can’t you say it?”

Seeing him glaring at Xie Hengzhi, the Crown Prince suddenly stepped forward and stood in front of Hu Yanqi. “I have always been puzzled as to why Hu Ba would offer the entire country’s help to the Northern Expedition of Great Liang. How could his demand only be for a woman?

Now it seems, Prince Hu Yanqi is quite calculating, using the guise of educating Hu Ba to try to make us let our guard down.”

Knowing he had no defense, Hu Yanqi smiled and slowly turned his gaze toward the Crown Prince.

“Your Highness thinks that what I seek is just a woman? The people of the Central Plains have always looked down upon us, Hu Ba, and I doubt you ever considered that the talented woman you so pride yourselves on in Great Liang, Shang Yiling, had already—”

Before he could finish speaking, a wine cup suddenly flew across and accurately smashed into his face.

With a “bang,” the wine cup hit the ground, water splashing everywhere.

Blood quickly seeped from the corner of Hu Yanqi’s mouth. He raised his head and saw Xie Hengzhi staring at him coldly.

“Prince Hu Yanqi has sinister intentions and even attempts to slander my wife. You truly don’t take Great Liang seriously.”