Un joven errante

Capítulo 54

Perhaps I should do something.

Night. Silence reigns.

Out of sheer boredom, I climbed over to Li Jiu's dilapidated house again.

When I slipped over the wall, I was somewhat surprised to see Shao Shao there so late. After recovering from his illness, he seemed like a different person, becoming calm and reserved. This teenager had begun to analyze the current situation with composure and clarity. He clearly understood the crisis they faced, unlike some pedantic and useless scholar-officials who only knew how to flatter the Holy Dynasty on its strength and inviolability.

"Mom, you're here." Seeing me, Shao Shao's usually serious expression brightened.

Upon seeing him, I said softly, "Long time no see."

Li Jiu nodded slightly: "Yes. Long time no see."

Then everyone fell silent. I found a comfortable spot to sit and gestured for them to continue, telling them not to pay attention to me. Li Jiu then poured me some tea. They didn't try to hide it from me and continued their discussion.

I stood silently to the side for a while, sipping my tea and listening attentively to their discussion. Their analysis was quite logical and largely consistent with what I knew. However, people in this era are still somewhat constrained by their thinking, lacking a broad perspective. Nevertheless, much of what they said made a lot of sense. If they lived in modern times, I think their insights would be even more perfect. Perhaps, this crisis would be easily resolved.

For some reason, I suddenly remembered what Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, said: "I am not the one who kills people; politics is the one who kills people."

I just don't understand why those people are so fond of power, so eager for that highest position, and even resort to any means to fight for it.

Is it satisfying to steal something that doesn't belong to you, thus fueling their ambition and desire?

Finally, I took a sip of tea and casually interrupted the two who were engrossed in their conversation: "Take them down one by one."

They looked at me with suspicion. I found a comfortable position and began to explain.

Volume 3, Chapter 109: A Night Visit (Part 1)

I continued, "Open the city gates wide."

I smiled faintly, walked slowly over and sat down opposite Li Jiu, reaching out to brew myself another cup of chrysanthemum tea. The boiling water poured down, filling the smooth, crystal-clear white jade cup. Pale yellow daisies floated leisurely, slowly blooming in the water, hissing softly like the sound of a flower opening. Gradually, the tea became fuller and more lustrous.

Its color is clear and beautiful, just like my love for this night.

Moonlight streamed in through the rustic wooden window, spreading out like a silver satin, dyeing my loose hair white, dazzling and radiant.

The two of them just stared at me blankly, speechless.

I said casually, "It's all a mix of truth and falsehood. What's real isn't real, and what's fake isn't fake. Nobody can really say for sure."

"I remember someone saying that sadness, anger, hatred, resentment, doubt and confusion... hide these things, and the highest level of performance is to turn your face into a mask."

The princes who rebelled with Su Jun, except for the Eighth Prince, were all incompetent fools. They were merely opportunists, joining in the fun. Their true intention was simply to use Su Jun to subtly threaten the Emperor and the court, hoping to get their confiscated fiefdoms and property returned. To resolve this, the Emperor only needed to write two separate letters promising the promises they desired, keeping them unaware that the other had received a secret decree. If they agreed, they would have to hand over their tokens to the court, guaranteeing they had no treasonous intentions. Each with their own hidden agendas, they would certainly lose interest in rebellion; after all, they were of the Sima clan, and the country belonged to their ancestors; they naturally didn't want to give it away. Then, by spreading rumors of their participation in the rebellion, they would inevitably be stripped of their titles and ranks, and after their deaths, they wouldn't be buried in the imperial mausoleum with the rites due to princes. Coercion and inducement, layer by layer, were employed.

We can't treat the Eighth Prince the same way. He's inherently upright and loyal to the emperor, but due to his beloved wife's persistent pleas and the fact that Su Jun is his father-in-law, he was forced to join the rebellion. However, I believe he did so unwillingly, even feeling guilty towards the court. Given this mindset, we can reason with him and induce him to surrender. Su Jun's army is advancing on the capital in four routes, with the three princes' armies serving as the vanguard and slightly weaker forces. You can first open the west gate, the one the Eighth Prince is attacking, leaving the city gates wide open. He'll surely suspect a trap. Then, you can have the emperor personally meet with him and inform him that the other two princes have surrendered. He certainly won't believe it. Show him the tokens the two princes entrusted to the court. Seeing that we dared to open the city gates so wide without a single soldier, he'll definitely believe it. Moreover, his loyalty and patriotism will surely be filled with shame upon seeing the emperor, leading to victory without a fight.

Finally, only Su Jun's army remained, the strongest and most formidable of the three. However, he overlooked one crucial point. The plague had only just subsided, and the soldiers were already worried about their wives, children, and parents, eager to check on their well-being. Moreover, the court had performed many meritorious deeds in combating the plague, earning it high prestige and a strong sense of responsibility among the people. Su Jun's soldiers were all loyal to the dynasty; their wives, children, and parents had received favors from the court and Jun Jin. If, on the day they attacked Jiankang, the people and the soldiers' families were to welcome them outside the city, and with the emperor and Jun Jin making minimal appearances, and the court appearing as a righteous force, Su Jun's rebellion would lack both favorable timing, location, and popular support—victory was assured.

The two were completely dumbfounded. They never expected that a potential national catastrophe could be resolved so casually with just a few words, and so logically and flawlessly. Moreover, the concubines were usually confined to the inner palace; when had she learned of this? They hadn't seen her ask anyone or sneak out. She knew everything about the enemy.

I know they're confused. As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated." Long before I entered the palace, I had Ge Kong gather all the intelligence. The Zhuzhu, known as the world's number one assassin organization and the world's number one intelligence organization, is not to be underestimated.

Shao Shao finally asked a relatively normal question: "Mom, how did you know that Young Master Jin would appear? He is the most mysterious person in the entire martial arts world, the entire business world, and the entire continent."

I looked at him and said with a carefree grin, "You don't know your mom is a goddess? I just know." It was still my shameless answer, avoiding any further questioning.

Li Jiu gave me a deep look and said in a low voice, "Why, why didn't you tell him yourself?"

I took a sip of tea. The thing I learned most from coming to ancient times was how to drink tea. I chuckled and asked, "Did I say anything just now?" Full of innocence and confusion, I stared at them with wide, unadulterated eyes and said, "I've been drinking tea here and listening to you two talk."

The two remained impassive. Compared to my ease and humor, their expressions grew increasingly somber and complex. I hadn't expected her to be so intelligent, yet she still refused to display her talents, unwilling to attract attention. Such a woman is truly rare in this world. How could there be such a unique and reserved woman, hidden in the bustling city, content with ordinariness, magnanimous and detached, willing to blend into the masses?

The two men couldn't imagine what she would be like if she weren't a woman, but a man. If she were power-hungry and wanted to fight for it, what would this country and this continent be like?

They dared not think any further; the more they thought about it, the more terrified they became. A chill ran down their spines, and cold sweat poured down their backs.

"Alright," I stood up, patted my bottom, and said, "It's late. It's time to go back and rest. Shao Shao, you've just recovered from a serious illness, you need to rest more. You don't need to get involved in these troublesome matters."

Sima Shao nodded obediently, raised his eyebrows and smiled at me: "I know, Mom. You too."

As I reached the door, I suddenly turned around and said meaningfully, "Grand Tutor Li, Consort Liande didn't come today, did she?"

He understood and replied, "How could Consort Liande, of noble birth, condescend to my humble abode?"

I nodded and sighed softly, "Don't let him know." I turned and disappeared into the night.

Everything seemed like a dream, both real and unreal. She came, she went.

Volume 3, Chapter 110: A Night Visit (Part 2)

Lately, I don't know why, but I keep thinking about what the old priestess said to me in that cave. She took my hand and said, "The lines on our palms are deep and shallow. Some people and some things are destined to appear where these lines extend. And we are also destined to accomplish them. To do those things, to get to know those people. This is our predetermined destiny."

I don't know if I should believe in fate. I never would have, but the fact that I'm here is already a miracle. I can't help but believe.

Looking at the obvious veins in my palm, I wondered which direction my veins were extending in.

The sun was shining brightly, the sky was so clear you could see the pure blue, the clouds were thin, and the orange sunlight shone on my face and eyes. Outside the window, wild geese flew away in a straight line.

A profound silence enveloped me. Ever since Sima Rui ordered me to move out of Lengshuang Palace, those concubines banished to the Cold Palace who had families were sent back home, while those without were placed in special locations and cared for by dedicated servants. So now, Su Da and Huan Wen are on the battlefield, their fates unknown, and Xiao Quanzi has been temporarily sent back to Junjin. Only Yunying remains in the palace, but she is with Consort Wang. The vast palace, with its flowing curtains, is utterly silent, save for the sound of the wind. It's as if everything in the world has frozen in time. I stand alone in the empty hall, somewhat dazed.

I strolled to a small corner of the yard, where the tall trees and soft sunlight cast a gentle green glow on the leaves, like a green breeze, vibrant and refreshing.

I closed my eyes, basking in the warm sunlight, and felt the tranquility of the moment.

Suddenly, I raised the corners of my mouth and chuckled softly. Was this the calm before the storm? I seemed to sense a dangerous conspiracy brewing.

Alone in the palace, day and night, I began to walk barefoot, recalling memories from a long, long time ago, as if from a past life, of walking on the smooth floor of an apartment in modern times. My feet echoed lonely in the empty hall. I imagined my hand holding his fingers, the warmth of his palm like the spring sun, gently coaxing flowers to bloom throughout the city. Love would then grow in my heart, quietly and securely. His fingers must be long and slender, with distinct knuckles, like the lines of love extending into her palm. I imagined such a man, but I couldn't see his face clearly; it was shrouded in a misty haze. I couldn't see if it was him.

Sima Rui was busy dealing with the rebels, and such news was never allowed to reach the inner palace. The rule of the inner palace was that women were not allowed to discuss politics. Otherwise, they would be considered gossipy. So, while everyone in the inner palace was in danger, I lived a rather leisurely and disciplined life. In the morning, I would get up and exercise around the garden and lake, then cook some food to fill my stomach, and start painting. After lunch, I would take a nap, paint, make design drafts, sew clothes, and occasionally go out to bask in the sun.

From beginning to end, I didn't say a word. I didn't want to get into trouble for him, nor did I want to get myself into trouble, and I certainly didn't want to attract attention or be looked at like a monster. I also didn't want him to think that he couldn't do anything right, that he wasn't even as good as a woman. He has his own proud self-esteem and dignity. I didn't want to take that away from him or hurt him.

Unexpectedly, in these days of widespread anxiety, someone came to visit.

This refers to Consort Huan, whom Sima Rui always treated with a special attitude. She was Huan Wen's aunt, and a woman of quiet indifference.

I made her some chrysanthemum tea, and after we sat down, she suddenly cut to the chase: "You care about him, don't you?"

I asked in surprise, "Why do you ask that?"

She didn't speak, but just stared at me intently and said, "He cares about you. In fact, you're one of the special ones."

"One of them?" I said calmly. "Are you one of them too?"

She smiled, a smile as gentle as a drifting dandelion. "I know everyone has doubts or is curious about my relationship with him. Those women think I'm being neglected; it seems you've noticed something unusual."

I remained calm and collected.

She took a sip of tea and said, "Good tea, with a delicate and subtle fragrance. Just like you. Special, unique, intelligent, kind, and serene."

I glanced at her and said, "When it comes to detachment, no one in the palace can compare to Consort Huan."

“Hehe,” she chuckled faintly, but the smile was full of bitterness and helplessness: “If my heart is not in this palace, how can I fall in? In this harem, I am just an outsider.”

I looked at her with some confusion.

She said softly, "That happened a long time ago." She paused, and I smelled the pleasant scent of incense emanating from her—a very pleasant fragrance with a calming power. I don't know why, but I always feel like I'm listening to other people's stories, yet I'll never understand my own.

"I grew up with the Emperor. We were childhood sweethearts, innocent and carefree. We never understood the complexities of emotions and interests that would later become involved; we were simply very close. We grew up together, I considered him an older brother, and he treated me like a younger sister. However, there was never any romantic love between us. Our personalities and views were very similar; we were more like confidants. But my parents wanted me to marry him, especially after he ascended the throne. We always dismissed it as a joke. How could confidants marry? Until, not long after, he left the palace to find me, bringing with him a man—a handsome and refined young man, as pure as moonlight, a poor but talented scholar. I fell in love with him, and he fell in love with me too. But my parents refused to approve, and I was too embarrassed to ask the Emperor to bestow a marriage upon us. He believed that a man's most important task was to achieve great things, and that personal feelings should be set aside." She suddenly sighed deeply—

I watched her quietly, waiting for her to continue.

Volume 3, Chapter 111: Jin Shao Appears

Su Jun rebelled, and Grand Tutor Li offered advice, which was adopted by the Emperor, and the court decided on a strategy to repel the enemy. Several stratagems, including the Empty City Stratagem, fabricating stories, and counter-espionage, were employed to their fullest extent—all techniques from Sun Tzu's Art of War. Sure enough, not long after, the three princes led their troops to attack, and the court opened all four gates wide, with the Emperor personally welcoming the Eighth Prince.

When the Eighth Prince entered the city, he never expected to be greeted like this. It was like a banquet. The emperor sat in the center, and several ministers who had accompanied him to court were also looking at him reproachfully. Shouldn't they be preparing for war? What was going on? The Eighth Prince was at a loss.

Could it be that they have already prepared some foolproof plan? Thinking of this, the Eighth Prince broke out in a cold sweat.

Sima Rui looked at the Eighth Prince, whose face was pale and flustered, and who was even sweating profusely. Who could distinguish truth from falsehood, reality from illusion?

The emperor sternly rebuked him, "Do you remember the proper relationship between ruler and subject? Should I now remind you of the words of your childhood tutor?"

The ruler is the guiding principle of a nation. The way of the ruler is called the Way of the Ruler, which lies in manifesting one's bright virtue, loving the people, following the right path, and placing the life and death of the nation first.

A minister is one who follows the ruler. The duties of a minister are called the art of ministering. The art lies in taking the ruler's way as one's own, in loyalty, and in devoting oneself to the utmost until death.

A ruler's word is as weighty as gold, he regards his subjects as the nation's well-being, he takes integrity as his foundation, and he is sincere and truthful.

A subject's life is determined by the ruler's command; what need is there for concern about life or death?

Just as the Eighth Prince was filled with shame and almost knelt on the spot, his mental fortitude on the verge of collapse, Grand Tutor Li suddenly stepped forward and said calmly, "Eighth Prince, Third Prince, and Fourth Prince have already surrendered. Since we dared to open the city gates wide, we were well prepared for anything. In order to avoid leaving a lasting stain on history and to prevent your family from suffering unnecessary harm, you should surrender. Rebellion against the emperor is illegitimate and lacks legitimacy. Besides, everyone knows that the current emperor is diligent in his duties and loves his people, and the people live in peace and prosperity. You have no reason, and no chance of victory."

"How could this be?" The Eighth Prince was surprised and doubtful, but he still couldn't believe that his two older brothers had surrendered.

As if he had anticipated this, Grand Tutor Li gave a wink, and a eunuch who had been waiting nearby brought forward a plate. Grand Tutor Li casually lifted the red cloth covering the plate, revealing two precious jade pendants inside.

The Eighth Prince was stunned when he saw them. These two jade pendants were his two elder brothers' favorite personal items, practically representing them. The Eighth Prince gave a bitter smile. He hadn't expected them to surrender. Oh well, he had never intended to rebel; he had only participated because he couldn't resist his father-in-law's persuasion. He had never thought of usurping the throne and becoming emperor himself.

With a long sigh, as if making a firm decision, the Eighth Prince dismounted and knelt before the Emperor, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, I am willing to serve you for eternity. Please forgive me."

Seeing him surrender, the ministers present were finally able to relax and breathe a sigh of relief.

Next came the third and fourth kings. As soon as they heard that the other two had surrendered, they were so frightened that they fell off their horses and knelt before the emperor, begging for his life.

In the end, only Su Jun was left.

We're just waiting for him to use his final trick: closing the door to catch the thief.

Su Jun waited and waited in the main camp, but when he didn't receive any news from the three kings, he couldn't sit still any longer and got up to announce the attack.

But what he never expected was that when the army marched north and arrived in front of Jiankang City, this was the scene he would see.

Countless civilians, mostly the elderly, women, and children, waited anxiously at the gate. Their eyes were fixed on Su Jun's army until an old woman suddenly cried out, "My son…!" and rushed towards a young man in the enemy ranks. The young man, initially hesitant to move due to military regulations, couldn't bear to do so when he saw his worried mother crying and running towards him. He put down his spear and cried, "Mother!" Throughout the army, people worried about their wives, children, and elderly parents, fearing they might have contracted the plague. Although they had heard that the court and Jun Jin had set up clinics throughout the land offering free treatment, what was even more appreciated was that Jun Jin's Xuanwu King Qingci was practically a living Hua Tuo (a legendary Chinese physician), having found a cure for the epidemic and not profiting from it, but instead sharing it freely so that the sick could recover. Jun Jin's name, Young Master Jin, had already spread throughout the land, making him a figure of great renown. He became, after the most wanted criminal on the continent, the most respected person by the people.

Seeing that morale was about to collapse, Su Jun hurriedly ordered, "Anyone who steps forward will be dealt with according to military law." Some of the moved soldiers hesitated.

But after being spurred on by the old woman, as if encouraged, the people, like wildfire, cried out for their sons, husbands, and fathers, and rushed forward. The soldiers in the army, longing for their loved ones, could no longer hold back and abandoned their weapons to run forward.

Su Jun was immediately enraged and ordered, "Archers, fire!"

The archers obeyed the command, raised their bows, and aimed, but the next moment, they all slumped, their hands falling limply. The bows were too heavy; their hearts couldn't lift them. Among the rushing civilians were their loved ones; they couldn't shoot. Even well-trained archers' hands trembled, trembling so much they couldn't aim accurately.

Su Jun looked up and saw the emperor standing atop the high city tower, his bright yellow robes dazzling. The emperor coldly looked down at him, as if he too were looking down upon all living beings, his gaze icy and icy, as if he wanted to kill him. Su Jun couldn't help but shiver, but the next second, he couldn't help but feel indignant. He refused to believe he would fail.

On the high city wall, a young man dressed in a simple gray robe called out to him, "Su Jun, you should surrender. The three kings have already surrendered. Don't make any more mistakes. The world is not yours, and you can't take it."

Su Jun was somewhat moved, but having come this far, he wouldn't give up!

Seeing his stubbornness, Grand Tutor Li sighed, "General Su, why are you doing this? The plague has just passed, and the world has just returned to peace. It is a time for recuperation and development. Everyone hates war. Moreover, this is a usurpation of power, an act of inhumanity and injustice. Why do you refuse to listen to advice and seek your own death?"

Su Jun sneered: "Our forces are vastly different; it's still too early to tell who will win."

"Throughout the land, everyone praises His Majesty and Jun Jinjin for their righteous deeds. If they were both here, do you think these people who have benefited from their kindness would still fight? Don't forget, your soldiers are soldiers of the dynasty; their wives, children, and elderly parents are all here. Their survival is all thanks to Jun Jinjin. Don't you think they are people who repay kindness?" Grand Tutor Li's tone was icy, no longer as amiable as before. Only then did Su Jun realize how powerful this former scholar, who was usually ridiculed by his ministers and hid in a dark corner of his room, had become.

Su Jun sneered, "How do you know that Young Master Jin will come? How do you know that he will side with you?"