"Farewell, ladies." As soon as Zhang Rang finished speaking, the small bed at the feet of the women was moved away, the white clothes fluttering in the air, all of them dead with their necks slit. Zhang Rang turned his back and closed his eyes in unbearable pain.
Within a few days, without a sound, the palace had changed completely.
Inside the carriage leaving the palace, Song Yansi lifted a thick, dark-colored curtain with a single finger. From afar, the dark gray palaces, with their blue bricks and gray tiles, looked like tombstones in a cemetery, embedded in this vast land, imprisoning countless lonely souls who could not break free.
It was already late when he returned to the Marquis of Anguo's residence. Jiang Yuan had finished her meal and was holding Cheng Yu on the couch, telling him stories. The room was heated by the underfloor heating. The underfloor heating seemed to be burning very hot. She slightly pushed open the doors and windows. Cheng Yu, wearing a white floral jacket, rolled around on the couch. Occasionally, when he heard something funny, he would squint his eyes and snuggle into Jiang Yuan's arms. Although it was the dead of winter, her smile was as radiant as peach blossoms in the third day. She reached out and pinched her son's chubby little face, laughing and playing with him.
Song Yansi stood there at the door. Zhu Chuan, carrying freshly boiled water, hurried over. When he saw Song Yansi, he was startled, and then called out, "Master."
Turning his head, he glared at Luo Nuan and Bi Fan, who were serving inside the room. Only then did the two servants realize that Song Yansi had returned and that they hadn't even seen him. They quickly stepped forward and curtsied.
"Daddy!" Cheng Yu hadn't seen him for several days and missed him terribly. Her little head immediately popped out of Jiang Yuan's arms, and she stretched out her arms for Song Yansi to hold her.
"You're back." Jiang Yuan gave her a look, and Luo Nuan went forward to hug Cheng Yu. She quickly walked to Song Yansi's side, the brocade on her body felt slightly cool to the touch. She took his hand and pulled him into the house.
Zhu Chuan quickly poured him freshly boiled water. The clear water was steaming with white mist, and the tea leaves were splashed around by the boiling water, releasing a rich aroma.
Song Yansi was about to reach out and touch Cheng Yu's head, but then he was afraid that his cold body would chill him, so he just tapped the tip of his nose and said, "Yu'er, have you been a good boy at home?"
"Hmm." He wasn't wearing shoes, but stayed obediently in Luo Nuan's arms, raising his little head with a hint of pride, "Yu'er has learned several poems and essays."
“Then I’ll recite it to Father tomorrow morning,” Song Yansi said with a smile, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Seeing the weariness on his face, Jiang Yuan knew that he hadn't rested well these days, so she asked Luo Nuan and the others to carry Cheng Yu to bed.
The door was gently closed, and Jiang Yuan picked out a warm garment for Song Yansi to change into. As she untied his belt, she thought about how to start the conversation. Li Sheng died in the palace in this life, which was very different from being forced to abdicate in his previous life, but Song Yansi must have been involved in it. The memorial she had read was probably fueling the flames.
“A-Yuan.” Song Yansi grasped her hand. “He’s dead.”
"Yes." Jiang Yuan nodded. "Everyone must die eventually."
“I’ve been by his side since I was a teenager. In the early years, he was indeed very kind to me, but later he began to doubt and guard against me. I can’t just sit and wait for my doom.” Song Yanji lowered his eyes, concealing all his emotions.
“I understand…” Jiang Yuan comforted him, but before she could finish, Song Yansi interrupted her.
“Sijun is dead too.” He stared at Jiang Yuan’s pale fingertips, carefully stroking them.
Jiang Yuan was lost in thought for a moment as she listened to his words. Before she could even look up at him, Song Yansi pulled her into his arms. He rested his chin on her shoulder and asked in a low voice, "Yuan, will you stay with me until the end?"
Song Yanji's breath brushed against her ear, and Jiang Yuan gently patted his back. She had never known he was such an insecure person. She thought of the year he was ordered to war, on horseback, he held her hand and said to her, "I will definitely reach the position second only to the emperor, above all others, and make sure no one dares to look down on you." Back then, Song Yanji was proud and confident, dazzlingly bright, making her feel ashamed of herself.
Then, everything changed.
He truly rose to a position of power above all others, yet he never relinquished his position to anyone, while she and he drifted apart like strangers.
"Yes, I will." Jiang Yuan heard her own voice.
That night, Song Yansi did not sleep well. The sounds of clashing weapons, neighing warhorses, and shouts of battle echoed in his ears.
“I’ll give him one last chance.” He stared at Xu An for a long time before finally putting pen to paper and writing Jiang Zhongsi’s name on the letter. “If his troops don’t arrive in ten days, then I will order Wang Yuancheng to mobilize his forces.”
“General, I disagree with this! If Jiang Zhongsi doesn’t act, we might not be able to hold out until General Wang comes to our aid.” Xu An shook his head.
"If that's really the case, then he and I will have no face left to each other."
During his journey to the northern desert, he was attacked midway, and Li Sheng cut off his reinforcements. He then sent a secret letter to Jiang Zhongsi. Sishui is so close to the northern desert! Yet he delayed sending troops to its aid until Wang Yuancheng showed signs of trouble. The march of dozens of miles was fraught with heavy losses. Because of his one wrong decision, countless brave and courageous men were buried on that land.
He suddenly opened his eyes and saw the lightly draped gauze curtains. Jiang Yuan was sleeping soundly against him, and Song Yansi stared at the bed curtains in front of him without blinking.
On the 18th day of the first lunar month, heavy snow falls. It is auspicious for offering sacrifices, making repairs, and traveling, but inauspicious for weddings.
When the new emperor ascended the throne, Li Jing wore a newly made twelve-patterned ceremonial robe. He was not yet four years old, and the thick clothes weighed down his thin body, making it difficult for him to take a step.
The main hall stands in the center of the entire Imperial Ancestral Temple complex, with eleven bays in width and four bays in depth, and a double-eaved hip roof. It has a triple white marble Sumeru-style platform, surrounded by stone railings. The beams and pillars inside the hall are covered with sandalwood. Li Jing, with his short legs and heavy robes, walked up step by step amidst the kneeling worship of hundreds of people, tears welling up in his eyes.
His mother said that if he couldn't reach the top, she would abandon him.
The emperor ascended the throne and offered sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The emperor and empress were honored as the Holy and Compassionate Empress Dowager, and Consort Bai was called the Western Empress Dowager. Because the Holy and Compassionate Empress Dowager was seriously ill, the Western Empress Dowager led the concubines in the palace to wear ceremonial robes and wait in the palace.
Su Tiao was still hidden in her sleeve. The Empress Dowager sat on the phoenix throne, with two imperial edicts without seals in front of her. The white jade seal was right in front of her, and all the maids in the palace were sent out of the palace.
One document was sent by Xie Taifu: "The Xie family has a daughter, beautiful in appearance, graceful in demeanor, and renowned for her conduct. She is deserving of honor and favor, and is suitable to be made empress." The Empress Dowager bit her lip hard as she read the last part. An imperial edict appointing her empress—it didn't even include the woman's name!
The other one was delivered by Song Yansi…
Empress Dowager Cixi was torn between her inner turmoil and her own conscience. After a while, she finally affixed her seal to both imperial edicts.
On the first day of his ascension to the throne, Li Jing issued his first imperial edict, which he read aloud in front of all his ministers.
In accordance with Heaven's will and the times, and by this clear mandate, Marquis Anguo, with his humble and diligent approach to governance and his dedication to serving the people, has achieved great things for the world. This is truly due to the trust and support of his ministers. Therefore, the position of Grand Marshal has been specially established to appoint him as a high-ranking official, to assist in the administration of the state. I hereby bestow upon him this imperial edict, and further commend his outstanding achievements, in order to fulfill my wishes. Respectfully yours.
As the imperial decree was about to be issued, an uproar erupted in the court. The Southern Liang Dynasty had abolished the Grand Marshal and established the Three Dukes for a hundred years, and now that they were being re-established, it was inevitable that people would have many suspicions.
Everyone in the court was shrewd and perceptive, but Grand Tutor Xie simply stood silently on the left.
A moment later, the Grand Master of Ceremonies stepped forward and knelt in the hall, speaking first, "The Southern Liang Dynasty has established the Three Dukes and abolished the Grand Marshal a hundred years ago. Now, if they are reinstated, what will become of their official rank? This position must not be re-established without the court's approval."
“Lord Duan, you are mistaken.” Zhang Jijiu stepped forward. “His Majesty’s decree has made it clear that the rank of Grand Duke is naturally above the Three Dukes. Back then, Emperor Jingzun dismissed the Grand Marshal because of the treacherous ministers who were causing trouble in the court. The Grand Marshal was exonerated many years later. Now that His Majesty is still young, it is necessary to reinstate this position so that he can jointly manage the government with the Three Dukes and the Three Masters.”
"Your Excellency..."
In the imperial court, several officials exchanged words. Empress Dowager Xi sat at the back of the hall listening, her fingers gradually tightening. If Grand Tutor Xie were to become too powerful, and she had no maternal clan to support her, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although she did not trust Song Yanji, she still understood the meaning of checks and balances.
"What are we arguing about?" Song Yansi said slowly with a half-smile. "The imperial edict has been issued. Does His Majesty expect to be forced to retract it on the very first day of his reign?"
He glanced at the three dukes who remained unmoved and sneered, "Something that even the three of you don't seem to care about is being deliberately magnified by irrelevant people. I wonder what their intentions are. Could it be that they are taking advantage of His Majesty's youth?"
“The Marquis of Anguo is right.” After Song Yansi finished speaking, Grand Tutor Xie took a half step forward to express his opinion. He stroked his white beard and said with a smile, “I should be called Grand Marshal. The new emperor’s ascension to the throne is a great joy. As court officials, we must not let this cause any disharmony. In the future, we should work together to share the burdens and difficulties of the new emperor.”
Empress Dowager Cixi listened to the commotion in the front hall. Only when the argument subsided did she feel a little relieved. Then she put her hands together and murmured: "May the Bodhisattva protect us, and may Jing'er grow up safely even as the two tigers fight."
Chapter 62 A Talent for Governing the World
Song Yanji's years of effort had not been in vain. Upon assuming the position of Grand Marshal, he immediately seized the tiger tally of Shuobei. General Fang Gu'an of Nanping was Xie Taifu's direct disciple, and Song Yanji could neither touch nor would touch that territory. Thus, the north and south were clearly separated. The troops in the capital were all in Xie Taifu's hands, so Song Yanji did not need them. When he returned in triumph, he led his troops into Lin'an, and controlling only that portion of the troops was sufficient for him.
Having lived an extra lifetime, he naturally knew who was useful and who was not, who could be used and who could be killed. His several secret exchanges with Grand Tutor Xie truly surprised many people.
"I thought he was just a reckless fool, but I never expected him to have such talent for governing the world," Xie Jiali wrote after reading the book in his hand.
"Never raise a tiger to cause trouble." Grand Tutor Xie leaned back in his armchair, stroking the armrest with one hand. "Years ago, he came to Lin'an alone, and even Han Ci couldn't kill him. I knew then that he was not an easy opponent. But I never expected that a merchant's son would have such a big appetite."
With Li Sheng dead, Song Yanji’s political ambitions were gradually exposed. Xie Jiali sneered, “With such shallow foundation and family connections, he dares to compete with my father. But…” He looked at the composed Grand Tutor Xie and added in a low voice, “I’m afraid that old fox Jiang Zhongsi will help him.”
"Hahaha, these days, have you seen Jiang Zhongsi say a single word for him in court?" Xie Shengping seemed to have heard something ridiculous, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkled into a smile. "The more power Song Yansi holds, the more uneasy he becomes. You know, that old fox of a man is sometimes so cunning that even I can't catch him red-handed. How could he be so stupid as to marry his daughter to Song Yansi?"
Xie Shengping thought of Song Yansi's proposal to marry him before the emperor, and the smile lines at the corners of his eyes slowly relaxed. Of all the people to marry, why did he have to marry a girl from the Jiang family? Was he really unaware of the situation, or was he doing it on purpose? "Song Yansi, Song Yansi, what exactly are you up to?"
Xie Jiali grew increasingly suspicious as he listened to his father's inexplicable remarks.
At this moment, Song Yansi was lying on Jiang Yuan's lap, his small hand gently pressing on her temples again and again.
"What's wrong?" Jiang Yuan asked, noticing his slightly furrowed brow. "Are you troubled by matters of the court again?"
"Hmm." Song Yansi propped himself up and sat sideways on the couch. The tangerines on the table emitted a faint fruity fragrance. He reached out, picked up a tangerine, and slowly peeled it in his hand.
After peeling the orange, he carefully removed the white pith, broke off a segment, and put it into Jiang Yuan's mouth. She bit into the orange, and after swallowing the segment, she said, "Do you want to tell me?"
In their past life, he was emperor and she was empress; they never discussed these things between them.
"Most of those who rely on me are new officials whose foundations are not very stable." Song Yansi fed her another segment of orange. He needed more senior elders to help him occasionally. Although he had other methods, using them would be disheartening. For now, he could only proceed slowly.
Hmm… Jiang Yuan understood. So that’s what he was worried about. Killing the old and bringing in the new. She remembered that in her previous life, Song Yanji didn’t leave much face for those people. However, his situation back then was indeed much more dangerous than it is now, and the history after he became emperor was really not a pleasant one.
Jiang Yuan narrowed her eyes slightly, and a beautiful smile appeared on her lips. She did have a neutral candidate who only respected the emperor, but she couldn't put all her people in Song Yanji's hands. "Could you find a way to promote Wen Tianyu to Fengche Duwei and arrange for him to work under my father?"
"Wen Tianyu." Song Yanji knew this person. He was the son-in-law of Grand Minister Chen Shoulan. He was not very talented. In his previous life, Chen Shoulan treated him mediocrely and let him do nothing but serve as an outsider.
However, seeing Jiang Yuan's narrowed eyes, he figured she probably knew something he had overlooked, but she was too scared of him in her past life to tell him directly now. "Okay."
Song Yanji, through intermediaries, placed Wen Tianyu under Jiang Zhongsi's command. Jiang Zhongsi and Grand Tutor Xie both couldn't understand this move. Jiang Yuan only sent a few letters to Jiang Zhongsi, asking his father to select a few tricky tasks for him to handle.
"Don't be impatient." Jiang Yuan nestled into Song Yansi's arms, letting him hold her.
Sure enough, less than ten days later, Grand Minister Chen Shoulan intercepted Song Yanji's carriage on his way to court, saying, "Grand Marshal, would you be willing to have a chat with me?"
The sky cleared, and as soon as Song Yansi finished court, he declined all banquet invitations. Even on his way back to his residence, he was thinking about it. As soon as the carriage stopped, he quickly stepped into the courtyard.
Jiang Yuan was currently in the house with Rong An, teasing Cheng Yu about reciting his lessons. Seeing that he had returned so early today, she knew that things had probably progressed. She raised an eyebrow, adopting a proud and confident demeanor, and asked, "It's done?"
Song Yansi nodded, and with a wink, Rong'an took the reluctant Chengyu's hand and left the courtyard with Zhu Chuan and Zhang Xiang.
"Speak."
"What did you say?" Jiang Yuan poured a cup of tea and held it in her hands with a smile.
"How did you know?" He sounded quite pleased.
"I won't tell you," Jiang Yuan said in a coquettish voice, putting on airs.
"Really not going to tell?" Song Yansi leaned forward, lifted her chin, traced her lips with his fingers, gently pressed them, and finally lowered his head to kiss her. Jiang Yuan was startled by his sudden action and almost dropped the teacup in her hand.
"You don't have to tell me, then let's do something else." He snatched the cup from her hand and placed it aside, then swept her up in his arms.
"Let go, it's daytime." Jiang Yuan wrapped her arms around Song Yansi's neck, kicking her legs wildly, and pleaded, "Okay, okay, put me down, I'll talk! I'll talk, alright!"
"It's too late." Jiang Yuan was carried to the bed by him. She hurriedly got up, but before she could even stand up, Song Yanji raised her hands above her head. "Master doesn't want to hear it now."
As he spoke, he reached into her clothes. The room was very hot, and Jiang Yuan, who was playing with Cheng Yu, was afraid of the heat, so she didn't wear many clothes. After taking off two pieces, she was left with only her undergarments.
Song Yansi leaned down and pecked Jiang Yuan's face, then kissed her slender neck and rounded shoulders. His waist moved slightly, causing Jiang Yuan to let out a soft cry. Soon her face turned red, her eyes became watery, and even her breathing became uneven.
She tilted her head slightly, but Song Yansi pinched her chin and pulled it back. "A-Yuan, look at me." Jiang Yuan's mind was a complete mess. Her beautiful eyes were half-closed. The man's movements were very slow and gentle. She reached out and put her arms around his neck. "Zhongli brother."
Her lips were sealed by a kiss, and Song Yansi pried open her pearly teeth, his tongue conquering her mouth.
"What did you call me?"
"My husband."
"Anything else?"
“Brother Zhongli.”
When Jiang Yuan woke up again, the sun was already high in the sky. Song Yansi lowered his head and gently rubbed the top of her head with his chin. "Awake?"
"Hmph." Jiang Yuan pulled the blanket up, feeling quite refreshed, probably because she had been cleaned up. She buried her face in the quilt, "How embarrassing!"
After a while, when there was no sound around, Jiang Yuan curiously moved her little head out, only to meet Song Yansi's smiling eyes.
How embarrassing… Jiang Yuan was even more unhappy. She raised her wrist, but before she could cover her eyes, Song Yanji interrupted her, kissing the back of her hand. “Go on, I want to hear it now!”
Otherwise, Jiang Yuan saw his gaze linger on her collarbone for a moment, and as he leaned in to pull the blanket over her again, she quickly reached out and braced herself against his chest, "I'll talk, I'll talk."
If she were to ask for water in broad daylight, wouldn't she lose face?