J'ai passé mon bras autour de la taille fine de l'homme fort

Chapitre 33

I immediately thought of Ouyang Xiu's matter and suddenly understood, but I still had a question: "But the Empress does not usually discuss politics, so how did Xia Song know about it while he was away?"

"Does she have to discuss politics to see her attitude?" Mr. Zhang said. "Every move she makes is watched by everyone. If she glances at someone's spring couple's invitation a few more times, it will be quickly spread outside the palace."

After a moment's thought, Mr. Zhang told me, "She read Su Shunqin's poems, appreciated Ouyang Xiu's lyrics, admired Cai Xiang's calligraphy, and when she heard that Fan Zhongyan had written 'The Yueyang Tower,' she ordered someone to find it for her to read... Moreover, the daughter of Du Yan, the future wife of Su Shunqin, was originally her close friend before she got married."

(to be continued)

The Lonely City Closes (The Princess Who Fell in Love with a Eunuch) The waters of the Canglang River Wash My Tassels 25. My Wish

Chapter word count: 4579 Update time: 08-09-13 15:38

25. Wish

Considering the cause and effect, I couldn't help but sigh: "I originally thought that Xia Song's move was just to curry favor with Consort Zhang and gain the merit of supporting her as emperor, but I never expected that the reasons behind it were so complicated."

"The deposition and establishment of the empress is a matter of national importance, and has never been a matter for the imperial family..." Mr. Zhang slowly unfolded the decree of deposition that I had returned to him, and asked me, "Do you know why Empress Guo was deposed?"

I answered with the established opinion in the palace: "Because she was vying for the emperor's favor with the other concubines."

Mr. Zhang nodded: "Offending the emperor in the struggle for favor is merely a minor trigger. According to the custom of the dynasty, when the emperor makes a decision concerning the empress, he must first consult with the chief ministers. If the chief ministers disagree, it is difficult for the emperor to make a decision on his own."

For the first time, I realized that this story of the deposed empress, which I had heard so many times before, had a deeper background: "So, it was Lord Lü..."

"That's right, she offended the then-Prime Minister Lü Yijian." Mr. Zhang recounted the past, "In the second year of the Mingdao era, Empress Dowager Zhangxian passed away. After eleven years of her regency, the current emperor finally assumed personal rule. The current emperor then discussed with Lü Yijian the need to dismiss all of the Empress Dowager's supporters. Lü Yijian also offered advice and drafted a list of ministers to be dismissed. When the current emperor returned to the palace, he told Empress Guo about this. Empress Guo asked him in return, 'Is it only Yijian who doesn't support the Empress Dowager? It's just that he's clever, resourceful, and knows how to get along with both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, so he managed to get by.' So the current emperor decided to dismiss Lü Yijian as well. The next day, Lü Yijian was in court listening to the eunuchs announce the dismissed officials when he suddenly heard his own name called out. He was very shocked, but he didn't know..." The reason. He had a long-standing relationship with Yan Wenying, who was well-known in the inner court. After hearing Yan Wenying's explanation, he became dissatisfied with Empress Guo. Only half a year later, the current emperor reinstated him as prime minister. Later, the current emperor complained to him about the empress's jealousy regarding the matter of choosing a concubine. He and Yan Wenying then said some things that fueled the flames, and Empress Guo was subsequently deposed... Now, Xia Song's situation is similar to Lü Yijian's. With an empress who sympathizes with the ministers of the new policies by the emperor's side, he can't help but worry. Moreover, he is colluding with Yang Huaimin, and it's possible that Yang Huaimin has fabricated something about the empress to him... In addition, according to the child serving in the Privy Council, the day after the suppression of the rebellion, the officials of the Privy Council praised the empress for her composure and decisive command the previous night. Only Xia Song smiled dryly and said, "The empress has the demeanor of Empress Zhang Xian behind the curtain."

I understood the implication: "He is not only afraid that the Empress is interfering in politics now, but also that she will follow suit in the future, rule from behind the curtain, and heavily rely on the ministers who have implemented the new policies?"

Mr. Zhang looked at me and said, "Be careful what you say... His Majesty is in good health now."

I was startled and quickly lowered my head, remaining silent.

Mr. Zhang continued, “What you just said about Xia Song’s intention to secretly curry favor with Consort Zhang is also a reason. Consort Zhang used Granny Jia to win over Xia Song and Wang Zhi, giving them many gifts. Xia and Wang are inherently greedy and also wary of the Empress, so the two sides hit it off immediately.”

As I reflected on the events, I became increasingly alarmed: "After the suppression of the bandits, Xia Song firmly opposed having the Censorate handle the case outside the city, and Yang Huaimin even killed the last bandit to silence him... Perhaps, he also ordered the killing of the first three bandits that night... Could it be that this whole incident was orchestrated by Xia Song?"

“He had that motive,” Mr. Zhang said. “Even that maid in the Empress’s chambers might have been seduced by someone he instructed to gain a reason to destabilize the Empress’s palace… In my opinion, the Empress realized at the time that she had been framed, so she insisted on killing Shuangyu. Otherwise, a woman who is easily seduced is inherently weak-willed, and with training, what confession wouldn’t she give?”

"I see..." With my doubts explained, I was finally able to pull some clues out of the tangled mess of the case.

Mr. Zhang sighed sadly and said, "But this is just my guess, and I have no evidence to present to the authorities."

“His Majesty is wise and sees through Ouyang Xiu’s case very clearly. He certainly won’t wrong the Empress. Besides, there are also Minister Chen and others speaking up for the Empress…” I wanted to reassure Mr. Zhang, but when I mentioned Chen Zhizhong, another question suddenly arose. “However, why do you think Minister Chen will definitely speak up for the Empress? As far as I know, he does not belong to the New Policies faction.”

“Of course, he opposed the new policies,” Mr. Zhang replied. “But he disliked Xia Song even more.”

He continued to explain to me: "When Xia Song was guarding the western frontier, the current emperor appointed Chen Zhizhong as the Pacification and Military Commissioner of Shaanxi. However, Chen Zhizhong and Xia Song disagreed on matters and eventually became bitter enemies, each submitting a memorial to the court requesting to resign. The current emperor had previously recalled Xia Song, intending to appoint him as prime minister, placing him on the same level as Chen Zhizhong. However, many remonstrating officials and censors said that the two had a long-standing feud and should not be allowed to work together, so he was instead appointed as the Privy Councilor. Therefore, if Xia Song were to plot to change the empress's position, Chen Zhizhong would certainly not stand idly by."

I immediately realized that although Chen Zhizhong opposed the new policies, he was always honest and self-disciplined, so it wasn't hard to understand why he disliked Xia Song. I had previously heard the current emperor praise Chen Zhizhong to the princess for his loyalty and for not abusing his power for personal gain. He mentioned that his son-in-law had asked him for an official position, to which Chen Zhizhong replied, "An official position belongs to the state, not to be kept in a bedroom. How can I give it to my son-in-law so casually!" The current emperor greatly appreciated this, so even though the remonstrating officials repeatedly advised that Chen Zhizhong was unlearned and incompetent, not fit to be prime minister, the current emperor still insisted on appointing him as prime minister, but told the ministers, "Zhizhong will not deceive me." If he were to offer advice, the current emperor would certainly consider it carefully.

Thinking of He Tan, I followed up with Mr. Zhang, "Then what about Censor He? What grudge did he have against Xia Song?"

"It wasn't that he had a personal grudge against Xia Song, but rather that he was consistently upright and outspoken, and had even defended Shi Jie against false accusations." Mr. Zhang further discussed He Tan's past: "Last year, Xia Song wanted to further frame Fu Bi, so he slandered Shi Jie, saying that Shi Jie was not dead, but had faked his death at Fu Bi's behest, secretly going to the Khitan to plot a rebellion, with Fu Bi acting as an inside agent. He even suggested opening Shi Jie's coffin to verify this. At the time, the censors dared not say much, but He Tan vehemently defended Shi Jie before the Emperor and criticized Xia Song's sinister intentions... In addition, seeing his discussion of Yang Huaimin's matter this time, I think he is as clear-headed as a mirror and must know the truth of the matter, which is why I dared to place my hopes on him."

“And Scholar Zhang…” I asked again.

Mr. Zhang chuckled, "Back when you were my student, you weren't as diligent and inquisitive as you are now." Seeing my ashamed expression, he stopped joking and continued to explain, "Scholar Zhang Fangping also supported the implementation of the new policies back then, but he wasn't deeply involved, which is why he wasn't framed. Therefore, he is also a potential supporter of the Empress. If the Emperor decides to lock the Imperial Academy to draft the edict, whether it's to depose or install the Empress or to honor Consort Zhang, he will definitely be the first to offer his advice."

Years later, when I was taught by Mr. Zhang again, I nodded frequently as I listened, and couldn't help but ask, "What about Liang Shi? Why didn't he agree with Xia Song's decision?"

Instead of answering directly, Mr. Zhang asked me, "Let me ask you this: I did not instruct you to show the imperial edict to Liang Shi, so why did you unfold the edict when he was present?"

I told him what I was thinking at the time: "I've heard people say that since the beginning of the dynasty, the Privy Councilor and the Deputy Privy Councilor have often been at odds. For example, during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, Kou Zhun and Wang Sizong, Wang Qinruo and Ma Zhijie, were all like this..."

Mr. Zhang nodded and said, "Since you already know, why ask me?"

I was taken aback at first, then we looked at each other and smiled.

The final outcome of the night did not affect our good mood at that moment. A short while later, a palace attendant came from Erying Pavilion and informed Mr. Zhang that "Minister Chen, Envoy Liang, and Censor He have just left Erying Pavilion. It is already late, the palace gates are closed, and it is inconvenient for them to leave the palace. They will be staying at Hanyuan tonight. Please make a brief record at the Inner East Gate."

Mr. Zhang agreed, then casually asked, "When they go to Hanyuan, does the courtyard need to be locked?"

The eunuch replied, "No need. I am merely staying at the Hanyuan Academy and will not be drafting any edicts."

The next morning, Qiuhe came to see me, looking lost in thought, her eyes still wet with tears, but with a smile on her lips.

“Huaiji, I just went to the Funing Palace to see the Emperor…” she said. “He told me that he never actually intended to change the Empress.”

I was naturally delighted to receive this clear answer, but I also noticed Qiu's strange expression and became deeply suspicious of how she had found out the truth from the Emperor. So I asked her, "How did you ask him? Why did he tell you this so frankly?"

Qiuhe tried to keep a smile on her face and slowly told me, "I brought up the promise I made back then and asked him to fulfill my wish. He asked what it was, and I said that my wish was to see the Empress by the Emperor's side forever."

"Ah..." I find it hard to describe my feelings at that moment. Although I can completely understand her good intentions and believe she made the right choice, I can't help but feel sorry for her. "What about your wish? You've given up your true wish just like that?"

She shook her head and said sadly, "Let's talk about it later... Let me think about it, don't ask me again..."

She turned and walked quietly towards the door, looking absent-minded. When she reached the door, she seemed to remember something, turned back again, and hesitated before saying, "Later, the Emperor asked me to pass on a message to Mr. Zhang, but I don't know if I should say it."

"Oh, what is it?" I asked.

"He said: 'Tell Zhang Maoze that you have been traveling for days and have worked hard.'" Qiu He recounted, adding: "When he said this, his expression was very calm, not like he was angry, but there was no smile either."

Now I finally understand why His Majesty dislikes Mr. Zhang. After much hesitation, I finally relayed this message to him on behalf of Qiuhe. Mr. Zhang remained calm, showing none of the fear that ordinary people would feel upon hearing a warning from the emperor. He simply replied with three words: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Seeing my surprise, he raised the corner of his lips slightly: "Do you think I'm shameless for not going to bow down and apologize?"

I couldn't answer and simply shook my head. I admired his composure; if it were anyone else, hearing the Emperor's words, would they still dare to remain in the palace?

He looked at me silently for a long time, then suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question: "Do you know how Empress Guo died?"