La vie des gens de la campagne en ville sous la dynastie Song

Chapitre 48

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky 088: Layers of Smoke and Clouds Over Bianjing

Unfortunately, I still have to go to evening class now, that darn linear algebra, and it's a retake...

Why am I so bad at math...? I really need to reflect on that!

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Autumn is the season of harvest, and at least for the Song Dynasty, this year was certainly the case.

Not long ago, they welcomed back the Third Prince who had visited the Jin Dynasty. Now, they were about to welcome back the Ninth Prince who had visited the Liao Dynasty. The Song Dynasty officials craned their necks, hoping to see what agreements they would bring back.

When Zhao Gou and his entourage arrived in Bianjing, the capital of the Song Dynasty, the Crown Prince Zhao Huan personally led a group to welcome them, his anticipation evident in his words, demonstrating the deep brotherly affection between them!

"Ninth Brother!"

As soon as Zhao Gou stepped off the carriage, Zhao Huan strode forward. It had been more than half a year since he last saw Zhao Gou, and Zhao Gou's demeanor had changed greatly. Every move he made had the air of an adult, which made Zhao Huan sigh from the bottom of his heart: "It's been half a year since I last saw you, Ninth Brother has grown up!"

"Your Majesty, you have come to pick me up personally. This is far too kind of you."

Zhao Huan didn't stand on ceremony with him and quickly took his hand, making Zhao Gou walk with him into the palace.

"You're finally back safe and sound. Don't go to that war-torn place like Liao again. Just thinking about it makes me worry. What would Empress Wei do if something happened to her!"

When Zhao Gou saw his family again, especially his beloved elder brother, the Crown Prince, he was in a very good mood and asked, "How have you been these past six months, Crown Prince? Are Father and Mother in good health?"

Zhao Huan nodded and said, "Everything is alright. Apart from becoming more and more tired, Father is still in good health. If Consort Wei weren't so worried about you all the time, everything would be fine."

As they were talking, Zhao Huan noticed Qin Zhen following behind Zhao Gou and exclaimed with delight, "So Qin Zhen is still alive! That's wonderful! Lord Qin will be overjoyed to see him!"

Qin Zhen smiled respectfully and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I fell into the water and went missing midway, which worried everyone."

"It's alright, it's alright."

As they entered the palace, Zhao Gou remembered something and asked, "How could Consort Wang have suddenly died? Did something happen?"

When Zhao Huan heard him ask about this, he first sighed, and then said, "This is the most troublesome matter right now. Although the death of Consort Wang is suspicious, no one can find out the cause of death. Since returning to court a few days ago, my brother Yun has been investigating this matter. He insists that Consort Wang died a violent death. Seeing his grief, Father Emperor also sent him to investigate. These past few days, the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Justice have been thrown into chaos by him."

Zhao Gou had been away from the palace for the past few months, so this matter should have nothing to do with him. He asked casually and then changed the subject.

The Song dynasty officials followed them all the way to the Zichen Hall in the palace, where a banquet was being prepared to reward them. Because Emperor Huizong was not in good spirits, Crown Prince Zhao Huan presided over the banquet.

Zhao Gou handed the letter from the Liao Kingdom to Zhao Huan. Zhao Huan opened it and was overjoyed. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "My ninth brother is indeed capable! He managed to reclaim these six prefectures in one go. This is a great achievement for the country!"

“Brother, it is still uncertain. Father said that he would decide which country to ally with based on the achievements of my third brother and me. If Father and the ministers all agree to support the Jin Kingdom, then this letter of state will be nothing but a piece of paper.”

After Zhao Huan had someone carefully accept the letter from the Liao state, he said, "There are indeed still variables in this matter, but we will discuss it again at the morning court tomorrow. Ninth brother has worked hard for several months, so please rest today and we will talk about everything later."

After hastily finishing the palace banquet, Zhao Gou returned to his own palace, where he saw Qin Zhen, Wu Shaofen, and others busily packing their things.

Wu Shaofen, as Zhao Gou's guard or rather, maid, moved into the palace. Qin Zhen cleaned out Qinglan's old room for her to move in. Looking at some of Qinglan's old belongings, Qin Zhen felt a pang of sorrow, never expecting that her sister, who had been by her side day and night, was actually a traitor.

Seeing Zhao Gou return, she dispelled the gloom in her heart and strode towards him. Before she could speak, Zhao Gou said considerately, "You've finally come back. Go home and rest for a couple of days. Lord Qin and the others must be worried about you."

Qin Zhen happily agreed and was about to pack her things to go home when she saw Wu Shaofen hesitatingly pacing outside her room.

"Sister Shaofen, is there something you need?"

Wu Shaofen stammered, "I... could you please take this to Brother Yue for me?"

Because Yue Fei was not a member of the palace, he was not allowed to enter the palace before Liu Qi incorporated him into the Imperial Guard. When he entered the city, he separated from Qin Zhen and the others and went to Fanlou to find Fan Tianxiang, as Qin Zhen had told him.

Taking the brocade pouch from Wu Shaofen, Qin Zhen suppressed a laugh and said, "You had a long talk with your elder brother last night, why didn't you hand it to him personally?"

Wu Shaofen looked embarrassed and said in a low voice, "I forgot to give it to him yesterday while we were talking... If you don't want to help me, I'll give it to him another time."

Qin Zhen chuckled, put away the brocade pouch, and said, "I think it's not that you forgot, but that you're embarrassed. I'll go out and give it to him for you today. Don't worry, you'll meet again in the future!"

Wu Shaofen returned to the palace and changed back into women's clothing. She looked graceful and beautiful, much younger than when she wore her guard's uniform; she was probably no more than fifteen years old. Hearing Qin Zhen tease her like that, she blushed and walked away shyly, which only made Qin Zhen laugh more.

When Qin Zhen returned home safely, Wang, who was lying on her sickbed, cried out upon seeing her, "My son...you've really come back..."

Qin Zhen was deeply saddened to learn that her mother had fallen ill from worry, and the two clung to each other for a long time, unable to part.

Although Zhao Gou returned to the palace, he was very busy. Although Emperor Huizong was not in good spirits, as a subject, he had to pay his respects. Afterwards, he went to pay his respects to his mother, Consort Wei.

Lady Wei was overjoyed to see Zhao Gou return safely. She held him close and scrutinized him closely, her face beaming with happiness.

After chatting for a while, Madam Wei seemed to have a secret to tell, so she dismissed the maids around her and whispered to Zhao Gou, "My son, I have some questions for you. You must tell me honestly."

"Mother, just ask. If I know the answer, I will definitely tell you."

Lady Wei looked around nervously before asking, "Did you kill Consort Wang?"

Zhao Gou was greatly shocked and asked in bewilderment, "Why would Mother Consort have such a question? I am thousands of miles away, how could it be me who did it?"

"Wasn't it you? I've been worried lately, thinking it was someone you left in the palace who did it. If you were caught by the Prince of Yun while trying to save your mother, I wouldn't rest in peace even if I died!"

Zhao Gou was shocked to realize that Consort Wang's death was related to his mother, and he quickly asked in detail, "What happened between Consort Wang and my mother?"

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky 089 The Most Poisonous Thing is a Beauty's Heart

Upon hearing Zhao Gou's question, Lady Wei slowly recounted what had happened over the past month.

Last month was Empress Zheng's birthday, and the Emperor held a banquet to celebrate. All the concubines naturally went to offer their congratulations. Wei, who was on good terms with Empress Zheng, arrived at the Empress's palace very early. However, unexpectedly, Lady Li Shishi from Ying Kingdom arrived even earlier and wandered alone in the hall.

When Lady Wei met Li Shishi, they exchanged greetings and then sat down to chat. Because of Zhao Gou, Li Shishi was always kind to Lady Wei and spoke highly of her to Emperor Huizong on many occasions. Although Lady Wei was unaware of these things, she could still feel Li Shishi's kindness towards her.

Just as the two were chatting and laughing, Consort Wang arrived, along with several other concubines. When they saw Li Shishi's stunning beauty and recalled the extent of the Emperor's favor towards her, they were all filled with resentment. Consort Wang, who had been neglected because of Li Shishi, was especially jealous of her.

Everyone sat casually in the hall waiting for the Empress to come out. Suddenly, Consort Wang said to Lady Wei, "It's been a long time since I've seen Sister Wei. Why don't you come to my palace to visit me more often?"

Lady Wei was reserved and didn't know why Consort Wang was suddenly so close to her, so she answered in a proper manner, "Your Highness prefers peace and quiet, and it would be bad if I disturbed you."

Consort Wang sneered, "I remember that Sister Wei used to be a quiet person, but she has indeed become more talkative lately. It seems that who you associate with is indeed very important. Sister, you should stay away from those lowly people. It is an insult to your status!"

Both Lady Wei and Li Shishi were startled. Consort Wang's words were so blatant; who among them didn't know she was alluding to Li Shishi, who came from a brothel? Several people chuckled softly.

Seeing the embarrassment on Li Shishi's face, and knowing that Li Shishi was being attacked because of her, Lady Wei said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. We are all people who serve the Emperor, how could we be considered lowly? I have been anxious about my child lately, perhaps I was too restless, how can I blame others?"

Speaking of her son, Consort Wang felt even more resentful. Whether it was the monk's prophecy from many years ago or Zhao Gou's current opposing stance to Zhao Kai, all of these things made Consort Wang dislike Lady Wei, and her words became more harsh.

“Sister, you really should worry about Xiao Jiu. Why is such a young child getting involved in adults’ affairs? If my third son went to the Jin Kingdom, everyone would think it was the right thing to do, but Xiao Jiu is making a fuss about going to the Liao Kingdom. Is he going to his death?”

"Your Majesty!" Lady Wei was most heartbroken for Zhao Gou. Seeing Consort Wang speak of him in such a way, even uttering ominous words, how could a mother possibly bear it?

Seeing Lady Wei's angry expression, Consort Wang chuckled and said, "Oh, who are you angry with, sister? I was just concerned about Xiao Jiu, and my words were a bit harsh."

Lady Wei said angrily, "If Your Majesty truly cares about Gou'er, then please stop saying such ominous things. He is suffering outside. Why do you, as his elders, have to make such sarcastic remarks?"

Consort Wang was taken aback by the young Wanrong's audacity in defying her. She couldn't bear the humiliation in front of everyone, and just as the two were about to clash, a eunuch announced, "The Emperor has arrived!" The two had no choice but to retreat to their seats and quickly greet the Emperor.

When Lady Wei was welcoming Emperor Huizong, she clearly saw the vicious look that Consort Wang cast at her, which made her heart tremble. Over the years, she had heard a lot about Consort Wang's methods, and now, thinking about it, she regretted that she had acted rashly.

Although she was worried, Lady Wei did not encounter any trouble for several days. However, half a month later, Consort Wang suddenly died. How could she not be suspicious?

After hearing his mother recount these events, Zhao Gou was filled with doubts. Suddenly remembering his previous agreement with Li Shishi, he bid farewell to his mother and went to find Li Shishi.

When Li Shishi learned that Zhao Gou had arrived, she greeted him with a smile and asked him affectionately, "You've just returned and come to see me right away. I'm flattered. How have you been these past six months?"

Zhao Gou pulled his hand out of Li Shishi's silk sleeve and said, "I heard that something big happened in the palace before I even returned. I've come to you today to ask you something. Did you do that thing?"

Li Shishi looked at Zhao Gou, patted his head and said, "You little devil, nothing can be hidden from your eyes. You came to interrogate me without any evidence."

Judging from her tone, Zhao Gou had actually admitted it. It seemed that Consort Wang had indeed died at the hands of Li Shishi! Seeing that he was interested in knowing, Li Shishi led him into the inner room to explain in detail.

There was certainly a reason for Consort Wang's sudden death, but the reason why the imperial physicians could not figure out the cause of her death was because they never dared to imagine that the emperor was the murderer, let alone that Consort Wang was poisoned during sexual intercourse!

Li Shishi recounted how she planted a highly toxic drug on Emperor Huizong, and how she arranged for Consort Wang to serve the emperor at the right time. As she spoke, Zhao Gou frowned deeply.

"Pfft," Li Shishi looked at his furrowed little face and asked with a smile, "Can you understand what I'm saying, little kid?"

Zhao Gou blushed slightly. He didn't quite understand the specifics of the operation, but he grasped the general process. His only concern was whether the matter would be discovered, since Zhao Kai was investigating it very closely.

After learning of his worries, Li Shishi said, "Don't worry, that kind of poison is very peculiar and leaves no trace. No one will be able to find any fault with it. Otherwise, how do you think I would dare to stay in the palace so boldly?"

"Then... Father Emperor was also exposed to the poison, will he really be alright? I noticed that Father Emperor seemed listless before, was that because of this?"

A glint of light flashed in Li Shishi's eyes. She turned her head and said, "It will not affect the Emperor's health, so don't worry."

After Zhao Gou understood what had happened, he was about to leave when he stopped and turned back to thank him, saying, "Thank you for doing such a dangerous thing for my mother."

Li Shishi waved her hand and said, "That person deserved to die. I didn't do this for you and your child, so why thank me?"

When Zhao Gou heard Li Shishi say this, he smiled faintly and left.

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky 090 Heroes Meet Too Late

These past few days, Qin Zhen has reverted to being a dutiful daughter, staying by Wang Shi's bedside every day. She only leaves briefly in the evenings when her father, Qin Hui, returns home, to discuss matters with him in the study.

She learned from Qin Hui that the letters from the Liao and Jin dynasties brought back by Zhao Gou and Zhao Kai respectively had caused great controversy in the court. One group, led by the Crown Prince, Cai Jing, and Li Gang, supported first reclaiming the six prefectures of Yan and Yun, forming an alliance with Liao against Jin, and then gradually reclaiming other areas later. The other group, led by Tong Guan and Liang Shicheng, supported an alliance with Jin to attack Liao, and after the Liao dynasty was destroyed, to reclaim all sixteen prefectures according to the agreement. Both sides had their reasons, and the situation was at a stalemate, making it quite difficult.

Qin Zhen keenly noticed a very important person from her father's words: the eunuch Tong Guan, who held military power in the northwest. While she accompanied Zhao Gou to the Liao Kingdom, Tong Guan ended the conflict with the Western Xia and led his army back to the capital.

Tong Guan was originally a member of the Prince of Yun's faction, which naturally brought considerable resistance to Zhao Huan. Fortunately, they took advantage of Tong Guan's absence from court to reduce a large number of the Prince of Yun's followers, so that when Tong Guan returned to the capital, he felt that the court and the country had changed drastically and he was completely unable to adapt.