On this day, amidst the brilliant golden firelight, it was impossible to distinguish between night and day.
In the swaying candlelight, the various jokes and laughter of the banquet were blurred. The gilded palace lanterns shone brightly, reflecting the splendor of the entire hall. Chimes rang out as seventeen dancers, draped in light gauze, held vibrant red ribbons that trailed from behind their waists. As they moved, the long ribbons flowed like the wind, their steps synchronized perfectly with the rhythm—a dance of true grace and lightness.
This imperial feast, carried by an undercurrent of uncertainty, quietly unfolded amidst a scene of peace and prosperity.
Once the fine wine and music had been enjoyed, the Emperor, seated in the primary position, had a eunuch announce a newly issued decree on the spot:
“The daughter of the Si clan, possessing both virtue and grace, talent and beauty, is hereby formally enfeoffed as Consort Qin…”
This title was quite unique. Qin—one could see the Emperor truly recognized Si Hao. Qin-pei (admiration), Qin-xin (to be captivated). No matter the angle, a great deal of thought had evidently gone into this title.
The Left Prime Minister sat directly opposite Ruan Jinyu’s seat. As the Preceptor looked up, he happened to meet the man’s gaze. The Prime Minister was naturally unhappy. Now that the Emperor had given his final verdict on Si Hao, it meant that even if they had sent Consort Shun into the palace, it was to no avail. Simultaneously, one could see the future direction of the harem. If this trend continued, Consort Qin might truly fly up the branches to sit upon the phoenix throne.
Furthermore, since Yan Yan acted with such disregard for the Left Prime Minister’s faction, he was clearly no longer bothered with keeping up appearances. Under such circumstances, it would be strange if the Prime Minister’s face looked good. Similarly, Prince Xian fared no better.
However, this could not be considered an entirely bad thing. Yan Yan had specifically waited until today’s banquet to announce the promotion, revealing his intent. While Consort Qin could not be underestimated in the future, her family held no power—she stood alone. If she gained influence, it would belong only to her. Such a person would eventually need the support of an established faction. Even if she rose by the Emperor’s favor, who was to say she wouldn’t pick a side? History was full of such examples.
As they say, “the harem is as deep as the sea.” These women who entered the palace were not fools; they wouldn’t step into this potentially ruinous abyss purely for the sake of “love.” Thus, Prince Xian’s expression remained largely unchanged as he continued to enjoy the fine food and wine.
Music filled the hall and the scent of wine was heavy. As everyone grew merry, they began to toast one another. Ruan Jinyu did not leave his seat, but many people crossed half the hall to raise a glass to him. Finding it difficult to refuse, he returned their toasts with respect.
General Xue, who sat beside him, also remained in his seat, though he was approached by even more people. The General drank, but with measure, eating and drinking as if it were a common dinner. During such happy times, the Emperor did not restrict them, though his gaze frequently swept over the assembly, lingering on one particular spot time and again.
“Does Your Majesty find this interesting?” Si Hao asked, following his gaze.
Despite sitting close to Yan Yan, the two shared almost no physical contact. Though she possessed a casual, unrestrained nature, she knew her place in public and sat with perfect, un-overstepping propriety.
Yan Yan’s sweeping gaze brushed past her. “You could ask more directly.”
“This concubine was thinking,” Si Hao said, leaning forward slightly and tilting her head, her voice low. “It is truly my good fortune that Your Majesty raised my rank against all objections. I must find my proper footing. However, since Your Majesty feels I should not involve myself with the men of the court, I shall respectfully obey your will and not overstep by even a fraction.”
“You think…” Yan Yan finally looked at her fully. “There is no need for tests. You know my intent.”
Si Hao gave a soft laugh. “This concubine understands.”
She leaned her slender waist to pour wine for the Sovereign—a scene that resembled a classic painting of a jade-like beauty and a high monarch. Ruan Jinyu happened to look up at that moment and saw it clearly. He was startled, but his eyes met the Sovereign’s. He quickly averted his gaze, looking down into his own wine cup.
Yan Yan swirled the wine in his glass but did not take a sip. Si Hao, unbothered, sat back upright, her smile replaced by a calm composure.
Halfway through the banquet, everything was largely peaceful. Ruan Jinyu didn’t usually drink much, but he accepted the small portions offered by those who toasted him. General Xue remained nearly invisible; Ruan Jinyu hadn’t heard him speak to anyone, a sharp contrast to the other ministers who were laughing and shouting. Even when toasted, the General simply drained his cup and said nothing more.
The atmosphere shifted when Eunuch Hong En entered the hall. Following behind him was a man dressed in simple, travel-worn cloth. Despite his plain appearance, he stood with a straight back, even before the Son of Heaven. After performing the full kowtow, he announced his name.
“This humble one is an attendant under Military Governor Fan Sheng of Manyi Province, sent here by command for an audience.”
“Reporting to Your Majesty: Governor Fan Sheng observes that the provinces of Lanqi and Manyi are adjacent, their terrains and fortunes linked. Since no one else is currently willing to shoulder the responsibility of defending that land, he is willing to serve Your Majesty by concurrently governing both provinces to secure the borders.”
The hall fell silent. Everyone understood the implication. Lanqi could not remain without a leader. Governor Fan Sheng had received news from the Capital and immediately sent a messenger to seize the post.
On the surface, Fan Sheng’s willingness was a good thing; Lanqi was remote, and Capital officials didn’t want to go there. However, Fan Sheng was already a Military Governor (Jiedushi), holding the military power of Manyi. Though a civil governor ranked above him, his actual power in Manyi was no less. If he were granted the civil governorship of Lanqi as well, his influence would grow exponentially. If he remained loyal, it was fine; but if a man with such power developed ulterior motives, it would be disastrous. Yet, the plan he presented was undoubtedly an effective solution to a pressing problem.
“Governing two provinces? Hahaha!” a nearby official laughed, pointing at the messenger. “How can one concurrently govern two? A Military Governor and a Civil Governor are not of the same rank! Or are you saying Manyi is also without a leader?!”
“Impudent!” Prince Xian, sitting nearby, shouted a rebuke. Perhaps the wine had made the official loose-tongued. Fortunately, the Emperor did not punish him.
Prince Xian scolded the official but then turned to the Emperor. “The Right Censor’s words were heavy, but they were born of concern for the state. Your Majesty, do not take offense. However, … I also believe Governor Fan Sheng’s petition is somewhat inappropriate.”
Furthermore, Fan Sheng hadn’t even come in person, sending only an attendant. It was unclear whom he thought he was disregarding.
Yan Yan remained silent, his gaze shifting to Ruan Jinyu. Ruan Jinyu felt the weight of the look and understood. Without waiting for the Emperor to ask, he stood up. “On the contrary, this servant feels that a border province cannot be without a head. This course of action might not be impossible.”
“Precisely because Governor Fan is only a Military Governor and not a Civil Governor, he can take on the governorship of Lanqi.”
The attendant’s words reflected Fan Sheng’s intent, specifically the phrase “concurrently governing two provinces.” Most people seeking both posts would avoid such direct language for fear the Emperor would think them too powerful. Fan Sheng’s boldness was a sign that he didn’t hold the court in high regard.
Yet, what could be done? Ruan Jinyu’s words sparked immediate dissatisfaction among the ministers.
“Is the Imperial Preceptor joking? The borders are too important to be handled so carelessly!”
“One man holding high posts in two provinces? Unheard of!”
“In my view, we should wait until after the Spring Examinations. There will be many talented men then. Choosing a man of upright character to serve as Governor—is that not more proper than this haste?”
The hall became a chorus of voices, nearly everyone refuting Ruan Jinyu. He didn’t bother arguing with them individually. Finally, the man on the throne spoke. However, it wasn’t Yan Yan who spoke first, but Si Hao.
“Could everyone listen to a word from Si Hao?”
“Of course,” an official replied. “Consort Qin is the daughter of the former Lanqi Governor. Regarding this matter, she naturally has a right to speak.”
The Emperor made no move to stop her, nor did he look displeased. Taking this as tacit approval, the ministers offered no objection. Si Hao’s gaze fell on the messenger kneeling in the center of the hall.
“Si Hao was born and raised in Lanqi,” she said, each word clear. “The border is remote, but it is not a desolate wasteland. Since Governor Fan Sheng has proactively sought Your Majesty’s opinion… I believe it is a good idea.”
She tilted her head slightly toward Yan Yan as she finished. Thus, Si Hao sided with the Preceptor. Even the daughter of the late governor thought Fan Sheng was viable; the disgruntled ministers were forced to fall silent. They also realized that Si Hao’s involvement in state affairs was permitted by Yan Yan. A true “favored consort,” indeed.
Yan Yan finally spoke. His intent matched Si Hao’s. He granted Fan Sheng’s request. A decree was issued: Fan Sheng was immediately appointed as the Governor of Lanqi Province.
Most ministers were dissatisfied, but they had agreed to listen to Si Hao’s “one word.” Who could have known the late governor’s daughter would so willingly hand the seat over to a Military Governor? They were left with grievances they couldn’t voice.
Following this, Si Hao’s reputation in the palace changed. Those who spoke more harshly began to call her a “seductress who interferes with the state.” Si Hao, however, didn’t care.
The banquet neared its end. General Xue hadn’t said a word throughout the debate. Before the feast was even over, he requested leave to exit the hall. Yan Yan permitted it. The General’s silence and early departure left the ministers unable to read his stance.
As the feast broke up, the Emperor and Consort Qin were the first to leave. Ruan Jinyu exited from the side, intending to return to his hall, but he ran into Eunuch Hong En. The head eunuch’s presence meant only one thing: Yan Yan wanted to see him.
He followed Hong En. They didn’t leave the Dianluo Garden but turned back into the grounds. It seemed Yan Yan hadn’t returned to his palace directly. Ruan Jinyu followed the eunuch to a pavilion where he saw Yan Yan… and Consort Qin.
“Sit, Teacher.” Yan Yan called him “Teacher” right in front of Si Hao, just as he always did.
“Greetings, Imperial Preceptor,” Consort Qin said, proactively nodding to him. It was strange; by etiquette, Ruan Jinyu should have been the one to salute her.
“Teacher,” Yan Yan began, “I wish to hear your reasoning. Why did you suggest I give the governorship to Fan Sheng?”
Ruan Jinyu nearly choked. What do you mean ‘I suggested it’? It was clearly Yan Yan who had signaled him to speak! But no matter how much he complained internally, he wouldn’t say it.
Ruan Jinyu put on his mask of composure. “I did not know if Consort Qin could accept it. It was a lapse in my consideration.”
“At that time, I thought only of the state and overlooked Her Highness’s feelings.”
Regardless of whether Yan Yan was trying to find fault, Ruan Jinyu established his defense first. His reasoning was “for the state.”
Si Hao smiled and immediately denied it. “The Preceptor is the Teacher; I cannot accept your apology. Regarding state affairs, the Preceptor did well. However, I am a bit confused: the Preceptor said he considered the state, but how can one official governing two provinces be a good thing?”
Ruan Jinyu thought for a moment before explaining. “Fan Sheng’s power in Manyi currently exceeds that of the Manyi Governor because he holds the military authority. The Military Governor and the Civil Governor of Manyi are currently like fire and water.”
As the saying goes, “one mountain cannot hold two tigers.” By moving him to the neighboring Lanqi, he couldn’t take all his military influence with him. That fragmented power would naturally return to the Manyi Governor. Thus, even if he held both titles, as long as the Manyi Governor was capable, Fan Sheng wouldn’t be able to trample over the region’s authority.
The main point remained: Lanqi could not be without a leader. The matter had already dragged on, and any further delay invited the factions of the Western Wastes to attack. It simply could not wait.