“It is quite clear what this is for,” Ruan Jinyu sighed. “I am to blame for this. I never imagined your elder sister would be dragged into it.”
Regardless of the interests at play or the schemes involved, Ruan Jinyu had made his own choice. He had agreed to the Empress Dowager’s request and effectively stood on her side, yet he had been unaware of the specific methods they would employ. Hearing it now, he felt a wave of regret for involving an innocent family member.
Shen Changlang ignored him; his eyes lowered as he brooded over his thoughts.
“If you do not agree, it will not happen. This matter cannot be forced,” Ruan Jinyu added. He was referring to the Right Prime Minister’s proposal for Zhou Tianshu to marry Shen Changlang’s sister. Despite the Prime Minister’s high standing, if one party refused, the marriage could not be consummated.
“You say that now,” Shen Changlang said with a sharp, mocking laugh. “But shouldn’t you be happy to see it proceed? Otherwise, how would your plans be fulfilled?”
By this point, even as someone who typically avoided court politics, Shen Changlang understood the true intent behind the outing. The Right Prime Minister had agreed to his only son marrying Shen’s sister to secure the military power of the Imperial Guards. It was a clear attempt to win him over, despite knowing his unwavering loyalty to Prince Wu’an.
Ruan Jinyu didn’t know how to explain, and in truth, there was no point. The facts were as they stood: it was his suggestion that had brought Shen to that meeting, and it was he who had aligned with the Empress Dowager. Without his intervention, this scene would not have played out today.
“I never should have bothered associating with you,” Shen Changlang spat. He gave a sharp flick of his sleeve, the fabric snapping through the air. “You’re on your own now. Good luck!”
He turned and marched away.
Ruan Jinyu felt helpless. He replayed the scene in his mind. Judging by the earlier confrontation, a marriage between the two families seemed unlikely to succeed, which provided a small measure of relief.
The commotion had finally cleared the last of the wine’s fog from his mind. He walked along the muddy dirt path, wandering aimlessly rather than returning to his tent. As the sky grew increasingly dark, a silhouette blurred into view.
“Your Majesty.” He offered his salutations immediately.
Yan Yan had emerged alone, without even a small eunuch or guard in attendance. “Why has Teacher not returned to his tent?”
“Night is falling, and the wind is strong,” Ruan Jinyu replied, his voice sounding a bit airy. He kept his eyes lowered. “I was just taking a walk.”
In previous years, Ruan Jinyu had rarely joined the imperial hunting trips; the late Emperor seldom brought him along. He had few opportunities to leave the palace walls.
“I shall walk a bit as well,” Yan Yan said. He turned to face the same direction, appearing ready to walk alongside him.
Ruan Jinyu felt a flicker of uncertainty at the Emperor’s sudden presence. He recalled Shen Changlang’s parting words—telling him to look out for himself. Logically, as the Imperial Preceptor and a minister so highly valued by the new Sovereign, he should be firmly on the Emperor’s side.
The military power of the Imperial Guards, which others sought to seize, was ultimately the Emperor’s concern. Yan Yan hadn’t discussed it with him, but it was impossible for a Sovereign to simply let control of the palace guards slip into the hands of others. Perhaps the time just wasn’t right yet?
Ruan Jinyu’s choice to help the Empress Dowager wasn’t based solely on the conditions she offered. First, the Empress Dowager had helped him in the past, a debt he felt he should repay. Furthermore, even if the incident with Wen Zhong hadn’t occurred, establishing a link with the highest-ranking woman in the harem would ensure that Wen Zhong had protection regardless of future storms.