Rumors have been rife lately. At the center of this storm of gossip is the Imperial Preceptor of the current dynasty, Ruan Jinyu.
Despite his youth, he had attained the position of National Preceptor under the late Emperor, who used him heavily and treated him as a trusted confidant. In contrast, the new Emperor’s reputation among the common folk has been poor since his ascension. There are two main reasons: first, he immediately stripped Commander He of his post and banished him to the border provinces; second, he possesses a volatile temperament. Unlike the late Emperor’s legendary benevolence, the new Sovereign flies into a rage over the slightest dissatisfaction, a trait that has cost many people their lives.
Commander He’s original duty was to oversee the mobilization of officials and soldiers in the Capital. He was incorruptible and upright, a man who never wavered in his moral principles nor feared the powerful. He had won justice for countless citizens, and in the eyes of the commoners, he was an official who truly understood their plight. Yet, this “good official” was dismissed and exiled the moment the new Emperor took the throne! Naturally, the common people were the first to protest.
However, the new Emperor ignored them entirely and stood by his decision. Thus, the current situation has become one where the people do not view their ruler as a “wise monarch,” while the court officials act with extreme caution, fearing that a single misstep will lead this “Yama” to claim their lives.
Is the Emperor simply born with this temperament, or is there more to the story? The existence of the Imperial Preceptor suggests the latter. Logically, given the Emperor’s suspicious nature, he should never have trusted Ruan Jinyu, a favorite of the previous regime. The Emperor’s move against Commander He was supposedly born of suspicion; yet, he did not touch the Preceptor. Instead, he continued to employ him.
Slowly, ministers visiting the Palace of Ultimate Bliss to discuss state affairs began to notice the Imperial Preceptor’s constant presence. This proved that the Emperor not only lacked suspicion toward him but valued him deeply. Why does the Emperor treat only the Preceptor differently? This is the most discussed topic in the Capital, and the answers remain a matter of wild speculation.
Ruan Jinyu walked from the side hall to the main hall. As expected, the library was still brilliantly lit; even at this hour, the Emperor was busy with state affairs and had not yet retired. Guards stood at the door, but the head eunuch was nowhere to be seen. After the guards announced him, Ruan Jinyu stepped inside. Despite the lateness, a large pile of memorials remained on Yan Yan’s desk.
“Your Majesty.”
Yan Yan had raised his eyes the moment he entered. “Teacher, it is so late. For what matter do you seek me?”
Ruan Jinyu offered a standard pleasantry. “Your Majesty is still handling affairs at such an hour.”
Yan Yan’s eyelids flickered. “If you cannot sleep, stay and help me review these matters.”
Ruan Jinyu nodded and took his usual seat in the side chair. “This servant has heard that the matter of Commander He has caused quite a stir recently.”
“Does Teacher believe my actions were wrong?” Yan Yan raised an eyebrow, looking at him.
“I would not dare,” Ruan Jinyu replied. “Commander, He won the hearts of the people, and his power was nearly eclipsing that of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. I believe Your Majesty was right to dismiss him.” Ruan Jinyu took a sip of the tea placed on the table beside him. “However, now that he is gone and power has returned to the Bureau, does Your Majesty know whose side the Commissioner actually favors?”
“Princess Dongxi.”
Ruan Jinyu set down his teacup and looked back at the man in the seat of honor. “The Princess moved back into the palace from her external residence the moment Your Majesty ascended. This was permitted by Your Majesty.”
Ruan Jinyu hadn’t understood this move at first. Yan Yan was essentially pulling the Princess back into the political arena. Though she was his biological aunt, there was little affection between them. Under the late Emperor, her ambition was so great that she once threatened the Sovereign’s own position, leading him to find a pretext to move her out of the palace.
Princess Dongxi is not a person who would ever stand by Yan Yan’s side. Her ambition is such that if the Emperor cannot grant her the power she craves, she would rather replace him than serve him. Previously, she had supported the former Crown Prince in hopes of helping him ascend while the late Emperor was still healthy. Now, Yan Yan has brought her back.
“Do you believe Dongxi would still aid them in rebellion?” Yan Yan asked after listening.
“Yes,” Ruan Jinyu replied without hesitation. With the Princess back in the palace, the previous drama would inevitably repeat itself. The court hadn’t changed much; only the person on the throne had. Her former allies were still in high positions—specifically, the man ranked second in the hierarchy. It was highly likely they would join forces again. Prince Xian holds over half the influence in court; with the Princess back, his power is approaching a level that “threatens the Sovereign.”
“If the Imperial Preceptor were at the center of power, would he be afraid?” Yan Yan’s tone shifted suddenly.
Ruan Jinyu thought for a moment and answered honestly, “I would.”
Yan Yan curled his lips into a smile, clearly not expecting such a blunt answer.
“Teacher, I received a secret report today.” Yan Yan waved a letter in his hand, pivoting to a new topic. “General Xue arrives in the Capital tomorrow.”
Ruan Jinyu was startled as he recalled who General Xue was. General Xue had spent years guarding the border; even Ruan Jinyu had rarely seen him. He was likely returning now after hearing the news of the palace.
“Would Teacher go to meet him on my behalf tomorrow?”
“It would be this servant’s honor.” Ruan Jinyu accepted immediately. General Xue was a legendary hero, a titan of his generation. The palace had to send someone to receive him with full pomp and ceremony.
At this point, Ruan Jinyu finally prepared to broach his true reason for coming. He asked tentatively, “Your Majesty… will you be attending the consort selection in five days?”
He realized it was a foolish question the moment it left his lips. The Emperor would obviously be present at his own selection, even if the Empress Dowager was organizing it. He used it merely as an opening.
Yan Yan stopped what he was doing and looked at him silently, his eyes deep and unreadable. After a moment, he spoke slowly. “Since Teacher is so concerned with this matter, you shall accompany me that day.”
“This servant meant to say…” Ruan Jinyu found he couldn’t get the words out. He swallowed his original intent and pivoted. “Your Majesty has been working by candlelight for so long; it is exhausting for the spirit. Please retire early. This servant takes his leave.”
Yan Yan did not stop him.
Outside, Qian Qi was waiting. Once they were a safe distance away, he whispered, “My Lord, how did it go?”
Ruan Jinyu didn’t answer immediately. He walked a few more steps before stopping. “I believe staying alive is the most important thing. Wouldn’t you agree?”
That meant he hadn’t succeeded—or rather, he hadn’t even asked. Qian Qi nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, I agree completely.”
Ruan Jinyu had only just returned to the palace that night, but he had to leave again the next morning. This trip was no casual affair. A large group had prepared to meet General Xue at the city gates. The welcoming party was led by the Imperial Preceptor, Prince Wu’an, and the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Shen Changlang.
The news of the General’s return had spread throughout the Capital by morning. The citizens self-organized to welcome the troops, eager to see their most respected General. The combined scale of the official and civilian welcoming parties was massive.
When General Xue’s army entered the gates, they met Ruan Jinyu’s welcoming party. To be honest, Ruan Jinyu had no clear memory of the General’s face, as the man was always at the border. Most reviews of the General were positive. Because of this, Ruan Jinyu knew nothing of his true temperament. However, General Xue was known for two things: his brilliance in battle and his lack of interest in court intrigue. He cared only for the state and the people.
The uncertainty lay in how General Xue—who held massive military power—would view Yan Yan, a man who had effectively seized the throne. General Xue was famous for disregarding powerful figures; even the late Emperor struggled to control him.
As Ruan Jinyu pondered this, Prince Wu’an stepped forward. “We welcome the General back to the Capital.” A Prince, personally humbling himself to greet a subject.
General Xue did not buy it. He gave a cold glance and remained on his horse, offering a simple cupped-hand salute. Then, he spoke coldly: “To the palace.”
Ruan Jinyu stayed on the sidelines. He had no history with the man. Seeing how the General treated a Prince, he saw no reason to step forward and invite trouble.
The procession moved through the main streets toward the palace. The roads were lined with enthusiastic citizens. General Xue remained stern, neither proud nor impatient, seemingly unmoved by the public adoration.
Once at the palace, the entire court was waiting. They went directly to the Hall of Supreme Vitality to have an audience with the Sovereign. Fortunately, the General performed the proper rites, kneeling to pay his respects. When the session ended, the other ministers dispersed.
Ruan Jinyu caught up to General Xue. “General, please stay. Follow me to the Palace of Ultimate Bliss.”
The General likely knew the purpose of the summons. He nodded slightly. “Lead the way, Preceptor.”
Ruan Jinyu expected a silent walk, but the General spoke first. His voice was calm but carried immense weight. “The Imperial Preceptor… is still the Imperial Preceptor, it seems.”
“The General jokes,” Ruan Jinyu replied with a smile. “The General is also still the General.”
Whether it was an idle comment or a pointed one, Ruan Jinyu’s response was designed to neutralize any tension. He heard a huff of a laugh from the General—a sound that struck Ruan Jinyu as tinged with mockery. He acted as if he hadn’t noticed.
Ruan Jinyu led the General to the palace as ordered. He had intended to leave once they arrived, but the head eunuch glanced at him and said, “Preceptor, please enter as well.”
Following his usual habit, Ruan Jinyu started toward the side seat, but he froze and pulled back, remembering a General was present.
“General Xue, I imagine you have heard of the current situation in the Capital,” Yan Yan said, getting straight to the point without any preamble. “I have summoned you because I wish for you to remain in the Capital. I wonder if the General is willing?”
General Xue didn’t answer immediately. After a moment of thought, he cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, I fear I cannot give you an answer at this moment.”
Yan Yan was surprisingly open-minded and did not take offense. He waved a hand. “No matter. The General is weary from the journey. I shall have someone escort you out. You may return home for a family reunion.”
“I thank Your Majesty.” The General withdrew.
From this encounter, it seemed the General didn’t disrespect Yan Yan, but he didn’t flatter him either. He was a minister who performed his duties and nothing more. It was as if it didn’t matter who sat on the throne. This was, in a way, a good result; at the very least, the General wasn’t taking sides or defying the Sovereign yet.
“Sit, Teacher. Next time, you may take your seat without waiting for permission.”
Ruan Jinyu’s thoughts were still drifting, but Yan Yan’s voice pulled him back. He walked to the side seat. “It would still be inappropriate. When other ministers are present, it is not proper. Your Majesty did not force it today, and it is better not to do so in the future.”
Yan Yan had noticed his hesitation earlier. He didn’t mind the Preceptor’s lecture; he simply nodded. “I shall listen to Teacher.”
Ruan Jinyu didn’t stay long. Between his family visit and the welcoming ceremony, he was exhausted. Yan Yan told him to go back and rest.
He hadn’t been back in his room long before Eunuch Zhao arrived with news. “My Lord, Princess Dongxi’s maid is at the door. The Princess invites you to the garden for tea.”
“…”
With a sigh, he got up to follow. Tea was just a pretext. He was led to a pavilion in the middle of a massive lotus pond in the Dianluo Garden. From a distance, he could see the Princess was alone; all guards and maids had been dismissed. Even his guide stopped at the edge of the walkway, signaling for Ruan Jinyu to enter the pavilion alone.
This felt wrong. If it were just tea, why dismiss everyone? He couldn’t run now, so he maintained his calm and walked in.
The Princess gave a brilliant smile. “Sit, Preceptor.”
“Why has Your Highness summoned me?” He didn’t sit, preferring to get straight to her intent.
Princess Dongxi pushed a teacup toward him. “The Preceptor is so direct; I shall not beat around the bush. I hear the Sovereign wishes to keep General Xue in the Capital.”
Ruan Jinyu didn’t know how she had found out but chose to remain silent and wait for her to continue.
“Imperial Preceptor, the seventh day of the seventh month is approaching,” she said, setting down her cup. “I wish to ask: do you know if there are any female relatives in the General’s household?”
The meaning was clear. The Emperor wants the General to stay; the General has a female relative; the consort selection is coming. The Princess wanted to plant someone from the General’s family by the Emperor’s side. And since she was asking him, she intended for him to handle it!
Ruan Jinyu felt a wave of dizziness. He hadn’t even dealt with his grandfather’s request yet, and now the Princess was adding to the pile. He truly felt like coughing up blood.
Despite his internal turmoil, he maintained a gentle smile. “To answer Your Highness, the General’s household does indeed have one female relative. However, … I fear this plan will not work. Your Highness might not know, but that relative is not of the General’s blood. First, her status is unsuitable. Second, because of the first point, there is no need to test the General’s intent. It is simply unnecessary.”