Xie Yanzhou was staring at the macaw that had undergone a second growth spurt when he summoned Xue Ren.
Not long after Xue Ren finished his examination and left, a knock sounded on the door.
A figure in red clung to the doorframe, poking half a head inside.
Rong Juan was both the freest and the least free person in this manor.
Eyes were on him wherever he went, but thanks to someone’s entrapment scheme, he could go anywhere.
Xie Yanzhou looked over.
Rong Juan: “We should go meet my dad.”
“…”
Xie Yanzhou naturally wouldn’t share a carriage with the son of his political rival.
Not in this lifetime.
In his icy gaze, Rong Juan found his answer.
Actually, he had just wanted to sit at the same table and make a symbolic invitation. Now that the pleasantries were over, that was that.
He turned and went back to his own room. It was still early, so Rong Juan lay on the bed to kill time.
On the other side, Xie Yanzhou glanced at the study containing important military documents and said to the guard hidden in the shadows, “Keep a close eye on him.”
After speaking, he left the residence.
Carriages were already waiting at the gate, including Rong Juan’s, complete with a hired driver booked in advance.
Passing by the carriage in the back row and seeing its roof, even Xie Yanzhou fell silent for a moment.
The extravagance of the capital’s official offspring had reached such a level.
…
An incense stick’s worth of time later, Rong Juan finally emerged from his room, packed up, and set off.
Since the curfew was implemented, the bustling markets had been in decline. Stalls closed, and lights went out early on the streets, leaving only the Imperial City as bright as ever.
Carriages or sedans bearing official insignias headed toward that most glorious place, one after another. Long after, when the streets had quieted down again, a peculiarly decorated carriage leisurely hit the road.
With a mink fur roof and gold and silver inlays on the top, Rong Juan had given the carriage a second, elaborate makeover after it left the Prime Minister’s manor that day.
When the carriage reached the palace exterior, the last leg of the journey had to be done on foot.
Rong Juan slowly got off and headed toward his destination.
Inside the majestic treasure hall, officials sat according to rank. The long tables were filled with fine wine and crystal plates, exceptionally extravagant.
The moment Rong Juan arrived, all the officials who had been exchanging flatteries fell silent for a second.
He was young and not wearing official robes, completely out of place in the scene.
“Seems to be the one from Prime Minister Rong’s house. Strange, how could…”
Before the official finished speaking, he had the answer in his heart. The guards hadn’t stopped him, so it must be His Majesty’s decree.
Why would the Emperor allow a notorious dandy of the capital into the palace? Especially considering the trouble he’d caused recently.
Everyone couldn’t help but look at Rong Chenglin.
This usually high-and-mighty Right Prime Minister had only arrived in the capital this morning. In his early forties, dressed in court robes and official hat, stepping in black leather boots, he looked imposing.
Currently, he was surrounded mainly by a group of civil officials he led.
A pair of phoenix eyes stared at Rong Juan. Rong Chenglin’s voice wasn’t loud but carried great pressure: “Unfilial son, come over here.”
When he had sent a fast horse to deliver a letter home, he thought a letter from home was worth ten thousand gold.
Who knew it was all beacon fires of trouble?
The Prime Minister’s wife clearly knew what her husband valued most. She downplayed the poisoning and detailed how Rong Juan had acknowledged a thief as his father in the street and emptied half the manor as a pledge of allegiance.
After reading the content, Rong Chenglin, who rarely showed emotions, had kept a gloomy face until now.
Facing Rong Chenglin’s rebuke, an unhurried voice suddenly came from the opposite side.
The Chief Superintendent spoke in his usual tone: “The Right Prime Minister speaks wrongly. His Majesty personally called him a ‘noble son.’ The Right Prime Minister should say, ‘Noble son, come over here.'”
Damn!
Rong Juan almost choked on air. Do court officials really have no filter when arguing?
Taking advantage of this verbal exchange, he timely walked toward a third party, Xie Yanzhou at the 3 o’clock position.
Seeing the direction he was heading, the nearby officials immediately put on expressions of watching a good show.
System: [Wait, Little Rong, I suddenly realized—if you arrived earlier, wouldn’t you avoid the awkwardness of choosing a seat?!]
He could have even chosen a corner, an inconspicuous place.
Arriving fifteen minutes early for a palace banquet was considered cutting it close. Except for the Emperor, Rong Juan was the last to arrive today.
“I’m too lazy to go out that early.” He wouldn’t clock in early; whoever liked to do it could do it.
[……]
Under gazes of mockery, ridicule, and anger, Rong Juan took very slow steps. Those unaware might think he was afraid Xie Yanzhou would throw him out directly.
As for what Xie Yanzhou thought, no one knew. He just radiated an aura that said, “Strangers keep away.”
Estimating the time in his heart, Rong Juan steadily took the last step. The moment his eyes met those cold ones, the eunuch’s high-pitched voice rang out—
“His Majesty arrives.”
Perfect timing!
The next second, Xie Yanzhou witnessed the young man who had been standing in front of him slide next to him like a loach.
A real man must be fast when needed. Rong Juan moved like the wind, and due to inertia when turning, he completed the bowing ceremony with everyone else in a nondescript manner.
With so many people, Rong Juan performed eight hundred moves a second, quickly glancing up to scan the newly arrived characters.
The current Emperor of Great Liang, like the Chief Superintendent, had high cheekbones. Probably because he lived well, his face was fleshed out, and with his face shape, he generally appeared quite genial.
It was just that the gilded crown on his head inexplicably emphasized a shrewd light between his brows, revealing a hint of meanness.
The Emperor was followed by the Empress and a group of favored concubines.
When he saw the princes, Rong Juan felt genuine surprise.
“The dragon has nine sons, each different.”
The System was much more direct: [Holy sh*t! Why doesn’t any of the princes look like the Emperor? Are they biological?]
Rong Juan had spoken softly just now, so only Xie Yanzhou, next to him, heard it.
He found that this person would occasionally utter shocking words. “All the princes were adopted from the imperial clan. If you don’t want to live, you can say that again.”
Rong Juan was astonished.
So none of them were hatched by the dragon.
Soon, he discovered another surprising thing: Xie Yanzhou’s words weren’t pleasant, but they were a subtle reminder not to speak carelessly.
The sun rose from the west; he was actually being kind.
Seeing that confused look, Xie Yanzhou sneered.
Actually, he harbored the same question.
Xue Ren confirmed that the medicinal soup was non-toxic, and some of its ingredients were even highly beneficial for healing injuries.
Knowing he was injured, Rong Juan didn’t use it to make a fuss but sent medicine privately instead.
For the first time, Xie Yanzhou couldn’t deduce the slightest clue from another person’s actions.
“All beloved subjects may rise.”
The Emperor had taken his seat on the high throne before the civil and military officials sat down.
Everyone’s attention was on the Emperor’s every word and action.
Only the two sitting at the same table but dreaming different dreams were simultaneously pondering each other’s motives.
Where exactly is his thinking blocked?
Why help me?
Gazing at the respectful demeanor of his subjects, the Emperor spoke with satisfaction, first looking at Rong Chenglin below: “My beloved subject has worked hard. This trip, you not only have the merit of controlling the floods but also collected evidence of Prince Ding’s intent to rebel. It is truly a great achievement.”
Mentioning Prince Ding, the Emperor looked furious, denouncing his wolfish ambition, then reaffirmed Rong Chenglin’s achievements.
Back and forth, Rong Juan finally figured out the sequence of events.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Cheap Dad had earned a reputation for controlling floods.
This time, Dingzhou faced a disaster, and several officials sent for relief were ineffective.
The people’s complaints grew loud, so Cheap Dad volunteered to go and take charge.
Listening to the whole thing, he sneered lightly.
In just half a month, investigating rebellion and controlling floods, then retreating unscathed—Cheap Dad was really something.
Finding evidence so quickly meant he must have prepared long ago.
The truth was likely that he deliberately sent ineffective officials first to quietly gauge the local situation, then sent the Right Prime Minister over legitimately so as not to arouse the Prince’s suspicion, investigating to the end.
Only pity the local people. Under the court’s delaying tactics, who knew how many innocent lives were lost or injured?
The feudal era kills people.
At the same table, Xie Yanzhou glanced at the person on the high seat, a fleeting coldness in his eyes.
“Come, bestow wine upon Prime Minister Rong.” After praising Rong Chenglin greatly, the Emperor began to commend Xie Yanzhou’s achievements.
“My beloved subject repelled the barbarians at the border; this also counts as a great achievement.” As he spoke, he sighed, “Like father, like son. I believe your father’s spirit in heaven must be gratified.”
The phrase “also counts as” made it seem less important than the previous matter, invisibly erasing much of the soldiers’ merit.
Xie Yanzhou showed no dissatisfaction at this moment, standing up to say, “This subject will not fail Your Majesty’s expectations.”
When he sat down, the corner of his lips even hooked into a smile.
Under those naturally narrow pupils, only Rong Juan nearby saw clearly the terrifying haze within.
“Good.” The Emperor was very gratified. “Treat today as a family banquet; no need for formality.”
Witnessing the Emperor’s “carrot and stick” approach, the civil official group led by Rong Chenglin revealed satisfied smiles.
The chief eunuch looked toward the musicians at the right time. Decadent music of silk and bamboo, like the golden dragons on the stone pillars, encircled the hall once again.
Since ancient times, banquets have never been just banquets; someone has always wanted to stir up trouble.
Rong Juan had just puffed out his cheeks, feeling a bit full, when suddenly an official stood up as if he had overeaten and started spouting nonsense.
The official cried bitterly about the empty treasury and the destitute people, stating that if the barren Lianju City had been ceded to the Wurong back then, they could have rested for ten years to enrich the country and strengthen the army before taking it back in one fell swoop.
“Now with successive years of natural disasters, people in many places don’t have enough to eat, yet we still have to provide for the army!”
Rong Juan almost choked. People outside were starving, but everyone in the capital was eating like pigs and looking at the table full of delicacies, which one wasn’t worth ten thousand coins?
This acting—I wonder whose face they’re slapping.
The Crown Prince was the quickest to express that the official should be punished for his insolence, chilling the hearts of frontline soldiers.
The Third Prince agreed, but the Second and Fourth Princes requested that the Emperor not be too harsh on a subject for a slip of the tongue after drinking.
The Fifth Prince was still young and just nodded along blindly.
The princes argued endlessly, while the Emperor just played the peacemaker, scolding a few sentences painlessly.
Caught in the center of the storm, Xie Yanzhou’s expression remained usual. His gaze swept over the officials with ruddy faces from eating, his thoughts unknown.
Until his gaze landed on Rong Juan—
He was making his own seafood porridge.
Peeling shrimp and crab meat into the porridge, then sprinkling some tribute pepper. Coupled with the chaotic scene before him, which was messy as a pot of porridge, Rong Juan was preparing to down it.
Sensing someone watching him, Rong Juan turned his head. “Want a bowl?”
Xie Yanzhou didn’t answer, so Rong Juan drank it himself, rubbing his belly with satisfaction.
Xie Yanzhou withdrew his gaze expressionlessly.
Bird stomach. A bit different from those gluttonous sacks; at least he eats less.
Full, Rong Juan started watching the drama.
In the factional struggle, the big shots all had their spokespeople. Except for Xie Yanzhou, his two “dads” hadn’t said a word from start to finish.
After a while, the Emperor seemed annoyed by the noise and knocked on the table.
The palace musicians stopped, and the atmosphere in the hall quieted down.
The Emperor turned to Xie Yanzhou with a loving face. “Zhaohua was very excited to hear my beloved subject returned to court and specially prepared a gift.”
The Emperor had only one daughter. Princess Zhaohua was very favored. Hearing this, she poked her head out from behind her mother. “I have long admired the General’s prestige.”
She glanced at her personal attendant, who immediately walked toward Xie Yanzhou, holding a long box.
Having done all this, Princess Zhaohua leaned nervously against the Empress. With her Royal Father actively matchmaking, she should get her wish.
The Empress forced a smile.
Marrying a general feared by the Emperor—what good end could there be?
Her foolish daughter was being used as a pawn without realizing it.
The officials who had just been arguing fell silent. Being shrewd people, they immediately saw the royal family’s intention to form a marriage alliance.
The attendant walked closer step by step.
Melon seeds were already available in this era and popular in the royal family.
Rong Juan secretly cracked melon seeds, his eyes shining… looking exactly like a hamster watching a show.
Crack, crack, crack.
It took many steps to come down the stairs. Rong Juan’s throat was itchy from cracking seeds by the time the attendant arrived close by. “This item was personally painted by the Princess, congratulating the General on being invincible and all-conquering.”
The Princess’s gift was special—a scroll she painted herself. The woman in the painting wore a veil and held a sword, her face and figure similar to the Princess’s. It was a painting of a sword dance.
Offering a dance in this form was bold but not rude.
Unfortunately, Xie Yanzhou was clearly uninterested in becoming the noble Prince Consort. He only said “Thank you,” with no follow-up.
The Princess’s disappointment was palpable. The smile in the Emperor’s seemingly kind eyes gradually dissipated.
Currently, the court is divided on whether to pursue victory and counterattack.
The Emperor leaned more toward maintaining the status quo.
If a wedding could be held, matching horoscopes, picking auspicious dates, and a series of preparations would take at least two months to half a year. During this time, Xie Yanzhou had to remain in the capital and couldn’t lead troops.
Sacrificing just one daughter could avoid rumors of him being cowardly and legitimately tie down Xie Yanzhou. It was a good deal.
Who knew the other party wouldn’t play along?
As soon as the Emperor’s face fell, the ministers instantly became nervous.
Seeing Xie Yanzhou still had no intention of agreeing, the Emperor suddenly raised his hand and seemingly inadvertently pushed over a fruit plate. His moody nature truly showed people what “accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger” meant.
The Son of Heaven was angry. Xie Yanzhou only made a symbolic gesture of asking for forgiveness.
The brightly lit hall cast light on his brow—half in light, half in shadow.
Seeing him about to be reprimanded, officials of different factions rejoiced secretly.
The civil officials looked at the Right Prime Minister but didn’t see much joy in his eyes.
Rong Chenglin quietly watched Xie Yanzhou’s direction, understanding that such calmness likely meant he had a backup plan.
Today’s palace banquet had even stronger undercurrents than the court. Everyone harbored schemes in their hearts, eager to execute them.
But sometimes it’s just that wondrous—human calculations and heavenly calculations can’t beat the inadvertent flap of fate’s wings.
A young eunuch nearby was frightened by the atmosphere and knocked the fruit plate, which had already been pushed over by the Emperor, onto the floor.
In the silent hall, the object hitting the ground made a series of heart-stopping cracking and rolling sounds.
The Emperor, in a fit of anger and looking for an outlet, darkened his tone: “Can’t even do this little thing well. Drag him out…”
“Your Majesty.”
An unexpected, slender figure suddenly stood up.
Not to mention the ministers staring wide-eyed, even the little eunuch looked over in disbelief.
Publicly interrupting the Emperor—was he crazy?
Author’s Note:
Rong Juan: Ate my fill, drank enough. Watch me perform an acrobatic feat: “Everything that happens is beneficial to me.” [Cat Head]