The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 121 New Year’s Day
After the former Minister of Personnel Yan Changye and the former Deputy Minister Xue Sheng were dismissed from their positions, for several days, the personnel from the Imperial Court of Judicial Review and the Imperial Censor Bureau received orders from the Taizi Mansion, continuously entering and exiting the Ministry of Personnel to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire department.
Among those sent by the Imperial Censor Bureau was the Deputy Inspector Wang Jingyi.
As the leading ministry among the six, the officials in the Ministry of Personnel were somewhat arrogant. They were already displeased with the daily interrogations. When faced with Wang Jingyi, a newly appointed female official who was recommended for her position but lacked any notable background, they publicly respected the power of the Left Prime Minister Mansion while secretly gossiping about her.
One day, after spending too long in the Ministry’s archives, Wang Jingyi felt stifled by the charcoal fire used for heating. She decided to step outside for some fresh air and encountered the current Deputy Minister Ji Mu.
Their eyes met from a few steps away, but before either could speak, they heard the chatter of two female officials from the corner nearby.
“I didn’t expect Lord Ji to return to the Ministry of Personnel. He’s so young to be a Deputy Minister, he truly is talented.”
“Lord Ji is handsome and impressive. I’ve heard he’s still unmarried.”
“I’ve noticed that Lord Ji seems to have an unusual relationship with that Miss Wang from the Imperial Censor Bureau. I’ve seen them exchanging glances several times.”
“No way…”
Ji Mu’s gaze remained fixed on Wang Jingyi’s face with a neutral expression.
In contrast, Wang Jingyi felt somewhat uneasy. When had she ever exchanged glances with Ji Mu?
She reconsidered her intention to greet him. If she spoke now, it would only lead to awkwardness.
As she prepared to leave, the two female officials continued, now mentioning her directly, causing Wang Jingyi to frown and stop.
“Miss Wang is really fortunate. Relying on recommendation, she’s been promoted to the sixth rank in just a few days.”
“Yeah, all the female officials in various departments are low-ranking civil servants. Miss Wang is just riding on her father’s coattails.”
“This Miss Wang truly doesn’t understand the rules of officialdom. She’s causing such a commotion right from the start.”
“Miss Wang probably just came to have some fun. She might go back and decide to get married in a couple of days.”
Fortunately, the two female officials didn’t go this way and their voices faded away.
———-
Wang Jingyi’s expression was not pleasant. Anyone would feel unhappy to hear such talk behind their back.
Ji Mu stepped forward a couple of paces and looked at Wang Jingyi, speaking up, “They’re not wrong.”
Wang Jingyi glanced up, surprised by his statement.
Ji Mu continued, “You’re doing well, but the world of officialdom is full of twists and turns. Some matters need to be approached gradually, with a bit of discretion.”
Observing Wang Jingyi’s series of actions, he thought she was trying to divert attention away from herself. However, he didn’t believe this Miss Wang was simply acting out of righteousness, perhaps she was trying to weaken the influence of the Left Prime Minister’s faction as a way to save herself.
Yet, Wang Jingyi’s situation at the Imperial Censor Bureau was hardly optimistic. The officials there likely viewed her as merely a figurehead, unwilling to truly cooperate. Moreover, the Left Prime Minister’s faction must have been extremely resentful of her actions.
With frequent resistance and a sense of urgency, it must have been quite difficult for her to navigate this situation.
However, among the high-born ladies in the capital, there were indeed few with such insight and determination.
Ji Mu recalled that he had previously recommended Wang Jingyi to the Taizi as a potential side imperial concubine. Wang Jingyi, with her family background, looks, and understanding was well-suited for that position.
But standing before her now, Ji Mu felt relieved that the Taizi did not share that intention.
Wang Jingyi adjusted herself for a moment and then looked at Ji Mu, “In that case, I hope to receive your guidance, Deputy Minister Ji.”
Ji Mu’s eyebrows raised slightly, and he responded, “I dare not give advice. It is an honor for me to discuss matters with you, Miss Wang.”
———-
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, a grand court assembly was held at the Fengtian Hall of the imperial palace, where civil and military officials offered their New Year’s greetings.
Emperor Hui ascended the throne alongside Taizi Feng Zhan. Following tradition, they bestowed cypress leaf wine upon the officials, toasting together for longevity.
Using the cypress leaves’ resilience against snow and frost and their evergreen purity, the Emperor encouraged the officials to remain honest and dedicated to their duties for the country.
From this day forth, he also issued a decree, sealing it with his imperial brush, granting the entire court a five-day holiday.
This day was also when common people followed tradition to visit temples, light incense, and pray for peace and good fortune.
Fortunately, the weather was clear and pleasant, perfect for outings. The matriarch of the Qin Mansion, the Minister of Works, Madam Zhu, accompanied by her two daughters, headed to the Dajue Temple.
Inside the solemn and majestic hall, Madam Zhu and her daughters, Qin Xi, and Qin Lin, each lit incense and knelt in prayer, quietly wishing for their hopes.
With her merchant’s nature, Madam Zhu sought financial prosperity. She didn’t expect her husband, Qin Wenxuan, to rise in rank but simply hoped for the family’s safety and health, and for her daughters to find good matches.
Qin Xi, while skeptical that praying to the Bodhisattva could yield any results, nonetheless made a small wish, hoping for happiness for the family each day.
Qin Lin, perhaps influenced by the incident at Taiyi Pool, only wished for her family’s safety.
But the moment she raised her eyes, she suddenly paused, then closed them again.
She hoped that person would be safe and well…
Afterward, Madam Zhu left alone to make a donation for incense, leaving Qin Xi and Qin Lin to stroll around the hall while waiting for her return.
Qin Xi wandered over to a tall, ancient pine tree not far from the main hall, poking at the icicles hanging from its branches with a stick.
Qin Lin stood a few steps away, watching Qin Xi playfully.
“Benefactor, it’s been a while since you last visited the temple.”
Qin Lin turned at the sound, recognizing Master Yun Jing.
“Master,” she said, pressing her palms together and bowing in greeting.
The daughter of the Minister of Works’ mansion might not leave a deep impression on Master Yun Jing due to her status, but this young lady was indeed very insightful. Moreover, not long ago, the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion had also mentioned her, intentionally or not…
After Master Yun Jing departed, Qin Lin turned back to look at the ancient pine that Qin Xi had cleared of debris, restoring it to its original verdant appearance.
The pine and cypress trees remained vibrant through all seasons, undeterred by rain, snow, or frost. These were merely fleeting moments in time.
If it hadn’t been for the day that she came to the temple to pray for her father and happened to discuss Zen with Master Yun Jing, those subsequent events would never have occurred.
And now, it was merely a return to the original state.
They were all just passing through.
After leaving the Dajue Temple, Qin Xi excitedly asked Madam Zhu, “Mother, are we going to pay New Year’s greetings to the Elder Sister Taizifei?”
Madam Zhu paused her movement toward the carriage and turned to Qin Xi, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.
Her eldest daughter, though simple-minded, had a good grasp of social customs.
Madam Zhu smiled and replied, “How can it always be a woman like me seeking an audience with the Taizifei? Your father has instructed that, as the head of the family, he should personally bring gifts to pay New Year’s respects to the Taizifei and express his gratitude.”
In truth, Qin Wenxuan knew well that his niece, Qin Yan, had little connection to the Qin family. Initially, he had disagreed with Madam Zhu’s request to the Taizifei to look after their two daughters. It was Madam Zhu, for the sake of her beloved daughters, who had swallowed her pride and boldly sought the favor.
————
After returning to the city, Madam Zhu went to the South Market to check on the shop’s business. Qin Xi and Qin Lin also got off at the South Market, but Qin Xi pulled Qin Lin toward Qianshui Lake instead.
Qin Lin initially thought Qin Xi was just going to play on the ice, but when they arrived at the famous brothel, Shuyu Lane, by the lakeshore, she suddenly stopped.
Although their mother had been arranging marriages for them recently, largely to quell rumors about her relationship with the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, they were still in the midst of matchmaking discussions. Coming to a place like this at such a time felt inappropriate…
“Hurry, hurry! Su Qing is performing today,” Qin Xi insisted, pulling Qin Lin inside without giving her a chance to protest.
However, the atmosphere inside Shuyu Lane was not as noisy as Qin Lin had imagined, which eased her furrowed brows somewhat.
Qin Xi and Qin Lin chose a private booth on the second floor. At that moment, the familiar face of the musician Su Qing was playing the qin on the central stage.
As the performance ended, Su Qing looked up toward Qin Xi and Qin Lin with a faint smile before gathering her instrument and heading upstairs.
Having enjoyed the performance, Qin Xi felt satisfied and eagerly pulled Qin Lin to leave through another staircase.
“Just avoiding suspicion,” Qin Xi said with a playful tone, glancing back at Qin Lin.
Qin Lin felt helpless, they were already at Shuyu Lane, and at this point, avoiding suspicion seemed pointless.
Su Qing stood by the railing, watching Qin Xi and Qin Lin’s retreating figures, deep in thought.
He then continued forward, passing the booth where Qin Xi and Qin Lin had been, and approached a private room with its curtains drawn tightly shut. He raised her hand and knocked lightly on the door.
“Knock, knock, knock.”
Before long, a servant opened the door, glancing cautiously over Su Qing’s shoulder. Seeing no one else, he stepped aside, allowing her to enter before closing the door behind her.
A man wrapped in a fox fur coat sat inside the elegant room by the lakeside.
The man glanced at Su Qing, who still held the qin, and gestured to the empty seat in front of him, “Sit.”
Su Qing bowed slightly and moved to sit across from him, placing the qin on the table before settling cross-legged.
She observed the man, who was sipping tea, then reached beneath the qin to retrieve a note from a hidden compartment. She unfolded it and placed it on the table.
“This is my master’s sincerity toward His Highness.”
With that, Su Qing rose, still holding her qin, and left the room.
The man lowered his gaze to the note on the table.
It contained only two characters.
“Jingzhou.”
———–
In the evening, a banquet was held in the palace, inviting members of the imperial family and the clan.
When Feng Zhan and Qin Yan arrived, Emperor Hui was already seated in the hall, along with the Empress, the four imperial concubines, Ning Wang, the second and third princes, two princesses, Xie Changyuan, and the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, Feng Subei, along with his Shizifei, An Yanxi.
Empress Dowager Xiao did not attend due to health issues.
Xie Changyuan rose to greet them, his gaze lingering on Qin Yan and the Taizi as they took their seats. He lowered his eyes, concealing the bitterness within.
Today’s palace banquet was meant to be a familial gathering; Emperor Hui encouraged everyone to relax and engage in casual conversation.
As the music and dance accompanied the meal, the guests, slightly tipsy, began to exchange trivial pleasantries.
Imperial Concubine Shu looked over at Imperial Concubine Jing, who was drinking quietly to herself.
“I’ve heard that Imperial Concubine Jing has been frequently visiting the Left Prime Minister Mansion lately. Are you considering selecting one of the Prime Minister’s daughters for the third prince?” she inquired.
Imperial Concubine Jing paused, her hand holding the wine cup faltering momentarily before she composed herself and set it down without responding.
While the princes’ birth mothers might privately support the idea of their sons taking imperial concubines, they ultimately had no say in the matter. It would ultimately depend on the Emperor, the Empress’s thoughts, and even the Taizi’s preferences.
It was bold of Imperial Concubine Shu to bring such a topic to the forefront.
Imperial Concubine Xian, ever the peacemaker, spoke up to ease the awkwardness in the room.
“Empress, you must have been working hard these days regarding the selection of a legitimate wife for the second and third princes.”
An Yanxi then turned to Qin Yan beside the Taizi, “I’ve heard that the Taizifei’s cousin, the daughter of the Minister of Works, is both beautiful and intelligent, well-versed in etiquette…”
All eyes in the hall turned toward An Yanxi.
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan exchanged glances, their expressions cooling, while Feng Subei radiated an icy aura.
———-
After the banquet, Feng Subei and An Yanxi took a sedan chair to the West Gate of the imperial city.
Before boarding the carriage, Feng Subei forcefully grabbed An Yanxi’s arm, making her face him directly.
His eyes were icy, and his tone was frigid, “What are you trying to do?”
An Yanxi looked up at him, her expression calm. Despite the tension she sensed from him earlier in the hall, she felt a flicker of satisfaction within.
Just as Feng Su Bei was about to speak again, Song Zhi hurried over and saluted, “Shizi, His Highness Taizi has summoned you urgently for an important matter.”
Feng Subei frowned and glanced back at An Yanxi, then coldly turned to leave with Song Zhi.
However, An Yanxi didn’t immediately board the carriage.
Today was New Year’s Day, a holiday for the officials. What could warrant an urgent summons?
She watched as Feng Subei walked away, a bitter smile creeping onto her face.
With just a word from the Taizi, her husband had to rush off immediately.
Who wouldn’t want to marry that nobleman standing at the pinnacle of power?
Before the Taizi, any other man was just settling for less.
————
When Feng Subei entered the imperial study, he found the Emperor, the Taizi, the Taizifei, two princes, General Shen Changshan, Marquis of Yongding Xie An, Shizi of Yongding Xie Changyuan, and the Minister of War He Yanming already present.
Feng Subei felt uneasy. What had happened?
Among those present, the two princes, Marquis Xie An, and Shizi Xie Changyuan frequently glanced at the Taizifei, Qin Yan.
Qin Yan was the only woman there.
Even though the Taizi doted on her, this gathering was clearly beyond what the Taizifei could be involved in.
Emperor Huai spoke up to clarify, “Taizifei Qin Yan, was the lord of Gu City in the Northwest before returning to the capital.”
Upon hearing this, those who had been puzzled were taken aback in shock.
Qin Yan was the notorious “living Yama” of the Northwest, the lord of Gu City?
No wonder she was immediately granted the title of princess upon her return and was given a palace as her residence.
The Second Prince Feng Xian and the Third Prince Feng Yi both turned to look at the Taizi and Qin Yan.
To have such a woman as his legitimate wife was indeed a significant advantage for the Taizi.
Xie Changyuan felt a bitter regret.
He had thought Qin Yan was just an ordinary girl, someone he could still win back to renew their engagement.
No wonder she seemed so indifferent to matters of romance.
A disciple of Master Yishan, the owner of Yu Qingfeng Bank, the lord of Gu City…
What had Qin Yan experienced over the years?
———-
Emperor Huai gestured for the chief eunuch Li Fuquan to take a memorial from the imperial desk and hand it over for everyone to pass around.
This was an urgent military report sent back to the Ministry of War by the stationed troops in the north, marked for immediate attention.
The report stated:
A small town with over four hundred people on the border of the Great Xia was raided and massacred by Turkic forces under the cover of night. Among the victims were over a hundred soldiers who had been patrolling and pursuing the attackers.
After reading the report, everyone looked with some sympathy toward Minister of War He Yanming.
The report detailed the losses from the attack, mentioning:
Minister He Xiao, while pursuing the bandits, had unfortunately fallen into an ice hole. By the time he was rescued, his legs had been frostbitten and had to be amputated to prevent further decay…
However, at that moment, the crowd’s thoughts were not solely on the tragic fate of Minister He’s son and their brows were furrowed in concern.
Emperor Huai asked, “What do you all think?”
Minister of War He Yanming quickly gathered his thoughts and spoke first, “Since the Great Xia ceased hostilities with the Western Rong and Turkic forces five years ago, there have been occasional Turkic raids in the northern border, but this is the most severe and audacious one yet.”
“The Turkic side claims that this incident has nothing to do with their military, attributing it instead to border bandits. However, I believe these marauders are indeed the Turkic army disguised as bandits.”
As He Yanming spoke, his lips trembled. The atrocities committed by the Turkic people were indeed appalling, but the minister was also likely suffering immense pain and anger over his son He Xiao’s fate.
Feng Subei interjected, “I believe this escalation of Turkic harassment is likely due to this year’s famine and flooding in Great Xia. The Turkic forces are continuously testing our limits.”
“Could these repeated actions from the Turkic side indicate that a larger conflict may not be far off?”
Feng Subei’s words reflected everyone’s concerns.
Given the vast territory of Great Xia and its numerous neighboring countries, any conflict could have far-reaching consequences. Now was certainly not an opportune time for war.
Taizi Feng Zhan spoke in a deep voice, “Marquis of Yongding Xie An, prepare immediately to lead the Shuobei Army.”
“Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, Feng Subei, will accompany you to oversee military affairs.”
Emperor Huai nodded in agreement, with no objections.
Marquis Xie An and Feng Subei accepted their orders.
As everyone was leaving, Emperor Huai called Minister of War He Yanming aside.
In the imperial study, only Emperor Huai and He Yanming remained, along with the chief eunuch Li Fuquan in attendance.
Emperor Huai looked at the furrowed brow of He Yanming and sighed inwardly. As a father himself, he understood the minister’s feelings all too well.
He recalled the past years when Taizi Feng Zhan had been stationed with the northern troops, and he had often imagined what would happen if the Taizi…
That was why he had begun to cultivate the second prince.
Emperor Huai addressed He Yanming, “He Yanming, your son suffers these trials for the sake of Great Xia and the imperial family.”
“When your son He Xiao returns to the capital, I will decree him the title of General Xuanwu.”
He Yanming gratefully expressed his thanks for the emperor’s kindness.
———-
As He Yanming exited the West Gate, the tension of his official duties lifted. At that moment, he was no longer the Minister of War, he was simply a father.
He approached the carriage, his face extremely pale. Suddenly, his vision blurred, and he swayed to the side, nearly stumbling before he steadied himself.
“Master,” a servant rushed forward to support him.
He Yanming propped his head with one hand and took a moment to regain his composure.
As he slowly opened his eyes, he caught sight of the departing carriage from the Duan Wang Mansion.
A sense of desolation washed over him.
Shizifei of the Duan Wang Mansion was An Yanxi, the eldest daughter of the Grand Scholar Mansion.
What did my son owe her in his previous life?
He Yanming recalled why his eldest son, He Xiao, had left the Ministry of War to work at the Ministry of Revenue. It was because An Yanxi had rejected him.
When He Xiao returned to the Ministry of War, it was to win An Yanxi’s favor.
He had volunteered to go to the north because An Yanxi had married into the Duan Wang Mansion.
And why, as a mere ministerial officer, would He Xiao venture to the front lines to pursue bandits?
He Yanming forced a bitter smile. His foolish son was probably trying to achieve merit as quickly as possible to redeem himself and return to the capital.
All for An Yanxi.
An Yanxi, An Yanxi—because of a woman, He Xiao treated his career as a game.
And now…
That was his carefully nurtured, once-proud eldest son…
With the help of his servant, He Yanming climbed into the carriage, which slowly made its way back to the He Mansion.
At that moment, he felt as if he had aged ten years in an instant.
Thankfully, thankfully, there would be no white-haired man sending off a black-haired one…