Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 85

“The Eastern Palace is joining the martial arts tournament too?”

Matriarch Wang struck the dragon-headed cane in her hand heavily against the floor. Her wrinkled face twisted with disgust. “So this is how the Crown Prince means to declare to the world that the military power of the Southwest already belongs to him? That wild half-blood mongrel! Does he truly think that with a handful of troops, he can seize the realm?”

Below her, Wang Yanshou, Wang Yang, and Wang Hui stood side by side, hardly daring to breathe.

“Mother, please calm your anger.” Wang Yanshou was the first to speak. “This time, the capital’s martial arts tournament will involve not only the Silver Dragon Cavalry, but also the Northern Yan Army and the Imperial Guard. Even if the Eastern Palace insists on joining in, they’ll have no chance of victory. The Crown Prince performed poorly during the summer hunt and displeased His Majesty. Perhaps he only wishes to redeem himself and regain favor.

“In the Southwest campaign, although the Crown Prince won by sheer luck, how could the garrisons there compare to the Silver Dragon Cavalry or the Iron Cavalry of Northern Yan in true strength? I do have a suggestion, however. This martial arts tournament draws all eyes under heaven, so why not have His Highness the Prince of Jin lead a troop to participate alongside the Silver Dragon generals?

“First, it would be a splendid chance to show his abilities before His Majesty and the court, earning praise from all sides and perhaps even catching Prince Xiao’s attention. Second, Mother would no longer have to worry about the Eastern Palace stealing the attention from His Highness.”

Matriarch Wang’s expression eased slightly. “At least you have some sense. You’re right. Although the Prince of Jin has been training with the Silver Dragon Cavalry for a while, he’s only handled trivial duties and hasn’t yet earned any real merit. If this is an opportunity to shine, so much the better. But the martial arts tournament is no child’s play. The Prince of Jin is a royal, not a general; thus, his martial skills are lacking. We must pick capable men to guard him.

“And besides,” she mused, “this will need Prince Xiao’s approval.” After a pause, she lifted her eyes toward her second grandson, Wang Hui. “I’ll have a generous gift prepared. Hui’er, tomorrow you’ll accompany His Highness the Prince of Jin to the Xiao Royal Residence to pay a visit to the heir. I’ve heard that the heir hasn’t gone to camp recently and he’s resting at home. Let the Prince of Jin mention the matter to him and have the heir bring it up with Prince Xiao. That’ll save us some trouble.”

Wang Hui readily agreed.

Wang Yanshou added, “Mother, I happened to hear something today. Apparently, this year, Prince Xiao isn’t letting the heir handle the martial arts tournament. He’s handed it over to Xiao Yulin of the third branch.”

Matriarch Wang looked surprised. “Is that true?”

Wang Yanshou nodded. “Xiao Jingcheng told me himself and I’ve never seen him look so pleased.”

Matriarch Wang’s gaze shifted subtly. “In that case, Hui’er, forget the heir. Go straight to the third branch and visit Xiao Yulin instead. I recall that boy serves in the Imperial Academy. He’s mild-tempered and sensible, quite unlike his father, Xiao Jingcheng.”

Wang Hui hesitated. “But if the heir finds out, won’t he take offense?”

Matriarch Wang’s mouth tightened. “The heir? He’s talented, clever, and brilliant indeed. But also far too arrogant, with little regard for others. Last time… at the northern camp, he punished the Prince of Jin’s attendant before the entire garrison! Even if he didn’t care for the Prince of Jin’s dignity, he should’ve spared a thought for our Wang clan’s face. Even Prince Xiao himself shows me some courtesy. Truth be told, I wasn’t certain about visiting the heir to begin with. Since he’s not in charge of the tournament, all the better. Go without hesitation. Prince Xiao likely made this arrangement to give our Wang clan some face.”

Wang Yanshou feigned sudden realization. “Then Mother means Prince Xiao already knows what happened at the northern camp?”

“Of course. Xiao Jingming sees everything. Nothing that happens within the Silver Dragon Cavalry escapes his notice. After all,” she said proudly, “the Prince of Jin has close ties to our Wang clan and is the Xiao clan’s chosen future sovereign. For that reason alone, Prince Xiao must give us due respect.”

***

Xiao Yulin had just finished his third cup of tea, sitting nervously behind his desk. Looking up at the young man before him, calm and expressionless, he finally couldn’t help but ask, “I don’t know what orders the heir has for summoning me here today?”

After receiving Mo Dong’s message, Xiao Yulin, bewildered and uneasy, came at once to the Jade Dragon Terrace. Now the two sat face to face in a modest sitting room.

It was Xiao Yulin’s first time stepping inside.

It was also the only sitting room on the Jade Dragon Terrace. The only one permitted to live here was the heir, Xiao Rong. Anyone in the Xiao clan who saw this scene would be astonished, including Mo Dong, standing guard outside.

Xiao Rong propped his forehead on one hand, idly turning an empty teacup. At the question, he lifted his lashes lazily and said, “Can’t I invite you for a cup of tea without a reason? Isn’t your third branch famous for preaching brotherly harmony?”

Xiao Yulin gave a wry smile. “Young Prince, don’t tease me. I know you’ve never liked me,” he added.

The teacup rolled once and then clattered toward the edge of the table, only to be stopped by a hand in time. “There’s no one else here; you don’t have to put on that pathetic, hypocritical act,” Xiao Rong said. “Tell me the truth, haven’t you ever wanted to be the heir of the Xiao Royal Residence and to live in this very sitting room?” he asked with interest.

The room fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

An invisible current seemed to move between the small writing desk. Seated opposite one another, both men stared straight at the other.

Xiao Yulin smiled again. “You jest, Young Prince,” he said. “Perhaps in your eyes, I’m a hypocrite. But I can tell you plainly that I know my place and I never covet what is not mine.”

“Who in the world has no ambition? Ambition is not something to be ashamed of. In that respect, Xiao Jingcheng is far better than you,” Xiao Rong said, adjusting the teacup and rising slowly to stand, looking down at him. “You’re indeed good at acting a better person than me. But, Xiao Yulin, if you want to be the heir of the Xiao clan and hold the family in your hand, simply ‘being a good man’ will not be enough. Honestly, I’m displeased that Father entrusted you with the tournament. It’s not that I’m jealous of you. It’s because I’ve prepared more and I’m confident I can do better than you.”

Xiao Yulin hurried to reply, “Since I accepted this task, I’ve been anxious. I can still go ask Fourth Uncle to excuse me—”

“Xiao Rong!” A low shout came from outside, cutting their conversation short.

“I warn you, if you harm my brother, I’ll never forgive you!”

“Let go of me! Let me in!”

Xiao Yulin’s face changed; he leapt to his feet.

“Let him in,” Xiao Rong said, glancing toward the door.

In the next moment, the sitting-room door was kicked open and Xiao Yuke stormed in, furious.

Xiao Rong said coolly, “Make a note of the cost of this door and send the bill straight to the third branch.”

Mo Dong obeyed.

Xiao Yuke’s temple vein throbbed. “Xiao Rong, you—”

Xiao Rong leisurely folded his fan. “Everything in this sitting room has a price. If your third branch has money to burn, feel free to be reckless.”

“Yuke, don’t be rude. The heir invited me to discuss something; he hasn’t done anything to me,” Xiao Yulin interceded in time.

Xiao Yuke put on a look as if he’d seen a ghost. “He invited you to discuss something? Brother, don’t fall for him!”

Xiao Rong only looked at Xiao Yulin. “Xiao Yulin, I won’t waste words,” he said. “The martial arts tournament concerns the Xiao clan’s reputation and, indeed, your branch’s reputation. Since you accepted it, do it well. Don’t disgrace the Xiao name. The papers on the desk are some combat plans I prepared earlier. I meant to burn them, but the brazier didn’t have enough coals; wasting them by feeding them to dogs would be a pity, so I’ll give them to you. Consider it my ‘advice and counsel.’

“Also, I heard Wang Hui, the second son of the Wang clan, went with the Prince of Jin to your third branch today, bearing lavish gifts. If I’m not mistaken, it’s related to the martial arts tournament. Xiao Yulin, don’t say I didn’t warn you but the martial arts tournament is no trivial matter. The Silver Dragon Cavalry is not something to be used for gilding someone else’s reputation.”

Xiao Yuke couldn’t help but snap, “Xiao Rong, what right do you have to lecture my brother? The Wang clan and the Prince of Jin came to visit him because my brother was personally appointed by Fourth Uncle to oversee the martial arts tournament, not you! Do you think we care about those scraps you wrote? Who knows what schemes you’ve hidden in there to harm him again?!”

“Whether you look at them or not is up to you,” Xiao Rong said calmly. “But once you leave this room, you won’t get another chance.”

He folded his fan with a sharp snap.

***

With Grand Chancellor Qi’s personal recommendation, five days later, the official appointment from the Chancellery arrived.

Xiao Rong, as the Xiao clan’s heir, the top scholar of the civil examination, and the Grand Chancellor’s direct disciple, was appointed registrar of the Chancellery, a seventh-rank position assisting the remonstrator.

Although the rank seemed modest, the duties involved reviewing core imperial documents and decrees, and everyone knew this was only a formality. With his background and pedigree, it was merely a matter of time before the young heir would ascend to become the prime minister.

Both within the Xiao clan and throughout the capital, officials hurried to send their congratulations. But Xiao Rong declined most visits, citing ill health.

The Prince of Jin, along with Wang Hui and Wang Yang, also brought rich gifts to Jade Dragon Terrace to offer their congratulations.

Soon after they left, Zhang Fu arrived personally, bearing an imperial message. He smiled as he announced, “The lotuses in the palace ponds are in full bloom. His Majesty will hold a Lotus Viewing Banquet tomorrow and has specially instructed this servant to invite the young heir. His Majesty asks that you attend without fail.” He also presented a great number of imperial gifts and rewards.

Xiao Rong accepted them respectfully and the next evening, took a carriage into the palace.

The Lotus Viewing Banquet was held in the Flourishing Joy Palace, which faced the lake on three sides. Through its open doors, one could see the rippling jade waters and fields of blooming lotus.

When Xiao Rong alighted at the palace gate and followed Zhang Fu toward Flourishing Joy Palace, he suddenly stopped short… for at the bottom of the long marble steps knelt a lone figure in dark robes, perfectly still.

Xiao Rong froze. “Why is His Highness the Crown Prince kneeling here?” He looked fixedly at the figure and then turned to ask.

Zhang Fu, long used to such sights, only shook his head. “Today, Matriarch Wang also came to attend the banquet. At her birthday feast before, the Crown Prince spoke disrespectfully and offended her. His Majesty, who has always cherished his cousin, was greatly displeased and ordered the Crown Prince to kneel here and reflect.”

Behind Xi Rong knelt Jiang Cheng and Song Yang. When they saw Xiao Rong’s figure, both were startled and quickly bowed their heads in salute.

Xiao Rong said nothing further and went straight into Flourishing Joy Palace.

Inside, the hall was lively and warm.

Matriarch Wang sat to the Emperor’s right, chatting and laughing. The Prince of Jin, the Prince of Wei, and the young nobles Wang Hui, Wang Yang, and Cui Xie were all present.

Xiao Rong entered and offered his formal salute.

The laughter briefly paused. Knowing the youth had just been appointed to the Chancellery, the Emperor beamed with approval, offered a few words of praise, and then granted him a seat. Palace maids served fine wine and lotus-shaped pastries.

Matriarch Wang signaled subtly to her son Wang Yanshou.

He immediately rose, carrying a cup, and approached Xiao Rong. “Allow me to toast the young heir. I hope you’ll look after my two useless sons in the future.”

“Vice Minister Wang flatters me,” Xiao Rong replied with a courteous smile, taking the cup and drinking it.

Matriarch Wang laughed. “The young heir is blessed with both talent and grace. I often envy Prince Xiao for such a son and I often scold my grandsons for being such disappointments. If they had even a fraction of the heir’s ability, I’d have far fewer worries.” She had not expected Xiao Rong’s appointment to come so soon and her earlier discourtesies now made her faintly regretful, hence the deliberate gesture of reconciliation through her son’s toast.

Xiao Rong next rose, holding his cup, and knelt in the center of the hall to toast the Emperor as custom required.

“Come now, rise,” the Emperor said kindly, smiling. “We can’t drink wine these days, so We’ll take your toast in tea instead.”

Xiao Rong stood, but did not yet withdraw. Instead, he said, “Your Majesty, this servant has a presumptuous request. Since tonight is a joyful occasion, would it not be too harsh to let His Highness the Crown Prince kneel alone outside the hall?”

The words fell and the entire room was struck silent. Faces shifted with surprise and unease.

The Emperor frowned slightly. “Rongrong, I know your heart is kind. But the Crown Prince disrespected his elders. Matriarch Wang is his cousin and he dared to offend her. If I did not punish him, would that not chill the hearts of the elders?”

Xiao Rong turned his gaze toward Matriarch Wang, who still sat serenely in her seat. “If I recall correctly,” he said evenly, “during the royal hunt, when the Prince of Jin met with danger, it was the Crown Prince who came to his aid and personally sent men to escort him safely back to camp. Tell me, Matriarch Wang, were you unaware of that?”

Matriarch Wang’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Xiao Rong.