Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 70

Lu Ze exclaimed, “Could it be that Dantai Yi intends to set fire to the city?”

Most of the houses in the capital were made of wood, and the consequences would be unimaginable once a fire broke out.

Su Huai’an shook his head, “The capital of the Qi State, Qizhou, is far different from the capital here. Dantai Yi has been lurking for many years, planning step by step. He definitely doesn’t want to destroy the capital. He aims to let Great Qi breach the defenses and take the capital.”

“Exactly,” Xiao Yu said slowly. “But the 5th of the fifth month is not only about the ritual; there’s another event.”

The expressions of everyone changed drastically.

Indeed, in the fifth month, there was another significant event—the Mongolian envoy was coming to the capital. In recent years, there had been constant friction between Great Zhou and Mongolia, with battles fought and aid sent to the northern borders every year. The borders were still restless. Mongolia’s visit this time was for diplomatic relations and trade.

The one who disliked Great Zhou having good relations with Mongolia the most was the Qi State.

Su Huai’an said, “With this in mind, Dantai Yi acted so quickly because of the upcoming hunting event.”

Lu Ze added solemnly, “During the hunting event, there would be many opportunities for action: sacrificial rituals, hunting in the wild… The favorite second prince of the old Khan is coming to the capital this time. Conflicts will erupt on both sides if something bad happens while he’s here.”

Following this line of thought, Lu Ze continued, “Dantai Yi targeting the assistant ministers of the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites is definitely not a coincidence. They’re most likely working for Dantai Yi all along.”

After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yu looked at Zhuang Sheng and asked, “When did these two individuals start serving in their positions?”

Zhuang Sheng took out a note from his pocket and said, “Both were appointed seven years ago, personally recommended by the Chu family. One was assigned to the Ministry of Rites, and the other to the Imperial Household Department.”

At this time, let’s talk about the Chu family in detail.

The Chu family has held influential positions for generations, with ancestors contributing to the nation’s founding. Three years ago, the combined power of the Xue, He, and Mu families couldn’t match that of the Chu family. Just take a look at Empress Dowager Chu. With a stable position within the splendid harem of three thousand beauties, no one dares to surpass her. Even Emperor Jiaxuan, though lacking in wisdom, understood the art of balancing imperial power. Back then, he personally elevated the Xue, He, and Mu families, which, in hindsight, seemed like nurturing a potential threat. However, the intent was to dilute the authority of the Chu family.

To reassure the emperor, the Chu family relinquished a considerable amount of military power. Emperor Jiaxuan, in return, eased the suppression on the Chu family, no longer pressing them for the return of military authority.

The Chu family exchanged military power for political influence, with the Duke of Chu taking the position of Minister of Personnel. It might seem like a step back, but the Ministry of Personnel was the foremost among the six ministries, overseeing the appointment, evaluation, promotion, demotion, honors, and all movements of officials throughout the country. Holding this position granted power distinct from having control over the lives of officials.

Following this, the influence of the Chu family was everywhere from the Hanlin Academy to the Censorate, from the central to the local levels.

Claiming that the Chu family effectively monitored and influenced the officials is not an exaggeration in the slightest.

However, despite their fondness for power, the Chu family would never truly entertain thoughts of rebellion.

Seven years ago, at this delicate moment in time.

By then, Su Ling had already married into Prince Jin’s residence, making the Chu family and the Su family related by marriage. If the “Duke of Zhen” were to promote these two individuals, Empress Dowager Chu would not deny him this honor.

“In retrospect, Dantai Yi’s impersonation of the Duke of Zhen was to incite a dispute within the country and establish a good relationship with the Chu family? To seize the opportunity to insert his own people?” Lu Ze couldn’t believe it and shook his head. “This person’s thoughts are too deep…”

Su Huai’an said, “If Dantai Yi was not meticulous in his thinking, taking one step at a time, he wouldn’t have deceived so many people. Moreover, seven years ago, he already harbored the idea of forming factions and colluding in private. It makes sense to foster a good relationship with the Chu family and promote his people.”

Lu Ze asked, “Your Majesty, shall we take action tonight?” 

Xiao Yu contemplated momentarily and said, “Let’s wait a little longer.”

Lu Ze added, “But…”

“Capturing Dantai Yi may not guarantee the end of this. There could be another Dantai Yi. Success in the capital does not solely rely on individuals, nor is it limited to these two. It involves officials holding crucial positions lurking within the court,” Xiao Yu said thoughtfully. “As long as the intended goal hasn’t been achieved, he won’t leave the capital. We must present a tempting enough bait so the fish won’t escape the hook.”

Lu Ze then asked, “The grand scribe is in charge of astronomy, calendars, and predictions. In this hunt, we must use astrology and divination. If Dantai Yi stirs up trouble at the palace during the expedition, what should we do?”

“Then help him along,” Xiao Yu stated.

Lu Ze and Qin Ling were taken aback.

“What does Your Majesty mean?”

“Help him stir up discord between me and the Mongols, prompting Qi to take advantage of the situation,” Xiao Yu said slowly. “Then, I can use this situation to turn swords into gifts with the Mongols completely, and, in the future, launch a campaign against Qi.”

Counterplots can also be a strategic move.

After pondering for a moment, Su Huai’an said, “The imperial villas available to receive envoys are Qi Mountain Villa, Jun Mountain Villa, and Li Mountain Villa. Your Majesty, which one do you intend to choose?”

Xiao Yu unfolded the map of Zhou and arranged the troops.

The candlelight flickered, and Lu Ze looked at the mountain ranges on the map, saying seriously, “When the Mongolian envoy arrives, the Governor of Yuzhou will also come to the capital. General He has twenty thousand cavalry…”

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Ze nearly bit his tongue.

A silence fell upon Yangxin Hall.

The abrupt cry of a bird outside the lattice window seemed to be reproaching Lu Yanqing for being too talkative.

The Governor of Yuzhou was He Zichen, the second son of the He family.

Su Ling’s childhood friend.

Not long after Xiao Yu ascended the throne, he issued an order to He Zichen, the second son of the He family, promoting him to second-rank governor. While it appeared to be a sign of imperial trust to outsiders, it wasn’t as straightforward to those within the palace.

Qin Ling still didn’t understand why He Zichen was the subject of such persistent scrutiny. After all, she hadn’t seen him since they got married. But these questions were better left unasked.

At its core, only Lu Yanqing truly understood the situation. In the distant past, when Su Ling’s marriage was not yet decided, He Zichen had been stationed away from the capital. At that time, he was a young man with budding affections, unable to hide his feelings. He would send letters to Su Ling every few days. However, Prince Jin had set his eyes on the Duke of the Zhen’s residence at that time. Out of the 36 letters He Zichen had sent to the Duke of the Zhen’s residence, aside from the first one, the rest were intercepted by Xiao Yu. Every endearing term, every romantic phrase in He Zichen’s letters, Su Ling never saw them, but Xiao Yu didn’t miss a single one.

During that period, the atmosphere at Prince Jin’s residence had always been tense, with the green plaques in the courtyards and pavilions replaced by ink-black ones.

In a moment of silence, Eunuch Sheng, the quick-witted servant, arrived once again, carrying a bowl of medicine. He respectfully said, “I have placed the medicine here.”

Lu Yanqing cleared his throat twice, attempting to change the subject. “This time, for the expedition out of the capital, only civil officials with a fifth-rank or higher can accompany. As for the personal guards, only those with a seventh-rank. If His Majesty personally elevates someone, it will attract too much attention. Why don’t you join the Imperial Bodyguards?”

Su Huai’an smiled at Lu Yanqing. “You need not worry about that, Marquis. Within three days, I will be in the Ministry of Justice.”

Lu Yanqing was surprised. “Ministry of Justice? How will you manage that?”

Su Huai’an said lightly, “Xue Xiangyang has been chasing after Su Huai’an for so long, right? I’ll assist him.”

Lu Yanqing’s handsome features were instantly contorted.

Good. Xue Xiangyang was about to have a rough time.

***

Back at the Jingren Palace, Xiao Yu looked at the weary Qin Ling, sat, and said, “I know you feel indebted to the Qin family. I promise not to let the Qin family suffer further.”

This statement struck a chord with Qin Ling. She looked at him, holding back the tears in her eyes, and softly said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

This was a genuine expression of gratitude, far from the usual superficial responses.

Xiao Yu slowly leaned towards her, about to lower his head to kiss her, when they heard a “creak” sound from the door—

Xiao Yu and Qin Ling both turned around, only to see a short figure cautiously extending from the door crack. The other foot hadn’t touched the ground yet when Eunuch Sheng exclaimed softly, lifting the figure, and whispered, “Why is the little prince here alone?”

Xiao Yun, holding onto the door frame, poked his head in again, his eyes red, staring at Qin Ling, his voice quivering as he softly said, “Mum, Mum.”

Qin Ling immediately propped herself up and said, “Gonggong, please let the little prince in.”

Eunuch Sheng obeyed and released the child. Xiao Yun quickly entered the room. Seeing his father was present too, he immediately halted his steps, sniffled, stood straight, and greeted, “S-Son pays respects to Father.”

Qin Ling extended her hand, saying, “Come here, come to Mum.”

Xiao Yun ran over, threw himself at Qin Ling’s side, and choked, “Mom.”

Qin Ling hugged him, gently patting his back, and asked softly, “What’s the matter, hmm?”

Xiao Yu watched the affectionate mother and son, withdrew his hand, and asked Eunuch Sheng, “Where is Momo Yuan?”

Another servant, Hu Po, hurriedly arrived, knelt on the ground, and said, “Momo Yuan fell ill yesterday and hasn’t been by His Highness’s side. Today, I’ve failed in my duties. I beseech Your Majesty and Your Ladyship for punishment.”

Qin Ling anxiously asked, “What happened exactly?”

Hu Po explained, “This servant accidentally told His Highness that Your Ladyship would return to your maternal residence today. The eldest prince wouldn’t speak or eat the entire afternoon, wanting to wait for Your Ladyship to return. I thought His Highness was already asleep and didn’t realize… he came running over alone.”

The palace maids in the Jingren Palace were usually quite competent, and Qin Ling knew that Hu Po didn’t have ill intentions. She said, “Alright, you may leave for now.”

Feeling pardoned, Hu Po bowed and withdrew.

Qin Ling lowered her head and pinched her son’s ear, asking, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

Xiao Yun held onto Qin Ling’s sleeve and didn’t let go, waiting for a while before regaining his composure and saying, “Son thought… Mom won’t come back again.”

Qin Ling rubbed Xiao Yun’s shoulder and said, “As long as you’re here, how could I not come back?”

Xiao Yun lifted his eyes and looked at Qin Ling, saying, “But after the consort dowager left the palace… she never came back.”

Hearing this, Qin Ling realized the implication. For a child, being left in the dark about a separation was scarier than knowing some of it.

Qin Ling hugged Xiao Yun tightly, comforting him softly, “I promise I will never leave you, okay?”

Xiao Yun nodded against Qin Ling’s chest.

The emperor remained by the couch, watching the mother and son. In his gaze filled with tender affection, there was a sudden change.

“I will never leave you.”

He had never heard these words, even in the height of their affection.

Qin Ling whispered gently in Xiao Yun’s ear, “It’s getting late. It’s time for you to sleep. Would you like me to take you to the warm pavilion?”

Xiao Yun looked up, the sadness and reluctance in his eyes overflowing but unspoken. He murmured, “Then, will you leave later?”

Qin Ling immediately reassured him, “No, I will stay with you.”

Xiao Yun slumped towards Qin Ling as if he had no bones.

Xiao Yu felt a twitch at his temple.

Qin Ling turned to look at Xiao Yu and said earnestly, “Your Majesty, I think Yun’er misses the Consort Dowager today. Can I take him to the warm pavilion first?” Her tone was gentle as water, but the determination in her eyes was evident.

The words “Ah Ling, he’s the eldest prince and is almost four years old. You shouldn’t indulge him like this” made a roundabout in his mouth before he changed it to, “Go then. He’s still young, at an age where he’s dependent. I’ll return to Yangxin Hall tonight to save you from a restless night.”

Qin Ling lifted Xiao Yun and stood up, saying, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Xiao Yu watched as they disappeared one by one. Suddenly, the words she had said to Su Huai’an rang in his ears.

“I’m fine in the palace, it’s just… as you know, there are many rules in the palace. I lack freedom and feel uneasy. But fortunately, Yun’er keeps me company.”

She might avoid him at all costs if there were no children between them.