Chapter 253: Chaos
Early the next morning, Xiao Jue had not returned.
Xiao Jing also entered the palace, leaving Bai Rongwei and He Yan at the residence. Since Bai Rongwei was pregnant, He Yan dared not trouble her with worries and did not speak much about the palace affairs. After the maidservant helped Bai Rongwei to her room to rest, He Yan sat alone in the courtyard, waiting for Xiao Jue to return.
Xiao Jue returned in the evening.
The sky had completely darkened, and lanterns were already lit in the courtyard. He Yan sat at the table, absentmindedly reading a book. Seeing him return from outside, carrying the chill of wind and dew, his expression somewhat cold and stern, she quickly stood up and approached, asking, “How did it go?”
Xiao Jue placed Drink Autumn on the table, removed his outer robe, and after a moment of silence, replied, “The state funeral will be held in three days.”
“So soon?” He Yan exclaimed in surprise.
“Not only that. Before his death, the Emperor left an edict ordering four imperial consorts and twenty palace maids to be buried with him.”
He Yan blurted out, “Impossible!”
Regarding the burial of women with deceased emperors, historical records indeed documented such practices. However, this custom was abolished long before the previous emperor ascended the throne, as Emperor Hezong deemed it too cruel and thus abolished it. This was an abolished rule, and moreover, although Emperor Wenxuan achieved little in governance, he was ultimately benevolent and tolerant. He would never have issued such an edict.
“Among the four consorts to be buried, Consort Lan is included,” Xiao Jue said coldly.
He Yan immediately understood. “You mean the edict is fake?”
Emperor Wenxuan had doted on Consort Lan for many years. Now that Emperor Wenxuan had passed away, no one could protect Consort Lan. A fake edict could easily be used to remove this thorn in their side.
“If the edict is fake…” He Yan looked up at Xiao Jue, her eyes flickering. “Did you see His Majesty…”
Xiao Jue gazed at her. “No.”
He Yan felt a surge of fear.
If he had not seen the Emperor in person, it would be impossible to know whether Emperor Wenxuan truly died of illness. What if it was something else…
“I questioned the attendants in the bedchamber at the time. Before the Emperor retired for the night, he had met with the Fourth Prince.”
“What a coincidence?” He Yan frowned slightly. Yet, if it were said that the Fourth Prince had harmed the Emperor, there was no reason to be found.
“After the state funeral, the enthronement ceremony will take place,” Xiao Jue said, sitting down in a chair. “The Crown Prince will ascend the throne.”
He Yan’s voice grew heavy. “This is not good news.”
Without an edict to change the designated heir, Emperor Wenxuan’s sudden death and the Crown Prince’s ascension to the throne—regardless of whether the Crown Prince could secure his position—meant that once he ascended, the Xiao family’s situation would likely become precarious.
Seeing He Yan’s furrowed brows, Xiao Jue instead gave a slight smile, comforting her, “Don’t worry. I will visit the Fourth Prince’s residence tomorrow.”
“You…”
He did not speak, only looked calmly at He Yan. In that instant, she understood. She lowered her head, remaining silent. After a moment, she raised her head again, placed her hand over the back of Xiao Jue’s hand, and said firmly, “Go.”
…
Emperor Wenxuan had passed away. The state mourning period lasted twenty-seven days, during which court officials were forbidden from hosting banquets, drinking alcohol, or engaging in entertainment. The date was set: he would be interred in the imperial mausoleum in three days.The court was embroiled in endless disputes over Emperor Wenxuan's "burial sacrifice" edict. The most vehement opposition naturally came from Fourth Prince Guang Shuo and Fifth Prince Guang Ji, as both Consort Lan and Consort Ni were listed among those to be sacrificed. Guang Ji was still young and knew only to cry incessantly, while Guang Shuo, supported by censors, voiced his opposition, only to be rebuffed by Guang Yan with the principle that "the imperial edict must be obeyed."
At present, it appeared as though Guang Yan had secured the throne. However, matters of the world are never certain. As long as the coronation ceremony had not taken place, nothing could be considered settled. Even if one truly ascended to the throne, history had shown that emperors could be overthrown and replaced.
The entire court was on edge, with everyone fearing for their safety.
After Emperor Wenxuan's passing, Guang Yan, as Crown Prince, temporarily handled all court affairs. The first thing he did was release the previously detained Wutuo envoys. He also ordered the approval of the Wutu Kingdom's peace proposal and expressed his intention to allow the Wutuo People to establish trade markets in Great Wei.
This decree caused an uproar throughout the court.
Had he proposed this earlier, although there would have been opposition among the ministers, it would not have been so intense. After the Tianxing Terrace incident, everyone knew of the Wutuo People's wolfish ambitions. Yet Guang Yan insisted on pursuing peace, which was truly disheartening.
Memorials from the censors flew one after another to the Crown Prince's desk, only to be discarded into the wastepaper pile. Guang Yan seemed determined on this matter, refusing to listen to anyone. The common people of Shuojing City were unaware of the stakes, while most civil officials advocated for moderation. Only the military officials were indignant, yet powerless—years earlier, Xu Jingfu had already encouraged Emperor Wenxuan to favor civil officials, and now the military's position was far less significant than that of the civil officials.
At Shi Jinbo's residence, Chu Zhao read the lengthy letter in his hand.
After a moment, he clenched the letter in his fist, crumpling the paper into a ball, revealing his complex and slightly angry state of mind.
He rarely showed such emotions. Seeing this, his trusted aide cautiously asked, "Fourth Young Master..."
Chu Zhao tossed the letter into the brazier and pressed his forehead.
Although he had long known that Guang Yan was a brainless fool, he never expected him to be so audacious. He had clearly warned Guang Yan that regicide was unacceptable, yet Guang Yan had proceeded regardless. He suspected Empress Zhang and her family had played a role behind the scenes; otherwise, things could not have proceeded so smoothly.
"Fourth Young Master, in three days, the Emperor will be laid to rest in the imperial mausoleum, and the Crown Prince will soon ascend the throne. Isn't this good news for you?" After all, with Xu Jingfu gone, some of his followers had joined Chu Zhao's ranks. In a way, Chu Zhao was also aligned with the Crown Prince. When one rises to power, even their followers benefit. Once the Crown Prince became emperor, Fourth Young Master's future would only grow brighter.
Chu Zhao let out a cold laugh, his eyes devoid of warmth. "He will not become emperor."
His aide looked up at him in confusion. "But..."
"He is too impatient. Without that edict, there might still have been a chance to turn things around. But with the burial sacrifice edict issued, he has only hastened his own demise." He spoke these treasonous words without a trace of fear, as if discussing someone far removed from the royal family's dignity."That last edict must be a forgery, though it's unclear whether it was the Crown Prince's doing or the Fourth Prince's. If it was the Crown Prince, then he is not only foolish but also laughably self-satisfied. If it was the Fourth Prince..." Chu Zhao smiled faintly, "then no matter what, the Crown Prince will never be a match for him."
"You mean, before entering the imperial mausoleum..."
"Consort Lan is to be buried alive with the late emperor. The Fourth Prince will never allow that to happen. Entering the mausoleum takes place before the ascension to the throne. I fear that before he even ascends, his position will be lost."
Even now, though his words were startling with every syllable, his expression remained largely unperturbed, as if he had long anticipated everything unfolding before him.
His confidant felt uneasy: "Fourth Young Master, if the Crown Prince is not worth following, what should we do now?"
It was likely too late to switch allegiance to the Fourth Prince now. Moreover, their bargaining chips were too few; they simply lacked the capital to negotiate with the Fourth Prince.
Chu Zhao looked out the window.
Though it was already spring, the weather remained unusually cold. He had originally followed Xu Jingfu. Without Xiao Jue, Guang Yan, under Xu Jingfu's guidance, might well have secured the imperial throne. But without Xu Jingfu, Guang Yan, no matter how long he tried, would never be a match for Guang Shuo.
To spare an enemy for a day is to invite calamity for generations. Sometimes Chu Zhao felt he should be grateful to Xiao Jue. It was precisely because of Xiao Jue that he had gained his freedom.
But at the same time, he had lost everything.
Now, following Guang Yan truly meant walking a path of no return. But if he were to switch allegiance to Guang Shuo now... at best, he could only eke out a meager existence, and everything he had gained because of Xu Jingfu would vanish in an instant.
The cruelty of fate toward him lay in the fact that the path opposite darkness was not light. Comparing the two, it wasn't a matter of abandoning one to choose another glorious road; it was merely weighing how much would be lost.
He stood up. "I will pay a visit to the Fourth Prince's residence."
...
The night in Jinling was as bustling as ever.
At Ruyun Tower, due to the national mourning, few patrons had come. The courtesans had long ceased their music, merely sitting idly inside.
Hua Youxian had also changed into plain mourning clothes. Though the national mourning did not strictly require commoners to wear plain attire, at such a critical juncture, it was better not to invite trouble.
Night had fallen. By evening, the rain that had stopped earlier began again. Hua Youxian, holding the last packet of red bean pastries she had just bought from Guangfu Zhai, took shelter from the rain under the eaves of a teahouse by the Qinhuai River. As soon as she steadied herself, she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching from around the corner.
"Lord Yang?" Hua Youxian couldn't help but call out.
The man turned his head. Dressed in a sandalwood-colored robe, with refined and scholarly features, it was indeed Yang Mingzhi, the Governor of Jinling.
Seeing Hua Youxian, Yang Mingzhi was also taken aback. He too seemed to have been caught outside without an umbrella, his clothes mostly soaked. After a moment's hesitation, he walked over and stood beside Hua Youxian, saying, "Miss Youxian."
Hua Youxian smiled, glancing outside. "This rain doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon. Why not sit down here, have a cup of tea, and wait for it to pass before leaving?"
Yang Mingzhi thought for a moment, then nodded.
During the national mourning period, as an official, he could not drink alcohol, so he ordered a pot of light tea and some pastries. The teahouse was right next to the Qinhuai River. Opening the window, they could see the flickering lights of boats on the river, like dim stars in the night sky through the curtain of rain."It seems every time I see Lord Yang, he is alone," Hua Youxian said with a smile.
Although Yang Mingzhi was the governor of Jinling, he differed from his predecessor in that he disliked ostentation when traveling. As a result, even after serving as Jinling's governor for several years, not every resident of the city recognized him.
Yang Mingzhi lowered his head and smiled faintly, saying nothing.
Hua Youxian was somewhat curious. When she had met this group of young men years ago at Ruyun Tower, the shared experiences had left a particularly deep impression on her. While Yang Mingzhi was not as stunningly handsome as Commander Xiao, nor as spirited and carefree as Young Master Yan, nor as adept at navigating social situations as Young Master Yang, among the group of youths, he was still distinguished and refined, possessing an air of uncommon elegance. Yet upon their reunion, although he was now the governor of Jinling, he seemed much more reserved, lacking the exuberance of his youth.
"Lord Yang, are you aware that Young Master Xiao recently got married?" Hua Youxian picked up her teacup and took a sip. "Cailian and I sent gifts. With your busy official duties, you likely had no time to attend. Speaking of which, Young Master Xiao may appear cold and unapproachable, but he treats that Miss He with exceptional kindness."
At this thought, Hua Youxian felt a touch of emotion. Back then, she had realized He Yan was a woman, and Xiao Jue had shown her much care, but she never expected the two to marry so quickly. It seemed fate truly was wondrous. If it was the right person, it didn’t take eight or ten years to test sincerity.
Yang Mingzhi lowered his gaze to the teacup before him, pausing briefly before replying, "Indeed."
Yet inwardly, he was not as calm as he appeared.
In truth, Xiao Jue had not invited him. Of course, he never expected to receive an invitation from Xiao Jue. Years ago, the brotherly bond between them had likely already vanished without a trace.
Back then...
Yang Mingzhi turned his head to look at the river outside the window. The river, lingering and cold, carried boats upon its surface, slowly flowing back to many years ago.
Many years ago, when he was still a student at Virtuous Prosperity Academy, unaware of the world's dangers and untouched by its hardships. He had friends he genuinely admired, sharing common aspirations, generous and righteous. He once believed that the friendships of youth should endure forever.
Until the Xiao family met with disaster.
Anxious and desperate, he agreed to help and returned home to seek his father's assistance. Yet, to his surprise, the father who had always praised Xiao Jue in front of him flatly refused his plea.
At that time, Yang Mingzhi was utterly bewildered. He knelt and begged. Perhaps moved by his unwavering determination, Lord Yang finally relented and revealed the truth.
It was only then that Yang Mingzhi learned his father had always been a follower of Xu Jingfu. The entire Yang family, from top to bottom, relied on Xu Jingfu's patronage.
"If you help him, you will harm the Yang family," his father stood before him, shaking his head. "The choice is yours."
The young man prostrated on the ground, his eyes filled with confusion. He could not understand how the father who had repeatedly taught him to live with integrity and moral courage could be like this. If the family principles he had learned since childhood were merely empty words on paper, then what had he been upholding all these years?
No one could answer him.
He severed ties with Xiao Jue. He chose his family, and in doing so, believed he no longer deserved to be Xiao Jue's "friend."Later, he took the imperial examinations again, entered officialdom, but did not stay in Shuojing. Instead, he deliberately went to Jinling. He could not face the Yang family, nor could he face himself. He could only pretend here, in this old place he once visited with his classmates from the Virtuous Prosperity Academy, that he was still the young man who cared for the world and distinguished clearly between good and evil.
But it wasn’t until he reunited with Xiao Jue and the others that Yang Mingzhi suddenly realized—Xiao Jue, Lin Shuanghe, Yan He—they hadn’t changed. The only one who had changed was himself. They still went together to Ruyun Tower, drinking and talking, but it was no longer with the same feelings as in the old days.
The old days…
The old days were like a massive mountain slowly rising from flat ground, imperceptibly becoming insurmountable, leaving both sides lost in a vast expanse.
Hua Youxian seemed to notice the fleeting sorrow in his eyes. She paused and finally changed the subject, saying, “Now that His Majesty has passed away, the Crown Prince has permitted the Wutuo People to establish trade markets in Great Wei. Jinling is prosperous. If the trade markets intend to set up in Jinling…”
Yang Mingzhi snapped back to reality and shook his head. “The trade markets will not be established in Jinling.”
“My lord…”
“I will stop it,” Yang Mingzhi said with a low laugh. “If I am still the Governor of Jinling.”
In truth, ever since Xu Jingfu’s incident, the Yang family had sent him a letter, urging him to seek out Xiao Jue and, relying on their old friendship, ask Xiao Jue to show mercy. Yang Mingzhi paid no attention to it. Everyone should be responsible for their own choices, just as he had chosen his family back then, and the Yang family had chosen Xu Jingfu.
Later, when they saw he had ignored them, and Emperor Wenxuan passed away, he supposed his family members remaining in the capital had already made new choices in the shortest possible time.
But he could not.
These past few years, Yang Mingzhi had stayed in Jinling to repay his own debts. Now, at such a time, he no longer intended to continue acting against his true heart.
Establishing trade markets would bring countless harms and no benefits to the people of Great Wei. Those Wutuo People were wolves with sinister ambitions. Once they entered Jinling, who knew what they might do to the people? This was inviting the wolf into the house. The court officials, high and mighty, believed the fire would not burn them and remained indifferent.
But once the fire spreads, it does not distinguish between high officials and commoners—it consumes all equally.
He knew very well that in Shuojing City at this moment, aside from a few bold censors, there were likely few civil officials daring to voice dissent. Yang Mingzhi also understood clearly that once his memorial appeared before Guang Yan, his career as the Governor of Jinling would likely come to an end.
Perhaps he would even lose his life? Or bring trouble to his family? But so what?
In his youth, when he studied and read, “Be upright in heart, disciplined in self-conduct, loyal in serving the sovereign, respectful in serving elders, trustworthy in dealings, lenient in treating subordinates, and diligent in handling affairs—these are the seven essentials of being an official,” the young men of the Virtuous Prosperity Academy were eager and ambitious, each believing they could achieve this and become good officials. But after all these years, how many had persisted?
Young men possess the courage to resist all injustices in the world, always believing that after mountains and rivers, there will be light and hope. But as time passes, they gradually become helpless and drift with the tide.
Just like himself.
Full of lofty ambitions in youth, unknown in adulthood, and ultimately decaying like grass and trees.
“Young Master,” Hua Youxian called him with a smile.
Yang Mingzhi looked up."If you are the Governor of Jinling, then you are Lord Yang. If not, then you are Young Master Yang." The beauty by the Qinhuai River, as enchanting as ever in memory, lifted the teacup before her. "In my eyes, no matter what position you hold, you will always be the hero who stood against injustice and spoke out for righteousness back at the Ruyun Tower."
"Jinling City will only get better and better. So, young master, you must never belittle yourself." The friend's voice was gentle, like the days of old, generously embracing his past struggles and hardships, much like the dense fog over the Qinhuai River—once it clears, the spring waters remain, accompanied by the soft melodies of silk and bamboo.
He lowered his head, and after a long while, suddenly smiled, raising his own teacup to lightly clink it against the one held by his old friend before him.
"You are right," he said softly. "Everything will get better and better."
(End of Chapter)
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