Liang Chen Mei Jin

Chapter 189: Resolution

Today was the day for the imperial court session held every five days.

Inside the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, the Emperor sat solemnly. After the ceremonial whip cracks and rituals, the Court of State Ceremonial official announced the commencement of affairs, and each government office presented their reports in order. As a civil official, Chen Yanyun entered through the Right Side Gate. Currently, there were few ministers in the court who held the titles of the Three Solitaries and Three Dukes, and several elderly or frail ones were exempted from attendance. Chen Yanyun stood in the second row on the right side of the civil officials, behind the Grand Secretaries of the Hall of Literary Profundity, Zhang Ju Lian, and the Hall of Military Prowess, He Wenxin. His only peer in the same row was the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Prudent Actions, Wang Xuanfan.

The young Emperor, though visibly weary, sat upright on the dragon throne, his ceremonial robes impeccably worn. The courtiers’ reports were brief, and after a few words, the Court of State Ceremonial official declared the session concluded. The ceremonial whip cracked again, and the imperial retinue withdrew, followed by the officials.

The young Emperor moved to the study in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, where attendants helped him change into casual attire before he received the ministers.

Zhu Junan was only twelve years old this year, with a delicate and clean appearance. In a soft voice, he called out to Zhang Ju Lian, "Lord Zhang, I’ve been reading Records of the Grand Historian these past few days and practiced calligraphy with it. Could you take a look and tell me how I did?"

Zhang Ju Lian smiled. "Your Majesty’s diligence in studies is a blessing to us all. Naturally, it is excellent."

Zhu Junan instructed his attendants to fetch his calligraphy practice book.

Feng Chengshan, the Writing Brush Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, whispered, "Your Majesty, it is time to attend to state affairs."

Matters decided by the Grand Secretariat required the Emperor’s review and Vermilion Endorsement before implementation.

But Zhu Junan replied with a smile, "Consider today’s session already attended. I wish to speak more with the ministers—it’s been days since I last saw Lord Zhang and Lord Chen."

Both had once served as his tutors.

Feng Chengshan retreated silently. After Zhang Ju Lian reviewed his calligraphy and offered guidance, Zhu Junan turned to He Wenxin with keen interest. "Not long ago, I heard from my mother that the Changxing Marquis’s wife visited the Grand Imperial Concubine in the palace, seeking to arrange a marriage with your granddaughter…"

The late Emperor had died in his prime, leaving only Zhu Junan as his heir, along with a younger sister who had passed away at the age of three. Raised in indulgence, Zhu Junan’s temperament was far less mature than that of ordinary children, and he took great interest in the personal affairs of his ministers.

Zhang Ju Lian frowned slightly. Zhu Junan had been personally tutored by the Empress. How could he have picked up such inappropriate remarks?

He Wenxin was momentarily flustered but managed a vague smile. "This old minister was unaware of such matters!"

Realizing his blunder, Zhu Junan tightened his grip on his sleeves and glanced at Chen Yanyun. Chen Yanyun subtly gestured toward a book on the desk. Seizing the cue, Zhu Junan eagerly picked up the book and said to Zhang Ju Lian, "Lord Zhang, there’s a passage in The Analects —‘Be strict with yourself and lenient with others, and you will keep resentment at a distance.’ I don’t quite understand it. Could you explain it to me…?"

Chen Yanyun’s gaze lingered on a cloisonné flower vase displayed on the Curio Cabinet, sighing inwardly.

Zhu Junan’s fear of Zhang Ju Lian had reached such an extent.

After leaving the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the ministers proceeded to the Grand Secretariat for discussions. Once matters were settled, they retired to a side hall for lunch and shared a few cups of wine. Wang Xuanfan then turned to He Wenxin. "…Lord He, your second granddaughter is quite renowned in the capital. Do you have any plans? Are you truly considering a marriage alliance with the Changxing Marquis’s family?"

He Wenxin chuckled. "Merely the whims of ignorant women—nothing of consequence. Marriage arrangements are her grandmother’s domain. I shall not interfere."Wang Xuanfan glanced at Zhang Julian, who smiled faintly and said, "Speaking of which, the heir of Marquis Changxing is exceptionally talented. If his family truly comes to propose marriage, you might want to consider it carefully."

He Wenxin's eyelids twitched. If Ye Xian married his granddaughter... then he would inevitably be tied to the Marquis Changxing's household.

He had always stayed away from the conflicts between the two factions, unwilling to be drawn into any camp.

After a pause, He Wenxin replied, "Noble families of hereditary titles have too many rules. I fear she might not adapt well."

Yao Ping immediately chimed in with a smile, "Lord He's granddaughter is highly accomplished. A few rules surely wouldn't be an issue."

Why was Yao Ping joining Wang Xuanfan in pressuring him?

He Wenxin set down his wine cup calmly and said ambiguously, "There's no hurry for such matters."

While Zhang Julian and Liang Lin discussed the transfer of the Huguang governor, Wang Xuanfan turned his gaze to Chen Yanyun, who was quietly eating without a word, seemingly uninterested in the topic. Wang Xuanfan raised his cup to Chen Yanyun and said with a smile, "Speaking of marriage proposals, Lord Chen must also have good news soon. I heard you've taken a liking to the fourth young lady of the Gu family in Daxing. You even gifted her a piece of your calligraphy."

The fourth young lady of the Gu family in Daxing?

Liang Lin chuckled, "Wasn't the fourth young lady of the Gu family already betrothed to Lord Yao's son?" Surely Lord Chen wouldn't do something so outrageous—stealing a colleague's daughter-in-law? That would be quite the scandal.

Yao Ping shook his head. "Where did you hear that? The engagement was called off long ago."

Zhang Julian's eyelids twitched at this. Noticing Chen Yanyun's expression darken at Wang Xuanfan's words, he felt puzzled. Such an absurd act didn't seem like something Chen Yanyun would do. Still, he smiled and said to Chen Yanyun, "It’s troublesome not having someone to attend to you. You should remarry soon." As Chen Yanyun's mentor, Zhang Julian had always supported his career and cared about his personal affairs.

Zhang Julian continued, "Tell me, what kind of person is she?"

The Gu family was related by marriage to the Marquis Changxing's household.

Zhang Julian had long known that Chen Yanyun had intervened to help the Gu family during the Daxing granary incident. He had suspected Chen Yanyun was aiding Yuan Zhongru. Could it be... that his true intention wasn't to help Yuan Zhongru but the Gu family?

Chen Yanyun finally stood up, looking somewhat embarrassed, and smiled helplessly. "So even Lord Wang knows about this!... But you’ve heard wrong, Lord Wang. I have no impression of the fourth young lady of the Gu family. To be honest, I am acquainted with the legitimate daughter of Secretary Gu, but it hasn’t reached the point of proposing marriage. There are... considerations." Chen Yanyun paused, alluding to the Gu family's ties to the Marquis Changxing.

Yao Ping's expression stiffened at this, and he shot a covert glance at Wang Xuanfan.

It was Wang Xuanfan who had told him that Chen Yanyun was interested in Gu Lian. Fearing he might offend Chen Yanyun, Yao Ping had even asked his wife to cancel the engagement with the Gu family!

Turns out, Chen Yanyun wasn't interested in Gu Lian at all. What was Wang Xuanfan playing at? Was this some kind of scheme for his amusement?

Wang Xuanfan was startled. The intelligence he had gathered all pointed to Chen Yanyun's interest in Gu Lian! He had even persuaded Yao Ping to break off the engagement with the Gu family based on that. How could it not be Gu Lian? Then who was this legitimate daughter of Secretary Gu?

Forcing a smile, Wang Xuanfan said, "Lord Chen, that can't be right. Didn’t you send a carriage to Daxing today..."Chen Yanyun's smile remained unchanged, but his tone cooled: "Lord Wang, what do you mean by that? Are you secretly monitoring my actions?"

Wang Xuanfan realized his words were inappropriate and was about to speak when Zhang Julian waved his hand to silence him.

Zhang Julian gestured for Chen Yanyun to sit, smiling warmly: "Since you've already taken a liking to her, go ahead and propose. Don't worry about other matters. You're still young—these affairs of the heart are important! Come with me."

Chen Yanyun bowed respectfully. "As you wish."

Zhang Julian and Chen Yanyun stepped out of the side hall, gazing at the Hall of Literary Glory beyond the Grand Secretariat. Zhang Julian spoke kindly: "Over the years, I've watched you rise step by step from the Imperial Academy to where you are now. It hasn't been easy. If you're hesitating to propose because of the Marquis Changxing's family, there's no need. Your teacher isn't so narrow-minded. After all, the Gu family's ties with the Marquis aren't deep..." His eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice turned cold. "But be honest with me—did you help Gu Dezhao during the last incident at the Daxing granary because of this?"

Chen Yanyun sighed. "Nothing escapes you, Teacher... She pleaded with me, and I couldn't refuse. But I've already planned it out—the grain shipment can be tampered with at Sanhe without disrupting your plans. I have no ulterior motives. If you wish to punish me for this, I accept it..."

His assistance to Gu Dezhao wasn't solely for Gu Jinzhao's sake; he also wanted to help the people of Shanxi.

By admitting this, Zhang Julian wouldn't resent him—in fact, he'd be pleased.

Zhang Julian sighed. "Your honesty is enough. Let this matter rest!" His tone softened. "Marry whomever you wish. Your teacher will even send you a wedding gift. This is a joyous occasion—go discuss it with Madam Chen when you return."

When they resumed their seats, Zhang Julian personally poured wine for Chen Yanyun, making Wang Xuanfan's eyelids twitch.

...He had likely fallen into Chen Yanyun's trap!

After leaving the Grand Secretariat, Chen Yanyun boarded his carriage outside the Meridian Gate, a faint smile on his lips. Chen Yi grew increasingly puzzled. "Third Master, why did you have me do all this? Why didn't Lord Zhang blame you after you admitted to the granary incident?"

Chen Yanyun replied leisurely, "Lord Zhang is inherently suspicious. My career has progressed too smoothly, and his wariness of me has grown. He suspected I aided Yuan Zhongru during the granary incident and has been guarded against me ever since. Now that this has happened, he'll feel more at ease."

After a moment's thought, Chen Yi suddenly understood.

Chen Yanyun murmured softly, "This was also to give her a chance to help..."

A chance for whom? Chen Yi was utterly confused. Did Third Master Chen need someone else's help?

Hu Rong, driving the carriage outside, leaned in to ask Chen Yi a question. Chen Yi turned back to Chen Yanyun. "Third Master, where should we go next? Will you still visit Sixi Alley for tea?"

Chen Yanyun gazed out the window absently before shaking his head with a smile. "Return to Wanping. I have important matters to discuss with Mother."

Chen Yi sensed that the Third Master was in exceptionally high spirits, though he couldn't fathom why. It had been a long time since he'd seen the Third Master so visibly pleased. He acknowledged the order and stepped out to relay it to Hu Rong.PS: Political conflicts are hard to resolve, this chapter has me stuck in agony~~ Plus, the Ming dynasty morning court system is difficult to research. Just bear with me for now... Let me figure out the subsequent plot. Only one update today, don't wait up!