Liang Chen Mei Jin

Chapter 333: Estrangement

The snow fell incessantly like cotton fluff, and the gray haze over the imperial city pressed low. The golden finials and glazed eaves only accentuated the gloom around them.

"Third Master."

A voice called from behind.

Chen Yanyun turned to see Lord Liang ascending the steps.

Lord Liang climbed the white marble stairs in a few strides and clasped his hands with a smile toward Chen Yanyun.

"The snow is getting heavier. I fear we won’t be able to return after court adjourns."

"It always falls heavily this time of year," Chen Yanyun replied, tightening the sash of his cloak and slowing his pace to let Lord Liang catch up. The two walked together toward the side gate of the Huangji Hall, where a resting area was set up inside, complete with braziers and hot tea for the officials to take a brief respite.

From a distance, Ye Xian saw Chen Yanyun enter the side gate. He too looked up at the ceaseless snowfall. The coachman, wearing a felt hat, was sweeping snow off the green canopy of the carriage with a small broom and said to Ye Xian, "Young Master! The sky looks so heavy—it might snow for several more hours..."

Ye Xian withdrew his gaze without a word. No one knew what he was thinking as he slowly made his way toward the side gate of the Huangji Hall, cradling a hand warmer.

Inside the Huangji Hall, long tables, incense burners, and prayer mats were arranged. A gilded plaque hung overhead, with Grand Preceptor's Chairs placed in rows on either side.

Zhang Ju Lian sat on one of the chairs, sipping tea. He didn’t even lift his head when he sensed Chen Yanyun enter.

Chen Yanyun first clasped his hands in greeting, addressing him as "Teacher." Lord Liang, meanwhile, addressed him as "Grand Secretary."

Zhang Ju Lian merely smiled faintly.

The two men took their seats separately. Chen Yanyun had nothing to say and quietly drank his tea.

The atmosphere in the side hall grew subdued.

Everyone knew that relations between Lord Chen and Lord Zhang had been strained these past few months, especially during the Zhou Husheng case. Rumors claimed that Zhang Ju Lian had hinted for Chen Yanyun’s assistance, but the latter had politely declined. Zhang Ju Lian had barely spoken to Chen Yanyun these past few days, though Chen Yanyun still paid his respects daily, addressing him as "Teacher" as if nothing had changed. Their current distance only confirmed the rumors.

Third Master Chen had risen to his current position—though not yet officially the Deputy Grand Secretary in the Grand Secretariat, his actual authority was no different. Much of this was undoubtedly due to Zhang Ju Lian’s support.

Would Third Master Chen now be sidelined? The officials couldn’t help but speculate in silence.

When it was time for court to convene, Zhang Ju Lian stood. Lord Liang reached out as if to assist him, but Zhang Ju Lian lightly brushed his hand away.

"No need for such courtesy, Lord Liang. I can still stand on my own."

Liang Lin flushed, wondering if Zhang Ju Lian was displeased with him for walking alongside Third Master Chen. But he had always been on good terms with Chen Yanyun—they often shared tea and conversation without reservation. He glanced at Chen Yanyun with some concern.

Chen Yanyun’s hair was neatly combed beneath his Six-Tiered Crown, and his crimson court robes made him appear tall and dignified, exuding an air of scholarly grace.

He remained unperturbed, unaffected by favor or disgrace.

Those aligned with Zhang Ju Lian, seeing how he treated Liang Lin, dared not speak to Chen Yanyun either. They walked ahead in small groups, though some who were friendly with Third Master Chen or had once served under him clasped their hands and smiled at him in passing. The Vice Minister of Revenue, Li Ying, slowed to walk beside him. Li Ying had been personally promoted by Third Master Chen, having previously served as a prefect in Changde, Hunan. He said softly, "This humble official’s words may be superfluous, but I must say… You need not take Lord Zhang’s attitude to heart. No matter what, I am willing to serve you with all my loyalty. Those of us who know you understand your worth."

Chen Yanyun glanced at him after hearing this.Chen Yanyun was well aware that his strained relationship with Zhang Julian would inevitably affect his standing within Zhang's faction. Thus, he paid little heed to such matters. However, it surprised him that some still leaned toward him—undoubtedly due not only to his own merits but also to Zhang Julian's influence. Many likely disapproved of Zhang's current conduct.

He said quietly, "This isn't the time to talk... Lord Li, please go ahead."

Li Ying acknowledged and walked forward.

Third Master Chen lingered at the back, moving slowly. With no one beside him, his figure appeared somewhat solitary.

Ye Xian noticed Chen Yanyun falling behind and gradually caught up. "Lord Chen seems to have lost weight—has your appetite been poor?"

Chen Yanyun turned to look at Ye Xian and smiled. "On the contrary, I think the young master has put on some weight."

Ye Xian replied, "I eat well and sleep soundly, free from worries... But Lord Chen must have some concerns! Just days ago, they were all warm and friendly, attending your son's third-day celebration gift. Now, they regard you with cold hostility. Others follow suit, treating Third Master Chen like a scourge. If your former glory fades, what will you do?"

"Young master, your concern is unnecessary. I've faced far worse times—losing glory is nothing." Chen Yanyun smiled faintly, gazing ahead.

"Have you visited Zhou Husheng?" Ye Xian suddenly asked.

He didn’t actually expect an answer and continued with a slight smile, "Fortunately, he has Lord Zhang as his uncle. Otherwise, after leaving the Ministry of Justice, he would have been skinned alive—hardly in the state he is now. It’s just a pity for Liu Xin Yun, a rare honest official..."

"What is the young master implying?" Chen Yanyun asked softly.

"Just making conversation with Lord Chen," Ye Xian answered.

Chen Yanyun merely smiled. "My standing is no concern of yours, young master. I appreciate your kindness."

He cupped his hands and strode ahead, leaving Ye Xian behind.

Ye Xian frowned. Did Third Master Chen truly not care about Zhang Julian? Had he misjudged the situation? Was this all part of Chen's scheme? If so, what exactly was he plotting?

The court assembly proceeded routinely without major affairs.

Third Master Chen stood in the second row of civil officials as Lord Zhang spoke about the farmland reclamation in the Hexi Corridor: "...In recent years, I promoted the cultivation of wasteland to address the grain shortage for the Hexi garrison. After land surveys, over ten thousand extra acres of farmland have been reclaimed, yielding an additional hundred thousand dan of grain—sufficient for the needs of Gansu’s garrison. With the northern Mongol tribes and western barbarians engaged in conflict, our borders remain undisturbed, ensuring peace and prosperity."

Seated on the throne, Zhu Junan, his delicate face breaking into a smile, said, "This is due to Lord Zhang’s efforts. In recognition, the supervising officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue shall each be promoted one rank and rewarded with five hundred taels of gold."

Yao Ping, Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory and concurrently Vice Minister of Rites, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have a memorial."

Zhu Junan glanced at the court herald, who promptly announced, "Present it." The memorial was then received by the presenting official and handed to Zhu Junan for review.Yao Ping continued, "This humble official proposes to confer the title of Grand Preceptor upon Lord Zhang. Lord Zhang has toiled diligently and achieved great merit, serving His Majesty with utmost dedication for many years, governing the state and implementing benevolent policies for the people. Today, the realm is peaceful, and the people prosperous—a testament to Lord Zhang's tireless efforts. Moreover, Lord Zhang once served as the Emperor's tutor, embodying the virtue of a wise chancellor. The title of Grand Preceptor is well-deserved, hence this humble official petitions for Lord Zhang to be granted this honor."

Chen Yanyun raised his head, catching only the crane embroidery on Zhang Ju Lian's official robes, unable to discern his expression.

Several other officials stepped forward to endorse Yao Ping's proposal.

Zhu Junan also glanced at the assembled ministers. Zhang Ju Lian had already been granted the secondary first-rank title of Crown Prince's Grand Tutor during the late emperor's reign. Now, with his towering achievements and virtue, the petition was to elevate him to Grand Preceptor. Though merely an honorary title, the prestige it carried was extraordinary...

As Zhu Junan turned to speak to Zhang Ju Lian, the latter knelt and said, "Your Majesty, this subject holds a differing view. Serving the Emperor is this subject's duty, and such empty honors are unnecessary. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider."

Zhu Junan felt the memorial in his hand grow hot.

"Rise, my loyal subject. Yao Daren speaks reason—I ought to reward Lord Zhang for his service," Zhu Junan declared. "Summon Feng Chengshan of the Directorate of Ceremonial to draft the edict: Lord Zhang is hereby conferred the title of Grand Preceptor, granted three thousand taels of gold, and his stipend doubled."

His youthful yet solemn voice echoed through the hall, firm and resolute.

...Once the court session concluded, the Emperor departed, and the ministers withdrew.

The officials flocked to congratulate Zhang Ju Lian, who smiled graciously and returned their gestures with clasped hands.

Chen Yanyun, accompanied by the Director of the Office of the Directorate of Instruction, stepped over the threshold with a smile, exchanging quiet words before falling behind.

Zhang Ju Lian paused to wait for Chen Yanyun, smiling faintly. "Nine Balance, won't you congratulate your teacher?"

Chen Yanyun replied, "Naturally, I intended to wait until Teacher was less occupied."

Zhang Ju Lian chuckled. "No need to wait. You understand—without your teacher, you wouldn't be where you are today. Your teacher can give you life, or take it away." He spoke slowly, his words carrying far enough for the Director trailing behind Chen Yanyun to hear. The man's expression shifted.

"This student understands," Chen Yanyun said calmly.

"Let Husheng's matter rest. In the future, heed your teacher's words—it would be wise." Zhang Ju Lian clasped his hands behind his back. "You are still young. Learn obedience and humility. Many are eager to comply."

Chen Yanyun smiled. "Teacher's guidance is well-taken."

Zhang Ju Lian gestured vaguely. "Come, there is a gathering beneath the Songpeng Pavilion. You must toast me a few cups."

The crowd ushered Zhang Ju Lian toward the Wenyuan Pavilion.

Meanwhile, a figure ascended the steps. The Director spotted him first, exclaiming in surprise, "That... isn't that Lord Liu?"

A gaunt, frail man in a blue round-collared official robe with a right lapel and a two-tiered crown came into view.

He moved slowly but steadily, climbing the white jade steps one by one. Over fifty, just a year older than Zhang Ju Lian, his hair was now streaked with gray, his face aged beyond his years. The heavy snow fell upon him, as if weighing him down unbearably.

Someone whispered, "Isn't he under investigation for embezzlement? Why is he attending court now..."

The guards at the Huangji Palace gate stepped forward. "The court session has ended, my lord. Please return!"

Liu Xin Yun's lips trembled. "I was delayed at the Meridian Gate... otherwise I would have made it. I must see His Majesty. I beg you to announce me..."The guards must have recognized him, their tone no longer polite. "Lord Liu, His Majesty has already returned to the Qianqing Palace. Given your current status as a convicted official, you should go back and wait. Besides, the court assembly is already over—you won’t be able to see the emperor."

"Someone is blocking me—" Liu Xin Yun whispered. "Could you... could you pass on a message for me—"

Before he could finish, the guard laughed. "Lord Liu, are you too old and feeble to understand? The court assembly is dismissed. Go back!"

"My daughter is dying, and I’ll likely be imprisoned in two days. Can’t you just let me see the emperor?"

The guard grew impatient and shoved him. "I don’t understand what you’re saying—don’t talk to me!"

Liu Xin Yun lost his balance and fell to the ground.

The guard hadn’t expected him to be so weak and froze for a moment.

But Liu Xin Yun knelt down, slowly removed his official hat with two ridges, and began kowtowing toward the gates of the Huangji Hall.

"Your Majesty—" Afraid the emperor might be too far to hear, he raised his voice. "Your Majesty, this humble official has been wronged! This humble official has been wronged!"

His hoarse cries trembled, and by the next sentence, he could no longer hold back his sobs.

"Zhang Ju Lian is a despicable villain! He shielded his nephew’s crimes and murdered my daughter—"

"Treacherous ministers hold sway—Your Majesty—"

Liu Xin Yun’s forehead quickly swelled red. As if driven by some desperate need to vent, he slammed his head down with such force that blood soon streamed from the wound.

The Huangji Hall was eerily silent, the ragged cries echoing hollowly in the air.

Snow continued to fall heavily from the sky.

Zhang Ju Lian sighed faintly. "I suppose Lord Liu has lost his mind from grief over his daughter." When someone moved to pull Liu Xin Yun away, Zhang Ju Lian signaled for them to stop. "Let him shout. He’ll tire himself out and leave."

With that, he ignored Liu Xin Yun and walked toward the Wenyuan Pavilion.

Chen Yanyun stared at the glaring pool of blood, then closed his eyes briefly.

He thought of many things, but in the end, he said nothing and did nothing. Tucking his hands into his sleeves, he continued walking forward.

Everyone left those desperate cries behind them.

Zhu Junan ordered the eunuchs carrying his palanquin to halt. "I think I heard something."

Feng Chengshan approached with a smile. "Your Majesty, you still need to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Shall this old servant send someone to check?"

Zhu Junan shook his head. "It was a cry for justice—turn back!"

Feng Chengshan had no choice but to instruct the eunuchs to reverse course.

By the time they reached the Huangji Hall, Zhu Junan stepped out of the palanquin. All he saw was a pool of blood on the ground. When he questioned the guards at the gate, they claimed someone had caused a disturbance earlier and had already been dragged away. Zhu Junan pressed his lips tightly together, silent.

The young emperor stood rooted in place, the cold wind filling his sleeves, motionless for a long time.