Chapter 67: Returning to the Capital

Bringing betrothal gifts to the capital… to seek marriage with the Third Princess.

With Consort Yu taking the lead in specially visiting to congratulate the young princess on her new residence, other palaces followed suit one after another, sending numerous gifts.

Li Youqing maintained impeccable etiquette in receiving and seeing off guests, but inwardly she couldn’t help mocking herself—those who followed the trend likely had completely opposite intentions from Consort Yu.

She saw things clearly: the Sima Family had never been her backing; the East Palace was.

Having returned to the palace for half a month and accurately identified her position, Li Youqing adapted quickly.

Every noon, she went to pay respects to Father Emperor, bringing pastries she had made herself. Sometimes, when invited in for a conversation, she would happily taste each pastry first before offering them to Father Emperor.

If Emperor Jian was too busy to see her, she would hand the food box to Eunuch Pei, asking him to convey a few words of concern.

This was her duty as a “daughter”—whether the Son of Heaven needed it or not, she had to perform it for the entire palace to see.

Lying alone at night on the ornate ebony carved bed piled with brocades, the tranquility often gave her the illusion that she was still in the Buddhist temple.

Hibiscus flowers rustled outside the window, their sweet fragrance drifting through the lattice. She took a deep breath, drawing this silent moisture into her lungs.

Her heart constantly missed someone.

A man who should never appear in her life again.

In her life, there was Father Emperor, Crown Prince brother, future husband Jin Cheng… and her completely out-of-favor mother.

Yet, there would no longer be the Great Commander Xuan who commanded three armies in the northwest.

·

Continuous rainfall in the northwest was hailed by border residents as an auspicious sign.

In the autumn of the fifty-second year, the northwestern war finally settled. The youngest commander since Daliang’s founding seemed divinely aided this past year, leading troops to completely annihilate King Bai’s forces and unify the northwestern desert.

The originally intended counterbalance, Lu Zhan, nominally Zhenbei Wang, had become a useless puppet, confined to his residence along with his followers.

The northwest continuously expanded its military while developing agriculture in border towns, achieving self-sufficiency in grain. It now boasted 450,000 elite troops, with three armies totaling 800,000.

Before the new year, the court received a memorial from the northwestern great commander. Emperor Jian erupted in fury, immediately summoning Grand Tutor Jin and the Crown Prince for secret discussions.

The memorial clearly detailed Zhenbei Wang Lu Zhan’s crimes of colluding externally with King Bai and internally with the Sima Family, along with… the freshly victorious Great Commander Xuan’s intention to return to the capital with his troops.

It was unclear which matter angered Emperor Jian more—Lu Zhan’s rebellion or Xuan Rui’s return to the capital.

Moreover, returning to the capital while bringing 450,000 troops—wasn’t this as obvious as Sima Zhao’s intentions?

Fearing unexpected developments, Emperor Jian urgently recalled General Yan Liang from southern border defense and rapidly expanded the imperial guards to protect the royal city.

The original purpose of keeping Lu Zhan was to maintain mutual restraint with the wild wolf Xuan Rui. Who could have predicted he’d prove so useless? Throughout the year, countless letters sent to the capital all claimed everything was fine…

Speaking of which, dozens of spies remained in the northwest, yet Xuan Rui had managed to eliminate every one in remarkably short time.

“Returning to the capital without summons constitutes rebellion, Your Majesty. Commander Xuan’s actions warrant execution,” Grand Tutor Jin fumed.

Military actions require justification. Though military officers may not value integrity as civil officials do, never in history has any commander so brazenly displayed rebellion without even preserving appearances!

“Jing’er, what are your thoughts?” Since recovering from his illness, Emperor Jian’s vitality had greatly diminished. He turned to seek the Crown Prince’s opinion.

Li Jing stood up, his gaze resolute: “Father Emperor, your son vows to defend the imperial city’s safety at all costs.”

A flicker of relief appeared in Emperor Jian’s eyes, yet worry simultaneously surfaced in his heart.

No matter how brave and intelligent the Crown Prince might be, he had never experienced real battlefield conditions. That Xuan Rui, however, had crawled his way up from piles of corpses…

“Your son commands fifty thousand armored soldiers of the Iron Guard Army, plus the two hundred thousand troops General Yan Liang has brought. Should Xuan Rui truly intend rebellion, he would need to carefully consider his odds.”

“Moreover, Father Emperor is a wise ruler. In your son’s view, he likely wouldn’t willingly bear eternal infamy.” Li Jing knew exactly what plans that man harbored upon returning to the capital.

Precisely for this reason, he must not let that traitor succeed.

Emperor Jian seemed lost in thought. After the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, he suddenly said slowly: “The Zhenbei Army is strong with well-fed horses, yet Xuan Rui has developed rebellious intentions. Furthermore, the military tally in his possession was seized from Lu Zhan – obtained through improper means. What if we were to eliminate him during his journey back to the capital…”

“And what if the officers and soldiers of the Zhenbei Army obey only Xuan Rui’s commands and don’t recognize the military tally?” The northwestern troops had followed Xuan Rui through life and death battles, long regarding him as their true lord. What place did imperial authority hold in their eyes?

Li Jing responded solemnly: “If we cannot eliminate him in one strike, the soldiers might revolt on the spot. This would also give Father Emperor a reputation for injustice, chilling the hearts of border troops.”

“The Crown Prince is benevolent and considers matters thoroughly.” Grand Tutor Jin was about to speak when the Crown Prince coldly interrupted: “Your son worries there might be Xuan Rui’s spies in our court. We should wait until he returns to the capital and lets down his guard. Then we can remove his spies one by one. Using the southern barbarians’ invasion as pretext, we can dispatch him from the capital to support General Yan Liang. If he then disobeys the decree, we can justifiably punish him, strip his military power, and return control of the northwestern troops to the court.”

“There’s also the worst scenario – if Xuan Rui would rather face eternal condemnation and still force his way into the capital to storm the palace. Then your son will lead the fifty thousand Iron Guards and General Yan Liang to fight him to the death.”

Grand Tutor Jin was taken aback, feeling the Crown Prince had changed too much over these two years, having lost much of the benevolence from his youth. Yet he had also become… increasingly like a true emperor.

Emperors show no mercy, decisive in killing and judgment.

With the Emperor in frail health and border generals developing ambitions, no further trouble could be allowed regarding the heir apparent position.

Previously, even Emperor Jian had discussed with Grand Tutor Jin that after Third Princess’s marriage to Jin Cheng, he would voluntarily abdicate to the Crown Prince, retiring as Emperor Emeritus to enjoy his remaining years in peace.

“Xuan Rui’s wolfish ambition must not be tolerated.” The emperor heavily threw a memorial to the ground. Overcome by intense emotion, he bent over in a violent coughing fit.

“Father Emperor’s health is paramount. Please don’t anger yourself further.” Li Jing approached with concern. Emperor Jian firmly grasped his arm, and sensing his father might have more to say, Li Jing turned to Grand Tutor Jin: “The Grand Tutor is also advanced in years. Please return to your residence and rest.”

When only father and son remained in the hall, Emperor Jian sat down and drank some hot tea, seeming to recover somewhat. He said gradually: “State affairs are important, but Third Princess’s marriage cannot be neglected either. As Crown Prince, you should watch over this matter more. The Jin family consists of loyal ministers, and I’ve watched Cheng’er grow up. Surely he wouldn’t dare act presumptuously in the future.”

Li Jing’s eyes grew obscure as he lowered his gaze: “Your son will not let anyone bully the imperial sister.”

Emperor Jian continued, “How could I not know what that bastard is thinking? He refuses to relinquish his military authority as the Grand Commander of the Three Armies, yet still dares to covet our dynasty’s princess. Are we truly to let your sister marry down to him and bear some illegitimate child who’ll stir up trouble?”

These words carried considerable weight… Since ancient times, there had never been precedent for a military general to marry a princess. Just hearing the word “child” made Li Jing feel as if his soul were being torn apart.

His gaze fell upon the memorial lying on the floor. Suddenly remembering something, he strode forward and picked up the document—

In bold, powerful strokes, besides matters regarding the transport of the rebel king, it audaciously stated:

“Bringing betrothal gifts to the capital… to seek marriage with the Third Princess.”

“That damned scoundrel!” Li Jing finally lost control, unable to contain himself before Emperor Jian.

“Father Emperor, you clearly promised me before—”

He had endured forty-nine disciplinary lashes with joyful anticipation, had meticulously renovated the Rong Prince’s mansion, believing that once she returned to the capital, he could grant her the status of Crown Princess and marry her with great honor and ceremony.

Once, he had truly believed he could achieve his heart’s desire.

“Foolish!” Emperor Jian shook his head. This child he had personally taught was excellent in all aspects, except for being too stubborn.

“Do you know how many eyes are watching you now? For your sake, I’ve dealt with countless people whispering behind your back. Do you think the great families are blind? That Grand Tutor Jin is truly satisfied with this marriage? That the Donglin Cui Clan hasn’t considered pushing your elder sister’s child to the throne?” Emperor Jian sighed deeply. “Choosing Jin Cheng as consort is precisely to silence the murmurs of the world. Silly child, your foundation is still unstable—why rush at this moment?”

Defeat showed on Li Jing’s face as he retreated a step and bowed. “Your son will not give the Cui Clan any opportunity.”

“Good that you understand. Handle these matters yourself.” Emperor Jian waved his hand, leaning back against the golden dragon-embroidered cushion as he closed his eyes wearily.

“Your son takes his leave.” Li Jing respectfully withdrew.

Pei Ya had been waiting outside the palace doors. Seeing the Crown Prince emerge, he was about to enter and attend to the Emperor when the Crown Prince stopped him.

“What are Your Highness’s instructions?” Pei Ya’s features were delicate, and his smile now seemed somewhat peculiar.

Li Jing’s expression had returned to normal as he calmly instructed, “Grand Tutor Jin is advanced in years. Coming daily for imperial audiences—I fear his health cannot sustain it.”

“This servant obeys.” Pei Ya glanced at the Crown Prince’s moon-white robe before turning away obediently.

After leaving Qianqing Palace, Li Jing’s legs seemed bewitched as they carried him straight to Jinlin Terrace.

Upon entering, music was playing within, the songs and dances melodious and pleasant.

It seemed his younger sister was adapting well to palace life. He felt somewhat relieved, but when he entered the inner chamber and saw Li Youqing sitting on the snow-white fox fur-covered daybed, staring blankly at the gilded dagger he had given her, his heart warmed.

He quickly approached, only to see her jump up in surprise the next moment, performing an awkward curtsy toward him.

The warmth in his heart extinguished. He smiled helplessly and said gently, “My sister seems in good spirits today.”

“Next month is Imperial Brother’s birthday. Consort Jin asked me to help arrange a performance for your birthday banquet.” Li Youqing had been diligently rehearsing earlier, but as she watched, she found herself remembering her time in the northwest with Xuan Rui.

“Oh?” Li Jing’s eyes brightened again as he asked with a smile, “Then what birthday gift does my sister plan to give me?”

“No one asks for gifts themselves,” Li Youqing leaned in and pushed him out by his back: “You go first, if you see the performance ahead of time it won’t count.”

“Alright, alright, I won’t look,” Li Jing waved to dismiss the dancers and musicians. Turning back, he saw a flicker of panic in Li Youqing’s eyes and reassured her: “If you still acknowledge me as your brother, just treat me as you did before.”

Li Youqing was easily swayed by familial affection. She genuinely liked Li Jing from the bottom of her heart. As long as he didn’t think about those unnatural things anymore, she still enjoyed being with her Crown Prince brother.

“Then Imperial Brother, would you like to stay and have a meal with me today?” Li Youqing smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons, sparkling and endearing.

Li Jing swept his robe aside and sat down: “I’ve long heard your small kitchen is excellent. I shall taste it for myself.”

“I found the recipes myself and had the chefs learn how to make them. You can try something new, brother,” Li Youqing rested her arms on the jade square table, leaning closer to speak with him.

It had been a long time since the siblings had been this harmonious. Li Jing didn’t even dare move an inch closer, afraid to disturb the guard she had finally let down.

He especially didn’t want to tell her that person was about to arrive…