Chapter 29#

“I have no discernment in judging people?” Wen Zhuo’s words were like a sharp blade, cutting straight into the heart. Even someone as tolerant as Jun Guangping found it hard to accept. His tone turned slightly heavy as he said, “I am, after all, the Marquis of Yongning, appointed personally by His Majesty, and decades your senior. Head of Academy Wen, your words today are far too disrespectful.”#

Shen Zheng also turned to look at Wen Zhuo. In fact, earlier at the Wen residence, he had sensed that Wen Zhuo’s attitude toward the Marquis of Yongning was somewhat unusual.

Hearing these words, even he was startled.

But although he didn’t understand why Wen Zhuo had suddenly launched an attack, he still listened quietly without interrupting.

He trusted that Wen Zhuo must have his reasons and was surely thinking further ahead than he was.

Still, this otherwise likable, righteous old man was now being offended rather pitifully.

Well, whatever. He could always come back another day to console him alone.

Wen Zhuo left a bit of barley tea at the bottom of his cup. He truly couldn’t get used to this taste—it carried a hint of unwashed vegetable roots.

The Marquis of Yongning was good in every way: righteous, frugal, leading by example, kind to others, and of great prestige in the military. But in this treacherous, clouded court, even virtues could become fatal weaknesses, and those they harmed were often one’s closest kin.

Wen Zhuo was not intimidated by Jun Guangping’s anger, nor did he rush to defend himself. Instead, he turned the conversation to old matters.

“In the eleventh year of Shunyuan, the two great generals of Great Qian, known as ‘Liu of the South and Jun of the North,’ had been confined to the capital for years and were advanced in age. At that time, Nanping invaded. His Majesty sent Liu Kangren, the son of Duke Liu who served as the Metropolitan Commander, to lead the army and resist.”

“Your Lordship had extensive experience in northern campaigns, yet because you were too strict with yourself, you believed that the sixteen-year-old General Jun Dingyuan was still inexperienced and unsuited for such a heavy responsibility. Thus, you did not compete with Duke Liu for this chance to make his mark, even though you were well aware that Liu Kangren was mediocre in talent and that Duke Liu, in order to push his son forward, did not accompany the army.”

“As expected, Liu Kangren suffered repeated crushing defeats against Nanping’s ghost general Fan Wan, causing countless casualties among our troops and a complete loss of morale. By the time Your Lordship thought to don armor and enter the fray, it was too late. Duke Liu tried to redeem himself through meritorious service, but it was beyond remedy. His Majesty had lost all confidence and only wanted to cut his losses. Moreover, the court’s majority favored surrender, so envoys were sent to negotiate peace.”

As the Marquis of Yongning listened to the recounting of those years, every word felt like a thorn in his ears. He clenched his hands so tightly that his knuckles turned white, clearly suppressing his fury.

“So, Head of Academy Wen means to say that the defeat back then was actually my fault?”

“This matter has many interpretations, each with its own reasoning. But in my eyes, Your Lordship indeed bears fault. Because you did not wish to quarrel with Duke Liu, you allowed our Great Qian to fall into crisis, leading to more than a decade of national decline.”

Just as the Marquis of Yongning was about to retort, Wen Zhuo sighed again and said, “Of course, I hold Your Lordship to such high standards because you are the pillar of the state, the anchor that calms the seas. You cannot be compared to ordinary men.”

This blend of criticism and praise, with a needle hidden in silk, actually choked back the Marquis of Yongning’s angry words in his throat, rendering him speechless.

The Marquis could only glare, his fingers frantically stroking his beard, inadvertently pulling out several strands in his agitation.

Wen Zhuo laughed inwardly but showed no kindness on his face.

What he wanted to discuss was not about the battlefield. The following words were the real focus of his visit today.

“In the thirteenth year of Shunyuan, the terms of peace were finalized. Besides our Great Qian having to pay millions of taels of silver in tribute to Nanping each year, we also had to send a prince to Nanping as a hostage.”

At this point, Wen Zhuo and the Marquis of Yongning both turned to look at Shen Zheng simultaneously.

Shen Zheng had been cracking walnuts from the plate and eating them. Seeing the shift in atmosphere, he suddenly realized he should show some reaction.

So he quickly put the walnut back and deliberately adjusted his expression to a more somber one.

Wen Zhuo really wanted to praise him for his emotional stability. Hearing such a life-altering matter, he could still treat it with such equanimity.

Wen Zhuo continued, “The Fifth Prince had been dull-witted since childhood and not good at endearing himself, so His Majesty intended to send him. At that time, Consort Liang was pregnant, yet she still fought desperately, kneeling for a long time outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation. But at this moment, Your Lordship did not argue forcefully in her favor.”

Shen Zheng’s eyes suddenly widened in shock. This piece of history had not been recorded in the Qian history books, so he had not known it before.

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Yongning’s entire body went rigid.

“At that time, the Crown Prince and the Wise Prince were already older and deeply entrenched, so naturally they could not be sent as hostages. Although the Third Prince was disabled, his mother was a direct descendant of the Helian family and had deep connections. The Fourth Prince was adopted by the Precious Consort, who enjoyed imperial favor and could protect a child. The Seventh Prince had not yet been born. The only one who could replace the Fifth Prince was the Sixth Prince.”

“His Majesty thought that since Consort Liang was pregnant, sacrificing one child would leave her with another. But what were Your Lordship’s thoughts?”

When Wen Zhuo reached this point, he turned his head to look at the blurry clear sky outside the latticed window, unable to bear seeing the Marquis of Yongning’s eyes at that moment.

He had not wanted to deeply wound an old general like this, but the struggle for the heir apparent left no room for hesitation or wavering.

“Your Lordship is famously righteous. Passing through Nanzhou, you saw an embroiderer being humiliated and willingly took her as your adopted daughter, treating her like your own. The Sixth Prince was sweet-tongued and clever, staying by your side for years. How could you, for the sake of your biological grandson, push out your adopted grandson and cause your adopted daughter to suffer the pain of separation from her child?”

“The word ‘righteousness’ looks beautiful when placed before you, but it feels cold to the touch. I’m afraid Your Lordship did not expect that Consort Liang would be so grief-stricken that she miscarried, and General Jun, who had deep affection for his sister, left home in anger, heading straight for the southern border, not returning for ten years. Your wife was often sad and melancholy, and unfortunately, she passed away from illness two years ago.”

“To have a clear conscience, to appear fair, Your Lordship would rather let your family be broken and your son bear resentment. So was I wrong to say that the Fifth Prince has no maternal relatives to support him? In these ten years, if General Jun Dingyuan had not remained true to his original intentions and fought desperately, would Your Lordship have ever considered how to reunite Consort Liang and the Fifth Prince?”

By the time he finished, the Marquis of Yongning’s eyes were red, tears staining his long beard. He strained to hold himself together, but he trembled uncontrollably, like a solitary stalk in the cold wind.

Shen Zheng was not much better off than Jun Guangping. These words also weighed on him, making it hard to breathe.

He had always felt that he was merely borrowing the shell of the Fifth Prince. His maternal grandfather, his mother, his father were all someone else’s. So regarding what had happened before, he either took it in stride or was indifferent.

He often observed from an outsider’s perspective, examining the joys and sorrows of each figure in this era, judging right and wrong with a modern eye.

Only recently, because of Wen Zhuo’s inexplicable trauma and painful tears, had he truly felt a connection to this era.

He began to look beyond the cold words of history books and pity a person who might be called a treacherous minister.

But somehow, at this moment, an indescribable sense of grievance and sorrow surged into his heart, almost overwhelming his reason.

Could it be that he had truly merged completely with this body and begun to feel the sadness and pain of this heart?

Wen Zhuo finally looked Jun Guangping straight in the eye, meeting the regret and confusion in his gaze.

“In these years, the mother and son of the Sixth Prince have often come to visit and show concern, giving Your Lordship much warmth, haven’t they? If Xie Langyang were loyal to the Sixth Prince, if the Fifth Prince had already begun to vie for the throne, and if one day they must fight to the death, will Your Lordship this time be willing to stand wholeheartedly on the side of your biological grandson without hesitation?”

Jun Guangping’s beard trembled slightly as he slowly turned to look at Shen Zheng, tears streaming down his face.

For ten years, his wife had died of melancholy, his son had left in anger, and his daughter had lived secluded in the deep palace. He felt as if he had done right, yet also as if he had done wrong.

But this matter had not been brought up for so long that he had grown numb and stopped probing into right and wrong.

When Shen Zheng returned to the capital this time, he was anxious, cautious, afraid to touch upon it. But to his surprise, Shen Zheng was unexpectedly cheerful and optimistic, treating him, his maternal grandfather, with warmth and affection.

For Jun Guangping, this was an unexpected joy. In the twilight of his life, he had finally regained the long-lost happiness of family.

He often comforted himself, thinking, perhaps, that his grandson’s days in Nanping had not been so painful after all.

Jun Guangping smiled bitterly. “Is Head of Academy Wen here today to cut open my heart?”

Wen Zhuo did not answer. He only said slowly, “Your Lordship, I only want one word from you.”

He actually did not want to engage in such interrogations of human nature, forcing people into a corner. But was he himself not also in a corner, facing death to survive?

Jun Guangping stood up, wiped away his tears with his palm, and said word by word, “Even if Xie Langyang devised such a treacherous scheme for Shen Chen, Shen Chen would never agree. Head of Academy Wen, why should I believe the words of an outsider and let you sow discord among my remaining family?”

The main hall fell into dead silence, with only the wind banging the half-closed door.

Under the same bright clear sky, Xie Langyang was walking out of the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace.

Gong Zhiyuan had just introduced him to the Crown Prince. But as expected, the Crown Prince was deeply drunk, half-asleep, and did not look at him directly. It was only out of courtesy to Gong Zhiyuan that he was given a modicum of politeness.

But Xie Langyang could tell whether this politeness was genuine or not. He performed all the courtesies, analyzed his views on the court situation, and shared the insights he had gained over years in the Ministry of Personnel.

The Crown Prince nearly fell asleep listening.

Gong Zhiyuan gave a heavy cough, and only then did the Crown Prince jolt awake, his head falling onto the desk, responding dazedly, “Is the Grand Secretary calling me?”

Xie Langyang said nothing. He only sighed and shook his head as he walked out of the Eastern Palace.

Indeed, the Crown Prince had the Grand Secretary, the Grand Tutor, the Vice Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Rites around him. A mere director like Xie Langyang was truly insignificant.

Only by staying close to Shen Chen could he escape his father-in-law’s surveillance and suppression and truly realize his political ambitions.

So, leaving the Eastern Palace, Xie Langyang quietly went to the princes’ residence.

Shen Chen laughed upon hearing this. “My second brother has had too much since childhood and has lived too smoothly. He is incompetent yet arrogant, looking down on everyone, even you. And our esteemed father-in-law wants you to replace Tang Guangzhi, to become a handy tool for him and the Crown Prince.”

Xie Langyang bowed his head. “Your Highness, I am utterly loyal to you.”

Shen Chen patted his shoulder, signaling him to relax. “I trust that. But I think this is a good opportunity.”

Xie Langyang looked up, ready to listen attentively.

Shen Chen, however, asked, “Does Xie Qing still think about Wen Zhuo?”

Xie Langyang was stunned, seemingly unwilling to bring up this topic. But since Shen Chen asked, he had to answer.

“Although because of him, my Xie family suffered a heavy blow, in the end, I was the one who wronged him first. I will not give up.”

Shen Chen was silent for a while, then asked, “Xie Qing, were you naturally inclined toward men?”

Xie Langyang shook his head. “No, when I first came to understand such matters, the object of my affection was also a woman.”

Shen Chen: “Then why must it be Wen Zhuo and no one else?”

Xie Langyang did not know how to answer.

Perhaps it was because on the arduous journey to the exams, meeting a fellow traveler who resonated with him, or because Wen Zhuo’s talent amazed him, so much so that even all-night conversations did not tire him. Or perhaps it was the way Wen Zhuo looked when he was in distress, ill, and seeking help, which stirred pity and tenderness in him. In short, he had never felt such emotions for anyone else.

Shen Chen shook his head. “Well, forget it. Wen Zhuo has now begun to assist Shen Zheng. If one day Shen Zheng ascends the throne and Wen Zhuo becomes the Grand Secretary, second only to the emperor, I fear Xie Qing will never be able to obtain him.”

Xie Langyang trembled at these words, his eyes suddenly sharpening, his palms clenching tighter.

Seeing that he had provoked enough, Shen Chen continued, “After the Spring Terrace Chess Gathering, Nanping will likely stay quiet for a few years. In the previous life, His Majesty appointed Jun Dingyuan as the Supreme Commander of the Three Great Battalions. It should be the same in this life. The Supreme Commander holds the capital’s troops and commands all battalions. Although he has no authority to mobilize troops, only to command them, it still makes people wary. I remember that the Commander-in-Chief under the Crown Prince has also had his eyes on this position for a long time.”

“Your Highness means…”

“You and I both know the secret hidden in Jun Dingyuan. Why not present this secret to the Crown Prince and use his power to eliminate Shen Zheng’s right-hand man?”

Xie Langyang was shocked and said urgently, “Your Highness, Jun Dingyuan is the pillar of the state, a rare and valuable general!”

Shen Chen felt that Xie Langyang sometimes simply asked for trouble. This man was fine when governing with benevolence, but when using cunning schemes for the state, he was far inferior to Wen Zhuo.

Shen Chen sneered. “What of Han Xin and Xiao He? What of Fan Li and Wen Zhong? Were Emperor Gaozu of Han and King Goujian of Yue not wise rulers and overlords? If a minister’s merit overshadows the ruler, growing arrogant and no longer serving my purposes, then no matter how rare the pillar, they can be replaced!”

Xie Langyang was frightened by his demeanor, as if he saw again the face of Shen Chen from the previous life, casting aside those who had served him.

But Shen Chen quickly changed his attitude, smiling to reveal two dimples, his tone softening. “Xie Qing, after yesterday, Shen Zheng will surely shake the capital. With the support of the Marquis of Yongning’s mansion, he has already become a threat to the Crown Prince. Even if we do nothing, the Crown Prince and the Grand Secretary will not let him go. You only need to provide a little convenience for the Crown Prince. Whether to act or not is up to him, isn’t it? If the Crown Prince also thinks Jun Dingyuan is a good general, then he will be fine. If the Crown Prince decides to act, on what grounds do you demand that I be entirely virtuous?”

Xie Langyang felt he had been persuaded by Shen Chen.

He was merely informing the Crown Prince of a secret that would be revealed sooner or later in the previous life. The fate of Jun Dingyuan lay in the Crown Prince’s hands, not his.

Moreover, this matter would not cost Jun Dingyuan his life, because in the end, there would be a solution. Wen Zhuo knew how they had resolved it in the previous life. Though painful, the Jun family had been kept safe.

Shen Chen calculated, “After this, Shen Zheng will surely be implicated, rendering him powerless in the fight for the throne. That way, no one has to die, and everyone gets what they want. Xie Qing, isn’t that good?”

“I… understand,” Xie Langyang answered in a low voice.

Shen Chen reminded him again, “Last time, the false accusation failed, so the Crown Prince will likely not trust you easily. Don’t go to him yourself. When Jun Dingyuan returns, use the pretext of celebration to visit his tent. Pretend to discover something by chance, then return and have a private talk with your wife, letting the spy in your mansion leak the information to Gong Zhiyuan. He will be thoroughly convinced.”

Xie Langyang gripped his robe tightly and agreed once more.

He felt as if he were stepping into a marsh, where water accumulated and never dried. He slowly sank deeper and deeper, afraid of where the end might be, yet unable to extricate himself.

The last wisp of steam dissipated from the teacup. The barley tea was as cold as the desolate northern frontier.

Wen Zhuo and the Marquis of Yongning stared at each other for a long time. Suddenly, Wen Zhuo flicked his sleeve and stood up coldly. “In that case, very well. Your Lordship may choose your adopted daughter and grandson time and again—that is your right. But since I am now assisting my lord, the next time we meet, we will be mortal enemies.”

With these words, Wen Zhuo truly did not linger. He turned and walked out, his steps crisp and decisive, like a proud, aloof cat who disdains to argue with mortals.

The cat walked too quickly, and Shen Zheng had to hurry after him.

“You—”

Jun Guangping was stunned. He had only asked casually, not expecting Wen Zhuo to flip so suddenly, leaving no room for sentiment.

The surge of a general’s pride that had risen in his chest vanished without a trace. He was about to call out to stop him when suddenly there was a loud bang, and the main hall’s door was kicked open!

Outside stood a face with sword-like brows and starry eyes, exuding authority: “Head of Academy Wen, wait! My father may harbor evil, but the Marquis of Yongning’s mansion still has me, Jun Mulan!”

Consort Liang wore a red silk narrow-sleeved tight outfit, paired with a cloud-brocade Ruyi-patterned horse-face skirt. She was without makeup, only a jade hairpin holding up a high bun. At first glance, she was tall and beautiful, but her eyes held no trace of weakness.

“I am willing to help my son rid himself of that venomous woman and rebellious son. My brother Jun Dingyuan and I are at your command!”

“Mulan?!” the Marquis of Yongning shouted in shock.

Since Shen Zheng had been sent to Nanping, Jun Mulan had rarely returned to the mansion. As a consort, leaving the palace was indeed inconvenient, but even when she had the chance, she always made excuses.

Naturally, she harbored resentment, but Jun Mulan was calm enough not to quarrel with her father over it.

“Mother, why are you here?” Seeing the situation, Shen Zheng immediately stepped to stand beside the fierce-looking Jun Mulan, glancing at his stunned grandfather. He suspected the old man was close to withering away.

Consort Liang reached up and patted Shen Zheng’s head, speaking softly. “His Majesty has graciously allowed you to attend court and listen to government affairs. You were supposed to go and thank him today. I heard you left the palace early and guessed you had come to see your grandfather, so I requested His Majesty’s permission to come find you.”

Wen Zhuo had to stop. He smiled faintly at Consort Liang and began to bow. “Your subject greets Consort Liang.”

But Jun Mulan grabbed him, her strength far exceeding that of an ordinary woman.

She stared intently at Wen Zhuo and said seriously, “You saved my son’s life and are willing to assist him in contending for the throne. This kindness should be repaid by me bowing to you.”

Jun Mulan, having practiced martial arts for years, had a heavy grip. Her pull left Wen Zhuo’s wrists red.

Wen Zhuo’s eyelashes fluttered twice. He tried to ignore the pain and spoke slowly. “The princes in the capital today grow up in splendor and are raised in hothouses. Their eyes no longer see the hardships of the common people or the suffering of the populace. But the Fifth Prince, honed by ten years of wind and frost, deeply understands the bitterness of imprisonment and the difficulties of low status. He believes that all people, regardless of rank, have their integrity. I judge that he is different from the other princes and has the makings of an enlightened ruler. When the old man lost his horse, how could he know it was a blessing? In the past, the King of Qin was a hostage in Zhao and met Lü Buwei, who helped him, and eventually swept through the six states to unify the world. Consort Liang, I hope you can let go of what happened back then.”

Jun Mulan looked Wen Zhuo up and down, her gaze shifting from firmness to surprise and appreciation, and her grip tightened again.

“Times have changed. His Majesty no longer brings it up. Thank you for still remembering the suffering I endured back then.”

“…”

Wen Zhuo still wore a faint smile, but inwardly he was yelling, It hurts! It hurts! So much!

The Marquis of Yongning was extremely anxious, seeing his biological daughter and adopted daughter on the verge of breaking apart. He stamped his foot repeatedly. “Mulan, do you really have to fight to the death with your younger sister?”

Jun Mulan turned to glare coldly at her father, fury rising in her eyes. “When did I ever not regard her as my own sister? But while I was pregnant with your grandson, she visited the palace on the pretext of taking measurements for clothes and seduced His Majesty! Later, when I was about to give birth, she was pregnant with Shen Chen and tormented me daily with words. When my son was sent to Nanping to suffer, she became even more arrogant, not putting me in her eyes. Only you close your eyes and ears, unable to distinguish evil from good. I, Jun Mulan, swear here and now that I will take that venomous woman’s life. You choose: are you on my side or hers?”

“I… you… ah!” Jun Guangping was left speechless by her, only sighing deeply. He truly could not understand how things had come to this.

Seeing this, Wen Zhuo quickly fanned the flames. “If I had known this, I would have gone directly to see Her Highness. May I ask if Her Highness can speak a word to General Jun?”

Jun Mulan turned to Wen Zhuo and said, “Rest assured. I raised my younger brother since he was a child. We are very close, and he is always of one mind with me. My words carry more weight with him than my father’s.”

Wen Zhuo’s eyes lit up, and he smiled. “Excellent. There is indeed a matter requiring Her Highness to write a letter to General Jun immediately. However… since His Lordship is not of one mind with us, I’m afraid he cannot know.”

Jun Mulan nodded. “Of course.”

Jun Guangping: “…”

Wen Zhuo sighed. “There is one more thing. The Fifth Prince and I wish to keep our secret plans from outsiders. I would like to have a secret tunnel built between the Marquis of Yongning’s mansion and the Wen residence for easier meetings.”

Jun Mulan narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze cold, her grip tightening. “That’s easy. I have a group of trustworthy people. Tomorrow, I will have the entire Marquis’s mansion thoroughly swept. When my brother Jun Dingyuan returns and holds military power, I will ensure that the venomous woman and rebellious son never dare set foot in the mansion again.”

Jun Guangping: “…”

Wen Zhuo only felt the pain in his wrists intensify, his fingers involuntarily curling. But this was not the time to show weakness. A few drops of moisture glistened in his eyes, and he said with emotion, “Her Highness is so wise. It feels like divine assistance to Wanshan.”

Consort Liang looked at Wen Zhuo, seeing his nose slightly red and eyes watery. She had not expected him to be so sentimental. She quickly racked her brain for some good words.

“Uh… I’ve long heard that Head of Academy Wen is unmatched in the world. I didn’t expect you to have such a heart for the people. I wonder what extraordinary woman will catch your eye in the future.”

Shen Zheng: “?”

He quickly coughed lightly and tapped his mother’s back, interrupting, “Mother, please let go. My teacher has a frail constitution; he can’t withstand your grip.”

Only then did Consort Liang realize and quickly release Wen Zhuo’s wrists, somewhat embarrassed. “I’ve practiced martial arts for years and forgot myself for a moment.”

Wen Zhuo whooshed his hands back into his sleeves, feigning composure. “…Not too painful.”

Jun Guangping watched the three of them in perfect harmony, discussing how to take over the Marquis’s mansion and deal with Consort Yi, all smiles and cheer, and knew that resistance was futile. He could only sigh three times. “Ah! Ah! Ah! Whose side can I be on? You are after all my own flesh and blood.”

Wen Zhuo had known this outcome all along. Jun Guangping was, of course, biased toward his biological daughter and grandson. He could be kind to his adopted daughter and grandson, but he had never planned to hand over his military connections to Shen Chen. He had always been waiting for his own grandson to return.

What had been troublesome in the previous life had turned out smoothly in this one.

Wen Zhuo: “Good. A promise from the Marquis is worth a thousand gold. I hope you will follow through. This matter is as urgent as a hair’s breadth; not a single oversight is allowed.”

Jun Guangping had no way out and smiled bitterly. “I understand naturally.”

Wen Zhuo quickly said to Shen Zheng, “Since His Majesty is still waiting for you to thank him, you should return to the palace with Her Highness.”

Shen Zheng raised an eyebrow. “Teacher, see me off.”

Wen Zhuo was puzzled. “Why?”

Shen Zheng said matter-of-factly, “I don’t have a sedan chair.”

Consort Liang immediately puffed out her chest. “I came on horseback. We can ride together!”

Shen Zheng did not change his expression. “Then I get horse-sick.”

Consort Liang: “?”

Did I give birth to this? From a military family?

Wen Zhuo: “…”

Helplessly, the small red sedan carried Wen Zhuo and Shen Zheng again, squeezed together, rattling toward the palace gate.

In the sedan, Shen Zheng suddenly took Wen Zhuo’s hand and gently pushed up his wide sleeve, saying softly, “Let me see what they’ve done to you.”

On Wen Zhuo’s wrists were two rings of red marks, stark against his fair skin.

In truth, though red, the pain had long since faded.

“…It’s nothing.” Wen Zhuo tried to pull his hand back, but Shen Zheng held it firmly.

He gently cradled both wrists in his hands and slowly began to rub them.

His fingertips traced circles, following the pulse and bones, his gaze as if tangible, repeatedly smoothing over the reddened areas, growing deeper and deeper.

“I just realized that my teacher can’t stand pain at all. When it hurts, you cry.”