Chapter 155 Establishing an heir and supporting a young ruler would allow one to legitimately assist the state in governing...

In the council hall of the Princess's residence, Xie Wenjun sat high in the main seat, with several ministers seated on either side.

After the discussions on drought relief and tax reduction in Cangnan and Huainan concluded, a silence fell over the council hall. The officials remained silent, their eyes meeting, each harboring a topic no one dared to raise first.

With the Emperor seriously ill, the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day, and the matter of establishing a crown prince is now urgent.

The Xun family must be the most uneasy right now.

The Xun family is the one least likely to be mentioned in the matter of establishing an heir. If they speak first, they are easily accused of coveting the throne and harboring disloyal intentions.

There were originally only two princes in the palace. The eldest prince, Xie Feizong, was the legitimate son of the empress, and there was no dispute about his status. The Xun family had been sitting on the sidelines for a long time, waiting for this opportunity to turn their lives around. However, after the imperial edict was issued to confer the title of imperial concubine, daughters from the Cheng, Feng, and Yue families entered the palace one after another. In the past two years, they have all become pregnant. Yue Yao, the daughter of Yue Dun, the Earl of Chengyang, has already given birth to a daughter, while the daughters from the Cheng and Feng families are still heavily pregnant.

The Cheng and Feng families are both highly regarded and appreciated by the emperor. Cheng Lingdian is the head of the civil officials, and Feng Jiakun has made outstanding contributions. If two more princes are added to the palace, it is still unknown which family will become the crown prince.

As the meeting drew to a close, Tang Shiqiong, the Minister of Works, could no longer contain himself and bowed to Xie Wenjun, saying, "Your Highness, His Majesty is currently unwell, and the position of Crown Prince remains undecided. The hearts of the people in the court and the public are restless. I humbly request Your Highness to take the lead in discussing the matter of establishing an heir as soon as possible, so as to stabilize the country."

Upon hearing this, everyone else looked toward the person in the main seat.

Xie Wenjun picked up his teacup and took a small sip, saying, "Minister Tang, there is no need to worry. His Majesty has always been in good health. This is just a minor ailment, and he will surely recover. The establishment of an heir is a matter of great importance to the country. It is not too late to discuss it after His Majesty has recovered."

Seeing this, everyone tacitly stopped talking, bowed, and left the council hall one after another.

Yuan Rong is still in the mansion.

She stood in the council hall, dressed in the crimson robes of the Minister of the Imperial Treasury. Xie Wenjun knew that the documents in the main hall of the Imperial Treasury were piled up to half a person's height, so he told her to go back to the Imperial Treasury to handle the affairs first.

Whether or not to designate an heir is not something that can be decided in a short time.

Historically, Confucian officials have upheld orthodoxy and regarded patriarchal clan system and social order as the guiding principles. Xie Wenjun understood this perfectly. During the discussion, although the others did not speak out of courtesy, they all hoped to finalize the matter of establishing an heir as soon as possible.

But if she gives in too easily, how can she get the Xun family to willingly walk into her trap?

Ultimately, the Xun family still held the reins of power in both the Secretariat and the Ministry of Revenue.

Xie Wenjun wanted to collect them all at once.

I do not go to see the mountain, but the mountain comes to see me.

As expected, after everyone dispersed, Xun Xian immediately sent over a visiting card.

The letter was written in an extremely respectful tone, only stating that he had long admired the Princess's virtue, was concerned about the affairs of the country, and hoped to learn a thing or two from her.

Xie Wenjun knew that at this moment, Xun Xian's so-called "concern for national affairs" could only refer to one thing.

Xie Wenjun put down the visiting card and said, "Please invite Prime Minister Xun in."

A moment later, Xun Xian entered, led by a servant. His temples were already streaked with gray, and he wore a low-key yet exquisitely crafted dark purple casual robe. His eyes, though slightly aged, revealed the shrewdness that came from years of immersion in political maneuvering.

Xun Xian paid his respects according to protocol, saying, "This old minister pays his respects to Your Highness the Eldest Princess."

"Prime Minister Xun, there's no need for such formalities. Please sit." Xie Wenjun gestured with his hand, and a maidservant then served tea.

After exchanging pleasantries about the Emperor's health, amidst the fragrant tea, Xun Xian put down his teacup and got to the point, "Your Highness, His Majesty's health is not good, and we are all deeply concerned. However, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The position of Crown Prince is vacant, which may not be a blessing for the nation and could easily lead to unrest."

Xie Wenjun remained calm and composed. "What Prime Minister Xun says is absolutely right. The selection of an heir is fundamental to the nation and should be approached with utmost care. May I ask which prince Prime Minister Xun favors?"

Xun Xian sighed slightly, his gaze unusually sincere. "Your Highness is wise. Since ancient times, the eldest son of the legitimate heir has been the only legitimate heir. Although His Highness Fei Cong, the legitimate son of the Empress, is still young, he is intelligent, kind, filial, and virtuous. As the legitimate son of the Empress, he is the most legitimate. If Your Highness strongly supports him, he can be established as the Crown Prince, which will reassure the people and pacify the court."

A subtle, almost imperceptible, scrutinizing look appeared in Xie Wenjun's eyes. "The legitimate heir is indeed the most rightful. However, a young ruler breeds suspicion in the state, a lesson learned from ancient times. Has Prime Minister Xun considered what might happen if..."

The council chamber was eerily quiet.

If there is a national mourning...

"...The ascension of a young ruler does not necessarily guarantee a stable court."

Xun Xian seemed to have anticipated this question. He stood up and bowed solemnly, saying, "Precisely because the ruler is young and the country is in doubt, Da Lin needs someone who can keep order in the court and the country and take charge of the overall situation so as to ensure the stability of the country and the safety of the nation."

He paused for a moment, then, as if making a vow, said, "Since the new emperor ascended the throne, Her Highness the Grand Princess has stabilized the court, won the hearts of the people, and rewarded the soldiers. All the civil and military officials in the court are convinced of her abilities. If the legitimate prince succeeds to the throne, Your Highness, as the Grand Princess, will effectively act as regent, and we will do our utmost to assist you. In this way, we can ensure peace within the palace and appease the court officials, and there will be no mishaps."

Xie Wenjun lowered his eyes, looking at the tea leaves floating in the cup. "This matter is of great importance. A single word can determine the fate of the nation, or it can overturn it. His Majesty is still alive. To discuss assisting in governing the country at this time is premature and would be a dereliction of duty for a subject."

That's all he said; not a single word was out of place.

Xun Xian agreed, finished his tea, and felt relieved. Half an incense stick later, Xun Xian took his leave in a deep voice.

Outside the council chamber, spring is in full bloom.

The row of red bean seeds buried in the flowerbed are sprouting and growing leaves. It should be a good time, but there are internal worries and external threats to guard against.

The spy hideout in Yongdu has yet to be discovered, and no one knows when news of Xie Yuan's serious illness will leak out. If the news does spread, Zhai Jiruo could seize the opportunity to launch another attack, and Da Lin would likely be plunged into turmoil once again.

Xie Wenjun could only order people to keep a close watch on Zhaohua Palace and Zhai Yu, and to strictly guard all streets and alleys in Yongdu and thoroughly investigate suspicious persons.

Unsuccessful.

In the afternoon, a gatekeeper came to report that Lady Hengyang, wife of the Marquis of Xuanping, was requesting an audience.

Hsieh Wen-Chun was still working on official documents at her desk in the council chamber.

After Xie Yuan's southern tour, she converted the flower hall in her mansion, which was used for receiving guests, into a council hall.

Heng Yang was led into the hall, and after meeting Xie Wenjun, she stated her purpose directly: "Your Highness, I just received a letter from my family in the Southern Border. It seems that a secret order has been issued to transfer troops from the Southern Border to Yongdu to take charge of the guard duties. This matter is suspicious, and I have come to inform Your Highness."

This order was for Marquis Zhongxin, Heng Miao. The messenger was unaware that after Heng Jinan regained control of the southern border's military power, he had Heng Miao beaten and banished to guard the reservoir. Xie Yuan did not strip Heng Miao of his title of Marquis Zhongxin, but Heng Miao had no soldiers left. Therefore, this transfer order was intercepted by Heng Jinan's men.

After Xie Yuan was indeed assassinated while inspecting the fields, he mobilized troops to Yongdu.

Xie Wenjun read the letter and said, "Since the Emperor has ordered that troops be mobilized to guard Yongdu, then I will obey the decree."

Previously, Xie Wenjun's order for Zhao Mingqin to lead the Xuanjia cavalry northward was considered illegitimate and lacked legitimacy. Zhao Mingqin was originally Heng Miao's subordinate, and with Xie Yuan's order, it was acceptable for Heng Miao to lead the troops for guard duty.

If troops need to be deployed to Yongdu to fulfill their duty of guarding the capital, how can the troops from the southern border be sufficient?

Spring breezes caress the willows, red beans sprout, and it's time for that person, alone far away in the north, to return.

Xie Wenjun summoned Rong Jun in, "Convey my imperial edict to recall... Chen Liangyu."

Rong Jun: "Your Highness, this..."

Upon seeing a letter on his desk, sealed with a wax seal from the Southern Border, he understood the situation. He turned and went out to inform his trusted messenger, "His Highness has secretly learned of the unusual movements of troops from all over the land and has summoned Chen Liangyu to lead the Northern Border cavalry to protect the Imperial City!"

Heng Yang continued, "The Dali Temple is rife with cases, and the Marquis has not yet been able to come. He asked me to inquire of Your Highness that His Majesty is currently unwell, and the entire court and the people are eagerly awaiting the appointment of an heir apparent. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

By supporting the young emperor, Xie Wenjun could then naturally assume the role of regent and oversee the country.

Xie Wenjun said, "His Majesty is still ill. The matter of establishing an heir is of great importance, and there is no suitable time to discuss it yet."

Heng Yang replied, "The previous dynasty may not have had the opportunity, but the harem may not have."

Five days later, the Spring Festival ceremony was held in the palace.

In previous years, the Empress presided over the Spring Festival ceremony in the palace, praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests of silkworms.

However, this year, due to the Emperor's poor health and the Empress's need to attend to him, the Spring Festival was originally intended to be abolished, but fearing it would cause unrest among the court officials, the Imperial Concubine took over the ceremony. Only noblewomen and female relatives of the imperial family were invited to the palace for a small gathering, with singing and dancing forbidden, and only some light tea and snacks prepared for them.

Inside Zhaohua Palace, Zhai Yu was helped by palace maids to change into auspicious clothes. She raised her hand to beckon Zhai Zhaoyang, "Zhaoyang."

"Imperial Aunt".

Zhai Yu said, "The phoenix-headed harp that my aunt brought from the Great Lin Kingdom broke its string a few days ago. The music academy should be repairing it by now. Why don't you go and fetch it for my imperial aunt? You can also take this opportunity to see some other scenery."

The Jiaofang (a type of music and dance hall) was located in Huating Hutong on Huangcheng South Street.

Seeing that Zhai Zhaoyang agreed, she added, "Do you still remember the melody of the poem 'Returning Geese' from the Dayong Dynasty?"

Zhai Zhaoyang said, "I naturally remember my aunt's tune."

That was a harp piece that Zhai Yu wrote before coming to Zhonglin. She set it to music and compared herself to a wild goose returning north to a foreign land, with no end in sight.

After her marriage, the song was collected and passed down by the Imperial Music Bureau of Beiyong Palace. Noble ladies in the capital of Beiyong competed to learn it and also composed a "Song of Sending Off the Bride".

Zhai Yu's eyes held a hint of nostalgia. "When you get the konghou, try playing a tune to check the timbre. If the pitch is correct, bring it back. Let's play this piece, 'Returning Geese.'"

Zhai Zhaoyang pressed his face against the wide sleeve of Zhai Yu's wedding dress, feeling sorry for his aunt who missed home. Then, he was led by an eunuch to the music academy to fetch the konghou (a type of harp).

Zhai Yu sighed softly.

Was it right or wrong to involve Zhao Yang, a child? Zhao Yang knows nothing about it.

Because she knew nothing, she might be able to avoid the eyes and ears of the palace who were closely watching Zhaohua Palace.

The tea and snacks were served in the Imperial Garden, where the flowers were just beginning to bloom.

This year's Spring Festival ceremony lacked the lively scene of drums and music, singing and dancing, but it was quiet and elegant.

While the previous dynasty was rife with undercurrents due to the emperor and the succession dispute, the inner palace appeared peaceful and harmonious, with elegant attire and laughter.

During the banquet, a maid from Zhaohua Palace brought over the Second Prince, Xie Feiying. Upon seeing this, all the noblewomen present stood up with smiles and offered their compliments.

Zhai Yu also found this helpful.

When people get carried away with their pleasantries, some lose their sense of propriety.

A lady dressed in a lake-blue noblewoman's robe smiled and said, "Your Majesty's performance of the Spring Festival ceremony today shows His Majesty's great trust in you. You truly possess the demeanor of a mother, which is truly admirable. And His Highness the Second Prince is so intelligent and valiant; it is truly a blessing from Heaven for our dynasty..."

The implied meaning in those words was clear to everyone at the table.

Zhai Yu was also startled.

After a brief silence, Heng Yang said, "The Empress Dowager has her own master. Performing the Spring Festival ceremony on her behalf is a temporary measure; how can we presume to discuss anything else?"

"Is Lady Xuanping giving me a hint?"

Heng Yang left her seat and knelt on the ground, saying, "This humble woman dares not!"

Zhai Yu knew that kneeling would likely cause trouble, but she couldn't swallow her anger.

"Zhao Yang is a guest from afar, but on the day she entered the palace, she was stopped on the palace road by the young lady of the Xuanping Marquis's residence, who reminded me that people from the Xuanping Marquis's residence should not give way to people from Bei Yong. Today, the Lady of the Xuanping Marquis's residence has reminded me that I am not the Empress. I would like to ask the Lady, should the Xuanping Marquis's residence treat me as the Noble Consort of Da Lin, or as the Princess of Bei Yong?"

Heng Yang replied, "Your Majesty, we should treat you with the respect due to a Noble Consort."

Zhai Yu said, "Since the Lady of Xuanping Marquis has acknowledged my position as a Noble Consort, and her words are disrespectful, should I punish her?"

"He deserves to be punished."

Zhai Yu sat upright in the high seat, her toes pointing directly at Heng Yang. "Then Madam shall kneel here for half an hour to receive her punishment."

After he finished speaking, a palace maid from Zhaohua Palace brought over an incense burner and lit a stick of incense.

The incense stick burned out in exactly half an hour.

Just as the incense stick burned down to its last two ends, a melody from a konghou (a type of Chinese harp) drifted over.

Zhai Yu's heart sank.

The music academy was located in an alley outside the palace. Zhao Yang should not have arrived there yet, so how could the sound of the konghou be heard?

Everyone was also surprised and suspicious. The Empress had strictly ordered that music and dance be forbidden in the palace during His Majesty's convalescence. Who was so bold as to openly defy the imperial decree?

Looking in the direction of the sound, it came from the south of the palace.

The sound of the konghou lasted only a short time, after playing only a few tunes, before stopping, as if it were being tested.

Ignoring the punishment of Heng Yang, Zhai Yu got up and walked towards the direction from which the sound of the konghou was coming.

...

Today, the noble ladies entered the palace, and Chen Huai'an waited at Yanhui Pavilion early in the morning. After the spring banquet, Heng Yang would meet her as agreed.

She naturally heard the sound of the konghou (a type of Chinese harp).

It seems to be located in the direction of Jifu Gate.

She followed the sound and indeed found Zhai Zhaoyang standing beside a phoenix-headed harp, plucking the strings.

Zhai Zhaoyang was about to leave the palace to retrieve the konghou from the Jiaofang (Imperial Music Bureau), but he happened to run into the Jiaofang's messengers delivering the Imperial Concubine's konghou into the palace. The two groups met at Jifu Gate.

She knew that music was not appropriate in the palace.

She knew that there must be a reason why her aunt had specifically instructed her to play "Returning Geese," but her aunt hadn't explicitly stated the reason, and she wisely didn't ask.

After playing a few tunes, Zhai Zhaoyang saw the girl who had blocked his way that day standing under a cypress tree in Yanhui Pavilion.

Chen Huai'an said, "His Majesty is unwell, and all string and wind instruments are forbidden in the palace."

Having been humiliated by her that day, Zhai Zhaoyang held a grudge and returned the favor with her own words, saying, "I am a person from Dayong."

Since we are from an enemy country, and your emperor is seriously ill, isn't it reasonable for me to play a tune to cheer him up?

Chen Huai'an had no way to refute it.

If Emperor Zhai Ji of Beiyong were to die today, Yongdu would surely be filled with the sounds of gongs and drums and the crackling of firecrackers. Zhai Zhaoyang, however, had already restrained himself considerably by playing only a few tunes on the konghou.

She was in the Great Lin Imperial Palace, not in the Northern Yong.

The imperial guards quickly followed the sound of the konghou (a type of Chinese harp) and came to investigate.

Chen Huai'an thought to himself that Zhai Zhaoyang's luck was really not good. Jifu Gate was next to Qin'an Hall, where the Empress Dowager fasted. When the Empress Dowager heard the music, she was helped out of Qin'an Hall.

When Zhai Yu rushed over, Zhai Zhaoyang had already been punished by the Empress Dowager and confined to a palace garden to reflect on his mistakes. Several strings of the phoenix-headed harp had broken, and scattered pieces of wood mixed with the broken strings rolled all over the ground.

A konghou (a type of Chinese harp) is not important; if it's smashed, so be it.

Zhai Yu stepped forward to plead for her niece, but was summoned to the Qin'an Hall by the Empress Dowager and severely reprimanded in person.

Zhai Zhaoyang didn't seem to care much about the house arrest.

Chen Huai'an went around the palace road to find Heng Yang, and traveled with the imperial guards escorting Zhai Zhaoyang for a while.

Zhai Zhaoyang spoke to her tirelessly, "Chen Huai'an, I've remembered that name."

No one paid her any attention for a long time.

"You're so boring."

In the language of Beiyong, "闷" means "boring" or "meaningless".

"Otherwise, show me a smile."

"Weren't you quite talkative a few days ago? Now every word you say is worth a fortune."

Chen Huai'an still ignored him.

"Say something."

Soon Zhai Zhaoyang stopped being so playful.

Chen Huai'an stopped at the corner of the palace road and said in a serious tone, "A concubine of the late emperor died in that palace. Her tongue was cut out before she died."

A desolate wind swept past Zhai Zhaoyang.

Father is right, the people of the Zhonglin Xuanping Marquis's mansion are inherently inhuman.

She refused to move forward any further, saying, "I'm still a child!"

She had no choice but to move forward, whether she wanted to or not.

Zhai Zhaoyang struggled to turn his head and called out to the figure about to turn the palace path:

"Chen Huai'an, you are not worthy of being associated with!"

He thought she still wouldn't respond, but to his surprise, Chen Huai'an stopped and turned around.

Chen Huai'an wore a cold expression. "You and I have no need to associate with each other."

Author's note: Thank you for reading this far!