Chapter 82 The Emperor Flees South
The vermilion towers rise one after another, their eaves intertwined, revealing the vast depths of this most powerful official's residence in Jiangzuo at a glance. Chengxin Garden has five courtyards and five entrances; though not as grand as the imperial palace, its scale is still extraordinary.
A refreshing autumn breeze blows, and a swallow, nestling in its white nest beneath the eaves, listens contentedly to the chirping of birds and the flowing water.
"When I was young, I heard that the governor of Yangzhou was extremely wealthy and his private residence was exquisitely crafted. Seeing it today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."
So this guy had his eye on it all along. Qingqing muttered to herself as she chewed on the soft cheese.
Once his identity was revealed, Yan Dibai tore off his gentle disguise and reverted to his former extravagant lifestyle: he would rise before noon, his expenses were always exquisite, and he spoke with unparalleled grace when referring to himself as "朕" (the imperial "I").
Wang Du had no complaints whatsoever, and on the contrary, granted every request. Over the course of a few days, the bedroom was practically overflowing with fine silks, jewels, and rare tonics.
However, they never stepped out of the garden gate again. Qingqing tried several times to go out and visit Yueniang, wondering how she was after Xichun Hall burned down, and whether the child was alright, but she was stopped by the guards each time on the grounds that "it is not peaceful outside".
Qingqing then realized that, like the hostage emperors of previous dynasties, they were under house arrest by Wang Du.
Compared to the meager freedom he enjoyed under Lu Xi, he now has no material worries, but his life is entirely in Wang Du's hands. Indeed, otherwise, Wang Du would not be able to comfortably support this deposed former emperor.
Qingqing rested her chin on her hand, gazing at Yan Dibai, who was resting with his eyes closed. His cheeks seemed a little fuller. Everything was proceeding according to plan, but she felt little joy, only a sense of emptiness.
Qingqing lowered her eyes.
"You've already moved into a house that's neither too big nor too small, so why are you looking so gloomy?"
The cool tone was carried on the autumn wind. Qingqing looked up and saw that Yan Dibai had opened his eyes at some point, his dark pupils staring intently at her.
So this is the private residence he was talking about...
Qingqing pouted and shook her head. She continued to stare blankly.
To Yan Dibai, this appearance appeared as one of being wronged but unwilling to speak out. His tone unconsciously sharpened: "Who made you suffer? The servant woman? Or that Wang Cuixiu?"
Speaking of this, Qingqing puffed out her cheeks:
"Their names are Wang Shu and Cui Shenxiu. Both Miss Wang and Miss Cui are well-mannered young ladies from respectable families. They've been very polite during their visits. Why are they bullying me?"
Wang Du has not yet made Yan Dibai's identity public.
He kept it a secret, intending to resolve his current matters and then formally issue a proclamation to announce the truth to the world after bringing Yan Dibai back to the governor's mansion. Wang Shu was Wang Du's legitimate daughter, and Cui Shenxiu was her friend. They happened to be at the scene, so only the two of them knew the true story before the full warehouse was filled.
Since moving into Chengxin Garden, Wang Du had intended to introduce Wang Shu to Yan Dibai. However, Wang Shu seemed resistant and always brought her close friend Cui Shenxiu along. Yan Dibai always stayed indoors, relying entirely on Qingqing to mediate. Over time, she became somewhat familiar with the two noble ladies.
As for the servants, they were extremely cautious. They didn't even dare to raise their heads when they saw Yan Dibai.
Yan Dibai realized he had guessed wrong, pinched the bridge of his nose, and softened his tone:
"If there's anything else you'd like to arrange, just let me know before you leave."
Qingqing was pleasantly surprised: "Really?"
"Fake."
"..."
Yan Dibai was amused by her disappointed look and twitched her lips. "I'll inform Wang Du, and he'll let us go."
Qingqing was happy, but then struggled and said, "Do I have to beg him?"
Yan Dibai simply grunted indifferently.
"I am the emperor, he is the subject. Which emperor begs the hand of his subject?"
The boy spoke with great conviction, and Qingqing expressed her gratitude:
"Thank you."
Yan Dibai touched his nose, turned around, and continued to feign sleep.
When Wang Du arrived at noon, Yan Dibai smiled and personally poured tea, explaining his purpose. Wang Du appreciated this gesture and, after a moment's thought, agreed: "What a coincidence, my daughter was just about to go to Xichun Hall, so let Imperial Attendant Yang accompany her."
Yan Dibai cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness is benevolent and kind."
Inside the canopy-covered carriage, Qingqing sat facing Wang Shu, giving Wang Shu a slightly reserved smile.
This was the first time the two had met alone. After having her maid pour tea, Wang Shu remained silent, displaying impeccable aloofness. Qingqing was already used to this silent arrogance, and gazed at the street scene through the bamboo curtain. She had never walked this road before; it seemed to be a residential area for wealthy families.
When the carriage arrived at Xichun Hall, Qingqing thanked the driver and got out. Before the coachman could bring her a footstool, she nimbly jumped down. A barely audible chuckle came from inside the carriage.
Qingqing's face stiffened.
That backfired.
The Xichun Hall, under renovation, was beginning to take shape, and Yuheng and Yuchuan were busy inside. Upon seeing her, Yuchuan's expression shifted several times before she finally called out reluctantly, "Lady Yang." Yuheng stepped forward, her tone much gentler: "Qingniang... no, Imperial Attendant Yang, what brings you here?"
"My lord, you may simply call me Qingniang." Qingqing was also a little uncomfortable. Before, she was a working person, but now her status had been reversed. She then briefly explained her purpose.
Yu Heng frowned: "Yueniang is no longer in the hall. I have been looking for her for the past few days but have not been able to find her." He pondered for a moment, "Perhaps we can try looking around the Jinkou area."
Qingqing followed the instructions and went to Jinkou. Just as she was looking around, a hand suddenly reached out from the alley and pulled her in.
"Shh! Qingniang, it's me!"
With her head wrapped in a cloth and her sleeves rolled up high, Yue Niang gripped her wrist tightly and whispered, "I thought something had happened to you!"
"I'm fine! What about you? Yuheng said you're not at Xichun Hall anymore." Qingqing grasped her cold hand in return, sensing something was wrong.
“I can’t stay at Xichun Hall any longer!” Yue Niang lowered her voice and spoke very quickly. “After the fire that day, I don’t know where the rumors came from, saying that the fire was not an accident, but was aimed at you! Yu Chuan was angry with everyone she met those days, and kept cursing you. I was afraid of being tortured later, so I took the children and hid in Jinkou to do odd jobs carrying goods.”
She paused, her gaze sweeping warily across the alleyway, her voice even lower: "And, it seems... I stumbled upon something I shouldn't have seen."
Qingqing, unaware of Mingli's presence, asked, "What is it?"
“Just a few nights ago, I took a shortcut home through the abandoned old shipyard and saw several people suspiciously moving things. Judging from the weight and shape of the boxes, they didn’t look like ordinary goods, and when the wind blew, they had a pungent smell.” Yue Niang’s lips trembled. “I also smelled that same smell outside the burned-down warehouse of Xi Chun Tang!”
Suddenly, Qingqing recalled that night when she strolled through the market; she had also smelled a pungent odor.
"Does it taste like saltpeter?"
"Salt water...yes! It does look a bit like it!" Yue Niang couldn't help but shudder. "Anyway, it's definitely not a good thing. Qing Niang, how are you now? Are your relatives alright?"
Qingqing bit her lip, took out her purse and stuffed it into Yueniang's hand. "I'm fine, I don't have time to say too much. Take this money, working for others is not a long-term solution. If you have a skill, use this money to find a patron and open a shop. Don't go near Xichuntang Street in the future."
"Hey—! Qingniang!"
Qingqing stopped her hand from returning the purse. "We met by chance, it's fate. You... are very much like the sisters I used to know. Just as kind and gentle. They were just a bit more stubborn, also to protect themselves. It's always harder for women in this world."
"But what about you in the future—"
Qingqing shook her head, then smiled brightly, "I won't be short of money from now on."
"I'll tell you a secret, but don't tell anyone." The girl lowered her voice and said mysteriously, "Actually, my true identity is the personal maid of the Emperor of the Great Jin Dynasty. My name is Yang Liuqing, the Yang Liuqing of Yang Liuqing. It's not a very good name, but I like it very much, and I like it more and more."
Moon Lady stared in disbelief: "Wh-what?"
Qingqing waved her hand:
"I'm leaving! If fate allows, I hope we'll meet again someday!"
The carriage returned. Before stepping into Chengxin Garden again, Qingqing looked up at the autumn sky, beautifully framed by high walls.
She suddenly tiptoed and lightly jumped up the long steps, running quickly towards Yan Dibai's location.
Outside the garden, Wang Shu lowered the bamboo curtain, puzzled: "Why did that maid suddenly jump for joy?"
Choi Shin-soo smiled faintly: "I think he's a wonderful person."
“You’re just too kind-hearted, you speak well of everyone you meet. She’s just a maid from a commoner’s background. Father actually made me give her a ride.” Wang Shu frowned. “Anyway, I will never befriend that deposed emperor.”
"As for you, your marriage is still dragging on. Why haven't you been looking at potential partners lately?"
When it comes to marriage, Wang Shu is even more anxious than Cui Shenxiu himself.
Cui Shenxiu smiled faintly: "But Zhao Xu is avoiding you. You leave the governor's mansion and always sneak off to Cangqian. Governor Wang is probably going to be unhappy."
Upon hearing this, Wang Shu frowned slightly, and said with a rare hint of defiance, "Even if you kill me, it's impossible. Besides, when we return to Yangzhou, it will be up to me to decide."
The young emperor's reputation for extravagance and lust was legendary. His father, who had once despised him so much, was now trying to send her into a living hell; how could Wang Shu not resist?
Choi Shin-soo took her hand and said softly, "I know you have high aspirations. But your uncle must have a deeper meaning in making this arrangement. Let's just wait and see."
Wang Shu was displeased and urged the carriage to leave. Cui Shenxiu's smile faded, and his gaze returned to the now deserted doorway.
The woman remained unharmed beside such a tyrant, her eyes still clear and bright, even with a touch of inappropriate frivolity…
Perhaps, a tyrant isn't really a "tyrant"?
Crimson horse saddle. White house... white swallow.
Cui Shenxiu gripped the medical book tightly, suddenly becoming curious. The young emperor Zhao Xu had described looked unwell, but what if he recovered?
-
Yan Dibai leaned against the couch by the window, a book resting on his lap, but his gaze kept drifting towards the bedroom door. Only when that familiar figure appeared did he casually lower his eyes.
"You're back?" He didn't even look up, his tone casual. "You didn't get fooled again, did you?"
Qingqing didn't reply. She quickly walked closer and lowered her voice: "I heard something, about Jinkou."
Yan Dibai listened quietly, but after she finished speaking, he didn't rush to discuss the saltpeter. Instead, he seemed to be blaming her: "You ran all the way just for this?"
Qingqing was taken aback: "Isn't this important?"
It concerns a prominent family.
“Important.” Yan Dibai sat up slightly, his gaze fixed on her. “However, if I couldn’t even withstand this little disturbance, I would have died in the capital long ago.”
Though his words were harsh, his eyes lingered on her face. He stared at the fine beads of sweat on her forehead, then suddenly said in a hoarse voice:
"You've been worried about me the whole way?"
These words were more direct than ever before. Qingqing's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed uncontrollably. She lowered her eyes, avoiding his overly sharp gaze, and said dryly:
"My life and fortune are tied to you, of course I have to care about you."
This is terrible.
Qingqing inwardly cursed herself for being a bit off. Why did Yan Dibai suddenly ask such a crazy question?
She's the same; she's answered these kinds of questions before. Why is she suddenly acting strange this time?
It must be because she was running too fast, causing her heart to race. She clumsily convinced herself.
Seeing her rare display of embarrassment, a hint of pleasure, unnoticed even by himself, flashed in Yan Dibai's eyes. He didn't press her further, instead leaning back lazily, his tone returning to its previous casualness.
"Alright, I understand." He tapped the edge of the bed lightly with his fingertips, as if pondering, or perhaps unintentionally. "This little thing can't cause any major upheaval."
His nonchalant attitude strangely soothed Qingqing's earlier unease. Qingqing glanced at his profile, which was flushed.
...Perhaps I was just confused because I was too concerned.
A silence flowed between the two, but it wasn't awkward. Just then, the beaded curtain of the inner room stirred slightly. Li Si, Zhang San, and Wang Wu filed out, greeting each other in unison, "Greetings, young lady."
"You've arrived?" Qingqing was surprised to find that there were other people in the room. Thinking that her anxious appearance might have been seen, the heat that had just subsided on her face returned.
Yan Dibai seemed to see through her embarrassment, and lazily waved his hand, saying to the three of them:
"Did you all hear that? The message my Qingniang brought back matches exactly what you all said."
Li Si immediately grinned and said, "Young lady, you're very perceptive! We had a lot of trouble following that caravan. They changed vehicles and people five or six times along the way, and finally the goods ended up in Cui Erlang's Xiangdong Garden. We were afraid of alerting them, so we quickly came back to report after figuring out the route and didn't dare to stay long."
Yan Dibai nodded: "It seems someone has the same idea as me."
Zhang San stepped forward and added, "Your Majesty, it has been confirmed that the owner of that villa is Cui Xun, who was once a renowned figure in the Cui family of Qinghe. In addition to iron and saltpeter, the items he transported also included a small amount of cinnabar and quartz."
"Two of the five stones of the Five Stone Powder..." Yan Dibai's eyes sharpened. After a moment of contemplation, he said to the three, "That's enough. You may go and rest. I have my own arrangements for tomorrow."
The three men respectfully withdrew.
The two of them were left alone in the room again. After this interruption, the subtle and romantic atmosphere seemed to have faded a bit, but it transformed into another solid connection.
It looks like the two of them are tied together.
Unexpectedly, the news she hurriedly brought back was exactly what Yan Dibai had just verified. Qingqing felt somewhat embarrassed, picked up a pear from the small table, and silently began peeling it. The gleaming knife twirled nimbly between her fingers, the peel falling evenly. She had only peeled one slice when her hand instinctively reached for Yan Dibai beside her. She only realized she was going to take it back when the pear slice weighed down. Yan Dibai glanced at her briefly, then naturally lowered his head to hold it. Just like many times before when he fed her.
Qingqing pursed her lips, thinking about this damned habit.
The sweet juice spread in his mouth, staining the boy's pink lips bright red, adding a touch of brightness that didn't belong to autumn.
He chewed more slowly than usual this time. Only after swallowing slowly did he suddenly speak, his voice much softer than before:
"Yang Liuqing".
"Hmm?" she asked, her head bowed.
"Next time you hear news like this, just walk back." There was an indescribable meaning in the boy's tone. "No need to run. If the sky falls, I'll hold it up."
Qingqing's hand holding the knife trembled slightly.
She didn't look at Yan Dibai's expression when he said that. She simply hummed softly again. A corner of her heart felt a gentle, warm touch, as if warmed by the autumn sun.
It would be great if the mission could proceed a little faster.
Qingqing took a bite of the pear and thought silently.
Ten days later.
"Wang Du, Governor of Wu Commandery, welcomes His Majesty's arrival!"
Amidst the rumble of carriages and horses, a line of people knelt before the governor's mansion. Wang Du, dressed in a crimson official robe, led his officials in bowing deeply. Banners fluttered, and armor stood in imposing array. The sheer scale of the spectacle silenced the entire street.
"You're very kind, Wang Qing." As far as the eye could see, there was a dense mass of heads. Yan Dibai, dressed in a hastily prepared imperial robe, helped Qingqing, who was wearing a two-tone ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), to slowly get out of the carriage.
His voice wasn't loud, but it was extremely clear. The kneeling officials exchanged surprised and doubtful glances—the deposed emperor really wasn't dead?
Is Wang Du's grand display today meant to declare to the world that he holds the legitimate throne?
Wang Du looked up, his face displaying just the right amount of excitement: "Your Majesty, I have prepared a welcoming banquet. Please, Your Majesty, move your carriage here."
Yan Dibai waved his hand impatiently, leaving everyone present speechless: "I have had a long journey, so there is no need for such a grand display today. Governor, please prepare a feast of delicacies for me and Qingniang."
After speaking, he took Qingqing's hand and walked straight into the mansion, past the officials kneeling on the ground.
The officials kneeling on the spot looked at each other in disbelief. What a truly incompetent and tyrannical ruler!
Qingqing's wrist was held firmly by him, feeling the various gazes coming from all directions. Her head was lowered, and the corners of her mouth twitched slightly involuntarily.
In the past, it was common for hundreds of people to kneel in the palace. Back then, kneeling among the crowd, she felt the overwhelming power of the heavens. Now, standing shoulder to shoulder with Yan Dibai, looking at this sea of bowed heads, she felt a sense of absurdity.
Qingqing gazed at the boy's slender yet upright back.
Yan Dibai performed the meticulously planned "Emperor's Flight South" drama to his heart's content, and Wang Du was satisfied with his performance. The rest of the people, in their respective places, were probably all dissatisfied.
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