Four
Song Imperial Palace
Imperial Study
Zhao Zhen glanced at Xuan Yuan Tianyi, who was leaning back in his chair, leisurely eating cherries, and asked casually, "You really don't plan to go?"
Gently spitting out the cherry pit from his mouth, Xuan Yuan Tianyi lazily said, "Wuji is here, and there's also Qing Ning."
Zhao Zhen looked at Xuan Yuan Tianyi, who hadn't even glanced at him once, with a hint of amusement in his voice: "I plan to have Zhan Zhao go to fetch the bride."
"Oh? You don't believe in Zhan Zhao's charm, or are you too confident in your own? You know, Zhan Zhao's charm appeals to all ages." After saying that, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's lips curled up, revealing a handsome smile.
Zhao Zhen's smile deepened: "Really? Then that includes you?"
Xuanyuan Tianyi glanced at Zhao Zhen, who had a mocking expression, and remained noncommittal.
"Really?" Zhao Zhen raised his voice, a rare occurrence, with a hint of displeasure in his tone.
Xuanyuan Tianyi finally raised his head with satisfaction and looked directly at Zhao Zhen: "Jealous?"
"If one day you find someone in your heart, I... will bless you." Although Zhao Zhen's face was full of smiles, Xuan Yuantian could hear the loneliness in his tone.
"Alright, why bring me into this if you're worried about his safety? I just don't understand, is it really good for him to keep things from him?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi gently changed the subject, concealing the turmoil in his heart.
"I'm just afraid that he won't know how to face himself after he learns the truth. Since I no longer have the right to choose, I at least hope that he can live a more comfortable life," Zhao Zhen sighed and said quietly.
“It’s probably difficult to make his life easier.” Xuan Yuan Tian stood up and walked outside. “I’m going to the southern border with the wedding procession.” He left Zhao Zhen with a cold and aloof back view.
Zhao Zhen looked at the departing Xuan Yuan Tianyi, a bitter smile appearing on his lips. Tianyi, perhaps even you haven't realized it, but your feelings for Zhan Zhao are truly different. Perhaps it's for my sake, but your concern for Zhan Zhao is no less than my concern for him. But that's alright; what I can't give you, I hope you can get from him.
The emperor's selection of a concubine was unlike that of an ordinary person taking a wife, especially since it involved a marriage alliance between two countries. Although it didn't require the formal investiture of an empress, Zhao Zhen still ordered the Ministry of Rites to make thorough preparations to demonstrate the Song Dynasty's sincerity. Due to the urgency, the Ministry of Rites worked day and night at a rapid pace. With only seven days left, everything was finally ready.
At the morning court session, Emperor Zhao Zhen issued an edict ordering Bao Zheng to go to the southern border to welcome the bride, accompanied by two officials from the Ministry of Rites.
After court, Bao Zheng was in his study arranging matters for his trip to the southern frontier when a yamen runner came to report that the Eighth Prince had arrived outside the mansion. He quickly changed into his official robes and led the officials of Kaifeng Prefecture to welcome the Eighth Prince into the mansion.
After exchanging greetings, Zhan Zhao immediately spotted Xuan Yuan Tianyi behind the Eighth Prince. After a moment of surprise, he smiled gently.
"Your Highness, what brings you to Kaifeng Prefecture?" Bao Zheng asked with a smile as he led the Eighth Prince to the study.
"I will bring you your adopted daughter." The Eighth Prince smiled at Bao Zheng, his eyes full of meaning.
After listening to the Eighth Prince's words, Bao Zheng glanced at Xuan Yuan Tianyi, who was following behind the Eighth Prince, and asked hesitantly, "What makes you say that, Your Highness?"
The Eighth Prince chuckled, "Hehe, Bao Zheng, won't you invite me to sit down?"
Upon hearing the Eighth Prince's words, Bao Zheng hurriedly invited the Eighth Prince to take a seat, saying, "I was negligent, Your Highness, please forgive me."
With a light laugh and a wave of his hand, the Eighth Prince waited until Bao Zheng sat down before saying, "I wonder if you are well prepared for this trip to the Southern Frontier?"
Bao Zheng bowed slightly and replied, "I just received the imperial edict today and am currently arranging related matters."
"The southern border is rife with miasma..." The Eighth Prince paused deliberately before continuing, "Therefore, I have brought you someone who is familiar with the southern border."
"Oh?" Bao Zheng glanced at Xuan Yuan Tianyi sitting opposite him, waiting for the Eighth Prince to finish speaking.
"If I go with you one day, I can ensure the safety of everyone in the delegation."
After the Eighth Prince finished speaking, Xuan Yuan Tianyi did not get up, but simply bowed slightly to Bao Zheng: "Lord Bao, Xuan Yuan Tianyi greets you."
"The head of the Xuanyuan family?" Bao Zheng's eyes showed a hint of surprise. He had long heard that the current head of the Xuanyuan family was the younger sister of the late imperial son-in-law, Xuanyuan Yizhi, the woman who was chosen as the mistress of Xiaoyao Tower even in her childhood. Rumors about her had never ceased; whether in talent or appearance, she was considered the most beautiful woman in the Song Dynasty. However, he had never met her. Last time, Zhan Zhao was saved by her, but she only mentioned it briefly upon his return. Now, seeing her appear in Kaifeng Prefecture, Bao Zheng knew that Xuanyuan Tianyi's trip to the Southern Frontier with the delegation was not simply to help the delegation dispel the miasma.
Seeing Bao Zheng's expression, the Eighth Prince laughed and said, "Bao Zheng, isn't this goddaughter I gave you not bad?"
Zhan Zhao, who had been standing behind Bao Zheng, had been watching Xuan Yuan Tianyi ever since he heard that she was going to the Southern Frontier with the delegation. After hearing what the Eighth Prince said, he frowned slightly, but then he met Xuan Yuan Tianyi's gaze. His face flushed slightly, and he quickly lowered his head.
Bao Zheng did not miss the playful expression in Xuan Yuan Tianyi's eyes after exchanging glances with Zhan Zhao, but he answered the Eighth Prince's question respectfully: "Your Highness is joking. The head of the Xuan Yuan family is of noble status, and Bao Zheng dares not presume to presume upon him."
“Bao Zheng, this is the Emperor’s will.” The Eighth Prince seemed to have anticipated Bao Zheng’s words and did not give him a chance to refuse.
"This..." Bao Zheng hesitated for a long time before speaking, "Your Highness, the situation in the Southern Frontier is unstable. Has His Majesty issued any decree for Bao Zheng?"
"As expected of Bao Zheng, you know that a few months ago, the Emperor ordered you to investigate the case of the murdered censor, but he never asked about your progress. However, all the blame points to the Southern Frontier." At this point, the Eighth Prince glanced at Bao Zheng. "You can probably guess what's behind this case. This time, our dynasty's marriage alliance with Dali will inevitably face obstacles. Tianyi lived in the Dali palace for many years and is familiar with the various forces in the Southern Frontier. His purpose in going there is twofold: first, to protect Princess Qingyuan's safety, and second, to probe the bottom line of the Southern Frontier."
"Your Highness, rest assured, Bao Zheng will fully cooperate with Patriarch Xuanyuan," Bao Zheng said, bowing slightly.
"Does Your Excellency mean you are unwilling to recognize Tianyi as your goddaughter?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi glanced at Zhan Zhao, who was looking at him with some dissatisfaction because of his words, and then stared at Bao Zheng.
Bao Zheng understood and laughed, "Tianyi's words make me feel ashamed."
Upon hearing Bao Zheng address him differently, Xuan Yuan Tianyi stood up and bowed to Bao Zheng, saying, "Father, please accept my bow."
"Get up quickly." Bao Zheng gestured for Xuan Yuan Tian to get up.
"Thus, my mission is complete." After saying this, the Eighth Prince rose to take his leave and departed from Kaifeng Prefecture.
After seeing off the Eighth Prince, Xuanyuan Tianfang finally spoke: "Father, what are your thoughts on the situation in the Southern Frontier?"
After a moment's thought, Bao Zheng said, "On the surface, the various tribes in the southern border regions intend to break away from the Song Dynasty and oppose the court, but in reality, this matter is probably related to the court."
Bao Zheng's words were veiled, but Xuan Yuantian understood that Bao Zheng had already grasped the essence of the problem based on the clues: "Father, although the Southern Frontier is nominally part of our Great Song Dynasty, it has remained outside the court for many years. It is common for it to be restless and prone to change, but it should not involve the court. Since some people intend to overthrow the court, I'm afraid the court will not tolerate them."
"Don't worry, this matter will surely be resolved." Bao Zheng said this with a furrowed brow.
“Godfather, if it only concerns the imperial court, that’s fine. But I’m afraid it might bring up old grievances.” Xuan Yuantian looked at Bao Zheng meaningfully.
"This..." Actually, even without Xuan Yuantian's words, Bao Zheng had already learned some of the details through his secret investigation over this period of time. Now, hearing Xuan Yuantian's explanation, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Some things are ultimately like raising a tiger to cause trouble. It's just that I've made things difficult for the Emperor."
Upon seeing Bao Zheng's expression, Xuan Yuantian turned to Zhan Zhao, who was standing beside Bao Zheng, and asked, "Have you been taking your medicine on time lately?"
With a slight nod, Zhan Zhao knew that Xuan Yuan Tianyi didn't want Bao Zheng to be upset at this time, and said gently, "You've been eating on time, I don't want you to live in Kaifeng Prefecture."
Hearing Zhan Zhao's joke, Xuan Yuan Tianyi chuckled and shook his head. He then looked at Bao Zheng, whose brows had relaxed, and said, "Father, I have long heard that Lord Zhan of Kaifeng Prefecture is a man of propriety and knows when to advance and retreat, and is known as a Confucian knight-errant. I did not expect that his mouth would be so sharp."
"Hehe, Tianyi, you helped Guard Zhan when he was in danger. He should be thanking you. Guard Zhan, why don't you thank Tianyi?" Bao Zheng said, looking at Zhan Zhao with a smile.
"This..." Zhan Zhao deliberately put on a wronged expression, not expecting Bao Zheng to say such a thing. "My lord, you really do favor your own people. You don't care about your subordinates after you have an adopted daughter."
“You…” Bao Zheng smiled and pointed at Zhan Zhao, “Tianyi, Guard Zhan is complaining that your father is favoring you.”
"Godfather, Tianyi is filial and doesn't want to put you in a difficult position, so please don't thank me." Xuanyuan Tianyi looked at Zhan Zhao with a hint of coquettishness. Although the two were joking to ease Bao Zheng's annoyance, they both saw that Bao Zheng's smile did not reach his eyes.
In truth, Bao Zheng wasn't the only one whose smile didn't reach his eyes. This mission to the southern frontier concerned the fate of the Song Dynasty, and only Xuan Yuan Tianyi herself truly understood the responsibilities she faced… Glancing at Bao Zheng and Zhan Zhao before her, a trace of worry flashed through Xuan Yuan Tianyi's heart. Zhao Zhen was not a foolish emperor; on the contrary, he was a wise and virtuous ruler. However, wise rulers throughout history have never been incompetent, especially in not allowing others to encroach upon their power, and Zhao Zhen was no exception.
The saying goes, "One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand," and Xuan Yuan Tianyi did not wish for Kaifeng Prefecture to become a stepping stone for Zhao Zhen in consolidating his imperial power. That would be a loss for the Song Dynasty and for the people. Zhao Zhen was sentimental, but not one to sacrifice everything for the sake of the empire. If he were to oppose the empire, even Zhan Zhao might not escape unscathed. Thinking of this, Xuan Yuan Tianyi looked at Zhan Zhao, her eyes filled with undisguised pity. Zhan Zhao had been secretly observing Xuan Yuan Tianyi, but he hadn't expected her to suddenly look up at him, much less look at him with such eyes. A sudden pang of pain shot through his heart, and he unconsciously frowned slightly.
"What's wrong?" Xuan Yuantian realized his loss of composure and was about to compose himself when he unexpectedly saw Zhan Zhao frowning and couldn't help but ask.
"Nothing?" Zhan Zhao shook his head.
Knowing that Zhan Zhao was unwilling to speak, Xuan Yuan Tianyi did not ask further and turned his gaze to Bao Zheng: "Father, Tianyi will take his leave now." After saying that, he stood up.
"Alright, Guard Zhan, see Tianyi off for me." Bao Zheng watched the two people leave one after the other, a faint worry creeping into his heart. It wasn't just about the upcoming trip to the Southern Frontier, but also about Zhan Zhao's carefully concealed thoughts. He sighed softly, suppressing his unease.
At this moment, Zhan Zhao, who was following behind Xuan Yuan Tianyi, couldn't shake the image of Xuan Yuan Tianyi's compassionate gaze from earlier. He quickened his pace and walked alongside Xuan Yuan Tianyi, asking, "Tianyi, just now... what happened to you?"
Xuanyuan Tianyi turned his head and met Zhan Zhao's concerned gaze, and couldn't help but smile and say, "Are you worried about me?"
"I..." Zhan Zhao glanced at Xuan Yuan Tianyi somewhat awkwardly, hesitating about how to answer.
Satisfied with Zhan Zhao's expression, Xuan Yuan Tianyi turned his head back: "I'm worried that once war breaks out, the world will be in chaos, people will be displaced, how many families will be torn apart, and how many people will lose their lives!"
“Tianyi…” Zhan Zhao reached out and pulled Xuan Yuan Tianyi over, but the next moment he realized his abruptness, let go of his hand and lowered his head, “I believe the Emperor will handle this matter well, and there will definitely be no war.”
Xuanyuan Tianyi held Zhan Zhao's hands tightly with both of his own: "Then you must promise me that you will take good care of yourself and not take any risks."
With his face flushed, Zhan Zhao tried to break free from Xuan Yuan Tianyi's hand, but Xuan Yuan Tianyi held it tightly. He nodded awkwardly, but then heard Xuan Yuan Tianyi say somewhat displeasedly, "I'm serious, but you're just brushing me off."
"I didn't..." Zhan Zhao looked up, about to defend himself, but Xuan Yuan Tianyi let go of his hand and turned around. "That's good. Remember what you promised me today." After saying that, Xuan Yuan Tianyi was already outside the gate of Kaifeng Prefecture.
As if making a vow, Zhan Zhao said softly, "Okay, I promise you."
After he finished speaking, Xuan Yuan Tianyi's lazy laughter reached his ears...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
