Chapter 39 Dispatch
Speaking of this, Qian Deng felt a little annoyed. "Originally, the front and back yards were clearly separated from theirs, and we rarely bumped into each other. But ever since Prince Mingjiu arrived, he's been so willful and insistent on squeezing into the front yard to join me. No one can stop him, so the young men have followed his example and come over here often. I'm worried about this too. This can't become a regular occurrence. We have to put an end to this habit."
A faint pang of sadness welled up in the Crown Prince's heart, and he couldn't help asking, "It seems you're getting along quite well with your gentlemen. After more than half a year, do you have a firm choice in mind?"
Qiandeng lowered his eyes, and the cold and majestic figure flashed through his mind.
However, she naturally wouldn't reveal her feelings to the Crown Prince. She only whispered, "It's still early, and I'm still in mourning, so let's not consider it for now. Anyway, apart from Prince Mingjiu, the other candidates seem quite good to me... Of course, Mingjiu isn't a bad person, but my mother doesn't want me to marry, so we're not meant to be together after all."
"Don't worry, he'll be leaving the capital soon and returning home. He won't be staying in Chang'an for too long," the Crown Prince said. He sensed the underlying meaning and asked curiously, "Do you know who your mother designated as your husband before her death? How do you know she didn't want you to marry?"
Qian Deng was about to mention this to the Crown Prince, so he said, "Your Highness, I found the letter my mother gave me before she died. It contained my third uncle's request for me to go to the Uighurs on behalf of Kucha to seek a marriage alliance."
The prince suddenly understood. "No wonder Lady Qi told you to make the decision on this matter before she passed away. I guess she hoped you could choose a suitable man among the other gentlemen and not marry far away to the Uighurs."
Qian Deng looked at him deeply, nodded slightly, and said nothing.
After lunch, the plates and bowls were cleared away and fragrant tea was served.
"So, perhaps it's best if you don't return to the northwest. The imperial court can also help you send back your ancestors' clothing and hats." His voice was calm and gentle, as always. "Otherwise, since your husband hasn't been chosen yet, the people in Kucha will inevitably have other plans. You might find it difficult to return."
"Well, I will consider it carefully again. I hope Your Highness will not mind my hesitation." Qian Deng let out a long sigh and said, "There is one more thing I need your help with."
"Just say it."
"Jin Tang's death this time is probably related to the Battle of Huangsha Valley. I'd like to check the archives from that time, but the Ministry of War archives are not easily accessible, and the volumes are so numerous, I don't know where they are scattered..."
The prince immediately agreed and sent someone to the Ministry of War to get a note allowing people sent by the Changhua Palace to borrow and read the book. He also asked Qiandeng to sign the name of the young man who was going to go.
Qiandeng thought for a moment and wrote down Cui Fufeng and Ling Tianshui.
The Crown Prince and Cui Fufeng were naturally familiar with each other. He glanced at Ling Tianshui but said nothing. He only asked, "Are there any unusual movements among the gentlemen in your mansion?"
"Accidents have occurred frequently in the palace, and another young man has been murdered innocently. I have decided that after this case is investigated, all of them will be expelled from the palace and no longer gathered in the palace."
"Now that you've made up your mind, just inform the Ministry of Rites. As for the palace training, you can find another place to gather and listen." Hearing that she wanted to send the gentlemen out of the palace, the prince naturally agreed. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Speaking of this matter, what was the name of the gentleman who was murdered in Jianfu Temple..."
"That's Shi Jingning." Qiandeng's throat choked slightly.
"Yes. I remember that before he died, he wrote a rabbit on your palm. I wonder what that meant. Do you know?"
Qiandeng shook his head. "Lingling is dull and still hasn't understood his intention. I think it might be because we used to raise rabbits together on the farm when we were young, and before he died, he remembered our happiest times back then..."
The prince said, "Clothes never fade when new, and friends never fade when old. Lingling, you and I have known each other since childhood, and have shared many hardships. If we talk about the past, who in this world can compare to us? Actually, all the gentlemen in your backyard came later."
Although this was true, it sounded strange when he said it.
After all, he was the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, and comparing himself with a deceased person was a loss of status.
Qian Deng could only ignore him and said, "Also, Ling Tianshui, the commander of the Northern Yamen Imperial Guard, grew up in the northwest and has a steady and reliable temperament. If I don't go to the northwest this time, I want him to go to Kucha on my behalf and deliver my ancestors' clothing and hats. It would be legitimate. I'm not familiar with military procedures, so I don't know how to transfer him to the Changhua Palace more conveniently."
Although she tried to downplay it, the prince knew her intention. He lowered his eyes and sipped tea. The rising tea smoke made his pensive expression a little vague.
Qian Deng then continued, "I know this is rather difficult, but... it's just a temporary call, so it should be okay, right?"
"Actually, I've seen Ling Tianshui's resume. He's not only a member of the Northern Ya Imperial Guard, but also a member of the Shuofang Army. As far as I know, he's always been in charge of the Shuofang Army's affairs in Chang'an," the Crown Prince said, putting down his teacup and trying to be as casual as possible. "So, I'll have someone speak to the court. As for whether it's feasible, it depends on him and the Shuofang Army's opinions."
"Yes, just a word from Your Highness will be enough. He and I will handle the rest." Qiandeng thanked him.
The prince was very busy with affairs, and she also had countless things on her mind. After discussing the important matters and drinking two cups of tea, she said goodbye and left.
The prince stood up and escorted her out of the hall, looking at her back as she walked away along the corridor with a slightly cold expression.
"Northern Court Forbidden Army Sijie, Ling Tianshui."
The first time I saw this name was in the memorial submitted to the Internal Affairs Bureau by Qian Deng.
At that time, the Sitiantai believed that an even number of candidate husbands was auspicious, so they drafted a bunch of candidates for her to make it an even number.
However, Lingling didn't take the others seriously. She had always remained aloof from the court's selection of a husband for her, observing all the potential candidates and never interfering with any of the choices made for her by the court or the inner court.
——Only Ling Tianshui was the first and only one who took the initiative to ask her to be a candidate for her husband.
Therefore, she was passive in all other husbands, allowing them to be arranged by the court. Only Ling Tianshui was the one she wanted.
Is it true that there is someone in this world whom Lingling really likes and is even obsessed with?
After Qian Deng's figure completely disappeared, the prince turned around and asked the eunuch in front of him, "Who is currently in charge of the Beiya Zuo Shen Ce Army?"
As soon as the prince spoke, the eunuch Zhang Baiwan, who was in charge of the Left Shence Army, came over with the list of names.
Ling Tianshui, the commander of the Left Shence Army of the Northern Yamen Forbidden Army, has a very simple resume.
Before coming to Chang'an, he was a lieutenant under the Xin banner of the Shuofang Army. After accompanying Prince Linhuai to the capital to quell the rebellion, he brought a letter from home to his clan to recognize his ancestors. The Shuofang Army, mindful of his military achievements and familiarity with the upper and lower ranks, recommended him for service in the Northern Ya Imperial Guard, tasked with liaising with the Shuofang forces.
After the war, generals were promoted rapidly. He was brave and outstanding, and was soon promoted to the rank of Si, a military officer of neither high nor low rank.
The prince took a quick look and asked, "Are you familiar with this Ling Tianshui?"
Zhang Baiwan quickly replied, "Although I haven't interacted with him much, his aura is truly unforgettable. The Northern Yamen Imperial Guards are all fierce and valiant, but he can hardly hide his edge among so many people, so he left a deep impression on me."
The prince also knew that the person Qian Deng had his eye on was definitely someone extraordinary: "In that case, I'm somewhat interested in him. I'll have to find an opportunity someday to see what kind of person he is."
Zhang Baiwan thought the prince wanted to evaluate Lingling County Lady's husband, so he said hurriedly, "This man is indeed a talent. I believe Your Highness will not be disappointed after seeing him."
The prince handed the list back to him and said, "The Princess of Lingling County came to me today and wanted to transfer Ling Tianshui to the Changhua Palace. I wonder if you are willing to release him?"
Zhang Baiwan was stunned. "This... military discipline has been somewhat lax after the rebellion. Most of the officers and soldiers of the Northern Court's Imperial Guard are troublemakers. Only Ling Sijie can control them. If he leaves for a while, I'm afraid..."
Seeing that the Crown Prince remained silent, clearly having made up his mind, he gritted his teeth and continued, "Besides, the palace currently only has the Princess of Lingling. According to regulations, a Princess of Lingling is only assigned a guard of a few dozen men. How can she compare to a future in the Northern Yamen Forbidden Army? Isn't this... a waste of talent?"
The prince remained silent, and Wei Fengyang coughed lightly beside him.
Zhang Baiwan thought about it again and said suddenly, "However, serving as the county lady's personal guard is another step closer to becoming her husband. It is also a cause for celebration. I can understand it, I can understand it."
The prince's expression was slightly cold, and he waved his hand to signal him to leave: "Alright, go ahead."
After Zhang Baiwan left, the prince glanced at the three words "Ling Tianshui" on the list again and handed it to Wei Fengyang.
Wei Fengyang guessed his expression and bowed his head, saying, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will definitely take care of the matter for you."
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