Chapter 100 (None)
Jiang Ling arrived at Chonghua Palace and walked for a while in the sun, his body already slightly sweating.
In the study, Consort Lin was still wearing a long robe, with a brocade quilt draped over her knees. She beckoned Jiang Ling to sit down, and looking at the roses in Wen Juan's hand, she said, "These roses are fresh; Consort Hui is very thoughtful. Xiuyun, go and bring out the Moon White and Azure Sky Vase; it matches the pink of these roses perfectly, so that this room can also be filled with the feeling of spring."
Jiang Ling looked out the window and said, "The weather outside is nice, and the flowers and trees in Your Majesty's palace are growing luxuriantly. Why don't we go out for a walk? It's springtime in the garden outside, why bother enjoying it inside?"
Consort Lin paused slightly, then gave a self-deprecating laugh, threw back the brocade quilt, and rose. "Consort Hui is right. The spring scenery outside is beautiful. In a few days, it will be summer. This spring this year... it's truly..."
She felt terrible and couldn't continue speaking; her expression was bleak.
After Xiao Yunrui's death, the elaborate funeral rites left Consort Lin with no time to grieve. After the forty-nine-day mourning period, she instantly lost her spirit and became listless.
Jiang Ling sighed inwardly and accompanied Consort Lin as they walked slowly along the corridor. To the right of the corridor, the vegetation was lush, and butterflies fluttered among the flowers, their fluttering wings dazzling in the sunlight.
Consort Lin slowed her pace, gazing at the butterfly, her entire being radiating sorrow: "When Arui was two years old, one spring day, he caught a colorful butterfly from somewhere and secretly held it in his little hand, wanting to present it to me as a gift. I was actually overjoyed, but I scolded him severely. If he were to catch insects and ants after receiving my praise, and were led into danger by someone with malicious intent, that would be terrible. Arui cried for a while, and even when he finally fell asleep, he was still sobbing from time to time, probably feeling extremely wronged. I stayed by his side, my heart aching as if pierced by needles. From then on, I never scolded Arui again, but I also never indulged his whims. No matter how late it was, he had to finish his homework, and I always stayed by his side with him."
She looked at Jiang Ling, her eyes reddening, and asked in a daze, "Is this how you feel about A-Zan too?"
Jiang Ling shook his head silently. "A-Zan hasn't gone to school yet. He knows a few characters, but his handwriting is poor. He's playful and mischievous, and he makes the Emperor angry every day. As the saying goes, one is never too old to learn. There are only a few years when you're young and can play. It's not easy to become an adult. There are many times when you need to study hard. Besides, A-Zan and the others don't need to take the imperial examinations. The important things are economics, people's livelihood, geography and local history."
Consort Lin was stunned, her expression thoughtful. "Is it not about how to govern the world?"
Jiang Ling thought for a moment and asked, "What does Your Highness think of His Majesty's governance of the realm?"
Consort Lin bluntly replied, "A mediocre ruler."
Jiang Ling smiled and said, "Your Majesty is truly frank. I don't think so. The Great Yin Dynasty is at peace and without war. Although it cannot be called a time of great peace and tranquility, it is still a great blessing."
Consort Lin looked dazed and said, "In chaotic times, people are worse than dogs. A ruler who maintains the status quo is not the worst."
"The roses in the palace are blooming exceptionally well this year. Wenjuan and the others pick them every few days, yet the garden is still full of them. I heard that there are also several clumps of roses in the Second Prince's bedroom. At night, the Second Prince cut off the branches and chased after the palace maids and eunuchs who were serving him, whipping them mercilessly. The screams in the bedroom were deafening."
Jiang Ling briefly mentioned Xiao Yunjue's situation, saying, "Everyone praises the wise ruler of a prosperous era, but what is a prosperous era? It's not easy to have enough to eat and wear; the common people are barely surviving. Even if the Second Prince has extraordinary talent, he lacks compassion and mercy. He is not worthy of being a ruler, or even a human being."
Consort Lin had heard about Xiao Yunjue's situation, but she hadn't taken it seriously. Hearing Jiang Ling's sharp words, her mind raced, and she said, "Does Consort Hui intend to use his matter to provoke Consort Liu into making a move?"
Jiang Ling said, "I told Yuan Changsheng to be careful when he patrols at night. The strangeness in the Crown Prince's palace is very serious and must be reported to the Emperor."
"When the Emperor finds out, he will at most give him a few mild scoldings," said Consort Lin.
Jiang Ling said, "If word gets out that the Second Prince is cruel and inhumane, the court officials should advise the Emperor to establish an heir."
Consort Lin looked shocked. After careful consideration, she solemnly said, "The matter of establishing an heir is of great importance. A-Zan is still young. Consort Hui should think it over carefully."
Jiang Ling's current interest is not in the crown prince; she has her own plans. She said, "It's not a matter of just one or two days that court officials have been requesting the emperor to establish an heir. It's not surprising that it's being brought up again now. Consort Zhao is probably getting restless, and how could Consort Liu miss such a great opportunity?"
Consort Lin immediately said, "I will send Xiuyun out of the palace back to the Lin residence to have the censors impeach Xiao Yunjue."
Over the years, Jiang Xiuwen and his son had risen one rank from Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport to Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. In the capital, where high-ranking officials and nobles were everywhere, they were merely minor officials.
Jiang Ling never planned any promotions for them. With their abilities, the higher their rank, the greater the risk.
The two advisors were clever, but they couldn't penetrate deep into the court. Jiang Ling's attempt to win over Consort Lin was precisely for the sake of the Lin family's influence in the court.
As for the Lin family seizing power, Jiang Ling wasn't worried. It was too early to concern herself with such things; once she had a high enough status, others would naturally be at her beck and call.
Night had fallen, and the crescent moon hung in the sky, its hazy light filtering through the trees in dappled patterns.
Time flies, and the branches that sprouted tender buds at the beginning of spring are now lush and leafy.
Consort Liu stood beneath the cherry tree, tilting her head slightly upwards as she gazed at it. When she was feeling down, she would often stand quietly beneath the tree. As she did now, it seemed she was admiring the tree, yet nothing seemed to catch her eye; her eyes always held a desolate quality.
As always, Yuan Changsheng stood in the shadows, gazing at Consort Liu's profile with a sorrowful expression.
Since the Lantern Festival incident, Consort Liu has become increasingly thin, her face almost as pale as the moonlight.
Consort Liu finally spoke, her voice low and hoarse: "Jiang Ling can't hold back anymore. She plans to use you to push Zhao Wanqing's useless and incompetent prince into the public eye. Royal nobles care about their reputation. If this matter gets out, the court officials will once again demand the appointment of a crown prince."
Earlier, when he encountered Jiang Ling during the day, Yuan Changsheng quickly realized this. He replied, "I was patrolling in front of the First Prince's palace when the shouting and crying inside stopped. Recently, several people have been sent to Willow Lane, and the Minister of the Inner Palace has sent palace maids there to serve him. Everyone is on edge lately, afraid of being sent to serve the First Prince. Song Qiongniang..." He paused slightly, then changed his words, "The palace maids serving under Song Gongzheng have all received quite a few benefits."
Consort Liu seemed not to notice Yuan Changsheng's pause. Her gaze lingered briefly on Yuan Changsheng's left hand, where a cloth was wrapped around his wrist and tied with an exquisite flower knot.
Yuan Changsheng keenly noticed Consort Liu's actions and subconsciously explained, "After I injured my hand, Consort Song came to bandage it whenever she had a spare moment. She has been in the palace for many years and enjoys the Emperor's deep trust and considerable influence. I thought she might be useful, so I exchanged a few pleasantries with her..."
None of these matters.
Consort Liu interrupted Yuan Changsheng, a smile appearing on her face, "You are admired by many people, that's your ability, no explanation needed."
Yuan Changsheng stood there, stunned, his heart felt as if it had been violently clenched, a suffocating sorrow making it hard to breathe. He lowered his eyelids and said, "Tomorrow I need to report back to the Emperor. What does Your Majesty intend to do?"
"Since Jiang Ling is determined to make her son the crown prince, why not just lend her a hand? Zhao Wanqing is a smart woman; she knows her situation. Xiao Yunjue is injured, and the Emperor still harbors resentment towards him. After Xiao Yunrui's death, he was granted the title of Prince, and Zhao Wanqing remained silent throughout, enduring it all. She didn't even mention the incident of Xiao Yunrui pushing Xiao Yunjue down the stone steps. Zhao Wanqing clearly understands that as long as Xiao Yunjue is alive, he still has a chance. Now, she just needs to be patient and wait."
Consort Liu sneered, her eyes like knives. "Now that Jiang Ling doesn't intend to keep Zhao Wanqing waiting and wants to ruin Xiao Yunjue, how can Zhao Wanqing sit idly by and wait to die? She'll have to fight Jiang Ling to the death. Perfect, I don't want to wait any longer either."
Yuan Changsheng pondered for a moment and said, "I still feel uneasy about the fact that your dispute with Consort Hui was left unresolved."
“Something unusual must be going on, and I have my suspicions too. We both know the Emperor’s temperament very well. Only if he summons me and gives me a good scolding will this matter be truly over.”
Consort Liu looked at Yuan Changsheng, her brows furrowing slightly, and said sharply, "That's why we need to act quickly."
Yuan Changsheng's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "I will report to the Emperor truthfully tomorrow."
Consort Liu nodded slightly and asked, "How are things going on your end?"
"Don't worry," Yuan Changsheng said after a moment of silence, "I'll accompany you as long as you're willing."
"Why would I be unwilling? This has always been my wish, to have my wish fulfilled."
Consort Liu said softly, lowering her eyes and tapping the dappled moonlight on the ground with her toes, "Look, doesn't it look like teardrops? The tears of this harem, if piled up, would be enough to flood the palace."
The next day, after having breakfast with Emperor Yuanming, Jiang Ling led Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang back to their room. Seeing that the weather was fine outside and no court officials were waiting, Emperor Yuanming said, "A-Zan and A-Lang, go back to your room and do your homework first."
Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang left together. Emperor Yuanming said to Jiang Ling, "I have some free time today. Come with me to sit in the courtyard for a while."
Jiang Ling was more than happy to do so, thinking that Emperor Yuanming's body was almost moldy and it would be perfect to air it out. She immediately ordered Huang Liang and the others to move the couch and carry Emperor Yuanming out.
Huang Liang and Zhang Shan, exhausted and sweating profusely, finally settled Emperor Yuanming in and served him tea.
Just as Emperor Yuanming picked up his teacup and took a couple of leisurely sips, Yuan Changsheng requested an audience.
Jiang Ling's heart skipped a beat. He quickly put down his teacup and said, "His Majesty has business to attend to. I'll go back to my room first."
"What could Yuan Changsheng possibly want? You can stay here." Emperor Yuanming was in high spirits after finally getting some sunshine, and said to Huang Liang, "Summon him in."
Huang Liang went to deliver the message, and Yuan Changsheng quickly entered. He stepped forward and respectfully greeted the emperor, but Emperor Yuanming waved his hand and asked, "What brings you here?"
Yuan Changsheng glanced at Jiang Ling, who was sipping tea with his eyes down, and hesitated to speak. Emperor Yuanming, seeing this, said impatiently, "What is it that you can't show to others? Just tell me."
"Your Majesty, it concerns the Second Prince," Yuan Changsheng said, glancing quickly at Jiang Ling with a troubled expression.
When Emperor Yuanming heard that the matter concerned Xiao Yunjue, he grunted and said unhappily, "What's wrong with A-Jue again?"
Seeing that Emperor Yuanming had no intention of asking Jiang Ling to leave, Yuan Changsheng truthfully reported everything that had happened in Xiao Yunjue's palace that night.
Emperor Yuanming's face darkened. His hard-won moment of leisure had been completely ruined by Xiao Yunjue. His voice hardened as he roared, "You worthless wretch! He's always causing trouble! Summon him to me!"
Jiang Ling knew how Emperor Yuanming would handle the situation just by looking at his reaction.
She was only half right; the other half was truly unexpected.
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