Chapter 60 Bao Si (VIII) Marriage
The sunlight filtered through the window lattices of the Qiongtai Palace, casting tiny spots of light on the papers on the desk.
Lin Jiaojiao was lost in thought as she pondered the additional points of the "plan," her fingertips unconsciously sliding across the paper. She had already spelled out details such as "how to persuade King You of Zhou's attendants" and "how to appease the old ministers in the court." She had even prepared rebuttal arguments in advance to counter Marquis Shen's possible "clearing the court of evil officials" rhetoric.
"Madam, Miss Qingdai is here." A'mo reminded softly, his eyes falling on the palace entrance.
Lin Jiaojiao looked up and saw Qingdai walk in, carrying a food box. She looked much more relaxed than she had three days ago, yet still cautious. Seeing Lin Jiaojiao, she quickly bowed, "Madam Si, the Queen sent me here to bring you some snacks and... an answer."
While speaking, Qingdai's gaze unconsciously lingered on Lin Jiaojiao's face for a moment.
The afternoon sun fell on the lady, her light grey cloth skirt emitting a soft sheen, her black hair was loosely tied up, with a few strands of hair sticking to her cheeks. Although she had not deliberately made up her appearance, she looked even more eye-catching than the pearl hairpins and jade ornaments in the palace. Qingdai quickly looked away and placed the food box on the table in a concealing manner.
Qingdai nodded, pulled a neatly folded silk letter from her sleeve, and handed it to Lin Jiaojiao. "After reviewing Madam's plan, the Queen discussed it with Master Yijiu overnight and ultimately decided to cooperate with Madam. The Queen said that her biggest worry wasn't the King's abdication, but Marquis Shen. Although he wanted to use Yijiu to ascend to the throne, he had already been planning to install his cronies. Once Yijiu succeeded to the throne, he would sideline him and completely reduce the Jiang clan to puppets. This letter contains the Queen's list of Marquis Shen's recent cronies, as well as an analysis of the attitudes of the veteran officials in the court. I hope it will be helpful to Madam."
Lin Jiaojiao took the silk letter and unfolded it. The handwriting on it was neat and the markings were clear - Shen Hou's confidants had infiltrated key departments such as the imperial guards, finance, and border garrisons. Even two of the attendants around Yijiu were Shen Hou's distant nephews.
Among the senior officials in the court, six, including Grand Historian Bo and Grand Tutor Zhao Gong, clearly supported "centralization of royal power." Another four took a wait-and-see approach, and only two adhered to Marquis Shen for family interests. This list was more detailed than she had expected, demonstrating that Empress Shen had long been aware of her father's ambitions and was determined to cooperate.
"Thank the Queen for me." Lin Jiaojiao put the letter away, her tone sincere. "Please tell the Queen that I will contact Taishibo as soon as possible and strive to have the old ministers reach a consensus within three days. We must not only ensure Yijiu's smooth succession to the throne, but also help him firmly grasp the real power and prevent Shen Hou's plan to undermine him from succeeding. Also, tell her to pay more attention to Shen Hou's "kindness" towards Yijiu. The more superficial closeness, the more likely it is that there are hidden calculations."
"I'll tell the Queen." Qingdai nodded and added, "The Queen also said that Marquis Shen has been frequently bringing his confidants to the Eastern Palace to see Yijiu recently. They're ostensibly asking for 'government advice,' but in reality, they're trying to instill in Yijiu the idea that he should listen to his uncle's advice on everything. Yijiu has noticed something's amiss, but he can't argue directly."
After sending Qingdai away, Lin Jiaojiao immediately called out to Ling in her mind: "Ling, how credible is the list provided by the Empress Shen? Are there any close associates of the Marquis Shen that have been missed?"
"We've scanned and compared the list, and it's 90% accurate. The only omission is a scribe that the Marquis of Shen had placed in the palace's library. That person is a cousin of the Marquis of Shen, responsible for organizing royal documents and having access to key government orders. He's been keeping it well hidden until now." Ling's voice was grave. "Also, according to surveillance, the Marquis of Shen secretly contacted several of his loyal princes yesterday, agreeing that if Yijiu refuses to cede power after ascending the throne, they'll pressure him to do so under the guise of 'assisting the royal family.' However, the specific timeline hasn't been determined yet."
"As expected, they want to praise first and suppress later." Lin Jiaojiao frowned, tapping her fingertips lightly on the desk. "It seems we must speed up the process. Before Shen Hou's cronies completely control key departments, let Yijiu first obtain the power of 'Regent' to lay out checks and balances in advance. Ling, please help me contact Tai Shi Bo. Tell him that I have 'important matters concerning the inheritance of classics and the stability of the royal family' and that I want to visit him tomorrow morning."
"I've sent a message to Taishi Bo's attendant, and he replied that he'll be waiting at the library this morning." Ling's voice was reassuring. "Also, Lao Mu has word that the papermaking workshop has produced its first batch of writing paper. The texture is even finer than before. You can bring it to Taishi Bo tomorrow to show him your abilities and increase your chances of persuading him."
The next morning, Lin Jiaojiao changed into a light blue cloth skirt and put a jade hairpin on her head, which made her look neither dignified nor too ostentatious.
She took A'mo and a stack of newly made paper and walked towards the library.
When passing by the palace guard station, he happened to meet the captain of the imperial guards stationed by Lord Shen. He was wearing armor and patrolling with an arrogant look. When he saw Lin Jiaojiao coming, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he quickly became alert. It was obvious that he had received the order to "monitor Madam Si's contact with the old minister."
Lin Jiaojiao ignored his gaze and walked straight forward.
Ling's voice echoed in his mind: "He has reported your movements to Lord Shen. There are slight mood swings on Lord Shen's side. He must be adjusting his 'teaching' strategy for Yijiu, hoping to make him dependent on him as soon as possible. On your way to the Classics Library, people from Lord Shen will follow you. I will interfere with their judgment and ensure your safety."
"Got it," Lin Jiaojiao replied in her mind, her steps still calm. She knew that at this moment, she couldn't show any panic, otherwise it would only make Lord Shen more aware of her cooperation with Empress Shen.
The Library of Classics is located on the east side of the palace. It is an ancient courtyard filled with bamboo slips, and the air is filled with the fragrance of ink and books.
Tai Shi Bo had been waiting inside the museum for a long time. Seeing Lin Jiaojiao enter, he hurried forward and asked with a hint of anticipation, "Madam Si, the 'important matter concerning the inheritance of classics and the stability of the royal family' you mentioned, does it have anything to do with paper?"
"Tai Shi Bo is indeed intelligent." Lin Jiaojiao smiled and nodded, letting A'mo pass the paper over. "This is new paper made in the workshop. It's finer than before, and writes smoothly. It's also a hundred times lighter than bamboo slips. If it can be promoted in the library, it will not only save storage space, but also make it easier for classics to circulate and avoid being lost in war. But right now, more urgent than promoting the use of paper is the stability of the royal family."
Taishi Bo took the paper, stroking it carefully. He then picked up his brush and wrote the words "Classics Forever" on it. The ink spread evenly, without bleeding through the paper, and the handwriting was clear and smooth. He looked at the words on the paper, and when Lin Jiaojiao mentioned "the stability of the royal family," his expression suddenly became solemn. "Are you saying that the Marquis of Shen acted faster than I expected?"
"That's right." Lin Jiaojiao handed over the list provided by Queen Shen. "This is the list of confidants recently placed by Marquis Shen. He has infiltrated key departments like the Imperial Guards and the Finance Department, and even placed people around Yijiu. Marquis Shen's plan is clear: first, he will use Yijiu's succession to control the royal orthodoxy, then use his confidants to undermine Yijiu, and ultimately make the entire Western Zhou Dynasty obey his orders. After discussing with the Queen, we feel that only by allowing Yijiu to obtain the power of 'Regent' first, and then you and old ministers like Zhao Gong to assist him in sorting out the government and eliminating Marquis Shen's confidants, can we maintain the centralization of royal power and preserve these precious texts."
Taishi Bo took the list and examined it carefully, his brow furrowing ever tighter. He raised his head and looked at Lin Jiaojiao, his eyes filled with determination. "Madam Si, don't worry. Although I am old, I know that 'centralizing power in the royal family and curbing powerful ministers' is my primary responsibility. At court tomorrow, I will join forces with Duke Zhao and other senior officials to propose to the king that 'Prince Yijiu be made regent.' First, let him take charge of the imperial guards and finances, gradually eliminate Marquis Shen's cronies, and then slowly persuade the king to abdicate."
"Thank you, Tai Shi Bo!" Lin Jiaojiao hurriedly bowed to express her gratitude, feeling very relieved. With the support of Tai Shi Bo and the old ministers, the "plan" finally took a key step and found a breakthrough to check and balance the Lord of Shen.
It was almost noon when they left the library. Lin Jiaojiao had just reached the corner of the palace path when she saw Empress Shen's maid hurried over and saluted. "Madam Si, the Queen requests that you go to the main palace immediately. She said that Marquis Shen had just entered the palace and proposed to the King that Prince Yijiu marry his niece. He also suggested that his niece assist Yijiu in handling harem affairs. The King is already interested!"
Lin Jiaojiao's heart trembled. Marquis Shen was planning to use the marriage as an excuse to get his niece into the Eastern Palace. This would allow him to monitor Yijiu and interfere in state affairs through "harem assistance," gradually undermining his power. She immediately said to her maid, "Go back and tell the queen. I'll be there soon!"
On the way to the main palace, Ling's voice was filled with urgency. "Marquis Shen has brought many treasures to King You of Zhou this time, saying, 'A marriage will strengthen the relationship between the Jiang clan and the royal family, giving Yijiu more confidence in governing.' King You of Zhou has been persuaded and is preparing to hold a court meeting tomorrow to discuss the marriage. Furthermore, Marquis Shen's men have ambushed near the main palace, hoping to seize the opportunity to monitor your meeting with the queen. I will do my best to disrupt them. Please stay safe."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded and quickened her pace. As she passed by the Imperial Garden, she happened to meet King You of Zhou with a few of his favorite ministers admiring the flowers. King You's eyes lit up when he saw Lin Jiaojiao, and he quickly waved, "My beloved, you've come just in time. Come and enjoy the flowers with me."
Lin Jiaojiao had to stop and walked forward to salute: "I pay my respects to Your Majesty." Her voice was soft, and her light blue skirt looked particularly fresh among the flowers. King You of Zhou was so stunned that he even forgot to mention the marriage.
"Madam, you look really beautiful in this blue dress today." King You of Zhou smiled and reached out to hold Lin Jiaojiao's hand.
Lin Jiaojiao cleverly dodged the question and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I heard that the Queen wants to discuss something important with me. If I am late, I am afraid that the Queen will be dissatisfied. After I have seen the Queen, I will come back to accompany Your Majesty to appreciate the flowers. Okay?"
Her smile was gentle and her eyes were clear. King You of Zhou actually nodded and said, "Okay, then go quickly and come back soon. I will wait for you to come back."
Lin Jiaojiao breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to the main palace. Behind her, she heard the voice of a favorite minister: "Your Majesty, weren't you just going to talk to the Queen about the marriage proposal for Prince Yijiu?" King You of Zhou said indifferently: "There's no rush for the marriage proposal. It won't be too late to go after we finish enjoying the flowers."
Ling's voice echoed in his mind, somewhat helplessly: "King You of Zhou still can't resist your beauty. He has temporarily forgotten about the marriage, buying you some time. But Marquis Shen will definitely remind him again. You must discuss countermeasures with the queen as soon as possible."
Lin Jiaojiao quickened her pace and soon arrived at the main palace. Empress Shen had already been waiting inside the palace. Upon seeing her enter, she hurried forward, saying urgently, "Bao Si, you're here! Marquis Shen is trying to place his niece in Yijiu's place. From now on, Yijiu's every move will be monitored by him. We must stop this marriage as soon as possible!"
"Queen, calm down first," Lin Jiaojiao soothed. "Marquis Shen wants to use the marriage as an opportunity to plant spies. We should start with the principle that royal marriages must conform to etiquette. At court tomorrow, you can propose that Prince Yijiu should prioritize government affairs during his initial period as regent. Marriages should be made based on the woman's character and should not be hastily decided. At the same time, have the Grand Historian cite precedents of foreign relatives interfering in government affairs to warn the king. Furthermore, we can recommend a woman from the royal family with a clean background and no family influence. This will both silence Marquis Shen and prevent Yijiu from being controlled by foreign relatives."
Empress Shen's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. Yijiu doesn't want to marry, and I can't argue with my father. If we can postpone the marriage on the grounds of 'ritual system' and 'state affairs', and then recommend a suitable candidate, we can avoid Marquis Shen's schemes and let Yijiu take the initiative in the marriage."
At this moment, a report came from outside the palace: "The King has arrived——"
Queen Shen and Lin Jiaojiao looked at each other, quickly composed themselves, and went to meet him.
King You of Zhou walked into the palace, and his eyes immediately fell on Lin Jiaojiao. He smiled and said, "Madam, have you met the queen? Come and accompany me back to the imperial garden to enjoy the flowers. We haven't finished admiring them yet."
Lin Jiaojiao felt helpless, but still smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I just heard from the Queen that Master Yijiu has been studying the classics of state affairs recently. I want to help Your Majesty share the pressure as soon as possible. I think it would be better to let Master Yijiu serve as regent first and focus on handling state affairs. Once he is familiar with government affairs, it will not be too late to discuss the marriage. After all, royal marriages are related to etiquette. If we make a hasty decision, I am afraid that the princes will talk about it. What do you think?"
King You of Zhou was stunned for a moment, then nodded: "Madam, you are right. Yijiu should indeed focus on state affairs first. At the court meeting tomorrow, I will propose that Yijiu be the regent, and we can talk about the marriage later!" He completely forgot about the marriage proposal of Marquis Shen, and his mind was full of Lin Jiaojiao's smile and the proposal of "taking etiquette into consideration".
Queen Shen looked at this scene with complicated feelings in her heart - she had not expected that King You of Zhou was so dependent on Concubine Si's appearance that a suggestion could make him change his mind, but she also knew that this might be the best opportunity to prevent Marquis Shen from planting spies, and it was also a key step in pushing Yijiu to seize real power.
After seeing off King You of Zhou, Queen Shen said solemnly to Lin Jiaojiao, "Bao Si, thank you for what we did today. Tomorrow at court, we will proceed as planned. We must stop Marquis Shen's marriage plan and allow Yijiu to successfully obtain the power of regent."
"Don't worry, Queen. We will definitely succeed." Lin Jiaojiao nodded, her eyes full of determination.
When we left the main palace, the sun had already set.
Lin Jiaojiao walked on the palace road, looking at the sunset in the distance, her heart full of thoughts - tomorrow's court meeting will be the first head-on confrontation of the "plan" and the first open confrontation with Shen Hou's plan to "undermine Yijiu".
She knew that this confrontation would not be easy, but as long as she could prevent the marriage and allow Yijiu to obtain the power of regent, it would pave the way for the subsequent elimination of Shen Hou's confidants and consolidation of royal power.
Ling's voice echoed in his mind, bringing a certain degree of reassurance. "Marquis Shen has been very emotional since learning that King You of Zhou has changed his mind. He will probably make trouble at court tomorrow, possibly using the excuse that 'if we don't marry, the Jiang clan will be unstable.' But we have a plan, and with the support of senior officials like Taishi Bo, our chances of success are very high. In addition, Lao Mu has prepared enough paper. You can bring it to court tomorrow and present it in front of the senior officials. This will not only demonstrate your ability, but also further earn their trust."
"Okay." Lin Jiaojiao responded softly, walking calmly.
She knew that tomorrow's court meeting was just the beginning, and she would have to assist Yijiu in eliminating Shen Hou's cronies and stabilizing the government.
However, as long as he could firmly cooperate with Queen Shen and unite with veteran ministers to check and balance Marquis Shen, he would be able to maintain the stability of the Western Zhou royal power, preserve those precious classics, and allow Yijiu to become the Zhou emperor who truly controls his own destiny.
Back at Qiongtai Palace, Lin Jiaojiao reviewed the plan for tomorrow's court meeting again, making sure nothing was left out. When Ah Mo brought her dinner, he saw how focused she was and couldn't help but whisper, "Madam, you've worked hard today. Come eat."
Lin Jiaojiao smiled and nodded, picked up the chopsticks, and the sunset outside the window gradually faded away, and the night enveloped the palace.
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