Chapter 32
What's addictive is when the strong bend down for you.
This question wasn't unexpected, but that doesn't mean it's easy to answer.
Su Lu lowered his eyelashes, his voice calm and peaceful in the quiet candlelight: "I suspect that if this matter is of great importance, he will definitely try to contact me again, and it won't be difficult for him to extract more information. If he doesn't make any further moves, it's either because he's realized he's mistaken me for someone else, or because this matter isn't important, then—" He paused slightly, as if talking about a trivial matter, "and my identity is no longer a concern."
Very smart.
Xie Yutang looked at him for a while: "What if they come looking for you again?"
She said "they," not "he." While Qiu Ran Ke's true identity in the Northern Rong is still unclear, being sent to carry out such a secret mission indicates a high status. If he insists on taking the person away, he might use the Northern Rong's influence. Furthermore, the Northern Rong and Dayan have been at war for years, and Su Lu's identity is already sensitive due to his bloodline. If this matter reaches the emperor, it will cause some trouble.
But Su Lu gave her an unexpected answer: "Then please protect your subordinate, Master, and don't let them take me away."
Xie Yutang paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.
When an enemy tries to poach your man right in front of you, and given his sensitive position, anyone else would have already pledged their loyalty. But he just says "protect me," almost like he's being coquettish, but the implication is clear: he doesn't want to leave, and if they really take him away, it's their fault as his master.
He tapped the fan ribs with his index finger, and a subtle vibration traveled along the fan's spine to the boy's chin, causing a tingling, itchy sensation. Xie Yutang looked at him for a while, then closed the folding fan and told him to get up from the ground.
Su Lu lowered his head and responded.
His docile and respectful demeanor didn't seem like that of someone who harbored ulterior motives in every word.
Huaijin came in to pour tea, and his gaze finally had a moment to fall on that person with restraint.
She had lost weight; her shoulders were so thin, yet she managed to hold on tightly in front of the thatched hut.
Slay the guards, defeat Cui Hu, restrain the bearded man, and protect him behind you.
Just like that cold winter many years ago, she did the same thing, dragging him along and pulling him out of the bottomless abyss.
The tiny spark she casually offered was his only warmth.
He survived the long, cold winter of his life with this little bit of warmth.
Her thick eyelashes fluttered, and her gaze then fell downwards, landing on the low table beside her—a few pieces of the pine nut and lily cake were missing from the plate.
Xie Yutang saw the boy's gaze linger for a moment, as if there was a slight smile, but that smile was quickly covered by his long eyelashes before it could spread, and he restrained himself and returned to the appropriate position.
Everything happened as fast as a snowflake melting before it even hit the ground.
Xie Yutang ran his fingers over the fan pendant and asked, "Has Tan Ping contacted you?"
Those eight hundred shrewd individuals knew what she was asking from just one sentence. They put the teacup back on the low table and gave the answer directly: "Judging from his words, he doesn't seem to know that the Northern Rong are involved, or he has some suspicions but hasn't found any evidence, so he came to test my intentions."
Xie Yutang listened quietly.
Su Lu said, "The information Lord Tan possessed did not change before and after our conversation."
Xie Yutang stopped stroking the fan pendant and looked up: "Why didn't you tell him?"
The young man lowered his eyes and head, concealing his composure and adopting a submissive posture: "This subordinate will not overstep his bounds. If Master believes that Lord Tan should know, then he will naturally know."
If Xie Yutang was subtly resistant to meeting him just a moment ago because she didn't know how to interact with him, now she felt a slight itch in her heart—the strong don't make people addicted; what makes people addicted is the strong bowing down for you.
"Then do you think Tan Ping should know?"
Su Lu didn't even hesitate: "No, we shouldn't."
Xie Yutang raised an eyebrow.
Su Lu saw through it all: "His Majesty sent Tan Ping here because he wants things to end here."
There weren't many people in the court who had the ability, strength, willingness, and prestige to thoroughly investigate this matter, but they weren't entirely absent either. However, the emperor chose Tan Ping, a man with few strengths, but whose skill in reading the emperor's opinions and changing course was exceptional.
After the Xie clan fell, only General Muqing was left to guard the border. The border was too long, and there were always places where the troops were weak. The Northern Rong would target these weak places to attack. Every time they came, they were fierce. They did not occupy the land, but burned, killed and looted. After they finished looting, they left. This was the most troublesome thing. By the time the troops from Dayan gathered and arrived, the people had already run away with the cattle, sheep and grain.
The Da Yan region was overwhelmed by the disturbances, and the border people suffered heavy losses. Finally, at the beginning of the year, it took the initiative to propose border trade. The negotiations were progressing well, and the Northern Rong delegation will soon be coming to the capital for this purpose.
At this critical juncture, the entire court and the public naturally held the mentality of "valuing peace above all else," and the emperor was no exception. Even if Tan Ping had found evidence that the Northern Rong were involved in the theft of military equipment, he might not have been able to present the evidence.
This was also Xie Yutang's consideration. There was an unseen hand behind her back. Whenever she was about to find a breakthrough, that hand would reach down from above, tug at her, and cut the thread in her hand.
Incense smoke curled from the auspicious beast-shaped bronze incense burner, filling the room with tranquility.
Xie Yutang sat alone on a carved mahogany bench, his chin resting on one hand, his eyes closed. If it weren't for the fan handle tapping against his knee, one would almost think he was asleep.
It was late autumn, and the chill was getting stronger. Wo Yu was thinking of putting the fox fur cloak that the emperor had bestowed on her when Xie Yutang opened her eyes and gave some instructions. Soon, Huai Jin brought over paper and pen.
The paper was pre-cut, a thin, long strip, rolled up and stuffed into a bamboo tube, so that it could be carried anywhere by carrier pigeons trained in the mansion.
The Xie family had been operating for generations, with roots firmly planted in every corner of this vast empire. Even though, on the surface, apart from the complete slaughter of Xie Yutang's direct descendants, there were still many unseen forces lurking in the shadows.
Xie Yutang wrote on a piece of paper, waited for the ink to dry, rolled it into a thin roll, stuffed it into a bamboo tube, and handed it to Huaijin: "Notify all the secret agencies to inquire about a person, and give me news within ten days, no matter what means you use."
Huaijin responded softly and then withdrew to attend to his duties.
Woyu thought for a moment: "Is it about Prince Su?"
Xie Yutang hummed in agreement, then closed his eyes again, seemingly somewhat tired.
That day, the bearded man called out "Nannan," which was the only clue about Su Lu's birth mother, Hong Fu Nu. She needed to know who Nannan was.
A fox fur cloak was draped over Xie Yutang, the loose hem of the robe bunching up on the armrest of the chair, making her chin appear almost pointy. Wo Yu tucked the hem of the robe under her arm, thought for a moment, and then asked, "What if Prince Su is really from the Northern Rong?"
This question also made Woyu feel uncomfortable.
They all saw how the young master treated the young lady. Although the young lady didn't say it, she must have valued the young master Su very much in her heart.
Once a young lady values something, what she hates most is betrayal.
She remembered that when her young lady was six years old, the old general gave her a pony, which she loved dearly. Later, the pony was taken away by someone else. Her young lady didn't say a word, but instead stabbed the horse in the neck with a dagger. Then she stayed with the horse in the stable for a whole day without eating or drinking, watching it breathe its last.
The young lady said she would rather destroy what doesn't belong to her.
But Prince Su... does she really have the heart to destroy it?
The scent of camphor mingled with the sound of rain, making one feel drowsy.
Xie Yutang circulated his true energy throughout his body, his dantian was full of energy, the remaining poison of the muscle softening powder had been completely removed, and the internal injuries he suffered in the battle were also carefully repaired. His internal strength not only did not decrease, but it was even higher than before.
The familiar, icy energy within her inner strength was merging with her own, subtly and silently nourishing her. If she had woken up a day later, she wouldn't have even noticed—who else but that person would quietly do so much without ever mentioning it?
Her fingertips unconsciously touched the jade pendant at her waist. The warm, smooth touch reminded her of that person, who had tied it for her with his own hands and said that he was hers.
Woyu put away the writing brush and ink on the table and then stirred the incense in the bronze incense burner. Just when she thought that the problem would also dissipate like smoke, she heard Xie Yutang say, "As long as he still recognizes me as his master, he will only be Su Lu."
Wei Xianxi, the commander of the patrol battalion, and Cui Hu, the commander of the garrison at Yingkou, along with other relevant personnel, were dismissed from their posts and investigated. They were imprisoned and awaited trial by the Ministry of Justice. Song Zhen, the prefect, and Zhuang Hongfei, the prefect of the General's Office, were rewarded for their meritorious service in saving the emperor. Xie Yutang, as the greatest contributor to the case, received such a generous reward that it drew attention throughout the court. The jewels and treasures bestowed by the emperor upon the princess's residence alone took three days to carry away.
Princess Ning'an inherited the glory of the Xie family and was highly favored, making her the focus of attention in the court and among the people. However, after this incident, what shocked the court even more was Princess Ning'an's influence on politics, and those with quick minds had already begun to secretly try to win her over.
In no time, invitations from all sides poured in like snowflakes, and the threshold of the princess's residence was almost worn out. After seeing off a Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Xie Yutang finally had a moment to drink a sip of cold tea to moisten his throat and pinched the bridge of his nose: "Please invite the next person in."
No one responded for a moment. Xie Yutang looked up and saw that Woyu looked hesitant: "Miss, the next one... is the Third Prince."
The Third Prince, Lin Tan.
A sharp, throbbing pain shot through Xie Yutang's chest where the blade had pierced her. He fiddled with the jade pendant at his waist and said, "Let him in."
Lin Tan couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart.
He had been to the princess's residence before. Back then, Xie Yutang would always be excited several days in advance, confirming the itinerary with him and making all the necessary preparations.
He didn't like Wu Zhui, so he would have the servants take the dog away beforehand. He preferred gentle and simple clothes, so there wasn't a single bright color in her mansion. But he never really cared. He was either busy with official duties, consulting with his teacher, or being dragged to play Cuju by his colleagues. There were times when the mansion would have to urge him three or four times, making Xie Yutang wait for several hours. He could make her smile with a few sweet words and some cheap trinkets.
But now, the one being waited for has become the one waiting for others.
"Your Highness, Minister Liu is still discussing matters with the princess in the study. Let me pour you another pot of tea."
Huaijin came out from the inner room, carrying a cup of warmed tea. She said casually, "This is the first tea from the newly tribute from Jiangnan. Yesterday, when Miss came to the palace, she casually said that it was delicious. His Majesty rewarded her with some. Miss treasures it very much and specifically instructed us to hide it well and only take it out when distinguished guests come."
These words were spoken subtly, seemingly praising Lin Tan, but actually subtly pointing out his true intentions.
—Pre-Qingming tea was the emperor's treasure, and his own sons could only watch longingly as it was given to Xie Yutang.
The servant following behind was about to speak when Lin Tan silenced him. He was used to being fawned over and trampled on when he was out of favor, so this was nothing to him. He exchanged a few pleasantries with Huai Jin as usual, maintaining his kind and benevolent gentlemanly demeanor.
Finally, when Woyu lifted the curtain and invited him in, Xie Yutang sat on a high-backed carved mahogany chair, dressed in a brocade robe with auspicious cloud patterns. Hearing the noise, he turned his head slightly to look.
In that instant, it was like finding a lamp in a dark room, or encountering a crabapple tree under the moon.
Her bright appearance exuded a relaxed air befitting someone in a position of power.
Lin Tan's breath hitched for a moment. The servant behind him bowed and presented a brocade box in his hand: "I heard that the princess was injured in Yingkou. His Highness the Third Prince specially sought out the Udumbara flower and the precious blood of the viper."
"This Udumbara flower grows on a mountain of snow and blooms only once every sixty years. Besides being of great benefit to internal strength, it also has the miraculous effect of preserving youth and beauty." The servant paused for a moment, "Miss Guo somehow got the news and made a special trip to the Third Prince's residence for this Udumbara flower, but the Third Prince didn't even give it to her."
To his surprise, Xie Yutang frowned slightly, as if recalling something: "Miss Guo?"
The servant choked, getting a little anxious: "It's the daughter of Lord Guo Shouzhen, the commander of the Imperial Guards, she..."
"Alright."
Lin Tan spoke, softening her tone, "Tangtang, take a look at these two medicinal herbs first. If there's anything else you want, I'll have someone go find it."
How could she not remember Guo Shouzhen's daughter, Guo Yan'er?
In his previous life, Lin Tan controlled the Imperial Guards thanks to his father-in-law. Lin Tan ascended the throne, and besides Xie Yutang's help, his father-in-law's contribution to the rise of the emperor was indispensable. His eldest daughter, Guo Yan'er, was made a Noble Consort and caused her a lot of trouble in the harem.
One of these two medicinal herbs was bestowed upon Consort Guo, who enjoyed great favor in the imperial harem, and the other was given to the injured father-in-law who was protecting the emperor.
Now, these two medicines were presented to him in a red silk box. Xie Yutang tried to recall the face of the woman he once considered his greatest rival in the harem, but found it to be blurred.
Having seen a wider world, one realizes how narrow-minded, laughable, and pathetic it was to have trapped oneself in a cocoon in one's past life.
Xie Yutang laughed out loud.
Lin Tan felt relieved upon hearing this laughter. He knew that no one could resist such a valuable item.
This time we've really gone all out; if we achieve our goal, we won't feel so bad about it.
Before the smile could even spread across her face, Xie Yutang flicked her finger, and Huai Jin stepped forward to take the gift box, slamming it shut and casually placing it in a corner of the room.
Lin Tan looked in that direction and discovered that the room was already filled with all sorts of rare and precious treasures, dazzlingly beautiful. In comparison, her own red silk box seemed rather insignificant.
Lin Tan: "..."
The kind and gentle Third Prince found himself particularly prone to anger in front of Xie Yutang.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Tan tried to keep her tone as gentle as before, her eyes filled with just the right amount of regret and self-reproach: "It was my fault that day. If I had insisted on stopping you and not letting you get off the ship halfway, you wouldn't have been in such danger and suffered such serious injuries."
Xie Yutang didn't react much after hearing this, only casually picking at the tea leaves in the bowl with the teacup lid: "Tea, good tea."
Huaijin chuckled, seemingly only then noticing Lin Tan's less-than-pleasant expression. She exclaimed, "Ah!" "I was merely marveling at this imperial gift of pre-Qingming tea." She gestured towards the teacup on the table, "Third Prince, have you had some? How was it?"
Lin Tan gave a forced smile: "...It is indeed good tea."
"Your Highness's esteemed presence at my princess's residence must be more than just a casual visit for tea, right?"
Since she had asked directly, Lin Tan stopped beating around the bush. His previous relaxed demeanor vanished, he straightened his sleeves, and said solemnly, "News has come from the court that the Northern Rong have sent an envoy with a letter of state, and the delegation will be arriving soon. I would like to ask Tangtang—"
"Help me become the 'successor'."
[Author's Note]
Udumbara Flower: The setting is based on Liang Yusheng's "The Legend of the White-Haired Witch".
The term "接办使" (Jiebanshi) is recorded in the "朝野类要" (Chaoye Leiyao): "接 (Jie) means to receive or accompany foreign envoys. When foreign envoys enter the capital, officials are dispatched to receive them. On their journey to the capital, there is a Jiebanshi (Jiebanshi) and a deputy Jiebanshi (Songbanshi) to accompany them on their return journey. When foreign envoys enter the capital, a Guanbanshi (Guanbanshi) and a deputy Guanbanshi (Guanbanshi) are dispatched to accompany them to the capital for audience, farewell, and banquets." This can be roughly understood as an official responsible for the overall management of foreign missions entering the capital.
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