trade off
"Oh no, Your Majesty, the Queen is gone."
Jiang Chong had gone to the Zhang residence to deliver a message to A Jiao, but upon arriving, he discovered she was gone. According to the secret guards, only this morning had a swill cart passed by the house, and Zhang Yannian and Wen Dao had jointly carried the swill bucket over. It seems they had taken advantage of that moment to escape.
"Do you know where to go?"
Liu Che thought, "It's the Gongsun family, the Huo family, or the Princess's Mansion. She's here to seek revenge on him. His silly Ah Jiao can only think of so many ways. What else can she do besides lurking around him and waiting for an opportunity to kill him?" She won't really leave, he is sure of that. The only thing he worries about is that someone will take advantage of her and hurt her without his protection.
"The car stopped at the city gate, so it must have left the city."
Out of town? What was she doing out of town?
Liu Che was a little confused about what she was thinking. If she wanted to return to her fiefdom, Donghai, she would definitely pass through his uncle's territory. Liu An was ambitious and his power was growing. If danger occurred there, he could take advantage of it to make a big fuss...
He frowned quickly, feeling a little disgusted with this sudden thought of his. There have been too many troubles recently, making his mind a mess. She is not someone else, but Gillian!
He rubbed his brows and put down the feng shui map in his hand. "Send a few more people from the underground palace to search for her as soon as possible. Once she is found, bring her back to the palace immediately, no matter what method you use."
"yes."
In a dark, deserted alley, a sewage truck was parked in a corner. A woman had just climbed out and was vomiting against the wall. As she vomited, she held her waist and cursed Gongsun Lin inwardly.
She hadn't intended to leave the city, and had also prepared herself for Liu Che to arrest her the moment she left Zhang's gate. She had only intended to trick him into opening a mine and minting coins. Who knew this man would use this bad idea to successfully get her out?
Although the slop bucket was empty, the stench of fermented rice and meat accumulated over the years was difficult to eliminate and clung to her.
Ugh—she spat in disgust. Gongsun Lin stood three feet away from her, half covering his mouth and nose with a fan, and handed the handkerchief to her with his index finger.
"Tsk tsk tsk, you'll be suffocated when you get in my car later..."
He looked at her with disdain and took another step away. "Why don't you stay a little longer?"
Gillian silently rolled her eyes, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and threw it on the ground, then strode onto Gongsun Lin's carriage. "If we wait any longer, that person will be here soon. Aren't you afraid, cousin?"
"What am I afraid of? I'm saving someone from danger..."
Despite saying this, Gongsun Lin followed him into the car. He had already burned a strong incense powder in the car, and when Gillian came in, he added a few more spoonfuls. The cigarette made her sneeze several times, but they finally got out of the city.
Gillian leaned against the wall of the carriage, while Gongsun Lin looked outside the window at the scenery.
She stared at the man, quietly tightening her grip on the dagger in her sleeve. The atmosphere was a little strange. She asked softly, "Cousin, where are we going now?"
Gongsun Lin looked for a while. The people accompanying him were all his guards, and there was no one else on this road. He turned around and looked at Gillian, who felt a chill on her back.
Suddenly, Gongsun Lin grabbed her neck fiercely, his face ferocious. "How dare you threaten me? You want to leave the city, right? Fine, I'll send you to hell today!"
Ah Jiao blushed, but she thought to herself, as expected, Zhang Yannian was right, this kid couldn't hold his fart well! She patted his hand, "Let...let go! Wait until Chang Qing comes back..."
"When Changqing comes back, I'll tell him you were out of town for a trip, got killed by bandits, and nobody's ever seen you and me together. Besides, Changqing didn't even bother telling me about something as serious as embezzling my uncle's military pay, but if I kill you, a little Hu girl, I can at most give him ten or eight more beautiful and intelligent ones. What do you think Changqing will do to me, his cousin?"
He increased the strength of his hands. The woman in front of him was thin and her neck was almost broken by a pinch. He curled the corners of his mouth and watched her tears fall, her brows furrowed, and she looked in pain.
As if she finally realized she was afraid, she hurriedly said, "Don't, don't kill me, I know I was wrong, I... I can help my cousin make up the 10 million!"
Gongsun Lin raised an eyebrow, "Where did you get so much money?"
She seemed unable to breathe any longer, unable to speak, and only looked at Gongsun Lin pleadingly. He released her hand, and she took a breath before saying, "My cousin's fiefdom has a copper mine. Since you're in the capital and don't have time to look after it, I can help him oversee the mining and coinage."
Gongsun Lin was about to mock her for taking herself too seriously when she pulled a seal from her sleeve. "Before he left, the general gave me his personal seal. My cousin and the general are relatives, so if you're in trouble, the general will certainly lend a hand. Once you're done, we'll split the profits 70% and 30%."
Gongsun Lin glanced at her. This was probably something Huo Changqing had thought of a long time ago. There was no copper mine in his fiefdom, so he kept the matter under wraps. Although they were relatives, he also wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to make a fortune. He risked his life to mint coins, and he just reaped the benefits.
But he hadn't expected that after he left, this Hu woman would encounter such a disaster and actually take his seal. With the written evidence, if something happened, the responsibility would not be just his...
Huo Changqing had made great military achievements, and the Empress, his aunt, and his uncle had always loved him dearly. Even if his actions were exposed, they would surely find a way to save him, and his guilt wouldn't be that serious. Furthermore, with his involvement, the matter wouldn't have reached that stage. General Huo's family and the Wei family were originally one family, and this Hu woman was also a member of the Huo family. Family members had no reason to accuse family members, and no one would tell on them. The Emperor was far away, and he wouldn't dare circulate these coins, simply to fill the gap of the ten thousand coins. Who would have discovered this?
He curled his lips and agreed readily. Killing this Hu woman was simply because she knew too much. If they were on the same boat, who would have a problem with money?
——
——
In the long-closed Changxin Palace, Wei Yun was meditating before the statue of the Three Pure Ones. Her brother and nephew had been away on the battlefield for four or five days, and they would reach Xiongnu territory in a few days. She couldn't calm down.
If Chang Qing hadn't insisted on going to the battlefield, Wei Qing wouldn't have taken up armor and sword despite his old wounds. Seeing his health deteriorate day by day, the future of the Wei family seemed to be becoming bleak. Fortunately, Chang Qing resembled his uncle, brave and courageous. For him, and for the future of the Wei family, his younger brother must pave the way for him and protect him.
Now that she was abandoned by Liu Che, the only thing she could do was to pray to the gods, asking them to open their eyes and bless her brother and nephew to successfully defeat the Xiongnu and achieve military merit. As long as they were around, her heart would be at peace.
If they just wait a little longer, until her son ascends the throne, they can put their minds at ease.
A tile broke on the ground. She raised her head and saw Liu Ju falling with the broken tiles around him with a loud bang. He was grimacing and falling, but he fell silent when he saw her.
"Ju'er? What are you doing here? How did you fall from the roof?"
Liu Ju's palm was cut by the broken tiles and was burning at the moment, but the woman in front of him looked at him fiercely and did not ask any questions. He silently retracted his hand, straightened his robe, and saluted the queen properly.
"Your son pays homage to the Queen Mother."
"Shouldn't you be listening to Master's lecture in the East Palace today?"
"The gates of Changxin Palace are locked. I haven't seen my mother for many days, and I'm a little worried. So I climbed up the tree outside and got in here."
"Nonsense!" Wei Yun looked at the scars all over his body, feeling a headache and a bit angry. "You, the crown prince, are skipping classes and climbing over walls and trees. A gentleman's words and actions should be upright. Look at you, your hat is crooked, your clothes are messed up, how can you look like a crown prince? If people knew, wouldn't they laugh at you?"
Liu Ju felt a little sad, but also pent up a rage. He'd clearly done this out of concern for his mother, and the Master wouldn't blame him. "The Master said I've been doing well in my studies these past few days, and if I don't want to go to class, I can skip a few days. He said I could go hunting in the Western Mountains in my free time, and I wanted to take Mother with me..."
"Just because Master says you're fine, does that mean you're truly fine? One must be humble and self-reflective. There's no best, only better. You're still young, so you must be even more cautious. Don't become complacent and smug about your achievements. Now that you have some free time, study hard. Playing around and hunting will only lead to wasting your time."
Liu Juben's high spirits were extinguished by a basin of water. He lowered his head and said, "But doesn't the emperor also like hunting?"
"He's different from you," Wei Yun said. "Your father had the full support of the Grand Princess and the Grand Empress Dowager, and he sat firmly on the throne of Crown Prince for many years, so he could do anything. But you are different. Although you are your father's eldest son, he is still young and will have more children in the future. Your current comfort is earned by your uncle, sword and gun on the battlefield."
She held Liu Ju's hand and slowly squatted down. "Do you know how many wounds he has? The earliest and most serious one was when you were still in my belly. At that time, Empress Chen, in order to win favor, threw me into the palace and whipped me. Your uncle bravely broke free from the eldest princess' pursuit, broke through the guards and broke into the palace, and took twenty lashes for me. He protected my belly and endured their beatings. When Your Majesty arrived, he was already a bloody mess and rested for a whole month.
It was also during this time that Your Majesty discovered his bravery. Later, he started as a small official in the army, and gradually became a Shizhong, Taizhong Daifu, and was granted a title of nobility and appointed as prime minister after a battle with the Xiongnu... Now he can no longer fight, and your cousin has taken him to the battlefield.
"My son, your mother came from a humble background. It hasn't been easy for us to get to where we are today. You must always remember to be cautious and not let anyone discover your mistakes. Do you understand?"
Liu Ju nodded muffledly. "They said that Mother angered Father, and that's why she's been locked up here and can't leave. Is that true?"
Wei Yun shook her head. "Don't worry, my son. I'm in seclusion praying for your uncle and cousin and can't go out. When they come back, I'll be able to go out and attend their celebration banquet."
Hearing her son's concern for her, she couldn't help but soften her heart and revealed a look of relief. She raised her hand to straighten his hair, but Liu Ju seemed a little surprised and subconsciously took a step back.
He paused, his ears slightly reddened, "I'm relieved to know Mother is alright." He bowed slightly to her, "I'll take my leave."
Wei Yun looked at the thin and small figure walking away and couldn't help but sigh, what a child he is -
The younger brother was not so naive when he was eleven years old. He brought his sisters and brothers to escape from their parents' home and took on the responsibility of an older brother. He cherished every opportunity to climb up and was smarter and more clever than Juer.
Born in the most prestigious place in the world, doted on by his grandmother, Queen Wang, Er'er was completely oblivious to the dangers around him. She often reminded him that comfort can dull his instincts in the face of danger, but she could do nothing to change his situation.
The imperial tutors who teach in the palace are all from aristocratic families, generations of officials. Such people can only raise a docile and obedient rabbit. Especially this Jiang Shaofu, who was friendly with the Chen family in his early years, has a dissolute lifestyle and a love of luxury. It's really time to change the people around Er'er...
Wei Yun sighed deeply, "My son, mother always hopes that you can be smarter, more composed, shed your childishness, and stand on your own. Only if you grow up soon, these relatives won't have to suffer so much for you."
——
——
After dismissing court, Zhang Yannian unknowingly reached Changxin Palace. The gates were closed, and the walls were high. Only the branches of a single albizzia tree stretched beyond the wall, causing him to pause and reflect.
Empress Chen was like this, and so was Empress Wei. The predecessors learned from their mistakes and the later generations followed suit, which shows how ruthless the emperors were.
He was looking up when a young man suddenly caught his eye. He seemed to have just climbed out from inside, crawling on the thick tree trunk and touching the top of the wall. The two of them looked at each other, and his pupils seemed to tremble, and he almost dropped his hand and fell.
Zhang Yannian quickly grabbed his hand and slammed it down on him with a bang.
"Hiss--" Zhang Yannian touched his chest, looking a little painful.
Liu Ju quickly got up and helped him up, "Are you...are you okay?"
Zhang Yannian waved his hand and slowly stood up. He then carefully looked at the person in front of him and bowed again. "I am deeply sorry to have frightened His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Liu Ju was indeed a little frightened. When he heard the man calling him Prince, he turned around in a panic and straightened his clothes.
Zhang Yannian silently picked up a jade pendant from the ground, squatted down in front of him, and tied it around his waist. Liu Ju's hands became a little stiff.
Zhang Yannian smiled, "Your Highness has met me? Why are you so nervous? Or do you think my hands have stained your body..."
Liu Ju calmed down and put on a mature demeanor again. "I'm not nervous. Who are you? Why are you sneaking around the gate of Changsheng Palace?"
"I am Zhang Yannian from the Imperial Censorate. I have just come out of the torture chamber." He glanced at the dried blood on his robe and said, "I am not well behaved. Your Highness, please forgive me."
Liu Ju felt a little better. "I don't mind. Please get up. You haven't told me why you are here. Are there any palace maids here that you recognize?"
Zhang Yannian smiled. "I was simply reprimanded by Your Majesty, and I was upset, so I ended up here. There's a palace maid here... I suppose I know her. But she's gone."
"Did she leave the palace and get married? If she was transferred to another palace, I can help you transfer her back."
"I can't come back. She's married, but she's not living a good life. I feel regretful and depressed."
Liu Ju sighed, "Why do women always marry the wrong person? Is there no couple that truly loves each other?"
"In fact, most of them were affectionate at first, but over time, their love faded. Feelings are the most fragile thing, just like the water in a jar. The more you use it, the less it becomes. Only by refilling and adding can it last. Your Highness, can you guess where the water comes from?"
Liu Ju was silent for a moment, "Above authority."
Although his mother had told him this many times and he understood it, he did not like the way it was said.
Zhang Yannian smiled and said, "I think it depends on the balance."
"I'd like to hear more about it."
"The universe is yin and yang. Men are heaven, women are earth. Men are yin, women are yang. Heaven and earth are neither high nor low, and yin and yang are neither weak nor strong. In fact, the two complement each other, yet they also oppose each other. Affection is not a military strategy. When the enemy advances, I retreat; when the enemy is strong, I am weak. Blindly yielding only breeds contempt. You advance, I advance; you are strong, I am strong. Only with balance and control can we maintain our position."
Liu Ju pondered for a moment, "Your name is Zhang Yannian?"
"yes."
"I see you are eloquent and well-spoken, so why would you be scolded by the Emperor?"
Hearing this, he smiled helplessly. "I come from a humble background, starting out as a minor official. My experience in the prison system is mostly about hammering instruments. I'll record the prisoner's words. Verbal explanations have nothing to do with interrogating the truth. This is just a few frivolous words between me and Your Highness. I hope Your Highness won't tell anyone else."
"What a pity..." Liu Ju sighed softly, then said, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. If you have nothing to do, you can go to the East Palace and sit for a while. I still don't quite understand some of the things that the Master has been talking about lately. Is your Excellency willing?"
He bowed, "It's my honor."
Zhang Yannian followed the little man and slowly straightened up. The surprise in his eyes faded and a faint smile appeared.
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