Chapter 115 The Prince Who Failed to Revolt
Zhang Xiaojia watched the time slowly pass as he accompanied his mother to the Liao Dynasty.
Zhang Xiaojia accompanied Concubine Chen on a slow journey, stopping and starting, and finally arrived at Daliao a month later.
In the early spring of the Liao Dynasty, the ice and snow had just begun to melt, and tender green grass sprouts were already visible on the grasslands. Concubine Chen opened the curtain of her carriage and looked out at the vast expanse of land, her eyes filled with wonder: "Is this the territory that Jingwen conquered all those years ago?"
Zhang Xiaojia smiled and nodded: "Yes, mother, this is now the granary and pasture of the Great Zhou."
Concubine Chen sighed, "When my father was alive, he often said that the Liao Dynasty was a cold and bitter land. I never thought it would become so prosperous today."
Zhang Xiaojia said proudly: "Of course not, I have good governance!"
Concubine Chen poked her forehead with a smile: "You're so talkative!"
Zhang Xiaojia arranged for Long Er and Wude Sishi to protect the concubine together.
If anything happens to her mother, she will die too.
Zhang Xiaojia began to arrange spring plowing again, continuing intercropping and reclaiming wasteland. With last year's experience, he did the same thing this year.
It’s just that a ranch can be opened, sheep, cattle and horses can be raised, and several pig farms can be established.
After Zhang Xiaojia finished his spring plowing, he immediately summoned He Lin.
He Lin was dressed in military uniform, looking very heroic. When he saw his grandmother and mother, he immediately saluted and said, "Grandson greets grandmother and mother."
Concubine Chen looked him up and down, her eyes slightly red: "Good boy, you have grown so tall."
Zhang Xiaojia got straight to the point: "Lin'er, the Emperor, your father, has sent a letter saying you must choose between the Prime Minister's granddaughter and the daughter of the Duke of Wei's son."
He Lin frowned: "Mother, I'm not interested in marriage right now. There are still several tribes on the border of the Liao Dynasty that have not yet surrendered..."
Zhang Xiaojia rolled his eyes. "Don't try that! Your father said if you pretend to be sick, he'll send He Fei to Qiongzhou for three years of military training."
He Lin: "..."
Concubine Chen couldn't help but laugh and patted her grandson's hand. "Lin'er, your father is doing this for your own good. These two noble ladies are both outstanding in the capital. If you don't like them, Grandmother will find you someone else."
He Lin sighed helplessly: "Grandma, it's not that I don't want to get married, it's just..."
Zhang Xiaojia raised an eyebrow: "Just what?"
He Lin was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Mother, I already have someone in mind."
Zhang Xiaojia and Concubine Chen were both stunned: "Who?"
Concubine Chen also frowned slightly: "Although the Xiao family has surrendered, they are still an old clan in the northern border. Will your father agree?"
He Lin said firmly, "The Xiao family is now a subject of the Great Zhou, and Yun Lang is proficient in Chinese studies. My son has known her for a long time, and she is definitely not an ordinary lady."
Zhang Xiaojia stared at his son for a long while, then suddenly smiled: "Okay, boy, you have good taste."
Concubine Chen said worriedly: "But your father..."
Zhang Xiaojia waved her hand. "Don't worry, mother. I'll talk to my brother." She narrowed her eyes and smiled slyly. "Anyway, if he doesn't agree, I'll take mother and run again."
Concubine Chen: "..."
He Lin: "..."
However, Zhang Xiaojia's expression changed and she said, "Lin'er, let me tell you this: if you marry a girl from the Xiao family, you probably won't have a chance of becoming emperor. Lin'er, the Xiao family is an old noble family of the Liao Dynasty, but not a noble family of the Zhou Dynasty.
Brother Emperor has paved the way for you. As the granddaughter of the Prime Minister and the head of all officials, she symbolizes the core power of the civil service group. Choosing her can gain the central support of the court. As the daughter of the prince of Duke of Wei, Duke of Wei is the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, connecting the Imperial Household Department system and controlling the royal finances and resource allocation.
It's neither good nor bad for you for these two men to choose a wife. Mother has also told you that if you make a choice, I won't give you the throne. I will never help you in this matter. I will listen to my brother. He Fei and I are only loyal to him.
It’s your own choice. There are gains and losses. You can only gain if you are willing to give up.
Lin'er, it's getting late, go and rest first."
He Lin wanted to say something, but when he saw the expression on his mother's face, he bowed and left.
Zhang Xiaojia knocked on the table, "Jiang Hao, come out."
The Wude Sishi appears: "Lin'an County Princess"
Zhang Xiaojia said coldly, "Send someone to monitor Lin'er."
Wu Desi looked at her in confusion
"Go when I tell you to..."
Concubine Chen touched Jiajia's hair and said, "Take your time, there's no rush."
Zhang Xiaojia lay on Concubine Chen's lap and said, "Aunt, before I went to Tubo, Lin'er didn't have anyone he liked. He got pregnant after four months. I'm worried that it was a honey trap."
————
The next day, when Xiao Yunlang came to visit Zhang Xiaojia, Zhang Xiaojia immediately asked his son to stay behind the screen.
She had specially brought a box of homemade snacks from the North. She wore a pale blue jacket and skirt embroidered with plum blossoms, and wore a single white magnolia hairpin in her hair. Her simple elegance evoked a scholarly air.
"Your humble servant greets the princess." She bowed gracefully, her voice as soft as a spring. "I heard that the princess has been busy with the spring plowing recently, so I specially made some snacks from my hometown, hoping they can help you relieve your fatigue."
Zhang Xiaojia gestured to the maid to take the food box and said with a smile, "Miss Xiao, you are so thoughtful. I heard that you are well versed in Chinese studies. Even your dim sum is so exquisite?"
Xiao Yunlang smiled gently. "When I was young, I lived with my father in Chang'an for a few years and learned a little bit. This pastry is a custard cake from the northern border, made with goat's milk and honey. It's very nourishing."
Zhang Xiaojia took a bite and nodded in approval, "It's indeed sweet and not greasy. Miss Xiao, is there something you need today?"
Xiao Yunlang lowered her eyes, her fingertips gently stroking the edge of the teacup. "I've heard... His Highness has been worried about his marriage lately." She raised her eyes, her gaze clear and earnest. "Princess, please forgive me. I didn't mean to pry. It's just that when I ran into him the other day, I saw the gloom on his brow, and I couldn't help but feel worried."
Zhang Xiaojia remained calm: "Oh? Lin'er is very close to you."
Xiao Yunlang lowered her head slightly, a faint blush tinging the tips of her ears. "The Crown Prince is kind and generous, and often discusses poetry and literature with me. I know my status is low, so I dare not have any improper thoughts, but..." She paused, her voice soft as a sigh, "I just can't bear to see him in trouble."
Zhang Xiaojia stared at her for a moment, then smiled. "Miss Xiao, you are a smart person. I might as well be frank with you—the marriage the Emperor has chosen for Lin'er is crucial to his future. If you are interested, you should understand what is best for him."
Xiao Yunlang's fingertips trembled slightly, but she still maintained a dignified demeanor. "As the princess taught, I do. I only wish the Crown Prince good luck."
Zhang Xiaojia picked up the teacup and said in a gentle but unyielding tone, "It's good that you think so. The scenery in the north is beautiful, but it can't compare to the prosperity of Chang'an. Miss Xiao is still young, and she will definitely find a good match in the future."
Xiao Yunlang was silent for a moment, then smiled, as if the sadness just now was just an illusion. "Thank you for your concern, Princess. I will take my leave."
After she left, the smile on Zhang Xiaojia's face gradually faded. She knocked lightly on the table, and the Wudeshishi immediately appeared.
"Go check if there's been any unusual activity in the Xiao family recently." Her eyes were slightly cold. "Especially... this Miss Xiao, is she truly innocent, or is she hiding something else? Don't alert them..."
"He Lin, get out here!" Zhang Xiaojia was furious.
He Lin slowly walked out from behind the screen, his face as pale as paper. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the force, his eyes filled with confusion and shock.
"Mom, I..." His voice was as dry as a traveler in the desert who had not had water for a long time.
Zhang Xiaojia slammed the table, shattering it and sending the teacups tumbling down. "He Lin! Haven't you figured out the problem yet?" Her voice was like a blade tempered with ice, sharp and cold.
He Lin shook his head in confusion, beads of sweat oozing from his forehead. He had never seen his mother so furious before. Her eyes, which always held a smile, now burned with rage.
"Idiot!" Zhang Xiaojia shouted, frightening the maids nearby to their knees. "This is the most heavily guarded location in the Liao Dynasty! Your grandmother is here, and the Emperor has sent two thousand highly skilled spies from the Wude Division, three thousand Dragon Guards, and one thousand of my own! How did Xiao Yunlang know about the Emperor's offer of marriage? And how did he know you were worried about it?"
He Lin stumbled back as if struck by lightning. His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Zhang Xiaojia approached her son, each step like stepping on He Lin's heart. "You have a spy! Someone is reporting your every move to the Xiao family! And that seemingly aloof Xiao Yunlang is here to test our attitude!"
Concubine Chen sighed softly and signaled the maids to leave. When only three people were left in the palace, she said gently, "Jia Jia, don't scare the child."
"Mother, this is no small matter!" Zhang Xiaojia turned to Concubine Chen, anger still blazing in her eyes. "Brother placed Lin'er in the Liao Kingdom to train because he trusted us. If someone were to take advantage of Lin'er's feelings, the consequences would be disastrous!"
He Lin finally found his voice: "Mother, Yun Lang is not that kind of person! She just... just cares about me..."
"Care?" Zhang Xiaojia sneered. "She's probably not concerned about you, but the power behind you! Lin'er, do you know that the Xiao family still has considerable influence among the former Liao people? If they use your name to start a rebellion..."
"Impossible!" He Lin interrupted his mother excitedly, "The Xiao family has been vassal for many years and has always been law-abiding. Yun Lang has studied Chinese studies since she was a child and is more proficient in Central Plains culture than many noble ladies in the capital!"
Zhang Xiaojia narrowed his eyes and suddenly asked, "How long have you known Xiao Yunlang?"
He Lin was stunned: "Four... four months or so."
"Four months?" Zhang Xiaojia's voice suddenly rose. "You didn't even know her before I went to Tubo. In just four months, she became your sweetheart? That's way too fast!"
Concubine Chen was thoughtful: "Jia Jia, you are doubting..."
"I suspect this is a carefully orchestrated scheme!" Zhang Xiaojia said firmly. "First, let a beautiful and talented woman approach Lin'er, gain his trust, and then use her to influence the political situation in the Liao Dynasty. If Lin'er really marries the Xiao family girl, those unwilling Liao loyalists will have a core to rally around!"
He Lin's face turned pale: "Mother, you think too much of people's evil! Yun Lang..."
"That's enough!" Zhang Xiaojia interrupted harshly, "Go back to your room right now and don't leave without my permission! Jiang Hao!"
The Wudeshi Envoy came in and knelt on one knee. "What are your instructions, County Lady?"
"Send troops to guard the Crown Prince's residence and prohibit anyone from entering or leaving. Also, immediately conduct a thorough investigation of all the Crown Prince's attendants and guards, leaving no one behind!"
He Lin looked at his mother in disbelief: "You want to put me under house arrest?"
Zhang Xiaojia said expressionlessly, "This is for your own good. I won't let you see Xiao Yunlang again until you face reality."
"You can't do this!" He Lin's eyes were bloodshot. "I'm an adult now. I have the right to choose my own wife!"
Zhang Xiaojia suddenly laughed, and that smile made He Lin's hair stand on end. "Adult? With your limited judgment, you dare to say you are an adult? What do you think marriage is? A joke? You are the prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Your marriage affects the country!"
Concubine Chen gently took Zhang Xiaojia's hand and said, "Jiajia, calm down."
Zhang Xiaojia took a deep breath and suppressed her anger. "Lin'er, I'll ask you one last time—the prime minister's granddaughter or the Duke of Wei's daughter, who do you choose?"
He Lin raised his head stubbornly: "I choose Xiao Yunlang."
"Okay, very good." Zhang Xiaojia nodded, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes. "Jiang Hao, take the prince away. Also, pass on my order to immediately seal off the Xiao Mansion. No one is allowed to leave until the investigation is underway."
He Lin's eyes widened in shock: "You want to arrest Yun Lang?"
"Not only her, I will investigate the entire Xiao family!" Zhang Xiaojia said coldly, "If they are innocent, I will apologize. If they have any ill intentions..." She didn't say anything else, but the coldness in her eyes said it all.
After He Lin was taken away, Concubine Chen asked worriedly, "Jia Jia, isn't that too harsh? Young people are just beginning to fall in love..."
"Mother," Zhang Xiaojia rubbed his temples wearily. "This isn't just a simple love story. My brother has entrusted the Liao Kingdom to me, and I can't let anyone threaten the stability here. If the Xiao family truly harbors any ulterior motives, they must be nipped in the bud."
Concubine Chen sighed: "But Lin'er..."
"If he doesn't understand, then he's unworthy of being the next emperor." Zhang Xiaojia looked out the window at the darkening sky. "One day, he'll understand that a prince's responsibilities outweigh personal feelings."
As night fell, the Liao Palace was brightly lit. The Wude Division's men quietly surrounded the Xiao Mansion, while inside the palace, Zhang Xiaojia was reviewing the secret report that Jiang Hao had just sent.
"County Lady," Jiang Hao whispered, "Preliminary investigations have revealed that Ah Fu, the Crown Prince's servant, is related to the Xiao Mansion's steward. They have met secretly four times in the past three months."
A cold light flashed in Zhang Xiaojia's eyes: "There is indeed a traitor. Keep investigating. I want to know who is behind the Xiao family."
The moment the palace door closed, He Lin punched the wall, his knuckles bleeding. His mother's words cut into his heart like a knife—she actually suspected Yun Lang of having ulterior motives? Absurd!
Outside the window, the shadows of the Dragon Guards flickered in the moonlight. Every quarter of an hour, a patrol passed by. He Lin watched from the crack of the window, estimating their rotation times.
"Afu!" he called the servant in a low voice.
Ah Fu's eyes were red and swollen, obviously he had just cried. "Your Highness, the princess sent someone to interrogate me... I, I didn't tell anyone about you and Miss Xiao..."
He Lin held his shoulders and said, "I know you won't betray me. Now, I need you to help me escape."
Ah Fu was so frightened that his face turned pale: "But, but the Wude Division and the Dragon Guards are right outside——"
"Listen to me." He Lin dragged a bundle from under the bed. "Later, you'll pretend to be ill and lure the guards on the west side away. I'll climb over the wall from the east. I've already scouted out the route."
"Your Highness!" Ah Fu fell to his knees. "The princess will kill me!"
He Lin smiled bitterly: "Don't worry, my mother may have a sharp tongue, but a kind heart. Besides..." A trace of determination flashed in his eyes, "I must personally confirm one thing."
When the third watch gong sounded, Ah Fu suddenly collapsed to the ground, convulsing and foaming at the mouth. The guards hurried to call for a doctor. He Lin took the opportunity to change into the guard uniform he had prepared and lowered his head to blend into the night.
He scurried along the wall, his heart pounding. His mother had always been so well-prepared, and this escape had been a little too easy... But he couldn't afford to dwell on it now.
Under the east wall, He Lin climbed over the wall by stepping on an old locust tree. There was no one around, so he didn't care and just ran away.
Little did he know that three secret agents from the Wude Division were following him like ghosts.
"Lin'an, Your Highness has great skills." Sure enough, he saw the Wudesi Envoy standing with a sword in his arms, with a smile on his face.
Zhang Xiaojia blinked and said, "It's worth all my hard work to act this out..."
Jiang Hao: "Lin'an, aren't you afraid that the Second Prince will blame you?"
Zhang Xiaojia said capriciously: "This county lady, I am afraid that there is only one person who will blame me, and that is the emperor. Who are the others? Do you have enough manpower on your side?"
Jiang Hao looked at the direction he disappeared in and waved his hand gently. "The emperor asked me to bring the ecstasy bullets and the third-generation fire muskets. With 6,000 fire muskets, it will be no problem to deal with a few rebels."
In the Xiao Mansion in the east of the city, Xiao Yunlang stood by the window, gazing towards the distant palace, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. Her slender fingers gently stroked the window frame, whispering, "The game has only just begun..."
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