Chapter 50 Fifty: The Emperor's Heart is Like a Perilous Railing
Wang Yuying glanced at Zheng Yangzhi, then looked at the screen behind the chair—if he feared Xu Heng finding out, Zheng Yangzhi could hide behind the screen with his attendant.
It's up to him to choose.
Zheng Yangzhi knew perfectly well that he had sent his attendants to knock on the door with great force and loud noise, so how could the emperor not know? He curled the corners of his lips, finally revealing a faint smile, his eyes showing both sternness and nonchalance: "Never mind, at worst I'll just get a few more sword wounds."
Wang Yuying didn't reply, but turned and told Juanxue to open the door.
The snow, which had been falling like jade fragments, suddenly disappeared, and the snow stopped and the sky cleared.
Qingfu led a group of eunuchs into the room and hurriedly read the imperial edict: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Jade Capital's Wondrous Serenity Immortal Master, with his talent and wisdom, assists the Ministry of War in training soldiers and instructing them day and night without rest. His worldly ties remain, therefore, he is hereby ordered to remove his yellow crown and return to his official robes. Having mastered military strategy and understood military administration, he is hereby ordered to immediately enter the central hall of the Ministry of War for discussion. He is hereby specially ordered to oversee all matters related to this year's military examinations, and is bestowed with ten sets of silk skirts, ten sets of fine armor, and the privilege of traveling in and out of the Forbidden City in a comfortable carriage. This decree is hereby proclaimed throughout the realm, so that all may know. This is the imperial decree."
Qingfu placed the imperial edict on the snow-covered table in the courtyard and immediately took his leave.
Wang Yuying did not pick up the bright yellow imperial edict on the ground. Instead, she slowly closed her eyes—he was truly cunning, ordering her to "return to secular life," granting her access to the Ministry of War and training troops at the drill ground, and now even promoting her to a high position in the Ministry of War, yet he had never, ever bestowed upon her any official title. He gifted her fine armor, yet also forced upon her a silk skirt.
The courtyard was exceptionally quiet after the snow stopped.
“That year I went to the northern frontier to see you…” In the silence, only Zheng Yangzhi spoke, “You fell into an ice chasm and fell seriously ill. When the doctor came to see you, he said many discouraging things, which shocked everyone else. But you smiled and said three words. Do you remember?”
Wang Yuying kept her eyes closed and did not respond.
Zheng Yangzhi said to himself, "It's 'I won't die.' Others said that you said that to avoid his self-blame and to comfort him, but you said it wasn't to comfort him, but because you were truly grateful. You could lose everything else, but as long as you're alive and won't die, you have nothing to fear. You said that even if your life hangs by a thread, you won't lose your will. Even if a strong wind breaks a tree, a withered branch will still be strong. No matter how vast the world is, it can't take away the fortune of a tiny plant. Just like the weeds on the northern plains, they stubbornly revive every July and August."
Zheng Yangzhi lowered his eyebrows and lowered his eyes; in fact, he looked even more handsome when he smiled. "Sure enough, within two days, you recovered and were able to sit on the bed and scold me. Yuqing Temple was in a more difficult situation back then than it is now, but you were also recovering from your illness, and you were even stronger. You could not only scold me but also kick me. So..." He looked at Wang Yuying, hesitated for a moment, and then called out, "Yingniang."
Zheng Yangzhi's shoulders still trembled slightly: "I hope you can get through this too. I'm hoping that after you recover, you'll be even stronger than before, and you can give me a good beating with your fists and feet."
Zheng Yangzhi closed his lips; this was all he wanted to say to her today.
It really was just a few sentences.
Of course, he still remembered her comforting the horrified bystander, saying that she had saved him willingly, and then grabbing the bystander's hand, first holding it tightly, and then pulling it to himself: "Husband, if you're really feeling bad, give me a shoulder massage, consider it compensation!"
The others immediately did as instructed.
"You also rub my face, just like you do before I go out, afraid I'll catch a cold."
"Okay—"
"You seem reluctant?"
"No, I would obey your orders, my lady. But my hands are cold, so please let me warm them up before I serve you..."
She and the others really don't know how to avoid being seen by others at all!
He turned his head away with a cold expression, his back to the bed, but his heart was crawling with ants. He couldn't help but steal a glance back, only to see not a face or a shoulder, but someone else's lips silently landing on hers!
My blood froze. If I left, it would mean I was spying. If I stayed, I would suffer this torment!
Later, those two went even further.
"Let me touch it again... Oh, don't be angry... Touching it will help me get better faster... Really trust me..."
Only she could utter such shameful words. Others would only put on a stern face, pretend to be serious and scold her, then blush and get up to walk towards Zheng Yangzhi, trying to discuss it privately and ask Zheng Yangzhi to avoid suspicion before fulfilling her wish.
Zheng Yangzhi had no intention of waiting for anyone to tell him to leave; he flicked his sleeves and stepped out the door.
The courtyard in the northern border was not even half the size of the current second courtyard. He stood in the courtyard with his back to the door, worried about her condition and unable to put his mind at ease. He also wondered, for some reason, how good it would be to rub and knead her.
It remains unknown to this day.
At present, Zheng Yangzhi did not mention the matter at all, but smiled and bowed to Wang Yuying before taking his leave—afraid that staying too long would annoy her again.
Wang Yuying had already opened her eyes again and picked up the imperial edict. Without needing his reminder, she knew that she was as small as a mustard seed but her heart held the vastness of Mount Sumeru. She might not become a swan, but she would not accept being trapped in a golden cage and be depressed.
"Hot pot?" she asked, turning around, wanting to finish her meal first.
*
When Qingfu returned to the palace, the emperor was taking medicine. He then moved back to Funing Palace, bringing all the memorials with him.
After Qingfu finished the bowl of medicine and the eunuch carrying the tray withdrew, he reported, "Your Majesty, the imperial edict has been delivered."
"What was her reaction?" the emperor pressed.
Qingfu was speechless. He was afraid that the imperial decree would not be able to be conveyed. He urged Qingfu to go and return quickly, and since he could no longer call the Immortal Master, he did not know how to address him.
Seeing Qingfu's submissive demeanor, Xu Heng knew something bad was brewing. He remained calm, however: "Is there anything else you want to report?"
Qingfu bit his lip, and after a long while, he spoke in a voice barely audible: "Zheng Shaoqing was also present at that time."
Xu Heng remained calm after hearing this. Firstly, it was expected, and secondly, since Qingfu hadn't reported it, the secret guards would report it later.
There's no need for me to get angry over such a trivial matter.
"Summon the Imperial Physician," Xu Heng ordered. "Drinking blood from the heart is like drinking poison to quench thirst; it cannot be done frequently. Doing too much will weaken the body. It is more appropriate to follow the doctor's advice and take acupuncture and medicine."
After the moxibustion was finished, Xu Heng had lunch and then took a short nap. Surprisingly, he closed his eyes and fell asleep after a while, which was the first good sleep in several months.
He didn't wake up until half past 1 p.m., glanced at the mountain of memorials piled on the table, and ordered that from now on, all reports on weather and greetings should no longer be submitted.
He specifically selected several memorials concerning the reduction of slavery and private armies, and painstakingly reviewed them with his left hand.
Then he began to close his eyes and meditate, gently swinging his fists. This set of exercises is called Longevity Exercise, which can regulate vital energy and nourish the mind. He hadn't practiced it since returning from the northern frontier, but now he's picked it up again. Wang Yuying once told him that a person's life boils down to three words: "not dying." He wants to fulfill her wish.
In the evening, Xu Heng summoned only a group of secret guards, gave them instructions, and then went to bed before midnight, where he slept soundly.
*
The following day, Wang Yuying returned to the Ministry of War for her roll call.
On the way, when the topic of overseeing this year's martial arts examination came up, Chu Ying couldn't help but ask curiously, "So, will you be the one to select this year's martial arts champion?"
"Although I am in charge of the overall management, the principles of fairness and impartiality, and meritocracy, have always been upheld." Wang Yuying took two steps, then turned back and said, "Chu Ying, why don't you take the martial arts exam this year too?"
She can do it!
"No, no!" Chu Ying refused outright. She had her own principles, and even after arriving at the Ministry of War, she still refused to go in, waiting outside instead.
Wang Yuying did not force Chu Ying. She stepped into the gate alone. Before she even looked up, she noticed the gazes coming from the front. When she looked up again, everyone was looking at her, but when their eyes met, they all turned their heads away.
She read their eyes, swallowed silently, and realized that Xu Heng really knew how to humiliate people.
The Minister of War was very polite, even somewhat ingratiating, as he introduced her to the regulations of the military examinations over the years. He also summoned eight people, including the chief examiners and supervisors, to meet with Wang Yuying.
Wang Yuying temporarily put aside her frustration and anger, and calmly discussed the matter with everyone. It was fine when the Minister was around, but once he left, no matter what she said, there was always the sound of crickets chirping below.
Wang Yuying knew that, apart from one who had worked with her at the training ground, the others probably didn't respect her and might even look down on her.
She pretended not to know and patiently continued speaking. When they got to the three tests—long-distance archery, horseback archery, and weight-bearing—one person finally let out a cold sneer.
Wang Yuying was interrupted. Looking in the direction of the voice, she saw Liao Qing, the supervisor of the martial arts examination over the years.
Wang Yuying took a deep breath and regained her composure: "Lord Liao seems to have some insightful opinions?"
Liao Qing lifted her eyelids: "Do women really understand?"
Someone immediately pulled Liao Qing aside, and another person stepped forward to bow to Wang Yuying, saying, "Sir, he is just arrogant and rebellious. We hope that you will forgive him."
In truth, none of them were convinced, but they feared the wrath of Heaven, and only Liao Qing dared to be the first to speak out.
At this moment, Wang Yuying was not angry at all: "Lord Liao, please continue."
Liao Qing simply stood up, bowed to Wang Yuying first, and then said, "The General Who Conquers the West was once renowned, and I believe that like father, like daughter. But for a woman to be present in the military hall is already..." He paused, as if he was carefully choosing his words, and finally said, "It is already a great favor."
Wang Yuying felt as if the tip of a knife had scraped against her heart.
Liao Qing continued, "If a person with special favor were to take charge of the martial arts examination, I fear that all martial artists in the world would laugh at them. After all... the martial arts examination is a national institution, not a game."
Wang Yuying pursed her lips, guessing that in their minds she was similar to Bao Si in the story of "The Beacon Fire Plays with the Lords," but Xu Heng wanted to be the incompetent King You of Zhou, and she didn't want to be his femme fatale: "How did the top scholars perform in the three subjects of horse archery, foot archery, and weightlifting?"
"Thirty shots from a long stack without hitting the third courtyard is considered the best; all shots from a horse are considered the best; carrying five bushels of rice and hitting the target within twenty paces is considered the best; the best can go thirty or forty paces."
Wang Yuying secretly clenched her right fist under the table and laughed, "Then I'll give it a try too."
The Ministry of War did not have a sufficiently large training ground, so they had to go to the drill ground south of the city.
Someone secretly spread the word, and it quickly spread like wildfire. Martial artists from all over the capital rushed to see what was happening. When Wang Yuying stood before the target, drawing her bow, a crowd had already gathered outside the fence. She wasn't actually confident that every arrow would hit the bullseye, but looking into those pairs of eyes, and thinking that the news of this assessment would spread throughout the land through their eyes and words, she felt inexplicably calm and in excellent form. Although the bow she used wasn't as light as the commonly used Autumn Moon Bow, she still managed to shoot within the third round of the exam, achieving the highest score.
Then came the horse archery, which only stipulated the use of a seven-dou bow, without specifying the horse. Wang Yuying rode a Ferghana horse and shot with her bow. The first nine arrows hit the target, but just as she was about to shoot the tenth arrow, the wind suddenly changed direction. In order to adjust in time, she flicked her thumb and was scratched by a gourd, which broke the skin and bled.
Wang Yuying paid no attention, her gaze fixed on the flying featherless arrow until she saw the arrowhead pierce the bullseye, at which point she stopped holding her breath and let out a silent sigh.
The third item, weightlifting, was a bit of a fluke for Wang Yuying. It was a newly revised subject in recent years. When she was a child, the martial arts champion had to lift stones. The highest weightlifter could lift 320 jin (160 kg). If she were asked to do it, she wouldn't be able to lift it even if her back broke.
But five bushels of rice weighs 150 jin, I can still grit my teeth and give it a try. No, Father taught me that when lifting heavy objects, you can't use your teeth to exert force. You have to use your internal strength, use your hands to exert force, keep the heavy object close to your body, and don't bend your legs too much.
Wang Yuying took a deep breath. She felt okay when she lifted the rice, but after taking two or three steps, she couldn't take it anymore; her back ached, and every step felt like walking on a knife's edge. Instinctively, she wanted to let go, but she forced herself to look at the pairs of eyes watching her from inside and outside the training ground. She managed to take nineteen steps, after which she felt no pain, and couldn't even feel herself walking. Until Liao Qing strode forward, his words earnest: "Your Excellency, please stop. I am completely convinced."
Wang Yuying took another step, at least to the middle, before slowly putting down the rice, and cheers immediately rang out from all around.
In a daze, the wind blew her hair, and she turned her head slightly, her body swaying slightly. When she was surrounded by officials and military men and brought to the gate of the training ground, Wang Yuying immediately grabbed Chu Ying, who had also come to congratulate her—she was exhausted once again.
Then he saw the empty carriage parked at the gate, driven by a familiar servant of the Zheng family, but he didn't know where Zheng Yangzhi was now.
*
Suburbs of Beijing.
Only the horse trail had been cleared of snow; the sides remained covered in white.
A group of people rode in two columns on the road. The column on the left was full of soldiers dressed as government officials, while the column on the right was full of people dressed in strange clothes and with hairstyles that were very different from those of people from the Central Plains.
This is an envoy led by the King of the Northern Barbarians. Their credentials and identities were verified upon entering the northern border. As a great and virtuous nation, a land of propriety, we have arranged for officials and soldiers to escort them along the way.
The Northern Barbarians chattered in their foreign language, saying, "This snow looks a bit like the snow back home!"
"Ha, what kind of eyesight do you have? You're way off!"
"Nonsense! Your Majesty, you be the judge. Isn't this about right?"
The Northern Di King was very young, not yet twenty-five, but had already been the king of a foreign land for over ten years. He had a pair of pale gray-blue heterochromatic eyes in his deep-set eyes, and he laughed on horseback: "The snow in Han lands is wet, unlike the snow in our land, where the snow grains are finer and drier."
Upon hearing this, the attendant dismounted and stomped on the snow, finding it indeed lacking the crunching sound of the Northern Di snow. He then leaped back onto his horse, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, you are right! In Han terms, it is clear..."
The attendant was momentarily speechless.
As the Northern Di King listened, his gaze turned eastward. In the distance, banners fluttered, watchtowers stood tall, and the camp gates were heavily guarded—it was the main camp on the outskirts of the capital.
"Is he discerning and perceptive?" the young attendant finally remembered.
The Northern Di King had already withdrawn his gaze, smiling and nodding.
The attendant scratched his head sheepishly: "I can never remember."
The Northern Di King laughed and said, "The Chinese language is concise, elegant, profound, and requires a lot of hard work to master."
The attendant nodded and remembered, then asked, "The tribute envoy said that in previous years the officials of the Court of State Ceremonial were responsible for entertaining him. Now that His Majesty has come in person, I wonder who will be in charge of the reception?"
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