Chapter 136 Things Have Changed
"Yaoyao!" After killing Feng Jimin, Jiang Qiaosheng shook off the meat and blood foam in his hand and ran towards Wen Yao happily.
Zhao Xuanxu's brows twitched. It was clear that he was also used to taking people's hearts and lungs, but now he raised his chopsticks and put them three inches in front of Jiang Qiaosheng's eyes, saying with disgust, "It's dirty."
Jiang Qiaosheng's face turned sour whenever he saw him, and he would roll his eyes upwards and start to speak in a sarcastic tone. Xue Ke pulled her over before she could say anything, and skillfully picked up the teapot to rinse her hands. Jiang Qiaosheng washed his hands and rubbed them against Wen Yao's side, putting their cheeks close to hers: "Yaoyao, I missed you - do you want to eat the kiln chicken?"
"If you don't want to, don't build a dirt platform anywhere." Wen Yao pinched Jiang Qiaosheng's ear: "I'll remind you one last time. Killing Feng Jimin this time is fine, but next time you kill someone, don't be so reckless. What's the point of you being an official?"
"I know, until I know." Jiang Qiaosheng quickly agreed, looking at Zhao Xuanxu with a leer, his lips twitching: "Aren't you rebelling? Your brothers are marching into Bianliang under the pretext of going to the palace to defend the king, and why are you still sitting here pestering Yaoyao?"
Zhao Xuanxu's long eyelashes drooped, and he was too lazy to even answer.
Wen Yao: "Is it true that they attacked Bianliang?"
The King of Qin had several armies at his disposal, but his former loyal generals had been decimated by Zhao Xuanxu, who had suddenly returned to Bianliang. Their heads were hung in rows on flagpoles to bask in the sun. Wu Zhaosi and Zhongli He were both in Bianliang, and with their limited forces, it was impossible for the King of Qin to reach their doorstep so quickly. They no longer had any need to be generals, so they could just jump into the river and commit suicide.
"The King of Qin is quite capable, and he has quite a few capable men under his command. That, that... the Qiu family of Suzhou, whom I told you about in Gusu. The Qiu family is wealthy, and they ship weapons, provisions, and firearms here by the boatload." Jiang Qiaosheng smiled. "Only now that Northern Liao is negotiating peace, and Zhongli He has returned in time, can the Wu Zhaosi, who previously fought on their own and could only kill, be in serious trouble."
Then we can't delay it any longer.
Wen Yao made a quick decision: "Quickly clean up Feng Jimin's body, and we will go back immediately."
Feng Jimin's body was dragged out and buried outside the city. Jiang Qiaosheng hung a ribbon with the Red Pavilion logo on it on the tree where he was buried, saying that he wanted to see if he could lure out the remaining people in the Red Pavilion.
To return to Bianliang quickly, the fastest way was by water. Due to the Qiu family's numerous ships scattered along the waterways near Gyeonggi Province, Wen Yao ultimately returned to Bianliang City on horseback. After a few months, Bianliang had changed dramatically. Several counties near Bianliang City were under martial law, and the entire journey was filled with panic, with heavily guarded imperial guards stationed everywhere. As the carriage lurched toward the city gates, the sound of horse hooves echoed. A figure, holding a banner, overtook the carriage and rushed to the gates, which opened a crack to let the men in.
Wen Yao narrowed his eyes and said, "That's the battle report from the front line, it seems the fighting is quite intense."
Zhao Xuanxu sat behind Wen Yao, his fingers tangling with her hair. Wen Yao tugged at the reins, and the carriage wheels lurched toward the city gate. From a distance, he ordered someone to use spears to stop it.
"Ultimatum! No one will let you go!"
Wen Yao wanted to speak, and leaned forward. When the man who was blocking the way saw her face clearly, his expression suddenly changed, and he withdrew the spear in his hand with a "swish": "May I ask if you are Lord Wen?"
"Ah? Yes, I am." Wen Yao raised his eyebrows: "Do you know me?"
"Lord Zhang specially gave us two portraits. We will never make a mistake in recognizing your face and that of His Royal Highness Prince Yan." The man said as he waved his hand, and the city gate opened wide.
Wen Yao thanked him and rode into the city. Beyond the barbican was the outer city, once bustling with merchants queuing to enter and exit during the day. Now, it was deserted, with not a soul in sight. In the past few months, Bianliang City had undergone several major changes and was no longer what it once was.
"Zhang Yun asked someone to paint our portrait." Wen Yao rested his elbow on Zhao Xuanxu's waist. "He must be incredibly busy right now, his mouth brimming with anxiety... Most of this is thanks to you."
Zhang Yun was unlucky to have an irresponsible leader. Zhao Xuanxu was erratic, acting on impulse, often acting solely on his mood. He captured Bianliang and besieged the Eastern Palace, only to abandon his position before the situation stabilized, leaving Zhang Yun with a devastating mess.
Of course, Zhang Yun didn't dare to complain to Zhao Xuanxu, he could only whisper in Wen Yao's ear.
Wen Yao sighed and drove the carriage faster, passing through the empty streets towards Prince Yan's Mansion. He said worriedly, "What should I do? I'm afraid he'll hang himself at his doorstep."
Fortunately, Zhang Yun hurried to the Prince of Yan's mansion upon hearing the news. He didn't hold a rope, so it looked like he had no intention of hanging himself. He was dressed in his official uniform. He exuded a rare dignity, not just the elegant young man like a bamboo.
Zhang Yun first politely saluted Zhao Xuanxu, then crossed his arms over his chest and looked them up and down without any courtesy. He muttered, "You both came back alive? What did you do? How could you be so bold?"
"It's not that easy for people to die." Wen Yao waved his hand: "Tell me, what's the situation now?"
"There was chaos in the capital, and because the fighting at the border had slowed down, General Zhongli arrived with his troops, preventing the King of Qin's troops from advancing an inch." As Zhang Yun spoke, his burning curiosity couldn't help but bubble up. "How did you conspire with Yelu Duhan on this matter? He's risen through the ranks in just a year and is a master at manipulating power. It must have been difficult to convince him to take the risk and cooperate."
Apart from Wen Yao, Zhao Xuanxu and Jiang Qiaosheng, the only person in Bianliang City who knew Yelu Duhan's background was Song Mingde, the governor who was keeping an eye on Northern Liao's spies every day.
Wen Yao said simply, "I fed him some poison that only Wang Fu could detoxify. Besides, I've already killed his father for him. It's a huge benefit for him to take, and he won't suffer any loss. Why would he refuse?"
Zhang Yun shook his head and sighed, "So that's how it is! You're taking an unconventional approach. I think you're the only one in the world who can do this. Only you can pull it off."
"Praise me?" Wen Yao raised her eyebrows: "What's the matter? The situation in Gyeonggi Province is at a stalemate, so I'll go there and kill the King of Qin as well?" Her tone was relaxed, as if she was saying that she was thirsty and was going to dig a melon from a melon field.
Zhao Xuanxu was the first to reject the idea outright: "Ayao, your injury isn't fully healed yet."
Zhang Yun also said, "If you relied on killing to solve every problem, then none of us would be alive. Don't worry, the reason the King of Qin has been able to maintain a stalemate with General Zhongli for so long is because a member of Guang Qingyu's staff has infiltrated the army and secretly passed information to the King of Qin. General Zhongli has already taken his head, and the situation will soon change."
Wen Yao raised his eyebrows slightly: "She sent a message to the King of Qin?"
"Yes, she wants us to maintain a stalemate with the King of Qin to buy time for the King of Yong." Zhang Yun glanced at Zhao Xuanxu. "She probably thinks Your Highness is not taking the King of Yong's life because he's secretly hoarding the Imperial Seal."
The Imperial Seal was crucial during times of war and uncertainty. Whoever held it held the legitimate heir. Once the King of Qin was defeated, with no one vying for the throne, the seal would become little more than a stamp of approval.
Guang Qingyu probably thought that after Zhao Xuanxu had secured control of the situation, he would ignore the imperial seal and go straight for Prince Yong's life.
"This man has schemed countless ways, going to great lengths to stir up trouble just to save Prince Yong's life," Zhang Yun exclaimed in admiration. "His loyalty is truly touching. Logically, he shouldn't be allowed to stay, but Guang Qingyu's status is somewhat special. We dare not make a decision without Your Highness's return. Your Highness, Commander Wen, should we keep him?"
"You're not afraid, it's Zhongli He who wants to protect her, right?" Wen Yao touched his chin and said bluntly, "They've worked together for many years and have a good relationship. General Zhongli specifically mentioned saving Guang Qingyu's life."
Zhang Yun warned, "Guang Qingyu is utterly loyal to Prince Yong and has the ability to stir up trouble. To be on the safe side, he should not be kept."
"What's the problem?" Zhao Xuanxu said coldly, "Let him see for himself who he wants to protect. If Guang Qingyu gets into trouble, I will blame it all on General Zhongli's mansion."
"That's fine." Zhang Yun nodded and looked at Wen Yao: "There's one more thing. Princess Yong wants to see you."
After the coup, Prince Yong was held incommunicado, while the Empress and Princess Xu were imprisoned in the palace. Princess Yong had been demanding to see Wen Yao since the night of the Bianliang coup, but Wen Yao hadn't returned until today. It's easy to imagine he was either here to lash out at Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu, or to plead for Prince Yong and the Xu family.
Zhang Yun said, whether to see or not depends on Wen Yao himself.
Wen Yao entered the palace.
Compared to the past, the biggest changes were within Fengming Street. The emperor was in a coma, and the empress and concubines, who had long held sway in the harem, were now prisoners. The only place in the palace left was Yunjin Pavilion, where Concubine Su resided, surrounded by prosperity and power.
This was the first time Wen Yao was not asked to dismount at the palace gate. The eunuch who came to lead her lowered his head and said respectfully, "Empress Su specifically instructed you not to be so rigid about formalities. Just do your job as soon as possible."
"No need." Wen Yao turned over and got off the horse: "I'm fast on foot, so I don't need to ride a horse."
The young eunuch said nothing more and led Wen Yao straight to a palace courtyard. It was very quiet inside. As he walked in, he could occasionally see a few palace maids doing chores. Wen Yao walked around to the innermost part and ran into Princess Xu, the Princess of Yong, who was walking out, supported by a maid.
Their eyes met, and Wen Yao was immediately stunned by Xu's gaunt and pale face. When Xu saw her, tears welled up in her bloodshot eyes, and her knees buckled as she knelt down in front of Wen Yao.
How could Wen Yao ask her to kneel? She stepped forward and reached out to pick her up: "Princess, if you have something to say, just ask. Why do you have to do this?"
"I'm pregnant." Unexpectedly, although Xu was much thinner, her hands were surprisingly strong. Her fingers tightly clasped Wen Yao's hand, as if grasping a lifeline, and she stared at Wen Yao without blinking: "Don't worry, I won't give birth to this child to cause you trouble. I only ask you to let my parents go! Let my husband go! You can exile us, or lock us up for life, as long as you can spare our lives! As long as you can spare our lives!"
Wen Yao looked down and discovered that Xu's belly had bulged slightly.
Wang Fu’s medicine was indeed very effective, and Xu actually became pregnant.
Wen Yao took Xu's pulse and felt that she was not in good physical or mental condition. He said, "Since you are pregnant, Princess, you should rest well. I will ask the imperial physician to come to you later..."
"No need for a doctor! I'll get rid of the child myself!" Xu suddenly reached out and tugged at Wen Yao's sleeve, screaming hysterically, completely unlike her usual gentleness and decency. "I've kept it until today just to exchange my family's lives with you! Otherwise, otherwise... Yes, Tianshui governs with virtue, and Prince Yan's reputation was already bad. If people knew that he not only forced the emperor to abdicate, but also persecuted his brother for his unborn child! How could he sit firmly on the throne in the future?!"
Xu's chest kept heaving, and it looked like she was about to pass out. Wen Yao acted decisively and raised his hand to knock her unconscious.
At that moment, several footsteps accompanied by the tinkling of rings and pendants could be heard from behind Wen Yao. Su Yi stepped in, and two imperial physicians followed her, stepping forward to support Xu. They took out a medicine bag and waved it under Xu's nose.
"This is a calming incense, it soothes the mind and helps one fall asleep. Smelling it too much is bad for the baby in her belly, so I haven't let anyone in recently, for fear of irritating her."
Wen Yao, Wen Yao let go of his hand and turned to look at Su Yi who was walking over.
Su Yi wore plain clothes, no hair ornaments on her head, and only a few jade pendants tied around her waist. She looked healthy, without any makeup, and spoke in a relaxed manner, unlike her previous vigilance towards her surroundings.
She walked straight over to Wen Yao, took her hand, looked her up and down, and breathed a sigh of relief: "I heard about what you did from Master Zhang. You are really brave. Fortunately, nothing happened."
When Xu smelled the calming incense, she calmed down, her eyes blank, and she allowed herself to be helped aside.
Wen Yao's gaze followed: "She..."
"No one asked her to abort the child." Su Yi said, "Don't worry, she's just worried too much and has become obsessed. When the situation is settled, the Xu family will be sent back home. Prince Yong will not lead his troops to besiege Jingji Road like the Prince of Qin, and will be imprisoned in the imperial mausoleum."
Wen Yao's expression suddenly relaxed.
Su Yi smiled: "You are still so soft-hearted, how great. Back then, you were soft-hearted enough to save my life and protect me until today. Now, you are soft-hearted enough to save this child's life. Lord Wen has saved countless people along the way. His merits are truly immeasurable."
Wen Yao smiled: "It's not easy for everyone, so let's live as long as we can."
"Let's go. We're finally back. Come with me to meet Wang Nu." Su Yi said, "He's practicing calligraphy with Eunuch Song today. You can check his homework."
*
Song Mingde first served as the emperor's eunuch, then rose through the ranks to become the factory supervisor. Despite his notoriety and widespread criticism, no official criticized his handwriting for being ugly. This demonstrates the beauty of Song's calligraphy.
Su Yi said that Wang Nu accidentally saw the calligraphy of Song Mingde and was very happy. She insisted on learning from Governor Song.
Wen Yao had no idea how much truth and falsehood there was in this, how much was just a play. She and Su Yi went to the Shangshufang, where the prince and princess were studying. As soon as they entered, they saw Song Mingde standing bent over Wang Nu, his eyes lowered as he looked at the words on the rice paper.
Wen Yao hadn't seen Song Mingde in a long time. He hadn't changed at all: his purple gold crown, brocade boots, and dragon robe were magnificent and flamboyant. He'd clearly heard her and Su Yi enter, yet he'd pretended not to know. When Su Yi spoke, he'd glanced up, his pale face gloomy and unapproachable.
It had been a long time since I saw someone so pretentious. Wen Yao felt like laughing. She actually laughed, her eyebrows curved towards Song Mingde.
Song Mingde's eyes flickered suddenly, and the hand behind his back involuntarily turned the jade ring on his thumb and stood up: "Empress Su... Lord Wen has returned."
"I'm back." Perhaps because of the long struggle, Wen Yao always felt that things and people had changed. Now seeing Song Mingde looking as gloomy as before, she felt quite relieved.
Wang Nu stood up from his chair. He raised his head, looking at Wen Yao calmly, despite being so small, and said calmly, "Master Wen, you have returned victorious. Thank you for your hard work."
"Your Highness has worked hard on your calligraphy." Wen Yao took out a bag of candy from his sleeve and placed it in front of Wang Nu: "Your Highness's handwriting is really beautiful."
Wang Nu took the candy in his hand and said seriously, "Eunuch Song taught you well."
Wen Yao raised his eyes to look at Song Mingde. The latter was still sinister, his smile like a snake, and he looked even less like a good person. "Your Highness, you are too kind."
After talking to Wang Nu for a few words, Su Yi asked the palace maid to take him away to rest. She also left, leaving the study to Wen Yao and Song Mingde who had something to say.
Wen Yao leaned on the desk, crossed his arms, looked Song Mingde up and down, and said, "Governor Song looks well."
"You don't look well." Song Mingde scoffed, "I heard you nearly died several times and you were in a very bad state along the way."
"I'm off on some big business." Wen Yao said lightly, brushing aside the life-and-death parting: "I want to discuss something with you."
"explain."
"Throughout history, few who have held the position of factory supervisor have had a good ending. Only Supervisor Song is confident of victory, and it seems he will have the last laugh." Wen Yao raised an eyebrow, his eyes blazing with light. "In the future, I will inherit the throne. You, Zhang Yun, and Zhong Lihe will discuss court affairs. Su Yi is a smart person and won't interfere too much in court affairs. You three know each other well, so there's no need to fight over it. Just do what you should do. When you're old, you can retire to your hometown and enjoy your retirement. That would be great."
Song Mingde glanced at her and said, "Zhang Yun and Zhong Lihe may not believe me. Will you be my guarantor?"
Wen Yao said happily: "Sure. The condition is that after Wang Nu takes power, the three factory supervisory offices will be merged and handed over to him."
The room fell silent for a moment. Song Mingde didn't answer immediately. He frowned and looked at Wen Yao carefully, as if thinking, "You don't plan to stay in Bianliang?"
Wen Yao: "I have my own destination. It's up to Governor Song to decide whether to agree or not."
There is a place for you to go.
The universe is so vast and boundless, but few people can say with such certainty that they have their own destination.
Song Mingde straightened his back. The light and shadow from outside filtered through the half-open carved window onto the writing brush on the table, blurring the words like water. This was the Shangshufang, where the princes and princesses studied and practiced calligraphy. As the factory supervisor, Song Mingde shouldn't be here.
But Song Mingde's bright red robes, radiating immense power, made him a perfect match for the vast, dim palace. He was the master of these palaces, woven into the very fabric of the palace, inseparable from it, his presence unsurprising wherever he went. The man in the blue shirt squatting behind Wen Yao, eating roasted rabbit legs, was unlike him.
"You have to ensure that I have a good ending." He nodded, and the corners of his lips curved up: "Okay, I promise."
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