HXC Chapter19

The viewing platform was located in the center of the horse track. Its high elevation and wide space provided a full view of every movement on the field.

 

As Ji Zhen ascended the steps, he watched the young, talented men racing below. The sand kicked up by the horses’ hooves looked like a raging river of sand under the sunlight, accompanied by endless cheers and laughter.

 

The emperor and empress were seated in the main position on the platform. After the group paid their respects, the emperor asked with concern, “How serious is your injury?”

 

Ji Zhen bowed his head. “Answer Your Majesty, it’s just a small scratch.” After a moment, he mumbled, “It just hurts a bit.”

 

Very few people would be so relaxed when facing the emperor. It was hard to say whether Ji Zhen was naive or just bold. After he finished the last sentence, he noticed everyone was looking at him with different expressions. He blinked, feeling a little nervous.

 

A moment later, the emperor laughed heartily. “Minister Ji, your brother is quite unlike you. He is very interesting.”

 

Ji Jue cupped his hands and said, “This minister’s younger brother has been disrespectful in front of the hall earlier. This minister begged Your Majesty’s pardon.”

 

“Today is for joy and celebration between the ruler and his subjects. There will be no punishment.”

 

A eunuch quietly came forward to report. “Your Majesty, the top scholar, Lu Chen, has arrived.”

 

“Let him come up.”

 

Hearing this, Ji Zhen looked curiously toward the steps.

 

He had heard that the triennial imperial examination had concluded and that Lu Chen, who had placed first in the written test a few days ago, had been personally appointed as the top scholar after the final palace examination.

 

He stretched his neck to see, but Shen Yanqing was partly in the way, so he softly murmured, “Shift over a little.”

 

Shen Yanqing’s lips were slightly pursed, and he was standing as still and unmoving as a great mountain.

 

It wasn’t until Lu Chen knelt before the emperor that Ji Zhen finally got a good look at the new top scholar. He looked to be around twenty-three or twenty-four years old. As Ji Zhen scrutinized him, what appeared in his mind was Shen Yanqing in his scarlet top scholar robes. Three years had passed in a hurry, and the Great Heng Empire had a new top scholar, but only Shen Yanqing could stir Ji Zhen’s heart.

 

He was lost in thought and completely unaware that Shen Yanqing was watching him with narrowed eyes.

 

Does Ji Zhen pay this much attention to every top scholar?

 

“Our Great Heng Empire had no shortage of talented individuals. Minister Shen and Minister Lu are both pillars of our nation. There’s no need to test their academic knowledge. In Zhen[mfn]I, used by the emperor[/mfn] opinion, why not have a friendly archery and riding competition to liven things up?” The emperor’s tone shifted. “Where is Jiang Yunyu?”

 

Jiang Yunyu, who had been standing to the side, said, “This minister is here, Your Majesty.”

 

“Zhen still remembers the impressive sight of you taming a wild horse from the nomads a few years ago. You brought great honor to our Great Heng Empire back then. Today, you should also join the others in the competition.”

 

Since the emperor had spoken, Jiang Yunyu naturally couldn’t object. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

Ji Zhen looked at Shen Yanqing and quietly asked, “How is your horsemanship?”

 

Shen Yanqing was a genuine civil official. Although he was skilled in the six arts, his skills on horseback might not be able to match Jiang Yunyu’s, who came from a family of generals.

 

“It’s decent.”

 

Ji Zhen said sincerely, “Jiang Yunyu’s riding skills are among the best in the Great Heng Empire. Just do your best, and don’t push yourself too hard.”

 

His voice wasn’t loud, but since they were close, Jiang Yunyu still heard him. His eyebrows unconsciously raised slightly, and he cast a glance in Ji Zhen’s direction.

 

Ji Zhen looked back at him without a hint of weakness.

 

Shen Yanqing caught sight of the two “exchanging glances.” His expression remained unchanged, but his thumb and index finger slowly rubbed against each other.

 

“Your Majesty, Miss Wang heard there was a riding and archery competition and said she would also like to participate.”

 

The emperor asked, “Wang Lingzhi, the granddaughter of old General Wang Meng?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

Ji Zhen perked up his ears to listen.

 

Wang Lingzhi was raised by the old General Wang Meng himself and was skilled in riding and archery.

 

“There is no distinction between men and women on the field. Let her compete.”

 

Ji Zhen bit his lip and looked at Shen Yanqing. Wang Lingzhi had nearly been betrothed to Shen Yanqing three years ago, and now, after all this time, she was still unmarried. A slight ripple stirred in his heart, yet he didn’t want to get overly anxious. He quietly observed while the others went to change into their riding clothes, as he remained on the viewing platform beside his elder brother to watch from above.

 

He soon saw Wang Lingzhi, a woman with exceptionally beautiful features, yet without any hint of coquettishness. Dressed in a red riding suit, with a bow and arrows on her back, she looked heroic and dashing.

 

Only the four people on their tall horses remained on the field, and the viewing platform was crowded with spectators.

 

Standing high up, Ji Zhen could see their lips moving, but he couldn’t hear what they were saying.

 

This was his first time seeing Shen Yanqing in riding attire. The pale moon-white riding attire concealed part of his scholarly demeanor, lending him a different, more commanding presence.

 

Jiang Yunyu preferred black, with a high ponytail, and was full of youthful vigor.

 

The new top scholar, Lu Chen, had a handsome face and he cupped his hands with a smile.

 

All four of them were dazzling individuals.

 

The gong rang out with a deep dong, and Ji Zhen held his breathing, his gaze locked firmly on Shen Yanqing.

 

As the horses thundered forward, arrows flew one after another toward the targets, while the eunuchs called out the scores without pause. The four contestants remained side by side, evenly matched in skill.

 

Cheers came in like a tide.

 

Ji Zhen hadn’t known that the deeply learned Shen Yanqing was also so outstanding at riding and archery. His heart surged with excitement, and in his eyes there was nothing else, only that commanding figure.

 

Meeting the sunlight, Shen Yanqing looked up at Ji Zhen on the high platform, who was clapping in admiration. His expression grew keen, and another arrow flew from the string, striking the bullseye squarely once more.

 

Ji Zhen was so excited that he grabbed his elder brother’s sleeve. “Gege, look! Shen Yanqing is so amazing!”

 

Ji Jue just smiled slightly, his gaze fixed on Ji Zhen’s laughing face.

 

The riding and archery competition had all the spectators boiling with excitement. Half an hour later, the winner was decided.

 

In the final round, Shen Yanqing missed a shot, hitting only seven targets, tying his score with Wang Lingzhi.

 

Jiang Yunyu won the first prize. In high spirits, he snapped off an arrowhead and looked proudly in Ji Zhen’s direction. In past riding and archery competitions, whenever he won, Ji Zhen would ask him for the arrowhead. He loved seeing Ji Zhen’s sulking, amusing expression and would never give it to him.

 

But now, as he broke off the arrowhead, Ji Zhen ran down from the high platform, darted past him, and threw himself into Shen Yanqing’s arms as if no one else was there.

 

Shen Yanqing was knocked back a step. He barely managed to wrap his arms around Ji Zhen’s waist to steady himself and whispered, “In public, what an impropriety.”

 

Ji Zhen reluctantly let go, his adoration clear. “I’m happy.”

 

Wang Lingzhi and Lu Chen came over side by side, smiling as they looked at the two of them.

 

Shen Yanqing said, “Lord Lu, you flatter me.”

 

Lu Chen shook his head with a smile. “Lord Shen’s and Miss Wang’s riding skills are both superior to mine,” he said, then cupped his hands toward Jiang Yunyu. “Young Marquis, your riding skills are truly superb. I am outmatched, and I accept my defeat wholeheartedly.”

 

Wang Lingzhi’s beautiful eyes sparkled. “Lord Lu, you’re too modest. Let’s arrange another match another day, and you can show your real strength.”

 

Lu Chen just smiled without a word.

 

Ji Zhen stood on the side, unable to get a word in. He secretly glanced at Wang Lingzhi, finding her to be a remarkably gallant and impressive woman, which made him feel a sense of admiration.

 

Wang Lingzhi noticed Ji Zhen’s gaze and looked back at him. Ji Zhen, remembering how he had once messed up her potential marriage to Shen Yanqing, guiltily shrank his shoulders and hid behind Shen Yanqing.

 

“I heard a bit about what Lord Xiao Ji said that day. I also don’t believe that women are weaker than men,” Wang Lingzhi said while toying with her bow and arrow. “On the battlefield, I, Wang Lingzhi, am no less than anyone.”

 

Lu Chen’s gaze revealed his admiration.

 

Ji Zhen suddenly felt a great connection with Wang Lingzhi and was happy. He wanted to say more, but the eunuch had already come to invite them back to the viewing platform.

 

The silent Jiang Yunyu brushed past Ji Zhen’s shoulder.

 

Ji Zhen thought for a moment and called out to him, saying sincerely, “Jiang Yunyu, congratulations on your victory.”

 

The arrowhead in the young man’s hand was slightly digging into his palm, and his voice was as distant as a stranger’s. “Thank you.”

 

Ji Zhen was sincerely congratulating Jiang Yunyu, but the other party still didn’t appreciate it. He watched Jiang Yunyu’s departing figure, a faint heaviness weighing on his heart.

 

The group returned to the viewing platform.

 

The emperor was overjoyed and bestowed countless gold and jade rewards.

 

Ji Zhen noticed that the crown prince and several other princes had also arrived on the platform at some point and were standing beside the emperor.

 

In the midst of the laughter and conversation, the emperor called out, “Muhui.”

 

The Third Prince stepped forward. “Erchen[mfn]I, used by the prince[/mfn] is here.”

 

“You are Lingyue’s elder brother. You should be the one to speak about this.”

 

“Yes, Imperial Father.” Li Muhui straightened up. His gaze swept over Jiang Yunyu and Lu Chen. He smiled and said, “Today is this highness’s niece’s tenth birthday. This highness wished to add to the festivities and privately spoke with His Majesty about selecting a suitable husband for Lingyue from among the outstanding young men.”

 

At these words, some people in the audience remained expressionless, while others slightly furrowed their brows.

 

Only Ji Zhen’s eyes lit up, and he leaned in to whisper to Shen Yanqing, “So, they’re choosing a husband for Lingyue.”

 

Shen Yanqing remained silent.

 

Ji Zhen loved to be in the know. He peered out onto the horse field, secretly guessing whom Lingyue would favor. However, Li Muhui’s next words made Ji Zhen freeze.

 

“Lingyue has reached the age of marriage. Consort Mother and this highness have discussed this, and we have decided that she must be matched with someone she likes for a happy marriage.” Li Muhui slowly continued, “This highness just asked Lingyue, and she said she saw a young man with great ambition on the horse field just now, and she was captivated. This person is…”

 

His foxy eyes landed on the man in black, “Young Marquis Jiang.”

 

Ji Zhen looked at Jiang Yunyu in astonishment. The lively young marquis looked as if he’d been struck by a boulder; his back stiffened instantly, and his expression shifted sharply.

 

According to the ancestral rules of the Great Heng Empire, a consort had no real power. Even Ji Zhen, who usually stayed out of court disputes, understood that if Jiang Yunyu married Lingyue and became a consort, the Crown Prince’s faction would lose a crucial advantage.

 

Setting aside factional matters, Jiang Yunyu was proud and ambitious; for him, losing actual power and enduring a mediocre life as a consort was a fate worse than death.

 

Empress Xue, who was Jiang Yunyu’s aunt, calmed herself down and said with a smile, “Your Majesty, Yunyu is Chenqie’s[mfn]I, used by the empress or high ranking consorts when they talk to the emperor[/mfn] nephew. Chenqie is the empress, and Chenqie treats Lingyue as my own. This arrangement may not be appropriate.”

 

The Crown Prince, Li Muwei, also quickly cupped his hands and said, “Imperial Father, Erchen also thinks this is unsuitable. There are many talented young men on the court. We should find another auspicious date to find a good husband for my sister, Lingyue.”

 

The previously joyful atmosphere instantly turned solemn.

 

“Imperial Father,” the Third Prince said with certainty, “Empress Mother and the Young Marquis are related, but not by blood. If Lingyue can marry the Young Marquis, it would only make our family ties stronger. Why would that be a bad thing?”

 

Empress Xue said anxiously, “Your Majesty, please reconsider.”

 

The emperor’s previous kindness was gone. He swept his shrewd eyes over everyone, and no one dared to speak under his imposing presence. After a long while, the emperor said in a low voice, “Does the Empress think that my princess is not worthy of your nephew?”

 

Empress Xue was terrified and knelt on the ground. “Chenqie would not dare.”

 

All the ministers knelt in unison. Even Ji Zhen, who had never witnessed such a scene and was already bewildered, and was drawn down to kneel by Shen Yanqing.

 

“Zhen agreed that Muhui’s point about strengthening family ties was exactly right. Zhen has watched Yunyu grow up; his character and appearance are excellent. If he hadn’t been betrothed to the Ji family back then, Zhen would have already planned to marry him to a princess.”

 

The emperor looked at Ji Zhen. “Now that Ji Zhen and Minister Shen have been married for three years, the alliance between the Ji and Jiang families has effectively been nullified. Zhen can certainly grant a marriage to Yunyu.”

 

Ji Zhen stood before the emperor’s formidable presence, which pressed down on him like a collapsing mountain. He couldn’t help but tremble all over, only managing to keep from collapsing completely thanks to Shen Yanqing’s support.

 

The Crown Prince, Li Muwei, said loudly, “Imperial Father, the Young Marquis, he…”

 

“Zhen has already decided. The Crown Prince needs not say more.” The emperor waved his hand. “Yunyu, come forward.”

 

Ji Zhen looked at Jiang Yunyu. The kneeling young marquis slowly raised his exquisite, phoenix-like eyes to meet his gaze.

 

It was a look of indescribable emotion—sorrow, helplessness, and a hint of vague resentment.

 

Jiang Yunyu knelt before the emperor amidst all the different gazes.

 

The emperor’s voice was deep and rich. “Zhen will ask you this, are you willing to marry Lingyue and make our family ties stronger?”

 

There was a deathly silence all over.

 

Ji Zhen suddenly found it hard to breathe.

 

Jiang Yunyu bowed his head deeply to the ground before the emperor. When he lifted his gaze again, his eyes burned with a desperate determination. He said with a resounding voice, “Answer Your Majesty, this minister is unwilling.”

 

The words rippled through the crowd like a shockwave. The Crown Prince and Ji Jue slowly lowered their eyes.

 

Ji Zhen looked at Jiang Yunyu, who was a few steps away, feeling a burning pain in the scratched skin of his palm.

 

Marry Princess Lingyue and be stripped of real power.

 

Disobey the imperial edict and face the death penalty.

 

For Jiang Yunyu, both were dead ends.

 

Today’s banquet was not just for the emperor’s eldest imperial grandson’s birthday.

 

It was, in fact, a trap, a Hongmen Banquet[mfn]The Hongmen Banquet implies that while it looks polite or friendly, there’s a risk of being trapped or harmed.[/mfn] set up specifically for Jiang Yunyu.

 

The author has something to say:

Lord Shen (clenching his fist): I’ll participate in every imperial examination from now on and be the top scholar every year to make my wife crazy about me.

Young Marquis (hitting the ground): This is not the time to be saying these things! Is anyone not going to speak up for me?!