When Chu Zhao requested to go to battle, Emperor Cheng’an didn’t immediately approve or deny it in the warm pavilion. In the end, he dismissed everyone and kept only Duke Yu.
Emperor Cheng’an had only recently managed to recall Chu Zhao from the border, confining him to the capital, taking away his tiger tally, and making the marshal’s position one in name only. He was reluctant to let Chu Zhao go.
Even though this son no longer had the right to inherit the throne, if he could command soldiers from all directions, with military power answering to him rather than the emperor, he would remain a thorn in the emperor’s heart.
His achievements would overshadow the ruler.
Duke Yu was part of the emperor’s faction. Though not particularly talented in office, he understood Emperor Cheng’an’s mind and was skilled at flattery, always delivering praise with finesse. The emperor’s circle never lacked such people-after all, who doesn’t like to hear pleasant words, especially Emperor Cheng’an.
Duke Yu: “If Your Majesty is concerned, we can put this matter aside. The border forces are regrouping, and perhaps they’ll win the next battle.”
Emperor Cheng’an pressed his brow. Lately, he had been feeling inexplicably tight in his chest, though he couldn’t call it painful. The imperial physicians checked his pulse daily and always said the same thing-avoid worry. But looking around, was there anything that didn’t cause him concern?
Emperor Cheng’an frowned deeply: “After a defeat, someone should go inspect regardless.”
Duke Yu pondered the emperor’s words and understood-Emperor Cheng’an wanted to use Chu Zhao but wasn’t confident enough.
“Your Majesty wants to approve Prince Qin’s request to go to battle? That’s good too. His family is in the capital, so he will certainly serve the country wholeheartedly.”
Duke Yu’s main approach was to gauge the emperor’s intentions and smooth things over. Unexpectedly, at these words, Emperor Cheng’an laughed coldly: “Family?”
“No matter how much he dotes on Shen Ziqin now, he’s still just a man who cannot continue his bloodline. When living in luxury, he might find him novel and pamper him, but when real issues arise, what is there to be reluctant about? What kind of family is that?”
Emperor Cheng’an lowered his hand: “Shen Ziqin alone is not enough as leverage.”
Duke Yu smiled apologetically, thinking to himself that the emperor was truly contradictory-speaking of Shen Ziqin with extreme contempt when saying he didn’t count as family, yet still using him as a bargaining chip, unwilling to let go.
Truly a penny-pinching emperor.
Emperor Cheng’an’s gaze swept over him: “We also need to decide on a military supervisor… Your young great-grandson spends his days eating, drinking, and playing. He should go out and train.”
Duke Yu was suddenly alarmed!
His family had few members, and in this generation, there was only one grandson, about twenty years old, spoiled beyond measure by the entire household, never having experienced hardship. Though being a military supervisor sounded impressive, wouldn’t he still have to suffer at the border?
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s favor, but this absolutely cannot be!” Duke Yu broke into a cold sweat, quickly rising and bowing. “My grandson is incompetent and dissolute, only knowing how to stroll with birds and appreciate flowers. He understands nothing of government affairs, let alone military matters. He would only disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations!”
That’s precisely what was wanted-complete ignorance. He was only meant to monitor Chu Zhao and create obstacles, not to be clever. However, Emperor Cheng’an replied with a pleasant expression, asking him to rise: “When I saw him last time, I thought he was quick-witted and intelligent. What he doesn’t know, he can learn. Besides, he just needs to watch Prince Qin for me-he can manage that.”
Duke Yu was about to say more, but Emperor Cheng’an had already said: “This matter is settled. I am tired and need to rest for a moment. Duke Yu, you may leave.”
Duke Yu withdrew with difficulty.
He didn’t know that after he left, Emperor Cheng’an didn’t really rest. He felt that this alone wasn’t enough; he needed a more reliable method to ensure that Chu Zhao’s military power wouldn’t escape his control this time.
As for what Emperor Cheng’an was thinking, only he knew.
An hour or two after Duke Yu returned to his residence, someone from Jinxiu Pavilion delivered news to the third prince, Chu Jinxu.
“Duke Yu’s great-grandson is drunk at the pavilion, revealing that His Majesty intends to permit Prince Qin to go on the expedition but wants the great-grandson to serve as military supervisor?”
Chu Jinxu received the note and immediately summoned someone: “Go deliver messages to my second brother and sixth brother’s residences.”
Shortly after the messages were sent out, Duke Dingguo’s mansion also received the news.
Zhou Danmo waved the note: “They’re all idle, good-for-nothing nobles. Why should that boy be the military supervisor? It should clearly be me.”
Duke Dingguo glanced at him: “Are you sure? Going to the border means hardship.”
Zhou Danmo curved his lips: “Grandfather, my childhood friends-who hasn’t suffered? I’m just helping them as much as I can. Compared to them, being a military supervisor is hardly suffering.”
“My scholarship is mediocre; I just love painting beauties. But I also know that mountains and rivers stretching ten thousand li, with clear rivers and peaceful seas, are also a beautiful painting.”
Zhou Danmo was very self-aware. His brush couldn’t determine the fate of the nation, but if the timing was right and he could contribute even a stroke to the peace and prosperity of the country-even if history disdained to record it-he was willing to do it.
The young master Zhou smiled, pleading with Duke Dingguo: “Grandfather, let me go, please?”
Duke Dingguo snorted with a laugh.
The duke’s son had passed away, so Zhou Danmo, who should have been the great-grandson, became the heir and was raised with great care.
Fortunately, beneath his seemingly dissolute exterior lay the bones of a noble gentleman, not disgracing the family’s reputation.
“Send someone to deliver a visiting card to Duke Yu, and say that it’s been a long time since I’ve had a drink with my elder brother,” Duke Dingguo said with seemingly reproachful words but a smiling expression in his eyes. “Recently my grandson has been inconsiderate, only knowing how to disturb my peace, causing me to feel troubled. I’m coming to see my elder brother to reminisce and clear my mind.”
The duke’s attendant accepted the order and left: “Yes, sir.”
The next day at the morning court, Emperor Cheng’an issued an edict. Zhou Danmo indeed replaced Duke Yu’s great-grandson as military supervisor, and the emperor also employed Chu Zhao, agreeing to let him lead troops.
However, the manner in which the emperor agreed was beyond everyone’s expectations.
He allowed Prince Qin to mobilize troops from Mingsha Pass, Yueshan Pass, and Yuanwang Camp to recapture the Yuanwang Camp site, giving him an imperial edict and an additional gold seal.
But he did not give him the tiger tally that belonged to the marshal, which could mobilize troops from all directions.
This move caused an uproar in the court.
Even the Minister of War, who wasn’t part of the princes’ faction, knelt to remonstrate: “Your Majesty! Since ancient times, when marshals lead troops, there has never been such a precedent-holding only a gold seal without a tiger tally. If military conditions change and troops cannot be mobilized in time, delaying military operations, what shall we do? Please reconsider, Your Majesty!”
This was the idea Emperor Cheng’an had come up with-not to bestow the four-directional tiger tally.
Emperor Cheng’an was determined: “How can the Minister say this? I have already granted him troops from two passes and one camp. Even if new situations arise, this should be more than sufficient to handle them.”
“Your Majesty,” the newly appointed Grand Secretary Zhang also said, “The reason why the barbarians suddenly launched a major attack is still unclear. The entire north should be on high alert. Permitting only two passes and one camp may be inadequate.”
“If other areas are affected, the respective generals will naturally respond. When military reports from various locations reach the court, further decisions will be made. Prince Qin is just one person, not someone with three heads and six arms. His responsibility this time is simply to recapture Yuanwang Camp, not to pursue the enemy to the death.”
Emperor Cheng’an coughed dully, neither lightly nor heavily. He treated it as just a dry throat and didn’t pay much attention to it, then continued: “When others invade, we naturally must fight, but we cannot exhaust our military resources. This year’s provisions are tight, and we must also consider the people’s food and drink.”
With these words, the court fell into an eerie silence.
Having just confiscated Wei Changhai’s assets, the national treasury was now abundant and wealthy. The grain that the former Yuzhou prefect had sold off had been repurchased with silver from the Yuzhou confiscations. This not only satisfied disaster relief for refugees but was more than sufficient, even filling the granaries that had been depleted.
This year, Great Qi’s overall harvest was good, and provisions were certainly not tight.
But the emperor insisted on telling lies.
Chu Zhao laughed coldly to himself, tugging at the corner of his mouth as he accepted the imperial edict and gold seal.
When a general is in the field, there are imperial orders that need not be obeyed. If he encountered any terrible situations, he would still take necessary action.
Even if he was isolated in the court now, he had his royal brother and Ziqin.
Ziqin had told him not to worry, to just go and fight, so he dared to act freely.
Shen Ziqin stood among the civil officials, watching Chu Zhao’s straight back and the emperor’s gaze looking down on the court from the high platform.
Shen Ziqin slightly lowered his gaze, rubbing his cold fingertips.
Originally in their plan, Emperor Cheng’an was supposed to remain healthy for a while longer… but plans cannot keep up with changes. With this border issue, if the emperor hadn’t created obstacles, it would have been fine, but he issued such a ridiculous edict that would become a joke in history books…
So their progress would also have to change.
The bright red sleeve of his court robe fell, concealing Shen Ziqin’s clean fingertips.
Despite his sharp words in the warm pavilion yesterday, stereotypes are hard to change. In most people’s eyes, he was still that quiet, frail Prince Qin’s consort.
With Chu Zhao’s expedition imminent, all affairs became busy. He needed to give instructions about the patrol camp and supervise the preparation of military supplies and provisions. This time he would directly take a portion with him, so he had to monitor the progress to prevent some people from being outwardly compliant but inwardly resistant, dragging their feet.
At night, Shen Ziqin indulged him. As his body gradually adapted, he could indeed endure more. Fortunately, Chu Zhao had always been considerate of his physical condition. Even though they were about to part and his thoughts were intense, he remained gentle with him.
Chu Zhao had once asked if Shen Ziqin would miss him if he went on patrol or to war for ten to fifteen days.
Now that he was really going to the frontier, Chu Zhao didn’t ask anymore.
Because Shen Ziqin’s answer was affirmative-he already knew.
The two embraced warmly on the couch. Chu Zhao kissed his brow and eyes, saying hoarsely: “I want to take you with me, but I’m afraid you’ll suffer hardships…”
Shen Ziqin smiled without speaking, only tilting his head to kiss him back.
Even if Shen Ziqin were willing to endure hardships, he couldn’t go along. The emperor, who didn’t even give the tiger tally but only a gold seal and an edict, would absolutely not allow Shen Ziqin to leave the capital.
This prosperous capital was also a golden cage.
The two were intimate all night. Shen Ziqin’s waist and legs were sore and weak. He ate breakfast in bed and only got up for lunch. No matter how gentle Prince Qin was, it couldn’t change the fact that the little marquis was delicate.
Too much activity would result in this condition.
Shen Ziqin sighed as he sat on the cushion. No, he still needed to find time to exercise.
Shortly after lunch, Dongning came again to ask about his studies. Just as they were halfway through, Steward Meng rushed in.
Though the old man was strong and healthy, he rarely ran.
“Marquis!”
Hearing his anxious tone, Shen Ziqin’s heart sank slightly, sensing trouble.
“Outside-outside someone has come. The emperor has summoned you to the palace, saying he wants to see you.”
Shen Ziqin actually wanted to stand up abruptly, but his legs were still a bit weak, making such a difficult movement impossible. So he remained seated, as steady as a rock, while everyone else’s expressions changed.
Dongning stood up in fright: “Royal sister-in-law!”
The emperor never summoned Shen Ziqin to the palace alone. With Chu Zhao about to depart for war, why would he summon Shen Ziqin? What could it be for?
Everyone around grew tense. Surrounded by them, Shen Ziqin’s initially raised guard gradually lowered. At times like this, someone needed to be the pillar-they couldn’t all panic together.
Steward Meng was very anxious: “The prince is still supervising military supplies. What should we do? Should we send someone to call him back to the residence first?”
“Steward Meng, don’t panic,” Shen Ziqin’s voice was like a clear spring, as if what they faced wasn’t a problem at all, completely calm. “Is it only a eunuch who has come, or are there others?”
Steward Meng was momentarily stunned, then quickly said: “There are also Imperial Guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards, saying they are to escort the consort.”
That confirmed it-the visitors had ill intentions. Once he entered the palace, he likely wouldn’t be able to leave for some time.
Shen Ziqin squeezed his fingers, his voice still steady: “Go reply that I need a moment to arrange my attire, and I’ll be there shortly.”
“Little Bai.”
Bai Xiao: “Here!”
“Change out of your martial clothes and dress as a servant boy. Come with me to the palace.”
Bai Xiao: “Yes!”
Dongning also immediately said: “Royal sister-in-law, I’ll go to the palace with you. I’ll find Grandmother!”
Shen Ziqin rubbed his head, not refusing this time: “Good. You’re more familiar with the palace, thank you for your help.”
Shen Ziqin took a light breath and slowly stood up, supporting himself on the table: “Steward Meng, I’ll leave a message for the prince. When one cares too much, one becomes confused. Tell him not to worry.”
This palace visit seemed dangerous, but who was truly at the edge of the knife’s blade remained to be seen.
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(advanced chapters available on kofi)
