“Your Majesty, what are you saying?”
Little Zhizi heard the movement and scrambled up, hurrying over to attend him.
Ying Jingjue pressed his fingertips to his temples, rubbing. “Zhen’s headaches and dreaming problem seem increasingly severe. The imperial physician’s prescriptions taken for so long show no effect.”
Little Zhizi attended him putting on long boots. “How could it be so fast? Your Majesty has also been too overworked recently, constantly worried and laboring over frontier matters. You’re young—relax and rest a few days and you’ll be better.”
Ying Jingjue: “How could it be so easy? Only after Zhen sat in this position did I realize…”
Only then did he realize just how many chronic illnesses and hidden dangers the Great Sheng Dynasty had. This dynasty, without a major reform, without one opportunity to thoroughly cleanse—could only slowly walk toward decline.
Right now there was one cleansing opportunity.
After dressing, Ying Jingjue asked: “After Zhen finishes discussing matters, go find some old palace servants who’ve been here for many years. Best if they attended Father Emperor when he was still a prince.”
Little Zhizi: “Yes. Your Majesty, this is for?”
“Zhen was raised under the Empress Dowager’s care since childhood, yet have never seen my birth mother. Father Emperor never mentioned her to me.” He didn’t even know his mother’s name.
“Perhaps Zhen saw Mother before, but after that serious illness, forgot. Repeatedly dreaming—who knows if it’s a sign of remembering. After waking, Zhen called out ‘Little Uncle.’ Perhaps Zhen still has other maternal relatives.”
Little Zhizi was startled. “Yes, this servant will definitely find everyone possible.”
***
West Warm Pavilion.
“Your Majesty, the frontier situation improves. Should the previously shelved plans be reconsidered?” Left Minister cupped his hands.
Minister of Revenue: “This minister believes now is still not the best timing.”
The old Marquis stroked his beard. “Your Majesty, this old minister thinks You can boldly try. Since Your ascension, the Regent Prince rarely appears before the masses, much less attends court. You’ve invited him repeatedly—that side only claims illness.”
“Whether true or false, those ministers in court not so loyal to the Regent Prince probably have long harbored doubts and wavered. You can use this opportunity to replace them or gather them in.”
Ying Jingjue: “Ministers loyal to the Regent Prince?”
He laughed. “Since ancient times, ministers pledge loyalty to their lord. Zhen didn’t know the court now has this talk of loyalty to the Regent Prince.”
The several trusted ministers in the pavilion immediately asked His Majesty to calm his anger.
Ying Jingjue lightly tapped his fingertips on the table. “Heard Ye Mingqin recently went to the Regent Prince’s manor but was turned away?”
Minister of Revenue: “Yes.”
“Perhaps Minister Ye was too businesslike and displeased the Regent Prince.”
Ying Jingjue glanced at him: “My dear minister implies something.”
Minister of Revenue: “Minister Ye is no common person—a good official, upright and loyal to the sovereign. Though having some connection to the Regent Prince’s manor and being a woman, she works harder than ordinary men. Sometimes this minister admits inferiority.”
Emperors are suspicious by nature.
Ying Jingjue was no exception.
However, the Minister of Revenue’s words made him trust Ye Mingqin somewhat more. Ying Jingjue pondered: “The Vice Minister of Revenue position is vacant. Let her try. You watch closely. If there’s disloyalty…”
Minister of Revenue: “This minister understands.”
Frontier victory, but war consumed too much silver and grain. The Minister of Revenue submitted a ledger of nearly half a year’s expenses. “Your Majesty, the national treasury is empty. The Northern Yi show no intention of ceasefire. If this continues…”
Ying Jingjue: “Do you know where the most silver is?”
Minister of Revenue: “Your Majesty’s meaning is?”
The young sovereign revealed his ambition: “The Regent Prince’s faction embezzling and accepting bribes isn’t just a day or two. Where those parasites exist, how could there be no grain and silver?”
Left Vice Minister of Personnel: “Is Your Majesty starting investigations? But the Regent Prince’s side may not be easy to handle.”
“No need to worry about Lian Shenwei’s side. In court Zhen bears it. You investigate thoroughly in private, then strike with thunderous momentum,” Ying Jingjue’s eyes were dark. “He claims illness and doesn’t emerge for so long—Zhen can’t see through him. Any news from the Regent Prince’s manor recently?”
The old Marquis considered: “Nothing else, just heard his confidants frequently buy many precious supplements—snow swallow’s nest, jade ginseng, etc. These things are precious. When unavailable in the capital, they go out to buy.”
“The Regent Prince is truly ill?”
The old Marquis shook his head: “Aside from those expensive supplements, no other medicinal purchases seen from the Regent Prince’s manor.”
The Minister of Revenue’s face turned cold: “Extravagance.”
“The Regent Prince’s manor is worth its weight in gold—not lacking this bit of money.”
Ying Jingjue’s tone was bland: “But the court lacks it.”
If he was starting to curtail power, besides Lian Shenwei’s faction, he needed other moves too.
He wasn’t the crown prince from back then who could be slaughtered at will. He was lord, Lian Shenwei was subject. Power over life and death—all were favors.
“The Regent Prince is Zhen’s teacher and should share Zhen’s burdens. All the rare goods shops in the capital—if they want to continue operating here, raise the prices for Zhen’s teacher to the maximum.”
This was his first official open move against Lian Shenwei.
Ying Jingjue paused. “If buying other medicines besides supplements, no need to interfere.”
After finishing discussions, afternoon had nearly passed. The sky had darkened. After these ministers left, Ying Jingjue descended from his chair.
He was young—not tired at this moment.
“Little Zhizi.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Did you find those people I asked for?”
Little Zhizi said with difficulty: “Among the old servants remaining by the late Emperor’s side, searching everywhere, only Eunuch Li remains. According to ancestral custom, he’s the late Emperor’s servant and must guard the memorial hall until the coffin enters the mausoleum next year. He cannot see You.”
Ying Jingjue was silent briefly. “Then forget it. Next year isn’t too late.”
***
Cold winter passed, ice and snow melted.
Wild geese carried spring flying from the south.
Qiu Che at the frontier—no longer needing help—found a city to temporarily use as a resting place.
Collecting medicinal materials still needed Li Ningfeng’s help, but sending things to the capital required secrecy—always inconvenient. Tian Nan spent nearly two months traveling between frontier and capital once, bringing many medicines not in Central Plains, plus a potted plant.
This flower’s leaves were sword-shaped, symmetrical left and right. Viewed from front like an open fan, from the side straight as pine, center blooming a cluster of red stamens and white flowers.
Like fire and snow—extraordinarily beautiful.
Lian Shenwei looked for a long while. “Clivia?”
“There are varieties that bloom this color?”
Most clivia bloomed red or orange flowers. This one was rare indeed.
Tian Nan: “Master Qiu gave it. Oh right, there’s also a letter.”
Lian Shenwei opened and read it. The letter was very brief, just a few words:
[Upon reading this letter, Ximian personally:
Several months at the frontier, scenery vastly different, my heart greatly pleased.
One day saw clivia bloom strange flowers, actually growing atop mountain peaks, leaves like swords, flower buds pure white, standing upright in the wind, distinguished bearing like yours. Carefully transplanted, sent across a thousand li, to convey my wishes.
Clivia, naturally possessing integrity, is a longevity flower.
This flower given as gift—may you year after year, enjoy long life and good health.
Qiu Che.]
Tian Nan: “Originally thought this flower would die en route. Unexpectedly as it warmed along the way, it even bloomed.”
Azi cried out once, fiercely wanting to wreck the newly arrived ‘plant pet.’ Lian Shenwei lightly blocked with his hand, scolding: “Go play over there.”
Azi turned away looking wronged.
“The bird was also his gift, the flower too. How worried he is I’ll be bored.” Lian Shenwei shook his head, folding the letters neatly and storing them together.
Having lost his hearing, he’d developed interest in these letters he used to receive, often taking them out to read.
However, Feng Ke—who knew where he’d gone—not a single bit of news.
Now it was already spring. His body carefully maintained, much more stable. He could spare energy to tend flowers and plants.
Lian Shenwei moved the flower near the windowsill. “Nurturing flowers nurtures spirit. My health is poor now. Don’t know if it can survive.”
Tian Nan quickly nodded: “Definitely can! This flower is very hardy.” All that jostling on the road, aside from wilting slightly, nothing else seemed wrong.
Lian Shenwei had his back to him, couldn’t hear what he said. Just turned to warn Azi not to touch that potted flower. Who knows if the diet improved—this bird grew extremely fast, energy particularly vigorous.
Azi was angry to the point of isolation.
“Master.”
While speaking, Ming Zhu presented today’s midday meal.
A few simple side dishes, a bowl of porridge, a steaming cup of ginseng soup.
Lian Shenwei sat down to eat. Azi flew to the table, watching him eat.
These dishes, in another household, would be quite good. Yet Tian Nan only glanced once and frowned. Master had already started eating.
After the two went out, Tian Nan pulled Ming Zhu aside.
“Only ginseng soup? Looking at its quality, also just ordinary hundred-year ginseng.”
Ming Zhu pressed her lips: “Before you left, those supplement shops in the capital already showed signs of price increases. Later they got higher and higher. I went outside the capital to look—found it was the same.”
“Having to watch Master, I can’t leave too long. The manor doesn’t have much silver stored. Most was spent on Master’s supplements. Not much left now.”
“Why so expensive?”
“They say supply is tight, but what I investigated—actually it’s…”
Ming Zhu pointed toward the palace direction.
Tian Nan’s anger flared up instantly. Suppressing his fury, he asked: “Hasn’t the estate’s harvest come in?”
“Still need to wait another month,” Ming Zhu calculated. “But even after harvest, can’t sustain many days.”
After all, still needed to buy daily ordinary food. Couldn’t throw all the money in.
Now the manor’s expenses were reduced to bare minimum. The warming supplements at medicine shops were absurdly expensive. Today’s hundred-year ginseng was still what she found from where Feng Ke stayed.
Even using it sparingly, couldn’t last three days.
Tian Nan’s expression was so dark water could drip from it: “If not for three or four years ago when the frontier needed grain and Master took all the money to buy food in the south…”
The Regent Prince’s manor did accept bribes from corrupt officials, refusing none. But that money—Master didn’t touch a single coin. Almost all used for frontier and common people.
The two were quiet for a long while.
Tian Nan: “Use the manor’s silver sparingly. Before Master Feng left, he emphasized twice—Master’s body relies on those expensive supplements. Absolutely can’t be interrupted.”
“What are you going to do?” Ming Zhu was somewhat worried.
Tian Nan: “Don’t worry about it. Also don’t let Master know.”
***
The next day.
News that several palace storerooms were hit by a burglar spread throughout the streets.
Rumor had it the thief was shot in the arm by patrolling guards. The Sage was furious. Now the imperial guard was searching house by house.
The Black Armor Guard was conscripted. The Regent Prince’s manor also received the news.
That evening.
When Tian Nan entered carrying a water basin, Lian Shenwei was holding a book one-handed, leaning on the small couch by the window.
The cup of tonic soup on the table untouched.
Tian Nan washed the handkerchief and passed it over. “Master, after you drink, you should rest.”
The handkerchief’s corner entered his vision. Only then did Lian Shenwei raise his head, coolly observing him, gaze falling on his arm.
“Where did you go last night?”
Tian Nan’s hand shook. Voice still steady: “Just guarding outside Master’s door.”
With a snap, Lian Shenwei closed the book and tossed it on the table, tone also dropping: “Undo your belt, roll up your sleeves.”
“Tian Nan, I detest deception.”
“This tonic soup is stewed with Arhe snow lotus seeds—tribute from a small tribe. Only the palace has them. You don’t recognize them. I do. These lotus seeds—definitely cannot be bought outside.”
“…”
Tian Nan’s eyes reddened. He knelt down, looking up at him: “Master, it was me who stole them.”
Lian Shenwei: “You previously most hated thieves.”
“…Master, His Majesty secretly ordered that all supplements the Regent Prince’s manor buys be priced at maximum. The manor now doesn’t have enough silver to buy body-nourishing things for You. Master Feng said Your diet must be refined, warming supplements can’t be interrupted. This subordinate had no choice…”
Tian Nan controlled his speech speed. After finishing, he kowtowed. “Master, this subordinate wasn’t discovered. The palace has so many good things. You…”
“Stop talking.”
Lian Shenwei closed his eyes.
Since losing his hearing, he hadn’t much managed manor affairs. Jingjue moving to curtail power was within his expectations. The corrupt officials he’d gathered back then, kept until now, were meant for him to practice on after ascending the throne.
Now in daily incoming news, some of these people had died, confiscated money all consolidated into the national treasury. He knew the treasury was empty—just didn’t expect Jingjue to make things difficult for him in this regard.
This show of authority was neither painful nor itchy—more like childish temper.
Tian Nan crawled forward two steps on his knees, begging quietly: “You eat first. Even if punishment comes, this subordinate must see You finish eating.”
Lian Shenwei complied as he said. After drinking: “I needn’t be wasteful.”
Tian Nan breathed easier.
“What’s left that you stole—either return it, or sell it for silver and send it to Jishan Hall.”
“Master!”
Lian Shenwei: “You can also choose to leave.”
Tian Nan suddenly clenched his fists. Meeting his master’s calm eyes, for a long while he couldn’t say a word.
He’d considered the day things would be exposed, just didn’t expect it so soon. If today he’d chosen not lotus seeds but other more ordinary tonics, would Master have discovered later and used them a few more days?
“Master Feng said…”
“I’m better now. Going without these things a few days won’t matter.” After Lian Shenwei finished, he turned his head aside—a gesture refusing communication.
This attitude was actually expected. Tian Nan knew his temperament well and could only retreat carrying the items.
Reaching the door, he heard a faint: “Feng Ke’s room has wound medicine. Go get some and apply it yourself.”
Tian Nan’s nose stung.
He said: “Master, let’s leave. No more staying in the capital.”
No answer came.
The youth sitting on the small couch by the window adjusted the lamp. He picked up a bamboo scroll and spread it open. Beside it lay a circled and dotted map, many places marked with vermillion ink.
The clivia on the windowsill cast an elongated silhouette on the window.
**
SR On SGWCLC Chapter 126