WBSGVS Chapter 7

Suddenly, the surrounding silence felt eerie.

Zheng Yihan instinctively sensed that something was wrong. Cold sweat dripped down his back in waves, and though he tried to open his eyes, he couldn’t. The drowsiness was overwhelming.

Reluctantly, he bit down on his tongue. The sharp pain brought him back to his senses, and he forced his eyes open, only to see that all the ministers had turned to look at him. Even the man seated on the imperial throne was staring straight at him.

In that instant, Zheng Yihan realized what had happened. His heart raced in terror, and his legs gave way as he instinctively knelt, bowing his head to the floor while shouting, “Your Majesty, please forgive me!”

As he knelt, his knees hit the marble floor with a resounding “thud.” The pain caused him to wince, and images of Zhang and Qingli flashed through his panicked mind.

If he survived this, he swore he’d make sure his mother stopped making things difficult for Ah Li.

It was terrifying!

After sending Zheng Yihan off, Qingli, too, was exhausted, yawning repeatedly. Still, she forced herself to stay awake until Wanyue returned and said, “Extinguish the incense I lit this morning.”

“Yes,” Wanyue responded, glancing at her with some confusion.

This was the incense the young mistress had specifically asked to be lit in the morning, saying it made her feel at ease and would improve her mood for the entire day. Why put it out now?

Qingli didn’t explain. She struggled to stay awake as she was helped to wash up. “Have someone bring breakfast to the room. I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’ll eat before taking a nap.”

The maids quickly moved into action. By the time Qingli had finished washing, breakfast was already set—a steaming bowl of porridge and crispy fried dough sticks, both looking delicious.

After filling her belly, Qingli climbed into bed. Just before drifting off, she reminded her maids, “No one is to disturb me until I wake.”

“Yes,” Wanyue replied. “I’ll have Awu guard the courtyard gate.”

Seeing that everything was in order, Qingli closed her eyes immediately.

She had stayed up the entire night and, after inhaling the incense, felt herself falling asleep almost instantly.

But before she fully drifted off, Qingli thought about Zheng Yihan for a second. She wondered if he had received the gift she’d given him.

He probably had.

After all, that incense was extremely effective as a sleep aid. She couldn’t resist it—how could Zheng Yihan, who had no idea what was coming, have stood a chance?

Disgracing himself before the throne? Well, that cup of wine would be enough for him.

As Qingli predicted, back at the hall, the emperor’s expression had darkened.

Emperor Jiang was nearing fifty, and his administration of both the court and harem was impeccable. The imperial exams held every three years produced many talented individuals, and the military was protected by the Ji family, leaving him with no worries. The emperor’s authority was highly centralized.

As a result, his harem had been the most peaceful in centuries.

You could see this from the number of sons he had.

Almost all of his sons were grown now, healthy and without any ailments.

At the age of three, the princes began their studies, and by five, they were enrolled in the Imperial Academy. As of today, seven of his sons were already participating in court, and the struggle for the position of crown prince had begun to show signs.

Recently, the princes had started to engage in internal conflicts. While Emperor Jiang was fully aware of their actions, given his concentrated power, he remained torn between his children. The situation was exasperating.

Just as all this was happening, Zheng Yihan had been repeatedly denounced, and now he’d even fallen asleep in the great hall!

Unbelievable!

Despite considering himself lenient with his ministers, Emperor Jiang couldn’t help but chuckle darkly. He waited until Zheng Yihan’s forehead was bleeding from knocking his head against the ground before sarcastically asking, “Lord Zheng, are you perhaps still unwell after your injury?”

There was not a trace of guilt in the emperor’s question. When he had thought Zheng Yihan was dead, he had showered him with rewards. Now that the man was alive, he hadn’t even taken them back—a rare show of generosity. And yet this man dared behave so arrogantly.

If he’d known it would come to this, the emperor regretted not giving those rewards to the Ji family instead.

The Ji family had been fighting for Jiang for generations, and with their limited heirs, they were finally beginning to grow in number. Yet, they were bullied by the Zheng family to the point where complaints reached the Golden Throne. The rewards given to the Zhengs were wasted!

Though Zheng Yihan didn’t know what the emperor was thinking, the coldness in his voice made him fear for his future. Regret gnawed at him—he should have stopped his mother from imposing her will on his wife, Qingli. In the past, Qingli had been so understanding, but last night, she had stubbornly kept him up all night.

In a trembling voice, Zheng Yihan responded, “Your Majesty, this humble servant is in good health.”

Feeling that his answer wasn’t enough, he continued nervously, his mind blank from the tension. “Last night, my wife had terrible nightmares, and I was so worried about her health that I stayed up all night. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness!”

“Is that so?” the emperor scoffed, his tone sharp. “I seem to recall that the Ji family’s daughter is a lively and brave woman, not one to be easily frightened. So why would she be having nightmares?”

Zheng Yihan’s back stiffened, and he dared not reply.

How could he explain that his mother had forced his proud wife to follow strict rules, turning a once-spirited noblewoman into someone so frail?

Some things had been forgotten since Qingli had given up fighting after their marriage.

But in that moment, memories of the proud and beloved daughter of the Great General came flooding back to Zheng Yihan’s mind. Qingli had been adored by the entire Jiang kingdom.

Merchants would give her free snacks on the street, and from time to time, she was invited to the palace, where the empress, who had no children, doted on her. But once she married, she no longer entered the palace, as she didn’t hold an official title.

His mother disliked her so much that Qingli rarely even attended social gatherings.

The once-radiant Qingli had been worn down for his sake. If he mentioned this, would the emperor punish him?

“Unfilial son!” hissed Zheng’s father, a fellow court official, his voice low and urgent. “The emperor is asking you a question. Why are you not answering?”

Zheng Yihan, startled, realized he had hesitated for too long. The air around him seemed to grow colder, and he steeled himself to reply, “Your Majesty, my wife… she believes that my mother dislikes her, and thus she is fearful…”

He didn’t dare raise his head as he spoke. His clothes, drenched in the sweat of fear, clung to his skin, sending chills through his body.

The emperor pondered for a moment before asking, “Lord Zheng, do you know why I summoned you?”

Zheng Yihan honestly shook his head. “This humble servant does not know.”

The emperor chuckled darkly. “Someone has accused you of allowing your mother to mistreat the daughter of the Great General, turning a once-spirited woman into someone so weak that she faints at the slightest upset!”

Zheng Yihan’s father quickly knelt beside him, both men pleading in unison, “Your Majesty, we are innocent!”

The emperor, now wearing a sardonic smile, said, “From what I’ve heard you say, it doesn’t seem like you’re innocent. They say a man must first manage himself, then his family, before he can govern a country and bring peace to the world. If you can’t even do the first two, how can you assist me in ruling this nation?”

It was over!

Zheng Yihan felt a crushing weight on his chest, pressing him to the floor. The cold marble against his forehead helped ease the pain there, but the ache in his heart was far worse.

Being reprimanded by the emperor in front of the entire court meant that his career, no matter what followed, was as good as ruined.

Soon, the emperor announced his judgment. “You will be demoted to Assistant Minister of the Hanlin Academy. Take the next three months to reflect on your actions.”

“Whew…” Zheng Yihan let out a heavy sigh of relief and quickly kowtowed, thanking the emperor. He felt as though he had narrowly escaped death.

Though he had been demoted, at least he still had a position.

Three months—it was only three months!

But then the emperor added, “As for your family’s lack of discipline, you will be further demoted to the rank of Clerk in the Ministry of Rites.”

The breath Zheng Yihan had just exhaled was sucked back in. He turned to see his father’s face go pale.

His father had worked his entire life, passing the imperial examinations and rising step by step to become Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He had hoped to become Minister of Rites before he died, but now he had been reduced to a lowly clerk.

At his age, the chances of being promoted again were slim. This might be the last court session of his career.

He’s truly finished.

Zheng Yihan felt an even heavier weight on his heart.

Even after leaving court, he remained in a daze.

Zheng’s father was even more devastated, walking with unsteady steps as he left the palace.

On the way, their carriage was stopped in an alley.

A servant from the Third Prince’s household said, “Young Master Zheng, His Highness requests your presence.”

Zheng Yihan felt a bit relieved. He and the Third Prince were close in age and shared common interests. Before his disappearance, they had been quite good friends, although he had only visited the prince once since his return.

He assumed the prince had come to console him after seeing his disgrace in court.

Zheng Yihan straightened up slightly, got out of his carriage, and boarded another. The two carriages drove off in different directions, passing through busy streets before arriving at a quieter area. Finally, they stopped in front of a large courtyard.

As he stepped out of the carriage and saw the tall, spacious building and the guards at the gate, his eyes flickered with hope.

Now that he had lost the emperor’s favor, his chances of regaining it were slim. The Ji family certainly wouldn’t support him anymore. But if the Third Prince ascended to the throne, with their relationship…

Returning to the Zheng family mansion after his meeting, Zheng Yihan’s expression had lightened considerably. Though still downcast, there was a hint of hidden joy.

While nothing had been explicitly stated, he and the Third Prince had reached an understanding.

The emperor had yet to name a crown prince, nor had he bestowed princely titles upon any of his sons, clearly still evaluating them. If Zheng could assist the Third Prince in gaining the emperor’s favor, his current predicament would be easily resolved once the prince ascended the throne.

As for the Ji family, they would no longer be able to suppress him.

However, when he returned home, he couldn’t let his anger show immediately. His first step was to visit his wife to talk about what had happened in court.

Did she even realize how terrifying it was today?

If the emperor had been even a little harsher, he might’ve been finished!

And all of this because his wife had been inconsiderate, keeping him awake all night even though she knew he had court the next day, forcing him to nod off during such an important session!

The more Zheng Yihan thought about it, the angrier he became. His mood, which had improved after receiving the Third Prince’s implicit promise, soured again. He stormed toward his wife’s courtyard, only to find the servants sent by Ji Shuxin blocking the entrance, their sticks barring the way.

Zheng Yihan’s face darkened instantly. “What are you doing? Don’t forget, this is the Zheng family!”

Ah Wu stood his ground. “The young mistress ordered that she not be disturbed while she’s sleeping. Please understand, young master.”

Sleeping?

Zheng Yihan’s anger flared even more. He had stayed up all night, and gotten into serious trouble, yet she, who had also been up all night, was still sleeping peacefully? How was that fair? He gritted his teeth in frustration. “Move aside!”

Ah Wu and the others remained unmoved, firmly blocking his path.

Zheng Yihan laughed bitterly, staring at them for a moment before sneering, “Fine, you’re tough. I won’t go in. But don’t expect me to come back later either!”

Ah Wu glanced at him as if looking at a fool.

The young mistress wasn’t stupid. If she dared to give such an order, she wasn’t afraid of the consequences.

Blocked from entering his courtyard, Zheng Yihan angrily waved his sleeve and left again, not heading to his study but to where Lady Zhang was staying. Last night’s disaster may have been Ji Qingli’s fault, but it was Zhang’s doing that had caused it.

The emperor had reprimanded him so harshly; that he couldn’t let it slide. To prevent this from happening again, he would have to tell Zhang to stop imposing those rules. Five years was long enough.

Lady Zhang was already waiting anxiously at the entrance of her courtyard. Her husband had returned earlier, disheartened and full of complaints about what had happened in court. He had even scolded her for it.

But Zhang didn’t believe she was at fault. How could she be blamed for Ji’s poor health or for bringing so many doctors into the house, exposing the family’s troubles?

Still, she was worried. What if her son blamed her too? She waited anxiously until a maid informed her that her son was on his way. She hurried out to greet him.

But as soon as Zheng Yihan saw her, he unleashed a scolding: “Mother, stop imposing those ridiculous rules. No other family behaves as harshly as ours…”

Though his words weren’t particularly harsh, they chilled Zhang to the bone. Seeing her son’s dark, lifeless expression, she felt deeply hurt and muttered, “Are you blaming your mother?”

At the same time, she wondered why her son, who had only said a few words to her the day before, was suddenly acting like this.

Hadn’t he spent last night at Ji’s place? Could Ji have said something to him?

With this thought, Zhang’s resentment toward Ji Qingli grew even deeper. That woman was driving a wedge between her and her son! If she weren’t the daughter of a general, Zhang would have wanted her gone long ago!

Before Zheng Yihan could respond, Zhang raised her voice and began to cry: “I’m doing this for you! They say children are a burden, and now even you blame me. I never wanted you to marry a daughter of the Ji family. They’re so domineering, not even allowing concubines! And now that she can’t have children, she’s dooming your bloodline. I just wanted her to ease up, and it was all for your sake…”

“Mother…” Zheng Yihan, flustered by Zhang’s tearful outburst, immediately regretted his earlier outburst. “Mother, don’t cry. I was wrong!”

Wiping her tears with a handkerchief, Zhang cried even louder, “You’re not wrong, I’m wrong. I should’ve never been the bad guy, worrying over your bloodline. Now, even you don’t understand me. All I’ve done is for nothing! Oh, I regret it!”

Zheng Yihan’s head throbbed. It felt worse than being kept awake by his wife all night—at least she hadn’t raised her voice. But Zhang’s wailing was deafening.

Yet he couldn’t say anything. His wife’s behavior was caused by his mother, and his mother’s actions were ultimately his fault. It all circled back to him.

All he could do was gently soothe her. “Mother, I didn’t mean it like that. Truly…”

After a long while of comforting and promising all sorts of things, Zheng Yihan finally calmed her down. Exhausted, he left the main courtyard. As he walked out, his vision went black, and he staggered, nearly falling.

None of the servants had followed him to the back courtyard, but someone still managed to catch him.

A pair of soft hands supported him, though it seemed they struggled to bear his weight. Yet the hands’ owner remained steadfast, her face tense but her eyes full of concern as she looked at him. “Brother Zheng, are you alright?”

Zheng Yihan suddenly felt a bit of relief in his heart. There was no fearful wife here, no tearful mother. He smiled slightly. “I’m fine, thank you, Tingxue.”

Su Tingxue beamed, still holding onto him. “Brother Zheng, let’s rest in the pavilion. I’m worried you might collapse on the way.”

“Alright.” Zheng Yihan nodded without thinking.

But as he followed Su Tingxue to the pavilion, he hesitated, his steps slowing.

Su Tingxue tilted her head, her pure eyes reflecting his image, and asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”

Zheng Yihan quickly looked away and kept walking. “Nothing.”