From the very beginning, Cheng Yujin felt that as a father and son, the way Old Master Cheng treated Cheng Yuanjing was very strange. Today, when the Old Master sent everyone out, his eyes were looking for someone. Among all Cheng family members present, Cheng Yuanjing was the only one absent to see the imperial physician off.
Needless to guess, the Old Master was looking for Cheng Yuanjing.
Old Master Cheng was seriously ill, and he could be gone anytime. The arrangements for the properties and title he would leave behind was the utmost importance. But at this critical time, he wasn't in a hurry to arrange his posthumous affairs, but instead sent everyone off and talked to Cheng Yuanjing alone. The meaning behind this action was inexplicable.
Cheng Yujin felt the oddity of this matter, so she made a special arrangement, avoided everyone's eyes, and ran back into the Old Master's bedroom. She wanted to know what actually was in the Old Master's mind, that he should talk with Cheng Yuanjing alone while disregarding other family members.
How could she know that she would hear such a shocking secret!
Cheng Yujin was caught off guard and almost screamed on the spot. She slammed her mouth tightly, so hard that small teeth marks were left on her fingers. For the first time, Cheng Yujin regretted her action. She wished she could cover her ears and stopped listening any further.
But betraying her expectations, the voice of conversation simply weakened a bit by the wood separating them, but still clearly flowed into the cabinet.
Old Master Cheng was dying, and was at his last strength. He wanted to sit up but only managed to raised his head. His eyes could no longer see clearly and only registered a blurry figure.
This was the crown prince. Even if he fell off from the cloud, even after receiving so many setbacks, he was still a noble and high figure, with the imperial aura radiated throughout his body.
Cheng Yuanjing sighed softly. He sat down by the bedside and said: "Marquis, I'm here. If you have any unfulfilled wish, please speak out."
In the narrow cabinet surrounded by heavy wooden doors, Cheng Yujin's fingers tightened even more. Cheng Yuanjing didn't deny the Old Master's call and acquiesced it.
He isn't Cheng family's son, but the crown prince who has been missing for 15 years?
With a bang, many past events suddenly exploded in Cheng Yujin's mind. It's no wonder that Old Master Cheng and Cheng Yuanjing's interaction didn't seem like a father and son. When the Old Master made a decision, he would look at Cheng Yuanjing, as if making a request. After seeing Cheng Yuanjing nodded, it was as if he was relieved; it's no wonder that the Old Master asked Cheng Yuanjing to write calligraphy for the Emperor's longevity feast; no wonder he was very protective towards Cheng Yuanjing, even to the point of being biased so blatantly; no wonder the Old Madam has always been suspicious about Cheng Yuanjing's parentage. Little Xue-shi has been separated from Old Master Cheng for almost twenty years, but suddenly was back with a six-year-old son in tow. Old Madam Cheng always suspected that Cheng Yuanjing wasn't a Cheng's descendant, but little Xue-shi was deliberately lying.
So the truth turned out to be like this. The Old Madam suspicion was correct, but the child's real parentage was too big for their imagination.
The torrent of thoughts barraged Cheng Yujin one after another, pushing her mind into total chaos. The more chaotic she felt, the lighter her breathing. She knew she had touched a big disaster today. The crown prince's disappearance was a major event; the whole country has been searching for him for fifteen years. Who would have thought that the crown prince actually was being raised in the capital so uprightly? Cheng Yujin didn't dare to guess whether the Emperor knew about it or not, but she was sure that neither the Empress nor Senior Grand Secretary Yang was aware.
Old Master Cheng has been concealing this fact for more than ten years, and even didn't trust his own wife and biological sons. Now that Cheng Yujin has broken into the secret, will the Old Master let her left with her life? Even if the Old Master was willing, how about the crown prince?
Cheng Yujin covered her mouth even tighter, reducing her breathing into almost non-existent. The agarwood scent was filling the room, and the sunlight shone in from the pane: slowly and heavily.
Old Master Cheng's voice was feeble and hoarse: "Your Highness, this old subject knows that my time is not much longer. In this life, this old subject never has to toil to earn a living and was frivolous in my youth. Now in old age, this subject is blessed with children and grandchildren. Although never made any substantial contribution towards the country, it was a smooth life without any regrets. Xuelan is waiting in the afterworld for so long, afraid that she is already tired of waiting. This old subject has no worries, only two things that I can't let go of. One is the incompetence of my Cheng family's descendants, and the other is you, Your Highness."
"Your Highness has been living among the common people for fifteen years. This old subject was lucky enough to meet Your Highness, but I cannot see your return to the Eastern Palace and witnessing your prosperous rule. It is truly the greatest regret of my life."
The Old Master was speaking intermittently and had to stop and rest several times before he could finish. All this time, Cheng Yuanjing was waiting patiently. While listening to the Old Master's words, his eyes swept across a lion-shaped incense burner.
That heavy gilt bronze burner was placed next to a window. The green smoke above it was lightly swaying. There was no wind inside this closed room, why did the smoke sway?
Cheng Yuanjing's gaze fell lightly on the cabinet, sweeping over it as if inadvertently. Old Master Cheng was ignorant of his actions and seemingly was falling into an old memory. He slowly repeated the disappearance of the crown prince in the eight years of Jianwu that shocked the whole country.
"His Royal Highness is a di son of the Middle Palace but your life was so unfortunate and was harmed by a villain. Yang family has been unwilling to let His Majesty crown his Wangfei as the Empress. The matter was dragged for half a year, and only until His Majesty was about to resign from the throne and return to his fief that they finally allowed Zhong Wangfei to be crowned Empress. But no one expected Yang family to be so courageous. Even when the Empress was pregnant, they were unwilling to give up and almost caused her miscarriage. They also caused Your Highness to be born prematurely in weak health. The Empress Dowager said that Your Highness was born in May, that you will bring misfortune, and proposed to establish another crown prince several times. But His Majesty refused. After Empress Zhong passed away, His Majesty took you by his side and personally raised you for three years. Your Highness's health gradually getting better and better, but suddenly fell ill at five years old. The imperial physicians were all helpless. His Majesty had no choice and reluctantly sent you to a Taoist temple in the mountain."
Middle Palace: Refers to the Empress. The palace she resides usually has a different name, though, similar to the Eastern Palace.
"The Emperor originally sent your Highness to the mountain, besides for recuperating, was also to avoid Yang family. Unexpectedly, not too long after, a message came, bringing the news that the temple you were residing was washed away by a mysterious flash flood. It was thunder on a sunny day. His Majesty was devastated. He quickly sent the royal guard to search the mountain. But after three full months, they found nothing."
"After searching the temple area for so long, not even one survivor was found. This incident greatly shocked the country, and the Emperor halted the morning court for half a month, waiting for the news about Your Highness. Seeing His Majesty's attitude, no one dared to suggest the worst possibility and kept looking for Your Highness, treating you as missing." Old Master Cheng couldn't help but shook his head and smiled, "At that time, after hearing the news, this old subject pitied Your Highness' misfortune, and our family also send manpower to support the court search effort. But unexpectedly, this world is full of strange fate: Xuelan accidentally picked up your Highness."
When the topic changed into his deceased foster mother, Cheng Yuanjing's expression also eased a lot. In his life, many people let him down, but little Xue-shi gave him a peaceful home, taught him to read and write, and helped him to start anew. For Cheng Yuanjing, the importance of Old Master Cheng was far less than little Xue-shi. His respect for the Old Master now was based mainly on his relationship with little Xue-shi.
After being implicated by her family's unjust crime, little Xue-shi was exiled for more than ten years. Although her clan no longer existed, she always abided by her family's education and never mingled with outside man. But she was getting older and older. She knew that she had no hope for biological children in this life, so she was especially eager to adopt a child. She accidentally picked up the injured Cheng Yuanjing, who aroused her pity. She brought him home, and took care of the boy until he woke up.
When she asked for his name, the five-year-old boy was silent for a long time. He said that his parents had died, and he encountered a flash flood on the mountain. Little Xue-shi asked his name again, but he only said that his name was Jing.
Jing(璟). It was the brightness of jade, a virtue of a gentleman, and the vividity of the scenery.
Excellent name.
Xiao Xue did not ask further. She took care of the boy and raised him as her own son. Xue family was a scholarly clan, and little Xue-shi also proficient in classical educations. Before her clan's downfall, she was famous for her literary talents. Seeing that the boy looked smart, she tried to teach him to read and write, but didn't expect that Cheng Yuanjing's talent was even better than her anticipation. Little Xue-shi was a criminal in exile, and she usually didn't have much contact with others, so no one noticed the boy's sudden presence.
Not long after she took the child in, the court came to search the mountain, and their movement even affected the exile place she resided. Little Xue-shi's home became increasingly unsafe, and she gradually realized that this child was not an ordinary family's child.
He was probably the crown prince.
Little Xue-shi didn't dare to confide to anyone. She came from a prestigious clan and understood the in and out of the court matters. She knew that if the court army found this boy, she and he might not survive. Just as little Xue-shi was at a loss, Old Master Cheng took the opportunity to join the search party and came to visit little Xue-shi secretly. They were indeed formerly engaged, but that was in the past. For so many years, the two had no contact with each other. Previously, Old Master Cheng tried to send her money, but she refused. However, this time little Xue-shi gritted her teeth and met with Old Master Cheng to ask him to take her and 'her son' back to the capital.
The most dangerous place was often the safest. Neither the Emperor nor Senior Grand Secretary Yang would ever have an idea to search for the crown prince there. Staying in the capital would also give the boy a better growth environment.
Old Master Cheng originally didn't know that Cheng Yuanjing wasn't little Xue-shi's son. He thought some bastard insulted her, letting her give birth to a son and then abandoned the mother and son. Old Master Cheng couldn't bear seeing his white moonlight being humiliated. After returning to the capital, he recognized the boy as his son, and took him back to recognize his ancestors.
Before the Emperor noticed, Cheng Yuanjing has been listed on the family tree of a stranger. Cheng Yuanjing didn't care. Now that he had to plan for his own life, no matter how deep was his filial feeling towards his father, it wasn't as important as survival.
Seeing that Cheng Yuanjing didn't object, little Xue-shi also tacitly agreed. What happened later was the version that everyone in the Cheng family knew. Old Madam Cheng strongly opposed it. Old Master Cheng kept little Xue-shi and Cheng Yuanjing in an outside residence and ran to visit them every month.
The Emperor sent two agents to search for the whereabouts of the crown prince. On the surface, they searched the mountain, but secretly, they conducted an investigation among the people in the surrounding area. They managed to grasp a clue that led them to the capital. The Emperor was shocked. Only then did he discover that his son had changed his surname and became an outside child of the Cheng family.
Alright. It's easier to do things with the Cheng family's cover.
When Cheng Yuanjing returned to the house he lived in, he saw an agent secretly sent by the Emperor. The Emperor secretly observed Old Master Cheng for almost a year before revealing the crown prince identity.
Old Master Cheng felt as if he was struck by thunder on a sunny day. But for little Xue-shi, it merely confirmed her guess. Now that the heavy boulder has been put down, she only had to follow her heart. The Emperor and Old Master Cheng originally planned to raise Cheng Yuanjing safely outside the palace, and then let him return when the time was right. Of course, Cheng Yuanjing believed that the Emperor was sincere at that time. Still, he also knew that if he really lived as Cheng family's son peacefully, he might never be able to recover his identity.
White Moonlight: This term refers to a spotless woman a man cherishes in his memory whom he loved but no longer with him.
The Emperor and Old Master Cheng originally planned to raise Cheng Yuanjing safely outside the palace, and then let him return when the time was right. Of course, Cheng Yuanjing believed that the Emperor was sincere at that time. Still, he also knew that if he really lived as Cheng family's son peacefully, he might never be able to recover his identity.
What the Emperor meant by the 'right time' was at least until both the Empress Dowager Yang and Senior Grand Secretary Yang died. But at that time, Yang Miao's son would already grow up. Even if Cheng Yuanjing returned, he would have nothing: no backing, no accomplishment, and no reputation. Why should the courtiers support such a crown prince?
Without destruction, there would be no construction—Cheng Yuanjing decided to destroy his retreat path and prepared himself for the imperial examination. Among those who knew the truth, probably only little Xue-shi truly supported him. Neither the Emperor nor Old Master Cheng ever believed that Cheng Yuanjing could achieve success in the exam. Every three years, countless scholars from all over the country competed for a limited glory. As for jinshi, they were the elites among all. Only one hundred of them were selected each time. How could Cheng Yuanjing, this inexperienced youth, a former crown prince who never been trained for the exam, compete against dedicated scholars with decades of learning?
Both the provincial and metropolitan exam was both under Senior Grand Secretary Yang's supervision. The Emperor couldn't give Cheng Yuanjing any backdoor. Still, the Emperor didn't want to dampen the young man's spirit. Li Chengjing would inherit the country in the future. It wouldn't be bad for him to try the imperial examination and experience the hardship of the commons.
Who knows, the Emperor actually saw Cheng Yuanjing's name in the examinee list sent by the Ministry of Rites. He barely controlled his expression, and in the palace exam, he finally saw his son for the first time in years.
Father and son have been separated for more than one decade. If not for the special occasion, they might not recognize each other. The Emperor didn't want Cheng Yuanjing to be ranked too high, so he suppressed it appropriately. When its time to confer the post for the new officials, the Emperor secretly sent a eunuch to inquire about Cheng Yuanjing's intention. The answer made the Emperor sighed. He then arranged his son to an outside post so that the young man could see the real Great Yan country with his own eyes.
In return, the Xue family's case, which had been backlogged for many years, finally cleared. On her sickbed, little Xue-shi heard the news of her adopted son's brilliant result and the resolvance of her family's case. Finally, she died with a smile.
After a few years, the conflicts in the court became more and more prominent. Coupled with the fact that Old Master Cheng was seriously ill, Cheng Yuanjing formally requested his return to the capital. When the Emperor saw the request, he immediately agreed.
Cheng Yujin had said that Huo Changyuan simply bathed in the crown prince's blessing, and it was true. Cheng Yuanjing was grateful to little Xue-shi, and asked the Emperor to re-examined her family's case. The Emperor also readily agree, because little Xue-shi had saved his son's life. After the Xue family's case was resolved, Huo Xue-shi saw the moving tide and tried to re-deliver the request for Huo Changyuan's Marquis title. The Emperor saw that Huo Xue-shi also surnamed Xue, so he spoke with Huo Changyuan during the banquet and resolved the matter.
Old Master Cheng had enjoyed a life of wealth. In his late years, he also able to protect the crown prince. He really could die without any regret. But there were two things that he couldn't let go: one was the Cheng family, and the other was the crown prince. However, as long as the crown prince was there, he would always take care of the Cheng family. The Old Master didn't ask for power or fame. It was enough if his children and grandchildren could stay wealthy and safe for the rest of their lives. The Old Master didn't have any doubt about this; it was Cheng Yuanjing that he really couldn't feel at ease.
Old Master Cheng said: "Xuelan has dead, and my time is also going to end soon. After I left, His Majesty and Your Highness are the only ones who know the truth that year. Yang family is powerful; Senior Grand Secretary Yang controls the outer court while the Empress Dowager controls the inner palace. Yang family's daughter also gave birth to the second prince. Your Highness, you have to plan for yourself. If all the insiders died, once His Majesty is shaken, no one can prove your identity!"
If the Old Master's words were spread outside, it would be enough to put his whole clan to death. Yet, he still gave the warning. The Old Master stared at Cheng Yuanjing eagerly. He knew that he stepped outside the boundary, but even if he had to take the risk, the Old Master sincerely wished the best for Cheng Yuanjing.
Cheng Yuanjing didn't answer immediately. His eyes seemed to drift away, but he quickly recovered his calmness. He looked at the Old Master's earnest eyes. After a long time, he finally said: "Marquis, be assured. I remember your concerns. Whatever happened in the future, I will not let Cheng family be implicated."
But, only this.
Old Master Cheng was relieved. He knew that the crown prince, whom he had placed high hope for, was not blinded by personal feelings. Cheng family's descendants would be able to enjoy a lifetime of peace and wealth. The Old Master had done his best. If his children and grandchildren still couldn't keep their family name, it only meant that Cheng family's life had been exhausted. In the future, even if he met his ancestors, the Old Master wouldn't feel ashamed.
Old Master Cheng smiled and closed his eyes. He was so tired that he soon fell asleep. Cheng Yuanjing watched for a while, and when he saw that the Old Master was sleeping, he slowly stood up.
Old Master Cheng's bedroom was dimly lit and was heavy with medicine. When Cheng Yuanjing moved, he didn't make any noise. Inside the mezzanine, Cheng Yujin inadvertently had to hear about a huge secret of the imperial family, and now she didn't even dare to breathe. From the gap, she saw Cheng Yuanjing stood up. Cheng Yujin clenched her hands tighter on her mouth and focused all her strength to hold her breath.
Cheng Yuanjing seemed to be going out. He walked passed the mahogany mezzanine and paused for a while. Cheng Yujin was so nervous that her heart was about to jump out of her chest. She almost thought that she had been discovered, but Cheng Yuanjing soon resumed his steps.
Cheng Yujin quietly breathed a sigh of relief. She moved her body slightly. After so long, her legs were numb.
However, when Cheng Yujin just put her legs down, she suddenly heard a voice: "You still don't come out yet?"