In the Palace of Wuyang, Consort Zhao, Jiang Yuan, sat upright before a mirror while palace maids attended to her makeup.
The young maids who styled her hair glanced at her reflected exquisite beauty and chuckled, "They say the dancer who performed last night was stunning, but in my humble opinion, Your Majesty, you outshine them all. His Majesty couldn't take his eyes off you!"
Jiang Yuan couldn't help but smile, though she chided, "It's early morning, stop talking nonsense."
"Where's the nonsense in that? Last night, with the danger of the landslide, His Majesty kept you safe in his embrace the whole time. Other consorts wouldn't dare to dream of such favor." The maid smiled mischievously, "Besides, isn't His Majesty on his way to accompany you again?"
"You're quite sharp," Jiang Yuan glanced at her, amusement deepening, "Go fetch the hairpin His Majesty bestowed upon me on my birthday."
"Yes." The maid set down the comb and went to fetch the box.
Another maid, who had been silently attending to the cosmetics, suddenly paused, took a step forward, and discreetly handed Jiang Yuan a note from her sleeve.
Jiang Yuan's expression froze slightly as she unfolded the note. Her smile instantly stiffened, her gaze darting around, her fingers tightly crumpling the narrow piece of paper. On it was a simple and unmistakable message, now creased tightly in her palm.
At that moment, the other maid returned with the box, opening it with a smile, "Your Majesty, shall I adorn you with it?"
"No," Jiang Yuan seemed to snap out of it, hastily speaking up, "Go tell His Majesty not to come... Yes, tell him not to come, say I'm ill and resting, not receiving visitors!"
The young maid looked at her in surprise, but dared not inquire further, quickly acknowledging and preparing to leave.
"Wait, stop!" Jiang Yuan suddenly raised her voice, halting the maid in her tracks. The maid turned back to her, confusion evident in her gaze, as Consort Zhao's figure trembled slightly. Then, after taking a deep breath, she composed herself and spoke in a calm tone, "Don't go, come back here."
The maid returned to her side, perplexed.
Jiang Yuan looked at her reflection in the mirror, slowly smiling. A fleeting hint of sadness passed through her eyes as she instructed, "Adorn me with the hairpin, change my attire, and prepare food and wine. Await His Majesty."
Before long, Li Yanzheng arrived. Upon entering the hall and seeing Jiang Yuan, his eyes lit up, "Consort, you're dressed so splendidly. Is there something special happening?"
Jiang Yuan gestured for the palace maids to withdraw and smiled at Li Yanzheng, "Isn't His Majesty's visit the best thing?"
"Indeed." Li Yanzheng chuckled, dismissing the attendants with a nod. Alone in the hall, he took Jiang Yuan's hand, guiding her to sit down. Glancing at the lavish spread on the table, he couldn't help but look back at her, "Is there truly nothing you wish to discuss?"
Jiang Yuan fell silent for a moment, then spoke, "If Your Majesty asks so, there are indeed some matters I wish to address." She turned to Li Yanzheng, "Last night, during the perilous situation, when Your Majesty held me close, I couldn't help but wonder, what was on Your Majesty's mind at that moment?"
Li Yanzhen couldn't help but chuckle, "Why suddenly curious about this?"
"...Just became curious all of a sudden," came the reply.
Li Yanzhen shook his head, "At that moment, I didn't think about anything. As the consort said, the situation was perilous, and there was no room for much thought. You were by my side, how could I let you be in danger?"
This time, Jiang Yuan remained silent for a long while before speaking softly, "Recalling it now, it's been almost a year since I entered the palace. Your Majesty has always favored me greatly, trusting me implicitly. I... truly don't know how to repay..."
Li Yanzhen chuckled at her words, "Consort speaks nonsense. Being by my side is enough. How else do you plan to repay?"
Though he was the revered ruler, Li Yanzhen had only recently come of age, his features delicate and youthful. His smile revealed a hint of youthful charm, clear and bright. Jiang Yuan felt a bit absent-minded, a surge of bitterness rising within her, almost bringing tears to her eyes. She hastily lowered her head, steadied herself, then raised her eyes again with a smile, took the wine jug, and poured a cup, "Let this cup of wine express my gratitude, may I accompany Your Majesty for eternity."
Li Yanzhen glanced at the clear wine in the cup, then gave Jiang Yuan a slightly strange look, before smiling and finishing the drink in one go. Unseen by Li Yanzhen, Jiang Yuan lowered her eyes, tears falling and dampening the embroidered sleeves of her gown, leaving a trace of dark color.
With governmental affairs awaiting, Li Yanzhen didn't linger. Jiang Yuan escorted him out of the hall, watching as the royal carriage gradually disappeared from view. She knelt on the ground, feeling drained, "Silly boy..." she chuckled softly, choking back tears. She reached into her sleeve, took out a porcelain bottle, opened it, and swallowed all the pills inside. Surprisingly, her eyes softened and brightened a little, "I'll go ahead of you, in hopes that in the next life, we'll be siblings, and I'll repay all I owe you, protecting you well for a lifetime..."
Jiang Yuan bowed deeply towards the distance, slowly kowtowing until her forehead touched the ground, quiet to the point of absolute stillness. Fresh blood dripped from the corner of her lips onto the bluestone ground, vividly red.
Suddenly, from the royal carriage on the palace road came a violent coughing fit, so severe it sounded like it was tearing apart one's heart and lungs. Courtiers hastily pulled open the curtains, only to find a large pool of blood spreading on the embroidered carpet, while Li Yanzhen lay collapsed nearby, his face deathly pale, unconscious.
Although it was a day of rest, officials in important positions in Chang'an City simultaneously received urgent orders, commanding them to secretly enter the palace for a court session.
Unlike the regular court assemblies, the court session was presided over by the Grand Marshal and the Grand Secretary, with only key members of the court allowed to participate. Discussions always revolved around the most urgent state affairs. Once a consensus was reached during the court session, the results would be presented to the emperor for final judgment. This time, the sudden and urgent notice of the court session left the officials no room for delay. They hastily changed into their official robes and hurried towards the imperial city. Upon entering the hall, they realized that the situation was perhaps even more grave than they had imagined.
The Grand Marshal of Chu sat on the left, his eyes lowered as he toyed with a folding fan in his hand, not once lifting his gaze to look at anyone. On the right, Minister Su held a cup of tea, also remaining silent. The attending officials, including the Chief Secretary, the Deputy Imperial Censor, and others, exchanged glances, none daring to speak out, only anxiously awaiting, the spacious hall almost deathly silent.
Finally, Su Shiyu raised his hand, and all the palace maids withdrew and tightly closed the palace doors. He stood up, glanced around, and spoke, "Summoning you all here in haste is due to the urgency of the situation. I'm sure you have prepared yourselves, but please allow me to say one more thing: what happens in the hall today must not be leaked to the outside, not a single word."
The courtiers all responded in unison.
Su Shiyu paused slightly, glanced at Chu Mingyun, who was still absent-mindedly flipping his sandalwood fan, showing no intention of speaking. Su Shiyu withdrew his gaze, sighed, and continued, "His Majesty was poisoned in the palace just now and has fallen into a coma. Although the imperial physicians are doing their utmost to treat him, the situation is not optimistic."
Even though there had been ominous premonitions, no one had expected such news. Immediately, there was an uproar. The Minister of Justice, Lu Shi, reacted particularly strongly, urgently asking, "Poisoned in the palace?! Who dares to be so audacious? Have the culprit been apprehended?"
Others echoed, "There was an incident at the palace last night, and today His Majesty encounters misfortune again in the palace. Sir Su, such audacious and brazen individuals must be severely punished! Has the whereabouts of the culprit been traced?"
"Everyone, calm down," Su Shiyu said, "The investigation and capture of the real culprit are the responsibility of the Forbidden Army. Our immediate concern is how to deal with this situation. His Majesty is likely unable to attend court for these days. How can we prevent instability in the court and prevent opportunists from taking advantage? Do you esteemed gentlemen have any ideas?"
Everyone looked at each other, unable to make a decision, as they had just learned of the news and were likely still in a state of chaos. The Deputy Chief Censor, who was closer, spoke first, "May I ask, sir, what are your plans?"
Su Shiyu met the gaze of everyone looking at him, and without evading, he calmly said, "In my opinion, we should conceal His Majesty's coma, temporarily suspend court sessions under the pretext of other reasons, base major decisions on court deliberations, and ensure that each department acts prudently and maintains stability above all else. We should strive to make everything appear normal, to prevent unrest among the people. It's best to confuse our enemies so they dare not act recklessly. If there are any changes, I hope everyone will act cautiously and not make decisions rashly."
"I agree with Master Su's idea," Lu Shi nodded directly.
The Deputy Chief Censor also said, "I have no objections."
Officials from the Su faction all expressed their support, while those from the Chu faction exchanged knowing glances without saying a word. Sure enough, a voice rang out slowly:
"I find it inappropriate."
Su Shiyu's eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to look at Chu Mingyun. Chu was still playing with his fan, his eyes veiled, making it hard to discern his expression. Su softened his tone, "Where does Master Chu find it inappropriate?"
"Everywhere." Chu Mingyun chuckled lightly without emotion, "Master Su swiftly sealed off the palace's information, but would the person who instructed Jiang Zhaoyi to act not know what's happening? Why wait for you to inform them?"
"And what does Master Chu suggest?"
"Since action has been taken, there must be a motive. I see this as a precursor to turmoil. We should immediately deploy fifty thousand elite troops from outside the city, prepare all necessary provisions, to respond promptly."
"Fifty thousand elite troops?!" someone exclaimed quietly.
Chu Mingyun didn't even lift his eyes, asking Minister of War Zheng Ran, "What does Minister Zheng think?"
"I believe Master Chu is absolutely right," Zheng Ran replied promptly, "Just from the events of the past two days, one can see the opponent's ambitions laid bare. It's glaringly obvious, we must be on guard!"
"Minister Zheng has always been in agreement with Master Chu. His opinion may not be convincing enough," Lu Shi sneered coldly.
Minister of War Xu Yin sneered, "Admiral Lu, your words are truly strange. Our opinions from the Ministry of War are not to be trusted, yet you think the views from your Ministry of Justice are reliable?" He spoke with sarcasm, "Furthermore, Lord Su hasn't even spoken yet. Why is Admiral Lu from the Su faction so eager to speak?"
"You—"
"Are you going to argue in court?" Su Shiyu said lightly.
"...My apologies." Lu Shi returned to his original position. Xu Yin, with an unchanged expression, smiled at Su Shiyu and closed his mouth.
The atmosphere grew chilly for a moment. Su Shiyu looked at Chu Mingyun and sighed softly, "Even if it happens as Lord Chu predicted, but since the other party has not made a move, sending troops into the city without permission might raise suspicion. It might give them an excuse to stir up trouble."
Chu Mingyun chuckled softly, "Is Lord Su afraid of being accused, or afraid that someone in the court holds too much military power?"
The implication was crystal clear, causing unease among the officials present. The hall fell silent.
Su Shiyu remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a softer tone, "Insisting on our own opinions will not lead to a solution. It's better to compromise. Let's each step back..."
"No stepping back." Chu Mingyun interrupted him, "I'm not bluffing about these fifty thousand elite troops. Not a single soldier can be spared. And how does Lord Su intend to compromise? If you pretend nothing is wrong and refrain from sending troops to the capital, who will think the court is stable? Sacrifice one to save the other. I ask you, do you agree or not?"
Su Shiyu's eyes deepened, and he fell silent.
Suddenly, there was a light 'crack' as Chu Mingyun closed the sandalwood fan with a snap. Finally, he raised his eyes and looked at Su Shiyu, his gaze deep as the sea. Standing up, he paid no heed to the gazes of the officials in the hall and walked slowly towards Su Shiyu.
Su Shiyu frowned slightly, remaining still in his place. Chu Mingyun stopped in front of him, leaning slightly closer to his ear as if sighing lightly, his warm breath brushing past with his words, "You, in this state now, are really not that lovable."
Su Shiyu was taken aback, and Chu Mingyun glanced at him again before turning away and walking out.
Others couldn't hear the whisper, only watching Chu Mingyun about to leave. Xu Yin, on the contrary, became anxious and hurriedly raised his voice, "Lord Chu, why are you leaving? The outcome hasn't been decided yet!"
Chu Mingyun stepped out of the hall without looking back, "I won't change my mind. There's nothing to discuss."
They involuntarily looked at Su Shiyu again. Su Shiyu came back to his senses, sighing helplessly.
As soon as Fang returned to the mansion, Su Bai greeted him, lowering his voice, "Young Master, that delicate girl you brought back went to the study while you were away. As you instructed, I had already arranged everything. She only saw fake documents. Just as you expected, she's been secretly communicating with someone."
Su Shiyu nodded, "Continue along this line of investigation, but be careful not to arouse suspicion."
"I understand, everything is being kept discreet," Su Bai replied.
Su Shiyu chuckled and looked at him, "What about the things you prepared?"
"They're ready." Su Bai handed him a small sandalwood box.
After reporting, Su Bai respectfully withdrew. He returned to the study, and moments later, a gentle knock sounded on the door. A young woman in a white dress entered, carrying a tray. She seemed hesitant to meet his gaze, smiling shyly with her head lowered, "My lord."
Setting down his pen, Su Shiyu smiled faintly, "Are you settling in well?"
The girl nodded, "Yes, very well." She approached him, "I actually wanted to see you earlier, my lord, but you left in a hurry..."
"Do you prefer white clothes?" Su Shiyu suddenly asked. The girl, Linglong, was slightly taken aback, not understanding his meaning. Su Shiyu chuckled knowingly, "There's no need to go out of your way to please preferences."
There was an implication in his words, causing Linglong to pause, about to respond, but then she heard him speak gently, "Don't move."
Linglong stiffened her body, watching Su Shiyu open the delicate wooden box beside him without moving a muscle. He took out a silver hairpin adorned with a red jade, its color lustrous. As Su Shiyu leaned closer, seemingly pondering, Linglong dared not lift her head to see his expression. In her field of vision were only the Confucian white embroidered silver lapels, the scent of calming incense at the tip of her nose, her body stiffened even more, "My lord..."
The slightly cool touch slid into her hair, and she saw Su Shiyu step back, examining her, saying, "Indeed, it suits you better than white."
Linglong blushed slightly, "Thank you, my lord," she said, unable to help but lower her head again. Only then did she notice that she hadn't put down the tray in her hand yet, so she hurriedly said, "Oh, by the way, I made some snacks, would my lord like to try them?"
"Sorry, I don't eat in the study..." Su Shiyu stopped midway through his sentence, suddenly remembering something, couldn't help but shake his head and smile, "Forget it, I've already made an exception, you can put it down."
Linglong followed his instructions and set down the snacks carefully, scrutinizing him, couldn't help but ask, "My lord, are you thinking of someone?"
"Indeed, I am thinking of someone," Su Shiyu said.
"You're smiling so beautifully, it's different from before," Linglong teased, biting her lip, "Could it be that you're thinking of your beloved?"
Su Shiyu paused slightly at her words, then smiled, "Yes."
Linglong didn't expect to get such an answer, she suddenly froze, her eyelashes trembling slightly, seeming somewhat disappointed, she whispered, "To become the beloved of my lord is truly fortunate. She must be a gentle and beautiful woman."
"She is indeed stunningly beautiful, as for being gentle..." Su Shiyu was unusually silent for a while, when he spoke again, there was a subtle complexity in his tone, "...that's not quite her style."
Chu Mingyun sat ungracefully in his chair, staring expressionlessly at the Chief Imperial Censor.
Due to Chu Mingyun's unauthorized departure, the court's deliberations ended inconclusively. The Chief Imperial Censor harbored resentment towards him, but since he came under the orders of Su Shiyu, he spoke formally: "I have been instructed to convey that our superiors have carefully considered Lord Chu's proposal. However, there are two conditions we hope you can agree to." Pausing for a moment and seeing Chu Mingyun's silence, he continued, "Firstly, regardless of the circumstances, we ask Lord Chu to keep the Emperor's coma confidential. Secondly, the selection of the fifty thousand elite soldiers and their commanders will be left to your discretion, without interference from others. However, they are not to be stationed within the city of Chang'an. What say you, Lord Chu?"
Chu Mingyun nonchalantly withdrew his gaze. "Fine."
The unexpectedly straightforward response surprised the Chief Imperial Censor, but it was what they had hoped for, saving them from further conversation. He promptly took his leave. Just as the Chief Imperial Censor departed, Qin Zhao entered the room.
"Elder Brother, we've expanded the scope of inspections on goods entering and leaving the capital to the past six months, yet we still haven't found any leads on gunpowder. Since Yue Yuxuan took office as Minister of Works, even waterway smuggling has been eradicated, with no anomalies," Qin Zhao reported.
"No leads?" Chu Mingyun furrowed his brow slightly, then pondered, "Gunpowder, smuggling, Minister of Works... Tan Jing?"
"Tan Jing? The former Minister of Works who was executed long ago?" Qin Zhao asked.
"Hmm, I may have overlooked something," Chu Mingyun rested his chin on his hand, "Investigate what happened to the warehouse of gunpowder Tan Jing imported back then."
"Sure," Qin Zhao responded, lifting his gaze to see his senior brother's cold expression, lost in thought. Remembering the words of the deputy censor he had overheard outside the door just now, Qin Zhao clearly got the desired outcome, yet there was not a hint of joy on Chu Mingyun's face. Qin Zhao pondered for a moment, unable to hold back, he blurted out, "Su Shiyu has just obtained a beauty and must be accompanying her at home, instead of coming here personally for state affairs. It wouldn't be surprising if soon, the Su family welcomes a young master..."
Chu Mingyun stared at him, and Qin Zhao's face went blank as he swallowed the rest of his words.
In a moment of silence, Chu Mingyun chuckled softly, "I'm not worried about that. Shiyu, with his thick skull, even if that dancer stripped naked and stood in front of him, he wouldn't think much of it."
"You stripping in front of him might yield the same result," Qin Zhao couldn't resist throwing in a dampener.
"That's not necessarily true," Chu Mingyun tilted his head slightly, pondering, "He might just think I'm truly ill."