Chapter 131
Chapter 131
[Isn’t the Villain Tempting? Not Really – 1]
As Ying Zheng had said, no resentment between father and son lasted overnight. Every barrier that had ever stood between this pair arose from affairs of government, never personal feelings or private interests.
The Eldest Imperial Son possessed a gentle temperament. He would never be an aggressive sovereign bent on war, but he was more than capable of inheriting the empire, cherishing the people, and preserving the dynasty’s achievements.
Ying Zheng watched that tall, familiar figure depart, then sat alone in silence for a long time. When he returned to himself, he summoned a court gentleman to record an edict naming the Eldest Imperial Son as Crown Prince.
The capital had buzzed with discussion lately over the Sixth Princess’s betrothal to Jiang Yingchen. Many assumed the Eldest Imperial Son had likely been removed from consideration as heir. After all, his elder sister’s husband’s family had only just been exterminated, with all nine connected clans hauled away to build the Great Wall. Meanwhile, his younger sister’s future husband came from an obscure family and did not even hold office.
Although the court gentleman had taken no part in such talk, he could not avoid his own speculations. When the Emperor instructed him to draft an edict establishing the heir, he stood frozen for several breaths before recovering. He respectfully raised his brush, but great waves surged through his heart.
The Emperor had long intended to name his eldest son as heir. The man was both legitimate and eldest, and his genuine benevolence and filial devotion won the people’s respect. Otherwise, why would the Emperor have married him to the daughter of a famous general and tacitly permitted his dealings with military officers?
As for Fusu, he too had originally been Great Qin’s undisputed future Crown Prince. Later generations always studied the causes of fallen dynasties. Because Qin had abolished feudal enfeoffment, Han subsequently adopted a parallel system of commanderies and principalities. And because Fusu was away from the capital when the First Emperor died, allowing Zhao Gao and Li Si to seize the opportunity for rebellion, no Crown Prince of the Han Dynasty was ever again permitted to leave the Guanzhong region. That fact alone spoke volumes.
The edict was soon drafted. The court gentleman presented it with both hands for the Emperor’s inspection.
It contained only a few hundred words, yet Ying Zheng read it for a very long time. His fingers touched the yellow silk, as though the fabric allowed him to touch the memories sealed deep within his heart.
If only he had established Fusu as Crown Prince earlier…
If only he had recognized Zhao Gao’s wolfish ambition sooner…
If only…
Enough. Enough!
Ying Zheng released a long sigh, then laughed at himself. He took out the imperial seal, stamped the edict, and ordered it announced.
After returning to the capital, the Eldest Imperial Son had not yet gone back to his residence. Once his audience with the Emperor ended, he returned home with Princess Linchang and the Sixth Princess, where he reunited with his Princess Consort and heir.
The family was enjoying a harmonious gathering when a servant hurried in to report that two important ministers were coming to announce an edict. They had already passed Vermilion Bird Avenue and would reach the residence within a quarter of an hour.
Princess Linchang felt a trace of fear. The Sixth Princess did not understand what was happening, while a certain realization arose within the Eldest Imperial Son. He ordered the household to prepare an incense table and everything else required to receive an imperial decree, then led his wife and children to wait at the entrance.
Faint smiles appeared on the two ministers’ faces, but their manner also held greater respect and solemnity than before. They unfurled the imperial decree and read it aloud. Once they finished, they smiled and said, “Your Highness the Crown Prince, please accept the decree.”
The Eldest Imperial Son respectfully gave thanks, accepted the decree, and rose. His Princess Consort stood with him but felt so dizzy that she might be walking among the clouds. Princess Linchang stood frozen as well. Only the Sixth Princess leaped high into the air, clapped her hands, and cried happily, “Big Brother is the Crown Prince! Congratulations!”
Her words finally brought the atmosphere back to life.
The Princess Consort ordered the servants to distribute celebratory money outside the gates. She received the palace eunuchs and invited the two ministers to remain for tea. Princess Linchang began calculating when they should enter the palace to give thanks and how to arrange a banquet for the assembled officials. They were genuinely busy, but their joy was equally genuine.
When the news spread through the capital, court officials and nobles alike were astonished. Yet upon reflection, the legitimate line and seniority had guided succession since ancient times. The Eldest Imperial Son was both legitimate and eldest, and he was neither foolish nor disabled. He had always been the natural choice as heir. Now that the matter was settled, what was there to question?
Attendants gathered every reaction outside and reported them within the palace. Ying Zheng merely smiled when he heard.
The court was filled with civil and military officials and countless useful nobles. Could every last one of them possibly become related by marriage to the Crown Prince?
Anyone who believed marrying a daughter from a particular family would make that entire clan fight to the death and sacrifice everything for the husband was the true fool!
Li Shimin could not help scoffing. “One should always seek virtue in a wife. Why demand an eminent family? When Chengqian became Crown Prince, he married Lady Su, the daughter of an Assistant Director of the Palace Library. Does that mean I was dissatisfied with my son too?”
Liu Che curled his lip. “If an emperor truly wishes to pave the road for his son, marriage and concubines are hardly the only means. Simply order the legitimate sons of every third-rank family and above to serve in the Eastern Palace. Why play so many circuitous games?”
Zhu Yuanzhang looked back upon the past with a gloomy expression. “Even blood brothers turn against each other, let alone relatives by marriage. You can’t rely on them.”
Ying Zheng had been laughing at the rumors beyond the palace, but those words wiped the smile from his face. After a moment of silence, he remarked with equal parts self-mockery and derision, “Would an Imperial House whose members never turned against each other still be an Imperial House?”
Li Shimin silently gave him a thumbs-up.
Amid all the rumors and gossip, almost no one noticed that the Sixth Princess’s future Prince Consort, Jiang Yingchen, had received a post in the Eastern Palace. It could not truly be said that no one noticed. However, Jiang Yingchen was the Son of Heaven’s future son-in-law and would marry the Crown Prince’s full sister. It was entirely ordinary for the Emperor or Crown Prince to gild his reputation with an Eastern Palace appointment.
No one wasted attention on such a trivial matter.
The Crown Prince cherished his little sister, so he naturally wished to meet her future husband and his new Eastern Palace subordinate. Knowing Jiang Yingchen was not a man of dazzling literary talent, he did not discuss prose or poetry when they met, but spoke only of practical affairs. He mentioned his recent journey south to repair the canal. To his surprise, the other man offered substantial observations and extensive knowledge. Plainly, Jiang Yingchen was no pedant who knew only how to read books.
Secretly astonished, the Crown Prince straightened in his seat. After they finished discussing the canal, he asked about other affairs of state to test him further.
To know what one knew, and to know what one did not. Jiang Yingchen remained gentle and composed. He showed no pride when able to answer and no shame when unfamiliar with a matter, responding with perfect ease.
The Crown Prince admired Jiang Yingchen’s cultured refinement and gentlemanly bearing. He nodded several times as he listened. When their conversation ended, he asked kindly, “Yingchen, you are such a modest gentleman. Why did you possess so little fame before?”
Jiang Yingchen replied, “The court’s great talents shine like the moon, while Yingchen is only a faint star. How could I compare with them? Only Your Highness the Crown Prince’s generous regard has earned me such praise.”
The Crown Prince smiled and asked, “You are both Our future brother-in-law and a minister of the Eastern Palace. Since this is our first meeting, is there anything you wish to say to Us?”
Jiang Yingchen sat upright and answered solemnly, “Filial piety begins with serving one’s parents, continues in serving one’s ruler, and culminates in establishing oneself. How many of these can Your Highness accomplish? This minister believes true filial piety requires more than obedience. When one’s parents err, one must remonstrate and prevent them from continuing. If Your Highness examines your conscience, can you genuinely say you are capable of that?”
The Crown Prince knew Jiang Yingchen was alluding to his previous dispute with his father and his subsequent banishment from the capital to the south. He wished to defend himself, but Jiang Yingchen shook his head gently.
“This minister understands Your Highness’s thoughts and sympathizes with your compassionate love for the people. But if you wish to remonstrate with your sovereign and persuade His Majesty to change his mind, is refuting him to his face truly the only path? This minister knows that wise rulers throughout history accepted remonstrance. Yet please place yourself in His Majesty’s position. Would Your Highness prefer subtle criticism and gentle persuasion, or blunt refutation from a remonstrating official who contradicts you before the entire court and strips away your dignity? Even an ordinary man must not be humiliated, much less the Son of Heaven.”
The Crown Prince’s expression changed slightly.
Jiang Yingchen bowed respectfully. “This minister has not yet reached twenty, and my learning falls far short of the eminent lords at court. In my humble understanding, however, when Your Highness and His Majesty disagree and your visions for governance point in opposite directions, public refutation is the worst strategy. Gentle persuasion is a middling strategy. The finest strategy is to find a practical solution first and then use it to persuade him!”
The Crown Prince recalled his argument with his father at court several months earlier. It seemed to belong to another lifetime. His father had sat high upon the imperial throne, solemn and majestic, while he charged forward with a chest full of passion like a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger.
At the time, he saw only that his father’s actions seemed improper and the law excessively harsh. He never considered the entire matter from his father’s position, nor did he ask what he himself would do if his father followed his proposal.
Courage and benevolence were valuable, but when applied in the wrong place and pointed in the wrong direction, they could become utterly laughable.
The memory sent a chill down the Crown Prince’s back. Then he considered why his father had selected Jiang Yingchen to serve in the Eastern Palace and even become his brother-in-law. How could he remain unmoved?
The hearts of parents everywhere deserved compassion!
The Crown Prince composed his expression and returned Jiang Yingchen’s salute. “Yingchen may not possess illustrious scholarship, but you pierce to the heart of affairs and understand the ways of the world. That is precisely the kind of minister We truly need!”
Their conversation eventually reached Ying Zheng. When he heard it, he smiled in satisfaction and told his old companions in the System’s space, “Jiang Yingchen has not disappointed Us.”
Emperor Gaozu smiled as well. “Lacking talent does not mean lacking virtue. Shi Huang aided him first, and he now supports the Crown Prince in return. Every peck and every sip is ordained by Heaven.”
The Eldest Imperial Son possessed a gentle temperament without being pedantic. His mind was flexible, and one hint was enough for him to understand. With Jiang Yingchen and the other Eastern Palace ministers assisting him, Ying Zheng felt secure about the realm’s present circumstances.
Every emperor carried his own concerns and hopes, but none desired a favorable outcome as fiercely as Ying Zheng. The reason was simple: Great Qin’s fate had been too tragic.
Generations of Qin ancestors had governed diligently to build a powerful kingdom, and Ying Zheng had exhausted his heart and blood to create the Great Qin Empire. Yet it survived only fourteen years before collapsing, dying in its second generation. How could anyone contemplate such an end without grief?
This world’s dynasty was also named Qin, and its Crown Prince resembled Fusu so closely. Inevitably, this brought Ying Zheng a measure of comfort.
When the day finally came for him to die peacefully at the end of his natural life, his soul left the body and should have departed at once. Yet perhaps Heaven showed mercy and allowed him to remain in this world for a few moments longer.
Cries filled the inner palace. Princess Linchang and the Sixth Princess wept until they were nearly senseless. Grief covered the Crown Prince’s face, but accompanied by Jiang Yingchen and his other trusted ministers, he still proceeded to the main hall to ascend the throne and preserve the proper succession.
Ying Zheng watched the Crown Prince don the imperial crown and robes, ascend the throne, and receive the submission of the assembled officials. Every rite proceeded with solemn precision. His gaze remained fixed upon the scene, and for a long time, he said nothing.
The emperors in the System’s space possessed sharp eyes. They saw tears flash and vanish within his gaze.
For once, Liu Che did not speak.
Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to approach and offer comfort, but Li Shimin stopped him and shook his head gently.
The First Emperor did not need consolation. He needed quiet and space.
He could compose himself.
…
Once again, white mist filled the space.
“Zhou Shuhui discovered that she shared a name with the heroine of a romance novel. She eagerly searched for the plot summary, then wanted to roll her eyes at Heaven two hundred times!”
“What was the heroine thinking? Why did she insist upon staying with a sanctimonious male lead who carried all humanity in his heart? Wasn’t the villain who would betray the entire world before betraying her far more tempting?!”
“So what if the villain was evil, murdered countless people, and massacred cities at the slightest provocation? Who cared, as long as he loved her!”
Zhu Yuanzhang: “…”
The emperors: “…”
Liu Che scratched his head in confusion. “One is a sanctimonious do-gooder who carries the whole world in his heart. The other is a villain who murders without blinking. Can’t she find one normal man and live a decent life?”
Zhu Yuanzhang pierced directly to the heart of the matter. “The village idiot next door has eyes only for her and never looks at another woman. Ask whether she’d marry him.”
“There is something very strange about this. Countless people live in the world. Only one woman receives the villain’s adoration, while many more have their families destroyed by him. How can she be certain she will become the woman he adores instead of nameless cannon fodder whose family he destroys?”
Ying Zheng’s swordlike brows drew together. “What do later generations call that? Probability?”
Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. “Delusional self-confidence.”
…
Emperor Gaozu opened his eyes amid the howl of a freezing wind and heard the thunder of hoofbeats. Focusing his gaze, he discovered that he was galloping on horseback, dressed in a brocade cap and sable coat. Several hundred guards rode behind him, and he appeared to lead them.
His thoughts steadied, but his expression did not change. When they passed a relay station ahead, he finally reined in his horse and stopped to rest.
When Emperor Gaozu stopped, those around him naturally followed. After they entered the station, a subordinate on his right drew a map from inside his robe. He studied it for several breaths before reporting respectfully, “Great General, Xing’an is only fifty li from here. We will arrive safely before nightfall.”
Great General?
The highest commander among military officers?
Where was this party going?
Emperor Gaozu gave a casual grunt. An attendant went to request tea while he pretended to rest his cheek against one hand. His palm encountered a full beard. Judging by the condition of the skin beneath it, this body did not belong to a young man. He was at least a man of thirty in the prime of life.
A Great General traveling toward Xing’an-what business took him there?
In the next instant, memories surged into his mind like a tidal wave.
This was an alternate world where the imperial court was weak and the regional lords were powerful. The body’s original owner, He Zhenkui, had previously commanded the Yanyun region. When chaos engulfed the realm, he marched south into the capital, seized the Son of Heaven as his puppet to command the feudal lords, and awarded himself the title of Great General along the way.
He Zhenkui had been born into an eminent family, but he was no pampered noble son. His temper burned like fire, yet beneath his rough exterior lay a meticulous mind.
His mother died young. His father remarried, favored his second wife, and treated his eldest son harshly. In a fit of anger, He Zhenkui ran away from home, changed his name, and joined the army, where he carved out a vast realm for himself through sheer force.
No one in the He Family remained whom he cared about, save his younger twin sister. When he left home, she was already betrothed and could not follow her brother. Later, when he heard she had married, He Zhenkui arranged through several intermediaries to send a wedding gift. Afterward, years of campaigns took him far away, and he could no longer maintain contact. Their connection gradually broke until he led his army south and finally received news of her again.
He Zhenkui had spent these years fighting from east to west and licking blood from the edge of his blade. His sister’s life had been no easier.
Her natal household was controlled by a stepmother, and her younger half siblings were not close to her. Her husband’s Hu Family shifted with every wind and treated her with little kindness. Fortunately, her womb proved capable. In her second year after entering the household, she gave birth to boy-girl twins and finally secured her footing among her in-laws.
He Zhenkui had already dispatched men to search for his sister. If possible, they were to bring her and his nephew and niece away together. After waiting for more than a month, news finally arrived, but what accompanied it was far from good.
Several days earlier, Old Madam Hu went out to burn incense and accidentally fell into a river. Fortunately, someone rescued her, and she escaped disaster.
Her rescuer was a pretty young woman from a humble household. She possessed a sweet tongue, a lovely face, and a particularly pleasing manner. When Old Madam Hu asked what reward she desired, the young woman gazed shyly at the eldest Hu son, lowered her head, and twisted her handkerchief.
Old Madam Hu understood at once. She immediately decided that her son should marry the girl as an equal wife.
Merciful Heaven! Only merchant families kept so-called equal wives. The Hu Family was a house of officials. How could they do such a thing?
In your eyes, is the old lady’s life worth so little?!
This dynasty had always governed the realm through filial piety. Forget merely marrying her as an equal wife. If you were truly filial, you should surrender the position of principal wife as well! The Hu Family was only showing consideration because you had given birth to a pair of children. Even if you possessed no merit, you had still endured hardship. That was why they only asked the young woman to become an equal wife, preserving some dignity for you and your children!
Lady He nearly vomited blood from anger. She wished to leave the Hu Family with her children, but no place remained for her in her natal household. Her brother had been gone for more than a decade, and she did not even know whether he was alive.
Remain here…
If the Hu Family treated her this way now, could her future possibly improve?
If she were alone, perhaps she could endure it. But she had children!
Truly, Heaven would not answer her cries, and Earth offered no aid. Her face bloodless, she could not say a word. After returning to her room, she embraced both children and sobbed uncontrollably.
When He Zhenkui heard the report, he slammed one palm down and sent the inkstone leaping from the table. “The Hu Family dares treat my sister this way? They’re fucking courting death!”
The messenger hastened to reply, “Our men have already delivered word to the Hu Family. When those petty villains learned the Great General was Madam Hu’s elder brother, terror shattered their courage. They have already sent that woman away!”
He Zhenkui sneered, a murderous gleam flashing in his eyes. Without commenting further, he hurriedly entrusted his official business to a confidant and set out for Xing’an.
When they left the relay station and continued toward Xing’an, Emperor Gaozu deliberately glanced into the saddlebags and could not help saying, “Old Zhu, you and He Zhenkui would definitely find plenty to discuss!”
Zhu Yuanzhang: “????”
Emperor Gaozu asked, “Know what’s packed in here?”
Zhu Yuanzhang said, “What?”
Then Zhu Yuanzhang sighed with both admiration and emotion. “This brother is remarkably honest. He’s a good man!”