Chapter 29
Chapter 29
[Prince Consort, the Princess Has Been Beaten to Death – 28]
Until-until he was dead?
Lü Xiuzhen was dumbfounded.
Was this still his kind and gentle Jingrou?!
How could she harden her heart enough to treat him this way?!
It was false. This had to be false!
Panic filled Lü Xiuzhen. Even after he was gagged and forced facedown upon a punishment bench, he still felt trapped in the unreality of a dream. Rain poured down and swiftly soaked his robes, yet not even its icy chill could wake him at once.
The first board fell with a dull, heavy crack. The pain, however, was entirely real.
Lü Xiuzhen’s eyes flew wide. Agony distorted his handsome face, and muffled cries spilled endlessly from his gagged mouth. He stared in disbelief at Princess Qinghe, who stood beneath the corridor watching coldly.
Before he recovered, the second stroke fell, followed without pause by the third, the fourth…
Pain. Too much pain.
Toward the end, Lü Xiuzhen felt as though his body had begun to rot and his soul had separated from its shell. His face was white as cold rain streamed down it, and he could no longer display any emotion.
Twenty strokes. Thirty. Forty…
At the fortieth stroke, the manor guards administering the punishment had to be replaced. Lü Xiuzhen lay upon the bench like a mass of mud, the flesh across his back torn and bloody.
Scarlet blood soaked his robes, then mingled with the rain. Dark-red water streamed over the ground, a terrifying sight.
The two replacement guards understood the gravity of what they were doing and hesitated. Court Lady Du looked at Princess Qinghe’s frozen expression and said quietly, “Princess, the Prince Consort now exhales more breath than he draws. If they continue, he will not survive.”
She knew the Prince Consort was guilty, but to execute him directly inside the residence still seemed a punishment beyond his crimes.
“Strike,” Princess Qinghe said calmly. “I ordered you to continue until he is dead. The person who gives an order bears its consequences. Tomorrow morning, I will enter the palace. Whatever follows, none of it will be blamed upon you.”
Seeing her decision was fixed, Court Lady Du stopped trying to dissuade her. She waved to the manor guards standing in the courtyard in rain capes. Understanding, the two stepped forward, raised their boards high, and resumed the punishment.
The rain gradually weakened, which only made the blood seeping from Lü Xiuzhen appear thicker and more abundant. The smell of it intensified and rolled heavily toward the people beneath the corridor.
Court Lady Du personally added more incense. Seeing blood covering the courtyard in such a dreadful state, she stepped forward and urged again, “Since the princess gave the order, they will not dare shirk or slacken. It is cold outside. Please rest indoors and wait for their report.”
Princess Qinghe understood her kindness but smiled and shook her head. “There is no need. I wish to watch him breathe his last with my own eyes. This is a happy event. What should I fear?”
Court Lady Du was surprised and somewhat bewildered.
She understood Princess Qinghe’s temperament and knew the affair could not end peacefully. But she had never imagined the princess would order the Prince Consort beaten to death.
Had he done something beyond this affair that crossed the princess’s final boundary?
Otherwise, given the princess’s habitual generosity and compassion, how could she act this way?
Court Lady Du had her suspicions. Since Princess Qinghe said nothing, she did not ask. She ordered the small kitchen to prepare ginger soup against the cold, then quietly stood beside the princess and kept her company.
After another thirty strokes, the guards paused. One reached for the artery at Lü Xiuzhen’s neck. After examining him carefully, he saluted. “Princess, the Prince Consort has stopped breathing.”
Princess Qinghe covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief. She asked gently, “Are you certain?”
To make absolutely sure, both guards checked in turn. They confirmed, “He has indeed stopped breathing.”
“Good. You have worked hard.”
Something invisible seemed to dissolve at last. When she remembered the nightmare, its events now felt as though they had happened long, long ago.
Princess Qinghe smiled faintly. In the night, she appeared coldly beautiful and elusive, yet her satisfaction was impossible to conceal. “Court Lady Du, pass on my order. I have encountered a joyous event today. Everyone in the residence is to receive three months’ allowance so that they may share in the good fortune.”
Court Lady Du respectfully acknowledged the command.
Princess Qinghe glanced at Lü Xiuzhen’s mangled corpse. “Put that thing away. Do not let it foul my sight. Keep a close watch on the personal attendants and pageboys who served the Prince Consort. Do not allow them to spread the news. Tomorrow, I will enter the palace and see Imperial Father. We will decide the rest afterward.”
Everyone answered in unison, “Yes.”
…
People said spring rain was as precious as oil. Yet for some reason, heaven was anything but stingy that day. After the downpour came a night of steady rain, which did not stop until sunrise in the east the following morning.
Lü Xiuzhen was dead, and Princess Qinghe slept soundly through the night. She rose slowly in the morning light, washed, ate breakfast, and had the servants dress her in palace robes. Then she entered the palace to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress.
Court Lady Du knew what she intended to report and could not avoid some worry. After Princess Qinghe’s carriage entered the imperial city, she asked cautiously, “Princess, will we still pay respects to Her Majesty first?”
“No.” Princess Qinghe shook her head. “We will go first to Taiji Hall and see Imperial Father.”
Court Lady Du was briefly startled, then understood. Lowering her head, she answered respectfully, “Yes.”
As it happened, Emperor Gaozu had spent the night in Taiji Hall and was eating breakfast. When someone reported that Princess Qinghe requested an audience outside, he froze for an instant. “Why has Jingrou come? It has only just rained, and it is cold outside. Bring her in quickly.”
He glanced at the water clock and could not resist muttering, “Why has she come so early?”
A eunuch led Princess Qinghe inside. Emperor Gaozu had not seen his daughter for some days. Smiling, he pointed to a seat nearby. “You came so early. Have you eaten? If not, sit here and share a few bites with Father.”
Princess Qinghe replied, “I ate breakfast before entering the palace.”
Hesitation crossed her face, but she quickly steadied herself. Lifting the front of her skirt, she knelt and bowed her head to the floor. “Your daughter is guilty. I ask Father to punish me.”
Emperor Gaozu’s brows twitched. His expression immediately turned stern, and he sat upright. Seeing this, the surrounding eunuchs and palace attendants silently withdrew.
He set his chopsticks on the table. Instead of becoming angry, he asked kindly, “What happened? Tell me slowly. It is all right. Your father can bear the consequences.”
Princess Qinghe pressed her lips together and raised her head. “Last night, your daughter had the Prince Consort beaten to death.”
Emperor Gaozu was indeed startled. “What? You killed the Prince Consort?”
The emperors in the space had been sitting together and chatting idly. Hearing this, they all pricked up their ears and strained to see outside.
Liu Che squeezed to the very front and said impatiently, “Lemme see, lemme see! What excitement is happening?!”
Zhu Yuanzhang clicked his tongue. “The little girl looks so gentle. I never expected her hand to be so ruthless. Not bad. She has promise.”
Princess Qinghe saw only surprise on her father’s face and no anger. Her heart eased slightly. After bowing her head again, she looked more aggrieved. “The Prince Consort behaved outrageously and humiliated your daughter time and again. I truly could endure no longer…”
She then recounted everything that had happened between her and Lü Xiuzhen since their marriage.
The story immediately reminded Emperor Gaozu of the Idiot Prince Consort he had never managed to identify. His expression changed violently, and he struck the table. “His chill after the wedding was false?”
“The illness itself was real, but he brought it upon himself deliberately,” Princess Qinghe replied. “By then, he had already met Gao Yanyan and believed she was his savior. Naturally, he did not wish to have contact with your daughter, so he found every possible excuse to avoid me.”
“That bastard dared bully my daughter. He was courting death!”
Emperor Gaozu cursed aloud. Unable to remain seated, he rose and paced the hall several times. Then he suddenly remembered something and turned to ask his daughter, “Did you kill Lady Gao?”
“I killed her yesterday,” Princess Qinghe answered.
Emperor Gaozu asked again, “And Lü Xiuzhen as well?”
Princess Qinghe paused slightly. “Yes. Last night, your daughter ordered him beaten to death.”
Emperor Gaozu gave an ambiguous “Ah!” and regarded her with shining eyes. With emotion, he said, “Jingrou, this time you truly…”
Princess Qinghe lowered her voice. “I know the Prince Consort was at fault, but having him beaten to death was perhaps excessive. Whatever punishment Father gives me, I will accept…”
Before she could finish, Emperor Gaozu exclaimed in extraordinary admiration. He pulled her from the floor and patted her shoulder with deep satisfaction. “Beautifully done!”
Princess Qinghe stared up at him in stunned silence.
Yet from her father’s tone, she knew she would certainly be safe. Half moved and half relieved, she could no longer suppress the urge to smile. The corners of her lips rose slightly as she called inquiringly, “Father?”
“You did right to kill him! The sooner a bastard like that dies, the better!”
The Idiot Prince Consort had been found, and his daughter had disposed of him without even needing her father’s help. How could Emperor Gaozu not be delighted?
He patted Princess Qinghe’s shoulder and said happily, “Your father told you long ago: if I did not allow anyone to make you suffer while you lived at home, would I watch you suffer after marriage? No household beneath heaven is more noble than ours! Why did I send you and Jiaojiao into marriage with court ladies, give each of you three hundred manor guards, and have the Empress teach you how to be strong princesses? For precisely this! You handled the matter well and did not disappoint your father’s hopes!”
Then Emperor Gaozu summoned an attendant. “Bring wine. I am happy this morning and must drink several cups!”
Princess Qinghe knew her father never drank in the morning. That he did so now showed how genuinely delighted he was.
She finally relaxed. Warmth and emotion filled her at the love and protection of her family. Her throat tightened, and tears began to fall. “Originally… originally, your daughter did not intend to kill him. I meant to enter the palace, ask Father to dissolve the marriage, strip him of office, and exile him. But last night, I had a nightmare. The person in it seemed like my former incarnation. I could feel the suffering she endured through all those years of torment, the unwillingness and resentment before her terrible death, her grievance and fury. And so…”
Princess Qinghe recounted everything she had seen and heard in the dream. Emperor Gaozu discovered in astonishment that the events corresponded perfectly to the two quotations from the Idiot Prince Consort. How could he fail to understand?
Li Shimin nodded. “That treasonous Prince Consort was none other than Lü Xiuzhen. There can be no mistake!”
Ying Zheng nodded as well. “He was not wronged.”
A eunuch brought the wine. Seeing Princess Qinghe present, he included two cups.
Emperor Gaozu laughed heartily. He personally poured two cups and told his daughter, “For such a joyous event, you must drink one too!”
Princess Qinghe had a low tolerance for alcohol, but the great weight had lifted from her heart and no shadow remained before her. She felt exhilarated and did not decline. Taking the cup, she drained it in one swallow.
Emperor Gaozu sat with her and poured himself more, but did not allow her another cup. “You child. How could you conceal this for so long? Had you told me earlier, would I have let him carry on for so many days?”
“I had not made up my mind so quickly. It was only when I learned Lü Xiuzhen had taken a concubine outside that I…”
It had been a failed marriage, after all. Gloom crossed Princess Qinghe’s face. “I believed his distance and suspicion arose from the Gao Family’s affair, and that he and I had merely clashed in a moment of anger. In time, matters might improve. Why make a public scandal, worry Father and Mother, and disturb the palace? I never expected… Enough. He is dead. Why continue speaking of such inauspicious matters?”
Then she pleaded, “Court Lady Du has attended me with exceptional devotion. She should have reported these matters to Imperial Mother, but I stopped her and therefore did not mention it before. I ask Imperial Father not to blame her.”
Emperor Gaozu nodded. “Set your heart at ease. I understand.”
At the time, Princess Qinghe had not known what an absurd Prince Consort she had encountered. How could she return to the palace over several quarrels and the long-settled Gao Family affair, spreading word to everyone that she and the Prince Consort had never consummated their marriage?
She was only a mortal woman. How could she predict the future?
Now that Lü Xiuzhen was dead, a great burden had genuinely lifted from Emperor Gaozu’s heart. Naturally, he had no intention of blaming anyone over such minor matters. But as for the Lü Family…
His brows drew together, and a cold light flashed through his eyes. “According to your account, Lü Mingjing’s wife knew of Lady Gao all along?”
Princess Qinghe replied, “Yes. After Lü Xiuzhen brought Lady Gao back, she lived in the Lü Family home the entire time.”
Emperor Gaozu acknowledged this calmly, then asked, “Did Lü Mingjing know?”
“He did not.” Princess Qinghe respected the Patriarch of the Lü Family’s character and offered an extra word in his defense. “Lord Lü is an upright gentleman. His wife and son deceived him, which allowed matters to reach this point.”
Emperor Gaozu snorted. “He may be a gentleman, but he still failed in oversight.”
Princess Qinghe rose and performed a solemn obeisance. “Now that Lü Xiuzhen is dead, my resentment has dissipated. The affair of my former life is too absurd. Few would believe it if word spread. Since Lü Xiuzhen is dead, there is no need to create further trouble, unsettle the people of Chang’an, or harm Father’s good name and the imperial family’s reputation. Whatever punishment Father imposes for Lü Xiuzhen’s death, your daughter will bear without complaint.”
“If I, the Son of Heaven, could not manage even this little affair, what face would I have left to see you? Besides, word of Lü Xiuzhen’s death has not escaped, so there is no difficulty.”
Emperor Gaozu sighed. “You are far too sensible, child, always unwilling to trouble others on your behalf. Even after the Lü Family treated you this way, you still plead for them. Enough. Rise.”
He rubbed his forehead and considered the matter for several moments before reaching a decision. “Lü Xiuzhen deserved death, and his mother is no decent creature. As for Lü Mingjing, though he took no part, he failed in oversight. The Lü Family…”
Emperor Gaozu raised his voice and summoned an attendant. “Issue an edict. Lü Xiuzhen, Commandant of Imperial Equipages, and his mother failed in their duty toward the princess and showed disrespect to the Imperial House. They are granted death. Every man of the Lü Family’s direct line is stripped of office and must leave Chang’an immediately. None within three generations may hold official rank.”
The punishment was severe in some respects and lenient in others.
Lü Xiuzhen and his mother were both granted death. The Lü Family lost two lives, its offices, and the right to serve in government for three generations. It was a harsh punishment.
Yet Emperor Gaozu did not drive them to extinction. He left them a narrow path to survive.
Only men of the direct line lost their offices, which ultimately meant no more than two people. The Patriarch of the Lü Family was old and frail and had long considered retirement. His son held no important office. Even without positions, the direct line had collateral branches to support it.
As for the prohibition on office for three generations, the patriarch’s grandson was already over ten. Calculated in years, it was not excessively cruel.
The attendant departed with the edict. Princess Qinghe thanked the emperor for his mercy on the Patriarch of the Lü Family’s behalf.
Emperor Gaozu sighed inwardly. He wanted to ask what plans she had for the future but feared stirring her grief. In the end, he merely patted her shoulder and reassured her. “What is past is past. There is no need to keep it in your heart. Remember that no matter when, your father stands behind you. No one will ever be allowed to bully you.”
Princess Qinghe smiled. “Your daughter understands.”
Emperor Gaozu saw her clear eyes and composed expression. She did not look deeply grieved, so his heart eased, and he felt greatly comforted. “Very well. Visit Imperial Mother’s palace and tell her what happened. Discuss it with your own mother as well and see whether anything should be added to the edict.”
Princess Qinghe understood his unspoken meaning. They needed to establish how news of the affair would be presented, lest anyone pour dirty water upon her and claim an overbearing imperial princess had destroyed her pitiable Prince Consort.
She acknowledged the instruction and departed. Emperor Gaozu asked his old companions in the space, “I do not understand how girls think. She does not seem especially upset. Could she be forcing herself to hide it because she fears I will worry?”
Ying Zheng also had many children. Yet apart from his eldest son Fusu and the damnable Hu Hai, he rarely allowed himself to remember the rest.
It was not because he was cold by nature and felt no love for his children. It was because he could not bear to remember.
After his death, Hu Hai had every one of the others killed. Some were even dismembered, their deaths so horrific that no father could endure recalling them.
…Another day of wanting to carve Hu Hai into ten thousand pieces!
Zhu Yuanzhang smacked his lips and was about to speak when Liu Che tucked both hands into his sleeves and grinned like a little hooligan. “Old Zhu, did your family ever have a remarried princess? I am not being nosy or trying to stir trouble, but this is the home court of the Han and Tang. You are not suited to speak.”
Zhu Yuanzhang: “…”
Smiling on the outside, cursing Liu Che’s mother on the inside.
Then Liu Che turned to Emperor Gaozu and said carelessly, “It was only one failed marriage. What is so serious about that? Let her marry again. My elder sister Princess Pingyang married three times. Who dared wag a tongue? And my paternal aunt Grand Princess Dou-whatever else you may not know, surely you have heard the terms ‘protagonist’ and ‘cuckold’s cap’? Both were coined through princesses of the Han!”
The title Princess Pingyang sounded exceptionally dear to Li Shimin, and warmth entered his eyes. “My elder sister’s title was Pingyang as well.”
“Oh, I have long admired her,” Liu Che said. “Was she Princess Pingyang Zhao, the one buried with military honors?”
Li Shimin lifted his chin with reflected pride. “She was.”
He did not forget the matter at hand. In a cheerful tone, he advised Emperor Gaozu, “It was only one failed marriage. There is nothing serious about it. Treat it as being bitten by a dog. You already beat the dog to death and dealt with its entire litter besides. Why keep thinking about it? My sisters and daughters married two or three times as a matter of course. Relax. It is a trivial affair.”
“Exactly.” Liu Che raised one finger with immense satisfaction. “There is no pain in this world that a crowd of handsome, charming, exquisitely attentive male favorites cannot cure. And if one crowd is not enough, bring in another!”