102 The Envoy (1)
That morning, Yunqing was dressing and adorning Lady Zhang Bitong, who was preparing to pay her respects to the Empress at the Kunning Palace. Zhang Bitong was in high spirits, her brows arched with delight, clearly in an excellent mood.
“Your Ladyship truly glows when fortune smiles upon you. Your complexion is so radiant that even the young ladies just coming of age cannot compare,” Lanyan said with a smile from the side.
“You have such a sweet tongue. Did you remember to prepare the bird’s nest porridge I asked for?”
“It will be ready when Your Ladyship returns from the Empress.”
“Very well. You stay and look after things here in the palace, while Yunqing and Little Xiao will accompany me to the Kunning Palace.”
“Yes, Your Ladyship!”
On the way to the Kunning Palace, following beside Zhang Bitong, I whispered to Yunqing, “Aunt Yunqing, what joyful event has happened to make the Lady so happy today?”
Yunqing paused, then replied, “Ah, I forgot. Yesterday I sent you off early, so you didn’t hear the news. It’s about the Ninth Prince—soon, emissaries from the Xiongnu are coming to our Jin Dynasty, and the Emperor has entrusted the matter to the Crown Prince and the Ninth Prince. In the past, such affairs never involved the Ninth Prince, but this year is different. Lady Zhang is delighted because of this!”
I said, “That is indeed a great event—it shows that the Ninth Prince is gaining favor with the Emperor.”
Yunqing nodded, “Exactly. Lady Zhang is already thinking that if the Ninth Prince manages this matter well, she could ask the Emperor for a government post for him—it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You are right, Aunt.”
When we arrived at the Kunning Palace, Lin Tanwei, Meng Pingjun, Jiang Ziqian, Liu Yunmeng, and the Empress were chatting together. Lin Tanwei was the first to see Zhang Bitong and laughed, “Oh, it’s Lady Tong! Sister Tong, you seem to have nothing but good news lately—I’m quite envious!”
Zhang Bitong wore a look of pride and bowed slightly to the Empress. “Your servant greets the Empress.”
“Rise, Lady Tong. Come and sit.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Zhang Bitong sat beside the Empress, ignoring Lin Tanwei completely in her pride.
“Lady Tong, what has the Ninth Prince been busy with lately? Ever since he took the top prize at the archery and riding tournament, I have been considering whether to suggest to the Emperor that he be entrusted with more responsibilities.”
Hearing the Empress raise the topic herself, Zhang Bitong’s eyes lit up. She turned to the Empress with a smile, “To tell the truth, Your Majesty, and not to boast of my own child, Xuan has been diligently studying and often practices archery and riding at the range—he is very hardworking. The Crown Prince knows this well. Xuan has grown up and wishes to help his father. If Your Majesty has this intention, perhaps—”
“Lady Tong, you’re being rather hasty,” Jiang Ziqian interrupted languidly. “The Crown Prince has only just begun to participate in state affairs. The Fourth and Sixth Princes haven’t even been involved yet, and you’re already eager for the Ninth Prince to join in. Those who know him might agree he’s capable, but others might think you want him to replace someone in court—”
“What are you suggesting?” Zhang Bitong stood up angrily.
“Sister Tong, why get so upset?” Lin Tanwei interjected, “Sister Qian was only speaking casually; you’re reacting as if she’s hit a nerve.”
“You—”
“That’s enough,” the Empress said. “Every time you come to pay respects, it turns into chaos. Do you not want me to have peace?”
“Your servant would not dare.”
“Sit down, all of you. The Ninth Prince’s performance at the archery and riding tournament truly surprised everyone, but he is still young, lacking experience, and not yet meticulous in his work.”
Zhang Bitong’s expression darkened as she listened, feeling the Empress had more to say.
“Your Majesty, perhaps you should tell Sister Tong the truth. If you wait, she’ll only be more upset,” Lin Tanwei said, barely able to hide her pleasure.
“Hm, Minghe, you tell her,” the Empress said, looking troubled.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Minghe addressed Zhang Bitong, “Because the Ninth Prince is still young and inexperienced, and since the Crown Prince recommended it, the task of welcoming the Xiongnu emissaries has been given to the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince.”
“What?” Zhang Bitong sprang up in shock. “Your Majesty, the Emperor clearly instructed Xuan to handle this matter—how can it now be the Sixth Prince? I must go and ask the Emperor!”
“Outrageous!” the Empress rebuked sternly. “Do you dare question the Emperor’s decree? Lady Tong, do you not know the harem must not meddle in state affairs? The Emperor has decided; do not go to him again.”
“I cannot accept this.” Zhang Bitong hastily bowed, “Your servant feels unwell and must take her leave.”
Without waiting for permission, Zhang Bitong hurried out of the Kunning Palace. Yunqing called me to follow her, and as I glanced back at the Empress, Lin Tanwei, and the others, I thought I saw a hint of sly satisfaction in their eyes.
But there was no time to ponder; I hurried after Zhang Bitong.
“Aunt, is Lady Zhang going to see the Emperor?”
Yunqing nodded, rushing after her.
“Aunt, you must stop her!”
“How could I possibly stop her? Lady Zhang cannot bear this grievance and will surely go to the Emperor. Perhaps the Empress is behind this, and if Lady Zhang pleads, there may yet be a chance to change things.”
---
I hadn’t had time to respond before Yunqing had already caught up with Zhang Bitong and was guiding her toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
I stood in place for a moment, thinking things over. Something about this affair seemed odd. It must have been known long ago, yet no one informed Zhang Bitong. They waited until she visited the Kunning Palace, and then provoked her, knowing she wouldn’t be able to restrain herself and would rush to the Emperor.
Perhaps it was merely a battle for favor within the harem, but the Empress had mentioned Jiang Yun. Did he really propose this? Jiang Yun was close to Jiang Chen, but he was also affectionate with Jiang Xuan—why would he do this?
“Little Xiao, why are you standing there? Hurry up!” Yunqing called from ahead.
“Yes!”
At the entrance to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Ping’er and Long Zhan were surprised to see me.
Zhang Bitong entered to see the Emperor, leaving me to wait outside.
Taking the opportunity, I walked over to Ping’er.
“Little Xiao, are you fully recovered? I wanted to visit, but Lord Long stopped me, saying it wasn’t convenient. I’ve been worried about you these days.”
“I’m fine, and it's thanks to you, Ping’er. I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you.”
“There’s no need for that between us.”
“Ping’er, I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Has the Crown Prince been here?”
“He has.”
“When?”
“Last night.”
“Last night?” The arrangements for Jiang Xuan and Jiang Yun to jointly handle the Xiongnu emissaries had been made, but Jiang Yun had come to see the Emperor that night. So, it was indeed Jiang Yun who convinced the Emperor to change his mind.
“Why has Lady Zhang come so urgently? Has something happened?”
I shook my head, not having time to explain, when I heard Zhang Bitong’s cries.
“Lady! Lady!” I looked over; Zhang Bitong was covering her face and fleeing.
It seemed she had been scolded by the Emperor.
“Ping’er, I must go after Lady Zhang.”
“Go ahead—find me when you have time.”
“Certainly.”
I hadn’t caught up to Zhang Bitong when Xiaojing stopped me.
“Greetings, Lady.”
“Little Xiao, why are you in such a hurry?” Lin Tanwei smiled.
She must have been lying in wait to see Zhang Bitong’s misfortune, eager to witness the spectacle they had orchestrated. With Zhang Bitong offending the Emperor, Jiang Xuan’s standing would surely suffer.
“I must return to Cuiwei Palace, unless Lady needs anything else.”
“Wait—” Lin Tanwei blocked my way. “Little Xiao, you really are hard to kill! I underestimated you.”
“My humble life is not worth your concern, Lady.”
“The more worthless, the more irritating—makes one want to step on you.”
“Best not soil your shoes, Lady.”
“Haha—” Lin Tanwei laughed triumphantly. “Don’t think that following a good mistress will save you; I doubt your mistress will last much longer.”
I looked up sharply at Lin Tanwei, but she was already walking away.
I watched her retreat, coldly thinking: Lin Tanwei, you’ve tried time and again to destroy me—do you really think I’m nothing but an ant beneath your heel?
But I rarely had the chance to interact with her, so I knew little about her. Seeking revenge would not be easy.
---
The key is to find her weakness!
Children!
Yes, children are her weakness.
On my way back, passing the palace where Jiang Xuan resided, I saw Jiang Chen.
“Greetings, Sixth Prince.”
“Little Xiao? Get up.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“I came to see Old Nine, but he’s not in his palace.”
“I don’t know where the Ninth Prince is either.”
Jiang Chen smiled warmly, “I know. You are close with Old Nine, so why not pass along a few words for me?”
“Please instruct me, Your Highness.”
“I don’t know why Third Brother changed his mind. If Ninth Brother is unhappy, I’ll speak to Father again. I suspect Third Brother is upset with Ninth Brother because of Fourth Brother’s affair, but please tell Ninth Brother not to take it to heart.”
“I understand.”
“Good. There’s much to do, so I’ll go help. If Ninth Brother needs anything, he can come find me.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Your Highness,” I called after him.
“What is it?”
“Will you blame Ninth Prince for the matter involving Fourth Prince?”
Jiang Chen smiled openly, “Fourth Brother was at fault; Old Nine did nothing wrong. We are brothers—no need for such things to affect our feelings.”
“Then, Your Highness needn’t worry. I believe Ninth Prince values brotherhood and won’t hold a grudge over today’s events.”
“You—” Jiang Chen frowned slightly.
“What Little Xiao said is exactly what I think, Sixth Brother. I don’t mind this matter,” Jiang Xuan said, appearing from nearby.
“Old Nine, you’re back. I was worried about you, but now I’m reassured. I’ll speak to Third Brother—things should improve in a few days.”
“Thank you, Sixth Brother, for your efforts.”
“All in service of Father. I’ll go now.”
“Take care, Sixth Brother!”
“Next time, don’t be so bold—don’t speak to Sixth Brother that way,” Jiang Xuan said, entering the palace without stopping, his voice cool.
“Yes, Your Highness—I spoke out of turn.”
Inside, Jiang Xuan turned to me. “Did my mother go to see Father today?”
“I couldn’t stop her, Your Highness. Please punish me.”
“You couldn’t have stopped her even if you tried. It’s not your fault.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. May I ask, who are the Xiongnu emissaries?”
“The Xiongnu and our Jin Dynasty have long been at peace, exchanging marriages for nearly a century. This time, I hear a princess has come to marry a nobleman.”
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