Chapter 29: The Shadow of the Waning Moon (1/2)
Chapter 29: The Shadow of the Waning Moon
In the fifth month of the first year of Southern Chu’s Tongtian era, the Yong Emperor betrothed Princess Changle to Wei Ying. Wei Ying was renowned throughout the world for his ability and virtue. But the Princess cut her hair and made a solemn pledge, refusing to acquiesce, causing the Emperor to break into a violent rage. It was some time before his anger dissipated. Secretly, the Emperor said to the Princess, “If child has anyone in mind, regardless of worthiness, regardless of social status, We will betroth you to him.” The Princess remained silent.…
—Southern Chu Dynastic Records, Biography of Jiang Suiyun
The waning moon was like a hook, floating heavily and peacefully in the night sky. Standing below the imperial dais was Princess Changle dressed in plain, unadorned clothes, silently gazing up at the serene, weak moonlight. These days, her originally rounded features gradually gained a sense of heartbreak. Half of her ink-black hair had been cut, and now only reached her shoulders. Palace maids had already helped her groom her hair. Unfortunately, it was too short and could not be tied up into a bun. It was only held together with a headscarf. Although the night breeze was refreshing, Princess Changle’s clothes were thin and the wind penetrated her to the bone. However, throughout, she refused to return to her chambers. Under this kind of moonlight, she would find it difficult to sleep. After a long while, she raised her white hand. Within was a folding fan. On it was written a quatrain:
The cold water of the pond is fresh in the autumn,
The distant road is exhausted when it arrives at the crossing.
Fortunately, the painting could not be painted,
The completion of the painting is a life’s regret.1
She recited the poem in a low voice. This folding fan had recently been delivered by the Princess of Yong, the poem composed and penned by that person. The Princess of Yong knew that she was fond of Jiang Zhe’s poetry and had gotten the folding fan to present to Changle. Jiang Zhe probably did not pay much mind to a simple folding fan, but to Changle, ever since she received the fan, it had never left her side. This object was the most precious item and she would never willingly part with it.
At this moment, Lü’e walked over, carrying a cloak. In a begging voice, she said, “Your Imperial Highness, this servant cannot bear to watch you suffer so. If His Imperial Majesty and the Noble Consort were to learn of this, they will definitely blame this servant for failing to serve upon Your Imperial Highness.”
Princess Changle smiled slightly and accepted the cloak. “We are not so fragile and are here only because of this beautiful night scenery. It’s okay. You go back and retire first. We will go back soon to rest.”
Lü’e saw that the princess’s expression was not bad and thus steeled her nerve to ask, “Princess, this servant doesn’t understand. Xiahou daren is a master of brush and sword, and is also extremely handsome. That he is not to your liking isn’t a problem as, after all, everyone says that Xiahou daren is dissolute and debauched. The Princess’s temper is gentle and kindhearted. It wouldn’t be strange if you dislike him. However, Wei daren not only has behavior and appearance that surpasses others, but is also clean-living and honest, never involving himself in immoral conducts. And yet he is still not to the Princess’s liking. It truly leaves this servant greatly puzzled.”
Princess Changle tranquilly replied, “What do you understand? All right, go …”
Lü’e shivered inside, seeing that the princess’s exquisite features carried with it a faintly discernible sneer. The distinctive dignity of these members of the imperial household caused Lü’e to no longer dare to speak any further. Quietly, as if walking on tiptoes, she withdrew.
Princess Changle sighed slightly, feeling the cold of night become increasingly crisp, her embroidered shoes feeling ice-cold. Just as she was about to turn to return to her chambers, the evening breeze transmitted the sound of a faintly discernible sigh. Princess Changle’s eyebrows slightly furrowed and she questioned, “Who is it that is spying on Us?”
A jade figure glinted and a woman dressed in a green court uniform appeared in front of Princess Changle. Princess Changle stared at this woman blankly before she stated, “So it is Sister Hanyou. Why have you come so late to pay a visit to my Jade Phoenix Hall?”
Fluttering like a breeze, Li Hanyou bowed. “Today, this servant was betrothed to General Qin. But remembering elder sister’s loneliness in the palace, I could not help but feel restless. Therefore, I have intentionally come here. As expected, elder sister has not yet retired. I hope that elder sister can invite me inside to chat.”
Princess Changle placidly replied, “These days, younger sister has frequently come to keep me company. Changle can’t thank you enough. However, it is already the dead of night and it is inconvenient to chat. Younger sister should return home to rest.”
Li Hanyou’s long, shapely eyebrows furrowed. After thinking it over, she recalled the news that the Princess of Yong had come into the palace. Could it be that Princess Changle had learned of how she tried to make things difficult for Jiang Zhe in the Qin residence? Everyone knew that Princess Changle was fond of Jiang Zhe’s poetry. Moreover, reportedly the person that Princess Changle admired most was that man. Now it seemed that this was highly likely, otherwise why would she be so frigid2 now after being so affectionate last time? If this was the case, she must find out the truth, otherwise wouldn’t this matter spin out of control?
Thinking of this, Li Hanyou smiled. “I have long heard that Your Imperial Highness is fond of the poetry of Southern Chu’s gifted scholar. A few days ago, Hanyou had the fortune of witnessing Jiang zhuangyuan reciting poetry. Although it wasn’t a poem composed by the zhuangyuan, there was sentence that was well said. It is said that poetry expresses one’s ideals. Does elder sister not want to know the details?”
Princess Changle was moved. A few days ago, the Princess of Yong had entered the palace, unintentionally bringing up the poetry gathering. It was only that Noble Consort was next to her, and she did not have the opportunity to ask carefully. She thus agreed, “I’d like to hear the details.”
Li Hanyou skipped over the scheming and fighting, only speaking of the poems that everyone had selected. Finally, when she recited the verses, “No one can be found whence the melodies ended, / On upper river verdant peaks silently stand,” surprisingly, Princess Changle smiled faintly. Li Hanyou mentally understood, but pretended that she did not notice, continuing to speak, “Jiang daren’s selected poem is quite excellent. These last two verses are the most significant. How does Princess feel about Jiang daren’s way of looking at things?”
Princess Changle smiled and replied, “Jiang daren most likely selected this poem to muddle along. From what I can see from his poetry, his verses are either remote and refined, or possessing boundless grandeur, or having profound meanings, or are gentle and contented. There isn’t a single composition that is so ghostly gloomy.” So speaking, she could not help but look down at the folding fan in her hands.
Li Hanyou’s heart jumped and she asked, “Is elder sister willing to lend the fan in your hands for little sister to take a look?”
Princess Changle glanced at Li Hanyou and replied, “You cannot speak of this matter to anyone.… I snatched this folding fan from second sister-in-law. These last few years, very few of Jiang daren’s verses have been circulated. His handwriting is even rarer.” So speaking, she handed over the folding fan.
Li Hanyou softly read the poem on the fan, only feeling a faint distress directly hit her face3 due to the elegance and profundity of the verses. She could not help but state, “Jiang daren’s poetry is truly peerless in the world.”
Retrieving the folding fan, Princess Changle smiled. “Jiang daren’s poetry is circulated throughout the world. If younger sister is fond of it, there is no harm in collecting it.”
Seeing a faint, happy expression on Princess Changle’s face, Li Hanyou suddenly asked, “Why has Your Imperial Highness so rigorously resisted the betrothal? Could it be that you already have someone in your heart?”
Princess Changle’s expression did not change, as she gently responded, “Does younger sister know why Imperial Father is so impatient to find a virtuous husband for me?”
Li Hanyou paid an obeisance and replied, “Everyone knows that His Imperial Majesty loves Princess deeply.”
“The love and affection of members of the imperial household are thin and faint,” replied Princess Changle distantly. “Although Imperial Father dotes on me, this is not the reason why he is so impatient to find a virtuous husband for me. On that day, Imperial Father dispatched me to be married to Southern Chu, but he always felt a brooding gloominess in his heart. If he could not find an ideal husband for me, then Imperial Father would always feel that he has let me down.”
The look in Li Hanyou’s eyes changed. “Does elder sister harbor resentment towards His Imperial Majesty?”
“From start to finish, there has been no resentment in my heart,” answered Princess Changle, shaking her head. “From childhood, Changle has been fond of poetry and literature, my temperament has been gentle and agreeable, different from the strong and resolute women of Great Yong. Were it not for Imperial Father and Consort Mother’s love and doting, Changle would not have any status to speak of. Therefore, although I was sad when Imperial Father dispatched me to a distant land, I did not complain. Further, We are supported and served by the common people of the world, how can We not sacrifice Ourselves for Great Yong? Therefore, although I was married off to an enemy country and foreign land, it was foreordained that in this life, I cannot spend it with a husband to old age, and thus personally took medicine to abort the child in my stomach. Changle has never blamed Great Yong, blamed Imperial Father. Now that Imperial Father wishes that I marry another, he is naturally hoping to provide me with happiness. However, We have experienced hardships and have long ago become discouraged towards the words ‘love and affection.’ I only desire to perform my filial duties to Imperial Father and Consort Mother. Someday in the future, regardless of which brother ascends to the throne, I am but a widow, a frail woman, presumably no one would be suspicious or jealous of me. When that time comes, Changle will accompany the oil lamp before the statue of Buddha. Such a life is sufficient.”
Li Hanyou sighed with admiration and inquired, “Your Imperial Highness, can it be that you still remember the former King of Southern Chu? He is no more than a mediocre person. Why are you remaining faithful to his memory?” As she spoke, she herself did not believe this was the case, as Li Hanyou looked at Changle with a mournful look in her eyes.
Princess Changle neutrally replied, “That is not the case. We are only downhearted. Not everyone wishes to emulate Wenjun.”4
Li Hanyou said, “Wenjun was originally a wise and virtuous woman. She was only unfortunate that she ran into the brilliant Sima Xiangru, and thus could not help but be enamored. What does the Princess think if Jiang daren is of mind to seek the phoenix?”
Princess Changle looked at Li Hanyou deeply, a faint trace of disdain in her eyes. Li Hanyou smiled and added, “His Imperial Majesty has already stated that as long as Princess is willing, regardless of who it is, he will be able to become the Emperor’s son-in-law. Jiang daren is a peerless talent of our age. If Princess tacitly consents, little sister is willing to communicate this to the Emperor.”
Princess Changle became increasingly frigid, as she coldly declared, “Li Hanyou. We have resided in the depths of the Yong palace for many years, and were further the Queen of Southern Chu. Although I live in seclusion, do you really think that We do not have a single shred of cunning?”
Li Hanyou’s expression changed greatly, and she dropped to the ground. “Your Imperial Highness please calm down. Little sister is only being utterly sincere and cannot bear to see worries lock up the Princess’s eyebrows. If I have offended Your Imperial Highness in any way, Hanyou is willing to accept punishment.”
Princess Changle’s expression became even more frigid, as she slowly and carefully stated, “Jiang daren’s moral character is noble and unsullied. Were it not for second brother’s character, an ordinary person would not be able to get this man to pledge his allegiance. Even though he has surrendered, he is not someone who a common person can insult lightly. We are fond of his talent and respect his moral character. How can I permit you lot to distort Our kindly feelings? I know of the current complicated state of affairs in the court. It is only that Changle was originally an outsider. Why are you determined to involve Us? Princess of Jingjiang, although We are not fond of struggling, if you lot continue to persist in pressing me, We can only report this matter to Imperial Father and immediately become a nun. When that time comes, it should satisfy your lot’s wishes.”
Following, Princess Changle coldly excused herself. “We are tired. Please return, Princess of Jingjiang. It is the dead of night. You have to be careful. If there are such rumors spread, We will have Imperial Father and Mother give me justice.”
When she had hastily returned to her quarters, Li Hanyou caught sight of Noble Consort Ji waiting for her wearing a grave face. She promptly advanced and said, “Martial Aunt, why have you come? Has something important happened?”
Noble Consort Ji answered, “The Sect Master has dispatched news. Huo Jicheng has already been held up by eldest apprentice sister and will certainly be unable to escape. However, currently, the tongues of the entire court are wagging, and this matter must be handled cautiously.”
Li Hanyou happily replied, “Eldest apprentice sister’s martial arts are exceptional and will certainly easily capture Huo Jicheng.” However, her brows furrowed slightly and she continued, “However, how can we remedy the Crown Prince’s current situation? Sect Master has always taught us disciples that guarding against rumor-mongering is more difficult than preventing a flood. Does Martial Aunt have any methods?”
Noble Consort Ji responded, “There is no need for you to worry excessively. You have completed eliminated all witnesses. Right now, there is no one who can prove the Crown Prince’s involvement. Minister Liang is currently no more than a bird in a cage. After a few days, it will be sufficient to kill him to silence him forever. Although it is vital to control the Ministry of Revenue, we must ensure that the Crown Prince does not become aware. Therefore, we cannot handle this matter overtly. We have ways of arranging some of our people inside. This position is extremely important. It is better if we leave the Crown Prince to mess around. Do you have any idea about the party that collaborated with the Embroidered Union?”