Chapter 30: Silencing Witnesses (1/2)

Chapter 30: Silencing Witnesses

Within the Prince of Yong’s residence’s Cold Courtyard, I had a brocade gown draped over my shoulders as I sat within the pavilion. All the spring flowers had already blossomed, the trees verdant and lush, making the entire courtyard refined and exquisite. After rising from bed at daybreak to appreciate the morning sun, Xiaoshunzi was worried that I would catch a cold and insisted that I drape a brocade gown over my shoulders. As I gazed upon the rising sun and the reddish clouds, there was only one matter, or rather one person, on my mind.

Witnessing my silence, Xiaoshunzi had already dismissed the imperial bodyguards in the surrounding area. Walking close to my side, he softly inquired, “Is young master still bothered by what His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Yong, said?”

I responded with a soft sigh, “Xiaoshunzi, tell me … is Princess Changle really interested in me? How was I never aware of it?”

Xiaoshunzi laughed gently and replied, “Young master, you have never interacted intimately with young women. On a daily basis, you’re either reading books or appreciating beautiful scenery. In the situation between you and the late mistress, it was the mistress who took the initiative. Her Imperial Highness’s temperament is dignified and pure, and she has never revealed her true feelings. It is no surprise that young master does not know this. From what I can tell, the Princess truly has feelings for you, otherwise she would not surround herself on a daily basis with young master’s poetry. I also believe that the Princess knows a bit about what happened in Southern Chu, and yet she has not informed anyone. Moreover, were it not for the half a root’s worth of Ningpo figwort from the Princess, young master would have died long ago.

“I would not believe it if the Princess did not have any affection for you. However, the Princess probably has the same mindset as you. Therefore, she has never been willing to reveal her feelings. Young master, don’t you also treat the Princess differently? All this, Xiaoshunzi has seen bit by bit. However, you two are obstructed by the relationship between liege and vassal, therefore neither of you have ever been willing to express your true feelings.”

I placidly glanced at Xiaoshunzi and asked, “Are you blaming me for refusing to accept the Princess because of the harm it would do to my reputation?”

Xiaoshunzi fell silent and did not speak, clearly tacitly agreeing. I sighed and stated, “How am I, Jiang Zhe, someone who cherishes my reputation? It is only that there are some things that absolutely cannot be done. My responses to Qin Qing’s accusations did not contain a single shred of falsehood. The status between the Princess and me is completely different. However, I am not rejecting this marriage because of this reason. If I truly only had eyes for her, there is nothing that would stop me. However, you must know that the Princess has not made a single statement expressing her willingness to marry me. This means that although the Princess has feelings towards me, she will absolutely not defy etiquette and rites. This being the case, how can I follow the Prince of Yong’s intentions and propose? But if I were to do this, wouldn’t it besmirch the Princess’s reputation? Although there won’t be many who dare to say this clearly, due to the prestige and dignity of the imperial clan, but the brush is merciless. I do not want the Princess to leave behind a bad reputation in the histories. What’s more, I have only had the fortune of meeting the Princess a mere few times. How can I know whether the Princess truly loves the entirety of my person?”

In a low voice, Xiaoshunzi replied, “Young master speaks the truth. It is this servant who misunderstood.”

I serenly replied, “These are only spoken from personal considerations. If we consider this from an official viewpoint, I am a surrendered subject from Southern Chu. What qualifications do I have to take the Princess as my wife? Even if the Yong Emperor agrees to my face, he’ll dispatch someone to have me commit suicide in the blink of an eye. Although the Yong Emperor allows the Princess to make her choice, he probably only wishes for the Princess to marry one of Great Yong’s elites. Moreover, if I were to do such a thing right now, I would likely harm the Prince of Yong. How can I be someone who shirks official business for private considerations? Moreover, you more than anyone, knows the condition of my health. If I were to meet with any misfortune, how could the Princess endure it?”

Xiaoshunzi did not make a single sound. It was a sometime before he stated, “This servant only wishes that young master will not spend the entirety of your life alone.”

I smiled slightly and replied, “When we have ensured the ascension of the Prince of Yong to the throne and avenged the murder of my wife, I will let everything go. When the time comes, if my health improves, I will take a virtuous woman as my wife. How about it?”

Xiaoshunzi smiled and agreed, “Of course that’s good. This servant can’t wait for there to be a mistress,1 and afterwards have a few young masters.”

“The Prince of Yong probably has thought it through these last few days, thus not coming to force me to do anything,” I guessed, exhaling softly and collapsing into the chair. I asked, “That’s right, how is the situation outside?”

Xiaoshunzi revealed an odd look as he inquired, “Does young master wish to hear the good news or the bad news?”

“The bad news first,” I replied with a wry smile.

“The bad news is that something major has occurred in the capital,” said Xiaoshunzi. “At present, everyone is going to watch the fun and no one is paying attention to the Crown Prince’s activities.”

My brows furrowed, as I asked, “What has happened to divert all of the attention away?”

Xiaoshunzi answered, “This matter was originally a jianghu affair. Young master knows about the Guanzhong Alliance, right?”

I responded, “I remember, the Alliance Head is Sha Qingyuan. His daughter, Sha Zhijing is a disciple of the Fengyi Sect. They are the biggest jianghu faction in Chang’an.”

Xiaoshunzi confirmed, “That’s right, young master met them once. A few days ago, Sha Zhijing went to Xianyang2 to visit her maternal grandmother and had actually been killed. Reportedly, she died gruesomely. No matter how poor the martial arts of a disciple of the Fengyi Sect, they had all trained in the martial art called ‘Falling Jade Killing Technique.’ This martial art had been personally created by Fan Huiyao and was based entirely on the supple flexibility of a woman’s body. In close combat, it was completely unscrupulous and was used by the disciples when they faced a strong opponent who they could not escape from. Even if they could defeat their opponent, the result would be mutual destruction. If that was not capable, then the martial art would allow the disciple to commit suicide. Thinking back, it truly is a shame. Liang Wan feared injuring the Princess so did not dare to act blindly, thus not using this martial art. In short, with Sha Zhijing’s death, both the Guanzhong Alliance and the Fengyi Sect are chasing after her killer. As for the killer, he has continued to commit crimes. Over the last dozen or so days, quite a few unbetrothed women have died in the area around Xianyang. The killer, however, has left behind clues.”

I said, “If that’s the case, based upon the power of the Fengyi Sect and the Guanzhong Alliance, this man should have been captured and executed long ago.”

Xiaoshunzi shook his head. “Initially, as the Fengyi Sect’s main force had not yet arrived, this person wreaked havoc in the Xianyang area without any fear. By the time the Fengyi Sect’s manpower arrived, the criminal had already escaped without a trace.”

I frowned and inquired, “How did this matter elicit the attention of the court ministers?”

Xiaoshunzi smiled wryly and responded, “All of the dead women had signs of being raped and their virginity taken. Therefore, the members of jianghu all suspect that the Devil Sect has returned to the Central Plains. That year when the Devil Sect Sovereign Jing Wuji withdrew north to the desert, the disciples of the Devil Sect followed. Those who did not depart went into hiding. One of the branches of the Devil Sect, the Pitying Fragrance Faction, specializes in taking women’s virginities. If the Devil Sect has reappeared, then it is likely that Jing Wuji may return to the Central Plains. Now that he is the State Mentor of Northern Han, his return from retirement can symbolize Northern Han on the verge of launching a large-scale invasion. If this is the case, how can the civil and military officials of the court not be concerned? Therefore, at present, no one remembers the affairs relating to the Embroidered Union.”

I subconsciously fanned the folding fan in my hands, asking, “What do you think?”

Xiaoshunzi answered, “I don’t find it strange that there are some Devil Sect disciples who remained behind in the Central Plains. I would find it strange if they were not present. Moreover, the movements of the members of the Devil Sect are concealed. Although there have been rumors of their whereabouts these last several years, all of it seems to be groundless.3 Therefore, I believe that the Fengyi Sect is using this as a pretext to make a fuss, drawing away everyone’s attention.”

I smiled coldly and replied, “The Devil Sect’s strength has already attached itself to Northern Han. Jing Wuji wishes to continue to compete with Fan Huiyao. However, there is no meaning to compare martial arts. It’s likely that victory or defeat between them will be based upon who can unify the world. As soon as something happens to the Crown Prince, the Devil Sect appears. What a coincidence! Since this is the case, I will join in on the fun. Xiaoshunzi, do you know what the Minister of Revenue, Liang Jinqian is doing right now?”

Xiaoshunzi answered, “He is currently atoning for his crimes. However, according to the Prince of Yong’s intelligence, the Crown Prince is preparing to take over his power. Liang Jinqian has already been placed under house arrest.”

I smiled slightly and inquired, “Has Han Wuji settled the matter relating to Huo Jicheng?”

Xiaoshunzi smiled. “This is exactly the good news that I needed to inform young master. Huo Jicheng has disappeared. However, we left behind a fake corpse. Trying to cover it up will only make it more conspicuous. At present, both the Fengyi Sect and the Crown Prince are chasing after him. However, he has disappeared without a trace. The Secret Camp has already delivered Huo Jicheng’s proof of identity.”

“If that’s the case, then you go personally handle the matter,” I said, rising to my feet. “Go kill Liang Jinqian. Do not act physically; use poison. If this happens then what do you think everyone will think?”

With an odd expression on his face, Xiaoshunzi replied, “Naturally it would be that the Crown Prince killed Liang Jinqian to silence him. Young master’s plan is truly vicious and ruthless.”

“That is exactly my intention,” I stated with a smile. “I have another matter that I want you to handle. Huo Jicheng will not truly die. Although he is physically dead, he still remains alive in the hearts and minds of the people. That is his remuneration for the million taels of silver he helped me earn. Be sure to not sully his good name.”

Holding back laughter, Xiaoshunzi agreed, “Do not worry, young master. I will definitely transform Huo Jicheng into the Crown Prince’s nightmare.”

I warned him, “Be sure to be careful. If your identity is exposed, then I will be in dire straits.”

Xiaoshunzi gravely replied, “Do not worry. If I am no match, I’ll just run. I will definitely not allow them to capture me.”

I was still a bit anxious. However, after recalling that I could arrange for Jing Chi and Zhangsun Ji to provide support, I no longer worried. Just as I was about to exhort a few more words, even if Xiaoshunzi would blame me for being long-winded, I heard the sound of footsteps approach from a distance. From the sound, I could tell that the Prince of Yong had arrived. He had probably come to apologize. Nevertheless, I still had to give him a way out of the embarrassing situation.4 Waving my hand to have Xiaoshunzi withdraw, I waited for the Prince of Yong to arrive. However, when I saw the Prince of Yong, his face carried a difficult to explain distress. My heart jumped and I asked, “Your Imperial Highness, why are you so sad?”

Li Zhi replied in an agonized voice, “Today, Imperial Sister was determined to leave the palace to pursue purity in the Dustless Nunnery. Imperial Father and Noble Consort Zhangsun could not convince her otherwise and could only give their consent, only prohibiting her from taking vows and becoming a nun.”

My heart shook, and I was unable to say a single word. Gazing at the Prince of Yong’s fervent gaze, I could only softly respond, “Your Imperial Highness, marriages cannot be forced. The Princess’s wholehearted prayers to the Buddha are probably the only way for her to peacefully and joyfully spend her life.”

Li Zhi let out a soft sigh, saying, “Let’s not speak of this.… As long as Imperial Sister does not take her vows, there will be room to save the situation in the future. What should our next step be? The marriage between Qin Qing and the Princess of Jingjiang has caused me to be greatly disappointed.”

I smiled reassuringly. “There is no need for Your Imperial Highness to be overly worried. The only thing that we can do at present is letting Your Imperial Highness treat the Qin family with proper courtesy, otherwise it won’t be good if they join the Crown Prince’s faction. I believe that Grand General Qin will not be so unwise. The Qin family has several other young sons.”

Li Zhi’s eyes brightened. Without him speaking, I knew that he would handle this situation better than I could. At this moment, I caught sight of Jing Chi’s figure surreptitiously sneaking back into the courtyard. Presumably, he had slipped out last night, having been stifled by his stay in the Cold Courtyard. I had originally intended to pretend that I did not notice his return, but after thinking it over, I called out, “General Jing, why aren’t you coming over to pay your respects to His Imperial Highness?”

Jing Chi stopped sneaking about and walked over. Following etiquette, he paid his respects to the Prince of Yong. I smiled and stated, “His Imperial Highness wants you to compose a poem. What do you think?”

Jing Chi’s jaw dropped, not knowing what he could do. With a laugh, the Prince of Yong declared, “I have heard that you have learned how to compose poetry. This Prince is very interested. How about this? This Prince will choose a topic. Oh, that’s right! Where did you go just now?”

Jing Chi awkwardly responded, “This general went out to gamble last night. I have returned now to go to sleep.”

Li Zhi glared at him and suggested, “How about this? Compose a poem using sleep as the topic.”