Chapter 98: Jiang Yun Ran felt the canopy bed was about to collapse, simply unbearable.

Chapter 98 Jiang Yunran felt the four-poster bed felt like it was going to break apart, completely overwhelmed.

The sunset clouds were like splendid silk, the setting sun melted gold.

Palace Cleaners shuttled through the lanes and pathways of Changxin Palace, lighting the palace lanterns one after another.

As the lanterns were lit, they, along with the vermilion palace walls, tinted the vitrified bricks red.

The bricks on the ground had been replaced during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong. At this time of year, they were not worn or patchy; even after decades, they remained even and glossy, bearing only faint marks left by time.

The palace servants swept and scrubbed them every morning and evening. Though Changxin Palace was vast, with thousands of rooms, it was always kept clean as new.

Jiang Yunran wore a thick cloak and deerskin boots lined with an extra layer of fleece. She walked side by side with Jing Huayan through the serene palace lanes.

Ahead stood row upon row of palace gates; behind them trailed numerous palace attendants.

"The clouds are burning red," Jiang Yunran said, tilting her head to gaze at the sky. "It seems tomorrow will be a sunny day."

Jing Huayan grunted in response and said, "The Imperial Astronomical Bureau reported that, based on astrological calculations, another blizzard is expected in three days. The Yujing Prefecture has already begun preparations for snow disaster response."

"This year, the northern folk should not have to suffer through the harsh winter, nor face families torn apart or lost to death."

The peace silver allocated to the various Provincial Administration Commissions this year had doubled compared to the previous year—a lifesaving fund to ensure the people's safety through the winter.

"This is all thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom."

Jing Huayan, however, scoffed. "My wisdom? I’m almost considered a tyrant."

The last time the two of them visited Qilin Alley, Jing Huayan had caught the General Affairs Bureau privately stealing and selling tribute tea. Upon returning, he immediately issued an edict ordering a comprehensive audit into all the bureau’s ledgers and palace registry logs.

At that time, the Zhou family had been demoted, their assets seized, and they were forced to leave the capital and return to their hometown. The families and old officials who had been deeply rooted in the General Affairs Bureau for decades breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the matter was over.

Or perhaps they still held onto a sliver of hope, relying on their contributions to the dynasty’s founding and the fact that they shared the Jing surname, they continued to do as they pleased.

After all, which previous emperor hadn’t wanted to take action against the General Affairs Bureau? In the end, they had all backed down due to personal ties and the complexity of the matter.

If Jing Huayan had long been firmly seated on the throne, wielding absolute power, he might have been able to make a radical move. But he had only been on the throne for five years, and even the Imperial Guard had just recently been brought under his control.

The important ministers of the previous reign remained the same advisors appointed by the late emperor—not a single one had been replaced.

This gave those people a false impression.

Jing Huayan would not take extreme measures; he was just a greenhorn.

The older imperial kin even viewed Jing Huayan with arrogance, prideful of their seniority over the emperor.

They were simply flaunting their seniority.

But the imperial edicts, the evidence presented before them, and the gold, silver, and treasures confiscated from the storerooms left these people with no way to argue.

The evidence was irrefutable.

The Lunar New Year was approaching, and victories had been reported from the borders, bringing joy and celebration across the nation.

Under such circumstances, Jing Huayan naturally would not allow bloodshed at the execution square.

Therefore, after reckoning with all the implicated imperial kin and old officials, Jing Huayan directly issued an edict: all families involved would have their properties confiscated; only the heads of households and those directly involved would be imprisoned, awaiting judgment after the spring.

Those with lighter offenses would have their official status stripped from their remaining family members, who would be allowed to stay in the capital but barred from imperial examinations for one generation.

Those with heavier offenses would have their official status stripped from their remaining family members, who would be sent back to their places of origin and barred from imperial examinations for two generations.

All implicated imperial kin would be stripped of their imperial family status and demoted to commoners.

The originally planned gradual approach ultimately did not come to fruition. Jing Huayan had truly not expected these people to be so audacious as to openly sell tribute tea even after the Zhou family had already been punished.

It was a complete disregard for his authority.

Since that was the case, Jing Huayan no longer showed any mercy.

This purge centered around the General Affairs Bureau caused an uproar in the court. The entire court was thrown into chaos, with supporters and opponents each holding their ground, refusing to yield.

Initially, Jing Huayan had held back precisely because of this outcome.

The General Affairs Bureau had been established at the founding of the dynasty. For over a hundred years, it had been passed down through generations, embezzling vast sums and involving connections throughout Yujing—imperial kin, princely mansions, officials, and the immensely wealthy.

The relationships were too intertwined, the interests too great, making it hard for people to let go.

But whether they were willing or not, they now had to relinquish it all.

In the embezzlement case of the General Affairs Bureau, the person closest to Jing Huayan was his granduncle. The Elder Prince was now sixty-six years old, the full brother of Jing Huayan’s grandfather.

He had been doted on by his elder brother and mother since childhood. After leaving the palace to establish his own residence, he only supervised the affairs of the General Affairs Bureau. As he grew older, his behavior became increasingly unruly, yet it was all overlooked without any punishment.

Over forty years, he had embezzled almost half of the emperor’s private treasury.

Jing Huayan was the last to order the arrest and imprisonment of the Elder Prince.

At that time, the Elder Prince’s eldest son, the succeeding Prince De—who was also Jing Huayan’s uncle—stood under the grand, ornately carved gates of the prince’s mansion and cursed Jing Huayan for being disloyal, unfilial, unrighteous, and a tyrannical ruler.

When the news reached the palace, Jing Huayan remained expressionless and directly ordered Prince De to be arrested and imprisoned as well.

After all, after the Elder Prince retired, it was Prince De who continued to participate in the "official business" of the General Affairs Bureau.

This stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Not only did court ministers attack one another, but even the Imperial Clan Court could not sit still and repeatedly tried to submit petitions to Empress Dowager Renhui.

The privileged status of imperial kin was an innate blessing. The notion that all beings are equal was merely a Buddhist verse believed by the poor and suffering masses—to these celestial nobles, it was nothing but a joke.

Jing Huayan, disregarding familial piety and affection, had even arrested and imprisoned his own granduncle. This was a major transgression.

These past few days, Jing Huayan had been plagued with headaches from the noisy morning courts. Although he punished the guilty ministers according to the law, and the censors no longer gossiped, those court ministers and imperial kin with connections buzzed around his ears like flies.

Because of this, the emperor was suppressing a fury, and his gums throbbed with a dull pain.

Jiang Yunran had been busy with matters concerning Beauty Wei these past few days and had not paid attention to the affairs of the former court. Hearing the suppressed tone in Jing Huayan’s voice, she couldn’t help but sigh.

"Why must Your Majesty take such an extreme approach?"

If Jing Huayan had turned a blind eye, only targeting the guilty ministers and not giving the Imperial Clan Court an opportunity to incite trouble, perhaps this major embezzlement case could have been concluded before the Lunar New Year.

But Jing Huayan refused.

He never let people have their way.

Jing Huayan turned to look at her. The crimson evening glow fell on her luminous face, making her cheeks appear like peaches and plums.

"If it were you, Beloved Concubine, what would you do?"

Jiang Yunran grasped Jing Huayan’s intent.

Her eyes darkened slightly, but her voice was firm and resolute: "If I were in your position, I would do the same as Your Majesty."

"Cut the problem off at the root and burn your bridges to show resolve."

Jing Huayan liked hearing that.

He said: "You see, Beloved Concubine also understands this reasoning, yet some insist on making trouble, fearing only that their own shady dealings will be uncovered, ending with their eventual conviction and execution."

Now those imperial clan members have gathered together to obstruct Jing Huayan from punishing the Elder Prince and Prince De, not for the sake of saving their lives, but for their own interests.

Jiang Yunran slipped a hand from her cloak and patted Jing Huayan's arm.

"Your Majesty, that’s only human."

"It is human nature," Jing Huayan’s voice remained cold, "but to me, it’s not personal—it’s affairs of state."

Since it must be done, the General Affairs Bureau should be thoroughly investigated and dealt with. Thereafter, matters such as purchasing should be distributed among various bureaus for collaborative handling, to keep any one bureau from having too much power and corruption on a large scale.

Although decades later, new procurement methods might still lead to abuses of power, by then Jing Huayan would have turned to dust, and it would be beyond his control.

Now that he is alive and sits on the throne, he must get this done.

Jiang Yunran accompanied him for two ke (about half an hour) in the freezing cold of Changxin Palace until her feet grew numb, then advised: "Your Majesty, ahead is Listening to Snow Palace. Why not rest there today?"

Jing Huayan looked back at her and smiled: "Alright."

When the two returned to Listening to Snow Palace, Jiang Yunran immediately washed her hands with warm water and changed into embroidered soft-soled shoes, finally feeling warmed.

They sat together in the elegant room of the south wing. Jing Huayan was shelling melon seeds while talking with Jiang Yunran.

Jiang Yunran, however, occasionally glanced toward the north wing on the other side of the blue gauze curtain.

Ever since they returned to Listening to Snow Palace, the north wing had been bustling with activity. Liang Santai led a dozen or so eunuchs, making arrangements in the north.

Zhou Xiaqing was also there, busy alongside Xue Yan.

Jiang Yunran was somewhat puzzled: "Your Majesty, what is Liang Daban busy with?"

Jing Huayan placed the shelled preserved plum-flavored melon seeds into a white porcelain bowl and picked up another to shell.

This seemed to be his preferred way to relax.

"Fixing up the north wing. In the future, if I come over, I will rest directly in the north wing to save you from moving back and forth."

As a Deputy Fifth Rank Beauty, the entire western side hall belonged to Jiang Yunran. When summoned by the emperor, she could go to Danruo Hall, or the emperor could come to Listening to Snow Palace.

Previously, matters were too busy and this was overlooked, but today Jing Huayan remembered.

Jiang Yunran nodded. She faintly saw furniture being moved in and out opposite them and said helplessly: "Your Majesty, is it necessary to make such a grand effort?"

Her own furniture was made of huanghuali wood—could it possibly be beneath the emperor’s status?

Jing Huayan pushed the small bowl of shelled seeds toward her and tapped it: "When I sleep here, it must be arranged according to my preferences. Rest assured, I won’t touch your study."

Well, His Majesty certainly had his preferences.

Jiang Yunran looked at the shelled melon seeds and smiled sweetly, her dimples showing.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

She ate the seeds with a small silver spoon and, noticing Jing Huayan still frowning, slowly said: "Your Majesty, I recall that Grand Princess Chaoyang has just returned to the capital from her travels."

Jing Huayan’s hand, shelling melon seeds, paused slightly. He looked up at Jiang Yunran and arched an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

Jiang Yunran smiled faintly, her fingers tapping lightly on the seed dish.

"I have an idea, Your Majesty. Just hear me out."

"Go on, Beloved Concubine."

Jiang Yunran said word by word: "The imperial clan pride themselves on being blue bloods, claiming to be Your Majesty’s kin. Even if convicted, they can avoid death by virtue of their status."

"In this matter, Your Majesty will certainly not sentence the two princes to death, but…"

While death may be avoided, they won’t escape punishment in life.

This is the exemption granted to them by the laws of Great Chu, and also Jing Huayan’s leniency out of family feeling.

But these nobles, having enjoyed a lifetime of luxury, how could they endure poverty and degradation? How could they be willing to be looked down upon like commoners?

It’s hard to go from luxury to simplicity.

This is also why they are desperately making a fuss.

Yet they are all Jing Huayan’s relatives and elders, wielding the ancestral family rules, making it difficult for him to act freely for a time.

Although stalling could be used, with a decision made by next spring at the latest, Jing Huayan was frustrated.

Jiang Yunran paused before continuing: "This Grand Princess is a model for our generation. Whether among imperial clansmen or women, all look up to her. If Your Majesty invites her, she will surely step forward to rectify this unhealthy trend."

Imperial clansmen gathering to threaten the emperor—is that not an unhealthy trend?

As she spoke, Jing Huayan’s frown gradually eased. He felt both surprised and a sense of relief he couldn’t put into words.

At this moment, he looked at Jiang Yunran with clear admiration in his eyes.

"How did my Beloved Concubine come up with this move? It is truly a stroke of genius."

Jiang Yunran tilted her head, rarely showing a hint of pride.

"Because I don’t have to consider as much as Your Majesty," Jiang Yunran blinked, "I am merely a concubine in the harem."

"Modest," Jing Huayan laughed heartily, "My Beloved Concubine is my confidante."

————

Grand Princess Chaoyang was the elder sister of the Elder Prince and also Jing Huayan’s paternal aunt, similarly sharing the same mother as the ancestral emperor.

In the nineteenth year of Hongzhi, the Tuoba tribe invaded, pressing their troops to the border. Within ten days, they breached Liquan. At that time, Grand Princess Chaoyang was twenty years old and volunteered to serve the country.

Together with her consort, she led a hundred thousand troops to the border, engaging in a desperate battle against the Tuoba.

The Tuoba came with fierce momentum, their cavalry formidable. After two years of bitter fighting, Grand Princess Chaoyang and her consort won, but only just, arduously defending Liquan.

However, the final battle resulted in heavy casualties. Both the princess and her consort were severely wounded, and later the consort succumbed to his injuries, sacrificing his life for the country.

Grand Princess Chaoyang, with her indomitable will, survived the most difficult times and survived, though it left her left arm disabled.

After the victory, the imperial court honored her immediately, granting her the title of Grand Princess Chaoyang, with an annual stipend more than double that of a first-rank prince.

After the war ended, the Grand Princess continued to lead troops and guard the frontier until the death of the ancestral emperor and the ascension of the previous emperor. Later, in the fourteenth year of Tianqi, before Jing Huayan was named crown prince, she retired from service and returned to the capital.

Her entire life was legendary.

Unlike other imperial relatives, the Grand Princess had outstanding achievements and held high seniority in the family. Moreover, she was the Elder Prince’s own elder sister—a status no one could match.

If she were to step forward and reprimand the Elder Prince, urging Your Majesty to uphold justice and handle matters impartially, all the imperial relatives would have no choice but to hold their tongues.

Unless, of course, their merits could surpass those of the Grand Princess.

Jiang Yunran said to Jing Huayan: “Your Majesty, a person’s status and influence are earned through ability and contribution. Relying only on status gets you nowhere.”

“My mother taught me since childhood to keep learning and observing. Through one’s own efforts, it is always possible to change your fate.”

Born to the same mother, but worlds apart.

Now, the only one who could step forward to condemn the Elder Prince and his son is this very close relative of the Elder Prince.

Jing Huayan watched her speaking so at ease, the frown between his brows easing.

He let out a breath, his entire body relaxing.

“My love, you are truly a modern-day Zhuge Liang.”

This was too much praise. Jiang Yunran felt somewhat embarrassed: “You flatter me, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is a fair-minded person, only wishing for them to admit their faults, stand down, and accept punishment.”

“Your Majesty respects the Grand Princess and is unwilling to have the elderly intervene, hurting family ties and old affections. This is only human,” Jiang Yunran said. “But I am more concerned for Your Majesty, unwilling to see you troubled and worried over this. Thus, I speak boldly, and Your Majesty may consider it.”

These words were well put.

Jing Huayan looked at her and smiled.

The worried look on his face completely dissipated. Jing Huayan said, “My love, your concern for the kingdom is a blessing for the dynasty. I naturally cherish it.”

The implication was that he would follow her suggestion.

Jiang Yunran let out a breath and pointed to that plate of shelled sunflower seeds: “Let this be Your Majesty’s thank-you gift.”

“This is not enough,” Jing Huayan smiled. “I will surely properly repay you, my love.”

His repayments were always extraordinary.

Now, Jiang Yunran looked at herself in the mirror, feeling very annoyed.

How had she fallen for this man’s tricks again?

The man’s warm breath misted her ear. Jiang Yunran’s eyes were somewhat unfocused, yet she could still see her own red earlobes.

“What is Yun Ran thinking about?”

Jiang Yunran did not speak. Her hands were held against his waist by the man, unable to move.

Nothing could be concealed.

The mirror reflected only an expanse of pale skin.

Sweat dripped, her flushed face glowed, and the palace lanterns swayed brightly, illuminating all of their disheveled appearance.

Even the small mole on her arm could be clearly seen.

Jiang Yunran had never noticed before—that mole was right in the middle of her arm.

This man had actually moved the largest glass mirror from the Four Treasuries and placed it in the bedchamber of the northern wing.

At first, she thought it was for convenience when changing clothes.

It wasn’t until Jiang Yunran was carried and seated before the mirror that she realized what Jing Huayan intended to do.

But it was already too late.

Heat washed over her; a seductive look spread from the corners of her eyes. Everything in the mirror was like a dream, and Jiang Yunran was forced to witness the scene of a field of flowers blooming.

At that time, Jing Huayan even bit her ear gently and sighed: “As expected of the glass mirror sent as tribute from the Western Regions—so clear. Later, I will have people get two more and give them to Yun Ran.”

Jiang Yunran: “…”

Jiang Yunran dared not open her mouth, afraid that noises would escape.

Who wanted such a thing!

She closed her eyes, not daring to look further, but the man said teasingly: “My love, if you don’t watch, how will you learn ‘The Red Hairpin’?”

Only then did Jiang Yunran remember—that book also had a scene like this.

The original text roughly described a young widow encountering a handsome scholar in the changing room of a clothing shop, facing the mirror…

Suddenly, Jiang Yunran let out a soft moan. She instinctively opened her eyes and watched the shameful scene unfold before her.

What met her eyes, her body felt. Breath, fragrance, and warmth enveloped her, instantly shattering Jiang Yunran’s rationality.

In the last moments of her consciousness, it vaguely occurred to her: Not to mention, this book is quite impressive.

Truly wild enough.

And truly exhilarating.

The pressure accumulated over days finally found its release. The political games, the scheming and plotting—all drifted away with the wind.

Here and now, Jing Huayan rarely savored such novel delight.

He felt as if he had transformed into a gentle breeze and sunlight, stretching freely under the bright sky.

Jiang Yunran’s legs had gone stiff.

She could neither stand nor sit—it was pure torment.

All focus converged in one place, moving only with the shifting sunlight outside the window.

For a moment, it was as if bizarre and eccentric dreams filled her vision.

“No more.”

Jiang Yunran panted heavily.

“Too exhausting.”

The tree shadows stirred slightly.

He made sure Jiang Yunran was steady, easing the strain on her legs, before kissing her cheek.

"You can do it, Beloved Concubine."

Jing Huayan said, "How could my Beloved Concubine ever admit defeat?"

Jiang Yunran: "..."

Jiang Yunran wanted to open her mouth and curse him, but as soon as her lips moved, his warmth seized the opportunity and slipped in.

"Mph, you—"

She couldn't say anything anymore.

Jing Huayan was very satisfied with the mirror. As the kiss ended, he lowered his head and nipped at Jiang Yunran's neck.

Her fair, slender neck blushed a deep crimson, a color that probably wouldn't fade for several days.

Who knows how long passed before the lamp flickered twice, and Jiang Yunran finally relaxed.

"Hah."

Two sounds, one after another, sounded equally satisfied.

Jing Huayan stroked her cheek from behind, wiping away the tears at the corner of her eye.

"Better now?"

Jiang Yunran closed her eyes, still trembling involuntarily, trying hard not to look at her messy reflection in the mirror.

This man really had no shame.

Jing Huayan let out a low chuckle, in an uncharacteristically merciful mood today as he finally let her off.

When they separated, Jiang Yunran's face flushed even redder, and she hurriedly wrapped her underskirt around her waist.

Jing Huayan raised an eyebrow, bent down, and without a word, scooped Jiang Yunran up into his arms.

The woman was light. Though she was tall—half a head taller than most women—she was slender and delicate.

In the past, Jing Huayan had always loved her tiny waist, so narrow it seemed he could encircle it with one hand, but now he weighed her in his arms.

She was a bit too thin.

"Your Majesty..." Jiang Yunran instinctively threw her arms around his neck, afraid he might drop her.

"Be careful."

Jing Huayan raised an eyebrow and carried her unabashedly into the bath chamber.

After carefully lowering her into the hot water, he said, "What are you afraid of? As if I’d drop you."

Jiang Yunran sat in the hot water, gradually relaxing.

She watched as Jing Huayan sat at the edge to wash up, and she secretly cleaned herself as well.

But it wasn’t easy to clean.

She needed to...

Flushing, Jiang Yunran noticed Jing Huayan looking her way from time to time and snapped, "What are you looking at!"

"Why can’t I look?"

Jing Huayan feigned confusion. "Between husband and wife, there should be nothing to hide. Just moments ago, Beloved Concubine saw every part of me clearly in the mirror."

"Why is it not allowed now?"

Jiang Yunran’s face turned bright red.

More tempting than a ripe apple in autumn.

"Not allowed means not allowed."

She couldn’t explain, so she could only be "unreasonable."

Jing Huayan’s gaze slowly traveled downward, and suddenly, he understood.

Jiang Yunran watched as a cocky grin spread across his face.

The young emperor often pretended to be cool and detached, rarely showing such open delight.

She knew it was trouble.

Sure enough, the man put down the bucket in his hand and climbed right into the bathtub.

Water splashed everywhere.

Heat pressed against Jiang Yunran’s back.

"Yun Ran, did I say we were done?"

Jiang Yunran: "..."

After so many times, Jiang Yunran had learned her lesson: this man would not stop until he was sated.

If she said less, perhaps he would finish sooner.

Otherwise, if she said the wrong thing or if he deliberately found fault, it would be troublesome.

He had plenty of excuses to drag things out, and there was no stopping him.

She didn’t want to end up being up past midnight.

With this in mind, Jiang Yunran decisively turned around and slung her arms around Jing Huayan’s neck.

"Then hurry up... less talking!"

Jing Huayan: "..."

This time, it was Jing Huayan’s turn to be stunned.

"Yun Ran, you..."

Jiang Yunran kissed his lips and smiled. "Let’s get this over with and get to sleep early."

Jing Huayan’s eyes darkened.

He lowered his gaze and also smiled.

Their breaths mingled as he captured all her words.

"Alright," Jing Huayan said, "as you wish, Beauty Consort."

There would be no quick end.

By the time Jiang Yunran was gripping the brocade quilt tightly, she was still thinking: this man, usually so prim and proper, spouts nonsense the moment they reach this point.

What happened to his promise of keeping his word?

It was all a deceitful game.

He coaxed her from in front of the mirror to the warm room, then from the warm room back to the bed—in short, he wouldn’t stop until he’d had his fill.

Suddenly, a wave of heat washed over her.

Jiang Yunran shuddered. She opened her eyes damp with sweat, and a tear slid from the corner of her eye.

"Yun Ran, you’re not focusing."

Jiang Yunran stared at him in a daze, saying nothing.

Jing Huayan lowered his head and planted kisses on her eyelids.

One moment tender, the next fiery.

This canopy bed was Jiang Yunran’s original one—not as sturdy or stable as a platform bed. In her daze, Jiang Yunran felt as though she could hear creaking sounds.

Really…

It would’ve been better to stay in Danruo Hall.

Inside and out, all the servants were her people, making her feel even more self-conscious.

Jiang Yunran reached out and pushed at his chest.

But their skin was slick with sweat, and her hand slipped down to his abdominal muscles.

Well-defined and taut.

Jiang Yunran—

Jiang Yunran blinked, then touched them again.

Jing Huayan laughed helplessly.

Sweat dripped down, blooming like peonies on the brocade quilt.

He reclaimed her breath, making her sway with him in the overwhelming waves.

No distractions—she could only think of him.

Jing Huayan’s hand found hers, lacing their fingers together, lingering between her fingers.

Their hands clasped tightly, warm palms pressed together.

"Are you satisfied today, Beauty Consort?"

Jing Huayan’s kisses traveled downward, biting once more over the previous mark.

A little pain, a little numbness.

Jiang Yunran tilted her head slightly, her gaze drifting through the misty haze to settle vaguely on Jing Huayan’s handsome face.

She squeezed his hand in return: "Satisfied, very satisfied. Your Majesty is truly a dragon among men."

She added eagerly: "Your Majesty, I’m sleepy."

Jing Huayan gave a low chuckle, his words not matching his actions: "If you’re tired, then sleep."

The canopy bed groaned as if it would fall apart, completely overwhelmed.

"Then I will offer an extra gift, guaranteed to satisfy."