Chapter One Hundred Six: Wind Rising

Chapter 106: The Winds of Change

Zhao Tingyue was indeed advanced in years, nearing fifty. Had it not been for recent events, he would have retired to his hometown in two years. Yet, even in retirement, his descendants held official positions. Having served for many years, Zhao Tingyue had ensured his offspring occupied important posts.

Xiao Xun remarked to Lin Qiuran, "It's said that in recent years, the court has lacked generals capable of leading troops, forcing Zhao Tingyue to once again don armor and take to the battlefield. Some argue that to condemn him for a few defeats would be an unjust misfortune."

Lin Qiuran mused, *There were capable generals once. Doesn't he know why there aren't anymore?*

Xiao Xun added, "Moreover, he's a formidable opponent."

Today marked Xiao Xun's first attendance at court. The Emperor sat regally on the dragon throne, flanked by civil and military officials. With the year drawing to a close and a recent victory secured, there were no major court affairs. Proceedings should have been winding down, yet many ministers were impeaching Zhao Tingyue.

Among them were Zhao Jinshan, Chief of the Dali Temple, and the Minister of Works.

Zhao Tingyue was quick to confess, immediately kneeling. "Your subject's erroneous decisions led to three disastrous defeats, almost causing grievous casualties among the Great Yue soldiers. Your subject is guilty and accepts punishment."

As Zhao Tingyue knelt, his broad back bowed low, numerous officials immediately stepped forward to plead on his behalf.

Both civil and military officials interceded. The Vice Minister of Justice stepped forward, raising his memorial tablet, and declared, "Your Majesty, for decades, Great Yue and the foreign tribes have engaged in constant minor skirmishes, with major battles occurring only in the past two years. I believe General Zhao is advanced in years. Over the years, he has guarded the northwest, protecting the safety of the Yue Dynasty, and his contributions are immense. The northwest is bitterly cold, and he carries old injuries. Now that he has suffered defeat, General Zhao surely feels deeply troubled. If he is punished for this, I fear it would dampen the morale of our soldiers."

Zhao Tingyue’s Deputy General, General Xu, also stepped forward. "Your Majesty, victories in battle are credited to Great Yue and its soldiers. It cannot be that defeats are solely General Zhao’s fault. Although Xiao Xun is not part of the Zhao army, he followed General Zhao to the northwest this time and, through observation and learning, achieved success. This is not without General Zhao’s contribution."

Another official rose. "Where there are victories, there are defeats. Who can guarantee they will never suffer a defeat? If someone acted recklessly, took dangerous risks, and caused major errors, punishment would be justified. But General Zhao did not. Punishing him would be unduly harsh. Your Majesty has just rewarded the three armies, and now to punish the commander—this seems..."

Minister Jiang snorted. He had initiated the discussion, but with everyone else chiming in, he now appeared to be the villain. "When there are victories, there are rewards—titles, nobility, gold, silver, and treasures. Even Great Yue’s military forces bear the Zhao family’s name. So now, when there are defeats, it’s because he’s old and injured, and we must consider his past service and hardships? But his merits were already acknowledged before. Must we acknowledge them a second time? What are these merits that they can be used over and over again, never exhausted?"

Minister Jiang, a sharp-tongued civil official, continued, "Your Majesty, the state has its laws, and the family has its rules. If merits and faults could always offset each other, there would never have been the case of General Shen’s entire family being executed, nor would so many officials who committed errors have been dismissed and punished. Times change, but the law remains unchanged. If we set this precedent, what will happen when others in the court follow suit?"

Minister Jiang turned to Zhao Tingyue’s Deputy General. "General Xu’s words are also absurd. General Xiao is from Xiao Village. As far as I know, three years ago, word of his death reached Xiao Village. Whether there were hidden circumstances, this official has yet to investigate. So now, because he achieved merits, he’s considered one of Zhao Tingyue’s own?"

"Your Majesty, over the past twenty years, there have been no generals in the court capable of standing on their own. Most generals have been Deputy Generals or subordinates of General Zhao, with mediocre qualifications. Two years ago, after several defeats, Zhuozhou nearly fell. Isn’t that already a major disaster?"

Zhao Jinshan also stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I believe Minister Jiang’s words are reasonable. General Zhao has indeed made tremendous contributions to Great Yue, but merits and faults cannot offset each other..."

Before Zhao Jinshan could finish, Zhao Tingyue’s Deputy General, General Xu, knelt and kowtowed. "Your Majesty, no matter the punishment, could you allow General Zhao to rise first? General Zhao has spent many years in the northwest and suffers from old injuries to his waist and legs. When the weather turns cold, the pain becomes unbearable. Now, with the severe cold and freezing temperatures, prolonged kneeling will worsen his condition, Your Majesty!"

Minister Jiang nearly rolled his eyes. Zhao Jinshan pressed his lips together and finally sighed.

The Emperor waved his hand. "We are tired. Let us adjourn for today."

The Emperor sat high on the dragon throne, and no one dared to look directly at his face. Listening to the Emperor’s voice, Xiao Xun felt a strange chill.

Recalling the events, Xiao Xun felt weary. He said to Lin Qiuran, "So many people pleaded for him. The Emperor cannot ignore them."

Lin Qiuran thought that the Emperor was stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he punished Zhao Tingyue, he would alienate veteran officials—not just Zhao Tingyue, but other ministers as well. But if he did not punish him, the repeated impeachments against Zhao Tingyue were not without cause.

The court debates were fierce and exhausting. Moreover, even Xiao Xun’s military achievements could be attributed to Zhao Tingyue. In the past, it was unknown how many others had been treated similarly. For twenty years, no generals had emerged in Great Yue. Was it because there were no capable individuals, or because they were suppressed? No one knew.

Lin Qiuran said, "General Zhao has guarded the northwest for many years and has strong popular support."

Moreover, today he admitted his mistakes without hesitation, kneeling for a long time without uttering a single word in his own defense. If he continued kneeling and fainted in the imperial court, the rumor would spread that the Emperor had turned his back on a devoted official.

Lin Qiuran couldn’t help but say, "But back then, wasn’t the Shen family convicted on similar charges? Why is it different now?"

Xiao Xun said, "Some court officials said that the heavy casualties back then were General Shen’s fault, and that his death was necessary to appease public anger. Two years ago, after several defeats, Yingzhou nearly fell. The court officials said that since I achieved merits and defended Yingzhou, preventing a major disaster, it was also due to General Zhao’s skillful deployment of personnel."

Now, although the Dali Temple is investigating the Shen family’s case, too much time has gone by, and there has been little progress.

Xiao Xun lowered his head. Although he had achieved merits, in the eyes of these people, Zhao Tingyue also shared in the credit. But if it hadn’t been for the urgency of the situation back then, Zhao Tingyue would never have allowed him to stand out.

Zhao Tingyue knew exactly how he got to where he is today—how could he possibly repeat the same mistakes that General Shen had openly made? He was old, and his subordinates were inferior to him in both martial skills and strategy, all stuck covering for each other.

Today, dozens of officers spoke up for him.

Lin Qiuran pondered for a moment and said, "Could it be easier to start with the people around General Zhao?"

Otherwise, even if Xiao Xun presented the evidence he had found, those people would argue that General Zhao was old and occasionally negligent, or perhaps someone would willingly step forward to take the fall for him.

Xiao Xun was struggling alone and might not only fail to shake Zhao Tingyue but also end up with a reputation for being ungrateful and burning bridges.

Even a dead camel is bigger than a horse. Not to mention, Zhao Tingyue was only under impeachment and hadn’t even been brought before the Dali Temple—how could he be so easily convicted?

Moreover, although Lin Qiuran felt that the evidence should be submitted to the Dali Temple, it couldn’t be done just yet.

Xiao Xun nodded. "Yes, you’re right. I’ll think of another way."

Lin Qiuran comforted and advised him, "He is now the Duke of Zhao and a senior general. Even the Emperor has reservations. You’ve just entered the court and have shallow roots—take it slow. Don’t let it get to you."

Xiao Xun murmured in agreement. "I know."

Even so, Xiao Xun couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

During these days, he left early and returned late, busy with official duties. Lin Qiuran followed medicinal recipes to prepare nourishing soups for him. In the meantime, she went to the clinic for a follow-up, where the old physician said his health had improved somewhat, but he had pent-up frustrations.

He prescribed some remedies to reduce internal heat, and the previous medication had to be continued.

Lin Qiuran occasionally sighed, but household matters couldn’t be delayed. Over the past few days, she met with several tenants to inquire about local crops. The rest of the time, she stayed indoors and turned down social invitations. Invitations arrived from outside, including one from the Marquis of Anyang’s residence, but Lin Qiuran didn't attend.

Late in the month, another snowfall came. On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, Xiao Dashi arrived from Yu’an.

Lin Qiuran had been counting the days and sent a servant to wait at the city gate. After several days, they finally received him. Xiao Dashi arrived in the afternoon. Lin Ming arranged matters with the escort agency and the coachman, and they returned to the residence in the family carriage.

Xiao Dashi had never been to the capital and found everything novel. When he arrived at the Count of Dingyuan’s residence, his eyes widened in amazement. He even forgot to hold Tangyuan, staring for a long time before stammering, "Is this our new home?"

Sun Shi said, "Look at you, so easily impressed. This was bestowed by the Emperor."

Xiao Dashi looked around left and right. "It’s nice, but it’s really big... Where’s Xiao Xun? Didn’t you say he’s back?"

Lin Qiuran replied, "My husband hasn’t returned from work yet."

Xiao Xun had been returning late from work these days, arriving home even later. Lin Qiuran said to Xiao Dashi, "Father, why don’t you rest first at Shou’an Hall? When my husband returns, we’ll bring Tangyuan over for dinner."

Since they were the elders living in Shou’an Hall, it made sense for them to stay there, and the younger couple would go to them instead of the other way around.

Xiao Dashi didn’t quite understand and asked Sun Shi, "Why is there a Shou’an Hall? What’s going on?"

Sun Shi straightened her back and explained, "Now that we have more courtyards, we live separately. We have one courtyard, Tangyuan has another, and Qiu Ran and Xiao Xun live together."

She added, "There are maids to help us in the courtyard. We can do as we please and live more freely."

She could wake up early without disturbing Lin Qiuran. Otherwise, with such a large estate, it would be silly to crowd together.

After finishing, Sun Shi turned to Lin Qiuran and said, "Alright, I’ll take your father back to rest for a while. Since Xiao Xun has been returning late these days, we’ll wait for him. If your father gets hungry, he can have a snack first."

Lin Qiuran nodded. Xiao Dashi had just returned after a long journey, so she didn’t ask him about matters back home. She instructed the maid to have the main kitchen prepare some noodle soup for Xiao Dashi to tide him over. Other matters could wait until tomorrow.

Lin Qiuran looked down and saw Tangyuan gazing wistfully in the direction the two had left. Tangyuan said, "Grandpa didn’t even hear me."

Lin Qiuran said, "There are many people here, and you're so small. How about this—go keep your grandparents company for a while."

Tangyuan gave an eager nod. Having moved here months ago, Tangyuan missed Xiao Dashi dearly. He caught up and circled around Xiao Dashi’s legs, but Xiao Dashi was busy looking around the estate, thinking it was enormous—they had been walking for so long, and his home in Yu'an was never this big.

And such a vast place, all planted with trees and with pavilions built.

Sun Shi tugged at Xiao Dashi, who snapped back to attention, "What is it?"

Sun Shi said, "Tangyuan has been talking to you several times, and you’ve just been staring at the courtyard. You can look at the courtyard anytime."

Xiao Dashi said sheepishly, "Isn’t it all new to me?"

He picked up Tangyuan and gave a silly chuckle. The three returned to Shou'an Hall, their figures disappearing around the corner.

Lin Qiuran went back to the main courtyard to wait for Xiao Xun. She didn’t know what was going on today, but she felt uneasy, peering occasionally toward the moon gate of the courtyard.

The sky gradually darkened, and it was around the time Xiao Xun usually returned from duty. Lin Qiuran asked the maid, "Has the Earl returned?"

The maid shook her head, "Madam, there’s no sign of him at the front gate. I’ll go check again."

Lin Qiuran nodded gently. Yesterday, Xiao Xun had mentioned that the Emperor would be using the vermilion brush these days, so he should have returned earlier than usual today. Why was he so late?

Lin Qiuran had the maid send word to the main kitchen to prepare the dishes and deliver them first so Xiao Dashi could eat. Having traveled from Yu'an to the capital before, she knew how tough the journey could be, with only dried provisions to eat.

Besides, when they came it was autumn, and the weather was still comfortable, but by the time Xiao Dashi arrived, it was already freezing.

The carriage provided little protection against the cold on the road. After all, they were family—it was just one meal, no need to wait for Xiao Xun. There would be plenty of time to eat together in the future.

Xiao Dashi was hungry. When the food arrived, his eyes lit up, and he didn’t insist on waiting for Xiao Xun.

It was getting late, so Tangyuan ate with them as well.

At the table, Xiao Dashi couldn’t help saying, "Why is Xiao Xun so busy? Isn’t it almost New Year’s?"

Sun Shi said, "I don’t understand court affairs, how would I know? He used to be a sixth-rank minor official, and now he’s risen to third rank—naturally, it’s different from before. He has to attend morning court, leaving at the hour of Yin. Our family has produced someone capable! In the future, Tangyuan will be capable too, striving to be even better than your father!"

Halfway through the meal, Tangyuan set down his chopsticks to please his grandmother, "Grandmother, don’t worry. I will study and practice martial arts diligently, striving to surpass my father's achievements!"

Xiao Dashi laughed along, though a bit forced. In the past, as a family, he was content with Xiao Xun’s capability, but after all, Xiao Xun wasn’t his biological son.

Xiao Dashi recalled what relatives back home had said, "No matter how capable he is, he’s not blood-related. You have nephews of your own—any one of them could take care of you."

Xiao Dashi pondered—over the past few months, his nephews back home had been good to him; they would prepare a full table of good dishes every time he returned. But Xiao Xun… he's here in the capital, yet he was busy here and there.

Sun Shi didn’t notice Xiao Dashi’s expression. After the meal, she had a maid go to the main courtyard to ask and also to escort Tangyuan back, but Xiao Xun still hadn’t returned.

Lin Qiuran guessed it must be due to matters at the palace—Xiao Xun might not even return tonight. She said to the maid from Shou'an Hall, "Go back and tell the elderly mistress that the Earl has business tonight and won’t be returning, but there’s no need to worry. She should rest without worry."