Chapter 41 Kiss

Chapter 41: The Kiss

Jiang Yanzhou's journey back to the capital had indeed taken a considerable amount of time. Combined with the days after his return, before he knew it, it was the day of Jiang Linque's execution.

Jiang Yanzhou had not made any contact with the Jiang family the entire time.

Whether others believed he was genuinely ill or that he had been placed under house arrest by Xiao Yunlang, these speculations worked in his favor.

Only the message from Jiang Yinhan stood out.

He said, "Father wishes to see you once, to get an answer."

Answer—a rather intriguing choice of words.

Had Jiang Linque, after scouring every corner and failing to find the mole, finally begun to suspect him?

He was truly worthy of being the once-powerful Chancellor Jiang, also the first Chief Grand Secretary of Daqi to be executed by beheading. Even in seemingly impossible circumstances, he still harbored suspicions toward Jiang Yanzhou.

These men, capable of reaching such high positions, were not without ability. Had they been worthy of the official caps upon their heads, they might not have met such an end.

Until the execution, Jiang Linque never saw this son again whom he had discarded as a pawn in the game.

To his death, his doubts about Jiang Yanzhou remained unanswered.

On the day this generation's powerful minister lost his head, the commotion in the court did not cease.

First, the Ministry of War presented a report from Yizhou, stating that mounted bandits had recently grown rampant, with large-scale incidents of injury and robbery reappearing.

Then, the Vice Minister of War discussed military provisions, brought up the Ministry of Revenue, impeached Jiang Yinhan, accusing him of dereliction of duty. He claimed the Ministry of War had repeatedly made reasonable demands for funds, only to be evaded and put off. Where exactly had the silver gone?

Furthermore, given Jiang Linque's years of corruption, how could Jiang Yinhan, as his son and Vice Minister of Revenue, be completely unaware?

Either he turned a blind eye, or he actively abetted the wrongdoing. All talk of righteousness and sacrificing family ties was false—it must be that Jiang Linque, to protect his son, took all the blame upon himself!

Once he started, Vice Grand Secretary Wei Chengsi immediately followed suit, again bringing up the Ministry of Revenue's account books. This time, he dragged the Ministries of Works and Rites into it, attempting to pin certain old accounts on the Ministry of Revenue, clearly aiming to settle accounts while the Jiang family was down.

And at such a time, the Crown Prince stepped forward, expressing concern for the people of Yizhou. Since Yizhou was also his former fiefdom from his princely days, he volunteered to go to Yizhou once more to suppress the bandits.

No one expected Xiao Yunlang to willingly step back and leave the capital at such a time.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Wei Chengsi immediately took the lead in praising the Crown Prince for his concern for the frontier, his hands-on approach, truly a blessing for the state!

Those under him watched his expression; since he praised, others naturally followed suit with flattery. Just as Emperor Yonghe slightly narrowed his eyes, someone else spoke up: "For the Crown Prince of a nation to personally venture into danger at the frontier—is that not somewhat inappropriate?"

Upon hearing this, deep furrows appeared between Emperor Yonghe's brows: Inappropriate?

He saw nothing inappropriate about it.

He had not handled these major affairs to credit the Crown Prince. Having him go out to cool off was just as well, lest all the ministers' attention remain fixed on the Crown Prince.

At the frontier, there were still several great generals capable of guarding the passes. It wouldn't come to Xiao Yunlang dying out there, but he ought to suffer a bit.

Emperor Yonghe immediately approved Xiao Yunlang's voluntary request. However, regarding Jiang Yinhan, he merely placed him under house arrest for now, stating further investigation was needed.

It seemed the emperor was still hesitating whether to completely remove Jiang Yinhan, just as he kept Empress Jiang not out of any affection, but due to strategic considerations.

To expedite Jiang Yinhan's journey to the afterlife, a few days later, Jiang Yanzhou, as the younger brother, decided to enter the palace to "plead for mercy."

At dusk, the glow of sunset spilled through layered clouds, setting the sky ablaze with molten gold. Inside Yan Gui Xuan, Jiang Yanzhou sat before a mirror as an attendant applied powder to his face.

Yes, powder—applied to the face.

Young Master Jiang's complexion had been improving lately, his face like congealed cream, occasionally tinged with a faint rosy hue on both cheeks, further accentuating skin as fine and delicate as peach and plum blossoms in early spring.

A tragic figure, overwhelmed by grief over his father's execution and driven by despair to plead for his elder brother, should not appear so meticulously cared for.

Thus, a bit of powder was applied to make his complexion look pallid.

This powder was ground from pearls mixed with some white medicinal herbs, guaranteed not to harm the skin.

After the attendant finished applying it to Jiang Yanzhou, he was quite satisfied with his own skill, for this haggard-looking young master reminded him of when Jiang Yanzhou had first married into the household from the Jiang family, and he already began to feel heartache.

Jiang Yanzhou looked in the mirror, marveling at the wonders of makeup artistry, and praised the attendant's skill.

"Young Master," Feng Lan said, "the carriage is ready."

As instructed, the carriage prepared was the small one used by attendants for purchasing supplies, aiming to create the pitiful scenario of the Crown Princess, taking advantage of the Crown Prince's absence, finally bribing a servant to make a difficult escape.

Today, Jiang Yanzhou even dressed more plainly, wearing a very simple silver hairpin, no pearls adorning him—truly an ethereal, delicate beauty in illness, one who evoked pity.

The small carriage seemingly slipped out of the residence unnoticed, hastening anxiously toward the imperial palace.

Emperor Yonghe was still in Ming Hui Hall.

As emperor, he had never neglected governance and often rose early and retired late—though the effectiveness of that was another matter altogether.

With Jiang Linque gone, a position in the Grand Secretariat was vacant again, requiring careful consideration of candidates. Also, Jiang Yinhan... how to deal with this person most advantageously?

He had been prone to headaches lately and was pressing his temples in contemplation when Chief Eunuch Shuang Quan entered with quick, small steps.

Shuang Quan softly called to draw Emperor Yonghe's attention: "Your Majesty."

Emperor Yonghe looked up.

Shuang Quan: "A minor incident occurred at the palace gate just now. Though trivial matters should not disturb Your Majesty's peace, as it concerns the Crown Prince, this servant dared not withhold the report."

Emperor Yonghe lowered his hand, displeased: "What is it? I approved his trip to Yizhou, provisions have been prepared for the advance party, he is to depart tomorrow—what trouble could he possibly stir up now?"

Shuang Quan maintained a careful, ingratiating smile on his face—a skill many palace attendants possessed, but his strength lay in appearing sincere.

"It was the Crown Princess who arrived at the palace gate first, presenting his token, wishing to enter the palace, saying... he wished to plead for mercy for Vice Minister Jiang."

A flicker passed through Emperor Yonghe's eyes: "Oh?"

"When his father died, there was no sign of him. Why is he only anxious now?"

"Ah, indeed! This servant was also curious. But just now, I sent someone to inquire about all the details at the palace gate. The guards said the Crown Princess looked haggard and utterly pitiful, tearfully claiming the Crown Prince had forcibly kept him in the residence, preventing him from seeing his father one last time."

Shuang Quan stole a glance at Emperor Yonghe's expression and, seeing the emperor's interest piqued, raised his voice slightly, speaking more vividly: "He also said he now had only this one elder brother left, how could he stand by and watch him come to harm?"

Emperor Yonghe picked up a paperweight from the table, examining it idly: "And how did he manage to come out today?"

"Is His Highness the Crown Prince not overseeing military provisions today? Perhaps the Crown Princess seized the opportunity to slip out? He came in a small carriage, who knows where he found it."

Unable to see his own father one last time—that was a deep, irreconcilable hatred. Jiang Yanzhou must resent Xiao Yunlang to the bone.

Emperor Yonghe: "And where is he now? Why haven't I seen his token?"

"Alas," Shuang Quan bowed his head, "it is because His Highness the Crown Prince arrived and forcibly took him back again."

Emperor Yonghe hadn't anticipated this turn of events. He paused for a moment, holding the paperweight, then lapsed back into thought.

Indeed, compared to Jiang Yinhan, wouldn't a Jiang Yanzhou, who harbored a bone-deep hatred for Xiao Yunlang, be even better? Add to that his frail constitution—getting rid of him would be even more convenient when he was no longer of use.

Emperor Yonghe reached a decision.

"Jiang Linque deserved his death, but as a son, his filial devotion is truly moving. As his elder, I am deeply touched," Emperor Yonghe said, pressing the paperweight onto the desk. "Once the Crown Prince has left the capital, arrange to summon the Crown Princess for an audience."

Shuang Quan bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Shuang Quan's account matched exactly what everyone had seen.

Reportedly, the Crown Prince had galloped over on horseback, leaped down, and forcibly pulled the Crown Princess into his arms before carrying him into the carriage.

Pitifully frail, the Crown Princess's struggles were weak and ineffectual. His slender wrists rested on the Crown Prince's shoulders, utterly powerless to push him away. A soft cry and an unfinished "Let go" were abruptly cut off by the carriage door slamming shut.

The guards at the gate, having watched, could only sigh inwardly: The imperial family is heartless. Such a cold political marriage could only progress from mutual disdain to a sea of blood and hatred.

Meanwhile, the powerless Jiang Yanzhou, after being carried into the carriage, was gently placed on a soft cushion.

No matter how many times he had been carried, Jiang Yanzhou still found the sudden sensation of being suspended in mid-air unsettling.

However... landing in Xiao Yunlang's arms afterward made it nothing to fear.

He let out a soft sigh. Now that this act was over, would it give Emperor Yonghe some ideas?

If not, there were still contingency plans.

But all of that would have to wait for him to plan.

Because tomorrow, Xiao Yunlang would depart for Yizhou.

And Jiang Yanzhou, the Crown Princess who had been captured and confined by the Crown Prince, could not bid him farewell with everyone else.

Any farewells would have to be said tonight.

Jiang Yanzhou glanced at the tassel hanging from Xiao Yunlang's waist, his fingers curling slightly.

Though the carriage was small, it had everything one might need.

Xiao Yunlang used a fire starter to light a small stove inside the carriage, heated the water in the pot, poured it into a basin, dampened a towel, and handed it to Jiang Yanzhou. "Wipe your face."

Though Jiang Yanzhou didn't see why they couldn't just wash up back at the residence, he still took the warm towel and carefully wiped the pearl powder from his face.

Xiao Yunlang watched. It wasn't that he didn't want to wipe Jiang Yanzhou's face himself, but the young master would surely blush and insist on doing it himself. Better to save time, as they still had other matters to attend to.

Xiao Yunlang opened the first layer of a tiered box placed nearby. Jiang Yanzhou looked and saw it was the pearl hair ornament he usually wore.

"Come, sit sideways," Xiao Yunlang said, picking up the hair ornament. "I'll style your hair."

Jiang Yanzhou put down the towel, surprised. "You know how to style hair?"

"Mm." Xiao Yunlang raised an eyebrow, his tone lifting. "Surprised? I can't do anything too intricate, but simple styles are no problem."

Jiang Yanzhou did as he was told and turned sideways while pressing down his hair, puzzled. "Your Highness, why are we freshening up in the carriage?"

Xiao Yunlang gathered Jiang Yanzhou's raven hair that fell like a waterfall and picked up the hair ornament. "We have another engagement later. You can freshen up a bit on the way, change clothes, and we'll go directly there."

Jiang Yanzhou: "Oh."

He was curious what other plans there were. He hadn't heard about them before.

But whatever Xiao Yunlang planned to do, he would simply cooperate.

To be honest, the Crown Prince truly couldn't manage anything intricate. He simply wove the silver threads and pearls into Jiang Yanzhou's hair so they hung down in front of the young master.

Xiao Yunlang looked it over and nodded. Well, his skill was average, but the person was beautiful.

Everything looked good on him.

Jiang Yanzhou touched the hair at the back of his head, then looked down at the pearls hanging in front of him. He really wanted to see what style Xiao Yunlang had done for him. "Is there a mirror? I'd like to see."

There actually was—a small mirror attached to the hair ornament. But it was too tiny to see the whole style; he could only catch a glimpse by tilting his head.

Even from that glimpse, Jiang Yanzhou thought it looked quite nice. At the very least, he couldn't have done it himself.

With his hair done, it was time to change clothes.

The gauzy robe, thin as a cicada's wing, shimmered with a faint, flowing light, truly resembling rippling water. Silver threads embroidered on the fabric depicted clear lotuses emerging from the waves.

Once the carriage came to a stop, Xiao Yunlang put a veil on Jiang Yanzhou, put on his own mask, and stepped out of the carriage first.

Jiang Yanzhou peeked out through the carriage curtain and couldn't help but freeze—

In front of him was neither a mansion gate nor a residence, nor was anyone waiting to meet them. It was merely a dim, deep, and secluded alley.

And at the alley's entrance not far away, lanterns were just being lit. Shadows of people moved about, and the sweet, warm aroma from the pastry shops wafted, attracting many excited children who cheered and gathered around.

—This was the most ordinary yet vibrant street in the capital.

Jiang Yanzhou was still sitting in the carriage in a daze when Xiao Yunlang, silhouetted against the light, reached a hand out to him. "You've been at the residence for so long, yet I've never properly taken you out for a stroll. Come, let's go for a walk together?"

By the time Jiang Yanzhou regained his senses, he had already placed his hand in Xiao Yunlang's, who half-supported, half-carried him down from the carriage, and together they stepped into the street scene.

As night slowly fell, lanterns along the street lit up one by one, layer upon layer stretching into the distance, their brilliance outshining the stars in the sky.

Even as he stepped into the light, Jiang Yanzhou still felt somewhat unreal.

Xiao Yunlang had already bought a piece of warm, sweet pastry from a nearby stall, wrapped it in oiled paper, and handed it to Jiang Yanzhou. Even through the veil's curtain, he could tell Jiang Yanzhou was still in a daze. He gave the pastry a little shake. "What's wrong?"

Jiang Yanzhou looked at Xiao Yunlang, then at the sweet pastry. He suddenly shook his head without a word and simply took the pastry with both hands, lifting it beneath his veil.

Jiang Yanzhou gently blew on the steaming sweet pastry twice before carefully taking a bite. The white, glutinous pastry was soft, lightly sweet, and carried a hint of floral and milky fragrance—rich and delicious.

Jiang Yanzhou's eyes suddenly sparkled with clear light, the corners curving upward: Delicious!

After swallowing, he noticed Xiao Yunlang had only bought one piece. "Your Highness... aren't you going to have any?"

The mask Xiao Yunlang wore covered his entire face, but he could lift the bottom slightly to eat something, shielding his features with his sleeve without being seen.

"I'm not hungry yet. You have this to tide you over." Xiao Yunlang said, "I had this shop's food a long time ago and thought the taste was decent. Is it to your taste?"

Jiang Yanzhou had just taken a bite and couldn't speak, so he nodded vigorously: Mm!

The corner of Xiao Yunlang's mouth curved upward. "That's good."

Daqi had a curfew, but it was still early, and the streets were neither too crowded nor too empty. Some hurried home, while others, after a busy day, came out to drink, have tea, or take a leisurely stroll to relax.

Like two ordinary young men, Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang walked among them, their shadows side by side on the ground, passing through this bustling, mortal world.

After eating the sweet cake, Jiang Yanzhou was then treated to pear blossom soup, fried yellow croakers, and half a golden silk pancake—it was split because it was too large for him to finish alone, so Xiao Yunlang broke one, and they shared it.

When they arrived at a small restaurant, Jiang Yanzhou was already full.

This little place had only one private room, which happened to be empty. The owner was accommodating, letting them have the room despite their modest order. After the dishes were served, both of them temporarily removed their disguises.

Since Jiang Yanzhou was almost full, Xiao Yunlang only ordered a braised fish, a plate of white-cut chicken with chili oil, and a bowl of wontons.

He ladled two or three wontons into a small bowl for Jiang Yanzhou to taste.

The broth was made from bone soup, garnished with vibrant green scallions. Jiang Yanzhou bit into a wonton to find a thin skin wrapped around a generous, ample filling; the meat was firm, chewy, and delicious.

After tasting it, Jiang Yanzhou was completely full. So he sat across from Xiao Yunlang, propping his chin on his hand, watching him eat while chatting idly: "Your Highness, how do you know so many good places to eat?"

Xiao Yunlang took a sip of soup: "Some I’ve tried before."

Others were recommended by his guards, and he personally sampled them a couple of days ago, finding the flavors quite good, which is why he brought Jiang Yanzhou here today.

If he hadn’t been so busy before, he would have taken Jiang Yanzhou out much earlier. Besides, since he'd be gone for months and they wouldn't see each other, how could he waste tonight’s time?

Jiang Yanzhou must have understood this too, which is why he didn’t ask any more questions after getting out of the carriage.

The two chatted casually, avoiding any talk of court affairs. By the time Xiao Yunlang finished eating, the night had deepened, the curfew was approaching, and it was time for them to return.

Before leaving, Jiang Yanzhou raised his teacup, using tea in place of wine: "Your Highness."

"May you achieve swift victory, triumph in battle, and may all your soldiers return safely."

Xiao Yunlang poured himself a cup of wine: "I accept your good wishes. While you’re in the capital, take care of yourself. I’ll write to you, and you must write back to me."

Jiang Yanzhou thought of his handwriting—his large characters were barely passable, but his small characters still needed work. However, since Xiao Yunlang was going to write to him, of course he had to reply properly, so he agreed: "Yes!"

He could continue practicing his handwriting.

The two drank their respective tea and wine, then covered their faces again. They went out, turned into a certain alley, boarded a new carriage, and rode back toward the Crown Prince’s residence under the cover of night.

The carriage entered the residence directly. Once home and with his feet on the ground, Jiang Yanzhou was about to remove his veil, but as he was halfway through, Xiao Yunlang gently stopped him.

Jiang Yanzhou: ?

He looked up in confusion from beneath the veil, gazing at Xiao Yunlang.

Jiang Yanzhou’s veil was somewhat long and had to be removed from the side. With the removal halted midway, the soft, white gauze cascaded down from his head, enveloping his face in a hazy mist.

Xiao Yunlang, wearing his mask, looked down and met his gaze.

...If this were red silk, it would resemble a bride’s veil.

Among those who had fought in wars for years, there was a saying that certain words were unsuitable to speak before a campaign. Xiao Yunlang had once dismissed such beliefs with a laugh, never taking them seriously.

But now, he finally understood why people held such taboos—because the words most wanted before departure were, of course, meant for the most important person.

Perhaps to avoid causing worry, or perhaps to seek good fortune, Xiao Yunlang wasn’t afraid for himself, but he didn’t want to affect Jiang Yanzhou’s luck.

So...

Holding Jiang Yanzhou’s veil, Xiao Yunlang lowered his head slightly.

When Jiang Yanzhou realized what was happening, his pupils trembled slowly, dully, and with disbelief.

Through the cold iron mask and the soft gauze, Xiao Yunlang cupped his head and placed a reverent kiss on Jiang Yanzhou’s forehead.

At that moment, the night deepened, the starry river spread across the sky, brilliant and radiant.

—When he returns home, he has something to tell Jiang Yanzhou.

To tell... his little lord.