Chapter 52 One After Another

Chapter 52: In Quick Succession

Jiang Yanzhou lay quietly on the bed a while longer, settling his heart's fluttering.

Birds chirped cheerfully outside the window.

Jiang Yanzhou slowly sat up, breathing deeply, then suddenly paused.

The sparrows commonly heard in the courtyard all sounded similar, but for some reason, he felt that among today's joyful chorus, there was one particular call that sounded very familiar.

It couldn't be...

A strange excitement welled up in Jiang Yanzhou. He knew he shouldn't harbor unrealistic expectations, but at this moment, his surging emotions were completely beyond his control.

Jiang Yanzhou got out of bed, threw on a robe, and quickly went to the window.

Even though he still felt the cold in May, a single robe was enough. He opened the window and looked outside.

The attendants were all in the courtyard, but they'd kept quiet to avoid disturbing Jiang Yanzhou's rest. Now, seeing him open the window, the quiet courtyard sprang to life as they burst out excitedly—

"Young Master is awake! Why are you up so early today?"

"Young Master, look! Look quickly!"

"The little tit is back—!"

Even the bodyguards peeked out from the rooftops and walls to join the excitement. Everyone stared in surprise: the little thing had actually returned!

The little tit looked different from ordinary sparrows—its short legs and fluffy feathers, round belly and white-feathered cheeks, along with the unique flower-like patterns formed by the colors on its back—it was unmistakably their little bird.

So tiny, once it vanished into the vast world, it could never be found again. Who would have thought it could reappear?

What a marvelous stroke of fate.

The little tit was clutching something in its beak, building a nest on a branch, clearly intending to stay this time.

Jiang Yanzhou gazed, stunned. The little creature noticed him and, still holding a small twig in its beak, flew over, landing on Jiang Yanzhou's windowsill.

It nodded its little head, released the twig—whether it was just temporarily setting it down or giving it to Jiang Yanzhou was unclear—fluffed its wings, and chirped merrily at Jiang Yanzhou.

"Chirp chirp!"

Jiang Yanzhou snapped out of his daze, reaching out a finger in disbelief to gently stroke the little tit. The down on its breast was still warm.

The dream had been a bottomless, icy abyss, but outside, the sun was bright and warm. As if to confirm this wasn't a dream, Jiang Yanzhou petted it a few more times.

The little tit ruffled its feathers contentedly.

...It really was back.

Feeling the warmth of the little ball of fluff, Jiang Yanzhou's thoughts also flowed warmly.

Yan Gui Xuan, Yan Gui... Little tit, have you also come to think of this place as home?

The little tit's return was met with a warm welcome from the whole household. When Xiao Yunlang arrived, he too studied the little thing with curiosity, gently stroking its feathers.

He came from the North Courtyard and sat with Jiang Yanzhou at the stone table in the yard. The little tit hadn't returned alone... well, not as a single bird.

Yes, it had done well for itself—it had come back wing-to-wing with a partner.

Its mate was clearly more cautious, standing by the partially built nest on the branch, tilting its head to watch the humans warily, keeping its distance.

Jiang Yanzhou glanced up from time to time at the bird in the tree. The little tit was bouncing around in his palm. Seeing this, Xiao Yunlang took some nuts from nearby and placed them in Jiang Yanzhou's hand.

The little tit flapped its wings happily as it ate, turning back to chirp at its mate in the tree. Before long, its partner was also lured by the treats, fluttering down to land on Jiang Yanzhou's palm.

So much for its caution—food was enough to win it over.

Jiang Yanzhou held the two little balls of fluff, a slight gleam in his eyes.

Xiao Yunlang: "If they peck you and it hurts, put them down. Don't let them injure your hand."

Jiang Yanzhou nodded, then shook his head.

—Okay, but it doesn't hurt.

Both birds had blunt beaks and didn't peck hard. It didn't hurt at all; in fact, it was actually quite nice.

But holding his hand up for too long would be tiring. Once satisfied, Jiang Yanzhou placed them both on the table.

Over there, the bodyguards had gathered plenty of grass, twigs, and soft materials and were starting to help the little tit build its nest.

Xiao Yunlang examined the tit: "It's been away for so long, but it hasn't lost any weight." Still a roly-poly little ball—it really knew how to land on its feet.

"But you have lost weight."

That said, Jiang Yanzhou thought that compared to the first couple of days after his injury, he must have regained a little.

People in ancient times actually did weigh themselves, typically during the Start of Summer and Start of Autumn. A scale would be hung from a beam, and people would sit on it, as a wish for good health.

But no matter what weight Jiang Yanzhou registered, Xiao Yunlang would still insist he was too thin and in need of nourishment.

The two little fluffballs, having eaten their fill, nestled together on the stone table, preening each other's feathers. Xiao Yunlang remarked, "It didn't waste any time finding a mate."

Jiang Yanzhou's eyes shifted slightly.

He could now slowly turn his head without pain. He tilted his head slightly, the pearl in his hair swayed, and he looked gently at Xiao Yunlang.

Xiao Yunlang sat at ease, resting his chin on his hand. He didn't need much expression; his vibrant air came naturally.

"I'm not actually worried about your answer," Xiao Yunlang said. "If you don't believe me, ask yourself."

Has that heart of yours truly never skipped a single beat for me?

Jiang Yanzhou understood his unspoken words and thought silently: It has, but those moments of heartbeat... they shouldn't count, right?

"..."

Should they really not count?

The ones from long ago definitely didn't count. But after crossing over the history books, moving past titles like Emperor Wu and Crown Prince, and gradually coming to know Xiao Yunlang as a living, breathing person...

Jiang Yanzhou slowly relaxed in his presence, came to like the scent of cedar, and grew familiar with the warmth of his palm.

None of those moments were merely because of a few lines written by later generations.

What about these? Don't they count either?

Especially after understanding Xiao Yunlang's feelings, each subsequent flutter in his chest became even harder to explain away.

Jiang Yanzhou pressed a hand to his chest with bewilderment and hesitation. Just the thought of Xiao Yunlang’s embrace made his cheeks heat up again. But even if these feelings counted… didn’t it seem a bit too superficial?

The kind of liking where you want to spend a lifetime with someone—surely it shouldn’t come so easily, right?

Jiang Yanzhou pondered, frowning in confusion. The two little fluffballs on the table watched him, tilting their heads in unison.

“Chirp?”

The visual impact was too strong. A nearby attendant serving tea was nearly bowled over by the cuteness of the beauty and the baby birds.

It had to be the Crown Prince with the best endurance.

He could still sit perfectly steady and unmoving.

Except one seemed to hear the sound of cracking knuckles.

After pressing his knuckles for a long while, Xiao Yunlang took a deep breath, released the pressure, and reached out to smooth Jiang Yanzhou’s furrowed brow. “I’ll stop bothering you. Don’t frown. I’m going to the palace later, and afterward, I’ll be visiting Elder Ji’s home. I won’t be back for dinner tonight.”

He stressed the point: “This time, I really won’t return. Don’t wait for me. Eat well by yourself.”

Emperor Yonghe had entrusted the task of coordinating the birthday banquet to his deliberate eldest son, the Prince of An. He had temporarily set aside the Jiang family matter, likely to be resolved after the banquet.

Although both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin had fallen out of favor, regarding border affairs, the Crown Prince had personally fought in battle, and the Wei family, heeding the Prince of Jin’s summons, had contributed funds and manpower. Therefore, when discussing re-establishing treaties with several Western Regions countries, both were still summoned.

Long before Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang leisurely made their way back to the capital, the Marquis of Zhenxi had already taken Fengjia.

Yarong and Fengjia had already compromised. The Marquis of Zhenxi still held some mounted bandit prisoners. For those whose identities could be verified, their countries would have to provide money or grain to redeem them.

Among them were some martially adept young nobles from various Western Regions countries, disguised as mounted bandits.

To pay the ransom would be to admit their countries’ misdeeds, but refusing to pay them would cause the powerful families whose members were captured to protest—after all, their families had fought for the king, and now he wouldn’t rescue them?

Their own people could argue endlessly, planting the seeds of internal strife.

That was why Xiao Yunlang had insisted on fighting this battle—the timing was simply too perfect.

And the one who created this opportunity was credited as the top contributor: Jiang Yanzhou.

Speaking of Elder Ji, for Xiao Yunlang to go, he would surely need to be in disguise. But his mask was still with Jiang Yanzhou.

The Crown Prince surely had more than one method of disguise, but he had said he would come for the mask after returning, yet he hadn’t mentioned it since.

It dawned on Jiang Yanzhou only now: Could it be that he wants me to bring it up?

Young Master Jiang felt apprehensive. Speculating about such matters seemed even harder than analyzing history.

When Xiao Yunlang stood up, he pulled Jiang Yanzhou up along with him. “You have things to do too.”

Thinking Xiao Yunlang had some important matter to arrange, Jiang Yanzhou immediately reined in his wandering thoughts and became serious.

But then, the corner of Xiao Yunlang’s mouth lifted. “Go try on your clothes.”

Jiang Yanzhou was stunned.

Huh?

“I had a new court robe made for you,” Xiao Yunlang said.

The emperor’s birthday banquet was nothing special, but the Crown Princess Consort must have new ceremonial robes. Xiao Yunlang had already approved the design this time—Jiang Yanzhou would surely look splendid wearing it.

*

In the blink of an eye, several more days passed, and Emperor Yonghe’s birthday finally arrived.

Treasures continuously entered the palace from outside, a dazzling and eye-catching array. The grand banquet began at noon, held in the Baohua Hall.

Jade steps and glazed tiles reflected the sun’s radiance; golden dragons coiled around pillars, illuminating the universe. Officials in brocade robes collectively wished His Majesty boundless longevity.

Emperor Yonghe was in a rare good mood; even his sorrowful expression faded a bit amid the ministers’ thunderous cheers.

Music and songs filled the hall, like celestial melodies, but there were no performers dancing yet, as the floor was cleared for the gift-bearers. The emperor invited his ministers to appreciate the congratulatory offerings from various regions together.

Jiang Yanzhou sat in the upper seats with the Crown Prince.

The Crown Princess Consort wore robes embroidered with golden clouds, rosy clouds, and phoenix patterns, adorned with the four-phoenix motif second only to the empress’s. A cloud-patterned inner garment was covered by a sheer gauze outer robe. Layers of color and silk cascaded, spreading behind him like a magnificent sunset glow, or the trailing tail of a true phoenix.

His jade-like face held a spring-like vitality, his thin lips tinged with cinnabar red. A sway of the pearl, and his three thousand strands of black hair seemed dotted with stars.

Young Master Jiang was naturally imbued with a fragile, crystalline nobility—his elegance surpassed all the treasures in the hall.

The bandage around his neck did not diminish his grace; instead, it made him all the more endearing.

The ministers lamented to themselves: The decline of the Jiang family was nowhere to be seen in this young man.

No one knew that Jiang Yanzhou had already gifted the entire Jiang family to the royal house. They assumed that perhaps his charitable acts on the border had slightly improved the emperor’s and Crown Prince’s opinions of him, so even though the Jiang family had fallen, the Crown Princess Consort was not subjected to harsh treatment.

If you didn’t believe it, just look at Empress Jiang—she wasn’t even able to attend the emperor’s birthday banquet this time.

Emperor Yonghe no longer needed to pretend to be a respectful couple with the empress in public.

He simply kept her confined—neither deposing her nor seeing her. Today, he brought Imperial Concubine Wei and Consort Li to the banquet. Both consorts were cautious and reserved, their attire leaning toward modesty, not daring to be too ostentatious or eye-catching.

Though once husband and wife, they were now only superficially harmonious. Emperor Yonghe possessed a harem, but no one truly understood his heart.

The Marquis of Zhenxi was also present at the banquet today. He had come to congratulate the emperor and await the conferment of rewards for his achievements, staying in the capital for some time.

Appreciating the congratulatory gifts was, in essence, a subtle competition.

Although Xiao Yunlang had casually chosen decorative pieces, they were fine stones from the Western Regions, and large ones at that. Regardless of whether they were considered beautiful, they certainly looked impressive at first glance—respectable among all the gifts.

The Prince of Jin, however, presented a wooden screen, clearly a work of great effort and meticulous thought.

From the wood to the supernaturally skillful carving, the depicted scene of immortals offering birthday congratulations was vivid and lifelike, each figure vivid, with meticulously crafted expressions. Emperor Yonghe was immediately taken with this screen, wishing he could lean in for a closer look right away.

But he had no intention of promoting the Wei family and Prince of Jin today, so no matter how much he liked their gifts, he had to appear indifferent on the surface.

This was when the attending eunuchs needed to be perceptive.

Shuang Quan, noticing some of Emperor Yonghe’s subtle movements, knew which items His Majesty truly favored. But he couldn’t seem too eager in guessing the emperor’s mind, so he instructed the junior eunuchs to move the emperor’s favorites along with some other precious items to be set aside first.

Jiang Yanzhou rather enjoyed this kind of banquet.

Firstly, the palace cuisine was truly delicious. While others were busy flattering the emperor, he, unable to speak, only needed to eat quietly.

He could now eat normally. The osmanthus rice balls were soft, glutinous, refreshingly sweet, and he had already finished a bowl.

Secondly, it was educational—truly broadening his horizons.

Each treasure—exquisite, luxurious, rare—any one of them, if placed in later eras, would be a museum’s centerpiece.

Some artifacts had long vanished into the river of history; only a very few survived. Jiang Yanzhou even saw the legendary “Jade Blossom Tree.”

This is a treasure that exists only in a painting and some documents from the Qi Dynasty, the ultimate masterpiece of gold-inlaid jade art. With jade blossoms and gold leaves, it is not the least bit tacky; instead, it looks like a fairy tree straight out of a celestial palace.

Legend has it this jade tree often appeared during important sacrificial ceremonies, witnessing the prosperity of the Qi Dynasty. But when the dynasty fell, it vanished without a trace.

The immortal tree has been wrapped in mystery through stories passed down by word of mouth. Even those uninterested in the Qi Dynasty have heard tales of this immortal tree.

And Jiang Yanzhou actually saw the real thing!

Jiang Yanzhou silently marveled: *This is truly beautiful.*

Xiao Yunlang was already accustomed to Jiang Yanzhou's habit of being amazed by everything, from small bamboo-woven trinkets at roadside stalls to rare treasures in the palace. However, this time, he was staring at the jade tree for a noticeably longer time.

He reached under the table, took Jiang Yanzhou's hand, and used the drape of his robe for cover to write in Jiang Yanzhou's palm: Do you like it?

The warm fingertips brushed against his palm, causing a tingling, ticklish feeling. The moment the first stroke was traced, Jiang Yanzhou trembled.

So... this is what it feels like to have someone write on your palm? Like a feather sweeping across, it was its own kind of sweet torture.

Jiang Yanzhou was so undone by these delicate, subtle touches that he couldn't help but curl his fingers slightly.

But if he pulled back his hand, he would bump into Xiao Yunlang's, so he quickly spread his fingers and held still.

Xiao Yunlang wrote the question twice before Jiang Yanzhou finally focused and pieced together the words in his mind.

So he replied: *I just think it's beautiful.*

At the same time, he wondered: When writing like this, doesn't the Crown Prince find the tickling unbearable?

Inside the hall, music drifted softly, and cups clinked as toasts were exchanged. No one noticed the two young men at the table secretly "talking" under the table.

Xiao Yunlang gently squeezed Jiang Yanzhou's hand, sitting properly upright while gazing at the jade tree, lost in thought.

The Jade Blossom Tree didn't just dazzle Jiang Yanzhou. Emperor Yonghe was also greatly pleased, repeatedly praising it and wanting to reward the person who presented the gift.

Amid the pleasant haze of wine and music, just as the festivities peaked, a palace attendant rushed in, pale-faced and frantic, whispering something into Consort Li's ear.

In an instant, Consort Li, who had been enthusiastically admiring the treasures moments before, turned ashen with fright, let out a piercing scream, and collapsed to the ground.

The music screeched to a halt, and the shrill scream pierced through the hall, startling everyone. Emperor Yonghe, who had been in high spirits, frowned just as a eunuch tremblingly reported.

"Your Majesty, it's terrible! The Ninth Prince, he... he..." The young eunuch dared not utter overly ominous words during the emperor's birthday banquet, so he could only say, "seems to be in a critical state. The imperial physicians have already been summoned."

Emperor Yonghe's expression changed drastically: "What did you say!?"

An uproar broke out among the ministers, and the entire hall was thrown into shock.

Jiang Yanzhou was also stunned.

In history, the Ninth Prince also died young. Surviving records provide little detail about his life, much like the original Second Young Master Jiang in history, with an unclear cause of death.

There are several theories, but none of them guessed that he died on Emperor Yonghe's birthday.

Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang almost simultaneously looked toward the Prince of Jin.

Imperial Concubine Wei, however, was more shocked and suspicious than anyone else. As if struck by a thought, her face suddenly turned pale.

...This was quite intriguing.

Was this not arranged by the Wei family?

But that wasn't all. Another palace attendant rushed in frantically, this time disregarding all etiquette, nearly losing his shoes in his haste.

"Your Majesty—!"

"The Empress is critically ill!"

A wine cup rolled onto the table, spilling water that dripped onto the floor, as if mocking the shattered birthday banquet.