Chapter 54 Witnessed by Gods

Chapter 54: With Gods and Buddhas as Witness

By the time the affairs of the imperial family reached the common folk, they had already given rise to countless versions.

Some spun yarns of love and hatred, while others speculated about power struggles at court. Regardless, they all became after-dinner talk.

After the talk, life went on—people rose with the sun and went about their daily grind.

The Forbidden City seemed distant, yet many decisions made within its walls rippled across the empire and were intimately connected to their lives.

Emperor Yonghe indeed kept a lid on the real causes of the Empress and the Prince's deaths. He ordered an investigation, yet made sure it stayed inconclusive for the time being, stating only that their deaths were suspicious.

The art of imperial strategy often made life difficult for those below. They had no choice but to drag things out according to the Emperor's wishes.

Then, Imperial Concubine Wei, the Emperor's prime suspect, was also placed under house arrest.

After Empress Jiang, it was her turn.

In his fury, Emperor Yonghe contemplated many insulting posthumous names for the Empress. However, he ultimately calmed down and settled on a conventional, moderate title proposed by the Ministry of Rites.

After all, the die was cast. He could only follow through with the arrangements, ensuring their deaths served a purpose.

The Prince of Jin was forbidden from meeting Imperial Concubine Wei. He came to kneel outside the Hall of Brilliant Light, repeatedly claiming his mother could never be the murderer, begging for the Emperor's discernment.

Emperor Yonghe sat inside the Hall of Brilliant Light. Memorials lay open before him, but he hadn't taken in a single word.

He had been unable to sleep peacefully for two consecutive nights, and his head throbbed incessantly.

Mu Baicao had secretly followed the entourage back to the capital this time. The palace had not received word, so naturally, he couldn't be summoned to treat the Emperor.

Emperor Yonghe sat there like a withered tree, amidst a roomful of state documents. Only after the Prince of Jin had knelt for most of the day did he finally stir, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly transformed from a withered tree back into a man.

Emperor Yonghe spoke, his voice low and hoarse: "Let him in."

A young eunuch immediately went to announce the order, while Shuang Quan brought tea to the Emperor. Yonghe took only one sip before setting it down.

A medicinal tea to soothe the qi. He had actually reached the point of needing such things regularly.

The Prince of Jin entered the hall and, with a thud, knelt in a new spot.

"Father, my mother is absolutely not capable of such cruelty. The investigation so far has only yielded ambiguous statements from palace servants," the Prince of Jin also understood the Emperor's mindset—evidence wasn't crucial; what mattered was what the Emperor thought. "Please see clearly, Father!"

Emperor Yonghe's vitality had taken a visible dive these past few days. It was as if he had finally reined in some obstinacy and forcefulness, worn down into a weary exhaustion.

For the first time, he looked at the Prince of Jin with bitter disappointment: "Do you know why I always criticized you in the past?"

The tone was too different from before, causing the Prince of Jin to pause and cautiously raise his head a little.

Emperor Yonghe: "You were always entangled with the Wei family officials, 'the Wei family this, the Wei family that.' Xiao Fengjin, your surname is Xiao! You are a son of the Xiao family!"

The Prince of Jin was alarmed: "Your son wouldn't dare!"

These words sounded as if there had once been thoughts of establishing him as Crown Prince, but seeing him only rely on the Wei family, the Emperor was angry at his lack of ambition.

On the surface, the Prince of Jin appeared panicked, but inwardly he sneered. If it weren't for the Wei family backing him, whether he could even participate in governance now was uncertain.

Even if he needed to suppress the Wei family in the future, he had to ascend the throne first, didn't he? Didn't His Majesty also rely on the Jiang family to secure the throne back then?

If the Emperor had said these words a few years earlier, the Prince of Jin might have believed them.

But now it was too late. He and the Wei family had privately done so much. Even setting aside blood ties, from a purely interest-based perspective, they were already inseparable.

But the Prince of Jin still had to cry: "Filial piety is the foremost of all virtues. Your son is only worried about my mother! What does that have to do with other members of the Wei family!"

Emperor Yonghe gave a thin, humorless smile: "Filial piety? Then where is your filial piety towards me?"

"I have always strived to share Your Majesty's burdens. I exhausted all my efforts preparing gifts for the longevity celebration," the Prince of Jin put on a convincing show of grief. "Moreover, now that the Empress and the Ninth Prince have met with such misfortune, we are all so heartbroken. Wouldn't Your Majesty be even more grieved? With my mother by your side, she could also offer you comforting words."

Comforting words. A vein throbbed at Emperor Yonghe's temple. His hand resting on the paperweight tightened, nearly breaking his act.

After a long silence, he finally sighed slowly: "Rise."

The Prince of Jin had genuinely knelt for most of the day, his knees aching. He nearly stumbled when rising, saved only by a young eunuch's support.

"I will still give you opportunities to serve," Emperor Yonghe said meaningfully. "Do not disappoint me."

The Prince of Jin bowed, kowtowed a few more times, and then withdrew.

Emperor Yonghe sat quietly in his seat again for a while, motionless and silent, as if the entire person had sunk into stillness.

Yet moments later, he suddenly erupted, grabbing the teacup of medicinal tea and hurling it away.

The sudden fury shattered on the ground along with the porcelain. The Chief Eunuch, Shuang Quan, immediately knelt, and all the attending palace servants followed suit, holding their breath in terror.

The Crown Prince is rebellious, the Prince of Jin is sinister. Do they truly think that without Jiu'er, I have no choice but to pick between these two?

Emperor Yonghe sneered coldly. He would choose neither!

Both would become blades—for the sake of the state and for himself—used until death, used until they break, and when broken, replaced!

Emperor Yonghe took a deep breath and raised his damp hand: "Get up! What are your eyes for!"

Only then did Shuang Quan hurriedly rise to wipe the Emperor's hand.

Emperor Yonghe leaned back in his chair: Now that Imperial Concubine Wei was in his grasp, the Prince of Jin was somewhat restrained, fearing for his mother. But the Crown Prince... he had no leverage.

Previously, he thought that as long as Xiao Yunlang couldn't build his own faction and could only rely on him, that was control. Now it seemed that wasn't enough.

But Xiao Yunlang went his own way. Apart from official duties, he showed no excessive entanglement with others. Such a lone wolf was the hardest to control.

However, he wasn't entirely without vulnerabilities.

The Empress was suspected to have been killed by Imperial Concubine Wei, which tied down the Wei family. Then... what if the Crown Princess Consort was suspected to have been killed by the Crown Prince?

Especially now that the Crown Princess Consort was gradually gaining a good reputation among the common people.

Emperor Yonghe finally realized that in this matter, Jiang Linque had even thought ahead of him. Marrying a short-lived son to Xiao Yunlang likely had this very scheme in mind.

When it came to ruthlessness, one still had to look at the Jiang family.

Emperor Yonghe let out a long sigh, expelling pent-up frustration.

Not long ago, he had thought Jiang Yanzhou was a good person, someone to keep in the future. But so what?

The court situation changed in the blink of an eye. The heart of an emperor was difficult to fathom. He could decide to keep someone today and order their execution tomorrow.

He could not allow any more variables beyond his control.

*

After the funeral arrangements for Empress Jiang and the Ninth Prince were completed, the Emperor issued an edict. Several imperial concubines and princess consorts were to go to the White Dragon Temple to burn incense and pray for blessings. They were also to set up memorial tablets for Empress Jiang and the Ninth Prince, praying for the peace of their souls in heaven.

The Crown Princess was, of course, among the party.

Princess Consort of An was newly pregnant and needed to be cautious in every way. Prince of An, worried, accompanied her.

The Crown Prince was also making the trip.

The Crown Prince said he not only wanted to pay respects to the Empress and the Ninth Prince but also to pray for Emperor Yonghe. After all, two close relatives had died on the Emperor's birthday banquet, which might mean he'd been touched by something unclean.

However, the Emperor's aura, that of the true dragon, should deter all evil spirits. How could any filth come near? So, this was a roundabout way of saying that Emperor Yonghe himself was too impetuous and had brought misfortune upon his wife and child.

Emperor Yonghe, whose head was already aching terribly, felt even more pain and was so angry he nearly fainted.

This time, the anger genuinely choked him, and he almost passed out. The imperial physician was sweating, repeatedly urging His Majesty to keep a calm heart and focus on gentle recuperation.

But with things having reached this point, where would he find the time for self-cultivation?

"His health has indeed been deteriorating lately," Xiao Yunlang said in the carriage. "Some people become more detached as they age, while others grow more obsessed, unwilling to let go of what they hold in their hands."

Xiao Yunlang added, "The Emperor belongs to the latter."

Jiang Yanzhou's voice had gotten much better over the past two days, but he still couldn't speak fully, only managing a few soft, low words now and then.

It sounded a bit broken, with pauses after just a few words.

"Bringing his family to the temple to pray... is he really scared of ghosts and gods now?"

"Who knows? But he has been summoning the Imperial Astrologer frequently lately and ordering daily cleaning of the small Buddhist hall," Xiao Yunlang sneered. "Having done too many wrongs, only now does he think of praying to the gods. What use is it?"

It was possible that Emperor Yonghe feared ghosts and deities, but being afraid certainly wouldn't keep him from taking care of business. He had never been at ease with the two princes, and neither prince dared to let their guard down around him.

"Later, when you go to set up the memorial tablet for the late Empress Jiang, I won't be joining," Xiao Yunlang said. "I'm going to have a word with Master Kongming."

For Xiao Yunlang, aside from Jiang Yanzhou, he disliked the rest of the Jiang family and couldn't even be bothered to pretend otherwise.

Jiang Yanzhou gave a soft "Mm."

The imperial procession arrived at Bailong Temple, an ancient, major temple where incense offerings never ceased. From afar, one could smell a faint, ethereal scent of sandalwood. Despite the crowds, the temple remained mysteriously tranquil and serene, likely due to its inherent Zen ambiance, inspiring awe and respect.

Just being there seemed to calm one's heart as well.

The abbot had already led a group out to await and receive the imperial party.

For the imperial family's Buddhist rituals, pomp and circumstance were essential. They proceeded with great ceremony, with attendants following to tidy up the monastic cells arranged for their masters. The abbot and other monks led the nobles to the incense-burning area.

Princess Consort of An was newly pregnant, her belly not yet showing. Xiao Yunlang had gone elsewhere, so she took the initiative to speak with Jiang Yanzhou along the way.

Only Jiang Yanzhou knew that the child she was carrying would be the emperor of Daqi two reigns from now.

"How is the Crown Princess's health now?"

Jiang Yanzhou replied softly, "Thank you for your concern. Well enough. You, Princess Consort, must take good care of yourself."

Princess Consort of An smiled. "This isn't my first pregnancy. I know what to do. However, His Highness had a brush with death at the border, which sounds terrifying just to hear about. We have gathered some medicinal herbs. Please, you must accept them."

Because Jiang Yanzhou had once protected the young heir, the Prince of An's household had always been grateful to him. Princess Consort of An, who had once avoided him, now, on such occasions, would take the initiative to look after Jiang Yanzhou a little.

Jiang Yanzhou thanked her for her kindness.

Following the procedure, they set up memorial tablets for the Empress and the Ninth Prince, burned incense, and then dispersed to return the next day. Jiang Yanzhou, too, intended to go find Xiao Yunlang.

As they were all coming out, he overheard someone chatting nearby: "I want to commission a longevity tablet and have Master Kongming inscribe and consecrate it. Unfortunately, the master rarely agrees to such requests these days. Sigh."

Another person said, "Then find another master."

"You don't understand. They say Master Kongming's blessings are the most potent. When praying for blessings, who wouldn't want the best? I'll wait a little longer. Maybe one day the master will agree again."

The group chatted and laughed as they walked away. Jiang Yanzhou paused his steps, no longer in a hurry to find Xiao Yunlang. He asked Feng Lan, "Where is the hall for longevity tablets?"

Moss crept up the steps, and pine shadows fell on the tiles. Jiang Yanzhou arrived at the hall housing the longevity tablets. Before entering, he saw a young novice carrying a new tablet.

The novice respectfully bowed upon seeing the noble. Jiang Yanzhou could clearly read what was written on the longevity tablet in his hands.

It included prayers for blessings, longevity, and... Jiang Yanzhou's name.

Among those who had come today, only one person would have requested a longevity tablet for Jiang Yanzhou.

*Amidst the ancient temple in the spring mountains, [here was a wish for] everlasting peace and longevity, year after year.*

Seeing Jiang Yanzhou staring blankly at the longevity tablet in his hands, the novice proactively spoke up, "Is the benefactor also here to offer a longevity tablet? Please come this way. You can write down the name of the person you wish to bless."

Only then did Jiang Yanzhou snap out of his daze. His eyes trembled slightly, as if warmed by the sun melting snow, his emotions rippling into gentle breaths. "May I ask... can my longevity tablet be placed together with his?"

The novice looked at Jiang Yanzhou's gaze fixed on the tablet in his hands and suddenly realized who the noble before him was. He hurriedly bowed again, nodding repeatedly. "Of course, it can be done!"

Thus, both of them had "secretly" prayed for each other, hiding their wishes within the solemn and compassionate ancient temple.

Later, when they met, Xiao Yunlang felt that Jiang Yanzhou seemed to be in a particularly good mood. However, when asked, Jiang Yanzhou only smiled and said he thought the scenery here was beautiful.

The scenery was indeed beautiful. During the spring hunt, Jiang Yanzhou hadn't been able to see the abandoned temple from the previous dynasty, but now he'd gotten his fill of looking at the existing temples.

As the setting sun sank in the west, novices and attendants came to guide them back to their resting quarters.

The temple was a place for quiet cultivation, so the accommodations arranged for the nobles were single rooms, one bed per person.

Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang's rooms were adjacent to each other, with the Prince of An's residence being the closest to theirs.

Amidst the dim lamps and ancient Buddha statues, the temple rested earlier at night than other places. Coincidentally, Jiang Yanzhou was recuperating and also retired early. After lying down, he quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Until midnight, when he was suddenly awakened.

"...Young Master, Young Master!"

Feng Lan stood beside him with a sword. Seeing Jiang Yanzhou awake, he only glanced back slightly, his entire body alert to the outside. "Young Master, there are assassins."

Jiang Yanzhou immediately asked, "What about His Highness?"

"The assassins are targeting you. His Highness is fine. He hopes you will stay inside the room for now."

Jiang Yanzhou nodded. However, he still got up, quickly put on some clothes, and let his waterfall-like black hair cascade down his back as he sat nervously on the edge of the bed, waiting.

Xiao Yunlang hadn't immediately come to stay with him. Could it be... that he had gone out with his sword?

Logically, there was no reason for the master to take action himself. But if Xiao Yunlang wanted to personally deal with these assassins, that was another matter.

Jiang Yanzhou had encountered two assassination attempts so far. The first time, they couldn't immediately guess the identity of the mastermind behind it. But this time was different.

At this critical juncture, the one who would benefit from killing Jiang Yanzhou was Prince of Jin. He still didn't know that Jiang Yanzhou had abandoned the Jiang family and might fear Jiang Yanzhou allying with Xiao Yunlang.

But Prince of Jin was already overwhelmed by concerns for Imperial Concubine Wei. No matter what, he wouldn't be foolish enough to act at such a time.

So that leaves only one candidate.

—Emperor Yonghe.

Jiang Yanzhou's shoulders rose and fell slowly, his breathing heavy.

The deaths of Empress Jiang and the Ninth Prince had shattered the balance within the inner court, catching everyone off guard. After several days of deep contemplation, Emperor Yonghe had evidently made his decision.

Xiao Yunlang was right.

The older Emperor Yonghe got, the less he could stand anyone challenging his authority. The weaker he became, the more fiercely he projected strength outward, propping up his hollow, brittle facade.

Through his actions, he proved that he absolutely did not believe he was wrong. Lost control? Then he'd just seize it back.

Jiang Yanzhou's thin lips pressed together slightly.

Was Xiao Yunlang... angry right now?

This wasn't his first assassination attempt, but it was clearly taking much longer to handle than the last one. The clash of weapons outside showed no sign of stopping.

Then, Jiang Yanzhou heard someone running over, shouting, "We are guards from the Prince of An's residence, here to assist His Highness the Crown Prince in apprehending the assassins!"

Jiang Yanzhou saw blood splatter directly onto the door of the monk's quarters. He was startled into closing his eyes. Even though he knew Xiao Yunlang possessed exceptional martial skills, he couldn't help but worry, silently hoping the situation outside would end quickly and that Xiao Yunlang and the household guards would all be unharmed.

When one's mind is unsettled, time always seems to stretch. He didn't know how long had passed when the sounds of battle finally ceased. From outside came the scraping noise of heavy objects being dragged and the sound of water being poured.

Jiang Yanzhou immediately stood up, but he obediently stayed put, not moving until Feng Yi knocked twice on the door from outside: "It's over now. Apologies for startling you, Young Master."

Only then did Feng Lan open the door. Jiang Yanzhou hurried to the doorway and saw Xiao Yunlang standing with his back to him in the night.

The Crown Prince's expression was grimmer and colder than ever before.

The bright, clear moon hung among the treetops, casting a dangerous, frosty light in his eyes, as chilling as the gleaming blade in his hand. The bodyguards around him kept their heads down, attending to their tasks, not daring to make any unnecessary sound.

The blade in his hand was still dripping blood. Xiao Yunlang watched coldly as basin after basin of water was poured, the blood floating in a thick layer under the moonlight.

It wasn't until the sound of a door opening and distinctly unsteady footsteps came from behind him that Xiao Yunlang blinked, extremely slowly.

When he turned around to face Jiang Yanzhou, the corner of his mouth twitched. He probably didn't manage a smile, but his voice was gentle as the quiet night: "It's over now."

But Jiang Yanzhou gasped, his voice still hoarse from recovery, taking a step forward: "Your Highness, your face!"

Xiao Yunlang's cheek was streaked with blood. "Someone else's. I'm not injured. Don't step over here, be careful not to dirty your boots."

As he spoke, he was about to turn and go to his own room to change clothes. But seeing Jiang Yanzhou's anxious and uneasy expression, he suddenly paused and ordered someone to bring hot water to the Crown Princess Consort's room.

A moment later, Xiao Yunlang had removed his outer robe and blood-stained shoes, stepped into wooden clogs, and was washing his face in Jiang Yanzhou's room.

Xiao Yunlang himself probably would have preferred to splash cold water on his face, but his expression was already cold and hard enough; there was really no need to freeze it even stiffer.

Just as the towel was wrung out, a hand reached over from beside him.

Xiao Yunlang tilted his head, and for several breaths, his gaze slowly met Jiang Yanzhou's raised hand.

They were silent, but in the end, the warm towel ended up in Jiang Yanzhou's hand. Sitting facing each other, Jiang Yanzhou carefully wiped away the bloodstains for Xiao Yunlang.

Xiao Yunlang didn't close his eyes, just stared unblinkingly at Jiang Yanzhou. His gaze was very focused. Under the lamplight, the flickering candle flame danced in his eyes, yet it was restrained.

It was as if by looking at Jiang Yanzhou, he could sweep away all the clutter.

Jiang Yanzhou's breathing lightened, and a pang of pain shot through him like a needle prick.

He realized fate was truly unfair to Xiao Yunlang.

Jiang Yanzhou's parents had abandoned him and never appeared again. Later, Jiang Yanzhou simply acted as if they never existed. But the people unworthy of being called Xiao Yunlang's father and brother haunted him relentlessly.

Xiao Yunlang left the capital immediately after being granted his princedom, clearly distancing himself from the center of trouble. At that time, he might not have even thought of contending for the throne.

But the emperor refused to grant him even a sliver of a path to survival.

The enmity between father and son was a hundred times more bitter than hatred from outsiders.

Jiang Yanzhou didn't know what expression he wore, but Xiao Yunlang raised a finger and gently wiped the corner of his eye, tugging the corner of his mouth helplessly: "You're the one who was targeted for assassination. Why are you pitying me instead?"

Jiang Yanzhou put down the cloth. He gently raised his hand and grasped Xiao Yunlang's raised wrist: "...I'm afraid... that you're in pain."

His voice was as light as the night breeze, yet it made the firelight in Xiao Yunlang's eyes flicker. The Crown Prince smiled: "What do I have to be hurt about?"

He said it so lightly, yet his silhouette under the moonlight just moments ago had been so solitary, aloof, and severe.

The warm palm was right beside his cheek. The pain in Jiang Yanzhou's heart turned into sorrow. His eyelashes trembled, and he said quietly, "Your Highness, I think... I'm starting to understand a little... what it feels like to like someone."

The cleanup outside happened to end at that moment. Suddenly, everything fell silent, utterly quiet. Xiao Yunlang's pupils contracted sharply. The hand that had been steady and composed while killing trembled almost imperceptibly, then stilled.

"Niangui."

Xiao Yunlang restrained himself, his voice hoarse: "When I asked for your pity, it was for you to consider your own health. But what I want is more than that."

Jiang Yanzhou slowly drew in a breath. His seemingly delicate fingers pressed firmly against Xiao Yunlang's wrist.

"When I... get close to you, I feel warm all over, and my heart feels out of control."

Seeing Xiao Yunlang place the longevity tablet, he felt as if he had been swept into a spring breeze, with all things blooming.

"When you're in pain, I feel so much pain."

So much pain, more than if he were injured himself.

Xiao Yunlang said nothing in the cold night, but Jiang Yanzhou felt unbearably sad for him.

"...Does this... count as liking?"

Xiao Yunlang suddenly exerted force, pulling Jiang Yanzhou over and into his arms in one swift motion.

It was an embrace of immense strength and immense gentleness. Jiang Yanzhou's slender frame pressed against his solid chest, their heartbeats colliding, mending the inherent incompleteness they were born with.

Xiao Yunlang stroked Jiang Yanzhou's soft hair, took a deep breath, and tempered the surging emotions in his eyes within the candlelight.

They embraced silently for a long time. Jiang Yanzhou smelled the steady scent of cedar on Xiao Yunlang.

For some reason, he felt like crying.

But there was no reason for it, was there?

When they drew apart slightly, Xiao Yunlang's face was tense. He opened his mouth, but at first, not a single word came out.

A moment later, he finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse yet resolute: "Yes."

Xiao Yunlang's eyes reflected Jiang Yanzhou's jade-like face in the dim light, holding this person in his arms, keeping him in his heart.

"So... can I kiss you now?"

Jiang Yanzhou nervously tightened his grip on Xiao Yunlang's shoulder, crumpling the fabric of his clothes.

"The temple... a place of quiet cultivation... mmm—"

His words were cut off by the touch.

Xiao Yunlang cradled his face, kissing him with tenderness and affection.

Jiang Yanzhou trembled from the heat of the kiss, gradually loosening his fingers and closing his eyes.

The wind stirred the banners, the Buddha lamps shone brightly, beneath the ancient eaves the moon hung high, and before the longevity tablet, mortal desires were laid bare.

Temples are sanctuaries of tranquility, where people come with countless wishes—for wealth, for blessings, for love.

—So, Niangui, all the deities of the heavens will bless us.

With the gods and buddhas as our witnesses, and the sun and moon as our testament, this love, bright and clear, is proclaimed for all the mountains and rivers to see.

Promise me, and it's for a lifetime.