Chapter 57 Turning the Tide

Chapter 57: Shifting the Landscape

The number of guards assigned by the palace to escort the Prince of Jin out of the capital naturally could not outnumber the Crown Prince's guard.

However, Emperor Yonghe was currently furious with Xiao Yunlang and, to deliberately stir speculation about the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin, did not cut the number by much, dispatching eight hundred men.

The Wei household then contributed additional guards, bringing the total to twelve hundred, who set off with great fanfare, eager to reach Ningzhou.

As the Prince of Jin departed the city, the Crown Prince's estate and the palace grounds were both abuzz with packing, carriages and horses shuttling back and forth repeatedly.

Three days were naturally insufficient to move the entire Crown Prince's estate—primarily certain items that must never be seen by Emperor Yonghe still had to remain there for now.

Although the Eastern Palace halls had been unoccupied, they received regular upkeep. Making them livable—preparing bedrooms, a study, and such—was still quick work.

According to protocol, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess should have separate bedchambers, but Xiao Yunlang ordered that the quarters meant for the Crown Prince be tidied up first for Jiang Yanzhou to reside in.

For Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang, the most important task during these three days was vetting the staff.

Once entering the palace, it was inevitable that palace maids and eunuchs would be assigned, finally giving Emperor Yonghe a prime opportunity to plant spies.

However, they had a countermeasure: using the excuse that the Crown Prince was temporarily absent from the capital, they could first hold off the Imperial Household Department from assigning a full complement. The Imperial Guards would then vet the rest to verify their identities—a task that could be completed within a day or two.

Moreover, although the palace staff could no longer take orders from Imperial Concubine Wei, they had their own schemes when choosing between the emperor and the princes.

The emperor was old; sooner or later, the imperial palace would welcome a new master. It didn't pay to offend all the princes solely for Emperor Yonghe's sake.

Xiao Yunlang intended to take advantage of his departure to screen, together with Jiang Yanzhou, all personnel who would attend them personally.

In the end, three eunuchs and five palace maids were brought before them.

Jiang Yanzhou noticed one of the names on the paper in his hand and murmured in surprise: "Deyu?"

The young eunuch who was named thought he was being summoned and hurriedly bowed. "This servant is here."

Xiao Yunlang tilted his head to look at Jiang Yanzhou.

Jiang Yanzhou set down the paper and blinked, examining the young eunuch before him. So this was the future Chief Eunuch Deyu, who would serve Emperor Xiao Yunlang?

Xiao Yunlang had long since discerned a pattern: Jiang Yanzhou did not regard everyone with the same level of curiosity, and the degree of his interest varied, as could be seen in his reactions to Xiao Yunlang himself, Liu Hexuan, and Mu Baicao.

Xiao Yunlang had not witnessed Jiang Yanzhou's first encounter with the Prince of Jin, but one could guess it wasn't favorable.

Whenever Jiang Yanzhou showed a friendly gaze toward someone, that person seemed to become one of their own.

Thus, Xiao Yunlang said, "Look up."

Deyu quickly lifted his head but remained proper, his gaze lowered and fixed on his shoe tips, not daring to look directly at the noble's face.

Jiang Yanzhou got a clear look at his appearance.

Eunuch Deyu was only twenty years old at this time, with refined and pleasant features, his brows and eyes appearing kind. The histories recorded him as kind-hearted, shrewd, and capable of managing palace affairs in an orderly manner, earning great trust from Emperor Wu.

Xiao Yunlang asked Jiang Yanzhou, "Does he meet with your approval?"

Jiang Yanzhou nodded subconsciously, then snapped back to reality, thinking, *Wait, shouldn't Eunuch Deyu have been chosen by you? Why are you asking me?*

Xiao Yunlang interlaced his fingers. "Since the Crown Princess has given you this opportunity, from now on, you shall be the head eunuch of the Eastern Palace."

In that brief statement lay a wealth of information. Anyone with sharp wits could immediately grasp the key point: within the Eastern Palace, the Crown Princess held authority.

Deyu's mind raced, and he promptly knelt to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. This servant will spare no effort!"

Xiao Yunlang's tone was not heavy, but his gaze was intensely oppressive. Without needing to raise his voice, a mere glance held immense weight, making their hearts quail and bow their heads in fear, not daring to breathe loudly.

"Regardless of how rumors outside portray the relationship between this Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, here, seeing him is akin to seeing this Crown Prince. Once you enter the Eastern Palace, you belong solely to the Eastern Palace. Whether you had a master before or not, from this day forward, you have only two masters."

"Do your duties dutifully, and you will have a future. If you dare betray your master... you have likely witnessed many cautionary tales within the palace?"

The others also hurriedly knelt, promptly affirming their understanding.

Jiang Yanzhou was tender-hearted, which was precisely why Xiao Yunlang needed to establish authority first and set the rules. Only then would these people remember Jiang Yanzhou's kindness in the future.

After giving his instructions, Xiao Yunlang dismissed everyone.

This was the newly tidied bedchamber. A bird's nest already sat in the tree outside the courtyard—yes, the tit family had tagged along.

And they were not the only ones who followed.

Originally, Mu Baicao had secretly entered the capital. To be safe, he also wished to enter the palace, so he staged the 'Young Miracle Doctor's Grand Return' to the capital. As soon as the news spread, the emperor lost no time in summoning him into the palace.

Mu Baicao had already examined Emperor Yonghe's illness. His chronic headaches, had he followed instructions years ago to rest and recuperate properly, wouldn't have gotten this bad. The medicine couldn't be made any stronger; he just needed to take better care in his daily life.

He was retained to stay temporarily in the palace, giving him easy access to anywhere.

Jiang Yanzhou himself had no particular demands regarding the comfort of his living quarters, but Xiao Yunlang insisted on giving him the best of everything. Even in hastily prepared rooms, there was no hint of anything being overlooked.

Besides bringing all of Jiang Yanzhou's customary items, many new things were added, such as a gilded phoenix-head incense burner, a red sandalwood cloud-patterned chess table, and so on.

Jiang Yanzhou temporarily put away Xiao Yunlang's portrait, but the palace lantern inscribed with 'Spring Warmth Paves the Way' still hung in a prominent position in the inner chamber. Jiang Yanzhou had personally hung it there, not allowing others to do it for him.

In the study lay the green jade brush Jiang Yanzhou wrote with most smoothly. Several more paperweights were placed there, made of white jade and agate. Recently, Jiang Yanzhou often used a small yellow-and-white agate carving of a tit, exquisitely lifelike and delightfully charming.

Because he could sense Xiao Yunlang's sentiments: all the worries before parting were infused into these small, meticulous details.

Finally, they returned to the bedchamber and sat on the soft couch adorned with carved intertwining lotus branches and cushions. Xiao Yunlang reached out and pulled Jiang Yanzhou in front of him.

Jiang Yanzhou raised his arms to encircle Xiao Yunlang's neck—a gesture of deep dependence. Xiao Yunlang reluctantly stroked his hair and back. "Take good care of yourself. Wait for me to come fetch you."

"Mm."

Jiang Yanzhou unconsciously nuzzled against his shoulder. He also had much to say. With the Prince of Jin leaving the capital, Xiao Yunlang's opportunity was right before him. He wanted to say the path ahead was dangerous, that he must be extremely careful and not get injured; he wanted to wish him a triumphant victory and the fulfillment of all his wishes.

But when the words reached his lips, they seemed insufficient, or perhaps all too superfluous.

Xiao Yunlang would surely succeed.

Even though success or failure was imminent, what they worried about did not seem to be that.

Jiang Yanzhou thought for a moment and came up with what was probably the most reassuring thing he could say to Xiao Yunlang.

Just as Xiao Yunlang had hooked his hand on the city wall in the borderlands, Jiang Yanzhou also tried to hold Xiao Yunlang's hand. Then, extending his little finger, he gently hooked it around Xiao Yunlang's knuckle.

Jiang Yanzhou brought their linked fingers before them, gave them a little shake, and condensed myriad words into two: "Pinky promise."

Xiao Yunlang smiled, lifting their hands—reluctant to part—to his lips, where he solemnly and deeply pressed a kiss.

This became their secret, unspoken way of making a promise to each other.

The next day, Xiao Yunlang, unhurried, accompanied Jiang Yanzhou for lunch before finally, under Emperor Yonghe's repeated urging via messengers, set off with his men for the Ever-Spring Garden in the outskirts of the capital.

Some elite Household Guards of the Eastern Palace were left behind, under the command of Feng Lan, to jointly guard the Eastern Palace with the rotating shifts of the Imperial Guards and the Forbidden Army.

The Imperial Guards who came were personally selected by Sui Yedao, while the Forbidden Army contingent was chosen by Pei Jingchen.

When Pei Jingchen entered the Forbidden Army, as the son of the Vice Minister of War and having earned merit during the border expedition, he was directly appointed to the position of Assistant Commander of the Forbidden Army.

Of course, the Emperor had no idea that he had effectively been taken as a semi-hostage by Xiao Yunlang back then. The Vice Minister of War had gone through official channels, registered his son as a common soldier, making it seem as though Pei Jingchen had been solely intent on achieving military success at the border. The procedures were complete, flawless on paper.

Pei Jingchen also arrived at an opportune time, just as the Commander of the Imperial Guard had fallen from power. Combined with his family’s connections, he was able to quickly cultivate a small faction of his own within the Forbidden Army.

These men might not all be die-hard loyalists, but at least in the short term, there was no fear of betrayal. Pei Jingchen had always known the bureaucracy was a labyrinth and was not easy, but only after entering it himself did he realize just how difficult it truly was.

He used to idle around the capital, lost in its pleasures. When he was first escorted to the Crown Prince’s residence and had to wake up early and brush up on the martial skills he had long neglected, it felt like the sky was falling.

But after his journey to the border, witnessing the hardships of the people and the lurking dangers, eating mouthfuls of sand, and then returning to the dazzling, deceitful capital of intrigue, he found it oddly disorienting.

A whimsical thought struck Pei Jingchen: Maybe after things are settled here, I should request to return to the border?

As he was letting his imagination run wild, someone from the Imperial Guards arrived: "Sir, this humble officer is here to go over the duty schedule for the Eastern Palace."

Pei Jingchen snapped back to attention immediately: "Alright, please wait a moment."

Emperor Yonghe, whether out of extreme fear that something might happen to Jiang Yanzhou or because he needed trustworthy eyes on him to rest easy, had even assigned Sui Yedao to take shifts guarding the Eastern Palace.

Bear in mind that after the Congzhou private tea case, Sui Yedao had been given a special promotion to the rank of Commander of the Imperial Guards. For the Commander himself to provide personal protection was a privilege reserved for the Emperor.

By assigning him thus, Emperor Yonghe, no matter what, made a public show of his deep care toward Jiang Yanzhou, a masterclass in superficial courtesy.

And for Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang to pass messages back and forth between inside and outside the palace, it was exceptionally convenient. Within these palace walls, it was no longer a place entirely under Emperor Yonghe's control.

Jiang Yanzhou had initially thought Emperor Yonghe would avoid him for a time, but to his surprise, the Emperor summoned him the very next day.

This time, it was not in the Minghui Hall but in one of the palace gardens.

A gentle breeze stirred, the sun was warm, and the air was tranquil. Flower branches rustled, shimmering with golden light, while butterfly wings fluttered, brushing against dewdrops.

At this time of year, many people had already begun to wear lighter clothing. However, Jiang Yanzhou, having just recovered from a serious injury, and Emperor Yonghe, in his frail state, both still felt somewhat sensitive to the cold and remained layered up.

This stood in stark contrast to the attire of Liu Hexuan and Mu Baicao, who were currently waiting in the garden.

Yes, Liu Hexuan and Mu Baicao were also present.

Mu Baicao was taking Emperor Yonghe's pulse, while Liu Hexuan was beside him, reading memorials to the Emperor, his head aching from poring over state affairs.

Liu Hexuan's official rank in the Hanlin Academy had also been promoted. After this year's evaluation, he should be able to move to one of the Six Ministries to work.

Emperor Yonghe had his eyes closed. Even with them shut, the deep wrinkles between his brows were indelible. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes and saw Jiang Yanzhou approaching.

Emperor Yonghe raised a hand, signaling Liu Hexuan to stop.

After Jiang Yanzhou first paid his respects to the Emperor, Liu Hexuan and Mu Baicao, who had just finished taking the pulse, bowed properly: "We greet the Crown Princess."

Despite it being common knowledge that Jiang Yanzhou's constitution was extremely weak, Emperor Yonghe showed no intention of having Mu Baicao casually check on him as well. Mu Baicao rolled his eyes, gathered his gear, and was the first to rise: "Your Majesty, as with the pulse reading two days ago, you seem to have matters to attend to. May I take my leave first?"

Mu Baicao generally couldn't be bothered to call himself "this commoner." His skills gave him the leeway to be more casual. Emperor Yonghe nodded, and Mu Baicao departed, leaving only the palace attendants, Emperor Yonghe, Jiang Yanzhou, and Liu Hexuan.

Jiang Yanzhou had saved Liu Hexuan's life—a debt of gratitude impossible to repay. No one could fault Liu Hexuan for treating Jiang Yanzhou with utmost respect. However, after the assassination attempt at Bailong Temple, Emperor Yonghe's perception of the situation had shifted.

To what extent had Jiang Yanzhou and Xiao Yunlang aligned? Were they fully allied? If so, was it possible that Liu Hexuan and the other two rescued officials might follow Jiang Yanzhou in defecting to Xiao Yunlang's side?

Setting aside the other two officials for now, Liu Hexuan was someone Emperor Yonghe genuinely intended to pin his hopes upon. If he truly chose the wrong path...

Emperor Yonghe's expression remained unchanged as he invited Jiang Yanzhou to sit and also said to Liu Hexuan: "Ziyu, you may sit as well."

Liu Hexuan remained the epitome of a proper gentleman, seemingly unaware of Emperor Yonghe's intention in keeping him there: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yonghe first engaged in perfunctory pleasantries, inquiring about Jiang Yanzhou's health and whether he was settling in comfortably. Jiang Yanzhou answered each question, the rapport so natural it seemed like a real family reunion, as if no life-threatening assassination had ever occurred.

Perhaps due to the fine weather, the Emperor was in a relaxed mood: "Does the Crown Princess play chess?"

Jiang Yanzhou: "I am not skilled at it, Your Majesty."

"Haha, no matter. Keep this old man company for a game, let's talk. Attendants, prepare the board."

A young eunuch immediately set up a chessboard on the table and then withdrew.

Jiang Yanzhou now also had palace attendants following him. Deyu, leading the Eastern Palace attendants, stood quietly to the side. His intuition told him that today's summons wasn't as simple as it seemed.

But having just arrived at his master's side, unaware of past events and unclear about Jiang Yanzhou's private temperament and capabilities, he could only play it by ear.

Emperor Yonghe said that since Jiang Yanzhou was not very proficient, he would take the black pieces and give Jiang Yanzhou a handicap.

Jiang Yanzhou's chess skills were taught by Liu Hexuan, and he had developed his own understanding and style. However, having studied for only a few months, he was certainly no match for these shrewd old veterans. But since he didn't care about winning or losing, he played without psychological burden.

After a few moves, Emperor Yonghe realized Jiang Yanzhou wasn't being falsely modest; his play was indeed mediocre.

The Emperor's initial wariness gradually turned into a mix of resignation and amusement at playing against a clumsy novice. But as the interweaving of black and white on the board deepened, his casualness slowly tightened.

Hmm?

Emperor Yonghe looked at the boundary between black and white, thinking to himself, this Jiang Yanzhou's chess... is rather interesting.

Gentle yet firm, yielding to overcome rigidity.

Jiang Yanzhou was still holding back a couple of moves; otherwise, Emperor Yonghe would have seen even more.

He had initially thought the gap between his skill and Emperor Yonghe's was vast, but actually playing made him realize... perhaps it wasn't as exaggerated as he imagined?

When Liu Hexuan praised his rapid progress in chess, it wasn't just consolation—it was true?

Emperor Yonghe stroked his beard, looking at the board. He hadn't come today just to play chess: "I have seen the calligraphy and chess of your father and elder brother. You are quite different from them."

"I was frail in childhood. My father's expectations for me differed from those for my brother, so the education I received naturally differed as well."

Emperor Yonghe adopted a casual tone: "Indeed. You were able to personally hand over the evidence of the Jiang family's crimes for the state—something they could never do. You previously said you sought no merit, but now the Crown Prince has personally pleaded for rewards for you in court. I ask you again, is there anything you desire?"

Jiang Yanzhou held a white piece between his fingers, seemingly unaware of the danger in the question, seriously contemplating his next move: "Originally, I truly thought there was nothing I wanted. But now..."

Emperor Yonghe pressed on: "Now?"

"I seek stability."

Jiang Yanzhou sighed: "In Congzhou, at Bailong Temple, there were people who wanted to kill me."

"Your Majesty," Jiang Yanzhou looked up, his eyes clear as a mountain spring untouched by worldly dust, "Is wanting to live considered a fault?"

No matter who asked, Emperor Yonghe had countless answers. But looking into Jiang Yanzhou's eyes, he paused, momentarily speechless.

Then he slowly replied: "Naturally, it is not."

It's just that the world rarely operates on pure logic. Even he, the exalted emperor, faces constraints everywhere. Too many people want to live—didn't Jiang Linque want to? Didn't the Wei family?

Clearly, they can't all get what they want.

Emperor Yonghe finally posed that question: "Has the Crown Prince given you safety?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Deyu, standing nearby, felt a jolt of alarm, his palms already damp with sweat.

Yet Jiang Yanzhou's response that followed made him secretly admire it.

The pearl at Jiang Yanzhou's side was a silent companion as he replied calmly, "At present, I feel quite secure within the palace."

Emperor Yonghe slightly lowered his eyelids.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "Ziyu, what do you think of this game of chess?"

—There was no fierce contention, only the guidance of an elder to a junior, and it never truly escaped Emperor Yonghe's control.

Emperor Yonghe gave him a deep look.

Jiang Yanzhou appropriately placed his stone in resignation, and Emperor Yonghe finally set down his own piece. "All of you may withdraw. I am weary as well. Crown Princess, before the Crown Prince returns to the palace, I shall ensure your safety."

Emperor Yonghe rose, and the attendants swiftly tidied up, then clustered around the bright yellow robes as they swept out in a grand procession. Those present bowed, only straightening up once the emperor's figure had vanished.

Jiang Yanzhou turned back along the path he had come, with Liu Hexuan accompanying him for a stretch.

They did not exchange words along the way. Only after walking a considerable distance, where there were certainly no places for anyone to hide, did Jiang Yanzhou lower his gaze, his shoulders drooping slightly.

Emperor Yonghe would never know what hardships and suffering he and Xiao Yunlang had endured to allow the present Jiang Yanzhou to utter the words "want to live."

Both their lives had shattered in distant nightmares during childhood. Xiao Yunlang had pieced himself together first, though it was only in recent days that he had truly become whole;

As for Jiang Yanzhou, he was still striving, still reassembling the fragments.

To an ordinary person, it might seem simple, but for the person he once was, even the thought was a luxury.

Liu Hexuan whispered, "Your Highness?"

Jiang Yanzhou gave a slight shake of his head, indicating he was fine.

His fingertips brushed against the pearl hanging before him, and he thought quietly: He just missed Xiao Yunlang a little.

Even though they had only been apart for a day.