《Di Huang Shu》


 CH 1

    As the morning sun slips through the sky and falls lazily outside the palace, the lofty palace welcomes the three-day morning court as usual.


    For decades since the establishment of the Great Jing, Emperor Jianing has accumulated great power, but he has always accepted the advice of his ministers. The court often argued and held its own views, but today''s situation was a bit special, as all the ministers looked at the dusty deputy general in the centre of the hall, and closed their mouths tightly, all becoming clay bodhisattvas.


    "Zhao ¨¤i q¨©ng [1], repeat what you have just said."


    [1] °®Çä (¨¤i q¨©n¨À) Aiqing is a Chinese word, pronounced ¨¤i q¨©n¨À, which means the monarch''s pet name for his subjects, and it also refers to the name of the brothel woman in the Song Dynasty.


    The emperor on the imperial throne had a majestic face, his hand fell on the dragon''s head of the imperial throne, and his always stern expression was somewhat absurd.


    Zhao Zhongshi, the f¨´ ji¨¤ng [2] who had travelled thousands of miles in his armour, was half-kneeling in the courtroom. As he looked to the left of the hall, he was dumbfounded. The man who had come from the wind and gone through hundreds of battles was dumbfounded, choking and whispering.


    [2] f¨´ ji¨¤ng - Deputy General


    "Your Majesty..."


    "Zhao q¨©ng [3], answer properly!" Emperor Jia Ning sank his voice into a light drink, his dragon eyes slightly glaring.


    [3]  Çä(q¨©ng) high ranking official (old); (from the Tang Dynasty onwards) term used by the emperor for his subjects; honorific


    "Your Majesty, the Anle Village has sent a letter of surrender, willing to be pacified by the imperial court and submit to Great Jing. The Lord of the village, Anle, heard that the Prince of Great Jing is the best in Central Plains and said that the entire Anle Village does not need to be pacified by Great Jing, but only needs a concubine position in the Eastern Palace in exchange for her 30,000 troops to pledge their loyalty."


    As soon as he was shouted at by Emperor Jia Ning, Zhao Zhongshi flinched and his thick voice buzzed in the hall, reverberating in a whirlwind.


    At the sound of this voice, all the ministers looked to their left, their faces puzzled, and they tried to hold back their eccentric feelings.


    The second-in-command, Zhao is an honest man, ''the Prince of Dajing is the crowning glory of the Central Plains'' must have been said by Ren Anle, such words are understood in his heart. How can he blurt them out in the courtroom?


    The young man at the head of the court on his left has his eyes downcast, his crimson red ch¨¢o f¨² [4] on his body, and his silent posture prevents the prying eyes of the ministers.


    [4] ³¯·þ  (ch¨¢o f¨²) court dress in ancient China; was usually worn by the emperor and ministers at court meetings, and sometimes also included specific dresses for concubines, imperial concubines, and female officials.


    In the quiet hall of Chong''an, only the emperor at the top of the imperial throne knocked lightly on the dragon chair, and his slightly changed expression returned to normal very quickly after the deputy general reported back in a loud voice.


    "Oh? Thirty thousand soldiers pledged their loyalty? Is Ren Anle''s statement true?"


    The Emperor Jia Ning''s words were not without rarity, and one sentence was so stone-cold shocking that the ministers could not think of anything else and considered the Emperor''s words with rapt attention.


    "In reply to Your Majesty, this is what the surrender letter sent to us says. General Ji asked me to return to the capital to present it to Your Majesty, saying that it is a rare opportunity and this subject hope Your Majesty and...Your Highness will think twice."


    Zhao Zhongshi had been in the army for several years, and was an old man, so his words were incoherent, as if he was reciting a book.


    If it wasn''t for the ridiculous conditions put forward by the owner of the fortress, he wouldn''t have had the chance to return to the capital to take credit for his work. The ministers shook their heads, their eyes clearing up.


    The Great Jing Army is strong and powerful, with a vast territory. The Northern Qin and Eastern Qian, are located in the desolate northern part of the country and are not a major problem. The only problem is that bandits are rampant in the South China Sea and invading the coastal cities. However, the Great Jing shu¨« j¨±n [5] is weak and no solution has been found for decades.


    [5] ˮʦ (shu¨« sh¨©) or Ë®¾ü (shu¨« j¨±n)- navy; It is the name given to the ancient maritime military forces in the Chinese character cultural circle; the traditional navy is equal to the modern navy in terms of governmental establishment and military role.


    An Le Zhai was a strange and unique place for Great Jing. Thirty years ago, when the Central Plains was in turmoil, and the Han family was ruling the world, Anle Village was a small place on the southeast coast. However, after decades of growth, the few hundred bandits who were the kings of the mountains have now become a powerful army of 30,000 sailors and called themselves the Anle Village more than ten years ago.


    The imperial court was unable to defeat its naval forces in several sieges, and it became a problem for the court.  Although An Le Zhai did not belong to the court, it did not harass the people and only occupied the mountain as its king.


    But Emperor Jia Ning is not a vegetarian emperor, how can he allow others to snore in his bedroom?[6] If he could surrender this time, he would be able to show off his imperial authority and use his 30,000-strong navy to keep the South China Sea bandits in check, so he could kill two birds with one stone! [7]


    [6] The same as "How can one snore on the side of a couch?" It is a metaphor for being close to or within one''s jurisdiction;  often saying that one''s own sphere of influence or interests cannot be invaded by others.  [7]  Doing one thing and getting two benefits at the same time.


    The officials felt that the surrender of An Le Zhai was in all likelihood a success, and they all looked towards the prince, who was as gentle as a pine, and shed a tear of sympathy.


    Anle Village was not such a name more than ten years ago, so he called the bandit¡¯s nest. Back then, the old owner of the fortress was so happy to have a daughter that he changed the name of the village to Anle.  A few years ago, the old village owner died and his daughter took over the village owner.    She is now more than eighteen years old, and is said to be extremely rude, violent and arrogant, and a true female bandit.


    The 30,000 sailors for a concubine, looking at the young and green prince of the imperial court, the crowd really could not figure out whether the court had taken advantage of the matter or whether the notorious female bandit had gotten a good deal.


    "Zhao Qing, this is a very important matter, An Le Zhai has the intention to surrender, and I see that his orphaned daughter is quite loyal, which is a good thing. But the matter still needs the crown prince''s ideas, my son, what do you think...?"


    Emperor Jia Ning lowered his eyes and looked down, his face was smiling, but there was something deep under his eyes.


    The ministers sighed in their hearts. Your Majesty, if you want the 30,000 navy soldiers who are brave and capable of fighting, just say it. The Crown Prince''s approval was also given in a dignified manner. If you don''t want to be accused by the world of being fatherless, a happy event at the Prince''s East Palace will be inevitable.


    In addition to the ministers who had different ideas, several of the princes also had the intention of looking at the joke.¡¡¡¡The Prince was asked to propose a marriage by a female bandit for her beauty in front of the entire court. The prince had lost a lot of face this time.


    "Father, if the Anle Village is faithful to my Great Jing, the 30,000 sailors will be integrated into the general battalion of Sounan.  The Anle Village will be disbanded from now on, and this son would like to take a position in the Eastern Palace to welcome Ren Anle to the capital."


    Prince Han Ye took a step forward and bowed to Emperor Jia Ning in reply, with a calm demeanour.


    Several old ministers glanced at Emperor Jia Ning, whose face instantly eased, and secretly praised the Crown Prince for his beautiful words, not only pointing out the condition that An Le Zhai would only marry him if they were loyal to the Emperor, but also incorporating the 30,000 naval troops into the Sounan General Battalion, which was under His Majesty''s control, to show that he had no desire to covet the An Le Zhai naval troops. In this way, the sacrifice of the prince, who willingly lowered himself to marry a female bandit in the person of the crown prince, would have won the hearts of the emperor and the people.


    Several of the princes also thought of this and grunted a few times and looked a little sarcastic.


    "The son is kind and generous, he loves the people. He has won my heart!" As expected, Emperor Jia Ning smiled broadly, and the stern look between his eyebrows was swept away as he looked at the Minister of Rites: " Gong ¨¤i q¨©ng , what ranking do you think would be best for the Anle Village Lord, who has travelled thousands of miles to be there?


    For the first time in the courtroom of Dajing, a mere position in the Eastern Palace was discussed. The old Minister of Rites, Gong Jizhe, who was named, hurriedly stepped forward and said in a respectful voice, "Your Majesty, I think the position of a r¨² r¨¦n [8] is sufficient."


    [8]ÈæÈË(r¨² r¨¦n) - In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the title was given to the mother or wife of a seventh-rank official; Also used as a title of respect for women.


    Although Ren Anle had recruited 30,000 sailors, she was after all a bandit leader and was marrying the crown prince, the future emperor, and in her position, even if she was a r¨² r¨¦n, that was an exaggeration. If not for the fact that the emperor was in a good mood, Gong Jizhe would not have opened his mouth, and as it turned out, some officials who were concerned about the status of their families were already frowning and ready to advise.


    "Your Majesty..." the long-neglected deputy general Zhao heard that something was wrong and suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to report it, so he stepped forward to stop the officer''s words. The emperor was suddenly frightened by him and said unhappily, "What is the matter with Zhao Qing?"


    "Your Majesty, that Ren Anle said in her surrender letter that the position she was seeking..." Deputy General Zhao looked at the handsome prince who was looking at him with raised eyebrows, and replied stiffly, "is the position of t¨¤iz¨« f¨¥i [9]  ."


    [9]Ì«×Óåú t¨¤iz¨« f¨¥i - the title of the Crown Prince''s spouse, both the wife of the Crown Prince and also known as the Crown Prince''s Consort and the Consort of the Eastern Palace.


    Silence, total silence. A silence that was too loud to breathe.


    The entire Chong''an Hall was miraculously silent because of the words ''crown prince consort'', even the officials who had always been fond of arguing over the rules of propriety had kept their mouths shut, with some trepidation under their eyes.


    Ridiculous, ridiculous, simply... ridiculous. The officials thought for half a second, but did not know what other words they could use to describe the bold female bandit of Anle Village.


    The prince is the crown prince of the country, and she is asking for the position of crown princess. Does she want to be the mother of Great Jing Dynasty? There are countless noble daughters from noble families and lords and marquises in the imperial capital of Great Jing, but none of them have the audacity to enter the Eastern Palace and ask for the crown prince''s consortship!


    The prince took a step back and lowered his eyes, his face light and breezy, but there was a faint fluctuation under his eyes.


    It is interesting that the Lord of Anlezhai dared to put forward this condition.


    Sure enough, Emperor Jianing on the throne also withdrew his voice, and his expression darkened.


    "What a good one, Ren Anle. What does she regard my Great Jing Dynasty as ......"


    "Your Majesty, Ren Anle has said that if Your Majesty does not want to grant the crown prince the position of concubine, she may not enter the Eastern Palace, but would only like Your Majesty to prepare a military position for her in the army, so that she can use her military achievements... in exchange for the chance to enter the Eastern Palace in the future."


    Although the emperor''s power on the imperial throne was horrifying, and the prince''s inattentive eyes were a bit dazzling, Deputy General Zhao still took out the spirit of  the battlefield, breathed a long breath, and completed the report.


    In fact, to put it bluntly, Ren Anle just means one thing, you can not give me the position of crown princess now, but you have to show some sincerity in exchange for my 30,000 sailors'' allegiance, right? She Ren An Le will be what, embroidery, guqin, calligraphy and painting that is nonsense. The only thing she knows is how to fight with a sword, and joining the army for promotion is the most direct way.


    But what is the difference between this and open robbery? It''s true that women who are used to being bandits are so used to being bandits that they can''t even change their habits when they marry a husband.


    The status of women in Dajing is quite high, and although the number of women who have led the army in the court is small, it is not rare. However, it is not uncommon to find a woman who is a member of the army. The ministers have contempt for the arrogant and brutal Lord Anle, but they do not dare to say anything for fear of disobeying their superior''s wishes.


    "Oh? You will not enter the Eastern Palace until you are crown prince consort? What a big mouth she has! Gong Qing, draw up a decree for me and make it known to the world." Instead of reprimanding Ren Anle for such a treacherous request, Emperor Jianning, uncharacteristically, laughed out loud as he stroked his palm.


    "The Lord of the Anle Village is strong and compassionate, and is willing to lead 30,000 sailors to serve Dajing. She has been appointed deputy general in the south, and all the people of the Anle Village will be treated favourably."


    The Minister of Rites received the decree and retreated to one side, his heart slightly moved. If Ren Anle is summoned to the imperial capital, the 30,000 sailors who have lost their backbone will sooner or later be tamed by General Ji, and within a few years, Anle''s influence on the southeast coast will disappear. At that time, Ren Anle, a woman, would be at the mercy of the court.


    Once the emperor said this, no one dared to mention Ren Anle''s proposal to marry the crown prince, only to assume that the emperor was willing to exchange a third-ranking position for 30,000 sailors from Anle''s fortress.


    After the emperor waved his hand, the eunuch shouted at the top of his voice, ''Retreat'', and the ministers exited the hall only to find that the crown prince had been led by Zhao Fu, the eunuch in charge of His Majesty''s side, towards the upper study.


    "Father really thinks highly of Third Brother, he has just left the court and has summoned him away again." Han Zhao, the ninth prince, was born with thick eyebrows and large eyes, and had a military bearing. His mother was the daughter of the Minister of the Left, and he liked the battlefield, so he had no conflicts with the Crown Prince. The young prince, at the age of fifteen, had developed such a careless temperament.


    "Ninth brother, third brother is the crown prince, so it is only right that he should be valued by the father." First prince Han Rui reprimanded him, his solemn face awe-inspiring.


    Han Zhao snorted and raised his eyebrows slightly, obviously not hearing him.


    Han Rui is the eldest son, but he is not the first-born, and his mother''s family is not high, so he is not valued by Emperor Jia Ning, and his status is the most awkward among all the princes. However, he was loyal and filial to Emperor Jia Ning, and he was also extremely courteous to Crown Prince Han Ye, and he had served in the imperial court for many years. As a result, he was the most respected prince of the imperial court, apart from the Crown Prince, and was crowned King Mu by the Emperor three years ago.


    The fifth prince, Han Yue, saw that the two were at loggerheads and was busy rounding up the situation, "Ninth brother, the eldest brother is right, third brother is the crown prince and is different from us, but I''m afraid that Father is not only calling Third Brother away for the matter of the An Le Village."


    The fifth prince was the oddest of all the royal sons, obviously born into an imperial family, but he preferred to eat fasting and worship Buddhism. The emperor had a dozen sons in his lifetime, but only four of them are still alive today. The emperor had a dozen sons in his lifetime, but only four of them are still alive today. The emperor was afraid that he would want to shave his head as a monk, so forcibly brought him back to the court. The fifth prince, however, is thought to be the result of his childhood worship of the Bodhisattva, and he has a transparent and pure nature, never telling lies, and never compromising himself in what he thinks.


    "What else could be going on besides An Le Zhai?" Han Zhao saw that his elder brother looked unhappy and obediently climbed down the fifth prince''s ladder.


    Han Rui''s eyebrows twitched, and his expression as he looked up to the study was somewhat deep.


    Even if Ren Anle led 30,000 sailors to surrender, it would not be a big deal for the Da Jing dynasty. The reason why the Emperor Jia Ning attached such importance to it was because the dissolution of Anle''s fortress meant the end of the era under the rule of the Taizu [10]was completely over.


    [10] Ì«×æ( t¨¤i z¨³). Taizu, as the temple name of East Asian monarchs, usually refers to the founder of the dynasty or the founder of the regime.


    The An Le Zhai was built thirty years ago, almost as long as the Da Jing dynasty, and was buried deep in the southeastern most part of Da Jing, which was what the Jia Ning Emperor could not tolerate.


    "Third brother, he''s already twenty and two years old." Seeing Han Rui and Han Zhao looking at each other in unison, Han Yue faintly said, "But to this day there is still no first son."


    Without a crown prince consort, there was no first son!


    The two men listening wanted to retort, but at the same time, Han Rui shouted, "Fifth brother, don''t talk nonsense." With these words, he turned and left with a brush of his sleeve and robe.


    "Hmph. All day long you put on a face of loyalty and integrity, but  you don''t have any backbone." Han Zhao brushed aside his mouth, but he was not ambiguous: "Fifth brother, I have an appointment to go out to the palace, if father asks about me, you can say that I went to the western suburbs camp, to cover up for me."


    As he said this, he ran down the stone steps and disappeared in a flash.


    Han Yue smiled, as expected of someone who had grown up in the palace, even Ninth Brother, with his jumpy nature, knew that there were some things he could not say.


    There are many taboos in the royal family, but there is only one taboo for Emperor Jia Ning.


    The Crown Princess? Of course not. What was taboo to the Emperor was the family name that the Crown Princess represented.


    The Di Family of the Southern Jin Dynasty. Great Jing is revered by the royal Han family, but when it comes to nobility, it is not necessarily just the royal family.


    The only thing is that all the glory and shame inherited from this family name disappeared ten years ago, and all that remains is an orphan of the Di family, representing the false name of the Crown Princess.


    The sun was shining brightly overhead, and Han Yue laughed at himself for being so nosy, and turned to leave the palace to go back to his house to silently vest the scriptures.


    °²ÀÖÕ¯  ¨¡n l¨¨ zh¨¤i


    Õ¯( zh¨¤i)- village; A fortress with walls made of wood; camp


    ´ó¾¸³¯ d¨¤ j¨¬ng ch¨¢o - Great Jing Dynasty


    d¨¤ j¨¬ng - Great Jing

 CH 2

    Ì«×æ (t¨¤i z¨³) - Great Ancestor (posthumous title, e.g. for the founder of a dynasty); grandfather


    The upper study.


    Emperor Jia Ning finished reading through the several days'' worth of memorials before raising his eyes to look at Crown Prince Han Ye, who was standing quietly at the bottom.


    The crown prince, who has long since become an adult, is transparent and wise, introverted and gentle. As a crown prince, he was undoubtedly the pride of Emperor Jia Ning, but like all emperors of all generations, he had imperial power that he never wanted to be taken away from him when he was on the throne, even if that person was his most talented son.


    Han Ye was not born like Emperor Jia Ning, but no one dared to say a word about him. The only reason was that he looked so much like  Taizu, almost like he was carved out of the same mold, that Emperor Jia Ning would always be unconsciously distracted when he looked at this face that resembled his predecessor''s, like at this moment.


    "Father?" The Crown Prince Han Ye called out, not too softly but not too heavily, with a respectful expression, as he was extremely familiar with the Emperor''s actions.


    Emperor Jia Ning returned to his senses and coughed lightly, "Emperor''s son, Ren An Le is just a barbarian girl from the border. She is reckless and ignorant. When she enters the capital, you can just leave her to dry out, don''t be too concerned and lose the temperament of the crown prince."


    Once the news of what he said in the courtroom today spread, Ren Anle would become a thorn in the side of the Eastern Palace and the laughing stock of the entire capital''s aristocracy. In the end, After accepting 30,000 naval forces, Emperor Jianing thought it was necessary to persuade him appropriately.


    "Father, rest assured that this son will definitely admonish his subordinates." Han Ye frowned and responded.


    The emperor nodded his head, knowing that his son had always been a man of his word, and suddenly turned his words around and spoke lightly, "Prince, you are not young anymore. Besides, it''s not right that the Eastern Palace is always without a master. I ask you, Until now, your mind....It''s still not changed?"


    The moment he said this, Emperor Jia Ning swept away the kindness and peace he had just shown, and his whole body brought out a vague aura of fury. He looked at the Crown Prince scornfully. His hand lightly clasped on the head of the dragon chair, the dull knocking sound was inadverdent but full of deterrence.


    The corner of Han Ye''s eyebrows twitched slightly. This is the emperor who had fought with the previous emperor in the north and south, exterminating the Di family and taking control of Great Jing single-handedly. These years have been comfortable for so long that he has somewhat forgotten what a lordly figure his father had been.


    "It is unfilial of this son to cause his father to worry." Han Ye raised his eyes and looked solemnly at Emperor Jia Ning, "But this marriage is the last wish of my grandfather, who loved this son the most when he was alive. This son only wish to fulfil his wish, and this son hope that Father will do so."


    Han Ye''s voice was too insistent, just as it had been for the past ten years, and Emperor Jia Ning''s eyes narrowed as he waved his hand and said in a cold voice, "All right, let''s discuss this matter later. You go out."


    Han Ye answered in the affirmative, saluted and withdrew.


    The first son walked out calmly, as if he did not care about the anger of his father. The door to the upper study was gently closed, and Emperor Jia Ning exhaled a cloudy breath, his complexion obscure.


    "Your Majesty, take a sip of the calming tea, which the Fourth Princess picked with her own hands in the imperial garden a few days ago."


    A lightly scented and refreshing plain tea was gently placed on the imperial table as Zhao Fu whispered. He had served Emperor Jia Ning for decades and knew his preferences. He also knew that if that matter was brought up, the harem would suffer the wrath of thunder for half a month, so it was important to find a way to restore Emperor Jia Ning''s mood.


    Sure enough, Emperor Jia Ning''s expression eased: "Shaohua is a sensible one." He took a sip of his tea and suddenly said, "Zhao Fu, do you think I did the wrong thing by leaving her behind? The prince now carries the last wish of Taizu, and keeps her alive. The prince is now protecting her, making it really difficult for me to do so."


    If you really want to get rid of that person, there is no one in the world who can stop it, but you are just using the excuse of the Crown Prince. But Zhao Fu did not dare to say this out loud, he just lowered his eyes and said in a respectful voice, "Your Majesty, the Emperor''s power is immense. The Di Family was only as good as it was back then. How dare a mere mere ant compete with the Imperial Family of Great Jing now?"


    "That''s not an ant."  Emperor Jia Ning  drank lowly, a look of satisfaction gradually appearing in his eyes.


    "This old slave has spoken out of turn, Your Majesty, forgive me." Zhao Fu hurriedly knelt down and apologised, his face showing fear, and only after Emperor Jia Ning waved his hand ''nothing much'' did he slowly retreat.


    Ant? Master, if you knew that one day the Di Clan would be called a mere ant by a mere eunuch, Would you have ... surrendered the world back then?"


    Emperor Jia Ning looked at the dark green iron sword placed squarely on the desk at the top left of the study, and his low, inexplicable voice faintly emanated from the upper study pavilion. In the clear daylight, a cold chill was created.


    It was nearly dusk in the back hall of the Ministry of Rites.


    Gong Shangshu has been busy all day long with the detailed arrangements of Anle Village. It was late in the evening that he drafted the rewards given by Emperor Jia Ning at the morning court, and he was about to put pen to paper when a hurried yell rang out from outside the hall. His pen nib paused,  and a tiny glob of ink dripped onto the bright yellow scroll.


    "Brother Gong, the weather is good today, and tomorrow is a holiday, so go with me to the Chu Pavillion and have a look around."  A man, wrapped in a somewhat unkempt court dress, came in. In his early thirties, with a mediocre appearance and a pair of eyes that were very lively.


    Gong Jizhe is over fifty years old, an old man of two dynasties, with a straightforward and stubborn nature, and very few people are difficult for him to deal with.


    "Nonsense. This Minister is a few dozen years older than you, so you can call him that, but don''t come here every time you want to get close! A place like the Chu Pavilion is not to be mentioned freely by an important official of the court!" Gong Jizhe flicked his sleeve and looked at the stains on the decree with a headache, using a pen and ink to bring them over very quickly, blowing his beard and glaring, "Besides, the Ministry of the Treasury has offered a lot of rewards for the surrender of Anle Village. How can you have the leisure to wander around?"


    The visitor was Qian Guangjin, the minister of the Ministry of Treasury, and Gong Jizhe thought for a moment that Qian Guangjin''s parents had chosen a good name [1]. As the richest merchant in the Great Jing dynasty, in a mere five years, this money basket has paved a path for himself in the imperial court.


    [1]Ç®¹ã½ø( qi¨¢n gu¨£ng j¨¬n) - Money is in


    Ç®( qi¨¢n)- money;coin


    ¹ã (gu¨£ng)- wide; numerous; to spread


    ½ø ( j¨¬n)- come (or go) into


    For no other reason than the fact that in the first few years of its existence, Great Jing had not been able to accumulate much silver, and that Emperor Jia Ning was a warlike emperor who had to spend most of his treasury on warfare every year, and that in the last few years, when there was a shortage of silver in the war, he almost had to rely on tax increases to support the soldiers on the frontier.


    But the tax increase was a big deal back then, and before the Emperor had even decreed it, a bunch of old courtiers jumped up and cried and wrote that the people should not be taxed. The new successor of the rich Qian family donated 90% of his family''s money to the treasury, saying that it was only with the blessing of his wise lord that he was able to save up his family''s money and that the right thing to do was to use it for the people.


    The Emperor was so pleased that he recruited Qian Guangjin into the Ministry of the Treasury and gave him a position in the court. He was able to fill the treasury in just five years, and he was also good at business, so he won the emperor''s heart and rose through the ranks. Now he is the Minister of the Revenue[2], in charge of money and grain in Jiangnan[3].


    [2]»§²¿(  h¨´ b¨´ )-Ministry of Revenue in imperial China


    [3]½­ÄÏ(ji¨¡ng n¨¢n) - south of Changjiang or Yangtze river; south of the lower reaches of Changjiang; often refers to south Jiangsu, south Anhui and north Zhejiang provinces; a province during Qing times.


    Even if Gong Jizhe is a stubborn old-fashioned man, he has to admit that although Qian Guangjin is crude and mercenary, he is a genius at making money and enriching the country.


    "You''ve been stubborn all your life, but you haven''t gotten any money, so you''re not as good as the Minister of the Finance." Qian Guangjin, a man who talks like a man and talks like a ghost[4], is usually very smooth, but somehow he likes to raise a bar with the old Minister of Rites, who is stubbornly polite, which is an interesting thing in the court.


    [4]   (ji¨¤n r¨¦n shu¨­ r¨¦n hu¨¤£¬ji¨¤n gu¨« shu¨­ gu¨« hu¨¤) "talking to people and talking to ghosts" is: to communicate or communicate with the other person in a way (posture, language, tone, etc.) that the other person can recognize and understand.


    The brow of Minister Gong was furrowed into a figure of eight[5] as he finished drafting the imperial edict extremely quickly, closed the scroll and raised his head impatiently, "What do you want. Say it. I don''t have time to chatter with you."


    [5]Chinese symbol of eight: °Ë


    "Hey, Old Shang Shu [6] really has eyes like a candle on fire." Qian Guangjin straightened his court uniform and approached with a cautious look. He was so cautious that Shang Shu Gong looked surprised, but the moment Qian Guang Jin spoke, he froze in his tracks.


    [6]ÉÐÊé (sh¨¤ng sh¨±)- high official; government minister


    "Old Minister, the atmosphere after I saw Deputy General Zhao mention the Crown Princess in the courtroom today was really odd. His Highness has not married his first wife yet, is the Crown Princess position really reserved for the Di''s orphaned daughter?"


    "What''s the point of bringing this up?" The veins on the forehead of Minister Gong''s head were showing, and he said in a rough voice: "You just have to get the reward ready."


    "Old Minister, you know that most of the ministers in the court are noblemen, and I have joined the court as a merchant, so naturally I''m not like you. Although I have heard about what happened back then, I do not know enough about it, so if I touch the scales of the dragon, I will be committing a serious crime. I would like to ask you to be considerate and give me a warning." Qian Guangjin did not care about the attitude of Minister Gong, and hastened to be respectful, looking a bit sincere.


    The Old Shang Shu knows that he is right, although the world knows what happened back then, but most of the rumors have lost the truth. Qian Guangjin relies on the holy favor to gain a foothold in the court, if this matter offends the emperor, it is indeed a disaster of fish in the pond. He is indeed a talented man. He remember that he introduced a private doctor when Old lady Gong was very ill. The old Shang Shu of Gong is straightforward and hesitates a little, only a quiet voice commanded a sentence.


    "The choice of the crown prince''s consort position is a taboo for the royal family, so you must not mention it in front of others in the future, especially the Di orphaned daughter."


    Shang Shu Gong only said one sentence, Qian Guang Jin nodded repeatedly, but was still a little puzzled.


    "Old Shang Shu, the crown prince is not young. The crown prince consort position can''t remain empty?"


    "Then it depends on who can hold out longer between His Majesty and the Crown Prince. After all, it was the marriage set by the Taizu, and there will always be a day when the orphaned daughter of the Di Family will enter the Imperial Capital. If not, why do you think all the noble families in the empire wouldn''t dare to think about the crown prince''s position in the East Palace?" If His Majesty is open-minded, it will only be a couple of years.


    The words were Gong Jizhe''s guess, but he did not say them out loud. He waved his sleeve at Qian Guangjin: "Go away, go away, go back to your household department and remember not to mention these words again."


    Gong Jizhe was an old man of two dynasties, and his words would not be uncalled for. Seeing that he was starting to drive people away, Qian Guangjin chanted ''thank you for reminding me'' and withdrew.


    As the hall regained its quietness, Minister Gong took out the decree he had just drafted, and his eyes fell on the bright yellow scroll, slightly distracted.


    Ten years ago he had also drafted an imperial decree for the Emperor Jia Ning , only... it was not a heavenly grace, but a thunderous wrath from the emperor.


    The Di family, Jing''an, has disregarded the grace of the previous emperor and acted presumptuously to steal the country''s army and act rebellion. He have punished the Di family with death on behalf of Heaven, but in consideration of the fact that the Di''s youngest daughter was valued by the previous emperor, He have given her a break and confined her to the Taishan State Temple, where she will never be allowed to enter the capital without the Emperor''s decree.


    With just a few words and an imperial decree, the family of the great minister who founded the Great Jing has since been torn down.


    Perhaps it would not have been right to call the Di family vassals.


    Old Minister Gong closed his cloudy eyes and sighed heavily.


    Forty years ago, when the Central Plains was in turmoil, and the world was divided between various families, the Di family in the south and the Han family in the north were the most powerful. Although the head of the Di family, Di Shengtian, is a woman, she has taken in the world''s most knowledgeable people, and in ten years she has become the dominant family in the south, while the head of the Han family, Han Zi''an, also took the land of Guangqiu in the north into the hands of the Han family in the same year. In the same year, Han Zi''an, the head of the Han family, also brought the northern land of Guang Qiu into the hands of the Han family. Just when the people of the world thought that the two families would have a fierce battle, the heads of the two families simultaneously announced that they had known each other for a long time and were willing to unite the north and the south without any war, and the world celebrated this news.


    In half a year''s time, Di Shengtian retired in seclusion, handing over the rule of the south and the military power to Han Zi''an, the head of the Han family.


    A year later, Han Zi''an founded the Dajing dynasty. In recognition of the righteousness of the Di''s family head who had ceded the world to him, he made her nephew, Di Yongning, the Marquis of Jing''an[7]. In charge of 100,000 troops in southern Jin, and made a decree that the Marquis of Jing''an would share the right of succession to the throne with the prince of the dynasty.


    [7]Jing''an Hou -


    ¾¸°²( j¨¬ng ¨¡n ) -Jing''an county in Yichun, Jiangxi


    ºî (  h¨®u) - surname Hou; marquis, second of the five orders of ancient Chinese nobility ÎåµÈ¾ôλ ; nobleman or high official


    The world was shaken by this decree, and the noble glory of the Di clan was beyond  the honour and glory of the royal family, and was revered as the pillar of the Great Kingdom of Jing.


    A few years later, the Marquis of Jing''an was blessed with a daughter, whom he regarded as a jewel in the palm of his hand. The Taizu was delighted to hear of her and gave her the name Ziyuan to the Di family and promised a marriage between the Zhong Wang[8]'' son and the youngest daughter of the Di family.


    [8]Íõ(w¨¢ng ) -king or monarch; best or strongest of its type; grand; great


    Han Zhongyuan, the then Zhong wang, is the current Emperor  Jia Ning.


    In the following years, the Marquis of Jing''an repeatedly submitted a petition to resign the right to succeed the throne, but Taizu never acceded to his request. In the fourth year of Chongzhao, due to a recurrence of an old illness from his earlier military career, Taizu died in the Hall of Zhaoren, leaving behind a decree to make Zhong wang as Emperor and his son Han Ye as Crown Prince. The last sentence of the decree was that the youngest daughter of the Di family, who had been entrusted with the responsibility of the heaven, was to be crowned the crown prince''s consort.


    At the time of Taizu''s death, Prince Han Ye was six years old, while Di Ziyuan was only two years old.


    How to inherit from the heavens that It was only the greatest honour left to the Di family by the Taizu.


    The Di family held 100,000 soldiers and horses in the South of Jin, and their good deed of willingly giving up the throne was respected by the world. During the first two years of instability after the death of the Taizu, the Marquiz of Jing''an gave his full support to the Emperor Jia Ning, which helped Great Jing to survive through the treacherous dynastic turmoil.


    As a sign of the imperial family''s goodwill towards the Di family, the Emperor even decreed that the youngest daughter of the Di family, Di Ziyuan, would be welcomed into the capital as a princess to recuperate and be treated as an honoured guest of the royal family.


    At that time, the people of the world thought that when the Prince grew up and the two families of Han and Di, the most honourable people of Dajing, formed a friendship, they would be able to continue the good story of the first time when Taizu and Di Shengtian had made peace with the world.


    It is a pity that in the sixth years of Jianing, the Marquis of Jing''an privately transferred 80,000 troops from Jinnan without permission, and drove straight to the northern border, and wanted to collude with the Eastern State Kingdom to start war. When the news came, the whole country was shocked. Emperor Jianing quickly revised the state book to quickly reconciled with the Wang of Northern Qin and sent a large army to the border. At the same time, Left Minister Jiang Yu headed to the south of Jin with the imperial decree of granting sin.


    What is puzzling is that Jing¡¯an Hou did not plead guilty, and even in front of the emperor¡¯s ancestral hall, he squatted himself in front of the people in the city and Left Minister to prove his innocence.  To be honest, even if the Jinnan army burst into the north, the people of the whole country did not believe that Jing''an Hou had a heart of disobedience. With the tragic death of the Marquis of Jing''an, the dynasty is in more turmoil than ever before, and the prince have all seen the opportunity to move.


    At this moment, Jiang Yu, the Minister of the Left, finds a letter in the Marquis of Jing''an''s residence that shows that the Marquis of Jing''an and the King of Eastern  are plotting a rebellion, and after announcing this to the whole city, he kills 30 members of the Di clan and hundreds of their offspring. In the night, blood flowed in the city, and when the people were in fear, Ji Chuan, the defender of Di North City, led the 20,000 troops left behind to surrender to Emperor Jia Ning and helped the Minister of the Left to quickly take control of the city.


    It was too late for the news of the city of Di North to reach the world. The extinction of the Di clan was a foregone conclusion. Not to mention that, on the same day, the 80,000-strong army of the Di family that had travelled to the north met the North Qin iron cavalry and were pitted and killed at the bottom of Qing Nan Mountain, at which point the entire dynasty fell silent.


    The destruction of the 80,000-strong army meant that...from then on, the only person who was most honoured and noble in the Dajing dynasty is the royal family.


    The history books are full of merits and demerits, and the victor is always the king and the defeated is the knave[9], and anyone who dares to offend the emperor''s anger will have his whole family plagued.


    [9]ʤÕßΪÍõ£¬°ÜÕßΪ¿Ü Æ´Òô (sh¨¨ngzh¨§w¨¦iw¨¢ngb¨¤izh¨§w¨¦ik¨°u) -It is a Chinese proverbs handed down from ancient China to the present day. It used to mean that in a struggle for power, the victor was the legitimate one and was called the emperor and king; the loser was the illegitimate one and was called a thief and a bandit. It means that the victor has power in his hands and no one dares to blame him, while the loser has a hard time defending himself.


    For several years afterwards, all the courtiers who had been friends with the Di family were exiled or killed. The Emperor was so iron-blooded that no one from the court to the people dared to mention the Di family, which had made the world a prominent part of Dajing.


    The people of the world are also certain of one thing. The former head of the Di clan, Di Shengtian, who had taken over the north and was as prominent as the Taizu, had long since died. Otherwise, given her temperament, she would never have watched the Di clan die out.


    The Imperial Family''s orphaned daughter, Di Ziyuan, the crown prince''s consort who had been announced to the world, had since then become a taboo to the entire Imperial Family of Great Jing. She was imprisoned in the Taishan State Temple, and nothing remained of the entire Di family except a false position of Crown Princess that had not yet been removed.


    In this way, a decade passed.


    The old monk Gong opened his eyes and felt the holy decree in his palm vaguely sizzling.


    Ziyuan, both characters meaning Empress of the Yuan.


    On the promise of heaven, Steed heavy duty.


    Only a very few old ministers have vaguely guessed what was really left in this decree back then. Taizu did not choose the Crown Prince Consort  by the Crown Prince''s choice, but...chose the next emperor only because of the youngest daughter of the Di family.


    That means that as long as Di Ziyuan is still alive. She is the only rightful head of the Central Palace for the next emperor of Dajing.


    How much did Taizu think of the Di family''s daughter that he gave her this name and left her with a legacy so solemn that it was no less important than that of the emperor, so much so that the entire Dajing dynasty kept silent about the absurdity of the crown prince consort''s position in the Eastern Palace remaining vacant for more than ten years after the death of Taizu and the fall of the Di family.


    Forget it. The Di family has already declined, so it is futile to lament any more. The Di Ziyuan is now less important to his majesty than a female bandit from Anle Village.


    After taking a look at the sky, Minister Gong put the decree into a box and hurried into the Imperial City to present it to Emperor Jia Ning.


    T/N: The character ''µÛ'' (d¨¬) from D¨¬ Ziyuan is the same character from the word emperor. So, it''s quite perplexing since the meaning of the words keeps on changing. For example, from ''Di family'' to  ''Emperor''s family'',  From ''Di''s daughter'' to   ''Emperor''s daughter'', ''Di clan'' to ''emperor''s clan'' and many more.


    So, if you ever discover something isn''t quite right, let me know.


    And Minister Gong has made quite a revelation.

 CH 3

    Ten days later, when the news of An Le zhai''s submission to the court reached the world, the Minister of Rites, Fan Wen Chao, came towards An Le zhai with a decree from the Emperor Jia Ning and a reward full of sincerity.


    Surrounded on two sides by mountains, the terrain of An Le zhai is treacherous, and on the back side by the sea is where the 30,000 sailors train their troops. The only access is a sheep''s intestine path, and there is only a plain of 100 metres near the main gate. If it were not for this strange terrain, this den of thieves would not have survived the court''s siege several times a year.


    Even before the imperial court''s reward procession entered the territory of An Le zhai, soldiers clad in armour with long swords could be seen from afar, with a fierce and ferocious banditry at every five or ten steps. The soldiers in formation did not stop or greet the imperial troops, but merely watched them coldly as they walked into the boundaries of the fortress, looking away as if they were lambs balking at the prospect of entering a wolf''s den.


    The Ministry of Rites[1] Fan Wen Chao is a real weak literary man, who entered the civil service with the imperial examinations, and is good at poetry and songs, but has never seen such a battle.


    [1] Àñ²¿(l¨« b¨´) - Ministry of (Confucian) Rites (in imperial China)


    If she hadn''t failed in her quest for the position of Crown Prince Consort of the Eastern Palace, a military general would have been enough to invite her to surrender, and there would have been no need for him, the Minister of Rites, to come and console her personally!


    The deputy general, Zhao, who had followed him, was afraid that this fancy servant would spoil the matter, so he whispered, " Fan d¨¤ ren [2], Ren Anle is very strong in nature, so don''t ignite her fiery temperament later. If the surrender fails, His Majesty''s power will be unpredictable, and we will be in trouble!"


    [2]´óÈË( d¨¤ ren) - adult; grownup; title of respect toward superiors


    Thinking of the reward that stretched for miles behind him, Fan Wen Chao''s heart fluttered and he nodded, "Don''t worry, General Zhao, I will not bother with a woman."


    Seeing that shi lang Fan was not impressed, Deputy General Zhao blinked and retreated to the side in silence. In this part of Jinan, if General Ji, the commander of Zunan''s battalion, was the emperor of the land, then Ren Anle was the snake at the head of the land, and the strong dragon did not dare to press it, so what use could a mere embroidered pillow be.


    When he saw that  Fan shi lang [3] did not think so, Deputy General Zhao blinked and retreated to the side without making a sound. In this part of Jinan, If the general who will command the battalion, General Ji Lao, is the emperor of the land[4], then Ren Anle is the earth snake[5]. The strongest dragon is still afraid to be pressed[6]. What use is a mere embroidered pillow?.[7]


    [3]  ÊÌÀÉ (sh¨¬ l¨¢ng )- ancient official title; assistant minister


    [4][5][6], and [7] - at the end of the chapter.


    Near a hundred meters away, the looming Anle Village finally appeared in front of everyone. Watching the scene in front of them, Fan Wenzhao pulled the reins hard and his face turned white. Only then did he realise why the surrender of Anle Fortress was so important to Commander-in-chief Ji Chuan, who was in charge of Sounan, and that the reward given by Emperor Jia Ning was worth a fortune.


    The majestic thing before him, encompassing a hundred miles, was not a small mountain fortress, this damning division is clearly an indestructible city!


    The city walls were several feet high, the halberds were cold and hard, the soldiers were powerful and rugged, and the wooden plaque hanging at the top of the city had the words ''An Le zhai'' written on it in a stern and heavy manner.


    The Anle Fortress is deep in the southeastern mountain range of Great Jing, and has grown and developed over the past thirty years, with naval divisions sweeping across the South China Sea. He can''t imagine that it would be so powerful that it is not necessary to wait for the future. This city is now enough to become a major threat to the heart of Great Jing.


    Fortunately...the current owner of the village is a woman and fortunately...she has taken a fancy to Great Jing''s prince.


    He had forgotten his disdain for a female bandit who wanted to be the Crown Prince''s Consort of the Eastern Palace in the courtroom a few days ago. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and suddenly felt a sense of mission. He had to invite this Anle master into the imperial capital no matter what. If he ruined His Majesty''s invitation to surrender, I''m afraid the Fan clan''s career would be over!


    As he took a few steps closer with his horse, Fan shi lang was suddenly struck by the redness of the city in front of him. The whole city was hung with red silks, and the joyous atmosphere was soaring. As he sent his soldiers forward to report the news, he turned his head towards Deputy Zhao and gave him a puzzled look. Zhao shook his head, obviously not knowing what An Le zhai was up to.


    As the two men wondered, the imposing gate of the city were slowly opened and an ear-splitting rumble erupted as a line of horsemen galloped from the city with the sound of drums under the obsidian sun.


    The dust from the clamour nearly drowned the crowd. Fan Wen Chao was so choked that he grabbed the reins and took several steps back. When he squinted, he saw a woman in purple at the head of the group. His heart burst and he did not care about the dust in the sky, but looked at her intently, for she was at least the brave man who had asked for the hand of the Crown Prince of Dajing in front of all the civil and military servants, so he had to look carefully.


    The woman on the horse was dressed in a short purple cloth outfit, with high eyebrows and wide eyes, her short hair tied back, and her appearance was very rough and sharp. When his eyes fell on the cold, sharp sword on her slightly thick back, Fan daren gulped in fear, for this was exactly the same as the female bandit he had in mind.


    Poor prince ah ......


    The woman at the head of the group raised her eyebrows and said with a big smile, "General Zhao, the brothers in the cottage look forward to the stars looking forward to the moon[8], but it is to look forward to you. How is it? When is your prince going to marry our great master?"


    [8]    ÅÎÐÇÐÇÅÎÔÂÁÁ Hoping for the stars hoping for the moon - It should be said that they look forward to it day and night


    The woman was obviously used to shouting, and her question was as loud as a thunderclap, and  Fan shi lang was thinking, ''Rude, rude'', when he suddenly looked back and asked, "Aren''t you Ren Xiao...?" His face hardened in the middle of his sentence, and his tone hardened, "could it be that you''re not the Lord Ren of this village?"


    Preposterous. His Majesty''s imperial decree has been bestowed upon her and the one who had come to greet him was not Ren Anle!


    The woman in purple looked towards Shi lang Fan, "General Zhao, this lord is...?"


    Deputy General Zhao snorted and hurriedly introduced , "This is His Majesty''s imperial envoy,  Fan daren of the Ministry of Rites, who reads out the decree for the invocation of peace." After saying this, he passed a wink towards shi lang Fan: " Fan daren, this is the Lord of Village''s right-hand man, Yuan Shu young lady."


    Fan shi lang gave a slight arch of his hand and grunted. Such a female bandit had actually taken a good name of a scholarly girl.[9]


    [9]Êé (sh¨±) book; letter; document; Classifiers: ±¾ ; to write


    "Don''t call me ''young lady''. It sounds awkward. Just call me Second master." Yuan Shu crossed her eyebrows and said boldly.


    "Second Master." Deputy-General Zhao was a little embarrassed, and changed the subject quickly: "As for Lord Ren, Your Majesty has issued the imperial decree, let her come out to receive the decree."


    "General Zhao, our Lord is afraid that the welcome gift from the court is too generous, and the fortress cannot afford to return the gift, so he took her brothers out to sea a few days ago to search for treasures!" Yuan Shu scratched her head and rubbed her hands, and a look of embarrassment spread across her cheerful face: "General Zhao, we are not the only ones who know how delicate His Highness is. We coarse people know that His Highness is pampered and accustomed to enjoying the blessings. Don''t worry, the Lord has always been good-tempered and will treat His Highness well when she gets married.


    Looking at the five big and three rough [10]Yuan Shu''s dainty festive face, the two suddenly understood where the great red of An Le zhai came from; this female bandit who had emerged from the nooks and crannies had no idea what the Prince Consort of the Eastern Palace represented, and thought that their marriage to the Prince was nailed down.


    [10]   Îå´óÈý´Ö [w¨³ d¨¤ s¨¡n c¨±] a Chinese idiom, describes a person who is tall, stout and burly. From "Blowing Fire". In ancient times, the "big five" refer to: "big hands, big feet, big ears, shoulder width, and hip fat", and the "three thick" are: "thick waist, thick legs, and thick neck".


    "Second Master Yuan Shu." Fan shouted with a frown, glancing at the silver glowing sword behind Yuan Shu''s back, suppressing the chill in his heart and speaking with a straight face, "His Majesty has said that the Crown Prince''s consortship has a bearing on the throne of the country, so it is difficult to make a decision now. Since Lord Ren does not wish to be a side concubine in the Eastern Palace, His Majesty will not force her to do so, and will certainly compensate her."


    He was very clever in using the position of side concubine to promote Ren Anle, but even if he had the guts to do so, he wouldn''t have dared to say what the Old Shang Shu had said in the courtroom about giving Ren Anle the position of a ru ren in the Eastern Palace.


    "Oh? Rejected?"


    Shi lang Fan almost stared wide-eyed at the fierce female bandit across from him as she uttered those words, and when he saw her carelessly fumbling for the large sword on her back, his pupils narrowed fiercely.


    "That doesn''t matter. His Majesty must have made our great master an official, with our master''s talent and looks, it is only a matter of time before she joins the Eastern Palace." Yuan Shu laughed and casually flicked her greatsword with a clear, crisp sound as she cupped her fist towards shi lang Fan and said. "Lord Fan, our master has not yet returned from her long journey, but His Majesty has bestowed an imperial decree on her, so we barbarians must not be neglected. Why don''t I accept the decree? Someone, set the table and burn incense!


    Without waiting for Fan Wenzhao''s reply, she waved her hand behind her and immediately a few men appeared between the two sides carrying a wooden table. Yuan Shu and the men from An Le zhai leapt down from their horses and knelt respectfully on the ground, smiling at Fan Wen Chao and Zhao Zhuan, who were a little distracted, and said, "Your two lordships, declare the decree."


    The two men, who were completely led by Yuan Shu''s brutal attitude, looked at each other and secretly exchanged glances, forgetting that it was a joke to argue with this bandit leader about manners. As long as Ren Anle was willing to go to the capital and willingly hand over 30,000 sailors, it would not be a big deal to tolerate the rest.


    Fan Wenzhao coughed lightly, took out the imperial decree and read it aloud.


    At the top of the inner-city pavilion, under the vines that creep hidden all over the walls, a woman reclines on a cool ink-and-stone chair, her legs crossed, her face covered with a book of opera, a tiny snore coming shallowly from beneath the book.


    The breeze blew the book to the ground and the scorching sun swept lazily over her body, and the woman did not move, but slept soundly.


    After a long time, the noise of the drums outside ceased and the silence was broken by a cacophony of voices. The woman, who was in the middle of a good dream, frowned slightly. Following the sound of approaching footsteps, she closed her eyes and picked up the playbook on the floor and threw it violently towards the veranda.


    "Ouch!" Yuan Shu pretended to exclaim and slapped her heart, "Master, I received the imperial decree on your behalf for the crime of treason? Can''t you be a little more gentle? Besides, don''t use that force on your own family, the Crown Prince in the capital is still waiting for you!"


    Yuan Shu said ''you'' in a very smooth manner. She was clearly still the same simple face that she had just given to Fan Wen Chao, but a completely different and cunning look came over her eyes.


    "No good, if you want to give imperial orders in the land of An Le zhai, you have to follow my rules. These literary scholars are the most daunting, and I am too lazy to deal with them."


    The woman on the stone chair rose abruptly and crossed her legs, raising her hand and dragging her chin: "Yuan Shu, what goodies has the old emperor sent?"


    The person who said this was dressed in a sharp navy robe, with sleeves rolled back and hem open and closed, and just by looking at this outfit, one could tell that she was a man of unpretentiousness. She has a lazy eyebrow and a vaguely stern look under her eyes, but her face is awe-inspiring and dignified. This kind of temperament should be strange in a woman, but the person in front of her has been through a hundred battles and has been in charge of Anle Village for many years, so it is not unusual for her to have developed this kind of temperament.


    "Fifty thousand taels of gold, one hundred thousand taels of silver, five buckets of South Sea pearls, three thousand-year-old ginseng ......," Yuan Shu took out the decree given by Emperor Jia Ning and opened it to read aloud with joy, her eyebrows tipped with a look of triumph.


    Ren Anle narrowed her eyes and tapped her hand on the stone table, until Yuan Shu finished reading the last reward, then she sighed with a grimace. "I regret this... why didn''t I take a fancy to that white-skinned prince years ago? It was a waste of time, and it took half the world to get these treasures into my hands."


    The corners of Yuan Shu''s mouth twitched as she looked at her sorrowful leader, and only after a long time did she say, " Master, you are only eighteen this year, which is the right age, really. But if you don''t go to welcome the imperial decree, aren''t you afraid that the Old Emperor will give us trouble when we enter the capital?"


    Ren Anle looked up and grunted. "Receive the decree? The old emperor thinks that because I live far away in the South China Sea, I don''t know that the court has given me a position as a child, so why should I stoop low to accept the decree? Where else in the world could they can find a daughter-in-law as rich as this one. Who could give him 30,000 sailors and a city for marrying his son?"


    The more Ren Anle spoke, the louder her voice became, and only when she had finished breathing did she shake her legs and narrow her eyes slowly, "The good thing is that my family is still a deputy general, so when I have enough military achievements in the future I will go into the imperial city and talk to him. It is their royal fortune that I have taken a fancy with his son, and to miss me is a great loss to Da Jing."


    I don''t think it''s necessarily a blessing, the prince probably thinks it''s a disaster from heaven!


    Yuan Shu looked at her young lady and sighed. When the old master was alive, he was determined to find a good husband for this young lady. He had searched all over Jinan, but no one had caught her eye. But now she has taken a fancy with the prince of Dajing. The Anle Village can could call the wind and rain in southern Jin, but it''s hard to say when she enters the imperial capital.


    In the light of this, Yuan Shu felt that the royal family was not a good match for her and was prepared to make one last attempt to persuade her, "Miss, do you really want to give An Le Village to the court as a bride price?"


    In her eyes, her young lady was outstanding military and unrivalled to the crown prince of the dynasty.


    "I have written clearly in the surrender letter that the entire An Le Village does not need to be pacified; It is true that I am going to the capital, but naturally the rest of the people in the cottage have to make a living in this mu of land."


    She could hand over the 30,000 sailors, but the city of An Le zhai could not be easily handed over to the court. It was because Emperor Jia Ning had heard the deeper meaning in the letter of surrender that he recruited her to the imperial capital to take up a false position, instead of putting her in the Sounan general camp to let her sit in the army. The reward given to her this time was clearly a gift from heaven, but in fact it was only to pacify her.


    At the age of fourteen, Ren Anle has been at the helm of a city and has seen a hundred battles. She is a natural general, but it would be a joke to say that she is a honest person who does not think for herself.


    "The emperor will agree?"


    "Don''t worry, the 30,000 sailors will reassure him, and he will treat us as his guests for the sake of the stability of the southern border of Jin."


    "Grand Master, we are bandits, will people of heaven and nobility put us in their eyes?" Yuan Shu was not convinced. The royal family was used to being honoured, so it was very likely that they would not look at bandits like them.


    "Yuan Shu, you don''t understand." Ren Anle raised his eyes to look at the bustling city below the pavilion, and there was a clear penetration and certainty in her pupils: "The old man said before he died that the emperor was obsessed with this part of Jinan, and as long as he could get him to recruit Anle Village in the eyes of the world, we would naturally have no worries for the rest of our lives."


    Otherwise, it would not ...... have grown to this point, and very few people in the northern Central Plains would have known that the Anle Village hidden in the South China Sea was far more than a bandit den, but an indestructible city.


    Seeing Yuan Shu nod, Ren Anle quickly put this aside and asked, "What did you tell the imperial court when they were settled?"


    "Don''t worry, I told them that you would not return until tomorrow and that you would leave for the capital the day after tomorrow. The moment that Envoy Fan heard that we were willing to go to the capital, he was overjoyed. He kept praising me for my understanding and said..." Yuan Shu narrowed her eyes and rubbed her chin, "He said he would keep an eye out for good boys in the capital for me."


    When she saw Yuan Shu''s appearance, Ren Anle became angry: "Look at your appearance, what''s so good about those sick boys in the capital, they can''t lift their hands or carry their shoulders ......"


    "Lord, isn''t that what the Crown Prince of the capital is like!" Yuan Shu indignantly interrupted Ren Anle''s words and poured cold water straight.


    Ren Anle''s appearance was so serious that Yuan Shu was stunned in her place, seeing Ren Anle slowly get up and walk to the parapet, and half a second later, looking back, the words clear as day.


    "Even if he''s a useless one, he''s the most honourable one of all the useless ones!Who said I was going to marry him as a person, my bride price for Ren Anle is a city, his dowry is the whole of Great Jing!"


    "Grand Master, I send you six words, a long way to go, take care."


    Yuan Shu took a half-hearted look at Ren Anle, who was so proud of herself and pointing out the world, before closing her jaw, rolling her eyes and turning away.


    The corners of Ren Anle''s mouth were slightly hooked, and a faint fluctuation and interest surfaced under her eyes.


    Prince Han Ye, the Crown prince of Dajing, who is the most wise and farsighted in the world, I hope... your reputation is worthy of this traveling thousands of miles.


    [4]   ÍÁ»ÊµÛ(t¨³ hu¨¢ng d¨¬)- emperor of the land - Refers to the warlords or local tyrants and evil gentry occupying one side. It also refers to the bad guys who dominate one side.


    [5] µØÍ·Éß(d¨¬ t¨®u sh¨¦) - Earth snake, a Chinese word, refers to a local bully who is influential and oppresses the people. It is also used as a metaphor for a local person with a certain ability.


    [6] Ç¿Áú²»Ñ¹µØÍ·Éß (qi¨¢ng l¨®ng b¨´ y¨¡ d¨¬ t¨®u sh¨¦)-  The strongest dragon is still afraid to be pressed - Although the metaphor is a powerful person, it can''t suppress the forces entrenched in the local area.


    [7] ÇøÇøÒ»¸öÐ廨ÕíÍ·ÓÖ¶¥µÃÉÏʲôÓá£What use is a mere embroidered pillow? It is a metaphor for a person with appearance but no intellectual ability.

 CH 4

    It is night in the stone pavilion in the back garden of the Eastern Palace.


    Zhao Yan, a courtier of the Eastern Palace, stood outside the pavilion with his head bowed. The sound of falling in the pavilion was clear to his ears, and his eyebrows twitched as he raised his eyes to look in.


    The man sitting at the middle of the pavilion is dressed in  a moon-white uniform with a four-clawed dragon hidden on his sleeve, and he is playing with his hands, his brow stern and cold. Just sitting there, his body has a dignity and splendour that is different from that of ordinary noblemen.


    Han Ye was established as the Crown Prince of Dajing at the age of six. Since his childhood, his character was elegant and wise, and his temperament was outstanding. No matter how hard several princes tried to emulate him, they could not divide his admiration in the hearts of the people. At the age of eighteen, he hid his identity and accompanied the  northwest army on an expedition to conquer the northern Qin, and his reputation among the people and courtiers reached its peak after a great victory.


    Even though Emperor Jia Ning was always happy and angry, the ministers could vaguely sense that the iron-blooded emperor valued his only first son.


    Otherwise, they would not have been allowed to set up ministers of various ranks in the Eastern Palace, who, although not of high rank in the court and still young, were undoubtedly the pillars of the future of Dajing.


    As the youngest son of the Marquis of Qi''nan, he was chosen by the Emperor Jia Ning  to accompany the Crown Prince since he was a child, and now serves in the Eastern Palace, and has long since become the Crown Prince''s right-hand man.


    "Zi Jing, how are things at An Le Zhai?" As the last chess piece fell, Han Ye''s voice came in a faint voice.


    "Your Highness." Zhao Yan returned to his senses, stepped forward and saluted, "Today there is news from the palace today that the Lord of Anle Village has received the imperial decree and will depart for the capital in the next few days. Does Your Highness have orders?"


    The female bandit from the frontier had boldly proposed to marry the Crown prince in the Imperial Palace, and she wanted to be the crown prince''s consort. Although the Emperor Jia Ning had not agreed to the proposal, it had made His Royal Highness lose face. For half a month, this matter had been rumoured in the imperial capital, coupled with the fanning of the flames by the people in the Mu Wang mansion, the An Le Village Master, who was ten thousand miles away, had become a figure eagerly awaited by the literati, scholars and aristocratic ladies before she even entered the capital.


    "Order it down. Let Anle enter the capital. Just ignore her and do not bully at will."


    Zhao Yan was stunned and hurriedly said, "Your Highness, the woman is so rude and domineering. She ignores the authority of the Eastern Palace and Your Highness, how can she be let off so easily ......"


    Halfway through his words, Zhao Yan''s voice stalled and he was a little apprehensive. Although the prince was a refined and approachable man, he did not like his subordinates to interfere with his orders.


    "The authority of the Eastern Palace? Zi Jing, An Le Zhai has been working against the court for decades, and has never even put the national prestige of Da Jing in her eyes, let alone I, the Prince of the Eastern Palace."


    The wind rose and the sky was slightly cool. Han Ye got up and the servant girl who was standing by immediately brought a shawl and tied it around his shoulders respectfully.


    "Your Highness..."  Hearing these words, Zhao Yan''s mouth opened and his  expression was a bit impressive.


    "Besides... to ask for a marriage with 30,000 sailors is not a small gesture. This Prince is not ashamed." Han Ye''s voice was light and his face was calm, but there was a clear hint of mockery in his eyes.


    "Your Highness..."


    The '' Songzhu[1] gong zi[2]'', who had always been known for his eloquence in the imperial capital, was unable to say anything except to look at the Crown Prince, unable to say ''Your Majesty is right''!


    [1]  ó Öñ (s¨­ngzh¨² ) - In literary works, pine and cypress are often used to symbolize the unyielding and heroic spirit. Bamboo symbolizes integrity.  The bamboo is tall and beautiful, and it is not withered in the cold year. Since ancient times, it has been universally loved by people. From the  "The Analects of Confucius"  and "Three Friends of the Years and Colds".


    [2]¹«×Ó  g¨­ngz¨« - son of an official; son of nobility; your son (honorific)


    Lord, you are at least the crown prince of a country. That female bandit is seeking marriage ah, not a marriage ah!


    "Moreover, even if others don''t know the details of Anle''s fortress, you should know that it is not just a small fortress. Ren Anle is not a vulgar person if she can be taken seriously by the Emperor. Zi Jing [3], it is not wise to underestimate your opponent at any time."


    [3]×Ó(z¨«) -son; Viscount, fourth of five orders of nobility ÎåµÈ¾ôλ (The Five-Class Nobility in Confucian Classics);


    Same field of the emperor''s doctor. Just like ''Hou'' (Jing''An Hou)same field as the prince of the emperor.


    ¾´(j¨¬ng) - to respect; to venerate; to salute; to offer


    Perhaps because the look in Zhao Yan''s eyes was too sad and angry, Han Ye finally gave a graceful bypass of the topic.


    "Opponent?" The first part of Han Ye''s words had Zhao Yan nodding, but when he heard the second part, Zhao Yan lowered his eyes and his voice was a whimper, "Your Highness, to say it''s opponent is also..."


    Good or bad,  the young woman do not give up a thousand miles to make people to enter the capital to spread the word that she admire you. She emptied her family''s fortune to get close to you, so to call her opponent is too unkind!


    Besides, His Highness is the Crown Prince of a country. How can a female bandit be a match for him?


    "What, do you think she''s been exalted? Zi Jing, daring to say in the court of Dajing that she would be the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, such a person, in terms of boldness and bravery, is the second one I have seen in the world...she is the second one."


    He don''t know what comes to his mind, but Prince Han Ye''s gaze is slightly fixed, and in the darkness of the night, one can faintly see the longing memories in his pupils.


    Seemingly because Han Ye''s expression was too certain and serious, Zhao Yan suppressed his surprise and could not help but ask, "Your Highness, the other one is..."


    "The head of the Di family back then, Di Shengtian."


    Zhao Yan suddenly raised his head, but he saw Prince Han Ye had already walked down the stone steps, heading deeper into the Eastern Palace, and there was actually a thin cold and melancholy between his steps.


    Rumour has it that the head of the Di Family was so fond of the first son of  Zhong wang that she was his teacher of enlightenment. Could it be true?


    "Zi Jing, there is no need to pay attention to the rumours in the capital, let alone suppressed."


    Hearing these words, a complex look appeared in Zhao Yan''s eyes. He had been with the Crown Prince since he was a child and understood the deep meaning of his words almost immediately.


    This father and son, the most honourable and noble pair in the world, were equally obsessed with one thing.


    The Tianzi [4] is deeply secretive to the Di clan, but the one the Prince values most... is the only orphaned daughter of the Di family.


    [4]Ìì×Ó (ti¨¡nz¨«) - Son of Heaven; the (rightful) emperor


    It is true that the rumours of Ren Anle are spreading, but because of this, the fact that the Crown Prince''s concubine of the Eastern Palace is vacant is also being spread out in front of the people and the important ministers of the courtiers without any concealment.


    Throughout, numerous wife are like a gully in heaven. The fact that the Crown Prince does not have a first wife and a first son is an absurd embarrassment to the whole of Great Jing.


    With this opportunity to send the words public opinion of the world''s officials into the palace, perhaps instead of being fed up with Ren Anle, His Highness ...... will thank her.


    Zhao Yan looked at the faintly disappearing figure deep in the path and finally could not help but sigh.


    It had been ten years or so since Di North City had been so lively.


    The surrender of An Le Zhai was a major event in this part of Jinan, and in order to show the Emperor''s prestige, Fan Wen Chao had sent his men to spread the news to the sky a few days earlier. The people of Di Bei City, who were the closest, were naturally the first to receive the news.


    It was a rare event for the female head of the Anle fortress to enter the capital as an official, and not all women of the Dajing dynasty dared to marry the prince of a country, so in just a few days, Ren Anle became a regular guest at the teahouse theatre.


    Many people wanted to take a good look at this heroine from the south of Jin, so the official road to the Imperial City, which is the only way to enter the capital, was blocked early this morning.


    However, the imperial guard of honour was so strict that even Ren Anle, who was used to being a hooligan, pretended to be delicate and hid in the carriage, not allowing anyone to look at her.  Regrettably, everyone had to walk back home bored under the scorching sun.


    "Miss, you have finally made a wise decision. A girl should sit in a carriage and enjoy her life. How can you look like a lady on a horse and wield a sword all day long?" Yuan Shu sat upright in the carriage and said curtly to one side.


    The young girl in green, about eighteen years old, named Yuan Qin, was sitting by the side, looking after Ren Anle''s daily life. She seems to have a better grip on the fiery Yuan Shu than Ren Anle.


    At this moment she has a dragon spring green celadon teapot in her hand, her two hands moving gently until the faint scent of tea overflows into the carriage. Only then did a shallow dimple appear at the corner of her mouth.


    When she was young, she was chased by mountain bandits and mistakenly entered Anle''s fortress. She has a quiet nature and is well versed in the classics of history, wise and intelligent. Two years ago she became the military counselor of Anle fortress.


    At the beginning of the journey, Yuan Qin explained that everyone should not call Ren Anle by the name they used in the cottage, so as not to make a fool of themselves when they enter the capital. She was so used to being cold and quiet that Yuan Shu was frightened by her, and then she meekly called Ren Anle ''Miss''.


    "Anlezhai is thousands of miles away from the capital, I''m already fed up and unbearably want to go horseback riding" Ren Anle gave Yuan Shu a look and leaned back on the soft pillow like a lord: "Go, get off the carriage later and buy some actor''s lines  for this master...the people of Jinan have a good eye...listen, the Lord of Anle fortress was so powerful thats she fought against eight sides with her own strength...and took the heads of the enemy generals from a thousand miles away..."


    Ren Anle pointed to the words in the playbook word by word and read them openly. Yuan Shu hung his eyebrows upside down and was just about to say something reliable to exhort her master''s extremely inflated self-confidence when the carriage suddenly picked up speed.


    The three of them looked at each other a bit strange, the Di North City was crowded, how could it suddenly...


    Yuan Shu lifted the cloth curtain slightly and looked not far away with a corner of her eyebrows, her expression somewhat clear, seeing Ren Anle looking at her, she only whispered, "Miss, not far ahead is the Di Palace and the Di Clan Ancestral Hall."


    Born in this part of Jinan, no one would be unaware of the Di family, not even the people of Anle Village who were the kings of the mountain and arrogantly dominant.


    Ten years ago, after the entire Di family was executed, Emperor Jia Ning did not destroy the Di family''s ancestral home and the Di ancestral shrine, but only sent a team of guards to guard the place. These two places have been left unattended for over ten years since the fall of the Imperial family, and now they have long since become decay and decrepit, no longer in their prime. However, the prestige that has been built up over the centuries still remains, so after all these years, the people of Jinan still respect this place with reverence.


    "If the birds are dead, good bows are hidden. Once the cunning rabbit dies, the hound is cooked.[5]" Yuan Qin put down the cup in her hand, the celadon fell on the small table and made a clear and crisp sound. She raised her eyes towards the curtain and looked far away: "It''s a pity that the Di family has such a huge century-old business. If we talk about ingratitude and injustice, His majesty is one of the best."


    [5]If the birds are dead, good bows are hidden; Boil the hound once the sly rabbit is caught (f¨¥i n?ao j¨¬n, li¨¢ng g¨­ng c¨¢ng; jiao t¨´ s?, z?u g?u p¨¥ng. )


    - This means that if a person loses the value of use, he is killed or has a worse end than others. It has the same meaning as ''destroying the bridge after crossing the river¡¯ and ''unloading the mill to kill the donkey''.


    Yuan Shu blinked, a little confused by Yuan Qin''s sigh. She looked at the Di family''s ancestral home for a while before lowering the curtain, suddenly noticing that the carriage was unusually quiet. When she turned her head towards Ren Anle, she saw that she had closed her eyes at some point and was sleeping lightly, her brow was deep and indifferent. The playbook in her hand had fallen beside her lap and she never picked it up again.


    Half a month later, the imperial guard of honour approached the capital.


    Looking at the city gates standing not far away, Shi lang Fan in a carriage in front of him breathed a sigh of relief. He had sent his guards back to the capital a day ago to report that there was a reply from the palace. After a moment''s hesitation, he ordered the procession to pause, stroked his two moustaches, lifted the curtain and waved his hand at the guards, "Call General Ren to come, I have something to tell her."


    The guard was about to take his orders and go, but Fan Wen Chao called him back with a hesitant look, "Forget it, it''s better for me to go there myself."


    Fan Wenzhao, who had reached the position of a second-ranking official in the imperial court, was a man of understanding. Regardless of the real strength of Anle''s fortress and the Emperor''s obscure attitude, he had met Ren Anle twice during his days of travel.


    Not knowing what to say, Fan Wenzhao nevertheless understood the moment he saw Ren Anle why this woman dared to say those shocking words in the court of Dajing.


    It was true that this female bandit had a big grin on her face, but the sharpness of being in charge of a city and its tens of thousands of soldiers for several years was enough to make him swallow all his words with a grimace. Ren Anle was so unlike any other noblewoman he had ever seen in the capital that he could not even think of comparing them.


    It''s not that Ren Anle was born out of the ordinary, or that she was astonishing. It''s just that who would talk about a warrior general and a young lady together, it would only make people laugh.


    In the middle of his thoughts, he had already reached the carriage of the Anle zhai people. The curtains of the carriage had been lifted early because they knew that the capital was near. Ren Anle sat cross-legged beside the carriage frame and looked at the pacing Servant Fan with a sincere and frank smile: " Fan daren, has His Majesty issued a royal decree?"


    Shi lang Fan''s eyebrows jumped and he didn''t mind Ren Anle''s disrespect of not saluting as a ''subordinate'' . He looked into the carriage and said, "His Majesty is sympathetic to General Ren''s long journey and has given her a residence in the west of the city to rest for a few days. In three days'' time, His Majesty and the ministers will receive the General at the Shang Shu Court."


    The surrender of the Anle fortress is a major event for Great Jing, but Ren Anle is still a woman, and the mere placement of Ren Anle in the courtroom has caused much debate among the officials these days. His Majesty must have chosen to receive her in the Shang Shu Court for the sake of propriety.


    "His Majesty is sympathetic to his subordinate, so this master...er...subordinate will rest at home for a few days before entering the palace to pay her respects." Halfway through her words Ren Anle felt a faintly invisible glimpse from Yuan Qin''s eyes that staring at the book and smoothly stepped on top of Yuan Shu''s shoes.


    "Why not meet Young lady, Yuan Shu?" Shi lang Fan, who remembered Yuan Shu extremely well, who was full of fury and carried a big sword all day long, wondered.


    "The uncles in the fortress are not at ease, so they sent a servant, Yuan Shu to go to receive it. Daren need not remember."


    Ren Anle replied casually, holding her chin, her eyes rolled for half a second, looking at the uncomfortable Shi lang Fan and asking, "I wonder if His Royal Highness is usually busy and what kind of things he likes, so that I can have someone prepare them for these days, and then visit the Eastern Palace when I have seen His Majesty."


    The court official''s expression froze. When he saw the fire that seemed to be in the eyes of Ren Anle, who had been so light-hearted when talking about the Crown Prince. He subconsciously felt the vigilance that should be expected of a courtier of Dajing: "General is joking, His Royal Highness is usually busy with government affairs and rarely has time to spare, and His Royal Highness was extremely intelligent and talented when he was young, so so he is not like those ordinary hedonistic son of rich parents who play with things as trifling destroys the will [6]. If the general has time, she might as well meet the noble ladies of the capital, or to get acquainted with the environment of the capital as soon as possible."


    [6]ÍæÎïÉ¥Ö¾ (w¨¢n w¨´ s¨¤ng zh¨¬) -lit. trifling destroys the will (idiom); infatuation with fine details prevents one making progress; means that when one is intoxicated with the enjoyment of something or indulges in or longs for some minor hobbies, one loses one''s positive and aggresive ambition and high-mindedness. From The Book - The Mastiff of Travel.


    The Crown prince, Han Ye, was respected by the courtiers, so how could he let a female bandit from the countryside get her hands on him in vain. It is better to keep her away from the Prince.


    Shi lang Fan words are not restrained. He almost said that the daughter of a noble family would not dare to climb up to the Prince of Dajing, let alone a reckless woman from Anle zhai!


    Yuan Qin, who was concentrating on the book, sighed and sat as steady as a mountain. The corners of her mouth curved up in a playful manner.


    "Is that so?" Ren Anle''s dark pupils blinked as she stared at Shi lang Fan for half a second without saying a word, causing cold sweat to form on the forehead of this second ranking official of the court before she flicked her sleeves and said with a long smile, "I never imagined that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would be so outstanding and far beyond what the people say. I guess these betrothal gifts won''t catch His Royal Highness''s eye."


    Ren Anle glanced at the chests filled with gold and silver that stretched for miles behind the carriage and said lightly, "It seems that unless I am appointed to the court and have great military merit, I would not dare to speak of joining the Eastern Palace again.  Fan daren, do you think so?"


    Fan looked at the suddenly glowing Ren Anle with a dumbfounded expression. His  face rose to the pig''s liver color: "General, this is ......"


    "An Le will remember your good advice and do her utmost to do so. On the day of this subject and His Highness''s wedding, she will definitely invite Fan daren to be her guest of honour as a token of appreciation for today''s revelation."


    With these sincere and serious words from Ren Anle, Shi lang Fan finally lost his breath and and fell backwards towards the guards.


    Your Royal Highness, the crime of banishing officials from ten thousand deaths!


    Not bothering to care about the scene outside the carriage, Ren Anle lowered the curtain and lay down comfortably on the soft pillow, but she saw Yuan Qin respectfully bring a cup of tea to her with a serious expression: "Young Miss, in the past it was me and Yuan Shu who have eyes but fail to recognize Mount Tai[7]. If we have offended you in the future, I hope that you will be kind enough to let us live."


    [7]ÓÐÑÛ²»Ê¶Ì©É½ (y¨¯u y¨£n b¨´ sh¨ª t¨¤i sh¨¡n )-lit. to have eyes but fail to recognize Mt Tai (idiom); fig. to fail to recognize somebody important or somebody''s great talent; to be blind to the fact


    The carriage was a deafening place for a moment, and Ren Anle blinked and froze for half a second before she realised that she had easily won a city on the enemy''s side, but had lost to her own ya tou [8].


    [8] Ѿͷ (y¨¡ tou) - girl; servant girl; (used deprecatingly, but sometimes also as a term of endearment)


    In the midst of the military chaos, no one noticed that ...... the team, which had travelled thousands of miles, had officially stepped over the walls of the imperial capital of Dajing.


    T/N: In regard to a reader''s comment, and for those who are wondering about the title,


    µÛ»ÊÊé - d¨¬ hu¨¢ng sh¨±


    µÛ   (d¨¬) - emperor


    »Ê (hu¨¢ng) -emperor; It contains a noble meaning, and also refers to solemnity and greatness.


    »ÊµÛ (hu¨¢ng d¨¬) - emperor


    Êé  (sh¨±) - book; letter; document


    Emperor''s Book


    The Book of Emperors


    Imperial Book


    Emperor Book I


    Because I wasn''t sure what the precise English translation was because it was changing all the time, I didn''t change the chinese title. However, in order for people to find this novel translation, I''ve added additional titles to NU.


    Author: X¨©ng L¨ªng


    Fact: X¨©ng L¨ªng is also the author of ''Ancient,'' a novel that was adapted into a drama series called ''Ancient Love Poetry.''


    And Ren Anle is so funny. I can''t stop laughing, while translating this novel.

 CH 5

    The mansion given by the Emperor Jia Ning is located in Qing Yun Street, surrounded by official and noble families and court officials. Unlike the people who were happy to gossip, Ren Anle''s new neighbours were extremely quiet after they moved into the house, and none of them came forward to visit, even Fan Wenzhao, the Minister of Rites who had recruited them to the capital.


    Yuan Qin changed Ren Anle''s robe for the palace. When she turned her head and saw Yuan Shu squatting in the corner breaking her fingers, she sighed and said, "Yuan Shu, is the carriage ready?"


    Yuan Shu''s face was sad, obviously not focused on the big event of going to the palace, but only thinking about the ten boxes of gold and silver sent out yesterday, with a pained face: "Yuan Qin, those ministers took our silver. According to our rules, this is the money to buy the way, but they didn''t even let us in. This is a big loss!"


    Yuan Qin gave Yuan Shu a flick on the head, full of disgust: "No wonder Miss said you have no talent. These things are rewarded by the emperor. We are just borrowing flowers to offer Buddha[1]. We are new to the capital, it is already good that they are willing to accept things. The emperor''s attitude towards our lady is unclear, and they will not make friends with us at this time."


    [1]  ½è»¨Ï×·ð ( ji¨¨ hu¨¡ xi¨¤n f¨® ) - lit. presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers (idiom); fig. to win favor or influence using sb else''s property / a metaphor for borrowing someone else''s goods for a guest or gift. From the Sutra on Past and Present Causes and Effects


    Yuan Shu blinked, picking up the look of heartache and liver pain and muttered with a gesture towards the door, "How will this big man be accommodated? Miss left him in Jinan originally to guard the fortress!"


    The dark young man guarding the door was about ten feet tall, dressed in cloth, with a simple face and a pair of dark, crystal eyes. He was carrying an iron rod behind his back. When he saw Yuan Shu looking at him, he smiled nervously, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.


    Yuan Qin waved her hand, "Since Uncle Zhong is not at ease, it''s better to keep a guard to watch here. The water in the capital is deep[2], it''s better to have Chang Qing around."


    [2]Deep water means the situation is complicated or complex.


    As she spoke, Ren Anle had stepped out from behind the screen, dressed in a long navy robe with her long hair pulled back, sharp and valiant.


    Apparently having overheard their conversation from inside, Ren Anle flicked her sleeve and snorted at the sullen Yuan Shu, "Yuan Shu, I have been in charge of Anle Village for several years. Have you ever seen me suffer a loss?"


    Yuan Shu shook her head. Whether it was land grabbing or robbing caravans, her  lord had always been at the forefront of the battle, and she had always done her best.  The posture could not wait to peel off the opponent''s three layers of skin.


    "Now they are watching the emperor''s heart to prevent you from entering the door. If they want to enter my Ren fu[1] in the future they will not be able to do so with just a few boxes of gold and silver. The time has come to enter the palace.  Changqing, guard the door."


    [3]¸® ( f¨³ )-  official residence; mansion; presidential palace; (honorific) Your home; prefecture (from Tang to Qing times)


    With Ren Anle''s assurance, Yuan Shu''s eyes bent as she pulled Yuan Qin along behind Ren Anle and ran with great joy.


    The carriage passed through the quiet Qing Yun Street and headed slowly towards the palace.


    It was almost noon in the upper study.


    Emperor Jia Ning was sitting at the top, looking down at the two prime ministers who were staring at each other with their noses in the air, giving him a headache.


    The Right Minister, Wei Jian, is a veteran of two dynasties.  A great Confucian of Great Jing, and most of the sons of the Qingliu faction[3] were under his tutelage. Peaches and plums all over the world[4]. The late emperor also held him in high esteem and he is now the Crown prince''s mentor.


    [3]The Q¨©ng Li¨² was a political faction within the ruling class during the Guangxu period of the Qing dynasty. The term "Q¨©ng Li¨²" originally referred to scholars of high moral character, courageous in speaking out and reputable.


    [4]ÌÒÀîÂúÌìÏÂ( t¨¢o l¨« m¨£n ti¨¡n xi¨¤ ) - It is a metaphor for the many elite descendants and students that an elder or teacher has nurtured throughout the world, hence the term ''peach and plum all over the world''.


    Jiang Yu, the Left Minister, was only a member of the staff of the Royal Household a dozen years ago. After the reign of Emperor Jia Ning, he rose to the top of the court of Dajing and won the emperor''s heart after the destruction of Di family ten years ago.


    Nowadays, the two sides of the court are clearly separated and serve as a counterweight to each other, a situation that Emperor Jia Ning is happy to see, but recently Ren Anle has entered the capital and the two factions are each sticking to their own arguments. The two factions have been fighting with each other and the small fight gradually escalated into a partisan dispute between the left and right ministers.  The Emperor Jianing got a headache that he brought the two  Buddhas[5] along with him when he received Ren Anle today.


    [5] Buddha - fig. a term that is sometimes used to characterize someone who should not be offended. Usually said in a helpless tone, as if satisfying them is difficult.


    "Minister Wei, Ren Anle is a woman, from a remote place and is rude and reckless. How can she enter the court like us?  The deputy general''s position is not high, but she is in charge of several tens of thousands of troops. In the future she will be invited to the frontier with the merit of her surrender. An Le Zhai has many bad traits in the past. If she gains the hearts and minds of the army, she will become a problem for the heart of our country! Why don''t we give her another position and keep her in the capital?"


    Jiang Yu, the left minister, has a proud and orderly tone to his voice. If it were not for the fact that the deputy generalship given to Ren Anle was originally intended for his Jiang clan, his words would have been more powerful.


    "Minister Jiang''s words are wrong. Ren Anle has already surrendered. His Majesty has already given her the rank. If His Majesty now reneges on his promise and does not allow her to join the court. How can the Emperor''s prestige be upheld? Besides, Ren Anle is a renowned general, she may become a pillar of our state in the future!"


    The right minister Wei Jian''s white beard was shaking and his voice was as loud as a bell, and by the sound of it, it was obvious that he had a high life expectancy!


    "The right minister speech attach importance to a mere woman. Talk about a pillar of stone!"


    "Even if she is just a woman, why does the left minister have to be so alarmist [6]?"


    [6]ΣÑÔËÊÌý (w¨¥i y¨¢n s¨¯ng t¨©ng) - frightening words to scare people (idiom), alarmist talk; reds under the beds-meaning to deliberately say something exaggerated and frightening to make people shake with suspicion. From Guo Xiaochuan, "On Listening to the Words".


    "She is a traitor. Her roots are hard to break, and her rascality is hard to tame!"


    "How can they be called traitors again when they sent 30,000 sailors to my Great Jing!"


    The voices in the upper study were not small. Ren Anle, who was led into the corridor by the chamberlain, raised her eyebrows, and the corners of her mouth took on a deep meaning.


    "Stop it!" Emperor Jia Ning coughed heavily and looked down at the head of the court with solemn eyes, "The two ministers have always been of high moral standing. What is the decency of arguing over a surrendered general!"


    The two men looked at each other and stopped arguing. The emperor''s face was more important than the heaven. Even if they were bold enough, they would not dare to give the Emperor a scowl.


    Wei Jian was holding his cup of tea. Seeing Jiang Yu sitting across from him, he threw a cloudy gaze at him. The suspicion of several decades was suddenly born in his heart. He is not as good as Jiang Yu at manipulating power and has suffered a lot of losses over the years.


    So Old Minister Wei''s eyes rolled and turned towards the top and said in a respectful voice, "Your Majesty."


    Jiang Yu snorted darkly. This old stubborn man was still delusional. Could he not blow Ren Anle into a flower?


    Well, the Left Minister had forgotten that an eighteen-year-old girl was a flower.  Leaving aside her status and all the rumours, Ren Anle herself fits this criteria perfectly.


    "What does the right minister have to say?"


    "At first when Ren Anle recruited and surrendered, she asked for the position of Crown Prince Consort of the Eastern Palace. Now if Ren changes her position, with her temperament, if this matter is brought up again in the court, how would it be good ......"


    The left minister''s expression was a pause, lowered his head and cursed. This old stone in the thatched pit. In order to oppose him actually brought this matter before his majesty, really bold than the sky!


    Sure enough, when he heard this, Emperor Jianing narrowed his eyes and looked at the Right Minister with a gloomy expression.


    "The Crown Prince''s Consort position is of great importance and should not be decided lightly. Ren Anle will be here later, so the two ministers should meet her before discussing how to place her."


    At that moment, the sound of an audience was heard from outside the hall.


    "Your Majesty, General Ren wishes to see you."


    The Emperor was just about to announce the meeting when chaotic footsteps sounded. The guards outside saw that the person running in was Zhang Fu, the grand steward of the Ci''An palace hall and did not dare to stop him for a moment and let him kneel outside.


    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, it''s not good!" The shrill voice resounded inside in and out of the upper study room.


    Seeing this sight, Ren Anle raised her eyebrows and stood still with her feet tapping.


    Emperor Jia Ning''s eyebrows sank and he bellowed angrily, "Get in here and talk properly!"


    Zhang Fu rolled in, his usually arrogant face full of fear: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has fainted, and this servant have summoned the imperial doctor to the palace ......"


    With a ''thud'', Emperor Jia Ning''s complexion suddenly changed and the porcelain cup in his hand knocked on the desk, "Dog slave, why didn''t you say it earlier!"


    After saying that, he got up and walked out. After a few steps, he remembered that Ren Anle was still outside the study, and hurriedly ordered the two ministers who had gotten up in a hurry: "I will go and see the Empress Dowager. Since Ren Anle is here, you should meet her for me, and we will discuss other matters later."


    "Yes, Your Majesty." The two men replied in a solemn voice, looked at each other in the direction where Emperor Jia Ning had disappeared, and sat back down in their chairs.


    Wei Jian sighed secretly. The Empress Dowager was already very old and had often fainted in recent years. His Majesty was extremely filial to the Empress Dowager, Ren Anle had come at a bad time. If he were to fall into His Majesty''s eyes, what the right Minister is planning would not go well.


    Ren Anle stood on the corridor outside the upper study, listening to the terrified report and Emperor Jia Ning''s command inside, and looked up only in time to see a bright yellow figure that had hurriedly disappeared.


    She looked silent, her pupils a little distant.


    A chamberlain approached her and invited her into the upper study. She breathed a sigh of relief and released the hands she had been holding for some time.  With a chuckle at the corner of her mouth, she walked slowly towards the room where the greatest power of the Dajing Dynasty was most concentrated.


    As the sound of steady footsteps approached,  the two elders sitting in the upper study twitched their eyelids and looked up in unison.


    When they looked at her, both of them, who were over a hundred years old together, gave a secret praise. Even the hand of the left minister, whose face was unpleasant, gave a pause when he was holding his tea.


    How should he put it.  This woman''s temperament is the only one he have ever seen in his life, warm and imposing. If it weren''t for the hooliganism between her eyebrows, he''s afraid that she would have been worthy of the favour of the Crown Prince of Dajing.


    The Lord of Anle, who is the most powerful in southern Jin, is indeed extraordinary. No wonder she dares to ask for the hand of the Crown Prince of Great Jing. If she is sincere in helping the Crown Prince, her position in the Eastern Palace will be more secure.


    The Right Minister, who is the Crown Prince''s teacher, looked at Ren Anle with a meaningful glance and increasingly gentle eyes, while the left minister''s face was slightly frozen. The cup of tea that was in his hand was placed on the desk, making a clear, crisp sound.


    "Ren Anle greets the two Ministers." Ren Anle clasped her fist and saluted, completely like a general.


    The two coughed, both a little uncomfortable. The court had not had a woman in the court for decades. It was a little awkward to accept Ren Anle''s salute at this time, but both were very human, so they quickly adjusted their mindset and looked towards Ren Anle.


    "General Ren, no need to be polite. Please sit down." Wei Jian stroked his beard and said with a smile, "I have long heard that General Ren is famous in southern Jin, but today I see that the rumours are not true. Now that you are with us, His Majesty knows how to make the best use of people and will make your reputation even greater than before."


    Hearing the right minister''s over-exaggerated appreciation, the left minister''s eyebrows twitched and he snorted darkly. He dared to touch his conscience and point to heaven and earth, before meeting Ren Anle, the old man had not even thought of it that way.


    However, Ren Anle...was indeed worthy of being a surprise.


    "Your Excellency is too kind. Ren Anle is a simple woman, I cannot afford the praise of the old Minister. It is only because I am getting older and it is difficult for me to find a husband in the Southern part of Jin, and I have heard that there is a good son in the north."


    Ren Anle''s eyes narrowed slightly and she smiled brightly.


    The two prime ministers were stunned by Ren Anle''s blunt and blatant words, and after a moment''s silence, the right minister laughed loudly: "General is a straightforward person. Why don''t you come and sit at my residence in the future?"


    There was some genuine admiration in his eyes as he smiled.


    Seeing that the two of them were having a good conversation, and  it seemed that they liked each other. The Left Minister coughed heavily and said to Ren Anle, "General Ren, I have a few words for you, and I hope that you will listen to them."


    The two of them were the rulers and ministers of the dynasty, so they did not need to talk to Ren Anle like this, but the Emperor Jia Ning was obviously very concerned about Ren Anle. Not to mention that as long as the 30,000 sailors in the Sounan camp were not subdued by Ji Chuan, they could not treat Ren Anle as an ordinary courtier.


    "Oh, please speak frankly, Left Minister." Ren Anle smiled lightly and looked towards the amiable-looking Left Minister.


    "Now that there is no war on the frontier, it would be too much for the General to take up the post of Deputy General. The capital is full of noblemen and marquis families, and there are many noblewomen with both talent and virtue. The General is still in her prime, so why not find another comfortable position and have more contacts with women from the world. With your talent, you will be famous in the capital in no time. At that time, I will be the matchmaker and find a good son-in-law for the General, which will also relieve the General''s regret."


    As expected of Jiang Yu, the most powerful Chancellor of Dajing. His words were sensible and spoke in a reasonable, showing the love of an elders.


    The Chancellor is the matchmaker and the son of a family is the son-in-law. If any woman in Dajing were to hear this, he''s  afraid she would be overwhelmed with gratitude.


    But unfortunately... she was Ren Anle!


    "What does Minister Jiang mean by this?" Ren Anle''s face was slightly sunken, her gaze burning towards the left minister Jiang Yu, her harsh military banditry breaking through.


    The aura that changed abruptly was comparable to that of the two Ministers who had held the court of Dajing for decades. The right minister''s eyes dropped and the corners of his mouth smiled as he took a small sip of tea.


    The left minister was slightly stunned. Ren Anle''s reaction was very different from what he had expected, and before he could react, Ren Anle had already spoken with anger.


    "An Le has already said that she surrendered to Dajing to seek the position of Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, and even if His Majesty does not allow her, Anle has never thought of marrying someone else. Does the Minister want to find a new husband for An Le, or does he think that An Le is a person who wants to change her mind, or does he think that there is a more suitable husband for her than the Crown Prince?"


    The hall was silent, Wei Jian hung his head, not looking at the righteous Ren Anle, and swallowed a mouthful of tea with great difficulty before suppressing the impulse to laugh long and hard.


    He dared to assert that even Emperor Jia Ning, who was the king of the world, had never made Jiang Yu look so humiliated!


    Regardless of the answer, Jiang Yu couldn''t justify his claim. If he despise Ren Anle''s character, he will lose your temperament as a minister of the dynasty. As for the second sentence of Ren Anle''s question ...... in a deeper sense, it can be regarded as a condemning statement!


    With just one sentence, the eloquent Minister Jiang was rendered speechless and his mask of benevolence and righteousness was torn away mercilessly.


    Whether intentional or not, Ren Anle is a woman of great wisdom and courage and great kindness.


    The Left Minister''s face was cold and sullen. He had never had anyone dare to say such a questioning remark to him in his tens of years of standing in the court.


    What a good Ren Anle!


    He stared at Ren Anle for half a second, then narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "General Ren has overstated his case. He did not understand the General''s intentions, which led to this misunderstanding.


    "That is, it''s a misunderstanding, so it''s good that it''s cleared up. A moment ago, Anle, a woman from the countryside, has just offended the Old Minister."


    The left minister pursed his lips and hid a sword in his smile, while Ren Anle was not far behind, and the sword was silent.


    "But the minister of Jiang has a good point, now there is no war, An Le occupying the position of deputy general is indeed a waste ......"


    The left minister''s sullen face finally eased a little at hearing this. In his opinion, Ren Anle was seeking peace for what had just happened.


    The Right Minister frowned slightly and looked at Ren Anle disapprovingly. Ren Anle was originally a general, if she was in an idle position in Capital, sooner or later her fighting spirit would be worn out.


    "What General Ren means is........"


    "Anle grew up in Anle Village and has been tainted with banditry. She want to learn the ways of the courtiers of Dajing. The Da Lisi is in charge of the affairs of the Imperial Capital. Why don''t we transfer An Le to the Da Lisi [7] to take up the post of shaoqing [8].  What does Left Minister  think? ", Ren Anle smiled and looked sincere.


    [7]´óÀíËÂ- The Da Lisi (´óÀíËÂ) is the name of an important official office in ancient times, specialising in the hearing of criminal and prison cases; it is the equivalent of the present Supreme Court, the highest legal body in the country.


    ´óÀí ( d¨¤ l¨« ) - judicial officer; justice of the peace


    Ë (s¨¬ )-  Buddhist temple; mosque; government office (old)


    [8] ÉÙÇä (sh¨¤oq¨©n¨À) - is an ancient name for an official position, also created in the Northern Wei Dynasty during the Taihe period. In the Northern Qi Dynasty, it was a deputy to the official title of the main minister, and was also used from the Sui and Tang Dynasties to the Qing Dynasty; young minister/ young secretary


    The Left Minister was really a bit surprised, as Dajing had only been in power for a few dozen years, and many of the patriarchs'' families lived in the capital, where two generations of emperors had shown great kindness, and it was common for the sons of nobility to roam the capital. The Da Lisi is in charge of the imperial capital, although it has some authority, but it is an unpleasant office. If the Da Lisi qing Pei Zhan had not been smooth and accommodating, he would not have been safe so far.


    The shaoqing is only a deputy of the minister of the Da Lisi. The position is only the fourth rank, so it doesn''t look like Ren Anle''s nature will allow her to stay under Pei Zhan for long.


    But this is good, if Ren Anle joins the Da Lisi, sooner or later she will cause trouble, Left Minister has already made his decision: "Since General Ren has voluntarily joined the Da Lisi, I will definitely speak in front of His Majesty for her."


    Ren Anle smiled and thanked the Minister. Now that a decision had been reached, the three of them exchanged pleasantries and left the study, with the Minister of the Left walking in front of them, with a dark and uncertain look on his face.


    The right minister deliberately took a few steps behind and, seeing Ren Anle''s natural demeanour, advised in a low voice: "General Ren, I see that you are not of a cloudy nature. Why should you break your wings and be buried in the capital for the words of a civil servant?"


    A good general should be in the sands. Even if her body is wrapped in a horse''s leather, it is still her destiny. It is a pity that she was appointed to the Da Lisi, for Wei Jian is a straightforward and old-fashioned man, but he really loves talent.


    Ren Anle stopped and looked towards the old prime minister, who was full of sighs. She laughed, her eyes shining brightly, her dark pupils were clear and distinct.


    "Minister Wei, if you believe that An Le can spread her wings on the frontier, why don''t you believe that I can also soar in the court? What men can do in the world, women can do as well."


    Wei Jian was stunned in place, looking at the woman in front of him for half a second in silence.


    Ren Anle smiled lightly and bowed to Wei Jian, walking slowly away.


    The spontaneous figure is mapped out in the backlight with a vague sense of familiarity. Such a reckless nature and unrelenting bravado has not been seen since the death of the Taizu sixteen years ago and when the head of the Di family, Di Shengtian, disappeared.


    Perhaps it was for this reason that he had not thought of Ren Anle as an ordinary woman from the moment he saw her.


    Ren Anle walked through the imperial garden and saw Yuan Shu and Yuan Qin guarding the entrance to the garden, leading them towards the outside of the palace.


    The three of them were dressed differently from ordinary women.  In no time at all they attracted several court eunuchs to talk and peep at them.


    In the pavilion on the rocky hill in the imperial garden, a young girl in a flamboyant dress heard the sound and looked down, only to see the back of a very stern and spontaneous figure and a long navy blue robe, and said curiously, "Bi Ling, who has entered the palace?"


    The palace maid who was standing by served tea to the young girl: "Princess, I heard that An Le, the female chief of the frontier fortress, has entered the palace."


    The young girl sitting in the pavilion was the most favoured princess of the day. From the same mother as the ninth prince, and was favoured by the emperor. The left minister was her maternal grandfather, so she had always been above all others.


    "Oh? Then she must have met father Emperor. I wonder what kind of person she is, to dare to say she wants to marry the Prince''s brother!" The young girl laughed, her eyes full of joking and contempt.


    Bi Ling chimed in, following Shao Hua''s words and making her smile.


    Du Tingfang, the daughter of the Minister of Household Affairs, and Princess Shaohua had a close personal relationship. It was common knowledge that she was in love with the Crown Prince, so naturally the Princess would not like Ren Anle, who was presumptuous enough to ask to marry His Highness.


    Towards evening, in the upper study.


    The Emperor Jia Ning, who had rushed back from the Ci''An Hall, was quite surprised to see the Left Minister who had been waiting.


    "Your Majesty, is the Empress Dowager well?" Minister Zuo asked in a respectful voice, with a worried expression.


    "Nothing is wrong. The Empress Dowager has only suffered from heat." Emperor Jia Ning waved his hand: "The Left  Minister stayed until now. Has he discussed with Minister Right  the solution for Ren Anle''s placement??"


    The Left Minister nodded: "Your Majesty, Ren Anle has asked to be appointed to the Da Lisi Hall as a junior minister. This Minister and the Right Minister feel that this is appropriate."


    "Oh? The Young Secretary of the Da Lisi?" Emperor Jia Ning glanced lightly at the Left Minister : "Since she asked for it, let''s play according to her."


    The Minister breathed a sigh of relief. He had waited until now so that this matter could be finalised, so that Ren Anle would not regret it.


    "Left Minister,  there are many rumours about Ren Anle in southern part of Jin. From what you have seen today, how is Ren Anle?" Emperor Jia Ning asked in a careless manner, but his dark eyes carried a bit of playfulness.


    What had happened in the study had already reached his ears, word for word. It had never occurred to him that a mere eighteen-year-old from the frontier  could force his prime minister to be speechless.


    The Left Minister  was speechless for half a second. In the Emperor''s look of interest, he suddenly remembered the woman''s stern eyes full of fury, and only bowed and replied softly, with utmost certainty and seriousness.


    "Your Majesty, Ren Anle...certainly must not become a general of my Great Jing."


    T/N:


    I read all of your comments, and I appreciate them all. I will definitely work hard!


    Ren Anle is toying with her prey. Hahaha


    And the attitude of the Princess seems to run in their blood.

 CH 6

    The Buddha crosses over to the living and all beings are equal.


    These two Buddhist verses had brought hope and peace to the people of Yunxia, who were suffering from war.


    The reverence for Buddhism and Taoism has reached an extreme in Yun Xia. For thousands of years, dynasties have risen and fallen, but only Yongning Temple has stood on the northern mountain of Taishan. Its status as a national temple unshakable.


    This generation''s master, Master Jing Xuan, is highly respected and profound in his Buddhist teachings. Twenty years ago, during the Yunxia Rebellion, he poured out his entire temple''s strength to help Tai Zu Han Zi''an settle the war, and in recognition of his great virtue, Tai Zu named Yongning Temple the Great Jingguo Temple.


    The mountain behind Yongning Temple has a wonderful view, but few people have set foot in it for decades.


    A large maple forest envelops a courtyard, isolated from the rest of the world. In the late autumn, it is clear and depressing.


    In the maple forest, Imperial guards hide around the courtyard. From time to time, birds are startled across the sky, making it a bitterly cold place.


    In the courtyard, the door of the room was gently pushed open, the fragrance of ambergris wafted into the air. As far as the eye could see, a golden jade pen was thrown on the edge of Huaidong ink stick on the study table. The silk of Jiangnan from the imperial offerings was casually placed in the corner, and brocade-patterned asbestos carpet covered the entire study.


    If anyone had been here, they would have been astonished to see such an elegant and extravagant sight, no less so than the imperial ladies of the Inner Palace.


    "Miss." A young girl in purple entered the study quietly and walked towards the woman by the window with a smile: "His Highness has sent something over."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the plain-clothed woman standing by the window turned her head back. Her slightly furrowed brows lifted and her eyes filled with joy: "Xin Yu, bring it to me."


    The dark green brocade box fell into her hands, still carrying the coolness of the mountains beyond. She hastily opened it, revealing a yellowed and worn ancient book right inside. The woman in plain clothes sighed, a little disappointed, but still extremely happy. She waved her hand towards the maid: "Bring the box over."


    Xin Yu answered. She went into the inner room and carried out a wooden box and placed it in front of the woman.


    The woman opened the wooden box and squatted on the floor, stroking the ancient book for a while before placing it preciously in the box and smiling, "He really hasn''t forgotten."


    "Miss, His Highness remembers you and sends gifts over every three months for how many years now, without fail." Xin Yu spoke with a smile, with a touch of envy under her eyes.


    Who could not be envious of the affection of the noble and Crown Prince of Great Jing?


    Although the woman in plain clothes did not answer, the tip of brows between her eyebrows were washed away from the slumping.


    The dozens of dark green boxes in the box were neatly arranged.Whether it is the person giving the gift, or the person who received the gift, it can be seen that they are both extremely attentive.


    The joy in the corner of the plain-clothed woman''s eyes has not yet reached the bottom of her eyes. As soon as she raised her head, she Inadvertently caught a glimpse of the room full of luxury, and her eyes dimmed.


    Since being imprisoned in Mount Tai ten years ago, although the emperor''s reward has never stopped, what if she was more luxurious than a princess?


    She will never be able to leave this courtyard. She will never see the man she has longed for, and she will suffer from loneliness and confinement in her youth. Who knows?


    The world knows that only one person was imprisoned in the Yongning Temple on Mount Tai ten years ago, and she was the orphaned daughter of the Di family, Di Ziyuan.


    Seeing the woman in plain clothes frowning, Xin Yu sighed in her heart and advised, "Miss, don''t worry. His Highness will not let Miss wait in the mountains. When His Majesty thinks about it, he will definitely let you return to the capital."


    "I hope so." The woman in plain clothes shook her head with a bitter smile and walked towards the inner room, carrying the wooden box.


    A guilty daughter of a family of rebellion. So what if she was noble at first. She had long since given up hope when she was sent to Mount Tai ten years ago.


    But...her steps slowly stopped. The woman lowered her head, staring at the wooden box in her hands. The gloom in her eyes gradually turning into determination.


    If she could be his wife one day, she would be willing to give up everything she had.


    It is the custom of the imperial family to hold an annual autumn hunt at Fuling Mountain in the western suburbs, where all the sons and daughters of the imperial family and the noble daughters of the noble families travel together. Since ten years ago, Emperor Jia Ning has handed over the responsibility of coordinating the autumn hunts to the Crown Prince and no longer goes there himself.


    When Ren Anle was so bored at home that she almost made friends with a bird in a tree, Yuan Shu, who had been hanging out in the imperial capital, finally brought back the good news.


    On the day of the autumn hunt, Yuan Shu saw her own mountain king, who had changed into her riding clothes early in the morning and was yelling to go to Fuling Mountain. For the life of her, she pulled the pair of ink-printed cloud boots that had set foot on the carriage and wail like ghosts and howl like wolves[1]: "Miss, that was the autumn hunting held by His Highness the Crown Prince on behalf of Heaven. We weren''t invited! You offended the Prime Minister just a few days ago, he will give us small shoes! You don''t even know what the officials and generals in the capital say about you. ...... The generals say you''re soft-boned and have to go to the Da Lisi to be a petty official instead of a general, and the officials say you''re a country bumpkin who dares to take charge of the imperial prison... They''re all looking forward to seeing your jokes... ¡¡You''ve been and gone in the fire and wind to save your life in Jinan, don''t let it be lost in a few blows!"


    [1]¹í¿ÞÀǺ¿ - wail like ghosts and howl like wolves (idiom) pinyin: gu¨« k¨± l¨¢ng h¨¢o, meaning to describe a loud cry with a mournful sound. From Ma Ling Dao (ñRÁêµÀ).


    Ren Anle bowed her head and looked down at Yuan Shu, who was snotty and was in tears. With a stern face, she looked towards the dark-faced man standing in the doorway.


    Chang qing walked over without changing his face. He grabbed Yuan Shu by the back of her collar and lifted her like a chicken to Ren Anle.


    Yuan Shu stopped crying and stared in a daze at Ren Anle.


    Yuan Qin took advantage of the gap to enter the carriage and sat comfortably with a chess book, knocking on a melon kernel and watching the drama.


    Ren Anle glanced at Yuan Shu, who was still grasping onto her riding boots. Yuan Shu''s hands shook and hurriedly released them.  She doggedly brushed the dust off the boots for Ren Anle.


    Ren Anle''s eyes showed the look of a child can be taught[2], and then her face changed and she looked towards Yuan Shu with pain: "Barbarian bull, after letting you feel the water in the capital for half a month, how come you have not improved at all? The fourth rank and above the families of courtiers can participate the Great Jing autumn hunting, no need to invite at all. Since the emperor handed over to the prince ten years ago,  the old ministers even more rarely go, mostly young generals and children of aristocratic families.  As for the rumours in the capital ......"


    [2]Èæ×Ó¿É½Ì (r¨² z¨« k¨§ ji¨¤o) - If you want to become a great weapon, you must learn to be patient, especially if you have more patience than your elders. More respect and tolerance is an invincible strategy in life.


    Ren Anle snorted lightly, "They don''t know a thing about my general''s house. If I go there myself, they will know that this general is a very talented woman that she is beyond the reach of others. The rumors will naturally be broken without attack."


    After Ren Anle finished speaking, she directly raised her feet to the dumbstruck Yuan Shu and kicked her to the outside edge of the carriage, and told her to drive off towards Fuling Mountain.


    Inside the carriage, Yuan Qin put down her chess game and said to Ren Anle, who was lying with her legs crossed, "Miss, the rumours in the capital are so unpleasant.  I''m afraid someone is pushing them."


    "It''s just that the left minister can''t swallow his anger. The old man has a small temperament. Yuan Qin, we are young people, we should be more tolerant, don''t lose your temper and make people laugh."


    Ren Anle yawned and waved to Yuan Qin nonchalantly.


    Yuan Qin held back her laughter for half a second before she gave a crisp ''yes'' in return.


    At the foot of Fuling Mountain, a thousand metres above the plain, is the place of the royal autumn hunts. Looking halfway up the mountain, one can see magnificent tents all over the grass. With a group of scholars talking about poetry on the left, and noble women from various houses on the right, laughing and chatting. In the middle, a large tent in bright yellow, in which the Crown Prince Han Ye, who obviously holds the order of the Son of Heaven, is resting.


    The wind is high and the air is crisp, a good day for hunting and excursions, Princess Shaohua likes banquets and has been excited to go out a few days earlier. She is afraid that not enough women would attend, so she let the news out in advance. The day of the banquet was attended by most of the noble ladies of the empire in full costume, fearing to disgrace the favoured princess.


    At this moment, a group of noble women gathered in Princess Shaohua''s brocade tent to talk and laugh. The tent is only covered by a snow-white gauze tent. The view of the young girl smiling lightly was like the sunrise, which was a great distraction for the scholar from the opposite side of the tent.


    "Sister Du, you are a little late. If you were half an hour earlier, you would have met His Highness the Crown Prince." Miss Yue Sheng from the Ministry of Justice''s Qi Shang Shu''s family looked at Du Ting Fang sitting next to Princess Shaohua. Her slightly childish round face deliberately frowned, her eyebrows curved into a line, revealing a derisive and regretful smile.


    She is the youngest of the noblewomen and she had a charming temperament, and she was usually lovable. When she said this, everyone followed her gaze and smiled.


    The woman being watched is wearing a light yellow pleated dress. Her face is dignified and her demeanour is quiet, and she blushes when she heard the laughter of the women.


    There are many noblewomen in the capital who have fallen in love with the Prince, but very few are as persistent as Du Tingfang. She has a reputation for talent at an early age.  After she turned fifteen, there were countless suitors for her hand in marriage, but she fell in love with the Prince at first sight at the autumn hunt three years ago. The Du family is not a lowly family, and the Du family has a young daughter. Thinking that his daughter is qualified to be selected as a concubine of the Eastern Palace, he declined the marriage proposals of many sons of the family and waited for the triennial royal election.


    "You girl, don''t laugh at Tingfang. In half a year''s time there will be a royal election. Why don''t my palace pick a good husband for you, Lest you be so discerning and sullen the Old Man Qi''s hair" Shaohua saw Du Tingfang blushing and jokingly interjected the topic.


    Qi Yuesheng hurriedly waved her hand and muttered, "Your Highness, I don''t want to do that. I''d rather let father worry about his grey hair."


    When the women saw Qi Yuesheng being teased, they pursed their lips and laughed lightly. Their silver bell-like laughter spread out of the tent, causing the sons of the families opposite to look at them from time to time.


    "I don''t know what kind of woman that Ren Anle is. How dare she speak wildly in the courtroom. Your Highness, I heard that Ren Anle entered the palace a few days ago, have you seen her?" The young lady from the Marquis of Anyuan''s residence obeyed the princess''s wishes and calmly brought the focus to the person who is now the most widely rumoured in the imperial capital.


    For half a month, rumours of a female bandit from Jinan had been rife. His Majesty''s decree to transfer her to the Da Lisi had not yet been issued.  Ren Anle is carrying the rank of third-ranking military general, so they were not in a position to invite her to the Imperial capital''s noblewoman banquet, so they had to ask Princess Shaohua about it.


    When she said this, most of the noblewomen stretched their necks to look at the princess. Shaohua saw the curious look of the women, and laughed: "What else could she be? At most, she are just a girl. I don''t think she''ll turn into a manly man if she''s used to being on the battlefield!"


    This is because she thinks that Ren Anle is too rude to be on the stage.


    The young ladies in the tent were so smart that with a single teasing remark they understood that Ren Anle was not in the eyes of the favoured princess of the dynasty, and they all stopped talking about her.


    As the ladies in the tent laughed and talked, a fast horse came from the far side of the paddock, raising the dust in the sky with its powerful aura. The sound of the horse''s roar drew the attention of the people in the tents on either side, all of whom raised their eyes to look at the visitor.


    The young man on the horse was about fourteen or fifteen years old, handsome and elegant, dressed in light white riding clothes. coming from afar with a seemingly luxurious appearance, causing the young ladies in the tent to stare at him with shame.


    He was followed by a dozen horses, most of the young men on them looking downcast.


    " Wen Shuo gong zi[3] is back, and I''m sure it''s him again for today''s top prize." Qi Yuesheng stretched her neck to look out, her clear voice popping out in one smooth motion.


    [3]¹«×Ó (g¨­ng z¨«) - son of an official; son of nobility; your son (honorific)


    "That''s for sure. Since three years ago, no one in the younger generation of the family''s children has been able to surpass Wen Shuo gong zi in riding skills." Chiming voices of agreement rose and fell, words of appreciation.


    "Wen Shuo is very good. The royal brother rarely values people, but he really love him dearly." Shaohua glanced at the young man who had galloped to the middle of the tent and was about to dismount, and felt a bit emotional.


    As the crowd listened, they strongly agreed with Princess Shaohua that the rise of  Wen Shuo gong zi in the imperial capital of Dajing was indeed an insurmountable legend.


    For no other reason than the fact that he was raised by the  Crown Prince himself and was the only one of his subjects to have grown up in the Eastern Palace.


    Eight years ago, when the Crown Prince was on a trip to the palace, he was ambushed  by assassins from the Northern Qin Dynasty and his whereabouts were unknown. Emperor Jianing was furious and blocked the capital and ordered a search of the city. Three days later, the guard found the crown prince who was seriously injured and unconscious with the toddler who was guarding him in a beggar¡¯s den.  They did not dare to handle them themselves, so they brought the child back with them to await the Emperor''s decision.


    When the Prince woke up and heard about the incident, he asked for permission to bring the child back to the East Palace to be raised, and the Emperor agreed. The Prince was so grateful for his kindness that he asked the Right Minister to enlighten him and gave him the name Wen Shuo.


    The name was given to him by the Prince himself. Rumour has it that he is the meaning of a gentle and graceful crown and bright star of the first day of lunar month.


    It is evident from this that the Prince valued him.


    Three years ago, Wen Shuo accompanied the Crown Prince on the autumn hunting expedition, and his stunning talent made the capital''s scholars sigh in contempt. The young man''s horsemanship skills had even taken the limelight off the young generals. The twelve-year-old boy has emerged from nowhere and became the newest nobleman in the imperial capital in just half a month, and he even attracted the attention of the noble ladies of the Great Jing.


    As for his obscure family history ...... who else would mind at this point? He was the savior of the Crown Prince and the future minister of the arm of the emperor. Anyone with a little bit of brains could see that as long as the position in the East Palace was secure. Wen Shuo''s future was far more promising than any of the sons of the great families of Dajing.


    But they heard that... the Crown Prince thinks highly of  Wen Shuo gong zi and has said that he will choose a proper wife for him, but now that Prince Wen Shuo is still young, no one dares to mention this easily.


    As they watched, Wen Shuo had dismounted and entered the tent on a high platform. At once, a look of regret appeared on the faces of all the young girls, most notably Qi Yuesheng.


    "Look at your faces. In a moment''s time it will be time to count the prey. Royal brother and Wen Shuo will naturally come out, so I will open the tent and let you have a good look." Shao Hua saw the look on the faces of the people and assured them with a smile.


    Since women have always had a high status in Yunxia, and they are not constrained by the customs of the people. Besides, they are all the sons of the aristocratic family, it is not harmful to open the gauze tent.


    The girls were shy, but their eyes were filled with anticipation. In a few moments the laughter returned to the tent.


    However, no one could see that a few hundred metres away, a carriage was unceremoniously and nonchalantly swinging towards the area as an uninvited guest.


    Ladies and Gentlemen, as a tribute to the  frontier mountain king''s first enter into the capital of Great Jing, please help yourselves[4]!


    [4]×ÔÇó¶à¸£ ( z¨¬ qi¨² du¨­ f¨²) Chinese idiom meaning that you will get more happiness by asking yourself for help than by asking others; used to admonish people. From "The Book of Songs¡¤Daya¡¤Wen Wang" Ê«¾­-´óÑÅ-ÎÄÍõ


    T/N: Yay! the most awaited moment is near.

 CH 7

    Inside the large yellow tent, the atmosphere was far less lively than outside. The the attendants holding their breath and hanging their heads, their hearts beating on small drums. Only when they saw the young man in riding clothes striding into the tent did they breathe a sigh of relief.


    As if he did not see the impatience between the eyebrows of the man sitting at the top. the young man took the cloth towel handed to him by his maid to dry his hot sweat and exclaimed: "Your Highness, I have won the autumn hunt again. Just now I made those white silk trouser[1] look dumbfounded with my two golden eagles with one arrow[2]! We had agreed earlier that I would not be confined to the East Palace on the 15th day of the Lantern Festival to study for my homework."


    [1]ç«ç«  ( w¨¢n k¨´), which refers to the fine silk trousers worn by the sons of wealthy families, and to the fancy clothes of the sons of wealthy families in general. Refers to the children of Aristocratic family; Dude


    [2]Ò»¼ýË«µñ ( y¨© ji¨¤n shu¨¡ng di¨¡o )- Two Eagles with One Arrow(idiom) /Kill two hawks with one arrow/to kill two birds with one stone. The idiom means to shoot two eagles with a single arrow with excellent archery skills. Later it is used as a metaphor for doing one thing to achieve two purposes.


    The gentle and indifferent Prince Wen Shuo was rumoured to be a young man in front of the Crown Prince. As soon as he returned, he offered his treasures and begged for merit.


    It seems that he was touched by the bravado in Wen Shuo''s voice, as Han Ye put down the folders in his hands and raised his head to glance at the flamboyant young man in front of him, his eyes deepened.


    He had just gone out with the son of the An Yuan Marquis. Even the son of the An Yuan Marquis who had just left, three princes and marquises had come today to inquire about the terms of this brat''s marriage proposal. When did he, the Crown Prince of Great Jing, become a matchmaker!


    Unbeknownst to Han Ye, the fact that he turned pale at this talk was the real reason why it was rumoured that Wen Shuo was so difficult to climb.


    "You''re getting more and more reckless now. The imperial examination are in first month of the lunar year. Instead of staying at the East Palace to listen to your teacher, you''re thinking of running away all day long. I''ve heard that some people are betting that you won''t even make it to the third grade. If that''s the case, I''ll see how you can face leaving the East ern Palace then!"


    "Your Highness, how can you grow the ambition of others. I was taught by you personally. Even if you don''t believe in me, you should believe in yourself."


    Wen Shuo laughed and said, full of youthful vigour and enthusiasm.


    When Han Ye saw this look on his face, his expression eased slightly. The corners of his mouth rose and he didn''t bother to pay attention to his little attentiveness.


    He is the most delighted man in the world to have raised children who have grown up to be so outstanding and magnificent.


    Although he was enlightened by his Imperial teacher. Wen Shuo reached his current fame only through his own efforts.


    This child was enlightened at the age of seven, and at the age of eight he was able to understand the Four Books and Five Classics, and at the age of nine he was familiar with the canon of history.


    "All right, the feast is about to start.  Let''s go out."


    As the drums sounded outside and the sound of the sons of the aristocratic family galloping back approached. Han Ye waved his hand at Wen Shuo and lifted his steps towards the outside.


    As soon as he and Wen Shuo appeared, the already heated banquet became even more boisterous.


    The striking bright yellow tent at the foot of Fuling Mountain was close at hand. Yuan Shu drove her carriage to the entrance of the paddock. Seeing a line of guards standing around the perimeter, she found the one who looked most like the head and said aloud, "Young Elder Brother, My lady showed up late. I''ll have to trouble brother to lead the way."


    Xiao He, the deputy commander of the Eastern Palace Guards, had already seen the carriage, which had arrived extraordinarily late. Seeing that the woman driving the carriage was getting close to him with a bold face, he suppressed his eccentric feelings and arched his hand: "May I ask which lady is this, and why is she so late?"


    Before the woman outside could reply, a soft voice came from inside: "This lord''s name is Ren, she is currently a third-ranking deputy general. This is her first time to participate in the autumn hunt and she is not familiar with the terrain, so she would like to ask the Vice Commander to arrange for his guards to lead the way."


    Surname Ren? A third-rank deputy general? Xiao He blinked and froze for a moment before saying, "So it is General Ren who has arrived. Xiao He was unaware of this and he committed a offense."


    When he finished, he ordered his guards to lead Ren Anle''s carriage in. Without saying a word, but still holding his sword and watching out for the four directions.


    The carriage entered from the side road and was led by the guard towards a vacant tent among the courtiers'' sons and daughters.


    "Miss, I think you should give up on this prince." Yuan Qin''s slightly regretful voice rang out from within the carriage, and Yuan Shu, who was wielding the horse whip, had her ears pricked up and concentrated on starting to eavesdrop.


    "Oh? Why?"


    "He has even considered the possibility of you attending the Autumn Hunt, and has even prepared a large tent for you in advance on the side of the courtiers, so he must be treating you like a subject. He must be treating you like a courtier, and has completely abandoned your fervent desire to marry him. You say, such a difficult and uncooperative wife. Can you make it if you don''t give up?"


    There was an eerie silence inside the carriage, followed by a sudden burst of wild laughter. Yuan Shu could only hear the voice of her own young lady, who was on the verge of losing her breath from laughing: "Yuan Qin, if you have the ability to say this in front of Han Ye, this master will guarantee that I will snatch back all the ancient chess books you want. Even if they are hidden in the forbidden courtyard of the imperial palace!


    Yuan Shu pondered over the conversation between the two women and thought about the expression on that prince''s face when he heard the words, and with a laugh, she snorted out loud.


    The carriage had fallen under the eyes of everyone from the moment it entered the paddock. The paddock was so noisy that it would not have been easy to notice if it had entered the tent unnoticed, but the fact that it was driven by a woman, and the person who came was obviously a young lady. The guards were leading the carriage towards the young court official was a bit strange. The eerie laughter outside the carriage, which was unpredictable, attracted even more attention.


    So when the carriage stopped in front of the vacant tent in the centre on the left in a very casual manner as the crowd in the paddock watched, everyone guessed the identity of the visitor.


    There was an eerie silence, and the eager eyes could have drilled a hole in the carriage through the drapery.


    Who says that the sons and daughters of the aristocratice family don''t have a burning desire to gossip. They just haven''t met anyone who can make them do so.


    But who is the person inside the carriage?


    The Anle fortress lord who begged to marry the crown prince in front of a full court of civil servants. The rebel bandit who could make a child cry. The reckless woman who dared to question the chancellor of Dajing ...... Any name that falls on anyone is enough for that person to make a U-turn in hell, and the only person in the world who is still alive and kicking, I''m afraid, is the woman in the carriage, Ren Anle.


    When Han Ye on the platform heard the new. He raised an eyebrow and looked towards the carriage in the middle of the tent. Only to see a dark figure striding openly into the tent, so briefly that he only had time to catch a glimpse of the extremely stern silhouette.


    "This person, Ren Anle, is worthy of friendship. Your Highness would be well advised to meet him if you have the opportunity."


    A few days ago, at the end of the court, his teacher, who was always above his station, had said this to him


    Perhaps he should really meet her.


    Walking too fast. How can a woman walk like splashing ink and flowing water, so free and unrestrained?


    The people in the room swore in their hearts and looked at Ren Anle, who stepped out of the carriage in two or three steps and into the tent with only a glimpse of her back, and all of them gritted their teeth.


    Although Ren Anle is a court official, she is also a woman, so it is not convenient for the noblewoman opposite to come and meet her, and it was not possible for the talented men to enter the tent to pay their respects.


    When the crowd was anxious, the tent in the brocade tent opposite was lifted and Princess Shaohua was sitting at the top, with a tent of noble women, laughing and talking.


    The view was so pleasing to the eye that before the crowd could feel the emotion, a green-clad palace maid had come out of the tent and was heading straight for this side.


    The crowd could see clearly that the maid was Princess Shaohua''s personal servant, Bi Ling, and following her steps, the crowd''s eyes fell back to Ren Anle''s tent.


    The crown prince''s consort is high to sit but Ren Anle was as peaceful as a mountain Tai  that did not appear to be very proper.


    On the high platform, Han Ye frowned slightly and was about to wave his hand to stop the maid when Wen Shuo tugged on his sleeve.


    "Your Highness, since she is the woman who dares to ask for your hand in marriage. Why don''t you let me see how she will respond."


    Han Ye paused and withdrew his hand. A faint smile curling up under his eyes, "That''s fine."


    Bi Ling marched to the front of the tent and performed the palace salute, her voice polite and detached.


    "Miss Ren, my princess has heard of your famous name for a long time and deep regrets that she has not been able to meet you. I would like to ask young miss to move to the tent for a meeting."


    "Oh? The princess has invited ......"


    Before the woman''s voice inside the tent had finished, Bi Ling gave another salute. Her clear voice resonating within the paddock.


    "Miss is having an audience for the first time. I wonder if you have prepared a meeting gift to pay respect to the princess?"


    Princess Shaohua is the pearl of the emperor, and her honour is unparalleled. It is customary to prepare gifts for the first audience with the princess, but on this occasion it was a little harsh.


    In any case, Ren Anle was, after all, a third-ranking official of the court.


    "Miss Ren has come in a hurry and the princess understands that you are new to the capital and are not familiar with the royal rules, so it is fine if you are not prepared. The young lady can choose one of the guqin, chess, calligraphy and painting, poems and songs[3]. As long as you win the favour of all the ladies, you can enter the tent and see the princess."


    [3]ÎÄÈËËÄÓÑ The Four Friends of the Literati: Qin, Chess, Calligraphy and Painting - In ancient times, playing the qin (mostly refers to playing the guqin), playing chess (mostly refers to Weiqi or Go), calligraphy and painting were skills that literati (including some famous ladies) had to master in order to cultivate themselves. Few  "luxuries" that are the daily companions of Chang''an''s elegant people and that are out of reach of others: the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, lyrics and songs.


    After finishing her speech, Bi Ling stood in front of the tent in a beautiful manner.


    Inside the tent, Ren Anle dragged her chin and looked across the brocade tent through the thin white veil with her dark pupils unable to see her emotions.


    Yuan Qin''s face was as normal, but at some point she sat up straighter, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. The woman standing beside her, Yuan Shu, clenched her hands in anger, and a harsh fury swept out from under her eyes.


    This royal princess, she has said all the good and bad things. She really thinks that she, Anlezhai, can be bullied.


    The crowd looked at the stalemate in front of them and stared at each other.


    Who does not know the owner of Anlezhai  is grew up in a wilderness. How could a barbaric place produce a talented and virtuous lady?


    The noble ladies of the Imperial City all admire His Highness, the Crown Prince, who is renowned for his virtuousness, and Ren Anle has offended the public and is in danger of being humiliated. If she were to lose face in front of His Highness, she would never again mention the absurdity of becoming the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace!


    The tent was half silent as Wen Shuo on the high platform averted his eyes and took a sip of the wine. The disappointed expression was obvious. Except for Han Ye, whose face was as normal, and the corners of his mouth slightly curled.


    "Yuan Shu, open the tent."


    The woman''s low voice rang out abruptly in the tent, reaching the ears of the crowd with a resounding sound.


    The crowd came to life and stared at the tent without blinking.


    A pair of hands reached out from the tent and lifted the gauze tent. The young girl who had just driven the carriage stood straight in front of the tent with a cold frown. More imposing than the brocade tent surrounded by the guards and the high platform on which the Crown Prince stood.


    The gauze tent was opened, and a scene of the room inside appeared before everyone''s eyes.


    A young girl in a vivid red jacket is making tea, her face is serene. The sunlight penetrating the gauze tent is printed on her forehead with a kind of quiet beauty and elegance. If we talk about her temperament, she is not inferior to the noble women of the capital sitting in the brocade tent.


    The eyes of the crowd followed her hand holding the cup of tea and fell on another person in the tent, and as soon as they raised their eyes, they were all stunned.


    In the big tent, a woman dressed in a Xuan clothes and riding attire looks peaceful. Her eyes slightly downcast and her long hair slightly pulled back at the nape of her neck. Sitting lazily, but with a majestic air rarely seen in ordinary women.


    With this demeanor, An Le, the Lord of Anlezhai, who grew up in the south of Jin, lived up to her reputation as a frontier girl.


    A flash of surprise darted across Han Ye''s eyes on the high platform, and then fell silent. Wen Shuo blinked and paused with a  cup of tea in his hand.


    Inside the brocade tent, Princess Shaohua''s lips were pursed, her heart feeling regret.


    The ladies of the aristocratic family sitting at the end of the tent looked at each other, really shocked. They could not have imagined that the famous female bandit Ren Anle had developed such a temperament, but fortunately, her face was still ordinary, otherwise... The ladies secretly glanced at His Highness the Crown Prince and Prince Wen Shuo on the high platform, and breathed a sigh with relief.


    At this moment, Bi Ling, who was still standing in front of the tent, was having the hardest time. She glanced carefully at Yuan Shu, who was beside her and full of fury, and had lost all her arrogance just now. A thin cold sweat broke out on her forehead, but she still had the courage to urge, "Miss Ren..."


    "Since the princess has given an order, why dare not obey it. However, An Le is not good at poetry and painting. Yuan Qin, you go."


    The command sounded suddenly, interrupting Bi Ling''s words. The young girl making tea nodded and rose, "Yes, Miss."


    Yuan Qin walked slowly out of the big tent and walked to the side of the scholars who gathered to talk about the Book of Songs[4].


    [4]Ê«¾­ ( sh¨© j¨©ng ) - Shijing, the Book of Songs, early collection of Chinese poems and one of the Five Classics of Confucianism Îå¾­


    The sons of the aristocratic family at the side were just now clear-headed. When they saw Yuan Qin coming, they scrambled to give up their seats.


    Ren Anle was a general and it makes sense that she was not good at poetry and song, but... could a mere servant girl beside her win the approval of the talented and noble women of the empire?


    In the silence, by the time everyone had come to their senses, Yuan Qin was already standing before the desk with her head bowed. With the long brush in her hand, she swayed a lot of ink on paper, and the outline of the scene appear vividly on paper[5].


    [5]ԾȻֽÉÏ (yu¨¨ r¨¢n zh¨« sh¨¤ng) - to appear vividly on paper (idiom); to show forth vividly (in writing, painting etc); to stand out markedly


    "Strange, the young lady''s brushwork has the appearance of my Lu School." Someone on the other side of the table giggled. His eyes fell on Yuan Qin''s painting, and after a moment of careful examination, he could not help but praise it: "The brushwork is flowing and natural. Such skill at such a young age is truly extraordinary."


    The person who said this is Zhao Ming. The son of the Guang Yang Hou family, who had studied under the name of the master of the Lu Shu in Cangzhou since he was a child and became famous at the age of 15. With his words, Yuan Qin''s talent will be known far and wide in the imperial capital after today.


    As Yuan Qin''s brush strokes became faster and faster, there was a flurry of awe among the scholars.


    On the scroll, Yuan Qin''s brushstrokes are awe-inspiring and integrated with the thousand miles of scenery at the foot of the Fuling Mountains, making her a true master of her craft.


    With a small sound of ''ding'', Yuan Qin put away her brush. She placed the long brush on the ink stone and bowed towards Zhao Ming: "I had the pleasure of reading Master Lu''s painting when I was young, and I was very impressed.


    There was a small clink as Yuan Qin put away her brush. She placed the long brush on the ink stone and bowed towards Zhao Ming: "I had the pleasure of reading Master Lu''s painting post when I was young, and I was very impressed. Today, I am ashamed to receive young master''s praise."


    "No, Miss Yuan Qin is tallented and intelligent. If she practice diligently, her painting skills will not be inferior to mine in the future." Zhao Ming hurriedly returned the courtesy and praised her sincerely.


    Yuan Qin smiled and nodded. She picked up the scroll and walked back to the tent, ignoring Bi Ling''s extended hand to pick up the painting, and placed the painting in front of Ren Anle''s table.


    Princess Shaohua, who was sitting in the middle of the tent, had a dark face. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she held up the porcelain cup in her hand.


    The crowd waited for Ren Anle to present the painting to Princess Shaohua so that the farce could be brought to an end.


    Instead, she rolled up the painting. She rose abruptly, and walked slowly outside, with the aura of a dragon walking.


    "Your Highness, I have not finished my words just now. Although the Princess has summoned me, Ren Anle can hardly comply with her orders."


    She walked outside the tent. Her words were addressed to Shaohua, but her eyes fell on Han Ye on the high platform.


    "Presumptuous. Her Highness has summoned you, How dare you..." Biling scolded in a shrill voice.


    "Why wouldn''t I dare?" Ren Anle lowered her eyes and spoke in a frank voice: "The officials of the court of Dajing are loyal to the emperor and protect the crown prince, but I didn''t know that since when the princess had the power to control the officials of the court. I didn''t know that a mere maid at her side could play with a third-ranking official as if she were in the palm of her hand!"


    "You, you... actually presume to talk about the princess." Under Ren Anle''s monstrous aura, Bi Ling shivered before she could finish her sentence.


    "What about the princess? It is an iron law in Great Jing that the harem must not interfere with politics. Your Highness, is what Anle said correct?"


    Ren Anle suddenly raised her head and stared at Han Ye on the high platform.


    There was a dead silence as the crowd looked towards the woman standing tall in the middle of the paddock, questioning aloud, and sighed in nothing but disbelief.


    The royal family was as noble as the heavens. Princess Shaohua is known to be domineering and arrogant, but no one in the entire empire dared to question the royal family as Ren Anle did.


    Under the attention of the crowd, Han Ye slowly rose up, and a light seemed to emerge under his eyes.


    The teacher''s words are indeed true. This person, Ren Anle, is either extremely arrogant or extremely intelligent.


    If Shaohua really bears her words. Even with the blessing of her father, she would have lost the hearts of all the courtiers of Dajing.


    "What General Ren said... is not wrong. The general is an official of the court, so it is enough for her to be loyal to the emperor and do her duty as a minister. Shaohua, apologise to General Ren."


    "Imperial brother!" Shaohua looked ashamed and indignant, but when she met Han Ye''s sunken eyes, she finally reluctantly raised her hand in the direction of Ren Anle: "General Ren, what Shaohua said was just a joke. I hope you won''t take it to heart."


    "His Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent. An Le will naturally give His Highness face." Ren Anle waved her hand in the direction of the brocade tent with full concern, still staring straight at Han Ye.


    Shao Hua''s face changed and she looked at Ren Anle with shame and anger in her eyes.


    As the crowd watched Ren Anle''s interested look at His Highness, they sighed in their hearts: This female bandit had travelled thousands of miles, and it seemed that she was really only after His Highness.


    "Your Highness is  impartial and willing to hear this humble servant''s words. Ren Anle has engrave five sense within. There is a gift of thanks, and she hope that His Highness kindly accept it.


    "Oh? Is it the painting in General Ren''s hand?" Han Ye raised his eyebrows.


    "This is one of them."


    Ren Anle inserted the scroll into her waist. When she put her palms together to make a sound, a horse came running from outside the paddock. With a flick of her sleeve, Ren Anle leapt on top of the stallion.


    The sharpness of her stance caused the crowd of scholars to applaud, and even Wen Shuo raised his eyes to stare at the distant figure.


    "Let me borrow your bow and arrows."


    Leaping over the place of the scholars, Ren Anle casually rolled up a pair of bows and arrows  and ran towards the paddock in the direction from which the geese were flying.


    When the crowd looked back, Ren Anle had already sprinted a hundred metres and was shooting an arrow into the sky with his bow forming a full moon.


    There was a loud swoosh and the geese. The arrow fell to the ground with the geese.


    The crowd rose up and gasped in amazement. They were dumbfounded.


    They can''t believe she have killed three birds with one arrow. It''s truly a miraculous skill.


    Ren Anle reached out to catch the fallen goose. She held the reins and turned back. It was only a matter of moments before she stepped out from her horse.


    The horse galloped, but did not stop at the entrance to the paddock amidst the applause of the crowd, but rushed straight towards the big tent in the middle.


    The guards were too frightened to stop them, but they could only watch as the woman and the horse drew closer and closer to the royal platform where the Prince was standing.


    A dead silence fell over the paddock.


    "His Royal Highness." Wen Shuo''s expression changed and he wanted to stand in front of the Crown Prince.


    "No need." Han Ye pushed him away. He waved his hand at the assembled guards, and raised his eyes to look straight ahead.


    Under the scorching sun, the woman in Xuan clothes as powerful as a rainbow.  a touch of pride between her eyebrows, as if she could defy the heavens.


    The fierce horse neighed. At the moment of time, he squinted and watched her hold the reins tightly and stop in front of him, at the same height as him.


    The distance of half a foot away. Abrupt and warm to the touch.


    Han Ye looked down and a bony hand holding a scroll together landed into his palm.


    He raised his head and bumped into a pair of smiling eyes.


    "Jinan Ren Anle, meet His Highness the Crown Prince."


    T/N:


    First meeting did not disappoint


    Hoping the drama will perfectly capture this scenario.


    I can''t wait to read Ren Anle''s pov.

 CH 8

    "This time, the imperial examinations is for the imperial court to select the wise and virtuous people. The throne of the country is at stake. The crown prince ......"


    Inside the upper study room, Emperor Jia Ning flipped through the recent memorials, lowered his head and instructed. He looked at his obviously absent-minded son. His eyes narrowed, then brought a touch of profound and unpredictable meaning.


    "Crown Prince."


    Han Ye returned to his senses. When he caught Emperor Jia Ning''s strange look, he concealed his gloomy look and answered, "Father is right. Er chen[1] will order the five city walls military forces to strengthen the security of the capital to take precautions, so as to avoid  bad people who act sneakily to disturb imperial examinations."


    [1]¶ù³¼ (¨¦r ch¨¦n) - indicates that one is both a son and a subject; first person pronoun employed by a male sovereign when speaking to an empress mother, queen mother, empress dowager, queen dowager, or the like


    Emperor Jia Ning tapped the desk lightly and said casually, "I have always trusted the Crown Prince''s deployment. How did the Crown Prince think the sons of the various families performed during the autumn hunts a few days ago?"


    "There are many sons who are good at riding and shooting. Dajing is full of talents." Han Ye reported back in a slow voice, respectful and docile.


    Looking at the prince''s serious face, Emperor Jia Ning raised his eyebrows and finally threw out the words that had been grinding in his mind for several days.


    "I heard that the women from the capital''s families gathered that day and interesting things were happened. The crown prince can have eyes on the ones that catches his eye, I will keep her for you first for the royal election in six months."


    The story of Ren Anle''s blatant collision with the crown prince at the autumn hunting has been making the rounds. If a man had done that act that day it would have been a crime of treason, but ...... Ren Anle is a woman, and the rumors are getting around with a little romantic color.


    Not only does he have a face like Taizu, but his luck in attracting peach blossoms[2] is no worse.


    [2]ÌÒ»¨ (t¨¢o hu¨¡) - peach blossom; (fig.) love affair; the language and meaning of the flower is: captive of love.


    His son has been known as a virtuous and benevolent person since he was a child, and he has never made any mistakes.  Although he has brought back a rotten peach blossom this time, the Emperor Jia Ning is particularly relieved and genuinely wants to watch the excitement.


    The emperor''s words landed, and Zhao Fu, who was standing on the side, clearly saw the prince''s complexion pause. He could not help but look towards the emperor, who was smiling in a wise and calculating manner, with a small drum beating at the bottom of his heart.


    "Thank you, Father, for your concern. This son want to focus on the affairs of the court, he have not thought of other matters." Han Ye bowed his head and excused himself not too gently.


    "Oh, is that so? Then how come I have heard that the gifts sent from the Eastern Palace to Taishan have never been broken for ten years." Emperor Jia Ning lifted his cup of tea and took a sip, his voice gradually becoming unsafe.


    The prince had never concealed these things from him, so he had never pierced this layer of paper.


    Han Ye raised his head, his gaze cold and solemn: "Father, she is my future consort. I only wish to treat her with the same importance as my father treated my mother back then."


    It was common knowledge that Emperor Jia Ning had great respect for the late Empress Huide of the Middle Palace.


    Zhao Fu glanced at the solemnly browed Crown Prince and felt a little emotional. Since Empress Hui De''s death twelve years ago, His Highness had rarely mentioned his birth mother in front of His Majesty.


    Emperor Jia Ning was taken aback for a moment, his eyes wavering slightly as he put down his porcelain cup and gently reprimanded, "Nonsense, how can she be compared to your Mother Empress."


    But in the end, his face softened and he let the matter go.


    "Prince, I heard that Ren Anle has caused a lot of trouble at the autumn hunt? The Minister of the Left came to the palace yesterday and had a lot to say about it. She is quite a character, to be able to stir up rumours in the capital."


    Seeing that Emperor Jia Ning''s face was slightly sunken, Han Ye unprecedentedly explained, "Father, there is no need to listen to the rumours. General Ren is a man of nature, perhaps she acts in an unconventional manner."


    Emperor Jia Ning''s hand tapped on the desk fiercely and narrowed his eyes.


    Since his childhood, the prince had a cold temperament. Apart from Emperor Ziyuan and Wen Shuo, who had been brought to the East Palace eight years ago, he had never interceded for anyone in front of him.


    "Is that so? I have issued a decree today for her to be appointed as the young secretary of the Da Lisi Hall. Crown Prince, as you saw a few days ago, what about this person Ren Anle?"


    Han Ye looked up and suddenly remembered the way the woman in black clothes ran towards him from her horse that day, and with a burning sensation in her eyes. He said solemnly to Emperor Jia Ning, "Father, in my opinion, if Ren An Le becomes the general of our Da Jing, it will be a blessing for the court."


    Emperor Jia Ning raised his eyes abruptly and looked at the crown prince for half a second before waving his hand and saying, "I see, you can go down."


    Han Ye looked slightly stunned. He bowed and saluted then withdraw.


    The sound of the prince''s distant footsteps became inaudible. Emperor Jia Ning rubbed his thumb and raised his finger, his eyes dark and deep.


    "How can you speak so highly of her? It seems that I really missed out on a lot of things by not going to the autumn hunting feast this year."


    The words of the Left Minister were still ringing in his ears, but today the Crown Prince actually said the opposite: ''It would be a blessing for Dajing if Ren Anle were to become a general''. Such diametrically opposed words.


    What could Ren Anle have that would make the two of them think so highly of her? For the first time, Emperor Jia Ning became curious about this female bandit from the frontier.


    Zhao Fu listened to Emperor Jia Ning''s self-talk and lowered his eyes without saying a word.


    It was not just this year.  The Emperor had stopped attending the imperial family''s autumn hunting feasts since the demise of the Di family ten years ago.


    Or rather, since ten years ago, Emperor Jia Ning had never taken a single step out of the imperial capital.


    "Zhao Fu, have you seen the Crown Prince plea for leniency in the past few years?"


    Zhao Fu, who was distracted, heard Emperor Jia Ning''s sudden question and his heart trembled as he hurriedly stepped forward to reply, "Never."


    "Maybe it is really useful to keep this Ren Anle."


    Emperor Jia Ning was thoughtful, and a deep meaning appeared between his brows.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Shaohua requests an audience outside." Zhao Fu heard the movement outside and reported back in a low voice.


    "No. Tell her to return to the Chaoyun Palace Hall to ponder over her mistakes. She is not allowed to go out of the palace for a month. Pass on my orders to Consort Qi, telling her to discipline the princess properly. If Shaohua is so arrogant and domineering again in the future, Zhen[3] will not forgive her lightly."


    [3]ëÞ zh¨¨n - I; we (imperial use)


    Emperor Jia Ning brushed his sleeve, his face slightly sunken.


    No matter how out of line Ren Anle''s actions were, she was ultimately right about one thing.


    It is an imperial taboo for a princess to interfere with politics.


    On the second day after receiving the imperial decree, An Le reported to the Da Lisi in her new official robes.


    In the past half month, the story of Ren Anle''s questioning of Princess Shaohua at the autumn hunt has been widely known.  Many court officials are convinced that although she is a woman, despite her boldness, she has the courage to speak up for the court officials of Dajing. In addition to that, the right hand side has praised her, they are extra polite to the new female bandit.


    But they were merely being polite. They''re no better than the young children who are not deeply involved in the world. Ren Anle''s identity is sensitive, and it''s no secret that the left side is mean to her. The courtiers are not really in a position to be caught between the two ministers for the sake of a junior minister of the Da Lisi.


    After a day of being a clay bodhisattva at the Da Lisi, An Le returned to Ren''s house in the evening, humming a little tune and riding in a carriage back to Ren''s residence.


    Yuan Shu stood on guard at the gate. When she saw the carriage appear, she doggedly ran up and lifted the curtain for Ren Anle, showing a row of teeth and smiling, "Miss, you''re back."


    Ren Anle squinted at her with sidelong glances. She followed Yuan Shu''s hand and stepped down from the carriage to enter the house: "How is the residence today?"


    "A group of noblemen came to hand out invitations, but I sent them all away." Yuan Shu was proud to take credit.


    Ren Anle''s slender and long  eyes narrowed into slits as she laughed, "That''s natural. At that time, these nerds didn''t bother to pay attention to this master, but now they want to see me. Naturally, it can''t be easy."


    Yuan Shu took a strange look at her own young lady: "Miss, the invitations sent today are all for a banquet for Yuan Qin. There was also a sour-rotten scholars who came to the door to demand for a painting, which I didn''t like, so I asked Chang Qing to beat them out."


    Ren Anle''s slow walking steps gave a pause and then stopped and looked around Yuan Shu for a while before she managed to spit out a few gnashing words: "Elm bumps.[4]"


    [4]ÓÜľ´ñ´ñ (y¨² m¨´ g¨¥ da) is a Chinese idiom meaning hard elm root; a metaphor for mind is stubborn.


    Yuan Shu was in a cold sweat from Ren An Le''s glare. She looked at Ren An Le''s figure flashing away like a hot wheel, with a sigh of resignation. She slowly moved towards the study like a docile little daughter-in-law.


    Inside the study, Yuan Qin had changed Ren Anle into her usual black clothes and saw her carefully brushing her face with a cloth towel, saying helplessly: "Miss, your hands have not been wet for a few days."


    Ren Anle showed a natural look and waved her hands in a matter-of-fact manner, "That''s natural. The Eastern Palace is heavily guarded, so the next time you get such an opportunity will be rare."


    Ren Anle muttered as she recalled the touch of that day, rubbing her chin to ponder "The royal family were indeed very spoiled. Those hands are as fair and delicate as a little girl''s."


    Yuan Qin raised her eyebrows, feeling embarrassed. Under Ren Anle''s meaningful glance, she washed her hands and changed the subject: "Miss, how do you feel about entering the Da Lisi for the first time today?"


    Ren Anle stretched her back and took a big step and lay down on the soft couch, throwing a nut in her mouth and chewing it twice before saying, "The Da Lisi  is in charge of the capital''s criminal prisons. Most of the officials are poor sons who have been admitted to the imperial examinations, so there is nothing to worry about. As for Dali Temple''s qing Pei Zhan... he is slick and sly, not a master to be fooled. Today he let this lady organize the files in the back room for a whole day, and it seems that he has a deep friendship with the left minister."


    Yuan Qin made a cup of tea for Ren Anle and asked with a smile, "It doesn''t look like the look of the young lady has been wronged, but is there a way to deal with it?"


    Ren Anle yawned. The pupils is a little darker, but couldn''t see the emotions when one looked inside "Just afraid of him that their friendship is not deep. Most of the officials are noble and are from the right minister''s faction, but he favours the left minister, who is a foreign relative. Nothing ss wrong, but if it touches the bottom line of the two factions, Pei Zhan''s way of being an official is the source of his downfall."


    Yuan Qin pondered, but when she looked up and saw Ren Anle looking sleepy, she remembered Yuan Shu''s pitiful plea and had to say, "Miss, today is the 15th day."


    "How is the fifteenth day?"


    Ren Anle''s soft voice rang out. Yuan Shu suddenly popped out of the nook and cranny and the tiger''s body answered with a shock[5], "Miss, I''ve asked around. There''s a lantern festival on the street today. It''s very lively."


    [5]»¢ÇûÒ»Õð - the tiger''s body was shocked an internet buzzword, originally meant to be startled, but they have another meaning in online novels. "The tiger''s body is shocked, and the whole body exudes a domineering spirit." It often means that the protagonist uses the protagonist''s unique protagonist skills to enhance his momentum, exert mental coercion on others, or make others subdued.


    "What''s the point of going out and consuming carriages and horses? If you''re really bored, just play a few moves with Changqing in the courtyard." Ren Anle closed her eyes and followed through with the stingy ways she had developed as a bandit.


    Yuan Shu rolled her eyes. With a twinkle in her eye, she said loudly, "I heard from the people of the capital that every month on the 15th day of the month, the Fifth Prince will hold a poetry competition at Chang Liu Street.  Perhaps His Highness the Crown Prince will also be there."


    This sentence was so tempting that the female bandit, who had tasted the sweetness only a few days ago, rolled over and stood up from the soft couch, pretending to look at the sky with the afterglow.


    "I also think it''s a nice day. Changqing, prepare the carriage and  let''s go out for a walk." She waved her hand at Yuan Shu and walked out of the room with great impatience.


    The two women behind her looked at each other and sighed as they followed behind Ren Anle.


    The monthly lantern festival on the 15th day of the month has become a custom in the imperial capital. As the full moon gradually rose, the streets and alleys were crowded with people. Because of the monthly poetry competition held by the Fifth Prince, the restaurants on Changliu Street were filled early in the morning with scholars who had entered the capital for their examinations.


    If they can make a splash at the poetry competition, even if they don''t make it to the top three in the imperial examinations, they will still have a place in the imperial capital. Not to mention the fact that all the people invited by the Prince were rich and powerful, so if they could climb up to a few of them, the day will come when they can rise to the top.


    Ren Anle''s carriage slowly sped through the bustling crowd, still a long way from Changliu Street.


    Yuan Shu, bored, lifted the curtain and looked not far away and let out a soft voice: "Miss, look at ......"


    Ren Anle raised her head to look out of the window. She followed the direction Yuan Shu pointed and looked over, raising her eyebrows slightly.


    There was a young man dressed in plain green cloth standing on the street, carrying a cloth bag on his back and pushing his way deeper into the alleyway against the flow of people.


    The young man''s face was like a crown of jade. He was actually Wen Shuo, who was standing next to Han Ye in the paddock.


    An Le thoughtfully glanced at the corner of the carriage, where a pair of bows and arrows were thrown. The arrows were engraved with the character ''Wen'', which she had taken from the paddock on the day of the autumn hunt.


    "Yuan Shu, follow along."


    How could the lady not go to Chang Liu Street first? Yuanshu scratched her head and lifted the cloth curtain and gave a command to Changqing who was driving.


    The carriage followed the young man, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, to a spot on the western side of the city.


    It was only when Changqing steadily brought the carriage to a halt that Ren Anle glanced out at the faint light.


    It was a dirty street, with stained and corroded stone slabs. A rotten and dreary air. Women and children on their knees begging, and young boys walking along with their cloth bags in their arms.


    The carriage could no longer move forward. Yuan Shu threw a ''what to do'' look at Ren Anle, who bounced on her knees and leapt out of the carriage in a single bound.


    She was indeed curious to know why the famous Wen Shuo gong zi of the capital was in a beggar''s den.


    The young man moved forward in silence, his gait steady. Ren Anle followed behind him, her black-coloured robes glowing with a cold, hard sheen.


    Wen Shuo stopped in front of a small courtyard. With the dim light, Ren Anle saw him raise a smile, push open the door and stride in.


    The smile was so warm that it actually caused the female bandit to be a little lost in thought for a moment.


    Until the sound of joyous and lively voices came from the small courtyard ......


    "Brother Wen Shuo, you''re here!"


    The little girl''s voice was crisp and moist. Ren Anle lifted her feet and looked at the scene inside through the half-open wooden door.


    Wen Shuo was half-crouched on the ground. A group of young children surrounded him, their glowing eyes staring at the cloth bag in Wen Shuo''s hand.


    Wen Shuo untied the cloth bag, took out the food inside and laid it out in front of the children. From the inner room came an older woman, dressed in ordinary clothes, but very neat and tidy.


    "Xiao Shuo." The woman called out with a loving expression.


    "Aunt Zhong." Wen Shuo grinned and touched the little bun on the head of the little girl beside him, "How are these children doing?"


    "With your usual assistance, they are much better than before." Auntie Zhong sighed, and then she looked up, "I heard that the examinations are coming up in a few days, so why aren''t you studying your homework and coming back here?"


    "I came to see you." Wen Shuo got up, moved a bench for the woman, and chatted with her.


    "Xiao Shuo, His Highness the Crown Prince thinks so highly of you. You''d better not come here in the future." Aunt Zhong touched Wen Shuo''s forehead and sighed, "You have reached the age of marriage. If others know you still have contact with Beggar Street, there might be some unpleasant rumours."


    Ren Anle raised her eyebrows, it seemed that this was the place where Wen Shuo stayed before entering the Eastern Palace. Although this woman was humble, she was very sensible.


    "Aunt Zhong, I come here secretly every time, His Highness won''t know." Wen Shuo shook his head, "I''m always uneasy if I don''t come to see you."


    Seeing that the woman wanted to say something, Wen Shuo smiled, "It is not appropriate to force myself to come out when I used to be attached to His Highness. In a few days'' time, I will definitely win the third grade in the examinations, and when I join the court, I will be a good official. I will never let the people become beggars again, nor will I let these children leave their homes and families."


    No matter how peaceful a dynasty is, there will always be darkness hidden under the flourishing age. Such as these orphaned young children, the poor people on the streets, and the dimly lit officials at the imperial court.


    If Wen Shuo had not saved Han Ye, his life would have ended here.


    How could the corrupt officials of the imperial court and the bullying of the people be easily eliminated? Ren Anle chuckled lightly, feeling a little emotional, but was slightly stunned when he caught a glimpse of the tenacity in the young man''s eyes.


    He is unrelenting, clean and thorough. Partial and extremely clever.


    If this young man grows up, he will definitely become a great success in the imperial capital and the power will be in the hands of the people.


    As soon as this thought came to her mind, Ren Anle narrowed her eyes, her pupils darkening slightly, as she seemed to care too much about Wen Shuo.


    The moon was full and bright in the night sky. As she looked up, Ren Anle suddenly remembered something and turned to stride out of the street.


    Damn, she actually forgot about the festival completely. Her beautiful person ah ...... don''t let a group of unruly ladies in the imperial capital spoil him.


    T/N:


    "zhen" and  "er chen" will be used more frequently in the future. When the emperor refers to himself, I will use "zhen," and when the crown prince talks to the emperor, I will use "Er chen."


    Poor Yuan Shu


    That part is hilarious.


    And their hands actually touched at that time


    Good boy Wen Shuo

 CH 9

    The full moon was hanging high, and an hour later, Ren Anle looked at Chang Liu Street, where the crowds had dispersed and the lights were dying down, and coughed awkwardly against Yuan Shu''s grieving eyes.


    "I heard from the people who had dispersed that the Crown Prince did not attend the poetry meeting today, so it''s not that we''re late."


    Yuan Shu sighed and squatted in the corner of the carriage drawing circles, extremely pitiful.


    Ren Anle has always been a sincere and outspoken bandit leader. With a soft heart, she promised Yuan Shu that she would accompany her around the capital next month, and they all drove back to the house happily.


    The capital city is empty late at night. Instead as it had been during the festival, there is a heavy, sedate feeling washed over the city.


    The wheels rattling in the quiet streets were still clear when a sudden sound of horses'' hooves came straight towards them.


    Ren Anle opened her eyes, looking slightly playful, and pointed her finger at the yawning Yuan Shu: "It seems that this master was born with a strong fortune and luck, perhaps she didn''t come out in vain tonight."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the carriage came to a sudden halt and Changqing''s voice rang out steadily.


    "Who is stopping the carriage ahead?"


    "My master asked the general to stay in the residence for a while." The visitor was polite and courteous, but his words were not respectful.


    "Miss?" Changqing lifted the curtain and asked in a low voice.


    The men on the several horses outside were all dressed in navy blue cloth, carrying long swords. With stern, cold brows, their bravery was intimidating.


    The corners of Ren Anle''s mouth lifted slightly, and the hand on her knee tapped: "If it is an invitation from a nobility, Anle''s refusal would be impolite"


    With a flick of the hem of her sleeve, the curtain fell.


    When he heard Ren Anle''s casual response, a touch of surprise floated across the eyes of the man leading the horse. With a wave of his hand, he led Chanqing''s carriage deeper into the street.


    Inside the carriage, Yuan Shu scratched her head: "Miss, are you acquaintances...?"


    Yuan Qin gave her a tap on the forehead, "Fool, there is a curfew in the capital at night. How many people in the imperial capital do you think have the guts to send guards to openly stop people on the street late at night!"


    Yuan Shu rubbed her forehead as realization dawned on her. When she understood it, she winked at Ren Anle with a wicked look on her face.


    Ren Anle was too lazy to deal with her. She closed her eyes and began to rest.


    " General, please get out of the carriage"


    The carriage came to a steady stop and a voice from outside sounded. Ren Anle stretched her back and threw a ''don''t spoil the fun'' look at Yuan Shu Yuan Qin, who wanted to follow, and got out of the carriage.


    The luxurious and graceful palace suddenly appeared in front of her, and the slightly dull back door made Ren Anle raised her eyebrows.


    Hey, to think that she was famous in the south of Jin, but now she had become a nobody!


    The guards led Ren Anle towards the palace, past the serene back garden, and stopped at a pavilion.


    Ren Anle blinked, then lazily leaned against a rockery on the side and moved to a comfortable position.


    A game of chess is set on a stone table in the pavilion. Han Ye was dressed in azure dragon fish white chang fu, sitting in the pavilion and playing white and black. The hazy light reflected on his body, revealing his warm and moist face. Ren Anle squinted at him, she thought that the poor mountains and waters of Jinan could not really raise such a fine breed.


    Not caring in the slightest about Ren Anle''s unrestrained gaze, Han Ye looked down at the chessboard and dropped a piece: "Please sit down, General Ren."


    Ren Anle reluctantly retracted her gaze. She coughed lightly and walked into the pavilion to sit opposite Han Ye. She picked up the tea served by the palace eunuch and took a sip, then waved the crowd away with a wave of her hand.


    Ren Anle was so domineering that a series of action brought the way she should be. As soon as Han Ye raised his head, he saw the palace eunuchs who had involuntarily withdrawn from the pavilion, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.


    "The general''s temperament is as usual."


    The chess game on the chessboard came to an end gradually, with the black and white pieces caught in a deadlock, with no solution in sight.


    Han Ye put down the chess pieces and looked towards Ren Anle.


    "Anle thought that this was also what His Highness wanted. His Highness invited her late at night. What is the reason for this late night invitation?"


    Ren Anle was full of vigor, calm and generous, without any of the absurd shyness of meeting a man in the middle of the night. Her face was full of genuine curiosity.


    "General Ren must have taken advantage of her pleasure to travel this evening and seen a lot."


    Han Ye''s words meant something. Ren Anle pondered for a moment, and suddenly realized, "His Royal Highness means... Young master Wen Shuo?"


    Han Ye did not answer. His hand tapped on the chessboard. The sound of a clear tap sounded. He looked at Ren Anle, his eyes deep and cold.


    "Gu do not want to ask why General Ren came to the capital, but if you really want to return to Great Jing, Gu promise never to trap the general in the capital in the future. But...Gu don''t like the idea of General Ren coming after someone close to Gu."


    ¹Â ( g¨±) -self-proclaimed ancient prince;


    Ren Anle narrowed her eyes, sizing up the rumoured gentle and elegant prince, and suddenly laughed loudly, "If Anle had been more arrogant, she would have thought that His Highness was guilty of the sour and jealous nature of those women in the deepest of chambers."


    Han Ye was stunned at her words. The thin anger in his eyes quietly dissipated when he saw the hearty smile on Ren Anle''s face.


    " The general is talking nonsense."


    "If Your Highness had been such a stranger, you would not have attracted the admiration of the noble ladies of the imperial capital, and the burden on An Le''s shoulders would have been much lighter. His Highness rest assured that today are no more than a chance encounter with Wenshuo gong zi on the street.  Besides, I have my own heart, so I will never set my eyes on this little boy.


    Han Ye''s eyes were slightly relieved and he smiled, "With your talent, I''m sure you won''t be able to stay in the small city of capital, so why do you need to use Gu as a pretense?"


    "Oh? What makes Your Highness think so? I admire Your Highness. It is common knowledge that I have asked for your hand in marriage at the Imperial Palace and travelled ten thousand miles to the capital." Ren Anle lifted her porcelain cup and fixed her gaze on Han Ye through the dazzling mist.


    Han Ye shook his head: "Since I saw the general in the paddock, I knew that the general was not such a person."


    His voice was definite and arbitrary. Ren Anle was slightly stunned, silent for half a second, then put down her porcelain cup and suddenly sat up straight, looking at Han Ye in silence, her pupils deep.


    "Why doesn''t Your Highness believe me? Your Highness can easily accept the admiration of women under the sky, so why don''t you believe that I, Ren Anle, came to the capital just for you."


    ''you''¡­?  Han Ye was beyond belief that he almost laughed. He almost yelled good for the woman in front of him. Who in the world, apart from the emperor, who is qualified to call a prince of a country like that?


    However, he had never seen such serious and persistent eyes in his life. Looking at him as if he were her life''s longing and memory.


    Even though Han Ye was the crown prince of a country, he had to admit that the emotions in these eyes were too shockingly intense.


    So intense that...he almost believed it.


    Han Ye bowed his head and laughed as long and unrestrained as Ren Anle did just now.


    "General Ren, the mountains and rivers of Jinnan are high and far away that some things have not yet had time to reach the imperial capital. When Anlezhai surrendered, the secret guard who had been sent to Jinnan brought back some message for the Gu?"


    "Oh? What kind of message?" Ren Anle raised an eyebrow.


    "The secret guard said that all the sons of the land of thousands of miles in Jinan called the General a man and heaven appearance, and they admire her greatly. However, the generals were unruly and attracted a lot of peach blossom debts, and then she traveled all the way to the capital. Now Gu finally understands that the rumors are true.  It is a wonderful thing for a general to be so fond of one person. But if Gu were to do the same for everyone, Gu would not be able to bear it."


    Seeing the clarity in Han Ye''s eyes, Ren Anle''s affection suddenly dissipated as she shrugged her shoulders and said, "Good things don''t go unnoticed, but bad things spread a thousand miles. The ancients did not deceive me!  Who could have thought that Your Highness would know all about the matters in Jinan. No wonder you deliberately invited me today for fear that I will harm Young Master Wen, right?"


    Han Ye, contrary to what one might expect have a good opinion about her because of Ren Anle''s frank and straightforward speech, and he waved his hand and said, "General, that is a serious statement. Gu today asked the general into the Eastern Palace, there is one more thing.


    "Your Highness, you may speak frankly."


    "I have rarely seen a woman as bold as you. Since you have a heart for the world and the talent of a general, why don''t you show your ambition by serving on the frontier? The Di family head was so virtuous and benevolent that the whole world praised her, why not follow suit?"


    At the age of fourteen, Ren Anle took charge of the Anle fortress and fought against the imperial army in the north and greeted the bandits and pirates in the south and has fought hundreds of battles without a single defeat.  Apart from Di Shengtian, who lived and died in seclusion sixteen years ago, no woman has ever been as powerful as her.


    It''s a pity that such a character is willing to be ordinary!


    It must be said that Han Ye''s attitude towards Ren Anle is completely inherited from Wei Jian''s heart. There is an amazing tacit understanding between the master and the disciple.


    The night was getting colder, but Ren Anle had stopped smiling at some point. Her head dropped slightly. Her eyes hidden from view with no emotion could be seen, only her calm, too indifferent voice could be heard.


    "Your Highness, it is true that the Di Shengtian is a virtuous and benevolent being, but... what is the result?"


    Han Ye paused and raised his head with a frown.


    "So what if the Di family has ceded one side of the world''s giants and Di Shengtian is praised by the people? The victor is a king and the loser is a knave. Who remembers what the Di family and Di Shengtian did in the first place in today''s prosperous world? The ash smoke is gone but the emperor''s words. The mast is just a word from the emperor.


    "General Ren!"


    The look in his eyes was clearly emotionless, but it brought out the coldness of the ninth month of winter, a rebuke that was too grand. Han Ye reprimanded in a low voice. His hand holding the chess pieces clenched fiercely.


    Ren Anle raised her head, her eyes light and cloudy, as if she did not see Han Ye''s discomfort, and said with emotion: "So... it''s too tired to be a woman like Di Shengtian. Your Highness, do you know why I have never been defeated? I am born with the courage to be greedy for life and fear of death. In order to save this delicate life, I naturally cannot lose in battle. Now that the court has recruited me, I am just a woman waiting for a casual official life in the capital, and then I can find a good husband and marry him. What do I need such great ambitions for? I''m afraid I can''t accept Your Majesty''s kindness."


    Han Ye quietly listened to Ren Anle with an extremely serious look. There was no words for a while.


    After drinking the last sip of tea in the porcelain cup. Ren Anle stretched her waist, got up and bowed towards Han Ye and walked towards the stone pavilion. After a few steps, she slowly stopped with her back to Han Ye, she held a black chess piece in her hand at some point, quietly spinning in her fingertips.


    "It''s a great honor to be invited by your Highness today, so this is my thanks."


    Ren Anle tossed her hand. The black piece traced a mark in the air and landed steadily on the stone chessboard.


    Han Ye looked at the chessboard and raised his head in the direction where Ren Anle had disappeared, with a complex and deep expression.


    The game he had just played had become a dead game, and although the place where Ren Anle had landed did not allow the black piece to win, it could solve the game, just one piece of the siege without breaking the city.


    Rumour has it that Ren Anle of Jinan is crude and rude, and does not know much about literature and ink, but... Han Ye dares to assert that there are very few people in the world who can solve this deadlock within one cup of tea.


    It was late at night, but the East Palace was still brightly lit. Ren Anle''s steps were so slick and stern that she only pitied the court lady leading the way. As if she felt that Ren Anle was not as horrible as the rumours, the court eunuchs turned around from time to time and peeked out, her eyes full of curiosity.


    "Little girl, what are you looking at? Do I have three heads and six arms?"


    Her face flushed red with shame, the palace maid''s head snapped back and she took three steps into two, rushing straight out. Only when she reached the entrance to the corridor did she realise that there were no footsteps behind her and she had to look back helplessly.


    Not far behind her, Ren Anle stood quietly in the middle of the corridor. All dressed in black clothes melting into the night. The woman looked towards a pavilion deep in the Eastern Palace. The faint shadow of the moon falling on her body, a kind of stern coldness that could not be dissolved when looking at her in a trance.


    The palace eunuch took a few steps back and gave a blessing to Ren Anle: "Lord Ren." Seeing that she did not answer. The palace eunuch followed Ren Anle''s gaze and was slightly stunned, then said in an emotional voice, "Da ren is looking at the Northern Que Pavilion."


    Ren Anle looked back with a puzzled expression, "The Northern Que Pavilion?"


    "I heard that in order to welcome that person into the capital. His Majesty specially recruited Master Cen Bei to build it in the Eastern Palace. The Northern Que Pavilion has a view of the whole of capital and looks out across Fuling Mountain. It is magnificent and exquisite, and is very famous in the imperial capital. Many courtiers have asked His Majesty to enter the North Quee Pavilion to see it, and even the few masters who have entered the East Palace, there is no one who does not miss this place. But our Highness is a long-suffering man. Since that young lady, no one else has set foot in the North Que Pavilion to date."


    There was an undisguised envy and yearning in the palace eunuch''s words for the woman who had been able to live in the Northern Que Pavilion.


    Fourteen years ago, when the Di power was comparable to that of the royal family, the Jia Ning Emperor decreed to welcome Di Ziyuan into the capital with the courtesy of an imperial concubine and placed her in the Northern Que Pavilion of the Eastern Palace.


    Rumour has it that even the princesses of the Heavenly Family could not match the splendour of the youngest daughter of the Di Family in capital during that year.


    The destiny that Di Ziyuan was destined for since her birth had been the lifelong aspiration of all the women of Great Jing.


    "Long-love? You envy Di Ziyuan?" Ren Anle looked at the Northern Que Pavilion, which was hidden into the moonlight, and said softly with a seeming smile.


    As soon as Ren Anle''s words left her mouth. The palace maid realised that she had just committed the royal taboo. Her face turned pale, and her whole body trembled with fright.


    Ren Anle glanced at palace maid, then turned and walked back towards the corridor, this time she never looked back.


    What in the world did not require a price to be paid.


    If Di Ziyuan knew that the entire Di family would one day be scattered and their bloodline destroyed, would she still be willing to have those eight years of great glory and favour?


    T/N: This chapter is still in the editing stage. Just a few words and their meaning.


    Han Ye is secretly protecting Wen Shuo


    Han Ye unknowingly touched a scar.


    This chapter is actually quite sad.


    If Di Ziyuan knew that the entire Di family would one day be scattered and their bloodline destroyed, would she still be willing to have those eight years of great glory and favour? </3

 CH 10

    A major event took place in capital, starting a treacherous court battle in the seventeenth year of the Jia Ning.


    To put it plainly, this incident is big enough to save Ren Anle, who is living under the glare of the people of the capital.


    Two nights ago, at the end of the autumn exams, several drunken Confucian scholar fought for the top prize of the most popular courtesan, Lin Lang, at Ling Xiang House. One of the scholars fell from the second floor and died on the spot. The guards heard the news and took the Confucian scholars who had gathered to cause trouble back to the Da Lisi for interrogation.


    The case was at the foot of the emperor, and most of the candidates involved in the examination were candidates for the examination. In addition, the official of the Da Lisi, Pei Zhan, happened to be at the home of the left minister of the revenue, Qian Guangjin, for a banquet, so the trial had to be held overnight by the deputy minister of the Da Lisi, Huang Pu, who was staying behind. However, at the last moment of the palace ban[1], Huang Pu entered the palace late at night. The court was not expecting Huang Pu to enter the palace late at night and ask for an audience with the Emperor, something that had rarely happened in the sixteen years that Emperor Jia Ning had been in charge.


    [1]¹¬½û [g¨­ng j¨¬n] - Palace ban, a Chinese word. Firstly, it refers to the prohibitions in the palace.


    The court''s lamps were burning for half a night. The courtiers who had been informed of the news could not figure out why a minor minister of the Da Lisi would dare to enter the palace in the middle of the night to alarm the saint over a insignificant case of a fight between Confucian students.


    Could it be that Ren Anle, who came from afar, not only disturbed the stagnant waters of the capital, but also brought the unrelenting banditry into the Da Lisi with her?


    The next day at the court meeting, when an enraged Emperor Jia Ning slammed a copy of a memorial presented by Huang Pu over the head of the Ministry of Confucian Rites in charge of the imperial examinations, the ministers realised what had happened.


    The Da Lisi Temple interrogated the brawl case overnight, but the coroner found a cheat sheet full of answers to the examination questions in the sleeve of the candidate who had stumbled to his death. Thinking that the candidate had finished the imperial examination and gone to a flower house for fun, forgetting to destroy the evidence of fraud. The coroner was alarmed and presented the evidence to Huang Pu, who searched the candidates and found the cheat sheet on three other candidates, one of whom was the son of the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue. It was only then that he felt the seriousness of the situation, so he asked Pei Zhan to return and went to the palace overnight to report the situation.


    The court was in an uproar when the matter was brought to light. The imperial examination is held once every three years, and is a fundamental part of the process of recruiting wise and talented people in Dajing, so the fraud in the imperial examination will not only shake up the court, but will also make the scholars of the country condemned. In the twenty years of its existence, such a scandal had never occurred in the history of Great Ning.


    The Emperor Jia Ning was furious and ordered Dali Temple Qing Pei Zhan to crack the case within three days, seal the examination papers, strictly forbid all candidates to leave the capital, and dismiss Wu Yuan, the right minister of the Ministry of revenue , from his post. He also give an order that the two cabinet ministers in charge of the examinations should be banned from the government.


    The Imperial examinations were held once every three years and covered all students from all over the capital, from the poor and humble family to the aristocratic family of the Qingliu faction. An imperial decree of Emperor Jianing directly pushed Da Lisi to the peak of the wind and waves[2].


    [2]·ç¼âÀË¿Ú (f¨¥ng ji¨¡n l¨¤ng k¨¯u) - the peak of the wind and waves/ pushed to the mouth of the storm/sharp wind and wave mouth - meaning a metaphor of an outpost of fierce and sharp social struggle; It means being pushed into a dangerous situation.


    At noon on the second day, Ren Anle was  invited to the inner hall of the Da Lisi in a rare and respectful manner. At this time, Qing[3] Pei Zhan of Dali Temple, who is usually exquisite official and full of authority, was only pacing in the hall. On the contrary, shaoqing[4] Huang Pu, who had exposed the matter, was sitting at the side more calmly.


    [3]Çä (q¨©ng) - high ranking official (old)


    [4]ÉÙÇä (sh¨£oq¨©ng) -  is an ancient name for an official position; it was a deputy to the official title of the main minister.


    When he saw Ren Anle coming, Pei Zhan didn''t bother to respond. He just casually waved his hand and invited her to sit down.


    "Yu An, what do you want me to say about you. This matter has become so big. How do you think it should end!"


    Obviously this was something Pei Zhan had been muttering all morning. His brow furrowed and his expression unsettled.


    Huang Pu coughed, and seeing Ren An Le sitting aside, a little embarrassment appeared on his stiff face, but he still said to Pei Zhan, "Your Excellency, the matter of the fraud in the imperial examination is so important that it cannot be covered up at all. If we don''t report it to His Majesty, I am afraid that the whole Da Lisi will be implicated."


    Of course he knew that Huang Pu had done the right thing, but... but how such a mess had fallen on his head, he still couldn''t understand how he had become the unluckiest cannon fodder since the founding of the Great Kingdom of Jing just by attending a banquet overnight.


    The power to investigate the fraud in the  imperial examinations may sound impressive, but to put it bluntly, it is still a way of life in the fingers of the powerful and wealthy of Great Jing.


    "How will this official investigate?  Wen Shuo gong zi, the first son of Left Minister, the youngest son of the Marquis of Zhongyi, and from Marquis of Qi Nan''s family ...... are all candidates in this examination. There is no faction in the court that is not involved in this examination. Could it be that you want me to lock them up one by one in the Da Lisi for questioning?"


    No matter who is involved, his official career has come to an end. Therefore, although Emperor Jianing issued the imperial decree yesterday, he still only walks through the scene today. He did not seriously interrogate the few candidates who were carrying the cheat sheets.


    "Your Excellency, this is the duty of our Da Lisi. Only by investigating the imperial examination fraud can His Majesty''s anger be appeased and an explanation given to the scholars of the capital." Huang Pu said solemnly, with a serious expression.


    Ren Anle glanced at him, somewhat surprised. Huang Pu was born into a poor family, but at the age of thirty, he must have gone through hardships to climb to the fourth-rank Dali Shaoqing. She did not expect him to gamble on his career to find out the truth just to give an explanation to the capital''s scholars.


    "Pei da ren [5]." After listening for a while, Ren Anle understood that these two had completely different positions, leading to a stalemate in the trial. Presumably summoning her to come just because she is the only one who is qualified to get involved in the current Da Lisi.


    [5] ´óÈË(d¨¤ ren)-  title of respect toward superiors; adult; grownup


    Pei Zhan turned around and saw Ren Anle''s stress-free expression, his face immediately fell, and hummed: "Does Lord Ren have any advice? Don''t forget that you are also a member of the Da Lisi!"


    This meant that he, Pei Zhan, is unlucky and no one would be able to get a good deal.


    Ren Anle raised her eyebrows and lowered her eyes, "Your Excellency, now that the fraud case has been taken seriously by His Majesty and is known to the whole world, it is impossible to deceive the past ......"


    "This official naturally knows." Pei Zhan did not have a good temper, said.


    "This lower official does have a solution."


    Pei Zhan''s eyes lit up and he hurriedly took a few steps closer.


    "Why don''t Your Excellency leave the collection of evidence and the interrogation to me and  Huang da ren, and then Your Excellency will ascend to the court at the final trial." Seeing Pei Zhan''s confusion, Ren Anle continued, "The Da Lisi is honoured by Your Excellency, and with Huang da ren doing the interrogation, those three candidates will think that the matter has not yet gone too far, and in order to protect their families, they will not involve others in it. Besides, if I were to collect evidence and witnesses... the da ren should know my reputation in the capital. Several noble families will give me face and and let me enter the residence to find evidence. At the end of the trial, Your Excellency will only convict those people who are in prison. In this way, Your Excellency will not offend the Crown Prince and the Left Minister, and the entire Dali government office will be safe."


    "Let Lord Ren take responsibility for this officer..." Pei Zhan said with a slightly hesitant look.


    Ren Anle has a special status, and Emperor Jianing will not easily condemn her. Why should she help herself?


    "An Le first time to enter the capital, and she has little knowledge. She said something wrong in the palace a month ago and offended the Left Minister. Usually heard that Your Excellency is highly regarded by the Minister of the Left. An Le merely hope that Your Excellency can mediate one or two for me in front of the left Minister."


    Pei Zhan''s heart was stunned. His eyebrows lit up with joy as the gloom he had felt for days cleared and he said with a smile. "So that''s how it is. Don''t worry, Lord Ren. As long as this official guaranteed, he will definitely put in a good word for you in front of the Left Minister."


    "I didn''t know that Lord Ren was so insightful and righteous before. It was the official''s fault." Pei Zhan said, and bowed to Ren Anle: "As long as I am Pei Zhan, I will never forget Ren daren today''s meritorious deed"


    Ren Anle got up to help him up and said with a smile, "Pei''s daren speak heavily. Helping Pei daren is also helping Anle herself. In the future, we will rely on the Pei da ren a lot."


    Ren Anle secretly sighed, This Pei Zhan is really a person, I am afraid that even saying he is exquisite would be a disservice to him.


    The two people decided the final outcome of the case during their talk. Huang Pu''s eyes were wide with anger, but he knew that even with the decree of Emperor Jia Ning, it would be too difficult to thoroughly investigate the fraudulent examination case and do justice to the scholars of the world. The whole court was involved in the case. The water was too muddy, what could he, a fourth rank official, do?


    If the Crown Prince and the Left Minister are really involved, even His Majesty may not turn a blind eye to it.


    "Lord Pei, the day after tomorrow at 10 o''clock is the final hour set by His Majesty. I think it would be inappropriate for your Excellency to return to your house, lest there be any complications, so I will have to ask your Excellency to rest at the Da Lisi for two days." Ren Anle spoke with a somewhat meaningful expression.


    Pei Zhan is a very good thinker, he instantly understood the deeper meaning of Ren Anle''s words.


    In the next two days, there will be many courtiers looking for him, and he cannot be excused because he is not a high official. Although the emperor had given him the authority to solve the case, he would send secret guards to keep an eye on him, so he could stay at the Da Lisi to avoid gossip. But...Ren Anle''s proposal was so sudden that he hadn''t had time to discuss it with the Minister of the Left...


    "Pei da ren is worried about the Old Minister." Ren Anle moved closer and whispered, "It will only take two days for this matter to be resolved. The daren will benefit the old minister without any harm and the Old Minister will not blame you for doing so. Besides... if His Majesty knew what the daren had done, His Majesty would be very pleased."


    What is more important than pleasing a king''s heart, Pei Zhan nodded his head repeatedly and waved his hand, "What Lord Ren said is very true. Here is my official token, Lord Ren take it. I will wait for your good news at the Da Lisi. Lord Huang, do your best to assist Lord Ren in handling this case in the next two days, and I will present the results to the Emperor after the court hearing the day after tomorrow."


    When Pei finished speaking, he headed for the back hall, looking relaxed.


    Only Huang Pu and Ren Anle were left in the inner hall, which was oozing with silence.


    It was only after a long time that Huang Pu''s angry voice was heard: "This official has long heard of the prestige of the daren in Southern Jin. He has always thought that although the daren is woman, she can still be compared to a dignified man. Today, I learned that the daren is indeed well-deserved of her reputation, bandits are bandits. Ren daren, do you know what it is like to be a poor student who has failed in the examinations for ten years? How sad it is to have your old father''s high hopes ruined?"


    He stood up and, without waiting for Ren Anle''s answer, brushed his sleeve and walked out of the inner hall.


    Ren Anle stood in the hall, Huang Pu''s heavy footsteps no longer audible in her ears. She played with the Da Lisi Minister token left by Pei Zhan, hooked the corner of her mouth and suddenly spoke, "Yuan Shu."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Yuan Shu, dressed in a strong suit, appeared in the corner of the inner hall, frowning and complaining, "Miss, this Lord Huang really doesn''t know good or bad.  You are protecting him. If you hadn''t taken over this matter, he might have been unlucky."


    "He is a good official. The Da Lisi cannot do without him."


    Ren Anle said in a deep voice. Her eyebrows were rarely solemn as she tossed the token behind her and Yuan Shu caught it with one hand.


    "Two of the three candidates in custody are not of high status. They are only the sons of minor officials of the sixth rank and do not need to be investigated. The other one is named Wu Yue, whose father is Wu Yuan, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue , and Du Ting Song, the son of the Minister of Household Affairs, is also in the examination. You go and investigate, there must be something wrong here.


    "Yes, Miss." Yuan Shu nodded his head and disappeared into the inner hall.


    Ren Anle left the Da Lisi with a pat on the back. On the carriage back to Ren''s residence, Yuan Qin looked at her with a smile, holding a book of Lu''s paintings: "Miss, aren''t you the one who cares most about your life. Why are you wading into the muddy waters this time?"


    Ren Anle stretched out, leaned on the soft pillow, and yawned: "Someone named Wen Shuo also got involved. He is Han Ye''s heart..  After helping him this time, he will always remember whether I was good or not!"


    After saying that, Ren Anle closed her eyes and started to sleep.


    Yuan Qin shook her head with a bitter smile. She lifted the carriage curtain, glanced at the bustling capital street, and pondered over her painting book again.


    The inner hall of the Left Minister''s residence.


    The left Minister looked at his first son, who was kneeling on the ground, with an angry face. He slapped his hand to the side of the youth''s face, but held it back: "Sinner son, what did I tell you, and you actually caused me this kind of trouble!


    The youth''s face was full of fear, "Father, you have to save me. Ting Song and I have always been good friends. I saw him worrying about the imperial examination day and night, so I couldn''t bear to tell him the topic. I told him not to tell anyone the topic. You believe me, I really said that!"


    "What''s the use of your command? Now that the topic of the examination are scattered among the candidates, if he didn''t reveal them, who else would!"


    "Father, I really don''t know what''s going on." Jiang Hao crumpled to the ground, sweating coldly.


    It took the Left Minister until he was in his forties to get such a son, and he grew up with him in his heart, so everything was to his liking. It was a pity that Jiang Hao had a soft temperament since he was young, and his schoolwork was not at the top of the list. That was why he had gotten the test questions out in advance for his son for the autumn examinations, but he did not expect him to cause a big trouble because of his momentary kindness.


    "Hao''er, you get up first." The Minister of the Left sighed, pulled the young man up and asked in a deep voice: "Who else knows about the matter of you giving the test questions to Du Tingsong, apart from you?"


    "There is no one else, This son gave it to him quietly, no third person in any way knows about it."


    "You go back to your room, don''t leave the residence for a few days. Father will take care of the other matters." The left minister  waved his hand, his expression sinking slightly.


    "Father, His majesty attaches so much  importance to this matter, if it is found out ......" Jiang Hao was still looking anxious.


    "What are you afraid of!" Left Minister gently shouted, "Hao''er, father will not let anything happen to you. Don''t worry, go back to your room."


    Jiang Hao nodded, bowed his head and went out of the inner hall.


    Left minister sat in the inner hall and pondered for a moment. As soon as he raised his head, a ruthlessness appeared in his eyes and he beckoned.


    "Someone, go and invite Du da ren over, and tell him that the Left Minister has something important matter to discuss."


    T/N: Ren Anle''s first case. This is gonna be exciting.


    She is concerned about Wen Shuo. She doesn''t need to use Han Ye as a reason haha

 CH 11

    This is destined to be an uneven night.


    Before Ren Anle could wait for the results of the secret investigation back at Yuan Shu, the news that the banned cabinet minister Li Chong''en had hanged himself in his house reached her.


    In the middle of the night, Pei Zhan and Huang Pu were already standing outside the courtyard of the study where Li Chong''en had hanged himself. Pei Zhan holding a letter in his hand, vaguely relieved. Huang Pu had a deep frown on his face and moved aside with a light hum when he saw Ren Anle.


    "Lord Ren, you''re here." Pei Zhan greeted him.


    "Lord Pei, the magistrate guard who sent the summons didn''t make it clear. What happened?"


    Li Chong''en''s body had already been put into a coffin. The empty courtyard is cold and gloomy, and the sobs of the women in the inner courtyard can still be heard.


    "Lord Li hanged himself in fear of sin. This is the suicide note he left behind. In his suicide note, he pleaded guilty to His Majesty. He said that he could not bear the fact that Wu Yue was over thirty years old but had not made any achievements in his career, and that he had committed a great crime in a moment of confusion, and asked His Majesty to spare the whole Li family for the sake of his more than ten years of service to the court."


    There was a clear sense of relief in Pei Zhan''s eyes, as it was well known that Wu Yue, the son of the Minister of Household Affairs, is known to have been under Li Chong''en''s tutelage since he was a child. The fact that Li Chong''en has admitted his guilt at this time is not so abrupt and will give an explanation to His Majesty and the court officials.


    "Since Lord Li has confessed his guilt, this official will enter the palace early tomorrow morning to report to His Majesty that this case has been concluded and ask His Majesty for orders on what punishment should be meted out."


    "Your Excellency cannot." Ren Anle did not miss the indignation in Huang Pu''s expression on the side and stopped Pei Zhan.


    "Why?"


    "Your Excellency, the three candidates imprisoned in the Da Lisi have not yet been examined in the courtroom. Their testimonies will certainly make His Majesty more satisfied. There are still two days left. It''s not too late for  Pei da ren to wait for me and Huang da ren to get this case done properly before entering the palace to report it.


    After a moment''s thought, Pei Zhan knew that Ren Anle had a point. Even if the evidence of the crime was conclusive, it would be better to do it more beautifully. If the case was resolved satisfactorily, he would be able to join the court in no time.


    "It is still Lord Ren''s thoughtfulness. This official will first go back to write a folded paper to report to His Majesty the reason why Lord Li hanged himself, and wait for Lord Ren''s good news on the other evidence."  Pei Zhan was happy for a while, and habitually patted Ren Anle on the shoulder, and found something wrong when he touched the corner of her sleeve robe. He abruptly withdrew his hand with an embarrased complexion, "The official forgot that da ren is a woman,  my apologies!"


    Ren Anle waved her hand and smiled, "It''s alright."


    Pei Zhan was really embarrassed. There was no woman in the court for more than a decade, since Ren Anle did not look like a woman, he almost broke the taboo. He smiled and left the courtyard.


    Huang Pu was in a heavy mood and sighed as he prepared to leave.


    It was a chilly, cold night, and the candle flame was dimly lit, making the mood dull and gloomy. Huang Pu, with a heavy heart, sighed as he prepared to leave.


    "Lord Huang, please stay." Ren Anle called out to him.


    "What else does Lord Ren want? Now that the fraud case has been solved, Da ren do not need to gather evidence. The three people will be tried together in the court, so there is no need for this official to hinder Ren daren''s eye." Huang Pu said indifferently with a cold face.


    "Lord Huang, after so many years of being the shaoqing of the Da Lisi, don''t you think that there is something strange about Lord Li hanging himself tonight?"


    Ren Anle''s voice was deep and inexplicable. Huang Pu turned his head back and looked at the woman under the tree, narrowing his eyes slightly as he spoke, "What does Lord Ren mean by this?"


    "Lord Li has been an official in the court for more than ten years and has a high reputation. Everyone knows that the Li and Wu houses are close friends. Wu Yue''s usual reputation is also there.  How could he leak the test questions to Wu Yue, if Wu Yue is to amaze the world with a single brilliant feat[1] , anyone would have suspected him. Besides, His Majesty only issued a decree for a thorough investigation yesterday, but in one day, he pleaded guilty and committed suicide. Isn''t it too much of a coincidence?"


    [1]Ò»Ãù¾ªÈË - to amaze the world with a single brilliant feat (idiom); an overnight celebrity


    Huang Pu looked away: "What is the use of Lord Ren saying this at this time, didn''t Lord Pei decide to..."


    "The reason why I''m preventing him from entering the emperor''s palace tomorrow to face His Majesty to reach a verdict" Ren Anle spoke slowly, "Lord Huang, we have two days left."


    Huang Pu suddenly looked up: "Lord Ren, you..."


    Ren Anle walked up to Huang Pu, looking solemn: "Lord Huang, if I had not raised this proposal at noon, Lord Pei would never have given me the token of the minister of the Da Lisi. I already changed the group of Da Lisi''s magistrate guards this afternoon, so no one has access to the three candidates locked up inside."


    Huang Pu looked slightly stunned, but when he saw the clarity in Ren An Le''s eyes, he said, "If that''s the case, I have wrongly blamed Ren da ren."


    Ren Anle waved her hand: "Let''s not say whether it''s Li Chong-en who leaked the exam questions. There is one thing that your lordship must have thought ...... Wu Yue''s questions is by no means learned from Li Chong-en''s mouth."


    Or perhaps the person who made Li Chong''en gamble on official his career by leaking the questions for the exams would not be the son of a mere official.


    Huang Pu nodded: "Given Lord Li''s character, it''s unlikely that he would do something so self-destructive to his future prospects. It''s just that now that it''s a foregone conclusion. Even if we suspect it, we have no proof."


    Ren Anle clapped her hands and Yuan Shu suddenly appeared in the courtyard, making Huang Pu jump.


    "Miss, I walked around the marketplace for a day and I found out that a few days before the imperial examination Wu Yue had met with the young master of the Marquis of Zhongyi''s residence at the Juxian House. The two were acting in a very low-key and mysterious manner." Yuan Shu finished her speech and stepped aside.


    The young marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi''s residence is indeed an ignorant and incompetent[2], and he has a good relationship with Wu Yue, but...


    [2]²»Ñ§ÎÞÊõ - ²»Ñ§ÎÞÊõ (Pinyin: b¨´ xu¨¦ w¨² sh¨´ ) a Chinese idiom that refers to having no learning and thus no means/ referring to a person''s lack of academics or skills


    Huangpu frowned upon hearing this, and said, "Lord Ren, the eldest lady of the Marquis of Zhongyi''s Mansion has been very favored by the Emperor these days. The Marquis'' popularity has been unparalleled for a while. Besides, this alone is not count as ironclad evidence"


    How dare Ren Anle pull the hair out of the tiger''s head?


    Plucking hair from the head of a tiger. The metaphor of pulling hair from a tiger''s head is to offend people and things beyond one''s ability.


    "Naturally it won''t be that simple, but we can use this clue to lead the way. It depends on the da ren''s means."


    "Lord Ren is saying..." Huang Pu looked in the direction of the Da Lisi and had a slight moment of clarity.


    "Wu Yue, once we get the testimony out of him, we can follow the vine and find the person who really leaked the exam questions. Lord Pei is now at ease on his laurels and will return to his house to rest, so Lord Huang''s surprise interrogation tonight may lead to clues. Whether this fraud case will be buried in the dust or revealed to the whole world will depend on... whether Lord Huang is willing or not, and whether he dares to ?"


    Ren Anle''s voice was awe-inspiring, and her boldness was evident in her words. Huang Pu paused and spoke slowly after half a second: "Since Lord Ren is willing to accompany me to wade through this muddy water, why would I dare not? It''s just whether Lord Ren can tell this officer why you want to get involved in this matter, which will not benefit you in any way?"


    He had been studying for ten years and did not want the scholar who had gone to the capital to take the imperial examination to endure injustice, but what is the purpose of Ren Anle?


    Ren Anle raised her eyebrows and brushed her embroidered hem, her smile overflowing, "I naturally want the seat of the Minister of the Da Lisi ......"


    Huang Pu''s expression was stunned.


    "A mere fourth-ranking shaoqing position, it may be assumed that His Highness the Crown Prince will not be able to look at it." Ren Anle trailed off, dragging her chin and narrowing her eyes in a helpless manner.


    The pitiful old-fashioned and upright and outspoken Lord Huang, could not get his breath back, and almost died young in this small, dark courtyard.


    The Left Minister''s residence.


    The Minister of Revenue, Du Lan Zheng, stomped his foot and looked uneasy: "Your Excellency, what do you mean when you say that the people you sent to the Da Lisi cannot enter?"


    The Minister of the Left said with sunken eyes, "Dali Temple''s defenses were changed overnight.  It is now impossible to deliver the testimony to those three people."


    How could Pei Zhan, with his skills, guard the Da Lisi like a barrel of iron? Now that this matter is of great importance to His Majesty, he must not see the presiding judge in private until the case is settled.


    "How good can this be. This unfilial son has actually caused this kind of trouble." Shang Shu Du looked dishevelled, as if he had aged ten years overnight.


    The Minister of the Left narrowed his eyes at Du Shang Shu, who was running around in circles. He tapped his hand on the desk, his eyes dark and deep.


    That night, Pei¡¯s residence was quiet and peaceful. The Da Lisi minister slept comfortably on a warm fragrant jade pillow, while the Da Li government office was heavily guarded and the lights were burning all through the night.


    Early in the morning on the second day, Ren Anle yawned crookedly in the pavilion of Juxian house in the capital. She inquired clearly that this place was usually the territory of those scholars. Recently, due to the imperial examination case, people were gathering here every day. At this time, everyone in the outer room talked a lot about Li Chongen''s suicide in fear of crime, and they were all filled with righteous indignation.


    Ren Anle shook her head. This group of elmwood bumps, if they have time to hang around here, they might as well go back and read more books. This time, the questions of the examination were leaked and the examination undoubtedly will definitely be retaken. The Emperor Jia Ning has set a three-day deadline to settle this matter as soon as possible, so as not to delay the future of these exam candidates.


    And she, for the sake of the Da Lisi''s reputation, had to sacrifice her time.


    "Young Marquis, you''re here!" The shopkeeper''s flattering voice suddenly rang out from downstairs.


    The scholars in the lobby on the second floor, who were in a frenzy of discussion, all frowned and looked downstairs. A young man of about twenty years old, with an eight-character beard and a gilt-wood fan in his hand, waddled in with an unbridled and arrogant expression, "Shopkeeper Hu, this official''s son is giving a banquet to a distinguished guest today. He wants to take over the entire Ju Xian House."


    The young marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi''s residence, Gu Qi shan, is a hegemon in the capital. However, Marquis of Zhongyi is the founding general of the country, and his merit is in the country''s history. His sister is quite favored in the harem, so everyone usually see this horizontal crab like a plague and avoid it.


    Shopkeeper Hu''s complexion changed and he said with difficulty, "Young Marquis, there are many guests today, so I''m afraid it''s not quite right ah!"


    Most of the scholars on the second floor were exam candidates who had gone to the capital to take the imperial examination. Although they were not as good as the court of the Marquis of Zhongyi, they were not something that he, a small teahouse owner, could offend.


    "Go, tell them that I''ll pay for everyone''s drinks today. I''ve invited Miss Lin Lang from Ling Xiang House to taste wine today. Anyone who disturb my elegant interest and gives the beautiful woman a hard time will have a problem with the Marquis of Zhongyi."


    The young man''s arrogant voice resonated inside and outside the building. The crowd dared not speak out in anger. The case of fraud in the examination was caused by the head girl of Ling Xiang House. This straw bag still dares to show off so much, really insulting!


    The drowsy Ren Anle was startled by the sharp drake-like voice[3] and was immediately refreshed. When she understood what the person said, she immediately bowed her waist and moved to the window and looked downstairs, giving a thumbs up and tsking in admiration.


    [3]¹«Ñ¼É¤- Drake throat/ Drake voice is a Chinese word with the pinyin g¨­ng y¨¡ s¨£ng, which refers to a derogatory description of a low-pitched, raspy voice, like the cry of a duck. It is often referred to as "duck throat" because of its "quacking" sound, like a male duck shouting. ... A common derogatory term for the voice is "sissy".


    The old marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi is a real character, to have raised such a reckless white silk under the feet of the emperor!


    "Young Marquis." A candidate on the second floor was really indignant and couldn''t help but to cup his hands in obeisance and say, "The case of fraud in the imperial examinations has not yet been solved. Our heart seems to be burning like fire[4] before we gather at the Juxian House to discuss the results. The young marquis is also a current candidate, why can''t you just do it ......"


    [4]ÐÄÈç»ð·Ù [x¨©n r¨² hu¨¯ f¨¦n], Chinese idiom, meaning heart seems to be burning like fire. It describes anxiety; extremely anxious. From "Twenty Years of Witnessing the Strange Situation".


    "What is there to discuss? Those of you who are incapable are naturally worried. Young Marquis Gu, I am a talented person, so I disdain to take the imperial examination with you again in the same hall examination. I have decided to rely on my title to enter the court. This examination and me do not have the least bit relationship!"


    When the Great Jing dynasty established the country, he gave grace to the world. Once decreed that all the descendants of the princes and lords could enter the official positions by virtue of their titles.


    Gu Qishan bobbed his head in a self-satisfied manner and spoke meanly. His inverted triangular eyes survey the crowd upstairs with smugness.


    He is the young master of the Zhongyi Hou''s Mansion. And these poor scholars were born to be the difference between the clouds and mud. If Wu Yue hadn''t vowed to let him win the three yuan[5] in this examination, he wouldn''t have gotten involved just to save face in front of the old man ...... but thought that Wu Yue wouldn''t have had the guts to get him involved!


    [5] Á¬ÖÐÈýÔª (li¨¢n zh¨°ng s¨¡n yu¨¢n) -  The phrase "winning three consecutive exams" is used to describe a situation in the ancient imperial examinations, in which a candidate took the first place in three examinations, namely the countryside examination, the session examination and the palace examination, and was awarded the title of "Jieyuan", "Huiyuan" and "Zhuyuan" in succession.


    Since ancient times, the scholars should not be easily humiliated. Upstairs, the scholars were all disgraced by Gu Qi Shan. Some of them were so angry that they rushed downstairs to argue. Although they were held back by their fellow scholars, they were about to start a full-blown fight.


    Inside the second floor pavilion, the dispute was so loud. Wen Shuo leaned over the edge of the window to watch the excitement, knocking on a melon nut and reminding the prince, who was sitting as steady as a mountain, "Your Highness, are you really going to let them go on like this, when these are all the candidates for the examinations?"


    "How can you govern the country and serve the people if you are fighting over such a trivial matter?" Han Ye took a sip of tea and said indifferently.


    Wen Shuo stretched half of his head out of the window, "It''s good to fight, as I''ll have a better chance of becoming a top scorer in the palace examination If they are injured."


    Han Ye frowned and scolded, "What a ridiculous thing to say."


    Wen Shuo laughed, scratching his head and asked, "His Majesty has set a three-day period, but I wonder if that slick and sly Da Lisi minister will be able to solve the case?"


    "Since you said he was slick and sly, presumably it won''t be difficult to settle the case."


    "Then His Highness is waiting for him to settle the case?"


    "No." Han Ye shook his head, suddenly remembering the woman''s stern back in the stone pavilion that day, and narrowed his eyes, "I''m waiting for another person to give the court an answer."


    In the pavilion next door, Ren Anle was tired of watching the play and was just about to take a rest when Yuan Shu jumped in through the window in a lump and whispered, "Miss, Lord Huang has sent word that Wu Yue has confessed that he leaked the examination questions to the young marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi and the two candidates, and that his examination questions came from Du Ting Song, the son of the Minister of Revenue. Lord Huang has already sent the magistrates to the Shang Shu''s residence to get him."


    In a night''s time, he had pried Wu Yue''s mouth open, this Huang da ren really had some tricks up his sleeve.


    Ren Anle hooked the corners of her mouth and stood up to walk outside.


    "Miss, you are going to...?"


    Ren Anle spared no words and spit out a few words, "Braised crabs."


    Just as Gu Qishan was screaming and instructing his guards to take the angry scholars out of the room, a group of magistrates suddenly appeared at the entrance to the Juxian Building.  The crowd froze at the sight and the bickering abruptly ceased.


    The magistrates carried long swords at their waists and were solemn and imposing. The leader of the group glanced into the hall and walked in front of Gu Qishan in three or two steps and cup his hands in obeisance: "Is this young marquis Gu?"


    Gu Qisan looked at this situation and said with narrowed eyes, "Which government office are you from?"


    "I am Wu Chong from the Dali government office. On the order of Lord Huang, this officer ask the young marquis to return for questioning." Wu Chong said and came towards Gu Qisan.


    As soon as he heard the words ''Da Lisi'', Gu Qishan stepped back, his face slightly changed: "A small Da Lisi shaoqing, how dare you touch me!"


    The imperial bodyguard behind Gu Qi shan immediately stood in front of him and stopped Wu Chong.


    Wu Chong stopped and said in a gruff voice, "Young Marquis Gu, Wu Yue confessed in the hall that apart from the two exam candidates, he also wrote a copy of exam questions for Young Marquis. Lord Huang did not want Wu Yue to make a false accusation and ruin the reputation of the young marquis, so he asked Wu Chong to invite the young marquis to come to the hall for a question."


    As soon as Wu Chong said this, the whole room was in an uproar. The scholars on the second floor refused to let go of this good opportunity, and all of them started to persuade: "Young Marquis Gu, if you do the right thing, why afraid to enter Da Lisi to be questioned by Lord Huang!"


    "Shameful thing, this is Wu Yue''s false accusation, you actually listen to his nonsense!" Gu Qi shan looked embarrassed and waved his hand, "I am the young marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi, my father is a first-rank marquis, which one of you dares to take me away!"


    "I dare!"


    The door of an elegant pavilion on the second floor was pushed open, and a clear and calm female voice resounded outside the Juxian Building. Han Ye, who was holding a teacup, pursed his lips slightly and looked out through the paper window.


    The woman wearing a dark reddish purple official robe suddenly appeared in front of the crowd, her expression was awe-inspiring, a stern aura appeared immediately as she walked. She passed the crowd of scholars and looked with her head held high at the gloomy looking Gu Qi shan downstairs: "A prince who breaks the law is as guilty as a commoner. Young Marquis, His Majesty has decreed a strict investigation into this case. You are implicated in the fraudulent examinations, Why does the Da Lisi not dare to take you?"


    "You ...... who are you!" Gu Qishan was forced to take two steps backwards by this aura and shouted.


    "Ren Anle, Shaoqing of Da Lisi." Ren Anle waved her hand and said towards Wu Chong, "Commander Wu, take him back. Anyone who dares to stop him is defying the sacred authority and should be punished according to the crime."


    The scholars on the second floor were dumbfounded. They could not have imagined that the female bandit known in the capital would have such an outstanding temperament. Seeing her discussing the matter with imposing manner, and the righteousness between her eyebrows, they could not help but admire her.


    With so many officials in the court, there really aren''t many who could defy the power of the Marquis of Zhongyi.


    "Yes, Lord Ren." The magistrates received their orders and their long swords came out from their waists. Their stern and fierce aura startling the crowd.


    The guards around Gu Qishan saw this scene and were in a panic, not knowing whether to stop them or not. When Wu Chong saw the opportunity, he rushed forward and pulled Gu Qishan out and threw him into the ranks of the magistrates.


    Gu Qishan was crushed by a group of magistrates. His hat fell to the ground and he was in a terrible state. He turned around and shouted angrily at Ren Anle: "Ren Anle, you dare to take me. Wait till this Young Master comes out...I will make you look good."


    "When you are no longer using the reputation of the Marquis of Zhongyi to show off your authority, I would like to hear this sentence."


    Ren Anle walked down the stairs, lightly whispered in Gu Qishan''s ear, and raised her horse towards the Da Lisi. As the fast horse turned down the street, she suddenly turned her head back and looked towards a window on the second floor of the Juxian Building, the corners of her lips pursed and her gaze burning.


    In the private room on the second floor, Wen Shuo retracted his head and sighed , "Your Highness, this time the Da Lisi has stirred up trouble. The Marquis of Zhongyi is short-sighted and narrow-minded. I''m afraid he will probably not let Ren Anle have an easy time. Are you still going to keep the show going?"


    Gu Qishan only took the exam questions from Wu Yue, which was not considered a serious crime. This matter cannot move the roots of the Marquis of Zhongyi''s house. The Marquis of Zhongyi, Gu Kuan, was in charge of the military power in the northwest. It is too easy to deal with a Ren Anle.


    Han Ye nodded his head and raised his eyebrows, "Naturally."


    "This time the imperial court will be lively!"


    "I''m afraid it''s not just the imperial court." Han Ye looked in the direction of the imperial city, somewhat meaningfully.


    Wen Shuo smiled at his words. He had heard that His Majesty''s new favourite, Imperial concubine Zhaoyi, had a temper of her own!


    A bandit general who has only been in the capital for three months is under the pressure of two major mountains, the imperial court and the harem. How can she accomplish anything?


    Wen Shuo sighed, thinking of the woman who was raging like a fire in the hunting grounds, and suddenly felt a little pity.

 CH 12

    Gu Qishan is a small overlord of the capital. He usually bullies his neighbors and dominates the city and is not seen by the common people.


    The people who got the news crowded the official road with people shouting and clapping their hands. The officers of the Da Lisi had never received such praise from the people, and they all straightened their backs and gripped their swords tightly. They were no longer lazy as usual, and their majesty appeared immediately.


    Wu Chong looked at the woman with her head held high on the horse in front of him and felt a little sad. The imperial court had been too generous to the meritorious officials who had founded the country. These clans'' sons and grandsons had been running amok, causing the people to suffer. No matter how this matter ends, Ren Anle will win the hearts and minds of the people of this city.


    As they approached the Da Lisi, they heard a clamour. Ren Anle saw Pei Zhan, who was not quite dressed, standing in front of the Da Lisi office with his messy beard and glaring eyes, confronting Huang Pu, whose face was silent.


    With a slight narrowing of her eyes, she gripped the reins and looked backwards, "Commander Wu, you are the commander of the Da Lisi. Which one do you listen to, Lord Pei or the Da Lisi token?"


    Wu Chong had long since seen the scene in front of the government office. He understood faintly that his predecessor An Le had dispatched him on the basis of a token from the Minister of the Da Lisi. He was silent for a moment and said, "Your Excellency, Wu Chong has received the Emperor''s order by the grace of Heaven."


    The emperor''s order is to investigate this matter thoroughly, which means that he is willing to help her. It seems that Pei Zhan''s usual reputation and style has helped her a lot. Ren Anle smiled and said, "Rest assured, Commander Wu. I, Ren Anle, don''t make things difficult for others. I''ll take care of everything!"


    Having said that, she wave the reins and ran towards the front of the the government office.


    "Huang Pu, you don''t want to live long. How dare you bring the Shang Shu''s son to the Da Lisi!" Pei Zhan lowered his voice and growled, calling him by his first name in his anger.


    If the Left Minister hadn''t sent someone secretly into his house early in the morning to tell him, he''s afraid he would have been kept in the dark until now. It was a well-known fact that the Minister of Revenue is the trusted aide of the Left Minister. This stubborn bull, I should have found an excuse to get rid of him before!


    "Your Excellency, Wu Yue already confessed last night that it was Du Tingsong who leaked the examination questions. How can he not be tried in the courtroom as he is possibly the mastermind of the fraud case?" Huang Pu''s expression was cold and sober, and his voice was loud and clear. Although he had been questioning all night, he was in high spirits.


    "Li Chong''en has already killed himself in fear of crime. You have caused so much trouble ......" Pei Zhan''s face was ugly, suddenly looking at Huang Pu, with a gloomy look under his eyes: "Could it be that Huang da ren wants to sit in the position of this official? This is why you want to compete for the limelight!"


    "Your Excellency, this humble official only want to find out about the fraudulent examination case. There is no such intention." Huang Pu cupped his hands in obeisance, looking calm and steady.


    "Lord Pei, this official also believe that Lord Huang is dedicated to public service and has no selfish motives."


    The sound of horses'' hooves suddenly sounded. The two men turned around to see Ren Anle''s horse coming and stopping in front of the government office.


    Pei Zhan was just about to berate her when he crossed over to Ren Anle and saw the vast crowd of people at the end of the street. The sound of Gu Qishan''s cursing and ridicule could be heard faintly. Feeling that something was wrong, he said angrily, "Lord Ren, what is this all about!"


    "Wu Yue not only confessed that Du Tingsong was the one who leaked the examination questions, he also gave a copy of the examination questions to the young marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi. Since there''s evidence, it is natural to ask the Young Marquis to go through the hall for questioning." Ren Anle leapt down from her horse and said.


    The Young Marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi''s residence, the first son of Gu Kuan? Pei Zhan only felt a thunderbolt strike him and his blood flowed backwards. He shivered and pointed at Ren Anle, suddenly understanding and filled with anger: "Ren Anle, you yielded to this official yesterday for the sake of this official''s token!"


    If there was no token, how would the magistrates of the Da Lisi dare to take the Young Marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi back?


    Ren Anle didn''t say anything, but just walked towards the stone steps of the government office.


    In the end, Pei Zhan was very human. His eyes turned and he cast a meaningful glance. He lowered his voice and spoke with a warning tone, "Lord Ren, this official will give you a reminder. Do not follow other people''s nonsense. Now send the Young Marquis back to the Marquis of Zhongyi''s residence. This official guarantees that the Lord Marquis will definitely ignore the previous affairs."


    Between the deafening silence, Huang Pu''s eyebrows wrinkled slightly and a sweat formed at the corners of his brow as he watched the approaching Ren Anle.


    "Lord Pei." Ren Anle took a few slow steps and walked to the Da Li government office. Her gait calm. She casts her eyes down and her expression unspeakably free and at ease, "Have you forgotten what Ren Anle''s origin is?"


    Pei Jin was stunned. Ren Anle lowered her head, leaned forward and spoke word by word: "I, Ren Anle, have fished my life out of the pile of dead body on the battlefield. Do you think I am still afraid of death?"


    The words that fell on his ears seemed to carry the fury of thousands of roaring military horses. Pei Zhan was so shocked that he took a step backwards and looked at Ren Anle who had a smile on her lips and cold eyes. He sucked in a cold breath, unable to say a word.


    In the middle of the conversation, Wu Chong had already led the magistrates and the tied up Gu Qishan to the bottom of the stone steps.


    The people behind them seemed to have felt the suffocating atmosphere in front of the magistrate''s office, and they all fell silent.


    "Lord Pei, why don''t you tell these people to let me go!" Gu Qishan seized the opportunity and yelled.


    Pei Zhan hurriedly ordered, "Wu Chong, this is a misunderstanding. This case has nothing to do with the Young Marquis. Hurry up and quickly send the young marquis back to the marquis'' residence."


    "Lord Pei, just now in the Juxian House, Commander Wu clearly said that the fraud case was related to Gu Qishan, so why are you taking it back now!"


    In the crowd, they don''t know when the exam candidates who were at the Juxian Building just now all gathered outside the Da Lisi. When they heard that Pei Zhan was going to release Gu Qishan, they came out and questioned him loudly.


    Pei Zhan saw the identity of these scholars and his expression changed. He glared at Wu Chong and hurriedly said, "Gentlemen, this is just a rumor. The Da Lisi has found out that the mastermind of the fraud case is the cabinet scholar Li Chong''en. Wu Yue has nothing to do with others......"


    "Your Excellency!" Huang Pu stepped forward, interrupting Pei Zhan''s words. He looked at the exam candidates under the government office and said loudly, "This case has not yet been investigated. Last night Wu Yue confessed that his examination questions came from Du Ting Song, son of the Minister of Household Affairs." He turned back around and arched his hands in obeisance towards Pei Zhan, "Also asked Your Excellency to ascend to the court and examine this case strictly."


    Pei Zhan is in the Da Lisi, so naturally he can no longer go beyond the sacrificial altar and take over the kitchen [1].


    [1] Ô½ÙÞ´úâÒ yu¨¨ z¨³ d¨¤i p¨¢o - lit. to go beyond the sacrificial altar and take over the kitchen (idiom); fig. to exceed one''s place and meddle in other people''s affairs; to take matters into one''s own hands; The person who officiates at the ritual is stepping over the ceremonial vessel to take the place of the chef. It is a metaphor for going beyond one''s duties, overstepping one''s authority or taking over.


    The common people under the Dali government office suddenly went uproar and discussed spiritedly.


    Pei Zhan''s face was extremely ugly. He turned his head and whispered angrily, "Huang Pu, you actually dare to force this official! Li Chong''en has already left a suicide note confessing his guilt, and now you are only relying on Wu Yue''s one-sided statement. If this official insists on not raising the court, what can you do to me?"


    Pei Zhan was also furious and confused.He had been an official for dozens of years and had made a name for himself in the imperial court with his long-sleeved and good dancing[2]. He had never imagined that he would one day be forced to such an extent by Huang Pu, who was inferior to him, and a group of white body scholars [3].


    [2]³¤ÐäÉÆÎèµÄÊֶΠch¨¢ng xi¨´ sh¨¤n w¨³ de sh¨¯u du¨¤n Long-sleeved good dancing/ long sleeves and good dance skills means to able to balance the forces of all sides well, so that one is in the most advantageous position to gain the highest benefits and not be drawn into the conflicting interests of various other factions, thus keeping one''s own benefits gained and a safe position from the constraints of others.


    [3]°×Éíѧ×Ó[b¨¢i sh¨¥n xu¨¦z¨« ] The term "white clothes" became a synonym for a commoner who had no honorary title. In addition, the terms "white scholar", "white body" and "white people" have basically the same meaning, all they all refer to ordinary people without merit.


    "If Your Excellency does not ascend the hall ......" Huang Pu stepped back and took off his official hat, "then this humble official will overstep his bounds."


    Ren Anle narrowed her eyes. Pei Zhan''s expression changed, stunned in place.


    Huang Pu suddenly turned around and took out a memorial from his sleeve. He slowly opened it up and presented it to the crowd, saying in a loud voice, "Gentlemen, the Da Lisi is in charge of the capital''s prison. There will never be any unjust or false cases. Huang Pu will go to the Qinglong Pavilion to request His Majesty to give everyone a fair trial."


    Under the sunlight, the thin memorial was opened up. Each name was placed squarely on it, and on closer inspection, they were the names and seals of the officials of the Da Lisi.


    At this point, there was a sudden silence from the top and bottom of the government office. Only the sound of breath intake could be heard.


    At the beginning of the founding of Dajing, Taizu prevented the powerful officials from deceiving their subordinates and the common people from redressing their grievances by erecting a huge blue dragon bell on the Qinglong Pavilion in front of the palace. Both the common people and the lower ranking officials were allowed to go beyond their rank to ring the bell to bring their grievances to the attention of Heaven.


    But the bell could not be rung easily. Ordinary people who wished to ring the bell had to undergo thirty strokes of the plank to show their will, while lower-ranking officials... had to take the top hat and plume[4] as a guarantee, and if the report was wrong, they would be relegated to the common people and would never be employed as officials.


    [4] í”´÷»¨ôá - flower tail feathers; plume;top hat and plume - It was an important symbol to distinguish the official rank of an official. In the Qing dynasty, the flower plume was a symbol of prestige and rank. Being punished by the removal of the plume is an extraordinary serious punishment.


    It was unthinkable that the names of all the officials of the Da Lisi were on this memorial.


    "Lord Pei, we are all willing to comply with Lord Huang''s wishes."


    A group of officials walked out of the Da Lisi, all placing their official hats in their hands and looking solemn.


    Pei Zhan''s complexion was deathly pale and he shivered, unable to speak. He knew better than anyone that if the Qinglong Bell was really rung in the name of all the officials of the Da Lisi, his career would come to an end.


    Huang Pu put away the memorial. He walked over to Ren Anle and cupped his hands in obeisance, "Lord Ren, Yu An has left the Da Lisi in your hands."


    Ren Anle raised her head, her gaze burning: "Why would Lord Huang believe in Anle?"


    Even to the extent of betting the future of a government official on her!


    "We share the same heart. Your Excellency, being a humble man, can understand the pains these candidates have gone through in their ten years of hard study. Besides, Your Excellency has great ambitions in mind, and Yu An believes that Your Excellency''s involvement in this case is not just for the sake of the Crown Princess position in the Eastern Palace."


    Ren Anle''s pupils deepened, and after half a second, she solemnly bowed to Huang Pu: "Lord Huang, Ren Anle promises you that she will never fail to do what your lordship has entrusted her with."


    She knew why Huang Pu had to ring the Qinglong Bell. The Minister of Revenue and the Marquis of Zhongyi, this people was too involved. If not, perhaps the truth would be sealed before it could be made public.


    The reason why her name and seal were not included in the memorial was because once the Qinglong bell was rung, everyone would immediately become sinful and no longer have the right to hear the case, and Ren Anle...was the only bargaining chip left by a group of officials from the Da Lisi.


    Huang Pu nodded his head and exchanged glances with the officials in the government office. Ten or so officials walked down the stone steps and followed Huang Pu, official hats in hand, towards the Qinglong Pavilion in the Imperial City.


    From the beginning to the end, the common people and scholars were silent and solemn, both inside and outside the Da Lisi.


    Pei Zhan leaned against a stone lion on the side, his face ashen and defeated.


    "Commander Wu, escort Gu Qishan to the main prison. No one is allowed to visit until this case is finalized."


    Ren Anle stood on top of the stone steps of the Da Lisi, a vivid purple official robe was particularly eye-catching. Her expression solemn and implicitly powerful.


    "Also ........on the day of the trial, the courthouse of the Da Lisi will be open to the people and scholars of the capital who wish to hear this public trial. If you want to hear the trial, you can come here, and Ren Anle will give everyone justice!"


    Ren Anle''s voice was heard from every corner of the street outside the Da Lisi, a loud and deafening sound. Her voice was clear and so loud that even the deaf can hear.


    In the midst of the crowd, on a carriage, through a thin cloth curtain, Han Ye''s gaze was deep and distant, and he suddenly burst out laughing.


    "What a clever woman." He looked extremely pleased and appreciative. Wen Shuo had never seen such outward emotions in his eyes before, so he was a little bewildered for a moment.


    "Your Highness?"


    "Capturing Gu Qishan in the Juxian House where scholars gathered to draw the anger of the exam candidates; bringing Gu Qishan back to the streets to ignite the people''s anger, and using the power of the Da Lisi officials to ignite the indignation of all the officials ......" Han Ye shook his head with a bitter smile: "If Gu didn''t know that Ren Anle came from the south of Jin, Gu would have thought she had a big grudge against the Marquis of Zhongyi!"


    "Your Highness, will His Majesty really give the power to investigate the case to Ren Anle?"


    "Wen Shuo." Han Ye''s voice was faint and distant, "The Qinglong bell built by the Tai Zu since the founding of the country has never been rung."


    Wen Shuo had an epiphany and looked towards the woman standing on the stone steps not far away, unable to hide his shock.


    The Qinglong bell being rung meant that injustice was hard to be redressed under the rule of the Emperor, this was an emperor''s failure. Given the temperament of Emperor Jia Ning, how could he possibly hold back this anger?


    But ...... Ren Anle, even if she was smart, would not have predicted that things would develop to such a state, right?


    The imperial garden pavilion in the imperial city.


    In the past few days, the court has been troubled by trivial matters, and there has been a case of fraud in the imperial examinations. Emperor Jia Ning has suffered from a cold after his anger. It is a rare day when the sky is high and fresh, so he summoned Wang An to the palace for tea.


    The Emperor had five brothers. The other four were killed in the chaos of the prince, and the only one left was this gentle and soft-tempered elder brother.


    Wang An had no desire for power and never interfered in court disputes, and it was for this reason that the Emperor had always respected him.


    "Your Majesty, seeing your rosy complexion, I think you have recovered from the wind chill." Wang An was of a loyal nature. He also had a round face and thick appearance.


    "When you''re old, the body is not as good as it used to be." Emperor Jia Ning smiled with emotion.


    "Where? Your Majesty is in the prime of life. The spirit of a dragon horse [5]. This subject heard that only last month Imperial concubine Zhaoyi was expecting a child. Congratulations to Your Majesty." Wang An cupped his hand to congratulate him, and his eyes were full of teasing.


    [5] ÁúÂí¾«Éñ [l¨®ng m¨£ j¨©ng sh¨¦n] - the spirit of a dragon horse£»full of vigour [vitality]


    Emperor Jianing was taken aback for a moment, then laughed long and hard. His expression full of triumph.


    "Your Majesty, Gu Zhaoyi is asking for an audience outside the garden." Zhao Fu reported in a low voice from under the stone pavilion, interrupting Emperor Jia Ning''s laughter.


    Emperor Jia Ning was in a good mood and waved his hand, "Let her in.


    Wang An smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Your Majesty, it''s indeed true that Cao Cao[6] has arrived."


    [6]˵²Ü²Ù²Ü²Ùµ½ [shu¨­ c¨¢o c¨¡o c¨¢o c¨¡o d¨¤o] - To speak of Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrives is a popular colloquialism. It describes the unexpected appearance of the other party in front of the speaker, often as a surprise; Speak of the devil(ħ¹í, ¶ñ¹÷)£¬and he appears. »òÕßSpeak of the devil and he will come.


    The Emperor was about to reply when the sound of running footsteps sounded. A woman in a pale red jacket rushed into the stone pavilion. With a raindrops on a pear blossom [7], it was unbearable to look at her. She bowed towards Emperor Jia Ning and choked up, "Your Majesty, you must do something for this concubine."


    [7]À滨´øÓêlit. like raindrops on a pear blossom (idiom); fig. tear-stained face of a beauty


    Emperor Jia Ning frowned, a little embarrassed, "What''s wrong? Speak slowly, Zhen will do it for you!"


    Wang An turned his head back and pretended not to see it.


    Gu Zhaoyi lowered her eyes and her voice trembled, "Your Majesty, This concubine heard a message from her family that the shaoqing of the Da Lisi, Ren Anle, had wrongfully accused the younger brother of this concubine and had him tied up in the Da Lisi!"


    "Tied up Qi Shan, how is that possible? Imperial concubine must not listen to rumours."


    "Your Majesty, that Ren Anle said that Qi Shan was involved in the imperial examination fraud case. This is a big injustice. Qi Shan was raised by father to be naughty and mischievous, but he doesn''t have the guts to cheat in the imperial examinations ah!"


    Emperor Jianing narrowed his eyes and his expression faded a bit. He lowered his head and looked at Gu Zhaoyi who was crying sadly. He sighed and reached out to help...


    Suddenly, the magnificent and ancient sound of bells rang out in the four fields of the imperial city, spreading throughout the capital with a force that could shake the sky.


    The complexions of Emperor Jianing and Wang An changed at the same time, and Wang An even stood up from his seat in shock.


    The Qinglong Bell! The Qinglong Bell, which hadn''t been rung for twenty years, had actually been rung!


    "Your Majesty!" A chamberlain ran in from outside the garden and fell to his knees in a terrified voice: "Lord Huangpu, the shaoqing of the Da Lisi, and dozens of officials from the Da Lisi have rung the Green Dragon Bell, imploring Your Majesty to issue an imperial decree to thoroughly investigate the imperial examinations fraud."


    "Your Majesty!"


    Before Emperor Jia Ning could respond, almost at the same time, Zeng Hai, the commander of the imperial guards guarding the imperial city, hurriedly entered and also fell to his knees, reporting back in a deep voice, "The candidates of this examination are kneeling outside the Chongyang Gate, begging Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate the imperial examination case and give them justice!"


    There was a dead silence in the imperial garden as Gu Zhaoyi remained on her knees, completely losing the momentum she had earlier.


    Only after a long time did she hear Emperor Jia Ning''s cold voice.


    "Zeng Hai, bring Huang Pu in to me, Zhen want to ask who it was that dared to let him ring the Qinglong Bell!"


    í”´÷»¨ôá - flower tail feathers; plume;top hat and plume


    Source: Baidu

 CH 13

    Only the last remnants of the sunset were left at the end of the heavenly staircase, and the hazy yellow sunset shone over the ancient and long-established imperial capital.


    Zhao Fu had been chief steward for more than ten years and had never been sent out of the Emperor''s upper study when Emperor Jianing was talking about secret matters, like the Qinglong bell being rung abruptly at the top of the imperial city for the first time in decades.


    Although, to put it mildly, it was not quite a secret matter, he was almost certain that His Majesty must be ashamed into anger at the moment.


    He slightly bent over and stood facing the entrance of the study room, always maintaining a respectful posture. When he turned his eyes and inadvertently glanced at the scene on the stone steps, a faintly visible emotion passed under his cloudy eyes.


    Gu Kuan, the marquis of Zhongyi who holds tens of thousands of troops and horses in the northwest, knelt straight on the blue-patterned stone steps, gazing quietly at the closed upper study with a calm and composed demeanour.


    At the corridor, Gu Zhaoyi was supported by two palace servants. Her long and slender fingertips tightened, and her complexion was a little pale.


    It has been two hours since Huang Pu was summoned into the Upper Study to report everything.


    Although Zhao Fu hadn''t left this place, he knew that all the people in the capital were waiting for the decision of the one inside.


    "Zhao Fu, come in."


    By the time Zhao Fu had pacified the great eunuch sent to the Ci''an hall for the third time to ask questions, Emperor Jia Ning''s voice finally rang out in the suffocating silence.


    Marquis of Zhongyi, who was kneeling on the stone steps, was taken aback. His face more than a touch relieved.


    With a long breath of relief, Zhao Fu shook his body and pushed open the door of the upper study room¡ª¡ª


    The night pearls in the room were illuminated, casting a shallow shadow on the quietness of the room. Emperor Jia Ning sat on the couch with his eyes solemn, his already unwell body looking a little tired. Huang Pu knelt not far from the floor, his head bowed in silence.


    Zhao Fu walked cautiously to the Emperor''s side and asked in a respectful voice, "Your Majesty, what is your command?"


    Emperor Jia Ning waved his hand and pointed towards the desk, "Bring the jade seal here and draw up a decree for zhen."


    Huang Pu''s ears twitched as Emperor Jia Ning glanced at him and commanded in a deep voice, "Pass down the decree. Because the Minister of the Da Lisi, Pei Zhan, is physically ill, zhen have ordered the shaoqing of the Da Lisi, Ren Anle, to work with the two ministers to examine the case of cheating in the imperial examinations ......"


    Huang Pu suddenly raised his head, looking excited.


    The Emperor Jia Ning snorted and continued with a flick of his sleeve, "What are you so happy about? You only have one day. If the investigation of the case is still not clear by tomorrow, the official hats of all the officials in the Da Lisi will be removed, along with Ren An Le''s!"


    "Your Majesty, This subject is willing to trust Ren da ren..."


    "Even the Qinglong Bell has been struck, Zhen do not doubt Huang Qing''s trust in Ren Anle!" Emperor Jia Ning coldly interrupted Huang Pu.


    "Your Majesty, This subject really can''t bear the thought of the scholars travelling thousands of miles to the capital for the imperial examination only to end up with an illusionary scene and their efforts to be in vain......," Huang Pu said fearfully, looking embarrassed and knocking his head on the ground.


    "Fine." Emperor Jia Ning sighed, "You go down, zhen will allow a group of officials from the Da Lisi to observe the trial tomorrow."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Huang Pu gave a courtesy and retreated.


    "Zhao Fu, pronounce the decree, right outside my study."


    Inside the quiet upper study, Emperor Jia Ning''s voice was particularly cold.


    Zhao Fu responded with a low voice. He finished drafting the imperial edict, stamped the jade seal and walked out of the upper study. He read it aloud before handing it over to the deputy steward to send it to the Da Lisi.


    "Old Marquis, His Majesty says that the fraud case will be handed over to Lord Ren for trial. When there is a result, His Majesty will surely make a decision, so please return to the Marquis'' residence first."


    He did not miss the Marquis of Zhongyi''s dismayed look and Gu Zhaoyi''s limp figure on the palace maid.


    The Marquis of Zhongyi, Gu Kuan, had an unsightly complexion and remained motionless on his knees.


    Zhao Fu sighed. After all, Marquis of Zhongyi had been domineering for too many years. This matter has become so big, but he still dares to defy the imperial decree in full view of the public and still kneel outside the upper study.


    The Qinglong bell was rung, a group of exam candidates kneeling at the Chongyang Gate, and a petition was filed by the officials of the government. Anyone would know that the Da Lisi had solid evidence in hand. Gu Qishan was only subjected to the test questions, the heaviest would only be stripped of the right of succession to the title, which would hardly touch the bones of the Marquis of Zhongyi. But the Marquis of Zhongyi is so indifferent to the heart. To the emperor, what is this if not a case of taking advantage of merit and being arrogant in favor?


    After waiting for a while, the news of the departure of the exam candidates from the Chongyang Gate came. Zhao Fu re-entered the upper study and reported softly, "Your Majesty, the guards came back and said that the candidates had thanked Your Majesty for his great kindness and had dispersed. It''s just that ...... the Marquis of Zhongyi has not yet risen."


    "Don''t mind him, he will naturally get up." Emperor Jia Ning''s barely eased face sank as he coldly snorted, "He is so rampant because he holds so much military power in the northwest. His Gu family''s face was rewarded by zhen, and now he is using it to hold favor!"


    "Your Majesty, quell your anger."


    Emperor Jia Ning waved his hand. His eyes narrowed, his expression was unpredictable, and his words were meaningful.


    "The Gu family has been domineering for a long time, I have heard about it. But this Ren Anle ...... can cause so much trouble, I really regret that I missed her last audience in the palace."


    At sunset, the people who filled the streets finally waited for the decree to be issued from the imperial city.


    There was no leap of joy, only relief and great hope in their eyes.


    The people dispersed only after they had seen the official announcement posted by the Da Lisi that the court would be held at the chenshi [1] hour of the second day.


    [1]  ³½Ê± ³½•r ch¨¦n sh¨ª 7-9 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times)


    Late at night, Ren Anle, who had been sitting at the Da Lisi for the whole day, finished reading the files left by Huang Pu and led Yuan Qin for a leisurely walk on the street.


    "Miss, I''m afraid that tomorrow''s trial will not be too easy for the right and left minister and the young lady."


    The streets of the imperial capital were particularly cold late at night. Yuan Qin took two steps to tie the cloak she carried around Ren Anle''s neck and said softly.


    "If it wasn''t for the recommendation of the Da Lisi, and the fact that the people''s will cannot be disobeyed, the case would never have fallen on my lap. The imperial court is dominated by the left Minister, and the one in the imperial city is afraid that he wants me to fall on my face so that he can take his breath away and not spend silver on a joke.


    Ren Anle laughed softly, her voice sounding casual and relaxed, different from the domineering coldness she usually displayed in front of people.


    As they chatted, the two of them unknowingly reached a cold and desolate street.


    The street is very wide, with elegant and luxurious buildings on both sides. At the end of the road, an ancient and simple mansion stands quietly. The stone lions in front of the mansion are mottled and the red paint is peeling, as if it has been abandoned for a long time.


    Under the dim yellow light, even from a distance of a hundred metres, one can still vaguely feel the glory and prosperity of the past.


    "Which family''s mansion is that?"


    The two of them paused. Ren Anle raised her head and asked quietly.


    "Miss, back in the day, when the Taizu favoured the Di clan, he gave an entire street in the imperial city to the Marquis of Jing''an for the purpose of repairing his residence. I think this is the place. This should be the former residence of the Marquis of Jing''an."


    Yuan Qin''s voice was particularly clear in the late night street, but for some reason, it felt cold and silent to the ears.


    Ren Anle took a distant glance at the deserted Marquis of Jing''an''s residence in the distance, answered ''Oh'' in a low voice, and with a quiet expression, turned to leave.


    Under the full moon, the vivid red cloak trailed on the ground, reflecting the distant figure walking away slowly, solemnly cold and resounding.


    The next day, the chenshi hour is approaching.


    Since the founding of the country, the Da Lisi has never had a case that has attracted more attention than this one. The official road was crowded with people looking forward to it. There were dozens of candidates standing on the stone steps below the lobby of the government office, while the officials of the Da Lisi stood on both sides, and the magistrates were looking at each other. In addition to the seat of the presiding judge, there were also two chairs on the left and one on the right. The entire Da Lisi was solemn and unusual.


    The drums sounded and the chenshi hour arrived.


    The left and the right minister came out of the back hall, looked at each other, and looked towards the other entrance.


    They had not seen Ren Anle since they had entered the Da Lisi early in the morning.


    When the noise stopped, Ren Anle, dressed in a crimson red official''s robe, came out from the other end of the hall, her eyebrows sober and stern.


    It was the first time a woman from Dajing had ever handled a case as an official, so the crowd looked up in wonder.


    Ren Anle bowed to the left and right ministers and walked up to the desk, where the three of them sat on the lobby.


    The curtain has finally been raised on the imperial examinations cheating case, which had become a furore in the 17th year of the Jia Ning era.


    Behind the hall separated by a curtain, Wen Shuo saw the rare interest on Han Ye''s face and whispered, "Your Highness, I heard that the Marquis of Zhongyi knelt in the Imperial City for half the night yesterday, but his Majesty did not summon him. He was assisted back by the imperial guards at dawn."


    "He used his merit to hold favor. Father Emperor must have developed a grudge in his heart." Han Ye said indifferently.


    "The Marquis of Zhongyi has always been close to His Highness, so this time Ren Anle has done His Highness a favour by playing a crooked game."


    Wen Shuo laughed, his eyes narrowed into slits in delight. Han Ye patted his head and listened intently as he heard Ren Anle''s order for the magistrates to take a group of people with them.


    In the hall, Wu Yue and the two candidates were kneeling on the floor, looking terrified.


    "Wu Yue, the other day in hall you admitted to handing over the test questions to Song Xian and Liu Jiang, now do you plead guilty?"


    Wu Yue nodded, "This student admit his guilt." The other two looked ashen and nodded in unison.


    The cheating cheat sheet was found on all three of them, and the evidence of their guilt was conclusive, so they could not argue.


    "Since you have admitted your guilt, this official will pronounce the sentence in this court¡ª¡ª" Ren Anle rang the bell said in a deep voice, "Song Xian and Liu Jiang have cheated in the examinations. This official sentence you both to no longer have the right to enter the imperial examinations, to be stripped of your title of scholar, and to be sent to the northwest for three years of forced labour."


    The two men bowed down and were then taken away by the magistrates. Wu Yue was still in the courtroom, and everyone knew that the case had only just begun.


    The Left Minister was calm, but when he saw Du Tingsong, who had been escorted in, he unconsciously recalled his first son''s terrified and worried expression, and the hand that was touching the jade ring paused slightly.


    Ren Anle inadvertently glanced at the left Minister, the expression in her eyes unclear.


    In the hall, Du Tingsong was kneeling quietly, his face buried low and his expression could not be clearly seen. Only Gu Qishan, who had been imprisoned for a day, still looked arrogant despite his wretched clothes.


    At the sight of these two being announced into the hall, Wu Yue visibly cowered and looked terrified.


    "Wu Yue, yesterday when Lord Huang asked about the case, you said that the test questions had also been given to Gu Qishan, is that correct?"


    "Back to Your Excellency ......" Wu Yue''s voice trembled slightly, then became firm. He kowtowed repeatedly and said, "Yes, this student''s momentary confusion has led to a big mistake. This student willingly admits his guilt. He just hope that it will not bring misfortunes to his family. "


    If it wasn''t for the safety of his family, he wouldn''t have dared to confess Gu Qishan and Du Tingsong in the courtroom. If he were to be accused of cheating in the imperial examination and of being the mastermind behind the death of the university scholar, it will surely bring disaster to the nine generation of his clan.


    "Nonsense, where did I ask for the test questions you gave me? You are spitting blood![2]" Gu Qishan almost jumped up and roared, his expression fierce, then turned to Ren Anle and said with an arch of his hand, "Lord Ren, Wu Yue only climbed on others to get away with it. I was wrongly accused!"


    [2]  Ѫ¿ÚÅçÈË [xu¨¨ k¨¯u p¨¥n r¨¦n] to spit blood (idiom); venomous slander; malicious attacks


    When he saw that Ren Anle was silent, he turned his eyes and pointed at Du Tingsong: "Maybe his confession that the examination questions came from Du Tingsong is also a slanderous statement. The questions were only retrieved from him, and we had nothing to do with it. How can a mere one-sided statement be used as evidence?"


    Although Gu Qishan is ignorant and incompetent and always like to stir up a lot of trouble, there is some truth in what he said at this time. The candidates in the hall nodded at each other, and even the people at the entrance of the government office were talking about it.


    After all, it was only Wu Yue''s words that had come out of his mouth so far, and there was no reliable evidence.


    The Left Minister''s face was calm. With a smile under his eyes, he said, "Lord Ren, what Gu Qishan said is not wrong. If the Da Lisi is allowed to ring the Qinglong Bell just because of Wu Yue''s one-sided words, then this case is really a laughing stock."


    As soon as the Left Minister''s words were spoken, the uproar grew louder and the faces of the Da Lisi officials turned red.


    Wu Yue''s hand trembled as he pointed at Gu Qi Shan: "Young Marquis, I clearly informed you of the examination questions ......"


    "Where is the evidence?" Gu Qishan was smug.


    "Half a month ago at the Juxian House ......"


    "I often meet with you to have fun. You said you had given me the examination questions, who can testify to that?" Gu Qishan was quite sure that there was no witness at that time.


    Wu Yue''s face was deathly pale and he couldn''t speak.


    "Who said there is no witness?" Ren Anle''s calm voice sounded in the hall, looking at Gu Qishan with a meaningful gaze.


    "Impossible!" Gu Qishan abruptly got up and was pressed back down to his knees by the magistrate on the side.


    "If this official says there is, naturally there is. Young Marquis, do you still insist that that you didn''t cheat on the imperial examination?


    "Of course, Lord Ren. You said that there is a witness, where?"


    Seeing Gu Qishan''s repeated questions, Ren Anle said, "Inside this hall."


    The crowd froze, and Huang Pu was the only one with a calm expression.


    Seeing the silence of the crowd, Ren Anle waved her hand, "Present the evidence."


    As the crowd watched, a magistrate brought a wooden tray up to the hall and placed it on the desk. It was covered with a blue cloth, so it was impossible to see what it was.


    Ren Anle lifted the cloth and a paper test fell before the eyes of everyone.


    She picked up the examination paper and unfolded it slowly. Looking at Gu Qi Shan, she spoke in a deep voice, word for word, "Young Marquis, you are the witness."


    "Since you said that you never took the examination questions given by Wu Yue, then this examination paper was naturally answered by you personally. What is now in this hall is your examination paper. As long as you can recite the contents of the examination paper, I will find you not guilty in this court and personally send you back to the Marquis of Zhongyi''s residence to beg forgiveness!"

 CH 14

    The voice of Ren Anle was accompanied by the steep change in Gu Qishan''s face, and there was silence inside and outside the hall as everyone looked at the young marquis, who had suddenly fallen silent, and understood the intention of Ren Anle''s move.


    The youngest marquis of the Marquis of Zhongyi has been ignorant and incompetent since childhood, and if he had truly asked someone to write a good answer to the exam question for him in advance, he would naturally not remember the vast thousand character answer in the imperial examination.


    The left minister looked at Ren Anle with solemn brows and was silent, while the right minister gave a secret praise and said in a deep voice, "Young marquis, Lord Ren is right. If you are truly wronged, just recite the answer to the exam question, and this minister will guarantee that justice will be done to you."


    A thin, cold sweat broke out from Gu Qishan''s forehead as he said in a stiff voice, "Right Minister, I was so nervous during the imperial examination that I could not remember what I had written. I was just answering the exam question absent-mindedly."


    There was an uproar as the exam candidates in the hall scoffed at Gu Qishan''s excuses. The imperial examination was so important that even if one''s literary skills were lacking, one would not forget what they had answered.


    Ren Anle waved her hand to silence the crowd, ignoring Gu Qishan''s sophistry and trailing off, "It doesn''t matter if the Young marquis can''t remember the content of the examination paper. The questions in this examination are too obscure, and the question of ''the way of the common people'' is indeed difficult to answer..."


    "Exactly, such an obscure question. I naturally just wrote answers randomly, and I didn''t expect to get a good result!" Gu Qi Shan nodded his head contentedly, as if he had found an excuse for himself.


    The entire hall, inside and out, suddenly fell silent for some reason. He felt vaguely that something was wrong and raised his head towards Ren Anle.


    At the left side of Ren Anle, the left minister''s face was cold and sullen. If he hadn''t been so well-cultivated, he would have wanted to kick this swine in the face.


    "Young Marquis, this official has said that you are the proof." Ren Anle''s voice suddenly dropped coldly, "The question of the examination is not ''the way of the common people'' at all, the two great masters have written ''the way of keeping one''s job''. It''s understandable that you can''t remember the content of the examination paper, but you don''t even know the topic of the examination, and you still say that you wrote the examination paper yourself!"


    Ren Anle looked straight at Gu Qishan and scolded him angrily.


    Gu Qishan''s face changed drastically and he shouted in a hoarse voice, "Ren Anle, you dare to mislead me!"


    "This official is the one in charge of this case, so it is not your turn to dictate how the case should be examined. Gu Qishan, this official ask you, do you admit to the crime of cheating in the imperial examination or not?"


    "So what if I admit it? I am the noble d¨ª[1] son of the marquis, what if you punish me for a mere case of cheating!"


    [1]µÕ d¨ª - son of first wife


    The evidence was irrefutable, but Gu Qishan still refused to admit his fault. The candidates outside the hall were filled with righteous indignation and their faces were full of anger.


    Ren Anle did not reply, but waved her hand for the magistrate to escort Gu Qishan to the side, and looked towards Du Ting Song, who had his head down.


    As if sensing Ren Anle''s gaze, he raised his head. His face calm and steady, with a clear and frank look in his eyes that he was ready to die.


    Ren Anle was slightly stunned, and then understood ...... that this man had entered the Da Lisi with the intention of certain death.


    "Is the man in the hall Du Tingsong?"


    "Back to Your Excellency, the student is."


    "Wu Yue said he got the exam questions from you. Did he tell a lie?"


    Du Tingsong did not answer, but asked, "Do you have any proof, Your Excellency?"


    Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and opened the evidence presented by the magistrate from the side. She then took another examination paper from the tray and unfolded it.


    "He did not throw away the exam questions you gave Wu Yue that day. When the magistrates searched him, they found two copies on his body. At first I thought he had prepared an extra copy for fear of missing it, but later I realized that the two papers had different handwriting. Du Tingsong, this is your examination paper from the imperial examination. Just compare the two handwritings to see whether you are the one who provided the paper or not."


    The hall was silent. Almost no one knew that two papers with different handwriting had been found from Wu Yue''s body, and that the full officials of the Da Lisi had really had something to fall back on when they gambled their future by ringing the Qinglong Bell.


    Huang Pu breathed a long sigh of relief. Only now was the case really presented to the public.


    Du Tingsong glanced towards Wu Yue and was silent for half a second before saying, "There''s no need to compare the handwriting. The exam questions were given to Wu Yue by me."


    Unlike the overbearing Gu Qishan, Du Tingsong, the son of the Minister of Household Affairs, has a good reputation in general. The exam candidates in the hall were somewhat incredulous to hear Du Tingsong admit it himself.


    "Why did you give the exam question to Wu Yue?"


    "Your Excellency also knows that if you get to the top three, you will bring honor to your ancestors and become a man of honor. I have always been good friends with Wu Yue, so I told him about the test questions, but I didn''t expect him to pass them on to someone else."


    Hearing Du Tingsong''s calm and dull reply, Wu Yue, who was kneeling at one side, buried his head even lower and unconsciously moved his body towards the side.


    Ren Anle looked down the hall and asked again, "Where did your exam question come from?"


    The hall suddenly became quiet. This was the answer that almost everyone wanted to know. If Du Tingsong''s exam question was also obtained from other candidates, this case would be considered a shocking one.


    The left minister''s face sank like water, with a hint of unusual tightness. The right minister glanced suspiciously to his left.


    "Lord Ren, I begged for the exam question from Lord Li." Du Tingsong lowered his eyes and slowly replied, "Lord Li is my teacher. I was so distressed about the imperial examination that I went into the Li residence late at night and begged so hard that my teacher could not bear it and told me the exam question.


    "Oh? Then why did Lord Li''s apology letter not mention you at all, but instead said that the person he gave the exam question to was Wu Yue?"


    "The teacher knew that the test questions he had given me had been exposed, so he wrote a letter of guilt and killed himself to protect me." Du Tingsong knelt on the ground and pleaded, "Lord Ren, I am responsible for all the crimes of the imperial examination cheating. I am ashamed of His Majesty, my teachers, and my parents. I wish to die as a token of my guilt!"


    When Du Tingsong admitted to all his sins in the courtroom, the Left Minister exhaled lightly and his stiff body relaxed.


    This Du Ting Song is not too stupid. Fortunately, the Du family has more than one son, and Du Shang Shu knows how to make the choice.


    There were sighs of relief from both inside and outside the hall, the outcome of the case was now known, but it wasn''t too bad after all.


    At this point, all that was left was for Ren Anle to pronounce her sentence.


    "Du Tingsong, you claim to be ashamed of the Emperor''s grace, your teacher, and your parents ......then what about your comrade and the common people of the Great Jing?"


    "This  official ask you, if this matter had not been uncovered and you had won the top three in the imperial examination, who would the exam candidates who were defeated because of your cheating have turned to for justice when they have had a difficult life? If the heart is not right, the person is not right. How can you serve as an official and benefit the people?"


    Du Tingsong looked dazed, with ashamed expression on his face. Before he could answer, Ren Anle already looked at Gu Qishan who was at the side.


    "Gu Qishan, you just questioned me about the cheating in the imperial examination, which is a mere mistake. How can this official punish you, the di son of the marquis?"


    Ren Anle rose and looked at the two people in the hall who were waiting to be convicted, her gaze burning, "The imperial examination is a fundamental part of the selection of talent in Great Jing. If the imperial examination is in disarray, the country''s foundation will also be in disarray. It is absurd for you to say that this is a mere trivial matter. Do you think this court is the back garden of the Marquis of Zhongyi?"


    "Our students have studied hard for ten years to get the opportunity to sit for the imperial examination, why do you treat it as if it is nothing? I''ll tell you what the Imperial Examination of Dajing is!"


    Ren Anle''s eyes darted across the hall, from the right minister to the officials of the Da Lisi, with a solemn expression.


    "Twenty years ago, when the Dajing dynasty was established, the country selected talents. Although Wei Jian, the Right minister, was a great scholar, he still took the examination at the age of thirty in order to appease the people''s heart, and was the first top scorer in the imperial examination of the Dajing dynasty."


    "Song Jingzhao, a cabinet scholar, went through three examinations, tasted the hardships of poverty, and spent ten years of hardwork before he reached the third rank in the imperial examination. His strength of character was respected by the world."


    "The late Crown Prince tutor Ning Chuyu filled the world with peach and plum[2], and was the top of the list in the four years of Taizu."


    [2] outstanding students


    "Without the imperial examination system to select the best candidates, how could we have had decades of peace in Great Jing?Gu Qishan, the imperial examination is more important to the people of Dajing than the sky. So what if you are the di son of the marquis? Are you more important than the sky!"


    "How do you know that the students entering the imperial examination are not full of ambition, that they may have aspirations for the world, or that they may have a heart of gold. You have disrupted our Great Jing''s laws and discipline of imperial court, let alone being innocent!"


    Gu Qishan was so shocked by Ren Anle''s loftiness that he fell to the ground, his face pale beyond words.


    "Even for the officials of the Da Lisi, who have painstakingly studied hard for several years before they were given their official robes. If they had not been deeply affected by it, why would they have risked their careers for the truth of a case to give justice to the exam candidates!"


    Ren Anle breathed a long sigh of relief and clapped the wood of the hall.


    "Wu Yue, you have committed cheating in the imperial examination. The evidence of your guilt is conclusive. This official will give you the same punishment as Song Xian and Liu Jiang."


    "Thank you, Your Excellency, for your kindness."


    "Du Ting Song, you leaked the examination questions, disrupted the examination, and caused Li Chong En to kill himself. This official will strip you of your title as a scholar and sentence you to be executed after the autumn."


    "Your Excellency, this student accept his punishment." Du Tingsong''s face was ashamed and indignant. He kowtowed his head to the ground.


    "Gu Qishan, although you only cheated in the examination and are not the main culprit, you have a nasty attitude, roaring in the law court and looking down on the law. This official sentence you to 30 planks, a fine of 1,000 taels of silver to help the poor candidates, and three years of hard labor."


    Gu Qishan''s face was blue and white, and his expression was indignant.


    At this moment, the exam candidates in the hall were in high spirits, and there was a hidden excitement in their eyes as they looked at Ren Anle.


    Inside the back hall, Han Ye didn''t know when he had gotten up. He looked quietly at the vivid red figure standing proudly beyond a curtain. The admiration in his eyes was almost overflowing.


    Ren Anle, far more magnificent than he could have imagined. No other woman in the world could be as unyielding as her in this high hall.


    Wen Shuo stood behind Han Ye, his shocked expression unmistakable.


    "Go back." Seeing that the trial was nearly over, Han Ye turned to leave towards the back door. "When you return, you will personally select a congratulatory gift to send to the Ren fu[3]."


    [3] residence


    Wen Shuo raised his eyebrow.


    "I''m afraid the capital is about to get a new Da Lisi Minister." Han Ye''s hearty laughter came from afar.


    Inside the hall, Ren Anle raised her head and looked towards the crowd of candidates on top of the stone steps, her voice was loud and clear.


    "We are all born into different status, but life is unpredictable. Who knows what will happen to you in a few decades? You are the future pillars of our country, so this official hope that you will all do your best in the Imperial examination. On the day that you are successful in the imperial examination, Ren Anle will drink and celebrate with you all! Retreat the hall!"


    The wood of the hall was struck again, Ren Anle walked into the back hall. The stone drums were beaten and the thunderous applause shook the sky and lasted for a long time.


    Both the exam candidates standing on the stone staircase and the people watching from outside the prefecture had a sense of well-being that they had never felt before.


    In the aisle of the back hall, the left minister, with an ugly look on his face, turned and brushed his sleeves away, while the right minister, listening to the scene outside, nodded secretly, scratched his beard and walked away shaking his head.


    He was sure that after this incident, all the scholars in this examination would have a desire to return the favour to Ren Anle. It is true what she said ...... that even a woman may not be unable to have a place in the court of Dajing, and now it seems that there is more than just a place.


    The scholars, the common people, plus the courtiers whom Ren Anle praised in the hall today, have all imperceptibly become Ren Anle''s support and protection.


    For the first time, the Right minister felt that if Ren Anle was a mere prince consort of the Eastern Palace, she was really wronged!


    It''s nighttime in the study of Ren fu.


    Ren Anle has changed into an ink black long dress, her long hair dripping with water is scattered. Her eyebrows are slightly furrowed as she leans back on the couch.


    Yuan Qin was carefully wiping her hair with a cloth towel when Yuan Shu came in from outside and reported in a low voice:l, "Miss, the bookcase where the examination papers were kept in the tribute courtyard caught fire just now. The examination papers of all the exam candidates were burned."


    Ren Anle opened her eyes, looking clear and bright, "I see."


    "Yuan Qin, of the exam candidates standing in the hall today, can you tell me how many exam candidates did not show up?"


    Yuan Qin recalled for a moment, and then replied, "Apart from Wen Shuo gongzi and the son of the Marquis of Qi Nan''s family, only Jiang Hao, the di son of the Left Minister, did not show up."


    The corner of her lips slightly hooked as Ren Anle sat cross-legged, resting her chin, "I''m afraid it''s a guilty conscience. Li Chong''en has been an official for more than ten years and was very experienced. If the imperial court official hadn''t been so powerful that he couldn''t refuse, he wouldn''t have drawn misfortune and ended up killing himself. It''s just that I didn''t expect Jiang Yuzhe to be so ruthless, and that Du Shang Shu, who has been his obedient servant for more than ten years, would still end up being treated as an abandoned pawn."


    "If not, how could he have become the minister and ranked above the tens of thousands of people." Yuan Qin smiled, dried Ren Anle''s wet hair and asked, "Miss, shall we leave this matter as it is?"


    Ren Anle nodded, "With Emperor Jia Ning''s holy favor and no evidence, this matter cannot touch him."


    Ren Anle stretched out and instructed, "Yuan Qin, go to Feng Ji tomorrow and make some presentable looking clothes, I''m afraid your lady will be summoned by the Emperor ......."


    Before the words left her mouth, Changqing''s low voice had already sounded outside the study. "Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent a congratulatory gift."


    "Oh? What gift? Why don''t you present it in quickly!" Ren Anle instantly came to spirit, her eyes wide as she looked towards the dark corridor.


    Dozens of palace servants walk in in a line, all with gorgeous faces, but none of them attracted as much attention as what they were holding.


    A set of gorgeous dresses in glorious colours were quietly placed in the hands of the palace servants, so luxurious and graceful that one could tell they were tributes from the forbidden palace.


    The wood boxes were filled with ceramic glaze, gold and silver hairpins, and there was a pleasant clinking sound as the maids walked slowly.


    Although these are valuable, but far from shocking. The three people froze like this only because ...... there are too many. For a little more than half an hour, the stream of gifts sent into the Ren fu did not stop.


    Looking at the gifts that were gradually filling up the study, Yuan Shu turned her head and gave a thumbs up to Ren Anle who looked equally bewildered.


    "As expected of His Royal Highness, really generous. Miss, I will go and prepare ink and pencil, we must write this down. In the future, it will be a clear evidence of your victory in the long history of marriage!"


    In the back hall of the Eastern Palace, His Highness was about to go to bed when he heard the news from the head chamberlain and dropped the celadon pillow in his hand to the ground.


    "Bring that kid Wen Shuo in for Gu. What kind of nonsense has he sent to the Ren residence!"


    "Your Highness, the young master said that the imperial examination will be repeated in a few days, and that he will do his best to prepare for the exam as he is deeply affected today. He has now moved into the western suburbs villa to prepare for the exam at ease, and said ......"


    Han Ye raised his eyebrows, "What else did he say?"


    "He also said that you shouldn''t be reluctant to let go of the money you have saved to marry your wife. Other people are using 30,000 sailors to ask for a marriage, so we at the Eastern Palace can''t fall short!"


    The chief chamberlain fully lived up to the tone of the words left by Young master Wen when he was leaving, and then silently retreated.


    "That kid. Send a word to the village, tell him to do well in the examination, if he fails, just roll back to Gu!"


    The gnashing of teeth[4] rang out in the bedchamber for half the night, causing panic at the slightest movement throughout the Eastern Palace.


    [4]¡¡ÇÐ³Ý [y¨£o y¨¢ qi¨¨ ch¨« ] - gnashing one''s teeth (idiom); displaying extreme anger; fuming with rage between gritted teeth


    Oh, dear His Highness the Crown Prince, are you sure you''re not angry because you''re embarrassed?

 CH 15

    On the second day after the imperial examination cheating was solved, Emperor Jia Ning issued an imperial decree. Dismissing Du Zeru from his post as Minister of the Minister of Household Affairs, deporting his family to the north of the desert, stripping Qi Shan of his succession rights to the title of Marquis of Zhongyi, reprimanding the Marquis of Zhongyi for his incompetence in teaching his son, and fining him a thousand taels of silver, and placing the army in the northwest under the command of General Shi Yuan Lang.


    Qian Guangjin, who was still a junior Minister of the Household, was promoted to Minister of the Household by the Emperor Jia Ning. On the same day that the top three ranking in the Imperial examination came out, Ren Anle, who was praised by all the officials and the public, was also appointed as the Minister of the Da Lisi.


    Since then, Ren Anle has never been absent from a gathering of eminent scholars or a poetry banquet for noble women. All the banquets were honoured to invite her to attend.


    It had only been three months since she had entered the imperial capital to serve in the name of the fierce female bandit that the city disliked.


    The spring breeze was so fast that she saw all the flowers of Chang''an in one day.[1]


    [1]´º·çµÃÒâch¨±n f¨¥ng d¨¦ y¨¬ flushed with success; proud of one''s success (in exams, promotion etc)


    Every three years, a grand banquet is held on the banks of the Qin River for the successful candidates. The young man and official''s son on high horses and in red robes often turn a river of romance attracting countless daughters.


    Despite the twists and turns, this year''s examination did not detract in any way from the popularity of the several exam candidates who passed the examination. Especially notable was the famous Wen Shuo, who was applauded by the Emperor during the Imperial Examination, which became a well-known story.


    On this day, a group of exam candidates who passed the imperial examination paraded through the imperial capital to the sound of gongs and drums, with Wen Shuo at the head of the group dressed in a crimson zhuang yuan[2] robe, as gentle as a crown jade. Wherever he passed, the flowers thrown from the hands of the noble women in the street restaurant laid a foot on the floor.


    [2]×´Ôª zhu¨¤ng yu¨¢n- top scorer in the palace examination (highest rank of the Imperial examination system); (fig.) the most brilliantly talented person in the field; leading light


    In the evening, the Emperor gave a Qionglin banquet[3] at the palace. Even the Crown Prince, who rarely attends banquets, was graciously entertained. The news from the palace was that the prince was overwhelmed with joy, and all of the wine toasted by the scholars was unrefused.


    [3]ÇíÁÖÑç The Qionglin Banquet was a banquet for the new scholars after the palace examination, which began in the Song Dynasty.


    Under the starry moonlit sky, Ren Anle was accompanied by this grand and lively Qiong Hua ceremony and rode into the palace in a carriage at a slow pace.


    Inside the carriage, Yuan Shu blinked her eyes and looked at Ren Anle, who was dressed in a navy blue robe, shaking her head and sighing.


    She was hoping that Ren Anle would wear the clothes and ornaments sent by the Crown Prince to the palace, so that the princesses and noble women would be jealous. But she didn''t know that Ren Anle had already put the gifts in the treasury and sealed them, and instructed them to be used for her future trousseau.


    Hey, my silly young lady. I''ve never seen such a sincere girl like you.


    While the imperial garden was noisy and joyous, the Emperor chose to summon Ren Anle in the quiet Guanxin Garden.


    The Guanxin garden is at the western end of the imperial city and is lit up by several palace lanterns. But as night falls, it is difficult to see the thousand miles of grassland at the foot of the Fuling Mountains as usual. This garden has been a favourite of the Emperor in recent years, and whenever he is not summoning courtiers for state affairs, he always chooses this place to rest.


    There are hundreds of rumours about Ren Anle in the capital. The normally placid Wang An could not help but feel an itch in his heart. When he found out that Emperor Jia Ning had announced Ren An Le''s entry into the palace on this day, he begged to come along.


    At this moment, the old prince, who was sipping the fine wine from the inner palace, stroked his beard and said to Emperor Jia Ning, " Your Majesty, this time the zhuang yuan is deserving of his name. Wen Shuo''s reputation as the right minister was not tarnished."


    Although he is young, Wen Shuo has the talent to govern the world, and with his loyalty to the Crown Prince, he will become a pillar of Great Jing in the future.


    Emperor Jia Ning nodded his head with slight emotion, "He saved the crown prince''s life at the beginning, and now it seems that it is the fate of the two of them. I have been on the throne for sixteen years, but I have yet to see anyone as intelligent as this child ......"


    "Not so much, the girl''s intelligence was probably not under Wen Shuo ......" Wang An was slightly drunk and suddenly took a sip. Only halfway through his sentence did he suddenly realize that he had violated the emperor''s taboo and put down his wine glass embarrassedly, "Your Majesty ......"


    Emperor Jia Ning waved his hand and took a sip of his wine, "There is no need for Wang An to be concerned." He paused, then narrowed his eyes and said indifferently, "This is the truth. I knew back then... if Di Ziyuan had been raised by the Di family, I am afraid there would have been a second Di Chengtian in this world."


    Wang An swallowed his saliva, deeply convinced that he had been wise all his life, but in his old age, he was too quick to speak. He wanted to pound out all the books he had read in his previous life, and turned over countless thoughtful and profound topics in his mind in an attempt to make up for his mistake. Who knew that the emperor''s heart is a needle at the bottom of the ocean, and the old gentleman sitting across from him has no intention of revealing it easily.


    "She is now raised by the imperial family in Mount Tai. Wang An, do you think it is a pity?"


    The old prince''s heart was beating like a drum as he replied, "Naturally not. The Di family committed treason back then, and for you to keep Di Ziyuan alive is already extraordinarily kind to the Di family."


    "Ziyuan, Ziyuan, it''s really a good name. Born like the head of the Di family..." Emperor Jia Ning gave a faint smile and said, "But I''m afraid that Di Chengtian doesn''t care to accept this kindness from me."


    At these words, the astonishment on King An''s face could not be concealed, and he said in a startled voice, "Your Majesty, the head of the Di family is still alive?"


    Emperor Jia Ning''s eyes darkened, his fingers unconsciously rubbed the jade ring on his hand. After half a second he said in a deep voice, "Naturally, she is dead."


    Wang An let out a long breath and took a sip from his wine cup to hide his discomfort.


    Ten years ago, the entire Di family was beheaded and 80,000 soldiers died in the northwest. If Di Chengtian were still alive, with her reputation, Yunxia would have been at war long ago. How could there be peace in Dajing today?


    When Di Chengtian disappeared after the collapse of the Taizu, no one knows whether she is alive or dead, so why can Your Majesty say so?


    The doubts were suppressed to the bottom of his heart. Before Wang An had time to come up with a scene to ease the atmosphere, the voice of the inner servant had already sounded at the entrance of the garden.


    "Your Majesty, Lord Ren wishes to see you."


    "Let her in."


    Emperor Jia Ning commanded in a deep voice. While Wang An was thinking about setting up a longevity tablet for the living Bodhisattva who had saved the suffering, he raised his eyes towards the entrance of the garden.


    The woman approaching walks in a dragon''s stride. Under the moonlight, she is dressed in an ancient navy blue dress, making people intuitively guess what kind of appearance she should have.


    Ren Anle walked across the path and appeared in front of them. Wang An was stunned. Her eyebrows were indifferent, her eyes were solemn, and her aura was heavenly. She''s indeed extraordinary human. It''s just that the look was born too ordinary.


    It''s a pity that ...... between Wang An''s sighs, Ren Anle had already walked not far from the two of them and paid a courtesy in the direction of Emperor Jia Ning, "Ren Anle meet Your Majesty."


    There was a moment of silence before Emperor Jia Ning said indifferently, "Get up."


    Ren Anle rose and cupped her fist in the direction of Wang An, sharp and valiant: "Greetings, Wang An."


    Wang An froze slightly, smiled and nodded.


    Emperor Jia Ning pointed in the direction of the chair opposite him. Ren Anle sat down smoothly and nonchalantly, without the slightest hint of fear and honour of seeing the face of Heaven. When he saw this scene, Wang An hastily poured wine and turned his head to one side.


    Emperor Jia Ning''s face did not change as he said, "Ren Qing has solved the case of cheating in the imperial examination and has given the capital''s scholars a clear mind. Zhen should thank Qing."


    The old prince disagrees inwardly. The emperor must have had a grudge against the ringing of the Qinglong Bell and wanted to settle the score afterwards, but he did not expect that Ren Anle would become famous and that she would be able to win the hearts of all the people, and now he could not touch her easily. With that in mind, he can''t help but gloat a little.


    "His Majesty''s words are heavy. If it were not for Your Majesty''s generosity and the cooperation of the officials of the Da Lisi, it would not have been possible for An Le alone to bring this case to light. His Majesty''s rule over the Dynasty is clear and bright, and it is only then that the fruits of today will be seen."


    Listen to this, it is beautifully said. Ren Anle looked like a person of integrity at first glance. The words of praise she uttered, even if they were exactly the same as those of those who spent all their time patronising him, were particularly pleasing to the ears.


    Sure enough, Emperor Jianing''s complexion was quite relieved and he said, "I am impressed by Qing Ren. I thought that Qing was only general, but now it seems that entering the court as an official doesn''t count as burying Qing. The only thing is..." the Emperor gave a slight pause and trailed off, "I heard that the 30,000 navy divisions of Anle Fortress were trained by qing, if I let qing go back to Jinan to help General Ji train the naval divisions ......"


    Wang An''s heart shuddered and he looked towards Ren Anle ¡ª¡ª


    "Your Majesty, please don''t..." Ren Anle waved her hand repeatedly, "My bandit den is far less prosperous than the imperial capital. Besides, Anle has been fighting for several years and is full of bruises and broken bones, so it is enough to retire in the capital."


    The mouthful of wine in Wang An''s mouth almost spat out. Ren Anle was still only eighteen years old! How could they, old men with half a foot in their coffins, be ashamed of themselves?


    Emperor Jia Ning was also stunned, the coldness under his eyes dispersed, and his smile gently rose, "Secretary Ren is joking. You are a great talent of the country. I am very pleased that you are willing to stay in the imperial capital to assist me. You have done a great service in solving the case. If you have any requests, I will grant them."


    Ren Anle is indeed talented. Moreover, her personality is to his liking.


    Ren Anle''s lazy sitting body suddenly leaned forward and her indifferent eyes became bright, "Is this true, Your Majesty?"


    The two could feel Ren Anle''s instant joy overflowing into her words. Cold sweat broke out as Wang An thought of her marriage proposal in the imperial court three months ago.


    Emperor Jia Ning''s eyes narrowed slightly. His hand tapped on the stone table and said, "Except for one thing, the crown prince consort position is not allowed."


    Ren Anle''s mouth twitched and she leaned back with a sigh, "Ai, this servant knew that His Majesty was teasing this servant. Forget it, this servant has nothing to ask for."


    This is not the tone of speaking to a ruler of a country, but the Emperor was extremely impressed. Seeing Ren Anle''s dejected face, he said curiously, "Ren Qing, is the crown prince so good in your eyes?"


    Although he was honoured by the Crown Prince''s popularity, he really couldn''t see how his son could make Ren Anle, who has been on the battlefield, to look like this!


    Ren Anle rubbed her chin, met the eager eyes of Emperor Jia Ning and Wang An, and slowly said, "His Royal Highness has a face like jade. The husband Anle has longed for since she was a child is like him."


    Poof ...... Wang An finally failed to keep the royal manners he had maintained for more than ten years and spewed out a mouthful of wine!


    A face like jade? Emperor Jia Ning thought back to the Prince''s resemblance to Taizu''s appearance and was silent, wondering in his heart. Could it be that the taste of women from that nook in southern Jin are quite different?


    As the wine was becoming intoxicating, the singing and dancing in the imperial garden ceased. The summon was quite satisfactory to Emperor Jia Ning, and he acknowledged Ren Anle''s position in the capital. After a few words of ceremony, he let Ren Anle and Wang An to withdraw.


    Emperor Jia Ning remained seated on the stone chair. After a long time, the wine jug was empty. Zhao Fu Xing stepped forward and persuaded in low voice, "Your Majesty, it is late at night and it is cold, drink less."


    Emperor Jia Ning did not speak, but suddenly raised his head and looked to the secluded northern side of the Imperial City and muttered in a quiet voice, "Zhao Fu, do you think...is Di Chengtian dead, or is she alive?"


    Zhao Fu''s heart shuddered.


    "If she is alive, how can my country still be so secure?"


    "If she is dead, then zhen ......" Emperor Jia Ning rose abruptly, his brows solemn and cold "Is possible to get out of this siege!"


    Zhao Fu followed Emperor Jianing''s gaze and landed on the northern palace of the imperial city, and his expression changed slightly.


    That is the Zhaoren Palace Hall, the place where the Taizu died.


    Almost no one in the world knows that when Tai Zu passed away, he was not accompanied by his Empress and imperial concubines, his royal son and princesses ...... but by the head of the Di family, Di Chengtian.


    No one knows that sixteen years ago, in front of the tomb of Taizu, Di Chengtian vowed never to set foot in the imperial capital again in this life.


    Twenty years ago, Di Chengtian''s martial arts skills had already reached the level of a grandmaster, and it was difficult to find an opponent in the world.


    This is... the real reason why Emperor Jia Ning had not left the imperial capital for ten years.


    He had won over the Di clan, making Dajing a royal family ever since, but he had trapped himself in this city forever ¡ª¡ª a siege in the name of Di Chengtian''s devotion to the world.


    The palace servant led Ren Anle out of the Crown Heart Garden. Having been here once before, Ren Anle dismissed the palace servant and walked outside alone.


    The palace was magnificent at night and the paths were secluded, but it was clear that Ren Anle had overestimated her ability to read the paths and in half a minute she was lost in the twists and turns of the palace.


    She sighed and was about to call someone to take her out when she noticed a silhouette standing still in the pavilion not far away.


    The pavilion is guarded by imperial guard......? She didn''t want her reputation for stealing incense and jade[4] to be spread throughout the capital the next day. Ask for a meeting? Clearly not in keeping with her usual acting style.


    [4]͵ÏãÇÔÓñ ͵Ïã¸`Óñ t¨­u xi¨¡ng qi¨¨ y¨´ unmarried young men and women in private love; men and women secretly in love


    Ren Anle smiled smugly as she raised her chin and eyebrow.


    In the Tianjian Pavilion, Han Ye stood quietly, holding Wen Shuo''s examination paper for this year''s exam in his hand. His cheeks were slightly flushed, and he had a gentle expression on his face.


    Suddenly there was a rustling of leaves, and Han Ye frowned and looked up to see - above the fence - a woman in an ancient navy blue dress sitting cross-legged, smiling radiantly.


    Oh! Ren Anle whistled. She didn''t know that the cold, old-fashioned crown prince would look so adorable when he was drunk!

 CH 16

    The appearance of Ren Anle was sudden and unpredictable, perhaps because the smile on her face was excessively warm and pure, Han Ye did not, uncharacteristically, speak of rules with a stern face, but merely glanced down at the pavilion and said with a smile, "Lord Ren has a good skill"


    Ren Anle nodded with a smile on her face, "Your Highness has good eyesight. Anle practiced martial arts at the age of ten, and her kung fu is unmatched throughout southern Jin. If Your Highness accepts it, Anle will ensure that Your Highness is safe for the rest of his life."


    Seeing Ren Anle''s serious face, Han Ye lost his smile and said, "Lord Ren is joking. As you are now the minister of the Dalisi, your fist and heart should be used on the people of the capital."


    Ren Anle shook her head back to evade and pointed at the examination paper in Han Ye''s hand and asked, "Is this the examination paper of Young master Wen? I heard that His Majesty used ''the world'' as the topic in the Imperial Court examination, and the young duke responded to His Majesty with the people as the water, the law as the pillar, and the king as the sword. The people seated around the throne room were taken aback by his answer. With such talent at a young age, the future prospects are limitless.


    The pride in Han Ye''s eyes was not hidden in the slightest, "Wen Shuo is very competitive, better than I expected."


    Perhaps Han Ye himself hadn''t noticed that the coldness in his body melted every time he talked about Wen Shuo, not at all like the old-fashioned, serious crown prince he usually was.


    Ren Anle''s heart moved slightly, and her body bent forward, her lips stopped directly in Han Ye''s ear, and whispered: "His Royal Highness, if it wasn''t for the wrong age, this minister would really think that Young Master Wen is your legacy among the people... "


    Ren Anle''s face was serious. Her voice was hoarse from the wine she had consumed, but the words she spoke were unseemly. Han Ye only felt a moist touch on his ear, and a burst of heat rose up. Stunned, he raised his head towards Ren Anle, who had shrunk back in a heap -he had actually been teased[1]!


    [1]µ÷Ï· [ti¨¢o x¨¬] - Modern people prefer to interpret flirting as provocation and teasing of the opposite sex, and very often when a person is teasing the opposite sex it is said to be flirting with someone else;take liberties with a woman; assail with obscenities


    Han Ye was established as the crown prince of a country since he was a child. His status is precious, and the women who admire him are all over the capital, but who would dare to do such an unconventional thing!


    "Your Highness, this servant was only joking." Seeing such an expression on the crown prince''s face, Ren Anle was equally surprised and waved her hands repeatedly in forgiveness.


    There are many concubines in the Eastern Palace. Why is the Prince reacting like a young child?


    As the one who had been wronged, Han Ye was full of anger, but he held back under Ren Anle''s strange gaze. Just with a calm and collected face, he said firmly, "Lord Ren, Gu is the Crown Prince of Dajing."


    Oh... so it was because he felt he had lost face. Ren Anle blinked, then she understood, and muttered innocently in a small voice, "Your Highness, this is very normal in our Jinan ......"


    "Normal?" Han Ye''s face was suspicious.


    "Yes, the people of Jinnan are so open-minded that many women even repudiate their husbands to marry another man and have the same inheritance rights as men. I have seen many girls in the fortress who get along with the man they admire in this way."


    Han Ye''s qi and blood surged. Although the customs of the southern and northern parts of Jin are different, women will not be bold enough to reach this point! Seeing Ren Anle''s sincere face, he realised that although she had the talent to lead the army and enter the imperial court, she had grown up in a bandit''s den and lacked in other aspects, so he rubbed the corners of his eyebrows and said with a bitter smile, "Lord Ren, no matter what the customs are in southern Jin, this is the imperial capital and some of the rules are not quite the same as where you are."


    Ren Anle waved her hand, "I know, I know, I will be careful with my words and deeds in the future and never offend the sacred body again." Halfway through her half-heartedly words, she was still a little unhappy. She curled her lips and said, "Your Highness, there are countless women in the capital who want to enter the Eastern Palace, why can''t I? Is An Le really so unappealing to His Highness'' eyes?"


    Han Ye was slightly stunned and did not reply, but merely sat back on the wooden chair of the pavilion platform. He was silent for a moment before saying to the woman who was sitting on the horizontal edge with a puzzled look on her face, "Because it''s a pity."


    Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and immediately had a few big words written plainly on her face: what kind of reason is that!


    "The imperial examination cheating case is the reason why you cannot enter the Eastern Palace. Lord Ren is more than just a commander-in-chief. Gu can see that the court''s treachery is only in the palm of your hand."


    Han Ye''s words were clear and cold to the ears, but Ren Anle''s expression remained unchanged. She merely hooked the corners of her mouth and shrugged without saying a word.


    "Whether it is the people''s hearts, the scholars and the court officials are all part of your calculation, even the father Emperor and the left minister...too." Han Ye met Ren Anle''s dark eyes and said slowly, "The Marquis of Zhongyi has been in charge of the northwest for several years and has accumulated a great deal of authority. Father has long been dissatisfied with his domineering ways, but he just couldn''t find an excuse to take offense. As for the left minister, he knows very well that the court will have to give an account under the criticism of the scholars, and one Minister of Household is far from enough ...... If not for the intervention of the left minister, how could the military power of the Marquis of Zhongyi be easily forced to hand over. As for the reason why the left minister would be so anxious, I think your Excellency understands it better than I do."


    "His Highness'' eyes are like a fiery candles, so I don''t expect An Le''s little trick to be able to hide from His Highness."


    "Lord Ren is being modest." Han Ye suddenly spoke in a deep voice, and his was gaze sincere, "What the court lacks is a good official like you who is dedicated to the people and has a clear heart. That is why Gu said ... it would be too much of a pity for Lord Ren to join the Eastern Palace. If you stay in the Imperial court, Gu believe...it will be a blessing for the world."


    Ren Anle held her chin and looked at Han Ye and suddenly said, "Your Highness, has anyone ever said to you ...... that you are a very good crown prince."


    Ren Anle''s gaze was firm and serious. Han Ye was slightly stunned, something flickered under his eyes and he smiled, "Since I was made crown prince, these words have often entered my ears, but no one has been as direct as you. Ren Anle, you are truly special, unlike any other woman I have ever met."


    Han Ye suddenly got up and walked up to Ren Anle, who looked at him in surprise. He suddenly leaned down, as Ren Anle had just done, with a smile on his lips, "Although Gu cannot welcome you into the Eastern Palace, he is willing to be friends with you. Ren Anle, are you willing?"


    Han Ye quietly leaned over, his long ink-black hair fell on Ren Anle''s chest, motionless, as if he was determined to wait for Ren Anle''s answer.


    Indeed a man who can''t afford to lose. Ren Anle sighed and looked back¡ªonly to be suddenly confronted by a pair of inky black eyes. The person in front of her had ink-like eyebrows and pursed lips, and his cheeks were still flushed from the wine he had consumed. Her eyes moved and she suddenly thought, Crown Prince Han Ye is rumored to have a good appearance that attracts women''s admiration, but this turned out to be true.


    The wind rose slightly and their long hair was blown apart, tangled together and fell into the air. Ren Anle''s lips moved and she could not help but murmur, "The gentleman''s crown is like jade, and the beauties are paired under the moon."


    "Hahahahaha ......"


    The quiet atmosphere was suddenly broken as an untimely long laugh sounded at the entrance of the inner pavilion, which was extremely invigorating.


    Han Ye''s face changed slightly. Ren Anle''s good opportunity to admire beauty was interrupted, so she could only secretly sigh in pity as she raised her head to look in -


    A pair of young man and woman stood not far away. The young man was wearing dark blue clothes, his face was handsome and solemn, his lips pursed and his eyes were indifferent. The woman was dressed in a general''s robe, showing heroic martial prowess, with a clear brow and a teasing smile on her face at the moment.


    "Imperial brother, you left me and Zheng Yan in a group of sour and rotten[2] scholars, while you yourself hid in the Tianjian Pavilion to meet with a beautiful woman. This is not the way of a gentleman." The woman folded her arms over her chest, her eyes glancing obliquely in Ren Anle''s direction, and said, "Won''t you introduce us?"


    [2] pedantic


    Han Ye sighed and turned around, "An Ning, stop fooling around. This is Da Lisi qing, Lord Ren. When did you come?"


    "When?" Princess An Ning smiled evilly, "Not too early. It was just now when this young lady said ...... ''A gentleman''s crown is like a jade''."


    Han Ye''s brows twitched, but he endured it and looked at Shi Zhengyan, who stood beside him. "Zhengyan, I entrusted An Ning to you..."


    "Well, imperial brother, I haven''t been back to the capital for four years, don''t be stern-faced and lecture people." Princess An Ning waved her hand, her face was elegant, sharp and valiant, but did not hide her heavenly nobility in any way.


    Han Ye shook his head helplessly and said to Ren Anle, "Lord Ren, this is Princess An Ning and General Shi."


    "Anle has met Her Highness the Princess and General Shi." Ren Anle arched her hand as a greeting, but in her heart she was deeply moved. It turned out that this was that Princess An Ning.


    The Emperor had four princesses, the most favoured was Shaohua, but the one he was most proud of was the eldest imperial daughter, An Ning. Princess Anning loved to practice martial arts when she was young. At the age of ten, she was accepted as a disciple of Master Jing Xuan of the Yongning Temple. At the age of fourteen, she came back to the palace, and at the autumn hunting tournament that year, she defeated a group of generals and made the royal family look good. After returning to the palace, the Emperor was so pleased that he hosted a banquet for Princess An Ning and asked her what she wanted to d, but to his surprise, the princess was so fierce that she insisted on being stationed in the northwest. The Emperor had no choice but to send his eldest daughter to the frontier.


    In the past four years, the Northwest army and the Northern Qin army fought dozens of battles, and An Ning was always in the vanguard of every battle. Her bravery was unparalleled, and she achieved great success in the battles, which made the Northern Qin army feel frightened.


    It is a pity that, like Ren Anle, even with her great military achievements, very few famous families are willing to marry this warrior princess into their family, so the Emperor Jia Ning is extremely concerned about An Ning''s marriage. This time she must have been called back to the capital for her marriage.


    Shi Zhengyan is the only son of General Shi Yuen Long. At such a young age, he has taken charge of his own party and is no less prestigious than his father. The Shi family had made a great contribution to the founding of the country and was extremely loyal to the Emperor, never interfering in the battle for the throne. This time, when the military power of the Marquis of Zhongyi was taken away from him, the Emperor gave the old General Shi the responsibility for the time being.


    "So this is General Ren, An Ning has heard of her for a long time and has been longing to see her for a long time. ......"


    Ren Anle raised her eyebrows and Princess An Ning smirked, "True to her name. Lord Ren, the marriage proposal from the Golden Palace has reached my northwest camp, and my imperial brother is that good?"


    Han Ye''s face sank as Ren Anle glanced deeply towards Han Ye, suddenly leaping over the horizontal railing in a single bound. Her open reply accompanied by a loud laugh coming clearly through the night.


    "Princess, Your Highness''s face is as bright as the moon, and it has won my heart since."


    This time, Han Ye''s face darkened completely, and even Shi Zhengyan, who had been unchanged, twitched his eyebrows, forcing himself to stifle his laughter.


    Princess An Ning laughed and ran to the fence, and shouted towards the back that was about to disappear in the depths of the path, "Lord Ren, you have a good insights. Let''s go to the imperial capital some day. I''d be delighted if you could join me!"


    Ren Anle turned her back on the Tianjian Pavilion and waved her hand distantly in response to the invitation.


    Princess An Ning turned her head back and looked at the Crown Prince, whose anger was about to surge out. She rolled her eyes and said with a dry smile, "Brother, it''s been a long journey and I''m a bit tired, so I''d better go back to the palace to rest first." After saying this, she jumped down from the pavilion like Ren Anle, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    In the Tianjian Pavilion, only Han Ye and Shi Zhengyan were left standing alone. It seemed that the crown prince really needed to be appeased at this moment. After a while, Shi Zhengyan said slowly and sincerely, "Your Highness, my father often said that a woman is as fierce as a tiger. If you come across her and are no match for her, then fleeing is the best strategy."

 CH 17

    The news of An Ning-gongzhu and shao-jiangjun Shi Zhengyan¡¯s return to the capital caused a not-so-subtle stir in the capital, though the results were the opposite. Due to the well-known reputation of An Ning in the past, the children of the aristocratic families all over the city took refuge in their homes to avoid misfortune. However, there have been many poetry banquets held by noble women in the imperial capital lately, and the first invitation must be for shao-jiangjun Shi Zhengyan. It was heard that this general with outstanding war service had never taken a step back on the battlefield, but upon seeing the snowflake-like invitation, he hung up his immunity card, closed his doors and refused to come out.


    (TN: ¹«Ö÷ ¨C princess, ÉÙ½«¾ü ¨C Major General)


    ¡°Yuan Qin, this is just a rumour. An Ning¡¯s war exploits are outstanding and her nature is bold, how can she not be welcomed by the sons of the aristocratic families?¡±


    Although Ren Anle refused the reward from Emperor Jia Ning, the old emperor is not a stingy master. Not to mention the reward of a thousand taels of gold, but he also gave Ren Anle the privilege to enter and leave the restricted palace grounds at any time.


    In the early morning, after attending the court meeting, Ren Anle saw that everything in the imperial city was in full bloom and the scenery was excellent, so she led Yuan Qin to stroll around the garden in the restricted palace grounds. By chance, she had heard the palace maids gossiping, so she was astonished enough to ask this question.


    Yuan Qin¡¯s expression was odd, shifting around behind Ren Anle for a while before saying, ¡°Xiaojie, An Ning-gongzhu has a unique preference¡­¡±


    (TN: С½ã ¨C young lady, miss)


    ¡°What preference?¡± Ren Anle stopped in her tracks, raising her eyebrows.


    ¡°Four years ago, when An Ning-gongzhu came down from Mount Tai, Bixia once held a banquet for her to choose a son-in-law.¡±


    (TN: ±ÝÏ ¨C His Majesty, the Emperor)


    ¡°What, didn¡¯t pick one that suited her eyes?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Yuan Qin paused and said, ¡°As the head of the banquet, An Ning-gongzhu was very happy and picked five sons-in-law in a row, saying that she wanted them to be placed in the princess¡¯s mansion to raise until she returned from her military training in the northwest camps, to then get married a few years later. Bixia was furious and left his seat with a flick of his sleeves, and the matter of the princess choosing a Fuma was shelved aside.¡±


    (TN: æâÂí ¨C prince consort)


    The young masters of the capital¡¯s aristocratic families are gentle and elegant; since Emperor Jia Ning had chosen them for his eldest daughter, they were bound to be the best. If the high-ranking officials of the five great aristocratic families sent their children to the princess¡¯s mansion together to serve upon one wife, it would truly be the greatest joke in the world.


    (TN: »¬ÌìÏÂÖ®´ó»ü ¨C an idiom that indicates a hilarious and ironic situation)


    For some reason, Ren Anle felt that this was exactly something that the woman she met in Tianjian Pavilion that night could say.


    ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that the children of the aristocratic families hide in their mansions. Turns out that there are reasons for this. This An Ning-gongzhu actually quite suits my tastes.¡±


    Ren Anle propped her chin in her hand, smacked her lips, and suddenly heard the sound of footsteps on the path ahead. She raised her eyebrows and looked towards it.


    A fifteen or sixteen year old young girl in a light yellow palace dress was standing beside the rockery, with a dignified face and presentable bearing. She gazed at Ren Anle with an expression of indifference and subtle resentment and indignation. Seeing Ren Anle gazing back, there was a moment of slight hesitation, then she stepped forward and gave a small bow.


    ¡°Du Tingfang greets Ren-daren.¡±


    (TN: ´óÈË ¨C a title of respect used towards superiors)


    Ren Anle¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. Yuan Qin¡¯s expression understood clearly, and she whispered a few words into Ren Anle¡¯s ear. She just realized that the young girl in front of her was actually the daughter of Du-shangshu. Because of her friendship with Shaohua-gongzhu, she was protected by her, and she was admitted to the palace as a palace maid to avoid the crime of exile.


    (TN: ÉÐÊé ¨C a government minister, a high official)


    It was no wonder that the daughter of the minister¡¯s mansion, whose name and title was famous in the capital in the past and was now a maidservant relying on another¡¯s charity, would become resentful like this.


    (TN: ¼ÄÈËÀéÏ ¨C idiom, lit. to lodge under another person¡¯s roof)


    ¡°Du-xiaojie, no need to be polite, but do you want to ask something of Benguan?¡± Ren Anle said lightly.


    (TN: ±¾¹Ù ¨C formally speaking of the self in third person, meaning ¡®this official¡¯)


    Forget it, in the end it was her Du family that was at the end of its life, and couldn¡¯t blame others. Du Tingfang lowered her eyes, ¡°Tingfang is alright, daren, please go ahead.¡± Finished speaking, she stepped aside.


    (TN: ÆøÊýÒѾ¡ ¨C idiom, lit. ¡®the number of breaths are already used up¡¯)


    Ren Anle took a step and went, walked a few steps, then stopped. ¡°Du-xiaojie, what the Du family does has nothing to do with you, and what Ling-xiong does also has nothing to do with you.¡±


    (TN: ÐÖ ¨C brother, often used to indicate a friendly and familiar closeness with someone)


    With these few light words, Du Tingfang suddenly raised her head, wearing a complicated expression. She was about to open her mouth, but was unexpectedly interrupted by someone.


    ¡°Tingfang¡­¡± Shaohua-gongzhu came rushing over from the other side of the path, with disheveled hair adornments and an urgent expression. She reached the rockery, blocked Du Tingfang with one move, and looked at Ren Anle with a somber face, ¡°Ren-daren, Tingfang is a person from my palace. If there were any offenses, may daren please forgive them.¡±


    Taking one look at Shaohua¡¯s appearance, it was clear that she had hurried over. As she had an imposing and overbearing presence, Ren Anle was a little surprised. She didn¡¯t think Shaohua, who was domineering and arrogant on a daily basis, would have a bit of a genuine temperament towards the young lady of the Du family.


    ¡°Gongzhu, that¡¯s not the case¡­¡± Du Tingfang had gratitude within her eyes as she held onto Shaohua¡¯s sleeve.


    ¡°No need to be afraid, Bengong is here.¡± Shaohua took a step forward, her eyebrows raised, ¡°Ren-daren, Bengong knows that you have Fu-huang¡¯s praise and you are an upstart in the court. Bengong can¡¯t afford to offend you, and can¡¯t offend relatives. Presumably, daren will not argue with little girls, and lose the manners of a court official.¡±


    (TN: ±¾¹¬ ¨C formal ¡®I¡¯ in third person, often used by royalty, meaning ¡®this royal¡¯, ¸¸»Ê ¨C Emperor Father)


    Maybe it was because she still remembered what Ren Anle said in the hunting grounds that day, Shaohua would then use Ren Anle¡¯s words to question her back at this time.


    Ren Anle¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. This princess wasn¡¯t too bad at heart¡­ It¡¯s just that her eyesight was too poor.


    Ai, women are so troublesome, and women with poor eyesight are even more troublesome!


    ¡°Gongzhu, Ren-daren did not make things difficult for me.¡±


    ¡°Shaohua, having not seen you for a few years, how have you become such a troublemaker!¡±


    The two voices sounded almost at the same time. An Ning-gongzhu came out from behind the rockery, her face cold and solemn, looking at Shaohua with a slightly displeased expression.


    Almost immediately, Shaohua¡¯s complexion changed. She stepped back and bowed her head in greeting: ¡°Greetings to huang-jie.¡±


    (TN: »Ê½ã ¨C royal sister)


    The eldest princess An Ning has made outstanding merits and achievements, and she is no longer comparable to the princess raised in the deep palace. No matter how domineering Shaohua was, she dared not to make it known in front of her.


    Shaohua¡¯s complexion changed several times. In a low voice, she answered ¡°Yes,¡± and with red eyes, she led Du Tingfang away in a hurry.


    ¡°Anle has always had a bad reputation, how does the princess know that Anle didn¡¯t make things difficult for the young lady of the Du family just now?¡± Ren Anle didn¡¯t miss the unwillingness in Shaohua¡¯s eyes, and looked at An Ning in front of her.


    ¡°With your temperament, if you have the time to talk glibly with that little girl, you might as well send her scattering with one slap to save the trouble.¡± An Ning shook her head and walked over, the corners of her mouth twitching as she spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s gongzhu¡¯s temperament.¡± Ren Anle broke into laughter.


    ¡°Shaohua has been used to being domineering since childhood, and the children raised by the Tian family are not as gentle and pure as ordinary people¡¯s families.¡± An Ning sighed, and gazed in the direction Shaohua was walking away with lamentation. Turning her head, she saw Ren Anle leaning on the rockery staring at her without blinking. She said with a smile, ¡°Fortunately, I have met daren. The weather is fine today. Letting things take their course, why don¡¯t we visit the capital together, how about it?¡±


    (TN: ÔñÈÕ²»ÈçײÈÕ ¨C idiom, lit. ¡°choosing a day rather than bumping into one¡±; since they¡¯ve already met up today, there is no need to pick another day to see each other)


    Ren Anle stretched, turned around, and walked towards the palace gate to exit.


    ¡°Gongzhu has invited me, how dare I disobey? Chen has a carriage and horses, so it can be regarded as repayment for today¡¯s rescue.¡±


    (TN: ³¼ ¨C this subject. Used in the same way that Han Ye uses Gu to formally refer to himself, and Emperor Jia Ning uses Zhen, etc. ½âΧ ¨C lit. to lift a siege, meaning to help someone out of trouble or embarrassment)


    An Ning looked at the lazy woman in front of her, grinned, and followed.


    The streets were truly bustling. Passersby were in a hurry, some were laughing and playing noisily, including those that were orphans. The carriage stopped steadily, and Ren Anle lifted the curtain and walked out. She glanced at the building in front of her with a clear and understanding expression, and looked at An Ning who was following behind her.


    An Ning clapped her hands, sighed and said: ¡°Haven¡¯t returned to the capital for a few years, but the business here is getting bigger and bigger.¡± After speaking, she lifted her feet and wanted to walk inside.


    ¡°Gongzhu¡­¡± Yuan Qin changed her title when An Ning¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled, ¡°Xiaojie, my lady is an official of the imperial court, so she is not allowed to enter here.¡±


    In front of the three of them was the largest gambling house in the capital, Jucai Lou.


    An Ning glanced at Ren Anle with a half-smile.


    Ren Anle waved her hand: ¡°Yuan Qin, you return to the mansion first.¡±


    Yuan Qin bowed her head and returned to the carriage. Ren Anle said: ¡°Today, as long as there is a place that the princess wants to go, Anle will accompany her to every one.¡±


    ¡°Good¡­¡± An Ning smiled widely, with a relaxed expression, ¡°I was about to ask how there would be bandits who weren¡¯t willing to gamble. Ren-daren really wins my heart. When going out, keep it simple. Daren can call me An Ning.¡±


    Ren Anle nodded, taking the lead and walking towards Jucai Lou first, and replied with a smile: ¡°An Ning, you can do the same.¡±


    An Ning was slightly startled, the corners of her mouth raising as she walked in with her.


    The racket in the lobby was quieted down in an instant by the appearance of the two of them. Although Jucai Lou was full of customers drifting in and out, very few female guests entered. In addition, the two of them had extraordinary dispositions  and wore luxurious clothing, which immediately caught the attention of everyone in the room.


    The two turned a blind eye to it, and An Ning casually sized up the lobby at once: ¡°Anle, which one are you good at?¡±


    ¡°I can play one or two of them all,¡± Ren Anle said, walking to the betting on size game, ¡°This kind is the simplest, how about it?¡±


    An Ning nodded, and waved imposingly at the people crowded around the table: ¡°Scatter, don¡¯t disturb this young lady¡¯s mood to enjoy.¡±


    (TN: ±¾Ð¡½ã ¨C Ben + xiaojie, formal self-address in order to indicate her nobility and superiority)


    When everyone heard this, they all felt that today¡¯s gambling was interesting, and immediately retreated and scattered.


    The game master who was sitting as the dealer sized up the two of them with a glance, thinking in his heart which family¡¯s young ladies must have come out to distribute their wealth. He smiled fully with satisfaction and squinted a pair of mung bean eyes, saying: ¡°May the two young ladies sit down, welcome, welcome, big bet, small bet?¡±


    ¡°Came out in a hurry and forgot to bring bank notes.¡± An Ning had already untied a piece of a green pendant from her waist, throwing it on the table, and it just so happened to land on the character for ¡°big¡±. Then she said with a smile, ¡°Let¡¯s take this jade as a wager, equal to one thousand taels. Since it fell onto ¡°big¡±, I will thus go big.¡±


    ¡°I will also go big.¡± Ren Anle drew out a bank note from her sleeve, and said lightly, ¡°One thousand taels.¡±


    A look of astonishment flashed across the game master¡¯s eyes. This green pendant is completely clear and was of exceptional quality. It was definitely enough to pay for one thousand taels. As for a young lady who could easily take out a thousand taels from Huitong Bank, it was quite a rare sight. He smiled: ¡°You two are bold. Jin Tong will certainly help you enjoy yourself to the fullest.¡±


    After speaking, the dice box was shaken, and there were crisp knocking sounds ringing in the lobby. When a single breath of time had passed, the dice box fell onto the table with a crash. Under everyone¡¯s focus, the dice box was opened, and shouts and applause rose throughout. Jin Tong¡¯s expression fluctuated slightly; looking at the dice in the center of the box, his mung bean eyes narrowed even further.


    He had been operating in the gambling house for ten years, and his internal strength was extremely strong and unparalleled. No one has ever been able to beat him. Today, it was just that his hands were itching and he put down two plates, and then he encountered such a strange thing?


    ¡°One more plate.¡±


    As An Ning¡¯s voice fell, the gamblers watching the chaos beside them put their gold and silver on the grids selected by An Ning and Ren Anle in quick succession, and even people from the gambling games of other tables gathered around too.


    Half a shichen later, not even a crow or sparrow could be heard within the entire Jucai Lou, and it was so quiet that a needle dropping could be sensed. Looking at the banknotes piled up as high as a small mountain in front of An Ning and Ren Anle, Jin Tong¡¯s hand holding the dice box trembled slightly. How could it be possible? They clearly haven¡¯t even touched the edge of the table, how could they hit it every time?


    (TN: ʱ³½ ¨C two hours; half a shichen would be one hour)


    He had already lost nearly one hundred thousand taels of silver, and nearly a year¡¯s bonus from Jucai Lou. If he continued to lose, he was afraid that¡­


    Undoubtedly, at this time, even fools would know that these two women were here to kick at the pavilion, but Jucai Lou had stood in the capital for several years, and it was making a fortune every day. If there was no noble person backing it up, it would have long been swallowed up by the envious high officials.


    ¡°The two young ladies, do you still want to place a bet?¡± Cold sweat dripped down, and the sound of Jin Tong¡¯s voice escaped through the gaps of his teeth.


    ¡°Naturally.¡± An Ning stretched her waist, her pair of phoenix eyes glowing. Full of smiles, she turned her head to look at Ren Anle, and said in a low voice, ¡°I heard that today is the day where Linlang, the headliner of Lingxiang Lou, will perform. After earning enough money, let¡¯s go and check it out.¡±


    Ren Anle nodded, then raised her eyes to look towards the silent Jin Tong, and leisurely tossed out two words: ¡°Go on.¡±


    On the second floor of Jucai Lou, a shopkeeper with a dark expression stood behind the railing. The other dealer behind him hurriedly said: ¡°Wu-ye, going on like this will be impossible, how much money have we lost already! I will call some people to get these two ignorant women driven out, and to spit out the money they won.¡±


    (TN: ÎåÒ¯ ¨C Fifth master)


    ¡°Nonsense.¡± With a cold face, Wu-ye scolded, ¡°If you make a move, it wouldn¡¯t be as simple as our Jucai Lou only losing one hundred thousand taels of silver.¡± He pointed at the green pendant hanging on An Ning¡¯s waist: ¡°That is the Shuangfeng Xiangyun Pendant. There is only one piece in the world, and it was gifted by Bixia when the eldest princess An Ning reached the age of a full moon. As for the other one¡­ she is not even afraid of the Marquis of Zhongyi, would she be afraid of a few of your mere thugs?¡±


    The man sucked in a cold breath, and muttered: ¡°This is the one who is begging to marry the Crown Prince!¡± Then he immediately said with a mournful face, ¡°How did we provoke these two living Bodhisattvas to come in¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already sent the news to Mu-wang¡¯s residence. Wang-ye said to wait and see what happens, and not to provoke these two people.¡± Wu-ye sighed, having slightly admitted defeat.


    (TN: ãåÍõ ¨C Prince Mu, ÍõÒ¯ ¨C formal address towards Prince Mu)


    In the imperial garden of the royal palace, Han Ye and Shi Zhengyan exited from Shangshu Pavilion, and met a maid from An Ning¡¯s palace who was hurriedly passing by. Seeing the little palace maid¡¯s panicked face, Han Ye was a little curious, and casually asked, ¡°Where did An Ning go?¡±


    The little palace maid¡¯s face flushed, and she knelt on the ground for a long while before opening her mouth.


    ¡°Replying to Taizi-dianxia, the princess has invited Ren-daren out of the palace to have fun.¡±


    (TN: Ì«×ÓµîÏ ¨C His Royal Highness the Crown Prince)


    Han Ye¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, feeling a small headache, and for the first time in history, asked another question: ¡°Where did they go to have fun?¡±


    The little palace maid buried her head even lower, ¡°Dianxia, the princess said¡­ she said that she won enough money and took Ren-daren to Lingxiang Lou to expand her horizons¡­¡±


    The imperial garden suddenly became quiet. The little palace maid raised her eyes quietly, looking at the cold and hard expression of Taizi-dianxia, and she was so frightened that she dared not to even breathe.


    After a long while, Han Ye stepped forward and gradually walked towards the palace gate. Shi Zhengyan followed behind him, and said in a deep voice: ¡°Dianxia, Chen believes that the martial arts of the princess and Ren-daren are enough to protect themselves in the capital.¡±


    Han Ye stopped, and within the evening, his voice was a bit inexplicable: ¡°The customs in Jinan are very open. It¡¯s good that Ren Anle hasn¡¯t learned much, but she knows a lot about a wide mess of things. What kind of place is Lingxiang Lou? If she learns just a bit more, with her temperament, with the addition of An Ning, the children of aristocratic families from all over the capital would dare not even to leave the door!¡±


    Shi Zhengyan blinked, looked at the crown prince in front of him whose feet were practically swaying with the wind, and laughed out loud.


    This female bandit who came out of the Shiwanda Mountains truly had some skills.


    (TN: Ê®Íò´óɽ ¨C a mountain range in the west of Guangxi. It can also translate to ¡®hundred thousand great mountains¡¯)


    On the back hill of Yongning Temple, in the center of the book pavilion full of flowers, ambergris diffused within the room, which was extravagant and luxurious.


    (TN: ÁúÏÑÏã ¨C has a sweet, earthy scent)


    The woman standing in front of the window heard the maidservant¡¯s whispered report and frowned in displeasure: ¡°Xin Yu, when did you hear this news?¡±


    ¡°Xiaojie.¡± Xin Yu lowered her head, and her eyes were somewhat apprehensive, ¡°The left minister said that Ren Anle has already been in the capital for three months, and covets Taizi-dianxia quite a lot, and even proposed to marry him in court, in front of all the civil and military officials¡­¡±


    The woman waved her hands, her voice cold and disdainful: ¡°Even a mere female bandit dares to dream¡­¡± She only said half of her sentence, and after a long silence, she slowly opened her mouth: ¡°Tell the left minister, if he can allow me to return to the capital, whatever he wants, I will lend him a helping hand.¡±


    Xin Yu paused, answered ¡°Yes¡± in a low voice, and retreated.

 CH 18

    At night, Lingxiang Lou was full of singing and dancing, and many were drinking and gambling together. Because today was the day where the famous courtesan Linlang was performing, even the lobby was seated full of guests. Long before sunset, all the private boxes in this brothel had been booked by high officials and nobles. An Ning excessively spent a total of five hundred taels of silver and the half-severed ear of the stone lion at the entrance of the building to forcibly seize a seat from the hands of a madam of Lingxiang Lou.


    After using up countless coaxing and praise to send away the down-and-out old master who had previously reserved the box, Yu-daniang, the boss of Lingxiang Lou, walked into the Mudan Pavilion with her buttocks twisting. When she caught sight of the two big Bodhisattvas half lying on the armchairs, she stared and said to the pimp beside her: ¡°Are these the two guests you mentioned?¡±


    (TN: ´óÄï ¨C polite address of ¡®aunt¡¯)


    These were obviously two lively and pure maidens, but the person who had reported them described them as evil gods descending into the world.


    The pimp gritted his teeth and nodded, silently retreating to the side.


    Although it was odd, Yu-daniang has been at Fengyue Field for almost a decade, and there were no weird guests that she hadn¡¯t seen. Her gaze shook at the long skirt made of an elegant cloud brocade pattern texture on An Ning¡¯s body, and her face was overflowing with a splendid smile like a chrysanthemum. She twisted forward: ¡°Yo, the two young ladies have chosen to come to the right place. Our Lingxiang Lou is one of the very best in the capital. Go, go, why aren¡¯t you hurrying up and exchanging for some eloquent young men over here¡­¡± Seeing that the two did not stop her, Yu-daniang¡¯s state of mind was determined, and she said with a smile: ¡°Do the two young ladies still have any other instructions?¡±


    ¡°Yu-daniang, it is heard that the headliner here at your place, Linlang-guniang, looks better than Diaochan. You name a price, and this young lady will keep her for the entire night.¡±


    (TN: ¹ÃÄï ¨C polite address for young women, õõ²õ ¨C Diaochan is a character from the historical novel ¡°Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡±, and is said to be one of the four great beauties of ancient China))


    As soon as An Ning¡¯s voice had settled over them, Yu-daniang staggered once, blinked her eyes and said shrilly: ¡°An entire night? Xiaojie¡­ why don¡¯t you have mercy on my old self. Xiaojie looks wealthy and respectable, if the elders in the mansion were to know, they wouldn¡¯t only tear down my Lingxiang Lou!¡±


    An embroiderer from Jiangnan spent a year embroidering this elegant cloud brocade pattern skirt, which was harder to find than thousands of gold. She was not so blind.


    An Ning¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. She looked at Anle with a half-smile and teasing gaze, and said embarrassedly: ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? This young lady heard that Linlang is excellent at playing the qin, so a friend was brought here to listen to the music.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Yu-daniang breathed a long sigh of relief, and turning back to the eyes of Anle, she was abruptly startled by the young lady¡¯s natural fierceness. Only when she swallowed her saliva did she reply: ¡°Xiaojie, if it¡¯s listening to the music, that¡¯s easily handled. Tonight, Linlang will be playing on the high platform; the two young ladies can simply just enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°I said that I would keep her for the entire night, so naturally she will play in front of me.¡±


    An Ning spoke resolutely and decisively, and Yu-daniang¡¯s complexion changed. Only then did she understand that she had really let in two evil gods, and she awkwardly said: ¡°Xiaojie, tonight is Linlang¡¯s periodical performance day, and there are many high officials outside, I can¡¯t afford to offend.¡±


    What she said was really the truth, the reputation of Lingxiang Lou was practically stirred up by Linlang alone. If all the guests in the building were provoked, she was afraid that they might have to close their doors and go out of business tomorrow.


    A stack of banknotes was lightly thrown on the table. An Ning smiled and said, ¡°Yu-daniang, this is ten thousand taels of banknotes. As I said, keeping Linlang for one night, do you think it¡¯s enough or not?¡±


    Lingxiang Lou¡¯s courtesan Linlang was only paid one thousand taels of silver to appear on stage. If Linlang hadn¡¯t sold herself, perhaps this ten thousand taels of silver would have been enough to buy her. Yu-daniang took a deep cooling breath, her eyes glued to the dazzling stack of Huitong Bank banknotes, awkwardly saying: ¡°May xiaojie forgive me, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t know what¡¯s good for me, but the distinguished guests that have come today are really too many¡­¡±


    A ¡°dang¡± sounded crisply, and a piece of green pendant was thrown on the table and spun.


    An Ning raised her eyebrows: ¡°Go, take this thing and go around each box in turn. If anyone is not convinced, then let them come and speak to my face.¡±


    Hearing these words, Yu-daniang¡¯s expression turned frosty. She sized up An Ning cautiously, hurriedly picked up the green pendant, bowed and retreated.


    Having the guts to say these words, this young lady was probably not as simple as just being wealthy.


    Ren Anle lounged comfortably on the armchair, and threw a grape into her mouth: ¡°An Ning, I have to say, today, this piece of green pendant on you is quite exhausted.¡±


    An Ning snorted, her voice a little lazy: ¡°If not for thinking that it would still have this bit of usefulness after returning to the capital, I would have pawned this flashy thing early on back in the northwest.¡±


    The Shuangfeng Xiangyun green pendant was carved with the world¡¯s rare jade stone, and was the token of the eldest princess of the dynasty. Ren Anle blinked, and said doubtfully: ¡°Even if you wanted to pawn, there would be no family¡¯s pawnshop daring to accept it. Why, the dignified princess of a nation, can¡¯t she be ashamed?¡±


    (TN: ÄÒÖÐÐßɬ ¨C lit. to be shy of what¡¯s in one¡¯s pockets; embarrassed by not being financially well off)


    ¡°The northwest has been fighting again and again, and my little bit of salary is not enough to subsidize the soldiers who died in battle¡­¡± An Ning muttered this one sentence, quickly flew past this topic, and said happily, ¡°Taking you today to Jucai Lou was indeed going correctly, that Jin Tong is a highly skilled gambler with deep internal strength. If it weren¡¯t for you, I really wouldn¡¯t have been able to win this much silver.¡±


    To drive the dice with internal strength without touching it, with her skill, it was nowhere near enough.


    Ren Anle laughed, took a glance at the magnificent private box, and raised her eyebrows: ¡°So you returned the favour?¡±


    (TN: ͶÌÒ±¨Àî ¨C lit. tossing a peach and receiving back a plum)


    An Ning nodded repeatedly, and while speaking, the doors of the private box were opened. A few handsome young men entered behind Yu-daniang. Yu-daniang smiled very modestly this time, presenting the green pendant to An Ning solemnly, and said with a smile: ¡°Xiaojie, Linlang will arrive very soon. It is only playing the qin anyway, there is not much of a difference between being at Mudan Pavilion and on the high platform.¡±


    Hearing Yu-daniang¡¯s completely different words from before and after, An Ning said: ¡°Alright, dismissed.¡± Seeing Yu-daniang¡¯s gaze glued to the banknotes on the table but not daring to move, she quickly waved her hand and said, ¡°Take it away then, you deserve it.¡±


    Yu-daniang was overjoyed, hiding the banknotes inside her sleeves at lightning speed, and left with her buttocks twisted.


    But after a short while, the news that the Mudan Pavilion had a distinguished guest was known by all in Lingxiang Lou. Actually, anyone who could sit here was a distinguished guest, but allowing Lingxiang Lou¡¯s headliner Linlang-guniang to play for someone alone for a night let the others in the private boxes have no objections; this wasn¡¯t just simply someone wealthy.


    Everyone guessed for themselves, the curiosity in their eyes stopping the guests¡¯s thoughts of leaving the venue. They were just listening to the qin¡¯s sound anyway. Wasn¡¯t it the same wherever Linlang-guniang played?


    The doors of Mudan Pavilion were pushed open, and Linlang walked in holding the guqin. She was also taken aback; she had already heard that the ones who were keeping her all night were these two young ladies, and originally thought that the private box must be a vibrant and lively scene. But she didn¡¯t expect to see the several quiet young men standing by the two¡¯s sides, being well-behaved and serving them tea and wine, without a trace of disorder. It wasn¡¯t until the appearances of the two turned around at the same time when she understood.


    With such temperaments, presumably, they were ladies of some aristocratic family. Linlang¡¯s expression was calm, and she knelt down and said: ¡°Linlang greets the two young ladies.¡±


    Worthy of being the headliner of Lingxiang Lou, her face was stunningly beautiful, she had a gentle temperament, neither humble nor overbearing. No wonder it caused all the men in the city to scramble over. The two glanced at each other, very satisfied.


    (TN: Ç÷Ö®ÈôðÍ ¨C lit. rush like ducks, an unruly crowd scrambling for something unobtainable)


    ¡°I just returned from the frontier fortress, and haven¡¯t seen any beauties for many years. Linlang-guniang certainly lives up to her reputation. Come, play a few songs to hear.¡± An Ning smiled boldly, stealing glimpses at Linlang with her chin propped on her hands.


    Linlang nodded. With a slight smile on her face, she gracefully walked to the stands and put the guqin in place. She breathed a sigh of relief, moved her fingertips lightly, and the refreshing sound of the qin smoothly flowed out.


    The two were surprised. The sound that came to their ears was sonorous and unadorned. What Linlang played¡ª was actually a requiem song that was often heard in the frontier military camps. Presumably, having heard An Ning say that she had just returned from the frontier fortress, she thus selected this song.


    Magnificent and heroic, with a touch of tenderness, the two of them closed their eyes, and in a trance, they seemed to see a young newlywed woman tearfully sending her husband far away to the borders, a picture scroll of anxious anticipation.


    The imperial capital was stable and prosperous, and it was rare to hear such moving and tragic music. The entire Lingxiang Lou fell silent because of the abrupt and unusual sound.


    After a short while, the sound of the song came to a spontaneous end, expressing a feeling of unfinished business.


    An Ning and Ren Anle opened their eyes at the same time, both filled with ruefulness.


    ¡°Linlang-guniang is indeed brilliant at playing the qin, and few people in the world can match the requiem you played.¡± An Ning¡¯s expression was serious, speaking slowly.


    ¡°Xiaojie¡¯s praise is fallacious, Linlang just feels that the two young ladies are worthy of this song.¡± Linlang replied softly, ¡°Although Linlang has not been to the border in this life, she has seen the helpless scene of sending husbands and sons to the frontier fortress. Sending your son away, it¡¯s hard expecting him to return. If Yunxia can reduce the flames of war, naturally these losses would be avoided.¡±


    An Ning felt a bit shocked. She never thought that a woman from a brothel could say such a thing, or¡­ had the courage to say these words.


    The current emperor is warlike, which is a matter known to the entire world.


    (TN: Ìì×Ó ¨C lit. the ¡®rightful¡¯ emperor, the son of heaven)


    Ren Anle¡¯s pupils were dark and her gaze was distant. She straightened up slightly and said, ¡°The day guniang wishes for will definitely not be too far away.¡±


    An Ning swiftly turned her head to look at Ren Anle and glimpsed a firmness between her brows, feeling slightly moved.


    ¡°Xiaojie¡¯s words are valued, Linlang will present a few more songs.¡± Linlang¡¯s face wore a slight smile. She lowered her head, and the sweet-sounding music began again.


    Almost all the guests in Lingxiang Lou became aware that today, headliner Linlang¡¯s performance was completely different from the past, which made everyone even more curious; just who exactly was the saintly visitor in Mudan Pavilion?


    However, this night was destined to be difficult to settle down. When the sound of galloping war horses sounded in the open streets, for a while, the high officials of the imperial capital who had long been accustomed to extravagant nights could not recover. Only until soldiers in armor walked into Lingxiang Lou coldly, did they then have to accept this practically absurd fact¡ª that just now, Taizi-dianxia issued an imperial edict to rectify the capital, strictly ordering all brothels to stop business for a month.


    Who could¡¯ve told them that their Taizi-dianxia, who has always been devoted to national affairs, would issue this kind of idle order so abruptly and uncharacteristically, and even let the soldiers of the western suburbs military camps enforce it?


    During the chaos, the activity from outside also spread to Mudan Pavilion. Ren Anle raised the corners of her mouth, a little surprised. As expected of Da Jing¡¯s crown prince; he usually keeps quiet, but once he moves, it becomes a big deal.


    An Ning got up, speaking with a wry smile: ¡°Must have been discovered.¡± As she said that, she looked at Linlang: ¡°Linlang-guniang, thank you very much for playing the music today.¡±


    ¡°Being able to play for the two young ladies, it is Linlang¡¯s honour.¡± Linlang stood up and returned the bow, and escorted Ren Anle and An Ning out of the room.


    The soldiers in the lobby stood holding their halberds, unusually solemn. The guests in the lobby who had not left yet saw the two women walking out of Mudan Pavilion, all of their eyes widening in surprise.


    The ten thousand taels of silver that covered the courtesan¡¯s performance, and the nobles that each and every one of the building¡¯s guests did not dare to speak of, were these two women?


    Although their character was extraordinary and their presence was majestic, how could women visit a brothel with such grandiosity, it was really an insult to decency!


    (TN: Ìöø»ÊÖ® ¨C to make no secret of one¡¯s presence)


    The guests in the building were not fools either. Feeling that the soldiers in the lobby were visibly relieved after seeing the two appear, they immediately lowered their heads and moved out of the way.


    The noblewoman who could make the crown prince mobilize the camp in the western suburbs, her identity was revealed. It was heard that An Ning-gongzhu¡¯s temperament was brazen, but it wasn¡¯t thought to be unruly to this extent. Those who wanted a long life wished that they had never showed up in Lingxiang Lou tonight. It¡¯s just¡­ one was An Ning-gongzhu, who was the one next to her?


    (TN: (²»)ÏÓÃü³¤ ¨C describes people who do risky things)


    Looking at that appearance and posture, it was a bit more free and easygoing than An Ning-gongzhu¡¯s.


    A muffled ¡°dong¡± sounded, breaking the suffocating atmosphere and successfully stopping the footsteps of the two people who were about to step out of Lingxiang Lou. Everyone wailed internally and raised their eyes one after another to look towards the wooden stairs.


    A fifteen or sixteen-year-old young girl in a long, dark green skirt rolled down the wooden stairs in a frantic escape and crawled in front of Ren Anle in a flash. She grabbed the hem of Ren Anle¡¯s skirt anxiously and cried: ¡°Xiaojie, save me.¡±


    Ren Anle lowered her head. She looked at the young girl who was crying with snot and tears, her eyebrows wrinkling: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    An Ning turned around and held her chin to watch the good show.


    ¡°Xiaojie, I beg you to redeem me out of here. Being a cow or a horse, I¡¯m willing.¡±


    (TN: ×öÅ£×öÂí ¨C to work extremely hard)


    The young girl was out of breath from crying, but obviously, no one could tell what had actually happened from these few words. Yu-daniang ran down from the wooden stairs; her stout body was extremely flexible, and she rushed in front of Ren Anle, saying in embarrassment: ¡°Xiaojie, this girl was bought a few days ago. She still doesn¡¯t understand the rules and has disturbed the young lady. May xiaojie please forgive me.¡± Then she immediately scolded: ¡°Hongxiu, hurry up and go in.¡±


    The young girl called Hongxiu didn¡¯t move a muscle, just gripping Ren Anle¡¯s skirt hem tightly.


    It was obvious when looking at Ren Anle and An Ning that they had extraordinary family backgrounds, and they were women, so this young girl made such a big commotion, hoping that the two of them would show compassion and redeem her out. Everyone had almost guessed the outcome. After all, redeeming a woman out of a brothel was considered a good deed, and one could gain a good reputation.


    Ren Anle bent over and helped Hongxiu up. Pleasant surprise flashed across the young girl¡¯s eyes, and she hurriedly let go of Ren Anle¡¯s skirt hem, standing aside delicately.


    ¡°Hongxiu, how did you get into Lingxiang Lou?¡± Ren Anle spoke lightly.


    ¡°My father passed away half a month ago. I sold myself to Lingxiang Lou, and Yu-daniang bought me for one hundred taels of silver.¡± Hongxiu¡¯s eyes became red-rimmed, which made several guests feel discomforted and in succession, they lamented that her filial piety was rare.


    ¡°Then you sold into Lingxiang Lou voluntarily?¡±


    Hongxiu nodded, and quickly added: ¡°I couldn¡¯t think of any other way.¡±


    Yu-daniang¡¯s face was full of anger: ¡°Xiaojie, seeing as she was somewhat good-looking, and wasn¡¯t too bad at playing the erhu, I then spent a hundred taels to buy her. Neither did I force her to sell herself, nor did I treat her harshly. This little wench really bites the hand that feeds her!¡±


    Ren Anle waved her hand and continued to speak, ¡°Did Yu-daniang bury your father?¡±


    Hongxiu felt a little uneasy, but still nodded, and looked at Ren Anle anxiously: ¡°Xiaojie, you are a person with a good heart, please help me.¡±


    Who would¡¯ve guessed that Ren Anle had already turned around and never looked at her again.


    ¡°Hongxiu, selling yourself into the Lingxiang Lou was your own will. Yu-daniang bought you for a hundred taels and buried your father for you. She has done her best to be kind and can count as your benefactor in times of crisis. If you want to leave, you can just show your skills here and earn a hundred taels to redeem yourself.¡±


    After the words had settled, Ren Anle had already stepped out of the gates of Lingxiang Lou. An Ning shook her head, smiling wryly, and followed.


    Everyone had thought that the matter was a foregone conclusion, but they didn¡¯t expect the outcome to be like this. Looking at Hongxiu¡¯s flushed expression, all the guests also felt that what the woman had said was not wrong, and left in succession after a few words of lamentation.


    In the middle of the night, the streets of the imperial capital were empty and serene. Ren Anle and An Ning walked side by side along the roads, and not far behind them, a row of soldiers followed.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t return to the palace, they won¡¯t give up. Seems that your royal brother is very worried about you,¡± Ren Anle said teasingly.


    An Ning raised her eyebrows, pretending to be surprised and said: ¡°I thought you knew¡­¡±


    ¡°Knew what?¡±


    ¡°My reputation is not the greatest known in the capital, and it¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve visited a brothel, my royal brother has never once mobilized soldiers of the western suburbs camp to capture me back! Ai, I¡¯m afraid that the young ladies in the capital are probably going to cry their hearts out!¡±


    Facing An Ning¡¯s particularly meaningful gaze, Ren Anle shrugged, as if she had received her obscured compliment.


    At the end of the dark street was a small wine shop, and the aroma of wine was overflowing. The two¡¯s eyes met, and in a tacit understanding, they walked towards the wine shop.


    Simple tables and chairs, rough utensils, old married couples; everything made the hustle and bustle of the capital go away, leaving only good wine and tranquility.


    An Ning lifted up the small wine pot, pouring a sip into her mouth. She raised her eyes, looking at the woman in dark clothes with light eyebrows hidden in the moonlight across from her, with a reminiscing expression full of disappointment and frustration. Without any warning, suddenly, she opened her mouth.


    ¡°Ren Anle, you¡­ are a lot like an old friend of mine that I used to know.¡±


    Not far behind them, Han Ye¡¯s figure of pale yellow guanfu stood quietly with deep and thoughtful eyes.


    (TN: ¹Ú·þ ¨C clothing typically made of a hat and robes, based on the official¡¯s title and ranking.)

 CH 19

    For a moment, Ren Anle was dazed. She looked at An Ning, parting her mouth a little, the corners of her mouth quirking up slightly, ¡°Oh? Who does the princess feel that I am like?¡±


    ¡°When I entered Mount Tai at five years old to study martial arts with shifu, I was only summoned down the mountain by Fu-huang once.¡± In the stillness of the night, An Ning¡¯s voice was pensive, carrying some faint yearning, ¡°You should know that twelve years ago, a young lady from an aristocratic family entered the capital. Fu-huang treated her with the respect of a princess, and at that time, there was no princess of age in the royal palace, so he had me return from Mount Tai to keep her company.¡±


    Hidden in the dark, Ren Anle¡¯s pupils were a bit deep, her voice indistinct: ¡°There is no one in the world that doesn¡¯t know that the highly favoured noble young lady was given a name by Taizu himself, the Di family¡¯s beloved daughter, Di Ziyuan. How come, hearing the princess¡¯s words, could it be that Di Ziyuan and I have very similar appearances?¡±


    (TN: ÕÆÖé ¨C lit. the pearl in the palm, used to describe a child that is extremely cherished)


    Han Ye paused as he approached closer, and stopped in place.


    An Ning was surprised by Ren Anle¡¯s bluntness. She nodded and shook her head, and the wine pot in her hand spun around and landed quietly on the wooden table. ¡°Appearance isn¡¯t the same, however temperament is very similar.¡±


    Ren Anle raised her eyebrows, and there was a bit of a ruffian look between them.


    ¡°Di Ziyuan is very intelligent. Although I was not convinced at the beginning, I have to admit that no matter what, even if I learned from the best Taifu in the palace, I would always be inferior to her.¡±


    (TN: Ì«¸µ ¨C an official that serves as a tutor and teacher to royalty)


    ¡°Being intelligent at an early age does not necessarily bring success upon growing up. Gongzhu should adopt more of a long-term view. Di Ziyuan was imprisoned in Mount Tai for ten years. In terms of intelligence, she has long not been as good as you.¡± Ren Anle lazily took a sip of her wine and smiled widely.


    ¡°I still feel that this isn¡¯t the case. You and her are the same, appearing mild and harmless, but actually harboring bad intentions. It was like this in the gambling house, and just now at Lingxiang Lou was the same.¡± An Ning shook her head, her voice clear and powerful, ¡°Ren Anle, you are no easier to deal with than that little girl from the Di family back then.¡±


    (TN: Ò»¶Ç×Ó»µË® ¨C lit. a stomach full of bad water)


    ¡°I¡¯m the biggest female bandit in Jinan. Using me as comparison is not a compliment to Di Ziyuan.¡± Ren Anle spoke while smiling, as if very casual, and asked, ¡°It is heard that Di Ziyuan only stayed in the capital for a year. Unexpectedly, gongzhu has such a deep memory of the little girl from more than ten years ago.¡±


    ¡°The women in the Di family are different after all, aren¡¯t they?¡± An Ning winked slyly, then sighed, ¡°If the Di family was still safe, she would have long become my royal sister-in-law, and would not have been imprisoned at Mount Tai for ten years, and how would there be room for you to mess around? Anle, it¡¯s better for you to give up, huang-xiong will not welcome you into the Eastern Palace.¡±


    (TN: »ÊÐÖ ¨C royal brother)


    ¡°Oh? Why?¡± Ren Anle¡¯s voice was lazy and noncommittal.


    ¡°I heard about you and your matters at the frontier. You are not only an outstanding commander, but also have the ability to manage the country and handle state affairs. Huang-xiong will not waste your talents and allow you to enter the Eastern Palace as a side concubine who can¡¯t interfere in politics.¡±


    (TN: ˧²Å ¨C a term that refers to someone who can command an entire army with their skills, who has high prestige and organizational leadership)


    ¡°An Ning, what you want to say seems to be more than that.¡±


    ¡°And there¡¯s¡­ Di Ziyuan.¡± An Ning¡¯s voice was incisive and cold, with absolute certainty, ¡°It¡¯s not just because this marriage was arranged by Taizu. Huang-xiong, he will not give the position of Taizi-fei to any other woman in the world, even if¡­ he has someone he loves in the future.¡±


    (TN: Ì«×Óåú ¨C consort to the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess)


    A long silence. Ren Anle laughed softly, saying: ¡°An Ning, what makes you so sure that even a promise of an exchange of half a country won¡¯t be kept, and what¡¯s to say about a will left behind over a decade ago? Taizi will eventually become the master of Yunxia, how could he really do this for Di Ziyuan by this point? There is nothing in the world that is impossible to do, and I, Ren Anle, insist on trying.¡±


    After finishing speaking, she raised her head and drank all the wine in the pot that she could. She stood up, her black robes reaching the ground, and lowered her eyes to look at the mournful royal princess: ¡°An Ning, the past is gone. I am not Di Ziyuan, and I can¡¯t fulfill the old dreams you¡¯re reminiscing about. Gongzhu, life is only a few short decades, why not let it go.¡±


    An Ning¡¯s expression was complicated, looking towards Ren Anle¡¯s faraway figure that was walking away, and softly exhaled.


    How could she let it go? Her mu-fei died early, the crown prince was young at that time, and her shifu was far away on Mount Tai. Although she had been returned to the palace, there was no one to take care of her, and she suffered a lot of hidden losses. She still remembered that porcelain doll-like young girl from the Di family standing in the ice and snow, wearing a snow-white fur coat, holding her chin up high and sternly admonishing Jiang-fei, who had punished her to kneel.


    (TN: ĸåú ¨C lit. mother consort, address for mother if she¡¯s a concubine)


    ¡°Jiang-fei niangniang, An Ning is the eldest princess of Da Jing. Taihou can punish her, Bixia can punish her, the empress can punish her, you¡­ can¡¯t punish her.¡±


    (TN: ÄïÄï ¨C address for imperial concubines, Ì«ºó ¨C the Empress Dowager, most often the Emperor¡¯s mother)


    When she said these words, her small body walked step by step through the path of the deep palace that was covered with ice and snow. She stood in front of Jiang-fei, straightening herself up, without any fear in her eyes at all.


    From then on, although they only spent one short year together, it was Di Ziyuan who taught her what it means to be a self-reliant person.


    There were only two people in her life who she couldn¡¯t ever repay the favour of. One was her crown prince brother who had taken care of her since she was a child, and the other was¡­ Di Ziyuan who was imprisoned in Mount Tai ten years ago.


    It had already been ten years¡­ It¡¯s really been too long, so long that the appearance of that child had already been forgotten by her, and only the clear and powerful voice of the girl and her persistent gaze was left in her memory.


    ¡°An Ning.¡± A cold voice suddenly sounded, and Han Ye stepped out of the shadows.


    ¡°Huang-xiong, when did you come here?¡± An Ning looked up in a daze, and spoke in astonishment.


    ¡°After returning to the capital, before even seeing Fu-huang, you have caused an uproar and even dragged along a minister of the Da Lisi. Your courage has truly grown!¡± Han Ye glanced at her and ordered, ¡°Bring the princess back to the palace.¡±


    (TN: Âú³Ç·çÓê ¨C to be the talk of the town, a big scandal, ´óÀíË ¨C equivalent to the Supreme Court, in charge of criminal cases)


    Looking at the expressionless Han Ye, An Ning stood up, took two brisk steps, and suddenly opened her mouth: ¡°Huang-xiong, how much do you remember of her?¡±


    Both of them knew who An Ning was talking about. Han Ye¡¯s expression wavered slightly, and he said, displeased: ¡°An Ning, you care about too much.¡±


    An Ning¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. Seeing Han Ye¡¯s cold face, in the end, she didn¡¯t dare to offend him again, and unhappily followed the guards back.


    Han Ye stood silently in front of the wine shop, beneath the light of the moon.


    After a long time, he sat at the spot where Ren Anle had just sat, hiding himself in the shadows, pouring cup after cup of strong wine into his mouth.


    Remember how much? He rubbed at his eyebrows. That girl, he remembered everything about.


    The steadiness when entering the capital, the unruliness when living in the Eastern Palace, the generosity and calmness when interacting with others, the reluctance when leaving the city, and the last glance of ice-cold decisiveness at Dibei City.


    No one knew, but ten years ago, he had been to Dibei City during the armed rebellion of the Di family. He traveled thousands of li just to let the Marquis of Jing¡¯an know ahead of time to avoid the area beyond the Great Wall. But when he had arrived, he only saw the bricks of the Di family¡¯s ancestral hall washed dark with blood, and¡­ a thin and pale figure kneeling beneath the ancestral hall.


    In the end, he was one step too late. Of the one hundred and thirty-two members of the Di family, except for Di Ziyuan, there was no one else left.


    How could he not remember? The royal family had ruined everything of hers. Even if Han Ye died, he could not fail Di Ziyuan again.


    (TN: ¸º ¨C to burden, betray, fail in one¡¯s duty¡­ a very strong sentiment to say about someone)


    The Shangshu Pavilion of the royal palace. Emperor Jia Ning threw the memorials all over the floor, looked at his eldest daughter who was standing still with her head lowered, and paced back and forth with a face full of anger.


    ¡°Entering a gambling house, visiting a brothel, causing an uproar, and bringing along Zhen¡¯s Da Lisi minister, An Ning, do you still want your reputation!¡±


    (TN: ëÞ ¨C royal pronoun commonly used by emperors)


    An Ning didn¡¯t answer, and didn¡¯t even raise her eyelids a single bit.


    The more Emperor Jia Ning looked at it, the more angry he became. Look at this, what kind of virtue was this? If he hadn¡¯t trained his temperament on the throne these years, he would have long brandished a whip to teach this unfilial girl a lesson.


    ¡°You even need your royal brother to mobilize the soldiers to kidnap you back. Good, great general, you¡¯ve grown up now and don¡¯t take me as your Fu-huang seriously in your eyes anymore, is that it!¡±


    Emperor Jia Ning¡¯s roar almost penetrated Shangshu Pavilion. Next to them, Zhao Fu was secretly worried, but this father and daughter¡¯s temperaments were very stubborn. Both of them were masters who refused to give in.


    ¡°Fu-huang, eldest royal brother¡¯s gambling house is making a lot of money. I have been in the frontier fortress all year round, and it is hard to save any money for myself. Both things are equally important and difficult to give up. You have to be a little well-proportioned, right? Besides, my reputation is just like this. I am the dignified princess of a nation, still afraid that I will not be able to recruit a Fuma? As long as you issue a decree, who would dare not to marry?¡±


    (TN: ÊÖÐÄÊÖ±³¶¼ÊÇÈâ ¨C idiom, lit. the palm and the back of the hand are both flesh)


    Emperor Jia Ning¡¯s breathing did not smooth out, stifled in his throat and surging. He looked at his eldest daughter for a while, snorted coldly, turned around and sat back on the imperial chair, and said calmly: ¡°Alright, you and Zhen have shown our abilities. After this time¡¯s reports,  you won¡¯t go back to the northwest.¡±


    An Ning raised her head, and her expression finally fluctuated: ¡°Fu-huang, I am the northwest guard¡¯s general, how can I have a long-term absence?¡±


    ¡°With old Shi-jiangjun on guard, Beiqin will not be able to rebel.¡± Emperor Jia Ning said in a deep voice, ¡°Your ninth younger brother is clamoring every day to join the army; Zhen is preparing to send him to the northwest to practice.¡±


    The ninth prince was Jiang-fei¡¯s only son and the left minister¡¯s only grandson. The father and daughter must have taken a fancy to the military power in the northwest. Speaking so pompously, An Ning snorted darkly, her brows and eyes full of objections and disapproval.


    ¡°Fu-huang, then when can I go back to the northwest?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic.¡± Emperor Jia Ning took a sip of his tea, opened the memorial again, and said unhurriedly, ¡°After you choose a Fuma to marry and give birth to a few grandchildren for Zhen, it¡¯s up to you however far you scram to.¡±


    This time it was An Ning¡¯s turn to stifle a breath that wouldn¡¯t come out. She glared at Emperor Jia Ning in indignation for a while, bowed carelessly, and took large strides out of Shangshu Pavilion without a look back.


    ¡°Ai.¡± After the sound of An Ning¡¯s footsteps faded away, only then did Emperor Jia Ning sigh, ¡°An Ning was very well-behaved when she was young, it¡¯s hard to know when she started to change into this temper. The battlefield has no eyes, does Zhen have to see my child die before me? Besides, she is eighteen. Even if she is a princess, she still has to marry someone.¡±


    Seeing that Emperor Jia Ning was rambling to himself, Zhao Fu stepped forward to refill some hot tea and advised him: ¡°Bixia, the princess has unparalleled majesty, any family¡¯s sons that are assigned will yield, you don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±


    Emperor Jia Ning lightly snorted: ¡°That¡¯s natural. Being able to marry Zhen¡¯s daughter is their greatest honour.¡± He paused, and then said in a deep voice, ¡°Taizi has also left the Eastern Palace?¡±


    Zhao Fu nodded: ¡°Listening to the imperial guard¡¯s report, Taizi-dianxia personally ordered the princess to be sent back to the palace.¡±


    Emperor Jia Ning¡¯s eyes narrowed, and there was some slight surprise in his voice: ¡°It¡¯s already been ten years, is there really a person who can make him change his mind? This Ren Anle, if used well, will be Zhen¡¯s sharp weapon.¡±


    Zhao Fu¡¯s heart trembled; he didn¡¯t answer. He stood quietly behind Emperor Jia Ning, looked at the emperor¡¯s gloomy expression hidden under the candlelight, and slowly lowered his eyes.


    The weather was poor, and it rained heavily and continuously for a month in the capital. Even the eldest An Ning-gongzhu¡¯s impressive feat of visiting a brothel and keeping a courtesan was forgotten by the people of the capital in the continuous heavy rain.


    Ren Mansion. Drenched from the rain, Yuan Shu ran into the book pavilion, dragging water stains all over the floor. Yuan Qin served a cup of hot tea and gave it to her, ¡°So frazzled. How are things in the west of the city?¡±


    ¡°Still good, a few days ago xiaojie ordered to send over a lot of food and clothing.¡± Yuan Shu panted, clasped the tea that Yuan Qin handed over, and took a large gulp, ¡°Where¡¯s xiaojie?¡±


    ¡°Xiaojie has also just come back and is changing clothes in her room. More and more foreign people have entered the capital, and all the government offices in the capital are busy.¡± Yuan Shu¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, worry crossing her face.


    There was heavy rain in the capital city and its surrounding area. Many houses had collapsed, fertile fields were flooded, and the common people had nothing to rely on, so they had to flee to the capital, but¡­ there were a little too many refugees pouring in.


    While they were speaking, Ren Anle changed into a vermillion quju and walked in. The steps of the wooden clogs made a low sound, and her long hair was loose, carrying a dampness.


    (TN: ÇúñÕ ¨C a style of hanfu, with a curved skirt that covers the back)


    Yuan Qin cried out in alarm, and immediately grabbed a cloth towel, scolding as she walked over to dry her hair for her.


    Ren Anle stood by the window, squinting at the sky that almost seemed to be collapsing: ¡°If the rain keeps falling like this, I¡¯m afraid there will be problems with the water courses.¡±


    Yuan Shu blinked, not understanding the situation. She was about to ask what happened when Chang Qing walked across the corridor, his gait a little hurried.


    ¡°Xiaojie, just now there was news from the imperial city. Taizi-dianxia, Prince Mu, and the two prime ministers were all summoned into the palace by Bixia.¡±


    Ren Anle turned around, speaking in a deep voice: ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I heard of a group of people who flooded into the capital and trespassed into the palace gates. Within the chaos, the commander of the Yulin Army found a blood book on someone, with thousands of people¡¯s signatures on it, and then reported it to Bixia.¡±


    (TN: ѪÊé ¨C a blood book is often a compilation of signatures and letters from the common people, written in blood, making heavy requests and wishes, and expressing concerns to the emperor.)


    ¡°Blood book? From the people that are fleeing from the districts of the capital city and its surrounding area?¡±


    Chang Qing shook his head, his voice a little dry: ¡°No, it¡¯s from the people fleeing calamity from Jiangnan.¡±

 CH 20

    The land of Jiangnan, with its vast territory and rich resources, is the most prosperous place in Da Jing. The refugees flooding into the capital originate from this place, and news of it spreads like wildfire, causing great commotion throughout the land!


    Unfortunately, this is a fact.


    The dark red bloodstains were still flowing at the foot of Chongyang Gate. A refugee, who was on the verge of death, filed a complaint to the emperor and was carried into the Grand Court of Judicial Review. A joint petition from a thousand people was found and confiscated from him, causing a sensation that stirred up three thousand waves and completely disrupted the calm and composed court of the Dajing dynasty, turning it into a muddy pool.


    ¾ªÆðÈýǧÀË"(j¨©ng q¨« s¨¡n qi¨¡n l¨¤ng) is a Chinese idiom that literally translates to "startled up three thousand waves." This idiom is often used to describe a situation where a small action or incident can cause a great disturbance or reaction, similar to how a small pebble thrown into a calm lake can create large ripples that spread out in all directions.


    In the third month of the year, rain had been pouring continuously in the south of the Yangtze River. Ten days ago, the river embankment broke in the Yuan River, and fifteen counties and districts under the jurisdiction of the Mu Tian prefecture were flooded, with tens of thousands of people affected. Fleeing for their lives, the people were helpless and had nowhere to turn. The bloodstained petition was directed towards Mu Tian''s Governor, Zhong Liwen, accusing him of doing nothing in response to the disaster. As a result, the entire Mu Tian prefecture region, spanning thousands of miles, became a lifeless city.


    ½­ÄÏ (Ji¨¡ngn¨¢n) - a region in China south of the Yangtze River


    The ragged refugees and the blood-stained paper evidence have become the evidence of this public case!


    The officials and commoners of the capital city have yet to fully comprehend the shocking and absurd reality that has unfolded before them. As night fell on this day, the fast courier of the Mu Tian Prefecture arrived in the capital, urgently reporting that the flood in Jiangnan has become severe, and humbly requesting that the court allocate funds for disaster relief.


    These two pieces of news, separated by just half a day, suddenly triggered an outburst from the previously silent court. If it were said that the Governor of Mu Tian Prefecture did not report on the disaster, the news had already arrived. If it were said that he was innocent, it was only delivered to the capital ten days later, even after the refugees had arrived.


    The court was divided into two factions and a heated debate ensued. The Left Prime Minister and the Mu Wang advocated for the court to first allocate funds for disaster relief, allowing officials under Zhong Liwen to stabilize the situation and prevent any instability in Jiangnan due to a change in leadership. The Right Minister and his faction, however, believed that the people''s sentiment expressed in the joint blood-letter could not be taken lightly. They suggested dismissing Zhong Liwen and his officials, and appointing capable and virtuous individuals to govern the affairs of the Mu Tian Prefecture.


    Two factions were each holding their own position, and unable to reconcile. The court was in chaos for a moment. Emperor Jianing commanded the two sides to find a compromise within three days and properly deal with the flooding in Jiangnan.


    "Zhong Liwen is the confidant of  Mu Wang, and many officials in Jiangnan have also pledged their allegiance to him. If this matter is pursued, it will undoubtedly harm the vitality of  Mu Wang''s faction, which is why the conflict has escalated to this point."


    Descending the stone steps of the Taihe Hall after morning court, Huang pu rubbed his somewhat injured head and said in a low voice to Ren Anle.


    Ren Anle nodded and asked, "How did the Right Minister instruct you?" Huangpu belonged to the faction of the Prime Minister, and this dispute between the two factions had arisen in order to gain control over the prosperous region of Jiangnan.


    Huangpu showed some hesitation on his face and spoke, "The lord did not give us any instructions regarding the dismissal of Zhong Liwen and other officials. It was something we decided among ourselves."


    Ren Anle was somewhat surprised. The Right Minister has always been fiercely opposed to evil and is the teacher of the Crown Prince. Could it be that he would let go of this opportunity to strike at the Mu Prince and the Left Minister?


    Amidst the conversation between the two, someone took two quick steps and loudly called out to Ren Anle, stopping her in her tracks.


    "Ren daren, please stay." Ren Anle turned around and saw a man in a vermilion court dress behind her, and smiled, "Qian daren."


    In ancient China, people often addressed each other using their surname followed by a title of respect, such as "´óÈË" (d¨¤r¨¦n) for an esteemed person of high status or authority.


    The man was startled, and then he became pleased,"Does the Daren have an impression of this humble official?"


    "Qian daren''s reputation for handling gold and silver spreads far and wide, how can Anle not know about his prosperity?" Ren Anle teased, laughing heartily.


    The person who has just arrived is precisely Qian Guangjin, who has been recently promoted to the position of the official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. As the youngest high-ranking official since the beginning of the Da Jing Dynasty, his popularity and momentum are currently peerless.


    Qian Guangjin looked at Ren Anle with some genuine gratitude and said, "This official was able to be promoted because of Ren Daren''s fair judgment in the case of cheating in the imperial examinations. I should have thanked you earlier, Ren daren."


    Ren Anle waved her hand and said, "Qian daren''s words are weighty. Since you entered the Ministry of Revenue, the national treasury has been replenished, and the position of the Minister of Revenue is highly coveted by all."


    "Not at all, not at all. Ah, I have just taken office, and such a big incident has happened in Jiangnan. I am truly at fault."


    A month ago, Du Zeru was still the Minister of Revenue. Qian Guangjin couldn''t intervene in Jiangnan affairs, so it wasn''t necessarily his fault. Upon taking office, he encountered a a difficult problem, which can also be considered his bad luck.


    ÌÌÊÖɽÓó (t¨¤ng sh¨¯u sh¨¡n y¨´) - hot potato, a difficult problem


    Qian Guangjin sighed repeatedly and saluted to Ren Anle, "The Ministry of Revenue needs to allocate silver for disaster relief. Ren daren, I will return to my yamen first. If you need my assistance in the future, please don''t hesitate to ask. I will definitely do my best to help."


    Qian Guangjin said in a hurry and left. Huangpu was somewhat sentimental and said, "Your Excellency, Qian Guangjin comes from a wealthy family and has won the favor of His Majesty. Now that he is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue and has a close relationship with Old Gong, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, he is willing to establish a friendship with you. Your position in the court will be more stable.


    ÉÐÊé (sh¨¤ngsh¨±) - Shangshu (an ancient Chinese government official position)


    Qian Guangjin and the Minister of Rites are both neutral factions. If Ren Anle can gain their support, there may be a new force emerging in the court. After a few months of getting along, Huangpu no longer regarded Ren Anle as a woman, and treated her like other important court officials.


    "This is called hitting the mark by chance. It seems that my old man teaching me to accumulate blessings and good fortune in daily life was not wrong." said Ren Anle with a smile.


    Íá´òÕý×Å is a Chinese idiom which literally means "hit slanted but got it straight." It refers to a situation where someone accidentally achieves success or solves a problem through an unexpected or unconventional approach.


    "Old man?" Huangpu was a scholar of literature and had rarely heard such an obvious term of address for one''s elder at home.


    "Oh, it was my father who passed away in Jin Nan several years ago." Ren Anle waved her hand, his voice inexplicably lowering. She descended the stone steps and gradually walked away.


    As soon as Ren Anle entered the Ren Mansion''s gates, Chang Qing came forward and greeted her, "Miss, there is a distinguished guest visiting."


    Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and, without inquiring about the person''s identity, walked steadily towards the hall. From a distance, she could see the figure sitting at the center of the hall, and she had a vague understanding in her heart.


    With a smile on the corners of her mouth, she spoke with a clear and bright voice, "I didn''t know that the Right Minister would come, so Anle apologize for not welcoming you properly." The elder in the hall looked up and saw that it was indeed Ren Anle who had arrived. He grabbed his white beard and chuckled, "It''s this old man''s impertinence to come here, please don''t blame me, Ren daren.¡±


    "Wherever, it is my humble abode that shines brightly," said Ren Anle turned to the Right Minister on her right and saluted before taking her seat. "I wonder if Minister Wei has come for the matter of the flooding in Jiangnan?"


    ÅîÜêÉú»Ô (p¨¦ng b¨¬ sh¨¥ng hu¨©) - shining brightly (literal translation: flourishing with pampas grass and cassia trees). Is a Chinese idiom that means "to achieve great success and become famous."


    Wei Jian was taken aback for a moment, but then showed a satisfied expression as he replied with a meaningful tone, "Ren daren''s mind is as clear as a mirror, this trip of mine is definitely not in vain."


    ÐÄÈçÃ÷¾µ (xin ru ming jing) - heart/mind like a clear mirror. It means that one''s mind should be like a mirror, reflecting things as they are, without distorting or adding any personal biases or opinions. It suggests a state of mind that is free from attachment and delusion, enabling one to see the world objectively and with clarity


    Since Right Minister has not instructed Huangpu to intervene in the affairs of Jiangnan, it must be that he has other plans. His visit at this time is likely to be related to this matter.


    "To have Minister Wei personally come here, the situation in Jiangnan must be more serious than what is rumored in the court."


    Wei Jian nodded, and with a deep voice said, "Ren daren should be aware that Zhong Liwen is Mu Wang''s confidant. Mu Wang and the Left  Minister have always been on good terms, but the current situation is not as simple as a struggle between two factions."


    ãåÍõ (M¨´ W¨¢ng) - Prince Mu (a title)


    Ren Anle frowned and said, "What does  Minister Wei mean... Is there something strange about the situation in Jiangnan?"


    Wei Jian nodded his head and said, "Ren daren, as someone who has recently entered the imperial court, perhaps you are unaware that last year Bi xia allocated one million silver taels to the south of the Yangtze River for the construction of the Yuan River."


    ±ÝÏ (b¨¬ xi¨¤) - Your Majesty


    Ren Anle''s expression turned serious as she replied, "The river channel was only repaired last year? Even if it has been raining heavily for months, it shouldn''t have collapsed so easily."


    There is only one possibility: the one million silver coins were not used to build the river embankments at all, but instead were embezzled by officials from all levels in Jiangnan. It was only now that she realized the intention of the Right Minister. The flood in Jiangnan was not a natural disaster, but a man-made calamity. Tens of thousands of people were displaced and died, becoming sacrificial lambs under the greed of the corrupt officials.


    Most of the officials in Jiangnan were under the command of the Mu Wang and the Left Minister, which explains why they vehemently opposed the appointment of new officials by the court. It is likely that they were afraid of this matter leading to further complications, which would expose the whereabouts of the one million river fund.


    "Has  Minister Wei arrived today with a plan?"


    "This matter is of great importance, but there is no evidence. If the Left Minister and Mu Wang insist on opposing it, it will involve a struggle between two factions. Your Majesty will not send officials from both sides to Jiangnan unless..."


    Unless the person sent does not belong to any faction, the Left  Minister and the Mu Prince will have nothing to say, and Bi xia will also be at ease." Slowly opening her mouth, Ren Anle understood the purpose of the Right Prime Minister''s visit, "Your Excellency wants Anle to go to Jiangnan?"


    Wei nodded, "Looking at the court and the officials, there is no one more suitable than Ren daren. Even if ordinary officials were sent, they might not necessarily succeed." Ren Anle comes from a bandit background, and has always acted without scruples or rules. In addition, the intimidation of the cheating case in the imperial examination still lingers. Sending her there will surely make the opponent confused and disoriented."


    "The minister''s words carry great weight, I''m afraid Anle cannot bear such a heavy responsibility." Ren Anle smiled and said, "With the two factions in conflict, what concern does it have to do with me?"


    "The old man knows that the master does not wish to be involved in worldly affairs," Wei Jian paused and spoke solemnly, "the floods in Jiangnan cause disasters every year. If we do not eliminate the root of corruption, the people will never have peace. This year, only the Mu Tian was destroyed, but if the Yuan River breaks its banks completely next year, the Qianli State will be lost during the reign of our Emperor Jing. Master, you are kind-hearted and I believe you will not refuse the sincere request from an old man."


    Ren Anle had lived for eighteen years and had never heard anyone describe her as "kind-hearted," especially not a high-ranking official of the country. Her face turned red with embarrassment and she kept waving her hands. Seeing the old man''s earnest gaze, she hesitantly nodded while fidgeting and rubbing her hands.


    The Right Minister was greatly comforted and burst into laughter, without any trace of worry on his solemn and antique face. Ren Anle knew she had been tricked by this seemingly rigid and serious old man, and snorted with narrowed eyes, saying, "Your Excellency, Anle is willing to volunteer to go to Jiangnan. However, the water disaster in Jiangnan cannot be eradicated by my own strength alone. If Your Excellency is willing to send someone back with me, Anle will surely investigate and clarify the corrupt cases in Jiangnan."


    "Oh? Who?" asked the Prime Minister.


    "Formerly held the position of Minister of Works, Fang Daohong."


    With a smile at the corner of her mouth, Ren Anle watched as the once confident old Prime Minister''s face froze and his smile stiffened as the words fell from her lips.


    The seventeenth year of the Jianing period was destined to be a tumultuous one. Before the imperial decree regarding the Mu Tian and case could be issued, the Grand Court Secretary Ren Anle and the Right Chancellor simultaneously caused a stir in the court. One had selflessly offered to go to Jiangnan to aid in disaster relief, while the other had petitioned the emperor to recall the former Minister of Works, Fang Daohong, who had been exiled to the southern frontier several years prior.


    In the presence of the right minister, the matter of Ren Anle''s journey to Jiangnan was courageously presented in a memorial with the risk of losing his head. However, it was strangely overlooked.


    Fang Daohong, who passed the imperial examination in the third year of Taizu''s reign, was a renowned hydraulic master in Yunxia. He was skilled in managing waterways. Ten years ago, when the imperial family plotted a rebellion, Fang pleaded on their behalf. However, the enraged Jianing Emperor removed him from his position as Minister of Works and exiled his whole family to the southern borderlands.


    Ì«×æ (t¨¤iz¨³) - title given to the founder of a dynasty


    In the past, there were many ministers in the court who pleaded for the Du family, but they were mostly executed by Emperor Jianing. Only this man, Fang Daohong, who was a genius in weaponry and water conservancy, was spared by Emperor Jianing and was exiled to the southern border. Out of sight, out of mind. Little did he know that someone would plead for his return ten years later. If the petitioner were not the prime minister, this memorial would have been thrown under Emperor Jianing''s table long ago.


    What can be done is to invite a person who can handle it, for his reputation is known far and wide. It is an indisputable fact that Jiangnan suffers from floods year after year. In this critical moment when the Yuan River stretches a thousand miles and breaches its banks, I am afraid that apart from Fang Daohong, no one can control the raging flood.


    The ministers, who have been at odds with each other, have finally come together due to the continuous heavy rain and the influx of refugees into the capital. More and more of them are submitting petitions to recall Fang Daohong. Even the left chancellor and the Mu Prince, under the unanimous public opinion, have chosen to remain silent.


    Two days later, Emperor Jianing finally issued a decree, summoning Fang Daohong to go to Jiangnan and assume the position of governor of the two provinces, and immediately start to rectify the river. As for the matter of Ren Anle going to Jiangnan to relieve the disaster, the emperor''s mind was undecided. Therefore, the Prime Minister and the Mu Prince strongly recommended other courtiers in the hope of finding a replacement for Ren Anle in the disaster relief efforts.


    In the study, Emperor Jianing furrowed his brows and looked down at the Crown Prince standing at the foot of the throne. He spoke in a deep voice, "Crown Prince, do you really decide on this matter?"


    Han Ye nodded solemnly and said, "Fu huang, the aristocratic families in Jiangnan are united in spirit and kinship, and officials protect each other. Er chen knows that the reason why Father finds it difficult to issue the decree is because Ren Anle, who has just entered the court, has little prestige and a rebellious personality. Fu huang fears that her actions will cause turmoil in Jiangnan. If Er chen accompanies her on this journey, I believe your worries will surely be eliminated."


    ¸¸»Ê (f¨´ hu¨¢ng) - Father Emperor


    ¶ù³¼ (¨¦r ch¨¦n) is a Chinese term used to refer to oneself as the son or child of the emperor in ancient times. It was a way for a son to show respect and loyalty to his father, who was the emperor.


    "Crown Prince, as a prince who will inherit the throne, how can you easily enter a disaster-stricken area?" Ren Anle is in a neutral position, indeed the most suitable candidate, but his prestige is not enough. The Crown Prince can share the burden with Ren Anle, which makes Emperor Jianing somewhat relieved, his expression slightly relaxed, but he still reprimands him in a stern tone.


    "Because Er chen, your humble servant, am the Crown Prince of this country, I must be even more diligent in attending to matters personally. When my father, the Emperor, was young, he too shed blood on the battlefield. How could I, his son, be afraid of death and abandon the courage of a man of the Han family?"


    Emperor Jianing remained silent for a long time, gazing at the Crown Prince who resembled the founder of the dynasty. Finally, he sighed and said, "If you are determined to do so, then go."


    "Ye''er, the journey is far, and the waters of Jiangnan are deep. Safety should be the top priority in everything," Emperor Jianing''s faint words drifted to Han Ye as he retreated to the doorway. He paused momentarily before responding with a respectful "yes" and then left.


    This is a Chinese idiom that originated from a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling. The literal translation of the idiom is "the road is long, and the water is deep in the south of the Yangtze River." The "journey " represents the challenge or obstacle that must be overcome, while "the waters of the south" represent the difficulties or dangers that one might encounter along the way.


    In the carriage heading back to the Eastern Palace, Wen Shuo noticed a slight furrow in Han Ye''s brow and expressed his concern, "Your Highness, with the control of the Mu Prince over Jiangnan, it is likely to be dangerous for you to personally enter the region."


    The struggle for the throne within the royal family has always been a bloody affair, but that is precisely what worries Emperor Jianing.


    "Jiangnan''s government is corrupt. If we do not take this opportunity, it will only become more difficult in the future," Han Ye said calmly.


    "In this critical moment, how could Your Majesty agree to let you go?" Wen Shuo murmured in a low voice. The crimson court robes worn by him still revealed a youthful and inexperienced demeanor.


    Han Ye hooked the corners of his mouth, "Jiangnan is prosperous, and Mu Wang''s power has gradually grown in recent years. I''m afraid that Father Emperor has harbored a grudge against him. Otherwise, why would he summon Fang Daohong back from southern border to rectify the river?"


    After all, the threat from the Imperial Family has already passed, but the ambitious eldest son still makes Emperor Jianing fearful.


    Wen Shuo nodded, "Indeed, Fang Daohong had great talents and had previously made suggestions to the imperial family. If it weren''t for the flooding in Jiangnan this time, he might not have been able to recover in his lifetime. Fortunately, Ren daren will accompany His Highness and I have heard that her martial arts are very good, so she should be able to ensure His Highness''s safety without worry."


    Wen Shuo glanced up and saw a dangerous look in Han Ye''s eyes, so he awkwardly laughed a couple of times and quickly covered his mouth.


    The next day, the imperial edict was issued and those who were granted imperial orders were already swaying in their carriages and leaving the capital city.


    The space inside this carriage is ordinary-sized, with three large blankets made of the shallow-woven and thick-warm material of Jiangnan covering the floor. The scent of dragon''s saliva incense permeates the interior of the carriage.


    Ren Anle slept soundly under the covers until noon, when she finally opened her eyes groggily. Rubbing her messy hair, she curled up in her blanket and first saw Yuan Qin and Yuan Shu, who were cowering in the corner with fearful and cautious expressions. Her bleary eyes suddenly became aware.


    "Ren daren, it is said that the female general who takes charge of a fortress and has entered the battlefield several times, is brave and skilled in battle. Could it be that her reputation has been spread wrongly? Looking at you, I''m afraid even Duke Zhou himself cannot sleep as soundly as you can."


    Öܹ«Ò²²»¼°ÄãÄܺ¨Ë¯ (Even Duke Zhou cannot sleep as soundly as you do) - This expression is typically used to praise someone''s ability to sleep well, indicating that the person is so deeply asleep that even the legendary Duke Zhou, known for his peaceful demeanor and wise governance, cannot match their level of restfulness. It is often used humorously to compliment someone who is known for sleeping soundly, but it can also be used in a more serious context to express admiration for a person''s calm and relaxed demeanor, which allows them to sleep soundly even in the midst of chaos or stress.


    As the carriage rattled over the rocky road, Ren Anle was jolted awake. She turned her head and looked towards the other end of the carriage where the handsome and calm Crown Prince was seated. After a long moment, Ren Anle opened her eyes wide and shamelessly uttered a sentence.


    "Your Highness, eloping is such a shocking and outrageous matter, this humble servant... is truly not yet prepared."


    (T/N: Lmao. It gives me some second-hand embarrassment.)

 CH 21

    The carriage was filled with a serene silence that lasted for half an incense stick''s worth of time. Yuan Shu gaped as she looked at the bandit miss who was pretending to be delicate. For the first time, she felt that the people of Southern Jin possessed unparalleled wisdom in their distant and respectful attitude towards Ren Anle. It seemed that her young miss was born without the knowledge of the word ''fear.'' Carefully, she turned her head to look at the Crown Prince, only to catch sight of a pair of eyes as dark and profound as night. In an instant, she lowered her head and began to play with her fingers intently¡ªshe heard nothing, saw nothing.


    Although Yuan Qin''s expression was also tense, she relaxed slightly after seeing Yuan Shu''s useless fidgeting. However, her gaze seemed to be stuck on the tea set she was playing with in her hand, and she simply refused to lift her eyes.


    Han Ye narrowed his eyes, and the half-closed pages of the book in his hand rustled. From his seated position, he could clearly see Ren Anle half-wrapped in a quilt, with disheveled black hair, a lingering mist of just waking up in her eyes, and a blatant provocation lazily yet sharply displayed.


    With a slight curl of his lips, he threw the book into the corner and suddenly stood up. Before anyone could react, he reached across a wooden table and lifted up Ren Anle''s long hair, his slender fingers caressing each strand of her dark hair as they fell upon her neck. He moved closer and closer, his dark eyes fixed upon her, unblinking.


    Yuan Shu covered her eyes with a few fingers, leaving just enough space for her to stare wide-eyed at the scene before her. She held her breath, afraid to even take a single gasp of air. With a tremble in her hand, Yuan Qin spilled a few drops of tea from her porcelain cup.


    A distance of one foot is too dangerous! The old man once said that people are deceitful and one should leave three-tenths of one''s guard up when dealing with them. On the battlefield, one must not let others cross the blade of one''s sword.


    Ren Anle blinked her eyes and recited the ancestral teachings of the Anle fortress in her heart over ten times. However, she still could not bear to break away from Han Ye''s seemingly weak and powerless wrist. The hot breath fell on her face as the man''s intertwined breath lingered. His thin lips lightly pursed, his eyebrows as black as ink, and the upturned phoenix eyes deep with such profound emotion.


    Oh my, Father, why didn''t you say before taking your last breath that the imperial capital''s talented young beauties are as fierce as tigers? Your daughter here is truly overwhelmed!


    Silence pervaded inside the carriage as Han Ye watched the blush slowly engulf Ren Anle''s fair neck and cheeks. A faint curve formed at the corner of his mouth as he spoke, enunciating each word clearly.


    "Ren daren, the concubines of the Eastern Palace, like the weak waters of the three thousand rivers, though not as bold and unrestrained as you, each possesses a gentle and graceful demeanor, with extraordinary beauty and elegance. It is what this humble one admires. If  Ren daren were to enter the ranks of the Eastern Palace, it would be feared that the disparity would be far apart."


    ÈõË®Èýǧ (ru¨° shu¨« s¨¡n qi¨¡n) is a phrase from Chinese literature that literally translates to "three thousand weak waters." It is often used to describe a beautiful but unattainable woman, or a situation that is desirable but out of reach. The phrase comes from a poem by the Tang dynasty poet Wang Bo, which describes a river that separates two lovers who cannot be together. The "weak water" refers to the river''s gentle flow, which seems calm and shallow but is actually deep and difficult to cross.


    ÎÂÍñËÆË® (w¨¥n w¨£n s¨¬ shu¨«) is a Chinese idiom that describes a person''s demeanor or personality as gentle and graceful, like the flowing of water.


    The meaning behind these words is that only the noble ladies from prominent families with exceptional talent and outstanding looks are qualified to enter the Eastern Palace. As for a plain-looking, coarse and untalented bandit woman from the borderland like you, don''t waste your time dreaming during broad daylight!


    Even Yuan Shu, who was usually ignorant of complex matters, could discern the underlying meaning in this sentence, as well as the subtle mockery and retort from the Crown Prince. Letting out a sigh, she silently closed the gap between her fingers.


    Ren Anle looked at Han Ye, who sat back calmly after teasing her, with widened eyes. She pouted and felt wronged, muttering to herself that people of the royal family were indeed delicate. Just a joke made her feel as if she had plucked the whiskers of a tiger.


    His Royal Highness gloriously captured a city, though his expression was devoid of emotion, yet for the first time, a smile reached the depths of his eyes.


    The jolting carriage finally brought back Ren Anle''s spirit from the clouds beyond the ninth heaven. Only then did she settle down and observe the scenery inside the carriage, pleased to find herself neatly dressed. She casually used a strip of cloth to tie up her long hair and lifted the curtain to look outside. The verdant mountains and clear waters carried a hint of rustic charm, clearly indicating that it was no longer the bustling capital city. She raised an eyebrow and glanced towards Han Ye.


    "His Majesty the Emperor has issued an edict, ordering the two of us to be imperial envoys and travel to Jiangnan for disaster relief. The Grand Court will be temporarily presided over by Huangpu," Han Ye flipped through the pages of the book, "I suppose the edict has already been delivered to the Ren mansion by now."


    Ren Anle counted the number of people in the carriage with her finger, incredulously asking, "Your Highness, are you saying that there are only a few of us?"


    "We will go ahead, and Zhengyan will lead the Imperial Guards and the relief fund, and set off half a day later." Hanye paused, showing rare appreciation. "Qian Guangjin is truly a talented individual. In just a month, he has efficiently organized the entire Ministry of Revenue, and within a single day, he has gathered all the relief funds."


    "If he were not talented, the Emperor would not have relied on him so much at such a young age. Your Highness, if you could win him over, it would be a great help." Ren Anle winked and continued, "Your Highness, if you want to enter Jiangnan quietly, this carriage is too eye-catching."


    Gazing at the luxurious and comfortable furnishings inside the carriage, Ren Anle shook her head and criticized, but her hands were never idle. In just a few moments, she swept away all kinds of food on the small table, leaving it spotlessly clean.


    Yuan Qin handed over a cup of hot tea, and with a contented look, she held it and took a few sips.


    Han Ye frowned slightly, looking at the noisy and gluttonous woman in front of him, beginning to doubt whether choosing Ren Anle as his companion on his journey to Jiangnan might have been a mistake. Just as he was about to speak, Ren Anle let out a burp and continued chattering, "Chen believes Your Highness will change xingtou at the Sankou Town."


    ³¼ (ch¨¦n) - This word refers to oneself as a humble servant. It is commonly used to show humility and respect towards the person being addressed.


    ÐÐÍ· (x¨ªngt¨®u) - This refers to one''s attire or clothing. In ancient China, different classes of people wore different types of clothing, so one''s attire was an indicator of their social status.


    Han Ye''s hand holding the book paused, and he looked at Ren Anle with a stern gaze. He had only decided on the route last night, how could Ren Anle know about it?


    "To reach the Heavenly Capital of Mu, one can take not only the official road but also two other routes, namely, Ten li Slope and Sankou Town. The former is a flat and wide road, while the latter is a winding and perilous path. As His Highness the Crown Prince is the pride of the heavens and is traveling in a carriage out of the capital, if I were  Mu Wang, I would surely place those who block His Highness''s entourage on the official road and at Ten li Slope."


    Han Ye''s expression changed as he picked up the book and said, "Oh? Why would Mu Wang hinder Gu?"


    ¹Â (g¨±) - me, used by the speaker to refer to himself in a humble or self-deprecating manner


    "Your Highness, it is quite peculiar that news of the flooding in Mu Tian Prefecture took ten days to reach the capital city, even after the refugees had already submitted their grievances. Isn''t this rather strange? Only by arriving in Mu Tian Prefecture as quickly as possible can we uncover any traces of the incident. Although the journey from Sankou Town is filled with treacherous mountains and perilous waters, it is the shortest route despite its hardships." Ren Anle set down her steaming tea, her expression clear and profound.


    Han Ye silently looked at the woman sitting across from him, who was speaking calmly and confidently, and praised her, "It seems that Ren daren has great strategical abilities."


    Ren Anle''s eyes were cunning, and she spoke with arrogance, "Your Highness, although you have three thousand beauties in the Eastern Palace, it is truly difficult to find someone like me who can navigate both the court and the rivers and lakes."


    ½­ºþ - "rivers and lakes" (referring to the world outside of the court, where martial arts experts and other skilled individuals might reside)


    She lifted her head with a resolute expression, as if determined to defend the city with her life. Han Ye''s lips curved slightly, and he was too lazy to continue arguing with her. He simply instructed, "Call me when we arrive at Sankou Town," and closed his eyes to rest.


    Ren Anle hummed a tune as the luxurious and ostentatious carriage slowly made its way towards Sankou Town.


    Half a day later, they arrived at Sankou Town and found a rural inn to stay in. With his distinguished air, Han Ye made the others into his servants, except for Ren Anle. After humming for a while, Ren Anle changed into men''s clothing and became the second young master. Han Ye allowed her to be playful and simply sat by the window drinking tea. Yuan Qin stood quietly behind him, looking quite miserable.


    After Han Ye took a sip of the tea handed to her in the carriage, she was temporarily requisitioned by the Eastern Palace as a maid. Ren Anle voiced her protest, but the Crown Prince dismissed her with a phrase, "wasting precious resources."


    ±©éåÌìÎï (b¨¤o ti¨£n ti¨¡n w¨´ ) to waste natural resources recklessly; not to know how to use things sparingly. This expression originated from the book "Wu Cheng" in the "Book of Documents." Later, it was used metaphorically to describe the reckless squandering of resources and the failure to appreciate their value.


    As the evening approached, a sudden heavy rain started to pour down, making a pitter-patter sound on the windowsill. Han Ye''s eyebrows lightly furrowed, his expression slightly gloomy. If the rain didn''t stop, the entire Jiangnan river would overflow its banks, causing even greater calamities for the common people.


    Ren Anle, fanning herself with a handheld fan, leaned against the wooden staircase on the second floor, enjoying the sight of a beautiful man admiring the rain. She was quite content.


    "Let me go!" The slightly agitated voice of a youth echoed through the corridor. Hearing this familiar voice, both Han Ye and Ren Anle were startled and looked outside.


    Chang Qing, carrying a iron sword with a wooden expression, walked in while twisting the arm of a person dressed in a raincoat and wearing a rain hat. The youth struggled and the rain hat fell to the ground, revealing an embarrassed face. Chang Qing placed the person in the center of the hall and said in a muffled voice, "Miss, Lord Wen Shuo has been following us for half a day. Seeing that the rain is getting heavier, I brought him in."


    Upon hearing this, Wen Shuo was surprised and decided not to continue the chase. He asked, "Did you already know that I was following you?"


    Chang Qing nodded, then lowered his gaze and stepped aside, returning to his previous state of being a wooden stake.


    An Le leisurely fanned herself and said, "Oh, Young Master Wen, why would you abandon your position as a newly appointed Hanlin scholar to come suffer with us?"


    пƺ²ÁÖ (xin ke Hanlin) - a title for a newly appointed member of the Hanlin Academy, an institution responsible for editing and compiling imperial documents


    º²ÁÖ (h¨¤nl¨ªn) is a title given to high-ranking scholars in ancient China, specifically those serving in the Imperial Academy.


    Wen Shuo coughed and replied, "There''s not much to learn at the Hanlin Academy, so I might as well follow you all to Jiangnan..."


    º²ÁÖÔº - Hanlin Academy (an imperial academy in ancient China)


    "Nonsense." Han Ye shouted coldly and harshly, "You are an official appointed by the imperial court, the newly appointed zhuang yuan in the imperial examination. There is no reason for you to abandon your position and leave at will!"


    ×´Ôª (zhu¨¤ng yu¨¢n) - "top scholar" (referring to the person who achieved the highest score in the imperial examinations)


    Wen Shuo walked up to Han Ye and said, "Your Highness, this morning I requested an imperial decree from His Majesty, and only after His Majesty granted my request did I follow along with you."


    Han Ye''s expression grew colder, and Wen Shuo replied cautiously,  "If I were to say it, Your Highness would certainly not allow me to follow along. I have only been following all the way here."


    "Go back," Han Ye got up and gave a faint command, without even looking back, he walked towards the second floor.


    Wen Shuo was anxious and hurriedly said, ''Your Highness, Zhao Yan is guarding the Eastern Palace, and everything is safe and sound. This trip to Jiangnan has too many variables, so I am following Your Highness closely in order to provide close protection.''"


    ½­ÄÏ( Jiangnan)refers to the region south of the Yangtze River, which was known for its natural beauty and cultural richness in ancient China


    ÍòÊ°²ºÃ (w¨¤n sh¨¬ ¨¡n h¨£o) - "everything is safe and sound" (a common expression meaning that everything is going well)


    "The imperial guards I have are all mere decorations. Why do I even need you, a zhuang yuan, to protect me?" Han Ye''s eyes were visibly filled with anger.


    ×´Ôª (zhuang yuan) refers to the top scholar in the imperial examination


    Wen Shuo lowered his head, standing stubbornly in place with an attitude resistance.


    "Your Highness, let him follow," lazily came the voice of Ren Anle from upstairs, "With Chang Qing around, his safety is certainly assured."


    Han Ye turned his head, his expression indifferent and cold as he said, "Wen Shuo, the affairs of the Mu Tian Prefecture are important and concern the lives of tens of thousands of people. Prove to me that you are not a burden."


    Wen Shuo pursed his lips, took a step forward, and replied in a low voice, "Your Highness, after investigating, I found that thirteen of the twenty-five officials in the Mu Tian Prefecture had participated in the disbursement of funds for the river embankment last year. Among them, Zhong Liwen was the leader, and they were all part of Mu Wang''s faction. I have heard that there is a secret account book among the officials in Jiangnan, where they are referred to by code names and keep their own records throughout the year. At the end of the year, the accounts will be summarized."


    "Jiangnan has internal accounts, which is not a secret. However, there are no names listed in the account books. Even if one were to obtain them, it still cannot be distinguished which officials are involved,"said the speaker.


    "So what?" Han Ye raised an eyebrow in response.


    "The Mu Tian Mansion has twenty-five officials, of whom twenty-four are graduates. Last night, I stayed in the Hanlin Academy for the whole night, and I read through the examination papers of each official during the imperial examination... Although I am tired, I have memorized the handwriting of each one of them. The matters of the Southern Internal Accounts are of great importance. It must be their own handwriting in the account books. As long as I get hold of the account books, I can identify which officials are involved."


    The incredible feat of memorizing the handwriting of twenty-four individuals in one night is something beyond imagination, and only the young man before them, who had achieved the zhuangyuan in imperial examination at the age of fifteen, could have accomplished it.


    Not only Han Ye, but even Ren Anle''s fan, which had been shaking in her hand, came to a halt. After a moment of silence, she smiled at Han Ye with a complex expression and said, somewhat wistfully, "Your Highness, you have taught a good disciple."


    Han Ye did not respond and turned back to his room, implying his agreement with the matter.


    Late at night, the weather was gloomy. As soon as Han Ye stepped out of his room, he saw Ren Anle sitting on the windowsill with a small wine jug in her arms. Her face was hidden in the moonlight, showing a fleeting coldness.


    He paused for a moment, but eventually stepped forward and addressed the official.


    "Ren daren...," he said.


    "Ren Anle." Ren Anle turned her head and shook the wine pot at Han Ye, and seriously corrected him, "Why, does Your Highness have some important matter?"


    Han Ye walked up to her and asked, "Why did you leave Wen Shuo behind? Since you knew from the beginning that he was following you, you shouldn''t have waited until now to tell me."


    "Your Highness, Wen Shuo is worried about you, which is why he followed you all the way from the capital. Moreover, the court is full of twists and turns, and a wrong step could lead to irreparable disaster. He is talented and intelligent, and if he gains experience earlier, he will grow faster."


    Han Ye knew that Ren Anle''s words were all reasonable, but he still frowned and said, "I will protect him."


    "How long can you protect him? Eventually, one day he will have to learn to leave the protection of His highness''s wings. In this world, apart from oneself, there is no one who can protect anyone else."


    Ren Anle''s conviction in his eyes was too certain, and Han Ye squinted his eyes: "Ren Anle, you seem to care too much about Wen Shuo...why?"


    Ren Anle was taken aback and gazed into the boundless night for a moment before softly speaking, "I once had a younger brother... unfortunately, he was born weak and died in infancy. If he were still alive, he would be the same age as Wen Shuo."


    Han Ye could clearly see the deep sorrow that flashed across the eyes of this woman who was always playful in the world. It was a bone-chilling sadness that only came when one''s closest blood was lost. She quietly looked at him, her dark eyes familiar and cold, as if he had seen her somewhere before...


    "Your Highness," whispered Ren Anle softly, causing Han Ye to snap out of his daze. He clenched his hands behind his back. He looked at Ren Anle and pursed his thin lips.


    A woman on the windowsill jumped down, shaking an empty wine jug as she stumbled towards the room.


    "Your Highness, to be alive is a blessing, you should cherish it."


    A faint voice came, Han Ye turned around, only to see a lonely and desolate figure disappearing at the end of the corridor.

 CH 22

    Three days later, night, the Mu Palace.


    The Mu Wang palace has always been heavily guarded, and these days it has been even more so. The aide, Zhou An, hurriedly walked through the front courtyard and stepped into the study. He saw Mu Wang standing coldly in front of the desk, and his heart trembled. He walked forward and paid his respects.


    Mu Wang waved his hand impatiently and asked, "How is the Crown Prince''s whereabouts being investigated?"


    "Your Highness, our men haven''t seen the Crown Prince''s camp on the official road or at the Ten-Li Slope." Zhou An hesitated for a moment, then continued, "The Crown Prince must have gone through Sankou Town. Should we send someone to pursue..."


    "Even until now, you still dare to speak!" Mu Wang berated, "The road to Sankou Town is remote and treacherous. What''s the use of chasing after them? If they travel day and night, in at most two days, they will arrive at the Mu Tian Prefecture."


    Zhou An''s worry flashed through the depths of his eyes, "Wangye, I don''t know if Zhong daren has handled the matters of Mu Tian Prefecture properly. If the Crown Prince arrives early and discovers even the slightest trace of the breach in the Two Rivers, it would be a great peril for you, Your Highness."


    ÍõÒ¯ (w¨¢ng y¨¦) - My lord/lord.


    Mu Wang swept his sleeves and spoke coldly: "This wang had already warned Zhong Liwen earlier to appease the people and not to act excessively harsh and arrogant. If it were not for him arousing resentment among the people in Jiangnan and acting against the court''s various decrees in a covert manner, how could the Emperor have dispatched the Crown Prince and Ren Anle to the Mu Tian Prefecture?"


    The past two years, Emperor Jianing was not unaware of the growing influence of the Mu wang''s Manor. However, if he were to do nothing, like a timorous turtle, waiting for Han Ye''s ascension, he would ultimately meet the same fate as those imperial uncles who ended up worse off than dead. It would be better to take a risk. Initially, everything was going smoothly. If it weren''t for the recent breach in the Jiangnan River, Emperor Jianing would also have difficulty finding an excuse to rectify the situation in Jiangnan.


    He had been cautious, patient, and careful for over a decade, yet he found that man''s calculations are no match for heaven''s calculations.


    ÈËËã²»ÈçÌìËã (r¨¦n su¨¤n b¨´ r¨² ti¨¡n su¨¤n) - literally translates to "man''s calculations are inferior to heaven''s calculations." This phrase means that despite a person''s careful planning and preparations, unexpected events or circumstances may occur.


    "Wangye, now is not the time to be angry. Zhong daren has done so much for you over the years, and if he is exposed by the Crown Prince this time, he might turn around and bite you, Wangye..."


    "He dares!" Mu Wang''s expression turned gloomy, and he took a few steps back to the window. After a moment, he said, "Zhou An, inform Zhong Liwen that those troublesome things should be dealt with cleanly and efficiently. Also, give orders... the secret operations in Jiangnan will temporarily be under the control of Gui Xi."


    Zhou An was startled, his expression changed. He was initially a follower of Mu Wang, and many important matters in the Mu mansion were under his responsibility. However, he knew in his heart that the person most trusted by Mu Wang was the leader of the mansion''s secret guards, Gui Xi. This person was extremely mysterious; even Zhou An only knew of Gui Xi''s unparalleled swordsmanship and unwavering loyalty to Mu Wang. If Gui Xi intervened in the affairs of Jiangnan, there should be no cause for worry.


    Zhou An heaved a sigh of relief, nodded approvingly, and respectfully withdrew.


    Two days later, Mu Tian Prefecture.


    The accompanying guards, on the previous day, were divided into several waves and entered the Mu Tian Prefecture to investigate. Han Ye and Ren Anle led two maidservants, a wooden guard, and a spirited young zhuang yuan, who sat leisurely on a donkey cart and slowly made their way into the city.


    Oh, forgot to mention, this time, wielding the small whip and driving the donkey cart with great sacrifice is not Chang Qing, but Jian Song, the commander of the Eastern Palace Imperial Guards who has always been by Han Ye''s side. Of course, this is the most direct and effective revenge from Ren Anle after Han Ye snatched away her beloved servant girl.


    Upon entering the city, one could only see tidy streets and prosperous commoners. The scene before one''s eyes was tranquil and harmonious. After witnessing the bustling journey, the people in the donkey cart finally arrived at the predetermined inn arranged by the guards who entered the city ahead of time¡ªthe Ping''an Inn in the western city of Mu Tian prefecture.


    On this night, Ren Anle luxuriously soaked in a hot bath, feeling refreshed. When she pushed open Han Ye''s door, she saw Yuan Qin and Yuan Shu standing behind him, resembling obedient young wives, she couldn''t help but snort disdainfully.


    She enslaved the petty prince''s commander of the Eastern Palace for one day, and as a result, even this only remaining blockhead servant girl was relegated to a corner.


    Han Ye disregarded her increasingly arrogant and insolent behavior, regardless of how sharp and sarcastic Ren Anle''s mockery and sarcasm were. He focused on commanding the two maidservants, and as a result, she couldn''t display any temper at all.


    "Your Highness, there are only ten days left for the disaster relief funds to arrive at the Mu Tian prefecture, and yet you have time to enjoy tea and play chess here?" Ren Anle saw Han Ye holding the freshly brewed tea prepared by Yuan Qin, and with a raised eyebrow, she immediately started to criticize.


    Her long hair, draped over her shoulders, was still dripping with water. Without Yuan Qin by her side, everything seemed to go wrong. Ren Anle, while speaking, subtly gestured towards Yuan Qin with her eyes.


    Yuan Qin took a step, Han Ye coughed lightly neither too lightly nor too heavily. She quickly moved back to her original position, lowered her head with a serious expression, and began brewing tea.


    Even combing a single strand of hair is not allowed, where is the justice in that! Ren Anle''s face darkened, and she was about to draw her sword and engage in a full-scale fight. Han Ye raised his eyes, a smirk forming at the corner of his mouth, "Ren daren, it''s only fair to reciprocate. What can you offer gu? "


    Ren Anle restrained herself as she looked at Han Ye''s fox-like appearance, but her longing for Yuan Qin''s nimble hands became overwhelming. Reluctantly, she took out a few sheets of paper from her sleeve and slapped them on the table, saying, "Before my visit to the Ministry of Revenue, I I had Qian daren transcribe a list of officials responsible for last year''s construction of the river embankment in Jiangnan. Your Highness might find it useful."


    The officials in charge of managing the waterways cannot be easily pried open, but it''s different for the subordinate officials. They directly obey the orders of various government officials, so and they certainly have a lot of knowledge about inside information.


    Han Ye raised his eyebrows, unabashedly beckoning to Yuan Qin with a wave of his hand. Yuan Qin, as if granted a general amnesty, swiftly took three steps and arrived behind Ren Anle, picking up a cloth to wipe her hair.


    Ren Anle let out a satisfied hum, like a contented cat, she retracted her claws and lazily leaned back, even her gaze upon Han Ye softened.


    Han Ye found it interesting, the corners of his mouth curved up slightly. He picked up the paper on the table and examined it for a moment, then turned his gaze back to Ren Anle. He was not stingy with his praise, saying, "Ren daren''s thoughts are truly meticulous. She even brought out the list of river workers from Jiangnan that was sent to the Ministry of Revenue."


    "I am too lazy to take a detour. Investigating officials is the ultimate goal, but who says we can only investigate them? The testimonies of the common people are more trustworthy than anything else." Ren Anle yawned and said, "The Mu Tian Prefecture was clearly plagued by severe flooding, yet what we see today upon entering the city is a scene of prosperity and tranquility. Isn''t it strange?"


    "Presumably Zhong Liwen has put in some effort on this matter," Han Ye''s voice turned cold, "He thinks gu is a fool. He delayed reporting the disaster for ten days, just to create this false illusion of the Mu Tian prefecture."


    "If an ordinary court official had come this time, he would probably not be able to achieve such results. Your presence here, Your Highness, has made the officials in Jiangnan panic."


    Han Ye remained noncommittal and called out once. Jian Song walked in from the doorway. Han Ye pointed at the list on the table and ordered, "Go and investigate, return to gu tomorrow."


    Jian Song received the order and left. Ren Anle stared intently at this handsome and gentle commander of the Eastern Palace, while Han Ye''s hand holding the chess piece paused, and he narrowed his eyes, "What''s the matter, Ren daren ? Are you interested?"


    What''s wrong with this woman? Even though Southern Jin is a remote borderland, it''s not to the extent that one cannot avert their gaze upon seeing a slightly attractive person!


    Ren Anle reluctantly withdrew her gaze and looked at Han Ye, shaking her head with her chin resting on her hand, saying, "Even if there are three thousand calamities, this subject would only take a sip."


    ×ÝʹÈýǧ»öË®£¬³¼ÒàֻȡһưÒû- Even if there were three thousand calamities, representing a vast number of difficulties or challenges, she remains resolute. The phrase suggests that despite the magnitude of the hardships, the speaker would only take small sips, indicating their commitment to enduring and persevering through the trials without succumbing to them completely.


    This is the most impolite sentence Han Ye has ever heard, but he will never admit it in his lifetime. In that moment, as Ren Anle looked over with a smile and narrowed eyes, and gazing into those pure ink-black eyes, deep down in his heart, he was perhaps...somewhat pleased.


    Suddenly and unexpectedly, a sudden and unforeseen event occurred, however, it was incredibly real.


    Early the next day, Han Ye and Ren Anle donned plain clothes and left the inn. Both of them dressed in men''s attire, appearing quite ordinary. Initially, as they strolled through the city, everything seemed fine. However, the further they ventured towards the outskirts, the more grim their expressions became. Apart from glimpses of peace within the bustling streets of the city, as they traveled along the official road from Mu Tian Prefecture to the breached embankment, hundreds of meters beyond the city''s outskirts, it was crowded with raggedy, famished commoners. They had sallow complexions, holding their children and elderly with sorrowful expressions.


    Before thousands of refugees, there are only a few porridge stalls. About ten officials stand guard here, grinning and yawning while basking in the sun, their eyes their eyes showing indifference and numbness.


    Now is the time for distributing porridge and rice. People are lining up to receive the watery porridge, where a few scattered grains of rice are mixed in it. The murky soup even contains bits of grass and roots.


    Han Ye and Ren Anle concealed themselves behind a large tree not far away, their expressions cold and solemn.


    In the southern region, frequent water disasters have occurred, with the Mu Tian Prefecture being particularly affected. Every year, the imperial court would store a large quantity of grain within the Mu Tian Prefecture for emergency needs. How did this magistrate, Zhong Liwen, come to power? He actually dares to treat the common people so harshly and provide relief to the disaster-stricken through inhumane efforts!


    Mu Tian Prefecture has been experiencing frequent heavy floods. Here, the officials and merchants collude. In more than ten county governments, grain is more expensive than gold. They have tasted the sweetness and naturally, they are unwilling to provide the grain for disaster relief. Most of it is aged rice or mixed with impurities to make do.


    Han Ye glanced at Ren Anle and said, "We arrived only yesterday, yet you seem to be familiar with the Mu Tian Prefecture."


    "Your Highness, do not forget that Qian daren''s residence is that of a wealthy merchant. Before departing the capital, I inquired about various affairs in Jiangnan with Qian daren. Each year, if it were not for the Qian family purchasing and providing relief grain, they never raise the price of grain. Otherwise, the common people in the Mu Tian Prefecture and its surroundings areas would have long been unable to survive."


    The business of the Qian family spread throughout the world, fostering good relationships far and wide. Qian Guangjin, in particular, had gained the favor of the emperor to such an extent that no one dared to forcefully command the Qian family in this manner.


    Han Ye looked at the distant commoners, silent and speechless.


    "Your Highness, perhaps you have never witnessed such a scene, where human lives are deemed as insignificant as weeds and are regarded as pigs and dogs." Ren Anle''s voice lowered, and she suddenly turned to look at Han Ye, saying, "When the border flames of war arise, it is they who send their sons and husbands into the army. During years of severe drought, it is the common people themselves who dig canals to bring water. And in times of flooding, it is they who build river embankments with their own flesh and blood. The bureaucrats of Da Jing are sustained by the taxes of the people from all corners of the realm. Your Highness, they rely on the common people for their livelihoods. How dare they allow the people of Da Jing to live in such misery!"


    The words of Ren Anle resounded with a thud. After a moment, Han Ye finally raised his eyes and looked towards the multitude of sorrowful people in the distance. He slowly spoke, "It is this ruler''s fault."


    The emperor, inclined towards war, and the imperial princes vying for power, while corrupt officials plague the land. Da Jing... is far from the peaceful prosperity he once believed it to be. As the crown prince, he remains unaware of the plight of the people in Da Jing.


    "It is not His Royal Highness''s fault alone. If the people are the roots, then the emperor is the foundation of a nation. When the emperor fails to govern the country properly, it leads to the corruption of the court and the suffering of the people."


    "Ren Anle!" Han Ye suddenly raised his head and coldly said, "Discussing the sovereign is a capital offense. Swallow these words you''ve uttered, and if you dare mention them again upon returning to the capital..."


    He restrained his voice, brushed his sleeve and turned back, the cold air on his body particularly intense just now.


    In a place hidden from her sight, Han Ye''s hand tightly held, and his thin lips lightly pursed.


    Ren Anle is from the grassland and is used to having a carefree and unrestrained temperament. If she were to speak such words in front of other people in the future, she would probably not be far from the execution ground. With such a fearless temperament, why doesn''t she just stay comfortably in her own happy place, but instead, she has come to meddle in the chaos of the capital!


    This female bandit leader, indeed, has grown tired of her life!


    "Your Highness, all the officials involved in the construction of the river embankment last year were conscripted by the Mu Tian Prefecture five days ago." Jian Song investigated for a day and brought back this rather unpleasant news.


    "All conscripted? On what pretext?" Han Ye''s brows furrowed.


    "Reconstructing river embankments, not only this..."


    "Has not even a single one of last year''s river workers disappeared? All gone without a trace?" Ren Anle walked in, followed by the spirited Wen Shuo.


    Jian Song nodded and said, "What the daren said is correct. All the river workers in charge were temporarily summoned by the government officials five days ago. In addition, Mu Tian Prefecture also conscripted another five hundred river workers."


    Ren Anle and Han Ye''s expressions froze simultaneously. They exchanged a glance and understood the profound meaning behind Zhong Liwen''s words.


    If the river embankment is to be built, 500 river workers are sufficient; there is absolutely no need to recruit again. The river workers who were recruited afterwards are the true repairers at present, as for the river workers and supervisors from last year... I presume they have already been put under the supervision of Zhong Liwen. All traces have been erased, making it impossible for people from the capital to investigate. It''s quite clean and neat.


    Just... if hundreds of people were detained together, how could there be no movement at all?


    "Jian Song, go and investigate the recent places where a large quantity of grain has been transported. If my guess is correct, these people should be imprisoned in the outskirts."


    "Chang Qing, follow Jian daren." Ren Anle leaned against the door and gave a faint order. Chang Qing swiftly appeared with a swish and silently followed behind Jian Song, immediately becoming his shadow.


    The Eastern Palace commander''s corner of the mouth twitched, silently withdrew and left.


    Han Ye expressed his astonishment with a click of his tongue, "Are you willing to part with your precious guard?"


    "Chang Qing is adept at tracing clues, and I lend him to Your Highness for temporary use, so... tonight, Yuan Qin belongs to me," Ren Anle stated firmly.


    Han Ye put down the book in his hand and earnestly looked towards Ren Anle, saying, "Your business dealings are indeed meticulous. I believe no one is more capable than you to hold the position of the Eastern Palace''s steward."


    Wen Shuo shrank in the corner, watching the unusual conversation between the two people.


    Han Ye''s expression was extremely solemn, Ren Anle blinked her eyes, secretly comparing the annual salaries of the prestigious position of Grand Minister of Justice and the Chief steward of the Eastern Palace. She curled her lips, displaying her extraordinary skill, and instantly disappeared at the door.


    Han Ye was taken aback, looking at the swaying door, and suddenly burst into loud laughter.


    "Your Highness..." Wen Shuo''s voice suddenly sounded without warning, and only then did Han Ye remember that there was someone else in the room. He restrained his smile and turned his head slightly.


    "You''re moved."


    Nearby, a young man sat cross-legged on a bed, propping up his chin. There was a smile at the corners of his mouth and in the arches of his eyebrows. The words that escaped his lips were earth-shattering.

 CH 23

    Young Master Wen uttered a single phrase, causing the lamp in the Crown Prince''s chamber to illuminate throughout the night.


    In the dead of night, the sound of clashing swords suddenly echoed in the quiet inn. Dozens of black-clad figures launched a surprise attack on the backyard. Fortunately, the imperial guards were stationed there, and both sides immediately engaged in a fierce battle.


    Amidst the flickering lights, within the inn, a wave of terrified cries resounded. Yuan Shu, carrying a large sword on her back, wordlessly charged into the group of black-clad men. Her dominant and unrivaled swordsmanship immediately reversed the declining situation of the imperial guards.


    Ren Anle kicked open Han Ye''s room door and saw the Crown Prince, who usually slept comfortably with soft pillows, standing by the window wearing his inner garment. She breathed a sigh of relief and walked forward.


    "Your Highness, these assassins have come to your doorstep, and you''re not even hiding?"


    Han Ye turned around, looking at Ren Anle, who had entered casually with her long hair scattered and loosely draped in a robe. No emotions could be seen in the deep black of his eyes. After a while, he suddenly walked up to her, fastened the belt of her robe without uttering a word, and returned to the window side.


    Ren Anle relaxed for a while, then narrowed her eyes into a crescent shape. Taking three or four steps, she walked to the window and looked at the two sides battling fiercely under the night sky. She spoke confidently, "Your Highness, rest assured, with me here, these people won''t be able to harm you in the slightest. Oh... Where is Wen Shuo?"


    "Gu let him go back to his room and copy the Diamond Sutra. Without my order, even if this inn is reduced to ruins, he wouldn''t dare to come out. Han Ye lowered his head and looked at her, with a barely visible warmth in his eyes. "My Imperial Guards are not so useless as to require you to charge ahead personally."


    ½ð¸Õ¾­ (J¨©ng¨¡ngj¨©ng): Diamond Sutra (a Buddhist scripture)


    "Yuan Qin, go and guard Wen Shuo''s room." Ren Anle instructed Yuan Qin, who was by the door. She then glanced at the ongoing battle outside with a serious expression and said, "These people are well-trained, their moves are cunning, and they can hold their ground against the Imperial Guards of the Eastern Palace. We must not underestimate them. Commander Jian and Chang Qing have gone out to investigate the river works. It seems they have found a good opportunity. Can His Highness discern any clues from these people?"


    Han Ye''s gaze flashed slightly, his hands behind his back. With disdain, he said, "A mere Mu Tian Prefecture still can''t produce such competent secret guards. Mu Wang''s actions are not slow either. I only entered Mu Tian Prefecture yesterday, and today he has already sent a generous gift."


    (Note: Han Ye used ''ÎÒ'' (w¨¯) instead of the ''¹Â'' (g¨±) he always used to refer to himself when talking to everyone. However, both Chinese characters mean "I" or "me" in English.)


    This is the first time Han Ye did not refer to himself as ''gu'' in front of Ren Anle. Ren Anle found it strange and looked at him suspiciously, but the night was dark and she couldn''t see anything clearly except for the Crown Prince''s slender eyelashes.


    "It seems that Mu Tian Prefecture has indeed become a possession of Mu Wangye," Ren Anle''s lips curved with a faint sense of solemnity. "The sounds of swords and knives resound for miles. Even though the Ping''an Inn is located in the western suburbs, the government officials should not be completely oblivious. Your Highness, Mu Tian Prefecture is not a place that can be easily obtained."


    After Ren Anle finished speaking, two figures swiftly appeared above the inn. Their long swords were unsheathed, and the interplay of their blades created a dazzling spectacle. Although the two newcomers had different sword techniques, they harmonized remarkably well. In a matter of moments, the person in black clothes found themselves in a disadvantaged position and began fighting while retreating.


    "They came back just in time. I didn''t expect Jian Song''s swordsmanship to be so exceptional that it can rival Chang Qing." Ren Anle laughed, her praise sincere. Chang Qing was the top martial artist in Anle Fortress and had been her personal guard since childhood.


    "Chang Qing, you''ve come at the right time. Robbery and arson are my specialty. These brats dare to provoke us in front of our ancestors. Destroy them for me!"


    The arrogant laughter of Yuan Shu resounded throughout the inn, while Chang Qing remained silent. He wielded his iron sword skillfully, and there was a hint of helplessness in the eyes of Jian Song as they locked gazes.


    Ren Anle coughed and turned her head, wishing she could kick this useless girl into a corner with one foot, completely forgetting that Yuan Shu had only inherited her excellent behavior in Anle Fortress.


    Within the warm and peaceful room, Yuan Qin stood quietly next to the desk, observing the calm and composed expression of the young man. He sat upright, meticulously transcribing each stroke and character of the Diamond Sutra, completely ignoring the affairs outside. Yuan Qin wondered, "Does Young Master Wen not worry at all?"


    "A group of insignificant individuals cannot harm Dian xia."


    µîÏÂ" (di¨¤n xi¨¤) Your Highness; is a respectful way to address someone of high status, such as a prince or princess.


    "Oh? The young master is so confident in His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."


    Wen Shuo raised his head and looked at Yuan Qin with a playful smile. He said, "Miss Yuan Qin, aren''t you the same? Since you came in, you haven''t even glanced outside the window once. It seems you have the same confidence in Ren daren. "


    Yuan Qin was momentarily surprised and replied in a soft voice, "I and the young lady have lived together in Anle Village for over ten years. She has been on countless battlefields and never experienced a defeat. I naturally believe in her."


    Wen Shuo was somewhat surprised, and admiration filled his eyes. "So, Ren daren is truly the undefeated War God in the southern border. It turns out that this rumor is true." His voice brimming with respect, he continued, "With you and Yuan Shu by her side, Ren daren is truly fortunate."


    "Miss''s family passed away when she was young. No matter how much effort we put in, we can never compare to blood relatives," Yuan Qin sighed and looked out the window. "Miss rarely has someone she cares about. I can tell that she genuinely likes His Highness, but unfortunately, it''s just Miss''s wishful thinking."


    Wen Shuo put down his brush and touched his chin, muttering to himself, "That may not necessarily be the case."


    Yuam Qin, who was standing by the side, suddenly moved closer, squinting with an expression that somewhat resembled Ren Anle. She stared at the distressed Wen Shuo, who covered his mouth, and laughed, saying," I didn''t hear clearly what the young master said just now. Why don''t you say it again?"


    Wen Shuo was startled by Yuan Qin''s sudden action, and his previously calm and composed demeanor vanished completely. Swiftly, he turned around and faced the wall, silently reciting the Heart Sutra.


    Outside the window, the black-clad figure, realizing the hopeless situation, intensified their sword movements with even greater ferocity, going so far as to resort to self-damage in order to break through the encirclement of Jian Song and Chang Qing. In less than a moment, only three individuals remained.


    "Jian Song, spare that person''s life"


    Han Ye gave a casual order. Jian Song''s swordsmanship became even faster. With a swift swing of his long sword, the right shoulder of the black-clothed man was pierced, and he was captured by Jian Song. At the same time, Chang Qing and Yuan Shu subdued the other two individuals. Before they could tear off the veils of the three, only a few muffled groans were heard, and the three black-clothed men collapsed dejectedly.


    Jian Song lifted the veil and saw three individuals with blood flowing from seven orifices. He walked up to the second floor and reported to Han Ye, saying, "Your Highness, these three individuals had poisonous substances in their mouths and have already taken their own lives."


    Ren Anle''s expression changed, and her eyebrows furrowed. Han Ye spoke up, "How did the search for the location of prison confinement go?"


    Jian Song shook his head, "The inn is engulfed in flames, so Changqing and I rushed back first."


    Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and said, "This assassination left no trace. Mu Wangye is a ruthless master, but it seems that he didn''t come tonight to assassinate His Highness."


    Han Ye nodded, his expression cold and solemn. "He is warning Gu that Mu Tian prefecture is under his control. If Gu dares to interfere, next time he will no longer consider the bonds of brotherhood. Apart from bringing Jian Song and Chang Qing back, he probably intends for the entire Mu Tian prefecture to know...that Gu has reached his limit."


    Ren Anle''s expression suddenly changed. "The relief silver has not arrived yet, and the victims of the disaster are suffering everywhere. If the common people were to know that Your Highness has arrived at Mu Tian prefecture but has done nothing, Mu Tian prefecture may become a dangerous place."


    "They went from darkness to light. Mu wang played a good move. I''m afraid that upon learning that Han Ye has been dispatched to Mu Tian Prefecture, the relief supplies for the disaster victims outside the city will be even scarcer than before. If a rebellion occurs in Mu Tian Prefecture, the position of the crown prince will undoubtedly face questioning from the courtiers."


    "Your Highness, it is this humble servant''s negligence that allowed Mu Wang to discover Your Highness''s whereabouts." Jian Song understood that the situation was even more serious than he had imagined, and he knelt halfway to the ground to plead for forgiveness.


    "It has nothing to do with you. Gu underestimated the Mu Wang." Han Ye raised his hand.


    Seeing Han Ye with an unchanged expression, Ren Anle said, "Your Highness, Mu Wang is steadily pressing closer step by step. What do you intend to do?"


    "Jian Song, instruct the Imperial Guards to change into ceremonial attire and arrange the Eastern Palace procession. I want you to make the entire Mu Tian Prefecture aware of my imperial presence within a single night." Han Ye turned around, his eyebrows slightly raised. "Since everyone wants me to appear in public, I''ll wait for them to come and pay their respects in person."


    In the early morning of the second day, the entire population of the Mu Tian prefecture became excited. The news of the arrival of the Crown Prince spread like wildfire overnight, and even the taverns were buzzing with discussions. The miraculous recovery of Mu Tian prefecture, which had suffered from natural disasters, brought about brought about a lively and joyous atmosphere.


    "Your Highness, this humble subject is filled with trepidation. I apologize for arriving late to receive your esteemed presence at the Mu Tian prefecture."


    In the lobby of the Ping''an Inn, Zhong Liwen led a group of about ten officials from the Mu Tian prefecture, repeatedly apologizing to Han Ye.


    Ren Anle stood aside, feeling quite astonished. Unexpectedly, the notorious and cunning Mu Tian zhifu, who was known for playing both sides and being opportunistic, now had the appearance of a gentle and loyal minister. Seeing his current remorseful and tearful demeanor, it was difficult to imagine that the outrageous actions of the Mu Tian prefecture were all carried out under his command.


    Öª¸® (zh¨©f¨³) - a government official, magistrate


    "Where? Lord Zhong is a high-ranking official with numerous official duties, and he is always busy. It is gu''s fault for not informing him in time." Han Ye smiled and changed his usual cold expression, treating Zhong Liwen with utmost courtesy.


    Zhong Liwen was truly taken aback. After pondering over his words for the whole night, he found himself choked up when faced with the elegant and refined Crown Prince. Overwhelmed by the favor he received, he stammered, "The inn is simple, so xiaguan has prepared a separate residence for Your Highness..."


    Ϲ٠(xiaguan) - I; Subordinate, me (used by a lower-ranking official when referring to oneself)


    "No need, Zhong daren. This place is excellent. Mu Tian Prefecture has suffered severe flooding. There is no need for us to further exhaust our financial resources."


    "Dian xia, may I ask when the relief funds from the court will arrive?" Seeing Han Ye narrowing his eyes, Zhong Liwen hurriedly explained, "Your Highness is also aware of the suffering of the common people in the outskirts of the city due to natural disasters. This humble governor is merely a magistrate and even with the combined efforts of the entire prefecture, it would be nothing more than a drop in the ocean."


    µîÏ (di¨¤n xi¨¤) - Your Highness


    Han Ye lifted the teacup and took a sip, asking, "Zhong daren, what about the grain in the granaries when the people encounter disasters?"


    Not expecting the Crown Prince to ask so directly, Zhong Liwen shuddered and replied with a lowered head, "Your Highness is unaware that there has been a famine in Mu Tian Prefecture. The grains from the granaries have already been distributed to the people affected by the disaster, leaving very little remaining. If Your Highness doesn''t believe it, this official can open the granaries and show Your Highness..."


    "Lord Zhong, you are being too serious. Gu naturally believe in your words," Han Ye said, placing down his teacup with a crisp sound that made the officials tremble in fear. "Eight days later, the imperial relief funds will be delivered to Mu Tian Prefecture. Does the lord have any emergency measures in mind?"


    Zhong Liwen cautiously said, "Your Highness, currently there are many wealthy households in the city who still have grain reserves. Once the relief silver arrives, chen will personally purchase grains from the surrounding merchants to aid the people. After all, officials should not seize the property of the people. Xiaguan cannot forcibly requisition the rice and grains from the merchants'' hands. Your Highness, what do you think of this approach?"


    ³¼ (chen): I (used by a subordinate when referring to oneself)


    Ϲ٠(xiaguan) - I; Subordinate, me (used by a lower-ranking official when referring to oneself).


    Ren Anle''s lips curled up, and this Zhong Liwen truly possessed a delicate and astute mind. With just a few words, he blocked Han Ye''s retreat, provided shelter for the oppressive merchant clans within the Mu Tian prefecture, and even obtained a legitimate opportunity to pocket the disaster relief funds. Everyone knows that the officials of the Mu Tian Prefecture collude with the merchants, united in their corrupt practices.


    "What Zhong daren said is correct. Once the disaster relief funds arrive, we will proceed as planned. It will alleviate the urgent needs of the common people. Zhong daren is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the people. Once the disaster relief funds arrive, Gu will return to the capital. At that time, Gu will surely explain the true situation of the Mu Tian prefecture to Fu Huang.


    ¸¸»Ê (f¨´ hu¨¢ng) - Imperial Father (referring to the emperor)


    Zhong Liwen''s face revealed a delighted expression, repeatedly bowing to Han Ye and saying, "To receive Your Highness''s great favor is this humble official''s blessing."


    A trace of contempt flickered in the lowered gaze. It seems that Mu Wang is being overly cautious of the Crown Prince. However, a mere pretentious assassination has scared this delicate and precious prince.


    Zhong Liwen stood up and met a pair of unrestrained and straightforward eyes. His heart sank, and after observing Ren Anle for a moment, he hesitated before saying, "Could it be that you are..."


    Before him, there stood a person donned in robes, yet it was difficult to conceal the valiant spirit of a woman. Her brows and eyes carried a slightly mischievous aura, radiating an imposing air of authority.


    "Oh, Gu forgot to introduce, this is Ren Anle daren, the Grand Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."


    ´óÀíË (d¨¤l¨«s¨¬): the Court of Judicial Review


    ´óÈË (d¨¤r¨¦n): an honorific term for a person of high rank


    "So it''s Ren daren after all, truly living up to her reputation."


    Zhong Liwen cupped his hands as a gesture of respect and smiled, eyes darkening slightly. This Ren Anle is really not someone who can be easily dismissed. He heard that both the Marquis Zhongyi and the Left Minister have suffered losses because of this woman. One must be cautious.


    "Your Highness, the merchants of the Mu Tian prefecture have heard of your esteemed presence. They have arranged a banquet tonight at the Linjiang Tower and hope to have an audience with Your Highness, to catch a glimpse of Your Highness''s countenance." Zhong Liwen noticed the weariness on the Crown Prince''s face and hesitated for a moment before speaking, "If Your Highness is fatigued..."


    These merchants, who had already climbed up the tall tree of Mu Wang, were still unsatisfied. When they learned that the Crown Prince was arriving, they set their sights on him. They were actually pleased about it because if the Crown Prince had a corrupt character, it would become a bargaining chip for them to help Mu Wang seize the throne.


    "No harm, since the local gentry welcomes gu so warmly, Gu naturally want to meet them..."


    Han Ye''s words were not yet settled, when Jian Song hastily came in from outside the hall. He walked to his side with a solemn expression and said, "Your Highness, the commoners outside the city have heard of your arrival and are seeking an audience with Your Highness... They say that Your Highness has brought relief grain and they want to personally see it enter the city."


    The officials in the hall suddenly became flustered. The disaster relief funds would only arrive after eight days, and there was no money to buy grain. Where would the grain for the people''s relief come from? If the people, filled with hope, were to breach the city, the consequences... simply unimaginable!


    "Your Highness," Zhong Liwen said as he looked towards the Crown Prince.


    Han Ye waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "As the crown prince of a nation, gu cannot be seen by just anyone who wishes to. It is simply absurd! Jian Song, move the imperial guards to the outskirts of the city and block these refugees."


    After speaking, feeling impatient, he got up and said to Zhong Liwen, "Gu feel a little unwell. Zhong daren, come to escort me to the evening banquet. You may withdraw."


    Zhong Liwen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and as he exited the main hall, a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.


    With multiple difficulties emerging simultaneously, I see what solutions can be offered by this pampered prince. When the common people rise in revolt and the prince loses their support, if he can then persuade the wealthy merchants to provide grain relief, it would be a great achievement.


    In the inn room, Ren Anle looked at Han Ye, who was engrossed in playing chess with Wen Shuo, and observed him back and forth before saying, "Your Highness, you have cut off your own way out."


    In the blink of an eye, the crown prince refused to meet the common people, and rumors of his indulgence in banquets and pleasures with wealthy merchants spread everywhere. She believed that Zhong Liwen would never let go of this golden opportunity.


    "Not placing oneself in a position of death, how can there be life afterward?" Han Ye lifted his head and looked into Ren Anle''s distinct black and white eyes.


    "An Le, there are three thousand civilians outside the city walls, but we only have one hundred guards. I want you to guard them until noon tomorrow. Can you do it?"


    Ren Anle raised her eyes, then was startled. It was the first time she saw such unreserved trust in the depths of Han Ye''s eyes.


    The excessive sincerity unexpectedly had a dazzling effect. The corners of her mouth lifted, while the hand behind her back tightened slightly. She heard her own particularly radiant voice.


    "Of course"


    All that you wish for, I will accomplish on your behalf.


    However, Han Ye, what can you use to repay me?


    Translator''s Note: Surprisingly, it took only 23 chapters for Han Ye to fall. I thought he would fall halfway through the novel. Wen Shuo is the first one to know, and he almost slipped the word to YuanQin, haha. We can already see the change in the way he treats Ren Anle. There''s always a subtle "warmth" in his eyes.


    Let''s see how Han Ye cuts his own way out of this predicament in the next chapter. Any thoughts?

 CH 24

    Night, Linjiang tower


    Before the banquet began, a group of wealthy merchants and officials had already arrived an hour early. As the ceremonial procession from the Eastern Palace sounded with gongs and drums, Zhong Liwen led the crowd to kneel and greet the Crown Prince in the main hall.


    "Today, Gu rejoices together with the people. Let''s keep everything simple. Everyone, please rise."


    The sound of footsteps approached, and Han Ye''s gentle voice resounded. The kneeling merchant felt pleased in his heart and stood up following Zhong Liwen. He saw the Crown Prince, who exuded an imposing aura and had a pleasant face. All the worries he had about the imperial envoy sent to the Mu Tian Prefecture by the court were swept away in an instant. As soon as he lifted his head, he was taken aback by the woman standing beside the Crown Prince.


    The person who arrived had an ordinary appearance but possessed a pair of extremely sharp and intimidating phoenix eyes. As they walked slowly, their grand and imposing demeanor could be clearly seen. However, this is not the main point. The focus is on a woman dressed in a crimson robe with a curved hem, adorned with luxurious makeup. She stood gracefully and intimately beside the crown prince.


    All under heaven knows that the Crown Prince is the heir apparent of the country, and no one dares to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.


    Who is this woman? The Crown Prince is unexpectedly so wilful!


    "Your Highness, please take a seat." Zhong Liwen, who seemed out of the ordinary for a moment, quickly regained his composure. He cupped his hands and bowed to the Crown Prince, stealing a few glances at Ren Anle along the way. The person he saw at noon had a completely dignified appearance as a high-ranking official in the Great Jing Dynasty. How did she suddenly become a pampered woman by the Crown Prince''s side?


    Han Ye sat in the upper position and saw everyone looking at Ren Anle with curiosity on their faces. He smiled and said, "This person is Ren daren."


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, but soon understood the situation as they looked at the intimate demeanor of the two individuals. No wonder this woman possessed such a compelling aura; she turned out to be the master of Anle fortress. Rumor had it that she held a deep affection for the Crown Prince and had even sought marriage with him in the Golden Hall. Now it seemed that the Crown Prince might also have some fondness for her. Judging by their current appearance, he seemed to favor her greatly.


    ½ðöǵî (j¨©nlu¨¢ndi¨¤n) - Golden Hall- prestigious and important hall within the imperial palace, where important ceremonies and events were held. It was typically associated with the emperor or high-ranking officials.


    The wealthy merchant originally held a great deal of wariness towards the Minister of the Great Court who accompanied him. However, at this moment, they somewhat began to underestimate her, after all, she was just an ordinary woman. How could she come up with any tricks? They thought that the remarkable outcome of the cheating case in the imperial examination must have been due to the Crown Prince secretly supporting her, enabling her to pass such a beautiful judgment.


    Everyone laughed and complimented, Han Ye had not a trace of arrogance. His words were filled with a gentle and pure smile, making the people present pleasantly surprised and flattered, as if they were receiving divine favor.


    Ren Anle yawned, raised her wine cup and took a sip. She casually tugged at Han Ye''s sleeve, revealing a slightly gritted teeth expression. "Your Highness, I only agreed to intercept three thousand commoners in the outskirts of the city for you, but I never said I would accompany you in acting like a clown in front of a bunch of fat-headed, big-eared unscrupulous merchants!"


    Han Ye lowered his head and approached, with the corners of his eyebrows slightly raised, and a radiant smile. His voice was deep and mellow as he said, "What are you saying, Ren daren? Since you have agreed to help me, what harm is there in spending one more night?"


    Ren Anle looked at Han Ye, who was openly teasing her, dumbfounded. Who said that this crown prince is pure, virtuous, and chaste? It''s all nonsense!


    On the table, as everyone was enjoying themselves with wine, they burst into laughter upon witnessing the intimate demeanor of the two individuals who were whispering with their heads lowered. Several wealthy merchants exchanged glances and respectfully smiled at Han Ye, saying, "Your Highness, the son of a thousand gold coins. We admire your noble presence at the Mu Tian Prefecture to assist with disaster relief. The commoners have prepared a few small tokens for Your Highness and hope that Your Highness will accept them with a smile."


    ǧ½ðÖ®Çû (qi¨¡n j¨©n zh¨© q¨±) - precious daughter/son (literally, "the body worth a thousand gold coins")


    Zhong Liwen''s expression froze for a moment. Sure enough, he thought, this person is saying that he wants to cleanse the dust for the Crown Prince, but in reality, he just wants to climb up the high branches.


    Ï´³¾ (x¨« ch¨¦n) - To cleanse the dust; a metaphorical expression meaning to serve or support.


    "Oh?" Han Ye raised his head. "Gu has already caused trouble today. How can gu accept your generous gifts again?"


    "Your Highness''s words carry great weight. To be able to have an audience with Your Highness is already the lifelong fortune of us commoners."


    ÑÔÖØ (y¨¢n zh¨°ng): words carry great weight (an idiom indicating that the words spoken by someone of high status hold significant importance)


    The crowd rose one after another, cupping their hands together in gratitude. A wealthy merchant lightly clapped his hands, and a beautiful maid entered with a jewel-encrusted box, walking towards Ren Anle.


    Ren Anle raised an eyebrow when she saw Han Ye sitting as steady as Mount Tai and started to laugh. This cunning Crown Prince, no wonder he insisted on bringing her to attend. I''m afraid he had long guessed the situation at this moment.


    "Your Highness, this is the treasured object of this commoner''s household, the Eastern Pearl, obtained after three years of searching in the northern border. This commoner believes that this item is highly suitable for Ren daren." A plump merchant rose from his seat, lifted the red cloth covering the tray, and revealed a round and lustrous Eastern Pearl emitting a faint glow. Seeing Han Ye''s satisfied expression, the man couldn''t help but feel pleased as he glanced at the other merchants in the room.


    "Your Highness, this is the ancient renowned sword named Zhong Ding. This humble commoner has spent a fortune to acquire it. I have heard that Ren daren has a fondness for blades and swords, hoping that it will catch Daren''s attention." Another merchant respectfully presented the inlaid box to Ren Anle, full of flattery.


    Looking at the fiercely intimidating sword on the tray, Ren Anle raised an eyebrow. Her hand swiftly reached out, grasping the sword hilt, and with a slight rotation in her hand, the blade was drawn from its sheath. A sharp and swift sword technique was executed, instantly filling the room with a chilling aura. She smiled, revealing a satisfied expression, "A heavy sword without a sharp edge, indeed a precious treasure."


    The people at the table were frightened and broke into a cold sweat when they saw Ren Anle''s arrogant and proud demeanor. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, seemed to appreciate it. Everyone sighed, their legs trembling, as they insincerely flattered Ren Anle.


    "Daren''s martial arts skills are impressive, making us admire and respect."


    "Only a remarkable woman like you deserves to be with His Royal Highness."


    Who among those who can afford to be prosperous is the foolish one? Seeing Ren Anle being highly favored by the Crown Prince, everyone brings their gifts to her. The guests are all pleased for a moment. This female bandit, whose eyes always light up at the sight of money, received the gifts in such a manner that her hands became soft and her eyes narrowed into a line.


    ÊÖÈí (sh¨¯u ru¨£n) - Soft hands (indicating being unable to refuse or resist)


    Zhong Liwen looked at the bustling scene within the room with a calm expression and a slight smile on his face, but his eyes turned gloomy. These wealthy merchants usually presented rare and precious gifts to Mu Wang, which were far less valuable than what they presented to the Crown Prince today. They truly were a group of ungrateful people!


    "Everyone has shown great kindness." Amidst the laughter and revelry, Han Ye raised his wine cup and took a sip. "The treasures presented by all of you are truly extraordinary. As Gu resides in the Eastern Palace, far removed from the wealth of the common people, Gu is unaware of the value of these items. Gu fears not recognizing their true worth and thus disappointing your kind intentions."


    Han Ye''s subtle expression and the captivating gaze that came with overwhelming presence made the leading merchant slightly shiver. In a clear voice, he replied, "Your Highness, the humble gifts we presented are all priceless treasures. If they can please Your Highness, it is more than enough."


    The people responded one after another, and Han Ye''s eyebrows and countenance relaxed as he burst into laughter. "Good, good... Mu Tian Prefecture is indeed blessed with talented individuals and a blessed land. Zhong daren, you have done a remarkable job as a high-ranking official."


    Zhong Liwen sat on the cold bench for a long time when suddenly he heard the Crown Prince call his name. His heart filled with joy, and he quickly bowed, repeatedly expressing his unworthiness. Unintentionally, he caught a glimpse of the Crown Prince''s eyes, where a faint sense of indifference could be discerned, causing a momentary unease to flicker in his heart.


    The feast quietly ended in the late night, and everyone bid farewell to the Crowi Prince''s entourage at the foot of the Linjiang Tower. Satisfied and contented, they each returned to their respective residences.


    On the spacious street, the luxurious Eastern Palace''s ceremonial procession was particularly eye-catching. Jian Song, holding a long sword, led the accompanying guards who followed quietly at a distance of about ten meters behind the two walking figures in the street.


    The autumn wind was chilly, the full moon dimly lit the surroundings, and the footsteps were neither light nor heavy, just like the voice of Han Ye at this moment.


    "Anle, is it the same in Southern Jin?"


    After Han Ye left the Linjiang Tower, his expression remained indifferent and heavy. Ren Anle understood what he was thinking, but only replied, "Your Highness cannot accept it?"


    "Mu Tian Prefecture suffered calamities across a thousand miles, with tens of thousands of people dead or injured. Yet these merchants can easily produce treasures comparable to those in the Eastern Palace. They indulge in luxury while the commoners suffer, acting recklessly in the countryside. They should be punished."


    "Under heaven, corrupt officials cannot be completely eradicated, and it is the same with unscrupulous merchants. Your Highness, there is truly no need to be overly concerned. Even in the southern region of Jin, where can one find a place of absolute purity?"


    Han Ye stopped in his tracks and looked at the woman with a graceful and lightly adorned face under the moonlight. He suddenly spoke, "An Le, the situation in the capital is unpredictable, and the future path is uncertain. Will you stay in the capital all along?"


    Ren Anle was taken aback, lifted her head, blinked her eyes, and slowly said, "Naturally, chen will stay in the capital."


    ³¼ (ch¨¦n) - Referring to oneself in a humble manner.


    Han Ye''s eyebrows softened, and a faint smile flickered in his dark, deep eyes. He said, "Will you accompany me in creating a prosperous and flourishing era?... Just like Taizu and the head of the Di family back then?


    Ì«×æ (t¨¤i z¨³) - Founding emperor; typically used to refer to the first emperor of a dynasty.


    Without saying a word, Ren Anle did not answer, turned around and walked forward. Her hand, concealed in her robe, had unknowingly clenched tightly. She curved her lips, and a hint of coldness was indiscernible in her eyes.


    Han Ye silently watched the figure in crimson robes, and after a long while, he finally heard her somewhat melancholic response.


    "Your Highness, you truly love reminiscing about the past. Since there is no second Han Zian in this world, naturally there will never be a second Di Shengtian!"


    Indeed, who else in the world could be as inseparable in life and death, causing the world to bow in admiration, just like those two individuals? Han Ye slightly curled his mouth in self-mockery, but for some reason, he suddenly felt that the sighs he heard were particularly desolate.


    Early the next morning, Han Ye''s door was urgently knocked.


    "Your Highness, something bad has happened."


    "Come in."


    Jian Song pushed open the door and saw the Crown Prince sitting upright at the desk, dressed in ceremonial robes. Wen Shuo was carefully grinding something nearby, and his expression couldn''t help but startled.


    "What is the cause of the panic?" Han Ye raised his head, his expression calm.


    "Your Highness, the commoners outside the city have heard that you refused to meet them last night during the banquet with the wealthy merchants. Now their emotions are running high, and they want to storm into the city."


    ¼¤·ß (j¨© f¨¨n): running high (literal translation: highly agitated)


    "Can''t tell that Zhong Liwen is an impatient person. Can''t even wait for a single day." Ren Anle stepped into the room with one foot, wearing armor. Her long hair was tied up under her headdress, and she held a long sword in her hand. When she looked up, she exuded an imposing aura. Even  Han Ye, upon seeing her enter in such a manner, was momentarily taken aback.


    "Your Highness, this humble servant will guard the city gates, ensuring that no citizens breach the city to endanger Your Highness'' safety, nor will any innocent civilians fall under the blades of the Mu Tian Prefecture guards."


    Han Ye nodded. The reason why he handed over the Imperial Guards to Ren Anle is not only to prevent the common people from rioting but also to use the power of the court to deter Zhong Liwen. Ren Anle, with her clever mind, indeed figured out his intention.


    Ren Anle turned around, about to leave, when Han Ye called out to her, "Anle, do you really trust me? What if I can''t produce the relief grain by noon?"


    Ren Anle turned around, her lips curled up, and she said, "Your Highness, do you know the reason why I have never tasted defeat in a hundred battles on the battlefield?"


    "Oh?" Han Ye became interested and asked, "Why?"


    "Doubtful people are not to be employed, and those who are employed should not be doubted. since I believe in Your Highness, I will naturally defend and protect Your Highness to the end."


    After the voice fell, Ren Anle held her long sword horizontally and walked away with big strides. In a moment, the imperial guards downstairs disappeared into the inn along with Ren Anle''s footsteps.


    "Jian Song, how many guards are left in the inn?"


    "Your Highness, less than fifty."


    Han Ye looked up and glanced at Wen Shuo who was standing beside him. "Wen Shuo, do you still remember the gift we received yesterday at Linjiang Tower?"


    Wen Shuo nodded repeatedly, with a pleased expression on his face. "Yesterday, I changed into the attire of a servant and stood behind His Highness. I remember all the gifts clearly. There was a box of pearls from the Li Family in the west of the city, a hundred-year Lingzhi mushroom from the Zhang Family, and an ancient famous sword from the He Family in the south of the city."


    "Alright, just remember it clearly," Han Ye waved his hand. "Gu is entrusting these things to you. Before noon, retrieve the relief grain for the common people on Gu''s behalf."


    Wen Shuo paused for a moment, his eyes widened, and he said, "Your Highness, the entire city is suffering from famine. Where can I obtain food?"


    "Mu Tian Prefecture accumulates a large amount of grain every year. Do you really think that Zhong Liwen has used all of it for the benefit of the people?" Han Ye put down his brush and gazed out the window, his voice slightly cold.


    "Your Highness said that Prefect Zhong embezzled these grains, but there isn''t even a single grain of rice in the granary!"


    "Zhong Liwen doesn''t want food, he wants silver. You tell me, in the Mu Tian prefecture, where is the place he stores his grain?"


    Wen Shuo''s expression changed, and he exclaimed, "The granaries of the prominent merchants in the Mu Tian Prefecture!"


    In Mu Tian Prefecture, natural disasters occur year after year, resulting in poor harvests. However, the local merchants have a large surplus of grain and are selling it to the people at high prices. This is clearly abnormal. Zhong Liwen, the official in charge, did not distribute the grain reserves from the court for disaster relief. Instead, he colluded with the merchants in Mu Tian Prefecture to profit from the grain. Under such circumstances, it is natural that there is not a single grain left in the granary, and he is not afraid of the court inspecting the grain stores!


    "Your Highness," Wen Shuo''s face turned pale with anger, but he still maintained his composure, "We have no evidence. The grain in the Mu Tian prefecture is more precious than gold. These treacherous merchants won''t easily hand over the grain. Moreover, surrendering the grain would mean offending Zhong Liwen and Mu Wang."


    "So gu wants you to bring the thing you received last night. Remember, there''s no need to say much, just tell them two sentences."


    "What words?" Wen Shuo leaned forward and asked.


    "You ask them on behalf of g¨±, can you remember the value of last night''s offering, and the person...who was offered?" Han Ye''s lips slightly pursed, and he spoke in a deep voice, word by word.


    What was offered was a priceless treasure, and the person offered was Ren Anle.


    Wen Shuo blinked his eyes and smiled, saying, "Your Highness, chen will definitely not disappoint your expectations. Chen will bring back the provisions for Your Highness before noon."


    No wonder His Highness accompanied Ren daren last night and behaved so intimately. If a merchant offers a gift to the Crown Prince, it would be considered a tribute and not criticized. However, yesterday the gift was accepted by Lady Ren Anle, who holds the position of Grand Minister of the Dali Temple and holds the official rank of third grade. For a merchant to present such a rare treasure to her, according to the laws of Da Jing, it constitutes the crime of bribing a high-ranking official of the court. Moreover, those merchants who were proclaiming that their offerings were priceless treasures yesterday, their crime would be even more severe. In truth, it would not be an exaggeration to confiscate their properties.


    It seems that Ren daren understood Your Highness''s intention yesterday, which is why she cooperated like this.


    Seeing the young man full of spirit walking towards the outside, Han Ye shook his head and instructed Jian Song, "Take care of him on behalf of gu."


    "But, Your Highness, if we withdraw the last guard of the inn, then Your Highness'' safety..."


    "It doesn''t matter, no one in the world dares to assassinate a crown prince under the bright sun. Gu is here. Let''s see who dares to come!"


    Han Ye got up and stood by the window. The navy-blue figure appeared particularly cold and resolute, while Jian Song lowered his head and left with an order.


    "Your Highness." A voice suddenly sounded outside the window. Chang Qing swiftly entered the room, carrying an iron sword on his back.


    When he saw him appear, Han Ye sighed in relief and asked, "Has Yuan Shu gone to the outskirts of the city?"


    Chang Qing nodded but secretly sneered in his heart. His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, indulges in such idle thoughts. Most likely, he has never witnessed the appearance of Young lady on the battlefield. If he were to witness it, I''m afraid even the one hundred Imperial Guards would be recalled.


    In terms of bravery and intimidating enemies, who can compare to their family''s young lady!


    "How did the investigation go last night?" Han Ye rubbed his brow as he saw the wooden guard''s absent-mindedness, raising his voice slightly.


    "Fortunately, not disgracing Your Highness, the place where the river workers are being held is within the Zhao family estate, ten miles south of the city."


    "Very well, Changqing, go to the outskirts of the city and protect your family''s daren."


    Under Han Ye''s command, half a moment passed without a sound. He turned around and saw Chang Qing standing straight three feet away from him.


    "Your Highness, Miss gave an order last night that if she is not present, Changqing must not leave Your Highness''s side by half a step."


    Chang Qing paused for a moment, pondered briefly, and silently moved two steps towards Han Ye. With a serious expression, he spoke, "Miss is talking about a distance of one foot, this subordinate is standing a bit far away."


    Han Ye stared at this wooden face that was so close to him for a full moment, speechless.

 CH 25

    "Old thing, you have already received porridge once today, and yet you dare to come again!"


    "Sir, my family''s Xiao Huan has not eaten a single grain of rice for three days. Please, I beg you, give him another bowl of this porridge!"


    A tattered and elderly man with a worn-out appearance knelt before a wooden table filled with porridge. In his arms, he held a child around six or seven years old, who looked thin and frail. The child gazed eagerly at the scattered grains of rice in the wooden bucket, licking his parched lips cautiously while cowering in the old man''s embrace.


    "Get lost, you old immortal! How dare you bargain with me? It''s already a stroke of luck for you refugees that Lord Zhong has provided food for disaster relief. If you still don''t leave, my whip won''t spare you!"


    Àϲ»ËÀµÄ (l¨£o b¨´ s¨« de) - old immortal (an insulting term)


    The mocking laughter of the yamen officers resounded wildly. The long whip he brandished in his hand fell to the ground, stirring up a dull thud. The onlookers watched the old man kneeling in front of the yamen officer with an angry expression. Many young men shouted, and they were about to rush forward.


    "You yamen officers are so unfair! His Royal Highness the Crown Prince brought food to aid the disaster, yet we still have to eat this rice gruel every day. We want to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"


    "Right, Zhong Liwen, this dog official, has embezzled our food. Now that Your Highness has arrived, we want to seek justice and have the Crown Prince restore fairness to us!"


    ¹·¹Ù (g¨¯ugu¨¡n): corrupt official (literally "dog official")


    ¡­¡­


    The citizens'' emotions were stirred up, and the dozen or so yamen officers who guarded this place had various expressions, with their faces turning purple. The leading yamen guard glared viciously at the culprit kneeling on the ground, brandishing his whip with a dark expression. "You rebellious commoners, stop spouting nonsense! His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, didn''t bring a single bag of grain into the city. Where would you get your food from? You old fool, it''s all because of you stirring up trouble!"


    You''re reading the translated chapter on the Miho Translation


    Whipping up a fierce and formidable aura, a long whip struck towards an elderly person and a child on the ground. At the critical moment, a long sword swiftly cut through the air and pierced the wrist of the yamen guard, embedding itself into the wooden table.


    The yamen officer''s expression was filled with shock and terror. He wailed mournfully and collapsed to the ground, dropping the whip from his hand. Fresh blood gushed profusely from his wrist, splattering around.


    The crowd breathed a sigh of relief and looked towards the direction from which the long sword had flown. They saw several riders galloping towards them on fast horses, with a woman leading the group. She was dressed in a general''s robe and had a solemn and cold expression. Behind her, a hundred riders rushed forward, their waist adorned with wide swords. However, it was unclear why they all carried a heavy package in front of them.


    This army appears valiant and mighty, capable of single-handedly facing a hundred opponents. Apart from the Imperial Guards by His Royal Highness''s side, no one dares to provoke them. The lower-ranking officials in the government offices tremble in their hearts upon witnessing this imposing scene. As the fierce gaze of the female leader sweeps across, their legs turn weak, and they hurriedly retreat to the side.


    Dust flies, fierce horses neigh. This troop of a hundred soldiers stops in frotn of the dispersed common people. Ren Anle pulls the reins and leaps off the horse.


    In front of everyone''s gaze, she walked towards the direction of the refugees, not glancing sideways and bypassing the yamen officers, and stopped in front of the old man who had collapsed on the ground.


    "General... General." Although the old man could tell that Ren Anle was a woman, he still called out to her because of the armor she wore.


    "Come, Lao zhang, let me help you up." Ren Anle picked up the child in the old man''s arms with one hand and reached out to support the old man with the other.


    ÀÏÕÉ (l¨£o zh¨¤ng): a polite way to address an elder or an older person


    "I dare not, I dare not... General, you are a noble person. Please, don''t dirty your hands, General." The old man covered his dirty and tattered robe and kept evading. His turbid eyes showed a hint of fear.


    Ren Anle paused for a moment, her eyes filled with a hint of bitterness. Gathering her internal strength, she helped the old man up and seated him on a nearby wooden chair. Patting his shoulder, she let out a hearty laugh and said, "No need to be restrained, Lao zhang. I didn''t grow up in a wealthy and privileged place. I don''t have those delicate and pretentious habits."


    She waved to Yuan Shu, who was standing behind her. Yuan Shu untied the bundle in front of her, taking out two steamed buns and handing them to Ren Anle. Ren Anle gave one to the old man and stuffed the other into the trembling arms of the child in her embrace. The child smelled the soft and fragrant steamed bun and began to eat it in small bites.


    Ren Anle glanced at the common people surrounding her a few meters away and commanded loudly, "Distribute the steamed buns from the bundle to the elderly and children."


    Just now, the agitated crowd of common people calmed down due to Ren Anle''s series of actions. Many strong men still looked cautious and hesitant towards the Imperial Guards, who untied the bundles on their chests and walked over with steamed buns in their hands. It was not until several guards unhesitatingly helped up an elderly person emitting a strong stench and tore the steamed buns into pieces to feed them into his mouth that the crowd silently made way.


    Three hundred Imperial Guards, their shiny armor covered in mud and dirt, but not a single person halted their steps or furrowed their brows in the refugee camp.


    Ren Anle felt somewhat relieved, seeing that the emotions of the common people had been temporarily appeased. She turned his head and asked softly, "Lao zhang, where are you from?"


    The old man seemed to be extremely anxious due to hunger. After taking two bites of steamed bun, he replied, "General, I am Zhou Hai from Zhou Family Village in Lin County. The river bank collapsed, and our houses were washed away. I managed to escape with fellow villagers to Mu Tian Prefecture." The old man glanced at the child in Ren Anle''s arms and his voice choked, "This child has suffered greatly. The moment he was born, he lost his mother, and now his father has been conscripted by the government. If things continue like this, the child won''t survive!"


    "General, don''t listen to this old man''s nonsense. We provide grain every day to aid the disaster-stricken people. It''s these rebellious commoners who want to demand more grain. General, this person instigated the riot. Zhong daren has said that in order to protect the safety of His Highness the Crown Prince, such rebellious commoners should be killed without mercy. This lowly one just acted a moment ago!"


    Zhou Hai, with tears streaming down his face, knelt on the ground in front of Ren Anle. The yamen officer, enduring intense pain, crawled to Ren Anle and shouted loudly.


    The elderly person''s face turned red, his lips trembled slightly. He was so wrongly accused that he couldn''t speak.


    "General, he is lying. We only wanted to enter the city to take a look at the food supply, without any intention of disrespecting His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince!"


    "General, this person says that His Highness the Crown Prince did not bring any provisions. Is it true or not! "


    As soon as these words were spoken, the previously calm people could not hold back anymore and gathered around Ren Anle.


    At this moment, most of the Imperial Guards have infiltrated deep into the refugee area, leaving only around ten guards and Yuan Shu by Ren Anle''s side. Yuan Shu furrowed her brows, extending her hand towards the large sword she had slung behind her back.


    Ren Anle stopped Yuan Shu''s actions and comforted Zhou Hai, who was in a panic. She smiled and handed the child over to him, then suddenly stood up with a cold and stern expression. Her gaze toward the yamen was filled with anger. "Disaster relief grain?"


    She raised the long sword from the table and swung it backhandedly towards the wooden barrel on the ground. With a resounding clang, the barrel shattered into pieces, and the rice soup inside flowed out, seeping into the ground in an instant. Faintly visible at the bottom of the barrel were grass roots, tree bark, and a few scattered grains of rice. Ren Anle fixed her gaze on the yamen officer and spoke slowly, word by word, "Is this what you call food? Is this the benevolent act of the zhifu of Mu Tian Prefecture that you spoke of?"


    The yamen officer''s voice faltered, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. He was unable to speak as he looked at the remnants in the wooden barrel.


    "Riot?" Ren Anle pointed at the surrounding people and said, "Take a good look at them, which one of them is not emaciated and weak, without a single weapon? The elderly and children can''t even stand up straight. To say that they are rioting is simply absurd!"


    "Which law in the Great Jing dynasty allows one to deceive the common people to this extent, even maliciously framing and kill at will! As an officer of the yamen, you should know and abide by the law. You deserve to die! Someone, take him back to the Mu Tian yamen, give him fifty strikes with a wooden plank, and hang him in front of the yamen officer to serve as an example for a day."


    After the words of Ren Anle settled, a member of the Imperial Guard standing nearby received the order in a deep voice. He pulled up the yamen officer  onto the horse and headed towards the inner city.


    "General, spare me, spare me!" With a sudden change, the man didn''t have time to react and could only wail a few times while on his horse. The remaining yamen officers beside him turned pale, terrified, and knelt down without daring to speak.


    The surrounding commoners cast a slightly more benevolent look at Ren Anle. They had been deceived and suppressed for too long, to the extent that they had long lost trust in the officials of the imperial court.


    "General, I just want to know if His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has brought any food with him. I don''t need food; I can eat grass roots, it doesn''t matter. It''s just that if this child continues to starve, he really won''t survive, ah!"


    A woman in her twenties rushed out holding a baby, continuously kowtowing to Ren Anle, with tears of blood streaming down from the corner of her eyes.


    ѪÀá (xi¨§l¨¨i) is a Chinese idiom that literally translates to "tears of blood." It is used metaphorically to describe extreme sorrow, anguish, or deep emotional pain. It conveys the idea that someone is shedding tears that are so intense and profound that they might as well be tears of blood.


    Ren Anle walked toward the woman and saw her fearful gaze directed at the sword in her hand. Ren Anle threw the sword on the ground and helped the woman up. She looked around at the people watching her, and after a while, she loudly said, "Fellow villagers, I, Ren Anle, have no valuable possessions, and I am alone. There is nothing I can offer as a guarantee. However, if you all trust me, I am willing to stay here with everyone and wait. If the noon provisions do not arrive, I, Ren Anle, will accept whatever decision you make."


    "General, are you the Chief of the Anle Fortress in Southern Jin?" a faint voice sounded.


    Ren Anle raised her eyebrows and said, "Not bad."


    "Hearing that the general has always had a reputation for righteousness in Southern Jin, I am willing to believe in the general."


    "Me too!


    ¡­¡­


    The voices rose and fell, spreading through the crowd. The gathered people gradually dispersed, their eyes reignited with hope upon hearing comforting words.


    Ren Anle remained composed, calmly watching as the common people returned to their original places one by one. She then sat back in her wooden chair and poured a glass of water, handing it to Zhou Hai. "Lao Zhang, there are still a few hours before noon. If you don''t mind, Anle has experienced some things while wandering in Southern Jin for many years and would like to talk to you."


    "The general saved my life. How could I ever abandon her? If the general is willing to speak with me, it would be my old man''s blessing." Zhou Hai held his grandson and looked at Ren Anle with deep gratitude.


    "The borderlands of Southern Jin are also places of hardship, with scarce rice and grains. When I was young, I followed my father in the rural areas of Southern Jin and saw many people who couldn''t eat their fill..."


    A clear and cold voice resounded along the wide official road. In Ren Anle''s words, there was a calm and profound experience of worldly affairs. The gradually unfolding past made people involuntarily yearn to listen further.


    The imperial guards standing by looked at the female general, who was sitting upright on the wooden chair. Their expressions were silent, filled with admiration and respect.


    She quietly sat within a square inch of space, letting go of the sword that she rarely took off on the battlefield. In her own way, she protected these ten thousand people with her own body and quelled a riot.


    The strongest in the world are not those with martial prowess, but rather the power of the human heart far surpasses them.


    Mu Tian Prefecture Government Office Backyard.


    Zhong Liwen held a crystal-clear snuff bottle in his hand, squinting his eyes as he reclined in a wooden rocking chair to enjoy the coolness.


    "Lord, Lord, something bad has happened!" The panicked voice of steward Wang Shi came from outside the courtyard.


    Zhong Liwen looked displeased and opened his eyes. He said, "Why are you speaking like this? What has happened?"


    Wang Shi tripped at the entrance of the courtyard and stumbled as he ran to Zhong Liwen''s side. "Lord, just now, news came that the top scorer of the imperial examination, Wen Shuo, has also come with the Crown Prince. He is now leading the Imperial Guards to collect grains in various shops!"


    "Collecting grain?" Zhong Liwen frowned, "Is the Crown Prince out of his mind? How dare he forcefully collect grain from the wealthy merchants? He doesn''t even fear being accused by the court officials. No need to worry, these people value wealth more than their own lives. Moreover, the Crown Prince lacks legitimacy and support, so they won''t hand over the grain!"


    "Sir, the Crown Prince did not forcefully collect it. However, Wen Shuo carried the rare treasures offered by various mansions last night and went to the grain shop of the merchant gentry, accompanied by loud gongs and drums. Now all the grain from He mansion in the south of the city and Li Mansion in the west of the city has been taken away by the Imperial Guards."


    Zhong Liwen abruptly stood up, his expression darkened. "What did you say? They handed over all the grain, that''s our grain, How dare they!" Halfway through his words, he remembered the precious treasures presented to Ren Anle at the banquet last night and suddenly realized, "Damn it, they gave all those things to Ren Anle, a bunch of fools! What a crown prince, he actually disregards his reputation and sets up a trap for ben guan and everyone else!"


    ±¾¹Ù (b¨§ngu¨¡n) - Noun, referring to oneself (official)


    By offering rare treasures as bribes to high-ranking officials of the court, these individuals, if they do not want to be rightfully subjected to a house raid by the crown prince, have no choice but to surrender their food supply to save their lives.


    "Da ren, what should we do? The grain in the granary belongs to us." The steward anxiously whispered.


    Zhong Liwen has not yet answered when a yamen rushed in from outside the courtyard, "My lord, something bad has happened, something bad has happened!"


    Zhong Liwen''s veins popped on his forehead, and he exclaimed, "Speak slowly, what kind of etiquette is this!"


    "Lord, Li Tou has been escorted by the Imperial Guards and is kneeling in front of the yamen. General Ren accused him of disregarding the law and mistreating the people. He has been sentenced to fifty heavy bamboo strikes and will be hung in front of the yamen for public display for a day, as a warning to others."


    "Peng!" With a crisp sound, Zhong Liwen''s snuff bottle shattered in his hand. The steward, sensing that something was wrong, hurriedly held him back and advised, "Lord, the Crown Prince and Ren Anle are waiting for you to get angry. If something were to happen to you as well, our Mu Tian tian Prefecture would be left without a helmsman."


    ÕƶæÖ®ÈË (zh¨£ng du¨° zh¨© r¨¦n): helmsman or person in charge


    Zhong Li Wen paused, took a long breath, shook off the attendant, and waved his hand towards the yamen officer, signaling him to step back.


    After seeing the yamen officer leave the courtyard, he pondered for a moment before saying, "This official has underestimated the crown prince. Their entry into Mu Tian Prefecture this time is far from being so simple. The matter of the riverbank breach, the Crown prince will definitely investigate thoroughly. Wang Shi, have you kept a close watch on all the river workers and officials?"


    "Yes, sir. There are three hundred secret guards stationed at Zhao''s Village in the southern part of the city."


    "Mu Wang''s letter said he wants it dealt with cleanly. I''ll give you three days'' time. You should know how to handle it."


    The steward lost his voice and said, "Sir, those are hundreds of lives..."


    "Those who achieve great things do not bother with trivial matters. If something happens, do you think the Crown Prince will spare us?"


    "Yes, this humble one will go and handle it." The steward''s body trembled, feeling a chill in his heart. After hesitating for a moment, he reluctantly agreed.


    "Wang Shi, secretly summon the officials from each government office and yamen to Mu Tian Prefecture. The Crown Prince is difficult to deal with, I want to give them some advice."


    "Yes, my lord." Wang Shi acknowledged the order and respectfully withdrew.


    "That battle was the toughest one I''ve led. The South Sea pirates were rampant, ruthless in their methods, killing anyone they saw. If they had charged across the sea, the people of southern Jin would have suffered. Even in our peaceful Anle Fort, we have children who hug me every day, asking for candy. Just the thought of it makes me feel uneasy. I felt that we couldn''t let this group of despicable pirates break through. With this determination, I held on with three thousand remaining soldiers for a day until reinforcements arrived. Everyone, tell me, wiping out the pirates is the court''s affair. What does it have to do with us bandits? I finally understood; in this lifetime, I am just a toiling soul..."


    À͵Ãü (l¨¢o l¨´ m¨¬ng): "toiling soul" or "a life of labor."


    It was close to noon, and the scorching sun made people exhausted. The commoners from the outskirts of the city silently gathered around the female general who was speaking confidently. Despite her face being reddened and her lips parched due to the intense heat, she sat upright with clear eyes and a composed expression, showing no signs of panic. Perhaps her firm and calm demeanor infected the crowd, which is why when the magnificent horse pulling a carriage approached the refugee camp, some people looked towards the main road.


    Several dozen carriages laden with grain slowly approached, with the majestic Imperial Guards guarding the sides. The bright yellow banners engulfed the entire procession. Leading the way, a horse paced slowly, carrying a person dressed in a light yellow official robe. He had a handsome and refined appearance, with a gentle and warm countenance.


    Han Ye leaped down immediately, looking at the anxious and breathless crowd. He stretched out his arms and waved, saying, "Fellow villagers, G¨± have come for you. All the grains here belong to you. G¨± promise you that g¨± will never let a single citizen starve to death on the land of Dajing!"


    With the voice of Han Ye falling, the people fell into silence for a moment, and then a deafening cheer erupted, as if reaching the sky.


    Han Ye''s eyebrows relaxed as he silently watched Ren Anle, who had already risen and turned away. She was dressed in military attire, her face concealed within her armor. Separated by the joyous crowd, her inkstone-like eyes gazed quietly at him and a smile formed at the corner of her mouth.


    Anle, will you accompany me in creating a prosperous era like the founding emperor and the head of the Di family back then?


    Your Highness, since there is no second Han Zi''an in this world, naturally there will never be a second Di Shengtian!


    Ren Anle, I''m starting to understand your meaning. This world no longer needs a second Taizu and Di Shengtian.


    Because we can create our own era.

 CH 26

    "Your Highness, Lord Zhong just sought an audience but was blocked by General Ren. This is a memorial written by Lord Zhong. He said he would send it to the capital overnight to present it to His Majesty, highlighting Your Highness''s achievements in comforting the refugees. He requests that Your Highness take a look first." Jian Song entered the study, holding a memorial in his hand, and placed it in front of Han Ye.


    Han Ye glanced at the memorial on the table with an indifferent tone and expression. "Honeyed words with a hidden dagger, he is afraid that g¨± will continue investigating the funds for building the canal and wants to make a deal with g¨±."


    ¿ÚÃÛ¸¹½£ (k¨¯u m¨¬ f¨´ ji¨¤n): honeyed words with a hidden dagger or a honeyed tongue with a treacherous heart; sweet-talking with a hidden agenda; refers to someone who speaks sweetly or flatteringly on the surface but harbors malicious intentions or has hidden motives. It describes a person who appears friendly but is actually deceitful or treacherous, like a sword concealed beneath a gentle facade.


    "Deal?" Jian Song heard it but didn''t understand why.


    "He wants g¨± to abandon the investigation, so he will enhance g¨±''s reputation in front of the Emperor. If he sincerely speaks up for g¨±, he should directly submit the memorial to the capital. Why would he bring it before g¨±? Jian Song, take this thing back to prevent it from tarnishing g¨±''s eyes."


    "Your Highness, Zhong Liwen is after all the governor of Mu Tian Prefecture, the local ''soil emperor'' here. General Shi won''t arrive for another five days. If we offend him too much, it may be detrimental to Your Highness." Jian Song hesitated and advised.


    ÍÁ»ÊµÛ (t¨³ hu¨¢ngd¨¬) - local ''Emperor''; a term used to refer to a local influential or powerful figure who acts like an emperor in his domain; soil emperor'' or local power


    "Nothing is the matter." Han Ye smiled and said, "Jian Song, you are the top expert in my Eastern Palace. With you here, no one dares to provoke us."


    "Your Highness, rest assured, the Imperial Guards will definitely protect Your Highness with all their might." Jian Song''s face showed surprise, seeing Han Ye''s unwavering trust. He then responded and retreated from the room.


    The sound of footsteps gradually receded. Han Ye raised his eyes, gently turned his finger ring, his expression inexplicable.


    "Your Highness, your commander is indeed an honest person."


    A mocking voice suddenly sounded, and Han Ye''s mouth curved up. He quickly composed himself and turned his head towards the woman sitting on the window sill. ¡°General, no matter how honest Jian Song is, he can''t compare to the Chang Qing by the General''s side. Yesterday, I spent the whole day without being able to shake him off even for an inch!¡±


    Ren Anle laughed heartily. Her eyes turned around, and she replied confidently, ¡°Changqing''s swordsmanship is exceptional. Since Commander Jian Song is not present, naturally, I have to let him guard by His Highness''s side.¡±


    ¡°No need in the future.¡±Han Ye stood up and walked in front of Ren Anle, looking particularly serious. ¡°If we encounter the same situation as yesterday, Chang Qing must not leave your side, not even for half a step.¡±


    Ren Anle pouted, raised her hand in surrender, and said, "Alright, Your Highness, don''t look so serious, I promise." She quickly changed the topic and asked, "You want Jian Song to return the memorial, is it to provoke Zhong Liwen and make him lose his composure?"


    Han Ye nodded, his eyes filled with approval. "The grain in the granary has been provided by me to the disaster-stricken people. It is already difficult for him to maintain his standing in front of Mu Wang. If the matter of the river embankment fund is exposed, he will be abandoned. Instead of us searching for it, it''s better to let him deliver the evidence himself."


    "Is Your Highness referring to the river workers detained in the south of the city?"


    Han Ye smiled and asked, "An Le, what do you think of Zhong Liwen?"


    "Seemingly gentle but actually ruthless, by observing the treatment of the people of Mutian Prefecture, one can catch a glimpse of this person''s character and nature." Ren Anle paused and looked at Han Ye with narrowed eyes. She said, "In order to ensure his own safety, he would spare no effort to eliminate obstacles, including detaining the river workers and managers. The people of Mu Tian Prefecture have long been suppressed by Zhong Liwen, to the extent that they dare not easily speak up, even in court. If they knew that Zhong Liwen intended to silence them... it would be completely different. They would become the most solid evidence in this case."


    "You''re right. I guess if Zhong Liwen''s memorial is returned unanswered, he will take action within two days at most," Han Ye frowned and said, "It''s just a pity. I sent people to search Zhong Liwen''s residence several times, but they couldn''t find any account books. Besides Zhong Liwen, there is no evidence implicating other corrupt officials. If we don''t root out the corrupt officials in the Mu Tian Prefecture this time, corruption will inevitably revive from the ashes in this area in just a matter of time."


    ËÀ»Ò¸´È¼ (s¨« hu¨© f¨´r¨¢n) - revive from the ashes; This idiom is used to describe a situation where something that was thought to be completely extinguished or resolved unexpectedly flares up again, just like how ashes, which appear cold and lifeless, can suddenly ignite and burn once more. In a figurative sense, it refers to a resurgence or revival of a problem, conflict, or past issue that was assumed to be resolved.


    "Do what is within your power and accept the will of heaven. There are still a few days left. Perhaps there will be a turning point," Ren Anle comforted. "However, General Jian must stay at the inn. If he leaves, it will definitely alert the enemy. Your Highness, who are you planning to send to rescue the river worker?"


    ¾¡ÈËÊÂÖªÌìÃü (j¨«n r¨¦n sh¨¬ zh¨© ti¨¡n m¨¬ng) - Do what is within your power and accept the will of heaven. This Chinese proverb originates from Confucian teachings. The phrase encourages to make every effort and do their best in their endeavors, but also emphasizes the importance of accepting the outcomes that are beyond their control, as determined by destiny or higher powers.


    "I want to borrow Changqing and Yuan Shu for a while. Tomorrow evening, I will have them lead the Imperial Guards to guard the south gate, and I will fully entrust the command authority to Yuan Shu."


    "Oh? Why isn''t it Changqing?" Ren Anle raised her eyebrows, quite surprised.


    "That servant girl of yours appears to be sincere, but actually she has completely learned her master''s manner and is full of wickedness. It would be even more appropriate to hand her over to me."


    Although the two had finalized the plan, Ren Anle responded to Han Ye''s words by stroking her beard and glaring at him. She casually took away a white jade chess piece from the chessboard, disrupting the game as a form of retaliation.


    ´µºú×ÓµÉÑÛ (chu¨© h¨² zi d¨¨ng y¨£n) - to stroke one''s beard and glare. This Chinese idiom describes someone''s actions or mannerisms when they try to appear impressive or threatening but fail to do so, often resulting in a comical or ineffectual display.


    In the evening, in the study of the Mu Tian Prefectural Yamen, Zhong Liwen looked at the secret letter that had just been delivered with an uncertain expression. He waved his sleeve and instructed the young servant, "Quickly find the steward."


    Wang Shi hurriedly rushed over, entering the study with sweat pouring down his forehead, and said, "Da ren, what happened?"


    Once the matchstick ignited the fire, the secret message burned until only a trace remained. Only then did Zhong Liwen raise his head and say in a deep voice, "The Crown Prince has indeed come for the funds allocated for the river embankment construction last year. They have discovered the location where the river workers are being held captive. Tomorrow night, the Imperial Guards will be stationed in the south of the city. We must take action tonight."


    Wang Shi was momentarily stunned and quite skeptical, saying, "Lord, where did this secret message come from? If it is a rumor..."


    "Enough, there are people within the Imperial Guards arranged by Mu Wang. How could they make a mistake! The Crown Prince is already paying attention to the Zhao family''s village. We cannot leave any evidence. Tonight, the people you bring should disguise themselves as members of the Wu Mountain bandits, putting on a show of robbery and murder."


    "Yes, daren." Wang Shi''s heart also sank, and he departed without touching the ground to carry out the order.


    ½Å²»Õ´µØ" (ji¨£o b¨´ zh¨¡n d¨¬) departed without touching the ground. Is used to describe someone''s quick and agile movements, indicating that the person swiftly carried out the order without any hesitation or delay.


    Zhong Liwen heaved a sigh of relief, but as he regained his composure, he felt a chilling sensation seeping through his back. If no one reported the matter, once those river workers fell into the hands of the Crown Prince, he would be completely finished.


    In the deep night, when all sounds are quiet, there lies the Zhao village, ten miles to the south of the city.


    Wang Shi led over a hundred disguised yamen officers, quietly approaching. They rode on fast horses with wide knives stabbing into the horses'' sides, wearing the attire of bandits, and carrying a large flag. With a burst of battle cries and killings, they rushed into Zhao''s village. After entering the village for about a hundred meters, Wang Shi noticed that it was still pitch black around him. The constables who were supposed to escort the river workers out according to the plan were nowhere to be seen. A sense of panic rose in his heart as he realized that something was wrong. His hand, holding the reins, trembled.


    A wave of unease washed over the entire team, unsettling the horses and stirring their restlessness. All eyes turned towards Wang Shi, seeking answers in the depths of their gaze. But before a single question could escape their lips, the night sky exploded with an unexpected thunderclap, ripping through the darkness. Like creeping flames, a procession of hundreds of torches drew nearer, their fiery glow painting the scene in hues of crimson. The yamen officers, caught off guard, found themselves encircled by the imposing presence of the Imperial Guards, with their helmets gleaming and spears poised. The air grew heavy with an ominous silence, a palpable tension that hinted at imminent danger.


    Wang Shi was stunned upon seeing this formation, and the yamen officers couldn''t help but retreat.


    "Yo, I heard that the governance in Mu Tian Prefecture is orderly, but I didn''t expect there would still be bandits plundering near the capital. You didn''t even bother to inquire beforehand. Let me tell you, I, g¨± n¨£inai, never show mercy when I chop people down in Jinnan Province. Among the bandit leaders, I dare to call myself second. Apart from my young miss, no one dares to claim the first spot! Where are the archers? Shoot these ignorant bandits into a hornet''s nest for me!"


    ¹ÃÄÌÄÌ (g¨± n¨£inai) - a form of self-reference used by a woman of high status or arrogance.


    A cold light flashed, and a sharp crossbow was drawn to a full moon, pointing directly at Wang Shi and others. Yuan Shu unsheathed her long knife, pointing slightly forward with her right hand, as if as soon as she made a move, a chilling iron arrow would instantly shoot out.


    Wang Shi realized something was amiss and had fallen into the Crown Prince''s trap. He was about to find an excuse when he saw Yuan Shu''s hand tremble. Immediately, his soul scattered, and he fell from his horse, kneeling on the ground, and exclaimed, "General, don''t shoot arrows! Don''t shoot arrows! We are not bandits; we are the yamen officers of the Mu Tian Prefecture..."


    "Ridiculous! How could the yamen officers be dressed as bandits! And how could they end up in Zhao Village!" Yuan Shu furrowed her brows and shouted.


    Ñòî (y¨¢ ch¨¡i) - "Yamen runner" or "Yamen officer." Yamen was a government office in ancient China, and the yamen runners were the lower-ranking officers who carried out various administrative tasks.


    "Xiaoren does not speak nonsense, General. I am an attendant from the Mu Tian Mansion. Our d¨¤r¨¦n received a confidential report stating that tonight, bandits will raid Zhao Family Village. That is why we were ordered to disguise ourselves and come here. It''s all a misunderstanding, ah!"


    СÈË (xi¨£or¨¦n): Literally translates to "little person" and is used as a humble way to refer to oneself, indicating a lower status or position.


    "Oh? Is it really so? Are you truly officers?"


    "Certainly true, General. If you don''t believe it, you can come with us back to Mu Tian Prefecture and confront Zhong daren."


    "No need, he is right here. If you have something to say, say it directly in front of g¨±."


    In the midst of the Imperial Guards, a path was cleared, allowing Ren Anle to take the lead on horseback, with the Crown Prince by her side. Serenely perched atop the majestic steed, the Crown Prince''s eyes fixated upon the disheveled figure of Zhong Liwen, who had been brought forward by the Imperial Guards. With an air of nonchalance, he posed a question, his words subtly drifting through the air, "Lord Zhong, a moment ago, g¨± went to the Prefectural Office and inquired about a bandit group appearing in the southern part of the city. How should they be handled? How did you respond to g¨±?"


    Wang Shi was startled by the scene before his eyes, dumbfounded. Zhong Liwen remained silent for a while, then cupped his hands as a sign of respect and uttered, "This humble official, this humble official..."


    "You say this group of bandits is notorious for burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of evil deeds. If they encounter the Imperial Guards, there''s no need for questioning, they can be executed on the spot. You come and tell me, who exactly is this person?"


    In the quiet night, Han Ye''s cold voice was particularly clear. Wang Shi suddenly looked up, staring incredulously at Zhong Liwen, and collapsed to the ground.


    Wang Shi''s angry gaze shot straight over, but Zhong Liwen turned his head to dodge, his face turning grayish-white. He knew he had fallen into the crown prince''s trap, but it was too late to regret.


    In the late afternoon, the Crown Prince suddenly visited the official residence of a high-ranking official. He was detained and kept company for an hour before the Crown Prince leisurely revealed that the Imperial Guards had discovered a group of roaming bandits. He asked him how to deal with the situation. At that moment, he immediately sensed that something was amiss but had to play along and stall for time, hoping that the Imperial Guards had merely coincidentally stumbled upon the trail of Wang Shi. Thus, he firmly insisted that there was no need for interrogation and that the bandits could be executed directly. However, unbeknownst to them, the Imperial Guards had long captured Zhao Village. From beginning to end, this was all a trap set by the Crown Prince. Even the secret letter sent to the government office was merely a chess move.


    He just doesn''t understand why the undercover agent set up by the Mu Wang was not discovered and how he happened to send out the wrong message.


    "Your Highness, this humble person is Wang Shi, a servant of the Mu Tian mansion. This was all orchestrated by Lord Zhong. It has nothing to do with us!" The chilling sight of swords and crossbows, coupled with the merciless actions of Zhong Liwen, had finally become the last straw that broke the camel''s back. Wang Shi crawled towards Han Ye and pointed at Zhong Liwen, shouting, "It was Lord Zhong who instructed us to disguise ourselves as bandits and rob Zhao Village. We were just following orders."


    ѹËÀÂæÍÕ (y¨¡ s¨« lu¨°tu¨®): The last straw that broke the camel''s back. It is often used to describe the final straw that breaks the camel''s back or a situation where a small, seemingly insignificant event or issue becomes the catalyst for a much larger and more serious consequence or problem.


    With Wang Shi''s resounding cry, a band of yamen officers, who had long been scared silly, swiftly dismounted their steeds and knelt on the ground, speaking in unison.


    Zhong Liwen suddenly raised his head, staring firmly at Wang Shi with a gloomy gaze.


    "Oh?" Han Ye''s voice was calm, seemingly incredulous. "Zh¨­ng d¨¤r¨¦n is an official appointed by the imperial court. How could he allow constables to disguise themselves as bandits and plunder the common people? Your words are too absurd, making it difficult for g¨± to believe."


    "Your Highness," regardless, death is inevitable, so it is better to do one''s best to protect one''s family. Wang Shi hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and knocked his head on the ground. "Lord Zhong is afraid that Your Highness will investigate the whereabouts of the funds allocated for repairing the river embankment last year. That''s why he sent me to silence the witnesses. In this Zhao village... all the officials in charge of building the embankment and the river workers are being detained."


    Wang Shi''s voice trembled and stuttered, but it made everyone in the audience understand clearly. Zhong Liwen noticed the sudden coldness in the crown prince''s expression and had an intuitive feeling that the critical moment had arrived. He licked his parched lips and his legs weakened as he retreated backward.


    But to his astonishment, a resounding rupture shattered the tranquil sky. Zhong Liwen''s vision momentarily faltered, overtaken by a searing agony that surged through his body. Gasping for breath, he steadied his gaze, only to witness the commanding figure of Ren Anle, dressed in formidable military attire. With a firm grip on a lengthy whip, she mounted her horse and stepped out slowly. Her face was as cold as ice, exuding a majestic and awe-inspiring presence.


    "Zhong Liwen, you slaughter the common people, arrogantly acting as a benevolent ruler, worse than a beast!"


    Ren Anle''s gaze swept over like a reaper, and Zhong Liwen''s instinct felt a chilling aura piercing through his heart, causing him to finally collapse on the ground.


    "An Le." Han Ye called softly. Only then did Ren An Le turn her head, too lazy to glance at Zhong Liwen again.


    "Zhong daren, is what Wang Shi said true?" Han Ye asked in a deep voice, while Zhong Liwen lowered his head and remained silent.


    The undeniable truth stood right before them, with Zhong Liwen caught red-handed and unable to deny his actions any longer. Han Ye arched an eyebrow and waved his hand, no longer inquiring. He simply ordered the imperial guards, "Disperse."


    Wang Shi and Zhong Liwen were both taken aback. They raised their heads and looked at the scene not far away, greatly surprised.


    Outside the encirclement, guarded by the imperial guards'' shields, stood hundreds of common people dressed in plain clothes. They gazed towards the center of the scene where the yamen officers, filled with delight and fear, was standing. Wang Shi''s keen gaze discerned with absolute clarity that these were none other than the very river workers and overseers who had been held captive within these very walls.


    "Have you all seen the true face of Mu Tian Prefecture''s government office? One day later, g¨± will ascend to the court in Mu Tian Prefecture. I wonder if all the villagers and neighbors are willing to testify for g¨±. Let us bring this corrupt official to justice and uphold justice for all to see!" Han Ye looked at the river workers with a sincere expression.


    "Your Highness saved our lives, and we are definitely not ungrateful people. We are willing to testify for Your Highness!" About ten middle-aged men, who appeared to be stewards, exchanged determined glances, then stepped out from the crowd as one. With unwavering resolve, they knelt down on the ground, loudly proclaiming their willingness to testify for Your Highness.


    "Good! The Imperial Guards will escort each of you back home. The day after tomorrow, at noon, the government office will hold a court session. G¨± will wait for all of you to arrive."


    Han Ye asked everyone to stand up and waved his hand, instructing, "Take Wang Shi and the group of yamen officers back to the prefectural yamen for detention. As for Zhong daren... g¨± will borrow you for temporary use in the Mu Tian government office. Do you have any objections?"


    Zhong Liwen appeared dejected, and his clothing was disheveled, but he still stood up and performed a cupped hand salute towards Han Ye. His gaze was complicated and hard to decipher as he sighed bitterly and said, "Your Highness, your thoughts are meticulous, and I am sincerely convinced and acknowledge it."


    One loop after another, with meticulous precision and no way to escape. He has nothing more to say!


    First, destroy their reputation, forcefully seize the food supplies, deceitfully send a secret message to eliminate him, and then catch him red-handed with the stolen goods.


    ÈËÔß¾ã»ñ (r¨¦n z¨¡ng j¨´ hu¨°) - Catch the person and the stolen goods together (meaning to capture the criminal with the evidence) It means to catch someone in the act of committing a crime, with clear evidence of their wrongdoing.


    Let the river workers witness with their own eyes the yamen officers who have come to execute them, so that they will no longer have any worries in court. Even if he cannot find any evidence, these river workers will become living witnesses.


    He practically calculated the entire Mu Tian Prefecture into his plans. With such profound scheming and far-sighted strategies, how could His Royal Highness, Mu Wang, possibly have emerged victorious?


    Han Ye, the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, truly lives up to being the disciple personally taught by Taizu and the head of the Di family. From the very beginning, he chose the wrong person.


    Ì«×æ (t¨¤iz¨³) - The title "Taizu," which refers to the first emperor or founder of a dynasty.


    Han Ye no longer spoke, he raised his hand and gestured. The imperial guards escorted the yamen runner and Zhong Liwen away. The river worker who respectfully saw them off knelt all over the ground. Han Ye glanced at Ren Anle, and the two of them wielded their whips and left.


    A hundred meters away from Ping''an Inn, Han Ye suddenly pulled the reins and looked at the woman who had been riding alongside him all this time, and smiled.


    "Ren Anle, you are good, really good."


    Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and said, "Your Highness, what are you saying? Tonight''s credit is entirely on Yuan Shu''s shoulders. I must admit, I didn''t realize she was so good at intimidating people."


    "If you hadn''t guessed my plan, you wouldn''t have acted out this scene with me in the inn today, allowing Zhong Liwen to receive the message I wanted him to know, and instructing Yuan Shu to bring people to rescue others in Zhao Village. Since when did you start to guess it?"


    Ren Anle tilted her head back slightly and said, "It''s not too early. Ever since Changqing traced back to the location where the river workers were imprisoned, I felt that Your Highness might have been playing the next move in the game."


    "Oh?


    "I don''t distrust Changqing; it''s just that he is not familiar with the Mu Tian prefecture. No matter how skilled he is at investigating, it would be impossible for him to find out the location within a day, unless someone intentionally wants him to find it. This would be using him to avoid the spies within the Imperial Guards." Ren Anle looked towards Han Ye with narrowed eyes and said, "Apart from Your Highness, I really can''t think of a second candidate. Since I''ve guessed that Your Highness has a plan, I naturally want to cooperate fully and resolve the situation at Mu Tian Prefecture as soon as possible, so that the people here can have peace."


    Under the moonlight, the lady was straightforward and bold, wielding her horse whip as she galloped towards the inn. A hearty laughter echoed, "Your Highness, being figured out by a mere woman, could it be that your heart is displeased?"


    Han Ye helplessly watched the receding figure and raised his horsewhip to catch up with her.


    As the dim light of dawn seeped into the room, Han Ye sat cross-legged on his bed, having not slept all night. His gaze was fixed on the chessboard where the previous game had been casually destroyed by Ren Anle, his expression profound and distant.


    In a complete chess game, there is only one critical point where the encirclement can be broken with just one move, but it lacks one chess piece.


    Encircle but not kill, life and death are established and change. This is An Le telling him that she is already capable of breaking through the situation and is willing to wholeheartedly assist him.


    So, he entrusted the Forbidden Guard to Yuan Shu with confidence and then personally went to the government office to detain Zhong Liwen.


    This game of chess would never have been so perfect if it weren''t for Ren Anle.


    Han Ye got up and walked to the window. The morning glow was gradually rising, and the horizon seemed to be reborn at dawn.


    Teacher, I have finally found someone worthy to play chess with me, but... it''s such a pity, she is not Ziyuan.