Chapter Twenty-Five: Arrival in Yongdu

  In the twenty-third year of Da Yong Wu Wei (the first year of Zhi Hua of Southern Chu), on the second day of the eleventh month, King Yong returned to the court in triumph. The rulers of Southern Chu, including Zhao Jia, princes, consorts, and members of the royal family, lined up in front, while civil and military officials stood behind, presenting captives at the Temple of the Supreme Ancestor.

  "The Old Book of Tang · Emperor Taizong's Basic Annals"

  I did not see the grand ceremony of King Yong being welcomed into the city by all officials, because my current identity is either a guest or a prisoner. I was not offered the pleasure of being presented at the Temple of Heaven, nor did I have that honor. Therefore, it was only after the army had entered the city for a long time that I rode in with Gou Jian. As we passed through the Mingde Gate, I opened the window of our carriage and saw a wide street, forty zhang wide, lined on both sides with two rows of locust trees. Although winter had already set in, there was no longer any greenery to be seen. On either side of the road were drainage ditches as wide as small rivers, and at the intersections with other main roads, stone bridges had been built. Despite it being a cold winter, the water in the ditches was steaming hot and flowing continuously, but this only made the snow on the locust trees thicker, fully revealing the harshness of winter.

  I murmured: "A country of a thousand miles, with ninefold gates and towers. Without seeing the imperial residence, how can one know the emperor's dignity?"

  Guo Zan smiled and said: "Qin Zhong has been the imperial capital since ancient times, with a gathering of cultural relics in Chang'an. The terrain is dangerous, with Qinling Mountains in the south and a series of mountains stretching northward. The eight rivers, including Jing and Wei, surround Chang'an, making it an imperial capital for centuries. Da Yong established Chang'an as his capital, which was indeed majestic. After unifying the world, his momentum was unstoppable. In contrast, the Southern Chu built its capital in Jianye, but the emperor's aura was insufficient, so they moved their capital to Yantan, and often declined after one generation."

  I just smiled and didn't speak, I was very clear about the decline of Southern Chu, and I was also very clear about the prosperity of Great Yong. However, this wasn't a reason for me to surrender to the King of Yong. Gu Yan's eyes flickered with confusion, he had never been so troubled. No matter how he persuaded him, the young man would either agree or smile without speaking, but ultimately couldn't be convinced to surrender to the King of Yong. Gu Yan wondered if he was being too hasty, but if he couldn't persuade him and the King of Yong lost his patience and decided to execute this person, wouldn't that be a pity? Gu Yan had suggested temporarily detaining Jiang Zhe and slowly persuading him, but unfortunately, the King of Yong just smiled bitterly without speaking, as if time was pressing. What was the hurry for?

  I pointed out the window to Xiao Shunzi and said, "Look, this is Zhuque Avenue, the first main street that runs north-south through Chang'an City. The northern end of Zhuque Avenue leads directly to the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, where the Great Yong imperial family resides. The government offices of the six ministries within Chang'an City are also located within the Imperial Palace. Our current location is called the Outer City, which protects the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City from the left, right, and south sides. The Outer City has a total of eleven north-south streets and fourteen east-west streets, dividing the inner city into 110 neighborhoods. Among them, three north-south streets and three east-west streets that pass through the city gates form the main transportation arteries within Chang'an City. And now we are on Zhuque Avenue, which is the central street of Chang'an. The end of Zhuque Avenue leads to the Zhuque Gate, from where you can enter the Imperial Palace."

  Gou Jianxiao smiled and said: "Listening to Mr. Jiang say this, I feel as if you are the master of Chang'an?"

  I said faintly: "If it's about the situation in Jianye, I'm afraid Brother Yongquan understands it better than me." Gu Rong smiled bitterly again.

  I gazed out the window at the bustling crowd, and this place's prosperity surpassed that of Jianye by a few degrees. However, Jianye was full of indulgent scholars and elegant ladies, whereas here were generous and passionate Confucian scholars, and majestic warriors with impressive demeanor, everywhere exuding an aura of a prosperous era. I smiled, for this was true joy; although Jiangnan is lovely, it's my hometown, but that doesn't mean I won't like it here - South Chu, that's just something from my memories.

  The carriage soon arrived at the Zhuque Gate, and Guo Jian lifted the curtain to reveal a token from the Yongwang Mansion. The guards looked at it and retreated with respect. Just as Guo Jian was about to order the carriage to proceed, a bright laughter came from ahead: "Mr. Guo, is there an honored guest of His Majesty in your carriage?" Guo Jian looked up to see a luxurious carriage approaching, its curtains embroidered with golden dragons on brocade. Behind the high curtain, a handsome young man was half-sitting and half-reclining, being attended by two beautiful maidservants, waving at him. Guo Jian was greatly surprised: "Your Highness, why didn't you attend the celebration banquet? Why are you leaving the city instead?"

  Li Xian, with the support of his concubine, walked out of the carriage and said: "The celebration banquet? It hasn't started yet. We have to wait until Father Emperor sacrifices at the Ancestral Temple before it begins. I had already taken ill, but I heard that my second brother brought back a noble guest, thinking it should be an old acquaintance of mine, so I came out to welcome him. But isn't this Jiang Gong? I am Li Xian."

  I was somewhat helpless, although I knew this person would come to stir up trouble, but such urgency was still beyond my expectation. I poked my head out and smiled: "It's actually Prince Qi, how did you come to mock me, a prisoner of lower status?"

  Li Xian walked forward and said in a loud voice, "What's going on? Jiang Gong is an extraordinary talent. Not to mention the Emperor, even my father would not let you be trapped. Although your name was mentioned in the memorial presented by the Emperor, after reading it, he crossed out your name and said that the Emperor should treat you well and not neglect you. In a few days, he wants to summon you again. However, I have obtained permission from the Emperor, if Jiang Gong is willing, my Qi Wang Fu awaits your visit."

  Gou Jian furrowed his brow, thinking to himself that it was no wonder the prince had a bitter intention. He realized that someone would compete with the prince for people's attention. Hurriedly, he said: "Your Highness, Prince Yong has already given an imperial order, instructing me to take good care of you. Prince Qi can't just rush in and act as the host!"

  Li Xian said rudely, "Even if the emperor were here, he wouldn't dare to make things difficult for me. Mr. Jiang, in the past when you were in South Chu, you were ordered to entertain me, now it's my turn to be the host." As he spoke, he reached out his hand to pull me over. Then Li Xian felt his wrist being grasped by an icy hand, and saw Xiao Shunzi's cold smile. Li Xian knew better than to push his luck, so he withdrew his hand and said lightly, "Since Mr. Gou is so insistent, I'll just have to give up for now. In a few days, Mr. Jiang must come to my mansion for a short stay."

  I smiled slightly and nodded: "If there's a chance, I'll naturally come to disturb you." Gu Jian looked at me with a worried expression, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

  At this moment, the Golden Temple of Da Yong is a scene of joy and harmony between monarchs. After presenting the captives to the Ancestral Temple today, Li Yuan completed the celebrations in sequence according to the Ministry of Rites, including sweeping dust, granting amnesty, accepting court officials' greetings, and reviewing troops. Finally, it was time for the Golden Temple celebration. After the banquet began, Zhao Jia and Princess Changle were summoned to the temple. Li Yuan said a few words to Zhao Jia, who kept asking for forgiveness: "As father-in-law and son-in-law, our relationship is deep and affectionate; I won't hold you accountable." He then let Zhao Jia temporarily reside in the hostel. As for Princess Changle, when Li Yuan saw her, he was overcome with tears. After she paid her respects, he took her hand and examined her appearance, finding that her beauty had faded compared to her former lively self. His heart ached as he said: "Imperial daughter, you have suffered; your father has wronged you. Your mother and the others are waiting for you in the rear palace; go pay your respects first, and I will visit you later." Princess Changle left for the rear palace surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs.

  Li Yuan raised his wine cup and said loudly, "Today, the King of Yong has returned victorious. I am delighted that he has punished the guilty and achieved great merit, but I am even more pleased that he has brought back my beloved daughter, Chang Le. I am overwhelmed with joy and cannot hold my liquor. You, my ministers, please help me toast the King of Yong a few more cups. Today, we will feast and celebrate together, and no one will leave until they are drunk." The officials in the grand hall cheered "Long live the Emperor!" and raised their golden cups, smiling and laughing. The King of Yong, Li Zuo, had already washed away the dust of battle and was seated below the crown prince, Li An, receiving toasts from the officials. Although Li An was speaking with a smile, his eyes were flashing with cold light, and he was seething with anger in his heart. He had originally planned for the King of Qi, Li Xian, to lead the expedition against Southern Chu, but he had lost many soldiers and generals, and had no choice but to send the King of Yong, Li Zuo, to attack this hard nut. Unexpectedly, the King of Yong had launched a surprise attack on Jianye, capturing the ruler and officials of Southern Chu, which made Li Yuan overjoyed, but left Li An furious.

  What made Li An even more resentful was that he had finally won over the head of the Southern Chu spy network, Liang Yu, only to have her return as a fool, rendering all his efforts in Southern Chu useless. How could this not make Li An feel depressed and angry? Looking at the triumphant Li Zuo, Li An thought viciously: "If I, the king, do not obtain the throne, you, Li Zuo, will also not have your way."

  At the time when Li An was gritting his teeth in hatred, the inner palace was also in a state of turmoil. Empress Dou, the birth mother of Crown Prince Li An, and four other consorts including Consort Yang, the birth mother of Qi Wang, and Consort Ji were gathered in the empress's palace. Not long ago, they had received news that Princess Chang Le's sedan chair had entered the imperial city, and the women were eagerly waiting for her arrival. Consort Longsun had almost cried out all her tears over the years; none of her sons had survived, and her only daughter was married off to a distant land in Southern Chu. This time, upon hearing that Prince Yong had brought back his daughter, Consort Longsun was restless with anticipation. Before long, urgent footsteps were heard outside the door, and several eunuchs and palace maids came in to report that the princess was waiting for an imperial edict outside the palace. Empress Dou hastily said, "What are we waiting for? Why not let the child come in?"

  But in a moment, Princess Chang Le walked in wearing plain clothes and paid her respects to the empress dowager with tears in her eyes. She then rushed into her mother's arms and burst into loud sobs. Empress Chang Sun was even more heartbroken as she looked at Princess Chang Le's pale face and exclaimed: "My dear daughter, you were married off to Southern Chu at the age of 15, and for six years, I have been burning incense every day, praying that you and your husband would be harmonious, but also worrying that the war between our countries would harm you. Now that you've returned safely, my heart can finally rest easy. Don't worry, dear, your father has promised to choose another suitable husband for you. This time, I will take charge of finding a man who is worthy of you."

  The Empress Dou also shed tears and said: "Good child, you have suffered in South Chu, and I have been unable to eat or sleep well because of you. This time I have already spoken to the Emperor, you have sacrificed a lot for Da Yong, no one is allowed to make decisions on your behalf again. If you take a liking to someone this time, I will make the decision for you."

  Princess Changle covered her face and said, "Your Majesty, Mother Empress, Changle obeyed the imperial edict to marry far away in Southern Chu. Although I have returned now, I am still the Queen of Southern Chu. Even if I had no shame, how could I remarry while my husband is still alive? Please ask a few of Your Majesties to take charge for me and let the child stay by Mother Empress's side, quietly waiting on you for a few years, and being filial to Father Emperor and Mother Empress."

  Several ladies looked at each other in dismay, thinking that it was indeed a difficult situation. No matter what they said, Chang Le had already married the King of Southern Chu and couldn't be arranged to remarry. Empress Changsun thought of her two deceased sons and her only daughter's miserable fate, and she wept uncontrollably. At this time, Empress Ji walked up to Chang Le and gently consoled her, "Your Highness doesn't need to worry, the Emperor will naturally make arrangements that are suitable and won't let you suffer." The other ladies knew that Empress Ji had always been involved in important military and national affairs, so when they heard her say this, they felt at ease. As women of the harem, they hadn't seen any cruel or ruthless things before. Since the Emperor was willing to help, Zhao Jia's fate was sealed. Chang Le listened and couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. Although she didn't have any romantic feelings for Zhao Jia, he had always been respectful and courteous towards her. Now that things had come to this point, she had become the kind of woman who would harm her husband, and tears streamed down her face.

  The noble consort Ji was cheerful and talkative, chatting and laughing continuously, which finally made Princess Chang Le's worried expression disappear. Empress Zhangsun also smiled all over her face and said: "Zhen'er, I have already had your former residence, the Cui Luan Palace, redecorated. Come, let's pay our respects to the empress and the other consorts, then we'll go take a look at your new place."

  The empress and others also smiled and let the Empress Dowager hurry to comfort Chang Le. Ji Gui Fei said, "Oh dear, just let sister take care of it alone, it's as if we don't care about Chang Le. I'm younger, let me go help out."

  The Empress Dowager was originally very proud, but seeing her deliberately flattering, the Grand Empress naturally would not refuse. The three of them bid farewell to the Queen and headed towards the Cui Luan Hall. Inside the hall, everything had been renovated, and the palace maids and eunuchs personally selected by the Grand Empress had long been waiting for their master's arrival. The luggage of Princess Chang Le had already been moved over, and her trusted maid who accompanied her in Nan Chu had also arranged everything properly. Princess Chang Le supported the Grand Empress, listening to her mother's nagging instructions, sharing the joy of family reunion with her. Concubine Ji was also on the side, occasionally comforting them with a few words. She was good at speaking and did not make the mother and daughter feel uncomfortable with an outsider present.

  After a while, Empress Changsun had a few years of age and was overjoyed, but couldn't help feeling tired. Princess Yongle was worried about her mother's health and wanted to send her back to the palace, but Empress Changsun comforted her daughter for her hard work and told her to rest well, while she herself returned to the palace to rest. However, Empress Ji stayed behind under pretext. Princess Yongle was somewhat puzzled, but having been a queen in Chu Nan for many years, although she lived a simple life, she had a natural air of dignity as a mother figure. So she quietly waited for Empress Ji to reveal her true intentions. Sure enough, after not long, Empress Ji dismissed the attendants and asked solemnly: "Princess, Liang Yu has served you for many years, why did she return this time in such a state? My niece has been through so much hardship for many years, ending up like this, how can I not be heartbroken?"

  Princess Chang Le's heart skipped a beat, and Emperor Li Zong asked her about the things she had been thinking about for a long time - the matter of Liang Yu. She had long heard that this Consort Ji came from the jianghu, and vaguely knew that Liang Yu was recommended by Consort Ji, so she didn't hide it either, and told him about her experiences.

  Ji Guifei listened very seriously, and when she heard that Liang Yu was captured by the black-clad man in one move, a strange expression appeared on her face. She asked: "Princess, are you saying that Liang Yu had no room to counterattack?"

  Princess Changle said apologetically: "This palace also can't understand, only feels that man stretched out his hand and subdued Sister Liang."

  "Then what characteristics does this black-clothed person have?"

  The Princess of Chang Le was lost in thought, remembering the day she watched with a terrified heart as Liang Yu was captured, and then one by one, the spies were ordered to surrender. The man in black walked up to her, killed the maid who intended to assassinate him with his movements, and stood before her. At that time, she had grasped her hairpin tightly, ready to take her own life if this person made any slight offense, but heard a soft voice say: "Your Majesty, don't worry, we are not people from Nan Chu, please follow us to a place, and after that, we will send you to see the King of Yong." As he spoke, he came to support her. At that time, she was filled with the scene of her maid being killed, and her body had never been touched by an unrelated man, so she was extremely frightened. The voice in her ears sounded like a demon, and she trembled, wanting to stab the golden hairpin into her throat, but was stopped by the man. He said helplessly: "Your Majesty, please be at ease, our master has no malicious intentions towards you, and I am also a eunuch, I will not desecrate your purity." As he spoke, he pressed her acupoints and covered her eyes, and then she lost consciousness. During the time she was being held in a dark room, it was always the man in black who came to take care of her. Princess Chang Le could be sure that this person was indeed a eunuch, and even from his familiarity with etiquette, she knew that he was a palace servant from Nan Chu. Therefore, she did not believe that she would be able to gain freedom, until that day when she saw the spies who had protected her, they knelt on the ground and begged for forgiveness, and beside them was Liang Yu, whose intelligence had regressed to that of a child. Under their protection, she saw her imperial brother, and watched with her own eyes as they took their own lives, staining the golden hall with blood.

  But she never knew what had happened, and during the escort process, no matter how she asked, they just apologized. Gradually, she understood that their suicide must have been a requirement of those black-clad men, and they agreed to protect themselves. Logically speaking, she should have hated those black-clad men, but strangely, she didn't have a hint of hatred. Those people never had the slightest disrespect towards her, and leaving her alive was also an act of adventure. At least she heard their voices and knew that one of them was a eunuch, but she didn't tell her imperial brother because although they made no demands on her, she still owed them a debt of gratitude for sparing her life.

  The Empress Dowager saw that Princess Changle was deep in thought, and she felt a bit impatient. However, she knew that the princess might remember something, so she waited patiently for a long time. Finally, the princess spoke in a drowsy voice: "I only remember that they moved like an army, with strict discipline and etiquette towards me. There's nothing special about them except that the man in black was not tall, had cold eyes, and that's all."

  "Are those people from Da Yong or Nan Chu?" asked Consort Ji faintly.

  Changle Princess looked at Ji Guifei strangely and said, "They shouldn't be people from Dayong, because the few people I've seen don't look as tall and large as those from Dayong."

  The Empress Dowager revealed a cold smile and said: "Princess, you've had a hard journey, please rest well, I'll take my leave first."