Chapter 5: The Strife for the Throne

  In the 19th year of Xian De, on the third month of Geng Wu, Zhao Sheng died and was posthumously honored as Chu Ling Wang. His son Zhao Jia Ling succeeded him earlier and issued a decree to continue using the Xian De era name. He established Da Yong Long Le Gong Zhu as his empress, and sent an envoy to congratulate her, bestowing a thousand fine horses and countless gold and silk fabrics.

  The imperial court has been established, and all the officials from top to bottom are thinking about selecting an heir. The Grand Master of Remonstrance, Luo Wen-sui Gong, stepped forward and proposed that Prince Zhao of Langye be made the crown prince.

  The king first established Princess Chang Le as the queen, but since the queen had no children, he sent a palace maid to serve the crown prince. The crown prince loved the beauty of Yongnu and favored her greatly, and she gave birth to three sons and four daughters. Later, King Ling was worried and established the daughter of Prime Minister Shang Wei Jun as the crown prince's side consort. In the 14th month, she gave birth to a son named Xian, who ascended to the throne as Emperor Xiaowen and enfeoffed Shangshi as the Empress Dowager.

  The queen heard this and became very angry, saying: "Although my family has no children, how do I know that there will be none in the future? Moreover, even if there are ultimately none, the palace maidens who accompanied me when I married into the royal family were all daughters of prominent families, and now they have already given birth to two sons. If we consider their noble status, aren't they better than the Shang clan? If you want to establish an heir, establishing the king's eldest son would be acceptable."

  The Biography of Chu Youwang in the Book of Southern Dynasties: History of Chu

  In the 19th year of Xian De, the ruler died. If it were an ordinary person who had passed away, that would be the end of it. However, when a ruler dies, it is a major event. Before the ruler's passing, we from the Hanlin Academy presented to him the basically completed catalog of the Chongwen Pavilion, "Chongwen Miceang". The ruler was overjoyed, and although he did not get to see the completion of the Chongwen Pavilion, he should have been able to die with his eyes closed.

  There was no controversy, and Crown Prince Zhao Jia ascended to the throne. Then came the change of era, general amnesty, and other matters. Our Hanlin Academy was also busy with joy. There were some very important things that we small officials, although without much room for discussion, were also very concerned about, namely the establishment of the empress and the crown prince. The establishment of the empress was uncontroversial. Although Princess Chang Le had been living in the palace for years to recuperate from her illness and did not fulfill her duties, Nanchu was nominally subordinate to Dayong, and Princess Chang Le was also the crown princess established by the previous king. Therefore, Princess Chang Le smoothly took over the position of empress. However, the establishment of the crown prince was troublesome. Princess Chang Le had no children, and although she was only 19 years old, she had been bedridden for many years, causing everyone to doubt whether she would become pregnant again. Moreover, without a crown prince, the country would not be at peace. Therefore, all the ministers hoped to establish a crown prince first. Zhao Jia already had four sons and seven daughters. Because Princess Chang Le had palace maids serve the crown prince, most of the children were born to concubines from Yong. However, this point caused dissatisfaction among the nobles in the court. Fortunately, two years ago, the previous king had arranged for Prime Minister's daughter Shang Qilan to be engaged to the crown prince as a side consort. Although the crown prince favored Concubine Yong, Consort Shang was very capable and gave birth to King Sanzi Zhao Ling. In the eyes of the ministers in the court, if it were Princess Chang Le's child, it would naturally be noble. However, the children of other concubines from Yong were considered to have impure bloodlines. Therefore, everyone unanimously demanded that Zhao Ling be established as the crown prince.

  The king, although greedy for beauty and color, was also a clever person. He naturally knew that the ministers were right on this point, so he reluctantly made Shang Shi a noble concubine and established Zhao Ling as the crown prince, which he also agreed with. However, Princess Chang Le became furious and had a big argument with the king, returning to her palace alone. This left the king in a difficult situation. Although he and Princess Chang Le were often apart, she was very virtuous and not only let the beautiful women from Yong accompany her but also frequently supported him in selecting more beauties for the harem. Therefore, he had great respect for Princess Chang Le, even a bit of fear. Moreover, Shang Shi being a noble lady of Southern Chu was an unspoken understanding between the king and his ministers. As a result, Zhao Jia temporarily stopped establishing the crown prince and hinted to the officials that unless they could persuade the queen, they could not establish the crown prince.

  But this point is difficult for these courtiers, Princess Changle has been living in the palace since she married Nan Chu, and those courtiers' wives can't find a way to curry favor even if they want to. The palace maids who are close to the princess are now basically the king's concubines, their sons don't have the qualifications for succession, they haven't had time to resent yet, where would they persuade the princess? Gradually, everyone's attention fell on one person - Liang Yu.

  Liang Wan was not only the close friend of Princess Chang Le, but also the adopted daughter of the late king. In South Chu, although she had yet to find a suitable husband, she had deep connections with the talented scholars and warriors. Logically speaking, she should have been the best mediator, but she refused. As a result, Ming Yue Tower, which had gradually calmed down over the past few days, once again became a hub of activity.

  I ended up coming to Mingyuelou again in this situation. Originally, I didn't want to come, but Liang Wan suddenly posted an invitation asking me, and although I had no intentions towards her, it was hard to avoid fantasizing a little, not to mention that refusing her post would be somewhat impolite.

  I strolled into the courtyard, passing by the green pool, and now in front of the Mingyue Tower, which was already filled with pear blossoms. It's April now, the blooming season of pear flowers, and the whole garden is covered with pear blossoms like clouds and snow. I took a deep breath of the refreshing fragrance that touched my heart. I asked the maid who led the way: "Miss, what instructions does Miss Liang have for me?" The maid replied with a smile: "You'd better ask Miss herself, how would I know? You're so polite, I'm not worthy." I said solemnly: "As the saying goes, the family members of the Prime Minister are of the seventh rank, and Miss Liang is the adopted daughter of the former king and a close friend of the queen. Her power might even surpass that of the Prime Minister. In that case, you should be of the sixth rank, and I'm just a lowly seventh-rank official, so it's natural for me to show respect." The maid was taken aback, then burst out laughing and whispered: "I heard my mistress say that if she wants to persuade the queen, she needs the Prime Minister to make an appearance."

  This time I was stunned, when did a small Hanlin compiler like me have the power to move the majestic Empress Dowager of Southern Chu? Half-believing and half-doubting, I walked into the Mingyue Building, and at a glance, I saw Chancellor and the Head Scholar of the Hanlin Academy sitting in the upper seat, with Liang Yu accompanying them on the side. I almost wanted to turn around and run away. But knowing that was impossible, I still bowed respectfully and said: "Your humble servant greets Chancellor and Head Scholar."

  "Good, good," said the Prime Minister, nodding repeatedly. "I've heard that you're very capable, and will be promoted soon. Indeed, you are a pillar of the country. Miss Liang, the person has arrived. You mentioned last time that only Jiang Hanlin can persuade the Queen Mother, what's the reason behind it?"

  I immediately looked at Liang Wan, I had no feud with her in the past, and recently no resentment. Why did she frame me like this? Liang Wan took a sip of tea under our gaze, before speaking: "To be honest, I was originally from Dayong, everyone knew that the intention behind making Wangzi Lang the crown prince was to make him the ruler, even passersby understood it, how could the queen not know? Now she's leaving the palace in anger, it's the most infuriating time. I received great kindness from the princess and was treated like a sister by her, if I were to advise her to follow the king and everyone else, wouldn't that make the princess feel cold? Even if the princess had room for compromise later on, she wouldn't be able to agree. So Liang Wan absolutely cannot persuade her. However, I received favor from the late king and was grateful to tears, how could I bear to see him turn in his grave? So I must do my best to mediate, after thinking it over multiple times, I remembered that the princess loved poetry since arriving at South Chu, every day she held a book in her hand. She once told me that all the famous poets of old had passed away and couldn't be met, but today there's only Jiang Zhe, the top scholar from South Chu, whose poems made one's heart feel carefree. They were also both in South Chu, and she often thought about meeting him, but was afraid of the distinction between ruler and subject, male and female, even if they were close by, it would be a lifelong regret. I think that if Jiang Zhe could meet with the queen to fulfill her wish, then he could persuade the queen with his words, and the queen's heart would definitely move.

  I almost fainted, am I really like an idiot? As a small top scholar, in the queen's eyes, I'm probably just a role of a jester. What qualifications do I have to influence the queen? I looked at Prime Minister sternly, hoping he could stop this unrealistic idea. But my dream was shattered, that old thing Shang Weijun actually had a thoughtful expression, and the head of the Imperial Academy nodded repeatedly. Just like that, I didn't even have the chance to object before being pushed onto the carriage by Liang Wan, heading towards the imperial palace.

  "On the road, I solemnly asked: 'Miss Liang, has this humble official ever offended you?'"

  Liáng Wǎn Hán smiled and shook her head: "No."

  "I also said: 'Then did I commit a great offense against Da Yong?'"

  Liáng Wǎn's eyes flashed with a hint of disdain: "No."

  "I suddenly shouted: 'Since that's the case, I'm neither your father's killer nor the ungrateful lover who wronged you, why must you try to kill me?'"

  Liang Wan was startled at first, then revealed a smiling face like a flower and said: "The champion is angry."

  I have calmed down, and coldly said: "My affairs being unfavorable is a small matter, I'm afraid it will implicate Miss Liang." Hum, even if I die, I must drag you down with me as a scapegoat, I thought viciously in my heart.

  Li Ruoyu's eyes rolled around and she said with a smile: "The champion has misunderstood me, I have this trick nine out of ten times."

  I'm not talking to her because I think it's pointless to argue about something that has already been decided, and my earlier anger was just mimicking the attitude of ordinary people. Anyway, even if we don't complete the task, it can't be said that I'm derelict in my duty, at most, my official promotion will be slower. Liang Wan sees me not speaking and instead adds a few points of respect, which makes me vigilant in my heart. Although I haven't seen her for several years, I know some things about her, from her behavior, the possibility that she is actually a spy for Dà Yóng is very high, otherwise, how could she not find Mr. Rú for three years? I see her being elegant and refined, swimming in the official circles of South Chu like a fish in water, and I absolutely don't believe she's just an ordinary woman. To say something unpleasant, although I only went to Yān Yuè Lóu once because I was deceived, but the master of Yān Yuè Lóu, Huā Guī Yuàn is a beautiful woman who is elegant like a fairy and skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with many followers under her skirt. Looking at Liang Wan's behavior, she's probably just a high-class courtesan actress, the difference being that the people she associates with are all high officials and talented scholars, with a strong backing, and she hasn't sold herself.

  Liang Wan didn't know I was mocking her and continued to chat with me sentence by sentence. After more than two hours, the carriage finally arrived at the Moyu Lake Palace. After passing through the guards' inspection, I entered the palace smoothly and came to the Linbo Pavilion facing Moyu Lake. Liang Wan also didn't let anyone report our arrival, pulling me in as we walked. The palace maids on both sides probably knew that Liang Wan was not easy to mess with, so they just hastily went in to report and let us go in like this.

  As soon as I entered the room, I saw Princess Chang Le wearing a plain palace dress, leaning on a brocade couch and reading a book. She smiled and said: "Sister Yuanyu is here." As soon as she saw me, her face turned bright red with shame and she said: "Who is so bold as to barge into my bedroom?" Liang Yu let go of me and stepped forward, saying: "Princess, I've brought the person you most want to see. Why are you getting angry?"

  Changle Princess was taken aback and thought of someone in her mind, exclaiming: "Could it be Jiang Zhe or Jiang Suiyun?"

  Li Wei turned around and said: "Jiang Zhe, aren't you going to pay your respects to the princess?"

  As soon as I entered the door, I was stunned. When I saw Princess Chang Le last time, she was on her grand wedding day, wearing the attire of a noble princess and a red wedding dress, so although she was only sixteen years old at that time, she was still elegant and luxurious. Today, however, she wore plain clothes, without any makeup or powder, yet she looked refined and elegant, charming and moving, quite different from her appearance on her grand wedding day. Moreover, after experiencing the vicissitudes of life over the past two years, she had gained a more mature charm. My heart was beating stronger and stronger, and I suddenly had an evil thought: how wonderful it would be if I could just hold her in my arms.

  Just as I was lost in thought, Liang Wan's words reminded me, and I hastily stepped forward to pay my respects: "Your humble servant Jiang Zhe, Compiler of the Hanlin Academy, pays his respects to Your Majesty, wishing you a thousand years of life, a thousand years of life."

  Princess Chang Le suddenly showed a look of mixed joy and worry, and after a while, she said: "General Jiang, please rise. I have always been fond of your poetry, and today I would like to ask for your guidance, if that is possible."

  I calmly said: "Dare not disobey."

  Princess Chang Le seemed to notice my indifference and gave me a faint glance, saying: "These are the poems that I usually copy and recite, Lord Jiang may know which one is my favorite." As she spoke, she handed the booklet in her hand to Liang Yu. Liang Yu slightly bowed and then handed the booklet back to me.

  I took it over and looked at it. It was indeed a handwritten book of poetry, with small characters that were extremely elegant. I flipped to the first page, and it was a poem called "Jin Se".

  "In the quiet night, I whisper to myself a poem I wrote when I was 15 years old, after my father passed away. At that time, he was already on his last breath, gazing at mother's portrait with a mixture of whispers and gentle smiles, but mostly a faint sadness, a sadness that even had a hint of joy, because he would soon be reunited with mother. That's why I didn't force him to take those bitter medicines, since his life couldn't be saved anyway, what was the point of letting him suffer endlessly? I remember that night, kneeling by his bedside, promising to take care of myself, and he looked at me with a relieved expression before taking his last breath. His face was so serene. Unconsciously, my tears fell, only today do I realize how much pain my father's passing has brought me."

  Princess Chang Le saw me with tears in my eyes and felt a bit uneasy, so she looked up at Liang Yu. Liang Yu understood and handed me a handkerchief.

  I wiped away my tears and smiled: "The queen mother is amused, this poem was written by me when my father passed away. Before my father's death, he and my mother were deeply in love, after my mother's passing, my father was always sorrowful and couldn't be comforted. At the time of his death, my father's mood was very calm, only because he was about to meet my mother again. So I wrote this poem, didn't expect that you also have it here."

  Princess Chang Le said softly: "When I was leaving the palace, someone from Southern Chu brought me this poem. At that time, I didn't know who Jiang Zhe was. Later, when I arrived in Southern Chu and heard the Number One Scholar's 'Moonlit Longing', I felt a deep affection for it. When I asked Your Highness, I only then learned that it was indeed a work by Jiang, the Number One Scholar. From then on, I asked my sister Wan'er to collect his poems for me. These past few years, living in the depths of the palace, it's been reading the Number One Scholar's poetry that has allowed me to slightly alleviate my melancholy."

  "I bow down and say: 'It is my honor that my poem can be appreciated by Your Majesty.'"

  Chang Le saw that I had calmed down, and asked: "This piece of brocade zither, Ah Jia likes it very much, but Ah Jia doesn't understand what 'blue fields warm jade produce smoke' means. Does the beautiful jade in Blue Fields really produce light smoke under the sunlight?"

  I smiled and replied, "This poem has a source. In the past, during the Jin Dynasty, Si Kongtu once said, 'Zai Shulun described the scenery of poetry as being like a warm day in Lantian, where good jade is born with mist, something that can be seen from afar but cannot be placed before one's eyes.'"

  Princess Chang Le said with a sudden realization: "So that's how it is. I understand now. Does the Number One Scholar have any new poems recently?"

  I thought for a moment and said, "These days I've been busy with official duties, and there's hardly any good poetry to speak of. If Your Majesty wouldn't mind, please allow me to recite a playful piece."

  The Princess Chang Le was overjoyed, and immediately summoned the palace maid to grind ink. I used the writing desk's four treasures to write down the poem title "Spring Day Moving to Liu Zhuang Listening to the Oriole". Then I wrote:

  "Spring returns with rain smoke in harmony,

  Endless long strips dragging on the ground.

  In a few days, green shade adds tender color,

  At one time, yellow birds occupy the high branches.

  Flying in as if gaining the path of blue clouds,

  Listening to it as if hearing the song of red snow.

  The wind blows gently before unfolding the emerald curtain,

  Branches intersecting above measuring the golden needle.

  From dawn till dusk, whose voice is clever?

  From north to south, whose shadow is numerous?

  A few strands vaguely entwining in the Han garden,

  One sound seemingly recalling Qin E's lament.

  But let the elegant rhythm be held and listened to together,

  Do not allow coarse豪 walking horses to pass by.

  Delicate as jade born on the tongue tip,

  Soft and long like a thread tied at the eyebrow corner.

  Concentrated light quickening the eyes truly enjoyable,

  Baby language dissipating the soul as if dead what?

  Looking back at the shadow doubting the sound's continuity,

  Hearing the sound still recognizing the shadow swaying.

  What can be used to repay today?

  Pouring out all before the golden wine cup."

  Princess Chang Le walked forward and read in a low voice. After a long time, she said: "The talented scholar of Southern Chu is indeed extraordinary. When I read it, my mouth was fragrant."

  I saw Princess Chang Le seeming somewhat fatigued, so I bid farewell saying: "Your Highness's phoenix body is not well, I dare not stay long, and take my leave now, please take care of yourself."

  Chang Le Gongzhu smiled slightly and said: "Thank you, Liang Yu, represent me to see off Jiang Gongzi."

  Liang Wan responded and led me out, walking a long distance before suddenly stopping and saying coldly: "Officer Jiang, have you forgotten something?"

  I was taken aback, and only then did I remember that I had almost forgotten to advise the princess to establish a reserve. But I thought for a moment and said calmly, "Why must Miss Liang say such things? Whether or not I advise her shouldn't make any difference."

  Liang Wan angrily said: "How, all of you Southern Chu ministers think that our princess is easy to bully?"

  I saw through the surprise in Liang Wan's eyes, but didn't hide it and said: "Miss Liang should be very clear that when the crown prince was established, it had already been decided, and the queen should also understand, it's just that if she agreed lightly, it would damage the prestige of Da Yong."

  Liáng Wǎn's face sank as she said, "What nonsense are you talking about."

  I thought to myself, rather than letting her think I'm foolish and can be taken advantage of, it's better to let her understand my abilities and keep a distance, so as not to be harmed by her again. Therefore, in an airy tone, I said: "The Princess of Dayong was married off to the south of Chu against her will, so the Queen Mother never expected the King's favor. The Emperor sent so many beautiful women with the Princess, wasn't it to confuse the King and prevent the Queen from having to deal with a husband she didn't like? As for Miss Liang, you are skilled in dance and music, making you an excellent candidate to lead Dayong's spies in Chu. Your identity is subtle, allowing you to act freely without worrying about being suspected. If the Princess were responsible for this matter, it would be difficult to avoid raising suspicions about her behavior. I think that for Dayong, the Princess has already fulfilled her duty by marrying into Chu."

  Although Liang Wan tried her best to calm down, her face turned pale and a hint of cold light flashed in her eyes.

  "I hastily said: 'I'm just a small Hanlin, these national affairs are not something I can inquire about, nor do I want to inquire about them. It's actually Miss who is being foolish by dragging me into this, if something unexpected happens to me, it will inevitably lead people to suspect Miss' intentions.'"

  Li Ru was taken aback again, and after a moment, her expression returned to normal. She smiled and said: "The queen likes your poetry, so from now on, I will send someone to fetch your new works from you every once in a while. You won't refuse, will you?"

  I said calmly: "My family is poor and humble, I don't have my own mansion, I just rent a civilian house near the Hanlin Academy. If you send someone to look for me, they often can't find me. If you're not disgusted with me, I will definitely deliver new poems to Mingyue Tower on time, please pass them on to Queen Wang."

  Liáng Yuàn gave me a glance and said, "Alright, I still need to go back and persuade the queen. The carriage is ready, they will send you to the Chancellor's mansion to report on your mission."

  I bowed and thanked him, then got on the car and left.

  In the dead of night, I finally returned to the city, safe and sound. When I arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, I spoke truthfully to Shang Weijun, who was filled with worry: "When I met with Her Majesty, she indeed liked my poetry very much and asked many questions about it. I was tongue-tied and didn't know how to advise her. Later, when Her Majesty became tired, I had no choice but to take my leave. Afterwards, Miss Liang told me that she knew I couldn't express myself clearly, and the purpose of sending me there was just to lift Her Majesty's spirits. Her Majesty is wise and has long understood that the matter of establishing an heir requires such actions; it's just that she was momentarily upset and couldn't change her words easily. Miss Liang said that if she were to go again when Her Majesty is in a good mood, she would certainly be able to persuade her to change her mind. However, Miss Liang also said that the Emperor himself must personally go to fetch Her Majesty back; only then will she be willing to step down."

  Shang Weijun was overjoyed and said, "Good, good! Jiang Hanlin is indeed a talented individual. I have already discussed this with Xie Xueshi. You have made contributions to the establishment of the Chongwen Temple, and you will be rewarded soon. Alright, you can go back and rest now."

  Returning home exhausted, seeing a dim light, I knew that Xiao Shunzi had arrived. Lethargically walking in, I fell onto the bed and asked: "How did you manage to get time off today? I recall you still have two days before your holiday."

  Xiao Shunzi walked over with a gentle smile, pulled me up and helped me undress, saying: "Originally, I was on duty today, but I secretly heard that Shang Chengxiang told the Guozhu about your trip to the palace. So, I swapped shifts with someone else and came back this way, which is really tiring. Seeing you left the Chengxiang's residence again, I thought there was no danger, so I came back first to prepare some water for you to bathe, and by the time you're done washing, the midnight snack should be ready too."

  My eyes were half-closed as I was dragged to the kitchen, where a bathtub filled with 70% water was already waiting. The stove was burning with a midnight snack. I asked in a low voice: "You didn't go through the palace with me?" Xiaoshunzi helped me into the bathtub and said lightly: "My skills are not good enough, both the imperial palace and the prime minister's mansion have very strict guards."

  I yawned and said: "There is a sword manual under my pillow. I don't know if it's useful or not, you go take a look."

  Xiao Shunzi said calmly: "I've already seen it, the swordsmanship is not bad, but it's of no use to me. It requires a strong and masculine inner energy, whereas my inner energy is the most yin and soft."

  I was almost asleep and mumbled: "I know, I'll go find it again. The higher your martial arts skills are, the safer I am."

  Xiao Shunzi responded with something, but I didn't quite catch it.

  Half a month later, Wang Hou returned to the palace, and the monarch held a grand ceremony to establish the crown prince. All officials were rewarded with titles, and I skipped the rank of compiler and became a Shangshu, fifth grade.