BLPSG Chapter 43: Going to the North

The ships on the southern expedition arrived at Songxiu Prefecture. Apart from offering sacrifices to the river, there was hardly any time for anything else before they turned back towards Yongdu.

 

The Yinchuan Grand Canal flowed from north to south, but the return journey was against the current, making the ship’s progress much slower than when they had come.

 

After two days, they had just passed Dengcheng Prefecture.

 

Reports from the border kept arriving, and the Emperor grew increasingly anxious. His headaches were more frequent than usual, and he suffered from insomnia and vivid dreams at night. His muscles even began to twitch uncontrollably.

 

In these past few nights, the physician Wen Qingci had been summoned several times.

 

Watching the Emperor’s daily deterioration, Xian Gonggong’s expression also grew grim.

 

This astute old steward had already begun plotting his own future in secret…

 

At the first hour of the morning, another military report arrived from Yongdu.

 

Hearing the commotion outside the cabin, the Emperor, who had just fallen asleep, opened his eyes, rubbing his temples.

 

Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Zhao Gonggong, who stood by his side, was taken aback. “Your Majesty, shouldn’t you rest a little longer?” he instinctively asked.

 

“Idiot!” The Emperor, unusually irritable, snapped, “How can military reports be delayed?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Zhao Gonggong hurriedly knelt and bowed.

 

“Bring me my cloak.”

 

An attendant obeyed, draping the silk cloak over the Emperor’s shoulders. Even in summer, the mornings were chilly.

 

As the silk cloak settled on his shoulders, the Emperor shivered involuntarily, his arm jerking uncontrollably.

 

Suddenly, a sense of weakness swept over him, leaving him powerless.

 

The once optimistic Emperor, who had hoped for a long and prosperous reign, now felt a deep panic.

 

Gritting his teeth, he whispered to those around him, “Summon the imperial physician.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

As the words were spoken, a soldier clad in silver armor was brought in, kneeling before the Emperor, handing over the latest military report.

 

The expression on Xie Zhaolin’s face darkened.

 

…

 

When Wen Qingci was brought to the Emperor’s side by the eunuch, he witnessed an unexpected scene: the Emperor, without counting, had just swallowed a handful of Fuxuan Flower Pills.

 

This sight startled him.

 

“Your Majesty,” Wen Qingci bowed, suppressing his curiosity.

 

The Emperor glanced at him. “Rise, dear minister. Wait here for a moment.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

Last night, after examining the Emperor’s pulse, Wen Qingci had returned to his room only after midnight. Like the Emperor, he had barely slept.

 

Initially weary, Wen Qingci suddenly became alert when he heard a few sentences. The military messenger not only brought news from the border but also from Yongdu.

 

“…The case of corruption involving the Jingzhao Prefect is indeed true. Your Majesty, please read this memorial from the Dali Temple.”

 

He handed over the document.

 

Jingzhao Prefect… Wasn’t that the Second Prince’s maternal grandfather?

 

Wen Qingci raised his eyes to the Emperor.

 

Perhaps due to recent troubles, the Emperor had temporarily forgotten about the Second Prince. His gaze, as he read the memorial, was numb and indifferent.

 

He flipped through it and tossed the document aside, then turned to Xian Gonggong. “Go, I need to draft an imperial edict… Bring me writing materials.”

 

In the past, the Emperor had always been deliberate and cautious in his actions, considering his imperial dignity. But recently, he seemed to have cast aside such concerns.

 

With lightning speed, he wrote names, pressing his forehead with his other hand. Finally, ignoring the predawn darkness, he ordered Xian Gonggong to summon everyone.

 

As the steward left with a group of people, the hall grew quieter. The Emperor finally called Wen Qingci to administer acupuncture. In a hoarse voice, he said, “Our dynasty has stood for just over twenty years, yet we’ve not faced any wars or had renowned generals. Now, with such events unfolding, the people’s hearts are also unstable.”

 

Lately, the court’s response had been lackluster. Influenced by this, some border residents felt abandoned by the court.

 

Wen Qingci nodded slightly.

 

The Emperor closed his eyes, continuing, “If, at this time, a prince were to go to the border, it would naturally help stabilize public sentiment.”

 

What Nonsense!

 

Wen Qingci shot him a cold look.

 

The Emperor’s words seemed reasonable at first, but upon closer examination, they fell apart.

 

The Second Prince was still under suspicion, and the Third Prince was too young. The only person who could go to the border was Xie Bufeng.

 

Anyone with even a basic understanding of court affairs knew that Xie Bufeng had been abandoned by the Emperor since the age of three, becoming the Emperor’s discarded son.

 

Placing him in the northern region would serve no purpose according to the Emperor’s intentions.

 

It might even backfire.

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

Outside the hall, everyone whose name had been called by the Emperor had been brought here.

 

Apart from the court officials, both Consort Lan and Consort Hui were present.

 

The two consorts crossed paths in the corridor.

 

Several palace maids turned cautiously, glancing at Consort Hui behind them. Consort Hui had always been at odds with Consort Lan. Today, they mustn’t cause a scene here.

 

But at that moment of encounter, Consort Hui didn’t resort to her usual sarcasm or disdainful eye-rolling.

 

This… Why did she seem like a different person today?

 

The palace maids suddenly realized that Consort Hui’s demeanor was completely different from their usual impression.

 

During her southern expedition, Consort Hui had only brought vibrant attire, and today she still wore a water-red gown.

 

However, her head was no longer adorned with excessive gold and jade. Instead, she wore a single flower pinned at an angle, with a delicate tassel hanging down.

 

When the two consorts met, Consort Hui smiled at Consort Lan and said in a calm tone, “May Consort Lan’s luck be better than mine in accompanying the Emperor.”

 

Her words held no mockery or provocation, just an unprecedented tranquility.

 

Consort Lan seemed unsurprised.

 

She nodded gently at Consort Hui. “Thank you for your kind words.”

 

…What was going on?

 

The palace maids were stunned. The relationship between these two consorts shouldn’t be this amicable, right?

 

But before they could think further, the group had already hastened their steps into the main hall.

 

As they entered, Consort Lan clenched the silk handkerchief in her hand.

 

After nearly twenty years of struggle, she knew exactly what kind of person Consort Hui was.

 

In the Taishu Palace, Consort Hui had indeed not been considered particularly clever.

 

But her original character hadn’t been as ostentatious or malicious as she now portrayed.

 

Consort Hui naturally wanted to maintain a low profile, just like Consort Lan. However, her background didn’t allow her to do so.

 

So she had cast aside her pride and fought for her maximum advantage.

 

Since entering the palace, Consort Hui had been “playing dumb.” She often said inappropriate yet harmless things, deliberately exposing her ambition.

 

Because Consort Hui knew that even those who considered themselves “clever” in the Taishu Palace or Yongdu wouldn’t bother with a mere “decorative vase.”

 

Especially the current Emperor, who was both suspicious and wary of intelligent people.

 

Sometimes, being a little reckless in front of him could directly achieve her goals.

 

Indeed, the Emperor fell for her act.

 

Consort Hui’s recent words weren’t meant to provoke, they were a statement.

 

News of the Emperor’s poor health circulated secretly, although no one dared mention it openly.

 

Even Consort Hui, who had been imprisoned not long ago, had heard about it.

 

Therefore, Consort Hui didn’t believe she would remain downcast for long. Just as she didn’t think Consort Lan’s “fate” would be any better than hers.

 

The Emperor’s anxiety wouldn’t dissipate easily.

 

Recently, even the Third Prince, who usually had nothing to do, had become more low-key, staying in his room all day.

 

If he was like this, how many peaceful days could Xie Bufeng, whom the Emperor despised, expect?

 

…

 

Wen Qingci had been in the book world for over half a year.

 

Unconsciously, he no longer made a distinction between the original host and himself.

 

Knowing the hidden story behind the Yinchuan Grand Canal and the original host’s murderous intent toward the Emperor, Wen Qingci felt intense disgust toward this emperor.

 

When he spoke to the Emperor, he occasionally lost focus.

 

As Wen Qingci snapped back to attention, the Emperor’s gaze once again fell on the casualty and troop numbers in the battle report. He frowned and said, “Great achievements come at the cost of countless lives… It’s an inevitable price.”

 

False benevolence, false righteousness.

 

Why don’t you become the “price” yourself?

 

A few months ago, Wen Qingci might not have thought much about the Emperor’s words. But now, hearing this, he realized that the person before him had likely sacrificed many lives based on this logic.

 

The jade incense burner still emitted a faint smoke. At this moment, Wen Qingci deeply empathized with those who had poisoned the other.

 

“Your Majesty, everyone has assembled in the outer hall, awaiting your presence,” Xian Gonggong hurriedly approached, whispering.

 

The Emperor pressed his eyebrows and put the battle report in his hand aside. He sighed and said, “Bring them all in.”

 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Wen Qingci trying to pack up his medicine box and leave. The emperor slowly waved his hand and said, “Wait a minute, my beloved minister. You stay too.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Wen Qingci nodded slightly heavily, packed up the medicine box and stood below.

 

The time now can’t be later than six o’clock.

 

The cold air on the Yinchuan Grand Canal seeped up little by little along the skeleton of the ship.

 

Wen Qingci’s legs were numb from the cold.

 

A gentle breeze swept through, lifting the hem of his robe and brushing it against his legs. In that fleeting moment, it felt like a ghost had ensnared his ankles. The impending events weighed heavily on Wen Qingci’s mind, causing his hands to clench involuntarily.

 

Everything that followed seemed dreamlike.

 

The Emperor instructed the eunuch by his side to read aloud the recently drafted imperial edict.

 

“Yi Guanxuan, the magistrate of Jingzhao, is guilty of corruption, bribery, and selling official positions. He shall be stripped of his assets and exiled.”

 

“As for the second prince, he overstepped his authority in military matters and performed poorly. He shall be confined to the Guangcheng Monastery for reflection.”

 

The “Guangcheng Monastery” was one of the several royal temples left over from the previous dynasty. While relatively unknown in the current era, it had frequently appeared in historical records from the past. Although the previous dynasty had few heirs, the struggle for succession had been fierce. Those who lost either met their demise or were sent to the Guangcheng Monastery.

 

Located deep in the mountains, the monastery was akin to imprisonment.

 

Most of the previous dynasty’s disgraced princes had spent their final days there.

 

As the imperial edict was read, Xie Guanzhi, who had just been brought here, remained expressionless. Xian Gonggong couldn’t contain his impatience and urged, “Second Highness, why don’t you step forward to receive the decree?”

 

Finally, Xie Guanzhi raised his head, disdainfully glancing at the old eunuch and the imperial edict in his hand. “Oh.”

 

Without performing the customary bow, he strode forward and took the edict.

 

In contrast, Consort Hui, usually flamboyant, stood silently in the distance, showing no reaction.

 

Being confined to the Guangcheng Monastery was the harshest punishment a prince or imperial descendant could face, short of execution.

 

Xie Guanzhi’s contempt for the imperial edict was certainly wrong, but it fell short of elevating his punishment to execution.

 

He was unafraid of consequences.

 

After a few days of calm, Xie Guanzhi realized that when dealing with his “benevolent father,” he should adopt the demeanor of Xie Bufeng—show him no favor.

 

Well done!

 

Wen Qingci silently praised Xie Guanzhi in his heart.

 

The Emperor’s reaction was as expected—exasperated by Xie Guanzhi’s defiance. His hand, previously resting elsewhere, now pressed against his forehead.

 

With this “troublesome” matter resolved, he no longer paid attention to the youth and shifted his gaze to Xie Bufeng.

 

The Emperor’s smile was customary—gentle and affectionate. But at this moment, everyone present sensed the underlying insincerity.

 

He sighed theatrically, feigning self-reproach. “Blame me for being too preoccupied with state affairs these years, neglecting the proper upbringing of my princes. Only now do I realize they’ve all become unruly! Ahem…”

 

His agitation grew, and he even coughed.

 

Wen Qingci raised his head, pretending concern as he looked toward the emperor.

 

Their eyes met.

 

“My beloved minister, what do you think I should do?” The emperor adjusted his cloak, affecting a fatherly expression. “Our eldest prince is nearly eighteen, yet he lacks essential skills. This is not befitting of a prince.”

 

“I may not understand political matters,” Wen Qingci finally spoke softly, “but I believe that learning is universal. Practical experience is essential.”

 

The Emperor nodded, finding merit in Wen Qingci’s words.

 

However, in this context, something felt eerie.

 

Wen Qingci’s voice, usually gentle, now carried an unfamiliar chill—a determination that didn’t belong to him.

 

At the far end, Xie Bufeng slowly raised his gaze, locking eyes with Wen Qingci.

 

Hidden within his robe, Xie Bufeng clutched a hand warmer. For days, he’d carried it, hesitating to give it away.

 

The cold from the canal enveloped him, and only the warmth of the wolf fur hand warmer sustained him.

 

The atmosphere among the southern expedition troops grew tense.

 

Xie Bufeng knew the emperor’s patience with him was wearing thin.

 

Yet, Wen Qingci’s words momentarily stunned him. Between them, it felt as if the vast Yinchuan Grand Canal separated them.

 

“Oh?” The emperor’s interest suddenly piqued. He glanced at Wen Qingci. “And what do you think would be good practical experience?”

 

You already know the answer, don’t you?

 

Wen Qingci smiled faintly, mechanically uttering the line he’d rehearsed countless times in his mind.

 

His voice became incomparably unfamiliar, as if it didn’t belong to him.

 

“I believe that the war in Changyuan with Northern Di is urgent. If he can go to the north at this time, he should be able to gain some good experience.”

 

Northern Di, Changyuan?

 

Apart from Wen Qingci, who had been given a heads-up early on and had been given repeated hints.

 

Everyone else present was stunned.

 

They hadn’t known the emperor’s intentions before.

 

Much less did they think that it was actually possible to send Xie Bufeng to the battlefield.

 

Wen Qingzhi’s words were like a muffled thunderbolt, striking without any warning.