Chapter 296 – Red Veil
Look for Pan Chong? The guard replied staunchly, "First Prince, it's better if you stay put in the East Palace. His Majesty has ordered your imprisonment here; you're not to leave the East Palace nor is anyone allowed in."
Addressing him as 'First Prince' was not unusual since he was stripped of his position, and since he had not been conferred any other titles, he could only be addressed as such. Jing Hua, however, had not heard this for over ten years. "I am the Crown Prince. Imperial Father would never treat me like this. Quick, summon Teacher Pan. Go, quickly!"
The guards looked at each other, proclaiming firmly, "His Majesty's orders cannot be defied!" With that, they pushed Jing Hua inside, locking the gates from outside, placing him effectively under house arrest.
Jing Hua stumbled backwards, bumping into a pillar. His legs gave way, and he fell to the floor as if he were drunk…
A bloody storm swept across the entire palace. Qi Zhen Emperor lied on his sickbed one foot in the grave. The once festive East Palace and what remained of the Crown Prince's faction was wiped out in a blink of an eye once news from Fuyang Hall got out. Except for several eunuchs and palace maids, no-one else survived.
In the newlywed chambers.
Kong Yu heard the ongoing commotion outside: the clanging of swords, tragic screaming, and the sound of blood sputtering over the palace grounds… She bowed her head, her calm gaze blocked by that blood-red veil, embroidered with lifelike mandarin ducks playing in the waters. A cold wind whistled through the open window, blowing off her wedding veil, and she sat there staring at the red veil for a very long time.
Just then, someone pushed open the doors, screaming out, "Bad news, Princess!" Kong Yu looked up to see her personal servant, Juan'er. Juan'er wiped her tears away and fell to Kong Yu's feet anxiously, "The Crown Prince has staged a rebellion, ambushing the palace and turning against the Emperor. His Majesty has ordered the death all those involved, and the Crown Prince has been placed under house arrest at the East Palace." Her words were empathetic towards the Crown Prince and sorry towards Kong Yu.
In contrast, Kong Yu was as calm as she could be, "When did all these happen?"
"Just two hours ago."
"Who was there to save His Majesty?"
"Prince Yi."
"Then, other than ambushing the palace and forcing His Majesty's abdication, what else did the Crown Prince do?"
"The fire at Chengqing Hall was also the Crown Prince's doing."
On hearing Juan'er's last answer, Kong Yu's heart finally settled. If the Crown Prince were to bear this responsibility, then, Jing Rong could safely leave the prison. She asked again, "How is His Majesty now?"
Juan'er replied, bursting into tears, "This servant heard that His Majesty had fainted, but the imperial physicians have already rushed over."
Kong Yu stroked Juan'er's little head, smiling, "Poor Juan'er, you've been by my side ever since you were young. If I had known something like this would happen today, I would have never brought you into the palace with me. No, I shouldn't have brought you back to the Capital with me, back when we were still living at Emerald Retreat. You need not be trapped in the Capital now nor the palace. It's all my fault. I'm really sorry."
Juan'er wiped her tears away, shaking her head fervently, "To have served Your Highness from young is Juan'er's fortune. No matter what happens, I will not leave Princess, and will stay by your side forever."
"Silly girl, why should you? If you can leave the palace, leave. This palace is not fit for the living in the first place."
"Princess…"
"Listen to me. Leave the palace. I will also think of something and try to send you out."
Despite Juan'er's disagreement, Kong Yu's heart was set. She took a deep breath and got up from the bed, her beautiful silhouette enhanced by the candlelight. She walked towards the open window and shut it before walking out into the chaotic courtyard, her calm composure not once wavering.
Rain began to fall, drop after drop wetting her shoulders and face. An unreadable smile spread across her face. Her slender fingers balled up into fists beneath her ceremonial robes – at this moment, she was fully prepared. She was prepared to deliver on the promise she had made to herself, one that she had made before she was married into the East Palace.
………
Bamboo Creek Garden, within the darkest and eeriest of the night.
Jing Rong's words were still echoing in Ji Yunshu's mind ever since she left the palace, 'it's not just the Crown Prince who made his choice, but you also made yours'. She knew that she had made a mistake, but it was one she was willing to make in exchange for Jing Rong's life. She heaved a deep sigh as she looked towards the palace, flustered and worried.
Shi Zijin asked her, "Why didn't you tell Prince Rong?"
She shook her head and smiled, "We can't tell him."
"Why not? If you told him, I'm sure his Highness would understand."
"Then can you understand?" Ji Yunshu countered. Shi Zijin could not answer.
Ji Yunshu continued, "I can't tell him, because he knows I can choose to look for and present the evidence proving that Old General Li committed those crimes, but I can't! For that missing heir, for the ten thousand soldiers, this is a choice I simply cannot make. Moreover, we don't have solid proof. I have no other choice but to strike that deal with Prince Yi."
She felt helpless.
Jing Rong returned to the Supreme Court Prison after making his way out of the palace. From the moment he arrived, he sat on a mat with his gaze pointed downwards, fists tightly clenched, eyes without a clear focus. It was as if a single touch would push him over the edge; he was uncharacteristically quiet, too quiet! For so many years, he never sought for power, but tonight, he understood how wrong he was – the more he wanted to escape, the more he was trapped in the same place.
Although Qi Zhen Emperor was weak from the shock, his body was not in bad shape, but the imperial physicians did not dare to leave and kept a continuous roster. Jing Yi also kept watch through the night. Qi Zhen Emperor only woke up as dawn broke, and he called out for Jing Yi to stand before him.
"Imperial Father, speak; this son is present." He was nervous.
Qi Zhen Emperor narrowed his eyes and tried to mouth a couple of words. He finally eked out, "Release Jing Rong."
Hmph, you still remember Jing Rong even in this situation, what a doting father. Jing Yi replied, "Yes, this son understands."
Only then did Qi Zhen Emperor close his eyes.
Grenn’s Rants Corner
Character development! Shift of paradigm! Despite how he makes himself sound impulsive, in the end, he didn’t jump in front of Jing Yi to save anyone. He understood he can’t do jackshit in this situation because he had no power or influence to change the situation.
I wonder how Jing Rong will change and how his relationship with Ji Yunshu will be affected.
Chapter 297 – Wise Birds Choose Their Own Roosting Trees
Jing Yi left the Emperor's bedside, stepping out soundlessly. He wore a victorious smile as he ordered the court officials, "His Majesty has decreed that he will spare Prince Rong – release him immediately."
The Supreme Court Chancellor quickly replied, "This official understands!" He heaved a sigh of relief – Jing Rong was a difficult one to serve, a hot potato that was moved from the Imperial Prison to his Supreme Court Prison, but luckily, there was Vice-chancellor Yu to take over the case. Now that His Majesty had personally ordered Jing Rong's release, what great news for his Supreme Court! Quickly release him, any day Jing Rong was held within his prison was another day he spent in uncertainty.
After passing on the imperial decree, Jing Yi left Fuyang Hall. On his way out, he bumped into Ji Li, "Ji Li pays his respects to Prince Yi."
"The East Palace has rebelled, has Secretary Ji resolved everything?" Jing Yi questioned.
Ji Li answered, "Those who should be killed have been killed, and those who should be locked away have all been imprisoned within East Palace." It was Ji Li's men who massacred the members of the East Palace last night!
As the Great Lin's Secretary, this was part of his responsibility, in fact, half of the Capital was under his watch!
Jing Yi was evidently pleased with his answer, "Secretary Ji is indeed swift; this Prince is impressed."
"Prince Yi is too kind; this general is more impressed by how your Highness successfully save His Majesty. This general must be punished to have not noticed the East Palace's rebellion happening within these city walls."
"The Ji Family are loyal servants of our Great Lin, moreover, Secretary Ji has already done your best," Jing Yi paid Ji Li lip service, but obviously thought otherwise. You should die, but who would dare kill you? What if you rebelled?
A guard rushed over, whispering something in Jing Yi's ear. Jing Yi furrowed his brows, but quickly relaxed, as if he were afraid Ji Li would see his change in expression. He then smiled, "This Prince will bother Secretary Ji no longer then."
Ji Li put up his fists in greeting. As Jing Yi turned to leave, he mentioned strangely, "Secretary Ji's sister, Miss Ji, is truly a beautiful and talented lady."
Ji Li could not figure out what he meant, but Jing Yi was long gone by then. These past few days, Ji Muqing had broken out in hives all over her face and body, locking herself in her room away from any visitors. Not even Ji Li had entered since she returned from the palace, much less spoken with her. Her non-participation in the Crown Princess selection was a sore spot for the Ji Family, but with the Crown Prince's current condition, it might have been a blessing in disguise! Ji Li stopped his musings and entered Fuyang Hall.
Jing Yi headed for East Palace with Pan Chong at his side. The Crown Prince had spent the entire night on the courtyard floor, and he looked up with hope and relief as the East Palace gates opened, through which Pan Chong entered.
"Teacher!" Jing Hua exclaimed excitedly, quickly picking himself up off the floor. He rushed to Pan Chong, grabbing his hand, "Teacher, you must help me. Imperial Father has demoted me, stripping me of my Crown Prince title. Teacher, what should we do?" His eyes were glistening with tears.
Pan Chong was beside his usual self; he was cold and composed as he sat down at a table, "The Crown Prince should not hurry." His tone was calm, and calling him 'Crown Prince' was giving him enough face.
I should not hurry? Jing Hua had become unshaven, disheveled and emaciated in the span of just one night. He asked raspily, "How could I not hurry? Teacher, it was you who told me that the ambush would be a sure success, how did word get out? It was impeccable!"
"The Crown Prince wishes to know?" Jing Hua nodded. Pan Chong's wrinkled face scrunched up as he explained slowly, "As the saying goes, wise birds choose their own roosting trees, golden peacocks drink from only the best of springs1; although the Crown Prince has power and influence, this option is not suited for me."
"What is Teacher trying to say?"
"Crown Prince, as your teacher, I have watched you grow up – I know better than anyone that you are not the smartest egg in the basket. The Crown Prince only knows to appease His Majesty, to play and drink; you know nothing about the state, much less the nation – how could you sit on the throne?" Pan Chong did not mince his words.
Jing Hua finally understood. He stepped back, staring straight at him, "Was it you? Did you tell Jing Yi? Did you hope to sentence this Crown Prince to death?"
Idiot! At last, you understand. Pan Chong did not try to hide his intentions as he stood up from his seat, "Prince Yi is different from the Crown Prince – he is a tree that no-one would forsake. Rather than serving a Crown Prince that would be removed sooner or later, why not quickly serve another master?"
Jing Hua's lips trembled as he pointed at Pan Chong angrily, "You- Why? You're my teacher, you watched me grow up, why have you betray me?"
"It's precisely because I watched you grow up, that I know you'd never make it – you were never cut out to be a ruler!"
Ugh! Jing Hua fell into despair – if he couldn't even grab onto his last saving grace, then it seemed he was surely falling into the depths of hell.
The East Palace gates opened again, this time, Jing Yi strutted in, a condescending look on his face. Pan Chong quickly paid his respects as soon as Jing Yi stepped in, every inch the servant, "This servant pays his respects to Prince Yi."
Jing Yi waved his hand and looked at the disheveled Jing Hua. He barely glanced at Pan Chong as he said dismissively, "Teacher Pan need not bother with the formalities. Rather, I'd have to thank Teacher Pan – if not for you, this Prince might not have been able to capture the Crown Prince at all."
"It was Prince Yi who was able to look through this plan; if not for Prince Yi's scheme, this would not have succeeded either."
Jing Yi took his compliment in, "This Prince would like some time alone with my Imperial Brother." Pan Chong understood. He bowed and left, closing the doors behind him.
Jing Yi's smile grew as he stared at the disgraced Jing Hua, "Imperial Brother has brought all this on yourself; if you were not too eager and full of suspicion, you would not have fallen into my trap." 'Imperial Brother', these words were much harsher than calling him 'Crown Prince' as it gave him a certain sense of reality to his situation.
Jing Hua glared at him cruelly, clenching his teeth, "I want to see Imperial Father, I will expose all your crimes – you framed me, it was all you!"
"Expose them?" Jing Yi could care less, as he placed his hands behind his back, "Imperial Brother, did you know? The poison you used is shiban poison, one that only Yan Weiyi possesses. You might not know who he is, nor did he incite you to rebel, but he has been a useful chess piece, one that is already dead, and dead men tell no tales. Lord Zhang has already testified against you and you can no longer deny responsibility for the Chengqing Hall fire. Don't expect Lord Zhang to tell the truth and prove your innocence, for if he does, his entire family will die."
Grenn’s Rants Corner
I have to admit Jing Yi is what I expect from a good villain – intelligent and ruthless. No half-baked intelligence here. He knows what he wants, and he doesn’t pull any stops to get what he wants.
This is saying originated from Confucius ↩