Chapter 205 : The First to Make A Move is the First to Meet Misfortune
In the dead of the night, the dew was heavy and the sky was cloaked in darkness, however, a corner of the palace was brightly lit. A bedroom was ornately decorated with lavish furnishing and a woman sat alone in front of a vanity mirror, combing her long black hair in an agitated manner.
Jiang Dan subconsciously looked into the mirror- the woman reflected back at her was now at a prime age. But after washing her face at night, once the many and various cosmetics and gorgeous accessories were stripped away, her naturally pretty face revealed a pale pallor and vulnerability. She slowly stretched out her nail polished hand to caress her face. At her age, how much longer could she still remain beautiful? If she couldn’t grab everything while she was still young and attractive, how could she be reconciled?
She pondered over the news that Zhu’er had brought back today: Jiang Quan was tightly guarded in the imperial prison, and the people that she’d sent had no chance to strike at all. Obviously the other party had come prepared. The more this happened, the more uneasy Jiang Dan felt. Everyday that Jiang Quan remained alive was a potential threat to her. Moreover, based on her understanding of Jiang Ruan, she was well aware that Jiang Ruan would never let her off so easily, and keeping Jiang Quan alive was essentially holding her ransom. If there was no way to get rid of Jiang Quan, then what should she do?
Jiang Dan sighed, and her eyes fell on the dancing flames of the candle in front of her. A letter that had been recently burned no longer bore any traces of its original appearance, as it had long been reduced to a pile of ashes. However, its contents were deeply etched into her memory. Previously she had arranged to have a message delivered to Xuan Li in an attempt to probe and suss out if he had any intention of getting rid of Jinying w.a.n.g, Xiao Shao, and Jiang Ruan. She believed that Xuan Li would not regard a woman like Jiang Ruan as an opponent, let alone spend a lot of effort to deal with her. Therefore, the only option was to use Xiao Shao as an alternative. Jiang Dan resided in the palace, and she had a good grasp of the current situation within the imperial court. Xuan Li coveted the throne and Xiao Shao was a stumbling block in his plans. Presently, there was no direct confrontation within the imperial court as the situation was at an impa.s.se regarding the rivalry for the throne but there would come a day when Xuan Li would no longer tolerate this thorn in his side.
No emperor liked courtiers who were stronger than him. Jiang Dan had originally thought that Xuan Li would be more than happy to deal with Xiao Shao. Furthermore, as long as Xiao Shao was dealt with, naturally Jiang Ruan would be implicated. And if the matter was pertaining to national affairs even Empress Dowager Yi De would not be able to save her. But Xuan Li’s reply was concise and clear- he had succinctly rejected Jiang Dan’s proposal, and he would not take action against Xiao Shao.
Jiang Dan was puzzled and annoyed, but there was nothing she could do. In this deal with Xuan Li, she had always been pa.s.sive because she did not have enough bargaining power to be on an equal footing with him. Xuan Li dealt with matters meticulously and cautiously. Even in their dealings, there wasn’t anything significant in their correspondence that was readily identifiable- there was no seal, and the handwriting was always completely different. Hence, there was absolutely nothing that could be used as leverage.
Time was running out. Before Jiang Quan’s sentence was p.r.o.nounced, Jiang Ruan would definitely take action against her. Jiang Dan looked again at the woman in the mirror- all of this was what she had worked so hard to achieve. She had swallowed her anger and suffered in silence while in the Jiang fu, keeping a low profile while fawning over others, just to be able to stand out one day. Jiang Li who was like her, a shu daughter, died, and even Jiang Su Su, a di daughter, was nothing more than a fleeting vapour. She, on the other hand, had risen to stand at such a height with great difficulty, thus how could she let everything that she had accomplished disappear completely before her eyes.
She slowly stretched out her index finger, and her blood-red nails scratched across the bronze mirror, causing a sharp sc.r.a.ping sound. Her eyes slowly showed a glint of sinister ruthlessness as she thought, no matter what, the only solution was to eliminate the root cause.
* * *
In the early morning of the second day, in the imperial garden of the palace, Liu Min and Xuan Pei were walking and talking as they made their way towards Nan Hua Yuan. Earlier in the imperial study, the Emperor had inspected and tested Xuan Pei’s homework. In recent days, the Emperor appeared to be in a bad mood, so much so that even the favourite consort in the harem didn’t dare to offend him. Liu Min knew that this matter might have something to do with Jiang Ruan. The entire Great Jin was already well aware of the commotion Jiang Ruan had caused by suing her biological father. Some people said that she had violated the laws of filial piety while others said that her actions were justifiable. In Liu Min’s heart, Jiang Ruan had her own reasons. Moreover, what Jiang Quan did was indeed worse than a beast. It would be better to be fatherless than to have such a father.
When the Emperor was in a bad mood, it would seem that only Xuan Pei could cheer him up. Thinking of this, Liu Min glanced at Xuan Pei in amazement. This child was so young, yet he seemed to be able to firmly grasp the hearts of people. It is said that the Sacred Heart is infinite and immeasurable, and it is always difficult to comprehend the ordinary heart, and in Liu Min’s eyes, Xuan Pei clearly had a profound insight into the heart of the Emperor. All the Emperor had to do was glare, and instantly he knew what to say to ease the situation. He was already intelligent and astute, and adding to this was his ability to say the right words to soothe and neutralize situations. Thus it had become apparent that the Emperor was growing more and more attached to Xuan Pei. There was a group of old veterans in the imperial court who had at first insisted on staying neutral in the fight for the throne but now they were gradually starting to think about whether they should side with Xuan Pei.
Sensing Liu Min’s gaze, Xuan Pei raised his head to look at him, and asked with a half-smile, “What is Imperial Grand Tutor Liu thinking?”
Liu Min suddenly came to his senses. Even though he was called Imperial Grand Tutor, he no longer taught the Crown Prince, but instead found himself tutoring this Thirteenth Highness all day long. Although the Empress had made some veiled criticisms, she was also at her wits end as she was aware that the Crown Prince was not scholar material. Furthermore, Liu Min felt that it was much easier to teach Xuan Pei. Even in regards to understanding and a.n.a.lysing the current affairs of state and the workings of the imperial court, Xuan Pei clearly had a much better perception and intuition compared to him, his tutor. When a prince looked at a situation, most often they would view it from the top down, and so it was challenging and difficult to lower themselves to have an understanding of the common people. Xuan Pei on the other hand did just the opposite. He was capable of looking at situations from the bottom up, and he could see the shortcomings and deficiencies of many people as well as those in low positions. A lot of the time, his display of his outstanding ac.u.men and capabilities were totally unlike the ability of such a young child.
“I’m thinking, Your Highness answered very well in front of His Majesty today, and your homework has probably improved again.” Liu Min smiled.
“Imperial Grand Tutor Liu, do you know what will happen if you lie to this prince?” Xuan Pei raised his eyebrows. “It’s a bit surprising that Imperial Grand Tutor Liu is not forthcoming.”
Liu Min was startled, he always felt that Xuan Pei had an uncanny ability to grasp a person’s heart, and this particular trait was somewhat similar to Jiang Ruan. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw a woman in fine clothes, with an entourage of palace maids trailing behind her coming towards them from afar. Xuan Pei followed his gaze and frowned unconsciously, as if disgusted, but it was merely a blink of an eye before he showed a harmless smile.
The woman also saw the two of them, and after a pause, she continued towards them. When she reached the two of them, she too smiled and bowed. “Thirteenth Highness, Imperial Grand Tutor Liu.”
“n.o.ble Consort Jiang.” Xuan Pei smiled and just nodded. As a prince, he didn’t have to salute Jiang Dan whose status was beneath him. It was a natural response, but when it was made by Xuan Pei, it seemed to contain a sliver of contempt and derision, as if he utterly had no regard for the other person.
Jiang Dan’s expression remained unchanged, and she still smiled warmly. She only said, “Thirteenth Highness must have just come out of His Majesty’s study, right? Over the past few days, His Majesty often mentions Thirteenth Highness to me. Your Highness has learned his lessons very well, so whenever His Majesty makes mention of you, he is always delighted and happy.” Her expression was sincere and on most days, she was not haughty or arrogant unlike w.a.n.g Lian’er and Mu Xi Rou. She was really amicable, and just like how she was speaking right now, with a soft whisper and sweet smile it was almost as if she was speaking on behalf of Xuan Pei.
But Xuan Pei had always been unwilling to accept such perfunctory ingratiation, so he merely raised his lips and smiled, his snow-white teeth were neat and adorable, and his smile very beautiful. “n.o.ble Consort Jiang seems to have a deep understanding of Imperial Father’s thoughts, to the extent that you evidently seem to be well aware of this prince’s whereabouts and my comings and goings.” He ignored the slight change on Jiang Dan’s face, and continued as if it was unintentional, “If Imperial Father knew that n.o.ble Consort Jiang cared so much about this prince, he would be very touched.”
Jiang Dan forced a smile. “Your Highness, what are you talking about? This concubine wouldn’t dare…” If Xuan Pei’s words were to reach the Emperor’s ears, one couldn’t even imagine how huge of an uproar it would incite. Presently, the state of affairs within the palace was highly volatile, and those hidden undercurrents among the princes would intensify. The Emperor had always been against and adverse to the imperial harem meddling with government affairs and politics, and if he knew that she had inquired in detail about the whereabouts of the Emperor and the princes, what would the Emperor think, would he think that she was treacherous? Jiang Dan vehemently hated Xuan Pei to the core- this Thirteenth Prince was like a smiling tiger. Most of the time he would appear approachable, dignified and harmless, however, for one so young, he had a belly filled with devious and sinister ideas. His every word was able to deliver death blows, utterly venomous.
If one were able to establish a good relation with such a prince as this, then there was a high possibility of advancing one’s future some day. So it was such a shame, as Jiang Dan’s heart raged with hatred, that Xuan Pei had chosen to be close with the bit*h Jiang Ruan! Although the two of them didn’t seem to have any interactions before, when Jiang Ruan was wrongfully accused of killing Princess He Yi, Xuan Pei had in fact put in a lot of effort to prove her innocence. Whenever Xuan Pei went to Empress Dowager Yi De’s palace, he would always exchange a few words with Jiang Ruan should they meet, and his words were totally unlike those whenever he was speaking to her (JD), filled with veiled sarcasm. Jiang Dan had always been good at observing the subtle relationships between people, but she couldn’t fathom how Jiang Ruan was able to gain favour with Xuan Pei. Clearly they weren’t even blood relatives, yet their relationship was so good it caused her teeth to gnash in anger.
For example, at this moment, Jiang Dan firmly believed that Xuan Pei deliberately turned a blind eye to her goodwill and had chosen instead to trample on it. This definitely had something to do with Jiang Ruan. She took a deep breath, calmed down the melancholy in her heart, and said, “Your Highness probably has other matters to attend to, so this concubine won’t bother you further.”
“n.o.ble Consort Jiang is really good at understanding others, no wonder Imperial Father likes you.” Xuan Pei gave her a meaningful look. “It’s just that being overtly understanding of others might not always be such a good thing.”
Having tossed out that last statement, Xuan Pei did not spare Jiang Dan another look as he brushed past her. Jiang Dan didn’t dare to linger, she always felt a sense of deja vu when she looked at Xuan Pei’s eyes because they were just like Jiang Ruan’s. Whenever those eyes were fixed on her, it seemed that everything in her heart was being scrutinized and exposed. And everything she did was just like a clown performing on the beams– aside from doing things that were gratuitous and futile, there was nothing worthy left behind.
She kept walking forward, and in such a state of haste and anxiousness she actually b.u.mped into someone. The eunuch next to that person demanded angrily, “Who is this person without eyes? You actually b.u.mped into Fifth Highness!”
Jiang Dan was startled and lifted her head. Sure enough, the man before her was indeed Xuan Hua. The eunuch also recognized her, and smiled apologetically, “It’s n.o.ble Consort Jiang.”
Xuan Hua had been very well-behaved in the court recently, and he had not made any significant movement in a long while, but judging from Xuan Li’s att.i.tude, it would appear that Xuan Hua hadn’t really raised the white flag and ceased to fight. Jiang Dan’s scheming heart instantly took a turn. Recalling the feeling of trepidation that Xuan Pei had given her, and adding to the severe angst from being on edge awaiting Jiang Ruan’s next move, suddenly an unexpected idea popped up. Without waiting for Xuan Hua to say anything, she immediately greeted as she directed an acquiescent smile towards Xuan Hua. “Fifth Highness.”
Xuan Hua knew that Jiang Dan was currently favoured by the Emperor, so he didn’t make things difficult for her, and said, “n.o.ble Consort Jiang.”
“Just yesterday His Majesty was talking to me about Fifth Highness, and today Fifth Highness appears right before me, this is really a coincidence.” Jiang Dan smiled.
Xuan Hua was taken aback. Since the last time he did something inappropriate, the Emperor’s att.i.tude towards him had cooled down a bit, and these days he had been pretending to be humble and know his place, even to the point that he had not engaged in any disagreement with Xuan Li on the surface. Who would have known that Jiang Dan would suddenly bring up this matter, and his heart moved. He couldn’t help but ask, “Imperial Father… really mentioned me?”
“Of course it’s true.” Jiang Dan blinked her eyes. “Speaking of which, this concubine and Fifth Highness seem to really get along, why don’t we go to the tea pavilion over there and play a game of chess. We could also have a chat. His Majesty has told me many interesting things about Fifth Highness.”
Xuan Hua was not a fool, the Emperor might make mention of him, but it was absolutely impossible to tell Jiang Dan any interesting and amusing things about him. For Jiang Dan to say this, she must have something else to discuss, and the pleasantries were just a mere cover. Although he was a little suspicious and unsure of what Jiang Dan was up to, when he looked at Jiang Dan’s expression, he still relented and finally smiled. “Just as well, I was also thinking of playing a game of chess. n.o.ble Consort Jiang, please lead the way.”
There was no impropriety nor blunder in imperial social decorum for a prince who happened to walk past and decided to play chess with an imperial consort. Jiang Dan and Xuan Hua walked to the gazebo in the middle of the imperial garden, where a chess set was placed at the pavilion all year round. The two of them set up the game, the eunuch and maid stood far away, and white and black pieces were moved on the chessboard, but the thoughts of the two chess players were not on the game.
“n.o.ble Consort Jiang, you may as well come straight to the point and say what it is you’re after.” Xuan Hua lost his patience after placing his third chess piece. Xuan Hua’s temperament was no way near the forbearance level of Xuan Li, and he really was more impetuous and easily irritable. It’s hard to imagine that someone as earnest and staid as Imperial Consort De could give birth to such an impetuous person like Xuan Hua.
Jiang Dan smiled facetiously, but there was a sharp sword embedded in her words. “His Majesty only has four princes now and he speaks about Fifth Highness, naturally he would also mention other princes. However, recently, His Majesty has tended to bring up Thirteenth Prince with increasing frequency.”
Xuan Hua frowned. “Thirteenth Prince?” Suddenly his heart began to race. Presently, Xuan Pei’s popularity and favour within the imperial courts was becoming increasingly more and more prominent. Xuan Hua had originally thought that it was just rumours spread by the ma.s.ses. A prince without his mother consort, no matter how much he was favoured by the Emperor, was not qualified to be the heir apparent to the throne after all. But Jiang Dan’s next words totally rattled him. Jiang Dan said, “At present, His Majesty especially loves Thirteenth Prince very much. Maybe it is out of pity since he had lost his mother at an early age because His Majesty has gone so far as to rally some of the older court officials in secret and has asked that they wholeheartedly support and a.s.sist him.”
It was glaringly obvious to anyone the rationale behind the Emperor seeking the help of the older court officials to a.s.sist and support a prince; and that was to prepare the way for the future heir apparent to the throne. The Emperor was a.s.sembling and cultivating valuable talent for Xuan Pei. A black chess piece in Xuan Hua’s hand landed on the chessboard with a loud “thud” as he laughed chillingly, “n.o.ble Consort Jiang can surely jest.”
“There is nothing I can do if Fifth Highness does not believe anything I’ve just said.” The white chess piece that Jiang Dan was holding in her fingers was placed down in quick succession. “It’s just that I reside within the palace, so naturally I have a clearer understanding of what’s happening within. And as a woman, I also hope to find someone to rely on. Although at present His Majesty treats me well, there will come a day when he might no longer care for me. To exaggerate a little, in a hundred years time, who do I have that would care and protect me?”
Xuan Hua heard Jiang Dan’s words, but lowered his voice in response, “n.o.ble Consort Jiang’s words are indeed an over exaggeration and is truly overthinking too much.”
Jiang Dan smiled. “At present, Thirteenth Prince is gradually gaining more and more of His Majesty’s favour and affection and isn’t there a common saying that it is better to strike while the iron is hot to gain the upperhand. Imperial Grand Tutor Liu was originally meant to be the Crown Prince’s tutor but when I was pa.s.sing by the garden this morning, I happened to see him together with Thirteenth Prince. His Majesty has already bestowed Imperial Grand Tutor Liu to Thirteenth Prince, this… really is a thoughtful gesture.”
Liu Min was an upstart in the imperial court, but any officials who were young in age and had pledged their loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor were often reserved and groomed for the next emperor. Xuan Hua had long known that Liu Min was given to Xuan Pei as a tutor, but with Jiang Dan blatantly stating it out loud, he could no longer contain the melancholy that he had tried hard to suppress over the past few days. In a haphazard manner, he randomly placed the black chess piece that was in his hand, before lowering his voice, he asked, “What exactly do you want to say?”
“The relationship between Thirteenth Prince and my Da Jiejie is very close. Unfortunately, Da Jiejie and I had a misunderstanding a few years ago, and now we are at opposing ends, like fire and water. Thirteenth Prince looks upon me like a thorn in his side and as for Eighth Prince, he too has intentions to win over Jinying w.a.n.g and does not even stand the sight of me . After much consideration, it seems that only Fifth Highness can offer me security and protection within this vast deep palace.” Jiang Dan’s eyes dimmed, she was born pet.i.te, and was used to appearing cute, and that particular kind of appearance could indeed arouse a man’s instinct to protect. After all, Xuan Hua was also a man. He had seen countless beauties over the years, but Jiang Dan indeed had a bit of a charisma, so instantly he softened his att.i.tude, and smiled, “Why do you think that only this prince is able to protect you?”
Such words were much like a man poking fun at a girl, Jiang Dan shook her head. “When it comes to good bearing and looks, or the skills required for an emperor, I feel that overall, Thirteenth Prince, Eight Prince and even the Crown Prince aren’t even able to compare to Fifth Highness. I just hope that when the day comes that Fifth Highness has attained the pinnacle of his endeavours, that you would not forget the conversation you and I had on this day. And that deep within this palace, you would offer me a safe haven. For this I would be deeply grateful”
Xuan Hua always liked to listen to the flattery from others and Jiang Dan’s words really bolstered his self esteem. Aside from Xuan Pei and the Crown prince, just Xuan Li alone was someone everyone had compared him with ever since his childhood. Xuan Li was talented and intelligent, and everyone always said that Xuan Hua could not match up to him, but at this moment, Jiang Dan said he was the best. Instantly, all his suspicion and doubts about Jiang Dan dissipated and he began to find Jiang Dan slightly more appealing.
“Since you have spoken, you must already have an idea, so let’s hear it,” Xuan Hua said.
Jiang Dan looked at him, and said slowly, “Your Highness, don’t you think that with the chaotic situation at the moment, delaying and dragging out the situation would actually give others the opportunity to gain the upper hand? Why don’t we make use of this chaos to eliminate our enemies. A man of character shouldn’t ever be fearful and nervous, afraid of every single thing, instead he should have courage and a plan, that’s what a real man is like.” Her every word carried a kind of enticement, and Xuan Hua could hear his heart immediately race with excitement, eager to give it a go. He was naturally impetuous, and he was only able to stay level headed and rein in his impulses because of Imperial Consort De’s daily reminders. But these days, he had reached his limit in keeping with Imperial Consort De’s guidelines to bear things quietly and patiently. Jiang Dan’s words. .h.i.t that very spot in his heart that wished to go out and do something grand, so he said, “Carry on.”
“As far as I know, Da Jiejie and Thirteenth Highness are getting better and better. Because of the relationship with Da Jiejie, the Jinying w.a.n.gfu will sooner or later stand on the side of Thirteenth Prince. The Jinyi Guards are numbered around three hundred thousand, and should they ally themselves with Thirteenth Prince, that would be really detrimental to Fifth Highness.”
Xuan Hua snorted coldly. “Thirteenth Prince sure has got some good strategies, to think that he appeared all harmless and helpless, only to lure everyone into a false sense of safety and let their guard down around him. I should have known when suddenly all things good and favourable were all bestowed upon him. All this transpired because of his ability to pretend to be naive and an imbecile. Well, now he has revealed his ambition and has begun to plan and scheme covertly.”
Having said that, a worried expression surfaced on his face. One ought to know that Jinying w.a.n.g in Great Jin was not someone to be underestimated. If Xuan Pei had gained the support of the Jinying w.a.n.gfu, that would be equivalent to him having already gained half of the country, and it would be even more difficult to deal with him in the future.
Jiang Dan said softly, “When my di mother (Xia Yan) was still alive, she once said this to me; if there was ever any situation that could pose a threat, then it was best to quelch it when it was still a young shoot. In this way, it would never be able to grow up, and thus would never become a threat to you.” This was what Xia Yan said to her at that time, in order to have her poison Zhao Mei, but at the end, what she said unwittingly became the catalyst to her and she resolved in her heart to poison Jiang Ruan’s food too. It’s just that she was too timid at that time to continue, otherwise she would have eradicated all future disasters, and she wouldn’t be in such a conundrum today.
Xuan Hua was startled, and looked at Jiang Dan suspiciously. “You mean…?”
“At this moment, Thirteenth Prince is but a child, and there have already been many princes in the palace who died at such an age.” Jiang Dan’s voice was soft, but her words were ruthless. “Besides, it would only require a little trickery. Thirteenth Prince is presently someone whom His Majesty values, but Fifth Highness and His Majesty have also already established twenty years of father-son relationship. In saying so, Fifth Highness and His Majesty should be much closer. Taking advantage of the fact that His Majesty Thirteenth Prince’s relationship isn’t that strong, it is best to be swift and resolute in taking the necessary steps to deal with this complication.”
Xuan Hua didn’t seem to expect that Jiang Dan would say such a thing, and after looking at her for some time, he suddenly laughed.”It turns out that n.o.ble Consort Jiang has indeed come prepared, why, you even have designs to make use of me.”
Aptly, Jiang Dan put on a panic stricken posture. “This concubine wouldn’t dare. It’s just for self-preservation.”
“Okay then, carry on with what you’re saying, what do you think I should do?” Xuan Hua finally understood that Jiang Dan also had her own hidden agenda, but what she said coincided with his intentions, and there was some truth in it, so he didn’t quibble about it.
“Since Da Jiejie is close to Thirteenth Prince, we might as well lump them together. After all, it is possible for these two to definitely commit a serious blunder together, and in this way, Your Highness would remove the thorn in your side, and I would also find some respite.” Jiang Dan smiled slightly. “Everyone would be happy. “
* * *
After walking for a while, Xuan Pei and Liu Min stood in front of Nan Hua Yuan. Xuan Pei turned to Liu Min and said, “Imperial Grand Tutor Liu should head back. There are still some things that I have to get done today, and I will have my homework presented to the Imperial Grand Tutor Liu tomorrow.”
Liu Min knew that Xuan Pei always had ideas, so he didn’t insist. Instead, he bowed and took his leave. After Liu Min left, Xuan Pei’s expression changed, and he called for Ming Yue. In a serious voice he instructed, “Go quickly to the place where we met Jiang Dan just now, be sure to find her and keep a close eye on her. If anything happens, immediately report back to me.”
Ming Yue received her orders and departed. Chao Yang said, “Your Highness, do you sense something amiss with n.o.ble Consort Jiang?”
Xuan Pei’s eyes darkened, something was definitely amiss. Jiang Dan had always been meticulous, but today she had repeatedly revealed her emotions. He was well aware of Jiang Quan’s situation, and it looked like Jiang Dan was getting antsy. She was beginning to show her fox tail and he wouldn’t mind catching this tail. There was no reason to refuse a prey who delivered itself to the front door, especially when it was courting death.