Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 1128 The Eldest Princess's Night Banquet
In the midst of the chaos, such a gain was unexpected. Sun Boyan and the officials around him all breathed a sigh of relief, and the clerk quickly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

“My lord, if we have the Right Wise King’s order, we can give the court an explanation. I know a lot about the affairs in the north. The Donghu people were just trying to take advantage of the Central Plains. Their killing this time was their fate.”

"Yes, sir. The Donghu people do not submit to the king's rule and have harmed countless people in the north. They deserve this calamity."

Once one person spoke, another followed suit, and after the noisy discussion concluded, Sun Boyan's expression softened considerably.
"Ahem, everyone, it's true that the cultists are cunning. This calamity was also accidental, so we should keep the news of what happened here secret. Now, let's hurry up and tidy up the courtyard."

"Yes, sir,"

The officials nodded in unison. As dusk fell, the stench of blood in the Court of State Ceremonial had been suppressed by the rekindled sandalwood incense. The broken white jade scepter was quietly carried away, and the bloodstains on the ground were covered with lime and then covered with a new layer of yellow sand.

Even the plaque at the gate of the courtyard had been wiped clean and refreshed. By the time the princes arrived from the palace, the Court of State Ceremonial had already been completely transformed.

Just as Lord Sun finished up and led his men to report to the Grand Secretary's residence, several princes returning from the palace passed through the bustling city in their carriages. The carriages made a regular "thump-thump" sound as they rolled over the bluestone pavement. Prince Zheng, Zhou Changde, lifted a corner of the bamboo curtain and looked at the newly gilded auspicious beasts on the eaves of the Honglu Temple in the distance. His throat tightened involuntarily. It was said during the banquet that the blood of the Donghu envoys still flowed here, but now the red-lacquered gate was as clean as new, and even the bloodstains on the claws of the stone lions in front of the gate had been washed clean, as if the assassination had never happened.

"That was efficient."

Song King Zhou Jiansheng stroked his beard and sneered. As soon as the carriage came to a stop, he jumped down first. The hem of his black robe with python patterns swept across the moss on the steps. Looking at the scene before him, he was somewhat incredulous.

"His Majesty's actions were swift, even more so than when he dealt with the case of the Prince of Huainan."

King Zhou Desheng of Wu also looked at the gate of the Court of State Ceremonial with some disbelief, a hint of unease in his eyes. He kicked the stone drum in front of the gate and said in a muffled voice:

"That's not quite right. The court is just eager to give the envoys from various foreign countries an explanation. Now that the banquet is over, His Majesty has specially kept the envoys from various foreign countries in the palace to hold another banquet. It must be for this matter."

Prince Zhou Qiwu of Chen was usually taciturn, but at this moment he suddenly spoke:
"The problem has never been the walls of the Court of State Ceremonial, but the hearts of the people. That Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, Lord Sun, is no simple man."

As soon as he finished speaking, a series of hurried footsteps came from the direction of the east courtyard. Several princes dressed in brocade robes were waiting by the moon gate. When they saw the princes returning, they hurriedly bowed and paid their respects.

Prince Zhou Zhengbai, the most astute of the three, stepped forward first:
"Father, you're finally back. The Court of State Ceremonial was guarded like an iron barrel today. It was difficult for us to go out and get any information. We only heard that there was a fire in the courtyard of the Donghu people, and everyone was killed. It's such a pity."

"They got angry and burned to death?"

Prince Zheng raised an eyebrow, giving him a glare as he walked into the courtyard.
"You're quite the smooth talker. Everyone knows how people die. Lord Sun's words are meant for others, but also for us. The Donghu people have suffered such a great loss, and that Right Wise King is unwilling to endure hardship. Do you think the Donghu people will be restless this autumn?"

As they spoke, the group entered the main hall of the east courtyard. Just as the maidservants had served tea, Prince Zhou Yewen of Song couldn't help but ask:
"Father, uncles, have the assassins been caught? I heard from the guards that the two groups of thieves were very swift and highly skilled in martial arts. They seemed to be the elite of the thief sect, while others said they were just outlaws from the martial arts world who came here to kill the barbarians."

Upon hearing this, the King of Song slammed down his teacup, spilling a little tea.
"Bullshit, you think the guards of the Court of State Ceremonial are just for show? To be able to kill the Donghu envoy right under the noses of over a hundred Imperial Guards and still escape unscathed, it's no wonder someone was behind it! No, even the Imperial Guards were killed. Apart from the White Lotus Sect and the Taiping Sect, who would dare to touch the people of the imperial court?"

He looked at King Zheng, his eyes dark and gloomy.

"Second Brother, you have excellent connections in the capital. Have you found any clues? I have a feeling that the Court of State Ceremonial isn't safe either. Although Marquis Luoyun is currently embroiled in a case,..."

But the feud with them hasn't been resolved. If the Emperor were to make a ruthless decision, wouldn't it be dangerous for these people to remain in the capital?

King Zheng tapped his fingertips on the table for a long while before saying:
"You're asking about suspicion? There's too much. Not to mention what the Donghu people are doing on the border, there are countless eyes watching us in the capital. Now it seems that this trip to the capital wasn't entirely fruitless, but it also makes us realize that the officials in the capital are unreliable. The only thing that my third brother managed to get is the position of commander-in-chief of the allied forces, which is still somewhat useful. After this, I'm afraid we won't be able to return to the capital."

He sighed inwardly. How could he not know what the Prince of Song had said? Since the Emperor Emeritus had no such intention, what use were they to stay in the capital?

"Second Uncle, you mean..."

Prince Zhou Yunfu, the heir apparent of the Prince of Chen, turned pale. He and his father had gone through countless hardships to reach the capital, spending money, bringing people, and making contact with the ministers, only to end up with nothing. As for the killing of the Donghu people…

"Are you trying to sabotage the peace talks with the Donghu?"

"more than."

The King of Han suddenly spoke. He had remained silent since leaving the palace, but now that he spoke, his words were incisive and to the point.

"At the Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet, all the princes gathered in the capital, but the people from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs ruined the banquet. Killing the Donghu envoy at this time would not only frame the military generals who were dissatisfied with the peace talks, but also make His Majesty suspicious of us vassal kings—after all, who wouldn't want to take advantage of the chaos in the capital to get a share of the spoils?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a cough came from outside the door. King Wu, leaning against the doorframe, walked in. He was always frail, and today, frightened by all the news, he had lost all his spirit and energy.
"What you brothers have said is very insightful, but..."

He paused, and glanced at everyone.
"But it's no use saying anything now. A few old eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial used us as bait, causing chaos at the banquet and interrupting our plans. I think we've all been fooled. Also, when I came in just now, I overheard the Imperial City Guards talking in secret. They said that the group that assassinated the Donghu envoy used a black iron dagger specially supplied by the Jiangnan Textile Bureau."

"What! The Jiangnan Textile Bureau?"

King Zheng, Zhou Dechang, fell silent. Recalling King Wu's words and the methods Chen Hui of the Directorate of Ceremonial had employed today, a chill ran through him.
"Isn't that under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department? Could it be that someone from the palace did it? Or perhaps it was Chen Hui from the Directorate of Ceremonial!"

The King of Song's expression changed drastically:

"Impossible! Eunuch Chen received a large sum of money from us and we still correspond with each other. How could he destroy our own defenses?"

"How could it be impossible? Those eunuchs."

Prince Chen spoke slowly, his fingers tracing the rim of the teacup.

"The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs has always been suppressed by the Cabinet. Which civil or military official isn't wary of them? Besides, who doesn't want to hold great power? We've been deceived."

"Fifth Brother means that Chen Hui and his group want to seize power."

The King of Wu's eyes lit up, then he frowned again.

"But with them, there are still Chief Eunuch Dai and Chief Eunuch Xia in the palace. How could he possibly have the power? It doesn't make sense. Besides, where did he get the audacity to use the weapons of the Textile Bureau?"

“Of course they have the guts. Eunuch Yang of the Jiangnan Textile Bureau has gone mad. Even if we use his name, we won’t find anything.”

The King of Han coughed softly and took out a slip of paper from his sleeve.
"This message came from the manor's secret guards. They said that people from the White Lotus Sect and the Taiping Sect are searching for us."

"The White Lotus Sect and the Taiping Sect!"

King Zheng suddenly stood up, the chair legs scraping against the ground with a screeching sound, and his face suddenly turned ugly;
"It is said that man proposes, God disposes. The White Lotus Sect has been lying dormant for twenty years, and now the Taiping Sect has emerged. This shows that the court is not popular. There are probably many people in contact with the two sects. They may even have spies in the court. Since they want to see us, let us gentlemen find a way to meet them."

"Second brother, you mustn't! These traitors have ill intentions. If they arouse the Emperor's suspicion..."

Song Ziyu suddenly spoke up, saying that taking such a risky move was extremely unwise, and if the Imperial City Guard discovered it, it would be a big problem.

"Let's not worry about that now. I think it's best to leave the capital as soon as possible. At least we need to make a scene in the south. Even if it's a traitor, we should at least have a discussion with them, even if we don't show our faces."

King Zheng muttered to himself, fearing that the emperor would not grant his request, or rather, that he should leave now. Once this thought arose, he couldn't suppress it.
"Gentlemen, let's put aside external matters for now. Tonight, we need to invite these gentlemen back so we can find a way to escape!"

The expressions on their faces suddenly turned somewhat unnatural; things had escalated to this point, and there was no other way. The princes beside them dared not utter a sound, knowing the gravity of the situation, but unaware that at that moment, guards rushed in.

"Reporting to Your Highness, half a battalion of Imperial Guards has been dispatched here from the Imperial Guard camp."

"what?"

The King of Han also realized that things were not going well, and then looked at the other princes.
"Gentlemen, we'll discuss this matter later. Please make your own preparations."

Night fell over the capital.
Zhang Jinyu sat inside the carriage, playing with the jade thumb ring on his hand. The cool yellow jade felt warm to the touch, but he had a burning anger inside him with nowhere to vent it. What had just happened in front of Xu Changwen's residence was nothing more than a show for the Imperial City Guard and even the Directorate of Ceremonial, and was of no importance.

Looking back now, it's truly bizarre that everything from what happened at the Directorate of Ceremonial, to the involvement of Minister of Revenue Gu Yichen, and the Court of State Ceremonial, remained completely uninvolved and kept in the dark.

Or perhaps it was a scheme by Dai Quan or Xia Shouzhong. The more I think about it, the less I understand. It's exhausting. I never have a moment of peace. Everyone says that the two sages are inactive, but now it seems that they are not inactive at all. They must have already laid a trap.

"My lord, do not worry. If they want to preside over the trial tomorrow, they should have a plan. I think that even if that eunuch Chen wants to act arbitrarily, it will not be possible without the approval of several presiding judges."

Sitting in the carriage, Ning Bian could only whisper words of comfort as he looked at the Marquis's displeased face. After all, things had happened, and there had to be a solution.

"No need. If we put all our energy into this, let alone so many cases, we wouldn't be able to finish even this one. Civil officials, nobles, princes, and now the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs. You tell me, there's only one piece of fat meat, who should get it?"

Zhang Jinyu suddenly smiled. Everyone was vying for power, but anyone who wanted to climb over him was blind. Xu Changwen had the confidence and determination, so he couldn't waste it. He should let the whole world know about these things.
"Secretly spread the news about what happened in the court, especially Xu Changwen's book on public security. This is the best book in the world, and we can't miss the opportunity to go down in history."

"Yes, my lord, I understand."

Ningbian nodded emphatically in agreement. Shen Baoan's side had been idle for quite some time.
As they approached the north street entrance, the carriage suddenly slowed down; a guard came to report.

"Reporting, Your Excellency, there is a young woman blocking the road at the north street entrance, claiming to be an old acquaintance of yours."

"An old acquaintance,"

Zhang Jinyu frowned. Where did this old female acquaintance come from? He lifted the carriage curtain and saw a slender woman in a tight-fitting outfit by the roadside. It turned out to be Wei Shuyun from the Princess's residence. How could it be her?

Little did she know that this action had already been noticed by Wei Shuyun, who quickly moved to the front of the car, curtsied, and spoke in a gentle voice like jade in water.
"My lord, His Highness said that you have not visited the manor for a long time. Tonight, he has warmed some wine and the night is just right. He would like to invite you to the manor for a chat."

After speaking, she raised her face, her complexion slightly flushed. Remembering His Highness's words, she realized she had already bathed and changed before coming.

"The eldest princess?"

Zhang Jinyu was slightly taken aback. The banquet had just ended, and he didn't know what was going on in the palace. For the princess to come looking for him was definitely not a good thing. Besides, the banquet in the inner palace ended so early. He looked up at the sky and saw a full moon hanging in the clouds. Its clear light shone through the thin mist and gilded the gray bricks and tiles with a silver edge, just as the saying goes, "The moonlight is just right."

"You've come at an inopportune time. I'm not in a good mood today, so I can't go any further. Go back now."

Just as he was about to lower the curtain, Wei Shuyun approached and stopped him. She raised her eyes, her gaze shifting with an indescribable meaning.

“My lord, why are you in such a hurry? Now that I am here, you must go. His Highness has prepared a fine feast, just waiting for you to come and enjoy it. Also, I would like to have a chat with you about the gossip from the Court of State Ceremonial.”

Zhang Jinyu's heart skipped a beat. The princes of the Court of State Ceremonial must have returned by now, but the rebel sect killed the Donghu envoy. Whether it was a real killing or a fake one, he didn't know. But thinking about today's case, he wondered what the inner palace had said. Thinking of this, he knew that the princess's visit to him was definitely not just to say some idle talk.

"Very well, since Your Highness has invited me, I will gladly accept. Please come up."

"Yes, my lord,"

Wei Shuyun's face lit up with joy. She stepped onto the carriage and climbed inside, sitting next to Marquis Luo Yun. Her face was slightly flushed. Meanwhile, the caravan had already turned around and was heading towards the north bank of Qinghu Lake. The closer they got to the princess's residence, the more deserted it became.
Inside the car, Ning Bian felt it inappropriate to remain, so he lifted the curtain and sat on the outside. Zhang Jinyu, meanwhile, closed her eyes to rest. A faint floral fragrance wafted into her nose; the scent was rather alluring.
"My lord, is there any progress in Lord Xu's case?"

As they neared their destination, whether it was due to instructions from the Princess or a test from Wei Shuyun, Zhang Jinyu asked an extra question. She opened her eyes and looked at the woman sitting beside her. Her beautiful face, with its air of heroism, was indeed captivating, not to mention her physique as a martial artist.

"Did you ask that, or did your master ask it?"

Zhang Jinyu didn't answer, but instead asked a provocative question.
"Yes, it was this servant who asked. The events in the palace today have already been spread, especially the matter of Lord Xu's book on maintaining order. The cabinet recorded a portion of it and hung it in the ministry, saying that it was to find out if Lord Xu had said anything treasonous. But this servant thinks that this is untrue."

I recall that when the master heard the contents of this congratulatory message, he was lost in thought for a long time, and sighed a lot.

"Oh, you're right. What do you, a girl who practices martial arts, know about important court affairs? Treasonous words are a matter of loyalty to the subject, not about writing them down. Long articles can't be rushed."

After all, there are many things involved, and saying more is pointless.
Seeing that the Marquis did not answer, Wei Shuyun felt wronged. Fortunately, the road was not far away, and the vermilion gate of the Princess's mansion was right in front of her. There were only a few servants waiting at the gate with lanterns. The huge gate had no lanterns hanging outside, and the dim light made it somewhat dark.

At this moment, as Marquis Luo Yun's convoy arrived, the middle gate was opened, the convoy slowly entered, and finally the main gate was closed.

After entering the front courtyard, Zhang Jinyu followed Wei Shuyun alighting from the carriage and headed straight for the back courtyard along the covered walkway. Inside a brightly lit warm pavilion in the West Garden...

"My lord, His Highness is waiting for you inside."

Wei Shuyun stood at the entrance of the main room, pushed open a carved wooden door, and stepped inside.

Once inside the house,

There were no lights outside the warm pavilion, only the lights in the inner warm pavilion, which was quite strange. Zhang Jinyu moved his feet, waved to the guards behind him, and entered the warm pavilion alone. He saw Princess Zhou Xiangxue sitting on a soft couch by the window, wearing a blue long robe, her black hair simply tied up, and a gold hairpin hanging down by her ear.

"Your subject, Zhang Jinyu, greets Your Highness."

He slightly clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and the commotion he made finally made the princess turn around. She smiled and waved.

"We've been waiting for the Marquis! Liu Yue, bring the wine!"

"Yes, Master,"

As if reliving a past scene, Liu Yue and Wei Shuyun, dressed in different clothes, entered carrying wine and dishes, and began to set out the banquet. Zhang Jinyu was seated on the south side, with the two serving him on either side.
"Your Highness is too kind. I've been busy for a while, but I'm a little hungry."

Without waiting for the princess to speak, he picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of meat, and put it in his mouth. The taste seemed familiar. After chewing a few times, he realized it was the venison he had eaten in the palace. Looking at the dishes on the table, they all seemed familiar. Wasn't this the banquet held in the palace?
"Your Highness, if I am not mistaken, all the dishes on this table are from palace banquets. I wonder what Your Highness's intention is in doing this?"

We can't exactly bring back this whole table of food from the palace and eat it all again, can we?

"Haha, Your Excellency has a good memory. I'll take this opportunity to reheat this feast for you. How does it taste?"

Zhou Xiangxue didn't hide anything. She pointed to the dishes on the table and then to the palace, smiling. With this movement, her light robe slipped down, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin underneath, but she didn't seem to care at all.

(End of this chapter)