Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

As dusk fell, the evening glow was fiery red, fragmented like fish scales, and the smoke resembled blood, densely covering the western sky, spreading an eerie and beautiful spectacle.

Since entering the city, military reports have been clamoring on the streets, and Jia Cong had a premonition that something must have happened in the military situation in the north, so he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

After chatting with Daiyu for a long time in the inner courtyard, the oppression in his heart finally subsided. When the sun set, the two went to Yingchun Courtyard for dinner, and chatted for a while afterward.

When he returned to the courtyard alone, night had fallen. The red lanterns under the eaves of the covered walkways were lit one by one, their glow shining like dragons.

The lights illuminate the flowers, trees, and rockeries in the garden, creating graceful silhouettes and shadows, adding to the delicate and tranquil atmosphere of the inner courtyard under the night sky.

As Jia Cong walked along the garden path, away from the sweet whispers and pleasantries of his sisters, his mind returned to calm, and he was not attracted by the night view of the garden.

Just as I reached the courtyard gate, I saw Qingwen walking gracefully and lightly along the cobblestone path from the direction of the second gate, heading this way.

Jia Cong smiled and asked, "Why did you come from the door? What were you busy with this time?"

Qingwen said, "Third Master, the head housekeeper just sent a message to the inner courtyard. Her words were a bit difficult to pronounce, and the gatekeeper was worried that she might have misunderstood, so she specifically asked me to go over there."

During the day, the Second Master instructed the steward to send servants to various parts of the street to gather information. These servants returned to the mansion one after another, saying that no major news had spread on the streets.

However, Zhen'an Prefecture and the Five Cities Military Command dispatched many yamen runners and soldiers to patrol the streets, and many main roads were guarded by soldiers, which looked different from usual.

Because it's still early in the year, there aren't many shops open on the street to begin with, and this disturbance has caused many more to close, resulting in far fewer pedestrians on the street now.

In addition, a large number of soldiers came out from the northern camp. They were so numerous that they split up and went to various city gates as soon as they reached the north intersection. The commotion was quite significant.

Third Master, things are acting strangely in the city tonight. Is something wrong? Otherwise, why would you send people out to scout for news?

Qingwen's voice was beautiful and pleasing, and her words were fluent and continuous, but Jia Cong seemed to be listening but not really, his mind was in turmoil.

It seems my guess was right. Two groups of messengers entered the city with unusual news, otherwise there wouldn't have been such a change in the city.

Now that night has fallen, Zhen'an Prefecture and the Five Cities Military Command have suddenly dispatched their yamen runners and soldiers to guard key roads, which is a tacit curfew measure.

The northern camp that Qingwen mentioned is the main camp of the Five Armies of Shenjing, located only a few miles from the palace, where nearly 100,000 elite troops of the Five Armies are stationed.

Now that night has fallen and troops from five military camps have been mobilized to urgently strengthen the defenses of the nine gates, it is clear that today's urgent military report must involve the southward advance of the remnant Mongol troops.

Otherwise, the imperial court would not have strengthened the defenses of the capital region overnight. Whether it was issuing a preparatory curfew or mobilizing the five military camps, it was all done by imperial decree.

Jia Cong looked up at the sky; the night was growing ever darker, and it seemed something truly terrible was about to happen…

"Qingwen, have the old woman go to the outer courtyard to deliver a message, and have the steward dispatch more people to patrol the mansion tonight, and keep all doors and windows tightly closed and guarded."

Two additional guards should be added to the side gate. In case of any incident, immediately send a message to the inner courtyard, instructing the steward to send someone to notify the western residence. All matters should be handled according to the same regulations.

Seeing Jia Cong's solemn expression, Qingwen was a little worried, but she didn't dare to ask any more questions. She quickly went to the second gate to deliver a message.

In just a short while, the servants of the Jia family’s east and west mansions moved about, the inner gates of the mansion were locked, and the four gates of the outer courtyard were locked, with only the east and west corner gates open for entry and exit.

When Ping'er and Wu'er returned to the East Mansion, the small gate connecting the two mansions was locked from opposite sides...

……

The Prince of Zhao's Mansion in the northern part of the capital.

In the study of the Prince's mansion, on either side of the huge rosewood desk, there were bronze candlesticks with a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix.

The candlesticks were filled with short, white candles, each about the size of a bowl, their bright light illuminating the study as if it were daytime.

On the table lay a map of the nine border regions. The young King of Zhao, with a resolute expression, was intently examining the map.

Holding a small vermilion brush in his hand, he occasionally marked on the map or wrote a few lines of small characters, seemingly simulating the war in the north.

Two groups of cavalry rushed to the capital today, causing a stir in the city.

Jia Cong was able to notice that Li Chongmao, as the eldest son of the emperor, even though he was now somewhat out of favor, still had many eyes and ears in the city, so he could not be kept in the dark.

Jia Cong was well-versed in military strategy and could deduce the military situation in the north from urgent reports from the cavalry. Li Chongmao's military prowess was no less than Jia Cong's, so he could naturally make the same deductions as well.

He was one of the princes with exceptional military talent. He judged the changes in the military situation of the remnants of the Mongols and began to deduce the plans based on the imperial edict, and was already in a state of preparing to lead troops to meet the enemy.

Since the major incident involving the Imperial Guards occurred in Jinling, Li Chongmao was implicated by Zhang Kangnian, and suspicion and estrangement arose between father and son and the emperor. His original military rank and power have been greatly weakened by his father.

The eldest son of the emperor, who was once highly regarded, gradually slipped into a state of decline. This sudden psychological gap made Li Chongmao wary.

Although he had the advantages of being the eldest son of the empress, having made outstanding military achievements, and being popular with the court and the people, he was still the most outstanding among the princes.

The Nanjing garrison case alone implicated him in some suspicion, but it was not enough to cause him to lose the emperor's favor and be utterly defeated, never to recover.

Moreover, Zhang Kangnian is dead, and there is no concrete evidence pointing to his actions. As the eldest son of the emperor, there is no reason for him to be deposed without evidence.

Even so, his father's suspicions remained, leading to his cold treatment of him. If this continued for too long, it would severely damage his prestige.

Both within and outside the court, civil and military officials are all opportunists. When the time comes, they will lose all public support and will never recover.

After all, his father wasn't just his one son...

Prince Zhao, Li Chongmao, was of noble birth, born and raised in glory. He was skilled in both literature and military strategy, standing out among the princes, and his life was smooth sailing.

Both within and outside the court, among civil and military officials, there were implicit messages that he would surely be the one to ascend the throne.

Although he was instructed by the Empress to not show any emotion about this matter, deep down he had already decided that it was a matter of course.

Having enjoyed a position of prestige for many years, praised by everyone, and expected by all, this has become a deeply ingrained psychological mindset. Losing it in one day would be unbearable.

The deep-seated gloom in his heart made him restless and gradually breed resentment and resentment. For the past six months, Li Chongmao has been racking his brains about how to reverse the current decline.

As the birth mother of Prince Zhao, Empress Jingde naturally stood firmly on her son's side, but she and Emperor Jiazhao had been husband and wife for half their lives, and she knew the current emperor's temperament well.

Therefore, the Empress was very careful in trying to rekindle the father-son relationship, fearing that it would arouse the Emperor's suspicion.

Even when the late Princess Zhao passed away, the Empress selected a new wife for the Prince of Zhao, acting cautiously and fairly in accordance with Emperor Jia Zhao's wishes, leaving no room for criticism.

The Empress also approved of the King of Zhao's use of his birthday banquet to ease tensions with court officials and nobles, and to salvage his popularity among the people.

The Empress also bestowed upon her son the rare coral tree, a treasure of the Fengzao Palace, as a birthday gift to add splendor to his birthday banquet.

However, these subtle actions are at best ineffective and can hardly reverse the situation.

……

Since the news of the Mongol invasion of military granaries spread during the early morning court session, Prince Zhao, Li Chongmao, saw an opportunity in it.

He was recognized by both the court and the public as a born general, and his reputation spread far and wide as he served as a military commander in the northwest frontier for many years.

At the age of 120, he personally led an army of 100,000 to garrison the Tibetan lands, confronting the remaining 60,000 elite troops of the Yuan dynasty's Chahan tribe.
He killed the Chahan tribe's king in Hezhou, beheaded two thousand, captured fifteen Chahan tribe nobles, and killed more than forty thousand enemies, thus establishing his power in the Northwest.

His military achievements surpassed those of Jia Cong in pacifying the Jurchens, and his experience in commanding troops was far superior to that of Jia Cong, who was also in his prime. For the time being, Jia Cong could not match him.

Among the young generals of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Prince Zhao, Li Chongmao, is undoubtedly the number one, and no one in the court or among the people would deny that.

Li Chongmao initially earned unparalleled glory among the royal family members through his military achievements.

The best way to dispel the gloom now is through military achievements and glory.

Moreover, regardless of his royal status or his ability to command troops, he is no less capable than any famous general of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Therefore, when the news of the military stockpile was revealed at the morning court session, he was unwilling to miss this golden opportunity.

Not only did he petition the court to request permission to fight, but he also held a birthday banquet on the eighth day of the lunar new year after the court session, closing his doors to guests in order to attend to state affairs, making a grand gesture.

In the past few days, apart from entering the palace to see the Empress, he has closed his doors to guests and has not left his house.

Every day in his study, he meticulously studied maps and carefully analyzed the battle situation. He was extremely eager to lead his army against the Mongols and was determined to succeed.

……

As he was concentrating on analyzing the map, someone suddenly knocked on the door of his study. It was Feng Xishan, the chief secretary of the Prince's mansion, who entered.

It was sunset, and Li Chongmao was slightly surprised by the appearance of the Chief Secretary at this time.

He said, "Chief Secretary Feng, have you also heard any news from the military reports that entered the city today?"

Feng Xishan said with a solemn expression, "We have received news from the Five Armies Commandery that the Tuman tribe's chieftain, Prince Du, attacked and captured Xuanfu Town on the fifth day of the month, and the entire garrison was wiped out."

Anda Khan has led his army south and has already captured Hongshuji. At their marching speed, they are closing in on Shenjing (Beijing) and it is imminent.

Upon hearing this, Li Chongmao showed no sign of worry; his eyes blazed with intense light, radiating a burning fighting spirit.

He said, "He has quite the nerve. The Great Zhou Dynasty has been established for a hundred years. Unlike the weak Song Dynasty, we can meet any challenge head-on. If you want to fight, then fight!"

Seeing the strange expression on Zhao Wang's face, Feng Xishan was secretly alarmed and said, "Your Highness, besides this matter, news has just come from the palace."

Before sunset, His Majesty received a military report from the Ministry of War, learning of the fall of Xuanfu Town and the massacre of over 40,000 civilians and soldiers by the Mongol army. Overwhelmed with anger and grief, he vomited blood and fainted.

Upon hearing this, Li Chongmao's face turned deathly pale, then his eyes flashed with a sharp light as he asked urgently, "How could this be? Is Father Emperor alright?"

Feng Xishan lowered his eyes and said, "There is still no news about His Majesty's condition. We only know that Li Chengming, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, has been urgently summoned to the palace for treatment."

Marquis Zhongjing, Shi Ding, carrying the Emperor's token and the Ministry of War's military mobilization tally, entered the Five Armies Camp to gather elite troops and dispatch them to the Nine Gates to strengthen defenses.

The roads were filled with officials and soldiers from the Zhen'an Prefecture and the Five Military Commands. Many areas in the north and east of the city were already under partial curfew.

Li Chongmao's expression was unpredictable as he paced back and forth in the study, his gait becoming increasingly heavy, and the atmosphere becoming strange and oppressive.

“Chief Secretary Feng, something is not right. Even if the military situation in the north is urgent, there is no need to mobilize troops overnight.”

Marquis Zhongjing, Shi Ding, was a trusted general of the Emperor, and was never easily employed. It was highly unusual for him to be ordered to mobilize troops overnight to strengthen the defenses of the nine gates.

Could there be something unspeakable happening in the palace...?

Feng Xishan remained calm and said, "It is only natural for Your Highness to worry as a son."

His Majesty is a diligent and wise ruler who has devoted himself to the country with all his heart and soul. There have been many rumors in the past that His Majesty's health is somewhat unwell.

However, in my humble opinion, even if the Holy One's body is strong but weakened, it is unlikely that upon suddenly hearing such terrible news, one would be unable to withstand it and commit such an unforgivable act. This matter needs further verification.

...Prince Zhao, Li Chongmao, resolutely said, "My father has encountered such a thing. As his son, how can I stand idly by? Prepare a carriage and horses for me. I must go to the palace to visit him immediately!"

Feng Xishan's expression changed, and he said, "Your Highness, you must not do this. His Majesty is unwell, and the news is still being kept under wraps in the palace. Outsiders are unaware of it."

We are a secret source within the palace. The Empress has already visited Qianyang Palace. Even if something changes, the overall situation is under control. Currently, only the Fourth Prince is in the palace.

Your Highness must not lose your composure. If you enter the palace now, how will you learn of the palace's secrets? How will you explain yourself?

Upon hearing this, Li Chongmao's expression changed slightly, and he remained silent for a moment.

Feng Xishan said, "Your Highness is a man of exceptional talent and wisdom, surpassing all others. You have a grand vision and will surely have a time to realize your ambitions. I am unworthy to serve you to the death."

At this critical juncture, with the situation unclear and tensions high in neighboring countries, Your Highness must remain calm and composed.

Upon hearing the advice, Li Chongmao's fierce aura instantly subsided.

He said gently, "I know the Chief Secretary's loyalty. We should just observe the situation. However, this matter is of great importance, and we cannot keep our eyes and ears closed."

Immediately dispatch reliable personnel to closely monitor the movements of Prince Zhongshun's residence and Prince Kangshun's residence tonight. Report back to me immediately if any action is discovered!
"We also need to keep a close eye on the movements of the Prince Ning's residence..."

Feng Xishan felt a chill in his heart, but he already understood what the Prince of Zhao meant. He secretly sighed, "The prince is indeed a man of military knowledge; his mind and shrewdness are truly formidable."

Both princes were the emperor's brothers and had always been the emperor's most trusted men.

Prince Zhongshun held an important position in the court and was a trusted minister of the emperor.

Although Prince Kangshun had no interest in holding office and spent his days in leisure, indulging in poetry, painting, and literature, he was appreciated and loved by the emperor, who still held a closer affection for him than Prince Zhongshun.

If His Majesty truly does something he cannot bear, these two princes will surely receive the news, and may even enter the palace to visit and keep an eye on their residences, so it will never be kept secret.

As for Prince Ning, he is an adult prince, and such a crucial point cannot be ignored. The prince has been quite meticulous...

Feng Xishan cupped his hands and said, "This humble servant understands Your Highness's meaning and will certainly handle this matter well. Please rest assured, Your Highness."

…………

The Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Hall, Warm Pavilion.

Emperor Jia Zhao was pale and listless, leaning against a couch covered with a brocade quilt. Li Chengming, the chief physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, was taking his pulse.

Empress Jingde stood beside the couch, her expression worried, her eyes red and her brows slightly furrowed.

Ministers Gu Yankui, Chen Yi, and Yao Ruchang stood further away from the Luohan couch, their eyes revealing worry and concern.

The Empress is a model of virtue for the nation, surpassing ordinary women in terms of feminine virtue. When faced with important matters of state, she does not shy away from the distinction between men and women.

The emperor's poor health was of paramount importance, and the empress, upon arriving to visit him, naturally did not avoid ministers such as Gu Yankui.

Li Chengming examined Emperor Jiazhao's pulse and said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. The blood you just vomited was caused by anger attacking your heart, not by a chronic illness."

Your Majesty, I have administered acupuncture twice and given you a decoction of ginseng for the elderly. Your pulse has stabilized and your qi and blood have returned to normal. You will recover after a few days of rest.

Your Majesty, I humbly offer this advice: Your Majesty is over forty years old; therefore, proper care and maintenance are paramount. You must not overwork yourself, but rather maintain a calm and peaceful mind, and practice patience and restraint—this is the way to ensure long-term well-being.”

Emperor Jia Zhao nodded and said, "I will follow the doctor's orders."

Li Chengming said, "I have already written the prescription and handed it over to the Imperial Pharmacy for decoction. Your Majesty only needs to drink one cup tonight. I will go to the palace again tomorrow to examine Your Majesty."

After the Imperial Medical Academy Chief Physician took his leave, Emperor Jia Zhao said to Gu Yankui, Chen Yi, Yao Ruchang, and others, "You have all been busy for half a day, go back and rest."

Remember, keep silent about what happened in the palace today; do not speak of it to anyone!

Upon hearing this, Empress Jingde's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure...

Gu Yankui and the others were terrified. They quickly said "Yes, Your Majesty" and took a few steps back before leaving the warm pavilion one by one.

……

When the three of them left the warm pavilion and walked onto the passageway leading out of the palace, the cold night wind blew, and Gu Yankui felt a chill run through his body.

He turned to look at the light shining from the warm pavilion, and a chill ran down his spine.

Just now, His Majesty was so enraged that he vomited blood and fainted, which terrified Gu Yankui and the others.

If the emperor were to meet with misfortune as a result, all three of them and their families would be killed without a proper burial.

Fortunately, Li Chengming, the chief physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, was highly skilled and diagnosed the emperor with only qi stagnation, which was not a serious problem.

Originally, it was thought that the matter was over, but Emperor Jia Zhao woke up from his fainting spell and hurriedly summoned Marquis Zhao Zhongjing, Shi Ding, to the palace.

He quickly issued an edict to mobilize troops and impose a curfew. Although the military situation in the north was dire, and the remnants of the Mongols were marching south, it was only right to strengthen the defense of the capital region.

But it shouldn't be rushed like this, not even a night's rest.

When Gu Yankui voiced his doubts, Emperor Jiazhao remained indifferent and simply said, "With a great battle imminent, people's hearts are unsettled. It is better to be prepared than not."

Gu Yankui was puzzled and wondered what was going on when the Empress came to visit him.

He was also a veteran official who had experienced many ups and downs in the political arena. The fact that the Empress was so well-informed made Gu Yankui realize the truth immediately.

……

Throughout history, the emperor's health condition has always been a taboo and a secret within the inner palace.

Not to mention vomiting blood and fainting, which involve life-or-death situations, the news would be strictly sealed off to avoid causing panic and unrest among the imperial court and the imperial heirs.

The emperor had just fallen seriously ill in the warm pavilion. Guo Lin, being experienced and capable, restrained the eunuchs and palace maids in the palace from moving around without permission, a fact witnessed by Gu Yankui.

This is also common practice in the palace; before the emperor's condition is confirmed, the news must not be spread outside the inner chambers.

Unexpectedly, the Empress, far away in Fengzao Palace, learned of the news so quickly in less than a quarter of an hour. Who exactly leaked the information?
The Emperor and Empress were deeply in love, but as with all women, their greatest love lies for their children, and behind the Empress was the Emperor's eldest son...

Gu Yankui recalled Emperor Jia Zhao's words: "With a great battle imminent, people's hearts are unsettled; it is better to be prepared than not."

When the Emperor said these words, his face was still sickly, but the scheming, perseverance, cunning and determination in his heart made Gu Yankui shudder.

This is the way of the king, this is the way of the hegemon. Even when life and death are on the verge of collapse, one still anticipates the situation, leaving nothing out, laying out a trap, and weighing the hearts of the people...

Once Gu Yankui understood the crux of the matter, he couldn't help but sigh deeply. "The emperor's heart is as firm as iron, and serving him is like serving a tiger"—this was absolutely true.

Hopefully, some will be alerted and refrain from rash and ignorant actions before the emperor's plans and strategies, and be able to withstand careful scrutiny and examination...

……

The Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Palace, Warm Pavilion.

Empress Jingde sat by the couch and said, "Your Majesty, the Mongol invaders are now invading the borders, and the country is facing a critical situation. Your Majesty is needed to stand firm and take charge of the overall situation."

Your Majesty should prioritize maintaining your health in all matters. Regarding military affairs, you only need to grasp the essentials and avoid personally handling every detail. Delegating these matters to renowned ministers and generals will yield twice the results with half the effort.

Emperor Jia Zhao glanced at the Empress and smiled slightly: "I understand the Empress's intentions. With veteran ministers like Gu Yan Kui assisting in the court, the internal affairs are peaceful and there is no need to worry about the future."

There are many generals who are skilled in battle, and among my sons, Chongmao is a natural-born military talent.

Among the younger generation of the Great Zhou, his military command abilities and achievements surpass even those of Jia Cong.

However, Chongmao is still too young and somewhat impetuous. I have high hopes for my son, so I naturally don't want to force him to grow up too fast.

This campaign against the Mongols is no small matter, as it concerns the very foundation of the nation. It is more reliable and appropriate to have a veteran general as the commander-in-chief.

As for the position of deputy commander-in-chief, I and my ministers have been discussing it these past few days, but a final decision has not yet been made.

Empress Jingde felt a pang of disappointment upon hearing that the veteran general was to be the commander-in-chief.

Upon hearing that the deputy commander-in-chief had not yet been chosen, the emperor happened to mention the Prince of Zhao, which showed that he had already given it thought, and a hint of joy arose in his heart.

He said, "Selecting commanders and generals is a major military matter, and Your Majesty should naturally plan carefully, but please don't overthink it."

Emperor Jia Zhao said, "I know my limits. I am tired today, so I will stay in the warm pavilion. I need to rest well tomorrow because I will be discussing state affairs."

Empress Jingde understood the meaning, bowed to Emperor Jiazhao to take her leave, and left the warm pavilion with her maids and imperial carriage.

As Emperor Jiazhao watched the Empress leave, a hint of weariness appeared on his face. He couldn't help but sigh softly, his expression filled with loneliness and desolation.

……

At this moment, Guo Lin strode into the warm pavilion and said, "Your Majesty, I have been ordered to investigate and find the person who leaked the information."

Emperor Jia Zhao's eyes flashed with a fierce light as he asked, "Who dares to be so audacious!"

Guo Lin said, "Your Majesty, a eunuch in the Imperial Pharmacy overheard the eunuch who was preparing the medicine mentioning a few words and then inquired about the matter of the warm chamber."

The servants had already subjected him to severe torture. He confessed that after hearing the news, he had left the Imperial Pharmacy without permission to inform the eunuchs of the Fengzao Palace Water Room.

I have already had someone check the palace guards at Chengtian Gate. Half an hour ago, the waterwheel from Fengzao Palace left the palace to draw spring water from the North Mountain.

The Empress has maintained her beauty regimen for many years, using spring water from Beishan for drinking tea and washing her face, and the waterwheel leaves the palace every day after sunset.

This eunuch from the water room was a familiar face; the palace guards had personally seen him leave the palace in a carriage.

Emperor Jia Zhao smiled coldly and said, "No wonder the Empress is so well-informed. It's not hard to guess what kind of shady business this eunuch from the water room is up to when he leaves the palace at this time."

"Mobilize manpower to investigate immediately; I want to know the truth before I retire for the night!"

After Guo Lin received his orders and left the palace, Emperor Jia Zhao remained silent for a long time, a murderous glint appearing in his eyes. He grabbed a teacup from the table and smashed it to the ground, shattering it into pieces...

……

Time passed unnoticed, and the night grew increasingly dark before Guo Lin hurriedly returned to the warm pavilion.

He said, "Your Majesty, I have already mobilized my men to investigate and found that after the waterwheel of Fengzao Palace left the palace, the eunuch in charge of the waterwheel left the team midway."

The servant had someone check the route of the waterwheel at Fengzao Palace, and it just so happened to pass near the Zhao Prince's residence.

Less than a quarter of an hour ago, there was frequent movement inside the Prince Zhao's residence. Several groups of people left the residence one after another, exiting through the side gate. They were dressed in plain clothes, and their whereabouts were unknown..." (End of this chapter)