Elio’s Notes: The chapter title comes from Tang poet Zhang Yue’s To Lord Zhao (《赠赵公》), from the couplet 舟楫中途蹇，风波复来思. The image of a journey obstructed midway by returning wind and waves neatly mirrors the renewed political turmoil here.
For the Empress’s grand funeral, all officials wore plain mourning clothes and hempen mourning bands for ten days, and the entire city fell solemn.
Wang Ji’en led several people into the inner palace carrying pepper wine and white mourning banners. Huanfang Palace was indeed deserted and quiet, stripped of its usual displays. He immediately put on a sympathetic expression at the sight of everyone around him dressed in mourning. Wang Ji’en went looking for Lady Huarui, but she was not in the main pavilion. Qiner, the maid who attended her, hurried around from the rear. The moment she looked up and saw Wang Ji’en, she gave such a start that it took her a long while to recover. “Chief Steward Wang…”
Wang Ji’en found that strange too. “Do not tell me Madam has broken some taboo again. Today of all days would be most improper. Every one of you…” He swept his eyes around. There was not another sound anywhere. “What are you all hiding from?”
“Nothing…”
“Then what are you afraid of? Why are you frightened like this?”
“This servant was ordered to fetch a few things… I did not expect Chief Steward Wang to come…”
Wang Ji’en kept glancing toward the rear. Beyond the paulownia trees, the little path was bleak, and there were probably several rooms back there that usually stood empty. Yet Qiner had just come from that direction. “What did Madam send you to fetch?”
“Madam told Qiner to fetch wine and… and funerary offerings…”
Wang Ji’en understood at once. Smiling, he waved a hand. “It is rare for Madam to be so thoughtful. What are you panicking for? Go quickly and come back quickly. Just do not let anyone else see.”
A small side chamber had been arranged like a private shrine, its door half open. Wang Ji’en went to the entrance and glanced inside, seeing only blue incense smoke drifting out. He immediately raised his voice. “This servant has brought Madam a few tribute goods…”
Clothing rustled inside. Lady Huarui came out dressed entirely in white. Wang Ji’en bowed with grief on his face and first offered a few conventional words about the Empress’s death. With his head lowered, he heard that Lady Huarui’s voice was hoarse, nothing like its usual soft charm. When he raised his eyes, he saw that she appeared to have just been crying. Her eyes were red and swollen. Knowing she had lost composure, she turned slightly away. Her usual graceful allure seemed suddenly like wings soaked through by rain. Her face was wan and white with sorrow, and although the day was bitterly cold, she had not even dressed warmly. Wang Ji’en immediately feigned astonishment. “Madam, how did you come to cry like this today?” He deliberately spoke loudly enough for others to hear, and even the palace attendants behind him carrying the offerings dared to sneak a glance.
Lady Huarui knew at once that this was improper. Frowning, she pressed a handkerchief to her temple. “Why has Chief Steward come today?”
“Madam…” His eyes remained fixed on the private chamber behind her. “A word in private.”
Lady Huarui blocked his path, clearly unwilling to let him enter. Wang Ji’en laughed. “Madam broke a taboo the last time. Today is the day of the Empress’s funeral… Surely you have not hidden another secret?”
Lady Huarui started and glared at him. “What does Chief Steward mean by that?”
“How would this servant dare mean anything else…” As he spoke, he actually moved to go inside. Lady Huarui thought of the gossip among the palace servants. Every one of them was saying the Empress’s death must have something to do with her. If she acted evasive again today and word spread, it would only become another accusation. She had no choice but to step aside.
There was nothing unusual inside, only an extra arrangement of gold and jade ritual objects, with incense burning as an offering. Yet at the place of honor in the center hung a portrait.
It was not the Empress.
Wang Ji’en had known perfectly well that Lady Huarui could not be grieving like this for the Empress. The portrait clearly depicted a man. Having obtained the answer he wanted, Wang Ji’en was immensely satisfied. He turned just as Qiner returned with the things she had fetched, trembling as she peered in from the doorway. Lady Huarui turned and told her to enter.
The funerary offerings were unmistakably in the style of Shu, still richly made, probably old belongings she had brought with her. Wang Ji’en had someone carry the wine to the doorway, then personally presented it. Out loud, however, he covered for her. “Madam is grieving today over the Empress’s former kindness. Such deep sisterly affection truly moves the heart…” His performance was perfectly convincing. “This servant knows Madam values old ties, so today I specially brought pepper wine and mourning garments…”
Lady Huarui put away her grief and stood before the portrait, staring at him. At last she let out a breath. “Thank you, Chief Steward, for not making this public.”
Wang Ji’en lowered his voice as well and set the things down on the table. “Madam is privately making offerings to the former ruler of Shu… If word got out, that would be a grave crime. Such ice-smooth skin and jade-like bones…” His gaze swept over her slender hands. “What a pity…”
Lady Huarui suppressed her disgust. “Chief Steward… I do not consider myself a fool. I have seen enough of what goes on inside a palace.” She knew Wang Ji’en was no kindhearted man who bestowed favors casually. Since he had protected her today, he would inevitably use it to threaten her with something. She could not let him gain the upper hand. “Chief Steward Wang also knows that the Empress’s death was suspicious…”
“Shh.” Wang Ji’en gestured meaningfully for her to be careful. “Madam should not add another crime to your own name. Words like that cannot be spoken recklessly.” He knew that a woman who had been so favored in Shu that Meng Chang lost himself over her, even to the point of losing his kingdom, had to be exceedingly clever and well versed in such maneuvering. She was no ordinary painted beauty who survived only by her looks. Palace affairs were nothing more than this. She had stood opposed to the Empress, and now the Empress had died an unclear and seemingly regrettable death. Lady Huarui was in the most precarious position of all. Someone was surely trying to harm her.
Thinking it through…
Lady Huarui smiled beautifully. Though she wore no powder or ornaments in these days of mourning, the whole room still seemed to brighten around her. “Who does Chief Steward think can handle the clothes and accessories of my Huanfang Palace? Someone took a gold bell from here to mislead others. Whether I did something or not, I know better than anyone. I imagine… Chief Steward Wang knows as well.”
Wang Ji’en was taken aback. He had been wary of Lady Huarui’s thoughts about the matter from the beginning, but he had not expected her to speak so plainly. “Madam is a clever person. Since both of us have secrets we cannot disclose, and Madam has shouldered such an important matter for this servant, how could this servant not help conceal this portrait for Madam?”
If anyone learned that she had secretly made offerings to the former ruler of Shu, the result would be death. Lady Huarui faced death whichever way she turned. Of course she would first choose the path that still offered safety in the present.
Wang Ji’en reassured her. “Madam need not worry. The advantages and dangers are plain enough. There is no need to fear the Empress’s matter. The Chancellor is afraid trouble will arise and has kept everything suppressed. Madam is only suffering some gossip for now, and surely that little annoyance does not matter to you. Compared with this servant revealing the matter of the portrait, it is far lighter, is it not?”
Lady Huarui had no choice but to agree. “Chief Steward calculates well. Yet I am curious too… From what I have seen since entering the palace, the Central Palace did not enjoy any extraordinary favor. Chief Steward’s actions are difficult to understand.”
Wang Ji’en’s smile deepened. “Women of the inner palace are forbidden to interfere in government. Naturally Madam would not understand. A carp lies dormant. If no one forces it a little… how can it ever leap the Dragon Gate?”
Lady Huarui had no time to consider his meaning. Wang Ji’en stepped forward to help arrange the offerings for her late husband, then lit incense with an expression of grief. At the sight, Lady Huarui’s sorrow returned. “I always knew his temperament would not allow him to last long… I tried to persuade him then too… Now life and death divide us forever. Nothing I say matters anymore. His Majesty’s rebuke that day was right… It was easy for a woman after the fall of a kingdom to write a poem and say, ‘One hundred forty thousand men all shed their armor,’ but how could I understand the true danger within such things? Looking back, saying it that way only makes me ridiculous…”
She was genuinely grieving. She still thought of him.
Yet she had never possessed control over her own fate. Wherever she went, she was a caged bird within palace walls. One had to submit to Heaven’s allotment. As long as one lived… there was still hope.
She quietly looked at his portrait and wept. Wang Ji’en watched, then took out a brocade handkerchief for her.
“Madam may have to endure some loneliness in this inner palace for a while…” His words carried another meaning, though she could not quite discern it. Lady Huarui wiped away her tears. “That is fine too… I can stay here and keep him company every day…”
Wang Ji’en deliberately examined the fabric of her cloak, another fine thing from the palace. Such a beauty locked away in the deep palace with her resentment. He sighed at length, full of regret. “Madam is also a peerless woman… You only lose out by lacking a certain cold, aloof bearing. The colder and more detached someone is, the harder it becomes to let them go.”
Lady Huarui gave a self-mocking smile. “What place does a woman in chaotic times have to speak of aloof integrity? Besides… he taught me to remember… no matter what happens, find a way to live…” Her eyes rested on Meng Chang’s portrait. “Being unable to die is what hurts most…”
So be it. In the end, she was only a woman.
Wang Ji’en thought of the Sandalwood Pavilion. Even looking toward it from afar each day, one could almost sense the red sandalwood smoke filling the entire room. The Marquis of Disobedience truly never disappointed. His reputation had not been exaggerated. He really was a demon descended into the mortal world. A dragon robe torn cleanly in two… even a man with courage vast enough to reach Heaven might not possess the skill to subdue a dragon like that.
He shook his head. Truly a frightening person.
When he left Huanfang Palace, Wang Ji’en’s face was full of satisfaction. Today’s harvest had been excellent. Who could have expected him to stumble directly onto Lady Huarui’s secret? He had been worried she might piece together some clue and speak recklessly, but this little probing visit had removed that concern. Let her carry the blame and endure the days ahead.
Most importantly, Lady Huarui absolutely could not die now. That master of his… Wang Ji’en’s head ached whenever he thought of the Prince of Jin. With that temperament, once the Prince learned the Empress had been murdered like this, he would never stop until he personally killed the culprit. The matter would never end. Sooner or later he would dig it back up.
So, Madam… Wang Ji’en smiled to himself. You must bear with it a little longer. Endure these days. Perhaps before long you will be able to renew your old bond with your former lord…
He still had to hurry back to serve at the front. Wang Ji’en quickened his pace. Today was a day when every minister at court had reason to fear for himself.
In Chongde Hall, the Prince of Jin had submitted a memorial accusing several important court ministers of accepting bribes from all sides. The moment Zhao Kuangyin saw it, he urgently summoned Zhao Pu and ordered every matter investigated.
“The Prince of Jin’s wording is earnest. I had not expected him to have investigated matters from so many directions in such detail these past few days.” Zhao Pu still could not hide his concern. “Your Majesty, if these accusations are true…”
“I know. Chancellor, keep reading.”
At the end of the memorial, the names and origins of upright officials recommended for promotion were written out one by one. That part was exceedingly earnest as well. Zhao Pu smiled. “The Prince of Jin is too impatient.”
“We…” Zhao Kuangyin actually hesitated. He had always been unwilling to think about it, yet the Prince of Jin had gone to such great trouble and spent so much effort compiling these names. Even if the accused men truly bore guilt, they could not all be removed at once. Zhao Kuangyin knew what Guangyi intended. “We have heard that the Prince of Jin’s residence has lately gathered more and more retainers, with visitors coming and going without cease.”
“Your Majesty sees clearly. It is true. This subject has secretly had men observe the residence for many days.” Zhao Pu kept considering how far he could go. At a time like this, the situation was perfectly clear to him. The offense could be made into something enormous if one chose, yet within a family it could also be treated as something small, deserving only a mild lesson. Everything depended on Zhao Kuangyin’s decision. “Your Majesty, the Prince of Jin has gone too far. If he is not punished, it will become a future danger…”
Zhao Kuangyin turned his back and remained silent for a long while. Zhao Guangyi was a problem he could no longer avoid. Especially now, every move Guangyi made inspired fear, as though more than ten years of suppressed living had driven him out of his senses. Zhao Kuangyin no longer knew what he might do.
And… what else did he still want?
“Draft an edict. Effective today, appoint the Prince of Jin concurrently as Prefect of Kaifeng…” Zhao Kuangyin spoke with a sigh. In the former dynasty, Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou had also served as Prefect of Kaifeng before ascending the throne. Zhao Pu was startled as soon as he heard it. The meaning could hardly be clearer: after Zhao Kuangyin’s own death, the Prince of Jin might inherit the great enterprise. It was plainly a concession made because Zhao Kuangyin had no other choice.
Zhao Kuangyin did not want to hurt the Prince of Jin. Severe punishment would not do, nor would light punishment. After weighing every side, the only thing he could offer was a promise. His indulgence had already reached its limit.
Zhao Pu left the hall to have the edict proclaimed to the ministers.
Congratulations immediately filled the front of the Prince of Jin’s residence. Yet Zhao Guangyi insisted that the residence remain bleak beneath white mourning banners and even invited numerous monks to perform rites.
Several subordinate officials who were especially skilled at flattery immediately began praising him. “The Empress has passed away and the whole realm mourns. Your Highness, mindful of His Majesty’s grief, has even kept the rites going day after day. Such deep affection truly makes a beautiful tale…”
Wrapped in a heavy dark fur robe, Zhao Guangyi cast a cold glance at the lower officials pouring out their heartfelt praise. “If you gentlemen have nothing else to do, why not go home and burn a few tall sticks of incense? Do not make this Prince attend your rites one day!” With that he entered the study and shut the door. The men who had received the rebuke found the whole thing pointless and walked away whispering. “No wonder people said the Prince’s temper has become harder and harder to provoke… A few words and he is already angry. And especially these days, with the mourning hall never taken down and chanting going on every day until the residence feels full of death. Who knows what it is all about…”
From the distant rear courtyard, the Buddhist chanting of monks performing rites for the dead continued without pause day and night.
When Zhao Guangyi saw the imperial edict appointing him, not the slightest joy appeared on his face. “Of course he is clever. Giving me this position is giving me a tremendous hope… what a pity…” A trace of regret suddenly entered his voice. “He thinks that because ten thousand men would fight for this office, granting it to me is enough… I do not care for it!”
It was always like this. Always this kind of bestowed kindness. From the first moment he had met the man, every hour of every day had required him to depend upon everything Zhao Kuangyin could give.
He hated the way Zhao Kuangyin could raise his brows and look down upon all living things, bestowing grace upon ten thousand people.
Wang Fu entered at exactly the right moment to check on him. “Congratulations, Your Highness.”
“What is there to congratulate?” The man behind the desk rested his forehead in one hand, eyes closed, without even looking at him.
Wang Fu immediately changed his tone. “Does Your Highness not wish to take up the post?”
“Why would I refuse a position that others cannot even hope to reach? Besides, people have always said that whoever becomes Prefect of Kaifeng may later ascend the throne…” He suddenly laughed and opened his eyes to look at Wang Fu. “It is rather like what happened back then. One always needs some supporting explanation. I suppose this can count as fulfilling an omen too…”
“Then that is good. It is only that this subordinate worries… Since His Majesty has made this move, he must have noticed something. Things will be harder to handle from now on.”
“Do you think Zhao Kuangyin reached where he is today by luck alone? Of course he understands. That is why what we are gambling on now is not cleverness. We are gambling on feeling…”
Wang Fu hesitated again and again before finally speaking. “But… Your Highness, when someone is driven too far, brotherly affection can become nothing more than a pretense. Especially under circumstances like these, there is no guarantee he will continue to care about such things forever…”
Zhao Guangyi burst into laughter. Rising, he patted Wang Fu on the shoulder. “Do not worry. This Prince is not betting on brotherly affection. That is only one small part.” The bitter cold of recent days had been difficult for him too. His stomach had felt vaguely unwell for some time, and the old wound kept recurring. After living in Bianjing for so long he had gradually adapted to the climate, yet the injury still brought one illness after another. He could not tell another person about it. He endured the pain in his abdomen whenever he could, but when he rose now something felt wrong. Clutching the area tightly, he caught his breath. “What is Zhao Kuangyin’s weakness?”
Wang Fu thought left and right, but could only arrive at the man before him. “Perhaps Your Highness.”
“No. There is another person. He owes that person even more than he owes this Prince…”
Wang Fu paused, then suddenly smiled as well. “Your Highness is truly wise.”
“Then no matter what happens, keep the Hall of Honoring the Worthy under close watch for this Prince! I promised him I would not touch those people. I never promised I would not confine them…”
“Yes.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhao Guangyi doubled over, clutching his abdomen. “Your Highness?”
“It is nothing…” Yet spasms seized him, the pain so severe he could hardly endure it.
“Your Highness!”
Not long afterward, dusk sank low. After the evening meal, the fragrance of medicine once again filled the air.
Zhao Kuangyin inspected the medicine and carried it to the Sandalwood Pavilion. In the dim light, Li Congjia was lightly tapping his fingers against the tabletop, lost in thought. He smelled the medicine and sighed. Before he could say anything, Wang Ji’en’s drawn-out voice suddenly sounded outside in alarm. “Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”
Inside the Sandalwood Pavilion, Zhao Kuangyin set down the medicine, leaving Li Congjia to lift the bowl himself, and turned to rebuke him. “What are you shouting about?”
Wang Ji’en was about to enter. Li Congjia, clearly unwilling to have anyone come in, held the medicine and moved to one side. Zhao Kuangyin noticed and stopped Wang Ji’en. “Report from outside.”
“Your Majesty… the Prince of Jin’s old injury has flared up. He collapsed at the residence and cannot get up…”
“Summon the imperial physicians!” Zhao Kuangyin’s anxiety appeared at once. There was no way he could avoid worrying.
“Yes.”
Li Congjia sat quietly on the brocade couch and slowly blew away the steam from the medicine before drinking it. Today he took it smoothly. Zhao Kuangyin came over and studied his complexion. “You look much better today.”
Li Congjia only gave a quiet acknowledgment. “Go to the Prince of Jin’s residence. I will finish the medicine now.”
The man hurried out. Just as he reached the doorway, Li Congjia suddenly spoke again. “He is your younger brother.”
Zhao Kuangyin had no time to think deeply about the words. He stepped outside, told Liuzhu to take good care of Li Congjia, and hurried to the Prince of Jin’s residence.
Li Congjia heard him leave and finally gave a long sigh. Whether that man truly was Zhao Guangyi or not, Zhao Kuangyin sincerely regarded him as a brother of his own flesh and blood. Perhaps that bond had also been one of the things supporting Zhao Kuangyin all the way to the present. He believed he had failed his younger brother, and so he always wanted to achieve enough to give him stability and repay the separation caused by that old chaos of war.
That was why Li Congjia could not tell him. After thinking it through again and again, he could only remind him of one thing: he is your younger brother. Protect him.
In days like these, no one else could be allowed to die…
Liuzhu attended him as he slowly finished the medicine. “How do your eyes feel, my lord?” Amid the bitter medicinal scent, his eyes still covered by that strip of silk, Li Congjia accepted a jade bowl of clear water and rinsed the bitterness from his mouth. “I still cannot see clearly, that is all.”