Chapter 32: Changing Tides Approaching

I originally set my heart toward the bright moon, but the bright moon shines on the ditch.

This is Fang Chongyong's feeling at the moment; on his way back to Chang'an, sitting in the ox cart, he was thinking:

Has the Li clan's mind been squeezed by the gate?

Or is Fang Youde's status not high enough, so even a pre‑arranged marriage contract can't count?

Is there some secret here that I don't know? For example, Li Heng promised that after the matter succeeds, he would arrange a marriage alliance with Wang Zhongsi's family?

Fang Chongyong vaguely remembers that Tang Emperor Daizong Li Yan seemed to be about the same age as himself.

He weighed it over and over in his mind, wondering how this matter should be resolved.

Originally, Fang Chongyong wasn't keen on marrying into the Wang family; it was only because Wang Zhongsi entrusted him with a major matter that he stepped forward to mediate.

Now, after being tossed around like this, he finds himself in a situation where it's hard to get off a tiger's back.

If he truly refuses this family marriage, he'll be a pariah on both sides; both his worthless father and Wang Zhongsi's side will be hard to answer to.

Yet accepting this marriage feels like a warm face pressed against a cold butt!

"Has the young master hit a wall with the Wang family? Is someone over there trying to call off the marriage?"

Zhang Xun, who was driving, asked in puzzlement; having been through it himself, he knew well about a barefoot son‑in‑law showing up at the door.

"They haven't said it outright, nor could they; the intention to reject the marriage is evident. I can't swallow this, so I returned the birth chart, letting them not have to trouble themselves over whether to act as petty people."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help sighing.

Zhang Xun had long sensed that Fang Chongyong's wisdom far surpassed his peers, and even held its own against adults. He thought for a moment, then nodded slightly and encouraged, "One lives on a single breath; the young master has done nothing wrong."

"Indeed."

Fang Chongyong forced a reluctant agreement, while thinking to himself, "If only it could be that simple."

Zhang Xun thought Fang Chongyong couldn't swallow his pride, but having lived two lifetimes, Fang Chongyong has seen every grand scene. In his previous life, his mother‑in‑law looked down from above, watching people through the door crack—how could that be surprising?

Back then, Zheng Shuqing came straight at him, calling a deer a horse; didn't he eventually find a way out of his suffering?

The reason Fang Chongyong returned Wang Yunxiu's birth chart seemed impulsive. In fact, he wasn't angry about being rejected; he was infuriated by the Li clan's stupidity and terrified by the looming storm that might arrive!

The Li clan is now having Li Heng use his connections to get Wang Zhongsi out of Dongyang Prefecture; she only considered convenience and ignored the huge risk involved!

If Li Heng truly handles this, then not only will they not return to Chang'an, Wang Zhongsi might even be exiled straight to Lingnan! It's also uncertain whether Li Longji might arbitrarily find a fabricated charge and deal with him.

The Li clan never considered how terrifying the energy would be when Li Heng and Wang Zhongsi join forces, nor how deep Li Longji's apprehension would become.

Li Heng now holds the solid card of Huangfu Weiming; although he isn't yet a military governor, he is both civil and martial, having been to Tubo and served as Minister of Agriculture, as well as Left Guard General.

His appointment as military governor is only a matter of time; currently he's being suppressed because his sworn brother Wang Yu's affair entangled him, but eventually Li Longji will promote him.

Because the role of military governor requires talent proficient in both civil and military affairs. Moreover, in confronting Tubo, the Tang court always lacks a commander who understands Tubo. Huangfu Weiming has countless opportunities to rise.

Besides Huangfu Weiming, Li Heng's staunch confidant is Wei Jian. Wei Jian is now the Prefect of Chang'an; rumors say he may become a minister, and he's good with finances—Li Longji's great use of him is only a matter of time.

One could say his future is boundless.

With these two—one civil, one martial, one external, one internal—Li Heng has strong supporters both at court and on the frontier.

Thus, with Crown Prince Li Ying bound to be deposed, the next round of succession battles among the princes is bound to begin. Even just looking at Li Heng's power, it's already terrifying, as if it were written on his forehead: "I will be the new crown prince!"

If among Li Heng's confidants there were also Wang Zhongsi, who repeatedly earned battle merits at the border, Fang Chongyong can fully imagine how far Li Longji's apprehension would go!

When that day comes, if Li Longji falls ill and cannot govern, Li Heng could have Wei Jian control the central administration, and Huangfu Weiming together with Wang Zhongsi control the border towns—changing the world would not be hard, right? Then they could launch a PTSD‑style slogan that makes court officials uneasy, something like Empress Wu's usurping the throne and sowing chaos.

By exploiting the deep apprehension court officials and royal kin have toward Empress Wu, they would rather kill the wrong ones than let any go. The coup's success rate could be astonishing!

Not to mention the paranoid Li Longji, even Fang Chongyong himself feels a chill down his spine when he thinks about it.

Now there's a chance to cut ties with Wang Zhongsi's family; why stay idle waiting for the New Year?

When Li Longji starts killing three princes a day, just watch how the Li clan cries! Then their whole family will live in constant fear, thinking they'll be implicated by the loyal king.

But Li Heng has probably already set this in motion. Unfortunately, the more he does, the farther Wang Zhongsi gets from returning to the battlefield, and his own situation becomes increasingly perilous.

"Fortune leans on disaster, disaster hides where fortune lies. That Wang Sheng said this journey was neither wholly good nor bad, and indeed he was right—coming here was in vain."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but comment: that fortune‑teller Wang Sheng charging five hundred wen per reading wasn't high, it was too low—truly god‑like accurate.

Back in Chang'an, Fang Chongyong wrote a letter to Wang Zhongsi. In it, he analyzed the pros and cons in detail, then spoke frankly, laying out every possible danger, and stated that the current situation was extremely treacherous and dangerous.

Fang Chongyong told Wang Zhongsi that he was lying low in Dongyang Prefecture, out of Li Longji's notice, which might actually be a fortunate thing.

As for the marriage contract, the letter didn't mention it at all.

However, before the letter could be sent, an unexpected "major event" occurred for Fang Chongyong.

……

On the second day after Fang Chongyong returned to Chang'an, two uninvited guests arrived, catching him off guard!

Fang Chongyong looked at the slender girl before him, dressed in a white male robe, her eyebrows bearing a heroic air, appearing no older than eight or nine, her silky hair simply tied up. She wore no makeup, looking fresh and capable.

Those bright, penetrating eyes stared at him, leaving the usually eloquent Fang Chongyong momentarily at a loss for words.

Beside the girl stood a teenage boy who resembled Wang Zhongsi, about fourteen or fifteen, wearing the same style of robe as the girl, just one size larger.

"I am Wang Yanshu, eldest son of Wang Zhongsi, have met the brother‑in‑law. This one is the brother‑in‑law's unwed wife, Wang Yunxiu."

Wang Yanshu gave Wang Yunxiu a mischievous grin and a signal, indicating she should speak.

"What exactly do you mean?"

Wang Yunxiu asked.

Fang Chongyong was startled and replied offhand, "Ah?"

"What the heck! Marriage is a major matter; if it's the parents' will, the one who withdraws the marriage should be your father. If the marriage is decided by you and me, you must ask whether I agree. You're withdrawing the marriage without even seeing my face—how absurd!"

"What exactly do you mean?"

Wang Yunxiu grew increasingly angry, almost wanting to punch Fang Chongyong.

"Then you… what do you think?"

Fang Chongyong thought the girl before him was a bit fierce, not cute at all, and he asked cautiously.

Seeing the matter about to fall apart, Wang Yanshu waved his hand to signal Wang Yunxiu to shut up, then smiled and said, "My father often says: Faithfulness is the foundation of a person."

My brother‑in‑law rushed from Kui Prefecture back to Chang'an, then made his way, winding, to Hua Prefecture's Zheng County; it can be called a thousand‑mile journey, establishing a man and his standing. How things are on Prince Zhong's side, how they are on Mother's side, does not represent our view.

Both I and the twelfth lady (Wang Yunxiu) think that my brother‑in‑law is one of our own, someone we can entrust with important matters, more reliable than Prince Zhong's side.

Is there such a thing?

Fang Chongyong stared in astonishment at Wang Yanshu, then glanced at Wang Yunxiu.

"What are you looking at? In a few years you'll have to marry me and enter my family; when the time comes, even if you don't want to look, you'll have to."

Wang Yunxiu snapped irritably, and after sitting down her belly boiled with anger, not knowing whom to vent it on.

Seeing that Fang Chongyong was stunned and silent, Wang Yanshu gently said, "We've always thought that Prince Zhong (Li Heng), though he is close friends with my father, remains an outsider whose thoughts are inscrutable.

Therefore this time we came to Chang'an behind Mother's back; firstly, the matriarch (Kuan, mother of Wang Zhongsi) comes from a modest family, has no sense of pedigree, likes the young master greatly, and believes he is loyal and righteous, so she can entrust the twelfth lady to him;

Secondly, we also want to know what my brother‑in‑law actually intends to do, and whether we need to do anything.

To be honest, ever since my father was demoted to Dongyang Prefecture, the household has been in complete disarray. Mother seems to be grasping at straws in her illness. My brother‑in‑law is exceptionally clever; we ask him to clear up our doubts.

Having said that, he bowed deeply to Fang Chongyong.

The sudden visit of the two left Fang Chongyong at a loss as to how to respond.

"So, does that mean this marriage matter is now your own decision?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Wang Yunxiu and asked in confusion.

The girl's facial features hadn't fully matured yet, but she already had the shape of a beauty. Her figure looked athletic, especially the proportion of her legs, which were truly good, and when she stood, she was actually a little taller than me.

"And if not? I don't want to come; who could force me to come?"

I think that you rushing from Kui Prefecture to Zheng County is the deed of a true man. My future husband should be a man who stands tall and firm like that.

Since our elders have already arranged the marriage contract, we should honor our promises; we cannot change them from morning to evening.

"You wouldn't say you regret it, would you?"

Wang Yunxiu spoke quickly and directly, unlike those shy little ladies who are pretentious; she made her point very clear.

"I'm only afraid that if we get along well, we might end up as brothers of different surnames and it would be tragic."

Fang Chongyong looked at Wang Yunxiu and gave a wry smile.

"Then why don't you, Ah Lang, hurry up and pour the wine? What does a mother‑in‑law look like!"

Wang Yunxiu couldn't help but burst into laughter; her dashing demeanor left Fang Chongyong momentarily dazed. Having seen many pretentious women in past lives, I have never encountered such a remarkable lady.

Wang Yanshu, standing nearby, couldn't help but complain, "My sister fell for you, brother‑in‑law, because you traveled a thousand miles to find a wife, and your righteousness is boundless. When she learned you wanted to call off the marriage, she had a huge argument with Mother…"

"Can you shut that dog mouth of yours?"

Wang Yunxiu, embarrassed, turned her head away and rolled her eyes at Wang Yanshu, scolding him.

Fang Dafu cheerfully presented a pot of Red Lotus Spring, looked at Wang Yunxiu with a hint of meaning without speaking, then silently slipped away.

Wang Yanshu and Wang Yunxiu stared dumbfounded at the Red Lotus Spring in the white porcelain wine cups; even if they weren't drinkers, they could tell the wine was pricey.

The three drank until their faces flushed slightly, and simultaneously set their cups down, ready to discuss serious matters. After confirming the marriage contract was intact, they could proceed to the real business; Wang Yanshu and his sister did not act as recklessly as they seemed, they also have principles and limits.

"Calling you Ah Lang now is fine. The pressing priority is to restore my father's status, but we have no way. Ah Lang, if you have any ideas, feel free to share. As for Mother's side, we'll think of ways to persuade her."

Wang Yunxiu, rare to restrain her temper, spoke earnestly.

"It was originally an easy matter to handle, but now it has become difficult. Prince Zhong's operations have probably already started; even if we wanted to stop now, we can't halt them.

They only make things worse, the more they help, the more trouble they cause."

Fang Chongyong sighed, and when he heard Wang Yunxiu's mother say she had asked Li Heng for help, he knew the situation was about to get terrible!

"If we can now get in touch with Prince Zhong's people and ask them to halt this operation, is there still a chance for a turn?"

Wang Yanshu thought for a moment, then, somewhat insecurely, asked Fang Chongyong.

"When asking others for help, the biggest taboo is changing orders from morning to evening. Does Prince Zhong not care about face? To be summoned by your family and then dismissed at will?"

Fang Chongyong looked at Wang Yanshu and retorted, "If you can't see through this round, I truly doubt Wang Yanshu's intelligence; it's insufficient for plotting great affairs!"

"What's so hard to understand? It's just that a noble person shouldn't be used cheaply; Ah Lang, continue speaking."

Wang Yunxiu reacted a beat faster than her brother; it's clear that although her temper isn't great, her mind is sharp, and she speaks quickly without any dithering.

"The trouble lies in the fact that a sage might think Prince Zhong's zeal to restore the father‑in‑law's status is because the father‑in‑law is a partisan of Prince Zhong.

As long as this layer of concern can be removed, the father‑in‑law returning to Chang'an and even being given important responsibilities would be as easy as a snap of the fingers."

Fang Chongyong gave a rough outline, but said it's better not to detail the dangers to them; frightening these two half‑grown kids would be unwise.

"It sounds not difficult…"

Wang Yanshu murmured.

"I think it's doable."

Wang Yunxiu said with confidence.

"How dare you be so certain…"

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh at Wang Yunxiu.

He himself wasn't sure about the matter, yet this little loli spoke so seriously and babbled nonsense! Could it be that just because she's a little taller than him, she can ignore the chaotic court situation in Chang'an?

"Then I'll give you a pair of shoes; later you can run more, be diligent, and everything will be up to Ah Lang."

Wang Yunxiu pulled a pair of her own newly made shoes from her sleeve, slipped them into Fang Chongyong's arms without asking whether they fit, then tugged Wang Yanshu and left, looking a bit embarrassed.

After Fang Chongyong escorted the two out, Wang Yunxiu made a goofy face at him and said, "Don't think you can call off the marriage; you can't."

Only then did she show the innocent, carefree charm a girl should have, making Fang Chongyong's heart flutter.

"I didn't intend to call off the marriage…"

Fang Chongyong's momentum was completely suppressed, and he weakly retorted.

After they left the outskirts of Chang'an, Wang Yanshu finally, puzzled yet cheerful, asked Wang Yunxiu, "Did you really set your sights on it? Actually there are still several years left. The marriage ceremony is three or four years away, and consummation is even later…"

"Those who cling when you're prosperous are common; those who help when you're down are rare. Now the Wang family is in trouble; as the one engaged to the Wangs, he can't even avoid it, so why bother seeking trouble by coming to Zheng County to help us? Not to mention he set out from Kui Prefecture and traveled a thousand miles."

"Isn't such a person still worthy of entrusting? Father's judgment isn't poor, but Mother, who always pins her hopes on Prince Zhong, is truly unwise."

Wang Yunxiu replied with a solemn expression.

Wang Yanshu nodded slightly; he had seen Wang Zhongsi praise Fang Chongyong in a letter as 'full of affection and righteousness, full of courage and strategy,' but Wang Yunxiu had never seen that letter.

"The Wang Sheng of Xianping Ward told your fortune, saying your future husband has the talent of a prime minister. I see that your brother-in-law is extraordinarily wise; becoming a general and prime minister in the future surely won't be difficult. That Wang Sheng truly lives up to his reputation!"

Wang Yanshu burst out laughing teasingly, while Wang Yunxiu stomped her feet, her face flushed red, turned and walked away, no longer paying any attention to Wang Yanshu.

What they did not expect was that the moment their mother, Lady Li, mourned her parents would come earlier and more suddenly than anticipated.

The drastic changes in Chang'an's political situation exceeded everyone's expectations!