Chapter 25: Lost to Development

…

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu were women, not the men Zhang Chun wished to devote himself to.

Moreover, Zhang Chun knew that Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu—especially the former—had inherited the Song palace tradition of "Le Jin Shunü," willingly giving their men other women to demonstrate magnanimity.

Based on these facts, though difficult to voice, Zhang Chun stammered out: "Little sister… several of us heard that teaching palace maids are to be selected…"

Zheng Xiansu's phoenix eyes flickered, probing calmly: "Indeed there is such a matter. Do you sisters intend to instruct the Great Prince in bedchamber arts?"

Zhang Chun quickly explained: "We know you two must send someone to manage affairs; we dare not hope for four slots—just one or two will suffice."

Looking at the cautious Zhang Chun, then at Li Lin and the other three girls who showed little interest, Zheng Xiansu instantly understood who truly wanted this opportunity.

Zheng Xiansu took Zhang Chun's hand: "You sisters are truly considerate. We two must each send one person to manage the Wang Fu and handle household affairs; moreover, for family harmony, whether or not Lady Guo desires it, we must reserve a slot for her, yes? So we can only offer you sisters one slot—please forgive us."

Zhang Chun thought: "Perfect! I now truly feel like 'Well-versed in the Three Strategies and the Six Secret Teachings, devising plans within the tent to ensure victory a thousand li away.'"

But soon, Zhang Chun's joy turned to sorrow.

Zheng Xiansu's tone shifted, continuing: "Actually, whether a few months earlier or later makes little difference. This time, let this sister go first to manage things for you; after a few months, the rest of us will return home together, how?"

Zhang Chun followed Zheng Xiansu's pointing finger and saw that the person she indicated was Ma Xiao Jiao.

Zhang Chun instantly grew furious, resentfully thinking: "Why Ma Xiao Jiao and not me?"

In an instant, countless conspiracy theories surged in Zhang Chun's mind—perhaps Zheng Xiansu feared her, refusing to let her rise.

At that moment, Zheng Xiansu voluntarily gave her reason for choosing Ma Xiao Jiao over Zhang Chun: "Sister knows you all are eager to conceive the Great Prince's heir, but you are still young; if you attempt pregnancy too soon, it will severely damage your bodies. One misstep could render you infertile for life."

Here, Zheng Xiansu turned to Zhang Chun: "Especially you—you're the youngest, aren't you? I advise you to wait two years before serving the bedchamber; don't let haste lead to lifelong regret."

Zhang Chun wanted to say: "Where did you get the idea I'm the youngest? In both my past life and this one, I'm not the youngest among the five of us!"

Just as Zhang Chun was about to correct Zheng Xiansu's mistake, she saw Zheng Xiansu staring at her chest.

Zhang Chun looked down and immediately saw her flat abdomen.

Instantly, Zhang Chun understood Zheng Xiansu's basis for judgment.

Not only Zhang Chun understood—Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, and Yuan Qing Cheng were also stifling laughter over there.

Only Ma Xiao Jiao remained confused, wondering why this opportunity had fallen to her.

Zheng Xiansu turned to Ma Xiao Jiao: "Among you girls, this sister has developed the best—she may try; the rest should wait."

Zhang Chun wanted to protest, but seeing Ma Xiao Jiao's prominent bust, and recalling how even in her past life, at over twenty, she'd been nicknamed "Little Prince's Milk," she realized any argument would sound hollow.

Zhang Chun never imagined that after all her scheming, she had ultimately lost because of her development.

And Ma Xiao Jiao, the lucky one who had snatched this heavenly opportunity, had no idea how much business she had delayed for Zhang Chun.

To Ma Xiao Jiao, being chosen meant only that she would reach Zhao Yu's side a few months earlier than others—perhaps… she could even help Zhao Yu with something.

As for how Zhang Chun would now advise Zhao Yu, Ma Xiao Jiao had no idea…

…

After a period of reorganization, Shen Wang Fu underwent a complete blood purge. Once-disgraced Huang Jingchen, Liang Shicheng, and Li Yan now enjoyed good fortune, becoming Zhao Yu's trusted confidants and new nobles of Shen Wang Fu, always surrounded by attendants and revered wherever they went.

Zhao Yu mused: "This may be why so many crave power."

One day, Huang Jingchen came to Zhao Yu: "Your Highness, this servant has a close friend, gifted in both civil and military affairs, who wishes to enter your household."

Zhao Yu readily said: "Bring him here; let me see him."

Huang Jingchen did not move, but volunteered: "This friend of mine is the adopted son of the late Marshal Li, who once fought alongside Marshal Li in the northwest, defeating the Xia army…"

"Late Marshal Li? Defeated the Xia army?"

After a moment's reflection, Zhao Yu realized Huang Jingchen meant Li Xian—the eunuch who, during Emperor Shenzong's reign, operated along the northwestern frontier, partnered with Wang Shao to reclaim Hezhou, subdue the Tibetan chieftain Xiamuzheng, capture Lanzhou, oversee military affairs in Qin Feng and Xi He roads, and once held supreme command over the five northwestern circuits.

"Li Xian's adopted son… that's Accompanying Tong Guan!"

Zhao Yu instantly guessed that Huang Jingchen intended to recommend Accompanying Tong Guan—one of the Six Villains—to him.

In Water Margin, Accompanying Tong Guan is portrayed as a useless fool: he led hundreds of thousands of troops against Mount Shuipoliang, fell into an ambush by the outlaws, was routed, and fled alone back to the capital.

But this is merely fiction by Du Zhuan.

The historical Accompanying Tong Guan was not like this.

Historically, Accompanying Tong Guan led campaigns against Qingtang Tubo and the Western Xia, won glorious victories, reclaimed vast territories for the Song, eased military pressure on the northwest frontier, and terrified the region—but he never attacked Mount Shuipoliang.

The peasant uprising Accompanying Tong Guan suppressed was the largest in Song history—the Fang La Rebellion.

These achievements could never be erased; they were also the primary reason Accompanying Tong Guan became the third eunuch in history to be enfeoffed as a prince.

On the other hand, Accompanying Tong Guan colluded with Cai Jing, purged political rivals, and formed a powerful faction that severely disrupted governance, leading to corruption and widespread suffering.

Moreover, during the war against the Liao, Accompanying Tong Guan performed poorly as commander: he failed in his attack on Liao, was forced to beg the Jin army to capture Yanjing for him; later, when the Jin attacked Song, upon hearing the news in Taiyuan, he fled back to Dongjing Bianliang and accompanied Zhao Ji southward, allowing the Jin army to advance unimpeded and accelerating the fall of Northern Song.

Also, though Accompanying Tong Guan successfully quelled the Fang La Rebellion, his methods were brutal, bringing great suffering to local civilians and worsening social unrest.

Furthermore, Accompanying Tong Guan ruthlessly plundered rare treasures and artifacts to satisfy Zhao Ji's extravagance, using this to gain power; he also bribed his officers and soldiers with money to ensure their obedience.

In short, the historical Accompanying Tong Guan wielded immense power, controlled military authority, and played an extremely pivotal role in the political stage of late Northern Song.

Such a Accompanying Tong Guan, though not among the absolute top talents, was certainly more useful than ordinary ones—and for Zhao Yu, who was now destitute, he was undoubtedly more the better.

Yet Zhao Yu was puzzled: why would Accompanying Tong Guan choose to serve this idle prince? Wasn't he a man with great political ambition?

Through Huang Jingchen's explanation, Zhao Yu finally understood:

During Gao Taotao's regency, the Old Faction led by Gao Taotao and Sima Guang completely rejected Wang Anshi's reforms.

To this end, they even returned vast territories painstakingly reclaimed by Emperor Zhao Xu and his ministers to the Western Xia, and purged the former generation of meritorious officials.

Under this political climate, Li Xian was impeached for "seeking glory through false merit," "deceiving the emperor and harming the people, bringing disaster to the state," and was repeatedly demoted by Gao Taotao and Sima Guang, dying in despair.

Accompanying Tong Guan, tainted by association with Li Xian, was demoted to a lowly palace attendant, assigned only to deliver imperial edicts in Shaanxi, neglected and with a bleak future.

Zhao Yu suddenly understood, then sighed: "Others are reborn and gather loyal ministers and fierce generals, talented and virtuous men; why is it that when I'm reborn I only collect eunuchs—mostly great villains? Am I destined to be a foolish ruler?"

…

(End of Chapter)