Chapter 25: Lost to Development

…

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu were women, not the men Zhang Chun had 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 the “Le Jin Shu Nu,” willing to gift women to their men as a sign of magnanimity.

Based on these, though difficult to voice, Zhang Chun stammered out: “Little sister… several of us heard there’s to be a selection of palace instructors…”

Zheng Xiansu’s phoenix eyes flickered, probing calmly: “Indeed there is. Are you sisters interested in instructing His Highness in bedroom matters?”

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.”

Glancing at the cautious Zhang Chun, then at Li Lin and the other three women 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 His Highness’s mansion and household affairs; moreover, for family harmony, whether or not Little Guo needs it, we must reserve a slot for her, correct? So we can only offer you sisters one slot—please understand.”

Zhang Chun thought: “Perfect! I now truly feel like I possess the wisdom of the Three Strategies and the insight of the Six Secret Teachings—plotting within the tent, deciding victory a thousand miles away.”

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

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

Zhang Chun followed Zheng Xiansu’s finger and saw the person pointed to was Ma Xiao Jiao.

Zhang Chun instantly bristled, resentfully thinking: “Why Ma Xiao Jiao and not me?”

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

Zheng Xiansu then volunteered her reason for choosing Ma Xiao Jiao over Zhang Chun: “I know you’re eager to conceive His Highness’s heir, but you’re 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 looked at Zhang Chun: “Especially you—you’re the youngest, aren’t you? I advise you to wait two years before serving His Highness’s bed. Don’t let haste bring lifelong regret.”

Zhang Chun wanted to say: “Where did you get the idea I’m the youngest? In both my past and present life, I’m not the youngest among the five of us!”

Just as Zhang Chun prepared to correct Zheng Xiansu, 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 reasoning.

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

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

Zheng Xiansu turned to Ma Xiao Jiao: “Among you, this sister has developed the best—she can try. The rest should wait.”

Zhang Chun wanted to protest, but seeing Ma Xiao Jiao’s full, prominent chest, 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 lost simply because of her underdeveloped body.

Ma Xiao Jiao, lucky enough to snatch this heavenly opportunity, had no idea how much business she had disrupted for Zhang Chun.

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

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

…

After a period of reorganization, the Shen Prince’s mansion underwent a complete blood purge; once-disgraced Huang Jingchen, Liang Shicheng, and Li Yan now enjoyed great fortune, becoming Zhao Yu’s trusted confidants and new nobles of the Shen Prince’s mansion, always surrounded by attendants and revered wherever they went.

Zhao Yu mused: “Perhaps this is why so many crave power.”

One day, Huang Jingchen came to Zhao Yu: “Your Highness, I have a close friend, gifted in both civil and military affairs. I wish to introduce him to your household.”

Zhao Yu readily said: “Bring him to me. Let me see him.”

Huang Jingchen didn’t move, but volunteered: “My friend is the adopted son of the late General Li. He once fought alongside General Li in the northwest, defeating the Xia Army…”

“Late General Li? Defeated the Xia Army?”

After a moment, 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, famed for his “Three Marvels”—ingenious strategy, swift victories, and extraordinary rewards—to reclaim Hezhou, subdue the Tibetan chieftain Xiamuzheng, capture Lanzhou, and oversee military affairs in Qin Feng and Xi He circuits, once appointed commander of the five northwestern routes with authority over multiple armies.

“Li Xian’s adopted son… that’s Tong Guan!”

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

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

But this is merely fiction.

The historical Tong Guan was nothing like this.

Historically, Tong Guan led campaigns against the Tibetans and the Western Xia, achieving great victories, reclaiming vast territories for the Song, easing military pressure on the northwest frontier, and earning awe across the region—but he never fought Mount Shuipoliang.

The peasant uprising Tong Guan suppressed was the largest in Song history: Fang La’s Rebellion.

These were achievements Tong Guan could never erase, and the primary reason he became the third eunuch in history to be granted princely title.

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

Moreover, during the war with Liao, Tong Guan performed poorly as Song commander: he failed in his attack on Liao, had to beg Jin forces to capture Yanjing for him, then fled back to Bianliang upon hearing of the Jin invasion, accompanying Zhao Ji’s southern retreat, allowing the Jin army to advance unimpeded and hastening the fall of Northern Song.

Further, though Tong Guan successfully crushed Fang La’s Rebellion, his brutal methods inflicted heavy suffering on local civilians, deepening social unrest.

Additionally, Tong Guan ruthlessly plundered rare treasures and artifacts to satisfy Zhao Ji’s extravagance, gaining power through this; he also used money to bribe his officers and soldiers, ensuring their obedience.

In short, historically, Tong Guan wielded immense power, controlled military authority, and played a pivotal role in the final years of Northern Song politics.

Such a Tong Guan, though not the supreme talent, was certainly more useful than ordinary men—perfect for Zhao Yu, who was now destitute and in desperate need of capable allies.

Yet Zhao Yu was puzzled: why would Tong Guan, a man with such political ambition, choose to serve him, a powerless prince?

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 reclaimed by Emperor Zhao Xu’s court to the Western Xia, and purged the very ministers who had won them.

Under this political climate, Li Xian was accused of “seeking fame 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.

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 reincarnate and gather loyal generals and brilliant talents; why do I, reincarnated, collect only eunuchs—and mostly corrupt ones? Am I destined to be a tyrant?”

…

(End of Chapter)