Chapter 774

Empress Dowager Jiang

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "Among you three siblings, the one I can most rely on is you; you are also the most promising."

Prince Yan's Manor

Empress Dowager Jiang smiled and said: "Don't speak of the kindness of bearing and raising you; since I gave birth to you, I ought to nurture you. In my eyes, you are all my dearest."

Cien Garden

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "I heard that last night something major happened at Prince Yan's mansion."

Father Emperor

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "When children grow up, they no longer listen to their mother; you all think I'm old and worry that I'll be disturbed, so you've kept many things from me."

Xue Shengkang said: "Empress Dowager, I dare not deceive you, but since there is nothing serious, there's no need to disturb your tranquility."

"Xue Shengjing was assassinated and nearly lost his life— isn't that a major incident?"

Xue Shengkang looked at his mother, whose face showed displeasure, and his heart sank. He realized that the Empress Dowager had not gone to Prince Yan's mansion to visit Xue Shengjing, but had come directly to the palace; she was suspecting whether this assassination was related to him. He whispered: "Empress Dowager, I immediately sent an imperial physician to treat Xue Shengjing's injuries; he only suffered superficial wounds, nothing serious, so please do not worry excessively. As for this assassination, a full investigation has already been launched; we must get to the bottom of it to ensure such an incident does not happen again."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "You three are born of the same mother; in my eyes there is no difference among you. But when your father was alive, he most favored Xue Shengjing, who was intelligent, quick-witted, eloquent; at one point, your father even considered making him crown prince."

Xue Shengkang smiled and said: "Actually, it makes no difference which of us brothers occupies that position; if my younger brother had inherited the throne back then, as his elder brother I would not have a single word of complaint, and I would surely do my utmost to assist him in achieving great accomplishments."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "In terms of breadth of mind, you are the most open and magnanimous among the brothers; in terms of vision, you are also the farthest-sighted. Shengjing is different—he indulges in pleasure, has no grand ambitions. Your father once tested him, asking if he wanted to be emperor. Guess what he said?"

Xue Shengkang smiled, eyes narrowed, looking at his mother.

"This little brat actually said only an idiot would want to be emperor; he'd rather not bother with state affairs, preferring to live carefree and happy."

Xue Shengkang laughed: "Old Two is just like that—he's too fond of play; actually he's not wrong. Sitting in this position, one is destined to toil for life."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "What truly angered your father was still that courtesan woman..."

Xue Shengkang said calmly: "Empress Dowager, it's been so many years; if you don't mention it, I've almost forgotten."

"How could one forget? Back then, only you were willing to speak up for him."

Xue Shengkang said: "I still remember, back then speaking up for him angered Father. He casually picked up an inkstone and threw it at me; even now there's still a scar on my forehead."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "At that time, even I firmly opposed what Shengjing did; your father even declared he would have that courtesan executed by slow slicing."

Xue Shengkang said: "Father's harshness came from deep love; back then it was also for the reputation of our royal family."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "Although I stood on your father's side, I never thought to put his two children to death; though he was furious, he only issued a secret order to quietly eliminate that woman, leaving our royal line's two bloodlines."

Xue Shengkang said: "What happened afterwards?"

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "I don't know who leaked the news to Shengjing ahead of time, saying your father was furious and would have the mother and three children all executed by slow slicing; Shengjing, terrified, then arranged for the mother and three children to flee Yongdu, but who would have thought that, to escape bandits on the way, the carriage carrying the mother and three children plunged off a cliff; by the time Shengjing found the carriage, he discovered the mother and three children had already been devoured by a pack of wolves..." Saying this, Empress Dowager Jiang's eyes reddened, she sighed sadly: "That woman's death is no loss, only regrettable that I lost my two grandsons."

Xue Shengkang patted the back of his mother's hand to comfort her.

After composing herself, Empress Dowager Jiang said again: "When your father learned of this, he was deeply shaken and fell gravely ill; I knew his mind, and several times I had Shengjing come to visit, but Shengjing believed this was your father's doing and decided to have nothing more to do with him until death."

Xue Shengkang nodded and said: "I also personally went to persuade Shengjing, but he is truly stubborn and also deeply grieved."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "Your father soon died of depression; on his deathbed he kept calling Shengjing's name, hoping for his understanding; I know your father, though ruthless, would never lay a hand on his own grandson. Shengjing never showed up until after your father's death, when he came to the palace to keep vigil; but from then on he became increasingly self-destructive, indulging in wine and women, horses and dogs, wasting his talents, bingeing eating and drinking, turning into what he is now."

Xue Shengkang said: "Empress Dowager, let's not bring up these unhappy matters; at least Shengjing is still safe and sound for now."

Empress Dowager Jiang said: "I have never mentioned these matters to Shengjing; to this day he still harbors hatred for your father."

Xue Shengkang's heart jolted; the Empress Dowager's words were heavy with meaning, clearly hinting at something to him.

"I am already seventy; I suppose I have little time left in this world. While I am here, I wish you brothers to remain safe and harmonious; if I were to pass, I also hope you would stay as you are now."

Xue Shengkang said: "Empress Dowager, rest assured; as long as I am alive, I will take good care of them."

Empress Dowager Jiang revealed a hint of a relieved smile: "Shengjing's affairs are your affairs; if anything happens to him, I will not seek anyone else but you, the elder brother."

Xue Shengkang said respectfully: "Empress Dowager, rest assured; in my heart they are always like brothers."

Hu Xiaotian returned to the Palace of the Rising Emperor, changed back into his mourning attire, and was about to go to the spirit hall to put on a show of weeping. Then he saw Sir Ying walking over toward him, and Hu Xiaotian asked: "Where is Wan'er?"

Sir Ying said: "That little girl was frightened; it took a lot of effort to coax her to sleep."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: "Please trouble Sir Ying to look after her."

Sir Ying said: "Sir Hu, the news of last night's events at the Prince Yan's mansion is spreading everywhere; in three days it will be the princess's seventh day." He spoke in a way that sounded somewhat bewildering; the two matters seemed unrelated, but Hu Xiaotian understood his meaning—Sir Ying was advising him not to invite trouble.

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said: "Don't worry, I have my own plans."

Hu Xiaotian left his residence, came to the spirit hall, and just then a group of people arrived to pay their respects; among them Hu Xiaotian unexpectedly saw a familiar face—it was Zan Buliu, the head of the Prosperous Firm.

Zan Buliu also saw Hu Xiaotian at the same moment; after offering incense and paying respects, he exchanged a few words with Seventh Prince Xue Daoming, then quickly approached Hu Xiaotian. Hu Xiaotian made a motion to kneel, but Zan Buliu hastily grabbed his arm and said: "Sir Hu, this must not be done."

Hu Xiaotian said: "It's been many days since we parted at the Condensed Fragrance Tower; I didn't expect Manager Zan to come as well." In his heart he understood that Zan Buliu had most likely come for Xue Daoming, who treats Princess Anping with the rites due to a deceased wife; naturally the dignitaries of Yongdu would seize this opportunity to curry favor with him.

Zan Buliu said: "I have come this time especially to offer condolences to Sir Hu."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I have few friends in Yongdu; being able to make your acquaintance, Manager Zan, is truly my honor."

Zan Buliu said: "Since our parting at the Condensed Fragrance Tower, I have been preparing to come pay a visit to Sir Hu, but I never expected this unfortunate event to occur before I could arrive; I hope Sir Hu will mourn and adapt, and certainly take care of his health."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Since things have already happened, I cannot help but accept this painful reality."

Zan Buliu said: "I have heard that after the princess's seventh day, Sir Hu will escort her ashes back to Dakang."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: "Indeed, that is the case."

Zan Buliu said: "I too will be going to Dakang tomorrow to handle some affairs of the Prosperous Firm; I believe we are destined to meet in Kangdu."

Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian was overjoyed and sincerely invited: "Manager Zan, when you go to Kangdu you must not forget to look for me; by then these matters will surely have been settled, and I will certainly accompany you, Brother Zan, for a few drinks."

Zan Buliu said: "It's settled." He also did not linger long there, bade farewell to Hu Xiaotian and left.

Hu Xiaotian saw him to the gate, when suddenly a loud announcement came from outside: "His Highness Prince Yan has arrived! Her Highness the Eldest Princess has arrived!"

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but startle in his heart; he had just returned from the Prince Yan's mansion, and here Prince Yan Xue Shengjing had arrived, yet he didn't know what purpose brought him this time. Could it be merely to pay respects to Princess Anping? No—he had come yesterday, and today he's back again? Surely it's not just for the princess; most likely he's come for me.

Prince Yan Xue Shengjing's visit this time is indeed not to pay respects to Princess Anping; he chose to appear at the Palace of the Rising Emperor to let everyone see that he is actually fine. Since last night's assassination attempt, Yongdu has overnight become filled with rumors and gossip, even talk that his life is hanging by a thread and he will die soon. The Palace of the Rising Emperor is currently where officials and nobles gather; walking around there once amounts to making a public declaration. (To be continued~^~)