Chapter 432: The Retired Emperor

Love Shenjing, Da Zhou Imperial Palace, Wu Gate.

At dawn, the eastern sky faintly glowed; the magnificent capital of Da Zhou had not yet fully awakened from the long night.

On the streets, only a few shops had opened, and pedestrians were exceedingly scarce.

Suddenly, distant hoofbeats grew rapid—initially like muffled thunder, then as they drew nearer, like a sudden storm, drumming like war drums.

On the Hongming Street leading to Wu Gate, shopkeepers and clerks inside the stalls stared in astonishment as five or six swift horses galloped past.

They kicked up clouds of dust and fierce wind, causing the banners and shop signs along the street to flutter and twist in the gale.

Had it not been for the early hour and the sparse crowd, even imperial palace guards would not dare gallop so recklessly within the city.

Each rider was drenched in sweat; the galloping steeds panted heavily, their necks glistening with sweat.

These riders clearly endured a long journey, all gasping for breath, pushed to the brink of exhaustion.

Yet they dared not slacken for an instant—as if each stride of the horses was their final sprint.

As the riders neared Wu Gate, they saw it crowded with officials waiting for morning court.

The palace guards had already spotted the galloping riders and immediately formed a line to intercept them.

The leading rider, a young man, pulled a gilded token from his saddle.

He cried: "I bear the military orders of the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan, dispatched by the Marquis himself, carrying urgent memorials from Jin Ling to be delivered to the Inner Palace—please relay them!"

The lead palace guard captain, hearing this, was startled—everyone in Love Shenjing knew the name of Marquis Jia Cong, and he was currently on duty in Jin Ling.

More importantly, among all officials below the fourth rank, only a handful had been granted the Emperor's privilege of direct memorial submission.

Each was a man deeply trusted by His Majesty, and Marquis Jia Cong was one of them.

After verifying the military token was genuine, the guard captain dared not delay—he hurried into the palace himself to deliver the message.

This act drew the attention of many officials waiting at Wu Gate.

Jiang Liu's declaration had also been heard by several in the crowd, stirring a faint murmur among them.

That young man of the Jia family had stirred much controversy in Love Shenjing and had long drawn attention, though he had been quiet since being ordered south.

Now he had sent a trusted man galloping to Wu Gate with an urgent memorial from Jin Ling—had he caused another incident?

…

Though Jiang Liu had declared his identity and the guard captain had sent word into the palace, he still needed a reply before the memorial could be delivered.

Given the hour, they would have to wait some time longer at Wu Gate.

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao was exceptionally diligent—he rose at dawn daily, held morning court without fail, rain or shine, and had rarely suspended it for decades, save for routine holidays.

It was now morning court time; even urgent memorials from distant provinces were postponed until after court.

Jiang Liu and his men waited until the second watch of the hour of Si before a eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial came to retrieve the memorial and carry it into Qianyang Palace.

Jiang Liu watched the palace official hurry into the palace with Jia Cong's memorial, until the figure vanished from sight, then let out a long breath.

He had followed Jia Cong's orders with utmost caution, traveling day and night without a moment's slack.

He had covered the distance from Jin Ling to Love Shenjing in just four days and delivered the memorial into the palace.

The five firearms soldiers accompanying him were elite troops; after such a grueling journey, all were utterly exhausted, having lost weight in just a few days, just like Jiang Liu.

Fortunately, they had not failed their mission.

With the task accomplished, his spirit relaxed—and deep fatigue flooded his entire body.

He climbed onto his horse with sluggish movements, sharply turned its head, and said: "Let's go deliver the message to Lord Gu's residence!"

…

Da Zhou Imperial Palace, Zhonghua Palace.

This was the most heavily guarded place in the imperial palace, for it was the sleeping quarters of the Retired Emperor Yong'an.

Inside the palace study, an old man in a blue nine-dragon imperial robe sipped tea—his face lean, his spirit vigorous, every gesture radiating authority.

Seated below him was an elderly woman with silver hair, dressed in an elaborate phoenix-patterned robe, her bearing dignified and her gaze clear—she was Empress Dowager Yizhang.

Empress Dowager Yizhang refilled the Retired Emperor's teacup and said: "Your Majesty, yesterday I visited Qinghe Palace to pay respects to the old Imperial Dowager. She spoke to me of Zhen Fangqing and Jia Cong."

She wishes to arrange a marriage between them.

Zhen Fangqing is not of the imperial bloodline, but she was raised in the palace since childhood—this girl is exceptionally talented and beautiful, and I have always favored her.

I have never met the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan of Lady Rongguo Jia, but all of Love Shenjing speaks of him: a youth of brilliance, both literary and martial, peerless in grace and talent.

Such a man would suit Zhen Fangqing well. The old Imperial Dowager has mentioned this to Your Majesty—what is your opinion?"

The Retired Emperor took a slow sip of tea and mused: "In terms of appearance and character, they do seem well-matched.

But Jia Cong is from the Lady Rongguo Jia family—descendant of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes—and now enjoys the Emperor's great favor.

Zhen Fangqing is the legitimate daughter of the Zhen family of Jin Ling; she has ties not only to the old Imperial Dowager, but also to her cousin, the Princess Consort of the Northern Peace Prince.

Their family backgrounds and networks are extraordinary; a marriage between them is not merely a matter of affection—it carries far-reaching consequences.

The Zhen family's letter to the old Imperial Dowager specifically broached this matter—their intentions are likely not simple.

It would be easy for me to grant them a marriage decree—it is but one imperial edict—but if Jia Cong marries Zhen Fangqing, his official career will be ruined."

The Retired Emperor set down his teacup and sighed faintly: "The Empress has also said this youth is both literary and martial, peerless in talent.

Such an extraordinary man, so young, to be cast aside and idle—what a pity. Talent is rare. In short, the old Imperial Dowager has given me a difficult problem."

…

Empress Dowager Yizhang, hearing the Retired Emperor's words, felt her thoughts churn.

As a woman of the inner palace, she tended to consider matters from the perspective of familial affection; though she had thought of their family backgrounds, she had not grasped their depth as the Retired Emperor had.

The Retired Emperor had spoken only half his mind—he was a retired emperor, no longer ruling the realm, and thus must restrain his words.

But Empress Dowager Yizhang had spent decades immersed in the inner palace; as a woman of the harem, some things might not occur to her immediately, but that did not mean she lacked insight.

Thus, upon hearing the Retired Emperor's words, she understood their full meaning in an instant.

The eldest daughter of the Zhen family was the Princess Consort of the Northern Peace Prince; the Northern Peace Prince, Shui Rong, was highly esteemed among the Four Kings and Eight Dukes.

The old Imperial Dowager was the Retired Emperor's foster mother, bound by deep kinship.

Who could fail to see the ties between the Zhen family of Jin Ling and the Four Kings and Eight Dukes? Much less the hidden connections between the Zhen family and the Retired Emperor.

When the Emperor first ascended the throne, to secure his position, he ruthlessly suppressed and weakened the Four Kings and Eight Dukes. The Retired Emperor, though troubled, had remained silent for the sake of state stability.

This was the unspoken wound between father and son.

That young man of the Jia family had been granted a hereditary marquisate by the Emperor—everyone saw the Emperor's favor, his deliberate cultivation of this loyal minister.

The old Imperial Dowager merely wished to find a worthy husband for her beloved young relative—she could not have foreseen such depths.

And as Your Majesty said, the Zhen family and the old Imperial Dowager's motives in raising this matter are likely not simple…

If Your Majesty truly grants them a marriage, it would shatter the Emperor's plans, and the father-son relationship would be deeply embarrassed.

With the Emperor's cunning and ambition, he would surely sever his favor for the youth, distancing and neglecting him.

…

This marriage proposal was troubling enough—it could simply be refused, though explaining it to the old Imperial Dowager would be awkward.

But what truly startled Empress Dowager Yizhang was another matter.

The Retired Emperor had mentioned this marriage without a single word about the Emperor—yet he spoke of Jia Cong's literary and martial excellence, and warned that marriage to Zhen Fangqing would end his career.

The Retired Emperor fears that if this marriage succeeds, the Emperor will grow distant from Jia Cong, cease to employ him, and cast him into idle obscurity for life.

Empress Dowager Yizhang had spent a lifetime with the Retired Emperor; she knew his nature and speech intimately.

Just now, his words carried unmistakable sorrow—he felt an unspoken fondness for this youth he had never met.

How could she not be astonished? The Retired Emperor had seen countless talented youths—why did he single out this one with such unusual favor?

But as she reflected, recalling past events, she began to guess his thoughts.

In his youth, the Retired Emperor had been a martial genius, campaigning south and north, expanding the empire's borders—his achievements rivaled those of the founding Emperor.

Had he not possessed such astonishing martial prowess, how could the military clans of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes have remained so utterly loyal to him?

Among the Retired Emperor's sons, only Prince Wu most resembled his father—both literary and martial, brilliant beyond all other princes.

Prince Wu enjoyed the highest reputation among court officials, especially among the Four Kings and Eight Dukes.

He was the Retired Emperor's favorite; though he was never formally named crown prince per ancestral custom, he was the one the Retired Emperor intended to succeed him.

But this brilliant prince was slain fifteen years ago during the imperial upheaval, executed by his own father's decree.

The Retired Emperor, heartbroken, abandoned the throne, withdrew into deep seclusion, as if imprisoning himself—such a tragedy revealed the depth of his pain.

The Retired Emperor had grown up in the military, and had always favored talented youths who excelled in both literature and martial arts; many outstanding sons of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes had been promoted because of him.

Since his abdication and retreat into the inner palace, this preference had not changed.

Perhaps this young man of the Jia family is too brilliant—literary enough to top the imperial exams, martial enough to quell rebels, renowned across the land.

Wasn't that man, long ago, equally dazzling?

The Retired Emperor must see in him certain familiar shadows…

Empress Dowager Yizhang turned involuntarily and saw a calligraphy painting on the wall—bold, elegant, ancient yet refined, brimming with spirit and brilliance.

It was Jia Cong's own hand-copy of the poem "Linjiangxian"—this calligraphy, like the ancient scroll of the Heart Sutra, was among the Retired Emperor's most treasured possessions.

Empress Dowager Yizhang was certain her deduction was correct—and she sighed softly.

…

Da Zhou Imperial Palace, Qianyang Palace.

Though late summer, Love Shenjing remained sweltering; the vast palace felt stiflingly hot.

Guo Lin, anticipating the Emperor's dismissal from court, had arranged several ice chests in the hall in advance.

On either side of the imperial desk, bronze cranes with ornate bases emitted a heavy, golden glow; from their sharp beaks drifted milky-white dragon-scented smoke, soothing and lingering.

As Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao entered the hall after court, Guo Lin presented Jia Cong's urgent memorial from Jin Ling.

He said: "Your Majesty, Jia Cong has sent a memorial from Jin Ling to the capital. The messenger waited at Wu Gate before morning court, stating the memorial concerns urgent business."

Since Jia Cong went to Jin Ling, some time has passed, but there has been no new development regarding the matter of Zhou Zhou Zhengyang in Jin Ling.

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao felt a measure of disappointment; Jia Cong, who had always handled affairs with effortless success, now seemed to be struggling—Jin Ling's matter had proven unexpectedly difficult.

Unexpectedly, just after morning court, an urgent report from Jia Cong arrived at the palace, bringing him a surprising stroke of good fortune.

Given Jia Cong's usual modus operandi, a sudden thousand-mile report must mean a major breakthrough in the Jin Ling matter.

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's spirits lifted slightly; he immediately unrolled the report and read it carefully—but after only a few lines, his expression grew dark and grim.

Guo Lin, who had served Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao for years, knew his temperament well; one glance at the emperor's face told him Jia Cong's memorial had enraged His Majesty deeply.

His heart leapt; his back, already bowed in deference, sank even lower without conscious thought.

The faint summer heaviness of the hall suddenly turned icy, as if even cicadas dared not sing.

A heavy voice from behind the imperial desk suddenly rang out, echoing and surging through the hall, thick with fury and cold malice.

"How dare the Commander of Su Zhou Guard shelter and conceal a royal criminal? This is lawlessness incarnate!"

"Of the five guard commands under the Jin Ling Regional Military Commission, two are entangled in the Water Supervision Office scandal—do they intend to rebel?!"

"Commander Du Du Hengxin has failed in his duty, betrayed the imperial grace—his crime merits death!"

When Guo Lin heard the name Du Du Hengxin, his heart jolted—he was the second-rank commander of the Southern Directly Governed Military Forces, and now the emperor called for his execution; this was no minor matter.

…

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao suppressed his rage and finished reading Jia Cong's report in full; the final section detailed the Zhongche Office's investigation into Du Du Hengxin's conduct.

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao soon noticed an unusual name: Zhen Zheng Yingquan.

He reread the passages linking Zhen Zheng Yingquan and Du Du Hengxin several times; veins bulged on his forehead, his hands trembling with fury.

"What a shrewd merchant of Jin Ling! What a grand scheme! He dares manipulate and prop up imperial officials—he emulates Lü Buwei's 'rare goods for profit'—this is beyond reckoning!"

"Guo Lin, you dog of a servant! I entrusted you with the Zhongche Office—how could you let such a merchant secretly interfere in state affairs, sell offices and titles, and never report a single word?!"

Hearing the emperor's rage, Guo Lin shuddered violently, but he truly did not know what had happened; trembling, he asked, "This servant is foolish—please, Your Majesty, enlighten me."

There came a sharp crack as Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao flung Jia Cong's memorial onto the floor before Guo Lin.

Guo Lin fell to his knees with a thud, crawled forward, seized the report, and scanned it rapidly.

The secret details of Du Du Hengxin's conduct in Jia Cong's report came from the Zhongche Office's secret investigation by Xu Xu Qiniang.

In fact, when Jia Cong submitted his memorial to the capital, Xu Xu Qiniang nearly simultaneously sent the Zhongche Office's secret findings on Du Du Hengxin to the central archives via Zhongche channels.

But Jia Cong feared delays, specifically instructed Jiang Liu to travel day and night, demanding the report reach the capital within four days—an unprecedented speed.

Thus, Jia Cong's memorial arrived at the Central Palace before the Zhongche Office's secret report.

Therefore, Guo Lin currently did not know the information had originated from the Zhongche Office's own secret investigation in Jin Ling.

When he saw that the Jin Ling sea merchant Zhen Zheng Yingquan had lobbied on behalf of Du Du Hengxin, then a company commander, even mobilizing connections from the Prince of Northern Tranquility's household to secure Du's promotion to battalion commander of the Water Supervision Office,

Guo Lin broke into a cold sweat; this matter involved not merely the secret rise of a second-rank military official, but also an underlying network of extraordinary significance.

The Zhen family of Jin Ling! The Prince of Northern Tranquility's household!

Having served Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao for years, he knew full well the weight and taboo behind those two names.

Guo Lin kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, at the time, Du Du Hengxin was merely a company commander; promotion from company commander to battalion commander was a low-rank advancement in the military."

Such promotions, due to their low rank, required only approval from the Five Military Directorates; the Ministry of War merely recorded them and rarely interfered.

Each year, countless mid- and low-ranking officers left their posts due to annual evaluations or retirement, creating vacancies; new appointments and transfers were frequent—commonplace in the military.

Du Du Hengxin's promotion from company commander to battalion commander appeared exactly as such; thus, the Zhongche Office overlooked it. This servant failed in duty—his crime merits death; please, Your Majesty, forgive him!"

Hearing Guo Lin's words, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao slightly suppressed his anger.

Promotions from company commander to battalion commander occurred countless times yearly; the Zhongche Office could not possibly investigate and archive every such case.

As long as there was no outward suspicion, it would not draw Zhongche Office attention.

Moreover, shortly after Du Du Hengxin's promotion to battalion commander of the Water Supervision Office, he achieved a great victory against pirates along the Songjiang coast—a triumph unprecedented in Great Zhou's standoff with the Japanese pirates.

The brilliance of his battlefield record perfectly obscured the shadowy, dubious circumstances of his promotion to battalion commander.

Who, at that time, would suspect a water commander with such glorious achievements of having obtained his post illegitimately?

Thinking of this, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's thoughts grew deep and dark—everything seemed too coincidental, too perfectly aligned, as if prearranged…

Yet upon careful analysis, no trace remained.

…

After the Jin Ling Du family affair fifteen years ago, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had publicly transferred Du Du Hengxin to the capital with deliberate malice.

It was meant to show the world who had betrayed the Du family—that the hidden sect's treachery was universally loathed.

Du Du Hengxin's subsequent double promotion was merely to cement the narrative, making him bear the guilt of betraying his kin; Prince Qi merely enforced state law to root out evil.

Du Du Hengxin was merely the catalyst, a clear, ugly footnote for future investigators to see.

The great events in the capital triggered by the Du family's fall were merely the workings of Heaven's justice—inevitable, not man's deliberate defiance of fate.

And at the climax, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao ascended the throne in a miraculous moment—truly the mandate of Heaven!

A sovereign's art knows no good or evil—only utility and consequence.

Du Du Hengxin traded his kin for advancement; to Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao, such a man could be used, but never trusted.

Thus, after the matter was settled, Du Du Hengxin was immediately sent back to Jin Ling, ignored for a full decade.

For those ten years, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao neither noticed nor harassed him, for Du Du Hengxin alive was more useful than dead—at least he served as a veneer and a target. (End of Chapter)