Chapter 574: Spring Sorrow Presses Upon the Embroidered Saddle

The Great Zhou Imperial City, Qianyang Palace.

When Guo Lin mentioned Jia Jia Yuanchun's name, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's expression turned cold and stern; the temperature in the grand hall seemed to drop several degrees.

In that sudden silence, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier, unseen yet palpable, sending a chill down Guo Lin's spine.

After a brief pause, he said: "Your Majesty, Jia Cong, the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan, is the head of both Jia households. Whether he enlisted Xia Li Shouzhong to scheme this matter remains unknown.

I will dispatch capable personnel to uncover the truth as soon as possible."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao said: "Half a month ago, Jia Cong used Yuan Jing as a conduit to exchange letters with Jia Jia Yuanchun.

He knew Yuan Jing was a eunuch on duty in Qianyang Palace, a man who frequently attends upon me—his move was merely to convey his loyalty through Yuan Jing.

His intent was to assure me he is fully satisfied with the favors I've granted him, resolved to preserve his position and safety, and has no ambition to vie for imperial favor in the inner palace.

Though young, Jia Cong possesses a sharp, seasoned mind; even seasoned veteran officials could not match him. I do not believe he would renege on his word, expose his own weakness, and commit such a foolish act.

The letter Jia Jia Yuanchun sent Jia Cong reveals their hearts are in perfect accord; they share the same mindset. She is a woman who understands propriety and restraint. This matter is likely unrelated to her.

If not these two, then—hmm—look to who benefits most from Jia Jia Yuanchun securing a position in the inner palace. That person is surely the one secretly orchestrating this!"

Guo Lin said: "Your Majesty's insight is profound. Based on your words, the mastermind behind this is likely Lady Jia Shi, or perhaps Jia Zheng, Jia Jia Yuanchun's father?"

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao gave a faintly scornful smile: "Though old and dim-witted, Lady Jia Shi has spent half her life as a noblewoman of the highest rank; she still understands ancestral rites and boundaries.

Though she has always disliked Jia Cong, I personally appointed him as heir to the Marquisate of Rong—Jia Cong is unquestionably the head of the Rong household. Moreover, he is her own grandson. As his grandmother, she continues to enjoy wealth and honor through him. She has no reason to oppose him.

Besides, she is long past her prime, long since lost such fiery ambitions.

As for Jia Zheng—he once had the desire to study hard, but lacked talent and genius. The Retired Emperor granted him the title of Director of the Ministry of Public Works, effectively ending his official career.

Over the past decade, I have reviewed his performance records in the Ministry. Jia Zheng is mediocre, sitting idle in his office with no accomplishments. Had he harbored such ambitions, he would not be the man he is today.

I know the four great families of Jin Ling—Jia, Wang, Shi, and Xue—have intermarried for generations. Lady Jia Shi was born into the Shi family, the Marquis of Lady Bao Ling. I've also heard several daughters of the Wang family married into the Jia household?"

Guo Lin's heart tightened slightly: "Your Majesty's wisdom is unmatched. Jia Zheng's wife, Lady Wang, is the legitimate daughter of the Wang family of Jin Ling, and the younger sister of Wang Wang Ziteng, Commander of the Capital Garrison."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao burst into a cold laugh, the chilling sound echoing through the hall, sending a shiver down the spine.

He said: "I had planned to question Xia Li Shouzhong about who ordered this. Now I see there's no need to ask at all.

It must be Lady Wang, resentful that the second branch of the Jia household lost its title and power, seeking to secure her daughter a high position in the inner palace to restore her family's status and prestige.

As Wang Wang Ziteng's sister, and knowing his talent for scheming and climbing, he is surely implicated! Guo Lin, assign men to investigate this matter thoroughly!"

Guo Lin replied: "Your servant obeys. I will dispatch men immediately. Your Majesty, should we uncover the truth to mete out punishment?"

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao smiled faintly: "This plot was aborted before it caused harm. There is no just cause for a major crackdown. I merely wish to probe its depths."

Guo Lin asked: "Your Majesty, Jia Jia Yuanchun is the eldest granddaughter of the Marquis of Rong, of extraordinary status. She has been in the palace nine years, with only one year left before the ten-year rotation cycle.

Your Majesty might bestow a favor and release her early to her family, preventing others from exploiting her to curry imperial favor and disrupt the inner palace."

……

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao sneered: "You yourself said she has only one year left before rotation. Why should I make an exception for her?

Keeping her in the palace may even be advantageous. I wish to see what other demons and goblins will emerge.

I can see that though Jia Jia Yuanchun and Jia Cong are only distant relatives, their temperaments and depth of character are alike—both stand out among the younger generation of the Jia household. Their letters reveal a true bond, like brother and sister.

Jia Cong has repeatedly earned merit, entered the palace several times, and the Empress, to show favor, arranged multiple private meetings between them in the inner palace. Such things cannot be hidden from the observant.

The other day, the Firearms Division of the Ministry of Public Works sent a secret report: though Jia Cong is in mourning, he has never slackened in his research on breech-loading guns.

He regularly visits the firearms workshop personally, leading the development of breech-loading guns. Under his direction, progress has been smooth; within two months, a prototype will be ready for testing and standardization.

When that happens, the Great Zhou's firearms will enter a new golden age. I will swiftly equip the Five Armies' Divine Mechanism Corps with the new breech-loaders, prepared for any military emergency.

These past two years, the Southern Garrison forces have undergone massive upheavals. Though Jia Cong made two trips to Jin Ling, deploying ingenious strategies to purge major cases,

due to the Embroidered Uniform Guard's negligence, the chief culprit Du Heng was assassinated in broad daylight; the illicit firearms workshop in Jin Ling was exposed, yet the mastermind was not captured, and the involved Jia She died under suspicious circumstances.

These two major incidents, upon careful scrutiny, clearly conceal unresolved threads. If we fail to probe deeply and eradicate all treachery, this will become a grave threat.

In history, stagnant waters rarely reveal hidden truths; only when ripples and anomalies appear can falsehood be stripped away and clarity revealed.

Once the breech-loading gun is perfected, Jia Cong's talent in firearms development will once again draw intense attention. His potential will inevitably be coveted.

He will attract the most eyes—and thus become the variable.

Therefore, Lady Wang's scheme to secure imperial favor for her daughter and reclaim power and prestige pales beside what I am truly concerned with.

Investigate the details quietly, so I understand the truth—but do not alarm them.

With all matters concerning Jia Cong, I shall leave them in place, awaiting the storm, waiting for signs to emerge. I hope he does not disappoint me…"

Hearing Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Guo Lin felt a chill. Though Jia Cong's return to the capital had seemingly closed the Jin Ling cases,

the Emperor had never truly resolved his suspicions—neither regarding the Southern Garrison scandal nor the illicit firearms workshop. Both remained entangled with Jia Cong.

The Emperor saw in him the aura of upheaval, and intended to use him as bait to lure others into the trap…

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao added, "I do not wish to make a big fuss over this matter for now, but I cannot allow indulgence to foster evil. Xia Li Shouzhong has served in the palace for many years and is a seasoned veteran."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao added: "I do not wish to make a major move on this matter yet, but I cannot allow negligence to foster evil. Xia Li Shouzhong has served in the palace for years and is a senior eunuch.

I will spare him some dignity. His scheming nature is unsuitable for the Office of Eunuch Supervisors, and he must not be allowed to oversee the selection of palace women. Transmit my verbal decree: transfer him to the Office of Palace Maintenance as a supervising eunuch.

If he dares any further disobedience, I will not spare him!"

Guo Lin quickly replied: "Your servant obeys. I will act immediately."

He knew Xia Li Shouzhong had suffered a great fall—not only removed from the powerful Office of Eunuch Supervisors, but demoted to the Office of Palace Maintenance.

Though all twelve palace offices were located within the imperial palace, their authority varied drastically. The most powerful were the Office of Eunuch Ceremonies, the Office of Imperial Horses, and the Office of Palace Ladies.

The most destitute and powerless of the twelve was the Office of Palace Maintenance, responsible only for sweeping and cleaning palace corridors and stables—menial, burdensome work, universally avoided by palace eunuchs.

……

The Marquis's mansion, Jia Cong's courtyard.

In the afternoon study, sunlight was warm and quiet. Jia Cong, as usual, bent over his desk, reviewing classical texts and composing examination essays.

At the other end of the desk, Lingguan sat absorbed in copying calligraphy.

Sunlight streamed through the window, falling upon Lingguan's slender, delicate back. Her glossy black hair shimmered in the golden glow.

She bent her head, carefully tracing the characters, a strand of hair stirring gently in the breeze.

Her eyebrows, faint as distant mountains; her eyes, soft as autumn waters; her lips, pink and tender, like the first spring blossom on a young shoot.

She wore a crimson brocade jacket with floral embroidery, a pale lilac-collared jacket, a white Songjiang cotton long skirt, and a light purple embroidered sweatband tied at her waist.

Her bright, lively attire accentuated her slender waist and delicate frame, graceful and poised—though barely past the age of fifteen, she already radiated charm.

In this refined study, her slender wrist poised the brush, strokes flowing effortlessly, exuding an ineffable grace and liveliness.

Since tomorrow was Feng Shi's birthday, Jia Cong granted Zhen Ying Lady Lian a few days off to return home and celebrate with her mother, and had Seeing Yingchun prepare a birthday gift to send.

When Zhen Ying Lady Lian left, she entrusted the study duties to Lingguan—perfect, as Lingguan's quiet nature suited the task well.

When they were in Jin Ling, Jia Cong had personally taught Lingguan how to read and write.

When they were in Jin Ling, Jia Cong had personally taught Lingguan to read and write.

Because of her innate intelligence and diligence, since entering the Marquis's mansion half a year ago, she could now read the entire script of The Romance of the Western Chamber.

Originally, when Jia Cong brought Lingguan back to the capital, she had been a courtesan purchased by Zou Min for the Music Bureau. Jia Cong had enlisted Du Heng's help to transfer her from the Music Bureau's registry.

Thus, Lingguan was not formally listed among Jia Cong's maids. Though she lived in his courtyard, she had no fixed duties—she spent her days reading, studying characters, or sweeping the courtyard. Every few days, she cooked a dish or two in the Jiangnan style for him, to vary his meals.

The study was silent. The Western clock on the southern window desk chimed three times. Jia Cong set down his book, stretched, and leaned back to rest.

Suddenly, two soft, delicate hands began gently massaging his temples. The pressure was light, and his fatigue quickly melted away.

Jia Cong smiled: "Lingguan, where did you learn this technique? The pressure is just right—very soothing."

Lingguan laughed: "When I trained in the opera troupe, my master had to teach a dozen girls. Some learned quickly, others slowly. The master often grew weary and frustrated, and would get headaches.

Like Douguan—she was clever, but too playful. During lessons, she'd drift off, sing the tunes wrong, and drive the master mad.

Half her ruler strikes were meant for her, hehe.

Since I learned fastest, I had the most free time. Whenever I saw the master upset, I'd rub her temples. Practice made perfect.

When the master's headache eased, the other girls got fewer beatings."

Jia Cong chuckled: "No wonder Douguan and Kuiguan are so fond of you. When you say you're hungry, Douguan rushes to find you food—you've got a knack for sparing them punishment."

Lingguan burst into a giggle.

Jia Cong said: "Lingguan, it's been a long time since I heard you sing a tune—I've missed it."

Lingguan had a clear, melodious voice. When Jia Cong first met her and Zou Min in the opera troupe, he had been deeply enchanted—and he still remembered it vividly.

Lingguan smiled: "If Cong Sanye likes to hear, I'm happy to sing. But isn't singing banned in the capital now? If others hear, won't it bring trouble to you?"

She said this because last October, the old Imperial Dowager Zhen passed away, and during the national mourning period, music, dancing, and feasts were traditionally forbidden.

Though the first three months of mourning had passed, the people had already relaxed—wine houses and theaters still banned performances, but banquets were common again, just with restrained noise.

In grand households, after the New Year, when Lin Daiyu, Xue Xue Yima, and others celebrated birthdays, banquets were held, but music and dance were still avoided, never openly permitted.

Thus, since entering the Marquis's mansion, Lingguan had practiced her voice alone and never sung before others—what a waste of her beautiful voice.

Jia Cong smiled: "Within our own courtyard, it's no matter. Go shut the door, come sit beside me, and sing softly. As long as no one else hears, it's fine."

Lingguan, finding this amusing, went to shut the door, then sat beside Jia Cong.

She smiled gently: "Cong Sanye gave me that set of The Romance of the Western Chamber. I've read it over and over. Many new tunes inside—I've learned them all. May I sing them all for you?"

She leaned closer, as if afraid of being overheard, and whispered into his ear:

"By lamplight and snow-lit desk, I polish and refine, mastering all the writings of the world, yet still adrift on lake and sea—when will I fulfill my great ambition? A thousand-gold sword hides autumn waters, spring's heavy sorrow presses upon embroidered saddle…"

In the silent study, her exquisite voice rose slowly, tender and pure, delicate as silk, seeming to linger for days without fading.

Jia Cong felt the brush of her black hair against his cheek, the faint scent of her skin, mingling with the haunting melody, drawing him into quiet enchantment.

He suddenly recalled last year, when he had fled Su Zhou with Lingguan and Zou Min, escaping the pursuit of Luo Xiong, the Commander of the Su Zhou Garrison, escaping by boat in the dead of night.

That night, on the boat, Lingguan had sung just as she did today—three souls, each lost in their own thoughts. Even now, the memory stirred his heart.

When the song ended, Jia Cong smiled: "Lingguan, these lyrics are beautiful, and your singing suits them perfectly."

Lingguan laughed: "Cong Sanye is about to take the spring examination for the top rank—of course I must sing something fitting. Thank you for teaching me to read and write—I'd never have understood any of this otherwise."

We're hoping Cong Sanye will succeed in this spring examination, pass with honors, and let us all bask in the glory and prestige.

Jia Cong smiled: "A thousand-gold sword holds autumn's water; spring's sorrow weighs heavy on the embroidered saddle—truly fine sentiment, grand spirit. I hope this beautiful melody isn't wasted, and one day I too may feel such emotion…"

…

Love Shenjing, Eastern District, Imperial Examination Hall entrance.

For the past few days, many candidates had come here specifically to linger.

According to tradition, in the days leading up to and following the spring examination, the court would announce the chief examiner and related officials for this year's session.

The chief examiner and related officials not only supervised the examination's entry and proctoring, but also bore the heavy responsibility of initial screening, re-evaluation, grading, and ranking of the papers.

This mattered to every candidate's official career—and in their eyes, it was the most critical matter of all.

Thus, over these days, candidates gradually gathered at the hall's entrance, and when they met acquaintances, they would enthusiastically debate and discuss.

Studying by lamplight beneath snow-covered desks, polishing and refining their knowledge, they had filled their minds with scholarship, yet still drifted like fish in lakes and seas—when would they finally fulfill their great ambitions?

Wasn't the meaning of this melody precisely the lifelong aspiration of these candidates…

Today was no different from usual; though sunset neared, the number of students gathered at the hall's entrance continued to grow.

On the opposite side of the street, several taverns and shops were filled with candidates who had come to watch, and who also gathered for evening meals.

At the other end of the street, the rhythmic clatter of hooves gradually emerged—first faint, then clear and loud, finally swelling into a rapid, muffled thunder.

Many candidates near the hall turned instinctively toward the distant street.

At the street's end, the fiery glow of the setting sun bathed over a dozen steeds, their coats drenched in blood-red twilight as they trotted forward, unhurried and steady.

The thundering hooves seemed to pound like drums in each candidate's heart, shaking their spirits and stirring waves of fervent blood…

Among these riders, the two leaders were civil officials of the Ministry of Rites, sixth rank, dressed in blue robes; one carried a bright yellow bundle, his expression unusually solemn.

The other ten were elite imperial guards, fully armored, swords at their sides, strong and imposing.

The candidates watching near the hall stirred like ripples stirred by a strong wind, all unconsciously surging forward.

When the dozen riders reached the hall's entrance, the two Ministry officials dismounted first; the ten imperial guards remained mounted, forming a barrier to hold back the surging candidates.

The Ministry official carrying the yellow bundle carefully unslung it, removed the imperial edict from its brocade box, raised it above his head with both hands, and bowed slightly northward.

At once, hall clerks and attendants rushed out, meticulously coating the designated posting wall—already cleared—with fine rice paste.

The Ministry official carefully affixed the imperial edict to the wall; the ten accompanying imperial guards dismounted and stood guard before the royal proclamation.

The candidates who had gathered could no longer contain themselves—they surged forward, stopping just before the imperial guard line, yet still pushing and jostling in the crowd.

The edict posted at the hall's entrance was the court's official announcement of the chief examiner and related officials for the Emperor Jia Zhao Fifteenth Year spring examination.

…

The edict listed nearly a hundred officials in dense script; the thronging candidates erupted in murmurs of awe, surprise, or delight.

The various upheavals stirred before the spring examination now seemed to echo faintly in this very moment…

At the very top of the edict, the three names of this year's chief examiners stood out, drawing every candidate's gaze.

Grand Secretary Wang Liu Shilun, Minister of Personnel Chen Mo, Vice Minister of Rites Huang Huang Hongcang…

On a second-floor tavern across the street, a teenage boy stared intently at the imperial proclamation.

He was Jiang Liu, Jia Cong's personal servant; he had been ordered by Jia Cong to monitor the comings and goings at the hall's entrance these past days.

In the far corner of the tavern, by the window, a young man held a wine cup in his left hand, a brown finger sheath on his little finger.

He too gazed fixedly at the edict at the hall's entrance; as candidates called out the names, he paid his bill and left.

Besides the candidates, there were many like Jiang Liu—servants or agents from the households of noble and high-ranking officials in Love Shenjing.

For these people, the only valuable part of the entire edict was the top three names.

As the crowd gathering to view the edict swelled and the noise reached a fever pitch…

The edict's contents spread through Love Shenjing's networks at an extraordinary speed, inevitably stirring the nerves of countless individuals… (End of Chapter)