Chapter 665: The Tender Affection Heads Toward Its End

The Great Zhou Imperial City, Qianyang Palace.

At high noon, the imperial city stretched vast and boundless, sunlight dazzling, illuminating the palace walls, crimson as flame.

Pavilions rose in layered peaks, with myriad atmospheric changes; eaves crowned with auspicious beasts of blue-green glazed tile, radiant with brilliance.

Qianyang Palace stood grand and solemn, with eunuchs bearing memorials and ministers in crimson and purple bowing low as they entered and exited frequently, listening to the Emperor's edicts and conveying his will.

Every glossy imperial brick, every vermilion pillar, every carved rail and jade step seemed to radiate the aura of sovereign dominion over all under heaven.

Within the great hall, incense curled gently, soothing the spirit; apart from Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao, engrossed in reviewing memorials, only two palace maids attended, and all was silent.

At the palace gate, footsteps sounded; Deputy Director of Eunuchs Guo Lin stepped quietly in, holding several gray-white secret memos.

He approached the imperial desk and said: "Your Majesty, the Zhongche Office has submitted secret memos from the Love Shenjing branch; please grant your imperial perusal."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao was deeply absorbed in reading the memorial in his hand and did not respond, merely pressing his palm slightly downward; Guo Lin immediately understood and carefully placed the memos upon the desk.

After a short while, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao finished reviewing the current memorial and casually picked up one of the secret memos.

It recorded anecdotes of the newly minted Rank Jinshi parading through the imperial avenue, and accounts of officials attending the Ministry of Rites' Enrichment Banquet—nothing unusual; Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao skimmed it idly.

He asked: "Guo Lin, did you hear anything else at yesterday's Ministry of Rites' Enrichment Banquet?"

Guo Lin replied: "Your Majesty, yesterday's banquet was splendid and complete, fully reflecting Your Majesty's boundless grace.

Prince Prince Kangshun presided on Your Majesty's behalf, with dignified composure, effortless charm, and refined literary grace, showcasing royal splendor and earning praise from all attending officials and Rank Jinshi."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao smiled faintly: "My eleventh younger brother, though of imperial blood, is fundamentally a scholar.

Since childhood, he has immersed himself in painting, calligraphy, and poetry; over these years, he has devoted himself to scholarship, compiling texts and annotations, achieving notable accomplishments—he is a rare literary talent among the imperial clan.

Others believe the Li imperial house produces only martial and administrative talents; with my eleventh brother, they shall know the imperial house also boasts literary brilliance."

Guo Lin knew that among the Emperor's brothers, Emperor Jia Zhao held the closest affection for Prince Prince Kangshun—even surpassing that for the Grand Regent, Prince Prince Zhongshun.

The reason lay in the Emperor's mother's lowly status: she had been a palace maid in Jingxiu Palace, favored by Emperor Yong'an for her beauty and bearing a prince.

Because his mother was obscure, the Emperor held an ordinary rank among Emperor Yong'an's sons, endured neglect in childhood, showed no outstanding talent, and had little rapport with his brothers.

Only the young eleventh prince, innocent and pure, absorbed in literary pursuits, unswayed by worldly concerns, regularly sought out the Emperor's company; the two brothers formed an uncommon bond.

Sixteen years ago, during the Great Love Shenjing upheaval, Prince Prince Kangshun was but a ten-year-old child; unlike Prince Prince Zhongshun, who clung to the throne, he was too young to understand affairs and thus remained untainted.

After ascending the throne, the Emperor remained unchanged in his affection for this younger brother; upon reaching fifteen, Prince Prince Kangshun was immediately granted a princely title, a mark of deep imperial favor.

Guo Lin smiled and said: "Your Majesty speaks truly; Prince Prince Kangshun's talents are extraordinary, yet his status has limited him—if he had taken the spring examinations, he might well have been the top Rank Jinshi.

At the Enrichment Banquet, the Prince raised a cup in toast to the top three Rank Jinshi, showing particular favor to the second-place candidate, Jia Cong; in their exchanges, their familiarity surpassed that with others."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao said: "I recall my eleventh brother had some connection with Jia Cong?"

Guo Lin replied: "Your Majesty remembers correctly; when Jia Cong was only ten, Prince Prince Kangshun recognized his talent and broke precedent by inviting him to the Nanxi Literary Gathering.

Jia Cong gained fame overnight after composing a poem on plum blossoms at that gathering.

It was also there he met Liu Jing'an's disciple—without that encounter, he would never have become a disciple of the Literary Master.

Tracing back to its origin, Prince Prince Kangshun was truly Jia Cong's destined benefactor."

…

Guo Lin continued: "At yesterday's Ministry of Rites' Enrichment Banquet, Jia Cong was the sole among the three hundred Rank Jinshi of this cohort granted the rank of Fifth-Rank Assistant Lecturer in the Hanlin Academy.

He sat alongside Hanlin Academician Ge Ge Hongzheng; in both official procession and banquet seating, he ranked above fourth-rank metropolitan ministers, standing alone among the newly appointed Rank Jinshi."

In the past two days, this spectacle has become a topic of admiration in the streets, now known to all.

Your humble servant thinks that had Your Majesty named him top Rank Jinshi, his glory would have been unmatched."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao paused thoughtfully: "Among this cohort's Rank Jinshi, Jia Cong is an anomaly; neither in our dynasty nor the previous one has such a case occurred.

He has already achieved the Triple First, ranked second in the metropolitan exam, excelled in scholarly honors, hailed as peerless among his peers, is a disciple of the Literary Master, heir to noble hereditary rank, and his calligraphy and poetry have stirred the realm.

In this spring examination, he again ranked first as the top candidate; had he not been placed among the top three, the exam itself would have faced greater suspicion than the recent cheating scandal.

Yet if he enters the top three, he must be appointed to the Hanlin Academy; with his Fifth-Rank official status, he must break Hanlin conventions.

Thus, for public duty, personal sentiment, and the greater good, he is unsuitable to be named top Rank Jinshi.

To govern the vast lands of Great Zhou, I must win the hearts of all scholars; the imperial examination is a state instrument, not a tool for individual glory.

Equal standing for noble and common, fairness and integrity, no talent left unclaimed—that is the true essence of selecting talent through examination.

Bestowing boundless glory upon a single man is no auspicious sign, nor is it the act of a wise sovereign.

Moreover, though I did not name Jia Cong top Rank Jinshi, his present glory surpasses that of Zhang Zhang Wenxu, the former top Rank Jinshi; I have not failed him."

Guo Lin quickly replied: "Others fixate on fleeting gains and losses, but Your Majesty sees the grand tide of the realm, weighs advantage and harm, and discerns the hearts of men—this is the conduct of a sage ruler."

…

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao turned to another secret memo, which recorded two craftsmen attempting to steal secrets; Zhongche Office spies had probed the streets but found nothing yet…

He asked: "How is progress on the firearms workshop's construction?"

Guo Lin replied: "Your Majesty, the workshop has secured all additional craftsmen and firearm materials required to fulfill Your Majesty's orders.

Jia Cong, per Your Majesty's decree, has treated the secrets of the new firearm design with utmost caution; all workshop craftsmen have signed contracts forbidding them from leaving the premises until year's end.

Currently, including Jia Cong, only six officers of the Firearms Bureau may enter and exit the workshop daily as usual.

Among them, the overseer Master Qian Huai is a Provincial Graduate Wu; the other five are proper Rank Jinshi, all with verified backgrounds.

Before joining the bureau, each was interrogated and screened by Jia Cong, then subjected to two rounds of vetting by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Zhongche Office—all confirmed reliable."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao said: "The breech-loading rifle is a state treasure; matters concerning it must never be taken lightly. Are there preventive measures in place?"

Guo Lin bowed his head: "Daily surveillance is maintained, monitoring all arrivals and departures; Your Majesty may rest assured."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao asked: "Since Jia Cong passed the imperial examination and was appointed to the Hanlin Academy, have the two Jia households been flooded with guests these past two days?"

Guo Lin replied: "Your Majesty, indeed. The eastern Jia household is now managed by Jia Cong's elder sister; she maintains simplicity and restraint, avoids extravagance, and enforces strict household rules.

The servants in the eastern household are all original retainers from the founding of the household; none have been added or removed in years, and Zhongche Office has yet to place any spies there…"

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's expression remained unreadable: "Since no spies have been placed, do not trouble yourselves; Jia Cong excels in investigations and tracking—he is likely far sharper than your people."

Guo Lin's heart stirred: the Emperor truly valued Jia Cong, wary that Zhongche Office's spies in the eastern household might be uncovered by Jia Cong's meticulous mind, breeding suspicion between sovereign and subject…

He said: "Your servant obeys. Although no spies have been placed in the eastern household, Jia Cong is the common head of both households; they are connected by a small gate with frequent daily traffic.

Thus, affairs in the eastern household are not difficult to learn of…"

Guo Lin glanced at Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao, who had set aside the secret memo and lifted a tea cup from the desk, sipping calmly.

He appeared unusually at ease, as if merely listening to casual gossip…

Guo Lin steadied himself and continued: "Currently, besides Jia Cong and his sister Jia Seeing Yingchun, several Jia family maidens also reside in the eastern household.

One is the granddaughter of Jia Shi, the Dowager, Lin Lin Ruhai, the Salt Transport Commissioner of Two Huai Provinces' only daughter, Lin Lin Daiyu.

Another is Shi Shi Xiangyun, the eldest daughter of the late Minister of State's first branch; her uncle, Marquis Lady Bao Ling Shi Nai, has taken up his post in Jin Ling's Ministry of War, so she now resides in the Jia eastern household.

The third is Xing Xing Xiuyan, the niece of Lady Xing, Jia Cong's stepmother; she was brought back from the south by Jia Cong and now also lives in the eastern household.

Jia Cong himself maintains a low profile; apart from commuting to the Ministry of Works and the outer firearms workshop, he rarely attends social engagements, preferring to remain at home in the eastern household."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao said coolly: "The Shi and Lin families are blood-related to the Jias and are established bureaucratic clans—far more rooted than the Jin Ling Zhen family."

Hearing this, Guo Lin felt a chill: the Jin Ling Zhen family, due to the late Empress Dowager Zhen, held a uniquely special connection with the Retired Emperor.

Though the Emperor relied on Jia Cong's firearms expertise, the late Empress Dowager Zhen had favored Jia Cong and strongly promoted his marriage to Zhen Zhen Fangqing.

This marriage conflicted with the Emperor's plans, naturally causing displeasure.

Since the Zhen family became entangled in the illegal firearms manufacturing case, accumulated grievances have deepened the Emperor's resentment toward them…

Guo Lin said: "Your Majesty mentions the Zhen family; I recall something: Zhen Zhen Fangqing, granted grace by the Retired Emperor, has been observing mourning at the imperial mausoleum for half a year on behalf of Empress Dowager Zhen; her term has now ended."

This morning, she sent a note into the palace requesting an audience with the Retired Emperor, ostensibly to bid farewell before returning home."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao did not respond or inquire further.

He asked: "Xu Kun has spent considerable effort on the case of craftsmen stealing firearm secrets, yet made no breakthrough. Has there been progress from Wang Wang Zhangjiang in Jin Ling?"

Guo Lin replied: "The Jin Ling Zhongche Office branch reports that seven days ago, Wang Wang Zhangjiang led a capable team and departed overnight for Quanzhou in Fujian.

It is said Wang Wang Zhangjiang received confidential intelligence to apprehend a suspect from an old illegal firearms case; however, the distance is great, and no news has yet arrived." Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's gaze brightened slightly: "Send my verbal order to Xu Kun: do not slacken in matters of the Love Shenjing; the old illegal firearms case in Jin Ling must not be allowed to fester.

Keep close watch on Jin Ling's movements; dispatch swift cavalry to ensure unimpeded communication; as soon as Wang Wang Zhangjiang makes any capture, report immediately to the palace.

Firearms are a matter of military and state importance, the very bulwark of the realm; no rogue ambition may encroach upon them. Any act of defiance shall be met with no leniency, as a warning to all!"

…

Love Shenjing, eastern imperial mausoleum villa.

The courtyard bustled with activity; Liu Linjiang Xian's wife directed servants and attendants, packing luggage into trunks and loading them onto carts.

In the main chamber of the villa, Zhen Zhen Fangqing wore a light blue silk jacket with floral embroidery, a snowy thin silk undergarment with a crossed collar, and a cream-yellow palace-embroidered skirt patterned with chrysanthemum petals—radiant, beautiful, and graceful.

In her hand, she held a beautifully bound book with a dark brown cover, silently reciting with keen interest; her clear, autumn-like eyes often sparkled with admiration.

Her maid Bei'er watched, puzzled, and asked: "Miss, Master Jia Cong sent so many gifts, yet you ignore them all—why do you only read this book? What's so special about it?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing smiled: "When Master Jia Yuzhang achieved second place, I sent gifts through Aunt Liu and left a letter requesting he transcribe the essays he wrote for the exam, so I might read them.

He bound them into this volume and sent it to me—each essay is truly extraordinary; his titles of top candidate and second-place Rank Jinshi are well deserved."

!

Bei'er laughed: "Of course! Master Jia Cong is now a Hanlin Academician—his writings are naturally superb."

On the floor in the center of the room lay two large black-lacquered wooden chests, neatly filled with various gifts.

Brilliant, luxurious imperial silks; exquisitely polished bronze mirrors with diamond patterns; fine cosmetics of all kinds; silk handkerchiefs for women; elegantly embroidered fine handkerchiefs.

Two boxes of thirty-year-old Liaodong wild ginseng; several high-quality bear and sable furs; various new-style perfumes, perfumed soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and more.

As Bei'er packed the gifts, she laughed: "Miss, I didn't expect Master Jia Cong to be so thoughtful—look at the cosmetics, handkerchiefs, and embroidered cloths he sent.

All are top-quality items for women; how could a man possibly know such details? Clearly, he cares deeply for you, thinking of everything you might need."

Zhen Zhen Fangqing, hearing Bei'er's words, couldn't help but laugh: "You speak nonsense. Master Jia Yuzhang is indeed thoughtful,

but he is no lecher—how could he possibly know the precise preferences of a woman's cosmetics and handkerchiefs?

The gifts were sent by Master Jia Yuzhang, but they were surely arranged by his sister, Miss Seeing Yingchun."

Jia Yuzhang was born to enjoy fortune; though not yet married, he had such a thoughtful elder sister who planned every detail for him, sparing him any worry.

Bei'er's bright eyes lit up as she said, "Miss, I've been to the Jia household twice, and Aunt Liu has been there even more often."

We've all heard that Cong Sanye Cong's father is deceased, his stepmother is a widow who doesn't manage affairs, and now Lady Seeing Yingchun runs the marquisate."

Cong Sanye Cong listens to everything his sister says. If Lady Seeing Yingchun has arranged such thoughtful and proper gifts, it shows she truly likes you—surely that's a good thing."

When you were first betrothed to Cong Sanye Cong, if his biological father hadn't suddenly passed away, the palace would never have rescinded the betrothal on grounds of filial mourning."

Now that Cong Sanye Cong has completed his mourning and resumed office, and you've observed six months of mourning for the late Grand Dowager, isn't this the perfect moment for the palace to reconsider the betrothal?"

Even if Cong Sanye Cong still has three years of mourning left, as long as the betrothal is formalized but the marriage delayed, it won't violate filial duty—Miss, isn't that the logic?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing heard this and paused slightly, then said softly, "How could it be so simple? When Jia Yuzhang lost his father, His Majesty revoked the betrothal on grounds of filial mourning."

Though it was framed as filial duty, in truth it was merely the palace acting on expediency—His Majesty never favored an alliance between the Jia and Zhen families."

Bei'er looked puzzled and asked, "Miss, you were raised in the palace under the Grand Dowager's care, and the Retired Emperor greatly favored you—otherwise he wouldn't have arranged your betrothal. Why would His Majesty oppose this marriage?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing said, "The Retired Emperor is the Retired Emperor; His Majesty is His Majesty. Some things aren't as simple as you imagine."

Jia Yuzhang is His Majesty's most trusted minister; His Majesty relies on his expertise in firearms and regards the new weapons as a bulwark of the realm."

But your third brother is entangled in the smuggling and illicit manufacture of firearms—this has enraged His Majesty. How could he allow Jia Yuzhang to be linked to your family?"

There are many hidden reasons behind this—words cannot fully explain it."

Bei'er seemed skeptical and asked, "Miss, you and Cong Sanye are both unmarried. Even if the palace won't arrange the betrothal, can't our two families simply unite on our own?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing, seeing Bei'er's innocence, gave a faint, bitter smile. "Both you and Jia Yuzhang are scions of noble houses, bearing the weight of your families' honor. Marriage is no trivial matter."

He is so young yet already ranked second in the imperial examination and appointed as a Hanlin scholar—brilliant, with an illustrious future ahead."

If he truly pledged his heart to me, he might ruin his brilliant career. He has come this far through great hardship—I cannot bear to see him sacrifice it…"

Bei'er heard her mistress's voice grow low and tremble slightly at the end, as if filled with unspeakable sorrow…"

Bei'er heard her mistress's voice grow low and tremble slightly at the end, as if brimming with unspeakable sorrow...

On the southern road leading to the imperial mausoleum villa, a swift horse galloped rapidly. The rider reined in sharply at the villa's gate.

The rider was a sturdy young man in his early twenties. He leapt from the saddle, drenched in sweat and exhausted, as if he had traveled a long distance without rest.

He ran into the outer courtyard and saw Aunt Liu directing servants as they unloaded cargo.

He shouted, "Aunt Liu, Master Liu sent urgent news from Jin Ling—I must deliver it immediately to Third Miss!"

Inside the main chamber of the inner courtyard, Zhen Zhen Fangqing read the urgent letter from Liu Linjiang Xian. Her lovely face turned pale, her expression grave.

Aunt Liu asked, "Third Miss, the messenger, Wang Hai, is my husband's trusted attendant."

He was ordered by my husband to deliver this letter day and night without a single day's delay."

Third Miss, what in my husband's letter could be so urgent?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing said, "You know well that after my third brother died, I reviewed the accounts and discovered that his steward, Chen Qiong, had committed many violations behind the family's back."

To clean up the household and avoid being tainted by him, we reported his crimes to the authorities, and he was imprisoned."

But Chen Qiong had two sons; one is the steward of Haiyun Pavilion."

My third brother secretly stored Ottoman steel in Haiyun Pavilion's warehouse—this was handled by Chen Qiong's son, named Chen Rong."

After Chen Qiong was imprisoned, Chen Rong learned of the news and fled Jin Ling in secret."

Since he was merely a steward, and we Zhen family didn't pursue him, the authorities never noticed his disappearance."

But the newly appointed Embroidered Uniform Guard Battalion Commander, Wang Wang Zhangjiang, is an extremely capable man. Somehow, through careful investigation, he traced the fugitive Chen Rong."

Yet since Chen Rong vanished without a trace, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has been unable to capture him."

In truth, I secretly hope he is never caught—because if he is, under the Guard's torture, nothing will remain unsaid."

Then my third brother's illicit manufacture of firearms will be conclusively proven—and our Zhen family will be in dire straits."

In his letter, Uncle Liu said that after Chen Qiong was imprisoned, the authorities sentenced him to penal labor in Min-Nan Yue, but his wife remained in Jin Ling to survive."

About six or seven days ago, the Embroidered Uniform Guard suddenly arrested Chen Qiong's wife and imprisoned her in their grand jail."

Then Wang Wang Zhangjiang led many Embroidered Uniform Guard troops and mobilized ships from the Jin Ling Water Supervision Office to sail south overnight."

Uncle Liu spent silver to find connections and learned that Wang Wang Zhangjiang's fleet headed for Quanzhou!"

Moreover, Chen Qiong's wife remains imprisoned in the Embroidered Uniform Guard jail—this situation is highly suspicious."

Uncle Liu suspects the Guard has learned Chen Rong's whereabouts, so they imprisoned Chen Qiong's wife to extract testimony through torture."

Wang Wang Zhangjiang, a high-ranking Battalion Commander, personally led the expedition south—this must mean the matter is of grave importance."

He has been investigating our Zhen family, and Chen Rong is the key."

Aunt Liu's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.

But she added, "Third Miss, though these words sound plausible, they are only my husband's speculation—could he be overly cautious?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing shook her head. "I believe Uncle Liu is right!"

Because after Wang Wang Zhangjiang left Jin Ling, the number of Embroidered Uniform Guard personnel guarding the Zhen family mansion doubled—now they are on full alert, as if facing an enemy."

All Zhen family members and servants entering or leaving are under tight surveillance—as if afraid someone might escape. This is highly unusual."

Aunt Liu, hearing this, abandoned all hope and said anxiously, "Third Miss, what should we do?"

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's expression darkened. "What must come cannot be avoided. Once Chen Rong is captured, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has too many means to destroy our Zhen family utterly."

I will write a letter immediately, instructing Uncle Liu to prepare."

Wang Wang Zhangjiang arrived in Quanzhou six days ago. Even if he captures Chen Rong immediately upon arrival, he still needs time for interrogation and evidence gathering."

The capital won't receive confirmed news for at least five more days."

The capital has become a place of danger. The Grand Dowager's mourning period has ended—I must return."

This morning I submitted a petition to the palace; tomorrow morning I will bid farewell to the Retired Emperor, and we will depart at sunset."

One more thing—Aunt Liu, go to the Marquisate and deliver a letter for me to Jia Yuzhang…" (End of chapter)

There is one more thing—Lady Lin, please go to the Marquis's mansion and deliver this letter to Jia Jia Yuzhang…". (End of chapter)