Chapter 43
By evening, the gossip was already rampant across Nanyuan: Gu Shoufu had collapsed from heatstroke, and Li Yao had been the one to haul him back. It was the usual drama of civil servants and military officers, but with the added twist of Gu Shoufuâs delicate and stunning granddaughter. Suddenly, the story got a lot more interesting, and Empress Cao could hardly turn a blind eye.
Later that night, Emperor Yuan Qing made his way to her quarters for dinner. At forty-one, he still moved with surprising agility, but over time, his youthful vigor had been replaced by a sluggish, almost feline laziness. He had once been the epitome of refinement, but now, years of indulgence had softened him, the sharpness of his once-pristine looks fading, replaced by a creeping indolence.
Empress Cao had admired him when she first entered the palace, but time had worn away that affection. Her priorities had shifted. She no longer cared whether the Emperor showered her with attention. Her focus was clear: as long as her son stayed firmly on the throne, nothing else mattered. Who Emperor Yuan Qing chose to share his bed with was no longer her concern.
Still, in his presence, she played the part. She showered him with just enough reverence, attended to his needs with delicate care, as was expected. After their meal, Emperor Yuan Qing popped his usual health pill. Without skipping a beat, Empress Cao had a sweet, tangy apricot preserve ready for him, the kind of attention that left nothing to be desired.
As the pill worked its magic, rejuvenating him, Emperor Yuan Qing felt a familiar surge of energy. Had it been day, he wouldâve been galloping across the plains, indulging in a bit of sport. But tonight, it was Empress Cao who was the target of his renewed vigor.
He was a man who craved indulgence, someone who used to savor the company of his concubines, though now, they were little more than a fleeting pleasure. His interest in women had waned, but every now and then, he still found himself drawn to them. Once heâd satisfied his desires, though, they quickly faded from his mind.
Empress Caoâs voice, soft and silky, seemed to go on forever as the health pill worked its magic. Not only had it revived Emperor Yuan Qingâs energy, but it had also left Empress Cao more than satisfied. Her own pleasure lingered long after the Emperor's.
Later, as the couple melted into each otherâs arms, Empress Cao waited, her patience deliberate and measured. Then, Emperor Yuan Qing, taking the initiative to break the silence, lazily started chatting.
Seizing the moment, Empress Cao slyly steered the conversation to Li Yao and Gu Shoufu, her tone dripping with subtlety: "So, Li Yaoâs the hero who saved Mr. Gu. Since his granddaughter is still unmarried, do you think Mr. Gu might just marry her off to Li Yao out of gratitude, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Yuan Qing, caressing her smooth shoulder with the tenderness of a lover, smiled gently, "I canât speak for his deepest thoughts. How could I possibly know?"
Empress Cao traced a finger down his chin, her voice soft but her intent clear, "I do hope Mr. Gu doesnât think that way. Iâm rather fond of young Gu Min myself."
Emperor Yuan Qing raised an eyebrow in surprise, leaning in, "So, youâre trying to match up Gu Min with Huaibei?"
Empress Cao simply nodded, her expression thoughtful, "Yunzhu and Huaibei shared a childhood bond, and I had hoped theyâd grow into something more. But fate... well, fate had other plans. Out of all the women in the capital, Gu Minâs gentle nature and talent are the perfect fit for Huaibei. I know a wedding just took place, but mark my words, Iâll be arranging something for them next year."
Deep down, Empress Cao had grander plans. She wanted Gu Min as her daughter-in-law, but her son was still too young to be taken seriously, and the age gap was undeniable. Gu Shoufu, still in his prime at fifty, might not hold onto his position of chief minister much longer. In ten years, when her son came of age, her other sons would be far from the court, making her sonâs claim to the throne unchallenged.
It would be ideal for Gu Min to marry her youngest brother. If she had to settle for someone else, fineâbut the last thing sheâd ever allow was for her to be snatched up by the Li family.
The Li family, particularly Li Yunzhu, had it out for Empress Cao, their whispers in Cao Xunâs ear only widening the rift. Empress Cao feared their influence could turn Cao Xun against her, maybe even push him to support the second prince. Alone, the power of the Cao Xun and Li families was troublesome enoughâbut throw in the Gu family, and Empress Cao would lose sleep over it every night.
Emperor Yuan Qing chuckled softly, "Gu Min and Huaibei, huh? A perfect match, but I worry Huaibei hasnât fully moved on from his past."
Empress Cao smiled back, her voice laced with confidence, "Nonsense. Yunzhuâs already married his brother. Huaibei is a man of wisdom, and you saw it for yourselfâthe way he shined on the hunting grounds. No hint of the past in him. My mother often speaks of the bond between them, how theyâve always competed and raced together."
Emperor Yuan Qing yawned lazily, "Well, as long as theyâre loyal brothers and serve the court well, thatâs all that matters."
Empress Cao, with a playful glint in her eye, asked, "Then, may I invite the first assistantâs wife for tea tomorrow, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Yuan Qing, a smile tugging at his lips, replied, "Of course. And if you truly play matchmaker, Iâll reward you with a marriage to Huaibei."
With a mischievous glimmer in her eyes, Empress Cao wrapped her arms around Emperor Yuan Qing's neck, pulling him in for a heated kiss that lingered on his lips, her passion unmistakable. The Emperor grinned, a knowing smile spreading across his face as he softly caressed her back, his touch a gentle reassurance.
*
The next morning, as expected, Empress Cao sent for the first assistant's wife, her message clear, and her intentions as sharp as ever.
Meanwhile, as the first assistant's wife changed her clothes, she pondered the Empress' true motives, her curiosity piqued. She turned to her husband, lounging lazily on the bed, and asked, "If the Empress is so concerned about your health, why send for me? She could have easily sent a eunuch."
Gu Shoufu, eyes half-lidded and calm, replied, "Maybe itâs about A Minâs marriage."
His mind was already elsewhere, observing Li Yao, the reckless man, lifting his granddaughter onto a horse. He knew the gossip would follow swiftly. Young love was always fodder for scandal. Even the Emperor wouldn't stay out of it, let alone the Empress, whose interests in such affairs were no secret.
The first assistantâs wife, a woman of deep contemplation, shifted her thoughts to Pan Shi. Pan Shi had once looked to powerful generalsâ families for suitable daughters-in-law, but after the Xie familyâs refusal of Cao Shao last month, Pan Shi had shifted her gaze to civil servant families. With a bold move, she began plotting a match between her granddaughter, A Min.
The marriage wasnât just about loveâit was about power. Political alliances were more important than romance, and Pan Shi was more than willing to play that card.
She shared her thoughts with her husband, who merely opened his eyes for a moment, murmuring, "Iâd take the boldness of Li Yao over the vanity of Cao Shao any day."
*
When Empress Cao, with a hint of curiosity and grace, asked about A Min's future, the first assistantâs wife met her gaze with a serene smile, her voice soft but laced with resolve. "As fate would have it, Your Majesty, I have already arranged A Minâs betrothal to Heir Li, with the Duchess of Ningguo's blessing."
Empress Cao's eyes widened, her fingers clenching in surprise. "So soon?"
The first assistantâs wife lowered her gaze slightly, the corner of her lips lifting just enough to reveal a knowing smirk. "You see, Your Majesty, A Min has admired Heir Li since March. She was taken with his courage during a polo match, and even gave him a red ribbon as a token of admiration. Itâs fate, truly. They are meant to be together, and destiny has brought them this far."
Her words were clear, firm, and undeniable. A Min and Li Yao were already linked by destiny, and no interference from the Empress would change that.
Despite the knot of frustration tightening in her chest, Empress Cao could do nothing but offer a polite, if strained, smile. She wished them well, though the sting of the situation lingered.
With a bow of respect, the first assistantâs wife took her leave, her exit as composed as her entrance.
As she made her way back to the official residence, the first assistant's wife found herself face-to-face with Cao Shao, unexpectedly stumbling upon him in the most tantalizing manner.
He was draped in a breathtaking jade-colored brocade robe, the fabric clinging to his form and highlighting his undeniable charm. He looked every bit the handsome, romantic young man he was.
"Just paid my respects to the senior lady," Cao Shao said, flashing a confident smile.
The first assistant's wife studied him with a subtle, approving gaze. No flaws to be foundânone at all. In fact, she couldnât help but think that this young man was far more appealing than the stiff, uptight Li Yao. If only Pan shi's had the same stature as the Meng shi's. Her granddaughter would be much better off with someone like Cao Shao. But the truth was, Pan shiâs was too small-time for that. And though her granddaughter could find happiness with the Li family, she would only face trouble if she ended up in the Cao family.
After exchanging a few words of praise, she asked, "So, where are you headed off to?"
"I'm meeting some colleagues for a mountain climb," Cao Shao replied smoothly, already on his way.
"Well, donât let me keep you," the first assistant's wife said, her tone dripping with subtle intent, urging him to continue on his path.
Once back at the Gu family's compound, the first assistantâs wife walked in to find Yunzhu laughing with her granddaughter, exchanging sweet words. It was the perfect moment to slip in her gossip.
She waved off the maid and whispered to Yunzhu, her voice low and conspiratorial, "Empress Cao wants to see me."
Yunzhu, her eyes wide with disbelief, whispered back, "Empress Cao, and Pan shiâwhat could they possibly want with you? Even the mighty Marquis Changxing laughs at Panâs schemes. Why would they think the Gu family, so esteemed, would entertain such nonsense?"
Just as Gu Minâs grandmother entered, her face flushed with embarrassment and concern, she hesitated. "Grandmother, have you spoken with the Duchess about this? What if Heir Li refuses?" she asked, her voice full of doubt.
Yunzhu, catching the moment, took her hand and smiled reassuringly, her voice soft yet full of conviction. "Itâs true," she said. "My brother knows about my motherâs proposal. He told me it was her decision, though he did admitâhe never imagined youâd truly fall for him."
Gu Min, completely taken aback, turned her face away, her cheeks burning with shyness.
*
Meng Shiâs heart sang with elation when Yunzhu returned bearing news as sweet as honey. Emperor Yuan Qing, too, caught wind of Empress Caoâs little ordeal with the meddlesome wife of the first assistant.
Amusement sparkled in his eyesâhow could his Empress, with all her royal airs, prove no more cunning than her own mother?
The eunuch who delivered the tidings had the sense to slip away without a word, leaving the Emperor alone in the tranquil company of his soft, purring cat. His gaze drifted to the battlefield below, where the second prince and the Crown Prince stood poised, their targets gleaming like invitations to glory.
"Begin," Emperor Yuan Qing commanded, his voice smooth yet firm, cutting through the crisp air like a blade.
The second prince raised his bow, his movements deliberate and steady. The arrow whistled as it sailed through the air, striking the very heart of the target with deadly precision. A clean, satisfying thunk echoed in the silence.
Across the field, the Crown Princeâs arrow found a homeâjust not the one it was meant for. It lingered on the outer blue and yellow rings, a stark contrast to his younger brotherâs flawless bullseye. The Crown Princeâs scowl deepened, his pride gnawed by the two-year age gap that he felt was as unfair as it was undeniable.
Emperor Yuan Qing's attention shifted to the four young men flanking the Crown Prince. His sharp gaze landed on each of them in turn. âWell,â he asked, his voice a languid challenge, âdoes anyone here dare claim they can outdo the second prince?â
Zhang Hu and his companions avoided his piercing eyes, their silence more eloquent than any words. They knew better than to poke the bear of the Crown Princeâs egoâan animal that would claw at anything that dared surpass it.
A sly smile tugged at the Emperorâs lips as he summoned Li Xian. âYou. Step forward. Letâs see how you fare against the second prince.â
Li Xian, at fourteen, stood a year older than his royal competitor. He entered the field with quiet confidence, his steps echoing with purpose. Both he and the second prince shot with skill, their arrows finding the red center time and again. Yet Li Xianâs arrows drove deeper, their force undeniable, leaving no question of his superior strength.
When the Emperor ordered them to spar, Li Xian wasted no time. He moved with calculated speed, intercepting the second princeâs every move. The younger royal, though valiant in effort, found himself cornered, unable to break free. Defeat came quickly, and with grace, the second prince acknowledged it.
Emperor Yuan Qingâs gaze narrowed as he addressed Li Xian, his tone cool and probing. âYouâre ruthless. Arenât you afraid His Highness will resent you?â
Li Xian met the Emperorâs eyes without flinching. His response was firm, his words as sharp as the weapons they wielded. âYour Majesty asked to see my skills. If I held back, Iâd be lying to you.â
The Emperor leaned forward, his question now a subtle trap. âAnd if I werenât here? What then?â
Li Xianâs reply was swift, unwavering. âEven in your absence, Your Majesty, I would never deceive His Highness. He deserves my respect, and I would give him nothing less.â
A wry smile flickered across the Emperorâs face. âThen tell me, who would you deceive? Zhang Hu and his lot?â
The four young men stiffened under the Emperorâs gaze, their eyes darting toward Li Xian as if demanding answers of their own. The air grew heavy with unspoken tension, but Li Xian, calm and composed, stood firmâunapologetic, unyielding, and undeniably formidable.
Li Xianâs gaze dipped, fixing on the ground beneath him before he spoke with calm, unflinching resolve. âMy grandfather raised me to be a man of integrity, honest and upright. I donât lieâunless, of course, itâs for the art of war.â
His words struck a chord, and Emperor Yuan Qingâs lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. âIt would be a shame to keep a talent like you out of the palace,â he declared, his tone decisive. âThe Crown Princeâs ranks are overflowing. You will join the Second Prince instead. Will you accept?â
Without hesitation, Li Xian dropped to one knee, hands clasped in submission. His voice rang clear and steady. âYour Majestyâs will is my command.â
Caught off guard but quick to recover, the Second Prince bowed deeply, his voice laced with gratitude. âThis son thanks Father for his grace.â
Satisfied, Emperor Yuan Qing dismissed them with little fanfare and turned his attention to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince, once radiant with arrogance, now stood frozen, his once-rosy face drained of color. His wide eyes bore into his father, struggling to comprehend the silent blow.
Unbothered, the Emperor cradled the palace cat in his arms and strode away from the martial arts field, leaving the Crown Prince to stew in his defeat.
Resentment simmered in the Crown Princeâs eyes as they locked onto the Second Prince, sharp and cutting.
Feeling the weight of that scorching glare, the Second Princeâs composure cracked, cold sweat trickling down his spine. In his mind, a single question swirled: Was he destined to be his brotherâs swordâor merely the stone that sharpened it?