Chapter 5
Inside the room, the fire burned brightly as Madam Liu sat in the hall, just finishing arranging the tasks for the servants for the day. Suddenly, she remembered what Mu Gui had told her yesterday, that Li Wenjian couldn't handle the heaviness of Chen Pu's brew.
"Hui-nang, I remember there are a few boxes of last year's spring tea in the pantry. Go and find them, and deliver them to Yanshan Residence," Madam Liu instructed. "His Highness enjoys the sweet taste of spring tea."
Hui-nang was Madam Liu's companion maid who had been with her for most of her life, serving as her right-hand woman. She replied, "Yes, I will go right away."
Standing by Madam Liu's side, Hui-nang clenched her fists and gently rubbed her back, asking, "Did Yanshan Residence say anything about yesterday's incident at Anshi Pavilion?"
"It's nothing major, His Highness didn't pay it any mind," Madam Liu smiled.
Hui-nang sighed in relief, "His Highness cares for the world with great benevolence and grace, he is a true gentleman, and won't be bothered by such trivial matters."
Madam Liu furrowed her brow, "You didn't see that girl yesterday, her face was so pale, she may really be sick."
Hui-nang was usually quiet, but Zhao Heng was indeed a likable girl, diligent and reserved, she worked diligently and carefully, which softened people's hearts, so Hui-nang couldn't help but speak up for her, "Among the maids in the pharmacy, she is the most approachable, works quickly and diligently with attention to detail. These past few days, she has been handling most of the master's medicine, so she must be exhausted."
Madam Liu said, "It's rare for someone from the Eastern Palace to not have an air about them. Go and check on her, and if she is truly ill, have a physician come and see her."
Hui-nang agreed and was about to leave when Madam Liu stopped her, "Yesterday, Fu'er brought back some pastries from Rongji, give her a few as well. The child loves those soft pastries when she's sick."
"You are the most compassionate," Hui-nang smiled, picked a few pastries from the table, put them in a food box, and headed to the pharmacy.
Zhao Heng had gotten up early, as she did not have the habit of staying up late.
She couldn't stray too far from the old master's medicine stove. She went to relieve the night watchman and seeing that the water tank was almost empty, she carried a bucket out to the courtyard. Although her body was weak, she slowly brought the half-filled bucket back into the house.
Just as she set it down, Hui-nang entered through the curtain from outside.
"Busy so early?" Hui-nang felt apologetic, "I neglected to check on your health yesterday. His Highness, the Crown Prince visited the mansion yesterday to inquire about old master's condition, and I couldn't afford to take over from you. I'm truly sorry."
Zhao Heng said softly, "It's my fault, I felt suddenly unwell and couldn't fulfill my duties."
Seeing her slightly pale complexion, Hui-nang asked with concern, "Are you feeling better now?"
Zhao Heng smiled and nodded, "Thanks to Madam's medicine, I'm much better now."
"You haven't had breakfast yet, have you?" Seeing no change in her expression, Hui-nang sighed in relief and handed her the food box, "Here are some pastries, try them to see if they suit your taste."
Zhao Heng lowered her head shyly, "Thank you for your kindness."
"Go ahead and try them," Hui-nang urged her.
Zhao Heng wiped her hands with a cloth, picked up a piece of pastry, tasted it, smiled, and her eyes curved like crescent moons.
It was her favorite Rongji chestnut pastry.
Rongji was a renowned pastry shop in the capital, and whenever Bai Yu went out on official business, he would bring some back for her.
"Very delicious."
Hui-nang smiled, "It was brought back by our eldest miss yesterday. The young ladies and their husbands in the mansion all enjoy them. Madam asked me to bring some for you to try."
Zhao Heng said softly, "Madam is kind and considerate, please express my gratitude to her on my behalf."
The An family was truly a remarkable family with a main madam who was so meticulous and caring, even towards a lowly palace maid. With the chaos and struggles in the Central Plains, countless aristocratic families scattered, but An family stood firm amidst the torrent for a reason.
After Hui-nang left, Zhao Heng placed the medicine needed for Duke Anguo's morning meal into a medicine pot. With everything ready, she wouldn't be in a rush later.
With everything prepared, she sat at the table and looked at the chestnut pastries that Hui-nang had brought.
Yesterday, Yun Feng had given her two pieces of sugar-coated fruits.
After contemplating for a while, she decided to return the chestnut pastries to Yun Feng.
Having been in the palace for so many years, Zhao Heng didn't understand social conventions very well, but her grandmother had taught her since childhood to live openly and honestly without owing anyone. Despite her low status, she still had her pride, and while she couldn't repay kindness like a spring flowing out, she could do what was within her power.
After making up her mind, Zhao Heng wrapped the chestnut pastries in a clean handkerchief and went out to find Yun Feng.
She intentionally avoided Li Wenjian, trying to bypass Yanshan Lake, but she still heard Li Wenjian's voice faintly from behind a cluster of fake mountains by the lake.
He seemed to be giving advice to someone walking alongside him, "Minister Ye is an experienced statesman who has served in three dynasties, with extensive knowledge. If you have any doubts, ask and learn more, never be hindered by pride and complacency."
Zhao Heng's heart skipped a beat, resisting the urge to run, her hand clenched tightly in her sleeve, knuckles turning white.
Unable to control her emotions, she quickened his pace.
Li Wenjian stood in the towering pavilion, gazing into the distance, watching her hurried figure as she left.
He furrowed his brow.
The early morning light shone through the half-closed old window, casting a pale glow.
Dazed by a sudden bottle hitting him, he saw her also fleeing as if possessed.
Noticing the distraction of the person beside him, An Xuzhi followed his gaze and saw the fluttering robe at the end of the alley.
"Your Highness?" An Xuzhi spoke up.
Li Wenjian snapped out of his thoughts, silently gazing at the calm lake in the distance. After a moment, he said, "Let's go, Grandfather should be awake now."
The old Duke was in good spirits today, and Li Wenjian and An Xuzhi had come to keep him company, which naturally made him happier.
Normally confined to his bed, today the Duke wanted to enjoy the good weather and go outside to bask in the sun. Li Wenjian had someone bring a wheelchair and personally pushed him along the lakeside. The old Duke had a fondness for traveling in his youth, and Li Wenjian loved to hear his tales of adventure. Today, he recounted a harrowing story of being captured by invading tribes in the north during his travels.
Perhaps Li Wenjian had heard it a dozen times already.
But today, the old Duke didn't regale them with his usual animated tales of outsmarting the barbarians and escaping death. Instead, he lowered his eyelids, and for a moment, his eyes dimmed. "Zi Ren always says, when he grows up, he will rid of all the enemies for me."
Zi Ren was Li Wenjian's half-brother from another mother, one of his confidants.
"Lang'er," the old Duke suddenly turned to Li Wenjian, "bring Zi Ren back. I may not have many years left, but before I die, I want to see him one last time."
Li Wenjian met his grandfather's pleading gaze.
The illness had aged the old Duke, with silver strands at his temples, a furrowed brow filled with worry, and eyes that seemed dull and lifeless, looking at Li Wenjian with a heavy and profound gaze.
The proud old Duke, for the first time, spoke with a hint of vulnerability.
Li Wenjian silently watched him, his eyes filled with unresolved sorrow. Just as he was about to speak, the old Duke lightly patted his hand and sighed, "Cherish those who are with you."
Li Wenjian remained silent for a long time, neither nodding nor shaking his head.
Old Duke's mention of Zi Ren had unexpectedly stirred up many unpleasant memories for Li Wenjian.
Returning to Yanshan Residence, he stood by the window, pushing open the carved window lattice to reveal the misty Yanshan Lake. The lake shimmered with golden light after the snow, devoid of the winter's ethereal atmosphere.
He was born and raised here, only moving to the palace after his grandfather ascended to the throne of Nine Treasures.
Now, looking at the familiar lake, many memories he had deliberately buried were inexplicably brought to the surface.
In the summer, he enjoyed practicing martial arts and studying by the lake, playing the zither and chess in the afternoon at Jing'an Pavilion...
And it was Wei Zhan who accompanied him in martial arts, studying, playing the zither, and chess.
His only true friend in life.
Wei Zhan, the third son of the Wei family, the most dazzling star in the capital.
At the age of fourteen, he led troops into battle, achieving great military success at a young age, conquering the south, conquering the north, securing the country, and guarding the borders.
Bright as the moon hanging high in the sky.
Four years ago, in the second year of Li Wenjian's regency, he made the decision to go to war against the threatening tribes.
At that time, this decision was a bold and difficult one for the newly established Dongli, with opposition from all levels of the court and almost no support, as the seasoned generals feigned illness to show their disapproval and intimidate him.
And at that moment, Wei Zhan stepped forward, pledging himself to lead the northern expedition.
Wei Zhan was not only his closest friend but also his skilled general, and before he left, his final words to Li Wenjian wereâ
"Your Highness, if the tribes are not defeated, Wei Zhan will not return."
Later, he drove the tribes five hundred miles, but he never returned.
Zi Ren, from a young age, liked to wield swords and spears, but he had only heard tales of the battlefield from his father and Wei Zhan, never experienced it firsthand.
When Wei Zhan marched north, Zi Ren begged Li Wenjian to allow him to accompany Wei Zhan on the campaign, citing Wei Zhan's early military command at fourteen.
Li Wenjian agreed, but it ultimately cost Wei Zhan his life.
The young general excelled in battle, driving the tribes out of the Eastern Fence's territory within half a year, achieving a resounding victory.
During the triumphant return, while camping outside Wusi City, Zi Ren sneaked into the city to play, only to be captured by scattered enemy troops.
Knowing his identity, the enemy intentionally hung him outside the tent, luring Wei Zhan into a rescue attempt.
Wei Zhan fell for the trap.
It was not so much that he was deceived, but rather he knew it was a death trap and went anyway.
Because Zi Ren was entrusted to him by Wei Zhan with his own hands.
In the end, Wei Zhan went and rescued Zi Ren but succumbed to multiple arrow wounds, bleeding to death.
Wei Zhan was buried in the north.
Li Wenjian appointed Zi Ren as the Grand Marshal of the Northern Expedition, tasked with defending the north.
But he never issued any orders preventing Zi Ren from returning to the capital.
Zi Ren simply chose not to return.
Li Wenjian was not one to dwell on past sorrows, but now, gazing at his old residence, he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for his precious youth.
Approaching the desk, he picked up his brush and ink without hesitation.
â"Grandpa is seriously ill, return at once."
With just six simple words, he swiftly penned the command.
"Fei Yu," he called out.
A guard named Fei Yu entered the room, and Li Wenjian handed him the sealed letter, saying, "Swiftly deliver this to Yan Yunzhou."
Watching Fei Yu leave with the letter, he closed the window, returned to his desk, and opened the half-read scrolls from the morning.
When Mu Gui came in, he hesitated before approaching Li Wenjian, who sat upright beneath the dim light of a lamp, to report, "Your Highness, Mr. Liang said the medicine in the wine is Jade Tongue."
Li Wenjian remained expressionless as he turned a page of the scroll in his hand. "Jade Tongue is a banned substance."
Jade Tongue, colorless and tasteless with strong effects, could cause a person to lose consciousness, resembling a wild beast. When controlled in dosage, it could be used to enhance moods and pleasure, with excellent medicinal properties.
However, the Emperor deemed it too toxic, banned its cultivation and sale, so how did it end up in their midst?
"Your Highness, do you recall the name Jiang Jin? When I raided his residence, I discovered several Jade Tongue plants in his courtyard," the subordinate reported.
Jiang Jin.
A corrupt eunuch he had personally eradicated.
"Given that he kept Jade Tongue plants privately and had unrestricted access to the palace, it's likely that he brought them in during that time," Mu Gui reasoned.
Li Wenjian remained focused on his book, his tone casual. "Two months have passed, and we still haven't identified the poisoner. Are you here to share your speculations with me?"
Mu Gui glanced at Li Wenjian's expression and added, "Miss Zhao Heng used to reside in Jiang Jin's mansion."
The book was slammed shut on the table, emitting a soft thud.
Li Wenjian finally looked up, scrutinizing Mu Gui's demeanor.
Mu Gui, despite his growing anxiety, forced himself to continue, "The laundry bureau's Old Madam Chen sent her to Jiang Jin."
Jiang Jin, the sinister and ruthless eunuch of the Palace Attendants Bureau, despite his castration, retained his carnal desires, amassing a collection of beautiful women.
Deprived of his "spiritual root," his lust remained insatiable, yet he could not express it in the manner of a normal man.
He had numerous methods of gratification, and those women who fell into his clutches were subjected to unspeakable torment, meeting their tragic ends upon his bed.