Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The lady-in-waiting, with an air of elegance, entered the study holding a bowl of milky broth, only to find her master lost in thought by the window.
Pang Yuanying had always been meticulous about his attire and possessions, but today he appeared different from usual. He wore a luxurious deep purple robe, and the Purple Gold Crown sparkled in the sunlight. His face could still captivate the hearts of many young ladies in the capital, yet he exuded a sense of inexplicable melancholy that was both pitiable and contemptible.
As he turned around, he caught sight of a portrait spread out on the table.
The woman in the painting was a true beauty.
Pang Yuanying forced a smile, but his heart grew cold—no matter how much he liked a woman, even if he were infatuated, she was still just a woman. As long as she did not interfere with him or his family, it was acceptable for him to indulge in some reckless behavior for her sake; after all, he was known to be a frivolous person.
With his elder brother supporting the family and the Pang family flourishing with generations of wealth and success, he, as the pampered youngest son, could afford to be a little reckless. While young, making some questionable choices was hardly a concern.
“Don’t blame me; you are ultimately just a woman. No matter how much I like you, I cannot let your Qin family ruin my parents or my family.”
The coldness in Pang Yuanying's eyes startled even the lady-in-waiting who had served him for over ten years. She lowered her head and clenched her fingers tightly, revealing an unexplainable struggle deep within her gaze.
“Marquis, it’s late. Please drink this nourishing soup and rest.”
Pang Yuanying remained silent, finishing the soup in one gulp before sitting down quietly. If possible, he wished to remain a carefree rake who didn’t have to think too much and could act on impulse. But he couldn’t; his grandfather, father, and elder brother had all lost their clarity and dared to show weakness at such times.
Since they insisted on preserving the reputation of the Pang family back then and made mistakes, they should not have softened their hearts later; they should have decisively eliminated any future troubles…
Recalling how his father had been forced to reveal what the Pang family had done in the past, Pang Yuanying smiled bitterly—there was no need to dwell on it. Even if they had severed ties with the Qin family without hesitation back then, it seemed they would now face a dilemma again. Was Xiangyang Wang easy to deal with? Wouldn’t the Pang family still face misfortune?
However, at this moment, there was no time to consider so much; resolving the biggest trouble first was paramount.
He had never felt so deeply aware of his own weakness as he did now. Even though he was determined to eradicate all threats, he couldn’t be sure if he possessed such capability.
For the sake of his parents, for the hundreds of members of the Pang Family, even if he was a useless playboy, he had to risk his life for a fight. Pang Yuanying lay down in bed and said to the Lady-in-Waiting, who had been silently standing beside him, "Aso, you have followed me for over ten years. I trust you the most. Once this matter is settled, I will find you a good man who understands warmth and coldness to marry. Don't worry, there will be plenty of dowry. When looking for a husband, you shouldn't choose someone like me who is so fickle; you should pick someone who is devoted and willing to spend their life with you."
The Lady-in-Waiting named Aso, whose face was usually as cold as ice, faintly revealed a smile, but Pang Yuanying did not see it; that smile was filled with unbearable sorrow.
No matter how Pang Yuanying thought, Gao Feng and the others had calmed down.
Qin Yaru went into the palace with Bai Yunsheng every few days to check the emperor's pulse and help him recover his health. Fortunately, Bai Yunsheng had often gone to bother the emperor in the past, especially when he had requests. If the emperor refused, there were times when that official would pester him daily for six months straight, making it hard for him to enjoy his meals. It wasn't too conspicuous.
Of course, it was impossible not to be noticed at all. However, there were too many matters at hand right now, especially since Gao Feng was frequently taking action and deliberately letting Xiangyang Wang feel his investigative movements, which immediately attracted everyone's attention.
There was no way around it; Gao Feng's reputation was too bright. As the leader of the Qilin Army and the most skilled general of the Song Dynasty in battle, he was the only general who could make the Liao People retreat in fear and not dare to show their sharpness. Both his wisdom and martial prowess were beyond comparison.
In contrast, someone like Bai Yunsheng simply didn't measure up.
On this day, the sun was unusually nice. Zhao Zheng felt peckish and specially summoned Bai Yunsheng to bring his family's cook into the palace to prepare steamed fish again.
Zhao Zheng, being a young emperor after all, occasionally displayed a bit of childishness, which wasn't surprising.
As usual, he sent away all those serving him; however, this time facing the delicious food that looked and smelled wonderful, Zhao Zheng had no appetite at all.
"Xiangyang Wang is my uncle. I remember that he often came to see me back then, taking me horseback riding and hunting while buying me many rare items that are hard to come by."
Qin Yaru remained silent while Bai Yunsheng frowned.
Zhao Zheng's expression was dejected. When he first saw the secret letter hidden in the painting sent by Qin Yaru, he didn't quite believe it. It was only because Qin Yaru was Qin Yizhi's daughter and the Qin Family had suffered another calamity that he half-believed it since Bai Yunsheng was also there—he was being treated by a female doctor.
Later on, Qin Yaru brought many pieces of evidence one after another that were impossible to doubt. Zhao Zheng pondered deeply for a long time and had a trusted confidant conduct a detailed investigation. He finally had to admit that his uncle indeed harbored treasonous intentions and had begun preparing for it long ago.
"Qin Family has been wronged, Consort Qin, rest assured, I will give Qin Family justice."
He is, after all, the Emperor. Even if he is soft-hearted and young, he will not allow anyone to ruin his empire.
The Song Dynasty is different from other dynasties; the Imperial Guards protect Capital City, while the troops outside Kaifeng City are all loyal to the Emperor. It would be difficult for Xiangyang Wang to seize power. If he wants to usurp the throne, he must find a way to control the army. However, if he wishes to ascend to the throne smoothly and legitimately, it would be best for him to have the Emperor abdicate willingly.
Currently, Zhao Zheng is still young, and with the Empress Dowager in power and no heirs, if any mistakes occur, Xiangyang Wang, as a powerful prince, still has a good chance.
Moreover, he has been preparing for many years.
Zhao Zheng sighed. His usually gentle eyes now held a hint of sharpness: "Since he does not regard me as family but rather as an enemy, then I have nothing to feel reluctant about."
Even if he wanted to avoid it, it would be useless. He cannot sacrifice his own life for a prince uncle. However, he is too young and lacks experience in this matter; he still needs to rely on the Empress Dowager.
Although the Empress Dowager wields power, she is still the Empress Dowager. The Emperor Zhao Zheng is her son; while Zhao Zheng is in power, she can legitimately govern from behind the curtain. If Zhao Zheng were deposed, what significance would there be for the Empress Dowager?
From any perspective, Empress Liu is merely their ally and not an obstacle.
Comment 0 Comment Count