CH 24

Night, Linjiang tower

Before the banquet began, a group of wealthy merchants and officials had already arrived an hour early. As the ceremonial procession from the Eastern Palace sounded with gongs and drums, Zhong Liwen led the crowd to kneel and greet the Crown Prince in the main hall.

"Today, Gu rejoices together with the people. Let's keep everything simple. Everyone, please rise."

The sound of footsteps approached, and Han Ye's gentle voice resounded. The kneeling merchant felt pleased in his heart and stood up following Zhong Liwen. He saw the Crown Prince, who exuded an imposing aura and had a pleasant face. All the worries he had about the imperial envoy sent to the Mu Tian Prefecture by the court were swept away in an instant. As soon as he lifted his head, he was taken aback by the woman standing beside the Crown Prince.

The person who arrived had an ordinary appearance but possessed a pair of extremely sharp and intimidating phoenix eyes. As they walked slowly, their grand and imposing demeanor could be clearly seen. However, this is not the main point. The focus is on a woman dressed in a crimson robe with a curved hem, adorned with luxurious makeup. She stood gracefully and intimately beside the crown prince.

All under heaven knows that the Crown Prince is the heir apparent of the country, and no one dares to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Who is this woman? The Crown Prince is unexpectedly so wilful! 

"Your Highness, please take a seat." Zhong Liwen, who seemed out of the ordinary for a moment, quickly regained his composure. He cupped his hands and bowed to the Crown Prince, stealing a few glances at Ren Anle along the way. The person he saw at noon had a completely dignified appearance as a high-ranking official in the Great Jing Dynasty. How did she suddenly become a pampered woman by the Crown Prince's side?

Han Ye sat in the upper position and saw everyone looking at Ren Anle with curiosity on their faces. He smiled and said, "This person is Ren daren."

The crowd was momentarily stunned, but soon understood the situation as they looked at the intimate demeanor of the two individuals. No wonder this woman possessed such a compelling aura; she turned out to be the master of Anle fortress. Rumor had it that she held a deep affection for the Crown Prince and had even sought marriage with him in the Golden Hall. Now it seemed that the Crown Prince might also have some fondness for her. Judging by their current appearance, he seemed to favor her greatly.

金銮殿 (jīnluándiàn) - Golden Hall- prestigious and important hall within the imperial palace, where important ceremonies and events were held. It was typically associated with the emperor or high-ranking officials.

The wealthy merchant originally held a great deal of wariness towards the Minister of the Great Court who accompanied him. However, at this moment, they somewhat began to underestimate her, after all, she was just an ordinary woman. How could she come up with any tricks? They thought that the remarkable outcome of the cheating case in the imperial examination must have been due to the Crown Prince secretly supporting her, enabling her to pass such a beautiful judgment.

Everyone laughed and complimented, Han Ye had not a trace of arrogance. His words were filled with a gentle and pure smile, making the people present pleasantly surprised and flattered, as if they were receiving divine favor.

Ren Anle yawned, raised her wine cup and took a sip. She casually tugged at Han Ye's sleeve, revealing a slightly gritted teeth expression. "Your Highness, I only agreed to intercept three thousand commoners in the outskirts of the city for you, but I never said I would accompany you in acting like a clown in front of a bunch of fat-headed, big-eared unscrupulous merchants!"

Han Ye lowered his head and approached, with the corners of his eyebrows slightly raised, and a radiant smile. His voice was deep and mellow as he said, "What are you saying, Ren daren? Since you have agreed to help me, what harm is there in spending one more night?"

Ren Anle looked at Han Ye, who was openly teasing her, dumbfounded. Who said that this crown prince is pure, virtuous, and chaste? It's all nonsense!

On the table, as everyone was enjoying themselves with wine, they burst into laughter upon witnessing the intimate demeanor of the two individuals who were whispering with their heads lowered. Several wealthy merchants exchanged glances and respectfully smiled at Han Ye, saying, "Your Highness, the son of a thousand gold coins. We admire your noble presence at the Mu Tian Prefecture to assist with disaster relief. The commoners have prepared a few small tokens for Your Highness and hope that Your Highness will accept them with a smile."

千金之躯 (qiān jīn zhī qū) - precious daughter/son (literally, "the body worth a thousand gold coins")

Zhong Liwen's expression froze for a moment. Sure enough, he thought, this person is saying that he wants to cleanse the dust for the Crown Prince, but in reality, he just wants to climb up the high branches.

洗尘 (xǐ chén) - To cleanse the dust; a metaphorical expression meaning to serve or support.

"Oh?" Han Ye raised his head. "Gu has already caused trouble today. How can gu accept your generous gifts again?"

"Your Highness's words carry great weight. To be able to have an audience with Your Highness is already the lifelong fortune of us commoners."

言重 (yán zhòng): words carry great weight (an idiom indicating that the words spoken by someone of high status hold significant importance)

The crowd rose one after another, cupping their hands together in gratitude. A wealthy merchant lightly clapped his hands, and a beautiful maid entered with a jewel-encrusted box, walking towards Ren Anle.

Ren Anle raised an eyebrow when she saw Han Ye sitting as steady as Mount Tai and started to laugh. This cunning Crown Prince, no wonder he insisted on bringing her to attend. I'm afraid he had long guessed the situation at this moment.

"Your Highness, this is the treasured object of this commoner's household, the Eastern Pearl, obtained after three years of searching in the northern border. This commoner believes that this item is highly suitable for Ren daren." A plump merchant rose from his seat, lifted the red cloth covering the tray, and revealed a round and lustrous Eastern Pearl emitting a faint glow. Seeing Han Ye's satisfied expression, the man couldn't help but feel pleased as he glanced at the other merchants in the room.

"Your Highness, this is the ancient renowned sword named Zhong Ding. This humble commoner has spent a fortune to acquire it. I have heard that Ren daren has a fondness for blades and swords, hoping that it will catch Daren's attention." Another merchant respectfully presented the inlaid box to Ren Anle, full of flattery.

Looking at the fiercely intimidating sword on the tray, Ren Anle raised an eyebrow. Her hand swiftly reached out, grasping the sword hilt, and with a slight rotation in her hand, the blade was drawn from its sheath. A sharp and swift sword technique was executed, instantly filling the room with a chilling aura. She smiled, revealing a satisfied expression, "A heavy sword without a sharp edge, indeed a precious treasure."

The people at the table were frightened and broke into a cold sweat when they saw Ren Anle's arrogant and proud demeanor. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, seemed to appreciate it. Everyone sighed, their legs trembling, as they insincerely flattered Ren Anle.

"Daren's martial arts skills are impressive, making us admire and respect."

"Only a remarkable woman like you deserves to be with His Royal Highness."

Who among those who can afford to be prosperous is the foolish one? Seeing Ren Anle being highly favored by the Crown Prince, everyone brings their gifts to her. The guests are all pleased for a moment. This female bandit, whose eyes always light up at the sight of money, received the gifts in such a manner that her hands became soft and her eyes narrowed into a line.

手软 (shǒu ruǎn) - Soft hands (indicating being unable to refuse or resist)

Zhong Liwen looked at the bustling scene within the room with a calm expression and a slight smile on his face, but his eyes turned gloomy. These wealthy merchants usually presented rare and precious gifts to Mu Wang, which were far less valuable than what they presented to the Crown Prince today. They truly were a group of ungrateful people!

"Everyone has shown great kindness." Amidst the laughter and revelry, Han Ye raised his wine cup and took a sip. "The treasures presented by all of you are truly extraordinary. As Gu resides in the Eastern Palace, far removed from the wealth of the common people, Gu is unaware of the value of these items. Gu fears not recognizing their true worth and thus disappointing your kind intentions."

Han Ye's subtle expression and the captivating gaze that came with overwhelming presence made the leading merchant slightly shiver. In a clear voice, he replied, "Your Highness, the humble gifts we presented are all priceless treasures. If they can please Your Highness, it is more than enough."

The people responded one after another, and Han Ye's eyebrows and countenance relaxed as he burst into laughter. "Good, good... Mu Tian Prefecture is indeed blessed with talented individuals and a blessed land. Zhong daren, you have done a remarkable job as a high-ranking official."

Zhong Liwen sat on the cold bench for a long time when suddenly he heard the Crown Prince call his name. His heart filled with joy, and he quickly bowed, repeatedly expressing his unworthiness. Unintentionally, he caught a glimpse of the Crown Prince's eyes, where a faint sense of indifference could be discerned, causing a momentary unease to flicker in his heart.

The feast quietly ended in the late night, and everyone bid farewell to the Crowi Prince's entourage at the foot of the Linjiang Tower. Satisfied and contented, they each returned to their respective residences.

On the spacious street, the luxurious Eastern Palace's ceremonial procession was particularly eye-catching. Jian Song, holding a long sword, led the accompanying guards who followed quietly at a distance of about ten meters behind the two walking figures in the street.

The autumn wind was chilly, the full moon dimly lit the surroundings, and the footsteps were neither light nor heavy, just like the voice of Han Ye at this moment.

"Anle, is it the same in Southern Jin?"

After Han Ye left the Linjiang Tower, his expression remained indifferent and heavy. Ren Anle understood what he was thinking, but only replied, "Your Highness cannot accept it?"

"Mu Tian Prefecture suffered calamities across a thousand miles, with tens of thousands of people dead or injured. Yet these merchants can easily produce treasures comparable to those in the Eastern Palace. They indulge in luxury while the commoners suffer, acting recklessly in the countryside. They should be punished."

"Under heaven, corrupt officials cannot be completely eradicated, and it is the same with unscrupulous merchants. Your Highness, there is truly no need to be overly concerned. Even in the southern region of Jin, where can one find a place of absolute purity?"

Han Ye stopped in his tracks and looked at the woman with a graceful and lightly adorned face under the moonlight. He suddenly spoke, "An Le, the situation in the capital is unpredictable, and the future path is uncertain. Will you stay in the capital all along?" 

Ren Anle was taken aback, lifted her head, blinked her eyes, and slowly said, "Naturally, chen will stay in the capital."

臣 (chén) - Referring to oneself in a humble manner.

Han Ye's eyebrows softened, and a faint smile flickered in his dark, deep eyes. He said, "Will you accompany me in creating a prosperous and flourishing era?... Just like Taizu and the head of the Di family back then?

太祖 (tài zǔ) - Founding emperor; typically used to refer to the first emperor of a dynasty.

Without saying a word, Ren Anle did not answer, turned around and walked forward. Her hand, concealed in her robe, had unknowingly clenched tightly. She curved her lips, and a hint of coldness was indiscernible in her eyes.

Han Ye silently watched the figure in crimson robes, and after a long while, he finally heard her somewhat melancholic response.

"Your Highness, you truly love reminiscing about the past. Since there is no second Han Zian in this world, naturally there will never be a second Di Shengtian!"

Indeed, who else in the world could be as inseparable in life and death, causing the world to bow in admiration, just like those two individuals? Han Ye slightly curled his mouth in self-mockery, but for some reason, he suddenly felt that the sighs he heard were particularly desolate. 

Early the next morning, Han Ye's door was urgently knocked.

"Your Highness, something bad has happened."

"Come in."

Jian Song pushed open the door and saw the Crown Prince sitting upright at the desk, dressed in ceremonial robes. Wen Shuo was carefully grinding something nearby, and his expression couldn't help but startled.

"What is the cause of the panic?" Han Ye raised his head, his expression calm.

"Your Highness, the commoners outside the city have heard that you refused to meet them last night during the banquet with the wealthy merchants. Now their emotions are running high, and they want to storm into the city."

激愤 (jī fèn): running high (literal translation: highly agitated)

"Can't tell that Zhong Liwen is an impatient person. Can't even wait for a single day." Ren Anle stepped into the room with one foot, wearing armor. Her long hair was tied up under her headdress, and she held a long sword in her hand. When she looked up, she exuded an imposing aura. Even  Han Ye, upon seeing her enter in such a manner, was momentarily taken aback.

"Your Highness, this humble servant will guard the city gates, ensuring that no citizens breach the city to endanger Your Highness' safety, nor will any innocent civilians fall under the blades of the Mu Tian Prefecture guards."

Han Ye nodded. The reason why he handed over the Imperial Guards to Ren Anle is not only to prevent the common people from rioting but also to use the power of the court to deter Zhong Liwen. Ren Anle, with her clever mind, indeed figured out his intention. 

Ren Anle turned around, about to leave, when Han Ye called out to her, "Anle, do you really trust me? What if I can't produce the relief grain by noon?"

Ren Anle turned around, her lips curled up, and she said, "Your Highness, do you know the reason why I have never tasted defeat in a hundred battles on the battlefield?"

"Oh?" Han Ye became interested and asked, "Why?"

"Doubtful people are not to be employed, and those who are employed should not be doubted. since I believe in Your Highness, I will naturally defend and protect Your Highness to the end."

After the voice fell, Ren Anle held her long sword horizontally and walked away with big strides. In a moment, the imperial guards downstairs disappeared into the inn along with Ren Anle's footsteps.

"Jian Song, how many guards are left in the inn?"

"Your Highness, less than fifty."

Han Ye looked up and glanced at Wen Shuo who was standing beside him. "Wen Shuo, do you still remember the gift we received yesterday at Linjiang Tower?"

Wen Shuo nodded repeatedly, with a pleased expression on his face. "Yesterday, I changed into the attire of a servant and stood behind His Highness. I remember all the gifts clearly. There was a box of pearls from the Li Family in the west of the city, a hundred-year Lingzhi mushroom from the Zhang Family, and an ancient famous sword from the He Family in the south of the city."

"Alright, just remember it clearly," Han Ye waved his hand. "Gu is entrusting these things to you. Before noon, retrieve the relief grain for the common people on Gu's behalf."

Wen Shuo paused for a moment, his eyes widened, and he said, "Your Highness, the entire city is suffering from famine. Where can I obtain food?"

"Mu Tian Prefecture accumulates a large amount of grain every year. Do you really think that Zhong Liwen has used all of it for the benefit of the people?" Han Ye put down his brush and gazed out the window, his voice slightly cold.

"Your Highness said that Prefect Zhong embezzled these grains, but there isn't even a single grain of rice in the granary!"

"Zhong Liwen doesn't want food, he wants silver. You tell me, in the Mu Tian prefecture, where is the place he stores his grain?"

Wen Shuo's expression changed, and he exclaimed, "The granaries of the prominent merchants in the Mu Tian Prefecture!"

In Mu Tian Prefecture, natural disasters occur year after year, resulting in poor harvests. However, the local merchants have a large surplus of grain and are selling it to the people at high prices. This is clearly abnormal. Zhong Liwen, the official in charge, did not distribute the grain reserves from the court for disaster relief. Instead, he colluded with the merchants in Mu Tian Prefecture to profit from the grain. Under such circumstances, it is natural that there is not a single grain left in the granary, and he is not afraid of the court inspecting the grain stores!

"Your Highness," Wen Shuo's face turned pale with anger, but he still maintained his composure, "We have no evidence. The grain in the Mu Tian prefecture is more precious than gold. These treacherous merchants won't easily hand over the grain. Moreover, surrendering the grain would mean offending Zhong Liwen and Mu Wang."

"So gu wants you to bring the thing you received last night. Remember, there's no need to say much, just tell them two sentences."

"What words?" Wen Shuo leaned forward and asked.

"You ask them on behalf of gū, can you remember the value of last night's offering, and the person...who was offered?" Han Ye's lips slightly pursed, and he spoke in a deep voice, word by word.

What was offered was a priceless treasure, and the person offered was Ren Anle.

Wen Shuo blinked his eyes and smiled, saying, "Your Highness, chen will definitely not disappoint your expectations. Chen will bring back the provisions for Your Highness before noon."

No wonder His Highness accompanied Ren daren last night and behaved so intimately. If a merchant offers a gift to the Crown Prince, it would be considered a tribute and not criticized. However, yesterday the gift was accepted by Lady Ren Anle, who holds the position of Grand Minister of the Dali Temple and holds the official rank of third grade. For a merchant to present such a rare treasure to her, according to the laws of Da Jing, it constitutes the crime of bribing a high-ranking official of the court. Moreover, those merchants who were proclaiming that their offerings were priceless treasures yesterday, their crime would be even more severe. In truth, it would not be an exaggeration to confiscate their properties.

It seems that Ren daren understood Your Highness's intention yesterday, which is why she cooperated like this.

Seeing the young man full of spirit walking towards the outside, Han Ye shook his head and instructed Jian Song, "Take care of him on behalf of gu."

"But, Your Highness, if we withdraw the last guard of the inn, then Your Highness' safety..."

"It doesn't matter, no one in the world dares to assassinate a crown prince under the bright sun. Gu is here. Let's see who dares to come!"

Han Ye got up and stood by the window. The navy-blue figure appeared particularly cold and resolute, while Jian Song lowered his head and left with an order.

"Your Highness." A voice suddenly sounded outside the window. Chang Qing swiftly entered the room, carrying an iron sword on his back.

When he saw him appear, Han Ye sighed in relief and asked, "Has Yuan Shu gone to the outskirts of the city?"

Chang Qing nodded but secretly sneered in his heart. His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, indulges in such idle thoughts. Most likely, he has never witnessed the appearance of Young lady on the battlefield. If he were to witness it, I'm afraid even the one hundred Imperial Guards would be recalled.

In terms of bravery and intimidating enemies, who can compare to their family's young lady!

"How did the investigation go last night?" Han Ye rubbed his brow as he saw the wooden guard's absent-mindedness, raising his voice slightly.

"Fortunately, not disgracing Your Highness, the place where the river workers are being held is within the Zhao family estate, ten miles south of the city."

"Very well, Changqing, go to the outskirts of the city and protect your family's daren."

Under Han Ye's command, half a moment passed without a sound. He turned around and saw Chang Qing standing straight three feet away from him.

"Your Highness, Miss gave an order last night that if she is not present, Changqing must not leave Your Highness's side by half a step."

Chang Qing paused for a moment, pondered briefly, and silently moved two steps towards Han Ye. With a serious expression, he spoke, "Miss is talking about a distance of one foot, this subordinate is standing a bit far away."

Han Ye stared at this wooden face that was so close to him for a full moment, speechless.