Chapter 168: Promise

Chapter 168: Promise

Xiao Jingyan held Mei Changsus arm and patted it lightly. He knew that Lin Shu truly despaired at that moment, and that he was suffering in his heart, but he had originally known that there wasnt much hope with Grand Princess Liyang, and he also knew that forcing her was meaningless, so he did as Mei Changsu said and took the pouch from his aunts hands, saying, Thank you for your efforts in bringing this here. Your nephew expresses gratitude on behalf of the deceased. There are more things I have to discuss with Sir Su. Thank you for coming, gu mu. I wont be seeing you out.

With that, he dismissed his guests, without attempting to persuade further. This instead made Grand Princess Liyang feel discomfitted and at a complete loss as to what to do. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. In the end, she was forced to turn around walk silently out, her head bowed. Xiao Jingrui turned and bowed, paying his respects to the Crown Prince before turning to catch up with his mother, gently supporting her arm.

Leaving the main pavilion, across the white jade tiles of the outer courtyard, just before the screen wall*, Grand Princess Liyang suddenly stopped in her tracks and lifted her eyes to look at her son. Jingrui, do you think.I was too heartless?

*wall used after the entrance to shield the rest of the house from outside eyes

Xiao Jingrui thought for a while and said, There are grounds for supporting either action. It all depends on what Mother values most in your heart. Nobody else, including your son, has the right to influence Mothers decision. Whats more, once this immense case is overturned, Marquis Xie.Marquis Xies crime would become high treason. Although he is dead, second and third brother would undoubtedly be implicated. Mother is unwilling to be the hand that pushes them into the abyss. I understand Mothers love for us.

Liyang held back her tears and patted the back of his hand which was supporting her. Only you understand my thoughts. But looking at the Crown Princes determination, this case would be overturned sooner or later. Having Bier and Xuer in mind, I wanted to be the first to present the plea in exchange for their pardon. This seemed like a reasonable resolution, and I had originally expected that Mister Su, with all his shrewdness, to try to use this to persuade me. I never expected.that he would be so angered by those few words I said..

Xiao Jingrui thought it through and felt equally puzzled. He said softly, When I first got to know Su xiong then, I admired his talent and generosity. In spite of all that happened after, I still always felt that.the struggle for power was not his style. Since he had long since known the truth about the injustice faced by the Chiyan army, then perhaps right from the start, his goal had always been for the sake of this case. As for who he sided with, who he supported, these were all but a means to an end.

It looks like this Mister Su is no outsider. Grand Princess Liyang frowned, her eyes intense. Who is he? And what does the Chiyan case have to do with him?

Theres not much point in delving into this now. Whether Su xiong is involved in the case or merely the Crown Princes advisor, they have both already decided to disclose Marquis Xies testimony. They are resolute in their intention to clear the names of the wronged and they will not retreat. I admire them for this. Unfortunately, my position is awkward, so there are many things I cannot do on Mothers behalf..

Jingrui, if you were me, you would definitely have agreed to their request, wouldnt you?

Jingrui gave it serious thought and said, Your son is different from Mother, so its not possible for us to think the same way. Many things in this world come with a dilemma. How could your son be inconsiderate towards Mothers struggle and sorrows?

Grand Princess Liyang exhaled a long breath and stared at the colorful carving of nine dragons* on the screen wall for a good while, before finally turning around to say, My good son**, why dont you accompany me to go back in again.

*likely in reference to the 9-dragon wall (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine-Dragon_Wall)

**literal translation of , an expression of affection and praise which Chinese are usually pretty sparse with

Xiao Jingrui was not surprised by his mothers decision. He nodded and supported her by her arm. Mother, your son swears to you, no matter what happens in the future, we will go through this together as a family. If anyone wants to harm Mother and my brothers, they will have to get past me first.

Grand Princess Liyang felt her heart boil over (with emotions) and returned her sons hold with strength. Supporting each other, they turned and walked once again through the door of the main pavilion.

Xiao Jingyan rose and stepped forward to welcome them, as if this was the first time he was meeting the Grand Princess today. Gu mu, please have a seat. Do you have something more to say?

Ng, said Mei Changsu softly in agreement. The situation at the time may be unpredictable, so Your Highness must maintain control of it.

You dont have to worry about this. I have already spoken separately with members of the imperial family and court officials who can be trusted. The results are as I had expected. Whether its with sincere intentions or to take advantage of a situation, theyve all expressed their unconditional support. But in order to prevent any of those who are as yet undecided from informing Father Emperor, I had specially requested Mother Concubine to prevent anyone from meeting Father Emperor these next few days. The imperial guards on duty at the palace have also been personally selected by Meng qing himself. No matter how much Father Emperor shouts at them, they will stall for time and not do anything until gu mu has finished speaking.

Your Highness has prepared well ahead. Mei Changsu smiled.

Seeing his smile, Xiao Jingyan was secretly relieved. I contacted the court officials without first discussing it with you and was worried that you would reproach me for being reckless. According to Meng qing, youve always emphasized the need to take one steady step at a time, which is why you kept so much from me, for fear that I would be too extreme.

Mei Changsu lowered his eyes and said quietly, As long as His Majesty is on the throne, overturning the verdict would never be entirely without risk. I would just like a little more certainty. At this point, the time has come for everything I had planned beforehand to ripen. The time has come for Your Highness to take the lead on this matter. In truth, I cantI dont want to wait anymoreso Ill leave Your Highness to make all the arrangements. Whether its for the deceased or for the people, having His Majesty personally order the reinvestigation of the case and exoneration of the crime, has a completely different meaning from if Your Highness were to overturn the case after ascending the throne in future.

I understand what you mean, and understand what you expect of me. Xiao Jingyan looked intently at him, wanting to call out Xiao Shus name, but he was a little uncertain. He hesitated, and in the end restrained himself, saying instead, As long as we succeed in making Father Emperor agree to order the reinvestigation in front of everyone, I would be able to overturn this case beautifully, and not leave behind any cause for question later on.

Mei Changsu smiled again and slowly lifted his eyes. Theres one more thing which I would like to request of Your Highness.

Why are you being so polite? Just say it.

On the day of the birthday ceremony, please bring me along with Your Highness.

Xiao Jingyans eyes opened wide and stared at him in amazement.

I have the status of a visiting court official. Although I would still attract attention at such an occasion, it would not be especially unexpected.after waiting all these years, whether we finally fail or succeed, I would like to witness it with my own eyes. At this point, Mei Changsu suddenly realized that something was amiss with Xiao Jingyans expression and broke off mid-sentence to ask, Does Your Highness think it would make things difficult?

What are you talking about? Xiao Jingyan continued to stare at him, his eyes filling with anger. Do you still need to ask this of me? Of course you have to be there! To arrive at this stage, all that painstaking effort with your own hearts blood. How could I.not let you witness the outcome with your own eyes?

Your Highness.

Xiao Jingyan didnt know why, but he suddenly couldnt control himself. With a calm face, he asked, What Highness? Dont you know my name? Did you just get to know me today? With what identity did you make that request of me earlier? As my counsellor?

Jingyan, Mei Changsu extended his left hand and put it on Xiao Jingyans arm, pressing down firmly, calling his name clearly for the first time since meeting again. This too.theres something I need to tell you clearly.

Afterthoughts:

I suspect I liked the conversation in the drama better. It was very well acted out. But, no touching, just a lot of intense looks at each other, whereas theres some physical contact here in the novel, which I wish they hadnt left out of the drama. Would it have been awkward, I wonder? And yes, I wish he had said Xiao Shu. Its both ways isnt it? He couldnt call Xiao Shu Xiao Shu just like Xiao Shu found it so hard to say Jingyan.