Chapter 220: Hello Chang’an
Chapter 220: Ning Ning, You’re Confused
“Xiao Ah Li！”
Hearing Ah Dian’s voice, Chang Suining knew someone was coming, so she responded: “Coming.”
Seeing Chang Suining salute him and then leave, Yao Yi could only feel anxious and helplessly sigh—his words weren’t even finished yet!
What Chang Suining wanted to say was already said; she only needed to point out her identity to Yao Yi, the rest did not need further words.
Looking at the calmly departing figure, Minister of Justice Yao, with a belly full of things to ask and say, was so anxious yet powerless—this talk didn’t take his life and death into account at all!
Chang Suining, who paid no heed to Minister of Justice Yao’s life or death, returned to the front hall. By then, most of the womenfolk had already left. Yao Xia, who had just gone with her mother to find a monk to interpret their lot, happened to return.
She called out “Sister Chang” and, as usual, ran over to take Chang Suining’s arm.
“Sister Chang, do you plan to stay in the temple for a few days?”
Chang Suining: “At most three days.”
Yao Xia then said: “Then when Sister Chang returns to the city, I’ll come to Xingning Ward to find Sister Chang!”
Chang Suining only smiled without replying, instead asking: “Have your archery and riding practice been going well lately?”
“Quite smooth indeed!” Yao Xia said confidently: “Yesterday I shot twenty arrows and hit three of them!”
Chang Suining smiled and nodded. This kind of “smooth,” truly extraordinary.
“By the way, Sister Chang, have you heard about that Lady Ming being granted the title of Princess, to marry into Tuyuhun?” Yao Xia said: “That was from this morning’s court session.”
“I heard.” Chang Suining had her own considerations.
Previously at the Confucian Temple, and further back at the Guan Di Temple, Madam Chang had firmly called her a “disaster star.” At first, she hadn’t taken it seriously, until that day when Madam Chang was about to continue, and Ming Luo suddenly stopped her…
That sudden stop, to her at the time, seemed very much like a cover-up.
So, was it because of some “disaster star” hint and instigation from Ming Luo that Madam Chang dared to strike so ruthlessly at her?
But from Ming Luo’s reaction that day, this was something she did on her own, which on a larger scale could even be called deceiving the ruler.
Whether the Holy Emperor wished for “Chang Suining” to die or not, it was certain that the Holy Emperor would not tolerate Ming Luo’s deception.
Thus, while this marriage alliance had political needs, it also served to further salvage and compensate the Ming family’s reputation. But for Ming Luo, it was truly an abandonment.
And Tu Bo’s ambitions were vast. Even if a Princess of Da Sheng married into Tuyuhun, Tu Bo would at most cautiously observe for a while, but could not truly retreat.
A marriage alliance during a time of declining national power and internal turmoil could never be a long-term plan.
What could truly make the ravenous wolves retreat would always be the blade in one’s hand, and the tall, strong figure of the one wielding it.
If one wanted to save Da Sheng, one must first quell internal chaos.
And as for the current worsening turmoil in Yangzhou—was it the accumulated discontent against the Holy Emperor, or was there someone secretly fanning the flames? Or both?
Chang Suining’s thoughts drifted far.
After parting with Yao Xia, Chang Suining originally intended to find Wu Jue, but halfway she encountered a little monk of seven or eight years, who joined his hands and bowed to her, saying: “Benefactress, there is a patron surnamed Li waiting for you by the riverside behind the mountain.”
Chang Suining nodded to him: “Thank you, little master.”
She had not agreed with any Li patron to meet today, but she could easily guess who it was.
Chang Suining only hesitated for a moment, then stepped toward the back mountain.
Since he had come before her again, if she did not at least gain some benefit, it would be a waste of his efforts these days.
As she approached the back mountain, before she saw the person, the sound of a flute already reached her ears.
When she came closer, she saw a slender figure by the riverbank, wearing a fur cloak, holding a flute.
She went over, and together they looked at the green hills across the river, without speaking, until the other finished his tune, the last notes drifting away with the flowing water.
“This was the first place I spoke to Miss Chang.” Lowering the flute to his side, Li Lu smiled and said: “At that time, I was curious, what kind of young lady was the Chang family’s daughter, who dared to wrestle with a divine elephant.”
“So that day, when I encountered the heir here, it wasn’t by chance, was it?” Chang Suining asked, though in her heart she already had the answer.
From that time, Li Lu had already set his sights on her and the Chang family. Or perhaps even earlier, but that was the true beginning of action.
“Yes.” Li Lu readily admitted. He said: “At first I approached Miss Chang with a purpose, but later I was truly won over by you as well.”
Chang Suining couldn’t be bothered with the latter half—because it wasn’t important.
Li Lu gave a light sigh, looking at the opposite bank, speaking slowly: “Things are growing more unstable. This capital is not a place for Miss Chang to stay long. I wonder what Miss Chang plans to do next?”
Chang Suining seemed to think for a moment, then said: “I have not yet decided.”
“Now the war is difficult. General Chang cannot return to the capital for at least a year or half.” Li Lu spoke of military matters: “There are countless voices in court impeaching Li Yi, proposing a change of commander. And just as the Prince of Huainan has passed away, Li Yi’s heart may be shaken…”
He added: “Speaking of this, I recall something. A servant of mine who went to Huainan Palace to celebrate the prince’s birthday told me—”
“When he left Huainan Palace, the Prince of Huainan was already gravely ill. At that time, Li Yi sent a close attendant to rush back to visit his father. That attendant said that Li Yi, longing for his father, wanted to return personally, but was stopped by General Chang. The two quarreled over it.”
Chang Suining frowned slightly.
She could understand Li Yi’s wish to fulfill his filial duty. But in wartime, the commander cannot leave his post without permission. That is the most basic military law. Moreover, at that time the first battle had already been lost. If the commander left the camp, how could the army’s morale hold?
Old Chang, as deputy general, was not wrong to stop him.
“According to my servant, that attendant already bore resentment toward General Chang, and the Princess Consort of Huainan was grief-stricken and angry, believing General Chang used his power to suppress them, not putting Huainan Palace in his eyes—”
At this, Li Lu sighed: “Had the Prince of Huainan recovered, this might have been let go. But he passed away within two days…”
Li Yi not being able to see his father for the last time, he would likely put the blame on Chang Kuo.
Some things have no right or wrong, but one cannot control the human heart.
No more words were needed—Li Yi already bore resentment toward Chang Kuo. If in the future Li Yi did have disloyal intentions, Chang Kuo, as a deputy general with considerable prestige in the army, would inevitably be his greatest obstacle.
At that time, Chang Kuo might face mortal danger.
And without hearing this from Li Lu today, Chang Suining had already thought of this danger.
But she still asked: “Is everything the heir says truly the truth?”
“This was heard personally by my servant, it cannot be false.” Li Lu said: “If Miss Chang does not believe it, he can come, and you may question him yourself—surely a mere servant cannot fool your eyes.”
Chang Suining gave no comment, only asked again: “Does the heir tell me this only to inform me?”
“Of course not.” Li Lu said: “I do wish to help General Chang, but I must first have your consent.”
Chang Suining did not speak, only looked at him.
Li Lu: “Sending money and grain can only ease General Chang’s trouble for a while, but cannot stop the true danger.”
Was this saying that her sending money and grain was meaningless?
Chang Suining was glad he saw her this way—“Chang Suining” was indeed only a girl ignorant of military affairs, the only idea she could think of to help her father being to exhaust the family wealth to send supplies.
Since she knew nothing, she would ask: “What good plan does the heir have to save my father?”
“If Li Yi makes a move, I can help General Chang seize the commander’s authority.” Li Lu said.
Chang Suining laughed inwardly. So that was it.
So, within the Suppressing Rebels Army, there were Li Lu’s people.
She seemed to think for a moment, then asked: “What condition does the heir have for helping?”
Li Lu smiled at her, not answering immediately, instead saying: “In fact, today I came to bid farewell to Miss Chang.”
“The heir is returning to Yizhou?”
“Yes.” Li Lu said: “My mother has been ill for several months without recovery, missing her son. My father sent a message to the capital, wanting me to return to Yizhou. The Holy One has already approved.”
Chang Suining understood.
The timing and excuse were chosen perfectly. At this point, the Holy Emperor had no strength to keep the heir of Prince Rong in the capital, nor any reason to forbid him from returning to fulfill filial duty.
“I will no longer be a hostage.” He smiled, half self-deprecating, half relieved: “In Yizhou, the land is vast and open. I wonder if Miss Chang would be willing to go with me?”
“If Miss Chang nods, I will boldly ask the Holy One to grant a marriage decree. Then we can return to Yizhou and prepare for the wedding. Miss Chang could naturally leave the capital behind.”
The youth’s eyes were sincere: “Then, the Chang and Li families will be one. The Chang family need have no more worries.”
Hearing him even put “Chang” before “Li,” Chang Suining actually felt some admiration for him.
This person, again and again, never stopping in trying to “win over” the Chang family. One scheme failing, he thought up another. Was this persistence truly without other designs? She felt there must be some equally clear calculation behind his goal.
And looking at the sickly young man before her, she felt that though he tried his best to present equality, even raising her high, he could not hide the aura of a chess player.
Chang Suining glanced toward the maple grove not far away, where a lively girl’s face seemed to flash again before her eyes.
“With the heir so intent, if I still refuse, will your people in the army eliminate my father and replace him?”
He had just said he could help her father seize command. Was that not also a form of threat?
Li Lu smiled, his tone gentle: “If I said yes, would Miss Chang agree then?”
Chang Suining looked at him.
Li Lu chuckled again: “Just a joke.”
Chang Suining half smiled. A joke? Not necessarily. Even if there was only one chance in ten, she could not risk Old Chang’s life.
Truly an unpleasant chess player.
“I have no intention of threatening Miss Chang.” In Li Lu’s eyes was a trace of helplessness and confusion. He sighed: “Am I truly so unworthy, that Miss Chang would rather risk everything with her life than stand with me?”
Chang Suining thought he must have some misunderstanding of what “not threatening” and “standing together” meant.
After a moment of silence, she looked across the river and asked: “You said earlier, I could question your servant in person?”
“Indeed.” Li Lu, in a tone that brooked no refusal, asked: “Does Miss Chang wish to see him?”
Chang Suining made a soft sound: “I want to know more about my father.”
“Good. All the army’s news goes through him. He can tell you in detail.”
Chang Suining: “I also want to hear from the heir about the situation in Yizhou.”
Li Lu smiled: “Miss Chang is indeed cautious—”
Chang Suining: “Is it wrong to be cautious?”
“Not at all.” Li Lu’s eyes lit with a deeper smile: “Caution means you care. So Miss Chang is finally willing to try to understand me and Yizhou.”
“That’s good. Miss Chang may give me her answer after we talk in detail.”
Since she had been moved, he was confident he could persuade her.
Li Lu looked at the girl beside him, not concealing at all the admiration and affection in his eyes. If he could take this girl back to Yizhou, his years as hostage would not be in vain.
At this time, two monks came to fetch water by the river. Watching the ripples, Li Lu asked with a smile: “Does Miss Chang like boating?”
“It’s fine.”
“Then I boldly invite Miss Chang to a night boat ride tonight. We can brew tea and talk in detail. How about it?”
Dayun Temple was full of the Holy Emperor’s eyes and ears, unsuitable for long talks about Yizhou.
If they were to speak well, they needed a quiet place.
A night boat ride, with no eavesdroppers to disturb, was the best choice.
Chang Suining nodded and agreed to this proposal.
After agreeing on the time, the two left the back mountain one after the other.
…
That afternoon, after Chang Suining arranged everything, she also talked with Chang Sui’an for a long time.
After leaving Chang Sui’an, she returned to her lodging to change clothes and prepare for the meeting.
“…No, I must find Master Wu Jue!”
After his sister left, Chang Sui’an’s face was solemn and uneasy. He told Jiantong to push him to see Wu Jue: “I must let Master Wu Jue persuade Ning Ning!”
So Jiantong pushed him in haste. On the way, Jiantong asked: “Young Master, what has happened?”
Chang Sui’an looked as if his head was about to fall from anxiety: “…That heir of Prince Rong again raised the matter of requesting imperial permission to marry Ning Ning, and Ning Ning actually intends to agree, to go with him to Yizhou!”
Jiantong was shocked: “But Young Lady has no feelings for the heir of Prince Rong!”
“That’s why Ning Ning must have her own reasons, but she won’t tell me…” Chang Sui’an said: “Now that Father is not at home, only Master Wu Jue can persuade her!”
As he spoke, he quickly looked around, lowering his voice: “Do not speak of this outside. I will definitely persuade Ning Ning to give up this thought.”
Jiantong nodded, though his expression was grim: “If Young Lady has set her mind, I fear no one can move her…”
The master and servant hurried on to find Wu Jue.
After they left, a corner of monk’s robes quickly vanished into the nearby path.
…
Soon, the news in Dayun Temple was delivered into the palace, reaching the Holy Emperor’s ears.
The Holy Emperor frowned deeply.
(Sui’an, acting version: Ning Ning, you’re confused!)
This is the 4,000-word daily update. Later there will be bonus chapters for rewards. Seeking monthly tickets! In the last few hours—if you don’t vote, they’ll be cleared!
No comments: