Chapter Thirty-Four

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Chapter 34

The right chamber of the Osmanthus Garden.

In the evening, as Gu Yusheng entered the bedroom, he was greeted by the scent of orchids—the unique fragrance that belonged to Qi Yaoyao. Every night, the moment Gu Yusheng caught this distinct aroma, he found himself involuntarily intoxicated. He looked toward the window and saw Qi Yaoyao, dressed in a long, pink gown, standing before the sill. Her nimble, jade-like hands were gently tending to a pot of orchids. The gown swayed slightly with her subtle movements. Under the lamplight, her graceful posture, well-proportioned figure, and soft, elegant lines made Gu Yusheng’s heart skip a beat.

Gu Yusheng removed his official cap, walked over quietly, and wrapped his arms around Qi Yaoyao from behind.

Qi Yaoyao’s delicate body trembled, and she instantly blushed from her face down to her neck. She turned her head slightly, looking at Gu Yusheng with misty eyes, and said shyly, "Husband, let us do our 'homework' together tonight!"

Gu Yusheng buried his head near her neck and murmured, "Wife, I have already begun..."

The next day.

Gu Yusheng rode his horse while Qi Yaoyao traveled by carriage, departing from the Osmanthus Garden. An hour later, they arrived at the Prince Wei Estate.

The estate had undergone a transformation: all the buildings had been renovated.

Gu Yusheng noticed that the main building, previously marred by peeling exterior walls and torn window paper, was now resplendent and magnificent. The bluestone paths were swept clean, and the flowers and plants on either side were impeccably manicured.

The Prince Wei Estate was bustling with activity and shadowed by many figures.

Ding Jishan led Gu Yusheng and Qi Yaoyao to the front of the main building, which now featured new bronze door knockers.

Ding Jishan stood before the new knockers and knocked, announcing, "Reporting to the Prince and Princess: Minister of the Ministry of War, Lord Gu Yusheng, and his wife have come to pay their respects."

Zhao Yuan’s voice came from within: "Show them in!"

Two palace maids pulled the heavy doors open.

Gu Yusheng and Qi Yaoyao walked before Prince Zhao Yuan and Princess Xia, kneeling to pay their respects: "Your humble servant Gu Yusheng (commoner Qi Yaoyao) pays respects to the Prince and the Princess!"

Princess Xia smiled graciously and said, "Please, rise."

"Thank you, Your Highnesses," they replied in unison, standing up.

Princess Xia walked over to Qi Yaoyao and asked, "Lady Gu, I heard from the Prince that you and he have known each other since you were very young, is that true?"

Qi Yaoyao glanced at Zhao Yuan and replied, "Reporting to Princess Xia, the commoner did indeed know the young Prince when I was a child, but at that time, I did not know he was a prince."

Princess Xia asked again, "Did you commit any acts of disrespect toward him back then?"

Qi Yaoyao suddenly felt as if she were standing on the edge of an abyss and began to tremble. She hurriedly knelt again, her face flushed red, keeping her head low for fear of overstepping: "Reporting to Princess Xia, the young Prince only lived at our Cheng Family Salt Shop for just over three months. He ate, slept, and played with my husband every day. During those three months, I did nothing but write books and practice swordsmanship; I neither approached the young Prince nor spoke to him, let alone committed any act of disrespect!"

Princess Xia suppressed a laugh and said, "Oh, Qi Yaoyao, you are truly incorrigible! You did not approach the Prince, nor did you speak to him—your lack of decorum is, in itself, a grave disrespect!"

Qi Yaoyao felt aggrieved inwardly: *Is it disrespectful even to not approach or speak to him?*

Princess Xia continued, "According to imperial protocol, that is exactly what it is!"

Qi Yaoyao raised her head and asked, "Your Highness, what does the Prince intend to do with me now?"

Princess Xia replied, "Punish you severely—by beheading!"

Qi Yaoyao stood tall and said, "If that is the case, there is no need for others to do the deed. Please, Princess, grant me a sword."

Princess Xia asked, "Qi Yaoyao, what do you need a sword for? Do you want to kill someone?"

Qi Yaoyao replied, "I wish to sever my own head and present it to the Prince!"

"Hahaha, Bingbing, the Princess was only teasing you!" came the laughter of Prince Zhao Yuan.

In the afternoon, at the imperial Yujin Garden, Gu Yuren was accompanying Prince Zhao Yuan in practicing with the *masuo* (a long-handled spear-like weapon).

Gu Yuren held a long spear while Prince Zhao Yuan wielded the *masuo*. It looked somewhat uncoordinated, but that did not hinder their "combat." Gu Yuren’s spear was elusive and unpredictable, while the Prince’s *masuo* was handled with increasing ease. The Prince had learned swordsmanship from his aunt, Zhao Chuoyun, since childhood, giving him a solid foundation, though he still found the *masuo* quite strenuous to learn.

The *masuo* was a weapon evolved from the spear, mainly used in mounted combat. To ensure strength during charges and thrusts, the shaft was designed to be longer than a standard spear, allowing it to effectively pierce through enemies—it was precisely this characteristic that made Prince Zhao Yuan fond of it. It is said that the great Tang general Qin Shubao was a master of the *masuo*. The *Old Book of Tang* records: "Shubao was skilled with the *masuo*; when capturing enemy strongholds, he would defeat the many with the few, truly a hero."

Gu Yuren’s father, Gu Datong, was also skilled with the *masuo*. He had taught Gu Yuren as a child, but his younger brother, Gu Yusheng, preferred the spear. Over time, Gu Yuren had grown accustomed to the spear as well, finding it more natural to handle.

Gu Yuren did not know who the Prince's foundational coach was. The Prince never mentioned it, and Gu Yuren never asked. But seeing the Prince’s solid basic skills, he knew the instructor must have been excellent.

The two had "fought" for nearly a hundred rounds, and the Prince was drenched in sweat and exhausted. Gu Yuren had suggested for the third time, "Your Highness, shall we stop here for today?" He was a man who believed in gradual progress, and he wanted to teach his apprentice in the same manner.

Prince Zhao Yuan wiped the sweat from his face, looked up at the sky, and wheezed, "Very well, let us finish here for today!" Just then, a young girl ran over and led the Prince’s warhorse away. Gu Yuren glanced at the girl, feeling a sense of familiarity. After bowing to the Prince and taking a few steps away, he heard the Prince suddenly call out, "Lord Gu, please wait."

Gu Yuren reined in his horse, turned back, and asked, "Your Highness, is there something else?"

Prince Zhao Yuan waved to the girl, who led the horse out of the Yujin Garden. The Prince then approached Gu Yuren and said, "Lord Gu, I hear that your wife has exceptional horsemanship, and my consort, Lady Xia, is also fond of riding. Having received the Empress Dowager's permission, she is organizing a horse race. The Princess and I sincerely invite your wife to participate." As he spoke, he drew an invitation from his robe and handed it over.

Gu Yuren hurriedly dismounted, accepted the invitation with both hands, and said, "Thank you, Your Highness and the Princess, for your kindness toward my wife."

At the Osmanthus Garden.

In the evening, Qi Qiongqiong sat under the lamp, doing needlework.

She looked toward the door from time to time—she was waiting for her husband to return. Her husband and his younger brother were studying in the study of the main house. They seemed to be debating something, and their disagreement had even been audible earlier.

It was very late when her husband finally returned.

As soon as Gu Yuren entered, he waved the invitation in front of Qi Qiongqiong and asked, "Wife, take a look at this. What do you think it is?"

Qi Qiongqiong set down her needlework, took the invitation, examined it under the light, and asked in surprise, "Where did this come from?"

Gu Yuren said, "Prince Zhao Yuan handed it to me personally."

Qi Qiongqiong replied happily, "Thank you, husband!" She lifted the invitation again, reading it through once more under the lamp.

Gu Yuren began to undress, saying, "Why are you thanking me? It is Princess Xia who is inviting you, not I!"

Qi Qiongqiong walked over, took his outer robe, hung it on the rack, and smiled, "Then thank you, husband, for bringing the invitation back for me!"

Gu Yuren replied, "A mere trifle, not worth mentioning."

Qi Qiongqiong said excitedly, "I had heard that Princess Xia was going to hold a women's horse race, but I didn't know if it was true. Now that it is actually happening, and I, Qi Qiongqiong, have been invited to participate, I am absolutely delighted!"

Gu Yuren said, "As long as you are happy! I originally thought you might not want to go."

Qi Qiongqiong replied, "How could I not go? I intend to take first place in the race."

Gu Yuren remarked, "What a conceited woman! Besides, what is the use of taking first place?"

Qi Qiongqiong pouted, "Are you truly dense or just pretending? In everything, one must strive to be first! In the imperial martial examinations, Sister Guimu took first place and was titled General Zhennan by the Emperor, holding a third-rank position. You, husband, came in second as a top scholar, but the treatment you received was worlds apart—the Emperor only granted you a minor sixth-rank post as a military judge! Tell me, is there any use in being first or not?"

Gu Yuren sat on the edge of the bed and said, "That was a martial examination, a selection of talent by the imperial court! This is a horse race, an entertainment event; don't equate the two!"

Qi Qiongqiong said solemnly, "Husband, you are mistaken in your understanding! I believe Princess Xia is also using this race to select talent for the court! She is selecting female generals!"

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Gu Yuren lay on the bed and said, "My wife, tell me your insights, I am listening!"

Qi Qiongqiong said, "Think about it, husband. Princess Xia is the daughter of a military family and has always been fond of weapons. Prince Zhao Yuan is the Emperor's only adopted son. The Emperor has no heirs of his own, so if nothing unexpected happens, the Prince will surely ascend the throne. You and I both know that the Prince is a man of great ambition who has the 'greater good of the country' at heart. For the sake of national unification, he will undoubtedly fight; he will launch a northern expedition! In war, one must muster the strength of the entire nation. Relying on men alone is not enough; we women must step up too! But the current dynasty does not allow women to participate in martial exams. Capable women are left in the common folk, and official wives like me, who know martial arts, are buried in household chores. How can female talent be discovered? Princess Xia is indeed clever to think of holding this race. When the time comes, many women in the capital who know martial arts will be discovered!"

Gu Yuren listened in astonishment and said with admiration, "My wife is truly a heroic talent! It is a pity you are a woman!"

Qi Qiongqiong retorted, "And what of being a woman? Perhaps one day you will be a Duke, and I will be a Marquis! Just wait and see!"

Gu Yuren quickly compromised, "I believe you, I believe you! Honorable Lady Marquis, it is getting late. To ensure you take first place in the race tomorrow, we should recharge our energy—time to sleep!"

Qi Qiongqiong suddenly asked, "Did Sister Yaoyao receive an invitation?"

Gu Yuren shook his head and said, "I asked my younger brother earlier, and he said she hasn't received one yet."

Qi Qiongqiong said, "How can that be? The race starts tomorrow, and she still hasn't received an invitation! It seems the Princess has forgotten her. Husband, did you remind the Prince about Sister Yaoyao?"

Gu Yuren replied, "How could I bring up such things in front of the Prince?"

Qi Qiongqiong suggested, "Husband, shall I give my invitation to Sister Yaoyao tomorrow?"

Gu Yuren said, "But the invitation has your name on it."

Qi Qiongqiong asked, "Then what should we do?"

Gu Yuren said, "Do as you see fit..." Before he could finish, he began to snore.

In fact, Princess Xia had sent an invitation for Qi Yaoyao, entrusting it to Zhao Yuan to give to Gu Yusheng. But Zhao Yuan had withheld it—the young Prince was secretly in love with Qi Yaoyao and was trying to avoid her.

When the morning court session dispersed, someone quietly slipped a note to Gu Yusheng. The person whispered, "Read it only when you get home, and burn it afterward."

Gu Yusheng hid the note and rode home quickly.

Just as he stepped through the gate, Qi Yaoyao said happily, "Husband, come and look! I just bought a pair of larks at the bird market. They said they were Mongolian larks, but Uncle Tianjian said they were sand larks. Come and look—are they Mongolian larks or sand larks?"

Gu Yusheng looked: a birdcage hung under the osmanthus tree, with two little birds hopping inside. The brothers Dabao and Erbao were trying to coax them into singing, but no matter what they did, the birds only ate their millet and hopped about, refusing to sing.

Gu Yusheng knew nothing about birds. He looked and said, "If Uncle Tianjian says they are sand larks, then they must be sand larks, right?"

Qi Yaoyao said, "But they charged me the price of Mongolian larks! I'm going to return them!" As she spoke, she reached to take down the cage.

Gu Yusheng hurriedly said, "Wait, wife, let me look closer..." He pretended to examine them carefully, "Their feathers aren't bright enough; only birds from the Mongolian grasslands are like that. They must be Mongolian larks!"

Qi Yaoyao asked skeptically, "Really?"

Gu Yusheng replied, "Absolutely!" After saying this, he returned to his study. He closed the door, took out the note, and read:

*The Third Day of the First Lunar Month*
*Someone intends to assassinate General Zhennan. Take precautions immediately.*
*April 1st, Respectfully submitted.*

Since Gu Yusheng had received the roster titled *Sun Sun's Last Testament* from Prime Minister Lü, he knew his codename was "The Third Day of the First Lunar Month." His father, Gu Datong, was "The Twelfth Day of the Fifth Month"; his mother, Lou Mingxuan, was "The Eighth Day of the Fifth Month"; Uncle Qi Wei was "The Sixteenth Day of the Fifth Month"; Uncle Yin Yuanyuan was "The Seventeenth Day of the Fifth Month"; Uncle Xiao Tianjian was "The Fourteenth Day of the Sixth Month"; Lü Qianqian was "The Eighth Day of the Seventh Month"; and Xing Fannan, the former leader of Peach Blossom Stronghold who had been suppressed by General Zhennan, was "The Twenty-Second Day of the Third Month"...

Gu Yusheng also knew that Prime Minister Lü’s codename was "The Second Day of the First Lunar Month," and that he was his direct contact and superior. But he had never known who "April 1st" was.

Who was "April 1st"? He took the *Sun Sun's Last Testament* from his safe and checked it. It read:

*April 1st*
*Schedule for reciting the Three Hundred Tang Poems:*
*Recite "The Northern Campaign" 76 times (Ju)*
*Recite "Wandering Immortal" once (Gong)*

Gu Yusheng said excitedly, "So it is him."

He was the guest of Prime Minister Tan, the Censor-in-Chief whom Tan addressed as "Brother Chen Gong."

Gu Yusheng was overjoyed.

That night, Zhao Rouya, Xiao Tianjian, Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, Qi Qiongqiong, and Qi Yaoyao sat in the study in silence.

Xiao Tianjian wore a look of helplessness and said, "It is all my fault. I shouldn't have taught her martial arts in the first place..."

His remark brought everyone’s thoughts back to the distant seaside salt field.

By the sea, regardless of whether it was the blossoming spring or the biting winter, throughout all four seasons, and whether it was morning or dusk, there was always the small, nimble figure of a young girl darting across the beach. She was as light as a gull, dancing with a blue sword to the sound of the tides, the blade flashing...

She was Xiao Guimu in her childhood.

The atmosphere in the study remained heavy.

Gu Yuren turned to gaze at his younger brother’s worried face and said, "Second brother, we must send someone reliable to Jingnan to inform Sister Guimu so she can be prepared."

Gu Yusheng agreed, "Yes, but who should we send?"

Xiao Tianjian said, "Shall I go? If I go, I will also make her resign her post and leave!"

Gu Yusheng said, "Uncle Tianjian, this is urgent. You are getting on in years, and you cannot handle such a long journey. Besides, Aunt Rouya is ill, and she needs you to stay and take care of her."

Zhao Rouya said, "My illness is of no consequence. Let Uncle Tianjian go."

Gu Yusheng shook his head and said, "No!"

Qi Qiongqiong said, "Second brother, I am young and skilled at riding. Let me go."

Qi Yaoyao said to Gu Yusheng, "Husband, the nephews Dabao and Erbao are young and mischievous. If Elder Sister is not at home, those two brothers will surely tear the roof tiles off!"

Gu Yusheng said, "Wife, if Sister Qiongqiong goes, the two boys will be under your care. I believe they will listen to their cold-hearted aunt."

Qi Yaoyao sneered, "Husband, why don't you send me to Jingnan to deliver the message instead?"

Gu Yusheng gave his classic smile and said, "I wouldn't dare send you! I never force anyone to do things! But if you, my wife, are willing to go yourself, that is another matter."

Qi Yaoyao was a straightforward person, and she retorted, "Gu the Second, I know you've long been annoyed by me being at home doing nothing! You don't need to be so sarcastic. It’s just a trip to Jingnan, a piece of cake!"

Gu Yusheng said, "You are going of your own volition, no one is forcing you, right?"

Qi Yaoyao ignored him and walked to Zhao Rouya, saying, "Aunt, please rest at home and recover. I will definitely deliver your message to Sister Guimu."

Zhao Rouya said gratefully, "Thank you for your trouble, Yaoyao! But you must try to persuade that stubborn girl to resign and retire."

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Qi Yaoyao comforted her, "I will, please don't worry, Aunt." After saying this, she went back to her room to pack.

Gu Yusheng returned to the bedroom very late. He saw that Qi Yaoyao had already packed her bundle and was sitting by the bed in a daze.

Gu Yusheng walked over and handed her a small package.

Qi Yaoyao asked, "What is this?"

Gu Yusheng said, "This is the men's clothing Sister Qiongqiong prepared for you. I have already given Baiyun and Caiyun theirs. This is yours; there are three sets."

Qi Yaoyao asked coldly, "What do I need these men's clothes for?"

Gu Yusheng said ingratiatingly, "Wife, the roads are not very safe right now. It is better for you to disguise yourselves as men while traveling."

Qi Yaoyao asked, "Did my sister prepare these herself, or did you ask her to help?"

Gu Yusheng countered, "Does that matter?"

Qi Yaoyao said, "It matters very much! Please answer me."

Gu Yusheng smiled, "I made the request, and Sister Qiong and all the maids in the estate worked through the night to finish them."

Qi Yaoyao asked, "You are concerned about me?"

Gu Yusheng answered without hesitation, "Of course! You are my lawfully wedded wife, the woman I have secretly loved since I was a child. If I don't care about you, who should I care about?"

Qi Yaoyao shook her head and sneered, "That may not be so! People change! Besides me, there is also Lü Qianqian..."

Gu Yusheng paused and said, "In all honesty, there is only one woman in my heart, and that woman is you, Qi Yaoyao!" As he spoke, he took her hands and pressed them against his chest.

Qi Yaoyao was already in tears. She said with a trembling voice, "Then why have you been so sarcastic toward me lately?"

Gu Yusheng pulled his wife into an embrace and whispered, "I don't like watching songbirds..."

Qi Yaoyao pinched his thigh and asked, "Who are you calling a songbird?"

Gu Yusheng cried out dramatically, "Ouch! It hurts! It hurts!" Qi Yaoyao burst into laughter. The next day, she and her two maids disguised themselves as men and headed to Jingnan to deliver the news.

There is no wall in the world that does not leak. The engagement between Li Muwen and Xiao Guimu had been discovered by Prime Minister Tan’s subordinates.

At night, the palace was quiet. Inside the Cixi Palace, Prime Minister Tan and his wife, Lady Wang, were paying respects to the Empress Dowager.

Lady Wang said to the Dowager, "Your Majesty, we have news about that woman you were looking for!"

The Dowager asked excitedly, "Is that so? Where is she? That woman knows too much about the business between you and me! I don't know how you feel, but for me, as long as she lives, I cannot sleep soundly!"

Prime Minister Tan and Lady Wang said in unison, "Who could say otherwise?"

The Dowager said even more excitedly, "Then what are you hesitating for? Go and capture her and kill her at once!"

Prime Minister Tan said hurriedly, "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, we do not yet know where she is hiding, but this humble minister has discovered who her daughter’s fiancé is."

The Dowager said happily, "Prime Minister Tan, do not delay. Send men to capture her son-in-law and interrogate him strictly. I believe he will reveal the whereabouts of his mother-in-law!"

Prime Minister Tan replied with apparent satisfaction, "This humble minister will strictly obey your command!"

The following evening, Prime Minister Tan entered the palace alone again. He was there to see the Emperor.

He walked with his head lowered through the palace corridors, feeling that the inner palace was terrifyingly quiet. He always had this feeling whenever he was plotting against someone. He looked up at the familiar surroundings, rubbed his eyes twice, and finally saw that the area was full of people: lanterns were hung around the small palace hall, and in the light, eunuchs and maids were moving back and forth—Prime Minister Tan now felt they were gliding over the floor, without the slightest sound of footsteps. Suddenly, in his mind, they all turned into ghosts, and these ghosts were reaching out with claws to rush at him, ready to drink his blood and eat his flesh...

"You cannot destroy me!" Prime Minister Tan could not help but blurt out.

The young eunuch carrying the lantern in front was startled and quickly asked, "Prime Minister, what is wrong?"

Prime Minister Tan suddenly felt cold. He shivered and walked quickly into the small hall. The eunuch saw his terrifying face and trembled.

Prime Minister Tan knelt on the ground: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Northern Zhen has sent another state letter!"

Two eunuchs came over to help the Prime Minister up.

The Emperor asked, "What is the reason for their letter?"

Prime Minister Tan said, "They are protesting that General Zhennan killed dozens of Northern Zhen soldiers for no reason."

The Emperor shook his head and said, "Nonsense! According to the report from Prefect Zhang Dong of Jingnan, it was the Northern Zhen army that crossed the border to loot and kill our villagers."

Prime Minister Tan said, "They claim in the letter that nearly a hundred of their soldiers died..."

The Emperor said, "We suffered thousands of casualties..."

Prime Minister Tan leaned in a step closer and said, "Your Majesty, the people of Northern Zhen have always been wolves in sheep's clothing. They keep talking about retaliation, intending to use this incident as a pretext for war."

The Emperor’s legs felt weak, and he slumped into the dragon chair. After a long while, he said, "War is too terrible! Minister Tan, what are their demands?"

Prime Minister Tan put on an expression of concern for the nation and the people, "They demand the punishment of the culprit who destroyed the peace, General Zhennan, Li Muwen."

The Emperor asked, "Just that?"

Prime Minister Tan replied, "That is the only demand."

The Emperor’s face flushed red: "Good! As long as they do not start a war, it does not matter who is punished!" He turned to the Prime Minister, "Minister, how should we punish General Zhennan?"

Prime Minister Tan said, "Your Majesty, send men to capture him and bring him to the Ministry of Justice for trial and sentencing..." He leaned into the Emperor’s ear, "General Zhennan has troops in his hands. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Your Majesty should do this and that..."

The next day at the morning court.

In the Chongzheng Hall, the Emperor said feebly, "General Zhennan Li Muwen disregarded state law while in mourning and went so far as to participate in the martial examinations, showing arrogance and deceiving the Emperor! I hereby strip Li Muwen of his title of Martial Scholar, revoke his title of General Zhennan, dismiss him from his post as Jingnan Commander, and order him to be arrested and brought to the capital for interrogation!"

The ministers knelt and chanted, "His Majesty is wise!"

The Emperor asked, "Ministers, who shall be sent to arrest Li Muwen?" Prime Minister Tan stepped forward and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Minister of the Ministry of War, Lord Gu Yusheng, is the best candidate."

The Emperor immediately said, "Good! Minister of the Ministry of War Gu Yusheng, hear the decree: I now appoint you as the Left Minister of the Ministry of War. Depart immediately for Jingnan to arrest Li Muwen and bring him to justice."

When Gu Yusheng heard this, it was like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky!

He moved out of the ranks with difficulty, bowed, and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant... this servant accepts the decree..."