Chapter 1.5:
General Fuyuan, Qin Zheng, managed to deal a huge blow to the enemy, breaking their troops’ morale and forcing them back. His remarkable reputation once again resonates throughout the country with this victory. Moreover, with the army that numbers more than ten thousand under Marquis Dingyuan’s command, they successfully dissuade other foreign invaders from trying their luck. While the worries in the Emperor’s heart is appeased, doubts also begin to rise.
Strangle the rabbit. Cook the hunting dog. Clip the wings of the falcon. Break the prized bow. These words are the one and only admonition feared by Generals in the ancient era. But it often comes true. Rare are those who are allowed to live the rest of their lives safe and sound after riding numerous waves of victory and bringing glory to their household.
As such, the Emperor begins to subtly hint for the civilian court officials to give trouble to Marquis Dingyuan. Hence, soon after news of their resounding victory, the Marquis’ residence receives news of rough times ahead.
The current Emperor is not a muddle-headed individual, but he is too impatient. Despite the heavy protests, he only cares about swiftly enacting a plan to regain the military command seal from the Marquis’ household and oppress their rising power.
In order to ensure he doesn’t fail the entire mission, Sui Yuan decides that what he really needs to do now is to follow the storyline, assist Qin Zheng and his people down the path of revolt and to protect the women, children and elders within the Marquis’ residence.
The AnHe Qin Wang who has always refrained from entering court politics begins to frequent the palace and the residences of important ministers. For the first time in his life, he reveals his outstanding talent for politics that is as incredible as his outward appearance. Every smile, every frown and every move from him can touch a person’s heart. No matter what he says, as long as he backs it up with sound reasoning, none would be capable of objecting.
Gradually, the Marquis and others following him begin to gather at Sui Yuan’s side. With him sheltering them, redirecting the Emperor’s ire and helping to shoulder the unofficial crime placed on their heads, they manage to significantly delay the Emperor’s plans.
Sui Yuan continues holding firmly onto the principle of virtues and morals, using them to tactfully persuade the Emperor that he must not act with haste. Revoking a household’s military power requires detailed step by step planning, and one must definitely not harm old Generals who are patriotic and utterly loyal, who shed blood and sacrificed so much in defence of this nation.
"All you have said, zhen[1] understands...however, can one sleep soundly on a narrow bed? One day of the seal remaining out of my hands is another day zhen cannot have a peaceful rest ah..." The Emperor who is more than half a century old sighs with sorrow and regret as he reaches out to stroke Sui Yuan’s long hair in comfort.
Dressed in a crimson and gold robe that enhances his alluring visage, Sui Yuan gazes at the sovereign with worry in his eyes. Gently, with a voice full of reassurance, he says, "I understand, Your Majesty. However, I am unwilling to continue listening to people denouncing you. Marquis Dingyuan’s household has always been loyal and faithful. Ever since the founding of the state, they have been valiantly guarding the border, shedding blood, sweat and tears for generations. Fighting against the enemy and defending the country. Let’s give them some time, I believe they will surely understand your difficult position and will hand over the command seal."
Looking at the child he personally raised from childhood, the Emperor belatedly realised that the adorable, jade-like baby has already grown into a fine young man that all the more incites the urge to pamper him in people’s hearts. He simply cannot find it in himself to refuse this child.
Heaving a soft sigh, he recalls the heavy resistance in the court and eventually concedes with a nod. "Perhaps you are right. Zhen acted with undue haste. Then...let’s take our time. We shall first recall Marquis Dingyuan father and son back to the capital before planning our next move."
A radiant smile breaks out on Sui Yuan’s face. "Your Majesty is wise."
Emerging from the Imperial study, he makes a detour to pay a visit to the Empress as well as several favoured Imperial Concubines. Having lost his parents at the age of eight, he has frequent the palace since childhood. It is appropriate to say that he was partially brought up at the knees of select Imperial Concubines. While they are not related by blood, there still exists between them affection akin to mother and son.
If Sui Yuan so wishes, with a few honeyed words, he can steal the affections of these Imperial Concubines, making their hearts flutter to the point of promising to sway the Emperor through pillow talk, thus sealing their guarantee to help defend the Marquis’ household.
Court officials, the Emperor and the favoured Imperial Concubines. With a few smiles and waves of his long sleeves, he has them all dancing in his palm. However, no one questions as to why he is suddenly doing things he doesn’t normally do to help Marquis Dingyuan and their people, for the deep friendship between Qin Wang and General Fuyuan is known to all.
Coming out of the palace, Sui Yuan immediately heads for the Marqius’ residence. The old Madam disregards her ageing and ill body, coming out to receive him personally. Clasping his hands in her own wrinkled ones, tears roll down her cheeks.
"Never did I expect that you will be the saviour of our household...this old Madam really doesn’t know how to express my thanks..." The old Madam’s hands tremble. "Should...should our residence pass this difficult period and emerge safe and sound, then you will be a huge benefactor to us. If there is a chance, this old Madam hopes that I will be able to hear you call ’mother’..."
Sui Yuan stiffens as he studies the old lady’s hopeful gaze. Based on her attitude, she seems to truly desire this, hence he calls her "mother" once.
The old Madam freezes for a split-second, then turns tears into laughter. Drawing him into her embrace, she replies with a "silly child", sounding more doting towards him than her own children.
"Her attitude is very strange. When I came here before, she was neither cold nor warm." Sui Yuan complains to 5237 silently. He is really not accustomed to being so intimate with people.
"This old Madam is very astute!" 5237 scoffs. "The last time you were here, she was afraid you would steal away her most promising and profitable son. Now, her entire household can only rely on you for help so she will naturally be sweet to you. That way, even if you throw away your life just to save them, you wouldn’t regret doing so."
"So it’s like this." Having received a lecture from the system, Sui Yuan understands the situation now but he remains exceptionally calm and undisturbed. "Sure enough, there are still a lot of things I need to learn."
5237: "......Can’t you at least show me a little disappointment or any other normal reactions?"
Making small, emotional talk with the old Madam, Sui Yuan finally shifts the topic to a more serious matter. He wants to follow the plot, which means sneaking every member of the Marquis residence out of the capital. The entire foolproof plan has already been thought out, so all he needs to do is follow it word for word.
Listening to Sui Yuan’s plan, the old Madam’s eyes widen in astonishment. Never did she expect to see the day she is able to leave the capital. This news moves her so much that she all but faints.
With such a rare opportunity dangling before her, the old Madam will naturally not let it go. Restraining her emotions, she begins to discuss the plan in detail with Sui Yuan, ensuring everything will be arranged on time and in order. Making a prompt decision, she approves the enactment of this plan on behalf of her household.
Along with the Emperor retracting his wish to revoke the Marquis’ military leadership, relations between the royal family and the Marquis residence gradually smooths over again. Having gotten information from Sui Yuan a while ago, Marquis Dingyuan receives the imperial edict to return to the capital without hesitation. At the same time, he also sends a reply saying he will comply with the Emperor’s wish and hand over the command seal as soon as he returns. The Emperor is ecstatic as soon as he hears this, generously bestowing rewards on the Marquis as well as guaranteeing the safety of everyone in the household. He also withdraws all the spies he has around the Marquis’ residence.
News of Marquis Dingyuan father and son returning from the frontlines with only a small portion of their soldiers travel quickly throughout the country. As a result, the hostile, nomadic tribes that were oppressed by General Fuyuan begins to rally once more and set an ambush. The father and son pair, as well as their small routine of bodyguards, became unaccounted for.
Hearing this bad news, the old Madam falls gravely ill. However, she persists in wanting to make the trip up to the temple within the mountains in order to pray for her husband and son’s safe return.
The Emperor cannot possibly deny her this, but sends the Yu Lin army to ’protect’ the womenfolk during their journey. However, another piece of information arrives in the palace soon after. The procession was attacked and the well-disciplined, experienced soldiers of the Yu Lin army were beaten into a very sorry state. All traces of the Marquis’ family members vanished in the aftermath of the attack, apparently being murdered by their attackers. But deep down, everyone is aware that they are still alive. They’ve merely succeeded in fleeing the capital.
The Emperor explodes in fury, ordering this matter be thoroughly investigated. However, before they can even begin to scratch the surface of it, the previously ’missing’ Marquis Dingyuan father and son apparently reappeared safe and sound, accompanied by their army which numbers in the tens of thousands.
In the capital, having received news of the plan succeeding, Sui Yuan straightens his clothes, mentally preparing himself to welcome the sole momentous point his character faces in the story. Face void of all expression, he wordlessly steps out the doors of his room to meet the soldiers sent by the Emperor to detain him.
Such an elegant and graceful prince bearing a dull and blank gaze. Surely, there is nothing sadder than beholding a person with a shattered heart. The soldiers escorting Qin Wang can’t bring themselves to take more than a glance. Their hearts wouldn’t be able to bear the pain.
Walking out of his residence with head held high, his bearing remains confident and unflinching. Not the least bit cowed, he doesn’t resemble a criminal being escorted to prison and awaiting interrogation, but rather, it seems as though he is merely bringing a few bodyguards out for a walk through the streets.
By word of mouth, the homosexual man who did everything for love spreads throughout the capital and later, the nation. Like most ancient stories, this one too, is filled with heartbreak and ends in sorrow.
A jade-like prince with the gracefulness and allure of an Immortal renounced everything in order to protect the household of the young General Qin Zheng, but is ultimately met with a dark and tragic end when the person in his heart abandoned him for the throne. In those days long ago, the two were close as brothers, confiding in each other and withholding no secrets. Now, due to obtaining the mantle of Emperor, one pushes the other onto the execution ground. A single, merciless strike to severe all pass feelings and affection.
On the road, Sui Yuan notices Fan Caiyao standing amongst the crowd, hands over her mouth and weeping endlessly. By her side, her husband stands, unable to placate the grievances in her heart. The only thing he can offer is tender love, concern and physical support.
Tears overflowing with no end in sight, Fan Caiyao locks gaze with Sui Yuan for as long as possible. In her heart, under the disbelief, pity and sympathy for Sui Yuan surge forth while deep resentment and disdain for Qin Zheng rages.
Sui Yuan’s step pauses for a moment to shoot a soft, faint smile in her direction. That second-long, gorgeous smile leaves a deep impression on everyone present. Tranquil. Serene. Without a trace of hatred or regret. Perhaps, for the rest of their lives, they will never again witness this unrivalled, strong and moving prince.
Within the command tent of the rebel army stationed in the northwest, Qin Zheng clutches a secret report in one hand, head hanging low as his other hand covers his eyes.
"If one is to accomplish big matters, one should not bother with trifles. There will inevitably be sacrifices along the way." Reaching out to pat his beloved son comfortingly on the shoulder, Marquis Dingyuan heaves a long, heavy sigh as he feels the always firm and unyielding man shudder faintly.
A long while later, when he is all alone, an ironic, humourless smile curves Qin Zheng’s lips as a weary, gloomy look surfaces in his eyes.
Footnotes:
[1] Zhen = Emperor’s way of referring to himself. Like a royal "we".