Chapter 218 - What a Joke!
“Insolent cur! Begone! Today, I shall enter and confront whatever fox demon the emperor is, to abandon the harem without a care!”
“Imperial Consort, forgive us! The Emperor decreed none may enter Soaring Cloud Hall without his leave!”
Stirred from sleep by the clamor, Cao Zongguan recollected Zhan Yuanfeng's nocturnal activities, his own sleeplessness, and Zhan Yuanfeng's attendance at court without rest, marveling at the latter's seemingly boundless energy.
Cao Zongguan shook his befuddled head, finally comprehending the source of the commotion outside.
“Audacious!” A mere eunuch dares obstruct my path! Seize him…”
“Imperial Concubine, I serve the emperor closely. His judgment shall determine my fate!”
Recognizing the Minister of Imperial Household trailing Zhan Yuanfeng, Cao Zongguan noted his measured tone, neither subservient nor imperious, commanding respect.
Yet, Cao Zongguan harbored no admiration for his current disposition, curious about the identity of the woman addressed as “Imperial Concubine.”
Flustered by his appearance resembling a savage amidst refinement, Cao Zongguan endured the discomfort of the soft quilt feeling as harsh as nails.
Rising from bed and donning his attire, he marched resolutely toward the secret passageway's entrance, without looking back.
“Young Master?” The novice eunuch gazed at him anxiously, unsure how to proceed.
Pausing briefly, Cao Zongguan decisively swung the door open.
Leaning against the darkened passage, Cao Zongguan's strength ebbed away. Biting his lip fiercely, the metallic tang of blood cleared his mind.
Accustomed to his bond with Zhan Yuanfeng, Cao Zongguan had forgotten his subordinate status. Realization struck: one person could wield such influence over him… how pitiful.
Who was Zhan Yuanfeng? He was the Son of Heaven, with vast power and a sprawling harem. How had Cao Zongguan forgotten their arrangement?
Bracing himself against the wall, a cold determination shone in his eyes as he marched forward.
As Zhan Yuanfeng departed court, a chamberlain hastened to report the incident. Relieved that Cao Zongguan's exposure was averted, the chamberlain pondered the daring defiance of the imperial decree by the woman. Such behavior warranted punishment.
“Decree that Imperial Concubine Xiao be confined within the palace for two months. Any who trespass into our chambers henceforth shall be banished!”
“Yes sir!”
The imperial edict ignited a wave of excitement throughout the imperial harem. Most concubines chuckled behind their hands, while a select few astute ones suspected the Emperor's acquisition of a new partner.
Yet, why would he not openly acknowledge her as his consort, opting instead for clandestine concealment?
Speculations ran rife throughout the palace, surpassing even the fervor witnessed during Zhan Yuanfeng's month-long aversion to his stepwife.
Amidst the spreading rumors, only two prevailing theories managed to solidify and swiftly disseminate beyond the palace walls.
“I've heard the Emperor abducted a certain lord's wife, secreting her away in his chambers. For her sake, he's turned a blind eye to his other concubines for months.”
“Ridiculous!” “I've heard the Emperor altered his amorous pursuits, falling for a man and nurturing seven or eight exquisitely beautiful youths within his chambers. These peerless consorts no longer capture his gaze.”
“Absurd! I've never known the Emperor to entertain such notions. Your tidings are likely spurious.”
“Ha! You're unaware? Since the Emperor sanctioned Duke Zhen's union with a man, it's plausible he'd entertain the notion of adopting such a lifestyle. Who knows, perhaps… he desires to experience it himself?”
“Imperial Concubine Xiao's plight is truly lamentable. From the pinnacle of favor as a consort, she's reduced to insignificance. I fear her prospects for resurgence are dim.”
Zuo Shaoyan discerned the truth amidst the eccentric gossip circulating in the restaurant.
Consensus held that someone concealed within the Emperor's chambers, though opinions diverged on their identity. Zuo Shaoyan doubted the necessity of such secrecy if the individual were merely a married woman.
However, if they were a male companion, the Emperor could display them openly. Yet, even with a male companion, there remained ministers who sought to challenge him.
Hence, the individual's identity must be extraordinary, either one universally unacceptable or the Emperor safeguarding his reputation.
Given the Emperor's past abandonment of his favored consort, it seemed the latter was more probable.
“You didn't summon me here merely for idle gossip, did you?” Cao Zongguan's demeanor stiffened as he queried, his expression darkening.
Fortunately, Zuo Shaoyan's past treatment of him shielded his intentions.
Zuo Shaoyan regarded the youth with a cool gaze before sighing, “Of course not. I found myself in a foul mood today and sought company for a drink.”
“Ah, then forgive my reluctance to accompany you!” Cao Zongguan set down his cup, prepared to depart, but Zuo Shaoyan halted him. “Aren't you curious about Shuhui's well-being?”
Cao Zongguan stared at him incredulously, “What do you mean? What concern is her life to me?” Did Zuo Shaoyan believe he still harbored feelings for Zuo Shuhui? Preposterous!
“There's no need for agitation. I simply feel my Zuo Family isn't worthy of you. Perhaps you'll find solace knowing she's endured hardships.”
“What are you trying to say?”
You must have heard about the scandal involving the Jiang Family. Minister Jiang's wife has been deserted, and my sister has been affected by this incident, so she's still under restrictions. My parents are deeply concerned, fearing her distress.
“And what does that concern have to do with me?” Cao Zongguan retorted sarcastically.
“I simply needed someone to talk to. We've grown up together, and here in the capital, you're the only one I can confide in.”
Cao Zongguan remained skeptical. Once overly confident in his family's honor, Zuo Shaoyan now seemed to be a master of schemes.
Having been targeted numerous times in the Crown Prince's Palace, despite lacking concrete evidence, Cao Zongguan was convinced it was Zuo Shaoyan.
“There's also Shao Qing. We were once close, but who could have predicted our rift due to an unforeseen accident?” Zuo Shaoyan reminisced, “Back then, who would have thought Shao Qing would be the most accomplished among us?”
Cao Zongguan listened impassively. He doubted Zuo Shaoyan's motive for seeking him out was merely to reminisce.
“It's a shame he's not in the capital now; otherwise, we could have reunited.”
Cao Zongguan replied wryly, “I don't see the necessity. The Cao Family can't vie with the Zuo Family.”
Zuo Shaoyan sighed, wearing a contrite expression, “The matter has passed, with blame and judgment already decided. After all, we're still relatives by marriage. However, my third brother has increasingly distanced himself from the Zuo Family ever since marrying into the Wu Steel Manor.”
“I heard he paid respects to your family during the Mid-Autumn Festival, yet the Zuo Family received nothing in return. This infuriated my father to the point of illness.”
Cao Zongguan narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Zuo Shaoyan. His clandestine relationship with Zuo Shaoqing, exchanging gifts in private, had gone unnoticed by many, requiring careful investigation to uncover.
“It's just a bit of a specialty of the Crane City.”
Disappointment clouded Zuo Shaoyan's gaze. “Now that he's a Prefect, and with Duke Zhen's backing, his ascent seems assured. It's unfortunate that our family won't reap any further benefits from him.”
Cao Zongguan's lips curled slightly. “I heard… On the day of his marriage, he departed from Second Master's residence! In this world, no one extends kindness without cause. If one shows me respect, I'll return it tenfold.”
“It was indeed a misstep on my mother's part. You're aware Shuhui was in a rush to marry. With her family preoccupied, she sought assistance from our second uncle.”
Cao Zongguan arched an eyebrow, offering no commentary.
“They're family, after all. Where lies the enmity? Had Shao Qing been willing to assist, Shuhui wouldn't have suffered so. It's my elder brother who's proven ineffectual…”
It transpired that after the incident with Jiang's Mansion, the Zuo Family discerned an opportunity for Zuo Shuhui to secure her status. Despite Jiang Che's potential reluctance, with Zuo Shaoqing's connections, they harbored hope.
Zuo Shaoqing had facilitated Zuo Shuhui's elevation to equal wife status previously. Now, with him and Master Lu's support, they could propel Zuo Shuhui to become the next in-law between the families.
In the capital, a family capable of marrying into both Jiang's Mansion and Duke Zhen Manor would command respect.
Cao Zongguan deliberately inquired, “Isn't Shao Qing willing to assist?”
“Not exactly…” Zuo Shaoyan expressed a hint of concern. “My family dispatched several missives to Crane City, yet received no reply. I wonder if he's angered.”
Before Cao Zongguan could respond, Zuo Shaoyan rose, bowing sincerely. “I implore you to pen a letter to Third Brother. He may still be unaware of the situation in Beijing.”
Both were cognizant that despite Zuo Shaoqing's distance from Crane City, Wu Steel Manor's influence allowed him to monitor developments in the capital closely.
“Why should I aid you?” Cao Zongguan mocked.
“We're kin. You're aware of Jiang Family's status, not only with the current emperor but also as overseer of all officials. Eventually, you'll have to enter official service too.” Zuo Shaoyan's smile carried significance.
Cao Zongguan wasn't naive. If the Cao and Zuo families merely sought mutual benefit, he'd consider it. But Zuo Shuhui was involved. Even at his wits' end, he wouldn't exploit her connections.
Moreover, he doubted Zuo Shaoqing would extend aid. Only the overly confident Zuo Family deemed him kin.
“I'm sorry, I can't oblige. I'm not well acquainted with him!” Cao Zongguan met Zuo Shaoyan's gaze squarely. “The Cao and Zuo families will never merge!”
He turned to depart, pausing after a few steps to jest, “Oh, I almost forgot to inform you. Zuo Shuyuan's misconduct has been uncovered. She's been apprehended and disciplined by me. Though she's but a concubine, lauded as ‘Xiu' by me, since she's also your sister, I thought it prudent to inform you. It may dissuade the Zuo Family from seeking retribution in the future!”
As dark clouds loomed over Zuo Shaoyan, Cao Zongguan felt a measure of relief. In essence, he had borrowed Zuo Shuhui's tactics.
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