LF Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Stealing the Beam and Replacing the Pillars

The northern border was bitterly cold, and this year the weather was dry and there was little snowfall. The biting northwest wind made people’s faces dry and cold. A group of people escorted Prince Yong from Wei Bo towards his residence.

Along the way, the fierce cold wind howled. Wei Bo was full of wind and sand, with flying sand and rocks accompanied by swirling yellow dust. However, Jiang Yinghua insisted on not riding in a carriage, but rode alongside everyone else.

Yan Wanzhi knew that Jiang Yinghua was in a bad mood. Having been in the northern border for many years, whenever she had something on her mind but didn’t want to confide in others, she would spur her horse and gallop in an open area for two hours. Right now, she had captured Prince Yong, which was truly a last resort, so naturally she wouldn’t be happy.

Yan Wanzhi also knew that if Prince Yong was sent to the capital, according to Your Majesty’s personality, he would not have a good end. Therefore, Yan Wanzhi made up her mind to swallow the hatred of her family and no longer reveal it to Jiang Yinghua, so as not to trouble her mind. She could give up forcing Prince Yong to admit his crime of framing her father and brothers, as long as Jiang Yinghua could be better, she was willing to bear these hardships herself.

Galloping all the way, Jiang Yinghua didn’t mention resting, and no one dared to say a word. Yan Wanzhi was worried that something might happen along the way, and only hoped to return to the fiefdom as soon as possible. She only needed to stay for two days, and after the people from the court made contact, she and Jiang Yinghua could return to the capital together to receive their rewards, quell this turmoil, and return to a normal life.

The person in front of her was the one she missed day and night, and the person behind her was the enemy she had been searching for for many years, whom she wished she could crush to ashes, but these two people were close relatives connected by blood. Yan Wanzhi was in the middle, and for a moment, she didn’t know whether she should comfort Jiang Yinghua’s emotions.

After much deliberation, as night was approaching, Yan Wanzhi finally spurred her horse forward and handed over a brand-new water bottle, “Your Highness, you have been running around for a day, and haven’t had any food or water, which is not good for your health.”

Jiang Yinghua’s thoughts were wandering. Her dull eyes regained their senses when she saw the water bottle in front of her, and she slowed down her horse. She took the water bottle, looked up at the sky, and forced a smile towards Yan Wanzhi, softly saying, “It was my negligence, Scholar Yan, there should be a county town ten miles ahead, tell everyone to settle down there and rest.”

“Okay, I will go to the back to pass on the message.” Yan Wanzhi softly agreed, and hearing that her tone was okay, most of her worries were relieved.

After entering the county town’s post house, Yan Wanzhi arranged for sentries, and then instructed the post official to prepare some light and delicious food for Jiang Yinghua, and personally sent it to her room.

Seeing the person approaching, Jiang Yinghua, who was admiring the sunset by the window, leisurely walked to the desk with her hands behind her back, bent down and glanced at the food, and joked, “Scholar Yan, how did you manage to make things difficult for the post official? Preparing such a rich meal, could it be that you used your jade-like beauty to make that person succumb?”

These words were really beyond Yan Wanzhi’s expectations. Could it be that she was in the mood to joke? With no one else in the room, Yan Wanzhi stared straight at her, and said lightly, “You don’t have to force a smile, eat.”

“Why should I force a smile? The cold wind has been blowing all day, it’s so hard. Come, Scholar Yan, sit down and eat with me.” Jiang Yinghua appeared relaxed and at ease, casually pulled up a small stool and sat down, picked up chopsticks, prepared a bowl and plate, and picked up two dishes, pushing them in front of Yan Wanzhi.

Yan Wanzhi sat down with some suspicion, looking at the person, and tentatively asked, “Then do you want to drink wine? This post house has wine.”

“No, this matter is of great importance, and there can be no mistakes. I was confused before and had already made Your Majesty very angry. This time, there can be no slip-ups, otherwise, even if Scholar Yan breaks his head, he may not be able to protect my skin when we return to the capital.” Jiang Yinghua said playfully,Clipped，Howl，Look.

“What you said makes sense, it’s good that you understand, I was worried that you would be mentally exhausted.” Yan Wanzhi was skeptical, but in this situation, she preferred to believe that Jiang Yinghua had really figured it out.

“When we go back this time, we can join in the New Year’s fun in the capital. Why don’t you take some time to think about where you want to go to play, and I’ll take you there.” Jiang Yinghua held a spoon, blinking her eyes and asking Yan Wanzhi, her eyes seemed full of expectation.

“How old am I, why am I as childish as you? You think about it, I’ll accompany you wherever you want to go. No scenery in my eyes is as beautiful as you.” Yan Wanzhi’s first half of the sentence was serious, but the second half was lowered her voice, put on a sly smile.

“You’re so glib. I’ve been fighting on the front lines for a year, what improper things have you learned in Prince Zhao Manor? Could it be that you’ve been flirting with women behind my back? You’re so smooth-tongued.” Jiang Yinghua’s eyes vaguely revealed a playful danger, resting her cheek in her hand and staring at Yan Wanzhi.

“You left me in Prince Zhao Manor and wouldn’t let me follow you, and now you’re blaming me? Hua’er, don’t you think you’re a bit too domineering? Be careful you won’t be able to marry.” Yan Wanzhi also put down her bamboo chopsticks, crossed her arms and retorted.

“Eh? You still want me to marry? Tell me, who are you thinking about?” Jiang Yinghua slammed the table and stood up, leaning over to examine Yan Wanzhi, her oppressive aura was firmly in control.

Yan Wanzhi felt the huge shadow in front of her, and met Jiang Yinghua’s sharp eyes, feeling inexplicably flustered. She wouldn’t dare to cheat on her, so what was she panicking about?

“Hua’er, you, what are you thinking about? My meaning, my meaning is can you not be so fierce to me, otherwise I won’t dare to marry you in the future, I’m scared.” Yan Wanzhi admitted defeat, honestly nested on the stool, blinking her long eyelashes, and stuttered in response.

Jiang Yinghua laughed, and raised her hand to gently pinch Yan Wanzhi’s slightly flushed face due to nervousness, “You, still want to marry me? How many years has it been, and you still haven’t corrected your position, just honestly wait to be a bridegroom, I’ve prepared your dowry, don’t be delusional.”

“Knock knock… Your Highness, Scholar Yan, your subordinate has something to report.”

Yan Wanzhi’s cheeks were slightly red, and the two were at the critical moment of surging blood, when the sound of knocking on the door suddenly rang out. Jiang Yinghua turned around a little uncomfortably and cleared her throat, while Yan Wanzhi quickly stood up from her seat and said loudly, “Come in.”

After the person entered, Jiang Yinghua adjusted her expression, turned around again, and asked seriously, “What is it?”

“Reporting to Your Highness, the post house has prepared the meal for Prince Yong, and your subordinate has come to ask the Commander to personally inspect it.” The person who came was from the Secret Division.

Hearing this, Jiang Yinghua gave Yan Wanzhi a look, and softly ordered, “Go.”

Yan Wanzhi bowed and saluted, and followed the person out. All of Prince Yong’s food would be strictly checked to prevent accidents from happening along the way.

Most of the guards outside were from the Secret Division. Just now when the subordinate came to knock on the door, Yan Wanzhi was already flustered, and because of this reason, she did not dare to go to Jiang Yinghua again.

In the long night, with no one to accompany her, Jiang Yinghua had no sleepiness and tossed and turned on the narrow bed. If Prince Yong was sent directly to the capital, many bizarre and unresolved matters would sink into oblivion with this person’s death. Jiang Yinghua believed what was written in the Princess Consort’s letter.

The next day, Jiang Yinghua got up early. After having a simple breakfast, she urged everyone to set off. As the sun set in the west, the group returned to the fiefdom. Jiang Yinghua imprisoned Prince Yong in the state prison not far from her residence, and sent heavy troops to guard him.

After entering Prince Zhao Manor, Cao Song had been waiting for a long time. He secretly glanced at Jiang Yinghua’s expression, and guessed that everything should be going smoothly, so he dared to speak out: “Your Highness, this servant has prepared a banquet, do you want to hold a reception for the brothers who have been running around?”

Hearing this, Jiang Yinghua’s tone was gentle, and she ordered, “I’m tired, I’ll go back to my room to rest first. The manager should take care of it, just let people drink happily.”

Cao Song nodded and said yes, “Your Highness’s dinner,…”

“I’m not eating.” Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Yinghua interrupted him, and went straight into the main hall.

Cao Song was shocked. This person was actually of the same type as Your Majesty, seemingly calm on the surface, but hiding his true temper and thoughts, really difficult to serve.

Seeing this, Yan Wanzhi turned around and stopped Cao Song, “I’ll go and help you with the arrangements. Your Highness has been traveling for days, and is very tired, let her rest early.”

After returning to her bedroom, Jiang Yinghua took a bath and changed her clothes, then dismissed the attendants, and lay on the bed feigning sleep. It wasn’t until midnight that she vigilantly got up, looked around to make sure there was no one around, and then stood silently by the window, opening a crack in the window.

Not long after, a black shadow flashed into the hall. Jiang Yinghua ordered in a deep voice, “Did you complete the task I gave you?”

“Don’t worry, master, the person has already been found, and tomorrow’s arrangements have been made. There is someone to meet you in the pine forest a hundred meters outside the west gate.” The black shadow bowed and responded softly.

“Very good, after this matter is done, you will follow me to the capital, and the rest must remain silent and not act without authorization. Also, don’t keep an eye on Scholar Yan for the time being.” Jiang Yinghua stood by the window, waved her hand, and asked the person to leave.

The black shadow obediently bowed and saluted, and then disappeared into the night without a trace.

Jiang Yinghua took a deep breath. She had struggled for a long time before making this decision. Now that the die was cast and the arrow was on the string, she only hoped that this decision could give her the answer she wanted.

——

In the Imperial Palace of Tai Zhang Palace, snowflakes were flying, and the little palace servants were running around, decorating the palace with lanterns and colored banners, preparing for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Guided by the palace servants, Jiang Jingche went straight to the Empress Dowager’s bedroom. After entering, she gave a graceful salute and softly asked, “Mother’s health, has it been better recently?”

“The Emperor has come, sit down. I’m old, I’m earning a day for every day I live, you don’t have to worry about me. What’s the matter that you have time to come over today?” The Empress Dowager leaned on the beauty couch, with fox fur on her legs, and turned her head to respond softly.

Jiang Jingche respectfully handed over a letter of credence, “The letter of credence presented by the King of the East Sea, please take a look at it, Mother, and please instruct me on how to decide.”

The Empress Dowager took it, slowly opened it, and squinted her already somewhat blurred eyes to scan it briefly, “What does the Emperor think?”

“Hua’er is not young anymore, she will be twenty-four after the New Year, it’s time to choose a husband. This matter was delayed because of the chaos caused by the fifth prince. Now the East Sea is interested, and the Prince of Yun’an is two years older than Hua’er, which is considered to be of similar age. I have already seen the portrait, he is graceful and handsome, and his appearance is upright. I heard that his talent is also excellent, and he should be a good match for Hua’er.” Jiang Jingche waved her hand, and the servants opened the portrait in their hands and placed it in front of the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager looked at it for a moment, and said softly, “The Prince of Yun’an is born elegant, and his eyebrows and eyes resemble your aunt. Marrying the East Sea is like adding more closeness, and it will also have advantages in governing the sea rights in the future. The Prince of Yun’an is the only legitimate son of the King of the East Sea, and since he said that he would let the Prince of Yun’an marry into our family, his sincerity is commendable, so if the Emperor is interested, agree to it.”

“Since Mother has agreed, I will order someone to take care of it. The Imperial Observatory has calculated that the third month after the New Year is an auspicious time. When Hua’er returns in a few days, I will let her stay in the capital to get married, and serve you filial piety in front of you in the future.” Jiang Jingche spoke softly about the plan, and the Empress Dowager’s expression was gentle, and she nodded with great satisfaction.

——

Early the next morning, Yan Wanzhi came to Jiang Yinghua with the memorial, pushed the door open and walked forward excitedly, handed over the memorial, and said softly, “The people from the capital have come to meet us, and they should arrive by the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. In this way, you don’t have to worry about escorting Prince Yong to the capital.”

Jiang Yinghua took it casually, and gave Yan Wanzhi a faint smile, “That’s very good.” She put the memorial on the desk, and then added, “I haven’t been in the northern border for a long time, Scholar Yan, please sort out the important matters of the past year or so, and give me a list, and send the documents here, okay? If Your Majesty asks about it when we return to the capital, I can’t be completely ignorant of the affairs of the fiefdom.”

“Of course, I will go and prepare it now.” Yan Wanzhi did not suspect anything else, and walked straight to the library with light steps. What Jiang Yinghua said was easy, but this was a task that took a lot of effort, and it was estimated that even if she rushed today, she might not be able to sort it out properly.

At the moment Yan Wanzhi turned to leave, the smile on Jiang Yinghua’s face instantly disappeared, and no trace of it could be found again.

At dusk, Jiang Yinghua rode away from the mansion, taking three or two personal guards with her, saying that she was going out to relax. Yan Wanzhi was busy with a headache, and sorted out the documents before sunset, and called a servant, wanting to order someone to send them to Jiang Yinghua. The servant, who ran over in a hurry, casually told Yan Wanzhi: “Scholar Yan, Your Highness just left the mansion.”

Yan Wanzhi was deeply surprised when she heard this. It was getting dark, where was Jiang Yinghua going at this time?

“What did Your Highness go to do, do you know?” Yan Wanzhi hurriedly asked.

“He said he was going for a ride to relax, and he should be back in a while.” The servant responded casually, “Scholar Yan, should I send these documents now, or wait?”

When Yan Wanzhi heard the word relax, she felt inexplicably panicked, and perfunctorily told the servant, “Leave it there.” After saying that, she turned around and walked away, taking her horse out to find someone.

Jiang Yinghua led people straight to Yan’an Temple. When she arrived at the foot of the mountain, she signaled the personal guards not to follow, and she went to the temple to sit for a while. She entered the temple alone, and left through the back door in a short time, changed her horse and clothes, and went straight to the state prison.

Avoiding the prison guards, under the planning and arrangement of the shadow guards, Jiang Yinghua successfully sneaked into the prison. Night fell, and the jailers were drunk and drowsy. Jiang Yinghua easily found the key and walked quickly towards Prince Yong’s cell.

The dejected Prince Yong sat slumped in the cell, feeling depressed. Seeing a black figure standing in front of the cell door for a long time without moving, he glanced over with his blurred eyes, and then his eyes were full of surprise, and he murmured, “Little sister?”

Jiang Yinghua looked at him coldly, reached out and pushed open the cell door, turned her eyes away, and said in a deep voice, “Go, don’t let me see you again.”

Prince Yong’s face was full of disbelief. He stood up, walked to Jiang Yinghua’s side, and asked suspiciously, “Hua’er, you want to let me go?”

Jiang Yinghua turned her face away, her voice was very soft, and she responded with forbearance, “Get out!”

The shadow guard next to him gave Prince Yong a look. He saw a male corpse that had been prepared aside, whose body shape and appearance were quite similar to his. Prince Yong, who was at the end of his rope, would not give up this glimmer of hope. There was a faint glimmer in his eyes. He glanced back at Jiang Yinghua, and then quickly left with the shadow guard.

Seeing the person walking away, Jiang Yinghua sighed deeply, then locked the cell door again, put the key back on the side of the jailer, erased the traces of the escape tunnel that had been prepared, and then took the opportunity to leave among the patrolling soldiers.

At this moment, under the dark night, Yan Wanzhi led a few trusted secret agents from the Secret Division, one group went to Yan’an Temple to lie in wait, and the other group followed Yan Wanzhi to guard around the prison early in the morning.

What she was most worried about was that Jiang Yinghua would be confused for a while and come to the prison. She guarded for a long time, but did not see Jiang Yinghua in or out, but waited for the soaring fire. Yan Wanzhi was shocked and hurriedly ordered people to organize the fire. Most of the buildings in the prison were made of wood, and the fire was unusually large, making it very difficult to extinguish.

While Yan Wanzhi was working hard to put out the fire, Mo Jiu sent someone from the Prince Zhao Manor to report that Jiang Yinghua had returned to the mansion an hour ago, and was now looking for Scholar Yan everywhere.

Yan Wanzhi suppressed the doubts in her heart, whispered a few words to her confidant, and then returned to Prince Zhao Manor with a heavy heart.

As soon as Yan Wanzhi left, her confidant entered the state government office and, by the order of Scholar Yan, ordered the guarding general to close the four gates, conduct strict inspections, and record the personnel situation in detail, and strictly prohibit leaving the city without special circumstances.