LF Chapter 38

Chapter 38: A Determined Mind

Yan Wanzhi escorted Jiang Yinghua back to the Prince Zhao Manor but remained uneasy, so she stayed, waiting for Jiang Yinghua to sober up.

Jiang Yinghua hadn’t slept all night, and with the added effects of the alcohol, she slept exceptionally deeply. It wasn’t until the sun was setting that she finally stirred, vaguely awake. She dismissed her attendants and wandered out alone, intending to find some wine in the kitchen.

Near the stone table beneath the corridor, Yan Wanzhi heard the sound and stood up, cupping her fist in salute, saying, “Your Highness, you’re awake.”

Jiang Yinghua paused, turning back to look, and asked in confusion, “When did you get here?”

“I didn’t leave,” Yan Wanzhi said with a light laugh.

Jiang Yinghua frowned, clearly unable to remember why Yan Wanzhi was in her manor.

Yan Wanzhi asked with a smile, “Does Your Highness remember what you said?”

Jiang Yinghua was even more puzzled. “What did I say?”

“You said, even a rabbit will bite when cornered,” Yan Wanzhi covered her cheek with her hand, leaned close to Jiang Yinghua’s ear, and softly imitated Jiang Yinghua’s earlier tone.

Jiang Yinghua cast a dark glance at her, then stood with her hands behind her back in front of her:

“Scholar Yan, even a rabbit that wants to bite needs to grow its fur completely, doesn’t it? Besides, with you, this fox, watching over the old rabbit, what are you afraid of? If you’re really worried, just go ahead and report me. I don’t care.”

“Your Highness misunderstands. I was just joking with you. I was afraid you’d drink too quickly and get too drunk. Look where your mind went. What you’re saying is confusing me,” Yan Wanzhi quickly said with a smile, trying to smooth things over.

“Does Scholar Yan have anything else? If not, don’t bother me while I drink,” Jiang Yinghua was somewhat annoyed by her probing, and turned to chase her away.

“Your Highness, you’re still drinking?” Yan Wanzhi asked anxiously, her tone losing its usual formality.

“Is it your business? Am I not even allowed to drink now?” Jiang Yinghua’s expression immediately darkened.

“Your Highness, please calm down. It’s just that excessive drinking is harmful to the body. You’ve drunk so much these past two days and haven’t eaten anything all day. Why not have some food?” Yan Wanzhi softly inquired.

“You’re not my housekeeper, nor my nanny. You’re annoying with all your nagging. Go back to your own manor,” Jiang Yinghua said coldly, ignoring her advice and heading straight for the kitchen, determined to stay by the wine jars and indulge, not even leaving the room.

Yan Wanzhi knew she was upset and didn’t want to disturb her, thinking it was fine since she was in her own manor, and it wouldn’t matter if she drank too much.

So, she waited for a while before leaving the manor, wanting to go home and rest.

Just as she stepped out of the gate, her intuition told her that there were many people watching outside the Prince Zhao Manor. Pretending not to notice, she was about to get into her carriage when she was stopped. “Your Majesty summons you to the palace.”

Yan Wanzhi had expected this, so she followed them into the Tai Zhang Palace without protest.

She had barely stepped into Chengming Hall when Your Majesty’s unpredictable voice reached her ears: “Was the wonton delicious?”

Yan Wanzhi was startled and immediately knelt on the ground.

She had been so careful that night, but Your Majesty had still noticed?

“Scholar Yan, you are quite capable. I asked you to gain her trust, and you’re already sharing meals at the same table. This progress is quite remarkable, wouldn’t you agree?” Your Majesty’s expression held a hint of a smile, seemingly not angry, but rather amused.

“I was wrong. I shouldn’t have allowed Your Highness to run wild outside the palace. Please forgive me, Your Majesty,” Yan Wanzhi couldn’t figure out her intentions and could only lower her posture and beg for forgiveness.

“Get up. You spent the whole day at her manor today. What did you talk about?” Your Majesty took the warm tea offered by a palace servant, lifted the lid, and gently skimmed the foam from the cup.

“Nothing. Your Highness was drunk early in the morning and went to rest upon returning to the manor. I only waited outside. She had just woken up when I left the manor,” Yan Wanzhi replied respectfully.

“In the past six months, as you see it, does Prince Zhao harbor any resentment?” The rising mist obscured Your Majesty’s gaze, and Yan Wanzhi couldn’t see clearly.

“I haven’t noticed anything. However, upon returning to the capital, Your Highness said that she felt a sense of apprehension about returning home, both expectant and somewhat nervous,” Yan Wanzhi’s ability to fabricate stories was improving, mixing truth and falsehood.

Your Majesty chuckled. “Oh? Apprehension about returning home? Hmph, that girl is becoming increasingly dramatic.”

She put down the teacup, stood up, and stood in front of Yan Wanzhi. “You must not forget what I entrusted to you. Take good care of her and be someone who can ease her mind. I won’t mistreat you. Go back.”

Yan Wanzhi cupped her fist in salute, acknowledging the order, and turned to leave the hall. Only after exiting the palace gates did she let out a long breath.

Just now, Your Majesty had mentioned the word “resentment,” suggesting that Jiang Yinghua’s stubborn temper was flaring up again. A leopard cannot change its spots. Yan Wanzhi shook her head helplessly. Both Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager had domineering personalities, and it was a pity for Jiang Yinghua, who hadn’t fully grown up yet. Fighting with tigers was beyond her capabilities.

Your Majesty had said that day to let Jiang Yinghua return to her manor to cool down and that they would talk again another day. Four or five days passed, and Jiang Yinghua enjoyed her freedom, drowning her sorrows in wine every day.

While she was happy, some people in the court couldn’t sit still. They had thought that this person would be sent back to the Northern Territory after the Mid-Autumn Festival, but Your Majesty had not issued any orders. With such a prominent figure staying in the capital, due to her status, some people would inevitably be wary.

The key was that Your Majesty was approaching forty, and because she had not married, she had no children. People in the court were secretly gathering power, speculating where the throne would fall in the future, and waiting for a good opportunity to place their bets. If Jiang Yinghua stayed in the capital for a long time, and this aloof princess interfered in politics, it would not benefit them at all.

Yan Wanzhi stayed in her own manor, and because of the change in her status, the manor was not as lively as before. Bored sitting alone, she ran to the Prince Zhao Manor again. Anyway, she was now her Scholar, so going to the manor was perfectly justified.

When Yan Wanzhi entered the manor, Jiang Yinghua was once again lying drunk on the beauty couch, her eyes glazed over and her cheeks flushed red, looking utterly decadent.

She stepped forward, cupping her fist in salute, and said, “Your Highness is truly in high spirits. Don’t you think these past few days have been too quiet?”

Jiang Yinghua lazily adjusted her position and asked indifferently, “What does it matter to me whether it’s quiet or lively?”

Yan Wanzhi couldn’t hide her disappointment. It was truly the eunuch being more anxious than the Emperor. “You have returned to the capital this time, and there are probably many eyes watching you in secret. Some people will always be eager to make trouble for petty gains. This silence makes one wonder what they are plotting, which may be detrimental to you.”

Jiang Yinghua chuckled softly. “Let them make trouble.”

Seeing that the person in charge couldn’t be persuaded, Yan Wanzhi offered, “May I investigate a bit?”

Jiang Yinghua suddenly sat up and scolded, “Stay put and don’t cause trouble in my name. Don’t run back and forth for no reason. Stay put in your manor and go back.”

Right now, this young prince had no fighting spirit at all. Yan Wanzhi was rebuffed and retreated helplessly. If she should be obedient, then so be it. If the person in charge doesn’t act, then she’ll just work herself to death with nothing to gain. Besides, with Your Majesty worrying about it, why was she so anxious?

After about three more days, Jiang Yinghua became somewhat agitated, wishing she could sneak back to the border army camp. After all, staying in the capital, the manor and its surroundings were full of spies, and she had no freedom at all. She used to worry about those two in the palace, but now she felt a headache just thinking about them.

Early one morning, Jiang Yinghua had just gotten out of bed when the old steward ran in anxiously, saying that the eunuch delivering the decree from Your Majesty was here. Jiang Yinghua’s dazed mind instantly woke up, and with a look of resistance, she reluctantly ordered, “Invite him in.”

The old eunuch entered and bowed, saying, “Your Highness, Your Majesty summons you to the palace immediately.”

Jiang Yinghua was somewhat puzzled. “Isn’t it time for the morning court session?”

“Indeed, there are some matters in court that require your presence,” the old eunuch explained slowly.

Hearing this, Jiang Yinghua didn’t ask any further questions. After changing her clothes, she left the manor with him. On the way, the old eunuch reminded her, “Your Highness, when I came, Your Majesty specifically instructed you to act prudently after entering the hall and think carefully before speaking.”

Jiang Yinghua nodded slightly in response. In her heart, she thought, Yan Wanzhi was right. Nothing good would come of today.

When Jiang Yinghua entered Chongzheng Hall, the court meeting was in full swing. She quietly entered through the side door, not disturbing anyone. Having not been to this hall for a long time, Jiang Yinghua suddenly felt as if she were in another world. She listened to the memorials distractedly, gradually feeling drowsy, until—

“…During Prince Zhao’s suppression of the rebellion, she acted alone and engaged in armchair tactics, leading to the death of General Qiao An on the battlefield;

After being confined for a year upon returning to the capital, she went to the Zhenwei Army. Her subordinates all said that her temperament was unpredictable and that she was prone to mood swings; it is also heard from the local people that she built a private residence in the Northern Territory, which was far more luxurious than her manor in the capital, living a life of extravagance and indifference to the country’s difficulties and the people’s livelihood;

Prince Zhao has also colluded with court officials, intending to tarnish the reputation of my youngest daughter. With such words and deeds, how can she be worthy of the title of Prince? She is truly unworthy of her position.”

Jiang Yinghua stood aside, listening attentively to this sour uncle’s memorial accusing her, her eyes dark but hiding a hint of triumph.

After hearing him stop speaking, she leisurely strolled to the center of the hall, stopping half a step in front of the Lou Adjutant, lowering her gaze and scanning him, and said coldly:

“Official Lou and the censors are truly working hard. Exchanging years of accusations for a single memorial is merely because you can’t stand me holding the title of Prince. Why didn’t you find some instances of murder and arson to let the officials have a good show?”

As soon as she finished speaking, a sharp voice came from above: “Jiang Yinghua, the court is a solemn place. Do not be presumptuous.”

Jiang Yinghua pretended not to hear and a ruthless look flashed across her face: “It is just that I have always admired Official Lou’s meticulousness and his care for his reputation, which he values more than his life. I wonder why you are willing to use your daughter’s reputation as a subject today. The memorial contains some words like ‘rumor,’ ‘intention,’ and ‘heard,’ which is very different from your usual rigorous style.”

As soon as she said this, Adjutant Lou was so shocked that fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his breathing became rapid.

Jiang Yinghua was not stupid. For this person to jump out and fabricate such accusations, someone must have threatened him, forcing him with his weakness, forcing him to do so. This person is a decent official in the court, and he is also her uncle. Jiang Yinghua did not want to hurt him. This incident today is good, it suits Jiang Yinghua’s wishes.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yinghua shifted her gaze away from Adjutant Lou, turned around, and suddenly knelt on the ground, saying loudly:

“Your Majesty, every accusation made by Doctor Lou is true. My words and deeds are inappropriate, and I do not uphold my private virtues. I am ashamed of my clan and request to be stripped of my title. However, I think of the countless loyal souls of the Imperial Guards and also feel guilty. I implore Your Majesty to grant me permission to guard the northern border, using my life to atone for my ignorance.”

As soon as she said this, the whole court was in an uproar.

Everyone could tell from the little prince’s two sentences just now that Adjutant Lou had been forced to do so. How could she suddenly admit to all the crimes when she was about to clear herself?

Your Majesty on the dragon throne was somewhat gratified at first, thinking that this person was sensible today and that it was not in vain for her to send someone to deliver a message to remind her. Who knew that the words that came out of her mouth in the next moment made her heart tremble, and her sharp eyes wanted nothing more than to nail themselves onto Jiang Yinghua’s bowed back, cursing her for being utterly reckless.

After a long time, a cold voice came from above, “Since you admit your guilt, hand over the evidence.”

At this moment, it was Jiang Yinghua’s turn to be speechless. It was all fabrication and arrangement, half-truth and half-false, where was she going to find evidence to give her?

Some courtiers originally wanted to come out to intercede for Jiang Yinghua, after all, among the civil and military officials at the court meeting, there were more or less a few who had received favors or had deep ties with her, such as Yan Wanzhi, who was anxious at the moment.

However, after listening to Your Majesty’s words, these people were all honest, understanding that Your Majesty had no intention of simply convicting and closing the case.

After all, official duties were complicated. How could Your Majesty have the leisure to pay attention in the past? Now that she took the initiative to admit her guilt, she was still anxious and rushed to ask for evidence?

Jiang Yinghua was lying on the ground, racking her brains to think of a solution. If she couldn’t say a word back, she wouldn’t be able to escape the crime of deceiving the emperor by talking nonsense in this hall.

“I… it’s been a long time, I can’t hand over the evidence, but I can write a confession and hand it over to the authorities for verification.”

This attitude of admitting guilt and cooperating was really excellent. If someone who didn’t know the inside story saw it, they would think there was a reward for admitting guilt.

At this moment, there were already some young officials in the hall with suspicious faces, unable to understand what strange medicine Jiang Yinghua was selling in her gourd.

“Someone, take Prince Zhao to Xuanhua Hall for confinement, and order the Imperial Guards to interrogate her, and submit the confession to me for personal verification,” Your Majesty ordered in a cold tone, and immediately guards entered the hall.

Xuanhua Hall had been deserted for many years and was no different from the Cold Palace. The Imperial Guards were even more feared by the courtiers. This arrangement made the people who were secretly plotting very satisfied, thinking that their conspiracy had succeeded.

However, Jiang Yinghua understood that instead of being transferred to the Court of the Imperial Clan, she was being detained in the deep palace. With this arrangement, Your Majesty would definitely not spare her after the court session.

The Imperial Guards were just a bluff.

Sure enough, the Imperial Guards only imprisoned her but did not interrogate her, and did not even give her paper and pen, so how could she write a confession?

As the night grew deeper, Jiang Yinghua had already leaned against a pillar in the hall and was dozing off when Your Majesty leisurely arrived. As soon as she entered the hall, she ordered the inner attendant to present a prepared confession and hand it to Jiang Yinghua, coldly ordering: “Sign it.”

Jiang Yinghua took it and roughly glanced at it. This “confession” imitated her handwriting so well that, besides Yan Wanzhi, who dealt with her every day and saw her documents every day, she was afraid that she couldn’t find a second suitable candidate. However, throughout the entire document, it was not about admitting guilt, but rather about turning the tables and clearing herself completely, without any mistakes at all.

This was not right. How could this satisfy the wishes of those bastards in the court?

Jiang Yinghua did not want to wash away these bad things, so she boldly remained silent, keeping her hands tightly clenched in her sleeves.

“Not signing? Think carefully. Are you going to take the charge of deceiving the emperor, or add another charge of disobeying the imperial decree?” Your Majesty watched with cold eyes, not in a hurry, as if she had plenty of time to spend with her.

Jiang Yinghua knew that reaching this point, there was no good to be gained either way, but Your Majesty could not really take her head according to the law, it was just a scare tactic. So, she was determined to be stubborn to the end.

Seeing that the person did not take the chance to step down, Your Majesty became angry and gave a look. The old eunuch stepped forward, forcibly pressed Jiang Yinghua’s finger, dipped it in cinnabar ink, and made a fingerprint.

After taking the confession, Your Majesty ordered the commander of the Imperial Guards: “Go to her manor and take her private seal and stamp it.”

How domineering! Jiang Yinghua was so angry in her heart that she was like a bulging pufferfish, but she dared not show any different expression on her face.