Chapter 81
The sun shone brightly, the cold wind rustled.
Li Wenjian lifted his robe and ascended the white jade steps. Palace attendants stood solemnly on either side, and as soon as Tingyun Mama caught sight of him, she immediately came forward and respectfully greeted him.
"Your Highness, the Emperor has been waiting for quite some time."
Since the onset of winter, the Emperor had barely discussed state affairs, making it the first time he had summoned Li Wenjian to an audience on his own initiative.
Led by Tingyun Mama, they entered the inner chamber where the Emperor sat by the window, holding a longevity lock adorned with gold thread and pearls.
The heavy vermilion doors swung open slowly, emitting a creaking sound, and soon two figures walked in from the sunlit doorway. The Emperor fixed his gaze on him, and in that moment, it seemed as though he saw the scene from many years ago when he had first entered the An family's domain.
He still remembered the excitement and thrill of entering the doors of the eminent scholar with humble origins all those years ago.
Back then, he was spirited, full of ideals and aspirations, willing to sacrifice himself and shed blood for the people.
Undeterred by the prospect of death.
The Emperor's gaze shifted away from his calm face. He had several children, but Li Wenjian was the one who resembled him the most, both in looks and character.
And he owed him the most. Ten years of warfare had led to a separation of father and son for over a decade.
During those missing years, it was the companionship of the An family descendants, Wei Zhan, and Liang Xingyan, the brothers who studied together in the study room, that accompanied him.
The Emperor knew the bitterness of betrayal by close friends, akin to a severe cramp in the wrist.
Lost in thought, Li Wenjian had already approached, respectfully bowing before speaking, "Father Emperor."
The Emperor lowered his eyes and looked at him, "Are you going to Tongzhou?"
"Yes, before Liang Xingyan left the capital, he had visited Tongzhou. It's a crucial fortress for the entry of northern people into the capital, and I am uneasy, so I must go there personally to see."
"Tongzhou is vital to the capital, you should go there in person." The Emperor's voice was gentle, his demeanor warm. He knew very well that with Li Wenjian's meticulous nature, he wouldn't rest assured until he had personally inspected the defenses at Tongzhou.
The Emperor was sensitive to the cold, the hall was not only heated by the ground dragon but also had braziers lit, making it much warmer compared to the East Palace. Li Wenjian took off his outer robe and hung it on a wooden rack, inadvertently revealing the scars on his arm.
The Emperor gazed at him, then lowered his eyes slightly, suppressing the worry in them before looking up and saying, "In the end, I have burdened you."
Li Wenjian quietly rolled down his sleeve to cover the scars, paused, then continued, "This time when I go to Tongzhou, I will bring Qin Zhao and Mu Gui, and recommend Jian Ning to stay in the capital."
"Has someone been sent to Liang Xingyan?" the Emperor inquired.
"Yes, the Thousand Ox (Qianniu) Guards secretly left the capital the next day. By now, they should be nearing Jiangnan." Li Wenjian replied.
The Emperor knew that Li Wenjian would send the Thousand Ox Guards to Jiangnan, but he hadn't expected the decision to be made so quickly.
"How do you plan to handle it?"
"We'll bring the person back first." Li Wenjian's expression was somewhat indifferent, "But they have many spies in the court, hidden in the shadows while we are in the light. The Thousand Ox Guards may not be able to bring the person back this time."
In truth, he didn't want to take action against Liang Xingyan at this time. His reforms in Jiangnan were thunderous in impact, gradually eroding the power of the noble families entrenched there, and the barriers between the scholar-officials and commoners were starting to break down under the push of the new policies.
A cluster of sunlight streamed in through the window, causing the Emperor to squint slightly; the bright sunlight captivated him for a moment, leading him to turn aside and gaze quietly for a while before speaking again, "I don't have much time left. Born in humble beginnings and facing turbulent times, I have reached this point through sheer luck. Your mother often said that I was indecisive and far from being a good emperor. But I have always felt that no matter where one is, there should be some warmth and kindness in their heart."
"So, when the founding ancestor ascended the throne and sought to deal with the officials of the previous dynasty, I advised him to use a soft approach alongside discipline. I believed that every person has a human heart; treat them well, they will treat you well. Yet I forgot that in this world, there are those willing to grovel and betray for survival, as well as those who would sacrifice everything for a former master, leaving you with such a great hidden danger. Remember, Liang Xingyan must be eliminated. If he survives, the remnants of the previous dynasty will remain a threat."
The Emperor did not look at Li Wenjian; this was something he should have done. But instead of extinguishing the hopes of the previous dynasty, he left such a hidden danger for Li Wenjian.
Li Wenjian remained silent and nodded after a moment.
He was not softhearted enough to let Liang Xingyan off the hook, but having grown up together as close as brothers, despite his deep hatred, reaching this point today couldn't help but stir up some sentiment. Especially upon learning of the treachery behind his back, causing the death of A Zhan, it felt like a dagger to the heart.
"Take this." Suddenly, the Emperor threw something from his sleeve to him, and he caught it, opening his palm to reveal a small gilded longevity lock.
"What is this?" Li Wenjian glanced down and asked.
The Emperor replied, "When I was seeking your mother's hand in marriage, our family was so poor that your grandfather and grandmother scraped together two portions of gold, not even enough to make a gold bracelet. Your mother took those two portions of gold and added a few more after you were born, crafting this longevity lock. Later, when urgent matters arose, I didn't even have time to hold you before rushing to the battlefield."
"I couldn't give it to you back then, so pass it on to my grandson."
Li Wenjian lowered his head and caressed the longevity lock in his hand, noting its rough craftsmanship, likely a result of limited resources during wartime, unable to achieve a finer touch.
*
The warm, gentle sunlight bathed their faces, dissipating the darkness in their hearts somewhat.
Stepping out of the palace, Li Wenjian saw Zhao Heng approaching. Caught sight of her figure, he hesitated for a moment before quickening his pace to meet her.
Zhao Heng also hastened her steps, practically wishing she could fly, until reaching his side.
Their shadows merged as he naturally took her hand and said, "Has Grandpa released you back early today?"
Zhao Heng spread her fingers, intertwining them with his, nodding, "Master said you're leaving for a distant trip tomorrow and let me return to the palace early. I bought hazelnut pastries from Rongji and bamboo leaf wine from Meiniang. I'll accompany you for the meal tonight."
Li Wenjian squeezed her hand, nodding in agreement.
In the warm twilight glow, they walked towards the East Palace.
The hem of Zhao Heng's dress swayed as she gazed at the clear profile of the man under the rosy light, "Have you bid farewell to the Emperor?"
"Yes," Li Wenjian said. "This time when I go to Tongzhou, I will bring Mu Gui and Qin Zhao. Jian Ning and Fei Yu will stay in the palace to follow your orders."
Upon hearing that Jian Ning would remain in the palace, a faint worry creased Zhao Heng's brow.
Seeing her expression, Li Wenjian understood her concern, "Rest assured, I have arranged for two squads of covert guards to accompany me on this journey. Jian Ning's presence might attract unwanted attention."
He paused briefly, unconsciously turning the thumb ring on his finger before continuing, "And as for you, I have assigned two martial maids to be by your side. Remember to take them with you whenever you leave the palace."
A simple sentence, yet it encompassed all preparations for her well-being.
Having known that Liang Xingyan was the traitor, Zhao Heng hesitated about many things. At this moment, just as he was about to leave the palace again, her heart was filled with anxiety. But upon hearing his arrangements, her tumultuous heart suddenly eased.
At all times, he had a reassuring presence that brought peace to one's soul.
Even with his own scars, he still never forgot to tend to the wounds of others.
The two of them returned to the East Palace, where Lian Zhou instructed the palace maids to light the fire and warm the wine.
Inside the bedroom, the fire roared brightly, and Zhao Heng, except for her cloak, arranged the wine and food by the stove.
Li Wenjian emerged from the bathing chamber and saw the table already full of snacks, including a plate of pickled plum blossoms. He picked one up and placed it in his mouth, glancing at Zhao Heng and asking, "Where did these come from?"
"Xiao Ba said you liked pickled plum blossoms, so Rongji and I made them a few days ago," Zhao Heng smiled gently, tenderly taking his hand and leading him to the dressing table, pressing him down onto the stool.
She stood behind Li Wenjian, using a silk handkerchief to wipe his hair.
Lian Zhou entered carrying a tray with clothing, and Zhao Heng gestured for it to be placed on the table. She forgot about the two silent figures standing there and set down the tray before quietly retreating.
Outside the window, the cold wind whistled, but inside was warm as spring. The wind blew through the window, causing the branches of the plum vase to sway gently.
Li Wenjian watched Zhao Heng in the bronze mirror as she combed his hair, feeling a strange smile at the corner of her lips.
Suddenly, a light sigh came from behind him.
Li Wenjian immediately turned to look at her, asking, "Why the sudden sigh?"
Smiling, Zhao Heng pushed his head back and continued to wipe his hair. Once his hair was completely dry, she tied it up at the top of his head with a white jade crown.
She picked up the clothing from the tray and said, "Go change into this."
It was a moon-white round-necked robe, simple in color but embroidered delicately with pine branches on the collar and cuffs.
He went in perplexed with the clothing, and when he came out, the robe was already on him. The simple robe accentuated his tall, graceful figure, making him look like a noble heir.
Zhao Heng smiled, "I took a long time to make this, planning to give it to you for the New Year, to wear when we sneak out to Meiniang's tavern for a drink. But since you're not in the palace this year, I'll give it to you early."
Li Wenjian was momentarily surprised - when did she make this clothing, given that they were always together?
Seeing his confusion, Zhao Heng softly explained, "I made it daily on the carriage to Duke Guo's residence, the bumps on the road made it a bit less refined."
Perhaps noticing him staring blankly at the green pine branch on the sleeve, she felt a bit embarrassed and asked, "Does it not look good?"
Li Wenjian shook his head, holding the soft fabric of the robe and saying, "It's beautiful."
Those two simple words, whispered in her ear, were the best praise. Her pretty eyes brightened, and she couldn't help but hug him tightly from behind, pressing her cheek against his back, "Early wishes for a happy birthday."
Clad in light garments, the couple settled by the hearth, the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes wafting through the air. The prospect of savoring the steaming tubers amidst the howling blizzard had long been a cherished dream for Zhao Heng.
Li Wenjian, his arm encircling Zhao Heng, plucked a morsel of plum-infused sweet potato and offered it to her lips.
Yet, she averted her head, refusing to eat.
Li Wenjian lowered his gaze, his eyes meeting those of the woman nestled within his embrace. Her countenance, illuminated by the soft glow of the fire, radiated an enchanting brilliance.
"Why do you refuse?" he inquired gently.
Zhao Heng buried her head in his chest, her voice barely a whisper audible only to them, "The Third Princess advised that to conceive a child, one should refrain from consuming such cold foods."
Li Wenjian lifted his eyes, his gaze lingering on her face, as radiant as a lotus flower, bathed in the warm, golden light. Her glistening eyes reflected the flickering flames, his silhouette cast amidst the dancing embers.
An inexplicable allure, an irresistible charm.
Earlier that day, his father had discreetly broached the topic, suggesting that in the absence of a suitable partner, they had refrained from urging the couple to start a family. However, with Li Wenjian and Zhao Heng deeply in love and at the prime of their lives, it was time to consider raising a child.
Li Wenjian pondered the prospect of their offspring, envisioning a child that embodied their essence.
Zhao Heng's heart pounded in her chest as she felt his breath brush against her lips. She had been anticipating this moment for what felt like an eternity. As he leaned in, she instinctively raised her arms, her fingers threading through his hair.
Just as his lips brushed against hers, a wave of nausea washed over her, prompting her to abruptly push him away and turn to the side, gagging.
Despite the retching, nothing emerged.
Li Wenjian furrowed his brow, his voice laced with concern, "I've heard that after seven years of marriage, couples tend to grow distant. Zhao Heng, has it only been a year, and you already find me repulsive?"
Zhao Heng's eyes widened in astonishment. She pursed her lips, offering a sincere apology, "Please forgive me, I couldn't control it."