《Conquer the Castle》姬泱

1、Chapter One

　　The finest Zhuang Yan Hong had a clear, tangy taste; a raw quality that was always pleasing to savour. Even now, I still clearly remembered the simultaneously heady and pure fragrance of the dozens of jars of wine which had remained sealed for decades until they were opened before the family’s ancestral altar; it was a day already many years past in time, the day when I achieved the highest honour possible—the status of Zhuang Yuan —and returned to my hometown with glory and pride.

　　The cake in my hand had a fragrance unique to milk pastries. I lifted the delicate jade jar next to me and lightly dabbed a drop of a liquid with the consistency of water on the cake. This would not affect the taste of the dessert and would even supplement that wondrous feeling.

　　“Bring it over,” I calmly said to the person behind me. He obediently accepted it, but not first without a second of hesitancy. I smiled knowingly. After all, it was the emperor whom I plan to poison, even though he may only be a child of four. I had no idea whose influence the emperor was under, but during the morning assembly on that fateful day, he actually said to me that Zhou Li was a domineering minister whose advice he no longer wished to heed. The triumphant gleam in the eyes of the bewitching, seductive woman behind the bead curtains and the mocking stances of the entire assembly finally led me to this decision.

　　“Do not say that I sent it, simply let Little Willow leave it on his table. He will eat it.”

　　Little Willow, a gentle, charming young girl, was my most trusted within the depths of the palace.

　　“Yes, Your Excellency.” He left with a simple acknowledgement, making me wonder if the flickering shadows were nothing but a figment of my imagination.

　　Taunting one’s opponent directly had never been wise, especially when one\'s wings were not yet fully spread. How ironic that it should come to this when those women were originally worthy of my sympathy. I lifted a cup of tea and sipped from it, allowing the pure fragrance to spread and soothe my nerves. Even though I’ve seen a great many trials in my lifetime, this is the first time I’ve ever done something like this.

　　I began my studies when I was twelve, obtained the title of Zhuang Yuan when I was fourteen, and by twenty, I was already an honoured scholar of the Cabinet. Many tell me that my talent and genius were blessed by the Heavens, but even the most clever mind could do nothing more than achieve the title of Zhuang Yuan. One required something more to gain entrance into the Cabinet and acquire the position of Supreme Chancellor.

　　This dynasty has seen its way through thirty generations of emperors and was now approaching its five hundredth year. Just as if it had existed ever since the beginning of time the Zheng dynasty has long since left a steadfast impression in the people’s minds. The Zheng emperor, naturally, assumed that he was the destined Son of the Heavens. Being utterly familiar with and understanding of such mentality, I tried my very best to satisfy his every demand; if he required sweet words, I would say them; he enjoyed beautiful women: therefore I would order someone to have them prepared for him; anything he wished, I would lay before his feet.

　　Even so, he still could not evade the truth: that he was nothing more than a mortal, a mortal such as me. He was disdainful of my family’s ancient teachings of treasuring one’s fortune and preserving one’s life, which led to his early death in the depths of his harem. The empress was childless, but the favoured concubine Lady Orchid had a four-year-old son whom succeeded the throne as a matter of course. The Lady Orchid possessed an extraordinary beauty which made the three thousand beauties in the emperor’s harem pale in comparison.

　　Her beauty remained undiminished today, but unfortunately, she lacked the empress’ control and cool observational skills. Following the ascension of the crown prince, the Lady Orchid requested that she be given the privilege of governance behind the curtains. By this time, the empress had already retreated into the deeper recesses of the palace, thus evincing an obvious apathy for political matters. Only half a year had passed following this series of events until this day, when the four-year-old Zheng emperor rose to the Heavens.

　　Being cool and refreshing, yet heady and strong, the clear, untarnished purity of the Zhuang Yuan Hong has captivated the hearts of many. During my birth, my father had specially prepared the Zhuang Yan Hong for the banquet that would be held when I eventually have my name written on the official boards. Strangely alike to the Nu’ih Er Hong wine that mothers prepare during the births of their daughters, it too carried the infinite expectations of the family members. I was born of good birth, my family’s surname well-known and highly respected, with our poems and scholarly writings passed on from generation to generation. Up to this day, we have had three Chancellors, four Zhuang Yuan, and numerous ministers of lesser ranks and Jin Shi. Since I was stringently and personally tutored by my father from a tender age, my success today was not based purely on luck and underhanded techniques.

　　The funeral bells rang out throughout the palace while I remained deep in contemplation. I knew they had successfully carried out my orders. By sunrise tomorrow, someone else would sit upon the royal throne; as to who, it would not be too much of a concern to me. They all detested me, yet none could distance themselves from me. Truth be told, I was hardly as passionate about power as rumoured. I simply did not want to be under the control of a beautiful but foolish woman and a child who knew nothing but tears. How absurd things would be if that were to happen.

　　The Lady Orchid wept tragically during the imperial funeral. Her tears carried a bleak air of despondency; the new emperor has already been chosen. He was originally the Ru Yang Prince; Zi Qi, the nephew of the previous emperor, the cousin brother of the pathetic four-year-old child. Although he was only nineteen, Zi Qi remained calm and collected when he arrived from the Pan Residence. I couldn’t help thinking if I’d foolishly benefited an outsider. It wasn’t long before I dismissed such a nonsensical notion, however. Perhaps Zi Qi did gain the greatest benefit, but if I had not done so, I would have been the one lying cold and dead now.

　　The new emperor swiftly ascended the throne. Zi Qi’s mother was now the new Imperial Empress Mother while the Lady Orchid was banished to the Palace of Chasing Orchids, a place equivalent to the Frozen Palace in everything but name. The original empress retained her status as Empress Mother. This was the bleak reality of the Zheng Imperial Palace. No one would pause to weep for the death of that pitiful young child as everyone rejoiced over the ascension of a new emperor.

　　Nevertheless, I did manage to shed a few crocodile tears for the wretched soul.

　　Life returned to normal after the imperial funeral and royal ascension. Everybody resumed their normal tasks. Zi Qi still treated me with respect before the public; they reverted to their normal obsequious selves, but this sycophantic attitude now carried a hint of fear: the fear of imminent danger. It seemed unfounded. Zi Qi was very unlike his uncle; he had a clean, unpretentious aura at odds with the corruption of a palace that had lived through five hundred years. Even so, this incongruity failed to bury his unique elegance.

　　In truth, I already foresaw my future. In history, there has always been but one end for party-political ministers, and I was no exception. Seeing Zi Qi only served to firmly entrench this understanding in my mind.

　　Already I was starting to regret what I had done.

　　A few months passed in this manner. Although the ministers noticed that I no longer had the favour of the Zheng emperor, I indubitably remained the Supreme Chancellor of the Cabinet, which prevented them from being blatantly arrogant in my presence.

　　Zi Qi kept at the task of reading memorials into the deep night. Night in the imperial study resembled day due to the illumination of dozens of bright lamps. In truth, I was hardly a diligent person; one who achieved my high post with flattery and sweet talk would hardly concern himself with such burdensome governance matters.

　　“Yong Li, what do you think of granting additional military finances to the State of Xin?”

　　My name was Zhou Li, with the given words of Yong Li . Zi Qi was attempting to show his intimacy with me by calling me by my given name.

　　I pondered briefly. The guardian of Xin was the student of my teacher Xu Wen Chang; circumstances would require me to stand on his side. Hence I answered, “Your Majesty, Xin is an important military state; the soldiers’ remuneration needs to be sufficient to boost the military’s spirit.”

　　“But this is already the second time that they have made such a request.”

　　I remained silent and waited for him to continue.

　　“Is there…” He looked at me, letting his words trailed off. I understood his insinuation. Is there…am I getting anything out of this? “Yong Li, surely you must be exhausted having to accompany Zhen till this time of night every day.”

　　“No. Your Majesty already bears such a burden, as your servant, how could I…”

　　He waved his hand impatiently, interrupting me for the second time. In reality, I knew that he disliked me immensely. I was but a flatterer, a glorified jester, while he truly possessed the talent of a ruler capable of restructuring the empire.

　　Even though I call him a child, I was only a year older than he is.

　　“Yong Li, I still remember your glory when you announced your success on the imperial streets the year you achieved the title of Zhuang Yuan.”

　　“Ah, really.” Why would he suddenly speak of such matters? “Those are events already six years past. I can no longer remember them clearly.”

　　“Is that so?” He lifted a cup of cold tea from the desk, simply holding it in his hand without drinking from it. “My Imperial Uncle used to admire your talent, even going so far as to let the royal family study your writings. Even now Zhen remembers phrases by your hand. Finely structured, carefully thought out; they are truly marvellous pieces of writing. Zhen wonders if you still remember them.”

　　Hearing his mention of the pathetic Zheng emperor who died in his own harem, I couldn’t help thinking of the former emperor’s wretched son. How was I supposed to answer this? Did he really admire me? I wouldn’t know. I had never thought of anything beyond how to please him; I had no such right. In his eyes, the Imperial Palace was heaven and hell combined; it may provide him with phenomenal and wondrous enjoyment, but also had the power to destroy everything he possessed.

　　“My father believed in harsh tutoring. His expectations of me were also extremely demanding and strict.”

　　“Zhen has heard that your family held a great banquet in your honour.” How could he have known of such old, trivial matters? This was the first time Zi Qi’s wide awareness and attention to detail truly scared me.

　　“Yes, my father was delighted. He even opened the fine old Zhuang Yuan Hong which have been secreted beneath our residence. The wine was prepared for the banquet which would be held when I eventually succeed in the imperial examinations.”

　　“Zhuang Yuan Hong…nowadays wine kept over a decade are rare, especially one with such fine quality as that.”

　　“If Your Majesty pleases, your humble servant is able to find such wine for you.”

　　Pia! He turned to face me, slamming the cup firmly onto the desk. I did not look at him; I was already on my knees. At the sound of him slamming the desk, my knees were already kneeling reflexively. I did not know what I had done wrong, but obviously arguing at this point wouldn’t be wise.

　　“Zhen has never had the habit of drinking,’ he replied flatly after taking a moment to calm his emotions.

　　I couldn’t help secretly sighing. No wonder the ancients said that accompanying your lord was no different from accompanying a tiger. What had I said to anger him so? His mercurial moods were completely unlike what I had originally thought and remained incomprehensible to me

　　Still engrossed in my own frivolous thoughts, I almost missed noticing his imperial robes and couldn’t help lifting my head to see him already standing before me. He actually spread his arms and helped me rise from the ground. Only after I was firmly on my feet did I notice that he was actually taller than I am. Although being very thin, he exuded the solid strength of a sword and the tough flexibility of a whip. How could I have thought of someone like this as a child?

　　“It is already late; you should return home. I do not wish your spirits to be affected during tomorrow’s morning’s assembly.”

　　“Yes,” I answered.

　　***

　　I have not returned to my ancestral home these six years. Three years ago, my father asked a servant to send me a letter, saying that I was no longer the Yong Li of the past. My seduction of the emperor, my corruption and greed, and my numerous other wrongdoings had led him to the decision of severing the ties of father and son between us. He would not allow the Zhou family to have a prodigal son such as me.

　　Even though he has accused me of seducing the emperor, I have never committed the deeds mentioned in the rumours. The Zheng Emperor has never exceeded the boundaries of courtesy with me, always maintaining our relationship as purely one between lord and minister. I didn’t deny that there was an underlying hint of intimacy; after all, I cherished his kind gesture of understanding me. No one has ever dared mention my looks before me. A newly appointed officer once said before the Zheng emperor that I would have been an unrivalled beauty if I had been a woman and suffered the loss of his voice by a cup of poison, later even being banished to the harsh borders. I did not know why the Zheng emperor forbade words like these. Perhaps it was because I am after all his Supreme Chancellor and trusted servant, hence requiring a minimal level of respect.

　　There was an unsaid rule in my residence—no guest may enter empty-handed. This wasn’t set down by me. My family has been incredibly wealthy for generations. As my family riches were more than sufficient to support the finest luxuries I enjoyed in my daily life, I had no real need at all for the ministers’ gifts. This was obviously not what everyone else thought. Of course I wouldn’t refuse the rare treasures I received; hence the unofficial rule was firmly established. They would never give me gold or riches such as that. It was always gifts that commanded the appreciation of the scholar, gifts such as Wang Wei’s paintings and Wang Xi Zhi’s calligraphy. This made it even harder for me to reject them.

　　The man before me now was my teacher. He was the Chief Invigilator that year, and he was the one who appointed me as Zhuang Yuan. Xu Su, with the given name of Wen Chang--the most respected scholar of his generation and the leader of the literary world, was the most experienced scholar in the Cabinet. Even in the assembly he commanded a great respect from the ministers.

　　“Teacher, please have some tea.”

　　I reverentially offered him a cup of tea which he politely accepted. I did not know what the typical scenario of a student meeting his teacher would be like, but I did know that the man before me was hardly relaxed. In fact, he was even a little apprehensive.

　　“Chancellor Zhou…”

　　”Teacher, please call me Zhou Li.”

　　I saw a flash of awkwardness on his aged, haggard features.

　　“This lowly minister would not dare to do so.”

　　I did not press him any further. It was not that he lacked the courage; he was simply disdainful of doing so. Someone like him would never deign to stoop themselves to the level of a jester who lived on flattery.

　　”Chancellor Xu, may I ask your purpose then?”

　　I could no longer address him as my teacher; I might even be insulting him by doing so.

　　“Um…” He seemed at a loss for words.

　　I noticed the red gift packet on the side table next to him. For some unbeknownst reason, the sight of that deep, crimson colour sent an aching pain to my normally detached heart. I felt as awkward as he. Seeing him like this, I felt as if I were the one going through all the grinding torture.

　　“It’s regarding the military’s pay in the state of Xin. It has already been three months since the last payment. Xin is a strategic place—if any trouble were to arise there, I fear that we would not be able to withstand the onslaught of the country of Feng.”

　　Feng was originally a colony of Zheng, but the flow of the centuries was enough to change everything, not excluding the relationship of lord and servant. Feng has been rapidly developing these years, even to the point of being a threat to the Zheng empire. Although Feng still declared loyalty to Zheng and refrained from any great battles, the draining small-scale campaigns continued incessantly. Military preparation was of utmost urgency at a time like this.

　　I nodded.

　　“The Zheng Emperor has already signed the two memorials and dispatched two consignments of five hundred thousand silver each, which would amount to a total of a million silver.”

　　“When was that?” he asked anxiously.

　　“Two days ago. The first memorial was a month ago. Chancellor Xu, the Xin guardian should have enough to pay the soldiers after requesting for one million silver within such a short period of time.”

　　“Ah, so it’s within these two days. The person delivering the imperial edict must have been tardy, as he was missed.”

　　“Missed?” Something in those words strucked me as vaguely inappropriate. “Chancellor Xu, has the Xin guardian entered the imperial city?”

　　“Ah, yes.”

　　“Has he appeared before the Zheng Emperor?”

　　“Not yet.”

　　“You must bid him leave immediately. The state of Xin is of ultimate importance and should not be left so carelessly—surely he understands this! Chancellor Xu, please return quickly and prevent him from meeting the Zheng Emperor.”

　　Already fuming at Lu Feng Yi’s successive requests for a total of one million silver of miliary remuneration, the consequences would be unimaginable if Zi Qi found out that Lu Feng Yi had left his post of his own will.

　　“Yes, I bid you farewell.”

　　Perhaps I was truly panicking; perhaps he has finally understood the gravity of this matter, whatever the reason, Xu Su left without further idle courtesies.

　　”Chancellor Xu, take care.”

　　I picked up the gift packet he left and opened it: a cape made from the fur of snowy foxes. Snowy foxes were extremely rare, and no less than a hundred were needed to make a cape. There was also a strand of pearls. Briefly calculating, I estimated both gifts to value no less than three thousand silver.

　　A generous gift indeed. Being honest by nature, why would Xu Su squander money like this?