There was indeed no sound behind him.
Jiang Yun opened his eyes and was lost in thought for a while.
Jiang Yun didn’t know when Sui Heng went to bed. The next day, when he woke up, there was no one around him.
It was still early in the morning, and Jiang Yun had no habit of being lazy in bed. He sat by the window and flipped through book for a while. Only when the rooster crowed outside did he set aside the book, get up, and pushed open the door.
The morning sun came down with a chill unique to Jiangbei.
The young master wears a jade belt and a green robe, as thin as jade, standing tall under the morning light under the eaves.
Ji An stood at the foot of the stairs with due diligence, waiting for Jiang Yun to come out. He immediately greeted him, smiled kindly, and said, “His Highness has gone to court. He said that when the Young Master wakes up, he will have breakfast first, and then let this old servant lead the Young Master around.”
This is exactly what Jiang Yun intended.
It was a habit he had developed over the years to remember the layout and terrain when he arrived in an unfamiliar place.
He nodded and said, “Thanks for the trouble.”
“You don’t need to be polite, Young Master.”
The breakfast is very rich. There are four kinds of dishes: the same sweet congee, and the same salty congee. There was also a piece of note pressed under the tray.
Ji An quickly explained, “That was left by His Highness for the Young Master.”
Jiang Yun was suspicious and wondered what he was up to. He picked it up and opened it, only to see two lines of small characters written on it: Eat on time; otherwise, you will be punished at night.
“……”
Although Jiang Yun knew that Ji An and the palace attendants would not peek, he couldn’t help but feel hot in his ears. He put away the note and put it into his sleeve.
Ji An arranged the food himself and smiled: “His Highness said that lotus seed congee nourishes the stomach, chicken soup congee nourishes the body, and the Young Master should drink half a bowl each.”
Probably because of his small appetite, the bowls used to hold congee are very small and exquisite. Jiang Yun nodded and tasted the lotus seed congee, which was sweet but not greasy, and the chicken soup congee, which was salty and delicious and very light.
He took one bite at a time and started to eat slowly.
Ji An was mesmerized and thought that he had never seen such an elegant young man, even after staying in the palace for so many years.
After finishing breakfast, Ji A called over the four imperial chefs in the private courtyard.
“Before leaving, His Highness specially instructed the kitchen staff in the mansion to adjust the menu of the three meals according to the Young Master’s taste. Whatever the Young Master likes to eat on weekdays, please do not hesitate to instruct them.”
The four people bowed respectfully together.
When he was in the Jiang Empire, due to his stomach disease, Jiang Yun’s daily recipes were actually simple congee dishes, he rarely touched meat or fishy things.
Then he said, “There is no need to go into such trouble.”
“Just prepare some of the simplest and lightest things for me.”
However, with Gao Gong’s precedent in the first place, Ji An dared not neglect it.
Ji An’s mind was broad, and he said, “If the Young Master can’t think of any for the time being, why don’t this old servant ask them to prepare some of the Wei Kingdom’s recipes for the Young Master to choose from?”
Jiang Yun shook his head.
“There is really no need for trouble, I have a stomach disease, and usually my diet is mainly light dishes at home.”
It turns out to be like this.
Ji An nodded. His old mother also had a stomach disease, and he naturally knew how painful it was to suffer from it. However, his old mother was already old and often suffered from hunger when she was young due to their poor family conditions. It was only then that she fell ill. The young man in front of him looked as delicate and elegant as jade. He doesn’t know how he contracted this kind of grinding disease at such a young age.
Ji An could only wave his hand to let the four of them retreat.
Mei Yuan is very large, with three entrances in front and back, complete with pavilions, terraces, and towers. There is also a large plum forest and a hot spring behind it, no less inferior than any royal mansion in the Sui capital.
Jiang Yun spent the whole morning wandering and had already memorized the layout of the private mansion.
When they’re back, Ji An has something urgent to deal with, so Jiang Yun asks him to go ahead and he resting alone in the pavilion in the garden.
“Have you guys heard that His Highness has brought back a young gentleman from Jiangnan…”
The faint voice came from behind the rockery, indicating that they were palace maids who were bored and being leisurely here.
One person said, “I’ve seen him already, I even took a glance from a distance. That figure and temperament…”
“How is his physique and temperament?”
“Not inferior to Young Master Yan Qi at all, even more elegant than Young Master Yan Qi.”
This clearly sparked the interest of another palace maid.
“Really? But Young Master Yan Qi is the most beautiful man in our Sui capital.”
“What would I lie to you for? His Highness has such a temperament. He hasn’t married or taken any concubines all these years. Isn’t it just to wait for Young Master Yan Qi? It’s a pity that a few years ago, Prime Minister Yan and His Highness were in a fierce confrontation in court, and the Yan family and His Highness were on par. It’s normal for His Highness to have resentment towards Young Master Yan Qi, but after so many years of love, you can’t just say part ways and then part ways.”
“Do you mean that the reason why His Highness brought this young gentleman back is because he looks like Young Master Yan Qi?”
“It can’t be said like that either; anyway, it’s all about the gentle and elegant one, I guess. His Highness is a nostalgic person, and the Empress is from the same lineage as the Yan family. As the saying goes, break bones and connect the tendons1It is a metaphor for one’s brother, sister, parents, and one’s own children. They are related by blood, so it is said that the bones are broken and the tendons are connected. Literally it’s sth like blood is thicker than water.. Although His Highness’s anger has not yet subsided, as time goes by, he will always remember those old friendships.”
“This matter is on the scale of His Highness, so it’s better not to mention it in the future.”
The two left quickly.
Due to the lush flowers and branches in the garden, they did not see Jiang Yun sitting in the pavilion.
Jiang Yun didn’t mind the attendants’ mentioned about Sui Heng’s “love history,” he was just a little curious about what happened two years ago that could turn a couple into enemies.
Although they hadn’t spent much time together along the way, he could tell that Sui Heng was extremely persevering and persistent. Like a wolf, once it recognizes something, it will absolutely bite it to death and not let go.
What makes a wolf give up its beloved prey must be something that is engraved in its heart.
Shortly after Jiang Yun returned to the Weirui Hall, Sui Heng came back from the court, followed by Fan Qi.
Fan Qi was limping even more severely than yesterday, almost unable to walk, but Sui Heng turned a blind eye to it and let him follow step by step.
Sui Heng naturally had a special court robe for the court.
The black, wide-sleeved Crown Prince’s uniform was lined with a vermilion color, which made him look lively and handsome, adding a lot of dignity and majesty.
“What are you looking at?”
Sui Heng walked straight into the hall and pulled the book from Jiang Yun’s hand.
Jiang Yun said, “Just take a look randomly.”
“Is the book that interesting?”
Sui Heng threw the book aside and said, “There have been too many things to do these past few days. When Gu has free time another day, Gu will take you outside for a walk.”
Fan Qi showed his teeth and stood under the porch, wanting to lean against the wall but dares not do so. He thought to himself that he and the little vixen really don’t get along.
Ever since the little vixen came to His Highness’s side, there hasn’t been a day that he hasn’t been unlucky. Even the fact that the little vixen was arranged to stay in the guest room yesterday can be blamed on him, causing him to get another beating.
Jiang Yun picked the book back up, intending to continue reading.
Sui Heng had already carried the person into his arms, sat on the couch, and asked, “Have you obediently eaten?”
He uses a tone of voice as if checking his homework.
Jiang Yun could only brace himself against his shoulders and nodded, “Already ate.”
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows happily and said, “It seems that the note left by Gu has indeed worked.”
Jiang Yun took it out of his sleeve, threw it to him, and said, “Don’t play such boring games again in the future.”
“Boring?”
Sui Heng frowned. “Didn’t you see that it was Gu’s care and love for you?”
Jiang Yun said he doesn’t need it.
“You really have no conscience.”
Sui Heng snorted lightly and deliberately lowered his face. “Gu can’t believe everything you say. Gu has to call Ji An over and confirm. When Gu left, Gu specifically instructed him to keep an eye on what you’re eating.”
At such a time, he actually wanted to call someone in.
Jiang Yun gritted his teeth.
“Put me down.”
“Just won’t.”
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows lightly, “If Gu checks it out and you didn’t eat well, Gu will have to punish you severely.”
Jiang Yun looked at him coldly.
Sui Heng remained unmoved. “Who made you disobedient? You still don’t understand Gu’s kindness. Gu—”
Sui Heng’s tone came to an abrupt end as the familiar cool softness once again gently brushed against his cheek, like a feather.
“Can you put me down now?”
The person in his arms asked very softly.
Sui Heng’s body was stiff and his heart was beating rapidly.
“You…”
Jiang Yun: “How about it?”
“You seduce Gu.”
Jiang Yun does not deny it.
Sui Heng suddenly said, “Gu didn’t feel it just now. You try again.”
“……”
Jiang Yun fell silent, leaned over his shoulders, and came to the same place again.
Although his face was calm as usual, the roots of his ears were already slightly red.
“Is that all right?”
“…En, it-it’s about the same.”
This was a magical feeling that Sui Heng had never experienced before. With a gentle and fleeting touch, it was even more mellow and intoxicating than all the fine wines he had ever drunk.
Jiang Yun frowned.
What does he mean by the same?
“Your Highness.”
Ji An has been summoned over.
Jiang Yun’s face heated up, and he was about to get up and get off his shoulders.
Sui Heng arrogantly grabbed the slender and tight waist of his little lover, chuckled, and said, “You can just go back outside. Gu asks you, did Ah Yan eat seriously this morning?”
Ji An was taken aback for a moment, not expecting His Highness to summon him over just for this matter.
He quickly replied: “As Your Highness ordered, this old servant asked the kitchen to prepare a bowl of lotus seed congee, a bowl of chicken soup congee, and four dishes for Young Master Chu. The Young Master ate half a bowl of the congee and tasted all the dishes.”
Jiang Yun’s ears are already hot and red.
Angry and helpless, he stared at the domineering wolf.
Sui Heng waved his hand and asked Ji An to step down.
“It seems that Ah Yan did not deceive Gu.”
He chuckled lightly and asked, “How should Gu reward you?”
“Otherwise, how about Gu gives you a kiss too?”
Jiang Yun thought he was already shameless enough, but he didn’t expect him to add even more shameless words. “Let’s compare our skills.”
Jiang Yun couldn’t bear it anymore. “Have you had enough?”
“Not enough.”
“Who volunteered to become Gu’s Wai Shi? Do you think it’s so easy to become a Wai Shi?”
His gaze lingered as he looked at the little lover in his arms like a lamb. “Let Gu think. Where should Gu start kissing?”
“……”
“Up to you.”
Jiang Yun has given up struggling and directly leaned on his shoulders to make him do it faster.
“Urging Gu again.”
There are some things that can be done quickly. But can some other things be done quickly?
He suddenly came up with a good idea: “Otherwise, how about letting Gu kiss you there?”
“…Where?”
Sui Heng whispered something.
Jiang Yun glanced at him, opened his mouth, and bit him hard on the shoulder.
Sui Heng felt pain and let out a hiss. Jiang Yun had already pushed him off and came down, sitting far away under the window on the other side.
He has never seen anyone so fierce.
Sui Heng chuckled and listened to the official announcement from the imperial guards. “Your Highness, someone from the palace has arrived and said that His Majesty has summoned Your Highness into the palace.”
Due to an injury on Fan Qi’s body, Shi Fang has been accompanying Sui Heng for the past two days. Shi Fang appears to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, with a pleasing doll-like face, but he has done his work seriously and properly.
Seeing Fan Qi grimacing and standing in the corridor, he smiled and asked, “Where did Brother Fan offend His Highness again?”
Fan Qi grumpily told him to scram.
At this moment, the curtains were lifted, and Sui Heng walked out from inside.
“This subordinate heard that His Majesty has also summoned Yan daren and two other prime ministers, probably to inquire about His Highness’s southern expedition.” Said Shi Fang with a serious tone.
In the Sui Dynasty2The author uses the term dynasty here., there were a total of three Zaizhi3Zaizhi refers to the prime minister and other important ministers in charge of national affairs., all of whom held pivotal positions in the literary circles of the Sui capital.
The Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu, has a solitary and proud temperament. He is loyal and upright, he dares to remonstrate. Even the Sui Emperor was often loudly criticized by him, he never forms a party for selfish ends. He is a pure minister who cannot be more pure. He was the only legitimate disciple of the late Confucian master Mo Hong, with profound knowledge and unparalleled talent. There were countless people from various countries who wanted him to be their master, but due to his picky gaze and extremely strict teaching methods, there were only a few dozen or so disciples under his guidance.
The Right Prime Minister, Yan Bing, on the other hand, has two very different temperaments from Jimo Qingyu. He advocates the doctrine of the mean and handles things with much roundness and thoughtfulness. Even if he holds high positions and authority, he never embarrasses others in an inappropriate way. He was highly respected in the imperial court, and his disciples were all over the country. Because he shares the same lineage as Empress Yan, it adds a sense of honor to her status as a ruler as well.
Another person in charge of the ceremony and reception of foreign guests, Han Xiao, as his name suggests, he was able to strike up a conversation with anyone.
Shi Fang said, “This subordinate heard that Jimo Qingyu once again criticized Your Highness for engaging in military activities and causing harm to the people and wealth in front of His Majesty. Prime Minister Han specially sent someone to deliver a message, saying that Your Highness should be mentally prepared.”
Sui Heng showed a contemptuous expression. “It would be strange if this old thing didn’t scold Gu for one day.”
Shi Fang thought about it, the Left Prime Minister was anxious, he even dared to scold His Majesty and sincerely sympathized with His Highness. Sui Heng asked again, “What about Yan Bing?”
Shi Fang looked at his Highness’s face and said, “Prime Minister Yan didn’t say anything. This subordinate heard that he even defended Your Highness with a few words as well. In fact, Prime Minister Yan has been interested in repairing things with Your Highness for the past two years…”
Sui Heng laughed coldly and remained silent.
Shi Fang dares not say anything else.
“Prepare a horse for Gu.”
“Your Highness is going to ride the horse into the palace?”
“Yes ah, the three prime ministers are waiting for Gu’s grand chariot, so Gu can’t afford to be slow.”
**
When Sui Heng arrived at the palace where Emperor Sui was discussing, Jimo Qingyu, Yan Bing, and Han Xiao were indeed already standing in the hall.
Sui Heng saluted and asked with a smile, “Gu has been away from the capital for a while, is the Left Prime Minister still in good health?”
Jimo Qingyu stroked his beard and turned his face away.
Emperor Sui glared at his son and said, “Tell the three Zaizhi about the situation of the southern expedition.”
Sui Heng replied solemnly, “The general situation has been reported in the morning court. Now that all five states in Jiangnan have surrendered to the Great Sui, the Jiang Empire is just struggling to survive. When the Yellow River freezes this winter, Erchen4(I, your son (honorific.)will be able to drive straight down and take the Jiang capital in one fell swoop, and make that Emperor Jiang kneel and bow down to pay tribute to Emperor Father.”
The Jiang and Sui were mortal enemies. The two countries are divided by the river, and there have been constant bloody battles since their ancestors’ time. If they can truly conquer the Jiang capital, it will naturally be an exciting thing.
Emperor Sui was also an ambitious emperor, naturally pleased with his achievements. He just asked, “Zhen5Zhen means I, used by the emperor just like how Gu was used by SH and JY as the crown prince.has heard that the Crown Prince, Jiang Rongyu of that Jiang Empire, is well-known among the other countries. Are you really sure that the other five countries are sincere in surrendering to you?”
“Naturally.”
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows, “Jiang Rongyu and the so-called virtuous reputation are all false fabrications. Erchen has set up a recruiting platform to encourage the southern’s famous scholars and ministers to come forward to report evidence of his falsification of virtuous names. One day, Erchen will expose this person’s hypocritical face to the world.”
Jimo Qingyu directly closed his eyes.
“Using money to buy people’s hearts and make false accusations, only those with ulterior motives can come up with such cunning tactics!”
Sui Heng turned his head with a smile.
“There’s a sly way of being a soldier. As long as Gu can successfully take the land of Jiangnan, there is no harm in using some trickery. Besides, the evidence is overwhelming, as witnessed by Jiang Yuping, the Guozhu of the Jiang Kingdom. There are also Jiang Rongyu’s former subordinates who did not want money and took the initiative to come out to expose him as well. The Left Prime Minister said such words that Gu is making false accusations, could it be that the Left Prime Minister was also influenced by that Jiang Rongyu and his reputation for ‘cherish talent’?”
Jimo Qingyu’s face turned pale.
Emperor Sui spoke up to rebuke, “Just talk about business, don’t be impolite to the Left Prime Minister.”
The emperor’s favor and indulgence towards the Crown Prince are almost written on his face, even if Jimo Qingyu is dissatisfied in his heart, he cannot separate the father-son relationship. He snorted coldly and remained silent.
Sui Heng walked down the slope, gave a light salute to Jimo Qingyu, and said, “Gu has always been straightforward and speaks frankly. The Left Prime Minister shouldn’t be offended. If the Left Prime Minister is free, why don’t the Left Prime Minister come to the Chen capital in person to see Gu’s recruitment platform? Also, to listen to what kind of moralistic hypocrite Jiang Rongyu is in the mouths of the famous southern scholars.”
This was not an apology at all in Jimo Qingyu’s ears, but a provocation.
He snorted coldly and replied, “There’s no need. This old man is too old and decrepit to have that kind of leisure.”
Han Xiao looked at this, looked at that, then began to skillfully reconcile: “Anger hurts the liver. Don’t be agitated. Your Highness’s move is also a radical move, killing the enemy invisibly. As the saying goes, the highest level of leading troops into battle is to defeat the enemy without spending a single soldier. Shouldn’t we applaud a little ingenuity to maximize benefits with minimal casualties? As for the truth and falsehood between them, even their own people in the Jiang Empire can’t figure it out, so what does it have to do with us?”
“Well, Prime Minister Yan, aren’t you going to talk to His Majesty about this year’s Spring Banquet?”
The Spring Banquet was a grand event in the Sui capital. Every year around the third day of March, literati, famous scholars, and officials from various countries gather in the capital of Sui, to go on outings, play, drink, have fun, and engage in talent competitions.
In this era, famous scholars and officials all had to practice the six arts for gentlemen. Thus, just like the Liushang Banquet, the Spring Banquet also set up six types of competitions. In order to take care of some small, remote countries with underdeveloped literature, the Spring Banquet also features specialized competitions such as cuju, wrestling, and equestrian archery. Altogether, there are more than twenty large and small competitions added up, which is even larger than the Liushang Banquet.
Only because the Liushang Banquet gained fame first and the reputation of the “Four Princes of the Southern Kingdoms” rose to fame and became famous in various countries did the Spring Banquet not have much presence.
But the Spring Banquet still has special significance in the countries in Jiangbei; because, in this era, in order to enter the court and become an official, in addition to having outstanding talents, they will also need to be recommended by famous scholars. Those with connections in their families naturally do not need to worry, but ordinary scholars without connections hope to show their skills at the Spring Banquet and win the attention of important officials and scholars in the court.
The Spring Banquet has always been organized by the Right Prime Minister, Yan Bing, and this year is no exception.
Emperor Sui asked about the preparation situation.
Yan Bing bowed and answered, “All matters, big and small, are proceeding smoothly, but regarding the list of guests attending the banquet, this old minister needs to consult with Your Majesty.”
Emperor Sui told him to speak.
Yan Bing: “Are those famous scholars and officials from the five countries of Jiangnan among the invited?”
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall understood.
The Spring Banquet is a banquet for the suzerain state of Sui to entertain its subordinate countries. The five countries of Jiangnan, as subordinate countries that have newly surrendered to the Sui Empire, should naturally be called upon to participate in the banquet as well.
This is not only an opportunity to show kindness but also a means of exerting influence, and it can also test whether the other five countries have sincerely surrendered or not.
Emperor Sui remained silent and asked Sui Heng, “What does the Crown Prince think?”
There was a moment of silence in the hall.
Due to Sui Heng’s military campaigns outside, he had not attended the Spring Banquet for a full three years, and something like that happened at the Spring Banquet three years ago.
Emperor Sui also naturally observed his son’s expression.
Sui Heng’s expression was cold and indifferent: “It’s just a banquet. Erchen doesn’t care, it’s all up to Emperor Father’s judgment.”
Emperor Sui withdrew his gaze and asked Yan Bing and Jimo Qingyu for their opinions.
Jimo Qingyu has always disliked Yan Bing’s way of doing things. He thinks that Yan Bing appears generous on the surface, but he is hypocritical in reality. The so-called Spring Banquet is just to attract his protege to form a party for personal gain through the title of the banquet.
“This minister doesn’t mind either.” He said forcefully.
Han Xiao said that since it’s a banquet, it’s better to have fun with others than to have fun alone. The more people there are, the more lively it becomes. It’s a good opportunity to connect with the emotions of other countries.
Finally, it’s Yan Bing’s turn.
When Yan Bing was young, he was also a beautiful man known throughout the Sui capital. Although he was almost fifty years old now, he still had a tall and upright posture, with the considerable demeanor of a famous scholar. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “This old minister thinks that what Prime Minister Han said was extremely true. Since the five countries have already surrendered to our Great Sui, our Great Sui should also be honest, give recognition, and respond accordingly. The Spring Banquet is the perfect time for Your Majesty to show kindness to the five countries.”
“This minister thinks they should be invited.”
With this move, he clearly recognized the results of Sui Heng’s southern expedition.
Jimo Qingyu sneered and said, “It seems that in the future, Prime Minister Yan’s disciples will not only spread throughout the north of the Yangtze River but also throughout the south.”
Yan Bing lowered his eyes, pursed his lips deeply, but did not respond.
Emperor Sui was quite open-minded. “What Yan Aiqing6Aiqing means my dear courtier, it was used by the Monarch.said is very true. Let’s follow what Aiqing said.”
Coming out of the palace, the four of them walked on one side each.
Sui Heng stopped Han Xiao from behind, “Prime Minister Han, please stay.”
Han Xiao immediately stopped, turned around, and saluted, narrowing his eyes and asking, “What is Your Highness’s command?”
Sui Heng said, “Is the Imperial Astronomical Bureau under the jurisdiction of Prime Minister Han?”
Han Xiao nodded and was puzzled by what he meant.
Isn’t this Highness the most annoyed by those ridiculous presumptions? So much so that he even threatened to demolish the Imperial Astronomical Bureau a few years ago. Could it be that as soon as the battle is over, he remembers this again?
Sui Heng first took out a brocade bag from his sleeve, then took out a piece of paper from the bag and handed it to Han Xiao.
“It’s not a big deal either.”
“Trouble Prime Minister Han to make your subordinates combine the eight characters for Gu.”
“……”
Han Xiao suspected that there was something wrong with his ears.
“Eight-eight characters?”
“Yeah, when we talked about marriage in the Sui capital, didn’t we need to combine this?”
“Uh, what needed is needed. But this minister doesn’t know what these eight characters are for?”
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows and smiled.
“Gu and Gu’s future noble concubine’s.”
Han Xiao: “……”
Han Xiao couldn’t believe it: “Your Highness is going to take a concubine?”
“That’s right.”
“When the time comes, Gu will definitely invite Minister Han to the mansion to drink the wedding wine.”
Han Xiao answered in puzzlement and carefully tucked the note into his sleeve. After all, it was the Crown Prince’s eight characters, so he dares not leak it out and let the bystanders see it.
It was just a little strange, how come he had never heard anyone mention such a big thing as His Highness wanting to take a concubine?
Sui Heng said, “Gu has to go back now. Gu’s noble concubine is so clingy, Gu can’t leave him for a moment.”
“Oh.
Han Xiao nodded hesitantly.
“Then-Then Your Highness hurry back and don’t delay business.”
After seeing Sui Heng’s athletic figure leave, Han Xiao raised his head to look at the bright sun hanging in the center of the sky and thought, It’s really strange. Did the sun come out from the west today?
T/N: so if you guys ever curious about how SH usually carry JY, here’s what I found xD 7
