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GD Chapter 31

The right path.

This way, the feud was fully established. Su Xinghe resented his meddling and had been arguing the whole way.  

“Why did you have to *do* that?” she demanded. “Talking nonsense in front of my brother, saying I care about General Lou Yueting’s marriage. Whether he has someone who understands him or not has *nothing* to do with me. Why did you have to go playing matchmaker for him?”  

 

The Crown Prince hit the mark with brutal precision.  

“If it really had nothing to do with you, you wouldn’t be arguing with me now. Su Xinghe, don’t pretend with me. You’re not fooling anyone, you clearly have ulterior motives. You want to marry again while keeping the old ties.”  

**She was furious.**  

“I haven’t even been married once! Where’s this ‘second marriage’ nonsense coming from?”  

 

The Crown Prince saw her glaring at him, anger blazing in her eyes. Knowing that an enraged woman was the most unpredictable, he decided not to argue further. With a mocking smile, he said,  

“I just enjoy stealing love away. What of it?”  

 

No amount of reasoning could rival His Highness’s whims. That single sentence ended the argument. Su Xinghe was so angry she felt like her liver was about to burst, but what could she do? This was the inevitable imbalance in relationships, between two people of such unequal status. One would always be overbearing, while the other would endure in silence.  

 

General Lou Yueting was about to be bestowed a marriage. A desolated feeling crept into her heart. Though some things had never belonged to her, their sudden departure still left her feeling a sense of loss. She let out a long sigh, raising her eyes to the dome of the sky. The heavens were a cold, desolated blue. Unlike the clarity of spring and summer, this blue was hollow, inverted there like frozen tofu, unmoving and unflowing.  

 

Hands tucked into her sleeves, she murmured,  

“Which family’s daughter are you planning to pick? I think the new court lady would be a fine choice.”  

 

Ah, the wolfish ambition truly never dies. The fortune of the Shangguan family was no small sum no matter whose hands it landed in. Was she really so naive as to think he’d hand over such wealth to the Su family?  

 

“That little mouse of a girl?” he replied casually. “Have you ever considered the age gap between her and General Lou Yueting? She’s just a child, why waste her on a man nearly twice her age?”  

 

She was indignant.  

“General Lou Yueting is only twenty-nine! How does that make him an old man?”  

 

“Twenty-nine isn’t old? Shangguan Yin is only fourteen. If they married, standing together they’d look like father and daughter.”  

 

So, he still intended to keep the Shangguan family’s power close. The Shangguan clan might not dare to rebel, but as allies, they were indispensable.  

 

Su Xinghe began mocking him with an air of biting sarcasm.  

“A fifteen-year gap is indeed a bit much. Seven or eight years would be ideal, wouldn’t you say? Too bad Your Highness didn’t go through with it last time.”  

 

She cast him a sidelong glance, her eyes brimming with disdain, from her lowered lashes to her pupils. Every bit of her expression dripped with scorn.  

The Crown Prince said, “Put away that look of yours. Are you daring to disrespect me? I think she’d match Old Fourth well they’re the same age, with similar temperaments. Once Huo Quingfu moves into Wude Hall, I’ll send Shangguan Yin there to assist him. If fate brings them together, I’ll petition the Emperor for their marriage. It would make for a fine story.”  

 

Throughout history, there have been plenty of instances where princes and the court ladies around them became romantically involved. Growing up together forged exceptional bonds, and the court ladies often came from prestigious families. Selecting court ladies for young princes was essentially an early round of queen selection.  

 

The Eastern Palace of the Crown Prince had originally had two court ladies, but one had died midway, leaving only Su Xinghe. Unfortunately for the Crown Prince, the one who remained was anything but docile. Su Xinghe spent her days scheming, forcing him to expend endless effort just to maintain appearances and traditions. It was exhausting.  

 

But just now, when Su Xinghe mentioned the new court lady, there had been a subtle ripple in her words. The Crown Prince savored the thought and felt delighted. Afraid she might misunderstand, he hastened to clarify his stance, expressing his intent to match Old Fourth with the court lady. Hopefully, this would make it clear to her that his heart remained steadfastly hers.  

 

Su Xinghe froze for a moment, suddenly realizing she’d indeed forgotten something. No wonder she’d felt like something had been slipping her mind these past two days. Lately, she’d been overwhelmed with work, further disrupted by Zuo Zhaoyi’s provocations, leaving her so frazzled that this matter had fallen by the wayside.  

 

With no time to dwell on General Lou Yueting’s imperial marriage or Shangguan Yin’s pairing with Prince Xin, she rushed back to the auxiliary palace. There, at the writing desk in the duty room, she found the roster of palace staff.  

 

Dequan, holding a duster, stood nearby and peeked over her shoulder. “Lord Su, are you really planning to find someone to attend to His Highness?”  

 

Su Xinghe carefully flipped through the pages, responding briefly, “Someone a bit older, who knows how to care for others. His Highness said so himself.”  

 

Dequan, eyelids drooping, glanced along with her. Noticing her lingering on the profile of a thirty-year-old palace maid, he quickly intervened, “This one won’t do, she’s too old. It’d be like hiring a wet nurse.”  

 

He truly couldn’t understand it. why was she always making things difficult for herself? Older maids might have more experience, but that also meant they were skilled in manipulation and could easily stir up trouble. However, it was a well-known fact that the Crown Prince preferred those with a bit more maturity. After all, wasn’t she the prime example? At twenty-two, she was already considered “older” in the palace.

The Crown Prince’s life was bitter. Dequan couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy as he thought about it. Losing his mother at an early age, he’d grown up with gaps in both love and nurture. Even the people serving in his quarters were chosen to be older as if to fill the void left by his mother’s absence. Then again, there was merit to this preference. Take the scene before them as an example: among the two court ladies of similar rank, one was managing the major affairs of the Crown Prince’s residence, while the other sat by the window embroidering. A slip of the needle caused her to prick her finger, and she winced, sucking on it in pain.  

 

It was an unsightly moment, and Dequan averted his gaze. Su Xinghe turned another page, and Dequan stretched his neck to peek again, noticing her finger resting on the name of a palace maid from the tea service division.  

 

“Qinggan? What a fitting name,” Dequan remarked with a chuckle. “She’s twenty-six not too young, not too old.”  

 

Su Xinghe nodded. “Call her here so I can take a look. If she’s suitable, transfer her to the tea service in Lizheng Hall, specifically to serve the Crown Prince.”  

 

Dequan quickly made his way to the tea service chambers and, after two sticks of incense, returned with Qinggan. She was a good-looking young woman, though her age showed some maturity. Despite that, her expression carried a mix of shyness and apprehension.  

 

She bowed formally. “Lord Su, you summoned me, what are your orders?”  

 

Su Xinghe, having joined the Ministry of Military Control upon entering officialdom, had handled numerous interrogations over the years and had grown cautious in her dealings. She couldn’t send someone of unknown background to serve in the Crown Prince’s hall. Leaning on the armrest, she began her questioning.  

 

“Your father is Xia Chengyong, a proofreader in the Bureau of Compilation. He’s been in the position for nine years and was recently promoted to Assistant Compiler last month.”  

 

Qinggan nodded nervously, her unease evident.  

 

“You come from a family of six siblings. You’re the third child, with two elder sisters, two younger sisters, and a youngest brother.”  

 

The inexperienced palace maid turned pale, dropping to her knees with a thud. “I don’t know what wrong I’ve done, my lady, but if I’ve made a mistake, please punish me alone! I beg you, don’t involve my family!”  

 

Su Xinghe relaxed. Someone so timid and fearful was perfect. Her family’s modest yet traceable official status, combined with the burden of many siblings, ensured she would stay careful and compliant. Placing her in Lizheng Hall would keep her grounded, and she was an ideal fit to serve the Crown Prince, whose temperament was as unpredictable as a lotus pod.

“It’s settled,” Su Xinghe said, feeling a weight lifted. She instructed Dequan to take Qinggan away and train her properly. “Once she’s familiar with the tea-serving protocols, send her to the hall. It’s not a difficult job get it done quickly so everyone can have peace of mind.”  

 

Dequan acknowledged the order and led Qinggan to the tea service room. Nearby, Shangguan Yin leaned over and called out, “Sister Su Xinghe, is this the type His Highness likes?”  

 

Su Xinghe sighed. “What can I say? It’s your fault you can’t keep his attention.”  

 

The court lady looked aggrieved. “I even took my clothes off, and he told me to put them back on! Said I wasn’t fully grown and didn’t interest him.”  

 

Young girls truly had no filter. Su Xinghe chuckled at her frankness. “Well, what about you? Do you want to serve the Crown Prince?”  

 

Shangguan Yin glanced around to ensure no one else was listening, then shook her head. “His Highness is so intimidating. He reminds me of my uncle. The men of the Huo family are all hard to deal with I’d rather stay out of trouble and save my own neck.”  

 

Only then did Su Xinghe remember that the Shangguan Yin and Huo families were connected by marriage. But the Huo family she referred to had been out of the main lineage for two generations.  

 

“Who’s your uncle?”  

 

Shangguan Yin picked up a needle to tidy her hair. “Huo Yan, the Grand Secretary of the Privy Council. He works with your brother in the same office.”  

 

“Oh…” Su Xinghe nodded slowly. Lord Huo Yan, Duke of Cheng’en, was the head of the Privy Council and her brother Su Xinghai’s direct superior. The capital was teeming with noble families, and the ties of kinship ran deep and tangled. Suddenly, she thought of Lord Shenzhai and felt a pang of sympathy. Who knew which powerful noble was lurking behind any given case? The Jingzhao Prefecture didn’t have the backing of the Emperor, unlike the Ministry of Military Control, which was notorious for its ruthlessness. Any slight disturbance and the Prefect of Jingzhao would bear the brunt of it first.  

 

At least she had resolved the matter of finding an older palace maid for the Crown Prince. Sitting in the duty room, she took a short rest. The water clock on the desk ticked rhythmically, the wooden markers sinking lower. It was nearing the hour of Shen. She glanced out the window to check the weather. The sun had shifted westward, and the afternoon had already lost its warmth. The wind was picking up, bringing waves of chill that crept into the room. Even Shangguan Yin stamped her feet and grumbled, “It’s freezing!”

Footsteps echoed under the eaves, and from outside the paneled door came the voice of Ye Jinchun:  

 

“Miy Lord, Commander Nan Yushu has entered the covered corridor at Chengtian Gate. He’s currently at the Twelve Departments’ Yamen. He’s sent someone to inform you that a summons has been issued to present yourself before His Majesty with the necessary documentation. Please prepare to bring the case file along.”  

 

Su Xinghe grabbed the memorial and headed out. As the lead investigator on the case, she was required to be present for the final report to the Emperor.  

 

The joint trial at the Twelve Offices was straightforward once the accused signed their confession, cases involving royal scandals were handled swiftly and discreetly, with little probing into unnecessary details.  

 

When Su Xinghe arrived, Commander Nan Yushu was just stepping out of the duty office, holding a confession document while speaking with Jiang Yi. Upon seeing her, he paused briefly. “You’ve arrived quickly, Lord Su…” His gaze flickered across her face, noticing her staring directly at him. Feeling a bit awkward, he hurriedly added, “Lord Su has suffered an injustice. Such matters might be forgivable if they happened to someone else, but for it to happen to you, it’s truly inappropriate.”  

 

Su Xinghe knew he was inwardly amused by her predicament. She casually brushed her hand over her face and replied, “Exactly. It hurt like hell. The Crown Prince even kept me from the yamen today, worried it would embarrass me. But really, what’s the big deal? In our line of work, there are those who lose their heads in their sleep. What’s face worth? As long as we catch the true culprit, I wouldn’t bat an eye if my dignity were thrown to the ground and used as a rag.”  

 

Such bold and magnanimous words only someone like Su Xinghe could say them with a straight face.  

 

Commander Nan Yushu had no choice but to bow slightly in admiration. “Lord Su is truly a heroine among women. Commander Nan Yushu humbly respects you.”  

 

She raised one corner of her mouth in a dry smile. “This time, though, I owe it to you, Commamder Nan Yushu, for getting Consort Gao Zhiya to sign the confession so quickly. That fellow is a thorny character. what method did you use to make him talk?”  

 

Commander Nan Yushu chuckled under his breath. “Why ask when you already know? The Ministry of Military Control has more than enough methods for dealing with stubborn individuals. Without even making a scene, we can make them wish for death over life.” With that, he turned and headed toward the Chengtian Gate, saying over his shoulder, “The token has already been submitted. Let’s wait at the palace gates for our audience.”  

 

The Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Presence came out to greet them, bowing as he led them inside. A young eunuch lifted the curtain, allowing Su Xinghe and Commander Nan Yushu to enter the duty office one after the other.  

 

Inside, the Crown Prince and several Grand Ministers of the Imperial Secretariat were already present. Knowing the pair had come to resolve the case, everyone wore solemn expressions.  

They folded their sleeves respectfully and presented the memorial and confession statement with the utmost deference. The Emperor took the documents and began reviewing them. At first, his expression remained composed, but gradually, his brows furrowed deeply, forming lines of frustration and helplessness.  

 

The room was silent so silent one could hear a pin drop. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the Emperor to speak. Finally, as the Emperor set down the documents with a heavy thud, the impact made the tea cup engraved with the “Eternal Prosperity of the Realm” pattern on the table jump slightly. Ripples of tea spilled onto the huanghuali wood surface, leaving marks like swirling scars.  

 

“Is the matter thoroughly investigated?” the Emperor asked gravely.  

 

Commander Nan Yushu responded, “Yes, Your Majesty. The details of the case are clearly outlined in the confession. All witnesses and evidence are accounted for. We await Your Majesty’s judgment.”  

 

But what judgment could there be for such a colossal scandal? The Emperor reflected on the path he had tread over the years. His ancestors had built the empire from the ground up; though he himself had no grand achievements, he had at least governed with restraint and preserved the legacy. He had maintained a clean reputation all his life, only for it to be utterly tarnished by this disgrace in his later years. How could he bear it?  

 

The Emperor’s face betrayed a sense of regret. The Crown Prince, observing his father’s demeanor, spoke softly, “Father, please do not be angry. The most pressing issue now is to close the case. Rumors are running rampant among the populace. If we delay further, things may spiral completely out of control.”  

 

Idle chatter and speculation were abundant suppressing one rumor would only cause another to arise. And scandals involving the imperial family always drew the greatest attention.  

 

The Emperor sighed deeply, leaning back into his cushions and pinching the bridge of his nose. “In your view, how should this matter be resolved?”  

 

In the dim warmth of the chamber, the golden and silver-threaded dragon embroidery on the Crown Prince’s shoulders shimmered with a fierce and domineering presence. His expression radiated the unyielding decisiveness befitting the heir to the throne.  

 

“Father, the scandal involving the Consort Gao Zhiya has been unresolved for over half a year now. It has become a source of public ridicule, with rumors spreading unchecked. As long as it remains unresolved, the integrity of the court and the dynasty continues to be questioned. The case of the Gao brothers’ fratricide, and its connection to the princess, should not be openly publicized. It is best resolved discreetly.  

 

Allow your son to handle this matter. Please, Father, temper your anger. Avoidance is no longer an option. Let us seek a solution that salvages the dignity of the imperial family as much as possible.”

The Emperor was still enraged, slapping the table by the couch and exclaiming, “Rumors have spread across the entire capital! At this point, even if we found another scapegoat, it wouldn’t cover up this disgrace. My precious daughter, a princess, has completely disregarded virtue and decorum utterly shaming our ancestors!”  

 

The officials present bowed even lower, careful to maintain their silence. Family matters in the imperial household were not like state affairs; one could only listen, not offer advice.  

 

Su Xinghe glanced subtly from the corner of her eye. After the Emperor’s outburst, he appeared utterly drained. Regardless of the truth behind the case, he no longer had the energy to pursue it further. Waving his hand dismissively, he said to the Crown Prince, “You review the case personally one more time. If there are no errors, grant him a cup of poison and conclude the matter in prison.”  

 

Publicly executing such a criminal would bring even greater disgrace. Ultimately, the Emperor was shielding his family. He only passed judgment on consort Gao Zhiya, leaving Princess  Xialing untouched he didn’t even mention confinement for reflection.  

 

Su Xinghe understood. Like any father in the world, the Emperor had a soft spot for his most beloved child. No matter how grave her mistakes, he would forgive her. As for the three slaps from Princess Xialing during this case, Su Xinghe thought she could settle those scores later, at her own pace.  

 

The Crown Prince accepted the command and exited the warm chamber alongside the others. Glancing at the sky, he noted the late hour. “Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice. There’s a pile of things to handle. Let’s finish what we can today.” He turned to Su Xinghe and gave her a brief look. “You don’t need to follow. There’s nothing worth watching about an execution. Go back to the Eastern Palace.”  

 

He was heading to the prison. The so-called “personal interrogation” was merely a formality; the outcome had already been decided.  

 

Three years ago, when Consort Gao Zhiya married the princess, the Gao family’s influence soared thanks to Princess Xialing. Openly and covertly, they challenged the Crown Prince on numerous occasions. During the capital unrest that year, the Crown Prince’s private estate had its guard challenged by Gao’s family militia. Even the Chunfang District guards faced searches at the Prince Consort’s command.  

 

One particularly pitiful incident involved a diminutive Vice Minister of the Left being dragged out of his sedan chair by Gao’s men, his teeth knocked out and his mouth filled with blood. The riders on horseback laughed wildly, their arrogance boundless, showing not a shred of respect for the Crown Prince.  

 

Hatred accumulated bit by bit, until it reached a point where lives had to be taken to settle it. Once the blood debt was paid, the score would finally be even.

He didn’t call for her to accompany him, and Su Xinghe was more than happy to avoid the scene. Watching bloodshed and executions held no appeal. As the Crown Prince, flanked by his Jinyi Guards, departed the palace, Su Xinghe prepared to return. The most direct path was south from the Taiji Hall, through the Secretariat Gate, and back to the Eastern Palace. Yet she didn’t take that route. Instead, she made a large detour northward, entering through the Ganlu Gate and strolling along the Jinshui River.  

 

That area was crowded with palatial buildings, including the Phoenix Hatch Palace of the Left Consort and the Warm Pavilion Palace of the Right Consort.  

 

Would she avoid someone just because of a slap? Certainly not. They would have to interact again in the future. Holding onto such resentment would only make it appear as if she were openly hostile to the Duke of Jianping’s household. She touched her cheek, changed direction, and turned into the Phoenix Hatch Palace.  

 

Eunuch Nian Shikuan looked startled to see her and stood frozen for a moment. “Lord Su… What brings you here to visit?”  

 

Su Xinghe smiled, though her expression carried an edge. “I came to see you, Nian Shikuan.”  

 

Nian Shikuan turned pale, waving his hands frantically. “I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare… Are you here to meet Her Ladyship, the Left Consort? I’ll send word for you immediately.”  

 

The Left Consort remained unflappable, seated inside the hall. After yesterday’s altercation, this sudden visit could only mean trouble. She had slapped Su Xinghe a few times, and Su Xinghe had wasted no time in urging the Crown Prince to file a complaint with the Emperor. Now, with nowhere to vent her own anger, Su Xinghe had walked right into her lair.  

 

Her expression was icy. “What is it now? Still confused and back to seek advice?”  

 

Su Xinghe appeared humbly distressed. “Please don’t misunderstand, Your Ladyship. I’ve just come from the Taiji Palace. Earlier today, Commander Nan Yushu submitted a memorial and the case records to the Emperor for a ruling.”  

 

The Left Consort had indeed heard about Commander Nan Yushu’s entry into the palace but had no idea how the Emperor had handled the matter her informants had all been sent away. Whatever their past grievances, she figured it wouldn’t hurt to listen. Straightening her posture and gripping her hands tightly, she asked, “What did the Emperor decide?”

Su Xinghe’s face was clouded with worry as she spoke in a sorrowful tone: “His Majesty was furious and ordered the Crown Prince to re-examine the case. Once the truth is confirmed, there’s no need to report back the matter is to be concluded in the prison. However, Your Ladyship can rest assured; that His Majesty still cherishes the Princess. There wasn’t a hint of reproach in his words.”  

 

The Left Consort suddenly felt a sense of defeat, as though everything had slipped beyond her grasp. No reproach, no punishment this eerie calmness only deepened her despair. She would have preferred the Emperor to storm in and demand accountability. Yet, from last night until today, despite all her attempts, she hadn’t even managed to secure an audience with him.  

 

The depths of the palace were like a locked cage. What could be more crushing than being cast aside? Who had enabled Princess Xialing to act so recklessly? In the end, the only one left to bear the consequences was her, mother. No one else.

The Left Consort, weakly leaning against the backrest, turned her gaze towards her. “The Crown Prince went to the Control Army to settle the case. Why didn’t you go with him?”

 

Su Xinghe lowered her hands. “I couldn’t bear to go, and I am powerless to help. The only thing I could do was come here to report to Your Ladyship and inform the Princess to grieve, and to notify the Gao family to collect the body.”

 

The Left Consort slapped the table in frustration. “So now you’ve switched sides, and you’re here spouting all these words. What exactly are you trying to say?”

 

Su Xinghe bowed her hands, “I am loyal to Your Ladyship. Even after what happened yesterday, I don’t hold any resentment. But Your Ladyship regards me as an enemy, giving the Crown Prince an opportunity, to use it against me. Now that we’ve come to this point, do you still think the fault lies with me?” She sighed deeply, “Your Ladyship’s actions have truly benefited your enemies. Last time, when the Emperor visited the East Palace, I stood outside and heard the Emperor say he would officially title you. Now, after the Winter Solstice Ceremony, I only wish that Your Ladyship’s imperial decree for the title of Empress is granted as scheduled. At least it would not be in vain, all these years of loyalty from the Su family to you and the Duke of Min.”

 

“Empress… Are you still clinging to the hope of becoming Empress?” The Left Consort leaned back in her chair, dazed and silent for a long while. Su Xinghe bowed again and slowly stepped out of the main hall.

 

Feeling a sense of release, even the howling December wind along the river didn’t bother her as much. By the Jinshui River in the deep winter, the red peonies had already rotted at their roots. By next spring, they would be pulled out, with no chance of blooming again.

 

Walking north along the river, not far ahead was the Anli Gate. She tucked her hands into her sleeves, strolling slowly. Just as she reached the end, she saw someone standing across the river, looking in her direction. The twilight was gradually closing in, and though the sky still had a faint afterglow, the figure across the river wasn’t very clear. However, based on the shape and attire, she recognized it was the Right Consort.

 

The Right Consort, often overlooked despite her high rank, had been suppressed for many years and remained obscure. But she never seemed to be agitated whether she had status or not, she remained indifferent. Su Xinghe greeted her from across the river with a full bow. The Right Consort nodded slightly, said nothing, and turned to return to her palace.

When she returned to the East Palace, there were still some small tasks left for Su Xinghe to assign. After everything inside and outside was arranged, the sky had darkened completely. The Crown Prince returned earlier than she had expected. This time, the case was resolved quickly. According to the Crown Prince’s report to the Emperor, “The criminal admitted to the act of assault without hesitation.” He had been tortured into an unrecognizable state, and naturally, he sought only a quick death. The Crown Prince didn’t stay until the end; watching someone breathe their last was not his style. After returning, he sat in the warm hall for a long time, and then, feigning concern, asked Su Xinghe, “Do you think what I did was too cruel?”

 

Su Xinghe didn’t answer him, nor did he expect an answer. On this path, if you’re not cruel. others will be cruel to you. It’s a matter of killing or being killed. How do you choose?

 

The Crown Prince leaned back on his throne and closed his eyes to rest, and the soft sound of fabric brushing against his ears filled the air. A cup of tea was placed on the kang table beside him. He thought it was Su Xinghe, and feeling at ease, he relaxed. But then her voice came from outside the curtain, saying, “Your Highness, you’re tired. I’ve found a skilled palace servant to give you a massage. Rest well tonight, tomorrow there will be many matters to attend to, and you’ll need to be in good spirits to serve His Majesty.”

 

The Crown Prince immediately felt something was wrong. Startled, he opened his eyes and saw, as he feared, that an elderly palace maid was standing beside him. He didn’t know where she had been found, probably the first time she had entered the East Palace. Nervously, she stammered, “M-Master, I… I will… I will loosen your muscles and bones…”

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