Thank you to pandorasproxy for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
Wearing only a jade hairpin to hold up her black hair, Zhang Wan draped herself in a fur robe and led several palace maids toward the Shiqian Hall. In the cold winter, there was still a chill in the corridors, but upon reaching the Shiqian Hall, the warmth from the firewalls and the underfloor heating dispelled the cold. Zhang Wan removed her fur robe, had someone announce her presence, and then walked slowly into the hall.
Inside the grand hall, incense was burning, emitting a clear and elegant fragrance. The emperor’s eyes were slightly closed as he leaned on the couch. When Zhang Wan entered, he turned his head and said, “Ah Wan is here? I’ve told you to rest quietly in the Eastern Palace. It’s not appropriate to come here all the time, catching an illness instead.”
Three months ago, Zhang Wan had given birth to a son and it was the time for her to rest. Moreover, she had to take care of the child, and falling ill would be troublesome.
The emperor had mentioned this several times, but how could Zhang Wan forget her duties? After bowing, she respectfully said, “Your daughter-in-law is in good health. These days, the Second Prince is being taken care of by the wet nurse. Everything is fine. Is Father Emperor feeling better today?”
“I’m much better now and can sit up.” Lian Feng replied.
His voice still had a bit of hoarseness, but compared to two days ago, it had indeed improved a lot. Over the years, he had experienced a few illnesses, but none were as dangerous as this time. However, after catching a chill, he had a high fever that wouldn’t subside. The Imperial Hospital had been busy for about ten days before finally suppressing the illness.
Hearing the emperor’s words, Zhang Wan revealed a joyful expression, “Father Emperor’s health is robust, and we can feel at ease now. But it’s still better not to move around in a hurry. Rest for a few more days, and only when the root of the illness is completely gone can you recover.”
Lian Feng smiled and had someone arrange a seat for the Crown Princess, then asked, “How has Xian been these days?”
The Crown Princess had given birth to a boy in this pregnancy, named Liang Xian. However, shortly after the child was born, Lian Feng fell ill, so he hadn’t seen much of this grandson.
“Father Emperor, rest assured. The Second Prince can now eat and sleep well, and he has gained some weight. When we return, I’ll bring him for Father Emperor to see.” Zhang Wan said with a smile.
“Let’s talk about that when I recover.” Lian Feng sighed lightly.
He was an adult, and if he passed the illness to the child, it would be disastrous.
Seeing the emperor’s worried expression, Zhang Wan quickly added, “These days, Eldest Son has been thinking about Father Emperor. He even copied the ‘Classic of Filial Piety’ and asked me to present it to Father Emperor.”
Saying this, she had the palace maids present a few pages of paper. Lian Feng flipped through them in his hand and chuckled, “This handwriting is better than Rong Er’s in his early years. It seems Ah Wan taught him well. When Xi’er is old enough for schooling, he should also be taught reading and writing.”
“Your daughter-in-law understands.” Zhang Wan smiled and agreed.
At this moment, a eunuch brought in the medicine. Zhang Wan personally took it and delivered it to the bedside, saying, “Father Emperor, it’s time for your medication.”
The medicine was in a small bowl, lukewarm, just right for consumption. Lian Feng took it and drank it down. Immediately, someone offered sweetmeats to freshen his mouth.
Choosing a candied jujube and placing it in his mouth, Lian Feng suppressed the bitterness. He then said, “Wang Liangdi and Zheng Ruren are likely nearing their due dates. You just need to arrange for the midwives, no need to overexert yourself.”
Over the years, the Crown Prince had taken in another concubine, Wang Liangdi, and a second consort, Zheng Ruren. Before Zhang Wan gave birth, both side consorts were found to be pregnant. Several months had passed, and it was almost time. As the mistress of the Eastern Palace, Zhang Wan naturally had to take care of both women, fulfilling the duties of a principal wife. However, in Lian Feng’s words, it became unnecessary to toil too much, showing clear favoritism.
Softly, Zhang Wan replied, “Your daughter-in-law will make proper arrangements.”
Lian Feng glanced at her and sighed lightly, “I’ve caused you inconvenience. I will also have Rong’er take good care of you and the child.”
These words warmed Zhang Wan’s heart. This was also the aspect where the emperor differed most from others. Most men in the world treated their palace concubines as ordinary. Only the emperor would worry about the grievances of his legitimate wife. Being the sole focus for over a decade, even if it brought him a tarnished reputation, displayed his profound affection.
However, such individuals were rare. Lian Rong had already proven to be a quite decent son-in-law.
Zhang Wan whispered, “The Crown Prince treats this daughter-in-law exceptionally well. Where is the inconvenience? Father Emperor is worrying too much.”
This was her sincere statement. Early on, after the Crown Prince took in side consorts, the Imperial Hospital had submitted a document. It mentioned that women were not suitable for conception in the days following their menstrual cycle. This was vastly different from what others knew. The Eastern Palace also had court historians who recorded the menstrual cycles of several women. If the Crown Prince wished the consorts to conceive, it was likely they would have already become pregnant.
However, even after several years, the Eastern Palace had not seen any pregnancies. The Crown Prince had been extremely caring towards her.
Seeing Zhang Wan’s face slightly blush as she defended Rong’er, Lian Feng smiled and lay back on the bed.
As the Emperor was feeling better today, Zhang Wan wasn’t busy serving tea and water. Instead, she sat beside him, chatting, playing chess, and even playing a gentle tune on the zither.
After a while, the Crown Prince returned from the Chigong Hall.
“Father Emperor, are you feeling better?” Upon entering the hall, Lian Rong asked.
“With Ah Wan attending to me, I’m much better.” Lian Feng attributed his improvement to Zhang Wan.
Lian Rong glanced at his wife gratefully and then reported today’s political affairs to his father: “The military campaign in Ba County is progressing smoothly. We have captured the three counties of Hanzhong, Badong, and Baxi. Soon, we’ll be able to besiege Shu County. Jing County suffered a minor setback in Jiangling.”
With the Emperor bedridden, the morning court sessions had been temporarily suspended, and the Crown Prince had taken over governance in the East Hall. Despite the potential for turmoil in court, the presence of veteran officials who had participated in the founding of the dynasty and the Crown Prince’s years of observing state affairs had ensured a stable transition, allowing the military campaigns to continue without delay.
In the spring of this year, the Southern Court underwent another upheaval. Wang Dun forcefully dismissed the capable Crown Prince of Jin, Sima Shao, and replaced him with the young son of Sima Rui. No one in the court or among the common people dared to speak out. However, not long after, earthquakes struck Danyang, Wu County, and Jinling. This was the third earthquake to occur since Wang Dun took control.
Coupled with two years of severe drought, five locust plagues, and one hailstorm, the Eastern Jin Dynasty was in disarray. The prices of grains soared, famine plagued the land, and the chaos seemed uncontrollable. In response, Crown Prince Sima Shao strongly urged the Emperor to raise troops and suppress the rebels. How could Wang Dun tolerate such opposition? He immediately dispatched forces from Wuchang and launched another attack on Jianye.
Seeing chaos erupting again in Jiangdong, Zhao Guo also deployed troops and initiated campaigns against Bu County and Jing County. Bu County, formerly known as Liangzhou, changed its name to avoid the imperial surname, adopting the ancient name from the pre-Qin period. Yi County was also changed to Shu County. The region of Bu County and Shu County was led by Huan Yi to conquer. The goal was to pacify the entire region and encircle Li Te, the Di leader who occupied Chengdu. Meanwhile, in Jing County, Linghu Kuang led the troops with naval support, aiming to capture the bordering counties adjacent to Bu County.
The General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yiyan, held his position in Xiangyang, overseeing the overall situation.
Now that Bu County was advancing effortlessly, the obstacles in Jing County seemed a bit troublesome.
Liang Feng frowned, “Who did we lose to?”
“Governor of Jing County, Tao Kan,” Liang Rong answered, “but the casualties were not significant. With additional reinforcements, we can surely overcome it!”
“Tao Kan…” Liang Feng pondered for a moment and shook his head, “Let it be. Withdraw the troops from Jiangling and intensify the attack on Jianping Commandery.”
Near Jiangling is the Yunmeng Marsh. Even if they conquer it, crossing several large lakes to approach Wuchang Commandery wouldn’t be easy. In their strategic arrangements, they never intended to capture Wuchang. If they pressed Wang Dun too closely, it might force Eastern Jin to set aside internal strife and unite against them. Losing a minor battle now could actually help them set up a bigger scheme.
Liang Rong quickly caught on, “Does Father want Tao Kan and Wang Dun to internalize their conflicts?”
“Tao Kan is one of the most capable ministers in Jin. How could Wang Dun trust him completely?” Liang Feng was pleased with his son’s astuteness, “Everyone else is defeated, only he emerges victorious. If he harbors gratitude, how will Wang Dun deal with him?”
Tao Kan, born into a humble family, excelled in both domestic and military affairs. He was one of the outstanding ministers in the current Eastern Jin. The more capable a person was, the more difficult it was for them to survive amidst internal chaos. Should he join Wang Dun or remain loyal to the country? It was a difficult choice. Now, facing natural disasters and human calamities in Jiangdong, with people struggling to survive, dismantling such a pillar during chaos would undoubtedly reshape the future of Jin.
Liang Rong sighed lightly, “If only such talented individuals could be employed by Father.”
“Once we conquer Jiangdong, there will be talents willing to serve.” Liang Feng coughed twice and continued to discuss other matters.
Seated on a luxurious couch nearby, Zhang Wan gazed at the father and son in front of her. The Emperor had only started growing his beard in the last two years. Even with a haggard appearance, he remained elegant, displaying unparalleled dignity. The Crown Prince already sported a short beard, appearing steady and resolute, with facial features only slightly less impressive than his father’s. When he reached his forties, he would undoubtedly possess the same regal aura as his father…
This is my husband. Feeling a swelling in her chest, Zhang Wan reached out and gently pressed her heart. She quietly instructed the palace maids to send some soup to relieve the fatigue of the two.
※
“Mao Hong! Mao Hong… If Wang Dun wants the throne, he can tell me. Why harm the people of the world?” Inside the Jianye Imperial Palace, Sima Rui also lay on the bed, his face turning blue with illness.
Wang Dao kept his eyes lowered and did not answer the question. After suppressing Wang Dun for three years, he had no strength left to persuade this powerful cousin.
Seeing Wang Dao’s silence, Sima Rui cried, “Back in Langya, we were so close. I could ascend to the throne all thanks to Mao Hong. Unfortunately, fate was not on our side! My son has been exiled to Jiao County, and my daughter is only four years old. Her mother is also from your Langya Wang family. This child can only be entrusted to you. Mao Hong, considering our past friendship, I implore you to protect them… Cough, cough, cough.”
As he lamented, Sima Rui began to cough violently. Watching his deteriorating appearance, Wang Dao sighed deeply and knelt on the ground, “I am willing to assist the Crown Prince.”
“Good! Good! Good!” Three “goods” echoed, and Sima Rui firmly grabbed Wang Dao’s hand, tears streaming down his face.
Five days later, Sima Rui passed away. Crown Prince Sima Xi ascended the throne, and Wang Dao, following the posthumous edict, assisted in governance.
Upon receiving this news, Wang Dun was furious. However, Zhao Guo had already sent troops southward. Even he didn’t dare to immediately usurp the throne. Learning that Tao Kan had unexpectedly defeated the Zhao army in Jiangling, Wang Dun became even more uneasy. After much consideration, he removed Tao Kan from the position of Governor of Jing County and transferred him to Guangzhou. He ordered his younger brother, Wang Yu, to take charge of military affairs in Jing County. Later, he moved his headquarters to Jianye, overseeing the court.
Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Guo did not continue its southward advance. Instead, they turned back and conquered several counties in the eastern part of Jing County before falling silent. After several months of anxiety, Wang Dun finally breathed a sigh of relief. He once again focused his attention on his cousin, Wang Dao.
Author’s note:
Sima Rui originally had a son named Sima Yu. In this era, he died early, and the younger son Sima Xi was never born. There won’t be a clash of names with Liang Yu.
Tao Kan was indeed a capable and virtuous general, but his most famous descendant lies in the realm of genetics. He had a great-grandson named Tao Yuanming.
