Chapter 10, Prince Chu

Long live our Emperor! Long live the Crown Prince!

I see that among you, there are indeed some who are so bold. The Emperor's expression darkened, "A well-bred young lady, and yet you wish to perform a dance to seek favor? Is this a roundabout way of prompting me to select a consort?"

On the day of the ninth day of the ninth month, Jiang Zaichu approved the decree that all ministers aged fifty and above would be granted a pouch of dogwood and chrysanthemum wine, and would ascend Mount Fan to enjoy the scenery

Jiang Zaichu smiled gently, bent down to pick up the child, and said calmly: "Did you not say that I owe this empire an heir?"

He slowly gazed at that small face, with a full forehead and dark eyes, resembling purple-black grapes, seemingly ready to drip with water. Although young, the features were exceptionally delicate and refined.

Jiang Jianheng ... ... '' Jiang Zaichu repeated this name once more, gently asking, `` You are five years old this year, and your mother's name is Han Weisang, correct? ''

Ah! You really know everything! Ah Heng, overjoyed, hugged his neck and exclaimed, "You are truly my father!"

The child quickly let go of him, somewhat flustered as he went to take off a piece of jade from his neck, while mumbling: "Mother also said that this piece of jade is for Brother Azhong. Father, which one is Brother Azhong?"

Court banquets, hunting polo... Whenever there is an opportunity, various beauties are always presented before the emperor. At the birthday banquet of the Duke of Qin, the emperor played with the wine cup in his hand, his eyes slightly raised with a hint of intoxication, and he smiled, saying: "If someone were to be even bolder, I fear that an aphrodisiac might also be smeared into my wine cup, right"

She hurriedly called out to stop her son

He cleaned his hands, touched his nose, and sighed softly: "I should have remembered this matter back then... How could he allow another woman to bear his offspring?"

Over the past five years, knowing that he is driven mad by longing, she still has not come to find him

Jiang Zaichu stood up, naturally extending his hand to the child, allowing him to take hold, and they walked towards the pavilion outside

Taking two steps forward, she stopped again, turned around to look at the old monk, and sincerely said: "If... I do not wish for my son to enter the imperial family, I only want him to live a life of peace and joy. Do you think this is acceptable, Master?"

Jiang Zaichu suddenly extended his hand, halting the actions of the guard, and stepped alone into the pavilion, approaching the child.

A Heng looked up and saw the evening glow at that moment, which was colorful and spread out like a tapestry, truly beautiful. He was momentarily mesmerized and after a long while, he finally asked: "Why?"

She reached out her hand and gently stroked his soft forehead. The young mother looked at her child's innocent little face and smiled, saying, "It is true"

Looking down, I realized that the son I had been holding had already slipped away from my grasp. At this moment, he was confidently striding towards the mountain gate, his small figure moving steadily and assuredly.

It is her handwriting, yet there are only two lines of text

As Jiang Zai reads each word and sentence, every scene from the past surges into her mind in this brief moment, also carried within the fourteen delicate characters she has given to him—"I cannot repay your profound intentions, I hope you may enjoy the splendor of this life."

The child is wearing a deep blue satin jacket, with slightly oversized silk trousers underneath, which makes him look extremely adorable. Upon seeing a stranger for the first time, he is not afraid at all; he jumps down from the stone bench, creating a series of crisp silver bell sounds.

Your Majesty, I shall go and carry him away

The woman's expression changed suddenly, and she hurriedly said: "Master, this door has not been opened even once in a hundred years, how can it be opened for a humble woman like me? Moreover, my son is mischievous and cannot bear such blessings..."

"Ah Heng, one must not make loud noises at the entrance of the temple." The young mother gently patted his head as a warning, and she pointed to the mountain gate of Daxiangguo Temple, "The mountain gate of this temple is usually closed throughout the year. We can go to offer incense by using the side entrance."

She is already dead!" Jingyun gritted his teeth and said, "No matter how profound the promise was, it has all become a thing of the past.

The old monk gazed at the delicate-featured child for a long while before saying: "Young master, your bone structure is extraordinary, your forehead is prominent, and your complexion is bright and clear; this is indeed a sign of..." He paused for a moment, then thoughtfully chose a different term, "a great noble's countenance."

The mother and child quickly stepped aside, and the old monk, holding a string of prayer beads, walked past them but suddenly stopped in his tracks

The palace that was recklessly set ablaze during the chaos in Yongjia was finally renovated last May, and Jiang Zaichu moved into the new palace from the Taiji Hall. Starting in June, ministers in the court began to voice their demands for the emperor to establish an empress and select concubines, to enrich the imperial harem and ensure the early birth of a prince, which is fundamental to the nation

Jiang Zaichu stepped forward and took A Heng's hand, his voice carrying a hint of a smile: "Since Lord Chu has spoken, you all may rise."

The woman stood at a distance to catch her breath, as if she were regulating her breathing. The little boy then bounced over to her side, smiling as he took her hand, saying: "Mother, I will support you."

However, as the devil rises one foot, the Dao rises ten feet; the wisdom of the ministers is subtly and intricately manifested under the emperor's strong measures

Jiang Zai looked closely and saw that it was the blood jade that Jian Xue had used as a token back in the day

On the ancient path leading to the temple, a young woman is ascending step by step, holding up the hem of her skirt

Jingyun looked at him, her eyes containing a complex meaning. After a long while, she sighed and said, "In the journey of love, not everyone possesses the courage and perseverance that Your Majesty has."

The emperor smiled and no longer persuaded him

The mother remained silent, merely watching her son's lively figure, her beautiful brows gently furrowing as she suddenly fell into deep thought

Mother, hurry up! The door is already closed!" Not far in front of her stood a little boy who appeared to be about four years old, dressed in a light blue jacket and matching silk trousers, looking quite charming and adorable

Midsummer

A long time ago, my mother was acquainted with this master

He walked slowly towards the pavilion, while the little boy, facing away from them, remained unaware and hummed a song cheerfully

Jiang Zaichu allowed himself to be carried away, yet he gently closed his eyes, his heart entangled in a profound mix of love and hate

Seeing Heng ... ... '' Jiang Zaichu softly murmured this name, and for a moment, he was taken aback.

At such a young age, when this phrase is spoken, it is surprisingly resonant and impactful.

The Duke of Qin's old face turned crimson, and he could only kneel down to apologize, saying: "Your Majesty, this old minister thought that there were no outsiders at this banquet, and my grandniece has been skilled in dance since childhood, which is why I ordered her to perform just now..."

She is indeed still alive

Perhaps due to being long unopened, the lock and key were rusted and mottled. When opened, it emitted a creaking sound, startling a flock of old crows in the jungle

The aged ministers had also climbed to the halfway point of the mountain. Not knowing what had happened ahead, they were all waiting in the open space outside the pavilion on the mountainside. Suddenly, they saw the emperor come out holding a small child. Jiang Zaichu, who was usually stern and rarely smiled, at this moment had a gentle smile gracing the corners of his eyes and brows, making him appear even more handsome and distinguished than he already was.

In the end, Duke Qin forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty is joking, who would dare to be so bold?"

The woman also responded with a smile, bowing and saying: "I will not delay the master from going out"

The gentle breeze is pleasant, and the people are at peace; it has been many years in the blink of an eye. The old monk quietly gazed at the young mother, saying, "Some time ago, someone asked me why the world is filled with such suffering. To this day, I wonder if this question can be answered."

Aheng walked through the main door and then turned back to look at his mother: "Mother, come quickly! Since the door is open, why not go through?"

"I don't recognize him." Han Weisang reached out and held him on his lap, gently resting his chin on his shoulder, and softly asked, "Ah Heng, would you like to go see your father with your mother?"

"By the way, my surname is Jiang," Ah Heng said, feeling a bit embarrassed as he scratched his head. "My mother just told me a few days ago that my surname is Jiang, but I always forget..."

In the second year, Jingyun had a daughter named Ranran, a little girl as exquisite as a finely carved jade figure, who would stare at people with her bright, sparkling eyes when held. Jiang Zaichu was quite fond of her and often asked Jingyun to bring her into the palace to play.

"What do you call me?" Jiang Zaichu crouched down to meet the child's gaze, and although he had exerted great restraint, he could still detect the tremor in his own voice

She clasped her hands together, bowed to the master, and then proceeded to walk towards the side door

"Father?" the little boy looked up and called out clearly, "Are you my father?"

Mother hurriedly replied, "Yes"

Moments later, the mountain gate suddenly swung open

The banquet ended on an unhappy note, and thus, the emperor unreservedly refuted the officials of various ranks in the court. Although this brought a temporary peace, it also caused the relationship between the ruler and his ministers to suddenly become tense

"Oh no, the door is really closed," the little boy lamented. "Look, mother!"

She is alive and has given birth to their child

"So, you are also aware of this memorial?" The Emperor casually tossed aside the unfinished memorial, a half-smile on his face, yet the elegant brows were already furrowed in thin anger.

"Then does he... recognize Father?" Ah Heng suddenly dropped the puppet in his hand, his bright eyes fixed intently on Han Weisang.

Although Jiang Zaichu was not averse to the trouble, he remained resolute in matters concerning the imperial harem, refusing to yield even a little. After the court demoted and dismissed eleven officials of third rank and above, he finally returned some of the memorials.

On this day, Jiang Zai Chu was wearing a common deep blue heavy patterned brocade robe, while the child was dressed in matching long trousers. Standing together, the large and the small bore an uncanny resemblance to each other

In an instant, a multitude of figures knelt outside the Half-Mountain Pavilion

A Heng rummaged through his sleeve and finally pulled out a round wax seal, which he presented to the Emperor.

She let out a bitter smile deep down. She had once sworn that she did not want her child to step into the imperial family again, yet she clearly knew in her heart that this child was born with exceptional intelligence, even more suited for that supreme position than that person...

Congratulations, Your Majesty, on the establishment of the Eastern Palace

At this point, he can only hope that either time has blurred the king's iron will, or perhaps... there may still be miracles in the world

The little fellow strode confidently to the eldest Duke of the Qin state, reached out to help him up, and said graciously, "Gentlemen, please rise."

The old monk fell silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "A wonderful explanation"

A few lines of song drifted into the emperor's ears, stirring the most distant and ethereal memories in his mind, and for a moment, he felt as if struck by lightning, abruptly halting his steps

In these years, the emperor, who had long since concealed his emotions, suddenly stood up. With a flick of his sleeve, the entire set of glass chess pieces fell to the ground, producing a crisp and continuous sound. Instantly, the inner servants and maids in the room knelt on the ground, all holding their breath, not daring to make the slightest movement

In early September, Jingyun submitted a proposal, requesting Your Majesty to lead the ministers on the ninth day to go out and "bid farewell to the greenery"

Jiang Zaichu could not help but laugh: "Is it really worth your concern over such a small child? Perhaps they are just a lost child from a visiting family, and their parents must be worried."

She held him a little tighter, recalling how just moments ago in the Great Hero Hall, Ah Heng had knelt down in a manner similar to hers, reciting words with great solemnity, yet repeating only one phrase: "May the Bodhisattva bless me to see my father..."

At first, it was merely a few minor officials submitting memorials to address certain matters, and the emperor only glanced at them before casting them aside, disregarding them

The terrain of Fanshan is gentle, and the plank road is well-constructed; standing on the plank road allows one to view the entire panorama of the imperial city, which is vast and magnificent.

Jing Yun fell silent for a moment and said, "I only wish for a wife who is gentle and kind. I believe Miss Lu, whom Your Majesty has chosen, is very suitable."

At that time, Yuanhao was writing with his wrist raised, glancing left and right, feeling that the stroke was not strong enough. However, since he had already put pen to paper, there was no way to change it, so he could only put down the wolf hair brush and said with a faint smile, "The emperor will not listen."

Jiang Zaichu couldn't help but smile at the corner of his mouth and asked, "What is your name?"

Thereafter, requests from various regions for the selection of consorts for Jiang Zaichu after his ascension poured in like snowflakes.

For a moment, the mother did not know how to explain it so that her son would understand. The Daxiangguo Temple is the foremost Zen temple in Taozhong. Although many nobles frequently visit, the mountain gate is not something that can be opened casually; it has only been opened once or twice in over a hundred years. It is said that a hundred years ago, the founding emperor of the Luo Dynasty visited this place, and a magnificent scene appeared on Bixie Mountain, with a purple dragon circling and lingering for a long time. It was only when the abbot at that time recognized it that the mountain gate was opened wide to welcome him.

Subsequently, the ministers in the court began to jointly submit a petition, stating frankly that "in the prosperous years of the emperor, there are no heirs, and the nation is in peril"

"With the mulberry and the catalpa, one must show respect." The master, however, stood still, solemn and unmoving, his long white eyebrows hanging down to his cheeks. He spoke softly, "Lady benefactor, on behalf of the countless common people of my homeland, I thank you for your noble generosity back then"

"To exchange my suffering for the joy of others"

A-Heng, being held in Jiang Zai-Chu's arms, looked at everything with some curiosity and turned his head to ask him: "Are they kneeling to me?"

That night, Ah Heng was intently directing a set of wooden puppets in a military drill inside the house when he suddenly looked up at his mother and asked, "Mother, how did the master know your name?"

I once promised her..." Jiang Zaichu's voice gradually lowered, almost as if he were in a daze.

Upon hearing this, the woman did not express joy, but instead furrowed her brows and said, "Master, how could my son possibly have such good fortune... Nevertheless, I still thank you for your auspicious words"

A-Heng

A simple question, yet Jiang Zaichu felt that in his more than thirty years of life, he had never experienced such a stirring of the heart and mind as at this moment. Even this brief phrase echoed in his ears, reverberating near and far, elusive and ungraspable

Han Weisang, in this world, there is truly no one more ruthless than you

At that moment, someone emerged from the side door, and at the forefront was an old monk in a gray robe

The young mother suddenly appeared somewhat flustered and shook her head, saying, "My lofty ideals have inadvertently implicated the lives of the common people. Master, you flatter me unjustly"

The Emperor paused for a moment and said word by word: "This is my son, the heir you seek!"

Amidst the towering waves, it is Yuan Haoxing, who remains steadfast and unyielding, and has never submitted a petition, yet is now relegated to the position of transport commissioner in Jinzhou. There have been aides who, through indirect hints, have asked him: "My lord, you care about the affairs of the world, why do you alone disregard this matter? You must know that it also concerns the fate of the nation"

Jiang Zaichu was curious to see what he was doing, so he bent down and placed him on the ground

Jiang Zai-chu gazed intently, and indeed, the deep blue pant legs were tied with red strings, adorned with silver bells on top

She... would this be considered as conveying to him, that everything should be returned to Donglan's hands?

Upon receiving this memorial, the Emperor was playing chess with the Grand Marshal Jingyun. He paused, carefully read through it, and rubbed his brow, saying: "How has my family matter become a matter of national fortune?"

Outside the Xiangguo Temple in Jinzhou, the surroundings are lush and verdant, with the vegetation growing densely. At dusk, the devotees who came to offer incense have long returned home, leaving only the lingering scent of sandalwood. This ancient temple, with a history of a thousand years, suddenly reveals a sense of antiquity and tranquility.

The young mother lowered her head and softly recited "Amitabha Buddha." However, Ah Heng curiously stared at the old monk and finally said, "Hello, Master!"

In the midst of the crowd's confusion and mutual glances, no one understood the situation for a moment, except for the old ministers who had seen Han Weisang before, who, upon looking at the child's features, had guessed a few things in their hearts

Two years ago, the Emperor arranged a marriage for the only daughter of the former Minister of Revenue, Lu Daxueshi, to Jingyun

Your Majesty, if you like children so much, why not have one?

"Your Majesty, be careful." The guards immediately became tense

The singing and dancing came to an abrupt halt, and the dancers fled in a state of panic

Jingyun held a white piece in his hand, his gaze fixed on the chessboard, and replied softly: "Your Majesty, the Son of Heaven has no family affairs"

Jiang Zaichu reached out to take it, crushed it, and then unfolded the note inside

With half a stick of incense's worth of time, the mountain path is gentle, and the pavilion halfway up the mountain is already in sight, yet Jiang Zai initially stops in his tracks

Master Kuro's eyes held a serene power, his voice ancient and distant; "Seven years ago, the benefactress asked me how to choose the path ahead. At that time, you were well aware of the dangers that lay ahead, yet you still chose the most difficult road. I had thought that you had already comprehended this. One must understand that everyone has their own destiny, which cannot be changed. This young master is born with a noble appearance, unparalleled intelligence, and a resolute spirit, and he is indeed worthy of the most prominent power in this world. How long can the benefactress shield him from it?"

Jiang Zaichu still frowned, slowly waved his hand, and surprisingly chose to ignore him, walking away on his own

He felt as if his breath had paused for a moment, simply gazing at the face of the little boy. Although it was their first meeting, he found it so familiar, familiar enough to evoke another face that haunted his dreams...

Jiang Zaichu lightly pressed his lips together, but changed the subject, saying: "Where is Ranran? Why didn't she come to the palace today?"

Only a child was seen sitting on the stone bench of the pavilion, playing with a fragrant pouch in hand

Indeed, they are natural father and son; as they spoke to each other in such a gentle manner, there was not the slightest sense of estrangement, and Ah Heng immediately ceased his actions

Jiang Zaichu, coming from a military background, naturally possessed physical strength far superior to that of the older ministers. Before long, he had reached the halfway point of the mountain and saw the Half-Mountain Pavilion nestled among the lush greenery. He could not help but feel delighted and said, "Jingyun, let us go there and sit for a while, waiting for them."

The woman was unexpectedly reminded that the old monk still remembered. Her body trembled slightly as she raised her head, her pair of eyes truly resembling pearls and jade, yet with a flowing beauty. She softly said: "The cup has been opened."

What is the explanation

Upon his utterance, the crowd felt even more anxious, their heads bowing lower than before

"Esteemed benefactor and this young benefactor, please come in," the old monk said with a smile. "The Great Xiangguo Temple should have its central gate wide open to warmly welcome distinguished guests"

The sound of the wind gently swept past my ears, that year she was merely in her twenties, the most vibrant and beautiful age, amidst the blooming apricot grove under the rosy clouds, he saw her and fell deeply in love, disrupting this prosperous era.

She allowed her son to hold her hand and slowly walked forward

"When we think of our ancestors, we must show utmost respect."

Your Majesty ... ... Who is this child? The Duke of Qin stepped forward, representing the officials to voice the doubts in their hearts

Aheng hurriedly turned around and asked, "Mother, are you really saying this?"

The establishment of a crown prince is the foundation of the nation, and it should not be treated lightly. However, the sudden emergence of this child did not raise any doubts among the officials

The Imperial Guard originally intended to seal off the mountain, but the Emperor, considering that the citizens of the capital have always enjoyed climbing here, only instructed to seal the western slope.

Jiang Zaichu took a deep breath and said: "What?"

The fourth year of Yongwei was a time of stability for the court, yet there were undercurrents of turmoil.

You—" My mother gently rubbed her forehead, momentarily at a loss for words, "How can you leave through this door?"

Jiang Zaichu's eyes were calm and unruffled as he said softly, "Then it seems that I have been overly concerned."

Jingyun knelt on one knee, yet remained unyielding: "Your Majesty cannot disregard the fate of the nation for the sake of personal affection."

A few days before the decree, he even specially summoned Jingyun to the palace: "Do you really want me to arrange a marriage for you?"

"See the constant," the child exclaimed, "by observing the subtle, one can understand the significant; as the sun rises and the moon remains constant, see the constant."

The old monk smiled kindly, recited a phrase "Amitabha", and said: "Are the two of you here to pay your respects?"

Jiang Zaichu nodded with a smile

The autumn breeze gently sweeps through the mountains and vegetation, dispersing the clouds in the sky, while bringing with it a faint aroma of wine and the fragrance of osmanthus, refreshing the heart and mind

The old monk recited "Amitabha Buddha," extended his hand to summon the young novice beside him, and softly instructed him with a few words. The young novice hurriedly ran out.

"Why can’t I go?" Ah Heng stood there, looking up at the towering mountain gate, and said word by word, "A gentleman does not take a shortcut; he should enter through the main gate, is that not so?"

The ministers of the Luo Dynasty reacted for a while, finally gasping in surprise, realizing the situation, as countless gazes fell upon the child's still somewhat bewildered face

Ah Heng was very happy to have found his father. He turned around with a smile that curved his brows and eyes, and said with his head held high: "Father, there is one more thing from Mother that I need to give to you"

He no longer had the slightest doubt in his heart, reached out to hold Ah Heng's hand, and smiled, "You wear it first; your brother Ah Zhuang is at home. Later, Father will take you to see him."

Your Majesty, this memorial not only bears my signature, but also those of Lian Xiu, Meng Liang, Song An, and others, all of whom were your loyal subordinates who rose with you on that day. I hope Your Majesty can understand the sentiments of us ministers.

Aren't you my father? Among so many people, I resemble you the most!" The little boy turned around to look at the ministers and the guards standing all around, scratching his head in confusion

The chubby child rides a white horse, the white horse jumps high. The chubby child wields a broadsword, the broadsword is wielded skillfully

She was mending a small jacket for him, and upon hearing this, she was taken aback: "What?"

Ultimately, the descendants will have their own fortunes

Aheng's gaze fell upon several elderly men, and after a while, he struggled to return to the ground