Chapter 5, General
Upon noticing her arrival, Ju Hanxuan's eyes left the water's surface and gently glanced at her daughter-in-law, asking: "It seems that you and the Empress have become quite close recently. Have you reconciled?"
"Good person?" Ju Hanxuan looked at the carp fighting for food and coldly snorted, "She just didn't have the ability to do bad things before. Do you think she was willing to be a good person, being manipulated and bullied by others? This time, she has caused a ruckus, hasn't she? You tell her for me—it's best if she remains the same; if this game is not played well, the consequences will not only befall her."
On this day, Su Lan concluded the case of the Prince of Lanling and needed to go to the palace, so she got up early to wash and dress. Just as she had finished arranging her hair into a bun, a maid came to summon her, saying that the Xiang Ye wanted to see her. Su Lan hurriedly changed into her clothes and, before leaving, went to the bedside to her husband, who had not yet gotten up, saying: "Aren't you going to get up soon? Didn't you agree to go hunting with those marquises today?"
In the pond, there are quite a few colorful koi fish. Ju Hanyuan often stands there with bait in hand, seemingly lost in thought, absentmindedly tossing food. Perhaps he does not care whether the fish are hungry or full; he simply enjoys the presence of these lively creatures adding some vibrancy to his quiet reflections
It is not serious at all. Only after counting how many individuals she thought she could easily manipulate will one truly understand. Do not think that just because you are her sister, you can become complacent. " Ju Huanxuan said this as she poured the entire bowl of fish food into the pond
I have not yet found any concrete evidence, and the Eastern Palace has already arrived on the battlefield. Su Sha said, "I have brought this matter up with him, but that person remains unscathed to this day"
Su Lan noticed his disdainful expression and replied with a smile, "Isn't the Empress universally regarded as a good person?"
Su Sa knew that this audience with the emperor was certainly the result of his younger sister's maneuvering, but he did not expect to be taken directly to the Danxi Palace after entering the palace
Today, Su Lan was surprised to find that beside him was not Xin Niang, but her mother-in-law, Su Shi. She was momentarily taken aback, not understanding how these two had the leisure to come together.
Su Sa bid farewell with great formality as she was leaving, and Su Ying hurried to assist her. While Su Sa was being supported by her, she spoke in a very low voice: "The person I just mentioned is named Bai Xinduan—he is the younger brother of Xin Mo..."
She originally thought that perhaps the Eastern Palace was abusing its authority, establishing a private faction, or taking the opportunity to collude with local forces, or even condoning the military's misdeeds which could lead to great chaos. She was fully on guard against the Eastern Palace, but unexpectedly, the concerns of Xie Zhen and Su Sa were vastly different.
Su Ying pondered whether the notion of collusion was credible. Clearly, it was the same army, and even the coordination with Su Sa was more seamless, yet they failed to achieve victory under his leadership, while another individual with little experience led his team to successive triumphs. This occurrence would be sufficiently hurtful to any proud man. Such injuries often impair their judgment. This occurrence would be sufficiently hurtful to any proud man. Such injuries often impair their judgment
Su Sa saw that there was no one else in the palace and whispered, "There are traitors in the army."
She never discusses the court, politics, or war at home, as if she intends to remain a bystander for the rest of her life. At this moment, she unexpectedly uttered such a statement. Su Lan did not understand her intentions and did not take it seriously: although this Madam Ju also bears the surname Su, she is not of the Su family by birth. It was the Empress Dowager Kangyu who arranged her marriage, acknowledging her years of service, and granted her the honor of the Su surname for her own sake. Su Lan had always secretly looked down on this mother-in-law, considering her merely a housewife, even inferior to her sister Su Ying. At this moment, she unexpectedly said such a statement. Su Lan did not understand her intentions and did not take it seriously: although this Madam Ju also bears the surname Su, she is not of the Su family by birth. It was the Empress Dowager Kangyu who arranged her marriage, acknowledging her years of service, and granted her the honor of the Su surname for her own sake. Su Lan had always secretly looked down on this mother-in-law, considering her merely a housewife, even inferior to her sister Su Ying. She regarded what was said as the perspective of a woman and did not take it to heart.
Su Ying was aware that her father, King Ping, was advocating for Su Sa, but she had heard that some upright officials insisted on punishing according to the law—this could lead to a death sentence. The Empress was deeply concerned about the debate surrounding General Long Xiang, and naturally, there were many around her who were working on her behalf. Every day, Su Ying heard several pieces of news unfavorable to her brother: some said that General Long Xiang was the Empress's own brother. Others argued that a defeated general could not be judged by common law and should be dealt with according to military law. Military law is based on the matter at hand, not the person involved, and history has recorded that 'Sun Wu taught warfare, and even executed palace concubines,' has it not? Some said that victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare; if a general is executed after a single defeat, who will lead the troops in the future? Immediately, someone countered that the crime of losing a battle is punishable by death according to the law; if one bends the law for a person, how can there be anyone who upholds the law in the future?
It is hard to say. It depends on the Empress's mood. Su Lan smiled as she broke free, reminding the maid not to indulge him in his lazy sleep, and then went to greet her in-laws.
Su Ying let out a gentle sigh and smiled as she said, "I still remember, several years ago, my brother indignantly described the relatives of the deposed empress to me, saying that they were merely occupying their positions without merit and should have been replaced long ago." To be fair, Su Ying did not believe that the deposed empress's family was entirely useless. They occupied such a prominent position in the 'harem,' and others often thought that their success came too easily, which is why they were deemed deserving of death for a single mistake.
Su Ying wished to offer a few more words of comfort when suddenly a eunuch arrived, stating that the Emperor had just awakened and was now summoning General Long Xiang
Some people prudently changed their stance according to the situation. Others indignantly believed that although the emperor had the authority to personally adjudicate unresolved cases, he had never intervened in sentencing since his ascension to the throne. This time, his actions were completely unlike his usual cautious demeanor, likely due to the interference of the young empress. They decided to observe the situation closely: in the history of the dynasty, only the emperor and the empress dowager had personally recorded prisoners, and there was no room for the empress to intervene. They were eager to see how deeply she influenced the emperor.
He paused for a moment and then said: "The Eastern Palace employs its military forces with extreme ruthlessness. Four generals who were extremely loyal to me have been arbitrarily assigned by him; in critical battles, they either served as the vanguard or the rear guard, and have already perished one after another. Princess Shengle and Xie Zhen have been summoned back to the capital, leaving no allies or old friends by my side on the battlefield. The elite troops under General Longxiang have been dispatched by the Eastern Palace, and their complete annihilation is merely a matter of time."
Only King Ping believed that the recent military situation was quite perilous, and it would be better if this general did not take action; ensuring the safety of the ruler is the most urgent matter. The entire family of King Ping expressed their gratitude for the imperial grace, stating their immense fortune.
Yun Chui reached out and grasped her wrist, asking: "When will you be back? You won't be staying in the palace again, will you?"
Su Ying sought comfort, while Su Sa gritted her teeth and said: "To conspire against the royal family, to shelter traitors, and to mistreat soldiers... who can endure this? Your Highness should know that harboring traitors is as culpable as colluding with the enemy. What difference is there between such a crown prince and a national traitor? The thought of this country being handed over to such a person is truly alarming"
On the fifth day after Long Xiang returned to the capital, a holy decree summoned him to the palace
Su Ying felt that the summons was so brief, and that the Emperor was merely expressing his sentiments, with nothing to be concerned about
Once the conclusion was reached, the public opinion in the court began to calm down slightly. Many were taken aback that the usually quiet Empress could rally the Emperor to mobilize the army for the sake of her brother, which in turn led to dissatisfaction towards her from others. Even the Chancellor found the unusual actions of the Emperor and Empress inappropriate. Su Ying faced unwarranted criticism and felt increasingly discontented. She also thought about how her brother had been stripped of his actual position, leaving only an empty title. It seemed as if the Emperor had shown favor to her family, but in reality, he had taken away the real power from her family, which made her unable to suppress her bitter laughter. Su Ying faced unwarranted criticism and felt increasingly discontented. She also thought about how her brother had been stripped of his actual position, leaving only an empty title. It seemed as if the Emperor had shown favor to her family, but in reality, he had taken away the real power from her family, which made her unable to suppress her bitter laughter.
On the day of the prisoner recording, the emperor was in high spirits, and his decisions were made with remarkable agility, concluding everything before the lanterns were lit. Su Sa was indeed given a lighter punishment, being stripped of his position as general, yet he retained the title of Prince of Lanling.
Su Ying waited early in the morning and saw that her brother still maintained his demeanor, clearly having not suffered any grievances while in confinement. The two siblings exchanged a smile, and did not speak as much as they did when Su Sa returned from the battlefield for the first time
Su Sa said with a hint of melancholy: "During the court hearing, I am not particularly troubled. If I were to be granted the emperor's grace to survive, it would be the families of the four generals that I would find truly shameful to face in the future"
Su Ying quietly gazed at her brother, while Su Sa remained calm and composed, his eyes still sharp and steady—he was not someone who would lose his reason due to setbacks
Su Ying took her brother's hand and said, "The Emperor has been reviewing memorials for several days and has just now felt unwell, so he cannot summon you." She speculated that if the Emperor had already read Xie Zhen's secret memorial, he would not be as anxious as she was, and perhaps he had no intention of meeting Su Sa in person. The sentencing of General Long Xiang was the latest hot topic in the capital. At this moment, he always chose to observe the situation quietly and would not step forward.
She steadied her mind and calmly said: "If not handled properly, it is easy to be countered by him—falsely accusing the Crown Prince of committing the grave crime of collusion with the enemy. Who can bear such a charge?" Seeing Su Sa filled with indignation, she added: "The top priority at the moment is to discuss how to exonerate my brother."
On the following day, the Emperor, due to the approaching Double Ninth Festival, issued an edict to grant a general pardon for all crimes punishable by death in the capital, allowing them to return home and reunite with their families. September happened to be the time for recording prisoners, and he also decided to personally record more than ten heavy prisoners detained in the capital at the Hongde Hall the next day, among whom was General Longxiang, Su Sa.
A single sentence left Sulan stunned, and she stiffly replied, "Father, you are being too serious."
Su Sa Han said with a stern face: "I have five capable subordinates. One of them was also recommended by the Eastern Palace—when the Eastern Palace nominated me to lead the troops, he joined the army as well and has been very diligent these days. However, his relationship with the Eastern Palace is too close, and I have always been hesitant to use him extensively. The two armies have been engaged in continuous battles and suffered strange defeats. I once suspected there might be a traitor, but I did not suspect him. It was only after being rescued by Xie Zhen from the enemy camp that I recalled various clues, and I began to suspect that he might be the spy." The two armies have been engaged in continuous battles and suffered strange defeats. I once suspected there might be a traitor, but I did not suspect him. It was only after being rescued by Xie Zhen from the enemy camp that I recalled various clues, and I began to suspect that he might be the spy.
Su Sa's lips curled up coldly, "Both Xie Zhen and I have mentioned it to him. Otherwise, how could we have left the battlefield and returned to the capital?"
Ju Hanxuan grabbed a bit of fish food from the stone bowl, tossing it into the pond while saying: "Your sister, that person... heh!"
Such various remarks rose in a clamor. The court officials enjoyed attacking each other, and a single topic would gradually ripple out, turning into their war. Su Ying originally wanted to see how many people believed that the power of the Hou family was insufficient for self-preservation, expressing sharp comments she had not previously considered, but she gradually lost the mood to observe from the sidelines
Su Sa bowed and said: "This humble servant has caused Your Highness to worry, a crime deserving of a thousand deaths"
His tone was so casual, as if it were something trivial, yet Su Ying was taken aback
The entire pond was in a state of turmoil, with dozens of fish heads thrashing about in competition, disturbing the tranquil autumn waters. Su Lan, witnessing the scene of colorful scales rolling and white foam splashing, could not help but feel a sense of disgust. However, Ju Hanxuan merely sneered repeatedly, clapped his hands, and turned to leave.
Su Ying smiled and shook her head, then said: "That day, Xie Zhen mentioned the front lines, and it seemed there was more to the story. Does my brother have anything he would like me to convey to His Majesty Chen?"
Su Ying slowly said: "Is there really such a thing? After the Crown Prince takes command, my brother should report this to him"
Su Lan replied with a smile: "When sisters have a quarrel, how can it last long?"
His wife, Su Shi, was not one to speak much. It was only after he had walked far away that her gaze returned from a few swaying remnants of lotus leaves, and she nodded and smiled at Su Lan, saying, "The gentleman enjoys watching them reveal their ugly sides in their struggle for food." She paused for a moment and continued to Su Lan, "Your sister is my adopted daughter, and I, as an elder, would like to offer her a piece of advice—she is originally a gentle and weak person, and if she tries to show off her authority, she may not be well-liked. Be careful, or you might be gently outmaneuvered by someone else." She thought for a moment, hesitated, and then smiled gently, saying, "You might as well help me convey this to her in a subtle manner."
"Brother!" Su Ying quickly interrupted him, "Even if there is a ten out of ten certainty, one cannot easily accuse the Eastern Palace before the Emperor, especially since the evidence for this matter is scant. Perhaps the spy is someone else, and the Eastern Palace is merely showing favoritism towards that person; it cannot be considered as harboring a spy!" At this point, her heart raced a few beats, and she thought to herself: Could it be that Xie Zhen has recklessly exposed the Eastern Palace in a secret report?
The family name will change, from the Tai'an Su clan to the Dongping Su clan, but people's subtle attitudes towards the family will not change. Now it is General Longxiang's turn to be criticized. She said this, shaking her head helplessly
In fact, Su Ying was quite surprised by the Emperor's decision. He had clearly expressed his unwillingness to interfere, yet at the critical moment, he showed exceptional leniency. The situation arose suddenly, and she could not fathom why the Emperor held such favor for General Longxiang; she could only speculate that Xie Zhen's secret report and yesterday's summons had caused the Emperor to change his mind. However, considering that the imperial decree would be beneficial rather than harmful to Su Sa, she paid little attention to the clamor of those around her.
Su Ying stood there in a daze, her mind swirling with countless thoughts. She suddenly recalled that she had seen this person before, and it was not a pleasant memory. Given the connections between the Bai family and the Eastern Palace, she understood that this Bai Xinduan was undoubtedly someone placed by the Eastern Palace beside Su Sa. However, despite the Bai family's unscrupulousness, they were already esteemed as royal relatives, and claiming that their family had a spy would sound implausible to anyone. She quickly whispered to her brother, urging him to pay close attention to the emperor's words and to never casually mention matters related to the Eastern Palace again. Yet, despite the Bai family's unscrupulousness, they were already esteemed as royal relatives, and claiming that their family had a spy would sound implausible to anyone. She quickly whispered to her brother, urging him to pay close attention to the emperor's words and to never casually mention matters related to the Eastern Palace again.
The emperor has been ill for some time, so it is not surprising that he wishes to accumulate virtue and pray for blessings through acts of clemency. However, personally recording the prisoners seems overly strenuous for his ailing body. Moreover, the presence of General Longxiang among them raises suspicions among many. Some have advised against this, believing that recording prisoners at this time is of no benefit to the emperor's health, while others have outright pointed out that the case of Longxiang has not yet reached a conclusion and is not a matter that has been unresolved for long, thus he should not be included. Nevertheless, the emperor is determined to proclaim this grand imperial grace and remains completely unmoved by the counsel.
After Su Sa left, she instructed a clever palace maid to go to the Jade Shard Palace to observe the situation and to invite Eunuch Pan to visit the Danxi Palace when he had the time. After a while, the maid returned to report that the summons had been completed and General Long Xiang had been released back to the capital's prison. She also mentioned that Eunuch Pan was unable to leave and sent his regards to Her Majesty the Empress, asking her to rest assured.
The topic he mentioned was completely unrelated to Su Ying's daily affairs, and her reaction was somewhat slow. However, Su Sa's attitude was unmistakable; she felt a sudden heaviness in her heart, deeply incredulous, and furrowed her brows to ask: "Are you saying that the Eastern Palace intends to cover up this matter?"
Why not eliminate it immediately
The cool morning air is quite refreshing, and the surroundings of the lotus pond are more serene than elsewhere