Chapter 130: New Emperor
“Who are you?”
Zhang Jingwan furrowed her brows, looking at the mysterious woman veiled in a face covering: “Took great pains to see me, what for?”
The woman removed her veil and bowed and folded hands like a man: “Gu Lian of Pei Family Village, greets Miss Zhang.”
The ferocious knife scar coiled across her cheek completely ruined that beautiful face.
Zhang Jingwan drew in a sharp breath, instinctively averted her gaze, steadied her mind, and slowly said: “What are you here for?”
Zhang Jingwan had lived in the Palace for over a year; the Eastern Palace was abolished, the Crown Prince was forced to drink poisoned wine and commit suicide, and immediately after, the Bohai Navy and Beiping Army brought troops to the Capital City. After that, she was rescued by her father and brothers together, and upon returning to Bohai Commandery, she stayed in Zhang Mansion and rarely went out.
The Pei Clan brothers were renowned, and Zhang Jingwan naturally knew of them. However, no one had mentioned matters after the Pei Clan was exiled. Even less had anyone mentioned Sixth Sister Pei in front of her.
Gu Lian was also unclear about what connection Pei Qinghe had with the new Son of Heaven. However, based on a woman’s natural intuition, she deliberately obscured Pei Qinghe and only said she was acting under orders to deliver a gift.
Zhang Jingwan was somewhat puzzled: “The Emperor has just ascended to the Throne; those coming to pay respects and offer gifts are all waiting. What are you seeking me for?”
Gu Lian respectfully said: “The Emperor has never summoned us. We are anxious to return and report back, so we specially came to request Miss Zhang.”
Zhang Jingwan’s cheeks flushed slightly, revealing a girl’s shy demeanor, her tone softening considerably: “I am just a secluded lady and cannot meddle in such affairs of state.”
Gu Lian was exceedingly sincere: “Everyone knows Miss Zhang is the future Empress. If Miss Zhang speaks a few kind words before the Emperor, it is worth a thousand words.”
Zhang Jingwan’s cheeks grew even redder: “Do not spout nonsense. What future Empress! Where did such rumors come from? The Emperor is still observing mourning!”
Gu Lian hurriedly bowed in apology: “My apologies. I am a rustic village woman and do not understand the rules. Hearing that the Emperor holds deep affection for Miss Zhang, I thought a happy event was imminent. My words were improper; please do not take offense, Miss Zhang.”
How could Miss Zhang take offense? Miss Zhang’s heart was full of girlish sentiments, blooming like flowers. She even found the disfigured woman with the knife scar before her much more pleasing.
Zhang Jingwan said reservedly: “Very well, in view of your sincerity, I will mention it to Cousin when I see him. Whether Cousin will agree to see you, I do not know.”
Gu Lian hurriedly knelt and kowtowed in gratitude, then sincerely presented an exquisite golden hairpin.
Zhang Jingwan lived in luxury and did not care for a golden hairpin. However, courtesy demands reciprocity.
After returning to the mansion from the embroidery shop, Zhang Jingwan went to the Palace to see the new Son of Heaven, Emperor Jian’an.
Time was too rushed to build a palace; the so-called Imperial Palace was actually just the former Prefectural Governor’s Mansion.
Emperor Jian’an’s ascension to the Throne was very hasty, witnessed only by a few loyal ministers who had escaped the Capital City together.
However, over this month, officials and magnates had come seeking refuge one after another. Bohai Commandery had never been so bustling; the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion was packed full.
Others wanting to enter the Palace to see Emperor Jian’an had to undergo careful identity checks and wait slowly. The Zhang Family was different. The Prefectural Governor’s Mansion was guarded by the Bohai Navy, and the Zhang siblings coming and going was like visiting their own backyard.
This was of course against the rules. But Emperor Jian’an trusted and relied on the Zhang Family, and at present, only the Zhang Family fully supported Emperor Jian’an. Who would invite trouble by saying anything?
“…This is the list of loyal ministers come to pay respects.” Grand Tutor Pang, who had luckily escaped the Capital City together, was now Chancellor of the new Imperial Court, looking weary and haggard: “I wonder whom Your Majesty wishes to see today?”
Emperor Jian’an, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, was silent for a moment before saying: “Chancellor, go ask General Zhang.”
Chancellor Pang had anticipated this response and nodded in acknowledgment. He took a stack of name cards to consult General Zhang.
Emperor Jian’an sat before the imperial desk; his once handsome and noble face had grown much thinner, his black eyes dull.
Eunuch Xu, the inner servant standing to one side, kept his head lowered.
Standing on the other side was Guard Gao of the Eastern Palace, who had escorted the Pei Clan female dependents into exile that day.
Gao Yong had originally been His Highness the Prince’s confidant and had earned merit escorting the Prince out of the Capital City that day. After the Prince ascended to the Throne, he made Gao Yong Commander of the Son of Heaven’s Guards.
Commander Gao was staunchly loyal and far bolder than Eunuch Xu, muttering indignantly in a low voice: “General Zhang is too overbearing. His Majesty should see whomever he wishes; why ask him? His Majesty respects General Zhang, but he should also observe the duty of a subject.”
Eunuch Xu was startled and first went to close the door before saying: “Commander Gao, keep your voice down. Bohai Navy men are everywhere here; do not speak recklessly and let them hear. If it reaches General Zhang’s ears and causes a misunderstanding, it will be bad.”
Commander Gao was furious inside but lowered his voice somewhat: “What is there to fear? There is a distinction between ruler and subject; does he dare to disrespect His Majesty?”
Eunuch Xu’s stance was not firm at all: “His Majesty must rely on the General now, so treating the General with some courtesy is only right.” He advised while signaling Commander Gao with his eyes.
Say a few less heart-piercing words!
In the current situation, what could be done? Just endure the frustration. Otherwise, what?
The people who escaped from the Eastern Palace numbered only about twenty in total. Now food, drink, and supplies all depended on the Zhang Family; the so-called ascension to the Throne was just for show. Did they not know the reality in their hearts?
Commander Gao was a martial man, impulsive and reckless. He, Eunuch Xu, was different and knew that under someone else’s roof, one must bow one’s head.
The always silent Emperor Jian’an finally spoke: “General Zhang is staunchly loyal; without the General, I would have died in the Eastern Palace. Now the General shares my burdens, which is consideration for my youth and inexperience in affairs of state.”
Commander Gao fell silent with a face full of unwillingness.
An inner servant entered and softly reported: “Your Majesty, Miss Zhang has arrived.”
Eunuch Xu was quick and opened the door before Emperor Jian’an could instruct, welcoming her attentively.
Zhang Jingwan was dressed plainly yet elegantly, her beautiful face beaming with a smile, her voice soft and pleasant: “I hope I am not disturbing Cousin with important matters!”
Facing the gentle, kind, and understanding Cousin Jingwan, Emperor Jian’an Xie Li’s gloomy mood lifted, and he smiled in response: “No matter, Cousin, please sit and talk.”
Eunuch Xu hurriedly brought a cup of clear tea. Then he swiftly withdrew.
Commander Gao also withdrew.
Eunuch Xu sidled up to Commander Gao and sighed softly: “Commander Gao, you must rein in that temper of yours from now on. If you anger the General, you will come off worse, and it will also implicate His Majesty.”
Commander Gao felt a surge of pent-up anger and snorted.
Eunuch Xu lowered his voice even more: “When fighting that Imperial Court side in the future, we will still have to rely on the General!”
Commander Gao fell silent.
Inside the room, Zhang Jingwan casually mentioned her visit to the embroidery shop: “…People from Pei Family Village actually sought me out, asking me to put in a word to Cousin; how interesting.”
As she spoke, a shy blush flew to her cheeks, her gaze drifting lightly over.
Would Cousin take the opportunity to hold her hand and say with deep affection that he would marry her as Empress?
Emperor Jian’an abruptly stood, his reaction intense, far beyond Zhang Jingwan’s expectations: “Where is she?”
