Dragon Boat Race Chapter 22

Volume Three: Imperial Capital Storm Rises

Prologue: Court storms rise in chaos, an imperial decree of marriage tears lovers apart. It is not that the beauty is fickle, but that each must scheme for their master.

Chapter One: The Imperial Marriage

Introduction: An imperial decree descends upon the Marquis’s residence; a match made in heaven is not what they desire. It is not that the Emperor’s heart is easily changed, but that the balance of power in the court weighs heavily.

In the late spring of the fourth year of Yonghe, the weeping willows along the Qinhuai River were a lush, deep green.

Qin Gong sat by the window of the pleasure boat, gazing distractedly at the vessels passing on the river. Three months in Jiangnan felt like stolen leisure time, almost making him forget the shifting political winds of the capital.

“Try this.” Wu Ge pushed a plate of delicate lotus flower pastries toward him. “I heard these are the most famous pastries in Jinling.”

Qin Gong picked one up. The crispy crust melted in his mouth, carrying the faint fragrance of lotus. He looked at Wu Ge. Three months of rest had given the general, who had spent years campaigning, a much rosier complexion. The aura of severity between his brows had softened; he truly looked like a leisurely Marquis accompanying his lover on a scenic tour.

“We should be heading back to the capital in a few days,” Qin Gong said softly.

The smile on Wu Ge’s face faded slightly. “Yes, it’s time to go back.”

Outside the pleasure boat, a sudden, urgent sound of horse hooves rang out. A dust-covered courier reined in his horse on the bank and called out loudly, “Is the boat of the Marquis Zhenbei here?”

Wu Ge and Qin Gong exchanged glances, both seeing the gravity in the other’s eyes.

“I am here,” Wu Ge stepped out of the cabin.

The courier knelt and presented a sealed letter. “Marquis, an eight-hundred-li urgent dispatch from the capital!”

Wu Ge tore open the letter. After just one glance, his face darkened.

“What happened?” Qin Gong asked.

Wu Ge handed the letter to him, his voice low. “The Emperor has decreed a marriage.”

The handwriting on the letter was messy, clearly written in haste. But the content was crystal clear: The Emperor had issued an edict bestowing Anping Commandery Princess upon the Marquis Zhenbei, with the wedding date to be set soon.

Qin Gong felt a wave of dizziness. The letter slipped from his hand and fluttered to the floor.

“Anping Commandery Princess…” he murmured. “Is that the Empress Dowager’s grand-niece?”

Wu Ge nodded, his expression grim. “The Empress Dowager’s faction. They want to draw me in.”

A deadly silence fell over the pleasure boat. The sounds of laughter and merriment on the river seemed to belong to another world.

Three days later, at the Marquis Zhenbei’s residence.

The journey back to the capital had been silent for both of them. At the gates of the Marquis’s residence, palace eunuchs were already waiting.

“Congratulations, Marquis!” The Chief Eunuch smiled broadly. “His Majesty has bestowed a great favor upon you. Anping Commandery Princess is talented and beautiful; she is truly a match made in heaven for the Marquis.”

Wu Ge was expressionless. “Thank you for relaying the message, Eunuch. I will enter the palace tomorrow morning to express my gratitude.”

After seeing off the Chief Eunuch, Wu Ge dismissed his attendants and tightly gripped Qin Gong’s hand. “I will not marry her.”

“It is an imperial decree,” Qin Gong’s voice was hoarse. “To defy the decree is a capital offense.”

“So what?” A look of fierce determination flashed in Wu Ge’s eyes. “I would rather give up this Marquis title than betray you.”

Qin Gong shook his head. “You are not just Wu Ge. You are the commander of the Northern Expedition Army, and the Crown Prince’s tutor. If you defy the decree, how many people will be implicated besides yourself?”

This silenced Wu Ge. Yes, he was no longer the border general who could act on impulse. Every decision he made now affected the lives and fortunes of countless people.

“There will be a way,” Wu Ge pulled him into a tight embrace. “Trust me.”

The next day during the morning court session, the Emperor publicly announced the imperial marriage.

“Minister Wu has rendered great service, and he is no longer young. It is time for him to start a family,” the Emperor smiled. “Anping Commandery Princess is gentle and virtuous, a perfect match for the Minister.”

All the civil and military officials offered their congratulations. Only Qin Gong stood among the crowd, feeling every word pierce his heart like a needle.

“Your subject thanks His Majesty for his great benevolence,” Wu Ge knelt to express his gratitude, his voice calm and steady.

After the court session, the Emperor detained Wu Ge privately.

“Are you satisfied with this marriage, my dear Minister?” the Emperor asked casually.

Wu Ge bowed. “It is my honor to receive a marriage decree from Your Majesty. However…”

“However what?”

“Your subject and Secretary Qin…” Wu Ge chose his words carefully. “We have an agreement to grow old together.”

The Emperor smiled. “I know. That is why I am bestowing this marriage upon you.”

Wu Ge looked up sharply.

“My dear Minister,” the Emperor’s tone was meaningful. “You are a pillar of the state. Some matters cannot be handled too willfully. This marriage is intended both to appease the Empress Dowager’s faction and to… protect you both.”

“Protect?”

“Your relationship has long been the subject of criticism in court. With this marriage, at least appearances will be maintained.” The Emperor stood up and walked toward him. “As for what happens privately… I can turn a blind eye.”

The meaning was unmistakable. The Emperor could tolerate their relationship, but only on the condition that Wu Ge marry Anping Commandery Princess and maintain public decorum.

Wu Ge’s face was ashen when he left the palace. Qin Gong was waiting outside the palace gates and hurried to meet him.

“How was it?”

Wu Ge did not speak, simply gripping his hand tightly.

That night, Wu Ge was uncharacteristically drunk.

“I can give up all of this…” he leaned on Qin Gong’s shoulder, his voice slurred. “Let’s leave, leave the capital, go somewhere no one knows us…”

Qin Gong gently stroked his back, his heart aching. He knew these were just the words of a drunk man. Wu Ge could not abandon the Northern Expedition Army, the soldiers who followed him, or the responsibility on his shoulders.

“There will be a way,” he whispered in comfort, though he wasn’t sure if he was comforting Wu Ge or himself.

The news of the imperial marriage quickly spread throughout the capital. Anping Commandery Princess was the Empress Dowager’s favorite, and the marriage was seen by everyone as proof of Wu Ge’s rising imperial favor.

One day, while Qin Gong was handling official business at the Ministry of War, an unexpected visitor arrived—Anping Commandery Princess Zhao Wan.

She was barely sixteen, dressed in a pale pink gown, beautiful and graceful, clearly a noblewoman raised in the lap of luxury.

“Secretary Qin.” She curtsied gracefully, her voice clear.

“Your Highness, Commandery Princess.” Qin Gong quickly returned the bow. “May I ask why Your Highness has honored us with your presence?”

Zhao Wan smiled faintly. “I have long heard of Secretary Qin’s exceptional talent, and I came specifically to seek your advice today.”

She asked about routine matters of the Ministry of War, seemingly ordinary, but each question hit a crucial point. Qin Gong gradually realized that this seemingly delicate princess was quite insightful.

“What does the Secretary think,” Zhao Wan suddenly changed the subject, “of this marriage?”

Qin Gong’s heart skipped a beat. He forced himself to remain calm. “A marriage decreed by His Majesty is naturally a match made in heaven.”

Zhao Wan laughed, the smile carrying a maturity beyond her years. “Secretary need not be nervous. I am well aware of the nature of this marriage.”

She stood up and walked to the window. “The Empress Dowager needs to win over Marquis Wu, and His Majesty needs to balance the court factions. And I… am merely a chess piece on this board.”

The words were too blunt. Qin Gong was momentarily at a loss for a reply.

“Actually,” Zhao Wan turned to face him, “I only have respect for Marquis Wu, no romantic feelings. I am not marrying him willingly either.”

“Then why did Your Highness…”

“Because it is the Empress Dowager’s will,” Zhao Wan said softly. “Just as Marquis Wu cannot defy the decree, neither can I.”

She walked up to Qin Gong, her gaze clear. “I came today to tell the Secretary that I will not be an obstacle to you both. This marriage is merely a measure of expediency.”

Qin Gong stared at her, surprised that this young princess possessed such magnanimity.

“Commandery Princess…”

“Call me Wan’er,” she smiled. “We may have to see each other often from now on.”

After seeing Zhao Wan off, Qin Gong was filled with mixed emotions. The princess’s understanding and generosity made him both grateful and ashamed.

However, things were not that simple.

Three days later, the Empress Dowager hosted a banquet in the palace, specifically inviting Wu Ge and Qin Gong.

Inside the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, incense smoke curled softly. The Empress Dowager sat at the head, well-preserved despite being over fifty, still showing traces of her youthful beauty. Anping Commandery Princess sat beside her, docile and lovely.

“Minister Wu has arrived,” the Empress Dowager smiled kindly. “Come, sit. Minister Qin, you too.”

After several rounds of wine, the Empress Dowager suddenly said, “Minister Wu, this grand-niece of mine has been pampered since childhood. If she is ever immature in the future, I hope you will be patient with her.”

Wu Ge bowed. “The Commandery Princess is gentle and virtuous. It is I who am marrying above my station.”

The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, then turned her gaze to Qin Gong. “Minister Qin is young and promising. May I ask if you are married?”

Qin Gong’s heart tightened. “Replying to the Empress Dowager, your subject… is not yet married.”

“That won’t do,” the Empress Dowager chuckled. “I will keep an eye out for you another day. I must find you a good marriage.”

The implication was clear. The Empress Dowager wanted him to marry as well, completely severing his relationship with Wu Ge.

“Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager,” Qin Gong could only grit his teeth and accept.

After the banquet ended, the Empress Dowager detained Wu Ge privately.

“I know about the affection between you and Secretary Qin.” The Empress Dowager’s voice remained gentle, but the weight of her words was heavy. “It is normal for young men to have some romantic escapades. But once you start a family, you must settle down.”

Wu Ge remained silent.

“Anping is the grand-niece I cherish most,” the Empress Dowager’s tone grew colder. “I do not wish for her to be wronged. Do you understand?”

“Your subject… understands.”

When Wu Ge walked out of the Palace of Compassionate Tranquility, his face was livid. The Empress Dowager’s meaning was clear: he could maintain his relationship with Qin Gong, but he had to give Zhao Wan enough face and ensure she was not humiliated.

This seemingly generous arrangement was, in fact, a greater constraint.

Back at the Marquis’s residence, Qin Gong was waiting for him in the study.

“What did the Empress Dowager say to you?”

Wu Ge relayed the Empress Dowager’s message. Qin Gong listened, speechless for a long time.

“Perhaps…” he said softly, “this is for the best.”

“What do you mean?”

“At least we can still be together.” Qin Gong smiled, though the smile was tinged with bitterness. “Compared to being completely separated, this is already the best outcome.”

Wu Ge hugged him tightly. “I will not fail you, nor will I fail anyone involved in this marriage. There will always be a way to satisfy both sides.”

Yet, they both knew that achieving a perfect balance was the hardest thing in the world.

The wedding date was set for three months later. As the date approached, the Marquis Zhenbei’s residence grew increasingly busy. Qin Gong moved back to his own Secretary’s residence, citing illness as the reason.

Late one night, Wu Ge climbed over the wall and appeared in Qin Gong’s bedroom.

“I missed you,” he said simply and directly.

Qin Gong looked at his travel-worn appearance, his heart softening. “If someone saw the Marquis Zhenbei visiting the Secretary’s residence late at night, I wonder what rumors would spread.”

“Let them talk,” Wu Ge pulled him into an embrace. “What fault is there in me visiting my own person?”

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, falling upon the embracing figures. In the quiet night, they temporarily forgot their worries, leaving only the warmth and heartbeat of each other.

“After this wedding is over,” Wu Ge whispered in his ear, “I will petition the Emperor to be sent to guard the border. When that happens, you will come with me.”

“What about the court…”

“Let them fight over the court matters themselves,” Wu Ge’s voice held weariness. “I just want a few peaceful days with you.”

Qin Gong leaned in his arms, not answering. He knew this was merely wishful thinking. Since they had embarked on this path, it was difficult to turn back.

The night before the wedding, Anping Commandery Princess visited again. This time, she wore a magnificent crimson wedding dress, breathtakingly beautiful.

“After tomorrow, I will be living in the Marquis’s residence,” she said calmly. “There are some things I want to make clear before then.”

Qin Gong invited her to sit and poured her tea.

“Whether this marriage is based on mutual affection or political alliance, since it is a foregone conclusion, we must face it,” Zhao Wan looked at him. “I have a proposal.”

“Please speak.”

“After the marriage, we will each fulfill our duties. In public, I will be the Marquis’s wife; in private, we will not interfere with each other.” Her gaze was crystal clear. “This will be best for everyone.”

Qin Gong was stunned. He hadn’t expected Zhao Wan to propose such an agreement so directly.

“Commandery Princess…”

“Call me Wan’er,” she smiled. “We will be family soon.”

After seeing Zhao Wan off, Qin Gong stood in the courtyard for a long time. This young princess was smarter than he had imagined. She clearly understood her position in this political marriage and knew how to secure the greatest freedom for herself.

On the day of the wedding, the entire capital was decorated with lanterns and colored silks. The marriage of the Marquis Zhenbei and Anping Commandery Princess was the grandest wedding of the year.

As the Secretary of the Ministry of War, Qin Gong had to attend the banquet. He watched Wu Ge in his crimson wedding robes, standing beside Zhao Wan in her phoenix coronet and robes of rank. They truly looked like a handsome couple, a match made in heaven.

His heart still ached.

After several rounds of wine, he excused himself and walked to the Marquis’s rear garden. This was where he and Wu Ge used to walk side by side, but now everything felt different.

“Secretary Qin.” A gentle voice sounded behind him.

Qin Gong turned around and saw Zhao Wan, who had also left the banquet. She had removed the heavy phoenix coronet and was wearing only the crimson wedding dress, stunningly beautiful in the moonlight.

“Why has the Commandery Princess come out?”

“It was too stuffy inside.” She walked up to Qin Gong. “Besides, I knew you would be here.”

They stood side by side by the lotus pond, gazing at the moon’s reflection in the water.

“Thank you,” Zhao Wan suddenly said.

“Thank me for what?”

“Thank you for being willing to accept this arrangement,” she said softly. “I know this is very unfair to you.”

Qin Gong shook his head. “I should be the one thanking you. Your Highness’s generosity makes me feel ashamed.”

Zhao Wan smiled. “There is no need for us to be polite to each other. Since fate has tied us together, let us try to be friends.”

She extended her hand to him. “Let’s reintroduce ourselves. I am Zhao Wan.”

Qin Gong took her hand. “Qin Gong.”

In that moment, the two people who should have been rivals reached a strange understanding under the moonlight.

The distant clamor of the wedding banquet made the rear garden feel exceptionally quiet. Qin Gong knew that from this night forward, the destinies of him, Wu Ge, and Zhao Wan would be tightly intertwined.

And the path ahead remained shrouded in mist.