Dragon Boat Race Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Chapter Two: The Game

Epigraph: The newlywed bliss was not by choice; three parties maintained an unspoken truce, each guarding their territory. It was not due to shallow affection or fate, but the difficulty of balancing the court and the martial world.

In the early summer of the fourth year of Yonghe, the red silks of the Zhenbei Marquis Estate had yet to be taken down, but undercurrents in the imperial court were already beginning to stir.

At the third quarter of the hour of Mao (5:45 AM), Qin Gong arrived punctually at the Ministry of War yamen. Since Wu Ge’s wedding, he had deliberately reduced his visits to the Marquis Estate, dedicating all his energy to the ministry’s affairs.

“Good morning, Vice Minister Qin.”

“Greetings, Lord Vice Minister.”

Officials along the way bowed, their eyes filled with poorly concealed curiosity. Everyone knew the young Vice Minister had an unusually close relationship with the Zhenbei Marquis, and now that the Marquis was newly married, Qin Gong’s situation naturally drew attention.

Qin Gong returned their greetings with his usual composure and walked straight to his office. His desk was already piled high with documents awaiting processing. The topmost one was an urgent report from the border—the Northern Di were stirring again.

Just as he was about to examine it closely, a voice announced from outside the door: “Lord Vice Minister, Minister Li requests your presence.”

Li Zhen, the Minister of War, had been newly appointed after Su Mingyuan’s downfall. He was a smooth operator, skilled at assessing the situation. Qin Gong tidied his robes and quickly headed to the Minister’s office.

“Your subordinate greets the Minister.”

Li Zhen looked up from his pile of documents, a genial smile on his face: “Vice Minister Qin, you’ve arrived. Please sit. Try this newly arrived Dragon Well tea.”

Amidst the rising aroma of the tea, Li Zhen asked casually, “I heard the Zhenbei Marchioness went to the Cining Palace yesterday to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager?”

Qin Gong understood immediately that this was the real purpose of the summons. He took a sip of tea without changing his expression: “Your subordinate was handling official business at the Ministry of War yesterday and is unaware of the affairs of the Marquis Estate.”

Li Zhen smiled meaningfully: “Vice Minister Qin has such a close friendship with the Marquis, I thought you might know some inside information.”

“The Marquis and I share only the camaraderie of colleagues,” Qin Gong set down his teacup. “I dare not inquire about the Marquis Estate’s private matters.”

This exchange concluded in a seemingly peaceful atmosphere, but Qin Gong knew that this was the various factions in court testing the change in his relationship with Wu Ge.

Back in his office, he immediately took up his brush and wrote a confidential letter to Wu Ge, reminding him to pay attention to the court’s movements. After finishing the letter, he summoned his trusted aide: “Deliver this letter to the Marquis Estate. Ensure you hand it directly to the Marquis.”

“Yes.”

After the aide left, Qin Gong stared blankly at the phoenix tree outside the window. Since Wu Ge’s wedding, their meetings had been few and far between. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to meet, but that they couldn’t—countless eyes were watching them, and the slightest misstep would give their enemies leverage.

Meanwhile, inside the Zhenbei Marquis Estate, Zhao Wan was receiving several noble ladies in the flower hall. These were influential matrons in the capital, who had come under the guise of congratulating the newlyweds but were actually there to gather information.

“The Marchioness is truly blessed to marry a hero like the Marquis,” said the wife of the Vice Minister of Personnel, her tone laced with probing.

Zhao Wan elegantly sipped her tea, her smile appropriate: “To be granted this marriage by His Majesty is Wan’er’s good fortune.”

“I hear the Marquis and Vice Minister Qin are very close. Do they still see each other often after the marriage?” another lady asked, feigning casualness.

Zhao Wan set down her teacup, her voice gentle: “The Marquis is busy with official duties, and I dare not inquire about external affairs. As for Vice Minister Qin… I have heard the Marquis mention him, saying he is a rare talent.”

This reply was flawless, both preserving Wu Ge’s dignity and distancing herself from the relationship. The ladies exchanged glances, recognizing the complexity of the young Marchioness.

After seeing the guests off, the smile on Zhao Wan’s face gradually faded. Her personal maid whispered, “Madam, would you like to rest for a moment?”

“No need.” Zhao Wan rubbed her temples. “Is the Marquis in the estate?”

“The Marquis left early this morning, saying he was going to inspect the military camp outside the capital.”

Zhao Wan nodded, then suddenly said, “Prepare the carriage. I need to go to the Cining Palace.”

Inside the Empress Dowager’s Cining Palace, incense smoke curled softly. Zhao Wan knelt before the Empress Dowager and performed a deep bow.

“Rise quickly, and come sit by Aijia’s side.” The Empress Dowager affectionately pulled her hand. “Are you accustomed to life in the Marquis Estate? How does Wu Ge treat you?”

Zhao Wan answered obediently: “The Marquis treats granddaughter very well, and everyone in the estate is respectful.”

The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction: “That is good. You are Aijia’s most beloved grand-niece. If you are wronged, you must tell Aijia.”

“Granddaughter understands.” Zhao Wan paused, then said seemingly unintentionally, “It’s just… granddaughter heard some gossip in court, saying the Marquis and Vice Minister Qin…”

The Empress Dowager’s expression immediately darkened: “You need not concern yourself with such idle talk. Men outside always have some social engagements. As long as you firmly hold your position as the Marchioness, nothing else matters.”

“But…”

“There are no buts.” The Empress Dowager interrupted her. “Wan’er, you must remember that this marriage is not just your personal affair; it concerns the honor of our Zhao clan. Some matters, you must pretend to be ignorant of.”

Zhao Wan lowered her head and assented, but her mind was perfectly clear. The Empress Dowager’s words sounded high-minded, but in reality, she was warning her not to interfere with the relationship between Wu Ge and Qin Gong.

Leaving the Cining Palace, Zhao Wan’s carriage passed by the Ministry of War yamen. She instinctively lifted the curtain and saw Qin Gong walking out of the yamen. He was dressed in a blue official robe, his figure lean, with a hint of fatigue between his brows.

“Stop the carriage,” Zhao Wan softly commanded.

She stepped down from the carriage and walked toward him: “Vice Minister Qin.”

Qin Gong was clearly surprised to encounter her there. He paused before bowing: “Your subordinate greets the Marchioness.”

“Vice Minister, there is no need for such formality,” Zhao Wan smiled. “Are you heading home?”

“Yes. And the Marchioness is…”

“Just coming from the palace.” Zhao Wan glanced at the Ministry of War yamen. “Is it convenient for the Vice Minister to speak privately for a moment?”

The two walked into a nearby tea house and requested a private room. The maidservant stood guard outside, leaving only the two of them inside.

“Does the Marchioness need something from your subordinate?” Qin Gong asked cautiously.

Zhao Wan did not rush to answer. She slowly poured two cups of tea, pushing one toward Qin Gong: “This is pre-rain Dragon Well tea, gifted by the Empress Dowager. Vice Minister, please try it.”

Qin Gong took a sip as requested: “Excellent tea.”

“The tea is excellent, but the water used to brew it is not good enough,” Zhao Wan said pointedly. “Just like the imperial court—everyone is intelligent, yet they always resort to clumsy tricks.”

Qin Gong set down his teacup: “What does the Marchioness mean?”

“Today, when I went to the Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager specifically reminded me not to inquire about the relationship between the Marquis and the Vice Minister.” Zhao Wan looked directly at him. “Vice Minister, what do you think the Empress Dowager meant by that?”

Qin Gong’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his composure: “The Empress Dowager dotes on the Marchioness and naturally hopes the Marchioness lives comfortably.”

Zhao Wan smiled: “The Vice Minister is indeed cautious. But there are no outsiders here; we might as well speak plainly.”

She stood up and walked to the window: “You and I both know how this marriage came about. The Empress Dowager wants to use me to win over the Marquis, His Majesty wants to use this marriage to balance the court factions, and you and I… are merely pieces on the chessboard.”

Her words were too direct, and Qin Gong was momentarily unsure how to respond.

“However,” Zhao Wan turned back to face him, “even chess pieces have a way to live. I came to see the Vice Minister today because I want to tell you that I am willing to cooperate with you.”

“Cooperate?”

“That’s right.” Zhao Wan returned to her seat. “I can help you deal with the pressure from the Empress Dowager’s side, and I can mediate for you in court. In return, I hope you can grant me the respect and freedom I deserve.”

Qin Gong looked at her deeply: “What kind of freedom does the Marchioness desire?”

“I do not wish to inquire about your private affairs, but I hope that in front of outsiders, you will grant me the proper dignity of the Marchioness.” Zhao Wan’s tone was calm. “Additionally, I hope to be involved in some of the Marquis’s court affairs.”

This surprised Qin Gong: “Is the Marchioness interested in state affairs?”

“I grew up beside the Empress Dowager, and through osmosis, I am quite knowledgeable about court matters.” A spark of intelligence shone in Zhao Wan’s eyes. “Since I am destined to be drawn into these conflicts, I might as well actively participate.”

Qin Gong pondered for a moment: “I need to discuss this matter with the Marquis.”

“Naturally.” Zhao Wan nodded. “But before that, I hope the Vice Minister understands my sincerity.”

She took a list from her sleeve: “These are the main individuals who have recently spread rumors about you in court. I have also roughly investigated who is directing them from behind the scenes.”

Qin Gong took the list, growing more alarmed as he read. It not only listed the names of those spreading the rumors but also detailed their backgrounds and motives. With this list, they could launch targeted counterattacks.

“Why would the Marchioness help us?”

“Because we are now in the same boat.” Zhao Wan smiled. “If the Marquis falls, what becomes of me, the Marchioness?”

At this moment, Qin Gong finally truly understood the wisdom of this young Commandery Princess. She clearly knew her situation and understood how to secure the greatest benefit for herself in this complex situation.

By the time they left the tea house, it was late. Qin Gong held the list, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Zhao Wan’s proposal would undoubtedly solve many problems for them, but it also meant allowing her to intervene more deeply in their lives.

Returning to the Vice Minister’s residence, Wu Ge was already waiting for him in the study.

“You went to see Zhao Wan?” Wu Ge’s tone held concern.

Qin Gong handed him the list and recounted the details of their conversation.

Wu Ge finished reading the list, his expression grim: “These people… are indeed all from the Empress Dowager’s faction.”

“What do you think of the Commandery Princess’s proposal?”

Wu Ge paced the room: “She is a clever woman, and her conditions are reasonable. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“Allowing her to participate in court affairs—won’t that be letting the wolf into the house?”

Qin Gong shook his head: “Given her intelligence, if she truly intended to harm us, she could simply sit back and watch us fight. Why would she actively propose cooperation?”

Wu Ge remained silent for a long time, finally sighing: “You are right. Then… let’s proceed as she suggested.”

Three days later, the Zhenbei Marquis Estate hosted a family banquet. This was the first formal dinner held by the Marquis Estate since the wedding, inviting key court officials and their families.

Qin Gong, as the Vice Minister of War, was naturally among the invited. This was his first time setting foot in the Marquis Estate as a guest, and his emotions were complex.

At the banquet, Wu Ge and Zhao Wan sat side by side, their demeanor proper, appearing every bit the loving couple. Qin Gong sat below them, chatting and laughing with his colleagues, as if the two people at the main table were merely ordinary associates.

Halfway through the wine, Zhao Wan suddenly stood up, raising her cup: “I host this banquet today, first to thank all the lords for honoring us with your presence, and second… I have a small request.”

Everyone stopped talking and looked at her.

Zhao Wan continued: “I know there has been some idle talk in court recently concerning the Marquis and Vice Minister Qin. Taking this opportunity today, I would like to ask Vice Minister Qin to bear witness.”

She turned to Qin Gong, her smile gentle: “Although I am but a woman, I understand the principle of trusting those you employ. Vice Minister Qin is a pillar of the nation, the Marquis’s right-hand man. I hope the Vice Minister will continue to assist the Marquis in the future.”

These words both demonstrated the Marquis Estate’s trust in Qin Gong and highlighted the Marchioness’s magnanimity. Everyone present praised her.

Qin Gong rose and raised his cup: “The Marchioness is too kind. Your subordinate will certainly do his utmost to assist the Marquis.”

The two exchanged a look, seeing mutual understanding in each other’s eyes.

After the banquet ended, Wu Ge used the excuse of discussing military affairs to keep Qin Gong behind. In the study, only the three of them remained.

“How was the performance today?” Zhao Wan asked, her tone much lighter.

“Perfectly executed,” Wu Ge rarely smiled. “After this, those rumors should subside for a while.”

Qin Gong, however, looked serious: “I fear it won’t be that simple. I observed today that the expressions of the Vice Minister of Personnel and the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate were not right.”

Zhao Wan nodded: “The Vice Minister is observant. I received word that they are secretly coordinating and plan to impeach you both at tomorrow’s court session.”

“Impeach us for what?”

“For forming a clique and monopolizing the Ministry of War.” Zhao Wan took a copy of a memorial from her sleeve. “This is the impeachment memorial they drafted.”

Wu Ge took it and sneered: “A crime is easily fabricated when one wishes to condemn!”

“How does the Marquis plan to respond?” Zhao Wan asked.

Wu Ge and Qin Gong exchanged a look, then Wu Ge suddenly smiled: “Since they want to play, we’ll play a big one with them.”

At the court session the next day, just as Zhao Wan predicted, the Vice Minister of Personnel was the first to attack, impeaching Wu Ge and Qin Gong for forming a clique. The Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate immediately seconded the motion, demanding a thorough investigation.

Just as the Emperor was pondering, Wu Ge suddenly stepped forward: “Your Majesty, your subject also has a memorial to present.”

He produced an account book: “This is evidence your subject recently uncovered regarding the Vice Minister of Personnel’s corruption and illegal activities. It involves multiple serious crimes, including selling official posts and embezzling military funds.”

The court erupted in an uproar. The Vice Minister of Personnel’s face turned pale, and he pointed at Wu Ge: “You… you are slandering me!”

“Whether it is slander can be determined by an investigation,” Wu Ge said calmly. “Furthermore, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate has close ties with the Vice Minister of Personnel and is likely implicated as well.”

This move, turning the tables on the opponents, caught them completely off guard. The Emperor immediately ordered a thorough investigation, and the Vice Minister of Personnel and the Left Censor-in-Chief were suspended pending trial.

After the court session, Wu Ge, Qin Gong, and Zhao Wan met in the Marquis Estate study.

“We won this battle,” Zhao Wan smiled faintly.

Qin Gong’s expression was grave: “We won, but we have also completely offended the Empress Dowager’s faction. They will likely not give up easily now.”

Wu Ge grasped his hand: “With you here, I fear nothing.”

Zhao Wan looked at their clasped hands, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure: “Since we have chosen this path, we can only continue forward.”

Outside the window, the setting sun cast long shadows of the three individuals. In this vortex of power and emotion, they had formed a peculiar alliance, facing the coming storms together.

And the game in the imperial court had only just begun.