Dragon Boat Race Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Chapter Seven: Loyal Service

Epigraph: Turmoil arises within the palace walls, blades gleam cold by the Taiye Pool. Not by iron armor breaking ten thousand armies, but by the weight of loyalty and righteousness.

The first snow of Yonghe’s fourth year covered the glazed tiles of the capital, and also concealed the clash of swords within the Imperial Palace. Outside the Cining Palace, the Imperial Guards formed layers of encirclement, crossbows strung, swords drawn, the atmosphere utterly chilling.

Wu Ge led the army of loyal service, arrayed outside the palace gates. Their dark armor stood out sharply against the snow. Qin Gong and Zhao Wan rode side-by-side, gazing at the familiar palace city, their hearts heavy with complex emotions.

“Have you confirmed the situation?” Wu Ge asked the scout who had just returned with a report.

“Reporting to Marquis, the Empress Dowager is holding the Crown Prince hostage and controls the inner palace. All the officials of the court have been placed under house arrest in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.” The scout’s voice carried suppressed anger. “The Empress Dowager has declared that if we launch a forceful attack, she will… she will harm the Crown Prince.”

Zhao Wan’s face was as pale as the snow, and the hand gripping the reins trembled slightly. “My aunt… how could she…”

Qin Gong sighed softly. “Before power, what is kinship worth?”

He looked toward the palace wall. “However, the Empress Dowager has made one mistake.”

“What mistake?” Wu Ge asked.

“She believes that controlling the Crown Prince allows her to control the entire situation.” A sharp light flashed in Qin Gong’s eyes. “But she forgot that this realm ultimately belongs to His Majesty.”

No sooner had he spoken than the palace gate suddenly opened a crack, and a trembling eunuch walked out:

“The Empress Dowager has decreed that the Marquis of Zhenbei, Vice Minister Qin, and Princess Anping are summoned to enter the palace for an audience.”

Everyone exchanged glances. This was clearly a trap.

“I’ll go,” Wu Ge said without hesitation.

“I will go too,” Qin Gong added.

Zhao Wan bit her lip. “I also…”

“Wife, you stay outside,” Wu Ge interrupted her. “If we do not emerge within one hour, you are to lead the troops in and attack.”

Zhao Wan wanted to say more, but under Wu Ge’s resolute gaze, she finally nodded.

The palace gate slowly closed behind the three of them. As they walked through the familiar palace paths, the guards along the way all wore grim expressions, their eyes filled with murderous intent.

Inside the Cining Palace, the incense smoke was the same, but the atmosphere was completely different. The Empress Dowager sat upon the phoenix throne, the Crown Prince kneeling beside her, his face ashen. Armed guards stood all around, led by Liu Jin, the Empress Dowager’s trusted chief eunuch.

“Greetings to the Empress Dowager.” The three bowed.

The Empress Dowager offered a slight smile, yet the expression was chilling. “My dear officials, you have worked hard. How goes the suppression of the Northern Di barbarians?”

Wu Ge replied in a deep voice, “Thanks to the Empress Dowager’s great fortune, the third prince of the Northern Di has been captured alive, and the remaining forces have either surrendered or fled.”

“Very good.” The Empress Dowager nodded, her gaze turning to Qin Gong. “Vice Minister Qin is indeed resourceful and has not disappointed this widow.”

Qin Gong was neither humble nor arrogant. “I dare not claim credit; it is entirely due to the soldiers’ dedication.”

“You are too modest.” The Empress Dowager chuckled, then abruptly changed the subject. “Since that is the case, are the three of you willing to continue serving this widow?”

The meaning behind her words was unmistakable. Wu Ge and Qin Gong exchanged a look, both seeing the determination in the other’s eyes.

“Empress Dowager,” Wu Ge stepped forward, “We have received deep imperial favor and naturally pledge our loyalty to His Majesty and the Crown Prince.”

The Empress Dowager’s face immediately darkened. “His Majesty is gravely ill, and the Crown Prince is young. The affairs of the court must be presided over by someone.”

“The court has its own laws and regulations,” Qin Gong interjected. “The Empress Dowager resides deep within the inner palace and should not interfere with governance.”

“Impudence!” Liu Jin shrieked. “How dare you be disrespectful to the Empress Dowager!”

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, signaling Liu Jin to step back. She looked at the three of them, her tone growing cold:

“I will give you one last chance. Submit to me, and you will enjoy endless glory and wealth. Otherwise…”

She glanced at the Crown Prince kneeling on the floor, the implication self-evident.

The tension in the hall was thick enough to drip water. The guards’ hands rested on their sword hilts, waiting only for the Empress Dowager’s command.

Just then, a weak yet authoritative voice suddenly rang out:

“Otherwise what?”

Everyone turned back in shock, seeing the Emperor, supported by several imperial physicians, standing shakily at the entrance of the hall!

“Your Majesty!” the Crown Prince cried out in surprise.

The Empress Dowager’s face instantly turned deathly pale. “You… how could you…”

Though the Emperor was pale, his eyes were sharp as knives. “If I hadn’t woken up, would this realm have changed its surname?”

The Empress Dowager’s expression shifted, but she finally forced herself to remain calm. “The Emperor is gravely ill; it would be best to rest and recuperate. The affairs of the court are handled by this widow…”

“No need.” The Emperor cut her off. “I am well now.”

Supported by the imperial physicians, he walked to the main seat and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the guards in the hall. “What? Seeing me, are you not going to bow?”

The guards looked at each other, then one by one knelt down. “Greetings to Your Majesty!”

The Empress Dowager was isolated and helpless, her face gray with defeat. She had never imagined that the Emperor, who should have been deeply poisoned, could wake up at this moment.

“Mother.” The Emperor looked at the Empress Dowager, his eyes complex. “You have disappointed me greatly.”

It turned out that everything had been within the Emperor’s control. He had long sensed the Empress Dowager’s ambition, and so he had played along, feigning poisoning, all to lure the snake out of its hole.

“Your Majesty is wise!” Wu Ge and Qin Gong knelt down in unison.

The Emperor looked at them with satisfaction. “My two dear officials have performed meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion and returned to the capital in time to offer loyal service. I shall reward you heavily.”

He looked at the Empress Dowager, his tone turning cold. “As for the Empress Dowager… you shall spend your remaining years in the Cining Palace.”

The situation was settled. The Empress Dowager was placed under house arrest, and her faction members were arrested one after another. The court turmoil that had lasted for several months finally subsided.

Three days later, the Emperor held court in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to bestow rewards.

“Marquis of Zhenbei, Wu Ge, is commendable for his loyalty and bravery. He is promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and granted an Iron Scroll of Exemption.”

“Vice Minister of War, Qin Gong, is exceptionally resourceful. He is promoted to Minister of War and enters the Grand Secretariat to participate in governance.”

“Princess Anping, Zhao Wan… although she is the Empress Dowager’s grandniece, she put righteousness before family. Her merits and faults cancel each other out, and she retains her title as Princess.”

This outcome brought a sigh of relief to everyone. Especially Zhao Wan, who had prepared herself to be implicated.

After the court session, the Emperor privately kept Wu Ge and Qin Gong.

“This time, I owe much to my two dear officials.” The Emperor’s voice carried fatigue. “However… after this upheaval in the court, everything needs to be rebuilt. I need you to continue assisting me.”

“We shall dedicate all our efforts,” the two replied in unison.

The Emperor looked at them and suddenly said, “I know about your relationship.”

This statement startled both men.

“No need to be nervous.” The Emperor waved his hand. “I am not one of those rigid people. However… the customs and rites of the world must still be considered.”

He took out an imperial decree. “This is the grace I grant you.”

The decree stated that Qin Gong was specially permitted, in his capacity as Minister of War, to reside in the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Residence to assist in handling military affairs. This appeared to be an official arrangement, but it was tacitly acknowledging their relationship.

“We thank Your Majesty for your great kindness!” The two knelt down, deeply moved.

Stepping out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the sunlight was bright. After enduring hardships, they could finally be together openly.

However, just as they thought everything had settled, an unexpected person appeared.

Su Mo stood outside the palace gate, dressed in plain white, her expression calm.

“Congratulations to you both,” she said with a slight smile.

Qin Gong was somewhat surprised. “Miss Su… why are you…”

“I am leaving the capital,” Su Mo said. “Although my father received his just punishment, the Su clan must continue. I plan to take them back to our ancestral home in Jiangnan.”

Wu Ge was silent for a moment. “Take care.”

Su Mo nodded, her gaze lingering on the two of them for a moment. She suddenly said, “There is something I wish to say, though I don’t know if I should.”

“Please speak.”

“The struggles of the court never truly end,” Su Mo said softly. “Today’s enemy might be tomorrow’s friend. Today’s friend might also become tomorrow’s enemy. I hope you both… take good care of yourselves.”

With that, she bowed and turned to leave. Her plain clothes fluttered in the wind, her back resolute.

Qin Gong watched her retreating figure, filled with emotion. This daughter of the Prime Minister, who once wielded immense power in the court, had ultimately chosen to retreat from the turbulent waters.

Back at the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Residence, Zhao Wan was already waiting.

“Congratulations, Minister,” she said to Qin Gong with a smile.

Qin Gong returned the courtesy. “I must also thank my wife for your assistance during the crisis.”

Zhao Wan shook her head. “I merely did what I ought to do.”

She looked at the two of them, then suddenly spoke seriously. “There is something I think I should tell you.”

“What is it?”

“The Empress Dowager… committed suicide in the Cining Palace.”

This news stunned everyone.

“When did this happen?” Wu Ge asked.

“Just now,” Zhao Wan said softly. “She left a suicide note, saying… she was sorry to the late Emperor and to His Majesty.”

A moment of silence followed. Although the Empress Dowager deserved her fate, such an ending still evoked a sense of melancholy.

“Perhaps it is for the best,” Qin Gong finally said after a long pause. “It is better for everyone this way.”

That evening, a banquet was held at the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Residence to celebrate. Zhao Wan hosted the guests as the lady of the house, her demeanor impeccable. After the banquet ended, she sought out Qin Gong:

“Minister, I would like to speak with you.”

The two sat down in the pavilion in the garden. The moonlight after the snow was exceptionally bright, illuminating Zhao Wan’s face, making her appear even more serene.

“I plan to leave the Marquis’s Residence,” Zhao Wan stated plainly.

Qin Gong was taken aback. “Why?”

“This political marriage was never based on mutual affection,” Zhao Wan smiled. “Now that the turmoil has subsided, it is time for me to step away, having fulfilled my duty.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry about me,” Zhao Wan interrupted him. “I have already petitioned His Majesty to request permission to guard the Imperial Mausoleum. It is a quiet place, suitable for me.”

Qin Gong looked at her determined eyes, knowing she had made up her mind.

“Thank you,” he said sincerely.

Zhao Wan smiled. “No need to thank me. In the end, I am doing this for myself too.”

She stood up, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. “This deep palace and marquis’s gate are ultimately not my destination.”

Three days later, Zhao Wan departed the capital. Wu Ge and Qin Gong saw her off at the city gate.

“Take care,” Wu Ge said.

Zhao Wan smiled and nodded, her gaze sweeping over the two of them. “You both must take care as well. The court… will never truly be peaceful.”

The carriage gradually moved away, eventually disappearing at the end of the official road.

On the way back to the residence, Wu Ge held Qin Gong’s hand. “Now, finally, it is just us.”

Qin Gong leaned on his shoulder, savoring this rare tranquility.

However, they both understood that Zhao Wan was right—the court would never truly be peaceful. Although the Northern Di were suppressed, the borders were not yet secure; although the court was stable, undercurrents still remained.

The road ahead was long, but as long as they walked hand-in-hand, there was nothing to fear.

The setting sun cast their two figures in long shadows. In this imperial capital, where power and emotion intertwined, they had finally found their own destination.

(Volume Three: Upheaval in the Imperial Capital, Concluded)