The Sovereign – Chapter 49

Volume Three: A Hundred Things Changed with the Spring Breeze

The Return of the Army to the Court

The matter of selecting an imperial husband has always been on the Empress Dowager’s mind.

The officials knelt and kowtowed to welcome, as the Empress Dowager personally arrived at Dragon Gate. Qin Junlan calmly walked out of the sedan, the deafening “Long live the Emperor” resonating throughout the entire imperial palace.

The Emperor presided over the court, and the officials entered the hall. The issue in Yuzhou was smoothly resolved, the great drought was controlled, settling the people in life and protecting them within the nation. Suspected court officials were all detained, merits were evaluated and rewards given, and a new appointment decree was immediately sent from the court to Yuzhou.

“I wish to amend the Ji Dynasty legal system, increasing the punishment for corrupt officials, and abolishing muddle-headed officials and mediocrities. The serious crime of implicating nine clans can be adjusted according to circumstances, measured by strength and sentenced. What do my beloved ministers think?” Qin Junlan overlooked the officials, her majestic stature standing before the dragon chair, her loud voice raising the inviolable majesty of the emperor.

“We have no objections, the Emperor is wise.” No one dared at that moment to speak against Qin Junlan’s words, as her execution of eight officials had spread wildly in Jidu, leaving all officials shocked and fearful that disaster might reach them.

As important ministers of the court, who among them hadn’t embezzled some money? Yet, in adhering to the integrity of moral bottom lines, there was still a thread of kindness and persistence. Now Qin Junlan wished to change the law enforcement system precisely because this batch of corrupt officials had caused turmoil in the court, harmed the common people, and caused irreparable loss and influence.

“Grand Chancellor, any objections?” Qin Junlan deliberately targeted Yi Hongchuan and asked.

He was surprised in his heart, but his face remained calm, maintaining composure. “If corrupt officials are not governed, how can the nation be governed? If chaos is not eliminated, how can the world be awed? The Emperor’s reputation is widespread, and reform must become an eternal great tale.”

“The Grand Chancellor speaks rightly, if chaos is not eliminated…how can the world be awed? If I cannot even pacify Ji’s internal chaos, how can I unify the world?” Qin Junlan slightly curled her lips, her sharp eyes directly piercing Yi Hongchuan, yet she remained calm. Yi Hongchuan inhaled a cold breath, only feeling that Qin Junlan’s overly calm reaction made him feel guilty. He was unsure how much Qin Junlan knew about the Yuzhou matter, after all, the army had been timely withdrawn.

But she clearly spoke with precision, as if hinting at him, punishing corrupt officials and changing the law, as if these words were directed at him.

“May the Emperor soon unify the four seas and spread our nation’s prestige!” The ministers bowed and kowtowed, as Qin Junlan sat on the dragon chair, in a bright yellow robe with an ocean dragon soaring mightily and extraordinarily. Her flying sword-like eyebrows slightly raised, and her pupils, black as ink jade, flickered with light. She carried a god-like dignity and innate nobility, emitting an awe-inspiring king’s aura.

After the court was dismissed, Qin Junlan took off her lengthy dragon robe and head ornaments, and wore a light Jinse elegant attire as she walked toward Fengqing Palace.

Yi Qinghuan had been waiting for a long time, with the wise princess Yun Jin always by her side. Having not seen each other for half a month, Yun Jin’s heart unexpectedly began to surge, her face rosy like a flower, making it hard to tell if it was makeup or shyness.

“Your child pays respects to Empress Mother.” Qin Junlan knelt on the ground, and Yi Qinghuan looked at her without speaking, nor did she let her rise.

Yun Jin knew she had anger in her heart, her bright eyes slightly moved, as she sat on the ground and knelt, “Your minister younger sister pays respects to the emperor elder sister.”

Qin Junlan slightly raised her eyes and glanced at Yun Jin, seeing the not-so-obvious smile at the corner of her mouth, she understood her intention. If Qin Junlan did not rise, Yun Jin could not rise either, and if Yi Qinghuan did not let her rise, Yun Jin would continue to kneel with her.

“Rise then.” Yi Qinghuan ultimately couldn’t bear to punish Qin Junlan, as this journey was full of hardships. Traveling south to several cities, the environment was still an area of disaster victims, where could she eat or sleep well?

“Thank you, Empress Mother.” Qin Junlan lifted her clothing and rose, stepping forward to extend her hand, personally helping Yun Jin to rise. “Jin’er, there’s no need for more courtesy.”

“Thank you, emperor elder sister.” The touch of Qin Junlan made Yun Jin’s palm slightly warm, bringing a burst of joy to her heart, even though she could only hide more emotions within.

“The Emperor has personally governed for many years, already becoming an admired good emperor by everyone. The Empress Dowager is old and useless, and there is no need to tell her about these matters, as one decree privately leaves the palace, truly increasingly having the demeanor of a monarch.” Yi Qinghuan’s words had implied meaning. As a mother, she could blame her daughter, but as an Empress Dowager, she couldn’t criticize the emperor for leaving the palace, especially for the matters of the common people.

She just felt that Qin Junlan seemed to be increasingly distant from herself, always feeling that there was an estrangement between mother and daughter that she didn’t know when it began. If she really came to discuss with her, how could she oppose everything? Yi Qinghuan just felt a little heartache, as no mother is willing to have her daughter become increasingly distant, especially when her daughter is also the emperor.

“I feared Empress Mother would worry, so your child thought to investigate the cause clearly and immediately return to the palace. I did not expect so many twists and turns, which also made me reflect on myself, usually being blinded by treacherous ministers, unexpectedly not knowing how rampant the corrupt officials have become.”

“This mourning one does not oppose you punishing corrupt officials and loving the people. The country has so many matters, how can you personally handle every one? The court supports so many officials, yet you still need to personally go to the disaster area. You are the highest of the high; if something happens to you, what would Ji Kingdom do?” Yi Qinghuan’s emotions gradually rose like waves, and Yun Jin saw the mother and daughter about to start a dispute again. She quickly walked forward, holding Yi Qinghuan’s hand, and said, “Empress Mother, didn’t we agree today to welcome the emperor elder sister and wash away the dust? Look at you, talking about national affairs again, and still complaining that the emperor elder sister is not tired enough from attending court?”

Yi Qinghuan’s emotions gradually calmed, and Yun Jin’s words turned her original emotions into heartache. This child, isn’t she all for the country and the people? After all, she has become this wise ruler for the nation and its people, whom she single-handedly cultivated. Who can be blamed?

“Emperor elder sister, Empress Mother knew you would return to the palace today, so she specially had the imperial kitchen make your favorite dishes.” Yun Jin waved her hand, and more than ten exquisite palace culinary dishes were presented one by one.

Qin Junlan glanced at Yi Qinghuan, slightly retracting her aura. She didn’t know when she started rarely accommodating Yi Qinghuan, perhaps because Yi Hongchuan wielded power in the court, wantonly expanding his own proteges, which annoyed her. Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager also strongly protected the Yi family, leading to an increasingly large gap between mother and daughter.

But after all, she was her own biological mother, and Qin Junlan still respected her in her heart, not willing to hurt her feelings. She stepped forward to support Yi Qinghuan’s wrist, her actions gentle, and her tone also becoming gentle, “Empress Mother, I know I am sometimes wilful, and I hope you can forgive me.”

“Alright, maybe the Empress Dowager has managed you too broadly. When you weren’t governing personally, you always worry someone would threaten your throne. After you started governing personally, you worry about the various matters of the court. The harem should not interfere in politics; perhaps this mourning one should let go.”

Yun Jin gently stroked Yi Qinghuan’s shoulder, speaking gently with a smile, “Jin’er just said you are destined to toil. Now that the four seas are peaceful and the emperor elder sister is awe-inspiring across the four kingdoms, you should enjoy peace and happiness every day.”

Yun Jin’s words made Yi Qinghuan smile broadly. She held Yun Jin’s hand and affectionately patted the back of her hand, “Jin’er only says pleasant words. It’s a pity the emperor is a daughter; otherwise, marrying her, Jin’er would certainly be a wise empress.”

“Empress Mother, don’t tease Jin’er.” Yi Qinghuan hit upon Yun Jin’s thoughts, her heart content yet still maintaining composure, as her cheeks became slightly warm.

“A great reputation burdens people. I think Jin’er being a wise consort is still good. The imperial younger brother cares for Jin’er with utmost care. If she marries into the imperial family, would she share one husband with the harem’s three thousand? Such grievance, Empress Mother, could you bear Jin’er suffering it? I cannot.” Qin Junlan deliberately changed the topic, glimpsing Yun Jin’s blush like peach blossoms blooming on her face.

“The emperor child is also right. Hao’er is deeply infatuated with Jin’er and has not taken any concubine, which gratifies this mourning one.”

“Jin’er does not oppose the wise king taking concubines; the flourishing of the imperial family is also the fortune of the state. Jin’er will not feel wronged.” Only Yun Jin herself knows that letting Qin Junhao take a concubine is just to shift his attention from her. She is unwilling to face him and even more unwilling to humbly serve someone she does not love in the endless dark night.

These years, her greatest thought while living has only been to see the person she cares about often. She coaxes the Empress Dowager into happiness, and Guo’er gains Qin Junlan’s appreciation, which is already the greatest blessing. Therefore, to avoid Qin Junhao, Yun Jin thinks of every way to stay in the palace, leaving the wise king residence empty. She believes that eventually Qin Junhao will be unable to bear it and will take a concubine, at which time she will get a bit of relief.

Yun Jin became the best mediator between Qin Junlan and her mother. If not for her daily companionship with Yi Qinghuan and mentioning Qin Junlan’s difficulties in her ear, today’s calmness would not exist.

During the meal, everything was harmonious, yet Yi Qinghuan still wore a worried expression.

“The emperor child is twenty-four this year and should start a family. Commoner girls are married by sixteen, and Jin’er is two years younger than you and already has Guo’er. It’s time to select an imperial husband.”

Qin Junlan was slightly startled. She had once expected this matter to be unavoidable, but did not anticipate it would come so suddenly. “The court situation is sometimes turbulent, and the timing is not right. Empress Mother, you need not worry.”

“You are the emperor, and both civil and military officials, as well as people across the world, look up to your happiness. Selecting an imperial husband to help the imperial family flourish is also your duty. Emperor child, you must understand this matter.”

“Empress Mother, do not worry. The matter of the imperial husband will be postponed for later discussion. I still have many matters yet to handle and truly have no mind to consider this matter now.” As Qin Junlan spoke, her gaze glanced at Yun Jin, who immediately understood.

Yi Qinghuan still wanted to say something, but Yun Jin quickly interjected, “Looking across the world, who can match the emperor elder sister? Empress Dowager, even a princess selecting a consort must find a family of equal status. The world holds the emperor elder sister in the highest esteem, so how can she choose a husband?”

“But she cannot remain unmarried for life; wouldn’t it cause criticism? The people of this world would not agree for the empress they admire to never marry.”

“The emperor elder sister has simply not had the time to consider this matter. If you continue to be eager for her marriage, she will truly worry more than about national affairs.” Yun Jin’s words and actions were very appropriate, knowing how to advance and retreat, and how to speak in a way that helps Qin Junlan without annoying the Empress Dowager. As long as Yun Jin is there, Qin Junlan does not worry that things will worsen, as she always understands her inner thoughts and can easily dissolve the Empress Dowager’s notions.

“Jin’er, whenever you speak, you leave this mourning one speechless, yet still make this mourning one like you, not angry at all. Truly, there’s no way to deal with you.” Yi Qinghuan helplessly shook her head. She is too fond of Yun Jin, treating her as her own child just like this. After all, she is Qingyu’s daughter, and this extra blood kinship bond is forever impossible to sever.

After dinner, Qin Junlan and Yun Jin walked alone in the imperial garden. Jidu’s air was rich and nourishing, and Qin Junlan thought of Yuzhou’s gray sky, the earth’s exhausted appearance, the people’s miserable situation, and the great fire in Qionglong Mountain.

Since she has already returned, she must begin implementing her plan to “invite the gentleman into the urn,” aiming to kill two birds with one stone during the Empress Dowager’s birthday. Before this, she must intensively prepare the necessary conditions for this plan.

“Since the emperor elder sister returned, she has been heavy-hearted. Is there someone or something on your mind?” Yun Jin always quietly stays by her side, accompanying Qin Junlan with an unobtrusive presence. If she doesn’t speak, Qin Junlan might even forget she is there.

“Indeed, there is someone on my mind and also a matter of concern.” Qin Junlan does not deliberately hide anything from Yun Jin, as she has always been close to and very trusting of her. When her thoughts are discovered, she does not deny them.

“Surely, this journey has not been without its roughness and obstacles. I just didn’t expect the emperor elder sister to invite Miss Hong Yuan to accompany you. If not for uncle mentioning it, Jin’er would not know the emperor elder sister cares so much for Miss Hong Yuan.” Yun Jin’s faint smile carries a hint of bitterness, which Qin Junlan did not notice; her focus was on the Grand Chancellor mentioning… She squinted at Yun Jin, “It seems like uncle often visits the Empress Dowager.”

“Indeed, there were a few times to pay respects, and Jin’er happened to be there, just chatting casually with uncle.” Yun Jin’s words seem unintentional, but in fact, they reveal important information to Qin Junlan, hinting that she should be wary of Yi Hongchuan.

Qin Junlan smiled without speaking, fully understanding Yun Jin’s meaning. How could she forget the day of the assassination, when the assassin also targeted Liu Qianxun? This suggests that the assassination attempt is not as simple as it seems.

“Emperor elder sister…” Yun Jin hesitated, caught between wanting to know the answer and not wanting to, deeply conflicted.

“When did you start liking to hesitate? What do you want to know?”

“Emperor elder sister, do you really like that Hong Yuan?” Yun Jin looked at Qin Junlan with nervousness and expectation, never before having looked so clearly and boldly into her eyes.

Seeing her not answering, her eyes gradually became clear and bright, the corners of her lips slightly raised. It was the involuntary smile that comes from thinking of one’s beloved, the inexplicable excitement that comes from liking someone. Yun Jin understood this feeling all too well. At this moment, even though Qin Junlan said nothing, she understood everything, yet her heart fell to freezing point.

If possible, she hoped Qin Junlan would not speak, would not answer her. But she still nodded firmly, and at that moment, Yun Jin deeply regretted asking such a heart-wrenching question.

Her lips slightly trembled, feeling only a chill in her body; the night in June had never been this cold before.

“Jin’er? Are you alright?” Qin Junlan noticed Yun Jin’s unusual emotions, as if she were forcibly suppressing hidden sadness and grief. Not understanding the reason, Qin Junlan thought it might be her own illusion, but Yun Jin’s smile at the corners of her lips was so weak.

“Just… happy for the emperor elder sister…” Yun Jin felt that saying this sentence took all her strength; she had never found life so difficult before.

She slightly raised her head, gazing intently at this woman in the clouds, a beautiful person in her heart, higher than the sky. She so wanted to tell her about the feelings she had over the years, so wanted to say that marrying was just to be able to be a little closer to her.

“Jin’er, are you really alright, is there any discomfort?” Qin Junlan increasingly sensed something wrong with Yun Jin and wanted to reach out and feel her forehead, but Yun Jin suddenly saluted, “Jin’er does feel unwell, will take leave first.” After speaking, she hurriedly left.

Because the intense sourness filled her nose, she was annoyed with herself. Had she known she would like women, why didn’t she try her best? And now, she could only forever remain in the humble corner, foolishly looking up at her.