Fish Meat – Chapter 151
by Little PandaThe Second Year of Zhao Wu
Morning Like Blue Clouds (15)
The so-called secret technique of female-female childbirth from the Changge Kingdom not only made them run around for nothing, but also brought back an unlucky burden [referring to a troublesome situation/person]. Until now, Ah Liao hasn’t been able to open the wooden box, let alone verify if what’s hidden inside is truly the secret technique they wanted.
Zhen Wenjun felt somewhat disappointed, thinking that rumors were indeed just rumors – how could there be such good things in the world? So when Li Yanyi first mentioned “female-female marriage,” Zhen Wenjun’s instinctive reaction was to think it unreliable. But after a change in thought – no, this was being proposed by Da Yu’s first female emperor. Li Yanyi wanted to consolidate her imperial position and wanted all Da Yu citizens to accept a woman’s rule from their core, making it absolutely necessary to break conventions and eliminate old systems.
Zhen Wenjun knew that currently in Da Yu, there were many men with “cut sleeve” preferences [historical reference to male homosexuality], and no small number of women who hoped to grow old together. However, there was no law that could let them be together legally and reasonably. In most cases, they could only call themselves “close friends,” and didn’t even qualify to become “concubines.” No matter how they lived together in life, once death came, from wealth to titles, from houses to servants, same-sex close friends had no inheritance rights.
On the Path of Ten Thousand Directions, Zhen Wenjun had heard Ah Liao’s young ladies discussing this. They weren’t worried about whether Ah Liao could give them a better life in the future, after all, with the protection of a powerful family, they would certainly have food and clothing. But what if Ah Liao left them first? They could receive Ah Liao’s love and care in this life, and give their whole hearts in return, but couldn’t inherit anything belonging to Ah Liao – even this Qingluan might go to the Zhangsun family, which couldn’t help but make one’s heart cold.
Zhen Wenjun asked: “Is Your Majesty thinking of female-female marriage, or can men also unite with men?”
Li Yanyi answered her: “Both are possible.”
Zhen Wenjun then understood her plan.
Once this law is implemented, the large group of people with same-sex preferences would support Li Yanyi together with women who want to enter official service and want more freedom. This unprecedented era would make them feel incredibly fortunate, feeling that Li Yanyi is a once-in-an-age sage ruler, a wise ruler worth risking their lives to support. Naturally, there would be opponents – traditionally minded Da Yu men who believe that men should have three wives and four concubines and live together with many women. Unfortunately, most of these traditional Da Yu men who believed men should manage external affairs and women internal affairs had already died on the battlefield, and the remaining children had not yet formed clear understanding of the world. Once these children grow up living in a society of gender equality, they would believe this is how the world should be. Just look at the Mengda Khan of Liuhuo Kingdom as the best example. There’s also a portion of women who don’t want to work themselves to death, they just want to enjoy life and marry a loving husband who will protect them for life. These women aren’t important, they can even be ignored.
Beyond winning people’s hearts, more importantly, once the “first model couple” of female-female marriage stands firm, it would be perfectly reasonable for the emperor to later appoint a female empress. She was doing all this to pave the way for her and Ah Xin’s comfortable future.
Li Yanyi was planning to push her and Zizhuo out as live targets [test subjects].
Drawing her into official service was merely to expand her influence among Da Yu’s common people and increase the likelihood of smoothly implementing female-female marriage.
Thinking of this, Zhen Wenjun’s smile deepened: “This humble servant lacks talent, only knows how to wield weapons and kill some barbarian raiders in battle, but to actually become an official… I’m afraid this servant lacks such ability.”
“Ah, Wenjun, stop referring to yourself as ‘servant’ with every breath, This lonely one finds it awkward. I call you younger sister, so you should call me elder sister.”
The hair on Zhen Wenjun’s back stood on end – how could she dare use such an address? It would surely shorten her life. But since the emperor had spoken, not calling her that might lead to more than just a shortened life – who knows when her head might fall.
As her mother had taught her before, one must not show too much prominence, and above all else, must avoid catching the royal family’s attention. Serving a ruler is like keeping company with a tiger. Today the emperor might value you, tomorrow they might suspect you. The smartest approach is to stay away from court politics and distance oneself from the emperor.
Unfortunately, though Zhen Wenjun knew this principle early on, things had now reached a point beyond her control.
“Imperial Sister truly humbles this servant… humbles your younger sister.” Zhen Wenjun forced herself to grasp Li Yanyi’s hand, and not content with holding it with one hand, clasped the emperor’s fair and precious hand between both of hers.
When it came to false pretenses, Zhen Wenjun truly yielded to no one. She had acted so many times before to preserve her life – in this world, perhaps only Wei Tingxu could match her in acting ability.
Since Li Yanyi wanted intimacy, she would give her intimacy, unafraid to offer all this muddy water [deception], after all, her palms were full of muddy water.
“Your younger sister isn’t trying to disobey imperial orders, it’s just that I know my own abilities. I fear that upon entering official service, I might cause great trouble before I can help Your Majesty achieve merit and share your worries…”
Li Yanyi reached out and brushed her cheek, wiping away a spot of dirt, smiling gently: “What kind of talent you are, I know well. You will only exceed my expectations, how could you cause trouble? If you’re worried, how about I give you an Imperial Immunity Talisman [historical item granting protection from execution]?”
“An Imperial Immunity Talisman?”
“Yes, with this talisman no one can kill you, not even I.”
“Not even Imperial Sister? Could such a magical item exist?” Zhen Wenjun knew her wide-eyed surprised expression made her look like a fool, while internally she was lamenting. Li Yanyi had gone so far as to offer an Imperial Immunity Talisman, something Da Yu historically only gave to extraordinarily meritorious officials, so Zhen Wenjun could only steel herself and accept.
She actually only wanted to stand quietly behind Wei Tingxu and protect her, just be the woman behind “Da Yu’s First Female Official,” but unexpectedly Li Yanyi insisted on pushing her to the crest of wind and waves [dragging her out into the spotlight].
Wei Tingxu had already returned.
Wei Tingxu saw the two people in the tea house from far away. Ah Zhu had just entered and saw Wei Tingxu standing in the distance, silently watching the emperor and Zhen Wenjun in the tea house, with a dark expression. She was about to go report that the Secretary Assistant had returned. Wei Tingxu stopped her.
“Her Majesty is having a private conversation with Wenjun, others must not disturb them. Can you bear the responsibility of disturbing the emperor?” Wei Tingxu said this, but actually used enough volume that the two people in the tea house heard clearly and looked in their direction.
When Zhen Wenjun saw Wei Tingxu finally appear, tears almost burst forth, and she quickly called out eagerly: “Zizhuo!”
Wei Tingxu came forward and prostrated herself before the emperor. Li Yanyi personally helped her up, saying: “This lonely one have been waiting for you for a long time, Zizhuo, you’ve finally returned. Come, this lonely one have a belly full of words to say to you. These days in the palace have really stifled me.”
Wei Tingxu asked Ah Zhu and Zhen Wenjun to go prepare tea and snacks. Zhen Wenjun was still concerned about Li Yanyi’s injury. Li Yanyi shook her head saying it was nothing.
Only after Li Yanyi and Wei Tingxu had walked out of sight did Zhen Wenjun suddenly realize.
Who could endure the pain of a severed arm? Li Yanyi’s arm had probably been treated long ago.
Li Yanyi and Wei Tingxu walked into the room, closed the door, and Li Yanyi heaved a deep sigh.
“Before, I only thought about bringing down Li Ju, but never considered how many worries I would face after ascending to the throne. Zizhuo, ah Zizhuo, you should have warned me.” Li Yanyi immediately complained to Wei Tingxu, like friends sharing light-hearted jokes. Just as Wei Tingxu was about to speak, Li Yanyi threw out another sentence:
“The Empress Dowager sent someone to assassinate Ah Xin.”
Wei Tingxu’s brows slightly furrowed: “How is Ah Xin now?”
“Naturally she’s fine, otherwise I wouldn’t be at peace here now. I had Ah Lie protect her in the Northern Frontier, with instructions to send word back immediately if anything happens. Zizhuo.” Li Yanyi changed to a meaningful expression, “Do you know who helped Ah Xin resolve this crisis?”
Seeing her expression, Wei Tingxu already knew the correct answer, but shook her head and said: “This humble servant doesn’t know.”
“It was none other than my Consort who fled at the first sign of trouble [ran away cowardly], your own elder brother Wei Zilian.”
Wei Tingxu smiled and said: “Second Brother is concerned about the barbarian raiders’ threat, wanting to launch a surprise attack while they are gathering strength, dedicating himself entirely to Da Yu’s safety, and also serving Your Majesty with complete loyalty. He did not flee in cowardice – I hope Your Majesty will forgive this statement.”
“Ah, no need to say such things.” Li Yanyi said, “Could it be that you think I’m so muddle-headed? That I can’t understand even this small matter? Things like the Consort title were all to appease the Empress Dowager. You understand best where my heart truly lies.” She reached out and patted Wei Tingxu’s shoulder, “When did you become so rigid? Or is it because I am now emperor that you no longer confide in me as before?”
Li Yanyi’s words were essentially a rebuke. Wei Tingxu naturally couldn’t say “yes,” but could she deny it? Once denied, it would suggest hidden depths [scheming], or worse, could be called harboring evil intentions.
Wei Tingxu lowered her head and remained silent for a while, when she finally spoke, there was a hint of tears in her voice.
“Hmm?” Li Yanyi tilted her head slightly, trying to see Wei Tingxu’s face.
But Wei Tingxu covered her face with her sleeve, gently wiping the corner of her eye. When she lowered her sleeve, her eyes were red.
“Zizhuo, why are you crying?”
“Your Majesty is not only my respected ruler but also my closest kin. If Your Majesty feels there is a barrier between us, it must be because this humble servant hasn’t done well enough, has disappointed Your Majesty. Thinking that my mistakes have caused Your Majesty worry, this humble servant cries from grief and pain.”
Originally, Li Yanyi had spoken of Wei Tingxu not confiding in her, but in Wei Tingxu’s mouth it became Li Yanyi having created a barrier between them. Though it seemed to mean the same thing, the person actively creating distance between them had been subtly switched by Wei Tingxu, making it appear as Li Yanyi’s fault.
Since they were closest kin and most respected, Li Yanyi could not continue to be aggressive. Li Yanyi pulled out a handkerchief from her waist and personally wiped Wei Tingxu’s tears:
“When have I ever been dissatisfied with you? You mustn’t use your clever mouth to set traps for me. Speaking of which, your Wei family truly is my bringer of good fortune [lucky star]. Look, you help me establish the empire and implement reforms, your brother saved my Ah Xin – I truly cannot do without your Wei family.”
“The Wei family has nothing but red-hearted loyalty [complete devotion] to Your Majesty; these are all merely a subject’s duties.”
“But Ah Xin gives me a headache.” Li Yanyi sat back down, naturally turning the topic to Ah Xin, “I had originally wanted to use this opportunity to have Ah Xin return, but unexpectedly when the imperial edict reached the Northern Frontier, she disobeyed and refused to return. Now Luan Jing’s group is watching Ah Xin, submitting memorials day and night, wanting to put her to death. You’ve seen all those memorials too.”
“Yes,” Wei Tingxu said, “Actually, if Your Majesty wanted to use the officials’ voices to bring Ah Xin back to Runing, there was no need to provoke them with a ‘military appointment.’ If Your Majesty had earlier granted Ah Xin an honorary title, Geng Bai and Luan Jing’s faction might not oppose as they do today. They now watch not only this humble servant but also Ah Xin, all because Your Majesty’s appointment gives real military power. People don’t rise early without profit [people act only for gain] – this time’s core issue appears to be about the Xie family who have been relocated to barren lands, but actually centers on military power. Though the Xie family’s old faction has been almost completely eliminated, Ah Xin is exceptionally capable and brave. Any soldier who has followed her is easily won over by her – though she lacks the title of general, she already has the reality of one. Anyone else would find it difficult to gain the Northern Frontier commanders’ trust. Geng Bai’s ambition isn’t just in official appointments but in military power. If this humble servant remembers correctly, as early as the end of the eleventh year of Shen, Geng Bai already wanted his legitimate son to become a military governor in the Northern Frontier.”
“Yes, I didn’t allow it then. Firstly because the Northern Frontier still had unresolved troubles and was very dangerous – Uncle only has this one son left, and I didn’t want him to risk danger. Secondly, I naturally understand my brother – I fear he would only cause trouble in the Northern Frontier.”
Wei Tingxu: “Moreover, the Northern Frontier is too far from Runing and is a good place to build independent military power. Your Majesty also worried that if the Geng family ever had rebellious thoughts, they might use the Northern Frontier as a base to attack Runing directly, coordinating inside and outside forces.”
Li Yanyi had thought about this matter, but after all, he was her own uncle – her thoughts on this couldn’t be shared with anyone, not even her closest birth mother.
In this world, perhaps only Wei Zizhuo truly understood her.
At this thought, Li Yanyi’s gaze toward Wei Tingxu suddenly became very gentle, yet particularly sad.
However, this emotion lasted only a very short time before disappearing from Li Yanyi’s eyes, and she quickly regained her earlier composure and direction.
“…The Imperial Uncle wants military power, but if the Haina reforms can be fully implemented, then their Geng family won’t suffer a complete loss. Whether Ah Xin returns to Runing or simply dies in the Northern Frontier, both would be the best outcome for the Geng family. They think that once Ah Xin dies, Your Majesty would have the possibility of appointing an empress, with hope for an heir. As for the Northern Frontier, they could naturally send their own people there, stepping on the Baiyu City that Ah Xin painstakingly established, achieving merit and consolidating the Geng clan’s position in court.”
Li Yanyi stroked her chin: “Zizhuo is still clear-headed; I hadn’t even thought about the military power issue.”
“Your Majesty is confused because of concern, while this subject sees more clearly as an observer.”
“So, in Zizhuo’s opinion, it would be best for Ah Xin to stay in the Northern Frontier?”
“No, if Ah Xin continues to stay in the Northern Frontier, I fear there will be new dangers. Even if she can dodge today’s hidden arrows, it’s hard to guarantee she won’t be hurt by tomorrow’s open spears. It would be safest to stay under Your Majesty’s wing.”
“But I’ve tried everything, and she’s absolutely determined not to return.”
Wei Tingxu looked at Li Yanyi’s arm: “Your Majesty is injured?”
Li Yanyi was briefly startled, then understood.
Zhen Wenjun had moved all the wandering flowers by the pool to their ideal positions. After taking a bath and returning, Wei Tingxu and Li Yanyi still hadn’t come out. Unable to sit still, Zhen Wenjun went to tidy up the house.
Although they had moved in for some time, there was still a pile of items that hadn’t been organized. Wei Tingxu’s old musical instruments gave Zhen Wenjun the biggest headache – where would be the most efficient place to put them? And how should that pile of scrolls be arranged? They didn’t have the Wei Mansion’s huge book wall to use here.
Zhen Wenjun was holding two ancient scrolls about to place them on the shelf, but unexpectedly didn’t position them well, and they fell out, landing on the musical instruments below. Zhen Wenjun’s heart cried out “Oh no,” worried she had damaged both Wei Tingxu’s beloved instruments and books. The books made a “hum” sound when they fell, and Zhen Wenjun hurried to lift the cloth wrapped around the instrument to check if it was alright.
This covering was very sturdy, and Zhen Wenjun had to use considerable effort to open it.
Fortunately, the instrument wasn’t damaged.
Zhen Wenjun picked up the book and was about to place it back properly when suddenly she thought of something and stopped her movements.
That “hum” sound from before was somewhat familiar.
It seemed she had heard it somewhere before.
She looked down, her attention returning to the instrument.
A long musical instrument. Thirteen strings were tightly stretched across it, looking somewhat similar to a zheng [traditional Chinese zither], but with a fuller tone, completely different.
Zhen Wenjun stroked this instrument, thinking, and plucked it again with the rolled bamboo strips.
Suddenly, her fingertips felt as if burned by a tongue of flame, and she quickly pulled back.
“The wind whistles, the waters of Yi River are cold, once the hero departs, he shall never return.” [This is a famous historical quote from Jing Ke’s assassination attempt]
She remembered.
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