Fish Meat – Chapter 231

The Second Year of Shunde

Jointly Chasing The Lost Deer (27)

Ah Liao and the others buried Ah Xiang, raising a small grave mound.

            

Ah Liao even composed a poem for her, only then reluctantly driving the Qingyuan to rendezvous with Wei Tingxu and Zhen Wenjun.

In truth, she hadn’t initially known that Wei Tingxu and Zhen Wenjun had set a trap, luring the enemy deep. She had only heard Wei Tingxu was targeting another beauty, felt great pity, and volunteered to follow Zhen Wenjun’s main army, wanting to ensure the beauty could rest in peace​¹. After Ah Xiang inhaled the ‘First Grade Peach Blossom Spring’ and fell soundly asleep, Ah Liao shared a pot of wine with Zhen Wenjun and heard the full story. Ah Liao laughed heartily:

“You two are actually so wicked!”

            

Zhen Wenjun quickly drank her wine and mounted her horse, intending to lead her troops back to ambush the Yao Clan: “The truly wicked part is yet to come.”

“Does this mean you and Tingxu have truly reconciled?” Ah Liao asked from atop her horse. “Only when you can truly let go of past grievances can you frankly discuss those old scores, even using them as schemes to confuse the enemy. You and Tingxu…”

Ah Liao paused there, not pressing further, waiting for Zhen Wenjun to speak herself.

            

Zhen Wenjun asked her, “Was it Zizhuo who asked you to inquire?”

“No, no, no, you know me, I’m naturally nosy. It’s purely to satisfy my own curiosity.”

Zhen Wenjun smiled, “Whether she asked you to or not, I’m not afraid of her knowing. After all, even I can’t clearly explain it myself.”

            

“Oh?”

“She set a trap that harmed my Ah Mu, but later risked everything to save my Ah Mu. She once used me, but in truth, she also nurtured me. How can matters in this world be simply black or white, purely love or hate? Only children inexperienced in the world can give definite answers.”

Ah Liao considered Zhen Wenjun’s words, then smiled knowingly, “No wonder Tingxu always sighs that Wenjun-meimei has grown up.”

            

“Living in this era, how could one not grow up? See you later, Commandant Zhangsun.”

Zhen Wenjun spurred her horse into a gallop, leading her army to strike the Yao Clan’s rear. Watching Zhen Wenjun’s figure taking the lead, Ah Liao remarked to Ah Qin beside her, “The legend of the Ruan Clan has never ended.”

Cao Fei had been killed, and Yao Zhaoyi’s fate was unknown. Zhen Wenjun had already dispatched numerous troops to search for her along the river. Simultaneously, she imitated Ah Xiang’s handwriting to send a secret letter to Nanya.

            

Zhen Wenjun’s handwriting mimicry was superb. Back when she was by Wei Tingxu’s side, she had concealed it, not letting her know. Now, after the two had clashed so many times, they were frank with each other, and there was nothing left to pretend. Thus, she wrote out a secret letter, right in front of her, with handwriting identical to Ah Xiang’s.

It turned out that all the secret letters Ah Xiang had buried in the mountain forest had passed through Zhen Wenjun’s hands before being discovered by Yao Clan spies. Zhen Wenjun had read over a dozen of her secret letters, letting through those containing information they wanted Yao Zhaoyi to receive, and keeping back all the messages they didn’t want transmitted. After forging Ah Xiang’s handwriting several times, Zhen Wenjun could already imitate it with ninety percent similarity.

Seeing her forge the writing, Wei Tingxu recalled something, and her expression grew grave and complex.

            

After sealing the letter in Ah Xiang’s customary way, Zhen Wenjun asked her, “What have you thought of now? Why not just say it directly?”

“I was thinking, the reason Li Yanyi first suspected me of disloyalty was because of a strange letter.”

“A letter?” Zhen Wenjun’s hand paused.

            

“Yes, supposedly a personal letter I wrote to my Ah Fu, stating, ‘The daughter of the traitor Xie is now completely under my control, Father need not worry.'”

“You’re looking at me like that. Are you asking if this letter had anything to do with me?” Zhen Wenjun asked bluntly.

“Correct. I never wrote such a letter to my Ah Fu. Yet Li Yanyi was convinced it was mine without even confronting me, which shows this forged letter was extremely realistic. When she and I joined forces to eliminate Xie Fuchen, we exchanged numerous letters. She was very familiar with my handwriting, yet she still believed it. The person who imitated my handwriting must have been a master among masters, and someone who had the opportunity to obtain samples of my writing to imitate. Thinking it over, it could only be you.”

            

At this point, Zhen Wenjun had nothing to hide. “Correct. The characters used in that letter were indeed leaked by me. I did it to save my Ah Mu’s life, and moreover, to create more value for the Xie family, to manipulate Xie Fuchen, and even you.”

After hearing this, Wei Tingxu showed no anger. Instead, she gazed at her with admiration for a long moment. “So, who do you guess delivered that letter to Li Yanyi?”

Zhen Wenjun thought for a moment, then said, “Considering the timing, the only one who could have done it was Zhong Ji.”

            

Wei Tingxu made a sound of assent and nodded. “Our thoughts coincide​².”

Speaking of Zhong Ji and Li Yanyi naturally led to thinking of Ah Xin. Since Runing was conquered in the fifth year of Zhaowu, Li Yanyi died in battle, and Ah Xin disappeared with her corpse into the Changnian Mountains, nearly three years had passed. Zhen Wenjun had sent people to search for Ah Xin’s whereabouts. The Li Clan, the Geng Clan, and various other vassal lords were even less likely to pass up the useful weapon that was Li Yanyi’s remains. The entire realm of Da Yu was searching extensively, yet there was absolutely no news.

“Ah Xin must know that if others found Li Yanyi’s burial place, even if she’s been resting in peace for years, they would likely dig three chi deep​³ to exhume her body for their own use,” Wei Tingxu said. “So she cannot let anyone discover it, and with her abilities, she won’t be discovered.”

            

Zhen Wenjun asked, “Aren’t you afraid Ah Xin will return to avenge Li Yanyi?”

“If she comes for revenge, let her come. There are plenty of people in this world who want me dead. If she doesn’t come soon, I’m afraid she won’t even make the queue later on.”

The secret letter Zhen Wenjun wrote imitating Ah Xiang’s handwriting was originally intended for Yao Zhaoyi’s hands. But with Yao Zhaoyi’s whereabouts unknown, it could only be sent to the Yao Clan in Nanya.

            

When Yao Lin received this letter, he was somewhat baffled. Wasn’t Ah Xiang already dead? Why was a letter still being delivered?

Ge Sheng reminded him, “Could it be that Lady Ah Xiang transmitted important secrets just before her death?”

Only then did Yao Lin quickly unfold the letter. It read: “Ashamed at failure, I have no face to return south and can only atone with death. The two traitors Zhen and Wei are close yet distant, divided yet united; there are still weaknesses that can be exploited. I hope you will proceed slowly and steadily.”

            

Ge Sheng suspected the letter’s authenticity and asked who in the residence could verify it. Ah Xiang was the daughter of a concubine and usually only kept company with Yao Zhaoyi. Others in the residence were not familiar with her, and no one recognized her handwriting.

Just as the letter’s authenticity was hard to determine, Yao Zhaoyi suddenly returned.

Yao Lin was overjoyed upon hearing his daughter had returned to the residence and rushed to the front hall. However, he saw Yao Zhaoyi lying on a bamboo stretcher, covered in mud and water. The ones who carried her were two peasants, currently asking the Yao family members for money.

            

Yao Maolin embraced her, crying loudly. Yao Zhaoyi expressionlessly stroked her head. Seeing Yao Lin and several older brothers rush out, she gave a wry smile and said, “Forgive Zhaoyi for being unable to rise and offer greetings. My waist…”

Yao Lin’s face turned deathly pale. He knelt and carefully supported his daughter. “Could it be…”

Yao Zhaoyi seemed to have already accepted her fate, stating calmly, “Your child fell from a great height. I can no longer walk, I cannot even sit up.”

            

Just then, Yao Zhaoyi’s Ah Mu arrived. Hearing Yao Zhaoyi’s words, she fainted on the spot.

Yao Lin held Yao Zhaoyi, wanting to weep bitterly, but then he saw Yao Wei standing not far off, staring at him, seemingly waiting to see him make a fool of himself. In an instant, he choked back his tears and comforted Yao Zhaoyi, “Zhaoyi, don’t be afraid! Ah Fu will summon the best doctors in all of Nanya. We will definitely cure your injuries!”

Yao Zhaoyi closed her eyes, unwilling to speak further.

            

After she had been in the residence for over a month, a war report arrived from Julu. It stated that the Zhen-Wei grand army had already entered Julu. Prior to this, the Yan Clan of Jingji Commandery had preemptively surrounded and attacked Liu Wenxing. The Geng Clan was protecting Empress Dowager Geng and King Zhiqiu as they fled Julu. The Yan Clan pursued relentlessly, under the banner of protecting the Empress Dowager, but in reality wanting to grasp the Empress Dowager and King Zhiqiu in their own hands​⁴. Meanwhile, the army of the two traitors Zhen and Wei had suddenly gone quiet, seemingly with no intention of launching an attack.

Yao Wei, Yao Lin, and Yao Lin’s four sons were discussing this matter in the front hall. Yao Lin’s eldest son, Yao Xiancun​⁵, suggested seizing this opportunity to dispatch troops. Firstly, with Julu as the battlefield, far from Nanya, they could fight with full force without worries about their rear. Secondly, whether it was the Liu Clan, the Yan Clan, or Zhen and Wei, all had been contending for the deer​⁶ for a long time and showed signs of exhaustion. Attacking now could surely catch them all in one net, allowing the Yao to reap the fisherman’s profit​⁷.

Yao Zhaoyi, seated in a four-wheeled chair, pushed herself in: “Zhen and Wei are extremely patient. They certainly won’t easily let Empress Dowager Geng and King Zhiqiu go. Furthermore, they are still watching six roads and listening in all eight directions​⁸. It’s possible they’ve already woven a net, just waiting for their prey to fly into the flame like moths​⁹.”

            

Yao Lin said, “Why are you up! The doctor said you need to rest quietly!”

Yao Wei stated, “Let Zhaoyi finish speaking.”

Yao Lin: “Yes…”

            

Yao Zhaoyi continued, “The two traitors were willing to spend a hundred days laying a trap that led to your child’s disastrous defeat; their capabilities absolutely cannot be underestimated. I advise the Yao Clan not to dispatch troops for now, otherwise, we might very well fall into another scheme! Last time, your child only brought a small portion of the Yao family army. Lord Cao’s passing is truly lamentable​¹⁰, but the Yao Clan’s strength was not shaken—a silver lining in misfortune​¹¹. This time, if Ah Fu and Ah Weng​¹² truly dispatch the army to attack, and it’s still one of Zhen and Wei’s strategies, I fear our Yao Clan will suffer heavy losses​¹³. This would be highly detrimental both to the long-term plan of contending for power and the struggle for the Path of Ten Thousand Directions.”

Ge Sheng spoke, “Lord Yao, the young lady is right. Zhen and Wei are exceedingly cunning. Without absolute certainty, Zihong​¹⁴ also advises against advancing deep into Julu. Julu is fragmented; why should the Yao Clan get involved in the struggle? Just let them continue fighting. The Geng Clan and King Zhiqiu are already yesterday’s news​¹⁵. The Wei Clan’s desire to contend is ultimately because Liu Wenxing fabricated rumors that Wei Zizhuo poisoned the late Emperor, which is greatly disadvantageous to the Wei Clan.”

Yao Zhaoyi added, “This matter might not necessarily be just a rumor.”

            

Ge Sheng smiled, “Indeed, it’s possible Wei Zizhuo did it. But whether she did it or not, the young Emperor is now in her hands. The so-called Canshi Yuan​¹⁶ was established just like that. Who can stop the Wei Clan and the Zhangsun Clan? The Wei Clan is determined to succeed in this Julu expedition and must have made thorough preparations. Compared to dispatching troops for a distant campaign and a hard fight, it’s better to preserve our strength and prioritize retaking the Path of Ten Thousand Directions. Ultimately, warfare hinges on financial strength. Whoever can continuously pour silver into their army might be the final victor. Zhen Wenjun understands this principle, which is how she could rise in chaotic times to become a regional hegemon. I needn’t say more; all you lords are well aware of this​¹⁷.”

After Ge Sheng finished speaking, everyone in the hall nodded in agreement.

“One more point, Young Lady,” Ge Sheng turned back to ask Yao Zhaoyi, “Have you seen the letter Lady Ah Xiang sent to Nanya?”

            

Yao Zhaoyi replied, “I have seen it.”

“Was that letter written by Lady Ah Xiang’s own hand?”

Yao Zhaoyi nodded. “I know Ah Xiang’s handwriting better than anyone. Ah Xiang said in the letter that there is still room to sow discord between the two traitors, and that we can proceed slowly and steadily. I agree with this point. In fact, I have interacted with that Zhen Wenjun. When mentioning her grievances with Wei Zizhuo, she clearly hesitated as if wanting to say more but stopping herself.”

            

Ge Sheng said, “Zhen and Wei left Runing and shifted the battle to Julu, but did not directly attack Nanya. This shows they are wary of our Yao Clan’s strength, fearing that a head-on clash would result in mutual destruction, benefiting others. The two traitors have numerous grievances and a complex relationship. Their current alliance is driven solely by common interests. Even the deepest grudges can be temporarily set aside. Any scheme to sow discord is unlikely to work right now. It would be better to temporarily put aside this tough nut to crack​¹⁸, and first nibble away​¹⁹ at other noble clans, slowly expanding the Yao Clan’s territory and strengthening the Yao family army. When the Yao Clan’s wings are fully grown​²⁰, it will not be too late to eliminate the two traitors.”

Ge Sheng’s suggestion received unanimous approval. Yao Wei also stroked his beard and nodded: “Zihong speaks truly. However, by the time the Yao Clan’s wings are fully grown, I fear the two traitors will also have reached a higher level​²¹.”

Ge Sheng replied, “Lord Yao is farsighted​²². Nothing can be achieved entirely with benefits and without any danger or cost. The decision that yields the greatest benefit is the best decision.”

            

Yao Wei: “Good. Let everything be handled according to Zihong’s intentions.”

“Yes!”

When Yao Zhaoyi came out from the front hall, she saw Yao Maolin waiting for her outside.

            

“Jiejie! Why did you come out? I just went to your room to look for you and couldn’t find you. I was frantic!”

Yao Zhaoyi said, “I felt too stifled inside and wanted to come out for some air. What’s there to worry about when we’re at home?”

“Of course, I’m worried! You can’t move easily; you should always have someone by your side.”

            

Not having seen her for several months, Yao Maolin had grown much taller. Before Yao Zhaoyi’s injury, this younger sister of hers was still a tiny tot​²³ who needed to be carried wherever she went. It seemed all her nutrition went into nourishing a sharp, studious brain, forgetting to grow taller and bigger; at fifteen, she looked like an underdeveloped child. Since Yao Zhaoyi’s injury, her younger sister had matured rapidly. She no longer pestered her, demanding this or that playfully. Her round face had thinned considerably, the contours of her features becoming clearer. Pushing Yao Zhaoyi’s four-wheeled chair, she gradually took on the appearance of an adult.

Yao Maolin always asked her Jiejie why she was injured, and what Ah Weng, Ah Fu, and the older brothers were discussing hidden away in the front hall, but Yao Zhaoyi told her nothing.

“You all still treat me like a child,” Yao Maolin said unhappily.

            

“You don’t need to know anything. Just focus on your studies.”

“When will you finally let me contribute to the Yao Clan? I’m not a child anymore!”

“Maolin, the world is already in great chaos. If you enter the political struggles, you’ll find it hard to extricate yourself. Jiejie doesn’t want you to follow in my footsteps. Knowing nothing is the greatest happiness.”

            

Yao Maolin didn’t take it to heart. She only thought that one day she would become the backbone of the Yao Clan and eliminate treacherous traitors like the Wei Clan and the Zhangsun Clan.

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