Spring of the Blade - Chapter 80

Chapter 80

With the major matters of their marriage preparations nearly settled, it was time to turn an eye toward the state of the empire. However, in this world, there is no such thing as a leak-proof wall. Once it became known that the lady Commander Shen intended to marry was none other than the daughter of Xie Shu, those colleagues who had previously held conflicting political views found a perfect opportunity to seize upon the situation and deliver sarcastic remarks.

"It truly is a case of bending one's elbow inward. I was just wondering, the Commander-in-Chief has had no prior interaction with the Regional Commissioner Xie. If this had been any other time, the Commander would have impeached him long ago for the failure to take Shibor City, yet this time he has gone to such lengths to exonerate Xie Shu. It turns out they are connected by marriage; it all makes sense now," the Censor-in-Chief chuckled, winking at the others as he spoke, fearing that Shen Run might miss the subtext of his words.

On the grand road before the palace, officials who had finished the morning court session walked in twos and threes. A group of officials from the Palace Secretariat, dressed in brocade robes and jade belts, mingled among the officials in their formal court attire. Their intricate gold and silver threaded sleeves stood out sharply against their tall figures, making them appear like cranes in a flock of chickens.

Shen Run paused, and those behind him immediately came to a halt. He turned the red gold ring on his thumb, a smirk playing on his lips, neither truly smiling nor genuinely angry. "The Censor-in-Chief is a high-ranking official of the third grade; how is it that your perspective is so narrow? There is a war raging beyond the passes. Regardless of who the commander is, our top priority should be to expel the Tibetans from Shibor City. Does the lady I choose to marry have any bearing on my duty to share the burdens of the Emperor? Should I refuse to marry Xie Shu’s daughter just to watch tens of thousands of soldiers bury their corpses outside the pass?" He finished, his gaze shifting into the distance, his demeanor exuding a sense of profound detachment, as if he stood above all others. "The Censor-in-Chief has plenty of bright ideas, but when it comes to warfare, you are truly a layman. Even if the Sage were to hand an army of sixty thousand to you, you would not be able to hold the commander's seal or wave the battle flag. It is best to listen to me. After all, victory or defeat has nothing to do with you. The days ahead are long; how can you be certain that your esteemed residence will never have dealings with my Palace Secretariat?"

This was an undisguised, brazen threat. For any official in the court to have dealings with the Palace Secretariat was the equivalent of suffering eight lifetimes of misfortune. The Censor-in-Chief felt a prickle of fear, but hoping not to lose face, he sneered, "It is all in jest; there is no need for the Commander to take it so seriously. We are officials in this court, swapping our official caps every few years. It is true you command the Palace Secretariat, but you will not command it for a lifetime, will you, Commander?"

The provocation in his words was clear. Those nearby were filled with trepidation, as few dared to openly challenge Shen Run. The Censor-in-Chief did not necessarily mean to be his enemy, but caught up in the flow of conversation, they were locked in a war of words where one inevitably chooses the most hurtful things to say.

Others in the crowd tried to smooth things over, "Both gentlemen are of such rank, surely you will continue to rise to higher positions; no one wears the same cap until they are old..."

Shen Run’s gaze sharpened like a hawk’s. When he stared at you, it was enough to make your blood run cold. It had been a long time since he had heard such verbal offenses, yet he was not angered. He said coldly, "The Palace Secretariat will not change its Commander in three or five years. Does the Censor-in-Chief know how many officials the Palace Secretariat can investigate and prosecute in three or five years?"

That single sentence was enough to flush the Censor-in-Chief’s face bright red.

Shen Run snorted again, "Furthermore, Censor-in-Chief, you are mistaken. The lady I intend to marry grew up in a wealthy family in Hengtang; the Xie family never once treated her as their own flesh and blood. The mobilization of the imperial guards for the Shibor City campaign was not for Xie Shu, but for the sake of the big picture. As a third-grade official, surely you can understand my meaning?"

Having lost face, the Censor-in-Chief could not let it go, and it spilled out, "I have heard rumors about the Commander’s wife. It is said that her mother, driven by jealousy, poisoned another of Regional Commissioner Xie’s concubines, which is why she was banished..."

Before the words had even faded, there was a metallic clink. A streak of silver lightning flashed, and in an instant, a blade was pressed against the Censor-in-Chief’s throat.

Everyone was shocked. Although the Palace Secretariat had special permission to carry blades, drawing steel within the palace was enough to get one impeached. However, impeachment was a minor matter; the Censor-in-Chief’s life was the priority. Unfortunately, Shen Run’s subordinates offered no counsel; they merely glanced left and right, arms crossed, and remarked, "We have already passed through the Chengtian Gate; this is no longer within the forbidden palace grounds," clearing their superior of wrongdoing with brisk efficiency.

Shen Run had initially been dark-faced, and hearing someone malign Qingyuan had made him want to hack the man into ten pieces. But the Censor-in-Chief was, after all, a third-grade official. It was fine to scare him while in the public eye, but actually running him through with a sword would be problematic. Seeing the man’s face turn an ashen blue, Shen Run suddenly laughed. He flicked the blade with his finger, the tip wobbling just an inch from the man’s throat. "Look, Censor-in-Chief, this is a sword I just had made. Is it not bright?"

The sunlight hitting the ridge of the blade reflected in a way that truly stung the eyes. The Censor-in-Chief was merely a scholar; he was skilled at wagging his tongue, but when it came to real steel, he was useless. As the tip of the sword moved, he gulped hard. Seeing his Adam's apple bobbing with such amusement, Shen Run scoffed, "Don't be afraid, Censor-in-Chief. I am about to be married, so my mood is excellent; I won't go on a killing spree. However, it would be wise for you to worry less about rumors concerning my wife. In this world, rumors are the sharpest weapons for killing. You are a man of learning, do not drag yourself down to the level of a gossiping street woman—it makes me look down on you."

He slid the sword back into its sheath and led his men away, leaving the civil officials staring in stunned silence. Even if they had complaints, none dared to speak out.

A sub-prefect under Shen Run spat on the ground and said, "This Liu Ang is living too comfortably; he was clearly looking for trouble."

Shen Run appeared indifferent, but this indifference was merely a facade. He was a man who held a grudge, much like Qingyuan. In the early days, when the Shen family suffered much oppression, he had systematically dismantled those who defied him like chopping vegetables. Now that he had his beloved girl, he would naturally fight tooth and nail for her sake.

He drawled, "The Censor-in-Chief probably thinks he is beyond reproach, that the Palace Secretariat can't get a handle on him. But how much has he done in terms of abusing power for private gain through his business investments? I was too busy to deal with him before, but today, he actually brought his troubles to my door..." He strode into the yamen, ordering as he walked, "Send men to keep an eye on his businesses. Once the Shibor City matter is settled, I will settle my accounts with him properly."

Those waiting to serve bowed and withdrew to carry out the order. In the vast, deep halls of the palace, only Shen Che, the usher, and a few close deputies remained to assist him.

Shen Che said, "The Wing Army of Jiannan Road has received the order and is already marching. The men drafted from the Imperial Dragon Guard have also been sent via eight-hundred-li express to the front lines, authorized to act on the Commander’s behalf in deploying troops."

Shen Run sat in his chair, head propped on one hand, looking slightly listless as he muttered, "I have to stay here for news these next few days; I can't go anywhere..."

Shen Che looked at him with disdain. The Commander had recently shown signs of slacking in his official duties. That heart, dried up for years, had suddenly been filled by a clear spring, instantly sprouting lush branches. Now, he pined to return to Youzhou every single day, desperate to gather with his future wife. It made those who thought they understood him feel very uncomfortable.

Yan Fu stroked his full beard and said, "If the situation at the front turns sour, will the Commander have to go personally? If so, it will take a long time; you won't be back for three to five months."

There was no helping that; when it reached a critical juncture, one had to go whether one wanted to or not. For the next few days, the Palace Secretariat had a major case to handle, and he had to keep one ear on the battlefield news—it was exhausting. Yet, no matter how busy he was, he never forgot to think of Qingyuan. Every other day, he would send someone to the Chen residence to inquire about her. The messengers would report with complete solemnity that the young lady was busy training her cat, and that both the lady and "Rouge" were doing very well.

"Rouge" was the name she had given the cat, saying it had round spots on its face and was a "lady cat," so the name was fitting. Shen Run shook his head when he heard this, "What kind of name is Rouge? How vulgar." He turned and picked up his brush, writing three characters on peach-blossom stationery—Da Yuanzi (Big Meatball)—and ordered it to be sent to Youzhou with the utmost speed.

When Qingyuan saw those three characters, she was astonished and frowned deeply. "Big Meatball? Is he giving me a nickname? Does he think I can't tell?"

Baoxian tilted her head to look at the calligraphy on the paper, "I think this is a gesture of affection from the Commander, Miss. 'Big Meatball'... it sounds so round and lovely! Think about it, Miss: only when a cat is fat can it be round, and when it is round, its fur is good... good fur means a good appetite... a good appetite means it catches more mice and protects the home..." Seeing her mistress staring straight at her, she smiled sheepishly, "Miss, I can't keep making this up."

So, speaking well on Shen Run’s behalf really required a lot of effort. Qingyuan took the stationery and sat back down at her desk, placing it squarely before her, looking at his handwriting with longing—hating the name, yet feeling attached to it.

He remembered to name the cat, yet he didn't know how to write a letter to her. Although the capital was not too far from Youzhou, although he sent word every two days, although he was very busy...

Qingyuan sighed, "Actually, the name 'Big Meatball'... it’s also quite nice."

Nowadays, there was almost nothing the young lady insisted upon. Anything related to Commander Shen would, at most, elicit a few complaints before she quickly compromised. Baoxian watched her with a smile, seeing her brow knit and then smooth into a laugh. She couldn't help but marvel at how wondrous love was—these two people, who had been so calm and self-disciplined, had become so soft and gentle when brought together.

Noticing her deep gaze, Qingyuan felt somewhat uneasy, "Why are you looking at me?"

Baoxian smiled, "Nothing, I am just happy for you, Miss. You lost your mother when you were young, but the Old Madam has cherished you like a biological grandmother. Later, returning to the Xie family, you suffered half a year of hardship, like passing through a tribulation. But that is all over. At fifteen, you met Commander Shen, and I suspect you will be married before you are sixteen. Afterward, with a loving husband and a house full of children, you will have a perfectly full life."

Hearing this, Qingyuan couldn't help but sigh, "That is why I do not blame heaven or man; this is already quite complete." She then teased her, "And don't you be anxious. In the future, when there is a good marriage suitable for you, I will naturally handle it for you. And there is Chuntai... it is just a pity that the Xie family neither returned my private funds nor let her and Nanny Tao come."

As Baoxian was sighing, Chen Old Madam entered from the doorway, stepping over the threshold and saying, "The Old Master says I am acerbic and stingy, but I think you are the one with a heart as narrow as a needle’s eye. That box of private funds—it is well and good if we get it back, but if not, there is no need to take it to heart. Actually, if you ask me, you should be grateful to the Xie family. Their household was full of disasters, which is how you ended up with the opportunity to meet the Commander. Such a good man—it would be hard to find another even with a lantern. What is four or five thousand taels worth? You are short four or five thousand, and he gives you sixty thousand—isn't that enough to fill your deficit?"

Qingyuan smiled bashfully and went to help the Old Madam inside, "It isn't that I begrudge the money, but I just don't want it falling into Lady Hu’s hands to let her benefit for nothing."

The Old Madam turned back, signaling those behind her to place a large scarlet lacquer box on the desk, comforting her, "There is loss in every gain. Like a water vat under the eaves on a rainy day—once it is full, it must overflow. Do you feel it is a pity? If you feel wronged, there will be a day to get it back. Since they have sent people to visit, it shows they haven't given up. But there is no need to tangle with them over that bit of money."

Afterward, she stopped mentioning the Xie family, went over, opened the box, and carefully took out a wedding gown. "Take a look. I hired six embroiderers to work day and night to make this. Is it beautiful?"

Qingyuan put down her round fan to look. This jade-green, wide-sleeved robe was embroidered with peonies and phoenixes. Its exquisite luxury truly exceeded her imagination.

Chen Old Madam was very satisfied with the embroiderers' craft and held up the sleeve for her to see, "The thread is real gold, so there is some weight to it, but it doesn't matter. It is only for one day, so just endure it for a while. In the future, this ceremonial gown will be a piece of your family wealth, kept for your daughter to wear when she marries. Your grandfather just looked at it and worried it was too flashy, but I don't think so. The Commander is a new favorite in Youzhou and a man close to the Sage. There are plenty of gossips out there who will use your background as fodder for their tongues. I want them to be green with envy. What is the most uncomfortable thing in this world? It is to be looked down upon by someone who then ends up standing firmly above you. I want you to be married with great splendor so no one can say we are climbing socially. The Chen family was a wealthy and powerful clan; in the business world, let alone a second-grade official, even a first-grade one is within reach. Now that we only have you, if we don't give it to you, who would we give it to?"

Qingyuan’s nose grew sore, "Grandmother..."

Chen Old Madam’s eyes also turned red, but fearing the atmosphere was too heavy, she hurriedly smiled and invited her to try it on.

Qingyuan stood before the bronze mirror, watching as layer after layer of the ceremonial robes were placed on her. Although heavy, her heart was filled with joy. The Old Madam had someone redo her hair, adorning it with hairpins and hair ornaments. Once dressed, she inspected her up and down, clapping her hands, "Very good, very dignified. Once dressed like this, you truly look like a bride."

Looking at the reflection in the mirror, Qingyuan felt quite like a stranger. She touched the floral hairpins on her head and teased, "Grandmother, my neck is almost being crushed short."

The Old Madam said, "This is only a few pins; I was hoping you could wear eight pins and eight ornaments." She looked at her carefully, "Something is still missing..."

Qingyuan looked down; the gown was complete from the cloud-patterned shoulders to the knee-covers, and she didn't understand what her grandmother thought was missing.

Seeing her confusion, the Old Madam smiled and said, "A xiapei (ceremonial cape) is still missing. I only hope the Commander can bring one back for you. When that time comes, you will truly have everything you need, making all the envious ghosts jealous to death."

Only then did Qingyuan understand; this was what her grandmother was concerned about. In truth, she had never craved a title, for as her grandfather said, being too flashy is not necessarily good. Shen Run was in such an enviable position; even if the Sage favored him, it could not withstand the power of public opinion. When he had shamelessly pursued her, she had been worried about this. Now that she was truly going to marry him, this underlying anxiety did not diminish. She would have to think of ways to cultivate a good reputation for him elsewhere.

But she was happy now, so there was no need to tell her grandmother those things. She took the feather fan from the tray to toy with it—the fan face was inlaid with pearls and decorated with kingfisher feathers, and there was even a gold-nugget-shaped pendant the size of a fingernail at the bottom.

Qingyuan had the temperament of a child; while saying it was beautiful, she started fanning herself vigorously. The Old Madam saw this and immediately cried out, "Be careful! This isn't for cooling yourself—it's for shielding your face!"

Thus, the days in her maiden chambers flowed quietly by, and Qingyuan was filled with gratitude for it all. Back beside those who loved her, she didn't have to live in fear every day, and there was someone to hold in her thoughts. He was in Youzhou now; she wondered how he was doing.

She wanted very much to see him, but she was afraid that traveling before the wedding would make people say she was not steady, so she could only endure. She counted on her fingers: five days, ten days, half a month... she could only ask the people he sent. As long as they said the Commander was doing well, her heart was at ease.

The summer heat was gradually fading, and there was a chill in the mornings and evenings. She spent her days learning the art of incense from her master, and she was quite tired by the end of the day. As soon as the sky turned dark, she lay down. But tonight, before she could even dream, she heard the sound of light footsteps in the corridor. She suddenly woke up and sat up abruptly, because she recognized that stride and knew it was Shen Run who had come.

What to do? Her heart was anxious and shy. To run out and greet him now seemed to lose some face. She pondered for a moment, then lay back down, pulling the small quilt high to cover her, squinting her eyes, and peeking toward the door through a tiny slit.

He had likely silenced the maids who would have announced him, sneaking up to the door alone and looking inside. Seeing no sign that she was awake, he came in, then sat gently on the edge of her bed, propping his arms up to look carefully at her face.

He didn't know if she was awake. Seeing her breathing steadily, it was hard to judge. If she wasn't awake, he could steal a kiss; who wouldn't like such a romantic escapade!

He leaned down slowly, his face getting closer and closer. Qingyuan watched him through the hazy slit, knowing what he was about to do, her heart drumming loudly.

Some things were destined to happen, so she prepared herself to receive him. But for some reason, he paused halfway through the lean. She waited and waited, but he didn't move.

Who knew that after his long-premeditated plan, he would suddenly call out: "Big Meatball!"

Qingyuan couldn't help it and burst into laughter. After laughing, she grew indignant. Deciding to go all the way, she reached out, hooked her arms around his neck, and threatened: "If you don't kiss me, I’m going to kiss you!”