Chapter 91

Another seven days passed before Chu Shaoling and his entourage finally arrived at the imperial capital. Prince Rong's heir, Chu Shaotao, went out ten miles from the city to welcome them. Chu Shaoling got off the carriage early and switched to riding a warhorse. Seeing the tent set up by Chu Shaotao's group, he only brought Wei Ji and other close guards as he approached. From a distance, Chu Shaotao bowed respectfully and said, "Welcome, Grand General. May the Grand General have prosperous military fortunes."

Chu Shaoling dismounted and smiled at Chu Shaotao. Their eyes met, both understanding each other tacitly. Chu Shaotao ordered someone to bring fine wine and said with a smile, "This is excellent wine obtained from the Empress Dowager. Congratulations to the generals for returning in triumph."

The attendant brought over a white porcelain wine bottle and filled several silver-threaded, jewel-inlaid wine cups. Chu Shaotao personally presented the first cup to Chu Shaoling, bowing his head and saying, "Grand General has worked hard. In the battle of Liaoliang, Grand General demonstrated boldness and valor, eliminating the hidden danger to our Great Chu in one fell swoop. Truly exhilarating!"

Chu Shaoling smiled and drained the wine cup in one gulp. Chu Shaotao presented the second cup to Wei Zhan, smiling, "Guardian General has worked hard. The soldiers left with falling leaves and returned with the frost. Over the past three months, it was all thanks to the Guardian General's support front and back that the 100,000 soldiers and million dan of grain and fodder were flawless. It was all due to the general's diligence."

Wei Zhan bowed to express thanks, took the wine cup and drained it. Chu Shaotao smiled again, "I also want to congratulate the general on the happy occasion of having a noble son. Princess Fuyi and the children are safe and sound. I've seen the two boys, they are very spirited."

Mentioning Fuyi and the children brought some warmth to Wei Zhan's face. He bowed his head and said, "Thank you, Lord."

Chu Shaotao smiled, turned around and took a cup of wine with both hands, presenting it to Wei Ji solemnly, "Capturing the Liaoliang princess at the Karakash camp, shooting down the Liaoliang crown prince with one arrow in the battle of Retong, leading several thousand cavalry to break through the encirclement of tens of thousands of Liaoliang troops outside Fenghe City - General Wei's meritorious deeds in this battle are too numerous to count. When I heard in the imperial capital of General Wei's great accomplishments one after another, I only regretted that I was unable to personally witness General Wei's heroic bearing on the battlefield! General Wei is a natural divine general, I admire him immensely."

Wei Ji humbly bowed his head, "The Lord overpraised me." As he spoke, he was about to take the wine cup, but unexpectedly Chu Shaoling stopped him with one hand. Chu Shaotao and Wei Ji looked at Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling took the wine cup, appearing unconcerned, "The Cavalry General's old injury has not healed, he should not drink alcohol. I'll drain this cup on his behalf."

Hearing this, everyone looked at Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling raised his head and drained it in one gulp, then casually placed the wine cup on the tray held by the attendant.

Chu Shaoling's series of actions in blocking the wine and drinking it himself were as smooth as flowing clouds and water, as if it was a most ordinary matter. Wei Ji's face remained unchanged but his heart felt some trepidation. The teasing in Chu Shaotao's eyes flashed by. He said loudly, "Enough, the Crown Prince has always been one to show solicitude for his subordinates."

After everyone had put on sufficient superficial airs, they finally entered the city. Chu Shaoling and Wei Ji entered one after the other, with Chu Shaotao and the others following behind. On the way, Chu Shaotao rode up closer. Wei Ji took the initiative and said, "Your Highness, I'll go up front to guard."

Chu Shaoling nodded, turned to Chu Shaotao and asked, "What is it?"

"What else could it be?" Chu Shaotao said in a low voice, "The Empress Dowager is busy having the Ministry of Internal Affairs arrange your grand wedding, don't you know?"

Chu Shaoling smiled, "That's why I rushed back, isn't it?"

Chu Shaotao laughed despite himself and lowered his voice, "Then what about that one up front? I know all about what happened at the front lines. I underestimated Wei Ji before. I always felt he hadn't grown up, had a good temper, and a gentle disposition, not cold or hot towards anyone. I never expected he would actually be so ardent. With you getting married at this time, will Wei Ji agree? I hear the Empress Dowager's intention is to have you get married first before ascending the throne, not delaying either."

Chu Shaoling thought to himself that Chu Shaotao had no idea about Wei Ji's good points. "The Empress Dowager wants me to get married first before ascending the throne, but I want to do the opposite - ascend the throne first, then get married."

Chu Shaotao was stunned for a moment. "Is this for you to decide?"

Chu Shaoling smiled and said no more. Chu Shaotao turned his thoughts and understood, a trace of hate welling up in his heart. "I should learn from you too. If I had made a move earlier, I wouldn't have let my wife and my not yet full-term son die in vain."

Chu Shaoling sighed lightly. "Endure a bit longer. It won't be long before you'll be in charge of the Rong Prince Manor."

Chu Shaotao let out a long breath and said no more. In fact, he was already in charge of the Rong Prince Manor now. Chu Shaoling was about to ascend the throne, and he had the merit of assisting the new emperor. The people in the residence had all seen clearly who stood more steadily now. Without needing to say much, they had all pledged allegiance to Chu Shaotao's side. Even Prince Rong treated Chu Shaotao and the Princess Rong much better now, it was just a pity Chu Shaotao would no longer pay him any heed.

Before long, everyone entered Xuanwu Gate. Chu Shaoling ordered someone to remove swords and armor. After tidying up, he went to Taihe Hall.

Now the Emperor couldn't even get out of bed. Coming to the Taihe Hall for a stroll was just going through the motions. Chu Shaoling sent Wei Zhan back to the Wei Manor first to see Fuyi and the children. He then said to Wei Ji, "You go back to the Qin Prince Manor to rest first. I'll return to the residence after paying respects to the Empress Dowager."

Wei Ji raised his head to look at Chu Shaoling, feeling a bit uneasy in his heart. His hearing was very good. He had heard bits and pieces of what Chu Shaoling and Chu Shaotao said on horseback earlier. The Empress Dowager wanted to find Chu Shaoling a wife?

The two looked into each other's eyes. Chu Shaoling saw the worry in Wei Ji's eyes. While Wei Ji was kneeling to pay respects, Chu Shaoling pulled him up with one hand and whispered in his ear, "Don't worry, I won't marry anyone else."

After helping Wei Ji up, Chu Shaoling said solemnly, "No need for excessive ceremony, go back." Having said that, he turned and left for Ci'an Palace with the palace servants. Wei Ji watched Chu Shaoling's retreating figure, his heart skipping a beat. What did His Highness say? If he's not going to marry, then he's not going to marry, but what does he mean he won't marry anyone else?

Wei Zhan looked at the somewhat dazed Wei Ji and asked in puzzlement, "What's the matter? His Highness won't be back at the Prince Manor for a while. Why don't you come back with me first? The family is still thinking of you."

"Yes." Wei Ji came back to his senses and nodded. "The military pay this time is quite a lot. I had someone bring it all back to the family."

Not to mention the Wei brothers returning to the Wei Manor, in Ci'an Palace, the Empress Dowager held Chu Shaoling's hand and looked him over for a long time before feeling relieved. She said in a low voice, "It's good that nothing major happened. Ah, these past days, my heart has been in suspense. Seeing you, I can finally put it down."

"Isn't your grandson safe and sound?" Chu Shaoling sat beside the Empress Dowager and smiled. "These past days, it was all thanks to Imperial Grandmother taking care of the palace that this grandson could fight with peace of mind out there."

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "That's nothing. By the way, there's something I've been wanting to discuss with you, but I haven't had the chance due to all these messy affairs. Ling'er, it's time for you to get married."

Chu Shaoling nodded, "Yes, I won't hide it from Imperial Grandmother. I have indeed been thinking about this matter recently." This was the absolute truth, except he was considering how to properly marry Wei Ji.

The Empress Dowager thought Chu Shaoling was also worried about delaying matters after the Emperor's passing. She nodded with satisfaction and said, "Good child, you're thinking the same as me. Now you understand why I kept urging you to come back. This truly can't wait any longer. Your Imperial Father, sigh, have you gone to pay respects to your Imperial Father yet?"

Chu Shaoling paused for a moment before saying, "I will go in a bit."

The Empress Dowager gently chided, "Child! Why didn't you visit your Imperial Father first upon returning to the palace? Are you waiting for the censors to submit memorials?"

Chu Shaoling thought to himself, even if I go, he can't open his eyes, so what's the point? But he nodded, "I know my mistake."

The Empress Dowager comforted, "I know you feel uncomfortable, but your Imperial Father is already like that. Show some filial piety, even if it's just for appearances. As for the grand wedding, if you have no objections, I will start the preparations. I will have the girls brought into the palace then, and you must choose one before proceeding. First decide on the Crown Princess, and the rest can all be carried into your residence after you wed. You're not young anymore, and the people by your side are not many. If you have any others you like, just tell me and I'll arrange it for you."

Chu Shaoling couldn't help but laugh. He nodded, "Alright, I'll follow Imperial Grandmother's arrangements."

The Empress Dowager felt content thinking about the future Qin Prince Manor full of beauties. She said with satisfaction, "Yes, you child put me at ease. Since young, you always listened to what I said, unlike your Imperial Father who never gave me a moment of joy. Alright, enough talk. You must be tired from just returning. Go kowtow at Chengqian Palace and then go back to rest."

Chu Shaoling stood up to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager, saying, "There wasn't much of value in the west, but on the way back I saw some interesting local customs. I had them prepare the items, and will have them sent over to Imperial Grandmother this evening. The goods are quite crude, so Imperial Grandmother can keep them to reward others."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled even more warmly, "You child are so thoughtful. Going to war yet still bringing these things back. How could I bear to give them away? Haha, go, go."

Chu Shaoling smiled, knelt in respect, and left the main hall. After exiting, the smile on his face faded. Looks like he'll have to make his move earlier.

When he returned to the Qin Prince Manor, Wei Ji had not yet come back. Chu Shaoling knew he went to the Wei Manor and didn't inquire further. He directly went inside and summoned Wang Muhan to question him.

Upon seeing Chu Shaoling, the old eunuch Wang Muhan first sighed with emotion. He had been bestowed to Chu Shaoling by Empress Ling and had watched him grow up. Chu Shaoling also had quite a bit of patience for this old man. He advised, "Eunuch, don't worry anymore. Haven't I returned safe and sound?"

Wang Muhan wiped the corner of his eyes with his sleeve and said, "It's all because this old servant is useless and couldn't accompany Your Highness to serve you. Fortunately there was still Lord Wei. Only then could this old servant set his heart at ease."

These words immediately touched Chu Shaoling's heart. He smiled, "With him, you felt reassured?"

Wang Muhan nodded, "This old servant has seen people all his life. I can tell at a glance who is loyal and who harbors evil. Otherwise, how could the late Empress have given this old servant to Your Highness? Lord Wei's loyalty to Your Highness is unquestionable. As long as he is here, Your Highness will not be harmed."

Chu Shaoling was stunned for a moment, then laughed, "Eunuch Wang indeed has discerning eyes."

"I was just about to discuss Wei Ji with you, and it's good that he's not here." Chu Shaoling dismissed the others and explained his plans regarding Wei Ji one by one to Wang Muhan. He said coldly, "What does Eunuch think of this plan?"

After hearing Chu Shaoling's words, Wang Muhan was so shocked his legs went weak. Was his master planning to overturn the heavens?! This matter was truly unprecedented!

Chu Shaoling said solemnly, "I haven't mentioned this to anyone else, not even Wei Ji. I trust you, Eunuch Wang, so I'm not concealing anything. You always think of taking care of me for the sake of my late mother. This is now the biggest matter in my life. It's a pity I can't ask my mother, so I can only discuss it with you."

Hearing this, Wang Muhan instantly teared up. He quickly knelt down and kowtowed, "This old servant is unworthy! This old servant is unworthy! The late Empress showed great kindness to this old servant. Doing anything for Your Highness is only proper."

Chu Shaoling sighed, "Eunuch, please rise first. Tell me, how is my plan? Are there any oversights?"

Wang Muhan carefully thought over what Chu Shaoling had just said and replied, "According to Your Highness' plan, this matter can indeed be accomplished in three years. But Your Highness really doesn't need to do this. Why doesn't Your Highness first establish a concubine? After the concubine gives birth to an heir, you can send the mother away but keep the child. Then Your Highness will have a successor without interfering with your devotion to Lord Wei."

Chu Shaoling shook his head, "I considered this three years ago, but upon further reflection, there are quite a few hidden dangers. Firstly, I promised Wei Ji 'one life, one world, one couple'. I won't go back on my word to him. Secondly, it's easy to send the mother away but keep the child, but I can't send away her entire family, can I? In the future, how will the heir's maternal family view Wei Ji? They will think Wei Ji is the murderer who caused their daughter's death. Why should I make an enemy for him for no reason?!"

"Moreover, this can't be hidden from the heir. In the future, when the heir grows up, how will he view Wei Ji? He may not necessarily hate me, but he will definitely hate Wei Ji!" Having grown up in the palace since childhood, Chu Shaoling had long seen through people's hearts. He absolutely would not allow any potential threat to Wei Ji to exist. "While I'm alive, of course I can protect Wei Ji. But what about after I'm gone? When the new emperor ascends the throne, the first one he'll deal with is the Wei family!"

Wang Muhan was speechless. He never expected Chu Shaoling to have planned for matters a hundred years later. Chu Shaoling said indifferently, "So I absolutely cannot leave an heir. Even the future crown prince must be raised by Wei Ji from a young age. Only then, with a loving father and filial son, can Wei Ji's glory and dignity be truly protected in life and in death."

"Besides, if I marry a woman and cast her aside after she bears a child, how am I any different from the Emperor? I don't need to let someone else suffer what my mother endured."

Chu Shaoling's analysis was reasonable at every point. Wang Muhan couldn't refute it and could only nod, "This old servant understands. This old servant will definitely arrange things according to what Your Highness said. I only hope that Your Highness can achieve your wishes in the future."

Chu Shaoling smiled arrogantly, "That's only natural."

Before setting off, the Emperor had cursed Chu Shaoling in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, cursing him to become a lonely man, just like himself and their ancestors.

A hundred years later, Chu Shaoling would lie in the imperial mausoleum together with Wei Ji, letting the Emperor and their ancestors in the underworld see that he would never, ever be alone.