Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent. Hundreds of eyes turned simultaneously in one direction, and from beneath the pavilion came faint sounds of someone gasping for breath. A young gentleman on tiptoe stared in amazement, and the fan in his hand slipped to the ground with a soft snap.

The eldest princess was rumored to be decisive and formidable, her methods as swift as thunder. Tales of her three-year-old confrontation with the emperor, a clash of wills as sharp as needle against wheat, were whispered with a mixture of awe and fear. Yet, despite such a fierce reputation, she was neither rugged nor wielding a great sword. Instead, she moved with gentle grace, light-footed and ethereal, like a moonlit fairy detached from the mortal world; her every step was as refreshing as a spring breeze.

Marquis Wu De muttered, “Your niece doesn’t seem as difficult as you described after all…”

Seeing her approach, Marquis Wu De instinctively straightened his robes.

Xu Jingqing, noticing his usual weakness for beauty was acting up, cast him a look of disdain.

Cheng Muning drew near, catching Marquis Wu De’s sticky gaze from the corner of her eye. A cold, emotionless smile briefly curled her lips before fading instantly, replaced by a pleasant and amiable expression.

The uncle and niece greeted each other. She first bowed slightly to Xu Jingqing, her tone warm and respectful as befitting an elder. “Long time no see, Uncle. Are you still in good health?”

Xu Jingqing returned a half bow with a forced smile. “I am well, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern. It is rare for the princess to return to the capital. I should have come to the palace days ago to pay my respects, but the emperor has been ill, and state affairs have been overwhelming. I could not find the time. Today, I take advantage of this Qionglin banquet to offer my regards. I hope the princess will not mind.”

Cheng Muning replied, “Not at all. State affairs are of utmost importance. Besides, with the emperor unable to attend the banquet he bestowed, I worried that if trouble arose among the guests, one person would not be enough to handle it. Now that you, my uncle, are here in person, I feel much more at ease.”

Xu Jingqing was indifferent to such courtesies. “Your Highness jokes. This is the emperor’s banquet; who would dare cause trouble here? There is no reason for the princess to be alarmed.”

Cheng Muning said, “Indeed, you are right. But I have been away from the capital for three years and naturally feel a little out of place.” She lowered her gaze and gave a modest smile, her demeanor increasingly humble. “In the past, I was naive and reckless. Having gone through so much, I now realize that some of your past admonitions were truly justified. The emperor, you, and I—we are, after all, bound by blood and kinship. The current situation is difficult; the emperor worries day and night. I wish to help alleviate his burdens, but as a woman with little influence, there will be many hardships ahead. I must trouble you to take great care.”

Xu Jingqing studied her intently. “I dare not refuse. To assist the emperor is our duty. How could this be a burden?”

Though Cheng Muning had always been steadier than Cheng Zheng since childhood, she was young and sometimes impatient. When the late emperor passed, she had acted decisively to remove many senior officials in the court to secure her brother’s safety, arousing much resentment and making many enemies. That was why she fell from power so quickly. Both she and Xu Jingqing knew well who had stirred the waters behind the scenes. Yet, after three years, she showed not a trace of bitterness. Though none of her words might be entirely sincere, her calm and composed demeanor earned Xu Jingqing’s respect.

At the same time, he sensed something amiss. Before he could ponder further, the long-ignored Marquis Wu De cleared his throat loudly and laughed heartily. “The bond between the eldest princess and Minister Xu is so deep it makes others envious.”

Cheng Muning then turned her gaze on him, raising an eyebrow as if noticing him for the first time. “So this is Marquis Wu De. Father mentioned you during his lifetime. You have served the court guarding the borders and earned great merit. I heard you injured your leg two years ago and were summoned back to the capital. Has the imperial physician treated you? Have you fully recovered?”

Marquis Wu De’s fief was in Yaozhou, a southwestern border region. Although there were no large battles, skirmishes were frequent. Local governors usually handled troop deployments. As a hereditary noble without notable achievements, he had never even drawn a sword in earnest. Without his chance encounter with Xu Jingqing two years prior, he would have had no opportunity to serve at court.

The late emperor likely did not remember him at all. He could not claim those words of great merit. Yet the earnestness in the princess’s eyes and the genuine smile on her face—more sincere than that shown to Minister Xu—caught him off guard. Emboldened, he replied with a thick-skinned grin, “My entire He family is grateful for imperial favor. Even shedding blood on the battlefield is no shame. A minor injury like mine is nothing. Your Highness need not worry.”

Cheng Muning smiled more deeply. “Such bravery is truly a blessing to our Great Zhou.”

Marquis Wu De’s face, full of rugged flesh, broke into a broad grin. “Not at all. To have the chance to serve the court is the greatest fortune for a minister.”

“Princess,” Xu Jingqing interjected just as Marquis Wu De was about to be carried away by praise, “everyone is here now. Let us proceed to the banquet and continue our conversations.”

Marquis Wu De hastened to agree, “Yes, yes, let us proceed to the banquet!”

Surrounded by curious gazes, Cheng Muning courteously yielded a step. “Very well, uncle, after you.”

After a brief exchange of politeness, they walked side by side toward the banquet platform.

As they ascended the steps, Xu Jingqing deliberately stayed half a pace behind, discreetly pulling the distracted Marquis Wu De back to attention.

Nearby, Hong Jin, supporting Cheng Muning, scowled. “What kind of person is this Marquis Wu De, daring to show such disrespect to the princess? The princess should be so cold to him that she ought to gouge out his eyes and feed them to the dogs!”

Though this was her first meeting with Marquis Wu De, Cheng Muning had heard much of his nature. Smiling slyly, she said, “He is merely a lecher. I am more interested in his purse than his eyeballs.”

As they spoke, the officials gradually took their seats.

Pei Shao descended slowly from the distant observation tower. His seat was arranged just to the right and below the throne, near the front. Without greeting, their eyes met briefly. Cheng Muning caught a flash of cold bitterness hidden beneath his dark pupils, but as he averted his gaze, the expression vanished.

Her steps slowed. Tilting her head, she pondered aloud, “During the preparations for this banquet, have we been too rude to the palace guards?”

Yinzhu, who had the most dealings with the palace guards, paused, then shook her head. “The princess just returned to the palace. Our people have been cautious with their words, fearing any misstep. Apart from asking them to run a few errands, nothing improper has occurred.”

“That’s good,” Cheng Muning said.

Before she could think further, they had reached the front seats, originally Cheng Zheng’s place. It was her first time seeing the assembly from this angle, and the varied expressions on the officials’ faces revealed their hidden intentions.

“Gentlemen,” she briefly scanned them and raised her cup. “Today, by the emperor’s grace, we celebrate those who have succeeded in the imperial examinations. May you never forget your original aspirations and serve the court loyally in the future. This banquet is also a joyous occasion for all officials, a chance to share in the good fortune and auspicious beginnings. It is a pity the emperor, unwell, cannot join us. I will take his place and hope you feel at ease.”

Since she spoke on the emperor’s behalf, proper etiquette was observed. Cups were raised in unison, with shouts of gratitude for the honor bestowed.

Cheng Muning took her seat. “Let the music begin.”

“Wait!” Just as the musicians plucked their strings, a man rose abruptly, supporting the table. “Princess, may I ask when the emperor’s illness will be cured? Until then, will you make all decisions? What news is there about the grain and horses?”

This was not a palace banquet, and most wore colorful common attire. Cheng Muning barely recognized Feng Yu from the Ministry of War.

The harpist clutched her instrument helplessly. Cheng Muning gestured her to step back. “The emperor worries deeply over this matter but must rest now. If there are pressing issues, I will report personally. As for the grain and horses, I would like to hear everyone’s thoughts today. Minister Feng, what is your opinion?”

The Ministry of War always wanted funds and immediately said, “Naturally, the Ministry of Revenue must allocate funds quickly.”

Zhang Jicai had just settled and was awkwardly adjusting his robes. He hurriedly said, “Minister Feng, how many times have I said it? We truly cannot provide the funds you demand. Princess, you have reviewed many ledgers these days; if you doubt me, ask the princess!”

Cheng Muning revealed the difficulty frankly. “It is indeed hard.”

Feng Yu knew well. “Who is not troubled? The Ministry of War controls arms, horses, and military affairs; everything requires money. If preparations are insufficient, who cares if our troops perish? Will the eldest princess still support the Ministry of War then?”

Cheng Muning said nothing but sipped her wine.

Marquis Wu De, ever gallant, spoke up. “I understand Minister Feng’s urgency, but why make things difficult for a woman?”

“Let us speak to the matter,” Feng Yu dismissed him coldly and ignored Marquis Wu De, addressing Zhang Ji. “Raising funds is the Ministry of Revenue’s responsibility. Regardless, deploying troops is urgent. Minister Zhang must understand priorities. The money granted to the Ministry of Works last month should not have been released. The Ministry of War’s requests are always deferred, but the Ministry of Works handles theirs efficiently. Perhaps it is because the Ministry of War lacks a nephew like yours, Minister Zhang.”

Feng Yu’s sarcastic remarks infuriated Zhang Ji, who leapt to his feet. His nephew was a minor clerk in the Ministry of Works, hardly influential, but Feng Yu repeatedly mentioned him as if implying favoritism.

“Minister Feng, watch your words!” Zhang Ji said. “The Ministry of War’s requested funds are substantial. Compared to that, the Ministry of Works’ amount is but a drop in the bucket, hence easier to allocate. Moreover, the Ministry of Works is repairing city walls to repel enemies. How can that be called unimportant?”

“Sure,” Feng Yu retorted, “everything is important except the Ministry of War. Last year, when we requested a racetrack, you delayed approval, causing dozens of warhorses to miss training and delaying their transport to the front. Yet the blame always falls on the Ministry of War!”

Zhang Ji explained, “That was due to other reasons. The palace guards took precedence, and later we provided another site for you. Why bring this up again?”

At the mention of the palace guards, many glanced toward Pei Shao nearby.

The argument grew heated, but Pei Shao remained calm, pouring himself a glass of wine.

Since the Prince of Yin’s rebellion, Pei Shao had not expressed opinions on military defense, maintaining an aloof stance that puzzled many and raised suspicions of possible betrayal.

Feng Yu dared not accuse him and changed the subject. “Also, the flood on Danfeng Street last time submerged several offices. When the Ministry of War needed to repair the armory, you claimed poverty, yet allocated a large sum to the Ministry of Rites.”

Officials from the Ministry of Rites, present today, responded, “That was for the imminent arrival of foreign envoys, a matter of diplomacy. The emperor’s order was strict. We had to be meticulous.”

Feng Yu snorted coldly. “You spend lavishly every year. Is it always for diplomacy? Why not allocate all the funds to yourselves and fight the wars too?”

“Minister Feng, that is a gross misunderstanding,” a Ministry of Rites official said. “We oversee the five rites. Even the annual military ceremonies require expenses. Your words suggest only your ministry serves the court while ours merely takes money without work. Officer Wang, what say you?”

Several imperial censors intervened, and chaos erupted.

Ji Fang, observing, felt uneasy. Such disputes might not end for hours. He hurried forward to inquire Cheng Muning’s wishes, only to see the eldest princess leisurely leaning on the table, ignoring the disorder, intently peeling grapes from a plate.

Ji Fang reached to take the fruit, “Princess, your nails may get dirty. Such trivial matters could be entrusted to your servants.”

Cheng Muning raised her hand to stop him. “No need.”

Ji Fang relented. “Princess, shall I try to calm the gentlemen?”

Cheng Muning tilted her head, amused. “How does the emperor usually calm them?”

“Your Highness,” Ji Fang considered, “uh…”

Cheng Muning smiled. “If the emperor, seated on the dragon throne, cannot calm them, what can I do? Let them be. It’s good for them to vent.”

“Yes…” Ji Fang glanced at the chaotic scene and then at the princess, his heart still uneasy. After three years away, she seemed to have forgotten how sharp-tongued these men were to remain so composed.

Half an incense stick later, the quarrel grew fiercer.

Cheng Muning continued peeling grapes, filling an entire bowl with translucent fruit, adorned atop with a small white flower, quite beautiful.

She pushed the bowl forward, wiping her fingers. “Yinzhu, take these to the palace guards. The commander is on duty and should not drink. Some fruit will quench his thirst better.”

Ji Fang was surprised. The previously furrowed brow relaxed into a smile. “The princess peeled these herself? I will deliver them at once.” Eager to curry favor, he approached Pei Shao with a broad grin.

Cheng Muning glanced at him. “Very well.”

With everyone’s attention on the fiery officials, Ji Fang’s delivery to Pei Shao drew little notice. He knelt nearby, grinning, apparently flattering the commander, though Pei Shao remained impassive, clearly unmoved by the flattery.

Cheng Muning smiled wryly and withdrew her gaze.

Meanwhile, several others turned their eyes from the argument toward her.

Feng Yu was now accusing the Ministry of Personnel, counting their misdeeds over the years. Finally, he asked sternly, “Officer Wang, what do you say? Officer Wang?”

But Officer Wang craned his neck, his thoughts elsewhere.

Whispers broke out at the table. Feng Yu paused and glanced over, hearing the Ministry of Personnel official lean forward and conspiratorially say, “Those grapes were peeled by the eldest princess herself.”

Feng Yu responded, “Is that so?” Then snapped, “No wonder the Ministry of Personnel’s efficiency is so poor—multitasking!”

“Hey, you…” the Ministry of Personnel official was about to retort when Zhang Ji suddenly leaned over from two tables away, “Why would the eldest princess do such a thing?”

Officer Wang regained focus. “Minister Zhang is certainly devoted to his duties. Don’t you have no one to chat with during meals? The eldest princess and Pei Shao’s old affair is well known in court. I even once submitted a memorial against her conduct!”

Zhang Ji was shocked. “Really? I thought it was a rumor… Minister Feng, you know too?”

Feng Yu, dry-throated, nodded. “It’s true. Officer Wang once accused the princess of unbecoming behavior damaging her reputation. Shortly after, she was reassigned to the Secretariat. It was said that Minister Shen interceded, and Officer Wang was reinstated.”

Recalling that period, Officer Wang sullenly lifted his wine cup. “People’s hearts are inscrutable.”

The interruption seemed to quell the anger.

Cheng Muning rose and, fanning herself, smiled to lighten the mood. “I will relay your concerns to the emperor. But today’s banquet celebrates the examination graduates. Your sharp tongues may leave the young hopefuls no chance to shine.”

Sharp tongues indeed—more like spitting venom.

Some blushed and straightened their robes, though Feng Yu remained sulky until Officer Wang tugged him down.

“How about we follow past banquets and lighten the mood with a literary contest?” Cheng Muning suggested as she stepped before the platform.

The guests found the topic rather abrupt until she added, “I heard one of this year’s graduates wrote an exceptionally good essay, praised even by Dean Jiang. Though I am confined to the palace and unfamiliar with such matters, I respect Dean Jiang’s discerning eye. I am curious. Where is this person? May they come forth and show me their work?”

At that moment, Xu Jingqing, seated at the lower left, suddenly lifted his eyes and fixed them steadily on Cheng Muning.