Chapter 28
Chapter 28: Extreme Disappointment
Watching my receding back, Li Zhi crushed the cup in his hand, cutting and causing fresh blood to cover his hand . From youth, he was the center of everyone’s attention . Even during these years of marching and fighting with the army as a leader, he was always the an aloof and remote1 prince of the state – loyally served by the soldiers, beloved and respected by the common people, revered by the ministers, and admired by the imperial family . On numerous occasions, he only needed to show respectful etiquette towards a talented person, and would receive that person’s tearful gratitude . On numerous occasions, he had was done as he had pleased in handling these small matters, thus creating this modest and unassuming persona of his . Gradually, he became accustomed to using his glamor to pacify others, and his modesty and moderation to obtain their loyalty . Today, he had truly experienced a bitter and painful setback . Regardless of his conduct, that person would only smile and remain at a distance . It was true that he could forcibly keep this person beside him as an official . But what use was that? He had not been able to pacify this person . He had not been able to gain this person’s loyalty . At this moment, Li Zhi tasted the painful consequences of failure . He had suffered many defeats on the battlefield and he had been deeply embarrassed in court, but he had never experienced such disappointment and pain .
Just as Li Zhi was finding it extremely difficult to extricate himself from this dilemma that he faced, the sound of graceful happiness reached his ears . He could faintly discern that the sound was noble and lofty, gentle and honest . Li Zhi’s heart could not help but be moved . His mood gradually calmed down . He glanced at the worried expressions on the faces of his advisers . He glanced at frightened look on Li Jun’s face . He spoke in a helpless tone, “This prince is tired and will go rest . ” So saying, he stood and departed .
Shi Yu and company watched the Prince of Yong’s receding back, keenly feeling his loneliness and sorrow . Their own moods could not but be heavy as well . Although they could not understand Li Zhi’s frame of mind, but they were well aware of the psychological shock that Li Zhi had just received . Seeing that the gathering had ended, Dong Zhi declared in an enraged tone, “Jiang Suiyun went too overboard . His Highness treats him so well, and yet he unexpectedly is still so heartless . ”
“Regardless of how overboard he goes, we cannot blame him,” replied Guan Xiu with a smile, “It is said that ‘a loyal official does not serve a second master . ’ There is nothing strange about his unwillingness to loyally serve His Highness . ”
“It would be fine if he was really a so-called loyal official, and would rather die than submit,” asked Dong Zhi angrily, “But he clearly isn’t that kind of person . And yet, he continues to refuse to serve His Highness . If is unwilling to serve this kind of wise liege, then does to want to serve someone like Li An?”
Shi Yu thoughtfully replied, “I am actually worried that His Highness’s killing intent has been stirred . If this person is killed, then not only would the world lose a gifted scholar, but His Highness’s reputation would also be harmed . But His Highness is correct to be worried … How can this kind of talent be allowed to be used by someone else? These last few days, he has learned so much about His Highness’s affairs . Even if His Highness isn’t worried, we should be worried . ”
Gou Lian seemed to refute these words, “I feel like this person actually has thoughts about serving His Highness . It is only that he has a difficulty that we cannot understand . ”
Three pairs of eyes immediately turned to look at Gou Lian . For Gou Lian to be able to serve as an envoy, he not only relied upon his formidable mouth, he also relied heavily upon his ability to discern how someone thought from their body language . 2 For him to speak thus, he definitely had some certainty . Gou Lian suddenly smiled, as he saw a servant walk over . In front of the four advisers, the servant respectfully reported in, “Sir Gou, this lowly one asked the servant who escorted Sir Jiang to his room . En route, Sir Jiang suddenly stopped to pick a bamboo leaf and played a tune . ”
Gou Lian waved his hand to dismiss the servant before turning to look at the other three . Dong Zhi thoughtfully inquired, “Are you saying that the music just now was played by Jiang Zhe?”
Gou Lian faintly replied, “I listened to that tune a moment ago and realized that the skill wasn’t particularly brilliant . However, the tune was gentle and honest, seemingly as if it was from the heart . In addition, it did not seem to be the sound of traditional instruments . Therefore, I dispatched someone to take a look . It was indeed Jiang Zhe . That this person was able to discern His Highness’s violent indignation only speaks to his talent and wisdom . But he played that tune to calm His Highness’s mood . This shows that he was not completely indifferent to His Highness . That is why I stated that he definitely is facing an enormous difficulty that prevents him from serving His Highness . ”
Shi Yu retorted, “But that is exactly the problem . His Highness is humane and benevolent, with wisdom reaching the heavens . If he was interested in position and wealth, His Highness need only speak a word . If he really had some difficulties, His Highness would definitely be able to help him resolve it . Can His Highness’s behavior towards him be inferior in any way to how he was treated by the Prince of De, Zhao Jue?”
Indifferently, Dong Zhi inquired, “If we aren’t able to help deal with His Highness’s problems, what face do we have to remain here in this manor? His Highness attaches such importance to this man . Does this mean that we are inferior to him?”
Shi Yu heaved a heavy sigh before responding, “Our specialties are governance and the art of war . Although our talents can be assist a liege, His Highness’s current foe is nothing someone that we can take care of . To speak clearly, His Highness’s enemy is Crown Prince Li An . Although this person appears to be loyal and filial, but is in actuality, fiercely sinister . Unfortunately, he stands in the position of righteousness . Even if there are vile characters committing outrages under his banner, there are also persons of noble character who strongly support the legitimate succession to the throne . This kind of enemy is extremely difficult to deal with . In addition, the junior mentor of the crown prince, Lu Jingzhong, is a sly and crafty schemer, a genius at assessing people’s intent . As a result, His Highness has never been unable to shake the crown prince’s position .
“On top of all this is the Prince of Qi … although he appears to be debauched and reckless, he has never gone overboard . We can clearly see that he is talented and capable . He is also a capable commander, serving as the crown prince’s courage . With the Prince of Qi’s support, the crown prince can concentrate on dealing with His Highness and not have to worry that Great Yong does not have any capable generals to command its armies in the future .
“As for the emperor, not that I am slandering the emperor, he is jealous of His Highness’s talent . The mutual suspicion between father and son is not something recent . At critical moments, the emperor may give His Highness a helping hand, but under normal circumstances, he is more than happy to see the crown prince suppress His Highness . Although these enemies are powerful, based upon His Highness’s demeanor and capability, and our support, His Highness still has a fifty percent chance of success .
“However, the most dangerous opponent is the Fengyi Sect . I once had the chance to meet their sect master . She is adept at astronomy and yin and yang, and is also familiar with geography and the teachings of the Hundred Schools of Thought . 3 There is nothing that she does not understand about schemes and plots . Although she is a woman, she has always had the ambition to bring peace and stability to the world . Even more frightening is that she is aware of her limitations . She knows that she cannot overly seize the world . As a result, she uses any and all methods to try to control the Great Yong court . Noble Consort Ji who is beside the emperor, the crown prince’s second wife, Consort Xiao, and the Prince of Qi’s consort, Qin Zheng, are all disciples of the Fengyi Sect . Beyond that, no one knows how many people they have next to us . They all pretend to wholeheartedly assist the state, causing everyone to respect them and not take precautions against their strength . Now, they have clearly shown their support for the crown prince . With their existence, the emperor, the crown prince, and the Prince of Qi form an inseparable entity . How can His Highness oppose them?”
Hearing Shi Yu’s words, the three advisers all noticeably shivered . They originally did not know how challenging the situation was for the Prince of Yong, only knowing that the prince had rejected the offer of marriage from the Fengyi Sect . They all were against allying with the Fengyi Sect, although all three of them had different reasons for doing so . They did not expect that the current situation was practically irreconcilable . Dong Zhi took a deep breath and asked, “If that is the case, then how does this relate to Jiang Zhe?”
Shi Yu sighed again before replying, “Although the Fengyi Sect master is a frightening, once in a generation talent, she has one weakness . She is ultimately a woman, and is indecisive in her decision-making . She is sometimes overly cautious . To defeat this person, requires someone extraordinary who can operate independently . This is the so-called ‘uncanny troops are victorious against standard troops . ’ Although Jiang Zhe, this person, has an outward appearance of someone accepting circumstances with good will, is someone who does not go along with the pack, clearly standing out with his unusualness . Considering his behavior, he is someone who has no qualms and is unconstrained in style . Considering the stratagems that he employs, all of them have been unusual and crafty in their decision-making, happening outside of everyone’s expectations . Moreover, his arrangements are profound and long-lasting, his thought processes are meticulous and careful . His execution is sinister and fierce to the extreme, adept at prevailing over opponents within the most dangerous of circumstances . His Highness has spoken of the several times he has gone against this man . Every single time, His Highness has suffered . What is even more alarming is that His Highness did not have any way of resisting . That year, he offered His Highness a suggestion . Although it ensured His Highness’s safety, it also successfully sowed discord between His Highness and the emperor . His Highness could clearly understand the intentions of this advice, but had no way of stopping its effects . Only Jiang Zhe, this person, is capable of attaining victory over the Fengyi Sect master . If we cannot annihilate the Fengyi Sect, our Great Yong will one day fall into the hands of these women . That is why His Highness would lose his self-control . Everyone please understand the painstaking efforts of His Highness and not resent His Highness’s preferential treatment of Jiang Zhe . ”
“Many thanks to Ziyou for your instruction,” replied Dong Zhi ashamedly, “Zhi cannot help resolve problems for His Highness and yet is jealous . I am extremely ashamed . ”
Shi Yu rose from his seat and said, “Brother Dong is too serious . We are close advisers to His Highness . We naturally should be wholeheartedly show our devotion and loyalty to His Highness . ”
At the same time that Shi Yu was eliminating the disturbance, I was half sitting in bed, drinking a fragrant tea that could dissipate the effects of alcohol . I was completely absorbed in recalling today’s events . Ever since Piaoxiang had died, my heart was frequently filled with melancholy and gloom . Today’s gathering had immediately turned my mood clear and bright . If I had yet made my decision, I fear that I would have already acquiesced . I remembered the fear in my mind during our meeting in Sichuan in his encampments . Now, I did not have any restraints upon my decision-making and thus reducing any fear I had of the Prince of Yong . However, I could not but admit that the Prince of Yong was unusually tolerant . If it was me, I probably would have killed such a discourteous fellow .
Ah, it was unfortunate that I could not change my mind no matter the circumstances . I, Jiang Suiyun could randomly participate in the examinations and offer my advice once up a time, but right now, I cherished my freedom . Under the prerequisite of ensuring my survival, I will never again be loyal to anyone . I smiled faintly . I had come to this decision even though I had never before been genuinely loyal and devoted to anyone .
Before I went to bed, I once again thought of the heir to the Prince of Yong, Li Jun . What a cute and innocent child . It was a pity … from what I could see from this child’s appearance, he was intelligent but would likely die prematurely . This child would not have the fortune of ascending to the throne . Thinking it over, I smiled again . Although this child’s physiognomy was somewhat poor, he had a good natured temperament . Combined with the Prince of Yong’s fortune providing shade for him, he should not live a short life . To say nothing of the fact that he was a precious imperial grandson . What regrets could he have? There was no reason for me to worry for him .
Though already half asleep, I had suspicious . In my view, the Prince of Yong wasn’t someone who would unceasingly harass someone . Why would he respond so abnormally? It was almost as if he absolutely must acquire my service . This was not in keeping with conventional wisdom .
To Li Zhi, immediately after he had calmed down, he received word that the Prince of Qi had come calling . He was not happy . Before him, Li Xian flattered and threatened, “Second brother, just let me meet Jiang daren . At that time, I became acquainted with him while in Southern Chu . Imperial Father has even said that he will appoint him to an official position . Did you place him under house arrest?” Without any other options, Li Zhi could only agree to allow Li Xian to meet with Jiang Zhe .
When he entered the courtyard I lived in, Li Xian shouted out, “Suiyun! Suiyun! It looks like second brother treats you quite well . This courtyard is much loved by second brother, and yet unexpectedly he is willing to allow you to live here . ”
At that moment, I was playing weiqi with Xiaoshunzi . My skill was mediocre, while Xiaoshunzi was quite good . According to him, playing go helped him with his cultivation . If it weren’t my pretty good strategic and macro sense, and the occasionally making strange moves, I fear that I would lose badly . When Li Xian was shouting out and walking in, I was thinking about my next move with my brow furrowed . Seeing Li Xian enter, Xiaoshunzi stood . Bowing respectfully, he greeted Li Xian, “This servant greets Your Highness, the Prince of Qi . ” Afterwards, he nudged me lightly .
Li Xian took Xiaoshunzi’s seat . Seeing that I was still racking my brains, he stated, “Stop thinking . I’ve the opportunity to experience your skill at weiqi, it’s notoriously bad . ”
Roused from my thoughts, I looked at Li Xian seated opposite me . Staring blankly, I inquired, “Why did Your Highness, the Prince of Qi, come here?”
Deliberately revealing a look of deep hurt and disappointment, Li Zhi replied, “Heavens! Don’t tell me that Jiang daren only just now saw my seven chi4 tall body?”
I smiled slightly, pushing away the board and ordered, “Xiaoshunzi, prepare a cup of tea for His Highness . ”
Xiaoshunzi brought over a cup of hot tea which Li Xian accepted . He sized up Xiaoshunzi for a while before asking in quick succession, “Are you a eunuch in service here in the prince’s official residence? How come I’ve never seen you before? Are you new? Why are you wearing those clothes?”
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