Spring arrives and the land smiles

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Tokens

Shangguan Hexiu, the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, was ordered to appease the people in the Yibin Hotel. He had just finished his mission and left when Qingyan secretly came to the Yibin Hotel.

"Go down." Lan Zhen waved to her.

Yesterday, Emperor Longqing's words, "He is willing to come out and see you," set off alarm bells for Qingyan. If it wasn't necessary, she naturally wouldn't dare to meet Lan Zhen openly. She could only take a secret approach, disguising herself as a palace maid to sneak over.

"If I go down there, who will you ask to frame your eldest brother?" Qingyan didn't know why she had become as spoiled as him, as if only in this way could she talk to him. Perhaps it was because of the old grudges over the Wulong pregnancy incident, and she was afraid that if she became serious, she would hit him to death.

The sudden provocation caught Lan Zhen's attention. Seeing his surprised expression as he turned around, Qing Yan smiled and sat opposite him.

"Your Highness must already know that the disturbance a few days ago was not caused by assassins, but by unruly civilians who mistakenly trespassed." Qingyan glanced in the direction Shangguan Hexiu had just left, her eyes carrying a pointed meaning.

Lan Zhen smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

"So, I'm afraid I can't help you." Qingyan said helplessly.

Lan Zhen smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

Why does he always seem so composed, as if he has everything under control? Qingyan felt a surge of anger. Why does he have to force her to help him willingly and wholeheartedly? Can't he just give in a little?

Reflecting on the veiled and explicit exchanges with her father yesterday, she realized that if she didn't want to be a pawn, she needed the resources to be the one making the moves. A princess raised in seclusion for over a decade had neither the means nor the ability to accumulate her own power. Even if she participated in politics, even with the assistance of the Fu and Ning families' armies, and even with her brother's Lingfeng Pavilion, she was still nothing more than a fledgling phoenix to her father and the Prince of Jin.

Young phoenixes have only a beautiful appearance, but lack sharp claws and beaks.

However, it was reborn from the ashes.

It's just mutual benefit; why do I have to make it look like I'm desperately looking for partners?

Qingyan composed herself, realizing that silence spoke louder than words. Seeing that Lan Zhen remained silent, she got up and left.

"Princess, please calm down." Seeing that Qingyan was really about to leave, Lan Zhen casually reached out and grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing her down into a chair.

"Your Highness, please have some self-respect." Teasing words were tolerable, but this frivolous behavior was something Qingyan was furious about, and she slapped his hand away hard.

"I am the husband you fell in love with at first sight, so what's with this talk of self-respect?" Lan Zhen said matter-of-factly, as if this was how their relationship should be.

Too lazy to argue with him, Qingyan deliberately said, "Does Your Highness have any further instructions? I can no longer help with the assassin matter."

Now that the matter was out in the open, Lan Zhen put away her jokes and said seriously, "This is just the official reason given to the public. With the princess's intelligence, it wouldn't be difficult for her to make Lu Changlin misunderstand, unless—" Lan Zhen paused, "...the princess needs to make an exchange?"

“No, I owe you two favors.” Qingyan’s words were pointed: one was that Lan Zhen offended the Prince of Jin by not giving her the map, and the other was the bottle of antidote that Lan Zhen gave her in Quhe Garden. “However, I don’t plan to repay them all at once.”

"Oh?" Lan Zhen raised her peach blossom eyes.

"Your Highness is so dashing and charming, how many young ladies have you captured the hearts of? If I repay this debt of gratitude now, I'm afraid I'll never have the chance to see Your Highness again." Qingyan's face showed a hint of admiration, and she even winked deliberately.

Lan Zhen smiled slightly. How could he not hear the teasing tone in Qing Yan's words? However, there seemed to be something more to her words.

“Princess, you are exceptionally beautiful. If you wish to see me, I will come at your beck and call.” Lan Zhen picked up the teacup on the table and handed it to Qing Yan, his captivating peach blossom eyes exuding unparalleled charm.

Therefore, what they were implying was that I agreed to let you drag me into the struggle for the throne, and you also agreed to be there for me if I were in trouble.

If it weren't for my father's actions yesterday, I wouldn't have needed to rush to find outside help.

Qingyan held the teacup in front of her in her hand, looked at it, and then put it back in its place: "Your Highness is too kind, it would be impolite of me to refuse." Then, she took a sachet from her waist that Yunxuan had prepared for her and handed it to Lan Zhen.

Lan Zhen took it and examined it closely in her hand.

Qingyan lowered her voice: "There is half a broken gold locket inside this sachet. It will be the token for you and me to communicate from now on." After thinking for a moment, she continued: "My visit to see you a few days ago has already aroused my father's suspicion. I am afraid he will test me."

"So be careful in everything you do, and don't see the other half..."

“I’m not stupid.” Lan Zhen interrupted Qing Yan and put the sachet into her bosom.

Qingyan gave him a subtle glare: "Lu Changlin will receive conclusive evidence by noon tomorrow. You, be prepared."

I hope he doesn't actually kill me.

After giving her instructions, Qingyan secretly slipped back to Caiyi Palace.

After thinking for a moment, he called Siyou and Siwu over and gave them a few instructions before heading to Ina's residence.

The Buddhist ceremony at Haihui Temple begins tomorrow and will last for seven days. If all goes well, Ina will return to her country after the ceremony. Therefore, many things still need to be prepared within these seven days.

Since meeting Ina, Haitu seems to have been quite active these past few days, with frequent official correspondence exchanged through the post station. However, the progress of this is unknown. Qingyan has been busy with the assassin's matter these past few days and has neglected to meet with him. Haitu hasn't even contacted her. Could he be up to something again? If so, should she take an even stronger remedy?

Haitu, if you do not submit to me, I will leave Ina and your child in my Great Qi.

Having made up her mind, Qingyan strode towards Ina's residence.

"My sister is here." Princess Ina greeted Qingyan with delight.

"Is my sister alright?" Qingyan warmly grasped Ina's hand and pulled her to sit down together. "These past few days, there have been unexpected events at the Yibin Hotel, and I have been unable to attend to everyone's needs, so I have neglected my sister."

"The Yi Hotel?" Ina became agitated upon hearing those three words. "When did this happen at the Yi Hotel?"

"It's nothing serious, sister, don't worry. A few nights ago, a few troublemakers mistakenly broke into the Yi Inn, thinking they were assassins," Qingyan said calmly, only emphasizing the word "assassins" slightly.

"An assassin?" Ina's face turned deathly pale instantly. She suddenly grabbed Qingyan's hand. "How is Haitu? I need to see him!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Ina's body slid down involuntarily, falling lightly into Qingyan's arms.

"Quickly, summon the Imperial Physician Wang."

The palace maids helped Ina to the bed, and then carefully helped Qingyan, whose complexion was also not good, to sit down.

Ina was frightened by the word "assassin" in Qingyan's name, while Qingyan was frightened by Ina's sudden fainting spell.

However, this is exactly the effect she wanted.

He beckoned Zhui'er over and whispered a few words in her ear. Zhui'er immediately understood and withdrew.

Imperial Physician Wang rushed in, having heard that Xuanhua Palace had urgently summoned him. He assumed it was because the eldest princess had miscarried, but upon arrival he learned it was someone else. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief and began to treat the woman on the bed.

"Old Physician, how is she?" Qingyan asked with concern. If anything happened to Ina's fetus, Qingyan felt that she would be guilty of a heinous crime.

"It's nothing serious. She was probably just a little upset and it might have affected the pregnancy. A few doses of medicine to help stabilize the pregnancy will do the trick." Imperial Physician Wang had taken care of Qingyan's health since she was a child and had practically watched her grow up. He knew that this princess was unconventional and spoke in a very natural manner.

"That's good." Qingyan breathed a sigh of relief.

"This old minister will go and prescribe the medicine immediately, Your Highness, please rest assured." The royal physician bowed and withdrew.

"Old Physician, Princess Ina is of marriageable age. Please keep this a secret." Physician Wang was one of their own, so Qingyan didn't beat around the bush.

Physician Wang nodded knowingly.

After settling Ina in, Qingyan returned to Caiyi Palace.

He dismissed everyone else, leaving only himself inside.

"Sicheng," Qingyan called softly.

A robust figure emerged from the shadows, his dark, fitted outfit giving him a sharp and capable appearance. His sculpted, sharp features bore a striking resemblance to Ning Yuan at first glance.

I wonder if it was because Ning had been away from the palace for many days and was overflowing with longing.

“Princess.” Si Cheng knelt on one knee before Qing Yan.

Because Si Cheng had been Qing Huan's bodyguard, he was often sent by Qing Huan to protect Qing Yan since Qing Yan became the crown prince. Therefore, Si Cheng was very familiar with his new master.

However, for Yu Qingyan, although they weren't strangers, the thought of having someone secretly watching her from time to time made her feel uneasy. Previously, Qinghuan had allowed her to be willful and not have any secret guards because Ning Yuan was by her side, and no one coveted a young princess raised in seclusion. But now that her status was different, her safety naturally needed to be more meticulous.

"Stand up and speak," Qingyan gestured.

Si Cheng stood beside Qing Yan with his head bowed.

Qingyan took out a letter and handed it to Sicheng, then took a very ordinary sachet from her waist and handed it to him: "Give the letter to Prince Zhao. There is a broken gold locket in the sachet. It is a token. He will understand when he sees it." Sicheng had never been in contact with Lan Zhen, so a token was naturally necessary.

"Yes." Si Cheng took it and disappeared into the shadows without saying anything more.

Only after Si Cheng had vanished without a trace did Qing Yan summon Cheng Ming and Cheng Liang.

The two exchanged greetings, bowed their heads, and cautiously awaited Qingyan's instructions.

Cheng Ming and Cheng Liang were Ning Yuan's confidants. Previously, when Ning Yuan led the elite vanguard battalion on an expedition, he was worried that the Prince of Jin's southward relief efforts would be detrimental to Qing Yan, so he had the two disguise themselves as eunuchs to protect Qing Yan. However, now they had become long-distance messengers between Qing Yan and Ning Yuan.

Qingyan carefully gave a few instructions. She knew that Cheng Ming and Cheng Liang would naturally have a way to deliver the information she wanted to convey to the right place in the shortest possible time.

Everything is arranged. Now all we have to do is wait for good news.

Inside the West Pavilion courtyard of the Yibin Hotel.

"What? Say it again." Haitu suddenly stood up from his chair and slammed his hand hard on the table, shattering a fine celadon teacup.

"The news that just leaked from Xuanhua Palace does indeed say that Princess Ina attempted suicide a few days ago, for reasons unknown," the attendant beside Haitu replied tremblingly.

Suicide? Reason unknown? Others may not know, but surely he does?

Hai Tu gritted his teeth and said, "Shen Qingyan, you're ruthless!"

At the end of the year, the annual New Year's prayer ceremony at Haihui Temple was held as scheduled. In a country where Buddhism is prevalent, its grandeur is self-evident. As a national event, Princess Ina's inclusion on the invitation list, even if she claimed it was at Qingyan's invitation, inevitably aroused jealousy among some.

Qingyan, dressed in her royal attire, attended the event as the Crown Prince. She sat on the main stage with Emperor Longqing and his concubines. Beside her was the only honored guest, Princess Ina. To outsiders, the two appeared to be very close sisters, which only fueled speculation about the Kingdom of Guici and Princess Ina.

Master Ran Deng, holding his staff, announced the start of the blessing ceremony. Immediately, bells and drums sounded in unison, and conch shells played in unison. The offering messengers and altar protectors knelt on both sides to welcome the ceremony, and all the monks chanted the "Incense Offering Praise" in unison.

The incense burner is newly lit. Its fragrance permeates the Dharma realm. All Buddhas in their assemblies hear it from afar. Auspicious clouds gather everywhere. With sincere devotion, all Buddhas manifest their complete forms. Homage to the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Who Gathers in the Clouds.

After the chanting of praises, Master Randeng made a prayer with his fingers clasped in front of the incense table. The messengers offering the offerings entered in single file, carrying holy water. To the strains of the chanting of the "Praise of the Willow Branch and Pure Water," Master Randeng sprinkled pure water on the royal family members present to offer their blessings.

After that, Qingyan could barely make out what was being chanted; she was feeling drowsy. But to show respect for the ritual, she knew she couldn't just be a bystander, so she had to force herself to stay awake. It wasn't that she was blaspheming the gods, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't understand the Sanskrit.

In contrast, Ina was extremely focused, her expression as serious as if she were dealing with her own destiny. Because they were so close, Qingyan could even hear her softly reciting the Heart Sutra. She was truly devout.

The ritual lasted half a day. The part requiring the participation of royal family members had ended, and everyone returned to their places to attend to their own affairs. Only Ina, representing Qingyan, meditated and chanted scriptures with the other prayer masters. Qingyan, however, announced publicly that due to her pregnancy, she could not exert herself and that her sworn sisters would represent her in offering their sincere prayers.

In this way, after the religious ceremony, Ina could be rightfully bestowed the title of Princess of Yasukuni.

"Is my sister's body able to hold on?" Qingyan thought of Ina's pale face yesterday and was afraid that something unexpected might happen.

"Don't worry, little sister, I'm fine. It's my honor to pray for you on your behalf. Besides, you're doing this for my sake. I'm so grateful." Ina said, forcing herself to speak, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Qingyan couldn't help but feel guilty. Thinking back to their childhood, young Ina was sent by the King of Guici Kingdom from afar to study Buddhism. She and Qingyan were good playmates. Whenever something happened, Ina, who was half a year older, would always protect Qingyan. Although they only spent a year together, their friendship was pure. Such scheming made Qingyan feel very uncomfortable.

Seeing Ina's determination, Qingyan could only nod silently.

Back at Caiyi Palace, Qingyan instructed Siyou and Siwu to secretly protect Ina, which of course included monitoring her.

Perhaps it was the calming effect of Buddhism that made Qingyan feel unusually peaceful at that moment.

Throughout history, few women have emerged unscathed from political struggles, and even fewer have triumphed. In male-dominated societies, women have always been the victims. To describe a man as "womanly compassion" is insufficient; it's clear that women are indeed less decisive than men, and kindness is their fatal weakness. Even now, he feels immense guilt for his seemingly justifiable exploitation of Ina—truly, it's his womanly compassion at work.

Qingyan gritted her teeth and clenched the book in her hand tightly; its contents made her heart pound with fear.

The silk scroll was brought directly from Lingfeng Pavilion and personally handed to her; it contained only seven characters:

The emperor sent a secret envoy to the southern Xia.

Just two days later, the Emperor's test arrived, albeit from a slightly distant place. Could it be that the Crown Prince truly must be a man?