Chapter 84
Glossary
儿 | er | (lit. child) diminutive marker used as a form of endearment
[1] 氏 | shi | clan name; maiden name. A way to identify women that have married.
Ruan Zhu had only come out to go sightseeing and was met with the Emperor’s summons. He was the venerable Jiu Wu Zhi Zun,[a] at the same level as the future’s Chairman of a country. She said in a small voice: “Do you think I’m able with my current appearance? That um, wouldn’t that offend His Imperial Majesty?”
If the previous several palace banquets hadn’t occurred during the time when she was pregnant, then they were during the period when she was recovering after childbirth, causing her to miss them all. There was still a bit of a small commoner’s mindset in her subconscious, so as soon as she heard she was to pay a formal visit, her thoughts inevitably became nervous.
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi smiled: “Wife, Emperor-Father is not a man-eating tiger. When you meet him, you will understand. He is rather amiable towards the younger generation.”
Ruan Zhu had of course heard that this Emperor was soft-tempered and ordinarily loved dance and literature, rather like Song Ren Zong of Chinese history.[b] Since taking the throne, he had actively undertaken the project of developing the motherland’s culture, causing the military men to lack favorable positions to display their skills. The entire army’s combat ability had declined as a result. Otherwise, how would they have had no means against the Red Eyebrow army in the south?
However, when all was said and done, the Emperor was a fair and good emperor. The ministers and civilians quite loved and respected him; at least the citizens of the capital did, or else there would not be so many commoners’ boats following him in relocating to Lan Zhou.
“Lord Husband, do you think what I’m wearing is too plain and will cause offense?”
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi studied his wife’s bright and clean oval face which did not need to be scrutinized for long. Her hair that had been combed into a chuiyunji was devoid of ornaments and stretched to her waist, all of it appearing as graceful as floating clouds. On her upper body was a satin snow-hued top garnished with flowers peeking out secretly and flowing sleeves; her lower half was adorned in a water-blue flowing satin skirt that trailed on the ground. Wrapped around both of her arms was a hazy silver muslin.
Simple and neat was simple and neat, she was also utterly captivating, just like a lily quietly poised in a valley, exuding an air that made one fascinated. He sighed in his heart. It was no wonder his third brother could become so enchanted by her and be willing to become her family’s number four. It was incredibly difficult for such a proud and arrogant person like him to act that way.
“The women of our Tian Chu all like to cover themselves in flowers. Though I have never seen you wear them, the Zhu’er without any of that has a magical air. I think this looks nice. This is very good, very beautiful, and even many of the imperial consorts are not your equal.”
“Where am I beautiful?” Having been complimented by him, Ruan Zhu was delighted and turned towards Nuan Chun: “Go find a tavern nearby and stay there for a while. If you want to eat something, order it and do not worry about the cost.”
“This slave will nevertheless return to the ship to take care of the Young Master.”
Nuan Chun looked on as his family’s Miss was led by Third Master into Huang He Tower, envy in his eyes. When could he also lead her by the hand and speak words of love with no worries? What a pity that he had been taciturn at birth and could not easily speak words that made one feel pleasant inside.
Ancient staircases were very steep ,so by the time they had reached the top, Ruan Zhu was faintly gasping for air with beads of sweat on her nose. It looked like she lacked exercise, ah!
There were quite a few people at the top floor all in civilian clothes with unrecognizable workmanship. Some were sitting, some were standing, and with the exception of Xuanyuan Min Zhi and a few limited others, she didn’t recognize at least half of them. But in the middle of them sat a forty-some year old middle-aged person who could certainly be a.s.sumed to be the Emperor of Tian Chu. She slightly swept a quick look over and soon afterwards lowered her head, afraid others would hold her in contempt if she showed a lack of etiquette.
“This subject-son with Wife Ruan-shi[1] humbly greets Emperor-Father.”
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi formally bowed in respect. As this was the first time Ruan Zhu had met the Emperor, she naturally had to kneel and did so on top of the cushion that a palace eunuch threw over, kowtowing and sending her regards to the Emperor. She only said: “Daughter-in-law Ruan-shi has come to pay respects to Emperor-Father. May Elder have a thousand years of peace.”
“You are Zong Zhi’s wife? Lift up your head for us to have a look.” The Emperor had long known about her from the Fifth Prince’s descriptions, but had never had the chance to meet her and couldn’t help but to be a little curious. Providing strategies and improving military weaponry that lead to the increase of the imperial army’s combat ability–being able to block the rebels at Cang Huang Mountain was all thanks to her.
“Responding to Emperor-Father, Daughter-in-law is precisely the Princess of Qi, Ruan Zhu.”
Ruan Zhu lifted her head and saw the forty-some years old Emperor wearing a long silvery white silk gown with two deeply set eyes. He was prominently thin though his mind and vigor seemed to still be good, and he gave others quite an amiable and approachable feeling. The fan in his hand gently swayed; on it were written several verses that were precisely from the w.a.n.g Wei poem she had recited before,《Life in the Mountains on an Autumn Evening》.
“The wife Zong Zhi has taken seems to not be bad. It could be said she possesses both ability and appearance.” She saw the Emperor only smile and praise her in this way. Modifying the army’s tools and weapons was a military secret and could not be spoken in front of everyone. This was to avoid bringing danger to her, as, if the enemy were to find out an planned an a.s.sa.s.sination or perhaps a kidnapping, things would become troublesome.
“The imperial family is a great galaxy of talent and ones with both ability and appearance are innumerable. Daughter-in-law does not deserve the praise.”
“The Princess of Qi has no need to be self-effacing. You are called Ruan Zhu, we will call you Zhu’er. I am Zong Zhi’s Emperor-Father so you can just call us ‘Father’!” Not waiting for Ruan Zhu to respond, the Emperor said towards Xuanyuan Zong Zhi: “The small toy you brought to us to see this morning–is it here?”
“Responding to Emperor-Father, Son has brought a mirror.” Xuanyuan Zong Zhi pulled out a gla.s.s mirror from within his sleeves and offered it forward with both hands.
Ruan Zhu saw that the shape of this mirror was completely unique. From the front, one could see one’s reflection while the back was covered in a mercury disc inlaid with many sparkling sapphires, making the entire mirror look extraordinarily beautiful and pleasing to the eye. Who could have thought Hua Nong Ying Gla.s.s Workshop would have succeeded this quickly in producing mirrors? This was indeed a gargantuan sum of wealth.
The Emperor took the mirror in his hands: “This technique of manufacturing mirrors was indeed thought up by Zhu’er?”
“Responding to Emperor-Father, Zhu’er randomly thought of it.”
“Randomly thinking of it made it possible to come up with such a good idea? If you were to properly think, how exceptional would that be?”
The Emperor praised Ruan Zhu, but unexpectedly, there was a young person who did not look pleased and walked over to criticize: “It is only a mere mirror; a clever yet useless trick that brings no benefit at all to ruling the country or maintaining peace. Emperor-Father is sagacious so how could he have the time to care for your plaything?”
Ruan Zhu did not know who this person was, but seeing as how his appearance was similar to Xuanyuan Zong Zhi’s, a.s.sumed him to be one of the Emperor’s sons. Perhaps he was the Crown Prince who was always at odds with her husband.
Ruan Zhu’s eyes were like cold stars: “Your Highness’s words have erred. May I ask, if one mirror can sell for one hundred taels of silver, how many taels of silver could ten thousand mirrors sell for? What of a hundred thousand or two hundred thousand mirrors? This one is unsure of how much silver that is? Then if I may ask again, how many taels in taxes does the country of Tian Chu receive per year?”
“Allow me to give an answer on behalf of the Crown Prince.” The Third Prince, Xuanyuan Min Zhi, stood up behind the Emperor as he had long been unable to endure: “A hundred mirrors can sell for ten thousand taels of silver; ten thousand mirrors is precisely a million taels of silver; a hundred thousand mirrors is ten million taels; two hundred thousand mirrors is twenty million; and our country every year receives seventy million taels of silver in taxes.”
Mockery shined in the Crown Prince’s eyes and he responded in a voice that was neither fast nor slow: “What Third Brother said is reasonable, but to sell them at a hundred taels each, how many of the commoners would be able to afford them?”
Xuanyuan Min Zhi indifferently remarked: “Mirrors are gla.s.s products and are easily shattered. No one can guarantee a single mirror can be used for a lifetime. The way I see it, they should be manufactured in bulk and sold to every part of the country, not only spreading through all of Tian Chu, but also to foreign countries–Mongolia in the north, Ling Nan and Siam in the south. East to Korea and Fusang; West to Tianzhu, Persia, Da Shi, with the furthest perhaps being Da Qin.”[c]
Da Qin was precisely the Roman Empire in Europe–this, Ruan Zhu knew. But if they could sell to such a distant area, did this mean the age of navigation had been shifted to a much earlier date?
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi saw that his wife had been regarded by the Emperor as someone important and his heart was delighted. His expression remained indifferent and neutral but his eyes shined with a light that betrayed his innermost thoughts: “Actually, it is not limited to just mirrors; there are other products as well. The artisans of Hua Nong Ying Gla.s.s Workshop have also come up with flower vases, candlestick holders, decorative lanterns, wine cups, and all kinds of small objects that can all be sold at high prices.”
Ruan Zhu unhurriedly lifted her crimson lips and lightly added: “It can also be used to manufacture mahjong tiles, dong xiao[d], flutes, accessories for females, and a mult.i.tude of other goods……all of these can be made from gla.s.s and then sold at high prices.”
“The Princess of Qi’s words are actually correct.” Beside the Emperor sat an elderly man with white hair, who smoothed his beard and lowered his head respectfully: “When the Persian merchants buy a gla.s.s cup from Tian Chu, they would set its value at several hundred taels. This old man thinks that if mirrors are sold at the same price, we would be losing out on too much.”
A trace of a smile was on Xuanyuan Zong Zhi’s mouth: “Prime Minister w.a.n.g’s words are reasonable. However, this is the price within the country. Selling it outside the country will require a long journey so it is completely possible to double make it ten times the price.”
The Emperor became full of spirits: “The financial crisis that has plagued our Tian Chu can be entirely solved because of some small gla.s.s accessories. Zhu’er, you have accomplished a great achievement; what reward would you like bestowed?” A reward should have been conferred when she had modified the military weapons, but the actual truth could not be publicly revealed.
Bestowing a reward? Ruan Zhu was stunned. She currently did not lack anything and couldn’t think of anything she wanted to be bestowed for the time being.
As the Emperor’s second son, it was only logical that the Crown Prince became the heir apparent when faced with the premature death of his eldest brother as well as the disappearance of his fifth brother. However, Xuanyuan Zong Zhi had returned and his, the Crown Prince’s, brilliance had been suppressed because both his ability and his value were inferior to the former. He looked at how talented the wife of the Prince of Qi was while a brainless woman who only knew how to sleep with men all day long resided in his home, and a fire blazed in his heart.
He currently still did not know about the matter of Ruan Zhu altering the military weapons. If he did, he would surely cough up blood.
“Emperor-Father, this subject-son believes the Princess of Qi is bound to not lack precious stones and the like. Would it not be better to confer her an outstanding secondary husband? It just so happens the Crown Princess has a younger brother that is twenty years of age this year……” The Crown Prince currently wanted to arrange an agent inside the Prince of Qi’s residence.
Unexpectedly, Xuanyuan Min Zhi called out in a loud voice: “Emperor-Father, what of conferring this subject-son to the Princess of Qi? This subject-son would be more than willing.”
This was what and what? Ruan Zhu could barely wrap her head around the first proposal when the second arrived. Though she had long known this guy had some weird ideas, this was too abrupt; so unexpected that she was unable to accept it: “No……Emperor-Father, do not promise him. Zhu’er cannot take the responsibility.”
The letter! Xuanyuan Min Zhi mouthed the words, angering Ruan Zhu so that her complexion became pale.
The Emperor was astonished: “Min Zhi, we have not heard incorrectly? You wish to become Zhu’er‘s secondary husband?”
Xuanyuan Min Zhi stood up: “Requesting Emperor-Father to grant this wish; this subject-son will only recognize Ruan Zhu for this lifetime.”
The Emperor looked at Ruan Zhu: “Zhu’er, your opinion?”
“Me?” Ruan Zhu had been threatened by Xuanyuan Min Zhi and did not know what was best. She threw the hot potato towards her husband and hoped he would refuse on her behalf: “This major event must have my Lord Husband to make the decision. Zhu’er does not have the right to agree or disagree.”
Originally, a wife accepting a secondary husband required the princ.i.p.al husband’s agreement. Yun Shi Yi was not present, so let’s just have the number three, who was higher ranked than number four, step up okay!
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi was aware of the Crown Prince’s crafty plan. If he did not agree to his Third Brother’s request, perhaps the younger brother of the Crown Princess would use this opportunity to enter the family.
Sure enough, the Crown Prince loudly called out: “Fifth Sister-in-law already has a Prince of Qi. Having another would clearly be out of keeping with etiquette. Would it not be better to give the younger brother of this subject-son’s wife to her? This younger brother-in-law of this subject-son is well-versed in civil and military affairs, and the man is also handsome and bright. He is a man that is hard to come by and Fifth Sister-in-law will surely like him.”
Annoyed. Xuanyuan Min Zhi stood up, his face cold: “No matter how good your brother-in-law is, can he be my match?”
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi contemplated for a moment before deciding on a decision and conveying it in a clear voice: “With the right as Zhu’er‘s third secondary husband, I agree to Third Brother Min Zhi entering the Prince of Qi’s residence. However, he must abide by the rules of the Prince of Qi’s residence and may not search for any loopholes to shirk his duty.”
“Since Zong Zhi has agreed, this matter is settled.” The Emperor directed towards w.a.n.g Bo En: “Prime Minister, see when the auspicious days are. There is no harm in deciding the wedding date today.”
w.a.n.g Bo En called for someone to bring over an almanac for him to calculate the days. After doing so, he discovered the sixteenth of this month was an auspicious day, suitable for a wedding. But the time was rushed and there was no time to prepare. If the wedding was to be pushed back, it would need to wait another two months before another auspicious day appeared.
Xuanyuan Min Zhi was unsatisfied. Don’t mention two months; he thought even two days was too long. He bowed formally before the Emperor: “Emperor-Father, why not set it on the sixteenth of this month? This subject-son does not need those extravagant displays. Tian Chu is currently fighting against the traitors in the south and has not Emperor-Father also said before that we all must be frugal?”
The Emperor had a headache: “The distance between today and the sixteenth is however only three days. The matter of the betrothal gifts is quite troublesome and we are also short on time with the journey so how can a wedding be arranged for you?”
“There is no need for the inconvenience. Arrange a wedding hall and simply lifting my wife inside will suffice.”
Ruan Zhu silently cursed–I’m not your wife yet!
The Crown Prince’s face was filled with disdain and he curled his lip: “Truly a child who grew up in a barbarian land that does not understand in the slightest what etiquette is. I have heard your people over there are all tattooed and it is common to be stark naked in broad daylight. I do not know if Third Brother is still pure? You should certainly refrain from bringing any dirty diseases into the Prince of Qi’s residence.”
Xuanyuan Min Zhi abruptly flared in anger: “Ivory can’t be found in your dog mouth. I’ll let you inspect me right here. If I’m not pure, I’ll kill myself by running into a pillar in the Huang He Tower; if you are spitting blood, I’ll rip open your big mouth on the spot.”[e]
“All right, all right; stop making a fuss. You are all brothers from the same family so why all the noise?” Impatience leaked from the Emperor. With the appearance of his dignified air, everyone held their tongue and the room immediately quieted.
The Emperor waved the fan in his hand and upon seeing the inscription atop it, his mood immediately rose: “We see that Zhu’er is not opposed, thus the wedding will be set for three days later. It so happens that these few days spent sailing have caused us to become unbearably stifled and we will take advantage of this occa.s.sion to rest in Jiang Cheng for a few days. Prime Minister, send these instructions down–it is a bit rushed, but the wedding must be properly done and must not wrong Zhu’er.”
“This old subject understands. May Your Majesty be at ease.” w.a.n.g Bo En stood up to receive the command.
Xuanyuan Min Zhi radiated with delight. He hadn’t expected the situation could be handled this easily and he affectionately gazed at Ruan Zhu.
The Emperor’s decree had been handed down and Xuanyuan Number Four could be considered to be Ruan Zhu’s man now.
She felt as if she was pork on the cutting board for the officials to take a slice at. If she had not agreed to Min Zhi’s proposal, it was very possible the Crown Princess’s younger brother would have taken advantage of this void to enter. To have to sleep with a man she didn’t even know–you might as well kill her.
Following that, everyone had a meal in Huang He Tower, and during the feast, the Emperor continuously bragged about Ruan Zhu. Pointing at the flag in his hands, he read: “The bright Moon shines in between the pine tree; Over the rocks, the clear spring water runs free.[f] Such a beautiful artistic scene. We do not know what the name of this poem is?”
“Responding to Emperor-Father, this poem is called《Life in the Mountains on an Autumn Evening》.” Ruan Zhu had plagiarized quite a bit and no longer cared as much, so her complexion was natural.
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi looked at his wife with gentle eyes: “Ever since you recited this poem in Lan Zhou, it has circulated and is able to flow right off the tongues of even small children. I had mentioned it to Emperor-Father that it was your work; you do not know how astonished Emperor-Father was at that time.”
“Not just that, hmm?” The Emperor spoke as he drank the famous wine of Huang He Tower: “We have also heard the Prince of Qi say this kind of good poem ‘Some plum blossoms in the corner of the wall grow, that bloom alone in the approaching cold. From afar, it’s known they are not snow, for there is a secret fragrance to behold‘ can be made just from you opening your mouth. Just with this talent, you are stronger than most males.”
The Crown Prince’s eyes slightly shifted and then he suddenly blurted out: “Since the Princess of Qi is this talented, to liven up the atmosphere for Emperor-Father, why not create another poem with Huang He Tower as the subject?”
The Emperor was very fond of verses and immediately agreed: “Zhu’er is quite proficient in verses and her recitations will surely be a rare and good poem.”
Ruan Zhu knew the Crown Prince was purposely making things difficult for her. For herself and for Zong Zhi, she could not throw aside face and deeply pondered for a moment: “Whose family’s flute dances in the Clear Autumn Festival? The yellow crane has returned to its recorded haunt. Man’s tree lovingly crosses the Big Dipper; the Shu River silently embraces the Southern Tower.”[g]
She changed Fan Cheng Da’s line of the Mid-Autumn Festival to the Clear Autumn Festival.[h] Although it also did not fit the season, there was no other choice as she really couldn’t think of anything else.
The Crown Prince sneered: “We have not approached autumn.”
The Emperor waved his hand: “Man’s tree lovingly crosses the Big Dipper; the Shu River silently embraces the Southern Tower. This ‘South Tower’ is precisely Huang He Tower. Do not worry about whether or not autumn as arrived as this is indeed a good poem that is hard to come by. Zong Zhi, your wife has much literary talent.”
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi glanced at Ruan Zhu, his heart proud.
Everyone finally scattered when it reached the afternoon. The old Emperor had a place to reside in and had been escorted by the local governor to the temporary imperial palace. Although it was last minute, the luxurious details and furnishings were not inferior to the palace in the capital.
Xuanyuan Zong Zhi and his wife walked towards Jiang’an, where the large ship of the Prince of Qi’s residence was docked. The government officials had also arranged a residence for them, but Ruan Zhu’s three children were still aboard the ship. Originally, Xuanyuan Min Zhi was also going to follow them, but he had been sent off by Zong Zhi’s sarcastic comments of how he should take care of others’ influence and not destroy his own pure reputation.
Arriving in Jiang’an, from a far distance, Ruan Zhu could see her second sister Ruan Yu’s figure standing in a dilapidated boat, pa.s.sing over a cloth bag over to a middle-aged woman wearing old-fashioned clothing. The cloth bag was very heavy and with one glance, anyone could tell there was silver inside.
“Wife, look, is not that person your mother?” Xuanyuan Zong Zhi pointed at the middle-aged woman on the boat.
Ruan Zhu had also recognized her–it truly was Madam Ruan. It was hard to imagine she had fallen to this kind of condition and yet had still followed with the relocation. Was she intending to head to Lan Zhou? Who was she going to seek shelter with–Ruan Zi Xu or perhaps the Yun clan?
Ruan Zhu did not know what was best. Heading over wasn’t an option but neither was not heading over. The time she had spent with Mother Ruan wasn’t very long and her feelings towards her were weak. On the other hand, Ruan Yu had grown up by their mother’s side since small. Even though their mother was terribly biased, affection between mother-daughter was inherent and it wasn’t something that would disappear because of a few rifts.
Receiving the package, Madam Ruan’s expression was complicated and she turned around before using her hand to wipe away the tears that had flowed out.
The dock was bustling with activity, with some selling small trinkets, some hefting long poles with items onto their shoulders, fishermen heading back home, pedestrians walking back–all in all, an extremely noisy and crowded scene. Normally, it would be very hard to find a person, but as soon as Ruan Yu merely turned her head, she saw Ruan Zhu from among the crowd of people.
Stunned, she yelled out: “Sister.”