Chapter 2: The Reason
Wei Yang and Shen Mu sat in the cool pavilion, playing chess while chatting idly. Wei Yang asked, "Xiao Mu, who taught you to play chess?"
Shen Mu answered without hesitation, "Brother Zhongshan." After saying this, seeing Wei Yang's knowing smile, he嗔道 scolded, "Queen Wang, are you teasing me too?"
"Alright, I won't laugh at you," Wei Yang抿了抿嘴 curled her lips and said, "Ever since I arrived, everywhere I go I hear people mention this Guard General of the Realm. Is he really that likeable?"
Shen Mu nodded. "Yes, who in the city doesn't like him? He's always smiling, never loses his temper, and no matter how badly the children tease him, he never gets angry. He's also quite smooth-tongued and especially good at哄孩子 pleasing children. Even Mancheng listens to him sometimes."
Wei Yang疑惑 frowned. "You mean that Commander General?"
"That's him." A strange expression appeared on Shen Mu's face, seeming somewhat embarrassed and conflicted. "Brother Mancheng has quite a bad temper, so everyone in the city is afraid of him. Adults speak ill of him, and of course the children all avoid him. Actually, he's a really good person. He has a younger brother, thirteen years old this year, named Mandu. He's incredibly cute! Brother Mancheng dotes on Mandu so much, whatever he wants he gets, loves him endlessly. Only可惜……" Shen Mu suddenly grew dejected. After a pause, he continued, "Only Mandu was poisoned by someone and won't live much longer."
Wei Yang gasped. "I only heard that this Commander General is Yuan Liao's number one war hero. Why would someone want to poison his brother?"
Shen Mu sighed lightly. "Precisely because of his numerous military achievements, others fear his功高盖主 growing too powerful. Brother Mancheng is frequently away on campaigns, leaving only Mandu as a weakness in the city. The child has asthma and takes medicine daily, so someone slipped慢毒 chronic poison into his medication. He took it for over a year—probably starting around spring last year… When young Prince Xiangguang suddenly died, before the mourning period had even ended, Mandu vomited blood. When the imperial physician was called to examine him, they discovered the poison had reached his marrow and was beyond treatment. Now he constantly takes medicine to suppress the poison, not knowing when it will flare up again. After all these troubles, Brother Mancheng's temper became even more volatile. Now besides Brother Zhongshan and His Highness the Prince and Princess Consort, almost no one dares enter his Zhongbi Manor."
Wei Yang remained silent. She had grown up hearing stories of political intrigue and scheming, of innocents caught in the crossfire. Wei Yang淡声说道 said flatly, "Then who poisoned him? Did Zhang Zhou issue a heavy punishment?"
Shen Mu showed a frightened expression. "It was General Shuangtu who instructed the wandering physician who treated Mandu. Before His Majesty could mete out punishment, Brother Mancheng killed the physician's entire family, then rushed to the Shuangtu estate…" Shen Mu's voice dropped. "He alone annihilated the entire Shuangtu household."
Wei Yang's heart trembled. So this Xia Mancheng was truly that ruthless! Unheard of! No wonder everyone changed their expression the moment his name came up.
Seeing Wei Yang's expression, Shen Mu knew she was deeply fearful and disgusted by Mancheng. He hastily explained, "Queen Wang, actually Brother Mancheng is pitiful. Besides Brother Zhongshan, he has no friends. I heard from Princess Consort that he wasn't always like this. She said he used to be very adorable and cried a lot. It's just that later, when he followed His Majesty to讨伐章顺 campaign against Zhangshun, he learned to harm others, and that's how he became like this."
Wei Yang nodded. She had already formed a general understanding of Yuan Liao.
Over twenty years ago, the late King was warlike and invaded the neighboring nation of Anqing. At that time, Anqing's father-in-law Rongguan held military power, and Anqing's army maintained strict discipline. Although Yuan Liao had been confident of taking this tiny nation of Anqing, they dispatched hundreds of thousands of troops yet couldn't break through, suffering heavy losses. When Anqing counterattacked and reached Pinbeikou, the King of Yuan Liao had no choice but to sue for peace, sending his third son—the five-year-old Zhangzhou—to Anqing as a hostage.
Ten years later, the King of Anqing passed away, and the twelve-year-old Crown Prince Xia Mancheng ascended to the throne, with Rongguan holding power. Less than a year later, the late King's younger brother, Prince Zhangshun, murdered his brother and usurped the throne, massacring the entire Ruyi Palace. Besides Zhangzhou, who was being held hostage in Anqing, the late King's six descendants were all slaughtered. Shortly after, Anqing's father-in-law died of illness in his old age. Prince Zhangshun used this opportunity to personally lead the Yuan Liao army against Anqing. At that time, Xia Mancheng was not yet thirteen, and Anqing fell into chaos. Zhangshun's army marched straight into Anqing and massacred the Anqing royal palace. From then on, Anqing belonged to Yuan Liao.
The Duke of Dudong, who had formed a marriage alliance with Anqing, dispatched troops to rescue them but arrived too late. Fortunately, they found Zhangzhou and three orphaned Xia children who had escaped the palace along the way, bringing them all back to Dudong.
During three years in Dudong, Zhangzhou fought in countless campaigns, helping the Duke of Dudong recover lost territories and quell rebellions, achieving numerous feats. Later, the Duke of Dudong lent Zhangzhou one-third of Dudong's army to campaign south against Zhangshun. Under Zhangshun's cruel rule, the people of Yuan Liao suffered terribly. The common folk responded enthusiastically, and many city defenders abandoned Zhangshun to join Zhangzhou. Zhangzhou's Dudong forces took just over two years to capture the capital of Yuan Liao. The moment Zhangzhou ascended the throne, he immediately appointed the merely eighteen-year-old Xia Mancheng as Commander General of the Realm, entrusting him with nearly half of Yuan Liao's military power.
Zhangshun fled with his troops to Jianqing City in the far south, bordering the Yu Kingdom. Jianqing City was a strategic fortress, and Zhangshun only defended without attacking. At this time, Yuan Liao urgently needed to rebuild its capital, and upheavals were occurring everywhere. The generals had no leisure to concentrate forces to attack Jianqing City—four years passed with no result.
Last year, Zhangzhou went to Jinjing in the Yu Kingdom to seek assistance and became engaged to this only daughter of the Yu Kingdom. Later, with the Yu Kingdom attacking from two sides, they finally captured Jianqing City and killed Zhangshun. However, even now upheavals and conflicts throughout Yuan Liao kept erupting one after another. Fortunately, Xia Mancheng's Weizhen Army was all-conquering, suppressing them all.
"Shen Mu," Wei Yang suddenly remembered, "what does everyone think of His Majesty?"
Shen Mu laughed. "How should I put this?"
"Just tell me the truth! I just married him, and he's always busy in the Yaoji Hall. I barely have any time to know him. I just want to learn more about him."
Shen Mu was, after all, still young, so without any顾虑 he said whatever came to mind. "His Majesty is very serious and diligent. Everyone thinks he's a good ruler. However, I heard from my brother that he's too lenient with the Weizhen Army—only rewarding, never punishing. Now the Weizhen Army's power has grown strong enough to overturn his throne. Fortunately, both Brother Zhongshan and Brother Mancheng are loyal to His Majesty. Otherwise, Yuan Liao might have changed hands in an instant."
Wei Yang was greatly alarmed. "If that's the case, why doesn't Zhangzhou take back military power?" The words left her mouth before she suddenly realized and asked, "Could it be that Zhangzhou and General Xia grew up together since childhood, so their bond is special and he trusts him completely?"
Unexpectedly, Shen Mu shook his head苦笑. "I heard the ministers and generals chatting at my house. It's not that His Majesty doesn't want to reclaim military power, but that he can't anymore. Now only Brother Mancheng can mobilize the Weizhen Army. And His Majesty and Brother Mancheng have never had a good relationship… especially after the death of General Qian De, their relationship became even worse. It's not surprising. Back then, Princess Jinyin had just married General Qian De, and His Majesty immediately sent the Wutao Army to attack Huinan. General Qian De died on the battlefield. When Brother Mancheng saw that his sister had become a widow the moment she got married, he flew into a rage. Without His Majesty's authorization, he emptied all the Weizhen Army troops and rushed to Huinan day and night, crushing the Huinan forces and leaving them in disarray. He even massacred the Huinan royal descendants without sparing a single soul… Not long after His Majesty annexed Huinan, he launched an attack on Xiongzhou. Brother Mancheng didn't give His Majesty any face in front of the civil and military officials. He immediately darkened his expression, turned around, and left the Yaoji Hall, putting His Majesty in an awkward position. Later, when the princess gave birth to General Qian De's遗腹子 posthumous child, His Majesty was overjoyed. First, he bestowed the title of young Prince Xiangguang upon the child, then he sent tribute treasures galore to Langjing Garden. When Brother Mancheng returned from conquering Xiongzhou, he also doted on Xiangguang endlessly. Unfortunately, that child passed away after just a few months. Then Mandu was poisoned and fell ill. Although Brother Mancheng had acted without authorization to eliminate General Shuangtu's family, His Majesty, at the Princess's plea for mercy, let the matter drop. This caused the entire court to harbor complaints against His Majesty…
Wei Yang suddenly felt something—a微微的 faint sense of clarity dawning.
Shen Mu continued, "His Majesty was so good to the princess, and they were childhood sweethearts. Everyone originally thought His Majesty would marry…"
Wei Yang's expression suddenly changed. Shen Mu immediately realized he'd said something wrong and hastily said, "Oh no, Queen Wang, how terrible of me!"
Wei Yang smiled generously. "It's fine. What are you so flustered about? Go on."
Shen Mu whispered softly, "Later, the Queen of the Deng Kingdom plotted rebellion with her brother. The scheme was uncovered by the King of Deng, who deposed her. The King of Deng proposed marriage to Yuan Liao, wanting to marry Princess Jinyin as his queen. His Majesty agreed immediately."
While listening, Wei Yang's mind wandered to other things. Suddenly she blurted out, "Shen Mu, when did Princess Jinyin go to the Deng Kingdom?"
"It was after Jianqing City was retaken—around August or September last year. Brother Mancheng had just returned triumphant from killing Zhangshun. Unexpectedly, just a few days later, this happened. When the princess left to marry, Brother Mancheng cried so sadly. From then on, he spoke coldly to His Majesty, and His Majesty almost never set foot in Zhongbi Manor."
Wei Yang understood everything now: Zhangzhou went to Jinjing last year in March to seek assistance from her father, became engaged to me, and after returning, was compelled to send his childhood sweetheart away. No wonder he's been lukewarm toward me!
So he was reluctant to marry me!
Wei Yang勉强 smiled strainedly, and without caring that the chess game wasn't finished, she hastily rose, bade farewell to Shen Mu, and led Ying Shan back to Rongxi Garden.
Shen Mu watched her retreating figure, regretfully beating his own ears, muttering to himself in self-reproach: Oh no, I've really messed up this time!
The Cause
Zhangzhou turned a corridor, and Lu Tong stopped,低声 said quietly, "If the Yu King insists on retaining you this time, Your Majesty must refuse!"
Zhangzhou smiled. "I know."
A pretty female official came forward. After bowing, she said, "His Majesty is waiting inside." She glanced back briefly, stealing a look at Zhangzhou, and smiled graciously. "The Yuan Liao King may follow me."
Zhangzhou nodded and followed her.
Entering the Yu King's study, the Yu King stood alone in the room. When he saw Zhangzhou arrive, he greeted him warmly with a clasped-hands bow.
Zhangzhou hastily returned the bow and explained his purpose.
The Yu King nodded repeatedly. "Yuan Liao is newly pacified, and state affairs must be piling up like mountains. Since the Yuan Liao King is eager to return, I won't press the matter."
Zhangzhou hastened to express his thanks, and was even more grateful for the Yu King's promise to assist Yuan Liao in attacking Jianqing City.
The Yu King lovingly examined this young monarch up and down, praising, "Yuan Liao's army is strong and powerful. The pacification of the rebellion is just around the corner. This king merely helped along, and consider it a great honor to lend you a hand!"
He paused, then suddenly changed the subject. "I heard the Yuan Liao King gets along very well with Wei Ying and Wei Hai."
"The Crown Prince and Fourth Prince are intelligent and talented, with great strategic vision. This king admires them deeply."
"Hehe… Those two also speak highly of you." As the Yu King spoke, his tone became even warmer. "Yuan Liao King, what is your impression of my daughter?"
Zhangzhou froze. He answered truthfully, "Her Highness the Princess is clever and intelligent. However, this king has not had much contact with her, so…"
The Yu King seemed overjoyed whenever his daughter came up. His loving expression couldn't be hidden as he softly said, "Although this king has seven sons, I have only one daughter. I cherish her like the apple of my eye, but daughters grow up and must eventually marry…"
Zhangzhou caught the meaning behind his words, and his heart sank.
The Yu King continued, "Now she has just turned eighteen, blossoming into a beauty. Many have proposed to me, but I wasn't satisfied with any. These past few days, seeing the Yuan Liao King's impressive abilities and extraordinary spirit, you are precisely the ideal son-in-law I seek. Yuan Liao King, what do you say…"
Zhangzhou felt as if struck by lightning. His face changed on the spot. He urgently replied, "I am honored by Your Majesty's generous offer, but I dare not aspire to such a lofty match. Yuan Liao compared to Yu is less than a corner. For the princess to marry down, wouldn't that委屈 the princess?"
The Yu King patted his shoulder, laughing heartily, "Yuan Liao King, you are too modest! In recent years you have annexed Xiongzhou, Huinan and other nations. Yuan Liao's territory grows larger daily. You are young and promising, mighty and handsome, and have not yet taken a queen. I think…"
Before he could finish, Zhangzhou hastily found an excuse to decline, quietly saying, "To be honest, this king already has a marriage pact in Yuan Liao."
The Yu King also changed his expression. He asked in a deep voice, "May I ask which kingdom's princess?"
Zhangzhou remained silent.
The Yu King snorted coldly. "Surely she cannot compare to my daughter in any way? I favor my daughter more than the Crown Prince. Which kingdom under heaven doesn't know this? If it were anyone else, I would have immediately agreed and been most grateful! Hmph!" The latter words carried a threatening tone. "There's no need to discuss this further. Since I've spoken, I will never take it back! Yuan Liao is newly pacified. To aid you would be easy; to topple you…"
With countless thoughts tangling in his mind that he couldn't sort out, and now adding this helplessness, the need to gain Yu's support was so crucial. Zhangzhou contemplated for a moment, forcibly loosening his tightly furrowed brow and knelt to thank his father-in-law, agreeing to marry the princess a year later.
The Yu King magnanimously smiled without holding grudges, satisfied and nodding.
But Zhangzhou was filled with焦躁不安 restless anxiety and reluctance: I am about to become a person who breaks faith once again!