Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 20: Please

When the moment finally arrived to unveil the dagger, the harem fell into a profound silence.

The tumult of the previous dynasty’s power struggles had unleashed a storm, and although Wei Wan had not yet abdicated his position, his authority had already been significantly eroded.

This venerable man, now overwhelmed with despair, appeared too timid to confront the emperor directly.

While the grand empress dowager still held her trust in him, in moments of crisis, his voice was the first to be silenced.

Meanwhile, the prime minister was gradually reduced to a mere figurehead, showing clear signs of being sidelined.

When Qin lost its cherished deer, the entire world seemed to pursue it in unison.

Though Wei Wan’s role as prime minister was not as alluring as the legendary bronze tripods of Qin, the bustling crowd was driven by greed for fame and fortune. Whether those eager to claim the vacant position of prime minister or those under Wei Wan’s protection, everyone was fervently vying for power.

The grand empress dowager maintained a contemplative silence, her demeanor hinting at deeper currents beneath the surface.

The once-stable Han dynasty now resembled a tranquil pond disturbed by a yellow eel, with myriad fish and shrimp lurking in the mud, all unwilling to remain passive and eager to showcase their cunning.

As the emperor, Liu Che was in charge of all the affairs of the court. He has been so busy lately that he has forgotten the saying “Three days without food, one day without women.”

It became “Three days without women, one day without food.” Chen Jiao felt the same way. Once a person uses their brain, even if they do nothing, they will be hungrier than usual.

The previous dynasty was in turmoil, and the next dynasty was much more stable.

As for the matter of Concubine Yin, the two palaces may have heard about it, or they may still be kept in the dark. Changshou Hall and Changxin Hall did not make such a big fuss about this trivial matter.

This was the first time that the empress dowager appeared on the stage of the previous court with carefully trimmed eyebrows and powdered makeup. She was inevitably a little nervous.

She either discussed things with Marquess of Wu’an or discussed privately with Marquess of Gai and Marquess of Zhouyang’s family all day.

Chen Jiao went to serve her several times, and the wives of Marquess of Gai and Marquess of Zhouyang praised her for her virtue, “Even our daughter-in-law is not as dedicated as the empress to serve her parents.”

For nearly three years, she had diligently attended to her mother-in-law with unwavering devotion. Her reputation for virtue and kindness gradually spread throughout the court.

One day, the wife of the Marquis of Zhouyang, with a gentle smile, confided in the empress dowager, “Many of the noble ladies from prominent families have inquired whether the empress truly serves the empress dowager with such humility and grace. We all agree that, had we not seen it with our own eyes, we might never believe that someone of noble birth like the empress could possess such genuine humility, free from arrogance in her daily conduct. It is a testament to the wise guidance of the grand princess.”

Their respectful manner was due to the presence at the feast of the Grand Princess Guantao, accompanied by the Princess of Longlu, the Marquess of Longlu, and the future Marquess of Tangyi with his young wife.

Since the empress dowager’s ascension to the throne, a natural distance had grown between her and the grand princess.

Among these two distinguished women, one was the cherished daughter of the grand empress dowager, a figure deeply rooted in court hierarchy, capable of commanding the wind and summoning the rain with her influence.

The other was the emperor’s biological mother, a woman of unparalleled nobility, ranking just beneath the grand empress dowager herself.

When these formidable women encountered each other, both were accustomed to asserting their authority. Who, then, should yield?

The arrangement of such a banquet at this moment reflected the lingering influence of the former dynasty’s courtly traditions.

The wife of the Marquis of Zhouyang, demonstrating remarkable politeness, was clearly influenced by these bygone customs. Meanwhile, the Wang family found themselves relying heavily on Tian Fen. Yet, Tian Fen’s position within the court remained fragile, constrained at every turn.

To secure a stable footing, he was compelled to seek the favor of influential local figures. Although the grand princess was not renowned for her wit, she possessed a keen understanding of political currents and discerned the true stakes.

With a gracious smile, she modestly remarked, “Aunt’s praise is too generous. I have never instructed the empress; naturally, she is quite intelligent.”

She held her daughter in the highest regard, yet her words revealed a charming lack of modesty, proud of her family’s stature and influence.

If there was anyone in the world capable of feeling an even greater sense of pride than the grand princess, Chen Jiao might metaphorically crawl to see them.

A delicate blush spread across her cheeks as she softly responded, with a hint of gentle reproach, “Mother.”

Midway through her words, even she found herself unable to continue.

The empress dowager observed this exchange with a serene smile, and spoke with a tone imbued with subtle meaning, “This is the essence of a mother–daughter relationship. The grand princess and the empress possess vastly different personalities, yet they share such harmony and closeness. It is only through the bonds between elders and juniors that such intimacy can flourish.”

This sudden insight, this spontaneous reflection, may seem somewhat idealized or elusive.

The surrounding individuals exchanged glances, and the princesses appeared somewhat puzzled.

Only Princess of Yangxin’s eyes flickered with a spark of contemplation—she seemed to be pondering something deeper. After all, as a married daughter, her visits are limited, regardless of her closeness to her mother.

Unlike Chen Jiao, who is confined within the inner palace, she resides within the vast expanse of the palace where only the empress dowager and the grand empress dowager share comparable status.

Over the course of two or three years of close interaction, she has grown deeply acquainted with the empress dowager’s manner of conducting affairs.

This message remains subtle, intended solely for her understanding.

The empress dowager’s true aim is to seek peace. Since Liu Che’s ascension to the throne, the grand princess once caused a disturbance in Jiaofang Hall.

When this incident reached the empress dowager, she promptly came to reprimand Chen Jiao. In response, Chen Jiao naturally retorted, also publicly confronting Liu Che for the first time.

Although there was no formal confrontation between the two palaces, they had already exchanged harsh words and taken aggressive actions against each other.

The empress dowager’s goal was to fully suppress Chen Jiao—either to reinforce her own authority or to secure a loyal supporter for Liu Che. Her unwavering resolve was to establish her dominance and unquestioned supremacy by any means necessary.

However, the grand empress dowager’s favoritism toward Chen Jiao has, in some ways, hindered her own position.

In terms of filial piety, she cannot match Chen Jiao’s impeccable conduct; for three years, she has maintained perfect decorum before the elders, and prior to the late emperor’s passing, he held her in great regard.

Virtue-wise, Chen Jiao is without fault—unless being the sole favorite in the harem is viewed as a flaw.

Through the subtle use of the topic of childbirth, they skillfully introduce gentle concerns into Chen Jiao’s mind. Yet, Liu Che, who neither succeeded in calming Chen Jiao nor avoided the risk of being overshadowed by her, found himself challenged.

The young couple shared laughter and conversation effortlessly, without a trace of discord.

When he tightened his grip slightly, Chen Jiao maintained her poise with ease, prompting Liu Che, feeling a twinge of heartache, to remark softly, “I understand your good intentions, but being the empress is not an easy path for Jiaojiao either. Harmony among all is what everyone desires; the elders would be pleased to see it.”

The empress dowager’s words served as a subtle reminder to Chen Jiao that, regardless of circumstances, a mother and her child remain bound by unbreakable ties.

Just as the grand princess’ mischief troubles Chen Jiao wherever she goes, as long as she remains Chen Jiao’s mother, their connection endures.

Similarly, even if Liu Che temporarily disregards her, as long as the empress dowager’s influence is felt, he will ultimately yield.

By indirectly prompting the grand princess to signal Lord Wei, Chen Jiao not only subtly diminished the influence of the Wang family represented by Tian Fen but also succeeded in winning Lord Wei’s favor, ultimately causing the empress dowager to momentarily lose her composure.

A faint smile spread across her lips.

Then she straightened up slightly and said calmly, “Mother is right. Family joy is the essence of life. Your Majesty devotes herself to serving her mother with the highest piety, and my mother also devotes herself to serving her mother with the highest piety. This tradition of filial piety and fraternal love is passed down from generation to generation, setting an example for the world. Come, I raise a glass to the empress dowager. May she enjoy health, longevity, and prosperity, like the mountains and seas.”

These words were beautiful, and the empress dowager’s face beamed with joy.

Starting with the grand princess, everyone in the hall raised their glasses to toast.

Princess of Pingyang, still not satisfied, sighed after the wine was finished, “It’s a pity that A’ Che is not here, and grandmother is too lazy to move. If not for that, we would have everyone here today.”

“Your brother has been engrossed in the affairs of the previous dynasty lately, and hasn’t come to talk to me for a long time,” the empress dowager sighed and followed Princess of Pingyang’s words with great cooperation.

Chen Jiao smiled faintly at the corner of her lips.

Watching the mother-daughter duo play in harmony, she felt indescribable satisfaction deep within

“What pleasure is there in that?” Perhaps her thoughts overheard by the voice, with a hint of disdain, it remarked, “It’s all just an act. Ultimately, they merely seek to manipulate you into doing their dirty work, offering no real benefit in return.”

“Isn’t this simply bargaining? You say one thing, but in the end, you act only if there’s something to gain?” Chen Jiao responded with calmness, not taking offense.

She gracefully shifted her position and exchanged a meaningful glance with the grand princess.

“At this moment, they’re performing for me, not the other way around. Why should I feel upset?” Her voice, steady and unwavering, silenced the other, leaving it at a loss for words.

Frustration mounting, it could only sigh and repeat the familiar refrain, “You should have a son by now. Whether biological or adopted, Liu Che has been on the throne for nearly a year, yet no progress has been made. You’re becoming complacent. One day, when you open your eyes, you’ll realize the entire nation is fixated on your harem, perceiving you as a jealous woman, unable to bear children yourself, unwilling to allow others to do so.”

“Isn’t that so?” Chen Jiao teased with a playful smile.

A gentle chuckle escaped her lips before silence settled once more.

At that moment, the entertainment outside also drew to a close.

Madam Gai, her cheeks slightly flushed and tinged with modesty, addressed the grand princess, “We still require your mediation and a few additional words. After all, both Marquess of Wei Qi and Marquess of Wu An hold Confucius in deep reverence, and Marquess of Wu An has long admired Marquess of Wei Qi. They are not foes; in fact, they are kin. If the Marquess of Wei Qi does not lend his aid to the Marquess of Wu An, whom else could he turn to?”

Dou Ying, a seasoned general, has deftly maneuvered through the treacherous political landscape, skillfully removing rivals with subtlety.

Tian Fen has encountered opposition across the court, attributing it to his youth and perceived lack of virtue, yet he remains unaware of the hidden forces at play—those behind the scenes who also support him, even as they scheme against him.

Moreover, the pervasive influence of the Dou family has grown to such an extent that they can manipulate court affairs unnoticed.

Liu Che’s ambition to seize power and promote Confucian ideals is fueled by clear motives.

Recalling the message conveyed by Sang Hongyang yesterday, Chen Jiao’s smile faintly dimmed.

She withdrew into herself, her gaze drifting absentmindedly to the grand princess and Madam Gai’s playful banter, all the while contemplating the several guidelines proposed by the two eminent scholars in her mind.

Welcome Lord Shen, establish the Ming Hall, order the marquesses to return to their fiefdoms, remove the barriers, and follow the rituals as a dress code. Pick out the ill-mannered exiled members of the Duo imperial family and strip them of their titles.

Hmm, six good strategies, each capable of touching the grand empress dowager’s sore spots.

It’s only a matter of Liu Che’s ability to hold his nerve and for how long. If he can’t hold on and one thing slips away, it’s likely to turn into a storm in an instant—a storm she’s already waiting for and preparing for.

This moment of distraction made Chen Jiao miss her signal.

The grand princess glanced at her a few times, but remained indifferent. However, because the grand princess was so proud, she thought it was only right for Wang Zhi to be more humble since she was the one asking for help.

She didn’t urge her daughter, but pretended not to understand, and continued communicating with Madam Gai, enjoying the exchange.

When the empress dowager saw that Chen Jiao had managed to overpower her, she had no other choice, and had to overcome her pride and personally speak to her, “Jiaojiao, if you can help, please do so. Tian Fen is indeed the emperor’s uncle, and A’ Che will appreciate your kindness.”

This moment marks another retreat, as the credit for “helping Tian Fen establish a foothold” is entirely transferred to the Chen family—specifically Chen Jiao and the grand princess.

She exposes her own embarrassment plainly for all to see: that one relative by marriage must depend on another relative by marriage to stand firm.

For the Wang family, this is indeed a most undignified position.

Suddenly, Chen Jiao regained her composure, a gentle smile appearing on her face, “Mother, there’s no need to be so formal. As for this matter…”

After a brief pause, a hint of concern flickered across her expression, yet she maintained a flawless demeanor.

Finally, she smiled, “Marquess of Wei Qi is a straightforward person and may not tolerate underhanded or treacherous schemes. However, since mother has spoken, let us proceed and see how it unfolds.”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the assembly, accompanied by smiles.

Princess of Longlu chuckled most merrily, pulling Marquess of Longlu to stand, and declared, “Let us raise a glass in honor of the empress dowager, wishing her happiness…”

Only the Princess of Pingyang displayed a hint of disapproval, subtly lowering her gaze to conceal her feelings.

Yet, this was not lost on Chen Jiao, who was already alert and perceptive.

…

T/N

“Lost the deer, the world pursued it.”—refers to a situation where a powerful entity loses its symbol of authority or control, leading to a scramble among rivals to seize the opportunity and claim power.