Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 49: Destiny

Han Yan exhibited considerable intelligence.

Even in the absence of direct communication from the grand princess, the news of the King of Jiangdu’s emotional appeal to the empress dowager would inevitably reach Han Yan. Coupled with the Changxin Hall’s tepid disposition over recent years, even a less astute individual would recognize that the empress dowager had finally identified his vulnerability and possessed a valid reason to act against him.

While discussions had occurred between her and Liu Che, the emperor remained indifferent. “He traversed the imperial road at my behest. Even if my fifth brother was entering the capital under imperial orders, one could argue that his attendants should not have been on the road. In the end, both parties bear some responsibility.”

Liu Che and the King of Jiangdu were not particularly close. Over the years, he had faced both overt and covert bullying from the kings of the vassal states. If Han Yan were to concede and apologize for such a minor issue, it would be a blow to the dignity of his superior.

At this juncture, the information from the Marquess of Tangyi’s residence served as a lifeline to a struggling individual. Should Han Yan fail to seize this rare opportunity, he would not truly embody his reputation.

“It is indeed challenging.” The grand princess expressed her sentiments to Chen Jiao with palpable emotion, “Individuals like him, who appear to bask in endless glory, are fundamentally supported by their subordinates. In the upper echelons of society, they often lack true friendships.”

He was merely a favored consort, surviving through the emperor’s patronage without any notable accomplishments. Those beneath him flattered him, but their admiration was ultimately directed at Liu Che. The few individuals genuinely equipped to determine the fate of millions, those who surrounded the pinnacle of imperial power, often harbored little regard for such figures.

Even if they occasionally crossed paths in the Qingliang Hall, the chasm between them was too profound to bridge through power alone.

Chen Jiao was taken aback by the grand princess’s understanding of the struggles faced by the emperor’s favorite. She mused that perhaps Dong Yan had shared these insights, recognizing a kindred spirit willing to advocate for Han Yan.

Yet, the words remained unspoken; the most prudent course of action for the mother and daughter regarding the Dong Yan situation was to maintain silence.

“Nevertheless,” the grand princess remarked, her tone tinged with disdain, “we are merely extending a hand to Han Yan, and your mother-in-law is unlikely to turn against you over a mere male concubine. I simply fail to comprehend his value to you.”

She softened her demeanor, conveying that her inquiry stemmed from curiosity rather than skepticism. With a glance from beneath her still-thick eyelashes, her charm, despite the fine lines around her eyes, remained evident.

Initially, Chen Jiao did not perceive any ulterior motives, but upon observing her mother, she suddenly grasped her concerns.

After all, Han Yan was a striking young man—healthy and attractive—frequently entering and exiting the Qingliang Hall, engaging in conversation with Chen Jiao…

The grand princess’ apprehensions regarding Chen Jiao’s potential distractions were not unfounded.

She lowered her gaze slightly and replied composedly, “I cannot ascertain his utility to the Chen or Dou families. However, among His Majesty’s circle, he possesses the least background yet the most talent.”

In essence, once hostilities with the Huns commenced, the likelihood of Han Yan being appointed to lead the army would be substantial.

What more could the grand princess articulate?

She exhaled softly and suggested, “You have more than a dozen unmarried cousins. Simply select one who is appealing, and she will suffice.”

A subtle worry lingered in her words, concealed yet palpable.

Chen Jiao felt compelled to clarify, “There is no urgency. After the engagement, we will await his return from the battlefield before proceeding with the wedding. Although our Chen family does not rank among the foremost, our daughter still holds significant value.”

The grand princess’ smile visibly softened. She and Chen Jiao exchanged knowing glances, reflecting a shared understanding that spoke volumes in silence.

Yet, an internal voice seemed to mock her, whispering, “Why the pretense? You have already kissed him, lost control in the moment, and even tangled in bed. Now you feign that your interest lies solely in his talent. It is too late for that act.”

Chen Jiao pursed her lips, choosing to disregard the inner dialogue.

…

When Liu Shou began to walk, the palace received joyous news once more. Wang Ji, who had fallen out of favor for the past two months, was discovered to be expecting.

Both Liu Che and Chen Jiao expressed their delight upon hearing the news.

As she conveyed these happy tidings to Changxin Hall, a smile illuminated her eyes, “It has been over a year since the palace last heard the cries of a newborn. If this child can be safely brought to term and grow alongside A’Shou, it would be a blessing.”

Had His Majesty not devoted most of his efforts to this unproductive territory, where blooms flourish but yield no fruit, it is likely the palace would already be graced with several princes and princesses.

In recent years, the Jiaofang Hall has gained significant influence, making it challenging for Changxin Hall to maintain total dominance.

Chen Jiao adeptly navigates her role; while the relationship between the two palaces is not perfectly harmonious, it is relatively amicable. The empress dowager, however, is troubled by two primary concerns: first, Liu Che’s tendency to make empty threats, and second, the Chen family’s seemingly intentional obstruction of her efforts to address Han Yan.

This secret, unfortunately, could not be shared even with her closest kin. If her elder daughter were to uncover her frustrations and grievances, she might reproach her for her perceived lack of compassion.

Thus, she could only channel her frustrations regarding Han Yan’s favored status with the emperor toward Chen Jiao.

“If only A’Che had not devoted so much time to those men outside, Weiyang Palace would be far more vibrant,” the empress dowager lamented, cradling Liu Shou in her arms, reluctant to set him down.

As she aged, her life had grown increasingly dull. Observing the child was akin to watching a beloved pet, and she felt an irresistible urge to hold him close and shower him with affection.

“You are aware, are you not? Those individuals surrounding him disregard the feudal lords entirely. This time, I intend to make an example of them to instill a sense of discipline.”

Chen Jiao appeared somewhat uncomfortable but chose to engage directly with her. “I have indeed heard of this matter, but A’Che does not view it as significant. In fact, the King of Jiangdu was parading along the imperial road with a large entourage when he encountered the emperor’s carriage. It seems he was in the wrong. If we bring this up, I fear A’Che will take offense.”

The empress dowager’s brow furrowed slightly as she prepared to respond when she noticed Chen Jiao smiling at her, as if there were unspoken implications within her words.

Momentarily taken aback, she soon grasped the essence of her message.

If this approach fails, we shall await another opportunity. After all, our intent is to address the sycophants, so there is no need to worry about lacking justification. Ultimately, both palaces share a common goal in this regard.

However, Chen Jiao’s focus extended to the entire group of sycophantic attendants rather than solely to Han Yan, the emperor’s favored confidant. Was she sidestepping Liu Che’s ire, or was she aiming for a more subtle approach?

Her methods were indeed adept and nuanced, leaving no room for criticism. Even the empress dowager found it difficult to fault her. While she might wish to suggest action against Han Yan, she could not express that desire openly, maintaining a façade of indebtedness to Han Yan.

Silently frustrated, she accepted the wine and food offered by Chen Jiao but consumed only a few bites before wearily indicating her intention to take a nap.

Chen Jiao, undeterred, left Changxin Hall, entered her palanquin, and after a moment’s reflection, instructed her attendants to head toward Qingliang Hall.

To her surprise, after traversing the garden for a brief period, she spotted Han Yan emerging slowly from the direction of Zhaoyang Hall. From a distance, it was merely a silhouette, yet she recognized him instantly.

Since Wang Ji’s pregnancy, her treatment has been exceptional. Acknowledging her elevated status over the past several months, Chen Jiao arranged for her to reside in Zhaoyang Hall as an independent entity, with plans to elevate her to ladyship following the child’s birth. As a former palace servant who had suddenly gained favor, Wang Ji exhibited a degree of arrogance, frequently making demands.

Chen Jiao found herself growing weary at the mere mention of “Zhaoyang Hall.”

She instructed her attendants, “Halt the sedan chair.”

With her own directives in place, Han Yan had been somewhat restrained in recent years, rarely venturing into the harem. This time, she worried that Liu Che may not have taken her previous comments seriously.

As they were scheduled to spend time together later, she took him into Zhaoyang Hall to see Wang Ji, likely because her pregnancy had necessitated her absence from Yongxiang Hall, thereby allowing Han Yan to remain.

“He is considerably more restrained than before,” the voice mused softly. “In the past, even when the emperor was absent, he would dare to spend the night in Yongxiang Hall. Liu Che regarded him as one of his concubines, though he did not share that perspective.”

Chen Jiao hesitated once more. While Liu Che was indulgent, he was not devoid of discernment. She had always believed that his favor towards Han Yan stemmed not only from Han Yan’s beauty but also from his talent. Yet, she questioned why Han Yan had never been granted the opportunity to embark on an expedition. Had she, perhaps, made a grave error in judgment?

Alternatively, it was possible that she was indifferent to the success or failure of this trivial endeavor. However, deep within her, in a realm she had yet to recognize, there lingered a sense of unease, reluctant to witness this vibrant life extinguished prematurely.

Lost in her thoughts, she was suddenly brought back to reality by the cautious voices of the palace maids, “Your Majesty, Physician Han has arrived.”

Han Yan’s recent ascent in status was evident in his title; he had transitioned from a servant of a prince to a senior physician.

Chen Jiao raised her gaze, meeting Han Yan’s speculative look. Their eyes locked, and a fleeting moment of confusion washed over them.

A sudden warmth spread through her heart, catching her off guard.

It was not as though they had not encountered one another in Qingliang Hall before; those previous interactions had been inconsequential. Why, then, did she feel differently this time?

Observing him once more, she noted the faint smile gracing his lips, and an epiphany struck her: she was now, in part, Han Yan’s superior.

The trust and gratitude previously reserved solely for Liu Che would now be shared with her. Han Yan would undoubtedly employ his charm to curry favor with her, seeking her unwavering support.

It was unwise to underestimate him, who had risen from the status of a mere illegitimate grandson of the Marquess of Gonggao to his current esteemed position.

A sense of relief washed over her. She reassured herself: her assistance to him was purely a matter of convenience.

“I have heard that Physician Han is in discussions regarding marriage with my uncle,” she remarked with a smile. “Perhaps in a few months, our families will be united by marriage.”

Han Yan smiled politely, bending slightly in a respectful manner, expressing, “I am truly grateful to Your Majesty for your unwavering support.”

With this introduction, he felt emboldened to offer counsel, stating, “As I am soon to become someone’s husband, it would be prudent to limit my presence in the harem.”

Chen Jiao replied, “If His Majesty inquires, simply attribute it to me, so the empress dowager does not become displeased again.”

The implication of her words was unmistakable.

Han Yan’s shoulders quivered slightly, and he did not dare to appear negligent.

Fixing his gaze downward, he asserted, “I assure you, I will not disappoint Your Majesty. In addition to serving you, I have diligently practiced martial arts, with the hope of one day riding into battle and achieving success, thereby honoring Your Majesty’s family.”

Chen Jiao nodded in approval, then noticed Liu Che emerging from Zhaoyang Hall in the distance.

He appeared unaware of her presence, prompting her to remark, “Ah, His Majesty is coming—”

She halted mid-sentence, as Han Yan, who had been listening intently, turned to observe the emperor standing before the hall alongside Chen Jiao.

Liu Che leaned against the door, watching with curiosity as a graceful young woman engaged in light-hearted banter with her companions. She was at a distance, oblivious to the scrutinizing gazes from both Chen Jiao and Han Yan. Her willow-like form swayed gently, her long hair cascading as she vanished into the hall’s recesses.

Han Yan felt an inexplicable urge to glance back at Chen Jiao.

His expectations were met; at that moment, the empress had cast aside her mask of benevolence. She regarded the empty corner with eyes as profound as a still pond.

Cold.

…

TN: I swear, I definitely didn’t miss a chapter, a paragraph, or even a sentence. 

I know they kissed, but I’m not sure if they actually hooked up. Maybe the author just brushed over it?