“I rather think this is possible.”
A chill ran through the grand hall as Shangguan Lin fell silent, unsure how to proceed.
If Consort De had said this earlier, he could have dismissed it with disdain or laughter, but now that the Emperor himself had spoken, it meant the Emperor believed Consort De’s words and suspected the Empress was not truly foolish, but merely feigning it.
If the Empress was indeed faking her madness, then he had to admit that everyone in Yan capital, and even the entire Eastern Qin Kingdom, was a fool. The only truly clear-headed one was that seemingly foolish individual, smiling at the unfolding events from within a thick fog.
“What does Your Majesty intend to do?”
Shangguan Lin asked in a low voice. Since the Emperor had summoned him to the palace at night, there must be matters he needed to delegate.
“Go and test her. I believe you have your methods. If she is not foolish, force her to reveal her true nature. If she is truly foolish, then it saves me a great deal of trouble.”
Shangguan Yao issued his solemn command. Prince Lin was taken aback, asked to test the Empress’s sanity. How was he supposed to do that? His gaze drifted to the Emperor seated above, unsure of his intentions.
However, Shangguan Yao was direct and provided a reasonable justification.
“The reason I’m asking you to test her is out of concern for Yun Mo. If such a matter were to reach Yun Mo’s ears, and if that fool is indeed genuinely senseless, would Yun Mo let such an opportunity pass? Mother Empress would surely be displeased then, and I do not wish to have any conflict with her.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, this subject understands.”
Shangguan Lin nodded, respectfully accepting the order. But how should one test a fool to force her to reveal her true self?
“Do not forget that although she is foolish, she is also a woman. What is the best and most direct way to force a woman to reveal her true self?” A sinister voice echoed from above. Shangguan Lin stiffened.
Looking up, he saw that the Emperor was resorting to any means to achieve his goals. The Imperial Tutor had once said that the Crown Prince was the most virtuous person in the realm, but from where did this virtue stem?
Though Shangguan Lin disagreed inwardly, he could not refute the Emperor’s words. He could only nod in agreement.
“Yes, this subject will handle this matter well. Your Imperial Brother can rest assured.”
“Furthermore, I asked you to investigate Ximen Yao. Have you found anything?” Shangguan Yao’s eyes flashed with a sharp glint as he stared at Shangguan Lin.
Ximen Yao remained a renowned and capable scholar in Eastern Qin. Rumor had it that he was resourceful, well-read, and the most intelligent person in the realm.
However, he was naturally reclusive and unmotivated by fame or fortune, thus no one had ever managed to persuade him to emerge from his seclusion. Moreover, his whereabouts were erratic, and few knew of his movements.
Shangguan Yao had long intended to invite him to assist him. Currently, Eastern Qin faced treacherous individuals within and covetous foreign enemies without, and what he lacked was such a wise and capable individual.
However, whether he could be persuaded to emerge was still uncertain.
He had long ago ordered Prince Lin to send people to investigate Ximen Yao’s whereabouts, but there had been no news.
Lately, his anxiety had grown. The current situation was intractable. Yun Mo clearly wished to hand over political power, but Mother Empress adamantly refused to let him take charge.
Beneath the surface, there was also the Divine Dragon Palace, growing stronger and infiltrating every vein of Eastern Qin. If this were not stopped, the consequences would be endless. If these matters were further delayed, Xiliang and Southern Jin would surely seize the opportunity to invade Eastern Qin’s borders.
Shangguan Yao raised his slender eyebrows, his eyes sharp like two gleaming swords, radiating a cold light.
Seeing his Imperial Brother’s expression, Shangguan Lin knew he was consumed by worry. Indeed, Eastern Qin was currently beset by internal and external troubles. He wondered what the Empress Dowager was planning, so resolutely preventing the Emperor from handling state affairs and instead entrusting the reins of power to Yun Mo.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject has received word that Ximen Yao is in Shuzhong City.”
“Good, excellent!” Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yao’s previous grimness vanished. He became excited, rose from his seat, his handsome face instantly brightening and softening.
Watching his Imperial Brother’s extreme excitement from above, Shangguan Lin found himself reluctant to speak up and remind him.
Ximen Yao was not easily persuaded to emerge. Even if they knew his location, he might not pay them any mind.
However, it was heard that Ximen Yao remained in Shuzhong City because his adopted sister was ill. Her illness currently lacked a rare medicinal ingredient: the Twin Lotus from Dongting Lake.
This lotus, to be used as medicine, required the ability to withstand wind and rain, bloom vibrantly, and emit a fragrance for ten li. This ingredient was not particularly precious, being cheaper than the Snow Lotus from Tian Shan.
But this particular flower was rarely seen once in a century. The location of Dongting was perilous, with rugged terrain. After enduring wind and rain, very few lotuses would be preserved, let alone the Twin Lotus, which greatly increased the difficulty.
However, two years ago, an official had presented such a rare lotus as tribute. It was unknown whether the Emperor had bestowed it upon someone. If it was still in his possession, Ximen Yao would surely be persuaded to emerge.
With this thought, Shangguan Lin’s eyes brightened, and he spoke calmly.
“Your Majesty, this subject has sent people to investigate and has learned that Ximen Yao dotes on his adopted sister. Currently, his adopted sister is ill and reportedly lacks a rare medicinal ingredient, the Twin Lotus from Dongting.
This subject recalls that this Twin Lotus was previously presented as tribute by a local official. Does Your Majesty still have it? As long as we obtain the Twin Lotus, we will surely be able to persuade Ximen Yao to emerge.”
Shangguan Yao’s eyes flickered with surprise. He immediately called out anxiously towards the hall entrance.
“Little Tingzi, immediately go to the Jiaofang Palace and see if that Dongting Twin Lotus is still there! If it is, bring it to me.”
Little Tingzi swiftly entered, accepted the order, and hurried out. Seeing the Emperor’s unusual haste, he knew the matter was of utmost importance and silently prayed that Consort Shu had not stewed the lotus into soup.
If that were the case, not only would it be difficult for them, the servants, but Consort Shu herself would also face severe consequences.
In the hall, Shangguan Lin also held his breath. It was evident that the Dongting Twin Lotus had been bestowed by the Emperor upon Consort Shu. It was unknown if the Consort had consumed it.
If the Twin Lotus was gone, persuading Ximen Yao to emerge would be a mere pipe dream. Conversely, if the Twin Lotus was presented, Ximen Yao would owe them a favor and would undoubtedly repay it by emerging.
The handsome Emperor also knew the importance of this matter. He descended from his high seat and paced back and forth in the hall, occasionally glancing towards the main entrance.
In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Little Tingzi returned, breathless from his hurried efforts.
“Your Majesty, the Twin Lotus is still here. Consort Shu said that since it was a gift from Your Majesty, she dared not consume it lightly. Since Your Majesty requires it, she is happy to present it with both hands.”
This statement was undoubtedly the most beautiful sound in the world. Shangguan Yao and Shangguan Lin exchanged a glance and both breathed a sigh of relief, smiling.
“Good, very good. Consort Shu is virtuous and kind-hearted. Reward her with four items of the first rank.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Little Tingzi respectfully accepted the order, relieved, and wiped the sweat from his brow. Fortunately, it seemed that this time, Consort Shu had risen even higher in the Emperor’s estimation, while Consort De’s previous actions were unlikely to win the Emperor’s favor.
Shangguan Yao boldly swept his imperial yellow sleeves and turned towards the high platform, issuing a calm command.
“Shangguan Lin, receive the decree.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Shangguan Lin immediately stood and cupped his fist in acknowledgment.
“Immediately dispatch someone to send the Twin Lotus to Shuzhong City, along with a letter of invitation. Be sure not to neglect the Master.”
Shangguan Lin accepted the order, took the magnificent brocade box presented by Little Tingzi, bowed, and retreated.
The hall finally fell silent. Little Tingzi waved his hand, signaling for the extraneous eunuchs and palace maids to withdraw, and cautiously approached. “Your Majesty, it is late. You should rest.”
Shangguan Yao rubbed his forehead. The anxiety on his handsome face had vanished, replaced by smiles. It was as if he saw a glimmer of hope for the future, and the dark clouds that had weighed upon his heart quickly dissipated.
“Yes, I am tired…”