Chapter 126

The autumn sun shone brightly, the mountains clear, the waters pure.

After a night of fine rain, the osmanthus seemed to have bloomed all at once. A sweet, cloying fragrance floated in the air. Before the courtyard steps, golden petals dotted the ground, still damp with rainwater.

Bo Mengshang and Ah Zhi had a simple lunch in the courtyard. As they chatted, Bo Mengshang noticed that Ah Zhi was unusually quiet today.

She assumed it was because Ah Zhi was in low spirits and was just thinking of how to cheer her up when Ah Zhi spoke, “I’m afraid we’ll have to set off and return to the Capital soon.”

Bo Mengshang was taken aback. “Why?”

Ah Zhi replied, “When Her Majesty left Vast Waters Palace, it was in great haste, and there have been no further decrees. Subsequently, Commander Zhu and the Prince Regent were summoned. I believe the next order will surely be to pack up and leave.”

No sooner had she spoken than a soldier hurried over, clasped his fists in salute, and reported, “Attendant Sun, by Her Majesty’s command, we are to depart from Qianliang Mountain and return to the Capital early tomorrow morning. You are to arrange the return procession.”

Bo Mengshang gasped and looked at Ah Zhi, who wore an expression of understanding as she accepted the order.

Bo Mengshang’s surprise wasn’t just that Ah Zhi had guessed Her Majesty’s intentions from such a small detail, but also that the return journey was happening even sooner than she had imagined.

She had originally come here along the way. The time of Her Majesty’s return to the Capital was also the time she had to make her decision: return to Nanyue to continue serving as Governor, or stay in the Capital.

It seemed they had both avoided discussing this matter until now. At this moment, Bo Mengshang’s expression was one of hurried panic as she looked towards Ah Zhi.

Ah Zhi looked back, then lowered her eyes. “Would Governor Bo like to hear my thoughts?”

Bo Mengshang held her breath. “Please, do tell.” Did Ah Zhi know what was troubling her?

Ah Zhi said, “Five years is neither short nor long. It’s not short because an official sent to the provinces can return after five years. Yet it’s not long because the court positions haven’t reached a point where they need reshuffling. Those who experienced the Bo Family Rebellion case back then still hold high positions. If you return to the Capital, there might not be a place for you there.”

Bo Mengshang smiled bitterly, but then was astonished. Ah Zhi not only knew what was bothering her, but with just a few words, she had hit the nail on the head.

“In my humble opinion, Governor, it would be better for you to return to Nanyue and serve as Governor for a few more years. While achieving greater political accomplishments, you can wait for a suitable vacancy. You have rendered service to Her Majesty and have a bond akin to that of a half-teacher. When you return then, you might even be directly appointed as a high minister. Who knows?”

As she said this, Ah Zhi turned her back, gazing at the osmanthus blossoms on the branch.

Her hair was styled simply, without ornament, only a silver hairpin tucked into the hair at her temples. Bo Mengshang had wanted to ask several times why she wasn’t wearing the hairpin she had gifted her but, after much hesitation, never voiced the question.

These past few days, they had discussed political situations, agricultural affairs, and the drawbacks of the commandery and county system. They had even worked together to deal with a nearby epidemic. It seemed they talked happily, but when it came to personal life, it felt as though a barrier lay between them, skimming the surface like dragonflies touching the water.

She felt that Ah Zhi seemed closer to her, yet also seemed very far away.

What she said was naturally very reasonable, but Bo Mengshang couldn’t help thinking: didn’t she wish for her to stay, even a little?

“…What you say makes sense. I will think it over carefully,” Bo Mengshang said.

“Then I shall go attend to my duties.” With these words, Ah Zhi left the courtyard.

Bo Mengshang sat alone in the courtyard, staring at the sky, lost in thought. She watched the sky darken, a damp chill seeping into the air. Finally, she stood up and walked out. Just as she reached the gate, a palace servant hurried over. Seeing her, the servant said in surprise, “Governor Bo is indeed here! This servant has been looking everywhere for you but couldn’t find you. Thankfully, I ran into Minister Wang, who said you would certainly be here—Her Majesty summons you.”

Bo Mengshang pursed her lips slightly.

Her Majesty was summoning her. Today truly was the day to make a decision.

…

After receiving the message, Fu Ping’an’s expression shifted slightly, but she made no drastic move. She simply put the letter away and returned to the Temporary Palace.

Luo Qionghua noticed Fu Ping’an’s changed expression but her silence. Though panicked inside, she didn’t make a sound. Only when they reached the room and she was about to ask did Fu Ping’an speak, “An epidemic is spreading in Weijing as well. Prepare yourself; we return to the Capital tomorrow.”

Luo Qionghua was greatly alarmed and blurted out, “But Mother is still in the Capital!”

Fu Ping’an patted Luo Qionghua’s hand reassuringly. “The letter only mentioned illness in the Capital Outskirts, which looks like an epidemic. It may not necessarily be one, and even if it is, it might not have spread into the city.”

Luo Qionghua forced a smile.

If the epidemic in Weijing was the same one from Qianliang Mountain, given its contagiousness, it would have likely already spread in the time it took for the letter to arrive.

But she knew panic was useless now. Though her heart was in turmoil, she feigned composure and said, “Then your servant wife will go back and instruct the various palaces to prepare…”

Fu Ping’an stopped her. “Do not let those below know of this matter yet.”

Luo Qionghua nodded, turned, and hurried away, her face pale, her eyes uneasy.

It was clear her heart was in disarray.

This was one reason Fu Ping’an hadn’t announced the news. The people who had come to Qianliang Mountain were a minority; the families and relatives of many more remained in Weijing. If people knew about the epidemic in Weijing, their hearts would inevitably waver, and panic might lead to chaos.

That afternoon, Fu Ping’an first met with Ren Danzhu.

She asked Ren Danzhu why she still hadn’t experienced Coming of Age.

Ren Danzhu said, troubled, “This matter is dictated by nature. Sometimes, the more you think about it in your heart, the less it comes. When you stop thinking about it, it might suddenly arrive.”

Fu Ping’an held her forehead, speechless.

She had originally planned to spend her Coming of Age Day before returning to the Capital, but the epidemic in Weijing was urgent; she had to go back.

After Ren Danzhu withdrew, Fu Ping’an summoned Fu Lingxian, instructing her to manage the imperial clan members and prevent any chaos from the rushed departure. After Fu Lingxian left, she summoned Zhu Cheng.

Summoning Zhu Cheng wasn’t just about the return journey. As soon as Zhu Cheng arrived, Fu Ping’an asked, “Has Fu Li woken up? What did he say afterward?”

Zhu Cheng replied, “He woke up. He seems to have truly forgotten what he said.”

Before leaving that morning, the Emperor had whispered instructions to her: after Fu Li woke up, observe his state. If he had forgotten his words and actions while drunk, they could deceive him into thinking he had already confessed everything. And because of the severe nature of his crimes, once Prince Jin was captured, he would be sentenced to death.

According to the danmaku, this was called a “blackout.”

A person who had never experienced that level of alcohol stimulation before, suddenly drinking that much, had a high probability of blacking out.

Fu Li had indeed blacked out. Hearing Zhu Cheng say he had “confessed everything” and was “sentenced to death,” he fell into utter despair and simply stopped talking.

Fu Ping’an rested her chin on her hand. “It seems they truly did something worthy of a death sentence…”

The Poisoned Wine Case alone wasn’t enough.

Even if Prince Jin was behind the Poisoned Wine Case, Prince Jin and Fu Li were, after all, close blood relatives of the imperial clan—imperial relatives. The Poisoned Wine Case had already been closed. Even if Fu Ping’an now overturned the case in anger, on the surface, the most she could do was sentence him to house arrest. Now that she had bluffed Fu Li, and he considered his death deserved, there was clearly something else.

She looked up and saw Zhu Cheng’s nervous expression. When Zhu Cheng saw her gaze, she quickly lowered her eyes and bowed her head.

Fu Ping’an waved her hand. “Go investigate. Find out exactly what they did that warrants a certain death sentence.”

There weren’t many possibilities. It could only be that she planned to rebel herself, or help someone else rebel.

Zhu Cheng acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Then Fu Ping’an summoned Bo Mengshang.

Bo Mengshang arrived slowly. Fu Ping’an chatted with the danmaku for a bit, discussing Prince Jin from the original novel.

In the original novel, Prince Jin hadn’t been implicated in the Poisoned Wine Case, so naturally, he wasn’t demoted to a commoner. He lived on well until after the original novel’s “Tyrant Fu Duanrong” died, then succeeded Fu Duanrong as the antagonist.

After Fu Lingxian ascended the throne, Prince Jin pushed forward his Heir Apparent, Fu Li, claiming legitimacy as the “orthodox” heir, saying Fu Li was the one who should rightfully inherit the throne. In the following years, the two sides were at war. Being no match for Fu Lingxian, Prince Jin retreated south of the Qian River.

According to the original novel, Prince Jin and Fu Lingxian were definitely not on the same side.

He likely wanted to rebel on his own.

Fu Ping’an rubbed her temples, thinking: is it like this for all emperors? Why are there so many people who want to rebel?

Just as she thought this, Bo Mengshang finally arrived.

Fu Ping’an composed her expression. After Bo Mengshang performed a proper salute, she spoke, “Beloved minister, what is your decision? To return to Nanyue, or to accompany the procession back to the Capital?”

As she finished speaking, she quietly regarded Bo Mengshang, not adding anything further.

If she still needed Fu Ping’an to explain the difference, then Bo Mengshang needn’t be an official anymore; she might as well go farm the land.

Simply put, the choice was between the chaotic court situation—returning to the court with a demotion of two ranks—or returning to Nanyue to continue achieving political merit. Those were the two options.

Bo Mengshang showed no hesitation. She raised her head, her expression clear, and calmly stated her decision.

“This subject… wishes to stay in the Capital.”

Her resolute expression showed she knew what this decision entailed.

Fu Ping’an also smiled. “Very well. Then I happen to have a task for you. The Capital may also be affected by the epidemic. You shall ride back posthaste with Imperial Physician Fei, deliver the prescription to the Prime Minister, provide relief to the people, and reduce losses. When I return to the Capital, with this achievement, it will be easier for you to accomplish things.”

Bo Mengshang’s eyes widened. “Weijing has an epidemic?!”

“Yes. This matter must not be disclosed. When you leave through this door, go find Fei Ming. Fei Ming has already received the token and decree. You will take a contingent of Imperial Guards and leave tonight without delay. No mistakes.”

Bo Mengshang held her breath, bowed deeply, and withdrew hastily.

Wang Ji led her to find Fei Ming. On the way, she asked, “Ah Zhi… ah, no, Attendant Sun, does she know your decision?”

Bo Mengshang shook her head. “I haven’t had time to tell her yet. It seems there won’t be time now.”

Wang Ji “oh”-ed, then smiled. “Then this humble official will tell her on your behalf.”

Bo Mengshang quickly thanked her, then added, “Earlier, the messenger eunuch also said it was Minister Wang who guided him to find me. I haven’t yet thanked the Minister.”

Wang Ji waved her hand dismissively. “It was nothing. Don’t you go looking for her every day? I’m not the only one who knows.”

Bo Mengshang’s face flushed. Wang Ji quickly added, “Everyone knows you work on official business together.”

Bo Mengshang nodded stiffly. “…Precisely so.”

As they spoke, they found Fei Ming. Fei Ming had already prepared the horses. Seeing Bo Mengshang, she was somewhat surprised. “Is the Governor accompanying this humble one?”

Bo Mengshang smiled. “Once we return to the Capital, I will no longer be Governor.”

After smiling, she couldn’t help but glance back.

There was nothing behind her, of course.

Things were so rushed; it was indeed too late to tell Ah Zhi.

A quarter of an hour later, in the darkening mountain scenery, Bo Mengshang and Fei Ming avoided the crowd and hurriedly descended the mountain.

Soon after they descended, the decree to depart at dawn the next day was passed down. The unprepared crowd grumbled and cursed, but none dared question Her Majesty’s order. The sharper ones sensed something was amiss and wanted to inquire but found no avenue to do so.

Thus they busied themselves through the night. The next morning, as the first rays of dawn pierced the thin mist, canopies were erected, colored banners soared into the sky. The massive imperial procession, vast and imposing like a long dragon, departed from Qianliang Mountain.

Wang Ji rode on horseback to the left of the imperial carriage. Ahead, she saw Ah Zhi also on horseback, but with a dazed expression, lost in thought.

Seeing her about to ride into a ditch, Wang Ji called out, “Ah Zhi, what are you thinking about!”

Ah Zhi straightened the reins and came back to her senses, a bit flustered. “Nothing, just daydreaming.”

Wang Ji tilted her head, looking at her with a sly smile. “Are you thinking about someone?”

Ah Zhi frowned, ignored Wang Ji, and rode straight ahead.

Wang Ji watched her go, thinking: You want to be angry with me? Then I just won’t tell you that Bo Mengshang actually went back to the Capital!