Two days later, Qu Tianji met with Yin Zhuli in secret for the third time. This time, he made no demands—nearly all of his subordinates had been stripped of their authority and relegated to idle posts. Some, who had failed to exercise restraint in the past, had even had their old misdeeds unearthed, leading to impeachments and imprisonments. Qu Tianji himself might not have feared such things, but he had to consider the future of Qu Huishang, the last remaining bloodline of the Qu family.
Though Yin Zhuli was unreliable, he had to resolve the immediate crisis first.
Military men valued loyalty and sentiment. Even if their commander was reassigned, the old bonds remained. If he were to give the call, toppling the royal power would not be a mere fantasy. Yet, Yin Zhuli continued to stall. She stared blankly at the chessboard. Currently, Shen Tianyao was still maintaining a facade of civility. Once war broke out, the first thing he would do would be to seize the entire Yin clan to cut off the rebel army’s supplies and funding.
The Yin clan numbered in the thousands. No matter how well she protected them, ensuring not a single soul was lost would be no easy feat. Furthermore, if the endeavor failed, the consequences would be unthinkable. She had to deliberate carefully, moving step by step.
Within the Guangling Pavilion, a sheepskin map was spread across a jade table, offering a bird's-eye view of hills and plains. Yin Zhuli pointed her finger at Tianshui Commandery. "My ancestors once buried a treasure here." She looked toward Qu Tianji, a sudden smile playing on her lips. "It is exactly where the map my mother swapped out all those years ago pointed. Twenty years have passed, and while things have changed and people have gone, the General remains in his prime. It truly brings a myriad of emotions to one's heart."
Qu Tianji’s expression darkened slightly, completely ignoring her teasing. "Tianshui Commandery belongs to Longxi. I have a hundred thousand troops stationed in the Longxi area. Among them, the defenses of Jincheng County are as solid as a fortress. If we raise an army from Longxi and keep a watchful eye on Chang'an, the world of Great Ying could be secured in a matter of days."
His tone was steady and calm, yet inward surprise flickered—the location of this treasure seemed as if it had been calculated specifically for the situation Great Ying faced today.
Yin Zhuli also studied the map intently. The dozens of generals surrounding them were veterans of the battlefield; they did not hold her in high regard, but they were unwilling to offend her, knowing that all their provisions and fodder would have to be provided by the Yin family.
Yin Zhuli pondered for a long time before slowly pressing her hand onto the jade table. "Everything is ready, but I feel we lack a certain momentum." She turned her gaze to Qu Tianji. "If the General were to draft a forged final edict from the late Emperor, claiming that Shen Tianyao committed patricide to force a coup, that his title is illegitimate, and that he acts against heaven and morality... once such a rumor spreads, regardless of its truth, it will turn the hearts of the people. It would give us a righteous cause to take up arms."
At the mention of the late Emperor, Qu Tianji’s face clouded. After a long silence, he let out a soft sigh. "So be it." He curled his index finger slightly, tapping the sheepskin map on the table, then added as if casually, "However, if war breaks out, the King will surely move to suppress the Yin clan. You can come with me, but what about your clansmen?"
Yin Zhuli smiled. "To achieve great things, how can there be no sacrifice?"
These words caught Qu Tianji by surprise. He glanced at Yin Zhuli from the corner of his eye and said no more.
Once Qu Tianji and his party left the Guangling Pavilion, Hao Jian could not contain his worry. "Big Boss, General Qu makes a good point. If the Yin family turns against him, how could Shen Tianyao possibly let the clansmen go?"
Yin Zhuli looked up at him and laughed after a moment. "Head Manager Hao, the Yin family has not turned against him; it is only Yin Zhuli who harbors rebellious intent. In the past, Shen Tianyao would have certainly slaughtered the entire Yin clan, but now he has too many enemies to manage. If I leave, the Yin family still has my mother. Mother shares an irreconcilable hatred with Qu Tianji; how could she ever help him? By now, she likely hates me just as much. Naturally, she will do her utmost to assist Shen Tianyao. Shen Tianyao will be too busy trying to win her over to hastily execute the Yin family."
Hao Jian realized the truth, then blurted out in shock, "Big Boss, your public disputes and discord with the Old Matriarch were all to give the King an opportunity to split the Yin family?!"
Yin Zhuli tapped the jade table. Hao Jian realized that the blood of Qu Tianji truly flowed within her; the two of them shared an uncannily similar aura and posture in their moments of inadvertent reflection.
At this moment, however, Yin Zhuli showed a hint of difficulty. "I must take my overt confidants with me, or they will surely face death. What truly troubles me now is how to persuade my Master to leave with me. His character is upright and unyielding; he would rather break than bend. To cooperate with Qu Tianji and live under another's roof to save his life—even if only temporarily—is impossible for him. Yet if he stays, Shen Tianyao will surely use him to make things difficult for me. He is a man of noble character; how could he endure the insults of a petty man?"
She leaned her head on her hand, looking weary. "The logic of knowing when to yield and when to stand tall is likely useless to him."
***
In the Fu Lu Estate, the young Prince Shen was also not idle. The autumn air was crisp and the sky as clear as if it had been washed. The courtyard was filled with a riot of autumn chrysanthemums in full bloom. Under the fine light, he tuned his strings and played *Ambush from All Sides*. A piece usually played on the pipa took on a unique charm when performed on the guqin.
He Jian listened from the corridor for a while. When the song ended, he said softly, "Ninth Lord, Lian Kang just brought news. The Princess Consort wants us to pack our things and withdraw from Chang'an with General Qu to temporarily station ourselves in Jincheng County."
Shen Tingjiao lightly plucked a string, his long fingers looking warm and smooth as jade. The music seemed to flow directly from his fingertips. "Very well. And the Princess Consort?"
He Jian hesitated slightly. "Supposedly, she returned to the Yin family estate."
A trace of a smile appeared on Shen Tingjiao’s face. Gone was the usual charm he displayed before Yin Zhuli; instead, his feminine beauty was shot through with a cold ruthlessness. "She must have gone to see Tang Yin."
His voice was like the clatter of gold and jade. He lowered his head, and with a sharp *zheng*, he snapped a string. His index finger was sliced open, and blood slid down his slender fingertip, dripping onto the green guqin. He knit his brows slightly, staring blankly at the bead of blood. After a long moment, he smiled again, a look as soft as the misty rain of Jiangnan. "Shen Tingjiao, look at what you've become."
***
Yin Zhuli was indeed at the Waterside Pavilion accompanying Tang Yin. Tang Yin was still fishing. The autumn sun still carried a lingering summer heat, and the leaves of the two peach trees had turned slightly yellow. Long, narrow withered leaves were stirred by the autumn wind, circling down into the lake. The Chinese roses bloomed with a touch of pride, playfully leaning their heads toward the water, casting reflections as intense as fire.
"What do you want to say?" Tang Yin knew something was on her mind without even turning his head.
Yin Zhuli maintained a shallow smile. "Master, look at how long you’ve been cooped up in Chang'an. The autumn scenery is so beautiful; why don't we go for a stroll together?"
Tang Yin finally turned to look at her. "Unless your Master has gone senile, I believe we only returned to Chang'an from Luoyang half a month ago."
Yin Zhuli gave a dry cough and leaned close to him. "But your disciple wants to invite Master out for an autumn trek."
Tang Yin set down his fishing rod. He felt the tips of her hair brush against his cheek, a slight, ticklish sensation. "You are not one who enjoys beating around the bush."
Yin Zhuli pressed a bit closer to him. He was very warm, and his shoulders were firm, providing a sense of security. "Master, Zhuli wants to discuss something with you. But first, you must promise not to be angry."
Tang Yin’s smile was warm. His eyes looked toward the green water, reflecting a pool of azure. "Speak."
Yin Zhuli couldn't help but take his hand. He stiffened slightly but did not pull away, his voice still carrying a smile. "For something to make the Big Boss so hesitant, I fear it will put your Master in a difficult position."
Yin Zhuli tried to organize her thoughts, expressing her idea as tactfully as possible. "Master, the situation in Chang'an is tense. If we don't find a countermeasure, the Ninth Lord’s life will be in peril. And the Qu family..." She paused, her voice growing lower. "As you have seen, General Qu is currently unable to even protect himself. I want the Ninth Lord to rely on the Qu family. Although the Ninth Lord has no authority, he is of the direct imperial bloodline. If General Qu supports his ascent to the throne, firstly, it would be for self-preservation, and secondly..."
As expected, before she could finish, Tang Yin’s expression changed. "As I thought. You truly intend to incite Qu Tianji to rebel." He pulled his hand back from Yin Zhuli’s grasp, his voice tinged with anger. "This world belongs to the virtuous. I have no wish to say more about whom you choose to support. Let us skip the idle talk; tell me your purpose for coming today."
Seeing his expression, Yin Zhuli leaned against his shoulder and sighed softly. "Master said he wouldn't be angry."
Tang Yin picked up his fishing rod again and cast the hook far out. "Tell me your purpose for coming today."
Yin Zhuli started to speak several times but stopped. Finally, she stood up. "We will speak of it another day. Master, Zhuli shall take her leave."
***
That night, Yin Zhuli felt restless. She didn't want to return to the estate to deal with the Ninth Lord—she was afraid she would lose her temper with him again. Hong Ye had reserved a guest room for her at the Guangling Pavilion and didn't send anyone to wait on her; after serving tea and fruit, she withdrew.
Yin Zhuli leaned against the window, took the short flute from her waist, and played *Dialogue between the Fisherman and the Woodcutter*. Ultimately, she still possessed the temperament of youth; her flute playing lacked the peaceful indifference of Tang Yin’s. It wasn't that she didn't know how to play—it wasn't a particularly complex instrument—it was just that... it was said that Yin Biwu loved to play the flute.
When a predecessor has already reached the pinnacle of an art, why should those who follow attempt to imitate them?
But her mood was foul, and there was no one around. What was the harm in deceiving herself for a moment?
Late that night, Shen Tingjiao took Zhang Qing and left the Fu Lu Estate. Everyone was used to him leaving the estate at night and thought nothing of it. He went all the way to the Yin family mansion. Naturally, no one in the residence dared to stop him. Nuan Yu told him that Yin Zhuli had gone out early, but he nodded and followed the white stone path all the way to the Waterside Pavilion.
At the moon-shaped archway, he stopped and turned to instruct Zhang Qing, "Stay outside. Do not let anyone disturb us."
Zhang Qing nodded in affirmation, and Shen Tingjiao stepped inside.
It was still early, and Tang Yin had not yet retired. He was practicing his swordplay by the pavilion. Seeing the Prince enter, he cupped his hands. "Ninth Lord, I'm afraid you've come at an inopportune time. Zhuli went out this afternoon."
Shen Tingjiao’s smile was soft and enchanting, half-hidden in the dim twilight. "I did not come here today seeking Zhuli. If it is no intrusion, I would like to have a chat with you, Master."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
天水郡 | Tianshui Commandery | A strategic administrative region in Longxi.
陇西 | Longxi | A region in northwest China, often a base for military power.
金城县 | Jincheng County | A county within Longxi, described as a fortress.
临溪水榭 | Waterside Pavilion | Literally "Pavilion Overlooking the Stream," Tang Yin's residence at the Yin estate.
十面埋伏 | Ambush from All Sides | A famous, intense classical Chinese musical composition.
渔樵问答 | Dialogue between the Fisherman and the Woodcutter | A classical Chinese flute/guqin piece representing a philosophical, reclusive life.
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Becoming the Queen by Serving as Prime Minister | Chapter 45 | An Ill-Intentioned Visitor | Novela.app | Novela.app
