Chapter 3 Asking for Marriage

Zhao You laughed, thinking that she was only acting on impulse. “Don’t be silly. Chang’an is near. Now that you’ve been summoned to the palace, how can you suddenly change your mind? It’s unnecessary to worry about Elder Brother. In the end, she is still your flesh and blood. How can Elder Brother stop you? It’s enough to know that you have your family in mind.”

A’Shu shook her head and said, “Elder Brother, I’m not joking. I wasn’t thinking clearly before. I was only caught up in believing that the Empress Dowager really misses me, but I have thought a lot in my sickbed. If she really cared about me, how come I haven’t heard from her for so many years? What’s more, I was still called to come here despite the troubling situation. I heard that in the court, the Grand Marshal monopolizes authority. The Empress Dowager and His Majesty are in a tough spot. I’m afraid she only wanted me to come because she has other plans.”

Zhao You looked at her younger sister, who seemed to have grown up a lot after only a few days. After a while, he sighed. “A’Shu is very sensible. Elder Brother is relieved.”

How couldn’t he know Empress Dowager Zhang’s motive? Just looking at how she jumped from being a mere concubine of the Prince of Liang to an Empress Dowager in a short span of five years, one could tell that such person was by no means ordinary and good.

But mindful of A’Shu’s innocence, fearing that she would be embarrassed and lost which would lead her to become more stubbornly doubtful, he was reluctant to explain his thoughts to her in detail. In his letter to Changle Palace, he had no choice but to pledge Zhao’s loyalty in exchange for a title for his sister so that in the future she would have something to rely on in Chang’an where prince and princesses were abundant.

“Don’t be afraid. Elder Brother is always here. The Empress Dowager has made you a Lady of a County. Just like the Lady of Xiucheng during Emperor Wu’s reign, no one will dare to bully you. If you don’t like Chang’an, just see me, and we’ll go back to Handan immediately.”

He didn’t want his sister to leave with regret, but he didn’t know that the words “Lady of a County” stirred her heart.

The Empress Dowager was cunning. This so-called promise wasn’t proclaimed in writing, and others didn’t know about it. Naturally, it would not be honored in the future.

Although her elder brother was always an upright person, he was still a child when the Empress Dowager left the Zhao family. Ignorant of the Empress Dowager’s viciousness, he believed that the promise would be fulfilled.

As family member of the Son of Heaven, one word carried a lot of weight. Who would expect that the Empress Dowager would back down on her word?

“Elder Brother, since the Empress Dowager has taken great pains to lure me to Chang’an, she won’t let me go that easily. There must be a way to make her voluntarily give up on me.”

Since she couldn’t reveal what she knew, she could only talk in a roundabout way.

“Elder Brother, didn’t you once say that she left our Zhao family because of a prophecy?”

Zhao You nodded, “Yes, witchcraft divination is prevalent nowadays. The Zhang family believes in them.” His brows suddenly scrunched. “You mean一but in this way, it will damage your reputation and hinder your future marriage.”

A’Shu only smiled and asked, “Does Elder Brother believe it?”

“The theory of divination may have some basis at first, but now it is mostly used by villains to curry favor with the powerful. I naturally don’t believe it,” Zhao You answered decisively.

“Some people believe, others don’t. If I want to marry in the future, I will marry a man as clear and bright as my elder brother.”

In any case, she didn’t want to become a pawn in the hands of Empress Dowager Zhang and the Little Emperor again, being pushed around by others.

Zhao You hesitated for a moment, then suddenly made up his mind, “Well, it’s true that one shouldn’t get involved in the affairs of the royal family but I, Zhao You, am here. No one will dare to bully my sister, A’Shu, in the future.”

……

That Feng Ting left the post station in a huff, but after a moment, he felt that something was still bugging him. He turned back halfway and spent the night in an ordinary dwelling house in the city. He quietly summoned the little eunuch who was sent with the Zhao family from Handan to Chang’an.

The little eunuch was ordered to return to the posthouse. From time to time, he looked for opportunities to snoop carefully. Finally, in the dead of night, at the corner of the outer wall of Zhao You’s room, he heard the husband and wife talking secretly.

“…What’s to be done with A’Shu’s fate?” Deng Wan was very worried. “As a conqueror of the Emperor star, if she lives an ordinary life, there’s nothing to worry about. But the Empress Dowager insists that she enters the palace. This can’t be. Husband, we should write a letter and tell the truth to the Empress Dowager, otherwise, it will be detrimental for the Zhao family if people find out in the future!”

After listening, Zhao You paced back and forth. In a moment, he spoke in deep voice, “It’s not right. Once a prophecy is said, it can’t be undone. I painstakingly managed to win a title for A’Shu, how can I give up easily? Besides, A’Shu is indeed the daughter of the Empress Dowager. If she really becomes a Lady of a County just like the previous Lady of Xiucheng, my Zhao family may be able to revive its century-old glory.”

The couple chatted for a while. The little eunuch spying in the corner was taken aback. He hurriedly committed the conversation in his mind, then went to Feng Ting’s place that very night and reported everything.

Feng Ting was already dissatisfied with the attitude of the Zhao siblings. Hearing the report, he flew into a rage. “How dare the Zhao family hide such a big news! How dare he leech on to the Empress Dowager and the Son of Heaven. The Empress Dowager and His Majesty must be told!”

Early the next morning, he galloped to Chang’an and went to Changle Palace to meet the Empress Dowager, retelling last night’s matter with embellishments.

Empress Dowager Zhang was skeptical at first, and did not speak.

In the past, the reason why Liu Chang aroused Geng Yun’s fear was because he had publicly censured Geng Yun for killing the Crown Prince, forcing the Little Emperor to submit and taking control of all vassals. This was tantamount to accusing him of ulterior motives and failing to fulfill the Late Emperor’s mandate.

Fearing that Geng Yun might suspect the Empress Dowager Zhang of colluding with Liu Chang and his brother, she hurriedly designed to kill Liu Chang. Then, she lured her daughter Lady Zhao into coming to Chang’an to send her to Geng Yun as a token of her intention to join forces.

She had already sent someone to inquire in advance. Lady Zhao was beautiful, submissive and well-behaved. Indeed, a very useful pawn. How could Feng Ting’s words be different from what she had heard?

Feng Ting had been a long-time follower of Empress Dowager Zhang. Knowing her temperament, he decided to throw mud at the Zhao siblings, so he revealed the secret conversation between Zhao You and his wife.

Sure enough, Empress Dowager Zhang was shocked and outraged. She slammed the table and snapped, “What a good Zhao You, so greedy for power and position! Those who restrict the Emperor star will never be allowed to stay in Chang’an!”

She suddenly got up, paced back and forth as she hesitated again. “But she is very popular outside. Now that everyone knows that I called her, I fear that Geng Yun has other plans…”

Geng Yun loved beautiful and submissive women. He must have known her plans beforehand. If Lady Zhao was suddenly ordered to return, it would probably cause unnecessary suspicion.

Feng Ting approached with an ingratiating smile and said in a low voice, “Empress Dowager, Lady Zhao who can restrict the Emperor star must not stay in Chang’an for a long time. What if people talk about it and they dare to overstep? Besides, the Grand Marshal also believes in divination. “

Empress Dowager Zhang’s eyes flashed with understanding.

Witchcraft divination was very popular at that time, and all the people in high positions believed in it. For example, back in that year, she fled from Zhao family in Handan and entered Prince of Liang’s mansion because a Daoist priest said that she “had a great fortune, and would give birth to a Son of Heaven”.

Now, the prophecy had come true.

However, as of now, the Emperor and his vassals were under Geng Yun’s control. With Lady Zhao’s prophecy of restricting the Emperor star and with his fear of public views, he wouldn’t dare to take her even by force.

Then, didn’t it mean that her daughter, whose beauty was the rarest in the world, was actually useless?

She returned to her seat and caressed the silk painting on the desk. The painting was of a sixteen-year-old girl. Her jade face was brilliant, her eyes were tender and charming, and her figure was dainty, which made the Empress Dowager both envious and jealous. It was the portrait of Lady Zhao.

Empress Dowager Zhang recalled her own fate more than ten years ago. Though she was also born beautiful, her family had fallen into poverty. She struggled for more than twenty years to get to her present status. But this daughter who was born in Handan was born in a lap of luxury and grew up pampered. Unwillingness, jealousy and loss flashed in her eyes.

In those days, the Zhao family humiliated her and her mother in various ways, which made them lose face in Handan. It was really detestable.

Feng Ting watched her expression for a long time. Seeing her hesitation, he said meaningfully, “At present, the Empress Dowager has to worry about another woman besides the Grand Marshal.”

Empress Dowager Zhang shivered. Indeed, Geng Yun’s power was tremendous. He also had a different surname, while Liu Xun, Liu Chang’s younger brother, belonged to the Liu clan. Under the excuse of “restoring the Han empire” which seemed to be the trend, there was no saying that there would be no threat to their position.

……

At the post station outside the city, A’Shu waited for a few days. As expected, nothing was heard from Empress Dowager Zhang, but some rumors were circulating outside.

It looked like Lady Zhao’s prophecy of restricting the Emperor star had spread all over the streets overnight. Both the nobility and common people lamented. Heaven was truly jealous of devastatingly beautiful women. In this world, every great man had lofty aspirations. From now on, no one would want to marry Lady Zhao.

After all, bearing the fate of restricting the Emperor star meant that her husband would not only miss the throne but would also be closely monitored by the Emperor.

Others were sorry, but A’Shu was only relieved.

She had no intention of marrying into the royal family, which saved her a lot of trouble. The Zhao family had been going on for hundreds of years, and it must not decline in her generation. This rumor not only thwarted Empress Dowager Zhang’s machinations but also helped the Zhao family escape from the incoming disputes.

As for her reputation, it was a trivial matter.

Although Zhao You and Deng Wan acted according to the plan that day, they were still worried about their younger sister. But seeing her unruffled state, they were reassured. After a few more days, the family could finally leave for the east.

But after nearly half a month of waiting for Empress Dowager Zhang’s instruction, what they heard instead was an appaling news.

Liu Xun, who had just won a great victory in Kunyang, finally returned to Chang’an before his brother’s remains were scarcely cold. Just as people were waiting to see him fly into a rage because of his brother’s death and openly confront the Emperor and the Grand Marshal, what he did next caused an uproar both in the court and the commonalty.

After entering the city, he laid down his arms and went straight to Weiyang Palace. He knelt down in front of all the ministers, offered a humble apology for his brother and asked the Emperor for mercy. Right after, he heeded the instructions of Empress Dowager Zhang and the Grand Marshal, and personally asked Empress Dowager Zhang to marry her daughter, who was highly celebrated in Hebei but was born with the fate of restricting the Emperor star. It was said that the Empress Dowager agreed!

It should be noted that Liu Xun’s move was a great disobedience to filial piety, causing the people to despise him.

When a family member died, one was expected to mourn for one year, and had to avoid marriage during this period.

Not only was it only a month since Liu Chang’s death but Lady Zhao was also the daughter of Empress Dowager Zhang who was the chief culprit of Liu Chang’s death!

For a while, there were some spiteful remarks, doubts, and varying opinions. Only no one could understand Liu Xun’s true intention.

It was several days later when this news reached the post station outside the city. Upon hearing, Zhao You immediately slammed the table in anger. “This is going too far! Liu Chang is dead and it’s only a matter of time before Geng Yun takes Liu Xun’s life. How can Liu Xun disregard filial piety and ask for marriage? How can there be such a principle in the world?”

The scout who came to relay the news said, “It has already spread all over the city. The Empress Dowager took the iniatiative to offer the marriage, and repeatedly probed whether to return Liu Chang’s corpse. Liu Xun didn’t say anything, but only pleaded guilty for his brother and asked for punishment. On the second day, he went to Changxin Palace to ask for marriage.”

Zhao You and Deng Wan were both smothered. It turned out that the Empress Dowager and Geng Yun forced Liu Xun to submit! The couple looked at the pale-faced A’Shu. For a moment, they did’t know how to comfort her.

Anyone who was blatantly being used by their own biological mother would naturally not feel good, let alone a young girl who had little to no experience of the world.

“Little Sister, the Empress Dowager took the liberty to make a decision for you just because she gave birth to you. If you don’t want to marry, let Elder Brother handle it for you!”

A’Shu was in a daze, She shook her head and got up. “Elder Brother, don’t be in a hurry. Let me think.”

After returning to her room, she sat quietly on the couch.

Her original intention was to stay away from the Empress Dowager, to get away from the upcoming chaos to keep her family safe. However, things have come to this point, which was beyond her expectation.

This move from Empress Dowager Zhang and Geng Yun, how could she not understand?

Liu Chang’s reputation was growing day by day. Although Liu Xun was not as prestigious as his elder brother, and was only appointed as an auxillary general, the great victory was won because of him. He was a meritorious official, hence, he should be rewarded.

Instead of being kind to the meritorious official, Empress Dowager Zhang and Geng Yun brazenly designed to kill Liu Chang, which made the world comment in succession. And Liu Xun’s reaction was more surprising. Not only was there no hatred seen but he even threw down his merits and sincerely beg for forgiveness.

Although there were many voices criticizing him for disregarding filial piety and fraternal duty, his action really made Empress Dowager Zhang and Geng Yun unable to do anything for a while, fearing that if a meritorious official was killed once again, the court would be divided.

Worried that Liu Xun would become disloyal in the future, set up his own troops and intend to usurp the throne, Empress Dowager Zhang and Geng Yun promised her to Liu Xun. After all, she was not only domineering but would also restrict the Emperor star.

In this way, it also showed that the Empress Dowager could let bygones be bygones. By marrying off her own daughter, it signified that she sympathized and understood the good intention of her subject.

This calculation could only be described as meticulous.

A’Shu sighed to herself. She had thoroughly witnessed Empress Dowager Zhang’s cold-heartedness in her past life, but she still underestimated the depth of her calculation.

She shuddered involuntarily at the thought of Liu Xun.

In the dream, he tore down his mask of gentleness and modesty, revealing the terrifyingly cold and fierce look underneath. Even though she was certain that she would die at that time and even though she had to live again, the burning and sharp pain of the countless arrows that pierced her body still made her shiver.

This person knew how to advance and retreat. He had the sense to go with the flow, bidding his time. He was by no means an ordinary and kind person. He mustn’t be offended at all cost, but now, not only did her biological mother kill his elder brother, she also forced this marriage. If she was really to marry him, the rest of her life would not be easy.

However, if the marriage didn’t happen, the Empress Dowager would only find trouble. This place was not Handan. There were many restraints at the foot of the Emperor. If one was to make a wrong move, they would end up like Liu Chang!

There was silence in the room, but Zhao You didn’t want to leave for fear that her sister would be sad.

At this time, the sound of horses and chariots was heard outside the post station. Feng Ting, who had left in anger not long ago, led a group of attendants, and came with the bethrothal gifts paid by Liu Xun.

Zhao You was shocked and outraged. “Since ancient times, men and women have been married according to the Six Ceremonies. I, Zhao You, haven’t agreed. Not to mention, there is no proposal, birthday matching and gift letters sent. How come Envoy Feng has come to perform the ceremony of presenting the bethrothal gifts?”

This time, Feng Ting was devoid of his previous fawning. He only folded his hands in his sleeves and motioned for the little eunuch at his side to carry the things forward. He sneered, “Lady Zhao is the daughter of the Empress Dowager, and Her Highness has agreed to the marriage. How dare you, Zhao You, to object? General Liu will leave Chang’an in a few days. The Empress Dowager wants the wedding ceremony to be done as soon as possible.”

The mysterious bundle of silk and jade before his eyes made Zhao You extremely stuffy. His face turned cold. He wanted to draw out his sword.

“Envoy, this is going too far. I object with this matter!”

Feng Ting didn’t expect that he would dare to openly refute. His face flushed with anger. He pointed at him and said, “This is the Empress Dowager’s will! Aren’t you afraid that the Empress Dowager and His Majesty will punish you?”

Zhao You was rather short-sighted. When it came to his sister, he feared nothing. He was about to argue again when the door of the inner room suddenly opened. A’Shu, who hadn’t shown up for a long time, stepped out. “The things have been delivered. My elder brother and I understand the Empress Dowager’s intention. Envoy may go back now.”