My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 12

It was said that they were watching the parade of officials on the imperial street. In reality, after leaving the palace gates, Helan Ci took her leave first.

Shao’an Gongzhu’s soul was completely captivated by Lu Wuyou, and Noble Consort Li was busy coaxing her daughter, so no one paid attention to Helan Ci, allowing her to easily slip away.

All the way back to the mansion, the sounds of celebration and cheers could be heard, not like a top scholar’s parade, but more like a victorious general returning home.

Even Shuang Zhi was hiding at the gate of the mansion, peeking and whispering, “Miss, did you see this year Zhuangyuan when you came back from the palace?… I heard people outside say that this top scholar has topping all six exams! and he looks like a celestial being descended to earth.”

“He came to our mansion… wait a minute…”

Six exams?

Helan Ci was taken aback, recalling that Lu Wuyou had indeed topped the county, prefectural, and provincial, exams in Qingzhou back then, achieving the rank of a minor scholar.

Topping three exams¹ was already impressive, but topping six exams² was simply astonishing.

This meant that he had been the top scorer in all the exams related to the imperial examination system.

With such an impressive resume, he might really be able to escape from Shao’an Gongzhu’s grasp, because in Great Yong, there were rules that the rank of a prince consort, even if he entered the court to serve as an official, could not be higher than the sixth rank.

A once-in-a-century Zhuangyuan with six-out-of-six luck of the Wenchang Wang³ was wasted in the hands of the princess, which everyone probably thought was a waste.

But she might not have such good luck herself.

When Helan Ci returned to the mansion, the first thing she did was to look for the paper where she had previously recorded her dream.

If the dream is true, then she needs to make plans early.

Helan Ci had also thought about it before; If the capital was unsafe, so she might as well pack her bags and run away. However, she couldn’t just leave her father and brother behind. Moreover, since the second prince had already set his sights on her, if she fled recklessly, she might end up with the same fate as in her dream. At that time, it would be too late to call for help.

Currently, she is still the young lady of the Left Chief Censor’s family, and in terms of status, it is actually safe.

In the evening, her father returned from the Qionglin Banquet⁴. After much contemplation, Helan Ci still knocked on the door and entered the study, saying, “Father, the noble imperial consort summoned me to the palace today.”

Helan Jin was reviewing the memorials sent by the Inspector of Yizhou at his desk. He thought she would mention something ordinary to him, but upon hearing Helan Ci’s words, he immediately became tense and asked, “Why did she summon you to the palace?”

Helan Ci replied, “Someone must have mentioned me to her… I also saw the Second Prince and Shao’an Gongzhu.” She paused, steeling herself, and said, “I think the Second Prince has some interest in me.”

Helan Jin looked at his daughter, who spoke with hesitation and unease, and suddenly stood up, saying, “Don’t overthink it. I have already helped you find a suitable match.” He took down two scrolls from the bookshelf, “One is the eldest grandson of father’s former mentor, who has already retired. He just passed the imperial examination and is now studying at the Imperial Academy. The other is the second son of Yu Daren from the Hanlin Academy, who ranked 40th in this year’s second class. He delayed his studies to observe mourning for his mother. Your brother has inquired about them; they are both honest and diligent young men. If you are interested, I can have someone come to the residence to discuss it.”

Helan Ci pressed her finger on the scroll but didn’t read it.

After hesitating for a moment, she gritted her teeth and said, “Father, I had a dream a few days ago. I dreamed that you were appointed as the governor of Yi Yun, and then you were stripped of your position and imprisoned. My brother and I were also implicated. Do you think… this is possible?”

She was just short of directly asking him about the court situation.

However, her father never talked about this with her.

As expected, Helan Jin paused for a moment and then said, “What are you thinking about, my daughter! Dreams can’t be taken seriously!”

Helan Ci knew that her father’s old-fashioned nature meant he wouldn’t believe her at all. Even if he did, he wouldn’t think of changing or avoiding it. He would probably think that being stripped of his position and imprisoned was his own fault.

So, Helan Ci decided not to beat around the bush with him.

“Father, I also dreamed about the Second Prince. In the dream, I escaped, and he kept me under house arrest.” Helan Ci lowered her voice and tried to speak as convincingly as possible, “I don’t think this is just wild speculation. Even if I’m not clear about the court’s situation, I know he’s currently competing with the Eldest Prince for the throne. He doesn’t have the legitimacy of being the eldest son, and you can’t possibly support him. Moreover, Dad, you’ve repeatedly petitioned to establish the Crown Prince and send him to a fief, making you a thorn in their side. The Censorate is in charge of supervision, which is extremely important. They won’t let you stay in this position for long… Besides, the annual court inspection is due, and the court inspection is always a sharp knife.”

The court inspection, overseen by the Ministry of Personnel and the Censorate, is an excellent opportunity to eliminate dissidents and settle old scores. Helan Ci thinks her father will be taken down in that event, and this matter is not unrelated.

After all, her father not forming factions is a good thing for the emperor, but not necessarily for the other officials.

As for the framing of the Governor of Yi Yun, that’s even simpler.

Helan Jin slammed the table and said angrily, “Impudent! How dare you, a female, speak recklessly about such matters!”

Helan Ci raised her neck and said without hesitation, “Should I only worry about this when the house is already being raided?”

If Yao Qianxue were here, she would probably be so frightened that her face would turn pale.

Helan Jin, furious and fuming, couldn’t understand why his once delicate and pitiful daughter had become like this after returning from Qingzhou. He wanted to argue but was afraid that, like last time, their loud voices would attract Master Zhan from the nearby Dali Temple.

Helan Ci took a breath and realized she was a bit worked up, her voice softening, “Father, don’t be angry. I’m worried too. How about we go back to the countryside for a couple of years…”

What she suggested was a common practice in the Great Yong officialdom.

Seeing the situation was not right, they would resign and return home to live as leisurely gentry for a few years. Their qualifications and reputation would remain intact, and after a few years, it would be easy to return to their posts. Honestly, who among the high-ranking officials above the third rank in the current officialdom hadn’t experienced ups and downs a few times? It was all part of the job, including the Grand Secretariat.

The old man from the countryside yesterday could directly enter the Grand Secretariat and hold the highest rank today.

It was that thrilling.

Helan Jin paused for a moment and said, “That’s not possible. Serving the emperor and the people, I will do my duty as long as I am in office. I will never put my own safety first and abandon my duty. Moreover, your father serves as an official without shame, without guilt, and without regret. If he were to be imprisoned and questioned, it would be my fault as a minister. If you are afraid of being implicated, then don’t be my daughter.”

Helan Ci was speechless for a moment, surprisingly moved.

Fortunately, the current Emperor Shun, though not a legendary ruler, is indeed a wise and virtuous monarch. Otherwise, how could her father, being so foolishly rigid, reach such a high position?

However, Emperor Shun is indeed a bit muddled when it comes to the matter of the Crown Prince.

The Empress has no legitimate son, and the Eldest Prince should have been appointed long ago. Yet, he stubbornly delayed it until now, secretly wanting to leave the position to his favored second prince.

Thinking of the second prince, Helan Ci started to get a headache again.

Forget it, she should just get married soon.

“…… Daughter has nothing more to say. Father, please arrange these two young masters as you see fit.”

***

A few days later, Yao Qianxue came to visit.

“What’s wrong? Did you have another fight with your father?” Yao Qianxue plopped down beside her bed, admiring the beauty’s profile. “My uncle asked my mother to send a message for me to come over and persuade you not to overthink things. Are you not wanting to get married again? Then don’t get married. Come on, who could possibly be worthy of our Xiao Ci?”

Helan Ci smiled and said, “It’s something else, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

“Then let’s talk about something happy.” Yao Qianxue said animatedly, “Li Ting’s shizi position was really taken away! The imperial decree was issued this morning, still warm from the edict.”

“Ah?”

Helan Ci almost forgot about him.

She thought for a moment and said, “It’s mainly because of the Second Prince.”

That is, the father of the unfortunate Yunyang Xianzhu. By seniority, the Second Prince is considered a royal uncle, and the royal family’s prestige is naturally extremely high. The censors’ impeachment could only be considered as adding fuel to the fire.

Yao Qianxue continued gossiping without a care, “What do you mean nothing to worry about! You don’t know how lively the Duke of Cao’s residence has been these past few days. Cao Furen has been crying and wailing every day, saying he was her only son and that the decree was killing her. But the Duke of Cao’s several concubines don’t think so. With the legitimate son’s position taken away, the illegitimate sons all have a chance. Each one is trying to outdo the other, whispering sweet nothings into his ear. The competition is really fierce.”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but feel lingering fear.

Her own household was simple, and every time she heard about the wives and concubines of other families scheming against each other, she found it quite terrifying. Therefore, she was very oblivious and not very good at dealing with the matter of sharing a husband and taking concubines.

Otherwise, she might have even considered the possibility of marrying the Second Prince.

However, the Second Prince was not only already engaged, but there were also six candidates waiting to be conferred titles in the palace. His courtyard was bound to be anything but quiet.

Yao Qianxue took a sip of tea, cleared her throat, and said, “There’s more news. Didn’t I tell you about the Second Miss of the Marquis of Kangning last time? That young master Lin ranked second in the palace examination. The Marquis of Kangning was very pleased and reported it to Xunyang Gongzhu. After seeing him, Xunyang Gongzhu was also very satisfied and decided to go ahead with it.”

Helan Ci asked, “Uh… The Second Miss of the Marquis of Kangning, she isn’t still fixated on that Huiyuan young master, is she?”

“Of course she is! She’s still not happy about it! But that Huiyuan young master should now be called the Zhuangyuan. That Zhuangyuan…” Yao Qianxue teased, dragging out her words, pointing one hand to the sky, “was chosen by one of the royal family. When that Zhuangyuan was paraded through the streets, I also took a look at him…” She clicked her tongue twice, “This is really beauty brings disaster⁵.”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but nod along.

This term used on him was particularly delightful. “In the end, the flower fell to whom?”

“Xiao Ci, your description…”

Helan Ci said, “Isn’t it right?”

“Not that’s not impossible…” Yao Qianxue coughed and said, “In the end, nothing was decided. This Zhuangyuan said he had already have marriage arranged back in his hometown. Although he became Zhuangyuan, he couldn’t waver in his feelings. The emperor even praised him.”

Helan Ci: “…?”

When did he have a marriage arranged?

Why didn’t she know?

***

“Lu Xiandi⁶, you topped the list and achieved the highest honor, congratulations! I wonder if there are still people at home, and if you are married? I have a daughter at home, aged eighteen, dignified and gentle… What? Lu Xian Di is already engaged! Oh, oh… I also have a shu daughter at home, if you don’t mind…”

“Speaking of daughters, I also have one at home, she is well-versed in literature and calligraphy, a renowned talented woman, still waiting for marriage…”

“Just engaged back in the hometown, oh, that’s good, that’s good… Lu Xian Di, would you like to visit my official residence another day?”

Although it was not common in this dynasty to take a son-in-law under the champion list, the top scholars, regardless of their background, were all highly sought after. Even if they were forty and widowed, there were still many who wanted to marry their daughters to them. Not to mention this young and promising Zhuangyuan.

He was simply the dream son-in-law.

“I wonder which girl the top scholar is engaged to? What is her background? Haha, I’m just curious to ask.”

The young and handsome Zhuangyuan smiled, his tone gentle and modest: “I am deeply in love with my fiancée, and I will marry no one but her. I truly cannot accept your kind intentions.” As he spoke, he showed a hint of shyness.

At this point, the officials understood and realized that further insistence would only lead to enmity.

“Lu Xiandi is indeed a man of deep feelings!”

“That young lady must be deeply moved to know that Lu Xiandi has achieved the position of Zhuangyuan. She must be a goddess-like figure to have captured your heart…”

“When the time comes, Zhuangyuan must definitely send out invitations!”

Once the crowd dispersed, Lin Zhang curiously asked him, “Ji’an has already been betrothed, and I didn’t even know. To make you so devoted, she must be a goddess-like maiden.”

Lu Wuyou adjusted the official hat on his head and thought to himself, “I just made it up on the spot, who would know?”

***

Young Master Liu and Young Master Yu were quickly summoned by Helan Ci’s brother under some pretext. Her father tested their knowledge in the study, while Helan Ci observed them from the corridor.

At least they both appeared to be well-mannered and courteous young gentlemen from official families. Her brother had inquired about them, and they were considered clean in their conduct.

Young Master Yu was taller, slender, and had a stern expression, somewhat aloof; Young Master Liu, on the other hand, was gentle, cheerful, and amiable, adept at conversation, and seemed very capable.

Helan Ci felt indifferent and simply left the decision to her father.

In her dreams, she was not married, and perhaps if she truly could marry, there might be a chance for change.

Thinking this way, it wasn’t long before the day of the sacrificial rites arrived.

The sacrificial rites of Great Yong were held once in first month, once in fourth month, and once during the Winter Solstice. At these times, nobles, royal relatives, officials of the fifth rank and above, and various officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Rites, along with their families, would go to the altar to offer sacrifices, praying for national peace, good weather, and abundant harvests.

Because a previous emperor loved hunting, the sacrificial rites in the fourth month often lingered for a few more days in the Changyong Hunting Grounds near the capital.

It was also a time for various military officials and young masters from martial arts families to showcase their skills. The previous commander of the Jinyiwei was chosen by the late emperor during a hunt in the hunting grounds and was subsequently promoted step by step.

Overall, it had nothing to do with Helan Ci.

In the past, she only needed to prepare her father’s gear, but this time, there was some problem. The list for the sacrificial rites drafted by the Taichang Temple and the Ministry of Rites included Helan Ci’s name.

Unable to refuse, she had no choice but to squeeze onto the carriage with her father.

Helan Jin frowned and said, “Once we reach the sacrificial place, I will inquire. There must be some mistake.”

Helan Ci perfunctorily replied with an “mm,” but in her heart, she was already convinced that it was most likely related to the Second Prince.

Since she was already here, she might as well settle in; she couldn’t defy orders.

As expected, when her father couldn’t get any answers, Helan Ci got off the carriage and was directed to stay with the other officials’ families.

Most of the women who came were the officials’ wives, not very young, with only a few younger girls scattered around. They all looked like they were training hard, some with their hair tied up, others carrying quivers and other weapons, presumably the daughters of military officials. There were almost no delicate and frail young ladies like Helan Ci.

She knew her reputation wasn’t great and didn’t plan to fit in, so she simply found a quiet place to stand.

But unexpectedly, as soon as Helan Ci stood still, a girl in black with a long knife strode towards her, her face full of hostility: “Are you Helan Ci?”

Helan Ci looked up at the sound, confirmed she had never seen the person before, and cautiously replied, “…May I ask who you are?”

Her voice was soft and dreamy.

“Who I am doesn’t matter; it’s you who… who…”

The girl in black, who had initially approached with great momentum, suddenly lost her words upon seeing Helan Ci look up.

The atmosphere became awkwardly silent.

Helan Ci couldn’t help but ask, “…Do you have something to say?”

“How can I scold you when you look like this!”

“…”

“If I were a man, I would be smitten too, damn it!”

After saying that, she walked away.

Helan Ci: “…”

This little episode quickly passed.

The process of the Emperor’s sacrifice to the heavens was lengthy and tedious, taking at least two or three hours. Fortunately, it was already April, so it wasn’t too cold. However, Helan Ci was dressed lightly and had been freezing in the cold wind for a long time, causing her complexion to turn pale.

After the ceremony, they headed to the Changyong Hunting Grounds. The bumpy ride made Helan Ci’s complexion even worse.

The girl in black who had been causing her trouble happened to be in the same carriage. Unable to hold back, she said, “You… are you okay? Should we call the accompanying imperial physician to take a look? By the way, with your condition, why did you come to the outskirts for the sacrifice?”

Helan Ci didn’t expect to feel this unwell.

Her complexion was pale, and she felt nauseous, her breath faint. She said weakly, “The Emperor’s order is hard to disobey.”

“Alright, alright… Coachman, stop the carriage. Miss Helan is about to collapse!”

Just then, the convoy stopped to rest. In less than a stick of incense’s time, Helan Ci was moved to the carriage of the accompanying imperial physician.

Perhaps prepared for the Emperor, the imperial physician’s carriage was much more spacious and comfortable. There was a row of medicine cabinets and stoves in the front, and two couches separated by a curtain in the back, almost like a room.

Inside, an elderly imperial physician who had been in the profession for many years examined her. After prescribing medicine and instructing the medical attendant beside him to prepare the medicine, he said no more.

Helan Ci leaned against the soft cushion, just having taken a sip of the brewed medicine, when the curtain was lifted, and a young man was brought in. The newcomer also had a pale complexion, coughing repeatedly, as if he was extremely unwell. Helan Ci almost didn’t recognize who it was.

“Imperial Physician, please take a look at this Hanlin Academy official…”

The person was helped to sit next to Helan Ci, and he softly declined, “There’s no need to trouble yourself so much, I’m still… cough cough…”

“Please stop talking! Let the Imperial Physician examine you!”

The old Imperial Physician hurried over to check his pulse. After a moment, he exclaimed, “…Your pulse is indeed alarmingly weak! I’ll prescribe some medicine right away!”

When Helan Ci glanced sideways, she clearly saw a flicker of light under the man’s downcast peach blossom eyes, and his other hand was pressing against the arm that was being checked, doing something unknown.

While the old Imperial Physician was prescribing medicine, Helan Ci finally couldn’t help but ask in a very low voice, “What are you doing?”

Lu Wuyou recognized her at a glance, glanced sideways, and also lowered his voice, curling his lips into a light smile, “What a coincidence, you’re pretending to be sick too?”

1. A person who wins the first place in the provincial, metropolitan and palace examinations in succession is called 三元及第 or “three times first in the examination.” Link.
2. “六元狀元” is a person ranked first in all six exam of the entire Imperial Examination System. In history there are only two person able to achieve this. Link.
3. In Chinese mythology, Wenchang Wang is regarded as the taoist deity in charge of literary fortune and examinations. Those who are good at writing and serve as high officials in the court are often said to be Wenchang Wang incarnate. Link.
4. The Qionglin Banquet is a banquet held for new scholars after the imperial examination.
5. literally translates to ‘disaster water’. Originally, it refers to a woman who is favored by the emperor and causes the country to fail.
6. 賢弟 (xián dì) is a honorific that translates literally as “wise younger brother”.