Chapter 83: The Opposite of What One Wishes

“Have you heard? Xiao Keyeda tried to force himself on the princess and was killed by her on the spot. His entire fortune was confiscated.”
“What nonsense! Don’t spread rumors if you don’t know the truth. It was Xiao Keyeda who went to see the princess, relying on his status as a member of the Xiao clan. He tried to force the princess to make Prince Song retract his previous edict. In the struggle, the princess seized his sword and killed him.”
“So that’s what really happened! I thought so—no matter how reckless Xiao Keyeda was, he’d never dare to openly harass the princess. Still, drawing a blade against her was his fault; he deserved to have his property seized. But I fear that cousin of his, the one who married into the imperial family, won’t let this go.”
“That imperial son-in-law? He’s nothing. Princess Yiyi is the Empress Dowager’s favorite niece, and Prince Song is practically the future imperial son-in-law. Who do you think His Majesty will side with?”

After the confiscation of Xiao Keyeda’s estate, such discussions filled every street and alley of Youzhou. Yet nearly every voice sided with Xiao Yiyi, a testament to just how disliked Xiao Keyeda had been in the city.

For now, these rumors had not yet reached Zhao Yu and Xiao Yiyi. At the same time as the order went out to confiscate Xiao Keyeda’s property, the Empress Dowager’s command arrived as well: she wished to meet Zhao Yu, her prospective nephew-in-law.

With Wanyan Aguda and other top Jurchen leaders dead, Liao’s fortunes on the battlefield had stabilized somewhat. This year’s New Year celebrations would be grander than ever.

A carriage pressed northward through the biting wind. Xiao Yiyi nestled against Zhao Yu’s chest, her eyes and brows alight with the joy of spring.

Of course, their intimacy remained chaste—they indulged in simple affections, nothing more.

“Why do you seem distracted? Right now, I forbid you from thinking about anyone but me. Ah! I get it—you’re nervous about meeting my aunt, aren’t you? No need to worry, she’s a wonderful woman. Besides, I’ll be with you…”

Like a happy little bird, Xiao Yiyi chattered endlessly at Zhao Yu’s ear.

“It’s not that I’m afraid to meet your aunt. From now on, whatever you do, talk it over with me first. Don’t ever take such risks alone again.”

Xiao Yiyi knew he was referring to what happened with Xiao Keyeda. She stuck out her tongue impishly and laughed. “Yes, my lord husband.”

Looking at her playful expression, Zhao Yu was filled with warmth. He knew full well that Xiao Yiyi had risked everything to kill for his sake—to set an example, to remove the most dangerous threat so that his reforms could proceed without obstruction.

This journey to Shangjing, Zhao Yu took only Yan Qing with him. Wu Song and Lin Chong remained to help Yelü Min train the troops, while Lu Zhishen and Yang Xu had returned to the Central Plains.

There was always the chance that he might not be able to return to Youzhou; if so, he had to leave his seeds behind.

“I heard that Xiao Keyeda had a cousin who is also an imperial son-in-law. Now that we’ve done this, do you think he’ll cause trouble for us?”

Zhao Yu was not one to fear trouble, but it was always better to be prepared than to scramble at the last minute.

Xiao Yiyi curled her lip. “I never understood what my elder sister saw in him—a sycophantic petty man. But he does have a good relationship with the Prince of Jin. He is the one we truly need to watch out for.”

On the way to Liao, Zhao Yu had studied the intricacies of its court and knew that the Prince of Jin Xiao Yiyi mentioned was actually Emperor Tianzuo’s heir, Yelü Aoluhan.

But it seemed this Prince of Jin was not particularly favored by the emperor. Real power in Liao’s court rested in the hands of Xiao Fengxian and his faction.

Fortunately, Yang Xu had already established a relationship with Xiao Fengxian, which only needed to be further strengthened...

With a beauty for company, Zhao Yu’s journey was far from lonely. Though the distance from Youzhou to Shangjing was considerable, their party pressed on, arriving in the capital on New Year’s Eve.

To Zhao Yu’s surprise, Emperor Tianzuo had even assigned him a mansion—Prince Song’s Residence.

Once in Shangjing, Xiao Yiyi could no longer stay by Zhao Yu’s side. Under the guidance of palace attendants, Zhao Yu was escorted to his mansion, while Xiao Yiyi went alone to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.

This was according to the instructions of the palace staff. Otherwise, Zhao Yu would have insisted on paying his respects to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor first—an essential formality.

The characters over the gate, “Prince Song’s Residence,” were gilded in gold, exuding an imposing grandeur. Through the open gates, an ornate screen wall was the first thing to meet the eye. On either side clustered guards and servants. Though it was difficult to discern the layout within, the scale of the courtyard suggested the mansion was anything but modest.

Seeing this, Zhao Yu wore a look of delight, as if he’d stumbled upon a fortune. But inwardly, his heart had gone cold.

Clearly, the Empress Dowager, though fond of her niece, was no fool. By preparing this gilded cage for Zhao Yu, she likely had no intention of ever letting him leave.

It felt as if some invisible hand was orchestrating everything. Had the new year not been so near, or had he been given just a little more time, Zhao Yu would have secured Youzhou. Now, the future was uncertain.

With Xiuxiu and Wanyu’s help, he changed into the attire of a Liao prince. Though he still cut a dashing figure, the clothes felt foreign and uncomfortable.

Before long, a servant announced that Lord Xiao, the Privy Councilor, had come to escort him to court.

The news startled Zhao Yu. The Privy Councilor of Liao—was that not Xiao Fengxian? The man seemed unexpectedly attentive, personally coming to fetch him.

Zhao Yu understood well enough: Xiao Fengxian’s overtures were only due to the matter of silver.

There was no time for further thought. Zhao Yu hurried out, greeting from afar, “Zhao Yu greets Lord Xiao, my royal brother.”

Outside the gate, aside from a cluster of robust guards, stood only an elderly man in splendid robes, his bearing solemn and dignified.

The same garments, worn by different men, could never disguise their innate bearing. This elder was tall and gaunt, his eyes sharp and commanding—the visage of a man long accustomed to power and high station. Yet, incongruously, this was the face of a man the world called a great traitor.

This was indeed Xiao Fengxian. As soon as he learned of Zhao Yu’s arrival, he had also received reports from Youzhou.

Strictly speaking, he had not expected Zhao Yu to come to Shangjing so soon. According to his plan, he intended to recall Zhao Yu only after ensuring the Song army would not advance. But with the Empress Dowager’s order, there was no room for delay.

As for the rumor that Xiao Keyeda had assaulted Xiao Yiyi, he did not believe it for a moment. Upon learning of Zhao Yu’s new edicts, he immediately understood the real reason.

As the man just beneath the emperor in power, Xiao Fengxian was all too aware of Liao’s rot. Reform was necessary, but only so long as it did not threaten his own interests.

Thus, he sought Zhao Yu out in person to hear his true intentions.

“Your Highness, there’s no need for such formality,” Xiao Fengxian said, returning the gesture with a slight bow, his eyes taking Zhao Yu in from head to toe. “No wonder Princess Yiyi is fond of you—you are indeed a dragon among men. Would His Highness care to share a carriage with me to court?”

“It would be my honor,” Zhao Yu replied with humble courtesy. “After you, Lord Xiao.”

His demeanor was that of a respectful student, earning a secret nod of approval from Xiao Fengxian. This young man was promising indeed…