Denghuangtai

Yun Zheng lifted the carriage curtain and got out, only to see a man and a woman standing in front of the carriage.

The two were dressed in bright red crane cloaks, which were identical in style except for the subtle patterns on them. Standing hand in hand, they were a sight to behold and could not help but elicit a sigh of admiration from anyone who saw them: "What a beautiful pair!"

Admittedly, compared to other couples from prominent families in the capital who married into other prominent clans, this couple was indeed more harmonious and affectionate.

Of the four border regions of the Great Zhao Dynasty, only the southeastern coast required heavy garrisoning. The other three regions—the northwest, Liaodong, and Annam—were heavily guarded.

Over the years, these generals who guarded the frontiers developed their own power in the local areas, and now when these three places are mentioned, the Ban, Feng, and Wei families are inevitably mentioned.

In the eighteenth year of the Jianyuan era, the Feng and Ban families suddenly formed a marriage alliance, with Ban Qing, the second son of the Ban family, marrying Feng Lingsu, the eldest daughter of the Feng family. The late emperor, unaware of the growing power of the Feng and Ban families, joined forces and, under the pretext of holding a wedding banquet for the couple, summoned them to the capital. After the marriage, Ban Qing was granted official titles and ranks, seemingly a sign of imperial favor, but in reality, the couple was kept in the capital to keep the northwest Liaodong under control.

The two of them lived a carefree life. Since arriving in the capital, they enjoyed spring outings, summer lotus picking, autumn chrysanthemum appreciation, and winter snow viewing. Their relationship was the talk of the town.

However, upon seeing the two of them, although Yun Zheng's expression remained calm, a sense of foreboding suddenly arose in his heart.

Unlike him, Ban Qing immediately released his wife's hand upon seeing him, put his hand on Yun Zheng's shoulder, and said, "I'm sorry about what happened in the East Market today. I received the news a step too late, which is why you had to face those madmen alone, Brother Zheng."

As the General of the Five Offices, Ban Qing was in charge of guarding the palace gates and assisting in the defense of the capital. When something happened in the East Market, he should have led his men to provide support in time. However, because he was named "Xie" (meaning "assistant"), the security of the capital was not the responsibility of the Generals of the Five Offices. Since he did not arrive in time, it was not appropriate for others to hold him accountable.

Moreover, Yun Zheng originally intended to downplay the matter and had no intention of holding anyone accountable.

He reached out and removed Ban Qing's hand, saying in a businesslike tone, "The incident happened suddenly, and no news has been received from anywhere, so General, you need not worry."

That's one way of putting it.

Although Yun Zheng distanced himself from Ban Qing, Ban Qing still maintained a familiar demeanor, sighing, "Just thinking about how Brother Zheng faced those madmen alone today, my heart remains uneasy..."

As he spoke, Ban Qing kept shaking his head, his brows furrowed with worry, as if he were truly concerned about what had happened that morning.

Yun Zheng sneered, "Ban Qing, we have known each other since we were young, for more than ten years now."

The implication was clear: Yun Zheng knew exactly what kind of person he was, so there was no need for him to pretend anymore.

Ban Qing wasn't annoyed at being exposed. He shrugged and strolled back to Feng Lingsu's side. "Since the Grand Minister doesn't like me, then I'll leave."

Having said that, he took Feng Lingsu's hand and walked towards their carriage. After a few steps, Ban Qing stopped, turned back to look at Yun Zheng, and raised an eyebrow at him. "By the way, after the defeat in the north, I was worried that the Empress Dowager would have no generals at her disposal, so I volunteered to take command on behalf of my brother. How about that, isn't that generous enough?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Zheng's calm face finally showed signs of breaking down, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes. He could no longer afford to be polite to the officials and turned to walk quickly towards Jianzhang Palace.

Why did you deliberately provoke him?

Outside the green gate, Feng Lingsu, who had remained silent until now, frowned and spoke.

Ban Qing watched Yun Zheng's hurried figure, feeling extremely pleased, and laughed, "I can't stand his pretentious, hypocritical look. Look how funny it is."

"Are you sure you're not standing up for Pei Qingyan?" Feng Lingsu asked, hands on her hips, feigning anger.

"Oh dear, my dear aunt."

Ban Qing felt a headache coming on when he heard Feng Lingsu mention Pei Qingyan. He didn't know how Feng Lingsu had heard about his past with Pei Qingyan, and from then on, Pei Qingyan was often mentioned by Feng Lingsu.

"Heaven knows, I've only met that girl Pei Qingyan a few times in the palace. And with that heartless Yun Zheng by her side, I have absolutely no chance to have any unforgettable past with her, okay?"

Ban Qing paused, a hint of regret in his voice, "Furthermore, if I truly couldn't forget her, why would I have gone to such lengths to destroy her?"

Jianzhang Palace, Jade Hall.

Yun Zheng stepped onto the white jade steps and slowly entered the hall. Beneath the gilded and carved throne, he knelt down to pay his respects.

In the past, before he could even kneel, Empress Dowager Yun would descend from her pedestal, warmly pulling him up and exempting him from the grand ceremony. But now, even as his knees struck the ground solidly, Empress Dowager Yun remained unmoved, sitting steadily on the high platform, scrutinizing him with a complex expression.

The hall was quiet, with the rhinoceros horn incense burner emitting faint blue smoke.

After a long while, a voice devoid of any emotion rang out.

"I heard there was a mishap at the East Market today?"

Yun Zheng replied calmly, "Yes. This morning, several madmen attempted to break into the prison, but Pei Qingyan managed to persuade them to leave."

"Wasn't this your doing?" Empress Dowager Yun's voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a scrutinizing tone.

"No," Yun Zheng answered crisply, neither arguing nor dodging, but calmly stating, "The Imperial Attendant examined Pei Qingyan, and the wounds on her hands and feet are extremely deep. Even if they have a chance to heal in the future, it's uncertain whether she will be able to return to the battlefield, let alone at this moment. If I really wanted to save her, I certainly wouldn't have chosen a densely populated place like the East Market. In such a place, trying to escape with a seriously injured person is practically a pipe dream."

"If it were you, where would you choose?" Empress Dowager Yun pressed, her gaze piercing.

"At the entrance of the Imperial Prison, or somewhere inconspicuous in an alley in Chang'an." Yun Zheng raised his eyes and met her gaze frankly. "As my aunt knows, I am the one responsible for taking her on a tour of the streets. Knowing the entire route, finding a secluded place far from the Imperial Guards is not difficult for me."

Empress Dowager Yun was surprised that he could be so frank as to blurt out all the plans he might implement. She was slightly taken aback at first, and then her eyes showed a hint of inquiry as she said in a deep voice, "You are quite straightforward."

"In front of my aunt, Heming will speak his mind without reservation." Yun Zheng's voice softened, carrying a hint of junior's respect for elder.

"Well said." Empress Dowager Yun nodded, her eyes filled with approval. "So, does that mean you won't interfere whether Pei Qingyan lives or dies, no matter what?"

"Whether she lives or dies is entirely up to my aunt. Heming will follow my aunt's lead." Yun Zheng replied firmly and sincerely, his eyes showing no sign of evasion. After all, he was telling the truth.

He had already planned Pei Qingyan's matter. Rather than openly opposing Empress Dowager Yun, he would rather work secretly to persuade her to change her mind and give Pei Qingyan a way out.

As for how to do it, Yun Zheng already had a plan in mind.

"Good boy." On the high platform, Empress Dowager Yun felt comforted when she heard Yun Zheng's confession. She got up, descended the steps herself, walked to Yun Zheng, and helped him up.

"I am relieved that you have thought this through so clearly." Empress Dowager Yun smiled and gently patted Yun Zheng's hand. "The Yun family is different from other aristocratic families in the capital. Now, the only person I can trust and rely on is you. Before Pei Qingyan came to the capital, I was really afraid that you would have a falling out with me because of her."

"How could that be?" Yun Zheng lowered his eyelids, his voice tinged with emotion. "My mother died early, and I was fortunate enough to be taken in by my aunt, who brought me into the palace, allowing me to grow up safely. I will never forget such kindness, how could I possibly have a grudge against my aunt because of others?"

"Good boy."

Empress Dowager Yun's eyes seemed to glisten with tears, and her hand holding his trembled slightly. At this moment, she had shed the majesty of an empress dowager and resembled an ordinary woman moved by the filial piety of her junior, her eyes overflowing with joy.

But this tenderness was fleeting; the shrewd Empress Dowager Yun was back. She released her grip, turned, and walked to the front of the hall, standing with her hands behind her back on the threshold. Gazing at the snow-covered palace walls, her voice regained its coldness: "Then do you think those who broke into the prison were instigated by Pei Qingyan?"