Chapter 74 Part 2

Grand Secretary Meng only shook his head with a sigh, as though Meng Qian’an were some hopeless incompetent.

Yet Liu Yuanxun knew better: Meng Qian’an possessed genuine talent, his very appointment as Governor of Jiangnan decreed personally by the Late Emperor.

When Meng Qian’an had departed for his post, Liu Yuanxun was still too young to grasp the court’s machinations, but he recalled Imperial Father’s prolonged anguish over selecting Jiangnan’s governor. Imperial Father desired Meng Qian’an for the role, yet Grand Secretary Meng held but this one son at court. Dispatching him southward risked years of absence, potentially uprooting the Meng Family’s capital foundations upon any return.

Moreover, a direct imperial appointment would appear to outsiders as a ploy to curtail Meng influence—like killing the donkey once the millstone was ground—breeding unseemly rumors.

Finally, it was Grand Secretary Meng who personally recommended Meng Qian’an, transferring his own son—who had a bright future ahead of him—to distant Jiangnan, far from the political heart of the capital.

……

For the entire afternoon, Liu Yuanxun chatted idly with Grand Secretary Meng in the study. They reminisced about the Late Emperor, discussed the local customs of Jiangnan, reflected on the vicissitudes of life, and delved into Liu Yuanxun’s own youth.

It wasn’t until a young servant leaned in to whisper in his ear, inquiring whether it was time to serve the meal, that Grand Secretary Meng suddenly realized, “Has it really been this long already?”

Liu Yuanxun had been sitting in the chair for nearly two hours. Even with cushions to lean on, his back ached terribly. Without Gu Lianzhao’s support, he feared he wouldn’t even make it out the door.

Meng Yannian trailed a step behind him and sighed. “Your Highness’s health still needs careful nurturing.”

Liu Yuanxun nodded. “There are plenty of people worrying about me. You should take care of your own health too.”

“Mm,” Meng Yannian sighed deeply once more. “The greatest in this world is nothing compared to parents burying their children. Us old folks’ biggest wish is simply for all of you to stay healthy.”

Liu Yuanxun smiled but said nothing, simply walking slowly onward.

Meng Yannian continued, “That assassination attempt on you the other day gave me quite a scare. I heard the culprit was a menial servant from your own estate?”

Liu Yuanxun nodded. “He had some intellectual impairments and was deceived. He’s innocent in his own way.”

Meng Yannian shook his head. “Sigh. The waters in the capital are growing murkier by the day. More and more people are stirring up trouble.”

“Is that so?” Liu Yuanxun asked. “Has something happened?”

“I have a nephew serving in the Divine Martial Guards. Not long ago, he was secretly attacked—his cervical vertebrae crushed. He’s a cripple now. A perfectly healthy man, reduced to only being able to move his eyes.” Meng Yannian paused abruptly and turned to Gu Lianzhao. “Aren’t your Embroidered Uniform Guard pursuing the killer? Any leads yet?”

Liu Yuanxun followed his gaze to Gu Lianzhao, not yet connecting “Meng Family nephew” with Meng Yuanfeng.

Gu Lianzhao was as quiet as a shadow when he wasn’t speaking. At Grand Secretary Meng’s question, he didn’t even look up, replying steadily, “In response to Grand Secretary Meng, this officer was at His Highness’s mansion when the incident occurred. I’m not privy to the details.”

Grand Secretary Meng let the matter drop easily. “I see.”

“Your nephew?” Liu Yuanxun frowned slightly and asked softly. “Who is it?”

Gu Lianzhao’s heart had been calm when Grand Secretary Meng first brought it up. But at Liu Yuanxun’s question, it skipped a beat.

Grand Secretary Meng replied, “Just a minor deputy commander. Your Highness wouldn’t have heard of him. No need to mention it.”

Liu Yuanxun persisted. “Could it be Meng Yuanfeng?”

“Eh?” Grand Secretary Meng’s surprise seemed genuine. “How did you know?”

Liu Yuanxun’s expression grew somber. “He also serves as guard for the Taichang Temple. Naturally, I know him.”

“Oh,” Grand Secretary Meng said. “That explains it.”

By the time they finished speaking, they had reached the front hall for the meal. They had walked slowly, but the serving maids were quick and efficient. By the time they arrived, the table was already fully set.

The dishes were all quite ordinary—almost meager. Not even a common tavern would serve such a spread to guests.

Grand Secretary Meng explained, “I know Your Highness has a delicate stomach and doesn’t eat much. And I’m getting on in years myself; I can’t manage large meals. So I instructed the servants to prepare just a few simple dishes. Don’t take offense.”

Liu Yuanxun smiled. “That Eight Treasures Porridge looks perfectly cooked. The color alone whets the appetite.”

“You have good taste.” Grand Secretary Meng led him forward. “See that pickled vegetable? I paid a fortune for that recipe. These days, at my age, I rely on it to stimulate my appetite.”

“A fortune?” Liu Yuanxun teased. “What counts as a fortune in Grand Secretary Meng’s household?”

Grand Secretary Meng’s smile didn’t fade as he held up a finger mysteriously. “A full tael of gold.”

A tael of gold was ten taels of silver—enough to cover half a year’s expenses for a frugal family. It was indeed a considerable sum.

Liu Yuanxun chuckled but said no more. Instead, he gestured to the seat of honor. “Grand Secretary Meng, please, take the main seat.”

Meng Yannian politely declined at first. They went back and forth several times before he finally sat down.

The Eight Treasures Porridge truly lived up to its reputation. The barley was soft and glutinous, the red dates sweet and clear. Each bite revealed layers of rich flavor. The pickled vegetables matched Grand Secretary Meng’s praise perfectly—crisp, appetizing, easy on the stomach, and quite comforting.

Liu Yuanxun finished his bowl, which had been filled to eight parts.

Grand Secretary Meng’s health was clearly failing. He had seemed spirited during their chat, but halfway through the meal, drowsiness overtook him. He struggled to hold his spoon steady.

The young servant standing behind him watched anxiously. He wanted to step forward and assist but feared embarrassing his master in front of guests. He stood frozen, sweat beading on his forehead.

Liu Yuanxun noticed and, wanting to give the servant an out, deliberately dropped his chopsticks. They clattered to the floor with a sharp “ding.”

A maid hurried over to retrieve them, and the noise jolted Meng Yannian awake.

Liu Yuanxun smiled apologetically. “I wasn’t paying attention. My chopsticks slipped.”

Grand Secretary Meng immediately turned to the maid. “Quick, fetch a fresh pair for His Highness.”

“No need,” Liu Yuanxun said with a laugh. “I’ve already eaten my fill. Any more, and my stomach couldn’t handle it.”

Grand Secretary Meng glanced at his bowl and paused, clearly surprised that Liu Yuanxun had polished it off. Still, he urged, “Have a bit more. Who knows when we’ll next share a meal.”

Liu Yuanxun replied, “If you don’t find me a nuisance, I’ll come visit often.”

With the meal finished and the afternoon’s conversation concluded, Liu Yuanxun checked the sky. “It’s getting late. I won’t impose any longer. You should rest early.”

Grand Secretary Meng nodded but insisted on seeing him out personally.

Liu Yuanxun couldn’t refuse, so they walked together toward the gate.

Once outside and aboard the sedan, Grand Secretary Meng still lingered at the door, gazing wistfully at the sedan curtain as if hoping it might lift again for one last glimpse.

As if sensing his thoughts, the person inside actually did lift the curtain and waved. “Grand Secretary, head on in. We’ve got plenty of time ahead. I’ll come see you when I can.”

Grand Secretary Meng called out “Ai!” twice but still didn’t leave. Like a lonely widow, he watched Liu Yuanxun’s sedan until it turned the corner and vanished from sight.

……

Inside the sedan.

Gu Lianzhao asked, “Did you notice anything?”

Liu Yuanxun rubbed his brow wearily. “Just guesses. Without evidence, voicing them would sound like prejudice. Better left unsaid.”

Grand Secretary Meng was a veteran courtier of many years. There was no way they could spot anything amiss just by looking. Liu Yuanxun hadn’t held high hopes from the start, so there was no real disappointment now.

Still, thinking of the old man at the gate waving goodbye, he couldn’t help murmuring, “I only hope Meng Qian’an truly has nothing to do with this.”

It was undoubtedly the best-case scenario. The worst? Not only Meng Qian’an involved, but Grand Secretary Meng implicated as well. Recalling the memorial he’d seen in the Imperial Study, Liu Yuanxun’s heart grew inexplicably heavy.

He fell silent for a moment before asking quietly, “Aren’t you heading to the Imperial Prison? It’s dark now—can you still make it?”

Gu Lianzhao knew he wanted to change the subject and went along. “No matter. I’ll take a quick look and return if there’s nothing.”

Grand Secretary Meng’s residence lay in the opposite direction from the Imperial Prison, passing right by Prince Rui’s Mansion. Liu Yuanxun said, “Then take the mansion’s sedan directly later. If all’s well, come straight back.”

Gu Lianzhao glanced at Liu Yuanxun. Seeing only fatigue in his expression, no hidden meaning, he murmured his assent.

In Tianyong, a ger riding his husband’s sedan to work often signaled a strong marital bond—a subtle boast.

For all Tianyong’s openness, millennia of tradition left its mark.

Gers or women who wished to keep their positions usually married down or took a son-in-law, using sedans bearing their own family name when traveling. High marriages often came with strict household rules, confining them to managing the home and raising children, with no personal banner on the carriage. Thus, riding a husband’s sedan to duty meant he was cherished and trusted, granted true freedom.

……

Soon, the sedan stopped.

Ling Ting lifted the curtain to help him down. As Liu Yuanxun reached to place his hand in Ling Ting’s palm, he glanced back at Gu Lianzhao. “If you run into any trouble at the Imperial Prison, send word back to the mansion at once.”

Gu Lianzhao met Liu Yuanxun’s eyes and nodded gently.

Liu Yuanxun smiled faintly and stepped down from the sedan. As the curtain fell, it concealed his butterfly-wing-white robes as well.

Ling Ting supported Liu Yuanxun as they headed to the inner chambers. Two eunuchs dispatched by Hong Fu trailed them—one entered with Liu Yuanxun, the other temporarily doubling as coachman, driving the carriage toward the Imperial Prison.

The medicine was nearly ready. The moment Liu Yuanxun crossed the threshold, a young servant dashed to the kitchen to report it.

By the time Liu Yuanxun reached the bedroom, Ling Qing had arrived with the medicine, carrying a lunchbox with her own dinner inside.

They had already eaten at Grand Secretary Meng’s residence, but Ling Qing was still hungry. Since she had to deliver the medicine anyway, she brought her meal along.

Starved as she was, Ling Qing ate quickly, oblivious to Liu Yuanxun’s gaze lingering on her, his brows gradually furrowing.

Ling Ting noticed instead. “Master, why are you staring at Ling Qing?”

Liu Yuanxun didn’t answer him. Instead, he said to Ling Qing, “Let me see your chopsticks.”

In the mansion, Ling Qing’s meals and utensils were of the same quality as Liu Yuanxun’s. Her chopsticks matched his exactly.

Ling Qing still had food in her mouth but handed over the chopsticks. While struggling to swallow, she mumbled, “Master, do you want my chop…”

Before she finished, Liu Yuanxun lowered his hand to a specific height and released the chopsticks.

They clattered to the floor with a “snap.”

At the same moment, Liu Yuanxun’s expression changed.