The Merits of Mercy
The days that followed could simply be described as one string of confusion.
Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi eventually agreed that Tai Hou and Huang Hou needed to be informed of the situation, just in case it got out and they needed their help to keep the gossip contained in the inner palace.
To say that both Tai Hou and Huang Hou were equally shocked was an understatement. In Tai Hou's case, Xiao Yan Zi could tell, even if she would not say out loud, the idea that Xiao Yan Zi's brother resented the monarchy enough to more or less declared he wanted Yong Qi dead was a source of concern to her. Yong Qi tried to curb her worries by speaking of it as lightly as possible, but his nonchalance seemed to unnerve her even more.
Unfortunately, it all led to some unavoidable tension between Xiao Yan Zi and Tai Hou, one that pained Xiao Yan Zi. She had been grateful for the understanding and support her mother-in-law had given her over the years, when she knew, even upon their first meeting, that she was hardly the ideal daughter-in-law Tai Hou ever imagined. To think that this emergence of her birth family would put a strain on their relations was hard to bear, especially when it came at the same time she was trying to juggle the emotions surrounding her own new acquaintance with her birth family.
That didn't mean that Xiao Yan Zi didn't understand where the concern came from on Tai Hou's end. She herself also dreaded any possibility that Yong Qi and her younger brother would find themselves together in company in the future. She knew Yong Qi was hardly defenseless, but he was also anxious for her family to accept him, that he would not show his guard around them, not as much as he should when they all knew there was someone who wished him harm in the room, at least.
At least, there was cause for optimism on the front of her family. Xiao Yan Zi eventually managed to convince her father into a state of what could be called cordiality where Yong Qi was concerned.
"Please, Father, tell me, how do you feel about my marriage, honestly? Your approval is important to me, especially when I went through it all without your knowledge."
Her father did not answer straight away, which perhaps should have been answer enough. She looked at him, earnest and pleading, waiting for him to speak. It seemed like anticipation and anxiety was an ever-constant part of her these days that sometimes it made her feel quite light-headed.
"You truly care for him so much?" he asked in a gruff voice finally. He looked at her with the kind of sorrow that could only come to a man who had lost the most precious possession. Xiao Yan Zi could not help but feel pained by the idea that he thought he had lost her to this marriage, when really all she wanted now was to spend all the time in the world with her new-found family. She supposed she should otherwise find comfort in the fact that he did not seem angry by the subject she'd brought up or by her question.
"Yes," she said tearfully. "I don't know how to explain this to you, without sounding like I'm trying too hard. But I love him. I wish you could try to see him as someone who is so very important to me, and not as the emperor."
"I am afraid that is so not very possible, Xiao Ci," Father said regretfully. "Everything about everything around us right now reminds of the fact."
"I suppose," she mumbled, sighing.
"What about him that won your esteem so much?" he asked with so much wonder in his voice. Xiao Yan Zi couldn't decide which hurt more, the fact that her own father knew her so little to ask this, or that the very idea of Yong Qi being worthy of her regard was so foreign to him.
"I cannot explain to you how very good he is. He was kind to me when he had no reason to be, he risked his life for me so many times when he never had to, he loves me when he literally could have any woman in the world – "
" – which he does," her father pointed out.
Xiao Yan Zi pursed her lips. She wasn't sure she was ready to discuss this subject right then. She wasn't sure she ever could, because sometimes she couldn't even rationalise to herself how she managed to accept it all.
"That is different – "
"My dear, do you not feel that your heart is stopping you from being entirely rational – "
"No, Father. I have been with him long enough to have outgrown the phase of starry-eyed love that would excuse him every fault and flaw, which believe me, he has plenty. Even in the early days, I didn't excuse him of them either."
She paused for a moment, to gather her thoughts and wonder how she could begin to explain it all in a way that her father could understand. He allowed the silence to sink down between them, and didn't press her to speak.
"When I met him and first loved him, he was Wu Ah Ge. He had been Wu Ah Ge for his whole life, and that title shaped him into the man I knew. It took me a long time to learn this as well, but to wish he was not Wu Ah Ge then would have to wish him to be someone else entirely, someone who I might not love half as much. He could not help being born into this family anymore than any of us could choose our family. He came to his current position entirely of his own merit, and I don't need my feelings for him to persuade me that he is a good emperor. If your main objection with his position on the throne of this country is due to his heritage, then forgive me, Father, why does that matter?"
"Are you saying it does not?"
"No!" Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed. "A good emperor is one who cares about doing what is good and right for his country, for his people, who sacrifices what he himself could have for that which is right. Why does it matter what blood runs in his veins? Perhaps his ancestors brought calamity and bloodshed to this country in the establishment of their rule, but truly which dynasty was not built on similar chaos? There had been bad emperors among Han men as there had been good ones. Besides if we are all to be judged by the actions of our forebears, forgive me, Father, I would be dead long ago."
The last part was spoken before she had a chance to think better of it, and for a moment, she was afraid she had angered her father. He just smiled wryly, however and gave a weary nod.
"I'm sorry," she said nonetheless.
"No, there you have a point, certainly."
Returning to the subject, she said, "His heart is good, Father, and because of that, he truly tries to do everything that is right for this country. He does not take any part of his duties lightly at all. Isn't all that important to consider as well? He is not without flaw, even now, but one of the best parts of him is that he is not afraid to admit that. When I first knew him, he had all the preconceptions and assumptions that his privileged upbringing taught him, that could have at least made him grow into a blissfully ignorant ruler, but I've challenged enough of them over the years to know that he is capable of looking at his assumptions differently and viewing things in a more open-minded manner. And isn't it a good thing that he is open to change and advice?"
"And he accepts this challenge and advice from you?"
She smiled slightly. "If he's not being stupidly stubborn and prideful, yes."
Her father laughed suddenly. "Do not think I miss the sneaky comparison. By that logic, if I do not at least give your words a chance now, I would prove myself to be so stupidly stubborn and prideful."
"I would not dare imply that, Father," she said.
He took her at her words and was quiet for a moment. She allowed him the time for contemplation, mostly because she wasn't sure what else to say.
After some time, he said, his voice laced with sadness, "What of your position then? You will never be his true wife, Daughter, are you telling me that you are satisfied with such indignity?"
Xiao Yan Zi blinked at him. "For a moment, you are sounding so very much like Cheng An the other day."
"He was not tactful, that does not follow his views did not contain some logic, Xiao Ci."
Xiao Yan Zi sighed. "It goes back to what I said. If he were anyone else, we might never have to deal with this. But if he were anyone else, I would not love him as much. To him, to me, I am his wife, and he loves me, and that is enough."
"But to the world – "
"To the world, I never would deserve him. If we are to live our lives by what the world dictates, right now, we would all be dead, because there would be no reason for him to even think about sparing our lives. I am selfish enough that I cannot live by what the world wants, Father, without regard for what I want."
Her father nodded.
She looked at him curiously. After some hesitation, she dared to ask, "Did you mean it the other day? When you said even if it were possible, you would not force me into marrying Cheng An if I didn't want to?"
"Of course I meant it. If you did not want it, I would not condemn you to a life where you'd be unhappy. But if it were possible, would you consider Cheng An?"
"I hardly know. I hardly know him," she said softly. "But I suppose if I had grown up knowing this was what was set out for me, it might be different. Or alternatively, I am just willful enough that I might want to rebel against any decision of this magnitude made for me, just because I could."
"Cheng An would have made a good husband for you, Xiao Ci. He would, at least, have made you his only wife."
Xiao Yan Zi smiled wanly. "Yes, I suppose that is true. I could never have expected that of Wu Ah Ge, let alone of Huang Shang. It didn't stop me from naively trying to believe I could, at one time."
Her father gave her a piercing look. "I do not like the idea that you regret this aspect of your life, Xiao Ci."
Perhaps it was worth reminding herself that sardonic and self-deprecating statements should not be used around her family, who had no time yet to learn when she was just making a statement and when she was truly upset by what she said.
"Oh no, you misunderstand me. That was not an expression of regret, not regret in the sense you are thinking of, in any case. It is true that there was a time when I tried struggling against the whole concept of other wives, and there were times when I thought his duties in this would really tear us apart. That was when I still believed he could control all aspects of his life." She sighed. "However, the truth is, the more power he gains in some areas, the more restrictions are placed on him in others. I have learnt to accept that and I do admit, with that come certain sacrifices. But I am not someone who would suffer sacrifices because society tells me it is the thing women do, Father. If tearing myself away would have made me happier, I would have done it long ago. Instead, what I – both of us – have learnt is to appreciate each other for the things that we can sincerely give, rather than resent each other for the things we cannot help."
Her father looked at for a long time with an expression she could not quite read. It was not uncomfortable, merely intense, and it forced her to look down after a while.
When he spoke, his voice quivered slightly with emotions. "I keep remembering you as you were the first time you were placed into my arms. I had imagined then every single day that you would grow up beside me. But we never got any of that. I cannot deny that my reluctance to accept your life now stems from the regret of all that we could have had. The days and years which you should have spent with me, were spent with those who were, however marginally, the cause of our separation in the first place. Some of it is, as you say, things that no one could truly help, and I wish I were magnanimous enough to immediately forgive that, but I own I cannot, not immediately."
"I understand," she said softly.
"But Xiao Ci," he said, placing a finger on her chin and tilting her head up, "neither do I wish to push you away by refusing to acknowledge the things, the people who are important to you, regardless of whether I approve of them or not. You have built a life for yourself without us, and I admit it does hurt to look into it now and wonder whether we have a place in it."
"Of course you do!" Xiao Yan Zi cried. "Oh Father, if there is anything I've looked for my entire life, it is a family – my family, those with whom I share blood and history and a sense of origin. How can I say you do not have a place in my life now that we are finally back together?
"I have to admit, Xiao Ci, that what you say is a relief to me."
Xiao Yan Zi choked on a shaky breath at the unexpected pang of pain such a simple statement gave. "I cannot like that you would call it relief, Father."
Her father gave her a wan smile. He said, his voice bittersweet and filled with sorrow, "I always knew I would have to let my daughter go to another family one day, but when you were born, I always imagined that we would have years together first before that happened. But I am an old man, Xiao Ci, who had lost his daughter before he really had a chance to know her, and I admit I feared you would not need us so much now that you have a family of your own."
Xiao Yan Zi felt like something enormous was still stuck in her throat and it took her several try before she could speak properly. "Oh Father, I would not, for the sake of those I love now, forsake those who loved me first."
The look her father gave her remained still wistful.
She continued hesitantly, "The truth is, I feared you would disapprove of my choices."
Her mother had already assured her that both her parents did not, but it was not the same as hearing her father refute such fear as well. She was almost holding her breath as she waited for him to answer.
"Oh my dear, do not take my contemplation at your situation to be disapproval. I will need time to learn to like the situation I find you in, but if you do not regret your choices, Xiao Ci, then I would hardly insult your judgement with my disapproval."
Xiao Yan Zi allowed herself a breath of relief and reached over to squeeze her father's sleeve. Then, in a moment of impulse, not unlike the feelings she had once around Huang Ah Ma, she rushed in and hugged her father tightly.
When she allowed herself to let go, the emotions seemed to overwhelm her and she would have stumbled if her father was not still gripping her arm.
"Be careful, you would not want any harm to come to my grandchild, would you?"
Xiao Yan Zi found herself suddenly laughing and crying at the same time.
"I should bring the children to meet you," she said through sniffles.
"I assume there is a reason you have not tried," Father said. "I suppose you are afraid to introduce them to people you cannot be sure will stay in their lives?"
"No, it is not that. I wasn't sure you'd want to meet them," she admitted.
"Xiao Ci, even if I were to absolutely abhor your marriage, which I do not, I could hardly deny my own grandchildren. Your mother and I should be surrounded by them now, but before this, we only had Zhan Er to spoil."
Xiao Yan Zi was quiet for a moment, then asked hesitantly, "You do not blame Qing Er for not being forthcoming about her family, do you?" Almost fearing his answer, she pushed on before he had the chance to make a reply, "I wasn't exaggerating when I said before that she saved my life. And she had given up so much to be with my brother. You must see that."
"I do," Father answered with a sigh. "And if you'd let me speak, I would tell you after your question, that I do not blame her. Ever since we met your brother and Qing Er, I have never found fault in her. She is, truthfully, everything I could have hoped for in a wife for your brother. I have always thought he had chosen well, and was lucky to have her. I just realise now, just how very lucky that is."
Xiao Yan Zi smiled, and a confusing mixture of gladness on her brother and Qing Er's behalf, and desperate wistfulness of the same regard from her father for her own marriage, rose up inside her again. At the same time, the fact that her parents were capable of appreciating Qing Er for all her virtues gave Xiao Yan Zi some hope that, with enough time and persuasion, they would eventually come to think better of Yong Qi as well.
Zhi Hang did get to meet Xiao Ci's children soon after their conversation. Xiao Ci had told them all much about the children, and in this endeavour she was enthusiastically assisted when not present by Ming Zhu Zhang Gong Zhu. The princess was obviously very fond of her niece and nephews. Meanwhile, both Qing Er and Fang Yan seemed eager to see the children again; Qing Er herself had never seen the youngest child, Mian Xuan.
Compared to their meeting with Xiao Ci, or even Fang Yan, Zhi Hang found meeting his grandchildren a much happier affair. They were exceptionally well-mannered, though such was probably only to be expected considering the life they lived. However, the proper greetings could not hide the little boys' fidgety nature that revealed though they have been taught to sit still, they would still much rather prefer to be free to run and play.
It was clear that as young as she was, Zhuang Nan was so very bright. She apparently had been completed fascinated with the family's flute ever since Fang Yan's last visit to Beijing. According to Xiao Ci, she had begged her father to let her learn to play and demonstrated so beautifully on the family heirloom, that in the end, Fang Yan, with Zhi Hang's permission, bequeathed the flute to her in return for his sister giving the sword back.
It was also obvious to Zhi Hang that Zhuang Nan was utterly smitten with her father, as her conversation was littered with casual but apparently unavoidable mentions of 'Huang Ah Ma'. He had learnt from Ming Zhu Zhang Gong Zhu that the emperor was equally proud of his daughter and eldest child.
The children called Xiao Ci 'E'niang'. The foreign appellation was jarring to Zhi Hang, and reminded him more than he wished to be, of his daughter's situation. Still, he had promised Xiao Ci not to resent her marriage, so he would try to think on it with more positive thoughts, as taxing as the whole endeavour seemed to his pride.
Still, the noon meal that followed, by which time the emperor had joined them, was not as painful as Zhi Hang imagined it could be. That could have been the buffering work of the Fu brothers and their wives, or it could just be that the emperor's presence next to Xiao Ci did not bother Zhi Hang as much as it did a couple of days before.
So when the emperor did approach him, Zhi Hang found himself not as tense as he expected.
"Might I have a few moments of your time?"
Zhi Hang looked at him for a few moments, during which the emperor merely waited for an answer. How long has it been since he had to make a request for anything he wanted, Zhi Hang wondered. Such a man must be unused to the idea, and yet here he was, giving Zhi Hang a chance to refuse.
The first time Zhi Hang met him, he only remembered cool civility (and the threat to Fang Yi's life that apparently he had no intention of carrying out). Today, it was different. There was a kind of earnest determination, which Zhi Hang supposed had much to do with the conversation they were going to have. It didn't seem like it was something he could avoid. Whether he liked it or not, his daughter had married this man. She now in all sense belonged to him (even if she would vehemently protest against that turn of phrase) and also under his protection. What justification was there, except pride, for Zhi Hang to be stubbornly and outwardly hostile towards him? Both Xiao Ci and Fang Yan had taken every opportunity to speak well of him, and while Qing Er was subtler, it was obvious that she would promote her own cousin's interest as well.
"Very well," he answered at long last.
"I think it would comfort Xiao Yan Zi if we could at least speak and get to know each other more," the emperor said. "And I would like it too."
I. It had been 'I' and 'me' and no trace of the royal 'we' all this time. Why? Why was he not acting like an emperor and why was it that at the same, Zhi Hang still could not forget that he was the emperor?
"I want to know, why would you do this?" Zhi Hang asked.
"Do what?"
"Try to save us, when it is a nearly impossible thing to do? What do you get in return? I can give you nothing so precious as my daughter and you already have her. Is it not easier for you to let this case go to its logical conclusion? Hardly anyone could blame you if you were to act in accordance with the law."
His companion frowned.
"If I do," he answered slowly, "I deprive Xiao Yan Zi of those most precious to her, people she'd looked for and longed for her entire life. How can I not do everything in my power to ensure that she retains all that would make her happy?"
"Why do so much for her, when you could have thousands of others, any woman you might want?"
A small smile appeared on the emperor's features. "You are asking why I love your daughter? You do not believe I could love her so much?"
"It seems to me, you exert so much energy, what do you get from her in return that you cannot get elsewhere?"
"You do not believe your daughter worthy of such exertion on my part?"
"She is my daughter. Stranger to her as I am, I would move the world for her. I just do not understand why you would."
"Because she is precious to me, her happiness is precious to me. Surely if we are thus in agreement, that is easy enough to understand?"
"Why?"
"Because I love her. You will ask me why. Because with her, I can be myself, a person, and not a symbol of idolatry. Even from the first days of our acquaintance, she cared nothing for my position or my wealth, or rather, she was innocent of the benefits such position or wealth could give her, so it mattered not to her. It still matters not. So she treated me with the sincerity she would extend to any other person she might meet, and since then, she had never been anything but honest with me, even when the honesty hurts. Through that, I have learnt to be completely honest with her. You cannot know the freedom that the ability to be whatever one wanted to be, to say whatever one wanted to say, unless you have lived a life before that where you had to always be considerate of every word and every action."
"So you value her because she frees you from the rules and regulations of the palace?" Zhi Hang asked, skeptical.
The emperor chuckled. "No, it is more than that. Yes, women – people – in the palace are taught and trained to uphold certain standards, to act a very certain way regardless of our own individual thoughts. All that we are taught to do is usually in pursuit of the approval of others. Xiao Yan Zi never sought to impress anyone, or get anyone's approval for the sake of it, and that allows her to do whatever she wants, whatever she thinks is right, whatever she believes in. So she would put herself in danger for that which she believes is right, or to help those around her, those whom she loves, because to her, that is right. I will always know, everything she says and everything she does with me, is because she is sincere, and not because of any other motive or in pursuit of any other goal. I cannot get that from anyone else. I have dealt all my life with sycophants that I will value sincerity above all where I can find it."
"So for that, you would break your own law to save our lives?"
"Bend it, perhaps, not break," the emperor said with a slight smile.
"It is all a matter of perspective, is it not?"
"Perhaps. And, for her, yes, I would. But for all that she had taught me, as well."
"What is that?"
"It is so very easy, to take common lives for granted, when you grow up seeing so many lives given in service of yourself. I do not mean just people who have died, though Heaven knows too many have done in my name, but also those who devote their entire life in the service of myself and my family. The palace can be so very good at teaching you that if you have position, wealth, power, then all those things become more valuable than the lives of those who do not possess them. It is Xiao Yan Zi and her presence, her values that taught me the futility of it all. Each and every one of those things could be taken away with the blink of an eye and in the end, the only things we are left with are friendship and love and those who truly see us as people, not for what we possess. Those are the things that one should, in turn, value in others and strive to value in oneself."
They were both quiet, the emperor in contemplation, and Zhi Hang did not quite know what to say. He didn't know at the beginning what he expected out of this conversation, but clearly he didn't expect these very frank words either.
"If it all goes up in flames tomorrow, how many who wish me eternal life today would still stand with me, do you think?" the emperor asked. There was a definite cynical edge in his voice. "There are few, but she would be one of them, I am sure of it. And because of that, a day doesn't go by that I am not grateful for her."
"And in return, you give her quite a grand life," Zhi Hang observed.
"It is what I have to offer, and it is grand, perhaps, but it also comes with a price. For myself, I would live with a lot less power and title, grandeur and wealth, if it means I can spare her of the perpetual struggles of palace life."
"Yes, I am sure you would," Zhi Hang said sardonically. He did not quite care if the emperor heard his disbelief. Or perhaps, it was his intention that the emperor did, and he waited with baited breath for a response.
Surprisingly, perhaps even miraculously, the emperor did not look at all offended by Zhi Hang's challenging words. He looked as though he expected the disbelief.
"I suppose you think it is easy for me to say that, to brag of what I would do, when in reality, I sit on this throne surrounded in all this wealth and grandeur regardless."
"Isn't it?"
He did not get an immediate answer. The emperor seemed to contemplate a long time before he would speak again.
"I once told my father, that for me, this entire empire cannot compare to Xiao Yan Zi's happiness. What I meant was, that this entire empire's wealth could not compare; and the truth is, for me, nothing could compare. But there is also this empire, with its people, with the thousands and thousands of people whose lives and fortune are dependent on our responsible and diligent rule. Thatis what I cannot forsake in pursuit of either her, or my own, happiness. Faced with that, I do admit that I ask Xiao Yan Zi to make too big a sacrifice, one which no other man would ever have to ask of her."
"And she gave it," Zhi Hang observed.
I am not someone who would suffer sacrifices because society tells me it is the thing women do, she had told him. Though his interactions with his daughter so far were limited, Zhi Hang had seen enough to know that these words were sincere. So this sacrifice, it was a statement indeed of her feelings.
"Yes," the emperor said, in his voice rang a sense of bittersweet. "It can be daunting, to consider the vastness of my responsibilities now, and all the ways I could go wrong, and in those moments, it is that acceptance and trust, that confidence which she gives, which take me through. And I thank her and love her for it. All the wealth I could give her could never compare to all that she had given me."
Was all that enough for him to go against every principle now, for him to do the very dangerous thing and spare her family's lives? Zhi Hang felt like he knew the answer already, but he could not stop himself from seeking an explicit answer.
"So in return, you now give her family back to her?"
"In a sense, yes. For all the joys, which can be so rare, that she had given me, am I to take joy away from her?"
"Is joy so very rare?"
"It can be, in the palace, when any happiness at all could be overshadowed in a moment by jealousy, envy, pain and resentment. But Xiao Yan Zi had always been able to bring light into any darkness, perhaps it is because, to her, life means so much more than all the wordly things that could be competed for and gained by people in the palace."
Zhi Hang had to admit two things. Firstly, he never truly considered that those so insanely entitled and rich as this would ever have use for something so commonplace as joy. Second, from all the interactions he had witnessed between his daughter and the emperor thus far, it seemed like this bringing of happiness and joy was more of an exchange than a one-way road.
The emperor was still speaking, however. "But the truth is, even without your relation to her, it would still not be my pleasure or my wish to have you and your family dead."
This was not something Zhi Hang ever expected the emperor to say. "Why?" he asked, unable to hide the shock in his voice. "My son wants you dead."
"Does he really? What am I to him? He does not gain anything from it. Or does he just want a sense of compensation for all that his family has suffered?"
"Is it not the same idea?" Zhi Hang asked.
"Perhaps, but how do I gain the people's approval and allegiance if I just kill all those who speak against me and rule by fear? From the moment I first sat on that throne, I am sworn to protect all who come under my rule. What protection is there in threats of death? If I am to protect them from outside threats, I should first be able to protect them from myself."
"You believe you could protect those bent on doing evil things into redemptions?"
The emperor smiled wryly. "Not at all. Grace and mercy is necessary, yes, but there are moments when you have to admit they can only do so much. There are cases still where leopards will never change their spots. Firm justice needs to mete out where necessary but to be too eager to deal out death in judgement is foolishness. Fang Yi had not yet done so much to harm me, or to make me suffer losses. I would much rather like to have a chance to change his mind about me, instead of spilling his blood just because I could. I believe that under the right circumstances, forgiveness is necessary and possible, and would be a much more effective solution, however overlooked it sometimes could be."
Zhi Hang stared at him, and in a moment of completely unexpected clarity, realised that the emperor meant what he said. In that moment, Zhi Hang felt like he had lost his bearing. How did such simple words suddenly challenge his view of this man? Or was it not just those words, but the accumulation of all that he just said?
It was as if Zhi Hang looked at the man before him for the first time. He could not be yet thirty, and responsible for so much. Whatever he confessed about his own fears of doing wrong, it was clear that he had managed to gather for himself a confidence that showed itself now in his every word and gesture. It showed even more in this expressed determination to do what is right instead of what is easy. He would spare Fang Yi, and by extension, their entire family, not just for Xiao Ci's sake, Zhi Hang realised, but it was because he believed it was the merciful thing to do.
Previously, Zhi Hang had looked upon the emperor's intent to spare their lives with a sort of resentment. It had seemed like a needless display of power that could not have come from a sincere concern for their lives at all. Why should he be concerned for their lives, when it was proven that one among them had no concern for his? Now that Zhi Hang realised the intent did come from a very real sincere wish for their wellbeing, for first time, he could not help but feel a completely unexpected sense of gratitude for this clemency.
The conversation with emperor left Fang Zhi Hang in an even more confusing mixture of feelings. So this was the man his daughter had married. Zhi Hang could not help but wonder suddenly how much of this empathy, this compassion, was due to her influence. The fact that she could and clearly did exert such influence filled him with a mixture of dazed shock, pride and yet also fear and trepidation. How much envy, how much danger could such influence bring her, now and in the future? Did Xiao Ci realise from the moment she became involved, that with such a man, too little affection was painful, and yet too much could be equally damaging and dangerous? The questions followed him the rest of the day, and kept him up for most of the night.
There was something ominous about that day, from the first step Yong Qi took into the throne room at Qian Qing Gong.
The first hour did pass without anything out of the ordinary, and no great disaster to frantically fix. There were just a few housekeeping matters that were routine in the business of keeping a country running.
Then, just as he was about to dismiss the court, Fu Zheng stepped up, bowed respectfully as always, and started to speak.
"Huang Shang, your subject has found some vital information about the case of the White Lotus Sect rebel that will be of interest to Fu Daren's investigation."
Yong Qi frowned. He really should have seen this coming. They had been trying to stall on making any sort of decision or announcement on the case of Xiao Yan Zi's family, but he should have known that there was little chance Fu Zheng would allow them to leave it for long.
"General, we thought that it was clear that this case is not under your power."
"Your subject would not dream of interfering with Fu Daren's investigation. It is merely that part of this case happened at one of your subject's establishments and I thought it my duty to find out who these people who caused such havoc were. It turns out the rebel Fang Yi who was caught is the son of Fang Zhi Hang, a Hangzhou official who was sentenced to death thirty years ago due to a rebellious poem. Your subject does not know how Fang Zhi Hang managed to escape his execution, however it is clear that he did, because from what I heard from my servants at the inn regarding Fang Yi, he must have been born after the death sentence was passed. The fact that the family had history of rebellious acts and now it is clear that this Fang Yi has rebellious intentions, your subject begs Huang Shang to strictly punish them according to the law to make an example to all those who are bidding their time out there."
Yong Qi clenched his fist on the cushion by his side and contemplated how he should respond to this. So Fu Zheng really did know more than he let on the last time, and now, provoked by their delay, would announce to the world the connection to Xiao Yan Zi. It was a good thing that Yong Qi had predicted that this would happen. There was really no such thing as secrets around him or about him anymore. No matter how damning any information or secret, the vital reaction was never to lose your head and show any weakness.
The more concerning thing, also, was that Fu Zheng was not alone in his views. After his speech, several other officials spoke up in his support. It was only to be expected, since the situation Fu Zheng had laid out seemed deceptively straight-forward, and his suggestions of actions to be taken were perfectly logical and necessary.
So it had begun. Yong Qi knew it would, he just didn't care for the storm to come so quickly, and only was grateful that Er Kang had returned from his recent duty tour in Shanxi and had been brought up to date on the matter, because it was he who spoke now.
"General, if you have found out that Fang Yi's father is Fang Zhi Hang, then perhaps you will remember that that the previous emperor has already issued an edict pardoning Fang Zhi Hang of his crimes."
Fu Zheng shot Er Kang a challenging smile. "Efu Daren, I did not plan to mention it, but how that you have, I must say this. The previous emperor's edict is out of consideration and comfort for Yi Fei Niang Niang, made under the assumption that she had never known Fang Zhi Hang. I do not deny that Yi Fei Niang Niang has done great service to the royal family, bearing Huang Shang's children, so previously, when it was assumed that her father was dead, the implications of her ancestry could be overlooked. It is clearly different now when her father is alive. This connection to Yi Fei Niang Niang is much more pertinent now, since her father was accused of treason, and what is worse, he most likely used illegal means to escape his punishment. Perhaps he had done it twice, once again now, since my recent enquiries at Zhong Ren Fu showed that the prisoners are no longer in their cells. Fu Er Ye, perhaps you may want to investigate first how this came to be."
"You think very little of my ability to handle a case that has been entrusted to me by Huang Shang himself, General, if you are implying I do not know of the whereabouts of the prisoners I am in charge of investigating," Er Tai said. "They are currently being held at my estate."
"At your estate, Fu Daren? Surely that is too much luxury for criminals accused of such heinous crimes?"
"Again, how that we've established that the prisoners are Yi Fei Niang Niang's own parents, surely you can deduce, General, that this move from Zhong Ren Fu is necessary?" Er Tai asked.
"I do not see how it is necessary at all, Fu Daren," Fu Zheng said, "though I do not presume to insult you by assuming such actions were taken illegally. I suppose the moving of the prisoners was at least undertaken with Huang Shang's knowledge and permission?"
"It was," Yong Qi said shortly.
"Huang Shang, pray forgive your subject for my frank statement. Do you think it prudent to show such…favour to prisoners such as this merely because of their relations?"
"It was I who suggested the move to Huang Shang, General," Er Tai said before Yong Qi could answer. "And I shall take all responsibility for it. Do you think it prudent, General, considering Yi Fei Niang Niang's condition, to keep her family in a place such as Zhong Ren Fu, causing her undue worries that may affect her health while this investigation, which can be lengthy, takes place?"
"I am sure that is the reason you tell yourself, Fu Daren, for the move, but do you think your estate is secure enough to hold such criminals that they cannot escape?"
"I, myself, have no prior acquaintance or ties with any of the Fang family, General," Er Tai said. "I have no motive in letting them go, especially now when everyone in this court know they were being held in my estate. I assure you, General, that even if just one member of that family escape their house arrest at my estate, I will go to Huang Shang to accept my punishment. I would even, if you think it necessary, bow down and ask for your forgiveness, General, for letting those who blacken your good name to escape."
"I shall take you at your offer, Fu Daren. As for your claim of a lengthy investigation, surely you exaggerate. I thought the crimes committed by Fang Yi were fairly clear and cannot be condoned. They must all be punished according to the law," Fu Zheng said. "Huang Shang is wise and just, your subject is sure Huang Shang agrees with my view."
"And what do you suggest is an appropriate punishment?" Yong Qi asked mildly, not outwardly betraying any distress.
"Huang Shang, the law stipulates that for such crimes, the Fang family must be executed." Fu Zheng paused, a calculated pause. Then he said slowly, "Though Yi Fei Niang Niang…"
He didn't finish the sentence, and phrased it in the first place as if he contemplated advising a pardon for Yi Fei, but Yong Qi knew he meant the opposite. In fact, it was obvious from the moment Fu Zheng brought up the subject that this would be what he would demand. To immediately oppose this suggestion now would only cause Fu Zheng to dig his heel and in the end make Yong Qi look like he was being ruled by his personal bias.
Yong Qi did not have to come up with an answer, however, because in that moment, there was a terse laugh. His sixth brother, Zhi Qin Wang stepped forward.
"Huang Shang, your subject has something to say to the General."
"Speak."
"General, of course you have a point," Zhi Qin Wang said, "however the law cannot be blind to reasonable sympathies and circumstances. Yi Fei Niang Niang is Huang Shang's beloved consort who is now currently carrying the imperial bloodline. I merely think that pressuring Huang Shang to kill her father and brothers may do much harm to Niang Niang in her delicate state, and thus to the child she is carrying. As for what I am sure you would like to happen – for Yi Fei Niang Niang to suffer the punishment with her family as well, then General, surely you must think of the princess and princes who would be left without a mother if Huang Shang is not merciful."
"Liu Wang Ye, surely you do not mean to say that Huang Shang should not punish them," Fu Zheng countered. "Huang Shang is the nation's emperor, he must uphold the law and be just, regardless of who the justice strikes down on."
"Justice without mercy is merely a form of tyranny, General," Zhi Qin Wang said. "The way I see it, spilling blood of her family in the middle of Yi Fei Niang Niang's pregnancy will only be a bad omen for the future of the prince or princess she is carrying. Besides, I do not believe in mindless execution without understanding the heart of the criminal in question. From what I know of this whole situation, this Fang Yi must have grown up in much hardship, and this could be enough to fill anyone with resentment. Do you not think it a much happier alternative to, perhaps, let the Fang family know of the previous emperor's bounty and mercy, and allow Fang Yi a chance to rethink his situation? I think any educated person would see the waste in senseless bloodshed. The way I see it, Fang Yi has been pushed into corners all his life, unable to live a free life. If we offer him freedom in the form of mercy, it may be that he can be persuaded to let go of any anger and hate he may hold."
From the throne, Yong Qi exchanged brief looks with Er Kang and Er Tai. His brother's interference in Xiao Yan Zi's defense was unexpected, but wholly welcome. He stayed quiet for the moment, letting Yong Rong argue Xiao Yan Zi's case. Any opinion now in Xiao Yan Zi's favour that came from sources that were not himself or Er Kang and Er Tai could only be a good thing. He simply allowed himself to be glad that Xiao Yan Zi, with her carefree and uncalculated ways, had always been popular with his younger siblings and it was paying off now. Apparently it was true that you reaped what you sowed.
"That is naiveté in the most idiotic sense, Wang Ye, if you will forgive me for the harshness of the phrase," Fu Zheng said hotly. "Fang Zhi Hang and Fang Yi have both demonstrated rebellious intents, to not punish them will be to let the whole world know that such thought is free to all – and when thoughts are free, what is to stop actual actions?"
"And yet you forget Fang Zhi Hang, whatever his ideals may be, and all his descendants, have been pardoned by the previous emperor. This is something that is widely known ever since the edict was read out," Zhi Qin Wang said. "To take any actions against them now – however lawful – would be going against, at the very least, the spirit of the edict from the previous emperor. General, surely you are not trying to push Huang Shang into unfilial acts? Would you have the world condemning Huang Shang of going against the wishes of our departed father?"
Yong Qi nearly laughed out loud in delight and couldn't help a brief, covert smile. He would have to do something nice for Yong Rong after this, for being brave enough to use this argument, and phrase it like this. Fu Zheng was obviously trying to turn the idea of mercy on the Fang family into an act of disregard for the law, and it would be so easy to succeed. But before he could manage it, Yong Rong had turned the act into obedience and filial piety, one of the few things that could be used as reason to bend the law.
"Huang Shang, you cannot listen to Liu Wang Ye – " Fu Zheng spluttered. "He would have us release all the criminals currently incarcerated within a month!"
Yong Qi knew anything he said at the moment would be seen as biased, but from the looks of things, it did not look as if he needed to exert too much power and pressure on the situation. So he simply said, "Right now, we will concede that we have too much personal interest in this case to remain unbiased, therefore, trusted officials, present your views and we will rely on the advice of you all for solution to this situation that would be both just and fair."
Also, it seemed that the direction of his brother's reasoning could not have more matched his own thoughts expressed the day before, so Yong Qi was entirely happy to let Yong Rong do all the talking on his behalf.
"Huang Shang, even the darkest of traitors deserve grace and mercy from a benevolent ruler and a second chance to mend," Zhi Qin Wang said. "Of course I do not think that all criminals should be shown unreserved mercy, but consider how this case is wrought with complications of feelings and of the heart. It would be foolish, therefore, to not consider the factor of the heart when considering the punishment."
Yong Qi was also relieved to observe that presented with this logic, quite a few other officials gave indications of acceptance and agreement as well.
Shi Er Beile chose that moment to step out of the line behind Yong Rong.
"Huang Shang, as much as I am sure General Fu Zheng means well, if I may say it, I agree with Zhi Qin Wang. Huang Xiong, you and I bear witness to the fact that if there was anyone capable of turning someone who previously wished her dead into a friend, then it is Yi Fei Niang Niang. Previously, my own mother committed many wrongs against Yi Fei Niang Niang and Ming Zhu Zhang Gong Zhu, and the previous emperor would have punished her accordingly. Even if then I had been more than a child, I would have been unable to argue against it, any punishment to my mother then would have been just. In the end, it was Yi Fei Niang Niang and Ming Zhu Zhang Gong Zhu who argued in favour of mercy for my mother, and I, more than anyone, owe them both more than I can ever repay. My mother, as well, was touched by the mercy shown to her that she realised the errors of her way and spent the remainder of her life in remorse and seeking to right her wrongs. If Yi Fei Niang Niang could show my mother such mercy then, I do not think it out of hand for Huang Xiong to show similar grace to Yi Fei's brother."
Yong Ji's use of 'Huang Xiong' instead of 'Huang Shang' in the current setting was much too familiar and informal, but Yong Qi couldn't help but think that the appellation was chosen deliberately. Yong Ji was clearly trying to imply that this situation would be more appropriately considered the emperor's personal issue, to be dealt with some consideration for the feelings of those involved, rather than strictly a state issue to be approached by a coldly impartial judge.
"Huang Shang, both princes made very good points," Er Kang said. "Fang Yi, at the end of the day, is Huang Shang's brother-in-law. For the peace of mind of Yi Fei Niang Niang who is carrying Huang Shang's child, brutal punishments upon Niang Niang's family right now will do much more harm than giving Niang Niang a chance to use her kindness to turn her family in favour of Huang Shang. That is not to mention, Yi Fei Niang Niang's sister-in-law is Qing Ge Ge, Huang Shang's own cousin. Her father laid down his life in service of this nation, and she was well beloved by both Lao Fo Ye and the previous emperor. Lao Fo Ye would not rest well to know that Qing Ge Ge came to any harm under Huang Shang's orders. Huang Shang, as both your subject and your trusted friend, I cannot bear the idea of your hands stained with the blood of your family."
Yong Qi could feel the tide changing in their favour and knew this was the moment when he should speak in support of the arguments his two brothers and Er Kang had just delivered.
"Our trusted subjects," he said, "if this was purely a matter of state, then we would be willing to think on it with a cold head. However, it must be said, now that everyone is aware of whom this case involves, then it has also become our family matter. Confucius said everything has an order: self cultivation, household order, then governing the nation and spreading peace through the world. We must solve this issue as a family issue first, before we consider it a matter of state. In governing the state, there is need for firm justice and fairness; however, we hope that you all agree that in governing one's family, mercy and compassion should be the greatest consideration."
"Huang Shang is wise to recognise this," Zhi Qin Wang said. "Yi Fei Niang Niang is your family, thus her family is your family. If Huang Shang's family life cannot be settled peacefully without death and blood, Huang Shang can hardly be free to turn his attention to effective governing. Fu Zheng Daren, I hope you will allow that Huang Shang should be able to decide the best way to deal with his family."
Fu Zheng was thoroughly annoyed at how the table was turning, and wasted a few moments glaring in the direction of both princes. However, his momentary silence was just what Yong Qi needed to steer the conversation away from the debate of how to appropriate approach the situation.
"It is worth mentioning that, at the moment, we are far less concerned with Fang Yi, who we trust is being held securely at Fu residence, and far more concerned with those who set up and invited Fang Yi to the rebellion meeting in the first place," Yong Qi said. "It is clear that Fang Yi was not the instigator of the meeting, and there may be a bigger group out there that we have not managed to catch. Fang Yi is worth far more to us now alive with information that may help find these rebels, than dead. There will be time for punishment later. We would rather have the information for now."
"Huang Shang, do you feel that information from such a source could be trusted?" Fu Zheng asked.
"Fang Yi is nothing if not loyal to his family, from my interrogations of him, I gathered that much," Er Tai said. "He will give us the information we need for the good of his family, which, you must admit, General, is more reason for us to loosen the noose, so to speak, on them at the moment. There are far more important things to consider than the killing of someone not much more than a boy and his family who is simply caught up in the matter. This boy is little more than just a decoy. There is no sense in his death when a bigger group of rebels still roam free. They are the real threat here, not him."
Even Fu Zheng could not quite argue with this reason, so in the end, he had little choice but to retreat indignantly from pressing the situation any further.
However, Yong Qi knew he could not allow himself too big a breath of relief yet. Fu Zheng was not one who would leave the situation hanging like this. They have all been forced to show their hand, and Yong Qi would not be surprised if Fu Zheng was to dig up the subject again at another time, probably much sooner than Yong Qi would like. And he knew they would have to be prepared with another move by then.
"Liu Di, Shi Er Di, I must say, your speaking up today was vastly unexpected, but I must thank you for it," Yong Qi said later to his brothers.
"Huang Xiong, you do not need to thank us," Yong Rong said. "Even when she was Huang Ah Ma's Huan Zhu Ge Ge, she had always been kind to all of us. I think I speak for Shi Er Di as well when I say we would not see her in danger for something that I am sure she cannot control, something that could have a much better alternative ending. You were not in a good position to defend her, if we could be service to you both then it is our pleasure."
"Indeed," Yong Ji said. "Huang Xiong, I owe Xiao Yan Zi Jiejie too much to stand by and let her be condemned for something she couldn't help."
Yong Qi chuckled. "After all these years and she's still Xiao Yan Zi Jiejie to you."
"Forgive me," Yong Ji said, ducking his head sheepishly, "I know it's not appropriate for me to call her Jiejie anymore, but – "
"I was not angry at you," Yong Qi said, smiling. "And if thinking of her as Xiao Yan Zi Jiejie allows you to speak for her when I could not like this morning, then I would more than welcome it."
"To be honest, you have to admit Fu Zheng, in his own way, is coming from a very close-minded place of loyalty," Yong Rong said. "They say loyal words are uncomfortable to hear, but I rather think at the same time, his own agenda is coming through a little too strongly as well. There will be moments when you will need to make the unthinkable decision, but in this case, really no one would get true satisfaction out of wiping out an entire family line like this so why must we pressure you into killing people you clear don't wish to kill?"
"Indeed."
"Does he really think that pressing Huang Xiong to harm Yi Fei's family would endear his daughter to you better?" Yong Ji asked.
"Oh I doubt he expects any of this to endear Xiang Guiren to me," Yong Qi said, shrugging. "He is much more sneaky and smarter than his daughter. I do not think it matters much to him whether I like Xiang Guiren, per se. He would see any damage to Yi Fei's reputation a good enough cause."
"What are you going to do about it all?" Yong Rong asked.
Yong Qi paused for a moment, then finally admitted, "Praise Heaven if I have the foggiest idea."