Chapter 95

When Jian Yuyan was five years old, he met Nan Gongxuan and became his study companion. Since there were no children of similar age in the Jian family, Nan Gongxuan became his closest playmate.
At the age of seven, Chancellor Jian revealed his true identity to him. At that time, Jian Yuyan did not fully understand the implications of the term “former dynasty.” He only knew that this identity had to be kept secret from everyone. It was not until he grew older that he realized he and Nan Gongxuan had stood on opposite sides from the very beginning.
He sometimes resented Chancellor Jian. Since he had known all along they would end up on opposing paths, why had he sent him into the palace to become the Crown Prince’s companion? Only later did he understand that it was precisely this arrangement that allowed the Crown Prince to place the utmost trust in him.
Yet even Lord Jian had not anticipated that Nan Gongxuan, a man of such pride and unconventional demeanor, a figure above all others, would possess a heart of innocence so out of place in the palace. No matter how harsh he might be to outsiders, he offered those closest to him the greatest protection and trust.
For a young child just beginning to understand the world, an abstract blood feud could never compare to the bond forged through years of sincere companionship and genuine care.
Jian Yuyan had heard Nan Gongxuan speak of his grand aspirations to govern diligently, of his vision for a peaceful and prosperous realm, and he had witnessed the Crown Prince’s eyes redden at the sight of refugees with nowhere to go. Chancellor Jian always spoke of the cruel and treacherous nature of the Nan clan, but over the years, Jian Yuyan had seen the exact opposite. He never doubted that Nan Gongxuan would be a good emperor, yet Lord Jian repeatedly reminded him that the throne should have been his.
Twenty years passed in the blink of an eye.
Over those two decades, he had occasionally been swayed by pettiness and stubbornness, but time always brought him back to his core beliefs. The hatred Lord Jian tried to instill in him never truly took root, but the years growing up alongside Nan Gongxuan had taught him the profound lessons of righteousness and compassion that the emperor himself had imparted to his son.
It was true then, and it remained true now.
Back then, his vision had been clouded, and he had not fully grasped the weight of responsibility or the importance of the realm. It was only after A’Ming’s departure that year that Jian Yuyan realized what he truly needed to protect. He would always remember A’Ming’s words: “Regardless of anything else, the current emperor is a good ruler.”
So he had not chosen wrongly, nor had he held onto the wrong ideals. His only mistake, perhaps, was his inherently gentle and indecisive nature. Because of this, he never forcefully opposed Chancellor Jian but instead responded passively, hoping his father would abandon his ambitions.
But his approach proved far less effective than he had hoped. Chancellor Jian’s plans grew more intricate, and he even formed an alliance with the powerful Prince of Jiangxia. By then, it seemed too late to resist. Though Chancellor Jian called him the most noble of princes, Jian Yuyan felt like a forgotten, useless pawn.
In the past, he had chosen the wrong path and the wrong methods, leading to A’Ming’s departure. In recent years, he had chosen the right path but used the wrong methods, resulting in irreversible consequences. Yet, as the saying goes, heaven never seals off all exits. The arrival of Princess Ming made him realize that the alliance between Chancellor Jian and the Prince of Jiangxia was not as harmonious as it appeared. Seizing this opportunity, Jian Yuyan finally achieved the outcome he desired.
Chancellor Jian believed he had finally repented, and Princess Ming assumed he had sided with her. Yet, no one seemed to realize that he had always stood on the side of the realm. He did not wish for his personal grievances to ignite needless warfare or plunge the people into suffering. What he desired was peace and stability across the land, the very righteousness he had learned in his twenty years with Nan Gongxuan. Once the realm was free of the hidden dangers he had caused, he would retreat from the world with the one he loved. That was his greatest lifelong wish.
As he gazed at the familiar handwriting on the letter, tears he hadn’t even noticed began to roll down his cheeks. This was A’Ming’s letter.
He had once been surprised that someone of A’Ming's status could read and write, though her handwriting was far messier than that of refined young ladies, even including many shorthand characters she had invented herself. Back when they were together, he would listen to her sing while carefully copying her style, and in his spare time, he would hold her hand from behind, teaching her to write with proper form and paint with spirit.
He never expected that the neatest handwriting and most complete painting he would ever see from her would be the final gift she left him before departing.
A portrait of him, and a line of poetry that would haunt him with regret for years.
“Knowing you have two hearts, I have come to bid farewell.”
Jian Yuyan had thought that once everything was over, if he could, as he wished, save Madam Jian and Jian Yu'er, and if he himself survived, he would go to the northwest in person to bring her back. If she refused, he would stay there until she agreed to leave with him.
Secretly, without informing Chancellor Jian or Princess Ming, he had located A’Ming and ordered his hidden guards to protect her safety, reporting any important matters to him promptly. For months, the guards had told him she was safe and well, and recently, they delivered a secretly written letter from her into his hands.
It was still the same messy, chaotic handwriting, interspersed with invented characters no one else could understand. Though the letter was short, Jian Yuyan spent over half an hour reading it before reluctantly burning it to ashes.
She said she was safe, that he need not worry, and that she had learned of his solitary state over the past four years. She said she would wait for a time of peace when he could explain the whole truth to her.
Jian Yuyan suddenly smiled.
She was an actress, yet unexpectedly clever, and her thoughts aligned with his without prior discussion. They were truly a perfect match.
Now, Jian Yuyan felt somewhat grateful that over the past four years, he had only responded passively, never letting Chancellor Jian detect anything unusual. Thus, even if he wasn't entrusted with important tasks, nothing was kept hidden from him. His identity as Jian Yuyan meant the Chancellor never suspected he was actually the greatest source of instability.
He and the Crown Prince had grown distant over the years, and a sudden meeting would surely arouse suspicion. Moreover, the Crown Prince was somewhat impulsive by nature, and Jian Yuyan wasn't entirely confident in him, while the Emperor was completely inaccessible.
After much deliberation, Jian Yuyan suddenly thought of someone deeply trusted by the Emperor and on good terms with the Crown Prince: Jiang Yi.
Compared to reaching the Emperor or the Crown Prince, delivering a private letter to Jiang Yi was simplicity itself.
And Jiang Yi, upon learning Jian Yuyan's true identity, received his secret letter, unable to conceal his own astonishment.
Being inherently suspicious, his first instinct was doubt rather than belief. Jian Yuyan was a remnant of the previous dynasty, why would he reveal the most critical part of Chancellor Jian's intricate trap to him, or to the Emperor?
Jiang Yi recalled A’Ming mentioning that her mission was twofold: to create confusion in the capital as a smokescreen for Chancellor Jian's actions, and to drive a wedge between the Chancellor and Jian Yuyan.
So now that Jian Yuyan was actively selling out Chancellor Jian, was Yiming the one pulling the strings behind the scenes?
But even so, Yan Yiming’s current identity was still the daughter of the Prince of Jiangxia. So even if she were sowing discord between Jian Yuyan and Chancellor Jian, she would have to side with the Prince of Jiangxia to avoid arousing Jian Yuyan’s suspicions.
Thus, it was reasonable to assume that Yan Yiming was likely unaware of the letter Jian Yuyan had sent him today.
However, Yan Yiming was not the real Princess Ming. He had once asked her how she managed to get Jian Yuyan to agree to cooperate with her. As expected, she had used the actress to lure Jian Yuyan into a temporary alliance.
Since she knew about the actress, it meant she was aware of far more than he and Jian Yuyan had imagined. She had deliberately led Jian Yuyan step by step into her trap, so Jiang Yi felt that Jian Yuyan’s current actions were also within Yan Yiming’s control.
If she truly knew everything, Jiang Yi wondered how she had learned about the intricate details between Jian Yuyan and that actress. If she had intentionally orchestrated this, was Chancellor Jian’s downfall her ultimate goal?
At this moment, Yan Yiming had long since written the letter, waiting for the precise moment before Chancellor Jian made his move.
Now that Jiang Yi had uncovered her identity, he would believe whatever she said. So, she could have personally revealed the biggest flaw in Chancellor Jian’s plan to Jiang Yi. However, she still wanted Jian Yuyan to take action.
There was no other reason, this move could secure Jian Yuyan a chance to survive, while she herself had no need for such an opportunity.
She had been fully aware of Jian Yuyan’s secret efforts to build his influence. Those whom Jian Yuyan considered his allies were actually her deliberate arrangements. Otherwise, how could Jian Yuyan believe that Yan Yiming was still alive? That letter would never have reached Jian Yuyan’s hands.
She had long suspected that Jian Yuyan wouldn’t be so obedient, but a little movement on his part was even better, it made him easier to manipulate.
Now that Jian Yuyan and Jiang Yi had connected, the situation seemed to be progressing much faster than in the original plot. In the past, Chancellor Jian had successfully forced his way into the palace, the emperor had died tragically, and Nan Gongxuan and others had retreated to Beiping. Only after Shao Jingyu’s betrayal and Jian Yuyan’s surrender did Nan Gongxuan eventually return and successfully ascend the throne.
But now, Chancellor Jian’s every move had long been anticipated by Jiang Yi. Using her former identity as A’Ming, she had persuaded Jian Yuyan to establish contact with Jiang Yi, allowing Jiang Yi to grasp Chancellor Jian’s intentions. Given Jiang Yi and the emperor’s temperaments, they would likely remain silent as before, luring the enemy in and trapping them in a carefully laid net.
So this time, Chancellor Jian would surely fail, this palace coup would not succeed.
At that time, Jian Yuyan would have rendered meritorious service. Although the emperor would be wary of his identity, Nan Gongxuan would undoubtedly do his utmost to spare his life. Jian Yuyan would then secure a path to survival, Jiang Yi would be promoted for his achievements, Shao Jingyu would return to the capital to continue serving as a general, and as long as Nan Gongxuan didn’t make any fatal mistakes, he would smoothly ascend the throne.
Victory was within sight. Thinking this, Yan Yiming felt so pleased that she ate two extra pastries.
One shouldn’t get too carried away, overconfidence often leads to trouble. In high spirits, Yan Yiming went out to eat and, by sheer coincidence, ran into Jiang Yi again. However, unlike before, Wei Xiongjie, concerned for her safety, had sent a maid to accompany her.
But Jiang Yi paid no mind to the maids' astonished gazes. Smiling, he invited Yan Yiming to dine with him, ordering a spread of all her favorite dishes and even personally pouring tea for her.
When Yan Yiming saw that the ginseng chicken soup was completely free of cilantro, she immediately recalled the prank Jiang Yi had pulled on her last time. She lifted her eyes and shot him a glare, to which Jiang Yi responded with a leisurely smile, already guessing the reason.
He had always been the most attentive person. With Yan Yiming sitting before him now, it felt as familiar as if they had done this a thousand times before. Even the West Lake vinegar fish had been deboned and placed on a small plate for her.
Perhaps the four years they had spent together had made her forget the distance and grow accustomed to Jiang Yi's care. Now, after so many years apart, Jiang Yi remained just as he was, but Yan Yiming no longer felt as uneasy as she once had.
Not wanting to be the only one being taken care of, Yan Yiming thought it over and decided to help Jiang Yi by serving him some of the dishes she liked. The two maids behind them stared wide-eyed, while Jiang Yi's smile only grew more radiant.
In such a setting, it was impossible to discuss serious matters, so they could only talk about personal topics Jiang Yi particularly enjoyed. Yan Yiming was worried Jiang Yi would deliberately flirt, which might provoke Wei Xiongjie to bother her again. But Jiang Yi acted as if no one else were present, his gentle gaze nearly overflowing.
After half an hour of tension, Yan Yiming finally gave up. Let it be, she thought.
Once they had finished eating and drinking their fill, Jiang Yi escorted her back to her residence. Suddenly, the jade pendant at his waist fell to the ground. Yan Yiming glanced at the faded tassel twice before Jiang Yi picked it up and asked if she could weave a new one for him.
His eyes were full of expectation, even carrying a hint of familiar coquettishness. Yan Yiming couldn't bring herself to refuse outright. Remembering that she would soon be leaving, she finally nodded and agreed.
After Jiang Yi left, the two maids cautiously reminded her, “Miss, the tassel isn't something to be given lightly...”
“Is that so? I didn't know,” Yan Yiming replied with an expression that said, I don't know what you're talking about, so don't spread rumors. “It's just a tassel, after all. Besides, I've already agreed, how can I go back on my word? Forget it. I won't let Wei Xiongjie find out, and you two better not tell him either, or you'll get scolded again.”
The maids exchanged glances, thought it over, and decided Yan Yiming made sense. When Wei Xiongjie later asked about it, they kept the matter hidden.
A few days later, everyone noticed that the tassel Jiang Yi had worn for so many years had been replaced with a brand new one. They were all astonished, and even Jian Yuyan, who happened to run into him by chance, was slightly surprised. Smiling, he remarked, “Lord Jiang, have you encountered some joyous occasion recently?”
“Indeed,” Jiang Yi replied without hiding anything. Passersby occasionally glanced back at the two exceptionally handsome men as they walked together for a stretch before parting ways.
After telling him a name, Jian Yuyan informed him of another time. Jiang Yi asked him why.
Jian Yuyan fell silent for a moment before saying, “There is someone I still wish to see, and someone I wish to protect.”
It was said that the opera singer Jian Yuyan had deeply loved left four years ago. Though Jian Yuyan and Madam Jian were not mother and son, their bond was profound. Like many others, Jiang Yi had assumed Jian Yuyan would simply drift through life, never expecting he still had his own pursuits.
This actually raised his estimation of him a few notches.
If the plan succeeded, His Majesty might spare Madam Jian and Jian Yu'er's lives out of consideration for Jian Yuyan's merits.
And after today, given that Jian Yuyan had the welfare of the common people in mind, he might be able to plead with the Crown Prince before the Emperor to spare his life. After all, he was never meant for the court, retiring to the jianghu might be his best fate.
When he entered the palace for an audience with the Emperor, he happened to run into Jian Yu'er grinding ink in the imperial study. Though the Emperor loathed Chancellor Jian, he was fair-minded and did not vent his anger on Jian Yu'er.
Seeing him enter, Jian Yu'er bowed along with several female officials and withdrew. After everyone had left, Emperor Jiang Yi brought up the matter of Jian Yuyan.
The Emperor had not yet uncovered Jian Yuyan's true identity, and upon hearing this, he seemed rather pleased.
Back when Jian Yuyan and the Crown Prince grew up together, the Emperor had inevitably shown him some favoritism.
After concluding his discussion with the Emperor and leaving the study, Jian Yu'er glanced back, smiled at him, and came over to greet him.
Because of what happened with A'Ming, Jiang Yi had never been able to face Jian Yu'er openly. Yet Jian Yu'er, unaware of the reason, always sought him out to chat, clinging to their childhood bond. Normally, Jiang Yi would simply nod and leave, but now that A'Ming was alive, he realized he had let go of many things.
Jian Yu'er chuckled softly and asked if something joyful had happened to him recently. Jiang Yi smiled and replied, “You and your brother speak quite alike.”
Jian Yu'er was surprised. “Lord Jiang has met my brother?”
“I ran into him just now when I entered the palace and exchanged a few words with him.”
Jian Yu'er smiled gently. “My brother has been in much better spirits lately and has been returning home more often than before.”
Jiang Yi gave a noncommittal “Hmm” and casually remarked, “Young Master Jian parted ways with me at the palace gate and headed northwest. That doesn't seem to be the direction of the Chancellor's residence.”
“Of course not,” Jian Yu'er sighed. Being the least guarded by nature, she spoke her thoughts aloud. “Ever since Miss A'Ming left, my brother has been living in that residence over there...”
Jiang Yi's smile froze, and he paused as if doubting his own hearing. “Miss A'Ming?”
“Lord Jiang, you're also surprised that her name is the same as the Crown Princess's, aren't you?” Jian Yu'er smiled brightly. “My brother said she was sold into an opera troupe as a child and never had a proper name, so he always called her A'Ming.”
In a flash, Jiang Yi suddenly recalled the face of that opera performer he had encountered by chance.
Back then, he had only been startled by her resemblance to Jian Yu'er. But now, thinking back, Jiang Yi's heart skipped a beat, and his pupils contracted sharply.
Apart from the similarity to Jian Yu'er's face, that woman clearly had a red mole at the corner of her eye!