Chapter 6: A Match Made in Heaven

At the same time, as the news spread that Xia Jiujiang was still alive, various individuals nursed ulterior motives. Meanwhile, within the Jade Dragon Hall, the air was filled with the gentle aroma of sandalwood, and a grand desk of huanghuali wood stood before golden cranes on either side. Despite the hall’s serene and resplendent appearance, not a single maid or guard could be seen. The hall had been emptied, its vastness isolating the secret conversation within.

Emperor Zongkang spoke with displeasure, “I revealed your true identity to you so you could plan for your eventual ascension to the throne. Yet you… you would rather marry Xia Jiujiang, that good-for-nothing from the Xia family, and you insist on having Prince Ning, the son of the disgraced consort, return to the capital. Can you not tell that my decree granting you this marriage was merely to force you to submit?”

The imperial marriage was nothing more than a means for Emperor Zongkang to pressure Jun Buwen into abandoning his intention to bring Prince Ning back to the capital. Yet Jun Buwen chose to meet force with force, which is why the decree was issued in the first place.

Jun Buwen understood perfectly well that Emperor Zongkang did not wish for Prince Ning to return, as his identity as the son of a disgraced consort risked exposure if he reentered the capital. However, Jun Buwen had his own plans, his own secrets. The feverish poison in his body grew harder to suppress each day. Only if Prince Ning returned could his scheme progress—until, unexpectedly, Xia Jiujiang appeared and quelled the heat and poison within him.

Though the method was somewhat unorthodox, for the first time, Jun Buwen experienced true relief from his ailment, something internal force alone had never achieved.

Jun Buwen bowed and said, “Last time, Your Majesty stated here in the Jade Dragon Hall that I could only have Prince Ning return if I married. That was nothing more than a remark made in passing, meant to dissuade me from my intentions. At that time, Your Majesty had not decided that my bride would be Xia Jiujiang of the Xia family. What prompted Your Majesty to settle on her as the candidate?”

He wished to know precisely who had orchestrated Xia Jiujiang as his intended.

Emperor Zongkang sighed. “It was a directive from the Empress Dowager of the West.”

The Empress Dowager of the West—his biological mother.

There were two empresses dowager in the inner court. The Empress Dowager of the East, mother of the late emperor, devoted herself to prayers and paid no heed to court affairs. Upon Emperor Zongkang’s ascension, his own mother became Empress Dowager of the West.

Noticing Jun Buwen’s lingering doubts about the marriage, Emperor Zongkang explained, “Very few are privy to your true identity. The Empress Dowager of the West is unaware of the deeper implications. Yet, seeing you so determined to bring Prince Ning back, she suggested you marry Xia Jiujiang. Xia Jiujiang’s reputation as a fool is well known throughout the Li Kingdom. The Empress Dowager believed this would sway your resolve. Who could have foreseen…”

Jun Buwen frowned. Was it truly a random match made to change his mind, or had someone whispered something in the empress dowager’s ear, leading to the poisoned Xia Jiujiang’s entrance into the Prince Jin’s residence? The capital’s factions grew more restless by the day.

Emperor Zongkang sighed again. “I know you harbor guilt toward the late Prince Jin. Prince Ning suffered hardship in exile in the northernmost city for your sake. Yet your identity is a secret, one not to be revealed unless absolutely necessary. Bringing Prince Ning back might unearth the truth of the past.”

Jun Buwen replied calmly, “A secret will one day come to light. Prince Ning’s return is inevitable.”

Emperor Zongkang flew into a rage. “Still so obstinate! If you hadn’t insisted on your way, the matter of Xia Jiujiang would never have arisen. She entered the Prince Jin’s residence and caused your illness to worsen. Someone clearly wishes to use her to destroy your household, yet you remain unmoved!”

The Prince Jin’s household had fallen into peril solely because Jun Buwen accepted the imperial decree to marry Xia Jiujiang.

Emperor Zongkang took a deep breath. “If you wish to investigate Xia Jiujiang further, so be it. But the engagement must be annulled. She is notorious as a fool and cannot be the Princess Jin. Use your illness as an excuse—claim she brings disaster upon your house and divorce her.”

Jun Buwen’s lips curled slightly. “No, Your Majesty has bestowed upon me a fine marriage. Xia Jiujiang’s birth characters match mine perfectly—a union truly ordained by heaven.”

Such an intriguing woman—her presence brought amusement. Besides, Jun Buwen intended to play a long game.

Emperor Zongkang slammed the table in fury. “What did you say! Xia Jiujiang is a useless fool, yet you would have her bear the title of Princess Jin. Do you mean to drive me mad?”

Jun Buwen bowed. “Your Majesty overstates the matter. As the son of the late Prince Jin, I care deeply for my family’s honor. My bride is not as the world claims. Besides, once is enough for a coerced marriage. I agreed to it for Prince Ning’s sake, but there will never be a second time.”

Emperor Zongkang’s face turned livid with anger. Jun Buwen’s position as commander of the Embroidered Guard was earned through his own merit—he had fought bravely as the late prince’s son, securing the family’s current status.

Before the entire court, Emperor Zongkang had once promised him a wish as a reward, and Jun Buwen had chosen the right to decide his own marriage. Now, it was clear: for Prince Ning’s sake, he had accepted the marriage. If Emperor Zongkang wished him to divorce Xia Jiujiang, Jun Buwen would likely never marry again.

Once, the emperor had used marriage as a threat; now, Jun Buwen wielded it as a shield.

Seeing Jun Buwen’s unyielding demeanor, the emperor felt as if he had shot himself in the foot. He was so incensed that his beard trembled and his eyes bulged.

“You… Get out! Out!” he thundered.

Jun Buwen bowed. “This minister takes his leave.”

As Jun Buwen turned to go, Emperor Zongkang pointed angrily at his retreating figure. “De’an, look at him! See what he’s become! All I’ve done has been for his sake. Placing him under the late Prince Jin’s name was to protect his life, yet he regards the late prince as his true father and pays me no heed.”

Eunuch An bowed low. “Your Majesty, do not be angry. Prince Jin is a man of passion. The late prince died for him; Prince Ning suffered in the northern city in his stead. Prince Jin feels indebted and wishes to repay that debt by bringing Prince Ning home.”

“I give my all for him, and he gives his all for the Prince Jin’s household,” the emperor muttered.

Eunuch An replied, “The prince’s temperament is just like the late Empress Hui’s. Once their mind is set, no force on earth can change it.”

At that, Emperor Zongkang’s anger faded. His gaze turned sharp. “Enough. His wings have grown strong, and he has his own mind now. The capital is in turmoil, and I can only protect him for so long. As for Xia Jiujiang, observe her a while longer. If Prince Jin will not act, he must not blame me for being ruthless.”