Waking Up to an Imperial Marriage with My Archenemy - Chapter 14

“I thank you for your kind intentions, Mentor, but the Chen family has gone too far.” Qiao Wan’s expression was a mixture of indignation and suppressed resentment.

“You have offended Princess Leping many times in the past. Though His Majesty’s move grants you her protection, it is no different from pushing you into a pit of fire.” As Jin Yanzhou spoke, he sat on a stone bench by the path. Qiao Wan followed suit, sitting opposite him.

“His Majesty acted out of necessity,” Qiao Wan sighed. “But it is loathsome that with your departure, the position of Censor-in-Chief will inevitably fall into the hands of the Chen family.”
“I have pondered a matter for a long time; perhaps it could break this deadlock.” Jin Yanzhou stroked his beard, appearing hesitant as if weighing the gravity of his next words.

“Please, Mentor, speak your mind. We are alone here; it is the perfect time to deliberate.”

“Well.” Jin Yanzhou nodded. “I have been thinking. Our Censorate wields significant power. If the chief official is upright—avoiding factions and favoritism to serve the state, then all is well. But if not, in a situation like today’s, it would be better to divide that power.”

“How so?”

“In a few days, I will enter the palace to bid His Majesty a formal farewell. I intend to use that opportunity to propose the abolition of the Censor-in-Chief position. Instead, the Censorate should be split in two: the Eastern and Western

Inspectorates. The Eastern Inspectorate would oversee affairs within the capital, while the Western Inspectorate would handle provincial tours.”

Qiao Wan reflected for a moment. “The method is sound, but I fear both offices would merely end up in the Chen family’s grasp.”

“Splitting the Censorate is precisely the way to restrain them. The art of balance abhors a single dominant power. If we can elevate a clan capable of rivaling the Chens, the situation will improve significantly.”

“But who in the capital can rival the Chens now?”

Jin Yanzhou used his finger as a brush to trace a word on the stone table. Qiao Wan gasped upon seeing it. “The Ning Mansion? But aren’t they in league with the Chen family?”

Behind the building, Zhang Zihe had been listening to their political drone with dwindling patience. As a man who couldn’t even be bothered to attend morning court, he found such talk tedious. But just as he prepared to leave, the mention of his uncle’s house made him prick up his ears.

“Being in league now does not mean they will stay that way forever,” Jin Yanzhou said with a faint smile. “The Ning Mansion’s fortunes were flagging, forcing them to rely on the Chens. Now, they hold two vital posts: Vice Minister of War and Commander of the Imperial Guard. If they gain an Eastern Inspector as well, they will be a match for the Chens. In such a case, do you think they would still be willing to take orders and accept restraint?”

Qiao Wan still seemed hesitant. “That may be so, but as far as I know, Duke Ning is not on good terms with his brothers. Furthermore, he has few heirs; both his sons already hold positions. I fear there is no one to fill the role of Eastern Inspector.”

“Ah, you’ve missed the mark,” Jin Yanzhou waved a hand. “If the brothers are at odds, what of the sisters? If I recall correctly, Duke Ning’s sister married the Marquis of Jingnan. Her son holds the rank of Court Gentleman for Consultant.

Though it’s a nominal post, it is of the sixth rank. With a little promotion, he would fit the bill.”

Zhang Zihe had felt a premonition when they mentioned the Duke’s brothers, but at this sentence, he nearly cried out loud.

The son of Duke Ning’s sister—that’s me!

Previously, Princess Leping had mocked him simply because neither he nor his father held real power at court. If he became the Eastern Inspector, even the highest officials in the capital would have to treat him with civility.

What would a powerless Princess be then? With a word of “suspected treason,” he could search her manor at will—he could even throw her into the dungeons for a “thorough investigation.” Was there anything more glorious?

And those sycophants who ignored him after his humiliation would surely regret it. When they came back to flatter him, he would adopt the air of a superior, ordering them about as he pleased, granting them favor only if they managed to amuse him.

Visions of his future grandeur flooded Zhang Zihe’s mind. The more he thought, the more elated he became. He was so swept up in his fantasy that he nearly punched the air in triumph, completely unaware that his rustling behind the house was perfectly audible to the two people outside.

“He’s taken the bait!” Jin Yanzhou mouthed silently to Qiao Wan. His back was to Zhang Zihe’s hiding spot, so he wasn’t worried about being seen. From Qiao Wan’s perspective, however, the “Old Censor” was currently wearing a look of pure mischief, lacking any of the gravity of a senior official. He was clearly an imposter.

Seven days ago, following Qiao Wan’s instructions, Yue Xiu had disguised herself as a Barbarian merchant to show Zhang Zihe her gyrfalcon. Ignorant as he was, Zhang Zihe had a passion for such curiosities and immediately wanted to buy it. Yue Xiu refused to sell; since the merchant was a fake, she naturally vanished from the market the next day.

Meanwhile, Luo Fengxin had followed Qiao Wan’s advice, having her carriage circle near Zhang Zihe every few days. Scarred by his previous encounter, Zhang Zihe fled whenever he saw her carriage, never stopping to wonder if the Princess was actually inside.

Zhang Zihe’s mother was a devout Buddhist who visited Qinglu Temple on this day every month. Zhang Zihe usually spent the time carousing with his lowlife friends, but with no one to play with and having been cooped up by “fear” of the Princess, Qiao Wan wagered he would join his mother today. She had Yue Xiu lure him with the falcon, setting the stage for this performance.

The prey was stepping into the trap. Now, they had to ensure he believed the lie completely, using him to catch even bigger fish.

Qiao Wan lowered her eyes, feigning doubt. “I know of the person you mention, Mentor. He has never held a position of responsibility. I do not believe he is a suitable candidate. Moreover, I worry the Chen family will not yield easily.”

“Who is born knowing how to be an official? Did you not learn bit by bit? The lad is a bit rowdy, but I find him clever enough. I’ve been upright my whole life; in my old age, my heart has softened. Since we are teacher and student, I have my selfish reasons. Are you aware that Princess Leping humiliated him on the streets of the West Market recently?”

“I have heard of it.”

“Galloping in the streets was wrong, but the Princess went too far. After that, he is bound to hold a grudge. You are currently trapped by the Princess; I thought that if he becomes the Eastern Inspector, he might be willing to help you deal with her and free you from your plight.

As for the Chen family, it is indeed tricky. But you have always been full of ideas; you even helped the Emperor win the throne. Can such a small thing truly stop you?

Now that the Emperor has discarded you, why not help this boy? In doing so, you help yourself. If he can fish you out from Princess Leping’s grasp, perhaps you will have a chance to return to court in the future.”

Jin Yanzhou was getting old; after speaking for so long, his throat grew irritated, and he broke into a fit of coughing.

Qiao Wan helped him up. “Jin Yanzhou” rubbed his lower back and stretched. “Let us go. I have an appointment to play chess with the Abbot. His sermon should be over by now. Help me back to the room to wait for him.”

Qiao Wan escorted Jin Yanzhou into the very room Zhang Zihe was hiding behind. Zhang Zihe pressed himself against the window to peek inside.

In the room, Jin Yanzhou sat down and gave Qiao Wan a final instruction. “I am returning to my hometown in a few days. Take care of yourself in the capital, and keep what was said today in your heart.”

Qiao Wan bowed deeply. “I shall remember your painstaking efforts, Mentor.”

“Mmh. Go then.”

Qiao Wan bowed again and left the room, heading toward the front hall. Halfway there, a voice suddenly called out from behind: “Censor Qiao, please stay your steps!”