My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 29: It’s My Unwillingness. 

　　Having secured the Crown Prince's promise, Yun Ling's injury wasn't in vain.

　　Another thing, when Zhang Huanglin was trying to persuade Master Lu to join, he gave Yun Ling several sets of exquisite and luxurious head ornaments. Those have all become her personal property now.

　　And the entire Wubao Zhai (Five Treasures Pavilion) was placed under Xie Jue's name.

　　Sitting in the carriage, slowly departing from Qingzhou, the streets and people of Qingzhou gradually receded. Yun Ling looked back again and again, before finally, with some reluctance, dropping the carriage curtain.

　　Qingzhou had a simple and honest folk, and the land was prosperous. Having spent over a decade within the palace walls, this was the first time she had seen the world and scenery outside.

　　To say she felt no longing at all would be a lie.

　　Unfortunately, she was confined to the palace; as Xi Que had said, she probably wouldn't have another opportunity to see the vast world outside.

　　As they passed through the city gates, a rather obsequious middle-aged man's voice suddenly reached her ears. He was fawning and flattering the gate guards, “This is my youngest son, he's gravely ill and we need to get home urgently. Officer, please, I beg you, let us out of the city.”

　　For some reason, Yun Ling felt that the phrase sounded familiar. She lifted the curtain to look outside, but only saw the profile of a disheveled middle-aged man.

　　He was holding a boy of about three or four years old. Although his expression appeared anxious, something about it felt off; it was too outwardly displayed, not like the genuine concern of a worried father.

　　Just as Yun Ling was about to look closer, the man turned a corner and disappeared around a wall.

　　Only the scythe-like scar on his neck caught Yun Ling's eye.

　　That scar… even that seemed somehow familiar to her.

　　Just as she was lost in thought, the Crown Prince's casual voice sounded from the opposite side of the carriage, “What are you looking at?”

　　Xie Jue, dressed in a magnificent sapphire-blue robe with wide sleeves, possessed an extraordinary bearing. He leaned casually against the cushions, idly flipping through a book, his deep phoenix eyes never lifting.

　　Yun Ling shook her head, deciding it was too much trouble to explain. “Nothing.”

　　Xie Jue glanced at her, then turned another page of his book. “Did you see someone?”

　　“It was a father with a child. I was just curious and took a look, but he seemed rather strange,” Yun Ling explained, since he was pressing her for an answer.

　　“What was strange about him?”

　　Yun Ling: “His child was seriously ill, and while his face showed worry, he'd dressed the child in very thin clothes. His words and actions didn't match. What do you think, Your Highness?”

　　Xie Jue remained motionless. “And how do you know that was his child?”

　　“I heard him say so.”

　　“Seeing is believing; hearing isn't necessarily true.”

　　Yun Ling paused, suddenly understanding something. “Could that man have been a kidnapper?”

　　She herself had been kidnapped as a child; perhaps she'd heard that phrase then, which is why it felt vaguely familiar.

　　Seeing that Xie Jue didn't respond further, Yun Ling opened her mouth slightly, “Your Highness…”

　　With just a flick of his finger, he could perhaps save a family.

　　Xie Jue closed his book without a word, turning to summon Pei Yuan and giving him instructions.

　　Pei Yuan dispatched a skilled Shadow Guard to pursue the kidnapper.

　　Yun Ling suddenly felt again that beneath his usually cold and severe exterior, perhaps there lay a king's compassionate heart.

　　Noticing he'd been in the same position for a long time and that his injured arm looked uncomfortable, she said, “Your Highness, let me reapply the medicine to your wound.”

　　Before leaving, Xi Que said that the crown prince hadn't changed his medicine today, and that due to his temperament, they dared not urge him.

　　So she was asked to help with it.

　　Her wound wasn't deep; after being bandaged, it didn't hinder her movements, so she could bandage his.

　　He was injured saving her, so both morally and out of obligation, she couldn't ignore it.

　　Taking out the medicine and bandages from the drawer, Yun Ling advised, “Your Highness, your body is precious, it concerns the foundation of the nation. If you don't properly treat your wound—”

　　“This servant... will also worry.”

　　The bones in Xie Jue's hand, which was gripping the spine of the book, stiffened slightly for a moment. His dark eyes flickered, then he put down the book, pulled up his sleeve, and agreed to have his wound redressed.

　　Yun Ling carefully removed the old bandages from his arm, unwinding them circle by circle to reveal the gruesome wound beneath.

　　Seeing it again, she realized his injury was far more serious than hers.

　　Yun Ling's movements became even more cautious and careful. She meticulously cleaned the old medicine from the wound, then applied fresh powder, gently wrapping the gauze around it, layer by layer.

　　She was very careful and meticulous, tending to the wound with great care, afraid of causing him even the slightest pain.

　　It seemed that in her eyes, bandaging his wound was a matter of utmost importance.

　　Finally, tying off the bandage, Yun Ling looked up. “It's done.”

　　Xie Jue came back to himself, his long lashes fluttering. He shifted his gaze away from her. “Mm.”

　　——

　　As soon as he returned to the East Palace, a torrent of matters descended upon him. Countless officials came to pay their respects and submit memorials, all concerning the rebellion of King of Dingyang. In addition, Xie Jue's preemptive arrest of King Dingyang was heavily criticized by the censorate officials. Although the Crown Prince had obtained evidence of King of Dingyang's rebellion from Qingzhou, memorial after memorial continued to pile up on his desk.

　　For the past few days, officials have been flowing in and out of the East Palace like a river.

　　The Crown Prince is now acting as regent, and power is shifting.

　　The new power holder, to maintain control, must win over these veteran officials.

　　Xie Jue's handling of the Jiangzhou rebellion and the King of Dingyang's treason case has stabilized the people's hearts and secured his grip on the government. Although he's been criticized by the censorate officials, it doesn't hinder his firm grasp of power.

　　The implementation of new policies is imminent, and the two officials with the strongest opposition are General Shen Youjun and Minister of Rites Li Zhaorong. However, after the incident at Beilin Garden during the hunt, the rift between the Shen and Li families has deepened, and General Shen, largely heeding his daughter's advice, is no longer openly opposed.

　　Only the old-fashioned Minister Li remains opposed.

　　Li Zhaorong is the Minister of Rites. In his youth, he was a renowned top scholar in the capital, possessing considerable talent. Having served for twenty years, while somewhat inflexible, he still commands considerable support within the court. If he strongly opposes, Xie Jue can't simply have him executed.

　　Minister Li has been in the East Palace for an hour and still hasn't finished speaking. He endlessly and passionately opposes the new policies, his objections vivid and emotional, his words seemingly dripping with tears. Finally, he prostrated himself, “Your Highness, please reconsider!”

　　Xie Jue felt his head about to explode from Li's endless lecturing. He couldn't understand how such an old man still had so much energy.

　　Finally, unable to bear it any longer, “Minister Li, you may retire. We shall discuss this again another day.”

　　Li Zhaorong was still unwilling to give up, attempting to continue, “But—”

　　Xie Jue completely lost his patience, his face darkening. “I said, retire.”

　　This is no gentle prince easily swayed by officials. Li Zhaorong is well aware of the Crown Prince's reputation for ruthlessness and is somewhat intimidated. His outspokenness stems from his deep concern for the Great Jin Dynasty; he believes that such radical reforms are impossible, especially when they affect the interests of prominent families. But seeing the Crown Prince's current disposition, he also feels a bit apprehensive and quickly retreats after bowing.

　　Besides the matter of policy reform, there's another issue that the court officials have repeatedly raised.

　　Xie Jue has taken up residence in the East Palace, yet the inner court remains empty, without a single woman.

　　The officials have all submitted memorials urging the Crown Prince to quickly choose a Crown Princess, to produce offspring and ensure the continuation of the lineage, thus solidifying the court's stability.

　　With the Emperor gravely ill, and the Third and Seventh Princes plotting rebellion, the Crown Prince's empty inner court and lack of heirs are causing even greater concern. The recent assassination attempt on the Crown Prince in the Imperial hunting lodge and his injuries in Qingzhou have only amplified these fears among the officials; they worry that without an heir soon, the imperial power will be unstable.

　　The Grand Scholar of the Zhongji Palace, the Right Censor-in-Chief, and officials from the Grand Court of Ceremonies, the Ministry of Rites, and others have all submitted memorials, demanding that the Crown Prince establish a Crown Princess without delay.

　　“Your Highness should select a consort as soon as possible to ensure the continuation of the lineage; this is the proper course of action.”

　　“A nation cannot be without a ruler for even a single day. As the Crown Prince and regent, Your Highness must also bear the responsibility of producing an heir. If a grandson to the Emperor does not soon appear, the very foundations of the Great Jin Dynasty will be shaken.”

　　“……”

　　——

　　Back in the imperial palace, Yun Ling is no longer the spoiled concubine Yun Niang who only needs to act cute and charming. She's busy managing the affairs of the Six Bureaus and the inner court. Within the palace walls, they are the Crown Prince and his female officials; the time spent in Qingzhou feels like a distant dream, fading away along with the lingering fragrance of that fertile and prosperous land.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ presented Yun Ling with the inner court accounts for the recent period. She didn't leave immediately, instead unpacking the specialties Yun Ling had brought back from Qingzhou. While doing so, she said, “I hear that Qingzhou pastries are delicious, sweeter than those made in our capital. Years ago, a distant relative from my hometown came to the capital to seek refuge and brought some Qingzhou specialties. I still remember the taste after all these years. I never imagined that I'd be able to taste them again after more than a decade.”

　　“This is all thanks to you, Yun Gugu.”

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ is a few years older than Yun Ling. At first, she addressed Yun Ling as “Yun Shanggong,” but as they became more familiar, and given Yun Ling's gentle and approachable nature, Yáo Nǚshǐ found herself speaking to her more freely and without so much constraint.

　　Their relationship is more like that of sisters than superior and subordinate.

　　Yun Ling opened the accounts and hummed in agreement. “They are very sweet, and delicious,” she said, adding that she enjoyed them very much as well.

　　Even though she didn't have much of her monthly allowance left, Yun Ling wasn't stingy. She bought a portion of the specialties for each of the female officials in the Six Bureaus and also sent a portion to the Fifth Princess.

　　Resulting in her purse being even emptier.

　　Sigh, even when she was a palace maid, she often couldn't make ends meet. She never expected that even now, as a Shanggong, she would still be so strapped for cash.

　　She wondered when she would finally be able to save some more money.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ picked up a piece of pastry and put it in her mouth. The sweetness filled her mouth, putting her in a good mood. She chatted casually with Yun Ling, “You know, since you and His Highness the Crown Prince returned from Qingzhou, because of your contributions in the matter of the King of Dingyang, everyone is saying you've achieved a great feat. It's likely His Highness will bestow further rewards upon you.”

　　“Several fence-sitters have come over trying to curry favor. It's hilarious,” she chuckled. “Those people were boasting just a short while ago that His Highness had cast you aside. It didn't take long for them to be slapped in the face with reality.”

　　“They didn't consider the depth of your relationship with His Highness. It's not something that can be easily—”

　　Before she could finish, Yun Ling raised her head to stop her. “Sister Yao, you absolutely mustn't say such things.”

　　“His Highness is my master, and I am his servant. Where is there any question of a personal relationship?”

　　Though Yáo Nǚshǐ fell silent, she didn't seem to take it to heart. Instead, she smiled with a raised eyebrow, “What's there to be afraid of? It's just you and me here; who else could hear?”

　　She continued, “This time, you and His Highness went to Qingzhou together. I imagine His Highness has already forgiven you.”

　　Yun Ling didn't deny it.

　　In fact, he no longer spoke harshly to her; his attitude was calm, which put her at ease.

　　“That's wonderful,” Yáo Nǚshǐ said happily.

　　Actually, sometimes Yáo Nǚshǐ also wondered why the Crown Prince valued Yun Ling so highly. He let her manage the inner court and the Six Bureaus, and even took her to Qingzhou on such an important matter, keeping it secret from all the princes and ministers—yet he brought her along.

　　Each and every action… Does the Crown Prince's treatment of Yun Ling truly stem only from trust and high regard for an official?

　　Just as she finished a piece of pastry, a young eunuch hurried in from outside. “Yun Shanggong, His Highness requests your presence.”

　　……

　　In the study.

　　Chen Zhan handed over the charges against King of Dingyang, bearing the King's handprint. “Your esteemed uncle is clamoring about injustice, and even dared to deny the letters, claiming they were fabricated. I've put a great deal of effort into this.”

　　Xie Jue took the documents and glanced at them. “This uncle of mine is the type who won't admit defeat until he's faced with irrefutable evidence.”

　　Chen Zhan deeply agreed. If they hadn't secured Qingzhou, even if they had captured King of Dingyang, they would have had to release him.

　　King of Dingyang had been secluded in Bingzhou for nearly twenty years, secretly plotting who knows what. If they hadn't struck decisively, there would have been endless repercussions.

　　Xie Jue's risky maneuver this time, however, proved remarkably effective.

　　Now that the various rebellions have been quelled, only the matter of political reform remains.

　　But this can't be rushed. Those stubborn old officials aren't like the rebels; they can't be killed, so we can only wear them down. That's the real trouble.

　　However, now that the greatest internal threat to the Great Jin Dynasty has been eliminated, and Xie Jue holds significant power, resolving this matter is only a matter of time.

　　Chen Zhan let out a breath and asked curiously, “I hear that on this trip, that Yun Shanggong contributed quite a bit. After Pei Yuan returned, he kept praising her intelligence and quick wit. You promoted Pei Yuan; what about this Yun Shanggong? She made a significant contribution and worked tirelessly for you, risking her life. What do you plan to reward her with?”

　　Xie Jue lowered his hand. Hearing this, he lowered his eyes, his fingers resting on his temples, his tone devoid of emotion. “What else can I reward her with?”

　　“That's true,” Chen Zhan realized. “She's already the highest-ranking female official in the palace; there's no higher position she can be promoted to…”

　　His voice trailed off, and he teased, “So what will you do? You've already given her all the rewards you can in terms of official position. Unless… you take her as your consort!”

　　Xie Jue coldly raised his eyes.

　　Chen Zhan shrugged, knowing he'd touched a sensitive nerve. “Let's pretend I didn't say anything.”

　　Chen Zhan was also curious, not quite understanding Xie Jue's feelings towards that young female official.

　　At that moment, Xie Jue pulled out a scroll and unfurled it. At the same time, Grand Eunuch An's voice came from the doorway, “Your Highness, Yun Shanggong requests an audience.”

　　“Let her in.”

　　Chen Zhan raised an eyebrow. Since it didn't concern him, he took his leave.

　　Coming out, he met Yun Ling walking towards him. Seeing her bow, he smiled and gestured for her to rise. “The Crown Prince is waiting for you inside. Go on.”

　　Yun Ling stepped into the study and immediately saw the scroll in the Crown Prince's hand.

　　Stepping forward, she asked, “Your Highness, did you summon me?”

　　Xie Jue didn't turn around. He changed the scroll and asked, “I asked you before what reward you desired. Have you thought about it?”

　　Yun Ling fell silent for a moment. The Crown Prince's rewards were both imperial grace and potential thunder. What could she ask for? Promotion was impossible; she was already the highest-ranking female official in the palace.

　　If her request exceeded the Crown Prince's limits, she risked incurring his wrath.

　　But if it were just an ordinary request, whether she received a reward or not wouldn't matter much to her.

　　Therefore, she hadn't yet decided on the appropriate measure.

　　“I haven't decided yet, Your Highness. I leave it to your discretion.”

　　Xie Jue turned around, his calm gaze falling upon her.

　　He'd noticed her trip to Qingzhou. Her injuries and subsequent weight loss had made her appear even more delicate and frail, evoking pity in him.

　　Xie Jue didn't deny that the moment he saw her injuries, he was so enraged he'd wanted to have Zhang Huanglin executed in the most brutal way imaginable.

　　He had fallen for the Head Palace Attendant Yun Ling's exquisite beauty and fair complexion.

　　But how could he possibly take a palace maid as his consort?

　　Palace maids were of low status and often cunning—something he deeply despised. Xie Jing had been manipulated and ruined by a palace maid, leading to the tragic death of his mother, a fact that filled him with bitter resentment.

　　He would absolutely never repeat Xie Jing's mistakes and fall under the spell of a palace maid.

　　“Very well. If you can't think of anything, then let's put it aside for now,” Xie Jue said, handing her a painting. “I called you here for another matter.”

　　Yun Ling took the painting and unfolded it. It depicted a beautiful and dignified young woman; in the corner, it read: “Murong Xue, Eldest Daughter of the Duke of Qing.”

　　This is…

　　Just as she was filled with questions, the Crown Prince's calm voice rang out, “The Eastern Palace still lacks a mistress. I will choose a wife from among the daughters of several high-ranking officials and nobles.”

　　Yun Ling blinked.

　　So he was going to choose a consort.

　　It was only natural for the Crown Prince to choose a consort; Yun Ling wasn't surprised.

　　Her gaze fell upon the beautiful face in the painting—the eldest daughter of the Duke of Qing, a noblewoman whose status was worthy of the Crown Prince.

　　She thought to herself that this was indeed an excellent choice.

　　Lost in thought, she remained silent for a moment.

　　The golden hues of the evening sun cast a warm glow on her back, enveloping her in a layer of twilight.

　　The hazy light and shadow gave her an air of loneliness.

　　Xie Jue watched a strand of hair fall onto her forehead. He remained silent for a moment, his eyes dark and unreadable.

　　“What are you thinking about?”

　　Yun Ling finally snapped out of her reverie, lifting her head. “Nothing, I just thought Miss Murong is quite beautiful.”

　　“Is that so?” Xie Jue's voice was somewhat indistinct, somewhat muffled. “I thought you had objections.”

　　Yun Ling quickly replied, “How could I? Such an important matter, how could a lowly servant like me dare to have an opinion?”

　　Her eyes widened, showing genuine concern. “Has Your Highness already chosen Miss Murong?”

　　Xie Jue gestured towards the unopened paintings. “Not yet. Those are all candidates.”

　　“Your Highness hasn't decided yet who to choose?” Yun Ling understood. “So what do you need me to do?”

　　Xie Jue lifted an eyelid. “Organize a flower-viewing banquet for me in the Imperial Garden. Select those among them who possess excellent character and intelligence. Let me know who is suitable to be the Crown Princess.”

　　Yun Ling fell silent.

　　This is the selection of a Crown Princess! To entrust her, a mere Shanggong, with such a task? How could she possibly manage something so important?

　　Perhaps for others it's an honor, but not for her.

　　Moreover, the character and intelligence of these noble ladies—each woman is different, each with different strengths. She's unwilling to use a single, rigid standard, judging each woman's worth like selecting goods.

　　Silence.

　　“Are you reluctant?” Xie Jue saw through her silence with a single glance.

　　“I…” Yun Ling politely declined, “I am too inexperienced and unqualified to take on such a responsibility.”

　　Xie Jue narrowed his eyes. “Is it that you can't, or that you don't want to?”

　　“……”

　　Pressing her lips together, Yun Ling made a decision. For the first time, she refused the Crown Prince's order, stating truthfully, “It is that I do not wish to.”

　　A sudden silence fell over the study.

　　Even the air seemed to freeze.

　　Xie Jue's voice was calm. “Why?”

　　Yun Ling didn't know how to explain. If she said she was unwilling to select the women, wouldn't it seem utterly ridiculous to him?

　　“My abilities are insufficient; I truly dare not undertake such a significant matter.”

　　“A fine excuse of ‘insufficient abilities’,” he said, dismissing the flimsy pretext.

　　Xie Jue sneered, his face suddenly darkening. “You dare defy my order?”

　　Yun Ling immediately bowed. “This servant knows her mistake.”

　　Xie Jue said, “You say you know your mistake, but do you truly feel that way in your heart?”

　　Yun Ling remained silent.

　　Indeed, submitting to his authority didn't mean she truly believed it was right.

　　He was perceptive, possessing deep political acumen; there was no point in lying to him.

　　“What, speechless because I've struck a nerve?” Xie Jue's eyebrows were icy, his tone cold from repeated defiance. “It's merely a matter of hosting a flower-viewing banquet to select a woman. What is there to be unwilling about? As the crown prince, I must choose a wife of high status. I don't care what you're thinking, or why you're unwilling. But you must understand your own position,”

　　“...understand your place, whether you are worthy or not.”

　　Each word was dripping with sarcasm, agitating Yun Ling's nerves.

　　For so long, his power, his pressure, his sneers and taunts, none of it had ever truly reached Yun Ling's heart, because she hadn't cared.

　　But now, she was simply unwilling to host a flower-viewing banquet to select a noble lady, and yet he felt the need to mock and scorn her so.

　　For some reason, for the first time, Yun Ling felt she didn't want to endure it any longer.

　　“Selecting a Crown Princess is a major event; the inner court has its own personnel to handle it. Or, Yu Fei holds the greatest authority in the inner court; Your Highness could also have her take a look. Although I am the Shanggong, I am not skilled in such matters. Since Your Highness says I am not worthy, why must you make things difficult for me?”

　　“You——”

　　Xie Jue was furious, the veins on his temples throbbing. “Insolent! How dare you speak to me like that? Is it because I've been too kind to you lately?”

　　After her words left her lips, Yun Ling realized she'd lost control. She bowed her head in apology. “This servant spoke without thinking, and offended Your Highness.”

　　“I beg Your Highness to punish me!”

　　Although she was bending at the waist, her back was ramrod straight, stubbornly refusing to yield.

　　He didn't tell her to rise, so Yun Ling remained bowed, her head never lifting.

　　Xie Jue laughed coldly, his anger evident. He nodded. “Good, good, very good.”

　　After a long while…

　　Xie Jue took several deep breaths, then forcefully turned away, his tone harsh and his authority overwhelming. “My orders must be carried out, whether you like it or not.”

　　Yun Ling helplessly closed her eyes. “…Yes.”

　　Xie Jue tugged at the corner of his robes, his brow furrowed, his eyes cold. “Very good.”

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