Chapter 40: A Murky Pond

“Imperial Edict of Scarlet Characters and Iron Vouchers!”

A startled cry rang out.

The members of the You clan, led by You Jiang, all had astonished looks in their eyes.

It was truly the Imperial Edict of Scarlet Characters and Iron Vouchers!

You Jiang, loyal to the sovereign and upright by nature, saw what Ji Ye had done and realized he had wrongly judged a noble heart with mean suspicion. His dark face flushed, his eyes reddened, and he knelt to bow his head, so moved that he could not speak.

The leading young man hurriedly knelt, wanting to say something but finding no suitable words. His heart surged with emotion, and his face betrayed his shame.

Ji Ye quickly helped You Jiang up, laughing heartily. The doubts between ruler and subject melted away in an instant. He then ordered Li Fuquan to loudly proclaim the You clan’s achievements over the years before the gathered ministers. Ji Ye declared, “Loyal ministers like the You clan—what further objections have you? I state here and now, if your families can match the You clan’s deeds, I will grant you the same Imperial Edict: nine exemptions for the minister, three for his descendants, and if the law is broken, the authorities shall not prosecute further.”

Those who had prepared arguments to oppose swallowed their words and became mute.

“For a hundred years, the You clan has participated in over five hundred battles, won more than four hundred victories, lost thousands of members on the field without complaint or contention for credit; time and again, they turned the tide when the Great Yan was in peril, yet never harbored disloyalty when the royal house declined; they commanded troops but never abused their power, unwaveringly loyal for over a century. If you believe you can rival the You clan, I will immediately order an Imperial Edict for your family.”

The entire court fell silent. Members of the You clan had tears in their eyes, knowing only too well the price they had paid to endure for a century.

Only now was the grand offering of the royal army truly complete.

Afterwards, there was a banquet: one part was the soldiers’ own celebration in the camp, with wine and meat and revelry through the night; another was Ji Ye’s banquet in the palace gardens.

The soldiers’ revelry took place that very night, while Ji Ye’s banquet was scheduled three days later on Penglai Island in the Daqing Palace, with only the You family as guests, Daidai being the sole woman present.

After the You clan’s homecoming, with You Laotaiye leading, the family gathered in the martial hall, with women listening in.

“Father, the sovereign is indeed a wise ruler,” You Jiang began.

The old master, never without his birdcage, whistled at his beloved thrush, put down the little silver spoon he used to tease it, and said solemnly, “He truly is a wise ruler. Think about our sovereign’s age—none of you can compare.” He glanced at his sons and grandsons, clearly dissatisfied with them.

With their crisis resolved, You Hai was in a joking mood. “Father, I know you favor the sovereign, but our children aren’t lacking either.”

“Exactly, exactly.”

The lively sons began to cheer, laughing heartily. The women joined in, caring little if they understood—they were simply overjoyed to see their husbands and sons return safely. Their faces glowed with happiness. Some, impatient, paid their respects and immediately whisked their wives off to the bedroom, emerging later for the meeting with beaming smiles, their wives radiant as if intoxicated by nectar. When they met their sisters-in-law, they seemed transformed—nourished and beautiful.

The wives exchanged knowing looks and quietly teased one another.

“The sovereign is a good emperor, but he should never have schemed against our Daidai. Hmph.” This was You Hai's second son, You Wuxue, fourth in the clan’s generation, who had lost an arm in naval combat. His features were gentle and striking, almost feminine, but his temperament was wild. Despite his beautiful face, none dared joke with him; he was the brother who doted most on Daidai.

Of course, every member of the You clan believed they loved Daidai the most.

“Brat, that’s old news! Why bring it up? How narrow-minded you are!” You Laotaiye grabbed the large pineapple on the table and tossed it at him.

Despite missing an arm, You Wuxue was quick; he caught it and bit into it with a crunch, grinning, “Thank you, Grandfather.”

“That’s more like it.” The old master still disapproved of You Wuxue’s lost arm.

“Let’s not mention old matters. As I’ve always said, Daidai was schemed against because you brothers weren’t skilled enough. If you failed to protect her, that’s on you. War is never without deceit—no matter what strategy the enemy used, a win is a win, a loss is a loss. A true man accepts defeat. I despise those who lose and then whine and look for excuses.”

His sons and grandsons were shamed into silence.

Lady Xing, You Hai’s wife, smiled, “Father, don’t embarrass them. There’s an old saying: a thief can act for a thousand days, but you can’t guard against him for a thousand days. The sovereign had his eye on Daidai for a long time; he seized the opportunity. How could they have foreseen it?”

The old master, growing more unreasonable with age, crossed his legs and continued to shame his children, “That’s still their incompetence. If they’d anticipated Daidai was being targeted, she wouldn’t have been taken.”

“Oh, Great-Grandfather, why are you siding with outsiders?” The youngest son of the Hui Feng family was nearly frantic, stamping his feet in protest.

“You little rascal, I’m not siding with outsiders, just speaking the truth.” The old master added water for his thrush, humming a tune. “Don’t whine about the past. I only look at the results. Enough—let’s discuss present matters. We have the Imperial Edict now, but remember: our family has never relied on such privileges. If any of you commit an offense outside, even if it means execution, do not use the Imperial Edict. We do not tolerate dishonorable descendants. If you err, stab yourself and die outside; don’t even think about being buried in the family tomb. Remember that!”

His tone was mild but his sons and grandsons shouted in unison, “We remember!” nearly raising the roof. The women were anxious, wondering why they wouldn’t use their amnesty, thinking their men foolish, but their glances went unanswered.

Lady Xing, the matron, thought it over and accepted it. If the You clan ever needed to use the Imperial Edict, their decline would be imminent.

“All right, Hai and Jiang, you two continue. I’ll listen.” The old master drank tea, waved his sleeve, and focused on feeding his bird.

You Hai cleared his throat, “Second brother, since the sovereign has reassured us, the You clan should be ready to make concessions.”

“Elder brother, you decide,” replied You Jiang.

The dark-faced, sharp-featured young man, You Hui Feng, eldest son of You Jiang and head of the family’s generation, spoke up, “Uncle, we must never forget the lessons of a century ago. We can concede, but our direct descendants must remain in the Ministry of War, and their positions must not be lessened.”

“Exactly!” You Wuxue immediately agreed, frowning. “We’re not rebelling—why shouldn’t the sovereign let us hold the Ministry of War? Our people are skilled in military affairs, far better than those useless officials.”

“Fourth brother, if you’d agree to outsiders setting up a training ground in our courtyard, I think the sovereign would let us keep control of the Ministry of War,” said You Jiang’s youngest son, You Wu, sixth in the family.

“I’d like to see who dares!” You Wuxue shouted angrily.

“That’s precisely the point,” You Wu said, smiling.

You Jiang glared at his youngest, sneering, “You’re clever, but how did you let your own sister be harmed right under your nose?”

You Wu was immediately ashamed and knelt, “Father, it’s all my fault.”

“Second brother, the inner palace is not our domain; we can only place a limited number of people there. The sixth did his best. At least Daidai is safe now, so don’t be too harsh on him.”

You Jiang snorted, his graying beard twitching. “In three days, the sovereign will host us at Penglai Island in the Daqing Palace. Sixth, you’re not allowed to attend.”

“Father…” You Wu protested. Though he held a post as the leader of the sovereign’s honor guard, he was only allowed in the outer court, not the inner palace. To see his sister, he had to rely on his father and uncle.

“Tell Grandfather he can’t go either.”

You Hai laughed, “Second brother, with your fierce protectiveness, you still threatened to sever ties with Daidai!”

You Jiang retorted, “Elder brother, we’re two of a kind.”

Everyone laughed, and after a round of banter, returned to the main topic.

“Uncle, I heard from De’er’s wife that the sovereign has begun to favor Daidai exclusively. Is this true?” You Hui Feng frowned. As a legitimate son and grandson, he’d been raised with a sense of family strategy, always vigilant and far-sighted.

“Absolutely true,” Lady Xing replied coldly. “The shrewd sovereign must have some scheme in mind. Lately, at every banquet I've attended, I've heard plenty of sour remarks, especially from two families, who speak both openly and covertly to wound. But I’m quite pleased. Daidai is the apple of our eye, and we always intended to find her a devoted husband. So what if she’s favored for a month? She could be favored for a lifetime and still deserve it.”

“Exactly.”

The sons nodded vigorously, thinking it only right.

The wives and concubines pursed their lips, feeling left out—they weren’t the family’s treasures, it seemed. Only the daughter was precious. But their complaints remained internal; they had to admit, this only daughter of the You clan was indeed unique, her status always towering above others, impossible to envy. Since the younger sister was already married out, there was no conflict of interest. Being a good sister-in-law won them favor with their husbands—a smart move, and unless they were utterly foolish, they always spoke well of her.

While the You clan held their own meeting, the Lü, Liu families, and civil and military officials, after returning home, were equally busy, delving deep into the power dynamics of the palace and court.

Anyone capable of holding a central position was a master among masters, skilled at complicating simple matters. Regarding Ji Ye’s granting of the Imperial Edict to the You clan, they could all analyze hundreds of possible outcomes.

Yet, after stirring the waters, Ji Ye contentedly returned to the tranquility of River and Sea to cool off with Daidai.

His little empress, cool and refreshing, was a summer essential.

Author’s note: 22nd.

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