Chapter 45: Confessing to the Grand Emperor

The Abundant Stream Studio nestles quietly in the northeastern corner of the Garden of Pleasant Spring, enveloped by a vast grove of emerald bamboo as though gently embraced by turquoise mists.

Set against rolling hills and facing flowing waters, the earthen mounds enclose the pavilion like a natural screen. A clear stream ripples softly around the dwelling, eventually merging into a small, azure lake. Lush lotus leaves crowd the surface of the water in dense layers, resembling green ceremonial canopies. Schools of fish weave and glide among the lotus stems, occasionally leaping above the water's surface and sending out concentric ripples.

In front of the study stand several ancient pines and cypresses, their gnarled branches twisting with vigorous strength like leaping dragons—planted personally by Emperor Jingning many years ago. Beneath the eaves hangs a plaque bearing the inscription "Abundant Stream Studio" in bold, forceful calligraphy personally penned by Emperor Jingning. The interior furnishings are archaic, simple, and exceptionally elegant.

During his reign, the Abundant Stream Studio served as Emperor Jingning’s personal bedchamber within the Garden of Pleasant Spring.

After stepping down to become the Retired Emperor, the studio remained his bedchamber, though he would occasionally handle affairs of state here as well.

However, despite retaining supreme authority even in retirement, the Retired Emperor found state affairs far more relaxed. This was thanks to his son, the reigning Emperor Taishun, who labored diligently from dawn till dusk, often sleeping a mere two to three hours a night while remaining utterly filial and obedient. Thus, the Retired Emperor’s life could only be described as leisurely. He needed to spend no more than two or three hours a day on governance, dedicating the rest of his time to pleasure—attending banquets, listening to operas, composing poetry, angling, cuddling his grandchildren, and indulging in bedroom delights... It was infinitely more comfortable than before his abdication.

At least for now, Emperor Jingning was extremely satisfied with Emperor Taishun, considering his decision to abdicate entirely correct and harboring no regrets.

Today, Emperor Jingning was fishing by the azure lake of the Abundant Stream Studio in the company of several elderly members of the imperial clan, planning to set up a stage in the afternoon to drink wine and enjoy the opera together.

The lake's surface was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. A gentle breeze swept across, creating ripples that shimmered like countless scattered fragments of gold. Several weeping willows stood along the shore, their green silken threads gently brushing the water.

The scenery was utterly delightful.

Emperor Jingning sat by the lake, holding his fishing rod and fixing his gaze intently on the bobber.

Suddenly, the bobber plummeted sharply. Emperor Jingning’s wrist trembled slightly, and his fishing rod bent like a new moon.

"A fish has bitten!" A flash of joy crossed Emperor Jingning's eyes as he slowly reeled in the line.

A moment later, a carp with silver scales and a crimson tail broke through the water, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight and scattering strings of sparkling droplets.

Upon seeing this, the elderly imperial clansmen hurriedly cast aside their fishing rods and crowded around to shower him with flattery.

"This plump carp must have turned into a spirit, yet it chose precisely the True Dragon bait!"

"As expected of the Son of Heaven; even the fish know how to seek imperial favor!"

"Stewing this carp must surely yield the most exquisite broth!"

Emperor Jingning’s eyes crinkled with triumph, and his hearty laughter echoed across the lake.

Refusing to let anyone else assist, he personally tossed the plump carp into the fish creel, startling the smaller fish inside into frantic flapping.

Amidst the cheerful banter, Emperor Taishun was seen hurrying toward them.

The elderly clansmen hastily bowed and offered greetings, while Emperor Taishun stepped forward to steady the Retired Emperor respectfully.

Emperor Taishun then bowed to Emperor Jingning and said respectfully, "Imperial Father, I have urgent matters to report in private."

Understanding the implication, Emperor Jingning waved his hand to signal the others to withdraw.

The elderly clansmen, along with the retinue of eunuchs and guards, tactfully retired to a distance.

Emperor Jingning resumed his seat by the lake to fish, gesturing for Emperor Taishun to sit beside him.

The lake mirrored their reflections.

Emperor Jingning held his fishing rod, his gaze fixed on the bobber, while Emperor Taishun’s report sounded quietly in his ear.

Emperor Taishun recounted the entanglements between Jiang Nian, the Xue family, and Wang Ziteng, briefly glossing over the confrontation between Jiang Nian and Xue Pan in Jiangning City, as he wished to avoid implicating Tang Jina, the Military Commissioner of Jiangning who was his own protégé.

When Emperor Jingning finished listening, his grizzled brows furrowed, and though the bobber suddenly plunged deep into the water, he remained entirely oblivious.

Just as Emperor Taishun had anticipated, Emperor Jingning turned his gaze sharply onto him and demanded, "What relation does this Jiang Nian have with your Thirteenth Brother? How could he possibly move your Thirteenth Brother to step in and suppress Wang Ziteng?"

Emperor Taishun drew a deep breath, his expression filled with shame: "Imperial Father, this son is guilty."

Emperor Jingning looked surprised: "Of what crime are you guilty?"

Emperor Taishun replied, "That Jiang Nian... was born to me over a dozen years ago in Jiangning by a commoner woman."

At these words, the fishing rod in Emperor Jingning's hand trembled slightly, and his gaze turned piercingly sharp.

Without delay, Emperor Taishun proceeded to give a detailed account of his history with Jiang Xuexian and Jiang Nian. He explained that back then, fearing Emperor Jingning's displeasure, he had settled Jiang Xuexian and her son in Jiangning, though he had never truly abandoned them; he had ensured their material needs were met and secretly dispatched the couple He Yun to protect, care for, and monitor them.

Emperor Taishun had expected Emperor Jingning to fly into a rage upon hearing this. Unexpectedly, however, although Emperor Jingning wore a look of astonishment, he showed little anger.

At that moment, Emperor Jingning could not help but think of his own past. He had always been fond of leisure. During his sixty-one years on the throne, he had frequently left the capital of Shenjing, including six southern tours. He had even built private retreats for himself such as the Garden of Pleasant Spring and the Chengde Mountain Resort, escaping the rigid confinement and monotony of the imperial palace.

Furthermore, throughout his life, he had repeatedly engaged in romantic affairs with commoner women, and thus he did not consider Emperor Taishun's transgression to be an egregious fault. Chief among his reasons was his current satisfaction with Emperor Taishun as a ruler. Moreover, since Taishun was now the Emperor of Daqing, it was hardly convenient to punish him lightly, let alone vent his anger upon him casually.

Nevertheless, Emperor Jingning deliberately uttered a reprimand: "You are certainly skilled at concealment, hiding this matter for over a dozen years and only reporting it to Us today."

Emperor Taishun hastened to say, "This son is guilty."

Emperor Jingning waved a hand, his tone softening: "You are already the Emperor of Our Daqing, and today you have voluntarily confessed this to Us of your own accord. Therefore, this matter can hardly be counted as a major crime."

Joy surged within Emperor Taishun's heart, and he thought to himself, *Thirteenth Brother’s prediction was truly spot on!*

Emperor Jingning’s gaze drifted back to the lake surface as he fell into deep contemplation, pondering how to deal with Wang Ziteng.

Ripples spread across the water, as if echoing his thoughtful hesitation.

Since Jiang Nian was Emperor Taishun's son, that made him Emperor Jingning's own grandson. Consequently, Wang Ziteng's crimes this time around became all the more heinous...

After pondering for a while and finding it difficult to reach an immediate decision on how best to punish Wang Ziteng, Emperor Jingning let his gaze fall upon Emperor Taishun's face and asked, "How does the Emperor think this matter should be handled?"

Emperor Taishun replied cautiously, "This humble son humbly believes that Wang Ziteng is certainly unfit to serve as the Grand General of the Western Expedition. As for whether he should retain his post as the Commander of the Capital Garrison, this son dares not make presumptuous statements and leaves the ultimate judgment entirely to Imperial Father."

Pausing briefly, he continued, "As for the Xue family, their status as imperial merchants should naturally be revoked. Regarding the soldier who knocked down Qin Ye and caused his death, considering that he was acting under Wang Ziteng's orders and did not intentionally murder Qin Ye, stripping him of his official rank shall suffice. Furthermore, Qin Ye lived a life of incorruptible integrity and died in poverty; Wang Ziteng should be ordered to compensate the Qin family with solatium funds."

In truth, everything Emperor Taishun had just uttered was based on the suggestions of the Prince of Zhongyi.

The Prince of Zhongyi had deliberately protected Ma Peicheng, who hailed from his own faction, and refrained from proposing any punishment for him. Having once commanded troops in the military, the Prince of Zhongyi understood well that military orders were unyielding. Although he found the patrol officer of the Left Guard who knocked Qin Ye to his death detestable, the man's crime did not warrant execution. Stripping him of his office was already a severe punishment, ensuring he would never again partake of the imperial stipend.