Nirvana In Fire

”What did you say? Xia Dong was sent back?” The angry and bewildered voice that echoed through the quiet night was oppressive and terrifying. “How could this be possible? They had clearly rescued the bitch. Why did they bring her back?”

“This subordinate still cannot find an explanation for it, even after considering all possibilities. Normally, we’re very quick in our execution. Once we received news that Meng Zhi had secretly exchanged a prisoner in jail, we had immediately begun making plans. Initially, everything went very smoothly. After receiving the secret note, Cai Quan had immediately headed for the Sky Prison to investigate. He even personally interrogated the false prisoner. He had never been one to secretly cover up matters. Besides, with the real prisoner missing, he wouldn’t be able to cover it up. At this time, I was preparing a memorial to report this to the Emperor. As long as this matter came to light, Cai Quan’s dereliction of duty would not be taken lightly. In his anger, he would go all out to track down Meng Zhi. After all, not many can enter Sky Prison to see Xia Dong. So even if his suspicions against Meng Zhi might have no real basis, it would at the very least be difficult to convince him otherwise. If these two men face off, regardless of who wins or loses, we would stand to benefit. But….who would have expected such a coincidence, that Xia Dong would actually be sent back to Sky Prison by Meng Zhi today. Our informer tried but was unsuccessful in finding out what they had explained to Cai Quan. In short, Sky Prison is now calm. The false prisoner has been taken away by Meng Zhi while the real prisoner has returned to her cell. In view of this, if you force me to bring a complaint to the Emperor, what would I complain about?”

“So if I understand your meaning, Fan da ren would like to back down?”

“Xia da ren, it’s not that I want to back down. You know how strong the opponent is now. Even though I’m the imperial censor, and I can deliver the memorial directly to the Emperor without having to go through the Eastern Palace, such words bear some reflection. Since Meng Zhi came to the defence of the royal party in the Spring Hunt, he has been greatly favoured. And now that Xia Dong is back in the prison, there is nothing to use against him, so I am also powerless.”

In the dim light of the oil lamp, Xia Jiang’s face seemed to flicker, giving him a sinister look. He gazed at the middle-aged man before him and sneered. “What are you afraid of? The secret arrow is the most difficult to guard against. For Mei Changsu to consecutively overturn the fortunes of both the Crown Prince and Prince Yu in one to two years from the inside, isn’t it because he schemed in secret? Besides, you have no other choice. All evidence of your rotten dealings are in my hands. If you don’t help me, I will ruin you absolutely and unconditionally.”

The middle-aged man gritted his teeth, his eyes quivering.

“I’ve held control of Xuanjing Bureau for so many years. How could it be so easy to defeat me?” Xia Jiang looked at him coldly and did not relax his stance. “If Mei Changsu truly thinks that I no longer have the power to retaliate, then he’s near the end of the road.”

“That being said, I believe I’m not the only one in court who serves you. But in order to attack, there must be proper justification. We had originally thought that we had the Xia Dong matter in hand, but it still turned out this way. So in my opinion, it would be better to remain quiet for a while. Nobody knows that Xia da ren is currently living with me. There’s still time in future, so there’s no need to rush things.”

Cold light flashed through Xia Jiang’s eyes. He also believed that he still had time. But how much time did the old Emperor have left? There was no certainty. Relying on people which the former Xuanjing Bureau had a hold over, and its extensive connections, he had managed to keep himself hidden within the capital. Remaining in this most dangerous place on earth is not surviving. Even if he were to die, he should at least put up a fight before dying. Although his words to the deputy imperial censor were ruthless, the truth is that Xuanjing Bureau’s covert power had already more or less been wiped out due to Xia Dong’s defection and Xia Qiu’s wavering, and it has been more and more difficult to get in touch with those connections that are still intact. Although there were several ministers in court whom he could secretly control, nobody dared to face the new Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace, who was like the sun at noon, magnificently at the peak of his power. This frequently stoked Xia Jiang’s anger and resentment. Of course, if he could sneak out of the country and escape with his life, Xia Jiang wouldn’t insist on resisting Xiao Jingyan, but the danger he had faced every time he attempted to abscond made him realize how rigorous the search and capture operations were outside, leaving no other option beyond death or breaking through. But if he continued to stay in the capital like this, not doing anything, and lost control of those on whom he depended on for asylum, Xia Jiang wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep his head above water.

Actually, at this moment, Xia Jiang was no different from a fish that had been brought ashore. If he didn’t flop around a few times, death would be completely inevitable. Which is why he spent his days and nights agonizing, thinking of all ways and means to uncover Xiao Jingyan’s fatally weak points. As long as he could act, he did. Whether the act itself was dangerous or not, it was completely inconsequential to him.

“Xia da ren, I’m doing this for your own good. As long as there’s life, there’s hope.” Imperial Censor Fan was a little disturbed by Xia Jiang’s dark and gloomy expression and his smile was stiff. “Perhaps if you sit out this turbulence, circumstances will improve…..”

“Fan da ren,” Xia Jiang ignored his superfluous words and pursed his lips, “Didn’t you say we need to come up with some justifications? Actually, as long as we’re bold and adopt more aggressive means, it wouldn’t be difficult to come up with evidence. Because…..I know where the evidence lies…..”

“Where……?”

“In the Su Residence.” Xia Jiang spat out these words. “During the Spring Hunt, I had gone to search the place once, but at the time, Mei Changsu was away in Jiu’an Mountain. The men he left behind must have suspected something, because the place was like an uninhabited ghost house, making my search in vain. But now that Mei Changsu is back, the residence must be lively again. Xiao Jingyan is obviously preparing to overturn the old case, step by step, so human testimony and material evidence must be slowly making their way to the capital. Where else would they keep them? The Eastern Palace is naturally out of the question, so that makes the home of Mei Changsu, Prince Qi’s old henchman, the most suitable place. Fan da ren, as long as we can break into the Su Residence, why worry about whether or not we can evidence of Xiao Jingyan’s attempts to overturn the old case?”

Fan Chengxiang had trouble swallowing his saliva. His face was pale as he countered, “Xia da ren, it’s not as easy as you say. The Su Residence isn’t in a remote location. Breaking through requires great effort. The Capital Patrol belongs to the new Crown Prince. Would they let it slide?”

“Of course we need to find the right opportunity,” said Xia Jiang condescendingly, “Have you forgotten that the newly-elected Crown Prince’s grand wedding is happening in five days’ time? Reflecting on it, it’s hard to say if it’s His Majesty or Consort Jing who’s impatient. The first year of mourning for the Empress Dowager ended only in the fifth month, after which there is a further two-year period of mourning. And the result? Sacrificial ceremony at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, spiritual decrees, the room allocation ceremony in the Eastern Palace*, yet according to the regulations, they’re not allowed to consummate the marriage.….in the end, it’s all just a formality. And none of you imperial censors accused him of misconduct…..”

“Xia da ren, His Highness the Crown Prince is of the fourth generation, and this is not his first marriage. According to the regulations, the wedding ceremony can be held after a year of mourning and offering a sacrifice at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Even if they are really just going through the motions, they will be proceeding with it in any case, so how can we accuse him of misconduct?”

“I’m just saying. I’m not forcing you to use this matter to provoke him. What’s absurd is how Consort Jing and Xiao Jingyan only appear to be mild, respectful and filial in normal times. Princess Jingning is also of the fourth generation, and she can also request for an imperial decree to get a divination from the Imperial Ancestral Temple. She’s a daughter who is getting older, yet they’re not in a hurry to get her married. Are they going to let her wait out the full three years of mourning? I wonder why they’re in such a great rush?”

Fan Chenxiang glanced at Xia Jiang, but did not reply.

“Let’s put gossip aside and talk about the day of the wedding. Even though it will be limited by regulations surrounding the mourning period, with only half the pomp and ceremony, what kind of limelight is Xiao Jingyan enjoying now? A newly established Crown Prince and an imperial consort to be honored in the palace. The Zhongshu Ling is the bride’s grandfather. The Shangshu of the Board of Rites is his cousin. No matter how, this would not be a small occasion. When the time comes, the whole city would rejoice and celebrate. Wouldn’t it be even livelier than the Lunar New Year? The Capital Patrol would be deployed in advance to maintain order, and since the Su Residence will not be along the wedding sedan parade route, who would be paying any attention to it?” Xia Jiang’s face took on a murderous look, the corner of his lips curled with ruthlessness, “I can still gather some people, and Marquis Qian from the army is also my man. Go and get in touch with him on my behalf. He has 800 troops. As long as they are dispatched early in the morning or in the dark of night, swallowing up his house would be no effort at all, right?”

Fan Chengxiang’s gaze flickered. He obviously didn’t have Xia Jiang’s confidence. His teeth chattering, he asked, “What if it fails?”

Xia Jiang said coldly, “We’re fighting with our backs to the water, so what victory or defeat are you talking about?

Fan Chengxiang’s hand jerked involuntarily within his sleeves. He hurriedly tried to compose himself and force a smile. “You’re right. How can we succeed if we don’t take some risk? I think this will work. Xia da ren, why don’t you plan the details first? I’ll go meet Marquis Qian as soon as possible to discuss this. The more we prepare in advance, the more we can be assured of success.”

“Then I’ll leave the hard work out there to Fan da ren.”

“There’s no need for such formalities between us. It’s late. I’ll take my leave first.” Fan Chengxiang laughed facetiously and slowly left the secret room. Closing the door carefully behind him, he walked back to his own room, deep in thought.

“My lord, why have you returned so late? Did you go and meet that Xia da ren?” As soon as he entered the room, a beautifully delicate woman with up-turned eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes greeted him and helped him to remove his garments.

“Yaozhu, why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“If my lord isn’t back, how can this concubine sleep?”

Fan Chengxing smiled as he stretched out his hand and took her into his embrace. He and his first wife had no feelings for each other and lived in separate courtyards. The one he loved and trusted most was this little concubine, Yaozhu. She was there when Xia Jiang escaped and entered his bedroom in the middle of the night, so there wasn’t much he kept hidden from her when it came to Xia JIang.

“My lord always looks so worried every time after meeting Xia da ren. It makes this concubine uneasy. Although I am a woman, if my lord is troubled, telling me about it might be a way to ease your burden…..”

“How would you know,” said Fan Chengxiang as he leaned against the pillow and heaved a deep sigh. “This Xia Jiang is getting more and more crazy. He wants to fight with his back against the river, but why should I take a gamble with my life, future and wealth for his sake?”

“Didn’t my lord say….that he has information that can be used against you?”

“That’s right, he does…..” Fan Chengxing’s eyes were fixed on the embroidered canopy overhead as he slowly said, “Being constantly in his control like this is not a way to live. Perhaps I can make amends by rendering meritorious service to seek pardon from His Highness the Crown Prince….”

Yaozhu’s clever eyes immediately registered understanding, “What my lord means is to hold Xia Jiang and go to the Eastern Palace to report him in order to render meritorious service?”

“You’re clever,” Fan Chengxing pinched her cheek and smiled, “Xia Jiang is the person the Crown Prince wishes most to have today. If I can render this meritorious service, I hope it will not only erase my past crimes, but with luck, I would also be able to preserve my future prospects….”

“My lord…..are you sure?”

“Today, His Highness the Crown Prince is not as inflexible as he used to be when he was still only Prince Jing. The crimes that Xia Jiang holds over me were just accepting bribes due to greed and harbouring a few murderers, nothing more. And it’s been seven to eight years since, not worth taking seriously. If he is willing to forgive me, he would have Xia Jiang in his grasp. No matter how he weighs it, he won’t refuse.”

Yaozhu’s eyes were fluid as she smiled, revealing a pair of dimples. In a soft voice, she said, “If things really happen according to what my lord has said, then it will be very good. These frightening past few days have been difficult to bear. It would be best if my lord reports it to the Eastern Palace at the earliest possible.”

“You’re right. I’ve always sought peace and stability. It would be best to get rid of the devil incarnate as quickly as possible. Even though he knew he wouldn’t be able to escape, he foisted himself on me. I really can’t stand it anymore, so I’ve decided to go see His Highness the Crown Prince first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?”

“It’s better to deal with something like this earlier than later. I’ll go over tomorrow.”

“My lord definitely won’t be wrong in his decision. Why don’t you have some calming tonic now, and have an early rest? Tomorrow will be another tumultuous day.” Saying this, Yaozhu went to the stove and returned with a bowl of hot soup. After feeding him two mouthfuls, she lay his head down and gently fanned him.

Maybe because he was at peace after coming to a decision, or perhaps the calming tonic was really effective, Fan Chengxiang soon fell into a deep sleep. Yaozhu waited for him to snore, then taking him by the shoulders, she shook him a few times, yelling at him. Seeing that there was no response, she immediately put down her fan and quietly got out of bed. Wrapping herself in a black cloak, she floated out like a phantom, and soon disappeared into the black night.

Footnote:

*These are loose translations of the wedding ritual. I’m unable to expound further other than speculating that it refers to:

1. Informing the ancestors of the marriage

2. Getting agreement or blessings from the gods

3. Allocating a room in the Eastern Palace for the bride

For factual accuracy, more research will be required.