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The Vicissitudes of Life
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Actually, among Wei Wang’s four liangyuans, only Lin-shi was Wei Wang’s side consort in the past life. Additionally, Assistant Minister Lin’s eldest daughter-in-law was also a Zhu clan daughter. That’s why, Assistant Minister Lin would take advantage of the situation, raising accusations against the Cheng family and even Ming Jincheng at this time in order to support Wu Wang and Wei Wang. Never mind Xun Che, even the court officials weren’t the least bit surprised.
Just, the wording in this memorandum was extremely harsh, strongly accusing the Zhenbei General Cheng Guangling of not being strict in governing the army, incompetent in managing the people below, having let down his Majesty’s trust. And towards the matter of a traitor appearing in the army, there was both the crime of failing to detect, as well as the suspicion of trying to cover it up. In fact, it even mentioned that to have let his daughter, Cheng Yanling, as a woman, also go into battle and lead troops, even if she’d once contributed numerous military achievement, her inappropriate conduct with the soldiers has nevertheless brought about the current instability of the army, and so on.
At the same time, the Yulin Camp and City Guards were the capital’s most important garrisons, yet Ming Jincheng, as the Commander of the Yulin army, used his authority to allow Duanyi Xianzhu, someone who has no military post in the capital, enter Yulin Camp to train soldiers. This was also an inappropriate act, going against his duties, and so on.
Actually, regarding these accusations and criticisms, throughout the entire twelfth month, they have already been brought up quite a few times in court either openly or discreetly, but failing one’s duty, neglecting one’s job, even colluding with the enemy, and such major crimes truly were too serious. Once they are unable to thoroughly pin the Cheng family or Ming family to death, the other side will surely counter, accusing them of falsely accusing, attempting to frame, and so on. That’s why, in the past several days, upon the imperial court, the chaotic warfare in regards to military authority still wasn’t considered very clear.
But, this harsh memorandum of Assistant Minister Lin’s, in addition to officially accusing of misconduct, it further displayed an eager attitude. Between the lines, it was seemingly filled with concern for the country and wholehearted loyalty towards the ruler, actually making Xuan Emperor somewhat moved.
Just, unfortunately, Xun Che’s response right before the court session was about to end still directly pointed out the key point in one line, “This subject feels that Assistant Minister Lin, who is currently in the midst of busily preparing for his beloved daughter’s admittance into Wei Wang Manor, feeling irritable and being overly drastic, what he counsels inevitably will be driven by his emotions, so may not necessarily be completely impartial. With such a serious matter at hand, decisions such as changing the Chen province’s commander, or changing the Yulin’s defenses, for these two places, where one is our Great Sheng’s door to facing North Rong, and the other, the most important army in defending the ruler’s safety, rashly commenting and carelessly making a decision, all are greatly inappropriate.”
Pausing for a moment, an extremely shallow smile emerged on the young Chief Secretary of the Central Secretariat’s lips, his bright voice continuing, “Just, Assistant Minister Lin is compassionate and kind, merely worried for his beloved daughter, so for his emotions to be unstable due to family matters, it is also normal, asking your Majesty to please take pity, and also asking your Majesty to carefully consider, waiting to discuss this matter again after shangyuan[1].”
Once these words came out, all of Assistant Minister Lin’s fervent speech previously immediately got deducted. Xuan Emperor’s complexion also became a bit stern. The court officials further whispered to one another.
Actually, for Assistant Minister Lin to formally accuse of misconduct like this, more than half the reason was still for the sake of his daughter’s future prospects in Wei Wang Manor. Everyone all understood inside.
But, for Xun Che to actually state it this bluntly upon the court, directly implying in his seemingly gentle words that Assistant Minister Lin has adhered to Wei Wang, having the intention of forming a faction, without actually mentioning, it was truly very impressive.
Assistant Minister Lin’s old face faintly turned red, naturally refuting again, also stating a bunch about how as the Assistant Minister of War, what he has participated in and presented to the emperor were all part of his direct duties, completely fair and impartial, not having personal motives, and so on.
But, Lin-shi entering Wei Wang Manor as a liangyuan soon was ultimately an undeniable fact. Even though everyone can all understand Assistant Minister Lin’s standpoint, but to insistently say that he didn’t have any personal motives, even Xuan Emperor upon the golden dragon throne all somewhat frowned.
Thus, in the end, under the cabinet ministers’ suggestion, glossing over the issue and having the discussion about changing the commander pushed back to after shangyuan, this court session on the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month finally closed its curtains.
However, on the way out of the palace, the court officials all mutually looked to one another, all not saying anything. Everyone was clear inside. The soon to arrive Tianxu year 15 will certainly be like an approaching storm.
And the direction of the wind will just depend on exactly when that legendary Duanyi Xianzhu will return, and how she returns.
In this kind of atmosphere, during the new year’s eve and new year’s day of Tianxu year 15, among the festivity and excitement in the capital, there was also a strange kind of cautiousness.
Regardless whether it was the palace banquets or family banquets, relatives coming to visit or dealings with old friends of the family, the households that slightly had a bit more understanding and interest in the current state of political affairs were all carefully weighing the pros and cons. Don’t know how the Chen province matters will conclude. Once the Cheng family and Ming family get sentenced for real, Qin Wang who originally just didn’t have any maternal family supporting certainly will go down altogether. But, the Wen’an Marquis heir’s attitude, as well as Xuan Emperor’s vague stance, seemingly didn’t ensure Wu Wang and Wei Wang’s advantage in any way.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Then, under this kind of circumstance, where each family should stand, whether one can accurately find the neutral point, or gamble on one side, it was truly very headaching.
As for those whose standing was already clear, for instance the Xun family, things were just much easier. Especially after Xun old madam and the second branch discovered that Li mama didn’t really have any big use, they all settled down quite a bit. The new year family banquet was neither coldly nor warmly held as usual according to past years’ customs.
Just, the Wen’an Marquis, Xun Nanheng, was still in the Yu province. While being busy with the domestic affairs and new year rites, Ming Huayue would also become somewhat distracted from time to time. Even if getting laughed at by her children, she still didn’t cover up her longing and worry towards her husband Xun Nanheng.
As for Xun Ying, when helping her mother take care of household duties, she was also very patient, probably also due to thinking about Yu Lingxin’s pregnancy, not wanting to tire out her sister-in-law, so everyday, she would obediently follow by her mother’s side. Just, occasionally, when Ming Huayue was lost in thought, she would also secretly blank out for a while.
When Yu Lingxin heard, she was just somewhat worried inside. However, towards this, Xun Che just slanted his mouth. Neither of them said anything, and towards Xun Ying once again letting someone go buy Qi Yuzhang’s calligraphy book, they also didn’t block.
(T/N: Yuzhang is Qi Ke’s courtesy name.)
On the other side, when Yu old madam and Yu Bocheng learned that Yu Lingxin had gotten pregnant in half a year after marrying, they were naturally very happy. When sending the new year gifts, they had the various medicinal ingredients for nursing the fetus and the soft fabrics suitable for pregnant women and small children specially increased by several amount.
Yu Lingxin although was happy upon seeing, she also couldn’t help but helplessly laugh. With this many things, afraid it was enough for three children.
Xun Che also laughed, “Then, let’s have three. The liveliness is also good.”
These words, on the second of the first month, when the two of them returned to the Yu manor together to visit the maiden family elders, received Yu Bocheng and Yu old madam’s unanimous approval, “The heir is right, it’s good to have more children.”
Yu Lingxin was practically between laughter and tears, “This one still hasn’t come out yet, yet already starting to think about the ones afterwards?”
Yu Zhengshan also joined in, “Brother-in-law is far-sighted, seeing one and knowing ten. Knowing that this one of older sister’s is well, he naturally just thought of the future.”
Xun Che laughed, “Ten is still too many, having three is enough. If too many, I’m also afraid of tiring out Huijun.”
Although between them as husband and wife, they were able to talk about anything, but currently, they were in front of her entire maiden family. Yu Lingxin was still somewhat embarrassed, but even if wanting to spit at him, she also needed to hold back, so she could only angrily and smilingly shoot a glare at Xun Che.
Seeing them like this, Yu old madam and Yu Bocheng were both very happy. Originally, when first hearing about Yu Lingxin’s pregnancy, Yu old madam even secretly asked Yu Lingxin whether or not they needed to arrange someone to serve the son-in-law. Yu Lingxin naturally just shook her head without thinking. Looking at it now, it sure enough wasn’t needed. The young couple was still loving and intimate.
After chatting and laughing over tea for a while, Xun Che just returned together with Yu Lingxin to her previous courtyard, Lianyi Residence. After slightly sitting a little, he called Yu Zhengshan over to talk, asking about his classwork.
When mentioning his studies, Yu Zhengshan was still somewhat nervous, fully aware that although this brother-in-law treated him like an actual younger brother, he was still even more strict than his teachers. Unknowingly, his back just stiffened, sitting upright and still, answering one by one.
Yu Lingxin, however, still had something else on her mind. When Xun Che finished asking, she just directly followed-up, “I also have something else to ask you, regarding that Yan family young lady———”
Yu Zhengshan’s face instantly turned red. His back that was already perfectly straight to begin with stiffened even more, “This……..that……….”
Xun Che smiled, “If you like them then just say it, what’s there to stammer about.”
Yu Zhengshan still lowered his head, glancing at his older tang sister and older brother-in-law with embarrassment, “Yes. I……um, cough, cough, do a little.”
Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but sigh. She really didn’t know what kind of fate this was. Back then, for the Yan family to cancel the engagement with Xun Ze, it was precisely because of seeing how the first branch and second branch were about to break apart at any time. At the time, Xun old madam although made a fuss, Xun Ze seemingly wasn’t willing. Now, if Yan Xiaochan were to marry Yu Zhengshan, on the second branch’s side, don’t know what kind of a ruckus they will make again.
“I know that Xiaochan was once engaged to brother-in-law’s older tang brother.” Yu Zhengshan suddenly lifted his head, the young boy’s delicate and pretty face full of resolution, “But, it was just having been engaged. I……I like her!”
Xun Che’s expression was actually very relaxed, “Then, just tell the elders. Later, I will also help you ask. Just, if you’re thinking of them, then need to do well in the third month’s spring exam. If you rank in the second class and above, when going to propose, it will also look good on the face. If you were to fail………”
“I won’t!” Yu Zhengshan practically was about to jump up, “Brother-in-law, rest assured, I definitely will properly study!”
Seeing him like this, Yu Lingxin also couldn’t help but laugh. Young people sure were enthusiastic. Since he liked this much, then those minor misgivings truly weren’t considered anything.
After instructing Yu Zhengshan to properly study and prepare for the exam again, and seeing how it was more or less about time, Xun Che took Yu Lingxin to bid Yu old madam and Yu Bocheng farewell. Afterwards, mounting the carriage, they headed towards Jin Duke Manor. It can be considered going to pick up their mother Ming Huayue who’d similarly returned to her maiden home today, and at the same time, also visit Ming Jinrou and Ming Jincheng who they haven’t seen in several days.
Actually, because of his official duties, Xun Che still had seen the Ming family siblings a few times, but for Yu Lingxin, ever since the start of the twelfth month, she hadn’t seen Ming Jinrou, who similarly was resting in Qin Wang Manor under the imperial physicians’ advice, and Ming Jincheng, she further hadn’t seen since the eleventh month.
That’s why, when greeting one another in the main reception hall, upon meeting face to face, Yu Lingxin unexpectedly blanked——-Ming Jincheng sure enough changed a lot.
Previously, every time she asked Xun Che, Xun Che would always say that Ming Jincheng was still fine, just having lost a bit of weight. Seeing him now, her feelings were instead very complicated.
He indeed had become a bit thinner, but he also wasn’t that wan and sallow as she’d thought previously, instead having a strange kind of familiarity. He was no longer the Ming Jincheng that she saw when suddenly reuniting with Xun Che in this life, that kind and cheerful noble young master, more or less being content with following the prescribed order.
The Ming Jincheng right now looked further like the young Jin Duke in her past life’s memories. Just, he didn’t have that malevolent scar on his face. However, his gaze was already the same as that time, martial and firm.
That feeling was just like a fancy sword inlaid with gold and jade that was originally hanging on the wall getting sent into the forge again, and after getting repeatedly hammered and refined over and over again, the gold and jade decorations disappeared, while the deadly aura and sharp edge came out.
In comparison, Ming Jinrou was actually not that different from before, her eyes and brows full of spirit, her complexion rosy. Even her cheeks were also a bit more plump. Clearly, this month of resting behind closed doors in Qin Wang Manor didn’t make her dejected in any way, instead getting by very comfortably.
After casually chatting a few words about the matters at home, everyone naturally just had the topic turned back towards Assistant Minister Lin’s memorandum.
Ming Jincheng faintly shook his head, “Zhenbei General Manor’s matter, it isn’t suitable for us to say too much. Once Yanling returns, the innocent naturally will be cleared. As for the Yulin Camp’s side, Shenzhi, you don’t need to say anything to his Majesty. Officer Yan has already submitted a secret report. General Xie and Commander Han have also separately written a memorandum. Assistant Minister Lin has been idle in his post for a long time already. Perhaps, this year, he should also change posts.”
Xun Che nodded, also mentioning two matters in the palace. Ming Huayue and Ming Yunji were all listening to the side. As they nodded along, they further paid attention to Ming Jincheng’s expression.
After all, for Cheng Yanling’s matter to have become this controversial, the rumors outside were already very unpleasant. Assistant Minister Lin’s goal although was to strike the Cheng family and Ming family, his target of attack was nevertheless Cheng Yanling, the words in this aspect truly harsh.
Never mind the others, who knows how upset and sullen Ming Jincheng was feeling inside.
“Jincheng, you should also rest a little for the new year.” Even his father Ming Yunji couldn’t bear seeing him like this, dryly coughing as he consoled with warm words.
Ming Huayue also nodded in agreement. Xun Ying and Yu Lingxin naturally also urged a little. Just, with Cheng Yanling still having yet to return, the sayings outside really were unable to be blocked. In fact, as for how this matter should be settled, no one was certain inside. That’s why, these consoling words, back and forth, it was merely just letting Ming Jincheng take care of his own body.
At this time, Ming Jinrou suddenly let out a light cough, “Cough, cough, since it’s the new year, don’t be too dejected and sullen. Come, I’ll tell everyone a good news, I’m pregnant.”
[1] Shangyuan – The first full moon of the year, also known as the Lantern Festival. It’s the fifteenth of the first lunar month, and usually marks the end of the new year break.
T/N: Making a minor revision to change capital’s army to city guards, I’ll slowly go back and make the edits for previous chapters. Also, for clarification, the Yulin army is the emperor’s personal troops, while the city guards are responsible for defending the capital city. There’s also the imperial guards which are responsible for guarding the imperial palace.
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