Chapter Twelve: The Three Imperial Uncles

May 13th, outside the Chongzheng Hall in the imperial palace, along the winding corridor, Prince Han, Zhao Zhen, dressed in a vermilion brocade robe, hurriedly rushed inside as if his backside was on fire.

“Kind eunuch Lin, please let me in to see His Majesty. Have him revoke the decree quickly. That silver mine is filthy and unsafe. Our Great Ning has plenty of people; why must young Yanru, a mere girl, take charge of it?”

The chief eunuch Lin Ping’an, bowed low, holding his dust whisk, blocked Zhao Zhen’s way. “Fourth Prince, the Emperor is taking his noon nap and has just fallen asleep. Even if you wish to see him, you must wait at least an hour.”

“Oh dear!” Zhao Zhen plopped down on the steps outside Chongzheng Hall, panting heavily. “I’m anxious! I just returned from the south today and haven’t even entered my own home. I hurried as fast as I could but still missed the chance.”

Lin Ping’an smiled gently. “The weather is hot. Let me take Your Highness to the side hall for a cup of tea.”

“Let him come in! He’s still impatient as ever, no progress at all!” A deep, authoritative male voice came from inside the hall.

Zhao Zhen straightened instinctively, hurriedly tidying his attire, while exchanging a glance with Lin Ping’an to see if it was appropriate.

Inside Chongzheng Hall, the lighting was dim, with a faint scent of dragon’s incense lingering in the air. Emperor Wenchang, Zhao Qi, half-reclined on a couch, holding a memorial scroll, furrowed his brows slightly. Seeing Zhao Zhen enter, he cast a faint glance over him.

“Your son pays respects to His Majesty!” Zhao Zhen knelt and bowed.

“Rise.” Emperor Wenchang put down the scroll and spoke calmly. “Pu’er’s task isn’t complete yet, and you dare to come back?”

“He’s too dull, either busy inspecting or on his way to inspect. I miss Your Majesty, so I came back.”

Emperor Wenchang lightly tapped Zhao Zhen’s forehead with the scroll. “You’re an uncle, but not as vigorous as your nephew. Are you still going to keep this face?”

“My nephew is capable. As the uncle, I’m just happy and have no shame.” Zhao Zhen approached the emperor and massaged his shoulders.

“Father, please don’t let Yanru take over the silver mine in the Western Capital. I heard the workers there don’t even wear clothes on the job. How could a delicate young lady face that?”

Emperor Wenchang closed his eyes, enjoying the massage. “If a delicate girl dares to take on the silver mine, what about you, a full-grown man? Your nephew is more accomplished than you; now even your niece outshines you.”

“Father.” Zhao Zhen dragged out the syllable, exerting a bit more pressure with his hands, “If you revoke the decree, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll kneel here until you’re satisfied with my punishment.”

The emperor sat up straight. “A ruler must not make idle promises. This matter is evident to all in court. There is absolutely no chance of revoking it.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhen grew anxious, circling to the front of Emperor Wenchang with a pained expression. “But three months is too short. If no silver is extracted, you won’t truly demand her head as she pledged in that life-and-death oath, will you? She’s your own granddaughter.”

Emperor Wenchang looked at his foolish son and softened involuntarily. “Yanru took over by her own will. Because most in court opposed her, she swore that oath. If you plead for her, you should at least understand her true thoughts.”

Zhao Zhen kowtowed thrice with a loud thud. “I’ll go to the Western Capital at once to persuade Yanru. Father, please keep your word and revoke the decree.”

“When did I say I’d revoke it?” The emperor’s words were unfinished before Zhao Zhen had already vanished.

Unable to nap, Emperor Wenchang got up to review documents.

Lin Ping’an brought a cup of hot tea with a smile. Emperor Wenchang sighed, “I wanted to use the Western Capital silver mine to open the door for private mining, but the court erupted in chaos. Look at my fourth son—he doesn’t even mention it, only fussing over trivial matters. Not a bit like my son.”

Lin Ping’an bowed. “The Fourth Prince is filial and sincere, especially attentive to the children left by Prince Qi. Such devotion is rare.”

Emperor Wenchang rubbed his shoulder, savoring the lingering touch from Zhao Zhen’s massage. “That’s the only good thing about him.”

Back at Han Prince’s mansion, Zhao Zhen barely stepped from his carriage before he started ordering, “Quickly go to Yipin Pavilion for eel buns. If we’re late, there might be none left. Ask the shopkeeper whether to steam them cooked for the Western Capital journey or bring them raw.”

“Also, go to Taibai Tower and buy several jars of Taibai Drunk—Yanru’s favorite.”

“Tell the kitchen to prepare some snacks that can be stored without spoiling and won’t cause trouble. Not too sweet; Yanru dislikes that.”

The steward took notes and instructed the servants accordingly.

The Han Princess consort came out upon hearing the news. “Just got home and you’re leaving again? You don’t plan to stay at this home? Or me, perhaps?”

“Oh no, of course not.” Zhao Zhen wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Being away for over a month, I miss you dearly. But some matters have urgency. Yanru, a mere girl, taking over the silver mine is a big deal. I must help her toss this hot potato quickly.”

“You?” The princess consort looked at her lord with disbelief. “You’re more likely to make things worse. But you’re right—it’s best to get rid of that hot potato soon.”

She turned and went back inside, leaving Zhao Zhen’s arms empty. “You just hugged me and now you’re leaving. Where are you off to?”

“I’m going to the kitchen to have them make rose crisps—Yanru’s favorite.”

Watching her retreating figure, Zhao Zhen smiled broadly. “I’m truly fortunate to have married such a wonderful wife.”

The Han Prince’s carriage sped through the west gate of Bianjing, kicking up a trail of dust.

Not far away, at a tavern, the window of the most prestigious private room was open. Prince Chu, Zhao Jian, silently watched the Han Prince’s carriage without a word.

Opposite him, Prince Yan, Zhao Zheng, observed the scene with amusement. “Old Fourth must be going to see Yanru, probably to persuade her to give up the silver mine. What does Second Brother think?”

Zhao Jian sipped his tea indifferently. “Whether she accepts the silver mine is Yanru’s business, not mine. But as an imperial uncle, I should help her as much as I can.”

“Second Brother is truly a good uncle. I should learn more from you.”

Zhao Zheng took out a white porcelain bottle from his breast pocket. “I heard Second Sister-in-law is pregnant. This is a famous South Frontier medicine to secure the fetus, called ‘Jade Dew Pills’.” He gently placed the bottle on the table and pushed it toward Zhao Jian.

Zhao Jian’s gaze flickered but he did not immediately take it, only saying lightly, “Third Brother’s intention is appreciated.”

Ignoring Zhao Jian’s cool response, Zhao Zheng rose and left.

After he left, an advisor came out from the inner chamber and quietly reported to Zhao Jian, “The young prince’s southern tour is going smoothly. Many officials say he shows the style of Prince Qi from years ago. As for the silver mine, the princess has already won over the craftsmen. The Ministry of Works’ previous obstruction has been resolved one by one by the princess.”

“Does the prince need us to do anything about the silver mine?”

“No need.” Zhao Jian tapped the table lightly. “Even if we do nothing, expecting silver in three months is madness. For now, we need not concern ourselves with her. Our main focus remains on the southern tour.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The advisor bowed and left.

Zhao Jian stood and prepared to leave as well. He planned to buy some preserved fruits on the way—his pregnant princess consort’s mouth tasted bitter, and sweets would soothe her.