Chapter Seventeen: The Reward

They say fortune favors the bold, but that is the folly of reckless youth. Great figures always have many pawns at their disposal; their confrontations are battles of capturing and placing pieces.

But then, one day, someone pioneered a new way to play.

He looked at the board, then reached out and lifted it up.

The Empress Dowager glanced at Xue Fuchao, who stood frozen in place, and repeated, “Lord Xue, do you have anything more to say?”

Cold sweat suddenly broke out on Xue Fuchao's brow. He realized the council chamber had fallen silent; everyone was weighing the pros and cons. Meanwhile, Hao Chujun, the protagonist of the day, knelt there as if rooted to the spot, utterly silent.

We had agreed today I would play a supporting role—so why am I the one taking all the hits at the forefront?

He took a step back, giving up on pressing forward.

...

“This morning’s court session went quite smoothly.”

A smile graced the Empress Dowager’s face as she nodded and motioned for Wu An to sit closer, studying him carefully.

“So many years have passed in a flash, and you’ve grown into a man.”

Wu An found it amusing. When a leader starts speaking sentimentally, it often means they are laying the groundwork for something.

“Are you still familiar with the residence in Yongning Ward?”

“Your Highness, I have never lived in such a fine home, so I feel somewhat overwhelmed.”

Not boasting of his merits, but instead humble and cautious—this is what it means to be sensible.

The Empress Dowager paused, a look of satisfaction appearing on her face. She spoke softly, “Come closer, let your aunt have a proper look at you.”

Suddenly, Wu An recalled some unofficial and official histories from his previous life and hesitated.

After all, he was quite handsome—who did not know that?

Yet, he lowered his head, rose, and sat by the dragon-carved desk.

After a moment, a warm, soft hand rested gently on his cheek, caressing it lightly, accompanied by the Empress Dowager’s gentle voice.

“Look up.”

Wu An lifted his eyes, seeing for the first time up close the most revered woman of the Tang dynasty.

A faint scent of powder drifted to him, not heavy nor ostentatious, but evoking a deep yearning—a desire to be held in her hand, to inhale the fragrance carried by her crimson skirt.

Power is not only a man’s innate aphrodisiac but also a woman’s cultivated allure, irresistibly drawing those around her.

The Empress Dowager noticed Wu An seemed somewhat dazed. A smile tugged at her lips, but suddenly she saw his eyes redden.

Warm tears flowed onto her slender fingers. She did not withdraw her hand but gently wiped the tears from his face, surprised: “What’s wrong?”

...

“I lost my mother at a young age and was left alone in the world,” Wu An choked as he sniffled, “Seeing you, Aunt, is like seeing my own mother. I dare to ask—if you would allow me to come and greet you daily, I would be more than satisfied.”

If you want to talk about feelings, then I shall take it to its fullest.

The Empress Dowager could be my mother!

Seeing the brave young man weep, she slowly withdrew her hand and said calmly, “It’s getting late. You should return to your studies. You need not attend to official matters these next few days. If anything arises, I’ll have Shangguan Wan’er notify you.”

“Mother, you are right. I understand.”

Hearing the word “mother,” the Empress Dowager was momentarily stunned. After a long pause, she said with slight irritation, “Within the palace, even titles must be proper. In front of others, you must address me as Empress Dowager.”

“I will remember.”

“Go now.”

Wu An rose and left. The Empress Dowager sat quietly, watching his retreating figure. She closed her eyes and opened them again to see Shangguan Wan’er standing at her side.

“Wan’er.”

“At your service.”

The Empress Dowager hesitated, murmuring to herself, “He’s reached the age to marry, hasn’t he?”

Shangguan Wan’er said nothing, only watching as dusk deepened outside the hall.

...

Night had fallen deeply.

When Shangguan Wan’er arrived, Wu An was still seated at his desk, glancing briefly at the girl at the door before lowering his head back to his reading.

“The Empress Dowager says that the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Punishment are interrogating Hao Chujun. In a few days, she wants you to lead troops to his residence and confiscate his property.”

Wu An had been to Hao Chujun’s house. Though the man had a good reputation, he had never treated Wu An poorly. Therefore, the historic spectacle of a grand military operation ending with the household utterly ruined would not occur here.

Future historians reading the records would find some flavor in the story. Perhaps the Empress Dowager cared little about posthumous reputation, but Wu An had to look after such matters for her.

Wu An closed the book softly and nodded.

“You’re really still reading?”

Shangguan Wan’er asked casually.

Wu An replied, “Old books bear no wear from repeated reading; understanding comes from diligent study.”

“You can write poetry?”

Shangguan Wan’er was suddenly surprised. Aside from their initial cold acquaintance, she found herself increasingly comfortable showing a girlish side around Wu An.

This was a sign she was letting down her guard.

Moreover, in the Tang dynasty, writing poetry was as enticing a skill as driving a Ferrari with one hand in later centuries.

“Mm-hmm.”

Wu An showed no embarrassment.

Shangguan Wan’er stared at him, eyes flicking as if lost in thought. After a moment, she took a deep breath and said seriously:

“I have some questions I want to... ask you. If you’re willing to teach me, I won’t reveal your answers, and I’ll share some information with you.”

Wu An smiled inwardly. He knew Shangguan Wan’er had recently become the Empress Dowager’s close attendant. With her help delivering messages, he gained an excellent channel of intelligence.

He had thought he’d have to slowly win her over, but she had taken the initiative to make a request.

“What would you like to ask?”

“I...” Shangguan Wan’er hesitated, then spoke softly, “I’ve been watching how you speak and act these past few days.”

“I want to learn from you how to speak and conduct myself.”

You want to learn? I’ll teach you...

Wu An pondered briefly and said slowly, “Of course, but I want to hear your information first.”

Unaware of society’s harsh realities, Shangguan Wan’er pursed her lips and whispered:

“After you left, the Empress Dowager has been considering your marriage, wanting to arrange a match for you.”

In ancient times, marriages were matters of parental arrangement and matchmakers. Now that the Empress Dowager was Wu An’s senior, it was only natural she would consider this.

But Wu An thought otherwise: the Empress Dowager was deliberately setting a soft spot for him.

If you have parents and a wife and children, how could you not become a beast of burden?

Seeing Wu An remain silent and thoughtful, Shangguan Wan’er grew anxious and urged, “Now it’s your turn to teach me.”

“I’ve heard you started as a soldier at Hexi, gained merits, assassinated the army commander, yet came safely all the way to Chang’an, and now within days you’ve toppled a chancellor and acknowledged the Empress Dowager as your elder...”

Shangguan Wan’er truly wanted to learn these skills.

“Of course I can teach you, but your information doesn’t seem very useful to me,” Wu An shook his head, sounding like he was freeloading.

Shangguan Wan’er was a bit angry. She was no fool and was about to argue when she saw Wu An raise a hand and point to his foot.

“But if you let me see your socks just once, I might consider it.”