37. Night Banquet

Author's Note: Hello everyone, as many of you may already know, I did a major overhaul and rewrite of the earlier content a few days ago. Starting from the second half of Chapter 33, I rewrote over ten thousand words, and the plot has undergone significant adjustments, so I highly recommend you all give it a reread. Of course, if you don't want to, that’s fine too. I will now give a brief summary of the previous plot using a rap-style recap.

[Spoilers ahead! If you intend to reread, don't look—just go back to Chapter 33. For those too lazy to reread, here it is: Shi Nian said she was married, and Zhu Houzhao, thinking Nie Cheng was her husband, exploded with rage on the spot. Consequently, Nie Cheng was arrested. In the dungeon, to take down Liu Jin, Nie Cheng bet Zhu Houzhao that he could defeat a leopard. If he won, Zhu Houzhao would let him deal with Liu Jin. Nie Cheng fought the leopard and actually won. Zhu Houzhao, being a man of his word, not only criticized Liu Jin in public but also stripped him of his title as the Director of the Ceremonial Secretariat. The protagonists achieved a preliminary victory! Then came the New Year, and Shi Nian and the others returned outside the palace to enjoy hotpot, happy and intimate. Zhu Houzhao snuck in, flirted with Miss Shi Nian, and joined them for hotpot. Everyone had a lovely time, and their bonds deepened. Yes, that’s about it!]

Finally, as promised, I will be giving out 20 points of currency per comment on this chapter. I want as many people as possible to get it, so I’ll set the limit at 1000. I doubt I’ll run out, haha! Due to Jinjiang rules, those leaving comments just for the red envelope can rate 0, while regular readers can still rate 2; I will give the red envelopes to both regardless. I’m only mentioning this because, as an author, I have to, otherwise I might be accused of vote-padding.

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After the Lunar New Year's Eve came the first month of the lunar year. Families began visiting relatives, and a faint scent of gunpowder hung in the streets—the smell of firecrackers. Bright red firecracker paper lay scattered on the snow, adding a festive touch. This had always been Shi Nian’s favorite time of year since childhood; she had even bought herself a new outfit—a pale blue embroidered long jacket paired with a pomegranate-red horse-face skirt. She had admired herself in the mirror for a long time, wishing she could snap a selfie. But a piece of news instantly shattered her good mood.

Su Geng said, "Zhu Houzhao has decided to host a banquet for the officials at Liu Jin’s mansion on the night of the seventh day of the first month."

Upon hearing this, Shi Nian, who was busy picking out a hairpin, froze for several seconds before saying, "I said we should have struck while the iron was hot! We should have finished him off! Look at this now!"

Liu Jin’s power stemmed from Zhu Houzhao, so their primary strategy had always been to make the Emperor lose tolerance for him. Nie Cheng’s previous efforts had been highly effective, and they should have pressed their advantage, but he had suspended operations under the guise of recovering from his injuries. Shi Nian had raised objections; even if Nie Cheng couldn't work, he could have let them handle it. Dragging it out was never good. Especially after New Year’s Eve, she realized the depth of Zhu Houzhao’s affection for Liu Jin and grew increasingly anxious. He had been grounded for over half a month; if they delayed any longer, the Emperor’s anger would fade!

Unfortunately, no matter what she said, Nie Cheng remained unhurried. Now, her fears had finally become reality.

Zhu Houzhao going to Liu Jin’s mansion for a banquet—did that mean he had already forgiven him?

Shi Nian’s thoughts were shared by everyone else. Su Geng and Lu Zhiyao both looked at Nie Cheng, neither understanding what he was planning, yet they chose to obey out of trust.

Facing their gazes, Nie Cheng remained calm. "What did Liu Jin do to trigger this reaction from Zhu Houzhao?"

Su Geng replied, "Brother Zhang Chu said that Liu Jin sent a letter to Zhu Houzhao. While no one knows the contents, it’s not hard to guess. It most likely brought up their past friendship—in the second year of Zhu Houzhao’s reign, he also hosted a banquet for officials at Liu Jin’s mansion during the New Year."

Lu Zhiyao remarked, "To think Liu Jin is capable of sending a letter. In history, he only knew how to cling to Zhu Houzhao’s legs and weep for mercy. How did he suddenly get so smart?"

Exactly, he’s smarter, so why were we waiting!

Shi Nian felt like collapsing, but she suddenly felt something was off. Nie Cheng’s expression was too composed; he didn't seem surprised at all. And thinking about it, he wasn't the type to miss a tactical window just because he was injured.

She suddenly asked, "Did you know Liu Jin would pull this trick?"

Nie Cheng paused. Su Geng and Lu Zhiyao exchanged glances, their eyes sharpening. As her companions pressed in, Nie Cheng sighed softly. "I didn't."

Still acting!

Shi Nian wouldn't let it go. Nie Cheng continued, "Really, I didn't guess he would use this specific tactic, but I did guess he would try to find a way to make Zhu Houzhao change his mind."

"Then why did you..."

"I was waiting for this exact day," Nie Cheng said.

Everyone was stunned. Nie Cheng asked, "Do you remember what, historically, made Zhu Houzhao finally believe that Liu Jin wanted to rebel after he was impeached?"

Shi Nian thought for a moment, then gasped, "Because they found... at his mansion?"

"I was originally wondering how to make Zhu Houzhao see that scene with his own eyes. Now, it’s perfect—he’s invited himself over."

He looked at Shi Nian and said, "So, do you understand now? The banquet on the seventh night—not only will Zhu Houzhao and the officials be there, but we will be there too."

At the end of last year, Liu Jin had offended the Emperor, been stripped of his position as the Director of the Ceremonial Secretariat, and sentenced to house arrest, a move that had many who loathed him cheering. Everyone had hoped this "living judge of hell" would stay down and never be able to terrorize again, but nobody expected the situation to change so quickly.

The Emperor had not only met with him but was now hosting a banquet for officials at his residence. What an honor! Liu Jin was making a comeback!

After nightfall, people bustled in and out of the mansion. Bright red lanterns were hung high in rows and strings, illuminating the pavilions and waterside structures as if it were daylight. The main hall for the banquet was already full. Those invited today were officials of the fourth rank and above, all dressed in official robes. Zhu Houzhao sat at the head of the main table, though he wore simple moon-white casual clothing, his hair tied with a net cap. With his handsome features and languid demeanor, he didn't look like an emperor, but rather a wealthy young master relaxing at home.

Liu Jin stood by his side, occasionally pouring wine and whispering jokes. This was a scene everyone was used to seeing, but now, it felt like an eyesore. One official couldn't help but mutter, "That eunuch is ruining the country!"

He had spoken out of righteous indignation, but the moment the words left his lips, he remembered where he was. He quickly looked to the side, only to meet a strange face. He paused, suddenly remembering this was the warrior who had fought the leopard—the very reason Liu Jin had been punished in the first place.

So, he had come tonight as well.

The official didn't say anything, simply raising his cup. The other understood and returned the gesture. They both drank in one gulp and didn't look at each other again.

Shi Nian sat beside Nie Cheng. Having heard the official’s remark, she whispered, "To be able to blurt that out in a place like this... it shows just how deep the resentment toward Liu Jin runs."

Nie Cheng replied, "He’s been arrogant for too many years; everyone is reaching their breaking point."

Shi Nian took a sip of wine and looked up at the ruler and his subject. To her surprise, Zhu Houzhao was looking at her. Their eyes locked; he smirked and waved at her. "Little beauty, come up here."

His every move was the focus of the entire banquet. Now, everyone turned to look at Shi Nian. In such a setting, few had brought female companions. Since this woman sat beside the leopard-fighting hero, she must be his wife. But what was with the Emperor’s flirtatious attitude? Wait, there were rumors in the capital that the Emperor not only made people fight leopards but also coveted that man’s wife, having even held her captive in the Leopard House...

So, it was all true!

In an instant, everyone looked at Nie Cheng with sympathy, as if to say: "It matters not how heroic you are; you still cannot escape the fate of having your wife taken."

Nie Cheng: "..."

Shi Nian stiffened. She desperately wanted to pretend she hadn't heard, but showing disrespect to the Emperor in public was clearly impossible. Taking a deep breath, she walked to Zhu Houzhao’s side under the strange, burning gazes of the crowd.

"Your Majesty, did you call me for something?"

Zhu Houzhao smiled. "Can’t I call you if there’s nothing? Don't forget, you’re the one who said you wanted to come play with me."

Shi Nian and Nie Cheng hadn't been qualified to attend tonight’s banquet; it was because she had begged Zhu Houzhao that he agreed to let them come. At the time, Zhu Houzhao had laughed and asked, "You don't want to see Liu Jin, do you? Don't tell me you’re going there to crash the party."

Shi Nian said nothing at the comment, but Liu Jin chuckled. "The lady must be shy. Why does Your Majesty need to ask so clearly? Surely you understand a woman’s heart better than a lowly eunuch like me?"

It was an amusing remark, and Zhu Houzhao laughed lightly. "Actually, I wanted to ask if you like the food tonight? You treated me to a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner, so I wanted to return the favor. I just wonder what you think of the dishes at Liu Gonggong’s mansion?"

Liu Jin added, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I hear the lady’s culinary skills are superb, even better than the palace chefs. I fear my humble offerings cannot meet her standards."

His tone when mentioning Shi Nian was respectful; he even smiled at her. In fact, all night, he had been kind and friendly to her, as if they hadn't had a massive falling out. This attitude clearly pleased Zhu Houzhao, as Shi Nian was someone he valued. In Zhu Houzhao’s view, Liu Jin was at fault for the previous incident, and if he held a grudge and clashed with Shi Nian, it would only annoy him.

And since Zhu Houzhao lived to seek pleasure, he hated nothing more than people or things that caused him annoyance.

Thinking of this, Shi Nian smiled faintly. "Liu Gonggong is too modest. If I may say so, the dishes at your mansion are far better than those in the palace! Take this fish, for example. I hear it was caught in the South Sea and transported via a 800-li urgent horse courier—it was still alive when it arrived! Your Majesty, you are truly generous and considerate to your subjects. Such rare ingredients... not only have I never eaten them, but perhaps even you haven't either!"

Zhu Houzhao raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? This fish required that much effort?"

Both looked at Liu Jin. Shi Nian had malicious intent—extravagance, debauchery, and overstepping one’s bounds—these charges could be light or heavy, all depending on how one framed them. In history, there had been eunuchs who fell simply because they ate better than the Emperor.

Under her gaze, Liu Jin remained unperturbed. "I didn't intend to speak of it, but since the lady has noticed... to be honest, it was because I heard Your Majesty say the lady is well-traveled and has tasted all sorts of delicacies, so I thought I would find some rare foods for you to try. After all... Your Majesty has always wanted to regain his pride in front of you!"

Zhu Houzhao laughed out loud this time. He pointed at Liu Jin, seemingly helpless but full of indulgence. "As expected, of all the people in the palace, you, Liu Gonggong, understand my heart the best! This fish was a good choice; my pride is in your hands!"

Shi Nian’s strike had failed, and instead, the opponent had turned it into a merit for himself. Her heart sank. Liu Jin looked up at the right moment and met Shi Nian’s gaze. This time, she clearly saw disgust and triumph in his eyes.

That look seemed to say: "Do you think you can do anything to me? You’re just daydreaming."

Shi Nian had been furious, but a thought suddenly struck her, and her expression turned grave. Historical records stated that Liu Jin was not well-read and was not particularly skilled in political maneuvering, relying entirely on the Emperor’s favor to rise to power. He was never a mastermind, and he was known to be petty, vengeful, and vindictive. Yet, this man tonight was able to swallow his pride and parry with her. Just as Lu Zhiyao said, this Liu Jin they encountered was far too clever.

She had originally thought it was due to a historical shift that his intelligence had increased, but looking at his performance just now—that look of a petty man gloating—it was all too obvious.

A thought suddenly occurred to Shi Nian: perhaps the previous strategy wasn't his own, but rather someone brilliant guiding him from the shadows...

Liu Jin was feeling triumphant tonight.

After that letter was delivered, the Emperor was indeed deeply moved, not only visiting in person but hosting a banquet for all the officials here. This act undoubtedly let the entire court see that he, Liu Jin, had not only failed to collapse but had risen even higher in the Emperor’s heart!

Even that woman who acted lawlessly because of the Emperor’s favor dared not be impudent with him now. Liu Jin felt the gloom of the past few days swept away; he was truly refreshed!

He wasn't the only one feeling vindicated; the officials who clung to him also breathed a sigh of relief. Before, when Liu Jin was in trouble, they had all been walking on thin ice. Now that their patron was as stable as ever, they straightened their backs. One official looked across the room and suddenly said, "Master Xiya, why are you so silent and dejected tonight? The Emperor is hosting a banquet; are you not happy?"

The "Master Xiya" who was addressed looked up. He had snow-white hair and a weathered face, clearly over sixty years old. He looked at the official’s provocative smile and replied calmly, "Master Liu is joking. When the Emperor hosts a banquet, no subject could be anything but moved to tears."

Shi Nian had never met this man, but she recognized the title. Xiya—could this be Li Dongyang, the current Senior Grand Secretary of the Cabinet?

Speaking of Li Dongyang, he was a pivotal figure in the Zhengde era. History books had once commented: "Serving for fifty years, holding the reins of the state for eighteen, his integrity never wavered." He was a great, loyal official, yet for the last ten years of his life, he endured the insults of the entire world, all because of Liu Jin.

Over these years, Liu Jin had controlled the government, taken bribes, and acted recklessly. Honest officials in the court either died or left; only Li Dongyang remained. He played along with Liu Jin and even sent him gifts to protect his position. However, he didn't do this out of greed for power, but because he didn't want the Ming Dynasty to fall completely into the hands of a eunuch if he were to leave as well. At the same time, he was constantly trying to rescue others persecuted by Liu Jin.

Shi Nian felt that Li Dongyang’s actions could be described as "sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall"—enduring humiliation for a greater cause. In original history, it was because of his persistence that the Liu Jin faction was eventually destroyed. Yet, while he endured, almost no one understood him. Everyone thought he had joined the eunuch faction and disgraced the reputation of scholars; even his own son blamed him for lacking integrity.

If nothing had changed, Liu Jin would be dead by now, and Li Dongyang would have laid down his burdens and retired to his hometown. But now, Liu Jin was still alive, and Li Dongyang had to continue suffering in this court.

Liu Jin laughed upon hearing this. "Is that so? Does Grand Secretary Li really think so? Even in my mansion, you don't mind at all? I remember, back then, you were too proud to set foot in my humble home..."

The banquet went silent. Everyone understood the implication of Liu Jin’s words. In the first year of Zhengde, Li Dongyang had openly opposed Liu Jin with a group of officials and had refused Liu Jin’s invitation to visit. Later, those officials were all driven away, leaving only Li Dongyang—and the place he once refused to come to, he was now attending.

Everyone watched them. After a long silence, Li Dongyang smiled faintly. "Being able to come to Liu Gonggong’s mansion is my honor. Where could there be any talk of minding?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the other officials revealed looks of disdain. Crucially, it wasn't just the officials who opposed Liu Jin; even Liu Jin’s own supporters looked at him with contempt, as if they looked down on Li Dongyang’s conduct.

Shi Nian looked at the people in the hall, and then at the lonely Li Dongyang, and suddenly felt a surge of anger. You all claim to be loyal, proud, and upright, yet none of you dared to stand up to Liu Jin! The others were even more ridiculous—having already defected to the eunuch, yet acting as if they were better than someone else?!

Shi Nian had admired Li Dongyang from the history books, and now, seeing him insulted in person, she felt her blood boiling. She suddenly looked toward the dais. This should have been a clear and bright court, this should have been a peaceful world, but the reality was that a eunuch held power, loyal officials were wronged, the world was dark, and the lives of the people were as cheap as grass.

And the person responsible for all this stood beside Zhu Houzhao, beside the supreme imperial power, feeling smug as if he could control the entire world.

Shi Nian suddenly stood up. The movement was so abrupt that everyone in the hall froze, looking at her in confusion. Zhu Houzhao also asked, "What is it?"