Fifteen years later...

    The Fragrant Gold Chrysanthemum Quarter (Jin Juxiang), Yang Manor

    Yang Gong built up an exquisite residence for his granddaughter. It was the only residence with a private garden designed for her to practice becoming a lady as elegant and prepared as those in the royal court. The garden featured marble walls and golden-roofed pavilions, with moon gates carved into perfect circles and adorned with intricate patterns that harmonized with the corridor leading to a beautiful waterside pavilion. The maids from other residence often lingered nearby, drawn by the lady's zither music, speculating about when the master would send her to the palace.

    "The young miss is delicate and adorable like a finely crafted doll, unrivaled in her zither playing. Hm, how I wonder which fortunate gentleman will have her as his precious wife."

    "The young miss is as beautiful as a goddess. Master Yang Gong surely adores her like the apple of his eye. Even as a woman, my heart flutters every time I see her sweet smile."

    The maids from other residence craned their necks, eager to glimpse the beautiful lady. A maid from Jin Juxiang overheard them and asked with a smirking face. "Are you talking about Miss Jiurong?"

    "Yes, why? Miss Jiu Rong is an exceptional lady. I only see her during the morning greetings to our master, her elegance and manners are so refined. I even mistook her for a princess once. And her zither music, the more I listen, the more enchanted I become."

    "You must be the new maid."

    "How did you know?"

    While they were chatting, the zither music from Jin Juxiang suddenly ceased. The maids saw Miss Yang Jiurong running swiftly, barefooted, with laughter echoing while her brother chased closely behind. The new maids were agape, seeing the usually composed young lady sticking out her tongue and making faces at everyone.

    "Heh, heh, Catch me if you can!"

    "Jiu Rong! Have I not told you to stay away from my horse?"

    "Ha, ha, what harm is there in me taking a little ride? You're such a miser, Brother Shao Ming! "Yang Jiurong, the eldest granddaughter of Yang Gong was blessed with beauty since she was young. Not only was she proficient in singing and dancing, but she also excelled in playing the transverse flute and the ancient zither. Although she was praised for her outstanding beauty, Yang Shaoming, her older brother, knew all too well how mischievous she could be, hence he brought along a thin cane.

    "Prince Zhao Lu entrusted it to me for care. If anything happens, who will be responsible? Jiu Rong!"

    "When I applied the blush on Zhenzhen's cheeks, she liked it. Brother Shaoming is not a woman. You wouldn't understand."

    "Jiu Rong! Zhenzhen is a male!" Yang Shaoming lost his patience. He wouldn't have minded if she rode the horse normally like everyone else, but she ventured into the water to pick lotus flowers from the pond, getting the beautiful white horse all muddy. Moreover, she even daubed rouge on the horse's face, creating spots. Yang Shaoming, following closely behind his mischievous sister, didn't expect her to suddenly turn around, clap her hands, and sing like a chirping bird.

    "Dear brother, dear brother, Jiu Rong is naughty, please don't be angry, please don't be angry. Ahem, let's be friends, give Jiu Rong a smile. Look, even the bunny is laughing, ahem, laugh with Jiu Rong three times, ha, ha, ha, ha."

    Her laughter, soft one moment and loud the next, turned into melody, and no one could help but join in.

    "You... still acting like a child. You'll soon be married."

    "Jiu Rong won't marry. Jiu Rong will stay with grandfather."

    Yang Jiurong was bright and cheerful like the first bloom, never touched by sorrow. No matter how angry he was, Yang Shaoming's heart would soften, and though known as a fearsome imperial guard, he would only scold his sister lightly and then instruct the maids to take good care of Miss Jiurong and not let her wander off to mischief again. But soon after her stern brother left, Jiu Rong would ask her younger relatives to play together.

    "Baoyu. Chuchu. Let's play tag, and if I am able to catch you, you must help me gather flowers."

    "If you can't catch us, you have to make us treats."

    "Heh, heh, alright, if you can outrun me, I'll make you treats."

    All the Yang clan children loved being with Yang Jiurong because she was kind, good at storytelling and always had tasty treats for them. Other than that, she would be their playmate, unlike other siblings her age who were already behaving like adults, Not playing like a kid anymore.

    "Older Sister, this way, this way. ha, ha!" She chased after the younger ones, draped in a ghostly sheet. Her shrieks and laughter reaching the guest residence where Yang Gong was in discussion with an important guest. The nanny rushed to stop them since she was afraid of them causing a problem.

    "Go over there, block the way! If the master gets angry, we'll all be beheaded! Stop her quickly!"

    "Yes, ma'am."

    Yang Jiurong realized too late that her grandfather was hosting guests. The children’s noisy game was unforgivable. Knowing his granddaughter’s influence, Yang Gong intended to scold her severely, but Yang Jiurong cast aside her ghostly garment and appeared at the guesthouse door, composed as if nothing had happened.

    “What’s all this fuss? Grandfather is hosting an important guest, and it’s unacceptable to be rude. Has no one offered tea yet?”

    She clapped her hands, summoning the maids, then bowed deeply to her grandfather and the esteemed guest, as gracefully as a folded piece of fabric.

    “I apologize for the disturbance at the Yang Manor. I will teach the younger one proper manner, so they won’t embarrass you, grandfather. Please allow me to fetch some tea and snacks for you and Uncle Chen.”

    She took care of the tea service with elegant poise before retreating from the room and dashing after the younger siblings. The guests, unaware of her impish nature, praised her manners, predicting she would grow into an even more admirable lady. These compliments reminded Yang Gong of a previous conversation with the Empress Dowager, prompting him to observe his granddaughter more closely before instructing his trusted sons and officials to gather for a discussion.

    “I was always confident that Emperor’s direct lineage like Prince Zhao Lu would ascend the throne, but unexpectedly, the emperor chose an adopted son instead, giving the Empress power again.

    Over the years, the emperor favored Taizi, but as people grow comfortable in their positions, they become careless, displeasing the Emperor. I see this as an opportunity to ally with Prince Zhao Lu, dethroning Taizi.

    Now that over half the officials side with Prince Zhao Lu, I plan to quickly declare our support for him as the Crown Prince, then poison and eliminate him afterward, establishing the Yang family’s prominence. What are your thoughts?” Yang Gong consulted with his sons, broaching the bold subject of overthrowing the throne.

    “I agree. Currently, Taizi is no longer favored as before, seen as weak. The other day, the Emperor sent for him to discuss state affairs, but Taiz was too drunk to even stand, which greatly angered His Majesty.”

    “Taizi has tried several times to diminish our power. The quicker Prince Zhao Lu eliminates him, the better for us.”

    The most recent conflict arose last month when the governor of Luo, an ally of Yang Gong, was caught trying to bribe a border general to defect. Instead of negotiating discreetly beforehand, the Crown Prince apparently ordered the man’s execution.

    “Father, be cautious; this might be a trap.”

    “A trap? It is clear they do not regard our Yang family. If Taizi never learn to go with the flow, why should we support him?”

    The first goal was for Yang Gong to be the only person to control the royal court, significant step was to employ a puppet.

    “Jiu Rong, how old is she this year?”

    “She was born in the year of the Rabbit; she is fifteen this year, father. Ah, she might be playful, but I will instruct Furen to be stricter.”

    “Her vivacity is our trump card. I must hurry.”

    “What plan have you devised, father?” Yang Jiancheng was concerned for his daughter. Although his father’s edicts were absolute, forbidding any dispute, he wished to know the fate Yang Gong was plotting for Jiu Rong.

    “I will present her to Prince Zhao Lu. But to do so outright would lessen Jiu Rong’s value and might lead to rejection. I have a plan in mind. Once agreed upon, the Yang family will support Prince Zhao Lu as the next emperor. The plan we discussed for the emperor’s assassination can then proceed. Keep this as an utterly secret. Do not leak it.”

    “Understood.”

    Yang Jiancheng looked uneasy, troubled by his father idea of using his niece as a catalyst in their schemes. Yang Gong ordered secrecy, not allowing Jiu Rong to know as marriage is a transaction, not a matter of emotion. She would be informed only when the wedding preparations were underway, and refusal was not an option, regardless of his affection for her, Yang Gong’s order was the absolute.

    Presenting a niece to royalty must be done subtly.

    A noble lady should not be introduced to strangers directly, but Yang Gong needed to display this ‘item’ to the prince. Thus, he orchestrated an event under the guise of venerating a sacred Buddha statue at an ancient temple sponsored by the Yangs, inviting Prince Zhao Lu to attend for honor.

    Yang Jiurong was ordered to pray there too, as temples were among the few places where noble ladies could be alone. She was to bathe in scented water and pray within the chapel all day, focusing on tranquility, awaiting Prince Zhao Lu ‘coincidental' encounter with the beautiful lady.

    Yang Gong arranged for two maids to watch over his niece strictly, prohibiting her from leaving the chapel prematurely. That day, she wore a light blue gown embroidered with gold silk thread, simple yet tasteful like a high society lady. The skirt is embroidered with small bright floral patterns pleasing to the eye. Yang Gong directed her to kneel and pray at a spot where the afternoon sun would caress her youthful cheeks perfectly, ensuring Prince Zhao Lu would be captivated and determined to claim her.

    "Please, this way, Your Highness."

    "Thank you, Master Yang Gong."

    Prince Zhao Lu's demeanor was as casual as clouds drifting and water flowing. Known for his handsome features and impressive presence, many blind fortune-tellers touched his face, concurring he was destined for great fortune. And indeed, the predictions seemed accurate, as whenever he made a decision, the capital trembled.

    "Master Yang, finding an excuse to bring me here to worship couldn't have been out of mere piety, I presume. It would be better if you spoke frankly. What are you seeking?"

    The Dragon Throne... Yang Gong thought. I desire the Dragon Throne.

    "I am seeking a suitable person. This land abounds with capable individuals. One could fill carts and still not exhaust them, put them in bushels and still be unable to finish. Yet, they are all inferior to me."

    "Why is that?"

    "Because those people do not know how to choose their master wisely. But I do."

    Having said that, Yang Gong kneeled to show his allegiance, signaling the Yang clan's support for Prince Zhao Lu. "The same land yields both rice and weeds, the same river carries both dragon boats and rafts of straw. I am now certain of who the dragon boat is. Your Highness carry the emperor’s bloodline, rightfully destined to ascend the throne, not that other person."

    "Well answered... You've maintained your stance throughout. Why decide on me now?"

    "Heaven cannot harbor two suns. I merely chose the sun that shines the brightest. I myself am but a flickering candle flame, concerned only for my descendants, hoping that in the future, Your Highness will continue to uphold and support the Yang clan."

    "Hmph! Wise indeed. Those siding with Taizi are akin to throwing buns to dogs."

    Zhao Lu shifted his fan elegantly, his demeanor bold and revealing. The attire was finely tailored garments, his adornments, from the jade ring on his thumb to the jade pendant, were all exquisite and rare. His unique scent, a blend of incense cones and alcohol. By lineage, Prince Zhao Lu was the eldest son of the current Emperor, backed by the Sima clan, Qi Guifei’s family, he stood as a prime candidate for the title of Crown Prince, though fate seemed against his claim.

    "The Emperor neglects, preferring a nephew over his own son. I must find a way to fix this."

    "I am fully prepared to assist Your Highness with all my abilities."

    "Good. If you keep your word, I shall duly reward your efforts."

    Yang Gong maintained a diplomatic facade with the prince, evaluating that this vigorous young prince was worthy of support. He personally escorted Prince Zhao Lu up the mountain, only a few dozen steps away from the temple when they 'coincidentally' encountered someone.

    "Uncle Jing."

    "Your Highness, what a coincidence! I, too, am here to pray. How fares Consort Qi?"

    "My mother is well. And you are here to worship as well?"

    Zhao Lu clasped his hand then casually greeted him. Since Qi Guifei was the younger sister of Sima Jing, he was indeed the prince's uncle and acted as an advisor. This man was a high-ranking official, outwardly gentle and trustworthy, with a title as high as Taipu[1], but inwardly narrow-minded and highly skeptical.

    "Wherever Your Highness is, a loyal servant like me must ensure your safety. Master Yang Gao, it seems like you owe me three drinks for bringing the prince here and not inviting me."

    "I thought you were busy. Rest assured; you will be invited next time."

    Yang Gao smiled amicably, though his true feelings were quite the opposite. Sima Jing’s younger sister was Yang Gao's daughter-in-law. So, Initially, Sima Jing respected Yang Gao as a senior relative. In the same way, Yang Gao respected Sima Jing as he was from the old aristocratic family. However, since the Emperor appointed Sima clan’s member to a higher-noble rank, diminishing Yang Gao's influence, moreover, Sima Jing advised the Emperor to relegated him to a royal teacher, the position with no power, the conflict between two parties intensified, each vying fiercely for dominance.

    The Sima clan and the Yang clan have long been locked in a struggle for power. Their appearance today was certainly no coincidence, but a subtle message to Yang Gao that the Sima clan was aware of his schemes. They seem to caution him not to present a borrowed lotus flower in reverence[2]. In the meantime, the Sima clan sought to use Yang Gong's influence to support Prince Zhao Lu's ascension to the throne. Once the disloyal Yang Gong is no longer necessary, the Yang clan too will be disposed of.

    The two parties exchange glances, each hiding their swords beneath their smiles, then laugh as if they are long-time friends.

    "Master Yang Gao, you seldom join the prince's table. I thought you preferred dining with Taizi."

    "I am an old official, cautious of slander, hence my restraint. Taizi only has a reputation but no wisdom. I do not wish to speak ill needlessly. If we two factions quarrel, we will both suffer, only giving Taizi an advantage. We better cooperate to overthrow the Crown Prince and elevate Prince Zhao Lu; that would be the right thing to do."

    "Exactly, Master Yang Gao, you have echoed my thoughts."

    Sima Jing was a fox, he surely knew the insincerity in the other's words, but for mutual benefit, he agrees temporarily. Yang Gao hastened to execute their plan, using his niece as a tool to control Prince Zhao Lu. Just let the prince be captivated by her; with a soft knife[3], one can surely slaughter a person to death.

    Yang Gao opened the chapel door, leading the distinguished man inside with a victorious expression, but the meditation cushion is empty.

    Where has Jiu Rong gone?!

    The old nobleman glared, and the maids responsible for watching the young miss pointed at the window then knelt while trembling with fear. Without the beautiful niece, Yang Gong's plans crumbled, an unforgivable error causing his mustache to twitch in anger, yet he contained his fury to avoid arousing Prince Zhao Lu's suspicion.

    "It seems like Master Yang Gao wished for the prince to meet someone. Can you tell who it might be?"

    Sima Jing smirked, and then, as if on cue, a beautiful woman walking with her head down entered the chapel through another door. She had black eyes, a beautiful and gentle, voluptuous figure, dressed in eye-pleasing green attire. Her hair fragrant with incense cone and roses, wafting a soothing afternoon scent.

    She is Jiaojiao, the daughter of Sima Jing.

    "My apologies, Father. I was unaware you had company."

    Jiaojiao bowed gracefully. She was only eighteen, radiant in her youth. She met Prince Zhao Lu's gaze briefly before modestly lowering her eyes, her cheeks flushed with proper, demure shyness. The young prince gazed at her intently. Instead of calling his daughter to greet the prince, Sima Jing dismissively waved her away, and she then knelt and turned to leave with the aid of her maid.

    Her allure captivated Prince Zhao Lu. The movement of her lifting the hem of her dress slightly, revealing the trousers trimmed with golden silk thread, the same one that was on her dress, also, revealing her delicate ankles tucked into beautifully patterned satin shoes.

    "Jiaojiao has grown so much, I barely recognized her. Such clear, sparkling eyes, and a face as beautiful as a budding flower."

    "She is still a child, naive as ever. She was rude today; I beg the prince to forgive her."

    "Do not scold her, Uncle. I wouldn't want her to upset with me. I heard that she is musically talented. Tomorrow, I shall personally present her with a flute."

    "Your Highness's kindness to Jiaojiao is greatly appreciated. I will have a feast prepared with fine wine and flute music under the pear trees. Lord Yang Gao, do honor us with your presence."

    Sima Jing’s laughter was louder than necessary, and Yang Gong courteously agreed, though inwardly seething with frustration.

    How infuriating!

[1] The caretaker of the royal chariots, the royal horses, and the commander of weapon manufacturing, the chariots, and horses for the royal procession.

[2] "Borrow a knife to kill someone."

[3] Refers to using a woman as a tool to undermine the opposition.