A Love Never Lost Episode 18 Recap
> A Love Never Lost Recap
Liang Xiang was full of talent, yet was assigned to stand night watch at the government office. Originally, he could have become a Xietong of the Imperial Guard, but because Liang Xiang’s mother had designated Duo Mei, he had to turn down King Qing’s recommendation, and naturally, he would not be favored. Liang Xiang was complaining about this to Duo Mei when suddenly a carriage from the palace arrived.
According to the eunuch who came, the Empress Dowager had specifically summoned Liang Xiang for an audience. Even though a curtain separated Liang Xiang from the Empress Dowager Cixi, he could still feel the awe-inspiring presence of the Holy Mother Empress Dowager of the Qing Dynasty. The Empress Dowager asked when he had cut off his queue, and Liang Xiang truthfully replied that he had done so in his second year studying in Tokyo.
Among the imperial clan, Liang Xiang was the only one who had cut his queue. Prince Chun confirmed that there was no second case. Cixi then asked Liang Xiang about his views on the statement that “the capital is about to fall into chaos. ” Liang Xiang did not believe that. His answer struck a chord with Cixi.
When she learned that the clan school Prince Chun had proposed years ago had yet to start due to a lack of teachers, the Empress Dowager believed Liang Xiang could teach there. She then instructed Prince Chun to tell King Qing to start the classes immediately. Prince Chun had proposed the establishment of a clan school early on, hoping that the royal clan could gain control over military power, but due to various reasons, it had been shelved.
Now that someone had brought it up again, the matter became sensitive, pointing directly at Yuan Shikai, who controlled the Six Divisions of the New Army. Thus, the Imperial Military Academy for the Nobles was established in name, but since King Qing was Yuan Shikai’s backer in the palace, Yuan wouldn’t sabotage his own supporter. Now with the edict in hand, King Qing likely wouldn’t dare neglect it again.
Liang Xiang became an instructor at the clan school, and the princes and lords all became his students. Although Prince Chun was the top-ranking student, he knew very well that he couldn’t attend classes, as the court would assume he was trying to seize military control—he could only show up for roll call. Liang Xiang didn’t understand. Prince Chun said, this is the way of the court. None of the royal students attended the first class.
Liang Xiang was unwilling to back down and insisted on challenging these clan scions. Led by the Second Beile, the royal clan’s sons openly defied Liang Xiang in the cafeteria, overturning the food on the table. As expected, the incident reached King Qing’s ears. He had no choice but to promote Liang Xiang to Deputy Commissioner of Military Education, giving him charge of the academy's affairs.
King Qing knew very well that if he didn’t support Liang Xiang now, Liang Xiang might not appreciate his favor in the future. At the Third Division of the Beiyang New Army in Baoding, Zhili, Li Renjun reported to Yuan Shikai, then in command of the Third Division. Yuan Shikai immediately promoted him seven ranks, appointing him as adjutant of the Eighth Battalion of the Ninth Regiment of the Third Division.
From then on, the Third Division was to be responsible for coordinating between Yuan Shikai and the nobility. The commander ordered Li Renjun to make good use of his relationship with Liang Xiang, which would prove valuable in the future. Liang Xiang knew very well that once these princes were pushed too far, they could resort to any malicious tactic.
For his own safety, he transferred his two childhood friends, Rongge and Loge, and gave each of them a gun to take turns guarding him. Half a year later, due to Yang Kaizhi’s arrival, the situation in Yanji greatly improved, and several princes became aware of it. The Second Beile fired a gun at the academy and shot down a bird, boasting about his marksmanship.
Liang Xiang was furious and sternly scolded him, only to be cursed at by the Second Beile. Liang Xiang cursed him back and slapped him across the face. Unexpectedly, the gunshot echoed across the imperial forbidden grounds, startling the Empress Dowager who was admiring the lotus flowers. She sent a eunuch to inquire about the situation. Liang Xiang covered up the truth for the Second Beile, made up an excuse, and politely sent the eunuch away, then sternly announced the end of class.
