Chapter 40#

Wen Zhuo narrowed his eyes, peering carefully for a long while before he could finally discern what Shen Chen was pointing at.#

Then his face suddenly turned as pale as paper, as if in this tranquil and peaceful dusk, a bitter winter wind had abruptly risen. He couldn’t help but shiver, the cuffs of his sleeves trembling slightly.

In the next instant, fury surged up like a volcanic eruption. In the blink of an eye, he rushed down the stone steps, glaring at Shen Chen, his molars clenched so tight they ached. “You truly have a heart of stone! Mo Shu suffered cruel tortures in his past life and never uttered a single word about you. Otherwise, you would have long since become a ghost beneath Shen Ting’s blade!”

Shen Chen’s posture was leisurely, a mock smile curling at the corner of his lips. He observed Wen Zhuo’s loss of composure with perfect clarity. He had never expected to obtain Wen Zhuo’s forgiveness—even if a faint ripple occasionally stirred in the depths of his heart, it vanished in an instant.

Now, having finally seized the upper hand in this trepidatious game, he completely cast aside that fleeting thought.

“Times have changed.” Shen Chen spoke slowly, his chest shaking with laughter. “I find it strange—how could you ask such a naive question, Wen Shi? In our past lives, weren’t we always able to be ruthless together? Or have you followed Shen Zheng’s path and turned into a mediocre fool overflowing with misplaced kindness and endless hesitation?”

He wished that with every word he spoke, he could shatter Wen Zhuo even further. Thus, his smile grew more brilliant, as if it had been a long time since he had found anything so delightful.

“Shen Chen, you are utterly beyond redemption,” Wen Zhuo said coldly.

Shen Chen’s smile faded, his eyes suddenly turning sinister. “Master Wen, speaking recklessly to me like this—aren’t you afraid I’ll punish you for it?”

Wen Zhuo couldn’t be bothered to waste more words with him. With a flick of his robe, he turned and strode toward the gates of the imperial city.

The evening wind whipped his garments loudly, his official robes fluttering like a butterfly’s wings, curling and twisting in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Shen Chen watched his hasty retreat, merely letting out a light snort. In truth, he knew that even if he were to report Wen Zhuo’s words to Emperor Shunyuan, the emperor wouldn’t believe him—it would only bring trouble upon himself.

He curled his lips into a cold smirk. “By now, Xie Langyang must have already entered the Yongning Hou Mansion.”

Too late, Wen Shi.

To only now realize that disaster was imminent—far, far too late.

It seemed that the few heart-wrenching tears he had shed for Mo Shu in his past life had ultimately numbed Wen Zhuo’s judgment.

But the moment Wen Zhuo stepped out through the Chengtian Gate, the anxiety and fury on his face vanished without a trace.

He smoothed the wrinkled sleeves of his robe, panting slightly as he walked toward the small, red-lacquered sedan chair.

Running at full speed for this stretch had truly exhausted him.

If that beast hadn’t come barging in to meet him head-on, he wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of putting on this act.

Speaking of which, those two beasts were rather amusing—one called him ruthless and merciless, the other accused him of overflowing with kindness.

The two most crucial fools in this game had made their entrance, each at odds with the other.

“Not going home first. To the Yongning Hou Mansion.” Once in the sedan, Wen Zhuo ordered his attendant.

Through the curtain, the young servant asked, “Sir, is there a hurry? It’s rush hour on Fu’an Lane and Shuiwei Lane. If you’re in a hurry, we’ll have to take a detour.”

“No hurry. Let’s just go with the flow.” Wen Zhuo closed his eyes to rest, replying leisurely.

Stepping into the Yongning Hou Mansion once more, Xie Langyang truly felt as if an age had passed.

But in his past life, he could wholeheartedly befriend Jun Dingyuan and Mo Shu. Returning to this place today, however, he had to carry murderous intent in his heart.

It was truly torment for him.

He walked with his head lowered behind Jun Dingyuan, his footsteps light, as if afraid to disturb even a single brick or tile of this residence.

“We’ll likely need to see my father for a moment. I left the capital too early and haven’t established my own household yet. I ask for your understanding, Vice Minister Xie.” Jun Dingyuan spoke as they walked.

“I wouldn’t dare.” Xie Langyang’s face showed a hint of shame. “Last time at the Guanlin Platform, the Marquis’s guidance greatly benefited me. I shall naturally pay my respects.”

In his heart, he smiled bitterly. To think that Blind Crane was still safe and sound, while he himself had entered the game in the guise of a wolf—truly ironic.

“Oh? Is that so?” Jun Dingyuan smiled when he heard this. He stepped across the mansion’s threshold, the hem of his robe fluttering sharply and cleanly. “My father is advanced in years and quite stubborn. Some of his words may be overly old-fashioned. There’s no need to take them to heart, Vice Minister Xie.”

“I wouldn’t dare. What the Marquis says is always words of wisdom.”

Jun Dingyuan was in excellent spirits today after receiving the emperor’s favor, and he went so far as to lead Xie Langyang all the way into the second courtyard.

“Huaishen is back!” A booming voice rang out. Yongning Hou, Jun Guangping, had just finished practicing a set of boxing techniques. He was still wearing a plain short jacket, sweat beading on his forehead.

Hearing the commotion, he deliberately came out from the inner courtyard.

Ever since his military authority had been stripped away, he had devoted himself entirely to cultivating his character and living a life of extreme simplicity—content and at ease.

This was exactly as Xie Langyang remembered it. The only difference was that there was a little more weariness at the corners of Jun Guangping’s eyes, and faint dark circles beneath them, as if he hadn’t slept well for days.

“Oh, we have a guest?” Jun Guangping halted his steps.

Xie Langyang bowed. “Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Xie Langyang, pays respects to the Marquis.”

“It’s you.” Jun Guangping looked Xie Langyang over, paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “I won’t disturb your discussions. Huaishen, come to the study later, and we’ll have a proper talk between father and son.”

From the direction of the study came the ongoing sounds of hammering and smashing, occasionally sending up clouds of dust that drifted over the roofline.

Xie Langyang felt puzzled. He didn’t recall Jun Guangping ever renovating his residence in the past life. Could it be that something had happened in this life to influence his decision?

Just as he was pondering this, a figure dressed in gray-blue coarse linen emerged from the study door. The figure was wiping his hands with a wet cloth in his left hand, favoring his right foot slightly, limping as he walked.

“Huaishen, I couldn’t find your family’s collection of books…”

As the voice reached his ears, Xie Langyang’s internal organs seemed to jolt violently. Hot sweat broke out on his back in an instant.

Mo Shu!

Jun Dingyuan had actually hidden Mo Shu in the Marquis’s mansion again!

Seeing Mo Shu once more, Xie Langyang struggled to contain his emotions. Recalling the events of his past life, righteousness and ambition waged a fierce battle in his heart, nearly suffocating him.

He quickly turned his face away, unable to bear looking at this living, breathing Mo Shu. He feared that if he looked too long, he would soften, waver, and undo all his efforts.

Mo Shu, suddenly spotting a stranger in official robes standing in the courtyard, froze briefly. Then, quickly composing himself, he put on an expression of humility and obedience. “General, you instructed me to organize the library. I’m too dull-witted to have found what you seek.”

Jun Dingyuan and Mo Shu exchanged a quick glance. Wen Zhuo had already informed them that Xie Langyang was Shen Chen’s trusted confidant, and that it was Xie who had devised the scheme to frame Shen Zheng in the Spring Terrace Chess Gathering case.

Understanding dawned in Jun Dingyuan’s heart. He raised an eyebrow and explained to Xie Langyang, “This is my personal attendant. We military men aren’t too particular about formalities. I indulge them by allowing them to address me by name. Please forgive the informality, Vice Minister Xie.”

“Not at all. The General’s generous heart and care for his subordinates are a blessing to his men.” Xie Langyang forced a faint smile.

But inwardly, he sneered. Jun Dingyuan’s explanation was far too transparent. Even if he hadn’t known Mo Shu’s true identity, seeing such blatant familiarity from an attendant would have raised suspicion.

Mo Shu understood the message and lowered his eyes. “I’ve disturbed the General in receiving his guest. Li Ping is guilty and will take his leave.”

“Wait.” Jun Dingyuan called him back, thought for a moment, then turned to Xie Langyang. “These old things at home are truly in urgent need of sorting. Please bear with me for a moment, Vice Minister Xie. I’ll be right back.”

With that, he quickly walked over to Mo Shu’s side, feigning a light scold as he said, “You need to familiarize yourself with the manor as soon as possible. Otherwise, how will you serve me in the future?”

These words were deliberately spoken for Xie Langyang’s benefit, yet he instinctively reached out to support ‘Li Ping’ by the elbow, helping to ease the strain on his foot.

Xie Langyang saw this clearly and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Jun Dingyuan had always been sharp and unsuited for concealment. This single gesture revealed that ‘Li Ping’ was no mere personal attendant but someone he held in the highest regard.

He further reflected that only someone as profound and steady as Mo Shu could temper Jun Dingyuan’s impulsive edge, allowing this rare and formidable general to unleash his full potential on the battlefield.

The thought only made his heart ache more.

To break Mo Shu would be to break half of the Daqian Empire’s southern iron wings—truly a grievous sin.

Jun Dingyuan led Mo Shu to a secluded corner. After making sure Xie Langyang hadn’t followed, he asked in a low voice, “Senior Brother, how was my acting?”

Mo Shu gave a light sigh. “Vice Minister Xie has such a dignified and solemn appearance. It’s hard to believe he could be so malicious.”

Jun Dingyuan’s eyes darkened. “Since his first scheme failed, he’ll be looking for another opportunity. Seeing me slip up today, he’ll surely investigate your identity upon his return. It seems that the death trap Master Wen has set is meant for him and Shen Chen.”

Mo Shu had grown up within his master’s sect, where brothers shared a bond of utmost loyalty and entrusted their lives to one another. The undercurrents of the imperial court filled him with dread.

“The struggle for imperial power is truly brutal. There’s not a shred of warmth between brothers, let alone when your family raised the Sixth Prince and his mother. It’s chilling to think about.”

Jun Dingyuan said indignantly, “I never liked Consort Yi. My elder sister was straightforward and free-spirited. She initially treated her like a true sister. Back then, we’d often spar with fists and feet, and my sister would always beat me until I was fuming. That’s when Consort Yi would come with her fake sympathy, using her words to sow discord between us siblings. Though I occasionally bickered with my sister, I knew the difference between close and distant. She did it over and over, which made me suspicious. I privately warned my sister, but she didn’t take it seriously.”

Mo Shu analyzed, “Consort Yi was the daughter of an embroiderer. She herself mastered the art of Nasa embroidery, so she must have been coveted by many local gentry and merchants in her early years. Surviving in the cracks for so long turned her into what she is.”

“Enough of that. I’ll go back to playing along with him.” Jun Dingyuan turned to leave.

“Hey, Huaishen.” Mo Shu stopped him, smiling wryly. “I really don’t know where the books are kept. I’ve barely read anything since returning to the capital this past month. I’m truly restless and curious.”

“The study is being renovated with a secret passage. The books have all been moved to the storeroom. I’ll take you there.” Jun Dingyuan temporarily set aside Xie Langyang and led Mo Shu to the storeroom.

Xie Langyang’s legs had grown sore from standing by the time Jun Dingyuan returned.

“Oh, how could I leave you waiting in the courtyard? These servants have grown too lax—they forgot to invite you inside for tea.” Jun Dingyuan gestured for him to sit in the main hall.

“Did you find the books you were looking for?” Xie Langyang asked.

“Mm.” Jun Dingyuan seemed unwilling to discuss it further and changed the subject. “There are many meritorious generals this time. I’ve reported them all to you. As for their assignments, please submit them to the emperor through the Ministry of Personnel. There’s no need to inform me—I have no intention of repeating the mistakes of my predecessors and creating some kind of ‘Jun Selection.’”

“The General is thoughtful. I admire your prudence.” Xie Langyang exchanged a few pleasantries before diligently going over the roster of officers with him.

After fulfilling his duties for the Ministry of Personnel, Xie Langyang left in haste, not even finishing his cup of tea.

The moment he stepped out of the Marquis’s mansion, Wen Zhuo arrived in a hurry.

All of this was clearly observed by Shen Chen’s spies placed near the mansion.

As night deepened and the Forbidden City was about to lock its gates, the spy made it back to the Prince’s residence in time. Changing into the usual eunuch’s attire, he reported everything in a falsetto voice.

Shen Chen shot to his feet. “You say that the Jun family hid Mo Shu in the Shenmu Factory under the jurisdiction of the Construction and Repair Department, taking advantage of the dark?”

“I saw him go in with my own eyes. The explanation given to the Shenmu Factory was that General Jun had taken in a homeless person on his way back to the capital and was helping him find a job in the city.”

After his initial surprise, Shen Chen laughed more freely than before. “As expected of Wen Zhuo. He knows that such a trivial matter—the Shenmu Factory would be willing to do Jun Dingyuan a favor and wouldn’t report it to the Construction Department—so the Ministry of Works would never know. But the Ministry of Works is the Wise Prince’s territory. By using this move to drag the Wise Prince into it, he intends to make the most of this discarded piece, Mo Shu! When the incident comes to light, the Wise Prince won’t be able to clear himself. Though he has lost Mo Shu and the Jun family, being able to use this opportunity to eliminate the Wise Prince is a desperate gamble on his part. Unfortunately, even if the Wise Prince falls, he’s only paving the way for me!”

Emperor Shunyuan already harbored a grudge against the Wise Prince over the Crown Prince impeachment case. If he discovered that the Wise Prince was also connected to Jun Dingyuan, he would surely suspect that the Wise Prince had reached into the military. What a prince would want with military power went without saying, and Emperor Shunyuan would no longer tolerate him.

Shen Chen was in excellent spirits. He drained the warm wine in his cup in one go.

He was accustomed to being cautious. Having lived in the palace all these years, he feared saying the wrong word or doing the wrong thing. Even with wine, he drank sparingly, never daring to get drunk. Today, he could finally indulge a little.

Buoyed by the wine, he threw on his outer robe and, for the first time, strode with his head high into the Yuyong Palace where Consort Liang resided.

According to palace rules, once a prince came of age, he was not to meet with any imperial consort other than his own mother in private. But Shen Chen had called Consort Liang ‘Mother Consort’ since childhood and addressed Consort Yi as ‘Aunt Yi’, effectively having been raised by two women—so it wasn’t considered a breach of etiquette.

Besides, Consort Liang had grown estranged from Emperor Shunyuan and hadn’t attended to him in ten years. The emperor, completely entangled by the Precious Consort, had long forgotten this place.

“Mother Consort Liang, I heard that Uncle returned victorious today and received Father’s personal praise. I came especially to offer my congratulations.” Shen Chen’s voice arrived before he did, his hands clasped behind his back, face ruddy as he walked in.

Two eunuchs inside were wiping down the column bases. Seeing the prince, they hurriedly bowed, but Shen Chen didn’t spare them a glance.

“Oh? Why are Mother Consort and Fifth Brother standing in the hall?” Shen Chen’s eyes were sharp. He spotted Liang and Shen Zheng with grave expressions, as if something was weighing on their minds.

Shen Zheng stepped forward, blocking the door unceremoniously, and said flatly, “We accept your congratulations, but we have no time to see outsiders today.”

Shen Chen smiled innocently, feigning ignorance. “Where are there any outsiders? We’re brothers, close as can be. I heard the celebration banquet was moved to tomorrow. Did Fifth Brother have enough to eat tonight?”

Shen Zheng let out a cold laugh. “You came just to ask if I’ve eaten?”

Shen Chen was very pleased with Shen Zheng’s anger and anxiety right now. It meant Shen Zheng had already learned about Mo Shu and was worrying about the Jun family’s fate.

Shen Chen pretended to be surprised, speaking in a good-natured tone. “Why is Fifth Brother in such a bad mood today? Not as spirited as he was at the special banquet?”

Shen Zheng watched him put on his act in silence, saying nothing.

Consort Liang, with her back turned, didn’t look around. Her voice sounded somewhat strained as she said, “Zheng’er, enough said. Shen Chen, I have no time for you. Please go back.”

“It seems I came at a bad time. Fifth Brother and Mother Consort are both in a foul mood.” Shen Chen’s expression turned despondent. “But Fifth Brother, no matter what the trouble, don’t worry. The Astronomical Bureau says you’re protected by the gods. I believe you’ll surely turn misfortune into fortune and shock the world.”

“No need to see you out.” Shen Zheng looked down at him from his superior height, spitting out two hard words.

Shen Chen puffed out his chest like a pigeon and walked away briskly.

The moment he was gone, Shen Zheng quickly rubbed the tense muscles in his face and let out a long breath. “My god. Was this a challenge not to laugh? He’s just too hilarious!”

Consort Liang had been holding herself together with sheer willpower to avoid giving anything away.

She hurriedly leaned over the table and downed a large gulp of tea to compose herself. “I never found that wretch so ridiculous before. Coming at us out of nowhere like that—it caught me off guard.”

Shen Zheng sat back down, playing with the teacup on the table, and said mockingly, “He’s cautious enough. He even came to test our reactions.”

Consort Liang sighed. “But I still can’t believe your uncle had the nerve to secretly harbor a fugitive from justice.”

Shen Zheng put down the teacup and sat up straight. “Mo Shu is a pillar of the state. Even if Uncle hadn’t brought it up, I would have been determined to protect him.”

Consort Liang shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. His father passed on his ultimate skills to Huaishen. Even if Mo Shu were just an ordinary man, our Jun family could never forget his kindness. But this time, we have to thank Master Wen for seeing through the scheme in time and turning the tables, sparing the Jun family from disaster. You must engrave this debt of gratitude in your heart. When you succeed to the great enterprise in the future, you must emulate the wisdom of Duke Huan of Qi and Emperor Taizong of Tang, and never betray his sincere support.”

“Of course.”

Shen Zheng thought to himself, Betray him? Impossible. The problem is, your son has ulterior motives… Your son is a cat-sexual!