Chapter 81#

As New Year’s Day approached, the snow in the capital fell ever more fiercely. The accumulated snow on the long streets of the imperial halls had barely been cleared away by the young attendants with iron shovels when, within half an hour, a thin layer had settled once more.

The thin snow crunched under two pairs of thick boots as Bu Zhangyi and Shang Zhiqin walked side by side on their way to the Wenyuan Pavilion.

“It’s been two months now since the Fifth Prince and Chief Secretary Wen went to Xing and Jing prefectures to oversee disaster relief, hasn’t it?” Bu Zhangyi suddenly spoke.

A gust of strong wind blew in their faces, sending Shang Zhiqin’s beard flying wildly. He quickly pressed it down with one hand while raising the sleeve of his other arm to shield his eyes from the snowflakes.

“Exactly. Reports from Xing and Jing have been consistently good, but there’s been no news from Mian Prefecture. The messenger we sent to Lou Changsui has also gone quiet. My heart is in turmoil.”

“Lou Changsui is a capable man. It’s possible the messenger was kept in Mian Prefecture for a few days of hospitality. But I reckon it’ll be decided within these next couple of days. If he returns, all is well. If not, trouble is likely afoot.” Bu Zhangyi’s eyes flickered darkly. He looked up; large snowflakes were falling thick and fast, and the sky was overcast. “This winter is a bit warmer than last year—a good omen. Keep your anxiety to yourself for now, and don’t let it show, especially not before the Worthy Prince.”

“Of course I know that!” Shang Zhiqin let out a heavy sigh, the white mist of his breath instantly scattered by the cold wind. “Speaking of which, your days haven’t been easy either, have they? That Gu Weizhi has been opposing you at every turn ever since he came to the Ministry of Revenue. A few days ago, when an epidemic broke out in the Ministry of Justice’s prison, Luo Mingpu immediately went to the emperor to complain, claiming it was because the Ministry of Revenue kept delaying the repair funds that it nearly escalated into a disaster. Then, unexpectedly, Gu Weizhi stepped forward and admitted that the previous refusals to allocate funds by the Ministry of Revenue were unjustified, saying the money should have been released long ago. That move completely threw you under the cart!”

Having said this, Shang Zhiqin shook his head in frustration, a trace of sympathy in his tone: “In the end, you were reprimanded by His Majesty, while Luo Mingpu was heavily praised and, within a few days, ascended to the position of Minister.”

Bu Zhangyi’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Bao Side is old and dim-sighted, always dodging trouble. It was only a matter of time before Luo Mingpu replaced him; that’s no big deal. But now, His Majesty’s health is declining daily—forgive my impertinence, but he likely has little time left. As long as the Worthy Prince can hold the line, once the bigger picture is settled in the future, our days will soon improve.”

Shang Zhiqin nodded, a trace of worry easing from his face. “Let me tell you something uplifting. Do you know how Duke Liu is faring now?”

“Oh?” Bu Zhangyi turned his head. “I’ve been so busy raising funds for the Ministry of Justice that I haven’t had time to inquire about his condition. Wasn’t he said to be gravely ill a few days ago?”

“Indeed!” Shang Zhiqin chuckled. “Seven days ago, he suddenly vomited blood, looking as though his heart had been damaged and he was on the verge of death. The Duke’s mansion even began quietly preparing for his funeral. But who would have guessed? Yesterday, news came that he could sit up and even drink half a bowl of thin congee.”

“A last burst of vitality before the end? By my reckoning, Liu Kangren’s body should be arriving back in the capital soon, right?” Bu Zhangyi raised an eyebrow.

“No.” Shang Zhiqin waved his hand and lowered his voice. “It was the Worthy Prince himself who visited the Duke’s mansion the day before yesterday. He showed deep concern at the Duke’s bedside, held his hand, spoke many intimate words, and even personally fed him his medicine. Before leaving, he promised to look after the Duke’s eldest son in the future.”

“Ever since Liu Kangren’s incident, who in the court hasn’t kept their distance from the Duke’s mansion? Even the Marquess of Yongning only sent two wild ginseng roots, with a hint of mockery. Only our Worthy Prince, ignoring all taboos, offered timely help. You know that Duke Liu’s greatest worry was that after he died, his eldest son wouldn’t be able to survive on his own. Our prince gave him a reassurance, and that’s why his heart condition has improved so much.”

Bu Zhangyi pondered for a moment, then let out a sharp “tsk.” “Could it really be that easy?”

Shang Zhiqin: “Adding flowers to brocade is easy; offering coal in a snowstorm is hard.”

As they spoke, they reached the steps of the Wenyuan Pavilion. Inside, Luo Mingpu’s figure flickered past, and both fell silent.

In the princes’ residence, a teacup was slammed heavily onto the table with a sharp clatter.

Shen Chen gnashed his teeth. “My dear elder brother is certainly in a hurry. I heard he’s put on quite a show at the Duke’s mansion!”

He had originally planned to wait until Liu Kangren’s body was brought back to the capital and Liu Yuanqing’s defenses were weakest before visiting personally to win over this deeply rooted duke.

But the Worthy Prince, unable to contain himself, had extended an olive branch early on. After his visit, Liu Yuanqing, who had been bedridden, was reportedly able to sit up. This only added to Shen Chen’s desperation.

Liu Yuanqing was notoriously stubborn—once he decided to support someone, he would go all the way, just as he had with Emperor Shunyuan in the past.

“If he reaches an understanding with the Worthy Prince, no matter how much effort I put in later, it may already be too late. Tell me, should I go to the Duke’s mansion now?” Shen Chen asked.

After a long silence with no response, Shen Chen turned his head. Xie Langyang was looking down, eyelids lowered, his mind clearly wandering.

Shen Chen frowned and abruptly raised his voice. “Xie Hengze!”

Xie Langyang snapped back to attention and quickly bowed with his hands clasped. “Your Highness.”

Shen Chen let out a cold laugh, tinged with sarcasm. “What, the epidemic in the Ministry of Justice prison has upset you again? You should know better than anyone that those people were meant to die from the plague anyway. The only difference is dying a few days earlier or later. Having them die now paves the way for Luo Mingpu and implicates Bu Zhangyi—killing two birds with one stone. I’m simply making the most of their lives.”

“Hengze wouldn’t dare presume.” Xie Langyang hesitated for a moment but still explained, “I was only thinking that Wanshan is meticulous. He will surely figure out the whole story behind this. I’m afraid he…”

“Afraid of what?” Shen Chen interrupted. “What if he does figure it out? Where will he get evidence that those people were deliberately poisoned? With this plan, I’ve successfully won over Luo Mingpu. With you and the Grand Secretary working for me in the court, and if I can also secure Duke Liu’s support, how am I any different from the former Crown Prince!”

Losing the Marquess of Yongning and Jun Dingyuan was not a concern—he could capture Duke Liu instead. After all, the two factions were at odds and could not coexist.

A hint of smug satisfaction crept into Shen Chen’s eyes, his ambition swelling.

Everything was going according to plan. Free from Wen Zhuo’s constraints and relying on his memories of his past life, he had steadily taken over the late Crown Prince’s influence, carving out a completely different path.

And he was doing it well, steadily. This proved that he was the one favored by heaven. Even without Wen Zhuo, the throne would ultimately fall to him.

“Congratulations, Your Highness.” Xie Langyang offered no further argument.

In truth, he wasn’t worried about Wen Zhuo making trouble over the prison epidemic. He knew Luo Mingpu was clean-handed and would leave no evidence.

But he had always prided himself on being an upright official, a gentleman of integrity. Yet now, following Shen Chen, the deeds they performed grew increasingly despicable and ruthless.

Wen Zhuo might not find solid proof, but he would know exactly who was behind it.

To Xie Langyang, this was deeply ironic. The accusations he had once leveled at Wen Zhuo now fell squarely on him, even though he hadn’t devised the plan for Shen Chen.

He could endure Wen Zhuo hating him, cursing him, even striking him. But he could not bear the look of contempt in Wen Zhuo’s eyes. That would strip away the last shred of his dignity.

Seeing that Xie Langyang no longer opposed him, Shen Chen’s expression softened slightly. “You’ve been in low spirits these days. New Year’s is near—take Yuwen to relax, go burn some incense at a temple. In your past life, you never got to see your child. Work harder in this life.”

Xie Langyang’s entire body trembled. “Your servant does not intend to overstep bounds with Yuwen again.”

The unborn child was the root of his rift with Wen Zhuo.

In his past life, he had been cornered precisely because of his wife and child being used against him. After careful consideration, he had decided not to repeat that mistake.

The smile on Shen Chen’s face instantly froze, and a flash of malice darted through his eyes. But it vanished in an instant as he resumed his normal demeanor.

He stood up, straightened his robes, and said indifferently, “As you wish. I’ll be going to the Duke’s mansion.”

Shen Chen braved the heavy snow to reach the Duke’s mansion. The moment he stepped through the gate, he immediately put on a look of deep concern.

His hair was dusted with white snow, his brows frosted, and his cheeks reddened by the biting wind. As soon as he spoke, it was urgent. “I have important news to convey to the Duke, concerning the Liu family’s honor and General Liu’s reputation. I implore the Duke to see me!”

“Oh my, Your Highness the Sixth Prince, please come inside and have some hot tea to warm yourself. I’ll go wake my lord immediately!” The steward, seeing him in such a state, hastily welcomed him inside, waving to the servants to prepare hot tea while hurrying toward the inner courtyard.

After a long while, Liu Yuanqing finally emerged, leaning on a staff and supported by a servant.

Shen Chen took a good look. Duke Liu’s cheeks were sunken, his eyes hollow, and his frame much thinner than when seen in the Hall of Martial Valor. He walked unsteadily, but his spirit had indeed improved—his eyes even held a glimmer of light.

Shen Chen thought to himself, Shen Bi certainly knows how to put on an act. Just one visit has lifted Liu Yuanqing’s spirits this much.

Liu Yuanqing slowly sat down in the main seat, placing his withered hand on the table. Turning to look at Shen Chen, he got straight to the point. “Your Highness braved the snow to come here. What business do you have with this old servant?”

Shen Chen set down his teacup, a pained expression on his face, and sighed softly. “The Duke’s mansion has suffered an unexpected calamity. When you knelt at the palace gates to plead for your son, my heart felt as heavy as a stone, and I could not rest easy all night.”

His tone was sincere, and tears actually glistened in his eyes. His dimples seemed to produce sweet words endlessly. “Your Grace, you spent half your life on horseback, dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to the Great Qian. Your contributions are immense. Young Marshal Kangyi was brave and valiant, dying on the battlefield in a martyr’s death—loyal and righteous, worthy of heaven and earth! I understand your suffering. The reason I did not visit earlier is that I was ashamed of my clumsy tongue and could not find fitting words of comfort.”

“I thank Your Highness for your consideration.” Liu Yuanqing inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the gesture. His body had not yet recovered and could not handle much movement. “But this old servant failed to teach his son properly, allowing Kangren to commit a grave mistake, tarnishing the Liu family’s name. I am deeply ashamed.”

Shen Chen sneered inwardly. Truly an old fox, impervious to flattery.

His heartfelt words had only earned such a perfunctory response. No doubt, the Worthy Prince’s performance two days ago had been even more heart-wrenching to move this old fox.

But no matter. His real trump card was yet to come.

“The reason I dared to visit Your Grace today is not merely to offer comfort. I have heard something—a matter of great importance concerning General Liu.” Shen Chen’s tone shifted, growing serious. His eyes swept the room, indicating the servants present.

“Oh?” Liu Yuanqing’s interest was indeed piqued. He raised an eyebrow and waved his hand to dismiss the attendants. “All of you, leave. Close the door behind you.”

The servants obeyed, and the main hall’s doors were shut tight.

“Your Grace may speak freely now.” Liu Yuanqing gestured.

“To be honest, before my mother entered the palace, she had an old acquaintance skilled in medicine and divination, who often traveled widely and had no fixed whereabouts.” Shen Chen lowered his voice. “Last month, he happened to pass through Mian Prefecture and witnessed the disaster there firsthand. He then sent me a message: Your Grace’s son has been wrongfully accused!”

Duke Liu’s eyelids twitched. “What do you mean?”

“The disaster in Mian Prefecture was far more severe than in Xing and Jing. The local granaries had long been emptied by corrupt officials! General Liu did not steal grain for personal gain—he did it to save the starving people! Prefect Lou Changsui of Mian Prefecture, fearing the disaster would be exposed and implicate his backers, struck first and pinned all the blame on General Liu!”

Shen Chen spoke with great passion, gesturing wildly, as if he wished he could kill those corrupt officials himself for the Duke. But when he turned to look, Liu Yuanqing remained unusually calm, without the sorrow and pain he had shown in the Hall of Martial Valor. It seemed he did not fully believe Shen Chen’s words.

Shen Chen’s heart skipped a beat. What?

After a long pause, Liu Yuanqing finally spoke slowly. “Is there evidence for this? The word of a wandering healer cannot be taken as fact.”

So cautious?

A flicker of suspicion crossed Shen Chen’s mind, but he forced himself to remain composed. “No wall is completely impermeable. If such a rumor has spread, there must be some basis. You and your son shared deep affection, surely you cannot believe he would embezzle funds and disregard the people’s suffering?”

“It’s too late.” Liu Yuanqing closed his eyes and sighed softly. “By now, my son is likely already separated from me by the Yellow Springs.”

“Though General is dead, his name remains stained!” Shen Chen quickly interjected, leading the conversation step by step. “Moreover, does Your Grace not wish to avenge him? If these claims are true, then Prefect Lou Changsui of Mian Prefecture, and those above him, are all the General’s enemies! I am willing to do everything in my power to help Your Grace clear General Liu’s name, bring the true culprits to justice, and appease the General’s spirit in the afterlife!”

He had laid it all out, but Liu Yuanqing’s expression remained utterly calm.

Shen Chen grew increasingly uneasy. How can Duke Liu remain so composed? Has he truly accepted Liu Kangren’s death, with no thoughts of revenge?

Just as Shen Chen’s confusion peaked, Liu Yuanqing suddenly looked up and countered, “Is Your Highness trying to say who is above Lou Changsui?”

Shen Chen’s heart leaped.

Wrong!

What did Liu Yuanqing mean by that tone? Was he implying that Shen Chen was trying to frame someone?

Had the Worthy Prince already spoken to Liu Yuanqing and completely won his trust? Or was Liu Yuanqing simply too dull to understand what was good for him?

“I…” Shen Chen’s words caught in his throat. His mind raced. He had intended to steer the blame toward the Worthy Prince, but Liu Yuanqing’s reaction was so abnormal that he dared not speak rashly, fearing he would bungle things. “I don’t know yet. But if you and I join forces and follow the trail from Lou Changsui, we are sure to uncover the mastermind!”

Liu Yuanqing slowly shook his head, a trace of weariness on his face. “This old servant is physically and mentally exhausted. My only wish now is to safely bring my son’s body home and give him a proper burial. I have no energy left for other matters. I thank Your Highness for your concern, but this matter has no evidence—mere hearsay. This old servant cannot stake the Liu family’s last foundation on a single unsubstantiated claim.”

With that, he raised his voice slightly. “Steward, see the Sixth Prince out!”

Why is this happening!

Shen Chen stood rooted to the spot, utterly baffled.

Everything he had said was the truth. Although Lou Changsui was not the Worthy Prince’s man, he had indeed been coerced by the Worthy Prince into this situation. If Liu Yuanqing still wanted to serve the Worthy Prince, would that not be aiding the tyrant—an absurdity under heaven!

Only after a bewildered Shen Chen was escorted out did the Duchess emerge from behind a folding screen and say softly, “My lord, this is already the second prince to visit.”

Duke Liu sneered. “That day in the hall, they were all afraid of offending His Majesty and wouldn’t speak a word for me. Now, thinking my son is dead and the Liu family has lost its support, they come flocking with solicitous care, trying to recruit me to their cause. How can such hypocrites be worth serving?”

The Duchess walked to his side and sat down, lowering her voice. “My lord speaks true. But one thing is strange: what the Sixth Prince just said matches exactly what Kangren wrote in his letter. Could there really be someone versed in medicine and divination?”

“Who knows? If I hadn’t received Kangren’s secret letter just yesterday, I might truly have followed the Sixth Prince today.” Duke Liu spoke calmly.

Disaster relief in Mian Prefecture was nearing its end. Porridge stations had been set up in all the villages and counties, and a steady stream of grain was being shipped through the port of Mian Prefecture. The tide of refugees was under control, and hope was gradually returning to the people’s faces.

Wen Yingjing and Wen Ze had been subjected to three rounds of severe interrogation, enduring all manner of torture in the prefectural yamen. They had long been broken, confessing to the many misdeeds they had committed over the years.

Because the “Tou Gu Xiang” incident was so heinous, Wen Zhuo presented a clear account of the case and posted notices throughout the region. He then submitted a special memorial to the court, requesting that the two be executed by lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) as a warning to others.

For the unclaimed children in the cave cliff, Wen Zhuo also made proper arrangements. He ordered the Mian Prefecture yamen to care for them, with expenses drawn from the treasury, ensuring they attended school on schedule until they came of age.

Liu Hou’er’s mother was never found—she had likely perished at sea. The boy was now orphaned and on the verge of wandering again.

Seeing that Liu Hou’er had rendered great service and was clever and sensible, Shen Zheng decisively decided to take him along. After all, the Marquess of Yongning’s household could spare a pair of chopsticks.

On the day they decided to return to the capital, everyone rose early while it was still dark.

Wen Zhuo stood by the bed, looking down as Shen Zheng meticulously tied the ribbons of his undergarment.

The ribbons were complicated—six in total—but Shen Zheng was extremely patient. His fingers moved nimbly, arranging the butterfly-shaped knots in a neat line down the front of the undergarment, not a single wrinkle left.

Then, Shen Zheng picked up a pure white inner robe and gently draped it over Wen Zhuo’s shoulders. Carefully, he helped him slip his arms through, then smoothed the overlapping collar and pressed it flat.

The ribbons were tied beautifully and neatly again, with even the lengths exactly matching.

Next came a light blue lined robe with delicate hidden pleats at the waist. It was slightly lifted by the curve of his hips, perfectly shaping a smooth silhouette.

Shen Zheng let out a low chuckle and fastened a sash of the same color around his waist. Then he bent down to carefully check every fold, smoothing out any uneven spots.

Shen Zheng’s gaze, his movements, and his barely perceptible smile all made Wen Zhuo’s heart itch.

He was clearly putting on more and more layers of clothing, yet it felt as if Shen Zheng’s fingers were stripping him bare inch by inch, stirring an indescribable sense of shame.

Shen Zheng was too focused—as if he were thoroughly learning every part of Wen Zhuo’s body, both inside and outside his clothes. Yet his actions remained proper and restrained.

Finally, Wen Zhuo couldn’t help but ask softly, “Why does Your Highness suddenly insist on dressing me?”

“I like it.” Shen Zheng’s eyes held a smile as he smoothed Wen Zhuo’s loose hair. “Miracle Wen Wen.”

“What is ‘miracle Wen Wen’?” Wen Zhuo frowned slightly, but before he could ask further, he felt a tightening around his waist. Shen Zheng had fastened a jade belt over his round-collared robe.

The belt was black with gold brocade, with long tassels that hung and swayed among the folds of the lined robe.

This was Shen Zheng’s jade belt.

“I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of dressing my teacher myself.” Shen Zheng stepped back, looking Wen Zhuo up and down as if admiring a carefully carved piece of jade. “If I ever stay by your side in the future, I will dress you every day.”

The person before him, fresh from the bed, still carried the warm scent of medicinal herbs. Now, under his hands, he was impeccably dressed. Shen Zheng knew every color combination of the layers, where to loosen and where to tighten.

Wen Zhuo asked cautiously, “Did Your Highness develop this habit of dressing others because you were mistreated in Nanping?”

Shen Zheng couldn’t help but laugh, leaning in to kiss Wen Zhuo’s soft lips. “I’ve never served anyone else. Only you.”