Chapter 82#

On the return to the capital, there was no longer any need to hurry. The disaster relief convoy rumbled along at a leisurely pace, carts and horses moving slowly.

But the captain of the Imperial Guard rode at full speed, traveling day and night, to report everything that had happened in Mianzhou to Emperor Shunyuan.

Naturally, this included the hidden circumstances of Liu Kangren’s case, as well as Lou Changsui’s absurd attempt to eliminate him before the imperial decree arrived, only to accidentally let him escape.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Shunyuan flew into a towering rage.

He hated Liu Kangren for betraying the Way and secretly looting the official granaries, but he hated Lou Changsui even more for his venomous scheming, daring to plot against the sovereign himself.

If Liu Kangren had died for saving the people, and the truth later came to light, the common folk would not care about the strict laws of the Great Qi, where merit could not offset crime. They would only condemn the emperor as one who could not distinguish right from wrong, who had wrongly killed an upright official devoted to the people. They might even deify Liu Kangren, erecting statues and building temples in his honor.

No emperor could tolerate a minister stepping on him to gain eternal fame, which was why he especially hated incorruptible officials like Liu Changbai, who were always ready to dash against a pillar to prove their integrity.

But Emperor Shunyuan suppressed his anger for the time being. He still needed to wait for Wen Zhuo’s more detailed memorial. Only by comparing the two could he make a decision.

The trusted attendant sent by Prince Xian had been missing for two and a half months without a word, and he knew that something major had happened in Mianzhou.

These days, he had trouble sleeping night after night, sending wave after wave of people to gather information.

Seeing him growing haggard day by day, Bu Zhangyi stepped forward to console him: “Your Highness, perhaps things are not as bad as you imagine. Everything we have done is in accordance with the rules. Moreover, there are many in the court who support Your Highness. His Majesty has always held high hopes for you and will surely treat you with special regard.”

Prince Xian closed his eyes and leaned back wearily in his chair. “I hope it is as you say.”

But worldly affairs often go against one’s wishes.

The heavy snow that had lasted for over ten days finally stopped. The capital’s streets were swept clean, revealing the frozen, blackened bricks.

The disaster relief convoy returned to the capital in full force. Shen Zhi and Wen Zhuo, without resting, went straight to Qingliang Hall to request an audience with Emperor Shunyuan.

Unfortunately, ever since the Imperial Guard captain had returned, Emperor Shunyuan had been overcome with pent-up frustration. Combined with days of overwork, his old ailment had relapsed, keeping him bedridden for several days.

He kept only Consort Zhen by his bedside to attend to him. He did not summon Jun Mulan because he feared that Jun Mulan, being unconstrained by formalities, would use too much force and make things even worse.

In the past, Consort Zhen, being of noble status, had always disdained doing such menial work. But perhaps spurred on by Consort Liang’s competitiveness, in recent months she had become increasingly attentive and considerate toward Emperor Shunyuan, personally bringing him tea and water and patting his back to help him breathe.

During this time attending the emperor, Consort Yi could not even get a spot. She could only pace anxiously in the outer hall, trying to pry some information for Shen Chen, but Consort Zhen blocked all her avenues.

Upon hearing that Shen Zhi and Wen Zhuo were seeking an audience, Emperor Shunyuan struggled to sit up on the couch, but as soon as he pushed himself halfway up, he fell heavily back down.

“Your Majesty!” Consort Zhen quickly and sympathetically supported his back, gently patting his chest, and coaxed him in a soft voice, “There is no need to rush this moment. You can hear their report tomorrow at court. Your Majesty’s dragon body is of utmost importance; you must not overexert yourself!”

Emperor Shunyuan slowly raised his eyes, looking at Consort Zhen’s face—though no longer young, still delicate and charming. A warmth passed through his heart.

He took Consort Zhen’s hand and patted it. “Tell the two of them to submit their memorials first and go back to rest. All matters will be discussed at court tomorrow.”

Consort Zhen turned and instructed the young eunuch nearby: “Hurry and go.”

The young eunuch acknowledged and hurried off. Consort Zhen then bent down, pressing her soft voice close to Emperor Shunyuan’s ear, with a hint of probing: “Your Majesty, you have been ill these past few days. Fourth Prince Shen He has also been very concerned. Shall I summon him to fulfill his filial duty by your bedside?”

The tired look in Emperor Shunyuan’s eyes instantly faded a few degrees. He turned his head to look at Consort Zhen, his tone carrying a hint of coldness: “You would not let me see Shen Zhi and Wanshan to handle the disaster relief affairs, but instead want me to summon Shen He for an audience?”

Consort Zhen’s face turned pale. She quickly released her hand and knelt by the bed. “Your subject did not mean that. Your subject would never dare to obstruct Your Majesty from handling state affairs!”

Moisture quickly gathered in the corners of her eyes, and her voice carried a touch of grievance: “Your subject only thought that Shen He is lively by nature, good at saying witty things to make Your Majesty laugh, and can banter with you to relieve your boredom. Perhaps if he came, Your Majesty’s spirits would improve, and your dragon body could recover sooner!”

“The court’s accumulated ills are severe; the disaster in Mianzhou has just been pacified, and countless messes remain to be dealt with. I am not in the mood for banter and amusement!” Emperor Shunyuan scolded unceremoniously. But seeing Consort Zhen’s slender figure kneeling on the cold floor, her expression desolate and fragile, he could not help feeling a trace of pity.

He sighed. “I know you meant no harm. Rise. Summon Liu Quan to come in and read the memorials for me.”

“Yes.” Consort Zhen quickly wiped her eyes, performed a bow, turned, and withdrew to the side.

Emperor Shunyuan gave her a strange glance and added, “You may leave.”

Consort Zhen paused, lowered her head to hide her expression, and obediently replied, “Yes.” As she left, she gave a meaningful look to the young eunuch waiting outside the hall.

In the prince’s residence, Shen Chen received the news at the same time. He shot to his feet, his chest heaving: “You say that Wen Zhuo and Shen Zhi returned in the same sedan chair, chatting cheerfully all the way, with no sign of discord?”

The eunuch bowed: “Reporting to Your Highness, that is correct. The two entered the imperial city together in one warm sedan chair, the curtain never lifted. When they reached the main avenue of the palace halls, they walked together to Qingliang Hall to request an audience with His Majesty. Your servant was too far away to hear the specific words, but I saw the Director of the Hanlin Academy laugh three times, coaxed by the Fifth Prince, and the Fifth Prince had a smile on his face the entire time. However, His Majesty’s dragon body was unwell and did not grant an audience. He only accepted the memorials and ordered them to go back and rest first.”

“In the same sedan chair?” Xie Langyang’s body trembled, and he pressed on, “Since they did not see His Majesty, did they part ways in the inner hall?”

The eunuch nodded vigorously: “The Director of the Hanlin Academy went straight to the Hanlin Academy, presumably to attend to official business. The Fifth Prince went to Consort Liang’s palace, presumably to pay his respects.”

“Oh…” Xie Langyang’s nerves relaxed, and he slowly slumped down.

He was overthinking things.

The weather was so cold, and Wen Zhuo had always feared the chill. Sharing a sedan chair to keep warm was reasonable. Moreover, Wen Zhuo had always been very measured. Though he favored men, he would never set his sights on the imperial Shen clan.

Furthermore, the laws were strict. If the Fifth Prince harbored ambitions for the throne, he would never ruin a major affair for personal feelings. The two were likely just a pure relationship between an advisor and a prince.

He was just comforting himself when the eunuch changed his tone: “But after visiting Consort Liang, the Fifth Prince went directly to the Hanlin Academy. The two then left the imperial city together, laughing.”

Xie Langyang: “…”

“What is the use of you asking about these irrelevant matters!” Shen Chen sneered, fully aware of what was on Xie Langyang’s mind. Just thinking about romantic entanglements between men made him feel nauseated.

But since he still needed to rely on Xie Langyang, he suppressed his impatience and refrained from saying anything harsher, steering the conversation back to the main track: “I should have expected it. Teacher Wen has always been ruthless, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals.”

As he spoke, Shen Chen paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Xie Langyang looked despondent: “So he really did personally destroy the Wen family in order to support Shen Zhi’s rise to power…”

“In the previous life, the Wen family feared being implicated and distanced themselves early. They donated all their wealth to support the disaster area in Bozhou, in exchange for my forgiveness. Teacher Wen, being narrow-minded, must have held a grudge. In this life, seizing the opportunity for revenge is not unreasonable.” Shen Chen sneered.

“Alas, my parents, who bore me with such toil.” Xie Langyang felt a chill in his heart and shook his head. “Even if there was old resentment, how could it give rise to a murderous vengeance against the entire family? I would rather believe that Wanshan was upholding the law and placing righteousness above family loyalty.”

Shen Chen could not be bothered to engage with such pedantic arguments. The hand behind his back slowly clenched into a fist: “But with this return to court, Shen Zhi will surely receive praise from Father Emperor and the approval of the officials, his reputation even greater than before.”

He paced to the window, glanced at the golden roof of the imperial palace, and steadied his heart again: “However, the heavy blow he dealt to Prince Xian, causing a great shift in the court’s landscape, is also an opportunity for me. Tomorrow at court, Duke Liu will know that what I said is true. Since he can no longer rely on Prince Xian, what choice does he have but to turn to me?”

Xie Langyang temporarily set aside his faint unease: “Your subject believes that Duke Liu’s coldness toward Your Highness the day before yesterday was not because he disbelieved Your Highness’s words, but because he still regards Your Highness as the step-grandson of the Marquis of Yongning, and is cautious, afraid to attach himself rashly.”

“Your reasoning is sound.” A sharp glint flashed in Shen Chen’s eyes. He whirled around, having made up his mind. “But a step-grandson after all cannot compare to a true maternal grandson like Shen Zhi. If he hesitates, that is normal. At worst, I will acknowledge Liu Yuanqing as my maternal grandfather, completely dispelling his doubts!”

Xie Langyang was struck silent.

Inside the Prince Xian’s mansion, the room was dim. The charcoal in the stove had gradually burned out, but no one paid any attention.

Prince Xian’s spies were no weaker than Shen Chen’s. They had come back one after another, some having gathered even more information.

At this moment, Shen Bi pressed his palm tightly over his heart, his brow furrowed with worry, his originally dignified and imposing figure gradually losing its authority: “Lou Changsui has been directly taken into the Ministry of Justice. The prefectural warehouse commissioner we planted in Mianzhou has also been placed under strict guard as a key criminal by Luo Mingpu. The Ministry of Justice’s prison is now heavily fortified; not a single fly can get in. Luo Mingpu will certainly use this opportunity to deliver a heavy blow to me!”

“How did Wen Zhuo come to know about the prefectural warehouse commissioner? Could it be that Lou Changsui implicated Your Highness in something?” Tang Guangzhi’s face was ashen, his heart burning with anxiety. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, soaking the bricks underfoot. “These men were all personally arranged by your subject. If this weak point is exposed, your subject… your subject will also be in deep trouble!”

Shang Zhiqin slammed his palm on the desk in fury: “That despicable Lou Changsui, what a spineless coward! He must be shifting all the blame onto Your Highness to exonerate himself!”

Prince Xian lifted his eyes gloomily: “It may not be him. I have been contending with the Crown Prince for years. I know all the dirty secrets of the Cao family, and the Crown Prince surely knows something of the Liu family’s background as well. Didn’t Huang Ting switch allegiance to the Fifth Brother? When changing masters, one must present a ’letter of fealty.’ I suspect that the secrets the Crown Prince gathered back then have all been revealed to the Fifth Brother by Huang Ting.”

Shang Zhiqin said: “It seems the Fifth Prince also harbors ambitions for the throne!”

Prince Xian remained silent and brooding.

Bu Zhangyi slowly bowed and said: “Your Highness, do not panic. I have bribed a soldier who participated in the disaster relief and learned a crucial piece of information. He said that when the Fifth Prince was in Liangping County, without interrogation or review, he flew into a rage in public and executed a commoner.”

Prince Xian’s attention was drawn. Bu Zhangyi paused and smiled shrewdly: “The key is that at the time, a titled lady had already stepped forward to request a review by the Three Judicial Departments on behalf of that commoner, but the Fifth Prince completely ignored her and insisted on executing the man.”

Prince Xian’s pupils contracted: “There was such a thing?”

“According to the ‘Ancestral Teachings of the Great Qi,’ if a prince commits a crime, the judicial authorities have no right to question him without authorization; they must await an imperial decree.” Bu Zhangyi’s eyes gleamed with fierce malice. “At court tomorrow, Your Highness can seize on this point, force the emperor to send him into custody at Fengyang Terrace, and cut off his path to the throne!”

Prince Xian still had doubts: “Shen Zhi rendered great merit in this disaster relief. Father Emperor is currently quite fond of him. Would he really place him under house arrest over just this one matter?”

Bu Zhangyi: “Naturally not. But the more this matter stirs up controversy, the more intense the debate will be. His Majesty will certainly be displeased, and the officials will also be wary, afraid to rashly attach themselves to him. In this way, Your Highness will gain some breathing room to regroup and win back His Majesty’s favor.”

Prince Xian listened, the tightness in his chest gradually easing. He nodded: “We’ll have to do it this way, then.”

The sun sank westward, and the last glimmer of light at the horizon was snuffed out by the night.

Inside the Marquis Yongning’s mansion, the table was laden with fruits and snacks. The front hall doors were closed, and four stoves had been lit, making everyone except Wen Zhuo sweat profusely.

The group sat around in a square, exchanging information.

Wen Zhuo pondered for a moment, then assigned tasks one by one: “Weizhi, you should already have a clear picture of the Ministry of Revenue’s inner workings. At court tomorrow, I need your cooperation to bring down Bu Zhangyi.”

Gu Weizhi’s eyes lit up at the sight of Wen Zhuo directing affairs. He immediately stood up and saluted with clasped hands: “Understood!”

Wen Zhuo turned to look at Mo Shu: “Mo Shu, Liu Kangren is currently hiding at the Huiyang Gate Inn. Tonight, he will take the initiative to go to the Supreme Court and confess his crime. You need to get there before him, go see Xue Chongnian, and pretend to have coincidentally witnessed this. Xue Chongnian is a man of some ability but is most afraid of taking responsibility. You can suggest that he bring Liu Kangren before the emperor at court tomorrow, leaving the entire matter to His Majesty’s judgment.”

Mo Shu, tall and upright, responded with a nod: “Good. I’ll set off immediately.”

“General Jun.” Wen Zhuo’s gaze shifted to Jun Dingyuan. “Tomorrow at court, I will also need your full cooperation. When Liu Kangren mentions the Western potato, you should say that you had already heard of it in the southern border. That the Nanping court had long since sent envoys to the West to purchase large quantities of this potato. You thought it was just an ordinary crop at the time and didn’t take it seriously, never expecting it to be so high-yielding and hardy, of such importance.”

Shen Zhi added: “Father Emperor has always been wary of Nanping, afraid that the Great Qi will fall behind. With Uncle saying that, he will surely give Liu Kangren a chance to live.”

Jun Dingyuan’s handsome face turned cold, seeming reluctant. He pressed his palm on the long whip at his waist and said in a deep voice: “If it weren’t for the fact that he fought for four months of life for the people this time, I would not care about his life or death!”

Mo Shu gently placed a hand on his shoulder, concerned: “Huaishen.”

Jun Dingyuan took a deep breath, then reached back and clasped Mo Shu’s hand, his tone softening: “Senior Brother, I’m fine.”

“The General and the Consort are both righteous and understanding of the greater good, and His Highness has a magnanimous heart. This is a blessing for the Great Qi.” Wen Zhuo smiled faintly, scanned the room, and said decisively, “Then it is settled.”

After the discussion, Wen Zhuo was thoroughly exhausted. He planned to return to the Wen residence through the secret passage to rest.

“I’ll see Teacher out.” Shen Zhi nodded to his uncle and followed Wen Zhuo.

Mo Shu watched the two walk away side by side, then turned to Jun Dingyuan and asked: “The palace gates are probably about to be locked. Can His Highness still get back in?”

Jun Dingyuan was taken aback: “Huh?”

He hadn’t thought of that at all, but there was nothing to worry about: “If he can’t get in, he’ll go back to the Marquis’s mansion.”

Mo Shu shook his head slightly: “It’s fine. I’ll go see Xue Chongnian first.”

Walking along the secret passage, they emerged from the backyard of the Wen residence. A gust of cold wind mixed with snowflakes instantly poured into their collars, making Wen Zhuo shiver.

He secretly regretted that, to avoid suspicion, he hadn’t built the entrance to the secret passage indoors.

Shen Zhi immediately wrapped his arm around Wen Zhuo’s shoulder, half supporting and half embracing him as they entered the house.

The room was warm. Shen Zhi immediately spotted the fan he had made still propped up at the head of Wen Zhuo’s bed, though the wooden frame was now being used to hang a cotton towel.

Jiang Mannv soon brought in two stoves with glowing red coals. Wen Zhuo did not rush to remove his fur robe. He sat on the edge of the bed, stretching his hands toward the stoves to warm them, waiting for his fingertips to regain warmth.

After warming for a moment, he turned his head to look at Shen Zhi, who was still standing there, raising an eyebrow: “What is Your Highness still doing here?”

Shen Zhi’s expression was natural as he sat down beside him: “The palace gates are locked. I won’t go back tonight.”

“…”

Wen Zhuo cautiously sized him up and probed, “So is Your Highness planning to stay temporarily at the Marquis Yongning’s mansion?”

“What does Teacher think?” Shen Zhi asked with a smile, gently patting his bed, the hint quite obvious.

“…My bed is too small and narrow; it can’t fit two people.” Wen Zhuo’s cheeks flushed slightly. In Mianzhou, circumstances had forced them to share a bed often. He had assumed that back in the capital, they would be more discreet.

“It is rather small. I always thought so. I was even planning to suggest Teacher expand it.” As Shen Zhi spoke, he swiftly removed his outer robe and lay straight down on Wen Zhuo’s bed.

He was tall, and even with his legs stretched out, he barely fit.

“Your Highness.” Wen Zhuo frowned, reaching out to tug at his sleeve, trying to pull him off the bed.

If Consort Liang asked tomorrow why Shen Zhi hadn’t returned to the palace, and found out he had slept here, wouldn’t that be strange? The Marquis Yongning’s mansion was not far away.

Shen Zhi ignored him and simply beckoned him over: “Isn’t Teacher tired? You’ve been working all day. Come quickly to my bed and rest.”

“That is Teacher’s bed!” Wen Zhuo said helplessly. How could this person be so brazen?

“Alright then… Director Wen, your talent startles the four seats, your wisdom is unparalleled. With a wave of your sleeve, you can overturn wind and clouds. I have admired you for a long time.” Shen Zhi laughed lazily, his collar slightly open, revealing the vague expanse of his chest from below his neck, warmth and strength radiating from the gap. “…I have heard that the Director fears the cold. I wish to serve by your pillow and warm your coverlet.”

“Your Highness must not speak nonsense! You are of imperial blood; how can you offer yourself as a bedmate?” Wen Zhuo’s expression turned stern as he moved to cover Shen Zhi’s mouth.

But Shen Zhi did not let him block it. Instead, he took the opportunity to pull Wen Zhuo onto the bed, holding him tightly in his arms.

Wen Zhuo was caught off guard, his hair disheveled, his robe wrinkled. His palm pressed firmly against Shen Zhi’s chest, and in his fluster, a finger inadvertently slipped inside the other’s clothing.

His heart skipped a beat. He surreptitiously retracted that finger, but could not ignore the lingering warmth on his fingertip.

In truth, he very much enjoyed sleeping in Shen Zhi’s embrace, but he was constrained by their statuses and refused to admit that he could be so licentious.

“Teacher needs to get up.” Wen Zhuo feigned an attempt to arch his back, but, as expected, Shen Zhi pressed him down by the waist, making him immobile.

Shen Zhi looked at him with a smile, exerting force with his hands but showing no sign of it on his face: “Teacher needs to get used to it. Since we have already reached an understanding, in the future I will frequently come to your bed.”

Wen Zhuo was about to admonish Shen Zhi not to be distracted by pleasure and neglect his duties, or to indulge in private passions, when Shen Zhi raised a hand and gently rubbed Wen Zhuo’s earlobe between two fingers, saying solemnly, “And your person.”

Wen Zhuo, lying on top of Shen Zhi, trembled violently, as if suddenly bathed in the glow of a sunset sky. From his cheeks to the tips of his ears, he burned red.

Outside the window, the cold wind continued to blow. Inside, the stove glowed red. Shen Zhi untied the thin cords he had fastened with his own hands, one by one.