Chapter 59 - 1#

Jingzhe refused to go out, and Zong Yuanxin couldn’t listen to the gossip, but he wanted to watch the show. After prescribing the medicine, he poked Shi Li’s waist with a brush and asked him to go out and inquire.

Shi Li: “…”

Why couldn’t he be treated as a stone?

Shi Li began to miss the days of being a secret guard, when no one could see him.

“As long as the young master is in the Guard Office for a moment, this subordinate cannot leave for a step.” Shi Li said dryly, “If Lord Zong really wants to see, why not go out yourself?”

Zong Yuanxin touched his face: “If I go out, won’t it be bad?”

Not many people knew Zong Yuanxin’s face, but the people in the Prudent Punishment Department would probably recognize him.

With Emperor Jingyuan’s bad temper, Jingzhe still didn’t know his identity. If Zong Yuanxin went out and exposed it, wouldn’t he be asking for trouble?

Otherwise, he would have gone out long ago.

Shi Li had no choice but to go out and find someone to inquire.

Jingzhe was restless. In order not to think too much and go out again, he grabbed Zong Yuanxin and asked.

“My lord, will the poison in Rong Jiu’s body affect his temperament?”

Zong Yuanxin: “It depends on what stage it is. This poison is cold and yin in nature. His temperament is cold, which is somewhat affected by this. After conditioning, it should be better. However, sometimes if the medicine is too strong, it will also make him lose control.”

Jingzhe was slightly surprised and whispered: “Is this medicine harmful to his body?”

Zong Yuanxin subconsciously glanced at Jingzhe. Did he notice something just from these words?

“How can the poison be removed without paying a price?” Zong Yuanxin shook his head. “He is not you, he is poison. This poison has been dormant for so many years. If it could be removed so simply, he wouldn’t need me.”

He pondered for a moment and stroked his beard.

“However, no matter how strong the conflict of medicinal properties is, it is not as severe as the poison in his body acting up. I wonder if you have ever seen him wake up in the middle of the night. Ha, I’m afraid not…”

Before he could finish his words, he saw Jingzhe continuing smoothly.

“I only saw it once, he refused to say more.”

That was the first time Jingzhe saw Rong Jiu like that, like a giant beast in pain, his aura still terrifying, but also carrying silent suffering.

In some matters, Rong Jiu was like a silent statue, refusing to say anything, which made people even more worried.

Zong Yuanxin was talking and looking up at the door while chatting. The expression of wanting to watch a good show was very obvious, but when he heard Jingzhe’s words, he suddenly turned his head.

The speed was so fast that Jingzhe was worried that he would throw his head off.

Jingzhe frowned unconsciously and said softly: “My lord, is there anything wrong?”

His heart suddenly lifted, thinking about what he had just said. Did one or two sentences make Zong Yuanxin realize that Rong Jiu’s health was even worse?

Zong Yuanxin crossed most of the table, grabbed Jingzhe’s hand, and exclaimed: “Don’t call me my lord, I can call you my lord. Tell me, how did you do it?”

Jingzhe was full of doubts: “What does this mean? Is there something wrong with Rong Jiu?”

Zong Yuanxin grasped Jingzhe’s palm tightly and said loudly: “Of course it’s wrong, everything is wrong.”

The poison has been lurking in Emperor Jingyuan’s body for too long. It will act up when he wakes up in the middle of the night, burning his bones with pain. No one can endure it. Many poisoned people can’t stand it and commit suicide.

Although sometimes the onset is not like that, it is also painful.

Otherwise, every time Emperor Jingyuan wakes up, he is extremely tyrannical, more cruel, and kills anyone he sees?

No matter how cruel and cold-blooded he is, he can’t kill people for no reason. usually, he has to be in a bad mood.

At that time, even people like Ning Hongru and Shi Lijun, who had been with him for so long, had to run.

If they continued to stay, who knew if they would survive?

But what did Jingzhe just say?

He faced Emperor Jingyuan’s madness directly?

This was not only a brand new fact, but also a situation that Zong Yuanxin had never encountered. He wished Jingzhe could explain the whole story clearly immediately.

“Lord Zong, please behave yourself.”

Shi Li entered the door and saw Zong Yuanxin holding onto Jingzhe and not letting go. The intimate appearance made Shi Li even more expressionless.

Although Emperor Jingyuan was not the kind of person who would throw a fit as soon as he saw Jingzhe having some contact with others, Zong Yuanxin’s gaze at Jingzhe was too fervent, so Shi Li had to guard against it.

After all, Zong Yuanxin’s hobbies sometimes were really too strange.

Who knows if he has taken a fancy to the young master’s body and wants to make him into some strange thing?

Zong Yuanxin had to let go, but still looked at Jingzhe diligently. That enthusiastic look really made Jingzhe’s back feel cold.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Shi Li had brought someone behind him, and immediately said: “My lord, didn’t you want to know the situation outside? Now that the person is here, let’s listen first.”

Zong Yuanxin waved his hand impatiently: “Who cares about watching the show, I won’t listen.”

…Didn’t you want to watch it yourself!

Zong Yuanxin stared at Jingzhe too eagerly. Shi Li hurriedly asked the person behind him to step forward and start talking regardless of Zong Yuanxin’s will.

“Two vice directors from the Prudent Punishment Department came and said that someone reported the young master for private giving and receiving, bribing superiors, possessing forbidden items, and several other crimes. That’s why they came here and wanted to invite the young master to the Prudent Punishment Department.”

Jingzhe also looked familiar with the person behind Shi Li.

Wasn’t this the guard who guarded him with Shi Li at the beginning?

What he said made Jingzhe’s face change slightly. Private giving and receiving?

Was the person mentioned Rong Jiu?

People familiar with Jingzhe knew that there had indeed been people continuously sending him things, and those things were often sent by Zheng Hong.

This matter could not stand investigation.

Just check Jingzhe’s room and check Zheng Hong’s entry and exit, and it would be clear at a glance. Moreover, this would also implicate the small businesses Zheng Hong did.

The Prudent Punishment Department had always turned a blind eye to the tricks of these purchasing palace servants.

Once uncovered, it was all dirty underneath.

No matter how mighty the Prudent Punishment Department was, it was impossible to oppose these deep-rooted rules, not to mention that the Prudent Punishment Department itself might not be free of similar things.

Leaving aside private giving and receiving, what about bribing superiors? Bribing Jiang Jinming?

Jingzhe didn’t send a single penny to the director.

There were occasional customary filial piety exchanges, but this was also a convention. Apart from Jingzhe, others would also send them.

Unless it was Chen Mingde.

Back in the North Wing, there was always a part of the money falling into his hands. But the person was dead, and they couldn’t investigate these old matters from the past.

Some of the crimes listed by the Prudent Punishment Department might exist, while others were fabricated, just like someone who had lived with Jingzhe for a long time and knew a lot, but couldn’t know everything…

In Jingzhe’s mind, there was immediately a suspected object.

—Xinsheng.

Xinsheng had been paying close attention to his whereabouts and was jealous of him. Coupled with several previous conflicts, it was very likely to be him.

Jingzhe frowned slightly. There was an object of reporting, but why would the Prudent Punishment Department take over this matter?

Although the Prudent Punishment Department could investigate anything in the harem, it didn’t mean they could investigate everything or would investigate everything.

For example, regarding Kangman’s matter before, Rong Jiu could cooperate with the Prudent Punishment Department, which meant that at least Rong Jiu’s status was not low, and Rong Jiu knew Jingzhe. Even many people in the Zhidian Si knew it, let alone a place like the Prudent Punishment Department.

Unless there was absolute evidence, or the person reporting had enough connections, the Prudent Punishment Department would not easily get involved in this muddy water.

But did Xinsheng have such connections?

If he had, he wouldn’t have suffered in the Zhidian Si for so long, and even become jealous of the later Jingzhe.

Since he didn’t, then Xinsheng was at most a primer. Who was targeting Jingzhe? Or was it targeting Rong Jiu?

Although Zong Yuanxin was focused on Jingzhe, he heard most of what the guard said and scoffed.

“Sun Shaotao was able to climb to the position of director of the Prudent Punishment Department because he was cautious. Today’s unwarranted act can’t be called cautious at all.”

Also being directors, the Zhidian Si and the Prudent Punishment Department couldn’t compare. The status and power of the latter would only be far greater than the former.

Jingzhe frowned: “Is the conflict outside serious?”

Shi Li: “Not serious. The Prudent Punishment Department doesn’t dare to mess around in the Guard Office. The two are of equal status, he can’t run wild here.”

Moreover, Emperor Jingyuan relied more on Wei Haidong, which also made the status of the Guard Office higher.

Jingzhe: “If I don’t go out all the time and these people don’t leave, if this causes a disturbance…”

He was afraid of causing trouble for Rong Jiu after all.

Shi Li hurriedly said: “Young master, this is not considered trouble.”

As soon as his voice fell, the noise outside suddenly quieted down.

The guard behind Shi Li immediately went out to take a look, came back shortly, bowed and said: “Commander Wei is back. He drove away the people from the Prudent Punishment Department.”

Jingzhe raised his eyebrows: “Drove away?”

Before the guard could answer, Wei Haidong’s figure had appeared outside the door. Faster than his figure was his voice: “What kind of thing dares to speak wildly in front of me? Is it because I haven’t lost my temper for too long that they dare to touch the people of the Guard Office?”

Wei Haidong cursed while walking inside.

Seeing the people in the room, Wei Haidong subconsciously cupped his hands towards Zong Yuanxin: “So Lord Zong is also here.”

Zong Yuanxin: “If I’m not here, how can I see Commander Wei showing off his skills?”

Wei Haidong waved his hand: “Jingzhe is a member of our Guard Office. How can we let that group from the Prudent Punishment Department bully him? It’s really unreasonable.”

Although Jingzhe was very grateful for Wei Haidong’s protection, when did he become a member of the Guard Office?

Was this grabbing people from the Directorate of Palace Maintenance?

Zong Yuanxin: “Even if you drive them away now, if you don’t solve this matter, when Jingzhe leaves the Guard Office, that group of people from the Prudent Punishment Department will come again.”

Wei Haidong said indifferently: “I have just sent someone to invite Sun Shaotao from the Prudent Punishment Department to come over.”

…Is it really inviting?

Jingzhe looked at Wei Haidong’s honest smile, but inexplicably had a strange guess.

He wouldn’t have gone to kick the gym, would he?

Wei Haidong was not a rigid person. Seeing Jingzhe about to stand up and salute, he quickly signaled him to sit down, “To have Lord Zong treat you, you must be seriously ill. How can we let a patient do this?”

Zong Yuanxin rolled his eyes at him: “You’d better not talk, it’s really unpleasant to hear.”

Jingzhe said hesitantly: “Lord Zong is a very remarkable doctor, right?”

Just looking at Wei Haidong’s attitude, one couldn’t help but doubt.

Before Wei Haidong could speak, Zong Yuanxin immediately said: “I always take unconventional paths in practicing medicine, so the noble people in this palace always don’t like to use me. If I hadn’t met Lord Rong, my medical skills would probably have no place to be used.”

Jingzhe smiled: “He should thank Lord Zong very much.”

Everyone present shivered in unison.

…Thank?

Emperor Jingyuan’s gratitude?

That would be unbearable. Just thinking about it made one’s hands and feet tremble.

Wei Haidong realized he had said something wrong just now and immediately said: “Jingzhe, don’t worry. I will definitely solve this matter for you today.”

Jingzhe: “This is too much trouble for Commander Wei. This matter has nothing to do with the Commander. If that director comes, why don’t I accept the inquiry…”

Before he could finish his words, Wei Haidong waved his hand and laughed heartily: “Since you are Rong Jiu’s friend, you are naturally one of us. Besides, Rong Jiu is my deputy. Maybe this position will be his in the future. If I don’t take this opportunity to make Rong Jiu owe me more favors, how can that be okay?”

These words were half true and half false. After Wei Haidong left office, the candidate to replace him had already been selected and was now honing under him.

Zong Yuanxin said in surprise: “You are leaving the palace?”

Wei Haidong: “I am not in the palace originally. Why does Lord Zong say it as if I am working as a eunuch in the palace?” After saying this, he suddenly realized Jingzhe and glanced at him quickly.

Jingzhe held back his laughter. He didn’t expect that this Commander Wei would have such a personality after contact.

It was indeed different from the initial feeling.

“The order hasn’t come down yet, but next spring, it will be about time.” Wei Haidong didn’t hide it.

This was something that everyone in the court felt.

Emperor Jingyuan had other arrangements for Wei Haidong. His ability and qualifications were enough to take over the position of Vice Minister of War. When the current Minister of War retired and returned to his hometown, Wei Haidong might also follow closely to replace his position.

Jingzhe cupped his hands: “Commander Wei will rise step by step in the future, and his future is naturally bright.”

Wei Haidong smiled: “It’s just a normal transfer.”

While talking, someone came in to report that the director of the Prudent Punishment Department had been invited over.

Zong Yuanxin and other irrelevant people retreated to the side, but Jingzhe remained in the hall. This matter was related to him, and Jingzhe didn’t need to avoid it.

Sun Shaotao entered the door. He looked like an ordinary middle-aged man, with a somewhat gentle smile, smiling three points before meeting.

“Commander Wei, you said you were looking for me, and here I am. Why do you still look like you want to fight? It’s really fierce.” Sun Shaotao’s words sounded like a complaint, but also had a bit of close teasing.

Presumably Wei Haidong and Sun Shaotao had interactions before and were familiar with each other.

Wei Haidong invited Sun Shaotao to sit down, then pointed to Jingzhe standing aside, and said generously: “This Jingzhe has some connection with our Guard Office. Now the Prudent Punishment Department summons him, I wonder if there is any misunderstanding in this?”

When speaking, Wei Haidong was more tough and majestic than his honest look just now.

Sun Shaotao glanced at Jingzhe, his face unchanged, looking still cheerful: “Well, it must be a misunderstanding. Speaking of which, it’s a coincidence. When the department was handling affairs, I happened to be away from the palace. Thanks to my just returning, Commander Wei could see me.”

Wei Haidong smiled: “So that’s it. That means my brother doesn’t need to go to the Prudent Punishment Department?”

Sun Shaotao: “Where is the need? Since it’s a misunderstanding, we can’t make people run for nothing.”

In a few words, the two redefined the matter.

Jingzhe lowered his eyebrows and pretended he didn’t exist.

Although Wei Haidong and Sun Shaotao spoke calmly, they each had their own pull, vaguely saying some words that shouldn’t be blatant.

Was Sun Shaotao hinting to Wei Haidong that someone intervened while he was away?

A seemingly serious matter was shelved so casually. Until Sun Shaotao was sent away, he smiled at Jingzhe and said softly: “This time, the Prudent Punishment Department almost wronged a good person. Our family will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly.”

Jingzhe smiled at him, bowed his head, and didn’t say a word to him.

When the dust settled on this matter, after Jingzhe thanked Wei Haidong, he asked about another matter.

“Dare I ask Commander Wei, can I see Rong Jiu today?”

Wei Haidong: “Rong Jiu probably won’t be free until the evening.” He glanced at Jingzhe and touched his chin.

“You seem to be a little unhappy?”

Jingzhe smiled again: “With Commander Wei solving this matter for this lowly one, this lowly one is only happy, how can I be unhappy?”

Just smooth.

Really, too smooth.

Whether it was the visit of the Prudent Punishment Department, the appearance of Wei Haidong, or Sun Shaotao’s tactfulness, everything was logical and there was no room for doubt.

But Jingzhe just felt it was quite strange.

However, Jingzhe wouldn’t tell Wei Haidong about this strangeness. He just thanked him seriously again.

When he returned to the Zhidian Si, as soon as Jingzhe entered the door, he was grabbed by Shi’en and Gu Sheng who were squatting at the door.

The two pounced from left and right, almost squeezing the medicine bag in Jingzhe’s arms down.

“Why so much medicine?”