Wen Zhuo narrowed his eyes and stared intently, studying it for quite some time before finally making out what Shen Chen was pointing at.
His face suddenly went as pale as paper. It was as though, in the warm and peaceful dusk, a bitter winter wind had risen without warning. He could not help shivering, and even his sleeves trembled faintly.
Then his anger erupted like a volcano. In almost the blink of an eye, he rushed down the vermilion steps and glared at Shen Chen, his clenched teeth aching from the force of it. “You truly are heartless! In his previous life, Mo Shu endured every manner of torture and never breathed a single word about you. Otherwise, you would have become a ghost beneath Shen Ting’s blade long ago!”
Shen Chen remained at ease, a mocking smile playing at the corners of his lips as he took in Wen Zhuo’s loss of composure. He had never expected to receive Wen Zhuo’s forgiveness. Even when the occasional ripple stirred in his heart, it vanished in an instant.
At last, in this nerve-racking game of wits, he had seized the initiative. That fleeting thought had been cast entirely aside.
“Things are different now,” Shen Chen drawled, his laughter trembling in his chest. “I’m rather surprised, Master Wen, that you would ask such an innocent question. Come to think of it, weren’t you and I both ruthless enough in our previous lives? Or have you taken after Shen Zheng and become a useless fool, overflowing with benevolence and forever hesitating over every little thing?”
He wished that each word could shatter Wen Zhuo a little further, and so his smile grew brighter and brighter, as though he had not enjoyed himself so thoroughly in ages.
“Shen Chen, you truly are beyond saving,” Wen Zhuo said coldly.
Shen Chen’s smile faded, and his gaze turned sinister once more. “Director Wen, do you not fear punishment for speaking so recklessly to me?”
Wen Zhuo could not be bothered to waste another word on him. With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned and hurried toward the palace gates.
The evening wind roared in his wake. His official robes billowed like the wings of a butterfly, tumbling in the golden radiance of the setting sun.
Shen Chen watched his hurried retreat and merely let out a derisive snort. In truth, he knew that even if he reported Wen Zhuo’s words to Emperor Shunyuan, the emperor would never believe him. Instead, he would only bring trouble upon himself.
He curled his lips into a cold smile. “By now, Xie Langyang has probably already entered the Yongning Marquis’s residence.”
Too late, Master Wen.
It was far too late to realize that disaster was upon you.
It seemed that the few tears he had shed for Mo Shu in his previous life—tears wrung from the depths of his heart—had ultimately numbed Wen Zhuo’s judgment.
Yet the moment Wen Zhuo stepped through Chengtian Gate, the anxiety and anger on his face vanished without a trace.
He straightened the wrinkles in his sleeves, then walked toward the small red-lacquered sedan chair, breathing slightly hard.
That mad dash had left him utterly exhausted.
If that beast had not come charging at him, he would never have gone to such lengths to act out this little scene.
Come to think of it, the two beasts were rather amusing. One called him ruthless and heartless, while the other accused him of being overly compassionate.
The two most important idiots in this game had made their entrances while holding entirely opposing views.
“Don’t take me home yet. Go to the Yongning Marquis’s residence.” Once inside the sedan, Wen Zhuo instructed the servant.
The servant asked from outside the curtain, “My lord, is it urgent? Fuan Lane and Shuiwei Lane are at their busiest right now. If you’re in a hurry, we’ll have to take a detour.”
“Not urgent. Let us be squeezed along with everyone else.” Wen Zhuo closed his eyes and replied leisurely.
When Xie Langyang stepped into the Yongning Marquis’s residence once more, he truly felt as though he had crossed into another lifetime.
In his previous life, he had been able to befriend Jun Dingyuan and Mo Shu without a care in the world. Today, revisiting this familiar place, he had to carry murderous intent in his heart.
It was nothing short of torture.
He lowered his head and followed behind Jun Dingyuan, his footsteps so light that it seemed he feared disturbing even a single brick or tile of the estate.
“In a little while, you’ll likely have to meet my father. I left the capital too young and haven’t yet established a residence of my own. I hope you won’t take offense, Vice Minister Xie,” Jun Dingyuan said as they walked.
“I wouldn’t dare.” Xie Langyang wore a faintly ashamed expression. “At the last Guantai gathering, I benefited greatly from the Marquis’s guidance. I should naturally pay my respects.”
He laughed bitterly to himself. The Blind Crane was safe and sound at this very moment, while he had entered the game disguised as a wolf. What bitter irony.
“Oh? There was such a matter?” Jun Dingyuan smiled at that. He stepped over the threshold of the marquis’s residence, his robes fluttering as he moved with brisk, effortless grace. “My father is advanced in years and rather stubborn. Some of his words may be excessively old-fashioned, so Vice Minister Xie needn’t take them to heart.”
“How could I? Everything the Marquis says is sound wisdom.”
Jun Dingyuan had just received the emperor’s favor that day and was in an excellent mood. He personally led Xie Langyang all the way into the second courtyard.
“Huaishen, you’re back!”
A deep, booming voice rang out. Yongning Marquis Jun Guangping had just finished practicing a set of forms. He was still dressed in a plain short jacket, a thin sheen of sweat on his brow.
Hearing the commotion, he deliberately came out from the inner courtyard.
Ever since the emperor had stripped him of his military authority, he had devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivating his body and mind. His life had become exceedingly simple, yet he found himself perfectly content.
It was exactly as Xie Langyang remembered. Only now, Jun Guangping had acquired a touch more weariness around the eyes, with faint dark circles beneath them, as though he had gone many nights without proper sleep.
“Oh? You have a guest as well?” Jun Guangping halted.
Xie Langyang bowed. “Xie Langyang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, pays his respects to the Marquis.”
“So it’s you.” Jun Guangping studied Xie Langyang in silence for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “I won’t disturb you while you discuss your business. Huaishen, come to the study later. The two of us will have a proper talk.”
From the direction of the study came the continuing clatter of hammering and smashing. From time to time, clouds of dust rose over the rooftops.
Xie Langyang was puzzled. He did not remember Jun Guangping renovating the residence in his previous life. Could something have happened in this life to change the marquis’s decision?
While he was pondering this, a figure emerged from the study.
The man wore coarse gray-blue hemp clothing. In his left hand was a damp cloth with which he was wiping his hands, while his right foot was slightly lame, making his gait appear somewhat unsteady.
“Huaishen, I couldn’t find the books in your collection—”
The voice reached Xie Langyang’s ears, and his organs seemed to quake violently. Hot sweat burst across his back.
Mo Shu!
Jun Dingyuan had hidden Mo Shu in the marquis’s residence once again!
Seeing Mo Shu again, Xie Langyang found it difficult to restrain his emotions. Recalling everything that had happened in his previous life, morality and his grand cause warred fiercely within him, leaving him almost unable to breathe.
He hurriedly turned his face away, afraid to look at this living, breathing Mo Shu again. He feared that if he stared too long, his heart would soften, he would retreat, and all his efforts would be ruined.
Mo Shu suddenly noticed an outsider in official robes standing in the courtyard. He was startled at first, but quickly schooled his expression and put on an obsequious, deferential air.
“General, you instructed this humble servant to organize the books. I was too dull and couldn’t find them.”
Jun Dingyuan and Mo Shu exchanged a swift glance. Wen Zhuo had already informed them that Xie Langyang was Shen Chen’s trusted confidant and that he had devised the plan to frame Shen Zheng in the Spring Pavilion Chess Gathering case.
Understanding immediately, Jun Dingyuan raised his brows and explained to Xie Langyang, “He is my personal attendant. Men in the army are not particular about formalities. I allow them to address me by name, so please forgive the lack of decorum, Vice Minister Xie.”
“I wouldn’t dare. The general is broad-minded and compassionate toward his subordinates. That is a blessing to all his soldiers.” Xie Langyang managed to force out a faint smile.
Yet inwardly, he thought that Jun Dingyuan’s explanation protested his innocence far too much. Even if he had not known Mo Shu’s true identity, anyone who saw this man behaving with such familiarity before Jun Dingyuan would have grown suspicious.
Mo Shu understood at once. He lowered his eyes. “I have disturbed the general while he receives a guest. This servant, Li Ping, deserves punishment. I shall take my leave.”
“Wait.” Jun Dingyuan stopped him. After a moment’s thought, he turned to Xie Langyang. “There are some old things in the house that must be sorted out urgently. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble Vice Minister Xie to wait here for a moment. I’ll be back shortly.”
With that, he hurried over to Mo Shu and chided him softly, “You must familiarize yourself with the Marquis’s residence as soon as possible. Otherwise, how will you serve me in the future?”
He had deliberately said this for Xie Langyang’s benefit, but he instinctively supported “Li Ping” by the elbow, easing the strain on his legs.
Xie Langyang saw the gesture clearly and could not help giving a bitter smile.
Jun Dingyuan had always been sharp and outspoken, never skilled at hiding his feelings. That single movement exposed the fact that “Li Ping” was far more than an ordinary personal attendant. He was someone Jun Dingyuan held in the highest regard.
Then another thought occurred to him. Only someone like Mo Shu—calm and unfathomably deep—could suppress Jun Dingyuan’s fiery spirit and sharp edge, allowing this peerless warrior to display his full might on the battlefield.
The thought made his heart ache even more.
To lose Mo Shu was to break one of Great Qian’s two iron wings guarding its southern frontier. It was a grave sin indeed.
Jun Dingyuan led Mo Shu around to a secluded corner. Only after he turned his ear and confirmed that Xie Langyang had not followed did he ask in a low voice, “Senior Brother, how did I perform just now?”
Mo Shu let out a soft sigh. “Looking at how upright and solemn Assistant Minister Xie appears, one would never guess he could be so vicious.”
Jun Dingyuan’s eyes darkened. “Since his first plan failed, he’ll surely look for another opportunity. He must have noticed the slip I made today and will investigate your identity in secret once he returns. It seems that Director Wen’s deadly trap was prepared for him and Shen Chen.”
Mo Shu had grown up in his sect, where the brothers stood by one another through life and death, entrusting their lives to each other. He was genuinely intimidated by the undercurrents swirling within the imperial family.
“Royal power struggles are truly brutal. There isn’t even a trace of brotherly affection between them. And when I consider that your family once raised the Sixth Prince and his mother, it chills me to the bone.”
Jun Dingyuan said indignantly, “I never liked Consort Yi. My elder sister has always been forthright and uninhibited. At first, she truly treated Consort Yi as her own sister. Back then, the two of us often sparred with fists and feet, and she would beat me until I was hopping mad. Consort Yi would always offer her hypocritical comfort at times like that, using her words to sow discord between us siblings. Though I occasionally quarreled with my sister, I knew perfectly well who was close and who was distant. After Consort Yi did it again and again, I grew suspicious. I warned my sister in private, but she refused to take it seriously.”
Mo Shu analyzed the matter. “Consort Yi was the daughter of an embroiderer, and she also possessed the techniques of na sha embroidery. In her early years, she must have been coveted by many local gentry and merchants. Having survived for years in the cracks between them, she became the person she is now.”
“Enough of that. I’ll continue playing along with him.” Jun Dingyuan turned to leave.
“Wait, Huaishen.” Mo Shu called him back and smiled helplessly. “I truly don’t know where the books have been put. I’ve barely had a chance to read since returning to the capital this past month. I’m practically itching with anxiety.”
“The library is being fitted with a secret passage, so all the books have been moved to the storehouse. I’ll take you there.” Jun Dingyuan temporarily set Xie Langyang aside and led Mo Shu to the storehouse.
Xie Langyang’s legs had begun to ache from standing. He had only just waited until Jun Dingyuan returned.
“Oh dear, how could I leave you standing in the courtyard? The servants of this residence have grown so idle that they even forgot to invite you inside for tea.” Jun Dingyuan raised a hand and invited him to take a seat in the main hall.
“Did you find the books?” Xie Langyang asked.
“Mm.” Jun Dingyuan seemed unwilling to say more about the matter and changed the subject. “There were many generals who distinguished themselves in this campaign. I’ve submitted all their names to you. As for what positions they should receive, please have the Ministry of Personnel report it to His Majesty. There’s no need to consult me. I have no intention of repeating the mistakes of those who came before me and creating something like ‘Jun’s Selections.’”
“General, your consideration is thorough. I’m impressed,” Xie Langyang said politely before seriously checking the roster of officers and soldiers with him.
Once he had completed the duties required of the Ministry of Personnel, Xie Langyang had not even finished a cup of tea before hurriedly taking his leave.
The moment he stepped out of the Marquis’s residence, Wen Zhuo arrived in haste.
Everything was seen clearly by the spy Shen Chen had stationed near the residence.
Night was deepening, and the gates of the Forbidden City were about to be locked. The spy managed to return to the princes’ residence in time, changed into his usual eunuch’s robes, and reported every detail in a shrill, affected voice.
Shen Chen shot to his feet. “You’re saying that the Jun family hid Mo Shu at the Sacred Timber Yard under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Construction?”
“This servant saw him enter with his own eyes. They told the people at the Sacred Timber Yard that General Jun had taken in a homeless man on his way back to the capital and was helping him find work here.”
After his initial surprise, Shen Chen’s smile grew more and more triumphant. “As expected of Wen Zhuo. He knew that this was a minor matter and that the Sacred Timber Yard would be willing to do General Jun Dingyuan a favor without reporting it to the Directorate of Construction. The Ministry of Works would therefore remain unaware. But the Ministry of Works is Prince Xian’s domain. By using this move to drag Prince Xian into the matter, he intends to wring every last bit of use from Mo Shu, this discarded piece. When the affair comes to light, Prince Xian will likely be unable to defend himself, no matter what he says. He may lose Mo Shu and the Jun family, but if he can use this opportunity to bring down Prince Xian, then even if he’s trapped in a desperate situation, he’s still managing one final gamble. Unfortunately for him, once Prince Xian falls, he’ll merely be doing my work for me!”
Emperor Shunyuan already harbored misgivings about Prince Xian because of the impeachment of the Crown Prince. If he discovered that Prince Xian was also connected to Jun Dingyuan, he would certainly suspect that Prince Xian had extended his hand into the military. As for why a prince would seek military power, the answer was self-evident. Emperor Shunyuan absolutely could not tolerate him any longer.
Shen Chen was in excellent spirits and drained the warm wine in his cup.
He had always been cautious to the point of timidity. After living in the palace for all these years, he had feared saying the wrong thing or mishandling even the smallest matter. Even when it came to wine, he always drank in careful moderation and never dared to get drunk. Today, at last, he could indulge himself a little.
Riding the momentum of the alcohol, he put on his outer robe and, for the first time, held his head high as he went to Consort Liang’s residence, Yongyong Palace.
According to palace rules, once a prince had come of age, he could no longer meet any imperial consort in private apart from his own mother. But Shen Chen had called Consort Liang “Mother Consort Liang” since childhood, while he addressed Consort Yi as “Consort Yi.” It was as though he had been raised by both women, so his visit could not quite be considered a breach of protocol.
Besides, Consort Liang had long since fallen out of favor with Emperor Shunyuan and had not attended him for ten years. The Emperor was kept so busy by Consort Zhen that he had long since forgotten this place.
“Mother Consort Liang, I heard that my maternal uncle returned victorious today and received His Majesty’s personal commendation. Your son has come especially to offer his congratulations.” Shen Chen’s voice arrived before he did. With his hands clasped behind his back and his face flushed, he walked in.
Two palace eunuchs were wiping the bases of the pillars. When they saw him, they hurriedly bowed to the prince, but Shen Chen did not spare them a glance.
“Oh? Why are Mother Consort Liang and Fifth Brother standing in the hall?” Shen Chen’s eyes were sharp. He noticed that Consort Liang and Shen Zheng looked grave, as though they were turning some troubling matter over and over in their minds.
Shen Zheng stepped forward and blocked the doorway. In a cool, indifferent tone, he said, “Your congratulations are appreciated, but we have no time to receive outsiders today.”
Shen Chen smiled innocently. “Where are the outsiders? You and I are brothers, bound by the closest ties. I heard the victory banquet has been moved to tomorrow. I wonder if Fifth Brother has eaten his fill tonight?”
Shen Zheng gave a cold laugh. “Did you come here just to ask whether I’ve eaten?”
Shen Chen was very pleased by Shen Zheng’s anger and anxiety. It showed that Shen Zheng had already learned about Mo Shu and was fretting over the fate of the Jun family.
Feigning surprise, Shen Chen asked in his usual mild tone, “Why are you in such a poor mood today, Fifth Brother? You seemed so spirited at the special grace banquet.”
Shen Zheng silently watched him put on an act and said nothing.
With her back turned to him, Consort Liang never looked around. Her voice sounded slightly strange as she said, “Zheng’er, there’s no need to say more. Shen Chen, I have no time to see you. Go back.”
“It seems I’ve come on a bad day. Fifth Brother and Mother Consort Liang both seem to be in foul moods.” Shen Chen put on a dejected expression. “Still, Fifth Brother, whatever the matter may be, don’t let it trouble you. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau says that you have divine protection. I’m sure you’ll turn calamity into good fortune and make a spectacular showing.”
“No need to see you out.” Shen Zheng lowered his eyes and looked down at him, spitting out the two words stiffly.
Shen Chen puffed out his chest and left with a jaunty stride.
The moment he was gone, Shen Zheng hurriedly rubbed his face, whose muscles had gone stiff from holding back his laughter, and let out a long breath. “My god, was that some kind of challenge to see who could keep from laughing? He’s absolutely hilarious.”
Consort Liang had been relying on sheer willpower to keep herself from giving anything away.
She quickly leaned over the table and took a large gulp of tea to steady her breathing. “I never realized that little wretch could be so entertaining. He came at us so suddenly that we were completely caught off guard.”
Shen Zheng sat back down and idly toyed with the teacup on the table. With a teasing smile, he said, “He’s certainly cautious enough. He even knows to come test our attitudes.”
Consort Liang sighed. “But I had no idea your uncle would be so bold as to hide an imperial criminal.”
At that, Shen Zheng set down the teacup and straightened up. “Mo Shu is a national treasure. Even if Uncle hadn’t said anything, I would have protected him.”
Consort Liang shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. His father taught Huaishen his profound arts. Even if he were merely an ordinary man, our Jun family could never repay kindness with ingratitude. Still, this time, it was only thanks to Director Wen realizing what was happening in time and turning the enemy’s scheme against them that the Jun family escaped disaster. You must engrave this debt of gratitude in your heart. When you inherit the great undertaking, you must follow the wisdom of Duke Huan of Qi and Emperor Taizong of Tang, and not let down his wholehearted assistance.”
“Of course.”
Shen Zheng thought to himself: Betraying him is out of the question. The problem is that your son has ulterior motives… Your son is a cat-sexual!
