Is Zhao Chu gone mad!

The malevolence in his eyes startled Fang Linyuan, but what was even more terrifying was that the voice that escaped him was his original voice!

Seeing officials approaching to toast them, Fang Linyuan was so frightened that he almost knocked over the cups on the table, wishing he could cover Zhao Chu's mouth.

"This is a palace banquet!" Fang Linyuan's trembling voice was barely audible. "Are you trying to get us killed?"

Meanwhile, the official, holding a wine cup, had already stopped in front of them, smiling warmly.

Amidst the noisy and bustling banquet, in an open-air setting, he couldn't hear what Fang Linyuan and Zhao Chu were saying, but he noticed Zhao Chu gripping Fang Linyuan's wrist. The white silk was stained with fresh blood.

"Oh..." The official was taken aback, quickly asking with concern, "Marquis, are you injured? What happened?"

Fang Linyuan lifted his head, immediately flashing a casual and faint smile.

"No worries," he chuckled. "Just a little tug on the reins, nothing serious."

"Oh..." The official nodded in understanding, about to say more when he met Zhao Chu's icy gaze.

In these captivating eyes, there was no disguise to their annoyance and displeasure.

The official felt a chill down his spine, realizing he had come at an inappropriate time.

He must have rudely interrupted the private conversation between Princess Huining and Marquis Anping.

Princess Huining was known for her extremely cold temperament, not even giving face to the Emperor. How could he, a minor official like him, afford to provoke her?

The official hesitated, intending to apologize. Before he could speak, Fang Linyuan noticed the wine cup in his hand and, with a friendly smile, lifted his own glass as if to return the gesture.

Princess Huining's gaze grew colder.

How dare he!

The official's hand trembled, nearly spilling the wine. Ignoring that, he hurriedly stepped forward, pressing Fang Linyuan's hand back.

"Marquis, you're still injured and shouldn't drink," he smiled broadly. "Your performance at the polo field earlier was truly magnificent. I congratulate you on your victory and wish you a speedy recovery."

He tilted his head back and drained the wine from his cup in one go, then fled as if escaping.

*

Huh?

Before Fang Linyuan could react, the official had downed his wine and left on his own, not even allowing him a chance to lift his own cup again.

Wasn't this inappropriate? He drank a full cup, but Fang Linyuan didn't drink a drop.

His puzzled gaze followed the official all the way until he felt a slight chill in the palm of his left hand, realizing Zhao Chu had already taken off the silk cloth.

Fine powder was carefully sprinkled onto his palm again. The wound wasn't severe, but the sting when the powder touched it made Fang Linyuan grit his teeth.

He picked up the wine cup from the table intending to take a sip.

But then he heard Zhao Chu's voice nearby.

"Don't drink," his voice was cold and calm, reverting to the clear, refined female voice he feigned in public. "There's tea nearby."

Fang Linyuan immediately recalled the recent events.

He reached for the tea cup cautiously, leaning closer to Zhao Chu, lowering his voice.

"You were too careless just now," he said. "If someone had heard, both of us would be in trouble."

Zhao Chu pulled out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and began re-bandaging his wound, slightly raising her eyes to look at him.

There was no expression on his face, leaving Fang Linyuan unsure if he realized her mistake or not.

After a moment, he heard Zhao Chu ask, "Did I scare you?"

"Huh?" Fang Linyuan hadn't expected Zhao Chu to ask that.

Not really, but matters concerning life and death should always be handled with caution. What did his scare have to do with anything?

Zhao Chu lowered her eyes slightly again, seemingly refocusing on the wound in his palm.

"No one heard," he then heard Zhao Chu say.

"Oh..." Fang Linyuan acknowledged his experience and didn't press further. "But why did you want to kill him?"

Zhao Chu raised an eyebrow, looking at him as if he had asked an obvious foolish question.

Fang Linyuan blinked.

"...It can't just be because he threatened me in public, right?"

*

For Zhao Chu, this reason was enough.

To change the course of a situation on the chessboard often required meticulous planning. But if a single piece obstructed his view...

Occasionally breaking the rules and smashing that piece to the ground would suffice.

He didn't quite understand why Fang Linyuan would ask such a question, but facing Fang Linyuan's clear and penetrating eyes, Zhao Chu found himself unable to speak.

After a moment, he tilted his head slightly, his throat gently rolling up and down.

"But he was just planning to kill you," he said.

"What's the big deal about this little trick?" Fang Linyuan blurted out. "Hasn't he already reaped what he sowed?"

At this point, a hint of smugness appeared on Fang Linyuan's face. "If such a minor move could kill me, I wouldn't have survived numerous incidents at Hulao Pass."

Zhao Chu lowered his eyes slightly, tied the silk handkerchief around Fang Linyuan's hand securely, and then released it.

However, for someone with murderous intent, how could one sleep peacefully without eliminating the threat?

He remained silent, but Fang Linyuan unexpectedly turned his hand back, his warm palm covering Zhao Chu’s forearm through the thin spring shirt.

"He has already lost so much face. For me, it's settled,"

Zhao Chu turned his head slightly, meeting Fang Linyuan's clean and momentarily stunning eyes.

He immediately turned his head away, not daring to look at him again, only hearing his voice in his ear.

"I saved his life today. For my sake, spare him this time. If he dares again, you won't need to act; I will personally take his dog life back."

*

Fang Linyuan's words were just a casual remark. As a general of the Sixteenth Guard, he adhered strictly to laws and regulations, unlike those in the martial world who sought vengeance.

It was just that Zhao Chu's eyes just now were too cold, making him feel that he really wanted Wang Chang's life.

That was really not going to be.

Seeing Zhao Chu reluctantly nod slightly, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He certainly didn't expect Zhao Chu to be so protective, but a childish provocation from a playboy easily triggered Zhao Chu's murderous intent.

Now feeling relieved, Fang Linyuan also began to feel hungry. Since they were already at the banquet, he picked up the silver chopsticks beside him and grabbed some food to fill his stomach.

Zhao Chu watched quietly for a moment and then said to him, "I have something to attend to. I'll be back in a moment."

Fang Linyuan nodded without hesitation.

But instead of leaving after saying so, Zhao Chu remained seated without moving for quite some time.

Perplexed, Fang Linyuan looked at him and saw Zhao Chu still in his seat, turning his head to quietly gaze at him.

"Is there something else?" he asked.

"Have you really made up your mind?" Zhao Chu asked him.

"About what?"

"Wang Chang," Zhao Chu said.

He had already eaten half of his meal. Why was Zhao Chu still thinking about killing Wang Chang?

"Of course I've made up my mind. Go ahead, don't worry about me," Fang Linyuan quickly replied.

Seeing Zhao Chu silently stand up, dressed like a graceful immortal but giving off an eerie aura like a demon in disguise, chilling enough to take someone's life at any moment.

Indeed, whether Zhao Chu cared about him or not, Zhao Chu himself was a dangerous individual.

Now it was Fang Linyuan who was worried.

As Zhao Chu was about to leave, Fang Linyuan gripped the chopsticks in one hand and looked up again, repeating, "Please don't do anything reckless. Ignore him."

Zhao Chu turned back, looked down at him.

Somehow, Fang Linyuan faintly saw a hint of a smile in Zhao Chu's eyes.

Then, Zhao Chu pointed at his own lips.

"What?" Fang Linyuan was puzzled, thinking he might be playing charades. "I know he's a bit talkative, but it's alright, I can handle..."

But before he could finish his sentence, Zhao Chu had already bent down.

With the scent of jade hairpin flowers enveloped in shadows, a snow-white petal fell and landed on Fang Linyuan's shoulder.

He stood still, watching as Zhao Chu reached out towards him.

The snow-white, icy-cold fingers, delicate like painted skin over bones, gently brushed across the corner of his mouth.

A grain of rice was picked off by Zhao Chu.

"Understood, I won't kill him. Are you relieved now and ready to eat slowly?" Zhao Chu spoke.

*

Fang Linyuan felt a bit embarrassed, rubbing the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, watching Zhao Chu's figure drift away.

He was in such a hurry to eat that he got food on his face.

Under the gaze of the crowd, even though no one was specifically watching him, Fang Linyuan felt a bit embarrassed.

He quickly finished the food in his bowl in a few bites, wiped his mouth several times with a napkin on the table, and then stood up.

Since staying any longer would inevitably lead to more socializing, he decided to go on patrol.

Leaving the seat, he paid respects to the Empress Dowager and had his horse, Liu Huo, brought to him, leaving the elevated platform of the banquet.

The elevated platform was the best place in Qujiang Pond, surrounded by winding paths through secluded peach groves, which were now lively with the blossoming of towering red clouds in this season. After noon, many noble guests had left their seats to enjoy themselves here. As Fang Linyuan walked towards Qujiang Pond, he received greetings from several people along the way.

At that moment, someone called out to him from behind.

"Marquis Anping."

Fang Linyuan turned around and saw Li Zhe, who had been defeated by Wang Chang earlier. He wore a green round-collar brocade robe, the attire of a Sixth Rank Hanlin Academy Scholar. Standing on the side path, he shyly pursed his lips.

When Fang Linyuan looked over, Li Zhe smiled and bowed, saying, "This official pays respects to Marquis."

Fang Linyuan hurried forward and returned the gesture, "Mr. Li."

"Is Marquis going on duty?" Li Zhe saw the attendant behind him holding the horse and asked gently.

"Yes," Fang Linyuan replied. "There are many people below, so I intend to keep an eye on things. Is there something you need, Mr. Li?"

Li Zhe hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, "No, I just wanted to have a chat with Marquis. Since Marquis is busy with official matters, this low official won't disturb you."

Fang Linyuan couldn't shake the feeling that Li Zhe had some emotions he couldn't hide, like he had something on his mind but was hesitating to tell him.

He gestured towards Yan Ting with a sideways glance, Yan Ting understood and led the horse away first.

Fang Linyuan looked back at Li Zhe and gestured invitingly towards the winding and quiet path opposite the peach grove, asking with a smile, "But I was planning to take a walk first to aid digestion. If Mr. Li is interested, why not join me?"

Li Zhe was momentarily surprised, then a hint of joy flickered in his eyes as he nodded.

The two walked together towards that direction.

It was a quiet bamboo forest with winding paths leading to an ancient mountain temple left over from the previous dynasty. Since the imperial garden was built here, a Taoist temple had been erected on the mountain opposite the peach grove, causing the mountain temple to gradually lose its worshippers. The path was now overgrown with weeds and rarely traversed.

When they were out of earshot of others, Fang Linyuan went straight to the point, "Mr. Li, if you have something to say, just say it. I'm a straightforward person, not one for beating around the bush."

"It's really nothing important." Li Zhe walked beside Fang Linyuan, smiling slightly and looking more relaxed and embarrassed. "I just wanted to personally thank Marquis for speaking up for me earlier."

Fang Linyuan waved his hand dismissively, "No need for thanks. You're originally a scholar. It's already commendable to fight as well as you did. You must have some innate talent."

Li Zhe lowered his eyes slightly at Fang Linyuan's words and chuckled, "Marquis, you flatter me. It's true that I come from a humble background and have studied for many years, which has resulted in the laziness of not being diligent in exercise."

Fang Linyuan immediately retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about? Whatever Wang Chang said, don't take it to heart. By using his strengths to attack your weaknesses, he's only trying to appear superior. Why doesn't he compete with you in poetry and literary debate? At his age, I doubt he has even finished reading the Four Books and Five Classics."

 (NT: classical Chinese texts that have been traditionally regarded as fundamental to Confucianism and Chinese culture. These texts were studied extensively in imperial China and served as the basis for civil service examinations.).

His words made Li Zhe chuckle softly, and Fang Linyuan joined in with a smile, lightening the atmosphere between them even more.

After a moment, Li Zhe composed himself and said to Fang Linyuan, "Marquis, please don't take offense... You really resemble the late Marquis a lot."

Fang Linyuan was slightly taken aback and turned to look at him. "You've met my father?" he asked.

Li Zhe nodded, his expression still somewhat awkward but filled with profound sincerity as he continued, "My family was in Xiangcheng Pass in Lingnan. When I was five years old, there was a locust plague in Xiangcheng, and my father died in the chaos caused by the refugees. If it weren't for the timely suppression by the late Marquis, rescuing me and my mother from the chaos... I wouldn't be here today."

As he spoke, Li Zhe lowered his eyes, concealing the gleam of tears.

Recalling the past choked him up a bit, and he couldn't continue speaking.

He didn't mention how his mother had been insulted by the rioters and, after being rescued, had secretly carried him away from the camp to throw herself into the river. It was Marquis Fang Duo, the first Marquis of Anping, who rescued them both from the riverside, thinking she was desperate for livelihood. He took out his personal purse and gave it to her to exchange it for rice.

But his mother refused firmly, saying she was just a dirty life and only wanted to follow her husband. Li Zhe stood aside, the letter of resignation he held desperately slipped from his grasp and was retrieved by Fang Duo.

Fang Duo laughed heartily and said, "Where is the dirt? Your child can write so many words at the age of four or five. My Yuan'er still only knows how to play cuju. This is all the hard work of your mother."

He never mentioned the dirty past written on the letter of resignation, only praising him for his good handwriting.

His mother burst into tears immediately, and Fang Duo stuffed the purse into his arms and touched his forehead.

"In such troubled times, your mother taught you so many words. You must study hard in the future and become the top scholar. It's all for her hard work."

Years later, he really became the top scholar and let his mother enjoy the glory.

He hid the last regret in his heart.

It was not because he was mocked and trampled in the city where nobles were everywhere, nor was it because he was forced to point out his marriage in the princess's mansion as if walking on thin ice. It was only because he had fulfilled the expectations of his benefactor, but he could not see him again on his prosperous day. He could only face the direction of Hulao Pass and light incense from afar.

With his eyes lowered, he struggled to force back the tears, but at that moment, a hand fell on his shoulder and gently patted it.

He looked up and saw it was Fang Linyuan. Fang Linyuan was slightly taller than him, and at this moment, he lowered his eyes and smiled at Li Zhe.

"My father loved scholars the most," Fang Linyuan said. "If he knew he had saved a top scholar, he would have been extremely happy."

Li Zhe, who had been holding back tears for some time, couldn't contain them any longer, and they fell.

*

Fang Linyuan could vaguely sense that Li Zhe still had untold stories from the past.

But suddenly hearing about his father from someone else made his own emotions complicated.

He remembered the locust plague in Xiangcheng. That year, his father had distinguished himself in quelling the rebellion and was about to return to the capital to receive his reward, possibly to reside in the capital for several years.

But in that summer, Longxi fell, and the defending general died. There was an urgent decree from the Emperor, and his father, taking command in a crisis, couldn't even stop in the capital and went straight to Hulao Pass.

On the night his father passed through the capital, Fang Linyuan saw his mother crying secretly in the room.

"Papa broke his promise," he whispered to comfort his mother. "He clearly promised to come back and see us."

But his mother wiped away tears and looked at him seriously.

"Your father did not break his promise to us. Your father is a general and must defend the city walls," she said. "This is your father's agreement with the Emperor and with the people."

At that time, Fang Linyuan didn't understand the weight of her words, only knowing that his father fought fiercely for three months at Hulao Pass, holding the last pass of Longxi.

And the injuries from those three months became the old illness that took his life many years later.

Fang Linyuan hadn't shed tears for many years, but he also knew that shedding tears in front of others would be somewhat awkward.

Seeing Li Zhe losing his composure, he tactfully didn't say much, just turned his head slightly and didn't look at his flustered appearance as he wiped his tears.

Li Zhe wiped away the tear, and after a long time, managed to say with effort, "Thank you, Marquis."

His thanks were spoken with utmost sincerity, and Fang Linyuan smiled at him, saying no more, simply comforting him with a pat on the shoulder.

*

Meanwhile, in the nearby mountain temple, years of dust had settled on the colourful statue of the mountain god, concealing its oil paint with a mottled and sombre appearance.

The temple's lamp had long been extinguished, the bright paper on the windows weathered and torn, allowing fragments of sunlight to filter through, casting speckled light and shadows in the dim and dusty hall.

Standing before the statue, however, was a person untouched by dust. Their robes flowed elegantly, adorned with sparkling jewels, and as they turned slightly, a naturally charming yet icy and sharp face was revealed.

In front of the mottled statue covered in oil paint, they appeared like a fox or demon reigning over the mountain.

Standing respectfully before him was a man in a bright red round-collared official robe, unmistakably Yuan Honglang, the Ministry of Personnel Attendant, who had risen swiftly in recent years and was now vaguely competing with the influence of Censorate Chief Clerk Sang Zhixin.

"Your Highness, the letters you ordered to be sent to the south have been dispatched," he said. "However, with the current chaos in Jiangnan... Are you still in control of the situation?"

The silent Zhao Chu in front of him did not respond.

Yuan Honglang himself was a man Zhao Chu had personally promoted three years ago from a lowly official with a clean background, but who had fallen into trouble with Sang Zhixin's subordinates, making it almost impossible for him to recover. Zhao Chu had pushed him in front of Emperor Hongyou, successfully having him take over the position that Dou Huairen had lost, and in the following years, he had gradually eroded Dou Huairen's influence in the court through his hands.

This person was deeply loyal to him, much smarter than Dou Huairen, and after a moment of silence, he understood Zhao Chu's meaning.

"Your Highness must have a plan," Yuan Honglang bowed his head. "For the next steps, Your Highness only needs to command."

Zhao Chu had more than one thread in his hands, and Yuan Honglang understood this well.

Naturally, on one side was Sang Zhixin, who claimed to be a clean stream but was vigorously forming cliques and eliminating dissidents, and on the other was the Fifth Prince, who had been the only one to enter the court for many years and had the protection of his mother's family. Zhao Chu, who was unable to gain the emperor's favour and was also a ‘woman’, needed to carve out a path among them. It was impossible for him to achieve this alone.

Yuan Honglang understood that he should not say more.

He only heard Zhao Chu respond with a faint "Hmm," and add, "If there's something to be done, I will still pass on the message. You need not concern yourself with anything else."

"Yes," Yuan Honglang replied promptly.

Then Zhao Chu paused for a moment before continuing, "There is one more person."

"Your Highness, please speak."

"Duke of Qin," Zhao Chu said. "This man has always been slippery. I will send someone to find evidence against him. You will make him surrender voluntarily."

"Yes," Yuan Honglang had done such things for Zhao Chu before, and it was considered manageable for him.

"Prepare the pledge and have his son deliver it," Zhao Chu added.

"Has Your Highness already considered this?" Yuan Honglang asked.

Zhao Chu nodded slightly and slowly spoke again.

"Give it to General of the Sixteenth Guard Wei. Drain his pockets and give it all to Yumen Pass."

"Your Highness means..."

Outside the window, the tree shadows swayed gently in the wind, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow that reflected onto the eyes of the mountain deity statue, giving it a somewhat eerie and mysterious aura.

As if the deity had come to life or in a fleeting moment, possessed by a fox spirit.

The fox spirit smiled faintly and spoke.

"This is his blood money."

 

--

The author has something to say:

Fang Linyuan: Thanks to Prince Wang for his generous contribution!

Wang Chang: No need to thank me... Could you ask your wife to remove the knife from my back first?

 

Translator : DarNan