Could it be possible that the Flower Festival Uprising in the capital was caused by the Han people?

Fang Linyuan furrowed his brows tightly, but he couldn’t help but think again about the sharp-eyed envoy and the response from Saihan when she entered the capital that day.

She had said that, even if they were to carry out such an act, they would not cover their faces.

Cover their faces... Yes!

If they truly wanted to conceal their identities, why were they still wearing the clothes of the Hu people? If they were to appear openly as Hu people, why would they need to cover their faces?

Unless they were afraid of being recognized.

Pretending to be Hu people, they disrupted the capital after signing the agreement... Then their purpose, more likely than not, had something to do with the alliance between the two countries.

Fang Linyuan’s mind was in turmoil.

But just based on Meng Cheng’s words, there was hardly enough evidence to accuse the Han people of causing an uprising. The “Hu bandits” of that day had been silenced as soon as they left the capital, and now, six months later, even if the bodies hadn't been eaten by wild animals, they would have rotted away, leaving only bones.

What further clues could there be...?

Fang Linyuan tightly gripped the table, deep in thought.

Dozens of capable and skilled Han people, and a route that was originally heading towards the Turks but turned off to Yifeng Mountain halfway...

Fang Linyuan’s hand clasping on the table paused slightly.

In his mind, he had a clear map of the Great Xuan Empire, especially the official road between the Turks and the capital. He remembered it vividly.

To head northwest from the capital and then turn to Yifeng Mountain, there was only one road. That road was rugged and winding, with complex terrain. When reaching the vicinity of Yifeng Mountain, the surrounding terrain became complicated, and the remaining path only led in one direction.

Yan Province.

That was the only road from the capital to Yan Province.

Fang Linyuan immediately nodded to Meng Cheng.

"I understand," he said. "Thank you for telling me the truth."

Meng Cheng replied, "No need to thank me, General."

Fang Linyuan stood up.

As he reached the prison door, he turned around and looked at Meng Cheng. "I still have one thing to say to you in person," he said.

"Please, General."

"I've investigated your statement from yesterday, and I know that what you said is true," Fang Linyuan continued.

"As for what comes after, I can’t guarantee everything, but I can promise you that if there are any corrupt officials in the Yan Province military who have enriched themselves at the cost of others, I will ensure that you and your brothers will live to see them confess and face justice."

There was a brief silence behind him.

Fang Linyuan turned around and saw Meng Cheng standing there, his eyes faintly moist. After a moment, he cupped his fists and deeply bowed to Fang Linyuan.

The heavy shackles clinked loudly.

"General, on behalf of the thirty-seven brothers who have passed, I thank you."

*

The bandits of Chongzhou Mountain had been wiped out, and the victorious General Fang was escorting the criminals back to the capital in grand procession.

The somewhat timid and cautious merchant Zhu also returned to the capital with the protection of the soldiers.

Zhou Jia was rather happy, still thinking about the lipstick and headgear that Zhu Yan had sent to his mansion once they returned to the capital.

This businessman was indeed quite adept at pleasing everyone.

When they were halfway on the journey, with dust flying all around, Zhu Yan invited General Fang onto his carriage, saying that there was some good tea in the carriage for him to taste.

Naturally, Fang Linyuan boarded Zhao Chu’s carriage.

The carriage insulated them from the sounds of the military procession. Fang Linyuan also took the opportunity to tell Zhao Chu everything he had learned: the clothes found in Chongzhou Mountain, Meng Cheng’s testimony, and even his final suspicions.

And Zhao Chu...

Indeed, he really had good tea in his carriage.

Not only that, but there was also a full set of tea utensils, and the carriage itself was luxuriously outfitted, almost like a small private room.

As Fang Linyuan spoke, Zhao Chu sat across from him, listening while methodically preparing tea.

The tea whisk was gently and steadily striking the jade cup, and the tea leaves were repeatedly soaked in clear water, transforming into light clouds that rose and overflowed from the cup under his hands.

(NT A "tea whisk" is a traditional tool used primarily in Japanese tea ceremonies, especially for preparing matcha, a powdered green tea. It is usually made of bamboo and consists of several fine prongs that are used to whisk the powdered tea with hot water to create a creamy, velvety consistency.)

As Fang Linyuan finished speaking, he involuntarily swallowed, his eyes drawn to the tea cup in Zhao Chu's hand.

He could already smell the refreshing fragrance.

Opposite him, Zhao Chu slowly gathered the tea whisk and placed a cup of freshly brewed tea in front of Fang Linyuan.

Such a delicate and tedious skill was typically popular among noble families. Fang Linyuan, who grew up on the frontier and disliked trouble, had never had much experience with this.

He reached out to take the cup, and as he did so, Zhao Chu, who was cleaning the tea whisk, slowly said, "You're right. The situation in Yan Province can be investigated."

Fang Linyuan immediately refocused his attention.

"Do you also think the Yan Province military is connected to the Hu bandits in the capital?" he asked.

Beyond Yan Province, there were only a few grassland tribes under the protection of the Daxuan Empire, and then there’s Goryeo Kingdom," Zhao Chu said. "They don't have such power or courage. Without Yan Province, these bandits have nowhere to go."

Fang Linyuan nodded in agreement.

"Whether the instigators behind these Hu bandits are the Yan Province military or the local officials, they must have someone in the court supporting them," Zhao Chu continued.

"Have you already figured it out?" Fang Linyuan asked him.

Zhao Chu shook his head. "No need to guess. The court is currently divided into two distinct factions. Most of my officials, except for a few who remain neutral on the surface, are actively involved in either one of these two factions."

Fang Linyuan nodded, looking particularly thoughtful.

Zhao Chu paused for a moment, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he glanced at Fang Linyuan. His tone softened a little.

"My court officials watch sometimes cautiously, so they can't make such decisions," he said. "It's an easy choice between two options."

Fang Linyuan nodded. "Since you’re confident, I can rest easy."

"Rest easy about me?" Zhao Chu tilted his head and looked at him.

"Yes," Fang Linyuan replied without hesitation. "What's wrong?"

His clear, innocent eyes resembled a rabbit unknowingly nestling next to a hunter.

Zhao Chu smiled softly, not reminding him that, at heart, he was just as much part of the game as the others, scheming in the shadows.

After all, the hunter holding the rabbit was planning to retire his hunting knife and live a gentler life.

"Nothing," Zhao Chu said, still smiling. "Let's drink some tea."

As he spoke, his fingers lightly tapped the edge of the table, slow and steady.

No matter who sent the bandits in the capital or which corrupt generals were behind them, it didn’t matter to Zhao Chu. It wasn’t a bad thing for him.

He already controlled a significant portion of the court’s power. The shipyards and commercial companies in the capital were also fully staffed with loyal men ready to serve him.

Now, only one more step remained—divide and conquer.

Both factions in the court had enough support to form their own alliances. Sang Zhixin was deeply trusted by Emperor Hongyou, and despite his weakened influence, he had distanced himself from the rest and was still a favoured figure in the emperor's eyes.

On the other side, Zhao Jin would remain the only usable son of Emperor Hongyou for the next decade, until Zhao Jue came of age.

These two factions had been at odds for years. Even when they clashed, they were evenly matched because both had the emperor's support.

Emperor Hongyou knew this well—he was controlling both factions through mutual balance.

Zhao Chu, on the other hand, knew that what he needed now was to find the right opportunity to shake one side’s trust, breaking the balance.

He still held a few trump cards in his hand: Emperor Hongyou’s, Zhao Jin’s... and his most precious son, Zhao Jue’s.

The day the balance was broken would be the day these three parties exposed their true colours, engaging in a chaotic battle.

So the Yan Province case was, to him, a gift that had come to his door.

No matter which side it was, betraying military supplies couldn't have been done without the emperor's permission. Once he uncovered the truth behind this case, whether it involved the weakened Sang Zhixin or the always reckless Zhao Jin, they wouldn't be able to escape...

And then there was Fang Linyuan.

At this thought, Zhao Chu looked up slightly, his eyes settling on Fang Linyuan.

The young general with a heart full of righteous intentions wanted to correct the injustices in the world, but before the clouds parted, every person in power was suspect.

Sang Zhixin, Zhao Jin... and even Emperor Hongyou himself.

To get through this situation smoothly, someone would have to step forward and shield him from his overwhelming brilliance.

Zhao Chu pondered, his plans beginning to take shape.

Meanwhile, Fang Linyuan, having finished his report, gradually became absorbed in the cup of tea before him.

The fragrance was enticing—light yet rich, making him eager to take a sip.

He lifted the cup carefully and took a small sip.

How fragrant!

Unlike the tea made by brewing leaves, the tea made by the tea whisk was a delicate, soft foam that dissolved instantly in his mouth, filling him with a refreshing fragrance that felt like drinking a soft, fluffy cloud.

Fang Linyuan looked at Zhao Chu in surprise.

Zhao Chu seemed lost in thought, his eyes deep with contemplation, and only when their gazes met did he snap back to the present.

"What's wrong?" Fang Linyuan asked, his voice laced with concern.

Zhao Chu shook his head, then looked at the cup of tea in Fang Linyuan’s hand. "How is it?"

Fang Linyuan followed his gaze, lowered his head to look, and then vigorously nodded several times. "It's delicious!!"

Zhao Chu paused slightly before looking at him and slowly smiling.

"If it's good, then it's good." He said. "Shall I make it for you again in the future?"

Fang Linyuan’s eyes immediately lit up, but he wasn't completely honest with his words. "Ah, would it be too troublesome for you?"

Zhao Chu asked, "Do you want to drink it?"

Fang Linyuan glanced at the cup in his hands and could no longer deny it. His voice became softer. "…I do."

Then, he heard a low chuckle.

It was Zhao Chu.

He looked up and saw Zhao Chu’s elbow resting on the windowsill, his hand curled into a fist, pressed gently to his lips.

It seemed like Zhao Chu was trying to hold back his laughter, but he failed.

His peach blossom eyes were full of amusement as he looked at Fang Linyuan.

Fang Linyuan felt his heart skip a beat.

He had to admit… Zhao Chu was extremely handsome. Just that unguarded smile made him feel like his heart was suddenly shaken.

He couldn't understand how such a look had come to be.

Fang Linyuan felt inexplicably guilty and awkwardly averted his gaze. He picked up the cup again, as if to cover up his flustered state, and drank sip after sip.

Beside him, Zhao Chu laughed, his eyes filled with joy, but they were also deeply fixed on Fang Linyuan.

Yes, this was what he wanted—such peace and stability. He wanted Fang Linyuan to not think about anything, to simply look at him with bright eyes when drinking his tea, waiting for him to pour more.

Zhao Chu gazed at Fang Linyuan, a softness in his smile that he had never shown before.

But in his heart, he had already come up with a thousand schemes to find the mastermind behind the Yan Province case and execute them cruelly.

*

After Fang Linyuan returned to the capital, he went to the palace to report to Emperor Hongyou.

"We have already received the report from Ningbei County, Minister." Emperor Hongyou smiled as he addressed Fang Linyuan. As Fang Linyuan was kneeling to greet him, the emperor stood up, walked a few steps forward, and helped him up.

"Minister, you have solved a major problem for Zhen in just a few days! Zhen must reward you generously!" Emperor Hongyou said with a smile.

Fang Linyuan, a bit flustered by the praise, stood up in response to the emperor's actions.

"Your Majesty overestimates me," Fang Linyuan replied. "It is my duty to relieve the emperor's worries. I am fortunate to have Your Majesty's trust, and I only fulfilled my mission."

Emperor Hongyou smiled and instructed a eunuch to give Fang Linyuan a seat.

"Zhen has always trusted you to handle matters, Minister," Emperor Hongyou said, sitting back on his throne. " Zhen has heard that you’ve brought the bandits back to the capital?"

Fang Linyuan nodded. "Yes."

A worried expression appeared on the emperor’s face.

"You know that the Turkic envoys have not yet returned to the north. With so many bandits brought into the capital, Zhen fears you may not have considered the situation carefully," he said.

Fang Linyuan quickly reassured him, "Your Majesty, please don't worry. These bandits are all being detained at the military camp on the outskirts of the capital, under the supervision of General Fan Yushu. They have not entered the city."

He paused slightly and continued, "What Your Majesty doesn’t know is that I brought them back because we uncovered another matter."

"Oh?" Emperor Hongyou said. "Minister, please explain."

"These bandits are all deserters from the Yan Province military. According to their confessions, from last year to this year, due to the famine in Yan Province, dozens of soldiers starved to death. I believe this matter is unusual, so I brought them back to report to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Hongyou was slightly taken aback and frowned.

"Zhen remembers that the Ministry of War did not receive any reports from the Yan Province army," he said. "Could the famine in Yan Province be this severe?"

Fang Linyuan hesitated for a moment, recalling the words Zhao Chu had told him earlier when he got off the carriage.

"Just report the situation briefly and concisely," Zhao Chu had said. "Don’t mention the Hu bandits, and don't volunteer any opinions."

In that moment, Fang Linyuan lowered his head and replied, "I do not yet know the full details, which is why I brought these witnesses to the capital for Your Majesty to decide how to handle them."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Hongyou nodded, his tone now carrying some approval. "You did the right thing, Minister."

"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty," Fang Linyuan replied with his head bowed.

"Since that’s the case, they should be temporarily detained outside the city," Emperor Hongyou said. "The famine that killed so many soldiers in Yan Province must certainly be investigated. You’ve done well. Take your reward and go back to your residence to rest."

Fang Linyuan sighed in relief, saluted, and then withdrew.

Emperor Hongyou smiled as he watched him leave, then, with a thoughtful expression, picked up the tea cup from the table and took a sip.

"Huang Wei," he said as he set the cup down.

A eunuch standing nearby immediately approached and bowed. "Your Majesty."

"Send someone to the palace to summon Sang Zhixin to the imperial study…"

At this point, Emperor Hongyou paused. His words slowly faded into silence as his brow furrowed deeper.

It had been about ten years, and he had grown accustomed to using Sang Zhixin. He was honest, poor, wise yet rigid—traits that made him the kind of minister he favoured. Yet, he had unfortunately become entangled in that messy affair in Jiangnan.

Even though he turned a blind eye and refrained from punishing Sang Zhixin, he could tell that these matters were intricately linked to him. He had spared him once, but it was hard to continue using him without any lingering suspicion.

After a moment, Emperor Hongyou raised his hand and rubbed his brow.

"Forget it, Zhen won't summon him," he said. "Has Yuan Honglang returned to the capital?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Lord Yuan returned two days ago and has already submitted a memorial, requesting to meet with Your Majesty," Huang Wei replied.

"Mm, then go ahead and summon Yuan Honglang to the palace," Emperor Hongyou said.

*

Fang Linyuan had just returned to the Marquis’ residence when a servant came to inform him that an important guest had arrived and had been waiting in the hall for a while.

"An important guest?" Fang Linyuan was puzzled, wondering who in the capital might be visiting him. "Which guest?"

The guard at the door replied, "Reporting to the Marquis, it’s Her Royal Highness, the Princess."

Fang Linyuan was slightly stunned.

...That princess, Zhao Yu, who lived a secluded life after becoming a widow?

Why would she come here, and specifically request to see him?

He thought to himself that he had no particular relationship with Princess Zhao Yu. In fact, he had been back in the capital for nearly a year without having met her, and he didn’t even know what she looked like.

"How long has Her Royal Highness been waiting?" he asked.

"She has been waiting for nearly half an hour. Just now, the Fifth Princess heard of her arrival and went to receive her on your behalf," the guard replied.

Fang Linyuan nodded, stepped over the threshold, and walked towards the main hall.

As soon as he entered the hall, he saw Zhao Chu sitting there, holding a cup of tea. The grand and spacious hall was filled with an air of solemnity. Zhao Chu wore a pale red silk robe, with a light veil and sash draped over his arms, creating the appearance of mist surrounding him.

Across from him sat a tall, simply dressed woman.

Her attire was typical of a widow: a lake-blue cross-collared silk gown with a plain gold pleated skirt decorated with intertwined flowers, and a simple lotus crown on her head.

Though the fabric was fine, her overall appearance was striking in its simplicity.

The maidservants at the door bowed as their voices echoed through the hall. Fang Linyuan saw the woman turn her head.

Regarding the princess, who had led the Fuzhou navy to repel Japanese pirate ships after becoming widowed, rumours about her were widespread.

She was said to have a terrifying appearance, with sharp features and a strong, fearsome build, enjoying feasting on the flesh of Japanese pirate men.

However, the woman Fang Linyuan saw was calm, her features clear and composed.

With Zhao Chu sitting beside her, she did not seem particularly beautiful, but there was an undeniable aura of calm and composure about her.

Her eyebrows and eyes were not the delicate, graceful features valued by Daxuan women. Instead, her straight brows and sharp eyes made her appear particularly bright and clear-eyed.

She was notably tall for a woman, almost the same height as Zhao Chu.

Fang Linyuan paused for a moment, then bowed to her, "I was unaware that Her Royal Highness the Princess had come to visit. I apologize for not greeting you properly. I pay my respects to Your Highness."

Zhao Yu also rose to her feet.

She was tall, yet slender, with a composed and natural demeanour that gave no hint of softness or flirtation.

"General, there’s no need for such formalities," she spoke, her voice clear and crisp. "I have come today to thank you."

"Thank me?" Fang Linyuan was momentarily taken aback, lifting his gaze.

At that moment, Zhao Chu slowly set down the jade cup and spoke, "General may not be aware, but the bandits you brought back from Chongzhou these past few days were once part of my elder sister’s old forces."

His tone was calm, showing no familiarity, but this was indeed the first time Fang Linyuan had heard him refer to members of the royal family in such a familial way.

Fang Linyuan was a bit surprised and turned to look at Zhao Yu.

She nodded slightly and then formally bowed to him.

"Meng Cheng was once of great service to me, sinking three Japanese pirate ships. He went to Chongzhou under my recommendation. If it weren’t for you, General, he would have likely died there as the leader of the bandits."

Her manner was straightforward and composed, and her bow was performed neatly and efficiently, making Fang Linyuan unsure of how to assist her.

"It’s nothing; it is my duty," Fang Linyuan quickly replied. "Moreover, even though Meng Cheng was forced into becoming a bandit, he did not forget to punish evil and promote good. This is also a result of Your Highness’s guidance."

Zhao Yu was slightly surprised upon hearing this, then smiled and shook her head. "General is too modest."

They had never met before, yet their exchange did not feel too unfamiliar.

Fang Linyuan suddenly realized that he was feeling a bit excited.

Who was this Princess? Her experience in leading the navy to fight off the Japanese pirates was legendary. For someone like Fang Linyuan, who had little experience with naval battles, she was a senior he greatly respected!

And now this esteemed senior had personally come to thank him!

As he thought of this, Fang Linyuan’s eyes lit up.

He glanced at Zhao Yu, contemplating whether it would be too forward to invite her to stay for lunch and perhaps ask her about the tactics she used to repel the Japanese pirates…

At that moment, Zhao Chu’s voice reached him.

"General has just returned from meeting the Emperor. You must be tired," he said. "Don’t stand and speak for long. Sit down and have some tea."

Fang Linyuan turned his head to look.

There was Zhao Chu, sitting there, one hand resting on the edge of the cup, his fox-like eyes fixed on him. He seemed to smile, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes, his expression full of playful charm. Yet for some reason, this charming look had an unsettling, almost grating edge to it.

Fang Linyuan’s gaze lingered on his face for a moment, but he couldn’t quite place it.

However, Zhao Yu, who was sitting beside them, had quietly observed the interaction. Her calm eyes subtly swept over the space between the two men.

She seemed to pause slightly when her gaze landed on Zhao Chu.

 

--

The author has something to say:

Zhao Yu: (studying Zhao Chu) How strange, my Zhao family hasn’t had a love-stricken fool in three generations...

PS: The Princess first appeared at the beginning of Chapter 20. I wonder if any dear readers remember her~

 

 

Translator : DarNan