Mist in the Mountain Forest
Amidst the misty mountain forest, a winding path led to a secluded courtyard. The courtyard, with its blue-tiled roofs and white walls, was elegantly understated yet grand. Above the main entrance, three large characters read "DuMing Pavilion."
"Any leads?" A voice inquired lazily as someone entered.
The newcomer was a scout from DuMing Pavilion, responsible for gathering information.
"Master, I've found some details on the matters you requested."
"Let's hear it," the person speaking straightened, placing a tea cup aside.
"The Crown Prince's assassination was indeed carried out by assassins from the Zhuiyue Pavilion. Additionally, several Feng-level assassins were involved, totaling no fewer than ten," the scout reported.
"And then?"
"We found unusual marks at the base of the cliff, which, based on my experience, indicate the use of Zhuiyue Pavilion's unique Vajra Net," the scout explained.
"Vajra Net? Assassins who don't kill, and then use a net to protect someone falling off a cliff? What kind of game is Zhuiyue Pavilion playing?"
"There are rumors about General Lin Yuan that seem linked to MoLan prince's residence. I sent people to Beimo, but after that war, few survivors remain. The few who did speak highly of General Lin Yuan, suggesting he did not lead the massacre of Beimo. There must be more to the story," the scout continued.
"Even LinMuchuan believes it was the ChiLin Cavalry that slaughtered Beimo. Why would the survivors think differently?" The man pondered aloud, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the table.
"Anything else?" he asked, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table while one foot rested on the couch.
"On the days Sun Wanshan and Zhou Yunhai died, MuJinling was confined in MoLan prince's residence. There's no concrete evidence tying these deaths to Zhuiyue Pavilion," the scout continued.
The listener chuckled, eyes twinkling with intrigue, revealing a set of white teeth. "The Minister of Personnel hanged himself, and the Minister of Justice died suddenly. Whoever's behind this has ensured suspects were either out of town or had alibis. Using MoLan prince as a witness to distract others, the mastermind behind Zhuiyue Pavilion is indeed playing a masterful game."
MoLan Prince's Residence
In the main hall of MoLan prince's residence, ShangGuanCY petted ChengSangMo's cat, which purred contentedly.
Before long, ChengSangMo entered. "Just a few days without seeing it, and this fellow's gotten even fatter," ShangGuanCY said, scratching the cat's chin affectionately.
ChengSangMo picked up a tea bowl, asking, "What brings the Yunqing Duke to my place today? I doubt it's just to play with the cat."
ShangGuanCY opened his fan, waving it lightly across his chest, smiling. "I have to see JY in the palace later, so I'll be straightforward. Hand over MuJinXB."
ChengSangMo raised an eyebrow, surprised by the directness. He put down his tea, asking, "What if I refuse? Will you try to take him by force?"
ShangGuanCY laughed softly, pacing the room. "I've never liked using force. But think it through, Your Highness. If I happen to say something I shouldn't when I see the Emperor later..."
ChengSangMo's expression remained calm, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I am already ailing; I don't fear additional false charges."
ShangGuanCY shook his head slightly, saying, "I know you don't care. But if the Emperor learns why the Western Granary burned so quickly, and what was really stored there, will he not investigate further?"
"Are you threatening me?" ChengSangMo's expression grew serious, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
ShangGuanCY sat back in a chair, crossing his legs. "I wouldn't dare. The Emperor trusts me, and everyone knows it. I saved JY this time, and I do have a way with words."
ChengSangMo's expression turned cold. He glared at ShangGuanCY, his eyes full of warning. "ShangGuanCY, don't push your luck."
"ChengSangMo, you shouldn't overstep either," ShangGuanCY replied, his fan pausing mid-air as he stared back, expressionless.
Their gazes clashed, the tension in the room palpable, neither willing to back down.
"I never thought I, MuJinling, would cause the two most prominent royals to compete for me," a voice called from the doorway.
"XB! Are you okay?" ShangGuanCY hurried over.
ChengSangMo's surprise was evident. He frowned, studying the two men.
MuJinling patted ShangGuanCY's shoulder reassuringly. "I'm fine." He walked forward, placing something on the table. "Did you really think a dungeon could hold me, Your Highness?"
The two men then walked out of MoLan prince's residence without a backward glance.
On the table lay the broken lock of the dungeon door, and the sound of ChengSangMo clenching his fists echoed in the hall.
"Are you taking me home?" MuJinling asked, glancing at the route outside the carriage.
"How could I dare? You're the city's top courtesan. If I took you home, my father would break my legs," ShangGuanCY joked.
Although MuJinling knew ShangGuanCY's family, his current status was far from what it once was, and he knew better than to impose.
"The Drunken Immortal Pavilion is still in ShangGuanCY's hands. I have an estate on the outskirts, used to meet business friends occasionally. The rear courtyard has a secluded villa with a hidden passage at the foot of the mountain. You can safely summon your people there. There's also a hot spring in the northeast corner. You've always been susceptible to cold; soaking in it will do you good. I'll take you there for now. Once the Drunken Immortal Pavilion issue is resolved, you can return if you wish," ShangGuanCY explained.
MuJinling chuckled. "If I'd known you were so wealthy, I wouldn't have bothered becoming the top courtesan at the pavilion. I should have just clung to you and lived a life of luxury."
"Why didn't you consult me before running back?" ShangGuanCY lightly tapped MuJinling's leg with his fan.
MuJinling fell silent, thinking, "I wish I could tell you everything that's happened, but if the truth comes out, your entire family might face the same fate as mine. I'm alone now, risking everything. If I fail, so be it. But I can't drag your family down with me."
"XB, were you serious about what you said the other day?" ShangGuanCY suddenly asked.
MuJinling was puzzled. "Which matter?"
"About JY," ShangGuanCY said plainly.
MuJinling's expression grew serious. "If you've made up your mind, I'll help you. If you want to stay out of it, I have ways to keep you safe."
ShangGuanCY sighed. "It seems ChengSangMo is plotting to seize the throne. Even if I were capable, I couldn't protect JY all the time in the palace. I don't know when ChengSangMo will act, but if he gains power, given what Empress XiaoRui did to him, he won't let JY live. If ChengSangMo takes the throne, neither the Xiao family nor ours will survive. I won't let our land fall into the hands of a Beimo native."
MuJinling wasn't surprised. "If you've decided, I'll follow your lead. But we're still short on military strength."
"Do you want to recruit MuChuan?" ShangGuanCY asked, then reconsidered. "That might be impossible. The Lin family has been loyal for generations, deeply rooted in serving the country. Asking him to rebel is asking for his family's destruction. He won't agree."
MuJinling shook his head. "When the Xiao family falls, the Emperor will eventually abdicate. MuChuan and ChengSangMo will have to choose sides. The Lin family has always protected the people, not just the Emperor. Whoever can bring peace and stability will have their loyalty. We grew up with MuChuan; we know his character. He's smarter than his father and understands the stakes. Besides..."
"Besides what?" ShangGuanCY was curious why MuJinling hesitated.
MuJinling smirked mysteriously. "Do you really believe General Lin Yuan would massacre a city for a woman?"
In the Forest
Amidst the forest, mist enveloping the surroundings, a winding path led to a secluded courtyard. The serene and elegant mansion had blue-tiled roofs and white walls, nestled within a dense bamboo grove. Above the main entrance, three large characters read "DuMing Pavilion."
"Any leads?" a voice inquired lazily as someone entered.
The newcomer was a scout from DuMing Pavilion, responsible for gathering information.
"Master, I've found some details on the matters you requested."
"Let's hear it," the person speaking straightened, placing a tea cup aside.
"The Crown Prince's assassination was indeed carried out by assassins from Zhuiyue Pavilion. Additionally, several Feng-level assassins were involved, totaling no fewer than ten," the scout reported.
"And then?"
"We found unusual marks at the base of the cliff, which, based on my experience, indicate the use of Zhuiyue Pavilion's unique
Vajra Net," the scout explained.
"Vajra Net? Assassins who don't kill, and then use a net to protect someone falling off a cliff? What kind of game is Zhuiyue Pavilion playing?"
"There are rumors about General Lin Yuan that seem linked to MoLan prince's residence. I sent people to Beimo, but after that war, few survivors remain. The few who did speak highly of General Lin Yuan, suggesting he did not lead the massacre of Beimo. There must be more to the story," the scout continued.
"Even LinMuchuan believes it was the ChiLin Cavalry that slaughtered Beimo. Why would the survivors think differently?" The man pondered aloud, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the table.
"Anything else?" he asked, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table while one foot rested on the couch.
"On the days Sun Wanshan and Zhou Yunhai died, MuJinling was confined in MoLan prince's residence. There's no concrete evidence tying these deaths to Zhuiyue Pavilion," the scout continued.
The listener chuckled, eyes twinkling with intrigue, revealing a set of white teeth. "The Minister of Personnel hanged himself, and the Minister of Justice died suddenly. Whoever's behind this has ensured suspects were either out of town or had alibis. Using MoLan prince as a witness to distract others, the mastermind behind Zhuiyue Pavilion is indeed playing a masterful game."
MoLan Prince's Residence
In the main hall of MoLan prince's residence, ShangGuanCY petted ChengSangMo's cat, which purred contentedly.
Before long, ChengSangMo entered. "Just a few days without seeing it, and this fellow's gotten even fatter," ShangGuanCY said, scratching the cat's chin affectionately.
ChengSangMo picked up a tea bowl, asking, "What brings the Yunqing Duke to my place today? I doubt it's just to play with the cat."
ShangGuanCY opened his fan, waving it lightly across his chest, smiling. "I have to see JY in the palace later, so I'll be straightforward. Hand over MuJinXB."
ChengSangMo raised an eyebrow, surprised by the directness. He put down his tea, asking, "What if I refuse? Will you try to take him by force?"
ShangGuanCY laughed softly, pacing the room. "I've never liked using force. But think it through, Your Highness. If I happen to say something I shouldn't when I see the Emperor later..."
ChengSangMo's expression remained calm, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I am already ailing; I don't fear additional false charges."
ShangGuanCY shook his head slightly, saying, "I know you don't care. But if the Emperor learns why the Western Granary burned so quickly, and what was really stored there, will he not investigate further?"
"Are you threatening me?" ChengSangMo's expression grew serious, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
ShangGuanCY sat back in a chair, crossing his legs. "I wouldn't dare. The Emperor trusts me, and everyone knows it. I saved JY this time, and I do have a way with words."
ChengSangMo's expression turned cold. He glared at ShangGuanCY, his eyes full of warning. "ShangGuanCY, don't push your luck."
"ChengSangMo, you shouldn't overstep either," ShangGuanCY replied, his fan pausing mid-air as he stared back, expressionless.
Their gazes clashed, the tension in the room palpable, neither willing to back down.
"I never thought I, MuJinling, would cause the two most prominent royals to compete for me," a voice called from the doorway.
"XB! Are you okay?" ShangGuanCY hurried over.
ChengSangMo's surprise was evident. He frowned, studying the two men.
MuJinling patted ShangGuanCY's shoulder reassuringly. "I'm fine." He walked forward, placing something on the table. "Did you really think a dungeon could hold me, Your Highness?"
The two men then walked out of MoLan prince's residence without a backward glance.
On the table lay the broken lock of the dungeon door, and the sound of ChengSangMo clenching his fists echoed in the hall.
"Are you taking me home?" MuJinling asked, glancing at the route outside the carriage.
"How could I dare? You're the city's top courtesan. If I took you home, my father would break my legs," ShangGuanCY joked.
Although MuJinling knew ShangGuanCY's family, his current status was far from what it once was, and he knew better than to impose.
"The Drunken Immortal Pavilion is still in ShangGuanCY's hands. I have an estate on the outskirts, used to meet business friends occasionally. The rear courtyard has a secluded villa with a hidden passage at the foot of the mountain. You can safely summon your people there. There's also a hot spring in the northeast corner. You've always been susceptible to cold; soaking in it will do you good. I'll take you there for now. Once the Drunken Immortal Pavilion issue is resolved, you can return if you wish," ShangGuanCY explained.
MuJinling chuckled. "If I'd known you were so wealthy, I wouldn't have bothered becoming the top courtesan at the pavilion. I should have just clung to you and lived a life of luxury."
"Why didn't you consult me before running back?" ShangGuanCY lightly tapped MuJinling's leg with his fan.
MuJinling fell silent, thinking, "I wish I could tell you everything that's happened, but if the truth comes out, your entire family might face the same fate as mine. I'm alone now, risking everything. If I fail, so be it. But I can't drag your family down with me."
"XB, were you serious about what you said the other day?" ShangGuanCY suddenly asked.
MuJinling was puzzled. "Which matter?"
"About JY," ShangGuanCY said plainly.
MuJinling's expression grew serious. "If you've made up your mind, I'll help you. If you want to stay out of it, I have ways to keep you safe."
ShangGuanCY sighed. "It seems ChengSangMo is plotting to seize the throne. Even if I were capable, I couldn't protect JY all the time in the palace. I don't know when ChengSangMo will act, but if he gains power, given what Empress XiaoRui did to him, he won't let JY live. If ChengSangMo takes the throne, neither the Xiao family nor ours will survive. I won't let our land fall into the hands of a Beimo native."
MuJinling wasn't surprised. "If you've decided, I'll follow your lead. But we're still short on military strength."
"Do you want to recruit MuChuan?" ShangGuanCY asked, then reconsidered. "That might be impossible. The Lin family has been loyal for generations, deeply rooted in serving the country. Asking him to rebel is asking for his family's destruction. He won't agree."
MuJinling shook his head. "When the Xiao family falls, the Emperor will eventually abdicate. MuChuan and ChengSangMo will have to choose sides. The Lin family has always protected the people, not just the Emperor. Whoever can bring peace and stability will have their loyalty. We grew up with MuChuan; we know his character. He's smarter than his father and understands the stakes. Besides..."
"Besides what?" ShangGuanCY was curious why MuJinling hesitated.
MuJinling smirked mysteriously. "Do you really believe General Lin Yuan would massacre a city for a woman?"
In the Palace
In the palace, ChengSangJY followed the usual protocol to pay his respects to the Empress in her chambers.
"Your son pays his respects to Mother Empress."
He waited for a long time without receiving a response, causing a familiar heaviness to settle in his heart. He straightened his posture, kneeling properly.
Empress XiaoRui busied herself with the jade ornaments in front of her, not even sparing JY a glance.
After what seemed like an eternity, the matron beside the Empress whispered something in her ear,
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has sent word for the Crown Prince to come to the Imperial Study."
Empress XiaoRui sighed and finally spoke,
"I hear there's an old saying: 'Do not undertake a task if you lack the skill.' If you don't have ChengSangMo's ability, don't embarrass me by trying. The Crown Prince of ChengSang, unable to handle a few assassins, forced to jump off a cliff to survive—how laughable! Enough, I don't wish to see you. You may leave."
Leaving the Empress's chambers, ChengSangJY felt a deep sadness. To him, he had barely escaped death, yet his mother showed no joy at his survival, believing instead that he had jumped off a cliff out of cowardice.
"Am I truly so weak and useless in Mother's eyes? Even after escaping death, she can't muster a single word of concern," JY questioned himself.
The Imperial Study
In the Imperial Study, ChengSangKing gazed at a jade pendant, recalling memories from over a decade ago, a woman's face surfacing in his mind.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived," Liu Gonggong reported.
ChengSangKing pulled himself from his reverie, taking a deep breath before ordering,
"Let him in."
ChengSangJY entered the study as usual, bowing respectfully. "Your son greets Father Emperor."
"Rise."
As ChengSangJY lifted his head, he noticed the jade pendant spread out on the desk.
"JY, where did you get this jade pendant?" ChengSangKing asked.
"Father Emperor, this pendant was given to me by Huaichu," JY replied honestly.
"LinHuaichu?" ChengSangKing mused.
JY was puzzled. While the cloud-patterned jade was of decent quality, it wasn't rare enough to pique the Emperor's interest. He asked,
"Does Father Emperor like this pendant? Huaichu said he found it by chance at a market and thought it resembled my birthmark, so he bought it for me."
"So, this pendant was acquired by LinHuaichu by chance?" ChengSangKing inquired.
JY nodded. "Yes, Father Emperor. If you like it, I can give it to you."
ChengSangKing hesitated, staring at the pendant in contemplation before asking,
"JY, you have always loved jade. This pendant is of excellent quality. Are you willing to part with it?"
JY smiled warmly, replying,
"Father Emperor has raised me. This pendant is a small token. If you desire my life, I would not hesitate."
"Good! My son has courage. JY, did you gain anything from the hunt?" ChengSangKing asked, setting the pendant aside and picking up a memorial to review.
Hearing this, JY quickly knelt again, saying,
"Father Emperor, I know my fault."
ChengSangKing glanced at his son, feigning anger as he said,
"What fault? Escaping death and not returning immediately to assure your father, but instead hiding in the mountains, farming with peasants."
JY had indeed returned thinner and tanned. Though he appeared stronger, he lacked the regal bearing of royalty, looking more like a farmer in luxurious clothes.
"Father Emperor, I must repay the grace of saving our lives. They not only saved Huaichu and me but also treated our illnesses and sheltered us for many days. Helping them with some chores was the least I could do," JY explained.
ChengSangKing wasn't truly angry about this. The incident had been a close call; losing his son would have meant the end of the royal lineage.
"Since they saved your lives, I will send them gifts as thanks."
"Thank you, Father Emperor, but CY already sent them cattle and grain this morning. The Amish people lead self-sufficient lives and value simplicity. Lavish gifts would burden them. Practical gifts like livestock are more useful," JY said.
ChengSangKing nodded in agreement. "CY is indeed thoughtful. I hear he's been close to a courtesan lately. Do you know about this?"
JY felt nervous, unsure how to respond. Admitting knowledge meant acknowledging acquaintance with the courtesan, while denying it would seem dishonest given his close relationship with CY.
Seeing JY's expression, ChengSangKing had his answer. He huffed,
"CY is talented but lacks seriousness. Apart from his literary business, he spends his time in leisure. I hoped he would assist you when you ascend the throne, but it seems I was wrong. Enough, rise."
JY stood silently, unsure whether the Emperor's words were a subtle reminder or merely a complaint about CY's carefree nature.
"Your Majesty, the Yunqing Duke may disdain wealth and power, but his loyalty to you and the Crown Prince is evident. Is this not more valuable?" Liu Gonggong interjected.
"How so?" ChengSangKing raised an eyebrow.
"Liu Gonggong explained, "The Yunqing Duke serves without seeking wealth, showing he is not greedy for riches. He has refused multiple offers of official titles, demonstrating his disinterest in power. Since the Crown Prince's birth, CY has been personally involved in many matters, always considering the royal family's welfare. With such loyalty, the Crown Prince will be well-supported."
ChengSangKing nodded, finding sense in Liu Gonggong's words. He then asked,
"JY, what do you think?"
JY's heart skipped a beat. This question felt like reaching into a dark bag, uncertain whether he'd find a harmless rabbit or a finger-biting crocodile.
After a moment's thought, JY replied firmly,
"If loyalty to the nation is unwavering, I will reward it. But if any act harms the peace and prosperity of the country, I will punish it severely."
MoLan Prince's Residence
"Your Highness, the trackers report that Yunqing Duke has taken the person to the Bamboo Garden outside the city."
ChengSangMo fiddled with the token in his hand, pondering,
"With Zhuiyue Pavilion's capabilities, if they truly wanted JY dead, they would have succeeded. Why this elaborate charade? And if JY was hidden in the mountains, how did CY and MuChuan find him?"
Seeing his subordinate hesitate, ChengSangMo coldly asked,
"Anything else?"
"Your Highness, the Xiao family sent a troop out of the city this morning."
"Have someone follow them," ChengSangMo said indifferently. He hoped the Xiao family would continue sending troops to Beimo. For every troop they sent, he would replace them with his own men.
"They're already being followed, but the route doesn't seem to lead to Beimo. It looks more like they're heading towards the forest where the Amish people live."
At the Bamboo Garden
"This place is huge. No wonder you don't take a salary from the court. Your literary business must be thriving," MuJinling teased, looking at the estate.
CY lightly waved his fan as he walked, saying,
"I'm not an official. Naturally, I need a way to support myself."
Named the Bamboo Garden, the estate was predominantly bamboo. Green tiles, white walls, and fluttering bamboo leaves created a serene elegance. Entering through the main gate, passing through the central courtyard and main hall, a path led through a bamboo grove to the secluded rear courtyard. Nestled against a mountain, it was a peaceful haven.
"It's truly a beautiful place," MuJinling remarked, admiring the surroundings. He turned and noticed a tall bush in full bloom.
MuJinling couldn't help but recite,
"Red and white hues reveal new green, meeting old friends amidst adversity. Storms may ravage fragile lives, but today we calmly view full blooms."
Touching the familiar marks on the tree, MuJinling recognized it instantly. "This tree... was it the one planted behind the academy wall?"
Recalling the tree, CY smiled gently. As a child, XB was a famous scholar in the capital, known for his literary talents. Despite CY often dragging him into mischief, XB easily mastered all their teacher's lessons. Who would have thought the refined young scholar would grow into the formidable Northern Lord of Zhuiyue Pavilion?
CY looked at the tree, then recited,
"Mountains have springs, flowers have leaves. Meeting a kindred spirit is rare, ancient trees nurture enduring bonds."
MuJinling turned, his gaze complex. A gentle breeze scattered petals and leaves, their fluttering reflections of the past. Once the capital's top scholar, now a wandering soul. If not for past events, his poetry would have brought him fame, and they could have openly enjoyed each other's company.
"XB, meeting you in this life is my greatest fortune."
"CY, no words are needed, just the knowledge of a true friend."
In the Peach Blossom Grove
Inside a small wooden house in a peach blossom grove, Huazhiyue was hastily hiding something as LiLuoning entered.
"What are you hiding?"
Huazhiyue's face showed a hint of unease as he stammered,
"Nothing, really."
LiLuoning shook his head, lightly moving his hand. A hairpin flew from under the pillow to his hand. Huazhiyue looked embarrassed, stealing a glance at LiLuoning's reaction.
LiLuoning examined the hairpin and then looked at Huazhiyue, smiling softly, "Is this all?"
"Hehe, Master, it's just a hairpin," Huazhiyue said, taking the hairpin from LiLuoning's hand.
LiLuoning set down his belongings, his expression turning serious as he asked, "Zhiyue, what do you think of the Crown Prince, JY?"