Some people wake up from their dreams, while others cannot sleep all night.
In the Crown Prince’s mansion in the Eastern Palace, Xiao Yichen, dressed in casual clothes, paced back and forth, looking anxious and uneasy.
The guards who were ordered to search entered the room, but before they could report, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked impatiently, “Did you find the person?”
“The subordinate is incompetent.” The guard bowed his head in shame and apologized, “It seems that the palace maid has evaporated from the earth. The subordinate has searched everywhere but to no avail.”
“Waste!” Xiao Yichen swung his sleeves and shouted angrily, “If she’s alive, Gu wants to see the person. If she’s dead, Gu wants to see her body. Gu can’t take the blame for this!”
“Your Highness, please calm down.” Junior Preceptor Pei was as calm as ever. “There are palace restrictions in the palace, and they are even stricter after the incident. If the maid was still alive, she must be hiding in a corner of the palace, she can’t fly out.”
Xiao Yichen said gloomily, “That means this b*tch has helpers!”
“It’s obvious that someone wants to frame the Eastern Palace.” Pei Yanqi stood up from his chair and advised gently, “This is a time of trouble. Your Highness should stay calm.”
Xiao Yichen took a deep breath but still couldn’t help but say angrily, “Empress Mother was deposed, and now the crime of murder is almost pinned on Gu! How do you expect Gu to stay calm?”
“Your Highness, the best strategy is to use stillness to control movement.” Pei Yanqi’s voice was as calm as water, with a soothing power. “In this world, there is no such thing as an unblemished murder. The real murderer will definitely leave relevant clues.”
“That’s the problem. The case was taken over by the Jinyiwei, and we can’t find any clues to investigate.” Xiao Yichen walked back to the high seat and said with gritted teeth, “Beizhen Fushi, it’s Shen Qingzhuo again!”
Since the spring hunting, Shen Qingzhuo was appointed by his emperor father as the Beizhen Fushi Envoy, and there has been no peace in the Eastern Palace!
Pei Yanqi paused for a moment, then slowly said, “Your Highness, perhaps Third Young Master is not our enemy.”
“You are still helping him!” Xiao Yichen glared at Junior Preceptor Pei, “Since he entered the Beizhen Fushi, what has he done that is beneficial to us?”
Junior Preceptor Pei: “Young Master Shen is carrying out His Majesty’s orders. It is not clear whether he is deliberately targeting the Eastern Palace or not.”
Xiao Yichen was choked and irritably said, “Junior Preceptor Pei, he is no longer the helpless Shen Qingzhuo in the Eastern Palace three years ago. How long has it been since you talked to him face-to-face?”
Pei Yanqi paused and changed the subject: “Strictly speaking, in the former dynasty and the harem, Young Master Shen is the only neutral person.”
Inside and outside the court, there are nobles from aristocratic families, upright people from humble backgrounds, relatives from the outside, and eunuchs from the inside, all kinds of forces are intertwined. Only Shen Qingzhuo has a shallow foundation and does not belong to any faction for the time being.
Xiao Yichen frowned. “What does Junior Preceptor mean?”
“Being neutral means that one can be used by anyone.” Pei Yanqi analyzed calmly, “Behind Young Master Shen is Youbei, and in front of him is His Majesty. There is more than just one party in the court who wants to win over his power.”
Xiao Yichen admitted: “Gu will not refute what Junior Preceptor said.”
Even his emperor father was wary of King Zhenbei’s Youbei army.
Pei Yanqi smiled slightly: “Since we can’t move, then why not let Young Master Shen be used by the Eastern Palace?”
Xiao Yichen was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, “Junior Preceptor, Gu can’t see through him anymore.”
If he can’t see through him, he can’t guess. If he can’t guess, he can’t grasp him. If he can’t grasp him, how can he dare to use him?
Pei Yanqi bowed and said, “Your Highness, why not let the minister give it a try?”
The Crown Prince’s expression changed several times, and he finally compromised: “If Junior Preceptor can let him work for Gu, that would be great.”
Pei Yanqi nodded and agreed: “The minister will do his best.”
Xiao Yichen calmed down, took a sip of tea, and asked, “Junior Preceptor, who do you think is the real culprit behind this case?”
“The minister has not seen any clues yet, so he dares not jump to conclusions.” Pei Yanqi said thoughtfully, “The Empress Dowager, the Third Prince, the Fifth Prince, and even the Sixth and Seventh Princes, all those who are eyeing the position of the Eastern Palace, may be the mastermind behind this.”
“Lao Qi?” Xiao Yichen said with disdain, “Lao Qi, that piece of junk wouldn’t dare to do that even if Gu gave him ten courages!”
Pei Yanqi did not comment.
“It’s Third Brother… Humph!” Xiao Yichen snorted coldly and said in a sinister tone, “Does Consort Xian think that she can enter the imperial palace by overthrowing the Empress? Dream on!”
His seemingly honest third brother has always seemed to inadvertently steal his limelight over the years. He has been trying hard to show himself in front of their emperor father and has been eyeing his position as the crown prince.
Since that’s the case, let’s start with Xiao Hongyao!
***
In Changle Palace.
Xiao Shen was teasing the parrot in the cage with a piece of fruit in his hand. The parrot had gorgeous and colorful feathers and was pecking at the fruit with its sharp red beak.
The young eunuch came in and reported, “Your Highness, there is a Young Master Qi who wants to see you.”
Xiao Shen raised his eyelashes and replied lazily, “Let him in.”
A moment later, Qi Xianlin strode into the inner hall and shouted as soon as he saw him: “Your Highness, something big has happened!”
Xiao Shen glanced to the side, signaled the eunuch to leave and close the palace door, then replied slowly, “What kind of big event made Cousin so panicked?”
Qi Xianlin took a few steps forward. “You still have the mind to play with bird here? Pan Chong is dead!”
Xiao Shen paused while feeding the parrot and turned around in shock. “Pan Chong is dead? When did it happen?”
“It happened two days ago.” Qi Xianlin agitatedly said, “He died in his own room, burned to charcoal in a huge fire!”
“Hiss…” Xiao Shen took a breath. “Who was so courageous?”
Qi Xianlin subconsciously looked around and replied in a low voice, “The news was blocked by the Jinyiwei, but I still heard a little bit of it. The fire was set by the maid in the Eastern Palace!”
“This…” Xiao Shen was even more surprised. “How could this happen? Didn’t you send that maid to—”
“Hush!” Qi Xianlin quickly stopped him. “Don’t you dare say that now!”
“This matter is a bit troublesome.” Xiao Shen threw the fruit away and said seriously, “Pan Chong is Eunuch Su’s the adopted son, and he was also the Governor of Dongchang. He was killed by a little maid. Emperor Father will be furious and will definitely order the Beizhen Fushi to investigate thoroughly. What if the Jinyiwei finds out that the maid was given to Pan Chong through you…”
Qi Xianlin was already worried and came here to seek comfort. When he heard this, he became as anxious as an ant on a hot pot. “Then what should I do? This is none of my business ah! I just did Pan Chong a favor. I didn’t know that someone would die!”
Xiao Shen listened, with a hint of mockery in his eyes.
This cousin of his, who was not related to him at all, was an embroidered pillow with a bag of straw1An embroidered pillow with a bag of straw is a proverb, which means something that looks good but has no substance.. Relying on his surname being Qi and the support of the Empress Dowager, he got himself a position as the commander of the Imperial Guards and acted tyrannically in the palace.
The Dayong’s imperial guards were divided into three battalions to guard the capital and the imperial guards to protect the imperial city. When the late emperor was in power, he trusted the imperial guards, and the imperial guards once held great power and were unrivaled.
It was not until his Emperor Father succeeded to the throne that he discovered that the Qi family had already penetrated the inner circle of the Imperial Guards. He simply undermined the Imperial Guards, separated the Jinyiwei, and dispersed the power of the Imperial Guards to the Dongchang and Jinyiwei. From then on, the Imperial Guards became a nominal position without substance and also a good place for the children of aristocratic families to eat and wait for death.
But, in Xiao Shen’s eyes at this moment, this bunch of good-for-nothings actually has other uses.
Besides, at that time, he ordered Pan Dongsheng to remind Qi Xianlin both openly and secretly and to encourage him intentionally or unintentionally. Qi Xianlin then joined in in a daze and cooperated with Eunuch Pan to put the maid of the Eastern Palace in a sack and send her to Pan Chong’s bed.
Of course, this idiot still doesn’t know that the maid in the sack had already become him.
“Of course this matter has nothing to do with you!” Xiao Shen said sternly, “You just helped Eunuch Pan a little, how could you know that the maid wanted to kill Pan Chong?”
“Yes ah, yes ah!” Qi Xianlin nodded repeatedly and repeated, “This has nothing to do with me!”
“But…” Xiao Shen changed the subject and said hesitantly, “But if the Jinyiwei really find out about Cousin and determine that you are involved in the murder case, then…”
“Then, then what should I do?” Qi Xianlin grabbed the Seventh Prince’s arm and said, “Cousin, you have to testify for me when the time comes!”
“Cousin, calm down for a moment.” Xiao Shen held his shoulder with one hand. “First of all, this matter is only known to you, me, and Eunuch Pan. As long as we don’t tell anyone, the Jinyiwei will definitely not be able to trace it back to you.”
Qi Xianlin asked uncertainty, “Will Pan Dongsheng really not betray me?”
Xiao Shen looked at him soothingly and said, “And don’t you have the Empress Dowager behind you? Grandmother will protect you.”
“Empress Dowager… ai!” Qi Xianlin sighed heavily. “The Empress Dowager has always disliked troublemakers. Pan Chong’s death is no small matter. What if… it’s hard to say, it’s hard to say ah…”
Xiao Shen understood and patted his chest to assure: “Then, Cousin, let me handle this matter.”
Qi Xianlin asked anxiously, “How does Your Highness plan to deal with this?”
“People die for money, birds die for food, and money makes the devil work.” Xiao Shen turned around and went back to feeding the bird. “Isn’t he just an Eunuch Pan? I will find a way to make him keep his mouth shut.”
As if he were awakened by these words, Qi Xianlin said hesitantly, “How about… we just let him—”
Having said that, he stretched out his hand and made a gesture of wiping his neck.
Only the mouths of the dead can never be pried open.
Xiao Shen glanced at him and shook his head, saying, “Pan Chong just died, and Pan Dongsheng was the only eyewitness. Taking the risk of killing Pan Dongsheng at this time would only alert the enemy and attract extra attention.”
“That’s true.” Qi Xianlin said with a frown, “The new Beizhen Fu—wait!”
Qi Xianlin clapped his hands and said, “Isn’t Beizhen Fushi’s Shen Junnuo is Your Highness’s master?”
Xiao Shen responded calmly: “Yes. So, if there is any movement in Beizhen Medical Bureau recently, I will find a way to tell you.”
“Then I’ll completely rely on Your Highness!” Qi Xianlin was completely relieved, and his mind became active again. “Your Highness, can this bird speak human language?”
“It’s not that easy to teach a little animal that doesn’t understand human nature.” Xiao Shen fiddled with the parrot’s tail feathers in boredom. “Cousin, you have come a long way. Have a cup of hot tea before you leave.”
“After talking for so long, I actually feel a little thirsty.” Qi Xianlin sat down on the chair without any hesitation.
Xiao Shen raised his voice: “Someone come!”
The palace maid guarding outside the palace gate came in and bowed gracefully, “Your Highness, Young Master.”
Qi Xianlin glanced at her inadvertently, and his eyes suddenly lit up. His explicit eyes seemed to be nailed to the palace maid. Anyone could see what he was thinking.
Xiao Shen curled his lips and asked casually, “Why, does Cousin like this young maid?”
Upon hearing this, the palace maid raised her timid almond-shaped eyes and looked at Commander Qi. Her beautiful and delicate face revealed a pitiful charm.
Qi Xianlin laughed and answered the question irrelevantly: “Your Highness, there is such a beauty hidden in your palace.”
“En, she’s pretty good-looking.” Xiao Shen looked at the maid carefully for the first time. After a moment, he waved his hand nonchalantly and said, “If you like her, take her back to serve you.”
“This…” Qi Xianlin pretended to evade, “A gentleman does not take away what others like. How can this be?”
“Cousin and I are as close as family, and we don’t differentiate between yours and mine.” Xiao Shen nodded at the young palace maid, “Whether you want to serve Commander Qi or not, it’s up to you.”
The young palace maid frowned, thought for a while, and bowed again: “It is the servant’s blessing to be able to serve Commander Qi.”
Qi Xianlin laughed with satisfaction and said, “Good! Good, good, good!”
With a smug look on his face, he completely forgot about Pan Chong’s previous experience.
Xiao Shen also smiled, but there was a coolness in his dark eyes.
***
Xiao Shen had just returned to his inner room after sending the person away when he heard the eunuch’s announcement from outside the bedroom: “Your Highness, Young Master Shen is here!”
He was shocked and then stepped forward with quick steps.
“That’s strange. Why did the young eunuch in your palace inform about me today?” Shen Qingzhuo stepped into the inner hall with a hint of doubt on his face.
In the past, when he entered Changle Palace, it was as if he was entering an empty place.
Xiao Shen said calmly, “Who knows? Maybe he wants to show that he is not a good-for-nothing.”
“That sounds reasonable.” Shen Qingzhuo smiled without delve into the issues further. He stretched out his hand to measure the height of his little disciple. “Xiao Qi, you seem to be taller than Master already.”
Xiao Shen’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”
“I guess it’s—ya!” He cried out softly and was unexpectedly picked up by his little disciple with his hands around his waist, and even turned around on the spot.
“I’m taller than Master now! I can protect Master from now on!” The youth quickly put him down, rubbing and sniffing his neck excitedly.
“Do you have too much energy but nowhere to use it ah?” Shen Qingzhuo didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He slapped the puppy that rushed towards him and said, “Stand still. Master has something to tell you.”
“Ah?” Xiao Shen stopped talking, let go of his hand, and stood up straight. “What do you want to say, Master?”
Shen Qingzhuo straightened his clothes and said calmly, “There has been new progress in Pan Chong’s case. Your Crown Prince brother can’t sit on the chair of the Eastern Palace anymore and wants to recruit your master.”
“What the hell?” Xiao Shen frowned upon hearing this: “Has his head been kicked by a donkey2It simply means stupid.?”
“Pfft——” Shen Qingzhuo almost laughed out loud, “You’re right, his head was indeed kicked by a donkey.”
Xiao Shen pursed his lips and asked again, “Master, you didn’t agree, did you?”
“Even if I pretend to submit to the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince will not truly believe it either.” Shen Qingzhuo waved his hand, “But I didn’t refuse. What we have to fight now is psychological warfare.”
After all, the person who came to persuade him was Junior Preceptor Pei. The two of them negotiated for a long time but failed to successfully extract useful information from each other.
Therefore, he gave Junior Preceptor a seemingly plausible reply, you can understand it this way or that way.
But Xiao Shen didn’t seem to understand, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper. “What do you want to do, Master?”
“No venture, no gain.” Shen Qingzhuo took two steps into the palace, his tone slightly cold. “Master wants to send His Highness the Crown Prince to accompany his Mother Empress as soon as possible, to enjoy the happiness of family life.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the youth lowered his eyes, and a bloody and murderous intent suddenly appeared in them.
His master’s idea coincided with his.
But he didn’t want his master to be in any danger…
“Master! Master!” At this moment, a crisp parrot-like imitation sound suddenly came to his ears.
Shen Qingzhuo was startled and looked over to find the source of the voice. He couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Eh? Where did you get the parrot?”
“The Empress Dowager gifted it to me.” Xiao Shen instantly suppressed the anger in his eyes. “She said she wanted to raise a parrot to entertain herself, but she probably hoped that I would lose my ambition by playing with things.”
“Speaking of the Empress Dowager, you should go to her palace less often recently.” Shen Qingzhuo remembered the connection between the Qi family and Pan Chong’s case and immediately reminded him.
“Alright.” Xiao Shen’s heart skipped a beat, and he walked to the bird cage and changed the subject. “But it’s strange, I’ve raised this parrot for several days already, and no matter how I taught it to speak, it wouldn’t learn. Today, when it saw Master, it actually spoke.”
Shen Qingzhuo laughed: “Is it true?”
“Really.” Xiao Shen teased the parrot with interest, “Can you speak more?”
Unfortunately, the parrot kept its sharp beak tightly closed, as if it didn’t want to pay any attention to him.
Shen Qingzhuo also walked over. “Didn’t it call me master just now? Maybe the way you teach is wrong, so be more patient.”
“Master! Master!” As soon as he finished speaking, the parrot called out to him again, “Master, you are so beautiful!”
“En?” Shen Qingzhuo was amused by the parrot. “Xiao Qi, you don’t need to teach it anymore. This parrot can talk very well.”
The corners of his lips lifted up unconsciously, and the youth’s tone was filled with genuine pride: “See, even this silly parrot knows how beautiful Master is.”
Shen Qingzhuo uttered a soft “tsk” and said teasingly with a smile, “It’s true that the birds reflected its owner. The parrot raised by Xiao Qi is as sweet-mouthed as Xiao Qi.”
The parrot seemed to be encouraged. It nodded its red-haired head and spoke more vigorously: “Master, you are so beautiful! Master, you are so great! Ah! It feels so good ah~”
The last “ah” was drawn out, and the trembling ending sounded indescribable…
Ecstasy?
The corners of the youth’s lips suddenly froze.
Xiao Shen: “!”
Shen Qingzhuo: “?”
The author has something to say:
Xiao Qi: Master! Listen to my explanation! It’s not what you think!
The Master: What I think is…
The little wolf cub had a major overturn scene hahahaha!
T/N: I would like to apologize :3 I’ve been translating their title wrong, so XS’s mother isn’t a concubine, she’s a noble consort. The other people, such as Concubine Yuan or Concubine Xian as well, they aren’t concubines they’re consorts. So from now on I’ll change the titles. Sorry for the inconveniences TT
