The air was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder, and the atmosphere was tense and ready to explode.
Xiao Shen stood on the stone steps, staring at the Lord Zhenfu, who was standing in front of the palace with a burning gaze.
It was obvious that he was standing on a high place, but that man’s beautiful chin was slightly raised, with a smile on his rosy lips, and his posture was calm and arrogant, as if everything in this world would be carelessly stepped on under his feet.
At this moment, Xiao Shen suddenly understood a truth: some people are born to be superior, and it has nothing to do with where they stand.
It turned out that from the beginning to the end, he was the one looking up to his master.
In a blink of an eye, a smile spread across the Seventh Prince’s handsome face. He then leaned over and made a “please” gesture, saying, “Just kidding. How can this highness not give Lord Shen a favor?”
The palace servants in Changle Palace all breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
Hearing this, Shen Qingzhuo raised his right hand, and his jade fingers drew a graceful arc in the air.
The Jinyiwei received the order, sheathed their Xiuchun swords again, and rushed into the palace under Kong Qianhu’s command.
Shen Qingzhuo stood where he was, the strangeness he had deliberately created in his eyes gradually faded away. Seeing that there was no one around, he hooked his finger at the Seventh Prince.
This action had become a conditioned reflex for Xiao Shen. He ran down the stone steps almost without hesitation and stopped just in front of his master.
Lord Shen said with a smile, “Isn’t that scary to you?”
“No.” Xiao Shen shook his head honestly, trying hard to restrain himself from showing a fanatical and infatuated look.
“Then that’s good.” Shen Qingzhuo paused for a moment and couldn’t help but praise, “You acted well ah, Master saw that the others were really fooled by you.”
The arrogant look of the little bully exudes the aura of a newborn ox that is not afraid of a tiger.
Xiao Shen pursed his lips and replied shyly, “Master is really amazing.”
He almost lost his composure in public.
“Very good.” Shen Qingzhuo nonchalantly tapped the scabbard with his fingertips. “The news that you and I, the master and disciple, are not getting along will probably spread throughout the entire palace by tomorrow morning at the latest.”
Xiao Shen paused and lowered his voice to a very low level: “Has Master found anything today?”
“Of course we can’t find anything. The murderer was not that stupid.” Shen Qingzhuo’s eyes stayed in the palace, paying attention to the situation inside at any time, “But it doesn’t matter. The search of the palaces today was just a cover.”
Xiao Shen frowned slightly and asked in confusion, “Then Master—”
“Someone is back.” Shen Qingzhuo interrupted his disciple and took two steps forward. “What’s the situation?”
Kong Shang bowed and replied, “My Lord, no suspicious person was found.”
“How could there be a suspicious person in this highness’s palace?” The Seventh Prince said slowly, “Kong Qianhu, have you checked enough?”
Kong Shang: “Your Highness, the humble minister is only following the orders.”
“Humph.” Xiao Shen waved his sleeves and said sarcastically, “Don’t think I don’t know. Aren’t you all just bullying this highness because I’m not valued?”
Kong Shang was always straightforward and had a bad temper. He almost lost his temper after hearing this. He looked at Lord Shen several times before he could hold back and replied in a deep voice, “The humble minister dares not.”
Not wanting to give the Seventh Prince a chance to continue making trouble, Shen Qingzhuo ordered, “Alright, let the brothers retreat.”
In a short while, the Jinyiwei were ready to line up again.
Xiao Shen stared at Loed Zhenfu intently and suddenly invited him, “Lord Shen, would you like to come into my humble’s abode and have a cup of hot tea?”
“The humble minister has official duties to attend to, so I cannot stay for long.” Shen Qingzhuo nodded slightly. “I will come back another day to apologize to Your Highness the Seventh Prince.”
“In that case, then take care.” Xiao Shen smiled, “Next time, this highness will definitely entertain Lord Shen well.”
So, led by Shen Qingzhuo, the Jinyiwei evacuated Changle Palace in a mighty manner.
On the way back, Kong Shang couldn’t help but speak up for his own lord, he said, “My Lord, why does the Seventh Prince treat you like this? After all, you have taught him for several years.”
Shen Qingzhuo smiled faintly: “Where?”
“He has no respect for you, a preceptor at all!” Kong Shang said angrily, “He is just an unfavored Seventh Prince who thinks he is…”
Shen Qingzhuo paused and called out, “Kong Shang.”
Kong Shang stopped talking, somewhat confused: “Is there anything My Lord wants?”
“Even if the Seventh Prince is not favored, he was still a prince, His Majesty’s son.” Lord Shen said in a low and cold tone, “It is not us, the ministers’ turn to teach him a lesson, do you understand?”
Kong Shang felt a chill on his back and immediately bowed to apologize: “My Lord is right in your admonition.”
Lord Zhenfu always has a smile on his face and is gentle and polite to everyone, but everyone in the Jinyiwei knows that Lord Shen is not as easy to talk to as he appears to be.
“You have been with me for a while. Although you have been promoted from Baihu1A hundred households to Qianhu2A thousand households, you have not made any progress.” Shen Qingzhuo asked slowly, with an unpredictable look on his face, “Do you think that the Jinyiwei is very powerful now and no one needs to be taken seriously anymore?”
“The humble dares not!” Kong Shang immediately kneeled on one knee. “Everything the subordinate has now was given by My Lord, the humble dare not!”
“To serve the Emperor is like serving a tiger. Don’t get carried away when you are proud.” Shen Qingzhuo lowered his eyes and looked at him. “Today, the Jinyiwei can enter the palaces to search openly. It is because of His Majesty’s grace, not because others are really afraid of the Jinyiwei. Do you understand?”
As the sun was setting, Kong Shang had a layer of sweat on his forehead, but he didn’t dare to reach out to wipe it off. He said with a shameful tone, “The subordinate understands.”
“Good that you understand.” Shen Qingzhuo turned around and continued walking forward, “Get up.”
He was not wrong in judging people. Although Kong Shang was impatient and impulsive, but he had high martial arts skills, was loyal to him, and did not have many twists and turns in his mind. As long as he made a good adjustment, he would be able to use him in time.
***
Inside the Zichen Palace.
Emperor Guangxi was half lying on the dragon bed, and Consort Yuan was sitting beside the bed, feeding him medicine mouthful by mouthful.
“Cough, cough…” Emperor Guangxi drank a few sips and waved his hand, “Zhen won’t drink anymore.”
“Your Majesty…” Consort Yuan put down the medicine bowl, pinched the handkerchief with her fingers, gently wiped the corners of the emperor’s lips, and whispered softly, “Good medicine tastes bitter. If Your Majesty wants to recover soon, you still have to insist on taking the medicine.”
“Doesn’t beloved consort think that Zhen looks much better now?” Emperor Guangxi held Consort Yuan’s hand and kissed it and said in a low voice, “If beloved consort still wants a child…”
When Consort Yuan thought of her aborted child, she froze for a moment but quickly concealed her expression, punched the emperor’s chest with her pink fist, and said in a coquettish tone, “Your Majesty…”
Emperor Guangxi laughed again. The two chatted intimately for a while. Eunuch Su opened the curtain and said, “Your Majesty, Lord Shen is here.”
Emperor Guangxi: “Allow.”
Consort Yuan sensibly stood up and said, “Chenqie will take her leaves first.”
“No need to leave. Beloved consort, stay here with Zhen.” Emperor Guangxi held her hand and prevented her from leaving to show his affection.
After a moment, Shen Qingzhuo stepped into the inner hall and greeted, “Your Majesty, Niangniang.”
“Shen Qing is here.” Emperor Guangxi sat on the head of the bed. “Are there any progress in Pan Chong’s case?”
Shen Qingzhuo: “In reply to Your Majesty, the minister led the Jinyiwei to search Niangniang’s palaces today, but still found nothing.”
“What kind of speech is this? Could that b*tch really fly?” Emperor Guangxi frowned. “What did you promise Zhen at that time, cough, cough, cough…”
“Your Majesty, please calm down.” Shen Qingzhuo looked calm. “Today, the Jinyiwei searched all the palaces with great fanfare but to no avail. The real culprit behind the scenes will surely let down his guard.”
Emperor Guangxi narrowed his eyes: “What you mean is?”
“That’s right, the Jinyiwei was just bluffing today.” Shen Qingzhuo smiled slightly. “Tomorrow, the Beizhen Fushi will release the news that the Jinyiwei found a female corpse that was unrecognizable and lure the snake out of its hole.”
Emperor Guangxi’s expression eased slightly, and he asked again, “Are there any clues about the files lost in Dongchang?”
“This…” Shen Qingzhuo subconsciously glanced at Consort Yuan.
Emperor Guangxi: “Shen Qing, feel free to speak.”
“It is said that Pan Changgong attached great importance to the lost case file and was going to present it to Your Majesty in person, but he met with an accident.” Shen Qingzhuo replied slowly, “The humble minister interrogated the relevant personnel overnight and confirmed that the case file was related to the Eastern Palace.”
“Eastern Palace?” Emperor Guangxi’s tone sank. “It’s the Eastern Palace again ah.”
“But after all, the Dongchang is not under the humble minister’s jurisdiction, so it is inconvenient to continue to investigate in depth.” Shen Qingzhuo said after some consideration, “Therefore, the humble minister suggested that Your Majesty can nominate a steward from the Dongchang to be responsible for investigating the truth related to the case files.”
Dongchang and Jinyiwei are always two different parties, so he cannot extend his hands too far.
Emperor Guangxi said thoughtfully, “What you said makes sense. Zhen will consider it carefully.”
Shen Qingzhuo: “If Your Majesty has no other instructions, the humble minister will take his leave first.”
“Wait.” Emperor Guangxi called out to him, “Zhen remembers that when you first entered the palace, you lived in the Eastern Palace for three years. What do you think of the Crown Prince’s behavior?”
Shen Qingzhuo frowned and didn’t respond for a while.
“Just treat it as… Zhen chatting with you. Just say your true opinion.” Emperor Guangxi’s eyes fell on his face solemnly. “Zhen likes to hear the truth.”
Shen Qingzhuo lowered his eyes and replied, “The minister has lived in the Eastern Palace for three years. From what the minister has seen and heard, His Highness the Crown Prince is strict with himself and diligent in participating in government affairs. He is admired by his subordinates and respected by the ministers. He is well-known in the court for his generosity and benevolence.”
In this situation, given his status, he definitely could not take the initiative to criticize the Crown Prince in front of Emperor Guangxi. On the contrary, he had to create a perfect image of a Crown Prince, so perfect that it would become a thorn that would firmly pierce Emperor Guangxi’s heart.
What’s more, there will always be someone else to whisper in his ear.
As expected, after hearing this, Emperor Guangxi’s expression became gloomy, and he did not speak for a long time.
Shen Qingzhuo waited patiently for the emperor’s next instruction.
After a long while, Emperor Guangxi said in a tired tone, “The Eastern Palace has been very active recently. Keep a close eye on it for Zhen.”
Shen Qingzhuo responded: “Yes.”
Emperor Guangxi waved his hand weakly at him and said, “Beloved consort go back to the palace and rest first.”
Consort Yuan stood up and bowed meekly, “Chenqie will take her leaves.”
Shen Qingzhuo stepped aside to make way, inviting Consort Yuan to go first.
When he left the Zichen Palace, the increasingly weak voice of Emperor Guangxi came from behind: “Su Huaian, come in.”
Eunuch Su, who was guarding the door, responded. When the two passed each other, Shen Qingzhuo nodded, and Eunuch Su responded with a kind smile.
It was as if some kind of tacit understanding had been reached.
***
It was dusk, and palace lanterns had been hung at the palace gate. Consort Yuan was standing not far away. Her graceful and charming back inexplicably revealed a sense of loneliness and desolation.
Shen Qingzhuo watched silently for a moment.
This Consort Yuan was the only daughter of the chief academician of the Imperial Academy of the current dynasty. She was born with a natural beauty that was so stunning that it could captivate all creatures, and she was also a lady from a noble family who was proficient in musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
She originally had a childhood sweetheart, but due to some accidental circumstances, she was favored by Emperor Guangxi at a palace banquet and had to enter the palace as a consort.
Emperor Guangxi undoubtedly loved her very much but could not give her a higher position, so he named her Yuanfei in the imperial decree. This was because “Yuanfei” originally meant “first wife”, referring to the first legitimate wife.
But since ancient times, the emperor’s favor is an eternal double-edged sword. In the original book, as soon as she became pregnant with the dragon, she was targeted by Empress Sun. Even if the Crown Prince’s party did not take action this time, she was destined to have no chance of having child.
Shen Qingzhuo was full of thoughts when the Consort Yuan in front of him turned around and bowed to him. From the dangling earrings to the clasped fingertips, everything about her was perfect.
“Consort Yuan.” Shen Qingzhuo came back to his senses and bowed.
“Lord Shen, may we have a word?” Consort Yuan looked at him tenderly. “If it is inconvenient for My Lord, Bengong3I, used by imperial consort or empress will not force you to do so.”
Shen Qingzhuo: “Niangniang has something to say, even if it is inconvenient, the humble minister still has to make it convinence.”
Consort Yuan covered her lips with a handkerchief and chuckled, “Lord Shen, please.”
The young eunuch held the lamp in front, and two palace maids followed far behind, giving Consort Yuan and Lord Shen some space to talk alone.
The evening breeze blew, and the heat of the day gradually faded away. Shen Qingzhuo walked behind Consort Yuan at a leisurely pace.
After the two of them walked for a while, Consort Yuan asked softly, “If Bengong remembers correctly, it was Lord Shen who handled Bengong’s assassination case during the Spring Hunting?”
Shen Qingzhuo: “It is indeed the humble minister who investigated this matter.”
“In that case, the Beizhen Fushi finally closed the case with the Minister of the Ministry of War conspiring to murder the royal heir, right?” Consort Yuan continued to ask.
Shen Qingzhuo: “That’s right.”
Consort Yuan stopped and turned her quiet gaze to Lord Zhenfu. “Bengong has always been curious. Bengong has no grudges against the Minister of the Ministry of War in the past or in the present. Why did he want to harm Bengong?”
Shen Qingzhuo also stopped and replied in a serious tone: “To answer Niangniang, when the Jinyiwei arrested Fang Jian, Fang Jian had already committed suicide out of fear of the crime, so we were unable to find out the reason.”
Consort Yuan stared at him and said with certainty, “There must be a connection that Bengong doesn’t know about.”
Shen Qingzhuo remained silent for a while.
Consort Yuan asked, “Is it the Empress?”
Shen Qingzhuo hesitated for a moment and shook his head slightly to deny it.
“Then it is…” Consort Yuan frowned, and the vague guess in her heart became clearer and clearer.
“In fact, Niangniang has already reached a conclusion in her mind.” Shen Qingzhuo bowed and said apologetically, “This case has been closed. For some reason, His Majesty did not allow the Beizhen Fushi to continue investigating. The humble minister dares not say more.”
The moonlight was like water. Consort Yuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled a bitter smile with a hint of self-mockery, “Bengong understands. Thank you, Lord Shen, for telling the truth.”
“Niangniang, please accept my condolences.” Shen Qingzhuo whispered to comfort her, “There will still be a little prince.”
“Really?” Consort Yuan put away her expression and continued to walk forward slowly. “His Majesty’s current health condition, doesn’t Lord Shen know it?”
“The minister heard that the palace has found a Taoist master, and His Majesty is concentrating on refining the elixir. The minister believes that he will get better soon.” Shen Qingzhuo advised calmly, “Niangniang, don’t worry too much.”
Consort Yuan chuckled and said with an ambiguous meaning, “Hope so.”
“However…” Shen Qingzhuo lowered his eyes and said sincerely, “The minister has the audacity to say something extremely treasonous. Niangniang should make plans for yourself.”
Consort Yuan looked sideways: “According to Lord Shen’s opinion, how should Bengong plan for herself?”
“It’s getting late today, Niangniang should go back to the palace and rest early.” Shen Qingzhuo replied calmly, “There is a long time to go, Niangniang, there is no need to rush.”
Consort Yuan: “Alright, Bengong will listen to Lord Shen.”
The secret conversation between the two came to a temporary end. Shen Qingzhuo stood where he was, watching Consort Yuan leave with a calm look.
Consort Yuan may not have much affection for Emperor Guangxi, but she has always been unable to let go of the child who died in her womb. In particular, Emperor Guangxi’s completely different attitudes towards the Eastern Palace before and after inevitably made her feel chilled.
But at present, Consort Yuan was still the closest person to Emperor Guangxi.
After a while, Shen Qingzhuo turned around and suddenly found that he had unknowingly…
Lost his way?
Ever since he joined the Jinyiwei, he always had someone to lead the way when he was performing official duties, so he no longer bothered to note down the route. Just now, he was concentrating on replying to Consort Yuan and did not pay attention to which direction they were going.
A rare hint of confusion appeared in Lord Shen’s enchanting peach blossom eyes.
Just as he was stunned, a familiar voice came to his ears: “Lord Shen?”
The author has something to say:
Kong Qianhu: The Seventh Prince has no respect for his preceptor at all!
The little wolf cub grinned: How I respect my preceptor, can I let you see, ah?
Master ‘protector’ Shen is online~
