Chapter 122: Borrowing a Knife
The nights at Pu Ji Temple were always rainy.
Wen Jia, holding her daughter, had long since curled up on the bed in the monastic room and fallen asleep.
The wind chimes on the temple eaves swayed in the night breeze, emitting a crisp ding-dong sound that carried Fan Bing’s roars from outside the door.
“I want to see the Princess! Who do you think you are, get lost!”
“Get lost—”
“I am the Princess’s Imperial Son-in-law, the current Imperial Son-in-law Fan Bing! You bald donkey, are you tired of living!”
“Are you looking for death?”
Before dawn broke today, Fan Bing had found his way to Pu Ji Temple to cause trouble.
He knelt, begging for forgiveness amidst the morning bell, crying tears of remorse.
He claimed he had no illicit relationship with Ping Le, and that what happened at Prince Duan’s Mansion that day was a setup…
In the eyes of others, Imperial Son-in-law Fan was extremely humble before the Princess.
He knelt from early morning until noon, until the sun hung high. Seeing that Wen Jia remained unmoved, his patience wore thin. He couldn’t kneel any longer, spoke some sharp and harsh words, and shamefully descended the mountain.
As soon as night fell, a young monk at Pu Ji Temple was about to close the temple gates when Fan Bing, carrying a wine jar, swaggered in.
At this time, the pilgrims had all dispersed, and the monks in the temple were all practitioners who rarely resorted to violence. Fan Bing, fueled by a bit of drunkenness, cursed furiously and threw a tantrum.
He cried, he made a scene, he threatened suicide – he was even worse than a shrew.
Wen Jia covered her daughter’s ears, gently placed a talisman embroidered with seven treasures and tassels into her daughter’s tightly clenched little hand, and then slowly sat up.
Bang—
Fan Bing kicked open the monastic room door.
Wen Jia’s eyes instantly turned cold at the loud noise.
“Don’t disturb my daughter,” she said softly, tidied her plain white skirt, tucked her daughter in, and then walked over to the two bewildered young monks outside the door, bowing slightly.
“Thank you, little masters. Please go and rest. I will speak with him.”
Even an honest official finds it hard to settle domestic disputes, let alone the entanglement between a Princess and her Imperial Son-in-law?
The two young monks clasped their hands in prayer, glanced at Fan Bing, and then retreated.
“If the benefactor has something to say, please call us.”
Fan Bing’s face was full of rage. He shook the rainwater off his shoulders, slammed the wine jar to the ground with a “clang,” and stepped forward to enter the room.
“Can’t Niu Niu sleep peacefully? Fan Bing, this is a sacred Buddhist place!”
Wen Jia blocked the doorway.
Candlelight illuminated her thin face.
The partially copied Lotus Sutra on the desk was stark white under the lamplight.
Five-year-old Niu Niu, curled up on the straw mat bed in the monastic room, was like a startled fawn.
Her small hands tightly gripped the corner of the quilt, along with the talisman her mother had given her, held in her palm. Her back trembled uncontrollably, but she never opened her eyes.
She was awake.
Under the shadow of her father’s violence, this child, who had matured too early, learned to feign sleep to protect herself.
“Let’s talk outside,” Wen Jia said softly.
Fan Bing grunted, staggered closer, pinched her cheek, and sneered before turning and walking out.
Wen Jia watched his wobbly back, then looked back at her daughter’s open eyes. They exchanged a look, a comforting smile, and then she stepped over the threshold and slowly closed the door.
“You know exactly how much wealth I have,” Wen Jia said as she walked to the corridor, her voice as calm as the temple on this rainy night.
“Over the years, my dowry has been squandered by you. You ask for 110,000 taels at once; where am I supposed to get so much money for you?”
Fan Bing sat in the corridor, leaning against a round wooden pillar, his eyes red and full of drunkenness.
“You are a Princess! Can’t you go to the Emperor to beg? Is a Princess only capable of this? If I had known you were so useless, I wouldn’t have married you!”
Wen Jia smiled, “Not every Princess is like Ping Le. You know very well how you married me back then, don’t you?”
Hearing this, Fan Bing felt as if he had been poked in the lungs.
He saw Wen Jia’s contempt and disdain.
It was the innate, lofty nobility of a reigning Princess, something he could never attain in his lifetime.
“Bitch! Stop spewing nonsense at me, give me the money—”
Fan Bing reached out and grabbed the corner of Wen Jia’s clothes, pulling forcefully. His frenzied demeanor was as if he wanted to devour her alive, tear her to shreds, just to fill his own inferiority complex.
Wen Jia’s body trembled involuntarily.
Years of ingrained fear had long since penetrated to her bones.
Tears fell from her eyes, her voice drifting, almost in despair.
“The key to my private treasury was taken by you long ago. What do I have left? I have nothing, why are you still forcing me?”
“You’re lying!” Fan Bing grabbed her hair and slammed her head against the pillar.
“You must have hidden some private money! What Princess is this poor? Who would believe it if they heard it! Hand it over, quickly hand it over to me!”
Wen Jia cried out in pain, “I truly have nothing left! Even if I beg my Imperial Father, he won’t give me so much money…”
Seeing Fan Bing’s disbelief, she sobbed, “Originally, I still had a Jade Leaf Golden Cicada Hairpin given to me by my Imperial Mother, which was worth quite a bit of silver. But during the New Year, Ping Le took a fancy to it and forcibly took it away…”
Fan Bing snorted, “Don’t try to pressure me with Princess Ping Le! To tell you the truth, if I don’t get the money today, I’ll die, and I’ll drag you down with me!!”
His eyes were wide open, his face contorted, and he inflicted violence with near-maniacal fury, his throat emitting beast-like curses.
Fine threads of rain wove a silver-white curtain, shrouding the ancient temple in a melancholic atmosphere.
A bloodline slid down from her forehead. Wen Jia suddenly let out a low laugh.
“If you have the guts, kill me! If you kill me, you’ll have nothing left.”
She suddenly struggled with all her might, pushing Fan Bing back.
She slowly walked towards Fan Bing, her delicate hand gently resting on his bulging, veined hand. Before he could react, she slapped him hard with a “slap.”
A solid slap.
“You spend your days indulging in debauchery, idling around, only bullying women and children – what kind of man are you? Don’t you need money? Ping Le once boasted to me that in her separate villa in West Mountain, she built a secret room with flowing springs and waterfalls. Not to mention the countless gold and silver, every piece of jewelry is piled high! She has everything she wants. If you have the guts, go and get it!”
Rainwater wet the corners of her crimson eyes.
She tilted her head and looked towards the rain curtain.
On the Bodhi tree, the glint of a sharp blade flashed in the night rain—it was Yaoguang’s hidden guards.
“If you dare to lie to me, I won’t let you off!”
Fan Bing spat, wiped his mouth, and walked away muttering.
Wen Jia waited until his figure disappeared into the rain curtain, then rushed into the rain, bowed to the sky, clasped her hands, and slowly knelt towards the direction of the Buddhist hall, kowtowing three times.
“Mother…”
At some point, little Niu Niu walked over.
The little girl had no umbrella, her hair was wet, and her face was streaked with tears.
“Mom…”
That childish cry tore through Wen Jia’s last bit of strength.
She got up and hugged her daughter tightly.
The rain washed away the bloodstains on her face, and she cried and laughed.
“We’re almost free, Niu Niu, we’re almost through this.”
She carried her daughter to the eaves, gently opened the talisman in Niu Niu’s palm, revealing the Buddhist verse hidden in the lining.
“When all sentient beings are liberated, one attains Bodhi.”
This was Master Jing Kong’s enlightenment, and also Xue Liu’s token for her.
“Niu Niu, we will be liberated. Someone will guide me.”
The next day, shortly after the morning court dispersed, several close ministers of the Son of Heaven gathered in the Imperial Study to discuss the Western Frontier military provisions, the movements of Xizi, and the court situation since Prince Duan’s reforms of the penal code and crackdown on corruption, each expressing their opinions.
Emperor Chong Zhao leaned on his couch, looking weary, occasionally rubbing his temples.
“The military pay for the Western Frontier has already consumed thirty percent of the national treasury. If a war truly breaks out, the subsequent supply needs will only increase. Even if I exhaust all the world’s financial resources and squeeze the people dry, I cannot fill this bottomless pit. In my opinion, the case of the Gold Department must not only be investigated but also thoroughly and deeply investigated, to the death…”
His gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Li Huan.
“Not only the Ministry of Revenue but also the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, the Court of Diplomatic Relations, the Ministry of the Imperial Stud, and all other government offices must also be investigated! All these vermin in the court, regardless of their rank or power, must disgorge what they have consumed!”
Li Huan cupped his hands and accepted the order, “Yes, Your Son obeys the decree.”
The ministers exchanged glances, their expressions grave.
Emperor Chong Zhao looked at them and placed his teacup heavily on the dragon-patterned imperial desk.
“So be it. Regarding court affairs, please put more effort into them, beloved ministers. Today, I have private matters to attend to. You may all withdraw.”
Imperial Son-in-law Lu had been waiting outside the Zichen Hall for two hours.
Many people had seen it.
The Emperor’s delay in summoning him clearly indicated he was seeking retribution for the Princess.
Everyone couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
What a pity for a talented scholar, a top scholar who paraded through the streets on horseback after the Qionglin Banquet, to become a royal Imperial Son-in-law, not only ending his official career but also falling into a predicament of marital discord.
Today, Li Zhao was also in the Imperial Study.
He was the Crown Prince and had not yet managed state affairs, but he could learn to do so.
However, he rarely appeared in the past. Today, he stood respectfully by, listening from beginning to end.
After the ministers withdrew, he and Li Huan bowed to Emperor Chong Zhao and were given a few more instructions by the Emperor before they retreated.
Just as Li Huan was about to bid him farewell, Li Zhao approached him first.
“Imperial Brother.”
He greeted with a smile, the dragon embroidery on his sleeve shimmering in the sunlight.
He came with ill intentions.
Li Huan politely bowed, “Crown Prince.”
Li Zhao made a gesture of “please” and walked alongside him.
However, Li Huan dared not overstep and subtly fell back a step, maintaining a body’s distance, perfectly displaying humility and respect.
“May I ask why the Crown Prince has deigned to accompany me on this occasion?”
“Your Imperial Brother’s formality makes us seem distant.”
After “drinking together” at Prince Duan’s separate villa that day, the two had become much more intimate on the surface.
At least in front of others, they presented a harmonious picture of brotherly affection.
Li Zhao was not one to beat around the bush and got straight to the point, “Have you investigated the Xizi Jade Pendant found in the separate villa?”
Bringing up a sensitive topic, just like Li Zhao’s character.
Li Huan breathed a sigh of relief, his face still wearing a gentle smile.
“To be honest with the Crown Prince, we were all deceived. That jade pendant is fake.”
“Oh? It’s fake?” Li Zhao raised an eyebrow. “What did Prince Wei say? And what did Young Madam Gu say?” He said with a half-smile, “Even if the jade pendant is a fake, it must have had a mother who gave birth to it, right?”
Li Huan said, “Prince Wei vehemently denied it, and Young Madam Gu insisted she was framed. One is a dignified Prince, the other a woman of the inner chambers. What motive or courage would they have to collude with Xizi? In my humble opinion, these two were framed. The adultery is true, but the treason is false.”
Li Zhao nodded slightly, deep in thought.
Li Huan lowered his voice again, “The mastermind behind this plot is extremely cunning, stirring up conflict among various parties for their own gain. Their heart is truly wicked.”
Li Zhao’s eyes curved slightly, and he looked at him thoughtfully, his eyes smiling.
“I just heard from the reporting official that Xizi has secret dealings with Old Mausoleum Swamp, and coincidentally, your Left Wing Guard is investigating this matter. In my opinion, this scheme is likely aimed at you, Imperial Brother. You must be careful.”
Li Huan thanked him verbally, but his heart was greatly shaken.
The mysterious appearance and disappearance of the “Old Mausoleum Swamp Imperial Envoy” had indeed made him deeply suspicious.
He suspected a chain of traps or a huge conspiracy hidden within.
Otherwise, why would an Imperial Envoy come to the capital’s restaurants to show off and then suddenly disappear?
The two, each with their own agenda, walked and talked with smiles.
Lu You’an stood quietly to the side. Seeing them approach, he respectfully bowed.
Li Zhao raised an eyebrow, returned the bow, and said nothing.
Li Huan, however, was amiable, “Imperial Son-in-law, you have waited a long time.”
He then said earnestly, “Father Emperor dotes on Ping Le the most. He is also deeply worried about your marital discord. You should be more tolerant of her. For her little tempers, yield when you should, and don’t hold back from complaining, but don’t spoil her too much.”
Lu You’an lowered his head and agreed, saying no more. Wang Chengxi then came out to summon him.
“Imperial Son-in-law, please come in. His Majesty wishes to speak with you.”
Lu You’an bowed slightly, “Yes.”
He first nodded to the two Imperial Princes before turning and entering the Imperial Study.
“Your subject Lu You’an greets Your Majesty.”
Emperor Chong Zhao leaned on his couch, his back against a cushion, revealing his exhaustion. He coughed a few times, and Wang Chengxi quickly handed him a handkerchief.
“Imperial Son-in-law,” Emperor Chong Zhao raised his hand to wipe his mouth and said indifferently, “You have come to the palace specifically today, is it about Ping Le’s matter?”
Lu You’an lowered his head and cupped his hands, “Indeed.”
Emperor Chong Zhao looked at him with a complex expression, sighed, and his tone softened slightly.
“Ping Le has been spoiled by me and her Imperial Mother since she was young, and her actions are often inappropriate. However, her feelings for you are undeniable. You also have a son and a daughter, who are well-behaved and sensible. When there are conflicts between husband and wife, mutual tolerance is the way.”
“Your Majesty,” Lu You’an suddenly lifted the hem of his robe and knelt properly, “This subject is here to request an imperial decree for divorce. Please grant Your Majesty’s permission.”
Emperor Chong Zhao looked at him in disbelief, “What did you say? You want to divorce the Princess?”
Lu You’an straightened his back and said with a resounding voice, “Please grant Your Majesty’s permission for this subject to divorce the Princess. This subject is willing to go to the Western Frontier, build fortifications, defend the border, and secure the territory, dedicating his life’s loyalty to the court, and never stepping foot in Shangjing again.”
“Presumptuous!” Emperor Chong Zhao slammed the imperial desk and shouted loudly, then coughed again.
This angry shout made Li Zhao and Li Huan, who had just walked away, stop in their tracks.
The sound of the teacup shattering startled the larks under the eaves into flight.
The two exchanged a look. Although they didn’t know what was happening inside, judging by the commotion, the Emperor was truly enraged, and it was because of Ping Le.
Li Zhao glanced at Li Huan and said with a half-smile, “What a pity.”
Li Huan frowned, fell back half a step, and stood with his hands down, his gaze falling on Li Zhao’s newly changed rhinoceros horn waistband with ornaments.
“Imperial Son-in-law has always been indifferent to worldly affairs. Even if Father Emperor is angry with him, it will only be a few scoldings… However, Crown Prince, forgive this elder brother for his unsolicited advice, but the people under your command are a bit too ostentatious in their actions, especially the Left and Right Guards, who arbitrarily conduct searches in the capital, disturbing the populace and causing public criticism. If Father Emperor were to investigate one day, it would be difficult for this elder brother to cover for you…”
“Thank you for your guidance, Imperial Brother.”
Li Zhao smiled and thanked him, then bowed and took his leave.
Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, the smile on his face disappeared, replaced by a chilling coldness.
“Tell that Xizi High Priest that his daughter died at Ping Le’s hands.”
The person standing in the secret room was Ye Xiao.
Every time Ye Xiao appeared, something major was about to happen in the Eastern Palace.
Guan Ya and Yuan Cang, along with other guards, were stationed outside.
After Ye Xiao received the order and left, Mei Ruhui was given permission to enter.
“Your Highness, the Xizi people are acting frequently, and it is likely to stir up a storm in the court. At this critical juncture, why would you bring trouble upon yourself?”
Li Zhao smiled faintly, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
At this moment, a white shadow suddenly flashed past the window.
Li Zhao strode over and abruptly pushed open the window.
A beautiful white dove swooped in and landed lightly on his arm.
Li Zhao slightly curved his lips and stroked its feathers, “You are quite obedient.”
The white dove pecked at him, and Li Zhao took the letter tube from its claws.
The letter paper bore the mark of Old Mausoleum Swamp.
A small skull with a sword on its back, originally a symbol of death, but after Li Zhao examined it for a moment, he inexplicably felt that it looked exceptionally cute.
“The fish has taken the bait.”
He turned with a smile and replied to Mei Ruhui’s earlier question.
“She has put on a good show, and it would be a shame not to watch it.”
Mei Ruhui had a headache.
Who this “she” was, was obvious.
But that she, and this he before him, two madmen together, weren’t they going to cause chaos?
Two chapters combined.
Recently, I’ve been catching colds. Sisters, take care of yourselves and wear your masks…
Er Jin’s throat is sore, and I feel dizzy. I hope Xue Liu can diagnose and treat me. If not, the Senior Disciple Brother will do.
