Feng Ke spent until midnight preparing the medicine.
Tian Nan presented it respectfully. “Master.”
The pile of official documents on the desk had been processed and cleared away. Tian Nan looked toward the window.
He had followed Lian Shenwei for five years. Every time his master finished handling official business, he habitually stood there. The window faced a jade sandalwood red plum tree with delicate stamens.
Outside, the moonlight was cold and clear. The red plum blossoms stretched out, their floating petals dusted with remnant snow, their subtle fragrance drifting. Yet they couldn’t compare to even half the elegant bearing of the young man standing by the window.
Lian Shenwei reached out to brush away the scattered snowflakes on the branches, his even finger joints reddened slightly from the cold.
“This plum blossom has been cultivated in the manor and has bloomed six times, yet each time later than the last, and each time more sparse. If Elder Sister were here, she would surely care for it very well.”
“Bring the medicine over.”
Lian Shenwei hadn’t stopped taking medicine these past few years, yet the Regent Prince’s manor didn’t carry much medicinal smell, nor were there rumors spreading about the Regent Prince’s poor health. This was because the medicine Feng Ke prepared came in pill form.
The medicinal smell was minimal and not very bitter.
Lian Shenwei picked one up and sniffed it lightly, raising an eyebrow. “This medicine’s scent is different from usual.”
“Yes,” Tian Nan relayed everything truthfully. “Physician Feng said he added a new ingredient called Frost-Fallen Flower—the one the Crown Prince gave you when we left the Eastern Palace today.”
“Physician Feng asks you to try it first. He says the effect should be somewhat better than before. However, because it’s a new medicine, you may experience stifling pain in your heart meridian recently. You must avoid major emotional fluctuations.”
“Understood.”
Lian Shenwei took the medicine. After waiting a while with no particular reaction from his body, he paid it no further attention.
His mind was still foggy. He figured he had caught a cold in the imperial prison. Feng Ke couldn’t have failed to notice, yet he hadn’t given him any medicine for it.
Of course, he couldn’t take such medicine anyway. Many common medicinal ingredients that needed to be ingested were forbidden to him. He could only wait for the cold to gradually improve on its own.
Lian Shenwei asked, “The evidence of Luan Qingan colluding with the enemy—has it all been destroyed?”
Tian Nan nodded. “Everything you collected has been destroyed, though there’s no guarantee the Northern Yi royal court doesn’t still have some.”
Looking at his master’s refined and calm profile, and recalling the words of those pedantic scholars in the capital, he couldn’t help feeling angry. “Master, why did you destroy it? That Luan Qingan was originally just a coward who crawled through a dog hole to save his life. Now he’s being painted as some kind of loyal minister.”
Lian Shenwei glanced at him and extended his hands to warm them over the brazier.
“He’s Li Ningfeng’s maternal uncle. Right now, Li Ningfeng is engaging the Northern Yi at the frontier. Even though there’s currently a temporary ceasefire, if news spreads that his uncle colluded with the Northern Yi, it would disrupt the morale of the frontier army. Who’s to say it wouldn’t cause more chaos?”
“In this matter, his dying with a reputation for integrity and loyalty is the best outcome.”
Tian Nan said, “In that case, won’t the Crown Prince and the Young Marquis hold a grudge against you?”
The candle flame flickered with a crackling sound. The dim firelight cast wavering shadows on the Regent Prince’s profile. His pale hands had grown warm from the charcoal fire.
Lian Shenwei straightened up.
“It’s better if he hates me. The more he hates, the better.”
His voice was extremely soft, almost like a sigh. Tian Nan couldn’t hear clearly and wanted to ask more, but Lian Shenwei had already changed the subject. “There’s been no word from Ming Zhu. Have him stay hidden and keep a close watch on Li Ningfeng’s side. On the road back to the capital, inevitably someone won’t be able to resist making a move.”
“Tian Nan understands!”
Lian Shenwei picked up a processed official document from the desk. It was full of content regarding the Nan’an cheating scandal. He looked at it for a moment. “Nan’an is Right Chancellor Wei’s hometown, isn’t it?”
Tian Nan replied, “Yes.”
“How convenient.”
Lian Shenwei smiled gently. “Tian Nan, go to the Court of Judicial Review for me.”
–
The next day at court.
The Great Sheng Dynasty honored black as the most prestigious color. Looking across the court hall, only the Regent Prince seated at the very front wore a black robe with coiled python patterns, golden thread running along the hem, incomparably noble.
The assembled ministers had gone from initially feeling stifled to now being accustomed to it.
Scholars didn’t need to kneel when meeting officials, but they must kneel before the Son of Heaven. Yet when their Regent Prince had been named top scholar and granted an imperial audience, His Majesty had personally decreed that he be exempted from the kneeling ritual.
Even His Majesty had never received his kowtow. In all of the Great Sheng Dynasty, no one dared to accept it.
After the formalities concluded, the Nan’an cheating scandal was brought into the open for discussion.
“Such a massive cheating scandal is absolutely unprecedented in our Great Sheng Dynasty! If we don’t severely punish those responsible, such vile incidents will certainly occur again in the future!”
“The imperial examinations concern our dynasty’s next batch of officials and the innocent common people under their governance. If officials attain their positions through cheating, then they lack virtue—how can they govern the people well and serve His Majesty?!”
Another person stepped forward.
“We beseech Your Majesty to severely punish the Nan’an Governor-General, Nan’an Provincial Governor, Nan’an Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, and especially the heinously guilty Nan’an Education Commissioner. Send special investigators to examine all other provinces and counties, and even the Nan’an examinees from the provincial examinations three years ago!”
“Lord Chen’s words are inappropriate! The Nan’an examinees from the last imperial examination are numerous, and many are now rising stars at court. With one word from you demanding a thorough investigation, wouldn’t you turn the entire Great Sheng Dynasty upside down?”
“Even if we turn it upside down, we must investigate! The Great Sheng official system absolutely cannot tolerate frauds and cheaters!”
The speakers were all officials from the third row back. The officials at the front hadn’t opened their mouths. Of course, what the back-row officials said generally represented their various different positions.
His Majesty hadn’t spoken the entire time. The clamor below gradually quieted, leaving only the phrase “We beseech Your Majesty to decide.”
Emperor Jingcheng asked, “What does the Regent Prince think?”
The expressions of those in the court hall varied.
Lian Shenwei looked toward the second row on the right, at the elderly man standing behind Ying Jingjue, the corner of his mouth curving slightly. “Lord Wei, this Prince remembers you’re from Nan’an. Among all those implicated in this Nan’an incident, are there any old acquaintances of yours, Lord Wei?”
Wei Li had held the position of Right Chancellor for many years and additionally served as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. He was extremely respected at court, and many young officials were his students.
His peaches and plums could be said to fill the world.
Wei Li’s heart jumped heavily. He stepped forward and said sternly, “Regent Prince, mind your words! Though this old official is from Nan’an, I would never do anything against my conscience!”
As soon as he finished speaking, more than half the court officials came forward to vouch for his integrity, a dark mass of them kneeling on the ground.
Would never do anything against his conscience.
Lian Shenwei carefully savored these few words, the smile at his lips growing ever more gentle. “Oh? Is that so?”
As soon as he spoke, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review stepped forward with lowered brows and obedient eyes. “Your Majesty, Regent Prince, this minister has something to report.”
Emperor Jingcheng said, “Speak.”
The Court Minister said, “This minister and the Prison Warden have jointly been responsible for interrogating the Nan’an case, and we’ve just obtained results.” He straightened his expression and said without looking aside, “Someone couldn’t endure the torture and confessed. He said the reason they were so audacious was because they had backing from a powerful figure at court in Nan’an.”
Lian Shenwei unhurriedly prompted, “Speak then. Who is it?”
The Court Minister took a deep breath and said forcefully, “It is none other than our dynasty’s Right Chancellor, Lord Wei Li!”
The assembled officials were in an uproar.
No one had expected things to take this turn.
Wei Li’s face flushed red with anger. “You’re lying! Dare I ask who gave this confession?!”
The Court Minister kowtowed. “This humble minister also found it strange—the person who confessed died last night. To die immediately after naming the mastermind behind it all—it seems like he was silenced by someone!”
“Then there’s no concrete evidence,” Ying Jingjue said coldly, strongly defending the Grand Tutor who had once taught him, his edge faintly showing.
He cupped his hands. “Father Emperor, this matter is full of suspicious points. Lord Wei is upright and honest—he couldn’t possibly be connected to the Nan’an cheating scandal. I beseech Father Emperor to see clearly!”
“Fourth Imperial Brother, you can’t say that. What the Court of Judicial Review interrogated must have some credibility, right?” The Third Prince was pleased to see this happen. The Right Chancellor had always been a stalwart of the Crown Prince’s faction. If Wei Li fell, it would only benefit him.
However, Wei Li had served as an official for two reigns. He knew how stubborn that old thing was. The cheating scandal was most likely a frame-up. The Third Prince narrowed his eyes, looking toward the Regent Prince in his chair.
It was him, wasn’t it?
Had he decided to move against the Crown Prince?
Or was there something he didn’t know about…
Emperor Jingcheng wasn’t as enraged as the assembled ministers had imagined. Chief Eunuch Li, who stood close by, secretly stole a glance and saw clearly.
Apart from his sickly appearance, when Wei Li was pushed forward, His Majesty’s face showed some complex emotions that he couldn’t quite decipher.
Emperor Jingcheng asked, “Regent Prince, what is your view?”
“Since Lord Wei says he has never done anything against his conscience…”
Lian Shenwei stood up from his chair and bowed distantly to Emperor Jingcheng. “This minister can take full charge. Until the truth is clarified, let Lord Wei remain confined to his manor.”
Emperor Jingcheng said, “This matter…”
“Your Majesty.”
The smile hadn’t faded from Lian Shenwei’s lips, yet his gaze was plain and indifferent. Passing through the imperial crown, it vaguely met Emperor Jingcheng’s eyes for an instant.
Emperor Jingcheng paused.
A few seconds later, he wearily waved his hand. “This matter shall be handled by you then.”
Ying Jingjue’s head shot up. “Father Emperor!”
“Your Majesty!”
“Your Majesty, you cannot!”
“Please allow this minister to jointly oversee this as well!”
“Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
Emperor Jingcheng stood up, ignoring the kneeling ministers covering the floor. “We are tired. Court is dismissed.”
–
“Teacher, please wait!”
Before leaving the palace gates, Lian Shenwei was called back.
The young Crown Prince who had hurried over, no matter how composed, now showed some emotion.
Ying Jingjue steadied his breath and said, “Teacher, regarding Lord Wei’s matter, I believe there must be some misunderstanding. Isn’t confining his entire household a bit excessive?”
Lian Shenwei replied, “To deal with an official who has committed a grave crime, currently only confining him is already extremely lenient.”
“Committed a grave crime?” Ying Jingjue said, “Lord Wei is only under suspicion. He hasn’t been convicted.”
Lian Shenwei looked at him with an ambiguous smile, saying nothing.
Ying Jingjue’s heart sank.
If Lian Shenwei’s target was Wei Li, then whether Lord Wei had actually committed any wrongdoing didn’t matter at all.
What mattered was what the person handling this matter thought.
When had Wei Li made an enemy of Lian Shenwei?
Tian Nan, who had been waiting not far away outside the palace gates, quickly approached. “Master, we should return, or else the weather will change soon.”
Lian Shenwei said, “Your Highness, this minister will take his leave first.”
Ying Jingjue gritted his teeth and turned his head away.
The young man’s figure was tall and slender, like bamboo, like orchid. He had seen Lian Shenwei’s departing back from the Eastern Palace countless times after finishing his lessons.
He had once admired and aspired to such character. Now, looking at this retreating figure, only disappointment and angry resentment remained.
Wei Li was his supporter at court. Although he had little real power, his peaches and plums filled the world, and his prestige was extremely high. To him, Wei Li was not only a benefactor and teacher but also tremendous support.
Lian Shenwei had always had no grievances with Wei Li. To suddenly move against him now—aside from targeting him as Crown Prince, Ying Jingjue couldn’t think of a second reason.
He closed his eyes and slowly clenched his fists, once again tasting the helplessness of having no power. He had endured the matter with Luan Qingan. Must he now endure a second time?
But his power at court was too small. Being young, he also had to deal with his ambitious eldest brother and third brother. One misstep would be a grave error.
How could he compete with his teacher, the Great Sheng Dynasty’s Regent Prince?
If one day he ruled the world, the first thing he would do would be to kill all the treacherous ministers at court!
The young Crown Prince lowered himself humbly. “Teacher, Lord Wei is an elder who has taught this Prince. He’s advanced in years. If he truly committed some offense, please allow him to return to his hometown to live out his remaining years.”
Lian Shenwei’s footsteps didn’t stop, as if he hadn’t heard.
Ying Jingjue’s suddenly raised voice trembled slightly. “Teacher!”
The carriage slowly departed. The guards outside the palace walls wished they could lower their heads into their chests.
The overcast sky began to drizzle with fine rain. Little Zhizi hurried over with an umbrella, crying out repeatedly, “Your Highness, please return to the palace quickly. In this freezing weather, what would we do if you caught a chill?”
Ying Jingjue said, “Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Loyal Righteousness Marquis Manor.”
Little Zhizi asked, “What?”
“This Prince said prepare the carriage!”
Based on his understanding of Lian Shenwei, if he had decided to move against someone, he would absolutely act quickly and deliver a fatal blow. As expected, tonight would definitely not be peaceful.
The Loyal Righteousness Marquis Manor was full of loyal martyrs. Three years ago, the old Marquis had been injured on the battlefield and was no longer able to walk. He had stayed in the manor and hadn’t gone out in three years. He controlled one of the three Imperial Guard armies.
Ying Jingjue only hoped he could seek the Loyal Righteousness Marquis’s help in time.
Chief Eunuch Li, who served at Emperor Jingcheng’s side, trotted over. “Paying respects to the Crown Prince.”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty requests you visit the Hall of Mental Cultivation.”
Ying Jingjue froze. “At this time?”
Chief Eunuch Li said, “This is His Majesty’s decree. This servant dares not transmit it falsely.”
Spring thunder rumbled across the sky with a deafening roar.
–
How the Regent Prince investigated the case, the Court of Judicial Review Minister didn’t know. That young man with a gentle temperament merely walked one circuit through the prison and ended up with over a dozen pieces of signed and sealed evidence.
That night.
The Black Armored Guards surrounded the Wei Manor so tightly not even water could leak through.
Rain splattered on the cold armor. The murderous Black Armored Guards rushed into the manor holding torches—some lined up on both sides while others went in to arrest people.
Soon, panicked screams and crying came from inside the manor.
The Black Armored Guards worked with extreme efficiency. Before long, the manor fell quiet. Everyone from the Wei Manor, not one missing, was forced to kneel in the courtyard.
Wei Li’s hair was mixed with gray and white. Eyes bulging and neck stiff, he cursed, “Treacherous minister! Treacherous minister destroying the nation! Lian Shenwei!”
His son wept as he pleaded, “Father, Father, please stop cursing. Your son begs you!”
“Worthless!” Wei Li looked at his not-yet-capped only son with disappointment and anger.
Amid the fear and suppressed crying, Lian Shenwei held an umbrella and slowly walked across the flagstones to stand before Wei Li, smiling faintly. “Why is Lord Wei in such a sorry state?”
Wei Li sneered coldly and spat at him.
Lian Shenwei tilted his head to avoid it, showing no anger. “Lord Wei must be getting on in years—what happened nine years ago, he forgets as soon as it’s convenient.”
“Your Excellency forgets much as a noble person, but I will remember it for all eternity. It seems I need to remind you.”
His tone grew even more gentle. “During the previous emperor’s reign, the forty-first year of Yongjia, Jinling City, Fudu Manor.”
“Does Lord Wei still have any recollection?”
His every movement, his cultivation and etiquette, seemed carved into his very bones. Even at this moment, dealing with an elder, he used respectful forms of address and even bent his waist slightly, not completely looking down on the old man.
Wei Li’s pupils suddenly contracted, his eyes slowly widening until they nearly bulged out. “You, you…”
A thunderclap resounded. Purple lightning like a spider’s web tore frightening fissures across the night sky, suddenly illuminating the young man’s cold jade-like profile.
Rain soaked Lian Shenwei’s hair. He smiled lightly, yet his eyes held not a trace of mirth—dark and deep as the concentrated night.
“So Lord Wei remembers.”
#
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152