Chapter 28 Utterly Disappointed

  As he watched the figure disappear into the distance, Li Ze's wine cup shattered in his hand, and fresh blood dripped from his palm. He had never felt so defeated and disheartened before. From his youth, he was always the center of attention, and throughout his years of military campaigns and leadership, he remained aloof and superior, a true king. His soldiers died for him, his people adored him, his ministers revered him, and the imperial family admired him. How many times had he simply shown respect to talented individuals and received their heartfelt gratitude in return? How many times had he done something casual and effortless, yet created an image of being approachable and kind? Gradually, he became accustomed to using his kingly charm to conquer others, and his humility and peacefulness to win people's hearts. But today, he truly suffered a crushing defeat. No matter how he treated that person, they always smiled and left him. Yes, he could keep them by his side as an official, but what was the point? He had not conquered that person, nor had he gained their loyalty. In this moment, Li Ze truly tasted the bitter fruit of failure. Never before had he felt so lost and pained, despite having experienced many battles lost and many embarrassing moments in court.

  Just as Li Zhe was unable to extricate himself, a refined and elegant melody drifted into his ears, the sound ethereal and pure, warm and moderate. Li Zhe's heart stirred involuntarily, and his thoughts gradually calmed down. He glanced at the worried eyes of his advisors and saw that Li Jun was almost frightened out of his wits. With a sigh, he said, "I'm tired, I'll go back and rest now." Having spoken, he stood up and left.

  Shi Yu and others looked at his back, feeling Li Zhe's loneliness and sadness, and couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted. Although they couldn't understand Li Zhe's feelings, it was clear that he had suffered a severe blow. Dong Zhi saw that everyone had already dispersed, and said somewhat angrily: "Jiang Suiyun is also too excessive, the prince treated him like this, yet he still remains so unfeeling."

  Kanetsugu sighed and said: "No matter how excessive he is, we can't blame him. As the saying goes, a loyal minister does not serve two masters. It's not strange that he doesn't want to be loyal to Your Highness."

  Dong Zhi angrily said: "So-called loyal ministers, if they are not willing to surrender, would rather die than yield, that's fine. But he is clearly not such a person, yet he is only unwilling to serve Your Highness. Such a wise ruler refuses to be served, will he go and serve someone like Li An instead?"

  Shi Yu said thoughtfully, "I'm worried that Your Highness has really made up your mind to kill him. If you do, not only will the world lose a talented person, but also Your Highness's reputation will be damaged. Although Your Highness has reason to worry, such a talent cannot be used by others. In these days, he has come to know so much about Your Highness's affairs, even if Your Highness is at ease, we cannot be."

  Gu Yan said: "I think this person is not unintentional towards Your Highness, but there is a difficulty that we don't understand."

  The sixth sense of sight immediately fell on Guo Jian, who was able to make four sides, except for a severe mouth, his ability to observe words and colors also played a significant role. Since he said so, it's natural that he has some confidence. Guo Jian suddenly smiled slightly, a servant walked over from afar, came to the front of the four people, and respectfully reported: "Mr. Guo, I asked the servant who sent Mr. Jiang back to his room, on the way, Mr. Jiang suddenly picked up a piece of bamboo leaf, blew a tune."

  Gu Yan waved his hand and let him retreat, looking at the three of them, Dong Zhi said thoughtfully: "You're saying that the music just now was played by Jiang Zhe."

  Gu Yan said calmly, "I just heard that the music skill was not high, but the melody was calm and moderate, coming from the heart, and it wasn't a silk or bamboo sound, so I sent someone to take a look. It turned out to be Jiang Zhe's doing. This person can guess that Your Highness is furious and on the verge of madness, which shows his intelligence. He played the leaf to calm down Your Highness' mood, but it also means he doesn't care about Your Highness, so I said he must have a huge obstacle, which makes him unwilling to serve Your Highness."

  Shi Yu Dao said: "But where is the problem? Your Highness is kind and benevolent, and also intelligent and wise. If you want to be prosperous and wealthy, it's just a matter of your word. If there's any difficulty, you will certainly be able to help him resolve it. Can't you treat him better than Zhao Ke, the Duke of Nan Chud?"

  Dong Zhi said calmly: "If we can't help Your Highness resolve your worries, what face do we have left to stay in the palace? Your Highness attaches such importance to this person, are we not as good as him?"

  "I'm afraid we're no match for the enemies you're facing, Your Highness," Shi Yu sighed. "While we may be skilled in governance and military strategy, worthy of being called kingmakers, your current greatest enemy is not one we can defeat. The Crown Prince Li An appears loyal and filial on the surface but is actually cunning and ruthless, occupying the moral high ground. His followers include both scoundrels who engage in unscrupulous behavior and gentlemen who respect the imperial family. Such an enemy is already difficult to deal with. The Crown Prince's mentor, Lu Jingzhong, is a master of intrigue and deception, able to see through people's hearts. That's why Your Highness has been unable to shake his position as heir apparent. The King of Qi may appear reckless and impulsive on the surface, but he has never overstepped his bounds, revealing that he is actually a talented individual who excels at military campaigns and is the Crown Prince's right-hand man. With the King of Qi's support, the Crown Prince can focus on dealing with Your Highness without worrying about the future of the empire. Then there's the Emperor himself - I'm not slandering him, but he is jealous of Your Highness's talents and has been suspicious of you for some time. While he may lend you a helping hand in times of crisis, he generally wishes to see the Crown Prince suppress you. These enemies may have formidable power, but with Your Highness's exceptional abilities and our assistance, you still have a 50% chance of winning. However, the most fearsome enemy is actually the Phoenix Instrument Gate. I once had the opportunity to meet its leader, who possesses profound knowledge of astronomy, geography, and the principles of governance. Although she is a woman, she has always had the ambition to bring peace and stability to the nation. What's even more terrifying is that she has self-awareness and knows that she cannot openly seize power, so she uses every means at her disposal to control our dynasty from behind the scenes. The Empress Dowager Gui, the Crown Prince's concubine Xiao Lan, and the King of Qi's consort Qin Zhen are all disciples of the Phoenix Instrument Gate. In secret, there may be many more people around us who are under their influence. They present themselves as devoted to assisting the imperial family, earning people's respect for their actions and making them unaware of their power. Now that they have openly declared their support for the Crown Prince, the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the King of Qi have become an indivisible whole. How can Your Highness possibly counter them?"

  The three of them were shocked to hear this, they had no idea that the situation was so dire for Prince Yong. They only knew a thing or two about Prince Yong's firm refusal to form an alliance with the Fengyi Sect, and each of them had their own reasons for opposing the Fengyi Sect's infiltration into Prince Yong's power. They didn't expect it to have already reached a point where they were almost irreconcilable. Dong Zhi took a deep breath and asked: "So, what does Jiang Zhe have to do with all this?"

  "Although the master of Fengyi Gate has extraordinary talent, she is a woman after all and tends to be indecisive at times. To defeat her, we need someone with exceptional abilities, an unorthodox hero. Jiang Zhe may appear easy-going on the surface, but he's actually proud and unconventional in his thinking. He's unpredictable and always comes up with unexpected strategies. His plans are intricate and thorough, and he excels at winning in desperate situations. I've had dealings with him before, and I must admit that I've suffered losses at his hands. Even when I realized his intentions, I couldn't stop him. Only Jiang Zhe can defeat the master of Fengyi Gate. If we don't eliminate her, our foundation will be destroyed, and our great nation will fall into the hands of women. That's why I'm willing to go to such lengths for Jiang Zhe. Please understand my desperation and don't be dissatisfied with my favoritism towards him."

  Dong Zhi said with shame: "Thank you, Mr. Zi You, for your teachings. I am ashamed that I couldn't help the prince alleviate his worries, but instead, I harbored jealousy in my heart, which is truly shameful."

  Shi Yu stood up and said: "Brother Dong's words are heavy, we are all the confidants of the young master, naturally we should wholeheartedly devote ourselves to serving the young master."

  As Shi Yu eliminated the wind and waves, I leaned on my bed, drinking fragrant tea to sober up, and thought back to today's snow appreciation. Since Feng Xiang's death, I often felt melancholy and annoyed in my heart. Today's gathering made my mood suddenly clear and bright. If not for my mind being already made up, I'm afraid I would have agreed with Prince Yong. Thinking back to the day we met at Prince Yong's camp in Shu, I still had some fear in my heart. Now that I've got rid of all restraints, I no longer have any reservations about Prince Yong, but I must admit that Prince Yong has an extraordinary temperament. If it were me, I'm afraid I would have killed this impudent child long ago.

  Alas, no matter what, I couldn't change my mind. In the past, I could freely go to the imperial examination and offer strategies, but now I cherish my freedom more. As long as I can hold on to my life, I won't pledge loyalty to anyone again. A faint smile, although it seems like I've never had true loyalty in the first place.

  Before falling asleep, I thought of Prince Yong's son Li Jun again. That lovely and innocent child is a pity. According to my understanding of physiognomy, being too clever and showing it off will lead to an early death. This child probably doesn't have the good fortune to live to be 95 years old. But then I thought about it some more and laughed. Although this child's facial features are somewhat inauspicious, his temperament should be okay, and he has the good fortune of being Prince Yong's son covering him. At least he won't die too young. Besides, what am I feeling sorry for? He is a golden and jade-like imperial grandson, what is there to regret?

  In a daze, I was also somewhat perplexed. In my opinion, King Yong is not a stubborn person, so why is he being so abnormal this time? It's as if he must make me surrender, which seems quite unreasonable.

  For King Yong of Li, it was not pleasant to hear the news of Qi Wang's visit immediately after recovering from his calmness. However, Li Xian said in front of him with a flattering and threatening tone: "Second brother, let me see Mr. Jiang, I knew him when I was in South Chu, Father Emperor said he would give him an official position, didn't you put him under house arrest?" Helpless, Li Zhe had to agree to let Li Xian meet Jiang Zhe.

  As soon as they entered Jiang Zhe's residence, the Qifeng Pavilion, Li Xian exclaimed: "Su Yun, Su Yun, it seems that Second Brother is quite fond of you. This small plum blossom pavilion is Second Brother's favorite garden, and he actually gave it to you to live in."

  I was playing chess with Xiao Shunzi, my chess skills are average, but Xiao Shunzi is quite good at it. According to him, playing chess helps him cultivate his internal energy. If I didn't have a good overall view of the game and occasionally come up with some unusual moves, I'm afraid I would have lost miserably. Just then, Li Xian burst in, shouting and scolding, while I was frowning, thinking about my next move. Xiao Shunzi saw Li Xian coming in, stood up, bowed and said: "Your humble servant greets the King of Qi." Then he gently pushed me.

  Li Xian sat in Xiao Shunzi's position, seeing that I was still deep in thought, smiled and said: "Don't think about it anymore, your chess skills are something I've experienced before, truly unbearable to smell."

  I was startled awake and looked at Li Xian opposite me, dazedly saying: "How did the King of Qi arrive here?"

  Li Xian deliberately showed a sad and disappointed expression, saying: "Heavens! Is it only now that Lord Jiang has noticed this seven-foot frame of mine?"

  I smiled slightly and pushed open the chessboard: "Xiao Shunzi, bring a cup of tea for His Highness."

  Xiao Shunzi brought over a cup of hot tea, and Li Xian took it, sizing Xiao Shunzi up for half the day before saying: "Are you an imperial eunuch from the Crown Prince's residence? I've never seen you before. Are you new here? Why are you wearing those clothes?"

  Xiao Shunzi said faintly: "I am a person from South Chu, I once saw Your Highness in the palace of South Chu, and naturally, Your Highness wouldn't remember me."

  Li Xian was taken aback for a moment and looked at me saying: "How is it that there are still palace maids from Nan Chu by Lord Jiang's side?"

  I smiled and said: "He is an old acquaintance of mine. This time when the King of Yong broke into Jianye, he took advantage of the chaos to leave the palace and simply didn't go back."

  Li Xian suddenly enlightened, said: "So that's how it is, Governor Jiang has such a slave by his side, the governor is indeed blessed, it would be better for the governor to give him a title, if someone impeaches you for privately using eunuchs, it would be a crime."

  I smiled faintly and said, "Jiang Mou is just a commoner, who would dare to participate in me? Moreover, Xiao Shunzi is from Southern Chu, can't they find another way out after their country is destroyed and their family is ruined?"

  Xiao Shunzi saw the atmosphere was tense and hastily said: "Young master, the prince also has good intentions."

  I finally turned a favorable countenance and said, "Your Highness coming to see me today is an honor for Ziyun. However, Your Highness doesn't ascend the Three Treasures Hall without reason, I wonder what matter requires my presence."

  Li Xian's expression turned solemn, and he said: "General Jiang, as soon as I saw you, I felt that you are the person Li Xian needs most. Don't ask me how I knew, but if you are willing to be my military advisor, I, Li Xian, am willing to treat you as a mentor, listen to your plans and follow them without hesitation."

  As I looked at Li Xian's sincere gaze, I couldn't help but smile bitterly. Li Xian was already in his prime this year, and with his handsome appearance and majestic aura, he exuded an air of sincerity and arrogance that made people both admire and feel close to him. If it weren't for the presence of Yong Wang Li Zuo, I would have thought that Li Xian was more suitable to be the ruler of Da Yong. This person understood major things but was muddled about minor ones; he chose to support Li An, not necessarily because Li An was outstanding or because he valued him highly, but because Li Zuo didn't need his military prowess, while Li An couldn't do without his support. As for me, choosing Li Xian was impossible. Ever since I found out about Liang Yu's identity, I had the people in my secret camp start gathering intelligence on Feng Yimen. Before I arrived at Yongdu, I had already obtained some preliminary information - just some common knowledge that included Qin Zhen and Qi Wangfei's background: although she was a daughter of a noble family, she was also a high-ranking disciple of Feng Yimen. Li Xian was absolutely not someone who could cut ties with Feng Yimen completely. And I, because of my connection to Liang Yu, had already become an enemy of Feng Yimen. I didn't dare say that this matter would never be exposed - there's no wall in the world that doesn't leak wind. Therefore, I couldn't defect to Li Xian.

  Just as I was about to refuse bluntly, I suddenly remembered my plan to fake my own death and changed my tone: "Your Highness is too kind, Ziyun is deeply grateful, but unfortunately, the King of Yong does not allow me to leave this place, so I can only decline your generous offer."

  Li Xian said in surprise, "What? Does Second Brother dare to put you under house arrest? You probably don't know that when Changle returned this time, he brought a collection of your poems. Father Emperor liked them very much and would have summoned you already if not for Second Brother saying you were ill. Why don't you just come back with me? I'm sure Second Brother won't make things difficult."

  I said calmly, "Your Highness has misunderstood. Su Yun's body is not good and she caught a cold on the way here. She only started to recover in the past few days. The King of Yong said that since Su Yun's body is not good, she is not allowed to leave this place one step, it's really for Su Yun's own good, Your Highness mustn't misunderstand."

  Li Xian's eyes rolled and he said: "In that case, I'll go back and send someone to invite you to recuperate at the Qi Wang Fu."

  I said faintly, "I'm not used to the royal palace, it's too inconvenient. If there's a quiet little mansion or villa, Your Highness can help me take a look. Xiangyun still has some savings, and we can afford a small place."

  Li Xian rubbed his hands and said: "How can this be? I want you to be my master, how can I let you live outside?"

  "I'll just have to give up then. Another day, I'll ask His Highness the Duke of Yong to think of a way. Surely there's a suitable garden somewhere. Alas, if His Highness doesn't agree, it will be difficult. Who made me receive the kindness of the Duke of Yong?"

  Li Xian hastily said: "No problem, I will definitely find a house for Mr. Jiang that is quiet and elegant, and also convenient for me to visit."

  I smiled and said: "Then thank you, Your Highness."

  Watching King Qi leave with excitement, I feel a little guilty. Although King Qi is somewhat reckless, he has always been sincere to me. Unfortunately, I will eventually disappoint him. In fact, the one I am most disappointing is King Yong. He really put his heart into it for me, otherwise why would he suddenly attack Jianye? This is what I have come to realize over this period of time. His sudden attack on Jianye was probably because I was the only gain he wanted.

  Li Zai saw off the King of Qi and walked into the gate with a pale face. The complacency of the King of Qi made him disheartened, Shi You was also very disappointed. He never thought that the King of Qi would get Jiang Zhe's approval so easily, what about these people then?

  Returning to the study, Li Zai said lightly: "Zi You, tomorrow set up a banquet for me to see off Mr. Jiang."

  Shi Yu fell to his knees and begged: "Your Highness, you can't let this person go!" His voice was trembling with anxiety.

  Li Zai's voice was very calm, and he said lightly: "Prepare the Cangfeng Hu for me, I want to send him on a distant journey." His voice was very ethereal.

  Shi Yu's body trembled slightly as he said, "Yes, sir." His eyes were filled with sorrow and despair.

  Li Zuo raised his head and said: "Zi You, am I right? If this person follows the King of Qi, I will be uneasy in my sleep and food, it's better to kill him to eliminate future troubles."

  Shi Yu said coldly: "Killing this person with poison can eliminate future troubles. If we don't kill him, we will all die in an instant."

  Li Zai's eyes dropped, and he said gloomily: "But killing this man, I am uneasy at heart. I have always prided myself on being magnanimous and generous, but now I have poisoned someone who refused to surrender to me."

  "Your Highness must not be soft-hearted. This person is a rare talent, if you let him go, your great cause will be in danger."

  Li Zai weakly waved his hand and said: "This king has already made up his mind. Tomorrow, he will use the Soul-destroying Pill."

  Shi Yu Dao said: "Yes, in that case, he will pass away peacefully twelve hours later without any suffering."

  Li Zai did not make a sound.