Chapter 4: Matters of the Past Like Smoke

  Leaving the Flower Hall, Li An let out a sigh of relief and glanced at Xia Jin-yi. If it weren't for this subordinate, he really didn't want to give him up. He also didn't want to fall out with Xiao Lan and Li Han-you. Moreover, these two women were so reckless that they didn't care about their own dignity, which was truly detestable. If they had really killed Xia Jin-yi, wouldn't he have become a useless emperor who couldn't even protect his subordinates? It seemed that Lu Jing-zhong was right; the Fengyi Gate must be guarded well, otherwise, he would eventually become a puppet in someone's hands - a puppet emperor. Thinking of this, he said warmly: "Jin-yi, go and summon Lu Shao-fu over. I have some things to ask him. Tonight, let your senior brother take the watch, you can go out and clear your head, it will also calm your nerves."

  Xia Jin Yi was so moved that he burst into tears and said: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I am willing to serve Your Highness."

  "Rest assured, I won't have time tonight. You've been following me closely for a year now, you must be exhausted too. As for today's matter, I don't have any way to compensate you, so I'll give you a day off. Go out and clear your mind, bring a few subordinates with you, just in case someone tries to take advantage of the situation."

  Xia Jinyi hastily thanked him and said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I will go invite Lu Shaofu immediately."

  Li An waved his hand and said, "You go, there are some things that even I can't do anything about, don't worry about it." Xia Jin Yi's eyes moved slightly, and he said in a low voice, "As a subordinate, my life is insignificant, but the honor of the prince has been trampled underfoot. Is this something that can be tolerated? What cannot be tolerated?" Li An's expression changed slightly: "Alright, don't say any more. I'll go see the crown princess first, you go invite Lu Shao Fu." Xia Jin Yi retreated with a respectful attitude, his downcast eyes filled with a sense of satisfaction.

  Sitting in the study that had not been entered for a long time, Li An quietly looked at Lu Jingzhong sitting opposite him. After a long while, he faintly said: "Do you also want to advise this king to kill Xia Jinyi?"

  Lu Jingzhong respectfully said: "As for Xia Jinyi's life or death, I don't care. What I'm concerned about is that if the Phoenix Seal Pavilion and Your Highness become estranged because of this matter, it would be a loss. If you are willing to let go, I naturally hope that you won't offend the Phoenix Seal Pavilion."

  Li An angrily said: "The Fengyi Gate also doesn't put me in their eyes, Xia Jinyi is just a lucky minister, can't harm the king's great cause, nor has the capital to compete with them for power, they are too arrogant."

  Lu Jingzhong smiled and said, "This is also a case of misplaced anger. The things you've done, Your Highness, may seem trivial to me, but for them, they are unbearable. However, they can't blame you, so they had to take it out on Xia Shouwei instead. Now that you've saved face, it's time to placate them. The current situation is not entirely in our favor, Your Highness mustn't destroy the Great Wall."

  Li An nodded and said: "The young master speaks with courtesy, but who do you think killed Liang Jianqian that day, leaving me speechless?"

  Lu Jingzhong furrowed his brow and said: "Speaking of this matter, I have also thought about it. After thinking about it repeatedly, apart from Prince Yong, there are two other people who are the most suspicious."

  Li An said with interest, "Last time I asked you, you said that Prince Yong was the most suspicious, just because he killed Liang Zhenqian and benefited the most from it. But now you've added two more people, who are they?"

  Lu Jing said calmly: "Both Prince Qi Li Xian and Prince Qing Li Kang are possible."

  Li An was taken aback, saying: "Although Qing Wang has a grudge against Fengyi Gate, he is respectful to me. How could he do such a thing? And Qi Wang, we are on the same boat, how could he be like this?"

  Lu Jingzhong sneered, "To say that the King of Qing has suspicions is because I have investigated and found that in recent years, the King of Qing has placed many people in the capital. He was originally a member of the imperial family, but due to the Phoenix Instrument Gate incident, he was exiled to Dongchuan. Although Yizhou is rich and prosperous, it can't compare to the prosperity and splendor of Chang'an. Moreover, the hatred for killing one's mother cannot be shared under the same sky. Now that the Phoenix Instrument Gate is protecting the Crown Prince, he naturally wants to oppose him. In the past, when the Phoenix Instrument Gate was biased towards the King of Yong, didn't he also make things difficult for the King of Yong everywhere? Recently, I captured a spy from the King of Qing and, under severe torture, found out that at the time of Liang Zhen's death by poisoning, the King of Qing's top expert, Ye Tianxiu, was in the capital. If not to muddy the waters, why would he let this bodyguard leave his side?"

  Li An's expression changed, and he said coldly: "If it really is him, what do you think should be done with him? Do you want me to say a few words to the Emperor and have him dealt with?"

  "Your Highness, it's not possible," said Lu Jingzhong, shaking his head. "The King of Qing has no chance of ascending to the throne, so Your Highness should be using him as a pawn. Moreover, in the future, you will still need to rely on the King of Qing to counterbalance the Fengyi Gate. How can you deal with him? Besides, there is no solid evidence to prove that it was the doing of the King of Qing. However, Your Highness should be careful. These days, the people of the King of Qing have become increasingly arrogant in Chang'an."

  Li An nodded and said: "Then why did Shaofu think of King Qi again?"

  Lu Jingzhong said: "Your Majesty, the King of Qi was originally your left and right arm, but in recent years, you have been somewhat cold to him. In fact, this is not surprising, Your Majesty. Although the King of Qi has always been an enemy of the Crown Prince, he has never done anything excessive and has always left a margin for sentiment. It's only natural that you suspect the King of Qi. This year, the King of Qi has repeatedly requested to go to the border to defend against the enemy, but was rejected by you. In the eyes of the King of Qi, Your Majesty is intentionally obstructing him from making achievements, while in your eyes, the King of Qi wants to avoid confronting the Crown Prince head-on. In my opinion, neither Your Majesty nor the King of Qi is wrong. Although the King of Qi doesn't say it out loud, he indeed has some apprehension towards the Crown Prince, and you don't allow him to go on expeditions because you don't want his reputation to grow even more. You are also wary of the King of Qi, after all, when two tigers fight, one must be injured. Is this not what Concubine Lan advised you?"

  Li An said with a smile: "I also think that Lan Fei is right, and Qi Wang is too arrogant. I always feel that he is somewhat disrespectful."

  Lu Jingzhong stroked his beard and said, "This is not entirely wrong, Your Highness. However, if you could properly console the King of Qi, it would be even better. After all, the King of Qi is your most trusted general who has protected you from harm. You can't afford to offend him. Without the King of Qi's army, I'm afraid the King of Yong would have rebelled long ago."

  Li An nodded in agreement, saying: "You're right, I'll invite Sixth Brother over in a few days and have a good talk with him. Let him settle down in the capital city, and there will be plenty of opportunities for him to make a name for himself in the future."

  Lu Jingzhong said meaningfully: "Actually, there is another person, Your Highness should also think of a way to win him over."

  Li An looked at Lu Jingzhong, and Lu Jingzhong smiled: "Xia Hou Yuanfeng."

  Li An smiled and said: "Xia Hou has long been a man of our king, you are not unaware that he and his father have also surrendered to our king?"

  "Your Highness, most of the power in your hands now belongs to Fengyimen. The people of Fengyimen listen to the orders of their master, Fan Huiyao. If she supports you today, they will help you; if she supports Qi Wang or Qing Wang tomorrow, they will change sides. Your Highness has been secretly recruiting many fugitives over the past year to build your own military strength, hasn't he? Xia Hou Yufeng's martial arts skills are exceptional, and he is favored by the Emperor. If Your Highness can make him truly follow you, then he would be a sharp blade in your hands. Now, Pei Yun, the commander of the Northern Garrison of the Imperial Guard, has already become a man of Yong Wang. Although he still shows respect to Qi Wang, he doesn't have good feelings towards Your Highness. Xia Hou Yufeng once defeated Pei Yun; it would be a pity if Your Highness didn't recruit him under his banner. As long as you treat him with courtesy and humility, Xia Hou Yufeng will join our side, and we'll gain another powerful and cunning ally who can be commanded without going through Fengyimen."

  Li An felt a bit uneasy, and he didn't dare to say that he had some reservations about Xia Houyuanfeng, only because this person was always very mysterious and couldn't be seen through. He said: "You tell me, how should I win him over?"

  Lu Jingzhong's eyes drooped, and he said, "I heard that Your Highness recently acquired a soft sword, which can cut through gold and jade, and is extremely valuable. Xia Houyuan loves soft swords the most, and it's said that he once sent people to search for them in all parts of the land."

  Li An smiled and said, "I thought it was some kind of treasure, but it's just a soft sword. Although this soft sword is precious, to me, the king, it's nothing more than a toy. I'll have someone send it over tomorrow."

  "Your Highness is as receptive to advice as a flowing stream, I am grateful for your kindness and cannot express it fully."

  Li An smiled and said: "Alright, I've endured for a year now. You should think of a way to let me vent my anger before we talk."

  Lu Jingzhong smiled and said, "What's difficult about this? Now that things have passed and the situation has changed, it's exactly the right time for us to counterattack. If Your Highness thinks there's no harm in it, then let's start with Pei Yun."

  Li An frowned and said: "A small Imperial Guard commander can't do much, Father Emperor also appreciates him very much, I think it's better to change someone else."

  Lu Jingzhong said: "Choosing Pei Yun, first, he is now very close to the King of Yong, and taking action against him will also serve as a warning to others. Secondly, this person has caused the Fengyi Gate to lose face, and we can take action against him through the Fengyi Gate. This way, the Fengyi Gate and Shaolin will have a deep grudge, and Your Highness can better control the Fengyi Gate. Moreover, the King of Qi also appreciates Pei Yun very much, so it's just right to use this opportunity to warn the King of Qi. If the King of Qi pleads for him later, Your Highness can grant him a personal favor, after all, Your Highness only wants to remove his official position, and as for his life, it is not that important."

  Li An nodded and said: "So where do we start?"

  Lu Jingzhong smiled slightly, leaned close to Li An's ear and whispered a few words. Li An's face lit up with joy, saying: "You tell Xia Hou that if things go well, I will definitely reward him heavily and won't let him down." The two men looked at each other and laughed, their laughter carrying an undertone of ruthless meaning.

  On a moonlit night, with a beautiful woman by his side, Xia Jin Yi's face was filled with worry as he lay on the soft bed. He stared blankly at the ceiling, thinking about how he had brought several guards to this famous brothel earlier that day and gotten drunk after dinner. With the help of a stunning courtesan, he stumbled into the embroidery room, but once inside, he suddenly sobered up. After a romantic encounter, the courtesan snuggled up close to him, but Xia Jin Yi felt empty inside. He would rather be back in the Crown Prince's residence, sleeping soundly with Xiu Chun in his arms. However, since the Crown Prince had summoned him, he knew he had to come out. The life-or-death crisis earlier that day still lingered in his mind, making him even more eager to see Jiang Zhe and figure out what to do next. Just as he was lost in thought, someone gently knocked on the door.

  Xia Jinyi was startled and turned to look at the prostitute, who had already fallen asleep. Still uneasy, he lightly pressed her acupoints before walking to the door and standing behind it. He slowly opened the door and saw a young maid in a blue dress walk in with a pot of tea. The maid glanced at the bed with its curtains drawn and placed the hot tea on the table. As she seemed about to turn around and leave, her peripheral vision caught Xia Jinyi's cold gaze, causing her to startle and cover her heart.

  Xia Jin Yi's apologetic smile opened the door. The little maid, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, held a tea tray and walked to the entrance, about to leave. Xia Jin Yi was just about to step aside when the little maid suddenly pulled out a tube of sleeve arrows from her sleeve, pointing them at Xia Jin Yi. Xia Jin Yi's body tensed up as he knew that those were sleeve arrows that could easily pierce light armor within thirty steps. Given their current distance of only three steps, even if he wanted to dodge, it would be impossible. However, since the little maid hadn't attacked yet, it meant there was still room for negotiation. Xia Jin Yi calmly looked at the little maid, who had already lifted her head and smiled at him.

  Xia Jinyi was stunned, it turned out that this little maid was someone he knew, one of Jiang Zhe's attendants, Chi Ji. Chi Ji's appearance was originally delicate and elegant, and her figure was not tall, dressed as a maid, she looked very similar. Xia Jinyi let out a sigh of relief and said in a low voice: "Chi Ji, you scared me to death." Then he excitedly asked: "How is it? Is the master going to see me?"

  Chi Jing laughed and said: "The young master is waiting next door, please ask Xia Gongzi to go over."

  Xia Jin Yi glanced at his body, thinking that this appearance would not do for meeting people. But if he were to clean up now, it would only raise the suspicions of that prostitute tomorrow. After some thought, he picked up a long robe and draped it over himself, then followed Chi Xi out of the room door and quickly entered a side chamber next door. Upon entering, he saw Jiang Zhe wearing a cyan silk robe, sitting in a chair with an air of leisurely elegance as he gazed at a chessboard on the table. By his side stood a slender and refined young man in green clothes, accompanying him to play chess.

  Xia Jinyi immediately went forward and bowed down, saying: "Xia Jinyi pays his respects to the noble sir, wishing you peace."

  I stood up and walked forward, extending my hand: "No need for formalities, Mr. Xia, I'm not worthy of the honor."

  Xia Jin Yi stood up with a humble and cautious attitude, as if he were a servant or subordinate. I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy in my heart. Originally, I thought he might be unwilling to listen to my orders, so I had prepared some threatening and coercive measures. But unexpectedly, he was so sensible, it seemed that I wouldn't need to force him after all.

  After he sat down, I smiled and said: "In the past year or so, Xia Gongzi has been deeply favored by the Crown Prince, I didn't expect you to still remember old friends."

  Xia Jinyi stood up and said: "After parting with you last time, I have been yearning day and night to see you again. This past year, I have done my best to assist you, hoping to be of some help to the young master. If you can grant me one wish, I am willing to die for you in gratitude."

  I looked at Xia Jin-yi with a thoughtful gaze, and the answer was clear. In the past, I had forced him to serve me, but in this year, he had been honored and respected, yet still remembered our old agreement. I had found it somewhat strange, but after hearing his words, I finally understood. If one didn't have ulterior motives, how could they be so selfless?

  I'm in no hurry either, so I said slowly: "Please tell me in detail, Young Master Xia. If you have any requests, Jiang will certainly consider them carefully."

  Xia Jinyi bowed down and knocked his head, saying: "If Your Excellency can help me make that Jingjiang Princess lose her reputation and die in prison, no matter what Your Excellency orders, I will obey without hesitation."

  I was taken aback for a moment, and said: "Xia Jinyi, you were originally a Jianghu vagabond, while Li Hanyu is the princess of the imperial family, and now she is even more noble as a princess. In terms of Jianghu status, she is also a high-ranking disciple of Fengyi Gate, how could she have a feud with you?"

  Xia Jinyi's eyes flashed with resentment and venom, and he said miserably: "What imperial princess, princess of honor? Li Han You is just a fake phoenix, a mountain chicken pretending to be a phoenix. Although her feathers are colorful, she has a vicious heart, forgets kindness and betrays righteousness, and is a person who goes back on her words."

  My heart skipped a beat, and I said: "Tell me in detail, if it's true, Jiang will surely take charge for you."

  His expression turned cold and severe, he said slowly: "My original name was Xia Quan, my family had only one child for three generations, although the bloodline was thin, but we were a happy family. Our hometown was remote, and during the war in Central Plains, it did not affect our hometown, so we enjoyed a happy family life. Because of concerns about the extinction of the bloodline, when I was five years old, my parents adopted a girl, planning to let us get married after I came of age. The girl's parents were also from the same hometown, but they were poor and had six or seven daughters in a row, unable to raise them, so my family gained a child bride. At that time, I was young and thought she was just another sister. However, this girl was exceptionally beautiful and intelligent, far surpassing ordinary people. My parents loved her very much, letting her study with me. She had a photographic memory, reading ten lines at a glance, while I felt inferior to her. When I was twelve years old, I followed a Taoist master to learn martial arts due to a chance encounter. My parents knew that it was a chaotic world and if I learned some martial skills, I could protect myself, so they were very happy. At that time, she was only seven years old and would pull on me, asking me to come home often to see her."

  "In the depths of the mountains, I studied martial arts, unaware of the passing years. When I finally achieved some success and obtained my master's permission to return home, I was 16 years old, and she was 11 years old. Although young, she already knew about human relationships. That year, due to my mother's illness, we hastily got married under our parents' supervision to ward off evil spirits. Although I still had to practice martial arts and she was too young, we were officially husband and wife in name. Not long after the wedding, I returned to Mount Kongtong again. We were young, but we also made a vow of eternal love.

  Who would have thought that just two months later, I received news from my clan that my parents had passed away? I rushed back home in a daze and only found out from my clansmen that shortly after I left, some swordswomen passed through our village. They claimed to have lost their way, and as the head of the clan, my father warmly hosted them. However, they saw my wife and said she had unparalleled talent, wanting to take her away. My parents naturally refused, but they managed to persuade my wife, who willingly followed them, leaving behind a few hundred taels of silver as 'ransom money' for me.

  My mother died from grief and anger, and soon after, my father fell ill and passed away. I examined his wounds and found that he had been secretly injured by someone using dark arts. Who could have done it? I wanted to avenge them, but I'm not foolish. After inquiring about the women's attire, I knew their identity - they were from the Phoenix Instrument Gate. Besides them, where else would there be so many swordswomen? However, Mount Kongtong had an alliance with the Phoenix Instrument Gate, and even if I practiced martial arts until I was excellent, what could I do? I couldn't avenge my parents.

  So, I became disheartened and depressed, eventually being expelled from the sect within half a year. For many years, I drifted in the jianghu." By this point, Xia Jin-Yi's face was already streaming with tears.

  I said with a serious expression: "You're saying Li Han Yu is your wife, do you have any evidence?"

  Xia Jinyi looked up and said, "It can't be wrong. Although her temperament has changed greatly, I absolutely won't mistake her. She is my wife Qiao Cuiyun. Although she is now elegant and noble, we grew up together since childhood, and her appearance still retains the traces of the past. Some of her small movements I also won't mistake. If Your Excellency doesn't believe me, I still know that she has a red birthmark on her waist."

  I'm really shocked, I didn't expect Li Han You wasn't from a noble family, so how did she become the princess of Jingjiang?