Rong Juan dragged out his final syllable, giving himself time to leisurely stand up.
While everyone in the hall thought he had lost his mind, only Xie Yanzhou wasn’t that surprised. This was because just as Rong Juan started to move, he had been informed in advance.
“I’ll help the General out of this predicament. If I succeed, the General owes me a favor. How about it?”
Who spoke? At that moment, Xie Yanzhou was certain the voice came from nearby, yet no one was there. The voice was very low, audible only to the two of them.
Rong Juan patted his stomach a second time. Everything was understood without words.
Ventriloquism.
“…”
Whether he trusted Xie Yanzhou’s character or had other ideas, before the Emperor could issue the order to execute the palace servant, and before Xie Yanzhou could respond, Rong Juan had already stood up.
He slightly masked his usual lazy appearance.
“Your Majesty, this student has long admired the General’s prestige and has also prepared a gift.”
His identity was right there—the son of the Prime Minister, who was extremely at odds with Xie Yanzhou.
When giving a gift in public, everyone’s first reaction was that the Right Prime Minister had arranged it. But observing the Right Prime Minister’s expression, it didn’t seem very good.
He successfully piqued everyone’s curiosity, including the Emperor’s.
Though displeased by the interruption, his curiosity was piqued enough that the Emperor decided to hear him out before punishing him.
Some officials took the opportunity to covertly glance at Xie Yanzhou, asking if they should proceed as planned. The latter waved his hand slightly, signaling them not to stand out for now.
He wanted to see what this person would do.
“This student is in poor health and has previously collected many rare treasures. Among them is a Blood Lotus worth a hundred gold.”
The officials who had just started watching the show now had slightly odd expressions.
Are those treasures you collected?
Clearly, they belong to the Right Prime Minister.
The story of Rong Juan hauling dozens of carts of treasures from the Prime Minister’s manor had long spread through every street and alley. The Right Prime Minister held a high status and power; countless people sent him gifts.
The trend of wantonly accepting gifts was prevalent in the current dynasty, and even His Majesty turned a blind eye. This kid must be crazy to bring it up in public.
Unexpectedly, Rong Juan changed his face almost instantly, his tone shifting along with it.
He took a step forward, looking sorrowful: “…I originally thought it was only natural, until I saw an official weeping over the empty treasury just now. This student felt deep regret. How could I be so extravagant and wasteful usually?”
Rong Juan took a deep breath, as if making a great decision: “Therefore, this student plans to donate all these worldly possessions—these life-saving medicinal herbs—to the soldiers injured on the battlefield.”
“It takes ten thousand gold to treat one life; better to use it to save ten thousand lives!”
After speaking, he turned around for the sake of ‘great love,’ facing the civil official group led by Rong Chenglin: “My lords, am I right?”
Why turn around? Turn back!
The ministers had an ominous premonition, but they couldn’t say he was wrong.
Seeing no one respond, Rong Juan smiled and gestured to an official in the front row—
You say it.
The official squeezed out a sentence: “Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world. This is high character.”
Rong Juan looked at another person nearby and raised his arm—
You say it.
The pointed-out official nodded perfunctorily.
Seeing the groundwork was laid, Rong Juan passionately delivered his concluding remarks: “When the country is rich, the people are rich. When the court lacks money, why can’t the people give back? As long as everyone contributes a little love, the treasury will become a bountiful treasury.”
Setting a donation benchmark, putting on a high hat (flattering/moral pressure), and finally calling for donations—the whole process was executed in one smooth motion.
The Emperor’s tightly knitted brows began to smooth out within a few breaths.
After a long while, his anger dissipated like the tide, and the thought of punishing Rong Juan was tossed aside.
Amidst the ugly expressions of the officials, the Emperor laughed heartily: “Good, good, good.”
Saying “good” three times in a row showed he was truly in a great mood.
“It is rare for someone so young to have such thoughts.”
Could the Emperor be unhappy?
Not only was he willing to donate money out of his own pocket, but he also called on others to do the same. As the beneficiary, how could he not be happy to see this happen?
Corruption in the court had become increasingly severe in recent years. The subjects had fattened themselves one by one; it was indeed time for them to give back a little.
Rong Juan said humbly, “The lords actually all possess this high righteousness; otherwise, they wouldn’t say ‘everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world.’ This student merely voiced everyone’s heartfelt wishes.”
The words “everyone is responsible” were emphasized.
The Emperor nodded, agreeing, “That is also true.”
The official who first accepted responsibility was almost pierced by the gazes of his colleagues, but unfortunately, he had already been lifted high up.
When His Majesty’s kindly gaze fell on him, he could only bite the bullet and step forward: “Your Majesty, this subject is willing to donate all of my salary from the past three years. I also have some antique paintings and calligraphy at home that I am willing to exchange later.”
The money came from improper sources, but Rong Juan had set a benchmark, so it wouldn’t look good to donate just a little.
Finally, he could only express implicitly: I won’t donate too little. Antiques are very valuable. When the time comes, and I take out a few thousand gold, it will be normal. Don’t overthink it.
With a start, other officials stood up to respond one after another.
Only Xie Yanzhou did not.
The military pay was in urgent need of funding. In a sense, he was the recipient of the donations.
“It’s truly so moving.” Rong Juan pretended to wipe tears from his eyes with his wide sleeve. “General Xie, are you moved?”
Watching the usually greedy ministers’ grief-stricken faces, a rare smile appeared on Xie Yanzhou’s lips. He actually played along: “Quite moved.”
Civil and military officials: “…”
Both of you shut up.
The Emperor’s temper was clearly not something anyone could manipulate. After resolving a major issue, he looked down at Rong Juan and said deliberately, “Beloved Subject Rong has taught his son well. You have a benevolent heart at such a young age. We want to reward you heavily. Is there anything you want?”
With the treasury so tight, a normal person should say they asked for nothing.
Who knew Rong Juan wouldn’t play by the rules? He bowed and said, “This student does have a request.”
“Rare that you are so deeply righteous…” The Emperor paused. “What did you say?”
“As this student said, ten thousand gold for one life is not as good as one life saving ten thousand lives. Donating wealth is a duty. I only hope Your Majesty, considering my father’s merit in quelling rebellion and controlling floods this trip, can grant this student a Gold Medal of Immunity from Death.”
The hall instantly went silent.
After opening his lion’s mouth at the Prime Minister’s manor, Rong Juan opened it right in front of the Imperial Family.
A Gold Medal of Immunity from Death—that could only be awarded for great merit.
Of course, there were exceptions. For example, when appeasing subjects or roping in relatives, one or two might be bestowed. On average, it happened maybe once in a decade.
The concubines accompanying the Emperor saw that his expression was unclear, while the young man below the steps was still spouting outrageous words, and they almost turned pale.
Rong Juan said slowly, “Many days ago, this student was framed and thrown into prison, nearly convicted. Since then, I have had trouble sleeping and eating, worried about being framed again. I thought if I had a Gold Medal of Immunity from Death, it might deter some petty people.”
In short, he kept stacking buffs, conveniently claiming his dear dad’s credit for himself.
Every sentence far exceeded expectations. While most officials were still stunned, some highly clever ones caught on.
Grand Tutor Su, who had always looked down on Rong Juan, instinctively looked at the Chief Superintendent first, thinking he had arranged everything. However, seeing the faint appreciation in the latter’s eyes, it was clearly not designed in advance.
Could it be he came up with it himself?
Grand Tutor Su felt alarmed by this thought.
This move was truly brilliant. The matter of the Rong family’s son was no secret. Important ministers were well-informed and knew he was poisoned with a rare toxin and not long for this world.
It was heard that the Superintendent Bureau had already uncovered the truth. Even the harassment of common women was now in doubt. Xue Ren, whose medical skills were peerless, had personally certified the Rong family son… impotent.
In this dynasty, the Gold Medal of Immunity from Death was limited to the individual and their direct descendants. Siblings, parents, and relatives could not enjoy it. Once the Rong family’s son died, the grace would be void.
But not everyone knew he wasn’t long for this world. Outsiders would only feel the vastness of Imperial grace, especially those merchants wanting to curry favor with the royal family.
Imagine, once this news spread, they would inevitably scramble to respond with donations.
This reward simply hit the Emperor right in the heart!
“A pity his lifespan is short. Otherwise, being so intelligent, a marriage alliance would have been a good thing.” Grand Tutor Su felt regret for the first time that the marriage between the two families had been called off.
The Emperor obviously thought of this too.
Seeing Rong Juan was even more astute than imagined, the Emperor was genuinely happy this time, completely forgetting the displeasure of being interrupted.
He didn’t have to pay anything tangible and could even save the reward for the Right Prime Minister’s trip.
After all, the other party had started with “hope Your Majesty, considering my father’s merit in quelling rebellion and controlling floods this trip.” Rewarding the son was equal to rewarding the father.
So, he not only granted the request directly but was also exceptionally generous: “Baixu paid tribute with a supreme Night-Luminescent Pearl this year. Rare that you have such a heart. We bestow this pearl upon you. Remember not to let the pearl gather dust, and always keep the heart of illuminating others.”
The officials forced to donate stood up one after another, shouting: “Your Majesty is wise.”
Bowing their heads, they gritted their teeth, their hearts bleeding. Illuminating others? Why bestow a valuable Night-Luminescent Pearl?
Give him a candle!
It turned out they were the only ones with a net loss.
Monarch and subjects tacitly began to enjoy themselves together, and the banquet atmosphere relaxed.
Rong Juan could feel many people’s gazes glancing his way from time to time, including Cheap Dad’s gaze sweeping over him intentionally or unintentionally several times.
He ignored them all, caring only about the post-meal dessert.
His hand, reaching greedily for the ice cheese, was gently blocked.
A cold voice came from the next seat: “Who instructed you?”
Under Xie Yanzhou’s sharp gaze, any lie seemed to have nowhere to hide.
“No one instructed me.”
The officials were already toasting each other.
The smell of alcohol wafted over to Rong Juan. Witnessing the decadent atmosphere of officialdom, he said leisurely, “If the border is unstable, the state is insecure. I still want to live peacefully for a few years.”
Previously, Rong Juan wanted to confirm how far the external crisis had reached.
He hadn’t expected that a minister would actually conceive the idea of ceding land and dare to cry about it openly before the Emperor, without the Emperor directly reprimanding him.
He had to consider the worst possibility: the change of dynasty might not be due to usurpation, but direct overthrow by invasion.
In an era that still emphasized ethnic division and opposition, once foreign tribes entered the pass, the fate of the nobles would be worse than death.
Of course, he had to support Xie Yanzhou, who was practically half the city wall.
As a beneficiary, Rong Juan propped his chin up and smiled. “I genuinely hope the General and the soldiers live a long life.”
Clearly, there was still bean powder at the corner of his mouth, and his sitting posture was as unruly as ever, but his smile appeared unusually dazzling.
Their gazes met briefly for a few seconds before Xie Yanzhou turned his face away.
After appreciating several song and dance performances, the grand palace banquet finally ended. The bright moon hung high, and palace servants carried lanterns in front to light the way.
Nearing the palace gate, the palace servants turned back.
Passing Rong Juan, the little eunuch at the end of the line bowed his head and said, “This servant will never forget your life-saving grace, my Lord.”
If not for interrupting the Emperor in time, he would be a wisp of a ghost by now.
The little eunuch said some more words vowing to repay him, but Rong Juan didn’t take it to heart. He was dizzy right now, feeling like he was walking on cotton.
He had drunk a few cups earlier. The System was a drunkard and got paralyzed along with his cranial nerves, screaming excitedly: [Little Rong, following you really is an easy lay-down.]
[Although you don’t do your proper job and sleep all over the place, Little Rong, you never leave empty-handed!]
Using things moved from the Prime Minister’s manor to exchange for Xie Yanzhou’s goodwill and a Gold Medal of Immunity from Death, plus a Night-Luminescent Pearl—it was simply too good a deal!
Anyway, Rong Juan couldn’t use those medicinal herbs himself. He took them under the guise of using them as a medical primer that day, and selling them was impossible.
The place they lived in was rather damp. If not stored properly, these rare treasures could easily go to waste.
Moreover, he said he would donate medicine; he didn’t mention a word about gold, silver, or jewelry, only calling on others to donate those.
Rong Juan’s steps were unsteady as he told the System to stop being noisy.
His energy was now limited by this body. A little alcohol made him dizzy, and now he just wanted to go back, wash up, and sleep.
However, within his field of vision, he blurrily saw Rong Chenglin walking toward him from a distance, surrounded by several officials.
“Annoying.” Rong Juan bit his lower lip impatiently.
The Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues meant he couldn’t openly confront him. Meeting him would inevitably involve conversation and entanglement.
Nearby on the north side, under the vermilion palace gate, Xie Yanzhou was about to board his carriage. Seeing Rong Juan forcing his eyelids open to grumble and complain, his movement to lift the curtain slowed.
Everything at today’s palace banquet had ultimately benefited the army.
Almost the moment the Right Prime Minister approached, a large hand reached out first. The palm, calloused and steady, gripped Rong Juan’s arm.
Since Rong Juan weighed less than his peers, he was easily pulled onto the carriage in an instant.
“You…” Almost falling into a strange embrace, Rong Juan’s peach-blossom eyes opened wide.
The curtain fell.
The coachman, a retired soldier who received Xie Yanzhou’s hint, quickly pulled the reins.
The carriage soon drove into the boundless night.
Behind them, Rong Chenglin was a step too late. Watching the carriage fading away, he flicked his sleeve and sneered.
The group of officials couldn’t discuss his family affairs much and stood awkwardly to the side.
Inside the carriage, Rong Juan hugged the bestowed Night-Luminescent Pearl. His initial surprise dissipated quickly.
Being pulled like that earlier made him even dizzier. “Your carriage is so cool… unlike my mink-draped carriage… not, not breathable at all.”
After speaking, his head tilted, and he really fell asleep.
Xie Yanzhou didn’t speak.
To think he can sleep so heartlessly. Isn’t he afraid of being thrown off?
On the long street, apart from the occasional sound of the night watchman’s clapper, only the dull sound of carriage wheels pressing over bluestone bricks remained.
The Night-Luminescent Pearl’s own light reflected on his face. Rong Juan’s drunken face seemed to return to how it looked under the palace lanterns during the banquet.
Xie Yanzhou’s peripheral vision shifted slightly, recalling the man’s earlier statement.
—I genuinely hope the General and the soldiers live a long life.
Everyone understood the importance of the army, but in the face of profit, there had never been a shortage of traitors since ancient times.
This scoundrel, in everyone’s mouth, first secretly gave him tonics, then donated life-saving herbs.
Xie Yanzhou tried to find the possibility of an additional conspiracy contained within, but found nothing.
At today’s palace banquet, the other party had offended almost half the court. Even if Rong Chenglin had a brain disease, he wouldn’t have the boldness to plan something at such a cost.
At the manor’s entrance, Rong Juan was forcibly woken.
Swaying like a little white flower in the wind, he said drunkenly, “General, move all my treasure chests to your place.”
“No need,” Xie Yanzhou said indifferently.
Rong Juan was drowsy. “How can that be allowed?”
He had personally said he would donate medicine to the soldiers. If he forgot later, that would be the crime of deceiving the Emperor.
Reaching out a claw to pat heavily on the broad shoulder, Rong Juan pulled off his belt, generous with his purse: “Don’t be shy, just move them.”
Xie Yanzhou looked down at the drunkard, who was disheveled and speaking nonsense. “Your room is also my room.”
System: [Holy sh*t, rogue!]
Rong Juan blinked only once before exonerating Xie Yanzhou, because he suddenly remembered he was currently living in the guy’s manor.
“Hahaha… General has such a good memory; I forgot all about it long ago.”
Truly amazing!
“…”
Author’s Note:
Part 1:
Rong Juan: So tired.
Koukou: What did you do to scream tired?
Rong Juan: Moved my lips.
Part 2:
Rong Juan: So this is your house. I forgot after living here for two days. Hard for you to still remember.
He gave a thumbs up: As expected of someone who leads troops in battle, his memory is solid.
Xie Yanzhou: …What are you praising?
Part 3:
Xie Yanzhou: Why is this dandy, who is nothing but a pretty face, so good to me?
Rong Juan: …What are you getting moved about now?