The assassination of Yang Qiong, the former Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, in broad daylight caused quite a stir both inside and outside the Imperial City.
Yang Qiong was as famous for his treachery as he was for his cowardice. For such a meticulously cautious traitor to die in such a dramatic fashion on the streets became the favorite topic of gossip among the capital’s citizens.
During the Heaven-Worshipping Ceremony, the Chixiao General, Xie Linchuan, and Yang Qiong, archenemies with a sea of blood between them—had performed a grand drama of framing, self-vindication, and counterattack. The common folk, starved for entertainment, even went so far as to compose exaggerated stories and plays for teahouses, spreading the tale far and wide.
In particular, the narrative of the Chixiao General risking his own life to slay the traitor and avenge his former master and fallen nation became the audience’s favorite act on the stage.
Among the citizens of the capital, who didn’t loathe Yang Qiong? If not for the relatively strict discipline of King Yao’s army, no one knew how many people would have suffered under him. No one mourned his death; everyone wished they could set off firecrackers to celebrate.
People are forgetful. With such a major event, even the scandalous rumors of Xie Linchuan “serving the monarch with his beauty” were overshadowed and collectively forgotten.
While the citizens enjoyed the spectacle, the atmosphere within the Imperial City was far more solemn.
Inside the main hall of the court, amidst carved beams and painted rafters, sixteen everlasting palace lamps illuminated the hall with a bright, transparent glow. On either side of the imperial steps, two golden-bronze “Flying Cranes” stood in solemn, lifelike silence.
Qin Li leaned back in the dragon throne atop the steps, one hand supporting his cheek, his index finger shallowly rubbing his throbbing temple. He gazed at one of the cranes, seemingly lost in thought.
In the hall, several ministers had already argued for several rounds regarding Yang Qiong’s death, giving Qin Li a recurring headache.
“Your Majesty, Yang Qiong’s death is too suspicious. The killers were indeed remnants of the former Li clan, but Yang Qiong’s corpse was bitten beyond recognition by wild dogs. Those dogs were clearly drawn to an unusual scent on his body. Is this not suspicious?”
“It is said that during the ceremony, only General Xie threw an incense burner at Yang Qiong! General Xie has countless ties to the rebels. Although he was credited with saving Your Majesty at the ceremony, upon closer reflection, there are many doubts.”
Mei Ruoguang, the former Minister of War, held his tablet high, his face solemn and his voice resonant.
“I do not object to Your Majesty rewarding General Xie, but for such a suspicious person—whose connection to the Deputy Commander’s death has not been cleared—to return to the court, I deem it unacceptable! I implore Your Majesty to reconsider.”
Yang Qiong had just left Mei’s manor when he died. Upon hearing the news, Mei Ruoguang broke into a cold sweat; he had no one to plead his case to.
Prime Minister Yan Yu nodded inwardly, but observing Qin Li’s expression, he wisely remained silent.
The courtiers murmured. The sudden murder of a central official was no small matter. If it was Yang Qiong today, would there be another tomorrow?
Censor Pei Xuan stepped forward. Dressed in jujube-red official robes, his back was straight and slender. Having been publicly flogged by Qin Li recently, his injuries had not fully healed, and his face remained somewhat pale, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.
Though he was a surrendered official of the previous dynasty, the old emperor had been fatuous and negligent while the princes fought incessantly; he didn’t actually mind a change in emperors. He had expected the new emperor to achieve great things upon ascending the throne, but observing his conduct, he seemed too tyrannical and overbearing—not quite the image of a wise ruler. Abducting a dignified general into the harem was even more preposterous.
When Pei Xuan had been flogged for his remonstrance that day, he had felt extremely discouraged. To his surprise, only a day later, the arrogant new emperor had not only spared him further punishment but had actively sent imperial physicians to treat him and delivered tonics as a gesture of concern. The accompanying eunuchs had even offered many words of encouragement.
Pei Xuan couldn’t help but be astonished. Could it be that His Majesty was merely face-conscious, and his heart was not as narrow as imagined? Perhaps he actually listened to his ministers’ advice?
“Minister Mei’s words are incorrect. Setting aside that reporting based on rumors is the duty of a Censor, how can Minister Mei speak so recklessly without a shred of evidence?”
“Furthermore, Yang Qiong was promoted for abandoning darkness for light and surrendering the city. Is it possible that General Xie, who saved Your Majesty, should instead be set aside? It is well known that Master Mei once had a grudge against General Xie. Is this heart-piercing speech a plea for Yang Qiong, or is it a matter of personal bias interfering with public duty?”
“Pei Xuan, you!” Mei Ruoguang’s face turned ashen, his eyelids twitched, and even his beard became crooked with rage.
Pei Xuan prided himself on being a pure official, yet after receiving a few hits from the Emperor, why wasn’t he speaking “bitter but loyal” truths now?
When it came to verbal sparring, Mei Ruoguang was not one to be outdone. He sneered, “Speaking of the past, Censor Pei also protected General Xie before Emperor Jing. Truly, your original intention remains unchanged today. I wonder if Censor Pei is on intimate terms with General Xie, or if you have received instructions from someone?”
He glanced slightly toward the silent, statue-like Prince Shun, Li Xuehong, before quickly looking away.
This remark was extremely cunning. Pei Xuan’s temples throbbed as he said stiffly, “I am merely speaking the truth.”
Li Xuehong had no desire to get involved, but being subtly implicated by Mei Ruoguang, he could only say calmly, “General Xie is a man of integrity and kindness; he would certainly not commit such an act.”
Sitting on the dragon throne, Qin Li raised an eyebrow at this scene, looking Pei Xuan up and down. This man looked frail and scholarly, but he had plenty of backbone and dared to speak his mind. He hadn’t heard that Pei Xuan was ever part of Li Xuehong’s faction.
Last time, he had taunted Xie Linchuan by asking if he also had an old flame with Pei Xuan. It was just a casual remark then—could it actually be true?
Qin Li’s eyes narrowed slightly. He sat up straighter, raised his hand to interrupt them, and said coldly, “Enough. I will send people to continue investigating the matter of Yang Qiong. Do not bring baseless matters to court to stir up trouble.”
The ministers still wished to remonstrate, but they were all forcibly suppressed by Qin Li’s impatience.
Mei Ruoguang had no choice but to comply and retreat. He exchanged glances with his colleagues, an ominous premonition rising in his heart. Xie Linchuan’s return to court seemed set in stone, but on what grounds? In the past, it was military merit. Now that his military power was surely gone, could it be because of that face?
Side Hall of Zichen Palace
The cold wind blew in gusts. It had just rained, and the tender buds on the treetops in the courtyard grew more numerous by the day. The air was filled with the fresh, moist scent of earth.
Seeing the rain outside, Xie Linchuan did not go for a walk in the courtyard but lit a small charcoal brazier in the room. A clay pot on the stove simmered with chicken soup, with tea to one side. Various snacks, fruits, and treats were laid out by the stove; a few bright, sweet persimmons added a lively touch.
The bandages on Xie Linchuan’s arm had been removed, but his right shoulder still could not bear strength.
Jing Zhou, whom he had requested from the flower conservatory, served him a bowl of chicken soup. The rich, fresh aroma hit him, instantly boosting his appetite. He took a spoonful; it was savory and fresh, sliding down his tongue. As the hot soup entered his stomach, it immediately dispelled the damp cold of the spring rain.
Xie Linchuan relaxed his brow and was about to pick up the bowl to drink when a chilling, low voice came from behind:
“General Xie is truly leisurely. While I am at court cleaning up the mess of your reckless behavior, nearly drowned by the saliva of those ministers, you are here roasting by the fire and drinking chicken soup?”
“Would you like a few palace maids to serve you with leg pounding and shoulder rubbing as well?”
Qin Li, draped in a black fox fur cloak, lifted the wind curtain and strode in. He snatched the soup bowl from Xie Linchuan’s hand and gulped down a few mouthfuls directly from the bowl, raising his eyebrows in surprise. “Not bad.”
He blew on the heat, finished the remaining soup in one large gulp, and then stuffed the empty bowl back into Xie Linchuan’s hand.
Xie Linchuan looked down; only a few grains of green onion remained at the bottom. He gave Qin Li a complicated look. In his past life, when Qin Li first imprisoned him in the palace, he would never have eaten his food so carelessly.
Since when had Qin Li moved from constant vigilance and suspicion to unconsciously relaxing his guard? Was it since that “bitter meat” ruse with the arrow at the ceremony, or the poisoned wine test, or even earlier? Perhaps even Qin Li himself hadn’t realized it.
Xie Linchuan didn’t know whether to sigh at his own superb acting or pity the other man for being tricked out of his throne in the same way in his previous life. His long-dormant conscience stirred slightly.
Then he heard Qin Li sneer, “If General Xie ever offends me and is kicked out of court, and you open a chicken soup or noodle shop in the capital, I will surely go to support your business.”
Xie Linchuan decided to push that dark conscience back down.
Qin Li sat down in a chair, pulled a small paper packet from his robe, and opened it casually. A sweet honey scent immediately wafted through the air.
“What does General Xie think this is?” The corners of Qin Li’s mouth curled up.
Xie Linchuan’s hand scooping soup paused. His expression remained unchanged as he sniffed lightly. “It’s very fragrant.”
Qin Li rested his left hand on the armrest, his right forearm propped on his crossed knees. He leaned in close, his dark eyes staring straight at the other man as he smiled:
“This is made from the pollen of the Honey King Flower. It is a rare and precious spice. In the capital, only the palace and the homes of a few ministers who have been bestowed it possess it.”
“Isn’t it a coincidence? During Yang Qiong’s autopsy, this spice was found on him. The incense burners in the temple wouldn’t have Honey King scent.”
Qin Li said slowly, “You couldn’t have pulled off such a large feat alone. You must have another inside contact, right?”
On the surface, Xie Linchuan remained calm and continued to sip his soup, but his heart tightened. Had Qin Li discovered Jing Zhou? Or was he bluffing?
Beside them, Jing Zhou, who was tending to the flower branches, was startled. He carefully shrunk back, his heart pounding wildly and his back soaked in a cold sweat, cursing his own foolishness. To find a more long-lasting scent, why had he chosen such a rare one? If discovered, not only would he be punished, but he might also implicate the General.
“It is just a spice. How can Your Majesty blame it on me? Could it not be that Yang Qiong obtained it himself?” Xie Linchuan brushed it off, thinking of how to deflect.
However, Qin Li narrowed his eyes and asked, “Since when have you and Pei Xuan been on such good terms?”
Xie Linchuan was stunned. Why did Qin Li suspect Pei Xuan? Had something happened at court? He immediately felt a sense of relief; as long as Jing Zhou wasn’t discovered, it was fine.
Xie Linchuan gave Jing Zhou a look, signaling him to leave first, then shook his head. “I have no personal friendship with Censor Pei. Your Majesty should not let your thoughts wander.”
Qin Li scrutinized his expression and gave a light huff. “I am warning you one more time: let this be the last. I have already suppressed this matter. Do you know that the ministers in court today all suspected you and opposed your reinstatement? They simply lacked evidence.”
“If you dare do it again, even I won’t be able to protect you!”
In truth, Qin Li couldn’t find more evidence either, but it was necessary to intimidate Xie Linchuan, or else he might think he could reach the heavens.
Xie Linchuan blinked slowly and chuckled. “In that case, since Your Majesty suppressed the crowd for me today, I should thank Your Majesty for your trust and importance.”
So after such a long detour, Qin Li had come specifically to “claim credit.” To think he actually thought Qin Li had caught him red-handed just now.
The corners of Qin Li’s mouth instantly turned up. He rose and paced to the front of him, scraping his cheek with the back of his hand, his tone full of implication:
“Don’t just use that mouth of yours for talking.”
He was still thinking about the kiss that had been interrupted by the news of Yang Qiong’s death last time. Although kissing Xie Linchuan was exciting, being kissed actively by him had a different flavor that made one’s heart itch.
Xie Linchuan looked at him with a half-smile. This was likely some sort of special skill of Qin Li’s: moving from any topic straight to lust. Truly classic.
This time, Qin Li was not as urgent as before. Instead, he stood there with interest, waiting for Xie Linchuan to serve him proactively.
Xie Linchuan reached out his left hand, but just as he was about to touch his lips, he veered away, brushing aside the falling silver hair to reveal an ear, casually pinching the tip of it.
Instantly, he felt the sensitive tip of the ear quiver and begin to heat up. Qin Li immediately grabbed his hand, raised his brows, and glared at him, acting fierce: “Don’t move around!”
Xie Linchuan gave a low laugh. His arm suddenly exerted force, pushing Qin Li. Qin Li’s back hit the bookshelf unexpectedly, knocking down several books and papers.
Amidst the fluttering papers, Xie Linchuan stepped forward to pin him down and bit down on Qin Li’s earlobe.
His warm, moist lips and tongue repeatedly teased the rounded earlobe and auricle until that small patch of delicate skin was flushed and burning hot, looking as if it might drip blood. He then slid his hand into Qin Li’s robes, repeatedly kneading the firm chest muscles.
Qin Li’s brain felt a sudden buzz, as if a string had snapped. His scalp went numb instantly. He had not known his ears could be so sensitive. His hands did not dare touch the other man’s injured shoulder, so he did not know where to put them.
He wanted to escape those terrifying lips and cover his ears, but there was nowhere to retreat behind him. His chest felt both tingly and numb. He did not know if he wanted the other man to be a bit rougher or a bit gentler.
In the end, as if possessed, he turned his head to kiss the side of the other man’s neck, his hands covering Xie Linchuan’s back, pulling him into his embrace with force.
After an unknown amount of time, Qin Li leaned against the bookshelf with disheveled robes, gasping for air and covering his bright red ear. He blinked extremely slowly, as if he had not yet come to his senses.
Xie Linchuan’s eyes fell on his face, and he gave a soft tsk. How could someone be like Qin Li: both lustful and pure? All his skills were limited to his mouth. In his past life, Xie Linchuan had never been proactive in his intimacy with Qin Li, only resistant; naturally, he had not discovered this other side beneath the dominant mask.
Qin Li brushed his hair to hide the red tip of his ear. Only after a long while did he slowly lower his hand, his face stiff as he said dryly, “General Xie’s service was not bad.”
He pursed his lips, adjusted his robes, and cleared his throat. “What reward do you want?”
Xie Linchuan’s eyes slowly narrowed. In Qin Li’s eyes, it seemed everything could be viewed as a transaction of solicitation and reward, as if only then could he ensure he was still the high and mighty superior. It was as unpleasant as in the previous life.
Xie Linchuan let the thought swirl in his mind before saying slowly, “Since Your Majesty has allowed me to return to court, you should be able to lift my house arrest, right? Occasionally, I also want to go visit Your Majesty.”
Hearing the first half, Qin Li was about to refuse, but upon hearing the second half, the words were swallowed back down.
Was he serious?