Chapter 40

After pushing Qinghe unceremoniously into the carriage and leaving the palace, Song Pianxian turned back to the palace and saw a corner of a robe flash by the door.

Because the movement was too fast, Song Pianxian didn’t see the color of the robe clearly and suspected that her eyes were playing tricks on her.

As she walked into the palace, Feng Yuexian was sitting steadily on the chair, her breath steady, and her steps hadn’t faltered at all. She didn’t look like someone who had just sneaked into the door.

“What’s wrong?” Feng Yuexian asked.

Song Pianxian shook her head and smiled, “Nothing.”

The palace attendants of Ming Shou Palace all withdrew, and Feng Yuexian let Yin Xue and Yin Bing also leave, leaving only Xue Qing to attend to her.

Previously in the Eastern Palace, Feng Yuexian never allowed them to attend to her at night. Yin Xue and Yin Bing were considered the main assistants for discussing important matters.

But what could be discussed in front of the Princess that the personal attendants couldn’t know?

What could the sisters-in-law talk about?

Yin Xue closed the palace door, her curious little mind filled with innocent question marks.

Inside the palace.

Feng Yuexian assumed a posture, implying something. “I just left the palace, and you went to see Qinghe.”

“She visited suddenly without sending a visit card to the palace, and I didn’t expect it either,” Song Pianxian replied seriously, her beautiful oval face showing some seriousness. “Don’t worry, Aunt Fangruo is guarding the Purple Bamboo Forest. No one will notice anything unusual.”

Feng Yuexian choked.

Was she worried about this?

She set down the teacup, glanced at Song Pianxian, and said, “With Qinghe’s intelligence, she shouldn’t notice anything. But—”

“Hmm?” Song Pianxian waited earnestly for her to continue.

Feng Yuexian hadn’t thought of a legitimate reason for her concern at that moment. After a moment’s thought, she said somewhat accusingly:

“We have an engagement, and we’re newlyweds. When Qinghe entered the palace, the Crown Prince rushed to Ming Shou Palace to see her.”

The more she spoke, the more reasonable she felt, and she found Song Pianxian’s behavior outrageous. She continued, feeling increasingly justified:

“Not only does it damage my reputation, but it’s also detrimental to the Crown Prince’s upright image. Although we had to act quickly, we should try to avoid such incidents in the future.”

Finally, Song Pianxian understood what Feng Yuexian was concerned about—apparently, Feng Yuexian was concerned about her “reputation,” in short, her dignity must be upheld.

She made a mental note of the character traits of her partner and assured her in a gentle tone:

“Don’t worry, this won’t happen again in the future.”

“Really?”

Song Pianxian nodded confidently. “Yes, when Luo Chen returns, I’ll follow him through the secret passages so we won’t have to go through the front entrance.”

In this way, there would be no gossip, and Feng Yuexian’s dignity as the Crown Prince’s Consort would not be compromised in the slightest.

“…”

It turned out they were resorting to covert operations.

The Crown Prince’s Consort coldly snorted in her heart and didn’t respond.

Song Pianxian took the initiative to ask about the progress of the work, “Did everything go smoothly today?”

“It was okay.” It was good that she showed some concern for herself, and her ruffled fur calmed down a bit.

“That’s good then.” Song Pianxian didn’t ask further, giving her full trust.

Feng Yuexian, waiting for further care with her chin up, didn’t receive it and glanced at Song Pianxian.

Why wasn’t she asking anymore?

After waiting for another moment and seeing that Song Pianxian still didn’t speak, Feng Yuexian thought for a moment and felt that Song Pianxian might not know why she had gone out, thinking that she didn’t want to talk much, so she considerately didn’t ask further.

To show her generosity, Feng Yuexian lowered herself and brought up a topic:

“I met some generals and reminded them to settle their IOUs.”

Song Pianxian blinked. She hadn’t expected this.

In the original world, this matter was advocated by Feng Yuexian. At that time, Feng Yuexian couldn’t spare the time, so this matter was handled late, and it didn’t develop like this.

In other words, Feng Yuexian left the palace to clear some obstacles for herself under the pretext of issuing orders.

Song Pianxian was very grateful for this, feeling touched, and naturally smiled:

“I am very unfamiliar with the court. I have to thank Yuexian for her help in every way.”

Her smile was as pure and sweet as a gardenia with dew, her voice as melodious as a warbler’s. Feng Yuexian missed a beat in her heart, feeling a slight tightness in her throat, and changed the subject:

“I’ll handle this matter. It’s also beneficial for the Feng Family, so you don’t need to thank me.”

The benefits for the Feng Family were self-evident—each family solved its own problems. The Feng Family already had a plan in mind, but Li Zi might not be able to handle those civilian officials under him.

Soldiers and rogues had hot tempers, but they were straightforward. Even those who weren’t straightforward were thwarted by Feng Yuexian’s move.

But scholars were different. They were the most cunning and had sharp tongues. Unless absolutely necessary, no one wanted to spit out what they had gained. Whether Li Zi could suppress them was another matter.

Apart from the factions within the court, there were also many influential people outside the factions, including high-ranking officials from imperial relatives and the aristocracy, with a wide range of connections. Half a month was enough for him to do something.

If he couldn’t handle it with a strong hand, he would be held accountable.

If they really went to arrest people as Song Pianxian suggested, they would definitely offend that family deeply, and they would never have any dealings with them again.

Li Zi was given this task, destined to not be able to have it both ways.

Upon learning that Song Pianxian had sent Li Zi to handle the task, Feng Yuexian immediately understood that this matter was not only about inspecting the national treasury but also about severing Li Zi’s role as the King Chu’s right-hand man.

“This was handled extremely well,” Feng Yuexian sighed, looking at Song Pianxian with a gaze that carried both admiration and inquiry. “Even I might not have done better.”

And yet, Song Pianxian, a Princess who had long dwelled in the deep palace, managed to suppress Li Zi in the court.

Song Pianxian pursed her lips, feeling a rare blush.

In fact… this was simply Feng Yuexian’s method from the original storyline, with just a slight adjustment, hardly deserving praise.

“It was just a sudden idea. What you’ve done, Yuexian, is meticulous and appropriate,” Song Pianxian responded warmly.

“Earlier, I also want to thank you for your care. With the support of the Feng Family in the court, it indeed makes things much easier.”

This was a performance acknowledging Feng’s influence in the court.

Song Pianxian noticed everything she did.

She knew it was her orders, her intentions.

A slight blush crept to the edges of Feng Yuexian’s eyes, her dark eyelashes fluttering lightly, and she felt a small sense of joy welling up in her heart.

Like the gentle murmur of a small stream, it smoothed away all the dissatisfaction and restlessness caused by uncertainty.

When one’s intentions are received by the other, joy ensues.

Feng Yuexian’s earlobes, hidden beneath her hair, warmed softly, her voice becoming gentle and soft.

Though her words were somewhat impolite, spoken in such a tone, they sounded like gentle complaints:

“It’s just that I don’t want you to get upset again.”

Song Pianxian smiled slightly.

It reminded Feng Yuexian of the weeping cherry tree in the courtyard, shy and charming.

If… it was a petal of that cherry blossom tree that fell into her palm, if she peeled off its layers of delicate petals, revealing—

Her breath quickened for a moment, and she dared not think further.

Meanwhile, in the distant Dian Nan, King Chu had no thoughts of romanticism.

He gathered his men in the study outside the royal palace, surrounded by advisers and generals from Dian Nan.

“…So, the relief troops and horses are nearing Sishui. What are your opinions?” King Chu’s face was clear and refined, exuding a somewhat elegant aura of a middle-aged handsome man. There was no sign of his obvious ambition on his face. At this moment, he was waiting for his subordinates to speak freely.

“Just like the previous two times, kill them all. Sishui is so chaotic now, it’s normal for some trouble to arise. Haha!”

“No, no, this time there are also two hundred elite soldiers from the northwest accompanying us. It’s too risky.”

“What, are you looking down on our Dian Nan army?”

“It’s not that subordinates underestimate others’ ambitions to boost their prestige, but… uh…”

“Cough, cough, I think it’s more prudent to bring a larger force over.”

“You guys—”

“Enough.” King Chu’s face tightened, and he raised his hand slightly, his voice not loud, but instantly quieted the scene.

On the left were military generals, and on the right were palace staff. At this moment, some advocated for attacking while others said they couldn’t beat the enemy. If they had to fight, they should bring more people to avoid embarrassment. It seemed they were about to argue.

King Chu’s gaze swept around the room and fell on the person sitting on the first seat on his left.

“Mr. Kang, do you have any opinions?”

“I am not talented.” Kang Xueying bowed, “I believe that considering the current situation in Sishui, we have achieved most of our goals. The people’s grievances have been stirred up, the common folk have suffered, and we have received the funds allocated to us.”

“It’s a good time to wrap things up now. After all, this Jiangnan—or the entire world—will be under your rule in the future.”

The last sentence was quite flattering. King Chu narrowed his eyes, but said, “It’s too early to talk about these things now.”

Kang Xueying smiled understandingly, “It’s my impertinence.”

King Chu’s expression eased considerably, and the relationship between the two was extremely harmonious, leaving the military generals next to them staring in astonishment.

This flattery from the literati!

Feeling comfortable in his heart, his ears followed suit. King Chu felt that Kang Xueying’s proposal made sense—

Even though Jiangnan would be his in the future, if he used it recklessly now, he couldn’t let everyone die, otherwise he would have headaches in the future.

His face relaxed, and he made a decision:

“Let Deng Bo enter Sishui.”

“I think it’s inappropriate!” Immediately, a military general stood up and bowed.

“What’s inappropriate?” King Chu smiled lightly.

“The previous imperial envoy who entered Sishui had a tragic end. There’s no reason to think that the situation, which is now even more severe, would suddenly calm down.”

“This goes against common sense!” The military general named Dewei spoke forcefully.

“Exactly!” As soon as Dewei finished speaking, he received approval. When he looked up—

Why was Kang Xueying looking at him with approval?

“General Dewei’s words make sense.” Kang Xueying turned to King Chu and said, “Considering the current situation in Sishui, although there are indeed some bandits, it is far from enough to explain the fate of the previous imperial envoy.”

“On top of that, we need to stage another act, otherwise, we’ll be caught by the northerners.”

King Chu nodded, his gaze wandering among the military generals. Before he could name anyone, a young-looking commander stood up, his face proud:

“I am willing to go!”

“I haven’t been out to exercise for a long time. Please give me a chance, Your Highness.” Xi Qingyan addressed the King as “Your Highness” with less formality than others, making it seem closer.

King Chu was surprised, his brow furrowing slightly.

Xi Qingyan…

He was unhappy about Xi Qingyan taking on this task, but considering the favoritism of his Virtuous Consort Xi Qingmei towards her brother, if Xi Qingyan wrote a complaint, he would undoubtedly have a headache.

Forget it, let him go out and get some fresh air.

King Chu smiled gracefully, “Good, Qingyan and Dewei will lead the troops together.”

After leaving the palace, Xi Qingyan went to Kang Xueying’s house for a drink.

“…Your guidance was excellent. The King did let me go. I will surely achieve success this time.”

“In that case, I offer you my congratulations.” Kang Xueying took a sip of wine.

“But the King also appointed Dewei to go with me. I might end up sharing my achievements with him.”

Kang Xueying understood. Dewei had a higher rank and more prestige than Xi Qingyan. Although the King didn’t explicitly state who was primary and who was secondary, if the two of them stood together, the army would surely listen to Dewei.

By then, Xi Qingyan wouldn’t have a chance to perform.

“The King is very cautious,” Kang Xueying said casually, “Both of you are brave generals. Even if only one person goes, the matter will be handled properly.”

“Oh, by the way, on the day you set out, it seems the King intends to go out as well. If you really don’t want to go with Dewei, why not—”

“Why not what?” Xi Qingyan immediately asked a hint of greed in his narrow eyes.

Kang Xueying stopped and waved his hand, “I’m drunk. Don’t mind me.”

Xi Qingyan clicked his tongue, but his mind was no longer on the feast.

If Dewei couldn’t go with him, wouldn’t all the credit be his alone—

To seize the credit, Xi Qingyan acted vigorously and injured Dewei’s leg on the day of departure.

With King Chu absent from the mansion and the backing of the Xi Family, as well as a Virtuous Consort in charge of the six palaces, no one dared to stop him. He led eight hundred non-uniform Fujian soldiers straight to Sishui County to intercept.

King Chu’s original intention was for them to pretend to be bandits and cause some trouble, then let the imperial envoys enter Sishui for disaster relief.

But when the two sides’ forces met, it’s unclear if the elite soldiers from the northwest had gone soft in the capital. They were weak, and the Fujian soldiers pushed them back step by step. Xi Qingyan grinned with great satisfaction.

The elite soldiers from the northwest were protecting Deng Bo, fighting and retreating, but paying no attention to the boxes of silver. Someone shouted in Xi Qingyan’s ear:

“Master Xi, don’t let this silver go to waste, take it back as military pay.”

Right! Xi Qingyan’s eyes lit up even more. If he not only completed the mission but also unexpectedly received hundreds of thousands of military pay, who would dare to look down on him in the future?

As long as he spared the life of the imperial envoy, he could keep half of the silver for himself and use the other half for disaster relief. What’s the difference between the victims having one bowl of rice or half a bowl?

As long as they didn’t die.

Xi Qingyan made up his mind and raised his arms, shouting, “Take the silver!”

His voice was loud, and the elite soldiers from the northwest surged forward in response. The momentum almost startled Xi Qingyan.

Fortunately, Deng Bo screamed in fear of death, “Let them take it, let them take it! Protect me!”

The beasts rushing forward were immediately restrained and cautiously retreated.

“Hahaha, you guys are really unlucky to have such a commander!” Xi Qingyan laughed heartily, his smugness evident.

Xi Qingyan’s happiness lasted a long time until they took the heavy military pay out of Sishui and headed towards the direction of Dian Nan.

His happiness was short-lived again. Before they reached Dian Nan, they were caught up by the elite soldiers from the northwest, four to five hundred of them, surrounding them with a bloody aura and gleaming blades.

The leader’s eyes were fierce like a fierce beast, his voice like a tiger’s roar and a wolf’s howl:

“You rebellious traitors who dare to intercept disaster relief silver, surrender now!”

“What… what’s going on?” Xi Qingyan looked at the gleaming blades, his legs almost giving out, nearly falling off his horse.

He was trembling and short of breath, almost breaking into a falsetto, “Weren’t there only two hundred of you?”

Weren’t they scared off and retreating step by step by their nearly a thousand-strong team?

Wasn’t Deng Bo afraid of death?

“Who are you people?” Xi Qingyan still couldn’t believe it.

“We follow the Crown Prince’s orders to secretly protect the imperial envoy and investigate the disaster relief case.”

“I didn’t expect you to come so quickly. It seems that the previous imperial envoy was assassinated, the grain and pay went missing, and you can’t escape responsibility!”

“N-no, it wasn’t me.” Xi Qingyan finally realized the seriousness, “I’m the younger brother of the Virtuous Consort, the legitimate son of the Xi family’s second branch—”

The man opposite, with a high and mighty demeanor, tapped his ear and said coldly:

“Save these words, Young Master Xi, for when you meet the Prince.”

Xi Qingyan held the reins tremblingly, his body shaking, his teeth uncontrollably chattering.

In the face of the harsh reality like falling into an ice cellar, his regret surged and spread instantly.

Why did he take the initiative to bring the pay here? Now that they had been caught red-handed, he had really caused trouble, maybe even the Virtuous Consort couldn’t save him.

And why did he volunteer to help King Chu with this matter?

Wasn’t it better to live peacefully—

It was nearing dusk, a yellowish glow on the horizon, the sky darkening, a line between heaven and earth.

The northwest soldiers had narrowed their encirclement, like a pack of wolves hunting prey on the vast land, fierce and unstoppable.

Facing the fangs finally revealed by the northwest soldiers, facing absolute military suppression, even the generals under his command, let alone leading a counterattack, almost stumbled when dismounting.

The eight hundred soldiers led by Xi Qingyan turned their coats and threw down their armor, like a flock of sheep being chased and surrounded by wolves, scattered and defeated.

When the commander of the northwest soldiers reported the situation to Deng Bo, he immediately ordered them to send Xi Qingyan and the Fujian soldiers back to the capital to await punishment—

This was irrefutable evidence of King Chu’s rebellion.

They couldn’t give King Chu a chance to react or pursue them.

Following orders, the commander personally escorted them back to the capital with three hundred elite soldiers. Although only three hundred, it was enough to control these weak soldiers. Previously showing weakness to the enemy was just to catch them red-handed.

Deng Bo was now left with only two hundred elite soldiers by his side, but he was not afraid at all.

Leaving aside the fact that King Chu hadn’t yet realized Xi Qingyan’s mischief, even if he did, he couldn’t do anything now. On the contrary, he wished he could be healthy and lively, otherwise, he would have no way to explain himself in the capital.

The investigation had some clues and confessions, but now the issue was disaster relief.

Money was brought, but every dynasty had funds for natural disasters. Although the granaries in Jiangnan were empty, Jiangnan had always been abundant and rich, with numerous large and small granaries and countless major grain merchants.

Now, facing the funds brought by the court, they were like seeing a major client in the business world, coming out with unified prices set by the Grain Merchant Association, ignoring the emaciated beggars on the street, and smilingly arriving at the county magistrate’s office.

They smiled, and Deng Bo smiled along with them, even enjoying a delicious meal together.

The aroma of meat wafted outside the mansion, and Deng Bo could even hear the starving commoners outside cursing him, calling him a heartless official who would end his family line.

The public resentment was indeed overwhelming, Deng Bo thought deeply while chewing on the savory chicken.

Meanwhile, the grain merchants were still chatting and bragging, offering Deng Bo all sorts of benefits.

As long as Deng Bo colluded with them, they were willing to offer beautiful women, gold, and all kinds of treasures, even promising to provide him with the top courtesans and concubines.

Some ordinary merchants even offered treasures that were usually out of their reach. Those who could be so bold and arrogant in front of the government and set prices at will must have strong backing.

After eating some braised pork, Deng Bo put down his chopsticks and asked, “What are your usual grain prices? Do you have a price list?”

Without hesitation, the intoxicated grain merchant called for a maid to bring paper and pen, swiftly writing a price list for Deng Bo.

Similarly, Deng Bo wasted no time and called for a guard, saying, “Go, post this outside and let everyone buy grain from the grain shop according to this price.”

“Yes!”

The grain merchants nearly dropped their chopsticks and almost choked on their food, feeling like the wine was about to come out of their nostrils.

Everyone glanced at each other, suppressing their inner turmoil, and maintaining a calm demeanor. Some even smiled, their expressions mocking and sneering.

“What is the meaning of this?” someone quickly spoke up, then poured a cup of tea for Deng Bo, saying, “This price… seems a bit low. Sir, you should think it over.”

“Each has its own rules. After all, as the saying goes, the mighty dragon cannot crush the local snake. If you don’t follow our rules here, the people outside won’t get to eat, and in the end, nothing will be accomplished… It’s up to you.”

He emphasized the “you” heavily, then brewed a cup of tea and placed it in front of Deng Bo. The grain merchant bowed slightly, his lips curling slightly.

“Sir, please try this tea. It’s the finest tea leaves from Jin Ye Ridge, delicately smoked with pine needles. If you like it, I’ll have someone deliver it to your mansion.”

The highest-ranking grain merchant had a sharp voice, putting on airs, “If the common people can’t eat, they’ll blame you. When the Crown Prince finds out later, he’ll blame you too. Aren’t you just wasting your efforts? Why bother, it’s just about money.”

“No need to make a fuss.” Deng Bo burped, stood up, covered the teacup, suppressed the grain merchant’s laughter, and smiled, “Thank you all for your hospitality today.”

“However,” he looked at the grain merchant who had just spoken, “Who said the common people would blame me? I’ve already ordered you to provide grain.”

“If you don’t sell, how can they blame me? Hm?”

The grain merchants’ expressions changed at his words.

Deng Bo’s smile faded, his face cold and solemn. Under the escort of the guards, he walked out of the county magistrate’s office.

The uneasy emotions escalated, and a terrifying silence loomed like a brewing thunderstorm.

The grain merchants chased after him, dark clouds rolling in, thunder cracking!

“Corrupt officials! Release the grain!”

“Damn it, don’t think I don’t know you’re colluding together!”

“Oh God, please, my children at home are starving to death, please let them open the granary and release the grain!”

“What’s the court doing here? Are they here to collude with these corrupt merchants and inflate the price of rice?”

“You bastard, don’t think we don’t know your family’s warehouse has grain! Release it!”

Cries, screams, curses, and thunderous roars converged, deafening.

Deng Bo pressed his hands down, quieting the chaos.

“People of the village—calm down and listen to me.”

His face bore an incredible calmness and smile, his voice steady and calm, gradually calming the waves of noise.

“I have already ordered the posting of grain prices, have you seen it? Buy at this price, if you don’t have money, wait on the west side of the city. Soup kitchens will be set up, and porridge will be served starting at rooster hour!”

After he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence below, and then those who could read went to check the so-called grain prices with suspicion.

“So…cheap??”

“The prices have returned to normal, they have!”

“Oh, Lord, you’ve come, and now these people are finally willing to sell!”

The people murmured in disbelief mixed with joy.

The grain merchants looked at each other, feeling puzzled.

“Wait, Sir Deng! We haven’t agreed yet—”

“You disagree?” Deng Bo suddenly raised his voice, his usual oily tone disappearing without a trace. His authority was inviolable, his righteousness unmistakable.

“Seeing the suffering of the common people, you remain unmoved, still thinking of squeezing out their last bit, truly thinking I dare not punish you!”

The grain merchant took a light breath but was not intimidated.

In Jiangnan, the influence of King Chu had long overshadowed the court in the capital, and the court had been weak for a long time. The grain merchants were still weighing their options, but suddenly, one of their companions poked their waist and trembled as they reminded, “Stop talking, look below! If you continue, you probably won’t make it home alive.”

The grain merchant turned his head and saw the eyes of the common people fixed firmly on him, filled with hatred, anger, and even murderous intent.

One or two people were not to be feared, but when the hatred of dozens or even hundreds of people converged, it felt like sharp blades piercing him.

With just one glance, his scalp tingled, his spine felt like it was being pricked with needles, and cold sweat oozed from his back.

These people saw him as the culprit of their starvation!

Previously, they had resented the delayed relief from the court, but once the court made a statement and backed them up, their hatred shifted to the grain merchants who refused to sell grain.

These ignorant and stubborn people didn’t understand the balance of power. In their eyes, whoever held the higher position had the final say.

The court ordered you to sell grain, the imperial envoy spoke, you must sell at the original price!

The grain merchant wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with trembling hands, not daring to say another word.

After the grain merchant dared not act rashly, Deng Bo used the court’s silver to buy grain and dispatched it to various locations in Sishui.

There were still many follow-up tasks and details to attend to for disaster relief, but the good news could be sent back to the capital first—

When Song Pianxian received the news, her brows relaxed.

Inside the Yongxin Hall at this moment, there were some changes.

A faint, delicate fragrance wafted from the golden incense burner on the mountain-shaped pedestal, emitting wisps of ethereal smoke.

There was also an additional table below, set up for Feng Yuexian—

She often came almost every day. Song Pianxian had set up a VIP seat for her chief employee, enhancing the sense of belonging for the staff.

At this moment, with the good news brought by the messenger and the news that the escorts of Xi Qingyan were on their way, Song Pianxian smiled with satisfaction, subconsciously meeting the gaze of Feng Yuexian seated below.

As Feng Yuexian looked up at Song Pianxian, her eyes were clear and bright, as if the tiny stars in her eyes were coated with warmth.

But she remained relatively reserved and restrained, very rationally saying:

“Considering the time, it is likely that the Empress has received the news as well. We must not slack off.”

Song Pianxian nodded, but still couldn’t wipe off the smile from the corner of her lips, praising:

“Deng Bo did a superb job.”

Superb? Was it really that good?

No matter how good it was, wasn’t it still her order, protected by the Northwestern Army?

Feng Yuexian’s heart didn’t feel as light as before. Without looking at Song Pianxian, she began to focus on the book in her hand, flipping through its pages with a calm and dignified demeanor:

“It’s acceptable.”

“Is that so?”

“Mm.”

Song Pianxian fell into contemplation.

Wasn’t Deng Bo under Feng Yuexian’s command?

Deng Bo’s actions were all ordered by her, so why was she indirectly encouraging the employees, who seemed unhappy?

It was quite puzzling.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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