“Chapter 151”

"Chapter 151"

"The room fell into a long silence, Rong Tang looked at Mu Jingxu with a complicated gaze for a while, then spoke with difficulty but firmly, 'Resign your office.'"

"Mu Jingxu was slightly taken aback, his eyebrows gently knitting together."

"He looked at the two of them and stood up, saying, 'Let’s go to the study.'"

"Rong Tang knew his suggestion was somewhat impolite. Mu Jingxu was not a rash or impulsive man; his actions were always cautious."

"Since he had taken the initiative to invite Sheng Chengli to the Dali Temple, it must have been after careful consideration, weighing the pros and cons, but…"

"Rong Tang followed him, looking at his tall and slender figure, feeling a tightness in his heart."

"It's useless..."

"His careful consideration and tactics of restraint, all are not suited to the current Sheng Chengli."

"If Rong Tang's speculation is correct, and the timeline is as he imagined, the person now in the protagonist’s shell is the entity that existed after Mu Jingxu's death in the previous life."

"Since he had the confidence to let Mu Jingxu die, and did not die within a month after his death, it seems he must have cured the poison, or perhaps he was never poisoned at all."

"In that case, what use is Mu Jingxu's poison control over him?"

"From Mu Jingxu's perspective, Sheng Chengli is vulnerable due to the drug, but from Sheng Chengli’s point of view, it's clear he is exploiting a perfect information gap, making Mu Jingxu believe he still has control, thus letting him lower his guard."

"Rong Tang’s lips felt dry. After reaching the study, Mu Jingxu poured a cup of tea for each of them and sat behind the desk, looking at Rong Tang with a gentle gaze, showing no sign of aggression."

"Mu Jingxu asked, 'Is there a reason, or is there a danger I haven’t realized?'"

"Rong Tang nodded slightly."

"A flash of understanding appeared in Mu Jingxu’s eyes, and the tension in his nerves eased a bit. He asked warmly, 'What is it?'"

"Rong Tang couldn’t directly say that Sheng Chengli had switched bodies, but years of experience told him that if he provided enough or sufficiently indicative information, it was only a matter of time before they figured it out."

"After a moment's thought, Rong Tang hinted, 'Even if Hua Tuo were reborn, if he tried to reattach a lost eyeball, it surely wouldn’t be flawless, without any trace, right?'"

"Mu Jingxu nodded almost imperceptibly, evidently agreeing with Rong Tang’s words."

"Rong Tang then said, 'If not medical skill, at the beginning of the year, the palace called for practitioners from all over. It’s not impossible that some unorthodox method was used to cure Sheng Chengli. But if someone could reattach a living person’s eyeball, how can you be sure the poison in Sheng Chengli is still intact?'"

"Mu Jingxu’s brows furrowed, and Rong Tang seized the opportunity to ask, 'Has he continued to come to you for the antidote recently?'"

"Mu Jingxu replied, 'There’s no difference from the usual.'"

"A sharp look flashed in Rong Tang’s eyes, he pressed on, 'Sheng Chengli is cunning and manipulative. If he is no longer poisoned but still contacts you every month for the antidote, and now works with you in the Dali Temple, how can you be sure he doesn’t have other schemes?'"

"As he spoke, Rong Tang's tone turned utterly cold, even urgent, a rarity for him. He leaned forward slightly, in an assertive stance as he continued, 'Yue Rong was harmed by him, Consort Yi’s death was orchestrated by him. From the Dragon Boat Festival until now, Sheng Chengxing’s fortunes have dwindled... In every single one of these events, isn’t his handiwork evident? Brother, how can you trust him so easily?'"

"The autumn wind stirred the fallen leaves, and it was already dark outside. In the courtyard, birds and insects that had lingered for a season were preparing to migrate south, resting overnight on the roof tiles."

"Mu Jingxu’s gaze flickered, indiscernible emotions in his eyes as he watched Rong Tang intently for a moment, then suddenly lowered his head and chuckled."

"Rong Tang froze instantly as Mu Jingxu casually took away the teacup in front of him, elegantly tossing its contents aside and refilling it, 'The tea’s gone cold, drinking it chilled isn’t good.'"

"Rong Tang: '…?'"

"He blinked, and Mu Jingxu looked at him, a beautiful curve forming on his lips, a rare indulgence on his usually stern face."

"Rong Tang inexplicably blushed, averted his gaze, and took a small sip from the teacup."

"Mu Jingxu asked, 'Is Tangtang concerned about me?'"

"Su Huaijing, who had been sitting silently, spoke up displeased, 'Why is my brother also using my nickname for him?'"

"Mu Jingxu glanced at him, 'If the young master can use your nickname to call me, can’t I use it too?'"

"The antagonist, feeling guilty, didn’t argue further."

"The atmosphere in the room shifted from tense to serene as Mu Jingxu said softly, seemingly troubled, 'But what to do, the imperial decree has been issued, the Fifth Prince will report to the Dali Temple tomorrow.'"

"Rong Tang initially tensed up subconsciously, then catching the implied meaning, his eyes lit up, eagerly asking, 'Does brother agree with my suggestion?'"

"Mu Jingxu smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and said, 'Indeed, I still feel that the situation is under my control, but when everyone else disagrees with me, I think perhaps I can make some changes, to ease your worries.'"

"Su Huaijing raised an eyebrow, pulling out his waist badge and fiddling with its tassel, restraining his urge to argue with his elder brother."

"So, it seems his words don’t matter, nor do Ke Hongxue's, and only when a third person joins does he listen, right?"

"Su Huaijing remained silent, brooding silently in his corner like a gloomy little mushroom, internally grumbling about his third brother."

"Mu Jingxu glanced at him, then turned to Rong Tang, saying, 'But resigning from office requires the formalities of three requests and three refusals. Going back and forth, it might take a year and a half to be free.'"

"'That’s too long,' Rong Tang frowned."

"In a year and a half, the plot would be nearing its end, Su Huaijing would become the emperor, who knows what Sheng Chengli might do to Mu Jingxu during that time."

"Mu Jingxu nodded, the study falling into silence for a moment."

"After a while, Mu Shaoqing's gaze shifted to Su Huaijing, a faint smile in his voice as he asked warmly, 'What does Xiao Qi think?'"

"Su Huaijing paused in his movements, glancing irritably at him, 'Now my brother wants to hear my opinion?'"

"Mu Jingxu lifted his eyebrows, smiling, 'I might not necessarily listen.'"

"Su Huaijing sat up straight, looking displeased."

"Rong Tang was momentarily confused, then realizing it was just brotherly teasing, decided not to intervene, leaving it to the two of them."

"After a long stare, Su Huaijing conceded first, slumping back and speaking listlessly, 'There’s no need to resign.'"

"Mu Jingxu asked, 'Oh? Then what should be done?'"

"'Just feign illness,' Su Huaijing suggested, 'Ever since the emperor knew about Consort Shu’s cause of death, he’s been dispirited and his health declining. Brother, do you remember the act we played last autumn?'"

"Mu Jingxu recalled, 'The Imperial Astronomer said my fate complements the emperor’s?'"

"Su Huaijing nodded, 'Exactly. If Sheng Xuyan falls ill, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you not to fall seriously ill too. Just pretend to be sick, take a few months off, as good as resigning.'"

"Mu Jingxu was taken aback, having expected Su Huaijing to suggest 'pretending for ten days or half a month', but instead, he proposed three to five months, hinting at possible ulterior motives."

"But he didn't confront him, instead indulging his younger brother and smilingly asking, 'When would be a suitable time?'"

"Su Huaijing looked at him intently, 'Go to the Dali Temple as usual tomorrow, start coughing and acting weak the day after, and then faint in the court on the third day.'"

"Mu Jingxu immediately understood his intent, asking, 'Are you suggesting we cast suspicion on Sheng Chengli?'"

"Su Huaijing nodded, but Mu Jingxu thought for a moment, his brow furrowed, shaking his head slightly, 'It’s not foolproof. If I faint in the Golden Luang Hall, the Emperor will surely call for the imperial physicians. Wouldn’t they realize I’m feigning illness after checking my pulse?'"

"Su Huaijing, however, said calmly, 'I have my ways to ensure the imperial physicians won’t find out.'"

"Mu Jingxu was momentarily stunned, slightly bewildered, but quickly caught on, glanced at Rong Tang, and without further questioning, nodded, 'Alright.'"

"Rong Tang, on the other hand, was somewhat confused throughout the conversation, and even when Mu Jingxu agreed, he still seemed a bit lost."

"Not for anything else, but simply because…"

"This trust felt unreal to him, always with a sense of déjà vu as if there was some deceit waiting behind it."

"He tried recalling what he had said to Mu Jingxu but realized that the other only got one piece of information: Sheng Chengli was up to something, and he was worried about his safety."

"He hadn’t provided any direct or indirect evidence, yet Mu Jingxu believed him without any guard. In just a few words, they had decided their next move in this study, without any of the usual intrigue or mutual suspicion he was accustomed to."

"It wasn’t until they left the study and Rong Tang walked along the stone path, looking up at the moon, that he felt somewhat surreal."

"Halfway, Su Huaijing suddenly remembered something and asked him to wait, turning back towards the study."

"Rong Tang looked up at the moonlight, smiling softly after a while."

"Used to being betrayed, suddenly being trusted like this made him question its reality. Wasn't it like being bitten by a snake and fearing the well rope for ten years?"

"How boring."

"Shaking his head while internally mocking the situation, he couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile. Footsteps approached from behind; Su Huaijing had caught up with him."

"Rong Tang glanced casually at him without speaking, naturally continuing to walk outside."

"On the way, they encountered a tired Yuan Yuan and Ke Hongxue. Seeing the two coming from the direction of the study, Ke Hongxue, composed, asked after a moment’s thought, 'Did you persuade your brother?'"

"Su Huaijing nodded, and Ke Hongxue smiled, turning his gaze to Rong Tang, 'Indeed, the Young Master’s influence is greater than mine and Xiao Su combined.'"

"Rong Tang, hearing the jest, didn’t retort and went with Yuan Yuan to play nearby."

"Su Huaijing said, 'My brother will probably need to rest for a few months, what’s your plan?'"

"Ke Hongxue replied without hesitation, 'Naturally, I’ll stay with him.'"

"Su Huaijing suggested, 'Why not go to Jiangnan then?'"

"Ke Hongxue: '?'"

"Su Huaijing explained, 'Jiangnan has beautiful mountains and clear waters, ideal for recuperation. Your ancestral home is in the south too, going back is only natural. Being a bit farther from the capital isn’t a bad thing.'"

"Ke Hongxue’s brows knitted slightly, hesitating and worried for a moment before relaxing, shaking his folding fan, smiling, 'Are you asking me to do something?'"

"Su Huaijing frankly said, 'My mother is going to Jiangnan to establish a school. She’s alone, and I’m worried about her.'"

"Ke Hongxue laughed, 'Alright, I’ll help Lady Wang with the arrangements and be your mother’s free bodyguard.'"

"Su Huaijing emphasized, 'And my brother.'"

"Ke Hongxue raised an eyebrow, 'Do I need reminding?'"

"Su Huaijing thanked him, 'Appreciate it.'"

"'No need to thank me,' said Ke Hongxue, passing by him, but then seriously added, 'Stay safe.'"

"Su Huaijing paused slightly, nodding subtly, 'I will.'"

"Afterward, they went their separate ways. Rong Tang bid farewell to Ke Hongxue and joined Su Huaijing in the carriage heading back to Yong’an Lane."

"In the enclosed space, the two exchanged a glance and, as if by agreement, began to speak simultaneously:"

"'Did you poison my brother?'"

"'Has Sheng Chengli changed bodies?'"

"As their words fell, both were taken aback. Su Huaijing sighed softly, pulling Rong Tang into an embrace, sounding a mix of frustrated and resigned, 'I wish you were a bit less clever, Tangtang. How come I can’t hide anything from you?'"

"Rong Tang retorted, 'The same could be said to you.'"

"Instead of relying on the uncertain factors of Mu Jingxu's acting skills or the royal physicians’ medical expertise, it was safer to directly administer medicine or acupuncture to Mu Jingxu, ensuring the symptoms were genuinely exhibited."

"As for Sheng Chengli’s changed identity…"

"Rong Tang shook his head, lamenting his own cleverness."

"After holding him for a while, Su Huaijing asked, 'Do you want to go to Jiangnan with my brother? The Ke family has considerable influence in the south; it would be a good opportunity for you to spend the winter there.'"

"Rong Tang paused before nodding, 'That’s possible.'"

"The hand around his waist tightened briefly, then relaxed. Su Huaijing, trying to sound casual, said, 'Then when we get back, let Shuangfu and the others help you pack—'"

"Rong Tang interrupted him, 'But first, we have to divorce.'"

"Su Huaijing's voice caught in his throat, looking at Rong Tang in utter disbelief."

"Rong Tang hesitated for a second, furrowing his brow as if pondering something, 'Or I can write you a letter of divorce. I’ll go to Jiangnan, enjoy my freedom, and also help my mother.'"

"Su Huaijing was stunned for a long while, finally realizing he was being joked with, and called out gritting his teeth, 'Rong, Tang.'"

"Unintimidated, Rong Tang gave him a disdainful look, calmly replying, 'You have a problem with your thinking. Reflect on it by yourself in the study tonight.'"

"First sending his brother away, then asking Ke Hongxue to go south to help Lady Wang, and now inquiring if Rong Tang wants to leave too."

"Isn't this a sign of problematic thinking? Rong Tang couldn’t be bothered to expose him."

"Su Huaijing, infuriated yet at fault, couldn't get close to Rong Tang within three feet, even as Shuangshou sympathetically prepared his bed in the study."

"The next day, Mu Jingxu began to feign illness."

"Everything proceeded as planned. The moment Mu Shaoqing fainted in the Golden Luang Hall, the emperor on the dragon throne spat out blood almost simultaneously."

"Instantly, the court turned into a chaotic mess like a marketplace."

"Su Huaijing stood in place, feeling a gaze upon him. Looking up, he saw the young prince in regal attire watching him from a distance."

"Across the gold-painted, red lacquered columns, Sheng Chengli and he locked eyes."

"After what seemed like an eternity or perhaps just a fleeting moment, the morning sunlight filled the most majestic and solemn place in the imperial city. Su Huaijing bowed slightly and saluted Sheng Chengli from afar, the corners of his mouth curving into a slight arc."

"It was the submission fitting for a subject in the presence of a prince, but also, from time immemorial, it was the courtesy before battle—"

"The salute of a gentleman."

"Though Sheng Chengli hardly deserved such courtesy."