Chapter 117: Overly Clever, Yet Failing

Chapter 117: Overly Clever, Yet Failing

Emperor Xingyuan was an emperor who took his duties seriously. No, he was too diligent, causing his ministers to always worry that one day he might cancel all holidays. Perhaps it was because of his age and continued mental exertion that his mind remained sharp. Although he spent little time in the harem, he silently noted the small habits of the concubines.

For example, Concubine Shu would be much gentler when she was about to lodge a complaint.

Emperor Xingyuan did not expose her, sitting comfortably in his chair and sipping tea served by a palace maid.

The tea in the palace was naturally of the highest quality. Emperor Xingyuan slowly drank it while responding to Concubine Shu's words.

Concubine Shu frowned secretly.

She wasn't foolish; she could tell whether a man was listening to a woman or not. The Emperor's enthusiasm when facing her was less than when he faced his ministers. Fortunately, he treated other concubines similarly.

This inevitably made Concubine Shu think of Empress Xin.

Back then, they were like rats hiding in a gutter, unable to see the light in Yiyuan Garden, only able to watch that woman bask in glory, even being coaxed gently by the Emperor. But why? Her brother was also a loyal minister who had contributed greatly to establishing the empire. And that woman, rumor had it, was just a refugee before marrying the Emperor.

Countless memories had taught Concubine Shu to remain composed, hiding both her hatred for Empress Xin and her joy at her absence.

She refilled Emperor Xingyuan's teacup and finally got to the point: "That day, Eunuch Sun took away the storybook. When I sent someone to buy another copy, I heard something terrifying."

Emperor Xingyuan showed interest.

Following the precedent of previous dynasties, all death sentences required approval from the emperor. However, this did not mean the emperor reviewed every case. In fact, the emperor simply marked the names of condemned criminals with vermilion ink, those marked were to be executed on schedule, while those unmarked were put on the list for the next year, somewhat based on luck.

But Emperor Xingyuan was an energetic founding emperor. He not only reviewed the lists but also randomly checked cases, especially those in the capital. The case of Mr. Ping'an killing beggars had a severe impact and would undoubtedly result in a death sentence, which Emperor Xingyuan would likely see when the list was presented.

However, Emperor Xingyuan was unaware of this. The palace and the outside world were two different realms. As the emperor's eyes, the Jinlin Guard supervised officials and nobles, not random civilian matters.

"A young man was found gutted and heart removed, dead on the street," Concubine Shu said with a fearful expression.

Emperor Xingyuan remained calm, listening as Concubine Shu continued.

"The citizens of the capital say that 'Painted Skin' sold by Qingsong Bookstore is a demonic book, and the man was killed by an evil spirit that escaped from it."

"Nonsense," Emperor Xingyuan shook his head.

When he fought for power, rumors spread that there were celestial signs at his birth, which he himself arranged to spread to win people's hearts. Such rumors were merely due to the ignorance of the masses.

Of course, this did not stop him from continuing to listen, as he had nothing else to do.

Concubine Shu was stifled by Emperor Xingyuan's "nonsense" comment, then continued: "That's what people are saying. Many feared the demonic book and burned it, causing over ten fires and even casualties."

This caught Emperor Xingyuan's attention: "Really?"

In any dynasty, fire prevention was crucial. Not to mention elsewhere, the imperial buildings were wooden, and fires had occurred both historically and during Emperor Xingyuan's reign.

Emperor Xingyuan's reaction made Concubine Shu's lips curve slightly, sighing: "I was shocked too. With the dry autumn and winter, how can we handle a big fire? I heard that the Military Commandery in East City went to Qingsong Bookstore to confiscate the demonic books to calm the people and maintain order, but unexpectedly—"

"What happened?" Emperor Xingyuan asked sternly.

Concubine Shu observed Emperor Xingyuan's expression, confirming she hadn't said anything wrong, and sighed: "Unexpectedly, Changle Marquis stopped them."

Emperor Xingyuan was taken aback: "He Qingxiao?"

Concubine Shu nodded, refilled Emperor Xingyuan's tea, and spoke softly: "It's said that Changle Marquis is very protective of the owner of Qingsong Bookstore."

Rumors said that the owner of Qingsong Bookstore, Miss Kou, resembled Princess Royale Zhaoyang. This made Concubine Shu dislike Miss Kou, whom she had never met, even more, especially given the disturbing storybook.

"Oh? Who is the owner of Qingsong Bookstore?"

Concubine Shu thought of Miss Kou saving Princess Royale Zhaoyang's daughter and receiving imperial rewards, and vaguely replied: "It's said to be a young lady."

As the commander of the Jinlin Guard, hindering the Military Commandery for a woman would not please any emperor.

Concubine Shu saw Emperor Xingyuan's eyes turn cold and knew when to stop, smiling and changing the topic.

Emperor Xingyuan didn't stay long in Hándàn Palace and returned to Qianqing Palace. The next day, after court dispersal, he immediately summoned He Qingxiao.

"Who is the owner of the bookstore where Songling writes?" Emperor Xingyuan asked casually after some idle talk.

He Qingxiao's eyes darkened, concealing the turmoil caused by the emperor's question: "Your Majesty, the owner of Qingsong Bookstore is Miss Kou."

No matter how casual the emperor seemed, he wouldn't ask without reason. It seemed he had learned about the rumors regarding 'Painted Skin' and even knew about He Qingxiao stopping Han Dongming. Therefore, it was best to truthfully reveal Miss Kou's identity.

Sure enough, upon hearing it was Miss Kou, Emperor Xingyuan immediately asked: "Could it be the same Miss Kou who saved Fu'er?"

"Yes."

"I didn't expect a young girl to run a bookstore." Emperor Xingyuan swallowed his intended words and said dryly.

He Qingxiao knew the emperor had many thoughts, so he admitted straightforwardly: "A few days ago, Qingsong Bookstore was involved in a murder case, leading to rumors. To truly alleviate public fear, finding the real culprit and the person spreading false rumors is necessary, rather than implicating the innocent. Moreover, Songling is someone Your Majesty appreciates, so I felt responsible for protecting Qingsong Bookstore, which collaborates with Songling."

Emperor Xingyuan did not express an opinion and asked about the murder case: "Have the murderer and the person spreading false rumors been identified?"

"The murderer was Mr. Ping'an, who wrote for Yaxin Bookstore. He was dismissed by Yaxin Bookstore due to Qingsong Bookstore's success and killed out of resentment. The owner of Yaxin Bookstore spread rumors to suppress Qingsong Bookstore's business."

Emperor Xingyuan sneered after hearing this: "Yaxin Bookstore is truly corrupt; it should no longer operate."

Since the truth was revealed and the rumors dispelled, there was no need to criticize He Qingxiao for hindering the Military Commandery.

"Yes."

Thus, before the news of Mr. Ping'an being the culprit spread, a team of Jinlin Guard arrived at Yaxin Bookstore and promptly sealed it.