Chapter 36 A Banquet of Traps

Chapter 36: The Banquet at Hongmen

The County Magistrate of Xishan County was a straightforward case.

Although the Imperial Guards had received no imperial favor in recent years and were given no duties, Sui Yedao was ambitious and eager to rise. Therefore, he had drilled his subordinates' skills, never allowing them to slack off.

A little digging into the magistrate's property unearthed silver.

"Tsk," Sui Yedao tapped his blade against a chest, shaking off a layer of dust. "Tell me, why would perfectly good silver and banknotes need to be buried underground? Isn't that just asking for trouble, a classic case of 'protesting too much'?"

That's what he said, but if it wasn't dug up, wouldn't there be no problem?

Sui Yedao waved his hand. "Seal the chests and take them away. All evidence of crimes."

The Vice-Prefect's home was far cleaner. However, he had a wife and concubines but still kept a secret mistress outside. When this matter was brought up in his household, the previously trembling, tight-lipped wife and concubines immediately erupted.

With many people involved and tempers flaring, truly anything could be said.

Especially since Wei Wuyou added fuel to the fire, mentioning that the pearls and jade found at the mistress's estate looked even better than those in their own homes, and the mistress's children had also quietly acquired property.

This caused some of the Vice-Prefect's numerous children to also become discontented. Wei Wuyou, with his sharp eyes, specifically targeted those who weren't very bright and couldn't control their tongues. He listened to all sorts of gossip, then selected the suspicious leads to dig deeper.

"This morning, Official Wei led people to the home of an uncle of one of the Vice-Prefect's concubines," Feng Lan relayed the messages one by one to Jiang Yanzhou. "Truly, a cunning rabbit has three burrows."

Jiang Yanzhou listened intently.

Historical documents primarily recorded the subsequent punishments of the officials and the case's impact. He hadn't known there were so many twists and turns in investigating the Vice-Prefect.

Jiang Yanzhou truly didn't know this. It wasn't like when the Prefect was investigated, where the location of the secretly hidden account books and money was clearly recorded.

Perhaps it was also due to the difference in amounts, plus the fact that the Prefect of Congzhou directly dragged the Jiang family down with him. The decline of the greatest aristocratic family during Emperor Yonghe's era, its causes, consequences, and details, were always something later generations loved to dissect repeatedly.

"The Xiao family was originally in business, so the seized account books all needed reviewing, but..." Feng Lan said, "His Highness didn't let the clerks from Congzhou help review them."

Jiang Yanzhou knew why Xiao Yunlang was holding onto the account books. The Xiao family's accounts had nothing to do with Zhong Qingfu, but Xiao Yunlang would verbally suggest they might be related.

After all, the private tea matter needed to be investigated before it could be brought up openly. Before that, to investigate a state's officials, there had to be a reason.

Even if it was just a formality, the official documents needed a plausible pretext to cover it. The case files would be taken back and reviewed by many people.

Jiang Yanzhou smoothed the paper. "They didn't become suspicious, did they?"

Feng Lan shook his head. "No. Because there's too much to investigate, His Highness borrowed their people, but assigned them other tasks. It's like when the household guards change shifts; everything looks normal."

"Also, what you said worked. Zhong Qingfu has started monitoring his deputy and the Song family. He's not even completely at ease with the Commander now. Zhong Qingfu's attention is completely off us."

Jiang Yanzhou's shoulders relaxed slightly. "That's the best outcome."

Engaged in such schemes, although riding high on success, their hearts were constantly suspended. Everyone knew that grasshoppers tied to the same string shouldn't fight, fearing the boat would capsize, but human hearts are the least able to withstand testing.

Originally all greedy people, a single spark is enough to ignite the line of suspicion.

This was medicinal tea, brewed with many nourishing ingredients. Jiang Yanzhou couldn't drink too much; he had to follow the physician's prescribed amount to avoid being overwhelmed by the tonic.

Jiang Yanzhou moistened his throat with the medicinal tea. Watching the tea leaves and herbs floating in the cup, he actually had a suspicion, but currently couldn't find a reasonable explanation.

That was, after all his calculations, officials like Zhong Qingfu couldn't possibly have sent assassins to kill him. Eliminating all impossibilities, only one answer remained.

That was the Song family, who owned the tea mountains.

But the reason wasn't clear yet.

In the history books, the Song family patriarch was also a greedy, money-obsessed man. To establish a private tea business in Congzhou, he had to cling tightly to the state's officials.

If the Song family mainly had conflicts with the state government and wanted to use the Jiang family's hand to replace the Prefect and continue their partnership, why wasn't this recorded in history?

Jiang Yanzhou held the tea soup to warm his hands.

Only by investigating the Song family could it become clear. His banquet invitations had already been sent out and would soon reach the Song family.

The invitations went not only to the Song family but also to the hands of another wealthy silk merchant in Congzhou. This person was also related to the Song family by marriage. Only these two merchant families received invitations; the rest were given to officials.

Zhong Qingfu was again specially accompanying Xiao Yunlang in the investigation today, so he received his invitation right in front of Xiao Yunlang.

"Jiang Yanzhou's invitation?" Xiao Yunlang glanced sideways with the corner of his eye. "What new trick does he want to play?"

Zhong Qingfu offered an ingratiating smile, opening the invitation and handing it to Xiao Yunlang. "The Crown Princess Consort says that as a newcomer to Congzhou, he wishes to learn about local customs and has invited state officials and two merchants known for their refined tastes."

Xiao Yunlang casually took the invitation and glanced at it, a cold smile hanging at the corner of his mouth. "The title of Crown Princess Consort is quite useful."

Zhong Qingfu appeared troubled, laughing awkwardly. "Last night was stormy and rainy. This humble official didn't close the window properly before sleeping, perhaps caught a slight chill. Your Highness, regarding this banquet the day after tomorrow..."

Xiao Yunlang gave him a meaningful look.

Zhong Qingfu was in perfectly good health. Perhaps caught a chill? This old fox wanted to leave no handle at all. To avoid being labeled as close to the Jiang family, he was specifically putting on this show for Xiao Yunlang.

Xiao Yunlang tossed the invitation aside. "Take good care of your health, Lord. By the day after tomorrow, the chill should be gone. You should attend his banquet. I won't make things difficult for you. Without a trustworthy person present, who knows what he might say to others? He's using my Eastern Palace's name to summon officials and merchants."

Zhong Qingfu immediately expressed sincere concern. "Then why doesn't Your Highness personally..."

Xiao Yunlang immediately shot him a cold, sharp glance. This look already held hidden displeasure, as if he loathed the very sight of Jiang Yanzhou, and also served as a warning to Zhong Qingfu to think carefully before speaking.

Zhong Qingfu's spine stiffened. Emperor Yonghe's stern face, though imposing, was naturally somber and, combined with his age, while his aura remained, one could sense the bluster beneath. But Xiao Yunlang was different.

The Crown Prince was young, fearless and unrestrained. His gaze was like a newly forged blade fresh from the fires of war. When it swept over, no one dared to challenge its edge.

Zhong Qingfu didn't dare test further. He lowered his head, avoiding Xiao Yunlang's gaze. "This humble official spoke out of turn. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Even with his head bowed, he could still feel the heavy pressure hanging above his neck, as if it could fall at any moment.

For every moment Xiao Yunlang remained silent, the pressure descended another fraction.

Finally, just before Zhong Qingfu's cold sweat was about to break out, Xiao Yunlang tapped the table. The suspended blade vanished abruptly. The Crown Prince smiled. "You exaggerate, Lord Zhong. What crime have you committed? Rise quickly. I, in Congzhou, still rely on you."

Zhong Qingfu hurriedly said he didn't dare, yet still did not rise.

Xiao Yunlang leaned back grandly in his chair, seemingly in a better mood. "He discusses refined tastes; I also wish to discuss refined tastes with someone. Lord, in Congzhou, whose songs are sung best?"

Zhong Qingfu was taken aback, cautiously raising his head a little.

Xiao Yunlang: "Find two or three entertainers. Male ones, with delicate features and docile temperaments. The day after tomorrow, he's holding a banquet; I'll also hold a banquet. Since coming to Congzhou, we haven't relaxed yet."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Qingfu recalled the rumors—no, the facts—about the Crown Prince's preference for men after the spring hunt... He immediately understood.

But he still had to pretend to be upright and untouched by such pleasures. "Yes. Although this humble official is not versed in such matters, I will certainly have my subordinates arrange it properly for Your Highness."

Xiao Yunlang seemed satisfied and dismissed him.

After Zhong Qingfu left, Xiao Yunlang retracted the unrestrained expression from his face. He picked up the invitation again and read it through from beginning to end once more.

Last night, Jiang Yanzhou fell asleep in his arms, sleeping deeply, untroubled by the thunder, his face serene.

Xiao Yunlang had intended to lay him down and sleep in the outer chamber, but... Jiang Yanzhou was still clutching his sleeve even in sleep.

With just that little bit of strength, Xiao Yunlang could easily have loosened his grip and freed his sleeve.

But Xiao Yunlang watched for a long while, his fingers twitching before settling, ultimately not taking that corner of his sleeve back from Jiang Yanzhou's grasp.

He gave in to this feeble, almost unconscious plea to stay, and lay down beside Jiang Yanzhou.

For as long as he could remember, he had never shared a bed with anyone.

Since he couldn't trust anyone with his true feelings, there was no place for another by his bedside.

Let alone sharing half an embrace, sleeping nestled together like this.

Outside the window, the rain had lightened, pattering softly against broad leaves, the night rain a hushed whisper, careful not to wake the dreamer.

Spring rain nourishes all things in silence; Jiang Yanzhou had unknowingly crossed a line Xiao Yunlang had drawn for himself.

No, that's not right.

Xiao Yunlang thought, it was he who had allowed Jiang Yanzhou to cross it.

Trained in martial arts, with senses sharp enough to wake at the slightest night-time sound, listening to Jiang Yanzhou's breathing, he felt only peace.

As if it were no different from the rhythm of his own heartbeat.

This tranquility allowed him to sleep by Jiang Yanzhou's side until the early morning hours, when Feng Lan came to remind him of the time.

Xiao Yunlang opened his eyes, quietly watched Jiang Yanzhou for a moment, then slowly extricated his sleeve and left without a sound.

Xiao Yunlang closed the invitation, his fingers rubbing its edge. Jiang Yanzhou's state last night was truly concerning; he wondered if Jiang Yanzhou could eat and rest properly today.

"Your Highness." Liu Hexuan approached with dossiers.

Xiao Yunlang looked up.

"I've organized another portion of the documents for the fraud case. Please review them."

Xiao Yunlang set aside the invitation and took the case files, first reading the overnight interrogation transcript of the Vice-Prefect: "He still hasn't confessed?"

Liu Hexuan: "His story is still all over the place and evasive."

Xiao Yunlang: "He won't yield until he sees the coffin."

As he flipped through the files, Liu Hexuan noticed the invitation on the desk and understood: "The Crown Princess is hosting a banquet."

"A fine banquet indeed," Xiao Yunlang turned a page, "letting these scoundrels off easy."

Liu Hexuan smiled: "How could it let them off easy? Isn't this banquet for Your Highness?"

Xiao Yunlang paused his crossed leg, a slight smile curling his lips: "You're right."

Liu Hexuan raised his hand in salute: "Please convey my regards to the Crown Princess. It's been a while; I wonder how much his calligraphy has improved."

Currently, Jiang Yanzhou was still copying others' copybooks, first aiming for neatness, with his own style not yet apparent. Though not yet at the level of a county-level candidate, his writing now formed proper characters, no longer just uneven strokes of varying thickness and length.

"He learns quickly." Xiao Yunlang's voice softened when mentioning Jiang Yanzhou. "His calligraphy practice is going very well."

Liu Hexuan: "Then another day I'll write a few more copybooks and send them to the residence."

Xiao Yunlang nodded.

Outside, the air carried the scent of damp earth. Beneath this scent, rainwater converged into underground currents, moving beneath the seemingly calm soil.

Zhong Qingfu handed off the task of selecting entertainers for Xiao Yunlang to his deputy.

The deputy had previously said something that displeased Zhong Qingfu, though he hadn't shown it overtly. The deputy, apologetic like a quail, had been handling all duties very diligently lately.

The deputy couldn't quite figure out where he had offended Zhong Qingfu recently, but it was always better to be cautious.

The three chosen for Xiao Yunlang were top performers from several pleasure houses, good-looking and compliant. On the evening of the banquet at the eastern city estate, these three were brought to the Crown Prince's temporary residence.

Tables and chairs were set up in the courtyard; clearly, the Crown Prince intended to listen to music outdoors. A screen was also erected, separating them far from the host's seating area. The three sat properly behind the wooden screen, unable to see anything.

Only a guard tossed them a bag of silver: "Can you sing those risqué, flirtatious tunes?"

The three opened the money bag; the sight of gleaming, solid silver instantly lit up their eyes. They nodded eagerly: "Yes, yes!"

The guard said: "Tonight, just sing. You stop only when the master says so. After singing, this silver is yours."

Just playing instruments and singing without having to serve anyone—they couldn't believe their luck. Taking turns, singing for a few hours wouldn't be a problem.

The three immediately set up their instruments, plucked the pipa strings, and began singing with all their heart.

The sensual music, mixed with their singing voices, drifted into the ears of the Garrison troops stationed next door, making them restless and stirring desire. As night fell and lights illuminated all around, this tantalizing allure grew even more potent.

The Crown Prince's household guards went out for shift change again, greeting them as they passed, winking and teasing them in time with the song: "Hey, feeling restless, huh?"

All were on duty doing their jobs; there was no real barrier between them. They laughed and retorted: "You get to drink and have fun on your shift change, while we still have many hours to wait!"

The Crown Prince's guards patted his shoulder: "Haha, rough deal! Let's have a drink together another day!"

The Garrison troops: "Definitely, definitely!"

Amidst the chatter and laughter, the three hundred Crown Prince's household guards swaggered off right under their noses.

But this time, they did not head to the Garrison camp in the northern city for their rotation. Instead, after going around the block, they went straight to the eastern city estate.

The Congzhou Garrison was completely unaware of this.

Five hundred of them guarded the Prefect's residence, two thousand remained in camp, leaving only five hundred in the city, some of whom were stationed at the guard post. This meant that currently, only about one to two hundred were patrolling the entire city of Congzhou.

The agile Imperial Guards kept watch from the rooftops, leading these three hundred men under cover of night, avoiding the Garrison patrol routes without alerting anyone, and so they made their way to the estate's perimeter.

Inside the estate, Jiang Yanzhou had set up a banquet in the main hall and was discussing elegance with the guests.

He sat in the seat of honor, wearing a robe of flowing cloud-patterned brocade with silver-threaded bamboo embroidery today, a pearl button fastened at the collar, glistening in concert with the pearls adorning his hair. Jiang Yanzhou, merely by sitting there, was the very picture of elegance.

Throughout this meal, everyone chatted and smiled, though in their hearts, each harbored their own thoughts.

The Garrison Commander had initially still not intended to come, wanting to maintain his position at headquarters, but Zhong Qingfu suggested it was best to attend.

Seeing that Zhong Qingfu seemed to have an ulterior motive, he came anyway.

In truth, whether he stayed at the camp tonight or came to the banquet, the outcome would not change.

After all, the seven hundred men Xiao Yunlang left at the camp were another piece in place to block their path.

The head of the Song family brought his son and nephew to join him tonight.

As soon as his nephew entered the room, Jiang Yanzhou gave him a subtle, lingering look.

Because his face was etched with an indescribable weariness and a sickly pallor, even when he smiled, it did nothing to lift.

Jiang Yanzhou recognized that look all too well—he had seen it on a despondent Wei Wuyou just a few months ago.

The Song family possessed immense wealth and was currently at the height of its glory. Since the head of the Song family was willing to bring his nephew to the banquet, it showed he valued him.

With such wealth and standing in the family, why would he have such an expression?

The Crown Princess did not drink, so the others also drank very lightly. No one dared to get heavily drunk. They chatted about Congzhou's local delights, and Jiang Yanzhou remarked with apparent interest: "It is said that Congzhou’s tea is no less than Yuzhou’s, and its silk rivals Ningzhou’s. I am also very curious."

Jiang Yanzhou had never used "this palace" to emphasize his status when speaking to them, and none of them thought it strange. To their minds, compared to the title of Crown Princess, Jiang Yanzhou still preferred his identity as the son of the Jiang family.

The head of the Song family believed he understood and immediately stood up: "This humble commoner brought some of the finest Misty Peak red tea today. It’s sun-dried for our own consumption and not sold outside. If Your Highness does not mind, please give it a try."

"Tenth Son, quickly present it to His Highness."

The nephew of the Song family head stood up, holding a box.

He was the tenth among his generation in the Song family, the son of the family head’s younger brother, named Song Yicun.

Before they entered, all the items they carried had been inspected by the guards, and they knew the box Song Yicun held contained tea leaves.

However, according to protocol, Song Yicun would still not be allowed to approach Jiang Yanzhou. Feng Lan stepped forward to take the box on behalf of the Crown Princess.

But just as he took the box, the tramp of many feet echoed from the courtyard. The Commander’s expression changed immediately upon hearing it.

There were people—and a large, well-trained group at that!

What was happening?!

He reflexively shot to his feet, and the tightly closed main door was kicked open.

The man who entered wore a sword at his side but was dressed in the luxurious robes of a nobleman. He entered at a leisurely pace, followed by the Crown Prince’s household guards in the courtyard, holding torches, orderly and solemn.

From inside, it was impossible to see how many people there were.

Everyone stood up in shock—except for Jiang Yanzhou.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, officials like Zhong Qingfu hurriedly bowed in greeting. The Song family and the silk merchants then realized it was actually the Crown Prince himself who had arrived and also lowered their heads.

Zhong Qingfu’s heart was in turmoil: Why was the Crown Prince here!

And with troops!

So many people had come all the way from the Prefect’s office, yet they hadn’t received any news! What were the people at the residence and the Garrison playing at!

Xiao Yunlang smiled arrogantly and casually, appearing very nonchalant: "No need for formalities, everyone. Sit, continue."

Zhong Qingfu, his palms slick with sweat, slowly took his seat. The Commander looked frantically from the courtyard to Zhong Qingfu but didn’t dare say a word.

"I heard the Crown Princess has a fine banquet," Xiao Yunlang said, resting his hand on his saber and looking directly at Jiang Yanzhou. "Why wasn't I invited?"

The words sounded utterly provocative, clearly meant to disrupt the occasion, but the look in their eyes... wasn’t quite like that.

Others didn’t dare to look directly at Xiao Yunlang. Among everyone, only Jiang Yanzhou could meet his gaze.

When he first arrived in this world, Jiang Yanzhou would tremble at the sharp glint in Xiao Yunlang’s eyes. Even when they made eye contact, he had to endure the oppressive aura.

But not anymore.

Because when Xiao Yunlang looked at him, the blade in his eyes would be sheathed, not touching him at all.

Jiang Yanzhou spoke softly, feigning fright: "It was prepared hastily, afraid it wouldn’t meet Your Highness’s standards."

"I’m not a difficult person to please."

As he spoke, Xiao Yunlang strode to the head seat, casually lifted the hem of his robe, and sat down beside Jiang Yanzhou without a care.

He glanced around, as if locking everyone he saw within his hunting range. Everyone felt their hair stand on end, sitting on pins and needles.

Xiao Yunlang: "What were you all discussing? Tell me too."

No one dared to speak. Zhong Qingfu gritted his teeth, trying to maintain an amiable smile. He had no choice but to reply: "We were just discussing Congzhou’s tea."

"Oh," Xiao Yunlang glanced at Song Yicun in the hall, then at the box in Feng Lan’s hand. "Is there tea inside?"

The head of the Song family hurriedly said: "Yes, that is—"

Before he could finish his sentence, another sudden change occurred!

Song Yicun suddenly pulled out the hairpin from his head and, without a word, tried to lunge toward the head seat. But he was too far away and not skilled in martial arts. Almost as soon as he moved, Feng Lan pinned him to the ground.

It required no effort at all.

Jiang Yanzhou was stunned, while Xiao Yunlang pressed down on the hilt of his saber.

This was almost exactly like the assassination attempt Jiang Yanzhou had encountered—not meant to kill, but to frighten.

Other guards immediately stepped forward, restraining Song Yicun’s arms. Song Yicun struggled to lift his head and, ignoring the shock of the Song family head and the astonishment of the others, shouted loudly.

"The Song family colluded with the Prefect of Congzhou and the Jiang family of Ningzhou to smuggle private tea and evade taxes! Crown Prince, Crown Prince! Today you are here. Why not execute these corrupt vermin, clean them out, clean them out!"

The head of the Song family hadn’t yet recovered from his nephew’s insane actions, but Zhong Qingfu had already reacted and immediately spoke sharply: "Nonsense! Your Highness, do not listen to such mad words! This official—"

"Guards!" Xiao Yunlang ignored him completely, raising a hand. "Arrest them all!"

The household guards filed in, the sound of sabers being drawn harshly rising. Gleaming blades surrounded everyone at the lower seats—several key officials of Congzhou’s government and two wealthy merchants, all gathered here, now captured in one fell swoop.

Zhong Qingfu was horrified and speechless: "Your Highness! To arrest imperial officials without evidence or grounds is utterly reckless!"

Xiao Yunlang’s expression remained unchanged: "The Xiao family’s account books show discrepancies. The fraud case may involve the Prefect. Your deputy, the Assistant Prefect, and the Commander are all to be investigated. Now the Song family, suspected of attempting to assassinate me, was introduced by you..."

Xiao Yunlang looked at him: "Sir, is that enough to arrest you?"

Zhong Qingfu stood frozen in place.

From the unfathomable depths of Xiao Yunlang’s eyes, he finally understood: tonight was nothing but a trap, a setup! Whether Song Yicun attempted assassination or not, Xiao Yunlang was determined to capture them today!

The quietly assembled household guards, the completely silent Congzhou Garrison, the besieged manor—they had no chance to send a message out before being completely pinned down here!

Then, what about Jiang Yanzhou, who arranged this banquet?

He stiffly shifted his gaze, trying to look at Jiang Yanzhou, but Xiao Yunlang pressed his saber and said coldly: "Escort the Crown Princess to rest."

Several guards surrounded Jiang Yanzhou, blocking Zhong Qingfu’s view.

It seemed as if Jiang Yanzhou was also being coerced.

But was that really the case?

As Zhong Qingfu was taken away with his arms bound, he still tried desperately to look back, but this time, he could see nothing.