Chapter 32: Mountain Lodge

Amidst the misty waters and pitter-patter of rain, Shen Zechuan prepared to immerse himself. As he bent down, Xiao Chiye could clearly see the contour of his waist and hips, which became more pronounced with every movement.

He had muscles, firm and toned.

But he didn't resemble a martial artist in the slightest, for Xiao Chiye perceived no threat from him.

Submerged in the water, Shen Zechuan's feet, chilled by the rain, gradually warmed up. Xiao Chiye entered the pool as well, keeping a respectful distance and leaning against the opposite end.

Surprised, Shen Zechuan asked, "Why are you staying so far away?"

"I want to," Xiao Chiye replied brusquely. He roughly folded a damp handkerchief and placed it over his eyes, crossing his arms and turning away from Shen Zechuan.

After a moment, Xiao Chiye changed his mind, removing the cloth and staring fixedly at Shen Zechuan. To Shen Zechuan, Xiao Er seemed like his sea eagle at this moment, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.

"What are you looking at?" Shen Zechuan's expression was warm as spring, his tone coaxing as if trying to lure a child with a sugar cane, "Tell me, and I'll show you."

Xiao Chiye bent one knee, subtly adjusting the last bit of fabric covering his waist as he said, "You just touched everything."

Shen Zechuan leaned slightly forward, revealing only his eyes to observe him.

Xiao Chiye grew more irritable under his gaze and asked, "What are you doing?"

Shen Zechuan exposed his chin and said, "You were in a good mood just now. Why did it suddenly change?"

"I'm in a decent mood right now too," Xiao Chiye replied. "You can keep quiet while soaking; there's no need to talk… Can you please stop looking up at me like that?"

Shen Zechuan slowly lifted himself up. Water droplets trickled down his chest, and his disheveled hair, like ink, spread out like a blooming orchid emerging from the misty water.

Xiao Chiye couldn't take it anymore.

Why did he think of 'flowers'?

He watched with open eyes as Shen Zechuan leaned closer. When Shen Zechuan sat beside him, he could even smell Shen Zechuan's scent.

It wasn't fragrant, but light and alluring, making him want to inhale it again and again.

Xiao Chiye retracted his arm from the edge and abruptly snatched a garment from the small rack, plunging it into the water and holding it against his waist. Only then did he look at Shen Zechuan calmly and say, "What's wrong? Surprised? I'm just making sure you don't get any ideas about Second Young Master."

"I appreciate your concern…" Shen Zechuan wore an annoyed expression.

Only when Xiao Chiye lowered his head did he realize that he had pulled off Shen Zechuan's clothing.

"…to wash my clothes," Shen Zechuan said. "Leaving me to soak here until tomorrow."

An awkward silence spread between them as they locked eyes. The wind howled outside, and autumn rain fell mournfully.

After a while, Xiao Chiye said, "The clothes won't dry anyway. Call Chen Yang."

He then lifted his head and whistled.

The hot spring was silent for a moment. Lang Tao Xuejin and Meng did not appear.

Xiao Chiye whistled again.

Meng buried its head under its wings outside, ignoring him. With such heavy rain, it had no intention of flying out and getting itself wet.

The silence seemed endless.

Finally, Shen Zechuan said, "… I'll wring it out."

Xiao Chiye pushed the clothing back into the water and gritted his teeth at him. "Hold on!"

* * *

The two of them spent the night trapped in the hot spring. By the time their clothes were dry, it was already dawn. Shen Zechuan finally put on his clothes. He could still feel that watchful gaze when he tied his belt, but he pretended not to notice.

Xiao Chiye lifted the curtain. It was still pitch black outside. Mist hung in the air, carrying the damp scent after the rain. Descending the mountain would be difficult; the stone steps were covered with a thin layer of ice.

They walked one after the other.

"Camp Field occupies the southwestern part of Maple Mountain," Shen Zechuan observed from a high vantage point. "Although it's very close to the palace, it is completely blocked by Maple Mountain. The Eight Great Bases won't patrol this area. You've picked an excellent location."

"If there were no Maple Mountain, I wouldn't have chosen this spot," Xiao Chiye said as he brushed aside a maple branch. He turned around and gestured for Shen Zechuan to crawl under his arm.

Shen Zechuan went through, and the view before him opened up. All obstructions turned into mist, and he could clearly see the Imperial Guards' training field. There were already soldiers running in formation on the field.

"During the autumn hunt, the Imperial Guards didn't make a move," Shen Zechuan observed for a moment before continuing, "But it's clear they were fully equipped. Now that Hua Siqian is dead, once the follow-up investigations of the autumn hunt conclude, the Board of Censors will be coming for you."

Xiao Chiye's salary clearly couldn't support an army of twenty thousand Imperial Guards, and he couldn't divert the funds from the Northern Iron Cavalry either. However, according to the annual budget allocated by the Ministry of Finance before the autumn hunt, the Imperial Guards didn't have the financial means to assemble such a force. Xi Guan died in the midst of "uncertainty," and now that uncertainty was about to come knocking on Xiao Chiye's door.

Xiao Chiye said, "Let them come."

He didn't elaborate on where the money had come from, and Shen Zechuan didn't press the matter further.

After a while, Xiao Chiye said, "Many of the Ministry of Works' labor-intensive tasks have been assigned to the Imperial Guards since five years ago. Every penny spent on dispatching the Imperial Guards has been meticulously recorded in black and white. Even if the Board of Censors investigates, there's nothing else they can find."

Because of this, Xiao Chiye had gained a reputation as a relentless debt collector within the Ministry of Finance. People assumed he squandered the money on debauchery, but in reality, he had been quite frugal over the years. The only significant expense he had was on alcohol. Li Jianheng might have been a bit of a rogue, but he was generous with his friends. Whenever he invited Xiao Chiye to East Dragon Street, he footed the bill for the girls and their friends.

Li Jianheng was a court official with no formal wife to discipline him. If he needed money, he would ask the palace for it. Emperor Xiande had never been stingy when it came to Li Jianheng's expenses, even dipping into his own coffers to provide for him. As a result, Li Jianheng was never short on cash.

Though Xiao Chiye hadn't returned to the North, he had never held a grudge against Li Jianheng. He knew better than anyone that Li Jianheng treated all his friends like true brothers.

Recalling this, Xiao Chiye asked, "The Empress Dowager saved you, naturally she'll use you. Had things remained calm, you might have climbed the ranks in the Imperial Guard. But with the sudden attack by the late emperor, did the Empress Dowager... approach you?"

Shen Zechuan met Xiao Chiye's gaze.

He couldn't evade, not even for a moment. Xiao Chiye's sense of smell was abnormally keen; if he showed the slightest hint of guilt, Xiao Chiye would surely notice.

Shen Zechuan replied with certainty, "No."

A cold wind blew, lifting the hems of their clothes.

Xiao Chiye slowly exhaled a breath of frosty air and chuckled nonchalantly. "Then you're quite lucky."

By the time they returned to Qudu, it was already dawn. Xiao Chiye said from his horse, "I have to attend the morning court. You go back first."

Shen Zechuan nodded and watched Xiao Chiye ride away. Chen Yang wasn't at the estate when he returned; he must have gone to wait for Xiao Chiye outside the palace gates.

Shen Zechuan took out the East Pearl from his sleeve. With his fingertips, he held the pearl up to the dim light to inspect it. However, before he could remove the cloth strip, he paused.

When he had undressed earlier, he had placed the East Pearl in the right sleeve pocket. Yet now, it had come out from the left sleeve pocket.

Shen Zechuan clicked his tongue and furrowed his brow.

* * *

Xiao Chiye arrived at the palace gates and quickly changed into his official robe inside his own carriage after dismounting. Chen Yang had prepared breakfast; the porridge was still warm, and Xiao Chiye drank a bowl.

"Last night, I went to the training grounds to look for you but couldn't find you," Chen Yang said softly as he knelt by the curtain. "It hasn't been peaceful lately. You should have someone with you whenever you go out."

Xiao Chiye put down his bowl and instructed, "Keep an eye on Shen Lanzhou at all times."

Chen Yang acknowledged and asked, "Our people are already surrounding his residence. If he steps out, there's no way he can escape your notice. But since the Huas have fallen, what good is it for us to keep watching him now?"

Xiao Chiye did not reply. He lowered his gaze, his expression grim. It was only when Chen Yang mentioned the morning court session that he wiped his hands with a clean handkerchief and said, "I feel that this man is unpredictable. Can you see any signs of martial arts skills in him now?"

Chen Yang replied, "He looks even weaker than when he first joined the Imperial Guards. If not for your mention of how he helped during the autumn hunt, I wouldn't have noticed anything. However, perhaps if you ask Zhao Hui to take a look, he might see something."

"Zhao Hui met him when he came to the capital last time, but he didn't detect anything unusual," Xiao Chiye said. "His body..."

He paused abruptly before continuing, "Send a message to Libei immediately and invite Master."

Chen Yang was startled. "Invite...?"

"Whatever method he's using to conceal himself, there's no way it'll escape Master's eyes," Xiao Chiye said, turning his ring nonchalantly. "Besides, I... also have something to discuss with Master."

* * *

Li Jianheng had postponed the morning court session, still half-asleep when he heard Shuanglu report that Hai Liangyi was kneeling outside. Immediately alert, he realized Mu Ru was still sleeping in his arms, preventing him from moving. He instructed Shuanglu softly, "Go and send him away."

Not long after Shuanglu left, he returned on his knees, saying, "The Vizier insists on seeing the Emperor. When I mentioned Your Majesty has yet to rise, the Vizier said he would wait kneeling."

Li Jianheng panicked. Just as Mu Ru woke up, he hurriedly soothed her, "My beloved, quickly dress and go to the Chenming Hall for your meal! I must receive the Vizier!"

Mu Ru's jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her petite figure was enchanting. At that moment, she didn't fuss but obediently got dressed. After putting on her clothes, she glanced at Li Jianheng with her affectionate eyes, supporting him gently as if she were his cherished companion.

Li Jianheng adored her demeanor, holding her hand lovingly and wishing he could have her sit on his lap while conducting state affairs. "Next time," he kissed her several times, "I won't let you retreat anymore."

After chatting with her for a while, Shuanglu came in to remind him again. Reluctantly, Li Jianheng allowed Mu Ru to leave.

Hai Liangyi entered with a solemn expression, kneeling before the throne.

Seated on the Dragon Chair, Li Jianheng said, "Vizier, please rise. Quickly, no need to be so formal."

Hai Liangyi remained still, kneeling once more.

Li Jianheng, not receiving a response, glanced around, feeling a burning sensation on his face. He coughed twice and said, "I've been down with a cold these past two days and wanted to sleep in this morning..."

Hai Liangyi replied, "Your Majesty's dedication to nocturnal governance has reached the old minister's ears. However, the petitions presented have not received Your Majesty's attention. After much contemplation, I have come to offer my counsel in person. Your Majesty is now at the height of your power. By working diligently, you can dispel the previous air of lethargy and bring prosperity to the world."

Li Jianheng chuckled dryly and said, "Well, that's good... that's good..."

"Yet, Your Majesty resides deep within the palace, surrounded by treacherous eunuchs. If unchecked, they will gradually cloud Your Majesty's judgment and distance you from the affairs of state!" Hai Liangyi declared resolutely. "I've heard that the court attendant Shuang Lu has taken bribes and introduced many unsavory characters into Your Majesty's presence. According to palace rules, anyone who dares to lead outsiders into the palace without an imperial edict should be punished by death!"

Shuang Lu fell to his knees with a thud, looking fearfully at Li Jianheng and crying out, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

"Haili Hall is the sacred land of enlightenment for the entire realm; it cannot tolerate the clamor of eunuchs," Hai Liangyi said, turning to Li Jianheng. "Your Majesty!"

Li Jianheng's heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the stern Hai Liangyi, recalling the perilous night that had passed. His palms grew sweaty, and he furtively wiped them on his dragon robe, too afraid to respond.

Outside, the attendants were already dragging Shuang Lu away, who sobbed desperately, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"

"S-in...," Li Jianheng looked at Shuang Lu, "the crime does not warrant death..."

"Your Majesty," Hai Liangyi declared resolutely, "Pan Rugui has formed a faction of eunuchs and colluded with Hua Siqian to stir up trouble both within and outside the capital. Now is the time to nip it in the bud and set an example! Not only that, those who use their charm to deceive Your Majesty in the imperial harem should also be punished by caning!"

Li Jianheng's heart raced as he responded, "I dare not, I dare not! With such virtuous ministers like you, Vizier, constantly reminding me, how could I dare to act recklessly? Please do not take those groundless rumors seriously, Vizier."

But Hai Liangyi was relentless. "Where there's smoke, there's fire, Your Majesty. A beautiful face can lead to disastrous consequences; it must be eliminated!"

Li Jianheng was genuinely frightened. How could he bear to let Mu Ru die? He hastily stood up, looking distraught. "Vizier, I realize my mistake. Shuang Lu has served me for many years. Please, let this slide this time. From now on, I will diligently attend to state affairs!"

Hai Liangyi bowed, ultimately sparing him some dignity.

With his hand resting on the table, Li Jianheng listened to the sounds of the cane striking outside, each thud resonating as if it were hitting him personally. A myriad of emotions swirled within him as he gazed at Hai Liangyi, feeling both wronged and fearful.

When Xiao Chiye entered, he saw someone mopping the floor with water, the bloodstains spreading beneath his feet, a vivid and eerie crimson. The eunuchs of Mingli Hall were kneeling outside, all of them too afraid to lift their heads, maintaining an eerie silence.

Xiao Chiye stepped through the door, and Li Jianheng sat motionless on the dragon throne, as if turned to wood. Upon seeing him enter, he froze for a moment before bursting into tears.

Amidst his sobs, Li Jianheng smashed objects around him, crying out, "What kind of emperor is this? To allow someone to humiliate me like this, pointing right at my nose! The entire world belongs to the emperor! What's wrong with my favoring a woman? What's wrong with it?!"