He Xiang was terrified when she heard this. She had grown up in a pawnshop and didn't want to be kicked out! Fortunately, Accountant Yi promised to plead for her, and He Xiang readily agreed.
This matter seems simple; all Ye Zhanqing needs to do is secretly investigate that general to find out whether he is Jun Yifeng's man.
Jun Yilin smiled and sipped his tea, feeling that he had wasted his talents. Fortunately, there was no traitor in the pawnshop. He only needed to remind everyone to reorganize their subordinates in the future to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation.
However, one problem after another arose. The matter of the traitor had come to a temporary end, but an even more troublesome one was about to unfold.
☆、14、A Battle of Wits
After several tests and careful observations, Ye Zhanqing finally confirmed that his men had not betrayed him. The military camp was still heavily guarded, like an iron barrel. The young general suspected of being an inside agent was just a gossip; he was not someone planted by Jun Yifeng. However, such a person could easily cause trouble. Therefore, Ye Zhanqing found an excuse to transfer him away from his camp. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, he also ordered his deputy to secretly investigate everyone in the camp. Anyone found to be suspicious was to be transferred away under some pretext, and such a situation was not to be allowed to happen again.
It's safest to keep your own head in your own hands; you must never give the enemy any opportunity to take advantage.
The traitor scandal seems to have been resolved satisfactorily, and everyone can finally relax for the time being.
Even as the saga of the traitor had just subsided, the matter of Jiang Yumin still caused Lin Zijing considerable hesitation. Jiang Yumin's power continued to grow, and his actions became increasingly audacious. Jun Yifeng was now sincerely trying to reduce Wang Chenglin's power. Not content with the checks and balances between the Left and Right Chancellors, he had now even created the position of Minister of Works specifically for Jiang Yumin, placing him above the Chancellor. It seemed he was determined to undermine the Chancellor's power.
As soon as the court session ended, Wang Chenglin immediately came to Lin Zijin to discuss the matter. Learning from the experience of the previous traitor incident, Wang Chenglin disguised himself and made sure that Jun Yifeng did not discover that Fugui Pawnshop was actually connected with the General and the Prime Minister. Otherwise, given Jun Yifeng's suspicious nature, everyone's lives would be in danger.
“His Majesty has already made this plan, and it seems inevitable. However, I also have a group of people who support him and won’t budge. It won’t be easy for Jiang Yumin to smoothly ascend to the position of Minister of Works. Our original plan was not to hinder him but to help him. But given the current situation, can we continue to watch with peace of mind?” Wang Chenglin said worriedly.
Lin Zijing was also deep in thought. This Jiang Yumin was so favored by the Emperor. If he really was a rising star, all the difficulties would be easily solved. She had been looking for such an inside man, and wasn't he the most suitable candidate? But what if he wasn't?
Even if he were to become Minister of Works, his foundation is not deep, so there shouldn't be any major problems. Right now, everything is not ready, and we cannot reveal our strength.
"Let's continue to observe. You can't openly oppose them now, otherwise they'll get rid of you even faster. It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Let's avoid this dangerous situation for now," Lin Zijing said slowly.
Wang Chenglin understood Lin Zijing's concerns. He himself, as the prime minister, no longer held real power, so it didn't matter whether he was there or not. It was better to retreat in order to lower their guard.
The following day at court, Wang Chenglin submitted a memorial claiming illness and requesting to recuperate at a separate residence. Jun Yifeng granted his request without hesitation, even sending people to bestow upon him ginseng and other gifts, offering words of comfort and reassurance, and telling him to focus on his recovery. Wang Chenglin understood that Jun Yifeng meant for him to stay home if he had nothing to do, treating him as an idle person supported by the court, and not to come out and get in the way!
Since even the Prime Minister was ill, what was the point of the others arguing? Having already received instructions from Wang Chenglin, everyone ceased their opposition to the appointment of the Minister of Works. Jiang Yumin became the first Minister of Works in this dynasty, holding a high position and wielding great power.
Such a young man was proud and outstanding, but unfortunately, his face was so terrifying that no matchmaker dared to propose marriage to him, and many people secretly sighed in vain.
Wang Chenglin's faction's concession greatly emboldened Jiang Yumin's faction. Even news spread through the palace that Consort Jiang had requested the Emperor to make her Empress, and Jun Yifeng did not immediately refuse, only saying he would consider it. Suddenly, the Sikong Mansion was bustling with activity; people came to offer gifts, curry favor, or seek refuge… forming long queues. It was even rumored that visitors had to bribe the steward before they could get a number to enter.
"Ha! How ridiculous! Such blatant collusion with important officials in the court, aren't you afraid of arousing the Emperor's suspicion?" Ye Zhanqing laughed angrily. "And that Jiang Yuyan, what is she? How dare she dream of becoming Empress? She's not worthy!"
Lin Zijing remained calm and said sarcastically, "He wouldn't agree. To create an image of deep affection, he made the whole country mourn for the Empress, announced that he would not marry again, and only agreed to take a concubine to continue the family line after the officials' desperate pleas. What a brilliant scheme! Now that he's made an Empress, all that previous work has been for nothing, hasn't it?"
Jun Yilin carefully glanced at Lin Zijing's expression. Seeing that she didn't seem angry, he said, "It seems that Jiang Yuyan is indeed as the previous reports said—utterly naive. Requesting to be made empress at this time is just putting the Jiang family in a very difficult position."
"Whether she's genuinely naive or just pretending, it's hard to say right now! In the harem, if a woman truly had no cunning whatsoever, could she have survived this long and even become a Noble Consort?" Lin Zijing said. "If she's faking it, then she's at least smarter than me!"
Hearing Lin Zijin say this, knowing that he still cared about the past, Jun Yilin stood up, walked to Lin Zijin's side, gently hugged him, and tenderly pressed his head against his chest.
Lin Zijing tried to break free, but Jun Yilin held her tightly and said, "Don't move, I don't mean anything by it. Just stay like this for a while, okay?"
Lin Zijing nestled close to Jun Yilin's chest, feeling his strong, pounding heartbeat and enveloped in his warm breath. She felt a sense of peace, as if time had stood still. Suddenly, she no longer wanted to struggle. The two remained silent, neither speaking. A few rays of sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the two in a golden glow, creating an indescribable harmony and warmth.
However, this harmonious scene was disrupted by a suspicious sound, completely ruining the atmosphere.
Jun Yilin chuckled softly: "Hehe, are you hungry? Let's go eat."
After saying that, she lovingly lifted Lin Zijin's chin and looked at him tenderly.
Lin Zijin tilted her head back, looking into Jun Yilin's gentle, flowing eyes, and was captivated by them, a blush rising on her face.
Jun Yilin gently stroked Lin Zijin's smooth, creamy skin, his head slowly lowering. Lin Zijin looked at his magnified face, her heart starting to race. Just as she was feeling flustered and at a loss, Jun Yilin said teasingly, "Why aren't you leaving yet?"
Lin Zijing then realized that Jun Yilin had bent down and held her hand, and she secretly scolded herself for having such wild thoughts.
Seeing Lin Zijin's helpless expression, Jun Yilin's heart was filled with tenderness. It seemed there was hope; this time, Lin Zijin hadn't objected to his intimacy. All his efforts over the past few days hadn't been in vain! He must work even harder to make Lin Zijin completely his own!
Zijing, in this lifetime, I will never let you leave again!
While we were eating, Anwu came to report that news had spread from the palace that Consort Jiang was pregnant!
"This is bad. If this happens, the situation will get out of control. Jiang Yumin and her brother didn't have any power base in the court, so it wouldn't be difficult to eliminate them later. But if we add the prince as a bargaining chip, they will have a huge advantage!" Lin Zijin put down her chopsticks and said worriedly.
Jun Yilin also knew the seriousness of the matter, and continued, "Moreover, the siblings have high aspirations. If they really give birth to a prince, there is a possibility that—" Jun Yilin dared not finish his sentence.
The four words "Depose the emperor and establish yourself!" appeared simultaneously in their minds.
"It seems we need to adjust our plans!" Lin Zijin calmed down.
"Order the removal of the guards protecting Jiang Yuyan. There are many in the harem who don't want her to have a child! Help them if necessary!" Lin Zijing said to Anwu. Now is not the time to be soft-hearted. If something goes wrong, countless people will die, far more than an unborn baby!
Although Jun Yilin felt it was somewhat cruel, he knew that the die was cast and had no choice but to proceed.
Anwu obeyed and went out.
Jiang Yumin's identity has now become extremely crucial; whether or not he becomes famous will directly affect Lin Zijing's next plan.
"I can't wait any longer, I have to go and test him myself!" Lin Zijing made a decision.
Jun Yilin understood that the situation was different from before, and confirming Jiang Yumin's identity was now a crucial step. He also knew that he could not stop Lin Zijing's decision, so he chose another way to express his concern.
“I’m going too, or I’ll tell others,” Jun Yilin said calmly.
Lin Zijing was about to object, but he didn't say anything. He knew how powerful Jiang Yumin was. Although his skills had greatly improved and he was slightly better than An Mei, he was still unsure whether he could get away unscathed from meeting Jiang Yumin, let alone bring Jun Yilin along.
But if we don't take him, he'll definitely keep his word and tell Dark Charm and the others that he won't be able to leave.
A brilliant idea flashed through Lin Zijin's mind, and she smiled and agreed.
Jun Yilin was surprised that Lin Zijin agreed so easily; this was unlike him! He stared at Lin Zijin with a suspicious look. Lin Zijin felt uneasy, but encouraged herself to bravely accept the doubts. Seeing that there was nothing unusual on Lin Zijin's face, Jun Yilin was relieved.
"Well, I was thinking of a solution until midnight yesterday. I'm a little sleepy today, so I'm going to rest now. Make yourself at home!" Lin Zijing yawned, patted Jun Yilin's shoulder, and turned to go into her room.
Jun Yilin said with concern, "Then you should get some rest!"
As Lin Zijin walked into the room, Jun Yilin's eyes flashed with a dangerous light. He was smiling, but it gave off a chilling feeling!
In the dead of night, all was quiet except for the occasional sound of the night watchman's footsteps; it was completely dark. With a soft creak, a door in the courtyard opened, and a dark figure tiptoed out, then gently closed the door behind him.
"I've been waiting for you for so long, I was almost asleep, why did you take so long to come out?" a lazy voice rang out.
The dark figure was startled and looked around, but saw no one.
Suddenly, a figure leaped down from the roof and landed right in front of the shadowy figure. That lazy, playful smile belonged to Jun Yilin.
Lin Zijing was dressed in black, hidden in the night, so his expression couldn't be seen. However, just from his incoherent voice, one could tell that he was extremely embarrassed.
"Uh, the moonlight is beautiful, I was just about to go out to admire it!" Lin Zijing said, and the two of them looked up at the sky at the same time. It was dark and there was no light at all.
"Oh? This kind of night scene has a unique charm!" Jun Yilin didn't expose him.
"In that case, I'm going to admire the moon. You go back to sleep!" Lin Zijing thought she was quite shameless and not bad at lying through her teeth!
"Who goes to admire the moon dressed in night clothes?" Jun Yilin was furious.
"I just have one question: why dress like this to admire the moon? People who don't know better might think you're sneaking out to do something." Jun Yilin said calmly and unhurriedly.
Caught red-handed, Lin Zijing knew she couldn't deny it, so she simply resorted to pleading: "Yes, I want to go out, it's none of your business!"
Jun Yilin suppressed his anger, knowing that he had lied to him that afternoon. He had planned not to take him with him. If he just let him go like that, did he think he was made of paper?
"Heh, you're going to the Sikong Mansion, and so am I. I wonder if we'll go separately or together?" Jun Yilin said with a sneer.
Worried that Jun Yilin would risk his life alone, Lin Zijing could only grit her teeth and say, "Since we're going to the same place, why don't we go together!"
Jun Yilin gracefully cupped his hands and said, "Then I shall respectfully accept your offer!"
Without even glancing at Lin Zijing, he turned and leaped onto the roof, his feet lightly tapping a few times, already several feet away. Lin Zijing knew he was angry, so she hurriedly followed.
Outside the Sikong Mansion.
It was just an ordinary mansion, showing no signs of abnormality from the outside. The two quietly sneaked in, and contrary to their expectations, the home of the most favored young minister of the dynasty, the emperor's favorite, was surprisingly poor and simple. Structurally, the mansion was a converted ordinary residence, not large in size, and simply furnished.
As soon as Lin Zijing entered, her brows furrowed, her heart filled with unease. Even wealth and riches couldn't sway Jiang Yumin, so what did he want? Seeing Jun Yilin's equally furrowed brows, neither of them spoke.
They encountered few people along the way. The servant on night duty, after being sprinkled with Lin Zijing's medicinal powder, drifted off into a deep sleep, dreaming of playing chess with the Duke of Zhou. They arrived unimpeded outside Jiang Yumin's room, but suddenly two dark figures appeared, blocking Lin Zijing's path. One of them said, "I've been following you for ages. Who are you? What are you doing here?"
The other person said, "Don't waste your breath on them. It's a dark and stormy night for murder. Anyone who comes here will not return!" After saying that, he attacked Lin Zijing.
Before Lin Zijing could even think about why she hadn't noticed anyone following her, she saw a hand chop coming at her, so she had no choice but to parry.
Upon seeing that the man was wearing a red outer garment with a blue phoenix embroidered on his chest, Jun Yilin's expression changed, and he said, "Fengxi Tower!"
The man slowly drew his sword, pointed it at Jun Yilin, and laughed, "You're quite knowledgeable. State your purpose, and I'll let you die a quick death!"
☆、Fifteen、Encounter
Fengxi Tower is a mysterious organization. They seem to do nothing, pay no attention to anyone, and act solely on the whims of their leader. They help people when they want to help, kill people when they want to kill, and interfere in other affairs without regard for other forces. They never play by the rules, and no one knows what their ultimate goal is or what they will do next!
Unfortunately, their martial arts skills were superb, their methods ruthless, and their whereabouts elusive, making martial arts practitioners hate them to the core, yet they were helpless against them.
To put it bluntly, they're like a bunch of kids who haven't grown up yet, acting crazy!
However, their cruel methods of killing were no joke; the horrific state of the people they killed has made everyone in the martial arts world tremble with fear!
Jun Yilin wasn't worried that Lin Zijing would fail, nor did he answer the man in red. He stared at the flying phoenix, wondering why they were here. What was the connection between this organization and Jiang Yumin?
With a few moves, Lin Zijing easily subdued his opponent. He used his toe to press against the throat of the man who had fallen to the ground and calmly said, "I'm here to see Jiang Yumin. Are you his subordinates or his enemies? If you're his subordinates, quickly inform him and have him come out to see me! If you're his enemies, then I'm sorry, you can't touch him now!"
Wow! Even more arrogant than themselves! The two men in red thought. They exchanged a glance, recalling Lin Zijing's smug and boastful manner when he spoke, and suddenly became very interested in him. They knew his martial arts were superior to theirs, but letting them in seemed a bit unfair, so they looked at each other in bewilderment.
Just then, the lights in the room came on.
"Let them in, you all stay at the door!" a hoarse voice rang out from inside the house.
Remembering that Anmei had said Jiang Yumin's voice was hoarse, Lin Zijing realized that the person speaking was Jiang Yumin.
With a quick release, her foot left the man's throat on the ground. Lin Zijing straightened her sleeves and glanced sideways at the red-clad figure blocking the doorway.
Upon hearing the sounds coming from inside the house, the two immediately made way for Lin Zijin and the others, standing respectfully by the roadside with their heads bowed.
Two men dressed in black, slender and about the same height as her, entered. The one in front was handsome and alluring, while the one behind was dashing and refined. Judging from their footsteps alone, they were both skilled fighters, especially the effeminate one who looked almost like a woman. Jiang Yumin narrowed her eyes, watching the two men enter. They were still wearing masks, their expressions unreadable. They wore blue robes, casually tied at the waist, revealing large expanses of their white, jade-like chests, as if they had been woken up. "Not bad physiques," Lin Zijing thought secretly.
Both were sizing each other up, assessing their opponent's strength. Lin Zijing knew that her appearance was somewhat of a disadvantage, so she focused her mind and released a powerful aura.