Le Jianghu de Feng Qingcheng et Mo Xibei

Chapitre 14

Finally realizing the problem in Qingfeng's words, Leng Jie stopped pushing the dressing table and turned to look at Qingfeng with surprise, saying:

"Senior brother! Are you a royal physician? Did you take her pulse or examine her? Just say I poisoned her." Seeing Qingfeng seemed a little stunned, Leng Jie laughed teasingly, "Hehe, this is unusual! This is a classic case of being blinded by concern. Senior brother, why are you so concerned about her? Now I know why you feel like vomiting after every meal when you see my silly face, but you don't feel anything when you see her eating. If I'm not mistaken, do you even find her kind of cute?"

"So what?" Qingfeng blurted out.

"Haha, congratulations on falling in love, senior! 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' perfectly describes you." Leng Jie glanced at the seemingly foolish man on the bed, then suddenly stopped laughing, saying with some regret, "Sigh! Judging from her expression, she's unlikely to reciprocate your feelings. It seems you'll have to endure the agonizing life of unrequited love from now on. Unrequited love will be tough, so you'd better be mentally prepared!"

"Is this what love is?" Qingfeng wondered. But after hearing the rest of the sentence, he suddenly pointed at the mentally challenged woman on the bed, whose face he couldn't even make out, as if he'd seen a ghost, and stammered, "You're saying I have a crush on her?"

"Isn't that so?" A question expressing affirmation.

A surge of anger rushed to Qingfeng's head, and he roared almost frantically at Leng Jie, who had turned her back and was now fidgeting around:

"You big dummy! I think you're not just an idiot, you're a madman! How could your senior brother, who is handsome, dashing, and promising, possibly fall for an idiot?"

While Leng Jie was counting the jewels she had looted from the West Palace and the books and albums she had smuggled from the library, she replied slowly and insincerely:

"Senior brother, there's no need to get so angry! Although the servants in the Eastern Palace are all stupid, they can hear perfectly well. If you shout like that and attract their attention, your beloved will be the one in trouble."

"So what if they're here? At worst, there will be a few more drug users. But if you dare to mention me and this stupid woman again, you'll be the one who suffers!" Qingfeng warned through gritted teeth, his face dark.

Having worked for so many years uncovering secrets, Leng Jie had long lost the curiosity to pry into other people's privacy. The reason she said that earlier was because Qingfeng had teased her first. She was simply giving him a taste of his own medicine. Seeing that Qingfeng seemed genuinely angry, Leng Jie patiently explained:

"Don't worry, I'm not interested in your privacy at all. I really didn't harm her; I just put some of the sleeping pills you made for me last time on the needle. She'll be fine after a nap. If you're worried, you can check her pulse first."

"Hmph! She was the late emperor's concubine. She went mad after suffering a great shock and has been locked in the cold palace for three or four years, living in a state of madness. I noticed her figure is somewhat similar to yours; both of us are thin and bony. That's why I used medicine to control the evil energy within her, turning her into this foolish woman and bringing her to the Eastern Palace to replace you. If you want to come back, I'll send her back. What does her life or death have to do with me?" Qingfeng suppressed his anger and recounted the whole story.

"Oh! I see! So she's doing better here than in the cold palace, right?" Leng Jie couldn't remain indifferent to seeing innocent people suffer for her sake. Although she was vengeful, she wasn't cold-blooded. In fact, she was a very compassionate and sensitive woman.

Qingfeng's anger was instantly extinguished by the worry, guilt, and self-reproach on Leng Jie's face. He eagerly answered her question:

"Of course! Although you're not favored by the Emperor, you're still in the Eastern Palace. Look at the furnishings in your room—every single item is priceless! The Emperor hasn't issued any decree to reduce your expenses; it's those arrogant, sycophantic lackeys who secretly embezzle your salary. That's why you get the same lavish food as the palace servants. The food in the Cold Palace isn't even as good as what the palace servants get. Not to mention, she's a madwoman. She's already incredibly lucky to have survived this long. The fact that she can live such a peaceful life now is her good fortune."

"Really? I thought the East Palace was the coldest palace, but I didn't expect there to be an even colder one! I'm relieved now." Relieved, Leng Jie went to the woman who had been feigning ignorance, took out a silver needle, picked up her packed bundle, and said "Flash!" to Qingfeng. Before Qingfeng could understand what "Flash" meant, she had already jumped out of the window.

Qingfeng shook his head, smiled wryly, and followed them out. He took the bundle from Leng Jie, slung it over his shoulder, and asked:

"You've been clamoring to come back all this time just for this package?"

"Otherwise, what do you think? Do you think I'm after the title of 'Foolish Empress'?" Leng Jie retorted.

"That's good. But, do you have anything else you need from Qingfeng Residence?"

"Uh! Besides having a full range of medicinal herbs, what else does your Qingfeng Residence have?"

"You like jewelry?"

"Sigh! I can tell you're someone who's never managed a household or lived a proper life. Let me give you a free lesson. 'Money isn't everything, but you can't do anything without it.' So, we must always be prepared for the worst and have a backup plan for ourselves."

......

[Main Text: Chapter Forty-Three: Displaying Talent Again]

As soon as Leng Jie and Qingfeng returned to Qingfeng Residence, Qing'er rushed up to greet them, calling out hurriedly:

"My lord, young master, you're finally back! The Emperor summons you, and Eunuch Fu has been sending people everywhere to look for you!"

"Go and tell the Emperor that we will be there shortly," Qingfeng instructed Qing'er as he hurried toward the guest room, carrying his bundle.

Qing'er responded with a "Yes" and walked towards the medicine hut.

Leng Jie jogged after Qingfeng, and after a few steps, she suddenly turned around and called out:

"Qing'er, wait a moment."

Qing'er and Qingfeng stopped at the same time, looking at her nervously and asking:

"What are your orders, young master?"

"Oh! Don't be nervous, I just wanted to ask if there's anything to eat? I'm starving!" Leng Jie said a little embarrassed.

Qingfeng and Qing'er both breathed a sigh of relief, then burst into laughter simultaneously. Qing'er smiled and said:

"Hehe. Young Master's morning treat has been placed on the table in Young Master's room as usual."

Seeing them laughing heartily, Leng Jie shrugged indifferently and dashed towards his room at top speed, heading straight for the food. You couldn't really blame her for being greedy; she'd been practicing martial arts since midnight, and six or seven hours had passed without a bite to eat or drink.

Qingfeng and Qing'er clicked their tongues in amazement again. After a moment, Qingfeng said to Qing'er:

"Qing'er, tell the Emperor that we will go there after we have used the medicine."

"But the Emperor is waiting for you two!" Isn't it said that the Emperor is the most important person in the world? How come it seems that eating is the most important thing for the masters of Qingfeng Residence? Qing'er reminded them anxiously.

"It's alright, just report what I said to the Emperor truthfully." Qingfeng suddenly felt that this Qing'er was just as difficult to deal with as her mistress. Of the dozens of people in Qingfeng Residence, only the two of them, mistress and servant, were not only unafraid of him, but also dared to question his words. Yet, he was actually able to patiently explain for her, something he himself hadn't even noticed.

When Qingfeng entered Leng Jie's guest room, Leng Jie had already devoured all the exquisite pastries and delicious millet porridge on the table. Qingfeng looked at the empty bowls and plates scattered across the table, then at Wuming, who was burping and clutching his stomach. He was speechless.

"You ate all of this? Did you throw it away?"

"Hey! Don't look at me like that! Everything here is all show and no substance, okay? Don't be fooled by the huge table of dishes; each plate only has a tiny piece of pastry, not even enough to fill a tooth gap. Luckily, the bowl of porridge is more substantial, but the taste is a bit off, a little strange."

"That bowl of porridge didn't taste good? I specially ordered the kitchen to make it for you because I saw that your health was too poor. Do you know how many precious medicinal herbs were added to that bowl of porridge? And you actually tell me it doesn't taste good?" Qingfeng said angrily.

"Oh! So it's Senior Brother's lovingly prepared nutritious porridge! Now that you mention it, I think it tastes amazing!" Leng Jie immediately changed her tune, then stuck out her tongue and licked her lips, making a look of lingering satisfaction.

Qingfeng was amused by her exaggerated expression, placed the bundle he was carrying on an empty chair, and said:

"Alright, quickly put away all your treasures, tidy yourself up, and come with me to the medicine hut to see the Emperor. I'll be waiting for you in the main hall." With that, he walked out and closed the door behind him.

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In the Qingfeng Pharmacy, the emperor couldn't stop laughing after Eunuch Fu reported on the morning court proceedings. How many years had it been since he'd laughed so happily? Especially in the three years since his ascension to the throne, he had diligently strived to become a wise ruler, working hard to bring benefits to his people. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, how dedicated he was, he remained constantly constrained by others.

"Your Majesty, what makes you so happy?" Leng Jie and Qing Feng entered the room to find the Emperor smiling and staring at the doorway. Having met the Emperor several times, this was the first time they had seen him truly smile, a genuine smile from the heart. Leng Jie couldn't help but ask curiously.

"Is it because of what happened at the morning court session? Eunuch Fu must have already reported everything to you, that's why you were so excited, right?" Qingfeng seemed to be asking the emperor, but in reality, he was trying to answer Wuming's question.

The emperor laughed excitedly, "Haha, yes, just thinking about those old bastards who always challenge me, lying there taking a beating, makes me feel so relieved. Haha, it's so satisfying! By the way, when did Qingfeng learn to imitate my voice? And how do you know so much about those old bastards' family affairs?"

Qingfeng glanced at Leng Jie, as if asking if she should expose her. Leng Jie, however, rolled her eyes inwardly. Was this emperor really so easily satisfied? She had merely helped him punish his useless ministers a little; did he really need to be so excited? He must suffer just as much oppression as what she witnessed this morning. Her contempt and disdain unconsciously showed on her face. Seeing this, Qingfeng, fearing she might say something to provoke the emperor again, quickly changed the subject:

"You've only been thinking about finding fault with their politics, so it's normal that you haven't considered starting with their family affairs. I was pushed to the limit by them, and in a moment of anger, I said I would punish them. I didn't expect that these seemingly trivial matters unrelated to politics would be enough to terrify them so much. If I had known they would so willingly accept punishment, I would have given them dozens more strokes."

"Please, don't be so naive, okay? Do you think they'd leave any evidence for you to use against them in something important?" Leng Jie said in a tone of exasperation, "Don't be too happy yet. Just you wait. If you beat them up today, they'll all pretend to be sick and skip court tomorrow to give you a hard time."

"Oh yes! What should we do then? We can't let the affairs of state fall into disarray! If all the officials boycott the court, then the world will be in chaos. Once the world is in chaos, the neighboring countries that are eyeing us with covetous eyes will definitely take the opportunity to invade. When war breaks out, it will still be the poor people who suffer!" After Leng Jie's reminder, the emperor's happiness was immediately replaced by worry.

This is the root cause of why he was always bound hand and foot and subject to others. Every time he wanted to use his imperial power to suppress someone, a large group of people would stand up and demand to be punished together, or they would collectively threaten to resign. He knew they were deliberately threatening him, and he was so angry that he wanted to chop them all down with one blow, but for the sake of the greater good, he always tried his best to endure it.

Seeing that the emperor wasn't worried about his own throne, but genuinely concerned about the suffering of the common people, Leng Jie's prejudice against him lessened somewhat. Since she was the one who caused this trouble, she naturally felt obligated to clean up the mess for him. She thought for a moment and said to the emperor:

"You are the emperor, you have supreme imperial power, so don't hold back at a time like this."

Xuanyuan shook his head and smiled bitterly. If imperial power could control those old fogies, would he have waited until now? Besides, he wished he could drag all those old bastards who only took money and did nothing to the Meridian Gate and have them executed by slow slicing. Would he show them any mercy? That would be absurd!

Seeing that the emperor only smiled bitterly and remained silent, Leng Jie knew he was still not enlightened, so she continued:

"Aren't those who attend the morning court session the highest-ranking officials in their respective departments? They're not the ones doing the actual work, are they? So, even if none of them were here, wouldn't everyone's life still go on, and wouldn't the earth still keep turning?"

Does this have anything to do with daily life? And what is Earth? The Emperor and Qingfeng stared at her, even more confused.

Seeing that they still didn't understand, Leng Jie sighed inwardly, wanting to cry out to the heavens, "Heavens! Are they really that stupid, or are they deliberately testing my patience?!"

"Junior brother, if you have a solution, just say it clearly! Don't leave us guessing with only half the story," Qingfeng urged.

The emperor, not to be outdone, continued, "Yes, Wuming, stop beating around the bush. Get to the point."

"That was the key point I just made, but you just couldn't understand," Leng Jie thought helplessly. She had originally intended to enlighten the Emperor and Qingfeng, letting them come up with their own solutions. Because she really didn't want to appear too special in front of the Emperor. But it seemed they were like two lanterns made of the finest rhinoceros hide—impossible to light.

"You only need to issue an imperial edict right now, saying that all those who were punished today, if their bodies can't handle it, are allowed to rest at home for three months, and their work will be replaced by subordinates. Three months is enough time for any position to be completely replaced. I believe none of them would dare to take that risk. Even if someone does dare to break the law, you can take the opportunity to promote new people. This way, you can show your imperial benevolence and achieve your desired goal. And to keep their positions, they will crawl to the morning court even if they have to." Leng Jie poured out the method and its effects in one breath.

"What a brilliant plan! What a brilliant plan! Young Master Wuming, you are truly a genius! You can come up with such a good idea with just a blink of an eye." The eunuch Fu, who had just entered the room, exclaimed in amazement.

The Emperor and Qingfeng were both stunned by her effortless and commanding presence. If her previous astonishing performances only revealed her as a straightforward and intelligent young man, today's display was enough to prove her extraordinary and unique abilities.

Xuanyuan Zhengzhong stared at her for a moment, then turned to Eunuch Fu and said, "Eunuch Fu, go and draft the decree now!" "Yes, this old servant obeys!"

Watching Eunuch Fu leave the medicine hut, Xuanyuan turned to Leng Jie and asked:

"How did Wuming get into the palace? I heard from Eunuch Fu that when you rescued me, you were dressed as a eunuch. Is that true?"

What's going on? Are they discarding a useful tool after it's served its purpose? Are they dredging up old grievances? Leng Jie and Qing Feng stared at each other intently!

[Main Text: Chapter Forty-Four - Settling Accounts After the Autumn Harvest]

What was his intention in asking that? Was he going to discard the donkey after it had served its purpose? But the millstone hadn't even been turned yet! Had he discovered something? People say serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, and it's certainly true! Leng Jie met the emperor's gaze with a questioning look. What exactly are you trying to say?

“You know Wuming doesn’t know martial arts. If he wants to come to the palace to find me, what else can he do but disguise himself as a eunuch?” Qingfeng answered the emperor before Leng Jie could.

Xuanyuan ignored Qingfeng's explanation, his narrowed eyes fixed on the astonished Wuming. This was the first time he had seen surprise on Wuming's somewhat immature face. He couldn't help but sigh, "So, besides your arrogant and disdainful expressions, you can also show surprise?"

"Does Your Majesty intend to settle scores later?" Since she was already in a bind, Leng Jie composed herself and asked directly.

Xuanyuan's eyes narrowed even more, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up. He asked teasingly:

"Oh! Does Wuming think you owe me something? How come I don't know? Does Qingfeng know?"

Wuming and Qingfeng exchanged a glance, then simultaneously turned to the Emperor.

The emperor's face was as cold as frost, his gaze was ruthless and sinister, and his tone suddenly turned icy as he spoke:

"I just want to know why you appeared in my Longmen branch altar? I don't think you knew I was in trouble and came to rescue me, did you? I left the palace suddenly that day, and even the Shadow Guards and Eunuch Fu didn't know where I went, so you have no reason to know! Moreover, as far as I know, you brought me back to the palace through a secret passage, right? How did you discover the secret passage? When did you discover it?"

So it really was about bringing up old grievances! To hold back for ten days before asking, that takes real depth! Having figured out the details, Leng Jie answered decisively:

"First, I did indeed disguise myself as a eunuch and sneak into the palace, and I did so on your wedding day by following the wedding procession."

Secondly, the fact that I was able to save you that night was purely by chance.

Thirdly, I discovered that secret passage one night while following a suspicious man. I was admiring the night view of the palace when I suddenly saw a man climb over the back wall of the West Palace. Thinking he was an assassin or something, I followed him out of curiosity. He disappeared behind the artificial hill, and that's when I discovered the secret passage. Later, my senior brother and I unintentionally rescued Qing'er. To avoid causing trouble for him, I wanted to take Qing'er out of the palace. It would be difficult for him to use his light-footed skills to carry both of us out of the palace, bypassing the guards. So, I suggested we take that secret passage. But who knew that passage would lead to your Dragon Gate? If I had known, I wouldn't have been a good person. Anyway, Qing'er has nothing to do with us; let your concubine kill her!"

Xuanyuan had been bedridden for days, but his mind hadn't been idle. He wanted to give Wuming a more important position, so naturally he would have sent people to thoroughly investigate his background. However, he was still a step too late. While he was unconscious, Qingfeng and Wuming had already devised a pretext and made ample preparations. By the time his men went to investigate, clues about Wuming had already been left in the inns and taverns along the route from Wuyou Valley to the capital.

Qingfeng deliberately ignored Leng Jie, punishing her by confining her to her room and forbidding her from going to the East Palace. This was also because he understood the Emperor. He knew the Emperor had developed an interest in Wuming and would definitely have someone secretly watching and observing her. Last night, he had finally managed to use medicine to get rid of the spy Dingzi, allowing him to take her to the maple forest to help her open her meridians. He just hadn't expected that after only a few hours away from his surveillance, the Emperor would immediately lose his temper and ask directly.

Fortunately, Leng Jie's answers, a mix of truth and falsehood, were perfectly reasonable and flawless. Not only did Xuan Yuan completely believe her, but even Qing Feng, who knew everything, was misled into thinking that this explanation was the truth.

The emperor's expression suddenly warmed, a strange light flashed in his eyes, and his voice became unusually gentle as he asked:

"So you're saying Nameless was very successful at disguising himself as a eunuch, and no one recognized him? Did Nameless find disguising himself as a eunuch fun?"

That one glance sent a chill down Leng Jie's spine. Coupled with the sudden gentleness of the voice, "There's a conspiracy!" Leng Jie thought to herself. Sure enough, before she could answer "It's not fun," the emperor continued:

"So, Wuming thinks attending the morning court session is fun, right?"