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Erlinzi shook his head, his expression unusually grave: "Those five people died on the spot, without any confession or markings on their bodies. We can only speculate that they were from the Xuanming Palace based on their martial arts style during the fight."

"Xuanming Palace?" That's a cool name.

"Yes, the Xuanming Palace only appeared in the martial arts world a year ago. It is famous for its assassinations. The organization and its members are very mysterious. No one knows their true identities, their exact locations, or their methods of operation. It is only said that if you want to hire them to assassinate someone, the price is very high, and the success rate of their assassinations is also very high."

Mu Qinglin's story became increasingly fantastical, but I grew more and more alarmed: "Was my elder brother also their assassination target? Wasn't he in great danger? Also, how did they know we went to Qianzuiju that day? If they failed the first time, wouldn't they try again and again?"

The more questions I asked, the more frightened I became, as if the man in black could appear at any moment and stab the fox with his sword. But the dragon fox patted my head lightly and laughed, "They want to kill me? Do you think it's that easy?"

I looked the dragon fox up and down in disbelief. He had fair and delicate skin, and although he had invisible guards protecting him, I still felt uneasy. How come he didn't seem worried at all?

"So, have you found out who wanted to assassinate Big Brother? Was it that Second Prince?" Since we can't take down the Xuanming Palace's lair in the short term, finding out the enemy hiding in the shadows is the most crucial thing.

Clouds Drunk and Moon Slightly Sleeping (Revised Edition) Volume One: When We Met, We Were All Joyful, and Rumors Circulated

Chapter word count: 2727 Update time: 08-12-20 15:51

gossip

The two fell silent for a moment, then Mu Qinglin shook his head: "I can't be too sure."

“If something happens to my elder brother, the missing Second Prince will undoubtedly be the biggest beneficiary. If he reappears at the right time, coupled with his remaining influence in court, then seizing the throne will be a matter of course. Han Xuanqi has been on the Second Prince's side from the beginning, and we recently dealt with his son-in-law's matter. How could he not know that my elder brother wants to get rid of him? Under such circumstances, it's not impossible for him and the Second Prince to resort to desperate measures. Judging from the motives behind the events, the Second Prince and Han Xuanqi are the most likely culprits.” I analyzed slowly, seeing Long Fox and Er Linzi nod in agreement. Wow, you're really putting on a good show! You thought of everything I did?

"Whether they did it or not, those two are still a thorn in our side and must be removed. In that case, let's completely shatter their ambitions for the throne. If it wasn't them, then the forces behind them are even more terrifying, since we were completely unaware. So even if we deal with the Second Prince and Han Xuanxiu, we can't consider this matter over. Eldest brother and second brother need to be even more careful." I saw a hint of admiration in Long Huli and Er Linzi's eyes as they looked at me. Heh, actually, you already had a plan in mind, you just wanted to hear my opinion.

"In your opinion, Third Brother, how can we completely eliminate their spying intentions?" Er Linzi's eyes gleamed with naked anticipation and excitement.

I looked at the fox with some hesitation; his eyes were bright and black, blinking. "Fox, don't look at me like that. These past few days, when I had nothing to do, I analyzed the assassin's situation and thought about the missing second prince. In the end, I even came up with a terrible idea for you, but you might be angry and unable to accept it."

"Well, I've thought of a way, but I don't know if my elder brother will agree. Also, after listening to me, elder brother, you can't be angry or punish me, otherwise I won't tell you even if you beat me to death." I looked at the dragon fox pitifully, and after seeing him nod affirmatively, I slowly said, "The saying 'preventing the people from speaking is more difficult than preventing a river from overflowing' means that gossip can be terrifying. Rumors can sometimes be the strongest shield, and sometimes the sharpest spear. What we need to do is make the rumors become the spears that pierce the Second Prince. Among all the rumors, those that deny the Second Prince's royal bloodline are undoubtedly the sharpest spears."

That was all I meant; clever as Fox and Erlinzi are, they naturally understood my meaning. Fox was deep in thought, his eyes growing profound, and I could clearly sense a chill in his gaze. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Was he blaming me for being too cruel to his brother? Was he blaming me for disregarding the dignity of the royal family? Or did he think I was too ruthless? But wasn't all of this because of him? If I hadn't been worried about him getting hurt, why would I have devised such a vicious plan? He thought that doing this would make me feel better, that I could only be so cruel because I had never met the Second Prince.

I lowered my head and remained silent, my heart filled with grievance and sadness. After a while, I heard the dragon fox sigh above my head and gently pull me into his arms. I breathed in and out in his embrace, and the faint scent of ambergris on his body strangely calmed my heart.

The two of them remained silent for a long time.

I suddenly realized his behavior was strange and inappropriate. We were two grown men, why was he constantly hugging and cuddling me? Even if he was gay, his lover was Erlinzi. If anyone should be hugging or cuddling, it should be Erlinzi. Sure enough, after I stepped out of Longhuli's embrace, I saw a somewhat resentful look in Erlinzi's eyes. 5555, Erlinzi, I'm so sorry. A brother's wife is not to be trifled with. I promise I'll keep my distance from Longhuli from now on.

Longhu, Erlinzi, and I sat in the pavilion where Longhu had kept me behind for a lecture on my first day of court. Facing the lake and backed by the garden, a gentle breeze blew from the lake, and although it was summer, it wasn't hot. I carefully observed the surrounding scenery, then glanced at the two men sitting beside me. Time flies; almost four months had passed since I arrived. In those four months, my most important memories seemed to be connected to these two men.

One was the reigning emperor, the other a powerful minister wielding military authority. I always thought such people would be the hardest to confide in. But fortunately, they seemed different from the people in similar positions I'd seen on television before. They were incredibly open and sincere with me. I've never really thought about the reasons behind it; perhaps there truly is a connection between people. And how could I not be sincere and open with them in return?

The stone table in the pavilion was laden with all sorts of delicacies. It was the first time I had ever sat in a royal garden and enjoyed food prepared by the imperial chefs. I couldn't help but feel excited, and I secretly marveled at how incredibly skilled those chefs were! Fox, you should treat me and Erlinzi to meals more often in the future. It seems a bit of a waste to have so many chefs working for you alone.

While we enjoyed our meal, the fox calmly told us a story, a secret about the royal family. It turned out that before entering the palace, the Second Prince's mother, Consort Yu, was the most outstanding entertainer in the Han family. Once, the late emperor met Consort Yu at the Han family residence and fell in love with her at first sight. A month later, he brought her into the palace under the guise of being the daughter of a distant relative of Han Xuanqi, and from then on, she enjoyed all of the emperor's favor.

Nine months after entering the palace, Consort Yu gave birth to the second prince, which drew criticism from many ministers. However, the late emperor doted on her and never questioned it, attributing it to Consort Yu's weak constitution and premature birth. The late empress, however, investigated and discovered that Consort Yu had been pregnant before entering the palace. Lacking evidence to prove the second prince was not the late emperor's child, and having died young, the matter was dropped.

I suddenly recalled Zhang De's words: the late emperor doted on Consort Yu, who gave birth to the second prince but had no other children. Because the late emperor favored only Consort Yu, he didn't favor any other concubines, thus having only two sons. From childhood, the late emperor doted on the second prince, even considering deposing the crown prince and installing the second prince in his place several times, but all attempts failed until his death. Could it be that the late emperor was concerned about the second prince's bloodline due to his premature birth, which ultimately prevented him from deposing Long Xiangyu as crown prince? Otherwise, given the early death of his mother, the Empress Dowager, and his own lack of favor, how could he possibly compete with Consort Yu's influence?

After hearing the story, I sighed inwardly and looked around. This luxurious, magnificent palace, which so many people yearn for, how many know the hardships and cruelty within? How many people know the struggles within yet still yearn for it? The imperial family is the most ruthless place. The palace and gardens that I see now are peaceful and magnificent, perhaps only because there are no concubines or imperial heirs yet. Otherwise, I'm afraid it would be another battle of intrigue and bloodshed.

"Qianqian, I wasn't blaming you just now. It's just that listening to your idea reminded me of the past." This was the second time the fox had called me Qianqian. The first time, it was a tentative tone, but this time, it sounded natural and pleasant. I still prefer to be called Qianqian. After all, this name has been with me for over twenty years, and in this Dragon Yao Kingdom where I have no family, hearing someone call me Qianqian makes me feel especially warm and close.

Huh? Wait, what did the fox mean just now? Did he see all my thoughts, the sadness and dejection I felt in the Qianqing Hall, clearly and distinctly? Is this fox really as Yunfeng said, able to see through people?

Never mind, let me continue my rambling thoughts. Thinking of the TV series "War and Beauty" I watched, I can't help but worry about Er Linzi. The dragon and the fox will eventually marry and have children. Even if he loves you, Er Linzi, as emperor, he can't possibly have no heir to succeed him, right? It's just that you can't have children, Er Linzi. Alas, Er Linzi, how many concubines will you have to contend with in the future? Their open and covert attacks—no matter how skilled you are in martial arts, you'll probably be helpless. Add to that the pressure of societal norms; if the common people find out about your affair with the fox, you'll surely be drowned in their spittle. Alas, Er Linzi, your future is bleak.

Thinking of this, I glanced at the fox with a hint of sympathy, then at Erlinzi with deep sympathy. I picked up a large piece of Nine Treasure Duck with my chopsticks and placed it in Erlinzi's bowl, saying in the gentlest of words, "Qinglin, eat more!"

The fox looked utterly astonished, while Erlinzi blushed deeply. Sigh!

Clouds Drunk and the Moon Slightly Sleeping (Revised Edition) Volume One: When We Met, We Were All Joyful - Emperor Xian

Chapter word count: 2940 Update time: 08-12-20 15:52

Emperor Xian

Rumors about the Second Prince not being of the imperial bloodline spread throughout the capital. People, with their leisure time, naturally developed a penchant for gossip, and this time, being a palace secret, the rumors about the unattainable yet sacred imperial palace held a greater allure and mystery for the common people than ordinary gossip. They even carried an added air of solemnity and grandeur. Therefore, despite their fear and reluctance to discuss it openly, the rumors spread like wildfire. Within days, the entire capital knew of the matter.

Sometimes I think that if the Second Prince is a true descendant of the Dragon family, then my idea is somewhat immoral. But when I think that the person behind the assassination of the Dragon Fox is indeed the Second Prince, then what I did is nothing. After all, this rumor won't cost you, the Second Prince, your life.

At the same time, I offered Dragon Fox a few suggestions to help him win the hearts of the people. For example, all elderly people over seventy in Longyao Kingdom would be supported by the state, with each elderly person receiving five taels of silver annually, delivered twice a year by local governments at various levels. This expense wasn't too large, because I had roughly learned about Longyao Kingdom's household registration data from Gu Wenxiu. The backward living conditions and poor medical care meant that very few elderly people lived to seventy. Although the national treasury's expenditure was small, the public response was surprisingly positive. By extending this principle of "respecting the elderly as one would one's own parents," Dragon Fox's image instantly became one of filial piety, benevolence, and wisdom. Another example was exempting only sons for three generations from military service. Well, in this country, achieving three generations of only sons is even more difficult, but protecting the interests of this extremely small minority earned Dragon Fox a reputation for loving the people.

Every time a yellow proclamation was issued announcing the court's reform policies, the Dragon Fox always insisted that it be mentioned that this benevolent act was proposed and persuaded to the Emperor by the current Prime Minister, the Drunken Young Master. Just like the last imperial examination incident, I still don't understand why the Fox always drags me into these proclamations. But undoubtedly, my image among the people has become increasingly virtuous and noble. For a time, when people mentioned the Emperor and the wise Prime Minister, they were all filled with gratitude, and scholars and literati flocked to see me. I, of course, had Zhang De intercept them all outside the Yun Mansion. It is said that many people sighed: If they could meet the Drunken Young Master, their lives would be complete!

At the same time, I suggested in court that the entire Longyao Kingdom's tea, salt, grain, silver, and trade with neighboring countries be bought out by the imperial court. This so-called buyout is quite similar to a monopoly. The prices of these goods would be uniformly set by the state. Any merchant wishing to act as an agent for these goods must purchase them from a special agency of the imperial court and sell them at the prices stipulated by the court. Any merchant found to have purchased goods privately or raised prices privately would be severely punished. This measure would not only guarantee basic prices but also bring ample silver to the national treasury.

Not only did Dragon Fox immediately agree to the suggestion, but even old man Gu Wenxiu praised it repeatedly. After four months of getting along, I could more or less sense the change in Gu Wenxiu's attitude towards me, as well as his loyalty to the Longyao Kingdom. The effect of Gu Wenxiu's increasing respect for me was something I hadn't anticipated at first. Apart from those surnamed Han who had signed their names, all the other civil officials were respectful and trusting of me. Coupled with Dragon Fox's unwavering approval of my suggestions and Mu Qinglin's effusive praise, for a time, all matters, large and small, in the entire court were decided by my words. Seeing the prevailing trend, Han Xuanqi dared not openly oppose me. I felt increasingly powerful and influential in the Longyao Kingdom.

By temporarily entrusting the monopoly affairs to Gu Wenxiu, and with the previous control of the State Treasury and the State Grain Administration, Han Xuanqi's real power was actually limited to criminal justice, land, rivers, water conservancy, and civil engineering projects.

So I gave Longhuli another terrible idea: to lease the right to use idle state-owned land to ordinary people for farming. Those who wished to lease would sign a three-year contract with the court, paying a fixed annual rent plus a certain amount of grain tax. After three years, they would have the right of first refusal to renew the contract. This was a win-win situation. The court's annual revenue would be guaranteed, and the wasteland, due to the low annual rent, would be cultivated. If it became good farmland after three years, the rent could be increased. For the people, it was an unprecedented benefit. After paying rent and grain tax, the rest of the rented land would be theirs. Who wouldn't be enthusiastic? Who wouldn't cherish those seedlings like their own treasures? With fertilization, pest control, irrigation, and sunlight, the yield per acre would naturally increase significantly.

After hearing this, the dragon fox smiled and nodded in agreement, and then wrote my name, Young Master Qianzui, on the yellow list again. I was utterly dumbfounded. Fox, you don't use your brain or put in any effort, all you do is think about is putting my name on the yellow list. What the hell are you trying to do?

"Brother, I've been helping you make money and win people's hearts lately. How are you going to thank me?" I mumbled, biting into a large shrimp, while secretly plotting something.

"Oh? What does Third Brother want?" The dragon fox looked at me leisurely.

"You want a reward again? You want a reward again? Many of the ideas you came up with are things that our elder brother has already thought of." Er Linzi showed that incredulous expression again, and his voice became somewhat incredulous as well.

I slammed my chopsticks down with a loud "bang," gritting my teeth as I said, "Erlinzi, are you jealous that I'm smarter than you? What do you mean, 'Big Brother also thought of that'? If Big Brother thought of it, why didn't he implement it himself? Even if Big Brother really did think of it, I was the one who brought it up, not you. Just for that, I'm much better than you. Don't you think Big Brother should reward me handsomely? Besides, if Big Brother rewards me, it's his stuff, you won't lose anything. When did you become so stingy and petty?" Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed into my mind, and I immediately leaned closer to Erlinzi with a sly look on my face. "Erlinzi, are you still angry that I barged into the Qianqing Hall last time and ruined your and Big Brother's plans?"