TBR CH145

Chapter 145: Full Court Fragrance – “The Seventh Prince has come to surrender.”

In the volatile political landscape, situations can turn very quickly.

It was like a damp, drizzling rain, with rumors clinging to people’s skin, spreading unrest throughout the city through street and alley discussions. Prince Duan, who had claimed illness a few days ago, was now completely recovered and conspicuously sent gifts to the Chancellor’s residence for his recuperation. Meanwhile, the Eastern Palace now reflected the atmosphere of Prince Duan’s residence from a few days prior, appearing utterly lifeless.

Everyone believed that the truth of the case was about to come to light.

People whispered: Of course, the case is never as simple as it seems. Have you heard? I wouldn’t dare to speak ill of imperial relatives. But the color of the seal ink, the handkerchief found at the scene, the suddenly vocal witnesses—these are the true faces of the case. Stimulating, complex, and self-destructive, all evidence points to the most unlikely person—

And this person, residing in the Eastern Palace, was now grinding his teeth from the unjustly imposed charges.

No one could say for sure whether a drunken official first leaked the case’s progress to the public, or if the people from Dali Temple (Court of Judicial Review) first verified the rumors one by one. The case’s progress was like a broken bamboo. All previous evidence was exposed as a facade, and the ultimate culprit pointed almost directly to the current Crown Prince.

And before he could even defend himself, the young attendant who had always served him jumped into a well and committed suicide. This incident, for some unknown reason, spread throughout the capital without concealment, almost as if he feared his master’s blame after the truth came out, further confirming the suspicion.

Chu Huaicun sat in the main seat of the deliberation hall, his expression indifferent. He had just washed his hair, which now hung down, ink-black and slightly damp. Coupled with the recent rumors of Chancellor Chu’s life hanging by a thread, it made the kneeling messenger, who had come to deliver a message, unable to resist secretly raising his eyes, perceiving a nearly illusory sense of fragility about Chancellor Chu.

However, Chu Huaicun slowly lowered his eyelashes and tore up the secretly delivered letter.

The razor-sharp chill emanating from him far surpassed that slight, insignificant weakness. The fine Xuan paper made a sound like tearing silk as it was ripped. Instead, the messenger’s face was as pale as if severely ill, and he gritted his teeth:

“Chancellor Chu, please understand, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince means no offense whatsoever. His Highness asked me to inform Chancellor Chu that he is, no matter what, wholeheartedly with you. Please, Chancellor Chu, do not believe the instigation of villains.”

“Instigation?”

Chu Huaicun’s voice was devoid of emotion, seemingly only finding it amusing: “Does His Royal Highness the Crown Prince mean that his people did not secretly investigate my advisors, nor did they hold grudges over past events? I wouldn’t say I can’t believe that, but my advisor has already been imprisoned due to the Eastern Palace’s old accounts, and what is his attitude towards that evidence now… unable to defend himself?”

The messenger trembled, momentarily at a loss.

Chu Huaicun, however, chuckled softly, the amusement thinly spread over his eyes: “You may go. Go back and tell your master that his fault lies not in ambition, but merely in being too foolish.”

Although Chancellor Chu was also human, as he stood in his snow-white robes, with the jingle of jade pendants at his waist and the faint sound of his boots on the floor as he approached, the messenger’s cold sweat still soaked his entire back, as if facing a beast. The beast moved with agile steps and a calm demeanor, not intending to strike him down now, but the scent of blood still lurked behind sharp fangs, beneath his dignified attire.

The messenger left too hastily, almost tripping over the doorstep.

Chu Huaicun calmly averted his gaze.

His character was not inherently malicious, but dealing with outsiders always required some means. Now, the situation in the capital had suddenly reversed. The Crown Prince, like a stray dog, begged for his protection. Logically, he had an obligation to help the other party. No matter how the evidence sprouted like mushrooms after rain, Chu Huaicun knew that the Eastern Palace truly lacked the courage, and would not dare to play intricate games at this time.

In the succession struggle several years ago, he chose the Third Prince to ascend to the position of Crown Prince, valuing his ambition but lack of intellect, making him easy to control. Finding such a suitable person among the Emperor’s sons was not easy, especially at this point.

But Chu Huaicun was very open-minded about this.

If anyone were in his position, they would probably not make the decision he did. A towering building is not built in a day, but its collapse can happen in an instant. Chu Huaicun knew who had the current situation under control. The Emperor might be watching all this from behind with his dim eyes. The mastermind hoped he would leave the stage early so they could reap the benefits, but—

Ji Ying decided to step onto the stage.

They only had time for a few brief words exchanged during social banquets. Ji Ying approached silently, a small, unfathomable shadow concealed beneath his deep purple official robes. As they brushed past each other, Ji Ying looked at his palm, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible. He seemed unsure himself if he could persuade Chu Huaicun.

He even appeared very suspicious of their relationship, hesitating to grasp Chu Huaicun’s hand.

If it were before, a person like Ji Ying would have approached Chu Huaicun regardless of everything, trying every possible way to find opportunities for intimate contact. But now it was different, especially in a hurried moment, when things seemed to have settled, and they had to be separated for several days. Chancellor Chu looked straight ahead, almost walking past him.

Ji Ying suddenly panicked, wanting to withdraw his hand again, yet seemingly deliberately touched the other’s palm.

His voice then followed, tight and strained. He wanted to be very convincing, but the actual effect was surprisingly terrible. His teeth pressed a white mark on his lip, and he whispered:

“I know this is hard to believe, but between the Crown Prince and Prince Duan, I must win. I cannot let His Majesty grow suspicious, just wait and see…”

He didn’t have time to finish his sentence before their close proximity was declared over. Ji Ying quickly adjusted his expression, assuming the arrogant, unruly demeanor of a treacherous official, his face pale, as if being with his sworn enemy was unbearable for him. People were too far away to see the faint crimson spreading on his lips.

Even Ji Ying didn’t know the effect of his words.

Only Chu Huaicun knew, and Chu Huaicun had an open black book on his knee. This book had probably cultivated into a spirit, with swirling ink constantly floating on it. Chu Huaicun seemed to ponder something, paused for a moment, and then spoke.

“Whatever he wants to do, I’ll do it with him.”

This was originally a very simple matter, but for someone in his position, it was difficult to easily put all his chips on another person. Chu Huaicun smiled calmly:

“Since I have already affirmed him, what is the need for doubt and suspicion? I know Ji Ying will not harm me, and I also know that even if something happens to me, he will handle the people in the Chancellor’s residence well—”

The black book had practically gone on a business trip and finally stabilized this precarious small world. As long as no major mishaps occurred, this world would temporarily avoid destruction.

But it still hadn’t anticipated that its host, who had previously righteously accused it of having only emotional relationships in its mind, would so quickly find the person it affirmed. Moreover, Chu Huaicun, who appeared to be the coldest and sharpest villain, was even more insane when in love than others.

Ji Ying’s actions at this time were tantamount to putting him at a disadvantage.

The Eastern Palace had, after all, been with Chancellor Chu the longest. Although the Crown Prince had some convoluted thoughts, he was still within Chu Huaicun’s control. Even if the Crown Prince had to bear some responsibility for the current situation, Chancellor Chu, in desperation, should protect him.

Chu Huaicun tapped the book page with his finger: “You think I shouldn’t listen to him?”

The black book hesitated for a moment: “That’s not it, but you’ve already considered the worst possible outcome. Have you ever thought—”

“I’ve thought about how my life would pass,” Chu Huaicun whispered, interrupting the black book’s half-written words. His voice sounded like a contained sword edge, carrying an indescribable sharpness. “Ambitious, immensely powerful. Before that person disappeared in the sea of fire, I never thought of taking such a path. All I sought was to find him. A hundred battles on the battlefield, stirring up chaos—all of this was not meaningless to me, but it wasn’t the ultimate answer. I once thought, if I found him, I would make him famous throughout the world again, return to being that radiant Young Master Lin. I would give him the best of everything. But I also thought about what would be left if I couldn’t find him.”

“I would support the Eastern Palace to ascend, and he would only act according to my will. I would become the ambitious villain recorded in historical records, perhaps dying ignominiously, and my faction would scatter like birds and beasts after my death, leaving behind a wicked reputation as a treacherous official.”

Chu Huaicun curled his lips, the expression on his face suddenly like the swordsman boy from many years ago, and he smiled:

“If such an ending is meaningless to me, what is a mere position in the Eastern Palace worth? What I seek, though worth a thousand gold, is not even a fraction of it; what I do not seek, I cast aside like worn-out shoes, without regret.”

If those sycophants who had been immersed in officialdom for many years were to hear Chancellor Chu’s words, their expressions would surely be a sight to behold.

The black book honestly said “Oh,” and then couldn’t help but ask:

“Then what does this have to do with Ji Ying? Do you think he is… No, you haven’t found the person you’re looking for, otherwise I should have noticed. But, since that’s the case—”

“The person I’m looking for is the most noble gentleman in the world, someone who cared for me gently like an elder brother. I am still alive now, thanks to him, and I will never give up finding him.”

Chu Huaicun said softly, his words firm. “And Ji Ying is the person I choose to love. No matter who he is, what secrets and pain he holds, whether he has a bad reputation or a bad temper, I will not regret my current decision. I know what you want to ask me, and I have been thinking, and I have been watching.”

His voice grew softer and softer, almost turning into a murmur, yet his expression became brighter, like ice and snow, like a blade.

“Could they be the same person?”

This was an utterly absurd statement. Anyone pulled off the street could see that these two people had no similarities whatsoever. One was the infinitely pure moonlight in Chu Huaicun’s memory; the other might not even be considered a shadow. But the difference was that Chu Huaicun was not a random passerby. When he uttered these words, he suddenly felt relieved, as if even his soul had lightened considerably.

Chu Huaicun trusted his intuition.

But when it came to his “white moonlight,” he always seemed unable to calm down. Now, finally uttering this almost incoherent guess under the witness of a certain—a certain book, even someone as composed as Chancellor Chu momentarily held his breath, slightly out of breath. The youthful nature in his heart suddenly surged up, and he hastily lowered his eyelashes.

Otherwise, his ice-like cheeks would also be blushing.

The atmosphere was just right. Even the black book in Chu Huaicun’s hand was reluctant to disturb it, but it had spent a lot of time repairing the world framework, not just idling away on a vacation.

“Actually,” if the Way of Heaven had a heartbeat, it would probably be pounding now, saying somewhat nervously,

“Actually, the reason I came to you this time is because I have broken through my previous limitations. That is to say, erm, although it seems a bit sudden, I don’t know if you’re ready. But for the answer to this question, if it’s merely a yes or no, I might be able to try and tell you.”

“No need,” Chu Huaicun raised his eyes again, looking gently forward:

“…I told him I would see for myself.”

The black book clearly hadn’t anticipated such a result. It felt it bore an important responsibility and had already prepared to announce solemnly, but unexpectedly, it died before it even started its mission.

It had just written a vertical line on the white paper, which now rapidly faded, the handwriting becoming a bit stiff.

“I apologize,” Chu Huaicun’s expression carried a hint of apology, “It’s not that I don’t trust you. Regarding him, I’ve already taken a wrong path once. I want to be more careful. I must recognize him myself; only then will everything have meaning. Moreover, do you mean… you can only tell me if the answer to this question is yes or no? If you could tell me where he is, I would try, no matter what.”

The black book slowly understood a half-beat later.

Indeed, the significant breakthrough it could currently make was merely to give a definitive answer to Chu Huaicun’s question. But in the current situation, no matter the answer, Chu Huaicun would not change his attitude.

Then, it was better to return the power of recognizing the other person to him.

The black book awkwardly convinced itself, its handwriting remaining still for a long time. But the Way of Heaven was ultimately somewhat divine. For example, holding it in his hand, Chu Huaicun naturally perceived its frustration, paused for a moment, and then spoke to comfort it:

“If not for you, I would still be trapped in false illusions, controlled by transferred emotions. Although you said this world is bound by laws and you cannot function as you used to, even so, didn’t you still try to unravel it? And you succeeded.”

Although Chu Huaicun was the villain with the most destiny points in this world, his attitude towards entities within his sphere of influence was not bad. However, he was born with an indifferent and aloof nature and did not deal with matters of gods and ghosts. When comforting the black book, his actions remained unchanged, making him seem distant, yet inexplicably reassuring.

The black book enjoyed it for a while, finally waking up from a long dream, and then remembered another important matter:

“Didn’t I say before that the system’s laws in this world are different from the small worlds I’ve experienced before?”

The black book in Chu Huaicun’s hand flipped a few pages, and ink began to appear again, swishing. “Of course, you’ve done quite well so far, but I have a special task to entrust to you. Only then can the system here be completely crushed.”

The Imperial Palace tea poisoning case had been under investigation for some time, with Chancellor Chu’s stance remaining hidden behind the scenes.

Silence also represented an attitude. For example, as more and more physical and human evidence was discovered, and Prince Duan’s suspicion was gradually cleared with Ji Ying’s help, the Eastern Palace became the target of public criticism. The Crown Prince grew increasingly sensitive and irritable, gradually realizing that his flaws were becoming more apparent, to the point that he even began to doubt himself.

“Uncle,” his expression was fluctuating and grim, completely lacking the brilliance of that celebration banquet, “Tell me the truth, you knew about Mr. Fang’s matter very early on. Could it be that you truly disliked Chancellor Chu because of this, and also believed that even a meticulous plan could have an oversight…”

At this point, saying these things was futile.

Prince Pingjiang’s face was also very grim. He silently endured the Crown Prince’s anger, his expression also becoming solemn, as if regretting something he had done earlier. As for whether this matter was poisoning, retaliation against Mr. Fang, or unintentionally leaking the news, it was unknown.

If the Eastern Palace became Chancellor Chu’s pawn, for Chancellor Chu, it should have been an unprofitable deal. The Crown Prince thought so, but he clearly realized that he was not irreplaceable. In the succession struggle years ago, Prince Duan was not the only one to be unseated. Although His Majesty’s other children were not in the capital, were there really few people who wanted to climb Chu Huaicun’s high branch?

It was merely a nominal position of luxury and wealth, requiring no special talent or ability.

Only obedience was needed.

For Chancellor Chu, his silence at this time was undoubtedly a warning. The Eastern Palace’s unclean hands had created a rift with Chancellor Chu, which clearly violated the principle of obedience. The Crown Prince thought blankly, but it shouldn’t be like this, it couldn’t be like this. He must still have a chance. This completely depended on Chu Huaicun’s whim, but, after all, it had been years of cultivation…

The more he pondered, the less confident he became. But the more the Eastern Palace lost its composure, the more triumphant Prince Duan became.

He relied more and more on Ji Ying, even beginning to suspect that Ji Ying was the mastermind behind the poisoning. Otherwise, how could he have given such brilliant ideas, and how could the evidence be so irrefutable?

In any case, Ji Ying was indeed a very useful strategist. The current situation was advancing with unstoppable force, and Ji Ying’s psychological defenses seemed to be slowly breaking down under his influence. He began to express his suffering from being with His Majesty, and Prince Duan’s attitude became increasingly gentle.

This contest involving both factions seemed to have a winner and a loser.

Except for one thing. Except that on an early summer morning, before the sun had begun to fiercely cast its rays on the earth, a sedan chair quietly arrived at the Chancellor’s residence. The sedan chair was of the most ordinary style, appearing unremarkable, and although its use was unusual, it perfectly matched the personality displayed by its owner.

“His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince,” Chu Huaicun’s voice remained cool as he raised his eyes. “Your Highness and I are not well acquainted. This visit, I wonder about its purpose, is there an important matter to discuss?”

The Seventh Prince’s face was still pale. Standing in the slowly rising sun, he looked dim and unremarkable. He stood awkwardly in the Chancellor’s residence’s reception hall, as if having made a great decision:

“Chancellor Chu needs a suitable candidate at this time,” he said, raising his eyes to gauge Chu Huaicun’s expression. “I boldly guess that Chancellor Chu is hesitating whether to abandon the Eastern Palace… To be frank, Chancellor Chu, my situation is even worse than yours. Prince Duan and I arrived in the capital at the same time, but when comparing me to Prince Duan, both Father Emperor and Lord Ji have almost forgotten my existence. We are brothers, and it’s not a pipe dream for me. After all, our statuses are similar. If Chancellor Chu is interested, I think—can Chancellor Chu consider me as an alternative?”

Indeed.

“I will be obedient and never overstep my bounds,” he continued to state his advantages, his eyes nervously, involuntarily fixed on his toes. “With my current influence, Chancellor Chu can rest assured.”

Chu Huaicun’s mind was clear, his face calm and unperturbed. He said softly, as if he had long anticipated it:

“Oh, the Seventh Prince has come to surrender.”