Chapter 41 "I am incompetent; I cannot blend in with the world..."

Ji Chengning rarely came to the palace at night.

As he grows older and is an outsider, although he enjoys the favor of being allowed to enter the palace at any time, he should learn to avoid suspicion.

He has always done this very well. In the past ten years, there have been no exceptions except for the few times when His Highness was seriously ill and deliriously called his name, and he rushed into the palace without regard for day or night.

Therefore, Ji Chengnin was somewhat dazed when he stepped into the palace gate with Qin Min.

The gilded tiles gleamed in the daylight, the red walls stood majestically, and the officials of the fourth rank and above, dressed in purple robes and scarlet robes, who had been surrounded by their retinues, had all vanished. All was quiet except for the sound of the wind and footsteps passing through the passageway.

Even a mass grave wouldn't be this quiet.

The glass lamp in the palace maid's hand emitted a faint light, illuminating a small patch of the path ahead, like a will-o'-the-wisp.

He, on the other hand, is a wandering ghost about to be banished to the underworld.

Qin Min glanced at Ji Chengning out of the corner of his eye.

The young marquis, who usually had no one to chat with and could talk for a mile on his own, was unusually silent.

Perhaps the light was too dim, blurring many details on people's faces. Qin Min suddenly realized that the young Marquis Ji's features were becoming more and more defined, and he was gradually starting to look like a grown man.

Ji Chengning noticed someone was watching him, and his dark eyes glanced to the side.

Their eyes met briefly.

Qin Min was momentarily terrified.

However, that fierce yet nonchalant glance seemed to be just his imagination. In the blink of an eye, Ji Chengning continued walking forward without looking to the side.

Is it just my imagination?

It must be an illusion.

Qin Min's heart pounded.

Otherwise, how could Ji Chengnin, a spoiled brat who relies on his family background and the emperor's favor to act arrogantly, possess such an imposing sharpness?

He lowered his head, no longer glancing at Ji Chengning, and led him to Xingqing Palace.

The stone foundation of Xingqing Hall is much higher than that of other halls, and it faces Chengji Hall, the main hall where the emperor held court. Standing on the jade platform in front of Xingqing Hall, one can have a panoramic view of the entire capital city of Luoyang.

When Ji Chengning accompanied Ji Lin to banquets at Xingqing Palace in the past, he always thought the place was extremely beautiful, with its magnificent buildings and high vantage points offering a panoramic view that was very refreshing.

However, he had been traveling for the past two days and had not missed any training. Even though Young Master Ji was in the prime of his life, he felt tired.

A sharp pain shot through Ji Chengning's calves, as if someone were digging into his flesh with a blunt awl. The pain was intense and spread in all directions, to the point that Ji Chengning's lower back felt numb.

I never knew Xingqing Hall was so tall.

Ji Chengning thought irritably.

No wonder his second uncle disliked attending palace banquets.

He looked up and saw Anping Palace at the highest point, surrounded by bright lights and palace servants coming and going. It was as if a thin mist was swirling around it, making it look like a fairy palace.

"Young Marquis," Qin Min said with a smile as soon as he stepped onto the jade platform, "please come this way."

After walking several hundred more steps, they stopped at the West Flower Pavilion.

Despite its name, Xihua Pavilion is more like a larger pavilion, overlooking Danfeng Pond, half of which is covered with medicinal lotus flowers. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of the pavilion.

Because it was night, screens were erected on three sides of the flower pavilion, leaving only one side open for people to enter and exit. However, a brocade curtain was half-drawn, and two figures could be vaguely seen, one at the head and the other kneeling to the side.

The palace lanterns hanging high on all four sides were so bright that Ji Chengning couldn't help but squint.

Upon seeing the two of them approach, a palace maid stepped forward to lift the curtain. Ji Chengning was in front, and Qin Min bowed behind, saying, "Your Majesty, the young marquis has arrived."

Ji Chengnin's mind raced, but he was exhausted and didn't know what expression to wear when meeting the emperor. He lifted his robe and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty."

"Young Master Ji has become more disciplined after serving as an official for half a year," the emperor teased, his smiling voice coming from the head of the table. However, given his high position and the view of the water, the voice seemed somewhat unreal, as if he were far away in the clouds. "No need for formalities, come here."

After glancing at Qin Min again, Eunuch Qin immediately bowed and left.

The curtains were closed.

Ji Chengnin stood up.

As he stood up, his gaze suddenly met that of the person beside the emperor.

"Yes—" Ji Chengning's dark eyes were filled with disbelief. Qu Fengzhi!

It was Qu Fengzhi!

Qu Fengzhi was merely a Jinshi graduate who had not yet been granted an official position, yet he was dressed in a brand-new silver-red official robe, with a fish-shaped tally and jade belt, looking radiant.

Suddenly meeting Ji Chengnin's gaze, Qu Fengzhi curled his lips into a gentle yet radiant smile, "Lord Ji."

Ji Chengning was struck dumb.

He immediately looked at the emperor, so flustered he almost lost his composure, "Your Majesty?"

What's Qu Fengzhi doing here?

From the emperor's perspective, the boy's eyes were wide open, his pupils constricted, like a frightened kitten.

Therefore, considering his young age, the emperor kindly forgave the young marquis for his rudeness.

Seeing that the emperor showed no anger, a hint of disappointment flashed in Qu Fengzhi's eyes.

The emperor laughed, “I originally wanted to summon you to the palace a few days ago,” he said jokingly, “but unfortunately the young marquis is busy with official duties, so I can only call you over tonight.”

Normally, Ji Chengning would step forward in the morning and say, half-jokingly and half-flatteringly, "Your Majesty doesn't need to pick a time to summon me. As long as Your Majesty calls me, I will crawl out of the netherworld to meet you."

But he didn't.

The young man's pale lips parted and he said, "Yes," he paused, as if hearing his own voice for the first time, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty."

Why is Qu Fengzhi here?

He thought about it again.

Spring rain does exist in the world, and Qu Fengzhi's drug is indeed a forbidden drug that can drive people mad. So why is he here?

According to the law, he should have been tried by the three judicial authorities long ago, and should now be detained in prison, awaiting execution in the autumn, when he will be lightly marked with a red pen.

But now he sits regally within five steps of the emperor, radiant and full of vigor, not as if he has committed a great offense, but as if he has just made a great contribution!

Do you know why I summoned you here?

Ji Chengnin lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty is foolish and ignorant. Please condescend to teach me."

The Emperor smiled and said, "Five days ago, I had Qin Min convey my oral decree that your matter with Minister Qu was nothing more than a misunderstanding. Are you aware of this?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

The emperor had never seen him so serious and meticulous before, and couldn't help but take a second look. "You say you know, but I've heard that the young marquis harbors resentment and that his relationship with Minister Qu is not what it used to be?"

For a moment, Ji Chengning even doubted that he had heard correctly.

He wondered, somewhat bewildered, what His Majesty meant. Was His Majesty blaming him for no longer maintaining good relations with the Qu family?

After the intense dizziness subsided, the first thing Ji Chengning felt was cold.

A chilling, boundless coldness, like ashes.

Then came a subtle, yet undeniable, surge of anger.

He actually wanted to question the emperor: Fifteen years ago, Your Majesty protected Mo Shuge, who used banned drugs to train soldiers for meritorious service and disregarded the lives of thousands of soldiers, from my father. Now, are you going to protect Qu Fengzhi, who is smuggling spring rain with unclear intentions?!

All of this was so absurd that Ji Chengning almost doubted he was dreaming.

All he could do was clench his teeth and not make a sound.

Two pairs of eyes were fixed on him.

A smug and malicious message came from Qu Fengzhi.

A somber, scrutinizing tone came from the emperor.

After a long pause, Ji Chengnin's bony throat trembled as he uttered, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty detests factionalism the most, and I dare not disobey Your Majesty's will."

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed across Qu Fengzhi's eyes.

This fool, barely suppressing the urge to burst out laughing, dared to contradict His Majesty to his face.

What does it matter if he is the son of the Marquis of Yongning? With such a frivolous and unruly nature, he is unlikely to have a good end!

As expected, before Ji Chengnin had even finished speaking, the emperor's gentle, ever-smiling face turned slightly cold.

Like a statue in a temple, weathered over time, its gold plating has peeled away, revealing a cracked, menacing surface.

The emperor said unhappily, "You remember that clearly."

Based on Ji Chengning's understanding of the emperor, the emperor was currently dissatisfied with him. He should kowtow and beg for forgiveness, saying that he had been bewitched and had spoken carelessly, and beg His Majesty to punish him.

Ji Chengning spoke.

He said, “Your Majesty has treated me with great kindness, and I remember every word Your Majesty has said,” his voice growing hoarse, “I will never forget it.”

The emperor's expression softened slightly.

He looked at Ji Chengnin with satisfaction. Seeing the young man standing tall and graceful like an orchid, his anger dissipated by three points. "I know you are a good boy, and even more so, a wise and loyal minister."

Before Ji Chengnin could speak, he continued, "Qu Qing is also a loyal minister. Both of you are my right-hand men. You should work together to serve the court."

"Your Majesty, minister..."

The emperor waved his hand, and Ji Chengnin stopped, shut his mouth, and remained silent.

“I heard from Qu Qing that before this happened, you always called Qu Qing ‘brother’. Moreover, you and the Qu family’s sons were originally close friends. Wouldn’t it be a pity if you broke off your relationship because of a small misunderstanding?”

A small misunderstanding?

Ji Chengning looked up in astonishment.

If he had not known the effects of the spring rain, nor that Mo Shuge had used the spring rain to train his troops without being punished, he would have been extremely grateful to hear the emperor's painstaking efforts and his condescension to mediate between the two of them.

I must kneel and kowtow, willing to die nine times to repay the emperor's kindness.

But he knew all of that.

"Crunch."

There was a sound.

Ji Chengning suddenly had a wild thought: Could it be that even in such a wealthy and noble place, there are rats gnawing on the wood?

They stood by the pond; if this continued, the rats would gnaw through the pillars, and the warm pavilion would collapse.

Then he realized that it wasn't the rat causing the noise, but rather the sound caused by his throat bones being squeezed due to his excessive tension.

The veins in his neck bulged, and he jumped, then jumped again.

"Ji Qing," a haughty voice called out, carrying a coldness Ji Chengning had never heard before, "what do you think?"

I……

"I believe..."

This is absurd and absurd; I feel as if I'm in a dream, and I have nothing to say.

Ji Chengning was indeed somewhat drowsy.

Like a spirit detached from its body, it stands not far away, examining itself.

It's laughable that he still harbored such hopes before entering the palace.

Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Qu Fengzhi raised his lips and, with the emperor's tacit approval, took a few steps forward and walked to Ji Chengnin.

“Chengning, no, Lord Ji, everything that happened before was my fault. It was all my fault for hiding the blood beads, which caused you to misunderstand,” Qu Fengzhi said with a smile as he looked at Ji Chengning. “Please forgive me, sir.” He lowered his voice, “Chengning, please don’t be angry with me anymore. Pingzhi misses you very much. How about you meet tomorrow?”

Ji Chengning is looking at him.

The boy's eyes, reddened by the stirring emotions, gave Qu Fengzhi a sense of blissful satisfaction.

So this is what it feels like to have power.

This allowed him to look down on Ji Chengning.

"Or is it that," Qu Fengzhi said, his expression somewhat somber, "Does Lord Ji deem me of such lowly status, unworthy to befriend you?"

Before anyone knew it, the emperor's face had become completely expressionless.

Ji Chengning knew this was a stepping stone.

The emperor himself ordered his new favorite minister to pave the way for him; he should be grateful and overwhelmed with gratitude.

Ji Chengning's lips moved slightly.

"Disoriented...fighting...more than two thousand people killing each other...taking other people's lives..."

He was so exhausted that he began to hallucinate.

Faces were mangled and numb, limbs of comrades flew about, but the hands holding knives did not hesitate. Foul-smelling blood splattered like a torrential rain, and corpses piled up and lay exposed on the ground.

If Marquis Yongning hadn't discovered it early, what would have been the consequences if such an army had entered civilian homes?

The common people are unarmed, and what they suffer must be a thousand times more tragic than the scenes described in the notes!

Even he understood this principle, so the emperor couldn't possibly be unaware of it. But why did he let Mo Shuge go and why did he promote Qu Fengzhi? Ji Chengning couldn't understand.

He only felt an overwhelming, rebellious rage that burned him so much that he trembled all over.

A rich fragrance wafted over my face.

Ji Chengning felt his stomach churning.

Yes, it was Qu Fengzhi's hand that reached out.

The hand was carefully wrapped in gauze and treated with the imperial medicine.

The fragrance of medicine is luxurious, serene, and symbolizes supreme honor.

"Lord Ji?" Qu Fengzhi called him softly.

Ji Chengnin then came to his senses and said, "Yes."

What… Qu Fengzhi suddenly realized, it was because he was unworthy!

His expression changed drastically, almost turning ferocious.

How dare Ji Chengning be so presumptuous before His Majesty!

Upon hearing this, even the emperor's expression changed.

His intention to promote and protect Qu Fengzhi was so obvious, yet Ji Chengning completely disregarded it. It wasn't just that he looked down on Qu Fengzhi; he was clearly defying him!

The emperor looked down at Ji Chengning from his high position.

He couldn't understand why this child, who was most insightful and most beloved by him, was so dull-witted today, completely unable to discern the emperor's will.

Ji Chengnin's face was deathly pale.

He bowed.

As the wind stirred, the curtains behind him trembled slightly. On the brocade curtains, a landscape embroidered with gold thread stretched out and undulated, hanging precisely at the back of Ji Chengning's neck.

Like a marionette that's about to break.

The emperor said in a deep voice, "Minister Ji."

Qu Fengzhi looked at Ji Chengning with a smug expression.

Ji Chengnin made a move.

Their gazes instantly fell on Ji Chengnin.

The boy reached for his waist, his fingertips sticking to a layer of damp sweat, and kept slipping, failing to remove the object from his waist several times.

His patience ran out, and his actions revealed a ruthless, desperate force.

Qu Feng subconsciously took a half step back.

"Click".

Ji Chengning tore off the ribbon.

“Your Majesty,” the young man raised his head and held the crimson fish tally high, “I am incompetent and cannot blend in with the world. I have failed Your Majesty’s trust and deeply disappointed you. I am extremely ashamed.” He said he was ashamed, but there was no remorse in his expression. His clear voice echoed in the warm pavilion, “Please, Your Majesty, take back the fish tally. I am not worthy to be an official.”

His words were firm and resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

It was as if he had not relinquished the official position of a close minister of the emperor, a favor that countless people could only dream of, but rather something filthy that he utterly despised.

The emperor's expression changed drastically.