Chapter 105 (None)

Emperor Yuanming was completely bewildered. He looked Jiang Ling up and down, frowned, and asked, "What exactly are you talking about?"

"Your Majesty, when the Lantern and Candle Bureau was embroiled in an incident, Fang Si Deng committed suicide by swallowing gold. She had already been promoted to a female official and was living a good life. How could she bear to die? Swallowing gold is such a difficult thing to do. I have seen Fang Si Deng's body..."

Jiang Ling looked terrified and breathed heavily as she spoke about Fang Sideng and Gao Jieyu.

"When the eldest princess came to see the emperor that day, she mentioned the second princess. It was so timely. Fu'er first followed Consort Liu to Prince Rui's palace, and then served the eldest princess to Qionghua Pavilion. The night after the Lantern Festival incident, the emperor summoned me, and I found Yuan Changsheng and Consort Liu talking together."

Jiang Ling spoke in a confused and anxious manner, half true and half false, cramming all sorts of unsubstantiated speculations into Emperor Yuanming's presence.

Emperor Yuanming had already harbored suspicions about Lady Liu and ordered Grand Secretary Wei to investigate her. So far, Grand Secretary Wei had found no trace of her. The emperor, already suspicious, was further alarmed by Jiang Ling's words. Enraged, he shouted, "What are they trying to do? What are they plotting? You castrated dog, you slut! They're colluding! What are they planning to do?!"

Too much talk leads to mistakes, so Jiang Ling said no more. Besides, she had only taken the opportunity to sow discord between Emperor Yuanming and Consort Liu, awkwardly pairing Yuan Changsheng and Consort Liu together. As for Consort Liu's true purpose and her relationship with Yuan Changsheng, it was all just an excuse, without any real evidence.

Although Consort Liu held a high rank, she was still an imperial concubine, making it easy for Emperor Yuanming to deal with her. However, Liu came from a noble family and held an official position. Even as an emperor, Emperor Yuanming needed a plausible excuse to demote, dismiss, or remove her from office. For example, charges of treason or rebellion, which involved confiscation of property and exile, were serious offenses that required utmost caution.

"Your Majesty," Jiang Ling said, holding down the agitated Emperor Yuanming. He looked around nervously and whispered, "Your Majesty, be careful, walls have ears."

Emperor Yuanming followed Jiang Ling, looking around anxiously. He was so angry that his breathing became rapid, but he couldn't help but lower his voice and grit his teeth, saying, "I want to kill them!"

"Your Majesty, why don't we send someone to secretly monitor us?" Jiang Ling suggested cautiously.

Emperor Yuanming was taken aback and frowned in thought. He said, "Be careful not to alert them. Do you think I'm afraid of them? To catch the thief, catch the king first. Summon Yuan Changsheng and tie him up first!"

That being said, Jiang Ling could clearly see that Emperor Yuanming dared not act rashly. Even if Lady Liu had indeed rebelled in Ganzhou, Ganzhou was far from the capital, and the palace guards' treacherous intentions were what made him more wary.

Jiang Ling's thoughts shifted slightly. Consort Liu couldn't leave the palace and could only rely on Yuan Changsheng for action. If he could control him first, the group would be leaderless, and his confidants wouldn't dare to act rashly.

"I'll go right away." Jiang Ling immediately got up and walked outside.

At this moment, Huang Liang hurriedly entered the room and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Yuan Changsheng has come to the outside of the palace alone. He has put away his sword and said that he requests to see Your Majesty and apologize in person."

Emperor Yuanming was stunned, and subconsciously looked at Jiang Ling. "He's here to apologize?"

Jiang Ling sensed something was wrong and hurriedly warned, "Your Majesty, be careful, this might be a trap!"

Huang Liang, unaware of the situation, sensed its seriousness and remained cautiously silent. After a pause, as if remembering something, he quickly added, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Consort Zhao is still waiting outside the palace. She is frail and has already fainted once."

Emperor Yuanming said irritably, "Tell her to go back. If she refuses to leave, send her to the imperial estate to keep her unfilial son company!"

Huang Liang hurriedly agreed, and Emperor Yuanming then said, "Have Zhang An and the others bring Yuan Changsheng in!"

Jiang Ling was so frustrated he almost vomited blood, thinking to himself that Yuan Changsheng's reaction was truly quick, especially considering the deep trust he enjoyed from Emperor Yuanming. However, this trust was actually a sign of Emperor Yuanming's disdain for Yuan Changsheng.

The emperor, with his supreme majesty, could only bow his head and beg for mercy; how could he dare to defy his superior?

Yuan Changsheng came to plead guilty, and although Emperor Yuanming sent Zhang An and others to guard him, his resolve had already been shaken.

Soon, Zhang An led the imperial guards, surrounding Yuan Changsheng as they entered the room. The guards warily separated Yuan Changsheng, forming a protective circle around Emperor Yuanming.

Yuan Changsheng did not step forward, but knelt down from a distance, bowed deeply, and kowtowed respectfully, "This servant greets Your Majesty."

Jiang Ling stared blankly. Yuan Changsheng had disheveled hair and wore only a snow-white undergarment. He raised his head, his face deathly pale, his forehead flushed red. His expression was desolate, his eyes brimming with tears, like a flower ravaged by wind and rain, exceptionally pitiful.

Emperor Yuanming's eyes were dark as he stared intently at Yuan Changsheng. He chuckled coldly and said, "Yuan Changsheng, you've grown quite bold, haven't you? Causing trouble outside the palace with a knife. If it weren't for the imperial guards stopping you, you would have barged in and chopped me down with one stroke."

"I was so worried because I thought His Majesty was in danger. I had only one thought in my mind: to rush in and rescue him. Consort Hui stopped me, saying that I was going to rebel. If it weren't for His Majesty, I would probably be dead by now. I will never forget His Majesty's great kindness. Besides, I am a eunuch, without father, mother, or offspring. I am just a commander in the palace. If I rebelled, eunuchs would gain the world. Wouldn't that be the greatest absurdity in the world?"

Yuan Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief, her expression one of great relief, and said emotionally, "Seeing that Your Majesty is safe and sound, I have no regrets even if I die now."

Emperor Yuanming's expression became complicated. He snorted, his tone softening involuntarily, "How can fighting with swords be allowed in front of the Chuigong Hall? You have served me for many years, have you forgotten all the rules of the palace!"

Yuan Changsheng bowed and kowtowed, saying, "This servant is guilty and dares not make excuses. This servant has failed His Majesty's grace and dares not accept the duties of the Commander-in-Chief again. This servant begs His Majesty to punish me."

What a clever escape!

Jiang Ling turned to look at Emperor Yuanming, his heart sinking. His face was sallow, his eyelids were droopy, and his eyes were dark-rimmed. His expression was restless and uneasy, yet also smug.

Even with her suspicions, she still wanted to believe Yuan Changsheng. She had been through too much lately and couldn't withstand any more blows or betrayals.

Sure enough, Jiang Ling heard him say in a deep voice, "Hand over the errand boy, go and receive twenty strokes of the cane according to the rules, and go back to reflect on your actions!"

Yuan Changsheng respectfully agreed, kowtowed to express her gratitude, and said, "This servant will take her leave. Please take good care of your health, Your Majesty."

Seeing that Yuan Changsheng had only been given twenty strokes of the cane and might even be able to recover, Zhang An could only curse inwardly, but there was nothing he could do. He then led the imperial guards away.

Jiang Ling was anxious and said, "Your Majesty..."

“Yuan Changsheng is right. How could a eunuch without testicles rebel?”

Emperor Yuanming raised his hand to stop Jiang Ling, unable to hide his smugness. "Enough. You often have wild thoughts, all you do is worry about me. Don't be anxious. I will continue to investigate the Liu family. Consort Liu is just a woman and a child. With me protecting her, what is there to fear?"

Jiang Ling couldn't help but curse under his breath. She had her own thoughts, just like all the concubines in the harem. He hadn't seen through any of them, yet she was so arrogant and confident. She was as stupid as a pig and blind as a dog!

Not long after Yuan Changsheng left, Jiang Ling did not know whether he had received any guidance from Consort Liu when he met Emperor Yuanming.

Now they've completely broken off all pretense of civility; it's either you die or I live!

Yuan Changsheng received twenty strokes of the cane, relinquished his post as commander, and easily escaped.

Jiang Ling sneered inwardly. Now that he had handed over his duties, he could forget about ever regaining power!

Powerless, he truly became a mere eunuch. Those who had grudges against him in the past would surely pounce on him and tear him to pieces!

Jiang Ling quickly regained his composure and said, "Your Majesty, thinking back to what happened earlier, I still feel lingering fear. Your Majesty, now that there is no one to lead the guards of the Imperial City, who does Your Majesty intend to send to take charge of the duties in the Imperial Palace? Your Majesty must send someone loyal and trustworthy! Your Majesty, why not let Huang Daban take on the duties?"

"I'm used to Huang Liang, how can I spare the time?" Emperor Yuanming glanced at Jiang Ling and said, "Look at you, you're already scared. Sigh, never mind, you're just a woman and a child, timid as a mouse. I'll grant your request, but I can't send Huang Liang. I'll let Zhang Shan take over for a while."

Zhang Shan now serves under Huang Liang. Being a palace attendant is certainly prestigious, but his rank is far below that of the Commander-in-Chief. Moreover, having amassed real power within the palace, and power can be intimidating, once he has tasted the benefits, it won't be so easy for Yuan Changsheng to grant him an important position.

With the new broom sweeping clean, Zhang Shan will definitely use his own people, and Yuan Changsheng's confidants will soon be squeezed out.

Zhang Shan is quick-witted, but to secure his position as Commander-in-Chief, he needs a powerful backer.

After Jiang Ling arrived at the Chuigong Hall, the two became acquainted. Apart from Emperor Yuanming, who could serve as his patron, Jiang Ling was the only other suitable candidate.

Emperor Yuanming said, "It's getting late, let's serve dinner. Where are A-Zan and A-Lang? Those two rascals are so engrossed in playing that they've forgotten to eat!"

Yuan Changsheng and Consort Liu certainly wouldn't dare to make any moves for the time being. Jiang Ling suppressed the heaviness in his heart and instructed Huang Liang to serve the meal, "Tell A-Zan and A-Lang to stop playing and quickly go back to their rooms to wash their hands and faces."

The following afternoon, Zhang Shan and Zheng Xiang returned to the palace from the imperial estate and came to report to Emperor Yuanming.

The two went inside and reported on the situation regarding Xiao Yunjue's accommodation. Prime Minister Zheng said, "The Second Prince is crying and making a fuss, insisting on returning to the palace. Fortunately, Consort De sent Juxiang, who has served her for many years, to the palace. Juxiang has watched the Second Prince grow up since he was a child, and with an acquaintance by his side, the Second Prince has settled down. Xue Cang has left soldiers from the Imperial City Guard to keep a close watch on him, so Your Majesty can rest assured."

Emperor Yuanming said coldly, "How dare he cry and make a scene! I have already been more than kind to him. If he can't change his ways, I will pretend I don't have this son!"

Prime Minister Zheng sighed and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down and take care of your health."

Emperor Yuanming did not want to say more, and waved his hand, saying, "You are getting old, and you must be tired from traveling back and forth. Go back and rest first. Zhang Shan, you stay here."

Prime Minister Zheng hurriedly expressed his gratitude, raised his hand in a gesture of respect, and took his leave. Jiang Ling watched Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang write large characters in a side room. Wen Juan, who had been guarding outside, came in and whispered, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zheng has come out."

Jiang Ling hurried out of the house. When Prime Minister Zheng saw her, he stopped and raised his hand in a gesture of respect. Jiang Ling nodded in return. Prime Minister Zheng stood respectfully, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She stepped forward and said, "Prime Minister Zheng, you've worked hard."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your concern." Prime Minister Zheng bowed and sighed, then said softly, "To be honest, Your Majesty, the journey was fine; my health is good, and I could handle it. It's just that the Second Prince was quite unruly. When Consort De's maid, Juxiang, tried to persuade him, he beat and scolded her. In the end, she had no choice but to gag him and tie him to the bed. He was thirsty and tired, and no longer had the strength to make a fuss, so he finally calmed down."

Jiang Ling thought to himself that Yuan Changsheng had escaped, but Zheng Xiang had finally made some progress. He specifically reported back to him that things were almost completely settled on the other side of the court.

"Consort Zhao couldn't bear to part with the Second Prince, so she came to the Emperor to cry and complain. The Emperor was unwell and had no strength to see her. He said that if she missed the Second Prince, she should go to the Imperial Estate to be with him. In the end, Consort Zhao returned to Funing Palace. Alas, the Second Prince was Consort Zhao's son, and even Consort Zhao was afraid of his temperament."

Jiang Ling shook her head slightly and said helplessly, "The Second Prince is still young. It's good that he's matured."

Prime Minister Zheng was slightly taken aback and said, "It is still Consort Hui Shu's teaching that is so effective. Although the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince are young, they are both clever, sensible, and well-mannered. Alas, Your Majesty must be careful in choosing study companions for the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince. The Second Prince's study companion, Zhao Shun, takes the Second Prince out to play all day long, which has corrupted the Second Prince. Minister Zhao beat Zhao Shun half to death, but it was to no avail. Minister Zhao somehow got the news and came to my residence to see me. I had previously sent people to guard the city gate, saying that Minister Zhao refused to leave and is still waiting at my residence. I must go back and send Minister Zhao away."

Jiang Ling's heart skipped a beat, and he said solemnly, "Minister Zhao's information network is indeed impressive. This matter concerns the face of the royal family, so it is not convenient to publicize it. Prime Minister Zheng should carefully inquire who exactly passed on the message to Minister Zhao."

Zheng Xiang hurriedly replied, "That's what I thought too. Your Majesty is unwell, and I didn't dare to tell you before. I planned to report back to Your Majesty after I found out the truth."

Jiang Ling nodded and said, "Prime Minister Zheng, hurry back to your residence and get to the bottom of this. You must find out who spread the rumors."

Zheng Xiang agreed and raised his hand to take his leave. Jiang Ling was deep in thought when Zhang Shan, unable to contain his joy, came out of the bedroom.

"Your Majesty." Zhang Shan saw Jiang Ling standing under the eaves and happily stepped forward, saying, "Yuan Changsheng made a mistake, and His Majesty sent me to take on the duties of the Commander-in-Chief. I will no longer be able to serve in front of the Emperor. I have been taken care of by Your Majesty these days, and I will miss Your Majesty."

As they were talking, Zhang Shan lifted his robe and was about to kneel down when Jiang Ling smiled and raised his hand, saying, "Get up quickly, I still want to congratulate you."

Zhang Shan insisted on kneeling down, kowtowed loudly, and then stood up, grinning, "His Majesty said it was the Empress's idea, and I was given this task because of the Empress's kindness. I will never forget the Empress's great kindness. In the future, I will definitely serve the Empress well."

Jiang Ling smiled and said, "His Majesty has entrusted you with this task, so you must not let him down. It is not easy to do a job in the palace, so hurry up and go without delay. If you encounter any trouble, come and report to His Majesty. If there is anything I can do to help, you can also let me know."

Zhang Shan was overjoyed and said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty. With Your Majesty's words, I have nothing to fear. Please take care, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."

That night, while Zhang Shan was leading his guards on patrol, he accidentally slipped and fell, bruising himself badly.

With his face bruised and purple, Zhang Shan was ashamed to see Emperor Yuanming, so he came to find Jiang Ling in a secretive manner.

Jiang Ling looked Zhang Shan up and down. His nose was crooked to the side, and his mouth was cut and bleeding. It was obvious that he had fallen badly.

The weather was fine, the roads in the palace were flat, and there were lanterns for night patrols. It was not easy for it to fall like this; someone must have done something malicious.

Aside from Yuan Changsheng and Consort Liu, Jiang Ling had no other plans. He had thought they would be peaceful for a while, but unexpectedly, they couldn't hold back and made their move so quickly.

Jiang Ling's expression was solemn, and he said in a cold voice, "Tell me the whole story in detail!"