Chapter 28 Newcomers

The doctor that Huai Leju had found arrived quickly.

He was said to be a military doctor in the Imperial Guard, and his medical skills were quite good.

Zhou She lay there, his wounds examined by the military doctor, who asked in bewilderment, "What kind of injuries could your Imperial Guards possibly sustain?"

As far as he knew, being a member of the Imperial Guard was a relatively easy job most of the time.

Except when he was arrested.

Huai Leju found a place to sit down, crossed his arms, and said, "You'll see when you get here."

Zhou She: "..." Or you might as well put me under house arrest.

The military doctor smiled as he finished bandaging Zhou She's wound, straightened up, and tidied up the tools beside him: "Young Master is in good health. This little injury is nothing to worry about. He'll be fine after a period of rest."

He had barely finished speaking when Wylie asked, "Can we train?"

"Well..." The military doctor stroked his beard and said helplessly, "Let's rest for a few days first."

Huai Leju withdrew his gaze from Zhou She's leg and said with some regret, "I understand."

Zhou She: "..." What a vicious man.

He craned his neck, trying to see how his wound was bandaged, but the old military doctor quickly pressed him down with a smile: "Young master, you have to trust me."

Zhou She said in a muffled voice, "Thank you, sir, I just wanted to take a look..."

Won't this kind of penetrating wound damage the bones and muscles?

The military doctor said leisurely, "I studied under the renowned physician Liang Xiao—you should know that—and have never failed in my work over the years. Although Lord Huai's arrow has wounded the flesh, it will not leave any permanent disability."

Zhou She expressed his doubts.

He really didn't trust Huai Leju; most of the time, that guy didn't seem like a good person.

Huai Leju didn't seem happy either. After Zhou She finished speaking with the army doctor, he beckoned to several soldiers, all of them strong and sturdy, and ordered, "Take him back."

Zhou She: "???"

He looked closely and realized that they were the soldiers of the Imperial Guard.

I had seen a few of them just the day before yesterday. When they looked at each other, they recognized each other's familiar faces and gave each other an awkward smile.

With the help of several people, they lifted Zhou She up by his arms, one on each side. Before Zhou She could react, his body was lifted into the air. Huai Leju said coolly from behind, "Young Master Zhou is not feeling well. Let us take you out."

Zhou She: "..." Who is it that I'm unwell thanks to?

The group had walked less than two meters when they suddenly heard a rustling sound behind them.

Huai Leju turned around and saw half an arm sticking out from a gap in the iron bars, accompanied by a mournful roar: "Zhou She—don't forget your good brother!!!"

Zhou She recognized his voice and waved back, regardless of whether Zhuang Shi saw him or not: "Good brother, I'll offer you two extra incense sticks!"

Zhuang Shi: "..."

Huai Leju: "..."

As soon as everyone left the prison, Zhou She was shoved into a carriage before he could even raise his hand to shield his eyes from the glaring sunlight.

He touched the soft cushion and asked, "Shall we go to the government office now?"

Huai Leju ignored him.

Zhou She was turned away at the door, and then another voice sounded beside him: "Sir, this..."

The other person seemed to consider how to address him for a moment, then paused before saying, "Is this young master also coming back with us?"

Huai Leju, who had his eyes closed, opened them upon hearing this, glanced at Zhou She, and said calmly, "His Majesty has ordered that new recruits be brought into our Imperial Guard."

He made no attempt to hide anything, nor was there any need to.

The two sat on either side of Zhou She, their mouths agape in surprise. They hesitated for a long time, unsure of what to say, before exchanging a glance across Zhou She.

Zhou She: "." Are you treating me like I don't exist?

However, he also knew that his current situation was indeed somewhat awkward.

In the past, he was the emperor's grandson, so it would have been normal and reasonable for him to join the Imperial Guard.

But now... he is a traitor personally appointed by the Heavenly Curtain.

He maintained an awkward yet polite smile as he heard Huai Leju say, "Young Master, I am usually very busy and I'm afraid I won't have time to look after you. Once we arrive at the government office, you can follow the Deputy Commander for now."

Zhou She responded, thinking to himself, "Please don't give me any special treatment."

The Imperial Guards' barracks are located in the Dongcheng District.

As the emperor's personal guard and surveillance organization, the Imperial Guard was not a complicated group: mostly young masters from powerful families, although there were a few young men from poor backgrounds, but they were few and far between.

As Zhou She entered the gate, he was immediately surrounded by onlookers.

A group of people dressed in tight-fitting clothes walked out in twos and threes. As they passed Zhou She, their eyes couldn't help but linger on him.

Some scions of prominent families who already knew him stared at him without any politeness.

Zhou She recognized some of them and smirked, "Is it good-looking?"

The newcomer was one of his cronies. He surrounded Zhou She, clicking his tongue in amazement, and exclaimed, "You're really lucky to be alive."

Zhou She revealed a fake smile.

Before Jie Tong could say anything more, Huai Leju stopped them: "What are you doing here? Go do what you're supposed to be doing."

As soon as he spoke, everyone scattered like birds and beasts, walking away with smiles on their faces.

As Zhou She watched Jie Tong's retreating figure, he saw Jie Tong raise one hand and make a gesture that said, "Brother, I believe in you."

After everyone had gone far away, Huai Leju led Zhou She into one of the rooms.

The entire Imperial Guard headquarters was very simple, whether due to the commander's personality or because it had always been this way throughout history, was unknown.

This room is a masterpiece of simplicity.

Zhou She stood in the middle, looking around, and could only see a wooden bed and a desk.

Zhou She breathed a sigh of relief. Although it was indeed frugal, at least it wasn't a trap, and it was still a joyous occasion worth celebrating.

When Huai Leju came to his senses, he noticed that a black and gold outer garment was draped over his arm.

He looked at Zhou She, casually tossed the outer garment into Zhou She's arms, and said, "You'll wear this tomorrow."

"……tomorrow?"

"What's the problem?"

Zhou She held back for a while, but couldn't help asking incredulously, "Aren't you going to be an on-the-job instructor?"

"Do you need it?" Huai Leju asked doubtfully.

"?" Zhou She was shocked. "I don't need it?!"

Huai Leju ignored him and walked away indifferently.

Zhou She grew anxious, took two steps forward and grabbed his shoulder. Just as he was about to speak, Huai Leju finally spoke: "This is not my arrangement, it is His Majesty's will."

If it were up to him, he would definitely train this spoiled brat to death.

Huai Leju was still a little disappointed. After thinking for a moment, he reminded him again: "You have no experience serving the emperor. You only need to remember one thing."

Zhou She hurriedly asked, "What?"

Huai Leju pondered for a moment: "Speak less."

Zhou She: "..."

The Imperial Guards are simply inhuman.

It was still dark when Zhou She was pulled out of bed and dressed.

The legendary deputy commander, already fully dressed, stood before Zhou She and looked him up and down: "You're still alive."

Zhou She chose to remain silent.

Enemies meeting are bound to be hostile, and he really didn't want to deal with this guy.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Cheng Rong pursed his lips and said, "Hurry up, we need to get there as soon as possible."

Zhou She finally changed his clothes, tightened the bandage on his wound, and stood up: "Let's go."

He was starting to understand. If he became emperor... going to court at this time every day, it would be abnormal if he didn't go crazy.

The court session was already quite early, and the Imperial Guards, who were on duty as the emperor's personal guards, would arrive even earlier.

A group of guards verified identities outside the palace gates, while Zhou She followed another small group into the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Zhou She had only visited this place in his dreams; this was his first time in reality.

After everyone carefully checked and cleared the area, they took their places around the throne.

"Thump—"

As the palace bells rang, the officials filed in.

The palace path was brightly lit by candlelight, making everyone gleam. Ministers dressed in crimson and purple robes walked solemnly in twos and threes, holding jade tablets.

Zhou She could see clearly that the person walking at the very front was an old acquaintance, his principal, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, Lord Shen Mingzhe.

Shen Mingzhe walked with steady steps, his sleeves billowing in the wind in a graceful arc.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a young face out of the corner of his eye.

Shen Mingzhe was in high spirits yesterday after finally locking up the corrupt officials he disliked at home.

He looked up and inadvertently met the gaze of the person looking at him.

A pair of familiar yet hateful eyes shocked and enraged him once again.

"Zhou...Zhou She!" In the silent Hall of Supreme Harmony, Shen Mingzhe's voice, barely containing his anger, suddenly rang out, "What are you doing here?!"

Zhou She could see clearly that Shen Mingzhe was extremely angry, and his neck turned bright red instantly.

Surprised?

I was surprised too.

Sigh, but seeing Lord Shen's angry expression, he felt it was all worth it.

Seeing the principal break down always puts me in a particularly good mood.

Seeing that Zhou She ignored him, Shen Mingzhe became even more furious. Behind him, several high-ranking officials exchanged glances, wanting to stop him but hesitating.

The emperor arrived late, and the first thing he saw was his good minister's red-faced and swollen appearance. Without saying much, he guessed what had happened and said with a smile, "My dear minister, this is my arrangement."

Shen Mingzhe's mind went blank. He was incredulous and deeply hurt. He asked in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty?"

Emperor Hong'an sat down on his throne and glanced at Zhou She.

The Imperial Guards' uniforms were indeed exquisite; as the saying goes, clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse, making Zhou She look like a respectable person.

He withdrew his gaze, straightened his clothes, and calmly said, "Not bad."

But he is—

The emperor interrupted him: "I have my own reasons."

He used this phrase with practiced ease. Shen Mingzhe choked, still unwilling to give up, but the emperor was no longer going to pay him any attention: "Speak if you have something to report."

Shen Mingzhe's words were stuck in his throat. He returned to the group dejectedly, his murderous gaze fixed on Zhou She.

Zhou She: "..."

Well, I have mixed feelings.

After the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" were heard, the officials rose to their feet. Several officials stepped forward one by one, speaking of important matters while their gazes darted suspiciously toward Zhou She.

Shen Mingzhe kept his gaze fixed on Zhou She, looking for an opportunity to bring up the matter again.

However, the emperor clearly did not want to hear these things. After listening to the reports from several important officials, he stood up and announced the adjournment of the court.

Emperor Hong'an waved his sleeves and left first. The assembled officials followed closely behind, also exiting the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The sun was shining brightly, and the ministers who knew each other well gathered together, talking in hushed tones.

Among the crowd, only Shen Mingzhe had a somber expression, like a bomb, leaving a large open space around him, and no one dared to approach him.

As the imperial carriage traveled along the palace road, Emperor Hong'an suddenly smiled and said to Zhou She without turning his head, "Look."

Zhou She followed behind him, pretending to listen attentively.

The emperor said, "It seems that it was not a wise move for me to send you out."

Zhou She lowered his eyes, cursing inwardly, but his face remained extremely respectful: "Your Majesty's grace will surely be repaid."

Hong An coughed lightly, about to speak, but his voice was interrupted by another familiar female voice.

The sky, which had been with everyone for several days, reappeared, and the same light and cheerful voice leaped out:

Good morning everyone!

Almost simultaneously, the courtiers who were still walking out stopped in their tracks.

Their faces showed surprise or delight, and they all looked up at the sky, their eyes fixed on it.

[Last episode was too late, so this one is a day late. Sorry for the long wait~ In this episode, we'll continue talking about the game of Dou Dizhu between Zhongzong and Lao Wu.]

As soon as she said that, Zhou She had a bad feeling, as if he was about to be in trouble again.

Although the emperor didn't look at him, he seemed to sense his mood and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I've already tolerated the biggest crime, what are you afraid of?"

Zhou She bowed his head and agreed, showering her with flattery without reservation, but in his heart he was thinking, "Aren't there still some dirt on me that I haven't been told?"

Who knows what she'll shake off next?

[As mentioned last time, the Crown Prince launched an offensive, instructing his subordinates to accuse Emperor Zhongzong of participating in a rebellion. To this end, he put forward two arguments: First, the seemingly sufficient motive, which has already been mentioned, will not be elaborated here.]

Secondly, the evidence was not very sufficient. The crown prince submitted a "forged handwritten letter"*1, attempting to strike while the emperor was unconscious.

It should be noted that some unofficial histories claim that the Crown Prince secretly poisoned Hong'an to murder him, but this is likely false. If this were true, it would underestimate the Emperor's control, and since he was already poisoning him, why wouldn't he have used a poison instead?

He'll rise to power faster, and I can even send a gift to Emperor Zhongzong as well. I will bestow upon him the title of Deadly Poison Master.

As the fourth prince listened, he sneered, "What else could it be? Isn't it because you're worried about your reputation after death?"

He found it funny even when he told it.

We are all unworthy descendants of the Emperor. Is the Fifth Prince really so superior?

As he spoke, he recalled the rumors circulating in the court today: his father had not executed Zhou She, but instead kept the man by his side!

Tianmu felt a sense of relief and told a joke, putting him in a good mood.

In a letter submitted by the Crown Prince, he imitated the tone and handwriting of Emperor Zhongzong, urging Zhou's father to participate in the rebellion. In the letter, he wrote, "The merit of following the emperor is right before our eyes."

It's one thing to use fake evidence, but he also puts on a show. This scheming woman claims she found it in her second brother's old house; her logic is flawed and full of errors.

Doesn't he even consider why he would go to the Second Prince's old residence for no reason? Does Emperor Zhongzong speak in that overly refined, scholarly tone?

The Fifth Prince stared at the sky in shock.

Who is the "dead green tea"?

He wanted to curse, but couldn't. A lump of anger stuck in his throat, making it hard to breathe.

"Heh, heh..."

A blur flashed before his eyes, and the world spun around him. A sharp, urgent cry rang out behind him: "Help! The Fifth Prince has fainted!"

In the chaos, everything before his eyes flashed with dazzling light, his head throbbed violently, and then he could no longer see.

A group of servants rushed over, shouting, "His Highness has fainted from anger!!"

"Quickly, call a doctor!"

"Something's wrong!! His Highness can't breathe!"

Inside the palace, everyone suddenly realized: That's right!

Everyone has seen King Jungjong's handwritten letters, and this really doesn't sound like his tone.

Emperor Zhongzong was not entirely unprepared. After all, he had spent six or seven years in the border regions. If he really wanted to be cunning, he could easily outmaneuver the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince planted spies around him, and he planted spies around the Crown Prince in return. One spies were more effective than six, and the results were excellent.

Actually, I've always suspected that he was just trying to test the emperor's reaction. After all, no matter how much trouble the crown prince causes, once Hong'an wakes up, he definitely won't let the crown prince continue his reckless behavior, and the problem will be easily solved.

He handed over his personal guards to Gu Xunhui, instructing her to take good care of herself and their two children, and then left with the Crown Prince's men.

Zhou She was speechless.

He didn't think he was such an arrogant person.

I don't think so...

The Crown Prince, having succeeded in his attack, was filled with pride and held several banquets at home. At these banquets, Zhou the Second naturally showered him with praise, making him so arrogant that he almost thought he was above everyone else and nearly ascended the throne on the spot.

After he had finished celebrating, he remembered his appointment with Emperor Jungjong and, still drunk, went to the imperial prison.

The sky trembled, and the image reappeared: a magnificent golden carriage approaching from afar.

The carriage was practically adorned with jewels and covered in sachets. As soon as it stopped, an equally flamboyant man stepped off.

The Fifth Prince refused to follow and swaggered into the prison. As he walked, the light gradually dimmed.

Deep within the prison sat a young man. He was dressed in the most common plain clothes and sat cross-legged on a straw mat.

The Fifth Prince stopped and stood in front of him, asking smugly, "Zhou Xingyuan, you're asking for trouble. Did you ever think about this outcome?"

The young man in the cell slightly raised his face.

He even seemed quite pleased with himself, smiling broadly: "What does Your Highness mean by this? I don't understand."

The Crown Prince stepped forward, staring at Zhou She's calm face, his own face slightly flushed with extreme excitement: "Hand over the tally for dispatching the patrol troops!"

"No."

These two seemingly casual words immediately enraged the Crown Prince: "How could there not be! Zhou Xingyuan, do you want to die?!"

Zhou She looked at him quietly, a hint of pity in his eyes.

"Bang!"

The crown prince slammed his hand on the iron bars and roared, "What kind of look is that?"

“Your Highness.” Zhou She remained unmoved, his voice still gentle, “You have never commanded troops, have you? But even so, you should know that the Patrol Army has no official seals and only obeys my orders.”

The prince was breathing heavily, and his face was flushed.

His understanding of the army was limited to the fact that a tiger tally was sufficient to command a large army. Even knowing the special nature of the Patrol Army, he never expected that they wouldn't have a tally!

"Fine, fine!" he laughed angrily. "Then you can just wait here to die!"

The crown prince stormed out of the prison, the camera only capturing his furious back. Emperor Zhongzong, still inside the prison, stood up, looking in the direction the crown prince had left, his eyes still calm.

Emperor Zhongzong had cultivated the northern frontier for many years, and the entire patrol army was composed of people he had personally promoted. They were all the kind of people who would die for their country if they were sent out. A tally was indeed useless and could only be used as decoration.

But the Crown Prince didn't understand. He thought that since he had seen his beloved second brother do it once, he could do it too.

Such a petty person, he went home that very night and declared that he would kill him immediately, right now, as for the procedure... what procedure is there?

Emperor Zhongzong responded, "He's a high-ranking official, after all. Shouldn't his case be reviewed by the three judicial departments? Your Highness, you're being unreasonable."

Zhou She was completely puzzled.

He found it strange; this didn't sound like something he would say.

The Crown Prince wanted to kill him. Could a border general with no support in the capital really stop him with just words?

Tianmu seemed to have guessed his thoughts and said:

[It sounds like a weak excuse, but great Confucian scholars defended him, so Emperor Jungjong didn't even need to lift a finger.]

As for the reasons, they are actually quite simple: First, Emperor Zhongzong returned to the capital after winning a battle. As the long-time enemy of the Ning Dynasty, the two sides had been locked in a struggle for nearly a century. The Northern Barbarians raided the passes every year, and although Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong of Ning had sent troops many times, they ultimately failed to achieve their goals.

This situation only changed when Emperor Zhongzong went to the northern frontier. In the 28th year of the Hong'an era, Emperor Zhongzong won his first battle and then five more. When the news of his victory reached the capital, some even suspected it was fabricated. In the 29th year of the Hong'an era, he took the initiative to lead his troops out of the pass. The Northern Barbarians experienced for the first time what the sharpness of cavalry was like, and they dared not attack the pass for almost a year.

Therefore, although some people impeached him for acting impulsively, disobeying orders, and being arrogant and domineering—which was purely fabricated, with a whole host of accusations—in the end, everyone still said: He's doing fine in the northern frontier, so he shouldn't come back; he should just stay there and work…

Emperor Hong'an stroked his chin and glanced at Zhou She again.

You can't judge a book by its cover. This troublemaking grandson of his actually has this kind of face.

It seems that people still need experience. Life in the capital is too leisurely; even dragons and tigers turn into sick cats.

The court officials were divided in their opinions, but the central idea was: if you abandon Emperor Zhongzong, who will deal with the Northern Barbarians? Zhuang Shi or Zhuang Yuanchu? That kid is no good. Zhuang Ziqian is still capable in battle, but he hasn't led troops for a long time. Who can guarantee that he hasn't gone mad?

Finally, everyone reached a consensus: the people had to be released, and sent to northern Xinjiang. The central government's arrogance lies in its attitude of "I can do whatever I want," even though others may not necessarily listen to them.

That's a good saying. The entire court of officials was on guard against an arrow, and I felt like I was being subtly insulted.

But upon further reflection: there's clearly no problem with this logic!

Tianmu's heart is indeed biased!

Secondly, it's a case of "the rabbit mourns the fox's death." These fabricated charges are obviously baseless; anyone with eyes can see they're false evidence. Bringing up something from three or four years ago—what are you trying to achieve?

If this were done, it would be disastrous! The world would turn upside down!

So, Prince Huai, Zhong Jin, who had been a shut-in at home every day, finally couldn't take it anymore and decided to make a grand entrance.

Zhong Jin was so shocked her jaw almost dropped.

He thought it was over and was even mourning for his good brother Zhou She. Who knew that this incident would involve him?

Please have mercy!!

The relationship between King Jungjong and Jong Jin is a typical example of a superficial brotherhood. They are about the same age, but after growing up, they took completely different paths: one left home to build infrastructure and raise an army, while the other stayed home to eat, drink, have fun, and perform operas.

After many years apart, Emperor Zhongzong returned to the capital and chatted with Zhong Jin. When the two talked about the situation in the capital, Zhong Jin immediately shook his head repeatedly: "Brother, you've come back at the wrong time!"

He rarely left his home because of the mess in the capital.

You see, the Crown Prince doesn't seem like a good person, do you? Everyone thinks so! The problem is, the old emperor is bedridden every day, while the Crown Prince wields his power like a tiger, creating a filthy and corrupt atmosphere! Wise ministers flee, loyal ministers are shut out, while treacherous ministers rise to power...

After taking a sip of wine, Zhong Jin tearfully told Emperor Zhongzong, "I'm really worried that I won't be able to continue being a prince, sob sob sob—"

Of course, this part of the story is somewhat embellished, but there's no doubt that Zhong Jin had long harbored resentment towards the Crown Prince. When Emperor Zhongzong voluntarily went to prison, Zhong Jin could no longer tolerate it and finally snapped.

Those who follow the right path receive much help, while those who stray from it receive little help; this is the essence of the matter.

Zhou She suddenly felt a little fortunate: his future self would eventually have a foundation to rely on, and after six or seven years of hard work in the northern frontier, there would always be people who remembered his achievements.

Otherwise, I'd probably be completely discarded right now.

The imperial carriage finally returned to the Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Hong'an, though old, was still vigorous and walked briskly at the front, not forgetting to ask, "Zhou She, do you think so too?"

Zhou She knew he was referring to the Fifth Prince. After thinking for a moment, he remained firm in his answer: "Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince is not the type of ruler."

The emperor walked quickly, and it's unclear whether he heard clearly.

Several imperial guards beside him looked at him with admiration: Brother, you really aren't afraid of death.

The crowd stopped outside the palace gates. Zhou She pondered for a moment, and was about to join the crowd outside when he heard the emperor call out from inside the hall: "Zhou She, come in."

Zhou She entered the Qianqing Palace and saw the emperor sitting on a soft chair by the window, beckoning to him: "Come here."

Zhou She strode up to the emperor and stood ramrod straight.

Emperor Hong'an glanced at him and said, "Lift up your clothes."

Zhou She: "...Huh?"

His mind went blank as he pondered the meaning of those words, wondering if he was about to be tortured, when a figure rushed over like the wind, one leg stepping through the door before slowing down: "Your Majesty, I'm late..."

The man, panting heavily, lifted his robes and knelt down, his forehead covered in sweat: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Zhou She snapped out of his daze, took a closer look, and saw that the person was dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Medical Academy and had a medicine box beside him. He immediately realized who it was.

His maternal grandfather was still his good maternal grandfather!

The emperor, oblivious to Zhou She's change in expression, pointed at him and said, "Get up, and let him see your injuries."

Lin Jingcheng thanked the emperor as he got up from the ground.

He didn't know Zhou She, but he was curious about the man's identity: academicians of their Imperial Medical Academy rarely treated outsiders, yet this young man was quite favored by the emperor.

Zhou She removed his outer robe, allowing Lin Jingcheng to examine his injuries. The emperor made no attempt to avoid him, leaving Zhou She awkwardly staring at the ceiling: "Thank you, Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful—"

"Enough already," Emperor Hong'an said, his face full of annoyance. "Stop copying your father; I don't like listening to his nonsense."

Zhou She: "..." It turns out that His Majesty had seen through his father's dramatic personality long ago.

"I order you to recover from your injuries as soon as possible," Emperor Hong'an commanded. "Since Tianmu says you will have the merit of trampling the Northern Di in the future, I entrust my martial arts to you to work hard on."

Zhou She thought for a moment, then asked expectantly, "Your Majesty, may I not come to work tomorrow?"

Emperor Hong'an looked him into the eyes and said coldly, "Remember to be there on time tomorrow at the hour of Yin."