Man-eating birds 5

With the epidemic finally resolved, Xiao and Xie bid farewell to Yun Shaocheng and left the winery as darkness fell. They decided to have dinner at the banquet hall first.

"I never expected you to say those things to Shao Cheng."

Were you awake at the time?

"I woke up as soon as you put your hand on me."

"No wonder I felt your breathing was a bit faster." Xie Mowen bumped Xiao Congzhi's shoulder as they walked, and his voice slowly lowered. "I hadn't thought about it carefully before. If I didn't have a personal relationship with you, it would be fine to use the power of the Demonic Sect to help you. But since I have a personal relationship with you, and the entire Demonic Sect is going to step into the quagmire for my selfish reasons, I have to discuss it with the Left and Right Protectors."

"Even if you're all alone, I'll still want you and won't abandon you."

Xie Mowen paused for a moment, then chuckled leisurely. Taking advantage of the darkness and the absence of others, he quickly hugged Xiao Congzhi and, like a lecherous rogue, left a kiss on his cheek.

Xiao Congzhi pulled Xie Mowen's sleeve to make him stand properly. "Since this has been brought up, I'll ask one more question: once everything is settled, is there anything that needs to be given to the Demonic Sect?"

"No need. The help of the martial arts world is nothing, but the Demonic Sect is different. The Demonic Sect is the Demonic Sect for two reasons. First, we have never joined the Martial Alliance, going against the righteous path of martial arts. Second, many of the Demonic Sect's practices are not righteous, they are quite wicked. You don't care about your reputation, but I care about public opinion. But..." Xie Mowen took Xiao Congzhi's hand and held it in his palm, "You can give me anything, like, don't bestow that title of some unknown beauty, make me your empress, okay?"

"Go ahead and cause trouble."

"It's you who's always bothering me!"

"I see you're quite the troublemaker."

"Try it again!"

The two joked and teased each other as they walked through a dark alley. Once they were back in the city of Yidu, they got down to business.

Xiao Congzhi said, "Whether it's an epidemic or a dream-creating curse, it probably originated from the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu are none other than Crown Prince Xuan."

Xie Mowen said, "Our previous speculation was correct."

“Yidu is extremely far from the Xiongnu King’s camp. Crown Prince Xuan’s spread of the plague in Yidu is entirely beneficial, but the move is a bit too big. It’s not enough to just make Yidu a bit chaotic, the court a bit chaotic, and people a bit emaciated.”

"Crown Prince Xuan has been colluding with the Jiang family. Do you suspect that this move is aimed at Prime Minister Jiang?"

Xiao Congzhi nodded, his expression grim. "Do you remember that because of our interference, Crown Prince Xuan lost a waterway that led directly to Yidu? If he wanted anything from Prime Minister Jiang, it would be a land route from the northwest to Yidu."

"I'm afraid Prime Minister Jiang wouldn't be willing to make Crown Prince Xuan go to such lengths."

“Naturally, the Jiang family only wants to continue to control the government. If nothing unexpected happens, they have no need to make demands of Crown Prince Xuan. Moreover, Crown Prince Xuan's ability to enter Yidu at any time is also a risk to the Jiang family. Jiang Yangze knows how to think things through.”

"Was it to make the Empress Dowager fall ill in order to put pressure on Prime Minister Jiang?"

"The Empress Dowager's illness is a double-edged sword. Shao Cheng said that man-eating birds can be trained to inhabit specific vegetation. The red plum blossoms in Changning Palace are a rare variety, and it is estimated that they are only found there in the entire Yi region. Those two small man-eating birds must have been targeting the Empress Dowager. But... when was the large one released?"

Xie Mowen analyzed: "The large bird is very aggressive. If the Empress Dowager was in the small garden on the day she was admiring the flowers, it would definitely have hurt her."

"Yes, that bird perched on the camellia must have been released later. Its intention was neither the Empress Dowager nor you."

“It’s you.” Xie Mowen’s face darkened.

"Since the Empress Dowager is ill, I must go to Changning Palace. If I fall into that dream... what do I guess it will be about?"

Xie Mowen was reluctant to talk about the Dream-Making Gu, but he was now seriously considering it, "When an emperor rules in person, his power is immense."

Xiao Congzhi pulled Xie Mowen's hand and continued, "As an emperor, I have no desires on ordinary days, yet I cannot suppress the fact that I have no desires at all, let alone Crown Prince Xuan who judges others by his own standards. Shao Cheng said that the dreams created by the Dream-Making Gu can be distorted when amplifying desires. Consider your dream; who knows what immoral and lawless things might happen in that dream? I felt supreme pleasure in that dream. Tell me, what will I do when I wake up?"

“You won’t be bothered for long,” Xie Mowen replied first, then added, “But if it were someone else, they would definitely hate the Jiang family after waking up and plot to take over the reins of power.”

"It's not scheming, it's putting ambitions out in the open. What Crown Prince Xuan wants is to pressure Prime Minister Jiang. He doesn't expect me to plot anything in secret, he only hopes that I will show my ambition to rule in my own right, so that Prime Minister Jiang will be anxious. Prime Minister Jiang and the Empress Dowager have only been manipulating public opinion lately, and have done nothing else. It's all because I have given up on the matter of ruling in my own right. But as long as I bring it up, the rumors of the people and the advice of the officials may not be as good as my legitimate claim."

"Would Prime Minister Jiang collude with Crown Prince Xuan in a moment of panic?"

"At least there's room for negotiation on that land route. If I'm likely to take power, he'll definitely want to have a backup plan."

Xie Mowen pondered for a moment and asked, "Shao Cheng, do you want to wait for the antidote? Take this opportunity to get rid of the Empress Dowager; they'll have only themselves to blame."

Xiao Congzhi shook his head, "What have the common people done to deserve this?"

As they spoke, they stood at the bottom of the banquet hall. Xiao Congzhi suddenly remembered something and asked, "Did you explain it to Si Zhao yesterday?"

Xie Mowen immediately put on a blank face and replied dryly, "That can't be explained either."

Xiao Congzhi suddenly didn't want to go any further, otherwise the absurd idea that he and Xie Mowen were inseparable like conjoined twins would have taken deep root in Xiao Sizhao's mind.

Xie Mowen had given up on pretending in front of his close friends and family. He grabbed Xiao Congzhi's arm and pulled him inside, saying, "I just heard you were hungry. Don't think about it anymore, let's eat first."

Xiao Congzhi reluctantly entered the banquet hall. After entering, he cautiously looked around. At this moment, there were few people in the banquet hall, and the situation in the main hall was clear at a glance. Xiao Sizhao was not there, and Xiao Congzhi breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Can….

"Is that Sun Rang?" Xie Mowen asked.

"Obviously."

"He seemed to be waiting for someone."

Xiao Congzhi frowned and pondered for a moment, then pulled Xie Mowen to find a secluded spot to sit down, so as to keep an eye on who Sun Rang was waiting for.

A moment later, a man sat down opposite Sun Rang, who looked to be two cycles older than Sun Rang.

It was Jiang Zeyan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Jiang Zeyan spoke first, his tone casual, "I wonder what important matter Lord Sun has for me? With the epidemic raging now, we should both be careful."

Sun Rang politely poured Jiang Zeyan a cup of tea, then pushed it in front of him. After Jiang Zeyan took a sip, Sun Rang said, "These past few days have been chaotic, which is why I dared to ask you to come out. Otherwise, I was afraid that someone with ulterior motives would see us and arouse suspicion."

Jiang Zeyan narrowed his eyes but did not respond.

One of them was an openly loyal follower of the Jiang clan, while the other was a typical neutral party member. If there was any suspicion arising from their private meetings, it would most likely refer to Prime Minister Jiang.

Sun Rang continued, "I have been tossing and turning over this matter for a long time. You and I have served as officials in the same court for several years, and you should be able to see that I am quick-tempered and prone to causing trouble and making enemies."

Jiang Zeyan remained silent, only taking another sip of tea, his gaze lowered, avoiding direct eye contact with Sun Rang.

But Sun Rang became increasingly humble, saying, "Yesterday in court I impulsively argued with the Prime Minister. Before the court session ended, something happened with the Empress Dowager. I am really afraid that the Prime Minister will hold a grudge and settle scores with me in the future."

Jiang Zeyan finally spoke, "You want me to put in a good word for you?"

Sun Rang smiled sheepishly, cupped his hands and said, "I would like to make friends with Lord Jiang. I am outspoken and have a short temper, and I will rely on Lord Jiang in the future."

Sun Rang was anxious about how Jiang Zeyan would respond. Yesterday, Prince Rong had sent him a message saying that the emperor hoped he would find an opportunity to investigate the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He racked his brains for a solution and finally came up with this excuse.

Why are you looking for me?

"Years ago, I fell out with Lord Tao, Lord Feng, and Lord Yu. In recent years, things have become increasingly difficult for me in the court. After much thought, I realize that I didn't know how to conduct myself in the past. Now, the only colleague I can speak to the Prime Minister is Lord Jiang. I hope Lord Jiang can help me smooth things over."

"That's why I asked, why are you looking for me?"

"This... I've never had any conflict with Lord Jiang, and we both hold the position of Vice Minister, so I've always thought..."

Jiang Zeyan interrupted, saying coldly, "I don't have much influence in front of the Prime Minister. You've come to the wrong person."

Sun Rang was embarrassed, but still forced himself to ask, "Lord Jiang has been a disciple of the Prime Minister for over twenty years, how could he...?"

Jiang Zeyan sneered, "The Ministry of Personnel is different from the Ministry of Justice. The old Minister of Justice has long since delegated power to you, but everyone in the Ministry of Personnel is headed by Lord Yu. You complain about your situation in court, you're just making a fuss over nothing. You have the favor of the Minister on the left and are on good terms with Prince Rong on the right, ha."

Sun Rang was startled. As officials in the same court, he had only thought Jiang Zeyan was gentle, quiet, and focused on his work. He never expected that Jiang Zeyan had such a fiery temper. Once provoked, his inner turmoil surged forth, and he poured out his frustration at being unappreciated.

"Lord Yu is getting on in years; in a few more years..."

“In a few years, I will also have to retire.” After saying this, Jiang Zeyan’s tone suddenly became low, with a hint of sorrow. “I understand that you want to find support from the Prime Minister, but I really can’t help you. I think you should try to build a better relationship with Prince Rong.”

Sun Rang was filled with mixed feelings, but he responded naturally, "Your Highness holds a sinecure and has no ambition in the court, but I always want to make something of myself and achieve something."

Jiang Zeyan sighed deeply and exclaimed, "Youth is so precious." He added, "Back when I was the third-ranked scholar, I traveled to Yidu in red robes and on a fine horse, hoping to achieve something and return home in glory."

Sun Rang pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Has Lord Jiang ever considered replacing Lord Yu?"

Sun Rang didn't know what the emperor wanted him to find out, but the purpose was always to loosen the ties between the Jiang clan and the emperor. Jiang Zeyan was so full of worries and resentments, so if the emperor were to deal with Yu Anzhu at this juncture, it would be entirely beneficial to the emperor.

Jiang Zeyan was taken aback upon hearing this, and quickly lowered his voice, "Lord Sun, please be careful with your words."

Sun waved his hand dismissively, "You know I'm outspoken, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten myself into so much trouble."

Jiang Zeyan shook his head. "The Ministry of Personnel is a deep and complicated place, you don't understand. Just pretend I was never here today."

On the other side…

After watching the performance, Xie Mowen was in a good mood and asked, "What did you see?"

"They're all putting on an act."

"I didn't expect Jiang Zeyan to actually have something hidden."

"I didn't expect that Jiang Yangze had an old fox under his command. Sun Rang thought he was testing him, but in fact he was being tested the whole time."

Xie Mowen also noticed, but fortunately Sun Rang restrained his words and didn't reveal anything he shouldn't have, but...

"But have you discerned Jiang Zeyan's stance?"

Xiao Congzhi shook his head. "It's too difficult. From the moment I sat down, I didn't utter a single truthful word, and not a single expression was genuine. But... this act was so natural, unlike something I came up with on the spot today."

"You mean to say..."

"I'm afraid there are quite a few people who know that he has great ambitions but is not given the opportunity to realize them."

"He did this because he had a plan to bring down Yu Anzhu long ago."

"If he seeks a legitimate reason to follow Yu Anzhu and gain the respect of the murky Ministry of Personnel, then it would be understandable."

Xie Mowen chuckled, "Whatever his purpose, if he starts his rebellion before your coming-of-age ceremony, he might be able to help you."

The more chaotic the Jiang family line became before his coming-of-age ceremony, the more advantageous it was for Xiao Congzhi.

"But I dare not make any moves against such an old fox."

Xie Mowen leaned over and wrapped his arm around Xiao Congzhi's waist, pulling him close and rubbing him gently. Now that they had finished discussing business, they could have a few private words. "Are you going back to the palace today?"

"What? You want me to keep you company?"

"I want to hold you while I sleep." Taking advantage of their secluded location, Xie Mowen leaned over and kissed Xiao Congzhi's eye.

Xiao Congzhi felt ticklish from the kiss and chuckled as he dodged it, saying, "Then I won't go back; you can hug me."

The next day.

Xiao Congzhi woke up just after 7 a.m. and wanted to get up, so Xie Mowen quickly got up as well.

Xiao Congzhi's voice was slightly hoarse when he spoke: "Shao Cheng knows this place, or should we go to the winery?"

“After you went to sleep last night, I sent him a message. He should be here soon.”

"Mmm." Xiao Congzhi responded and leaned into Xie Mowen's arms, closing his eyes slightly to wake up.

Xie Mowen raised his hand and rubbed Xiao Congzhi's forehead, asking, "How do you intend to explain the antidote?"

Xiao Congzhi said in a deep voice, "Mo Huan, a guard of the Right Army of the Imperial Guard, has found a miraculous medicine in the Jianghu that can cure the plague."

"Are you trying to hide this from the Gu worms?"

"The art of witchcraft is complicated to explain. If I go into too much detail, I'm afraid the Prime Minister will investigate further. Let's just consider it a divine medicine."

"You've brought me into the open, what's your plan?"

Xiao Congzhi opened his eyes, glanced at Xie Mowen with a light laugh, and replied in a deliberately inscrutable manner, "You'll find out when the time comes."

Xie Mowen narrowed his eyes and said meaningfully, "What, haven't you learned your lesson yet?"

Xiao Congzhi shuddered involuntarily and complained, "Where did you learn that?"

Xie Mowen answered honestly, "I can read a lot of folk tales and imagine them."

Xiao Congzhi chuckled, "Is this something worth bragging about?"

“Of course it’s worth it in front of you. Wait…” Xie Mowen looked earnestly into Xiao Congzhi’s eyes, “After everything is over, you can do whatever you want.”

"I understand. I will endure this period, remain calm and abstinent, and never provoke you, okay?"

Xie Mowen smiled and kissed Xiao Congzhi, releasing him only after he struggled, and then helped him change his clothes.

After the two changed their clothes, there was a knock on the door.