Chapter 72 Walking at Night with Candles
The moment she was captured, Yun Yuan secretly smeared "Green Fly Mark" on the man's clothes - this tracking powder was originally what she had prepared to use today to track down the traitor, but she was so distracted during the meal that she completely forgot about it. It was only when she was captured by the man that she suddenly remembered.
Since the man was using her as bait to test the inner court's mechanisms, she figured there must be something important going on tonight. She simply played along, allowing Commander Xiao to detain her as a suspect. This would inevitably weaken the inner court's security, and the man, seeing his plan had succeeded, would seize the opportunity. Then, with the tracking power of "Green Fly Mark," she could not only capture him but also perhaps uncover his true intentions.
But first, she needs King Huainan to believe in her.
The Prince of Huainan had always harbored suspicions about Yun Yuan, and only kept her at the palace because of Feng Yanyuan. And with her having fallen into this trap tonight, the Prince's suspicions only deepened. So, while listening to Yun Yuan's story, the Prince of Huainan stood still as still as a pine tree, silent but his gaze perpetually scrutinizing.
Yun Yuan felt her throat tighten, her words growing increasingly dry. When she finished, the cell fell silent, broken only by the crackling of torches. This oppressive silence lasted for a long moment, and Yun Yuan even breathed cautiously.
"Zi Shang, what are your thoughts?" King Huainan was silent for a while, and finally spoke.
Feng Yanyuan replied respectfully but firmly, "I have no doubt about it. Please make your decision, Your Highness."
The King of Huainan nodded slightly. "Alright. Since Zishang has no doubts, then I will believe them." He then turned to Commander Xiao and said, "According to the pharmacist's instructions, quickly take the dogs and track him down." He turned to Yun Yuan and said, "The pharmacist has been imprisoned for some time. I'm sure he's let his guard down. It's time to take action."
The small dog sniffed the traces of green flies and led the guards to the west courtyard.
The silence of the night was suddenly ripped apart by the sound of swords clashing. When Prince Huainan and Feng Yanyuan arrived, they saw dozens of spears flashing with cold light, surrounding a single figure. The spears pointed at the pale face of Wei Qianji of the Wuji Sect.
Wei Qianji's eyes were like knives, slicing through Feng Yanyuan. Suddenly, he sneered, "What a Third Young Master Feng! He even schemes against the woman next to him!" His fingertips gleamed coldly. "I see you treat her with tenderness and consideration. Aren't you afraid that I might get carried away and send your little servant on her way?"
The King of Huainan raised his hand to stop the attendant who was about to step forward to protect him. "With all the difficulties we have faced, do you have any? Feel free to speak frankly."
This question made Wei Qianji's body sway slightly. He looked up to the sky and laughed, with a desolate tone in his laughter: "Difficulties? It's just my incompetence!" Before he finished speaking, the flying knife in his hand suddenly broke through the air, and the cold light was like lightning, forcing back several guards. Then he stretched out his body, leaped into the air like a night owl, and flew straight towards the high wall.
Feng Yanyuan hurried to catch up, and just as he crossed the wall, he heard a roar tearing through the night. Another dark figure shot out from under the moon, its cold light slashing straight at Wei Qianji—it was Mei Hanchuan!
The scimitar in his hand shone like a cold moon, each strike aimed straight at the vital point. Wei Qianji was clearly caught off guard, and as he dodged repeatedly, he was struck hard in the chest by a palm strike, sending him crashing to the ground. Just as the scimitar was about to slit his throat, the blade suddenly froze in mid-air.
"Mr. Feng San, what does this mean?"
Feng Yanyuan firmly grasped Mei Hanchuan's knife-wielding hand. Their internal forces countered each other, and they remained frozen in place, the air around them seemingly frozen.
Feng Yanyuan gazed intently at the young master of Meili Manor, who had stunned the crowd of heroes on Sixiantai. His inner strength was profound, his swordsmanship was fierce, and he was truly the strongest he had ever faced since entering the martial arts world. He exerted a powerful force, knocking Mei Hanchuan back several steps. Although he stumbled, he quickly recovered and landed, his agility remaining undiminished.
Feng Yanyuan said calmly, "The prince hasn't given the order yet. Isn't Master Mei a little anxious?"
Mei Hanchuan seems to be acting recklessly, but he always goes straight to the point: he instigated a feud between Mei Jiumang and Hua Guimu on the Sixian Stage, and a few days ago he instigated the heroes to force King Huainan into the Cave of Ten Thousand Demons. Yesterday he "happened" to break through Feng Dian's trap and put the blame on him, and tonight he actually wants to kill Wei Qianji directly?
Mei Hanchuan gently stroked his numb wrist and sneered, "Third Young Master Feng truly lives up to his reputation. I'm humbled." He glanced at Wei Qianji, "This man is cunning and scheming. I'm simply worried he might cheat and escape again. After all, Your Highness wouldn't want to let a tiger go back to the mountain, would he?"
"Who said I don't want to let Qianji go?" King Huainan walked out slowly from the Moon Cave Gate.
Mei Hanchuan immediately sheathed his sword, turned around and saluted, "Your Highness! I heard there was some unrest in the inner courtyard, and fearing for your safety, I rushed over to investigate. I saw the thief trying to escape, so I intervened. I hope you will forgive me if I have disturbed your plans."
"It's okay, Young Master Mei's loyalty is commendable." King Huainan said in a flat tone, "However, it's late at night, you should go back to your room and rest early." After saying that, his eyes turned slightly.
Commander Xiao stepped forward and said, "Young Master Mei, please!"
Mei Hanchuan frowned, and finally a smile appeared on his tightly pursed lips: "It seems that I have been meddling in other people's business. My sincerity is not enough to win the favor of the prince. Goodbye!" After saying this, he turned away.
The King of Huainan didn't spare a glance at the departing figure. He simply walked to Feng Yanyuan's side and lowered his gaze towards Wei Qianji lying on the ground. "If you're too injured to walk, stay in the mansion to recuperate overnight. If you can still walk," he slightly stepped aside to make way. "Qianji, go ahead. No one will stop you."
Feng Yanyuan was stunned when he heard this.
Wei Qianji looked up in shock. "Your Highness, why do you have to do this?" He closed his eyes and sighed. "It was me who contacted Feng Diao yesterday, and it was me who tried to poison him today. I've already been expelled from the Wuji Sect, and the Wei Family has also expelled me. This was all for my own selfish reasons. Now I only have this life left, Your Highness, take it."
"Selfish?" The King of Huainan took a step forward. "I wonder if I can help you with this selfish motive?"
Wei Qianji was shocked: "Your Highness..." His voice was hoarse, "I beg Your Highness to grant me death!"
The Prince of Huainan knelt down and reached out to support Wei Qianji's elbow. "The court has been in turmoil these past few years," the prince's voice was as deep as a lake. "Your father saved me from danger three times. You are of the Wei family's bloodline. Even if you were expelled from the clan, I cannot trample on this kindness. Moreover, you are a guest I personally invited..."
The rest of his words turned into a sigh. King Huainan gently brushed away the dust on Wei Qianji's clothes with his fingertips, and then exerted a little force with both hands to lift him up.
Wei Qianji's arms were shaking violently, and he staggered when he was helped up. The last flying knife hidden in his sleeve fell to the ground with a clang.
"Your Highness..." He choked and could no longer speak.
"I only want a few words of truth," said the King of Huainan. "Can Qianji draw a map of the royal palace?"
Wei Qianji was startled, his Adam's apple rolling up and down. Before he could reply, he heard the King of Huainan say, "The brocade painting even has the kitchen shift times marked with pinpoint accuracy."
Wei Qianji's heart trembled - it turned out that the piece of brocade was really irrefutable evidence!
Yesterday, the spy at the guesthouse had intended to give him poison powder, but Mei Hanchuan had discovered his whereabouts and reported him. In desperation, he suggested that the four of them wait in the guesthouse for the enemy spy to contact him. He took a break to relieve himself and took the poison powder left by the spy.
Unexpectedly, Feng Yanyuan also showed up at the guesthouse, and that foolish childhood sweetheart Hanchuan bit Feng Yanyuan to death.
He actually enjoyed watching this ridiculous farce. But the brocade was beyond his expectations. However, Zuo Xiaoyao's decision to stop Commander Xiao was reasonable, so he didn't feel comfortable speaking. When Commander Xiao came out with the wine-damaged brocade, he had his doubts. However, even though pouring wine would ruin the brocade, it could also make the writing with alum more legible. If the prince thought the handwriting was unclear, he could investigate. On second thought, if the brocade truly contained something valuable, how could the King of Huainan trust Feng Yanyuan so much and ask him to set up the royal government?
He hadn't expected the King of Zhao to be so treacherous. After presenting the map, if he still took action, wouldn't that expose him? This was a trap set for him! But what he hadn't expected was that the King of Huainan had no doubts about Feng Yanyuan at all.
Wei Qianji replied sadly, "I did see a map of the royal palace three days ago. It was used for poisoning. But it wasn't drawn by me."
The King of Huainan remained silent for a long time before he said, "Do you have anything else to tell me?"
Wei Qianji shook his head: "The King of Zhao is suspicious by nature, and I know very little about him..."
Before Wei Qianji could finish his words, he suddenly felt a warmth on his shoulder. The King of Huainan had actually taken off his own dark cloak and draped it over him.
"I know your talents. Since you've decided to do this, there must be some unspeakable reason. I'm sure I'm truly powerless..." He tapped Wei Qianji's shoulder with his fingertips. "Although I'm the master, I haven't done my best to entertain my guests. Now I'll let you go." The prince turned around, his python robe billowing like dark clouds. "Commander Xiao, prepare a carriage for Wei Qing to see him off."
Wei Qianji staggered back two steps, suddenly lifted his robe and knelt on the ground, kowtowed three times, making the bluestone slabs "bang bang bang".
The King of Huainan dismissed the palace guards with a wave of his hand, and the courtyard fell silent. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky. "Zi Shang, what do you think, why did I let Qianji go?"
Feng Yanyuan paused for a moment. "The Wei family is deeply entrenched within the court. Even if Wei Qianji were excommunicated and executed, his reputation would be damaged, leading to resentment and enemies. Not to mention that Brother Wei is a guest at the palace, and there's no telling how those with ulterior motives might spread rumors to discredit Your Highness." He paused, his voice trailing off. "Now that this chess piece has been revealed, it's less of a threat. Killing him would merely vent our anger, but keeping him... could transform him into a blade of righteousness—preserving the Wei family's century-old reputation while also silencing widespread criticism from both the court and the public. This is truly the best strategy."
"Benevolence and righteousness are my sword..." King Huainan chuckled, "So, isn't this the case that I am acting in a hypocritical manner?"
Feng Yanyuan looked up - the copper lamp under the eaves was swaying in the night wind, making the slightly haggard face of King Huainan flicker.
Hypocritical...
That map was enough to confirm Feng Yanyuan's identity as an enemy spy. If he had escaped at that time, his martial arts skills would have saved his life. He willingly went to prison, firstly to avoid suffering such an unjust accusation, and secondly to test whether this brother, described by the King of Changshan as "perceptive and discerning," truly lived up to the description of "brother with a keen eye and both moral integrity and talent."
The King of Huainan destroyed the silk as a token of trust and released Wei Qianji as a token of righteousness. These two words, "trust and righteousness," carry a weight of a thousand pounds. Perhaps they are the ultimate simplicity that those with scaly skins will never grasp.
Feng Yanyuan actually felt a sense of absurd gratitude towards his brother at this moment. It was this murderous intention that had given rise to a youthful passion he had never felt before: he wanted to help this prince, not for fame or fortune, but simply for...
The gesture of the ceremony drew an elegant arc in the night.
The young man said solemnly, "The path of benevolence and righteousness is like walking at night with a candle. If you advance against the wind without using wisdom and strategy as a shield, you will not only burn yourself but also harm the innocent." When he raised his eyes, the light from the lamp cast a tiny shadow between his brows. "Your Highness, this action is to achieve the best of both worlds. It is a strategic move, and it is also a benevolent move."
King Huainan was shocked when he heard this. He turned around and looked at Feng Yanyuan. He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Okay! Okay!"
The laughter startled the birds sleeping on the eaves, and their fluttering black shadows passed by the sparse stars.
The Prince of Huainan breathed a sigh of relief. "What Shidu said is true. The person who understands me best in this world is truly Zishang. That's enough, that's enough! Hahaha!" The prince patted Feng Yanyuan's shoulder heavily, then lowered his head and sighed, "Tomorrow, give Wei Qianji's poison powder to Song Hezi, and this matter will be over."
"Your Majesty, do you no longer wish to investigate the matter of the palace map?"
"A few days ago, spies entered the Dianqian Pavilion and purged the servants in the mansion. They must have been those who committed suicide out of fear of punishment. I really have to thank Zishang—and thank the little pharmacist beside you. Fortunately, it didn't become a serious threat."
Feng Yanyuan frowned, "But there's something strange about handing over that map."
"Your brother handed me that map. I narrowly avoided losing a talent like Zishang and nearly became irreconcilable with the Wei family. It was a wise move." The King of Huainan chuckled, "After all, I can no longer stay here. This map is of no use to me."
Feng Yanyuan was slightly stunned: "Your Highness, are you planning to return to Luo?"
"I have no choice but to return." The Prince of Huainan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the depths of the courtyard, a deep shadow forming between his brows. "An imperial edict has arrived from Luoyang, demanding the arrest of the Chief Secretary of this palace for inciting the prince to rebel."
Feng Yanyuan was shocked and said, "This is a warning to the king to force him to return to Luoyang."
"That's right." The King of Huainan sneered, "But the funny thing is that the handwriting on that edict is exactly the same as the letter submitted by the traitor close to Shi Du - both were written by that sinister counselor under the King of Zhao's command!"
Feng Yanyuan was stunned.
"How outrageous! Not only did he allow that stinking bug to desecrate the imperial edict, he even bothered to imitate Your Majesty's handwriting!" The King of Huainan suppressed his rage and said in a deep voice, "This king is furious today and has beheaded both of his historians on the spot. This drama...cannot continue."
King Huainan looked up at the dark cloud-covered sky in the north.
"If you want me to return to Luoyang, that's not impossible."
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