Chapter 106 Friends
"What color does An'an's little pony want?" Cen Yan asked the little boy.
The little brat arrogantly rode on Cen Yan's shoulders.
He was spoiled and pampered by his father.
"What colors are there, Daddy?"
One dared to ask, and the other actually took the bait.
Zhuang Dongqing silently accepted it.
"There are so many! Not only are there many colors, but the breeds are also different. There are tall horses, suitable for running on plains, and there are short horses, suitable for mountain roads. Our palace is built on open plains, but Yunnan has many mountains and forests. When the time comes, I'll have your Uncle Liu, Uncle Hao, and Uncle Xu take you to visit their tribes. I guarantee you won't want to come down the mountain."
Cen Yan was in a great mood today, and he was smiling as he spoke.
The little boy listened intently, and after thinking it over with his innocent little brain, he gave the most correct answer: "Then Daddy will help me choose, and Daddy's choice will be the best."
That's a really good way to flatter someone.
Zhuang Dongqing sighed.
Sure enough, Cen Yan's smile brightened, and then came the familiar praise session, with the older praising the younger and the younger praising the older, never getting tired of it.
Finally, Cen Yan and Cen An'an agreed that they would want a chestnut-colored pony in the future.
Zhuang Dongqing was quite satisfied.
After all, the child is still young. Once he is old enough to ride a horse, the horse will be short and won't cause any major trouble.
Moreover, the little foal was quite happy after being fooled by Cen Yan. Its attention had shifted from choosing what color and breed of horse to how to groom its foal so that its coat would be shiny and impressive.
Zhuang Dongqing was brushing his horse on the side, listening intently.
Yes, they are in the stable.
Zhuang Dongqing had been staying home to recuperate lately and was feeling rather lazy. She wanted to go out for a walk, but things were in a mess outside. Today, An'an mentioned raising horses, so Cen Yan said he would come and take a look so that Zhuang Dongqing could see his horses and get some exercise. Zhuang Dongqing thought it was a good idea, and the whole family came happily.
It was still a bit difficult to use his left hand, so he used his right hand the whole time. After Zhuang Dongqing had finished brushing for a while, Cen Yan took over the job and demonstrated it to the little brat. It was hard to tell whether he was brushing the horse or just playing around.
However, the horse that Hao San chose for Zhuang Dongqing back then, aside from its other merits, had the most docile temperament.
Even when playing around like this, the horse doesn't get angry at all, standing as still as an old monk in meditation, very steady.
Zhuang Dongqing sat down after brushing his teeth for a while, took a couple of sips of tea, and then Liu Qi arrived.
He glanced at Zhuang Dongqing but didn't come over to him. Instead, he walked straight to Cen Yan and reported, "Master, the Sixth Prince has sent someone to request an audience with the young master."
Cen Yan raised an eyebrow.
He knew that Li Yang wanted to see him.
It wasn't the first day; for the first two days, they came to report it every day, but he always turned them down with excuses.
Today I learned my lesson and realized he didn't want to see him, so I changed it to Zhuang Dongqing. I've known him for two years, and this is the first time I've seen him actually think things through.
Cen Yan: "Ask Qingqing if she has seen him."
This gave Li Yang an opening, and didn't completely rule out the possibility of a fight.
Liu Qi repeated the same words to Zhuang Dongqing, who hesitated, "Now...?"
“No,” Liu Qi said, “they just sent someone to arrange a time, but the person didn’t come in person.”
Every day was like this, unlike Li Zhuo who came to their door in person and refused to leave. It was a case of both sides leaving room for each other.
Seeing that Cen Yan did not refuse, Zhuang Dongqing still asked one more question: "Can we meet?"
“You can see him, it’s up to you.” Cen Yan put An’an on the horse so he could experience the joy of riding. He kept his hands and eyes on the little guy, but replied to Zhuang Dongqing, “I’m just too lazy to deal with him.”
Having received confirmation, Zhuang Dongqing pondered for a moment, glanced at the sun, and said, "Let's have lunch first. I have time to see what they have to say."
Liu Qi agreed and went to report back, and the final meeting time was set for the afternoon.
*
Life at the Prince's mansion was pleasant, but outside, things were in complete chaos.
Of course, it wasn't at their doorstep, but in the capital.
Emperor Shengwu fell into a coma.
The very next day, the Eighth Prince returned to the capital after paying respects to his ancestors.
A few days later, the fourth prince rebelled upon learning the news.
Currently, some of the government affairs are handled by the cabinet, while the task of suppressing the Fourth Prince has been taken over by the Eighth Prince.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the capital city is now a scene of bloodshed and turmoil.
Before Emperor Shengwu fell into a coma, the governor and the bandit leader were finally managed to pry open by Eunuch Feng, who discovered that the Eighth Prince was raising a private army. After the events in the capital erupted, Eunuch Feng was caught in a dilemma, like an ant on a hot pan.
Logically, he should have returned to Beijing immediately.
Even though the cause of the Third Prince's death had not yet been determined, they couldn't care less about that now.
But if he were to return to the capital, with Emperor Shengwu still unconscious and the Eighth Prince in control of the court, he would be walking into the gates of hell. The Eighth Prince would not allow him to live until Emperor Shengwu woke up.
Because of this matter, Eunuch Feng had no interest in investigating the Third Prince's death.
Of course, there's no need for it.
If the fourth prince were to ascend the throne, then this would undoubtedly be a miscarriage of justice.
If the Eighth Prince has the last laugh, then the mastermind is undoubtedly the Fourth Prince.
If Emperor Shengwu could wake up... Having served him for many years, Eunuch Feng knew better than anyone else the true state of Emperor Shengwu's health. He had considered this possibility, but dared not bet his entire fortune on it.
Seeing that he was really in a difficult position, Cen Yan spoke up to persuade him to stay. Eunuch Feng was already at an age where he was very shrewd. He took the opportunity to back down and secretly collected and hid all the testimonies and witnesses. However, he kept a tight rein on the matter, saying that he had not found anything and was still investigating. He did not reveal a single word about the private soldiers.
Previously, they were afraid of leaking the news; now, they probably wouldn't dare to reveal it either.
The affairs in Jiangnan were still being carried out openly, but were secretly put on hold.
Eunuch Feng stopped interrogating the servants at Li Zhuo's residence. Cen Yan, Hao San, and Xu Si took this opportunity to thoroughly investigate all the people and things involved, confirming that all the evidence had disappeared completely. After pretending to manage things for two days, Cen Yan also gave up his duties and stayed home to relax.
Eunuch Feng did try to find a solution. He even tried to persuade Cen Yan to lead troops back to the capital to provide support, but Cen Yan refused, arguing that the Eighth Prince was in the capital and Eunuch Feng was merely the chief eunuch in charge of internal affairs, so their position was not legitimate.
Knowing that Cen Yan was unwilling to get involved in this mess, Eunuch Feng had no choice but to observe the situation in the capital, sighing and lamenting every day.
The game hasn't started yet.
But everyone knew it was only a matter of time.
The court is also deeply divided. Many officials support the Fourth Prince, but the Eighth Prince has already purged a number of them under various pretexts. If Emperor Shengwu were to wake up, the situation would only become more chaotic. Hearing about his sons killing each other has already made him so angry that he vomited blood. If he were to wake up and witness it with his own eyes, it is unknown whether he would be further traumatized...
Of course, all of this was Cen Yan's analysis that he shared with Zhuang Dongqing.
Cen Yan was willing to speak, and Zhuang Dongqing listened.
As for how things will develop, he doesn't know and has no curiosity about it.
But while they weren't in a hurry, Li Yang, as a prince, couldn't possibly be unhurried. He had neither soldiers nor money, so he eventually came to Cen Yan for help.
Of course, there was a reason why Cen Yan didn't appear.
Zhuang Dongqing felt it didn't matter. Li Yang couldn't get any information out of him anyway, and he knew nothing. If it was just to see him, then seeing him wouldn't hurt.
After lunch, Cen Yan went to the study, while the little brat remained in the main courtyard. Zhuang Dongqing dozed off on the recliner for a while, and when he woke up, Liu Qi led him in.
I didn't realize it until I saw it; Li Yang has lost a lot of weight, and her cheekbones are even more prominent.
Zhuang Dongqing was stunned. "You... is poisoning that harmful to your body? You didn't even take proper care of yourself?!"
Privately, Zhuang Dongqing felt that she looked better in the mirror than Li Yang did.
Li Yang observed Zhuang Dongqing for a moment and said with a faint smile, "Brother Dongqing, you look quite well. It's clear that the Prince treats you well."
Ah, this...
Zhuang Dongqing: "He was indeed very good to me."
He muttered to himself, "I would feel better if I didn't have to watch over my diet and medication."
Li Yang: "..."
Li Yang could only smile.
I was actually a little envious.
There are no more people like him who can protect him.
Zhuang Dongqing then realized what was happening. "Oh, sit down, don't be so polite. Liufu, brew some tea and bring some fresh flower cakes." She muttered to herself, "The old lady in the manor makes them, they're especially delicious, you should try some."
In fact, Li Yang had already experienced it when he was escaping on the mountain, but it would be too jarring to mention it now, so he didn't.
Hot tea and pastries were served, and Zhuang Dongqing took a piece to eat.
Logically speaking, Zhuang Dongqing was older than Li Yang and of lower status, but seeing Zhuang Dongqing eating with complete focus, Li Yang felt that Zhuang Dongqing was much more carefree and happy than him. Even in this situation, he was not flustered at all and ate with great relish.
For the past two years, the two have maintained a friendship.
Even though she already knew that Zhuang Dongqing was Cen Yan's bedmate, she was still particularly concerned. He held a very high position in the Prince's Mansion. Facing him, Li Yang couldn't feel awkward. Thinking about something, she asked, "Aren't you in a hurry?"
"In a hurry? What's the rush?"
"..."
Zhuang Dongqing realized what he meant, "Oh, you mean the situation outside... there's no rush, there's no use in rushing."
Zhuang Dongqing said matter-of-factly, "Anyway, Cen Yan will handle the affairs of the Prince's Mansion. What's between you princes has nothing to do with my family."
After speaking, he paused and looked apologetically at Li Yang: "Was I too presumptuous? But this really isn't my business."
Li Yang: "It's alright."
Even if it was presumptuous, he dared not say anything more at this moment.
Things are different now. Ever since that day on the mountain when Cen Yan pointed an arrow at his head, if he still doesn't understand Zhuang Dongqing's place in Cen Yan's heart, then he has truly wasted all these years.
There was a moment of silence.
Zhuang Dongqing then returned the courtesy by asking, "And you? Have you been quite anxious lately?"
"Anxious? I guess so."
"Well... I don't know how to say it..."
Li Yang didn't put on airs and frankly said, "Sometimes I feel dazed, like everything is happening too fast."
Suddenly, the fourth brother killed the third brother and ran away.
The emperor vomited blood and fell into a coma again.
With the fourth brother's rebellion, the capital city became the decisive battleground between him and the eighth brother...
I don't know if this is how it all will end.
If Father doesn't wake up soon...
There was a deep sense of bewilderment in Li Yang's eyes, a sense of uncertainty about her future.
Zhuang Dongqing touched his nose. "Yes, right?"
Cen Yan was quite surprised that he killed Li Zhuo.
Zhuang Dongqing: "Are you very sad?"
Li Yang: "Want to hear the truth?"
After thinking for a moment, Li Yang said, "I felt a little sad when I learned that Father had vomited blood and fallen into a coma... As for the matter of Third Brother and Fourth Brother, I was just surprised. I guess it was because one of them had something on the other, and they couldn't reach an agreement. They lost their temper in the conflict. After all, their struggle is not something that started overnight."
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
Zhuang Dongqing chose to skip the topic of death and only offered a word of comfort, "Please accept my condolences."
Li Yang laughed, a dry laugh, "That's all we can do."
After a pause, remembering her purpose, Li Yang said succinctly, "Actually, I came to see you because the Prince will not see me. I don't know... I don't know what the Prince is thinking. I want to see if you can answer my question."
ah?
Zhuang Dongqing thought about it seriously for a moment and shook his head, "I don't care about these things. I've never been involved in politics."
Li Yang's eyes betrayed barely suppressed disappointment. "Is that so?"
Zhuang Dongqing: "However, I can remind you of something else, from a friend's perspective."
Li Yang: "I would like to hear the details."
Zhuang Dongqing paused for a moment, then said directly, "Have you thought it through? Are you really going to take this path?"
"If you want to back out, that's fine too. You'll just end up as a wealthy idler."
It's too far removed from the original plot. At this point in time, several major events haven't happened yet, so Li Yang's resolve couldn't possibly be that firm.
Li Yang was indeed speechless.
Zhuang Dongqing: "This is not an easy road to travel."
“When we were on the mountain, I saw that you were very tired. If you want to back out, now is the best time.”
"If we don't look back, if we're really sure about what we've decided, and if we think things through more clearly, I think it would be better."
“For example, when you come to see Cen Yan, perhaps you could state your purpose first, instead of vaguely following his wishes and then considering your own ideas.”
"You should know that no one in a position of power acts according to the whims of others."
Not to mention an emperor.
"But I guess you've been thinking about this for a while now."
"Given the current situation, you need to make a decision."
Making a decision isn't enough; you also need to take action. Li Yang needs to go through the emotional journey of the two years that have been lost in the story within a few days, which is no easy feat.
"at last."
Zhuang Dongqing took a deep breath and said sincerely, "I am very happy now, and this is the life I want. I don't have many friends. I hope that you, my friend, can also live the life you want, instead of going with the flow and being pushed around."
...
When Li Yang left, the little one had also woken up.
He rushed out, hugged Zhuang Dongqing, and called out "Dad."
After saying goodbye and walking a distance, Li Yang turned around and saw Zhuang Dongqing holding Cen An, laughing and saying something. It was clear that both the adult and the child were very happy.
Li Yang suddenly thought of the past. When he was fifteen or sixteen, the princes who were younger than him had already learned to play tricks to please their father, but he still said whatever came to mind and didn't know how to read the room.
Whenever this happened, my mother would gently say that it was alright and that there was no need to compare oneself to others.
But the warmth of those memories can never be relived.
Zhuang Dongqing has his own life now, and he seems to be doing very well. It seems that he should also move forward seriously.
*
Two days later, Li Yang went to the Prince's residence again to request to see Cen Yan. This time, however, she explained her purpose and made many promises to Cen Yan.
Cen Yan looked at the handwritten letter, let out a soft sigh, and said, "He's not entirely a piece of rotten wood."
Liu Qi laughed and said, "Most people are forced into this situation by circumstances."
Cen Yan: "Perhaps."
"But that way, we can finally meet."
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