Chapter 59 Chapter 59 Self-inflicted injuries
"ah!"
Accompanied by a scream, there was a dull thud on the bed as someone suddenly fell between the quilt.
The heavy breathing gradually subsided, and the two of them had turned over. Qin Jingyao held her wrists with one arm, and with the other hand, he hooked the curtain that had shrunk to the thickness of his little finger, and with a light flick of his wrist, he threw it under the bed.
His clothes were disheveled, and a thin, deep purple scar stretched across his neck, a startling sight. Just looking at it was painful, yet he didn't touch it. His eyes seemed to have absorbed ink, deep and dark like a pool.
A smile still lingered at the corners of his lips, and a strong sense of oppression emanated from his body. His hoarse voice was terrifying.
"An heir may be cut off, but desire cannot be stopped."
The woman below forced herself to remain calm, but her eyes flickered with fear. Qin Jingyao's low laugh tugged at the wound, and he coughed a few times. He placed his hand on her cheek and asked hoarsely, "What happened just now can't be undone. Did you remember this?"
Lan Nongnong was pinned to the couch, her heart pounding. She pursed her lips and glared, not making any comment. She simply said, "Let go," in a cold voice, and closed her eyes, ready to sleep.
She played dirty and refused to answer, but Qin Jingyao remained unperturbed. Once the claws were exposed, the danger lay within. He chuckled softly, his hoarse voice adding a touch of lust.
But having paid such a price today, how can I return empty-handed?
Her body suddenly felt heavy, and Lan Nongnong opened her eyes in shock, but she was shackled and had no way to escape. She could only turn her head and said urgently, "That medicine is harmful to the kidneys! How could you do this? Are you lying to me again and drinking fake medicine? And you just took the medicine, are you trying to pass the poison to me? I don't want it!"
Qin Jingyao couldn't help but laugh, coughing and laughing. He lifted her face and rubbed it hard, then panted and raised his eyebrows and laughed dumbly, "...Husband and wife should respect each other, which is a natural thing. Kidney damage is not impotence, so don't confuse strong and weak. As for the rumors of poison transmission, I will ignore it, so don't worry, madam."
After saying this, he did not allow her to argue anymore and suddenly fell silent.
---
Qin Jingyao had strong bones and an extraordinary physique. Although the backlash from the drug caused discomfort all over his body, it was still bearable, so he did not take leave.
Although I hadn't slept nearly the entire night, I woke up feeling refreshed.
He personally arranged her personal ornaments, covered her with a thin blanket, and then lingered on her slightly exposed cheek, capturing her plump lips and kissing them deeply, sipping the sweetness until she gasped impatiently and reached out to push him, her thick eyelashes trembling slightly. Fearing that she would wake up, he stopped after a brief taste and stood up to leave.
However, the injury on the neck was severe and obvious, and it was difficult to conceal it in the middle of summer.
When he reached the outer room, Tongze led the attendants to wait on him. As soon as he raised his eyes, he was immediately horrified.
The servant holding the laundry lowered his head, not daring to look, but he could see it clearly! The scar had turned black and purple, and at first glance, it looked as if the head had been severed and then reattached. It was so shocking that one would suspect it would fall off at any moment!
Such deep marks couldn't have been caused by a single blow. They were deepest in the middle, gradually becoming lighter towards the top, clearly the result of repeated strangulation!
Although this place isn't the Shangshu Ling's residence, it's already known to everyone in the city. Guards patrol the courtyard, both openly and covertly. Not only would a bad guy, but even a bird wouldn't dare land here!
Not to mention that you are so skilled that even the palace guards and the emperor's personal guards would find it difficult to get close to you.
Last night, the master suddenly felt unwell and was completely unharmed while changing clothes. He did not leave the room all night. Now that this mark has suddenly appeared, it is obvious how deeply it hurts him.
Although Tongze had guessed the culprit, he felt a chill run down his spine, his eyes wide open in shock, his mind blank. It wasn't until he heard the adults' hoarse urging that he snapped back to reality. He was filled with a mixture of shock and anger, and even his hands, which were helping him change clothes, were shaking uncontrollably.
"grown ups!"
Tongze's breathing was unstable, but he was concerned about the inner room. He tried his best to lower his voice and bowed to ask for instructions: "I will go and ask Doctor Mo."
Qin Jingyao did not want to make it public, so he rejected the request and only ordered him to apply medicine on the wound. He also ordered him to get a cloak and put on the hood, and told him to prepare gauze and go out.
---
Hundreds of officials, both high and low, resided in various locations within the capital according to rank. However, all had to gather on Suzaku Street to attend court. At the corner of the street stood a nearly ten-year-old weeping willow, its trunk thick and sturdy, its branches lush and leafy, its leaves dripping with verdant green. Because it stood clear of the street, obstructing traffic, and its graceful growth was uniquely graceful, the officials allowed it to stand alone.
Thousands of green ribbons sway in the wind, creating waves of green, a truly pleasing sight. On weekdays, officials passing through this place on their way to and from court would often stop to admire the scenery, feeling refreshed and refreshed in the early morning.
Many high-ranking officials in the court were elderly and had to rise early to discuss government affairs, so their energy was naturally low. Therefore, everyone, from top to bottom, rode in carriages to rest. Although there were young and strong officials, some of them had meager family wealth and could not afford horses, or they had not yet reached the level of official rank and dared not travel by horse, for fear of ostentation.
Therefore, there are only a handful of people in the entire court who hold high positions and are physically strong. Recently, the Shangshu Ling is the most common.
Logically, as the Shangshu Ling is respected, the rules of food, clothing, housing and transportation are on par with those of the emperor. He is driven by two horses in a carriage and surrounded by palace guards. He is majestic when walking on the road. He should ride in a carriage to show his status and dignity.
But after all, heroes cannot resist the temptation of beauty. Since her wedding, everyone in the court has been in a hurry.
The summer days were long and the sun rose early. A ray of light appeared in the sky, and on Suzaku Street, wide and tidy enough for three horse-drawn carriages to run side by side, officials came and went in carriages, sedan chairs, or on foot in groups of three.
A familiar, rhythmic, and well-known sound of horse hooves roared past from behind. Officials, their hems and curtains whipped by the wind, bowed with practiced salute to the figure. The hooves should have faded by the time they looked up, but unexpectedly, they stopped abruptly today, accompanied by a long neigh.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and was shocked to see that the Shangshu Ling had been entangled by the willow silk ribbon around his neck, like a tangled hemp. Although he did not fall off his horse, he had already dodged and fallen off the saddle.
The officials were stunned and all of them were filled with wonder. How could such an expert on horseback riding stumble and fall on such an ordinary thing?
But they didn't dare to think too deeply, and hurriedly gathered their minds and made preparations before moving forward. Some even exclaimed in flattery from a distance. By the time they had approached, the Shangshu Ling's attendants had already cleaned up the mess and were bandaging his neck.
A faint purple mark appeared between the entanglements, indicating that the injury was serious. Everyone was secretly shocked. Although this willow branch was soft, it could actually take a life! If Ling Gong had not reined in his horse in time, at that speed, he would have strangled the man's neck.
"Is your injury serious? I always have a bruise-removing ointment in my carriage. If you don't mind, I'll send someone to get it immediately."
"Lord Linggong, please take care of yourself! You are the head of all officials and your life is linked to the country. You must be extremely cautious. If you don't mind, please move inside the carriage and rest."
"Exactly! I thought this willow tree was graceful and elegant, but now I realize it harbors murderous intent. If it weren't for your lord's superb control skills, anyone else would have been killed or seriously injured. The Cleansing Department should remove these overgrown trees as soon as possible."
"Master Fang is absolutely right! I will have the trees moved shortly and will supervise my subordinates to inspect each district to prevent such dangerous situations from happening again."
A white cloth had been wrapped around his neck, completely concealing the horrific wound. Qin Jingyao raised his hand and waved slightly, nodding to the crowd before turning his gaze toward the palace gate. Tongze presided over the meeting and said, "Thank you all for your concern. We will discuss this matter later. We must not delay the morning court session."
After saying this, Qin Jingyao mounted his horse and rode off. The others dispersed, but the news of the Minister's throat injury from a horse trip had become a hot topic among officials. By the time the court convened, the news was known to everyone. So, when they heard the Minister's hoarse, raspy voice, the officials simply choked with fear and didn't delve into the matter.
The incident took place outside the palace gates, in full view of the public. As the lord of the palace, the emperor naturally knew about it before anyone else. He hurriedly adjourned court and ordered his men to the imperial study to await his orders. He also summoned the imperial physician who had been examining the emperor's pulse.
This injury cannot withstand scrutiny, and the medicinal properties are still present in his body. A person who can be the emperor's imperial physician must have extraordinary medical skills. Qin Jingyao was not in a hurry. He slightly lifted his collar to reveal a line of pale purple face. The emperor looked at him and took out the blood-dissolving medicine given by the emperor from his sleeve. He bowed and thanked him in a hoarse voice.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will be very careful in my future actions. This is not a serious matter, and it would be an exaggeration to trouble the imperial physician. If Your Majesty will not blame me, how about giving me the cup of Spring Return Tea I tasted the other day? It is soft and soothing, refreshing and sweet. I was fortunate enough to taste it, and I still remember it to this day."
The emperor saw that he looked calm and composed, and that his throat seemed to be more of a problem than his injury, so he felt relieved and waved his hand to order the eunuch to serve tea. He pointed to the tall and handsome man in the hall and laughed out loud.
"You've got a sharp tongue! This "Chun Hui" (Spring Return) tree grows atop a hundred-mile snow-capped mountain. Local officials sent people to watch it for three years, and it finally grew this spring. They picked it just as the snow on the leaves was about to melt, then brewed it. Then, they kept it cool under the new snow beneath the tree, and rushed it to the capital over a distance of eight hundred miles. This tea is nourished by the pure energy of heaven and earth. Nothing else can grow on the snowy mountaintop; the vast earth's power provides only this one plant. Its flavor is sweet, refreshing, and soft, soothing to the throat. It also has medicinal properties. A sip is like taking Ganoderma lucidum, refreshing and invigorating. It truly lives up to its name. No wonder you're obsessed with it."
"However, it is so precious and hard to come by, and only nine ounces are worth."
The emperor was ill and valued products that would preserve his health and prolong his life. His expression was relaxed and distant as he spoke, and he highly praised this tea and showed his deep love for it.
Qin Jingyao was young and strong, so he certainly didn't need such a longevity item. Moreover, since it was the emperor's favorite, how could he dare to take it away? He was about to change his words, but the emperor said first: "Go and weigh two taels of Chunhui and give it to the Shangshu Ling to take back."
"His Majesty--"
The emperor waved his hand to stop talking, stepped down from the dragon throne, sat down in front of the tea table, and pointed to the seat opposite for him.
After the tea ceremony, Qin Jingyao did not refuse anymore. After thanking the emperor, he lifted his robe and took a seat. He dismissed the tea waiter, washed his hands, rolled up his sleeves and brewed a cup of tea for the emperor, which he then placed on the tea tray and presented to him in front of the emperor.
The emperor took the drink and sipped it slowly, his pale face, which had been deeply scarred by the law, gradually relaxed. He put down the cup and opened his eyes, a gleam of light occasionally flashing through his cloudy eyes. Then he heard the voice, worn by illness and time, hoarsely say:
"What do you think about the request for the title of Prince of Guiyi?"
Guiyi was a small state outside the South China Sea of the Sheng Dynasty, with a population of only a few hundred thousand and a weak national strength. Before it accepted the Sheng Dynasty as its overlord, the people still farmed with their bare hands.
Although this country is small, it is a maritime fortress. Both the imperial sea guards and civilian ships must pass through it. After being incorporated as a vassal state, it has become an important supply base.
The country's culture and education were not yet developed, and the ruler was cowardly. He relied entirely on the support of the Sheng Dynasty to maintain his position on the throne.
The prince the emperor was referring to had spent two years studying civil and military arts at the official academy of the Sheng Dynasty. The original intention was to have him return to the country and serve as a civil and military advisor to the king. Unexpectedly, the man who had appeared so innocent upon his arrival had also developed ambitions to become king and usurp power.
Internal strife breaks out before external threats arrive.
Although Guiyi was called a nation, it was actually tiny, not even as important as a state in the Sheng Dynasty. Tan Jingyao had already reviewed the memorial when it was submitted. Even if the prince was ambitious, the leader of the Sheng Dynasty stood behind him. There was no need for a major war; the mere presence of a court meeting was enough to make him tremble with fear and uneasy all day.
The emperor mentioned this matter specifically, perhaps he had other intentions.
Qin Jingyao's mind raced, a fleeting thought. He sat with his legs wide open, his back straight, and gazed at the emperor with neither servility nor arrogance. "I believe there cannot be two legitimate successors to a nation. The prince's enfeoffment should not be permitted."
As soon as he finished speaking, the palace, once filled with the lingering fragrance of health-promoting fragrance, suddenly fell silent. Eunuchs stood in a row, all hunched over with their hands clasped behind their backs, their brows bowed.
After a moment, the emperor coughed lightly, and the almost stagnant air in the hall began to flow again.
"Indeed. I will do as you wish."
Qin Jingyao immediately bowed and accepted the order.
At that moment, a eunuch quietly approached with a gilded lacquer tray and stopped three steps away. The imperial steward stepped forward and took down a palm-sized sandalwood box with a gilded dragon carved all over it. He carefully brought it to the emperor's tea table and gently opened the lid.
A round, green pill lay quietly on the yellow satin, with a porcelain white jade bottle about one finger long and three fingers thick next to it.
After washing his hands, the emperor personally took the green pill into his mouth, then swallowed it from the jade bottle. He then closed his eyes and leaned back against the pillow. Soon, a flush of color crept into his pale cheeks, his brow relaxed, and the wrinkles in his beard gradually smoothed out.
During this time, Qin Jingyao lowered his brows and eyes, remaining silent. Only when the emperor spoke did he regain his composure from his meditation.
The emperor's voice was filled with the laziness of a satisfied soul. "I will be returning to the temporary palace to rest soon. Since you hold the position of Minister of the Chancellery, all matters of the court will require your decision and management while I am away from the capital. The capital also needs your presence. However, the construction of the Yunze Canal in the northwest is a matter of great concern to the people's livelihood for generations to come, and it cannot be neglected."
"Who do you think is qualified to be the governor of this generation?"
"Constructing the Yunze Canal is a grand undertaking for generations to come. Coordinating and managing it requires exceptional ability, and funds and manpower must be utilized to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, we need someone with integrity and self-discipline, someone who cares deeply about their country. Furthermore, this undertaking will take several years to complete, so we need someone who is selfless and impartial."
Each of these requirements was extremely harsh, yet in such a vast country, many people would comply. The only thing missing was what Qin Jingyao hadn't mentioned: the need for a position of status sufficient to suppress the local powerful families.
The Northwest is vast, yet barren and hilly. Despite the industriousness of its people, water is scarce. Rivers disappear for miles, and two or three villages share a single well. If it weren't for the abundant cattle, sheep, and game found in the neighboring Great Wall, the hardy people skilled in hunting, and the vast land routes that allow for constant trade and travel, famine and chaos would have long since erupted.
Yet a country cannot exist without people, and a land cannot exist without water. Without sufficient water, it will not last long.
To this end, the court had already decided to divert water from the northwest and build a canal. Though construction hadn't yet begun, the project had already been finalized. The water envoys, along with the materials, supplies, regulations, and funds, had all been submitted. A thorough investigation and veiled scrutiny had already begun, and word had spread to the north. The local people were celebrating, eager to begin construction.
Just last year, the frontiers rose up in rebellion, giving the Sheng Dynasty an opportunity to make an example of them. A message came from the frontiers that they had led troops to patrol the tribes, and all the tribes had surrendered.
By then, construction will be underway, and in as little as five or six years, we will be able to travel freely and avoid external threats. Now we can say that everything is ready.
Moreover, when the water is too clear, there will be no fish. This is also the gilded road for the carp to leap over the dragon gate.
Qin Jingyao frowned and pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Your Majesty has recruited many talented officials, and there are many talented people in the court. However, this matter is of great importance, and it is difficult for me to make a decision. Your Majesty is good at governing his subordinates, and this candidate still needs your personal choice."
The emperor's majestic gaze paused on him, his short gray beard seemed to tremble, he leaned sideways with his elbows resting on the pillow, raised his hand, and a teacup with a white background and a golden dragon lacquered in clouds was respectfully presented to him.
The royal majesty and profound manners flow silently into the throat.
After a while, the emperor spoke slowly, "Yu Wenyuan, the Minister of Works, is a man of calm, steadfast character, and a man who hates evil. He previously oversaw the construction of the imperial mausoleum and achieved considerable success. This time, for the dam construction, he will be appointed the Chief Envoy to oversee the overall situation."
"The people of the northwest are fierce and treacherous, and banditry abounds. Therefore, we have dispatched Deputy Governor Liu Jingshan to lead 5,000 soldiers from his own division. We have appointed him as the Supervisor of Works and Guards, to suppress the local rebellion and assist in the deployment."
The emperor raised his glass to moisten his throat and waved his hand: "The rest of the arrangements are up to you."
Yu Wenyuan, a native of Cuiwei in the south, was ordered to supervise the construction of the imperial mausoleum and became a direct minister of the emperor.
Emperor Wu Sheng had a rule that officials should not govern their native land. Southerners serving in the north were considered safe, with important matters in the hands of civil officials, accompanied by the might of military officials. The way of the emperor was to make light work of important matters.
The emperor has been sitting firmly on the throne for decades, but unfortunately, he is unable to do anything.
Qin Jingyao stood up and accepted the order: "I obey your order."
The emperor called him to his feet and offered him a seat. His short beard twitched slightly as he smiled and said, "I have the utmost confidence in your work. The Crown Prince is still young. If he had even half of your talent, I wouldn't have to worry as much."
Qin Jingyao smiled faintly, his jade-like handsome face vaguely similar to the Queen, but not at all like the Crown Prince.
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. How dare I compare myself to the Crown Prince? The Crown Prince is gifted with extraordinary talent. He is well versed in poetry, literature, etiquette, and the Book of Changes. His speech and demeanor are both elegant and graceful. His natural bearing and grace have won the admiration of all officials. Moreover, he is now almost ten years old, no longer a child. Every time I observe him, the more I feel that he resembles Your Majesty. Given time, he will surely be able to shoulder this great responsibility."
"Hahaha,"
Everyone loves to hear advice, even the most noble of emperors are not immune to this. His face was even more rosy than before, and he nodded repeatedly, holding the Qilin armrest and saying,
"The prince has no brothers, only you as his cousin. I must stay by your side and learn from you."
Qin Jingyao understood the meaning of the words and immediately responded: "Your Majesty and the Crown Prince trust me so much that I will teach you everything I know."
The emperor nodded, his eyes sweeping across his face as he spoke earnestly, "Now that you're married, a marriage you've painstakingly sought, you should have children as soon as possible. In the future, the Tan family lineage will need you to carry on."
These words seemed to hit the nail on the head. The usually calm and composed man couldn't help but smile, revealing a bit of the demeanor of a junior facing his elders.
"I would also like to thank Your Majesty and Your Majesty for their support. However, I am newly married and have no intention of having another child between us. Moreover, the Crown Prince is getting older and will need to take on more duties. If there is a wedding in your house, I am afraid that I will be distracted."
The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, examined him, nodded slowly, and could not help but admonishing him to put state affairs first and not indulge in the inner chamber.
Although he claimed to be willing to learn, his expression was as indifferent as if he was completely immersed in his boudoir and unwilling to extricate himself. She could only shake her head helplessly and wave her hand to let him leave.
The bright summer light poured in, the palace doors opened wide, and shadows flitted across the room. The moment the tall, graceful man stepped out into the light, he looked like a banished immortal, untouched by the mundane world.
The emperor seemed to be dazzled by the sunlight and squinted his eyes to look into the distance.
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