Chapter 38: Detoxification In Bianjing City, it seems that everything is still...
On the surface, the city of Bianjing seemed to be calm, but secretly, the situation was already changing rapidly.
The Sixth Prince Xie Yongheng and the Fourth Prince Xie Jingrong were fighting fiercely. Today you accused me of forming a clique for personal gain, and tomorrow I would accuse you of failing to do your job properly. Both forces engaged in verbal battles in the court, causing damage to each other and wasting huge resources.
That day, after the Sixth Prince came out of his mother's palace, his face was gloomy, and he went to the Pearl Pavilion where Princess Duanyang was.
Ever since Xiao Wangshu publicly declined a marriage proposal, citing a "hidden illness," the Sixth Prince hadn't seen his sister for a long time. He harbored resentment—if his sister hadn't been so obsessed with romance, a talent like Yao Ce would have long since been accepted into his fold; and a prodigious talent like Xiao Wangshu wouldn't have been effectively exiled to a remote area like Chu County. Had Xiao Wangshu remained at the center, he would have been a significant asset to him.
However, Xiao Wangshu has accomplished several great things in succession. If he can really force back the Southern Shu army, he will be able to return to Beijing in glory next year.
He also thought about how Yao Ce had fought for his good fourth brother in the court in the past few days and had successively removed several ministers from his faction. This anger was even more difficult for him to swallow.
When Southern Shu invaded, he had strongly advocated for peace. Firstly, the treasury was indeed tight, and secondly, he had also considered using this as an opportunity to pressure or even sacrifice Duan Yang. But a mere "princess," whom his father didn't care much for, dared to disobey him? So what if she was his sister? After all, she was just a woman dependent on the imperial power.
The Pearl Pavilion had indeed become much quieter. Once bustling with people, it now had a desolate air, a sense of solitude and desolation. From within the pavilion emanated the melodious sound of a zither, the artistry still exquisite, yet adding a touch of loneliness.
"Sister, are you playing the piano again?" The Sixth Prince walked into the inner room, his tone unable to tell whether he was happy or angry.
"I'm just bored. How come my brother has time to come over today?"
After not seeing each other for a long time, Duan Yang didn't feel any resentment. She had been taught since childhood to obey her father before marriage, her husband after marriage, and her son after her husband's death. Her younger brother was her future support, and he was also the prince, and would become the supreme being in the future. She couldn't blame him, nor did she dare to blame him.
"Sister, you are getting older. Since Xiao Wangshu is not so humane, you should make plans early. Southern Shu is fine, but the Western Ming and Northern Liang countries are eyeing Zhongshan covetously. If there is a proposal for a marriage alliance in the future, you should not follow in the footsteps of Princess Anping."
This was both concern and a threat, and Duan Yang naturally understood it.
"Sixth brother, you are joking. He and I have no destiny, so how can I get deeply involved in it? As for the matter of marriage, if it can help share the worries of father and brother, I am willing to do it. However, after what happened last time, I am afraid father will not agree to let me marry Yao Ce again." Zi Chai brought tea at this time, and the two sat down in the house.
"With what you said, I feel relieved." The Sixth Prince's expression was indeed relieved. "I will take care of this matter for you. You just need to prepare for your marriage." As long as Duan Yang is willing to cooperate, he has his own way to make his father agree.
After chatting for a while, the Sixth Prince's eyes accidentally fell on a unique jade butterfly hairpin in Duanyang's hair, and he praised it casually: "Sister, this hairpin is very unique."
Upon hearing this, Duan Yang raised her hand and touched it, her expression slightly changing - this hairpin was exactly the one that the Crown Prince was wearing when she met him late at night on the day of the palace examination!
The scene of that day suddenly emerged in her mind. She was stunned and subconsciously told the Sixth Prince about her "chance encounter" with the Crown Prince that day.
But the more he spoke, the gloomier his expression became.
"Are you sure, Sister, that's all the prince told you?" The Sixth Prince's voice grew colder.
"Yes... yes, what's wrong with that?" Duan Yang was frightened by his solemn expression.
Xie Yongheng's heart was filled with alarm! The Crown Prince was definitely not idle, so why would he suddenly want to admire the moon in the middle of the night? He must be looking for someone. Who among the Jinshi of that year could make the Crown Prince disregard the Forbidden Garden's rules and insist on seeing him in the middle of the night?
A terrifying name gradually formed in his mind—Xiao Wangshu! He couldn't think of anyone else among the Jinshi class who could have caused His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to do such a thing!
Could it be that the discord between the two was fake? Was this a setup set up by them from the very beginning?
He stood up suddenly, no longer in the mood for idle chat: "Sister, I suddenly remembered that I have something important to do. I will come to see you another day!" After saying that, he hurried away, leaving Duan Yang alone to mutter to the strings of the zither.
"Things are going to change."
At the same time, Zhuxian also welcomed a guest.
"Brother Guanshan, you really kept me waiting."
The person who came was Lou Guanshan, the son of the richest family, Lou family, who had just finished his business trip.
"Brother Wangshu, please forgive me. It's true that the western trade route has just been opened, and there are many trivial matters. As an apology, I will do my best to revitalize the commerce in these counties and open up the southern trade route. I will live up to your trust!"
The two naturally hit it off and started making arrangements. It was already late at night when they finished chatting.
Both men were practical men, and they hit it off immediately. They dismissed their attendants and conversed late into the night in their study, over maps and account books. With the Lou family's vast financial and material support, the county's development plans suddenly became much clearer. In the future, the people would not only be able to rely on the weather for their livelihoods, but also through commerce. The county's revival was imminent.
A few days later, the two-month deadline was approaching. Nian Yue, who had gone to South Shu in search of medicine, returned exhausted, not only bringing back a life-saving antidote but also a wealth of intelligence about South Shu.
Seeing the prince take the antidote and his complexion gradually improving, Xiao Wangshu's tense heart finally relaxed completely.
Only then did I have time to listen to Nian Yue’s experiences in Southern Shu.
It turned out that Southern Shu was bounded by a vast forest. South of the forest lay an endless plain, dotted with city-states forming a loose alliance. Within the forest, miasma permeated the air, and tribes lived in clusters, each skilled in the art of poisoning and using Gu. If it weren't for the miasma-repelling pills provided by Mr. Chihua, she would have died in the forest on her first day.
The murderer who used the alias "Chu Tao" and poisoned the prince was the "Saintess" of the Forest Tribe, a highly respected figure. Their previous attack was also due to Wang Shouyi's incident.
It turned out that Wang Shouyi had taken refuge with the people of the city-state. For the sake of his future glory and wealth, he also wanted to take back his things. He also felt that the counties were just small cities and the garrisons were a motley crowd, so he pretended that Zhongshan State was extremely wealthy and instigated the people of Southern Shu to go to war. However, he did not expect that Xiao Wangshu had already made preparations after learning of his escape.
Not only did the court bring in the Licheng defenders, but it also sent old generals to fight.
After the defeat of Southern Shu, the humiliated and enraged Emperor Xuanzong blamed the defeat on Wang Shouyi's faulty intelligence and had him hanged on the city gate. It was because of this that Nian Yue learned the whole story.
The identity of the "Chu Tao" Saint was confirmed thanks to Mr. Chihua's old friend. The expert immediately recognized the powdered medicine bottle she brought as the unique formula of the Southern Shu Saint, and the tribe strictly forbade anyone other than the Saint to take the initiative to kill.
As for the fugitive Li Zhubu and Wang Shiye, there is no news from Southern Shu. They must still be hiding in Zhongshan, but the nationwide arrest warrants have been issued, so once they show up, they will be unable to escape.
In this way, the affairs of the counties came to an end.
"Sir," Nian Yue suddenly stepped forward and bowed to Xiao Wangshu. After the trials and tribulations of her journey to Southern Shu, the innocence in her eyes was gone, replaced by a resolute and even sharp light. "Do you still remember the promise you made to Nian Yue?"
"Of course, just tell me."
"Sir, please help Nianyue enter the palace."
Only then did Xiao Wangshu realize why Nian Yue had made such a request in front of His Highness. He truly couldn't do it. The Imperial Palace was a place of cruelty, so how could he allow Nian Yue to enter?
"Nian Yue, can you tell me why you entered the palace?"
However, he did not refuse in a hurry, but just asked with a serious expression.
"For revenge!"
Nian Yue fell to her knees with a thud, looking up at the two of them, her eyes filled with deep hatred and determination. "Nian Yue's father and mother's murderer is within the imperial city! Please, young master! Please, His Royal Highness, grant me a favor!"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince didn't react much to this. He picked up this little girl in his previous life, and the little girl was already in the palace. He didn't know if he had taken revenge in his previous life.
"I agree."
"Thank you, Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and thank you, Young Master. I have no way of repaying your kindness!"
After closing his eyes, Xiao Wangshu finally followed the two of them.
After seeing Nianyue off, there were only two people left in the room. Xiao Wangshu poured another cup of tea for the prince:
"Your Highness, the remaining poison has been cured. I wonder when you will return to the capital?" The capital is in a state of flux, and the prince has been away from the capital for a long time, so he might be worried about something unexpected happening.
"You're going to drive me away!"
But His Highness's expression suddenly changed, his eyes filled with anger. He even swung his sleeve and shattered the cup to the ground.
"Your Highness, you know that I didn't mean that." Xiao Wangshu spoke helplessly, reaching out and gently holding Your Highness's hand, his eyes full of tenderness.
Glancing at his expression, Xie Xuanhui's mood eased slightly, but he still said reluctantly:
"I just want you to comfort me! When I think about not seeing you for several months..."
He didn't say the rest, but his anxiety and reluctance were obvious.
Xiao Wangshu knew the prince's temper best. Seeing this, he said nothing more, but just lowered his head and suppressed all his dissatisfaction with a gentle and lingering kiss.
As their lips and teeth intertwined, Xie Xuanhui's anger was gradually soothed and turned into a lingering response.
After the kiss, Xie Xuanhui's breath was slightly disordered. He leaned his head on Xiao Wangshu's shoulder and said in a muffled voice:
"I see...it'll only be a few days. If I don't go back, those people in Bianjing will probably think I died outside."
He paused, then asked, "When will you be able to return at the latest?"
Gently pinching his earlobe, Xiao Wangshu smiled and said:
"Next March at the latest."
Many counties are in need of development, and many arrangements require time to lay out.
"March...is too long."
Xie Xuanhui hugged his neck, complained dissatisfiedly, and blew on his sensitive earlobe with evil intentions, his voice became ambiguous and seductive,
"Ah Shu, the night is short—enjoy it while you can!"
The author has something to say:
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Modify the rhythm.
Lao Liu is so annoying.
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