Chapter 40 "I revel every night?" No, I'm just a workaholic working late into the night!
Yun Zhan's life in the palace was incredibly "fulfilling," so fulfilling that he wanted to go back in time to kowtow and apologize to his former 996 boss—compared to his current life, it was practically a blessing!
During the day, he had to play the role of a puppet emperor in court assemblies, gradually becoming "muddled" and losing interest in politics, yawning from time to time with a wandering gaze. While listening to Prime Minister Li Gang and others talking nonsense with a straight face and proposing various proposals that would harm the people and enrich themselves, he was taking notes in his mind at lightning speed, and his mental bullet screen was practically flooded with sarcastic comments.
"System, write this down! That old fox Li has given his good-for-nothing brother-in-law another lucrative job in the canal transport today! His greed is outrageous!"
[Recorded. It is recommended that the host control their facial expressions. Your eye-rolling just now was too exaggerated and may have alerted Li Gang.]
"Control my ass! Should I applaud and cheer for him if I don't roll my eyes? It's perfectly reasonable for a tyrant to roll his eyes when he hears such nonsense, isn't it?"
"That old codger Wang is proposing to levy an additional 'bandit suppression tax' again? His reason is that bandits are rampant in various places and military equipment needs to be expanded? Bah! I think it's just that his backyard needs to be expanded again!"
[Recording. Host, your heart rate is too fast and your blood pressure is high. Deep breathing is recommended. Maintain your tyrannical demeanor.]
"I'm so angry! These parasites, they're sucking the blood off the people and they're still so self-righteous!"
Yun Zhan struggled to suppress his anger, let out a huge, unseemly yawn, covered his face with his sleeve, and said in a muffled voice, "My esteemed ministers... what you say... is very reasonable... granted, granted... adjourn the court, I... I'm tired..." But in his heart, he was screaming: Just you wait! When I have time, I'll deal with you all one by one!
Looking at the hopelessly useless figure on the dragon throne, Li Gang and the others felt even more contempt in their eyes. They exchanged knowing glances and retreated smugly.
As soon as the court session ended, Yun Zhan immediately came back to life, rushed back to his palace, ate a few bites of food, and began his real "emperor" work—reviewing the secret reports that Li Muyan and his team had compiled overnight.
Nighttime is his true domain. The "President (Emperor) Secret Training Class" has long since been upgraded to the "Imperial Palace 007 Ultimate Involution Camp." His bedroom, brightly lit, has become an underground command center for resisting powerful ministers, except that the members have a rather peculiar style—they are all muscular hunks.
Li Muyan remained the chief intelligence analyst and clerk. A mountain of files lay before him, and his dark circles were almost like smoky eye makeup, but his eyes shone with an alarming intensity.
"Your Majesty, this is an analysis of the irregularities in the accounts of all the engineering projects handled by Vice Minister Qian of the Ministry of Revenue over the past five years. There are false reports, embezzlement, and layers of exploitation, and the chain of evidence is basically complete. In addition, this is a copy of the secret letters he exchanged with Li Xiang's protégé, the contents of which are... unbearable to read." Li Muyan handed over a thick stack of reports, the handwriting still as neat as printed text.
Yun Zhan took the report and read it with admiration: "Mu Yan, with your efficiency, it's a waste of your talent not to be in auditing! After we take down these bastards, I'll make you the head of the Audit Office... uh, the Censorate! In charge of auditing accounts!"
A blush crept onto Li Muyan's pale face, clearly pleased: "It is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens." (Inner monologue: Finally, I have the chance to show off my skills and kill those bastards who framed me!)
Zhao Polu occupied the map area in another corner of the study. He held a charcoal pencil and drew on the map with a focused expression.
"Your Majesty, according to feedback from several old acquaintances in the military whom I have secretly contacted, the northern border defenses appear solid, but in reality, the equipment is outdated, there are serious vacancies in the ranks, and military pay is being embezzled at every level. If the barbarians were to invade now, the consequences would be unimaginable. This is my preliminary plan for border defense reorganization, as well as... a list of military commanders that I might be able to persuade." Zhao Polu pointed to several locations highlighted on the map, his eyes sharp as an eagle.
Looking at the detailed report and list, Yun Zhan was so moved that he almost burst into tears: "Po Lu! You are my Wei Qing and Huo Qubing! Once we stabilize the situation, the army reform will depend on you! At that time, we will build a brand new central army for you and make you the Grand General!"
Zhao Polu clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice steady: "This humble general will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!" (Inner monologue: Finally, I don't have to live a life of idleness and waiting to die in this harem anymore; I can finally get down to business!)
Wang Tiezhu… well, he was mainly responsible for security and all physically demanding tasks. For example, in the dead of night, he would secretly smuggle crucial evidence compiled by Li Muyan out of the palace and hand it over to a reliable person arranged by Eunuch Gao; or, using his status as a "concubine," he would "accidentally" encounter an official plotting in the Imperial Garden and overhear snippets of conversation thanks to his exceptional hearing. He didn't talk much, like a silent mountain, but his execution was superb, making Yun Zhan feel very safe.
"Tiezhu, go and 'bump into' Li Xiang's disciple again tonight, and find out what kind of mischief they're plotting this time. Be careful not to get caught."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wang Tiezhu's voice boomed like thunder as he clasped his hands in acceptance, the sound so powerful it seemed to shake the roof beams. (Inner monologue: Protect His Majesty, beat up the bad guys! Simple, direct, great!)
Yun Zhan himself transformed into the project's chief manager and mentor, shuttling between various "workstations," listening to reports, analyzing the situation, and formulating the next steps. He also had to occasionally offer these inexperienced but energetic young men... no, I mean, provide them with spiritual encouragement.
"Comrades! No, my dear ministers! Our goal is—no more cavities! Uh, it's to cleanse the court, return power to the people, and let all the people of the world live a good life!" Yun Zhan waved his fist, lowered his voice, but his tone was impassioned. "Just imagine, when we overthrow those old foxes like Li Gang, rectify official corruption, develop production, and revitalize the Great Yin Dynasty, what a great achievement that will be! At that time, you will all be founding... uh, restoration heroes! Your names will be etched in history!"
As a result, rumors about Emperor "Chu Yin" spread like wildfire both inside and outside the palace.
"Have you heard? His Majesty is becoming increasingly outrageous! He summons different 'concubines' every night, and it's said that he sometimes changes two or three in one night! The lights in his bedchamber are kept on all night!"
"Indeed! Yesterday it was Consort Li, the day before yesterday it was Consort Zhao, and the day before that it was Lady Wang... His Majesty's health is truly... like iron!"
"Alas, it seems His Majesty is completely and hopelessly addicted to men! The Great Yin Empire is truly doomed!"
These rumors naturally reached the ears of Prime Minister Li Gang and others.
In his study at his mansion, Li Gang listened to his confidant's report, stroked his beard, and laughed triumphantly: "Heaven is on my side! That brat Chu Yin is indeed a hopeless case! I was wondering before if he had changed his ways, but it seems I was overthinking it! The more absurd he is, the more he indulges in these crooked ways, the more at ease we can be!"
Another powerful minister chimed in, "Prime Minister Li is absolutely right! His nightly revelry is draining his energy, which conveniently allows us to carry out our plans. I think it won't be long before this court is completely ours!"
The group raised their glasses in celebration, as if they could already see a bright future where power was firmly in their grasp.
Little did they know, beneath those lights that burned all night, there was no erotic scene at all, but a group of passionate young people fighting tooth and nail for the future of the country! Yun Zhan felt like he was about to become a nationally protected animal, his dark circles were so heavy they could be used as ink, and it was much more tiring than being a corporate slave in his previous life!
...
In stark contrast to the bustling activity in the imperial palace, the Yan Prince's residence in Hejian Prefecture was a deathly, tomb-like place.
Yan Linye visibly wasted away, his once sharp and deep eyes losing all their luster, leaving only emptiness and numbness. His stubble was unkempt, and his clothes were often stained with wine; there was no trace of the composed, wise, and spirited Prince Yan of the past.
He no longer cared about troop deployment, nor did he inquire about the collection of provisions. Even when Chen Feng and others anxiously reported on the response situation in various places and the generals' willingness to fight, his eyes wandered, as if he were in a trance, and he did not listen to a single word.
In his world, it seemed that only two things remained: mechanically drinking alcohol and repeatedly asking the same question—"Is there any news about Yun Zhan?"
Empty wine jars were scattered everywhere—in the study, the bedroom, and even the courtyard. He often sat alone by the window or on the threshold of the room where Yun Zhan had once lived, sometimes for an entire day, clutching the jade pendant left by Yun Zhan tightly in his hand, his eyes unfocused as he stared into the void, as if the figure of that lively young man could still be seen there.
"Your Highness, you can't drink anymore! Your health is important!" Chen Feng couldn't help but snatch the wine away from him as he watched him pick up another jar of new wine with a blank expression.
Yan Linye suddenly swung his arm with astonishing strength, shoving Chen Feng until he stumbled. His eyes were bloodshot as he roared like a wounded, trapped beast, "Get out of my way! Don't bother me if you don't have news of him!!"
Chen Feng was terrified by the almost insane despair and ferocity in his eyes. He stood there dumbfounded, not daring to go forward, and could only watch his prince continue to torture himself.
Liu Yingying held a bowl of carefully prepared, almost untouched congee and side dishes, her heart aching as she looked at Yan Linye's state. She had tried to persuade him gently, even mentioning the cause of rebellion and the plight of the people, but Yan Linye wouldn't listen. The boy named Yun Zhan was like the softest and most indispensable part of his heart, forcibly ripped away, leaving a bloody, unhealable wound. Any touch would only bring more intense pain, making him more paranoid and withdrawn.
At this moment, the strategist in charge of intelligence strode in, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement, his voice rising eight octaves: "Your Highness! Your Highness! Latest secret report from the capital! Emperor Chu Yin is becoming increasingly debauched and tyrannical, not only indulging in nightly revelry and being obsessed with the men in his harem, but also reportedly engaging in some 'tricks,' creating chaos and completely neglecting state affairs! Powerful ministers like Li Gang are becoming even more unscrupulous, selling official positions and titles, causing widespread public resentment! This is a golden opportunity, Your Highness! All forces are stirring, and it is the perfect time for us to follow the will of Heaven and the people, raise an army, and overthrow the Great Chen!"
If it were the Yan Linye of the past, upon hearing this news, his eyes would have lit up, and he would have inquired about the details carefully and discussed the strategy for advancing with his strategists and generals.
But now...
Yan Linye slowly, extremely slowly, raised his head, glanced at the strategist with hazy, drunken eyes, as if it took a great deal of effort to understand his words. He murmured repeatedly, "Chu Yin... the male beauties of the harem... the variety?"
In an instant, Yun Zhan's lively face, sometimes cunning, sometimes aggrieved, sometimes smiling, flashed uncontrollably into his mind. He remembered Yun Zhan's gentleness in his arms and the intimacy they had shared. His heart felt like it was being repeatedly cut by a rusty, dull knife, the pain almost suffocating him, and he abruptly curled up into a ball.
"His affairs... his absurdity... what does it have to do with me?!" Yan Linye seemed to be completely provoked, and he slammed the wine jar in his hand to the ground, shards and murky wine flying everywhere! Veins bulged on his forehead as he roared at his strategist in pain and rage, "I just want to know where Yun Zhan is! Have you found him or not? Where is he?"
The strategist was so frightened by his sudden outburst and terrifying appearance that he turned pale and stumbled backward, almost tripping over the threshold.
Chen Feng and Liu Yingying watched from the sidelines, their hearts sinking to the bottom, their eyes filled with deep worry and a sense of powerlessness bordering on despair.
The prince... was truly devastated by the departure of that mysterious young man. All his grand ambitions and concerns for the common people were now less important to him than a single hair on the head of that person who had vanished without a trace and might never return.
...
In the stillness of the night, the moonlight shone like water.
Yun Zhan finally finished dealing with the mountain of "homework" that had piled up all day. He rubbed his eyes, which were almost blind, and dragged his body, which felt completely drained, to the window. Looking at the bright but cold moon in the night sky, he let out a long, tired sigh.
My career is finally making progress step by step despite the difficulties. Although the future is still full of thorns and the opponents are still strong, at least it is no longer hopeless.
In the midst of his busy schedule, that person's image would unconsciously intrude into his mind again. That man who was once calm and wise, with a heart for the world, yet who showed him extreme tenderness and possessive obsession.
"He... should have rallied by now, and while 'Chu Yin' is in a daze, he's probably preparing to launch a large-scale rebellion, right?" Yun Zhan murmured to himself, a strange bitterness welling up inside him, and... a faint sense of loss that he himself was unwilling to admit. "Hearing me, this 'tyrant,' being so absurd, he must... think even more that everything I said before was a lie, and look down on me even more..."
He gazed at the bright moon and sighed softly. His longing, like the hazy moonlight, was faint, carrying with it a deep sense of guilt, helplessness, and a hint of wistfulness, lingering in his heart and refusing to leave.
Under the same moonlight, a thousand miles away in Hejian Prefecture, Yan Linye still sat like a statue by the cold window.
He clutched the jade pendant, which still seemed to retain Yun Zhan's warmth, tightly in his hand. His fingertips, pale from the excessive force, trembled slightly. No amount of alcohol could numb the excruciating longing and the immense panic brought on by loss. Instead, it amplified the sharp pain in the still of the night, making it incredibly clear and unforgettable.
He looked at the cold moon on the horizon, and in a daze, he seemed to see Yun Zhan's sly smile again in that cold light, and hear him call him "Brother Yan" in a clear voice.
"Yun Zhan..." he called the name softly and brokenly, his voice hoarse and nasal, filled with an almost desperate plea, "Where are you... Come back... Please come back to me..."
"I no longer want the world... I don't want any empire... I only want you... I only want you to come back safely..."
Hot tears finally broke free and streamed down his face, falling from his once deep and sharp eyes, now filled only with boundless pain and emptiness. Each drop landed heavily on the cold jade pendant, and also on his heart, which had been gnawed open by longing and fear.
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