Chapter 59: Ch59 - Honey Tangerine Flavored Shadow Guard Gong (17)

Hitting Zhong Yue’s face for real, no joke♂

Translator: KunLin

Editors: Vez, Blarghette

As the ship carrying the Lin Family symbol set out on the journey towards the north, Wang HaiYi finished burying his clan members and after guarding through the seventh day, he rushed back to the capital, travelling through the night without stopping to drink or rest.

“This lowly official greets His Majesty!”

Wang HaiYi’s eyes were tearful as he spoke. After he knelt, he kowtowed solemnly.

The Emperor saw him on the ground refusing to lift his head and sighed, “Beloved subject, no need for the formality. The incident that happened to the YongNing Manor’s Wang Clan was a big loss for the country. Zhen will definitely give you justice and have the perpetrator punished under the law. Beloved subject, restrain your grief.”

Wang HaiYi held back his sobs and kowtowed again, “This humble official kowtows in the place of his grandfather and father in thanks of His Majesty’s kindness!”

The Emperor spoke another sentence of comfort to him before turning to look at the Minister of Justice standing beside him. The latter tacitly cupped his hands and turned to Wang HaiYi, saying, “Wang Daren, this old man discovered that previously the Wang Clan seemed to have had a conflict with Yangzhou’s Lin Family. Was it perhaps enough to form a grudge?”

Wang HaiYi wiped his tears as he shook his head, “It’s not the Lin Family, but the esteemed guest staying in the Lin Residence.”

“A few months back, my sister and I met with sea bandits on our voyage. We nearly lost our lives but were saved by that gentleman, and my sister developed feelings for him because of this. But…the marriage talks did not go through and my sister was injured during them. The parents were indignant and wanted an explanation from him. That day when I was off duty, because of the letter I had received from my father, I went to find the person, but unexpectedly, I was met with an attempt on my life on the way…if it weren’t for the gentleman’s guard escorting me back, then the Wang Family would be left without even a person to speak out in grievance.”

Wang HaiYi cried with genuine emotion which aroused sympathy in the onlookers’ hearts.

The Minister of Justice sighed and asked again, “What is that gentleman’s address and surname, and where might he be now?”

Wang HaiYi, “I’m unclear on his name. I only know he is surnamed Zhong. Previously, he stayed in the Lin Residence to recuperate from his injury, but I heard he has plans to visit the capital for some matters. If that’s true, then he should already be on his way to the capital.”

Surnamed Zhong?

The Emperor’s brows moved. He wanted to ask for more details, but an eunuch came, reporting that Zhong Yue had come to give his thanks.

The Zhong Clan’s people had only just left the capital, the Emperor still had to give Zhong Clan some face. He had the Minister of Justice leave with Wang HaiYi to further understand the case before passing permission for Zhong Yue to enter the palace.

“This humble subject greets His Majesty.”

Zhong Yue cupped his hand and bowed, but he did not kneel—the people of TianJi, aside from the Heavens, their parents, and their teacher, knelt to no one.

The Emperor asked him, “I heard xiangsheng has specially come to give thanks? There is no need to be so courteous. You were injured saving the Crown Prince, we should be thanking you instead. Those medicines given are not worth mentioning.”

Zhong Yue smiled and said, “Your Majesty has misunderstood. This humble subject came this time to make a deal with Your Majesty.”

“Oh?”

“Your Majesty has been ill for a long time without signs of recovery, this humble subject has a way to treat His Majesty. Would you perhaps be interested?”

Hearing this, there was a slight change in the Emperor’s expression. He derided, “Zhen’s state today, xiangsheng plays no small part. What do you plan to give Zhen in exchange? Is it those secret medicines of yours again?”

“Of course not.” Zhong Yue acted like he didn’t see the other’s cold smile, “His Majesty’s body has been ill for a long time, it’s unable to withstand the properties of Zhong Clan’s secret medicine, so it would be best to eat less of it. Moreover, even if it was a pill from the immortals, it would only cure the illness, not your life. His Majesty is still in your prime, are you willing to just die like this? Do you not want to live a normal person’s lifespan?”

The Emperor rose and said, “What does xiangsheng’s words mean?”

Zhong Yue saw that the other had taken the bait as expected. He smiled and said, “Have Your Majesty ever heard of the Zhong Clan’s son of heaven…”

“Master, why are you laughing?”

Gou Liang, who was leaning against his chest, suddenly laughed. Zhong Quan saw this and asked curiously.

Gou Liang controlled himself and closed his eyes. He shook his head and said, “Nothing, I was just thinking of a tight roping clown.”

Gou Liang retracted his ‘eyes’ from Zhong Yue who was promising to help the Emperor borrow lifespan from Heaven in exchange for his aid in helping him pass his life and death ordeal. Meanwhile, Li Yan was using this opportunity to make a comeback. It seemed like the capital would soon be lively.

As Gou Liang had expected, the Crown Prince soon ‘recovered’ and returned to court and, with his identity as the heir, regathered his forces. At the moment, his momentum was second to none.

East Palace.

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

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Zhong Yue downed it in one go, then said with a smile, “Isn’t helping you like helping myself? Dear Yan saying this, it makes it seem like we’re strangers.”

When Li Yan heard this, infinite gentleness flowed from his eyes. He hugged Zhong Yue in his arms, and said emotionally, “Chong Hui, if it wasn’t for you, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”

“Why are you suddenly saying this? Since I chose you, then naturally I will share your weals and woes.” Zhong Yue closed his eyes, his voice breaking with emotions, “Dear Yan, I only wish for you to rise to greater heights, so you’ll never have to care what other people think, or suffer any wrongs. You should be the Master of the world, and I’ll help you obtain the things that should originally be yours.”

Li Yan was excited beyond words, the thousands of words he wanted to say converged into a single kiss. Zhong Yue clenched his hands and repressed the desire to vomit. Instead, he kissed back lovingly. Soon the two of them rolled together.

In the Marquis Manor.

Li Xi was feeding medicine to his aged and ill grandmother while reporting the current situation in the capital in a thorough manner.

The old lady’s eyes were dim and unfocused, she did not appear to have much longer left in the world. However, Li Xi did not notice this. After feeding her the medicine, he helped her wipe her mouth before continuing to speak, “Grandmother, don’t worry. That Crown Prince and King An cannot be arrogant for much longer since he is about to return. Once Zhong Gu returns to the capital, the sky over the city will no longer be as dreary as it is now…”

Half a month later, a memorial written in gratitude was given to the Qintian Supervisor Liu-won’t-speak then passed onto the Emperor’s hands.

“The humble subject Zhong Gu, bows three times to His Majesty’s immense magnanimity…this, this is?”

The Emperor read the first sentence and was shocked.

Tears filled Liu-won’t-speak’s eyes. He explained that an ember from the State Teacher’s bloodline managed to survive. Gou Liang had returned to the capital to pay respect to his ancestors’ memorial and because he was moved by His Majesty’s benevolence, he decided to show himself. Right now he was outside the palace waiting for permission to enter so he could personally come before His Majesty and express his gratitude.

When the Emperor heard this, no matter his true thoughts, there was only surprise and joy on his face. He immediately passed down orders to summon Gou Liang.

The flow of the capital was about to change.

“What did you say? Who came back?!”

Li Yan shouted in dismay.

Zhong Yue’s expression was also unsightly, “That’s impossible…are you certain it is him?”

The person who brought the news shook his head. He said, “This subordinate didn’t see it himself. The person sits on a wheelchair and wears a silver mask. Other than the people in the inner palace, no one knows what he looks like. This subordinate only knows that after His Majesty saw him, he heavily rewarded him. It seems he has already confirmed him to be of the State Teacher’s lineage. Rumor says His Majesty also invited him to join the Ministry of Ceremonies, but he declined, saying his skills weren’t adequate and he didn’t want to dishonor his ancestors.”

Li Yan waved his hand, signalling for the messenger to leave.

“Zhong Gu, he…”

“Dear Yan, why are you still thinking of him? The things you and I did to him, don’t tell me you forgot? Even if he returns, it would only be as a malicious ghost who came back from hell, there is no way he would help you! Rather, I’m afraid he has come back for revenge…” Seeing Li Yan’s heavy expression, Zhong Yue laughed coldly in his heart, then said, “It would be best for Dear Yan to not have any delusions about him.”

Li yan hurriedly said, “Chong Hui, you misunderstood me. Back then, how I treated Zhong Gu for you, you saw it all. In the past I have never disregard your feelings because of him, naturally there will never be such a case now!”

Zhong Yue’s expression lightened slightly. He said heatedly, “You better remember this.”

Li Yan smiled but that smile soon faded. In deep contemplation, he said, “I’m afraid he has come prepared.”

“So what? He’s just a disfigured handicap. Is the capital a place where he can do as he pleases? I want to see what kind of tricks he can play!”

Hatred and murderous intent congealed in Zhong Yue’s eyes.

King An’s Manor.

After Li Yan’s return to court, he began to act boldly in his self-interest, but not only did the Emperor not stop him, he even seemed to indulge him, handing the arrangement of his birthday banquet today to the Crown Prince and his party. Like this, the ministers at court began to have thoughts in their hearts, and even King An felt threatened despite his recent popularity.

“Father Emperor’s actions, does he intend to support Li Yan in order to suppress me?”

King An was aware of his position to the Emperor, and the Emperor loved to balance power. As his influence grew, he knew such a day would come—the golden opportunity during the earthquake, didn’t the Emperor decisively protect Li Yan? Waiting until now to release Li Yan to compete with him, the Emperor was already proving to be more patient than he’d expected.

Advisor Niu Bi shook his head.

“His Majesty is acting out of cautiousness towards the Zhong Clan. You can see, ever since the visit of the people from TianJi Mountain, Zhong Yue and the Crown Prince have been released from the East Palace and His Majesty also gave them proper respect…it seems like Zhong Yue is still together with the Crown Prince. Your Highness should make preparations in advance to be safe.”

“That damned Zhong Yue, damned Zhong Clan!”

King An was full of hate. Zhong Yue to him was already a meatbun that had been fed to the dog—a complete lost cause. What he found even more hateful was the Zhong Clan!

Back then, he had exhausted all methods to meet with someone from the Zhong Clan, but the other party not only felt disdainful, they even returned all the gifts he had sent! Wasn’t this blatantly hitting his face!

However, for the sake of his offspring root that had remained motionless for the past year, he had to swallow his humiliation and continue smiling at the Zhong Clan. How could he not anger?

“Your Highness, calm down.” Niu Bi advised before continuing, “From the looks of it, Zhong Yue’s position in the Zhong Clan isn’t low. If befriending him doesn’t work…”

“What plans do you have?”

“It can’t be called a plan, but this is a case of refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit. If the soft method proves ineffective, then we can only employ less gentle methods. Especially since Your Highness’s injury shouldn’t be dragged out for too long, otherwise…”

A tempestuous light flashed through King An’s eyes.

“That Zhong Yue is a tough bone to chew. My hands are tied. Sir wants to use hard methods, I have no objections. However, should we fail and make a spectacle of ourselves and they still refuse to hand over the medicine, wouldn’t we be making a loss?”

In the end, he was still scared of the Zhong Clan.

Niu Bi said, “This one has another method that may be feasible.”

“Say it!”

King An said eagerly.

Niu Bi said, “His Highness should be aware that the descendant of the State Teacher Zhong Clan had returned to the capital? That Zhong Gu was originally next in line to the State Teacher. I’ve heard that he is exceptionally talented and his ancestor is also a direct descendant of TianJi Mountain who was extraordinarily capable. Don’t you say there’s a chance that he possesses the medicine Your Highness seeks?”

King An’s heart leaped in excitement but he still said with hesitation, “When the Zhong Clan was wiped out, Zhong Gu was only ten something years old, I’m afraid he hasn’t learned much. Moreover, the State Teacher Zhong Clan doesn’t interfere with politics or associate with princes. I’m afraid he won’t easily lend a hand to this prince.”

Niu Bi smiled, “It seems that Your Highness is still unaware of many things.”

“What do you mean?”

“The State Teachers of the past may not, but Zhong Gu is another case. Does Your Highness know how Li Yan back then managed to replace the previous Crown Prince who practically had victory in hand? From what this one knows, Zhong Gu was largely responsible for it happening. It’s a pity that the Crown Prince is unappreciative and decided to kill the other for a Zhong Yue. I’m afraid there isn’t a second person in this world who hates Li Yan and Zhong Yue as much as he does…Your Highness, don’t you think this is an ally worth making?”

Niu Bi’s smile was profound.

King An contemplated for a moment and then smiled with him.

This is simply…Heaven giving him aid!

The manor in front of them was dilapidated; weeds grew thickly and spiderwebs hung everywhere.

This was the manor previously belonging to the capital Zhong Clan. After everyone in the Zhong Clan died, naturally the house had returned to the state. It had once been assigned to other people, but they would all fall ill after living in it, so gradually the manor was left uninhabited. Now, it had once again returned to Gou Liang’s hands.

Zhong Quan noticed his sentimental gaze and said gently, “Master, this subordinate passed orders for it to be refurbished but the work will take a few days to complete. Why don’t we return for today?”

Gou Liang shook his head, “No. We’re going out of the capital to visit HuGuo Temple. Zhong Quan, immediately have people prepare for a seven day service. I am going to pray for my grandfather and parents.”

Zhong Quan naturally obeyed.

Gou Liang only left HuGuo Temple after the renovation for the Zhong Clan’s Manor had been complete.

Assassins had come to obstruct their journey, but they could not disturb Gou Liang’s sweet dreams at all. They had not had a chance to act before they all died. The bodies all appeared overnight in the side hall of the East Palace. Zhong Yue had no choice but to move into the main hall with Li Yan again, his heart fuming.

The first person to visit the Zhong Manor to see Gou Liang was none other than Wang HaiYi.

Even up till today, the bloody case of the Wang Clan still had no lead. He was in mourning and would not take up an official post in the next three years. Instead he remained in the capital, first to keep watch over the Ministry of Justice’s progress in catching the true culprit, and second, to seek refuge from the evil-doer at large that might strike again.

Entering the Zhong Manor, Wang HaiYi’s heart was full of worrying matters but he became stunned by what he saw.

In the past when he passed by the Zhong Manor’s gate, it was so shabby it made one sigh. At this moment, where was a single trace of its previous ruined state?

Not to mention the entire gate wall that had been rebuilt, the entire layout of the manor was exquisite. With every step was a view that blinded people with beauty. Spring had only begun to show signs but every flower, every grass, every tree and leaf in the Zhong Manor were full of vitality. Even more shocking, the thousand-year-old tree rumoured to have been struck down by lightning was actually revived in the inner courtyard with abundant green foliage on its branches…thinking of Gou Liang’s mystical abilities, Wang HaiYi swallowed. He didn’t dare to look around more or ask any questions. The reverence in his heart elevated yet another level.

“Wang HaiYi gives thanks for Sir’s life saving grace!”

The moment they met, Wang HaiYi bowed in greeting.

To say Wang HaiYi is completely unmoved about the Wang Clan’s death would be false. After all, it was the clan that nurtured him all these years. Although there’s the irreconcilable blood feud of killing his father and mother, he still inevitably felt a bit sad.

However, he had no mind to pay attention to those feelings now.

From the time he left YongNing for the capital to present, Wang HaiYi had been met with ten assassination attempts in total. If it wasn’t for Gou Liang, who arranged for people to protect him in secret, he would’ve already died.

Of course, Gou Liang had his own intentions for this arrangement.

Since the annihilation of the Wang Family, he had been keeping an eye on the Zhong Clan’s movement. Unexpectedly, the Zhong Clan Head remained unconcerned. Either the Wang Clan had already become a disposable pawn that year after completing the job or when the previous Clan Head passed away, there was a portion of power that had not been passed on to the current Clan Head. Instead, it was in the hands of the person who had taken care of the capital Zhong Clan to prevent the appearance of a heaven-fated body.

This person had concealed themself deeply. Originally, Gou Liang wanted to use Wang HaiYi as bait to make the other appear, but he didn’t expect that although the other had acted several times, he was still unable to garner anything useful.

Gou Liang motioned for him to sit before saying, “No need to thank me, to begin with you were implicated. I should be apologising to you instead.”

“Sir is too polite. If not for you, I’m afraid even just with my strength alone, I would’ve never been able to get revenge for my father and mother.”

Wang HaiYi said this hurriedly.

“You can live here from now on, if someone acts against you, it would be safer here.”

It also made it more convenient for Gou Liang to investigate.

He was certain the other party wouldn’t just leave things as they were. If for no other reason, then due to the fact that if Wang HaiYi’s bloodline were to be used for divination, then the relation between the Wang Clan and TianJi Zhong Clan would be exposed. In addition, the other knew he was also a heaven-fated body so they should have an estimate of his ability, giving the other all the more reason to get rid of Wang HaiYi.

But, to speak the truth, Gou Liang himself was the biggest bait of all.

Wang HaiYi thanked him again.

Afterwards, no matter how many people came by to pay respect, Gou Liang didn’t meet with anyone one else. Not even Liu-won’t-speak could take a step into the Zhong Manor.

When three waves of assassin bodies had been sent back to the East Palace to form a small hill, the Emperor’s birthday was just around the corner. He specially invited Gou Liang to attend the banquet.

The wooden wheels rolled against the limestone paving, making a heavy ‘gulu’ sound.

Zhong Quan slowly pushed Gou Liang forward and unfortunately, met with the Crown Prince and King An on a narrow road.

“Oh, I was wondering who it was, is this Zhong Gu, Zhong-xiansheng?” Zhong Yue spoke first. He smiled insincerely and said, “Xiansheng used to be very prideful, how he won’t even come out in public with his real face? And what happened with your legs? We haven’t met for about a year, how did xiansheng manage to become a handicap that can’t even stand? Could it be that you worked too hard at night, causing you to be unable to stand?”

He taunted clumsily and successfully provoked Gou Liang.

“Zhong Quan, slap his mouth.”

“Yes, Master.”

The words had just fallen when a black shadow flickered over and following after, countless ‘papapapa’ slapping sounds echoed.

Zhong Yue tumbled to the ground and the black shadow retreated, appearing by Gou Liang’s side once more.

In less than two breaths, Zhong Yue’s face had become swollen like a pig’s, blood dribbling down his nose and mouth.

“You, you…”

“Chong Hui!”

Zhong Yue was in so much pain that he couldn’t speak. Li Yan was shocked and hurriedly helped him up. He saw the handprints covering Zhong Yue’s badly swollen face and was angered.

“Zhong Gu, how dare you!”

He turned around and yelled angrily, but where was Gou Liang anywhere to be seen?