Chapter 54: The Art of Subtle Deception
“Father, perhaps it would be best to investigate this matter further before making a decision,” Yu Guhan spoke up at that moment.
Even Le Yongcheng added, “Your Majesty, it is wise to clarify the facts first, otherwise rumors will spread and the people will be dissatisfied. If the matter proves true, waiting a couple more days is of no consequence.”
Le Yongcheng was a loyal minister, but also a man of discernment. Since he had spoken thus, other officials naturally agreed. Moreover, the Emperor himself felt that waiting two days was hardly an inconvenience; in any case, Zhan Lianjing was doomed this time.
He was the Emperor—witnesses would avail nothing, as the Chief Justice of the Grand Court would heed only his command.
With a wave of his sleeve, the Emperor dismissed the court.
Yu Zhiyang’s gaze dimmed for a moment. He had intended to persuade his father, but found it unnecessary. The corners of his lips curled slightly, and he seemed at ease.
Yu Guhan glanced at him, “Third Brother, you look as if you’re enjoying someone else’s misfortune.”
“Is that so? I have no such intention. I simply believe that Prince Zhan will not be so easily defeated.” He stretched lazily, feeling somewhat weary from rising so early. “Elder Brother, there’s no need to worry. The court will not change so easily.”
With that, Yu Zhiyang departed.
Yu Guhan frowned; ever since childhood, Yu Zhiyang had been exceptionally clever, a favorite of their father. More than once, Yu Guhan had felt jealous and plotted against him, fearing Yu Zhiyang might seize his position as Crown Prince. Later, Yu Zhiyang himself requested to travel and gain experience, and despite their parents’ objections, he remained steadfast. When their birth mother passed away, Yu Zhiyang did not return to see her, and Yu Guhan felt then that Yu Zhiyang seemed disdainful of the royal family’s power struggles, lacking even a trace of filial piety. This had led their father to become somewhat disillusioned with him.
Yu Guhan smiled and dismissed the matter.
The next two days passed peacefully, but throughout that time, the Prince Zhan’s residence endured constant scorn. With the master imprisoned in the imperial dungeon, what could his servants accomplish?
However, Hao Yue and Zhui Xing paid no heed; their abilities were far from ordinary.
News from the Grand Court arrived early: the Chief Justice would enter the palace today to report, and this was conducted in secret.
Soon after, the Emperor ordered the execution of Consort De.
As all believed Zhan Lianjing had no hope of escaping disaster, word came from the borderlands.
The Emperor read the secret letter, his expression instantly stiffening.
The Chief Justice was present but dared not speak, for the Emperor was clearly incensed; a single misstep could mean death.
Enraged, the Emperor flung the secret letter onto his desk, his face still grim and dark.
Unable to restrain himself, he ground his teeth and said, “Zhan Lianjing, you are truly ruthless!”
The Chief Justice, being shrewd, surmised a portion of the truth.
He waited quietly for the Emperor’s decision, knowing silence was best at such a moment.
The Emperor pondered for a long while, his expression growing ever worse.
At last, he spoke, “Chief Justice, this matter is unrelated to Prince Zhan. Go yourself to the imperial dungeon and escort him back to his residence.”
The Chief Justice hurriedly obeyed, realizing that once again, Zhan Lianjing had won.
That night, the Chief Justice personally went to release Zhan Lianjing from the dungeon. But Zhan Lianjing remained motionless, his expression unchanged, his tone faintly scornful, “I am quite comfortable here; I won’t be leaving.”
The Chief Justice was at a loss, spreading his hands, “Your Highness, why persist? The Emperor has ordered your release; please return to your estate.”
Zhan Lianjing turned away, ignoring him.
“If you wish me to leave, even if the Emperor himself comes, I may not consent.”
The Chief Justice realized Zhan Lianjing was throwing a tantrum; if he remained in the dungeon, trouble would erupt at the border. Clearly, the Emperor was now at a disadvantage. The Chief Justice could only investigate cases—affairs of the court were indeed vexing.
Yet, Zhan Lianjing had managed to reverse the situation in such a short time, a testament to his formidable skill.
He then said, “Your Highness, do you intend to suffer in the dungeon indefinitely? What’s the point?”
“Rest assured, the Emperor suffers more than I,” Zhan Lianjing replied coldly, his voice as frigid as his gaze. “If I do not leave the dungeon within three days, the Emperor will spend many times the effort and may not be able to safeguard his realm.”
This was not mere boastfulness. Eight years ago, Tianlong was weak, but Zhan Lianjing had revived the nation, making it prosperous and unassailable. Now, he possessed the same capability.
Though he could not destroy Tianlong, he could certainly sap its strength.
The Emperor naturally wished to avoid this, for he still aspired to unite the world in his lifetime.
The Chief Justice, reflecting on Zhan Lianjing’s words, realized that they were not empty.
His expression grew grave. “Your Highness, you have indeed suffered injustice. I shall report to the Emperor at once.”
Zhan Lianjing closed his eyes; his imprisonment would not be easily forgiven.
He had not intended to do anything in Tianlong, but now things were different.
He had only sought the ancestral records and another item, but upon hearing the words of that man in black, he had been deeply displeased.
To say he was worthless? Then he would display his prowess in Tianlong!
When the Emperor learned that Zhan Lianjing refused to leave the dungeon, he was furious, but after calming himself, he hastened to the dungeon late at night.
He knew that if Zhan Lianjing remained within for three days, Tianlong was bound for trouble.
Entering the dungeon, the Emperor found the conditions poor and damp.
The iron gate opened; within the cell, a faint candle burned. Zhan Lianjing sat upon a stone bed, his complexion pale. The bedding was coarse, and Zhan Lianjing, unused to it, had left it neatly folded.
“Your Majesty,” Zhan Lianjing greeted.
His legs were not well, so he rarely stood to salute, which had always been a source of discomfort for the Emperor.
But now the Emperor smiled, seemingly free of anger.
“No need for formalities, Prince Zhan. The Chief Justice has just uncovered the truth, and I ordered your swift release. Why do you refuse to leave?”
“My heart is unsettled, Your Majesty; I thought to rest here a few more days,” Zhan Lianjing replied casually. He was in no hurry—the anxious one was the Emperor.
The Emperor maintained his smile, though it was growing stiff. “Prince Zhan, are you sulking with me? I erred in doubting you from the start.”
A monarch admitting fault was already a concession, but Zhan Lianjing was unmoved.
His gaze was icy, his features blurred by candlelight.
He deliberately avoided looking at the Emperor, saying, “Your Majesty, I have said I wish to remain here a few more days. Come for me then.”
“A few more days?!” The Emperor nearly lost his temper but managed to restrain himself. “Prince Zhan, are you jesting? This is the imperial dungeon—do you truly wish to stay?”
“I’ve endured these past days; a few more are of no consequence,” Zhan Lianjing replied. “It is late; Your Majesty should return and rest.”
As he spoke, Zhan Lianjing coughed softly.
The Emperor knew Zhan Lianjing’s health was poor; it was this vulnerability that had allowed him to plot against Zhan Lianjing.
Originally, Zhan Lianjing’s illness had lingered; had he died in the dungeon, it would have been ideal, but now the Emperor could not allow that.
He quickly said, “Your Highness, your health cannot bear this place. Let me send you back to your estate.”
Zhan Lianjing remained unmoved. “I will manage; Your Majesty may go.”
The Emperor was seething with anger; clearly, Zhan Lianjing was determined to show him defiance.
Not wishing to lose composure, he asked, “Then I shall send for the imperial physician to examine you. Recover here tonight and leave tomorrow.”
Zhan Lianjing answered coolly, “Your Majesty, my personal physician is Yuan Tianci. And let him bring his apprentice, Le Qianxue.”
The Emperor, reduced to a mere messenger, found Zhan Lianjing’s words quite bold.
He turned back, “Did you hear? Go quickly!”
Eunuch Chen hurried off, fearing the Emperor’s wrath would fall on him.
Zhan Lianjing continued, “Your Majesty, as soon as I am comfortable, I will naturally leave. You need not worry.”
The Emperor relaxed; with Zhan Lianjing’s words, there was hope.
“I shall send more maids—”
“No need. I find Le Qianxue quite capable. Let her tend me for a few days. She knows some medicine, which is all the better.”
The Emperor could only nod; now, pleasing Zhan Lianjing was all he could do.
And so, in the middle of the night, Le Qianxue was roused yet again.
Dazed, she was dragged from bed to change and have her hair arranged, her eyes barely opening, her voice drowsy, “What’s going on?”
Eunuch Chen, anxious, looked at Le Qianxue’s sleepy demeanor and almost wanted to slap her awake.
He urged, “Hurry up! If Prince Zhan is kept waiting, you’ll all lose your heads!”
The palace maids responded fearfully; Prince Zhan’s reputation for cold ruthlessness and rumored indifference to killing made them nervous.
One maid’s trembling hand tugged Le Qianxue’s hair painfully.
Le Qianxue frowned, “What are you doing? Be careful—my hair’s being pulled out.”
The maid knelt in terror, “I deserve death! I deserve death!”