15.Dispute

Xiao Yongnian knew his nephew, Xiao Shikai, all too well. Relying on the Xiao family's influence, he had secured a minor position as a ninth-grade inspector on the western route, likely amassing a fortune through corruption. Every time he brought gifts, he also had requests, but they were usually easy to fulfill, often requiring just a word from Xiao Yongnian.

Xiao Shikai grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth, his eyes glinting with cunning as he lightly tapped his paper fan against his palm. "Hehe, Uncle, I've heard that a new boy has arrived at Zui Xian Lou, and he's quite a looker."

Xiao Yongnian scoffed, "A male courtesan? How good-looking could he be?"

"A courtesan? Uncle, you know about him?" Xiao Shikai was surprised.

Xiao Yongnian snorted and didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "If you want to visit a brothel, take money from the accounting office. Why come to me?"

Xiao Shikai waved his hands, explaining, "No, it's not about money. This courtesan only entertains scholars and dignitaries. I came to see if you know anyone who can take me to see him."

Xiao Yongnian sighed, "You need me to pull strings for you to visit a brothel? What good are you?"

Xiao Shikai chuckled, "Uncle, your influence is unmatched. I brought some treasures from my recent patrol—tea and ginseng from foreign lands, and this." He presented a beautifully crafted box containing a jade thumb ring, its craftsmanship evident.

Xiao Yongnian's face lit up, "You always know what I like, more useful than your barren sister, the Empress."

Xiao Shikai's eyes twinkled as he asked, "So, Uncle, about Zui Xian Lou?"

Xiao Yongnian thought for a moment, "It's not difficult."

Xiao Shikai grinned, "I'll take that as a yes, then?"

In the Empress's chambers, Xiao Rui asked, "Father, do you think the matter with the dancer was orchestrated by MuJinXB?"

Ever since seeing the dancer's face, Xiao Rui had been sleepless, unable to uncover any leads despite extensive searching.

Xiao Yongnian nodded, "To find someone so alike and bring them into the palace before you and the Emperor, it must be him. Though the MuJin family only had MuJinXB as a son, I heard they once had a maid who resembled MuJin Zhiyao in her youth and was adopted as a daughter. When the MuJin family was destroyed, not all related people could be eliminated. This woman might have survived."

Xiao Rui's expression was serious and puzzled, "MuJinXB was a frail scholar. Had it not been for his faked death, he would be a corpse. Even so, he's now just a performer in a brothel. Could he really have such capabilities?"

Xiao Yongnian asked, "Did you notice anything unusual in the hall that day?"

Xiao Rui thought for a while and suddenly said, "LinMuchuan was the first to call for protection, then the woman attacked. Could she and the Lin family be conspiring against me?"

Xiao Yongnian considered it but found it unlikely. The Lin family had been loyal to the Emperor, with no enmity towards the Xiao family. LinMuchuan had guarded the borders from a young age, knowing little of court politics.

"Could someone have learned of that matter?" Xiao Rui asked, eyes wide with fear.

The incident Xiao Rui referred to was known only to Xiao Yongnian and ChengSangKing, a secret deeply buried among the three of them.

Xiao Yongnian shook his head, "I will investigate MuJinXB's disappearance. For now, there's another issue you must address. JY's mentor is troublesome."

In the Imperial study, ChengSangJY presented his recent travel records to his father, ChengSangKing.

Reading the records, ChengSangKing nodded approvingly, "JY, your travel logs are well-written, flowing smoothly with elegant language. Even I can't stop reading."

ChengSangJY smiled and bowed, "Thank you, Father. It's thanks to LiLuoning's guidance."

ChengSangKing was not surprised, having summoned LiLuoning several times, always impressed by his insights. Seeing JY's improvement under LiLuoning's tutelage, ChengSangKing was increasingly pleased.

The elderly eunuch beside the Emperor commented, "The Crown Prince's handwriting is becoming more refined, elegant yet powerful. Your Majesty, we should compile these travel logs into a book for public admiration."

ChengSangKing agreed, "An excellent idea. LiLuoning shall oversee this compilation, to be announced upon JY's coming of age."

Overjoyed, ChengSangJY knelt to thank his father, "Thank you for your grace, Father."

ChengSangKing smiled, "You may go."

After ChengSangJY left, ChengSangKing asked, "Eunuch Liu, what do you think of this LiLuoning?"

Eunuch Liu respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, since LiLuoning devotes himself to the Crown Prince, it is beneficial. He avoids political entanglements, focusing solely on his duties."

ChengSangKing nodded, "I have asked him about various issues raised by ministers, but he shows no interest in politics. If he remains by JY's side, he could be a valuable advisor when JY ascends the throne. JY likes him greatly; we should find a way to keep him close."

At the ShangGuan residence, in the study, ShangGuan Jinshuo asked, "CY, were you truly at the Crown Prince's residence last night?"

ShangGuanCY, in a low voice, replied, "Yes, Father. The palace gates were closed, so I secretly escorted JY back to avoid trouble from Empress Xiao. Only MuJinXB knows about this."

ShangGuan Jinshuo frowned, knowing the relationship between ShangGuanCY and MuJinXB. "If not MuJinXB, then who?"

Anticipating his father's thoughts, ShangGuanCY continued, "I can guarantee it wasn't XB. However, something suspicious happened last night."

"What was suspicious?"

"That night, after JY and Huaichu were drugged by the inn staff, I overheard them say they were instructed to give them a lesson before tying them up in the woodshed," ShangGuanCY said seriously.

ShangGuan Jinshuo's expression turned grave. "You mean, someone is plotting against the Crown Prince?"

ShangGuanCY nodded slightly, though his tone was still uncertain. "If someone truly wants to harm the Crown Prince, who then notified XB to rescue us? I intended to gather more details, but the speed of the assassins from Chasing Moon Pavilion was too swift. They dealt with those men before I could inquire further."

"Do you think the person plotting against the Crown Prince and the one rescuing him are not the same?"

ShangGuanCY nodded again. "If the intention was merely to teach the Crown Prince a lesson, the mastermind isn't hard to guess. But if the aim was to silence him, that's also possible. Had I not found them that night, the consequences would have been dire. It seems he is losing patience and starting to act."

At Zui Xian Lou, Xiao Shikai lounged arrogantly in the room, one foot on the couch, the other swinging idly, embodying the image of a reckless playboy. He tapped a letter in his hand rhythmically, waiting for MuJinling.

Soon, the door slid open, and MuJinling entered, clad in a light green gauze robe, followed by a maid from Zui Xian Lou.

MuJinling quickly assessed Xiao Shikai and smiled. "Apologies for keeping you waiting." He sat opposite Xiao Shikai, pouring him tea.

Xiao Shikai was instantly captivated by MuJinling's stunning looks, staring dumbfounded until he snapped back to reality and awkwardly took the offered tea, gulping it down.

"Truly, you are as breathtaking as they say, a beauty of peerless charm," Xiao Shikai praised, his movements becoming suggestive.

MuJinling did not respond, merely lowering his eyes with a slight smile, subtly avoiding Xiao Shikai's advances.

This smile nearly bewitched Xiao Shikai completely, his back tingling with delight. "I never imagined a man could be so alluring. If all men were like you, how would women survive?"

He reached out to touch MuJinling's cheek.

"You mentioned you brought a letter?" MuJinling gently moved aside, asking softly.

"Oh, right. Lord Xiao asked me to deliver this letter to you," Xiao Shikai remembered, handing the letter over.

MuJinling's slender fingers brushed Xiao Shikai's hand as he took the letter. Xiao Shikai shivered with pleasure, feeling as if a refreshing spring had flowed through him.

Reading the letter, MuJinling's eyes flashed with displeasure, but he smiled at Xiao Shikai, saying, "Since Lord Xiao introduced you, you are a distinguished guest. However, I have other guests today. If you don't mind, please come early tomorrow for a special reception." MuJinling emphasized "special reception," blowing a light kiss with a smile.

Xiao Shikai eagerly nodded, "Yes, yes, I'll come tomorrow. A special reception indeed."

MuJinling nodded slightly, casting a meaningful glance at Xiao Shikai, "Certainly. Apologies for the inconvenience today. Liuxiang, see the guest out."

The maid approached, "Lord Xiao, this way."

"Beauty, I'll be here tomorrow. Wait for me," Xiao Shikai said, reluctantly leaving.

Returning, the maid reported to MuJinling, "Master, Lord Xiao has left."

MuJinling's face darkened, his eyes cold. "That Xiao Shikai is just a lowly scoundrel. Why demean yourself meeting him?" the maid asked.

"Though a fool, he can be a useful dog when needed," MuJinling replied, looking out the window.

At the Crown Prince's residence, ChengSangJY and LinHuaichu were in their study when a voice called from outside, "The Empress has arrived."

The three inside quickly set down their things and went outside to kneel.

"Greetings, Mother," ChengSangJY said.

"Greetings, Empress," the others echoed.

Xiao Rui didn't let them rise, scrutinizing the courtyard with displeasure. "I heard that Mr. Li has taken a liking to gathering herbs outside the palace. This is no ordinary home; you cannot come and go as you please."

ChengSangJY's heart sank. He knew this prelude too well—it meant his mother was about to make trouble, likely leading to another change in his tutor.

"Mother, Mr. Li only goes out to gather medicinal herbs for my health," ChengSangJY said, trying to placate her.

Xiao Rui's expression remained stern. "Health or not, this is the royal palace. Even for such reasons, movements must be controlled. From now on, Mr. Li is not to leave the palace without permission."

"Yes, Mother," ChengSangJY replied, though he felt a deep unease.

Xiao Rui turned to LinHuaichu. "Huaichu, you assist the Crown Prince in his studies. Make sure no one disrupts his education, especially not Mr. Li."

"Yes, Your Highness," LinHuaichu answered, bowing.

Xiao Rui then looked at JY. "I expect you to be diligent in your studies and not rely solely on your tutor."

"Yes, Mother," JY responded.

"Good," Xiao Rui said, finally allowing them to rise. "Remember, this palace is not for idle wandering."

After Xiao Rui left, ChengSangJY's face fell. "It seems Mother is determined to replace Mr. Li."

LinHuaichu sighed. "We must tread carefully. The palace is full of eyes and ears."

Back at ShangGuan residence, in the study, ShangGuan Jinshuo asked, "CY, were you really at the Crown Prince's residence last night?"

ShangGuanCY, in a low voice, replied, "Yes, Father. The palace gates were closed, so I secretly escorted JY back to avoid trouble from Empress Xiao. Only MuJinXB knows about this."

ShangGuan Jinshuo frowned, knowing the relationship between ShangGuanCY and MuJinXB. "If not MuJinXB, then who?"

Anticipating his father's thoughts, ShangGuanCY continued, "I can guarantee it wasn't XB. However, something suspicious happened last night."

"The Empress is right; I am indeed not very familiar with palace rules. I only bring herbs that can be useful and have them checked and stored by the Imperial Medical Institute," LiLuoning responded.

Empress Xiao Rui ignored LiLuoning and walked around arrogantly, signaling to her maid. The maid understood immediately and led several palace maids into the guest room in the side hall, seemingly to search for something.

"Mother!" ChengSangJY was about to stop them but was discreetly held back by LiLuoning. The Empress's intent was clear—she was here to cause trouble over the previous night's incident. LiLuoning shook his head slightly at the Crown Prince, not wanting him to argue with the Empress on his behalf.

LinHuaichu knelt to the side, clenching his fists in frustration. Empress Xiao Rui was notorious for being unreasonable. She would even rummage through JY's room whenever she pleased, feeling no qualms about it.

Soon, the maid returned, tossing many scrolls into the courtyard. Among them were books on herbal medicine and some that the Empress deemed to be trivial literature.

Empress Xiao Rui glanced at the scattered books on the ground and gave another signal to the maid. The maid threw something onto the pile, setting the scrolls ablaze.

ChengSangJY could no longer tolerate it. "Mother! What are you doing? These are all LiLuoning's belongings."

The Empress paid no attention to the kneeling ChengSangJY, her gaze fixed disdainfully on LiLuoning. "Since you are so interested in studying herbs, why not settle down in the Imperial Medical Institute as a fourth-rank physician? There's no need for you to trouble yourself here in the Crown Prince's quarters anymore."

LiLuoning understood that the Empress's actions were a direct response to the events of that night. Before he could speak, ChengSangJY stood up abruptly, protesting, "No!"

The Empress, taken aback, glared at him. "What did you say?"

ChengSangJY, realizing his impulsiveness, looked away, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he raised his head, his gaze meeting the Empress's resolutely. "Mother, LiLuoning will not go to the Imperial Medical Institute. Please rescind your order."

LinHuaichu's eyes widened in shock. In his memory, this was the first time ChengSangJY had ever defied the Empress so directly and firmly.

Empress Xiao Rui was equally shocked, her voice low and menacing as she demanded, "Say that again!"

ChengSangJY's fists clenched at his sides, his voice barely trembling as he stared back at the Empress. "Mother, please rescind your order."

"Smack!"

Before ChengSangJY could finish, the Empress slapped him hard across the face, the force causing her finger guards to fly off, leaving a shallow cut on his cheek.

But ChengSangJY seemed unfazed by the pain, his head bowed as he repeated, "Please rescind your order."

"Unfilial child! How dare you defy me for a lowly doctor!" The Empress slapped him again, the impact almost making her lose her balance, saved only by the maid supporting her.

ChengSangJY swayed but stood his ground, unwavering.

LiLuoning's gaze hardened, and he discreetly cast a spell, causing an imperceptible pain in the Empress's head.

"Oh, the audacity! Ugh!" The Empress clutched her head, feeling an intense headache. She pointed at ChengSangJY, fuming, "How dare you! I ask you again, repeat what you said!"

As ChengSangJY opened his mouth to speak, another voice interrupted from outside, "Imperial decree!"

Eunuch Liu entered, holding the decree, and everyone in the courtyard knelt.

"By the Emperor's command: LiLuoning of the capital, skilled in multiple arts and proficient in teaching, has shown outstanding results in instructing the Crown Prince. He is hereby appointed as the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, first rank, with imperial favor."

"I accept the decree with gratitude." LiLuoning stepped forward, receiving the decree.

Eunuch Liu smiled at LiLuoning, "Grand Tutor Li, the Emperor holds you in high regard. Do not disappoint him." He patted LiLuoning's hand lightly.

"Thank you, Eunuch Liu. I recently collected a fine thousand-year-old ginseng. I will send it to you shortly." LiLuoning smiled, knowing the eunuch was a key figure in court politics.

Eunuch Liu laughed, then coughed, waving his sleeve to disperse the smoke in the courtyard. "What's being taught today? The courtyard is full of smoke." Noticing Empress Xiao Rui, he bowed, "What brings the Empress here today?"

Empress Xiao Rui's face was ashen after hearing the decree. LiLuoning, once a mere teacher without rank, now held a first-rank position, making him an official in the court. She could no longer easily dismiss him.

"Eunuch Liu, you seem quite free today," the Empress remarked sarcastically, implying he was neglecting his duties by being here.

Eunuch Liu, ever the diplomat, replied with a smile, "Empress, the Emperor had me select some fine new jade pieces for you. They should have arrived by now. Perhaps you could return to inspect them. If you don't like them, I'll have new ones sent."

Having overheard the earlier commotion, Eunuch Liu was offering the Empress a graceful exit.

The Empress huffed, "I am tired. Let's go back."