Chapter 142: Benevolent Father and Dutiful Son, Poison on the Blade

The early spring in Chang'an City was brimming with vitality everywhere.
Crisp birdsong echoed from the branches, and tender buds dotted the trees.
Naturally, the palace could not be filled with blooming flowers everywhere, so the only vibrant greens were found in robes and caps.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince entered the palace today dressed entirely in tender green robes.

"Study diligently." The Emperor looked somewhat impatient.
"Yes, this son takes his leave."
The Crown Prince bowed respectfully, then raised his head, his eyes filled with profound filial devotion.
Performers in later generations acted to earn money; this man acted to preserve his life. With different starting points, their acting skills were naturally worlds apart.

Han Shitou saw the Crown Prince out.
"His Majesty is toiling away; Senior Monitor Han should frequently remind him." The Crown Prince patted Han Shitou's shoulder in a very amiable manner.
Han Shitou bowed slightly. "Yes."
The Crown Prince said these words casually, and Han Shitou let them pass through his mind without dwelling on them.

"Does Senior Monitor Han have anyone on the outside? Ah! Look at me being muddle-headed, casually asking a taboo question." The Crown Prince smiled and said sincerely, "I am deeply grateful for the utter dedication with which you attend to His Majesty."
Some things could not be spoken too plainly.
Han Shitou replied indifferently, "This servant wouldn't dare."
The Crown Prince smiled genially. "Good, good."

Han Shitou watched the Crown Prince depart into the distance, then turned and walked back into the hall.
The Emperor sat there, seemingly lost in thought.
Yet Han Shitou reported respectfully, "Your Highness cares deeply for Your Majesty's health, and instructed this servant to remind Your Majesty often. Your Highness also asked whether this servant has family outside the palace."
"Mmm."
The Emperor let out a soft hum, but addressed a completely different matter: "I heard there was a fire at the He residence last night?"
"Yes."
"A fire in Chang'an City—if it spreads, it becomes a major disaster."
"Yes."

The Emperor stood up. "I am going to the Pear Garden. Report if anything arises."
"Yes."
Han Shitou did not follow. Instead, he remained in place until he saw the Emperor disappear from sight, whereupon he said indifferently, "Summon Wang Shou into the palace."

The One-Eyed Dragon walked slowly through the palace, and no one dared to meet his gaze.
When he spotted Han Shitou, the latter was gazing at the morning sun.
The morning sun slanted across the flying eaves, sliding downward until a single ray penetrated the hall.
Another ray fell upon Han Shitou's shoulder.
It appeared somewhat desolate.
"Senior Monitor Han."
Han Shitou turned his head to look at him.
"There was a fire at the He residence last night."
"Correct."

Yet in Chang'an City, fires broke out at least fifty to a hundred times a year.
Wang Shou knew that these words represented the Emperor's will, so he lowered his head slightly.
"There are many dignitaries in Chang'an City. What if the fire had spread? The He family is simply too careless."
"Indeed. But what is to be done?"
The Mirror Platform was a hound kept by the monarch, and now that the monarch was displeased, it was time to bite.
"He Jincheng is an important official after all. If he is flogged, it would not look well."
Wang Shou nodded. "Are there any further instructions?"
Han Shitou shook his head. "You may go."

Only then did Wang Shou raise his head to look at him, narrowing his eyes. "His Majesty is in the Pear Garden."
"Mmm."
"Can you compose music?"
The position of someone close to the monarch was one that countless people in the palace vied for eagerly. Yet Han Shitou held his ground firmly, giving no one else an opportunity.
Wang Shou commanded the Mirror Platform and wielded monstrous power, but his influence hit a wall right here with Han Shitou.

Eunuchs, lacking their completeness and unable to be true men, naturally had to transfer their affections elsewhere, pouring their minds into other pursuits such as power.
This remark was mocking Han Shitou for previously relying on the Emperor's favor for his noble status; but now that the Emperor spent his entire day immersed in the Pear Garden, Han Shitou's influence had likewise vanished within the Pear Garden.

Han Shitou gave a noncommittal response and subsequently headed to the Pear Garden. Upon entering, he found his trusted confidant and whispered softly, "The palace paths are slippery today. Have the men from the Mirror Platform exercise caution."
The confidant nodded. "Understood."
"Also, the Crown Prince engaged in some probing earlier, which has put His Majesty in a difficult position."
"Yes."

The Emperor had seized the Crown Prince's consort, and that former consort was now the Emperor's favored imperial concubine...
How would the Imperial Noble Consort react upon seeing the Crown Prince?
*Isn't this my ex-husband?*
*Yet this ex-husband is now nominally my son.*
When the Emperor saw the Crown Prince, wouldn't he think: *Isn't this the Imperial Noble Consort's ex-husband?*
Wasn't that utterly nauseating?
What did the Emperor want most?
Everyone in the palace shared a gut feeling: the Emperor most likely wanted to do away with the Crown Prince so that he could fly wing-to-wing with the Imperial Noble Consort in peace, never having to lay eyes on that nauseating person again.
Yet the Crown Prince behaved as meekly as a quail, leaving the Emperor no opening to strike!

Han Shitou watched his confidant slip away quietly.
Around him, there was not a soul.
He murmured softly, "Father should be kind and son filial."
Immediately, the message was disseminated.

The men of the Mirror Platform kept watch over the outer court, and later that day, someone entered the palace to report news as per routine.
While passing through a palace gate, this person collided with two palace attendants, sparking an angry verbal dispute that went on endlessly and almost came to blows.

Inside the Pear Garden, the Imperial Noble Consort leaned lazily against a couch, while the Emperor sat on the other side, utterly engrossed in a musical score, furrowing his brow from time to time.
Musicians and singers waited off to the side, and the atmosphere was quite relaxed.

After a long while, the Emperor raised his head and smiled. "If we modify this section here, it will sound much more natural."
He then rehearsed the tune, and the Imperial Noble Consort praised, "Your Majesty's composition is truly exquisite."
The Emperor put down his instrument and said triumphantly, "In this entire world, Hongyan is the only one worthy of listening to my compositions."

The expressions of the musicians and singers remained serene.
The eunuchs looked placid.
They acted as though they were merely wooden puppets.

The Emperor comfortably stretched his neck and asked, "Is there any news from the outer court?"
Han Shitou hesitated for a moment.
The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly.
His right index and middle fingers tapped lightly against the musical score.
Han Shitou lowered his gaze. "News from the Mirror Platform has not yet arrived."
The Emperor said indifferently, "Wang Shou is growing arrogant as well. Give him a flogging."
Han Shitou trembled slightly. "Yes."

Han Shitou exited.
The Emperor placed the musical score on the small table, and someone stepped forward to massage his shoulders and neck.
"Is Han Shitou afraid of Wang Shou's power, or does he want to play the peacemaker?"
The Imperial Noble Consort covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "Han Shitou is a lone man with no family; why would he want to play the peacemaker? Can his benevolence possibly extend to his descendants?"
The Emperor smiled faintly. "True. Then he must fear Wang Shou's power. That vicious hound has grown rather overbearing lately; it's high time he was put in his place."
The Imperial Noble Consort giggled. "Your Majesty, the tune just now was exquisite. Might it have lyrics?"
The Emperor gently embraced her rounded shoulders. "If Hongyan desires them, naturally there will be."

***

Wang Shou returned to the Mirror Platform and said to his confidant, "The maternal uncle of the Emperor has been acting too hastily lately, and some of his subordinates are jumping around everywhere. Now look at this. Since His Majesty finds it awkward to deal with the Emperor's father-in-law, he is using He Jincheng—a dog raised by the father-in-law—as a warning."
The confidant remarked, "Logically speaking, a reprimand should suffice."
"Indeed!" Wang Shou said suspiciously, "Yet Han Shitou's intent is to flog He Jincheng's son. That He Huan is merely a stray dog; why punish him?"
The confidant suggested, "Could Han Shitou be venting a personal grudge?"
"Han Shitou has no dealings with the He family." Wang Shou touched his eyepatch. "Still, this matter... Should we probe His Majesty about it? If Han Shitou is venting a personal grudge, that constitutes a crime."
The confidant asked, "What about the He family's side..."
Wang Shou stood up. "I'll go into the palace right now to test the waters."

He dreamed day and night of pulling Han Shitou down from his post. Once Han Shitou fell, he had friendly ties with several of the likely successors.
By then, controlling the Mirror Platform from the outside while having someone pass messages from within the palace—his power would be as firm as a mountain.
A burning intensity filled his single eye.

"Where is Wang Shou?"
Several eunuchs strode in from outside.
They were all broad-shouldered and thick-waisted.
Wang Shou stood up to greet them, but upon seeing the eunuchs, his heart gave a sudden lurch. He bowed and said, "This servant is here."
The lead eunuch smiled. "I am a man from His Majesty's side, and everything I do is in accordance with the imperial will. I trust you gentlemen won't take offense?"

These eunuchs, judged by official rank, ought to kneel before Wang Shou and call him master. Yet at this moment, Wang Shou was so deferential he practically wanted to call *them* father.
The lead eunuch's expression suddenly turned cold as he shouted, "By order of His Majesty!"
Wang Shou and his men dropped to their knees.
Zhao Sanfu was among them.
"Wang Shou is arrogant and overbearing! Flog him!"
"Yes!"

A wooden bench was brought over, and Wang Shou climbed onto it himself before being bound down.
Being tied down wasn't to prevent him from running, but to ensure he wouldn't slip off from the agonizing pain.
Zhao Sanfu stepped forward and handed a piece of soft wood to Wang Shou's mouth. "Monitor."
Wang Shou raised his head, seeing the hidden anger and concern in Zhao Sanfu's eyes, and managed a faint smile.
"Proceed!" the eunuch shouted sternly.

*Thwack!*
"Ugh!"
Wang Shou bit down on the soft wood, his face flushing crimson.
*Thwack!*
*Thwack!*

When the ten strokes were complete, the eunuch nodded. "I must return to the palace to report. If there was any offense, please forgive us."
With a livid complexion, Wang Shou was helped up by Zhao Sanfu and another man, forcing himself to bow. "This servant holds only absolute loyalty. Please convey this to His Majesty."
The eunuch nodded. "Loyalty to His Majesty is a blessing."

After they left, Wang Shou shouted sternly, "Men!"
Zhao Sanfu and the others responded, "Present!"
Wang Shou's gaze swept over them.
Everyone puffed out their chests.
Monitor Wang was about to make a move, and at a time like this, whoever he pointed to would become his trusted confidant.
"Zhao Sanfu!"
Xin Quan cast a calm glance at Zhao Sanfu as he stepped forward.
"Take a team of brothers to the He residence and give He Huan twenty lashes."
"Order received!"

This was a task bound to offend the prominent clans, yet Zhao Sanfu accepted it with exceptional crispness.
A trace of appreciation flickered in Wang Shou's eyes.
Zhao Sanfu led a team out of the Mirror Platform.
Leaving the palace, they mounted their horses.
Upon reaching the He residence, they found the main gates tightly shut.
"Knock on the gate!"
A subordinate stepped forward and shouted harshly, "The Mirror Platform is on official business! Open the door!"

Spring days were languid and suited for sleeping; the gatekeeper was likely still half-asleep as he hollered, "You bastards, making such a racket!"
The Mirror Platform were dogs.
Yet who dared say such words to the face of the Mirror Platform's men?
Figures like Yang Songcheng certainly could, but they wouldn't, because offending the Emperor over this was pointless.
A mere gatekeeper!
And yet a gatekeeper of the He family!
Everyone turned to look at Zhao Sanfu.
Zhao Sanfu remained silent.

*Creak—*
The side door slowly swung open!
Zhao Sanfu stepped forward.
With a single kick!
*Bang!*
The gatekeeper flew backward through the air, landing inside and coughing up blood as he shrieked, "Someone come quick!"
A group of guards rushed out menacingly.
Zhao Sanfu stood inside the doorway, his legs apart, his gaze cold.
"Where is He Huan?"

He Huan appeared.
A jolt went through him when he saw Zhao Sanfu, but he maintained his composure and asked, "What is the meaning of this?"
"Seize him!"
Several subordinates rushed forward, but the guards blocked their path before He Huan.
The atmosphere between the two sides grew tense enough to snap.
*Clang!*
A horizontal blade was half-drawn from its scabbard, its gleam flashing as Zhao Sanfu stated, "Ten breaths! Those who do not withdraw shall be killed!"

It didn't even take ten breaths. Five breaths later, He Huan stepped forward of his own accord.
"What is my crime?"
"Someone from the He family committed arson last night, nearly causing a catastrophic disaster. By decree, a flogging!"
Last night... last night there had been a fire, but when had it been arson?
He Huan opened his mouth to argue, but Zhao Sanfu stepped up and delivered a heavy punch straight into his soft abdomen.
He Huan doubled over, sucking in cold breath as he glared at Zhao Sanfu.
"You and I... have no grievances between us."
Zhao Sanfu replied calmly, "I am carrying out official duties. Be cooperative!"

Wang Shou had ordered him to come to the He residence and punish He Huan; this was a test—did he dare to offend the He family? He had to display decisiveness and backbone, even if Wang Shou recognized that this resolve was meant to curry favor and seek promotion.
Several subordinates stepped up slowly.
Zhao Sanfu shouted, "Why are you dawdling? Do it!"

The twenty strokes left He Huan's flesh torn and bloody. The women in the inner courtyard heard the commotion and wailed, dispatching people to summon He Jincheng and fetch renowned physicians.
Zhao Sanfu walked out of the He residence gates.
A subordinate asked him, "Chief, why did you bother punching He Huan? You've needlessly offended him."
*Yet if I hadn't offended him, how could I have curried favor with Wang Shou?*
Zhao Sanfu thought of Yancheng.
And of that young man!
Damn it, Yang Xuan hadn't returned to Chang'an in a long time.
He glanced toward the north.

***

Late at night.
Outside the Prince of Wei's bedchamber.
A dark figure quietly materialized by the window.
His right hand gripped a throwing dagger, while his left palm pushed forward.
*Bang!*
The window shattered, and the throwing dagger darted inside.
On the bed, the Prince of Wei shot straight up into the air, and the throwing dagger missed its mark.
With a push of his feet, the Prince of Wei burst through the remaining frame of the window and soared outward.
The dark figure flashed forward at high speed.
"Who goes there?"
Guards on night duty heard the commotion and rushed over.
The Prince of Wei vaulted through the air in pursuit.

Just as the dark figure prepared to scale the wall, he felt a shadow loom overhead. Looking up, he saw the Prince of Wei plunging rapidly toward him.
The dark figure gave a bitter laugh and, without a moment's hesitation, slit his own throat.
The guards arrived. Pulling away the mask of the dead man, one of them gasped, "It's Wu Shun!"
"Search for accomplices!"
The estate erupted into chaos.

"Your Highness, nothing was found."
The Prince of Wei returned inside, picked up the throwing dagger that had been tossed onto his bed, sniffed it, and then ordered someone to bring Wu Shun's saber to sniff as well. His expression grew gloomy.
"Bring Wang San's saber here."
Wang San's saber bore no such scent.
"Wu Shun!" The Prince of Wei's eyes turned icy.
"Wang San is failing!"
"Fetch a physician."

Amidst the noisy commotion next door late at night, Yang Xuan rolled over with his quilt.
"Your Highness, who knows where that physician is staying."
Huang Ping let out a yawn.
"Send someone!"
*Thump, thump, thump!*
The county office gates were pounded violently.
Angry curses rang out from Yue Er's home diagonally across the street.
"Damn your mothers, calling souls in the middle of the night!"
Immediately, all manner of foul language erupted, centered around the county office.
These criminals were naturally gifted in swearing; Huang Ping's eighteen generations of ancestors were instantly reduced to scum, and the female members of his family suffered a catastrophic fate.

Rage boiling within him, Huang Ping threw the door open with a *creak*, ready to unleash a torrent of abuse.
Standing inside the doorway was Zhen Siwen, who had been suffering from internal heat lately. As he opened his mouth to yawn, his foul breath almost sent Huang Ping flying backward.
"Where is the physician?"
"Head east, take two alleys, turn right, and it's the third house."

Chen Huagu was dragged over.
The Prince of Wei sat on the steps, drinking.
Inside the room were the dying Wang San and a few attending guards.
"Save him, and there will be a heavy reward."
The Prince of Wei's words were concise.
Chen Huagu was overjoyed. "Please rest assured, Your Highness."
He hurried inside, but behind him, the Prince of Wei added, "If you can't save him, you die with him."
Chen Huagu shuddered.

Stepping inside, he examined Wang San's condition, then looked at the wound, and his mind went blank.
"The wound has festered."
"Can he be saved?"
Chen Huagu wanted to say no.
"It's hard to say."
Huang Ping frowned. "You were the one who treated Wang San's injury. Why has a small wound become like this?"
"This old man doesn't know. However, dying from external injuries is common; at least twenty percent die because wounds fester."
Huang Ping stared at him coldly. "That's not right. You said that day you treated their wounds differently, so why is the other person completely fine?"
Catching Huang Ping's eye, one of the guards standing by the bed said, "Wu Shun looked full of life at dinner time."
"Then his wound must have scabbed over without any redness or swelling." Chen Huagu felt like disaster was looming.

Huang Ping glared at Chen Huagu and demanded harshly, "Why did one recover and the other worsen?"
With his mind in a whirl, Chen Huagu blurted out instinctively, "His wound was treated according to the magistrate's instructions, while the one on the bed was treated using my usual methods."
His heart skipped a beat, and he stammered, "No, wait. This old man has treated external injuries for over twenty years, and my experience is probably unmatched in the Northern Frontier. I've seen countless people develop fevers from external injuries, but even with a fever, they shouldn't be on the verge of death this quickly—the wound is rotting too fast!"

Huang Ping walked out, bowed his head, and whispered to the Prince of Wei, who was still sitting on the steps, "This man has stayed in Taiping for many years and shouldn't be connected to the assassination attempt, though he does bear watching for a while."
The poison had been smeared on the blade's edge; it had nothing to do with Chen Huagu's medicine.
"Bring Yang Xuan here!"

Yang Xuan was dragged out of bed in the middle of the night, his lingering sleepiness still heavy, but the moment he saw the Prince of Wei drinking on the steps, all drowsiness vanished.
His eldest nephew exuded a murderous aura.
"Since you understand medicine, why didn't you save Shang Jue back then?"
"He died instantly."
Yang Xuan figured his eldest nephew couldn't be *that* mentally deficient.
Suddenly, the Prince of Wei tossed a horizontal blade through the air.

"This is the saber Wu Shun used to injure Wang San during sparring, and the blade was poisoned. Just moments ago, he tried to assassinate me using a throwing dagger tipped with the exact same poison."
"My cultivation is profound, making it difficult for them to get close. That's why they chose to assassinate me in the middle of the night. To think they even used Wang San beforehand to test the poison's potency... Cowards!"
A jolt went through Yang Xuan. "And Wu Shun?"
The Prince of Wei said slowly, "He's dead."