WK Chapter 51.2

The Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince, being carried by their personal eunuchs in pursuit: “Little brother, wait for me—”

 

They came in a flurry.

 

They passed by in a flurry.

 

Leaving only sparse feathers floating gently to the ground.

 

Emperor Chongzhao took a deep breath, his fingers turning white as he gripped the broom, making a cracking sound.

 

“Bring them, back to me, NOW!!”

 

–

 

A few minutes later.

 

In front of the prayer mats in Fengxian Hall.

 

Four princes knelt in a neat row.

 

The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Princes knelt in order, looking dejected.

 

Consort Yi, Noble Lady Rong, and Noble Consort Lan stood behind their own children’s prayer mats, asking for forgiveness. Consort Xuan looked and stood beside Noble Consort Lan, behind Qu Dubian.

 

Her position at this moment implicitly answered Emperor Chongzhao’s earlier question—

 

I want to ask your thoughts.

 

I am willing.

 

The consorts immediately began to whisper among themselves.

 

They anxiously looked towards the emperor, only to see His Majesty slightly nod towards Consort Xuan.

 

It was clearly tacit approval!

 

Consort Xuan said: “The Seventh Prince is the youngest, and the other princes are also not very old. Chasing the great birds was only to avoid disturbing the ancestors. Their intentions were good, Your Majesty should not blame them.”

 

Qu Dubian had initially looked back, knowing there was no one behind him.

 

Now hearing the voice, he couldn’t help but freeze, then turned his head, meeting Consort Xuan’s gaze directly.

 

Consort Xuan curved her eyes at him.

 

Qu Dubian looked at the mothers standing behind his brothers, then at Consort Xuan, and couldn’t help but grin.

 

After turning back, he blinked hard, feeling a slight ache at the tip of his nose.

 

Hehe, he had someone behind him too.

 

Emperor Chongzhao put his hands behind his back and cleared his throat: “Although they are young, they have disturbed the sweeping in Fengxian Hall and must be punished.”

 

With a wave of his hand: “Since you’ve dirtied the palace paths outside, none of you should be idle. Help me, your mothers, and your brothers clean Fengxian Hall!”

 

The First Prince, who was wiping the floor tiles, laughed out loud.

 

“No need to feel annoyed watching them play anymore. Now everyone has to work.”

 

Qu Dubian went to get a washed cloth, but Emperor Chongzhao picked him up and carried him outside before putting him down.

 

“The cloth is icy. Don’t touch cold things.”

 

“Then what should I do?”

 

Emperor Chongzhao raised his chin, “Pick up all the feathers that have fallen outside.”

 

“Oh.” Qu Dubian turned to leave.

 

Emperor Chongzhao grabbed his arm and asked: “Why haven’t you come back these days? Is it comfortable sleeping outside?”

 

Qu Dubian covered his little face.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Tell me quickly.”

 

“Ah!” Qu Dubian frowned with a troubled expression: “My stomach is always making gurgling noises. You would find me disgusting.”

 

“So you went to disgust your brothers instead?”

 

The little one chuckled.

 

Emperor Chongzhao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Is that the reason? Why didn’t you tell me? I’m your father emperor, how could I find you disgusting? I’m not even holding the bed post scraping against you.”

 

Of course, if it were his other sons, he would definitely be reluctant to get close, but this little one needed his care for everything when he had a fever. How could he find this disgusting?

 

He gave Qu Dubian a pat on the back, “Go work. You still need to attend the New Year’s banquet tomorrow evening. Don’t go disturb your brothers tonight.”

 

Qu Dubian nodded to show he understood.

 

He turned to call Da Hei to help pick up the great bird feathers on the side.

 

In his heart, he thought that this wasn’t the real reason he hadn’t gone to Zichen Palace. He had been too close to his cheap father, and human hearts are made of flesh. Sometimes the growth of emotions is uncontrollable, even if it’s just a small beginning.

 

These days of staying away were also a cooling-off period for his brain.

 

Emperor Chongzhao washed a handkerchief.

 

Eunuch Bao hurriedly came to his side and whispered in his ear:

 

“Your Majesty, the Sword-Holding Marquis is about to enter the city.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao’s expression remained unchanged, “Continue to watch. Report any news to me. Has General Zhao gone out to welcome him?”

 

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. He’s with Head Eunuch Yu, waiting inside the city gate.”

 

–

 

Zhang Manor.

 

Zhang Fanming was still lying on the bed.

 

After so long, his wounds hadn’t healed. His body faintly emitted a foul smell, and the muscles in his disabled legs were gradually atrophying.

 

A steward stood in front of him.

 

Zhang Fanming earnestly said: “Today, Shiming must definitely stay at home. Don’t go out, no matter how lively it is outside. Do you understand?”

 

The steward said: “Master, you’ve been saying this for several days. Isn’t it just the Sword-Holding Marquis entering the city? I don’t quite understand why we must stop the young master from going out.”

 

Zhang Fanming: “There’s no need for so many whys. What has he been doing recently? He didn’t go out today, did he?”

 

The steward: “The young master became infatuated with a new courtesan from the brothel, but after buying her, he found her boring. That courtesan was also unfortunate. She was carried out a few days ago, and then her family came to the young master for compensation.” He frowned and said, “If they had known, they wouldn’t have sold their daughter to the brothel in the first place. After she died, they still pestered the young master. They were beaten and thrown out before they behaved.”

 

“Tell him to behave himself recently. His cousin isn’t reliable. I asked someone to find her, to let Shiming enter the palace to avoid trouble, but she didn’t even agree. Really…”

 

Steward: “Master, don’t be angry.”

 

Zhang Fanming: “Go check on him again. Remember, don’t let him go out!”

 

The steward hesitated for a moment before saying: “Yes.”

 

–

 

Xie Manor.

 

Grand Tutor Xie stood in the courtyard.

 

“Father, should we go to welcome the old marquis or not?” Xie Jingshan sat on a stone bench, frowning as he analyzed, “The Sword-Holding Marquis is about to reach the capital, but His Majesty hasn’t issued a clear edict for officials or the Ministry of Rites to welcome him.”

 

“Is His Majesty trying to see if the civil and military officials will take sides?”

 

“Welcoming him means standing with the Sword-Holding Marquis, and not welcoming means standing with His Majesty?” Grand Tutor Xie snorted with a laugh, “Taking sides isn’t that simple. True and false, who can tell them apart?”

 

“I ask you, do you think the Xie family should go to welcome him?”

 

After thinking for a moment, Xie Jingshan said: “We should.”

 

“Reason?”

 

“His Majesty sent General Zhao out of the city to welcome him. General Zhao is the leader of the imperial guards, and he’s accompanied by Head Eunuch Yu with the imperial decree. It’s equivalent to the emperor being there in person. As subjects, we should go.”

 

Grand Tutor Xie was satisfied in his heart, but didn’t show it on his face, saying with disdain: “Then why aren’t you going yet? What are you standing there for!”

 

Xie Jingshan hurriedly left.

 

Grand Tutor Xie stood with his hands behind his back, gently rubbing his fingertips. There was one reason he didn’t mention, which was just a guess, and it wasn’t good to say it out loud at this time.

 

–

 

Outside the capital.

 

A group of about a hundred people, riding northern frontier war horses, sped along like the wind.

 

Dust flew, and the dark red flags were particularly eye-catching, with one character written on them: Xu!

 

The ink-colored character was like deep, settled bloodstains, rough and bold, exuding a killing aura. In the lower right corner of the character Xu was the number: Nine.

 

This was the battle flag of the Xu family’s Ninth Regiment from the northern frontier.

 

“Hya! Hya!!”

 

The sound of hoofbeats carried from afar.

 

The capital’s city gates were wide open, with imperial guards standing on both sides, having waited here for a long time.

 

General Zhao and Head Eunuch Yu were both on horseback, waiting for the imminent meeting.

 

The hoofbeats grew louder and louder.

 

General Zhao lightly urged: “Go.”

 

The horse stepped forward a couple of paces.

 

The Sword-Holding Marquis, wearing armor, made a sound and reined in his horse. When he stopped, he was only five meters away from General Zhao. Dust and sand flew up, and General Zhao narrowed his eyes—

 

A little later, and they would have collided directly.

 

The soldiers of the Ninth Regiment behind the Sword-Holding Marquis also stopped.

 

The war horses whinnied softly, hooves pawing at the ground. No one laughed or talked, and a bloody, killing aura hit them head-on.

 

Xu Jin: “Who is ahead?”

 

General Zhao dismounted and cupped his hands, saying: “Imperial Guard Commander Zhao Tianrang, greets the old marquis.”

 

Xu Jin glanced at him and suddenly laughed loudly: “This marquis didn’t see you when rushing to the northern frontier battlefield last time. You must be a rising star!”

 

His voice was like a bell.

 

With a height of over 1.9 meters, he was extremely robust. Two hideous scars crossed the wrinkles of age on his face, and his bronze-colored skin was incredibly rough.

 

His hair and beard were mottled black and white, more white than black. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s, making people instinctively overlook his somewhat aged face, not daring to underestimate him.

 

General Zhao: “Thanks to His Majesty’s promotion, this junior indeed just rose to this position in recent years.”

 

Xu Jin: “This marquis has grown old, but Head Eunuch Yu still hasn’t changed.”

 

Head Eunuch Yu smiled and said: “What are you saying, Marquis? You’re still in your prime. This old servant has an imperial decree from His Majesty. Would you like to…”

 

Xu Jin: “Read it.”

 

Head Eunuch Yu directly unfolded the imperial decree: “The Sword-Holding Marquis has had a tiring journey. Return to the marquis’s mansion to rest first, no need to enter the palace immediately. Tomorrow at the New Year’s banquet, the Sword-Holding Marquis must attend. I will personally toast to welcome you.”

 

It wasn’t a formal imperial decree, more like a verbal order in its wording.

 

Xu Jin rode forward and took the decree, “This subject respectfully obeys the imperial edict.”

 

He turned his head and said: “Ersen and Langqi follow me. The rest, set up camp outside the city. No unauthorized entry.”

 

“Yes!”

 

Two commanders followed behind Xu Jin, riding into the city.

 

On both sides of the city, many officials cupped their hands in welcome. Commoners were blocked by guards on both sides, shouting: “May the marquis be well!”

 

“May the marquis be well! The marquis is mighty!”

 

The two commanders behind Xu Jin, surrounded by enthusiastic commoners for the first time, showed silly smiles and waved to them.

 

General Zhao and Head Eunuch Yu trailed behind.

 

General Zhao asked in a low voice: “Why didn’t the marquis dismount to receive the decree just now?”

 

Head Eunuch Yu: “Would you dare to ask him to come down?”

 

General Zhao: “…”

 

Head Eunuch Yu: “His Majesty specially permitted that in informal occasions, one doesn’t need to kneel when seeing an imperial decree.”

 

Along the road, Xie Jingshan looked at Xu Jin on horseback, feeling emotional. Since the last time they met, this marquis… had aged so much.

 

Perhaps sensing his gaze, Xu Jin looked over and actually nodded slightly to Xie Jingshan when he saw him.

 

Xie Jingshan was stunned.

 

A young man beside him lowered his head and turned to leave.

 

Xu Jin’s eyes focused, he leaped off his horse, his palm forming a claw, and grabbed this young man from the crowd, then violently threw him onto the official road!

 

The young man, Zhang Shiming, immediately howled in pain, “Why are you grabbing me!”

 

Xu Jin stared at this face, “This marquis thinks you look somewhat similar to a northern frontier assassin.”

 

General Zhao’s expression became alert. He dismounted and came over, drawing his sword and pressing it against the young man’s neck, “Is what the marquis saying true? Is this person an assassin?”

 

But he looked like someone who didn’t know any martial arts at all.

 

The young man angrily said: “What truth! My name is Zhang Shiming, I’m from the Zhang family in Spring Creek Lane!”

 

Head Eunuch Yu pondered: “The son of Official Zhang Fanming?”

 

His heart skipped a beat.

 

This young man, though not an official, was half a member of the Astronomy Bureau.

 

“Can the marquis just throw people in the street? I’m not afraid even if you report to the prefecture!” Zhang Shiming had bribed the steward out of curiosity to see why his father had been instructing him not to go out these days and to avoid the Sword-Holding Marquis.

 

He actually understood some of it. The Sword-Holding Marquis was the Seventh Prince’s maternal grandfather, and his father said the Seventh Prince was an inauspicious bastard, so inevitably the Sword-Holding Marquis would be angry with them.

 

But no matter what, the Sword-Holding Marquis was still a subject of His Majesty. Could he really cause any trouble?

 

Wouldn’t that be disrespectful to His Majesty?

 

He just wanted to come and see.

 

Indeed, as the father of an inauspicious daughter who gave birth to an inauspicious grandson, he was as crude as a black bear spirit! If he fell into his hands, he would definitely teach him a lesson!

 

Xu Jin suddenly grinned, patting Head Eunuch Yu’s shoulder kindly: “This marquis recognizes the faces of all the Zhang family members, direct line, collateral branches, offshoots, one hundred and forty-five people, remembered clearly.”

 

The hair on Head Eunuch Yu’s back stood up at this moment.

 

Xu Jin laughed heartily: “Don’t worry, it’s nothing special, just that we’re all officials in court! Remembering a few more people makes it easier to get along in the future.”

 

“…” Head Eunuch Yu’s mouth twitched.

 

Even he, as the head eunuch of the inner palace, didn’t have the leisure to remember which official’s family members from the main line or branch lines, and the marquis said this—did he even believe it himself?

 

Head Eunuch Yu quickly followed along, smiling: “It was just a collision. He’s young and doesn’t know better. Since the marquis recognizes him, then—”

 

Whoosh!!

 

A flash of blood passed before his eyes.

 

Head Eunuch Yu’s face was splattered with blood. His pupils contracted, and he slowly turned his head.

 

Everything around seemed to be in slow motion.

 

General Zhao looked in shock at his empty hand. The sword that had been in his hand now appeared in the Sword-Holding Marquis’s hand, with blood dripping down onto the ground.

 

Screams erupted all around.

 

Zhang Shiming’s eyes widened as he clutched his neck and slowly fell to the ground, his face still showing confusion.

 

Head Eunuch Yu’s heart suddenly accelerated, and he looked sharply at the Sword-Holding Marquis.

 

The latter’s expression was calm as he flicked the sword and then inserted it back into General Zhao’s scabbard at his waist.

 

Xu Jin: “This marquis remembers those one hundred and forty-five people, but doesn’t remember him, so he must be a northern frontier assassin.”

 

He patted General Zhao’s shoulder, smiling: “To protect His Majesty’s safety, this marquis just now seized the sword. I hope General Zhao understands.”

 

Zhao Tianrang couldn’t smile.

 

He was silent for a moment, “This corpse…?”

 

Xu Jin waved his hand.

 

Langqi immediately stepped forward and dragged the body away to dispose of it. Ersen cupped his hands and said: “General Zhao, Head Eunuch Yu, please rest assured. Northern frontier assassins should be handled by the marquis. We are familiar with dealing with corpses from the battlefield. We won’t leave even a trace that would make the officials in the capital feel the air is polluted.”

 

In the midst of silence, Xu Jin scratched his head and said with a hearty smile: “Alright, alright, let’s all mount up. This marquis hasn’t seen his wife for many years and misses her very much. If I return late, I might face some complaints.”

 

He mounted his horse and said with emotion.

 

“I’ve long heard that the Zhang family’s astronomy techniques are quite marvelous. I wonder if they can predict that their own clan member would be replaced by a northern frontier assassin. Oh my, this marquis is inexperienced and is already curious.”

 

After speaking, he apologized with a face full of regret to the frightened commoners around, then rode forward, heading straight for the marquis’s mansion.

 

Xie Jingshan stood in the crowd, completely stunned.

 

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