Chapter 95

After Xi Rong was injured, he stayed in Xiao Jie’s palace. The two were practically inseparable. Lin Qingyu heard from Xiao Songzi that Xiao Jie would stay by the other’s sick bed whenever he was free and would even feed Xi Rong his medicine himself. Xiao Jie has always been the pampered one and he wasn’t very good at serving others. He was clumsy when feeding Xi Rong, his medicine and the concoction would spill on the bed; but Xi Rong basked in the attention.

“How is this an emperor and his eunuch?” Xiao Songzi marveled, “Even blood brothers aren’t so close.”

Xi Rong’s ruse of self-injury actually worked. Apart from him, Xiao Jie held no one else in his eyes. As soon as morning court was over, Xiao Jie rushed to the bedroom – he wanted to accompany Xi Rong as he had his bandages changed.

Xiao Jie sat in the sedan chair and complained to Xiao Xuanzi, “It makes no difference whether I attend morning court or not. I don’t understand any of those things. In any case, the Empress Dowager is behind the curtain to listen in on court affair. And Lin…” Halfway through the words, Xiao Jie gritted his teeth, and said bitterly, “There’s also that person listening in. They don’t need me. So why must they keep me in Zichen Palace to hold court? With this time, I might as well accompany A’Rong.”

Xiao Xuanzi said, “Your Majesty, Eunuch Xi said that you are the Son of Heaven and you sit upon the Imperial Throne. Save for you, no one can sit on the Dragon Throne in the Zichen Hall. By sitting on it, you are telling all the civil and military officials that the Dayu belongs to your Xiao Family.”

“The Dayu has always belonged to the Xiao family.” Xiao Jie said, “All the officials know it well. There is no need for me to remind them.”

Xiao Xuanzi said in a low voice, “But I heard that some people think that half of the Dayu is surnamed Wen and the other half is surnamed Lin.”

Xiao Jie was taken aback for a moment. “Wen…Lin?”

This ‘Wen’, of course, referred to Empress Dowager Wen. After Empress Dowager Wen began holding court behind the curtain, Wen Guogong returned to the cabinet and many of the members of Wen Clan attained important positions. Among them was a man named Li Chan. Xiao Jie had some impressions that this man — appearing pure and bright, despite his young age he was already a fourth-rank assistant minister in the Ministry of War. Li Chan had said a lot of things in today’s morning court. It seemed he was asking the Ministry of Revenue for the funds and provisions of the army in the Northwest. As for this ‘Lin’…

Just as Xiao Jie was lost in thought, the sedan chair suddenly stopped. He looked to the front and his face suddenly sank.

This ‘Lin’, who else could it be but Lin Qingyu?

Lin Qingyu and Li Chan ran into Xiao Jie on their way to the Ministry of War and as decorum dictated, they knelt down to salute him.

No matter how stupid Xiao Jie was, he was well aware of how he came by his throne. Before Xi Rong’s “assassination attempt”, he has always polite to Lin Qingyu, never letting him perform such exaggerated courtesy. He had even wanted to take the initiative to get close to him because of his pretty face. But now, whenever he saw Lin Qingyu, he would think of Xi Rong dying in a pool of blood.

In his eyes, Lin Qingyu was still the same Lin Qingyu with that cold demeanor forming a bewildering contrast with his bright distinctive appearance. But whenever he caught sight of him, his heart would be alarmed and his body would be sent leaping in fear. — It was this kind of great beauty who almost took away A’Rong’s life.

He won’t admire a person who wants to harm A’Rong. He wants to protect A’Rong. He won’t let anyone hurt him again.

Lin Qingyu and Li Chan stayed kneeling on the ground. Having not heard ‘rise’ after such a long time, Lin Qingyu looked up at Xiao Jie. Meeting his gaze, Xiao Jie shrank back subconsciously, fear and wariness in his eyes. It wasn’t until Xiao Xuanzi reminded him that Xiao Jie said, “Then, g-get up.”

Lin Qingyu said, “Your Majesty’s complexion isn’t so good. Is something weighing on Your Majesty’s mind?”

Xiao Jie tried hard to keep a composed face and said sternly, “Zhen’s affairs is none of Imperial Physician Lin’s concern — Xiao Xuanzi, let us head back to the palace.”

Li Chan is one of the Empress Dowager and Lin Qingyu’s agents in court. Seeing the emperor’s attitude towards Lin Qingyu, Li Chan couldn’t help becoming worried. “Imperial Physician Lin, are you certain you do not wish to explain the situation to the emperor? Even if His Majesty does not concern himself with the running of the country, he is still the Son of Heaven. It is better to have his Imperial favor than to not.”

Lin Qingyu said, “Explanations are useless. Fools will only believe what they want to believe. Besides, since Xi Rong’s intention is to place the blame of this attempted ‘assassination’ on the Tainji Camp, he must have made certain that the Tianji Camp would not expose him. If my guess isn’t wrong, during this period while Xi Rong was in power, he must have used the name of the Emperor to win people over to his side.”

In some people’s eyes, even the Empress Dowager, who held court behind the curtain, is, after all, just a waiqi. There is no need to mention how little they thought of a mere imperial physician. This was true for Cui Lian and it was also true for those old kings from the Xiao Clan. In the name of loyalty to the Xiao Family, they would rather take orders from a eunuch than see a waiqi monopolize power.

Li Chan said in surprise, “But don’t you hold the Tianji Camp’s token?”

“The Tianji Camp is the Emperor’s fangs and talons. For generations, they have served only he who sits upon the Dragon Throne. Compared to the Emperor, my token is nothing.” Lin Qingyu mused, “What I am wondering about is why Xi Rong would pull this ruse now? Why not earlier? Why not later? Why now?”

Li Chan thought for a while and said, “Could it be because of the Northwest? Right now General Gu is trying to take back Yong Liang. Yong Liang is the Dayu’s gateway to the north. Once Yong Liang is taken back, that would be half the trouble in the Northwest laid to rest.”

Lin Qingyu said, “With him being injured, Xi Rong has to rest and recuperate. He is unable to interfere in government affairs. At this juncture, why has he chosen to risk letting go of power?”

“Perhaps, he wants us to relax our guard?” Li Chan suddenly realized, his expression changing slightly, “Does Imperial Physician Lin mean that he’s planning a big move?”

“Before the storm, there is always calm.” Lin Qingyu said coldly, “As long as he still has some sense left in him, he shouldn’t be looking for trouble at this time lest Xixia take advantage of it.”

“He is a eunuch.” Li Chan was even more worried. “Since ancient times, how many powerful eunuchs have actually cared about the country and the people? As long as they can achieve their goals, there is nothing they won’t do.”

Lin Qingyu suppressed his surging malice and slowly took a deep breath. “But we are not him. At this time, our focus should solely be on the Northwest — where is that batch of provisions now?”

Li Chan said, “Based on the estimated schedule, it should have already reached Yong Liang.”

Lin Qingyu stayed in the Ministry of War until late at night. He originally intended to spend the night in the palace but changed his mind in the last second. The General’s carriage was waiting at the gates of the palace. Lin Qingyu put away the umbrella he used to shield himself from the snow and got into the carriage. He said to the groom, “We’re not heading to the Gu Mansion. Go to the Lin Residence instead.”

Father Lin and Mother Lin thought that something serious must have happened for their eldest son to come unannounced in the middle of the night. Lin Qingyu assured them that nothing has happened for now.

Lin Rushan frowned, “For now? You mean, something will happen?”

“This is just my guess and intuition. But just in case, I’d like for Father to ask for leave from the Imperial Hospital. Take Mother and Qinghe away from the capital. Lie low for awhile.” Lin Qingyu smiled lightly, “I remember that Grandmother’s seventieth birthday is next month. You can go to Jin Province and celebrate with her.”

Mother Lin said with concern, “If we’re leaving, what about you?”

“Of course, I will stay.”

“But……”

“Madam, don’t ask anymore. Qingyu has his own plans.” Lin Rushan said decisively, “I’m sorry to trouble Madam to begin the preparations.”

Mother Lin wanted to say more but kept hesitating. Unable to hide her worry, she said, “Qingyu, you have to take good care of yourself, alright?”

Lin Qingyu gave her a comforting smile. “I will.”

Lin Rushan could give no warnings to his eldest son. He simply said, “Be very careful.”

The next day, Lin Rushan left the capital with his wife and child on the pretext of visiting relatives. During the next few days, Lin Qingyu attended morning court as usual. He occasionally went to see Xiao Li and took time to see Xiao Songzi who was not feeling well — Xiao Songzi had hurt his throat from talking too much. A few days of keeping quiet should solve the problem.

The 15th day of every month was the day Gu Fuzhou used to look forward to the most. Dayu’s officials only had this one day a month to rest. Lin Qingyu was taking half a day off to feed the little Gu worms snake blood in the medicine room. Yuan Yin walked in and said, “Madam, someone delivered a letter.”

Lin Qingyu asked, “Who?”

“I do not know. The messenger left as soon as he left the letter.” Yuan Yin said, “According to the guard at the door, it was a man wearing a hood.”

Lin Qingyu stared at the completely blank and unadorned envelope, feeling a little uneasy. Yuan Yin stood aside. He watched as Lin Qingyu opened the envelope and took a look at the letter. With just one glance, Lin Qingyu’s body turned cold.

Yuan Yin carefully probed, “Madam…?”

Lin Qingyu carefully set down the little Gu. Saying as he did so, “Prepare the carriage. I am heading to the palace.”

Hua Lu hurriedly said, “I’ll help you change your clothes.” If you wish to enter the palace, you have to do so wearing your official uniform.

Lin Qingyu said, “No need.”

Lin Qingyu put on a fox fur cloak and left the house. He told Yuan Yin, “Find that messenger.”

“Yes, Madam.” Yuan Yin asked, “What should we do with him once we find him?”

Lin Qingyu got into the carriage and without looking back, said, “Kill him.”

Dressed in this own personal clothes, Lin Qingyu walked all straight to Qinzheng Hall, where he happened to meet Li Chan coming out of the hall.

“Imperial Physician Lin!” Li Chan said anxiously, “I was just going to find you. Something’s wrong. The supplies sent to Yong Liang…”

Lin Qingyu said coldly, “It was robbed.”

Li Chan was stunned. “You already know? Fortunately, the officer who transported the provisions is very skilled. He did his all and protected 20% of the supplies but that is only enough to support the army for a few days.”

“Let’s go in.” Lin Qingyu said, “The Emperor will tell us what’s going on.”

In Qinzgheng Hall, Xiao Jie, the Prime Minister Cui Lian and the Minister of Revenue, the Nan’an Hou were all there. Xi Rong was also there, his injury obviously hasn’t yet healed and his androgynous face had on a sickly pallor; but as before, he maintained his calm and composed manner.

Lin Qingyu cast him but a fleeting glance before turning to Xiao Jie, “Your Majesty, why don’t you explain?”

Xiao Jie’s already pale face turned even paler. “Zhe-zhen does not know what you’re talking about.”

“Is that so? But someone told me that the Emperor has ‘negotiated peace’ with the Xixia and that the bountiful grain and fodder is your gift to them for the peace negotiation.”

Xiao Jie looked blank. “Zhen didn’t! I just…”

Xi Rong cut off Xiao Jie’s words, “Who told Imperial Physician Lin? Imperial Physician Lin, you must beware misinformation sown by the enemy.”

Lin Qingyu simply found it ridiculous, “Between you and I, is there any need for someone else to feed misinformation?”

Xi Rong seemed to have expected this day long ago and said indifferently, “I did have contact with Xixia’s envoys. I pretended to negotiate peace with them to lure them into an ambush. I still have the Xixia envoys’ letters in my house and the troops who laid in wait for the ambush can testify.”

Xiao Jie nodded quickly. “I can also testify! I agreed with A’Rong’s plan. I helped come up with this plan. I don’t know why they weren’t fooled…”

Hearing Xiao Jie stammer through his account of what had happened, Lin Qingyu’s features filled with hostility. “If you could figure that it would be easy to lay an ambush along the narrow path, why can’t the Xixia commander? How could any person with sense use this transport route? By giving them this route, you gave them the route to rule out and all they had to do was look for the opposite route. The Xixia commander defeated Zhao Mingwei and within a year captured nearly half of the Dayu’s Northwest. Even Xu Junyuan called him the “Demon Commander”. He knows better than anyone else where to store grain and how to transport it. He can even surmise the situation in the capital so clearly. Where did you come from? Confidently attempting to outwit him. You think someone of insignificant talent can deceive him?”

Xiao Jie felt guilty and didn’t know what to do. “Zhen didn’t do it on purpose. I really just wanted to help…”

Lin Qingyu chuckled lightly, “All by your little self?”

Nan’an Hou’s expression changed. Cui Lian said angrily, “Impudent! Lin Qingyu, don’t forget who you are! You are talking to the Emperor!”

Lin Qingyu didn’t even spare a glance at Cui Lian, thinking it a waste of time. He asked Xi Rong, “The Emperor was unable to see through it. Are you saying, you failed to see through it too?”

No flaw could be found on Xi Rong’s face. “I really did not expect for the Xixia commander to be able to see through it so clearly.”

“You didn’t? Fine.” Lin Qingyu said calmly, “Guards.”

Two palace guards came in. “Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Lin.”

“Take Xi Rong out — flog him to death.”

In the ensuing silence, Xiao Jie was the first to react. “No! I won’t let you hurt A’Rong again!” He jumped up and stood in front of Xi Rong, “I, I am the emperor, why are you giving order when I’m right here!”

Lin Qingyu said indifferently, “He collaborated with the enemy and betrayed the country, bewitching the Emperor’s heart.”

Xi Rong covered the wound in his abdomen, coughed lowly and said, “As I’ve said, I have evidence. I didn’t collaborate with the enemy, let alone betray the country.”

Cui Lian added, “Imperial Physician Lin accuses Eunuch Xi of betraying the country. What evidence do you have?”

Lin Qingyu smiled suddenly. “Are you all misunderstanding something? I will kill him. What evidence do I need?”

A crack finally appeared on Xi Rong’s perpetually calm face. “You…”

“Even if you did sincerely try to deceive them, so what?” Lin Qingyu looked at Xi Rong, as if looking at a stray cur, “I will kill you regardless.”