Chapter 6
Transistor: マイ
Proofread/edit: adlt1226
[Yayyyyyy an update! ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` ) ahahah many thanks to the proofreader/editor!!!! For making it even more readable (=´；ω；｀=) you’re worked hard!!!!!!!]
Even though the Crowned Prince had fallen weak due to his injuries, he was still a Crowned Prince.
The guards in the Internal Punishment Court did not dare ask any questions as soon as they received Yong Shan’s orders; even sending the significant prisoner – Yong Qi, to the Prince’s Manor immediately, with extreme caution.
Not long after Yong Shan closed his eyes to rest, he heard Chang Defu speaking in a low voice beside his ear, “Crown Prince, His Highness Yong Qi has arrived.”
Yong Shan seemed to have been waiting since a long time ago. He suddenly opened his eyes, and slowly turned his head. His eyes swept across the prince’s quarter, and the first thing that fell in his sights was a pair of feet wearing blue brocaded shoes.
As Yong Shan’s gaze moved up from the blue brocaded shoes, to the calf, to the narrow hip, and waist, he noticed how thin Yong Qi was under the plain garments he wore. Yet even as he wore such plain clothing made out of the most common and inexpensive materials used by the palace, he still gave off an extremely delicate aura. As Yong Shan looked further up, he saw a face that he would never forget. However, Yong Qi lowered his head at this moment, and his black bangs covered his eyelashes, preventing Yong Shan from seeing his expression.
“Yong Qi.”
Under Yong Shan’s gaze, Yong Qi suddenly seemed shocked. Obviously, Yong Shan hadn’t moved at all, but he saw a trace of panic in Yong Qi’s face as he stood there, trembling.
The corner of his mouth twitched, and with a forced smile, he said softly, “Don’t be afraid. Come a little closer. I won’t do anything to you.”
Yong Qi felt like a rabbit falling into a trap with nowhere to hide after suddenly being escorted from the ghostly prison of the Internal Punishment Court to the elegant Crown Prince’s Manor. Even after hearing Yong Shan’s words, he remained unmoving, and just stood still like a piece of wood.
Chang Defu shuffled over with small steps, smiled at the unmoving Yong Qi, and said, “Your Highness Yong Qi, the Crown Prince asked you to come closer. Please move your feet.”
Chang Defu did not say anything threatening, but his statement caused Yong Qi to pull back slightly.
“You dare to run away again?”
Yong Shan’s cold remark that was as light as a needle, rang across most of the prince’s quarters, abruptly intercepting Yong Qi’s footsteps.
Even the fire that had been burning in the furnace for a while, suddenly went out as if it could not stand the sudden cold that filled the prince’s quarters.
“You still won’t come over?”
Yong Qi, who knew that he could not hide, no matter which small corner he crawled into, reluctantly walked over step by step. As he neared the bed, he stood still at an arm’s length away from Yong Shan and refused to move even half a step further, as if nails kept his feet firmly on the ground.
Yong Shan smiled helplessly. “You’re not a woman, why are you acting so shy?”
Yong Shan looked him up and down; his jade-like face remained white as paper. Because of the cold weather, the guards from the Internal Punishment Court especially gave him a castoff fur to wrap around his neck and block out the cold before going out.
“The wound on your neck, is it better now?”
Yong Qi nodded.
Seeing him like that, Yong Shan felt an unknown fire rising upwards. He raised his eyebrows and said, “Are you mute? Can’t you even say a word?”
Yong Qi was taken aback by his sudden anger. He wanted to shrink back, but he didn’t dare to. He opened his pale lips and let out the words, “It’s better.”
It was unknown whether the exposed wound on the side of his neck or the chill in the wind had caused it, but the once pleasant voice seemed a bit hoarse.
Yong Shan was about to get angry, but when he heard his voice, he was startled and couldn’t help but soften his heart. His originally stiff face changed to a kind expression, and gently said, “Sit down and let me have a look.”
Yong Qi hesitated for a moment. He took a peek at Yong Shan, and knitted his eyebrows after a while. He knew that it was impossible to disobey Yong Shan’s command. Gritting his teeth, he went to sit on the edge of the bed and untied the fur wrapped around his neck and his shoulders.
Yong Shan sat up straight from his reclined position to get a closer look at Yong Qi’s wound.
Chang Defu said hurriedly, “Your Highness, please be careful not to tire yourself.” Then he came over and carefully supported Yong Shan from behind.
Yong Shan ignored him, his jet-black eyes looked at the wound on the side of Yong Qi’s neck.
Fortunately, the item he used was not a specialized torture instrument, and the heat was not extreme to the extent that it would burn the skin down to his flesh. After using the Imperial Family’s secret medicine for many days, the wound had mostly healed.The color was much redder than the surrounding skin, and there was already scabbing on the edges. The wound was vaguely shaped like a flower as if someone drew a flesh-colored outline on his neck.
“Does it still hurt?”
Yong Qi refused to meet his gaze and said softly, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
But of course whenever the pain would act up, it was extremely painful.
After looking at the wound, Yong Shan’s heart crumbled, but he refused to let it show on his face. He turned his gaze away from the other, gritted his teeth and sneered, “It’s good if it hurts a little. So that you know not to fight against me in the future.” As he spoke, he secretly watched Yong Qi’s reaction from the corner of his eye.
The threat in his words was extremely heavy. He used this tone every time he was angered in the past, and as soon as Yong Qi heard it, he shuddered in fear. Seeing him like this, Yong Shan reached out his hand to touch the other side of his neck that had not been injured, as the feeling of wanting to show him love and affection rose within him.
Yong Qi shifted slightly.
Yong Shan’s face sank. “How many more times do you want to be burned until you feel satisfied? Although this is the Crown Prince’s Manor, there are still torture instruments I can use to punish people who disobey me.”
Yong Qi shivered like a prey who knew he could be hunted to death at any time. He could not do anything aside from sitting in place obediently, allowing Yong Shan’s fingertips to rub his neck. His thick eyelashes drooped down, obscuring the movement of his black eyes. Yong Shan’s fingertips glided along his skin, gently, occasionally pressing the skin with his nails. Each time he did so, Yong Qi’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and his tears were about to roll down from his eyes.
However, even after a long time, Yong Shan still did not see him cry.
Yong Shan played for a while. When he felt satisfied, he then asked Yong Qi, “Are you afraid of me?”
Yong Qi nodded, and felt the fingertips gliding along the side of his neck suddenly stop. Knowing that it wasn’t good to provoke him, Yong Qi shook his head quickly.
“You don’t have to be this panicked,” Yong Shan said with a smile that was not like a smile. “I’d rather have people fear me than see them be happy. You are afraid of me, so how can I not be delighted. You’re finally a little bit of fun to play with these days.”
The fingertips started to move again. This time they changed directions, sliding up to Yong Qi’s lips, and squeezed hard to pry it open.
Yong Qi frowned because of his intense strength.
“Hold it. Where’s your tongue? Don’t turn away, lick it with your tongue.” Yong Shan commanded domineeringly.
Yong Qi did not dare to bite those fingers inside his mouth, and didn’t even want to lick it. He shook his head slightly as he looked up at Yong Shan; his eyes were as gentle as a deer as if pleading.
Yong Shan’s body was weak because of his injuries. After making a fuss for a while, he felt tired again, and felt that such bullying was really dull, so he took out his fingers and leaned his back against the headboard.
He calmed down after leaning back on the soft pillow set by Chang Defu, and then said in a low voice, “Alright, I won’t embarrass you any further. But you also have to be a little conscientious and treat me better. I’m thirsty, bring me a bowl of hot tea.”
Chang Defu was smart and quick-witted. By this time, he already knew what was going on, he hurried to prepare a bowl of hot tea, then brought it over, and placed it in front of Yong Qi.
Chang Defu said, “Your Highness Yong Qi, please pick it up quickly, the Prince is waiting to drink it.”
Yong Shan’s gaze only stopped on Yong Qi. Seeing that he was still motionless, he lost the will to mess with him and smiled bitterly. “Forget it, since when has he ever served people? Chang Defu, come and give me the bowl.”
Chang Defu obeyed his command.
However, a pair of white jade hands stretched out from the side and took the bowl of hot tea.
There was a flash in Yong Shan’s black pupil, and he was a little surprised.
Holding the tea in hand, Yong Qi hesitated. He raised his dim eyes, and glanced at Yong Shan again.
Yong Shan couldn’t help smiling, and said, “Do you want me to drink it or not?”
Yong Qi stared at him with clear eyes, and after thinking about it, he finally handed the bowl of tea back to Chang Defu. He lowered his head, and dared not make another sound.
Yong Shan had a strange expression; it was neither light nor heavy, and even if someone slapped his face at that very moment, it would not anger him. He was neither mad nor sad, but if he probed it carefully, it was more like he felt at a loss.
He stared at Yong Qi with a dark face. But his eyes gradually softened and looked kinder. He sighed and said, “I also didn’t bring you here to serve me tea. It’s fine to just accompany me to dinner tonight.” He slowly leaned back.
Chang Defu knew he was tired, so he came to help him lie down.
Yong Shan opened his eyes, he looked at Yong Qi sitting on the side of the bed, and told Chang Defu, “Keep your eye on him, and don’t let him out of the door. We are about the same height. Find me two sets of newly made clothes, choose light-colored ones, no need to be too flashy, and also prepare refreshments for His Highness Yong Qi as well.”
Every time he said something, Chang Defu would respond respectfully. Later, he asked for instructions, “His Highness Yong Qi will accompany you for a meal in the evening. Is it necessary to prepare the usual dishes in the palace’s main kitchen, or do we prepare separately in the small kitchen? I just do not know His Highness Yong Qi’s reference.”
Yong Shan squinted to look at Yong Qi.
Originally, Yong Qi planned to look like it had nothing to do with him, but when he found that Yong Shan was looking at him again, he couldn’t help but shrink as if he was afraid injury would befall him.
Yong Shan was frustrated and snorted. “You don’t need to care about his preference. Anyway, prepare more light dishes. See if you can get some good bamboo shoots and tofu, and send someone out to buy two pieces of pearl cakes from Rong Xiangji in the capital. Remember, ask them to make them fresh, don’t take those that have been left to rest for two hours. In winter, the dishes should not necessarily be less, but they should be cooked lightly, and add some shredded chicken with spinach…”
He casually mentioned a few other dishes, all of which were dishes Yong Qi liked to eat in his own palace.
He talked while staring at Yong Qi relentlessly, only to feel that he was worse than a pig and a dog. He gritted his teeth, feeling stupid for loving and hating at the same time, wanting to spoil him one moment and then hurting him the next.
After giving Cheng Defu his instructions, he suddenly stretched out his hand and pulled Yong Qi’s wrist fiercely. Yong Qi was caught off guard after being pulled all of a sudden; he fell to the ground, then hurriedly struggled to get up.
Yong Shan gritted his teeth and threatened harshly, “You behave and sit on the bedside for me. If I open my eyes and don’t see you, let’s see how I torture you later!”
Seeing Yong Qi shudder in fear, and not daring to escape, he closed his eyes and went to sleep feeling content.
This sleep was sweeter than any sleep since he was injured.
After having a nice rest, Yong Shan felt better, even comfortable. He slowly opened his eyes in a daze, and after seeing Yong Qi on his bedside, head drooping with a pensive expression on his face, his heart became more joyful. He was taken aback after realizing that it was quite late, and the sky had already darkened completely. With a start, he sighed and suddenly sat up from the bed.
Yong Qi was startled by the sigh, so he stood up reflexively. He stared at Yong Shan, unaware when he had woken up, and what was going on with this moody younger brother of his.
Chang Defu was also stunned by Yong Shan’s sigh, and hurried over and asked more cautiously, “What’s wrong, Your Highness? Do you have any orders?”
Yong Shan shook his head and slowly came to the edge of the bed, and smiled at Chang Defu. “I actually slept until this late. What time is it? Is dinner ready?”
It was rare to see Yong Shan in such a good mood. Chang Defu was secretly curious and replied with a flattering smile, “Replying to Your Highness, it has just passed the Hai* period. The food is ready and is being kept hot on the stove. Would you like this servant to ask them to serve it now?”
(T/N: *9pm-11pm)
“Hurry up and serve the food. Do you intend to starve us to death?” Yong Shan scolded him, yet his face was full of smiles, and then he turned to look at Yong Qi. “I have made you go hungry on your first day of your stay, why didn’t you wake me? Aren’t you afraid of starving to death? Let me see if your stomach is growling or not.” He chuckled and jokingly stretched out his hand to caress Yong Qi’s belly.
Yong Qi did not expect his move. Before he even thought of dodging, Yong Shan had already touched his belly. The sides of his lower waist were sensitive to the touch, and Yong Shan’s caresses were ticklish, making him unable to hold it and laugh. Then he remembered who was in front of him and suddenly suppressed his smile with embarrassment.
Yong Shan was very happy. “Interesting. I’m afraid that doing this through your clothes will not be effective. If only you didn’t have any clothes on…” He realized halfway through his remark that he shouldn’t have mentioned this, and suddenly stopped.
Then he looked up at Yong Qi.
Sure enough, Yong Qi’s face was as white as paper. Although he did not back away, an invisible ice wall seemed to have suddenly appeared between the two.
Seeing Yong Shan cast his eyes at him, Yong Qi turned his face to the side and refused to look at Yong Shan.
The atmosphere in the room, which was not bad at first, dropped to the coldest it could go.
Yong Shan sighed, secretly scolding himself that he had committed a sin and did not deserve to live, knowing that it was too late to take back his words. He did not bother to explain any further, he reverted to his usual cold and stern expression, and stopped smiling. How come he was so stupid? He was lower than a pig and a dog to mention something similar to what he had done in the Internal Punishment Court at this time? Thinking thus, he turned his head to Chang Defu. “Chang Defu, what about the preparation? Why is it taking so long just to set the meal?”
Chang Defu, who had been serving him for a long time, knew that something was wrong as soon as he heard his tone. He secretly groaned and complained about Yong Qi, unable to make out what he did to provoke this hot-tempered Crown Prince again. What bad luck, everyone was sure to suffer now that the Crown Prince’s mood has suddenly changed. Chang Defu hurried over and replied with a smile, “It’s ready. It’s all set. I have instructed the servants to place the table next to the carved window in the side hall, so that Your Highness can appreciate the plum blossoms in the small courtyard while enjoying your meal.”
Yong Shan said with a stern face, “Who has the spare time to appreciate plum blossoms? To fall into debaucherous life with no desire to improve oneself, am I such a person?” After he finished speaking, he remembered that Yong Qi liked to appreciate snow and plums blossom the most. He was in a bad mood, and after venting his anger on Chang Defu, he swept his gaze at Yong Qi. Chang Defu felt wronged; originally it was the Crown Prince who had especially selected the supper to please Yong Qi.
However, where could Chang Defu dare to say that he was being wronged? He still asked with a smile, “So… should I have the servants move the meal inside?”
“No need.” Yong Shan lowered his head. After thinking for a while, he laughed instead. “With you moving the food around like this, when will I be able to eat it? I’m afraid that you are also secretly cursing me for being capricious.”
Chang Defu replied that he did not dare.
Yong Shan waved his hand and said, “Stop talking nonsense, let’s eat.”
A few servants came up immediately and carefully took Yong Shan to the dining hall. Yong Qi was still standing in the same place. When Chang Defu saw that he didn’t want to move, he quietly walked to his side, lowered his voice and said with a smile, “Your Highness Yong Qi, please have mercy on us lowly servants. Don’t make the Crown Prince angry anymore. If he gets annoyed, I don’t know how many people are going to bear the consequence. Your Highness should do a good deed.” While begging, he actually dragged Yong Qi to the table and sat him down opposite Yong Shan.
The food was still steaming and fragrant. Yong Shan glanced at the dishes; they were all according to his own orders, and everything that Yong Qi usually liked to eat. He secretly praised Chang Defu in his heart for a job well done, then stared at Yong Qi who sat opposite, and asked in a deep voice, “Why don’t you eat? Do you still want to play with your temper?”
Seeing his expression, Yong Qi knew that his anger was imminent, so he picked up his chopsticks and casually picked a piece of winter mushrooms, stuffed it in his mouth and chewed, then swallowed without even tasting it.
Yong Shan was smart, he could guess what he was thinking. He looked at him coldly for a moment, then sighed inwardly. No wonder he couldn’t taste the food properly, he was afraid to sit and eat with him. Perhaps Yong Qi would have a better appetite if he was not around.
Yong Shan could not help but feel discouraged. Despite feeling discouraged, he still worried that Yong Qi would treat himself poorly. His body was already weak and became even weaker when they detained him inside the Internal Punishment Court. He would fall ill sooner or later without restoring his diet.
As Yong Shan worried about Yong Qi’s diet, he seemed to have lost his appetite as well. He frowned and after eating two bites, he put down his chopsticks, and said, “I’m no longer eating. These dishes do not suit my taste.” Then he asked the attendant to help him up, pointed at Yong Qi who also put down his chopsticks and warned. “I am no longer eating, but I did not allow you to do the same. These are all your favorites, you eat them all up for me. Chang Defu.”
“Here, Your Highness.”
“Watch him for me.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“He is not allowed to put down his chopsticks until he is full.”
“Yes.” Chang Defu replied, and asked in a low voice, embarrassed, “Your Highness, how does this servant know when he is full?”
“Fool! Don’t you know how to judge for yourself?” Yong Shan cursed lightly, staring at Yong Qi with his jet-black eyes.
Being stared at too much by his gaze, Yong Qi had to pick up his chopsticks again, and only then was Yong Shan satisfied. He returned to the inner room, saying, “Lying in bed all day long; the more I lie in bed, the lazier I become. Let me sit on a chair for a while.” Just after he sat down, his stomach suddenly grumbled. Yong Shan, as well as the two attendants, were surprised when they heard the growling sound made by his stomach.
The two attendants endured and did not dare to laugh.
Yong Shan laughed at himself and said, “Go get me a bowl of rice, a bowl of ribs noodles, and a bowl of hot soup. I’ll eat here.”
The two attendants responded quickly, and went out in a hurry, before chuckling and laughing.
Yong Shan waited inside, thinking that Yong Qi should be eating happily, without him keeping watch. But before his food arrived, a servant came over to report, “His Royal Highness Yong Sheng requests an audience.”
“Oh?”
He had yet to eat that night’s meal, and yet another bad guy has come to ruin his appetite.
Yong Shan stared at the roof for a while, and said to the servant, “Tell him that my wound is hurting, and has just gotten a little better. I haven’t eaten yet, so ask him what brings him here. If it’s not urgent, tell him to come back tomorrow.”
The servant left to deliver his orders, but soon came back with another report. “His Royal Highness Yong Sheng advised it was an urgent matter, and requested the Crown Prince to spare him some of your time. Just listening to him while you eat your meal was also fine.”
Yong Shan said, “What urgent matter does he have aside from Yong Qi? To place Yong Qi under his charge, he is not qualified!” Grinding his neat white teeth, he sneered for a while, and said, “Let him in. I will see how he begs me.”
The servant went out and led Yong Sheng inside.
Yong Sheng had been proud of his recent successes, and he basked in the limelight in front of his Father. After the Emperor awarded him some authority, everyone felt that the events leading to his appointment were indeed blessings in disguise; he even had control of the Internal Punishment Court.
When he arrived in front of Yong Shan, he gave a graceful salute and said with a smile, “I am so happy to see that Your Highness the Crown Prince is getting better. I understand that the Crown Prince is recuperating from his injuries and should not be disturbed casually, but this younger brother does not dare to treat my responsibilities lightly and would like to ask the Crown Prince for instructions regarding this matter.”
“Come on. Sit down, and talk.” Yong Shan asked him to sit down and looked at him gently. “I know all about the things that Father Emperor has entrusted you. You have always had your own opinion, and you can do whatever you want without having to seek my advice. What’s wrong? For which matter do you seek my advice?”
“Exactly.” Yong Sheng bent down and sat up straight on a chair. “Father appointed me to take charge of the Internal Punishment Court, which used to be under the Crown Prince’s control.”
“Um.”
“I checked the prisoners’ list, and it seems that one is missing.”
“Oh?” A smile, barely noticeable, appeared at the corner of Yong Shan’s mouth. “Isn’t it a big issue that the Internal Punishment Court lost a prisoner? Why don’t you immediately report it to Father? At least the head of the Internal Punishment Court should be taken down and interrogated severely. Have you questioned Zhang Cheng?”
“I did.” Yong Sheng, who seemed to have come prepared, still maintained his smile and said, “If the prisoner really did escape, this younger brother would have reported directly to Father, and I only said that there seems to be one missing, I didn’t say that one was indeed missing. As soon as Zhang Cheng confessed, I understood that it was the Crown Prince who let him go.”
“I understand.” Yong Shan patted the table lightly, pretending to be surprised. “So it seems you were referring to Yong Qi.” After speaking, he smiled, and said in a deep voice, “I have personally investigated his case and found that the charges against him are false. Which was why I gave the order to release him from the Internal Punishment Court. Why? Do you suspect that my decision was unjust?”
“No, no.” Yong Sheng said, “Since the Crown Prince personally tried this case, the Crown Prince’s decision regarding this matter is absolutely clear.”
Yong Sheng’s confident response, which was neither humble nor overbearing, puzzled Yong Shan. This rascal Yong Sheng must be hiding something.
But what could it be?
After thinking for a while, he had vaguely guessed something, and his heart became unsettled.
Things are not good!
He listened to Yong Sheng’s upright and outspoken words. “When the Crown Prince was in charge of the Internal Punishment Court, you had personally tried Yong Qi’s case and handed down a decision that no one dared to refute. However, I am afraid that the Crown Prince has concealed valuable information relating to Yong Qi. I have received word that Yong Qi secretly sent a letter to someone on the outside while during his imprisonment in the Internal Punishment Court. Your Highness Crown Prince, if I may be so bold, did you not know the rules restricting prisoners from sending letters to anyone outside?”
Yong Shan’s eyelids twitched. Knowing that he had guessed right, he said calmly, “I know the rules of the Internal Punishment Court very well.”
“Yes.” Yong Sheng slowly sighed, and then said, “Prisoners inside the Internal Punishment Court, whether they are found guilty or not after their confession, are not allowed to send out any form of communication to prevent them from colluding with outsiders. And if the recipient of the letter is the concubine inside the palace, the consequences will be grave. The first Emperor mandated this, and collusion is a capital offense.”
“It depends on the situation.” Yong Shan smiled and intercepted his words. “Even if the concubine is guilty, it also depends on what kind of relationship they have. It is not enough evidence for treason if the letter only expressed the love of a mother for her child or the kindness and longing of a son for his mother.”
“Oh? How did the Crown Prince know that Yong Qi’s addressed his letter to Li Fei? It can’t be that the Crown Prince allowed the transaction, can it?”
Yong Shan knew that it was a trap, and he’d be charged with conspiracy if he nodded his head. Perhaps he would even become the second Yong Qi the next day. Yong Shan said coldly, “Do not push this matter on to me. I believe you know the inside story better than I do. Weren’t you the one who handed me Yong Qi’s letter on a previous occasion? In my opinion, this matter is not of utmost importance to warrant my advice. You may handle this matter as you see fit. I will take this as you doing me a favor, and I shall repay you this favor in the future.”
Since he dared to come here and have a showdown with Yong Shan, Yong Sheng was not in a rush. Seeing that Yong Shan did not fall into the trap was also within his expectations. Before he came here, he had many long back and forth discussions with his mother, Jin Fei, along with a few confidantes, and they were well-prepared and thoroughly thought of all possibilities. Since their first trick did not work, he immediately resorted to their second trick, pretending to smile, he said, “How is the matter this time the same as the matter last time? He wanted to send out a letter in the past, but since I intercepted it on time, we prevented a conspiracy from happening. This time, however, Li Fei successfully received the letter, colluding between mother and son is evident. Ai, I really don’t know what to do. Besides, this doesn’t just involve Yong Qi alone…” He changed his tone and lowered his voice, “In the Internal Punishment Court, passing along a letter is not something ordinary prisoners can carry out, let alone hand a letter to Li Fei. Does the Crown Prince have any idea who was responsible for the delivery?”
Yong Shan took a deep breath, knowing that the other party had the upper hand, he could only calmly say, “I also want to know who has such an ability. Since the Fifth brother is so capable, he must have already checked it out.”
Yong Sheng rubbed his hands and said, seemingly embarrassed, “The investigation has indeed identified who did it, but I am afraid that if I tell you, older brother, the Crown Prince will be sad.”
Yong Shan stared at him for a long while, and suddenly his shoulders trembled. He laughed out loud, and after laughing for half a day, he stopped and looked at Yong Sheng as if looking at his prey, and asked coldly, “Do you have the letter in your possession?”
His sudden outburst stunned Yong Sheng. But after a while, Yong Sheng nodded, his eyes regaining the sober and sharp expression he initially had to confront Yong Shan.
“Yes.”
“How about a witness?” Yong Shan casually said, “I assume you have found them too?”
“That’s right.”
“Good.” Yong Shan praised. “So, you are here to discuss your conditions with me.”
After being found out, Yong Sheng no longer needed to pretend. With a thumbs up, he said solemnly, “The Crown Prince is so bold. Aside from Yong Qi, this matter also involves Yong Lin. According to my opinion, I am afraid that the Crown Prince has to take part in this discussion to prevent the worst from happening. Isn’t the Crown Prince afraid?”
“What am I afraid of?” Yong Shan asked back. “You have both evidence and the witness, instead report this directly to Father, you came to see me, it is apparent that you came to ask me for something. Since this is the case, then you are not willing to help me hide this matter. I am also the Crown Prince; I still have my way of doing things.”
“Yes.” Yong Sheng laughed. “There is indeed one thing I want to ask the Crown Prince.”
“Say it.”
“It’s still the matter of my uncle…”
Yong Shan said, “This matter with your uncle, hasn’t the sentence been carried out already? Father did not take his life, but fined him a corresponding amount of silver instead. Does the Fang family not possess this little amount of money? If not, then I will write a note; you can tell your uncle to take it to my warehouse.”
“Ai, my uncle is quite troublesome. Not only myself, but even the Crown Prince is unable to stand it. What can I do? In the end, my mother only has her older brother.” Yong Sheng sighed and approached Yong Shan and said, “The Crown Prince has not been to the main court to observe political affairs for some time because of his injuries, and thus did not know about the recent affairs involving my uncle. Imperial Scribe, Gong Wu Hui accused my uncle in front of Father Emperor, saying that my uncle secretly recruited rebel soldiers, and went around with bad intentions, inquiring about the birthdates of Father and the princes. Crown Prince, listen, how can this charge be taken lightly? It is equivalent to ransacking the family treasures and exterminating the clan, scaring my mother to death.”
As a prince, Yong Shan always had eyes and ears scattered across the imperial grounds. Although he did not attend the court meetings in person, of course, news of this kind would still reach him. He casually said, “Father did not take his words to heart; he is a wise monarch, so you shouldn’t worry too much. He even said that Gong Wu Hui was out to frame the imperial family’s relatives, and immediately sent him to prison.”
“How can I not worry? The Crown Prince is the only person who knows Father’s temper best. In eight out of ten chances, if Gong Wu Hui is released, he is bound to resume his post in the future. With him still holding a grudge, if one false accusation is not successful, he will make a second false accusation, then a third. With his talent, will Father not be influenced to believe it in the future? This matter… I still need to beg my older brother, the Crown Prince, for help.”
Halfway through Yong Sheng’s awe-inspiring speech, Yong Shan already understood what Yong Sheng was asking for in his heart; he lowered his face and said, “What do you mean?”
“It’s to get rid of the grass, destroy its roots ah…” At this time, no matter how unpleasant things were, he already said it. Yong Sheng swallowed, gently moved everything down to a knife in his hand, and said cruelly, “Make it so, such that Gong Wu Hui is unable to get out of prison.”
Yong Shan’s eyes shone brightly, as soon as Yong Sheng finished his remark. Yong Shan’s gaze swept through him like a sharp sword and almost rendered him breathless. But since the matter had reached a critical moment, Yong Shan’s intimidating look to subdue him. Yong Sheng stiffened his neck, gritted his teeth, and said, “It is better to be broken jade than an intact tile. I came here with that thought in mind. It will be to my advantage to rush things a bit and let the older brother, the Crown Prince, dismiss that despicable official for good, rather than wait for him to plot against my mother’s family. If the older brother, the Crown Prince, agrees to help me this time, my mother, and the Fang family would be grateful until the day we die. Even if I die, I will help the older brother, the Crown Prince, to conceal this matter.”
Seeing Yong Shan didn’t nod his head, he deliberately said that it was a matter of concern.
Yong Shan chuckled as he listened to Yong Sheng say those words through gritted teeth. The sharp light in his eyes disappeared suddenly, and he was gentler than ever. He patted Yong Sheng’s shoulder, and said, “Fifth brother has said something really silly. All of us are princes, we are noble and precious, like gold and Jade. Why say it’s better to be a broken jade? Those lowly officials do not even compare to our nails. It wouldn’t matter if one or two of them died. Do not fret; I will definitely help you.”
This turn of events happened too fast, and Yong Sheng was in a daze for a while, unable to accept the Crown Prince’s words at face value. After his stupor, he asked doubtfully, “Is what the Crown Prince said true?”
“One word is worth nine sacred tripods* is the Crown Prince’s style. Why would I lie to you?” Yong Shan smiled and said, “After all, killing one Gong Wu Hui will ease the fifth brother’s worries, and besides, I will not suffer any losses in this agreement.”
(T/N: Words of enormous weight.)
Only then did Yong Sheng realize that he had agreed. His face was full of joy, and he took advantage of this favourable opportunity to gain some benefit, asking, “When will the Crown Prince take action?”
After Yong Shan pondered, he said quietly, “Don’t worry, he can’t get out of prison. Just for my two silly brothers, I won’t let him come out alive”
After speaking, he let out a light sigh.
Next update: Sun 13th Sept
CrazedPlanet 