Chapter 39

Mu Jingxu, twenty-seven years old, holds the top scholar position in the seventh year of the Qing Dynasty and serves as a junior minister in the Imperial Court of Justice. Born with good looks, he is accustomed to wearing all-white clothing and carries himself with a lean demeanour. Often seen in public alongside Third Scholar Ke Hongxue, he is recognised as one of Yu Capital’s young, outstanding, and newly-appointed officials.

As he made his way to the pond, Rong Tang silently pondered for a long time what Su Huaijing had just said.

There was something fishy about Yuerong’s death by drowning. Not only could both of them see it, but with Mu Jingxu’s intuitiveness, he wouldn’t regard this matter as a mere coincidence.

He is an uncontrollable variable in this matter.

This junior minister of the Imperial Court of Justice has always been involved in cases, and it is Mu Jingxu’s duty to investigate unjust, false, and wrong cases and to enforce the law impartially.

A person has died right under his nose, and it was his student’s nanny. For him to be completely unaffected by this matter is actually very unreasonable.

Unless, according to Mu Jingxu’s judgement, the ultimate person to benefit from this matter is Sheng Chengli.

Only this way could Lil’ Bro Mu pretend that nothing had happened and allow Sheng Chengxing’s arrangements, paying no regard to the accident. He would just shut up and enjoy the flower-picking festival.

However, based on his two lifetimes of interactions with Mu Jingxu, Rong Tang is very clear that he is a person with principles and a bottom line.

If Yuerong’s death was purely a coincidence, Lil’ Bro Mu might analyse the pros and cons before unswervingly plan the most beneficial strategy for Sheng Chengli.

But what if this is no coincidence?

What if, instead of being a coincidence, Sheng Chengli personally planned it?

What should Mu Jingxu do?

Su Huaijing may have casually told Ke Hongxue a secret of the imperial palace. With Tutor Ke’s intelligence, if there is a loose end of a thread in any matter, he can trace it back to the source and determine the original cause.

What if he discovers that the young student whom his senior treats with such devotion and teaches everything he has is not actually a good person?

Something Su Huaijing said just earlier is right.

If you want to find out the hidden hands behind anything, just look for the ones with vested interests.

On the surface, it seems that Yuerong’s death will eventually become an opportunity for Senior Official Zhang to impeach Marshal Xia, and the Second Prince’s faction will benefit from this matter.

But the reason why Emperor Renshou appeased Sheng Chengxing in the first place was that Sheng Chengming had been receiving too many rewards during this period. It had triggered restlessness in the factions behind several princes, so he gave Sheng Chengxing a reward that didn’t conform to etiquette.

This move was indeed intended to appease Third Prince’s faction, but if the Second Prince’s faction subsequently proposes impeachment and tries to suppress Sheng Chengxing, what would Emperor Renshou think?

Will he feel that Second Prince isn’t satisfied with small gains? Will he think that Senior Official Zhang covets the crown prince? Will he assume that the relatives of the current dynasty have progressed to the extent that they may threaten the emperor?

Neither Sheng Chengming nor Sheng Chengxing will profit. Even if they outwardly score a win for the time being, it is the hidden troubles that are intimidating.

Only Sheng Chengli could gain the most benefits without the cost of a single soldier. Not only can he deal with Yuerong, who has already been disloyal to him, but he can also escape from this accident unscathed.

As one who is deeply involved, Rong Tang has never seen Sheng Chengli’s true nature in his two lifetimes. Only now, having completely withdrawn from the male protagonist’s faction, did he suddenly realise how wrong he had been about the male protagonist in the past.

This realisation is not only his but also includes Mu Jingxu’s.

Ke Hongxue always says that Mu Jingxu cares the most about his little student, and Rong Tang has no doubt that as long as Sheng Chengli acts innocent and pitiful in front of Mu Jingxu and distances himself from any association, Ke Hongxue will give him counsel.

But what if Ke Hongxue tells his senior that there is something fishy about the matter and suggests that he investigate it carefully?

Mu Jingxu would have a misunderstanding of Sheng Chengli, and Ke Hongxue would probably also have a misunderstanding of himself.

But Su Huaijing doesn’t.

He has completely broken free of this dispute and can observe it from an outsider’s perspective. After gaining insight into all the conspiracies and relationships between the characters, he can see them more clearly than anyone else.

At a certain moment, Rong Tang even considered that Su Huaijing actually possessed a divine perspective.

But this matter……

Does it have any benefit to Su Huaijing per se?

From his point of view, the more chaotic the battle for the position of Crown Prince, the better. Even if Su Huaijing appears to be helping Sheng Chengming now, if Sheng Chengming can suffer losses, he would be happy to see it happen.

These days, things for Second Prince have been going too smoothly, and he needs some setbacks.

If Mu Jingxu discovers the reason behind this incident and Sheng Chengxing and Sheng Chengming manage to escape this scheme, what kind of benefits would Su Huaijing actually be getting?

Perhaps because the uncertainty in his eyes was too obvious, Su Huaijing raised the corners of his lips and said warmly, “What does Tangtang want to ask?”

Rong Tang: “Why do you need to do this?”

Su Huaijing raised his eyebrows. Ahead of them is the pond, where a crowd has gathered, and the water wheel is running. Sheng Chengxing’s face was dark, but ultimately, out of consideration for Ke Hongxue’s reputation, he didn’t make anyone stop him.

Today, Tutor Ke has changed into a deep purple, straight-skirt robe, and even the jade fan has been replaced by one of purple jade. The sun is about to reach the top of their heads. Mu Jingxu stood on the shore with a cold expression. Ke Hongxue is all smiles as he stands beside him and diligently fans him. He caught a glimpse of Rong Tang and his companion from the corner of his eye and even waved his fan in excitement.

Su Huaijing said, “Didn’t Tangtang want to be friends with them?”

Rong Tang was stunned for a moment, and Su Huaijing smiled: “Tangtang, if you want the moon in the sky, I will find a way to pluck it for you. All you need to do is ask me.”

Because Rong Tang wants to be friends with both Ke and Mu, because Rong Tang doesn’t like Sheng Chengli, and because Mu Jingxu is Sheng Chengli’s advisor.

That’s why Su Huaijing did all this.

A most simple causality, just because of Rong Tang’s likes and dislikes, he would rather take a roundabout way.

The sun is beaming down on them, and the midday winds rise and fall as the crowd clamours. Rong Tang suddenly detected the scent of jasmine.

He tilted his head, suppressed the rapid beats in his chest, opened his lips slightly, and adjusted his breathing.

This is the main villain, but it seems…… he is also his confidant, friend, family member, and wife…

Rong Tang once again realised how fortunate it was for him and Su Huaijing to have taken Su Huaijing away from Fengyue House.

In the powerful circulating currents of time, a small passage of flowing water diverted its path, unrestrainedly rushing towards a completely unknown destination.

–

Ke Hongxue saw Rong Tang with his companion and asked with a smile, “Prince, did you enjoy yourself this morning?”

Rong Tang glanced at the pond. It doesn’t appear too deep, but it would take some time to drain it completely. It might not be possible to fully drain it by today. Most of the people gathered around were a group of students observing for the novelty. They’ll probably disperse gradually after a while. Even if Mu Jingxu does dig up something from the pond, not many people would be cognisant of it.

Sheng Chengli is a no-show as usual. He is giving his all in his display of recuperating from his illness. Even if it has turned out like this, he can still remain calm.

Rong Tang turned his head and replied to Ke Hongxue’s question: “Pretty good.”

Ke Hongxue curled his lips. “Where did you go? Have you been to the zoo? There is a herd of sika deer there, and it is said that there are two tigers, which are very beautiful to look at. I wanted to go for a walk, but my senior didn’t want to, so I had to accompany him to work first.”

Rong Tang rolled his eyes at him and thought to himself, I don’t think you’re unhappy with your “had to” at all. It even sounds like you’re showing off.

But the words that came out were to ask, “How did Excellency Mu come up with the idea to drain the pond?”

Mu Jingxu is cold to everyone, as if he couldn’t muster a smile at all. At this time, his mind is occupied with matters, and the air pressure around him is even lower. But when Rong Tang asked him a question, he actually remembered to be as gentle as possible. However, it wasn’t known who’s sake it was for.

He said, “I went to see Yuerong’s body in the morning. The conditions of her death were a bit strange.”

Ke Hongxue led the few of them to a nearby pavilion. Mu Jingxu said, “She seems to have been poisoned.”

Tutor Ke’s eyebrows were slightly raised, a sarcastic smile flashed across his gaze, and he glanced at Su Huaijing. The latter’s expression did not change, but he sat aside and peeled fruits for Rong Tang that had been prepared in the pavilion.

Ke Hongxue felt bored, so he clicked his tongue, put down the fan, and proceeded to peel melon seeds for Mu Jingxu.

The two people’s voices followed one after another, so soft that they sounded like background noise. The one who spoke ignored them. Mu Jingxu frowned slightly and said, “There is a doctor on the grounds, but he can’t determine what kind she’s been poisoned with, merely that the cause of death was indeed drowning. The poison wasn’t fatal and should have had other uses.”

Rong Tang asked, “What does Excellency Mu think?”

Mu Jingxu fell silent for a few moments and said, “The distance between Langyu Pavilion, where Fifth Highness lives, and Lanxin Building isn’t far. If you want to get there faster, you can take a small path that passes by this pond. Although there are few people on the way, it’s not risky to the extent of misstepping and falling into the pond.”

Su Huaijing handed Rong Tang a tangerine wedge, and Ke Hongxue handed Mu Jingxu a handful of melon seeds.

Rong Tang angled his head and ate from Su Huaijing’s hand, but Mu Jingxu frowned and shook his head. Ke Hongxue found a clean plate to hold the melon seeds in and continued peeling. Su Huaijing watched this scene and lowered his head, gently laughing.

Rong Tang swallowed the tangerine and said, “If you put it this way, it makes me think of some hallucinogenic drugs.”

Hearing this, Ke Hongxue raised his eyes and threw him a bright glance, then quickly turned his gaze to look at Su Huaijing before smiling again. His entire person emanated laziness with regards to worldly affairs from the inside out as he contentedly peeled melon seeds.

Mu Jingxu nodded. “Prince and I have come to the same conclusion.”

He said: “If you see hallucinations in front of you and assume that there is a beast chasing you from behind or that there is still a path ahead, there is definitely a possibility that you misstep and fall into the pond. If you cannot regain your senses in time while in the pond, drowning is an inevitable result.”

Rong Tang asked, “Does Excellency Mu know what type of medicine has this effect?”

“There are many.” Mu Jingxu said, “This lowly one is not proficient in pharmacology, but I also know that there are countless hallucinogenic drugs. In the hands of an excellent doctor, one can even create a dream according to one’s desires out of thin air.”

Rong Tang is about to frown, but hears Mu Jingxu changing the subject and saying, “But there is a kind of herb that can cause hallucinations if consumed in large amounts.”

Rong Tang immediately remembered what Su Huaijing had just told him and asked, “Huanli grass?”

Mu Jingxu seemed a little surprised. His eyebrows raised and quickly lowered, yet his expression was as calm and placid as ever.

He nodded and said, “Precisely.”

“This grass grows in the northern frontier; it is not common in Yu capital, and its use is prohibited in the imperial palace. If Yuerong did consume the huanli grass, there will definitely be remnants.” Mu Jingxu said.

Rong Tang asked, “But you couldn’t find it?”

Mu Jingxu shook his head. “There’s no incense in Yuerong’s room, but it’s strange that there’s no scent sachet on her person.”

Rong Tang pondered for a while and murmured, “The reason why Yuerong went from Langyu Pavilion to Lanxin Building was to pick herbs. Then she must, at least, like to use incense, so she wouldn’t be without a sachet on her person.”

“That’s right.” Mu Jingxu said, “But this is just a conjecture. What really makes me suspicious is that I have seen Yuerong before, and she wore a sachet around her waist.”

“Therefore, Excellency Mu thinks that her sachet may have fallen into the pond, or……” Rong Tang raised his eyes to look steadily at Mu Jingxu and said, “Someone has thrown it away?”

Mu Jingxu nodded. “In the rush yesterday, Miss He suffered a fright. After the body was fished out, no one examined it carefully. I asked the guards yesterday, and no one remembered whether or not there was a sachet. In that case, we’ll just drain the pond.”

Ke Hongxue laughs softly on the side. He’s already peeled a whole plate of melon seeds. He conveniently peels another tangerine and hands it to Mu Jingxu: “Senior, take a bite. It’s almost noon. I’m really hungry.”

Rong Tang couldn’t bear to listen. He inwardly said, If you’re hungry, you’re hungry. Will you get full by giving fruit to your senior to eat?

Mu Jingxu frowned slightly. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but he still reached out and took the tangerine wedge and stuffed it into his mouth. He chewed it a few times and then spit out the seed into his hand.

Rong Tang focused his attention inward, silently lowered his gaze, and pretended not to have seen.

Outside the pavilion, there are still people coming here, and some are about to leave. Su Huaijing glanced at the sky and asked in a warm voice, “Is Tangtang hungry? Let’s go eat and then go back to take a nap?”

He didn’t say that it was fortunate, but once he mentioned it, Rong Tang felt a little hungry and tilted his head to look pitifully at Su Huaijing.

Su Huaijing’s eyes immediately curled with a smile. He bid farewell to both Ke and Mu, then left. Before stepping out of the pavilion, he seemed to have just recalled something and reminded Rong Tang: “Tangtang doesn’t have anything to say to Lil’ Bro Mu?”

Rong Tang blinked and was stunned for a while. He came back to his senses, turned his head with a complicated expression, and tried getting in through the back door: “If a sachet is fished out of the pond, can Excellency Mu let me take a look first?”

Mu Jingxu paused for a moment, but before he could respond, Ke Hongxue replied with a smile: “But of course, Prince doesn’t need to worry.”

Rong Tang still looked at Mu Jingxu, who nodded.

Rong Tang: “Thank you very much.”

Before leaving, he caught a glimpse of Ke Hongxue once again placing the small plate of melon seeds in front of Mu Jingxu as if he were presenting a treasure. Lil’ Bro Mu turned his head and threw him a cold glance, then lowered his gaze. He lowered his head and unhurriedly ate a few small handfuls of melon seeds. Tutor Ke’s smile was so wide, to the point his eyes couldn’t be seen.

–

Shuang Fu had returned to the small courtyard earlier with his hands filled with jasmines. Su Huaijing and Rong Tang found a nearby courtyard where a banquet was being held, found a small table for two, had lunch, and took a slow walk back to aid digestion.

Rong Tang asked him: “How did you know that I had something to say to Mu Jingxu?”

Su Huaijing said, “Tangtang reminded me much earlier.”

Rong Tang: “?”

The light in Su Huaijing’s eyes was profound, and he looked at him with a smile and said, “Tangtang, sometimes you are so smart that I want to lock you up.”

Rong Tang’s heart trembled, and before he could think about it, he heard him say: “As soon as you entered that courtyard, the first thing you asked me was whether this matter has anything to do with yimu*.”

(*TN: Married maternal aunt. He’s referring to the Empress, i.e., Rong Tang’s mother’s sister.)

“The passing of the Emperor’s eldest son was recorded by historians as being due to frailty and early death. The palace officials said that he’d been harmed by Concubine Shu. I guess it was more likely the fault of the other three princes’ concubine mothers.” Su Huaijing said, “But in fact, we have all overlooked one person.”

“……The empress.” Rong Tang responded in a low voice.

Su Huaijing nodded and said, “The eldest son of the Emperor seems to have been in poor health since he was a child, and early death is almost an inevitable fate. Analysing the benefits and losses, the hidden hand behind the scenes is naturally more like Concubine Hui and the others. His Majesty had just ascended the throne at that time, and Marshal Xia had achieved meritorious service; Concubine Hui was acting conceited in the harem; Concubine Shu was favoured; and both of them have children, so the status of the Empress was actually unstable.”

“Since the only son is definitely going to die, let his death produce the greatest effect, dispose of a powerful enemy for herself, and regain the Emperor’s remorse and tender affection. She doesn’t necessarily have to be the Emperor’s favourite within the imperial palace, but she is special enough, and there is no substitute in the Emperor’s heart. She can always control the phoenix seal and sit firmly in her position as Empress. As for an heir, it doesn’t matter if she gets pregnant in the future or if she can adopt any prince of a low-level concubine in the palace. She is the legitimate mother of all princes, so there is no need to worry about this.”

Su Huaijing’s tone was disdainful, and he spoke most effortlessly.

Rong Tang lowered his head and said in a low voice, “Yimu is not such a person.”

Su Huaijing chuckled and held Rong Tang’s hand: “I know, there are just people who need her to be such a person.”

“……” Rong Tang clearly expressed his disgust for Sheng Chengli in front of Su Huaijing for the first time: “He is truly odious.”

“Ng, I know.” Su Huaijing responded again; his voice was very gentle, his gaze falling on the side of Rong Tang’s face. There was an indulgence in his eyes that could drown a person: “So I won’t let him prevail.”

Because the legitimate prince was killed by a favourite concubine of his, Emperor Renshou always treated Empress Wang with extra courtesy and consideration. In the novel, Sheng Chengli is the male protagonist, and Empress Wang naturally became one of the minor villains.

In the book, it mentions that the male protagonist was treated harshly in the cold palace when he was a child. The eunuch said it was at the empress’s order.

Her son was killed by Concubine Shu, so she treats Concubine Shu’s son harshly. No matter how you looked at it, it was human nature. She had shown mercy by not killing him.

The Empress does not like the Fifth Prince. Even if he leaves the cold palace, he will not have a good life in the palace.

He doesn’t necessarily need to find the person who framed his concubine mother immediately; he just needs to destroy the image of the Empress who received benefits from this matter.

If Emperor Renshou discovers that the death of his eldest son had nothing to do with Concubine Shu, he will immediately extend his love to Sheng Chengli and beyond. But if he discovers that the legitimate son was actually killed by his official wife, the Emperor’s wrath will probably involve the entire family of Empress Wang.

All Sheng Chengli had to do was tamper a little with Yuerong’s sachet and leave behind Fengqi Palace’s seal.

It was clearly a plan to kill four birds with one stone: to extinguish the Third Prince’s arrogance, arouse the Emperor’s suspicion of the Second Prince, strive to win the Emperor’s favour for himself, and frame Empress Wang.

Regardless of whether Sheng Chengxing chooses to investigate the case or not, this is a situation that will benefit in every way and have no harm with regards to Sheng Chengli.

Even he himself was probably feeling reluctant for the sachet to be thrown into the pond.

Rong Tang frowned and walked with Su Huaijing all the way to the small courtyard. The idiot system hadn’t made a sound since they hugged each other in front of the peacock garden. At this time, Rong Tang felt a little vexed. After entering the room, he couldn’t restrain himself anymore and shouted out, “Was I blind in my first two lives?”

[……]

Rong Tang: “You couldn’t even figure this out?”

System: [……]

Rong Tang was furious: “He is really bad!”

The system was silent for a long time, then whispered: [Host, I’m sorry.]

Rong Tang’s anger dissipated inexplicably. He stood there for a long time and said in a low voice, “It has nothing to do with you.”

[I’m the one who had you do the tasks.] The system said.

Rong Tang: “The mission issued by your idiot mainframe has nothing to do with you.”

[……Oh.]

The system appeared super disheartened, and Rong Tang felt a little regret for losing his temper at it. He practically entered the system space subconsciously and saw an expanse of grey-black. He exited, raised his hand, hesitated for two seconds, and said, “Come here; I’ll touch you.”

Rong Tang remembers that small ball of light. Although he couldn’t feel it, when he occasionally entered the system space and saw it next to him, Rong Tang couldn’t help but conveniently rua rua* it once or twice, like petting a cat and a dog. Although the system didn’t say it out loud, it’s actually really fond of sticking to him.

(*TN: This exact word is in the raws.)

Once Rong Tang finished speaking, there was a moment of stasis in the air. His hands moved haphazardly, and his voice was extremely soft, a bit like when Su Huaijing coaxed him.

“Be good; it has nothing to do with you.”

The system didn’t say whether it had moved next to him, but upon hearing this, it said, [That has nothing to do with you.] It especially resembles a child talking back, but it is extremely cute.

Rong Tang was slightly startled, then instantly smiled and moved his hands again: “Ng, it has nothing to do with us.”

Rong Tang said, “But I’m hating him more and more. I initially only wanted to see Su Huaijing ascend the throne, but now I want to see with my own eyes how he will lose. You won’t blame me, right?”

The system was silent for a very long time—so long that Rong Tang felt that it wouldn’t answer him. Only when he took off his clothes and went to bed did he hear a very faint mechanical tone: [I won’t blame you. I won’t blame you for anything you do.]

Unless you foolishly allow the main villain to eat you up until nothing is left and still give him praise!

But the system didn’t say it aloud. It just moved around in the three-dimensional space, fluidly slipped into Rong Tang’s bedding until it rubbed against his hand, then slept peacefully.

Rong Tang chuckled softly and said, “Okay.”