Chapter 306 – I Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks
Lang Po had summoned a doctor in the time Jing Rong took to place Wei Yi on his bed. After a brief examination, the doctor shook his head. This scared Ji Yunshu, "Teacher, how is he?"
The doctor shook his head.
"Is it serious?"
He shook his head once more.
Before Ji Yunshu could say anything again, Lang Po interrupted, "Teacher, you have to say something! He is lying on the bed – surely we should be able to know if he's dead or alive?" Is he still alive? Having spent two nights together, Lang Po was equally worried.
The physician sighed, "He's alright."
Phew… That's a relief!
"But…" the physician continued.
The entire room broke out in cold sweat, countless pairs of eyes fixed upon the physician, who explained further, "His pulse is steady and normal, but he seems to have been pumped full of some strange medicine, causing a part of his brain to behave abnormally. However, I'm not too sure about the details."
"His brain?" Lang Po was confused as he looked at the unconscious Wei Yi, "He's always been an idiot, so shouldn't a problem with his brain be understandable?" That was true by all accounts!
The physician narrowed his eyes, "So this young master has always been slightly silly, no wonder. But this young master's brain is still quite unusual even from my experience – it seems like his brain has been soaked in a medicinal bath by someone."
Ji Yunshu asked, "Are you implying that he will become like everyone else?"
"This one cannot say for sure; has this young master always been seeing a physician?"
"Yes!"
"What amazing physician could have such skills? To cure such a disease?"
Who else but Mo Ruo, who spends his days with fine wine and ladies? Ji Yunshu did not answer his question directly, but asked instead, "Then, Teacher, other than these findings, have you discovered anything?"
The physician nodded, "There's nothing else. His brain abnormality could be said to be serious, but also not serious at the same time. In all my years as a physician, this is the first time this one has encountered such a case and so I am inadequate in evaluating it. If Teacher is worried, then this one suggests having a second physician take a look."
"Many thanks."
"This one would write up a prescription for the young master to drink; if he is not in pain anymore, then there is nothing serious to worry about." Jing Rong sent someone to prepare the prescription, and night quickly fell in the hustle and bustle. Ji Yunshu remained by Wei Yi's side, afraid something untoward would happen to him if she even looked away. Jing Rong stayed by her side, until Lang Po tiptoed in and whispered something in his ear.
His brows furrowed, and he walked over to Ji Yunshu, "Imperial Father has summoned me. I need to make a trip to the Palace; I might not be back tonight." Ji Yunshu nodded.
"When Mo Ruo feels better tomorrow, this Prince will summon him to examine Wei Yi properly."
"Mm."
Jing Rong knew that Ji Yunshu was worried about Wei Yi, and this worry was much like that for a loved one, for a family member, and so he was the least bit jealous. Just as he creeped out of the room, Ji Yunshu caught up to him, holding onto his hand. Jing Rong stopped momentarily and turned to look at her, "Stay here, don't worry. Leave everything to me."
"Jing Rong…"
"I know what you're worried about. It's alright – I don't take unnecessary risks, much less gamble on uncertain odds."
Ji Yunshu nodded, her hand clasped by Jing Rong as she attempted to retract it. She was enveloped in his embrace, his lips falling on her ear as he said, "Yunshu, we have been through so many things together, but you have never once fully trusted me. Just this time, you should believe me."
With tears brimming in her eyes and hands tightly wrapped around Jing Rong's waist, she nodded. Jing Rong bent down and planted a light kiss on her forehead, loosening his grip and left for the Imperial Palace.
By the time Ji Yunshu returned to the room, Wei Yi was already awake. She asked, "You're awake! Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"
Wei Yi scratched his head and he blinked a couple of times. He sat up in bed, licked his dry, cracked lips, and pointed to a teapot on the table, "I'm thirsty."
Ji Yunshu poured out some water for him. Wei Yi gulped down several cups, then rubbed his belly, "I'm hungry."
Ji Yunshu ordered for some dishes to be prepared, and Wei Yi wolfed down multiple bowls as if he had never eaten. He did not look sick at all! When he was all fed and satisfied, he broke out into a large grin, ""Shu'er, I'm full."
"Is your head still hurting?"
"Not anymore," he shook his head.
"That's good," Ji Yunshu heaved a sigh of relief.
With his clear and expectant gaze, Wei YI stared closely at Ji Yunshu, reaching out to tug on her sleeve as he asked softly, "Shu'er, will you ever leave me?"
Ji Yunshu shook her head.
The Imperial Palace.
Qi Zhen Emperor had finally regained his health, and he was able to leave his bed and sat on his dragon throne with Zhang Quan's assistance. He coughed, speaking directly to Jing Yi and Jing Rong who stood before his throne, "Do you know why this Emperor has summoned you today?"
Jing Yi volunteered, "Is it about the Crown Prince, Imperial Father?"
"That imbecile is no longer the Crown Prince," Qi Zhen Emperor seethed.
"Yes, this Son is wrong – it is about Imperial Brother."
Although Qi Zhen Emperor called him 'imbecile', how could he not be sad? In front of his two outstanding sons, however, he was furious at Jing Hua's ineptness. He sighed, "Jing Hua is already dead. Even though this Emperor has stripped him of his title, he is still this Emperor's son. His funeral rites must still be carried out befitting of his Crown Prince status, so that he doesn't leave too uncomfortably."
He glanced at Jing Yi and Jing Rong as he spoke, "Which one of you would be willing to manage Jing Hua's funeral rites and procession? This Emperor would not have peace of mind if this matter were to be handed over to the Han Academy."
Jing Yi wanted to gain credit, but before he could step forward, Jing Rong had made his move and intercepted, "Imperial Father, please hand the task to this Son." In all these years, this was the first time Jing Rong had ever sought a royal decree, startling Jing Yi.
Qi Zhen Emperor nodded, "Mm, then this matter is now in your hands."
"This Son understands!"
Qi Zhen Emperor dwelled no longer on Jing Hua, and he moved on to another subject entirely, "These few days, several court officials have submitted appeals describing the disappearance of the silvers the court has sent to various provinces for emergency relief. This has angered the people, and this Emperor is equally puzzled – how have all these silvers gone missing without a trace? If they had been embezzled by the officials, then they could still be traced. But these relief silvers were delivered directly to the local government, so there would be no chance for those greedy provincial officials to pocket any. None of the men sent to investigate have brought back any results; it is a strange situation indeed."
Qi Zhen Emperor did not bring this up without reason, especially before Jing Rong and Jing Yi.
Chapter 307 – A Toothless Tiger Still Bites
Neither of them were idiots like Jing Hua! The Provincial Imperial Government was relatively far from the Capital; if one of them were to take up this position, it was as good as being exiled! If they could not solve the case of the missing silvers, they could never return to the Capital.
The one who remained in the Capital would take reign over the city, since Jing Hua was already dead, Jing Xian was sickly, and the other was exiled to the Provincial Imperial Government – naturally, the throne would belong to the Prince left in the Capital. Of course, Jing Yi would not volunteer! As for Jing Rong, he had not made his intentions clear.
Qi Zhen Emperor did not reveal his motives directly, nor did he explicitly order one of them to go; if either Jing Yi and Jing Rong left the Capital, the future throne could be easily decided – firstly, the princes' rivalry would end, and secondly, Qi Zhen Emperor need not contemplate which of them to crown. This cunning dragon was an outstanding strategist even in sickness.
Jing Yi stole a glance at Jing Rong – wasn't he so eager to handle the Crown Prince's funeral processions, why not this time? Come on, speak up!
Jing Rong returned his gaze. Jing Yi quickly averted his eyes, as if he were caught in an indecent act.
Seeing as neither Jing Yi nor Jing Rong replied, Qi Zhen waved his hand dismissively, "That's enough, leave for the night. Don't forget what this Emperor just told you; if you have a plan, submit and present it."
"Yes, Son understands!" The two of them bowed their heads and exited the hall. Had this been any other day, Jing Rong would definitely be scurrying off, lest Jing Yi catch up to him and engage in weird conversations, but this time, he was walking at a much slower pace. The two of them left in the guard of eunuchs who led the way out of Fuyang Hall to the palace gates, guided by the lanterns they held. Neither of them spoke until they arrived at the gates.
Jing Yi gestured for the four eunuchs to move away, "Jing Rong, there is no need for secrets between the two of us, there are some things that I'll be frank with you about."
Jing Rong was uncharacteristically patient as he listened to Jing Yi's bragging.
"With Jing Hua's death, the Crown Prince's title would belong to either you or me – you've always said that you didn't want to compete with me. If so, why didn't you listen to Imperial Father earlier and investigate the missing relief silvers?" He smirked, "The Provincial Imperial Government is at the westernmost corner of the Great Lin, situated next to large, rolling plains, surrounded by mountains and oceans. It would be the best thing for you if you were there."
Jing Rong scoffed, "If it's that great a place, why don't you go?"
"Such a fantastic opportunity must of course be given to you. If you really can solve this case, you can stand much taller in front of Imperial Father."
"And if I don't solve it?"
"Even better – you can be your Carefree King in the Provincial Imperial Government." Jing Yi sneered cruelly.
Despite the darkness, Jing Rong could clearly make out his foul scowl. Jing Rong narrowed his eyes as a smile crept up his face, "Jing Yi, since you wanted to be frank, why beat around the bush now?"
"Oh? Looks like you know everything." Jing Yi was not flustered, and he continued, "What do you think? Has that Teacher Ji's choice disappointed and upset you?"
"…"
Jing Yi paused, realization dawning upon him, "Oh, no, that's not it – why should you be upset? Teacher Ji made that deal because of you; if not for her decision, I wouldn't have saved you – you must thank her with utmost gratitude."
Goddammit, how convincing! You almost had this Prince fooled! Jing Rong was not bothered by his words, but if there were a table by his side, he would not have winced from flinging it in Jing Yi's face.
"Jing Yi," he called out gruffly, leaving no time for Jing Yi to butt in, "The deal between the two of you is called off. This is not a request, but a notice!"
"Called off?" You wish! Jing Yi replied, "Do you know of the repercussions if Teacher Ji forfeits this deal? That Lord Zhang can also change his witness statement, stating that you were the one who ordered for the Crown Prince to be set up, and you'll eventually still end up in jail!"
"Is this a threat?"
"That depends on Teacher Ji's decision!"
Jing Rong raised an eyebrow, "You know Imperial Father's suspicious nature; Jing Yi, even if your plan were flawless, Imperial Father can believe you the first time, but never the second. Even if he were to believe Lord Zhang again, did you think that Imperial Father would have my head? With the Crown Prince just passing away, he cannot afford to lose another son."
Jing Yi was shaken, as if he was stabbed sharply in the ribs and had his skin peeled off, his gaze wavering.
Jing Rong finished coldly, "If you want to take this gamble with me, I wouldn't mind at all. But, I can tell you definitively that the deal between you and Yunshu could never succeed. Also, you promised to save the Crown Prince's life, but he still died in the end."
"You…" Jing Yi choked on his words.
"Since you did not deliver on your promise, don't blame someone else for doing the same to you. Jing Yi, the heavens are fair and would never let someone carry on with their crazy ways. I will never let anyone be unfairly oppressed; even a toothless tiger can still bite and slaughter."
Ugh! Jing Yi was utterly defeated as he took two steps backwards.
As Jing Rong had finished what he wanted to say, he left with a flourish of his sleeves, leaving a ghastly Jing Yi behind, " From today onwards, if you want to fight for the throne, then put your soul into it. You will pay for what you have done, and if you lay a single finger on Yunshu, I will kill you."
A eunuch scurried forwards to the unmoving Jing Yi, "Prince Yi, did you want to return to your estate?"
Bang – Jing Yi kicked the lantern away, its flame dying out as it rolled across the floor. The eunuchs were startled, and they quickly dropped to their knees, pleading, "Please forgive us, Prince Yi, these servants have realized our mistakes."
Jing Yi stared at him angrily, his fists tightly clenched into balls as he stared in the direction that Jing Rong left in. His carefully planned scheme was foiled by a few words from Jing Rong – how could he not be angry? He had to admit, however, that Jing Rong was right. Qi Zhen Emperor had always been suspicious; if Zhang Bo were to change his statement twice, Qi Zhen Emperor would never believe him again, and it might even implicate himself if he were unlucky. Jing Yi left the palace, a suffocating tightness gripping his chest.
Grenn’s Rants Corner
*Throws some ativan at Jing Yi* Calm down and stop scheming.