“You’ve always had a knack for giving counsel,” Jiang Wang remarked, watching the ripples spread across the water’s surface. “Is the position of North Yamen Commander truly so advantageous?”

“What are you thinking?” Chong Xuan Sheng exclaimed, waving a hand with exaggerated flourish. “This is the most tangible position of power you can attain at your current stage, and the gateway to the true center of Qi’s authority! If you secure the post of North Yamen Commander today, upon achieving the God Arrival realm, you can ascend directly to the Nine Ranks as a Zheng Jiang! We’ll then see you enter the Autumn Kill Army, and your next step will be the Military Affairs Hall! It’s not impossible for you to eventually command one of the three key departments, and after that, the Political Affairs Hall itself! And you sit here asking me if the North Yamen Commander position is that good?”

“Consider it, Jiang Wang! This is one of the six great powers of the world, the overlord of the Eastern Domain. You can, with unprecedented speed, reach the very pinnacle, standing shoulder to shoulder with the absolute top figures, wielding the highest power in this era… and this ascent begins with the North Yamen Commander! You ask if it’s important, if it’s good?”

Observing the spittle-flecked enthusiasm of Chong Xuan Sheng, Jiang Wang fell silent for a moment.

Then, he simply said, “Oh?”

Chong Xuan Sheng glared, his eyes wide. “Are you learning to mimic geese today? It’s ‘oh’ non-stop!”

Jiang Wang smiled. “It seems truly important.”

Chong Xuan Sheng’s face was a picture of frustrated disappointment. “Good that you know!”

“Yes, yes, I know,” Jiang Wang waved a hand. “I’ll head back to cultivate for now. Remember to look into Gongsun Yu’s matter for me.”

“Think carefully! Control yourself!” Chong Xuan Sheng shouted after him. “Don’t improve your cultivation too quickly! If you accidentally reach the God Arrival realm, you might not be able to become North Yamen Commander!”

Jiang Wang’s figure had already vanished into the distance, leaving Chong Xuan Sheng unsure if his words had even been heard.

As a renowned scenic spot in Linzi, the foothills of Xia Mountain boasted numerous villas belonging to high officials and noble families.

Of course, Chong Xuan Sheng wasn’t the only one who would choose such a location.

The Master of Yang Xin Palace, Jiang Wu Xie, also possessed a separate courtyard here, though he typically only resided there during the period of “Maple Xia Together Late.”

The world knew that the Ninth Prince, His Highness, held a fondness for beautiful women, gourmet food, fine wine… He indulged in the pleasures of both the table and the bed, never subjecting himself to hardship.

Despite his noble status, he rarely stayed in Yang Xin Palace, a trait that set him apart from the other palace masters.

For Jiang Wu Xie, though he presided over Yang Xin Palace and held absolute authority over its affairs, the palace was ultimately within the confines of the Qi Imperial Palace, where certain rules had to be observed.

This was the source of the issue.

Compared to Yang Xin Palace, his residence at Wen Yu Water Pavilion was where he spent most of his time.

This was common knowledge in Linzi.

When Jiang Wang had gone to sea to rescue people, he had directly approached Wen Yu Water Pavilion to negotiate terms, a testament to this fact.

However, with Jiang Wu Qi’s mourning period not long past, it was clearly inappropriate for him, his elder brother, to be reveling at Wen Yu Water Pavilion.

Thus, during this time, he had taken up residence in this separate courtyard at the foot of Xia Mountain.

The arrangement was exquisite, the style elegant, requiring no further description.

Among all the villas beneath Xia Mountain, this residence was certainly among the finest.

At this moment, Jiang Wu Xie lay sprawled on a soft couch, his eyes gently closed, utterly relaxed and content. His long hair was casually pinned back with a single ornament, and he wore only a loose, silk robe. Two beautiful maids knelt on either side of the couch, one massaging his shoulders, the other his legs.

Jade hands traced the contours of his body, a warm fragrance drifting through the air, lost in a dreamlike state, unaware of the passage of time.

The soft couch was positioned on an exceptionally stylish terrace, offering a breathtaking view of Xia Mountain.

Curtains surrounded the terrace, capable of being drawn for privacy or bundled up for a panoramic vista.

This terrace was unusually spacious, adorned with potted plants and caged birds. There was also a large jar filled with sleeping lotus, its flowering period long passed, yet still blooming with vibrant color.

Not far in front of the soft couch sat a zither.

It stood upright, like a beauty standing tall. The wood was lustrous, possessing a jade-like sheen.

Behind the zither sat yet another beauty.

Her figure was slender and graceful, her temperament ethereal and otherworldly, her eyebrows and eyes like a painting, playing the zither in solitude.

Beautiful scenery, a beautiful woman, exquisite music reaching the ear. The mountain wind swept by, bringing with it a delightful coolness.

Only one figure, clad in black, knelt on the ground, an inharmonious splash of color in this otherwise perfect scene.

His left hand rested on his knee, his right stretched out, pressed against the ground, conveying a sense of submission. The prominent veins on the back of his hand, however, spoke of underlying strength.

“You say…” After a long period of enjoyment, Jiang Wu Xie finally spoke, his voice slow and measured. “Feng Gu’s corpse, there were no issues at all?”

The beautiful zither music ceased.

“I inspected it myself. Indeed, there were no issues,” the black-clad figure, still half-kneeling, replied. “Not everyone in the North Yamen simply sits idly by.”

“How could there be… hmm… absolutely no issues?” Under the skillful ministrations of the beautiful maid, Jiang Wu Xie’s voice seemed to float. “It shouldn’t be…”

“Indeed, it shouldn’t be,” the black-clad figure conceded. “But to attempt to interfere now… it is already too late.”

“Do not interfere,” Jiang Wu Xie’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Why would we want to interfere? At this point, it would be akin to drawing a snake and adding feet, utterly foolish. We simply need the truth… The truth, do you understand?”

“Understood,” the black-clad figure replied.

“Qi Song, I hope you truly understand,” Jiang Wu Xie said.

The black-clad figure named Qi Song lowered his head even further. “This subordinate truly understands.”

“Then…” Jiang Wu Xie inquired, “Who instructed you to personally go to the North Yamen?”

“This subordinate believed… that I would not be discovered.”

“You believed?” Jiang Wu Xie opened his eyes, and within those feminine eyes lay unconcealed displeasure. “You believed? You thought the North Yamen was your private garden? You thought Jiang Qing Yang was a man of mere brute strength? You thought you were mocking them, but you were unknowingly being mocked by them!”

“Do you know?” Jiang Wu Xie demanded. “Zheng Shi has already investigated you, and it was I who obstructed him?”

“I could only tell him that this matter was under my instruction, that I intended to oversee this case… I was merely an observer from the sidelines, and now I must rush to put out the fire. Qi Song, what do you think?”

“This subordinate knows his error,” Qi Song replied.

Jiang Wu Xie didn’t even spare him a glance, instead turning on his side. The thin silk of his sleeping robe vaguely outlined his perfect musculature.

However, above the sleeping robe, his face remained exquisite and feminine.

The two beautiful maids, having been massaging and kneading, quietly withdrew, one positioning herself behind him, the other to his right.

The Master of Yang Xin Palace remained seated on the soft couch, his gaze fixed upon the scenery of Xia Mountain.

Qi Song continued to kneel on his left rear.

“Everyone makes mistakes, so I will forgive you this once,” Jiang Wu Xie stated. “Since you are now involved, your sole responsibility is to diligently uncover the truth and to keep a close eye on those individuals in the North Yamen. Moreover, it is only right that I concern myself with Eleventh Brother.”

“Yes,” Qi Song responded respectfully.

“But I do not need the truth, do you understand?”

“This subordinate understands.” Qi Song pondered for a moment, then gently inquired, “Your Highness, after the truth is uncovered, to whom should it be given?”

He seemed to have truly understood.

Stupidity was not to be feared, only self-proclaimed cleverness.

Jiang Wu Xie gazed at the distant mountains, his voice soft. “Zheng Shang Ming is merely another loyal dog. Lin You Xie’s future is limited. Focus your efforts on assisting Jiang Qing Yang in his ascent. After all, he is currently in favor, and only he can truly escalate this matter.”

“Understood.” Qi Song offered a solemn bow before rising and withdrawing.

It was already the winter month, and the red maples had withered.

At this time, Xia Mountain stood bare, offering little in the way of visual splendor.

Yet, Jiang Wu Xie’s gaze remained intently fixed upon it.

On that overly exquisite face, there was little expression.

“Why has the zither music stopped?” he suddenly asked.

The zither-playing beauty replied, “If Your Highness cannot listen with his heart, then it should not sound.”

“Am I not listening with enough heart?”

“Your Highness was just now preoccupied with suppressing killing intent. How could he possibly have the mind to listen to the zither?”

Jiang Wu Xie’s eyes were hazy with a smile. “Se Se, being too clever will lead to great trouble.”

The woman named Wu Se lightly brushed a string on the zither with her little finger.

Dong dong dong dong dong.

She said softly, “Perhaps Your Highness is not just my great trouble?”

“You are right!” Jiang Wu Xie laughed, but his eyes still lingered on Xia Mountain.

Others observed the prosperous scenery, while he gazed upon the remnants.

“It is a pity that the world’s beautiful scenery, like a beauty, withers so easily…”

He sighed, then suddenly declared, “I wish to practice my spear!”

With that, he rose from the soft couch and casually beckoned.

A bright red long spear fell into his hand.

Holding the crimson spear upside down, he stepped into the air and walked towards Xia Mountain.

His black and gold silk sleeping robe shimmered in the light.

At this moment, the mountain was devoid of flying shadows, and the setting sun cast its lingering glow.

Both the man and the spear were absolutely beautiful.

The people of the world were of a thousand different kinds.

There were princes like Jiang Wu Xie, who constantly ventured outside the palace, and there were crown princes like Jiang Wu Hua, who almost confined himself within Chang Le Palace, his feet rarely crossing the threshold.

Except for necessary ceremonies, he would not leave the palace if it could be avoided.

Every day was spent cultivating flowers and plants, steaming, boiling, and simmering, finding contentment in his own pursuits.

He once remarked, “This place is truly Chang Le.”

While Jiang Wu Xie practiced his spear among the fallen maple leaves of Xia Mountain, within Chang Le Palace, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were enjoying their meal.

Only two palace maids attended them, one caring for the Crown Prince, the other for the Crown Princess, moving with light steps, absolutely silent.

Although the dining hall was spacious, the two conversed idly as they ate, the atmosphere far from cold.

The dishes on the table were not numerous – three meats, two vegetables, and one soup, all personally prepared by the Crown Prince, their aroma enticing the nostrils.

A eunuch entered with quick steps, his footfall urgent, clearly indicating a matter of importance.

But upon reaching the entrance of the dining hall, he stopped, neither speaking nor moving.

Everyone in Chang Le Palace knew that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were not to be disturbed during their meal.

In the Crown Prince’s rules, there were few matters more important than eating.

At least the matter he had to report now was not as important as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess’s meal.

“Is today’s venison not tender enough?” the Crown Prince said lightly. “We didn’t have a large deer from July, so I selected one from September. These banana-tailed deer are difficult to raise; their meat is best between July and August. You were eager to eat, so there was no other way…”

Song Ning Er swallowed the venison in her mouth and commented properly, “It’s not as tender, but it’s more chewy, which offers a different flavor. Of course, it’s mainly His Highness the Crown Prince’s unparalleled cooking skills that make everything delicious!”

That plate of fragrant fried banana-tailed deer was indeed perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

When it had first been placed on the table, it had appeared as a whole deer. But in reality, it had already been sliced thinly, fried, and then reassembled.

A light touch with chopsticks was enough to pick up a piece. The meat was so thin it was almost translucent, with a texture like banana leaves. It was fried to a light golden yellow, yet without any hint of greasiness.

The secret spices of Chang Le Palace, sprinkled upon the meat slices, lingered with fragrance, far exceeding merely three circles.

By this time, the large plate held only a few pieces, indicating the Crown Princess’s fondness for this particular dish.

Jiang Wu Hua bowed slightly at the dining table, sincerely saying, “Many thanks for Your Highness’s patronage!”

Song Ning Er waved a hand, indicating she had no time for pleasantries.

She quickly picked up several more pieces, clearing the few remaining slices of venison in front of her, and consumed them with crystal-clear white rice in several mouthfuls.

Then, she placed her ivory chopsticks down, picked up the teacup beside her, and drank a bowl of fragrant tea with a gurgling sound, letting out a satisfied sigh. “I’m full!”

“Soup?” Jiang Wu Hua asked. “Using the antler of this banana-tailed deer as the main ingredient, supplemented by fungi sent from Zhu He County, it’s very fresh and delicious.”

Song Ning Er shook her head. “I truly can’t drink anymore, my belly is all round…”

She glanced at Jiang Wu Hua, both cunning and shy. “Don’t believe me? Touch it?”

“Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?” Jiang Wu Hua said, but his hand had already reached out.

A long time passed.

“Pa!”

Song Ning Er smacked his hand, snorting, “Have you touched enough?”

“Uh…” Jiang Wu Hua withdrew his hand and laughed. “It does seem you’re full.”

“Ah,” Song Ning Er sighed deeply. “Appetite and desire are a great hindrance to my cultivation!”

Jiang Wu Hua’s face was full of smiles. “Isn’t the joy of husband and wife found in sharing chopsticks and sleeping together?”

“Go away!” Song Ning Er glared at him. “Who is sleeping with you?”

Jiang Wu Hua said, “In life and death, who else could be by my side?”

“Only you can say such things!” Song Ning Er stood up. “I won’t disturb your official duties any longer. I’m going to rest.”

Jiang Wu Hua’s tone was gentle. “I’ve already instructed them to prepare the after-meal dessert in Qing Feng Garden. We made it together this morning. Why not try it?”

“You really dislike me not being fat enough?” Song Ning Er accused, but she finally turned and walked towards Qing Feng Garden.

Compared to her virtuous demeanor in front of others, she was clearly more lively when they were alone.

Jiang Wu Hua simply smiled and watched her leave, not saying anything else.

After the Crown Princess and her attendant palace maid had left, the eunuch who had been standing outside the door entered.

He bowed and said, “Your Highness, we have just received news that people from Yang Xin Palace have also intervened in the Feng Gu case.”

Jiang Wu Hua pushed his rice bowl aside, poured himself a bowl of deer antler soup, and slowly savored it. He said, “An expected matter. And the Hua Ying Palace side?”

“The Third Prince has shown no movement, or perhaps we simply haven’t discovered it,” the eunuch replied.

Jiang Wu Hua shook his head. “No movement means no movement. With Wu You’s temperament, if he truly had any reaction to this matter, the movement would be anything but small.”

He drank several mouthfuls of soup, then suddenly asked, “I hear someone went to warn Jiang Qing Yang. Is that true?”

“There is such a matter,” the eunuch replied.

“Presumptuous.” Jiang Wu Hua placed his spoon back in the bowl. “In my great Qi, who dares to be so arrogant?”

The eunuch said, “The coachman’s origins are very clear; his ancestors have been drivers for the North Yamen for three generations. Now, the person has disappeared… Alive, we see no person; dead, we see no corpse. We’ve found no clues.”

“Never mind. Leave this matter to the North Yamen to investigate,” Jiang Wu Hua waved a hand. “Pass on my order: instruct the Imperial City Guard Army to strengthen the protection of those handling the case, especially the residences of Jiang Wang and Lin You Xie. Increase patrols. This kind of incident must not happen again. These three individuals handling the case must not have any accidents, do you understand?”

“Understood.”

The eunuch hurried off to deliver the order.

Jiang Wu Hua had lost his interest in the soup. He stood up and walked outside, casually saying, “Today’s soup is not bad. You can all divide and drink it.”

The attending palace maid remaining in the dining hall was accustomed to this and showed no panic. She simply bowed and said, “Thank you for Your Highness’s grace.”

Jiang Wu Hua simply waved his hand, his person already outside.

Genius in one second: m.173kxsw