My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 28: I Will Reward You.

　　If you've made a mistake, it's best to avoid making a big fuss at this crucial juncture.

　　Xie Jue glared at Zhang Huanglin with annoyance, “If you're going to conduct business with such an attitude, then I'm afraid I must decline your offer.”

　　Yun Niang chimed in, “Exactly! Our Sixth Master has never suffered such an injustice in his entire life!”

　　“Sixth Master, let's not do business with him!”

　　Zhang Huanglin's face turned pale, and he quickly bowed and apologized, “Brother Lu, Brother Lu, you've misunderstood me. It was my fault for not investigating the matter thoroughly today, and I apologize for the injustice suffered by you and Yun Niang.”

　　“You wonder why I'm so tense? It's because my family possesses the secret methods for goldsmithing from Wubao Zhai. Last month, several groups of unscrupulous people tried to steal them. These are ancestral secrets, vital to our family, so I'm naturally quite nervous.”

　　“It's my fault for causing you and Yun Niang any distress, Brother Lu. Let me make it up to you,” Zhang Huanglin waved his hand, signaling the steward to present a set of exquisite head ornaments, newly released by Wubao Zhai. He then added, “I'll also reduce the franchise fee by five thousand silver taels for you, as a token of my apology.”

　　Yun Niang, it seemed, was quite a fan of shiny things. The sight of the exquisite head ornaments brought a smile to her face, and she forgot all about her previous anger.

　　Lu Mian remained somewhat aloof, saying, “In that case, I'm not unreasonable. I'll give it some serious thought when I get back home.”

　　Zhang Huanglin replied eagerly, “That's exactly what I want!”

　　……

　　The luxurious carriage moved slowly along the road.

　　Yun Ling lifted the carriage curtain, observing the local customs and scenery of Qingzhou. The streets buzzed with vendors' calls, hawkers enthusiastically beckoning passersby.

　　There were vendors selling candied haws, pastries, jewelry—everything imaginable.

　　Indeed, it is a wealthy place, with the people living in peace and contentment. However, the number of beggars on the streets is rather alarming. There are dozens on just this one street, and even many young girls, not yet of marriageable age, are kneeling on the street, selling themselves to bury their mothers, their expressions filled with sorrow.

　　After watching for a while, Yun Ling lowered the carriage curtain.

　　There were countless poor people in the world. Even if she felt pity, what could she do? If she couldn't solve their problems, her compassion would only be a useless burden.

　　It is the rulers of this dynasty who must solve the world's suffering and allow the people to live.

　　And the current ruler of this dynasty is…

　　Yun Ling turned her head to look at the Crown Prince sitting on the other side of the carriage. His long fingers, with their distinct white knuckles, held a scroll. His black hair was like ink, and his demeanor was aloof and noble, radiating an air of coldness even when his face was expressionless.

　　Could someone so bloodthirsty possibly have compassion for countless lives?

　　Dismissing the thoughts in her head, Yun Ling slightly parted her lips and asked, “Sixth Master, do you think we successfully deceived Zhang Huanglin?”

　　“Whether we succeeded in deceiving him or not is irrelevant,” Xie Jue said without looking up, “Zhang Huanglin is a suspicious man; tonight, we shall see.”

　　That's right. Her and the Crown Prince's commotion in Zhang Huanglin's garden, on the surface, looked like they were searching for something and were caught in the act. In reality, Yun Ling didn't find anything; she merely wanted Zhang Huanglin to think she was searching for something by wandering around with her two maidservants.

　　Zhang Huanglin is a suspicious and cautious man, as evidenced by his constant probing.

　　He suspected Xie Jue's arrival was suspicious and tested him repeatedly, clearly not fully believing them. So they deliberately staged this act. Yun Ling caused a commotion in his garden, and although she explained herself afterwards, Zhang Huanglin, with his cautious nature, would definitely still have doubts. And once he had doubts, he wouldn't rest easy, and would definitely go to check at night.

　　Zhang Huanglin has been working for the King of Dingyang for many years, and he is also the richest man in Qingzhou. Most of his business dealings have been used to support the King of Dingyang's private army. He not only possesses correspondence with the King of Dingyang, but also proof of buying and selling weapons and equipment. Furthermore, he can follow the trail and find the hiding place of the King of Dingyang's private army, thereby uncovering evidence of the King's rebellion.

　　The King of Dingyang, upon learning of the Crown Prince's grave illness, rushed to the capital. However, he never expected the Crown Prince to pull the rug out from under him, destroying his stronghold.

　　Yun Ling finally understood why Xie Jue had feigned serious injury.

　　Zhang Huanglin is a cunning man, a master of deception. He's like a rabbit with three burrows, hiding his evidence and letters very well. No one knows where he keeps them except himself. If we were to forcefully search, we might not find anything and would only alert him. He might then inform the King of Dingyang. Therefore, we can only lure him into checking them himself.

　　With Yun Ling's commotion today, he's bound to become suspicious. To ease his mind, he'll go check if anyone has touched those letters.

　　And Xie Jue's secret guards had already been positioned outside Zhang's residence, waiting for Zhang Huanglin to move so they could follow him and discover the hiding place.

　　……

　　The night was deep and dark.

　　The loud voice of the night watchman echoed, announcing that it was past the third watch.

　　Suddenly, a secret guard in dark, black clothing entered, “Reporting to Your Highness, this subordinate followed Zhang Huanglin. He circled two locations before returning to his residence. Around the second watch, he entered an inconspicuous room on the west side. Inside, there's a hidden chamber with numerous traps and mechanisms.”

　　“This subordinate followed him and found the hidden chamber. The location where the letters were hidden has been discovered.”

　　Xie Jue held the scroll, “Excellent.”

　　Zhang Huanglin truly fell for it.

　　Yun Ling thought to herself.

　　His suspicion and caution, his very carefulness, became his undoing.

　　With the evidence found, all that remained was Xie Jue's command to encircle and wipe out the King of Dingyang's hidden private army.

　　These things weren't difficult.

　　Yun Ling thought she could return to the capital in a few days.

　　Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly saw a raging fire outside the walls, and the sounds of soldiers and horses approaching.

　　A secret guard rushed in and reported, “Reporting to Your Highness, Zhang Huanglin and the Prefect of Qingzhou have surrounded Jingyuan.”

　　The Prefect of Qingzhou?

　　Yun Ling had interacted with the Prefect's wife several times and had heard that the Prefect of Qingzhou was upright, just, and loved the people as if they were his own children. How could he be collaborating with Zhang Huanglin?

　　Xie Jue didn't seem surprised. He put away the letter he'd been reading. “Is that so? Then let's go meet them.”

　　The gates of Jingyuan were surrounded by layers of soldiers. Seeing Xie Jue and Yun Ling emerge together, Zhang Huanglin couldn't help but sneer. “You cunning Lu Mian of Yangzhou and your favored concubine! You were deceiving me all along! I guarded against everything, yet I still fell for your trap!”

　　Xie Jue stood coldly, looking at the surrounding soldiers and archers. “Brother Zhang, what is the meaning of this?”

　　Zhang Huanglin had gone to check the hidden chamber, and it didn't take long for him to realize something was amiss.

　　He had hidden the items so deeply. The concubine creating such a commotion was a deliberate ploy to lure him into checking it himself.

　　He'd been tricked!

　　Sure enough, when he returned to the secret chamber, everything was gone.

　　The thought enraged Zhang Huanglin. He'd been cautious his entire life, only to be caught off guard in one careless move. “Hand over what you've taken, and I might spare your lives!”

　　Yun Ling looked slightly afraid. “Master Zhang, you have quite the audacity. I wonder what we've done wrong? And how is it that a merchant like yourself can command soldiers to arrest us?”

　　Zhang Huanglin sneered. “Hmph, still pretending? If I'm not mistaken, you two are from the capital, sent here to steal from me. Do you really think you can get away with taking my things and still live to tell the tale?”

　　Speaking of this, Wang Shanquan, the Prefect of Qingzhou, got off the carriage and said in a friendly manner,

　　“My two colleagues,” he said, “I'm afraid you won't be returning to the capital to report today.”

　　“If anything is discovered, and the Crown Prince's wrath descends, my official hat won't be safe,” Wang Shanquan said with a smile. “Wouldn't you agree, my esteemed colleagues?”

　　Yun Ling suddenly understood. “So the Prefect of Qingzhou is the biggest protector of this rebellious faction. You and Zhang Huanglin are in cahoots, long-time accomplices.”

　　Wang Shanquan: “Killing you both, won't the Crown Prince never find out?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “What if the Crown Prince already knows?”

　　Wang Shanquan frowned. “What do you mean? That's impossible!”

　　It's only been a few quarters of an hour since the things in the secret room were taken away. How could they possibly send a message back to the capital in such a short time!

　　At this time, Pei Yuan’s troops surged from both sides, surrounding them. Archers aimed their arrows at the heads of Wang Shanquan and Zhang Huanglin.

　　“Then guess why we didn't leave after taking the things, and still waited for you to come?”

　　“The Crown Prince not only knows about your actions, but even the head of the King of Dingyang is no longer safe.”

　　After surrounding them completely,

　　Pei Yuan ran forward and presented a letter from the capital. “Your Highness, Young Master Chen has sent a message. The King of Dingyang and his advisor have been captured.”

　　Xie Jue took the letter, opened it, and read it. “Indeed. My imperial uncle couldn't wait, he was eager to see if I was dead or alive.”

　　Unfortunately for him, Xie Jue had already deployed heavy defenses and ambushes in the imperial palace in the capital.

　　The King of Dingyang was captured immediately upon arrival in the capital.

　　He thought that because Xie Jue hadn't found evidence of his rebellion, he wouldn't dare to act against him. After enduring so many years in that harsh land, upon hearing that Xie Jue was seriously injured and might not survive, he couldn't resist going to the capital to take a look.

　　But he didn't expect to be detained immediately upon arrival in the capital.

　　Capture first, then sentence. That's how the current Crown Prince operates, with reckless abandon.

　　Surrounded, Wang Shanquan heard Pei Yuan's address and his eyes widened in disbelief. “Your...Your Highness?”

　　“Impossible! The Crown Prince is seriously injured and recuperating in the imperial palace. How could he possibly be in Qingzhou?”

　　Zhang Huanglin reacted more quickly. Seeing the archers surrounding them, his face turned pale. “The King has been captured! I'll fight you to the death!”

　　Xie Jue twitched the corner of his mouth. “The King of Dingyang certainly has a loyal dog!”

　　Before Zhang Huanglin could speak, Wang Shanquan had already lost his courage and hurriedly knelt down. “Your Highness, please spare me! The King of Dingyang threatened my entire family. I was forced into this; it was all him!” He stretched out his arm and pointed forcefully at Zhang Huanglin. “Everything was his doing! I was just—”

　　Before he could finish his sentence, an arrow flew in from somewhere, striking him in the throat. Wang Shanquan's eyes bulged in shock as he slowly fell to the ground, lifeless.

　　Xie Jue looked coldly at the scene and said, “Noisy.”

　　Seeing Wang Shanquan fall, Zhang Huanglin, now fighting alone, knew he wouldn't survive. His eyes were bloodshot with rage. “The tyrannical emperor! If it weren't for the King saving my life during the flood years, I would have died long ago! Today, even if it costs me my life, I will kill you all—to avenge the King!”

　　As he spoke, he and his surrounded men raised their swords and charged towards Xie Jue. The guards rushed forward to protect the Crown Prince, but unexpectedly, Zhang Huanglin suddenly shifted the point of his sword, changing direction and charging straight towards Yun Ling.

　　He knew he couldn't harm the Crown Prince, but killing the Crown Prince's woman would be just as good!

　　If it weren't for this woman's cooperation, he wouldn't have fallen so easily into their trap.

　　Yun Ling hadn't anticipated Zhang Huanglin's sudden attack and was unprepared, hastily dodging backward.

　　But the icy blade was relentless, seemingly about to pierce her heart.

　　Yun Ling's eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat.

　　The next moment, a strong arm pulled her forcefully, and she fell uncontrollably into a broad, cold embrace, enveloped by the sharp, cedar-like scent. Then, a sharp pain shot through her arm, followed by the startled cries of the surrounding soldiers, “Your Highness!”

　　Yun Ling's racing heart finally settled as she lifted her head, only to realize in that split second that she had been pulled into his embrace. The sword that Zhang Huanglin had aimed at her heart had grazed their arms instead, missing its target by mere inches.

　　Blood seeped from his arm, quickly staining his sleeve. Ignoring her own injury, Yun Ling grabbed his hand. “Your Highness, are you alright?”

　　With that movement, the blood gushed from her arm, pouring from the wound in a terrifying stream.

　　Xie Jue lowered his gaze and grasped her wrist; her blood flowed down her arm, staining his hand crimson.

　　Looking at her wound, Xie Jue's breathing grew heavy, his eyes dark and brooding, his lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, his anger was barely contained.

　　Turning his head to look at the now-subdued Zhang Huanglin, Xie Jue took a bow and arrow from a nearby guard. He aimed at Zhang Huanglin’s brow, slowly drawing back the bowstring. His jaw was tight, his eyes filled with intense rage. “You deserve to die!”

　　In the next instant, the arrow flew, piercing Zhang Huanglin's forehead, killing him instantly.

　　“Since you're so loyal, go to hell and join your King!”

　　After Zhang Huanlin fell, all of his remaining men were captured.

　　Xie Jue dropped the bow and arrow, took two steps, then stopped and turned back to Yun Ling, who was still standing there, dazed. “What are you still standing there for? Do you want to bleed to death?”

　　——

　　Zhang Huanglin's attack, made with all his might, drove the sharp blade straight through Xie Jue's and her arm. But because the Crown Prince had shielded her, her injury wasn't as severe as his.

　　It was just that this was the first time she had suffered such a serious injury. The delicate skin of her arm was slashed open, and by the time she returned to her room to have the wound treated and bandaged, her entire sleeve was almost soaked through with blood.

　　The golden wound powder was poured onto the wound. An excruciating pain shot through her limbs, making Yun Ling's teeth clench so hard that they turned white, and sweat beaded on her forehead.

　　It hurt. A lot.

　　She had endured much hardship throughout her life, even being choked by him on several occasions. She'd certainly weathered many storms.

　　But she had never been injured this badly before, never bled like this.

　　Finally, after the bandaging was complete, Xi Que came in to deliver a message. “A Ling, are you done being bandaged? His Highness wishes to see you.”

　　“Done.” Hua Mei tied the last knot. Yun Ling stood up and changed into a clean set of clothes.

　　Xi Que looked at her pale face and couldn't help but feel pity. “Everything here has been taken care of. We'll return to the capital tomorrow. You won't be in any danger anymore.”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Mm, I understand.”

　　Xi Que continued, “But if there's anything you'd like to buy, we'll have some time tomorrow morning to do so.”

　　Xi Que knew that Yun Ling had always been confined to the palace and rarely went out. On their first day in Qingzhou, they went shopping, and Yun Ling found everything novel and exciting.

　　This trip back from Qingzhou... it's likely she won't have another opportunity to leave the capital again.

　　“No need,” Yun Ling said with a chuckle. “I don't need to buy anything.”

　　Besides, after buying some local specialties and trinkets, her salary was almost completely gone.

　　She hadn't had much money to begin with, and the Crown Prince had docked three months' worth of her salary. To tell the truth, Yun Ling is practically penniless.

　　No one would believe it—that she, a close aide to the Crown Prince, a fifth-rank female official, could be so impoverished.

　　After changing her clothes, Yun Ling opened the door and went to the Crown Prince's bedchamber.

　　……

　　The dim lamplight flickered in the room, casting long shadows as the Crown Prince stood silently behind his writing desk.

　　His wound was already bandaged, and he was dressed in a long, gold-black robe. His back was to the door; his figure quiet and still.

　　A stark contrast to his furious demeanor earlier.

　　Yun Ling entered, closed the door, and walked forward. “Your Highness.”

　　Her eyes fell upon his hanging arm, and she spoke with concern, “Your Highness, how is your wound? I thank you again for saving me today. I will never forget your kindness.”

　　If Xie Jue hadn't pulled her back and shielded her, today's injury wouldn't have been as simple as a wounded arm. If the blade had struck her heart, she might not have survived.

　　Xie Jue turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Yun Ling's arm. The bandage and her clothing concealed any trace of the wound.

　　But her face was devoid of color; even the vermilion rouge on her lips had turned ashen.

　　After a moment, he looked away, turning his back again. “It's nothing.”

　　Silence returned to the room.

　　The soft moonlight spilled into the bedroom.

　　Yun Ling didn't know what he wanted, watching his back, a sudden image flashed in her mind—the moment he shielded her.

　　He was injured protecting her. No matter what, she was eternally grateful.

　　Lost in thought, Xie Jue's voice broke the silence,

　　“Does your wound hurt?”

　　“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I've applied medicine; it doesn't hurt anymore.”

　　Yun Ling's lips parted, and she asked, “That Zhang Huanglin…”

　　She remembered his expression at the time—furious. Knowing his temperament, he probably wouldn't let it go easily.

　　She didn't know when it happened, but she seemed to understand his way of doing things quite well.

　　Indeed.

　　Xie Jue lifted his eyelids slightly, his tone even. “Five horses dismemberment, then pulverized to ashes.”

　　He paused.

　　Yun Ling remained silent.

　　Xie Jue: “What? You feel sorry for him? He almost took your life.”

　　“How could I?” Yun Ling denied. She didn't feel sorry for Zhang Huanglin; she just didn't know how to react to such ruthless words.

　　However, there was no point in dwelling on this topic. Yun Ling asked again, “Your Highness, are we returning to the capital tomorrow?”

　　“Yes,” Xie Jue said, hands behind his back. “The evidence is in hand, the King of Dingyang's private army has been captured, and the Qingzhou magistrate is dead.”

　　Now that everything is settled, it's time to return to the capital.

　　Yun Ling nodded. “I just didn't expect that the so-called upright and honest Qingzhou magistrate was also Zhang Huanglin's accomplice.”

　　Thinking about it again, she suddenly realized, “No wonder, although Qingzhou is a wealthy place, there are so many homeless orphans on the streets.” It was because the Qingzhou magistrate colluded with the King of Dingyang to secretly recruit soldiers, leading to so many orphans without parents.

　　“That's right.”

　　She was intelligent, quick-witted; he had known this all along.

　　Yun Ling suddenly looked up. “Is this Your Highness's reason for ordering the annexation of Qingzhou?”

　　If he hadn't come to Qingzhou, how could he have witnessed with his own eyes the hardships of this world? If even a supposedly wealthy place like this is rife with corruption and deceit, what about other places?

　　Actually, to deal with Zhang Huanglin, he could have easily sent someone intelligent and astute. Finding evidence wouldn't necessarily have been impossible.

　　But his order to annex Qingzhou, besides finding evidence against King of Dingyang and eliminating the rebel faction, was also to see the living conditions of the people of Qingzhou and root out the cancerous Qingzhou governor.

　　Xie Jue was startled for a moment,

　　“Yes.”

　　He tilted his head back, looking at the full moon in the night sky,

　　“Those in power have stayed within the golden, glittering palaces for too long. How can they possibly understand the mountains, rivers, and the lives of the people if they don't come out and see for themselves?”

　　Yun Ling stared intently at his back.

　　Suddenly, she felt that when he wasn't acting crazy, he was actually... well... quite normal.

　　After asking many questions, Yun Ling finally remembered to ask, “Your Highness, what is it you need me for at this late hour?”

　　Xie Jue, however, fell silent again for some reason.

　　After a long while, he slowly said,

　　“You came to Qingzhou with me to help me succeed, a great feat. What reward do you desire?”

　　A reward?

　　Yun Ling said, “This is merely my duty, I truly dare not take credit or seek a reward.”

　　The Crown Prince chuckled lightly, “Dare not?”

　　His long fingers clenched together. With his back to Yun Ling, his posture tall and straight, he said, “You accompanied me in the cold palace for a year, serving me attentively and wholeheartedly. You've helped me succeed time and again, and this time you were even injured in the process. All these things... even I don't know how to properly reward you.”

　　Yun Ling replied, “Your Highness is too kind. These are all things I should be doing.”

　　She didn't understand why he suddenly wanted to reward her tonight. She had accompanied him to this day, and he had given her the appropriate status and she had received the corresponding recompense.

　　Her troubles were resolved, and she had also avenged her master and sister.

　　Moreover, he was the ruler and she was his subject. He was never a merciful ruler; granting or withholding rewards was simply a matter of his word. For example, in the past, he always had to threaten her against harboring inappropriate feelings before giving her what she wanted.

　　Regarding the Qingzhou matter, she had once again helped him succeed, which was also her duty. She hadn't expected him to proactively offer a reward.

　　Was it because she was injured?

　　Unable to fathom his intentions, she said, “I truly don't seek anything.”

　　“Don't rush,” Xie Jue slowly turned his head to look at her face, his voice soft. “Yun Ling, when you figure out what you want, come and ask me again.”

　　“I will grant it to you.”

　　Only soft breathing filled the room.

　　Yun Ling's arm was injured. Although she had applied medicine, her spirit was low, and she appeared pale and weak.

　　“Yes.”

　　Xie Jue's mind flashed with the image of the sword blade that had almost pierced her heart, and her blood-soaked arm.

　　He suddenly closed his eyes tightly.

　　A strange feeling settled in his chest. “Go down. Rest well.”

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter