Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio 

  There had been two factions in the East Palace: The one opposing Xin Qiwu believed that since Count Sinan was in good relations with King Jing and connected to the prime minister’s family through Fan Xian’s marriage, Prince Jing must be close to the second prince. As for the prime minister gradually distancing himself from the East Palace, it must mean that the Fan household was with the second prince’s faction. Xin Shaoqing adamantly rejected the idea. To him, Fan Jian was not the type of official who could be swayed so easily by King Jing and the prime minister. 

  Deep inside the palace, Xin Qiwu prostrated in front of the book chamber with his butt in the air. Good thing his robe was long enough so that he didn’t look too ridiculous. 

  “You may rise.” The emperor’s voice rang out from behind the curtain. 

  Xin Qiwu stood up, his arms by his side. He didn’t dare move. He had been here a few times, but he still couldn’t shake this feeling of pressure. He was sweating, either from the remaining summer heat or his own nervousness. Regardless, he didn’t dare wipe away his sweat. 

  Behind the curtain came the sound of paper being put away. After a long period of silence, the emperor said, “There is logic and evidence, very good. Since those guys in the north wouldn’t settle down, this is very good; you’ll have to speak loudly for me.” 

  Xin Qiwu replied in a bright voice, “Yes, Your Majesty!” 

  The emperor’s voice suddenly had an odd tone to it. “You made Minister Fan’s son your deputy?” 

  Xin Qiwu wasn’t expecting the emperor to be so interested in Deputy Fan, and sweated a bit more. He answered respectfully, “Indeed.” 

  The emperor seemed to be intrigued, “Oh, I had already appointed him the Functionary of Taichang Temple. Why did you move him to Honglu Temple?” 

  While the emperor was speaking in a gentle tone, Xin Qiwu was so nervous he could faint. Not daring to hide anything, he answered truthfully, “I had recently come to the East Palace to study per Your Majesty’s orders. During that time, I talked with the prince regarding the envoy from Northern Qi. Since Fan Xian was involved with, and because of his reputation in the capital, I thought it would be best to have a scholar on our side as well. As Your Majesty knows, there’s a certain Zhuang Mohan in Northern Qi’s envoy.” 

  “Hm.” The emperor really admired this official’s frankness . He was never afraid of people conspiring in the Imperial court, but those factions needed be made public. “You weren’t wrong to do so. I leave all the authority over the matter to you today. Even if it’s the prince, you do not have to ask for permission.” 

  “Yes.” The link between Xin Qiwu and the prince was never hidden from the emperor. After all, he was assigned specifically as a servant in the East Palace. 

  The emperor flipped through the files again. He seemed to frown slightly. “How did Fan Xian do?” 

  Xin Qiwu didn’t dare steal Fan Xian’s merit and answered honestly, “The files Your Majesty is reading right now was analyzed by Deputy Fan.” ……

  “Analyzed?” For some reason, the emperor’s tone became slightly angry. “This is getting more and more absurd!” 

  Xin Qiwu was terrified; he didn’t know why His Majesty became angry. But fortunately, it didn’t appear to be related to negotiations. After Xin Qiwu withdrew from the book chamber, the emperor parted the curtain and walked out. There was a bitter smile that went along with the hint of anger on his intimidating face, as if to say, “It can’t be helped”. He ordered a servant, “Summon Chen Pingping to the palace.” 

  This owner of Qing, a middle-aged man who held the most authority in the world, walked out of the book chamber. Standing in the hallway, he gazed up at the moon. He smiled and said to himself, “A sharp tool which could benefit the nation, instead of using it to help Honglu Temple, you used it as the stepping stool for a child. Chen Pingping, if I still don’t tap you once or twice, you’re really going to give my Council to that child as a plaything.” 

  Just what caliber of a person was the emperor? From Fan Xian’s files, he managed to immediately pick up the presence of the Overwatch Council. But his expression was no longer angry. Rather, he found it somewhat funny. Xin Qiwu seemed to be letting the prince win over the Fan household. The prince finally displayed some political wisdom, and His Majesty was a bit happy . 

  An intense quarrel was developing in the East Palace between Shaoqiang Xin Qiwu and Guo Baokun. The topic, of course, concerned the low-ranking Fan Xian. One could tell how intense the quarrel was from the look on their faces. 

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  Xin Qiwu gave Guo Baokun a condescending look and said, “As a civil servant, I must obey His Majesty’s wishes and aid the prince in his accomplishments. So for the time being, I need to find a few talented individuals. Functionary Fan Xian is famous in the capital and has a fine demeanor, and the Fan household is no stranger to the palace. The prince should accept such a distinguished individual instead of refusing over a certain someone’s tantrum.” 

  Guo Baokun laughed coldly, “You think I only remember that one time? Don’t forget the relationship between the Fan manor and King Jing’s manor. Fan Xian will soon become the son-in-law of the prime minister. Are you that unclear as to which side the prime minister leans?” 

  Xin Qiwu straightened out his neck and said, “I have no idea. I only know that there is only one emperor and one prince in Qing. Any thoughts of splitting into factions would be extremely stupid.” 

  Xin Qiwu was not unskilled, and naturally, he knew the second prince was on the rise. But in terms of strategy, he still didn’t view the second prince as a threat to the East Palace. Otherwise, it would be opening a door full of danger. As long as the prince acts properly and sticks to principles, there would be no enemies. 

  The prince who was sitting up high sighed. While lecherous and cowardly, he was by no means stupid. Deep down, he understood that, in the big picture, Xin Qiwu was correct. However, in term of politics, this was a life-and-death struggle. Even if he were to be careful, no one could guarantee that his two brothers wouldn’t plot anything. 

  “It hasn’t gotten to that point,” the prince said, massaging the sides of his head. He then continued, albeit somewhat annoyed, “The palace is still ruled by one individual. Those ready to serve the Imperial court should have the same intention. As for my royal brothers, don’t say any senseless things.” 

  Such was the helpless situation in the palace. Even though they were impeding each other as much as they could, they couldn’t say anything on the surface. 

  “And Fan Xian?” Guo Baokun wasn’t willing to give up. 

  Xin Qiwu snorted, “Sir Guo, I believe you have been misjudging one thing.” 

  “What is it?” The prince asked. 

  “Many officials, including you, grouped Fan household into the second prince’s faction merely because of their relationship to King Jing. Is there any evidence to prove that? This time, orders came down from the East Palace to give Fan Xian a chance to really prove himself. If what you say is true, then Fan Xian would not accept in the first place.” Xin Qiwu continued coldly, “Most importantly, Fan Xian is soon to become the prime minister’s son-in-law. If your judgement is merely based on that, then you are being ridiculous.” 

  “How would that be ridiculous?” Guo Baokun revealed a hint of venom in his eyes. “Both official and secret reports showed that the prime minister is splitting from the eldest princess. He is trying to remove the influences from the palace.” 

  “As the prime minister, of course he shouldn’t be influenced by forces in the palace.” This wasn’t appropriate for Xin Qiwu to say, and he realized that and apologized to the prince. The prince shook his head, signaling Xin Qiwu to continue. 

  “That is precisely the issue. Everyone knows the prime minister is splitting from the eldest princess…… what does that have to do with the East Palace? Would that mean the prime minister is no longer loyal to His Majesty?” 

  The prince frowned, “However…… recently, my aunt has been angry with the prime minister.” 

  “Your Majesty, forgive my insolence…… you must not change your view towards the prime minister just because of the eldest princess’s mood.” 

  The prince only frowned harder. “But……” He stopped. Taking the chance, Guo Baokun said coldly, “But if the prime minister is still the same, then why did he stop visiting the East Palace after court meetings?” 

  Xin Qiwu grinned with extreme self-confidence and replied, “I didn’t deny anything having to do with that.” Turning to the prince, he said, “Your Majesty, that is only an arrangement; it is still far from an actual competition of power. The real smart ones would follow the emperor closely to ensure their families’ survival. The same applies to the prime minister. While he appears to be swaying between you and the second prince, he still has to obey His Majesty’s wishes. If we want the prime minister on our side……” Xin Qi Wu inhaled deeply, “Fan Xian is the key. The prime minister doesn’t have an actual son anymore; if Fan Xian proves to be the future of Lin Manor, and if we can win Fan Xian over, then the prime minister will surely change sides.” 

  Guo Baokun warned, “Don’t forget the relationship between Prince Jing and Fan Xian.” 

  “And don’t you forget whose subordinate was exposed by the investigation,” said Xin Qiwu coldly To have set up an encounter between Fan Xian and the prince, he was certainly hoping the prince would recall the grudge from all those days ago and humiliate Fan Xian. Good thing His Majesty was wise and would not fall for such petty trick.” 

  The prince smiled warmly. 

  “Why would he use such methods if the Fan household belonged to these factions?” Xin Qiwu then said, “I believe that, with Fan household’s power, whatever’s happening behind that incident will surely come to light. If it was really ‘that person,’ I’m afraid Fan Xian would hold a grudge, so for now, there is no need to worry where the Fan household stands.” 

  The prince was somewhat moved. He said lightly, “If the Fan household is still being fooled, there is no harm in telling them.” 

  “Winning over Fan Xian equals winning over both Fan and Lin Manors. Those are two great powers in the capital. Many years from now on, I believe the inner treasury will be run by that youngster.” Xin Qiwu said quietly to the prince, “An eighth-ranked official like him could do more for the people than merely write a few poems.”


  Chapter 127: There Isn’t a Single Trustworthy Person in the World 

  Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio 

  The prince calculated, obviously moved. After quite a while, he made his decision. “Very well. I’m going to give Fan Xian a chance. I hope he wouldn’t disappoint us.” 

  With this decision, Guo Baokun fell silent, while Xin Qiwu became excited. The prince felt he was being wise and generous. However, none of the three knew that the empress and the eldest princess tried to have Fan Xian killed. The real forces behind the East Palace had already clashed twice with the real forces behind Fan Xian; once in Danzhou, once on Niulan Street and beneath the Cang Mountains. 

  Even more unknown to them was that several years later, things would develop into unprecedented absurdity. The palace at night was always more secluded and darker than other places. It hid all truths and all who passed by. It also hid whatever the future held. 

  —- 

  Backed by the Overwatch Council’s reports, the negotiations over the next few days changed drastically. Northern Qi still tried to play their sticky tactics, dragging things on day after day in hopes of decreasing Qing’s patience. They weren’t expecting this shaoqing of Honglu Temple to unleash such intensity. During the next two days of deliberation, it was as if Xin Qiwu had turned into a mountain-splitting axe, chopping down the other party! 

  After three meetings, the problems regarding captives, tributes, and names were all solved. All that was left was also the most difficult—the issue regarding redrawing the borders. 

  As a deputy, Fan Xian had always overlooked this process. Nevertheless, he was very impressed by Xin Qiwu’s ability to converse. Fan Xian really didn’t expect anyone so close to the prince to be so ferocious. Not everyone in the East Palace deserved to be hit like Guo Baokun. Xin Qiwu, during his conversations and observations, felt surprised by Fan Xian’s patience, which far surpassed that of his peers. The shaoqing felt he couldn’t see through Fan Xian’s character. 

  Overall, the negotiations went smoothly. Other than help from the Overwatch Council, Fan Xian didn’t put in too much effort, and therefore didn’t get his part of the merit. He was satisfied with his current life. 

  The bookstore was taken care off by the shopkeeper from Qingyu Hall, and Fan Sizhe often interacted with the accountant. Fan Xian didn’t have to worry about any of that. As for his marriage in two months, the nannies of the Lin and Fan Manors would be busy taking care of that. Even Lady Liu liked the idea of Fan Xian being the emperor’s fake son-in-law and was ready to be a stepmother. She knew that, once Fan Xian married the emperor’s adopted daughter, he wouldn’t threaten Fan Sizhe’s position in the household. 

  On top of all that, there was also Lin Wan’er’s status. Those old maidens often came to Fan Manor to speak of various things; once every few days, some would come to deliver some lady’s wishes, making Count Sinan quite irritated. As for Fan Xian, who didn’t know the formalities of the palace, he tried to get away from them as best as he could. Lin Wan’er and Ruoruo suffered as a result of having to clean up after him. 

  The second prince came twice on behalf of Prince Jing, who wanted to meet with Fan Xian, but Fan Xian was still hung up on when he happened to run into the eldest prince. Hoping for things to calm down a bit, Fan Xian kept pushing the meeting back until the end of the month. After all, the East Palace seemed to have changed its view on him. Not that he dared to refuse the invitation from one of the princes; rather, he dared not play around while still serving the country. 

  During those days, Fan Xian was only slightly worried about that Zhuang Mohan, who hadn’t shown himself since, this in addition to the disciple of Sigu Sword from Dongyi. Respectively, they were at the top in civil and martial virtues, so why was the capital this quiet? Zhuang Mohan had been invited by the empress to stay in the palace for studies, which the head disciple of Sigu Sword stayed with Dongyi’s envoy. 

  The one who got most of Fan Xian’s attention was Yun Zhilan. Zhuang Mohan had done nothing to Fan Xian, but Yun Zhilan was after Fan Xian’s life. However, since Yun Zhilan was far away outside the capital, Fan Xian believed himself to be relatively safe. After all, Yun Zhilan wouldn’t be so stupid as to challenge him alone. The thing most prominent on his mind was the matter regarding a certain key. 

  He stared blankly at a black chest at night. The lock appeared to be made of brass. However, as much as he tried, he couldn’t leave a single scratch on it with his think dagger, so the material must have been something unique. There appeared to be some other mechanism behind the keyhole, but without the key, Fan Xian had no idea what that mechanism even looked like. 

  Fan Xian had tried various means to get acquainted with the old eunuch Hong from the palace. However, he discovered something: While he had made a name for himself in the capital, he was still far from reaching the top. Both the eldest and second princes were trying to win him over for the sake of Fan and Lin manors; he himself wasn’t worth the hassle. The palace itself didn’t need to see civil servants, so he couldn’t even go there. 

  Besides, it was inconvenient for Wan’er to enter the palace, so there wasn’t anyone who could help Fan Xian. It would be extremely difficult for him to even get to know Hong Siyang, never mind getting him out of the palace like Wu Zhu said. 

  When the second prince visited on behalf of Prince Jing, he once asked through other people if he could get to know Hong Gonggong that way, but Li Hongcheng kept shaking his head. That old dog only lay around in the empress’s palace; he would never venture out. 

  “It looks like we must change our plan.” With a smack, Fan Xian kicked the chest back where it was. He looked at Wu Zhu who was standing in the corner, as though falling asleep, and said, “I have no way of making Hong Gonggong come outside the palace.” 

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  Wu Zhu slowly raised his head, “I can lure him out, or, you can try to find the key in the palace.” 

  Fan Xian was greatly frightened. He was only above a fourth-rank, not yet a sixth-rank in martial arts. For him to sneak around the palace would mean certain death. But he squinted and thought the plan as being the most feasible at the moment. After all, while Wu Zhu said his “potential” was Level 3, he managed to kill Cheng Jiushu, meaning that Wu Zhu overestimated his assessment and thus underestimated Fan Xian’s ability to use zhenqi. Of course, Fan Xian couldn’t say that out loud. 

  “If it really is that risky, why must I find this key?” This question had been on Fan Xian’s mind for a long time. “If it’s just to satisfy curiosity, such risks aren’t worth it.” 

  “Don’t you want to know what the Lady left you?” 

  “I do.” Fan Xian sat with his head hung low. “But I believe that my mother wants me to live happily and safely. If something she left me were to put me in danger, perhaps, she would not want that.” 

  Wu Zhu also hung his head low. The black blindfold seemed to blend into the night. While he wasn’t “looking” at Fan Xian, Fan Xian could still feel a chill. 

  “You are satisfied with your current life.” 

  Wu Zhu’s voice was without emotions; he rarely used such rhetorical questions. Rather, he was stating a fact. Startled, Fan Xian thought back, especially on the summer days. He seemed to have been genuinely enjoying the riches and authority and stability of the life of a rich son. 

  “But you can’t control your life.” Wu Zhu continued coldly. “All that’s in front of you is planned by Cheng Pingping and Fei Jian.” 

  Fan Xian felt a chill in his heart as he understood what Wu Zhu meant. Despite living a second life and seeing the highs and lows of the world, Fan Xian was still having a hard time believing what Wu Zhu said. He lowered his voice and asked, “I can’t trust even them?” 

  Wu Zhu’s voice only got colder. “Trust no one; that’s the way I do things.” 

  “That would make life difficult.” Fan Xian closed his eyes, as if trying to imitate a life in eternal darkness. 

  “What would you do after they die?” Wu Zhu rarely asked questions, but now that he did, he attacked Fan Xian’s weakness. 

  Fan Xian frowned, “I understand.” 

  Wu Zhu didn’t care for his declaration and continued to speak in his expressionless voice, “What protects you isn’t some secret plot, not authority, not anything. Only power can protect you; you must remember that.” 

  Fan Xian stood up from beside his bed and respectfully saluted this servant, this teacher, this elder brother. 

  “I don’t know what the Lady left you in that chest, but I do know that you must obtain the power to protect yourself, the power to make your enemies quake. Determination is a form of power itself, which is why I want to you find that key.” 

  “Yes. I’ll do it.” 

  When Fan Xian raised his head, Wu Zhu had once again disappeared into the darkness. In over ten years, other than the time he remembered back on Fan Xian’s mother, Wu Zhu rarely spoke this much. 

  Fan Xian realized what Wu Zhu meant. The prosperity of the capital eats away at the body and soul; it really created a hint of weakness in his calm and strength which he had polished from a young age. This was a warning, warning him not to rely on his family’s authority and his mother’s legacy. Even though he had been recently training hard with his zhenqi, trying to become familiar with the three poison needles on his body, it was as Wu Zhu said—his heart was no longer as resilient as when he was in Danzhou. 

  Only his own powers could protect everyone around him. A child without a mother is like a lone shoot of grass. However, even a long shoot of grass would need to grow out of the crack in the rock without caring for sunshine or rain. He would have to thrust his root deeper and make his stem sturdier. That’s what Fan Xian would have to do.