Bai Li’s Dream – Chapter 104

Chapter 104: Anomaly

The multi-storey pleasure boat cruising along the Jinshui River was bustling with noise and activity in the night.

The music tonight was exceptionally loud, with a group of musicians even occupying the highest point on the third floor.

The music clashed with the clamour of the gambling den, creating a bizarre atmosphere. Even stranger, the music was utterly unpleasant.

Wang Tong gripped his cards, feeling increasingly agitated.

“Young Master Shangguan,” he called out, looking up. “What’s with the music in the gambling den——”

Shangguan Yue, leaning against the railing, glanced down at him. “Music soothes the soul, and the gambling den needs it even more.”

Wang Tong tossed his cards onto the table, stood up, and walked away. The others standing nearby immediately jostled to take his place.

“Quick, quick, this is a good spot.”

“That kid’s been winning nonstop.”

Ignoring the scramble and noise behind him, Wang Tong walked up to the highest level and pointed at the musicians. “Then play something cheerful! Listen to this, what is this?”

The zither’s melody was mournful, the flute’s tune sorrowful, and the drumbeats heavy.

Shangguan Yue said languidly, “Losing money is bound to make one sad. It’s called empathy. Not everyone is like you, Wang Tong, a skilled gambler who rejoices in winning.”

While spouting nonsense, his gaze drifted through the open door toward the Jinshui River in the darkness.

But the music was hardly empathetic. No matter how sorrowful the tunes were, they didn’t bring him to tears, not even a hint of sadness.

Finding it dull, Shangguan Yue waved his hand. “Go on, go on.”

The musicians were relieved as if granted amnesty. Playing music all night had nearly brought them to tears themselves.

“What’s gotten into you?” Wang Tong squatted down and asked, scrutinizing Shangguan Yue. He raised an eyebrow. “Dumped by your sweetheart?”

He chuckled.

“Women are the most unreliable. Look at me—”

Shangguan Yue frowned and kicked out with his foot. Wang Tong, who was squatting, tumbled backward with a thud and yelped.

“Why are you still out here?” Shangguan Yue asked, as if just noticing him. “Didn’t you say there were no ghosts? Why haven’t you returned to the Temple of the Holy Ancestor?”

Wang Tong replied, “Those fellows don’t believe there are no ghosts. They think I’m incompetent for not catching any and want me to invite the Ancestor out.” He scoffed. “What a dream! A good-for-nothing dies, and it’s worthy of the Ancestor’s attention? It’s an honour for him that I, Wang Tong, even glanced at him.”

As he was speaking, Ruibo approached from the side.

“Young Master, the Imperial Consort’s Husband wants you to visit him tomorrow,” he said.

Shangguan Yue simply hummed in response and pursed his lips.

Wang Tong, naturally aware of Shangguan Yue’s illegitimate birth, observed his expression and asked, “Shouldn’t you be happy to see your father?”

“What’s there to be happy about? He’s seeing me to scold me,” Shangguan Yue said.

Wang Tong grew even more curious. “What did you do that the Imperial Consort’s Husband would even consider scolding you?”

Wasn’t the Imperial Consort’s Husband known for doting on this illegitimate son?

Shangguan Yue chuckled. “Almost killed my good-for-nothing cousin.”

Only a scolding for almost killing a cousin? Wang Tong, hailing from the prestigious Taiyuan Wang Clan, felt a tinge of envy. If it were him, he’d be hung in the ancestral hall and beaten. The Imperial Consort’s Husband truly spoiled this son.

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

A chilling cold permeated the Imperial City on this winter day.

Today’s court session lasted longer than usual, as they needed to discuss the winter solstice sacrifice.

The spacious hall offered little protection from the cold, but in the adjacent room, with its doors and windows tightly shut, it was warm as spring.

Bai Ying, dressed in loose-fitting robes, reclined on a couch, savouring the pastries freshly delivered from the Imperial Kitchen.

Wang Degui, holding a booklet, was arranging the meal, occasionally asking, “Does Your Ladyship like this?” or “This servant thinks this is too greasy.”

Bai Ying responded with a word or two here and there. As they were talking, a palace maid entered and announced, “Inspector General Zhang pays his respects to Your Ladyship.”

The Emperor was right next door, and even sitting here, she could hear the sounds of the court session. With the True Dragon present, Bai Ying didn’t need to be wary of someone like Zhang Ze, who always reeked of blood.

Moreover, Zhang Ze had said “pay respects,” not “inquire about the case.”

She smiled and nodded. “Let him in.”

Zhang Ze entered. Carrying a chill with him, he bowed from a distance.

“Why didn’t the Inspector General attend the court session?” Bai Ying asked.

Zhang Ze replied, “Busy with other matters.” He paused. “My subordinate, Zhu Shan, was killed by Empress Jiang’s faction.”

Bai Ying wasn’t surprised. “You kill people from Empress Jiang’s faction, they naturally retaliate. It’s unavoidable.”

She set down her pastry and beckoned Zhang Ze closer.

Without asking, Zhang Ze walked straight to Bai Ying’s side. Bai Ying cautiously extended a finger and touched his sleeve.

“Did you hear the bell this time?” she asked.

Zhang Ze shook his head.

Bai Ying sighed in relief. “It seems it wasn’t Empress Jiang’s ghost.”

Zhang Ze twitched the corner of his mouth. “The people from the Temple of the Holy Ancestor have already investigated. Otherwise, this subject wouldn’t dare to come see Your Ladyship.”

Bai Ying looked at him and smiled. “Inspector General, please have a seat and wait.” She glanced toward the main hall. “They’re still discussing the carriages for the sacrifice. It’ll be a while.”

Zhang Ze expressed his gratitude and sat down. “The carriages for the sacrifice aren’t comfortable. Your Ladyship should prepare in advance.”

In the palace, only the Empress and the princes could participate in the sacrifice. As a consort, Bai Ying, who now lacked even that title, shouldn’t qualify. But due to her pregnancy and the threat of Empress Jiang’s ghost, the Emperor insisted on keeping her by his side. For the sake of the heir, the Empress had no choice but to agree.

Wang Degui chuckled from the side. “Thank you for the reminder, Inspector General. This servant will make sure everything is prepared.”

Zhang Ze smiled but remained silent.

There were too many palace maids and eunuchs present. He was merely a subject waiting for an audience with His Majesty; it wasn’t appropriate to talk too much with a consort.

However, Bai Ying was eager to talk.

“Inspector General, have you heard the rumours about Princess Jinyu outside?” she asked.

Rumours about the princess? Zhang Ze shook his head. While he showed no mercy to any imperial relatives or nobles who were part of Empress Jiang’s faction, he didn’t usually keep tabs on them. Besides, he was busy investigating Zhu Shan’s death.

“His Majesty was furious and sent people to the princess’s residence to reprimand her,” Bai Ying said, covering her mouth with a hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Princess Jinyu had never looked upon her favourably, and she naturally held no regard for this foolish princess.

Apart from her royal bloodline, this princess had nothing to offer.

Life was truly unfair.

“How did the princess provoke His Majesty’s anger?” Zhang Ze asked.

His Majesty was…weak. He turned a blind eye to his siblings’ troubles but wouldn’t dare to speak or act harshly towards them.

Now that he was Emperor, no longer living in fear, he had become quite amicable towards his remaining siblings.

He was especially respectful and indulgent towards Princess Jinyu, his older sister who shared the same mother.

✿✿✿

Why would he send eunuchs to reprimand her at her residence? That was a rather severe punishment.

Wang Degui chuckled. “The princess went to Lingquan Temple to worship Buddha for three days. After she left, all the monks at the temple fell asleep and were discovered by pilgrims climbing the mountain. The story got twisted in the streets.”

Twisted?

“They said the princess was… at the temple…” Wang Degui lowered his voice. “Engaging in debauchery.”

The rumours in the streets were even more vulgar, claiming the princess had slept with every monk in the temple, leaving them all exhausted and unconscious.

Zhang Ze was dumbfounded.

Princess Jinyu was indeed known for her outrageous behaviour. Back when Shangguan Xue was a handsome young man, she had forcefully taken him into her residence and forced the issue.

But debauchery at a Buddhist temple…

Princess Jinyu was extremely picky; not just anyone could catch her eye.

After Wang Degui finished speaking, Bai Ying added, “I don’t believe these rumours. It must be someone slandering the princess.” She chuckled. “Inspector General, perhaps you could help the princess investigate when you have time.”

Her use of the phrase “when you have time” implied it was merely a polite suggestion.

This princess already had a tarnished reputation; a few more slanderous rumours wouldn’t make much difference.

Suddenly, Zhang Ze thought of something and turned to Wang Degui. “What did you say about the monks at Lingquan Temple?”

Bai Ying was slightly displeased. What? Was he actually going to investigate this matter for Princess Jinyu?

Wang Degui replied, “They were all asleep in broad daylight.”

Zhang Ze muttered, “Asleep in broad daylight, all of them…”

No monk would sleep in broad daylight, let alone all of them. Lingquan Temple had no such precepts.

Something was amiss.

He abruptly stood up and strode outside.

Bai Ying sat up straight. He was going that urgently?

“Aren’t you waiting to see His Majesty?” she called out, exasperated.

Zhang Ze paused at the doorway, turned slightly, and bowed. “This subject will investigate a matter first and then return to see His Majesty.”

✿✿✿

…

By the time Zhou Jingyun finished reviewing the account books of the Court of Judicial Review, dusk was approaching.

It was almost time to head home.

After feeling unwell that day while admiring the plum blossoms, Zhuang Li hadn’t shown any further reactions.

He’d pass by the Zhang Family Medical Clinic and ask if she needed to continue taking the medicine after finishing the current batch.

He could also stop by the Eastern Market and pick up something. Jiang Yun had mentioned the new roast lamb at the Li Family Shop was quite good. It was winter; it would be a good time to try it.

Lost in his thoughts, he stepped out onto the veranda and stretched, noticing three or four officials huddled together, wrapped in cloaks and chatting.

“Is it truly like that?”

“Those pilgrims saw it with their own eyes. They said the monks were so exhausted they fell asleep at the dining hall, holding their bowls.”

“Don’t even mention it. They’re unlucky. Lingquan Temple has been smashed.”

“Smashed? Who did it?”

“Who else but Princess Jinyu? She said those wicked monks were ruining her reputation.”

“This whole thing… who knows whose misfortune it truly is.”

“I’m afraid more people will suffer misfortune. You haven’t heard? The Censorate has gotten involved. Zhang Ze took all the monks from Lingquan Temple away.”

“Is Zhang Ze doing this for the princess?”

“He must be. He went to the princess’s residence first, and then to the Shangguan Residence.”

“Why the Shangguan Residence? Could it be that because of this, the Imperial Consort’s Husband wants to divorce Princess Jinyu?”

As they were discussing, they noticed someone emerging and quickly looked over. Seeing it was Zhou Jingyun, they all greeted him with smiles. Someone even beckoned him closer.

“Marquis Zhou’s Heir, have you heard about the incident on East Mountain?”

East Mountain… Zhou Jingyun’s heart skipped a beat. He had recently been to East Mountain. While he could gather from their conversation that it involved Princess Jinyu’s scandalous behaviour, he wondered if it would implicate him.

As the thought crossed his mind, before he could answer, a commotion arose outside, accompanied by hushed voices. “Zhang Ze is here.” “It’s the Censorate.”

Amidst the murmurs, Zhang Ze, wrapped in a blue cloak, strode in, surrounded by armed guards.

The officials who had been chatting and laughing grew uneasy, watching Zhang Ze approach step by step. Some even involuntarily took a step back.

The incident where a member of Empress Jiang’s faction was found within the Ministry of Revenue and died on the spot had occurred not long ago. It was still fresh in everyone’s memory.

Could he be here to arrest Wang Feng’s accomplices?

But who were Wang Feng’s accomplices?

As everyone’s gazes converged on Zhou Jingyun, filled with a mixture of fear, astonishment, and sympathy, Zhang Ze addressed him.

“Marquis Zhou’s Heir,” he said, bowing slightly.

All eyes, both inside and outside the room, instantly fixed on Zhou Jingyun, expressing concern and shock.

Zhou Jingyun remained calm, returning Zhang Ze’s greeting with a smile.

“Did you visit the vicinity of Lingquan Temple on East Mountain four days ago?” Zhang Ze asked.

Without any hesitation, Zhou Jingyun nodded. “Yes.”

Zhang Ze sighed softly. “There are some matters I need to inquire about with Marquis Zhou’s Heir.”

Zhou Jingyun immediately gestured invitingly. “Inspector General, please have a seat and let’s talk.”

Zhang Ze didn’t decline. He signalled for his guards to remain outside and entered the room with Zhou Jingyun. The officials in the courtyard couldn’t help but edge closer, hoping to catch a word or two.

Before Zhang Ze could even ask, Zhou Jingyun proactively explained how he had decided to go admire the plum blossoms and whom he had encountered there.

When he mentioned the fight between the two Shangguan young masters, Zhang Ze smiled.

“Marquis Zhou’s Heir is too kind. It was more than just a fight.” Clearly, he had already investigated everyone who had been on East Mountain. “Shangguan Kejiu hired a skilled archer and almost killed Shangguan Yue. Shangguan Yue then wanted to kill him in return. Their conflict stemmed from the princess’s intention to adopt Shangguan Kejiu.”

Zhou Jingyun’s expression showed understanding. “So that’s how it is.” He nodded, seemingly talking to himself. “Indeed, one shouldn’t comment without knowing the full story. Whether it’s a wicked act, and whose wicked act it is, is not always clear.”

He recalled how Zhuang Li had contradicted the Shangguan steward who had called Shangguan Yue wicked, and how the steward had been displeased, revealing a menacing look.

Unexpectedly, Shangguan Yue not only faced difficulties surviving in front of the princess but within the Shangguan family as well.

Zhou Jingyun couldn’t help but think of the young boy who had stood against the wall, his eyes filled with fear and bewilderment. Back then, the child had no control over his own fate.

“Later, my wife and I admired the plum blossoms behind Lingquan Temple. The princess sent someone to invite us into the temple, but I declined as I was in a hurry to return home. We left soon after.” Zhou Jingyun continued, then looked at Zhang Ze with a smile. “And then I encountered Inspector General on the street.”

Zhang Ze smiled and nodded. “Did Marquis Zhou’s Heir and your wife notice anything… unusual at the time?”

Unusual? Zhou Jingyun was taken aback. Suddenly, he remembered something and nodded at Zhang Ze. “Yes.”

Another month has passed, thank you all for reading along.