Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
In a moment of back and forth, five muffled grunts came from the silent second story. Mu Peng’s entire body suddenly became frozen and unable to move. What seemed a simple back and forth was actually Fan Xian competing with the other in daring and skill at administering poison. Mu Peng lost the advantage first. He then stole it back again like a demon. If Fan Xian had shown any fear toward the powder, he would probably have lost a great opportunity to control the opposition.
Particularly with the poisonous smoke that dissipated from the small bottle, Fan Xian had managed to use a single piece of cloth to envelop it. This was not only skill in administering poison. It also contained a brilliant control of zhenqi, as well as tricks from each of his fingers.
The frozen Mu Peng faced the messy bag on the bed and the green cloth that had changed color beside the bed. His heart jumped with fear. He wondered who had such skill with poison that they were able to take control of him within moments.
Fan Xian took off his hat covered in powder and carefully placed it with the cloth that had changed color. Taking out a fire-starter, he burned it. The poison melded with the fire and lost its effectiveness. After confirming it was safe, he took off his gloves and, grabbing Mu Peng by the collar of his clothes, brought him to a different room.
He took out an antidote pill and ate it. He still felt a burning in his throat. He thought it was fortunate he had prepared sufficiently. If that powder had hit him directly in the face, he didn’t know what the result would be. Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but shiver. Looking at the frozen Mu Peng in front of him, he thought for a moment. He then forced his mouth open, crushed a pill, and fed it to him.
“My medical skills are not as good as yours. When it comes to poison, you’re not as good as me. Brother Mu Peng, you’ve been in the Qing Kingdom for two years, surely it is time to tell why you are here.”
Fan Xian coughed and sat down across from Mu Peng. He was not faking the confidence of these words. He was stating a fact like he had many years ago to Zhuang Mohan at the Night Hall Poetry Conference. Fei Jie was far away across the sea, Xiao En had died long ago, and the Dongyi Master of Poison had disappeared without a trace. When speaking of the use of poison, there was no one who could compare to him.
Mu Peng’s entire body was frozen, but he could clearly feel poison dripping in through the acupuncture that had been pierced by the needle and flowing toward his heart. He didn’t know what poison it was that was so powerful. He knew that since the other person had given him an antidote, he wanted to question him about something and would not allow him to die for now.
After Fan Xian opened his mouth, he immediately determined the other person’s identity. Other than his disciple sister’s brother, who else in this world would say such boastful things in front of him, a medical master?
Mu Peng was now able to speak. Looking at Fan Xian, a trace of helplessness and darkness showed in his eyes. “Sir Fan junior, I am just a doctor. Why be so forceful?”
“You’re not a beauty. Why would I be forceful?” Fan Xian shook his head. “I just want to know, as Ku He’s second disciple, why have you been hiding in the Qing Kingdom these two years.”
Mu Peng smiled slightly and said, “Why? You should know. Is Director Chen’s body not getting better and better?”
Fan Xian’s brows were pulled together tightly. “This is exactly what I don’t understand. Is it not worse for the Northern Qi people the better the Director is?”
He suddenly raised his head and looked calmly into Mu Peng’s eyes. “Was this Ku He’s order before he died?”
Mu Peng used silence to represent confirmation.
Fan Xian took a deep breath and said, “You should be clear as to what the Seventh Bureau of the Overwatch Council does.”
The Seventh Bureau of the Overwatch Council was responsible for torture. The most terrifying methods of torture in the world were all in that prison. Mu Peng had no reaction upon hearing this. He lightly said, “Sir Fan junior, is this how the Qing Kingdom treats its guests? Your sister learned her skills at Qing Mountain. I taught her all I know, keeping nothing back. Even after the Dong Mountain incident, master still handed the entire Qing Mountain to her. And, the court has never changed its attitude.”
He looked at Fan Xian and smiled teasingly. “Should I die just because I took care of Director Chen’s health? This makes no sense no matter how much you say it.”
Fan Xian fell silent. He knew Mu Peng was correct. For the two years he had hidden in the Qing Kingdom, he had been thoroughly investigated. They confirmed that he had done nothing. He had only done his best in taking care of Director Chen.
The matter itself was strange. The orders of the Great Grandmaster Ku He before his death were to have Haitang go to the grasslands to gather the support of the Hu tribes and become a major outside threat toward the Qing Kingdom with Northern Qi support. The other was to send Mu Peng to the South. Was there some incredible benefit for Northern Qi to have Chen Pingping continue living well?
Fan Xian could not think his way through this, so he had privately acted against Mu Peng.
“You’re getting ready to leave.”
“Since my sister disciple is back, what can I do but leave?” Mu Peng replied. “However, I still left too late and got caught by you.”
“I had noticed your existence a few months ago. Since you have rarely came down from Qing Mountain in the past, I was unable to confirm your identity. Ruoruo only helped me to confirm it.” Fan Xian lowered his head. “For Ruoruo’s sake, I won’t kill your for now. But, before I figure out what Tianyi Dao is thinking, I won’t let you leave the Qing Kingdom.”
Mu Peng’s expression changed drastically. He knew he would be shut up in the Overwatch Council. He just didn’t know for how long. Would it be as long as Xiao En?
…
…
“So, that doctor was Ku He’s second disciple. Ku He has always been shockingly talented all his life, he dabbled in everything and was at the peak of everything. No wonder this doctor was so skilled.”
In the wheelchair, Chen Pingping smiled. Raising and pointing with his index finger, he had the old servant behind him push him deeper into Chen Garden. Fan Xian followed silently behind the wheelchair, listening to the squeaking sounds. It was already night time. Singing voices began again in the quiet Chen Garden. Listening to them made one flustered.
“I won’t ask how you dealt with it. He is only a doctor. There was no need to make a trip just for this.” Chen Pingping gently knocked on the armrest of his wheelchair, which was his habitual motion of many years. With his fingers pointing down, it made a hollow sound. In a sharp and raspy voice, he said, “In any case, he hasn’t given me poison these two years.”
Fan Xian stood with his head down under a tree by the wheelchair. He shook his head, not believing Chen Pingping’s words. Given Chen Pingping’s ability to read people, it was impossible that he hadn’t seen a problem with Mu Peng. He thought for a moment and then said, “I just don’t understand why Ku He sent Mu Peng to the South right before he died.”
During these two years, not only had Mu Peng been very particular about Chen Pingping’s health, he had secretly gathered a large number of medical supplies that were rarely seen in the Qing Royal Palace through various channels. Combined with his brilliant skills, he had indeed successfully stopped Chen Pingping’s aging and old injuries, allowing the old man to be increasingly healthy.
Chen Pingping turned the wheelchair and faced Fan Xian. Waving his hand, he indicated for the old servant to leave. He then supported his chin on his hand and sank into silence. The lights in the rooms in Chen Garden came in from behind him, so Fan Xian could not see his old appearance. He could only see an inky black shadow.
“Ku He was a remarkable person. If, as you say, Haitang’s background and the arrangement in Xi Lake were all from his plans before his death, then Mu Peng coming to save my life is one part of his plan.”
Fan Xian had come to force his old colleague to listen to Council reports. Chen Pingping said somewhat impatiently, “That old baldy. Dying is dying. Why bother thinking of all this?”
“You should actually know very well why Ku He is desperately trying to save my life.” Chen Pingping scratched a slight itch on his back. “Xi Lake is a major external problem for the Qing Kingdom. My continued life will certainly become a major internal problem for the Qing Kingdom.”
Although the old man did not directly speak of his deduction, a chill grew in Fan Xian’s heart. Standing frozen for a moment, he walked forward and stood behind Chen Pingping’s body. Gently pulling down the old hand, he helped him scratch the itch. In a quiet voice, he said, “You haven’t done anything these two years. Plus, the Emperor has some affection for you. Most importantly, so many traitors have emerged from the court. In order to take care of the face of the royal family and the glory of having been ruler and official with you, he cannot have any intentions toward you.”
Fan Xian understood the Qing Emperor, so there should be nothing wrong with this deduction. The Qing Emperor and Chen Pingping had been ruler and official for a lifetime. Their affection was special. Knowing each other for over 30 years, there had never been doubts and suspicions. They had done countless major things and could truly be considered an oddity in court.
If someone said that Chen Pingping had suspicions about the Qing Emperor, no one would believe it. If someone said that the Qing Emperor feared Chen Pingping’s power, no one would believe it. The Emperor wanted a role model for all the officials under heaven. He wanted to leave a lenient and humane image of himself in the history books. If he couldn’t tolerate such a loyal dog as Chen Pingping, what would he use to convince his descendants?
“The problem is that no matter what, all affection gradually fade.” Chen Pingping felt Fan Xian’s hand moving up and down his back and sighed comfortably. “Affection is like my poor old back. It’s gotten old, so it easily becomes dry and itchy. There are no new services to soothe it. Anyone would want to scratch it.”
Fan Xian’s hand paused. He then shook his head. “The Emperor treats you differently than normal officials.”
“Indeed it is different. In this, I am definitely grateful for the Emperor’s favor,” Chen Pingping said. “I am also different from other officials. In the matter two years ago, you had your suspicions. I listened to your suggestion and did not continue. But, the Emperor also had suspicions. He will always feel uncomfortable.”
Fan Xian was silent. After the Jingdou rebellion, he had once been very confused about the role Chen Pingping and the Overwatch Council played in this matter. Afterward, Yan Bingyun had also spoken to him about these problems.
Although on the surface it seemed that Chen Pingping had followed the Emperor’s shocking setup and was toying with his tricks, Fan Xian knew the situation at the time was truly quite remarkable. Regardless of whether it was Ye Liuyun’s sudden defection or the Emperor suddenly becoming a Great Grandmaster, as long as one of these conditions were not met, Chen Pingping might have done something that would have shocked the entire world.
“During the Dong Mountain incident, I once had many anticipations and thoughts. Although these thoughts had been hidden very well and deeply, the Eldest Princess faintly saw through them. Thus, during the entire Jingdou rebellion, she never bothered with me. She knew that our goals at the time were close. Afterward, Ku He also saw something of it. So, before he died, he had Mu Peng come save and extend my life.”
What thoughts? Although Fan Xian knew full well, hearing Chen Pingping admit it personally still made him feel a shock that was difficult to suppress. His mouth felt dry. He was unable to speak.
“I didn’t think the Emperor would be able to come down from Dong Mountain alive.” Chen Pingping lowered his head. “When I received the Emperor’s letter in Weizhou, I sighed and wondered why it was so hard to have just one person die. Only half of the Emperor’s plan for the Dong Mountain setup was revealed to me. Not only did the Great Grandmasters fall into the setup, but I almost also fell in.”
“Of course, I didn’t jump in as hurriedly as the Eldest Princess.” Chen Pingping coughed. “Perhaps, from the very beginning, I didn’t think that the Emperor would die so easily.”
In a raspy voice, Fan Xian said, “Since you didn’t jump and there is no evidence, the Emperor will not be suspicious of you.”
“What kind of person is the Emperor? He has never investigated me, but it does not mean he has never doubted me. It is only because he believes in our ruler and official affection. No matter what, he does not understand why I would have such thoughts.” Chen Pingping smiled slightly. “Most importantly, he knows I don’t have many years left. For the sake of completing our ruler and official affection, and for the sake of me saving his life against all odds, he has given me a chance to naturally die.”
“If I die of old age or illness, regardless of whether I doubted him or he doubted me, it would all become the past under the earth. After I die, I will enjoy great honor. The Emperor will mourn me for a number of days. He will let things go. Everything will be gone with the end. Is that not the best conclusion?”
Chen Pingping solemnly said, “I have to admit, this is the Emperor’s grace toward me. This is the best ending he has chosen for me. That is why when you told me to let go two years ago, I had let go and waited for the day I die of old age.”
A trace of absurdity appeared in Chen Pingping’s smile. “Out of mine and the Emperor’s expectations, my broken body has survived to today. If nothing goes wrong, it seems that I can live a few more years. The longer I live, the more uncomfortable the Emperor will be. Eventually, he will ask me about some things face to face. Is that not what Ku He was waiting for before he died?”
Reaching this point, Fan Xian had nothing to say. If the Emperor truly sensed and believed Chen Pingping’s disloyalty, it would cause great unrest in the Qing court. Caught between the two of them, Fan Xian would not just watch Chen Pingping die and the Qing Kingdom descend into chaos. Ku He’s vision before his death was far-seeing and ruthless. Amid all the disorder in the world, he had accurately grasped the Qing Kingdom’s only crack in the future. It was truly remarkable.
He knew what Chen Pingping said was right. The Emperor had shown Chen Pingping sufficient favor. If Chen Pingping died of natural causes, the Emperor would not feel any sense of guilt and no longer think about the thoughts Chen Pingping once had. It could truly be said that it would be to everyone’s delight and satisfaction.
However, Chen Pingping healthily lived on. Neither Fan Xian nor the Emperor could say, to the Director who had given his entire life to the Qing court, in a warm and low voice to go die quickly.
“It seems that I am someone who should have died a long time ago,” Chen Pingping pressed together his dry lips and faintly said. “It is only at the end that I realized I am still afraid of death.”
As the creator of the Overwatch Council and fear of countless people, even Chen Pingping admitted to being afraid of death. If this was heard by outsiders, they would probably be surprised. Fan Xian only listened quietly. He was someone who had died once. He knew how difficult a process it was to silently wait for the arrival of death.
Decades ago, the land raged. To the North was Xiao En. To the South was Chen Pingping. They were equally dominating and powerful. When faced with death, even the two most powerful figures of the darkness still appeared weak and small.
When Xiao En died, Fan Xian was at his side to send him off. Looking at the skinny old man in the wheelchair, he silently thought that no matter how the situation developed, he only hoped that when Chen Pingping’s time came, he could be beside this lonely old man without sons or daughters and see him off.
“The Emperor won’t be as tyrannical as Ku He hopes.” Fan Xian suddenly thought through something and smiled. “The Emperor’s mood has changed a lot. Even if he once suspected you, these two years have proved that you mean him no harm. He won’t do anything.”
Chen Pingping also smiled. He patted the hand Fan Xian had put on his shoulder and said, “The Emperor has already shown my extreme benevolence and done his utmost duty. I have nothing to worry about. Even if I could live a few more years, so what? It’s impossible that I will outlive the Emperor.”
Receiving these words, Fan Xian’s emotions finally relaxed a little. Suddenly, his heart jumped. He picked a little yellow flower by his foot in the dark that grew tenaciously in the winter breeze and carefully pressed it into Chen Pingping’s white hair at his temple.
Chen Pingping laughed out loud.
Fan Xian bid him farewell. Until the conversation ended, Chen Pingping still didn’t say anything. Fan Xian didn’t ask why he had thoughts of disloyalty toward the Emperor. He knew all the reasons, but he didn’t know what he would do after everything was made clear.
The old servant came out and pushed Chen Pingping around the garden. After a long time, Chen Pingping suddenly sighed and said, “Ku He lived for too long. He knew too many things, which is why he decided on this plan. Fortunately, as Fan Xian said, the Emperor will probably suppress his nature and wait for me to die of old age, but…” He turned and furrowed his brows. “Tell me, when Fan Xian holds my body and sobs, will he blame me for lying to him and using him?”
Regardless of which perspective, the Emperor would always maintain sufficient patience for Chen Pingping’s death. Fan Xian thought this as he welcomed the chilly night breeze on his way out of Chen Garden. Having resolved a major problem in his mind, he felt lighter.
The sound of women singing in Chen Garden floated out on the night wind. It seemed particularly cheerless, but it continued to rise without falling stubbornly. It was very much like the little yellow flower Fan Xian had picked earlier. It was also very much like the old man in the garden.
…
…
In the bone-piercing wind, Fan Xian couldn’t resist stomping his foot. In the November weather, it was impossible for the sun to show itself at this time. The coldness followed the leather shoes beneath his feet and seeped in, numbing his feet with cold.
Fan Xian did not understand. During the winter, the sun rose later. Why couldn’t the time for the court conference be moved slightly back? However, these were thousand-year-old rules inherited from the Wei Kingdom. Even though his power was vast, he still could not change all of it. He looked at the darkness around him and flickering red lantern light. He thought it indeed had the feeling of a horror movie.
The day of the great court conference arrived. According to precedent, the civil and martial officials of the court would have to rise from their warm beds in the middle of the night and come stand guard in front of the palace doors. There were many people who playing in this horror movie with Fan Xian. Hu the Scholar was also stomping his foot by his side. He looked nothing like the foremost civil official in the court.
“The Emperor allowed you to enter the Palace in a sedan chair. Why stand here with me?” Fan Xian hugged his warm stove and breathed out white mist. Lowering his voice, he chatted leisurely with Hu the Scholar. The old scholar Shu Wu had completely passed on his experience and retired with honor. The Department of Governmental Affairs was now headed by Hu the Scholar. Although the scholar was healthy and strong, the Emperor considered the fact that he was getting on in age and allowed him to enter the Palace in a sedan chair.
Hu the Scholar looked at him with deep meaning and smiled slightly. “Standing here, no one dares to come talk to you. Do you not welcome me?”
Fan Xian smiled bitterly. His Wuzhou father-in-law’s civil officials had been dispersed by the Emperor. The Overwatch Council has also been ruthlessly capturing officials. Although the officials in court feared and respected him, and would respectfully greet him when they saw him, there were few who dared to stand next to him.
Just as he thought this, a red lantern floated out of the darkness. Guided by a servant, the Imperial Censor of the Left and a passerby in the Department of Governmental Affairs, He Zongwei came to a stop in front of them. With a calm expression, he lowered his body in a bow. The red light of the lantern shone on the young official’s face and illuminated some sincerity and acquiescence.
