Chapter 27 – Obsession

While drinking alone by the window, Zhuang Zhong raised his glass to the empty seat opposite to him. “Brother Yuan, farewell.”

After saying that, he drained the cup in one gulp.

A dead man cannot come back to life. Even if the murderer was found, one would still be unable to see that kind of bright and clear smile again. There would also be no sounds of his dispute with Jiang Xun anymore, causing the Tai Xue’s courtyards to become more dreary. As someone involved in the forensic profession for so many years, he had encountered many corpses, but he still could not adapt to such a sudden loss of life.

“Try mine.” Showing up uninvited, Feng Huan placed a flask of alcohol on the table.

Without even looking up, Zhuang Zhong already recognized the owner of the voice. However, he pretended he did not hear anything and continued to drink the low-priced alcohol he ordered.

Feng Huan then directly grabbed the cup in Zhuang Zhong’s hand. “Even with this kind of astringent alcohol, you can still drink so enthusiastically.”

“A gentleman does not take what others like for their own. This is in line with my taste.” Zhuang Zhong snatched back his cup, downed it, and poured himself another again.

Feng Huan said, “Kid, you dare bicker with me.”

In the end, Zhuang Zhong was not that daring to offend this shaxing1, so he did a perfunctory greeting with his hands cupped before his chest. “This lowly one still has something to do, so I shall leave first. Your Highness can slowly enjoy your drink.”

Just as he wanted to stand up to leave, Feng Huan spoke in a harsh voice, “This Prince commands you to sit down!”

Zhuang Zhong pursed his lips, and he could only sit down obediently even though he was in a bad mood. He had almost forgotten that the person sitting opposite him was not the leader ranked above his role as a forensic examiner anymore. In the past, no matter how one crossed their superior at work, they would just be given tight shoes to wear2 or suffer the threat of losing their jobs. It would never be as bad as this person who could take off one’s head and receive no punishment for it. The law might stipulate that the emperor would be convicted the same way as the common people. However, even if he did really kill someone and had to be executed, one would find it impossible to claim this blood debt. After all, it was just a matter of using his words for one’s head to roll. What a vicious feudal society!

“What does Your Highness want to speak to me about?” The tone of Zhuang Zhong’s words was terrible. He was good-tempered most of the time, but when he was irritable, it was like an explosive barrel, completely different from usual. After arriving in this strange world, he even took greater care to constrain himself, but now, he could not bear it anymore. It was already fortunate that he did not fight with Prince Si Zhao on the spot.

Initially, Zhuang Zhong thought that Prince Si Zhao was quite righteous. However, yesterday, for an unknown item that Zhao Xiong took out, he let Xu Mei Niang escape the punishment of the law, making him bitterly disappointed. Although Zhao Xiong was the one who killed Yuan LiangJun himself, Xu Mei Niang was also a schemer. For such a person to not get the punishment she deserved and be let off like an insignificant person to the case made him feel furious that the heavens were being this unfair.

Feng Huan lightly replied, “How can you do great things in the future if you can hardly retain your composure?” He then proceeded to pour away the alcohol in Zhuang Zhong’s cup and poured his alcohol in it. Not only did he share his alcohol with Zhuang Zhong, but he also handed the cup to him personally.

If another person were treated like this, he would have been over the moon. However, ZhuangZhong did not even give it a glance, choosing to pick up his own jar of alcohol and drinking it, disdaining to associate himself with undesirable elements.

Zhuang Zhong refuted in low spirits, “I am originally not a person who does great things.”

Feng Huan ignored his words and picked up the wine cup. He then sniffed it before draining the cup with one gulp. “This is indeed good wine! Such liuxiang wine3 cannot be bought outside, and it is priceless in the market. If someone dares to sell it, he will be tattooed as a criminal and exiled to a fiercely governed prison in a far city. Such rarity, are you sure you do not want to try it?”

Feng Huan also shook his wine cup to lure him. This alcohol was really as fragrant as its name, and one did not need to taste it to know it was good. Even for those who were terrible drinkers, they would be enticed.

Zhuang Zhong forcefully tilted his head away, but the wine in his mouth had already become dull tasting. He could not help but spurn himself. It was not like he had never seen the world before. From where he came from, there were so many kinds of alcohol, and the brewing techniques were significantly more advanced than they are now, so he could not understand why he was still coveting it. However, thinking back, even in his past world, he was not that exceptional to see such high-end products like exclusive wine, so it was understandable. It was just a little wine, and he was not that shallow and short-sighted.

Feng Huan suddenly loudly berated him, “Quickly drink!” Startled, Zhuang Zhong lowered his head to drink the alcohol Feng Huan poured before in one gulp.

Feng Huan coldly hummed, “You do not listen to my words when I speak nicely, thus, making me use intimidation.”

Zhuang Zhong also thought that his behavior of purposely being at odds with another was quite childish. As expected, he had drank too much and could not use his brain. He has already entered Tai Xue for some time but did not learn anything decent, cutting a sorry scholarly figure. If he did not have the courage to question, his father would never recognize him as his son even after his death. After thinking about it, he began to ask, “Your Highness, did you really let Xu Mei Niang go like this?”

Feng Huan raised his eyebrows and joked, “Such a beautiful lady, are you willing to be so heavy-handed?”

Zhuang Zhong coldly replied, “When people die, no matter how beautiful they were, they will become a disgusting rotten corpse. So, in my opinion, no matter how beautiful or ugly, they are the same. Even if that woman is beautiful, she still had vicious thoughts of putting others to death for her own sake when she is alive. She does not deserve any sympathy from the moment Yuan LiangJun died. I may not know what Zhao Xiong had handed over to Your Highness, but I am aware it must be of great importance, or Your Highness would not have agreed to such a deal. However, even then, she should not be completely free from all punishments.”

“Yuan LiangJun is an innocent person who died in his prime of life. Instead of having a bright future, he can only lie under the cold ground now. It must have also been difficult for his family to raise him to such an age, but now they can only send him off. Meanwhile, the person who killed him can continue to live on well. Rationally, I can understand Your Highness’s behavior, but emotions-wise, I cannot accept it. Your Highness is high-ranking, and I dare not question your decision, but I really object to it. Here, I will be straightforward and say let us not see each other. I hope Your Highness can allow that.”

When Yuan LiangJun’s family heard the news, they rushed to the capital and were now packing up his things. Zhuang Zhong was afraid to see such a scene, so he had hidden in this small tavern to drink.

He was originally unhappy, but seeing Feng Huan’s complete nonchalance really made him angry.

Feng Huan asked with a smile, “Do you know what Zhao Xiong gave me?”

Zhuang Zhong remained silent, as he knew that it must be very important. However, this did not mean that he could accept it calmly.

Feng Huan continued while drinking abruptly from his cup, “I am afraid there will be another bloodbath in the court soon.”

Zhuang Zhong’s heart jumped slightly. Although Feng Huan did not explain further, he could guess what was happening. Zhao Xiong’s former master was a wealthy businessman, so if there was something that could make Feng Huan attach importance to, it was the evidence of monetary exchanges. Besides, from Feng Huan’s words, it was even more ascertained that the object was the evidence of collusion between officials and merchants.

However, why did Feng Huan tell him this? As someone in a high position, he was eccentric and unreasonable, never caring about other people’s opinions. So why would he make such a special trip to tell him this?

At this point, Zhuang Zhong had almost started harboring thoughts that Feng Huan had taken a fancy to him.

Han Chuan’s hometown is located in QingZhouLu County, at the junction of YunZhou and QingZhou. Accessible from all directions, it was very wealthy despite being a middle-grade county. YunZhou was also once the territory of King ZhenNan, the last vassal king of DaYou. It was there that Feng Huan’s father was killed inexplicably. In a rage, the former emperor then had completely exterminated him and never set up a vassal king again.

Although YunZhou was located at the border far from the capital, it had abundant resources and was connected to Li country. When DaYou was first founded, the first generation of King ZhenNan was the younger brother of the first founder. The two brothers conquered the world together. After the establishment of the country, the founder deliberately set aside a piece of rich land as a dependency4 to show his friendly sentiments, his willingness to share DaYou with his younger brother. Since ancient times, YunZhou had then become a place of strategic importance for DaYou. It was the most important defense line to defend against the Li country. If one loses hold on it, DaYou would be in danger, so it could be seen that the first founder’s trust in King ZhengNan was self-evident. Likewise, King ZhenNan had also been defending YunZhou with his life, resolving many crises for DaYou.

However, over the years, the descendants of King ZhenNan began to have their own ideas, no longer as willing to assist the emperor as their ancestors, even wanting to separate themselves from DaYou. Feng Huan’s father, Prince Xian, then went to YunZhou in-person to ease relations, but unexpectedly, he fell to an untimely death there two months later. The former emperor then no longer cared for the imperial edict depicting that King ZhenNan could not be removed and ordered the present emperor to lead 300,000 troops towards YunZhou, utterly defeating King ZhenNan.

However, it was rumored that King ZhenNan’s leftover supporters managed to escape to Li country and had been plotting to return to DaYou to take the throne back. After all, if the first King ZhenNan had not given up the emperor position, it would be hard to determine who was the first rightful founder. At that time, the strength of King ZhenNan was also no less than that of the emperor, with even more supporters than his brother. Because of this, it was perfectly justifiable for them to take back DaYou.

Essentially, the reason why Zhao Xiong and Xu Mei Niang chose to come to the capital was because of the royal power. They had assumed that it would deter those people from doing anything here. For Zhao Xiong to steal the account book was also no accident. As someone who had been involved in some side affairs, he knew that the wealthy merchant had something important in his hand, so he told Xu Mei Niang to steal it. After replicating a copy, he intentionally dropped it on the way, hoping the merchant would not pursue him as relentlessly. In their hands was an object that could preserve their lives. They had never thought that they would lose rationality and end up in such a plight.

As Zhuang Zhong listened to Feng Huan’s words, he frowned deeply, “Is it…”

“Do not ask what you should not ask.” Feng Huan interrupted with words full of hidden meaning, “Xu Mei Niang may not need to plead guilty, but it does not mean that she will not die accidentally.”

Zhuang Zhong’s eyes widened, “You-you are really thinking of…”

Feng Huan smiled and did not comment. He did not have to do anything at all, as this case had already spread all over the capital. It was well known that Zhao Xiong gave him an important object in exchange for Xu Mei Niang’s life and freedom. The only reason why he agreed to this condition was because he wanted to follow the vine to get the melon5, and those working behind the scenes would not give this woman an easy life either.

Even though Zhao Xiong and Xu Mei Niang stole an account book, it was incomplete. Most parts were also in code, but Feng Huan managed to infer that there were some people in YunZhou and QingZhou now who were courting death. When Emperor Qian Xing heard of it, he was furious too. It appeared that the folk rumors were not fake – that the remaining supporters of King ZhenNan had not been eliminated. Many people in the court were also involved in their activities.

The account book was only the tip of the iceberg. All that could be inferred from it were small pawns, but it was obvious there were bigger parties involved. A group of officials would have lost their heads if they had not been afraid of alerting the others.

This might deviate from Zhuang Zhong’s outlook of observing discipline and law, but it was still easier for him to accept than letting the real murderer go. Zhuang Zhong sighed, “If she still has some value, Brother Yuan’s death could be considered to be not in vain. At least it was indirectly contributing to the country.”

Yuan LiangJun was a man full of justice. Although he liked to joke around on normal days, his heart was very similar to Zhuang Zhong’s father, where one cannot tolerate sand in one’s eyes6. If he knew that his sacrifice could contribute to the country, he would be unable to relinquish such a heavy responsibility. This was unlike ordinary scholars who failed to revolt for three years7. Knowing that his death would lead to something, he also might not be as dejected to die before he could achieve something.

Although Zhuang Zhong’s heart still felt heavy, he at least felt better than before and did not feel as adverse seeing Feng Huan. Zhuang Zhong then stood up and respectfully poured some alcohol for Feng Huan. “Your Highness, just now, I had acted improperly. Please do not take it to heart.”

Feng Huan also did not make things difficult for him and drank the glass of alcohol directly. “Although you are still young, such a lack of composure should still be largely avoided. The Buddhist scriptures you have read for so many years were in vain.”

Zhuang Zhong smiled. “It is not for nothing. By consuming meat and wine, I had already broken the precepts. I just have to marry another woman in the future to complete it.”

Feng Huan’s eyes swept over him, and he shook his head. “Your hair has not even grown out yet, and you are already thinking about women.”

In DaYou, most women get married at the age of 17 to 18, while it was around 20 for men. However, due to the complexity of marriage, both sides would usually begin to discuss it when they were 15 and 17 to 18 years old respectively. So, it generally took at least one or two years for people to get married.

“I shaved it off myself! My hair grows fast, so it would not be long before it reaches my waist.” Currently, Zhuang Zhong’s head was like a hedgehog and was no longer the same as before. Still, when he thought about how he had to leave long hair, he felt unhappy. How difficult it would be to wash his hair. It would be even worse in the winter when there was no hairdryer.

Feng Huan looked out of the window, holding the alcohol cup in his hand. “What is the use of getting married? It is just a way for each to take what one needs, meaningless.”

Saying that, he drank the content in his cup in one gulp.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhong, who heard his words, felt as if he was privy to something that he should not have known. It appeared that DaYou most eligible bachelor did not want to get married? Apparently, such an unbridled man would also face helplessness with his marriage too? It turned out that no matter how insolent one was, he still could not escape from his parents’ decisions on his marriage.

Zhuang Zhong laughed in reply, “If Your Highness cannot do anything about your marriage, would it not be worse for others?”

Feng Huan then slammed a palm on the table and called for the waiter, ordering a few jars of the best wine in the tavern. “Drink!”

Zhuang Zhong did not know whether to cry or to laugh. “Your Highness, is it because I look good when I drink?”

Feng Huan laughed in reply but did not hide his intentions. “The few times I met you, you are pretending to be what you are not. I want to see what you look like when you are not in control.”

Zhuang Zhong’s mouth twitched. “You really have nothing better to do. If you have the energy, why not arrest Official DaWei, the scum of the court?”

As the atmosphere was good, he took the opportunity to report on Official DaWei. After all, Feng Huan seemed interested in him, which meant he has a big backer. If he did not know how to treasure this, he would have drunk all those alcohol in vain.

Hearing that, Feng Huan’s pupils, like those of a deep pool, fixed onto Zhuang Zhong, and the atmosphere instantly became chilly.

However, he did not shrink back and spoke in measured tones, “I do not think he is qualified to be an official, as he only wants to gain merits without a care for the truth. Besides, as long as he finds a scapegoat, he will consider the case to be solved. What is then the difference between the way he handles matters and those criminals with utter disregard for human life? Actually, he is even worse! Those criminals only infringe on a small group of people, but such officials not only violate the interests of many people but also tramples over the authority of the imperial court. This is tantamount to destroying the country step by step.”

The corners of Feng Huan’s mouth slightly raised. “Then why do you think I am here today?”

Faced with such a question, Zhuang Zhong was temporarily at a loss. Could he say that it was because something went wrong with his brain?

Feng Huan flicked his finger on his forehead, causing his white skin to turn red. Zhuang Zhong also sucked in a breath in response, as it was really painful. Currently, he was young with really tender skin, so it must have swelled red pretty badly.

Without any explanations, Feng Huan continued, “Report to the Central Judicial Office tomorrow. Whether Official DaWei can be pulled down depends on your ability then.”

Zhuang Zhong was stupefied. “What do you mean?”

Feng Huan raised his chin slightly. “Since you said that he acts with utter disregard for human life and muddles the cases, prove it to others. The Central Judicial Office contains all the files of his former cases. As long as you can find his mistakes, you can pull him down. The more you find, the more people you pull down, and the fewer muddled officials we would have.”

“Wait a minute, will I still have my life then?” Zhuang Zhong admitted that he faced death calmly, but even then, it was only a little bit higher than the state of caring for nothing besides one’s life.

Feng Huan’s eyes sharpened. “You are afraid of death and yet still dare to provoke the ministers in the court?”

Zhuang Zhong replied back with a confident tone, “I am afraid that I will die before I can even succeed.”

Feng Huan snorted coldly, “With me around, who would dare to touch you! Besides, you are the eldest son of Marquis WenYuan, not a powerless little monk in the countryside anymore. You would not die so easily.”

Such words were what Zhuang Zhong wanted to hear, but——

“However, I can only conduct autopsies. I do not have enough ability in criminal investigations, as I have not enrolled in the law college for long…”

At this point in time, Feng Huan became impatient and berated, “Then get out of here.”

To that, Zhuang Zhong hurriedly injected, “I will be there! I need to go there! I will go even if I have to lose my life! After all, don’t I still have you behind me?”

Feng Huan’s face turned distasteful. This person was really asking for a scolding.

“You cannot neglect your lessons at the law college, so out of three days, choose one day to go to the Central Judicial Office. You are not the only one reviewing the files either, Sun ChaoYang, a law scholar, will also be there. You will learn faster if you follow him in checking the cases.”

Zhuang Zhong finally breathed a sigh of relief as, after all, he was only a forensic examiner. Although he used to participate in criminal investigations because of his father in the past, he did not really join in. Additionally, he was unclear about the laws in DaYou and also did not have much equipment as a coroner. That was why he was very anxious about accepting this task. If it were not for the sake of retaining this backer, he would not have dared to bite off more than he could chew. So, after hearing that there were others and he would only play a small role, he felt more relaxed.

For a long time, he had heard that Feng Huan had an eccentric personality. Sometimes he would solicit some strange people without a care for his status, and looking at it now, it seemed to be true. Personally, Zhuang Zhong felt that he had some talent. Being 14 years of age and autopsies not being mainstream in DaYou, it was not surprising that Feng Huan was willing to treat him like this. After all, the talents Feng Huan appreciated were all very strange. It could be said that they were unvalued because their abilities were not presentable. Zhuang Zhong felt that in Feng Huan’s eyes, they were considered to be strange arts.

Unlike the last time where he was at a loss, Zhuang Zhong managed to have a good time drinking with Feng Huan this time around. However, Feng Huan did not foot the bill again, causing his money pouch to flatten considerably. As Feng Huan did get him a job, Zhuang Zhong also felt embarrassed to raise it up. He wondered if he would be able to get some salary for helping out at the Central Judicial Office?

~Prince Si Zhao’s Residence~

As soon as Feng Huan returned to his residence, he was called for by Imperial Concubine Song. Passing the courtyard, a magnificent and grand building appeared before him and Feng Huan, for some inexplicable reason, felt that the door was like a big mouth.

“Mother,” Feng Huan greeted her. He was not as haughty as he was outside, gathering all his sharp edges to give off a modest and gentle attitude.

As a strong smell of alcohol wafted to her face, her brows were tightly knitted together. “Just now, you went for a drink?”

“I went out for a couple of drinks only.”

Imperial Concubine Song frowned. “It is really too undisciplined to indulge in daytime drinking.”

“This child has a sense of propriety.”

Despite such words, she remained displeased. “You are already reaching 20, so do not be this willful and arrogant anymore. If your heart is not steady, the others will start to influence you. In the past, you were young, so I did not restrain you much, thinking that you would understand in the future. However, now you are becoming more and more unreasonable. Do you really want to be like those rich dandies?”

“This child will keep mother’s teachings in mind.”

Although Feng Huan’s attitude was very obedient, Imperial Concubine Song knew that her son had never put her words in his heart and still acted according to his own temperament whenever he went out. Both of them did not get along as well as they appeared to be. Even though Feng Huan never disobeyed her and was extremely respectful, they lacked the intimacy between a mother and her son. She always felt that they were separated under a layer of respect and submissiveness.

A trace of gloom flashed through the eyes of the imperial concubine. If it was not for that couple, how could they be this distant with each other!

Reigning in her temper, she felt that she could not stand it anymore. Although she made efforts to ease up, her words still could not hide the harshness and appeared overbearing.

“All these paintings are of the most outstanding women in the capital. Why not take a look and see who you find satisfactory?”

It was only here that Feng Huan’s expression changed slightly. He was not interested in the scrolls on the table and did not even bother to take a glance. “Mother, regarding this issue, I am in no hurry.”

Imperial Concubine Song was infuriated. “When are you waiting for if you are not in a hurry now? You are near 20, and all the other children in the imperial clan of the same age already have wives, concubines, and children. Meanwhile, you do not even have one in your residence. What do you want others to think of you?”

Feng Huan sighed, “Mother, Master said before that as a practitioner of martial arts, it is better not to lose Yang energy…”

Pa——

When the imperial concubine slammed the table hard, her nails broke, causing her to take a deep breath. The servants around her quickly came forward to check, but she waved them off with a hand.

When the door closed, she reprimanded, “Do you take your mother as an ignorant woman?! As long as you do not indulge, there is no way your Yang energy would dissipate. Otherwise, who will be willing to practice martial arts?” Suddenly, she thought of something, and her pretty face filled with resentment. “The martial arts master was sent to you by him. What is the intention of such guidance?! Can it be that he could not have a son, so he wants mine to have no future?”

Feng Huan’s eyebrow knitted together. “Mother, exercise discretion in your speech.”

She coldly hummed, “Since he dared to do this, I, Song PingTing, dare to say it.”

“Mother, you do not have to worry so much. It is just that I do not want to be distracted by these things.” Feng Huan glanced at the scroll on the table. “Since Mother thinks it is time, I would like you to decide for me.”

It was only then that her anger diminished, and she rolled out the scrolls. “I feel that these two women are the best. You can see which one is to your liking.”

The women in the scrolls had very outstanding and different appearances. While one wore a magnanimous and clever smile, the other was gentle and introverted. If judged solely by appearance, the former was more outstanding, a beauty surpassing all flowers. However, she was too sharp and lacked the gentleness of the latter. One was a peony in full bloom, while the other was an indifferent chrysanthemum. Looking at the details on the scroll, the former was Fang YingYing, the daughter of a minister in the Ministry of Rites, while the latter was Yu YunGe, the daughter of the one in charge of HuShan Academy. The former family was distinguished and held heavy authority, while the latter was from a clear-cut school with an excellent reputation, a model for all scholars in the world.

Both of them had extraordinary reputations, no matter whether it was in the capital or in their family.

When Feng Huan gave Yu YunGe an extra glance, he could feel Imperial Concubine Song’s displeasure.

Feng Huan felt helpless. Even though she said it was his own choice, he did not know what chaos would erupt if he truly chose her. Even after so many years, Mother still liked to fuss over making comparisons. Women were really narrow-minded, and even she could not escape from such lapse of etiquette. Since he would be as well without it as with it, it would be better to please Mother. So, he pointed to Fang YingYing and said, “I choose her then.”

As expected, her expression brightened despite her words, “She is a good choice, but she seems too outstanding. I am afraid that she is not easy to handle.”

Feng Huan laughed, “No matter how outstanding she is, she could never surpass Mother.”

Hearing this, Imperial Concubine became happier and asked, “Why did you not choose Yu YunGe? I think she is also a good lady, quite similar to the empress. Don’t you like the empress the most? When you entered the palace as a child, you had such a good time that you forgot to even go home. Now, because of her, you have also become separated from your own mother.”

She could not hide the jealousy in her words. Although she seemed not to care, her eyes revealed her true thoughts.

“No one can take the place of Mother in my heart. Fang YingYing is like Mother, more in line with what I want.”

With such words, she became like a beautiful peony in full bloom. Despite reaching a certain age, time did not leave a trace on her face, and she still looked 24 with a delicate and gorgeous face. Additionally, with her hair in a tassel bun, she wore a purple-grey crepe silk robe with narrow sleeves and bordered embroidery. Although she did not wear much jewelry, she could not hide her dazzle, appearing even younger. If Feng Huan stood next to her, they would not look like a pair of mother and son, but more like a pair of siblings.

Imperial Concubine Song was very proud. “Huan’er seems to know how to make Mother happy.”

Feng Huan said seriously, “I am only telling the truth. In my eyes, Mother is the most important.”

“I carried you for ten months, so of course, you would feel that way.” Despite feeling really happy to hear such words, she did not care much for it.

“I heard that he arranged for you to go to the Central Judicial Office again?”

Feng Huan felt helpless. If their conversation leaked, it would result in another bloodbath. Nonetheless, he was used to it, as his mother had always been this audacious since his childhood.

“It is I who thinks that case-solving is interesting.”

Hearing that, her eyes looked as if they were spitting poison. “Who does not know about the filthiness of the Central Judicial Office? He is just using you as a sword envoy again! If you do well, it will benefit his children, but if you do not do well, you will be left at a disadvantage. He is just throwing you into the flames! For so many years, he has been playing the same trick. Does he really think that I have no temper?”

Feng Huan, however, did not think the same way. “The fire on me has never been extinguished, so I do not care if a little more is added. As long as I live happily, why should I care about others?”

She closed her eyes and looked sorrowful. “If-if your father was still here, there would not be a need for you to work and rush about for others…”

“Mother!” Feng Huan sternly interrupted, “Some words cannot be said, while some things cannot be thought about. Besides, I have never suffered grievances, and they also care about me. It is just me…”

“Huan’er!” Imperial Concubine Song was furious. “With such words, do you plan to let your father’s spirit be unable to rest in peace?! They took everything from you and your father. Are you going to forgive such a big grudge because of some small shows of favor?! I knew this couple’s kindness was nothing good. One gives you power to make you look the other way, while the other treats you with hypocritical softness so you will soften your heart. What is the use of her kindness? After all, she used to be just a servant around me. If it were not for me, she would not have become the empress at all!”

Feng Huan sighed deeply, “Mother, do not mention the past anymore. I am not stupid and know what is true and what is false. Some things I do not say does not mean that I am unaware. Mother, do not be too obsessive. If the things are yours, they are yours. If you are not meant to have it, it cannot be snatched over. Besides, we live in glory and splendor now with enough power. No one can touch us, and that is enough.”

Hearing that, she was distressed. “Huan’er, do not forget the lessons drawn from King ZhenNan’s mistakes.”

Feng Huan lowered his eyes. “It was because I have not forgotten that I would not think of any wild ideas.”

*Translator’s Notes:

-Hi! This is the last chapter for the first arc and we are going to start off the next with a new case so do look forward to it!!

1

“煞星” (shaxing) is something that would bring you negative things like disadvantages, harm, etc.

2

“穿小鞋” is the idea of deliberately giving trouble to another; underhand punishment.

3

“流香” (liuxiang) which literally means “flowing fragrance” is probably the name of the alcohol.

4

“Dependency” here refers to a country or province controlled by another

5

“顺藤摸瓜” literally “following the vine to get the melon” is a saying where someone tracks down another/a culprit by following clues.

6

“眼里揉不得沙” one cannot tolerate certain things or people.

7

“秀才造反三年不成” is a saying that despite intellectuals feeling dissatisfied with the current situation, they are weak and timid, wavering and unable to do great things.