Chapter 7

Ling Qing cried out that things had gone wrong, but the excitement sparkling in her eyes betrayed her— she was just one slip of the tongue away from shouting that it was great.

Ling Ting frowned and chided her softly. “Have you no sense of decorum? Don’t you know the young master can’t be exposed to drafts?”

Ling Qing’s face drained of color as she realized her blunder. She stepped back and dropped properly to her knees, abandoning any thought of the spectacle. Guilt filled her heart, and she said pitifully, “Young master, punish me. I was wrong.”

“Get up. Just be more mindful next time,” Liu Yuanxun said with a wave of his hand before turning to business. “What happened?”

Ling Qing truly regretted her mistake this time. She had wanted to kneel as self-punishment but worried it would only vex Liu Yuanxun. After a moment’s thought, she rose and said honestly, “By the time I arrived, the two of them were already fighting. The Divine Martial Guards were all backing Minister Meng. The situation looked bad, so I rushed back to report it…”

Liu Yuanxun frowned. “Ling Ting, go fetch them.”

Ling Ting nodded in acknowledgment and turned to leave, but Liu Yuanxun changed his mind. “On second thought, I’ll go myself.”

Meng Yuanfeng was an arrogant bully who relied on his family’s influence, and in recent years he had committed no small number of misdeeds. For him to dare lay hands on Gu Lianzhao meant he surely had some countermeasure in place. Sending Ling Ting alone might not be enough to bring the man in.

…

The disturbance was not far from the Temple Repository, but Liu Yuanxun’s lungs were weak, preventing him from hurrying. He sent Ling Ting ahead first to get the situation under control.

“Lord Ling, you have to stand up for Minister Meng! We brothers had just finished our shift and were chatting idly in the pavilion when… when Lord Gu lost his mind for some reason. He charged straight at us and started throwing punches. Are all Embroidered Uniform Guards such lawless, unreasonable brutes?”

“That’s right, Lord Ling. I can testify—we weren’t even talking about Lord Gu, but he suddenly burst out and attacked Minister Meng unprovoked!”

With their master yet to arrive, Ling Ting said nothing. He acted as if he hadn’t even heard the Divine Martial Guards’ complaints, standing like a silent statue between Gu Lianzhao and Meng Yuanfeng.

Liu Yuanxun quickened his pace as much as he could. By the time he reached the scene, he was short of breath. He gripped Ling Qing’s arm and paused to steady himself before moving forward again.

The Divine Martial Guards, who had just been cheering Meng Yuanfeng on, hadn’t expected the reclusive Seventh Prince to appear here. Their faces went pale, and they dropped instinctively to their knees.

Meng Yuanfeng panicked for an instant but quickly composed himself. Before kneeling in salute, he shot a meaningful glance at the two Divine Martial Guards who had Gu Lianzhao pinned.

Liu Yuanxun followed his gaze and couldn’t help frowning.

Not long ago, when they had parted at the Temple Repository, Gu Lianzhao had been a neat and elegant young man. Yet in merely half an hour, his clothes were dusted with grime, a scrape marred his cheek, and his arms had been wrenched behind his back. He knelt there in a posture of utter humiliation.

Before witnessing this, Liu Yuanxun had been calm, intent only on uncovering the truth and putting the matter to rest. But seeing it now, he couldn’t suppress a frown, and a spark of stifled anger ignited in his chest.

He walked slowly toward Gu Lianzhao. The guards holding him released their grip on instinct, exchanged bewildered glances, then retreated two steps and knelt with heads bowed.

Gu Lianzhao started to kneel as well, but a hand as finely sculpted as jade reached out before him. With his skills, he could easily have dodged it—but uncertain of Liu Yuanxun’s intentions, he held still.

In the next moment, a cool hand brushed the scrape on the side of his face. The soft pad of a finger glided gently over the wound. It didn’t hurt, but the touch was so ticklish that Gu Lianzhao instinctively turned his head away.

After a sigh so faint it was barely audible, Liu Yuanxun let his hand drop to Gu Lianzhao’s sleeve and tugged him toward the stone bench in the pavilion.

Meng Yuanfeng watched the scene unfold with growing unease, wondering if he had made a grave misstep.

Prince Rui had mild features and was usually quick to smile, inspiring closeness in all who saw him. But this time, his expression was unusually cold. In full view of the Divine Martial Guards, he personally applied medicine to Gu Lianzhao’s wound right there in the pavilion.

The injury wasn’t serious. Gu Lianzhao’s martial prowess was high and his movements swift; the guards couldn’t overpower him one-on-one and had resorted to swarming him with numbers. He specialized in lethal techniques, but without official status, any counterattack that injured a guard would be a grave crime. Restrained as he was, he had inevitably sustained a scrape in the struggle.

It wasn’t even bad enough to warrant medicine, but Liu Yuanxun neither passed judgment nor told the guards to rise. He simply asked Ling Ting for the medicine bottle and dabbed it slowly onto the minor abrasion.

A cold wind blew through, quickly turning the fingertips peeking from his sleeves bright red. Gu Lianzhao could feel how icy they were against his skin. Yet Liu Yuanxun didn’t withdraw his hand. He continued applying the salve with meticulous patience, as if handling something immensely precious.

The gentle touch left Gu Lianzhao baffled.

He knew Meng Yuanfeng was framing him on purpose, looking for an excuse to give him a beating. He had been prepared to swallow the loss and retaliate later. Having survived alone for so many years, endurance was his creed—he knew exactly when to yield and when to strike.

But the Seventh Prince’s arrival had rendered all his fallback plans moot. Before he knew it, he was being led meekly to the pavilion.

Once the medicine was applied, Liu Yuanxun gently lifted Gu Lianzhao’s chin and turned his head this way and that, confirming no other injuries. Satisfied, he let go and handed the small medicine bottle back to Ling Ting.

With that taken care of, Liu Yuanxun still showed no intention of speaking. He ignored the kneeling Divine Martial Guards filling the pavilion and gazed leisurely at the structure’s furnishings, as if he were simply there to admire the view.

Even Meng Yuanfeng could see that Prince Rui was using this to deliver a pointed warning. After careful deliberation, he spoke up first. “Your Highness… My brothers and I were merely chatting here at the pavilion’s edge after our shift. We have no idea what words offended Lord Gu, but he didn’t even give me time to explain before charging out and attacking. I knew he was one of yours, so I held back repeatedly. Who would have thought Gu Lianzhao would press the advantage, using killing blows every time? My brothers couldn’t stand by, so we all rushed in together. That led to… But no matter what, since Lord Gu struck first, it means I must have said something offensive. I hope Lord Gu—”

Liu Yuanxun cut him off midway.

“Who split this pillar?” Without turning his head, Liu Yuanxun eyed the pavilion column supporting the roof beside him. To make sure they saw, he reached out and traced the finger-wide crack. “If you’re going to fight, fight. Why tear down the building? It’s a shame to turn a perfectly fine pavilion into a death trap in the blink of an eye, don’t you think?”

“Ah?” Meng Yuanfeng froze. He desperately wanted to steer the conversation back, but he had to answer first. “It was this minister’s mistake. I failed to rein in my Palm Wind… I am willing to make reparations. Once this matter is settled, I will report it to the Temple Repository at once and pay the full cost of repairs.”

“Once this matter is settled?” Liu Yuanxun withdrew his fingers into his sleeve and lowered his gaze, looking at the kneeling Meng Yuanfeng with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “What matter is that?”

Meng Yuanfeng perked up and declared loudly, “After our shift ended, my brothers and I were chatting idly by the pavilion when Lord Gu suddenly charged out and attacked me with fists and feet. Because of his status, I didn’t dare fight back and took several solid hits. Please, Your Highness, grant me justice!”

“This is Taichang Temple, not Dali Temple. If you want a verdict, go see the Dali Temple Minister. I’m only concerned with one thing…” Liu Yuanxun tilted his head toward the pillar. “Minister Meng’s Palm Wind merely brushed it, and this arm-thick column cracked. Had that palm landed on Gu Lianzhao, I’m afraid Prince Rui’s Mansion would be holding a funeral tonight. Did Minister Meng never consider that he belongs to the Seventh Prince’s Mansion before striking? Or…”

In a voice soft and measured, laced with utmost gentleness, Liu Yuanxun placed a capital charge atop Meng Yuanfeng’s head. “Or did Minister Meng scorn imperial authority and disregard the royal house, thinking he could kill anyone from my mansion on a whim?”

“No, no, no—it’s a misunderstanding!” Meng Yuanfeng jolted in alarm. “I’m innocent! I had no choice and acted only in self-defense! I would never dare harm Lord Gu. Please see the truth, Your Highness!”

Liu Yuanxun glanced subtly at Gu Lianzhao beside him. The man sat there quietly with his head lowered, as if Meng Yuanfeng’s words had nothing to do with him at all.

“If it’s a misunderstanding, then this cracked pillar stands as proof. As for self-defense…” Liu Yuanxun arched a brow. “This is under the Emperor’s watchful gaze. Why would Gu Lianzhao try to kill you for no reason? If he murdered a Fourth-Rank official in broad daylight, wouldn’t he fear being thrown into a Divine Martial Guard cell the moment after? What sort of justice are you asking me to dispense here?”

As Meng Yuanfeng opened his mouth to argue, Liu Yuanxun pointed casually at one of the Divine Martial Guards. “You. Tell me.”

“This lowly one… this lowly one…” The guard he singled out was the very one who had complained to Ling Ting earlier. Deceiving royalty was a capital offense. He had dared lie to Ling Ting, but not to Liu Yuanxun.

The indicated guard gritted his teeth, steeling himself to confess—only for a soft cough from Meng Yuanfeng to snap him back.

Of course! Minister Meng wasn’t just any Deputy Commander of the Divine Martial Guards anymore. His younger sister was the emperor’s latest favorite consort. Offending him meant dying in ways you might never understand…

Everyone here was one of theirs. Gu Lianzhao’s beating was a done deal—they just had to stick to their story. What witness could the Seventh Prince conjure out of thin air?

It was a gamble either way, so they might as well bet on the winning side. With his resolve firm, the guard spoke with more confidence. “To answer Your Highness, we lowly ones had finished our shift and were chatting here when we ran into Lord Gu in the area. Before we could react, he charged out and started attacking. We only intervened to keep things from escalating…”

“Oh? You Divine Martial Guards finish your shift but don’t return to camp. Instead, you venture deep into Taichang Temple to chat near the Temple Repository… Chatting about what? How to split my Taichang Temple’s pavilion pillars to randomly crush a minister to death?”

With a “pfft,” Ling Qing couldn’t hold back her laugh. Realizing it was inappropriate, she covered her mouth and stuck out her tongue.

The Temple Repository lay a good distance from Taichang Temple’s gates. If anyone pursued the matter, all three shifts of Divine Martial Guards on duty that day would be implicated. The Emperor despised abusing authority, and the punishments were severe. They were tasked with guarding Taichang Temple, not treating it like their personal backyard.

“This… we… we…” The guard’s face turned ashen. He didn’t dare fabricate more lies— the deeper he dug, the harder it would be to climb out.

Liu Yuanxun didn’t press just that one man. He pointed at another guard. “What were you talking about?”

“Not so fast,” Liu Yuanxun said, indicating a third guard and turning to Ling Ting. “Take him off to one side and question him thoroughly. Then compare their stories and patch any holes.”

Ling Ting cupped his fists in salute and acknowledged the order. Then he took the man away.

The lips of the remaining Divine Martial Guard trembled for a moment before he said in a shaky voice, “This subordinate was standing too far away and didn’t hear clearly…”

Meng Yuanfeng had indeed spoken to them, but his words had all been vile filth about a ger serving men—clearly meant to provoke Gu Lianzhao. Yet Gu Lianzhao was the prince’s man. Even if they gave that guard ten times the courage, he still wouldn’t dare utter such things in front of His Highness.

“Hmm—” Liu Yuanxun did not press the man further. Instead, he casually pointed to another. “You must have heard clearly, then?”

“This subordinate… The wind was strong today. This subordinate didn’t…”

“So even you didn’t hear clearly…” Liu Yuanxun smiled good-naturedly. “Is there anyone among you who heard what Minister Meng was chatting about?”

Dead silence fell in the pavilion. None of the Divine Martial Guards dared lift their heads.

Liu Yuanxun turned to Meng Yuanfeng. “Minister Meng, why don’t you explain yourself? You brought all these people and walked all this way, only starting your little chat deep in my Taichang Temple Repository. Yet not a single Divine Martial Guard surrounding you caught what you said. Meanwhile, Gu Jiu—who was merely ‘passing by’—somehow heard it, misunderstood you, rushed out to stir up trouble, and ended up subdued by your men, forced to kneel on the ground.”

“Minister Meng,” Liu Yuanxun said with a long sigh, a regretful look on his face. “I’m merely ill, yet you treat me like a fool. You lie to me without a second thought and set clumsy traps riddled with holes. What am I supposed to say to you?”

Liu Yuanxun’s words were harsh, but his expression was kindly, mingled with helpless amusement. Meng Yuanfeng couldn’t read his attitude at all and could only deny it on instinct. “This subordinate wouldn’t dare…”

“Whether you dare or not, the deed is done. Come on, then—who’s the one whose influence you’re riding?”

“Your Highness judges wisely. This subordinate would never bully others with borrowed power!”

“Oh? So there really is someone lending you their clout?” Liu Yuanxun glanced at Gu Lianzhao. “The Embroidered Uniform Guard always has the best intelligence. Tell me, who could make our Minister Meng soar to the skies?”

Gu Lianzhao had lived for over a dozen years, but this was the first time anyone had ever backed him up. The feeling was so complicated that he didn’t dare dwell on it. He ducked his head to avoid Liu Yuanxun’s gaze and said, “Minister Meng’s own younger sister gave birth to the Second Prince three months ago. His Majesty personally ennobled her as Noble Consort Yuan.”

Liu Yuanxun gave Meng Yuanfeng a look that was half smile, half something else. “So you’re the Second Prince’s uncle. No wonder…”

No wonder what?

No wonder the arrogance and high-handed bullying? No wonder daring to gather a crowd for a brawl inside Taichang Temple? No wonder flouting all rules and lying to the prince?

Those unfinished words only fueled wild imaginations. One thought of his sister trembling in fear within the palace, of the Second Prince who received no imperial favor—and of his father’s repeated warnings, drummed into his ears, never to make a misstep at a time like this…

Meng Yuanfeng broke out in a cold sweat. In an instant, he realized the truth: his seemingly flawless scheme had been built on nothing more than Prince Rui’s indifference.

But now Prince Rui had spoken up. The matter had just grown serious.

Meng Yuanfeng’s chest heaved dramatically twice. Recalling Prince Rui’s gentle, mild tone, he latched onto it like a drowning man seizing a straw. He wanted to turn big trouble into something small. “Your Highness, this subordinate momentarily lost his senses—blinded by old grudges—which sparked the conflict with Lord Gu. This subordinate is willing to apologize to Lord Gu…”

“No need,” Liu Yuanxun said, still wearing that mild, smiling expression. “I’ve said it before: this is Taichang Temple. We don’t try cases or pass sentences. Oversight of capital officials and abuse of authority—that’s all for Dali Temple to handle. I won’t interfere, and I’m sure Noble Consort Yuan won’t either.”

“Your Highness! Please hear this subordinate out!” Meng Yuanfeng cried in alarm. The Divine Martial Guards behind him panicked as well. The Dali Temple Minister might not hand down a heavy sentence, but to be branded with abuse of power… Even if he miraculously kept his post, his official career would be finished.

Liu Yuanxun merely waved him off. To Ling Ting, who was approaching, he said, “Send the whole lot to Dali Temple.”

With that, he walked off with Ling Qing and Gu Lianzhao.

“Your Highness!” Meng Yuanfeng rose to give chase, but Ling Ting blocked his path.

Ling Ting stood there alone, his voice flat. “Let’s go. If Minister Meng hurries, you might even catch the Dali Temple Minister before he steps down.”