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Chapter 36 The effect is quite good
The next day, Lin Qing was found by the people of the Prefecture of Arrest. However, it was a bit difficult to give an explanation about why Zhao Zimu was with him.
Let’s not talk about how she appeared beside to Lin Qing. It was very suspicious that she appeared at Spiritual Temple which was heavily guarded by the Armed Escort not to mention that she saved Lin Qing. Lin Qing didn’t want her to be exposed in front of people, be implicated and sink into danger.
Zhao Zimu didn’t let him think about it for too long. She asked for a set of uniform from the Prefecture of Arrest and put it on. Then, she smeared her face with the things she had brought with her. A handsome young guard appeared in front of Lin Qing. If Ningan was here, she would definitely recognize that this person was Zhao Zhong.
Lin Qing looked at the woman in front of him with complicated eyes. He pinched her cheek and said with unclear meaning, “I actually didn’t know that you are so good at disguising. If you want to leave one day, is it that you can easily get rid of me?”
Zhao Zimu laughed, “Lord Qiansui is joking. How can Zimu leave? Zimu knows Qiansui’s good towards Zimu. Moreover, will Zimu be able to escape Lord Qiansui’s palm. Just one order from Lord Qiansui, the authorities, the Department of Supervision and the Prefecture of Arrest would hunt the whole capital. Not to mention escaping from the capital, even if I have wings, I wouldn’t be able to escape your control.”
Zhao Zimu said that sincerely. Lin Qing looked at her and nodded in satisfaction, “Mm, a tactful one.”
There was a touch of triumph and joy in his voice. Zhao Zimu touched her nose and thought to herself, it turned out that this method (bootlick) worked on him.
This time, he was being schemed at. Jia Yi was heavily injured and was till lying down now. Jia Er was fortunate to have encountered Zhao Zimu and his life was saved. The people of the Prefecture of Arrest were wiped out not to mention those of the Department of Supervision.
Lin Qing’s mood was very bad now. He was now filtering the mastermind of this over and over again in his mind.
Emperor Jinghui breathed a sigh of relief after Lin Qing safely escaped. He didn’t expect that someone would be so daring to try to assassinate him while he was offering incense. Fortunately, he was called over by the empress dowager for a talk. Otherwise, the one who would be injured at this time would be him.
Emperor Jinghui’s heart turned cold. Who wanted him death? Inside the imperial capital was the strictest place in the whole Great Liang. It was impossible for rebels to appear here. Also, the remnants of the previous dynasty had almost all been wiped out by the former emperors. Even if there were still remnants left, they could only linger in dark corners and wouldn’t be able to cause storms. Then, who had such capabilities?
Emperor Jinghui remained puzzled even after pondering over it a hundred times.
Lin Qing looked at him in secret and said, “Your Majesty is in the prime of your life and your mightiness is spread through everywhere. You love the country and its people. Under your governance, the whole word ascended to a better life. There would be no one who would dare to disrespect you.”
“Then, why would there still be someone who wants to kill zhen? Beloved official is speaking highly of zhen again,” Emperor Jinghui said. Emperor Jinghui wa over forty-year-old now. He was a bit fat and swollen and indulged too much in pleasure-seeking. He also relied on those pills that would make him able to show his dragon prestige again which also caused him to be a bit blue-green in front of people all the time as if his body had been hollowed.
Zhen: I, used by the emperorHowever, when he heard Lin Qing praised him, emperor Jinghui still felt a faint joy in his heart. In the past, when emperor Jinghui was young, he was also a mighty emperor who had both wisdom and decisiveness. Otherwise, how could he had risen above all his brothers and trample everyone under his feet?
It was just that after being on the throne for so long, it was inevitable that his wisdom would be bewildered by the pleasures of life brought by power and gradually lost his acute spirit of the past. However, which emperor didn’t like being praised with words like mighty and wisdom?
“Your Majesty works hard for the country and loves the citizens like your children. The whole world knows this, but you must not wear your body down. Now, the crown prince is already an adult and have both integrity and talent. He is indeed the role model for the younger officials. He is also good at handling the state affairs and can share the burden for Your Majesty,” Lin Qing said.
“Oh? Is the crown prince really so outstanding?” Emperor Jinghui asked. He still felt happy hearing others praise the crown prince. After all, it was the son he regarded to have the best prospects in life. However, this happiness was broken not long after.
Lin Qing went on to say, “Yes, many officials were full of praises towards the crown prince. They praised him for appearing like emperor Dezu and for having the excellence of emperor Dezu when he was young. In the future, he would certainly be a good monarch.”
Emperor Jinghui’s face somewhat darkened. Naturally, he knew who emperor Dezu was. Young, heroic, able, efficient and ruthless. At a very young age, he was able to attract many great officials to work under him and vowed loyalty to him. He also killed several of his brothers and forced his father to abdicate and make way for him. From then on, his father could only live in seclusion in the deep palace and couldn’t inquire about the political affairs. Although, later generations praised him for being a good emperor of Ji Shi An Min, but which emperor would like to have such a son?
Lin Qing continued, “Although, the other highnesses couldn’t be compared to the crown prince, they also have talents of helping the world. each one is a dragon and phoenix among people. Also, almost all the princes had married and established their own family. They would surely relieve Your Majesty from a lot of worries, but…”
“But what?” Emperor Jinghui asked. Lin Qing’s expression didn’t change and said, “Even though the princes had grown up and have their own residences, but they still don’t have their title and fiefdom. It is using a talented person in an insignificant position by letting them handle the state affairs all day long.”
The usual practice was when a prince became an adult, he would get the title of the prince of first rank (wangye) and would get a fiefdom. If this prince was not considered as the heir or unfavored, the emperor would sent him away to the fiefdom.
Emperor Jinghui looked pensively. Lin Qing continued as if he hadn’t noticed, “Your Majesty, each prince is out of the ordinary capable now. Why not let them investigate the matter of this time?”
“Each one is out of the ordinary capable?” Emperor Jinghui said with a hint of coldness and then muttered to himself, “Right, each one is capable and could lessen the burden on me.”
“Then, Your Majesty, which prince do you think is more suitable for investigating the matter of this time? And it could also develop the prince’s abilities more. What do you think?”
Emperor Jinghui shook his head and said, “Although, their abilities are good, but they have limited experience. Beloved official is more proficient in tracing and investigating things like this. It is better for beloved official to do this matter.” Emperor Jinghui continued without hesitation, “Zhen will give beloved official a decree. You must investigate thoroughly. Zhen wants to see who wants me death so much. If there are any obstacles, you don’t have to consider them. Zhen has your back.”
“This…this official is obliged and would do to my utmost effort,” Lin Qing said respectfully.
Lin Qing was satisfied. There had never been anyone who benefited from him without having to pay a price and there also never have been anyone who could stab him and still remain unscathed.
Lin Qing didn’t die and had suffered such a big loss. The sky of the imperial capital was about not to be so peaceful anymore.
The next day that Lin Qing returned, emperor Jinghui issued a decree, requesting the authorities and the five military forces to coordinate with the Department of Supervision and the Prefecture of Arrest in investigating this matter strictly. If there were any obstruction, no matter who it is, the Department of Supervision and the Prefecture of Arrest could punish severely.
The surge and gathering of the storm were once again above the sky of the imperial capital. Some people already smelled the foul wind and bloody rain.
—
At Qiansui’s residence. At this time, Lord Qiansui was lying comfortable on his big couch… and waited for someone to serve him.
Zhao Zimu, “… Lord Qiansui, where had the maids, servant and old maids of the residence gone to? With this, do you mean that I should serve you personally?”
Lin Qing said faintly, “This lord feels that the maids, servants and old maids of the residence are not as good to use as you. What? Could it be that you are unwilling?”
Zhao Zimu, “Naturally, I’m very happy…”
While she spoke, she walked slowly to Lin Qing, but Lin Qing pushed her face with one fingertip and forced her to look at him. He teased, “The clothes on you looks pretty. For how long do you plan to wear them?”
Zhao Zimu said helplessly, “Lord, even if you want me to change, but you have to give me time. I came back to the residence with you and until now Zimu didn’t have the time to change it. You…” Actually liked to see me dressed like this, right?
Zhao Zimu couldn’t help but think. Now, she was still dressed in the uniform of the Prefecture of Arrest. This uniform looked good, but…
Lord Qiansui, it couldn’t be that you have a special taste, right? Zhao Zimu looked at him a bit worried. She was now dressed in men’s clothes and had a face of a man. Refined, elegant and bright and looked like a harmless green vegetable waiting for someone to bite. Lord Qiansui took her into his room alone like this. Wasn’t he afraid that some people would get weird thoughts?
“That person in your room has been arrested by my people,” Lin Qing said while she looked at her.
“Oh…what does Lord Qiansui intend to do?” Zhao Zimu asked. Some worry appeared on her face.
“You are worried about her?” Lin Qing asked dissatisfied. Zhao Zimu had a feeling of wanting to put her hand on her forehead, “Lord Qiansui, how would I not be worried? After all, it was a person I brought over. It is not good to let someone suffer for nothing.”
“What if I want to treat her badly?” Lin Qing asked nonchalantly.
Zhao Zimu didn’t want to waste her patience anymore. She reached out and caressed the injury on his waist. She stroked gently and lowered her body. Her head lowered. She immediately sealed the lips that seemed to still want to say something and fiercely kissed. The person on the bed didn’t resist her. He obediently let her kiss him.
After she had kissed enough, Zhao Zimu said, “In my life, I may care and worry about many people, but you are the only one who can always let me worry and care about you. Compared to others, I care more about you. Compared to others, I worry more about you. Moreover, if something happens to you, I will feel pain.” Zhao Zimu put her head lightly against his forehead. Her warm breath hit Lin Qing’s eyelids, making his eyes a bit itchy, itching till the bottom of his heart.
“You are in my heart, above everyone else including myself,” Zhao Zimu said word after word. The eyes looking at Lin Qing were deep and soft and had a layer of gentleness.
Lin Qing looked away and said, “In the past, I didn’t see you use such sweet words to talk with me. You look so sincere that I was almost convinced.”
Zhao Zimu grabbed his face and said, “You can try to believe. I will try my best as long as you want.” Until our hair turns gray and until we are old together.
“Forget it, I don’t think that the person in your room is a big deal. However, you can’t find her anymore to lie to me in the future. Otherwise, I will lock you up so that you can’t go anywhere and can only stay at my side,” Lin Qing said.
“Of course, except by your side, I don’t want to go anywhere,” Zhao Zimu laughed. Sure enough, Zhao Zimu concluded. One should pamper and coax Lin Qing. The effect is quite good.
“Where is the medication? I’ll change it for you,” Zhao Zimu smiled.
“There…find it yourself.”
“Okay.”
“Why are you taking off my clothes?”
“Eh…out of convenience…”
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