Zu An was stunned. He replied, “I didn’t say that!”
Bi Linglong gave him a deep look and sighed, saying, “Big brother Zu, the fact that you talked about those things but never discussed the mastermind behind the matter already implied that. After all, you came back on my orders to the capital, so I knew your itinerary best. Only that way could those a.s.sa.s.sins be planted so precisely. It’s only natural for you to suspect as such. If you told me your suspicions directly, I might have felt a bit better, because I would have a chance to explain it to you then and it would prove that you still trusted me deep down. But this time, you didn’t say a thing and kept it to yourself.” She felt more and more wronged as she spoke. Sparkling teardrops fell to the ground.
Zu An sighed and reached out his hand to gently help her wipe her tears. He said, “Linglong, you’ve misunderstood. The reason I didn’t say anything wasn’t because I don’t trust you; it was because I know you have no motive. You're in a weak position in the capital and need help, so how could you possibly make things worse for yourself? More importantly, because of our relationship, there's even less of a reason for you to act against me.”
Bi Linglong felt a bit better when she heard what he said. However, she still pursed her lips and said, “The imperial family is the most ruthless of all. Even if the two of us have… that kind of relationship, we wouldn’t show weakness if we had to be ruthless. Even though that’s what you say, you're definitely still suspicious.”
Zu An couldn't help but chuckle when he saw her throw a little tantrum. He said, “Alright, alright. Actually, there is one thing I didn't tell you, which is that the one who sent these a.s.sa.s.sins was a eunuch.”
“A eunuch?” Bi Linglong was shocked. She finally understood why Zu An was about to say something but stopped earlier. She quickly said, “It’s definitely the empress. She knows I have you as a capable subordinate. As long as she killed you, I'd lose my most important minister. She would have nothing to worry about then.”
“It’s probably not her,” Zu An said, reflexively shaking her head.
“Why isn’t it her? Are you really that close to her?” Bi Linglong asked, looking at him skeptically.
“I saved her before during the a.s.sa.s.sination on the Imperial Palace. For better or for worse, I saved her life,” Zu An said. He naturally culdn’t say the real reason and could only explain it like that.
“That’s the only reason you believe that she wouldn’t do anything bad to you?” Bi Linglong replied with a frown. She found it a bit ridiculous.
Zu An chuckled awkwardly a few times. There really was no way for him to explain it properly…
Bi Linlong continued, “In the imperial family, whenever it involves authority, forget about life-saving grat.i.tude, even husband and wife, father and son, will abandon each other. You absolutely can't act on emotions.”
Previously, Zhao Han had even possessed his own son’s body with a split soul for the sake of immortality!
Zu An nodded and said, “Linglong is right. I understand what you’re saying.”
If they were comparing the two sides, he was closer to Bi Linglong’s. After all, the two of them had depended on each other for mutual survival before in the secret dungeon. Their relationship had gone through a test of blood and flames. In contrast, it was hard to really pinpoint what kind of relationship he had with Liu Ning. At first, Liu Ning had only treated him as treatment medicine, and their relationship had been built more on desire. But as time went on, they had more or less developed some feelings. That was why he didn’t want to believe that it was Liu Ning who had sent the a.s.sa.s.sin either. Still, she was a mature woman. She was capable of logically deducing what she cared about. She wouldn’t let emotions affect her decisions too much. As such, it was hard to say what she would do.
“Right, how is the Qin clan right now?” Zu An asked. He didn’t want to continue with that headache-inducing topic.
“If I recall correctly, the Qin clan has always been unkind to you. Isn’t it better for you if misery befalls them?” Bi Linglong asked, suddenly feeling a bit unhappy. “Is it because of Miss Chu that you’re concerned with the Qin clan?”
Zu An sighed and said, “The Qin clan’s state dukes are pillars of the empire. Linglong, from the court’s perspective, you should be hoping for them to make it safely through this crisis, right?”
“If they aren't useful to me, even the st.u.r.diest pillars are unnecessary,” Bi Linglong said, her expression cold. “What this world lacks the least are geniuses. Without them, there will soon be others who will take their place. Even if I were in the Liu clan’s position, I would have made a similar decision. All that matters is that they ended up on opposite sides, so they have no one to blame for this result but themselves.”
Zu An fell silent. He actually didn’t approve of that way of thinking. Whether it was the Chu clan or this Qin clan they were talking about, it was precisely because they were devoted to the country and hadn’t wanted to become blades for internal strife between the two factions. And yet, it was that very same naive way of thinking that landed them in their present tragedy.
Because the two dukes had previously been under King Qi’s faction, the Liu clan and Bi clan naturally wanted to seize the chance to purge the Qin clan’s influence and swap in their own personal aides. Those clans that remained from King Qi’s camp were now powerless to defend themselves. Even if they still had some strength, they likely wouldn’t try to help the Qin clan. There were also many who still held bottled-up resentment that the dukes hadn't helped King Qi with everything they had, thinking that was why King Qi had lost. As such, perhaps their resentment even ran a bit deeper.
Bi Linglong softened her voice as she said, “The court situation is already under the Liu clan’s control. I can't decide whether the Qin clan lives or dies. I can't save them even if I wanted to.”
Zu An expressed his understanding. She was in a weaker position right now and really was powerless to do such things. However, he said, “I'll likely be at the royal academy for a while. I probably can't partic.i.p.ate in the court’s struggle for some time.”
He didn’t want to get involved in these matters at all. After witnessing a world that was broader in perspective, how could his eyes be set on a trifling political conflict of the imperial court? To use a quote from his past world, his goal was a great sea of stars. That wasn't even factoring in that both sides that were fighting were of equal importance to him. Helping either side would be bad for him. Of course, he was still a bit closer to Bi Linglong’s side, so he couldn't just watch as something happened to her.
Bi Linglong didn’t fully understand his intentions and said with a nod, “That’s right. What you should be doing first right now is taking control of the academy. That way, only then can your ident.i.ty as the libationer become a real bargaining chip.”
She understood best that the academy’s teachers were all the old libationer’s disciples. They only followed the libationer. They were all prideful and had never attached any importance to the academy’s experts, let alone a youngster like Zu An.
“Then, our Eastern Palace’s response will have to change because of your appearance. You're now the libationer and the Regent. Together with your court status, you'll be of tremendous use. I'll properly think about how to maximize your use!” Bi Linglong got more and more excited as she spoke.
Zu An was about to say something,? but he stopped. He really didn’t want to dump cold water on her excitement.
I guess it’s fine. If I can help, I’ll lend a hand.
Bi Linglong finished her makeup and got up. She said, “We should go out. After all, gossip is a fearsome thing. If we stay in this room for too long, the empress’ side will easily find a reason to attack.”
With the fairness of her skin and the natural blush on her face, there was no need for makeup at all.
Zu An understood well that the Eastern Palace had too many prying eyes. Furthermore, there were other things that he was worried about, so he didn’t force her. Bi Linglong gave him a reluctant kiss before seeing him out.
…
When the door opened, Zhao Ruizhi was squatting by the courtyard, watching as the lesser maid toyed with the two rabbits. It seemed that he felt the maid wasn't rough enough, so he was shouting noisily to let him do it.
Bi Linglong’s brows shot up when she saw the scene. She exclaimed, “Crown prince!”
Zhao Ruizhi turned around. Not only was Bi Linglong there; that demon Zu An was there too. He exclaimed in horror, “It wasn’t me, it has nothing to do with me! I don’t know anything!” He flailed all his limbs in a fl.u.s.ter, hurriedly making his getaway.
Bi Linglong was so angry that her chest rose and fell continuously. Her mood had just improved quite a bit, letting her avoid feeling as bothered by the crown prince’s actions. Now, she really felt that her fate was lonely and depressing.
Zu An gave her some words of consolation, then left the Eastern Palace.
…
Not long after he left, a figure appeared from around the corner of a rock garden, saying, “Sir Zu, it has been a long time.”
“We haven’t seen each other for several months. Eunuch Lu’s complexion seems to have improved considerably,” Zu An said, recognizing the other person. Eunuch Lu had decent looks, but there was just too much of a gloomy air around him that made him look like a villain.
“I cannot compare to Sir Zu at all, of course. Whenever I see Sir Zu, you are always so impressive and outstanding. Your handsomeness dazzles the eyes,” Eunuch Lu teased.
“Eunuch Lu’s mood seems to be quite good,” Zu An said with a smile.
“Her highness’ mood has been quite good recently, so as her servant, of course my mood is good too,” Eunuch Lu said with a bow. “Sir Zu, her highness sent me to invite you over for a chat after she learned of your respected self’s return.”
“I’ll have to trouble sir eunuch to lead the way then,” Zu An said with a smile. He just happened to have things to ask Liu Ning.
The two of them quickly arrived at the Palace of Peace. The entire place was more lively than usual, likely due to the authority the Liu clan had recently ama.s.sed. The empress had recovered her cultivation as well, so many parties had become interested in this side. Two lesser eunuchs, one chubby and one skinny, were receiving those people. Their expressions were prideful and cold, but the eunuchs and maids of the other palaces were still trying to curry favor with them. Zu An recognized the two. The skinny one was Little Gui, while the chubby one was Little Zhuo. He hadn’t expected them to actually be living so pompously now.
The two of them saw Zu An just then. Their eyes immediately lit up and they left those people to greet him. “We greet Sir Zu!”
Their flattery was like night and day from how they had acted before, as if they were completely different people. They knew many secrets, and knew he was a popular individual that the empress favored. Furthermore, he had saved their lives before, so of course they treated him differently.
The surrounding people whispered among themselves and wondered who the new arrival was. After all, Zu An had been away from the palace for a long time, so there were many who had never met him.
“Who is he? Even Eunuch Gui and Zhuo are treating him with such respect.”
“Tsk, look at this idiot with no knowledge. That’s a marquis, the crown prince’s Chamberlain Sir Zu. Did you not notice that it was Great Eunuch Lu who was leading the way?”
“So it was him! I heard that he was also the Fiend races’ Regent. No wonder he is so young and handsome.”
“The Fiend races’ Regent? Give me the details!”
…
After exchanging conventional greetings with Little Gui and Little Zhuo, Zu An arrived in front of the empress’ personal chambers under Eunuch Lu’s lead.
Eunuch Lu stopped and said, “Sir Zu, her highness is waiting for you inside. I won’t be following you.”
“Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for me to be there alone? After all, so many people saw me come here,” Zu An said in surprise. Previously, this place had always been nearly empty when he came here. This was a bit too bold, right?
“Don’t worry, they cannot see what is happening on this side. Furthermore, no one would dare to say anything now,” Eunuch Lu said, his voice carrying a hint of pride.
Zu An thought to himself, It seems as if the ambitious individuals of different factions are all dropping the act now that Zhao Han has died.
“Is Sir Zu here? Hurry and come in already,” the empress called out from inside the palace. Her voice really was alluring.