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A Deal (1)
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
“Quickly arrest the assassins!”
“Your Highness!”
“Quickly chase after them!”
The great hall was in chaos, very clamorous, no longer having the usual order. Those assassins disguised as Banjaro people fled in all directions in succession upon seeing the situation. Two escaped without a trace. One got caught, but immediately bit his tongue to commit suicide, dying in a blink of an eye.
Lu Zi Xiang stared at that headless sacred beast, standing up in a daze. A moment later, like waking up from a dream, he hurriedly grabbed Shen Lan Chi’s hand, nervously asking, “Lan Chi, you’re not hurt, right?”
Shen Lan Chi rapidly pulled back her hand, softly saying, “I didn’t get hurt, thanking your Highness for the concern. It’s good that your Highness is fine.” After saying this, she retreated even farther away, immediately creating a three-person wide gap between her and Lu Zi Xiang.
Lu Zi Xiang helplessly watched as she distanced herself, his expression slightly blanking. Afterwards, he lowered his eyes, not saying a word.
Just now, he was indeed a bit impulsive. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, holding her hand and calling her name truly weren’t the conduct of a gentleman.
On the other side, Lu Qi Yang dropped the beast’s head in his hand. With bloodstains on his face, he calmly said to Lu Zi Xiang, “How I see it, his Highness doesn’t seem fine——-nose-bleeding this much will also be bad.”
Lu Zi Xiang slightly blanked, immediately using his sleeve to cover his nose and turning around, so as to cover up his sorry state.
However, when he turned around, he instead saw a different scene. Shen Tong Ying was sitting paralyzed on the ground, her expression blank, her eyeballs shaking non-stop. She had her face covered. Between the cracks of her fair fingers was a patch of blood. Xiao-shi was currently holding her and painfully crying, her heart-wrenching cries echoing throughout the great hall.
“Tong’er! My poor Tong’er………Quick, quickly go invite the doctor!”
Empress Shen was incomparably worried. Without waiting for Chu Emperor to respond, she hurriedly came down to check on Shen Tong Ying’s injuries. Shortly after, Empress Shen revealed a look of pity, turning her head and saying, “Take this empress’s namecard and invite an imperial physician over. Also, have Shen first miss moved to Cien Palace.”
An assassination attack caused this banquet to hastily close its curtains.
Prince Ajindo also got injured. This wasn’t a small matter. Chu Emperor attached great importance to it. Amidst his wrath, he immediately ordered someone to carefully treat the prince, also issuing an order to thoroughly investigate this matter, increasing the punishment, even dismissing several people from their post on the spot.
After his thundering rage, Chu Emperor looked around at the sorry state of the hall, suddenly losing all strength, sinking down onto the dragon throne.
Sweeping a glance, he saw Lu Zi Xiang and Lu Zhao Ye, these two brothers, standing separately, mutually not looking at one another. The elder brother was cold and quiet, while the younger brother was refined and easy-going. But, Chu Emperor was very clear inside, knowing how these two brothers fought behind his back.
That assassin today clearly wanted to harm Lu Zi Xiang. Who the person behind the scenes was, he naturally can guess. But, this matter, how should it be announced to the world? The imperial family’s prestige, the imperial clan’s face, could it be that it will just be casually tossed out like this?
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
“This emperor perhaps is wrong…..” Chu Emperor let out a long sigh, as if aging several years.
The commander of the imperial guards in palace was the Song family’s second son, Song Yan De, who held the post of the Commandant of Guards. He looks a lot like his older brother Song Yan Li, having a similar masculine face and muscular body.
Song Yan De untied the quiver and removed his refined bow as he stepped into the hall. Cupping his hand and bowing before Chu Emperor, he said, “Reporting to your Majesty, the assassins that have snuck among the envoys have all been caught, just waiting to be taken into prison and interrogated the next day. Just…..”
“Just what?” Chu Emperor’s voice gradually weakened.
“The Zhennan Wang heir entering the palace to meet the emperor with a hidden dagger, how should this matter be handled?” Song Yan De was slightly hesitant.
In the imperial city, the rules were strict. Anyone who enters the palace to meet with the emperor must not carry any sharp weapons. When arriving in his Majesty’s palace, one is even required to take off one’s shoes and remove one’s cloak, so as to show that one is not hiding anything that can be used as a weapon. Lu Qi Yang not only hid a dagger in his sleeve, he even brought it upon the hall, beheading the sacred beast in front of his Majesty. In this way, it’s already considered violating the palace rules. To put it more strictly, it was possible to sentence him with the crime of ‘having the intention to assassinate the emperor’.
But, if not for Lu Qi Yang bringing a hidden dagger into the hall, perhaps the beautiful as a flower Shen second miss and the valiantly handsome second prince will both lose half their life.
Chu Emperor frowned, not saying a word.
When Lu Zi Xiang heard, he couldn’t help but feel slightly shocked inside———-Before this, Song Yan Li had told him several times that the Zhennan Wang heir’s skills were incredible, the chess pieces in his hand spread all over the place, able to gather information from all sides, absolutely can’t be underestimated. Lu Zi Xiang didn’t really believe Song Yan Li’s sayings, just treating it as Lu Qi Yang, this wastrel, boasting nonsense. But, now that something major really happened upon the banquet, Lu Zi Xiang finally realized that what Song Yan Li said wasn’t false.
No wonder Song Yan Li was always nagging nonstop, wanting him to treat this Zhennan Wang heir with more courtesy. There was indeed something to it! This Lu Qi Yang absolutely wasn’t like how he appears on the surface, just a wastrel.
Lu Zi Xiang casted a glance at Lu Zhao Ye. Seeing him completely unaware, not having the slightest intention of speaking for Lu Qi Yang, Lu Zi Xiang immediately made a decision inside————-Such talent, he certainly won’t give up and will definitely gather into his pocket, so how can he let him lose his life in vain because of this?
“Reporting to imperial father, the Zhennan Wang heir bringing a hidden dagger upon the hall, it was under this son’s directions. If imperial father wants to punish, then just punish this son.” Lu Zi Xiang immediately went forward and lifted the hem of his gown, kneeling upon the steps as he spoke in a resounding voice.
“Xiang’er, you……it was instructed by you?” Chu Emperor was slightly surprised, the hostility in his eyes immediately reducing by more than half as he asked, “Get up first and explain in detail, what exactly happened here?”
“Don’t know if imperial father remembers, prior to the banquet, this son once earnestly requested imperial father to allow Yan Li and them to carry swords upon the hall?” Lu Zi Xiang lifted his head as he asked, “The Zhennan Wang heir had learned that someone wishes to harm this son during the banquet, so specially told Zi Xiang. Therefore, Zi Xiang earnestly requested imperial father for the special favor, allowing Yan Li and them to wear their swords inside their clothes. Just, the heir was too worried, thus specially brought a dagger upon the hall, all in order to protect this son.”
Chu Emperor carefully thought for a moment. It sure enough was like this.
Prior to the banquet, his second son that he particularly loved earnestly requested him to grant a favor, allowing his study companion and them to carry their sword into the hall, so as to protect his safety. Chu Emperor felt that this was merely nonsense, but he has always doted on Lu Zi Xiang, thus agreed to this matter.
“Turns out it was like this.” Hearing Lu Zi Xiang’s explanation, Chu Emperor’s doubts cleared away. He massaged his brows, saying in exhaustion, “Since Xiang’er has spoken for the heir, then just let it be. Seeing that the heir saved Xiang’er, the mistake this time won’t be pursued for the time being. But, if you are to make the mistake again, then you will be severely punished.”
Pausing for a moment, the emperor recalled something again, saying, “The Shen family’s young lady seemingly also had a bit of contribution.” But, he was ultimately exhausted, no longer having the energy to think about the details, so perfunctorily said, “Reward another day.”
Lu Zi Xiang revealed a relieved look, saying, “If the heir were to be implicated because Zi Xiang, then Zi Xiang certainly will feel guilty.”
When Chu Emperor heard, he said with a sigh, “Xiang’er sure is one that values friendship and righteousness! Go back and nicely rest.”
Lu Qi Yang didn’t have a surprised look. He had the dagger put back into its sheath, saying, “Qi Yang thank your Majesty for the leniency.” After saying this, he swept a glance to the side and looked towards Shen Lan Chi.
Shen Lan Chi was surrounded by a few titled madams, a bunch of women currently holding her in tears.
Despite having just experienced something extremely frightening, she neither cried nor made a sound, just fixedly gazing towards Lu Qi Yang. Separated by an entire hall of clamor, the two of them just stared at one another like this, then as if nothing had happened, they respectively turned away.
“Lan Chi, what are you looking at?” A madam from the Ji family anxiously asked, “How come you’re not answering…..”
“Lan’er…….Lan’er……” Shen Lan Chi returned to her senses and said, “Just looking at whether or not the second prince is fine.”
After saying this, she couldn’t help but look at Lu Qi Yang again from her peripheral vision.
The heir, like as if detecting her gaze, calmly used his sleeve to wipe the bloodstains from his face. Once the blood was cleaned off, the handsome face of a refined young master was revealed again.
This look of his was rather easy-going, but, in the next moment, Zhennan Wang strode forward with a dark angry face and grabbed him from the back of his head, forcing him to kowtow onto the ground. Saying as they kowtowed, “Your Majesty! This matter is because of my negligence in discipling my son. It’s I that’s ashamed to face your Majesty! I will definitely have this little rascal beaten till his flesh blossoms, letting him be taught a lesson!”
Zhennan Wang was tall and built, his tiger eyes intimidating. Although having grown old, his entire body exuded the iron-blooded scent of having rolled through the dust of life and death. He has always been crude. Even if before the emperor, it was still impossible for him to pull out any scholarly phrases, crudely calling out ‘little rascal’ again and again, making the people in the surrounding all give side-glances.
Chu Emperor recalled when Lu Qi Yang was still young, he once secretly threw firecrackers in the imperial moat. At the time, when Zhennan Wang discovered this matter, he was also unable to restrain his anger, saying that he will thoroughly beat up this brat.
Thinking of the past, Chu Emperor felt a bit more relaxed inside.
“Why don’t you all scatter.” Chu Emperor waved his hand and said, “This emperor is tired…………..Properly treat Prince Ajindo’s injuries. This matter concerns Banjaro and Great Chu, absolutely must not treat carelessly.”
• • •
This chaotic incident finally closed its curtains.
The crescent moon was dim; the cool breeze filled the sleeves. Lu Zi Xiang led along his attendants as he slowly walked out of Ganfu Palace.
“Your Highness, please wait.”
Suddenly, Lu Zi Xiang heard a familiar voice come from behind him. He turned around for a look. Turns out, it was Lu Qi Yang.
The young heir still has yet to change his clothes, still in a sorry state covered in bloodstains, standing more than ten steps away. A set of white jade steps inlaid with pearls were before him. Standing in the light from the white gauze lantern hanging under the eaves, it paved a soft and continuous patch of red under his feet, like blood that has yet to dry.
Lu Zi Xiang composed himself and asked, “What advice does heir have?”
Lu Qi Yang slowly approached, lifting his eyes to look at him directly, saying, “I have saved your Highness’s life several times, while your Highness has also helped me out of a dilemma in front of his Majesty. Since you and I both owe each other a debt, Qi Yang would like to borrow this friendship to make a deal with your Highness, how about it?”
The night wind lightly brushed by. The young heir’s expression was like a sword weathered by the wind and sand.
“………A deal?” Lu Zi Xiang lightly chuckled, saying, “I’d thought that heir would certainly continue to hide your skills. Didn’t expect that in front of Zi Xiang, heir is willing to take off the mask, becoming an honest person.”
“Your Highness is unwilling?” Lu Qi Yang slightly hooked the corner of his lip, revealing a smile that didn’t have any warmth.
“…..” Lu Zi Xiang slightly blanked, warmly saying, “Heir misunderstood. Zi Xiang is willing to listen to heir’s proposal.”
“What my Zhennan Wang Manor has in hand, presumably your Highness is very clear. If on good terms with the Zhennan Wang Manor, then your Highness will only be a step away from the desired vision in your heart.” Lu Qi Yang said.
When he said these words, his voice was neither quick nor slow, not dyed with any emotions, as if a ripple-less old well.
Lu Zi Xiang’s gaze slightly flickered.
What does the Zhennan Wang Manor have in hand? Naturally, it was military power.
This Lu Qi Yang has hidden his skills and covered his sharp edge for twenty years, in exchange for the Zhennan Wang Manor to peaceful reside in a corner, while still holding onto heavily military power. If Lu Qi Yang didn’t know to restrain himself, afraid this Zhennan Wang would’ve long lost the tiger tally[1] in his hand and end up like those from the Song family————-transferred back to the capital, watching over the the one thousand troops in the imperial guards under imperial father’s eyelid, becoming a restricted minor general.
As his thoughts turned, Lu Zi Xiang made up his mind inside.
“What does heir want?” He asked.
“What I want, your Highness definitely will be able to give.” Lu Qi Yang directly looked at Lu Zi Xiang, saying, “I want your Highness to preserve the Shen family first branch.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Zi Xiang suddenly laughed in spite of himself.
“What does this count as?” He muttered, “I thought that you’d want a high post and generous salary, or ask for a fief. I didn’t expect that you would want to preserve that tall tower that’s about to collapse…………That Shen family second miss also can be considered to have saved my life. I originally just owe her a debt. Even if you didn’t say, for someone as astute and intelligent as her, she will certainly use this debt for a favor. So why go through the trouble yourself?”
Lu Qi Yang slightly lowered his eyes, saying, “Her coming to ask is one thing, but whether I help her or not, that’s a separate matter.” He paused for a moment, saying, “Your Highness can slowly think it over. There’s still a lot of time, no need to rush.”
After saying this, he prepared to leave.
Lu Zi Xiang stared at his back, raising his voice and asking, “Heir, you have feelings for the Shen family second miss?”
Lu Zi Xiang truly was unable to hold back this question.
If not for liking Shen Lan Chi, why else would he help?
Although he, Lu Zi Xiang, was determined to obtain Shen Lan Chi, but knowing that Lu Qi Yang also had thoughts towards that person, he ultimately felt a bit uncomfortable inside.
However, he only saw that heir slightly turn his head, saying something in a low voice. After carefully listening, turns out it was ‘guess~’.
Lu Zi Xiang was speechless. A while later, he sighed, muttering to himself, “Ultimately an unserious one.”
[1] This is an object used to show who is in command of the army. It represents military authority.
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this might be the wrong reaction to have, but I think the tiger tally is pretty cute! especially with the little stubby legs~ I do feel bad for LZX, confronting the man who he thinks is his love rival, but the love rival and the object of affection are heavy petting where people can’t see. this isn’t losing at the finish line, this is sleeping through the race, or worse yet missing the race by months. I don’t even think he can count as the affectionate second male lead at this rate.