Fat Mouse: Miscalculated.jpg
When Mo Li returned to the general’s mansion, the night watchman had just struck the second watch.
The encirclement of the imperial guards was not tight, merely stationed near the front and side gates without patrolling around the walls, which Mo Li found odd. Upon entering the house and before even setting down the medicine pouch, the sand mouse hurriedly scrambled out from Mo Li’s clothing and dashed towards the bedroom.
“……”
What’s the rush?
Mo Li curiously reached into his bosom, finding that Fat Mouse had even left behind the amber bracelet.
This string of amber had been intentionally polished into spherical beads, large and full, its color leaning towards bright yellow, thus becoming an item only the emperor and princes could use.
From afar, it resembled sugar-glazed chestnuts, and up close… it looked even more so.
Mo Li placed the amber on the table, hesitated but did not enter the bedroom, instead sitting on the low couch by the window to wait.
Shortly after, Meng Qi, fully dressed, emerged from the inner room with a graceful air. Without knowing the truth, one would never connect the round and plump sand mouse to the person before them.
“Liu Dan is in trouble.”
“Hmm?”
Mo Li was startled by Meng Qi’s words, not understanding where he was coming from.
“The surveillance outside the mansion is just for show, but near the Yiguang Gate, heavy troops have been deployed, with bows and crossbows at the ready. To say it’s for searching for rebels to protect this official residence is a stretch, but it wasn’t like this yesterday.”
“…It’s not to catch a thief?”
After all, many officials’ homes had lost official robes, and although the city was in chaos, it couldn’t be immediately reported for the Taijing Prefecture to catch the thief. However, from the official robes Meng Qi brought back, all were of high-ranking literati, including some of second rank. Now, with Wenyuan Pavilion controlling the palace and the military, despite the complex factions of the literati, such egregious theft would certainly enrage the court officials, demanding a thorough investigation.
Thinking deeper, why would someone steal court attire?
Not only did they steal official robes, but also grain. Could it be the work of rebels trying to disguise themselves as officials to slip out of the city?
“It’s not about catching a thief.” Meng Qi coughed lightly.
Mo Li looked over suspiciously, not that he didn’t believe him, but what could a sand mouse have seen while nestled in his bosom?
“Those people are hidden very well… not just in high places, but also in corners I fancy,” Meng Qi hinted subtly.
Although the doctor is skilled in light footwork and fast, he’s not familiar with the paths in Taijing, often pausing to recognize directions. Given the imperial guards all around, Mo Li didn’t notice where these people were stationed, but it looked different through the sand mouse’s eyes.
Meng Qi, when transformed into a sand mouse, liked to wander around, knowing exactly where to hide and where he could observe nearby roads and all movements in the residences.
More importantly, Meng Qi understood military strategies and had led troops in battle.
Some cities, even with breached gates, would still have remnants of soldiers resisting in the streets.
Sometimes, it was spies within their own city stirring rebellion, attempting to burn supplies or capture the city. During Li Yuanze’s campaigns, Meng Qi spent a long time defending the rear, familiar with such tactical deployment over terrain.
A glance was all he needed to spot the clues.
“When we went there, it wasn’t so tight. By the time we returned from the palace, several ambush spots had already been occupied by heavy troops, like a big net waiting for the fish to appear.”
Meng Qi moved closer to Mo Li unintentionally, then slightly lowered his head,
Watching his face draw nearer, Mo Li’s breathing faltered, then returned to normal.
For martial artists with profound internal skills, this was very unusual. Because the breath of an internal master is steady, circulating inner strength at all times, unaffected by eating or sleeping, breaking this breathing pattern is difficult.
Yet, Meng Qi seemed to notice nothing, picking up the amber bracelet, and continued discussing the imperial guards’ unusual actions in the neighborhood.
Mo Li steadied his mind, the fleeting thought too quick for him to grasp, but the pause in his internal breath was undeniable. He knew he couldn’t hide this from Meng Qi and felt somewhat embarrassed.
Embarrassment stemmed from his inability to explain the sudden lapse.
“Apologies, Doctor, I should say… waiting for the prey to appear.”
Fish was just a metaphor.
Meng Qi fiddled with the amber beads, thinking he shouldn’t make it too obvious.
If the doctor noticed, he wouldn’t turn against him, but he might brew some bitter medicine!
Meng Qi looked out the window as if nothing had happened, continuing, “Liu Dan only has a dozen personal guards. Even if they are skilled archers and horsemen, veterans from the harsh frontiers of the north, it would be hard to break through the encirclement. This is a force, compelling Liu Dan to leave the capital, making him feel the crisis looming, his official position and even his life in jeopardy. Once Liu Dan defies orders and attempts to flee the city, the charge of rebellion will be placed upon him. Even if he is shot on the spot, no one could say anything.”
Mo Li’s attention was captured by Meng Qi’s words, and he couldn’t help but frown, “Liu Dan’s troops are all in Pingzhou. Even if Lu Zhang’s health recovers and a military official is needed to stabilize the situation inside and outside Taijing, Liu Dan wouldn’t be the choice. What threat does he pose that warrants such deliberate actions from the court officials?”
Mo Li didn’t believe the concern was over Liu Dan’s ability to lead troops.
Liu Dan was just a fourth-rank miscellaneous general, his influence confined to around Pingzhou. The Qi dynasty favored civil over military, a trend Mo Li felt upon entering the capital.
Liu Dan being sidelined and further oppressed was common in the political arena. However, the deliberate deployment of the imperial guards to frame and directly target Liu Dan’s life was peculiar.
“Could it be aimed at the Sixth Prince? Did someone see the Sixth Prince enter the general’s mansion?” Mo Li felt a headache coming on. He had explicitly declined the Crown Prince’s request to look after his younger brother, yet the problem now involved Liu Dan.
Living in someone else’s house, one cannot just stand by idly.
Moreover, after several encounters, they weren’t exactly friends with Liu Dan, but they were acquaintances.
“Does Liu Dan know about this?”
“I’ll go tell him, and he will know.”
Meng Qi tucked the amber into a hidden sleeve pocket and left Mo Li to rest, heading to the front courtyard himself.
Indeed, Liu Dan was not asleep but was pondering over the geography around Taijing with his personal guards, clearly planning an escape.
Only two candles remained lit, and a group huddled around a table, occasionally whispering in debate.
Liu Dan sat in his chair, furrowing his brows in worry, when suddenly a voice sounded beside him:
“When are you planning to leave?”
“……”
The group was startled, jumping up and nearly overturning the table.
Liu Dan stared at Meng Qi, bewildered by how he had entered the drawing room silently with the doors and windows shut.
The noise inside alerted the guards outside, who quickly entered to check, discovering a person who shouldn’t be there, exchanging puzzled looks.
—Did they doze off while on guard duty? It didn’t seem so!
“General, forgive us.”
The door guards bowed their heads in resignation, failing in their duty regardless.
Liu Dan waved his hand, not pressing further.
He knew it was futile to ask; from the guards’ expressions, they were as clueless as he was.
Liu Dan instinctively looked towards the table, relieved to see his guards had swiftly hidden the crudely drawn maps, then he patted his waist.
No money pouch.
Looking up, he saw Meng Qi’s amused gaze, sending a shiver through him, and he quickly said, “Is there any way I’ve failed to host the Imperial Teacher at this late hour?”
Sweat began to form on Liu Dan’s back, as from the surface, it looked like he had relegated the guest to the farthest backyard, plotting an escape plan overnight as if eager to rid himself of the troublesome Imperial Teacher.
There was nothing else to do but explain!
“To speak frankly, His Majesty is currently unable to manage affairs, and staying in Taijing carries many uncertainties. Therefore, I’m considering leaving first.”
Liu Dan had no intention of taking the Second or Sixth Princes with him. He could barely ensure his own safety, let alone aspire to be an emperor. Why bother with such troubles, especially when they sought him out on their own?
Meng Qi nodded, not surprised by Liu Dan’s decision.
He casually found a chair at the table and said leisurely, “Actually, if you all leave, leaving such a large mansion for the doctor and me to live in, that would be great!”
Liu Dan sensed something amiss in Meng Qi’s tone.
“There seems to be more to your words, Imperial Teacher, if I may ask—”
“But there’s a big difference between a house with its master alive and one with its master dead.”
Everyone was shocked by these words, and without waiting for Liu Dan to inquire further, Meng Qi shared everything he had observed earlier.
The truth was, Meng Qi, having nothing better to do, had wandered around the mansion and accidentally discovered those lying in ambush.
Liu Dan’s face turned alternately pale and flushed, and his personal guards showed signs of indignation.
To murder without a second thought—what was the reason behind such a conspiracy?
“Do you have enemies in the court?” Meng Qi asked directly.
Such an elaborate trap, leaving no survivors, indicated deep enmity.
Liu Dan slammed the table in anger, exclaiming, “What grudge could I possibly have with them? It’s all about the military provisions! Those in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War have repeatedly made deductions, providing for only two thousand soldiers instead of the allocated three thousand, claiming it’s to curb false muster rolls. But why would we inflate the number of soldiers if not for their deductions? I need to feed my men. What else could I do? Which emperor, except for the inept ones, doesn’t know about this? They keep harping on this matter as if all military officials are parasites to the state, while they posture as paragons of virtue!”
Meng Qi listened calmly, not interjecting.
As Liu Dan said, the issue of false muster rolls was a persistent problem throughout the dynasties, creating a vicious cycle.
The court officials suspect the reported numbers are inflated, so they only allocate a portion of the supplies. The more severe the cuts from above, the more rampant the false reporting becomes. Over time, a border force claimed to be two hundred thousand strong would do well to have one hundred and fifty thousand men.
This was under the assumption that the civil officials were diligent and the military commanders were loyal, without excessive corruption.
If there were greedy officials involved, the situation would be even more appalling.
“If it was just a matter of false muster rolls, they could imprison you with that charge alone without going through such trouble,” Meng Qi felt there was more to it.
Liu Dan, with a grim face, whispered, “Because now, a portion of the false muster rolls needs to be shared with the officials at the Ministry of War! That provision never leaves the capital; it’s split among those scoundrels, and we have no idea how it’s divided or where it ends up. Their greed has attracted the Emperor’s attention, and the Imperial Guard has been investigating.”
“Do you have evidence?” Meng Qi asked directly.
Liu Dan hesitated before nodding.
“What kind of evidence? Ledgers or letters?”
“A letter. Although it lacks a header and signature, its contents prove that someone in the court colluded with local military officials to embezzle provisions. It’s evidence I painstakingly found, and the Imperial Guard likely doesn’t know yet.”
However, if the letter was lost, either the sender or the receiver would notice, though it’s unclear who might have it now.
“Who knows you have this letter?”
“…Only a few of my trusted subordinates are aware.”
Liu Dan suppressed his inner turmoil, resting his fists on the table. He didn’t want to doubt his men, but given the circumstances, he couldn’t help it.
Meng Qi stated calmly, “A single letter wouldn’t cause such a reaction. The Third Prince isn’t Lu Zhang; now is the time he relies on court officials. Even if you have evidence, it wouldn’t severely impact them. There must be another reason. In any case, General Liu, it’s best to delay your departure from the city.”
Liu Dan heavily sat back down.
Having been an official for years, he was privy to many secrets, but they were all unsubstantiated rumors known to many, hardly cause for his current predicament.
“If not for embezzling military provisions… what else could it be…”
Liu Dan muttered to himself. After a long silence with no one responding, he looked up only to find that only his personal guards remained in the room.
“Where’s the Imperial Teacher?”
“He left,” the guard said helplessly.
And he exited through the window, moving like a ghost, making no sound from opening to closing it.
The guards were stunned, not expecting an assassin, but thinking if there were such people in the military, how easy it would be to steal intelligence from the enemy. They then lamented in their hearts, no wonder the Chu Emperor was able to conquer the land.
—Unaware that even the Chu Emperor hadn’t had such an advantage.
This misunderstanding wasn’t unique to Liu Dan and his guards.
Many people assumed that individuals were always as capable as they seem now, never harmed by anything.
The Sixth Prince, hiding behind the flower garden, watched the movements in the hall, scheming. Suddenly, he heard a very light step.
The Sixth Prince immediately stepped back.
Seeing the Second Prince nearby, the Sixth Prince smirked disdainfully. With such skills, he still tries to sneak up and eavesdrop?
The Sixth Prince always looked down on his second brother, thinking him reckless and thoughtless, incapable of achieving anything.
“What are you doing? Catching me in the act?” the Sixth Prince mocked.
“That’s what I want to ask you,” Lu Min looked towards the hall and coldly said, “Does the sixth brother still think he’s in high demand, that General Liu will definitely help? You can’t enter the palace, meet our eldest brother, nor leave the capital. How is your situation any better than mine?”
The Sixth Prince’s expression changed, then he huffed, “At least I don’t have the crime of plotting a rebellion over my head.”
Lu Min looked like he wanted to laugh but held it back.
The Sixth Prince, agitated, demanded, “What are you laughing at?”
Lu Min slowly said, “Sixth brother, you’ve been bright since childhood, how can you not see clearly now? You escape secretly, and before the news spreads, they can say the Sixth Prince was returning from worshiping at the imperial tombs, became exhausted and fell ill… After being sick for a year or two, and then a reported death, it’s not difficult! By then, at most, I’ll be a rebel, but you’ll be dead.”
“You!”
The Sixth Prince was almost fuming with anger, speechless.
Lu Min felt triumphantly satisfied.
Since the Sixth Prince started his studies, the literati praised his quick wit and memorization of the Four Books and Five Classics, and even the martial arts instructors praised his natural physique and eagerness to learn, overshadowing the second and third princes as brutes and fools.
But what’s the use of being learned when those literati would rather support the Third Prince ascending the throne?
Just as the Sixth Prince despised him, Lu Min found the Sixth Prince unbearable, full of complaints.
Lu Min’s moment of satisfaction was short-lived as the Sixth Prince saw through his mere verbal victory, finding it pointless and turned back to observe the hall.
The Second Prince approached, mocking, “What’s the use of squatting here, can you see a way to kill our father and save our eldest brother?”
“Hmph, the pot calling the kettle black, what good plan do you have?” the Sixth Prince eyed Lu Min, sneering, “Failing to persuade the Imperial Teacher, unwilling to admit your incompetence, so you come to me for balance?”
Lu Min was furious.
Thus, the two princes fought again.
When Liu Dan’s household staff and personal guards arrived, seeing the two princes tangled in the flowers, they were torn between laughter and tears.
Originally, the Second Prince, being older, should have had the advantage, but unfortunately, the Sixth Prince knew martial arts.
Ideally, the Sixth Prince could have subdued Lu Min, who knew only basic fighting, in a few moves. However, the Second Prince fought wildly, not caring for techniques, just striking.
Liu Dan, headache mounting, ordered his guards to separate the princes, then sighed deeply.
“General?” a concerned guard called out.
Their general, decisive in battle, now seemed lost in thought.
Liu Dan pondered where he had gone wrong. Outside, people wanted his life; inside, two troublesome princes, and an Imperial Teacher who might take his life on a whim.
A headache indeed!
“General, what should we do now?”
“… Go back to sleep!”
Liu Dan, flinging his robe, had had enough!
***
Mo Li, having removed his outer garment, was sitting cross-legged on the bed, regulating his breathing.
Suddenly, a shadow silently entered through the window. Without even needing to open his eyes, Mo Li could tell it was Meng Qi returning, just from the familiar presence.
Meng Qi paced around the outer room for a bit, seemingly placing something down, before heading towards the bedroom.
The room had only one bed, with the mansion’s staff explaining it was due to a shortage of bedding and pillows.
In reality, the space could accommodate two people comfortably, with a couch in the outer room and a bed in the inner, negating any need to share sleeping quarters.
Mo Li assumed Meng Qi had something to say and was about to halt his inner energy cultivation when he felt a tickle on his face, as if something lightly brushed against his cheek.
Though it’s generally advised not to be disturbed during internal energy practice, given their martial arts realm, slipping into derangement was highly unlikely. Their internal energy circulated as a habit, even during regular breathing, and wouldn’t be affected unless there was a significant emotional upheaval.
Mo Li suddenly opened his eyes to find Meng Qi sitting beside him.
–his hand still extended.
So, his face had been touched?
Mo Li was confused, not understanding Meng Qi’s actions.
“Do you want to look at a storybook? The one from Fengxing Pavilion, we’ve only looked at the illustrations, but haven’t read the text yet.”
“……”
Reading a storybook with explicit illustrations in the middle of the night?
Something felt off to Mo Li, yet he couldn’t find a reason to object. He and Meng Qi shared a close relationship and both appreciated Master Jinshui’s art. With nothing else to do, browsing the storybook seemed reasonable.
“What were you doing just now? You could have just called out, why touch me?”
“I didn’t want to startle the doctor.”
Faced with that smiling visage, Mo Li felt an itch in his hand, the kind that made him want to mess up Fat Mouse into a tangle of fur.
“We’ll see a change in the capital by the day after tomorrow at the latest. It depends on how capable the Crown Prince of the Qi dynasty is,” Meng Qi casually removed his outer garment.
The spring was still chilly, and they wore lined robes, with another garment underneath the outer robe.
Mo Li watched as Meng Qi not only took off his outer robe but seemed intent on continuing, which puzzled him.
“Hmm?” Meng Qi suddenly looked down at his undergarment, picking at some loose threads, “This fabric’s quality is so poor, it tore before even being washed.”
Mo Li instinctively touched the fabric, discovering a tear, and accidentally pulled out a few threads himself.
“……”
Had Mo Li been born in a place of wealth and luxury, he might have been fooled by Meng Qi’s act.
But having seen too many worn and torn clothes, Mo Li knew better.
The tear was clearly made by pulling, and touching the spot where the sand mouse had been, what else was there to misunderstand?
Seeing someone about to brazenly bluff his way through, Mo Li gathered up the garment and directly asked, “Does Brother Meng need a nail file?”
A nail file is used for manicuring.
Meng Qi’s expression froze. He wasn’t used to this side of the doctor. The doctor he knew adhered to the way of the gentleman, who would never speak so bluntly about such embarrassing matters, preferring to tactfully change the subject.
What happened to the notion that a gentleman could be easily deceived?
Mo Li took the storybook from Meng Qi’s side, stating seriously, “Long nails not only tear clothes but can also damage paper. Though we have enough money to buy new clothes, it would be a pity if the art was ruined. Let’s not read it today.”
Meng Qi: “……”
Fat Mouse: Miscalculated.jpg
When Mo Li returned to the general’s mansion, the night watchman had just struck the second watch.
The encirclement of the imperial guards was not tight, merely stationed near the front and side gates without patrolling around the walls, which Mo Li found odd. Upon entering the house and before even setting down the medicine pouch, the sand mouse hurriedly scrambled out from Mo Li’s clothing and dashed towards the bedroom.
“……”
What’s the rush?
Mo Li curiously reached into his bosom, finding that Fat Mouse had even left behind the amber bracelet.
This string of amber had been intentionally polished into spherical beads, large and full, its color leaning towards bright yellow, thus becoming an item only the emperor and princes could use.
From afar, it resembled sugar-glazed chestnuts, and up close… it looked even more so.
Mo Li placed the amber on the table, hesitated but did not enter the bedroom, instead sitting on the low couch by the window to wait.
Shortly after, Meng Qi, fully dressed, emerged from the inner room with a graceful air. Without knowing the truth, one would never connect the round and plump sand mouse to the person before them.
“Liu Dan is in trouble.”
“Hmm?”
Mo Li was startled by Meng Qi’s words, not understanding where he was coming from.
“The surveillance outside the mansion is just for show, but near the Yiguang Gate, heavy troops have been deployed, with bows and crossbows at the ready. To say it’s for searching for rebels to protect this official residence is a stretch, but it wasn’t like this yesterday.”
“…It’s not to catch a thief?”
After all, many officials’ homes had lost official robes, and although the city was in chaos, it couldn’t be immediately reported for the Taijing Prefecture to catch the thief. However, from the official robes Meng Qi brought back, all were of high-ranking literati, including some of second rank. Now, with Wenyuan Pavilion controlling the palace and the military, despite the complex factions of the literati, such egregious theft would certainly enrage the court officials, demanding a thorough investigation.
Thinking deeper, why would someone steal court attire?
Not only did they steal official robes, but also grain. Could it be the work of rebels trying to disguise themselves as officials to slip out of the city?
“It’s not about catching a thief.” Meng Qi coughed lightly.
Mo Li looked over suspiciously, not that he didn’t believe him, but what could a sand mouse have seen while nestled in his bosom?
“Those people are hidden very well… not just in high places, but also in corners I fancy,” Meng Qi hinted subtly.
Although the doctor is skilled in light footwork and fast, he’s not familiar with the paths in Taijing, often pausing to recognize directions. Given the imperial guards all around, Mo Li didn’t notice where these people were stationed, but it looked different through the sand mouse’s eyes.
Meng Qi, when transformed into a sand mouse, liked to wander around, knowing exactly where to hide and where he could observe nearby roads and all movements in the residences.
More importantly, Meng Qi understood military strategies and had led troops in battle.
Some cities, even with breached gates, would still have remnants of soldiers resisting in the streets.
Sometimes, it was spies within their own city stirring rebellion, attempting to burn supplies or capture the city. During Li Yuanze’s campaigns, Meng Qi spent a long time defending the rear, familiar with such tactical deployment over terrain.
A glance was all he needed to spot the clues.
“When we went there, it wasn’t so tight. By the time we returned from the palace, several ambush spots had already been occupied by heavy troops, like a big net waiting for the fish to appear.”
Meng Qi moved closer to Mo Li unintentionally, then slightly lowered his head,
Watching his face draw nearer, Mo Li’s breathing faltered, then returned to normal.
For martial artists with profound internal skills, this was very unusual. Because the breath of an internal master is steady, circulating inner strength at all times, unaffected by eating or sleeping, breaking this breathing pattern is difficult.
Yet, Meng Qi seemed to notice nothing, picking up the amber bracelet, and continued discussing the imperial guards’ unusual actions in the neighborhood.
Mo Li steadied his mind, the fleeting thought too quick for him to grasp, but the pause in his internal breath was undeniable. He knew he couldn’t hide this from Meng Qi and felt somewhat embarrassed.
Embarrassment stemmed from his inability to explain the sudden lapse.
“Apologies, Doctor, I should say… waiting for the prey to appear.”
Fish was just a metaphor.
Meng Qi fiddled with the amber beads, thinking he shouldn’t make it too obvious.
If the doctor noticed, he wouldn’t turn against him, but he might brew some bitter medicine!
Meng Qi looked out the window as if nothing had happened, continuing, “Liu Dan only has a dozen personal guards. Even if they are skilled archers and horsemen, veterans from the harsh frontiers of the north, it would be hard to break through the encirclement. This is a force, compelling Liu Dan to leave the capital, making him feel the crisis looming, his official position and even his life in jeopardy. Once Liu Dan defies orders and attempts to flee the city, the charge of rebellion will be placed upon him. Even if he is shot on the spot, no one could say anything.”
Mo Li’s attention was captured by Meng Qi’s words, and he couldn’t help but frown, “Liu Dan’s troops are all in Pingzhou. Even if Lu Zhang’s health recovers and a military official is needed to stabilize the situation inside and outside Taijing, Liu Dan wouldn’t be the choice. What threat does he pose that warrants such deliberate actions from the court officials?”
Mo Li didn’t believe the concern was over Liu Dan’s ability to lead troops.
Liu Dan was just a fourth-rank miscellaneous general, his influence confined to around Pingzhou. The Qi dynasty favored civil over military, a trend Mo Li felt upon entering the capital.
Liu Dan being sidelined and further oppressed was common in the political arena. However, the deliberate deployment of the imperial guards to frame and directly target Liu Dan’s life was peculiar.
“Could it be aimed at the Sixth Prince? Did someone see the Sixth Prince enter the general’s mansion?” Mo Li felt a headache coming on. He had explicitly declined the Crown Prince’s request to look after his younger brother, yet the problem now involved Liu Dan.
Living in someone else’s house, one cannot just stand by idly.
Moreover, after several encounters, they weren’t exactly friends with Liu Dan, but they were acquaintances.
“Does Liu Dan know about this?”
“I’ll go tell him, and he will know.”
Meng Qi tucked the amber into a hidden sleeve pocket and left Mo Li to rest, heading to the front courtyard himself.
Indeed, Liu Dan was not asleep but was pondering over the geography around Taijing with his personal guards, clearly planning an escape.
Only two candles remained lit, and a group huddled around a table, occasionally whispering in debate.
Liu Dan sat in his chair, furrowing his brows in worry, when suddenly a voice sounded beside him:
“When are you planning to leave?”
“……”
The group was startled, jumping up and nearly overturning the table.
Liu Dan stared at Meng Qi, bewildered by how he had entered the drawing room silently with the doors and windows shut.
The noise inside alerted the guards outside, who quickly entered to check, discovering a person who shouldn’t be there, exchanging puzzled looks.
—Did they doze off while on guard duty? It didn’t seem so!
“General, forgive us.”
The door guards bowed their heads in resignation, failing in their duty regardless.
Liu Dan waved his hand, not pressing further.
He knew it was futile to ask; from the guards’ expressions, they were as clueless as he was.
Liu Dan instinctively looked towards the table, relieved to see his guards had swiftly hidden the crudely drawn maps, then he patted his waist.
No money pouch.
Looking up, he saw Meng Qi’s amused gaze, sending a shiver through him, and he quickly said, “Is there any way I’ve failed to host the Imperial Teacher at this late hour?”
Sweat began to form on Liu Dan’s back, as from the surface, it looked like he had relegated the guest to the farthest backyard, plotting an escape plan overnight as if eager to rid himself of the troublesome Imperial Teacher.
There was nothing else to do but explain!
“To speak frankly, His Majesty is currently unable to manage affairs, and staying in Taijing carries many uncertainties. Therefore, I’m considering leaving first.”
Liu Dan had no intention of taking the Second or Sixth Princes with him. He could barely ensure his own safety, let alone aspire to be an emperor. Why bother with such troubles, especially when they sought him out on their own?
Meng Qi nodded, not surprised by Liu Dan’s decision.
He casually found a chair at the table and said leisurely, “Actually, if you all leave, leaving such a large mansion for the doctor and me to live in, that would be great!”
Liu Dan sensed something amiss in Meng Qi’s tone.
“There seems to be more to your words, Imperial Teacher, if I may ask—”
“But there’s a big difference between a house with its master alive and one with its master dead.”
Everyone was shocked by these words, and without waiting for Liu Dan to inquire further, Meng Qi shared everything he had observed earlier.
The truth was, Meng Qi, having nothing better to do, had wandered around the mansion and accidentally discovered those lying in ambush.
Liu Dan’s face turned alternately pale and flushed, and his personal guards showed signs of indignation.
To murder without a second thought—what was the reason behind such a conspiracy?
“Do you have enemies in the court?” Meng Qi asked directly.
Such an elaborate trap, leaving no survivors, indicated deep enmity.
Liu Dan slammed the table in anger, exclaiming, “What grudge could I possibly have with them? It’s all about the military provisions! Those in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War have repeatedly made deductions, providing for only two thousand soldiers instead of the allocated three thousand, claiming it’s to curb false muster rolls. But why would we inflate the number of soldiers if not for their deductions? I need to feed my men. What else could I do? Which emperor, except for the inept ones, doesn’t know about this? They keep harping on this matter as if all military officials are parasites to the state, while they posture as paragons of virtue!”
Meng Qi listened calmly, not interjecting.
As Liu Dan said, the issue of false muster rolls was a persistent problem throughout the dynasties, creating a vicious cycle.
The court officials suspect the reported numbers are inflated, so they only allocate a portion of the supplies. The more severe the cuts from above, the more rampant the false reporting becomes. Over time, a border force claimed to be two hundred thousand strong would do well to have one hundred and fifty thousand men.
This was under the assumption that the civil officials were diligent and the military commanders were loyal, without excessive corruption.
If there were greedy officials involved, the situation would be even more appalling.
“If it was just a matter of false muster rolls, they could imprison you with that charge alone without going through such trouble,” Meng Qi felt there was more to it.
Liu Dan, with a grim face, whispered, “Because now, a portion of the false muster rolls needs to be shared with the officials at the Ministry of War! That provision never leaves the capital; it’s split among those scoundrels, and we have no idea how it’s divided or where it ends up. Their greed has attracted the Emperor’s attention, and the Imperial Guard has been investigating.”
“Do you have evidence?” Meng Qi asked directly.
Liu Dan hesitated before nodding.
“What kind of evidence? Ledgers or letters?”
“A letter. Although it lacks a header and signature, its contents prove that someone in the court colluded with local military officials to embezzle provisions. It’s evidence I painstakingly found, and the Imperial Guard likely doesn’t know yet.”
However, if the letter was lost, either the sender or the receiver would notice, though it’s unclear who might have it now.
“Who knows you have this letter?”
“…Only a few of my trusted subordinates are aware.”
Liu Dan suppressed his inner turmoil, resting his fists on the table. He didn’t want to doubt his men, but given the circumstances, he couldn’t help it.
Meng Qi stated calmly, “A single letter wouldn’t cause such a reaction. The Third Prince isn’t Lu Zhang; now is the time he relies on court officials. Even if you have evidence, it wouldn’t severely impact them. There must be another reason. In any case, General Liu, it’s best to delay your departure from the city.”
Liu Dan heavily sat back down.
Having been an official for years, he was privy to many secrets, but they were all unsubstantiated rumors known to many, hardly cause for his current predicament.
“If not for embezzling military provisions… what else could it be…”
Liu Dan muttered to himself. After a long silence with no one responding, he looked up only to find that only his personal guards remained in the room.
“Where’s the Imperial Teacher?”
“He left,” the guard said helplessly.
And he exited through the window, moving like a ghost, making no sound from opening to closing it.
The guards were stunned, not expecting an assassin, but thinking if there were such people in the military, how easy it would be to steal intelligence from the enemy. They then lamented in their hearts, no wonder the Chu Emperor was able to conquer the land.
—Unaware that even the Chu Emperor hadn’t had such an advantage.
This misunderstanding wasn’t unique to Liu Dan and his guards.
Many people assumed that individuals were always as capable as they seem now, never harmed by anything.
The Sixth Prince, hiding behind the flower garden, watched the movements in the hall, scheming. Suddenly, he heard a very light step.
The Sixth Prince immediately stepped back.
Seeing the Second Prince nearby, the Sixth Prince smirked disdainfully. With such skills, he still tries to sneak up and eavesdrop?
The Sixth Prince always looked down on his second brother, thinking him reckless and thoughtless, incapable of achieving anything.
“What are you doing? Catching me in the act?” the Sixth Prince mocked.
“That’s what I want to ask you,” Lu Min looked towards the hall and coldly said, “Does the sixth brother still think he’s in high demand, that General Liu will definitely help? You can’t enter the palace, meet our eldest brother, nor leave the capital. How is your situation any better than mine?”
The Sixth Prince’s expression changed, then he huffed, “At least I don’t have the crime of plotting a rebellion over my head.”
Lu Min looked like he wanted to laugh but held it back.
The Sixth Prince, agitated, demanded, “What are you laughing at?”
Lu Min slowly said, “Sixth brother, you’ve been bright since childhood, how can you not see clearly now? You escape secretly, and before the news spreads, they can say the Sixth Prince was returning from worshiping at the imperial tombs, became exhausted and fell ill… After being sick for a year or two, and then a reported death, it’s not difficult! By then, at most, I’ll be a rebel, but you’ll be dead.”
“You!”
The Sixth Prince was almost fuming with anger, speechless.
Lu Min felt triumphantly satisfied.
Since the Sixth Prince started his studies, the literati praised his quick wit and memorization of the Four Books and Five Classics, and even the martial arts instructors praised his natural physique and eagerness to learn, overshadowing the second and third princes as brutes and fools.
But what’s the use of being learned when those literati would rather support the Third Prince ascending the throne?
Just as the Sixth Prince despised him, Lu Min found the Sixth Prince unbearable, full of complaints.
Lu Min’s moment of satisfaction was short-lived as the Sixth Prince saw through his mere verbal victory, finding it pointless and turned back to observe the hall.
The Second Prince approached, mocking, “What’s the use of squatting here, can you see a way to kill our father and save our eldest brother?”
“Hmph, the pot calling the kettle black, what good plan do you have?” the Sixth Prince eyed Lu Min, sneering, “Failing to persuade the Imperial Teacher, unwilling to admit your incompetence, so you come to me for balance?”
Lu Min was furious.
Thus, the two princes fought again.
When Liu Dan’s household staff and personal guards arrived, seeing the two princes tangled in the flowers, they were torn between laughter and tears.
Originally, the Second Prince, being older, should have had the advantage, but unfortunately, the Sixth Prince knew martial arts.
Ideally, the Sixth Prince could have subdued Lu Min, who knew only basic fighting, in a few moves. However, the Second Prince fought wildly, not caring for techniques, just striking.
Liu Dan, headache mounting, ordered his guards to separate the princes, then sighed deeply.
“General?” a concerned guard called out.
Their general, decisive in battle, now seemed lost in thought.
Liu Dan pondered where he had gone wrong. Outside, people wanted his life; inside, two troublesome princes, and an Imperial Teacher who might take his life on a whim.
A headache indeed!
“General, what should we do now?”
“… Go back to sleep!”
Liu Dan, flinging his robe, had had enough!
***
Mo Li, having removed his outer garment, was sitting cross-legged on the bed, regulating his breathing.
Suddenly, a shadow silently entered through the window. Without even needing to open his eyes, Mo Li could tell it was Meng Qi returning, just from the familiar presence.
Meng Qi paced around the outer room for a bit, seemingly placing something down, before heading towards the bedroom.
The room had only one bed, with the mansion’s staff explaining it was due to a shortage of bedding and pillows.
In reality, the space could accommodate two people comfortably, with a couch in the outer room and a bed in the inner, negating any need to share sleeping quarters.
Mo Li assumed Meng Qi had something to say and was about to halt his inner energy cultivation when he felt a tickle on his face, as if something lightly brushed against his cheek.
Though it’s generally advised not to be disturbed during internal energy practice, given their martial arts realm, slipping into derangement was highly unlikely. Their internal energy circulated as a habit, even during regular breathing, and wouldn’t be affected unless there was a significant emotional upheaval.
Mo Li suddenly opened his eyes to find Meng Qi sitting beside him.
–his hand still extended.
So, his face had been touched?
Mo Li was confused, not understanding Meng Qi’s actions.
“Do you want to look at a storybook? The one from Fengxing Pavilion, we’ve only looked at the illustrations, but haven’t read the text yet.”
“……”
Reading a storybook with explicit illustrations in the middle of the night?
Something felt off to Mo Li, yet he couldn’t find a reason to object. He and Meng Qi shared a close relationship and both appreciated Master Jinshui’s art. With nothing else to do, browsing the storybook seemed reasonable.
“What were you doing just now? You could have just called out, why touch me?”
“I didn’t want to startle the doctor.”
Faced with that smiling visage, Mo Li felt an itch in his hand, the kind that made him want to mess up Fat Mouse into a tangle of fur.
“We’ll see a change in the capital by the day after tomorrow at the latest. It depends on how capable the Crown Prince of the Qi dynasty is,” Meng Qi casually removed his outer garment.
The spring was still chilly, and they wore lined robes, with another garment underneath the outer robe.
Mo Li watched as Meng Qi not only took off his outer robe but seemed intent on continuing, which puzzled him.
“Hmm?” Meng Qi suddenly looked down at his undergarment, picking at some loose threads, “This fabric’s quality is so poor, it tore before even being washed.”
Mo Li instinctively touched the fabric, discovering a tear, and accidentally pulled out a few threads himself.
“……”
Had Mo Li been born in a place of wealth and luxury, he might have been fooled by Meng Qi’s act.
But having seen too many worn and torn clothes, Mo Li knew better.
The tear was clearly made by pulling, and touching the spot where the sand mouse had been, what else was there to misunderstand?
Seeing someone about to brazenly bluff his way through, Mo Li gathered up the garment and directly asked, “Does Brother Meng need a nail file?”
A nail file is used for manicuring.
Meng Qi’s expression froze. He wasn’t used to this side of the doctor. The doctor he knew adhered to the way of the gentleman, who would never speak so bluntly about such embarrassing matters, preferring to tactfully change the subject.
What happened to the notion that a gentleman could be easily deceived?
Mo Li took the storybook from Meng Qi’s side, stating seriously, “Long nails not only tear clothes but can also damage paper. Though we have enough money to buy new clothes, it would be a pity if the art was ruined. Let’s not read it today.”
Meng Qi: “……”
