Chapter 124
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Concubine Mei immediately ordered the arrest of the palace maid who had deceived her into going to the Shiye Hall and began rigorous interrogation. The maid’s reaction upon being apprehended had already revealed everything, leaving Concubine Meigreatly shocked. She had not expected that, despite her caution, spies had managed to infiltrate her surroundings. If it weren’t for Chu Lishu’s warning, she might not have known the extent of the trouble she was in.
“I thank you,” Concubine Mei sincerely said, “You’ve helped the Fourth Prince and me. Both Prime Minister Li and I will remember this. The previous proposal remains unchanged. As long as you are willing, the Fourth Prince’s faction will consider you honored guests.”
As he received the grateful gaze from Concubine Mei, Lin Qingyang’s emotions were complex. The planning was not solely for the benefit of the Fourth Prince. Chu Lishu’s intention was to make the Fourth Prince stand out, engage in hostility with others, and force the Fourth Prince’s faction to expedite their actions. This would accelerate their integration, leaving little time for detailed investigations and contemplation of authenticity. Chu Lishu had no extra time; he only wanted to expedite the entire process.
Concubine Mei’s trust had reached its peak, but even so, Chu Lishu remained hesitant and indecisive. He knew that Concubine Mei was not the ultimate decision-maker in all of this.
To deceive Prime Minister Li, one more step was needed.
Chu Lishu had laid the groundwork for this step. Previously, he had mentioned how they were mistreated at the Wenbo Pavillion, lowering their social status as if they were less privileged than children from the major families. This approach aimed to evoke empathy from Prime Minister Li, as they were not part of the four major families and often faced injustices in certain aspects.
If at that time Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang had engaged in actions necessitated by the need to confront others’ oppression, and if they had suffered greatly due to the lack of support, then accepting the olive branch thrown by Prime Minister Li would have made their alliance incredibly strong.
Seeing Chu Lishu’s reluctance and recognizing that Lin Qingyang unquestionably followed Chu Lishu’s lead, Concubine Mei did not rush this time. She knew that the harder something was to obtain, the more precious it became. She expressed sincerity and patience, willing to wait even if it required multiple attempts.
During this moment, Concubine Mei was willing to engage in casual conversation with them.
“By the way, who came up with the plan in this painting? The Emperor seems to think highly of it. Are both of you skilled in such matters?”
Chu Lishu was about to speak when suddenly his hand under the table was grabbed. Chu Lishu paused, then heard Lin Qingyang rushing to speak, “It was a sudden inspiration from me. I happen to know a bit about water wheels, so I casually taught it to the Fourth Prince. I didn’t expect him to learn so quickly.”
Lin Qingyang seemed a bit nervous after speaking, afraid that Chu Lishu might think he was taking credit. However, the hand under the table did not move away; instead, it allowed him to hold it. The grip tightened, and Chu Lishu’s index finger lightly tapped the back of Lin Qingyang’s hand, as if soothing the tense veins caused by nervousness.
As Concubine Mei continued with her questions, Chu Lishu naturally responded, and the tension from the previous question seemed to have passed.
Before long, the two returned to the Wenbo Pavillion with a heap of rewards.
While sorting through the rewards, Lin Qingyang finally spoke, “I… I just didn’t want to appear too useless, so I took a bit of credit. Consider this water wheel as my performance in front of the Fourth Prince’s faction. Is that alright?”
Chu Lishu was somewhat surprised, but he didn’t mind. He smiled and said, “You should have told me earlier. We can modify the previous statements, presenting you in a more legitimate way to gain the appreciation of Concubine Mei and Prime Minister Li. Besides, you did contribute significantly to the water wheel; it’s even better than the draft I originally presented.”
Lin Qingyang chuckled, “Deceiving others is one thing, but if you praise me too much, I’ll start feeling guilty.” He had simply optimized the overall design using some leverage principles from the modern era; it wasn’t anything remarkable. The truly impressive one was Chu Lishu, or more precisely, Yuan Ran.
In the original story, it was mentioned that the improvement of this water wheel design happened when Yuan Ran, leading troops on a campaign, encountered a young man struggling to repair a water wheel during a rest stop. Intrigued by the young man’s unique ideas, Yuan Ran engaged in a discussion, and sparks flew between them. With their thoughts flowing rapidly, they managed to create an initial sketch of an improved water wheel in just one night.
However, at that time, Yuan Ran had to go off to war, and the young man was still troubled by his basic needs. Seeing the young man’s situation, Yuan Ran didn’t want to take him on a risky adventure and left some money and a letter of introduction instead, encouraging him to showcase his talents at the Ministry of Works. However, several years had passed, and the water wheel remained unchanged. Yuan Ran was no longer around, and the young man had yet to appear.
Until now, after several rounds of improvements, this sketch reemerged and became part of Chu Lishu’s calculated strategy. It would indeed propel the irrigation system of the future Great Zhou Dynasty to new heights, bringing benefits to countless people.
As for the young man, the other creator, he would eventually be rediscovered by the male lead. He would become a great artisan, and his genius in improving tools and modifying weapons would be crucial. Without this young man, the future Great Zhou Dynasty might not have been as prosperous.
It remains unknown whether Chu Lishu ever thought about that young man when using the sketch.
While the two were conversing, the voice of Xu Wenze came from the entrance, “You’re back. Perfect timing. There’s something I didn’t get to ask earlier.”
Alright, Xu Wenze, being someone who enjoys in-depth research as well, came over holding the sketches he obtained from Yue Chen. He inquired, “I heard that the Emperor has already convened a cabinet meeting for this water wheel. Are you really willing to give up the credit for this achievement?”
Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang both shook their heads, and Xu Wenze couldn’t help but admire them inwardly. Then, unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, “You both came up with this design together. Whose idea was it? I want to study your thought process.”
“It’s…”
“Ah! We agreed to leave this credit for me alone,” Lin Qingyang suddenly interjected.
Chu Lishu indulgently smiled, “Hmm, it was all you.”
Xu Wenze, puzzled and suspicious, Lin Qingyang smiled and said, “Alright, it was actually my cousin’s idea. I just made the drawing more visually appealing and added some things like levers, so you could say we came up with it together. However, we told Concubine Mei that the credit goes to me. So, don’t expose us.”
Xu Wenze was somewhat puzzled by Lin Qingyang’s unexpected request. He didn’t seem like the type to snatch credit. However, he couldn’t help but marvel at the trust between them, allowing them to openly pass on such achievements to each other.
Since there was nothing pressing at the moment, Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang satisfied Xu Wenze’s curiosity, explaining and discussing with him.
After a while, Lin Qingyang had covered the part he could explain and found it boring, so he stood up and prepared to go back to rest.
Lin Qingyang greeted them and left, but Chu Lishu paused after his departure.
Xu Wenze was curious, “What’s the matter?”
Chu Lishu couldn’t help but glance outside the door and said slowly, “It’s nothing. Let’s continue.”
Chu Lishu had been feeling a vague sense of discomfort for quite some time now.
He felt that Lin Qingyang had changed a bit since entering the palace. Not exactly colder, but there was a noticeable decrease in warmth and enthusiasm. In the past, whether it was at the Imperial Academy, the Marquis’s residence, or the other courtyard, Lin Qingyang would find various reasons to stick around him, trying to be with him at all times, demonstrating a clear concern for him. It felt as if he couldn’t go a day without seeing him, making him feel uneasy.
However, after entering the palace, even though they were still together every day, Lin Qingyang seemed proactive and engaged only when Chu Lishu was strategizing. Apart from that, he didn’t seem as close. Even though they were spending every day together, shouldn’t they be even closer now?
For example, just now, with Xu Wenze still there, Lin Qingyang had every reason to openly continue staying close to him. He could stick around him without hesitation, maybe even pretend to fall asleep after a late discussion and stubbornly refuse to leave his room. Lin Qingyang could seize the opportunity to take advantage, relieving the pain of longing. After all, he was the one who didn’t even bring a portrait into the palace. Chu Lishu wasn’t so heartless. If Lin Qingyang pretended to have trouble sleeping, feeling uncomfortable and wanted to share a bed for a candlelit conversation, would he refuse?
How long had it been since they were close? Although he hadn’t figured out… certain things yet, could Lin Qingyang withstand it?
Why did he feel bored and leave after talking to Xu Wenze?
Their current interactions felt more like those between two friends or brothers. For instance, the subtle gestures during the discussion with Concubine Mei in the afternoon disappeared instantly. It’s not like he prevented Lin Qingyang from making such moves.
Was it because he had recently been too focused on official matters, neglecting Lin Qingyang and making him hesitant to get too close? Or perhaps, due to being in the imperial palace, Lin Qingyang was afraid of doing anything too bold that could cause trouble for both of them? Maybe Lin Qingyang was starting to overthink things again? Unable to get a response, was he trying to calm himself down?
Chu Lishu couldn’t figure out what Lin Qingyang was thinking. He just felt that their current state was different from before, and it made him uncomfortable.
Shouldn’t Lin Qingyang be filled with him in his heart and eyes, not wanting to leave his side even for a moment? Even if they had to part, shouldn’t he show reluctance? Why was everything different now? Had something happened? Should he investigate?
On the other hand, Lin Qingyang was feeling content. With them spending every day together, there was no need to worry about checking in. They naturally spent time together after completing major missons, and it felt like they were getting closer to completing their mission. He could relax and rest. With a bit of mental space, he thought about the memories that had suddenly surfaced today, that thing…
As Lin Qingyang was about to return to the courtyard, he was suddenly called out by someone.
Turning around, Lin Qingyang felt an immediate sense of guilt.
The person before him was Pei Jin, supporting herself on a bamboo cane and limping back. Having knelt for three sessions in a row, if it weren’t for the relatively thick spring clothing, the three people probably would have to be carried back after this punishment.
However, things weren’t much better now. Pei Jin’s complexion was terrifyingly pale, and her lips had lost all color. She looked as if she had been subjected to dozens of beatings. The punishment seemed to have taken a toll, especially considering the relatively weaker physique of a woman.
“Are you… okay?” Lin Qingyang forced a dry laugh.
“It’s your doing!” Pei Jin accused as soon as she approached.
Lin Qingyang immediately pretended not to understand.
Pei Jin coldly snorted, and took a few painful steps forward, appearing unsteady on her feet. As the light shifted, Lin Qingyang suddenly noticed that half of Pei Jin’s face was swollen, bearing a clear handprint.
Lin Qingyang’s expression shifted from confusion to realization. The plan was devised by Pei Jin herself, and with the involvement of the Third Prince, it made sense for Pei Jin to face consequences. However, according to Chu Lishu’s speculation, Pei Jin’s plan was flawed, and the failure wasn’t due to the Third Prince’s arrogance? How could he still have the audacity to hit Pei Jin?
“Stop pretending. It must be Chu Lishu’s idea to use me to harm the Third Prince,” Pei Jin accused, teeth clenched.
Lin Qingyang’s mouth twitched. “It has nothing to do with us. In fact, it was the Third Prince who almost harmed us.”
Pei Jin gritted her teeth, glaring at Lin Qingyang defiantly.
Lin Qingyang touched his cheek, feeling uneasy. “Your master doesn’t seem like a good person either. Clearly, it was his mistake in this matter. Is it worth risking entering the palace to help him?”
Pei Jin was momentarily stunned, understanding something. Feeling embarrassed, she turned her face away, presenting the unharmed side to Lin Qingyang. “I failed, implicated my master. Punishment is deserved. What? Are you trying to turn me against him? I’m surnamed Pei!”
“Oh, I see,” Lin Qingyang didn’t intend to mock Pei Jin, but in the original story, didn’t Pei Jin eventually harm the Third Prince and the entire Pei family for the male lead?
“I’ve noticed that you’re completely siding with the Fourth Prince now. But our agreement, don’t you dare forget it. I won’t let you off,” Pei Jin said coldly.
“Don’t worry, I never break my promises,” Lin Qingyang reassured her, knowing that Pei Jin would be skeptical. Up until now, Pei Jin hadn’t made a move against him, which could be considered Pei Jin having a conscience.
Pei Jin finally relaxed a bit, although her face remained pale, looking as if she had contracted some serious illness. She spoke slowly, “Lin Qingyang, let me kindly remind you again, be careful of your cousin.”
“Tsk, why are you talking about this again?” Lin Qingyang expressed frustration. What’s going on? How come one by one, the male lead’s harem members are starting to dislike him?
“You’re really foolish. Can’t you see he’s using you as a pawn?” Lin Qingyang felt a bit offended by the scolding.
However, Lin Qingyang’s reaction infuriated Pei Jin to no end. “Today’s incident, the Third Prince wouldn’t have been targeted if you hadn’t deliberately mentioned him. It’s not a plot against the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, but because you intentionally brought him up, everyone started suspecting him. Don’t tell me that wasn’t on purpose.”
Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat; Pei Jin had indeed figured it out. She must not admit it! “I… really didn’t do it on purpose.”
“Hmph, I not only think it was on purpose, but I also believe it was Chu Lishu who made you say it. Otherwise, how could you dare to criticize the Third Prince? With your understanding of him, how could you have guessed that he had a problem? It must be Chu Lishu! He avoids risks himself, letting you say this sentence, a careless move that could be used against the Third Prince. Yet, he can stay safely in the background, using you as a pawn. Isn’t it obvious?” Pei Jin analyzed with a serious tone.
But Lin Qingyang felt a tinge of disdain and affirmation towards herself in Pei Jin’s analysis. Could it be another kind of liking towards the male lead?
Lin Qingyang cleared her throat. “I swear to you, that sentence was really something I wanted to say, it has nothing to do with my cousin.”
“You…”
“Also, thank you.”
Pei Jin was puzzled, “What for?”
Lin Qingyang smiled and said, “You didn’t directly tell the Third Prince about your speculations, which helped me out, didn’t it? Otherwise, the one scolding me right now wouldn’t be you, but the Third Prince.”
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