CH 23

Young Master Wen uttered a single phrase, causing the lamp in the Crown Prince's chamber to illuminate throughout the night.

In the dead of night, the sound of clashing swords suddenly echoed in the quiet inn. Dozens of black-clad figures launched a surprise attack on the backyard. Fortunately, the imperial guards were stationed there, and both sides immediately engaged in a fierce battle.

Amidst the flickering lights, within the inn, a wave of terrified cries resounded. Yuan Shu, carrying a large sword on her back, wordlessly charged into the group of black-clad men. Her dominant and unrivaled swordsmanship immediately reversed the declining situation of the imperial guards.

Ren Anle kicked open Han Ye's room door and saw the Crown Prince, who usually slept comfortably with soft pillows, standing by the window wearing his inner garment. She breathed a sigh of relief and walked forward.

"Your Highness, these assassins have come to your doorstep, and you're not even hiding?"

Han Ye turned around, looking at Ren Anle, who had entered casually with her long hair scattered and loosely draped in a robe. No emotions could be seen in the deep black of his eyes. After a while, he suddenly walked up to her, fastened the belt of her robe without uttering a word, and returned to the window side.

Ren Anle relaxed for a while, then narrowed her eyes into a crescent shape. Taking three or four steps, she walked to the window and looked at the two sides battling fiercely under the night sky. She spoke confidently, "Your Highness, rest assured, with me here, these people won't be able to harm you in the slightest. Oh... Where is Wen Shuo?"

"Gu let him go back to his room and copy the Diamond Sutra. Without my order, even if this inn is reduced to ruins, he wouldn't dare to come out. Han Ye lowered his head and looked at her, with a barely visible warmth in his eyes. "My Imperial Guards are not so useless as to require you to charge ahead personally."

金刚经 (Jīngāngjīng): Diamond Sutra (a Buddhist scripture)

"Yuan Qin, go and guard Wen Shuo's room." Ren Anle instructed Yuan Qin, who was by the door. She then glanced at the ongoing battle outside with a serious expression and said, "These people are well-trained, their moves are cunning, and they can hold their ground against the Imperial Guards of the Eastern Palace. We must not underestimate them. Commander Jian and Chang Qing have gone out to investigate the river works. It seems they have found a good opportunity. Can His Highness discern any clues from these people?"

Han Ye's gaze flashed slightly, his hands behind his back. With disdain, he said, "A mere Mu Tian Prefecture still can't produce such competent secret guards. Mu Wang's actions are not slow either. I only entered Mu Tian Prefecture yesterday, and today he has already sent a generous gift."

(Note: Han Ye used '我' (wǒ) instead of the '孤' (gū) he always used to refer to himself when talking to everyone. However, both Chinese characters mean "I" or "me" in English.)

This is the first time Han Ye did not refer to himself as 'gu' in front of Ren Anle. Ren Anle found it strange and looked at him suspiciously, but the night was dark and she couldn't see anything clearly except for the Crown Prince's slender eyelashes.

"It seems that Mu Tian Prefecture has indeed become a possession of Mu Wangye," Ren Anle's lips curved with a faint sense of solemnity. "The sounds of swords and knives resound for miles. Even though the Ping'an Inn is located in the western suburbs, the government officials should not be completely oblivious. Your Highness, Mu Tian Prefecture is not a place that can be easily obtained."

After Ren Anle finished speaking, two figures swiftly appeared above the inn. Their long swords were unsheathed, and the interplay of their blades created a dazzling spectacle. Although the two newcomers had different sword techniques, they harmonized remarkably well. In a matter of moments, the person in black clothes found themselves in a disadvantaged position and began fighting while retreating.

"They came back just in time. I didn't expect Jian Song's swordsmanship to be so exceptional that it can rival Chang Qing." Ren Anle laughed, her praise sincere. Chang Qing was the top martial artist in Anle Fortress and had been her personal guard since childhood.

"Chang Qing, you've come at the right time. Robbery and arson are my specialty. These brats dare to provoke us in front of our ancestors. Destroy them for me!"

The arrogant laughter of Yuan Shu resounded throughout the inn, while Chang Qing remained silent. He wielded his iron sword skillfully, and there was a hint of helplessness in the eyes of Jian Song as they locked gazes.

Ren Anle coughed and turned her head, wishing she could kick this useless girl into a corner with one foot, completely forgetting that Yuan Shu had only inherited her excellent behavior in Anle Fortress.

Within the warm and peaceful room, Yuan Qin stood quietly next to the desk, observing the calm and composed expression of the young man. He sat upright, meticulously transcribing each stroke and character of the Diamond Sutra, completely ignoring the affairs outside. Yuan Qin wondered, "Does Young Master Wen not worry at all?"

"A group of insignificant individuals cannot harm Dian xia."

殿下" (diàn xià) Your Highness; is a respectful way to address someone of high status, such as a prince or princess.

"Oh? The young master is so confident in His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Wen Shuo raised his head and looked at Yuan Qin with a playful smile. He said, "Miss Yuan Qin, aren't you the same? Since you came in, you haven't even glanced outside the window once. It seems you have the same confidence in Ren daren. "

Yuan Qin was momentarily surprised and replied in a soft voice, "I and the young lady have lived together in Anle Village for over ten years. She has been on countless battlefields and never experienced a defeat. I naturally believe in her."

Wen Shuo was somewhat surprised, and admiration filled his eyes. "So, Ren daren is truly the undefeated War God in the southern border. It turns out that this rumor is true." His voice brimming with respect, he continued, "With you and Yuan Shu by her side, Ren daren is truly fortunate."

"Miss's family passed away when she was young. No matter how much effort we put in, we can never compare to blood relatives," Yuan Qin sighed and looked out the window. "Miss rarely has someone she cares about. I can tell that she genuinely likes His Highness, but unfortunately, it's just Miss's wishful thinking."

Wen Shuo put down his brush and touched his chin, muttering to himself, "That may not necessarily be the case."

Yuam Qin, who was standing by the side, suddenly moved closer, squinting with an expression that somewhat resembled Ren Anle. She stared at the distressed Wen Shuo, who covered his mouth, and laughed, saying," I didn't hear clearly what the young master said just now. Why don't you say it again?"

Wen Shuo was startled by Yuan Qin's sudden action, and his previously calm and composed demeanor vanished completely. Swiftly, he turned around and faced the wall, silently reciting the Heart Sutra.

Outside the window, the black-clad figure, realizing the hopeless situation, intensified their sword movements with even greater ferocity, going so far as to resort to self-damage in order to break through the encirclement of Jian Song and Chang Qing. In less than a moment, only three individuals remained.

"Jian Song, spare that person's life"

Han Ye gave a casual order. Jian Song's swordsmanship became even faster. With a swift swing of his long sword, the right shoulder of the black-clothed man was pierced, and he was captured by Jian Song. At the same time, Chang Qing and Yuan Shu subdued the other two individuals. Before they could tear off the veils of the three, only a few muffled groans were heard, and the three black-clothed men collapsed dejectedly.

Jian Song lifted the veil and saw three individuals with blood flowing from seven orifices. He walked up to the second floor and reported to Han Ye, saying, "Your Highness, these three individuals had poisonous substances in their mouths and have already taken their own lives."

Ren Anle's expression changed, and her eyebrows furrowed. Han Ye spoke up, "How did the search for the location of prison confinement go?"

Jian Song shook his head, "The inn is engulfed in flames, so Changqing and I rushed back first."

Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and said, "This assassination left no trace. Mu Wangye is a ruthless master, but it seems that he didn't come tonight to assassinate His Highness."

Han Ye nodded, his expression cold and solemn. "He is warning Gu that Mu Tian prefecture is under his control. If Gu dares to interfere, next time he will no longer consider the bonds of brotherhood. Apart from bringing Jian Song and Chang Qing back, he probably intends for the entire Mu Tian prefecture to know...that Gu has reached his limit."

Ren Anle's expression suddenly changed. "The relief silver has not arrived yet, and the victims of the disaster are suffering everywhere. If the common people were to know that Your Highness has arrived at Mu Tian prefecture but has done nothing, Mu Tian prefecture may become a dangerous place."

"They went from darkness to light. Mu wang played a good move. I'm afraid that upon learning that Han Ye has been dispatched to Mu Tian Prefecture, the relief supplies for the disaster victims outside the city will be even scarcer than before. If a rebellion occurs in Mu Tian Prefecture, the position of the crown prince will undoubtedly face questioning from the courtiers."

"Your Highness, it is this humble servant's negligence that allowed Mu Wang to discover Your Highness's whereabouts." Jian Song understood that the situation was even more serious than he had imagined, and he knelt halfway to the ground to plead for forgiveness.

"It has nothing to do with you. Gu underestimated the Mu Wang." Han Ye raised his hand.

Seeing Han Ye with an unchanged expression, Ren Anle said, "Your Highness, Mu Wang is steadily pressing closer step by step. What do you intend to do?"

"Jian Song, instruct the Imperial Guards to change into ceremonial attire and arrange the Eastern Palace procession. I want you to make the entire Mu Tian Prefecture aware of my imperial presence within a single night." Han Ye turned around, his eyebrows slightly raised. "Since everyone wants me to appear in public, I'll wait for them to come and pay their respects in person."

In the early morning of the second day, the entire population of the Mu Tian prefecture became excited. The news of the arrival of the Crown Prince spread like wildfire overnight, and even the taverns were buzzing with discussions. The miraculous recovery of Mu Tian prefecture, which had suffered from natural disasters, brought about brought about a lively and joyous atmosphere.

"Your Highness, this humble subject is filled with trepidation. I apologize for arriving late to receive your esteemed presence at the Mu Tian prefecture."

In the lobby of the Ping'an Inn, Zhong Liwen led a group of about ten officials from the Mu Tian prefecture, repeatedly apologizing to Han Ye. 

Ren Anle stood aside, feeling quite astonished. Unexpectedly, the notorious and cunning Mu Tian zhifu, who was known for playing both sides and being opportunistic, now had the appearance of a gentle and loyal minister. Seeing his current remorseful and tearful demeanor, it was difficult to imagine that the outrageous actions of the Mu Tian prefecture were all carried out under his command.

知府 (zhīfǔ) - a government official, magistrate

"Where? Lord Zhong is a high-ranking official with numerous official duties, and he is always busy. It is gu's fault for not informing him in time." Han Ye smiled and changed his usual cold expression, treating Zhong Liwen with utmost courtesy.

Zhong Liwen was truly taken aback. After pondering over his words for the whole night, he found himself choked up when faced with the elegant and refined Crown Prince. Overwhelmed by the favor he received, he stammered, "The inn is simple, so xiaguan has prepared a separate residence for Your Highness..."

下官 (xiaguan) - I; Subordinate, me (used by a lower-ranking official when referring to oneself)

"No need, Zhong daren. This place is excellent. Mu Tian Prefecture has suffered severe flooding. There is no need for us to further exhaust our financial resources."

"Dian xia, may I ask when the relief funds from the court will arrive?" Seeing Han Ye narrowing his eyes, Zhong Liwen hurriedly explained, "Your Highness is also aware of the suffering of the common people in the outskirts of the city due to natural disasters. This humble governor is merely a magistrate and even with the combined efforts of the entire prefecture, it would be nothing more than a drop in the ocean."

殿下 (diàn xià) - Your Highness

Han Ye lifted the teacup and took a sip, asking, "Zhong daren, what about the grain in the granaries when the people encounter disasters?"

Not expecting the Crown Prince to ask so directly, Zhong Liwen shuddered and replied with a lowered head, "Your Highness is unaware that there has been a famine in Mu Tian Prefecture. The grains from the granaries have already been distributed to the people affected by the disaster, leaving very little remaining. If Your Highness doesn't believe it, this official can open the granaries and show Your Highness..."

"Lord Zhong, you are being too serious. Gu naturally believe in your words," Han Ye said, placing down his teacup with a crisp sound that made the officials tremble in fear. "Eight days later, the imperial relief funds will be delivered to Mu Tian Prefecture. Does the lord have any emergency measures in mind?"

Zhong Liwen cautiously said, "Your Highness, currently there are many wealthy households in the city who still have grain reserves. Once the relief silver arrives, chen will personally purchase grains from the surrounding merchants to aid the people. After all, officials should not seize the property of the people. Xiaguan cannot forcibly requisition the rice and grains from the merchants' hands. Your Highness, what do you think of this approach?"

臣 (chen): I (used by a subordinate when referring to oneself)

下官 (xiaguan) - I; Subordinate, me (used by a lower-ranking official when referring to oneself).

Ren Anle's lips curled up, and this Zhong Liwen truly possessed a delicate and astute mind. With just a few words, he blocked Han Ye's retreat, provided shelter for the oppressive merchant clans within the Mu Tian prefecture, and even obtained a legitimate opportunity to pocket the disaster relief funds. Everyone knows that the officials of the Mu Tian Prefecture collude with the merchants, united in their corrupt practices.

"What Zhong daren said is correct. Once the disaster relief funds arrive, we will proceed as planned. It will alleviate the urgent needs of the common people. Zhong daren is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the people. Once the disaster relief funds arrive, Gu will return to the capital. At that time, Gu will surely explain the true situation of the Mu Tian prefecture to Fu Huang.

父皇 (fù huáng) - Imperial Father (referring to the emperor)

Zhong Liwen's face revealed a delighted expression, repeatedly bowing to Han Ye and saying, "To receive Your Highness's great favor is this humble official's blessing."

A trace of contempt flickered in the lowered gaze. It seems that Mu Wang is being overly cautious of the Crown Prince. However, a mere pretentious assassination has scared this delicate and precious prince.

Zhong Liwen stood up and met a pair of unrestrained and straightforward eyes. His heart sank, and after observing Ren Anle for a moment, he hesitated before saying, "Could it be that you are..."

Before him, there stood a person donned in robes, yet it was difficult to conceal the valiant spirit of a woman. Her brows and eyes carried a slightly mischievous aura, radiating an imposing air of authority.

"Oh, Gu forgot to introduce, this is Ren Anle daren, the Grand Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."

大理寺 (dàlǐsì): the Court of Judicial Review

大人 (dàrén): an honorific term for a person of high rank

"So it's Ren daren after all, truly living up to her reputation."

Zhong Liwen cupped his hands as a gesture of respect and smiled, eyes darkening slightly. This Ren Anle is really not someone who can be easily dismissed. He heard that both the Marquis Zhongyi and the Left Minister have suffered losses because of this woman. One must be cautious.

"Your Highness, the merchants of the Mu Tian prefecture have heard of your esteemed presence. They have arranged a banquet tonight at the Linjiang Tower and hope to have an audience with Your Highness, to catch a glimpse of Your Highness's countenance." Zhong Liwen noticed the weariness on the Crown Prince's face and hesitated for a moment before speaking, "If Your Highness is fatigued..."

These merchants, who had already climbed up the tall tree of Mu Wang, were still unsatisfied. When they learned that the Crown Prince was arriving, they set their sights on him. They were actually pleased about it because if the Crown Prince had a corrupt character, it would become a bargaining chip for them to help Mu Wang seize the throne.

"No harm, since the local gentry welcomes gu so warmly, Gu naturally want to meet them..."

Han Ye's words were not yet settled, when Jian Song hastily came in from outside the hall. He walked to his side with a solemn expression and said, "Your Highness, the commoners outside the city have heard of your arrival and are seeking an audience with Your Highness... They say that Your Highness has brought relief grain and they want to personally see it enter the city."

The officials in the hall suddenly became flustered. The disaster relief funds would only arrive after eight days, and there was no money to buy grain. Where would the grain for the people's relief come from? If the people, filled with hope, were to breach the city, the consequences... simply unimaginable!

"Your Highness," Zhong Liwen said as he looked towards the Crown Prince.

Han Ye waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "As the crown prince of a nation, gu cannot be seen by just anyone who wishes to. It is simply absurd! Jian Song, move the imperial guards to the outskirts of the city and block these refugees."

After speaking, feeling impatient, he got up and said to Zhong Liwen, "Gu feel a little unwell. Zhong daren, come to escort me to the evening banquet. You may withdraw."

Zhong Liwen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and as he exited the main hall, a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

With multiple difficulties emerging simultaneously, I see what solutions can be offered by this pampered prince. When the common people rise in revolt and the prince loses their support, if he can then persuade the wealthy merchants to provide grain relief, it would be a great achievement.

In the inn room, Ren Anle looked at Han Ye, who was engrossed in playing chess with Wen Shuo, and observed him back and forth before saying, "Your Highness, you have cut off your own way out."

In the blink of an eye, the crown prince refused to meet the common people, and rumors of his indulgence in banquets and pleasures with wealthy merchants spread everywhere. She believed that Zhong Liwen would never let go of this golden opportunity.

"Not placing oneself in a position of death, how can there be life afterward?" Han Ye lifted his head and looked into Ren Anle's distinct black and white eyes.

"An Le, there are three thousand civilians outside the city walls, but we only have one hundred guards. I want you to guard them until noon tomorrow. Can you do it?"

Ren Anle raised her eyes, then was startled. It was the first time she saw such unreserved trust in the depths of Han Ye's eyes.

The excessive sincerity unexpectedly had a dazzling effect. The corners of her mouth lifted, while the hand behind her back tightened slightly. She heard her own particularly radiant voice.

"Of course"

All that you wish for, I will accomplish on your behalf.

However, Han Ye, what can you use to repay me?

Translator's Note: Surprisingly, it took only 23 chapters for Han Ye to fall. I thought he would fall halfway through the novel. Wen Shuo is the first one to know, and he almost slipped the word to YuanQin, haha. We can already see the change in the way he treats Ren Anle. There's always a subtle "warmth" in his eyes.

Let's see how Han Ye cuts his own way out of this predicament in the next chapter. Any thoughts?