Chapter 61: Mountain Lord’s Alias Can’t Stay Hidden
The stall where Chen Xiaobu stood was indeed bustling with activity. Even Prince Zhuo was there.
Among all the princes, Qi Zheng was certainly the one with the loudest reputation now. Whether in civil governance or military achievement, he had made modest accomplishments and gained some fame.
But if one were to ask which prince had been enjoying boundless glory lately, it would have to be Prince Zhuo.
Prince Zhuo was surrounded by many noble young masters, all flattering him. His face was flushed with pride, and his dandy arrogance was growing a little unrestrained. For example, right now, he had already exchanged for quite a few treasures and had basically become the focus of the entire venue.
He liked this feeling of being surrounded by stars around the moon. Only this made him feel that he was truly very important.
A group of Yan merchants had even gathered around him, fawning on him and flattering him.
Quite a few treasures of great value had been exchanged into his hands, and he had only needed to pay a small price for them.
Why was this happening? He actually understood it in his heart. These Yan merchants were so enthusiastic partly because he had brought many good things to exchange today, and partly because he might one day become the most honored person in Great Qian.
However, as he exchanged for more and more items, the bargaining chips he could take out became fewer and fewer.
But now, he truly liked the night pearl in the Yan merchant’s hand. It was large, beautiful, and of excellent quality.
“Prince Zhuo, if you have no other bargaining chips, then I can only exchange it with someone else. What a pity. This night pearl is one of the finest even in my Yan.”
Prince Zhuo gritted his teeth. “Wait a moment. I’ll have someone go back and fetch more bargaining chips.”
Just then, Chen Xiaobu happened to walk over. He watched the trade between the Yan merchant and Prince Zhuo with great interest, squeezing the squeaky rubber chicken in his hand until it squeaked nonstop.
Chen Xiaobu knew very well in his heart that these things were not something he could exchange for. Even though the Court Commandant Residence had some good things, they certainly would not hand them over to a child as young as him to use for trading.
“Hm?” Suddenly, the Yan merchant who had just been chatting warmly with Prince Zhuo looked over.
“Young master, may I have a look at the item in your hand?”
Chen Xiaobu froze, looked left and right, then finally reacted. He pointed at the somewhat comical straight-cut bangs on his forehead. “Me? You want to see the squeaky rubber chicken in my hand?”
The merchant’s eyes were shining. “If you let me examine it, perhaps I can exchange this night pearl with you.”
Chen Xiaobu’s mouth opened so wide it was like a goose egg.
What did this merchant say?
He wanted to exchange such a huge night pearl for his squeaky rubber chicken?
Had his head been caught in a door?
He quickly stuffed the squeaky rubber chicken over, staring at the other party with anticipation. “My… my squeaky rubber chicken is also very precious. One… one of a kind.”
He felt a little guilty saying that, because he had no idea how many squeaky rubber chickens like this he had already broken. His Dalmatian had broken even more. Usually, when he was in the mood, he could throw it on the ground and step on it, making it scream miserably. But there was nothing to be done. His Dalmatian loved watching him step on squeaky rubber chickens the most. Yet this merchant said it was worth a night pearl?
Thinking about how he had been throwing night pearls on the ground and stepping on them, thinking about how he might have already broken so many night pearls, Chen Xiaobu clamped his little legs together. He felt that if his stingy father, Court Commandant Chen, found out, he would be hung up and beaten.
The merchant held the squeaky rubber chicken and observed it for a while. “It is indeed a fine treasure. The material is unique, never before seen. With a light squeeze, it can even produce chicken cries by itself. Truly interesting.”
“Young master, how about I exchange this night pearl for it?”
Chen Xiaobu’s mouth hung open. He hurriedly pinched his own thigh. Good heavens, it hurt so much.
So he was not dreaming.
Chen Xiaobu bashfully accepted the large, beautiful night pearl, not forgetting to add, “Once you exchange it with me, the deal is done. Don’t even think about asking for it back. This is our Great Qian’s Shangjing. Even if you come to ask me for it, I’ll have someone beat you out.”
“Of course,” the Yan merchant said very readily. “In trade, each side bears its own risk. Exchanging item for item depends on one’s own eye. If one really makes a mistake, one can only blame oneself for lacking skill.”
Not only that, but the surrounding merchants also crowded over, surrounding Chen Xiaobu completely, so enthusiastic it was unbelievable.
Chen Xiaobu started to suspect: could his squeaky rubber chicken really be a treasure? His brother had clearly said that if it broke, he could just ask him for another one. It seemed like… he had not cared much about it.
Chen Xiaobu held the night pearl in his hands. Everyone said Prince Zhuo was such a wastrel and lived so extravagantly, but why did Chen Xiaobu feel that he was even more extravagant? Prince Zhuo had wanted to exchange for a night pearl like this just now and could not get it, yet he, with a squeaky rubber chicken of the same value, threw it on the ground and stepped on it every day, breaking one every so often.
The surrounding Yan merchants packed around Chen Xiaobu so tightly that not even water could get through. “Young master, what a grand gesture. Such a precious thing, yet you casually held it in your hand to play with…”
Nearby, Prince Zhuo’s brows were tightly furrowed. Clearly, just a moment ago, he had been the focus of the entire venue.
But look at him now. Not a single person was gathered around him. That sense of loss was truly too intense.
But what could he do? He indeed had no more bargaining chips. No matter how much he liked someone else’s night pearl, he could not snatch it.
He frowned and walked outside. He was not stupid either. Recently, many people close to him had told him that no matter what, he must not cause trouble and only needed to wait quietly.
At such an important moment when the position of crown prince was vacant, he naturally understood what mattered more. He was somewhat reluctant to part with that night pearl, but in the end, he did not do anything. His heart merely felt empty.
As Prince Zhuo left, the merchant glanced at him almost imperceptibly. The corners of his mouth could not help rising. Then he casually placed the squeaky rubber chicken into a chest and left as well.
After strolling around for a while, when Chen Bai found Chen Xiaobu, Chen Xiaobu was holding a small box in his hands. There were five locks on the box.
Truly, five densely packed locks. Chen Bai was a little dumbfounded looking at it.
Beside Chen Xiaobu was Gan Xin, who had also come to take a look at the treasure appraisal fair. He was chatting with Chen Xiaobu.
“Chen Xiaobu, did you really exchange that huge night pearl for a squeaky rubber chicken?”
Chen Xiaobu was still a little dazed. He nodded, then used the keys in his hand every so often to open the box and check whether there really was a night pearl inside.
Gan Xin’s mouth gaped so wide he could not close it. Then he slapped his own thigh hard.
Last time, he had played with a squeaky rubber chicken with Chen Xiaobu, but accidentally dropped it into the lake. They had just watched it float away. If he had known, no matter what, he would have had someone fish it back.
“What a huge loss, what a huge loss.”
When Chen Bai arrived, this was the scene he saw: Chen Xiaobu foolishly holding the box, while Gan Xin was beating his chest and stamping his feet beside him.
As soon as Chen Xiaobu saw Chen Bai, he hurried over. “Brother, quick, help me see whether this night pearl is real or fake.”
Chen Bai: “…”
After seeing that night pearl of excellent quality, Chen Bai was also a little stunned.
Actually, which was more precious between a night pearl and a squeaky rubber chicken was, in a certain sense, truly uncertain, because the value of these so-called treasures was assigned by people.
But if Chen Bai had to choose, he would choose the night pearl too. He was not stupid.
Chen Xiaobu was still muttering, “Everyone says Yan merchants are cunning, but why do I think their eyesight isn’t very good?”
“With eyesight like that, they can still make money as merchants? I feel like I could do it too.” Chen Xiaobu was getting a little carried away.
Chen Bai frowned slightly. It did indeed seem a little too strange. The value of a night pearl was self-evident, yet that merchant had simply exchanged it with Chen Xiaobu?
Logically, when encountering an unknown item, even if one felt it had some value, one would not dare make a decision so easily. Was he not afraid of losing everything?
A Yan merchant who did not even care about a night pearl? He really was a little too wealthy and imposing.
Chen Bai originally planned to meet this wealthy Yan merchant, but unfortunately, the person had already gone, leaving the stall empty. They were not fated to meet. It was somewhat regrettable.
But no matter what, exchanging a squeaky rubber chicken—something Chen Bai could have as many of as he wanted—for an extraordinary night pearl was a profit no matter how one looked at it.
At this moment, the Yan merchant Chen Bai wanted to meet was together with Prince Zhuo.
Prince Zhuo was also somewhat surprised. Instead of staying at the treasure appraisal fair to exchange for more rare items, why had this merchant come here?
The Yan merchant’s words made Prince Zhuo even more confused. “I wonder whether Prince Zhuo is still interested in a night pearl like that? Actually, I still have a few in my possession, and their quality is not poor.”
Prince Zhuo licked his lips. “Interested? I am interested, but I no longer have anything I can exchange. You also know that in Great Qian, such things cannot be traded with money.”
The Yan merchant smiled. “If Prince Zhuo likes them, I can give them to you.”
“However, I have a small request. I hope Prince Zhuo can help me with a small favor.”
Without waiting for Prince Zhuo to react, the Yan merchant continued, “I hear that Great Qian’s Wall Divine Painting is unmatched under heaven. Actually, my Yan also has a painting. Its value may not necessarily be lower than the Wall Divine Painting. I wish to personally present it to your King. I wonder if Prince Zhuo would be willing to help with this small matter? You also know that Great Qian is different from our Yan. Merchants truly have little status in Great Qian, and doing business here is rather difficult. I merely wish to use this opportunity…”
His words were reasonable and well-founded.
The next day, Chen Bai had to attend court.
Chen Bai still stood beside the dragon throne. Although he was now a Grand Secretary Consultant of the Inner Cabinet and had the right to discuss court affairs, he was also the Writing Grand Secretary, and his original duties still had to be carried out.
Today’s main discussion was still about the promotion and cultivation of lettuce. Such a major matter indeed required utmost caution to ensure nothing went wrong.
Because the appearance of lettuce was very likely to improve Great Qian’s livelihood situation, the atmosphere in court was quite good.
Once the discussion ended, today’s court session was probably about to conclude.
Chen Bai was waiting for the dismissal to be announced when Prince Zhuo unexpectedly stepped out.
“Your Majesty, this son has a matter to report. Yesterday, while browsing the Yan merchants’ treasure appraisal fair, I happened to meet a Yan merchant. In his possession is a famous painting no less extraordinary than the Wall Divine Painting. He wishes to present it to Your Majesty. I ask Your Majesty to graciously allow him to enter the hall.”
Everyone could not help freezing.
Letting a merchant enter the hall was, in fact, somewhat improper.
But a famous painting comparable to the Wall Divine Painting? How was that possible?
Even Chen Bai was a little surprised. Was it true or false?
Or perhaps because today’s court session had been so festive, the King actually did not mind at all and said, “Summon him.”
The officials whispered among themselves. They wanted to see what kind of famous painting could possibly compare to the Wall Divine Painting.
Before long, two people entered the hall.
One was a Yan man dressed as a merchant, and the other was an attendant holding a scroll.
Chen Bai could not help stretching his neck to look. From the outside, it only looked like an ordinary scroll. But since it had not been opened yet, and no one knew what was painted on it, it was hard to judge.
As soon as the Yan merchant came in, he performed a grand salute. The servant was even more humble to the extreme.
It was rather pleasing to see.
Only then did the Yan merchant say, “Everyone says your esteemed country’s Wall Divine Painting is unmatched under heaven. However, my Yan travels among the states year-round for trade and has obtained countless treasures. Among them is a painting that can also rival your esteemed country’s Wall Divine Painting.”
Everyone could not help finding it a little amusing. They knew exactly what the Wall Divine Painting was like. It was truly unparalleled under heaven. And yet someone dared say there was another painting that could match it?
Though they did not believe it in their hearts, they became a little curious about the painting this Yan merchant spoke of.
The Yan merchant did not waste words and directly had the servant behind him open the painting.
Even the King widened his eyes with interest.
That servant seemed to want the King to see more clearly, so he inevitably stepped forward a little. There was nothing inappropriate about that.
But as the scroll opened, a flash of green light suddenly glinted from within the painting.
Chen Bai was stunned. He saw the servant’s entire aura change. Holding the green light from the painting, he charged straight toward the King.
What humble servant? With that aura, he was clearly a formidable swordsman.
And that green light from the painting was a sharp, thin sword.
Everyone in the hall had been too focused on the painting. For a moment, no one reacted. Chen Bai was the same. Even as the assassin’s sword stabbed toward the King, Chen Bai was still dazed.
Fortunately, the King had long experienced battlefields. The first to react was also the King himself. He casually drew the broad sword at his waist and met the attack.
“Petty ghostly tricks, and you dare act wildly before this king…”
The King’s swordsmanship was apparently not poor either. He actually managed to deflect the assassin’s thrust.
But suddenly, the King’s expression changed. With a “pfft,” he spat out a mouthful of blood.
The entire hall descended into chaos.
“Assassin! An assassin is attempting to murder the King!”
Prince Zhuo even fell back onto the floor. What was going on?
This Yan merchant had tried every means to flatter him and had given him quite a few good things before he agreed to help. The Yan merchant had said that in order to surprise the King, no one would be allowed to see the painting.
Before entering the hall, there would be body searches and inspection of items. He had arranged everything properly, making sure they only searched the body. Only a prince like him, currently so favored and enjoying such soaring momentum, could accomplish that. He had thought that leaving only one mysterious painting unopened for inspection would not matter. As a result…
So from the very beginning, this Yan merchant had approached him, let him be surrounded and flattered by all the Yan merchants like the moon among stars, satisfying all his vanity. Then he had taken out the night pearl to tempt him. When Prince Zhuo had no bargaining chips and was feeling disappointed, the merchant had used the gift of night pearls as bait to make one tiny, insignificant request.
Everything, all of it, had been for this moment.
For some reason, Prince Zhuo had never been so clear-headed before. But he knew he was in trouble, especially since the King had just vomited blood.
Chen Bai was also stunned, because he was the closest to the King. Others might not have seen clearly because the assassin blocked their view, but he saw it clearly.
The assassin’s sword had not pierced the King at all. It had been blocked by the King. Yet the King had still vomited blood, his face turning as white as paper.
Chen Bai’s heart trembled. Had what was supposed to come still come after all?
He just had not expected it to happen in this way.
The hall was in complete chaos. The two Yan assassins were especially fierce, but after all, there were only two of them. Once the King deflected the sword, the military officials in the hall reacted.
“Yan dogs, how dare you attempt to assassinate the King!”
Before long, the two assassins were captured. The King was also helped away.
Not long after, an inner attendant came to report, “The King was merely struck by the assassin and suffered some superficial wounds. The imperial physicians have examined him and found no major harm. He only needs a little rest. Please be at ease, everyone.”
Only then did the officials in the hall let out a breath of relief. After that came their curses at the Yan merchants and at Yan itself. The Yan merchants still in Shangjing were probably doomed now. As for how Yan would be held accountable, that would be a matter for later.
From this scene alone, one could see just how chaotic the states were. Do not think that just because Shangjing appeared peaceful and untouched by the disturbances of the states, everything was truly calm. Who knew how many spies and scouts from the various states were hidden in Shangjing?
Chen Bai remained calm and did not dare say a single word.
After court was dismissed, he found someone to send Qi Zheng their secret signal. The meeting location was the academy.
When they met, Chen Bai said only one sentence: “That assassin did not stab the King.”
It was a simple sentence, but Qi Zheng understood.
The matter had come too suddenly, faster than they had imagined.
In other words, the King might soon issue an edict to establish the heir.
And Qi Zheng’s reputation had not yet reached the point where it could shake the King’s will.
“This is troublesome.”
What was even more troublesome was what happened in Shangjing, inside the Crown Prince’s residence.
Crown Prince Jiao had become haggard and withered. This was the result of spending his days drowning himself in wine.
Looking at the somewhat desolate Crown Prince’s residence, where guests and retainers had once crowded the gates, now reduced to such bleakness…
“Interesting, interesting. If I can’t have it good, none of you should think of having it good either.”
Other than Chen Bai and the others, the only one who knew the King was gravely ill was Crown Prince Jiao.
The next day, no one knew where it began, but suddenly a rumor started spreading.
“The King is gravely ill. His injury may be hard to treat. His days are numbered.”
Whether by accident or blind luck, Crown Prince Jiao had actually guessed correctly.
When Chen Bai heard the news, he could not help cursing in his heart. Who was it that thought Shangjing was not chaotic enough already?
As for how serious the King’s injury was, Chen Bai actually did not know very well either.
But…
An imperial edict arrived directly at the academy.
The meaning of the edict was that Mountain Lord must immediately return to Shangjing at once. If he dared resist the decree, Cloudtop Academy would be erased from existence.
It was somewhat shameless. If Mountain Lord were not Chen Bai himself, where would they even send this decree?
It was precisely because this unreasonable imperial edict had been issued that the severity of the situation became clear.
Chen Bai’s brows were tightly furrowed. Once a person fell ill, especially someone who did not want to die, they would become very unreasonable.
If Mountain Lord truly ignored the matter, before the King died, he might implicate a large number of people.
Chen Bai thought for a moment. Mountain Lord had originally gone into hiding to avoid being summoned by the King to treat his illness. Now, it seemed there was no hiding anymore.
Besides, even if the King did not implicate anyone else, Cloudtop Academy would certainly not survive. The imperial edict stated it clearly. In other words, even if the King fell unconscious, someone in court would still carry out the order.
He sighed.
But no matter what, he still had to delay slightly before returning.
However, this delay did not last long.
Because… the King stopped attending court.
According to the imperial physicians’ previous diagnosis, this should absolutely not have happened.
Together with the growing rumors in the marketplace, the rumors became more and more credible. Otherwise, even just to dispel the rumors, the King would have shown himself and attended court.
It could be said that both the court and the marketplace were truly panicking this time. What was even more terrifying was that their future heir had not yet been decided.
Almost everyone smelled the scent of upheaval.
And Mountain Lord had no choice but to return.
If the King died before he came back, Cloudtop Academy would be finished as well.
Thus, on this day, after a long absence, Mountain Lord, dressed in red, wearing a mask, and with those strange eyes, stood at the entrance of Cloudtop Academy.
He looked left and right, then removed his mask, because facial recognition had to see his face.
However, inside Cloudtop Academy, in the monitoring room, Qi Zheng was watching the surveillance feed.
Recently, whenever he had something troubling on his mind, he liked staying here. This place seemed to give him a sense of control over the whole situation.
He also saw Mountain Lord at the entrance. A rare smile appeared on Qi Zheng’s face.
But suddenly, the smile on his face stiffened to an indescribable degree.
