Chapter 75: Li Bozhang’s Identity, Lingyin’s Return
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
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Outside the Lin Estate.
The middle-aged pancake vendor looked at the old beggar and asked, “Do you think my skills have improved these past two days?”
The old beggar glanced at the still-blackened mess in the pan and said nothing.
The vendor looked around, spotting a greyhound lying near a corner of the wall. An idea struck him. He walked to the dog and poured the contents of the pan before it.
After pouring it all out, he generously declared, “You poor stray, eat it. Consider yourself lucky.”
Xiaohui had enjoyed a beef and rice dinner that afternoon, a whole basin full, and was feeling rather full. Suddenly, a pungent smell assaulted his nose. His doggy eyes widened, then…
*retch*
The vendor scowled and kicked the dog’s backside. Returning to his stall, he glanced back at the Lin Estate. “That boy is wasted not being a secret agent.”
Tasked with protecting Lin Xiu, they naturally knew his actions. Training a dog to tail someone was a remarkable skill.
As for the mynah, its small size kept it unnoticed.
Reminded by his companion, the old beggar realized something. “Speaking of secret agents, that boy caught in the brothel today… He could change his appearance! Such talent is precisely what the Secret Investigation Department needs. You stay guard here. I’ll report this immediately…”
Tongren Medical Hall.
Liu Dong awoke with his broken ribs mended, but his heart was filled with despair.
That woman’s servant had visited, warning him never to appear before her again, lest he be beaten. This meant a farewell to his lavish lifestyle.
No more indulging in whatever he desired. Though the future seemed bleak, the thought of escaping that dreadful woman and her terrifying tools…
A shiver ran down Liu Dong’s spine as he banished the horrific memories.
Limping out of the medical hall, two figures blocked his path.
In broad daylight, they wore black, with swords at their waists. Liu Dong jumped, asking, “Who… who are you? What do you want?”
One smiled mysteriously. “Liu Dong, is it? Come with us. The Secret Investigation Department needs your talents…”
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As the last Yuan Crystal turned to dust in Lin Xiu’s hand, the first fortune he earned as a secret agent was spent.
His reward was a mere ten days’ worth of diligent cultivation.
Lin Xiu sometimes questioned the value, but the thought of unforeseen assassinations strengthened his resolve.
Wealth was fleeting; strength was not.
His strength secured his life and the protection of his loved ones. Compared to this, gold and silver were insignificant.
Over the past few days, Lin Xiu received a few more commissions, all from Chen Yuanyuan. Rich women had rich friends. Her circle consisted of women in similar situations, worried about their husbands’ infidelity. They hired Lin Xiu to investigate, though their offers lacked Chen Yuanyuan’s generosity.
Chen Yuanyuan’s high price had a reason. Liu Dong’s shapeshifting abilities had stumped numerous agents for months. In frustration, she offered a hefty reward.
Typical infidelity cases paid only ten to a few tens of taels.
Lin Xiu saw no point in accepting such paltry sums. He aimed for quality over quantity. One thousand-tael commission outweighed dozens of smaller ones. He wouldn’t waste time on trivial matters.
Lin Xiu knew Chen Yuanyuan’s kindness had ulterior motives. She desired him. He wasn’t uninterested in rich women, but they had to be young and beautiful like Lingyin. Seeing his resistance, Chen Yuanyuan eventually gave up.
When Lin Xiu next encountered her, she was arm in arm with a handsome young man.
The man’s attire screamed luxury – fine silk, gold-threaded boots, a precious jade pendant. Although he lacked genuine aristocratic air, his outfit was undoubtedly expensive.
Materially fulfilled, yet his face held no joy. His eyes were dull.
At the prime of his youth, he seemed like a hollow shell, devoid of spirit.
Such was life – gain and loss. He gained material comforts, losing his free spirit…
Lin Xiu carried a birdcage, its occupant a newly acquired, painstakingly trained mynah. This was his gift for Noble Consort, who, besides his mother and Lingyin, was the kindest woman to him. He repaid kindness tenfold.
Knowing the Noble Consort’s loneliness within the palace walls, Lin Xiu often sought ways to amuse her.
Nearing the palace gate, Lin Xiu stopped. He recognized a figure on the street.
Liu Qingfeng, carrying an elderly woman, emerged from a medical hall, his face etched with despair.
An old doctor saw him out, shaking his head. “I’m afraid I can do nothing for your mother’s illness. Seek another physician.”
Sadness flickered in Liu Qingfeng’s eyes. As he turned to leave, a familiar voice called out.
Lin Xiu approached. “Minister Liu, what’s wrong?”
Liu Qingfeng forced a smile. “Minister Lin, what a coincidence. My mother is ill. I brought her for treatment.”
“How is she? What did the doctor say?”
Liu Qingfeng shook his head.
“I have connections in the Imperial Hospital. Bring your mother to the Lin Estate later. I’ll have them examine her…”
Liu Qingfeng hesitated. “This…”
He disliked accepting favors, but his mother’s health superseded his pride. He had considered the Imperial Hospital, but his meager salary barely covered medication. Imperial physicians charged hundreds of taels just for a visit, an impossible sum.
Lin Xiu patted his shoulder. “We’re colleagues. Don’t be so formal. I have matters to attend to in the palace. See you later.”
Before Liu Qingfeng could thank him, Lin Xiu turned and left.
Watching him go, Liu Qingfeng felt a pang of guilt for his past behavior, quickly replaced by joy. “Mother, the imperial physicians are skilled. They’ll surely cure you!”
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Soon, Lin Xiu entered the palace.
The Imperial Hospital was inside. Lingyin’s status allowed her to bring him through the front palace gates. Lin Xiu’s token only permitted his entry.
After traversing long corridors and presenting his token twice, a eunuch escorted him to Changchun Palace.
A white blur flew from the Noble Consort’s embrace into Lin Xiu’s arms, leaving him enveloped in her fragrance. He now knew the little creature wasn’t called “Nannan.” It had a name, which translated to “White Spirit.”
The Noble Consort pouted. “I’ve raised it for so long, yet it’s more affectionate towards you after just a few meetings.”
Lin Xiu gave White Spirit a look. It promptly returned to the Noble Consort, nuzzling her chest.
He then stepped forward, handing a birdcage to Linglong. “Your Highness, this is a gift. Its song is quite lovely. It can keep you company.”
The Noble Consort, lonely in the palace, cherished her pet. The mynah was a thoughtful gift. But then, realizing the pet’s confinement mirrored her own, a touch of pity arose. The bird in its cage was another version of herself.
She said, “I appreciate your gift, but the sky is its rightful place. I imagine it prefers freedom to this small cage. Let’s release it…”
She opened the cage. The mynah flew out, circled, then landed on her shoulder.
She froze, surprised and delighted. “How… how is this possible?”
“Your Highness, I trained it. You needn’t cage it. It will fly out as it pleases, returning when tired or hungry.”
Lin Xiu extended his hand; the mynah perched on it. “Your Highness can try.”
Hesitantly, she reached out, and the bird hopped onto her hand.
Her face lit up. “How amusing!”
Seeing her joy, Lin Xiu sighed in relief. He had resorted to his old tricks to please her. Thankfully, they worked. The new pet brought a constant smile to her face. His efforts weren’t in vain.
Half an hour later, Lin Xiu left Changchun Palace.
Having gifted the mynah, he received a pair of earrings in return. At this rate, he thought, he would soon possess all her jewelry.
He planned to visit the Imperial Hospital, have dinner with Shuangshuang, and arrange Liu Qingfeng’s mother’s treatment. But passing Qianqiu Palace, he paused. A figure emerged, also startled to see him.
An awkward expression crossed the man’s face. “Lin Xiu, what a coincidence.”
Lin Xiu was surprised to see Li Bozhang in the inner palace. He had clearly seen him exiting Qianqiu Palace, Consort Shu’s residence, a place he hadn’t entered since his ice-making duties ended.
The only men allowed free access were the Emperor and Consort Shu’s son.
The eunuch beside Lin Xiu bowed respectfully. “Your Highness, Prince Qin.”
Li Bozhang waved him off. “Rise. Let us leave the palace.”
Lin Xiu had suspected Li Bozhang’s identity, even investigating. But with “Li” being a common surname, especially among the nobility, it was difficult to pinpoint without considering the royal family. He never imagined he was a prince.
The current Emperor, due to his numerous consorts, had many children. However, most were minors. Only four adult princes existed: the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, Prince Zhao, and Prince Qin.
These princes were born to the Empress and three consorts. Except for the Noble Consort, the top five ranking consorts all had children.
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The Crown Prince, the Empress’s legitimate son and the eldest, had been designated heir apparent early on. Prince Qi, born to Consort Xian, held a reputation for virtue. Prince Zhao’s mother, the deceased Consort De, was also Princess Minghe’s mother. And finally, there was Prince Qin.
Prince Qin, Consort Shu’s only son, was the least prominent among the princes, rarely seen at court. Even among the elite, he was more a name than a presence.
Lin Xiu’s first friend in this world was a prince.
Yet, it wasn’t surprising. Like father, like son; one favored older women, the other, mature ladies. They were indeed related.
Leaving the palace, Lin Xiu bowed. “I was unaware of Your Highness’s identity. Please forgive any offense.”
Li Bozhang waved it off. “I prefer ‘Bozhang‘. Our friendship is based on shared interests, not titles.”
Not one for formalities, Lin Xiu chuckled. “A commoner, ordinary family… You hid it well.”
Li Bozhang sighed. “It was necessary. Revealing my identity to everyone would hinder true friendships. Beauty is easily found, but true friends are rare. Don’t let my status affect our friendship.”
Lin Xiu had no such concerns, but he sensed Li Bozhang’s worries. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he asked, “So, you intentionally warned me about the Marquis Yongping’s estate?”
Li Bozhang smiled. “I wouldn’t let a friend be framed. Though I must say, your methods are impressive. Exiling Yang Xuan… even I didn’t anticipate that.”
Thinking back, Lin Xiu still felt a lingering fear. If not for the Noble Consort’s protection, he might have faced punishment despite exposing Yang Xuan. He decided to steer clear of the topic. The revelation of his friend’s royal status needed time to sink in.
Then, Li Bozhang asked, “Do you have any more of that exquisite wine?”
Lin Xiu shook his head. “That was my last jar.”
He had distilled another jar, but that was reserved for Liu Qingfeng. Having acquired Li Bozhang’s Thunder ability, he wouldn’t waste precious wine on him.
“Where did you buy it?” Li Bozhang pressed.
“A traveling wine merchant. I bought a few jars, enjoying the aroma. Only one remained, which you finished.”
“Where is this merchant now?”
“I haven’t seen him since.”
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Disappointment etched on Li Bozhang’s face, he sighed repeatedly. An idea struck Lin Xiu. A prince had access to the finest wines, yet praised his distilled spirit. This suggested market potential.
Lin Xiu had considered business ventures. But with the Lin family’s current standing, small ventures were pointless, while larger ones were vulnerable. He would end up working for others.
But things were different now.
He had a prince for a friend, albeit the least influential. Still, a prince. No one would dare seize his business. Partnering with Li Bozhang would secure any venture.
Then, he wouldn’t need to risk his life as a secret agent, enduring long droughts between commissions and fending off unwanted advances from women like that… The experience had left him deeply disturbed.
His eyes gleaming, he asked, “Bozhang, what would be a suitable price for that wine?”
Li Bozhang, reminiscing, replied, “Exquisite wine is priceless.”
Lin Xiu shook his head. “Even fine wine is a commodity. Commodities have prices. How else can one conduct business?”
“Business?” Li Bozhang was taken aback.
“Never mind that. Just tell me, what’s a fair price for a jar?”
Li Bozhang considered. “It depends.”
“Depends on what?”
“If it were the only jar, I’d pay a thousand taels. If ten, a hundred. But if the supply is unlimited, the price drops. It’s still wine, meant for consumption. It can’t be exorbitantly priced.”
Li Bozhang’s logic was sound. Some wines in Lin Xiu’s past life commanded absurd prices, reaching hundreds of thousands. But these were rare, collector’s items. Wine meant for drinking, regardless of quality, couldn’t be too expensive.
“How about ten taels per jar for a steady supply?”
“Not at all expensive. Zhaiyue Pavilion charges several taels for inferior wine. Ten taels for your spirit is a bargain.”
Alcohol in this world was relatively affordable. Common wines ranged from ten to a few tens of copper coins per jin, catering to commoners and the moderately wealthy. Restaurant wine was pricier, a few taels per pot – about a few thousand yuan in Lin Xiu’s previous life. Conscientious pricing, he thought, but beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Ten taels, or about ten thousand yuan per bottle – expensive, but targeting the affluent. To them, ten taels was a trifle.
A plan forming, Lin Xiu slung an arm around Li Bozhang’s shoulder. “When do I get my thousand taels?”
Li Bozhang blinked. “What thousand taels?”
“You said you’d pay a thousand for that unique jar. I didn’t even have a sip…”
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Lin Xiu failed to extract payment. Prince Qin, of all people, pleaded poverty, claiming their friendship transcended money. He promised a future treat instead.
Lin Xiu wasn’t after the wine, but the silver.
However, he postponed the business discussion. He had another pressing matter.
At the Imperial Hospital, he met Shuangshuang and invited her to dinner at the Lin Estate, mentioning a patient needing treatment. She readily agreed.
She was perhaps the most pure-hearted, kindest girl he knew.
Shuangshuang had confided her dislike for palace life. Consorts rarely fell ill; her duties mainly involved skincare. She dreamt of being a renowned physician, healing the masses, not confined to the palace.
But life was rarely that simple.
Since her healing ability awakened, she’d been recruited into the Esoteric Skills Academy. The court nurtured her with abundant resources, enabling her four awakenings by seventeen. She was practically built on Yuan Crystals.
Her family, once ordinary, rose to prominence due to her ability. The court had given her much. She had little choice.
Arriving at the Lin Estate, they found Liu Qingfeng waiting patiently outside, carrying his elderly mother.
Lin Xiu strode over. “Minister Liu, why not come in?”
“I was waiting for you,” Liu Qingfeng smiled.
Understanding his formality, Lin Xiu led them inside. “This is Shuangshuang, my friend and an imperial physician. She’ll examine your mother.”
Shuangshuang, a natural healer, needed no medical texts. Simply holding the elderly woman’s hand improved her complexion. She lay down, drifting into a peaceful sleep.
Borrowing Lin Xiu’s study, Shuangshuang wrote a prescription. “Your mother has a lung ailment. I’ve healed most of it, but her age requires nourishment. Follow this prescription.”
The elderly woman’s condition differed from Lin Xiu’s injuries. Healing abilities worked wonders on external wounds, but chronic illnesses required more. Still, it significantly alleviated the mother’s suffering. With medication, adding a few years to her life was likely.
Liu Qingfeng accepted the prescription gratefully. “Thank you, Doctor. How much do I owe…?”
Shuangshuang smiled. “I don’t charge.”
“This…” Liu Qingfeng stammered.
“Shuangshuang is a true physician. Don’t worry about it. Let your mother rest. We’ll talk outside,” Lin Xiu said.
Outside, Madam Ping’an Bo immediately whisked Shuangshuang away, eager to find a new wife for Lin Xiu, now that the engagement with the Zhao family was off. Shuangshuang was clearly a prime candidate.
Liu Qingfeng bowed deeply to Lin Xiu. “I apologize for my past behavior. I misjudged you.”
Lin Xiu waved it off. “If you’re truly sorry, have a few drinks with me.”
Touched, Liu Qingfeng agreed.
Dinner was a lavish affair. Afterwards, Lin Xiu escorted Shuangshuang back, returning to find Liu Qingfeng still waiting.
Since Shuangshuang predicted the elderly woman would sleep till morning, Lin Xiu offered Liu Qingfeng a guest room.
As darkness fell, Lin Xiu set up a small table in his study, bringing out his special wine. “Minister Liu, I admire your investigative skills. Let’s drink to our hearts’ content tonight.”
The aroma made Liu Qingfeng’s throat bob. “Such a fragrant wine…”
Lin Xiu produced two bowls, grinning. “Indeed. My prized possession. Only for special occasions…”
Pouring a bowl, he said, “Our first meeting, I hadn’t provoked you, yet you were hostile. Drink this as a self-punishment.”
Ashamed, Liu Qingfeng downed the potent liquid in one gulp. The intensity was unexpected. His mind blanked for a moment. He’d never tasted such fine wine, deeply touched by Lin Xiu’s generosity.
Lin Xiu refilled his bowl, smiling. “Inviting Shuangshuang to treat your mother puts me in her debt. Another self-punishment.”
“Of course!” Liu Qingfeng emptied the bowl again. “Thank you for your help. I’m eternally grateful.”
The refined wine’s potency was tenfold. A few bowls later, Liu Qingfeng slumped on the table, murmuring, “Thank you… If you ever need anything, I… I won’t hesitate…”
He closed his eyes, still.
Lin Xiu took a sip, shaking his head. “Such low tolerance…”
He too, slumped onto the table, his arm casually draped over Liu Qingfeng’s shoulder.
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Li Bozhang nodded. “They seem… brighter.”
Lin Xiu, gazing ahead, focused on an ant struggling with a grain of rice far across the training grounds.
From his vantage point, he could clearly see the ant’s antennae.
No wonder Liu Qingfeng’s investigative skills were so sharp. Such eyesight could detect the smallest clues, unavoidable even for seasoned criminals.
Of course, such an ability was equally suited for admiring beauties.
His Eye of Esotericism, with its auto-focus, provided varying perspectives from afar and up close, a 360-degree appreciation. The experience was beyond words.
However, prolonged gazing, even from a distance, was inappropriate. Lin Xiu averted his gaze, pulling a pair of earrings from his sleeve.
The Noble Consort’s gift was exquisite – pure gold, crafted into delicate butterfly wings. Two halves, forming a complete pair, with dangling blue crystals, shimmering in the sunlight.
He pondered the recipient.
He’d gladly give them to Lingyin, but she always set them aside for her sister. While acceptable initially, the repeated act irked him slightly.
Zhao Lingyin, not Zhao Lingjun, was the one who showed him kindness, protecting him and guiding his cultivation. The other brought him repeated danger. Their importance in his heart was clear.
Lingyin would undoubtedly reserve these for her sister. He decided against it.
He considered Caiyi, but she wouldn’t accept such a lavish gift. Moreover, the gesture carried implications; he wasn’t ready to pursue her yet.
He shook his head, deciding to keep them for a more suitable recipient.
Before he could put them away, a delighted voice exclaimed, “What beautiful earrings!”
Lin Xiu looked up to see Xue Ning’er approaching.
Crouching before him, she asked excitedly, “Are these for me?”
Lin Xiu was speechless.
He was reluctant to part with them. Yet, seeing her expectant expression, refusal might undo his efforts.
He knew women too well to make the wrong choice.
With feigned cheerfulness, he asked, “Do you like them?”
Xue Ning’er, though not lacking jewelry, was captivated. She recognized the palace craftsmanship instantly.
Reaching out, she hesitated. “Such a precious gift… Your fiancée won’t mind?”
Lin Xiu, already pained, seized the opportunity. “Right. Perhaps not…”
Xue Ning’er snatched the earrings. “You can’t go back on your word! Oh…”
She blushed, noticing her hand in his. “What are you doing…?”
In her eagerness, he had grasped her hand.
A mix of shyness and triumph filled her. He finally made a move!
Lin Xiu, momentarily confused, released her hand. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”
Xue Ning’er fled, blushing furiously. Lin Xiu frowned.
Why… why no reaction?
His Replication ability remained dormant. This had happened before, when examining Shuangshuang. His initial awakening allowed for four abilities.
After his breakthrough, he copied four more: Thunder, Healing, Disguise, and Eye of Esotericism.
But his breakthrough increased his Yuan Qi tenfold. Shouldn’t his capacity be higher than eight? It seemed he gained only four slots per awakening.
If true, he’d have to be more selective, lest he waste a slot on a useless ability.
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Lin Xiu was disheartened during martial arts class.
He’d expected a larger capacity, but four seemed to be the limit, far from his hopes.
With no written records or reference material, he had to experiment.
Still, the ability was already overpowered. If the capacity increased tenfold per awakening, he’d soon run out of esoteric skills to copy.
Despite this, the reality fell short of his expectations, leaving him disappointed.
Unlike Lin Xiu, Xue Ning’er was ecstatic.
She wore the new earrings, gifting her old ones to a friend. She had cherished them, but now she had something better.
Already beautiful, she radiated even more charm.
“Such beautiful earrings!”
“Prettier than anything at Yuanyang Boutique!”
“Where did you buy them, Ning’er? I want a pair!”
Basking in the compliments, Xue Ning’er preened. “Lin Xiu gifted them. The craftsmanship is clearly from the palace. You can’t buy these.”
“What?!”
“Lin Xiu?”
“Such a lavish gift… Ning’er, has he fallen for you?”
“If the Zhao family finds out…”
Xue Ning’er feigned innocence. “Don’t misunderstand. We’re just good friends. Gift-giving is normal, right?”
By the end of class, everyone knew about the earrings.
Xue Ning’er’s admirers glared at Lin Xiu. The female students exchanged knowing glances.
Lin Xiu was unaware, but they knew Xue Ning’er treated him as prey. Once he succumbed, she would discard him, making a laughingstock of the Zhao heiress.
The poor fellow was falling into her trap.
Leaving the training grounds, Lin Xiu bid Xue Ning’er farewell, his smile vanishing as he turned.
So quickly the news spread. She’s impatient, he thought.
But my gifts aren’t so easily taken.
She might have gained a small advantage, but he would make her pay dearly.
A smirk touched his lips, quickly fading as a figure in red blocked his path.
Princess Minghe stood before him, a flickering flame dancing in her palm. Even from a distance, Lin Xiu felt the heat.
He stepped back cautiously. “Your Highness, what do you want?”
She sneered. “Continue your arrogance. Where’s your bravado from our last encounter in the palace?”
Arrogance had consequences. She came seeking revenge.
“Your Highness, I haven’t provoked you. You’re always the aggressor. Let’s be reasonable.”
“You dare lecture me on reason?”
Lin Xiu sighed. Reasoning with her was futile. Every encounter was a clash.
“What do you want?” he asked.
Rolling up her sleeves, she said, “Every time I see you, I want to punch you.”
He felt the same.
But he kept it to himself. He couldn’t win.
Retreating further, he said, “Remember academy rule number eight: no fighting.”
She scoffed. “I dare them to punish me.”
This was one reason Lin Xiu cultivated diligently. Weakness meant fleeing from unreasonable women.
As he considered escape, a line of fire erupted from the ground, encircling him.
He channeled Yuan Qi, creating a patch of ice. But it melted instantly against the flames.
Her two extra awakenings suppressed him completely.
Suddenly, the melted ice re-froze, rapidly expanding to engulf the flames, freezing them solid.
Lin Xiu stared, bewildered. He hadn’t done anything.
Turning sharply, he saw a figure in white behind him. Joy flooded his face. “Lingyin! You’re back!”
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