The Kingdom That Never Sleeps CH 121 The Frightening Monster, Wang Zifeng
Tang Shen did not sleep the entire night. At midnight, a heavy rainstorm fell, and he could hear the raindrops striking the duckweed outside the window until dawn.
The next day, Qin Si, the Governor-General of Liuzhou, was summoned back to the capital.
Three years ago, Qin Si, who was then serving as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was punished for mismanaging the Revenue And Expenditure Department and was exiled to Liuzhou, where he served as a fifth-rank Governor-General. Though Liuzhou was not as prosperous as Jiangnan, it was still a land rich in resources and populated by many. During Qin Si’s tenure, Liuzhou enjoyed favorable weather and good governance. With the blessings of time, place, and the support of the people, he was finally recalled to Shengjing.
That very day, Zhao Fu met with Qin Si in Chuigong Hall.
Qin Si was now thirty-six years old. When he left the capital three years ago, he had not yet grown a beard, but now he sported a neatly groomed beard, and there was a newfound sense of world weariness in his eyes. He did not waste words upon seeing Zhao Fu, instead immediately reporting on his governance in Liuzhou and describing the local customs and conditions.
Zhao Fu listened with great interest. When he noticed the beard on Qin Si’s chin, he remarked, “Qin Yude, so even you have grown old!”
Everyone knew that Qin Si was someone who refused to acknowledge aging. He had always considered himself in his prime, and in an era where many officials took pride in growing beards, he had never done so in over thirty years. If anyone asked him why, he would even use Wang Zhen as an excuse: “Look at Minister Wang—he has never grown a beard, and yet he remains as elegant and refined as ever, like a heavenly immortal.”
However, ever since Wang Zhen sent him a letter two months ago hinting at his potential recall to Shengjing, Qin Si had deliberately started growing his beard.
Now, upon hearing Zhao Fu’s words, Qin Si’s eyes welled up with emotion. He hesitated for a moment before finally bowing and saying, “Your Majesty, I am already thirty-six.”
Zhao Fu gave him a meaningful glance and said, “A man has only so many sets of three years in his life. It is unfortunate that soon, we will not have the chance to see each other once again.”
Qin Si was startled. He wondered if he had spoken out of turn or if his subtle attempt at evoking sympathy had been detected by the emperor. A chill ran down his spine as he bitterly regretted his cleverness backfiring.
Fortunately, as soon as he left the palace, he received an imperial edict: Qin Si was promoted from Governor-General of Liuzhou to Accountant General of the Silver Pull Division, a third-rank position. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he accepted the decree. Before long, many old acquaintances came to his residence to congratulate him on his promotion.
Though he was soon to depart for Youzhou, Qin Si took the time to entertain these officials and solidify his connections.
Two days later, when he finally had some free time, he specially ordered a box of pastries from Caiqi Villa and visited the Minister of Revenue’s residence to call upon Wang Zhen.
Qin Si presented the pastry box.
Wang Zhen glanced at it. “Pastries from Caiqi Villa?”
Qin Si replied, “This lower official has always been fond of their pastries. Three years ago, at the Ten-Mile Pavilion outside the capital, daren gifted me a box, and I have never forgotten their exquisite taste. Now that I have returned to the capital, I bought some to relive the memory—and to share with daren.”
Wang Zhen invited Qin Si to stay for a meal, and the two conversed pleasantly.
During their conversation, Qin Si reaffirmed his loyalty to Wang Zhen. After receiving Wang Zhen’s subtle instructions, he left without hesitation, preparing to depart for Youzhou in a few days.
Back in his quarters, Wang Zhen examined the box of pastries and called for his steward. “Send this box to Tang daren.”
The steward nodded but had only taken a few steps before Wang Zhen suddenly called him back. He lifted the light pastry box, opened the first layer, and found an assortment of white sugar longevity cakes, snow cakes, and date cakes. Then he checked the second layer, which contained lotus cakes, crisp-skin lastries, and steamed fruit pastries.
Wang Zhen gazed at the pastries for a moment before lightly tapping on the box. He pried open a hidden compartment beneath the second layer, revealing a priceless calligraphy scroll by the previous dynasty's scholar sage—The Mirror of Clarity.
The scroll was now imbued with the fragrance of pastries, a scent that might never fade.
Wang Zhen sighed, “What a waste of a masterpiece.”
The steward was equally shocked upon seeing The Mirror of Clarity. He thought to himself: Qin Si truly does not know how to treasure fine things!
Wang Zhen placed the scroll back into the hidden compartment and handed the box to his steward again. “Deliver this to Tang daren.”
The steward was stunned. “Gongzi?” This box contained a priceless calligraphy scroll!
Wang Zhen’s tone was sincere. “Tell him this is a token of my sincerity—he should take his time appreciating it.”
The steward had no choice but to deliver the pastries to Tanhua Residence.
He relayed Wang Zhen’s message exactly as instructed, though he was sorely tempted to inform Tang daren that the box contained a handwritten masterpiece by a revered scholar sage. However, since Wang Zhen had forbidden him from mentioning it, he dared not speak a word. As he left the manor, he glanced back repeatedly, fearing that Tang Shen might overlook the hidden treasure and carelessly discard the box.
Yet at that moment, Tang Shen was filled with turmoil.
Three days ago, in the Minister Residence, Wang Zhen had recited Zhen Wei to him. Even after three days, the elegant and lingering voice still echoed in his ears, leaving him restless and unable to sleep. Over the past few days, he had been deliberately avoiding Wang Zhen, ensuring they would not meet. Fortunately, Tang Shen now worked at the Censorate, and their only common ground was during morning court. Given that Wang Zhen was a second-rank official while Tang Shen was only fourth-rank, avoiding him was not difficult.
Now, receiving a gift from Wang Zhen, Tang Shen immediately felt suspicious—how could he eat these pastries so carelessly?
He didn’t dare touch a single piece!
Pondering Wang Zhen’s intent, Tang Shen carefully removed the pastries from the wooden box and sat in his study, staring at it in deep contemplation. After a while, a thought struck him, and he began inspecting the box for a hidden compartment. Upon doing so…
“…” Tang Shen’s expression turned blank as he silently pulled out The Mirror of Clarity.
Although he was not an expert collector, he understood well enough how invaluable a manuscript by a scholar sage was. Such an item was not meant for private ownership—if discovered, it should be immediately sent to the imperial treasury as a national treasure!
How dare Wang Zhen privately hoard this?!
And even giving it to him?!
This was a hot potato, one that Tang Shen dared not accept.
The next morning, after court adjourned, Tang Shen deliberately waited outside the palace. When he spotted Wang Zhen’s carriage, bearing the insignia of the Minister of Revenue, exiting the outer gates, he immediately stepped forward to block its path.
Wang Zhen lifted the curtain in surprise. Seeing that it was Tang Shen, he smiled slightly. “Little Junior Brother, have you finally dared to see me?”
Tang Shen: “…”
What do you mean by ‘dared’? When have I ever not dared?
Tang Shen solemnly presented a gift box with both hands. “Yesterday, I wrote a piece of calligraphy and wished to present it to the esteemed Minister of Revenue for critique.”
Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. “A gift for the Minister of Revenue?”
Tang Shen: “…Yes?”
Wang Zhen’s face immediately darkened. With righteous indignation, he scolded, “In broad daylight, beneath the very palace gates, you dare to offer me a bribe? Tang Shen, are you not an official of the Censorate? Is this the so-called ‘clear mirror hides filth’ scenario? Are you attempting to bribe me?”
Tang Shen was utterly dumbfounded.
Wang Zhen extended his hand. “Get in.”
Too bewildered, Tang Shen climbed into the carriage on autopilot. Once inside, Wang Zhen took his hand, opened the wooden box, and gazed at the same The Mirror of Clarity. With a sigh, he said, “A gift given to you—why must you return it?”
Tang Shen tried to withdraw his hand, but Wang Zhen’s cool palm remained pressed against his own. Despite the lingering heat of September, this hand, like its owner, carried a trace of crisp, unyielding chill. For some inexplicable reason, Tang Shen wanted to warm it up. He couldn't bring himself to shake it off, nor let Wang Zhen feel disappointment or coldness.
His heart wavered. After a long moment, he spoke hoarsely, “This is too valuable—I dare not accept it.”
Wang Zhen saw his internal struggle clearly. “If you were to give it to the Minister of Revenue, that would be bribing a superior. But if you give it to your senior brother, then there’s no issue.”
Tang Shen immediately replied, “I’m giving it to my senior brother.”
Wang Zhen tightened his grip on Tang Shen’s hand and laughed heartily. “Then I won’t accept it. But thank you for the kind gesture, little Junior Brother.”
Tang Shen: “!!!”
Wang Zifeng, you can play like this?!
Tang Shen felt utterly outmatched. He had no way to counter Wang Zhen! At that moment, he truly wanted to fling Wang Zhen’s hand away and let him go back to wherever he came from, but Wang Zhen’s fingers intertwined with his, tracing slow, deliberate patterns along his palm. The movements were gentle, yet they ignited a burning heat where their skin met. It was as if Tang Shen’s heart was placed over an open flame, scorching and unbearable. He struggled to hold onto his restraint, yet he couldn't bear to push Wang Zhen away—he was afraid of seeing that look of disappointment again.
Just as Tang Shen reached his limit, torn between anxiety and agony, the driver suddenly called out, “Daren, we’ve arrived at the Censorate.”
Wang Zhen’s fingers stilled for a brief moment before resuming their caress as if he hadn’t heard.
Tang Shen, however, felt an immense wave of relief. He yanked his hand away and practically fled from the carriage. Turning back, he bowed hastily to Wang Zhen. “This lower official takes his leave.” Then, without waiting for a response, he strode off in large steps.
Wang Zhen chuckled to himself, a hint of self-mockery in his tone. “Am I a frightening monster?” He shook his head, sighing, “To the Ministry of Revenue.”
At noon, while Tang Shen was lost in thought at the Censorate, a government worker arrived with a wooden box.
Tang Shen: “…”
Forget it. No point in returning it. If you’re so eager to give me money, I might as well take it!
As the Court Gentleman Consultant and Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, Tang Shen naturally had to manage the division’s affairs. He submitted a memorial, and soon, Zhao Fu issued an imperial decree summoning Mei Shengze and Wang Xiao back to the capital, appointing them as Senior Administrators of the Silver Pull Division under Tang Shen’s jurisdiction.
Zhao Fu’s decree was like a timely rain after a drought, filling Tang Shen with deep gratitude. He was now even more convinced of Wang Zhen’s words—he should trust this emperor. Even if Zhao Fu indulged in pills and immortality cultivation, he still ruled more wisely than most emperors.
Because he saw through the workings of this court!
Before long, Mei Shengze and Wang Xiao were set to return to the capital. Meanwhile, in Nanjing, Xijin Prefecture of the Liao State, a tea merchant named Qiao Jiu was carrying a bundle of gifts to pay a visit to Xiao Zhen, the Left Minister of Xijin Prefecture.
Upon seeing Qiao Jiu, Xiao Zhen initially maintained a cold expression. But as soon as he laid eyes on the gifts, his demeanor brightened with a broad smile.
After having the servants collect the gifts, Xiao Zhen dismissed everyone, leaving only Qiao Jiu behind.
With a sneer, Xiao Zhen said, “So Yelü Qin and Yelü Shege truly see us as mere chess pieces, to be used at will! Do you know what happened in the Great Tent today?”
Qiao Jiu was startled. “What happened?”
Xiao Zhen, “Didn’t the assassin confess that the mastermind was the Grand Preceptor Yelü Yin? Until now, Yelü Qin had remained silent on the matter, and I truly believed the Second Prince intended to let it slide. But then, yesterday, His Majesty suddenly suffered a stroke. This morning, just as he regained consciousness, the Second Prince immediately reported the incident.”
Xiao Zhen had long been aware of Qiao Jiu’s true identity. In fact, he had already been bribed by Su Wenyun. With his weaknesses in Su Wenyun’s grasp, and having been tempted with benefits, Xiao Zhen had no choice but to comply. Moreover, he harbored resentment toward Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin, so he was more than happy to play the role of a treacherous official.
Qiao Jiu pondered deeply. Upon returning home, he immediately penned a letter and sent it to Youzhou.
The letter contained only one line:
‘As the snipe and clam struggle, why not be the fisherman?’