Chapter Seventeen: Memories of Northern Tomb

Within the vast chamber, Li Yunjie remained silent for a long time.
Through Shiyi’s account, images of epic heroism unfolded in his mind.
He drew a deep breath, then exhaled heavily.
“No wonder.”
“This scoundrel heir has survived until today thanks to the illustrious military achievements my father left behind.”
“Master, how can you say that?” Shiyi pouted, “You’re alive because of your intelligence and wit!”
Li Yunjie couldn’t help but laugh, “If I were truly so clever, how would I have ended up like this?”
“The rightful heir of Beiling, unable to return to Beiling City—how pathetic.”
“It isn’t your fault, Master.” Shiyi turned her back to the window and continued, “After the prince died, Beiling was thrown into chaos.”
“The city split into two factions.”
“One was led by the Left Commander, your second uncle Li Yi.”
“The other was headed by you, Master.”
“But you were still young then, and many in the army doubted your ability to shoulder great responsibilities.”
“In the end, the military power of Beiling fell into Li Yi’s hands.”
As she spoke, Shiyi couldn’t hide her sighs.
“Beiling became a place where you no longer belonged, so you had no choice but to come to the capital.”
Prompted by Shiyi’s words, Li Yunjie’s memories gradually became clearer.
Thirteen years ago, when he was stripped of power, he was only a nine-year-old child.
His father died in battle, his mother had succumbed to illness when he was barely a year old.
His only remaining relative, his second uncle, seized his command.
Now, thinking back, Li Yi must have considered taking his life as well.
But Li Yunjie, being the son of a distinguished hero, gave him no opportunity.
A noble child left without guidance would almost inevitably become an idle and uneducated wastrel.
“Enough!”
Perhaps sensing the heavy atmosphere, Li Yunjie suddenly shifted the conversation, “All old tales now!”
“To live so mundanely isn’t such a bad thing.”
“It’s wonderful that you think so, Master,” Shiyi said with relief. “But I believe you’re no longer the person you once were.”
“Oh?” Li Yunjie grew nervous, wondering if the truth of his soul’s transmigration had been uncovered. “Why do you say that?”
Shiyi beamed, “You used to indulge in wine and women, lacking ambition—indeed, you were mediocre.”
“But now, you investigate cases, compose poetry, cultivate your skills—none are neglected.”
“I believe this Master is anything but ordinary.”
“I am certain that one day, you will be revered by thousands!”
Li Yunjie smiled, “Let’s hope your words come true.”
As his words faded, a gentle spring rain began to fall outside.
The breeze was warm, carrying the faint scent of peach blossoms.

“Shiyi, what day is it today?”
Shiyi rolled her eyes thoughtfully, “Ten days have passed since the Spring Equinox. In a few more days, it will be the Qingming Festival.”
“Qingming,” Li Yunjie murmured, “Qingming is wonderful...”
...
Prime Minister’s residence, main hall.
“Sir, Wu Changjiang, the Deputy Minister of Finance, has departed for the Eastern Palace,” the guard Fang Zhong reported respectfully.
Su Ming slowly put down the document in his hand and spoke in a low voice, “Wu Changjiang is an upright official, principled and incorruptible.”
“But he has an unworthy son.”
“This move to seek favor with the Eastern Palace is a last resort—let him go.”
With that, Su Ming rose and descended the steps. “Those two men in black, have you traced their origins?”
“Sir,” Fang Zhong replied with deference, “They are members of the Serpent Society.”
Su Ming paused to think, and a sudden flash of murderous intent glimmered in his deep eyes.
“Wipe them out,” Su Ming commanded coldly. “It’s time to teach these wanderers a lesson.”
“Yes, Sir,” Fang Zhong answered. “And how should we deal with Wu Jin?”
Su Ming replied calmly, “Let him live for now—I have other uses for him.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Oh, by the way,” Su Ming suddenly remembered something and turned to ask Fang Zhong, “Was that poem, ‘Unaware of the sky reflected in the drunken waters, a boat full of dreams pressed against the river of stars,’ truly written by Li Yunjie?”
Fang Zhong nodded, “Absolutely!”
Su Ming was momentarily stunned, then a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
“Very well, you may go.”
...
Eastern Palace.
Wude Hall.
“This poem, was it really written by Li Yunjie?”
Zhao Heng stared at the verses on the desk in shock.
Bai Xue nodded hesitantly.
“It is indeed a fine poem...” Zhao Heng smiled bitterly, his tone tinged with jealousy.
“When did that good-for-nothing learn to write poetry?”
Bai Xue shook his head in confusion.
“Never mind, it’s not important,” Zhao Heng said, then suddenly looked at Bai Xue. “How is the matter I asked you to handle?”
At his words, Bai Xue took out a stack of documents from his sleeve.
Zhao Heng quickly scanned them, his expression turning grave. “This Zhou Jingzhi is indeed a man from Beiling...”
“Your Highness,” Bai Xue asked in puzzlement, “Since Zhou Jingzhi is the son of Zhou Li, why would he choose to serve under you?”
“I find it strange as well,” Zhao Heng replied in a deep voice. “Zhou Li was deputy general under Li Jia—there’s no reason for him to let his son oppose Li Yunjie.”

“Could it be that Zhou Li has secretly pledged allegiance to Li Yi?” Bai Xue speculated.
“Impossible,” Zhao Heng immediately rejected the idea. “Zhou Li was Li Jia’s trusted aide—given his character, he would never betray Li Jia.”
Zhao Heng puzzled over it endlessly.
Just then, a eunuch suddenly announced, “Your Highness, Wu Changjiang, Deputy Minister of Finance, requests an audience.”
Zhao Heng paused, then smiled coldly, “He’s come so quickly.”
“Let him in.”
Soon after, Wu Changjiang, dressed in purple-black official robes, entered the hall.
“Your servant Wu Changjiang greets Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“No need for such formality, Minister Wu,” Zhao Heng rose and helped him up, feigning surprise. “May I ask what brings you here today?”
Wu Changjiang hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, “I heard Your Highness has been troubled by the recent academy case, so I came to offer my assistance.”
“You are too kind, Minister Wu,” Zhao Heng replied with a smile. “I have already let go of the academy case.”
“Abolishing the academy is the trend of the times.”
“There's no rush.”
“That is excellent, most excellent,” Wu Changjiang muttered.
Afterwards, the hall was steeped in prolonged silence.
Wu Changjiang’s face was troubled; he opened his mouth several times, but words failed him.
“Minister Wu, you appear weary—do you have something on your mind?”
Wu Changjiang took a deep breath, finally mustering his courage, and spoke with a sigh, “Forgive me, Your Highness, for my boldness.”
“My son, Wu Jin, acted recklessly and has offended Prime Minister Su!”
“I am fearful, and have come hoping to seek Your Highness’s protection.”
Zhao Heng was stunned for a few seconds, then pretended to be anxious, “Minister Wu, you exaggerate!”
“How did your son offend the Prime Minister?”
Wu Changjiang sighed, “It is my fault for failing to teach him properly.”
“That wretch—he secretly ordered an assassination attempt on Li Yunjie, the heir of Li!”
Zhao Heng stepped back, feigning panic, “Li Yunjie is the Prime Minister’s son-in-law and the heir of Beiling!”
“This—this is a capital offense!”
Though his performance was somewhat exaggerated, it was convincing enough.
The more Zhao Heng feigned concern, the greater Wu Changjiang’s debt of gratitude grew.
“If Your Highness can protect my son,”
“I will serve you with utmost loyalty!”
Wu Changjiang fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
At that moment, Zhao Heng’s smile deepened...