Chapter 1875: Left and Right Difficulties

Zu An paused, "I didn't say that."

Bi Linglong gave him a deep look, then let out a soft sigh. "Brother Zu, you just mentioned those things, but you avoided discussing the mastermind with me. That's how I could tell. After all, you returned to the capital at my summons on this trip. Only I was privy to your exact itinerary, which allowed for such a precise ambush at that inn. It's only natural for you to have suspicions."

"If you had directly expressed your suspicions about me, I would have felt better. Because then I would have had a chance to explain, and it would have proven that deep down, you still trusted me. But this time, you kept everything bottled up inside." As Bi Linglong spoke, a sense of grievance welled up within her, and glistening tears continuously streamed down her face.

Zu An sighed and gently reached out to wipe the tears from her face. "Linglong, you've misunderstood. The reason I didn't say anything is because I absolutely believe it wasn't you. You have no motive whatsoever. You're currently in a vulnerable position in the capital and need my continued help. How could you possibly sabotage yourself? More importantly, given our relationship, it's even more impossible for you to target me."

Hearing him say this, Bi Linglong felt a little better, though her lips still pouted. "The imperial family is the most ruthless. Even if we have... that kind of relationship, they wouldn't hesitate to act ruthlessly when necessary. Although you say that, I'm sure you still have doubts in your heart."

Seeing her act out in a playful huff, Zu An couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, there actually is one thing I didn't mention. The person who commissioned the assassins this time was a eunuch."

"A eunuch?" Bi Linglong's heart jumped, and she finally understood why Zu An had hesitated earlier. She immediately said, "It must be the Empress. She knows you're my capable subordinate, and if she kills you, I'll completely lose my right-hand man. Then she can rest easy."

"It shouldn't be her," Zu An instinctively shook his head.

"Why not her? Are you very close to her?" Bi Linglong stared at him, full of suspicion.

"When the palace was attacked by assassins, I saved her once. At the very least, I saved her life," Zu An dared not reveal the real reason and could only explain it this way.

"And just because of that, you believe she won't harm you?" Bi Linglong furrowed her brows, finding it a bit incredulous.

Zu An gave a wry chuckle. There was truly no way to explain it.

Bi Linglong continued, "In the imperial family, when power is involved, let alone a life-saving favor, even spouses and fathers and sons can become intolerable to each other. You absolutely must not let your emotions get the better of you." Previously, Zhao Hao, in pursuit of immortality, had even used a wisp of his soul to possess his own son's body.

Zu An nodded. "Yes, Linglong, you're right. I understand." In fact, comparatively speaking, he leaned more towards Bi Linglong. After all, they had shared life and death together in the secret realm, having been tested by blood and fire. In contrast, when it came to Liu Ning, their relationship was genuinely difficult to accurately describe. At first, Liu Ning had merely used him as a healing medicine, and their relationship was based more on desire. Although, over time, some feelings had gradually developed between them. So he was also unwilling to believe that Liu Ning had sent the assassins. But she was a mature woman after all; she had enough rational judgment regarding what she cared about and was unlikely to act on impulse. So he became less certain.

"By the way, how is the Qin clan doing now?" Zu An didn't want to think about that troubling topic.

"I remember the Qin clan has never been particularly friendly towards you. Wouldn't it be better if they faced misfortune?" Bi Linglong suddenly sounded a little resentful. "Are you only concerned about the Qin clan because of Miss Chu?"

Zu An sighed. "The two Duke-ranked members of the Qin clan are pillars of the nation, Linglong. From the court's perspective, you should also hope they safely overcome this tribulation, shouldn't you?"

"If they're not used by me, what good are they, no matter how capable?" Bi Linglong's expression was cold. "This world is never short of talent; if they're gone, others will quickly step up. Even if I were in the Liu clan's position, I would make the same decision. They only have themselves to blame for this outcome, for being indecisive and wavering."

Zu An fell silent. He actually didn't agree with her view. Whether it was the Chu clan in the past or the Qin clan now, it was precisely because they cared for the nation and were unwilling to become tools for two factions to contend with each other, thus harming the nation's interests. Yet, such pure intentions rarely led to good outcomes in reality. Both the Liu and Bi clans, knowing that the Qin clan had once been aligned with Prince Qi, naturally wanted to seize this opportunity to completely purge the Qin clan's influence and replace them with their own loyalists. The remaining families from Prince Qi's former faction were now struggling to protect themselves, and even if they had the spare capacity, they likely wouldn't help the Qin clan. Over the years, they had probably harbored much resentment towards the Qin clan for not fully assisting Prince Qi, which led to his downfall. Perhaps those on that side hated them even more deeply.

At this point, Bi Linglong's voice softened. "The court is currently controlled by the Liu clan, and the Qin clan's fate isn't decided by me. Even if I wanted to save them, I wouldn't have the power."

Zu An expressed understanding. She was currently on the defensive and indeed had no spare capacity for such matters.

"For the foreseeable future, I'll likely be at the Imperial Academy. I won't have time to get involved in court struggles for a while," Zu An said. He didn't want to be involved in this matter from the bottom of his heart. After seeing a broader world, his focus could hardly remain on mere court squabbles. To use a phrase from his previous life, his goal was the stars and the sea. Furthermore, in this struggle, both sides were like flesh from the same body – it was difficult to favor one over the other. Of course, he felt closer to Bi Linglong and would never sit idly by if anything happened to her.

Bi Linglong, however, didn't grasp the deeper meaning of his words. Instead, she nodded and said, "That's right. Your top priority is to bring the academy under control. Only then can your position as Libationer truly become your leverage." She knew best that all the current academy teachers were disciples of the old Libationer and only obeyed him. Those individuals were all arrogant and prideful, accustomed to looking down on the court's experts, let alone a young man like Zu An.

"The East Palace's plans will need to be revised because of your appearance. Your positions as Libationer, Regent, and even your former court titles, all have immense uses. I need to carefully consider how to maximize your effectiveness," Bi Linglong said, growing more excited as she spoke.

Zu An hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. Seeing her in such high spirits, he couldn't bear to dampen them. Oh well, if he could help, he would.

By this time, Bi Linglong had reapplied her makeup. She stood up and said, "We should go out. After all, gossip is a fearful thing, and staying in the room together for too long would easily give the Empress a reason to attack us." Her complexion was fair with a rosy glow, truly needing no rouge.

Zu An was also aware that the East Palace had many eyes and ears, and with other concerns on his mind, he didn't insist on staying.

Bi Linglong reluctantly kissed him goodbye and personally saw him out.

When the door opened, Zhao Ruizhi was squatting in the courtyard, watching the young palace maid playing with a pair of white rabbits. He seemed dissatisfied that the palace maid's actions weren't rough enough, clamoring to do it himself.

Seeing this scene, Bi Linglong's eyebrows shot up. "Crown Prince!"

Zhao Ruizhi looked back and saw not only Bi Linglong but also Zu An, the harbinger of bad luck. He was so scared his soul nearly fled his body. "It wasn't me! It has nothing to do with me! I don't know!" He scrambled away, using both his hands and feet as he spoke.

Bi Linglong's chest heaved with anger, and most of her good mood vanished. It wasn't that she cared about the Crown Prince, but rather she felt a bit self-pitying about her own sad fate. Zu An comforted her with a few words, then left the East Palace.

Not long after leaving the East Palace, a figure emerged from behind the rock garden. "Lord Zu, long time no see."

"After several months apart, Eunuch Lu, your complexion seems much better," Zu An recognized the person. Eunuch Lu was actually quite decent-looking, but his gloomy aura made him look like a villain no matter how one saw him.

"I can't compare to Lord Zu. Every time I see you, you're so distinguished and handsome it's dazzling," Eunuch Lu said with a chuckled tease.

"Eunuch Lu, you truly seem to be in good spirits," Zu An chuckled.

"Her Majesty has been in a good mood lately, so naturally, I, her servant, am also in good spirits," Eunuch Lu bowed. "Lord Zu, Her Majesty learned you've returned to the palace and specifically sent me to invite you for a chat."

"Thank you, Eunuch, for leading the way," Zu An smiled. He indeed had something he wanted to discuss with Liu Ning.

The two soon arrived at Kunning Palace. The entire palace was much livelier than usual, likely because the Liu clan had recently gained power and the Empress had recovered her cultivation, causing many in the palace to start currying favor with her. Two young eunuchs, one plump and one thin, were receiving the visitors. They appeared arrogant and aloof, yet the eunuchs and palace maids from other palaces still obsequiously flattered them. Zu An recognized them: the thin one was Little Gui, and the plump one was Little Zhuo. He hadn't expected them to be strutting around so importantly now.

Just then, the two saw Zu An. Their eyes immediately lit up, and they directly abandoned the others to bow to him. "Greetings, Lord Zu!" Their fawning demeanor was completely different from moments ago. They knew many secrets and were aware that he was a favorite of the Empress, and he had also saved their lives, so naturally, they treated him exceptionally.

The others nearby whispered amongst themselves, guessing Zu An's identity. After all, he hadn't been in the palace for a long time, and many hadn't seen him before.

"Who is that person? Even Eunuch Gui and Eunuch Zhuo are flattering him so much."

"Tsk, ignorant. That's Lord Zu, Marquis of Shen and Crown Prince's Chief Imperial Secretary. Didn't you notice that the one leading the way is Chief Eunuch Lu?"

"So it's him! I heard he's also the Demon Clan's Regent. I never expected him to be so young and handsome."

"Demon Clan's Regent? Tell me more!"

After exchanging pleasantries with Little Gui and Little Zhuo, Zu An was led by Eunuch Lu to the entrance of the Empress's bedchamber.

Eunuch Lu stopped. "Lord Zu, Her Majesty is waiting for you inside. I won't go in."

"Just me alone? Isn't that a bit inappropriate? After all, so many people outside saw me enter," Zu An was a bit surprised. Previously, he had always chosen times when no one was around. Wouldn't this be too conspicuous now?

"Don't worry, they can't see what's happening here. Besides, no one dares to say anything now," Eunuch Lu said with a hint of arrogance in his tone.

Zu An thought to himself that with Zhao Hao's death, all the ambitious figures were no longer bothering to hide their true intentions.

"Has Lord Zu arrived? Come in quickly," the Empress's call echoed from within the hall, truly enchanting and seductive.