Chapter 1897: Choice

King Dai’s face lit up with delight upon hearing the Empress order the Embroidered Uniform Guards to investigate Zu’an. He thought to himself, 'That Zu fellow is surely doomed this time!'

The Embroidered Uniform Guards were an ominous group; misfortune befell anyone who got involved with them. In the past, countless officials had their families ruined and lives destroyed by them, their wives and daughters even sent to the Imperial Brothel. This Zu’an had killed King Jin; he would certainly not escape his fate this time, and most of his female relatives would likely also be sent to the Imperial Brothel. He heard that the eldest daughter of the Chu family, renowned for her beauty, was his wife. When the time came, he could be the first to patronize her. 'Brother Jin,' he mused, 'am I not good to you?'

'Hmm, King Jin’s Consort is now alone and helpless. I should find an opportunity to comfort her as well.' He recalled how King Jin often looked down on him, relying on the fact that he was born to the Empress, and despising him, his elder brother born of a concubine. This filled him with intense resentment. He had met King Jin’s Consort several times; she was gentle and charming, leaving a deep impression on him. Because the Emperor had doted heavily on King Jin, pitying his frail health, and fearing a strong-willed consort might overwhelm him, coupled with King Jin not being destined for a long life, no prominent families were willing to marry their daughters to him. In the end, the Emperor specially chose a gentle and virtuous daughter from a minor family for him, so she could properly care for King Jin.

In terms of looks and figure, his own King Dai’s Consort was by no means inferior to King Jin’s Consort. But his consort was habitually domineering and too strong-willed; he found it difficult to assert his male authority in her presence. King Jin’s Consort, however, truly was a woman as gentle as water. Every time he saw her tenderly caring for King Jin, treating her husband as her sky, her delicate appearance filled him with envy. He thought, 'Now this is what a woman should be!' However, because King Dai’s Consort was a daughter of the Meng family, with the Meng family as a formidable power behind her, he dared not offend her lightly. He usually didn't even dare to fool around outside, hardly ever visiting the pleasure quarters. But this time, thinking of King Jin’s Consort becoming a widow, with the pillar of her family gone, she must be filled with despair and apprehension about her future life. His heart couldn't help but burn with excitement.

At this moment, the Empress’s voice rang out, “Does anyone have any objections to this empress’s arrangements?”

“Your Majesty is wise!” Everyone bowed in unison. It was indeed the most suitable choice to have the Embroidered Uniform Guards investigate the case. The Embroidered Uniform Guards were always known for their impartiality and strictness and would surely punish the culprit severely. King Dai secretly glanced at the Empress’s exaggerated waist-to-hip curve, then quickly averted his gaze. 'What did the Empress eat to grow up like that?' he wondered. 'Her waist is so slender, yet her hips are so full. She looks like she could easily bear sons, yet she hasn't borne a single child all these years. It seems the Emperor hasn't been diligent enough all these years.' This young and beautiful stepmother indeed made it hard not to harbor improper thoughts. He even recalled dreaming of her one night. The dream was extremely gratifying, but he woke up drenched in a cold sweat. Whether it was the Emperor's terrifying presence or the Empress's dignity, both prevented him from showing even a hint of disrespect.

“Linglong, do you have any opinions or suggestions?” At this moment, the Empress’s gaze fell upon the Crown Prince Consort, Bi Linglong.

Bi Linglong nodded slightly. “I defer to Your Majesty's decision.”

Many officials present felt a strange sensation. The Empress and the Crown Prince Consort were the two most powerful women in the capital. Normally, they were antagonistic, constantly undermining each other, which often prevented many matters from being accomplished. But today, for the first time ever, they were in agreement. 'If only they could cooperate like this every day,' they thought, 'how much internal strife would the court avoid then!'

At this, the Empress nodded. “Since Marquis Shen is now a suspect and cannot move freely, he shall remain in the palace under strict supervision. We will discuss further once the Embroidered Uniform Guards ascertain the facts.” 'Perfect,' she thought, 'I'll keep this boy in the palace to keep me company.' Thinking of the intimacy they shared every time they were together, she couldn't help but yearn for more. Although she was the Empress, her life was far from as glamorous as most people imagined. She had countless worries and grievances. Only after being with him did she realize that a woman could be so happy.

Bi Linglong’s eyes also lit up. With Zu’an remaining in the palace, the two of them would have more opportunities to meet. Although other officials found it somewhat improper for an external minister to remain in the palace, they also worried he might escape once he left. Keeping him in the palace, presumably under the Embroidered Uniform Guards' supervision, seemed unlikely to cause any issues. So, no one raised any objections. Zu’an knew this was the Empress protecting him, so he did not refuse her kindness.

Soon, the Empress had Eunuch Lu come in to escort Zu’an away for temporary housing. At the same time, she sent orders to the Embroidered Uniform Guards' headquarters to investigate King Jin's murder. Eunuch Lu escorted Zu’an out of Kuning Palace. He stopped when they found a secluded spot and said with a smile, “Lord Zu, please make yourself at home.”

“Aren’t you going to lock me up?” Zu’an chuckled.

“Lord Zu, you jest,” Eunuch Lu reminded him. “Her Majesty was merely putting on a show for those people; how could she possibly imprison you? However, please do not leave the palace, lest you make things difficult for Her Majesty.”

“Alright,” Zu’an replied casually. But in his mind, he was already planning how to sneak out later.

“Oh, right,” Eunuch Lu continued, his expression originally calm but growing more excited as he spoke, a flush appearing in his eyes. “After those officials leave, Lord Zu can come to see Her Majesty. Her Majesty misses you terribly.”

Zu’an was speechless. In fact, after spending so much time together, he had roughly pieced together that Eunuch Lu had been the Empress’s suitor back then, and had even willingly castrated himself to enter the palace and stay by her side. Yet now, every time, he encouraged Zu’an to be with the Empress, even more eager than the actual participants. 'What kind of utterly selfless mindset is this?' he wondered. 'Hmm, the more friends with such a mindset, the better.'

After bidding farewell to Eunuch Lu, Zu’an went to his personal residence, changed into his Gold Medallion Eleven attire, and went to the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters. He directly summoned Balding Old Seven Dai and Balding Old Eight Chen, and instructed them to investigate King Jin’s death. Xiao Jianren was too seriously injured, so Zu’an wouldn't bother him with such a minor matter.

However, Old Seven Dai and Old Eight Chen didn't consider this a minor matter. They couldn't help but answer nervously, “Boss, this case involves the death of a prince, and the other party is the Crown Prince Consort's favorite. How are we supposed to investigate this?”

Zu’an calmly said, “Just rule that King Jin died from fright.”

“Huh?” Old Seven Dai and Old Eight Chen were stunned. In the past, when investigating cases, even if there were instructions, they were always subtle hints. Now, he was directly telling them how to close the case, which was far too blunt.

“What, is there a problem?” Zu’an grunted.

“No problem, no problem! Of course, we'll follow your lead, Boss. Whatever you say, goes.” Old Seven Dai and Old Eight Chen chuckled. Now that Lord Eleven had become the Grand Commander, he was the one in charge of the entire Embroidered Uniform Guards headquarters. Of course, they would listen to him. How King Jin actually died was unimportant.

Zu’an patted their shoulders. “Do a good job. With this merit, both of you can be promoted to Silver Medallion.”

“Thank you, Lord Eleven! No, thank you, Grand Commander!” The two were overjoyed. They had served the Embroidered Uniform Guards for years, risking their lives, doing all the tough and tiring work, yet promotions and raises never came their way. But ever since they aligned themselves with Lord Eleven, this influential figure, their careers had taken off like a rocket.

“Additionally, there's one more thing you need to investigate thoroughly,” Zu’an continued. “Why King Jin had been so aggressively targeting the Murong family and even Marquis Shen these past few days. See if anyone was instigating or directing him from behind the scenes.” Zu’an always felt that this matter was not so simple. King Jin had inexplicably targeted him, immediately escalating to a life-and-death struggle. As soon as he dealt with King Jin, he was immediately impeached. It was one link after another, as if someone was deliberately setting a trap for him from the shadows.

“Yes, we heard that King Jin’s Consort is currently observing vigil for King Jin,” Old Seven Dai and Old Eight Chen replied. “When we investigate the cause of King Jin’s death, we will inquire with her and the people in the mansion.”

After arranging the work here, Zu’an then went to visit Xiao Jianren, telling him to recover in peace. Only then did he leave the Embroidered Uniform Guards' headquarters. After changing his clothes, he planned to leave the palace for a while, but from a distance, he saw Bi Linglong approaching, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs. Amidst the surrounding eunuchs and palace maids, she stood out, exuding a noble and elegant aura like a crane among chickens. Her exquisite and perfect face, adorned with a vibrant cinnabar mark between her brows, became even more captivating and alluring. The golden hairpins swaying in her bun seemed like invisible fingers constantly tugging at the heartstrings of those who gazed upon her.

“Lord Zu, I have something to ask you,” Bi Linglong said, her eyes flashing with a hint of joy upon seeing him, and her voice clear and melodious.

Soon, the two arrived at a pavilion in the middle of a lake. The other palace maids and eunuchs were sent to guard at a distance. Given the significant events involving Zu’an, it was normal for them to have confidential matters to discuss. Moreover, the pavilion was open on all sides, allowing the eunuchs and palace maids to see the situation inside from afar, so it wasn't considered improper.

“Why did the Empress help you?” Bi Linglong asked directly after they sat down. Perhaps the officials present earlier hadn't fully grasped the situation, but she clearly understood that the Empress’s arrangement was implicitly helping him.

“Perhaps she's infatuated with my good looks,” Zu’an replied, somewhat shyly. 'Women who have long endured solitude in the inner palace are surprisingly formidable in their passion; if not for his unique physique, he might not have been able to tame that fiery mare.'

“Be serious,” Bi Linglong retorted exasperatedly.

“I am being serious,” Zu’an said with a hint of helplessness. 'Why is it that sometimes when I tell the truth, no one believes me, but when I lie, everyone buys it hook, line, and sinker?' Fearing she would dig deeper, Zu’an quickly changed the subject. “Oh, right, I also have something I'd like to ask the Crown Prince Consort. If one day, Lord Bi and I both fell into the water, and you could only save one, who would you save?”