There is no moon in the sky, but it is strangely clear, and the sky is a deep blue-black in color.
The deep palace, the secluded garden, the hallways dotted with palace lanterns are horribly silent.
No one around, the huge palace floating with a kind of dark and strange atmosphere. Obviously It is not the winter yet, but the palace and its garden are so grimly cold deterring people to walk near.
The water in the pool is faintly glistening as the men in the water struggle and the waves spread outward in circles, but it is quiet, Only the occasional gurgle of people drinking water could be heard.
“Thank you. Don’t you think this mask suits me well ?” He smiled. He knew too well what effect his smiling face would bring to people in the middle of the night.
Huang Fu Liu poked his head out, his wide-open eyes instantly filled with fear.
“You … glug glug!”
He reached out and pressed the pretty face into the water again.
Over and over again, as soon as the delicate Sixth Prince’s head floated up to his nose, he pressed against him to let him catch his breath, then press him down again.
“Do you remember when you kicked me into the water like this? Thanks to you, now it’s not so easy for anyone who wants to drown me.”
Oh, he had wanted to hear him beg for mercy, but he didn’t want to be found by the patrolling guards, so he didn’t let him have a chance to speak. But the boy’s fearful eyes, pleading tears, and desperately struggling helplessness also pleased him.
Watching his pretty face twist from fear , his mood became very good.
The eldest prince and the second prince were appointed as king* and leave the palace a few years ago.
Ever since the eldest prince was ordained out of the palace, the admonition* of the court to Emperor Sheng that the Crown Prince should be established early was never broken. Emperor Sheng’s attitude has never been clear.
Most of the ministers in the court, headed by the prime minister, Wei Qingzi, supported the establishment of the eldest as the crown prince*, but some people are optimistic about the second prince and some even support the sixth prince.
The sixth prince’s mother, De Fei, is the daughter of the important minister, Sinongqing. Her eldest brother, who held the post as Changle Commandant of the Guards of the Forbidden Guards, was highly respected by Emperor Sheng and was specifically responsible for the security of his chambers at Changle Palace.
The reasoning of those who support the Sixth Prince is simple: His Majesty has been slow to appoint a crown prince, but haven’t he always been doting on the Sixth Prince?
Indeed, Emperor Sheng’s fondness for the Sixth prince was well known to all. But will he pass over the elder in favor of the younger because of his love for the sixth son, no one can figure out the divine will, not even the eunuch Hu Rong, who served for the emperor daily.
However, it is true that the emperor has rejected the proposal to appoint the eldest son as the crown prince again and again.
Could it be that Emperor Sheng was waiting for the Sixth Prince to grow up, intending to make him the Crown Prince when he has power to fight with the Grand Prince?
The moment this doubt came out, a number of people immediately agreed.
The grand prince faction was naturally a little flustered. Even the empress couldn’t help but knock on the side* of Emperor Sheng.
And just then, the sixth prince died. Drowned in the lotus pond of Liuyun Palace.
No one knew why the Sixth Prince had gone to the legendary haunted Liuyun Palace. The concubine there died in childbirth a year ago and no one else has been moved in there.
The two servants who followed the sixth prince to Liuyun Palace also died, both of them were shot dead with a bow, and the arrows were pulled out. Because of their cause of death, the possibility of ghost haunting was ruled out.
As soon as this news came out,It causes a surge like a gathering storm in the whole palace and the imperial court.
The sixth prince’s mother, De Fei, fainted when she heard the news of her son’s death.
Emperor Sheng became furious in the middle of morning court assembly and ordered the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Minister of Justice, and The Censor-in-chief of the three judicial offices* to investigate the case together.
With the death of De Fei’s son, it was natural for the other consorts to go to console her.
Xian Fei also went. She accompanied De Fei to cry for a while, and lamented with an embroidered quilt in the corner of her eyes, “Meimei, Jiejie is really envious and jealous of you. I envy you for having a smart and handsome son, and I’m jealous that you, mother and son, are favored by his holy. You also know that my son … “Xianfei smiled bitterly.
“But I would rather have your son enter the east palace in the future than let that woman’s son…….Hmp! Pity. Meimei, Jiejie not afraid of you going to sue, if it’s my son who gets the holy favor and blocks the way of that woman’s son today, I’m afraid it will be my son’s turn to drown in the pool of lotus flowers. That woman was so hard-hearted, I always suspected that she was the one who put the curse on me in the first place, but I had no proof. Meimei, you want to avenge your son, it’s difficult! “
Xian Fei seemed to associate this with her grievance at giving birth to her ugly son, she wept with more grief than the bereaved De Fei.
De Fei clenched her silk scarf tightly, her eyes red.
The Fourth Prince’s small courtyard.
“You’ve got a lot of nerve.” Yang Momo shook her head and sighed.
Huang Fu Jie laughed lightly, ”Momo, I don’t know what you are talking about, I had nothing to do with the death of the sixth prince, but he was the only one who had been favored by the Emperor, and royal father was hesitant to make eldest royal brother the Crown Prince.
“This old person don’t believe the Grand Prince faction would be that stupid, at least that Wei Wenxin doesn’t look like such a stupid person.” Yang Momo snorted.
“Hehe, Momo is right. But what about the eldest royal brother’s mother? You know as a mother you always have to look out for your son, maybe she just saw a really good opportunity and couldn’t resist.”
“That’s possible. But ……this old person doesn’t believe you’re not involved in this.”
“If Momo don’t believe me, just forget it. By the way, Momo, I heard you brag to Zhang Ping last time that you still have a few disciples, saying how they are amazing and have made such and such a name for themselves in the Jianghu*. I wonder if I have the honor to meet these martial brothers? “
Huang Fu Jie sat on the tip of the sword and smiled.It was not the day or two that Yang Momo wanted to accept Zhang Ping as a disciple. Unfortunately, Zhang Ping was very interested in stealing a master knowledge* but was very indifferent about formally becoming an apprentice to a teacher.
“Haha, boy, don’t be too greedy. Although you are clever, you have bad heart, and you are not good person. This old person now only sees that you are working hard as a prince, but as an emperor, you are still far from it.” Yang Momo casually took a mouthful of steel sword and rested it on Huangfu Jie’s shoulder, applying a little force, but she still smiled kindly.
Beads of sweat rose on Huang Fu Jie’s forehead, but because he was wearing a mask, no one saw it. He was now speechless and could only use his entire body to resist Yang Momo’s internal force.
Yang Momo smiled. “When this old one saw you reading that book, I immediately knew that this old master sect’s profound knowledge will not be lost. This is also destined, this old master sect’s have searched for this book for almost sixty years, and didn’t expect it to be in the palace. Did you take this book out of the library because of its cover? “
Huang Fu Jie reluctantly nodded. He remembered well that the book had a ghost-shaped man painted on it. He first thought it was a biography of the gods and demons, but upon closer reading, he found that it was not.
Yang Momo held up the tea cup in her other hand and said :
“Do you know why I asked you to give up the orthodox taoist cultivation method* taught by Zhang Ping and practice our sect martial arts* instead? Just because your nature is more suitable for our martial arts teaching*, especially since you discover our sect Yin (dark) secret book, it is also fate. Do you remember this old one told you before that our martial faction teaching have two course of Yin (dark) and Yang (Light)? “
Huang Fu Jie blinked, his sweat dripped faster.
“But yīn course was lost for sixty year because of the disappearance of a martial uncle of this book faction. The book you read is my faction school of yīn. This old one teaches you the introduction of Yang Gong*, and allows you to memorize the content of that book, So that you can connect the flow of Yin and Yang at the right time. And you happen to have a solid foundation that Zhang Ping has laid down for you with orthodox taoist methods, and training my martial arts is even more effective. You are a blessed kid”
“Momo, do you think I am now….” Huang Fu Jie refused to show his weakness, but he forced out a sentence.
“Well, you’ve already practiced Yang Gong to the fourth level, now is the right time for you to open up your meridians for the yīn yang call. ” Yang Momo nodded appreciatively.
“Thank you very much for Momo’s guidance.”
“Haha, no thanks. You only have to promise to let the old one take away the book in the future, and the old one will do my best to teach you. “
“Momo, don’t worry…….., I ….. what Huang Fu Jie had said…must count for something. If you need it…I can offer the book with my both hands now.” Huang Fu Jie said stammeringly.
“Ha ha. “Yang momo laughed strangely.” you don’t pretend to be good in front of the old one, Regarding your nature, that blindman old Zhao can’t see it, but this old one knows it clearly. The angry-eye mask on your face fits you exactly. “
Huangfu Jie also laughed, who said something in front of the person: “Since momo…. know me, should know that my …….words count. As long as momo is devoted to teaching…. When I appointed as a king* leave the palace, I would present this book. “
“You kid still worried about this old one hiding something? Although you are not good at heart and nature, you have a good appetite for the old one. None of the disciples of this old one can get 70% or 80% true legacy of this old one like you. The remaining 20% or 30% are Qin, chess, calligraphy, painting and herbal medicine* skills, which you won’t be interested in. “
As soon as Huangfu Jie’s body was relaxed, Yang momo withdrew her internal power.
Huang Fu Jie hastened to adjust his breathing.
“Are you fourteen this year?
“Yes.” Huang Fu Jie collected his breath and exhaled it, relaxing his whole body. He seemed to have forgotten that he was sitting on the tip of a knife.
“Now that you have practiced four levels of Qiankun Jiezi gong*, can you feel what’s special about it? “
*乾坤芥子功 Heaven and earth mustard seed skill
Huang Fu Jie thought about it for a moment and nodded with a somewhat unnatural expression in his eyes.
“Are you angry that those palace maids won’t get close to you?”
Huangfu Jie did not answer, but glanced at Bailian in the distance. He has reached the age to be attracted to a person. Qingyun and Bailian, who is a few years younger and beautiful, has naturally caught his attention.
“Oh, don’t think of hitting on them, you shouldn’t leave a heir yet, Otherwise, your selfish Mother consort is likely to abolish you and support her grandson instead, of course if your son does not inherit your appearance then “
Huangfu Jie didn’t get angry because Yang momo insulted his mother. Instead, he smiled knowingly. His mother has been trying to attract the emperor’s attention in recent years.Her intention is nothing more than to regenerate a son to replace him this hopeless and difficult to support ugly son.
“If you really want to experience the taste sexual bliss*, it is not impossible. You need someone to help you block out your mother’s thoughts, too.” Yang Momo seem to point a place to hit with her finger to strike.”
Huang Fu Jie looked up at her, “You mean Zhang Ping?”
He is not an innocent good boy who knows nothing. He knows more about the filth in the palace than anyone else. The young eunuch with handsome appearance and good figure can not only win the favor of the palace maids, but also be used as a woman to express desire sometimes.
As far as he knows, neither his father nor his brothers and brothers have such a hobby, Instead, some aristocrat ministers and some guards with real power would seek opportunities to find some beautiful and young eunuchs to play.
Everyone in the palace who knows about this has turned a blind eye to it, playing with eunuchs isn’t playing with the exclusive royal family palace maiden, Moreover, they are also poor rankless little eunuchs. As long as they don’t damage the royal face, no one will go to report. The little eunuchs who were harassed won’t have such courage.
“You’re quick to react. Could it be that you had this idea in mind?”
Huang Fu Jie didn’t answer, but instead came down from the tip of his sword.
“At the mention of Zhang Ping, it’s obvious what’s on your mind. You have to be careful.” Yang momo laughs.
Huangfu Jie knew that she was testing. After a pause, he turned around and said, “Maybe your proposal is really good. I’m so ugly, only Zhang Ping will not dislike me. He is practicing orthodox Taoist methods, and I know the gate to enlightenment ,It’s just right to dual cultivate with him. “
Huang Fu Jie took off his robe and went to practice bow shooting, leaving Yang Momo with an expression of swallowing a frog raw.
She was joking. She just wanted to tease this hypocrite prince. If this causes Zhang Ping to be treated like that in the future, her sin would be great.
Speaking of Zhang Ping, she remembered at the beginning. At the time, she accidentally found that Huang Fu Jie’s this small young boy was not what he seems, and there is more lying beneath. She Immediately interested to delve further, then she discovered that his internal Qi had been adjusted by another person and that he had practiced orthodox Taoist methods, her curiosity swelled to the highest level.
Who taught him?
At that time, she wasn’t in a hurry to teach the fourth prince, instead, she began to observe the people around her. This observation alone revealed to her a very interesting person.
His name was Zhang Ping, an ordinary little eunuch. When the little eunuch learned that she was aware of his martial arts, he was completely frank. He also let them in about his plan to cultivate Huang Fu Jie to become the next emperor with the second-best martial arts in the world. He would cover the martial arts, but he would leave it to them to educate Huang Fu Jie to become the emperor
Moreover, when the little eunuch found out that she and her husband’s martial arts was unknowingly how much higher than him,he not only didn’t feel ashamed of his previous boasting, but also felt that he had found a shortcut to become the world’s best martial art master.
He started stealing her knowledge, and she … let him steal. What is annoying is that this boy would rather steal her knowledge than to worship her as a teacher openly and honestly.
Well, although this kid Zhang was a little bit blank, but with him in the secluded little courtyard, the boring and tense palace life has become much more interesting.
She particularly likes to see Zhang Ping and Qingyun Bailian the two little servant girl acting like a fool, and Zhang Ping seems to have been trying to win over the two little girls.
She didn’t know whether he had succeeded or not, but it was a fact that Xianfei and Hongxiu, including General Yan, didn’t know the depth of Huang Fu Jie. Not to mention about Zhang Ping. The two little girls seemed to ignore his existence intentionally or unintentionally in their report.
Tut, he may look blank and distracted, but not stupid at all. By the way, what about Zhang Ping? How come he was not seen all day?
Zhang Ping is both happy and expectant, he’s been looking forward to it for a year, he finally got to see his parents again, and this time even his fifth brother came here.
His parents have been visiting him once a year since he entered the palace. They didn’t see him the first time because he was sent to re-education, Thankfully, they see it every year after that.
His parents reassured him by telling him everything was fine at home, His sister-in-law gave him two more nieces, the fourth brother was also married to the village’s green girl* at the end of last year.
Zhang Ping had saved some silver money on hand over the past two years, all of which he had shoved to his mother.
His mother didn’t push back much either, kept half, and returned half to him, saying let him keep it for himself. Zhang Ping left only five taels of silver, and the rest was stuffed back to his mother. The reason is that he serves the prince, there is not much room for him to manage, and his monthly silver has risen to three taels and six yuan a month.
“How is the fourth prince you serve? What kind of person? Is he good to you? Did he usually beat or scold you?” His dad asks the same question almost every year.
Zhang Ping smiled and reassured his parents, “The Fourth Highness has been very kind to me and never scolded me.” His eyes, on the other hand, looked to Lao Fifth, who was accompanying his parents, and the boy was scowling at him with a very strange look that hadn’t said a word to him until now.
His father and mother looked at him carefully and found that Zhang Ping’s looks really good, and he has grown taller, now he is taller than his father. The twenty-year-old looks like a decent guy, his eyebrows are widened, However, at this age, the youth should be a little childish, but he completely can see that on his son.
But fortunately, Zhang Ping’s shade of softness are not heavy. Maybe because of his long-term martial arts practice, his body looks very strong. don’t know why his voice doesn’t sound shrill which is unique to ordinary eunuchs, but rather hoarse and soft. It doesn’t sound bad.
“I heard that the Fourth Highness looked ugly, is it true?” His father whispered in his ear.
“Dad! “Zhang Ping smiles,”you listen to the nonsense outside! The fourth highness is the prince, but his appearance is a little different from that of ordinary people. It’s not ugly. It’s all rumor. “
“Really?”
“It’s true, of course. Your son serves him every day. Shouldn’t i know whether he is ugly or not? Dad, hurry to go back with mother. You have so much silver on your body. Be careful on the way back. ” Zhang Ping wiped his sweat in secret, the rumour even spread among the people. His fourth highness was too pitiful.
“Humph, why should we go so fast. Think about your father these year… Ouch, my child mother lightly,I haven’t seen my son for such a long time. Would you give me some face? “
“Face*? You don’t even have a substance* yet you still want to keep your face? Staring and asking if the prince is ugly, why? You hate that I’m old and ugly don’t you?”
“My child’s mother, i was wrong, my wife, you know how i feel about you… “
“Dead face*!” Zhang ping’s mother sheepishly pushes away her man, she turns to hold her son’s hand and says,”You should be careful what you do. Mother won’t say much. Accompanying a king is like living with a tiger. So was the emperor son also the same. Even if you have been serving that Prince for many years, you should pay attention to discretion and don’t overstep it. “
“The palace is not like the outside, There are people watching anytime anywhere, you can’t feel it now, wait later you …”
“You still saying I’m a nag, you’re more nagging than me.” Zhang Ping’s Dad muttered off to the side.
His mother glared at him, and the two of them got into an argument again.
Zhang Ping giggled with joy and followed the two elders to send them out of the palace. Now the place they meet is the accommodation hall for eunuchs to meet their families. It was built on the outer periphery of the palace, the north gate is used for access.
Zhang Xi, the old fifth, was naturally one step behind and walked beside Zhang Ping.
“Xizi, how’s the family?” Zhang Ping asked his brother in a small voice. He hasn’t seen this brother for five years, luckily the general appearance hasn’t changed.
Thirteen-year-old Zhang Xi looked up at him and said nothing.
“Be honest, don’t lie to me.” Zhang Ping put his arm around his shoulder. Zhang Xi struggled, but did not break free.
“Last year … dad’s old injury recur after he watch you came back. He lay on bed for more than half a year. When he was sick, he kept crying and said I’m sorry. Mother was scared to death, thinking that Dad would not survive. An old friend who knew medical skills came to visit and saved Dad. The man saw that our family was in a bad condition, and sighed for a long time, and even paid for the medicine. Later, when he left, he also took away the youngest* brother and said that he would make him his apprentice”
Zhang Ping’s heart was a little heavy. His father’s injury happened just after he was born, don’t know who had hurt him, but after that, he and his mother went back to their hometown with several children and began to settle down in the life of ordinary people, never mentioning those past again.
A penny kills the hero han, regardless of what his parents were used to be, now they are just ordinary little people who have to run around all day to make ends meet.
Knowing that life at home is not easy, he gave money to the two elder every year since the year before last, but they refused to ask for it. If it wasn’t for this year’s difficulties at home, he’s afraid the two elder would not take his money. He came to the palace as a eunuch to support his family. It will probably become a permanent thorn in their parents heart. That’s why his parents were so reluctant to take his money.
“Do you know who that person’s name is?” Zhang Ping thought that if he had a chance, he would have to repay that person. In the passing he would like to check whether his youngest brother been mistreated or not.
Zhang Xi thought for a while: “Mother calls him brother Hu, and father calls him medicine basket. I don’t know the name, father and mother should know.”
Zhang Xi suddenly changed the topic and said, “Third brother, do you know that people in the village are secretly laughing at our family, saying that there is a eunuch in our family. When I play with the villagers, they all laugh at whether I have it underneath, Third brother, why do you have to be an eunuch? The village Fang picked up two children and sold them. No one laughed at them. But….. “
Zhang Xi had probably been holding these words in his heart for a long time, his tone rather flushed.
“And dad, since you left, dad has always stood at the entrance of the village and looked, when he came back, his eyes were red. Last year, when that medicine basket doctor came here, he also said that the old wound would relapse only when father was depressed. Dad often tells us that he was the most sorry for you. He also said that we must treat you well after you leave the palace, or we will not be children of Zhang’s family.”
“Mother doesn’t say it, but she treats everything you leave as treasure. Big brother and second brother feel sorry for you every time they mention you. Third brother, you don’t have to be a eunuch, why don’t you go back with us? ” Zhang Xi said and choked.
Zhang Ping couldn’t help but put this half-size brother in his arms, the words of a child, though hurtful but they are also true.
” I’m sorry. Brother didn’t think that much of it at the time and just wanted to make things better for the family. But the next time someone jokes about your brother being a eunuch, you tell them : My brother is very good*. He didn’t steal, rob or cheat. Isn’t he just short of that thing below? You all who say that are less of a man than my brother! “
Zhang Xi wiped his tears, a little embarrassed. Having not seen his third brother in over five years, he was a bit shy about his current closeness.
“Third brother, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you’re bad, I’m just…”
“I know what you mean. If the eldest brother or second brother became a eunuch, I would not be able to raise my head.”
“Certainly not! Third Brother, you will definitely rush up and beat up those who say bad things.” Zhang Xi shouted, even more embarrassed afterward.
Zhang Ping laughed and said, “Yes, your third brother is a man without brains. Xizi, I will rely on you to protect this brother when I come home. “
“Mmm. Third elder brothers, don’t worry. We brothers have made a promise. When you come back, we will let you stay in the largest room. When you go out, we will have a person to accompany you. No one will bully you! Later, if they dare to call you eunuch, I’ll fight them with my life!”
“Haha.” Zhang Ping laughed to tears.
“Fight with your life? Stupid fellow, your third brother’s martial arts is so strong, he still needs you to fight with your life? Besides, it’s true that I became an eunuch. When they laugh let them laugh. We can live a good life ourselves. In the future, I will try to earn more money, and when my family gets rich, maybe those who mock your brother for being a eunuch will regret how they didn’t become one in the first place. Haha!
The two elder of Zhang family looked back and did not understand what the two brothers were saying that could make them laugh and cried. But seeing Xizi getting close to his third brother again, the two elders are still very happy. They brought the fifth child this time, because this fifth child back home, did not know what cow horn have poked him that he yelled at his elder brother and said that he never wanted to see his third brother again, and was beaten severely by his big brother.
“Third brother, you really won’t come back with us? “
Zhang Ping shook his head, “I can’t go back yet, I have to wait for the palace to release me.”
“Then how long will it take for them to release you to go back? “
“Soon, wait till you get married. “Zhang Ping talks nonsense.
“Okay, then when I get home I’ll ask mom to get me a daughter-in-law.” Zhang Xi nodded earnestly.。
Zhang Ping hugs his fifth brother and laughs. How can his brother, like his highness, be very clever at ordinary times, but sometimes he will be stupid for no reason? But his own brother is still better, no matter how resentful, they would just talk it out. Unlike those in the palace.
If Huang Fu Jie is here at this time, he will tell Zhang Ping: Whose brother is like who, don’t get me involved.
—-
Translator Note:
Finally, we have a protagonist side character for once, Yang momo is really mysterious and interesting character who will teach Huang Fu Jie and Zhang Ping good skills
Now its clear that five year have passed Zhang Ping is 20 and Huang Fu Jie 14, still young tho.
It was bittersweet to witness the contrast between Zhangping loving poor family, and Huang Fu Jie wicked royal family
天青色等煙宇、而我在等妳 