Chapter Twenty-Five: An Affair Exposed

In the imperial garden, Ling Zeytian and Sakura Xuanyu walked side by side beneath the moonlit blossoms.

“Aye, I’ve brought the person you asked for this time,” Sakura Xuanyu said, gently flicking his paper fan with a leisurely air, a smile on his lips.

“Oh? That’s perfect.”

Sakura Xuanyu halted, turned toward the long corridor, and called out, “Mr. Wen, please come over.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a gray figure swept through the air and, upon a closer look, a middle-aged man in gray robes was already kneeling respectfully before Ling Zeytian. “Commoner Wen Changfeng greets Your Majesty,” he said.

Ling Zeytian helped him up, his gaze lingering on the man’s resolute features and sharp eyes. He couldn’t help but praise him, “Even in my youth, I’d long heard of Mr. Wen’s reputation. They say you once slew dozens alone in a single night, and even the former leader of the martial world fell to your sword. To finally meet you today, your presence is indeed extraordinary.”

Wen Changfeng, known as the foremost assassin under heaven, had made his name in the martial world before Ling Zeytian was even born. His swordsmanship was unparalleled—swift and deadly. Many had sought him out for vengeance or assassination, and he accumulated many enemies in his youth. In middle age, burdened by the blood on his hands, he chose to wash them clean, gave away his fortune, and vanished into obscurity, becoming a woodcutter in the backyard of the Sakura family—the wealthiest merchants in the Ling dynasty.

As the saying goes, a prodigal son’s return is worth more than gold. Though Wen Changfeng had retired for many years, his legend still lingered in the martial world, though new talents constantly arose. Now, hearing the young emperor recount his past exploits, Wen was momentarily swept up in memories of his youthful heroics, his blood stirring once more. With a humble bow, he replied, “Your Majesty flatters me. In my youth, I was but a vagrant of the martial world. Now, old and gray, I content myself with chopping wood and drawing water at Young Master Sakura’s estate, just to earn a meal.”

“There’s no need for such humility, Mr. Wen,” Ling Zeytian said with a smile. “To be frank, I have a matter for which I seek your help.”

Hearing the emperor address him so courteously, Wen Changfeng found himself warming to this young sovereign. He had always despised those who relied on power and status to oppress others. Even if the King of Heaven himself appeared, Wen would not fear him. Yet if others respected him, he returned their respect tenfold. Though he was but a menial servant in the Sakura household, the family had always treated him well, and he in turn honored them.

“Your Majesty need only command; I, Changfeng, will do my utmost.” Had Ling Zeytian tried to command him with imperial authority, Wen might not have agreed to help at all.

“I wish for you to stay in the palace for a few days, to ensure the safety of one person. All arrangements have been made, and all that’s left is for you to accept.”

Wen understood immediately. He had spent most of his life as an assassin, always taking lives; now the emperor wanted him to act as a bodyguard. Well, perhaps it was time he tried his hand at guarding lives instead. “May I ask who this person is, Your Majesty?”

“It is the current Empress, Feng Qiuji,” Ling Zeytian replied.

Not only Wen Changfeng but even Sakura Xuanyu was taken aback. The Empress, residing in the inner palace at the emperor’s side, ought to be the safest person in the realm—why would she need a master’s protection?

“For reasons I cannot fully disclose, what I need from you is to ensure the Empress’s safety and to observe any unusual behavior on her part.”

This request only deepened Wen and Sakura’s confusion. If he was to protect her, why monitor her as well?

Still, with the emperor’s words, it was not their place to question further. Wen Changfeng bowed. “I will do as Your Majesty commands. You may rest assured.”

Ling Zeytian nodded. “Then allow me to thank you in advance.” With that, he summoned Eunuch Sun to lead Wen Changfeng away to inspect his accommodations and see if there was anything he needed.

“Aye, you owe me a favor for this,” Sakura Xuanyu said, turning his gaze to Ling Zeytian with a grin as Wen departed.

“We’ve been brothers for years. If ever you need something, so long as it’s not against the law, I’ll grant it.”

“Good. With your word, all our years of brotherhood have not been in vain.” At that, the two clapped hands and laughed heartily together.

“Miss Li, the moon is especially lovely tonight. Would you care to walk in the gardens and admire the flowers with me?” Ling Zexin had been wandering outside the hall earlier and had taken a liking to the daughter of a certain court minister. Since then, he had been making every effort to charm her.

At such grand banquets, many sons and daughters of nobility were present, turning the evening into something of a matchmaking event.

“If the prince so wishes, then I shall accompany you,” Miss Li replied, her cheeks blossoming like spring flowers. Clearly pleased by Ling Zexin’s attentions, she covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief and tittered coyly.

“Miss Li, your beauty could topple kingdoms—it’s rarely seen in this world.” Anyone seeing Ling Zexin’s current demeanor would be disgusted by his lecherous air.

“Your Highness jests. Though I may possess some small measure of beauty, I surely pale in comparison to the favored concubines in your residence,” Li Ling demurred, turning her face aside in shy coquetry, her charm undeniable.

“Because I’ve always preferred the pleasures of the brothel to keeping concubines at home, I have none. Though I’ve seen countless beauties, none have moved me as you do, Miss Li.” When it came to court affairs, Ling Zexin’s tongue was inept, but in the art of seduction, he was eloquence itself, his flattery turning Li Ling’s smile into a blossom.

“Your Highness, you’re nothing but a tease.” With that, Li Ling shyly reached out and tapped Ling Zexin with her small fist.

Ling Zexin caught her hand, pulled her into his arms, and pressed her gently against his chest, his eyes smoldering with suggestion. “Every word I say is true. Tell me, Miss Li, would you be willing to join my household?”

Li Ling’s heart soared. The prince was proposing to take her as a concubine. As a mere secondary daughter of a court official, to marry into the imperial family—even as a concubine—meant her days of hardship were over.

“Your Highness…” Li Ling’s arms stole around Ling Zexin’s neck. She had been right to beg her father to bring her to the palace tonight. With her looks, she had always believed she could attract the attention of some noble or prince—even an old man would do. Yet luck had favored her, and she’d caught the eye of the handsome, dashing Prince Xin. She’d heard he was a notorious philanderer, but what man wasn’t fond of women, especially a prince?

“Li Ling…” Ling Zexin was delighted by her initiative. He loved wanton, flirtatious women; those cold and proper noble ladies held no appeal for him.

“Don’t call me Miss Li… call me Ling’er…” She took his hand, placed it on her soft chest, and pressed herself against him, murmuring, “Your Highness…”

The softness and silkiness beneath his hand nearly drove Ling Zexin mad. He hurriedly loosened her clothing, his large hands kneading her flesh. “How does that feel?”

“Oh… it feels so good…” Li Ling responded enthusiastically, breathless with desire, her cheeks flushed, her eyes smoldering with seduction.

“You shameless pair! Have you no decency?” Sakura Luo could endure no more. She burst from the flowerbeds, startling the amorous couple.

Li Ling jumped in fright, her mind instantly clearing. Looking up, she saw a violet-clad young woman glaring at them in fury. Not knowing who she was or what her relationship with Ling Zexin might be, Li Ling huddled closer to his chest in fear.

Ling Zexin, shameless as ever, was initially annoyed at being interrupted, but upon recognizing Sakura Luo, his face lit up with a smile. “So it’s little Luo! What brings you here?”

He seemed to have completely forgotten that he was still embracing his secret companion. Truly shameless!

Sakura Luo had been searching for Sakura Xuanyu, having noticed he and Ling Zeytian had vanished together. She guessed they were together, but upon arriving here, she stumbled upon Ling Zexin with another woman in his arms.

She had intended to take another path, so as not to sully her innocent eyes, but unfamiliar with the palace layout, she didn’t know how to avoid them and ended up watching, waiting for them to leave. But after witnessing their shameless behavior, she could endure it no longer.

Never in her life had she seen such brazen conduct!

How could two sons of the late emperor, both raised in the palace, turn out so differently?

“Not only have you offended my eyes, you’re also blocking my way,” she said with disdain, casting Ling Zexin a withering glance as she strode forward. “Move aside.”

“I won’t,” Ling Zexin replied, suddenly amused by the little girl’s anger. She was quite entertaining when she lost her temper.

“If you don’t move, I won’t be so polite!” Sakura Luo threatened, raising a pink fist.

“I’d like to see just how impolite you can be,” Ling Zexin replied with a lazy, mocking smile.

This time Sakura Luo was truly furious. So he wouldn’t believe her? He was asking for it!

The next moment, a scream tore through the night.

Sakura Luo had always been playful. When her brothers wished to learn martial arts, the family had hired a tutor. She had joined in out of curiosity, but soon lost interest, and her skills remained rudimentary. Against ordinary people she could manage, but a true opponent would be beyond her.

Ling Zexin, on the other hand, loved everything except martial arts. Whenever the late emperor urged him to practice, he would always say that as a prince, no one would dare bully him, and if need be, he could always hire an unbeatable bodyguard. The late emperor could only sigh and let him be.

But tonight, when Sakura Luo’s half-baked skills met Ling Zexin’s utter lack of them, they achieved a surprising effect.

---A side note---I wonder if anyone likes Ling Zeting? Actually, Remnant Sun is quite fond of him.