TPGA - 44

Chapter 44: Reward

Li Shimin smiled faintly. “No reason, just curious. Big Brother, is it true that these human-skin masks leave no trace of their use?”

Li Jiancheng replied, “They look flawless at first glance, but if you touch the area where the face meets the neck, you can feel the presence of the mask.”

After committing this information to memory, Li Shimin said, “Wu Meixue saved Big Brother this time. I want to reward her. What do you think?”

Li Jiancheng casually replied, “She did contribute, so you decide the reward. The priority now is to capture that female assassin as soon as possible to prevent her from harming Father again.” Frustrated, he added, “It’s strange—we’ve practically turned the entire place upside down, yet we still haven’t found her hiding spot.”

Just as he finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door. It was Duan Zhihong. After entering, he whispered something into Li Shimin’s ear. The latter’s expression changed slightly as he asked, “Are you sure you saw correctly?”

Duan Zhichong lowered his eyes and said, “Absolutely true.”

After signaling for him to leave, Li Shimin said, “Brother, Zhichong said that when handling Shen Moping’s body, they discovered he had been castrated. He was... a eunuch!”

Li Jiancheng was startled and sat up straight, saying, “A eunuch? So our previous guess was correct; he was indeed sent by the emperor?”

Li Shimin nodded and said, “Apart from the imperial palace in Luoyang, there wouldn’t be any other place where castration is performed. Moreover, I heard that the emperor secretly raised a group of people skilled in assassination and espionage. These people are likely drawn from many eunuchs. As for that female assassin... I even suspect that she might be a eunuch in disguise, which is why we have never been able to find her.”

Li Jiancheng slammed the bed heavily and said coldly, “This despicable emperor has such a cruel heart. Father did so much for him, yet he killed him without hesitation. With such a tyrannical and immoral emperor, it’s no wonder even Yang Xuangan and Li Mi rebelled. If he continues this way, more people will rise against him. Let’s see how he can continue sitting on that dragon throne.” Then he added, “You suspect that person knows the art of disguise?”

After Li Shimin nodded, he said coldly, “If that’s the case, check every single one thoroughly. No matter how much effort it takes, we must find this person and ensure she doesn’t get a chance to harm Father.”

“I understand.” After speaking further, Li Shimin left. Not long after he departed, Feng Li walked in, bowed, and said, “Master, I’ve learned about the assassin. It was Master Shimin...”

Before he could finish, Li Jiancheng raised his hand and said, “I already know about this matter. You don’t need to investigate further.”

Feng Li hesitated for a moment and said, “There’s something I’m not sure I should say.”

“You’ve followed me for many years. Speak freely,” Li Jiancheng reassured him.

Feng Li said, “Previously, when Master Jiancheng was attacked by Shen Moping and his leg bone was bitten, Master Shimin, who was closest, hesitated to kill Shen Moping. Eventually, it was that dancing girl who killed him. I worry that Master Shimin may... harbor ill intentions towards you, Master Jiancheng.”

Li Jiancheng smiled and said, “What nonsense. Shìmin and I are full brothers born of the same mother. We grew up together. How could there be any disloyalty between us?”

Feng Li whispered, “Better safe than sorry.”

“It won’t happen,” Li Jiancheng replied without hesitation. “I know Shìmin’s character best. His hesitation to act is due to his inherent nature. Some might call it mercy; others might call it weakness. I’ve scolded him more than once for it. Besides, killing Shen Moping would cut off the trail leading to the other assassin. No wonder he hesitated.”

“But...” Before Feng Li could continue, Li Jiancheng interrupted, “Enough. In short, anyone might harm me, but Shìmin never would. I don’t want to hear such talk again, understood?”

“Yes.” After Feng Li agreed, he added, “During this period, I need rest. Leave the matter of the assassin entirely to Shìmin. You all must fully assist him and not neglect your duties.”

Although Feng Li still harbored doubts, with Li Jiancheng having spoken so firmly, he couldn’t say anything else and could only bow in agreement.

The night passed amidst the cold winds of early winter. While Jiang Caiping was washing up, Madam Yang’s voice rang out from outside, “Meixue, Caiping, open the door quickly.”

“Coming!” Jiang Caiping responded, hurriedly arranging her hair bun while muttering, “Why is Madam Yang here so early? Could it be to call us for dance practice?”

“Perhaps,” Yunyi put on her earrings, stood up, and said, “You sit. I’ll go open the door.”

After Yunyi opened the door, she saw Madam Yang standing there with a broad smile, accompanied by several maids holding red lacquered trays.

Yunyi curtsied and asked, “What instructions does Madam have for me?”

Madam Yang quickly helped her up and said, “Rise quickly. You are Master Jiancheng’s savior. There’s no need for such formalities.” She then pointed to the people behind her with a smile, saying, “They are here to deliver rewards on behalf of Masters Jiancheng and Shimin.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the maid at the front stepped forward and announced, “By order of the two masters, Miss Wu is rewarded with a box of pearls, a pair of bicolor agate pendants shaped like fish, a pair of auspicious ruyi scepters, a pair of embroidered lanterns, a box of oranges called ‘Cave Hall Autumn Colors,’ and a box of apples named ‘Peaceful Fortune.’“

With each sentence, a maid stepped forward to place the items on the table. By the time everything was announced, the table was filled. The maid curtsied and said, “Please, Miss Wu, inspect the gifts!”

Yunyi quickly said, “Yesterday’s events... were what I should have done. I really... do not dare to accept such generous rewards from the two masters. Please take them back.”

The maid said, “The two masters ordered that you must accept these gifts. Please do not make things difficult for us.”

“But...” Before Yunyi could speak, Madam Yang approached her and whispered, “Master Jiancheng dislikes it most when his words are disobeyed. Besides, the gifts have already been given. How could they be returned unless you want to upset the two masters?”

Seeing this, Yunyi had no choice but to say, “Alright, I’ll accept them. I’ll thank the two masters later.”

Hearing this, the maid nodded and left with the others. Madam Yang looked at the items on the table, fondling the ruyi scepter, and said enviously, “The two masters are truly generous, giving away so many fine things at once.”

Yunyi’s lips curved slightly as she took the ruyi scepter and said, “Thanks to your care, Madam Yang, Caiping and I have been able to live peacefully in this mansion. We haven’t had the opportunity to thank you, so today I’ll use this ruyi to express my gratitude. Please accept it.”