Chapter 111: A Deliberate Action
Translator: Storm in a Teacup
Qi Cheng knew clearly what happened in the Golden Palace. Surely he knew that Ke Ruan was shouting at Lei Zhen and pointed out directly that his family had been wrongly accused back then.
Of course it was Ke Ruan to blame for his being reckless. First, he didn’t have enough evidence. Second, after all these years, Lei Zhen had become too powerful to be taken down this easily.
What was worse, he made Brother Qingye a part of this.
But…
For the first time, he looked at Ke Ruan and didn’t feel disgusted.
Ke Ruan sat helplessly on the stool and basked in the sunshine. With so many layers of soldiers guarding him, he was really imprisoned this time.
Even the eunuchs and the maids were reduced to a few.
Ke Ruan sighed at the sky. What a mistake! A giant mistake!
Lei Zhen was as cunning as a fox.
While Ke Ruan had a horrible time, Lei Zhen, however, was feeling much better for venting out his anger.
They had no evidence to prove that he had formed a clique to pursue selfish interests, so Ke Zhan could do nothing to him.
He couldn’t let the other ministers got bitterly disappointed, so he had no choice but to gave them another chance.
Kill two birds with one stone. What a good day!
No matter how much gossips there were, they surely had other places to go.
“Congratulations, Prime Minister. This time, you got rid of that loser crown prince and Lin Qingye at the same time. You’re much closer to your goal.”
Lei Zhen sat in the main chair and sneered with cruelty on his face, “No. I didn’t get my revenge yet. Not even close. Ke Ruan and Lin Qingye killed my son. I will tear them into a thousand pieces. I promise.”
Lei Zhen’s ruthless appearance made them feel a little scared.
“Idiots are idiots. He bought what we said so easily. So stupid.”
“That’s right. It was damn easy to trick him. It’s all because our Prime Minister have the foresight. ”
“That’s right. Luckily, our Prime Minister told us in advance.”
“He is just a loser. Want to win our Prime Minister? Wait for a million years!”
“Yeah! Exactly!”
……
Everyone started to kiss up to Lei Zhen.
Lei Zhen waved his hand and everyone quieted down, looking at him.
“The Emperor will visit the royal grave soon.”
They all looked at Lei Zhen with fear deep inside. What Lei Zhen said meant that he had already got ready.
“What, are you scared?” Lei Zhen sneered.
“Do you think there is a plan B for you to take? You really didn’t show much respect to Ke Zhan today. You really think that he would forgive you and just let it be? It’s only because he doesn’t have enough evidence.”
He called the Emperor by his name Ke Zhan, which meant that he didn’t see him as the king of the country at all.
The ministers looked at each other in silence, but soon showed determination and said, “Prime Minister, you saved our lives today. We are sure to follow you at any cost. No matter where you go, we will follow. ”
“That’s right, We swear to follow your orders at any cost!”
……
Lei Zhen stood up and glanced through them. His muddy eyes flashed and said, ” Good! Don’t worry. As long as I’m alive, I’ll make sure that you get what you deserve. ”
“Find someone to get rid of Lin Qingye. He must be dead.”
“This… Prime Minister, Lin Qingye was already a commoner. Is it really necessary? He shouldn’t be a problem to our plan.”
Lei Zhen said, “Shouldn’t? I need to make sure. Just do it! He mustn’t live.”
“Yes!”
Lin Qingye, just like that guy in Qi Family and his father, was way too stubborn. If he didn’t get rid of them now, they were very likely to get in his way in the future. He couldn’t make any mistakes at this critical moment. Even if Lin Qingye had became a commoner, he needed to make sure that this man would shut up forever.
Chapter 112: Climb onto the Bed
Translator: Storm in a Teacup
In the night.
Ke Ruan put his hands to the back of his head, and the faint sandalwood fragrance filled his body. The moonlight was silvering through the hollowed-out window.
He looked at the thin moonlight with his eyes glowing. Now thinking about it, he had been here in this world for a long time.
A cold wind blew in and Ke Ruan couldn’t help but shiver. Suddenly, the alarm in his heart rang. He quickly sat up with his body in a defensive position.
The window was opened and a petite figure leaped in agilely. Ke Ruan let out a sigh of relief, approached that boy and whispered, “Little Han, why are you here? It’s dangerous. Go back quickly.”
Si Yuhan looked at him and hugged him, refusing to say a word.
Ke Ruan sighed and rubbed against his hair. “Is it because you’re afraid of sleeping alone?”
Si Yuhan gave a muffled, “Mhm.”
Most of the time, the male lead was so obedient that it hurt Ke Ruan a bit.
Si Yuhan didn’t ask anything and just stayed with Ke Ruan.
The bustling outside the palace was so loud that it could even be heard by Ke Ruan. At this time, Ke Ruan was feeding Si Yuhan. Although he was imprisoned, he was still the crown prince of the country, so he was still treated well.
But the noise was getting louder. Ke Ruan frowned and told Si Yuhan, “Stay here. I’ll go have a look.”
Si Yuhan nodded.
He walked to the entrance of the palace. The guards thought he was heading out so they hurriedly knelt down on the ground begging, “Please, Your Highness…”
“Stop, I’m not going out!” Ke Ruan hurriedly told them the reason. For these few days, as long as he got near the entrance, those people just knelt down until he left.
“What’s happening outside? It’s so lively.”
After all, it was the royal palace, which meant it was quiet and solemn most of the time. It was rare to be in such a lively atmosphere.
“Your Highness, it’s because they’re preparing for visiting the Imperial Mausoleum.”
“Visit the Imperial Mausoleum?” Ke Ruan frowned. Usually it was pretty far for visiting the royal tomb, not to mention it was Imperial Mausoleum, which was probably beyond the capital.
What if something happened to his father, considering Lei Zhen was being that crazy?
Ke Ruan hurriedly asked, “Can I go?”
“Emm…” The guard was a little awkward. They hadn’t received any orders of leaving the East Palace.
Ke Ruan knew immediately from their facial expression. Not only couldn’t he get out, but no one could come to see him, not even his mother and sister. He heard them talking outside the palace for many times, but he couldn’t see them.
He looked discouraged, but he didn’t want to make things difficult for these guards, so he just waved his hands and said,” I got it.”
Then he returned to his room.
The guards let out a sigh of relief. Their impression of Ke Ruan being an arrogant and good-for-nothing prince lingered on in their hearts before they came here. So none of them wanted to came to the East Palace.
However, after they got here, they saw that the prince was not that awful like they had imagined him to be. He didn’t cause them any trouble and was obedient like a rabbit. So gradually, they were not that afraid any more.
Si Yuhan looked at Ke Ruan who was being tired and upset. His eyes were getting darker and deeper.
Seeing that Si Yuhan looked like a little adult, Ke Ruan couldn’t help but chuckled. He rubbed against his hair and said,” Silly boy, what are you thinking about? Look at you, being sour-faced.”
Si Yuhan looked at him in confusion. Wasn’t it supposed to be Ke Ruan who was sour-faced now?
“Don’t worry. As long as I am here, I won’t let anyone hurt you.” Ke Ruan thought that Si Yuhan was just scared of reliving his previous life again.
Chapter 113: Rebel
Translator: Storm in a Teacup
The sacrificial ceremony went on as usual. As Ke Ruan guessed, he couldn’t participate at all. He could only stay in the East Palace and couldn’t go anywhere.
What’s more, because of the sacrificial ceremony, the guards of the East Palace have increased several times.
The Imperial Mausoleum’s sacrificial ceremony was a major event in the entire Red Flame Country, so Ke Zhan would not let anyone know about it that he didn’t bring his useless son.
The Imperial Mausoleum lay on the highest position of Red Flame Country, a place with great spirits and perfect position, with green mountains encircling, making beautiful country scenery.
The Emperor’s travel to the ceremony was an annual national event. The guard army stretched for dozens of miles and the scene was spectacular.
Ruan Qingtian followed Ke Zhan, laden with anxiety, and her beautiful eyes full of worry, which made Ke Zhan’s heart melt.
He held his wife’s hand. “We’ll be back soon, don’t worry.”
Ruan Qingtian nodded in a daze.
A group of people walked into the Imperial Mausoleum, and Lei Zhen winked at the person beside him. It was a imperial place who not everyone could get into.
The guards had to stay outside and only the emperor and the ministers could enter.
More than a hundred monks stood beside Ke Zhan.
Suddenly, the sound of drums was heard, followed by the sound of killing from outside the hall.
Ke Zhan’s expression changed instantly. “What happened?”
“There are assassins. Protect His Majesty.”
In an instant, the sound of killing was getting closer and closer. A monk immediately ran to the door and slammed against the wall. A few stone slabs fell from above, blocking the door tightly.
The ministers all became nervous.
Lei Zhen stood up and stared coldly at Ke Zhan.
The ministers who had followed him also stood up.
General Long stood up and stood in front of Ke Zhan and Ruan Qingtian. “Lei Zhen, what do you want to do?”
It was an action with evil intent.
“What am I doing? You still don’t know, you old bastard? “Lei Zhen sneered.
“Emperor, you’ve been sitting in that position for enough time. It’s time to give it to someone else.”
Ke Zhan’s eyes were cold, as if he already knew about it. “Prime Minister, you’re already at the top in the court. What else are you not satisfied with?”
“Top in the court?” Lei Zhen suddenly laughed. His murky voice was particularly scary in this environment.
General Long gripped the sword in his hand. “Silly minister, with me here, you can’t succeed.”
“Old bastard, it’s not up to you,” Lei Zhen laughed coldly.
The monks who had been waiting quietly suddenly tore off their clothes, revealing the black outfits.
Lei Zhen’s smile became bigger and bigger. “Do you know how long I have waited and prepared for today? You really thought I had no backup.”
Only a few monks surrounded and protected Ke Zhan and Ruan Qingtian.
“Surrender, I can let you live.” Lei Zhen’s murky eyes flashed.
General Long snorted in disgust, “Silly minister, you won’t die easily.”
Lei Zhen didn’t care at all about Long’s words. He said every single word clearly, “Because of the sacrificial ceremony, the Emperor encountered an assassin and died in the Imperial Mausoleum. The whole country mourns.”
General Long gripped onto the sword in his hand and glanced at Lei Zhen’s group with murderous eyes. “You people actually dare to rebel. You all are going to die.”
The officials behind Lei Zhen trembled and lowered their heads.
“We all swear to protect His Majesty.”
“I will protect His Majesty with my life.”
……
Many loyal ministers surrounded Ke Zhan with their old bodies. Even if they might die, they wouldn’t let this villain succeed.
“You’re still stubborn. Now that you have no way out, what are you still struggling for?”
Lei Zhen ordered, “Kill them all.”
“Yes!”
“I will protect His Majesty with my life.”
Chapter 114: Catch the Master First
Translator: Storm in a Teacup
“Prime Minister, what’s the hurry?” A voice came from the beam with a smile.
Lei Zhen’s alarm rang in his heart. “Who is that? Get down here. Don’t try to hide.”
“Huh!”
A green figure jumped off the beam.
“Lin Qingye, you’re still alive?” Lei Zhen narrowed his eyes which flashed a dangerous glow.
Lin Qingye sneered and said sarcastically, “Our prime minister is still alive. How could I die before you?”
Lei Zhen scoffed coldly. “It’s certainly a surprise to see that you’re still alive. But you will die sooner or later. You could have chosen to live, so you can’t blame me as you come here and court death.”
Lin Qingye said, “Prime minister, don’t be so arrogant.”
Although there was a smile on his face, there was a glint of coldness in his eyes.
“Soldiers, kill him.”
No one moved.
Lei Zhen suddenly looked at the monks. He had a bad feeling and quickly repeated, “Hurry up and do it.”
Lin Qingye smiled and said, “Prime minister, have you never heard of a saying that… the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?”
Lei Zhen’s face instantly turned pale. “You…”
Lin Qingye pulled out the sword in his hand and put it on Lei Zhen’s neck. “His Highness, the prince, had foreseen this long ago. He expected your arrogance, and all of your preparations.”
“So… Do you think you’re the only one who’s prepared? His Highness expected that you would make a move, so this show was all prepared for you. ”
Speaking of Ke Ruan, Lei Zhen gnashed his teeth and only wanted to cut that man into thousands of pieces.
Lin Qingye continued to say, “So, I took care of all of your people. And as for the treacherous ministers and traitors outside…”
Lin Qingye tightened his grip on the sword. Lei Zhen instantly felt a pain in his neck, as if he was bleeding out.
“If you want to catch the traitors, you should catch their master first. With you here, I don’t have to worry that they won’t surrender.”
The passive side just now became the one taking the initiative in an instant.
Both sides’ roles were changed too quickly, so the ministers couldn’t even react for a moment.
“Ke Ruan, Ke Ruan,” Lei Zhen repeated that name again and again, “I underestimated him, haha…”
Lei Zhen smiled with his head held high, “A smart man like me actually got defeated by such a person. What a shame.”
His eyes were a little red, “Son, your father is useless. I can’t take revenge for you.”
There came the sound of the door being smashed from outside.
Lin Qingye said coldly, “Open the stone door.”
A monk stepped forward and pressed a switch. The stone door instantly retracted. Lin Qingye held the sword in one hand on Lei Zhen’s neck and grabbed his collar with the other hand.
“Let’s go!”
Therefore, everyone outside the door saw their master, Lei Zhen, being caught and held hostage at the moment when the door opened.
“Minister…” The leader rushed forward.
Lin Qingye put more strength on his hand, “Retreat, or else your master’s life will be over. Who will you serve then?”
Lei Zhen said, “Don’t worry about me. We must take care of them all today.”
“Minister…”
Lin Qingye didn’t look at the desperados in the front but looked at the people behind them. “Here is His Majesty’s order. Lei Zhen is plotting a rebellion today, but considering that you were incited by him, His Majesty will cut you some slack. As long as you surrender, His Majesty will not convict you.”
Lei Zhen said coldly, “I told you, don’t listen to him. Kill them all!”
Lin Qingye added more strength, “If he die today, who will you serve in the future? The Imperial guards will arrive very soon. You still have a chance. Now, put down the weapons in your hands.”
Chapter 115 Redress Injustice
Translator: Storm in a Teacup
Many people had already put dowh their weapons and knelt down.
“Pick up your weapons. What are you doing? Get up!” Lei Zhen roared angrily. However, in this way, the sword on his neck was embedded deeper with the blood flowing more.
He gulped.
“Prime Minister, are you still unwilling to admit the truth?”
More and more people knelt down.
The officials following Lei Zhen were in a state of fear. Before they could recover from their joy, they fell into a state of grief.
They were on the decline now.
So they knelt on the ground in fright, kowtowing constantly.
“Your Majesty, we’re all deceived by Prime Minister, not by this old bastard Lei Zhen. We have never had the intention to rebel.”
“Your Majesty, please give me a chance. I’m forced to do so. Please forgive me.”
……
For an instant, the sound of these people kowtowing echoed through the sky.
Lin Qingye sneered. These people really knew how to act according to circumstances. Ke Ruan had given them a chance back then. As long as they were willing to admit it, he would protect them.
In the end, they all betrayed him.
Ke Zhan looked at these old ministers and was disappointed. “Bring them back for me and let them explain everything clearly to me.”
“Your Majesty, please forgive me. Your Majesty, please forgive me.”
“I’m guilty, please forgive me, your Majesty.”
……
Ke Zhan looked at the surrendered soldiers and said, “I always fit my deeds to my words. You all followed Lei Zhen’s orders. Now that you have surrendered, I will not make things difficult for you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness.”
Lei Zhen suddenly laughed. “Do you guys think I only have this one way? Even if I die, I will still take someone to die with me. Ke Ruan must die.”
Lin Qingye said, “You can be assured, Prime Minister.”
With Qi Cheng beside him, Ke Ruan would be fine. In addition, Si Yuhan was also extraordinary.
Instantly, the news that Prime Minister had been charged of rebellion spread all over the Red Flame Country, and all the officials led by him were arrested and imprisoned.
Back in the capital city, those ministers who followed Lei Zhen’s orders confessed what had happened that year, naturally included the false accusation of the Qi family’s rebellion.
Ke Zhan immediately wrote a letter of apology and admitted the wrong sentence to the Qi family’s case back then, and cleared their names.
As well as those people who got implicated by that case at that time. Ke Zhan resumed their innocence too, and reinstated them.
Back then, when the prosperous Qi family was set up by Lei Zhen, the whole family was almost extinct.
Ke Zhan had not been in office for a long time, so he needed to establish his prestige. Therefore, when Lei Zhen’s team put all the evidence in front of him, he gave the order without hesitation, and never thought about the possibility of framing.
He killed a loyal minister because of blindness, which had hurt the feelings of many other loyal ministers. This was the fact that he didn’t want to face since he ascended the throne.
When he learned that there was still someone living in the Qi family, Ke Zhan felt timid in his heart. He didn’t dare to face the descendants of such a loyal minister.
Especially under Lin Qingye’s narration, he got to know that everything his son had experienced in Qiao Mountain. His guilt towards Qi Cheng had reached the peak.
He gave Qi Cheng the honor that belonging to the Qi family and let him inherit his father’s title.
In the Golden Phoenix Palace, more than half of the ministers were missing. The mistakes committed by those people were no longer worthy of Ke Zhan’s forgiveness. It was also a good opportunity to solve the borers of the imperial court, so that the wise people could work more effectively for the country.
“Summon Weiyuan General Qi Cheng.”