Chapter 93: Fallen Into the Trap

Hong Qi stepped into the small chamber, where a man sat waiting. His skin was pale, his age indiscernible, and he wore a bright yellow silk robe carved with intricate patterns. Bright yellow was the official color, reserved for the imperial family alone, and not only did this man don it, but his garment was adorned with embroidered dragons and phoenixes. This man was none other than Ji Ba, the president of the World Society.

“What did Long Cheng’en say?” Ji Ba’s appearance betrayed no hint of his age, but the moment he spoke, his voice revealed him to be a middle-aged man. The outward form is easy to change; the voice, not so—unless one deliberately alters it.

“According to your instructions, I told him that the Eastern Zhou must not continue to expand. He said he would consult the Empress before making a decision.” Hong Qi reported faithfully. “He also raised his own condition, demanding that Southern Liang and Western Xia cease their attacks on Eastern Zhou.”

Ji Ba listened and nodded slightly. “Yes, that is reasonable. If he agreed too quickly, it would have been suspicious. Let him consult the Empress; I predict she will consent.”

The ruler’s tone, referring to himself in the singular, was a mark of imperial style—even Ji Ba adopted it.

“Long Cheng’en has also invented two new things: Jade Lip Balm and Moonlight Cream.” Hong Qi promptly opened a box and displayed the two products.

Ji Ba picked up the Moonlight Cream and applied it to his face, testing its effect. “Not bad. This Long Cheng’en is quite the talent. Find an opportunity to test him—see if he’s willing to join the World Society.”

He greatly appreciated talents like Long Chen.

Hong Qi felt a twinge of displeasure within, but showed no trace on his face. He bowed. “I will remember.”

Ji Ba put down the Moonlight Cream and spoke calmly, “You are competent in your work. Even if Long Cheng’en joins the World Society, it will not affect your position.”

Though Hong Qi’s emotions were well concealed, Ji Ba saw through him easily.

Hong Qi hastily bowed. “I would not dare.”

Ji Ba asked, “Have you clarified Long Cheng’en’s identity? Is he truly Long Chen?”

Everyone was investigating Long Chen’s true identity; the World Society was no exception.

Hong Qi replied, “I sent people to White Wolf Mountain and found something.”

He produced a token from his sleeve.

Ji Ba took the token and examined it closely. It was a bronze plaque, inscribed with the character ‘Chen.’

“I have checked many times. Long Cheng’en’s identity is shrouded in mystery. The palace records say he was a bodyguard in the Long family army. When he first entered the palace, he claimed to be from a scholarly family in Southern Liang, whose entire clan was slain by Li Chengdao. Later, in Linjiang City, he called himself Zhang Cheng’en.”

“So many stories—I cannot be certain, but he is definitely not Long Chen.”

“This token belonged to Long Chen. I dug for a long time at White Wolf Mountain to find it. Long Chen did indeed die there; no trace of his bones remains.”

The World Society lived up to its reputation, their intelligence precise. Yet Long Chen had deliberately muddled his identity, leaving them all confused.

Ji Ba placed the token on the table and said, “The most agreeable identity is Zhang Cheng’en. He was raised by Long Ye—not a blood son, but as good as an adopted one.”

“Long Ye’s family died, and Zhang Cheng’en avenged the Long clan—that is reasonable enough.”

“His identity need not concern us. As long as they do not initiate war against Southern Liang, it is sufficient.”

Ji Ba desired balance in the world. He had business with Long Chen, profits to be made—that was all that mattered; the rest he cared little for.

Hong Qi bowed. “President, you are wise.”

Ji Ba waved him away. Hong Qi exited the chamber, and from behind the screen, two women emerged—plump but not heavy. Ji Ba reclined, and each woman took one of his feet into her arms to warm them.

Hong Qi descended the stairs and stepped outside, where he saw a woman in palace attire approaching.

“Master Hong, the Minister has sent you a letter.”

She handed him the letter and departed.

Hong Qi took the letter inside; it was from Long Chen, informing him that the Empress had agreed to the World Society’s request, but reiterated that if the Society could not restrain Southern Liang, Eastern Zhou would retaliate without limit.

Hong Qi was delighted and immediately reported to Ji Ba.

With Long Chen’s products, the Four Directions Pavilion had quietly become the most important branch of the World Society, and Hong Qi’s status within the organization rose accordingly. He hoped to continue working with Long Chen.

...

In the morning, Long Chen emerged from his room, stretched, and breathed in the fresh air, feeling invigorated.

“My lord, how comfortable it is in the land of tenderness—why come out to face the cold wind?” Xiang Ning remarked sourly.

Long Chen glanced back into the room, where Zhang Qian and the other two slept entwined, snoring away.

Though he pretended to be a eunuch and his second brother, Fierce Zhang Fei, could not join the fray, Long Chen had his own methods. All three women were thoroughly subdued and obedient.

“The fragrance inside is too strong; I wanted to smell yours instead.” Long Chen casually pulled Xiang Ning into his arms, his hand slipping beneath her clothes.

Xiang Ning glanced nervously around, like a frightened fawn afraid of discovery, and said anxiously, “My lord, someone might see us.”

Long Chen deliberately used all five fingers, laughing, “I am the chief eunuch; I govern the harem.”

After a playful tussle, Xiang Ning finally escaped his grasp. She straightened her clothes, helped Long Chen wash up, and then they had breakfast.

At the previous court meeting, Minister Bai Qiulian had clamored for a thorough investigation into Shui Han’s death, but since then, there had been no movement.

By rights, she should have troubled Long Chen, at least summoned him to the Censorate for questioning.

Since Bai Qiulian had not come knocking, Long Chen was content to ignore her, knowing the Empress was orchestrating matters behind the scenes.

After breakfast, Zhang Qian and her companions lazily rose, dressed, ate, and settled on the heated kang, refusing to leave its warmth.

Long Chen went out toward the Ministry of Works, with Zhang Qian following.

The Ministry was busy producing Jade Lip Balm and Moonlight Cream, both requiring many fragrant and rare medicinal ingredients. The craftsmanship was demanding.

Thus, in addition to the eunuchs, many palace maids were enlisted for their skillful hands.

“Send these to the Empress and the three princesses—they need them most. And distribute one to every palace maid.”

Long Chen was never stingy with the palace beauties.

Assistant Minister Xu Ming said, “My lord, you are so generous to them.”

Xu Ming promptly arranged for the Empress and princesses to receive the products first. Long Chen personally delivered Jade Lip Balm and Moonlight Cream to Di Luoxi.

He brought the items to the Western Palace, where Di Luoxi was still wrapped in sable, warming herself by the fire.

“Where are the other two? Have they forgotten home in their pleasure?”

Di Luoxi was a little displeased.

Zhang Qian went to call them back.

Long Chen applied the balm and cream to Di Luoxi: “This keeps your lips moist and prevents chapping; this makes your skin fresh and radiant.”

Di Luoxi asked, “I heard from Qing Yue that the Ministry of Works has produced two new excellent products—are these the ones?”

Long Chen smiled, “Yes, these are the ones—beauty and skincare, a boon for women.”

Di Luoxi inhaled the fragrance and said, “Mother will like them.”

Long Chen put away the Moonlight Cream. “I have delivered them.”

Di Luoxi added, “Elder and second sisters will like them too.”

Long Chen replied offhandedly, “They have been sent as well…”

Oops… he realized he had walked into her trap.

“You wretched eunuch, I knew you were fickle-hearted! You dare give them to my elder and second sisters—are you secretly involved with them?”

“Is Zhang Qian, Xuan Yi, and Qing Yue not enough for you? How many do you need?”

Di Luoxi flew into a rage, grabbed Long Chen, pressed him onto the couch, and pinned him down with her leg.

Long Chen cursed inwardly—his weak cultivation was a source of frustration; at any moment he could be held down and beaten.

He must improve his cultivation as soon as possible.