IDWBE -Chapter 234 Fang Pi Changes Jobs

For Prince Nanling, this wasn’t just the revenge for his mother’s murder—it was also an extraordinary humiliation, leaving him utterly ashamed.

Lin Yi sometimes admired Seventh Prince Nanling’s patience. Clearly, he wanted to tear Eighth Prince Chuzhou limb from limb, yet in person he still laughed and spoke pleasantly, as if nothing had happened, as if they were the model of brotherly courtesy: the older brother respectful, the younger humble.

What Lin Yi found most puzzling was the emperor’s attitude. His own son had put him under such a huge insult, yet he endured it!

This completely contradicted the emperor’s usual persona!

Even if he truly refrained from harming his sons, surely he could have punished him lightly at least!

But no—he let it pass so lightly?

Completely illogical!

Lin Yi himself couldn’t understand it, but he had no intention of sharing these palace scandals for everyone to analyze.

After all, airing such royal dirty laundry would only embarrass himself.

“Apparently, the gap between them runs deep.”

Shan Qi sighed helplessly. If anyone else spoke in such a provoking tone, he would have scolded them immediately!

But this was the prince!

He had no choice but to endure it.

Besides, they were long accustomed to the prince’s mannerisms and no longer found them surprising.

Lin Yi said, “In short, you only need to know one thing: Prince Nanling hates Chuzhou to the bone. If he catches him, he’ll definitely kill him—no doubt about it. However, Chuzhou is already a mess thanks to Cao Datong and the others. Does Chuzhou have the ability to clean up that disaster now?”

He didn’t have such a capable grandfather.

Mei Jingzhi was truly the epitome of an exemplary grandfather!

He spared no effort to support Prince Nanling in vying for the throne.

Qi Peng bowed, “Your Highness is correct. Chuzhou is currently struggling. From what I know, it seems the prince is considering abandoning it.”

Lin Yi frowned. “If he abandons Chuzhou, where will he go? To seek Old Three? He shouldn’t be that foolish. If he really leaves, he’ll become a completely idle prince. Old Three wants support, not useless people.”

Qi Peng shook his head. “That I don’t know. In my opinion, if Mei Jingzhi leads the army into Chuzhou, the prince will have no choice but to flee.”

“I truly want to see him as a beaten dog,” Lin Yi laughed. “This guy is universally hated.”

Qi Peng said, “It seems, Your Highness, that your wish will soon come true.”

Lin Yi nodded with satisfaction, adding, “Keep a close eye on him. I definitely want to watch his humiliation.”

The sun set.

Lin Yi was comfortable staying on the mountain and was reluctant to descend.

But after dark, the forest belonged entirely to mosquitoes.

Even as king of Sanhe and lord of Baiyun City, his words didn’t help much: bites and stings were relentless.

Despite his anger, he had no choice but to descend obediently.

After Cui Gengren left for another post, the Wangfu’s gatekeeper post was left with only Fang Pi. There wasn’t even a substitute. He had to stay cooped up in the gatehouse all day with no free time.

Slouching dully on the threshold, he lazily stood up to help lead Lin Yi’s horse when he returned.

Lin Yi scolded, “Your work attitude is terrible. You make me look like I’m abusing you.”

Fang Pi yawned. “Your Highness, shouldn’t we have Cui Gengren back? I stayed up all night guarding the gate yesterday.”

“You worked hard, then,” Lin Yi plopped down beside him and, pulling a handful of sunflower seeds from his pocket, said while cracking them, “You’re no good at fighting, no good at work. Don’t you have anything you’re good at?”

Fang Pi sighed. “I don’t want to guard the gate anymore.”

Lin Yi laughed. “Then what do you want to do? Speak. If I’m in a good mood, I might arrange something for you.”

“Really?”

Fang Pi’s eyes lit up.

Lin Yi grew impatient, “Cut the nonsense. Just say it.”

Fang Pi said, “Your Highness, I want to join the Guard. I heard they pay better.”

Lin Yi said, “The Guard? Better not. With your skills, you’d either get beaten to death by the enemy or laughed to death by others. I still think being a gatekeeper, a job with prospects, suits you better.”

“Your Highness,” Fang Pi said dejectedly, “Really not possible?”

Lin Yi laughed, “Maybe when you reach the fourth rank, I’ll reconsider.”

“Alright.”

Fang Pi watched Lin Yi enter the mansion, then sighed and began sweeping up the sunflower seed shells scattered on the ground.

Just as he finished, he spotted Ma Gui leaning against a doorpost, arms crossed, giving him a side-eye.

“Commander Ma.”

“You’re getting bolder,” Ma Gui snorted. “Daring to make requests to the prince.”

Fang Pi sighed. “The prince didn’t agree.”

Ma Gui asked, “You really don’t want to be a gatekeeper anymore?”

“Yes.”

Fang Pi shook his head resolutely. “Being alone here is meaningless.”

Ma Gui said, “The prince said you’ll go follow Qi Peng.”

“What?”

Fang Pi asked, puzzled. “Like Pan Duo, running errands?”

Ma Gui said, “What do you mean, are you refusing?”

“I—”

Fang Pi’s face fell. “I want to join the Guard. How is following Qi Peng supposed to help?”

Ma Gui turned to leave.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

Fang Pi grabbed his arm.

Ma Gui laughed, “What else? I’ll tell the prince you disagree.”

Fang Pi stomped his foot. “Can I say I disagree?”

With the prince being generous, he certainly wouldn’t be angry.

But the chief commander would not be pleased.

By precedent, anyone defying the prince’s orders would end badly.

Ma Gui said confidently, “Seems like you can’t.”

Fang Pi said, “Then fine! I have to obey the prince!”

He was just venting a little.

Honestly, it was his own fault for gossiping in front of the prince!

Ma Gui said, “Since you’ve agreed, come with me.”

“Then who will guard the gate?”

Fang Pi asked.

Ma Gui said, “That’s no longer your concern.”

Fang Pi had no choice but to follow him.

After turning left and right through a long corridor, they stopped at Qi Peng’s small courtyard.

Ma Gui bowed to Qi Peng, who was sitting in the yard, “You two enjoy your chat. I have business—leaving now.”

Qi Peng smiled, “Commander Ma, take care.”

Then he looked at Fang Pi.

Fang Pi shivered under his gaze. “The prince sent me here.”

Qi Peng smiled. “Brother Fang, the prince really trusts you.”

Fang Pi shouted, “The prince has always trusted me! My loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon!”

Qi Peng said, “Good. From today, you’ll be my shadow’s footman.”

“What’s a shadow?”

Fang Pi asked curiously.