IDWBE -Chapter 565 Old Friends Still Keep Their Swords Ready

Yet, there was still a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right.

Where were the people from Jizhao Hermitage?

Could it be that they had already abandoned Prince Yong?

Lost in thought, Jin Bo came running in again, saying, “Your Highness, Prince Nanling is insisting on seeing you. I dare not make the decision on my own.”

Lin Yi, curious about the situation at Jizhao Hermitage, figured he could ask now that the seventh prince had arrived. He waved his hand, saying, “Let him in.”

Then he turned to Lei Kaishan. “Prepare some bathwater. I want to wash and change.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Lei Kaishan stepped outside and stood at the doorway for a moment. After all, this was the Prince Jin’s residence, unfamiliar territory, and he was unsure of what to do.

Just then, a woman’s voice spoke up, “Sir, do you have any instructions?”

Lei Kaishan looked up to see a woman dressed in a jade-green robe. “What is your role in this residence?”

The woman smiled. “I am Cheng Duor. I originally accompanied the military physician. With so many women in the Prince Jin’s residence, it’s easier for a woman to move about. General Jin Bo has given me this responsibility. If Your Highness has any orders, just tell me.”

Lei Kaishan said, “His Highness wishes to bathe. Can you make the arrangements?”

The military physician’s assistants were usually disciples of Hu Shilu, Chen Xilian, and Yan Hong. Lei Kaishan didn’t want to offend them casually, so he spoke politely.

The woman smiled. “Rest assured, sir. I will make the arrangements immediately.”

“I am Lei Kaishan, just a humble guard of the Prince. The title ‘sir’ is more than I deserve,” he said courteously.

“Even a third-rank guard cannot be called sir? You are being modest,” she said, covering her mouth as she laughed. “If you have nothing else, I’ll go prepare.”

“Much obliged,” Lei Kaishan said, bowing politely.

Soon, a small maid arrived, sweating profusely. “Sir, everything is ready.”

“You wait and lead the way,” Lei Kaishan replied, entering the room to report before following behind the Prince into the bathing chamber.

He first searched the room, noting that the two maids had their acupoints sealed. Only then did he step out and stand guard at the door.

Tan Fei lightly tapped his toes and leapt onto the roof, glancing at the soldiers stationed around the Prince Jin’s residence. He floated down and said with a smile, “Mostly fifth-rank or higher experts. Jin Bo has indeed been careful.”

Lei Kaishan held his broadsword close and snorted. “Better to rely on oneself than others. Jinzhou originally had people from Jizhao Hermitage. We should remain cautious.”

At that moment, Jin Bo walked over, bowing slightly. “If you two brothers trust me, leave this to me. Go rest and eat properly.”

Lei Kaishan clasped his fists. “Thanks for your kindness, General Jin. I cannot leave my post.”

Jin Bo was about to respond when a tall figure appeared. He hurriedly said, “General.”

It was Shen Chu. He didn’t come closer, only smiling, “Do you not trust me?”

“Never,” Lei Kaishan and Tan Fei said in unison.

Shen Chu had once been the commander of the Prince’s guards. They had served under him, and now that his status had risen, they dared not act recklessly.

Shen Chu waved his hand. “Then go rest. Leave this matter to me.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied without hesitation.

“Follow me,” Cheng Duor said, leading them to rest.

Shen Chu glanced at the closed door before turning to leave. Jin Bo followed closely. “Sir, the people inside the city are at the point of cannibalism. I cannot bring myself to tell Your Highness the horrors.”

Shen Chu snorted. “If the situation hadn’t reached this point, would Prince Yong have let them go so easily?”

Jin Bo nodded. “Yes, General.”

Shen Chu continued, “You stay in the residence these few days. You and Cheng Duor should be meticulous in identifying idle people. Anyone irrelevant must be sent away.”

“Yes, sir!” Jin Bo replied loudly.

“Lower your voice,” Shen Chu frowned. “Don’t disturb the Prince. His Highness has keen ears.”

Jin Bo hurriedly said, “Yes, sir.”

Shen Chu, curious, asked, “Have you seen Wang Tuozi?”

Jin Bo smiled. “He went to scout Prince Yong’s movements himself.”

Shen Chu said, “Then send men to watch the Court Guards’ movements. They cannot avoid coming once the Prince arrives.”

Suddenly, a small flag bearer ran in, reporting, “The Court Guard Overseer, Fang Pi, requests an audience.”

Shen Chu chuckled. “That man cannot resist following orders to the letter.”

Then he gestured to the flag bearer, “Let him in.”

He sat in a pavilion in the courtyard, sipping tea, watching Fang Pi arrive with two small flag bearers.

All three bowed. “Greetings, General Shen.”

“You came quickly,” Shen Chu remarked, glancing at Zhou Jing behind Fang Pi. “I couldn’t see through your skills before.”

Fang Pi pointed at Zhou Jing. “You couldn’t tell? Zhou Jing recently became a Grand Master!”

“Congratulations,” Shen Chu said, standing to bow to Zhou Jing.

Zhou Jing clasped his fists. “Thank you, General, for the honor.”

“You, however, have not progressed?” Shen Chu asked Fang Pi bluntly.

“General Shen, as the Prince said, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I only need to focus on my strengths,” Fang Pi replied confidently.

Shen Chu wanted to say that those without martial skills were useless—but this man had invoked the Prince in his argument. How could he respond?

He could not say that the Prince was useless, nor could he call himself useless in comparison.

So he asked, “What are your strengths?”

Fang Pi grinned. “General, I’m nimble and have keen hearing. Would you count that as strengths?”

“Enough, no more idle talk,” Shen Chu said, lifting his teacup, blowing on the leaves. “Since you’re here, observe the city carefully. Report any situation immediately. Do not act rashly.”

Pingcheng had descended into near-cannibalism. Every citizen’s nerves were taut, ready to explode at any provocation.

Fang Pi sighed. “I saw it on the way. The main thing is to keep the people fed. The granary hasn’t opened yet.”

Shen Chu nodded. “I have already ordered suppliers to deliver grain into the city. By tonight, the rice shops should open. Issue orders: during tonight’s curfew, only one person per household may go out to buy grain.”

Those who could not afford it would work in exchange for food, as with past relief efforts.

Jin Bo respectfully said, “Orders received.”

Fang Pi continued, “General, the city is chaotic. Some houses along the government offices have been torn down—probably for firewood.”

Shen Chu sighed. “Knowing I’m busy, you still chatter so much?”

Fang Pi laughed. “Sir, before the restaurants and rice shops open, we have no choice but to stay here.”

Shen Chu scowled. “This is the Prince’s lodging. Even I would have to stay elsewhere. You know the suppliers. Go there yourselves. I won’t entertain you further.”

Fang Pi sighed. “Very well, I will take my leave.”

Once outside the Prince Jin’s residence, in front of two guards, he spat at the stone lion at the gate.

Dan Sanguan quickly tugged his sleeve. “Sir, we cannot be so reckless here.”

Fang Pi smiled silently. Once they were away from the gate, Zhou Jing explained with a grin, “Our master did it on purpose.”

Dan Sanguan said, “You acted so mysteriously, you almost confused me.”

“Pour wine and let each man enjoy it freely; human nature turns like waves. Old friends still keep their swords ready, while the rich laugh in their halls. This poem by Sir Xie Zan almost exposes the bureaucracy, revealing the art of politics,” Zhou Jing said slowly, following Fang Pi.

“Our Overseer has surely learned some of its lessons,” Fang Pi added.

He grinned. “It’s General Shen who benefits. I am just inspired. What are we? Court Guards! The Commander once said privately: we are the Prince’s minions, the ones who handle secrets. Back in Sanhe, I was taken care of by General Shen. Whether he trusts me or not, he deliberately keeps his distance—for his sake and ours.”

Whether or not the Prince, Overseer Hong, or Sir He Jixiang can see it, this arrangement must be maintained. It prevents others from accusing them later.

Dan Sanguan understood. “No wonder they say, ‘Old friends still keep their swords ready.’ No one can show favoritism.”

Fang Pi sighed. “Exactly. If the Prince one day wants to know about General Shen, do we speak up or remain silent? If we speak, we offend Shen; if not, we deceive our superior. Both are serious matters.”

Dan Sanguan said, “Understood. Should we go to the supplier base now?”

“Go where?” Fang Pi waved his hand. “A bunch of people who only care about money. You take the silver to the suppliers and buy grain. We’ll return to our own base.”

“Yes, sir,” Dan Sanguan replied, bowing.

The north wind rose sharply.

Lin Yi, exhausted from bathing, had dozed off on the couch in the bathhouse.

Upon waking, he stepped outside. Night had fallen completely, the courtyard lit only by lanterns along the pillars.

Cheng Duor approached. “Please, Your Highness, dine.”

Lin Yi followed her, smiling. “I remember you—you were Yan Hong’s disciple, skilled in poisons.”

Yan Hong specialized in gynecology, but even more so in toxins. Inspired by Lin Yi’s scientific thinking, she could vaporize certain poisons with internal skill, allowing them to be inhaled and kill invisibly—a rare genius.

“Your Highness remembering me is my fortune,” Cheng Duor said, clearly flattered.

Lin Yi asked, curious, “What poisons are you skilled in?”

“Effective poisons are usually subtle, not suitable for public display,” Cheng Duor replied without hesitation. “The simplest is collecting oleander juice, allowing it to be inhaled without notice, causing fatal heart and energy collapse.”

“Can it kill a Grand Master?” Lin Yi asked eagerly.

Cheng Duor laughed awkwardly. “The Grand Master’s meridians are like clouds over a winding pool, stars reflected on waves—my poison is powerless.”

“Then keep trying,” Lin Yi smiled. “If poison can’t kill them, use your martial skill.”

They entered the main hall. As he sat down, the maids began arranging dishes and pouring wine.

Seeing the table full of delicacies, Lin Yi remembered Prince Nanling.

“Bring Prince Nanling in.”

Prince Nanling had been pacing nervously in the courtyard for an hour. Seeing Jin Bo, he hurriedly asked, “Is it time to meet me?”

Jin Bo gestured, “Prince Nanling, please, this way.”

The prince knew Prince Jin’s residence well and barged in. Upon seeing Lin Yi, he prostrated himself. “Greetings, Regent Prince, long life, long life!”

Lin Yi smiled. “Rise. So formal! We are brothers—let’s have a drink together.”

Looking at the delicious food, Prince Nanling could not refuse.

After being besieged in Pingcheng, even princes had limited supplies—usually just radishes or cabbage, and occasionally horse meat.

Seeing such a feast, his stomach rumbled uncontrollably.

Lin Yi beckoned. “Come, we are brothers.”

“Thank you, Regent Prince,” he said, finally sitting opposite Lin Yi.

He picked up his chopsticks, placed a piece of fish in his bowl, and then raised his wine cup. “I drink this cup in full.”

After finishing, he suddenly coughed into his hand.

“Take it slow, no rush,” Lin Yi said, signaling Cheng Duor to serve more food.

“Regent Prince’s kindness is too much; I cannot repay it,” Prince Nanling said, tears streaming down his face.

Lin Yi stared, amazed. An actor indeed!

He chewed and swallowed the venison, then said, “Enough crying. We are not children; you can’t fool anyone with this act.”

“I was reckless,” Prince Nanling said, stopping abruptly.

“By the way, where are my sisters-in-law and nephews?” Lin Yi asked, smiling.

“I haven’t seen them in the residence either,” he added.

Prince Nanling’s heart sank but he remained composed. “Your Highness, the roads were full of rebels and refugees. I feared for their safety, so I arranged for them to stay at a remote estate in Nanling.”

Lin Yi casually said, “Children need their father. Give me the address, and I’ll send them to Ankang City. Your family can reunite.”

Prince Nanling once again prostrated himself. “All my fault. Punish me as you will, Regent Prince. I have no regrets. I only ask, for past ties, that you spare them.”

“You are responsible,” Lin Yi said, impressed by his behavior.