Chapter 73
Outside the palace, things were just as lively. Jiang Lin had been running around all morning, handling various tasks. Only after everything was arranged did he finally have a moment to catch his breath. Just as he was about to return home, a beggar under Wang San’s command rushed over to deliver a message: someone had come to the small courtyard again, and it looked like they were there to kill Su Qiao.
Jiang Lin cursed angrily and hurried to the small courtyard to check on Su Qiao.
Fortunately, nothing had happened. The Sixth Prince had sent people to protect her in secret, and Bai Wei was quick-witted. As soon as the attackers appeared, she had the beggars outside start banging gongs and drums and shouting that killers had come again.
After yesterday’s massacre, the surrounding residents were already on edge. Today’s commotion caused panic to spread like wildfire. People ran and screamed, spilling out into the streets. Soon, the entire street was in chaos. People dropped their belongings and fled home, leaving stalls overturned and food and goods scattered everywhere.
With such a ruckus, the assassins naturally didn’t dare to act.
After hearing what had happened, Jiang Lin could only curse the attackers for being stupid. Did they really think today would be as easy as yesterday, when no one was prepared?
Jiang Lin took out some silver and handed it to the beggars. “Go buy some large drums and cymbals. Place them in the courtyard and the alley. If anyone dares to come again, start banging them, whether it’s day or night.”
If anyone dared to show up again, they would make as much noise as possible. It would be up to the enemy to decide how far they wanted to escalate things, whether it would lead to public outrage or widespread suffering.
After the drums and cymbals were set up, Jiang Lin leisurely made his way back. On the way, he ran into Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling, who had come specifically to find him.
Zhou Chengwang examined Jiang Lin, circling him several times before speaking. “We heard you were injured and came to see you, but you don’t look injured at all.”
Zhou Chengwang thought Jiang Lin who was supposedly injured, looked more energetic than he did.
Jiang Lin rolled up his sleeve to show his bandaged arm. “What do you mean I don’t look injured? These are real wounds, and there are several more.”
Zhou Chengwang glared at him. “Then why aren’t you resting at home instead of running around? Do you think you’re invincible?”
Jiang Lin sighed. “What can I do? So many things depend on me,” he said, sounding both helpless and proud, clearly showing off.
Zhou Chengwang rolled his eyes.
Once the two of them finished bickering, Du Yuling took over the conversation, asking about Su Qiao. “What’s the deal with that Miss Su? Why are so many assassins coming after her again and again?”
Jiang Lin shook his head and said meaningfully. “It’s nothing much. She just knows a little secret that could reveal the true face of a certain dog.”
As for who the “dog” was and what the secret entailed, Jiang Lin couldn’t say. He advised the two of them, “Stay away from me for now. I might be in mortal danger at any moment, and since neither of you knows martial arts, it’s best to…”
“What? Are you afraid we’ll get dragged into this?” Zhou Chengwang interjected.
“No, I’m afraid you’ll be too useless and hold me back,” Jiang Lin said bluntly.
Zhou Chengwang immediately started chasing him, completely forgetting that Jiang Lin was supposed to be injured.
Despite the teasing, both Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling were genuinely worried about Jiang Lin. Zhou Chengwang muttered, “We used to think you marrying Wei Yunzhao was a good thing. He is good-looking and a decent person, but now it seems like he is nothing but trouble. Lin’er, maybe you should reconsider and find another man? You’re so good at fighting and writing scripts to make money now. There must be plenty of men interested in you.”
Jiang Lin shot him a sharp look. “Aren’t you afraid Wei Yunzhao will kill you before I even think about remarrying?”
Zhou Chengwang immediately covered his mouth. “I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”
Du Yuling chimed in, “It’s not just that. The Wei family has too many enemies, and the situation is complicated. If you stay with them, you’ll be in danger sooner or later. We’re really worried about you.”
Jiang Lin understood their concerns. “Thanks, but it’s too late for me to back out now. Besides, I’m willing to stand by Wei Yunzhao and face these troubles together. Don’t worry, I’ll stay alive.”
Jiang Lin had made his stance clear, so Du Yuling and Zhou Chengwang didn’t press further. They simply told him to ask for help if he needed it, and they’d do what they could.
Jiang Lin smiled faintly. “I won’t stand on ceremony with you. Actually, it’s a coincidence, there’s something I need your help with right now.”
Zhou Chengwang instinctively grabbed Du Yuling, wanting to run. His gut told him this wasn’t going to be a simple favor, and they had walked right into it.
But it was too late to escape now. Jiang Lin dragged them onto the carriage and took them back to the Wei mansion.
The favor wasn’t big, but it could cost them their heads. Jiang Lin wanted them to spread a rumor: the Empress, unable to win General Wei Su’s affection, had killed him out of love-turned-hatred.
Zhou Chengwang wanted to run even more. “Little Lin’er, I just suggested you leave Wei Yunzhao for another man. Are you trying to get me killed now?”
Du Yuling also felt the matter was too serious. Spreading rumors about the Empress cuckolding the Emperor would shock countless people, and the wrath of the Emperor and Empress could be deadly.
Jiang Lin tapped the table. “But what if it’s not a rumor? Can’t we even speak the truth?”
“Not a rumor?” Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling were even more confused.
Jiang Lin explained, “Go back and talk to your families first. The older generation might remember some things from the past. Also, drop a few hints to your friends. If they get curious and ask their families, bringing up old stories, then once everyone remembers what happened back then, it won’t be a rumor anymore.”
“Don’t worry, the Empress won’t have the time to come after your heads. As for Emperor Changde… he definitely won’t.”
Jiang Lin didn’t explain why, but Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling inexplicably felt his words were trustworthy.
After they left, Jiang Lin went to the study to start writing his masterpiece: The Tale of Love and Revenge of the Empress.
Before writing, Jiang Lin performed a small ritual, lighting three incense sticks and offering them to the heavens in honor of Wei Su. “Father, rest assured, I won’t slander you. I’ll only exaggerate a little. So if you hear me praising you, please bless us and help us succeed in avenging you soon.”
He stuck the incense into a radish and placed it on the table. Seeing that the incense didn’t break or go out, he took it as a sign that Wei Su had agreed. With renewed vigor, he began writing as if inspired by divine intervention.
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