At the next day’s court assembly, Chen Yan’yun reported the assassination attempt on Li Ying.
Emperor Zhu Jun’an, still young in years, could not contain his anger, his hand tightening into a fist.
Zhang Julian stood at the front of the officials, appearing unsurprised and not bothering to feign surprise. He gazed forward impassively, aware that many eyes were upon him, though no one dared speak against him. The young Emperor, however, appeared quite agitated, his lips trembling slightly. This wasn’t from fear of Zhang but from hatred.
Having served as Zhu Jun’an’s teacher for several years, Zhang knew this person was far from weak or easily intimidated.
In truth, the Emperor possessed strategic wisdom, a hatred of evil, and considerable concern for the common people’s suffering.
Originally, Zhang hadn’t planned to target Zhu Jun’an, as he was of legitimate royal bloodline. If one day Zhang died, power would return to Zhu Jun’an’s hands, and as long as the foundation he built could guarantee the Zhang family’s prosperity for generations, it wouldn’t matter. Otherwise, with so many opportunities to kill Zhu Jun’an, why hadn’t he acted? Zhu Jun’an’s unforgivable mistake was his unwillingness to accept his position.
His talons had not yet fully grown, yet he wanted to challenge him.
Even with Chen Yan’yun’s help, could he succeed? Chen Yan’yun thought he wouldn’t dare move against Li Ying, yet he had done exactly that.
He wanted to see who in the court would still dare to remonstrate directly with him!
Whoever didn’t value their life could come forward.
“Whoever struck this severe blow must be thoroughly investigated for me… Minister Chen will be responsible for this matter. I will have the Shuntian Prefecture assist you,” Zhu Jun’an said in a low voice. “Is there anyone else willing to assist Minister Chen?”
No one stepped forward, so he asked again.
The officials silently watched the young Emperor seated on the dragon throne, his figure still somewhat frail.
Many felt a touch of sympathy.
Many elder officials lowered their heads to look at the gold brick floor, while others glanced toward Zhang Julian.
The one above was the Emperor, but the one below was the uncrowned king, holding absolute power.
Which was weightier, which lighter? They didn’t even need to judge; they already knew how to choose.
Zhang Julian stepped forward, knelt, and said with clasped hands: “Your Majesty since no one is willing to step forward voluntarily, I shall designate several people. Although this matter concerns me, I consider myself open-minded and know Your Majesty won’t confuse loyal subjects with traitors or wrongfully execute good people. If Your Majesty trusts this humble servant, I propose to ask the Censorate Superintendent to continue investigating this matter.”
Hearing this, Zhu Jun’an tensed up, having not expected Zhang Julian to speak thus. Moreover, Chen Yan’yun hadn’t informed him beforehand.
He turned to look at Chen Yan’yun.
Chen Yan’yun sighed inwardly, stepped forward, knelt, and said: “Everything is for Your Majesty to decide. Minister Li’s wrongful death must be addressed, but I also ask that Your Majesty not wrongfully accuse virtuous officials.”
Zhu Jun’an grew nervous hearing this. What did Chen Yan’yun mean? Was that agreement or disagreement?
If it were up to him… he certainly wouldn’t want Zhang Julian in charge, but if it meant not wrongfully accusing Zhang Julian, what decision should he make?
Zhu Jun’an steadied himself and said: “Then let… the Shuntian Prefecture and the Censorate investigate together. Minister Chen has many cabinet affairs to attend to, so let the Superintendent investigate and inform Minister Chen, who will then report to me.”
Those named all knelt and assented.
Only then did Zhu Jun’an feel somewhat reassured. Seeing that neither Zhang Julian nor Chen Yan’yun spoke further, he thought he must not have misspoken.
After the court adjourned, Chen Yan’yun headed alone toward Wenyuan Pavilion.
Zhang Julian slowly approached, with two guards following closely behind. Without looking at Chen Yan’yun, he asked softly: “Jiuheng, Li Ying’s incident was suspicious, why didn’t you inform me beforehand? You’ve caused me some confusion.”
Chen Yan’yun also smiled and replied: “Since the teacher already knew, why would I need to inform you?”
Zhang Julian raised an eyebrow and slowly said: “Are you suggesting you suspect me? After our years as teacher and student, I never expected we would grow so distant…”
“How can a teacher say such things? How could this student suspect you?” Chen Yan’yun said softly. “Teacher has never been close with me, so how can we speak of growing distant? When the teacher had Chen Si give me the prayer beads, you should have told me first. Had you mentioned it then, I certainly would have told you everything honestly today.”
Zhang Julian smiled: “Oh, how could I not have mentioned it? When you first started believing in Buddhism, I told you that faith makes one’s nature weak and would harm you, but you didn’t listen to me then. Was it Chen Si who told you about the prayer beads? He’s quite honest—whatever I ask him to do, he does without question. More obedient than a dog… he doesn’t hesitate even to frame his brother. You two truly are brothers.”
When it came to killing with words without drawing blood, Zhang Julian still held the advantage.
Chen Yan’yun continued to smile with scholarly elegance: “This small skill of mine was taught by you, teacher. I dare not boast!”
“The student surpasses the master; I am indeed getting old,” Zhang Julian sighed. “Jiuheng, I mentioned before that you are indeed a good person, but you have one fatal flaw. Do you remember?”
“Teacher has given me many insights over the years. I’m not sure which one you’re referring to.”
Zhang Julian paused: “You are still too indecisive.”
Chen Yan’yun just smiled as he listened, neither objecting nor seeming to agree.
“Even though your teacher may be useless now, I’ve spent over ten years maneuvering in court. I understand clearly what you and our young Emperor have been up to.” They had reached the steps of Wenyuan Pavilion, and Zhang Julian stopped, gazing toward the distant Huangji Hall, now barely visible.
The horizon was vast, making the imperial city appear low, seeming to prostrate itself before him.
He enjoyed gazing into the distance; it was as if everything was in his hands. Mountains and rivers stretching thousands of miles, millions of subjects, all beneath his feet. As insignificant as ants.
The feeling of power was quite intoxicating; few would willingly let it go.
“Chen Yan’yun, what do you have in your hands?” Zhang Julian said flatly. “I wanted to kill Li Ying, so I did. I killed him, and not a single person in the entire court dared to stand up to help you. What can you do? If I were you, I would stake everything on a final gamble, risking my life to fight my opponent to the death. Yet you value your life too much. Tell me, aren’t you indecisive?”
After listening, Chen Yan’yun showed neither happiness nor anger and softly asked: “Teacher, standing so high, what can you see?”
Zhang Julian frowned.
What could he see? Naturally, the empire.
“There are many things you can no longer see,” Chen Yan’yun smiled slightly. “Perhaps you’ll never have the chance to see them again.”
With that, he took his leave.
The wind made his robes flutter.
Zhang Julian felt a bit uneasy. What was Chen Yan’yun saying… what did those words mean?