Chapter 158: A Lewd Father, a Cunning Son

Fang Chongyong did not stay long in Li Linfu's grand residence and soon left.

However, after he exited the main gate, Li Linfu ordered someone to put away all the screens in the room. Then seven or eight young, energetic maidens could be seen huddled together, chattering endlessly, each one extremely excited.

"So dark, and so burly too, like a bear. If we sleep together later, he'll crush me to death just rolling over!"

"His face looks so fierce. I just feel like he's a very vicious person. I don't like it."

"Right, right, right! See how calm and composed he was talking to Father? He must have a very wicked mind!"

"That kind of person, who knows, you might end up sold off by him someday."

"I don't think so. I actually find him a bit simple and thick-headed. If he were just a servant, that'd be fine—teasing him would be quite fun. But as a husband, no way."

"Father's judgment is off this time."

Li Linfu, eavesdropping on the side, nearly coughed up blood. The future son-in-law he found more satisfactory the more he looked—why did it turn out that none of his own daughters fancied him?

What kind of taste is this!

"Ahem, ahem, ahem!"

Li Linfu gave a few deliberate, dignified coughs. The maidens who had just been chattering away instantly fell silent, waiting for Li Linfu's lecture.

"That gentleman just now—did any of you take a fancy to him?"

Li Linfu's gaze swept across the faces of the many maidens, but every girl deliberately lowered her head to avoid his eyes. Clearly, no one had taken a fancy to Fang Chongyong.

Actually, this was not surprising.

The Great Tang had been at peace for a long time, especially in Guanzhong, which had not seen the flames of war for over a hundred years. The entire society was immersed in song and dance, poetry was on the rise, and the atmosphere of taking pride in literary accomplishment continuously elevated, replacing the former vigor and simplicity.

Scholars commonly used sunblock cream, which had long been one of the benefits issued by the government. Men who powdered their faces and rouged their lips were even more commonplace.

As for Fang Chongyong, having spent years in Hexi, he was constantly exposed to wind and sun, not to mention occasionally killing people and plundering their goods. Not going home and being permanently stationed in the Doulu Army barracks was just a small matter.

Naturally, he could not possibly have a slick, powdered appearance.

Not only that, Fang Chongyong also practiced martial arts, archery, and learned battlefield combat, and in recent years had repeatedly personally led troops on "private jobs" to crack down on bandits and protect the Hexi trade routes.

Systematic muscle training, a meat-supplemented diet, combined with his usual ruthlessness and fraternizing with the rough soldiers of Hexi.

Under the principle of "appearance arises from the heart," his face naturally would not conform to the aesthetics of ordinary Chang'an maidens.

Every loss brings a gain: forsaking a refined appearance, what he gained was a robust physique, experience in leading troops, and the ability to lick blood from the edge of a blade!

Not fat, but very burly! Not ugly, but a bit rugged!

"You girls, you girls—this one is already the best. How can you be so blind to it?"

Li Linfu said with bitter disappointment, helplessly waving his hand.

The group of maidens before him laughed and scattered in a rush, seemingly having long expected that their father would not do anything about it.

Once only one person remained in the room, Li Linfu casually sat down on the wooden floor, folded his arms, and fell into deep thought.

"What kind of trouble will the imperial examinations stir up this time?"

Li Linfu felt as though he were in a fog, unable to see through his opponent's plan. How could the imperial examinations be connected to the Jingzhao Prefecture yamen?

Could it be that Zhang Shougui's target was not Jingzhao Prefecture, but the imperial examinations?

This information he had obtained from his "inside source" and was absolutely accurate: Zhang Shougui's primary target must be Jingzhao Prefecture.

The contradiction between accurate intelligence and personal analysis plunged Li Linfu into momentary confusion.

……

In the westernmost part of Chang'an, inside Yining Ward near Kaiyuan Gate, most of the residents were Western Region Hu merchants and merchants from the Hexi area, and there were quite a few inns. Yining Ward had a Persian Hu temple that provided "religious services" for the many Western Region Hu people in the ward.

This place was known to the people of Chang'an as: the Da Qin Nestorian Church.

It came from the Eastern Roman Empire and was a branch of Christianity; the buildings were marked everywhere with crosses.

However, this was only its surface disguise.

In reality, this place had long ceased to be a proper temple. It was a secret base for the Shazhou merchant caravan, used to gather commercial intelligence on Chang'an, grasp the balance of supply and demand, and suppress competitors. It was merely a casual piece placed in Chang'an by Fang Chongyong when he established the caravan—a dormant asset.

Its nature was half black, half white.

The true backer of the Da Qin Nestorian Church was those wealthy and influential Western Region Sogdian Hu merchants!

Over the years, this base in Yining Ward had done quite a few dirty deeds for Fang Chongyong—or rather, for that group of people smuggling luxury goods through Hexi. Otherwise, how would the Doulu Army soldiers disguised as bandits know when someone was coming from Chang'an to Shazhou, when they would set out, and where would be the best place to ambush and kill them?

It all relied on the accurate intelligence sent out from here to let the Hexi border troops do the dirty work!

Many past competitors in Chang'an's Eastern Market had been eliminated by them through various means, thereby monopolizing the Western Region trade routes.

Because Brother Ji had their back, nobody bothered with these shady dealings at all.

Inside an ordinary side room of the Da Qin Nestorian Church temple, Fang Chongyong led Ana Ye and Wang Yunxiu, sitting upright on soft cushions, waiting for the so-called "honored guest" to arrive.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do—the customs and folkways of Western Asia and Rome, transplanted here, had undergone some changes. The items inside the Nestorian Church had become more Buddhist in character! Or one could call it localization.

For instance, soft cushions and straw mats used for meditation were just as common here as in the Buddhist temples of Chang'an.

Before long, the side room door was opened, and one man and two women walked in!

The person in the lead was none other than Wei Jian, now holding the eminent positions of Vice Censor-in-Chief and Transport Commissioner!

Wei Jian looked at Fang Chongyong, whom he had met once before, and stared for a long time without recognizing him. But he recognized Wang Yunxiu and naturally guessed the other party's identity, so he had no choice but to nod at Fang Chongyong with reserved formality.

"Don't make trouble later, and don't ask too many questions."

After Fang Chongyong gave Ana Ye a few instructions, he took Wang Yunxiu's hand and went outside. Wei Jian and the very young one of the two women on his side also followed them out of the room, leaving only his sister here alone with Ana Ye.

"Where are you feeling unwell? If you have some illness, you must tell me the cause and everything that happened afterward. Otherwise, the illness cannot be cured."

After everyone else had left, Ana Ye asked cautiously in Chinese with a Hexi accent.

Outside the door, the atmosphere was also quite awkward.

"Alang, this is Lady Wei, the Princess of Shou. She entrusted me to find a trustworthy female medical officer to examine her."

"I figured the most trustworthy person would be none other than Alang. And Ana Ye's medical skills are renowned far and wide in Hexi, and can also serve as cover for important matters, so I took it upon myself to agree."

On the surface, Wang Yunxiu seemed to be speaking to Fang Chongyong, but in reality, the two of them had already settled on this story at home during the day. Repeating it now was actually just for Wei Jian to hear!

Just as the two Wei ladies dared not come to the Da Qin Nestorian Church late at night, Fang Chongyong was also uneasy about Wang Yunxiu bringing Ana Ye out in the evening. So for this secret meeting, both sides' thinking was almost exactly the same: they must be accompanied by a reliable man!

"Thank you, Lady Wang, and thank Lord Fang."

Wei Jian performed a grand bow to Fang Chongyong and Wang Yunxiu.

From beginning to end, none of the four present here said what actually happened, nor was there any need to.

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, the young Wei Sanniang grabbed Wang Yunxiu's hand and laughed, "Sister, let's step aside and talk."

"Fine then."

Wang Yunxiu gave Fang Chongyong a subtle glance and retreated with Wei Sanniang. Compared with the restraint and guard between Fang Chongyong and Wei Jian, she and Wei Sanniang were long‑time close friends. Wei Sanniang was a descendant of Wei Xiaokuan, thus also came from a distinguished family.

When the two women left, Fang Chongyong finally fixed a solemn expression on Wei Jian, lowered his voice and asked, "The Ten Kings' Residence is full of eyes and ears; I'm afraid many already know about this! I don't think Wei Sanniang is a scheming type—she knows, so how could those who deliberately watch the Loyal King be completely unaware?"

His voice was angry and urgent, clearly not as calm as before.

"When that disgrace occurred, someone was right beside it… later my younger sister was pregnant."

At that time the matter could not be told to the Loyal King, nor could the Sage be let know, and there was no way to consult a medical officer; many loopholes remained.

After the abortion she had to endure illness while serving the Sage, which led to today's unspeakable ailment!

That female physician—was she Lord Fang's… concubine?

Wei Jian wore a hopeful expression; if he could buy A Naye back for treatment, all problems would vanish.

"She's not a concubine; she can't be sold."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand lightly, not wishing to say more.

An embarrassed expression flashed across his face; Wei Jian was about to speak up, but seeing Fang Chongyong's stance he knew there was no chance.

"If in the future someone plots against the Loyal King, no need to mention anything else—just recount the oddities of the Loyal King's consort, Wei, from back then, and it will stir the Sage's murderous intent.

This matter, the Loyal King will eventually learn.

Perhaps he already knows now, but is merely pretending not to."

Fang Chongyong let out a long sigh and said.

Who could have imagined that such a world‑shattering deed could be done by Ji Ge as well!

When the pregnancy was discovered, Wei should have told Ji Ge then. Though she might have been sentenced to death on the spot, she also could have been taken into the palace to nurture the fetus. Now she barely clings to life, almost as good as dead.

"If the Loyal King knows but pretends not to, then this becomes disastrous."

Wei Jian also sighed.

Why is he willing to discuss this with Fang Chongyong?

Because the Ten Kings' Residence houses so many people! The so‑called secrecy is merely outsiders' imagination; in fact the secret has long been uncontainable. Someone inside must know, but no one dares to speak.

Wei Jian also noticed Li Heng's attitude toward him had subtle, hard‑to‑detect changes, yet neither of them clarified the matter. Li Heng most likely knows as well.

If left unmentioned, the outward relationship can be maintained; if raised, the partnership collapses, the political alliance shatters! And the Tang Emperor Li Longji's thunderous wrath!

After a short while, A Naye came out, leaned over, and talked to Fang Chongyong at length.

After sending Wang Yunxiu and the others away, Fang Chongyong finally faced Wei Jian with a solemn expression and said:

"Wei needs to take a lot of medicine; some ingredients must be sourced from the Hexi region, as Chang'an may not have them."

Moreover, she likely won't bear children anymore; you must guard against your sister's suicide.

Fang Chongyong let out a light sigh; this affair really turned into a mess of feathers.

"Great kindness needs no thanks; I take my leave."

Wei Jian crossed his arms and saluted Fang Chongyong.

He entered the room, lifted the already fainted‑from‑crying Wei, then called the lively‑talking Wei Sanniang who was chatting with Wang Yunxiu, and the three got into a carriage, disappearing into the bewildering night.

……

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the bedroom; Wang Yunxiu rose from the bed, massaged her sore lower back, and as she stepped down her body went weak, nearly causing her to fall.

Fang Chongyong was to drink with Du Fu Yuanjie and another today, so he left early in the morning; when he got up, Wang Yunxiu was still in deep slumber.

"We were up all night yesterday; today let's drink some medicinal tea to replenish the body."

A Naye quickly steadied the nearly‑falling Wang Yunxiu and handed over the simmered tonic.

"That big bear last night really tried to break my bones!

He truly was treating me like a rag doll!"

Wang Yunxiu muttered a disgruntled complaint. Remembering last night's frenzy, a flush rose on her delicate face; she lifted the bowl and briskly drank the tea, not at all fearing A Naye's meddling.

After she finished the medicine, A Naye pressed Wang Yunxiu's shoulder and began massaging her.

So massage can be this pleasant!

Wang Yunxiu suddenly realized; she had previously thought it was just Fang Chongyong flirting with A Naye!

She hadn't expected that fellow to enjoy it so much!

"You're such a little imp; no wonder A Lang likes you so much."

Wang Yunxiu muttered, yet also understood why Fang Chongyong returned to Chang'an, bringing this kind‑hearted Hexi country girl along.

"Sister… Consort Wei was poisoned; she looks ill not because of a miscarriage.

The prescriptions I gave her yesterday were all detox medicines, but they won't sustain her for long.

Regarding this, you must not tell A Lang; no one may know. I haven't given the formula, nor dare I."

A Naye whispered into Wang Yunxiu's ear.

"What did you say!"

Wang Yunxiu was startled, a shiver running through her, and stood up to ask A Naye.

"Th‑th‑this… you can't blab about such matters!"

She was truly frightened by A Naye's words just now.

"I've been studying medicine since childhood; my father taught me never to lie or deceive.

Look, since I followed A Lang, when have I ever spoken falsehoods?"

Anaya sighed, her face full of innocence.

She's gorgeous and bewitching, stealing men's souls — it's not her fault!

Her nature is gentle and conservative! She hardly ever lies in daily life, and when practicing medicine she has never lied to a patient — last night was the first time.

"Lady Wei doesn't know yet, right?"

Wang Yunsui also calmed down and asked in a low voice.

"Yes, I dare not say it."

Anaya nodded slightly and said.

Hearing this, Wang Yunsui fell silent, pondering. She was thinking, what exactly is the origin and development of this matter?

Who would be so heinous as to send someone to poison Lady Wei?

Although it could be Ji Ge, it's more likely Prince Zhong, Li Heng!

Lady Wei's husband!

Because Ji Ge is so arrogant, he might not even remember when he insulted Lady Wei — how could he possibly send someone to secretly poison this poor woman?

On the contrary, Prince Zhong was cuckolded by his father, has no way to retaliate, and still covets the crown prince's position, giving him the strongest motive to kill Lady Wei.

A living Lady Wei is a huge liability; she could explode with a shocking scandal at any moment! If mishandled, it would bring disaster upon everyone in Prince Zhong's mansion.

But if Lady Wei were dead, she would become Li Heng's virtuous consort.

The political alliance between Li Heng and Wei Jian would not change because of Consort Wei's 'illness-induced death'.

Ji Ge's scandal, Prince Zhong's scandal, will be buried together with Lady Wei's corpse.

Li Heng could meanwhile marry a new consort and forge a new political alliance!

Look, as long as Lady Wei dies, all problems cease to be problems. Not only is there no loss, but there's a huge profit!

Upon realizing this, Wang Yunsui instantly felt a chill run through her body.

She gave Anaya a complex look, then couldn't help embracing this mixed-race girl from Hexi.

"Anaya, my dear sister. From now on we must properly protect A-lang."

"The world of Chang'an is too treacherous; only beside family is safest."

"We must not let outsiders find an opening."

Wang Yunsui sighed and whispered.

Vote!

(End of chapter)