Chapter 165: A Good Hand Still Needs a Master to Play

"How could you be so troublesome! Even though you're a fourth‑rank official of the court, you're still this vulgar! So low‑brow! Shameless! Driven by lust!"

"Go ask around—whose household… would have a bed smashed to pieces! Huh?"

In the bedroom, Wang Wenshou brandished a feather duster, pointing at the two "principal culprits."

In front of her, Fang Chongyong and Ana Ye lowered their heads, too scared to speak. Beside them lay a collapsed bed, the central slat broken into two pieces.

"I thought you were pretty happy at the time, weren't you…"

Ana Ye couldn't help but retort, and Wang Wenshou instantly turned, glared at her and shouted, "Shut up! Flirty fox! You just arrived in Chang'an and started attracting bees and butterflies, even caused the Honglu Temple Vice Minister's family to be wiped out. What do you think you are, some great thing? You're just like Su Daji, the concubine of the tyrant King Zhou! From now on you are not allowed to leave the house!"

"Fine…" Ana Ye replied with a look of grievance.

No matter what Wang Wenshou said, she would still dare to do it next time.

"Actually, just buy another bed; there's no need to get so worked up. These are trivial matters, merely bedroom pleasures— even sages say they're matters of great human morality."

Fang Chongyong whispered, sounding quite guilty.

Last night he was fortunate enough to be released from house arrest and return home; the three reunited, weeping with joy, as if a lost treasure had been recovered.

Bathed in a lingering warmth, the next part turned out to be quite… violent. Because they partied too wildly at night, they ended up breaking that old wooden bed.

"Is that a problem with the bed?"

Wang Wenshou retorted irritably, and thinking of last night she felt so ashamed she wanted to crawl into a crack!

How could I have been swayed by those two depraved scoundrels back then?

The customs in Hexi are indeed especially bad! Fang Chongyong spent several years there, and when he returned he was just like Qiu Ba from the border town!

She thought darkly to herself.

"If the bed is broken, of course it's the bed's fault—how could it be a person's fault?"

Fang Chongyong wore an air of obvious certainty.

"Enough, enough. There won't be a next time."

Wang Wenshou waved her hand impatiently, but out of the corner of her eye she saw Zhang Guangsheng standing far from the bedroom door, slightly bent, bowing his head and making a clasped‑hands salute.

She tossed the feather duster onto the floor, swayed her sore, limp waist and left the bedroom, dragging Ana Ye out with her. Seeing that all the women in Fang Chongyong's house had left, Zhang Guangsheng hurried in and, crossing his arms, saluted Fang, saying, "General Fang, Wei Jian has sent a tribute; the person is just outside the door."

"Wei Jian? What does he want? He didn't even knock before coming; I don't think I'm that familiar with him, right?"

Fang Chongyong muttered to himself in puzzlement.

If Zheng Shuqing showed up directly, it wouldn't be surprising; this guy's skin is thicker than a city wall.

But Wei Jian, who usually behaves very conservatively and modestly, showing up unannounced seems rather suspicious.

As a high‑ranking court official, such behavior is quite unsteady!

Zhang Guangsheng said, "I, too, am unaware. However, General Fang is about to go to the Jinwu Guard Office; should I accompany him?"

"Of course. Hmph, I have already assigned you a position as a Jinwu Guard officer, eighth‑rank official, in charge of ten men."

Fang Chongyong let out a slightly smug hum and said.

Hearing this, Zhang Guangsheng exclaimed joyfully, "Following General Fang really paves a smooth official career. I never expected that I would go from a border‑town Qiu Ba to a Jinwu Guard officer in a single step."

"That's natural.

Stay at the door, allow no outsiders in, and no one out. I have matters to discuss with Wei Jian."

Fang Chongyong instructed Zhang Guangsheng, then walked to the courtyard gate himself, personally ushering the lone Wei Jian—who arrived without a servant in a light carriage—inside.

He led Wei Jian to the study; after they sat, Fang Chongyong poured Wei Jian a cup of Luo Sang wine, then, with a hesitant yet courteous tone, asked, "What wind has brought the Transport Officer today? Truly it makes my household flourish."

He spoke very politely; Wei Jian also returned the courtesy with a bow, remaining silent.

Seeing that expression, Fang Chongyong suddenly realized and said, "Given my memory, the medicine for Consort Wei… because I've been inexplicably placed under house arrest by the Jinwu Guard these past two days, the search for the medicine will probably take another two days…"

Fang Chongyong said apologetically.

In truth, he had no idea how far the matter had progressed.

He was confined in the Jinwu Guard Office; given Ana Ye's obstinate mind, he would surely abandon any task, and not seeing her return safely would leave his spirit restless, let alone attend to Wei Jian's sister's affairs!

If Fang Chongyong were gone, Wang Wenshou would still be Wang Wenshou, but Ana Ye would surely become a corpse; that's why Fang Chongyong feels protective of her.

"Um, actually, the medicine is no longer needed, but thank you, General Fang, for risking everything to help."

Wei Jian bowed deeply before Fang Chongyong, performing a grand salute.

Fang Chongyong quickly steadied him and asked in confusion, "My concubine's medical skill is quite remarkable; why say it's useless without even trying?"

"Because my sister passed away just yesterday. Although the Ten Kings' residence keeps funerals secret, how could I not know?" Wei Jian lamented.

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong nodded slightly, said "May you find peace in your grief," and fell silent. He understood that Wei Jian's visit was not for medicine but for something far more serious.

Fang Chongyong concealed his smile, stared at Wei Jian, and waited for a reply.

"General Fang, did that concubine ever mention… when she was diagnosing, my sister's condition… was there any abnormality?"

Wei Jian asked in a lowered voice.

From Fang Chongyong's nature, he could tell at a glance what Wei Jian was secretly fearing.

He thought for a moment, then crossed his arms and said:

"She never said anything; she only mentioned that preparing the medicine takes time, some ingredients must come from Hexi, but she never said the illness had become life‑threatening.

There may be something fishy, but that concubine is merely inexperienced and didn't see the cause."

He had just praised her medical skill, now he backtracks, calling her inexperienced. In a few words, Fang Chongyong shifts all possible responsibility onto Ana Ye.

His rhetorical skill, built on the character meaning 'official' which consists of two mouths, reached its peak here.

Hearing this, Wei Jian seemed to understand, crossed his arms, bowed, and said, "Then I have no further questions."

Wei Jian surely had something on his mind, but he wouldn't speak in vague terms to Fang Chongyong, who had only asked for a favor once.

"Transport Officer Wei, take care; I will see you off."

"You're welcome, General Fang, please return."

When they reached the doorway, Wei Jian firmly refused to let Fang Chongyong follow him out.

When he returned to the room where Ana Ye lived, he saw the two girls who had just been arguing fiercely, now gesturing animatedly with beaming faces. Ana Ye even kept patting her slender waist with both hands, unclear what they were discussing, but they seemed quite happy.

Seeing Fang Chongyong arrive, they both swiftly put away their smiles and sat upright with calm expressions, as if the scene just now had all been an illusion.

"Come here, both of you."

Fang Chongyong waved them over and said with a calm expression.

Wang Yunxiu, who had previously scolded Fang Chongyong as if scolding a little brother, now sat obediently like a good child. Together with Ana Ye, the two of them walked to their man without a word, not complaining in the slightest.

"Lady Wei, was she already poisoned before this?"

Fang Chongyong asked, looking into Ana Ye's eyes. Sure enough, the latter's eyes darted about, unable to resist glancing left and right. Fang Chongyong had seen this expression countless times back in Hexi!

"Tell the truth."

"She... seemed to have been poisoned before that. It should have been arsenic."

Ana Ye admitted helplessly.

"As expected."

Fang Chongyong sighed softly. After hearing Lady Wei's story, he had known that this one would likely not escape Li Heng's murderous hands.

He just hadn't expected Li Heng to be this decisive!

Daring to strike suddenly when Lady Wei still showed no real signs of dying from illness!

But thinking about it, it made sense. Li Heng was currently touring Zhongnan Mountain with the many sons of Brother Ji, so if Lady Wei passed away at this time, his suspicion could naturally be eliminated!

Or at least minimized as much as possible.

The imperial family is the most ruthless of all!

Brother Ji didn't soften his hand when killing sons, and Li Heng didn't hold back when killing his wife either. These genes were truly powerful enough.

Birds of a feather flock together.

"This matter—no matter who asks, you must not speak of it. You absolutely must keep your mouths shut.

If it gets out, we will face mortal peril."

Fang Chongyong warned the two women with a solemn expression.

Wang Yunxiu and Ana Ye both nodded together. Of course they understood how grave this matter was. If Fang Chongyong hadn't asked about it now, they would absolutely never have spoken of it to anyone.

"If Wei Jian comes asking again, do we still have to keep it secret? Even if the Wei family comes pleading?"

Wang Yunxiu asked in confusion.

"Yes.

If we tell them, it will greatly affect the current political landscape in Chang'an. Fortune and disaster are hard to predict, and there's no need for us to gamble.

In short, just keep your mouths shut.

Also, from now on, decline all invitations from the Ten Princes' Residence. There aren't many good people there. The ones with passable character can be counted on one hand!"

Fang Chongyong continued to warn with a stern face.

The matter of Lady Wei being poisoned to death made Fang Chongyong feel waves of chill.

Brother Ji was inhuman, and his sons were no pushovers either. Each one was darker-hearted and more ruthless than the last. There was nothing they couldn't bring themselves to do!

"Understood. Your concubine will not let Alang worry."

Wang Yunxiu said with a slight nod.

"Mm, I'm going to the Golden Guard office. These are troubled times—be careful in word and deed."

Fang Chongyong sighed, unclear whether he was cautioning the women at home or reminding himself.

……

In front of the Jingzhao Prefecture office, looking at the packed crowd, Fang Chongyong was stunned for a moment. If he hadn't been to the Jingzhao Prefecture office before, he would truly have thought it had been converted into a vegetable market.

Some lackey was "settling accounts" with the crowd that had surrounded the Jingzhao Prefecture office for half the day, handing each person a handful of copper coins in a very formulaic, routinized manner.

They conducted this transaction right in front of the Golden Guard, without any concealment, seemingly fearless.

The Jingzhao Prefecture office was located in Guangde Ward next to the West Market, not within the Imperial City, so residents of Chang'an could freely enter and exit Guangde Ward.

When the court originally placed the Jingzhao Prefecture office here, it carried some intention of being "close to the people." Ordinary people could not enter the Imperial City at all, which contained the central offices including the Three Departments and Six Ministries, so naturally they would not be disturbed by ordinary people.

So Zheng Shuqing had his door blocked... he truly had no way to use his authority to play the thug and keep the idlers away. He could only bite the bullet and endure it.

Not only that, one of Guangde Ward's gates faced the Jingzhao Prefecture office directly, and outsiders could see at a glance whether the door was open or not. Old Zheng now had no tears left to cry, getting stomped on with no way to voice his bitterness.

"Step aside, step aside! Golden Guard patrol, idlers disperse!"

Fang Chongyong brought ten Golden Guard halberdiers and ten Golden Guard crossbowmen, lined up in two teams behind him. Marching with martial vigor, they "happened" to patrol the streets to this spot and began driving away the onlookers.

He had expected a conflict to break out, but to his surprise it didn't amount to anything at all. He wanted to act tough with a loud shout, but ended up acting tough for no one.

Those "aggrieved parties" at the Jingzhao Prefecture office weren't afraid of Zheng Shuqing—or rather, the more furious Zheng Shuqing got, the more excited they became. The more excessively the Jingzhao Prefecture office behaved, the more money they could collect.

But these people were still quite fearful of the Golden Guard, and they couldn't gain any advantage either.

With just a little driving from Fang Chongyong, they scattered like birds and beasts, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.

"As expected, no one is a fool these days. Those conventional scare tactics simply have no use."

Fang Chongyong watched the departing "aggrieved parties" and muttered to himself.

The "fishing enforcement package" he had long prepared seemed useless this time around. Even eggs have their own wisdom—they won't mindlessly smash themselves against an approaching stone.

Knocking open the door of the Jingzhao Prefecture office, Fang Chongyong had the twenty Golden Guard men behind him, including Zhang Guangsheng, wait outside, then strode into the office hall.

At a glance he saw Zheng Shuqing cowering behind a desk, trembling, like some girl from his previous life surrounded by little hooligans.

The moment he saw that it was Fang Chongyong who had entered, Zheng Shuqing immediately stood up. Looking at the Golden Guard General's armor the other wore, he suddenly burst into loud laughter.

"Heaven helps me! Heaven truly helps me! This round is won for certain!"

Zheng Shuqing laughed aloud, his expression looking slightly unhinged.

Fang Chongyong felt that Old Zheng was being blindly optimistic, but he couldn't very well interrupt the other's self-indulgence, so he just stood awkwardly to the side waiting for Zheng Shuqing to vent his emotions.

"I heard that Zhang Shi, son of Palace Censor Zhang Yi, was ordered released by the Right Minister?"

Seeing that Zheng Shuqing had calmed down, Fang Chongyong pulled him aside and asked. Young Master Fang had only learned of this matter today, and immediately felt that things were perhaps not so optimistic — or rather, not as optimistic as Zheng Shuqing thought.

"Why bring up that matter? I was nearly sickened to death by Zhang Shi's smug face."

Zheng Shuqing said with a look of disgust, getting angry just thinking about it.

When that son of the Vice Censor-in-Chief was released, he even said Zheng Shuqing was dead meat this time! His attitude was insufferably arrogant!

"Moreover, the Right Chancellor no longer allows the Jingzhao Prefecture to investigate the examination fraud, handing it all over to the Censorate to handle."

Zheng Shuqing said with a slight frown; in truth, he too vaguely sensed that the situation had changed.

Lately, apart from Fang Chongyong becoming a General of the Golden Guard, it had been nothing but bad news, one piece after another!

"Right now, the Left Chancellor has probably concentrated all his resources to target the Jingzhao Prefecture office, and we still don't know what underhanded tricks they have up their sleeves.

Although I now control half of the Golden Guard, I can't very well help you openly and brazenly. So, to break this first trap, we still need a clever approach!"

Fang Chongyong said thoughtfully.

Just looking at the active "shills" outside the Jingzhao Prefecture office — or rather, the "enthusiastic onlookers" — one could tell this whole affair was a setup.

The Left Chancellor's people were just waiting for Zheng Shuqing to lose his patience and have the constables in the Jingzhao Prefecture office drive people away with batons. Then the Censorate would conveniently make things difficult for Zheng Shuqing, seeing whether the shoe fit.

Old Zheng was now playing dead, watching the other side do as they pleased outside the Jingzhao Prefecture office. In truth, he had seen through these dirty tricks and simply didn't want to fall into the trap.

"So, what is this clever approach?"

Zheng Shuqing asked in puzzlement.

Fang Chongyong waved him over, then leaned in and whispered: "Only a scheme can defeat a scheme. They can play dirty tricks, and naturally, so can we. You just do it like this, like this, and then like this…"

He whispered while gesturing with his hands.

Zheng Shuqing heard this and immediately slapped his thigh in applause!

The Jingzhao Prefecture office was like a fish caught in a fishing net; relying on their own strength, they could not break free.

But now, if an "impartial law-enforcing" Golden Guard were added to the mix, the situation would be completely different.

However, good cards still needed a skilled player. Now that the two of them had joined forces, they could barely manage a fight. But how exactly to operate it would depend on Fang Chongyong's ability!

"Good! Then let's have a go at it with them."

Zheng Shuqing immediately found his confidence, clenched both fists, and declared fiercely.

Fang Chongyong sighed softly; he was not nearly as optimistic as Old Zheng.

(End of this chapter)