Chapter 373: Thunder on Flat Ground

Although winter has already arrived, the Huaqing Palace remains warm as spring.

At noon that day, Doctor Cao carried a bowl of turtle‑and‑poria soup, placed it on the table beside the Jiulong Bathing Pool, and then quietly stepped aside.

Since taking up residence in Huaqing Palace and undergoing a multi‑pronged "comprehensive treatment," Ji Ge's condition has improved considerably, and his mood has lifted.

"Can this be drunk?"

Ji Ge looked at Doctor Cao and asked softly, his calm authority making the physician, who is fully responsible for treatment, dare not look up at him.

"Your Majesty, the matter of finding people to test the medicine, I have already been handling. The concoction brewed from various turtles and Smilax gathered from across the lands has already been given to different patients.

This formula, as of now, has the best effect."

Of course, the emperor himself should have taken part, but given Ji Ge's current condition… it can only be left unmentioned; he cannot be counted on.

"Step back."

I must admit, Chen Xilie truly knows how to get things done!

Don't ask; the reason is that the official rank is too low to make decisions!

Citing "the matter is of great importance and I lack authority to act," Zheng Shuqing submitted a memorial to Ji Ge, requesting an in‑person interrogation.

Now, Ji Ge essentially no longer handles state affairs; all matters big and small in the court are decided by a word from Li Linfu. When Ji Ge remains silent, Li Linfu becomes the de facto ruler of this vast empire.

Li Linfu's body went limp, collapsing to the ground, his breath ceasing.

After recovering, Ji Ge still instructed Gao Lishi nearby, "The matter of finding the medicine is urgent; spare no cost in the search."

"Hey, I'm not bad at all; I never force a young lady to do something she dislikes."

Li Linfu couldn't help but glance at Chen Xilie, feeling a hidden wariness.

He saw this young, beautiful courtesan, talented in song and dance, pure and charming, still untouched by men, and thus thought of offering her to Li Linfu in hopes of future patronage.

"Minister Chen, thank you for your effort."

Doctor Cao said cautiously, fearing that a single misstatement would have Ji Ge, an emperor, behead him.

……

"Chen Xilie, the reason I promoted you to Minister of Rites back then also involved Ge Nu's recommendation; even if it were murder, how could you repay kindness with betrayal?"

The cabin's "decor" is refined—not ostentatious—but exudes a cultural atmosphere; landscape paintings hang on the walls, clearly the work of masters. An uninformed observer would think it a study, not a ship cabin.

Accompanied by their retinue, the two arrived at the pier of Guangyun Pond, where they saw a sizable tower ship moored by the pier—three stories tall and extremely spacious.

Hahaha!

"This fish is good."

This Chen Xilie has truly gathered a lot of information.

Ji Ge said coldly to Zheng Shuqing. He also understood that Zheng Shuqing is no detective; his skill can be summed up in two words: to muddle!

Including Li Linfu, they are merely there to assert their presence and, conveniently, to slack off on a workday.

Of course, most of the officials on the ship are Li Linfu's confidants, and several of his sons‑in‑law are also present.

"Apologies for keeping you all waiting; I feel truly sorry."

Ji Ge suddenly recalled this thread; he hasn't heard news of Li Chang in a long time.

A courtesan or the like, bringing her home to play is utterly dull. Only by taking advantage of this strange yet special setting to act on this unfamiliar and beautiful young woman does one get a different thrill.

Is this also an outrageous move?

Isn't this how the officialdom plays? Li Linfu didn't really refuse!

Who could have guessed that this person is the assassin!

Chen Xilie even wanted to cry; he still doesn't know what's happening!

However, Chen Xilie may say that, but the Dali Temple's Chief Minister Zheng Shuqing has no intention of hearing his defense.

"What you're doing is worse than a beast!"

Standing in a two‑story building near Guangyun Pond, he gazed out over the entire pier.

Because Li Linfu himself is adept at flattering Ji Ge.

Li Linfu has decided that from today onward, he must crush Chen Xilie mercilessly.

On the surface, Li Linfu is here to "inspect work," checking how the newly completed pier operates.

Because the tower ship's length‑to‑width ratio is small and its width ample, it hardly sways.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his lower back.

"Minister Zheng, imprison Chen Xilie in the Dali Temple prison, and guard him well; do not be negligent."

"Right Prime Minister, in a moment I will have her loosen your muscles and give a massage, right in the upper deck cabin. I will take others elsewhere to patrol, so as not to disturb you."

Those who understand get it; no need to spell it out.

Chen Xilie was so frantic he began to cry, but Ji Ge simply refused to give him any chance.

"What has the Crown Prince been busy with lately?"

Even Li Guinian, adept at playing the flute and bili, was on the ship, waiting for Li Linfu's arrival so the banquet could commence.

As for the Minister of Rites, Li Guinian, being a person of the opera world, cannot be ignored, yet it's unwise to turn against him. The Ministry of Rites controls various "ritual music" resources; without their cooperation, Li Guinian will find it hard to get ahead.

At worst, we can posthumously rehabilitate him later; in any case, an explanation is necessary. Otherwise, wouldn't the officials of Chang'an all feel insecure?

"Your Majesty, I am wronged!"

"You…"

Minister of Rites Chen Xilie stepped forward, bowing his head and speaking meekly.

But in reality, including Minister Chen Xilie, no one expects these officials to discern any deeper meaning.

In short, this project is a beneficial undertaking for the nation and its people, and there is no dissent among court and populace.

Only then did Ji Ge realize—old age dulls memory, and since Li Chang never participated in any state affairs, Ji Ge simply didn't know what Li Chang was busy with all day.

If the Tang Empire's Right Prime Minister is assassinated for hire, shouldn't the Son of Heaven give an answer to the officials and the people?

How can there be music without dance?

The Right Prime Minister works hard in his office every day; can he not relax a little?

The style is ancient, simple and hefty, brimming with imposing aura.

Thus, as the Right Prime Minister of the Great Tang, Li Linfu attends such a completion ceremony, implying that this is a achievement of his administration and also what is expected.

At once, Gao Lishi, who is usually unflappable and shows no emotion, is so frightened that his complexion changes dramatically, and the medicine bowl in his hand falls to the ground, shattering into pieces.

The slender, fair fingers of the courtesan press and knead on Li Linfu's shoulder, causing the Great Tang Right Prime Minister to let out a contented hum.

…

In the winter of the ninth year of Tianbao, Right Prime Minister Li Linfu was assassinated on a tower boat moored at the Guangyun Pond ferry crossing. The assailant is said to be a dancer who should be too weak to lift a chicken. After the murder, the woman fled and vanished. All the offices, including the Dali Temple and Jingzhao Prefecture, issued wide‑ranging wanted notices and launched sea captures for the killer. Yet for a time they had no leads.

I have to say, this is truly ironic. It's a shame Chen Xilie doesn't have the super ability to "eavesdrop on thoughts"; otherwise he would probably couldn't help but burst out in a tirade.

I understand, Sage, please rest assured.

Ji nodded slightly, gave no answer, and showed no sign of joy or anger.

At that moment, an eunuch hurried in and whispered a few words to Gao Lishi.

Li Linfu said proudly.

When Ji learned the situation, he immediately returned to Xingqing Palace to handle the case.

All the evidence points to Chen Xilie!

However, Chen Xilie could not deny it; the dancer was indeed a courtesan he bought from a trafficker, but are there few high officials in Chang'an who purchase courtesans?

The courtesan pouted coquettishly, her voice like a silver bell, very pleasant, making Li Linfu feel a little lighter in his bones.

Sage, isn't the Crown Prince at Huashan praying for you, also overseeing the construction of the altar there?

Chen Xilie carefully left the room, let the lead dancer courtesan in, then closed the door and, taking all the servants on the boat, departed the tower boat, leaving no one behind.

Chen Xilie leaned close to Li Linfu and said calmly.

Amid clinking cups, under Li Guinian's guidance, the musicians on the boat began to play. A wave of Western Region charm filled the cabin, enchanting everyone.

As Ji delegated authority, Li Linfu became increasingly at ease.

Ah, Minister Chen, you're too kind, too kind.

Li Linfu, smiling, boarded the tower boat and soon saw a crowd of acquaintances, basically all his own allies. In the main cabin of the tower boat, tables had been set, awaiting Li Linfu to take his seat.

Start the feast, start the feast, don't just stare.

Because he knows Chen Xilie could not have hired a murder, nor could he have arranged a killing at a banquet he set up; that would be tantamount to accusing Li Linfu of being the murderer!

But to quell the situation, Ji had to point the blame at Chen Xilie!

The one on horseback, this fellow really knows how to flatter, making himself feel so comfortable. If this continues, it will be disastrous!

He couldn't help but resolve to slightly suppress Chen Xilie from now on. Such a flatterer is far more frightening than those who get things done.

The latter, without a word, drank the dark broth in the bowl in one gulp.

Right Prime Minister, you should look after this poor soul!

Li Linfu turned with a horrified expression, only to find the courtesan staring at him coldly, her left hand gripping his tightly, and her right hand, unusually sharp, stabbing him in the lower back!

Can the Right Prime Minister not relax a bit? What's wrong with showing concern for a dancer fallen into traffickers' hands?

Li Linfu glanced discreetly at the dancer in a colorful silk skirt, her figure graceful, face delicate, exuding a particularly alluring, fragile charm that beckons a man's protection.

The courtesan casually tossed the knife into the waters of Guangyun Pond, then changed into a servant's outfit from the boat. Seizing the moment when no one watched, she slipped away from the ferry, disappearing into the bustling streets of Chang'an, never to be seen again.

If the Emperor doesn't go, the Right Prime Minister will certainly go; otherwise there's no one of sufficient stature to hold the event.

They're basically local specialties of Chang'an! And they're all dishes Li Linfu loves to eat daily.

Yet, despite the court's diligent search for the culprit and clues, they found not even a single hair.

Almost at the moment the music began, six dancing girls in red silk skirts swirled around a dancer in a colorful silk skirt, circling like stars around the moon, fluttering like butterflies, ever‑changing.

Ji waved his hand, saying nothing superfluous.

Li Linfu, quite naturally, seized the beautiful courtesan's left hand, stroked it slowly, then, in a flippant tone, asked, "I have more than twenty daughters; would you like to bear another for me? My health is still fine!"

Why is Ji's mood resigned rather than angry at this moment?

Li Guinian hadn't known beforehand that this woman would attend the banquet; Chen Xilie slipped her in midway.

Gao Lishi answered obediently.

The dancer was selected by Chen Xilie specifically to present to Li Linfu, to flatter him, and he didn't know any other dancers at all.

That's the Great Tang Right Prime Minister, also a prime minister who has governed for years, not some nobody!

Even if Chen Xilie didn't kill him, he must step forward and take responsibility.

Li Linfu nodded with satisfaction, everything understood without words.

Half an hour later, the banquet dispersed. Chen Xilie helped the slightly tipsy Li Linfu up to the upper cabin of the tower boat.

Chen Xilie never imagined that his painstakingly arranged feast and entertainment would cause Li Linfu to resolve to suppress him.

Right Prime Minister, you're truly wicked.

Just a day earlier, the completion ceremony for Phase Two of the Guangyun Pond project outside Chang'an was held as scheduled.

Ah, speaking of it, the courtesan is also pitiful; she's been resold several times, and because she's a flawless beauty, traffickers force her to practice dance daily without a single day off.

The Sage is indeed very concerned with the expansion of the Guangyun Pond ferry crossing; with this canal, grain from the east reaches Guanzhong, saving a lot of effort.

After all, Zheng Shuqing indeed has unavoidable grievances.

Of course, one can eat it, but must not speak of it, lest it violate taboos.

The slick Zheng Shuqing directly took him to Xingqing Palace, where Ji interrogated him in person!

The victim of the stabbing is the Great Tang Right Prime Minister; how can the Dali Temple handle a prime minister's case? Any judgment easily gets caught in unrelated political whirlpools.

Li Linfu, seeing the boat, felt it suited his taste and couldn't help teasing Chen Xilie, "Minister Chen, you've thought this through; today's itinerary is well arranged."

Li Linfu squinted at the lead dancer courtesan, occasionally throwing him ambiguous glances, feeling a surge of pride.

Gao Lishi whispered a reminder.

As for the others on the ship, they don't know about this matter, let alone discuss plotting an assassination; among them are several sons‑in‑law of Li Linfu, so for both sentiment and reason it would be impossible to strike at Li Linfu.

After Imperial Physician Cao stepped back, Gao Lishi led a young eunuch in, carrying the same medicine. Gao Lishi personally mixed the two bowls of medicine, divided them evenly, and handed one bowl to the young eunuch.

Having seen enough here, let's go to the large ship and patrol the ferry along the shore.

Chen Xilie has already prepared silk‑and‑bamboo ensembles on the large ship, and even the singing girls and dancing maidens are all in place.

Li Linfu pointed to the fish pieces on the table and said, the chef has cut them so that the ingredients are unrecognizable, but Li Linfu knows clearly that these are carp, and they are extremely fresh, just hauled from the Yellow River!

Li Linfu, in a good mood, stroked the long beard on his chin and laughed heartily.

Upon hearing that, Chen Xilie quickly crossed his hands in salute and said, "It is my duty; Right Prime Minister, please board the ship."

Li Linfu smiled, looked around at everyone and spoke, his attitude very modest. Those who didn't know him would think he was a kind, benevolent elder.

Clap! Clap!

Chen Xilie clapped his hands twice, and the servants on the ship rushed out like fish, bringing plate after plate of delicacies to the table.

In the imperial study of Qinzhengwubenlou, Ji Ge looked rather helplessly at Chen Xilie and asked.

Seeing that nothing happened after he finished the medicine, Ji Ge then drank his own bowl of soup‑medicine, grimacing at its bitterness.

Great Tang, how mighty!

Great Tang, how glorious!

The Emperor is merely a figurehead; he is the mastermind of Great Tang! These are all the achievements under his rule!

"Right Prime Minister, this way, the large ship has docked; please step onto the ship and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Guangyun Pool."

The ferry's scale has expanded, and the silt along the shore has been cleared, allowing larger vessels to dock. At the same time, many supporting warehouses have been built to temporarily store goods and collect rent.

Seeing the myriad colorful ships, the bustling ferry, and the gradually rising shops, Li Linfu felt a surge of heroic ambition.

Helpless, Ji Ge had no choice but to take over the mess.

"Hmm, together, together."

Perhaps it was never urgent, after all.

This skill would be perfect for the assassination attempt on Li Linfu.

After Zheng Shuqing left, Ji Ge finally called Gao Lishi over, his face grim, and asked, "Lishi, who do you think would kill my servant?"

(End of chapter)