After the Corrupt Official Was Coveted by the New Emperor - Chapter 9

“Salt prices across the Jiangnan prefectures are skyrocketing, yet illicit salt from unknown sources is circulating on the market. Salt tax revenue has shrunk significantly, and Prince Duan repeatedly uses ‘transportation issues’ as an excuse. This is a massive problem.”

“The sudden decrease in official salt supply has shown signs since last year. It is just that the late Emperor ordered an investigation back then, but perhaps out of consideration for imperial relatives, he didn’t look too deeply. As a result, it has spiraled into the mess we see today.” The Minister of Revenue rubbed his nose guiltily.

“When it comes down to it, shouldn’t your Ministry of Revenue bear the greatest responsibility?”

The Minister of Revenue bristled at this. “Then why don’t you mention that last year, Chancellor Ji shielded Prince Duan before clarifying the facts? That is what allowed Prince Duan to run rampant, embezzle official salt, and drive up prices!”

In the main hall, several ministers spoke until their throats were dry. While they were busy deflecting blame onto one another, they suddenly realized something was wrong. They fell silent and looked toward the Emperor, who had remained wordless since entering the hall.

I am dead, the Minister of Revenue thought in despair. His tongue had moved faster than his brain. Ji Rong had long been stripped of his position and his body supposedly tossed into a mass grave. Furthermore, rumors always said His Majesty loathed Ji Rong. Why on earth did he have to mention that name in front of the Emperor?

His career was likely ending today. The Minister of Revenue held his breath, lowering his head and closing his eyes in resignation.

“Go to the salt pans discreetly and check the situation,” Qi Zhaoxuan finally spoke. “That is all. Dismissed.”

Qi Zhaoxuan rose and walked out, with Li Youde following closely behind.

“Is he back?” Qi Zhaoxuan asked.

Without needing to ask further, Li Youde knew exactly who the Emperor meant. He replied respectfully, “Replying to Your Majesty, the Consort has already returned to the palace.”

“Today, her Ladyship visited a storybook shop in the city.”

Without waiting for further prompting, Li Youde reported Ji Rong’s movements for the day with total honesty.

“However,” Li Youde added thoughtfully, “the Young Marquis was following the Consort again. He was quite close. To avoid being noticed by her Ladyship, the guards did not stop him. Aside from that, there was nothing else.”

Qi Zhaoxuan gave a brief “Mhm” before asking, “Where is he now?”

Li Youde replied, “Sunning himself in the courtyard of the sleeping quarters.”

The phrase “sunning himself in the courtyard” felt like only half the story.

As soon as Qi Zhaoxuan stepped into the courtyard, he saw Ji Rong lying leisurely on a reclining chair, holding a storybook in one hand and reading slowly. It was the hour of You, and the setting sun cast golden beams across the earth. Strands of sunlight fell upon Ji Rong, his pupils reflecting golden fragments.

“The Imperial Preceptor leads a peaceful life.”

Ji Rong’s gaze did not move. He even turned a page before perfunctorily responding, “It is all thanks to Your Majesty’s blessing.”

Observant palace servants had already placed a chair beside Ji Rong. Qi Zhaoxuan walked over and sat down.

“I heard that the Young Marquis’s itinerary overlapped significantly with yours today.”

Ji Rong remained dismissive. “Mhm, mhm. He just has the temperament of a child.”

The summer sunset still carried a lingering warmth, and the evening breeze was neither cold nor hot, just right. As soon as Ji Rong finished speaking, however, the air around them suddenly grew cold.

Ji Rong paused. He sighed inwardly, wondering what he had done to offend the man beside him this time. He decided to play dead and ignore it, expecting Qi Zhaoxuan to have another fit, but to his surprise, the Emperor only said coldly, “Prince Duan is hosting a banquet the day after tomorrow. Do not go wandering off.”

He has changed his tune?

It was better if he did not act out. Ji Rong had no desire to investigate further. As for the banquet, he did not want to go at all. “Didn’t you refuse him?”

There would be so many people at a banquet; he could be recognized from any angle. The thought of it made Ji Rong feel suffocated. Besides, if he had to wear a veiled hat the whole time, how was he supposed to eat? He did not want to go hungry.

“Can I not go?”

Qi Zhaoxuan said sarcastically, “Aren’t you tacitly allowing the Young Marquis to follow you? Since you aren’t afraid of your identity being discovered, what is the difference between one person and a crowd?”

Ji Rong: “…”

What did he mean by “tacitly allowing” Fan Qing to follow him? What was he supposed to do, rush up and tell Fan Qing to stop?

Qi Zhaoxuan looked at him with a smile. “Isn’t that right, my dear Consort?”

Ji Rong: “…”

The term “dear Consort” made his whole body uncomfortable, sending goosebumps up his arms.

The previous day had been bright and sunny, but the next morning was foggy, looking as if it might rain. The Spring-Striving Lake in the suburbs was famous for its beautiful scenery and clear waters. Ji Rong had planned his trip there long ago, but the weather was proving uncooperative.

Standing under the eaves, Ji Rong looked into the distance. The gray sky met the horizon, and the breeze carried the damp scent of soil. In Jiangnan, rain during this season was usually light, just a misty drizzle. It should not be a problem if he brought an umbrella.

The benefit of bad weather was that there were fewer people visiting the lake. Ji Rong glanced around and, seeing no one, took off the cumbersome veiled hat. He crouched by the lakeshore, looking at his reflection. The water was clear and bright; the slight ripples broke apart his face and reassembled it.

The rain had not fallen yet, so the cicadas had not stopped their rhythmic chirping, which was not at all annoying. With few people around the suburbs, Ji Rong strolled leisurely. He had sent the guards far back, leaving only one maid a few steps behind him. Heaven seemed to show him some favor; the rain held off until he had finished roasting his lunch.

A life of leisure was far too pleasant. Ji Rong yawned, feeling a bit sleepy. As the hour of Wei approached, the sky grew dim. Ji Rong had had enough fun and decided to head back. The carriage had barely been moving for fifteen minutes when the sudden pitter-patter of rain woke the dozing Ji Rong.

A servant lifted the curtain. “Young Master, the rain is getting heavier and likely won’t stop soon. The carriage roof might get soaked. There is a house ahead; perhaps we should stop and wait for the rain to let up?”

Ji Rong opened his eyes. Not fully awake and feeling a bit dazed, he gave a listless “Mhm.”

The rain was truly heavy. Combined with the wind, even an umbrella was useless. His clothes were quite damp, especially the veiled hat, which was soaked through and flapping against his face in the wind. Hearing footsteps inside the house, Ji Rong did not pay much attention, assuming it was the owner. Still half-asleep, he disdainfully removed his wet veiled hat and raised a hand to brush the water off his clothes.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of something dropping to the floor inside the room, followed by a familiar voice calling his name.

“Ji… Rong?”

“What is it?”

Ji Rong responded reflexively. He looked up and saw Fan Qing standing in the rain, holding an umbrella and looking like a wooden statue.

“Mhm?” Ji Rong looked back at him, puzzled.

Wait.

Ji Rong: “…”

Dammit.

Most people appear very busy when they are embarrassed. However, Ji Rong, who had sat in the position of Chancellor for several years, was not most people. Or rather, even if a mountain collapsed in front of him, he would insist on maintaining his composure. He gave a simple “Mhm” and calmly brushed the water droplets off his clothes.

Fan Qing froze for a second, then suddenly rushed over, splashing water everywhere.

Great, I brushed it off for nothing, Ji Rong thought expressionlessly, looking at his wet hem.

“You’re not dead!” Fan Qing grabbed his shoulders. “You’re really not dead!”

Fan Qing shook him vigorously. “I knew you weren’t dead!”

Ji Rong was already dizzy from sleep; this idiot was making his head spin even more.

“Stop, stop, stop,” Ji Rong managed to halt him. Fan Qing’s eyes were wide as he stared at him.

“…” Ji Rong said helplessly, “Let’s go inside and talk.”

Once inside, Ji Rong dismissed his attendants, leaving only himself and Fan Qing.

“Can you talk now?” Fan Qing asked impatiently. “What happened? How are you not dead? What is going on? How did you become a Consort in the inner palace? Did the new Emperor force you? Say something! Don’t play dumb!”

Ji Rong opened his mouth, but before he could speak, he was blocked by Fan Qing’s barrage of questions. He closed his mouth and watched Fan Qing perform.

“You just vanished. I was scared to death. Does the new Emperor know who you are? Oh, wait, of course he does. Why did you agree to be a Consort? Is it of your own free will?”

“Oh, I get it!” Fan Qing clapped his hands in a sudden realization. “You went into the palace to be his Consort on purpose, didn’t you!”

Ji Rong: “…?”

What on earth?

He could not let this idiot keep guessing. God knows where Fan Qing’s bizarre train of thought would lead. Ji Rong made a sharp “stop” gesture, and Fan Qing immediately shut up.

Ji Rong said, exasperated, “What is this nonsense? Why would I do that on purpose?”

Fan Qing sat obediently, then gave him a cautious look, wanting to speak but closing his mouth again. Ji Rong saw his hesitation. “Speak.”

“You told me to say it.” Fan Qing hesitated. “But aren’t you fond of him? That would explain it.”

Ji Rong: “…”

Who? What? Who liked whom?

“You like him, so you did it on purpose.” Fan Qing’s voice trailed off as he saw Ji Rong’s expression grow darker.

“What do you mean ‘like’ or ‘not like’?” Ji Rong could not stand it. “Can you speak sense?”

Fan Qing argued, “How am I not speaking sense? You paid so much attention to him.”

“Stop,” Ji Rong interrupted firmly. “That was because back then, he looked malnourished and sickly. What if he had just dropped dead? Besides, I only paid attention to him for those few years. I haven’t seen much of him since.”

“Fine, fine,” Fan Qing said dismissively. “The person who says they didn’t care for years, yet secretly sent people to protect him and sneaked to the Eastern Palace to see if he was doing well, that wasn’t you, right?”

Ji Rong: “…”

Ji Rong punched him. Fan Qing clutched his head in pain. “Hiss! I say, why do all of you like using your hands so much?”

Ji Rong said coldly, “You asked for it.”

Fan Qing was determined to argue. “I might be a bit slow, but when it comes to feelings, I am extremely sharp. I have known you for so many years. Do you think as a bystander I can’t tell if you like him?”

The two stared at each other in silence for a long time before Ji Rong spoke coldly again. “That was because the late Emperor did not like his position as Crown Prince. But he was the eldest son of the Empress after all; one could not just leave him unsupervised. Understand?”

Fan Qing rolled his eyes. “Fine, fine, you’re right about everything. Happy?”

Ji Rong ignored him. The rain continued to fall, making a noisy, fragmented sound. Ji Rong stood by the window, quietly watching the downpour.

“Ji Rong…”

He heard Fan Qing’s voice cracking slightly. Ji Rong turned back. Fan Qing’s mental processing time was a bit slow; he was fine while they were bickering, but now his eyes were turning red. With red, tearful eyes, he looked at Ji Rong piteously, his voice choking up: “I truly thought you were dead.”