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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 104: Zhai Rang
Although it was merely a campaign against a small nation, the results were remarkable. The neighboring countries, having witnessed the overwhelming power of the Sui Army, hastily sent emissaries bearing treasures to pay tribute to the Emperor.
In this moment of double joy, the Emperor gladly set up a ceremonial platform in the Western Garden. His two new favorites, Xiao Ju and Yuwen Xiao, accompanied by the old minister Li Jian Cheng, were commanded to sit with the consorts of the Predecessor Emperor. Monks, nuns, Taoists, and female Taoists occupied another table, while Emperor Yang and his favored Consort shared a seat.
At first, everything went smoothly, but as the wine flowed, chaos ensued among the guests.
Noticing Li Jian Cheng's discomfort, the Emperor chuckled and said, "People often say you are the lord of banquets; why do you seem so out of place? Have you never experienced such gatherings?"
Li Jian Cheng replied, "I remember Your Majesty's previous admonition and dare not indulge myself before having a legitimate heir."
Yang Guang was in good spirits: "Forget it, forget it. Go ahead."
After bowing, Li Jian Cheng left. He had requested to return to Zhuojun again yesterday but was stopped by the Emperor, who seemed to have other plans.
Lost in thought, he suddenly saw a man in official robes who clearly resembled a Barbarian standing nearby. The man hurriedly approached him: "This humble official, Jiangdu County Magistrate Wang Shichong, pays his respects to Li Langjun."
Li Jian Cheng raised an eyebrow at this and scrutinized him for a moment before smiling: "Ah, so it's County Magistrate Wang. I have heard of your esteemed name; it is an honor."
Wang Shichong smiled back: "How could I dare to be called 'lord'? Just call me this humble official; I am unworthy of such titles."
"Xingman Brother, you must be here to see His Majesty. However, I fear His Majesty cannot meet with you at this moment. Why not take a stroll and chat? I will have Wang Neishi inform him shortly."
The scenery of the Western Garden needed no further description; neither dared to venture too far inside but instead strolled along the riverbank while chatting. It turned out he had come seeking the position of Jiangdu Palace Supervisor.
Between the lines of their conversation, Wang Shichong subtly hoped that Li Jian Cheng would speak favorably of him before the Emperor. His ambition to climb higher was almost transparent.
Wang Shichong hailed from the Western Regions and had a nature inclined towards support. After his grandfather passed away early, his father remarried into the Wang family of Bacheng, thus adopting their surname. He later became Prefect of Bianzhou.
"Oh? Xingman Brother is a disciple of Wen Yuan Gong; that makes you a fellow student with Duke of Pushan Li Mi."
"How could anyone dare to compare with the Duke of Pushan? It's merely that we've all received guidance from Wen Yuan Gong."
"Brother Xingman is no ordinary person; he will surely achieve greatness sooner or later."
Wang Shichong thought that Li Jian Cheng intended to become his supporter, and hurriedly said, "If that day comes, I will certainly remember your kindness."
Li Jian Cheng smiled and nodded, reminding him, "Yesterday I heard His Majesty say that while the Western Garden is nice, the jade carvings and scenic paintings haven't been changed in two or three years."
Wang Shichong's eyes lit up as he clasped his hands in greeting. Li Jian Cheng returned the gesture and then called for Wang Yi, instructing him to lead Wang Shichong to meet the Emperor shortly.
After leaving the Western Garden, Li Jian Cheng looked up at the sky for a moment, more and more familiar names surfacing in his mind.
He headed straight for the Eastern Capital Prison. The guards, who usually extracted every ounce of life from their prisoners, forced smiles as if they were hunting dogs eager for their master's affection, bowing low in greeting.
Li Jian Cheng stepped inside the prison and sat down in a bright and clean room. The leading guard presented a wine bowl along with an unopened jar of wine. "Rascal and the others wouldn't dare to offend you, my Lord. The wine and bowl are newly bought and unused."
Li Jian Cheng chuckled, "That's thoughtful of you. Are you all doing well here?"
"Thanks to your great kindness, my Lord, we brothers lack neither clothing nor food; we just hope to repay you one day."
"That day will come. Bring him in now."
"Yes."
Before long, a tall and thin man was brought in. His face was gray and his lips cracked, indicating he hadn't eaten or drunk anything for a long time. Upon entering, his eyes were glued to the jar of wine.
Li Jian Cheng turned and instructed, "Go buy some flatbreads, and bring back a few roast chickens and two legs of lamb."
"Yes."
Li Jin stepped forward to uncork the wine jar and poured it into a bowl. Li Jian Cheng smiled at the man, saying, "Zhai, please take a seat."
Zhai Rang forced out a bit of saliva to moisten his throat, coughed a few times, and then hoarsely asked, "Who are you?"
"Li Jian Cheng. I came to ask Brother Zhai for a favor."
Zhai Rang coughed again and bitterly smiled, "Li Langjun is joking. Not to mention that Rascal is just a prisoner now, even when I was in the law enforcement, I had no qualifications to help you with anything."
"There are some matters I still prefer to trust familiar people to handle."
"Rascal and Lord are not acquainted; I do not recall having any familiarity."
The guard beside them couldn't help but step forward and grabbed Zhai Rang's hair. A few faint cracking sounds were heard, clearly indicating that several fleas had been crushed.
"Zhai Rang, you lowly dead prisoner, Lord holds you in regard and specially came here. Instead of expressing gratitude, you keep talking back—truly deserving of death!"
Then he turned to Li Jian Cheng and said, "Lord, whatever matter it is, Rascal is willing to handle it for you; even if it means certain death, I fear nothing!"
Among those Li Jian Cheng had helped over the years, some were suited for the battlefield and were trained at the Villa, while others were not suitable and were arranged to various positions as officials.
Maintaining an army was too costly; he had to be selective.
Most of the time they were not needed, and over time people's hearts could easily change. However, there would always be some loyal individuals; he generally arranged such people in Chang'an and Luoyang as well as Jinyang.
Li Jian Cheng calmed the guard down and then addressed Zhai Rang: "You are righteous in nature, but harboring rebels is an unforgivable crime."
Zhai Rang nodded and replied, "Rascal thought life and death were trivial matters. However, after spending these days in this deep prison, I truly do not wish to die. If Lord can provide a way out, Rascal is willing to do everything for you."
"It’s not that dangerous. The people you saved have already been arranged to Wagang. Additionally, I have some old friends who are also unwelcome in the court. However, they are constantly fighting among themselves. Now it’s only you who can pacify them so they do not act rashly."
Zhai Rang listened, somewhat confused, but quickly agreed, "In that case, I am willing to obey. I will forever remember the grace of Lord for sparing my life. If there are future orders, I will go through fire and water."
At Li Jian Cheng's gesture, Zhai Rang began to eat and drink ravenously. Once he finally caught his breath, he said, "Then Rascal will wait for news."
"Wait for what?"
"Uh, wait for Lord to make arrangements. In a few days, Rascal will be asked to be executed. Should we find a corpse to substitute for me, or..."
Li Jian Cheng stood up and smiled, "No need for that; you can leave directly."
Zhai Rang cautiously followed behind Li Jian Cheng, and indeed found the way clear, even though he was still in prison garb.
As he stepped out of the prison and into the daylight, he was about to express his feelings when he saw his former superior leading a group of people escorting new prisoners. It was his report that had led to the exposure of their plot and resulted in him being thrown into the dungeon as a death row inmate.
Instinctively, Zhai Rang lowered his head and turned away, but he knew the other party had already seen him. Just as he was anxiously lost in thought, he suddenly noticed them bowing respectfully to Li Langjun before they bypassed him and entered the prison.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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