TIGR Chapter 113

The Imperial Guard’s Revenge

Chapter 113 Bottom Line

Lu Heng couldn’t help but chuckle. Wang Yanqing subconsciously followed his words, which showed that she wasn’t opposed to having children with him. This meant that Lu Heng still had a chance. But Lu Heng knew the dangers of getting carried away, so he hid any amusement and immediately apologized: “Sorry, I don’t mean to take advantage of you. It’s just that I’ve been urged to do so lately, and I can’t help but think about having children.”

Before Wang Yanqing could get angry, Lu Heng had already admitted his fault. This was how Lu Heng was. He would readily admit his mistakes, but would never change, and dared to repeat it again. Wang Yanqing felt as though she was punching a cotton pillow, like a fish bone was stuck in her throat. He knelt very properly, so Wang Yanqing couldn’t even get angry at him.

Wang Yanqing once again realized that with someone like Lu Heng, it was best not to engage. So long as he was acknowledged, he would secretly set traps for her. With a cold expression, Wang Yanqing turned her gaze away, no longer wanting to talk to him.

Lu Heng, very self-aware, kept to himself for the rest of the journey. When they reached the Wang residence, Wang Yanqing was on guard. She expected him to find an excuse to sneak into the house, but Lu Heng stopped at the door. He stood very formally and respectfully as he watched her go inside without attempting any tricks.

Wang Yanqing glanced at him again before gathering her skirts and entering the house. Lu Heng stood at the door, waiting until her figure disappeared before his gaze softened. He then turned away, saying: “Bring my horse. We’re going back to South Fusi.”

South Fusi was as busy as ever. With Lu Heng’s return, the vast South Fusi seemed to have gained a backbone and immediately began operating at full speed. Lu Heng took care of official business that piled up over the past few days, organized reports sent by the various Thousand and Hundred Households and went to the prison to check on the Japanese assassin interrogation progress. By the time Lu Heng finished the most urgent matters, it was already getting dark.

He returned from the prison with his men and instructed his subordinates on how to proceed with the assassins’ interrogation. As they reached the main hall, a figure stood at the entrance. Upon seeing Lu Heng, the person quickly hurried over, saying: “Supreme Commander, you’ve finally returned. News just arrived from the palace. The emperor has ordered that Concubine Shen Xi raise the Grand Princess.”

Lu Heng’s expression was cold, but upon hearing the name, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Concubine Shen Xi?

The Imperial Guards behind him were puzzled and began to ask: “There are so many concubines in the palace. Why did the emperor choose Concubine Shen Xi?”

“Concubine Shen Xi hasn’t done anything notable recently. Why would the emperor suddenly remember her?”

Lu Heng remained silent and walked into the main hall. His subordinates followed behind him: ” Supreme Commander, the palace already has a princess and three princes. You should hurry too. Although official matters are important, you can’t stay in South Fusi and the capital all the time. You should go home more often and spend time with your family.”

“Yes.” Another Imperial Guard who had been married for many years, advised, “Affection between a couple is like a mirror, the longer you’re together, the brighter it shines. If you neglect your home for a long time, it will create distance that will be impossible to mend later.”

Lu Heng lifted his robes and sat behind the desk. He raised an eyebrow at the words, and in the end nodded indifferently: “I understand.”

His subordinates, seeing Lu Heng’s indifferent demeanor, all felt that he hadn’t taken their advice to heart, and they couldn’t help but feel anxious. But Lu Heng, on the other hand, felt a knot in his chest. Was it that he didn’t want to go home? Didn’t he want to be with his wife?

Every time he thought about these things, he felt frustrated. He didn’t want to remove the bright red decorations in the Lu Mansion, nor did he want to face the loneliness of an empty room, so he could only go to the South Fusi more often. As a result, everyone thought he was so obsessed with his work that he was neglecting his new wife.

Lu Heng felt truly wronged.

Guo Tao subtly signaled to the others, and upon receiving his cue, they all tactfully excused themselves. Once they were outside, some couldn’t resist gossiping with their colleagues: “Before, the Supreme Commander never married and there were all kinds of rumors. Some even said he didn’t favor women. But now that he’s married, he’s still just as devoted to his work. In my opinion, the Supreme Commander clearly loves handling cases the most. He likely never married because he thought a woman would simply delay him.”

His colleague clicked his tongue and shook his head, saying: “Perhaps this is the reason why the Supreme Commander became a second-ranked official at only 25, while we can only stay stuck in minor positions. But the governor really has a big heart, leaving his wife among the inner palace where she stays all day without him caring. Although those men wouldn’t do anything inappropriate, and the eunuchs were castrated, they were still outside men after all. Did the Supreme Commander really not mind his wife spending time with other men?”

In the main hall, Guo Tao asked the same question. After listening, Lu Heng remained unconcerned and replied: “What is there to worry about? She’s going to the inner palace to handle official business, not engage in anything dishonorable. Is it that I don’t trust my wife, or I don’t trust my subordinates?”

Of course, Guo Tao didn’t dare to question the Supreme Commander’s wife, but as Lu Heng’s trusted confidant, he couldn’t help but think a little more for his master. This was South Fusi, and they were surrounded by trusted individuals. Guo Tao, not caring whether it was considered disrespectful or not, took a step forward and lowered his voice, saying: ” Supreme Commander, of course, I’m not questioning the Madam. However, the lady often enters and exits the inner palace. Although she is always accompanied, it still doesn’t look good for her reputation if it gets out.”

Guo Tao spoke earnestly, his gaze fixed seriously on Lu Heng. Lu Heng understood Guo Tao’s concern, but what worried him was something else.

When Wang Yanqing went to the concubines’ palace to ask questions, there were eunuchs guarding her, and whenever she went to meet the emperor, Lu Heng would occassionally accompany her. Lu Heng trusted Wang Yanqing and the emperor. Although there was no personal affection between a ruler and his subjects, Lu Heng firmly believed in one thing, the emperor would never wrong a friend.

The emperor was not the type to be swayed by beauty. He knew how much Lu Heng cared for Wang Yanqing, so he would never have thoughts about her. Wang Yanqing was indeed beautiful and captivating, but there were countless beautiful women in the world. Why would the emperor risk damaging his principles and destroying their bond of nearly twenty years just on a fleeting whim?

Moreover, Wang Yanqing’s somewhat serious and straightforward nature was not the emperor’s preference, he favored someone more playful and innocent like Imperial Concubine Duan. Lu Heng would never think of the emperor and Wang Yanqing in that way, but that didn’t mean others wouldn’t.

It was clear that the emperor now saw Wang Yanqing as a tool for discerning lies. What would happen once the emperor tasted the benefits?

Would his greed escalate that he would use her to evaluate the officials? This was a road of no return. Once they took that step, Wang Yanqing would be in danger.

As of now, no one noticed Wang Yanqing. Because Lu Heng was suspicious and elusive by nature, he rarely returned home during this period and did not arouse suspicion from outsiders. When Lu Heng was attacked at the wedding, his careful and cautious nature led him to quietly move his wife to a different location and secretly change his own residence, which was perfectly normal.

As for Lu Heng sending Wang Yanqing into the palace to investigate the case, very few people knew about this. After the Renyin Palace Rebellion, the capital tightened its control. Every entry and exit from the palace had to undergo tight scrutiny, and information hardly ever reached outside. Each time Wang Yanqing entered the palace, Lu Heng personally received and escorted her. After entering, she was guided by the East and West Departments, ensuring that there were no risk of leaks. Even if some families occasionally heard rumors from the palace, they would sigh at how ruthless Lu Heng was, willing to use any means to maintain power, even sending his wife to gather information.

Their focus was always on Lu Heng, and no one realized Wang Yanqing’s sharpness.

This was a good thing, disguising oneself as weak while secretly being powerful was a winning strategy that transcended time. No one liked exposing their inner thoughts, especially in the officialdom. Which official didn’t have a few carefully hidden secrets? Wang Yanqing’s investigations of the imperial harem were tolerated by the court officials, who turned a blind eye. But once Wang Yanqing pointed out that a certain official was lying, everyone would join forces to attack.

This world was harsh toward women, and she didn’t even have to do anything wrong. Liang Fu accidentally stumbled upon the scene of her stepmother’s murder and was falsely accused of adultery without any evidence. The sister of Qin Xiang’er was violated, yet in the end, Qin Ji’er was forced to commit suicide, while the perpetrator remained unaffected. Even if Lu Heng could protect Wang Yanqing from the officials’ plots, if someone resorted to vile tactics and spread rumors, Lu Heng would have no way to silence the public.

A woman’s reputation was fragile and couldn’t withstand even the slightest disturbance. If public opinion turned against her, even if Lu Heng didn’t care, what if Wang Yanqing lost hope?

She had done nothing wrong and should not have to live in suffering for the rest of her life.

Being able to easily see through people’s hearts was a gift bestowed upon her by the heavens, but a talent too outstanding should be concealed within a crowd. A tree that stands out in the forest will inevitably be toppled by the wind and Lu Heng could not allow the emperor to destroy Wang Yanqing. This had to stop.

Guo Tao still looked at Lu Heng earnestly. Lu Heng stood up, patted Guo Tao on the shoulder, and said: “I understand everything you’ve said. I’ve already arranged for these matters. You can return to your duties now.”

Upon hearing this, Guo Tao quietly let out a sigh of relief. Since Lu Heng said that he made other arrangements, Guo Tao naturally wouldn’t press the matter further. He cupped his hands in respect and said: “Of course.”

After Guo Tao left, Lu Heng stood alone in the palace hall. He paused for a moment, then walked to the window with his hands behind his back, lifting his gaze to the dusky sky.

It was too late now and it would be inconvenient to enter the palace. It seemed that tomorrow, he would have to have a talk with the emperor.

·

The next morning, Lu Heng appeared promptly at Wang Yanqing’s doorstep. Yesterday, she had been unexpectedly called to the Qianqing Palace, leaving some loose ends in her interrogations. Today, Wang Yanqing would finish up the remaining inquiries of important personnel with a few other female officials.

The Imperial City guards were already very familiar with Lu Heng’s carriage. Without a word, they immediately allowed him to pass. Wang Yanqing was now well-acquainted with the eunuchs of the West Department, so it was routine for her to get out of the carriage and part ways with Lu Heng.

This had always been the routine. After entering the palace, they would each attend to their own matters, only meeting again when they left the palace in the evening. However, today, just as Wang Yanqing was about to leave, Lu Heng suddenly called out to her: “Qing Qing.”

Wang Yanqing turned around. Lu Heng stood with his back to the sunlight, looking at her. His gaze was deep and obscure, making it hard to read his expression. He gave a faint smile at the corners of his lips and said: “You’ve worked hard these past few days.”

Wang Yanqing waited for a moment. Then, with some confusion, asked: “You stopped me just to say this?”

Lu Heng smiled and nodded. Wang Yanqing looked at him intently for a moment, thinking to herself that this man must be going mad again.

Without paying him any further attention, she walked away. After Wang Yanqing left, Lu Heng stood there for a long time, finally saying: “I will go to the Qianqing Palace.”

Lu Heng was a frequent visitor to the Qianqing Palace, so there were no obstacles on his way. When the emperor saw Lu Heng, he didn’t even raise his eyes, simply asking: “What’s the matter?”

Lu Heng first reported on the movements of the court during this period. The war against the Japanese pirates was inevitable, and it only required a single order to start fighting. However, much preparation was needed beforehand.  Recruiting soldiers and gathering provisions were the tasks of the six offices. Lu Heng’s role was to gather enough intelligence before the war began, to ensure that the emperor could make the most reasonable decisions.

Lu Heng had a good memory and spoke clearly and logically, so it was much easier to listen to him than to read through written reports. Therefore, the emperor always allowed him to give verbal reports, while government officials were still required to submit written memorials. After finishing the background information, Lu Heng slowly shifted the topic to the real reason for his visit today.

Lu Heng said: “Your Majesty, I heard yesterday my wife recommended Concubine Shen Xi. She is unfamiliar with palace rules, and speaks without restraint, even daring to meddle in palace affairs. Thankfully, the emperor and the empress did not take offense. I spoke to her yesterday and will make sure she does not cause trouble in the palace again. I ask for your forgiveness.”

After Lu Heng finished speaking, he lowered his head and looked at the ground. The emperor finally raised his eyelids and looked at Lu Heng with deep meaning.

Lu Heng felt the emperor’s gaze, but he didn’t move. Most of the time, Lu Heng’s moral compass was quite flexible. His principles fluctuated adjusting to the situation, sometimes upright, cunning, benevolent, or ruthless. He became a sharp blade that the emperor could use without any psychological burden. But Lu Heng was not a blade that could be disposed of at will.

The world often said that Lu Heng was ruthless, a conniving official and villain. In truth, he had very strong principles. The first of these was in the clothes he wore. The Lu family served in the military for generations, and while Lu Heng was no saint, he was unwilling to be someone without integrity. He had the dignity of a soldier. The land beneath his feet, the country behind him, no matter what happened, he would never allow anyone to lay a hand on them.

And now, there was one more thing to protect, his woman.

So long as his bottom line wasn’t crossed, Lu Heng wouldn’t really care about anything. However, if those limits were touched, he wouldn’t allow a single step further.

Lu Heng didn’t mind taking risks at the emperor’s request, but Wang Yanqing was another matter. He would extinguish every possible danger that threatened her, no matter how slight the chance.

For this, he wouldn’t hesitate to defy the emperor and make his own decisions, such as halting Wang Yanqing’s visits to the palace. It was a risky move. If the emperor was angered by it, Lu Heng would regret it, but he wouldn’t waver.

The emperor was genuinely surprised by this side of Lu Heng.

It was taboo for a ruler to grow too close to an official’s wife, and the emperor was very careful to remove any traces of such relations. Still, he had some confidence in himself, he wasn’t so desperate that he would overlook such matters. However, after the emperor asked Wang Yanqing to evaluate the concubines yesterday, Lu Heng suddenly entered the palace today. Under the pretense of offering an apology, he took Wang Yanqing out of the equation.

The emperor understood clearly that Lu Heng wasn’t concerned about romantic affairs, rather, he feared that the emperor’s commands might bring trouble to Wang Yanqing. There were so many concubines in the harem, Empress Fang, Senior Concubine Wang, Imperial Concubine Duan, Imperial Concubine Lu Jing… each one was no easy opponent. If yesterday’s events were exposed, the emperor would be fine, but Wang Yanqing would be in trouble.

This was the first time Lu Heng had shown resistance in front of the emperor. Initially, the emperor did feel a bit offended, but as he looked at Lu Heng’s determined and cold expression. He realized this was human nature.

It was a natural response for a man protecting the woman he loved. If Lu Heng had remained silent and continued to please the emperor, the emperor wouldn’t dare to trust such a man.

A person with flaws and temper was someone who could be used. If a person would even abandon his family to gain favor, they would inevitably betray in the end.

After the emperor had thought it through, he easily accepted the situation. The Imperial Court was like a wilderness. Even tigers and wolves would not fight each other when they met unless they were certain of victory. Without absolute certainty of victory, conflict was simply not worth it. The stronger the beast, the more it respected the domain of others. They tacitly moved around in their own territories and rarely crossed boundaries.

This was the relationship between the emperor and Lu Heng. Lu Heng would be in great danger without the emperor, but the emperor would also suffer without Lu Heng. The struggle between the emperor and officials had existed since ancient times. If an emperor lost his trusted guards, the cabinet would soon begin to overpower him. The emperor needed Lu Heng to counterbalance the power of the cabinet, and there was no need for either of them to openly break their relationship.

Lu Heng was already a powerful official and had not simply obeyed the emperor without principles. Since Lu Heng was unwilling, the emperor let it go. While Wang Yanqing’s ability to discern lies was indeed quick and effective, it was not enough to cause a rift with Lu Heng.

What the emperor hadn’t anticipated was that one day, Lu Heng would reaffirm those boundaries with him because of a woman.

After Lu Heng left, the emperor pondered deeply and still found it hard to believe. Lu Heng and Wang Yanqing met under the emperor’s very nose. Initially, the emperor thought Lu Heng was seduced by her beauty, seeking a single affair that might turn into a recurring relationship. The emperor was genuinely curious about what Wang Yanqing possessed that made Lu Heng act boldly for her.

The emperor said: “Prepare my carriage. Let’s visit the grand princess. Also, under the name of Concubine Shen Xi, summon Madam Lu.”

|| Translator’s Note: Thanks so much for your patience and constant support 🥰 A bonus chapter will be posted today, and I wish you all a happy holidays!!

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