Chapter 4: 4. Chapter 4: You'd better get your head checked sooner rather than later

Chapter 4: You’d Better Get Your Brain Checked Soon

However, this banquet was unavoidable, so Cheng Jin had no choice but to board the palanquin.

She didn't go directly to the Dahe Palace, but to Chu Chengye’s sleeping quarters instead.

Chu Chengye had been sitting there waiting for Cheng Jin to arrive. He had written down the list of guests he was hosting today, and the paper was covered in dots and circles as he tried to figure out who on earth would want him dead on such a day.

Upon arriving, the few steps Cheng Jin had to take while clutching the wooden board were exceptionally difficult. The young eunuch following her offered to help her carry it.

"Your Ladyship, shall this servant hold that board for you?"

"No need."

Cheng Jin quickened her pace, entering Chu Chengye’s sleeping quarters with a stumbling, lopsided gait.

She hadn't been shot to death by arrows, yet she was about to be exhausted to death by the wooden board in front of her.

Chu Chengye stared at the woman before him, motionless, taking in her attire and drawing a deep breath.

If she weren't still useful, Chu Chengye would have loved to grant her wish and toss her into the Cold Palace.

No, he would toss her in along with that pile of junk she was carrying.

"Consort Rong, what are you doing dressed like this?"

[What am I doing?]

[Coming to die with you.]

Cheng Jin looked up at the culprit who had landed her in this situation, gritting her teeth.

If she didn't have to worry about her status as a Noble Consort—which meant she would inevitably be buried alive with the tyrant Chu Chengye once he died—Cheng Jin would have wanted to be the one to assassinate him tonight herself.

"Nothing? Then come closer and help Me look at something."

Seeing that Chu Chengye seemed to have a genuine matter at hand, Cheng Jin put down the things in her hands and cautiously walked toward him.

"I have heard some rumors lately that there are people in the court hoping for My death. Help Me analyze who among the guests at tonight’s banquet is most likely to hate Me to the bone."

On the surface, Chu Chengye was nonchalantly tapping his fingertips against the guest list, but his eyes were desperate to know whose man the assassin tonight would be.

Cheng Jin was even more desperate to know than he was. If she could ferret this person out in advance, wouldn't she be able to avoid the threat of blades and swords?

However, to avoid Chu Chengye suspecting why she suddenly knew so much, Cheng Jin put on a show.

"How would this concubine know such things? I don't even recognize many of the people in the imperial court."

[You’ve come to the right person, though. I’ve studied this book so deeply that I even know what color undergarments those old fossils wear.]

Chu Chengye rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Just what kind of book was this, that it even recorded the color of those old men’s undergarments?

And what about his own?

Chu Chengye realized his thoughts were drifting and quickly shook his head to drive these strange ideas away.

How could he be led around by this woman?

While Cheng Jin claimed ignorance, she leaned in and carefully examined the names on the list one by one.

Not there?

How could it not be there?

Cheng Jin went through the list again. No matter how she looked at it, there was no General named Li Shen.

[Could it be that General Li Shen wasn't written on the tyrant’s guest list?]

[The assassin was later identified as one of Li Shen’s men.]

She looked up at Chu Chengye and spoke with some hesitation, "Rumor has it that there is a General named Li Shen in the court who fought on the battlefield alongside Your Majesty, and your bond is like that of brothers. With the great victory at the border, that General deserves much credit. Why is he not on the list? Is he not coming today?"

Chu Chengye did not reply immediately upon hearing Cheng Jin’s words. His eyes were fixed on the list in his hand, his dark pupils unfathomable as he pondered.

Li Shen?

How could it be?

Although Li Shen was not related to him by blood, they were like brothers. They had spent their childhoods together in the Southern Frontier, enduring humiliation and "sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall" for over a decade before they finally had the chance to return to Southern Qi.

Li Shen had helped him force the abdication and pacify the border rebellions, allowing him to sit securely on the throne as the King of Southern Qi.

Chu Chengye prided himself on having treated him well; after ascending the throne, he had immediately granted Li Shen titles and wealth, allowing him to enjoy endless luxury.

Who in the world didn't know that General Li Shen had long since become the Emperor’s sworn brother, enjoying supreme power—allowed to forgo bowing to the Emperor and to walk freely within the palace?

And now, she was saying Li Shen wanted to kill him.

Chu Chengye truly couldn't fathom it; he simply couldn't fathom it.

Disturbed by this possibility, Chu Chengye grew irritable and swept his pen holder off the table.

Cheng Jin was startled by Chu Chengye’s sudden movement and stumbled, tentatively asking, "Did I say something wrong?"

[Damn it, what kind of person is this? You asked me to speak, and now you’re unhappy because I did.]

[There are so many imperial physicians in the palace; you’d better get your brain checked soon. You have bipolar disorder.]

[You treat him like a brother, but he isn't satisfied with just that. Titles and wealth? Don't make me laugh. What he wants is the entire Southern Qi empire.]

Hearing Cheng Jin’s inner voice, Chu Chengye glared at her.

Such audacity!

She actually dared to say he had a mental illness!

But when Chu Chengye saw Cheng Jin’s innocent expression, he had nowhere to vent his pent-up rage.

If he were to say he knew she was cursing him in her heart, he would truly be the one with the mental problem.

Besides, he still needed Cheng Jin’s ability to know everyone’s secrets.

"It is nothing," Chu Chengye said through gritted teeth. "General Li Shen said he had matters at his manor and could not come."

Cheng Jin feigned surprise.

[He says he can't come, so he doesn't come?]

[He’s probably the only person in the world who dares to snub the Emperor’s face. Giving him so much power is just giving him the opportunity to act recklessly.]

[Since ancient times, no general has ever dared to disregard the Emperor like he does. If he doesn't kill you, who would he kill?]

Chu Chengye didn't speak, his expression darkening as he stood up.

It was just as Cheng Jin said; he seemed to have given Li Shen too much power.

Seeing the "Living Yama" leave, Cheng Jin finally let out a sigh of relief and picked up the wooden board to shield her chest.

Who would have thought that Chu Chengye, having only walked a few steps, would turn around as if he had eyes in the back of his head? He pointed—whether at Cheng Jin or the board she had just picked up—and threatened

"If you dare to bring that piece of junk to the banquet, I guarantee your corpse will be just as stiff as that board."

Though Cheng Jin was resentful, she could only put the board down. "Yes."

[Damn, you’re so controlling. It’s not like the blade is falling on you; it’s not you who’s hurting.]

"And that cloak—I don't want people thinking My taste is questionable. If you..." Chu Chengye pointed to his own temple, "I have imperial physicians here. I’ll have someone check you out."

Cheng Jin was so angry she almost laughed. She bowed slightly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This concubine is quite well. You should save the physicians for when Your Majesty is feeling unwell."

Chu Chengye didn't continue to bicker with Cheng Jin. He turned and walked out of the palace gate, waving to summon Wei An, who was guarding the entrance.

"Go, investigate what is happening at Li Shen’s manor today. Also, the moment Li Shen enters the palace, inform Me immediately. When he enters, have him searched just like all the other officials."

"Pass on My secret decree: have the Shadow Guards remain in the shadows at the banquet. If there is any sign of trouble..." Chu Chengye suddenly lowered his voice, his hand making a swift gesture across his throat.

Wei An understood instantly and immediately set off to carry out the orders.

(End of chapter)