Ling Mo Han toyed with the brush in his hand. This brush was a gift from Chu Yan Xi in his younger days, intended to curry favor with him. The body was made of rosewood, and the tip was crafted from wolf hair, exceedingly precious. This brush was much like Chu Yan Xi himself – outwardly brilliant, but inwardly lacking. A mere decorative pillow, useful only for show.
He dipped the brush in ink and wrote a few characters on the paper, only to find himself utterly disgusted. The wolf hair tip held too little ink, and though it didn't wet the paper, the constant dipping was a bothersome affair. It was far less convenient than his ordinary brush.
Ling Mo Han put down the brush. It was time to find Chu Yan Xi for a good old chat. But he’d need to bring someone else along; more people would make for more lively company.
…
“Why are you asking me to come witness your interrogation of Chu Yan Xi? Don't you know how busy I am with royal duties? I have no time to waste here.”
Chu Chen Yi grumbled with dissatisfaction. With his father, the King, in ill health, all affairs had fallen upon his shoulders. The memorials he had to review daily were piling up like mountains.
Even stealing a moment to drink water and rest was a luxury, let alone accompanying Ling Mo Han to watch him interrogate Chu Yan Xi. It was a complete waste of his precious time.
He couldn't fathom what Ling Mo Han was up to, insisting he come along.
“Since I summoned you, it’s for a serious matter. Did you think I was so idle that I enjoyed listening to you drone on?”
Ever since they arrived, Chu Chen Yi’s mouth had been running non-stop, never once pausing. Ling Mo Han’s ears were practically worn out. He didn't find it tiring to listen, but he was certainly tired of hearing it. He wished he could find something to stuff Chu Chen Yi’s mouth shut, just for a moment of quiet.
“Greetings, Your Highness Prince Jing, General Ling.”
The prison guards at the Heavenly Prison, upon seeing Chu Chen Yi and Ling Mo Han, hurried forward to bow respectfully.
“Rise. Where is Chu Yan Xi confined?”
“Reporting to the Young General, the Third Prince is held in the Heavenly Character cell. As per your instructions, we have doubled the guard force.”
“Lead me and Prince Jing there.”
“Yes, General.”
The prison guard walked ahead, leading the two behind him towards the Heavenly Character cell where Chu Yan Xi was imprisoned.
“Your Highness Prince Jing, do you know the caliber of individuals held in the Heavenly Character cell?”
“I am aware. The Heavenly Character cell is reserved for convicted princes and dukes. Confining Chu Yan Xi here is only fitting.”
“More than twenty years ago, in this very same Heavenly Character cell, a prince who failed in his rebellion was also held. In the end, he was granted a cup of poisoned wine by imperial decree, ending his miserable life. Your Highness Prince Jing, what do you think Chu Yan Xi’s fate will be?”
Chu Chen Yi’s eyes darkened, skillfully masking his emotions. He replied in a level tone, “Chu Yan Xi’s matter is of great importance. His Majesty will undoubtedly make the final judgment. It is not for us to worry about.”
Among his father’s many sons, Chu Yan Xi was the most doted upon. Even when the evidence of Chu Yan Xi's rebellion was conclusive, his father had not issued an imperial decree to arrest him. Now, news of Chu Yan Xi’s imprisonment had already reached the palace.
As far as he knew, countless officials had already petitioned for Chu Yan Xi’s execution, but all had been suppressed by his father. Now, his father was feigning illness and refusing to see anyone, likely preoccupied with finding a way to absolve Chu Yan Xi.
A cold smile touched Ling Mo Han’s lips, tinged with mockery. “Our current Emperor is most indecisive. He is easily swayed and cannot bear to hear any pleas for mercy. I suspect that when Chu Yan Xi meets His Majesty, with a bit of begging and a show of remorse, His Majesty’s heart might soften… and what will happen then, who can say?”
Everyone knew that Emperor Xuan Wen’s greatest love was for the Empress, and out of that love, he cherished Chu Yan Xi the most. He had repeatedly intended to make Chu Yan Xi the Crown Prince. If not for the Empress Dowager’s solitary efforts to prevent it, Chu Yan Xi would have been Crown Prince long ago, and perhaps it would have been Chu Chen Yi confined in this Heavenly Character cell.
“It won’t happen… With the pressure from the court officials, Father will not disregard all the ministers and let Chu Yan Xi go…”
Even as he spoke words defending Xuan Wen Di, Chu Chen Yi felt a tremor of unease. After all, they were father and son, and Chu Chen Yi understood Xuan Wen Di’s character quite well. What Ling Mo Han had said might very well come to pass.
“It will likely be much ado about nothing, a grand show with little substance, followed by a light punishment, a mere reprimand. In the end, who can guarantee His Majesty won't release Chu Yan Xi…”
“Chu Yan Xi is narrow-minded and ruthless. Releasing him is akin to letting a tiger return to the mountains; it will only lead to endless trouble. This is our best opportunity. Only by eliminating Chu Yan Xi can Prince Jing truly achieve peace of mind.”
Ling Mo Han’s words echoed in his ears. Chu Chen Yi’s heart wavered. He knew that if they let Chu Yan Xi go this time, it would be like a sword hanging over his head, making it impossible for him to sleep soundly.
However, without his father’s command, if he rashly dealt with Chu Yan Xi, and his father found out… the situation would likely become even more unfavorable for him.
“Directly disposing of Chu Yan Xi would place us in the spotlight. It would be more prudent to incite the court officials to jointly pressure Father, forcing him to issue an decree to execute Chu Yan Xi.”
Chu Chen Yi's plan was indeed thorough, but it was uncertain if Xuan Wen Di would be able to issue such an imperial decree.
“How many of these officials are Chu Yan Xi’s men? Chu Yan Xi has deep roots in the capital, cultivated over many years. If Chu Yan Xi gets a chance to retaliate, neither you nor I can handle it. If you wish to achieve great things, softness will be your greatest obstacle!”
Ling Mo Han’s words were like a resounding blow to Chu Chen Yi, instantly clearing his mind. If he showed leniency today and let the tiger return to the mountains, and Chu Yan Xi retaliated in the future, Chu Yan Xi’s fate today would be his own. He seemed to understand why Ling Mo Han had insisted he come along.
It was to make him see Chu Yan Xi’s end, to learn from it, and not to suffer the same fate.
“I was foolish. I will listen to you. However, if we personally act, it will still invite gossip. We need to discuss this thoroughly before proceeding.”
“That’s not necessary. There are many ways for a person to die. Poisoning, murder, or even suicide.”
“Suicide… You mean making Chu Yan Xi commit suicide? How is that possible? You’re talking nonsense.”