Joy of Life: Me, the Second Prince? Summon Yuan Tiangang!

At the summit of Luoxia Mountain, the setting sun cast a blood-red shadow, making Fan Xian's shadow appear exceptionally long and lonely on the mottled rocks.

The mountain wind howled, stirring up the fallen leaves on the ground and ruffling Fan Xian's hair.

Fan Xian remained standing there, his brows furrowed into a deep frown. His mind was a jumbled mess, countless clues intertwined, yet a piece remained missing, preventing him from piecing together the complete truth.

"It's not His Majesty, not the Eldest Princess, and not Prime Minister Lin..."

Fan Xian's fingers unconsciously traced the Imperial Censorate badge at his waist, his eyes gradually deepening. "The waters of this capital are deeper than I imagined. To be able to manipulate these three forces, even me, to make Lin Gong vanish into thin air, and to leave behind such a 'perfect' ending..."

His mind began frantically filtering through the important figures in Kyoto.

Prince?

Fan Xian shook his head. Although Crown Prince Li Chengqian had some tricks up his sleeve, he was weak-willed and impatient, often acting without considering the consequences. If it were him, he would have already given himself away, eager to announce to the world that he had protected Lin Gong in order to win over Prime Minister Lin. This kind of subtle, underhanded approach, using others' strength against them, and ultimately escaping unscathed, was definitely not the Crown Prince's style.

The eldest prince? He's far away on the frontier, beyond the reach of the emperor.

The heir of Prince Jing? He's just a rich idler who lives a life of leisure.

After eliminating all the impossibilities, the one that remains, however incredible, is the only answer.

A face that always wore a lazy smile, liked to squat on a chair eating grapes, and didn't like wearing shoes slowly appeared in Fan Xian's mind.

"The Second Prince, Li Chengze."

Fan Xian read out the name, but immediately shook his head in self-doubt.

"No, that doesn't make sense."

Fan Xian paced back and forth, muttering to himself, "Everyone in the capital knows that the Second Prince and the Eldest Princess have a very close relationship, they could even be considered political allies. Lin Gong is the second son of Prime Minister Lin, the link between the Eldest Princess and Prime Minister Lin, and a key pawn for the Second Prince to win over Prime Minister Lin."

"If the Second Prince were to harm Lin Gong, wouldn't that be undermining the Eldest Princess? Wouldn't it be like cutting off his own arm, pushing Prime Minister Lin out of power?"

Fan Xian stopped and looked at the bottomless cliff, his eyes filled with confusion.

"Who would scheme against their own people? Unless... they're insane, or they simply don't care about Prime Minister Lin's support?"

But that doesn't make sense either. If Li Chengze wanted to compete for that position, he couldn't possibly do so without the prime minister's support.

"But……"

Fan Xian changed the subject, his eyes sharpening, "If we disregard motives and only consider ability, to move a living person away undetected under the triple surveillance of the Censorate, the Prime Minister's residence, and the Imperial Guards, I'm afraid only the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) has that kind of capability..."

"Could he be hiding some unknown power? A power strong enough to ignore all eyes and ears?"

Fan Xian recalled Li Chengze's eyes, which always seemed to be smiling yet not smiling, as if they saw through everything, and a chill inexplicably rose in his heart.

If it really is him, then Li Chengze has been hiding it far too well.

Moreover, what Fan Xian was most concerned about was that this seemingly illogical behavior actually revealed a strange rationality, because no one would suspect that he would turn against his own people, so he was the safest.

"While the motive remains questionable, the suspicion cannot be cleared."

"We can't just guess; we need to find an opportunity to test the waters."

Meanwhile, in the basement of a seemingly ordinary house in northern Kyoto.

This is a hidden cellar, originally used to store ice and fine wine, but now it has been converted into a comfortable prison cell.

The cellar was brightly lit and surprisingly luxuriously furnished. Thick Persian carpets covered the floor, and the rosewood tables and chairs exuded a subtle fragrance. The tables were laden with fine wines and delicacies, and even several currently popular novels.

Lin Gong, the second young master of the Prime Minister's residence, was sitting at the table, holding a roast chicken in his hand, eating with great relish without any regard for appearances. Although his brocade robe was somewhat dirty and disheveled, he did not appear listless; on the contrary, he exuded a kind of exhilaration that came from surviving a calamity.

"Squeak—"

The heavy iron gate was pushed open with a dull thud.

Lin Gong was startled, and almost dropped the roast chicken in his hand. He turned around abruptly, and when he saw who it was, the fear on his face instantly turned into ecstatic joy, and he scrambled over to them.

"Second Prince! Brother-in-law! My dear brother-in-law!"

Lin Gong was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted to hug Li Chengze's leg, but a long sword that was not yet drawn blocked his way.

Xie Bi'an stood expressionless in front of Li Chengze, his sword sheath held across Lin Gong's chest, coldly watching him.

Li Chengze was still dressed casually, holding a folding fan in his hand, barefoot on the carpet, with that harmless and gentle smile on his face.

"Second Young Master, slow down, slow down." Li Chengze gently pushed Xie Bi'an's sword away, squatted down, and asked with concern, "Is the food here to your liking? Are you settling in comfortably?"

"I'm used to it! I'm used to it! It's much better than living in fear outside!" Lin Gong wiped the grease from his mouth, his face full of gratitude. "Second Prince, I owe you so much this time! If your men hadn't arrived in time to rescue me from that dilapidated dye shop, I would probably be a dead man under Fan Xian's sword by now, or tied up and sent to my death by my senile father!"

In Lin Gong's simple thought process, the story goes like this: He plotted to assassinate Fan Xian but failed; Fan Xian wanted to kill him; his father, Lin Ruofu, wanted to sacrifice him to protect the family; and although the Eldest Princess loved him, she couldn't protect him either. Just when he was in despair, the Second Prince's men appeared out of nowhere and rescued him to this safe place.

As for why he's called "brother-in-law"?

Lin Gong felt that only the Second Prince was worthy of his younger sister, Lin Wan'er, and most importantly, Wan'er also liked Li Chengze.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengze smiled with a hint of "relief" and patted Lin Gong on the shoulder: "Second Young Master, you flatter me. Although we haven't officially become married yet, in Chengze's heart, I've already considered you family. Wan'er's brother is my brother. How could I just watch you die?"

These words were spoken with such sincerity that Lin Gong was moved to tears.

"Your Highness's kindness is unforgettable! Once I'm out, I will definitely persuade my father to give His Highness his full support!" Lin Gong solemnly promised.

A hint of mockery flashed in Li Chengze's eyes, but his face remained impassive. He sighed and said, "It's good that you have this intention, Second Young Master. It's just that things are very tense outside right now. Father, the Imperial Censorate, and Fan Xian are all searching for you all over the world. Especially Fan Xian, he's like a mad dog. If he finds out you're still alive, he definitely won't let it go."

Upon hearing the name "Fan Xian," a flash of resentment and fear crossed Lin Gong's eyes: "That bastard! I'll kill him sooner or later!"

"Killing him is only a matter of time, there's no rush," Li Chengze reassured him. "For the Second Young Master's safety, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here a little longer. I've already left clues about your escape to Northern Qi at Luoxia Mountain, and now everyone thinks you went to Northern Qi. As long as you don't leave this place, no one in this world can hurt you."

"Go to Northern Qi?" Lin Gong was taken aback for a moment, then gave a thumbs up. "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Your Highness is so thoughtful! Let them go to Northern Qi to search; I'll just enjoy my retirement right under Your Highness's nose!"

"Second Young Master is clever." Li Chengze stood up with a smile. "Then you can stay here in peace. If you need anything, just tell the guards. Once things have calmed down, I will arrange for your 'glorious return home'."

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Brother-in-law!"

Amidst Lin Gong's profuse thanks, Li Chengze turned and walked out of the cellar.

As the iron gate slammed shut, Lin Gong's voice and light were completely shut out underground.

Stepping off the ground and back into the small courtyard disguised as an ordinary house, Li Chengze took a deep breath of the fresh air outside.

"Your Highness, keeping this person around will ultimately be a hidden danger," Xie Bi'an said in a low voice.

"A hidden danger? No, he's a bargaining chip." Li Chengze casually tossed the handkerchief on the ground, a playful smile curving his lips. "While he's alive, he's a sword hanging over Lin Ruofu's head. If Lin Ruofu ever disobeys, or if Fan Xian turns against me, I'll unleash that sword. Then, the crimes of deceiving the emperor and treason will be enough to uproot the Lin family."

"Let's go, Bi'an." Li Chengze looked up at the sky. "The show has reached its climax. Tomorrow's morning court session is the real highlight. I should go back and prepare my 'performance'."

……

The next day, at the Taiji Hall.

As the sun rose, golden sunlight streamed onto the solemn and majestic hall, yet it could not dispel the oppressive and stifling atmosphere within.

"Snapped!"

A memorial was slammed onto the golden bricks of the main hall with a sharp crack, startling all the civil and military officials, who knelt on the ground, not daring to utter a sound.

On the dragon throne, Emperor Qing wore a wide dragon robe, his hair casually draped over his shoulders, appearing lazy, but his half-open eyes revealed a chilling pressure.

"Good! Very good!"

Emperor Qing's voice echoed throughout the hall, revealing neither joy nor anger, yet sending chills down one's spine: "My Great Qing is truly teeming with talent! The second son of a prime minister's family, suspected of murdering a high-ranking official, has simply vanished into thin air right under the noses of the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Capital Prefecture! And he even fled to Northern Qi?!"

"Lin Ruofu!" Emperor Qing shouted sharply.

Lin Ruofu, kneeling at the forefront, trembled, shakily removing his official hat and kowtowing, "This old minister... has failed in his duty to educate his son, and deserves to die! This rebellious son has committed such treasonous acts of collusion with the enemy, this old minister... this old minister has no face to face Your Majesty, no face to face our ancestors! I beg Your Majesty... to grant this old minister death!"

Lin Ruofu's voice was old and mournful, as if all his energy had been drained overnight.

"A death sentence?" Emperor Qing sneered. "You want to die? You want to end your life and leave this mess for me?"

"This old minister dares not..."

"Issue my decree!" Emperor Qing suddenly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, finally lingering on Li Chengze for a moment, a subtle, unspoken meaning flashing in his eyes.

"Lin Gong has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country, fleeing to escape punishment. Effective immediately, all his official titles and ranks are stripped from him, and a warrant for his arrest is issued, with a nationwide search warrant issued! He must be brought back to me, dead or alive!"

"Prime Minister Lin Ruofu has failed in his duty to educate his son. Although he may not have been aware of the situation, he cannot escape blame. He is hereby fined three years' salary and ordered to reflect on his actions in seclusion for three months! As for his position as Prime Minister..."

Emperor Qing paused, looking at Lin Ruofu's gray hair, and said calmly, "Keep it for now. The affairs of the court are numerous and complex. If you die, who will share my burdens?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lin Ruofu kowtowed three times, his forehead stained with blood. He knew he had passed this ordeal. Although the Lin family had suffered a great loss, as long as he, the prime minister, remained, the Lin family would not fall.

As for Fan Xian…

Emperor Qing turned his gaze to Fan Xian, who was standing at the end of the military officers' line.

Fan Xian stepped forward and bowed.

"Since the mastermind behind the Niulan Street case has fled, let's leave it at that." Emperor Qing's voice sounded somewhat weary. "I know you've been wronged. Issue an edict to reward Fan Xian with a thousand taels of gold, and bestow upon him... a waist token of the Censorate, granting him permission to enter the palace."

These words caused another uproar in the imperial court!

The Control Yuan has promoted him to a higher position!

That person is second only to Chen Pingping, possessing the privilege of independently submitting memorials and supervising all officials!

His Majesty is using his real power to appease Fan Xian, and is also declaring to everyone once again that Fan Xian is someone he has high hopes for!

Li Chengze stood among the princes, his eyes lowered, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"

He applauded silently in his heart.

At this court assembly, the Emperor not only reprimanded Lin Ruofu and weakened the Prime Minister's power, but also took the opportunity to promote Fan Xian, making him the target of public criticism and continuing to serve as a whetstone. As for the Eldest Princess, although she lost Lin Gong as a pawn, she also severed her connection with the Niulan Street case, which can be considered a way to cut her losses and survive.

It seemed like everyone had lost, except for Emperor Qing.

"but……"

Li Chengze turned his head slightly and met Fan Xian's gaze.

That gaze held a mixture of inquiry, suspicion, and an undisguised sharpness.

The two men gazed at each other from afar, separated by a sea of ​​civil and military officials.

Li Chengze smiled, a bright and innocent smile, and even winked mischievously.

Fan Xian remained expressionless, giving him a deep look before turning his head away.

"It seems Fan Xian has already caught wind of this," Li Chengze thought to himself. "But that's fine too. If he didn't even have this much awareness, it would be too boring."

After the court session, outside the palace gates.

Li Chengze did not rush to get into the carriage, but deliberately slowed down, seemingly admiring the koi in the Imperial River.

Sure enough, not long after, a series of hurried footsteps came from behind.

"Your Highness, please wait."

Li Chengze turned around and saw Fan Xian striding towards him with his signature fake smile on his face.

"Oh? It's Inspector Fan." Li Chengze feigned surprise. "Congratulations on Inspector Fan's promotion. This Inspector's badge is a hot potato, so Lord Fan should hold on to it carefully."

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness." Fan Xian walked up to Li Chengze, lowered his voice, and stopped being polite, asking directly, "Your Highness, I have a question that I would like to ask you."

"Speak." Li Chengze took out a handful of fish food from his sleeve and scattered it into the river, attracting a swarm of fish to fight over it.

"The sword on Luoxia Mountain, and that note..." Fan Xian stared intently into Li Chengze's eyes. "Does Your Highness truly believe they were left behind by Lin Gong?"

Li Chengze paused, turned around, and looked at Fan Xian with an innocent expression: "What do you mean by that, Lord Fan? Do you suspect that I forged it? I was listening to music in my residence at the time; how could I have had time to concern myself with matters in those desolate mountains?"