After Liu Shi's entanglement, Yin of the Southern Dynasty was demoted to Grand Censor. He reported for duty punctually and returned home on time each day, embodying idleness and indolence to the fullest. Now, memorials from all over the empire were piled on the desk of the elder Lord Liu Wan Jun. The old lord's liver qi had been rising these past few days, and the servants of the Liu mansion had made several trips to the Tong Ji Pharmacy.
"Hoo~"
After organizing the memorials on his desk, categorizing what should be reported and what shouldn't, what to reject and what needed red annotations, Liu Wan Jun stretched his body. He listened to the clack and friction of his bones rubbing against each other within his flesh. His old bones were surely going to be worn out by those corrupt officials sooner or later.
When His Majesty stripped the Southern Dynasty Yin of his post, why didn't he appoint a younger, more vigorous official? Even if the position was to be kept for the Southern Dynasty Yin, there was no need to trouble an old man like himself.
The inner court officials were now in a better position. His Majesty did not allow them inside the palace to serve, only to wait outside the doors to receive decrees. Although standing exposed to the elements was not ideal, it was better than the constant tension of serving at the Emperor's side.
Wang Qian Cheng wore the imperial long saber at his waist, and his black armor made him look quite heroic. It was noon, the time for the shift change. He entered the Inner Court Guard post. Liu Cheng had already shed his armor and changed into casual attire. Seeing Wang Qian Cheng stride over, he patted the seat next to him. He slumped onto another chair like a pile of mud and grumbled in a low voice, "This damn job is not for humans!"
Once upon a time, he was a prodigal wastrel who frequented pleasure quarters and dominated gambling dens. Now, by chance, he had met this man named Wang. And because this bastard was going to marry his cousin, his grandfather had abandoned his usual laissez-faire approach to raising him. Not only did he promote his future grandson-in-law, but he also harbored the ambitious hope of making his grandson, this good-for-nothing, amount to something.
The title of Imperial Guard with a Saber sounded impressive, but he spent his days walking around the imperial city wearing armor weighing dozens of pounds. Although his duty was to guard the imperial city and protect His Majesty, he felt like a walking suit of armor – not only useless but also suffering from aching limbs and leg cramps, which thoroughly doused his former high spirits.
Wang Qian Cheng turned his head while removing his armor. If those outside, who desperately dreamt of joining the guard, were to hear this, they would surely drown him with their spittle.
How could there be anyone in this world as ungrateful as him, who, having a good life, didn't appreciate it and deserved a thousand beatings?
By imperial decree, Mu Bai Yu came to summon Wang Qian Cheng and Liu Cheng for an audience. Wang Qian Cheng had just removed his armor and, as he reached for his casual clothes, his hand shifted slightly, picking up his official uniform instead. Liu Cheng dared not delay. He only dared to vent his frustrations to Wang Qian Cheng, knowing that if his words were overheard, let alone the Emperor and the ministers' reactions, his own father would first give him a set of military combat exercises and a set of dog-beating staff techniques.
Liu Cheng shed his casual clothes and put on his official uniform, then followed Mu Bai Yu fearfully. On the path from the guard post to the imperial study, he almost reviewed every misdeed he had ever committed.
While he was a bit of a wastrel and rather useless, he had never engaged in bullying or oppressing others. If he had, his grandfather would have broken his legs. As for the underhanded actions he had indulged in, he had done plenty, but surely they weren't enough to attract His Majesty's attention?
Slipping away unnoticed by Mu Bai Yu, Liu Cheng instantly moved to Wang Qian Cheng's side and grabbed his sleeve. "Cheng, why do you think His Majesty summoned us? I don't think I've made any mistakes recently, or did some bastard eavesdropping overhear my complaints?"
"Cheng, if His Majesty punishes me later, you must speak a good word for me, Cheng."
A few black lines appeared on Wang Qian Cheng's forehead. Did he think Mu Bai Yu was as easily swayed as you, a scoundrel without real skills? No matter how quietly you speak now, it can still be heard.
"Shut up!"
Wang Qian Cheng lowered his voice and gestured with his eyes for him to look forward.
Mu Bai Yu turned his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Liu Cheng. He didn't find this kind of prodigal son particularly annoying; after all, he wasn't a scoundrel who committed evil deeds. However, now that he was serving in the imperial city, it was best to be cautious with his words and actions. As for the Wang Qian Cheng beside him, if he hadn't heard that Wang Qian Cheng's reputation was not inferior to Liu Cheng's, he would never have guessed that this gentleman had also been a mischievous prodigal son.
Seeing that he had caught Mu Bai Yu's attention, Liu Cheng suddenly jumped away from Wang Qian Cheng's side. Wang Qian Cheng took a deep breath, thinking that when he met the Emperor later, he must keep an eye on Liu Cheng to avoid incurring the Emperor's wrath and causing trouble for his grandfather, who might then be reprimanded by His Majesty.
Mu Bai Yu led them to the outer court of the imperial study. After the inner court officials announced their arrival, they received His Majesty's permission to have an audience.
"Your subject Wang Qian Cheng (Your subject Liu Cheng) pays respects to His Majesty!"
Mu Bai Yu did not join the audience but stood guard outside the hall, gripping his long saber. After the inner court officials led Wang Qian Cheng and Liu Cheng into the hall, they withdrew. Wang Qian Cheng and Liu Cheng dared not look around and knelt on the ground, gazing at the brightly polished floor of the imperial study.
Liu Cheng was uneasy and subconsciously turned his head to look at Wang Qian Cheng. Wang Qian Cheng gave him a reassuring glance.
"Rise!"
His Majesty's imperial voice came from above. Wang Qian Cheng and Liu Cheng thanked him for his grace and stood up, but they kept their heads bowed, not daring to overstep their bounds.
Ji Hong's gaze fell upon the two of them, lingering for a moment longer on Wang Qian Cheng. He had summoned them for nothing major today, merely to assign them some tasks.
"I have heard that you often frequent gambling dens, and..."
Before Ji Hong could finish speaking, Liu Cheng's knees buckled, and with a thud, he knelt on the ground again. Wang Qian Cheng, pulled by his sleeve, almost knelt down with him.
The loud thud of his knees hitting the ground interrupted Ji Hong's speech. Although the sound suggested his knees would be bruised on the spot, Ji Hong's expression immediately darkened upon hearing his speech cut off. Seeing this, Wang Qian Cheng quickly knelt and begged for punishment, "Your Majesty's might is like that of a true dragon. We, your subjects, were overwhelmed by your dragon aura and lost our composure before the hall. We beg Your Majesty to punish us."
"You do have a way with words!"
Although Liu Cheng was useless, he had Wang Qian Cheng supporting him. When Liu Wan Jun served as the prefect of Xiling Commandery, it was unknown if he was involved with the Ghost Sha Sect, but the clues at the time were broken off at the Liu family. The imperial uncle had placed Wang Qian Cheng near Liu Cheng. Since nothing had been discovered yet, there was no need for him to quibble with Liu Cheng over such a minor matter.
"Very well, you may both rise!"
The Emperor's grace was vast. Even in its leniency, it would not breed idleness in people; it would only inspire gratitude for His Majesty's benevolence.
Wang Qian Cheng and Liu Cheng thanked him for his grace.
Liu Cheng rose, and as his knees left the ground, he knelt again the next moment. His legs were indeed a bit weak. Wang Qian Cheng subtly pulled him up, and Liu Cheng finally stood.
"I have a task to assign to you two."