Chapter 1393: This Place is a Happy Land

“You are always so good at persuasion.” Jiang Wang looked at the ripples on the water, asking, “Is the Commandant of the Northern Army truly that good?”

“What are you thinking?” Chong Xuan Sheng waved his large hand, his tone exaggerated. “This is the position with the most actual power you can touch at this stage, and it is also the gateway to the true center of power in Qi. If you can become the Commandant of the Northern Army today, when you reach the Divine Arrival realm, you can directly enter one of the Nine Armies as a General. We will send you into the Autumn Killing Army, and the next step is the Military Affairs Hall! It’s even possible to take charge of one of the three departments, and then the next step is the Political Affairs Hall! You’re actually asking me here if the Commandant of the Northern Army is that good?”

“Think about it, Jiang Wang! This is one of the six strongest nations in the world, the overlord of the Eastern Domain. You can reach the top layer at the fastest speed, sharing the highest power in this realm with those supreme figures... This step begins with the Commandant of the Northern Army! You actually ask if it's important, ask if it's good?”

Watching Chong Xuan Sheng with spittle flying, Jiang Wang fell silent again for a long moment.

Then he said, “Oh?”

Chong Xuan Sheng glared, “Are you imitating a goose today? 'Oh'ing non-stop!”

Jiang Wang smiled, “It seems it is indeed very important.”

Chong Xuan Sheng wore a look of disappointment akin to iron turning to dross, “As long as you know!”

“Okay, I know.” Jiang Wang waved his hand, “I’ll go back to cultivate first. Remember to help me investigate Gongsun Yu.”

“Think clearly, control yourself!” Chong Xuan Sheng shouted from behind, “Don’t raise your cultivation too fast. If you accidentally reach the Divine Arrival realm, you won’t be able to be the Commandant of the Northern Army!”

Jiang Wang’s figure had already disappeared, and it was unknown if he had heard.

As a famous scenic spot in Linzi, many mansions of high officials and noblemen were built at the foot of Mount Xia.

Naturally, Chong Xuan Sheng wasn’t the only one who chose good locations.

Jiang Wu Xie, the Master of the Palace of Cultivating the Heart, also had a villa here, usually staying only during the period when "Maple and Sunset Converge" began.

It is known throughout the world that His Highness the Ninth Prince is fond of beautiful women, delicious food, and fine wine... Indulging in both food and pleasure, he never let himself suffer.

He possessed a noble status, but rarely stayed in the Palace of Cultivating the Heart, which was different from the other palace masters.

For Jiang Wu Xie, although he was the master of the Palace of Cultivating the Heart, all matters big and small within the palace were decided by his word. But this Palace of Cultivating the Heart was, after all, within the boundaries of the Qi Imperial Palace, and some rules had to be followed.

This was the problem.

In contrast, the Warm Jade Waterside Pavilion was where he usually resided.

Almost everyone in Linzi knew this.

When Jiang Wang went to sea to save people, he went directly to the Warm Jade Waterside Pavilion to negotiate terms with him, which illustrates this point.

However, Jiang Wu Qi's mourning period was not long past, and it was clearly inappropriate for him, as an elder brother, to be soaking in the Warm Jade Waterside Pavilion.

So he had been living in this villa at the foot of Mount Xia during this time.

The exquisite layout and elegant style are naturally needless to say.

Among all the villas below Mount Xia, this residence was also one of the best.

At this moment, Jiang Wu Xie was lying on a soft couch, his eyes slightly closed, feeling relaxed and content. His long hair was styled with a single hairpin inserted diagonally, and he was only draped in a loose, silken robe. Two beautiful maidservants knelt on either side of the soft couch, one massaging his shoulders, the other his legs.

Jade hands like mountains, warm fragrance in a dream.

Blurred, unaware of what evening this was.

The soft couch stood on a very stylish terrace, and with a turn of the body, one could see the beautiful scenery of Mount Xia.

Around it, of course, were curtains; when lowered, it was a private space, and when raised, the sky and clouds were vast.

This terrace was unusually spacious, with potted flowers and caged birds. There was also a large water vat where water lilies were grown; their flowering season had long passed, yet they still bloomed brilliantly.

Not far in front of the soft couch, a zither was placed.

Its legs propped on the ground, like a beauty’s joined feet. The wood was smooth and lustrous, almost like jade.

Behind the zither, there was another beauty.

Her figure was slender and well-proportioned, her demeanor ethereal and refined, her brows and eyes as if painted, playing the zither alone.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful women, and wonderful music entering the ears. The mountain breeze gently blew, how pleasant it was.

Only one person, dressed in black, knelt halfway on the ground, an inharmonious color in this picture.

His left hand supported his knee, and his right hand was spread out, touching the ground, indicating a form of subservience. The bulging veins on the back of his hand, however, described strength.

“You mean...” After enjoying for a long time, Jiang Wu Xie slowly spoke, “Feng Gu’s corpse has no problems at all?”

The beautiful zither music stopped.

“I checked personally, and there were indeed no problems.” The man in black, kneeling on the ground, said, “The Northern Army isn’t entirely made of freeloaders.”

“How could there be... *cough*... absolutely no problems?” Under the appropriately firm massage of the beautiful maidservants, Jiang Wu Xie's voice was somewhat ethereal, “That’s not quite right...”

“Indeed, it shouldn’t be.” The man in black said, “But to tamper with it now... it’s already too late.”

“Do not tamper.” Jiang Wu Xie lightly furrowed his brow, “Why tamper? Adding legs to a snake at this time is truly foolish beyond measure. We just need the truth... the truth, do you understand?”

“Understood.” The man in black said.

“Qi Song, I hope you truly understand.” Jiang Wu Xie said.

The black-clad man named Qi Song lowered his head even more, “This subordinate truly understands.”

“Then...” Jiang Wu Xie asked, “Who sent you to the Northern Army personally?”

“This subordinate thought... I wouldn’t be discovered.”

“You thought?” Jiang Wu Xie opened his eyes, and within those effeminate eyes, there was unconcealed displeasure, “You thought the Northern Army was your backyard, you thought Jiang Qing Yang was a mere brute with only fighting power... You thought you were laughing at them, you didn’t know you were being laughed at by them!”

“Do you know?” Jiang Wu Xie asked, “Zheng Shi has already investigated you, and it was I who stopped him?”

“I could only tell him that this matter was my instruction, that I intended to supervise this case... A person who was watching the fire from the other shore, now has to go put out the fire. Qi Song, you thought?”

“This subordinate knows his mistake.” Qi Song said.

Jiang Wu Xie didn’t even look at him, turning over to sit up. The thin silken sleep robe vaguely revealed his perfect muscle lines.

But his face above the sleep robe was exquisite and effeminate.

The two beautiful maidservants who had been massaging his shoulders and legs quietly retreated, one behind him, one to his right.

The Master of the Palace of Cultivating the Heart sat sideways on one side of the soft couch, facing the scenery on Mount Xia.

Qi Song knelt halfway behind him to his left.

“Everyone makes mistakes, so I will forgive you this once.” Jiang Wu Xie said, “Since you’ve entered the fray, you are responsible for properly finding the truth and keeping an eye on those people in the Northern Army. Speaking of which, it is only right for me to care about Eleventh Brother.”

“Yes.” Qi Song respectfully responded.

“But I don’t need the truth, do you understand?”

“This subordinate understands.” Qi Song thought for a moment, then asked softly, “Your Highness, after finding the truth, who should it be given to?”

It seemed he truly understood.

It is not fear of being foolish, but fear of being clever by half.

Jiang Wu Xie looked at the distant mountains, his voice calm, “Zheng Shang Ming is but another loyal dog, Lin You Xie’s future is limited. Try to help Jiang Qing Yang get promoted. After all, he is currently favored, and only he can make a big fuss about this matter.”

“Understood.” Qi Song gave a solemn bow, then rose and withdrew.

It was already the twelfth month, and the red maples had withered.

At this time, Mount Xia was bare and not particularly interesting to look at.

But Jiang Wu Xie looked at it very seriously.

On that overly exquisite face, there wasn’t much expression.

“Why did the zither music stop?” he suddenly asked.

The beautiful woman playing the zither said, “If Your Highness cannot listen attentively, it should not resonate.”

“Am I not attentive enough?”

“Your Highness was just busy suppressing murderous intent. How could you have the leisure to listen to the zither?”

A hint of a smile bloomed in Jiang Wu Xie’s eyes, “Sese, being too smart will bring great trouble.”

The woman named Wu Sese lightly strummed a string with her pinky finger.

Dong dong dong dong dong.

She softly said, “Isn’t Your Highness my great trouble?”

“You are right!” Jiang Wu Xie laughed, but his eyes still looked at Mount Xia.

People looked at the vibrant scenery, he looked at the lingering scenery.

“Alas, beautiful scenery in the world, like beautiful women, easily fades and withers...”

He sighed, then suddenly said, “I want to practice with a spear!”

So he stepped down from the soft couch and casually beckoned.

A bright red long spear fell into his palm.

He held the bright red long spear upside down just like that, stepping into the air and walking towards Mount Xia.

The black and gold silken sleep robe reflected the light,

At that time, there were no flying shadows on the mountain, only the lingering glow of the setting sun.

Both the person and the spear were exquisitely beautiful.

There are thousands of kinds of people in the world.

There are princes like Jiang Wu Xie who constantly run outside the palace, and there are crown princes like Jiang Wu Hua who almost confine themselves to the Palace of Eternal Joy, never leaving their doors.

Except for some necessary ceremonies, he would not leave the palace if he could help it.

Every day, he would plant flowers and herbs, steam, boil, and fry, finding joy in his own way.

He once called himself — "Here is Eternal Joy."

When Jiang Wu Xie was practicing with his spear on the withered maple leaf covered Mount Xia, in the Palace of Eternal Joy, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were having a meal.

Waiting by their side to serve were only two palace maids, one taking care of the Crown Prince, the other the Crown Princess, moving lightly and quietly, never making a sound.

Although the dining hall was spacious, the two chatted idly while eating, and it didn’t feel lonely.

There weren't many dishes on the table, three meat, two vegetable, and one soup, all made by the Crown Prince himself, fragrant and appetizing.

A eunuch hurried in with small steps, his steps hurried, clearly indicating an urgent matter.

But upon reaching the door of the dining hall, he stopped, silent and unmoving.

Everyone in the Palace of Eternal Joy knew that when the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were having a meal, they were not to be disturbed.

In the Crown Prince’s rules, there were not many things more important than eating.

At least the matter he needed to report now was not as important as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess eating.

“Is today’s venison not tender enough?” The Crown Prince said softly, “The seven-month-old deer was gone, so we chose this nine-month-old one. This kind of banana-tailed deer is difficult to raise; the meat is best between seven and eight months. You were in a hurry to eat, there was nothing that could be done...”

Song Ning Er swallowed the venison in her mouth, and commented in a proper manner, “It is not as tender, but it is more chewy, and it also has a unique flavor. Of course, the most important thing is that His Highness the Crown Prince’s culinary skills are extraordinary, everything he makes is delicious!”

This plate of pan-fried banana-tailed deer was indeed perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

When it was just served, it still looked like a whole deer. But in fact, it had already been sliced thin, fried, and then pieced back together.

With a gentle prod of chopsticks, a slice could be picked up. The meat was so thin it was almost transparent, with a texture like banana leaves, fried to a golden sheen, yet not appearing greasy.

The secret spices of the Palace of Eternal Joy were sprinkled on the meat slices, the aroma lingering around the beams, far more than thrice?

At this time, a large plate full of it was already down to only a few slices, showing that the Crown Princess truly loved this dish.

Jiang Wu Hua cupped his hands at the dining table and said sincerely, “Thank you, Crown Princess, for supporting me!”

Song Ning Er waved her hand, indicating that she had no time for formalities with him.

She picked up several chopsticks in a row, clearing the remaining slices of venison before her, and ate them quickly with the crystal clear white rice.

Then she put down the ivory chopsticks, picked up the teacup beside her, and gulped down a bowl of fragrant tea, letting out a satisfied sigh, “I’m full!”

“Would you like some soup?” Jiang Wu Hua asked, “Using the antlers of this banana-tailed deer as the main ingredient, supplemented with mushrooms from Zhuhe Prefecture, it is very delicious.”

Song Ning Er shook her hand, “I really can’t drink any more, my stomach is all round...”

She glanced at Jiang Wu Hua, slyly yet shyly, “Don’t you believe it? Touch it?”

“Isn’t this inappropriate?” Jiang Wu Hua said this, but his hand had already reached out.

For a long time.

“Slap!”

Song Ning Er hit his hand and scolded, “Have you touched enough?”

“Hmm...” Jiang Wu Hua withdrew his hand and smiled, “It seems you are truly full.”

“Alas.” Song Ning Er sighed deeply, “The desires of the mouth and stomach are a great hindrance to my cultivation!”

Jiang Wu Hua’s face was full of smiles, “Isn’t the joy of husband and wife in sharing chopsticks and sleeping together?”

“Go away!” Song Ning Er rolled her eyes at him, “Who is sleeping with you?”

Jiang Wu Hua said, “Before and after death, who else could be by my pillow?”

“You alone say these things!” Song Ning Er stood up and said, “I won’t disturb your important matters, I’ll go rest.”

Jiang Wu Hua’s tone was gentle, “I’ve already had someone prepare the after-meal dessert in the Breeze Garden, it’s what we made together this morning. You should try it.”

“Are you really afraid I’m not fat enough?” Song Ning Er complained, but still turned and walked towards the Breeze Garden.

Compared to her demure appearance in front of others, she was clearly much more lively when alone with him in private.

Jiang Wu Hua just watched her leave with smiling eyes, and didn’t say anything else.

After the Crown Princess left with her attendant palace maid, the eunuch who had been standing outside the door came in.

He bowed and said, “Your Highness, the latest news is that the people from the Palace of Cultivating the Heart have also interfered in the case of Feng Gu.”

Jiang Wu Hua pushed aside his rice bowl, served himself a bowl of deer antler soup, and took a small sip, saying, “As expected. What about the side of the Palace of Flourishing Glory?”

“His Highness the Third Prince has made no movements, or perhaps we haven’t been able to find out.” The eunuch said.

Jiang Wu Hua shook his head, “No movement means no movement. With Wu You’s personality, if he were to have any reaction to this matter, the commotion would definitely not be small.”

He drank a few sips of soup, then suddenly asked, “I heard someone went to warn Jiang Qing Yang, is that right?”

“There was such a matter.” The eunuch replied.

“Presumptuous.” Jiang Wu Hua put the spoon back in the bowl, “In my mighty Qi, who could be so audacious?”

The eunuch said, “That coachman’s background is very clean; his ancestors for three generations were coachmen for the Northern Army. Now the person has disappeared... alive, nowhere to be seen; dead, no corpse to be found. No clues can be found.”

“Forget it, leave this matter for the Northern Army to investigate.” Jiang Wu Hua waved his hand, “Pass on my order, have the Imperial City Guards strengthen the protection of the investigators, especially the residences of Jiang Wang and Lin You Xie, strengthen patrols. Such a thing cannot happen again. Not one of the three people handling this case can have an accident, do you understand?”

“Understood.”

The eunuch hurried away after receiving the order.

Jiang Wu Hua also lost his interest in drinking soup, stood up, and walked out, casually saying, “Today’s soup is good, you can share it among yourselves.”

The only remaining maidservant in the dining hall was also used to this and was not flustered, only bowing in salute, “Thank you for Your Highness’s grace.”

Jiang Wu Hua just waved his hand, and the person had already walked out.

First Second of Heavenly Genius: m.173kxsw