C15. Broken Chains.

C15. Broken Chains.

Yuan Li was very curious about what Chu Mingfeng had written in the letter to Ouyang Ting, which had prompted Ouyang Ting to leave Luoyang in such a hurry. However, like a chain reaction, on the third day after Ouyang Ting's departure, Chu Mingfeng's condition suddenly worsened, reaching the brink of death.

No one had anticipated the sudden deterioration of Chu Mingfeng's illness. Madam Yang wept daily, her face becoming increasingly haggard. Even Prince Chu found himself unable to eat.

With the vast Chu mansion left unmanaged, Yuan Li took leave from the Imperial Academy to look after the entire household.

However, Yuan Li couldn't shake the feeling that Chu Mingfeng's sudden illness might have been manipulated by someone.

Visiting Chu Mingfeng daily, Yuan Li found him weak and mostly asleep, rarely awake. In four visits, he only caught Chu Mingfeng awake once.

"Has young wife arrived?" Chu Mingfeng's voice was weak, but he smiled, "I have some things to tell you."

Yuan Li leaned in to listen as Chu Mingfeng spoke intermittently. After a few short sentences, he lost his energy.

"I understand," Yuan Li sighed inwardly, "You can rest assured."

Leaving him to rest, as he exited the room, Yuan Li thought he heard Chu Mingfeng humming a tune softly.

Though hoarse, the sound hinted at pleasure.

Yuan Li glanced back to see a faint smile at the corner of Chu Mingfeng's lips.

Was Chu Mingfeng... looking forward to death?

The thought struck Yuan Li as he left, but when he looked back again, the humming had ceased, and Chu Mingfeng was peacefully asleep, as if the earlier scene had been a figment of his imagination.

Doubting for a moment, Yuan Li turned away.

"System, is there still a chance to save Chu Mingfeng?" Yuan Li asked once more on the way.

Since their first encounter, Yuan Li had posed this question to the system, but it remained indifferent, offering no response.

With downcast eyes, Yuan Li felt a pang of discomfort. He knew Chu Mingfeng was beyond saving.

Perhaps he wouldn't last a few more days.

In the dead of night, Chu Mingfeng awoke from his pain to find a tall, sturdy figure standing by the window.

Recognizing the visitor, he silently chuckled, struggling to sit up in bed as he said, "Ciye."

The figure by the window turned to him, coldly stating, "Chu Mingfeng, you are near death."

"Yes," Chu Mingfeng coughed, "It will only be a day or two."

Chu Hechao moved to the bedside, opening his robe and sitting in the chair beside the bed with a serious expression.

Teasing, Chu Mingfeng remarked, "I thought you wouldn't come to see me until after I had died."

Chu Hechao forced a smile, "How could I not? You are my elder brother."

The public facade of the Chu brothers' relationship indicated discord, known even to the Emperor. While partly exaggerated, there was indeed little brotherly affection between Chu Mingfeng and Chu Hechao.

Chu Mingfeng had been in poor health since childhood, and Prince Chu and Madam Yang showered most of their care on him. When Chu Hechao was born, the healthy second son made their parents feel even more indebted to Chu Mingfeng.

Chu Mingfeng was a prodigy, mature beyond his years, but in his youth, he often rebelled against his own weak body and envied his brother's robust health. He had committed many wrongs against Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao, a tough nut to crack, always showed a bit more patience with his family. This tolerance endured until his departure to the North Border in his youth.

After Chu Hechao left, Chu Mingfeng gradually came to his senses. He no longer lost touch with reality and, as he grew older, felt more guilty towards Chu Hechao, trying to make amends.

However, by then, the brothers had become estranged.

Despite their differences, as family, they naturally stood on the same side and could trust each other.

"After my death, you must leave Luoyang immediately with your men," Chu Mingfeng suddenly said seriously, "Do not linger!"

Chu Hechao listened in silence.

Chu Mingfeng laid out all his plans and intentions, taking a long pause before adding, "Ciye, there is one more thing."

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow.

"I asked mother to bring Yuan Li back to the mansion for a marriage upon hearing my good news," Chu Mingfeng smiled ruefully, "Pity, he has not yet come of age, and I am on the brink of death. Though we have only been married for a few days, I regard him as my wife. He is a member of the Chu family and your sister-in-law. Yuan Li is talented, so let him take over the management of the household for you in the future."

Chu Hechao pondered the term "sister-in-law" and remained silent.

Chu Mingfeng sighed softly, "After my death, you should listen to him more and protect him. After my mourning period, if he has someone he loves, he should be free to marry. Take care of his future family, and I can rest in peace."

Chu Hechao was surprised by Chu Mingfeng's generosity and permission for Yuan Li to remarry after mourning. It was clear that Chu Mingfeng had deep affection for his wife.

Chu Hechao nonchalantly replied, "I will ensure a happy future for his family."

Nodding slightly, Chu Mingfeng added, "Yuan Li is still young and wishes to spend a few more years at the Imperial Academy in Luoyang. When he finishes his studies, allow him to go to Youzhou."

"A few years?" Chu Hechao chuckled suddenly, then asked, "Was it you who made Ouyang Ting leave?"

Chu Mingfeng remained silent.

Mockingly, Chu Hechao continued, "Because he became Yuan Li's teacher, you paved the way for him. Chu Mingfeng, I never thought you'd go to such lengths for someone else one day."

Chu Mingfeng smiled without speaking further. After discussing matters regarding Yuan Li, he closed his eyes to rest. Chu Hechao sat silently beside him for a long time before whispering, "You must die, don't you?"

Surprisingly, Chu Mingfeng was not asleep. Without opening his eyes, he whispered softly, "I have a reason that leaves me no choice but to die."

Suddenly standing up, Chu Hechao strode out quickly.

"Ciye, I'm sorry for you."

"...Don't be sad."

With a bitter taste in his throat, Chu Mingfeng chuckled softly and then burst into laughter, releasing all the remaining life in him at the last moment.

"In this world, there is no perfect solution..."

*

Yuan Li, unable to sleep all night, rose early the next day and went out with a heavy heart.

As he approached the martial arts field, he saw Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao didn't know when he had arrived at the field; the heat radiating from his body was visible. His muscular back fluctuated with a thick aura of suppression.

As Yuan Li looked on, he noticed water droplets on Chu Hechao's dark hair, as if he had spent the night without rest.

Upon hearing the footsteps, Chu Hechao turned his head to look. His eyes were bloodshot from staying up all night, making them sharper and more intimidating.

Seeing it was Yuan Li, Chu Hechao retracted his eyes and swiftly swung his knife at the wooden pillar, which was already riddled with holes and was instantly cut in half.

After observing for a while, Yuan Li calmly asked, "Are you okay?"

"Sister-in-law," Chu Hechao replied evasively, "When the opportunity arises, teach me how to swim."

Yuan Li straightforwardly nodded, "Sure."

After leaving the martial arts hall, everyone had breakfast together.

The atmosphere at the dining table was somber, with Prince Chu and Yang Shi unable to eat. Their eyes were red, and their hair had turned white, making them seem much older in an instant.

Halfway through the meal, a servant suddenly rushed in, looking panicked. "Your Highness, Madam, the eldest son, he, he suddenly seems very energetic! Not only did he get out of bed, but he also had food sent and water boiled for bathing! He is now bathing and changing clothes!"

This was clearly good news, but the servant's face was filled with despair. Everyone knew that when someone gravely ill suddenly became spirited, there was only one reason: a flicker of life before death.

Yang Shi's utensils fell from her hands, and she felt dizzy.

There was chaos at the dining table.

When everyone hurried to Chu Mingfeng's residence, he had already changed into a new set of exquisite clothes. Two servants were wiping his wet hair, as he sat at the table, eating and drinking.

The illness seemed to briefly leave him, allowing this young noble to regain his former appearance. With a healthy complexion, bright eyes, and a slight smile on his lips, Prince Chu and Yang Shi couldn't help but cry at the sight of Chu Mingfeng.

"Dad, Mom, on such a good day, why are you crying like this?" Chu Mingfeng smiled slightly and gestured to invite them to sit. "It's time for breakfast, please sit down. Ciye, Yuan Li, have a seat and have breakfast with me."

The four of them sat down as instructed.

Chu Mingfeng took the initiative to serve Prince Chu and Yang Shi their favorite dishes, sighing, "Since I entered the cabinet, I have never personally served you two. Looking back now, I regret it. Dad, Mom, remember this dish that I served for you when I am no longer here."

Prince Chu nodded repeatedly, "I will remember, I will remember..."

Yang Shi was too choked up to speak.

Chu Mingfeng then turned to Chu Hechao and Yuan Li, pouring them a cup of wine. "I don't know what you like, so let's all have a drink together."

He raised his wine glass, smiling gently at Yuan Li, "Wife, I wish you a bright future and smooth sailing ahead."

Yuan Li, who had only known Chu Mingfeng for half a month but already considered him a friend, didn't say a word and drained his glass in one go.

Chu Mingfeng nodded in approval.

He then turned to Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao raised his glass to clink with him, his jaw tightening in a menacing curve.

Chu Mingfeng chuckled softly, whispering, "Ciye, I wish you a long and healthy life."

Chu Hechao clenched his glass tightly, his breathing seeming to change as he and Chu Mingfeng drank the wine together.

At this moment, Yang Shi had fainted from crying.

Chu Mingfeng called for someone to help his parents leave and said to Prince Chu, "I want to depart alone; I don't want you to witness this scene."

Prince Chu, with teary eyes, led his wife away, stumbling as they walked.

Similarly, Chu Mingfeng had Yuan Li and Chu Hechao leave the room.

The morning sunlight slowly illuminated the room, with dust particles fluttering like tiny insects in the sunlight.

Chu Mingfeng raised a glass of wine, quietly watching as young shoots broke through the soil outside the door.

That evening, Chu Mingfeng passed away.

The red silk that had just been hung in the Prince Chu Mansion was replaced with white silk. What was once a joyous atmosphere at the Prince Chu Mansion a month ago was now draped in mourning.

In front of the house, white horses and carriages awaited, with numerous people coming to pay their respects. Yang Shi and Prince Chu struggled to bury Chu Mingfeng. On the day of the funeral, court officials came to offer condolences, only to be met with criticism and rejection by many scholars.

These people almost came to blows in front of Chu Mingfeng's coffin. In the end, it was Chu Hechao who intervened. With the intimidation of the Northern Zhou war god, the court officials left in embarrassment.

The burden of the entire Prince Chu Mansion fell on Yuan Li's shoulders.

Initially, Yang Gonggong could have helped, but being a eunuch, he was not suitable to intervene at such times, despite having no connection to the family.

Following Chu Mingfeng's wishes, the funeral was simple. However, as Chu Mingfeng was laid to rest according to the burial rituals, Yuan Li visibly lost weight.

That night, Yuan Li forced down some food and rested for a moment leaning on a chair.

At that moment, Zhao Ying hurriedly requested an audience, "My Lord, I've found some suspicious information."

Yuan Li opened his eyes and wiped his face, saying, "Go on."

It was rumored that the prefect of Hanzhong had given a sum of money to the eunuch supervisor, Zhang Siban. Zhang Siban had accepted the bribe, concealed the disaster in Hanzhong, and persuaded the emperor to reject the refugees from Hanzhong outside Luoyang city.

The rumor instantly incited the anger of the people, who wished to drown the eunuch supervisor in their spit.

Yuan Li sat up abruptly, sharp eyes fixed on Zhao Ying. "When did this rumor start spreading?"

Unsettled, Zhao Ying replied, "It started to emerge subtly after the death of the Young Minister, but as you were busy, these rumors did not spread widely recently. I didn't report this news to you."

Yuan Li pressed his lips tightly.

Something was amiss.

Yuan Li had only learned about the source of this batch of goods with the help of the system. Even Wang Er and the others did not know that the goods were a bribe for Zhang Siban.

Hanzhong's prefect and Zhang Siban could not have been foolish enough to reveal this. So who was spreading this information?

Moreover, although they had intercepted the shipment, it had not reached Zhang Siban, so why was this crucial detail missing from the rumors?

"There's another odd thing," Zhao Ying whispered, "The bedding shop manager said that white fabric sales have significantly increased recently. It's quite unusual."

Furrowing his brows, Yuan Li asked, "Who is buying this white fabric and for what purpose?"

Zhao Ying replied, "Ordinary people are buying it, but it's unclear how they are using it. However, investigations revealed that those purchasing the white fabric were not using it for funerary purposes."

Yuan Li's eyelids twitched, sensing that there was something more hidden here. He immediately ordered, "By dusk tomorrow, find out the purpose of this white fabric and report back to me."

Zhao Ying bowed, "Yes."

The next day, Zhao Ying indeed brought new information.

Most of the information came from street ruffians and wanderers; these people traveled extensively and garnered a lot of intelligence.

Shops had noticed that these people often gathered together recently, behaving as if something significant was about to happen. When questioned, they hinted that something good was imminent but refused to disclose further details.

The use of the purchased white fabric by the common folk was also peculiar. They would cut the white fabric into small pieces and tie them to their doors with unknown significance. Zhao Ying observed several households in Luoyang with white fabric tied outside their doors.

Strangely, the poorer areas had more homes with white fabric tied.

After pondering for a long time, Yuan Li couldn't understand the meaning behind it. White fabric reminded him of funerals, which in turn reminded him of Chu Mingfeng's recent death.

He furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of why people were tying white fabric to their doors. Whenever Yuan Li thought of the white fabric, he could only think of mourning.

And when he associated mourning with recent events, he could only think of Chu Mingfeng's death.

There was an itch at the back of his mind, the ruffians and wanderers talking about something good about to happen. What could this good thing be?

Yuan Li felt an unease creeping over him.

He rubbed his temples, contemplating. White fabric, common folk, something good...all following Chu Mingfeng's death.

Ouyang Ting had mentioned that once Chu Mingfeng fell ill, all scholars had halted their work.

Even officials had stopped working.

Luoyang had welcomed a long-awaited calmness, but was this calm truly tranquility?

Had the scholars really been scared into inaction?

As Yuan Li paused, he suddenly opened his eyes.

Were they feeling threatened to the point where the next victim could be anyone, starting with Chu Mingfeng and then who knows?

The eunuchs took away their power, and the Emperor tried to suppress them. They had accumulated resentment, ready to teach the Emperor and the eunuchs a lesson.

If Chu Mingfeng had indeed died, it would serve as a warning bell to all the scholars.

Would they willingly endure the threats?

Yuan Li felt they wouldn't.

He even believed that the scholars would rise in rebellion.

Didn't the Emperor want to suppress the scholar class?

Then a new Emperor should take the throne.

In this world, there were only enduring noble families and transient emperors. If the Emperor didn't want to be overthrown, he should suppress the eunuchs, reinstate the scholars, and regain their trust.

Just like the uprising of the Yellow Turbans in history.

The Yellow Turban rebels marked their foreheads with yellow scarves as a symbol and wrote the word "甲子" on their doors to recognize each other, serving as a signal for their uprising. And this scene was so similar to the white fabric tied to doorways at this moment.

Experts had speculated that despite being a peasant uprising, the real instigators of the Yellow Turban Uprising were the scholar class. Pushing the farmers forward, the scholars instigated the rebellion, using the people as pawns to threaten the Emperor.

When the Emperor felt threatened, he reluctantly lifted restrictions on the scholars, relying on them to combat the Yellow Turban rebels. The scholars escaped their predicament, gaining even greater power than before.

Now, was history repeating itself?

Were these scholars secretly pushing for a rebellion now?

And were the people tying white fabric to their doors part of this rebellion?

Yuan Li's heart raced faster in his chest.

Thump, thump, thump.

He couldn't tell if he was anxious or scared.

Or perhaps excited?

Or hopeful?

If things were truly as he suspected, then.

——The chaotic times had arrived early.

And Chu Mingfeng's death had become the catalyst to prompt the scholars to rebel. With his death, he had inadvertently disrupted the political landscape, possibly leading to the demise of an Emperor or a group of eunuchs who had wronged him.