Futile Devices Scans

The formal name of the Longsha imperial palace is “Longxiao Palace,” commonly referred to as the “Inner Palace.” It sits at the center of Bihan City. Yonghe Hall serves as the main hall for court assemblies, while Qianchun Hall to the north is where the sovereign handles state affairs and resides in daily life.

The weather was clear and warm. The spring breeze swept away the heavy scent of sandalwood incense from the chamber, lifting the smoke-veiled curtains and gauzy drapes as it carried in the faint fragrance of apricot blossoms.

“Young Uncle, please sit. Cough cough… Ru Yi, have them bring in tea and refreshments. Everyone else wait outside. You guard the door and do not let anyone approach.”

The sovereign, Yu Gong Lie, wore an ivory-white robe embroidered with gold and silver patterns, along with a black silk gauze cap. His face and hands were even paler than his collar, likely from powder. His brows had been carefully drawn long and delicate, while his eyes drooped languidly, giving him the air of a sickly beauty too fragile to bear the weight of his clothes.

Yu Gong Zhao Ye found nothing strange about this appearance. Longsha’s customs, if nothing else, were open-minded. Men dressing as women and women dressing as men were common sights. The nobles and aristocrats had too much free time, and most of their thoughts went either into food and pleasure or into clothes and cosmetics. For the sovereign to paint himself into something vaguely human-looking was already considered restrained.

Seeing that Yu Gong Lie coughed into a silk handkerchief after only speaking a few sentences, Yu Gong Zhao Ye politely inquired, “Has Your Majesty been unwell lately? Have you summoned the imperial physicians?”

“Just a cold. Physician Wu Chuan prescribed some medicine for me. A minor ailment, nothing worth concern.” Yu Gong Lie waved dismissively. “Young Uncle rarely comes to the palace. Has something important happened with Yeguang?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye rose from his seat, knelt on one knee, and lowered his head. “This subject has failed in vigilance and duty. I have come to plead guilty before Your Majesty.”

“Young Uncle, what are you doing?” Yu Gong Lie was so startled that even his form of address changed in panic. He hurried down personally to pull him up. “Quickly, get up! Whatever it is, we can discuss it slowly. How could it warrant condemning yourself the moment you arrive?”

Once Yu Gong Zhao Ye had been hastily helped to his feet, he gave a detailed report of Xie You Lan’s request, then admitted his fault. “This matter began because I harbored suspicions toward Chancellor Wei, leading to Kui Yue falling into enemy hands and becoming leverage for Beizhu Palace. This subject cannot escape responsibility.”

Yu Gong Lie hurried to comfort him. “Young Uncle, please don’t say that. You were only fulfilling your duties—how could that count as negligence? Besides, who could have expected Chancellor Wei’s background to be so complicated… Right, does Chancellor Wei know about this yet?”

Not only did he know, he was even insisting on going.

The two exchanged glances. Yu Gong Zhao Ye gave a faint nod. “Chancellor Wei is exceptionally perceptive. I could not hide from him the fact that I had been investigating him in secret. But judging from Xie You Lan’s tone, Chancellor Wei and he have not been in contact for many years. If anyone attempts to exploit this matter to sow discord, I ask that Your Majesty see clearly.”

Yu Gong Lie gave an acknowledging hum. “I understand. Although Chancellor Wei is not originally a subject of Longsha’s court, when it comes to supporting the sovereign and stabilizing the state, he stands on the same side as I do. I will not suspect him without cause.”

Because of his position, Yu Gong Zhao Ye rarely discussed state affairs. Having merely mentioned this point and seeing that Wei Fu had successfully charmed the sovereign, with ruler and minister presently in perfect accord, he said no more. Instead, he continued, “This subject should properly remain confined at home to reflect upon my failings, but Yeguang lacks manpower and cannot afford further losses. I ask Your Majesty to permit me to take Ying Yue with me, assist Xie You Lan in uncovering the truth, and rescue Kui Yue as quickly as possible.”

“Ying Yue… I recall he is Kui Yue’s older brother? Will just the two of you be enough? Shouldn’t you bring a few more people?”

“The two of us are enough,” Yu Gong Zhao Ye replied. “Ying Yue is desperate to save his sister. He is determined to go; even if I left him at home, he would not stay put. In addition, I require assistance from the Southern Dipper Division of the Imperial Medical Academy in case of emergencies. I also intend to visit Donghua Pavilion later to consult maps of Dongyu.”

Back when they had been trying to counter Yan Yuan’s plague tactics, the Imperial Medical Academy—which oversaw physicians and medical administration—had assembled a group of medical experts into the Southern Dipper Division, specifically dedicated to researching and combating epidemics. Because their work involved matters of great importance, the division remained under strict protection by the Imperial Guards, and no one could enter without a handwritten decree from the sovereign.

Donghua Pavilion, meanwhile, housed the inner court’s collection of books. The front halls now served as offices for the Cabinet, while behind them stood a four-story library tower.

Yu Gong Lie immediately picked up his brush and wrote out a personal decree, stamping it himself before rolling it up and handing it over. He continued anxiously fussing, “Is there nothing else you need? Think again. Three days is far too rushed; nothing can be fully prepared. Last time you went to Xiling you at least brought dozens of people with you. This time you’re going alone. I truly can’t help worrying.”

Now it was Yu Gong Zhao Ye’s turn to comfort him. “This is merely a minor conflict among Jianghu factions. How can it compare to affairs of state and war? There is no need to mobilize forces on a grand scale. Your Majesty need not worry. This subject will return soon.”

Yu Gong Lie sighed so heavily he started coughing again. “I’m not afraid of embarrassing myself by admitting it, Young Uncle. During the time you were in Xiling, I truly felt isolated on all sides. By day I was overwhelmed, and at night I could barely sleep. It was only after Chancellor Wei came to court and you remained in the capital that I finally felt a bit steadier. And now you’re leaving again… sigh…”

Though only a year separated their births, Yu Gong Zhao Ye was nominally a generation older than Yu Gong Lie, making him his uncle despite the mere few months’ age difference. This was because the former sovereign, Yu Gong Du, had lived a long life and fathered the crown prince early. By the time Consort Xie entered the palace, Crown Prince Yu Gong Feng Ting was already married.

During childhood, uncle and nephew had studied together in the palace and shared some affection from growing up side by side. Later, when Yu Gong Zhao Ye devoted himself to Bihua, he gradually vanished from public view. Yu Gong Lie did not know the reason and assumed he was voluntarily retreating to avoid succession struggles and prevent Yu Gong Feng Ting from suspecting him. Because of that, he repeatedly sent people to inquire after him and even wrote personal letters expressing concern for his life.

Every letter Yu Gong Lie sent ran two or three pages long. Yu Gong Zhao Ye replying with even half a page was already considered generous.

This misunderstanding persisted until after Yu Gong Feng Ting ascended the throne and the Longsha–Yan Yuan war erupted. With the crushing blade of national ruin hanging overhead, Yu Gong Feng Ting was finally forced to decide upon an heir.

Yu Gong Lie was appointed crown prince amid the crisis, prepared so that if Bihan City fell beneath Yan Yuan’s iron cavalry, he would immediately flee by sea under the protection of trusted retainers, seek aid from neighboring nations through Qiyun, and someday restore the kingdom.

As the eldest son, it would have been impossible for Yu Gong Lie never to dream of the throne. But he had certainly never imagined that the role awaiting him would be that of an exiled sovereign, a ruler of a fallen nation.

He waited in terror for the executioner’s blade to descend upon him.

Instead, what arrived was the severed head of He Lan Zhen Jia.

That unparalleled achievement shook the world. As crown prince, Yu Gong Lie became one of the few people permitted to know the core secrets of Bihua—though the process itself had been embarrassingly awkward.

That day, outside Bihua Pavilion, he saw Yu Gong Zhao Ye again after many years apart. Nervous and overexcited, with nowhere to vent his emotions, he grabbed the man and babbled for ages, even foolishly asking, “Young Uncle, why have you come today? Are you here to seek an audience with Father Emperor? Father Emperor won’t have time soon—perhaps you should come back this afternoon?”

Looking back now, Yu Gong Zhao Ye’s expression at the time had clearly said: “This country looks like it’s doomed.”

Fortunately, Yu Gong Lie’s father and Yu Gong Zhao Ye’s mother appeared in time. The gathered members of Bihua all knelt to greet the crown prince, while Yu Gong Lie stared at the kneeling Yu Gong Zhao Ye with his mouth hanging wide enough for a frog to leap inside.

Years later, after Yu Gong Feng Ting passed away and the blade that protected the nation was placed into his hands, Yu Gong Lie honestly remained fearful deep down.

He knew he lacked his father’s foresight and commanding authority. With a new ruler ascending the throne, he feared he would be unable to command those proud and extraordinary talents, and feared even more that such an unmatched weapon might someday wound its own master. Fortunately, Yu Gong Zhao Ye remained steadfast at his side, quietly resolving many problems for him behind the scenes. He had even personally journeyed to Xiling, overcoming every obstacle to safely bring back the Assistant Chancellor.

At the most chaotic moment of transition between old and new reigns, Yu Gong Lie came to regard Yu Gong Zhao Ye as the pillar supporting him. Though he never spoke that dependence aloud, Yu Gong Zhao Ye silently shouldered it nonetheless.

“Even if this subject is absent, there is still Chancellor Wei, still Yeguang. In both the outer court and the inner palace, all those loyal to Your Majesty remain at their posts. Your Majesty need not fear.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye did not raise his voice, but every word landed with unmistakable weight. “As long as Your Majesty safeguards your health and treasures yourself, we subjects will have no worries behind us and may serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly.”

“You too must take care, Young Uncle.” Yu Gong Lie was rather easy to comfort. Once his emotions settled, he gave his instructions with renewed steadiness. “There is nothing here worthy of punishment. Though I may not be as wise and far-seeing as Father King, I understand that Yeguang has its own methods of operation and cannot be bound by rigid rules. Just act freely as you see fit. Do not burden yourself with concerns.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye tucked the handwritten decree into his sleeve and bowed properly in thanks. “This subject accepts the command. Many thanks, Your Majesty.”

After taking his leave from Qianchun Hall, Yu Gong Zhao Ye headed east along the palace road and entered Donghua Pavilion through the rear entrance.

He told the eunuch guards not to follow, then climbed alone to the third floor of the library tower. In a corner before a massive bookshelf reaching from floor to ceiling, he found two rolled maps carelessly piled upon the shelves.

The people tasked with maintaining the library apparently considered “guarding” it limited to stationing someone at the entrance. Judging by the state of the shelves, they had not been cleaned in years. Pulling the maps free was like kicking up a sandstorm, sending dust flying everywhere.

Yu Gong Zhao Ye frowned and waved away the drifting clouds of dust. Suddenly, the tip of his nose twitched. His ears caught the faint “creak” of worn floorboards, followed by carefully muffled footsteps sneaking toward him.

Yu Gong Zhao Ye: “……”

The frown on his face silently relaxed. Originally he had intended to grab the maps and leave, but now he stayed where he was. Standing before the shelf, he unrolled the maps and pretended to study them beneath the dim light.

A hand suddenly reached from behind and swiftly covered his eyes. Another arm looped around his waist, tightening hard to imprison him against a warm chest.

“What little thief is this? Sneaking into the Eastern Pavilion in broad daylight to steal books? Hmph hmph, caught you at last!”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye replied calmly, “The thief crying ‘thief.’ Sneaking into the Eastern Pavilion to steal a person isn’t exactly more noble than stealing books.”

“True enough.” The man leaned close to his ear, sounding bashful while actually issuing an invitation. “Then why don’t we commit adultery together?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye: “……”

This man’s ability to push boundaries had reached perfection. Yu Gong Zhao Ye could only marvel coldly, “Did all those Confucian classics you studied end up digested by dogs?”

“Ah, it can’t be helped. I would also like the full rites of marriage—matchmakers, six ceremonies, and all,” the man said with smiling eyes. “But since the heartless one refuses to give me a proper title, I’m forced to resort to desperate measures.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye thought to himself that this shameless flower thief clearly enjoyed sneaking around more than anyone. What “desperate measures”? This situation fit his tastes perfectly.

“Still not letting go?”

“No.” The man tightened his arms around Yu Gong Zhao Ye’s waist until they fit together like nested spoons. “If I catch you, you’re mine. After all, you didn’t even try to dodge…”

That shameless flower thief even asked triumphantly, “I’ve heard Prince Yu Gong possesses peerless martial arts and lightning-fast reflexes, capable of facing a hundred foes alone. So why is it that when someone attacks you from behind, you don’t even bother to evade? Mm?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye thought: I didn’t resist because I was afraid the wall would end up with a human-shaped hole punched through it.

But the flower thief, seeing no answer, took him for an easy target and grew even bolder.

“Judging from how proper and serious Your Highness looks, it turns out you enjoy secret affairs too. Then let’s meet in private often from now on, shall we?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye: “…… You’ll end up in prison sooner or later for extortion and illicit affairs.”

Previous

Main

Next