Young master, why not become a corpse immortal?

Chapter 245 Turbid Wine Like Morning Light
Sun Zhong and Lin Jiang did not return to the Sun residence, but instead found a restaurant by the roadside.

This restaurant was recommended by Sun Zhong; it specializes in roasted pigeon. He said the taste was excellent, and he had wanted to take Lin Jiang to try it last time.

Upon entering the shop, the waiter recognized Sun Zhong and led the two directly to the second floor, where they chose a seat facing the street, offering a view of the bustling street scene.

Looking at the wooden menu, most of the dishes had elegant names, such as "A Startled Swan in Flight" and "A Leaf in a Small Boat." Lin Jiang had no idea what the dishes were just by looking at the names.

He had no choice but to turn to Sun Zhong and ask.

Sun Zhong is also magnanimous:

"Bring one serving of all your dishes and a pot of good wine for the two of us."

Upon hearing this, the waiter nodded happily and immediately went to take care of it.

While waiting for the food, Sun Zhong told Lin Jiang about the "treasure trove outside the city".

"That is a wondrous place outside the capital, a treasure land left behind by the previous dynasty's star-pointing technique, known as the 'secondary city of the capital.' To get there, you can either enter from the Ghost Market in the west of the city, or go west out of the capital and find the territory of Xushan. You can also enter from the town at the foot of the mountain."

"Judging from Master Sun's description, this treasure vault doesn't seem to be a place for storing treasures?"

Lin Jiang couldn't help but ask in surprise.

"Yes and no. The so-called treasure vault is originally a place to store all kinds of treasures. However, its internal space is too vast, and ordinary guards cannot keep up with it. So some waiters have to be on duty there all year round."

"As time went on, the number of waiters increased, and naturally there was a need for accommodation. Merchants sensed the business opportunity and opened shops. Over time, some people moved in for convenience, and the treasure vault became what it is today."

Someone had mentioned before that there was a special ghost market in the western part of the capital, but he didn't pay attention to it at the time, only thinking about having Chef Song do business there.

Now that I hear about it, this place is more complicated and more interesting than I imagined.

“As for the coffin I saw, it didn’t come from my memory,” Sun Zhong said, tapping his head.

Lin Jiang was slightly taken aback, but then he realized what was happening.

Sun Zhong refers to the person with whom he exchanged souls.

Since that person was able to obtain memories from Sun Zhong, conversely, Sun Zhong could also obtain memories from that person.

However, the other party clearly did not expect that Sun Zhong would break free of control in such a short time.

“I vaguely remember that the man went to the ghost market and entered the treasure vault. He walked south in the treasure vault until he reached a shop. Through the back door was a path that led directly underground. He walked to the end of the path and saw the coffin there.”

Sun Zhong looked at Lin Jiang: "Little Lin, you don't want to go, do you?"

Lin Jiang remained silent.

How could Sun Zhong not see it?

He sighed, "That place doesn't look safe. There seem to be quite a few people around there. It would be very dangerous to go there."

"Don't worry, I will not act rashly."

Sun Zhong stared at Lin Jiang, words stuck in his throat, before shaking his head helplessly after a long while: "That's just how your grandfather is, he always likes to act recklessly. Back then, he caused a lot of trouble in the capital, making a complete mess of things."

"This is not reckless action, but a planned and directed effort."

"Where did you learn these words? You can recite them so fluently."

Sun Zhongzheng was feeling helpless when the door was pushed open.

The waiter brought in a variety of food and laid out a table full of dishes.

Lin Jiang glanced at the table and saw a dazzling array of dishes, including whole roasted pigeons, sliced ​​pigeon soup, and grilled bamboo skewers, all emitting an enticing aroma.

Lin Jiang had eaten pigeons before, but he never imagined that there were so many ways to cook them.

The waiter finished pouring the wine and then left.

Sun Zhong had just taken a sip of wine when Lin Jiang asked:
"Master Sun, the palace didn't go into details about what happened to His Majesty. Now you can tell us, right?"

Sun Zhong choked and coughed, glaring at him resentfully:

"You're quite curious, kid."

"hey-hey."

Sun Zhong put the drinks aside to avoid choking again later:

"Most of what I'm about to say is just my guess. I just mentioned it casually, and you just took it as a coincidence."

"What you're saying is clearly because the drinks at the pigeon shop are too strong and too delicious, and we've both had a bit too much to drink."

"Yes, yes." Sun Zhong nodded repeatedly, then lowered his voice:

"You know, the emperor stopped interfering in affairs seven years ago."

"I know. At first, the government said it was just a rumor, but it spread so widely that everyone started to believe it."

“It’s true.” Sun Zhong tore off a pigeon leg and started gnawing on it, lowering his voice:
"More than a decade ago, a great calamity struck the south of Daxing. Anfang City was suddenly hit by a torrential rain, and all the people in the city who were drenched by the rain were transformed into half-human, half-fish monsters."

"Although the area was eventually pacified, the city suffered heavy casualties, and His Majesty was troubled by it for a long time."

"He consulted with the Imperial Advisor about how to deal with the calamities that would occur in Daxing. As for what the Imperial Advisor told His Majesty, I really don't know. However, since then, His Majesty has entrusted the affairs of state to the Crown Prince and has lived a secluded life."

Lin Jiang listened with a puzzled look: "This doesn't sound like a secret."

From what I've heard so far, although I don't know what the emperor and the imperial advisor discussed, nothing seems amiss. The emperor is simply busy with more important matters; he can still be found if needed.

Sun Zhong slapped his thigh and sighed:

"Although His Majesty entrusted the matter to the eldest prince, he never fully relinquished power. For the first year or two, it was fine, but His Majesty dragged it out for nearly ten years. The eldest prince's faction kept bringing up the matter, but His Majesty did not listen and continued to delay."

"Seven years ago, His Majesty suddenly fell seriously ill. Rumors circulated in the court that it was the eldest prince who was responsible. The eldest prince argued against it but could not provide evidence, which led to dissatisfaction among most civil officials. The third prince took the opportunity to rise to power and gained the support of the Grand Secretaries."

"So, the eldest prince went to find the general?" Lin Jiang's expression was a little strange.

“Yes.” Sun Zhong nodded: “How could the Crown Prince accept the civil officials who used to fawn over him now flattering his younger brother? In a fit of anger, he went to the military generals, which led to the current situation in the court.”

Lin Jiang hesitated for a long time before finally saying:
"I don't understand."

What don't you understand?

“I don’t understand any of it.” Lin Jiang rubbed his head. “For some reason, it feels a bit like a joke. Is the change of stance really that sudden?” “Hey, Lin, you think the change of stance is fast because you haven’t checked the time. Although our conversation is short, this struggle has lasted for fifteen years. The civil officials didn’t change their minds overnight, and the military generals didn’t follow the First Prince overnight.”

Hearing Sun Zhong's words, Lin Jiang nodded reluctantly.

He truly didn't understand the infighting among officials in the capital, so he asked instead:
"So, His Majesty the Emperor is now seriously injured?"

"Seriously ill."

"Who did this?"

"It is widely rumored in the court and among the public that the eldest prince was responsible, but no one knows for sure whether it is true or not."

No wonder it turned out like this.

"Nowadays, the affairs of the court depend entirely on the mutual checks and balances between the two sides. Fortunately, His Majesty has a solid foundation from his early years, and the weather has been favorable in recent years, with no major disasters."

Sun Zhong poured himself a glass of wine and drank it all in one gulp, his face slightly flushed.
"The imperial court is now a rotten behemoth, riddled with problems inside and out. But it takes time for blood to flow from the heart to the limbs, and it will take a long time for this stagnation in the court to reach the local areas."

really?
Lin Jiang thought of Cangsong and Han Bai's situation. Although they appeared to be at peace, Liu Pang was not like a wise and virtuous official.

In this light, Daxing is like a horse-drawn carriage without a driver, its destination entirely dependent on the horse's will.

The road ahead is relatively flat, but what if we drive onto a narrow mountain road? Will the horse still be able to move properly without a driver?
Lin Jiang was unaware, and neither was Sun Zhong.

"Master Sun, will you be able to see the Emperor?" Lin Jiang suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Sun Zhong was taken aback: "What are you up to now, kid?"

"I have some methods that might be able to cure His Majesty."

Sun Zhong sighed:

"Xiao Lin, you're young and haven't been through politics, so you don't understand. This isn't a matter of whether you have a solution or not."

Lin Jiang looked completely bewildered.

"To put it this way, when His Majesty was first ill three years ago, anyone who claimed to have the ability and had someone verify it could try. Three years later, one needed a recommendation from the royalists to have a chance to meet the Emperor. Now, well..."

Sun Zhong swirled his wine glass, took a sip, and said with a wry smile, "Apart from those few, no one else can see the Emperor."

Lin Jiang pursed his lips.

He could roughly guess what these people were thinking.

The two princes are now fiercely fighting, and even if the old emperor were to rise again, the ministers involved in the struggle wouldn't really want him to.

The waters of the capital are too murky; simple things are made incredibly complicated.

“That’s just how people in the capital are.” Sun Zhong downed another cup of wine, then, realizing he’d talked too much today, waved his hand and said, “Let’s eat pigeon! This is none of our business.”

"Makes sense."

Lin Jiang tore off a pigeon leg and chewed on it; it was cold but still tasted alright. He couldn't concern himself with the matter at the moment, but he memorized every word. Being in Daxing, it was impossible to truly remain uninvolved.

After taking a couple of bites of pigeon, Lin Jiang also downed a sip of wine.

The wine at this shop is a bit cloudy.

……

Lin Jiang escorted the slightly tipsy Sun Zhong back to the Sun residence.

Upon arriving at the gate of the mansion, several servants hurriedly stepped forward to help Sun Zhong away.

Sun Zhong was indeed drunk, his legs felt unsteady, but he was still quite lucid.

“Old Lin, it’s been so long since you’ve come to see me,” Sun Zhong muttered, staring at Lin Jiang. “You’re always running off, you old geezer…”

...Maybe I really didn't drink too much.

The servants helped Sun Zhong into the mansion, and Lin Jiang also wanted to leave.

At this moment, Sun Xing strode over from the gate of the mansion.

Lin Jiang stopped and looked at the other person with a smile.

"Brother Lin, you're like my big brother!" Sun Xing grabbed Lin Jiang's wrist, his eyes shining, and his voice was excited: "Grandpa scolded my dad again yesterday, and sure enough, he's back!"

Lin Jiang's throat tightened, and his lips trembled slightly: "You're using this to determine whether your grandfather has returned or not?"

“This is the safest method,” Sun Xing scratched his head. “Others won’t notice, but I can, maybe because it’s my grandfather.”

"It's good that you're back." Lin Jiang glanced at the Sun residence and silently mourned for Sun Xing's father for a moment.

He declined Sun Xing's enthusiastic invitation and left alone.

Walking down the street, it was already late.

Lin Jiang still has matters to attend to.

Although it has been decided to take Lan Ke people to Qingniwa to open a village, it is not possible to set off in the next two days.

The lost ship will remain until tomorrow, which means Lin Jiang will have to use this time to find temporary accommodation for the Lan Ke people.

Going into the city would be too much of a fuss, so Lin Jiang planned to spend some money to rent a few houses in Chengnan Town for them to stay in for a few days.

However, this matter needs to be handled during the day, and if we rush to the town south of the city now, we probably won't be able to find anyone.

As for now...

He planned to go to the ghost market in the west of the city.

Lin Jiang decided to try his luck at touching the so-called "treasure trove".

Since I'm leaving anyway, I might as well give it a try.

If he happens to come across a coffin, he can return to the capital at any time.

(End of this chapter)