Chapter 20: Li Jinglong

“Hiss~~~”

Zhu Biao’s analysis made Zhu Yuanzhang gasp: “There really is such a possibility. Sister, you experienced it yourself—what do you think?”

Empress Ma nodded. “I thought the same. This could explain why Chen Lin kept begging to die.”

“Perhaps death is the only way to bridge the future and the present...” Zhu Biao suggested.

“But why did Chen Lin insist on using Father’s hand to kill himself? What’s behind that?” Zhu Biao asked.

That question was much harder to answer.

The three of them sat together for a long time, trying to figure it out, but no conclusion came.

“No matter what, we mustn’t lightly kill Chen Lin again. I’m afraid there’s some kind of conspiracy here,” Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Biao nodded. “Father is right. Unless absolutely necessary, we can’t strike again. If we kill him and he’s gone for good, that would be a loss for the Ming. Look at the things he brought back this time—clearly not ordinary.”

Empress Ma said, “But if he doesn’t return to the future, how will he keep bringing us the good things from there?”

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the table. “It depends on the situation. I’m sure Chen Lin won’t give up; he’ll definitely cause more trouble.”

“Biao’er, later you’ll issue an order to Mao Xiang—have the Embroidered Uniform Guard monitor Chen Lin nonstop for twelve hours. If anything unusual happens, stop it immediately.”

“Your son will obey.”

Empress Ma added, “But don’t go too far. After all, he’s our lifesaver. At least for now, he means no harm to the Ming. Treat him well if possible...”

The next morning, well into daylight, Chen Lin slowly woke under Chen Xiaolan’s care.

Stretching lazily, he looked down and said, “Quiet, shut up! Young master’s going to relieve himself first.”

Chen Xiaolan finally stopped fussing and helped her young master get up and wash.

Breakfast was osmanthus cakes sent by the pastry shop owner the day before. After a quick bite, the two set off again—this time to the residence of Duke Cao.

Jurong County was about a hundred miles from the capital. In the afternoon, their carriage reached the gates of Duke Cao’s mansion.

“Master, we don’t have an invitation or any formal letter. I’m afraid we won’t be let in,” Chen Xiaolan warned.

Chen Lin was confident. “Who needs invitations? Watch me.”

“Don’t follow me, just wait here.”

With that, Chen Lin got off the carriage and strode directly to the mansion gates, planted his feet firmly, and took a deep breath.

“Help! Duke Cao Li Wenzhong is rebelling!!”

“Come see! Come see! Li Wenzhong, unhappy with His Majesty stripping him of military power, is colluding with Li Shanchang, Zhu Liangzu, and others to rebel!!”

With that shout, passersby on the street gathered, pointing and whispering outside the mansion.

Inside, the gatekeepers heard the commotion and nearly soiled themselves. They hurried to call for reinforcements and opened the gates to detain the foul-mouthed man.

“How dare you slander Duke Cao and Lord Han, founding heroes of the state, in public! Seize him!”

Chen Lin was soon apprehended, thus entering the mansion with ease.

Chen Xiaolan hid nearby, wide-eyed and covering her mouth, watching her young master being taken away with a worried expression.

Inside the mansion, a young noble was drawn by the noise to the outer courtyard.

“What’s going on? Who is this man?”

This was Li Jinglong, eldest son of Li Wenzhong and the Ming dynasty’s first generation War God.

The gatekeeper bowed quickly. “Young lord, this man was spreading rumors that the lord is rebelling. We detained him and await your orders.”

“What? Rebellion!?”

“Then why bring him inside? Just send him to the authorities. Once inside, it’s like soiling your pants with mud—it’s worse than dirt.”

The gatekeeper realized his mistake. “Ah, we didn’t think of that. I’ll send him to the magistrate immediately.”

Li Jinglong stopped him. “Since he’s here, let’s hear him out first.”

He looked at the man spreading the rumors—Chen Lin.

“Who are you? Why slander Duke Cao’s household?”

“Your father’s dying!” Chen Lin said bluntly.

“Your father’s dying? Damn it! Shut up, slap his mouth!”

“I can cure your father’s illness; otherwise, he won’t survive this year.”

Li Jinglong was stunned. “Release him. Let him explain.”

Chen Lin rubbed his shoulder, bruised from being roughly handled by the guards, then said, “Have you heard about the Crown Prince’s critical illness?”

Li Jinglong frowned but nodded. “What does that have to do with your slandering Duke Cao’s household?”

“I cured him.”

“You cured him?”

“No, wait, the Crown Prince is well now? How come I don’t know?”

Chen Lin looked confident. “If you don’t believe me, send someone to the palace to ask.”

Li Jinglong frowned. “The palace is easy enough to enter for anyone.”

Chen Lin shrugged. “Then there’s no way. Kill me if you want.”

So bold?

Li Jinglong was surprised. What was this man’s intention?

Wait, he said he could cure his father.

“You said you can cure my father’s illness. How can you prove it?”

“I can’t prove it. You don’t have to believe me. But this is your father’s last chance. Without me, Duke Cao will surely die.”

Li Jinglong hesitated.

“Take him inside. I’ll go to the palace myself.”

At that moment, Mao Xiang and his men rushed in.

“Oh, my Chen Immortal Doctor! It’s only been a day, and you’ve caused such a commotion. If I hadn’t just happened to pass by, this could have gotten out of hand.”

“Chen Immortal Doctor?!”

Li Jinglong looked suspicious. “Commander Mao knows this person?”

Mao Xiang bowed hastily. “Greetings, young lord. It’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. Please release Chen Immortal Doctor at once.”

“But he just accused Duke Cao of rebellion—a false charge of treason. I can’t obey without clarification.”

Mao Xiang explained quickly, “He even dared to insult His Majesty. Falsely accusing Duke Cao is a minor offense.”

Li Jinglong was shocked. “He insulted His Majesty!?”

“Not just insulted—he even attempted to assassinate His Majesty. But look, he’s still unharmed. Want to know why?”

Li Jinglong looked bewildered. “Why?”

“Because he’s the noble who cured the Crown Prince and the Empress!”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. I saw it with my own eyes.”

Li Jinglong promptly dismissed the servants and respectfully bowed ninety degrees to Chen Lin.

“I didn’t know your status earlier. I apologize. Please, Immortal Doctor, save my father.”

Chen Lin chuckled. “So you’re not going to press charges for my slander?”

“Well...” Mao Xiang quickly mediated, “Chen Immortal Doctor, young lord is the emperor’s most beloved great-nephew. We’re all family here; no need for jokes.”

“Fine, since we’re family, I’ll be straightforward.”

“Li Jinglong.”

“Yes?”

“Give me Duke Cao’s lands in Jurong County, and I’ll cure your father.”