Roaring Dragon-Chapter 111: I Hit Myself?!

"Li Gongpu?"

Princess Changning blinked, then chuckled lightly.

"Impossible."

"Why not?" Xie Jinhuan looked slightly puzzled.

Duoduo quietly scooted closer to Xie Jinhuan, helping him pick out dishes while explaining:

"Dark plants are typically placed to steal secrets or scheme from the shadows.

"Sure, Lord Li holds a high position, but he doesn’t actually wield much real power. His sole job is to keep the emperor entertained and relay imperial edicts. The people under him are all sycophantic petty officials.

"Calling him a demonic spy is less believable than calling you an undercover agent sent by the great demon clans."

"Hmm?"

Xie Jinhuan straightened up slightly and declared with righteous indignation:

"How could I possibly be a demon cult infiltrator? Are you saying I’m more suspicious than Li Gongpu?"

Princess Changning nodded solemnly:

"The first duty of a spy is to infiltrate a faction and gain trust.

"You have a heroic reputation, radiant righteousness, and impressive achievements. Whatever you do now, those in power won’t suspect you. For instance, if you asked about the state of military supplies, Father trusts you enough that he might actually tell you.

"But Li Gongpu? Anything he tries to do, the Censorate curses him first and asks questions later. If he just walks past the Ministry of War, the censors start wondering if he’s planning to misappropriate military funds to build another imperial garden. If he passes the Ministry of Personnel, they assume he’s pocketed more bribes to promote someone.

"If, by coincidence, someone happens to be promoted during that period—he’s finished. They’ll investigate everything three times over: performance reviews, bribery records, gift logs...

"How could Li Gongpu possibly collude with demonic cults under that kind of scrutiny?"

"..."

Xie Jinhuan thought about it carefully and realized she had a point. If Li Gongpu weren’t wholly focused on acting the fool and hoarding silver, he would’ve been torn to shreds by court officials long ago.

The only reason he was still alive was clearly because he hadn’t touched the emperor’s reverse scale—His Majesty wasn’t willing to get rid of him.

Princess Changning, also clearly displeased by the greedy and heartless Li family, thought for a moment and added:

"Father has always been upright. He’s long wanted to deal with the Lis and even discussed ways to punish Li Gongpu with his advisors."

"Oh?"

Xie Jinhuan perked up at this.

"What did they come up with?"

Princess Changning recalled slowly:

"His Highness the Crown Prince is the emperor’s only son. Diligent since youth, he carries the legacy of the founding emperor. Not only is he favored by His Majesty, but he’s also deeply respected by the court.

"The Crown Prince is a stabilizing force. Even if the emperor, swayed by Li Gongpu, engages in lavish projects, everyone knows there’ll eventually be a changing of the guard, so most ministers just turn a blind eye.

"But if Li Gongpu dares to corrupt the Crown Prince—to seduce him into indulgence and neglect—that crosses a line. The entire court would want him dead, and even His Majesty would wonder, ‘Does this old eunuch think I’m about to die?’

"To prevent the Crown Prince from being ruined, the emperor might not protect him then.

"My father’s original plan was to gather evidence of Li Gongpu leading the Crown Prince astray, then join the court in petitioning His Majesty to execute this clown.

"But Li Gongpu is extremely self-aware. He knows exactly how far to go—never makes major mistakes, only minor ones. When the Crown Prince’s procession approaches, he’ll duck away half a mile. There’s no handle to grab, so in the end, it all came to nothing."

The Crown Prince...

Xie Jinhuan felt like this might be the breakthrough. After thinking for a bit, he said:

"I heard His Majesty’s health isn’t good. Li Gongpu is basically a piggy bank—once the Crown Prince ascends, gutting him would earn thunderous applause from both officials and the people. It’d skyrocket his prestige. Li Gongpu is no fool—he must realize this, right? Why hasn’t he made preparations?"

Princess Changning shook her head:

"He definitely knows. But it’s still early.

"His Majesty was gravely wounded during the Jian’an Incident. Back then, he was near death. Fortunately, Uncle He fetched a miracle remedy from the Hidden Immortal Sect. It saved him, and though his health has been poor these past twenty years, it hasn’t seriously affected him.

"My father thinks His Majesty can rule until sixty without issue. Li Gongpu knows he has time—he won’t risk jumping ship too early.

"Besides..."

Here, a shadow passed over Princess Changning’s face. She lowered her voice:

"It’s not Li Gongpu who’s worried about the emperor’s health—it’s my father.

"My father and His Majesty are true brothers-in-arms. Even as an official in Dan Prefecture, he still walks on eggshells. His relationship with the Crown Prince, on the other hand, is just uncle and nephew, and they barely interact.

"Once the new emperor takes the throne, my father will have to resign immediately. Even retiring peacefully in Danyang will be a stretch—he’ll only be allowed that much because of my brother’s uselessness. If he had even a shred of talent, my father might already be a prince down in Lingnan."

Xie Jinhuan blinked. Turns out the heir isn’t entirely worthless after all.

Still, it wasn’t really his concern right now. His current priority was clear: revenge. Kill Li Gongpu.

Li Gongpu was nothing more than a loyal lapdog that brought emotional value to the emperor. Untouchable. He’d only die when the emperor died.

But the emperor wasn’t dying anytime soon. He couldn’t very well kill the emperor just to deal with Li Gongpu, could he?

To get rid of Li Gongpu without incurring suspicion, the only way was to make him fall out of favor—like catching him secretly grooming the Crown Prince as a backup plan.

As long as the emperor felt Li Gongpu couldn’t be kept around, killing him would be trivial. Dig up a few past transgressions, and that dog would be dead.

But Li Gongpu lacked the guts to corrupt the prince.

So how was he supposed to find proof?

Princess Changning noticed Xie Jinhuan furrowing his brow and staying stuck on Li Gongpu, so she asked:

"Do you really want to eliminate Li Gongpu that badly?"

Xie Jinhuan quickly snapped out of it and smiled.

"I just can’t stand fawning officials with no morals. Just a little gossip between friends."

She didn’t press further. After a few cups of wine, she pulled out a wad of silver notes from her sleeve:

"This is your share from last time at the Golden Tower. Even though the winnings were embezzled, I won’t short you what you earned."

Seeing his lovely landlady being so generous, Xie Jinhuan grinned.

"Your Highness is too kind—"

"Eh?"

Princess Changning suddenly drew the notes back with a sly gleam in her eye, looking him over.

"You’re just going to take the money like that?"

Duoduo lit up, poking at his chest.

"Yeah, Young Master Xie. A verbal ‘thanks’ doesn’t seem enough. How about something more... tangible?"

"?"

Xie Jinhuan knew it—rich ladies’ money never came free. You had to earn it.

He glanced at the mischievous Duoduo and asked:

"Got a sanxian?"

"Yes!"

Duoduo darted off and came back holding her three-stringed lute.

"What song are you playing?"

"A Buddhist tune. You’ve probably never heard it."

Princess Changning blinked in surprise.

"You know Buddhist music?"

"I know a little of everything."

Xie Jinhuan hugged the sanxian and, after recalling the melody, began:

“Dang dang~ dang dang dang dang~ dang dang dang dang...”

The tune was lively, rhythmic, and cheerful enough to make Meiqiu nod along and start dancing on the table.

Duoduo blinked, then frowned, arms crossed.

"Wait... this tune feels a bit flirty. Is this really Buddhist?"

Princess Changning agreed, teasing:

"Is it from the Joyful Buddha sect?"

"This song evokes ‘returning to bliss, entering the Pure Land.’ There’s even a butterfly-step segment. I’ll teach you the dance."

Xie Jinhuan wasn’t content with just strumming—he stood up and began instructing:

"One foot forward, one back, pivot on your toe—open, close... Don’t be shy, fast movements. That’s it, follow my lead!"

Duoduo, both alluring and skilled, ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ picked it up quickly.

Princess Changning, realizing Meiqiu wasn’t dancing wildly but actually performing steps, stood up and joined in.

Even the ghost wife wasn’t about to miss out—she appeared and joined the group.

"Yes, yes! Hands up, spin—be bold, chest out—"

Xie Jinhuan performed and instructed at the same time, thoroughly enjoying the sight of three ladies dancing with vibrant energy.

Though, honestly, the landlady and Duoduo’s tight robes weren’t really made for such energetic movement—it was like a rolling storm, enough to make your eyes spin.

Especially the landlady—her curves were outrageously lively. He was genuinely afraid something might bounce out.

The ghost wife, perhaps noticing his gaze lingered on the landlady, had her red skirt transform into sheer flowing robes.

It looked like a nightgown. You couldn’t see everything, but you knew everything was bare underneath.

Absolutely divine.

Princess Changning, still diligently learning, noticed his gaze shift toward an empty space and narrowed pupils. She turned and asked:

"What are you staring at?"

"Uh... nothing. Just thought of something happy. Carry on. You’re doing great, Your Highness. Duoduo, loosen up a little—"

"Any looser and everything’s going to shake out. Young Master Xie, is that what you want?"

"Of course not..."

"Then let me give you a peek—"

"Hey hey hey—"

—

Half an hour later.

Xie Jinhuan, having pleased the landlady and Duoduo, decided that charming ladies for money was still faster than any swordplay.

He returned alone to his place, but before entering, he peeked into Mo Mo’s room.

She’d stayed up all night yesterday and was clearly exhausted—he could hear steady breathing from inside.

He didn’t want to disturb her and turned back to his room.

Ye Hongshang, having just participated in the chaos, now sat on the grand chair, fanning herself, pretending to be exhausted.

"What now? Scheming again?"

Xie Jinhuan poured himself tea and considered:

"The Qian Emperor’s health is weak. Once the Crown Prince ascends, Li Gongpu will be the first to be slaughtered—he’s gotta be anxious.

"I was thinking, after a few rounds of drinks at the palace banquet, we make him fall under a spell—‘see’ signs that the Emperor is on his deathbed.

"If he thinks His Majesty is dying, he’ll start scheming in panic. I’ll be watching. Once he tries to corrupt the Crown Prince, we leak it to the Emperor. Then we expose his corruption and bribery through Dan Prince.

"That should be enough to destroy the bastard."

Ye Hongshang nodded approvingly.

"Solid plan. Let’s go with that."

Xie Jinhuan hesitated.

"But I can’t bring the sword into the palace. And won’t someone like Cao Fo’er see through the illusion?"

Ye Hongshang shook her head, eyes full of pride.

"When I make a move, only the target notices. No one else will detect a thing.

"And who said I have to stay in the sword? I can possess you. As long as I don’t show myself, no one will find me."

Xie Jinhuan looked dubious.

"Possess me? How?"

She said nothing. Their eyes met—and the ‘login process’ began.

"Don’t resist. I’m coming in~"

"Uhh... be gentle."

He quipped, staring into her demonic, alluring eyes.

A wave of dizziness struck. His consciousness blurred.

When he came to, the stunning luxury vehicle was gone. He sat alone in his room.

"Eh?"

He looked around. Nothing seemed off. He called out:

"Master... I’m a lech—wait?!"

His mouth wasn’t under his control.

Then his limbs moved by themselves, and he walked with exaggerated grace.

Realizing he was truly possessed, his scalp went numb.

"No no no! Anyone could tell something’s wrong! Cancel the spell!"

"Just teasing. You’ll be in control during the banquet. I’ll just watch quietly."

He heard her voice in his ear but saw no sign of her.

He was about to ask more when suddenly, his body moved again, walking to the bed, and started undoing his belt.

Rustle rustle—

?!

Xie Jinhuan stared at his own hands in alarm.

"What are you doing?"

"You’ve been exhausted for days. Time to enjoy yourself. Let Lady Left Hand help you relax." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Ah?"

He blinked.

So... the ghost wife possessed me... and is using my own hand...

Isn’t that just me hitting myself?!

"Hey hey, no need! I’m not tired! I need to change clothes—get out!"

"Call me Master."

"What? What kinda kink—? I wield the Zhenglun Sword, not a perv’s—okay okay! Master!"

"Hmph~ much better."

...

His unruly left hand finally stopped.

Xie Jinhuan sighed in relief.

Yeah... possession is best kept to a minimum.