Tao Hua wondered if there might be a deeper connection between Shen Zaiyi and the Prince of Nan beyond mere friendship. Could Shen Zaiyi be from Wu? If so, how could the Emperor of Great Wei allow him to serve as Prime Minister? If not, why would he risk angering the Emperor by carrying the Hundred Springs Flower?
The handkerchief she saw on Shen Zaiyi was something only the inner household of the Prime Minister’s mansion would typically notice. The Prince of Nan’s handkerchief was also something the Prime Minister’s household wouldn’t normally see. Both were chance occurrences.
These two coincidences combined made Tao Hua feel she might have stumbled upon something others hadn’t noticed. Whether this discovery was good or bad remained uncertain.
With her mind in turmoil, Tao Hua shook her head vigorously.
Regardless of Shen Zaiyi’s true nature, it was clear he had a good relationship with the Prince of Nan. Based on the prince’s words and Shen Zaiyi’s earlier slip-up with Fengwu, it seemed Shen Zaiyi had intentionally used his retainer to control the wolves and disrupt the wedding, forcibly taking her from the Prince of Nan.
This formidable Prime Minister had snatched her away from the Prince of Nan using Prince Jing’s hand and then framed Prince Jing for the incident. Poor Prince Jing would believe he had truly captured the wrong person and feel guilty towards Shen Zaiyi.
It was indeed a clever scheme.
“Let’s head back,” Tao Hua said, having calmed herself. She started walking out with Qing Tai.
“My lady,” Qing Tai asked worriedly, “are you sure you’re alright? You’re supposed to go out tomorrow.”
“I’m fine, just trying to figure some things out. Please continue investigating for me,” Tao Hua replied. “Look into Prime Minister Shen’s background and whether he’s ever been to Wu.”
Qing Tai was surprised but agreed without asking further questions.
As Tao Hua returned to Zhengchun Pavilion, lost in thought, she saw a servant waiting at the entrance.
“Lady Jiang,” the servant greeted her, “I’m here to remind you that tomorrow at 7:30 AM, a carriage will be waiting at the side gate. Please be ready in time and don’t keep Prince Jing waiting.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare well,” Tao Hua smiled and nodded.
The servant bowed and quickly retreated. Tao Hua watched him leave for a moment before entering the courtyard.
Qing Tai had gone out on her errand, leaving only Huadeng to attend to Tao Hua. This maid was much livelier than Qing Tai. Seeing Tao Hua return, she smiled brightly, “My lady, I’ve prepared a new dress for you. Would you like to see if you like it?”
Tao Hua raised an eyebrow, looking at the luxurious brocade gown Huadeng presented. She smiled, “It’s beautiful. Was it just made?”
“Yes, I heard the Prime Minister had it specially rush-ordered for you. Over a dozen embroiderers worked through the night to finish this dress,” Huadeng said with a wink. “It seems the Prime Minister truly values you.”
“He does seem to,” Tao Hua nodded. “I should find a way to thank him properly.”
“Oh, the Prime Minister said he’d be coming over soon,” Huadeng added. “You can just wait here.”
Having just deceived the Prince of Nan, Tao Hua wasn’t surprised that Shen Zaiyi would want to touch base with her. She simply nodded and sat at her dressing table to prepare herself.
In the study, Shen Zaiyi was massaging his temples as he looked at the person before him. “Your Highness still doesn’t believe me?”
Mu Wuxia stood straight, his small frame rigid as he frowned. “It’s not that I don’t believe you, but I’ve noticed your recent actions. You told me before to stay out of court politics, so why are you using the Princess of Zhao’s mismarriage to have Father bestow more rewards on me?”
Prince Jing had made a mistake, angering the Emperor. However, considering Prince Jing’s talent and the Emperor’s long-standing favor towards him, he was only verbally reprimanded. The Emperor then compensated the Prince of Nan generously, even giving him a newly built prince’s mansion in the capital and allowing him to establish his household before marriage—a rare occurrence among the princes of Da Liang.
Shen Zaiyi chuckled lightly, “Your Highness thinks too highly of me. His Majesty’s rewards were his own decision, and Prince Jing personally requested them to show his remorse. How could I have any involvement in this?”
“The Princess of Zhao is a victim who doesn’t know many details, so she spoke well of you,” Mu Wuxia pressed his lips together. “But you couldn’t have been completely unaware of how this marriage was disrupted.”
“I truly didn’t know.”
“You…” the young prince stamped his foot in frustration. “You liar!”
Shen Zaiyi looked utterly innocent, his face full of hurt. “It pains me that Your Highness thinks of me this way. But weren’t you concerned about whether the Princess of Zhao was mistreated? You’ve seen for yourself that she’s not some chaste, virtuous woman, and she’s willing to stay in the Prime Minister’s mansion. Fortunately, such a woman didn’t marry you.”
Mu Wuxia paused, frowning as he considered this. His tone softened slightly, “Lady Jiang doesn’t seem like the kind of person you describe. Didn’t she try to hang herself yesterday?”
That was just a woman’s little trick, Shen Zaiyi scoffed inwardly but saw no need to explain further to the young prince.
“If you believe this princess is a good person, then I won’t mistreat her,” he said. “Your Highness can rest assured. If there’s nothing else, you should return home and continue your studies.”
Mu Wuxia pouted, saying discontentedly, “I hope you keep your word.”
Lady Jiang’s eyes were beautiful, like a boundless sea with the sun, moon, and stars within them. Even when she cried, it wasn’t pitifully weak but genuinely heartbreaking. Everything about a person could be fake, but not their eyes. So he believed this sister was a good person and hoped she could have a better life.
“Take care on your way, Your Highness,” Shen Zaiyi stood to see him out. “There might be some unrest outside in the coming days. Since you’ve just opened your new residence, focus on managing your household affairs and avoid going out too much.”
“I understand,” Mu Wuxia replied glumly, sighing before finally leaving with a flick of his sleeve.
Shen Zaiyi smiled as he watched the prince leave. Once Mu Wuxia had passed through the main gate, his expression darkened. “To Zhengchun Pavilion,” he ordered.
Jiang Tao Hua was quite interesting, having managed to bewitch the Prince of Nan into thinking well of her. This wasn’t what he had expected, and he always disliked things that exceeded his expectations.
Zhan Lu lowered his head as he led the way, sensing his master’s subtle agitation and anger. He couldn’t help but feel surprised.
It had been a long time since he’d seen his master so upset over a woman. This Lady Jiang was truly formidable.
The main door of Zhengchun Pavilion was open. As soon as Shen Zaiyi stepped in, he saw a figure in a shimmering blue brocade gown approach him.
“This concubine greets the lord,” Jiang Tao Hua said.
She wore alluring makeup, and as she bowed her head in greeting, her snow-white neck was revealed, its curves graceful and enticing.
Shen Zaiyi paused, looking down at her for a moment.
The last time he saw her, she had been dressed in a mature, austere manner. In the blink of an eye, she had transformed back into a bewitching beauty. How many faces did this woman have?
“Rise,” he said.
“Thank you, my lord,” Jiang Tao Hua raised her head, her eyes full of charm, her brows and eyes like a painting. She nestled softly against his side, taking his arm. “Knowing you were coming, I’ve prepared fragrant tea and snacks. Would you like to try them, my lord?”
“Very well,” Shen Zaiyi composed himself and sat down in the main room. He looked up at her with a smile, “You today remind me of a shadow from the past.”
They had known each other for less than three days; what “past” could he be referring to? The earliest would have to be that night at the Harmony and Dance.
Tao Hua’s face reddened. She gave him a coquettish glance and turned away shyly, inwardly cursing this shameless man.
“My lord, have some tea.”
Taking the teacup, Shen Zaiyi didn’t drink. He just watched her every move and said softly, “The seduction arts of Zhao truly live up to their reputation.”
Jiang Tao Hua froze for a moment, then smoothed her hair by her ear. “What do you mean by that, my lord?”
“Your every move is a seduction technique. Ordinary people wouldn’t notice, but they would be bewitched by you,” Shen Zaiyi said, turning his head to look at Zhan Lu standing beside him.
Zhan Lu had been standing nearby the whole time. By now, his gaze towards Tao Hua had become somewhat unfocused. Hearing his master’s words, his face reddened, and he quickly shook his head, pinching himself.
“This slave deserves death,” he said.
He had only glanced at her casually; how could he have…?
Tao Hua smiled, clasping her hands. “My lord thinks too much of it. The seduction arts of Zhao are merely superficial things. How could they bewitch one’s mind?”
“You’re too modest,” Shen Zaiyi smiled, placing the teacup on the table. He stood up and walked in front of her, saying softly, “Unfortunately, these things don’t work on me. You might as well save your effort.”
Tao Hua’s face stiffened, her mouth twitching as she adjusted her posture.
The inexplicable atmosphere of intimacy in the room disappeared, and everything seemed to become clear.
Zhan Lu frowned, inwardly feeling a sense of dread. Just moments ago, he had truly felt that Lady Jiang was breathtakingly beautiful, her every movement seemingly magnified in his mind, her every expression exquisite. If she had asked him to do anything at that moment, he would have complied without hesitation.
It was terrifying!
He had initially thought his master was overestimating this woman, but now it seemed he might have underestimated her. Not everyone had his master’s self-control. If this woman were to be used by others, she would be an enormous problem.
No wonder his master had made that decision.
“You’re a clever person,” Shen Zaiyi smiled. “Was your previous dullness just an act to fool me?”
Tao Hua looked very alarmed. “Was I dull before, my lord? Have I offended you?”
Shen Zaiyi narrowed his eyes, looking at her with slight displeasure. “I don’t like women who lie.”
But aren’t you a big liar yourself? Tao Hua inwardly rolled her eyes but outwardly maintained an innocent expression. She spoke timidly and fearfully, “My lord, could you please be clearer? I’ve never lied to you about anything. These seduction arts… they were taught by my master for self-protection. I’ve grown accustomed to using them…”
Is it because of habit? Shen Zaiyi gave her a deep, penetrating look.
But thinking it over, what kind of person she truly was no longer mattered. After all, everything would end tomorrow.
“Can you tell me what you discussed with the Prince of Nan today?” Shen Zaiyi asked in a low voice, lowering his gaze.
(End of Chapter)