Du Wei was originally Duke Dingguo’s man, skilled in tracking and espionage. When Duke Dingguo was in Fujian, Du Wei served as his eyes and ears in the capital.
By the time the first spring rain fell in the capital, Du Wei’s intelligence report had already landed on Song Mo’s desk.
Song Mo leaned against the window frame, gazing at the rain falling like threads from the eaves, his mind in turmoil.
Dou Zhao still found it hard to believe.
Sitting in a high-backed chair by the window, holding a teacup, she mumbled, “How is this possible?”
Song Mo turned around, his tall, straight figure leaning against the window frame. He gave her a bitter smile and said, “I don’t want it to be her either.” His voice gradually lowered as he continued, “I still remember when I was young, accompanying Mother to the palace. It was very hot, and there were no trees in the palace. I stood under the eaves, my clothes soaked with sweat. Mother was so worried, fearing I’d get heatstroke.
It was she who had the palace maids bring me a bowl of iced mung bean soup and had them take me to change clothes. Those clothes even belonged to Prince Liao… She and Mother were close friends. When the Emperor favored Consort Wang, not attending morning court for several days, she was very angry. After the grand ceremony, she kept Mother behind to speak privately… Yesterday’s events seem so vivid, yet things have taken such a drastic turn, as if all that came before was just a joke…”
His lowered eyelids revealed a hint of melancholy.
Dou Zhao’s heart ached. She stepped forward and embraced Song Mo’s waist.
Song Mo stroked her dark hair, saying softly, “I’m alright… It feels better to say it out loud.”
Dou Zhao nodded and asked, “Can I see Du Wei’s report?”
Song Mo handed Du Wei’s report to Dou Zhao.
Before Song Mo was impeached by the censor, the Empress’s eunuch had visited Mu Chuan’s mansion several times; Mu Chuan’s advisor had met with the censor who impeached Song Mo a few times; who Prince Liao had sent to Fujian years ago, and how many times they had met with Duke Dingguo… Everything was investigated thoroughly.
If anyone claimed this matter had nothing to do with Prince Liao and the Empress, no one would believe it!
But Dou Zhao believed even more firmly that Song Mo was not someone who would mistake an enemy for a friend or assist a tyrant to do evil.
She said, “Should we investigate further?”
Song Mo shook his head and replied, “Du Wei can track others’ movements, but if we want to know what the Empress and Emperor said, not even the Jinyiwei could find out. I’ve invited Wang Yuan for dinner. After I meet with him, things will become clear. I also want to know if this matter truly involves the Empress!”
Dou Zhao sighed softly.
On a rainy spring day, night fell particularly early.
Servants holding lanterns braved the rain to escort Song Mo to his carriage.
Wang Yuan had finally managed to leave the palace for a day. Having no interest in socializing, he invited Song Mo to drink in his courtyard.
When Song Mo arrived, the wine was already warmed, and the maid pouring it had bright eyes and white teeth, like a spring breeze on a moonlit night.
“Lord Wang has good taste,” Song Mo praised with a smile as he and Wang Yuan took their seats as host and guest.
Every plant and stone in Wang Yuan’s residence was carefully designed and chosen by him, but due to his position, few people ever came. It was like wearing brocade at night – a waste that pained Wang Yuan’s heart whenever he thought about it.
Song Mo’s words hit just the right spot.
Raising his wine cup, Wang Yuan began to boast about his residence.
Song Mo listened with a smile, occasionally asking questions, further fueling Wang Yuan’s enthusiasm.
The meal continued with lively conversation until it was almost the hour of the Pig (9-11 PM).
Wang Yuan waved his hand, and the pretty maids quietly withdrew with the wine. The previously bustling flower hall was now filled with silence and a table of cold leftovers.
“Young Master Song, I suspect you didn’t come just to share a drink with me?” He smiled at Song Mo, his eyes revealing a hint of cunning. “You and I have known each other for quite some time. If you have something to ask, there’s no need to beat around the bush. As long as it’s within my power, I’ll do my utmost to help you, even if it means giving my all!”
Song Mo chuckled and said, “Giving your all? You flatter me too much. But indeed, I do have a small favor to ask of you.” His smile faded, and his gaze sharpened. “I know you’ve always served by the Emperor’s side. I just want to know, after my uncle’s incident, what did the Empress say to the Emperor?”
Wang Yuan was inwardly shocked. But years of serving the Emperor had trained him to keep his emotions hidden.
He smiled at Song Mo and said, “Young Master, you’re overstepping. How could we servants gossip about our masters? That’s a matter of losing one’s head! I’m afraid I can’t help you with this.”
Song Mo gave a self-deprecating smile and said, “I suppose this is what they call a desperate measure! Lord Wang oversees the Jinyiwei, and Shi Chuan of the Jinyiwei is close to Prince Liao. How could you possibly tell me anything about the Empress?” He raised his nearly empty wine cup to Wang Yuan, drained it, and continued as if talking to himself, “First, they plotted against my uncle, and now they’ve had Minister Mu’s people impeach me… I don’t know how I’ve offended the Empress. She could simply strip me of my position. Why play these games? Even a cornered rabbit will bite back. How can the Empress be so sure I’ll meekly accept my fate?”
Wang Yuan felt his hair stand on end as he listened.
A prince forming connections with court officials was a major taboo!
Although he oversaw the Jinyiwei, its commander Shi Chuan was also the Emperor’s confidant. Wang Yuan’s main focus was on serving the Emperor. If Shi Chuan and Prince Liao were associating and intentionally keeping it from him, how would he know?
But would the Emperor believe that?
What was Song Yantang trying to do?
Threaten him?
Or was he hoping Wang Yuan would pass a message to the Empress to back down?
Wang Yuan stared intently at Song Mo.
Song Mo’s expression remained calm, showing no signs of pleading.
Wang Yuan couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
You still think you’re a prince, that the Emperor would turn against the Empress for you!
Wait a moment!
Wang Yuan’s mind raced.
What did Song Yantang mean?
The Empress was plotting against him?
One was the ruler, the other a subject. If the ruler wanted a subject dead, the subject had no choice but to die.
If the Empress wanted to deal with Song Yantang, it would take just one word. Why go through all this secret plotting?
Song Yantang was not an easy person to deal with. Why was he telling Wang Yuan about this? What was his intention?
What had happened between the Empress and Song Yantang?
And Prince Liao… Song Yantang mentioned Shi Chuan’s private association with Prince Liao. Was he hinting at something?
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Wang Yuan’s face paled.
He remembered how the Emperor had spent a long time reading Prince Liao’s greetings memorial that day, then sighed and went to see the Crown Prince’s son.
Beads of sweat formed on Wang Yuan’s forehead.
Song Mo, seeing that he had sown enough doubt, stood up with a smile and said, “I’ve troubled you today, Lord Wang. Shi Chuan has been giving my brother-in-law a hard time lately. I’m afraid if Shi Chuan and I come to blows, it might put you in a difficult position. I wanted to give you a heads up.” He laughed heartily, his expression light. “If it escalates to the Emperor, please put in a good word for me!”
Come to blows…
Wang Yuan’s face darkened.
Duke Ying’s household might maintain a facade of peace, but they couldn’t fool him, the overseer of the Jinyiwei.
What burglar? Those guards were killed by him! Not only did he kill them, but he also neatly arranged the bodies in the middle of the courtyard, waiting for Duke Ying’s return.
Was this something an ordinary person would do?
Damn it!
He looked so proper and refined, and after spending time with him, Wang Yuan had almost forgotten about that incident.
Regrettably, he knew nothing about it at the time, and when the Emperor asked, he had been deceived. Later, when he learned the truth, he didn’t dare to tell the Emperor. He had watched helplessly as Song Mo brought down a third-rank civil official and a third-rank military official.
Thinking of this, Wang Yuan felt uneasy.
Song Mo always planned carefully before acting. What was his intention in doing this?
Wang Yuan barely slept that night.
When he returned to the palace, there were dark circles under his eyes.
The Emperor teased him: “What were you up to last night? Don’t tell me you were hiding a beauty in a golden chamber?”
Wang Gang, who was assisting the Emperor with his grooming, led the laughter.
Wang Yuan quickly knelt with a fawning expression and said, “Your Majesty knows what kind of person I am. Even if I had the desire, I wouldn’t dare!”
“Get up!” The Emperor laughed and kicked him lightly. “Let Wang Gang attend to me in the study today. You go catch up on some sleep!” With that, he strode out of the side hall.
Wang Gang and the others hurriedly followed.
Wang Yuan was left alone, kneeling in the vast side hall.
He slowly got up and stood on the steps, staring blankly at the Emperor’s receding figure.
A young eunuch was peeking around the corner.
Wang Yuan frowned.
Immediately, a small eunuch went to grab the young one.
To Wang Yuan’s surprise, it was someone from the Empress’s palace.
He said gently, “What are you doing? Fortunately, the Emperor isn’t here, or you’d certainly be in for a beating.”
The young eunuch begged for mercy repeatedly.
Wang Yuan then asked, “What did you come here for?”
The young eunuch replied, “This servant was just passing by.”
Wang Yuan gave an “Oh” and had the young eunuch released.
The young eunuch ran away as fast as he could towards the palace exit.
Wang Yuan’s face darkened. He instructed those around him, “See what he’s up to!”
Soon, a small eunuch respectfully reported back: “The Empress sent him to find Junior Supervisor Wang.”
Junior Supervisor Wang referred to Wang Gang.
Wang Yuan’s expression grew even more gloomy.
How could he have forgotten? In the Qianqing Palace, there was still Wang Gang!
Wang Yuan walked slowly with his hands behind his back to the side rooms behind the Qianqing Palace.
Dou Zhao asked doubtfully, “Will Wang Yuan talk if you do this?”
“He’s most suspicious by nature. Even if he doesn’t say anything, it will plant a thorn in his heart,” Song Mo said calmly. “He has served the Emperor for years and knows His Majesty’s health better than anyone. When the Emperor passes, it will give him a choice about his future.”
In his previous life, Wang Yuan had remained by Empress Wan’s side.
This also showed that Wang Yuan was not a person content with following rules. Otherwise, he could have simply stayed out of everything and gone to guard the Emperor’s tomb after his death.
Zhao Liangbi returned from Huguang.
He could barely contain his joy: “In Huguang, they’re growing Champa rice, with two harvests a year. It has replaced Jiangnan as the land of fish and rice. Uncle helped buy nine estates of various sizes, the largest being six thousand mu and the smallest two thousand mu. When the time comes, just our family’s estates will be enough to supply our rice shops, without needing to buy rice from Jiangxi and other places.” He also informed Dou Zhao that Zhao Zhangru had given birth to a healthy baby boy weighing eight jin.
These were just a drop in the ocean of Dou Zhao’s businesses, but she was more delighted about Zhao Zhangru giving birth.
She instructed Zhao Liangbi: “You weren’t home for the New Year, and Suxin was very worried. Go home and rest for now, we can discuss these matters in a couple of days.” She added, “Look, my cousin-in-law has become a mother, and you two still haven’t had any news.”
Zhao Liangbi withdrew bashfully.