Qin Shuying said, “I believe this matter should be a joint effort between Madam Liang and Concubine Kang.”
“Oh? How can you tell? You must know that the whole world knows she has close ties with Consort De in the past. The征西大将军府 (Zhengxi General’s Mansion) has already intentionally or unintentionally become part of the Fifth Prince’s faction.”
This meant that since Luo Meixiang was on good terms with Consort De, and Consort De was at odds with Concubine Kang, how could Luo Meixiang possibly join forces with Princess Fu’an?
“What you say is correct, Young Master. Although I’ve only met Madam Liang a few times, I can see that she is extremely arrogant and has an ambition to control everything in her own hands. I think she can use any matter and any person to achieve her goals. All three princes have reached marriageable age. Do you have any guesses about the candidate for the Fifth Prince’s consort?”
Liang Zhe smiled mockingly, “Who doesn’t know that the Fifth Prince’s consort will definitely be my dear sister, Liang Qiong.”
“Then, do you think Madam Liang would be willing?”
Liang Zhe’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint flashing momentarily.
“Or rather, who do you think will ultimately gain control of the realm?”
“Of course it’s the Crown Prince!”
Qin Shuying shook her head, “Young Master, you think this way, but many people don’t think the same. Otherwise…”
Otherwise, how could the Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince in the palace be so brazen now? And the Sixth Prince is also preparing to make his move?
“Seventh Miss Qin, what are your thoughts?”
Qin Shuying smiled gently and said, “Young Master, in these past two years, His Majesty has intentionally cultivated the three princes. Each of their abilities should not be underestimated. Combined with the deep backgrounds of Consort De’s and Concubine Kang’s maternal families, in just two years, their ambitions have been nurtured. I dare not speculate on the Sacred Will, but the behavior of Consort De and Concubine Kang can be traced.”
Liang Zhe said, “I don’t care what they do. They’re just jumping clowns, nothing to fear. Since you are my ally, you should stand on the same side as me.”
“That is inevitable.”
Liang Zhe was silent for a moment, then said, “Then you should know that the Fourth Prince and I are as close as brothers.”
Qin Shuying was suddenly startled. What did this mean?
Did it mean that the Fourth Prince was also a contender for the imperial throne?
But although the Fourth Prince had prestige in the military and still held command of one hundred thousand troops after returning to the capital, he had no foundation in the capital. The imperial throne couldn’t be secured with military power alone.
Knowing she had misunderstood, Liang Zhe explained, “His Highness the Fourth Prince follows only His Highness the Crown Prince’s lead. His Highness the Crown Prince is wise and intelligent, cares for the world, and has a generous and benevolent heart, worthy of respect.”
This was a complete declaration of his stance.
This was laying his cards on the table before her.
This was complete trust in her.
Anyone could figure out with their toes that Liang Zhe couldn’t possibly be part of the Fifth Prince’s faction. Consort De and Luo Meixiang were so close, and Luo Meixiang dared to openly harm Liang Zhen—wasn’t it because she relied on Consort De’s backing?
This was good. She herself intended to seek revenge against the Fifth Prince for Ziteng, so how could she possibly support him?
“Young Master, the realm is undecided, and the forces in the palace are intricate and complex. Empress Wen cannot possibly ally with any of Consort De, Concubine Lian, or Concubine Kang. If she were to ally, she would have done so already. But the three consorts might ally to deal with the Empress. So Consort De and Concubine Kang might form an alliance for mutual benefit, and they might also turn against each other for benefit. It’s not surprising that Madam Liang and Princess Fu’an joined forces to trap you at Guangbin Tower. In the future, they will also ally with former enemies at any time for the sake of profit.”
How could Liang Zhe not understand this principle?
“Why do you say Luo Meixiang is unwilling to marry Liang Qiong to the Fifth Prince?”
“From my observation, Madam Liang only wants to marry her daughter to the future emperor. If the Fifth Prince cannot ascend to that lofty position, I’m afraid she would abandon Consort De as well.”
“That’s not up to her. Consort De is not so easily fooled.”
Qin Shuying smiled, “Indeed! In the second half of the year, the princes will be selecting their consorts!”
Luo Meixiang could manipulate Liang Zhe’s marriage, but when the time came, as the eldest sister-in-law, Qin Shuying would have many opportunities to give Liang Qiong quite a shock.
This was the benefit of Liang Zhe gaining a capable assistant. Not only could she ruin Luo Meixiang’s plans, but she could also bring him support.
To drive a wedge between Consort De and Luo Meixiang, there were too many loopholes to exploit, provided she could meet these two people.
If she became Liang Zhe’s wife, this wouldn’t be difficult.
Come to think of it, Luo Meixiang must be quite anxious. Wanting her daughter to become empress, the Crown Prince’s faction already had no chance—the Crown Princess was already chosen, and the eldest grandson’s consort was also selected. To betroth Liang Qiong to the Fifth Prince, she herself probably couldn’t be certain whether the Fifth Prince would ultimately be victorious.
Qin Shuying briefly explained her calculations and plans. Liang Zhe suddenly smiled, “Seventh Miss Qin is so clever, truly admirable.”
Qin Shuying was startled. Were her calculations really too numerous?
She inevitably felt somewhat dejected. Nowadays, aside from scheming and more scheming, she seemed to know nothing else.
But she had no regrets.
She stood up, bowed, and expressed her intentions: “Young Master, rest assured, I may scheme against anyone, but I will not scheme against you.”
Once their respective wishes were fulfilled, she would flee far away. The world was vast; there would surely be a place for her to settle and make a living.
Liang Zhe looked at her deeply, “Since I chose you, I trust you.”
Qin Shuying had a question in her heart she wanted to ask him, but ultimately chose silence.
…
At the Liu family residence in the capital.
Although it couldn’t compare to the spaciousness of the Liu family estate in Huzhou, this residence was also quite exquisite, with clear divisions between inner and outer quarters, always maintained in perfect order. The Liu family lived there comfortably, and when Liu Junqing married and took concubines and had children in the future, there would be plenty of room.
Liu Junqing sat by the window, gazing at the upright bamboo outside, somewhat lost in thought.
Today’s events were too sudden.
These past few days, his mother and sister had been whispering privately. He knew they had another plan, and it was targeting Qin Shuying. He didn’t stop them.
What Qin Shuying said at Guangbin Tower had made him very uncomfortable—praising Liang Zhe like that in front of him, did she have any regard for him at all?
If this was a strategy of suppressing first to promote later, she had achieved her goal. He now indeed often found himself paying attention to her.
What more did she want?
So, knowing his mother and sister had a plan, he didn’t expose it, much less stop it.
This morning, just as his sister left the house, he followed right behind. He wanted to see what gave Qin Shuying such confidence.
Having his mother and sister teach her a lesson would be good. Although he appreciated her intelligence and composure, he didn’t like her arrogance and presumptuous behavior.
These inner courtyard matters were inconvenient for him to intervene in, but he ultimately wanted to personally witness Qin Shuying’s embarrassment. It seemed only this way could those inexplicable emotions be somewhat relieved.
He was a figure like an exiled immortal; he didn’t want to scold Qin Shuying, nor did he want to say too much to her.
Who would have known that as soon as Liu Junqing entered the theater, a young maidservant approached and said, “Young Master Liu, our young miss is waiting for you in the second private room of the 地 (Di) section.”