With Song Wan’s guidance, combined with intelligence gathered from various sources by the Dong Chang, Shen Qianyu could be said to have been like a dragon in water or a tiger with wings these past few days at court.

The methods of women in the inner quarters differed from those of the Dong Chang. They favored a more tactful, gentle, and gradual approach.

Though he had Wan Xiao by his side and could wield the Dong Chang as a weapon, having Dong Chang agents intimidate, bribe, or raid homes was one thing, but using them to win over court officials would only backfire.

Now he could lower himself and was skilled at acting. Today at morning court he might support an elderly official of low rank, while tomorrow after court he’d casually send someone’s household a pastry they’d mentioned in passing.

Moreover, the officials Shen Qianyu actively befriended were never the renowned and powerful ministers, but mostly fourth or fifth rank officials, or even those of lower position.

Even when encountering eunuchs responsible for tea and refreshments in the waiting rooms during court sessions, he maintained a warm and tolerant demeanor.

Wan Xiao had once personally witnessed him give his hand warmer to a low-ranking young eunuch. When that young eunuch looked upon Shen Qianyu in his crown prince ceremonial robes, his expression was as devout as if seeing a deity descending to earth.

In the Eastern Palace, Wan Xiao gazed at Shen Qianyu who increasingly possessed the imposing bearing of an emperor, and praised sincerely, “Your Highness’s skill at putting on an act grows ever more refined.”

Shen Qianyu let out a scornful laugh. “What would you understand?”

Song Wan had taught him that a gentleman maintains harmony without following the crowd—truly marvelous indeed.

Wan Xiao pressed his lips together, thinking to himself that he understood his master less and less these days.

Unwilling to receive another baffling reprimand, Wan Xiao asked, “Why doesn’t Master directly win over those high ministers?”

“What would I win them over for?”

Shen Qianyu’s eyes revealed smugness. “They’re accustomed to being flattered daily. The more I regard them highly now, the more they’ll think I need their support, and thus I lose the initiative and fall into an inferior position.”

“Moreover, what they can accomplish is limited—don’t most matters still get handed down to their subordinates to handle?”

“Now that I’ve bypassed these creatures and made those who truly handle affairs work directly for me, isn’t that better?”

“Furthermore…”

Shen Qianyu snorted coldly. “The more I ignore them, the more anxious they’ll become. When the Crown Prince’s virtuous reputation is known throughout the realm, they’ll have to come fawning over me instead.”

This shared a striking similarity with what Song Wan had said about how to play the game and which game to play.

Toying with the jade safety pendant in his hand, Shen Qianyu’s expression appeared pleasant though his heart felt inexplicably restless.

“Speaking of which, you’re idle today? What brings you to the Eastern Palace?”

Wan Xiao’s eyelid twitched, knowing another rebuke was coming.

“This subordinate came to inform Your Highness that Consort Yun has made her move.”

Shen Qianyu waved his hand. “This is precisely what I’ve been waiting for.”

His fingertips curved slightly as he flicked the safety pendant into its case, stood up, and strode out with great strides.

The Eastern Palace Crown Prince arriving personally without sending a visiting card first left Song Lan’an somewhat puzzled. It wasn’t that he couldn’t see through the tricks Shen Qianyu was playing at court, but he had to admit the Crown Prince wielded the strategy of playing hard to get with divine skill.

That day when he publicly performed the ceremonial bow to him, afterward he had repeatedly refused the invitations Song Lan’an sent through Song Fu. Now, just as he was preparing to apply pressure on the Crown Prince, this person came swaggering straight to his door.

Song Lan’an sat in his study, thought for a moment, then laughed with a snort. “He’s quite a character.”

After speaking, he had the household servants summon Song Fu back, while he himself went out to receive the guest.

“This subject greets Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Minister Song need not be so formal.”

Shen Qianyu, wearing plain-colored scholar’s robes, was all smiles as he helped Song Lan’an to his feet.

In his left hand he carried four types of pastries from an old established shop in the capital and a specialty smoked goose from Cuiwei Tower. In his right hand he carried two jars of wine.

Song Lan’an took one look and couldn’t help curving his lips in a smile.

This Crown Prince was indeed rather interesting. Even he, seeing this scene, found it hard to suppress his favorable impression.

Shen Qianyu looked at Song Lan’an, a trace of amusement floating in his eyes.

Combining truth and falsehood—that was the proper way.

To act solely as a true gentleman would inevitably lead to defeat by the cunning schemes of petty men. Only by maintaining a gentleman’s heart while being able to return a petty person’s methods in kind could one achieve twice the results with half the effort.

“The Eastern Palace has been busy these past days, preventing me from calling on Minister Song. This was truly remiss of me. Today I’ve come especially to apologize to Minister Song.”

“Your Highness speaks too seriously. This old subject cannot accept such words.”

“You can accept them. Without Minister Song, I would not be where I am today.”

Extending his hand, Shen Qianyu said, “I’ve brought wine and meat. Would Minister Song honor me with your company?”

Song Lan’an laughed heartily and welcomed Shen Qianyu into the Song residence’s guest reception room.

As they walked toward the reception room, Song Lan’an secretly shook his head with a smile.

Who would have thought—even he could be swayed by such flattery.

“With this cup of wine, I thank Minister Song for his grace in recognizing talent.”

“This old subject cannot accept such thanks.”

The Crown Prince’s gaze was too sincere, actually making Song Lan’an feel uncharacteristically guilty. Just as he was preparing to deflect the Crown Prince’s wine cup, Shen Qianyu said, “Minister Song need not worry. I’ve never taken to heart that you once considered supporting the Fifth Prince.”

He spoke earnestly, yet Song Lan’an could only smile awkwardly.

If he truly didn’t take it to heart, why bring it up today?

Accustomed to verbal sparring with court officials where every sentence carried hidden barbs, suddenly hearing the Crown Prince’s straightforward words actually made him quite uncomfortable.

“Minister Song needn’t overthink—I truly haven’t taken it to heart.”

Song Lan’an raised his eyes to look at Shen Qianyu, then after a moment pushed the goose leg before him.

Shen Qianyu obligingly picked it up and placed it in his mouth.

“Has Your Highness the Crown Prince come today on some matter requiring this subject?”

“Indeed there is a matter.”

Song Lan’an’s expression grew slightly more serious, thinking to himself that after much small talk, they’d finally reached the actual business.

“Please instruct this subject, Your Highness.”

“Instruct is too strong a word—rather, I have a request.”

“Oh?”

Song Lan’an straightened. “How could this old subject bear to receive the word ‘request’? Your Highness honors me too much.”

Though he said this, after finishing speaking he picked up the wine cup on the table and took a light sip.

Shen Qianyu sighed slightly. “I’ve come regarding your eldest legitimate daughter, Song Wan.”

With a clang, the wine cup in Song Lan’an’s hand fell onto the table.

Shen Qianyu saw his brow instantly furrow and his expression quickly darken, likely imagining who knows what.

“What connection does this humble daughter have with Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

Shen Qianyu replied, “Some time ago, the palace attendant by my side, Ji Rong, happened to encounter the young lady of the Song family. It was also she who connected me with Song Fu for our acquaintance.”

“Speaking of which, the Song family young lady and Young Master Song are both my talent scouts. Without those two, today I couldn’t be here drinking freely with Minister Song.”

“I’ve come today because the Marquis of Chengyang’s household is utterly unbearable. I don’t wish for Miss Song to return to that hellish pit.”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern for this humble daughter. This subject has the same intention.”

Song Lan’an’s expression relaxed as he smiled faintly.

So he was afraid of him hedging his bets again and found such an excuse. He had thought Song Wan had somehow become entangled with the Crown Prince while in her chambers.

If that were the case, she truly could not be allowed to remain.

“Your Highness may rest assured. This old subject has long since sent the written document severing the adoptive relationship between this humble daughter and the Marquis of Chengyang to the local registration office. This humble daughter’s census registration and household records were transferred back to my Song residence half a month ago.”

Shen Qianyu laughed heartily and nodded. “Minister Song is truly a benevolent father, worthy of admiration.”