After returning, Fourth Master Chen went silently to his study and smashed several flower pots and vases. His favorite marble screen inlaid with purple jade was cracked from his fury. Lady Wang was awakened by the noise and put on an outer garment to check on him.

He was lying on the dongpo chair with his eyes closed, breathing heavily.

Lady Wang dared not question him and could only quietly summon the maids to come in and clean up the mess.

He suddenly shouted harshly: “Who permitted you to touch anything? Get out, all of you!”

Lady Wang was startled and hurriedly retreated with the maids.

She sat alone in the west wing room, thinking something was amiss. Hadn’t he gone to spend the night at Concubine You’s place? Why had he returned in such a rage?

Lady Wang sighed and called in her maid, Shiliu, asking her to inquire at Concubine You’s quarters.

Madam Jiang brought her a bowl of hot soup. Lady Wang took a sip and couldn’t help but shed tears.

Madam Jiang said softly: “After all these years, why cry now? It’s not worth it.”

Lady Wang sighed, “It’s precisely because so many years have passed that I feel the bitterness.”

Madam Jiang said: “Things will improve when the young master grows up!”

Lady Wang remained silent. That was her only consolation.

Shiliu returned, reporting that Third Master Chen had summoned Fourth Master for a talk, and two guards from Third Master’s entourage had accompanied Fourth Master back. They were now stationed outside the courtyard, watching closely without leaving.

So it had nothing to do with Concubine You… Lady Wang felt somewhat relieved. Yet she wondered: “What did Third Master say to Fourth Master to anger him so?”

Just then, a servant came with a message that Fourth Master Chen wanted to see Lady Wang.

Lady Wang exchanged a glance with Madam Jiang before standing and walking toward Fourth Master Chen’s study.

Upon seeing her enter, Fourth Master Chen pointed to a chair: “Sit down and listen to me.”

Seeing his unprecedented serious expression, Lady Wang felt increasingly anxious and asked softly: “Fourth Master, have I… done something wrong?”

Fourth Master Chen frowned impatiently: “Will you listen or not?”

“Just listen and don’t speak,” Fourth Master Chen continued. “Third Brother has stripped me of my household management authority. From now on, I can only participate in Chen family affairs but cannot make decisions. While managing the commercial firm, I transferred many secret accounts to our branch of the family. Keep these things safe. In front of Mother, maintain a low profile and don’t draw attention.”

Lady Wang was stunned upon hearing this. She instinctively wanted to ask why Third Master Chen had taken away Fourth Master Chen’s management authority—what was the reason? Was there some conflict between them? Seeing Fourth Master Chen’s gloomy expression, she swallowed her questions.

“Yes, I understand,” she stood and curtseyed.

Fourth Master Chen closed his eyes and waved his hand: “Enough, you can’t help much anyway. Go sleep!”

After opening the latticed door, Lady Wang looked back at him, saw him resting on the dongpo chair, and quietly left.

…

The next morning upon waking, Gu Jinchao saw Third Master Chen leaning against the bed reading.

She blinked, remembering it was the fifteenth, a rest day.

“Awake?” he asked, still looking at his book.

The weather had turned cold, but it was warm under the covers. He was still leaning against the bed without getting up, wearing only an outer garment.

Gu Jinchao made an affirmative sound: “You woke early, didn’t you sleep late last night?” She then asked, “Where did you go last night?”

He lowered his eyes to look at her. Against the backdrop of the crimson gold-threaded mandarin duck pillow, Gu Jinchao’s face appeared exceptionally fair.

Third Master Chen said: “Last night I dealt with Fourth Brother’s matters. He didn’t deny anything but admitted everything. I’ve assigned guards to watch him closely to prevent any further mischief. However, the situation with the Yangzhou silk factory he left behind is complicated. I discussed it with Jiang Yan until late last night before settling on a plan.”

Gu Jinchao propped herself up, grabbing his sleeve: “When Minister Zhang learns of this, won’t you… have completely torn apart your relationship with him?”

Third Master Chen smiled faintly: “I already tore it apart when I went to rescue you… Now it’s just a matter of timing. Even if he discovers it, he won’t do anything openly. If he becomes more wary, so be it!”

Gu Jinchao hesitated before asking: “You’ve decided to oppose Minister Zhang?”

Gu Jinchao knew very well that Zhang Julian had been his teacher for many years. Truthfully speaking, Zhang Julian had shown favor to Third Master Chen.

“Hesitation brings chaos,” Third Master Chen said with a smile. “There are no father-son relationships in officialdom, let alone teacher-student ones.”

He had finally made his decision.

Gu Jinchao gripped his hand and asked softly: “What do you plan to do? Actually… I could help.”

He closed his book: “The teacher’s disciples are everywhere, his faction countless. Now that he controls the cabinet, ordinary methods won’t shake him.” Third Master Chen looked at Gu Jinchao. “If you have any ideas, share them.”

When asked like this, Gu Jinchao didn’t know what to say.

Though she knew certain things, compared to those skilled in political struggle, what did she amount to?

After thinking for a while, Gu Jinchao said: “You’ve mentioned that while Minister Zhang himself isn’t corrupt, his trusted associates abuse the Zhang family’s influence, selling offices and titles. Why not start with his associates, defeating them one by one? When Minister Zhang has no usable subordinates, it will be easier to move against him. Minister Zhang has no military power and relies on connections and influence. If the great tree is shaken, he might not withstand it.”

After speaking, Gu Jinchao felt her suggestion was too idealistic. She blushed and added: “Just my humble opinion.”

Third Master Chen considered her words, then smiled: “It’s feasible. But discussing details reveals many problems. What if efforts to capture his faction members are obstructed by Minister Zhang? What if failing to capture them causes court turmoil? Though the teacher lacks military authority, he has good relations with the Commander of the Five Guards. Otherwise, he couldn’t wield such influence through power alone. When it comes to military power, neither Chang Hai nor Ye Xian could likely stop him… Even setting all that aside, gradually eliminating the teacher’s faction would take at least five years. By then, I might have died countless times.”

Gu Jinchao felt she shouldn’t have spoken.

“I was just speaking casually…” her tone lowered. “Why take it seriously?”

Third Master Chen smiled apologetically: “Alright, I won’t take it seriously!”

He bent down to embrace her, sighing, “So to move against him, one must strike directly at the throat, a fatal blow. If we fail to kill him and he has room to retaliate, none of us will survive…”

Gu Jinchao listened intently and asked: “Do you… intend to have Minister Zhang assassinated?”

Third Master Chen shook his head: “Assassinate him? The teacher values his life more than anyone. His mansion houses no fewer than five hundred trained warriors, he’s always accompanied by experts, and he’s extremely cautious about his daily food and drink. There have been assassination attempts before, but none have succeeded. He’s a master at this game, which is why he’s survived until now…”

Gu Jinchao frowned: “Then what should be done?”

“We’ll wait and see,” Third Master Chen kissed her cheek and said softly. “I need the right opportunity, and if it doesn’t come, I’ll create one… Jinchao, do you know what the greatest taboo in warfare is?”

Gu Jinchao looked at him, waiting for his answer.

“Impatience,” Third Master Chen said gently. “Whoever grows impatient first loses.”

Gu Jinchao reclined in his arms, feeling his heartbeat against his chest.

This was a world of power games, and at times like this, Third Master Chen seemed distant from her. Life and death decisions made during casual conversation—not many could play such games, for they were too cruel.

…

By noon, Gu Jinchao and Third Master Chen went together to Old Madam Chen’s quarters.

Old Madam Chen was holding Chang Suo, playing with him. Chang Suo giggled, revealing his newly emerging baby teeth.

Children like to bite things when teething, and Chang Suo was no exception, putting everything into his mouth.

Lady Wang and Lady Ge sat on embroidered stools. Lady Ge smiled as she watched Old Madam Chen play with Chang Suo, while Lady Wang’s smile was faint. The other daughters-in-law gathered around talking, while two young boys, at an age of restlessness, ran around Tanshan Courtyard.

Old Madam Chen smiled and gave Chang Suo a slice of apple. He bit it with drool all over his hands, which Old Madam Chen couldn’t wipe fast enough. When she tried to take the apple from his mouth, he disagreed and was about to cry while holding onto Old Madam Chen’s finger.

Gu Jinchao took Chang Suo back into her arms.

Old Madam Chen then smiled and said: “He appears to have gained weight again. Yu’er is almost a year old, but still so small.”

Sun Shi was holding Yu’er, who sat obediently in her lap, playing with a rattle.

Sun Shi smiled: “It’s Lin’er who grows quickly! He’ll surely be tall and strong in the future.”

Chang Suo looked pitifully at his mother’s hand, clinging to her arm and babbling, as if asking her something.

His tiny baby tooth was especially adorable.

Gu Jinchao handed the handkerchief-wrapped apple piece to the wet nurse beside her, then smiled and said: “He eats a lot!”

“Mother, I have a few words to share with you. Please ask everyone to wait in the main hall,” Third Master Chen suddenly said.

Old Madam Chen was puzzled. Third Master Chen had been here for so long without speaking; she thought he had nothing to discuss…

She asked the other daughters-in-law to go to the main hall.

Lady Wang’s face was tense. She naturally guessed what Third Master Chen wanted to tell Old Madam Chen. It must be about stripping Fourth Master Chen of his household management authority! She looked at Gu Jinchao, who appeared composed as she held her child. She must know about this…

Why would Third Master Chen take away Fourth Master Chen’s management authority? Lady Wang couldn’t understand at all. Third Master Chen was now in the cabinet and had even less time to manage household affairs. Fourth Master Chen was his full brother—was there anyone better suited than Fourth Master Chen? What exactly had happened?

She had already left the side room but wanted to look back inside. However, Gu Jinchao took her hand, smiling and saying: “Fourth Sister-in-law, please hold Chang Suo for me. He’s truly grown heavier now, my arms are sore from holding him.”

Couldn’t the wet nurse help…

Lady Wang couldn’t ask and had no choice but to help hold Chang Suo.

After they sat down in the main hall, maids brought up snacks like melon seeds and salted peanuts, making it even more difficult for Lady Wang to peek through the latticed windows. Gu Jinchao continued talking to her about Chang Suo, and she could only smile and respond, though she appeared distracted, slowly eating a handful of melon seeds.