As an emperor, he valued family ties the most, believing blood relations were the closest and would never betray him. But Mu Wuyin’s move left him feeling cold.
If he could bring himself to harm his brother, what would he do in the future if the emperor himself stood in his way?
Shen Zaiye, being clever, wouldn’t say anything at this critical moment. The emperor calmed himself and thought carefully before speaking: “Wuyu is gone. Let Wuyin handle all the funeral arrangements. He should observe a month of mourning with the people of the Prince of Yu’s household, refraining from music, dance, and women, and focus on copying scriptures.”
“This subject obeys the imperial edict,” Shen Zaiye bowed and accepted without further comment before withdrawing.
He wouldn’t confront the Crown Prince at this time. His goal was simply to sow discord between the emperor and the Crown Prince, and most importantly, to make the Crown Prince observe the mourning period.
Mu Wuyin was still basking in the satisfaction of finally eliminating a major threat when he unexpectedly received the imperial edict, ordering him to observe mourning, abstain from entertainment, and stay away from women.
“Why?” He frowned deeply and asked Shen Zaiye, “Does Father suspect me?”
“No,” Shen Zaiye shook his head. “After hearing the news, His Majesty said nothing and just made this decision. He must be overwhelmed with grief and wants the Crown Prince to help honor the deceased.”
Looking very displeased, Mu Wuyin thought for a while before saying softly, “He just doesn’t value me the most, so even when an imprisoned prince dies, he still finds a way to reprimand me.”
“How can Your Highness think this way?” Shen Zaiye shook his head. “If His Majesty didn’t value you, how could he have made you Crown Prince?”
“Isn’t that all thanks to the Prime Minister’s efforts?” Mu Wuyin narrowed his eyes. “If Father hadn’t fallen ill, who knows who would have become Crown Prince in the future?”
Shen Zaiye remained silent. Mu Wuyin grew increasingly angry, muttering, “Does he know I recently brought someone into my palace? How dare he tell me to stay away from women.”
He had been preparing to let Menger serve him in bed. Now with this month-long mourning period, wouldn’t Menger have to remain a palace maid for another month?
“Your Highness, please calm down,” Taohua approached with tea, saying softly, “With the Prince of Yu’s passing, it’s only proper for you to observe mourning and purification.”
Shen Zaiye glanced at her sideways as she poured tea into the cup, suddenly reminded of the tea she had made for him long ago.
He had despised that tea, finding it unpalatable. It might suffice for ordinary people, but it lacked the refinement needed for noble tastes.
Yet when Mu Wuyin took a sip, his expression softened, and he smiled, “Your tea-making skills are quite good.”
“Your Highness flatters me,” Taohua bowed her head, standing beside him with a gentle smile, looking every bit pleasing to the eye. Mu Wuyin’s anger dissipated as he looked at her and said, “Wait for me one more month. After that, I’ll make you my secondary consort.”
“As you wish,” she nodded obediently and said softly, “As long as Your Highness keeps me in his heart, I don’t mind waiting however long.”
Then wait forever! Shen Zaiye sneered inwardly, glaring at her as he said, “Are vixens these days all so skilled with words?”
Taohua was startled, not expecting Shen Zaiye to embarrass her in front of Mu Wuyin. She immediately looked at him innocently, asking, “How has this servant offended the Prime Minister?”
“As a palace maid, you should know your place,” Shen Zaiye said. “Seducing the Crown Prince in front of outside officials, isn’t that overstepping your bounds?”
The corner of her mouth twitched as Taohua looked down at herself, then back at him. “Where does the Prime Minister see this servant seducing the Crown Prince?”
If this isn’t seduction? Listen to how she speaks, as if she can’t wait to serve him in bed tonight! And that “as long as Your Highness keeps me in his heart” – where did she find the audacity to say such things?
Shen Zaiye narrowed his eyes, about to speak, when Mu Wuyin stood up and positioned himself between them, smiling as he said, “Prime Minister, I’ve already done as you suggested and kept Menger in the position of a palace maid. Can’t you stop giving her a hard time? I know you’re thinking of the bigger picture, but… Menger is innocent.”
The “innocent” Menger made a face at Shen Zaiye behind Mu Wuyin’s back, rolling her eyes and silently mouthing: You! Bite! Me!
His face darkening, Shen Zaiye gritted his teeth as he looked at her, wishing he could drag her over and tear her apart! However, with the Crown Prince present, he could only stand up and say, “The imperial will has been conveyed. This Shen shall take his leave.”
“Prime Minister, take care,” Mu Wuyin hurriedly saw him out. Upon returning, he couldn’t help but gently reprimand Taohua: “Why do you always clash with the Prime Minister?”
“It’s he who always thinks of ways to kill this servant,” Taohua lowered her gaze. “If not for Your Highness’s presence, this irreconcilable grudge… how could I not seek revenge?”
“Don’t be rash,” Mu Wuyin frowned. “He’s a very important person to me. I’ll need to rely on him for many things in the future. Please don’t create any more conflicts with him.”
She didn’t want to either. Taohua pouted, thinking it would be best if they never met again. Let each do their own thing, sparing them the displeasure of seeing each other.
Shen Zaiye left the palace and returned to his residence, fuming all the way. As he crossed the threshold of the Prime Minister’s mansion, he looked around.
Without that troublemaker, the entire residence was much quieter. No one dared to throw themselves into his arms, no one dared to talk back to him, and no one dared to scheme against him, leaving him uneasy.
How nice, this is how the Prime Minister’s residence should be – a courtyard under his control.
He pressed his lips together and stepped forward, but after a few steps, he realized his direction was off.
“Master,” Zhanlu cautiously said, “That’s the direction of Zhengchun Pavilion. We should be heading to Linwu Court.”
“… I know,” Shen Zaiye frowned, saying softly, “I just wanted to check on Wenqing Pavilion up ahead, not go to Zhengchun Pavilion.”
Zhanlu lowered his head, thinking, You can pretend everyone else is a fool if it makes you happy, Master.
Reluctantly, Shen Zaiye went to Wenqing Pavilion. As soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Gu Huairou dutifully bowing in the courtyard: “My Lord.”
He acknowledged her with a sound and walked in to sit down. Glancing at her, he said, “Why have you been so listless lately? Is something troubling you?”
Gu Huairou looked worried: “Lady Jiang said she was going to recuperate, and she left. Yesterday, I sent someone to deliver a message, but I don’t know if we’ll get any news back. Without her in this courtyard, I feel it’s so empty.”
The people in the various courtyards had stopped competing and arguing, and the Prime Minister no longer came to the back courtyards. Many had thought that with Jiang Taohua gone, they would surely receive favor. But now they realized that even without Jiang Taohua, the favor wouldn’t fall on them.
Although it was still summer, the Prime Minister’s residence felt as desolate as if autumn was approaching.
Shen Zaiye pressed his lips together and said flatly, “There are so many people coming and going in the back courtyards. Why do you single out Jiang Taohua to keep in your heart?”
Gu Huairou was startled and looked at him: “My Lord, are you asking yourself this question?”
Since Lady Jiang left, he had been coughing from a severe illness until now, in a bad mood every day, and unable to sleep at night. If this wasn’t because he kept Jiang Taohua in his heart, then what could it be?
(End of Chapter)