Emperor Mingde chuckled lightly. “It seems you understand Wuxia even less than I do, my loyal subject.” He continued, “Though I’ve neglected him for years, every task entrusted to him has been completed flawlessly, without a single mistake.”
“We can’t rule out the possibility of luck,” Shen Zaiye countered. “After all, Prince Nan has only handled minor tasks. Prince Heng, on the other hand, is now overseeing the construction of the capital’s levees.”
Emperor Mingde looked at him askance, torn between amusement and exasperation. “Must you always contradict me? Do you look down on Wuxia?”
“Your subject wouldn’t dare,” Shen Zaiye bowed, hands clasped. “I’m merely stating facts. Among all the princes, Prince Nan is the youngest and least experienced. Your Majesty must not overestimate him due to momentary guilt.”
While it was true that Prince Nan was young and inexperienced, Emperor Mingde felt indignant hearing his son belittled so. After all, this was his flesh and blood, who seemed to be a steady and reliable person. How could others speak of him so dismissively?
After careful consideration, the Emperor realized he might indeed have given Prince Nan few opportunities. He immediately declared, “Since Prince Heng has failed to oversee the levee construction, let’s entrust the task to Prince Nan.”
“Your Majesty…” Shen Zaiye was startled and about to object, but the Emperor raised his hand to silence him. “My decision is final.”
Lowering his gaze, Shen Zaiye’s lips curled into a slight smile as he bowed. “Your subject obeys the imperial decree.”
In the Eastern Palace, Crown Prince Mu Wuyun sat in his study, his face dark with thought. A nearby advisor softly reported the levee incident, which somewhat improved the Crown Prince’s mood. “Prince Heng was never one to achieve great things. If we truly relied on him for important matters, the court would have fallen long ago! But do you have any way to ensure he’s completely removed from this task?”
The advisors fell silent, their faces showing difficulty. At that moment, someone announced Shen Zaiye’s arrival from outside.
“Quickly, show him in!”
As Shen Zaiye entered the study, he was met with the Crown Prince’s eager gaze. Pursing his lips slightly, he bowed and said, “I’ve just come from His Majesty. He has decreed that due to Prince Heng’s incompetence, the supervision of the levee construction will be transferred to Prince Nan, effective immediately.”
“Excellent!” Mu Wuyun clapped the wooden board he was holding, exclaiming joyfully, “I was just worrying about this matter, and the Chancellor has already resolved it for me. Truly worthy of your reputation for brilliant strategies!”
“The Crown Prince is too kind,” Shen Zaiye nodded. “However, Prince Nan is young. If he also fails to manage this task well… His Majesty might not conclude that all princes are useless, but rather suspect intentional sabotage.”
“Don’t worry,” Mu Wuyun waved dismissively. “I will assist my younger brother Nan. If anyone tries to obstruct him, I’ll immediately seize them and present them to Father Emperor!”
Nodding, Shen Zaiye finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Mu Wuxia finally had a legitimate opportunity to prove himself.
Supervising construction was a simple task, but wherever there was labor, there were rations. Usually, a significant portion of these resources would be embezzled, leaving the workers building the levees unable to eat their fill.
When Taohua heard that Prince Nan had taken over this task, she smiled with relief. “He’ll do well.”
“Why are you so confident, sister?” A young maid beside her asked curiously.
“I’ve heard Prince Nan is a disciple of the great Confucian scholar, Master Qian,” Taohua deflected. “He surely won’t disappoint.”
The young maid seemed to half-understand, but Taohua couldn’t help recalling the scene when she had encountered the poor with Prince Nan in the carriage. Though only sixteen and not yet rid of his boyish charm, he possessed a rare sense of integrity. Shen Zaiye often tried to lead him down shortcuts, yet he consistently adhered to his principles, refusing to be swayed by others.
Such individuals were rare. Others, like the Crown Prince, would likely follow Shen Zaiye’s advice unquestioningly once they had such an advisor, finding it convenient and effortless. Gradually, they would stop thinking for themselves. Prince Nan was different. From the beginning, he disagreed with some of Shen Zaiye’s methods, yet he humbly accepted correct advice, showing strong self-determination.
Jiang Taohua felt that such a person was truly fit to be emperor. What he lacked was only the opportunity for Emperor Mingde to see his capabilities; he didn’t need others to teach him how to handle affairs.
Shen Zaiye clearly didn’t understand this point. In his eyes, Prince Nan was just a child with a peculiar temperament. When faced with important matters, he naturally wanted to offer guidance, so he headed to Prince Nan’s residence as soon as he left the palace.
Unfortunately, Mu Wuxia had only accepted the imperial decree and had no intention of listening to Shen Zaiye’s words. He coldly shut him out.
“Your Highness,” Shen Zaiye leaned against the door helplessly. “I haven’t finished speaking. You’re to supervise tomorrow, and to be safe, you should stand in the most visible place on the levee. When His Majesty arrives, someone will inform you so you can prepare to receive him.”
“Unnecessary,” came the voice from inside, filled with disdain. “This prince doesn’t need your instruction.”
This brat!
Suppressing his anger, Shen Zaiye frowned and said, “Prince Heng failed in his duties, which is why His Majesty entrusted this task to you. If you don’t perform beautifully, how will you prove your abilities to the Emperor?”
The door opened, and Mu Wuxia looked at him seriously. “Chancellor Shen, is building the levee for my father to see, or to ensure it’s sturdy and can protect the people?”
Looking down at him, Shen Zaiye answered earnestly, “For Your Highness, it’s just for the Emperor to see.”
The Emperor was testing Prince Nan, only wanting to see a good performance. No one would care if the levee was truly sturdy, as long as it didn’t collapse. Along the way, he should do some showy things, like distributing food to the workers or trying to work alongside them to experience their hardships. This would give people something to praise. Otherwise, if he just completed the task without fanfare, how would the Emperor see his extraordinary abilities?
“It seems this prince truly has nothing to discuss with the Chancellor,” Mu Wuxia gave him a deep look. “Thank you for securing this opportunity for Wuxia, but henceforth, please don’t trouble yourself with my affairs.”
With that, he slammed the door shut again.
Shen Zaiye’s face darkened, unable to comprehend what this child was thinking. If he followed his method, the Emperor would surely reward him handsomely. If not this way, what did he intend to do?
Returning to his residence with a gloomy face, Shen Zaiye found Qin Huaiyu had prepared sweet white fungus soup for him. Seeing his poor mood, she blinked and asked, “What’s wrong, my lord?”
He opened his mouth, about to say something, but upon looking at her face, Shen Zaiye sighed and just shook his head.
There was no one left in this household with whom he could discuss these matters.
Jiang Taohua, feigning injury, limped to serve tea to the Crown Prince. Seeing her condition, he hurriedly had her lie down on the couch and asked gently, “Are you feeling better? I’ve been too busy lately and haven’t had time to check on you.”
“This servant is much better, thank you for your concern, Your Highness,” Taohua smiled, glancing at the pile of documents on his desk. “But I’ve heard you haven’t been sleeping well lately. Is something troubling you?”
“It’s nothing,” Mu Wuyun frowned. “The imperial physician says it will take ten more days for my hands to move freely, and writing will be difficult. Yet, affairs are numerous recently, and I’m feeling somewhat overwhelmed.”
Looking at him, Taohua tentatively asked, “Is it because of Prince Heng? This servant has heard that His Majesty intends to make Prince Heng the Crown Prince.”
“Indeed,” Mu Wuyun sneered. “In front of so many people, he spoke of giving the Crown Prince’s golden crown to Heng, without any consideration for my feelings. But Heng is also incompetent. He’s made quite a few mistakes recently. I’m just waiting to gather enough evidence to present to Father Emperor, and he’ll face the consequences!”
Taohua lowered her eyes, thinking carefully for a moment before softly saying, “May this servant request Your Highness?”
“What is it?” Mu Wuyun looked at her tenderly. “It’s rare for you to ask anything of me. Speak, I’ll grant it.”
“This servant was thinking, if one day Your Highness no longer wants me, or circumstances force you to send me away… I hope Your Highness could prepare a backup plan for me in advance.”
Mu Wuyun was startled. “That won’t happen, don’t worry.”
“Everything has its possibilities,” Taohua smiled at him. “Doesn’t Your Highness want to leave an extra path for this servant?”
After careful consideration, her words seemed to make sense. Mu Wuyun nodded and asked, “What kind of backup plan?”
“Prepare a carriage at the post station that can take me away without anyone noticing, and buy a residence in Huaiyuan City,” Taohua said. “Stock the house with enough money for me to live a simple life.”
This request sounded somewhat absurd as if she was preparing to run away. However, Mu Wuyun didn’t hesitate at all and nodded, saying, “That’s not difficult. If having such a residence makes you feel more secure, I’ll arrange it for you.”
“Please don’t let anyone find out,” Taohua said seriously. “Once discovered, it would be useless.”
“I understand,” Mu Wuyun nodded. He raised his hand to stroke her hair but realized his hand was still in a splint. Reluctantly giving up, he smiled at her. “I’ll protect you well, don’t worry.”
Taohua pursed her lips, looking at the Crown Prince’s expression. She couldn’t help but add, “If only you could avoid competing with your brothers and continue being the Crown Prince peacefully.”
Mu Wuyun raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. “Is this because of your dream? Don’t worry. In the imperial family, sibling rivalry is inevitable. I’ve long been prepared for it.”
But you can’t be so thoughtless! Taohua wanted to shout. Shen Zaiye was leading him down a path to ruin, how could he not see it?
However, their positions were different. No matter how moved she was by Mu Wuyun, she couldn’t yell these words at him. She could only smile with a touched expression and then attend to serving him tea.
The dynamics in the Chancellor’s residence had changed. Shen Zaiye had promoted many to be concubines and newly welcomed a daughter from a high-ranking official’s family as a personal attendant. It appeared he was indulging in women’s company, with songs and laughter, but only those in the residence knew that the Chancellor hadn’t smiled for half a month.
He revised official documents with a stern face, discussed matters with others with a stern face, and slept alone in Linwu Court with a stern face. Even Zhanlu couldn’t bear to watch anymore. He quietly asked Xu Yangui, “When will Lady Jiang finally return?”
“You’d have to ask your master that,” Xu Yangui shook his head. “If he doesn’t find a solution, no one else can help him.”
(End of Chapter)