Jiang Taohua had been sleeping deeply lately, undisturbed by any outside noise. Shen Zaiye lit a lamp and sat by her bedside, frowning as he examined her face.
In less than two months, how had she become more haggard? He touched her cheek, finding little flesh remaining. Though asleep, her brows were furrowed. Was she having a nightmare?
He had only intended to check on her briefly, needing to leave the city soon for safety. Despite this thought, Shen Zaiye removed his outer robe and lay down beside her.
Taohua turned, habitually embracing his waist. Her brows gradually relaxed, and she smacked her lips once.
The corners of Shen Zaiye’s mouth lifted, and his mood finally improved. He brushed the hair from her face and gently patted her back.
Zhanlu entered from outside, about to speak, but upon seeing the scene, immediately covered his eyes with his hand and retreated, closing the door.
“What’s wrong?” Qingtai asked with mixed feelings. “Can’t you plead on my behalf?”
Zhanlu shook his head, pulling her aside. “It’s not that I can’t. It’s just not convenient right now.”
Inconvenient? Qingtai was stunned. She glanced at the main hall and frowned. “My mistress fled Zhao and opposed the Prime Minister. Isn’t he angry?”
“How could he not be?” Zhanlu chuckled lightly. “The master couldn’t sleep well for several days due to his anger.”
“Then…” Then why is he so gentle now?
“The Prime Minister is tough on the outside but soft on the inside,” Zhanlu explained. “He understands your mistress’s thoughts. His anger was brief. Once he heard she was unwell, didn’t he anxiously arrange for her care along the way, fearing something might happen to her?” Sighing helplessly, Zhanlu continued, “Actually, the Prime Minister is a good person. If your mistress could be more considerate of him, they would surely be in perfect harmony.”
“Considerate?” Qingtai frowned. “Hasn’t my mistress been considerate enough? Back in Great Wei, although she was always looking for a way out, she chose paths that could help the Prime Minister. She’s the one who’s tough on the outside but soft on the inside. She embroidered a robe until her hands were like sieves without seeking praise. She spent from morning till night learning to cook a few dishes, and in the end, the Prime Minister probably didn’t even eat them.”
Zhanlu was surprised. “Was it the table full of dishes that Madam finally left in Zhengchun Pavilion?”
“Yes,” Qingtai nodded. “She spent a long time making them.”
“Madam put a sleeping drug in the wine. The master noticed and became even angrier, ordering all the dishes to be thrown away,” Zhanlu explained with a wry smile. “Fortunately, I understood the master’s intentions and didn’t discard them. After checking them, I reheated them the next day and served them again. The master ate them all.”
That was the only meal he ate. Afterward, he wouldn’t touch any other dishes. It took several days before Xu Yangui forcefully fed him something.
How did Master Xu scold him then? Summoning his courage, he grabbed the master’s collar and shouted, “Are you a woman? Not eating or drinking, wanting to die just because your lover ran away? Do you think you’re an immortal who can do other things without eating anything?”
These words were for the Prime Minister’s good, but the result was that he was still beaten severely by the Prime Minister. The master didn’t say anything, just showed him through action that he still had strength.
Xu Yangui conceded, lying on the ground helplessly. “You’re truly a madman!”
“I’m not mad,” Shen Zaiye said. “It’s just that the food in the mansion has become increasingly unpalatable. I can’t eat it.”
Qingtai listened, dumbfounded. She stammered, “Although my mistress’s few dishes were quite good, they couldn’t have been better than what the cooks made, could they?”
“How can you be so dense?” Zhanlu shook his head. “It’s not that he liked those few dishes so much. It’s clear that he cares deeply for Madam but is unwilling to say it directly.”
Qingtai fell silent, thinking for a while before asking, “If the master cares so much for Madam, then why attack Zhao? My mistress certainly wouldn’t want Zhao to become a vassal state of Great Wei.”
“I don’t understand that either,” Zhanlu said, resting his chin on his hand. “Some thoughts are known only to the two of them. As followers, we can only obey orders.”
Qingtai sighed, looking at the still-closed door of the main hall. Figuring the Prime Minister would likely spend the night there, she pulled Zhanlu up to clean up the bodies, allowing them to rest peacefully.
Jiang Taohua hadn’t dreamed of Shen Zaiye for a long time, but tonight, after a nightmare of overwhelming bloodshed, she dreamed of him. In the dream, Shen Zaiye embraced her tenderly, leading her away from the sea of blood to stand on a high rooftop.
“Why did you come?” she asked hazily.
Shen Zaiye smiled, looking down at her belly. “I came to see our child.”
Child? Taohua was startled, hastily covering her stomach guiltily. The person before her changed expression, frowning as he asked, “Are you deceiving me?”
“… Didn’t Xu Yangui tell you?” Taohua retreated repeatedly. “This child is fake!”
“Fake?” Shen Zaiye was furious and immediately pushed her! Her feet left the ground, and she plunged towards the endless sea of blood.
“If there’s no child, then you can die too!”
“Ah!”
The sensation of falling wrenched her from the dream. Taohua opened her eyes, looking around in confusion for a while before realizing she was in the palace. Warm sunlight was already streaming through the carved window lattices.
“Mistress?” Qingtai pushed open the door, bringing water to wash her face. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you sleep well?”
Catching her breath, Taohua touched her stomach and shook her head. “It’s nothing. I had a nightmare.”
The dream was quite frightening. Xu Yangui should have already told Shen Zaiye about her stomach, right? If he hadn’t, what should she do?
After getting up and washing, Taohua was about to find someone to inquire when she saw her master and Chang Jue enter from outside.
“Imperial Sister,” Chang Jue said gravely, “Shen Zaiye has joined forces with the Wei Emperor. They’re currently thirty miles outside the capital, showing no movement for now.”
“Mm,” Taohua nodded. “And the situation in the court?”
“There are few left who oppose my ascension to the throne, but more people are remaining silent, not expressing their views,” Chang Jue reported. “That’s not much to worry about, but if we go to war now, I alone am not enough. We’ll certainly need to use other generals, deputy commanders, and civil officials from the court.”
But they feared these people might not be fully loyal to him and instead cause trouble.
“Knowing how to use people is also a skill an emperor should have,” Taohua patted his shoulder. “Sister believes in you.”
Qianbai Mei also smiled and said, “You don’t need to worry about this. If anyone betrays you, I’ll personally take their life!”
Helplessly pulling Qianbai Mei aside, Taohua shook her head. “Master, killing people can’t solve all problems. You need to let Chang Jue figure out how to balance court relationships himself, find the key people to keep in check.”
“I know,” Qianbai Mei said with a smile, looking at her. “But killing isn’t entirely useless. Look, the remnants of the Lü clan came to pledge allegiance early this morning.”
What? Jiang Taohua was surprised and quickly turned to ask Chang Jue, “Really?”
Chang Jue nodded. “The faction led by Leng Fengchang came to me early this morning, saying they’re willing to abandon darkness for light and follow me in defending the capital.”
If only they had known that Lü’s disappearance would bring so many benefits, they should have had Master kidnap her earlier. Taohua clapped her hands and said to him, “Then you should weigh it yourself and decide whether to use these people.”
“Besides these people, there’s no one else to use,” Chang Jue said. “I plan to give it a try.”
“Good,” Taohua smiled and asked him, “Is there anything else Imperial Sister and Master can help with? Just say it.”
“I understand,” Chang Jue cupped his hands, bowed to them, and hurriedly left. Outside, officials were waiting, and they continued to report various matters as they approached him.
“Chang Jue has grown up,” Taohua said, watching his receding figure with emotion. “Before we knew it, he’s become a pillar of strength.”
Qianbai Mei stood beside her and nodded. “What you say is not wrong, but little one, you’re not even nineteen yet. Why act so mature?”
“Master, this disciple’s heart has aged,” Taohua said seriously. “People don’t live by years, but by their hearts. When the heart ages, the person ages.”
“Nonsense,” Qianbai Mei shook her head. “You’re still green. Seeing that Chang Jue can handle things on his own, you shouldn’t worry too much. Just live your own life well.”
“Him growing up is his business, but what needs to be worried about still needs to be worried about,” Taohua blinked, suddenly tugging at Qianbai Mei’s sleeve coyly. “Master, can you take me out for a walk?”
Giving her a sidelong glance, Qianbai Mei had a bad feeling. “Where do you want to go?”
“To Leng Fengchang’s home,” Taohua said.
I still worry after all. Qianbai Mei sighed helplessly, took out a cloak, wrapped it around her, and picked her up entirely. “What can you do at his mansion?”
“Let’s go secretly, without sending a visiting card,” Taohua said mischievously. “It would be best if we could hide on a beam or step on an eave.”
Laughing wryly, Qianbai Mei still agreed, protecting her as they sneaked into the Fengchang mansion, hiding on a beam in the study.
Leng Fengchang returned shortly after, accompanied by an attendant. Sitting at the table, he asked, “Has Great Wei’s military strength been investigated?”
“Yes,” the attendant nodded. “Also, the preferences of the Wei Emperor and Prime Minister Shen have all been inquired about.”
“Very good,” Leng Fengchang waved for him to leave, then continued reading the letter in his hand.
Taohua remained silent, nestled in Qianbai Mei’s arms listening. When he temporarily left on business, she urged her master to take her away.
“This Leng Fengchang seems to be sincerely helping to defend the city,” Qianbai Mei said. “He’s put in quite some effort.”
Taohua walked with lowered eyes, saying softly, “If he were truly putting effort into defending the city, that would be good.”
Qianbai Mei was startled, then frowned. “Your master is least skilled at playing mind games with court officials. If you’ve thought of something, discuss it with Chang Jue.”
“Mm.” Obediently agreeing, Taohua had no intention of telling Chang Jue. She only called Qingtai over and instructed her to keep watch at the Fengchang mansion for a few more days.
With a great army pressing on the city, civil and military officials set aside their many opinions and temporarily fully supported Chang Jue in defending the city.
(End of Chapter)