Everyone has secrets, especially someone in the position of Prime Minister. Taohua didn’t intend to pry further, deciding to pretend she hadn’t seen him that night.
Returning to Zhenghun Pavilion, she slept well. The next morning, after dressing, she went to Linghan Court to pay her respects.
The mansion had always maintained the custom of paying respects, but Jiang Taohua rarely participated, either being absent or injured. Her appearance this time surprised those present.
“Oh, Madam Jiang has come,” Qin Jieyu glanced at her, smiling, “The sun must have risen from the west today.”
Including Mei Zhaoxue, four people sat in the room. Liu Xiangjun had arrived early and was smiling at her. Beside her was Duan Yunxin, whom Taohua had seen in the garden yesterday.
Taohua didn’t have time to examine her closely, focusing first on greeting the mistress: “This concubine pays respects to the mistress.”
Mei Zhaoxue smiled, gesturing, “It’s rare for you to come. Please, sit down.”
“Yes.”
The seat next to Duan Yunxin was empty. Taohua went over, nodding to her, “Greetings, Madam Duan.”
“Greetings, Madam Jiang,” Duan Yunxin replied softly, “I hadn’t looked closely before. Now that I see you, you truly possess unparalleled beauty.”
Taohua recalled what Qingtai had said earlier about Duan Yunxin being in poor health and disliking social interactions. As she sat down smiling, she thought to herself, “Look how smoothly she speaks. How is this someone who’s not good at socializing?”
“Many sisters in this courtyard haven’t had a chance to see our Madam Jiang up close, have they?” Qin Jieyu smiled behind her sleeve, “They should all come and have a look. It would encourage them to work harder in other areas since they don’t possess such beauty, to win the lord’s favor.”
Liu Xiangjun laughed, “Listen to what you’re saying. Didn’t the lord stay in your chambers just yesterday?”
At the mention of this, Taohua couldn’t help but glance at Qin Jieyu.
She didn’t know when Shen Zaiye had left last night. Had he favored Qin Jieyu or not?
Qin Jieyu smiled coyly, rubbing her handkerchief, “It was just luck. The lord probably realized he hadn’t visited my courtyard in a while and wanted to see how high the weeds had grown.”
“Don’t be so modest,” Liu Xiangjun said, “Everyone knows the lord stayed at Haitang Pavilion until the fifth watch yesterday. Usually, when he stays the night, he returns to Linwu Court by the third watch.”
She then glanced at Jiang Taohua, covering her mouth, “Of course, when I say ‘usually,’ I don’t include our Madam Jiang. The lord staying at Zhenghun Pavilion for several days in a row is quite common.”
Qin Jieyu’s expression was a mix of smiles and something else as she looked at Taohua, “Yes, the lord staying in my chambers until the fifth watch is already rare. In Madam Jiang’s eyes, it must seem quite ordinary.”
Taohua was a bit surprised. She looked at Qin Jieyu twice, tentatively asking, “Did the lord stay at Haitang Pavilion until the fifth watch? The entire time?”
“What kind of question is that?” Qin Jieyu frowned, “Are you suggesting the lord went somewhere else in between?”
Taohua fell silent.
Madam Qin wasn’t a fool. Even if Shen Zaiye had a good reason for leaving in between, she should have noticed. Moreover, judging by her demeanor, she truly seemed to have received his favor. Her complexion was rosier than usual, and her eyes were full of affection.
Could Shen Zaiye possess some sort of ability to be in two places at once?
“It’s early in the morning. Can’t we change the subject?” Mei Zhaoxue spoke up, her tone flat, “The room is filled with sour remarks. We should air it out.”
Qin Jieyu started, quickly sitting up straight and smiling, “The mistress is right. I was just joking with them. The lord belongs to everyone. Who he favor or doesn’t favor, what is there for us to argue about?”
Taohua nodded respectfully, “Madam Qin speaks wisely.”
Qin Jieyu secretly glared at her, her face a mix of pride and arrogance. With her chin held high, she looked exactly like a peacock.
A few days ago, her eyes had been full of resentment. Now, this confidence could only have come from Shen Zaiye. So the question remained: how did Shen Zaiye manage to leave Haitang Pavilion in the middle of the night without Qin Jieyu noticing?
At that moment, Shen Zaiye was standing quietly in the imperial court, observing the emperor.
Prince Jing and Prince Yu were kneeling in the middle of the great hall. Prince Yu’s arm was injured, and his face bore scratches. Prince Jing’s expression was blank as he kept his head lowered. The two had already gone through one round of debate, and now it was time for the emperor to make his decision.
Prince Yu’s mansion had been attacked the previous night, with evidence pointing towards Prince Jing. Prince Jing vehemently denied the accusations, having already provided evidence to prove his innocence. Now, some officials were raising concerns that with Prince Yu under house arrest and his guards likely to be lax, his life might be in danger before the three months were up.
The emperor’s expression was grim as he pondered the situation.
Shen Zaiye knew that the emperor wanted to pardon Prince Yu, but Prince Jing’s insistence was not only displeasing him but also making him suspect that those trying to harm Prince Yu might indeed be connected to Prince Jing.
For an emperor who favored his children, the prospect of his two sons turning against each other was the most terrifying thing. However, the allure of the Crown Prince position was too great, and competition was inevitable.
“Enough,” Emperor Mingde finally spoke after a long while, looking at the two princes below, “We will increase the security at Prince Yu’s mansion. Wugu, you may return for now. As for Wuyin, since you’re not involved in this matter, there’s nothing more to be said.”
“We thank Father Emperor!” The two princes bowed in unison. Prince Jing didn’t look particularly happy, nor did Prince Yu look particularly distressed. Each had gained and lost something.
After the court session, the emperor kept Shen Zaiye alone in the imperial study.
“What does the minister think? Should we appoint the Crown Prince sooner rather than later?” the emperor asked worriedly, “If we let them continue competing like this, I fear it might lead to fraternal strife.”
“Does Your Majesty have someone in mind?” Shen Zaiye asked, cupping his hands.
The emperor sighed lightly, “Previously, I thought Wuyin had potential, but recently I’ve noticed his intentions aren’t pure. He often resorts to underhanded methods, even against his brothers. Such a person might not make a benevolent ruler.”
“But apart from Prince Jing, there don’t seem to be any suitable candidates among the other princes,” Shen Zaiye smiled slightly, “Your Majesty must have your criteria.”
“Indeed,” the emperor patted his knee, thought for a moment, then said, “Why don’t we let Wuyin act as regent for a trial period? What does the Prime Minister think?”
Shen Zaiye lowered his head, “I believe it’s feasible.”
A prince acting as regent would have a status almost equivalent to that of the Crown Prince. Once this edict was issued, how could Prince Yu remain calm?
Emperor Mingde looked up, staring at the bright window in deep thought for a long time. Then he rose and went to his desk, beginning to write the edict.
Half an hour later, Shen Zaiye stepped out of the imperial study. Prince Jing had already left, but surprisingly, Prince Yu was waiting for him not far away.
“The prince hasn’t returned to his mansion yet?”
Mu Wugu smiled enigmatically, cupping his hands, “This prince was specifically waiting for the Prime Minister.”
“Oh?” Shen Zaiye’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at him, “Is there something urgent?”
“This prince believes the Prime Minister to be the most loyal minister of our Great Wei, utterly devoted to Father Emperor,” Mu Wugu’s eyes held a deep look as he stared at the man before him, his attitude somewhat strange, “However, a good servant doesn’t serve two masters. Even if the Father Emperor is in his prime, let alone if he is in decline, the Eastern Palace should succeed only after the new emperor ascends the throne. Then you can pledge loyalty to the new ruler. If one appears loyal to Father Emperor on the surface but privately favors a certain prince, it might be somewhat inappropriate.”
Even without explicitly stating it, this “certain prince” could only be Prince Jing.
Shen Zaiye narrowed his eyes slightly. He had put effort into maintaining his public image, appearing to treat all princes equally. Prince Yu had even benefited from his help recently. Why would he suddenly say such things?
“I’m not quite sure I understand Your Highness’s meaning,” he smiled, asking, “Could Your Highness be more specific?”
Prince Yu chuckled lightly, moving closer to him, “To be more specific, if it weren’t for the Prime Minister’s assistance last night, this prince wouldn’t have been confined to his mansion today, continuing under house arrest by Prince Jing. This prince suspects the Prime Minister might have been forced to help due to threats from Prince Jing, so I won’t hold it against you. But I hope the Prime Minister will set a good example for all officials and not get involved in the succession struggle.”
Shen Zaiye’s heart sank as he lowered his gaze.
How did Prince Yu know he had helped Prince Jing last night?
“There’s no point in saying too much, but this prince truly admires the Prime Minister’s high virtue, which is why I waited here,” Mu Wugu looked at him deeply, “The future of the throne is yet uncertain. Why should the Prime Minister put all his eggs in one basket?”
“I understand. Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Highness,” Shen Zaiye bowed, his face full of remorse, “There are some things I cannot explain clearly, but Your Highness should understand that my loyalty lies solely with His Majesty.”
Mu Wugu nodded slightly, “This prince believes the Prime Minister.”
The two bowed to each other, and Prince Yu turned to leave first. Shen Zaiye stood in place, the smile quickly fading from his face as his fists gradually clenched.
He had always known that in this world, the only person he could trust was himself. Yet now, he had been foolish enough to trust a woman.
Apart from Jiang Taohua, no one else would have known about his leaving the mansion last night. Jiang Taohua was even more calculating than him. What was she planning now?
Returning to the mansion with anger, Shen Zaiye wanted to rush straight to Zhenghun Pavilion to demand answers. But as he stepped down from the carriage, the cool breeze sobered him somewhat.
Could he be wrongly accusing her? After all, she didn’t know Prince Yu and had no connections in the capital. How could she have spread the news?
After careful consideration, Shen Zaiye changed direction and went to Shouyun Pavilion first.
Duan Yunxin was somewhat surprised. As she welcomed him in, she asked softly, “Why has the lord come right after court?”
“It’s been a while since I’ve visited you. I thought I’d stop by,” Shen Zaiye smiled slightly, looking at her, “How is your health?”
“Much better, thank you for your concern, my lord,” Duan Yunxin smiled, looking a bit uneasy.
Shen Zaiye fell silent, just staring at her, his eyes full of scrutiny.
(End of Chapter)