Chapter Forty-Four: Another Scheme

Eastern Palace, Zhao Huan’s private study.

Zhao Huan sat at the head of the table, his face clouded with gloom. Liang Shicheng occupied the seat below him, with Right Chancellor Wang Fu sitting close beside Liang. Despite his prestigious title, Wang Fu was the epitome of a political opportunist, first flattering Cai Jing, then pivoting to Liang Shicheng when Cai Jing fell gravely ill and could no longer attend court. He treated Liang with the affection one might show his own father, addressing him as “Esteemed Sir of the Beneficent House,” and demonstrating the very limits of shamelessness.

Zhao Huan was, in truth, somewhat annoyed with himself. Had he known the case would be so easily solved, he would have taken charge himself, sparing that young man the chance to show off.

Liang Shicheng’s mood was no better. After the incident, the emperor had berated him and sent him away in disgrace. He had hoped that silencing the matter would earn the crown prince’s gratitude, but judging by Zhao Huan’s demeanor, it seemed the prince was sulking like a scorned woman.

Without betraying his thoughts, Liang Shicheng signaled to Wang Fu, who, though lacking in other talents, possessed a gift for empty rhetoric, skilled at weaving clouds and mist with his words.

Wang Fu took the cue, rose, and bowed respectfully. “Your Highness, though Prince Yi solved the case, the Esteemed Sir gave him no chance to probe deeper. Judging by His Majesty’s reaction, he clearly wishes to avoid any further entanglement. There is no need for Your Highness to worry.”

Zhao Huan was momentarily taken aback, blurting out, “Do you think I am the one who sent people to do this? What possible use would I have for that thing?”

The crown prince’s daily affairs were meticulously recorded by appointed officials. Fortunately, with Liang Shicheng acting as his confidant within the palace, Zhao Huan could speak freely; otherwise, he would hardly dare utter a word.

Seeing Zhao Huan’s vehement response, Liang Shicheng was also puzzled. Was it not the prince’s intent to set a trap for Prince Yi? Had he not wished to tarnish his reputation?

Reading the confusion on Liang Shicheng’s face, Zhao Huan guessed his thoughts and hastily explained, “That Liu Cheng fellow, though he often tried to curry favor with me, I never acknowledged him, let alone ordered him to do anything to displease the emperor.”

With Zhao Huan’s words, Liang Shicheng sensed something was amiss. He glanced at Wang Fu, then turned back to Zhao Huan.

“Your Highness, is it possible that someone wishes to provoke conflict between you and Prince Yi, so that they might benefit from your discord?”

Though indecisive by nature, Zhao Huan was exceedingly clever. Liang Shicheng’s suggestion, combined with recent events, made him suddenly see the larger picture. As he looked at Liang and Wang, a flicker of understanding passed through his eyes—he had already realized something crucial.

What Zhao Huan grasped, Liang Shicheng and Wang Fu surely understood as well, yet for reasons unknown, neither pressed the issue further.

“Your Highness, a thought occurs to me. May I share it?”

“Please, Lord Wang.”

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“I have heard that the niece of Empress Xiao of Liao has taken a liking to Prince Yi, and that an envoy has been dispatched…”

“What are you getting at?”

In an instant, Zhao Huan’s handsome face turned the color of eggplant skin. This matter had become a psychological shadow for him, and Wang Fu, that scoundrel, just had to mention it, stirring trouble for no reason.

Wang Fu, well aware of Zhao Huan’s reaction, merely laughed darkly and said, “Forgive me, Your Highness. A foreign princess is not worth your concern, but if this union is arranged, Prince Yi would have no choice but to leave.”

Without spelling it out, Wang Fu’s meaning was clear. Zhao Huan pondered briefly before replying, “But Zhao Yu is already betrothed to Liu Wenguang’s daughter. How could he marry another? And what of Empress Zheng’s position?”

Though Liao had been battered by the Jurchens of Jin, to the people of Song it remained a formidable power. How could a princess of such a nation be relegated to a mere concubine?

“Your Highness may not know—Liu Wenguang’s daughter is gravely ill, and may not survive to the wedding day. As for Empress Zheng, well… if His Majesty grows displeased with Prince Yi, not even the Empress Dowager’s intervention would help.”

After a moment’s consideration, Zhao Huan’s expression finally shifted, clouds parting to reveal a lighter mood.

The scene shifts to the Liu residence.

Delicacies from mountain and sea, fine wines and beauties—amidst the haze of cosmetics in the reception hall, Zhao Yu lounged at the head of the table, eyes half-closed as if appreciating the dancers’ graceful movements, yet his gaze remained alert.

What most frustrated the Liu brothers was Zhao Yu’s personal guard, who shadowed him like his own reflection, never leaving his side. Whenever the brothers attempted to offer Zhao Yu wine, the guard would glare at them with eyes sharp as blades, forcing them to retreat.

As it stood, the guests sensed nothing amiss, but the hosts felt as though they sat atop needles, at a loss for what to do.

This scene was far beyond the Liu brothers’ expectations. Who could have guessed that the young Prince Yi would be so difficult? Since his arrival, he had exchanged only superficial pleasantries, not a single serious word.

As they struggled to find a way to begin, Zhao Yu suddenly clapped his hands.

Liu Wenguang quickly signaled the dancers to stop and bowed respectfully. “Does Your Highness have any instructions?”

Zhao Yu smiled gently. “We are soon to become family—let us speak frankly. Have everyone else leave.”

As the conversation approached its heart, an inexplicable sense of foreboding rose in the Liu brothers’ chests. The prince’s demeanor was simply too inscrutable.

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Liu Wenqing waved the servants and dancers out, instructing the steward to stand guard outside and admit no one without orders.

Zhao Yu wondered how these two had managed to become officials, given their apparent lack of composure. Still, it suited him—less effort required.

Once only Zhao Yu, Lin Chong, and the Liu brothers remained, Zhao Yu spoke calmly, “To be candid, before coming here, Grand Preceptor Cai sent someone to brief me thoroughly on Lord Liu’s conduct during his tenure at the Ministry of Revenue…”

Before Zhao Yu finished, Liu Wenguang collapsed to the floor with a thud, while Liu Wenqing managed to stay composed.

“Your Highness, my elder brother has always admired your talent and truly wishes to become your father-in-law, nothing more.”

His words lacked conviction, as though he barely believed them himself.

“Whether you have other intentions, you know best. But rest assured, since I am here, I will not expose you. Naturally, if I need your assistance in the future, I hope you will not refuse.”

Zhao Yu’s veiled words left the Liu brothers utterly confounded, each silently wondering, “What does this young man mean?”

“If nothing else, Lord Liu should focus on how to win over my mother.”

Zhao Yu did not linger. He rose, patted Liu Wenguang’s shoulder, and strode out with Lin Chong.

“Brother, pinch me—was I dreaming just now?”

Only after Zhao Yu and Lin Chong had left did Liu Wenguang regain his senses.

“Have you noticed, brother? Since he entered, Prince Yi has not mentioned our niece even once. He clearly knows Lian’er’s situation. His final words were a reminder to us.”

“So what should we do? Should we find someone to take her place?”

Without hesitation, Liu Wenqing nodded in agreement.