Chapter 264: Between Reality and Illusion
Princess Consort Zhao understood Wen Mingqian’s explanation, which made her feel much better, and her expression softened.
She then said, “What you say is reasonable, but the world favors the powerful. Nowadays, I faintly hear many praising Prince Chu’s Heir Apparent! If no one else, Princess Duanmin certainly values him highly.”
“That’s true,” Wen Mingqian did not deny it. They had intended to provoke conflict between Prince Zhao and Prince Chu. “Princess Duanmin may have her own agenda, but I believe King of Fenye values our Heir Apparent more.”
“You don’t know the power of a pillow’s whisper. I heard Princess Duanmin and King of Fenye are very affectionate now!” Princess Consort Zhao smiled. Although she hadn’t entered the palace, she was well-informed about palace affairs.
“Then what are your plans, Your Ladyship?” Wen Mingqian asked tentatively.
“Actually, the Empress’s original intention was just to adopt Tong’er,” Princess Consort Zhao said, looking at Wen Mingqian. “Wouldn’t it be better if Ying Bai wasn’t meddling in the palace?”
“Who can say otherwise? If that were the case, there wouldn’t be so many troubles, and Your Ladyship wouldn’t have to worry about this every day,” Wen Mingqian replied.
“Mingqian, how have I treated you?” Princess Consort Zhao suddenly asked.
“You have shown me immense kindness, Your Ladyship,” Wen Mingqian said. “My current position is entirely due to your support.”
“Then, if I have something to ask of you, will you help me?” Princess Consort Zhao suddenly grasped Wen Mingqian’s hand.
“Your Ladyship, please speak. I will do my best for anything within my capabilities,” Wen Mingqian said calmly, her gaze unwavering.
“It’s about what I just said. Ying Bai is too much of a nuisance now. I want you to help me get rid of him!” Princess Consort Zhao leaned forward and whispered to Wen Mingqian, “Do you dare?”
“For Your Ladyship to say this to me, it shows you consider me a confidante,” Wen Mingqian said as she knelt down. “I often think of repaying Your Ladyship’s kindness, so I have no objections. However, I have but one request.”
“Speak,” Princess Consort Zhao looked into her eyes.
“If things go wrong, I will die before I betray you. I only ask that after I’m gone, you find a way to look after Changan. That is my only wish,” Wen Mingqian said with utmost sincerity.
“Get up quickly!” Princess Consort Zhao said, helping her up. “I won’t let you take such risks.”
“Does Your Ladyship not trust me?” Wen Mingqian asked quickly.
“How could I not trust you? If I didn’t trust you, why would I be telling you such a secret?” Princess Consort Zhao sighed and shook her head. “You are very capable by the Empress’s side. For me to ask you to do something risky while keeping it from the Empress is a grave offense.”
Wen Mingqian had naturally considered this. She knew Princess Consort Zhao had merely been testing her, as she had already become suspicious of her. After all, why would Mister Hua Ying help Prince Chu? Was this Tutor Zhuge’s intention?
As Tutor Zhuge’s closed-door disciple, Gong Changan was naturally of one mind with his master. So, who did Wen Mingqian truly lean towards?
However, Wen Mingqian’s performance just now had put her at ease. Moreover, it was Wen Mingqian who had revealed relevant information to her earlier, which had alerted her.
“Then what are Your Ladyship’s plans?” Wen Mingqian asked, appearing eager to help. “To be frank, Princess Zhuolahhan also seems to be getting closer to Prince Chu’s Heir Apparent.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. There’s another matter I need your help with. Can you find out if Tutor Zhuge intends to support Prince Chu’s family? I want to know if Hua Ying is acting on his behalf,” Princess Consort Zhao said.
“Your Ladyship, please allow me to speak out of turn. Does the Empress know that Mister Hua Ying has moved into Prince Chu’s Mansion?” Wen Mingqian asked. “Instead of us beating around the bush, it would be better to bring this matter into the open.”
“Bring it into the open? How would we do that?” Princess Consort Zhao asked.
“In a few days, it will be His Majesty’s Emperor’s Birthday. Mister Hua Ying is skilled in music. If His Majesty and the Empress know he is at Prince Chu’s Mansion, they can summon him to the palace to teach the musicians of the Music Bureau to play new songs. After all, he is already at Prince Chu’s Mansion, can he not enter the palace?”
I serve by the Empress’s side, Your Ladyship, and I know she is worried about having no novelties for His Majesty’s Emperor’s Birthday.
If he enters the palace, he will naturally be far from Prince Chu. If he refuses, the Empress will naturally understand that there must be a connection between him and Prince Chu. This way, Your Ladyship can then advise the Empress, and she will believe you.”
Previously, Princess Consort Zhao had mentioned to the Empress her suspicion that Ying Bai intended to overshadow Ying Tong, but the Empress did not believe her.
“This method is indeed excellent. Borrowing the Empress’s influence is stronger than anything else,” Princess Consort Zhao said happily.
As long as the Empress also suspects their impropriety, then when they move to eliminate Ying Bai, the Empress will help them cover it up.
It’s even possible that before they have to act, the Empress will deal with Prince Chu’s family herself.
“You don’t think Prince Chu would deny having Mister Hua Ying at his home, do you?” Princess Consort Zhao asked. “My husband and I plan to make a move when my father and brother return to the capital. I believe they will return before the Emperor’s Birthday.”
“Prince Chu likely wouldn’t dare to conceal it. The more he conceals it, the faster his treacherous intentions will be exposed,” Wen Mingqian added. “However, I must say, we need to be quick. Once King of Fenye makes his decision and chooses Ying Bai as his son-in-law, it will be difficult to act.
I believe their people are also well aware that once Grand Tutor and the Emperor’s maternal uncle return to court, they won’t be able to stir up any trouble.”
“You are absolutely right!” Princess Consort Zhao even stood up. “If you hadn’t reminded me, I would have overlooked it. They will definitely try to escalate things before my father and brother return to the capital. We cannot fall behind.”
Inspired by Wen Mingqian, Princess Consort Zhao hurried to see the Empress.
During dinner, Gong Changan came in from outside, and the mother and son sat down to eat.
Xiao Yue had gone out on an errand. Wen Mingqian said to Gong Changan, “Princess Consort Zhao visited me in the palace today. She tested me, asking me to act against Ying Bai and remove their thorn in the side.”
“Prince Zhao can no longer hold back. Once Dai Shan had trouble, Prince Zhao and Prince Chu were completely estranged,” Gong Changan said, taking a sip of soup. “The real drama is yet to come.”
“Although Princess Consort Zhao tested me, they have certainly decided to act against Ying Bai,” Wen Mingqian asserted. “We need to find a way to make them do it openly, to leave them with indelible stains.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll pass the word to Ying Bai later, so Prince Zhao’s side won’t be able to act so quickly,” Gong Changan smiled. “We’ll play both sides from the shadows.”
“Princess Consort Zhao wants to wait for Grand Tutor Dong to return to court. We cannot let them have their way,” Wen Mingqian knew the importance of timing.
“Grand Tutor Dong shouldn’t return so soon. My senior brothers will find ways to delay them on the way,” Gong Changan said confidently.
