Chapter 20: My Lord, Stop Playing

…

Zhao Yu pointed to the rivers and mountains, stirred passions with his words, and wielded his ambition with vigor—profoundly shocking Empress Dowager Xiang, as well as Zheng Xiansu, Wang Yisu, and Yang Jian, who stood nearby serving.

They never imagined Zhao Yu possessed such extraordinary talent and commanding presence; when analyzing the empire's situation, his reasoning was clear and incisive, his statecraft proposals original yet practical, and his grasp of international affairs so intimate that every word shone like a pearl, revealing profound insight into the current climate and grand visions for the future.

Zhao Yu also succinctly exposed the corruption and decay within the court, the endless fires along the borders, and the suffering and lamentations of the common people—his words sharp yet gentle, revealing both the blade's edge and a heart compassionate toward the world.

At this moment, Zhao Yu was utterly captivating; Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu watched him, their hearts surging with emotion. They had originally thought they had married only a noble prince. They never imagined Zhao Yu was not only noble, but also brilliantly talented, harboring the cosmos within him, with such profound insight into the empire's affairs.

Zheng Xiansu's cheeks flushed faintly, her eyes brimming with admiration; she thought to herself: "I never expected Heaven would favor me so—granting me not only the position of Wang Fei, but also a lifetime beside such a man."

Wang Yisu gently bit her lower lip, her gaze revealing a hint of surprise and shyness. She had always admired those with knowledge and strategy; Zhao Yu's words had utterly conquered her, stirring ripples in her heart.

Yang Jian observed it all, silently plotting: "Prince Shen's future is boundless. The Empress Dowager is old and unwell—I must cultivate a close bond with Prince Shen to plan for the future…"

The meal lasted until nearly nightfall.

Though Empress Dowager Xiang listened with lingering delight, Zhao Yu was an adult prince and could not remain overnight in the inner palace.

Thus, Empress Dowager Xiang ordered Yang Jian to escort Zhao Yu out of the palace and instructed him to return soon for another chat.

Just before leaving, while others weren't looking, Zhao Yu grabbed Wang Yisu's buttocks.

Wang Yisu panicked, immediately pressing down on Zhao Yu's mischievous hand, then, like a thief, quickly stole glances around at the others.

Seeing no one had noticed Zhao Yu's boldness, Wang Yisu looked at him with pleading eyes, as if saying: "My lord, stop playing—there are so many people here! If anyone sees, I'll be ruined!"

Notably, though Wang Yisu's heart pounded with fear, she did not remove Zhao Yu's hand—she let him squeeze her buttocks.

Only when Yang Jian looked over did Zhao Yu withdraw his hand; Wang Yisu felt as if granted pardon, immediately lowering her head to hide her scorching face.

This was not lewdness—Zhao Yu, given his current status, could never lack women. He simply did not want Wang Yisu to feel she was merely a gift, harboring resentment, and becoming Zhao Ji's opening to turn the tide against him.

Thus, Zhao Yu used this method to tell Wang Yisu: "I took you as my side wife not merely out of respect for your sister's face, but because I desire you—don't overthink it, and don't let Zhao Ji's sweet words deceive you into serving him."

In essence, Zhao Yu sought to sever all ties between Zhao Ji and Empress Dowager Xiang, stealing Zhao Ji's greatest asset in his bid for the throne.

…

When Yang Jian escorted Zhao Yu to the entrance of Cide Palace, Zhao Yu immediately spotted Zhang Chun—pretending to sweep the courtyard, but actually waiting for him.

Zhao Yu had already seen the method Zhang Chun provided for making soap.

Without needing to guess, Zhao Yu knew the soap-making method must have come from Ma Xiao Jiao.

Zhao Yu also knew Zhang Chun gave him the soap-making method so he could profit from it and acquire the political funds needed to become Emperor.

To be honest, this act by Zhang Chun and her four sisters truly helped Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu well knew that if he spent generously, whether on palace concubines, maids, eunuchs, or close ministers and guards of Empress Dowager Xiang and Zhao Xu, he could win their loyalty—and his reputation would soar.

But where would the money come from?

And Zhao Yu was not unaware that selling soap or glass could quickly secure his first fortune.

—In his past novels, Zhao Yu had often written such maneuvers.

Yet novels could use literary license—dozens of characters could conjure soap into existence; reality could not.

Fortunately, Ma Xiao Jiao had begun as a craft enthusiast, experimenting with chemistry and restoring old objects—she had made soap and glass before.

Notably, her greatest skill was paper modeling.

Later, when that path failed, she turned to invention, creating hundreds of devices—all useless—until she gained millions of followers by being beautiful, having a great figure, and making funny inventions.

With the soap-making method, Zhao Yu should be able to find someone to produce soap.

If, failing that, he could not make soap, Zhao Yu would find a way to bring Ma Xiao Jiao to his side so she could make it for him.

In short, Zhao Yu would soon have a way to earn money.

Even better, Zhang Chun and the others had voluntarily given it to him—he didn't need to coax them.

Seeing Zhao Yu finally arrive, Zhang Chun—who had waited for him nearly the whole day—quickly gave him a signal, indicating she had something to say.

Zhang Chun's secret little gesture was noticed not only by Zhao Yu, but also by Yang Jian, who always kept his eyes and ears open.

Yang Jian lowered his voice and asked: "Your Highness, are you acquainted with this palace attendant?"

Hearing this, Zhao Yu looked at Zhang Chun and thought: "With your shallow cunning, you dare dream of becoming Empress Dowager?"

Zhao Yu turned to Yang Jian and said: "I wish to speak with her for a moment—could you kindly grant me this favor?"

Yang Jian, desperate to draw closer to Zhao Yu—whose future was limitless—and get on his fast-moving carriage, would never miss such an opportunity.

Yang Jian immediately declared: "Your Highness commands, and how could your servant refuse? Let this palace attendant escort Your Highness out of the palace in my stead."

Saying this, Yang Jian removed his waist token and handed it to Zhao Yu to pass to Zhang Chun, then wisely turned away.

Was Yang Jian not afraid Zhao Yu and Zhang Chun might do something improper and implicate him?

Of course not.

Zhao Yu had just saved Empress Dowager Xiang and demonstrated his exceptional talent—he was already nearly her favorite son.

In Yang Jian's view, within the confines of Cide Palace, even if Zhao Yu punched a hole through the sky, Empress Dowager Xiang would help him patch it.

Indeed, Yang Jian hoped to be punished because of Zhao Yu—then Zhao Yu would owe him a great favor, securing his own future.

After Yang Jian left, Zhao Yu walked toward Zhang Chun.

Zhang Chun had a thousand words ready to say to Zhao Yu.

But when Zhao Yu stood before her, she fell silent—especially when she remembered her goal was to sleep with him—she became so nervous she couldn't utter a single word.

After waiting for Zhang Chun a while and seeing she still said nothing, and as night was falling and their time was running short, Zhao Yu broke the silence: "Why did you wait here for me? And earlier, when you used a prophecy to tell me I would soon become Emperor—were you trying to frame me?"

…

(End of Chapter)