Chapter 22: Zhao Yu: I Gave You a Chance, But You Blew It

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Zhao Yu knew Zhang Chun's ultimate goal was to become Empress Dowager.

To become Empress Dowager, one must first become Empress.

To become Empress, one must first become the woman of Zhao Yu, the man most likely to ascend the throne.

This was an inevitable trend.

Thus, Zhao Yu had deliberately crafted an opportunity for Zhang Chun to throw herself into his arms.

At this moment, if Zhang Chun merely continued playing the mystic and said something like, "Because fate has destined us to be together," Zhao Yu would readily respond, "I feel the same," and they would successfully connect, achieving mutual gain.

If Zhang Chun had the courage to say, "Because fate has destined me to be your Empress," Zhao Yu, though unable to grant her wish, would still hold her in higher regard.

Instead, after holding back for a long time, Zhang Chun blurted out: "This maid has her own reasons; I beg Your Majesty not to ask."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Zhang Chun wanted to slap herself: "What nonsense did I just say?! Such a perfect opportunity—I could've said, 'Because our union is ordained by heaven,' and saved myself so much trouble!"

Immediately, Zhang Chun hoped Zhao Yu would press her for the reason, giving her another chance.

Yet Zhao Yu, who only wanted Zhang Chun and the other four women to walk into his trap without stooping to be a "sycophant," bluntly changed the subject: "Since you won't say, I won't ask. By the way, is the soap-making method you gave me your own invention?"

Zhang Chun wanted to spit blood: "You won't ask just because I told you not to? Don't you have any curiosity? Any backbone? Ask one more time—just once! If you ask again, I'll surely open my heart to you!"

But opportunity lost is lost forever; Zhao Yu said he wouldn't ask, and he meant it.

Helpless, Zhang Chun grumbled: "This was developed by my junior sister; she excels in mechanical arts, born with nimble hands, capable of crafting many wondrous objects."

Zhang Chun had considered claiming the invention as her own.

But the craftsmanship involved was too specialized—if Zhao Yu asked even one technical question, her half-knowledge would expose her, causing her to lose Zhao Yu's trust and possibly offend Ma Xiao Jiao, far too great a risk.

So Zhang Chun had made Ma Xiao Jiao her junior sister, elevating herself by elevating Ma Xiao Jiao.

Zhao Yu thought: "Lying without even preparing a script. Fine, fine—I'll see how I deal with you later."

But aloud he said: "When I return to my mansion, I'll have skilled artisans make the soap. If it succeeds, all's well; if it fails, I'll need your junior sister's help."

"This maid and my junior sister stand ready at all times," Zhang Chun readily agreed.

"You rushed to meet me not only to inform me that His Majesty's days are numbered and to urge me to prepare—but is there anything else?" Zhao Yu asked.

"Yes. Though Your Majesty is the True Dragon, that doesn't mean you face no threats to your ascension. According to my divinations, Prince Duan is a Deviant Dragon; if he disrupts the Heavenly Mandate, he may transform into a Malevolent Dragon and seize Your Majesty's throne—then the Zhao clan and all under heaven are doomed." Zhang Chun used the language of spirits and gods to warn Zhao Yu about Zhao Ji.

"Not bad," Zhao Yu thought. "Though full of nonsense, at least you've pointed out my enemy. You've done your part."

"So Prince Duan will be my greatest rival in becoming Emperor?" Zhao Yu asked, already knowing the answer.

"Precisely. Your Majesty must be vigilant," Zhang Chun warned.

"If the things you've told me so far come true, I'll believe your words," Zhao Yu said bluntly.

"They will surely come true," Zhang Chun said confidently.

"If they do, I will not hesitate to reward you," Zhao Yu promised.

Zhao Yu's attitude as a superior rankling Zhang Chun; she wished he would treat her as an equal—like Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, as a strategist.

But reality made that impossible.

Not even Zhao Yu, but even she herself, called herself "this maid" before Zhao Yu.

This sealed their unequal relationship.

"In this patriarchal feudal age, equality between men and women? I was dreaming too much."

"For now, I'll bide my time. Once I climb step by step to the highest throne of Empress Dowager, who will dare to tower over me?"

After self-encouragement, Zhang Chun bowed gracefully: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

In stark contrast to Zhang Chun's irritation, Zhao Yu was ecstatic.

In his previous life, even if Zhao Yu had given Zhang Chun ninety-nine Carnival gifts, she would never have bowed before him, never rushed to approach or flatter him like this.

Zhao Yu, who never intended to reveal he was a reincarnator, now had even less reason to let Zhang Chun and the other four women know he was one too.

Zhang Chun voluntarily handed Zhao Yu another list: "This maid has prepared for Your Majesty five loyal ministers and five capable ministers to assist Your Majesty in clearing obstacles and ascending the throne."

Zhao Yu unfolded it and saw that Zong Ze headed the five loyal ministers, and Cai Jing headed the five capable ministers.

Further down, Zhang Shuye and Tong Guan were also on the list.

Clearly, the list Zhang Chun gave Zhao Yu was of high value; if he promoted these ten men, he wouldn't just seize the throne—he could govern the Zhao Song dynasty with twice the efficiency.

Yet Zhao Yu still nitpicked: "My great Song has only ten usable men?"

Zhang Chun thought: "I've told you all this—how am I supposed to keep playing my role? Hmph! If I weren't afraid you'd lose to Zhao Ji, I wouldn't have given you even these ten all at once."

But aloud she said: "This maid has only divined these ten loyal ministers so far; I beg Your Majesty's pardon."

Though Zhang Chun had withheld much, Zhao Yu still returned the favor by removing his personal jade pendant and Yang Jian's token and handing them to Zhang Chun: "If you need anything, seek help from Zheng Yaban or Wang Yaban—they will see to your welfare on my behalf."

—Zhao Yu had ordered Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu to look after Zhang Chun and the other four women mainly because he feared their habit of valuing freedom and equality might cause trouble; if they were beaten to death, it wouldn't just be Zhao Yu's loss—it would be a loss to this world.

Seeing Zhao Yu thoughtfully connected her to Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu—and even Yang Jian—and helped her secure protection in Cide Palace, Zhang Chun thought: "You've got some conscience after all—not all my efforts for you were wasted."

After thanking him again, Zhao Yu asked: "Do you have anything else to report?"

Zhang Chun realized Zhao Yu was preparing to leave.

That wouldn't do.

I haven't yet secured the position of palace instructor for the maids.

But how can a virgin maiden possibly voice such an embarrassing request?

So Zhang Chun hesitated, words caught in her throat.

Zhao Yu had patience to wait, but the palace gates were closing.

Seeing Zhang Chun couldn't speak, Zhao Yu said: "Then say it next time—or if Zheng Yaban or Wang Yaban can handle it, go to them."

Zhang Chun's eyes lit up: "Ha! With those words, I can go straight to Empress Xiansu and Consort Yisu and demand the instructor position—this problem is perfectly solved!"

After seeing Zhao Yu off, Zhang Chun returned to Cide Palace in high spirits to boast her brilliant achievements to Li Lin and the other three women…

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(End of chapter)