Chapter 25: Traces of Suspicion

Ni Wenhuan nodded solemnly and said, "I saw it with my own eyes—I would never dare deceive you!"

Zhou Jianyu sat there, his expression shifting, his gaze flickering without pause.

This pledge of loyalty was indeed no small matter, enough to make even him hesitate to decide lightly.

Zhou Jianyu was silent for a while, then suddenly raised his head to look at Ni Wenhuan and said in a deep voice, "Who else knows about this?"

Ni Wenhuan knew full well that this secret could cost a man his life. He straightened up and said with a note of assurance, "Only I alone know of it!"

Zhou Jianyu nodded at this, thought for a while longer, then suddenly walked out, asked the waiter for paper and brush, came back in, swiftly wrote a few lines, and had a servant deliver them.

Ni Wenhuan watched from the side, feeling that Zhou Jianyu was scribbling gibberish—not a single character he recognized.

Zhou Jianyu dared to write it in front of him, naturally unafraid of being seen through—this was the "secret code" passed down by his "master."

"Lord Ni," Zhou Jianyu now carried the bearing of a regional warlord as he looked at Ni Wenhuan and said gravely, "You should know the weight of this secret. I won't say more than necessary—I trust my master will be very pleased."

Ni Wenhuan was overjoyed at once. He stood up and clasped his fists, saying, "If Brother Zhou can put in a word for me, I will surely repay you handsomely!"

I haven't even seen him myself!

Zhou Jianyu gave a cold snort inwardly, yet sat motionless, nodding slightly as he said, "That's easy enough to arrange. As for this matter, mind you keep it secret—no one else is to leak a single word!"

"Yes, rest assured, Brother Zhou." Ni Wenhuan said with great delight.

Zhou Jianyu did not stay long, worried that someone might see through his ruse.

Only Ni Wenhuan and Jiang Yongde remained in the private room. Ni Wenhuan sat there, his expression shifting, silent and pensive.

Jiang Yongde, however, was extraordinarily excited. With Eunuch Wei gone, now a great Buddha had emerged—he could still enjoy shade beneath a big tree and keep raking in silver as before.

Jiang Yongde was pleased for a good while, but seeing that Ni Wenhuan still hadn't said a word, he couldn't help looking up blankly and asking, "Brother-in-law, what's wrong? You don't look too happy?"

Ni Wenhuan was a scholar, dressed in a diagonally-patterned short jacket, with an extraordinary bearing—one could call him a handsome man. At this moment he looked up at Jiang Yongde and said, "The man behind all this hasn't shown himself. Either he disdains to take me in, or he has some misgivings—but either way, it's not a good sign."

Jiang Yongde laughed at this and said, "I thought it was something serious. You're overthinking it, brother-in-law. At a time like this, everyone has to be doubly careful. The very fact that he could get me out means he's absolutely a big figure! And Eunuch Wei can't possibly make a comeback."

Ni Wenhuan nodded thoughtfully and said, "These next few days, stay put and see how our new master arranges for you."

Jiang Yongde was overjoyed at this and said, "Fine then, I'll wait. Either way, it's just about coasting along and making money—the most important thing is the gravy!"

Ni Wenhuan frowned slightly, tempted to lecture him, but since he had just been released, he didn't want his shrewish wife at home nagging him. He waved his hand, though inwardly he remained hesitant and undecided.

Jinghuan Palace.

Zhu Xu held a writing brush, practicing calligraphy stroke by stroke.

In this era, calligraphy was a very important mark of a man. To judge a person, one first listened to his name; upon hearing his name, one first read his essays; after reading his essays, one examined his handwriting. If the handwriting was poor, then no matter how good the essays, they would not be acknowledged—hence the saying, "The handwriting reveals the man."

Yao Qingqing stood to the side watching, in a green long skirt, occasionally offering a pointer. She had fallen into the pleasure quarters since childhood, skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting alike—her handwriting was naturally excellent as well.

"Your Highness." Cao Wenzhao rushed in hurriedly, his face full of urgency.

Zhu Xu finished the final hook stroke of a "yong" character, then turned to look at him and said, "What is it—Ni Wenhuan's pledge of loyalty?"

Cao Wenzhao's face was grave. He walked over, glanced at Yao Qingqing, and spread a slip of paper open before him.

Yao Qingqing, being perceptive, gave a slight bow and said, "Your Highness, I shall take my leave." With that, she turned and walked out.

Zhu Xu looked at the paper before him. The few characters on it made even his expression shift slightly.

"Wei Zhongxian has not left."

Cao Wenzhao's face was stern as he looked at Zhu Xu and said, "I've already sent men to investigate. The procurement caravan is still heading south—those are all his men. If Wei Zhongxian wanted to seize the chance to slip away and quietly sneak back, no one would know."

Zhu Xu stared at these characters, his eyes narrowing slightly, his gaze flickering.

Wei Zhongxian sneaking back into the palace, with the Tianqi Emperor hiding him—this logic seemed sound on the surface, but in truth had fatal flaws.

First, Wei Zhongxian might not dare remain in the capital. Second, Zhu Youxiao might not be willing to risk taking in a man who was already useless.

"Unless—he has a way to help my Imperial Brother thoroughly suppress these court officials and seize control of the court."

Zhu Xu narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself as he pondered.

Cao Wenzhao hadn't heard this, still worrying as he said, "Your Highness, could Wei Zhongxian make a comeback? If so, should we set another trap? This Ni Wenhuan could be put to use, couldn't he?"

Zhu Xu waved his hand. This time it was his turn to look grave. He raised his head to gaze out the window, calculating silently in his heart as he said, "Wei Zhongxian doesn't have that capability in the short term. Whatever he's hiding behind him, he'll lie low for a while—don't make a move. Notify my uncle's side that gunpowder and such can be stockpiled, but don't contact the mountain for now. As for the courtyard east of the city, keep a low profile, make some preparations, but don't start production for the time being."

Cao Wenzhao noted each instruction, then finally said, "Your Highness, is it really necessary to be this cautious?"

Zhu Xu shook his head slightly and said gravely, "Things may not be that simple. Once things on my Imperial Brother's side become completely clear, we'll make our plans then."

Cao Wenzhao nodded thoughtfully. Seeing that Zhu Xu had no other instructions, he turned and went out to make the arrangements.

Zhu Xu watched his retreating figure, mulling things over in his mind, when he suddenly said, "Old Cao, immediately have Wu Tian send men to Henan to investigate that old witch's whereabouts thoroughly!"

Cao Wenzhao's steps halted abruptly. He turned and walked back toward Zhu Xu, his expression startled as he said, "Does Your Highness suspect that Lady Fengsheng has already returned to the capital?"

Zhu Xu's face was grim. He nodded unconsciously and said, "I truly cannot think of anyone else who could have such great influence over my Imperial Brother."

Cao Wenzhao clasped his fists and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, I'll send men to investigate at once."

Zhu Xu felt a weight pressing on his chest. If Madam Ke had truly returned, it might disrupt all his plans.

That woman had immense influence over Zhu Youxiao. Even though Wei Zhongxian had been brought down by his scheme, as long as Madam Ke was there—not to mention restoring him to his former glory—simply getting him back into the Directorate of Ceremonial would probably be effortless.

"No need—running off to Henan would take who knows how long." Zhu Xu narrowed his eyes, a strange light flashing in them, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly as he said, "Since Ni Wenhuan wants to defect, a little secret of uncertain authenticity won't do. Have someone tell him to submit a memorial exposing Wei Zhongxian's crimes—deceiving the emperor, corruption and bribery, falsely accusing officials—and demanding that he be arrested and punished!"

Cao Wenzhao mulled it over for a moment, and suddenly understood. Excitedly he said, "Yes, Your Highness! I'll have someone notify Ni Wenhuan right away. Once he submits that memorial, Wei Zhongxian won't be able to stay hidden."