"Our arrangements have reached the final stage. We must be cautious this time. We cannot allow leaks like the last time," said Yang Baiwen, the Imperial Censor.
"If you ask this Prince," said Prince Rong (Mutong's father), sipping coarse tea with an elegant air, "we should just poison that person in the palace and be done with it." He turned to the man beside him—a man dressed in black brocade whose handsome face reflected the morning light, radiating a natural, imperial majesty. "Royal Brother, what do you think?"
The Emperor, Yi Yunying, shook his head. "Walls have ears. That old scoundrel is watching too closely; we cannot make a move yet."
"Sigh. It's a good thing I didn't have the fate to sit on that throne. I wouldn't have the patience you possess, Brother. You've endured for so many years!"
"Hmph, do you think I wanted this?" The Emperor's eyes darkened. "Your sister-in-law has misunderstood me for years because of this. I promised her I would protect her and Lan'er (Prince Kang), but in the end..."
"We can only blame Father Emperor," Mo Wushang (General Mo) said, his voice heavy. "He trusted treacherous officials and left us this mess. He gave that old scoundrel too much power. 'Generations of Prime Ministers,' manipulating state affairs... If he hadn't embezzled half the military funds during the war with the Southern Borders, would we have had to fight for so many years?"
"We lack sufficient evidence, and the Empress Dowager protects him," Mo Wushang continued. "Back then, we were too busy dealing with the alliance between Prince Qi and Prince Liang to focus on him."
"Fortunately, after Prince Qi died, Prince Liang has been quieter these years," Yang Baiwen noted. "However, ever since the former Crown Prince... Prince Kang... cut off Prince Liang's arm for colluding with the Southern Borders, Liang has held a grudge. The poison Prince Kang suffered recently was his doing."
"Lan'er was young and impetuous," the Emperor sighed. "I am incompetent. After fighting Prince Qi for half my life, we both ended up wounded."
"It wasn't easy to defeat Prince Qi. He nearly breached the Capital back then," Prince Rong said. "But he left behind a bastard son who is now conspiring to harm Lan'er."
"It was our negligence," Mo Wushang admitted. "Beiye Jian (The Prime Minister) has been close to Prince Su lately. That old fox is too cunning; he's killed off most of the spies we planted. It was difficult just to discover he's secretly buying horses from the Northern Plains through merchants."
Mo Wushang hated Beiye Jian the most; countless soldiers had died because of the stolen provisions.
"We must be careful," Yang Baiwen said with a scholar's smile that hid a politician's edge. "My side is ready. How about the Empress Dowager's side?"
"Most of her people have been replaced by ours. She can't stir up much trouble," the Emperor mused.
"Prince Su and Prince Liang are both making moves," Prince Rong narrowed his phoenix eyes. "Should we add more shadow guards to Lan'er's side?"
"No need," the Emperor Yi Yunying said, a glimmer of light in his eyes. "I trust Lan'er can handle these small matters. He has more resolve than I do."
The four men sat in the dilapidated tavern outside the city. It was not the first time they had met in secret like this.
The Two Faces of Beiye Yinman
Beiye Yinman, having suffered humiliation in the Plum Forest, was venting her anger at home. Anyone who caught her eye became a target.
The maids in her courtyard lived in fear. Before coming here, they had fought to serve the elegant, noble Miss Beiye. Only now did they realize that the kind, thoughtful lady outside was a demon behind closed doors.
"Miss, Prince Su has arrived."
Inside the room, a calm voice announced the visitor. Beiye Yinman, her face twisted in a hideous scowl, was currently sticking silver needles into a maid named Micui, who was gagged and sweating profusely from the pain.
Hearing the announcement, Yinman stood up and glared coldly at the girl on the floor. "Why are you still lying there like a corpse? Get out!"
Micui scrambled up as if granted amnesty, removed the gag, wiped her sweat, and bowed her head as she exited. The other maid, Jingqiao, stood by nervously.
In an instant, Beiye Yinman transformed. She smoothed her expression into one of gentle elegance and walked with mincing steps to the reception room.
"Yinman pays respects to Prince Su."
"Manman, rise," Prince Su (Yi Lingfeng) said, helping her up. "There is no need for formalities between us."
Once seated, Prince Su poured her tea. "I obtained a pet yesterday and brought it specifically for you." He signaled his attendant to bring in a cage. "Look, a nine-tailed fox. It took me a long time to find one this white."
Beiye Yinman looked at the white fox. She immediately thought of the adorable chinchilla she had seen with Miss Mo in the Plum Forest. Compared to that creature, even this rare fox seemed lacking. However, she feigned delight, hugging it for a moment before handing it to Jingqiao.
"Your Highness truly spoils me. I don't know how to thank you."
"Manman, if you want to thank me..." Prince Su lifted her hand and kissed it gently.
Yinman quickly withdrew her hand, giving him a shy, reproaching look. "Your Highness is naughty. Men and women should not touch. If word gets out, how will Yinman face anyone?"
"I'd like to see who dares to speak," Prince Su said, sweeping a cold gaze over the servants. Satisfied by their fear, he turned back to her. "You understand my heart, Manman."
"How could I not?" she sighed. "It is just... my father..."
Prime Minister Beiye Jian appeared friendly with Prince Su, but whenever marriage was mentioned, he would stall. Prince Su sometimes suspected the old fox was playing him.
"Do not worry, Manman. I will find a way," Prince Su said meaningfully.
Yinman shivered inwardly. He has a way to persuade my father? Unless... She smiled enigmatically. Prince Su thought she agreed with him, unaware of her true calculations.
The Twist of Truth
"Did you enjoy the plum blossoms a few days ago, Manman?"
At the mention of this, Yinman's face filled with grievance. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she lowered her head, weeping silently. It was a posture that would make any man's heart ache, and Prince Su was no exception.
"Who bullied you? Tell me, and I will seek justice for you."
Jingqiao, understanding her mistress perfectly, stepped forward. "Your Highness, you don't know. My lady was reciting poetry with her friends when we smelled something burning. It turned out that Princess Mutong, Miss Yang, and the General's daughter, Miss Mo, were having a... 'barbecue' nearby. It ruined the scenery. My lady kindly went over to advise them, but they insulted her! They said she polluted their eyes and their food, and told her to get lost! Is that not bullying?"
"Hmph! That fat Princess Mutong relies on my Royal Uncle's favor to be arrogant," Prince Su sneered. "And that General's daughter... Don't worry, Manman. I will make them pay for this grievance."
Beiye Yinman offered a weak, grateful smile.
She knew the political situation was unclear. She couldn't bet on the wrong horse. She had beauty and talent; she refused to bow to anyone.