The Crown Prince took the memorial and read it. His frown deepened. In the memorial, Zhan Xuanzhi said that Fu Shui was the second Chen Ji. He was treacherous and nasty. He wanted the Emperor to deal with Fu Shui like how he dealt with Chen Ji.
Fu Shui asked blandly, “How did the Emperor deal with Chen Ji? I heard that it was Your Highness that personally killed Chen Ji to express your determination to turn over a new leaf?”
The Crown Prince denied, “It wasn't me! Chen Ji committed suicide.”
“If Chen Ji did not commit suicide, would you have killed him?” Fu Shui paused and sighed, “Chen Ji did not want to put you in a spot and chose to kill himself. He could die for you. I can do it too. I was the one that caused Zhan Xuanzhi’s death. If he did not die, I would have to die. If you think that I have done wrong, I will accept death as my punishment.” He flipped his hand over, showing the dagger that he already held in his hand. He moved to pierced it in his heart.
“Stop!” The Crown Prince immediately grabbed onto Fu Shui’s wrist. “I said that I will not let the same tragedy that happened to Chen Ji, happen to you. You are the only friend that I trust. You can’t leave me behind.”
Fu Shui looked at the Crown Prince, slightly moved. “Your Highness, you trust me so much. I am willing to die for you!”
Chapter 67.2: Treacherous
Yan Zifang was drinking in his garden when he saw Ma Hainiu return with a jewel box. She wore an unsatisfied expression.
“Is the Belle Shop not doing well?” As the leader and an investor, he should show a bit of concern.
“The Belle Shop is doing well. Today, I went to visit Consort Han and brought a lot of new jewellery for her to see but she did not want any of them. In the past, she has been my most loyal customer!” Therefore, Ma Hainiu was bothered.
“Why didn’t she want any?” Yan Zifang asked.
“Now that the Crown Prince and Prince Han are on such bad terms, she has no mood.” Ma Hainiu shook her head. “They are biological brothers!”
Yan Zifang’s mouth pulled up in a sneer. “Royals are emotionless.”
“Oh right, Consort Han told me that when the Crown Princess was still a lady from the Sun family, it was Consort Han and Prince Han that helped her when she came to the Han Mansion to get the attention of the Crown Prince. The Crown Princess did not have any chance of winning initially and she only won because of the idea Fu Rou gave her to add ribbons and flower petals under her skirt. When she danced, the flower petals fell like rain and she managed to defeat Lu Yingying and become the Crown Princess. Clearly, the Han Mansion did a favour for the Crown Princess. But now that the Crown Prince and Prince Han are not getting along, not only is she not helping, she is making matters worse.”
Yan Zifang seemed to ponder. “Since the Crown Princess is ungrateful, then you should speak up for justice and tell her ugly side to everyone.”
Ma Hainiu hesitated, “But leader, if I do that, won’t it cause the relationship between the Han Mansion and the Eastern Palace to worsen? I don’t think it is right.”
Yan Zifang raised his brows. “Does Consort Han treat you well?”
Ma Hainiu nodded. “Very well.”
Yan Zifang continued asking, “Do you want to help Consort Han punish the Crown Princess?”
Ma Hainiu spoke frankly, “Yes.”
Yan Zifang spoke in a slightly commanding tone, “Then you should do as I say.”
Ma Hainiu did not sense his tone but simply thought that this was not right.
“Do you think that the relationship between the Eastern Palace and Han Mansion will improve if you do not do anything? Now, the two families have irreconcilable differences. We can either not do anything or we can help Prince Han.” If ordering her would not work, he would try to use reason.
Now, Ma Hainiu understood reasoning very well. “Helping would definitely be better than sitting around.”
Alas, Ma Hainiu listened to reason better. She would definitely help Prince Han’s side. In three days, she would ruin the Crown Princess’ reputation!
Three days later.
“What!” Sun Lingshu threw a teacup on the floor.
“Those women ganged up together and are making fun of this. I don’t know how the news of what happened on the Crown Princess Selection day spread.” Shuangxi told Sun Lingshu of the rumours that had been spreading wildly outside the palace.
“Is there a need to ask? Who else would it be other than Consort Han? Despicable!” Sun Lingshu did not even need to think. Now that the Crown Prince was targeting the Literature School, Prince Han would naturally be anxious. However, she did not expect for things to turn in her direction.
The internal attendant announced that Chief Yu had arrived.
Sun Lingshu calmed down slightly before ordering the mess to be cleaned up. She then allowed Yu He to enter. “Greeting, Your Highness.” Yu He kneeled to greet her.
“Chief Yu, what major thing brings you here personally?” From Sun Lingshu’s expression, it was clear that she appreciated Yu He’s big greeting.
“Concubine Yan heard that the Crown Prince is helping to review memorials on behalf of the Emperor and hasn’t been sleeping well. She asked me to send some lingzhi over to help replenish His Highness’ energy.” Yu He presented the lingzhi.
“Concubine Yan is so thoughtful.” Sun Lingshu gestured to Shuangxi to accept it. “Chief Yu, please help me to thank Concubine Yan when you return.”
Yu He politely took his leave. Shuangxi looked at the lingzhi. “I never thought that Concubine Yan would give the Crown Prince a gift.”
Sun Lingshu spoke arrogantly, “Imperial Father is not around now and the Crown Prince is the one managing the country and has absolute power. Do you think that she and Prince Zhou dares to try anything? On the other hand, the Han Mansion is not tactful.”
Yu He did not walk very far before he heard laughter. He walked to a desolated old wall in the Eastern Palace. There was already somebody there waiting for him.
Yu He spoke, “With you in the Eastern Palace and Yan Zifang outside, the relationship between the Eastern Palace and Han Mansion is up in flames. We are just waiting for the last strike and everything will go up in flames. Fu Shui, you have done well.”
That person turned around. Fu Shui was polite. “You are too generous with your praises, Father.”
From Hong Yide all the way to Xiahan, the Crown Prince was repeatedly met with bad luck. Furthermore, they were getting closer to their goal. Zhan Xuanzhi was absolutely right. His Fu Shui was treacherous and nasty. But he would never be a Chen Ji because Chen Ji was way too foolish.
On this day, there was a sumptuous banquet at Lizheng Palace.
Empress Zhangsun thought that after she reprimanded the Crown Prince, he would reflect. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince became even more harsh and reduced the Literature School’s funds. The scholars were all dismissed and it was obvious as to how Prince Han would react. Moreover, she had also roughly heard about the rumours that the woman in the city were spreading. She did not expect that Consort Han and the Crown Princess were also at loggerheads. All these were making her worried. She could not eat nor sleep well and thought that it was strange that things came to this stage.
Fu Rou saw that Empress Zhangsun was becoming more frail by the day and suggested holding a family banquet. Perhaps the brothers and their wives could talk things out and resolve their conflict.
“It is the Crown Princess’ birthday. Our family should gather and celebrate.” Empress Zhangsun smiled as she waved her hand. A palace maid walked up with a tray in her hands. “Crown Princess, this is a new sable fur coat that I had just gotten and thought that it looked nice. The weather is getting cold and it is about time to use it. Take this as my present for you.”