When Guan Muyun returned from court that evening, Shen Ruojin told her husband with concern, “I heard that Father is arranging an important position for my elder brother in the Censorate. I’m afraid that if he gains this position, my sister-in-law will become more confident and may use Xu Xiang to dig up information about us. It’s best for the prince to be cautious.”

Xu Xiang wasn’t known for showing off. He wasn’t as capable as the other followers around them, and recently, Guan Muyun had been asking him to help his youngest brother with matters, so he hadn’t been relying on him much.

The only significant task Xu Xiang had been entrusted with in the past few years was when he was sent to Qin County to investigate Shen Ruojin’s background before her marriage.

Realizing this, Guan Muyun was startled and didn’t dare to look at Shen Ruojin directly.

“Jin’er, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise me you won’t get angry.”

Seeing his sudden seriousness, Shen Ruojin was taken aback: “What is it? Just tell me, my lord.”

Guan Muyun told Shen Ruojin that he had once asked Xu Xiang to investigate the lives of Shen Ruojin and Tao Sheng in Qin County and the Shen family.

When Shen Ruojin heard this, she was shocked but managed to smile. She said, “So you knew everything before, but you still chose me, someone with no support. Meeting you and being with you is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“I feel the same way,” Guan Muyun replied.

He looked at her lovingly and tried to embrace her, but she gently pushed him away.

“If my sister-in-law learns about this from Xu Xiang, my parents will be angry, and the Crown Princess will also be unhappy. The Guan and Shen families will become a joke in the capital…” 

Tears filled Shen Ruojin’s eyes as she spoke.

“Don’t worry,” Guan Muyun said, holding her close. “I know Xu Xiang. He is loyal and won’t easily betray his master. He won’t casually share something this big.”

“But my husband, you know my sister-in-law’s family is very wealthy,” Shen Ruojin replied. “She keeps trying to get close to Xu Xiang, promising him money and valuable gifts. I worry that she might harm you.”

Guan Muyun’s expression darkened. “What do you mean?”

“I want to ask Xu Xiang,” Shen Ruojin said. “Did he say anything he shouldn’t have to my sister-in-law? What do you think, husband?”

Guan Muyun fell silent, deep in thought.

Shen Ruojin sighed. “Do you not trust me?”

She emphasized the word “trust,” reminding Guan Muyun that he had doubted her before, which was why he sent Xu Xiang to investigate.

Seeing her distress, Guan Muyun quickly reassured her. “I don’t want to stop you from getting involved, but you’re not in good health. You shouldn’t worry too much. If you really want to, I’ll let you handle this matter and Xu Xiang. Just take care of yourself.”

After getting Guan Muyun’s permission, Shen Ruojin called Xu Xiang the next morning. She asked him how much contact he had with her sister-in-law recently and if he had shared any secrets from the prince’s room.

Xu Xiang admitted that her sister-in-law had been paying close attention to him. However, he reassured her that he remembered the prince’s instructions and did not accept any favors from the Fang family. He had returned all the gifts given by her sister-in-law and kept quiet about everything.

Shen Ruojin felt a bit relieved hearing Xu Xiang’s honest words and knowing he had returned the gifts.

Having grown up with Madam Shen’s teachings, she understood that being too kind to someone who knew her secrets could lead to disaster.

When Mother Sang was sold to a distant land, her greatest fear was being too weak to protect her entire tribe.

But now that she was the young lady of the Duke’s Mansion, with wealth and connections, she wouldn’t let that happen again.

Shen Ruojin fiddled with her teacup and then spoke to Xu Xiang in a commanding tone: “The prince told me that you have been with him for many years and are his most capable servant. You have worked hard but haven’t been rewarded. We just bought a new farm in the south. There’s a problem with local grain collection because the steward upset the local officials. The prince wants you to go there and represent him to sort things out.”

“Is it the manor in Kui County, Fujian?” Xu Xiang asked. “I’ve heard the prince mention it before.”

“Yes, it is that manor.” Shen Ruojin softened her tone. “The prince has always treated you kindly. He said this trip will be challenging, but if you succeed, I will reward you well in the future. What do you think?”

Having worked for Guan Muyun for so many years, Xu Xiang was used to business trips. He felt confident about this task and accepted it.

But he did not expect that he would face a dangerous journey that could have cost him his life.

_

That morning, the emperor summoned Tao Sheng to play the zither as usual. However, the Imperial College was far from the palace. After Tao Sheng arrived at Xuanzheng Hall, she learned that two university scholars were inside reporting to the emperor. Lord Luo worried that she would have to wait.

National affairs are more important than music.

Tao Sheng understood and retreated to the side hall to wait.

The servants in the hall that day were Li Sheng and his two apprentices. Gao Zhen was pleased to have some free time and went to the side hall to make tea for Tao Sheng.

Noticing that Eunuch Gao was more attentive than usual, Tao Sheng sensed he had something to say.

Gossip about Deputy Chief Eunuch Gao in front of the Emperor was exclusive, so Tao Sheng sat up straight, eager to hear what Gao Zhen had to share.

Gao Zhen found Tao Sheng’s interest amusing. He had information he wanted to discuss but struggled to find someone who shared his views since most officials either supported the Crown Prince or Prince Rui. 

So, for Gao Zhen, Tao Sheng’s presence was valuable.

There was no one in the side hall at the moment, and Gao Zhen started talking to Tao Sheng while enjoying a cup of tea.

About half a month ago, Guan Muyun, the prince of Duke Ling, advised Prince Rui. He said that the Emperor disliked Prince Rui for being disrespectful to him and suggested that he try to fix their relationship.  

So, Prince Rui knelt in the Baohua Hall for thirteen days, chanting prayers for the emperor.  

Seeing Prince Rui’s sincerity, the emperor softened a little and rewarded him with several pieces of brocade ^[1]is a rich fabric woven with patterns, usually using gold or silver threads. and two boxes of South pearls. He even sent an imperial doctor to treat Prince Rui’s leg illness, which showed he was accepting Prince Rui’s apology.  

Tao Sheng felt unhappy hearing this. In her previous life, Prince Rui was cruel to others and to himself. Kneeling for over ten days could leave him seriously injured or dead.  

Despite this, Prince Rui could still attend court and speak to the emperor. Was he truly indestructible?  

This news wasn’t good for Tao Sheng and the King of Chu. However, since Eunuch Gao was in a good mood, Tao Sheng sensed that the conversation was about something important and encouraged him to continue.  

Gao Zhen shared more gossip. He mentioned that the emperor had targeted people close to Prince Rui, punishing four of their descendants for forming cliques and corrupting the prince, nearly getting them dismissed.  

The prince seemed poorly educated. The East Palace and the Palace City are different groups, but the prince’s anger towards the emperor was clear even through palace walls.  

This was not a good sign.  

Tao Sheng remembered the original story and how the plot developed similarly. The prince resented the emperor not only for targeting his close allies but also due to a deeper fear and resistance.  

If the emperor could do as he pleased with those closest to him, could he also control the crown prince?  

The prince thought he was close to becoming emperor, believing that with a little effort, he could rule everything.  

This situation was like cold water poured over him, making him realize the vast gap between him and the emperor.  

He felt like a drowning man, suddenly wanting more power.