What do you mean?

Lu Chuan put down his book and looked at Wang Xiangyu with interest.

Wang Xiangyu dismissed the servants and whispered her plan to Lu Chuan.

These days, Wang Dachun has been staying inside the earthen cannon barrel selling clay teapots, when he happened to meet a generous man. He thought he was a master from a wealthy family, but it turned out he was just a servant.

He struck up a conversation with him, and after some discussion, he learned that the servant was no ordinary person; his master was the prime minister's mistress.

During a casual conversation, Zhang Dachun inadvertently brought up this matter with Wang Xiangyu.

Wang Xiangyu was quick-witted and resourceful. Lu Chuan worked under the Prime Minister, but he was of mediocre talent and did not stand out. He only did some errands every day.

Wang Xiangyu felt that if she wanted to get ahead, she would have to use some different methods, such as doing things for the Prime Minister that no one else could know about. In that case, Lu Chuan would definitely have a bright future. So she came up with a plan.

Wang Xiangyu had already inquired and learned that the mistress had two older brothers who also worked under the prime minister, but their abilities were limited, and they were only given relatively low-ranking official positions.

Wang Xiangyu's idea was to have Lu Chuan pretend to become familiar with his brother who was in charge of foreign affairs, and then move up the ranks along that path.

"This isn't a good idea. What if the Prime Minister becomes disgusted..."

Lu Chuan felt that although Wang Xiangyu's plan was excellent, it was too risky. If she could please him, she might rise rapidly in rank and gain the Prime Minister's favor. But if she incurred the Prime Minister's displeasure, she might not even be able to save her life.

"If the Prime Minister didn't value that mistress, why would even her servants be dressed in gold and silver? There's no doubt about the importance of that mistress in the Prime Minister's heart, so you can proceed with confidence."

"Let me think about it."

Lu Chuan was still somewhat uneasy, but he did not refuse.

Although he was holding a book, his mind was preoccupied with the matter that Wang Xiangyu had mentioned.

"Madam, you need to think things through!"

As she spoke, the prime minister's wet nurse poured a cup of tea for the prime minister's wife.

“Granny, I’m so old, what is there that I can’t let go of? I’ve already figured these things out a long time ago.”

The Prime Minister's wife sighed softly, then picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and continued.

"What I'm worried about is the son born to that mistress..."

Upon hearing the Prime Minister's wife's words, the wet nurse also let out a heavy sigh.

Even though the Prime Minister's wife was the eldest daughter of the Duke of Huoguo's family, holding a high position and great power, she ultimately did not give birth to a son.

"Madam, do not be afraid. What does it matter if it is a son born to a concubine? His status is illegitimate. Besides, is it guaranteed that he will live a safe and peaceful life after being born?"

Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister's wife paused slightly before resuming her hand gesture.

"Granny, the poetry gathering will be over soon. I would like to trouble you to come over. There are some things that need to be done."

After the Prime Minister's wife finished speaking, she put down her teacup and softly murmured "Amitabha."

Meanwhile, the poetry gathering was quite lively.

"I had the honor of attending a poetry gathering with Miss Li, the manager of Xifeng Pavilion, before."

As Qian Qingqing spoke, she casually picked up the lottery tube and walked over.

"Miss Li's poem 'The Song of Flowing Water' is quite elegant. Why don't you draw a fortune stick and compose a poem today, so that everyone can broaden their horizons?"

Qian Qingqing spoke without leaving any room for negotiation, clearly intending to embarrass Li Youran in front of everyone.

Li Youran wasn't one to back down easily. If she hesitated and refused, it would be an admission that she was inferior in skill. But if she admitted it openly, it would seem like she had no way to refute Qian Qingqing.

“Composing poetry alone is really boring. Why don’t you and I compose a poem together, Miss Qian, and let the young gentlemen and ladies present give us their opinions? The loser can then present a talent, which would make for a lively occasion.”

With a smile on her face, Li Youran walked gracefully toward Qian Qingqing, stopping only when she was a step away from her.

Li Youran is not only tall and slender, but also has a curvaceous figure, which can be described as graceful.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Qian Qingqing and Li Youran stood together, forming a stark contrast.

If viewed alone, Qian Qingqing could be considered a graceful lady, but compared to Li Youran, she appeared short and flat-chested.

In particular, Qian Qingqing's slightly yellowish skin tone contrasted sharply with Li Youran's fair and rosy complexion, making her look like an ugly duckling.

It was this action that caused many young men to focus their attention on Li Youran and nod in approval.

“Miss Qian is a well-known talented woman in this circle. Since Miss Qian says that Miss Li is quite talented, she must have some real skills. Why don’t Miss Qian have a competition with Miss Li and let us broaden our horizons?”

Hu Shixiong stepped forward and said.

Hu Shixiong's father was the prime minister's younger brother, and the two had an excellent relationship. Therefore, among these sons born out of wedlock, Hu Shixiong's status was among the highest.

Moreover, Hu Shixiong himself is also very capable.

Although he entered the Hanlin Academy through the connections of the prime minister, he won the respect of everyone with his talent.

"My elder brother is absolutely right, Miss Qian, you should agree!"

Hu Shihua, dressed in white, was incredibly dashing, especially when he spoke, his eyes were smiling, which made people feel a warm breeze.

"Since both of you gentlemen have said so, then I shall make a fool of myself."

Qian Qingqing found it hard to resist Hu Shihua's temptation and, almost as if possessed, agreed.

Jiang Qianqian recognized Hu Shihua's voice and looked over, only to find her eyes meeting Hu Shihua's.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!