Chapter 10: How Deadly is the Eunuch's Retribution...?

This strange sense of unease was ultimately attributed by Xiao Dezi to the strong abilities of Steward Song.

The chief eunuchs often said, "A capable person is capable no matter what they do." What you perceive as everything going smoothly and agreeably is actually the result of the chief eunuchs' skill in making you feel comfortable.

Xiao Dezi felt that this was purely due to Chief Steward Song's superior methods, far surpassing his own abilities—he then promptly and impolitely asked Chief Steward Song to gather more information about the palace. This was precisely the Second Prince's weakness: he was too closed off, always the last to know when something happened.

"Leave this to us," said Manager Song with a smile, his temper quite mild.

Thus, during the more than half a month that Qi Chengming secluded himself to study, he not only learned that the supply of provisions for the enfeoffment troops was being handled in an orderly manner by Chief Steward Song, but also received timely new intelligence from Chief Steward Song—

That day, the eldest prince, the third prince, and the sixth prince were all punished by Emperor Hongren.

"What was the reason for the punishment?" Qi Chengming spread the pages of the book open, asking with interest, no longer in a hurry to read.

He learned from the plot of the succession struggle novel that the Second Prince was used as cannon fodder this time because he was framed by his brothers. Everyone was involved in fueling the rumors, and except for the youngest and least powerful Seventh Prince, who was not punished, all three princes were punished this time.

Was it Qi Chengming's previous tearful account that aroused Emperor Hongren's suspicion, prompting him to investigate the truth?

"It was today's lesson. The Third Prince and the Sixth Prince did not do well. When the Emperor found out, he also scolded the First Prince for not understanding brotherly love and filial piety. All three of them were punished by copying the Quli chapter of the Book of Rites a hundred times." Chief Eunuch Song answered methodically. "I have a connection with the eunuch who sweeps outside the Imperial Study, which is why I heard it."

The young eunuch stood before the hall with an air of authority, yet he remained humble and respectful. After answering, he stood with his hands at his sides without any arrogance or impatience.

"..." Qi Chengming seemed to be deep in thought, then suddenly realized something.

Keep in mind, the fifteen-year-old eldest prince was no longer studying in the Imperial Study and was even scolded as a result. This time, it sounds like the primary target is the eldest prince. Brotherly love and filial piety…

Could it really be because of his affair?

Qi Chengming didn't think his original father, the emperor, had much affection for him. No matter how complex the feelings, what could the past decade or so of neglect signify? He was inclined to believe that Emperor Hongren had discovered his sons had grown too powerful, even learning to join forces against one of them and vying for power.

This would be a major taboo for an emperor.

That's why the princes incurred such a severe blow.

—Why wasn't Xiaoqi punished? He's eight years old this year and has started school.

"Punishing them to copy the Book of Rites a hundred times... that's too lenient a punishment!" Xiao Dezi said bitterly, still not satisfied.

It sounds like there's a lot of content to copy, but what's the price? The price is that the original owner's second prince was directly sent to his fiefdom, and his entire political career was ruined.

Qi Chengming was also not satisfied, but he was too weak at the moment, so he could only lower his eyes and remain silent.

...Never mind, let him go to his fiefdom and build up his strength. A gentleman takes his revenge even after ten years. Based on the original plot, he won't need ten years; he'll find a way to get his revenge!

"Is Your Highness worried about how to deal with the mastermind behind this?" Chief Steward Song, observing the situation, suddenly asked.

"You have a way?" Qi Chengming looked over in surprise.

The young eunuch, with his composed demeanor, asked this question again...

"I can't do much, I can only try my best to make Your Highness look good," said Steward Song respectfully without even raising his eyes.

Song Gu sneered inwardly.

Although the Emperor was angry, was it because almost all the princes were involved that he only gave them a minor punishment as a warning?

He was just a eunuch with neither high nor low social standing.

But the past few decades haven't been wasted. Some leverage is better left unused than wasted. Why not use it to bring some joy to His Highness?

Who knows if His Highness's health has deteriorated due to the pent-up frustration he has been suppressing for so long!

Song Gu was simply taking his anger out on Song Gu.

—Everyone says that eunuchs are as narrow-minded as a needle point, and he openly admits it. Ah, that's exactly what they're talking about.

"Then... I'll wait for your performance?"

Qi Chengming's voice still held a slightly uncertain rise at the end as he watched Steward Song give a steady bow and retreat.

Just one day later.

I heard that the Third Prince's head maid had stumbled upon a scandal in the Empress's palace, which was brought to the Emperor's attention, and the palace had been sealed off in an emergency.

Qi Chengming: "...?"

This is such a big deal...

No, it has nothing to do with what Steward Song said about "getting revenge for him," right?

Qi Chengming thought slowly with a blank expression.

A note from the author:

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I'll be on the list tomorrow, and I've been very busy today, so I've only written a short chapter so far!

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