The allure of gossip is timeless. Especially in times when entertainment options were scarce, rumors and jokes were the most genuine form of entertainment for people after meals.

Whenever a new topic emerges, people have something new to talk about. And rumors are extremely short-lived; if you want to fit in, you have to keep up with the times and the pace at which topics change.

Before long, the story of the Prince of Huaiyang was no longer a novelty in the teahouses of Kyoto.

The most popular and widely circulated rumor in the neighborhood right now is that the Crown Prince condones his brother Ling Jiu's use of the "market exchange" to amass wealth, not only squeezing the interests of merchants but also driving several merchants to their deaths.

The "Market Regulation" was a law implemented during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and a special "Market Regulation Office" was established. The state would invest one million strings of cash to purchase unsold goods from merchants when prices were fair, and then sell them when the market was short of them.

At the same time, loans were issued to merchants, secured by their property, with mutual guarantees from five or more people, and an annual interest rate of two percent. This was intended to "connect the rich and the poor, regulate the rich and the poor, stabilize prices, and thus curb land annexation."

Originally a vital channel for increasing the imperial court's revenue, and an important policy for ensuring people's livelihood during economic downturns, it has now become a means for the Crown Prince's cronies to amass wealth.

Ling Jiu abused his power as the head of the Market and Commerce Bureau, deliberately suppressing the prices of goods for merchants while raising interest rates, causing those who couldn't repay their debts to lose everything. He employed a variety of debt collection methods; severely indebted families not only had their houses and land seized, but were also subjected to beatings and imprisonment.

No one knows how the rumors about the Crown Prince's "market trading" for personal gain started, but they gradually intensified until everyone believed the claim that the Crown Prince was profiting at the expense of the people and had driven dozens of people to their deaths.

Because the crown prince's status was always the second most prestigious in the country, carrying an aura of supreme power, no ordinary person dared to discuss it in court, which shrouded the topic in mystery.

However, while they dared not publicize it in public, it spread and was commented on relentlessly in private, as if anyone who didn't mention it was falling behind.

So, in casual conversations, at the dinner table, or even in the building, when people gathered together, even if they didn't talk about politics, they would whisper a few rumors.

“I said he should have stepped down long ago. He disrespects his teachers, is unfilial, seizes profits from the people, and bullies others with his power. He is not fit to be the crown prince!”

A drunk scholar was shouting indignantly in the restaurant, but his companions at the table quickly covered his mouth.

"I'm not afraid! If I'm right, I'll go anywhere in the world!"

Staggering, he pushed aside the people blocking his way and continued shouting to himself.

Seeing that his topic was becoming increasingly sensational, the others, adhering to the principle of self-preservation, quickly made excuses to leave. In less than a moment, only he, the drunkard, remained sitting at the table.

Everyone knows about this, and they might say a few words about it privately, but no one dares to stand up and say it out loud. Ordinary people are content as long as they have enough to eat and drink; what business is it of theirs to concern themselves with anything major?

The innkeeper shook his head at the commotion, fearing he would be in trouble. He even refused to pay for the wine and hurriedly told the waiter to forcibly remove the people from the room.

At the next table sat a young man who looked like a scholar, dressed in a flowing robe with handsome features. He had witnessed the entire incident. Observing the reactions of everyone around him, he slightly lowered his head, drank the last sip of tea, and then asked for the bill before leaving.

The Prince of Huaiyang's Mansion.

Liu Heng listened with great interest as Lin Yucheng recounted what had happened at the restaurant during the day. When he heard that the people were filled with righteous indignation towards the Crown Prince, he couldn't help but smile.

"Although they dare not openly rebel right now, the Crown Prince has no reputation among the people. Rumors are a powerful force, and it won't be long before he falls from grace and everyone turns against him."

This is just the first step; Liu Heng has a series of supporting plans to follow.

Even before he secretly discovered that the arrow wound and the ambush were orchestrated by the Crown Prince, he already knew that he and the Crown Prince were destined to be enemies to the death.

As for the fifth prince, Prince Luyang, Liu Heng knew that he was opportunistic, indecisive, and lacked the ruthlessness to achieve anything significant.

What are your thoughts on coming back this time?

Liu Heng smiled and glanced at Lin Yucheng, then, thinking of his future plans, he couldn't help but ask.

Lin Yucheng had been stationed in the capital for many years. When he served as the governor of Yanzhou, he successfully completed the land survey in sixteen counties. His performance evaluation must have been excellent. Liu Heng thought that he would let him stay in the capital in the future.

"I will follow Your Highness's arrangements."

"In that case, you should stay in the capital. You have made contributions in Yanzhou over the years, especially in successfully completing the land survey. You will surely be rewarded by the Emperor. You should be able to get the position of Assistant Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture."

Lin Yucheng was slightly surprised to hear that Liu Heng intended for him to serve as the Vice Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture.

The Prefectural Assistant of Fengtian Prefecture was a fourth-rank official, and to be precise, he wasn't unworthy of the position. It's just that he was exactly half a rank lower than his elder brother.

Lin Yuqi has finally made it in the Eastern Palace in recent years and has been promoted to Junior Chamberlain of the Imperial Household Department, responsible for the overall operation of the Eastern Palace. Being able to reach this position, which is similar to the steward of the entire Eastern Palace, means that she is one of the Crown Prince's most trusted people.

Lin Yuqi should have been extremely proud of becoming the Crown Prince's confidant. If he were to return to the capital and suddenly surpass Lin Yuqi, the Crown Prince would likely not be able to make peace with him.

"Some things, if you can't avoid them, you should plan ahead."

Liu Heng's last seemingly ambiguous remark stirred something within Lin Yucheng.

He felt he probably understood Liu Heng's thoughts. It seemed Liu Heng already had a plan for the future, wanting to create another opening through Lin Yuqi.

Since Liu Heng had raised his banner, he had no choice but to accept the challenge.

Having mastered both literary and martial arts, he intended to serve the emperor. His future was already tied to the Prince of Huaiyang, and Lin Yucheng had long ago made up his mind to do everything in his power to assist the Prince of Huaiyang in conquering the country.

Personally, Lin Yuqi is no longer an obstacle for him, and he's willing to maintain a facade of politeness for the sake of his reputation. However, Liu Heng clearly needs him to confront Lin Yuqi, so he can no longer back down.

Seeing that Lin Yucheng quickly understood his intention, Liu Heng happily stood up and patted him on the shoulder.

"Qiaoqiao will surely be happy that you can stay in the capital. Let's have dinner at the manor tonight, and I'll have her come over to meet you."

Having not seen her for many years, Lin Yucheng missed his sister dearly. Hearing Liu Heng call her so affectionately, he felt relieved. She must be doing alright, he thought.

That evening, Lin Yuqiao suppressed her excitement and went to the front yard to see Lin Yucheng. As soon as she saw him, tears welled up in her eyes.

"Second brother, I miss you so much."

Sobbing, Lin Yuqiao threw herself into Lin Yucheng's arms, clinging to his waist just like when they were children.

"How old are you? Why do you cry so much?"

He pulled her out of his arms, wiped away her tears with both hands, and gently looked at her as she appeared.

When he left, she was still a young girl who hadn't grown up yet. Now, her features have matured, and her small face is as beautiful as a lotus flower. She no longer has any trace of the chubby face she had as a child.

Lin Yuqiao's eyes were still brimming with tears, and she looked at Lin Yucheng as if she wanted to pounce on him again. He looked much more mature than when he left, and his skin had turned a charming light tan.

Although he still looks like a refined scholar, handsome and composed, his temperament has become increasingly reserved and melancholic, making people think of both lush green bamboo and bright yellow autumn chrysanthemums.

Feeling that Lin Yuqiao's appearance was quite inappropriate, Liu Heng had no choice but to interrupt the siblings' intimate meeting and personally pulled her over to embrace her.

Lin Yuqiao excitedly chatted with Lin Yucheng for a long time, until he reminded her for the third time that it was time to leave, and only then did she reluctantly let go of his hand.

"I'll have my second sister-in-law come and see me sometime! You've been gone for so many years, I've almost forgotten what you look like."

Before leaving, Lin Yuqiao pulled him aside to remind him. Only after she forced Lin Yucheng to agree with a smile and make repeated promises did she let him go.

She was still a little disoriented when she got back.

"My second brother is truly like a father to us younger siblings. Needless to say, he takes care of us in every way, and he never forgets even the smallest request we make if he can fulfill it."

Leaning against Liu Heng with a touch of sadness, Lin Yuqiao wiped away her tears and murmured wistfully.

Lin Yucheng is the best man in the world to her, without exception.

At home, she was taken care of by him, and even now and in the future, she will always rely on Lin Yucheng. Even her future children, as illegitimate children, will have to rely on Lin Yucheng, their uncle, for care.

"My second brother has always done his best for me, but there is not much I can do for him."

He kissed away the tears in her eyes, then changed her position and held her in his arms, pressing his entire body against hers, gently comforting her.

"I arranged for Lou Qi to meet you so that you would be happier, but now you can't stop crying."

Burying her head in the crook of his shoulder, Lin Yuqiao made a firm belief in her heart that she would live a good life and one day become Lin Yucheng's support.

The days passed at a leisurely pace, and at the end of the year, several major events occurred in succession.

The Crown Prince's wet nurse, Ling Jiu, was accused by an imperial censor of exploiting merchants and embezzling funds. Emperor Jianwu was furious and ordered an investigation, which resulted in the imprisonment of Ling Jiu and all those involved in the case.

Then, it was revealed that the prince's subordinates were seizing land in the suburbs and forcing good people to sell it to them. If they refused, they were forcibly evicted. During the conflict, a murder occurred, and an old man was beaten to death.

The aggrieved man's son, unable to bear it any longer, was willing to endure the humiliation of suing an official and being forced to crawl on a bed of nails, but he insisted on filing a lawsuit with the Shuntian Prefecture. The person he sued was none other than Lin Yuqi, the Junior Chamberlain of the Crown Prince's Palace.

Lin Yuqiao was also very surprised to hear that her eldest brother had been imprisoned. Her first thought was that it wouldn't implicate her second brother and the others.

"No, your older brother is fine too."

Liu Heng didn't say much, only assuring everyone that everything was fine.

Actually, Lin Yuqi was quite innocent in this case, since he was just buying land according to instructions from above, and everything was handled by his subordinates.

He has always been a man who cares about his status, and he would never personally handle such errand-running and tiring work; he would simply delegate the task and wait for the results.

He never expected that his subordinates would cause such a big incident, but in the end, he became the culprit, and the person was specifically named as the one being sued.

After he was imprisoned, Feng Jin, who had always taken good care of him, made a special trip to visit him and instructed him not to implicate the Crown Prince under any circumstances.

"Don't worry, as long as you know what to say and what not to say, the Crown Prince will not abandon you."

Hearing Feng Jin's words, Lin Yuqi felt a little better. She tried her best to suppress her confusion and anxiety, insisting that she had failed in her supervision and knew nothing about the matter.

In reality, Liu Heng had no intention of targeting Lin Yuqi. Moreover, if Lin Yuqi were convicted and sentenced, it would also affect Lin Yucheng's career. Exposing this case was merely a way to further tarnish the Crown Prince's image.

The Crown Prince understood this principle, so he didn't care about Lin Yuqi at all. He just wanted to add fuel to the fire and bring down Lin Yucheng as well, so that Liu Heng would have less support.

After much effort by Chen Lianghou, and with the help of Lin Yucheng and Liu Heng, Lin Yuqi was released after the New Year. However, her official position was removed.

“From now on, the position of clan leader will definitely belong to my second brother.”

Not only was Lin Yuqiao gloating with hope, but Lin Yucheng, who had orchestrated and led the case, also felt it was inevitable. Even if Chen Lianghou disagreed, once the clan elders came from their hometown of Chenliang County, Chen Lianghou couldn't possibly stand alone against so many voices and remain stubborn.

After these two cases, the Crown Prince's reputation among the people plummeted, and Emperor Jianwu became increasingly displeased with him, so he reassigned a Grand Tutor to teach him at the Eastern Palace.

The crown prince was already over thirty years old, and to be reprimanded by his father with a tutor made him feel utterly humiliated. He grew increasingly resentful of Liu Heng, and then thought of Lin Yuqi, whom he had abandoned.

He originally wanted to give up on him directly, after all, with such a dark history, Lin Yuqi's reputation was ruined, and she would never be able to make a comeback.

However, considering the plans that follow, his role is still indispensable.

Since returning to his residence, Lin Yuqi has secluded himself at home, spending his days in despair and drinking. He knows in his heart that he will never have another chance, but he is still unwilling, very unwilling.

At first, Jin would try to comfort him with kind words, after all, even though he had been stripped of his official title, he was still the heir of the Marquis of Chenliang and could inherit the Marquis's mansion in the future. However, Lin Yuqi not only ignored her, but also beat people indiscriminately after getting drunk.

Jinshi regretted marrying such a useless man back then, and distanced herself from him ever since, only summoning Cailian and a few other concubines to take care of him. She was grateful to still have a son, thinking that he would inherit the title in the future, which gave her some hope.

Jin Shi was even more alarmed by the situation of the second branch of the family. Their branch had lost everything, and they had to preserve their titles. Her anxiety intensified upon learning that Lin Yucheng had been promoted to Vice Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture.

After much deliberation, Jin still felt that Lin Yucheng relied on the Prince of Huaiyang, and that it was necessary to create discord between them in order to prevent Lin Yucheng from continuing his meteoric rise in his official career.

He was overjoyed when he sent someone to invite Lin Yuqi. Fearing that her recent despondency might damage her image in the eyes of the Crown Prince, he made sure to tidy himself up carefully before leaving.

After some secret planning, Lin Yuqi made up her mind and went to find Jin Shi as soon as she returned to the Marquis's residence.

By the time spring arrived and flowers bloomed, Lin Yuqiao was already sixteen years old.

Although Liu Heng was busy with important matters outside and didn't come to the inner courtyard often, she still managed to spend some time there each month. It was almost the same amount of time as the Princess Consort, and she was quite content with that.

She trusted Liu Heng deep down; since he had promised her, he must not have slept with anyone else. By that logic, she had already gotten a great deal and couldn't be greedy any further.

Therefore, she stayed obediently in her own courtyard, passing the time by reading storybooks and enjoying fine clothes, jewelry, and gourmet food, living the standard life of a capitalist noblewoman.

"Consort, this medicine is finished. Let's stop here. There's no need to prepare any more."

The medicine that Granny Jiang mentioned refers to a contraceptive pill.

Thinking that her days were rather leisurely and boring, Lin Yuqiao felt that she was still too young, but since everyone in this era was having children at this age, she might as well follow the trend.

"It's time for her to have a child for protection. I've made sure they keep a close watch on the kitchen and storeroom, so don't worry, Consort."

Seeing that Lin Yuqiao had agreed, Jiang Mama and Fang Mama were also excited. Without a child, their positions would always be unstable.

Just as she was preparing for pregnancy, a bombshell dropped: the third young master of the mansion, Liu Feng, the princess's youngest son, had been diagnosed with hydrophobia.