Undercurrents are rising

Wei Zheng's triumphant return and statement, like a heavy weight thrown onto a chessboard, temporarily brought the court, already shaken by the downfall of Prince An and the Third Prince, to a delicate equilibrium. Xiao Jingche's reputation grew, and his handling of government affairs became increasingly calm and sophisticated. Though not crowned Crown Prince, he already possessed the potential to be a regent. With the Emperor languishing in illness, court meetings were sporadic, leaving most government matters to Xiao Jingche and several cabinet ministers for deliberation and decision-making.

On the surface, the Seventh Prince's Mansion seems to have a bright future and is full of brilliance.

Yet, Lu Qinglan was more vigilant than ever. She knew the higher she stood, the stronger the wind, and the thinner the ice beneath her feet. The emperor's illness was recurring, and his thoughts were unpredictable. While the other adult princes appeared to be docile, the resentment and jealousy lurked in their eyes, leaving no room for ulterior motives. And the entrenched old forces within the court would not yield to this resignation.

She accelerated the consolidation and expansion of her power. Yunshang Pavilion's reputation had grown even greater after this incident, and Lu Qinglan capitalized on this opportunity to expand its business, secretly dabbling in money exchanges and information trafficking. Leveraging the Shen Chong caravan's frequent travels, she wove an ever-larger and more complex network of information and wealth. Zhao Tieshou's subordinates also grew increasingly capable, not only keeping a close eye on any developments in the capital but also attempting to infiltrate the palace and even several of the princes' palaces.

On this day, Lu Qinglan was listening to Fu Yu's report on the initial operation of Yunshang Pavilion Money House when Lin Wanru came in with a gift list to ask for instructions.

"Princess, the third day of next month is the sixtieth birthday of the wife of Duke Rong. Here is the list of gifts prepared for you to review." Lin Wanru now assists Lu Qinglan in managing the external relations of the palace and appears to be more capable.

Lu Qinglan took the list and glanced at it. Seeing that it was standard and there was nothing wrong with it, he was about to nod when his eyes suddenly stopped at one of the items - "A coral tree in the East China Sea, about three feet tall."

"Is this coral tree an old item from the warehouse?" Lu Qinglan asked.

Lin Wanru shook her head. "My princess, it's not an old item from the warehouse. It was... someone from the Fifth Prince's residence sent it over the other day. They said they found it by chance, and they're offering it to congratulate His Highness and the Princess on their new home (referring to taking control of the palace), and wishing His Highness... a bright future."

The Fifth Prince? Xiao Jingming? Lu Qinglan narrowed his eyes slightly. This Fifth Prince, known for his pretentiousness and apathy towards politics, had a very low profile among the other princes. And now, he was actively trying to show his goodwill to Xiao Jingche? And even presented him with such a valuable and auspicious gift?

"Who has your Highness the Fifth Prince been in close contact with recently?" Lu Qinglan asked casually.

Lin Wanru thought for a moment and said, "I heard that the Fifth Prince has been interacting frequently with several scholars from the Hanlin Academy recently, often hosting literary gatherings and appreciating calligraphy and paintings. Oh, by the way, a few days ago, he also went to visit the former Minister of Personnel, Mr. Yang, who was ill at home."

Former Minister of Personnel Yang Ting? He was a veteran of three dynasties, with students and friends throughout the government and the country. Although retired, his influence remained, and he had always been at odds with Prince An's faction. The Fifth Prince went to visit him at this juncture...

Lu Qinglan's heart sank with alarm. This seemingly insignificant interaction might conceal a hidden connection. The Fifth Prince might not be as indifferent as he appeared.

"Return this coral tree." Lu Qinglan put down the gift list, his tone calm but unquestionable, "Just say that the palace's storeroom is small and there's no place to store such a treasure. I dare not take away the Fifth Prince's love. Choose another gift of moderate size and proper etiquette to send to the Rongguo Mansion."

"Yes." Lin Wanru understood and agreed immediately. The princess did not want to have too much material involvement with the fifth prince, so as not to give people a reason to criticize her.

After handling the matter, Lu Qinglan sat alone in deep thought. The Fifth Prince's unusual behavior might just be the beginning. As Xiao Jingche's position became more and more solid, those forces hidden under the surface would inevitably surface in various ways, either by surrendering, testing the waters, or... secretly colluding.

She recalled how Xiao Jingche had mentioned to her a few days ago, with a touch of pride, that several princes from the imperial clan, who had been neutral, seemed to be moving closer to him. At the time, she had only warned him to be discerning, but now, thinking about it, could these "movements" also harbor ulterior motives, like the Fifth Prince's?

"Fu Yu," she called, "Have Zhao Tieshou assign some men to keep an eye on the Fifth Prince's residence and that of Elder Yang. There's no need to go too deep, just keep an eye on the people coming and going."

"Yes, Princess."

Even after making the arrangements, Lu Qinglan remained uneasy. She had a premonition that this peaceful situation wouldn't last long. The emperor's illness was the biggest variable. Once... that would be when the storm would suddenly rise.

A few days later, her premonition was partially confirmed. The head of the Imperial Hospital was urgently summoned to the palace late at night and did not return until dawn. Although the palace suppressed the news, word of the emperor's worsening condition quietly spread among high-ranking officials.

Meanwhile, Zhao Tieshou reported that the Fifth Prince, Xiao Jingming, had recently had "chance encounters" and brief conversations with several mid-level generals in charge of the capital's garrison at several unassuming teahouses and taverns. Meanwhile, Elder Yang's residence had also welcomed a special guest—the Marquis of Jingnan, a man stationed in the southwest year-round, commanding a significant force and the brother of the Imperial Concubine (the Second Prince's biological mother)!

The storm is coming.

These fragmentary clues, like pieces scattered across a chessboard, appear isolated, yet they hint at a possibility: behind Xiao Jingche's apparent dominance, a new, hidden coalition force is quietly forming. They may not be as powerful as the Third Prince in his prime, but hidden in the shadows, they are even more deadly.

Lu Qinglan walked to the window. The summer courtyard was lush and vibrant, but she felt a hint of winter chill.

The wind rises from the tip of the green duckweed, among the ripples.

The real storm may be just around the corner. She must be more clear-headed and decisive than ever before to carve out a place for herself and those who follow her in this impending, fateful change.