Each with their own ulterior motives
Su Yuyue sat down as instructed, removed the light veil to reveal her thin but even more aloof and beautiful face. Her gaze swept across the study, finally landing on Zongzheng Zhaoran, and she said neither servilely nor arrogantly, "Your Highness has kept me waiting."
"It's alright." Zongzheng Zhaoran pushed a cup of tea in front of her, the aroma of which wafted gently. "Miss Su's words that day were thought-provoking. I wonder if you have any insightful thoughts to share with me today?" He deliberately paused slightly on the words "share," his meaning clear.
Su Yuyue understood immediately, knowing that this "painting" was not real. Instead of directly addressing the question, she picked up her teacup, gently inhaled the aroma, and casually asked, "Your Highness, what do you think is Prince Heng's greatest asset right now?"
Zongzheng Zhaoran's eyes flickered slightly. He took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Naturally, it's the Emperor's favor and military merit."
“Indeed.” Su Yuyue put down her teacup, her gaze sharpening. “His outstanding military achievements have made him increasingly popular both in and out of court, and he is also highly regarded by His Majesty. If we want to move against him, we must first shake his foundation. Military achievements… are the most important part of that foundation.”
"Oh?" Zongzheng Zhaoran showed an expression of willingness to hear more. "His military achievements are undeniable, how can that be shaken?"
“Great merit can also threaten the ruler.” Su Yuyue slowly uttered a few words, her voice icy. “Does Your Highness know that although the northern border is pacified, the border line is long, and small groups of bandits and tribal conflicts have never ceased.”
"If at this time, someone were to impeach Prince Heng for failing to pacify the border region and for allowing his subordinates to seize credit and act recklessly, leading to unrest on the border and growing resentment among the people... what would Your Majesty think?"
She paused, observing King Zhao's reaction, and continued, "Furthermore, King Heng's prestige in the army is too high, and his old subordinates are spread throughout the armies of the northern border. If someone were to suggest that the army only knows King Heng and not Your Majesty... even if Your Majesty does not believe it now, wouldn't a thorn be planted in your heart?"
Zongzheng Zhaoran's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the teacup. What Su Yuyue said was exactly what he had in mind; even in his previous life, the Hengwang's eventual downfall was partly due to similar reasons.
But he never expected that Su Yuyue, a woman confined to her chambers, would have such insight into the political and military affairs, and that her methods would be so ruthless and ruthless, hitting the nail on the head.
"This move... is quite risky. Without concrete evidence, it would be a frame-up," Zongzheng Zhaoran said cautiously.
“Of course, we need ‘evidence’.” Su Yuyue’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Evidence can be fabricated, and rumors can be spread. The border is remote, information flows poorly, and who can immediately distinguish between truth and falsehood?”
As soon as rumors start to circulate, those censors and officials skilled at discerning the Emperor's intentions, or those at odds with Prince Heng, will inevitably spring into action. Your Highness understands the principle of "three men can make a tiger," and the power of accumulated slander to destroy a person, better than I do.
She looked at King Zhao with intense eyes: "Moreover, as far as I know, my father... still has some influential people in the Ministry of War and among his former subordinates in the Northern Border. Although they are some insignificant pieces of information, they are enough to spark speculation and might be of some help."
This is where her true value lies: not only in offering advice and strategies, but also in utilizing the potential power of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
Although her father explicitly stated that he would not interfere, as the legitimate daughter, she had her own channels and methods to influence certain matters.
Zongzheng Zhaoran was even more shocked. Su Yuyue's decision and the resources she could mobilize were all within his expectations. If this woman was used well, she would indeed be a great help; but if she was out of control, the consequences would be unimaginable.
He pondered for a moment, then a gentle smile returned to his face: "Miss Su's thoughts are thorough and her insights are unique, which has enlightened me. However... this matter requires careful consideration and a step-by-step approach; we must not be hasty."
He neither explicitly agreed nor refused, but his attitude was clear.
Su Yuyue knew that she shouldn't push too hard when offering advice for the first time; she should stop short of pressing the issue. She also gave a faint smile: "Your Highness is absolutely right. I was just being impatient. I was merely chatting with Your Highness about the painting, and I just spoke offhand when I had a sudden inspiration."
The two exchanged a smile, as if they were genuinely discussing romance, art, and literature. But the air was thick with cold intrigue and mutual probing.
After "appreciating" the paintings, which were both real and illusory, for a while, Su Yuyue got up to say goodbye.
Zongzheng Zhaoran personally escorted her to the door of the study, watching her departing figure with a deep and unfathomable gaze.
"Ghost Face," he whispered.
From the shadows, Mr. Ghostface appeared silently.
"Keep an eye on her. Report everything she does, who she comes into contact with," Zongzheng Zhaoran ordered, his tone icy. "Also, investigate what she just mentioned about the northern border and the army. See which parts can be used by us, and which parts need to be guided and strategized."
"Yes, Your Highness." The masked man bowed and accepted the order, then quietly withdrew.
Zongzheng Zhaoran returned to his desk, looking at the teacup Su Yuyue had just used, his expression complex. This black lotus was indeed thorny, and quite poisonous.
He spread out a sheet of Xuan paper, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, but did not put pen to paper for a long time.
On the chessboard, another piece has jumped in voluntarily. However, this piece is ambitious and could turn on you at any moment.
"Su Yuyue... In this life, I want to see whether you, this poisonous lotus, will help me eliminate obstacles first, or whether I will... pluck this flower first!"
The brush finally fell, spreading a thick blot of ink on the rice paper, like an impenetrable night and murderous intent.
Leaving the Prince Zhao's residence, Su Yuyue sat in the slightly swaying carriage, her face expressionless. She knew the Prince Zhao wouldn't fully trust her, but she didn't care. She had demonstrated her worth and methods, and that was enough.
Cooperation is inherently like seeking help from a tiger. She not only needs to use King Zhao's power to overthrow King Heng and take revenge on King Ming, but also needs to continuously strengthen herself in the process until no one can treat her as a pawn anymore.
The carriage sped through bustling streets, outside the window the vibrant life of everyday people; inside, a heart hardened and hardened by the quagmire of power struggles. Her path of revenge and power had only just begun.
…………
Su Yuyue returned to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and became even more reclusive. She no longer participated in those pointless gatherings of noble ladies, but instead used "self-cultivation" as an excuse to lock herself in her room. In reality, she began to cautiously make moves through some secret channels that she had cultivated over the years.
She did not directly use her father's core connections in the military, as that would be too easily detected. Instead, she contacted some mid- to lower-ranking officers or clerks who had a past with the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, were on the periphery, but could pass on information at specific points.
Some vague rumors about the northern garrison being "lax in discipline," "frequently clashing with local tribes," and "generals being arrogant and complacent" began to quietly spread in certain taverns and teahouses. The content seemed fragmented, but the tone was quite consistent.
Meanwhile, the study in Prince Zhao's residence was brightly lit all night.
"Your Highness, Miss Su has indeed been making some moves, spreading rumors about the discipline of the Northern Army through several inconspicuous channels," Mr. Ghostface reported in a low voice. "Her methods are quite discreet, and for the time being, they haven't been traced back to us."
Zongzheng Zhaoran toyed with a warm, smooth jade pendant, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "Let her do it. Subtly mix in the 'ingredients' we've prepared. Remember, it has to be a mix of truth and falsehood, especially the information about those border generals who aren't direct descendants of Prince Heng but are equally arrogant. Make sure the information is a little more detailed."
"Yes. In addition, our people in the Censorate have prepared several drafts of memorials, ready to be submitted as soon as the situation becomes clear," Mr. Ghost Face added.
“Very good.” Zongzheng Zhaoran’s lips curled into a cold smile. “With the strength of Prince Heng, it would be as difficult as ascending to heaven to bring him down in one blow, but we must make the thorn of suspicion in Father’s heart grow even deeper.”
Just then, a trusted aide cautiously reported from outside the study: "Your Highness, Princess Muna Sha of the Northern Abyss Kingdom has sent a secret envoy with a visiting card, hoping to meet with Your Highness in private."
Zongzheng Zhaoran and the Ghost-Faced Man exchanged a glance, a knowing glint in their eyes. The fish had taken the bait.
"Please." Zongzheng Zhaoran straightened his robes, regaining his gentle and refined demeanor.
A moment later, a man from the Northern Abyss dressed as a merchant from the Central Plains, but with eyes as sharp as an eagle, was led into the study. He bowed respectfully and handed over a visiting card that exuded a faint, exotic fragrance: "Your Highness, on behalf of Princess Munasha, I extend my greetings to Your Highness. The princess has long admired Your Highness and hopes to work with you on... mutually beneficial matters."
Zongzheng Zhaoran unfolded the visiting card, which was written in a slightly stiff but powerful style. It bluntly expressed Muna Sha's determination to have Heng Wang and her disgust for Jiang Wanzhi as an "obstacle". She also proposed to cooperate with Zhao Wang and get what they wanted.
"Your Highness is indeed straightforward." Zongzheng Zhaoran closed the visiting card and smiled slightly. "I wonder how the princess intends to cooperate?"
The envoy whispered, "Princess, I've heard that His Highness is also quite fond of that prospective Princess Heng. Princess, you wish to help His Highness so that Prince Heng has no time for anything else, and perhaps even... annul the engagement. In return, I hope His Highness can help Princess... achieve her wish."
Zongzheng Zhaoran sneered inwardly. This Princess Beiyuan had quite a plan, wanting to use him to eliminate her rival in love. However, this suited him perfectly. He needed an external force to stir up trouble, and Princess Beiyuan's presence, along with the Beiyuan power she might wield, made her an excellent pawn.
“I appreciate the princess’s kindness.” Zongzheng Zhaoran’s tone was gentle, but with a hint of calculation. “However, this matter is of great importance, and I need to discuss the details with the princess in person. Tomorrow evening, at the Tingfeng Pavilion in the south of the city, I will await the princess’s arrival.”
The secret envoy accepted the order and departed.
The masked man emerged from the shadows: "Your Highness, isn't the risk of Princess Beiyuan's involvement too great? What if His Majesty finds out..."
“Risk and opportunity coexist.” Zongzheng Zhaoran’s eyes were deep. “Muna Sha is a double-edged sword. If used well, she can severely damage King Heng, and…” He paused, “She represents the Northern Abyss Kingdom. If she can create some trouble on the border or in the peace treaty terms, wouldn’t that be more effective than us spreading rumors?”
Mr. Ghost Face understood: "Your Highness is wise. I will arrange for the guards of Listening Wind Pavilion to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
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