Chapter 10: Weren’t You Quite Fond of Her?

    Peach Blossom earnestly repeated what she had said, though there were certain things she still needed to conceal.

    Shen Zaiye listened, clearly unconvinced. Based on these few words alone, the Southern Prince’s temperament would hardly have led him to think highly of her.

    “Did you use seductive arts on the Southern Prince as well?” he narrowed his eyes.

    Peach Blossom shook her head. “The Southern Prince is still young and full of sincerity. Such a person would not be swayed by seductive arts.”

    Why is that? Shen Zaiju couldn’t understand. Though young in age, Mu Wuxia was more meticulous in thought than anyone else. If not bewitched by some sorcery, he would not easily trust a person. Even Shen hadn’t managed to win his favor—what virtue or ability did this woman possess?

    “Master seems to regard Prince Nan very highly,” Peach Blossom cautiously asked, observing Shen Zaiju’s gaze. “Do you and Prince Nan often interact?”

    Slightly taken aback, Shen Zaiju gave a light laugh and glanced at her, saying, “If Prince Nan and I often interacted, this household wouldn’t need to prepare such grand arrangements for him. Otherwise, the servants would be utterly exhausted. Isn’t it said: ‘Between the close, simplicity; between the distant, courtesy’? Do you not understand this?”

    In other words, his apparent high regard for Prince Nan was actually because they were not close, so he had to uphold all formalities?

    Taohua sneered inwardly; this excuse was barely enough to fool moss. Whether two people are close or not can be seen with the naked eye. Even if Shen Zaiye and the Southern Prince had minimal public interactions, their private connections must have been frequent.

    “I understand now,” she nodded with feigned earnestness, wearing an innocent expression. “Then I can rest assured. I was worried that you, sir, might be caught in a difficult position between me and the Southern Prince.”

    “That won’t be the case,” Shen Zaiye chuckled softly, hooking her waist and giving it a gentle pinch. “I won’t find myself in any difficult position.”

    Even if there were one now, it would soon disappear.

    With a radiant smile, Peach Blossom gracefully nestled against him, her delicate fingers resting on the edge of his collar, tracing faint, lingering patterns.

    The air was once again filled with a warm, fragrant scent. Zhan Lu lowered his head, not daring to look up, yet he noticed that the room had suddenly grown quiet.

    Cautiously, he glanced around the room. The maids had quietly withdrawn at some point, leaving only the two masters and himself, the lone servant.

    Feeling somewhat awkward, Zhan Lu cleared his throat softly and asked, “Master?”

    Shen Zaizhe jolted, his gaze fixed on Jiang Taohua’s eyes suddenly regaining focus. He closed his eyes slightly, annoyed. “Mm, you can go out first.”

    “…Yes.” Giving his master an unexpected glance, Zhanlu bowed and retreated from the room, gently closing the door behind him.

    Turning around, he recalled the moment with confusion.

    Just now, his master was so silent. Could it be that he had fallen under the enchanting spell of Miss Jiang?

    Inside the room, Peach Blossom still leaned against Shen Zaiye, her smile unable to conceal her pride.

    This was her second successful attempt. Indeed, no one is truly invincible; just set a trap when he’s off guard, and no matter how strong Shen Zaiye’s willpower is, he too can be ensnared.

    “You truly are formidable,” he said with a smile on his face, but his voice was low and steady. “I underestimated you.”

    “This is a habit of mine, master. Please don’t be angry.” Peach Blossom quickly raised her hands, looking pitiful as she spoke. “It seems I can’t break it anytime soon.”

    Habit? Shen Zaiji squinted his eyes slightly, the line of his jaw tightening a little: “Who did you develop this habit with?”

    Taohua paused, pursing her lips and said: “Naturally, it was learned from my master.”

    In the State of Zhao, there were people specially trained to teach seduction techniques, and the one with the highest level of mastery was her master.

    “A woman more skilled than you?” Shen Zaiji raised an eyebrow.

    With a dry laugh, Peach Blossom smoothed her sleeves. “You could say that.”

    A flicker in his gaze, Shen Zaiye couldn’t help but wonder: what kind of woman could possibly be more formidable than Jiang Taohua?

    He prided himself on his self-restraint, always one to remain unmoved by women. That night with Hefengwu, he had been careless, inadvertently falling into her alluring trap, unable to break free. That was one thing, but just now, in such a short time, she had managed to ensnare him again. Had it not been for Zhanlu’s reminder, would he have been under her control once more today?

    Such a woman, no matter how beautiful or exceptional she might be, how could she possibly be allowed to stay?

    His gaze held a hint of regret as Shen Zaǐyé said lightly, “When meeting Prince Jing tomorrow, make sure not to be rude.”

    Táohuā nodded, “This humble concubine knows how to behave.”

    Come on, she does know seduction arts, but she isn’t a courtesan seeking business; would she use them on every man she meets? The seduction arts also require mental energy and can be quite exhausting!

    Though inwardly rolling her eyes, Jiāng Táohuā still wore a bright smile on her face. Watching Shen Zaǐyé stand up, she quickly bowed and said, “Farewell, my lord.”

    Shen Zaiye was about to leave, but seeing her attitude, he suddenly felt a bit displeased. “Are you in such a hurry to see me go?”

    Taohua froze, looking up at him with a surprised expression. “Could it be that master also likes playing hard to get? If I don’t ask you to stay, you suddenly don’t want to leave? If so, you should have said so earlier.”

    Shen Zaiye: “…” Does this woman even know how to charm a man? Speaking so bluntly leaves no room for romance!

    Taking a deep breath, he smiled faintly. “Even if you ask me to stay, I will still leave. But as a concubine, you should have the proper attitude of a concubine and not be so indifferent.”

    Oh, so you mean I can leave if I want, but you absolutely must stay. If you don’t, you’re looking down on me!

    Taohua nodded in understanding, switching to a flattering expression as she looked at him: “Will you stay a bit longer, sir?”

    “Not now.” Shen Zaijie turned around and strode decisively out of the Contending Spring Pavilion.

    Jiang Taohua: “…”

    Feeling both amused and exasperated, she thought for a moment that the Prime Minister was actually quite adorable, just like a little child.

    Yet, Qing Tai returned.

    “Master.” After closing the door, Qing Tai furrowed her brows and gasped, “How strange.”

    “What’s wrong?” Peach Blossom became alert and quickly pulled her into the inner chamber.

    Pouring a cup of tea and taking a sip, Qingtai wiped her mouth and said, “I inquired for a long time, and an informed person told me that the Prime Minister comes from a humble background, but nothing is known about his parents. During the emperor’s southern inspection tour, he saved the emperor’s life and earned his way into the court. In just two years, he rose to the position of Prime Minister. However, after achieving success, he did not bring any relatives to the capital. His residence is filled only with concubines gifted by various families and people he personally selected—neither close nor distant relatives. Since entering the government, he has never visited the State of Wu.”

    Generally, influential aristocratic families rely on clan relations to maintain their status. Someone like Shen Zaiji, a lone figure, is truly a rare oddity in the court. No wonder he has never involved himself in factional struggles—with no relatives to hold him back, he has no weaknesses that others can exploit.

    Jiang Taohua frowned and tilted her head, thinking carefully.

    Alone in the world, with unknown parentage—with such a background, it would be strange indeed for the emperor to trust him. Since ancient times, emperors have always been suspicious. Given that Shen Zaiye has risen to his current position, just how formidable must his abilities be?

    “How many years ago did Prime Minister Shen enter the court?” Taohua asked.

    “Two years ago.”

    “You mentioned earlier that the Southern King went to the Kingdom of Wu as a hostage. How many years ago did he return to Wei?”

    Qing Tai thought for a moment and said, “That was also two years ago.”

    Was this a coincidence? Tao Hua widened her eyes, staring blankly at Qing Tai, her gaze drifting into the distance.

    Before her eyes flashed the embroidered handkerchief from Bai Chun Hua, followed by the face of the Southern Prince. Soon after, voices echoed in her ears:

    “The prime minister’s household employs a guest named Qin Sheng, who is skilled in taming wolves.”

    “They say those skilled in the art of seduction become even more dangerous when they encounter this soul-stirring soup.”

    “As for Prince Jing, I have an appointment with him at the North Gate Pavilion the day after tomorrow. Just explain yesterday’s misunderstanding to him.”

    Her heart growing heavier by the moment, Jiang Taohui slumped down on the edge of the bed, her face turning pale.

    “Master?” Qing Tai was startled. “What’s wrong with you?”

    “Master said the human heart is hard to fathom, and one should not judge by appearances—truer words were never spoken.” Taohui murmured dazedly: “The way he looked at me just now almost made me feel as if there was a flicker of affection in his heart.”

    In those gentle, profound eyes, it was only her reflection that lingered, focused and fervent. Could such a gaze also be feigned?

    Moss was bewildered: “Your servant does not know what just happened.”

    “It’s okay if you don’t know what just happened.” Peach Blossom reached out and pinched her: “Just know what will happen next. Moss, go prepare quickly, find out the location of the Southern Prince’s residence, and seize the right moment to escape tomorrow.”

    What? Qing Tai was baffled: “We’re in a perfectly good situation, why should we run away?”

    “Running is our only chance to survive,” Peach Blossom said softly, then added after a moment’s thought, “But running blindly will still get us killed. Right now, only the Southern King might be able to save our lives.”

    Qing Tai’s mouth hung open, her face a picture of confusion.

    Her mistress often liked to call her stupid, and she never admitted it, but now she truly felt it—in front of her own mistress, she really was very stupid, completely unable to understand what she was thinking.

    Jiang Tao Hua had already gotten up and was searching through the cabinet, tossing only one sentence her way: “Prime Minister Shen might be the South King’s man.”

    Huh? Already confused, this single sentence left her even more bewildered. Watching her mistress busy herself, Qing Tai simply sat by the table and pondered.

    Prime Minister Shen holds a position of great power and influence, surpassing even the favor bestowed upon the Southern Prince. How could it possibly be the case that he is actually the Southern Prince’s man? Moreover, even if he were, why would my master go running to the Southern Prince for help? Wouldn’t that be like walking right into a trap? And also, why run away at all? Who would want their lives?

    Before she could think it through, Peach Blossom had already tidied herself up and gotten into bed to rest. She turned her head to look at her and said, “Tomorrow will require a great deal of energy. Go quickly and find out what I want to know, then get some sleep.”

    “Yes.”

    Shaking her head, Qingtai gave up on thinking. Just follow the master—there definitely wouldn’t be any mistake!

    Jiang Taohua’s heart was in turmoil and filled with panic, yet it was precisely at times like these that she fell asleep quickly and deeply.

    Linwu Court.

    Shen Zaijie leaned against the window, gazing at the moon in the sky, his hand clutching a jade pendant, his brow slightly furrowed.

    Zhan Lu stood by his side and whispered softly, “Everything has been arranged. Once she reaches the North Gate Pavilion, there will be no chance for her survival.”

    Turning back, Shen Zaijie curled his lips into a faint smile, carrying a hint of wickedness. “Such a beautiful woman—do you not feel it’s a pity?”

    Zhan Lu was startled and immediately half-knelt down. “This servant sees no pity in it.”

    “Is that so?” Shen Zaijie chuckled lightly. “I thought you quite liked her, didn’t you?”