Chapter 21: Talents
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When Mingzhu mentioned that she had detained Geng Momo and wanted Fu Mingzheng to handle it, Fu Mingzheng was deeply surprised. He finally stopped giving Mingzhu that deadpan look and raised an eyebrow, sneering, “She’s your wet nurse, one of Mother’s proudest servants. Just because of some rumors, you want to investigate her family thoroughly? Are you trying to harm me?”
The Prime Minister’s gatekeeper was a seventh-ranking official, which might sound exaggerated, but it truly captured the splendor and pride of the Prime Minister’s mansion’s privileged servants. “When one person gains enlightenment, even chickens and dogs can ascend to heaven.” Especially for influential figures like Geng Momo, who wouldn’t brag outside? Accepting money to handle affairs and mitigate disasters for others was also a common occurrence. The Fu family had been prominent for so many years, and the people serving around them could also become wealthy by taking advantage of their position.
These people formed cliques in the mansion, deceiving their superiors and subordinates alike, striving to seize the greatest benefits. They were well-connected outside, and their social circles were extensive. They weren’t easy to mess with. Servants bullying their masters, like Fu Mingzheng, a base-born person without connections, were nothing in their eyes. Especially considering his cunning nature, they only respected him if he performed his duties well. If he crossed paths with a group of people’s interests, they wouldn’t hesitate to confront him. So Fu Mingzheng believed Mingzhu intended to harm him.
Mingzhu certainly didn’t understand these intricate relationships before. After experiencing so much, she had some understanding now. Therefore, she didn’t blame Fu Mingzheng for his bad attitude. Dismissing the serving maids and sincerely speaking, “Fourth Brother, we have no enmity. Why would I want to harm you? I genuinely need your help. Even servants need to establish themselves, serving under a master who is generous and kind. Without benefits, they cannot win people’s hearts, let alone ask people to risk their lives for them… I understand this principle, but no matter what we do, we must have boundaries. Crossing them will only cause trouble for the master. Fourth Brother, am I right?”
Fu Mingzheng grunted and said, “It’s rare that you understand this principle now. It seems your brain has grown a bit better than before.”
He really wasn’t likable, no wonder he was still single in his twenties. Mingzhu pretended not to hear what Fu Mingzheng said and instead mentioned a few things she knew: “Geng Momo’s eldest son, I remember him being called Geng Pingqiang. He used to follow third brother, but I heard he recently took in a concubine, who is the daughter of a poor scholar from the village. She’s quite good-looking. Even though the girl’s family refused, he forced them. The people underneath all cover for him. I also heard he bought a hundred mu of good farmland, right next to the imperial farm. I wonder if there’s any connection between them? Moreover, they say he takes bribes. For two hundred taels of silver, he can win lawsuits, and for one thousand taels, he can get a death row prisoner out of jail.”
Some of these things hadn’t happened yet, and Mingzhu didn’t remember them clearly. She just knew she had to act quickly before it was too late. Therefore, she chose to pick sensational rumors to mention. Fu Mingzheng’s expression became serious, “Where did you hear these things?”
Mingzhu pretended not to understand, “It’s been spreading outside! Haven’t you heard, Fourth Brother?”
Fu Mingzheng stared at her sharply for a while, until Mingzhu, feeling guilty, widened her eyes and tried hard not to show fear. Then he said, “Precisely because I’m not as stupid as you, many people don’t dare to easily tell me many things.”
Mingzhu forced a laugh and said, “Yes, yes, yes, Fourth Brother, you have keen ears and sharp eyes, and you’re the most capable. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have asked for your help with this matter.” Everytime he opened his mouth, it was to mock her a little; was it really a good idea? Mingzhu felt that she and Fu Mingzheng must have had a real feud in their previous lives. Otherwise, why would he seize every opportunity to belittle her like this?
Fu Mingzheng didn’t buy into her emotions. “Even if I’m more capable, I still can’t compare to our elder brothers. They are older, more experienced, hold higher status, and have more convenience in their actions. You should go ask them.”
With no progress, Mingzhu really felt like kneeling to Fu Mingzheng. With a pitiful expression, she said, “Isn’t this kind of matter something you handle in our family? Eldest brother is busy and never deals with these trivial matters. Second brother is rarely home. Third brother is almost becoming an immortal and doesn’t care about mundane affairs. Are you really willing to watch our family being ruined by these parasites?”
Fu Mingzheng rolled up his sleeves, calmly lifted the teacup, took a sip, and half-lowered his eyes, arrogantly saying, “It wouldn’t be difficult for me to help you out, but you have to tell me, why did you suddenly change your mind about marrying Yuwen You? Also, what happened yesterday?”
This was straightforward. Mingzhu was about to make up some nonsense, but Fu Mingzheng gave her a stern glance. “Don’t lie, or you’ll see my temper.”
Actually, if she pushed Fu Mingzheng to do this, he would do it, but if they didn’t cooperate well, the effect would be greatly diminished. Moreover, Mingzhu really didn’t want to be at odds with him anymore. How could siblings who were more estranged than strangers exist? Mingzhu half truthfully said, “It’s actually nothing major. It’s just that when I went to Princess Yuhua’s mansion the other day, I overheard Yuwen You talking about me with someone. He was full of disdain and contempt, which made me feel upset. After coming back, I thought a lot and suddenly didn’t want to marry him anymore.”
While this was a reason, it wasn’t the most compelling one. Fu Mingzheng remained silent for a moment before saying, “Haven’t you heard him insult you to your face before? Why couldn’t you figure it out back then, but suddenly you can now?”
Mingzhu whined, “Weren’t all of you against this marriage? Why did you scold me when I couldn’t figure it out then, and now you scold me when I have figured it out?”
“Don’t use that excuse with me. It doesn’t work on me,” Fu Mingzheng said lightly. “What’s the deal with Ban Jian? Have you taken a liking to him?”
Mingzhu supported her forehead and said, “I never even saw him before we reached the Jade Emperor Temple, okay?”
Fu Mingzheng said, “You suddenly took an interest in him, and you treat him so well. You must give me a reason. Otherwise, when others ask me, how should I respond?”
“Let me put it this way,” Mingzhu cleared her throat deliberately and leaned in with a mysterious air, “I found him to be a rare talent. I think he might be useful to me, so I want to introduce him to my father.”
Fu Mingzheng stepped back disdainfully and said casually, “What kind of talent? Is he skilled at playing the most melodious music, or crafting the most exquisite toys? Or perhaps he’s adept at training birds and insects? Or maybe he can cook delicacies that even the household chefs cannot match?”
These were all her glorious deeds. National affairs were far from her mind, and in her eyes, talent merely meant expertise in eating, drinking, and entertainment. Mingzhu blushed and said meekly, “None of those. He is very skilled in making weapons, especially the kind that is finely crafted and exceptionally lethal.”
Fu Mingzheng’s eyelids twitched, finally looking at her seriously, “How do you know?”
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