Chapter 46: Just Right
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Yuwen You knew Ruan Qingshang was right, but he couldn’t help feeling a bit sour. “Compared to Ying Wang, I am poor, ignorant, mean, and annoying. I have no mother to support me, no close friends to help me. Isn’t that so?”
Ruan Qingshang comforted him with a smile, “Your Highness is like a dragon trapped in shallow water. Who doesn’t know who the late emperor loved the most?”
Yuwen You felt slightly relieved. “Among my brothers, the Sixth Prince has changed the most. I remember him being silly and dull since childhood, always wearing unremarkable colors, blending into the crowd. It’s a waste of his good looks and physique.” He paused, realizing that Yuwen Chu was not inferior to him, so Fu Mingzhu’s fickleness was highly likely!
Ying Wang was silent and dignified, far from being associated with “silly and dull.” If he were really silly and dull, how could he be doing so well now? Ruan Qingshang sighed and said seriously, “There’s something I’m not sure if I should say.”
Yuwen You said, “Just say it.”
Ruan Qingshang glanced outside the door to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in and whispered, “I think Your Highness should be cautious of Ying Wang.”
Yuwen You’s expression became serious. “What do you mean?”
“Your Highness, as you said, Imperial Consort Min, the mother of Ying Wang, although not as honored as the Empress Consort, was often favored. She became one of the four consorts early on, and her family background is decent. She is also on good terms with the Empress Dowager, so there’s no need to act so subserviently. His Royal Highness Ying Wang comes from a noble background, with exceptional looks and intelligence. If he wanted to, he could shine just like you. Why hasn’t anyone noticed him all these years? But no one forgets him either. He does everything just right.
He never competes openly for favor in front of the late Emperor, and he never forgets his share of the rewards. He never seeks rewards or shows weakness in front of the Empress Dowager and Emperor Zhengqian. But the three or four princes who were ahead of him are gone now. The remaining second prince is having a hard time and complains about being poor every day, while he received the best marriage among your generation of princes and has the largest and best mansion. He’s a prince, while you’re just a county prince. He doesn’t deliberately show favoritism or curry favor with the royal family and nobles, but everyone remembers him. No one forgets him, and they all say that apart from being a bit greedy, he’s perfect in every way. He’s reluctant to marry the eldest daughter of Changxing Marquis, but Changxing Marquis has been pestering him. He gets along with everyone, is generous, and wherever he goes, people give him face… Such a person, don’t you think he’s too frightening?”
Yuwen You’s expression became grave. “Are you saying…?” Is Yuwen Chu hiding his ambitions and planning to become the first in the world?
Ruan Qingshang shook his head. “Such matters depend on the timing, the situation, and one’s fate. I’ve said so much just because I think Your Highness shouldn’t offend such a person. If there’s anything you’re unhappy about, just keep it to yourself. There’s no need to show it to others.”
Yuwen You thought about Yuwen Chu over and over again. No matter how he thought about it, he didn’t seem like a very ambitious person. He whispered, “That’s true. I don’t think he’s like that either. Otherwise, how could Fu Cong and the Empress Dowager, that old granny, spare him?”
Ruan Qingshang chuckled. “There’s a saying that bystanders see more clearly. When you’re in the midst of it, things may not be so clear.”
As they were talking, Yuwen Chu arrived.
Yuwen You cheered up and warmly said, “Sixth Brother, please take a seat. I’m severely injured and can’t get up to greet you. Please forgive me for my rudeness.” He smiled on the surface but scrutinized Yuwen Chu from head to toe. Not paying attention was one thing, but once he noticed, this person really was just as Ruan Qingshang described – just right in every aspect.
Wearing a navy blue silk spring robe, a jade crown, a jade belt, and black boots, he looked elegant and gentle, yet with a hint of vigor. Words like “as handsome as a crown” were too weak to describe him. He seemed just right in everything, just right to overshadow this unlucky person. His complexion was more radiant and healthy than Yuwen You’s, his eyes deeper and more profound, his smile neither extravagant nor excessive, and even his movements seemed more calm and unhurried.
Yuwen You became alert and gave Yuwen Chu a dry smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Sixth Brother. How are you?”
Yuwen Chu replied calmly, “I’m fine. Ninth Brother seems to be better now, so I can rest assured.”
“Thanks for your concern, Sixth Brother. It’s all your little brother’s fault.” Yuwen You forced a smile but couldn’t help thinking, “Rest assured?” In fact, he probably wished I were dead so he could be with Fu Mingzhu?
Yuwen Chu continued, “I came today for two reasons: to visit you, bring some good medicine for your wound, and hope you’ll recover soon, and for official business. I need Ninth Brother’s help with something.”
The first sentence sounded reasonable, but what about the second sentence? Official business? What official business could he possibly have? Everyone knew he was just a freeloader, with no official duties at all, always idle. Yuwen You thought he misheard and chuckled, “Sixth Brother, you’re teasing me. Everyone knows I’m just a loafer. I’m afraid I can’t help you with any favors.”
“No, you’re the only one who can help with this.” Yuwen Chu looked at Ruan Qingshang and the others who were serving nearby. Ruan Qingshang was concerned about his royal master and wanted to pretend not to see or pay attention, but the coldness in Yuwen Chu’s eyes intimidated him, causing him to retreat with a silent bow without further thought.
Yuwen You was quite displeased. He hadn’t even spoken yet, so why did Ruan Qingshang and the others leave? Could they not distinguish who the real master was? Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be appropriate to call them back out of annoyance, so he could only maintain a calm demeanor and remain silent.
Yuwen Chu didn’t seem to care about his displeasure at all. He calmly said, “I was ordered to investigate the assassination attempt on you. Some accuse Fu Cong of being lax in teaching his daughter, and in order to prevent the marriage from being canceled, she conspired to assassinate the county prince. Fu Cong vehemently denies this accusation, submitting a plea of guilt and has not attended court for three days. Everyone has their own version of the story. Therefore, both Empress Dowagers and the Emperor have tasked me with investigating this matter. If it’s true that Fu Mingzhu harmed you, then she and the Fu family will be punished. If not, it’s necessary to uncover the truth, quell rumors, and preserve harmony between us.”
No one is eager to take on such a thankless task, but he made it seem like it was actually happening. Yuwen You felt somewhat unhappy and excused himself, saying, “This matter isn’t something that can be explained quickly. The situation was chaotic at the time, and I was severely injured and lost a lot of blood. I’ve forgotten some details.” He glanced at Yuwen Chu, trying to gauge his reaction, but Yuwen Chu remained impassive, his expression unreadable. Feeling a bit disgruntled, Yuwen You tentatively asked, “I suppose Sixth Brother has heard some information from others. Could you enlighten little brother?”
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