Third Master Duan had endured countless grievances at the Imperial Horse Bureau. After spending so much time there, he had gained some insights into the ways of officialdom—climbing the ranks required not only skill but also luck.
His eldest nephew, who had managed to secure a position as a langzhong, had luck to thank for more than half of his success.
He considered himself a more capable official than his nephew, and now that an opportunity had presented itself, he had to take the risk, no matter how difficult it was.
Unconsciously, he no longer viewed Mingxi as merely his niece. Speaking to her as an equal, he asked, “Do you know that Huang Shao has an adopted son?”
Mingxi was unaware of this but raised an eyebrow at her uncle. “It’s not unusual for eunuchs to adopt sons from their extended family.”
“He’s not his brother’s son—he’s the son of the woman he loved.”
Mingxi was taken aback. “The son of the woman he loved?”
This was the first time she had heard of such a thing. It was quite surprising. “What’s the story behind this, Third Uncle?”
She knew he wouldn’t bring it up just for gossip.
Third Master Duan organized his thoughts before speaking slowly. “When Huang Shao entered the palace, he was already fourteen or fifteen—not exactly young. Back in his hometown, he had a childhood sweetheart, the daughter of his neighbor.
Their families had even begun discussing marriage. But then, disaster struck. Huang Shao’s father died in an accident, leaving his mother alone to support the family while his younger brothers were still children. She was unable to keep the household afloat and was bullied by their clan relatives.
With no other choice, Huang Shao gritted his teeth and entered the palace as a eunuch.”
Mingxi listened quietly. The happy people in this world are all alike, but the unhappy ones each have their own misfortunes.
“Huang Shao is both intelligent and willing to take risks. Not long after entering the palace, he recognized a godfather, who, within a year, found a way to get him out of the palace and into the Imperial Horse Bureau. Step by step, he climbed to the position of Lord Zhangyin.”
“After becoming Lord Zhangyin, he was extremely filial to his godfather, earning praise for his gratitude and loyalty. Unfortunately, his godfather had poor luck and passed away after only a few years of enjoying life. Huang Shao personally handled all the funeral arrangements. Not long after his godfather’s death, Huang Shao sent a trusted subordinate back to his hometown. Shortly after, he returned with a child, whom he renamed Huang Baozong. When I learned of this, I quietly investigated and found out that this child was born to someone he deeply loved.”
Mingxi frowned. “Did he just take the child by force?”
Third Master Duan shook his head. “Of course not. The woman he loved fell ill and died, leaving behind this only son. After her death, her husband quickly remarried and had another son. The stepmother mistreated this child, and he lived a miserable life.”
Mingxi understood. “I didn’t expect Huang Shao to be such a sentimental and righteous person.”
Third Master Duan chuckled. “That depends on who he’s dealing with. His hands aren’t exactly clean—he didn’t reach his position without making enemies.”
“Third uncle, why are you bringing up this child? Do you have a plan?”
“It’s not about my plan. I recently heard that Huang Shao has been much more restrained and low-key over the past year. In the past, when he was alone, he acted without concern.
“But now that he has this child, he likely wants to secure a future for him. However, he’s made too many enemies. if he ever falls from power, things will end badly for him.”
“You want to use Huang Shao as leverage?” Mingxi found the idea feasible—everyone has a weakness.
Huang Shao clearly cherished his adopted son, who was also the child of his beloved. They had been forced apart years ago, and now, with her gone, all his emotions were likely poured into this boy.
“Do you think this could work?”
“It could, but Third uncle, remember this—negotiating with a tiger is never a safe move.”
“Naturally,” Third Master Duan replied. “Huang Shao fears that if he dies, the boy will suffer because of his past actions. I only need to make him understand that if that day ever comes, I will take good care of his child. That should be enough to reach an agreement.”
“Third uncle, it’s worth a try.” Mingxi nodded.
Since he had been keeping tabs on Huang Shao in secret, this plan clearly wasn’t something he had just come up with—it had likely been brewing for a long time.
Opportunities always favor those who are prepared.
“If I can gain Huang Shao’s covert support, my position in the Imperial Horse Bureau will be secure. This recent incident at the Imperial Horse Bureau has caused quite a stir. Whether Huang Shao can even protect himself is uncertain, but he will definitely want someone trustworthy to look after his son.”
Mingxi looked at her Third uncle. “If you can convince Huang Shao, you must ensure his safety. Keeping him alive benefits you the most.”
If Third uncle couldn’t take the Lord Zhangyin position himself, then the only option was to make sure an ally held it instead.
Turning Huang Shao into one of their own—this crisis was the perfect opportunity.
Third Master Duan hadn’t expected Mingxi to be so supportive. He immediately said, “That’s exactly my thinking. The only problem is that I lack the power to protect Huang Shao. I may need to trouble you and Wangye for help.”
Only Duan Wang had the influence to accomplish this.
“We’re family—supporting each other is only natural.” Mingxi smiled. “Third uncle, go test the waters with Huang Shao first. I’ll inform Wangye in the meantime.”
Third Master Duan agreed. “Alright.”
By the time Mingxi returned from the third household, night had already fallen. She initially planned to meet Xiao Muchen the next day to discuss things in detail, but she realized that this opportunity was too rare. If they delayed even a day, unexpected developments in Qinan could cause the Imperial Horse Bureau issue to erupt prematurely.
By then, it would be too late to act.
She immediately wrote a letter, carefully detailing everything, sealed it with wax, and had Li Quan deliver it to Qi He for Duan Wang.
After sending the letter, Mingxi finally let down her hair, changed clothes, and washed up. But even though she was exhausted, she found it difficult to sleep.
Both the Qinan affair and the Imperial Horse Bureau situation loomed over her like a sword hanging by a thread. And who the sword would fall upon depended entirely on the one holding it.
Rather than entrusting her fate to others, she would rather be the one wielding the blade.
Even in a disadvantaged position, she would carve out a path for herself.
And compared to her previous life, things were already much better. In her past life, she had been alone, yet she still managed to take her revenge.
In this life, she was planning carefully, strengthening the Marquis family, and growing her influence. Her parents and brother were still alive and well. She was no longer alone—there was nothing to fear.
As the sky began to lighten, in Duan Wang’s residence, Xiao Muchen had not slept all night. The news about the Imperial Horse Bureau that Mingxi had sent was both unexpected and timely. The issues that had puzzled him now became clearer.
Qi He, Chen Xiao, and several others had also been busy through the night. Miao Sheng, who had been tending to the tea stove, hadn’t dared to close his eyes either.
Seeing the two men return from outside, he quickly approached and whispered, “Wangye is asleep…”
Before he could finish, Wangye’s voice came from inside the room. “Come in and report.”
Qi He and Chen Xiao exchanged shrugs before stepping inside, leaving Miao Sheng fuming but stepping aside nonetheless.
They strode into the hall and saluted. “Wangye.”
Xiao Muchen looked up at them. “What did you find?”
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 15 chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
