Zhang Guangan’s situation was another source of headache for the Crown Prince. If Zhang Guangan couldn’t keep his mouth shut, then he would have no choice but to silence him permanently!
The Crown Prince’s expression turned grim. He had truly underestimated Duan Wang.
Who would have thought that such a secret matter involving Zhang Guangan could be unearthed? But how exactly had he discovered it?
The Crown Prince had been having Duan Wang’s movements monitored and hadn’t seen him send anyone out of the capital.
At that moment, Chen Chang requested an audience.
The Crown Prince allowed him in.
“Your humble servant pays respects to Your Highness,” Chen Chang stepped forward and saluted.
“Rise,” the Crown Prince said lightly, waving his hand. “How are things progressing?”
Chen Chang looked serious. “Zhong Yuqing is as stubborn as an old log and has a fiery temper. I sent someone to sound him out, but he ended up scolding them instead. Your Highness, it seems we can’t rely on Zhong Yuqing to handle the Qiping Prefecture situation.”
Of course, the Crown Prince knew Zhong Yuqing was a hard bone to gnaw.
He looked at Chen Chang again and asked, “What about Zhong Sheng?”
“Zhong Sheng married the daughter of Duke Rong. The Rong family is Qi Wang’s in-laws, so it’s complicated,” Chen Chang said with a troubled expression. “Your Highness, I believe it might be better to send a message through Qi Wang to Duke Rong’s household.”
The Crown Prince knew that Qi Wang had been restlessly active lately — and he understood well what Qi Wang was aiming for.
Compared to Duan Wang, Qi Wang’s ambitions were practically written on his face, impossible to conceal.
Seeing that the Crown Prince remained silent, Chen Chang sighed inwardly and cautiously advised, “Your Highness, even if Duke Rong’s household supports Qi Wang, it doesn’t mean Qi Wang will succeed. If we give them an opportunity now, we can at least gauge where Duke Rong’s loyalties truly lie.”
The Crown Prince frowned slightly. Was he really going to lower himself to curry favor with Duke Rong?
He glanced at Chen Chang. “As long as Qi Wang stands firm, Duke Rong won’t seek out another master.”
Chen Chang certainly understood that, but that was why they had to test the waters.
Still, hearing the Crown Prince’s tone, he realized His Highness was reluctant to lose face.
He immediately said, “Your humble servant is willing to share Your Highness’ burden.”
It was ideal if Chen Chang was willing to take the initiative. The Crown Prince nodded and said, “Duke Rong has always been steady in his actions; he may not be easily persuaded. But it’s worth a try.”
If it could be done, all the better.
Zhang Guangan had worked for him and the Empress for many years. If he fell, it would indeed be a heavy blow.
If Zhang Guangan could be saved, the Crown Prince was willing to make the attempt.
Receiving the Crown Prince’s approval, Chen Chang finally exhaled a breath of relief. “Time is of the essence. Your humble servant will set out immediately.”
They had to handle the matter before Zhong Yuqing reached Qiping Prefecture; otherwise, they would run out of time.
Chen Chang went to pay a visit to Duke Rong that very evening. That night, Duchess Rong sent a secret message to her daughter.
Liu Yunhua sneaked back to her natal home in the dark.
After hearing her mother’s explanation, Liu Yunhua was stunned. “That’s impossible.”
She rejected the idea outright.
Duchess Rong patted her daughter’s hand. “Don’t be so hasty — speak properly.”
“Mother, how am I supposed to bring this up to my husband? Father-in-law is a man of integrity; even when managing the Zhong household, he’s always been strict and impartial. My husband greatly respects him. As for Zhang Guangan, I’ve heard bits and pieces — that wretched man deserves to be executed! How could we plead on his behalf?”
Liu Yunhua had rushed home, thinking it was some major family affair — only to find it was about this matter.
Duchess Rong chuckled, both exasperated and amused. “You’ve only been married a short while, and already your heart belongs entirely to your husband’s family.”
Liu Yunhua fell silent for a moment, then said, “Isn’t it what you taught me? If my husband and in-laws treat me kindly, I must devote myself to them wholeheartedly. Only then can I stand firm and earn their respect.”
Duchess Rong nodded approvingly. “That’s right. You’ve always been a good, obedient girl.”
“Then how could you ask me to do this? How can I bring it up?” Liu Yunhua softened her tone, feeling a pang of guilt for speaking so harshly.
Married daughters were always caught in a dilemma — torn between their natal family and their marital home.
Seeing her daughter’s conflicted expression, Duchess Rong smiled faintly. “Silly girl, how could I bear to make things difficult for you?”
Liu Yunhua was startled. “Then what exactly do you mean, Mother?”
“We can’t afford to offend the Eastern Palace,” the Duchess said slowly. “But that doesn’t mean we must obey their every command. We only need to appear compliant.”
Liu Yunhua fell silent again.
“Mother, even if it’s just putting on a show, it still means the message will pass through me. If I don’t say anything to my husband or father-in-law, they’ll remain in the dark and could unknowingly offend the Eastern Palace.”
“That’s why,” the Duchess said meaningfully, “you need to mention it subtly to your husband.”
“But if I do,” Liu Yunhua said, feeling increasingly uneasy, “he’ll definitely tell father-in-law. And father-in-law is set to leave for Qiping Prefecture first thing tomorrow morning. How can I possibly bring this up now?”
Duchess Rong could hear the unwillingness in her daughter’s voice, and she too fell silent.
The atmosphere between the mother and daughter gradually grew heavy.
Liu Yunhua forced back her tears, took a deep breath, and finally spoke: “Mother, do you think cousin’s temperament will ever lead him to success?”
Duchess Rong frowned slightly. “What are you saying?”
Without daring to meet her mother’s eyes, Liu Yunhua continued: “Right now, the Eastern Palace and Duan Wang’s household are locked in fierce conflict. If cousin truly had the heart for it, he should seize the opportunity. But what has he done?”
It couldn’t be said he had achieved nothing, but it was close enough.
“I know you are close to Duan Wangfei. Could it be that because of this, you lean toward supporting Duan Wang?” Duchess Rong’s expression turned solemn.
“Mother, how could you say such a thing? Matters of court politics are beyond me, a mere young wife. Besides, even if I do meet with Duan Wangfei occasionally, it’s only over these trivial matters.”
Duchess Rong’s face eased a little. “Yunhua, I too am fond of Duan Wangfei. But fondness is one thing—when it comes to major affairs, you must not be confused. Think about Consort De and your cousin.”
“I understand,” Liu Yunhua said, raising her head. “Since I married, I haven’t even seen Duan Wangfei. Affairs of the court have been unceasing, and the Zhong family maintains a strict household. Mother-in-law never attends social events, and as a daughter-in-law, I am even more bound by propriety.”
Duchess Rong realized she could no longer persuade her daughter. She sighed lightly. “I understand. Since you are unwilling, so be it. I will speak to your Father. As for the Eastern Palace, let them find their own way.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Yunhua could no longer hold back her tears—they fell instantly.
It would have hurt less if her mother had outright forced her.
Duchess Rong pulled her daughter into her arms. “Why are you crying? In time, once you manage the household and have children, you’ll understand. Yunhua, live your life well. Since you refuse, remember this—no matter who tries to persuade you later, do not give in.”
