Chapter Twenty-Two: The Power of Gossip

This time, for the Prince of Pingyi, it was undoubtedly the most excruciating and costly loss he had ever suffered—yet it seemed unlikely that matters would end so easily. In the distant reaches of the imperial capital, at the Prince of Pingyi’s residence, it was already some time after the morning court had been dismissed. The entire princely estate bustled with people, a scene lively and crowded.

“Your Highness, just now the Prince of Changwu also sent someone. Here is a private letter for your perusal,” the steward said timidly, presenting a letter with utmost caution.

“I see. Set it over there,” replied the Prince of Pingyi, his voice listless as he sat in the main hall. Behind him, a magnificent tiger skin lay draped, its imposing presence sharply contrasting his own air of defeat.

On ordinary days, such a lively atmosphere at the Prince of Pingyi’s residence would have been a cause for celebration—he had always hoped for bustling halls filled with guests. But now, he dared not wish for such extravagance. Since Feng Yewu had, in court, distributed his incriminating secrets to the other regional princes, everything had changed. From the moment court was dismissed, emissaries from all sides had arrived, each seeking to carve away some of his power.

Gone was the radiant, commanding figure of the past; now, even the servants at his side saw only a shadow of dejection. Yet, in fleeting moments unnoticed by others, there flashed a glint of resolve in the Prince of Pingyi’s eyes.

He had, by now, thoroughly offended the other noble factions. Meanwhile, within the palace, Feng Yewu was naturally keeping a close watch on his movements as well.

“Your Majesty, a message has arrived from the Prince of Pingyi’s residence,” announced Eunuch Mingde, who had just caught a pigeon near the Hall of Mental Cultivation and now presented it to Feng Yewu with undisguised delight.

“Bring it here,” Feng Yewu said, pausing her work and examining the letter with care.

Kneeling before her, Eunuch Mingde surreptitiously observed her expression; after all, the affairs concerning the Prince of Pingyi implicated many. Those seeking to probe Feng Yewu’s intentions—be they nobles or ministers—could only approach through Eunuch Mingde.

So at this moment, he paid particular attention to her every nuance. Yet Feng Yewu’s impassive countenance gave him nothing to work with.

She read the letter with cool detachment, then gave a brief command before dismissing him.

Left with no choice, Eunuch Mingde withdrew quietly. These days, with Hanyue and Lu Jue constantly at Feng Yewu’s side, it was difficult for him to approach her closely.

Only after his departure did Feng Yewu turn to Hanyue and Lu Jue, bursting into laughter. In her previous life, Eunuch Mingde had often leaked information; this time, she was well-prepared against such betrayals.

“Have a look yourselves,” she said, handing the letter to Lu Jue and Hanyue. It was written clearly: after the Prince of Pingyi’s return from court, all the forces once allied with him, upon learning that Feng Yewu now held countless secrets in her grasp, began to scramble for portions of his authority.

Too many of their secrets were entangled with him, and now that all was in Feng Yewu’s hands, should the Prince be detained in the capital and investigated, none of them would escape unscathed.

With this move, Feng Yewu had struck terror into the hearts of the powerful, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the regional princes and plunging their alliances into chaos.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty. It seems these factions have now lost all composure,” Lu Jue said, delighted to see Feng Yewu so pleased.

In truth, Feng Yewu had long suspected that in her previous life, these princes had harbored treacherous intentions. Back then, in her naivety, she had failed to realize this until the situation was beyond repair. Now, given a second chance by fate, she would never allow such a disaster to repeat itself.

Only by dispersing the focus of the various factions and sowing confusion among them could she better uncover the secrets lurking behind the scenes.

“Your Majesty, I’ve just finished preparing these sweets. I hope they meet with your approval,” Lu Jue offered.

Feng Yewu suddenly noticed the plate of confections in Lu Jue’s hands. In her good mood, she joyfully picked one up and tasted it. The craftsmanship was excellent—the pastries were not only beautiful but also crumbly, smooth, and sweet. In just a couple of bites, she had finished one.

The taste was vaguely familiar, as if from her previous life, but in her current delight, she thought nothing more of it.

A few bites later, she had eaten the entire plate. Seizing the moment, she turned to Lu Jue and said, “Why don’t you practice swordplay with me?”

Lu Jue was pleased that she enjoyed the treats. At her suggestion, he realized it had indeed been some time since he had last instructed her in swordsmanship.

So, the two drew their swords and began to spar.

“En garde!” Feng Yewu called, raising her sword. With a flash of cold steel, she made the first move.

Lu Jue stood his ground, utterly composed as her blade thrust towards him. Only when her sword was within half an inch did he move, parrying her attack with ease.

Unfazed by her initial failure, Feng Yewu deftly twisted her wrist, sending a flurry of sword flowers swirling through the air.

Lu Jue was surprised; though he had taught her this technique before, it was not easily mastered. He had not expected her to wield it so skillfully, especially since she had not been seen practicing often.

In response, Lu Jue drew his own sword, retreating several steps without making a sound. Matching her move for move, his blade met hers with a crisp and ringing clash.

Watching their graceful exchange, Hanyue grew worried from the sidelines, fearing that Lu Jue might accidentally injure Feng Yewu.

“Now, try this!” Feng Yewu called, her moves undeterred. With a swift turn and a flickering sword, she leapt lightly into the air, her blade sweeping in a wide arc.

Lu Jue, seeing the attack coming straight for him, shifted his stance and raised his sword vertically, blocking her strike.

Thus, the bout ended in a draw.

“Oh my, Your Majesty, you nearly frightened me to death,” Hanyue exclaimed, rushing forward with a cup of tea for Feng Yewu as the two swords were finally lowered.