Chapter 147: The Duke’s Fickleness

Chapter 147: The Duke's Fickleness

With a displeased tilt of her head, Ye Jiangbai said, "Am I supposed to commend her for her hostage-taking skills?"

Xu Zhi chuckled softly. "Objectively speaking, she deserves praise. Despite the master's anger, Prince Seven showcased remarkable composure during the chaos. Not only did she swiftly win people's loyalty, but she also seized the palace without actually ascending the throne—had she immediately taken the throne, things would have been much simpler."

If one's title is not legitimate, their words carry no weight, and without proper authority, success is unattainable. If Princess Zhao Changnian had forged an imperial edict to ascend the throne, any opponents attacking the capital would be considered traitors and rebels, facing certain defeat.

But she didn't. With the throne within reach, she ensured the late emperor's affairs were settled properly before acting. This decision had its drawbacks, as it led to her current predicament, trapped by the Duke with no hope of escape. However, there was a benefit—no one could doubt Prince Seven's filial piety towards the late emperor. Whoever can produce the imperial edict altering the heir to be Prince Seven would see him ascend the throne with unstoppable momentum.

Even with Xu Zhi's strategic mind, he couldn't determine which path was more appropriate. Yet, Prince Seven made her choice decisively, leaving no trace of hesitation in her actions.

Or perhaps, from the beginning, she never intended to claim the throne?

Xu Zhi pondered before shaking his head.

The allure of the throne was immense, and no one could resist such a temptation right in front of them. Prince Seven had bided her time for years; surely, she was waiting for this day to ascend as emperor. How could she truly have no ambition?

Ye Jiangbai's expression was somber, and emotions flickered in his eyes for a long while before he finally said with a lack of enthusiasm, "Let's not talk about her."

He didn't want to hear or think about this person. There were still many things to be done; who had the time to bother with a young lady like her?

"Understood," Xu Zhi replied with a bow, then retreated to the back.

The capital was still shrouded in a gloomy haze. Many people within the city were fleeing, making the usually bustling streets seem deserted. Qin Dacheng rode past the marketplace and returned to the Duke's residence.

After turning down several corridors and passing through a few courtyards, he saw Chang Nian wearing a purple gauze dress, sitting under the eaves and sewing something. Upon seeing him, she glanced around and softly called out with a smile, "Uncle."

Qin Dacheng frowned as he approached and scolded in a low voice, "Your injuries haven't fully healed. Why did you come out?"

"The room felt suffocating," Chang Nian explained with a gentle smile that curved her eyebrows, "Chef Qi needs a spring coat, and the weather is nice outside. I thought I'd come out to bask in the sun and sew one for him at the same time."

"Chef Qi?" Qin Dacheng was puzzled. "Why are you sewing a coat for him?"

"Duke Guo said that there's no room for idle people in the residence. He'll only give me food if I work," Chang Nian shrugged. "I wanted to help chop firewood in the backyard today, but those servants chased me back like I was a ghost. They wouldn't even let me fetch water, so I could only sew clothes for Chef Qi so he can continue cooking for me."

Qin Dacheng was slightly annoyed. "Does the residence really need you for such tasks? The Duke is deliberately making things difficult for you."

"Fortunately," Chang Nian picked up the robe and examined it. "It's not too difficult."

After a maid taught her for a while, she learned how to sew the edge, and did a decent job.

Qin Dacheng sighed and squatted down beside her, whispering, "The situation outside isn't good. There are rumors that the Crown Prince is planning to lead his troops to attack the city. He even met with the Duke today."

A needle pricked her finger, causing Chang Nian to frown. "Zhao Funing has been expelled. Even if he still holds the title of Crown Prince, it's only a matter of time before he's officially deposed. If he attacks, his vassals will come to his aid."

"Help from afar can't save those in immediate danger," Qin Dacheng shook his head. "Aside from the Second Prince who was forewarned, the other princes haven't budged from their territories. Many would rather stay out of this mess. Even if the Second Prince comes, his forces might not match the Crown Prince's. Besides, it wouldn't look good if the Crown Prince, who rules the Eastern Palace, were attacked."

"The Crown Prince's position shouldn't be occupied by Zhao Funing indefinitely," Chang Nian shook her head. "I was careless. I should have issued an imperial edict to depose him on Father's behalf."

"It's not too late to rectify the situation now," Qin Dacheng said. "Ji Guozhu, a veteran of three reigns, is still alive. He's the uncle of the Third Prince, who has the deepest grudge against the Crown Prince. If we can persuade him to issue the edict, it will be convincing."

"Ji Guozhu?" Chang Nian said helplessly. "Didn't his son marry the youngest daughter of Grand Tutor Tang? I'm not sure about their current relationship, but if we bring this up carelessly and the Tang family finds out, it could backfire."

Qin Dacheng pondered. "We can entrust this matter to General Beichang for further investigation and deliberation."

Trapped here, unable to call for help, she could only rely on her brothers. Chang Nian let out a long sigh, about to speak further when she noticed someone approaching from a distance through the moon gate.

Her expression tightened, and she immediately turned to Qin Dacheng with an ingratiating smile. "Sir, please teach me martial arts!"

Qin Dacheng looked confused but followed her gaze and realized the situation. He got up, pretending to leave, and said solemnly, "Martial arts are not passed down to women. Miss, your request is truly difficult for me."

"Anyway, it's boring around here. I've heard that General Beichang's skills were taught by you. I really want to see them!" Chang Nian gestured excitedly.

Ye Jiangbai had intended to pass through the courtyard to another area. Upon hearing the commotion, he narrowed his eyes but couldn't resist stopping in his tracks. He turned and asked, "What are you doing?"

Qin Dacheng was startled and quickly walked to the moon gate. "I was planning to go to the main courtyard to find you but accidentally came here... I don't know who this lady is, but she keeps asking me to teach her martial arts. How could I possibly do that?"

Ye Jiangbai glanced at Chang Nian and coldly said, "Master needn't bother with her. She's just an immature concubine."

Then, he narrowed his eyes again and asked Chang Nian, "Have you finished your work?"

Chang Nian replied expressionlessly, "I'm working on it. Please rest assured, Duke."

She would always be cheerful when talking to others, yet she had this attitude when speaking to him? Ye Jiangbai was annoyed. He strode into the courtyard, took a quick look at what she was holding, and asked, "What's this?"

"This is a task from Cook Qu," Chang Nian answered. "I'm almost done sewing it."

"A task? Hardly," Ye Jiangbai said with disdain. "Anyone could do better than you."

Chang Nian lowered her gaze. "Then what does Duke Guo have in mind?"

Glancing around, Ye Jiangbai continued, "At the very least, sweep the courtyard clean and wash the clothes piled up in the main hall."

"This courtyard has just been swept," Chang Nian replied. "As for the clothes in the main hall, I've asked, and the maids say they're already washed."

"Is it that difficult to wash them?" Ye Jiangbai sneered, pulling her along with him.

Chang Nian stumbled from his forceful grip, her brows furrowing. Qin Dacheng opened his mouth to speak but, seeing Chang Nian's expression, he held back his words.

Well, better to endure for now and hope for calm waters.

Ye Jiangbai went straight into his room and opened a jeweled wardrobe, stuffing robes into her arms one by one.

"This one, this one, and this one," he said with a stern face. "Have them all cleaned before sunset and bring them back to me."