Chapter 117: Bargaining with the Tiger

Chapter 117: Bargaining with the Tiger

Where there is a femme fatale destined to bring ruin to a nation, there must be a woman behind it all.

The people speculated about the identity of this calamitous woman, gathering in small groups to discuss their theories. Many even burned paper offerings while praying to the heavens, asking that if divine wrath was inevitable, it should be directed at the culprit.

Seeing how easily these masses were swayed, Chen Yaozhi's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. In contrast, Chen Ling's face darkened ominously; he wished his sister would vanish from sight.

"As for this femme fatale..." she intended to fan the flames further, but Chen Ling yanked her away with force.

With a malevolent glint in his eyes, Chen Ling said, "Do shut up, you're good for nothing but causing trouble. How could I have ended up with a sister like you? I almost suspect you were born to bring misfortune upon me and our Chen family."

"Big Brother."

"Don't call me that. I'm not worthy of such a title." Chen Ling discreetly signaled to a few scholars in the crowd, who then dispersed to start their orchestrated actions. They shook their heads, lamenting the injustice of the world while subtly redirecting the conversation back to the corrupt minister.

Common folk were easily swayed by public opinion, so some criticized the heavens for allowing wicked ministers to hold power, while others blamed courtesans for ruining the country. It was difficult to determine which narrative would resonate more with the people at this moment.

Chen Yaozhi pulled away from her brother. "Big Brother, you should be aware of that person's power. If we anger him, everyone here who speaks ill of him won't escape unscathed."

"You know nothing!" Chen Ling erupted in anger. If Gongye Chu were to act on such intentions, he would surely lose the hearts of the people across the land. Then, with public resentment reaching the heavens, no matter how ruthless Gongye Chu might be, it would be impossible for him to kill everyone.

Once Gongye Chu lost the support of the people, it would present an excellent opportunity for the Chen family.

Back then, the saying went: "First Cheng, Second Chen, and Third Gongye." It was now their Chen family's turn to hold power in this world.

Chen Yaozhi had always believed that she possessed foresight, looking down on those ignorant of the future. "Big Brother, do you really think you can compete against..."

"Enough!" Chen Ling's expression turned grim. "There are some things you shouldn't say, and some matters that are none of your concern. Just focus on being the eldest Miss of the Chen family and win over that Cheng boy. That's all you need to worry about."

Chen Yaozhi despised being underestimated. Her pride couldn't tolerate such words. Immediately, her face darkened, and an indescribable sense of superiority flashed in her eyes. "Big Brother, it's not that I look down on you, but anything you attempt will inevitably fail. If you can't catch the big fish, why not settle for the small ones? If that femme fatale's reputation becomes confirmed..."

"Who says I can't accomplish great things? You, an ignorant woman, understand nothing!" Chen Ling ground his teeth. "Do you think others don't see through your intentions? Aren't you just jealous of Lady Gongye and determined to deal with her? Let me tell you, as your older brother, every time you've confronted her, it hasn't ended well for you. Don't you realize that?"

This pair of siblings held disdain for each other. The elder brother resented his sister's foolishness, while the younger sister looked down on her brother's incompetence. Neither was willing to yield to the other, their rivalry silently conveyed through their gazes.

"Don't bother about my actions, and I won't interfere with yours. Why don't we each do our own thing and see who ends up victorious in our schemes?" Chen Yaozhi suggested.

Chen Ling sneered. "Isn't the trouble you've caused enough? Look at what you've done in the past – arriving in the Eastern Capital City and causing us to close several shops, even drawing the attention of His Majesty. Do you really think I'd allow you to continue causing chaos? The next time you stir up trouble, it might drag our entire Chen family down with you."

"Such a calamity doesn't brew overnight. Before one brings ruin to a nation, they've already brought it upon their own family." A female voice interrupted, catching the siblings by surprise. They turned to see a carriage, seemingly out of nowhere, parked beside them. The carriage's curtain was drawn back, revealing a face that filled Chen Yaozhi with envy - a delicate beauty like a blooming lotus.

Pei Yuanxi's voice was loud enough for many passersby to hear.

The crowd began to murmur, acknowledging the truth in her words. Calamities didn't just appear out of thin air; there must have been signs from an early age.

"If my memory serves me right, every action Miss Chen has taken since arriving in the Eastern Capital City has affected her brother and family. These shops were shut down due to Miss Chen angering His Majesty. When Lady Zeng intended to promote Miss Chen, trouble soon befell the Zeng family. Lately, I believe life hasn't been easy for Young Master Chen. Sigh... any family with such a troublemaking daughter would find it hard to have a peaceful night's sleep."

After this declaration, Pei Yuanxi let out a sigh and lowered the carriage curtain.

Chen Yaozhi's face flushed with anger. "Pei Yuanxi, don't be too smug. You're the one who's truly..."

Before she could finish, Chen Ling covered her mouth and dragged her away, leaving the townsfolk to gossip about the Chen family's shops.

Upon entering the residence behind the shops, she finally caught her breath. "Big Brother, why did you stop me? She insulted me like that, should we just swallow our pride?"

She thought that even if her brother disliked her, he wouldn't side with outsiders. However, when she looked up, she saw a complicated gaze filled with resentment from Chen Ling, causing her to take a large step back in shock.

"B-Big Brother, why are you looking at me like that?"

Chen Ling was enlightened by Pei Yuanxi's words just now; the more he pondered over them, the more sense they made. Before bringing ruin to the nation, she might have already brought disaster to her own family. Could this sister of his truly be a femme fatale?

Chen Yaozhi took several steps back. "Big Brother, don't let Pei Yuanxi's words deceive you. She has always been skilled in persuasion and can easily captivate people's hearts. If not for her, Gongye Chu wouldn't have fallen under her spell and doted on her endlessly."

"I wish she were just spouting nonsense. Then tell me where she's wrong. Weren't you the one who caused us to close down these shops? Didn't something happen to the Zeng family after you were taken in as Lady Zeng's foster daughter? Our businesses in the Eastern Capital City used to thrive, but ever since you arrived, we've encountered countless obstacles. How do you explain that?"

Hate welled up inside Chen Yaozhi. She knew that nothing good would come from confronting Pei Yuanxi.

"How would I know? You blame me for the troubles, but why don't you say it's because Pei Yuanxi is targeting me?"

"Targeting you? It's not that I, as your elder brother, look down on you, but what makes you worthy of her attention? I'm not deaf or foolish; I'm aware of your actions."

"You... What are you trying to imply?" Chen Yaozhi sensed a newfound strangeness in her brother, making her doubt if they were truly siblings.

As the two siblings spoke, Ya'er, with her hair styled in a married woman's bun, peeked curiously. She wasn't Cheng Yu's concubine but had become Chen Ling's after a night of drunkenness.

The sight of her infuriated Chen Yaozhi. "What are you looking at? A mere concubine wants to witness the downfall of the master's family? Believe me, I can have my brother sell you off."

Ya'er, once a proud soul, had her heart set on Cheng Yu. After becoming Chen Ling's concubine, she spent each day in tears. Men could be fickle; sometimes, knowing that forced affection isn't genuine, they grew more infatuated with the struggle.

"No one in my entourage is under your jurisdiction," Chen Ling said with a darkened face, casting his gaze toward the western lakeside pavilion. "Since you're a source of calamity, it's better to redirect that disaster elsewhere and let you cause trouble for others instead of our family."

That 'other' person referred to Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu was seated by the window, dressed lightly. The lake breeze, carrying moisture, billowed through his thin garments. In this moment, he appeared like the privileged heir of a marquisate, his handsome features and extraordinary demeanor untouched.

Aunt He wore a worried expression, urging him to return indoors.

"Did something happen outside?" he asked.

Aunt He replied, "It's Young Master Chen and Miss Chen conversing. It seems there's some disagreement between them. From this old servant's perspective, neither Young Master Chen nor Miss Chen are sincere. Young Master, it would be best if you left this place."

As a servant, she originally wouldn't dare meddle in her master's affairs. However, she was genuinely perplexed. She couldn't understand why her young master had chosen to reside in the Chen residence, nor why he had dismissed his followers before entering the Eastern Capital City.

Now, they were entirely dependent on the Chens; Ya'er had even become Young Master Chen's concubine. Was it possible that her young master intended to live here indefinitely, concealing his identity for the rest of his life?

Cheng Yu's eyes held a profound depth as he gazed at Qinglong Lake outside the window.

Knowing she couldn't persuade her master, Aunt He thought of her daughter's current situation and felt her heart torn in two. If her young master wished to live an ordinary life, it was time for him to consider his own affairs.

"Milord, permit an old servant to speak out of turn. That Miss Chen has feelings for you..."

His words were interrupted as Chen Yaozhi entered the room.

Seeing Cheng Yu sitting by the open window, Chen Yaozhi pretended to go close it. "Milord Cheng, although spring has arrived, the days are still chilly. Your health is of utmost importance; you shouldn't expose yourself to such coldness."

"It's my own affair, no need for Miss to trouble yourself," Cheng Yu replied with a cold tone.

Chen Yaozhi withdrew her hand, her expression turning grim. "Does Milord Cheng find me meddlesome?"

What else could he think?

Cheng Yu's demeanor clearly conveyed his displeasure toward her.

She had just been reprimanded by her own brother, leaving her in a foul mood. Although this Prince Cheng once held a prestigious position, he was now the descendant of a disgraced official, living in the shadows.

For days, she had tried to win his favor, yet had never received even a hint of praise from him. Now, with his cold demeanor, could he be upset that her maid had become her brother's concubine?

"Yayi's elevation to become my elder brother's concubine is a blessing from her past life."

Aunt He suppressed her irritation, not daring to show it.

Chen Yaozhi sat down and spoke calmly, "Since Mister Cheng is currently in hiding, you wouldn't know what's happening outside. There have been several unsettling incidents in the city recently. Some say that the heavens are wrathful due to the rise of corrupt officials, while others believe it's a warning from the divine for the nation's ruin caused by a femme fatale."

Cheng Yu's breath hitched, and he finally met her gaze directly.

Satisfied with his reaction, she knew that Prince Cheng would be concerned about such matters. "I know that Mister Cheng is a man of great ambition, and this situation might actually present a good opportunity."

Cheng Yu's expression quickly regained its composure. "As someone who must remain in the shadows, what kind of opportunity could there be? Miss Chen, you jest."

Chen Yaozhi didn't argue with him. Her mind was still preoccupied with the fact that her brother had underestimated her. "Sigh... in my opinion, Gongye Chu is also quite unfortunate. If he hadn't married that Second Miss Pei, such incidents might not have occurred."

"Miss Chen, how do you know that these matters were all caused by Second Miss Pei?" Cheng Yu recalled that fateful night. Although he had passed out, he wasn't entirely unconscious. His failure was due to that woman, and yet his escape from death was also thanks to her.

The mere thought of that woman stirred up complicated emotions within him.

Chen Yaozhi continued, "Pei Yuanxi is a calamity, a disaster to whoever encounters her. Men are so easily bewitched by her appearance that they lose sight of important matters."

"Miss Chen wishes for such power, alas, it remains unfulfilled," Cheng Yu replied coldly.

"What do you mean by that?" Chen Yaozhi, her thoughts exposed, rose angrily. "I pitied Mister Cheng and shared news from the outside world with you. Yet you look at me in such a way – truly ungrateful!"

"Miss Chen, why take such offense? Was what I said incorrect?"

"What do you know? Pei Yuanxi is no innocent lady. Men often fall for her appearance and fail to see through her cunning schemes."

Cheng Yu's eyes held clear mockery. "Isn't your anger rooted in envy? She succeeds effortlessly with her beauty, while you face constant setbacks. If you could use your looks to achieve your goals, I'm sure you'd wish all men were bewitched by you. It's laughable that you blame others for being cunning when your own schemes fail."

Chen Yaozhi's face flushed and paled repeatedly.

This Cheng Yu, a descendant of a disgraced official, dared to be so audacious. It was enough to drive anyone mad. With a face contorted by anger, she stormed away, her resentment growing with each passing moment.

Why were those men captivated by Pei Yuanxi one after another? How did she fall short? In terms of looks, she believed herself to be no less attractive, and her talents surpassed the other woman's.

If not for Pei Yuanxi, all the glory and riches of this world would be hers. Her expression twisted and shifted, as if she had made a secret resolution, before she quietly left the palace without any attendants.

A modest palanquin exited Tai Ling Palace, only to be tailed halfway. Gongye Chu's deep gaze flickered but he ignored the shadowy follower. Without his command, his hidden guards wouldn't act, and the attendants around him were watchful of his signals.

As the sedan chair approached the governor's residence, its pace gradually slowed.

Suddenly, a figure dressed in white dashed out, blocking the way.

A guard approached and promptly brought Chen Yaozhi over.

She had already removed her veil, revealing an exquisite and aloof face.

She was well aware of the allure of her appearance. In her previous life, she had effortlessly captivated noble scions or scholarly gentlemen. In this lifetime, if not for Pei Yuanxi constantly obstructing her path, she was convinced that she wouldn't encounter such constant setbacks.

Men were all captivated by beauty; if not, how could Gongye Chu have fallen under Pei Yuanxi's spell?

In this life, she refused to be a mere pawn or just a confined household woman. Her older brother was not capable of great accomplishments, and Cheng Yu had been lounging in the western wing with no ambition lately. She needed to think more strategically and plan on a larger scale, even if it meant dealing with a tiger.

If she could replace Pei Yuanxi, wouldn't that be the most direct solution?

"I, a humble maiden, pay my respects to Your Excellency," said Chen Yaozhi, as she lifted the curtain of the sedan with her slender hand. Gongye Chu looked at her coldly.

Chen Yaozhi dared not meet his gaze, her legs trembling uncontrollably. There was no turning back after drawing the bow; since she had taken this step, she must convince Gongye Chu of her sincerity. "Your Excellency, I have a matter of great urgency to report, would it be possible for you to dismiss your attendants?"

She wore a solemn expression, her proud face displaying a determination to risk everything. Any ordinary young nobleman would surely have been captivated by her demeanor at this moment.

However, she had forgotten that she couldn't even sway Cheng Yu, let alone the formidable Gongye Chu before her.

Gongye Chu's glance swept across, and the guards retreated to the sides.

"Miss Chen, I hope you have something substantial to say, otherwise..."

Fear gripped Chen Yaozhi's heart as she trembled, moving closer. "This humble woman has come to pay respects to His Majesty."