Chapter 79 – It’s All Because You’re Inept

Chapter 79 - It's All Because You're Inept

Wen Ruan had a good sleep, and when he woke up, his body wasn't too uncomfortable. Someone was clearly well-prepared, having all the necessary medicines ready at hand, indicating a long-planned scheme.

If it weren't for last night's heartfelt conversation and the warm atmosphere, Wen Ruan might have suspected that Zhu Yan did this on purpose.

Uh... why couldn't it be intentional?

Baring one's heart was genuine, analyzing one's situation was real, and the past misfortunes evoking sympathy were also true. But couldn't there be room for something else in between, like... coaxing him?

To whom would so many past experiences be shared, to evoke pity from whom? It was him! He softened his heart, felt sympathy, and his love overflowed; how could he refuse a beautiful, pitiful, yet strong man who had already captured his thoughts?

Some things naturally fell into place.

Ha, men.

Wen Ruan moved his hand away from his eyes, once again blinded by the bright sunlight.

Sunlight!

Wen Ruan sat up abruptly, knowing from the angle of the sun that something was off—it was late!

In the royal family, regardless of other matters, etiquette and decorum were always upheld to the fullest. According to the schedule of this hunting expedition, all activities had ended yesterday, and today would be a brief closing ceremony. If the weather was good, they would depart in the afternoon; if not, early tomorrow morning. But whether it was in the afternoon or early morning, the closing ceremony would certainly take place in the morning, and everyone was required to attend. Why hadn't anyone woken him up?

"Nanxing—Nanxing—"

Wen Ruan got out of bed in his robe, calling out twice, but Nanxing didn't come over. Zhu Yan was clearly absent, as was Lan Tian?

"Master!"

The one who finally came running was Gong Rongxue.

Today, he looked in excellent condition, with rosy cheeks and stable emotions. His good looks made him appear obedient and pleasing to the eye. Except for the spark in his eyes when looking at Wen Ruan, all signs of excitement and agitation had vanished. It was as if he had woken up after a good night's sleep, finding life just as expected, and his entire being had settled down, content and without any desire for anything better.

He wore clothes similar in style to Nanxing and Lan Tian's, neat, clean, and meticulously maintained. A white handkerchief draped over his arm, he placed a basin of hot water on the stand, smiling gently. "Master, should you wash up first and then change your clothes? Breakfast has already been prepared, and it will be served right after you finish getting ready."

From this distance, he clearly saw the marks on Wen Ruan's neck, uncovered by his clothes, but he acted as if he hadn't noticed, displaying remarkable professionalism. His demeanor was refined, just like the servants specially trained by the Prince's Mansion... perhaps even surpassing them.

Wen Ruan: "You..."

Gong Rongxue: "I frightened Master yesterday upon our first meeting. My intentions were not such, and I have deeply reflected on my actions. I assure you, it won't happen again, Master, please rest assured."

This was far from simple self-reflection; it was like a complete transformation, too shocking!

Wen Ruan was silent for a moment, struggling with the decision to send him away for two breaths. "...I'll do it myself."

"Yes, Master." Gong Rongxue handed over the white handkerchief.

He knew his boundaries, respected Wen Ruan, and took care of others without showing it, making it easy to develop a favorable impression.

Especially the term 'Master'; generally, those from the Prince's Mansion and those acquainted with Zhu Yan would call Wen Ruan 'Royal Consort', but Gong Rongxue actually called him 'Master'. Whose side he leaned towards was self-evident.

"This morning, His Majesty received a letter from the palace, saying that Consort Rou was unwell, her condition severe. The Emperor panicked, feeling dizzy and seeing stars, and summoned the imperial physician..."

Gong Rongxue continued speaking softly about events outside, knowing that Wen Ruan cared, speaking clearly and quickly while remaining calm and composed. "His Majesty has decided that they will return to the capital today, setting off after lunch. Before departure, a brief closing ceremony for the hunt will suffice, so everyone is now in no rush to prepare."

After washing up, Wen Ruan went behind the screen to change. "Just that?"

"Of course not," Gong Rongxue personally took the basin away, setting the table with breakfast. His movements while arranging the bowls and chopsticks were graceful. "Third Prince has disappeared. Third Prince's people were mysteriously reluctant to disclose information, but Second Prince insisted that the Emperor needed someone to attend to him during illness, and as a son, he must be present. He wanted to search for him, so Third Prince's people mentioned that there was something strange in the forest. Third Prince seemed to see Prince Jian entering, and chased after him, temporarily losing track of him... Our Prince Jian was thus summoned for questioning. Lan Tian followed to serve, Nanxing kept watch through the night, and had only recently been relieved. I interrupted the servants below and took the initiative to come before Master."

Wen Ruan looked at Gong Rongxue, impressed by his precise timing and smooth insertion. He was indeed highly capable.

Outside the Third Prince's tent, not far away.

"What does it have to do with Third Brother whether I entered the woods this morning or not? Did Father ever say that no one could enter the woods after the hunt?" Zhu Yan's aura was low, his brows furrowed with evident dissatisfaction.

He didn't want others to speculate about his marital life with Wen Ruan. There were already enough onlookers regarding Gong Rongxue's matter.

Second Prince had been trying to persuade him for half the day, but the Sixth Prince remained unmoved, and his patience was wearing thin. "Is Sixth Brother going to favor him?"

Zhu Yan: "Isn't it you, Second Brother, who insists on targeting me?"

Second Prince: "It's just a straightforward question, how does that mean targeting you!"

Zhu Yan: "Second Brother, I've never been involved in your affairs with Third Brother, nor do I wish to be."

Prince narrowed his eyes. "What if one day, you don't need to choose sides, who would you stand with?"

That 'one day' wasn't far off, everyone knew it!

Zhu Yan understood.

Second Prince might know that he was innocently dragged into this, and Third Prince was merely using him as an excuse to resist Second Prince. Second Prince had done similar things in the past. These two were quite alike, using him and still doubting him, continuously testing him.

This wasn't the first, tenth, or even hundredth time. Zhu Yan was annoyed. "If Second Brother thinks I will take sides, go ahead. But if your people dare to approach and harass—don't blame me for being impolite."

Second Prince gritted his teeth. "You're really going to help Third Brother, aren't you!"

Zhu Yan showed no emotion. "Think whatever you want."

Second Prince: "You really dare to oppose me! Don't blame me for being impolite in the future!"

"You weren't polite this time either, were you? The mutual market trade route is crucial, one cannot forget public interest for personal gain. You insist on interfering and want to monopolize it—"

Zhu Yan spoke calmly. "If you want to do business, do business; if you want political strife, have political strife. But you insist on mixing the two, wanting everything. I cannot allow it. For this mutual market, you can normally trade with the Beidi people, no problem. But if you want to interfere with the trade route and salt monopoly—don't blame me, your younger brother, for being impolite."

So, he found out so soon?

Second Prince felt somewhat guilty. His side had just finalized the plan and deployed it, and the contracts hadn't even been signed yet.

"It turns out I still misjudged you," he narrowed his eyes, staring at Zhu Yan. "You react immediately to trivial matters, Sixth Brother. You're not without ambition; your ambitions are considerable indeed."

Zhu Yan: "Second Royal Highness, you flatter me. Father Emperor entrusted the envoy matter to me, and I dare not spare no effort. If you don't retract that claw of yours, I'll chop it off myself."

The Second Prince was furious: "You still claim you're not siding with Third Brother!"

Zhu Yan couldn't be bothered to respond: "I have other matters to attend to. Second Royal Highness, do as you please."

As he turned the corner, not far away, he saw Yuan Weiang, the Chancellor.

"Your Highness," Yuan Weiang stood still and bowed.

It seemed like a chance encounter, but in reality, he had sought him out specifically.

Zhu Yan: "Minister Yuan, did you seek this Prince for something?"

"Yes," Yuan Weiang was straightforward. "It's about the assassins in the forest. Among the dead, there seem to be two connected to me."

Zhu Yan looked at him, his gaze carrying a deeper meaning. "Father Emperor has already said he won't pursue it, and the Beidi envoy doesn't have the face to ask more. Why does Minister Yuan care so much?"

"Whether or not to pursue it, when to pursue it, these are minor matters. I am the head of all officials, leading the ministers. I cannot pretend not to see or not to notice what happened," Yuan Weiang stroked his beard and sighed softly. "When Jing Ji discovered this matter, he initially refused to tell me. I also know that Your Highness is righteous and doesn't fuss over trifles. But a man's heart should be towards the bright moon, his aspirations untainted by dust. Without making things clear, my conscience would be troubled."

A heart towards the bright moon, aspirations untainted by dust—it was quite bold of him to say.

Zhu Yan smiled faintly. "Minister Yuan needn't insinuate. Jing Ji isn't my man."

Yuan Weiang smiled. "Your Highness misunderstands. This official never made such a statement."

"Believe what you will. Matters unrelated to this Prince, I'm too lazy to bother with, nor do I wish to add to my workload. As the chief examiner, you should focus on preparing for the Spring Imperial Examination."

Zhu Yan didn't give an inch, turning around and leaving directly.

Walking far away, Lan Tian whispered, "Minister Yuan is still standing there."

Zhu Yan's eyes were frosty cold.

Lan Tian: "Is he feeling guilty?"

Zhu Yan: "Perhaps he has confidence, knowing exactly how to handle the situation."

When the two returned, they saw Gong Rongxue fawning over Wen Ruan, smiling in a way that was subtly flattering, speaking with unintentional gentleness. Lan Tian watched as the princess, who had been coaxed by the prince for a long time but wouldn't take her medicine properly, happily swallowed the medicine!

Zhu Yan's expression could be imagined, instantly turning greenish-black, as if considering whether this person could be killed, killed right now!

Lan Tian cursed inwardly. Where was Nanxing's dog? Was he sleeping dead to the world, still not awake?

Who let this person into the tent? Who allowed him to stand beside the princess and serve her? How long had he been gone, and someone else had taken his place?

Wen Ruan saw Zhu Yan return and immediately waved him over. "Come quickly. Try the new tea Rongxue has steeped. It's actually on par with Lan Tian's!"

Lan Tian: ...

Was he being outdone? His life-saving skill, his specialty, could actually be outdone?

And what was Rongxue? Princess, you forgot their surname!

Looking at Gong Rongxue, she stood to one side, her posture gentle and considerate, her smile like a spring breeze.

Not seeking credit, not vying for position, seemingly trying to build good relations with the 'seniors', she smiled slightly at him.

He was a formidable opponent!

Indeed, everything that followed confirmed his guess. This Gong Rongxue had deep scheming and impressive persistence, seemingly devoted to becoming the princess's loyal attendant. When there were people around the princess, as long as he and Nanxing were present, Gong Rongxue would remain quiet, appearing unassuming and not stealing the limelight. In reality, she was meticulous everywhere, and whenever he or Nanxing missed a detail, Gong Rongxue would fill in the gaps, doing everything perfectly, without boasting about it...

But just because she didn't speak up, others couldn't see it?

What kind of person was the princess? Wise and perceptive, adept at human relations, always considerate of her subordinates—how could she not see? If Gong Rongxue claimed credit, it would be a poor strategy. Not claiming credit, not thinking she did anything special, was a greater achievement!

Not only did she have the ability to read minds and impressive persistence, she was also skilled at delivering messages.

If the capital became lively due to the envoy's trade, and the princess sorted everything out, ensuring no unexpected troubles, and then left it to those handling the matter, there would be people coming to her. At such times, it tested the messenger's eloquence.

For example, when Bi Luhun sent someone, Gong Shuangxue could confront them. When the merchants from the He family, Liang family, and others came over, Gong Shuangxue could smile and persuade them. Even when someone from the palace came to deliver a message, Gong Rongxue could handle it and even extract a lot of information in return...

She was also very graceful, with no one finding fault, even praising the Prince Jian Mansion for acquiring another capable subordinate!

Lan Tian felt like a hunting dog encountering a turtle in the river, unsure how to bite.

Nanxing, this useless one, didn't even want to deal with Gong Rongxue. Wasn't he afraid of being stepped on and surpassed?

Even the dog had betrayed him, following the princess every day, growing closer and closer to Gong Rongxue!

And the prince, wasn't he going to do anything about it...

Of course, the prince wanted to intervene.

Zhu Yan's mood darkened day by day, watching Wen Ruan like the apple of his eye, yet he couldn't escape Gong Rongxue's opportunistic intrusions. And this person wasn't harboring any ulterior motives or secretly coveting her. He simply admired, respected, and liked Wen Ruan immensely, enjoying being by her side, nothing more.

Gong Rongxue was originally a person who underwent rigorous training. The reason he was so exaggerated during his first meeting with Wen Ruan was because his suppressed instincts were burning fiercely. After settling down, he naturally resumed his usual demeanor. He exerted all his efforts to take care of Wen Ruan, unwilling to leave... merely because he cherished it too much.

Having spent a long time in the sea of bitterness, having finally encountered sweetness, he couldn't bear to let go.

Wen Ruan understood, thus indulging her. Nanxing understood, thus not competing. Only Lan Tian didn't understand.

Zhu Yan could understand, but he was unhappy. So on a certain icy morning, when the sky was just beginning to lighten, he summoned Lan Tian to the training ground and beat him up.

Lan Tian: ...

He limped back, glaring fiercely at Nanxing when he saw her: "It's all because of you!"

Nanxing was munching on a steaming hot bun fresh out of the kitchen's pot: "Huh?"

Lan Tian lamented like a parent disappointed in their child: "You still have time to eat buns! If it weren't for your incompetence, how could someone else have taken your place!"

Nanxing: ...

"You're so useful, why were you outdone then?"

Perhaps Lan Tian's limping appearance was truly pitiful, and she felt a kinship with him in suffering. Nanxing compared the sizes and handed over the smaller bun: "They're really good. Pork filling with chives and shrimp roe, want to try some?"

Lan Tian: ...

What karma did I accumulate to work alongside such a fool! Princess, what on earth do you see in this one!

Lan Tian didn't give up on keeping an eye on Gong Rongxue.

He didn't trust this person's loyalty, fearing that the princess would be deceived and hurt.

Of course, he also had his own impressive skills, learned from the imperial court, things the princess hadn't seen yet!

How could an outsider know more than the locals about their own scriptures? Let's see how he performs!

Thus, in the following days, he neglected the prince's affairs, spending every day by the princess's side, showcasing one by one the skills he'd learned in the palace. Tea ceremony was just the tip of the iceberg; he also knew incense appreciation, musical instruments, fine carpentry, carving, jewelry design, and appraisal...

Indeed, it amazed the princess, but it also benefited Gong Rongxue. This person seemed to have a natural talent, learning by analogy, intent on mastering all his skills!

Lan Tian was shocked and furious.

Then he realized that Gong Rongxue genuinely seemed to have no ill intentions, as if he had truly submitted, wanting nothing more than to serve as a lowly attendant, devoted to the princess.

Not only was he loyal, but he was also willing to risk his life for her protection.

On the 20th day of the 12th lunar month, the princess encountered an assassination attempt.

The assassin chose the perfect moment. It was already the 12th lunar month, the busiest time of the year when the streets were most crowded, and coincidentally, the prince was away.

Gong Rongxue immediately pushed Wen Ruan aside, even snatching the most conspicuous item from the carriage and draping it over himself, using his body as bait to lure away all the assassins...

It was after this incident that Lan Tian understood. Gong Rongxue had intended to use himself as bait all along. He knew what Wen Ruan wanted and had planned to cooperate. Wen Ruan's agreement to let him follow him daily these past few days was tacit approval. Initially, there wasn't complete trust, but clearly, human interaction revealed many things.

Nanxing tossed over a meat bun: "Enough, aren't you treating him as one of us now?"

This time, Lan Tian caught it, taking a fierce bite: "I still need to keep an eye on him."

He felt that their current cooperation was good, someone needed to remain vigilant. If Gong Rongxue truly had no ill intentions, he wouldn't mind being watched and might even welcome it. If he did, it would be the perfect opportunity for Lan Tian to earn credit!

He just hadn't expected that his own master, Prince Ye, had been involved in this setup from the beginning.

Although the prince wasn't present when the princess was attacked, he returned quickly and managed to personally save the princess, carrying her out of the carriage.

But afterward, he disappeared with the princess, clearly not immune to jealousy.

"Alright, alright, I'm really fine," Wen Ruan sat on Zhu Yan's lap, gently patting his chest to soothe him, "I know my limits. Gong Rongxue was willing too, saying it would increase our chances of success."

Zhu Yan: "He can be the decoy, but you cannot put yourself in danger again."

Wen Ruan: "Did I look endangered?"

Clearly, the one in danger was Gong Rongxue.

"Forget it."

Why be jealous of a subordinate.

Zhu Yan's face remained stern: "If you're obedient and he stays in line, I'm not opposed to sparing him."

"Your Highness has a broad heart, you're the best!" Wen Ruan raised his head and kissed Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan was even more pleased: "Be a little more obedient."

Wen Ruan: "How is your side going, any progress?"

"Thanks to your high-profile actions," Zhu Yan was also satisfied, "We've captured quite a few people from the Empress Sect, but most are at the bottom rung, knowing limited information. The Venerable Purifier Gong Rongxue mentioned was quick-witted, and fled at the first sign of trouble. We can't find him for now. The entire upper echelon of the sect seems to have gone into hiding, but I have leads, it just requires time."

Wen Ruan pondered: "Is it because the New Year is approaching, they're keeping a low profile?"

Everyone celebrates the New Year, right? Commoners, officials, the nobility, and even those who do evil deeds.

Zhu Yan nodded: "Perhaps we'll have to wait until after the New Year for further developments."

Wen Ruan: "What about Yuan Weiang?"

Zhu Yan: "No special connections to the Empress Sect have been discovered yet, but there are suspicious points. Coupled with evidence from other sources, we can deal with him."

Wen Ruan sensed something amiss: "But?"

"It's not worth it," Zhu Yan said, "The Spring Imperial Examination is coming soon, he's the chief examiner. If we don't want to cause disruptions, we can only make a move after the examination."

After the Spring Imperial Examination?

Wen Ruan thought about it and decided it wasn't too late. By then, the Empress Sect would likely have finished celebrating the New Year and started resuming their activities. Contact between the two sides would make it easier to catch them in the act.

"It's not like we can't do anything, gathering more intelligence is still possible," Zhu Yan looked at the person in his arms, "Will you join me for the New Year's Eve celebration at the palace?"