Chapter 95 – Roll

Chapter 95 - Roll

Wen Yu was well-prepared this time.

He placed great importance on this opportunity, striving to hit the mark with his first attempt. From the clothes he wore to his demeanor, he tried to appear carefree and harmless, neither too humble nor too arrogant.

"Esteemed Prince Ten, I am Wen Yu, at your service."

He seriously reflected on his failure in the hunting grounds last time. It wasn't just a matter of chance that would lead to trust and reliance... Prince Ten was not such an imprudent person.

Prince Ten lost his mother in his early years and grew up within the palace walls, without anyone to protect him. He must have been a child who desperately craved love and affection, sensitive and thoughtful, with strong defensive instincts. Due to his young age and frailty, he surely admired strength—

Thus, in dealing with Prince Ten, he needed to convey his concern for him, sincere and heartfelt; demonstrate his harmlessness, candid and selfless; and also show his own strength, intelligent and wise, with no shortage of political acumen and strategy.

Just like Jing Yuqing, the powerful minister from his previous life, hitting all the right notes precisely.

Wen Yu knew that his initial choices had led him astray, leaving him with nothing substantial to rely on. No matter how genuine he appeared, it would be difficult to gain immediate trust. Thinking about it, there was only one direction he could try: admiration for strength. But how could he display this strength?

Naturally, he would remain calm and collected, confident and articulate, unflappable even when faced with the collapse of Mount Tai.

He wasn't very confident in his political skills, as he hadn't done well in his previous life. But who could blame him for having another chance? He possessed benefits that others couldn't match, knowledge that no one else had, such as knowing that Prince Ten would ascend the throne in the future.

Wen Yu quickly observed Prince Ten. Not long ago, the rebellion by Prince Two had been suppressed by the Emperor, leaving a somber atmosphere throughout the palace. Prince Ten should be very afraid and worried now, but as someone destined to become emperor, he already kept his emotions hidden, showing nothing on his face.

But he still didn't understand Prince Ten enough. The prince's expression could now be described as displeased: "—I asked you, why are you blocking me?"

Wen Yu thought this was a child's stubbornness in the face of losing control, and spoke gently. "Is Your Highness troubled by something recently?"

The boy was no longer the child from the hunting grounds. After more than a year, he had grown taller and looked much thinner, but he also exuded the vitality of youth. He no longer had red-rimmed eyes or cried easily, and should be capable of rational communication.

Prince Ten: "Me, troubled by what?"

Wen Yu smiled mysteriously. "Among the princes, there's no need to speak of Prince Two. Prince Three is keeping a low profile, avoiding the limelight. The Emperor has yet to name a crown prince, but his illness can no longer be delayed…"

He eloquently analyzed the situation, discussing politics and power, but Prince Ten rolled his eyes internally. "If you only want to discuss current affairs with someone, I suggest finding someone with similar interests. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."

He thought this man dared to directly block his path because he had some unique insights, but it turned out to be the same old things… leftovers from other people's discussions.

Doesn't he know the saying 'disaster comes from the mouth'?

Wen Yu wouldn't let him leave, throwing out a statement. "Isn't Prince Ten worried about your Sixth Brother—"

Prince Ten stopped. "Worried about what?"

Indeed, he cared.

Wen Yu clasped his hands behind his back, smiling calmly. "Aren't you worried that he will compete with you?"

Prince Ten: "…"

Wen Yu glanced around, speaking softly and earnestly. "Your Highness's lofty aspirations are unknown to others. I am willing to be your vanguard, doing my best to help you expand your territory."

Prince Ten was so angry he couldn't speak. This damn fool had some nerve, what nonsense was he spouting!

Seeing that Prince Ten's thoughts had been exposed, his eyes widened in embarrassment and anger, his face slightly flushed. Wen Yu continued. "Don't worry, Prince Jian… will die soon."

Prince Ten's fist, which was about to be thrown, immediately stopped. His eyes were cold. "What did you say? Who are you saying will die?"

Wen Yu was pleased with Prince Ten's reaction. Regardless of how one looked at it, Prince Ten was smart, knowing who his biggest rival was.

This move was correct.

He had thought about how to speak. He hadn't forgotten everything from the hunting grounds. At that time, Prince Ten seemed to have a deep brotherly bond with Zhu Yan, even crying and complaining to him. But in the imperial city, where was true emotion? It only seemed that way.

In the past year, he had watched from the sidelines and hadn't seen any interaction between Prince Ten and Zhu Yan. Zhu Yan remained as cold and distant as ever, except towards Wen Ruan, showing no kindness to anyone else, including Prince Ten. When they met, it was either punishment or scolding; Prince Ten was afraid of Zhu Yan, always avoiding him in the palace. How could their relationship be good? It must have been an act!

And based on his experiences in Prince Six's mansion in his previous life, being so close, he never saw any sign of Zhu Yan's affection for Prince Ten. After Prince Ten ascended the throne, he didn't show any special longing or reward for Zhu Yan…

He could almost confirm that there was no brotherly bond. If it existed, it was an act, either Zhu Yan's scheme or Prince Ten's.

Therefore, Prince Ten couldn't possibly care about Zhu Yan's death; he might even hope for it!

But words had to be spoken nicely.

Wen Yu sighed softly. "I know that Prince Ten is kind to others and has a deep brotherly bond, but some positions can only be held by one person. If someone else takes it, then it won't be available to Your Highness. At that point, you'll be at the mercy of others, walking on thin ice, uncertain if you'll survive until tomorrow, every meal eaten with caution… Does Your Highness want to live such a life?"

Prince Ten said nothing, just staring at him coldly.

Wen Yu continued, lowering his voice and imparting wisdom. "Given the current situation, Your Highness can compete, but due to your past circumstances, you lack accumulated wealth and power. Therefore, you can only borrow strength. Before the right moment arrives, self-preservation is key, avoid rash actions. Prince Two will be executed soon, Prince Three's position is too strong, his old enemy gone, he thinks it's an opportunity, but it's just an illusion. The Emperor won't allow it. All his actions are leading to his own destruction. The more confident he is, the faster he will die. As for Prince Jian…"

"Even though he has some ability, with his temperament, he won't achieve great things. There's a foreboding of a violent death—If Your Highness trusts me, his death will be my pledge of loyalty. What do you think?"

Prince Ten's eyes deepened. "You're saying you can kill Prince Jian?"

Of course not.

That monster, who could kill him?

But Wen Yu knew the date of Zhu Yan's death, it was coming soon. He remembered that day clearly, passing by at that time, how could it not be related to him?

"As long as Your Highness wishes, your desires will come true." He gave an ambiguous answer while offering advice. "Your Highness should avoid the limelight for now, preferably under the protection of someone you trust. Stay away from the whirlpool of imperial power until the situation stabilizes, then return when it's auspicious."

In his previous life, it was like this. Prince Ten obtained the throne not through his own efforts, but because his older brothers fought each other so fiercely that he was left standing, ready to inherit the throne.

Prince Ten didn't believe a word.

He stood here because Wen Yu mentioned his Sixth Brother, but it turned out to be a ridiculous boast about a pledge of loyalty, without mentioning anything else. No plans, no details, no discussion of how to overcome difficulties, no explanation of why it would work. He didn't even talk about politics in a meaningful way, just empty talk without substance.

Keep spinning your lies, you damn fool!

Such an act is beneath even the most rudimentary counsel from the humblest advisor in Prince Jian's palace, a world away from your sister-in-law's acumen and insight. To dare bully her and invoke the death of the Sixth Imperial Brother – you must have grown weary of existence itself!

The Tenth Prince wanted nothing more than to kick this man to death with all his heart, yet he felt there might be something hidden behind this man's audacity to curse the Sixth Imperial Brother. He couldn't just have him killed outright, so he suppressed his anger, put on a smile, one that was radiant.

Wen Yu was elated that his plan had succeeded, only to see the Tenth Prince use that radiant smile to utter a single word—

"Scram."

Wen Yu froze. What? Did he hear wrong?

"I said scram, didn't you hear me?" The Tenth Prince was juggling a pebble in his hand, one he had picked up from somewhere. His face was smiling, the pebble had no edge or blade, but it conveyed an inexplicable sense of danger.

He meant it! If he didn't leave, death awaited!

Wen Yu was shocked. What was happening? Why wasn't it going as planned? Wasn't the Tenth Prince supposed to be sensitive, overthinking, weak, and timid, hiding behind others? How could his eyes be so sinister, looking like he could really kill someone, no, perhaps he had already killed before...

He didn't resemble the benevolent and wise emperor Jing Yuqing had assisted in his previous life; at this moment, he looked more like Zhu Yan!

And wasn't the Tenth Prince supposed to admire strength? Wen Yu had displayed his wisdom, courage, and ability, so why did the Tenth Prince show no acceptance? Where had he gone wrong?

"Don't want to leave...?"

Suddenly, the pebble shot out from his hand, accurately slicing across Wen Yu's throat. Though the pebble wasn't sharp, if the force was strong enough, it could cause injury, even death.

Wen Yu felt the heat on his throat, touched it, and found it swollen, bleeding. Had the other party not held back, this strike could have taken his life!

He dared not stay any longer and fled in panic.

Only then did the Tenth Prince beckon his trusted attendant forward, whispering a few instructions.

He needed to know what Wen Yu knew, why he dared to say such things, and what potential threat it posed to the Sixth Imperial Brother.

As for what to do if the other party didn't give up and tried to intercept him again... well, he had considered that. He had investigated Wen Yu's affairs because of his sister-in-law. Wen Yu and his husband, Jing Yuqing, seemed to have a less than ideal relationship. It was Wen Yu who had chosen Jing Yuqing, insisting on marrying him despite everything, resulting in their current situation. Was he regretting it now?

Regret was good; it would make life interesting!

The Tenth Prince quickly wrapped up the situation, noticing that Wen Ruan was approaching. He waved eagerly. "Sister-in-law, I'm over here!"

Upon seeing Wen Ruan, the Tenth Prince underwent a remarkable transformation. The aura of danger that had clung to him like a shadow dissipated entirely; in its place was a radiant smile as warm as the sun, his eyes gleaming with an affectionate adoration akin to a devoted puppy's. He would pout his lips, feigning aggrievement with eyes rimmed red, a sight so disarmingly charming that Wen Ruan found himself utterly unable to resist.

Initially, he had intended to ask about what had happened earlier, whether they had encountered Wen Yu, and if anything inappropriate had been said. But seeing the Tenth Prince's energetic antics, he decided it wasn't necessary to scrutinize every detail. Children needed space.

"Come on, let's go shopping, brother!"

"Really? Then Sister-in-law can't go back on your word. I want sugar paintings, cricket jars, nuclear carvings, and that gilded exquisite ball I saw last time!"

One called himself 'brother', the other called him 'sister-in-law'. They each followed their own logic without contradiction. The Tenth Prince didn't hold back, directly naming a pile of things he wanted—expensive and cheap, large and small trinkets. He asked for whatever he desired.

He knew Wen Ruan didn't have much money. This sister-in-law of his had very specific hobbies: farming, breeding superior seeds, and coming up with innovative ideas to earn money. The money earned was used to buy rare and strange seeds, rent more land, and experiment with new cultivation methods. Aside from food, she had no personal preferences. That damn Sixth Imperial Brother didn't even give her some silver to spend monthly, how despicable!

Today, with him around, if Sister-in-law didn't have money, they'd have to use the Sixth Imperial Brother's. He was going to indulge himself fully and make sure to tell the Sixth Imperial Brother that his wife was too poor and needed money!

His devious thoughts raced, and he glanced in the direction of the imperial prison, asking Wen Ruan, "Shouldn't we... wait for the Sixth Imperial Brother together?"

Wen Ruan: "He's busy today, no need to wait."

Initially, he had indeed entertained the thought of awaiting Zhu Yan's company, but the prospect of solitude with him held little allure. Zhu Yan had a marked aversion to the idle pastime of shopping, favoring instead to confine their shared hours within the confines of the prince's residence or the intimacy of their chamber. It was far more agreeable to engage in some mirthful activity with his younger brother.

This younger brother was quite interesting—a black belly who could pretend well. He wondered how long this child could maintain the act in front of him.

Moreover, the recent political climate was unstable. The child worried too much, always fretting. A little outing to expend energy would help him sleep soundly when they returned, without unnecessary worries.

"Woah, this is beautiful—woah, this is sweet—woah, this is amazing!"

Following Wen Ruan through the market, the Tenth Prince truly resembled a child. Anything beautiful, delicious, or entertaining, he shared with Wen Ruan. After tasting a peculiarly flavored sour candy, he pretended it was sweet, tricking Wen Ruan into trying one as well.

For a moment, Wen Ruan experienced the joy of parenting... wanting to punch someone.

However, when the Tenth Prince behaved, he was quite enjoyable. He recognized everything in the market, especially toys, which he was particularly knowledgeable about. Yet, many things children played with were unknown to him. It seemed his childhood hadn't been happy.

Wen Ruan couldn't help but soften, taking him to experience these simple joys of childhood, teaching him how to play: "...look here, isn't there a mechanism? Like this—"

"Woah, Sister-in-law, you're amazing!" The Tenth Prince's eyes sparkled brightly, clinging to Wen Ruan's arm, begging to play this and that, completely absorbed in the fun.

When Zhu Yan emerged from the imperial prison, he didn't see anyone. "Where's the princess?"

Lan Tian: "She went shopping with the Tenth Prince."

Zhu Yan: "Why would Little Ten be here?"

Lan Tian: "He initially arrived at the prince's residence, but upon finding neither you nor the princess present, he pursued them in the vicinity..."

Zhu Yan: "So, the princess just followed along?"

"Yes," Lan Tian didn't dare look at the prince's expression, "and she asked me to convey that you don't need to wait for her today. She'll return when she's tired."

Zhu Yan: ...

Lan Tian: "Shall we... go after them?"

"Do you have nothing better to do?" Zhu Yan glanced indifferently at his subordinate. "Follow me."

The items provided by the Second Prince needed to be immediately searched for and sealed away. The same went for the Third Prince's side. Recently, he had connected with the Empress Dowager's sect, making many covert moves that were shrouded in mystery, making it hard to discern truth from falsehood. Zhu Yan also needed to personally investigate.

Prince Jian thought this way and acted accordingly, but he paused mid-step: "Send someone to watch over the princess. Don't let her play for too long."

"Yes!"

On the Third Prince's side, after setting up layers of manpower to create confusion, he was secretly meeting with a hooded man.

"Do you truly wish to assist me?" The Third Prince was somewhat urgent, "I find Zhu Yan and Wen Ruan annoying whenever I see them now. Can you kill them both? Especially Wen Ruan, make him vanish."

The hooded man chuckled, "As long as it's what Your Highness desires, anything is possible."