Chapter 102: Trap

Chapter 102: Trap

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned tense and oppressive. Zhao Renxian observed Yu Zheng's expression and dared not breathe too loudly, swallowing nervously.

Even though he was far from Shang Jing, he knew the court was split between the Crown Prince's faction and Prince Jing's faction.

Clearly, Meng Jingfan was aligned with the Crown Prince's faction. His words were clearly an attempt to claim all the credit and earn a name for the Crown Prince.

But how could Prince Jing be so easily deceived? Furthermore, since Prince Jing had already personally arrived, for Meng Jingfan to still try to claim all the credit was akin to pulling a tiger's whiskers.

He wasn’t afraid of dying, but he was!

For a moment, the tension was palpable, as if swords were drawn. Meng Jingfan cupped his hands and said, "The construction of the river embankment is dirty work involving crude people who might offend Your Highness."

"Furthermore, Your Highness’s status is esteemed. A personal inspection might cause panic among the workers, which would be detrimental to the task."

Indeed, as a court official, his words were logical, well-founded, eloquent, and respectful, earning Zhao Renxian’s admiration.

Sure enough, Yu Zheng's expression softened, and he furrowed his brows, saying, "What Lord Meng said makes sense, but since I proposed the construction of the river embankment and have come here personally, I cannot shirk responsibility if anything goes wrong."

"Moreover, Lord Meng has many responsibilities and there will always be times of oversight. As a precaution, let Lord Zhou assist you in the inspection to ensure nothing goes wrong."

"But Lord Zhou is highly skilled in martial arts and was specially assigned by the Emperor to protect Your Highness. If he leaves Your Highness's side, who will ensure Your Highness's safety?" Meng Jingfan said with apparent worry.

Yu Zheng clasped his hands behind his back and raised his eyebrows, saying, "I have my personal guards for protection, Lord Meng need not worry. Moreover, Lord Meng holds an important position and might be targeted. Having Lord Zhou accompany you can also ensure your safety."

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness." At this point, Meng Jingfan could find no reason to refuse and could only bow in gratitude.

Under the pretense of protection, Lord Zhou would essentially be monitoring and could claim half the credit without lifting a finger. This move was ultimately a brilliant strategy by Prince Jing.

Lord Zhou Baixu stood quietly to the side, not saying a word throughout, showing no surprise, as if he had anticipated the outcome long ago.

"Since Lord Meng does not require my assistance, I will not disturb you further." After saying this, Yu Zheng left confidently, without any hesitation or regret.

Watching Yu Zheng’s confident departure, Meng Jingfan's expression was complex and difficult to decipher.

He suspected he had fallen into Yu Zheng’s trap but lacked evidence.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Lord Meng?" Zhao Renxian also wanted to leave.

Meng Jingfan glanced at him and said sternly, "Lord Zhao, gather the workers. We will start the construction tomorrow."

"Yes, I will make the arrangements now." Zhao Renxian replied and left.

Only Meng Jingfan and Zhou Baixu remained in the room, eyeing each other.

Meng Jingfan took a deep breath and said, "This is the official residence. I am very safe here. No need, I’m not tired. Please proceed as if I weren’t here." Zhou Baixu dragged a chair to the corner, sat down, and closed his eyes to rest.

Meng Jingfan glanced at him, suppressing his frustration as he resignedly sat down at the desk to draft the embankment construction plans based on the blueprint.

With nothing more to do, Yu Zheng returned to his room and sent Zhuiyun to locate the secret guards and inquire about Jiang Shu’s whereabouts.

Noticing Yu Zheng’s smiling face, Zhufeng scratched his head and asked, "My lord, are you really not going to oversee the embankment construction?"

Zhufeng did not understand. Yu Zheng had always prioritized state affairs. Why was he acting so unusually today?

Yu Zheng glanced at him, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips, saying, "Meng Jingfan is the Deputy Minister of Works. Overseeing the embankment construction is his duty and area of expertise. I can’t do anything other than supervise. Does it matter whether I oversee it or not?"

"He wants to grab credit and monopolize authority, so if something goes wrong, he will have to bear the responsibility alone. Therefore, he will definitely be extra cautious and not dare to slack off or cut corners."

"Besides, isn't Minister Zhou keeping an eye on him? Don't forget, we have other important matters to attend to here."

"Your Highness is wise." Zhuifeng was deeply impressed and utterly convinced.

As dusk fell, Yu Zheng stood by the window, gazing into the distance, hoping that Zhuiyun would return soon.

Ensuring her safety was also a key part of his mission.

After seeing off Mr. Liu, Jiang Shu and Tanyu returned to the inn for dinner.

Tanyu, cheeks puffed out from eating, asked, "Master, shall we continue visiting silk shops tomorrow?"

Jiang Shu swallowed her food and shook her head, "I heard there's a Lingyin Temple in Lin'an Prefecture that is particularly efficacious. I want to pay my respects there."

"Master, are you praying for the Buddha’s blessings for Master?" Tanyu, quick-witted, asked.

"Yes, and for Mother and Jiang Ning as well. I hope they are all safe and sound." Mentioning her family, Jiang Shu’s expression softened into a smile.

Her family was her soft spot; she was willing to do anything for them.

The next morning, Jiang Shu and Tanyu, accompanied by a few guards, took a carriage to Lingyin Temple.

Situated in the direction of West Lake, the road up to Lingyin Temple was bustling. Some rode in horse-drawn or ox carts, while others walked, carrying incense and candles.

Some chatted in groups, some walked alone with sorrowful expressions, others with greedy desires, and some with peaceful expressions, enjoying the scenery.

Regardless of who they were, when they knelt before the Buddha to pray, they were all sincere and respectful.

Everyone understood that the Buddha could not protect all beings or fulfill every wish.

But that act of worship before the Buddha could give people faith and hope, providing strength to persevere in times of despair and helplessness. This was the true meaning of worshipping the Buddha.

As the carriage reached the temple gate, Jiang Shu and Tanyu got off, carrying a basket full of incense and candles, and looked up at the long stone steps, ready to ascend.

However, they had barely taken a few steps when a thin, scruffy teenager suddenly rushed out and collided with them, scattering the incense and candles on the ground.

Tanyu quickly steadied Jiang Shu, furrowed her delicate eyebrows, and was about to scold, "You..."

"Ouch, my leg hurts so much! Help! Save me!" Before Tanyu could continue, the teenager who had bumped into them lay on the ground, clutching his leg and crying loudly.

The master and servant were stunned, unsure what was happening.

"Ouch, it hurts so much..." The shabby, dirty teenager wailed even louder.

Tanyu widened her eyes in disbelief, "Master, it was clearly him who bumped into us. How are we fine, but he's hurt?"

"So he’s pretending to be hurt, trying to extort us." Jiang Shu, with her calm almond eyes, looked at the boy on the ground, considering her next move.

Perhaps feeling guilty, the boy avoided their gaze and turned away, continuing to shout.

"Come and see! They injured someone and won’t admit it! Oh, it hurts so much..." The boy's acting was quite convincing.

Jiang Shu sneered inwardly and was about to speak when someone approached.

It was a young, heavily pregnant woman, slowly making her way over with the help of her maid.

"You rascal, how dare you try to extort people in front of Lingyin Temple? Aren’t you afraid of the Buddha’s wrath?"

The well-dressed woman knew the boy. Her tone was warm yet exasperated, tinged with helplessness and reproach.

The boy was surprised when he saw her, then replied with a shrug, "If the Buddha truly exists, he should give me some food, not leave me to starve."

The woman, with pity, shook her head in sorrow and instructed her maid to give him a string of copper coins.

"Stand up. This money should last you a few days."

The boy, after receiving the money, quickly rose from the dirt, thanked her with a sly smile, and then vanished into the nearby bushes.

Jiang Shu and Tanyu gaped in astonishment.