Chapter 810: Preparations for Departure
's face flushed with shame and anger. She felt played. She knew Fang Jinshu would never be so kind as to step down and let her marry into the family, nor would she hand over control so willingly."Are...Yuan Xiangli knew her husband was displeased with their youngest son. Ordinarily, she would certainly say a few more kind words for him.
But today, her husband looked in low spirits. She thought for a moment and chose to stay silent, serving him with his bathrobe and wash, and after dinner, they each went to rest.
Upon returning to the palace, Fu Ming's first act was to pay his respects to his Empress Dowager.
As I passed by the rear garden, I overheard eunuchs talking about it.
"I heard the war in Xizhou has ended, and the main army will soon be returning to the capital. We'll finally get to see that new War God general for ourselves."
"It's said this general was born a commoner. What luck! All this wealth and glory is about to fall into his hands."
"Well now, he's brave and skilled in battle, that's all thanks to his own hard-won military achievements, isn't it"
"I heard from my master that Your Majesty highly values this War God General."
Since General Gu died, there hasn't been a single warrior in the court as skilled in battle. It is said that Xizhou was able to hold its ground only because of his presence.
"This time, not only did we defend the territory of Xi Zhou, but also drove back the Wuman army in a series of defeats, severely weakening their strength."
The Wu-meng general initiated peace talks with Daxī for the first time, requesting a ten-year truce.
"Only ten years since the war ended, it's better to just have the War God General take over their country."
"With that tone of yours, one would think you're the one commanding War God General. Do you really think conquering a nation is as simple as that"
"You haven't seen how many people died in Xizhou, the national treasury is empty, and you still want to fight."
The little eunuchs huddled together, discussing matters that they shouldn't be privy to. If anyone overheard them, their heads would surely roll.
Fu Ming walked out from behind, and coughed lightly.
"What guts."
"You dare to speak recklessly about matters of state."
Although Fu Ming was not favored, he was still a prince. The eunuchs were afraid and knelt down instantly.
"Your Highness, please have mercy! We were just being mouthy. Please forgive us, we won't do it again."
Fu Ming's eyes were sharp, and he immediately noticed that among these little eunuchs, there was one who was the apprentice of the chief eunuch. His eyes flickered.
"You have committed a capital crime. Harboring you will bring no good fortune to me, even as a prince."
"Why should I suffer for you lot, a bunch of useless eunuchs"
Unless.
Being palace servants since childhood, each and every one of them was a shrewd individual. When Fu Ming said "unless", they immediately nodded in agreement and shouted.
"Whatever the Seventh Prince wishes to know, the servants will certainly tell him nothing is hidden."
Fu Ming smiled, "Get up."
"Others can leave, you stay." He pointed at the eunuch's apprentice.
That little eunuch immediately understood, bowed his head and walked over to Fu Ming's side.
He may not care about the lives of these eunuchs around him, but he can't ignore his own life.
When others heard this, they quickly ran away. Before leaving, they pleaded with the eunuch left behind by Fu Ming, hoping he would obey the Seventh Prince's orders and save their lives.
"This is good for you too. Just cooperate with me and tell me what I want to know, and their lives will be in your hands."
"Having gained so many favors, your days will be much more comfortable from now on."
Upon hearing the reasoning, the young eunuch immediately nodded, and his attitude towards Fu Ming became much more subservient.
"From now on, this servant belongs to Seventh Prince. Whatever you ask this servant to do, this servant will do it without hesitation. This servant will be eternally loyal to you."
Fu Ming just listened to the eunuchs' words of loyalty and didn't take them to heart. If he truly believed them, he would have died thousands of times in this palace that eats people alive.
"Don't worry, I won't let you do anything dangerous."
"Just stay by your master's side and tell me everything you learn from him, no matter how big or small."
The little eunuch's eyes widened in fright. His master usually spent most of his time with the emperor. Seventh Prince, this is about understanding the emperor's heart.
He isn't not vying for the throne, is he
Fu Ming seemed to detect the young eunuch's thoughts, he glanced at him, his eyes filled with a sense of oppression.
The little eunuch immediately knelt down in fright.
"This servant knows his mistake, this servant will remember the Seventh Prince's words!"
Fu Ming waved his hand to let him leave.
He never expected today's events to hold this eunuch back for long. If Zong Yu was truly about to return to the capital, then this leverage he had would quickly become useless.
As long as it was before the emperor's birthday banquet, he could find out what he wanted to know through the little eunuch.
I didn't expect such a big surprise upon my return to the palace.
How could Fu Ming not be moved by Fang Jinxiu's proposal.
No one understands the pain of being powerless and oppressed better than him.
Although he was born into the most noble lineage, he lived a life of misery and humiliation, even worse than that of eunuchs or palace maids.
Fu Ming pursed his lips, a flicker of an obscure emotion crossing his eyes.tepped out the door, Wen Xiong blocked me.Wen Xiong stood outside the manor with a darkened face, "It's harder to see Zhuge Liang now than it is to seek an audience with the Emperor."Zongyu looked at...