Chapter 14: Determined to Win
Since Eldest Madam Lang came to visit Yu Lingzhao and they shared such a close relationship, it was only natural for her to stay at the mansion for a meal.
Eldest Madam Lang also met Yu Xunyang. For a fleeting moment, she felt that this third nephew of hers bore a resemblance to her husband in his younger years.
Yu Xunyang gave a simple, honest smile and said brightly, "A nephew takes after his uncle. Aunt, please favor me a little more, so I can bask in my uncle's reflected glory."
A few playful remarks made Eldest Madam Lang extremely happy, dissipating much of the previous tense and anxious atmosphere.
Eldest Madam Lang’s visit to the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion was, of course, not just to see her two nephews; she also came to convey some messages from her father-in-law, Prime Minister Cui.
After the meal, Eldest Madam Lang sought out Yu Xunyang to speak with him, but Yu Xunyang said with a mysterious look, "Aunt, there is something you do not know."
Eldest Madam Lang was puzzled. "What is it?"
Yu Xunyang said, "When Zhaozhao and I entered the capital, everything Father entrusted was given to Zhaozhao."
Eldest Madam Lang looked at Yu Lingzhao. Yu Lingzhao gave a faint smile, her demeanor natural and relaxed.
Eldest Madam Lang suddenly remembered what her sister-in-law had written to her in a letter: the Prince of Zhennan was raising Zhaozhao as a son, teaching her both civil governance and martial arts, and she had learned them quite well.
"Truly, a brave father has no weak daughter." Eldest Madam Lang accepted the fact that the younger sister was the one in charge of the pair quite well, and even showed some admiration: "Zhaozhao, you are increasingly showing your father’s commanding presence."
Because of Yu Xunyang’s reminder, Eldest Madam Lang realized that Princess Qing'an had not actually gained any advantage in this matter; instead, she had lost face and suffered a setback in silence.
Could it be that Zhaozhao had a hand in this?
As Eldest Madam Lang thought this, she asked the question directly.
Yu Lingzhao had no intention of hiding it; she nodded frankly and admitted it.
After a moment of stunned silence, Eldest Madam Lang laughed heartily: "Good! As expected of a daughter from a family of generals!"
Hearing this, Yu Lingzhao looked at Yu Xunyang, who also began to laugh: "Zhaozhao is very capable."
Cui Zhili, who had been listening silently on the side, also cast an admiring look at Yu Lingzhao: "Zhaozhao really is brilliant!"
Eldest Madam Lang looked at her youngest daughter with a smile on her lips; with her and Zhaozhao together, it was hard to say who was looking after whom.
"Your grandfather cannot come in person. The capital is full of eyes and ears. He only asked me to remind you: under no circumstances should you get involved in the struggle for the Crown Prince's position."
Eldest Madam Lang became very serious when speaking of official business. She said, "The Prince's Mansion is already the center of much attention. That person definitely does not want to see us gain any more wings."
Even without Prime Minister Cui’s specific reminder, Yu Lingzhao understood this.
The Prince’s Mansion and the Prime Minister’s Mansion represented a union of military and civil power.
For many years, to avoid the suspicion of Emperor Jianyuan, the two families had little overt contact.
As for private dealings, they were naturally handled with extreme caution.
By having her aunt deliver the message, her grandfather expressed two attitudes:
First, he was concerned about his granddaughter's situation and was watching constantly, though he was unable to visit.
Second, by sending her aunt, it proved that her uncle and aunt were also of one heart with the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion.
If either of these points were not true, Eldest Madam Lang would not have appeared at the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion with her daughter now.
After listening to Eldest Madam Lang, Yu Lingzhao and Yu Xunyang both stood up and gave a solemn bow: "Xunyang/Zhaozhao will keep Grandfather's teachings firmly in mind."
The siblings' solemn attitude brought much comfort to Eldest Madam Lang’s heart.
With children like these, her sister-in-law’s life must be a good one.
One does not ask for much in this life, but these detailed blessings truly make one's days more joyful.
Just like Yu Xunyang and Yu Lingzhao, children who are both amusing and capable truly bring joy to a mother's heart.
The more Eldest Madam Lang looked at the siblings, the happier she became.
"When Zhaozhao is feeling better, you may also go to see your grandfather."
When Yu Lingzhao and her brother first entered the capital, they had gone to visit their grandfather, Prime Minister Cui, and the old gentleman had been extremely happy.
However, as the head of all officials, Prime Minister Cui had too many responsibilities to attend to; he could not look after his two grandchildren every moment of the day.
Furthermore, Eldest Madam Lang and her youngest daughter had been away visiting her eldest son and had not yet returned, and his wife, Lady Wang, had long since passed away, leaving him truly unable to reach Yu Lingzhao in her time of need.
The moment something happened to Yu Lingzhao, Prime Minister Cui received the news.
He was deeply worried and closely monitored the movements within the capital.
Once he realized that Princess Qing'an was actually the one suffering a setback in silence, the Prime Minister became less anxious and sent a message to call his daughter-in-law and granddaughter back.
Thus, this led to Eldest Madam Lang’s visit today.
Having understood Eldest Madam Lang's words, Yu Lingzhao nodded: "Rest assured, Aunt, Zhaozhao understands. Please tell Grandfather that I am perfectly fine and ask him not to worry."
Eldest Madam Lang stayed until evening before departing.
Yu Xunyang personally escorted them to the gates of the Prince’s Mansion, watching the Prime Minister’s carriage disappear into the distance before turning back inside.
Meanwhile, under the glow of the setting sun, several figures suddenly vanished from the dark corners.
Ever since his last visit to the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion, where Yu Xunyang had nearly raised a hand against him, Xiao Ning’an had been secretly observing any news regarding the estate.
Aside from learning that Yu Xunyang had spent two days at Huguo Temple, there was little else.
It wasn't that Xiao Ning’an hadn't noticed Yu Xunyang's trip to the temple; he had investigated it thoroughly.
Upon learning that it was merely to pray for blessings by covering the costs for the first ten patients of a three-month free clinic in the name of the Prince’s Mansion, he didn't take it to heart.
Unable to enter the Prince’s Mansion, Xiao Ning’an had also sent men to secretly contact Chu Yulan, but those efforts were similarly fruitlless.
Finally, today, a spy reported that Prime Minister Cui’s daughter-in-law, Eldest Madam Lang, had taken her daughter to the Prince’s Mansion and stayed until evening.
Xiao Ning’an fiddled with the red jade coral beads in his hand, wondering about Yu Lingzhao's actual condition.
She refused to see others, yet dared to see people from the Prime Minister’s Mansion; did she not fear his Father’s wrath?
As his thoughts shifted, they landed on Eldest Madam Lang’s youngest daughter, Cui Zhili.
"Qin Jin, this Prince recalls that the youngest daughter of the Cui family is not yet betrothed?"
Xiao Ning’an looked toward his guard, Qin Jin.
Qin Jin bowed his head. "Your Highness remembers correctly."
"Send men to keep an eye on her. If she intends to go out in the coming days, report it immediately."
Xiao Ning’an’s plan was to use Cui Zhili as a way to reach Yu Lingzhao; if that failed, Cui Zhili herself was a fine option.
Her grandfather was Prime Minister Cui, her mother’s side was the Lang clan, and her father currently served as the Salt Distribution Commissioner, a trusted official favored by the Emperor.
Furthermore, the Cui family’s in-laws were the Prince of Zhennan and the Marquis of Yong’an.
With one daughter as a Princess Consort and another as a Marchioness, everyone said Prime Minister Cui was truly blessed.
Both daughters had married well, bringing powerful marital alliances to the Cui family and making the Prime Minister’s position unbreakable.
The corners of Xiao Ning’an’s mouth curled upward. Behind Yu Lingzhao lay the military power of the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion; behind Cui Zhili was the Prime Minister’s Mansion, whose students were spread throughout the world.
No matter which one it was, he could take her.
And he would never allow himself to fail.
The position of Crown Prince, he was determined to win it!
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