Chapter 58

Gong Zao had long anticipated that Liang Shicheng would ask this question, or rather, his purpose was exactly this. Liang Shicheng, being favored, naturally received more benefits.

Re-seating himself, Gong Zao smiled faintly, "Prime Minister Liang, don't be anxious. Listen to what I have to say!"

The courtyard was filled with a fragrant aroma, and Gong Zao's voice continued.

"Whether the Prince of Yongning is truly or feigning madness, we don't need to pay too much attention. When it comes to targeting someone, there are only two methods. The first is to strike at their weak point. What is a weak point? It can be a person, an object, or something else. In the case of the Prince of Yongning, it can only be a person!"

"Hmm?" This was the first time Liang Shicheng had heard such a concept. He was skilled at reading people's minds, so his interest was piqued. "Please continue, Sir!"

"Ha ha, Prime Minister Liang, have you ever considered that the Prince of Yongning has neither literary nor martial talents, and lacks any ambition. If we want to target him, we can only do so through the people around him. I have a question for you, Prime Minister: Who does the Prince of Yongning care about the most?"

"This..." Liang Shicheng was truly at a loss. Zhao Yougong had many people around him, but none were truly close. His parents were dead, Empress Zhu had passed away, and his only aunt was gone. After thinking about it, he couldn't think of anyone Zhao Yougong truly cared about.

"Sir, are you joking? Does the Prince of Yongning have anyone he cares about? I really can't think of anyone!"

"Prime Minister, you are mistaken!" Gong Zao smiled mysteriously and continued, "The Prince of Yongning does have someone he cares about, and that is Su Yingnuo, the stewardess of the Prince of Chu's mansion!"

Hearing this name, Liang Shicheng shook his head and laughed, "Sir Gong, are you joking? How is that possible?"

"Why not? Prime Minister, you only see the Prince of Yongning treating Su Yingnuo coldly, but that's only because she constantly lectures him. If he truly despised her, would Su Yingnuo still be in the mansion?"

Liang Shicheng was momentarily speechless. After some thought, he realized that Gong Zao was right.

"The Prince of Yongning may dislike her in his heart, but the bond they share from childhood is still there, though it's buried deep, even unknown to himself!"

"Sir, you make a good point. What should we do specifically?"

"Simple. Su Yingnuo is still a maiden. Prime Minister, send someone to request her!"

Request Su Yingnuo? Could it be that simple? Liang Shicheng frowned, asking with some doubt, "Sir, is there any particular reason for this?"

"Of course. This is to test whether the Prince of Yongning is truly or feigning madness. If he readily hands over Su Yingnuo, or refuses outright, then he is feigning madness. If he hesitates before handing her over, then he is truly mad!"

"What does 'hesitate' mean?"

"Sir, I have been telling you that, whether the Prince of Yongning is truly or feigning madness, his feelings for Su Yingnuo are still there. If he is truly mad, he will fear Prime Minister Liang and, after weighing his options, will reluctantly hand over Su Yingnuo. Conversely, if he is too quick to hand her over or refuses outright, it means he is feigning madness!"

"Good, what a clever test!" Liang Shicheng, impressed, couldn't help but smile. "But to really request Su Yingnuo? How can I explain this to the Emperor?"

"Ha ha... Since Prime Minister has called it a test, why must it be real? If we determine that the Prince of Yongning is truly mad, what use is Su Yingnuo? It would be better to return her as a favor, to avoid offending the Emperor!"

"Ha ha, I see. Can you tell me about the second method?"

"The second method is called 'Passing the Knife to Seize the Life.' Have you heard this story? During the Western Jin Dynasty, there was a bully in Yunting County who often bullied his neighbors. The county magistrate couldn't do much because the bully only committed minor offenses like quarreling and stealing. Each time he was caught, he was detained for a few days and then released. To eliminate the bully, the magistrate devised a plan. One night, he had someone place a fine steel knife in the bully's house. Sure enough, with the knife, the bully became bolder. One day, he used the knife to rob a wealthy household, and was caught on the spot by the county's constables!"

Seeing Liang Shicheng frowning in silence, Gong Zao took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, "Prime Minister, you always want to catch the thief, but the thief is as timid as a mouse and won't commit a crime. Why not take a step back and give him a knife? With the knife, the thief will become bolder. Even if he doesn't commit a crime, carrying the knife around will make him more hated."

What a devious and cunning plan! Liang Shicheng was delighted. He stood up and bowed slightly, "Sir Gong, you are truly a genius of this era!"

"I dare not accept such praise. Since Prime Minister is using my strategy, I will spare no effort!"

"Very well, I won't disturb you further!"

Leaving the eastern city, Liang Shicheng did not change his clothes and went directly to the palace. At that moment, Emperor Zhezong was writing a calligraphy piece with a frown, but due to his agitation, the characters lacked their usual grace.

"Liang Shoudao, you seem to have some leisure time today. What brings you to see me?"

Seeing Emperor Zhezong's dark expression, Liang Shicheng didn't beat around the bush and bowed, "Your Majesty, you are truly insightful. I have some ideas!"

"Then speak!"

Putting down his brush, Emperor Zhezong sat lazily in his chair. Liang Shicheng, skilled at reading people, quickly stepped forward to massage his shoulders. As he spoke, he repeated what Gong Zao had told him.

Emperor Zhezong's expression was uncertain. He glanced at Liang Shicheng and, after a moment, smiled, "Tell me, who gave you this idea? With your abilities, you wouldn't have thought of this much!"

"This..." Liang Shicheng dared not hide it and smiled awkwardly, "Sir Linghe, Gong Zao, it was he who told me!"

"Very good, go and do your work. When you have time, bring Sir Gong to see me. But be careful, I don't want to see another Yao Cheng!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not let that happen!" Liang Shicheng smiled inwardly, thinking that if he could please the Emperor this time, he wouldn't have to worry about Gao Qiu anymore. But it wasn't his fault; the Emperor had given Gao Qiu a good task, but he had failed.

He had planned to stay at Xiefang Tower for the night, but Zhao Fugong suddenly arrived, and Zhao Yougong had to accompany her to the southern part of the city for a spring outing. It was more like Zhao Fugong wanted to play, and she wouldn't waste a moment of her rare trip out of the palace.

By the time it was the hour of You, the guards escorted Zhao Fugong back to the palace, and Zhao Yougong, exhausted, headed back to the Prince of Chu's mansion. He thought he had escaped the Huashigang incident, but Liang Shicheng was now eyeing him like a venomous snake.

The next day, before he could leave, Mao Wenyu reported that the commander of the Houyong Camp, Tian Chou, was requesting an audience!

Zhao Yougong had no connection with Tian Chou, who was Liang Shicheng's top confidant and general. Why would he come to the Prince of Chu's mansion? It was like a weasel visiting a chicken coop—what good intentions could he have?

Waving his hand, Mao Wenyu led Tian Chou to the living room, and Zhao Yougong followed. Tian Chou, hands behind his back, looked around and, upon seeing Zhao Yougong, only gave a slight bow, "This is Tian Chou, paying respects to the Prince!" Though he bowed, his tone was indifferent, and his expression was disdainful, showing no respect.

Mao Wenyu, being astute, quickly left. Zhao Yougong's face was not good, but he didn't dare to lose his temper. Tian Chou's visit must represent Liang Shicheng, so it was better to hear what he had to say.

"General Tian, please sit. I wonder if your visit today is to bring me some good news?" Zhao Yougong narrowed his eyes, feigning greed.

Tian Chou sat down without hesitation, leaned forward, and smiled wickedly, "It could be considered good news. Last night, the old steward at Prime Minister Liang's residence went home to convalesce, and the residence is now short of staff. I've heard that the stewardess Su Yingnuo of the Prince of Chu's mansion is very talented, so Prime Minister Liang specially wants to invite her to help for a few days."

"Hmm?" Zhao Yougong remained calm, but his heart sank. Looking at Tian Chou's lecherous smile, he wanted to smash his head.

Zhao Yougong didn't know what had happened. Had he been exposed, or did Liang Shicheng suspect him of being involved in the Huashigang incident? His heart turned cold, and a wave of panic crept over him. He thought he was smart enough, but now he realized he was far from it.

If not for his knowledge from two thousand years ahead, he might have been played long ago. With the success of the Huashigang operation, his heart had started to relax, and he wanted to take the initiative. But just as he started to act, a bucket of cold water was poured over him.

Only by truly experiencing it could he understand how clever the ancients were. Did he think that just because he was from the future, he could control everything? He was wrong. When it came to intrigue and cunning, the ancients were the true masters. Zhao Yougong thought of the "Luo Zhi Jing," and how one Lai Junchen was already so formidable. What if there were ten or a hundred Lai Junchens? And the Song Dynasty was not short of such people.

Gao Qiu, Tong Guan, Cai Jing, Wang Fu, Liang Shicheng, Li Bangyan, Yang Jian... each of them was shrewd.

Zhao Yougong felt he should thank Liang Shicheng. If not for his request for Su Yingnuo, his heart might have started to swell. From now on, he would have to continue hiding, and hide even deeper, acting even more convincingly.

Lifting his head, Zhao Yougong smiled expressionlessly, "General Tian, allow me to consider it, shall I?"

"Of course. If so, I won't disturb the Prince further!"

Bowing, Tian Chou left the living room. Watching his back, Zhao Yougong slowly clenched his fists. What a Tian Chou, not even bothering to say "your subordinate." Was he sure that Zhao Yougong wouldn't dare to resist Liang Shicheng? Zhao Yougong wanted to kill him, but he had to admit that Tian Chou was right. Zhao Yougong didn't dare to resist; he was as timid as a mouse, how could he dare to resist Liang Shicheng?

Turning around, Zhao Yougong looked up at the plaque hanging on the wall, "Alone on a High Mountain." These four characters were left by Zhao Si, but achieving this was extremely difficult.

Should he really give Su Yingnuo to Liang Shicheng? Liang Shicheng was a eunuch; if Su Yingnuo followed him, her life would be ruined.

Why? Why?

Zhao Yougong asked himself repeatedly. Why did Liang Shicheng suddenly target Su Yingnuo? He had pretended for over a decade, constantly scolding and distancing himself from Su Yingnuo, but still couldn't protect her.

That day, Zhao Yougong didn't go anywhere. He locked himself in his study, neither eating nor drinking.

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