Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Lord Chang Gongjun Jiayou was not foolish, and he knew well how serious this was.

He was fully aware that if he botched things between Han Zhang and Shen Qinglan, it would certainly create a rift between Han Zhang and his imperial brother, turning Han Zhang disloyal.

But what did that matter?

Throughout history, those at the top rarely gave a thought to what the people below wanted or felt. All they cared about was getting what they wanted, especially in a feudal age with such strict class lines.

Whether it was Lord Chang Gongjun Jiayou or the Crown Prince, who seemed to value talent and treat the capable with respect, deep down they both believed Han Zhang should count himself lucky to serve them—it wasn't their good fortune to have him.

Talented men were a dime a dozen. Men like Han Zhang—humble origins, brilliant ability—were too many to count.

If the Crown Prince didn't have Han Zhang, he'd have Li Zhang, Wang Zhang, Zhang Zhang—any Zhang.

So even though he knew a falling-out would have consequences, Lord Chang Gongjun Jiayou didn't place much weight on it, because the gap between their stations was just too wide.

When someone high and mighty condescends to look down, the lowly should be weeping with gratitude!

But the real point was, he didn't truly like Han Zhang—he just wanted to possess something beautiful. So he only asked himself if he wanted it, not whether Han Zhang was on board.

And making his move after the Crown Prince took the throne would definitely be safer.

But Emperor Taixuan was still in good health, and he could easily go another ten years. Waiting for his brother to become emperor would take way too long—he couldn't wait that long.

All these factors were why Jiayou knew the road ahead was wrong but still wanted to walk it.

The Crown Prince had raised this younger brother since they were kids. Jiayou hid it well, but the Crown Prince saw right through him and sighed to himself.

He knew his brother's personality—there was no stopping him.

The more you tried to hold him back, the more stubborn he got.

Forget it—unless his brother hit a brick wall himself, he'd never give up.

On the flip side, if his brother actually got what he wanted, this marriage wouldn't be a bad match at all.

So after leaving the Empress's palace, the Crown Prince didn't try to talk him out of it—he just warned him:

"Jiayou, your big brother feels for you—your love life's been rough, and I don't want to see you hurt. But remember, Master Han's got a stubborn streak. Don't try to force anything—only a sincere heart can win a sincere heart."

"Imperial Brother, I..."

Caught off guard at being seen through, Jiayou panicked a little.

The Crown Prince sighed, his eyes full of fondness: "Jiayou, everyone's selfish at heart. I'd rather have you and Mother happy and at ease than have some right-hand man."

There were plenty of talented people in the world, but he only had one little brother.

Master Han was a capable man, but for his brother's sake, he'd just have to say sorry.

"But Jiayou, the people around you need to go. I'll send you a new set of people later. As for these ones... get rid of them all."

He said the last part in a tone that left no room for argument.

He didn't know which of his brother's trusted people had been turned. Since he couldn't figure out who, he'd rather kill a few innocent ones than let any traitor slip through.

"Yes, thank you, Imperial Brother."

Jiayou didn't feel bad about any of them either, so he agreed easily.

They were just a bunch of servants—lowly and worthless. What were they compared to his own safety?

The Fifth Prince's manor.

A subordinate rushed in to report: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince swapped out everyone at Chang Gongjun's place. All our people are gone."

"No worries. The fact that my dear brother flew off the handle means Jiayou took the bait... Indeed, with someone like Han Qinzhang—so refined, so devoted—what girl or lad wouldn't be drawn to him?"

"Everyone plays favorites. Even my dear brother can't help being led by his feelings."

The Fifth Prince picked up a chess piece, set it down, and admired the trap he'd set with satisfaction.

...

The assassination attempt on Lord Jiayou made a huge stir that dragged on for half a month.

In the end, some nobody official with no connections and no talent was made the scapegoat, and the whole thing died down on the surface.

That official was indeed very unlucky and very wronged, but such were the rules of society—not inviting trouble did not mean trouble would not come knocking.

Truth and justice had always been built upon fists alone.

Whoever had the harder fist was in the right.

After the assassination matter temporarily subsided, Lord Chang Gongjun Jiayou personally came to pay his respects with lavish gifts.

Although his intentions were impure, Jiayou did not show it. He even deliberately chose the daytime, when Han Zhang was at the Imperial Academy studying and only Shen Qinglan, the household's inner family, was at home.

During the visit, Jiayou only briefly mentioned Han Zhang, keeping the rest of the conversation focused on Shen Qinglan, quite as if he wished to befriend him.

Shen Qinglan was anxious and wary, but by the time the visit ended and the guest departed, the other party's attitude had been perfectly pleasant, with no sign of coveting his husband as he had imagined. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Still, he did not let down his guard.

When Han Zhang returned in the evening, he told him all about it.

"Husband, although rumors cannot all be trusted, it is true that Chang Gongjun has an erratic temperament. Yet today he came to visit and treated me with such warmth and approachability—I cannot help but feel uneasy."

"Husband, tell me: am I overthinking things, and Chang Gongjun truly wishes to build a friendship because of the Crown Prince? Or is it that when something is out of the ordinary, there must be something sinister behind it?"

Shen Qinglan was worried. Though not particularly clever, his instincts were sharp.

Whenever there was someone he did not like, the outcome would invariably prove that the person indeed harbored ill will toward him.

And right now, he did not like Chang Gongjun, because although the other claimed to want to be close friends, the look in his eyes carried contempt and condescension.

He had An Ge'er, a close friend since childhood, and knew what true friendship looked like.

Han Zhang thought for a moment, then instructed: "It is always good to be cautious. Do not doubt yourself, husband. Chang Gongjun holds a noble status—if he wishes to visit, we cannot turn him away at the door."

"If he is sincere in seeking friendship, then all is well. If he is false, the fox's tail will eventually show. From now on, when you go out, bring more guards. At banquets and gatherings, no matter the circumstances, never be alone..."

Shen Qinglan nodded: "Mm, I understand. Husband, you must also be careful when you are out and about."

Chang Gongjun held an exalted position and could not be easily offended. For now, this was all they could do.

But then again, turning around...

Han Zhang shelved the draft of his "Five-Year Reign, Ten-Year Development" plan and decided to hold off for now.

At the same time, he expended all the Power he had accumulated to cultivate a mutated vine with automatic self-defense capabilities, fashioning it into a bracelet for Shen Qinglan to wear.

"My dear husband, this bracelet is made from wood I came by a few days ago. Though it's not a valuable wood, it has a unique fragrance, and with prolonged wear it can nourish your qi and blood. I had it made into a wooden bracelet at the jewelry shop—wear it every day; it's good for your health."

"This wooden bracelet can nourish the body? That's a real treasure. You study harder, husband—you should wear it instead."

Shen Qinglan was delighted with the bracelet, but upon hearing it had medicinal benefits, he immediately pressed it back into Han Zhang's hands, his eyes full of concern without a hint of reluctance.

He knew his husband's heart was completely his.

Touched by this, Han Zhang smiled and extended his own hand, saying, "There was just enough wood for two bracelets—one for each of us, symbolizing us as a couple. Wear it every day and never take it off."

"Alright!"

Shen Qinglan nodded obediently, happily putting the bracelet on.

Han Zhang felt reassured knowing that with this mutated plant protecting him, no kidnapping, assassination, or poison could harm his husband while he was away.

Chang Gongjun Jiayou's temperament was rather unpredictable, and Han Zhang couldn't rely on him to know his limits—precautions were necessary.

In the days that followed, using his life-saving favor as an excuse, Chang Gongjun frequently visited, or invited Shen Qinglan out for tea, opera, and shopping—without ever mentioning Han Zhang.

It seemed he really wanted to befriend Shen Qinglan, treating him like a close friend.

Shen Qinglan remained wary, but given Chang Gongjun's status, he could hardly refuse the invitations and visits, so he had no choice but to go along with it for now.

Fortunately, he was easygoing.

Each time he entertained or accompanied Chang Gongjun, Shen Qinglan didn't feel uneasy—in fact, he actually got quite into it.

After all, he'd handle whatever came his way. His husband served the Crown Prince, and Chang Gongjun couldn't harm him openly, so why live in fear when he could just enjoy himself?

The Shen family wasn't really high-class, after all—many of the capital's finest fun and luxuries were beyond the reach of a lowly Fifth-Rank Official's son.

With Chang Gongjun to take him around, he could now visit places he'd only ever dreamed of and buy things he could never afford before!

So Shen Qinglan even brought An Ge'er along, using Chang Gongjun's name to explore the exclusive entertainment spots of the capital's true elite, getting a taste of high society and building connections.

And, still eager for more, he went ahead and suggested:

"Chang Gongjun, I hear the dancers at Changle Hall are just as good as the court musicians in the Southern Bureau—they're amazing to watch. Is that true? How about we go check it out tomorrow?"

Chang Gongjun Jiayou: ...

Was he being used as a free ticket now?!

When Han Zhang learned of his husband's antics, he couldn't help laughing out loud.

Shen Qinglan blushed and playfully hit him: "Husband, what's so funny? I hear the dancers at Changle Hall are a sight to see and their flute playing is lovely—all the noble ladies and gentlemen in the capital love them. Now that I have the chance, how could I not go check it out myself?"

Though ancient times were feudal, it varied by era, class, and status.

Just as men had their places of entertainment, young ladies and lads had their own places to have fun. Changle Hall was an upscale place exclusively for them, serving only real nobles.

Shen Qinglan, with his love for food, drink, and fun, was dying to go!

"Husband, I want to go, I want to go, pretty please~"

Lan Ge'er knew how to sweet-talk, and Han Zhang's heart melted.

What else could Han Zhang do? Agree, of course.

"Fine, fine, go have fun—just make sure you come home early."

His husband loved having fun, and it's not like he was asking for the moon.

With safety measures in place and no need to worry about bad guys, if his husband wanted to play, let him—being stuck at home all day was too dull.

Han Zhang was indulgent, even feeling his husband didn't go out enough, and worried about it.

Qiao Dong and Qiao Xi, who accompanied their master out nearly every day for fun, account checks, and shop inspections: ...

Master, are you sure?