Chapter 5: Helping a Viper
Shen Zaiye had not originally paid her any mind, but upon hearing her voice, he halted and stared at her for a long moment.
“Princess?”
“From now on, Your Grace can call me Taohua,” Jiang Taohua replied with her head bowed. “Once inside the Prime Minister’s mansion, there is no longer any princess.”
Shen Zaiye raised an eyebrow slightly and turned fully toward her, his gaze deep and contemplative.
“You certainly adapt quite well.”
“Of course. I still wish to live a good life.”
If one cannot adapt to the environment, could it be that they expect the environment to adapt to them? There aren’t that many good things in this world.
“Thinking this way brings me some peace as well.”
Although he said so, Shen Zaiye let out a faint sigh. His handsome brows furrowed slightly, as if something troubled him.
Jiang Taohua lowered her gaze and remained stubbornly silent.
She wasn’t foolish. He clearly had something he wanted to say, yet refused to say it outright. He wanted her to ask. If she really did, wouldn’t she just be a silly cabbage walking into his trap?
Better to act clueless than stick her face into a snake’s mouth.
After a long silence, Taohua suddenly looked up at the bright spring sunlight.
“The weather is quite pleasant today.”
She gave two awkward little laughs.
“If Your Excellency has nothing further to discuss, your servant will take her leave.”
Shen Zaiye raised a brow, clearly surprised.
“Since you’re so eager to return, I’ll accompany you to Contend Spring Pavilion for a while.”
Peach Blossom froze.
She discreetly pulled out the rotation roster and glanced at it.
If she remembered correctly, tonight he was meant to favor Lady Gu.
Ah.
It was still early. He wasn’t some beast in heat. He likely just wished to speak.
At that thought, she smiled warmly and curtsied.
“Yes, My Lord. This way, please.”
His lips curved faintly, but as he turned away, his brows furrowed for the briefest moment.
As they walked, he asked casually:
“I see you came from Linghan Courtyard. Have you met the Madam?”
“Yes,” Taohua answered dutifully. “Madam informed me of the household rules.”
“Is Lady Qin there as well?”
“Sister Qin was present. She also taught me many things.”
Shen Zaiye’s tone shifted slightly.
“What do you think of the Qin family?”
Taohua pondered.
“Appearance-wise, she is quite exceptional.”
He stopped walking.
“I was asking about her character.”
Before she could respond, he studied her attire.
“Speaking of appearances, your current look is far less appealing than your simple, unadorned appearance this morning.”
Without thinking, Taohua blurted:
“In a man’s eyes, the most beautiful woman is the one without clothes.”
The servants behind them froze.
Shen Zaiye stared at her.
“Taohua.”
She immediately dropped to her knees.
“I have done wrong! I grew up in Zhao State—our customs are more open. My words may not be proper. Please forgive me!”
Seeing her nervous expression, Shen Zaiye actually felt reassured and helped her up.
“I had heard Zhao was liberal. I did not realize it was this liberal.”
“There is much you do not yet know,” she replied with a foolish grin. “If you have questions, feel free to ask. Though I only know about the lower circles—matters inside the palace are not familiar to me.”
“You are a princess. How could you know the low and not the high?”
Jiang Taohua smoothed her sleeve and began weaving half-truths.
“My mother died early. The new empress disliked my brother and me. To pave the way for Princess Suheng, we were relegated to the outer palace. Our lives were no different from servants.”
“So you married far away to improve your circumstances?”
She nodded immediately.
“Of course. Marrying to Great Wei is far better than living under those palace walls.”
“Then what do you want?”
Her eyes lit up.
“I want to eat my fill and dress warmly.”
Shen Zaiye fell silent.
For a princess to have wishes so simple…
His tone softened.
“In this mansion, you will eat your fill and dress warmly. And if you assist me in two matters, I can even send gifts back to Zhao for your brother.”
Her mind began calculating instantly.
“What kind of favor?”
“Because of you, I now have misunderstandings with both Prince Nan and Prince Jing. Tomorrow, Prince Nan will visit. I need you to tell him you came willingly with me.”
“And the second?”
“The day after tomorrow, I meet Prince Jing at North Gate Pavilion. You will explain yesterday’s misunderstanding.”
His half-lowered eyes were dangerously gentle.
But Jiang Taohua had studied the art of allure. She would not allow herself to be charmed.
“My Lord…” she said pitifully. “It is not that I am unwilling. I have felt unwell since yesterday. I fear I may not rise tomorrow.”
“Unwell?” He narrowed his eyes. “Shall I summon a physician?”
“When we return, I can have one called. If I feel better tomorrow, I will help. If not… perhaps My Lord should find another method.”
The timing was suspicious. Yet her eyes appeared sincere.
“Then you shall not return to Contend Spring Pavilion,” he decided. “Stay in Linwu Courtyard tonight. It is warmer.”
She shook her head vigorously.
“Madam said we must not compete for favor on non-serving nights.”
He chuckled softly.
“I was meant to go to Lady Huaijou’s pavilion tonight. I am merely lending you the room.”
Ah. That was acceptable.
“Thank you, Prime Minister.”
After settling her in Linwu Courtyard, Shen Zaiye left for his study.
Jiang Taohua behaved obediently, not daring to act rashly under the watchful eyes of unfamiliar maids.
That evening, Qingtai finally returned.
“Does my lady require assistance with bathing?”
“Yes, yes,” Taohua quickly instructed. “Prepare the water.”
Soon, the bath was ready.
“I only require Qingtai,” Taohua said calmly. “All of you may wait outside.”
The servants obeyed—but locked the cabinets before leaving.
So cautious.
Once alone behind the screen, Taohua leaned closer.
“Well? What have you learned?”
Qingtai whispered urgently:
“First—Prince Jing. He is currently the most favored prince. Though not the legitimate heir, he is the strongest contender and holds great prestige. However, several old ministers refuse to support him. Because of that, he has been trying to win over Prime Minister Shen.”
