Chapter Eleven: The Art of Power—Treading on Thin Ice

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The sun rose over the eastern hills, ushering in a new morning. The busiest street in Golden Rampart City remained eerily quiet. Yet, the entrance to the Sixth Prince’s residence was already packed with people. However, these visitors were dressed in a shocking manner—either in tattered rags or bare-chested and barefoot—clashing starkly with the grandeur of the prince’s high walls and sprawling courtyard.

“Don’t rush, everyone will get a steamed bun and some porridge,” two male servants busily reassured the beggars and refugees at the gate. Beyond the mansion, the crowd stretched endlessly.

“The Sixth Prince is truly a great man!”
“Throughout history, many royal relatives have shown kindness, but none have been as generous as the Sixth Prince, who is willing to exhaust his entire fortune to help the poor.”
“Such a pity—I've heard he’s about to head to the Northern Frontier for war. If such a noble soul dies in battle...”

This carefully orchestrated act of generosity by Miaofa had created a tremendous stir. Within just half a day, the reputation of the weak-willed Sixth Prince, Gao Changsheng, was completely overshadowed. At the same time, under Gao’s orders, Miaofa had secretly spread the news that the prince was determined to die honorably on the battlefield. This rumor likely had already reached the palace.

“Your Highness, the household servants sent out last night have all returned,” Miaofa reported with a proud smile. “As expected, there were many hidden spies near the prince’s mansion. At least twenty unfamiliar faces were found at the Fortune Guesthouse two hundred paces away, but they had all dispersed early this morning. It seems the two princes have been informed and called back their agents.”

Miaofa’s face beamed with satisfaction. No matter how shrewd his previous guesses were, confirmation was what truly proved his flawless strategy. A moment of pride was well deserved.

“That pot of Maojian tea costing eight hundred copper coins was truly worth it,” Gao Changsheng said with a sigh of relief. “Still, I must remain cautious; I will be staying in Golden Rampart City for two more days.”

Looking back, he felt a chill of fear. If not for Miaofa’s unexpected arrival, he would have been assassinated last night. Though Miaofa’s rescue served his own interests, Gao Changsheng would never forget this life-saving debt.

“Rest assured, Your Highness,” Miaofa said confidently. “I have assigned the household servants to keep a strict watch on the beggars and refugees inside the courtyard. Everyone entering or leaving the prince’s residence must be registered. Officially, this is to prevent fraudulent claims for relief supplies, but in truth, it’s to prevent assassins planted by the princes from infiltrating the residence.” Miaofa’s thoroughness offered Gao considerable peace of mind.

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“With you here, many worries are lifted,” Gao Changsheng nodded. “Now I can focus on dealing with my father, the Emperor.”

Miaofa glanced at the time and said, “It’s already the hour of the dragon; the morning court should be dismissed.”

Just then, several eunuchs in official attire squeezed through the crowd and entered the courtyard. The leader was a familiar face—Zhang Yao, the Emperor Shenwu’s personal eunuch and chief steward, ranked at the third rank of the imperial hierarchy. Although his official position might not be the highest among civil and military officials, his status as the Emperor’s confidant commanded respect even from the prime minister.

“Lord Zhang?”
“I did not expect Lord Zhang’s arrival—excuse my lack of proper welcome!” Gao Changsheng said, stepping quickly out of the hall, visibly honored, to greet him.

Zhang Yao was equally surprised. Though Gao Changsheng had not been favored by Emperor Shenwu before, times had changed. A prince who volunteered to fight on the frontline and was prepared to sacrifice himself for the country was bound to change the Emperor’s attitude, no matter how stern he was.

“Your Highness, your courtesy flatters this old servant,” Zhang Yao said smoothly. “I have long heard of Your Highness’s benevolence, but seeing the scene at the prince’s mansion today proves you truly have a heart of compassion.”

His flattering words flowed effortlessly, and even Gao Changsheng felt flattered. It was no wonder Zhang Yao had served the hard-to-please Emperor for decades—he was indeed exceptional.

“Money is but a trivial matter,” Gao said with deep feeling. “As I head to the Northern Frontier, whether I return alive is uncertain. If I can part with some wealth to accumulate some virtue, it will not be in vain to serve the royal bloodline, the Great Yong Dynasty, and my father.”

Before his transmigration, Gao Changsheng had practiced flattery extensively. Though not quite at Zhang Yao’s level, it was enough for the current situation.

“...” Zhang Yao was momentarily speechless—actually, a bit stunned. The Sixth Prince’s skill at flattery rivaled his own. How had someone with such talent fallen so far? Perhaps Gao had a late awakening.

“Heh heh...” a strange voice came from behind Gao.

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Gao Changsheng turned to glare at Miaofa. He knew Miaofa was amused to see that Zhang Yao, the master flatterer, had been dumbfounded by Gao’s own skills. But at this critical moment, could he hold his tongue for just a while longer?

“By the way, Lord Zhang, what brings you here?” Gao hurriedly changed the subject.

“Oh yes!” Zhang Yao smiled warmly. “I come bearing a message. The Emperor commands Your Highness to enter the palace.”

As Shenwu’s personal eunuch, Zhang Yao’s expression mirrored the Emperor’s moods. If the Emperor was displeased, Zhang’s face would darken; if the Emperor was pleased, a smile from Zhang was like a reassuring balm.

“The palace intrigues are indeed deep,” Gao thought.

“Thank you for your guidance, Lord Zhang. Please accept this small token of gratitude,” Gao said, clasping Zhang’s hand. When he released it, Zhang found a silver ingot in his palm.

“In that case, Your Highness, I shall not be so formal,” Zhang said with a smile, accepting the bribe. It was not greed but recognition. Gao’s current strength in Golden Rampart City was not enough to secure Zhang’s full support, but for gossip within the palace, Zhang was an invaluable source. Playing this card well could be as effective as having a strategist like Miaofa.

“Lord Zhang, could you wait a moment?” Miaofa suddenly spoke as Gao was about to leave.

“Of course, Your Highness,” Zhang said, stepping back with his attendants, sensing a private conversation.

“What is it?” Gao asked, puzzled.

“Your Highness, why not make a visit to Her Majesty the Empress within the palace, that den of dragons and tigers?” Miaofa said with a faint smile.

“You’re telling me to walk right into the lion’s den?” Gao thought.

“Rest assured, Your Highness. Even the Empress, ruthless as she may be, would never dare to kill a prince within the palace,” Miaofa explained. “You may use this opportunity to feign allegiance to the princes’ faction. If you can temporarily stabilize the Empress, it will ease some pressure.”

“Your real adversary now is the Crown Prince,” Miaofa continued. “Not only will you leave Golden Rampart City in two days, you will face the Crown Prince’s forces alone. If you can secure the help of General Dou Yuan, it will be a tremendous advantage for Your Highness.”