31 3.2 (2/2)

Chen Yu had learned about this backstory because, being somewhat curious about the general's family, he'd also informed the elders of his barrenness and was given a hint along those lines. No doubt some time later, explicit directions would be sent. Zhang Jia's expectations weren't out of line in Chen Yu's point of view. Zhang Hua had, after all, been supported fairly well for seventeen years of life. This turn of events only meant that the familial relationship had become a business partnership instead.

With this, Chen Yu resolved to take a neutral position toward Zhang Jia. He wouldn't defend them, but he wouldn't attack them either.

In any case, the original owner wasn't a character who would willingly die as a chess piece, he wouldn't have blindly risked himself to poison the prince because he was told to.

However, considering Emperor Taihe's pattern of behavior, Zhang Hua had rightly predicted that Lu Guanting would vigilantly intercept Zhang Jia's traitorous instructions and arrange to eradicate the general's household.

Although he'd never fought in a war, Zhang Hua had grown up surrounded by discussions of strategy. He definitely understood that as soon as the emperor had learned of Zhang Jia's disloyalty, his own death had been sealed. So while he may not have been inclined to throw away his life for sentiment, since he would be executed whether or not he attacked the royal family, he'd chosen to maximize his chances of survival by cooperating with Zhang Jia.

Thus, having calculated that Lu Guanting was too well-guarded to assassinate directly, he had immediately tried to cause a panic in the palace with the crown prince's poisoning, thereby making an opportunity for Zhang Jia to kill Lu Guanting.

Unfortunately, a palace maid he hadn't even noticed before had disrupted his plans, leading to his death.

When Chen Yu processed the story, he couldn't help but smile.

Such undercover conspiracy was somewhat exciting, but the best news was that the original owner hadn't acted out of some jealous frenzy or filial piety. That Zhang Hua was essentially a lazy person who nevertheless possessed both brains and self-respect made staying in character much more satisfying.

As for this emperor, he would have preferred not to bother with him, but since Lu Guanting wanted to protect his power at all costs, Chen Yu would take the time to teach him how exacting the price could be.

---

Today, it was the mid-summer festival, and everyone in the harem, along with the highest levels of nobility, had been summoned to an imperial banquet.

In preparation, Chen Yu didn't apply any makeup, simply sprinkling a few small gold flakes around the teardrop-shaped beauty mark under his eye, but with that decoration alone, his starry dark eyes glittered hypnotically. His silk white robe embroidered with red waves made his skin seem white like snow and gave him an aura of someone unrestricted by worldly shackles, while the two tasseled gold hairpins that loosely held up his silky hair dangled around his face, eye-catchingly trembling with every movement and adding a hint of playfulness.

His dress was uncomplicated, but due to Zhang Hua's inherently indolent nature, Chen Yu had begun preparing quite late.

Thus, when Chen Yu entered the banquet hall, many of the guests had already arrived and were socializing. Following the eunuch's announcement of Consort Jing's presence, there was barely a lull in their chatter.

Although this man was a new addition to the harem, everyone recognized that the emperor had never been moved by beauty and therefore, regardless of this consort's charm, his value would not be high. Only those who couldn't resist their curiosity about how a rare male concubine would conduct himself turned toward the doors.

But encountering that captivating appearance, the crowd gradually became silent.

The women were seduced by his nonchalant, unruly elegance, and the men uncontrollably felt an urge to tame that wild spirit. Every one of them regretted that they hadn't displayed enough respect, fearing that they had offended the one consort the emperor might hold in special regard.

Ignoring the eyes on him, Chen Yu casually walked to his arranged seat, signaling a maid to bring some jujube wine. En, this was sweet enough to substitute for his hot chocolate.

The people who could attend this banquet naturally were not stupid, observing that the consort wasn't in the mood to talk, they soon masked their shock and resumed murmuring among themselves.

The other concubines, however, couldn't restrain their anxiety. Despite the fact that Emperor Taihe hadn't shown particular favor to anyone before, they clearly perceived how irresistibly tempting Consort Jing was. Currently, the harem lacked an empress but was, relatively speaking, a peaceful environment, since everyone acknowledged that competing against each other wouldn't produce any results. If Consort Jing tried to disrupt this balance...their gazes turned assessing.

Chen Yu knew what these people were thinking, but he didn't issue any assurances. After all, he did intend to hook Lu Guanting.

Besides, he'd only taken the trouble to come here in order to meet two people, he wouldn't waste his breath on outsiders.

A short time later, both of his targets strode into the hall.