MFURCC -Chapter 67 Flattering Him

In her previous life, on the eve of the Qiqiao Festival, a band of bandits ambushed the capital.

As soon as night fell, they began looting homes, sweeping through almost an entire street.

Fortunately, they didn’t harm anyone—they only stole possessions.

Although Liuzheng had been bedridden at the time, she overheard the Vuan family’s servants talking about the incident that day.

And they were relieved that the bandits hadn’t targeted Doufang Street, where the Vuan family lived.

“Your Highness informed me of the Qiqiao Festival palace banquet. After careful consideration, I believe this can be used to turn the tables,” Liuzheng said.

“However, to carry this out, I’ll need some extra hands. The people I currently have at my disposal aren’t enough.”

“So, if Your Highness intends to reward me, I would request a small contingent of your men.”

After she finished speaking, Su Heng looked at her intently.

“I was unaware of this myself. Yet your spies managed to learn of it. It seems General Vuan’s men may be few in number, but each is highly capable.”

There was a subtle, unreadable depth in his eyes, but a sharp light shone through.

Being stared at by those hawk-like eyes felt as though every thought in her heart had been laid bare, leaving nothing to hide.

Liuzheng felt a little nervous.

She hadn’t actually sent any spies; this was knowledge from her past life…

She forced herself to maintain a calm exterior.

“It was just a bit of luck that I managed to find out.”

Su Heng averted his gaze, giving it little thought.

He knew that under Liuzheng’s command, the brothers Pan Hong and Pan Zhan were indeed capable. Their skills as former pickpockets made them particularly adept at gathering information.

When Liuzheng mentioned this matter, he naturally assumed it was these two who had gathered the intelligence.

These two had followed her in the past; now they could follow him.

A trace of envy flickered in his heart.

There was no denying it—the time at the frontier had been the most carefree period of his life.

Even if each day had been exhausting, his heart had been content.

“How many men do you need?” Su Heng asked, regaining his composure.

“Not many. Ten will suffice.”

“Good. When you need them, just send someone to inform me, and they will be ready.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

After the matter was discussed, Liuzheng was about to take her leave, but Su Heng spoke again.

“This must be done properly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you know why?”

“It concerns whether I can establish myself in court in the future, so I may serve you even better.”

“That’s not the reason.”

Liuzheng looked at Su Heng in confusion.

He met her gaze with a complex expression in his eyes, as though deep meaning flowed within them.

“My elder brother, the Emperor, intends to present you to the Crown Prince.”

“Boom—”

Outside, the sky suddenly rumbled with thunder.

Liuzheng’s shoulders tensed.

She didn’t know whether it was the thunder or Su Heng’s words that had startled her.

“Your Highness… where did you hear this? Is the information accurate?”

“It doesn’t matter how I know. You only need to remember this: on the Qiqiao Festival, you must go to the former palace. You cannot attend the banquet in the harem with the inner court ladies. Otherwise… this matter will likely proceed.”

If the Emperor himself had suggested Liuzheng as the Crown Princess, it wouldn’t have been suitable.

After all, Liuzheng was a meritorious figure, and multiple powers were keeping a close eye on her.

She was like a fragrant cake; everyone wanted a piece of her.

If the Emperor had proposed it, Liuzheng could have politely declined, and others might have spoken up to help her, preventing it from happening.

But if the suggestion came from the Empress, it was different.

The inner court ladies wouldn’t dare defend her.

Liuzheng realized this herself.

Su Heng then said, “Of course, if you feel my domain too small, and prefer to become the Crown Princess under the Crown Prince, I won’t force you. Whatever happened before, I’ll act as if it never did, and sincerely congratulate you on achieving your wish.”

Yet in his tone, Liuzheng couldn’t hear any trace of congratulations.

She had never considered the position of Crown Princess anyway.

Standing, she bowed and clasped her fists before Su Heng, declaring her stance.

“Your Highness! I have never considered the position of Crown Princess—or, rather, I never intended to marry. Moreover, Your Highness has repeatedly assisted me in the past; I would never betray you. From this day forward, I serve only you!”

She deliberately emphasized “I,” fully acknowledging Su Heng as her master.

Su Heng gazed at her, then suddenly let out a soft laugh.

The sharp, icy glint in his eyes melted, replaced by a gentle warmth, like spring rain.

“Very well. Then all will proceed as you said. I will select the fifteen most skilled men for you.”

Liuzheng had requested ten; he gave fifteen.

Relieved, she realized Su Heng believed her words were genuine. She had passed the test.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Su Heng responded with a hum, then asked, “It’s raining today. Why didn’t you take a carriage?”

Liuzheng explained truthfully, “I met a woman carrying a sick child. They had no umbrella and needed to get to the city urgently for treatment. I lent them my carriage. The driver will return after taking them to the clinic.”

Su Heng said, “When the carriage returns, have someone inspect it. One must always be cautious.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

He added, “It’s not that I refuse to give you a ride. There were too many people in the western suburbs today. To avoid the crowd, I didn’t have you come along.”

Was he… explaining this to her?

Liuzheng froze slightly.

Before, Su Heng had rarely shown her such a pleasant expression.

She had even thought he disliked her.

Now it seemed she had misjudged.

“Your foresight is admirable, Your Highness,” she said.

“You sure know how to flatter,” Su Heng replied.

“It’s an honor to flatter Your Highness,” she answered.

Since he called it flattery, she might as well go all the way.

A faint curve appeared at the corner of Su Heng’s lips.

“This Wanghu Tower is my territory. Also, Zui Xian Tower and Song He Tower in the capital belong to me. In the future, if you wish to meet anyone, you may do so at these locations. I will ensure the most private rooms are arranged for you, so you can discuss matters in peace.”

Liuzheng was slightly surprised.

Not only Wanghu Tower, but Zui Xian Tower and Song He Tower were famous establishments in the capital. She hadn’t expected them all to belong to Su Heng.

“Yes! I will remember,” she said.

“After the meal, will you return directly?” Su Heng asked.

“We plan to take a boat to the lake island after eating,” Liuzheng replied.

She paused, then asked, “Will Your Highness join us?”

“I have other meetings. You go ahead.”

Liuzheng breathed a sigh of relief.

She had only asked out of courtesy, not truly intending to invite him.

Luckily, he hadn’t accepted.

But her visible relief made Su Heng change his mind.

“Once I’m done, I’ll come find you.”

Liuzheng’s eyes widened.

“Your Highness… don’t you have other matters to attend to?”

“Weren’t you the one who invited me?”

“…Then I will await you.”

“Mm, go ahead,” Su Heng said, glancing at her stiff expression, a faint curl appearing at his lips.

“I take my leave.”

Liuzheng stepped back a few paces and quickly exited.

Once the door closed, she exhaled a long breath.

In Su Heng’s presence, she always became uncontrollably nervous.

Yet in front of Xiao Hengzi, she had never been this way.

It was laughable that she had mistaken the two at first—they were completely different.

Xiao Hengzi had been far more endearing than Su Heng.

She would never confuse the two again.

As for Xiao Hengzi, though dead, he would live on forever in her heart.

She rubbed her face, collected herself, and finally smiled, opening the door to Madam Yuan’s private room.

The layout was similar to the other large rooms in the “Tian” style, but half the size.

The balcony faced the lake island directly, offering a perfect view.

No wonder Du Panpan insisted on this “Wangxue” room.

“Liuzheng, finally you’re here! The dishes are all served. I was worried you’d be late and the food would go cold,” Madam Yuan said, taking her hand and guiding her to her seat.

Liuzheng smiled and explained, “I was speaking with colleagues and lost track of time. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“No worries—family matters, no need to mention it!”

Madam Yuan poured her some peach blossom wine and asked, “Do you drink? Wanghu Tower’s peach blossom wine is the best I’ve tasted.”

Liuzheng didn’t actually like alcohol, but she didn’t want to spoil the mood, so she nodded, “I’ll try some.”

Madam Yuan poured, her arm brushing Liuzheng’s nose. A faint scent reached her.

Looking down, she saw it came from Madam Yuan’s wrist.

She wore a delicate gold bracelet.

Liuzheng remembered seeing it every time she met Madam Yuan.

She stared at it for several moments.

“What’s the matter?” Madam Yuan asked.

Liuzheng smiled, “It’s very delicate. I was distracted for a moment—don’t laugh at me.”

“Oh this?” Madam Yuan rotated her wrist. “I like it too. The Empress gifted it to me when I married. She said a high monk blessed it to ensure safety, so I’ve always worn it.”

Seeing Liuzheng still gazing at it, Madam Yuan thought for a moment, then, with some regret, removed the bracelet.

“Since you like it, it’s yours.”

Liuzheng’s expression lit up. She didn’t refuse, taking the bracelet gratefully.

“Thank you! You’ve been so kind. I must treat you to this meal.”

“Fine, it’ll be your treat!”

Nanny Jiang, nearby, looked surprised.

The young lady understood propriety well.

This bracelet was clearly Madam Yuan’s cherished possession, yet she accepted it without hesitation. Strange…

“Here, a toast.”

Madam Yuan was carefree—once given, even her beloved bracelet was no longer of concern.

“Alright.”

Liuzheng took a sip. The wine was slightly sweet, with a hint of peach blossom fragrance.

“It’s indeed good.”

“Drink more. I brought several maids and guards. Even if you get tipsy, nothing will happen.”

“Mm…”

Liuzheng smiled, eating and chatting with Madam Yuan.

She handed the bracelet to Nanny Jiang for safekeeping.

Soon, Madam Yuan brought up yesterday’s incident at the Fu family.

“The entire capital has been talking about it. Even now, I feel uneasy thinking about it. If you hadn’t prepared in advance, it would have been terrible.”

Liuzheng nodded.

“It was the Buddha’s protection.”

“Then another day, we’ll go offer incense together, to properly thank the Buddha.”

“Mm.”

After finishing the meal, the rain outside had lessened considerably. They prepared to take a boat to the island in the center of the lake.

Madam Yuan seemed excited about visiting the island.

Liuzheng, however, remained tense, knowing Su Heng would come.

As they descended the stairs, someone passed by her.