TGCFNM -Chapter 555 Variables

By the middle of the banquet, Su He quietly slipped away.

With Su He gone, all eyes immediately fell on Wan Sanjin and Chu Ling, speculating what they might do—whether they would leave together or not.

But Su He turned around and came back, as if everyone had overthought it.

A while later, Wan Sanjin also left, and just as others were puzzling over him, he returned.

Finally, Chu Ling excused herself to leave.

Everyone began to find it strange and watched her intently, only to see that she had simply gone to the palace maid to fetch some fresh fruit.

This back-and-forth happened several times. Even if someone was truly curious, the constant appearing and disappearing made it impossible to keep track, so most eventually gave up.

But this did not include Chu Yue, Fu Qingyu, and others. Chu Yue, in particular, kept her gaze fixed on the three of them, along with Wan Xing.

“Wan Xing’s wealth must be secured. The national treasury is depleted, the border wars are pressing, and this year’s harvest is poor. With taxes increased, the common people can barely survive… this sum is absolutely vital for us,” Chu Yue murmured softly, her eyes determined.

Fu Qingyu glanced over: “Actually, because of the coincidence with the same birthday, I’ve checked on him.”

Chu Yue frowned in curiosity: “Checked on him for what?”

Fu Qingyu shook his head slightly: “Nothing—just a misunderstanding.”

Chu Yue casually responded and then whispered: “Tonight is an excellent opportunity. If the emperor mentions the treasury’s difficulties, the Wan family will surely hand over half their wealth to secure safety. As for the other half… to make him give it willingly, we’ll have to start with Wan Sanjin.”

Fu Qingyu looked at her: “I thought you considered him a friend.”

“I don’t want to hurt him either. I won’t, unless absolutely necessary. I only want the Wan family’s wealth,” Chu Yue said, narrowing her eyes. “The Wan family’s fortune is truly enormous—rich enough to rival a kingdom. With the Wan family, the Great Zhou can be secure. And once Wan Xing gets the title of Imperial Merchant, his actions will be even more convenient. In just a few years, the Wan family could rise again.”

“So, you want to take all their money without offending the Wan family?” Fu Qingyu smiled faintly. “Wan Xing is no pushover.”

“That’s why using power to pressure them is the best method,” Chu Yue said carelessly. “Positions are unequal by nature. Merchants can never compete with royalty.”

Fu Qingyu remained silent.

Meanwhile, when Chu Ling stood up again, Chu Yue immediately turned to look.

Chu Ling acted as if she hadn’t noticed and walked straight out of the hall. Chu Yue got up and followed immediately.

Not long after Chu Yue left, Wan Sanjin also rose and went out.

Fu Qingyu thought for a moment and then also got up to leave.

The emperor saw them depart and, pretending not to notice, asked Eunuch Zhang to refill his wine: “Wushuang is preparing, right?”

Eunuch Zhang replied respectfully, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The emperor nodded, then suddenly smiled at Eunuch Zhang: “I wonder if you’ll still be remembered when the time comes.”

Eunuch Zhang’s eyes reddened: “Then this old servant will make every effort to ensure Your Majesty remembers. I will serve you well.”

The emperor chuckled lightly, raised his cup, and looked down at the officials conversing below: “I wonder if, when they return, they’ll still be as obedient. And as for Lu Shi, I suppose he’ll resign and return home.”

“With his stubborn temper, likely so,” Eunuch Zhang said helplessly with a smile.

The emperor felt a mix of warmth and trouble.

At this moment, Eunuch Zhang suggested: “Next spring’s imperial exams will bring in a batch of new officials.”

“Yes, everything will be fresh,” the emperor said, satisfied, draining his cup and slamming it onto the table.

The Empress Dowager glanced at him with a look of mockery.

“Your Majesty, I am old and cannot sit for long. I shall take my leave first,” the Empress Dowager said as she rose.

The Emperor suddenly stopped her. “How can the Empress Dowager leave first? The dancers offering blessings for you are just getting ready.”

The Empress Dowager had no choice but to sit back down. “Very well, I shall wait a little longer.”

The Emperor nodded, then ordered Eunuch Zhang to urge the dancers to hurry. Eunuch Zhang bowed and left the hall.

—

After leaving, Chu Ling walked forward as if she had a destination in mind.

In truth, it was Ghost Scholar floating ahead, scouting the path and guiding her.

Bai Su stayed behind, covering their rear to ensure no one ambushed them.

“Miss, are we heading to the Empress Dowager’s palace?” Cui Xi asked.

Chu Ling nodded. The source of the problem was the Empress Dowager, and Nangong Jing would definitely be in her palace. As for Chu Yue, she would certainly follow.

Chu Ling needed to make enough noise to create an opportunity for Su He.

“We’re here,” Ghost Scholar announced, floating inside first.

Chu Ling remained outside the palace gate, listening as Ghost Scholar called from within, “No guards? This isn’t right!”

Bai Su floated in decisively. “It’s definitely a trap.”

“Woof!”

Wangcai suddenly barked toward a spot. Chu Ling reacted almost instantly, dodging a sharp arrow and rushing into the Empress Dowager’s palace.

At that moment, a cold wind swept through, and a shadowy figure appeared among the swaying leaves.

Chu Ling shot a compact arrow and swiftly stepped back, dodging again.

Nangong Jing stared in surprise at the two arrows that had missed her, only to find that her sleeve had been pierced by Chu Ling’s compact arrow and pinned to a tree.

“I underestimated you,” Nangong Jing murmured, disappearing from sight.

Cui Xi anxiously patted Wangcai. “Quick, find her, Wangcai!”

Wangcai looked around, then barked toward another spot.

Chu Ling pretended not to notice, shifting slightly with alert eyes, as if searching.

In the blink of an eye, a faint whooshing sound rang out as Chu Ling’s compact arrow was released.

Bai Su stayed close, ready to shield her from any incoming long arrows.

Nangong Jing’s expression changed. She barely dodged, only to realize a gash had appeared on her shoulder, blood streaming down.

Chu Ling steadied herself, eyes fixed on Nangong Jing’s location. “Stop struggling. I just used my deadliest compact arrow. If you want to live, then—”

“Watch out!” Bai Su pulled Chu Ling aside. Chu Yue’s sword struck empty air.

“How do you keep dodging?!” Chu Yue gritted her teeth, swinging her sword. “If I kill you, it’s over! You are the variable!”

Chu Ling raised an eyebrow. “Variable? Did you ask Master Wu Wei to calculate my fate? I’m the variable in your destiny?”

Chu Yue snorted coldly. “If one attempt couldn’t kill you, two will!”

Chu Ling sneered. “You’ve tried to kill me more than twice already. Just failed each time. Looks like you’re destined to lose.”

“Sharp-tongued. Let’s see if you can still talk so much after you’re dead!” Chu Yue said, swinging her sword in a horizontal slash.