Shen Fengyi looked up at the Yixian Palace sign hanging over the grand entrance. Today, he must try to make Zhao Chenfeng change his mind.

    "I'm here to see Brother Chenfeng. Please inform him that Shen Fengyi wishes to have an audience."

    Shen Fengyi, choosing to visit Zhao Chenfeng's Yixian Palace, addressed the other as 'Brother' instead of 'Tai Zi', showing he still does not fully accept the title at heart. Inside, Zhao Chenfeng was drafting official documents, when informed of Shen Fengyi's arrival, his usually straight-lipped expression turning into a welcoming smile.

    Zhao Chenfeng personally greeted his younger relative.

    "I didn't expect you to show up at my palace."

    "If it weren't necessary, I wouldn't think to come at all." Shen Fengyi bowed casually before immediately bringing up the topic of Yang Jiurong, unaware that Zhao Chenfeng already knew everything.

    "You fancy her?"

    Their gazes met.

    "..." Shen Fengyi paused as if he was mute. Yes! He fancied her, but what good would it do when he no longer had any right to reach out? He had no power to intervene, only able to sound the wooden bell[1]. "She's just an ordinary girl, unaware of anything. Is it the right thing to drag her into this power struggle?"

    "I know."

    "Then why..."

    "I can only promise you that she'll be safe from prince Zhao Lu."

    Shen Fengyi remained dissatisfied, having no chance to persuade Taizi to change his mind. Now it seemed like only Zhao Chenfeng could protect Yang Jiurong. Shen Fengyi reluctantly accepted the harsh reality.

    "Does she like you too?"

    "If I say 'yes, she likes me,' then what?"

    "If you both had mutual affection, you would have urged your father to send a matchmaker to negotiate the marriage long ago. Today, you would be beaming with joy, not accusing me of stealing your beloved."

    Shen Fengyi couldn't argue, his face showing conflict. "I've cherished her since she was young, intending to love and protect her with my life. But now that she can't marry me, can you promise to love and care for her forever?"

    "Rest assured, I'll look after her properly."

    No word of 'love' came from Zhao Chenfeng, who returned to his desk, grinding ink and continuing his writing. Shen Fengyi considered himself well-educated, often boasting and belittling his elder relatives for his extensive reading and discussions with scholars. Zhao Chenfeng, aware but unresentful, claimed his own studies were inadequate. Without Shen Fengyi’s probing thoughts on state affairs, he might not spurred his own intellectual diligence.

    "Alright, I've finished my work. Let's play chess in the garden and talk."

    Zhao Chenfeng completed a new memorial to be submitted but Shen Fengyi, after reviewing it and finding disagreement, drafted a superior version. It was instantly recognized for its excellence in content and style, earning unanimous praise.

    "You've written exactly what I wished to say."

    "I have overstepped my bounds. I dare not accept praise."

    "You yourself passed the imperial examination for the rank of Zhuangyuan nearly a year ago yet refuse to choose a department. You've been living comfortably for so long that your thighs have grown plump, wasting time without producing anything concrete. When will you start serving the country in a manner befitting a man of honor?"

    "I still haven't found a master worthy of my service."

    "Taizi, Dan Yong is requesting an audience to discuss matters," a servant reported. Shen Fengyi thought it would be inappropriate for him to stay, so he prepared to leave, but Zhao Chenfeng instructed him to stay.

    "This matter is no secret. You should stay and listen; it might enlighten you on what you are truly concerned."

    Shen Fengyi followed his elder relative to the study room. Dan Yong and his aides were already there, waiting to discuss border issues. Sometimes Zhao Chenfeng's resolutions lacked thoroughness, yet no one dared to object except Dan Yong, who boldly voiced contrary opinions. Zhao Chenfeng, far from resentful, praised such candor and announced that he welcomed his subordinate’s opinion, believing that collective thought leads to richer and more effective outcomes. Shen Fengyi seemed eager to argue as well but held back out of fear of being impolite. Zhao Chenfeng, having noticed, did not let it pass unnoticed.

    "What's your opinion on this matter?"

    "I fear I should not express my opinion on this."

    "To know yet not speak is the mark of a dishonest official; to speak without knowledge is the mark of a foolish one."

    "I am no official."

    "You are a man of talent. If your thoughts are beneficial to the land, I am eager to hear them. The advisory chamber exists to collect opinions. The more we think together, the more comprehensive and effective our conclusions will be. What are your thoughts?"

    Zhao Chenfeng's willingness to listen and his determination to act effectively gained him support from his workforce. Embarrassed by his earlier reluctance, Shen Fengyi, now given the opportunity to attend the crown prince in his personal palace, saw a library brimming with texts. Whatever book he picked, Zhao Chenfeng could expound fluently and precisely, especially his political analyses, which were always incisive. Shen Fengyi realized that the crown prince's position wasn't due to fortune but to Zhao Chenfeng's diligent self-cultivation. He honed his intellect and preferred listening over speaking, marking a stark contrast to Shen Fengyi, who was a fool but boasted his wisdom, his face flushed with embarrassment.

    "Taizi."

    Finally, Shen Fengyi addressed him as Taizi.

    "I apologize to you for my past behavior. I have always considered myself superior, indulging in learning but failing to discern the truth, unable to see through events, foolishly 'killing the goose that lays the golden eggs'. From now on, I wish to serve dutifully."

    Finally, Shen Fengyi shed his prejudice against Zhao Chenfeng and offered his assistance. Zhao Chenfeng assigned him the task of drafting important government documents. Zhao Chenfeng's magnanimity deeply moved Shen Fengyi, who became eager to devote his life to service, ready to face any challenge or danger.

    Dan Yong met Zhao Chenfeng's gaze, showing respect without uttering a word.

    "Tai Zi," an eunuch brought a small scroll, a message from a secret surveillance unit Zhao Chenfeng had dispatched to monitor the Yang family. After scanning the report, Zhao Chenfeng sighed deeply.

    "What troubles you, Taizi?"

    "It's nothing. Pay it no mind." He burned the scroll. If Yang Jiurong couldn't survive on her own, she wasn't worth his concern.

    The following morning,

    Wushuang was restless in the temple, praying before a Buddha statue. Her heart was uneasy; even the shadow of a bird fluttering by the window startled her. Jiaojiao's plan was to lure Yang Jiurong here, then detain her and send a few brutes to ruin her purity. This way, the thorn in their side would be swiftly removed.

    "Sister Wushuang, I'm here as promised. After we finish praying, let's go to the market together," said Yang Jiurong, arriving as agreed and hugging her sister joyfully, bringing a basket of treats. Wushuang, unable to face her, tried to evade conversation.

    "Sister, you look pale. Are you unwell?"

    "I'm fine," Wushuang brushed off Yang Jiurong's hand, forcing a smile. "I just feel a bit dizzy. I need some fresh air outside. Stay here; I'll be back soon."

    "Alright, I'll wait here."

    Wushuang, assisted by a maid, hurried outside, her face a mix of confusion. She and Yang Jiurong had grown up together, learned to read, write, and play zither side by side. Even the dress Yang Jiurong wore, the pattern was chosen by Wushuang, her sweet younger sister who never meant harm to anyone. Yet, because of selfish desires, Yang Jiurong's life was on the verge of being shattered. Wushuang lifted her dress to hide her tears, whispering apologies.

    Yang Jiurong promised to wait but was worried seeing Wushuang seemed so tired and unwell. As she was about to step out of the temple, a large hand covered her mouth and dragged her away in a different direction.

[10] To do something that will never succeed.