When people were in Qin, they captured Zhao and questioned Qin.

Chapter 41 Entering the Palace

The carriage left the streets where Chunping Jun's residence was located and turned onto a slightly wider avenue.

Zi Nu leaned against the carriage, removed her veil, closed her eyes, and gently pressed her temples, as if digesting everything she had seen that day.

An old woman's voice came from outside the carriage: "My lady, this young master Heng... this old servant understands him even less. Lord Xinling's gift of books was already an extraordinary honor, but today, that Master Xu, judging from his appearance and demeanor, is no ordinary person either, yet he willingly stayed in the mansion to answer his questions. It's truly astonishing..."

The old woman chattered on and on for a while, but there was no response from inside the carriage. She wasn't in a hurry, so she handed the reins to the maid who was driving the carriage, and then bent down and climbed into the carriage.

Looking at her mistress with her eyes closed in rest, she hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Just now in the manor, did you see anything special when you went to the backyard with that young master Heng? Your expression after returning seemed a little different from usual."

Zi Nu opened her eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips, more like a wistful reminiscence than a genuine smile.

"Some interesting things. In short, it broadened my horizons."

The old woman was clearly even more surprised.

In her mind, although her mistress was young, her vision, intellect, and skills were all top-notch. Furthermore, with the vast information and resources provided by the power behind her, there were very few things in this world that her mistress could say she had "broadened her horizons." Therefore, she couldn't help but say:

"Is there really something in this world that can broaden even Your Highness's horizons? What could it be?"

Zi Nu shook her head slightly and chuckled:

"Aunt Xin, the world is vast and full of wonders. There are many things I haven't seen or don't understand. If we're just talking about the object itself, ordinary rare treasures and unusual crafts are not likely to move me. However... what I'm talking about today is also connected to that person's thoughts and the extent of their wisdom."

The old woman pondered these words for a long while before hesitatingly saying:

"This... Could it be that Prince Heng has truly received a divinely ordained stroke of luck to achieve this? If so, with Lord Xinling showing him such favor, his rise to fame is likely imminent. A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be felled by the wind. Didn't you analyze before, Your Highness, that with the infighting within the Zhao royal family, Lord Jianxin and Prince Yan's faction probably wouldn't tolerate his emergence? Should we continue to get too involved with him? Back in the clan, some might use this as an excuse to criticize Your Highness for acting too recklessly and getting too close to such figures..."

Unexpectedly, Zi Nu chuckled softly upon hearing this.

"I see……"

She murmured, her eyes brightening in the dim light: "No wonder he kept a low profile, entrusting all this to me while remaining behind the scenes. He probably anticipated that his success would attract attention. He wanted to leverage my influence but didn't want to put himself in the spotlight too early. He's quite shrewd."

Although the old woman knew nothing of the textile improvement, she understood the meaning of Zi Nu's words, and couldn't help but frown, saying, "Does Your Highness mean... we've become his shield? We've drawn attention and hostility from all sides for him?"

Zi Nu knew that she would have to tell the loyal old woman about her cooperation with Zhao Heng sooner or later. Since the matter had come to this point, she briefly explained Zhao Heng's plan and the astonishing benefits involved.

After hearing this, even with her extensive experience, Grandma couldn't help but gasp, her eyes widening in shock. After a long pause, she stammered:

"No wonder the young mistress, knowing she might become a shield, still went to cooperate with him. The benefits involved, if successful, wouldn't just be enormous, they would be... astonishing. Compared to that, the risk of being pushed to the forefront right now is indeed... insignificant. However, this young master Heng is far too cunning, for such a young age..."

"So, what does Your Highness mean...?" Seeing that Zi Nu didn't react, the old woman realized she had misspoke, so she composed herself and asked, "Is this Zhao Heng worth... a heavy bet? Should we give him our full support?"

Zi Nu hesitated slightly upon hearing this.

She leaned back against the carriage wall and closed her eyes again. For a moment, only the rolling wheels and the faint sounds of the street could be heard inside the carriage.

But just moments later, when she opened her eyes again, they were clear.

"This trip to Handan was no easy feat, requiring much planning. To have met this man and collaborate with him on this matter, whether successful or not, is enough for me; the trip has been worthwhile. I need not heed the short-sighted words of my clan; I know what I'm doing. Perhaps…"

She glanced at the street scenes of Handan flashing by through the slightly swaying carriage curtain and said softly, "Who knows, given time, it might not be us protecting him, but rather... us needing his protection."

The old woman was startled again, her heart trembling even more, and she wanted to ask for more details.

But when she looked up, she saw that Zi Nu was already supporting her chin with her hand, her beautiful face propped up, her gaze fixed on the ever-changing street scene outside the curtain, lost in thought.

The old woman swallowed back all the words that were on the tip of her tongue, and only sighed softly in her heart.

She knew her mistress too well. Though barely sixteen, she had already shouldered so much. This expression meant she had already made a decision and was carefully planning each step forward; it was not the right time to disturb her.

The carriage returned to silence.

However, after about half a cup of tea's time, the old woman, who was resting with her eyes closed, suddenly heard Zi Nu's clear and melodious voice again:

"Aunt Xin, please make arrangements to visit Lord Pingyuan's residence at a suitable time."

The old woman immediately bowed in response, but a thought suddenly crossed her mind.

Lord Pingyuan, Zhao Sheng… the head of the Zhao royal family, though not directly holding the seal of prime minister, enjoyed immense prestige and had three thousand retainers…

Is Your Highness about to add weight to this 'shield,' or... is there another hidden meaning?

------

Master Xu stayed at Lord Chunping's residence, and two more days passed in the blink of an eye.

Wei Jia still did not return to the mansion, nor did he send anyone back with any message or bamboo slip, as if he had vanished without a trace.

Although everyone in the manor knew that the young master's teacher was always elusive, some private gossip was inevitable under these circumstances.

However, seeing that the young lord Zhao Heng was sitting calmly on his post, with his daily routine as usual, either studying in the study in the west courtyard or discussing with Master Xu in the east courtyard, he gradually calmed down.

On this day, Zhao Su was once again "invited" by Meng Ben and Luan Ding, one on each side, to the small courtyard where Zhao Heng lived.

However, when they arrived, Zhao Heng was discussing something with Master Xu in the east wing. Master Xu stroked his beard, listening intently, occasionally asking a question or two, which Zhao Heng patiently explained by gesturing on the wooden board with a charcoal pencil.

Meng Ben and Luan Ding dared not go in to disturb them. To avoid suspicion, they signaled Zhao Su to leave the courtyard through the moon gate and wait obediently under the eaves.

Zhao Su lowered his head and kept his eyes down, not daring to make the slightest unnecessary movement.

About half an hour later, the door to the side room opened from the inside. Zhao Heng stepped out first, his expression calm, while Master Xu followed behind, his face flushed, even his usual serious expression vanished for a moment, he could only sigh repeatedly:

"Wonderful, wonderful indeed! Your thoughts, young master, are imaginative yet grounded in the principles of things. I have been enlightened once again! But..."

He showed some regret and said, "Although I am a disciple of the Mohist school, I have devoted most of my life to studying the classics and spreading the doctrines. While I have dabbled in the art of mechanical manufacturing, I am not an expert. I understand the subtleties in many areas, but my hands cannot achieve the skill. I am ashamed, truly ashamed!"

Zhao Heng remained calm and instead comforted him, saying, "Master, there's no need to be troubled. Your personal guidance and analysis of the key points are already a great help to me. The art of mechanisms requires repeated practice and trial and error; there's no need to rush. For some key structures, once the principles are understood, given time, I can gradually figure them out and eventually create a prototype."

"otherwise!"

Master Xu shook his head vigorously, his expression suddenly becoming serious, even carrying a hint of reproach:

"How can you, my lord, treat this matter so lightly? Knowing that this item is crucial to the livelihood of countless Zhao women weavers, and that its fabric can be exchanged for Qi grain, saving millions of Zhao people, this is a matter of emergency relief, beneficial to the country and its people. Each day of delay might mean one less life lost. How can a virtuous person like myself stand idly by? It is my fault, and it is also your fault, my lord, for not explaining the urgency of this matter sooner!"

"I will now write the letter... no."

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, pacing back and forth in the corridor before suddenly stopping. He solemnly said to Zhao Heng, "Writing a letter is too slow, and sending someone to deliver a message won't be clear enough. Young master, please rest assured and wait here for a while. I will go out myself now."

Zhao Heng was overjoyed, but feigned surprise on the surface: "Where is Master going?"

"Go and find someone," Master Xu said. "Go and find a true master craftsman of the Mohist school for the young master! With such a person, the young master's ingenious ideas will surely be completed quickly."

As he spoke, he strode towards the courtyard gate.

Zhao Heng hadn't expected Master Xu to be in such a hurry, and quickly caught up with him: "Master, please wait. This matter isn't urgent. You're new to Handan and unfamiliar with the roads..."

"How can we not be anxious when the people are suffering?" Master Xu said without turning his head, his voice coming from outside the door, "Young master, please wait in the manor. I will return with men in two or three days at most!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he rushed out of the moon gate of the courtyard.

Zhao Heng chased after him to the door, only to see that the straight back had already quickly disappeared around the corner of the corridor.

He stopped, gazing at the empty corridor, and after a long while, shook his head with a smile.

Although this Master Xu is somewhat rigid and unapproachable, he is sincere and public-spirited by nature. Today, he has witnessed the true spirit of the Mohists.

He withdrew his gaze and caught sight of Meng Ben and Luan Ding standing silently on either side of the moon gate, like two door gods, with Zhao Su, who dared not utter a sound, sandwiched between them. The three men immediately lowered their heads in respect when they saw Zhao Heng looking at them.

The slight smile on Zhao Heng's face faded slightly, and he returned to his usual calm.

"Come with me to the study."

Zhao Su quickly responded and, along with Meng Ben and the other man, carefully followed Zhao Heng out of the small courtyard and into the study in the front yard.

This study was originally used by Lord Chunping. However, as Zhao Heng's prestige in the mansion gradually increased in just half a month, it naturally became the place where he handled private matters and met with his close subordinates.

The study was well-lit. Zhao Heng sat down in the main seat behind the desk, while Meng Ben and Luan Ding stood on either side of the door.

Zhao Heng did not gesture for Zhao Su to sit down, so Zhao Su naturally only dared to stand with his hands at his sides about ten feet in front of the desk, his posture becoming even more respectful.

"Speak."

Zhao Su swallowed hard and said in a low voice, "Reporting to the young master, the people from the Yan family, led by Guo Kai, secretly sought me out yesterday."

He secretly glanced at Zhao Heng's expression, and seeing that the other was just listening quietly, he continued, "They did indeed inquire about Lord Xue's visit a couple of days ago. I... told them everything truthfully as Young Master had instructed beforehand."

He paused briefly, carefully recalled the details of the conversation, and recounted them to Zhao Heng.

Zhao Heng remained expressionless.

What he asked Zhao Su to say was, of course, just superficial stuff. He didn't reveal anything, such as the complete copy of "Mozi" given to him by Lord Xinling or the true identity of Master Xu.

Moreover, on the day Master Xue visited, these were indeed the only things in the front hall. Zhao Su didn't even have the right to approach the front hall at the time, so naturally he had no way of knowing Master Xu's Mohist identity or the specific content of the subsequent discussion. That was all he knew.

"Did they believe it?" Zhao Heng asked.

"Judging from the visitor's expression, he seemed to believe it to some extent," Zhao Su replied cautiously. "After all, Lord Xinling had long been on good terms with our lord, so this gift of a book makes perfect sense both logically and emotionally. However…"

"Just what?"

"But the man also instructed me to keep a close eye on the guests coming and going in the mansion, especially the new guest, 'Mr. Xu.' Find out his background, his connection to Lord Xinling, and why he's staying in the young master's residence..."

Zhao Heng remained expressionless.

Guo Kai did indeed notice Master Xu, which was normal. A middle-aged man who was clearly not an ordinary retainer was sent by Lord Xinling's men and then stayed in the mansion for a long time. Anyone would be suspicious, let alone a meticulous person like Guo Kai.

"They want to know Mr. Xu's identity, so just agree," Zhao Heng said calmly.

Zhao Su was taken aback.

Should he respond? How should he respond? The young master wants him to…

"In the next few days, there will be some rumors circulating in the manor about Mr. Xu's background."

Before he could think it over, Zhao Heng continued, “You will hear it yourself. Some will say that he is a Taoist practitioner of health preservation whom Lord Xinling sought out, hoping that he can benefit my frail health; others will say that he comes from Jixia Academy in Qi and is skilled in observing the qi and stars; perhaps there are other explanations as well.”

Zhao Su was somewhat bewildered, wondering why the young master had suddenly brought this up.

Zhao Heng simply looked at him and continued, "If Guo Kai's men come to question you again, you don't need to hide anything. Just answer with the version of events you find most credible. If they bring up other versions to confirm with you, or to probe your intentions..."

Zhao Su's heart skipped a beat, as if he had vaguely grasped something, but he was not sure.

"Just remember," Zhao Heng's voice remained calm, "say what you hear. If they ask you about things they've heard elsewhere, just tell them what you've heard. Don't overthink it, and don't try to find out where those stories came from. Understand?"

Zhao Su finally understood.

Young Master is deliberately spreading rumors about Master Xu's identity within the manor. If Guo Kai's people have planted spies in other parts of the manor besides Zhao Su, then those spies are likely to hear a different version of the story.

When Guo Kai's men come back to him with information obtained from other channels to verify or test him, it is tantamount to clearly telling Zhao Su who else in the manor is passing messages to them.

Throughout the entire process, Zhao Su didn't need to know which rumors were deliberately spread by the young master, nor did he need to know who in the mansion might be spies. He only needed to act as a mouthpiece, playing the role of being kept in the dark, so that those lurking spies would surface on their own due to the need for cross-verification of information!

The key to this plan lies in the fact that Zhao Su himself is a natural pawn in the game. The more confused and truthful he appears, the more convincing and effective the plan becomes.

"This humble servant...understands." Zhao Su thought to himself, but then he saw Zhao Heng's dark, angry eyes looking at him, and his heart sank. He quickly bowed and replied.

"Good that you understand. Meng Ben, see him out." Zhao Heng waved his hand and said no more.

Meng Ben, who was standing by the door, stepped forward in response. Zhao Su did not dare to linger, bowed again, and followed Meng Ben out of the study obediently.

For a moment, only Zhao Heng and Luan Ding remained in the study.

Zhao Heng sat quietly for a while, looking at the newly delivered bamboo slips piled up in the corner of his desk, pondering the scheme he had just laid out. After Meng Ben left and returned, he looked up at Luan Ding, who had been waiting patiently: "Tell me, what new discoveries have you made at Zuiyue Tower?"

Luan Ding stepped forward and whispered, "Young Master, there has been some progress regarding the past of Wu Ji from Zuiyue Tower. I discovered that when she eloped from Handan, she wasn't alone; it seems..."

Zhao Heng perked up and gestured for him to explain in detail.

Just as Luan Ding was about to speak, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps coming from the porch outside the door. Immediately afterwards, he heard Fu's mother's anxious voice through the door:

"Young master, is the young master inside?"

Madam Fu is usually calm and composed, so it's rare to see her in such a flustered state.

Zhao Heng and Meng Ben exchanged a glance, and the latter stepped forward and opened the door. Madam Fu practically rushed in, her forehead beaded with sweat, and disregarding all formalities, she said urgently:

"Young master, someone from the palace has arrived. It's the same eunuch, Gao Qu, who is already waiting in the front hall. He says he has ordered the king to summon you to the palace for an audience immediately!"

Meng Ben suddenly turned to look at Zhao Heng, his hand already on the hilt of his sword.

The study fell eerily quiet for a moment, with only the slightly rapid breathing of Madam Fu audible.

Zhao Heng sat behind his desk, his face expressionless, not even showing any surprise. He pondered for a moment, then stood up and said, "Mother Fu, please go to the front hall and tell Gao Qu that I will make some preparations and then go to the palace with him."

Looking at his calm face, Madam Fu's anxiety did not lessen: "Young Master, this summons came suddenly without any prior warning, and Gao Qu himself came... We don't know if it's a good or bad omen..."

"Don't panic, what's meant to be will be, and what's meant to be will be."

Zhao Heng walked around the desk, a reassuring smile even appearing on his face: "Meng Ben, you come with me. Luan Ding, I'll report back on what you found out when I return."

Meng Ben and Luan Ding simply responded respectfully at the same time.