The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 58 - Helping Hand

The mountain was blanketed in snow, and from its heights, one could only see the narrow path and wheat fields below, veiled in mist.

Shen Qingrang sighed wistfully, shaking his head as he looked at Ye Jingchuan. "You've probably never seen how she follows me around—without a trace of modesty or grace. A girl should have some dignity, but she'd trail behind me constantly..." He gave a bitter smile, turning to gaze out at the foggy landscape. "Her status may not diminish me, but to me, anyone I don't love feels like a burden."

Ye Jingchuan found Shen Qingrang's sentiments oddly familiar, as if they echoed those of other noble young men he knew. They all seemed to share this attitude—complaining about their fiancées' unsuitability while feeling pressured by the influence of their fiancées' families and their own family ties.

Frowning, he cut off Shen Qingrang's self-pity with a cold remark, "If you don't like her, wouldn't marrying her just bring her suffering? Besides, Sixth Miss Song is still so young, and here you are, using every unkind word to describe her. Is that really the conduct of a gentleman?"

Ye Jingchuan had a known stubborn streak, and Shen Qingrang, recalling his previous unexpected beating, wisely chose to let the topic drop. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and continued up the mountain with his entourage.

It was true that outsiders could view things more clearly than those involved, but Ye Jingchuan didn't consider that if he were in Shen Qingrang's position, he might have little choice. Song Chuyi was indeed irritating at times, but marrying her wasn't without its advantages. His parents would be under far less pressure, her substantial dowry would be beneficial, and the Cui family's backing was even more significant.

In the face of such benefits, did personal feelings really matter?

Ye Jingchuan felt indignant, but he had no reason to chase after Shen Qingrang and pick a fight. He'd already hit him once because of Song Chuyi, and doing so again would be too obvious—even a fool would sense something was amiss. If he attacked Shen Qingrang, it would only bring more trouble for Song Chuyi.

Meanwhile, when Shen Qingrang reached the top of the mountain, he was startled to learn that the Crown Prince's heir was also present. It suddenly dawned on him that Celestial Master Zhang was staying at the temple, and when Zhou Weizhao came to visit the master, he typically kept a low profile. Shen Qingrang hadn't expected to run into him.

In a hurry, his attendants helped him change into formal attire, but the messenger returned with news that the Crown Prince's heir had declined the meeting. Shen Qingrang was momentarily taken aback. Since he had requested an audience and the Crown Prince's heir hadn't come with any formal entourage, courtesy would suggest he grant an audience. Why the abrupt refusal?

On second thought, he realized it made sense. Zhou Weizhao, having grown up on Mount Longhu, might not yet be well-versed in courtly etiquette and likely acted according to his own preferences. As a member of the imperial family, Zhou Weizhao could afford to act as he pleased, and others would simply have to accept it.

Abandoning any notion of sightseeing, Shen Qingrang respectfully accepted the charm and promptly descended the mountain with his entourage.

Celestial Master Zhang shook his head with a smile. "You've managed to scare off yet another golden goose."

Zhou Weizhao finished his last stance with a steady landing and laughed. "If our paths differ, we have no need to work together. There's no sense in blaming anyone for that."

After Zhou Weizhao finished his stance and steadied himself, Celestial Master Zhang took his wrist to check his pulse. The master's previously furrowed brow relaxed significantly as he nodded with a smile. "The energy you lost has mostly recovered this time, but if you take another reckless risk, not even the King of Hell can save you. You should remember what happened when you were a child..."

At the mention of this, both of their expressions changed.

Celestial Master Zhang let the matter drop and, with hands behind his back, continued, "You know your limits. I won't say more, but be careful in the future—you're not made of iron or stone."

Zhou Weizhao replied quietly, "Understood." Then, recalling a previous favor he'd asked of the master, he inquired, "Master, about that reading... did you discover anything?"

Celestial Master Zhang cast a distant, thoughtful look at Zhou Weizhao, his expression turning slightly peculiar. After a long pause, he nodded. "Indeed, the girl has a powerful destiny. But oddly enough, I couldn't fully determine her fate..."

He hesitated, adding, "Such a person is either destined for greatness or... well, that boy from earlier certainly isn't capable of sharing in such fortune."

Zhou Weizhao glanced down at his own hand, remaining silent.

Once outside, he donned a cloak and turned to Yanming. "No word from Hanfeng and Qingtong?"

Since the last time Song Chuyi entrusted him with a favor at the Cui household, he'd sent Hanfeng and Qingtong to Changsha, but it had been some time without any updates.

Yanming chuckled, giving Zhou Weizhao a sly look. "Has Your Highness developed a knack for prediction, like the master? The message just arrived—I haven't even had the chance to report it yet."

Zhou Weizhao ignored Yanming's teasing, took the message, read it, and then tore it up.

As Song Chuyi had suspected, Song Chuning indeed had protectors by her side—Qingtong and Hanfeng nearly failed their mission. So, they would have to go with the second plan: once Song Chuning arrived in the capital, they'd sever all her connections, leaving her completely isolated...

If he and Song Chuyi were right, Song Chuning's protectors likely had ties to Prince Duan. Although one of Prince Duan's key allies in the capital had already been removed, Chen Xiang remained—a particularly dangerous figure, given his rank in the Jinyiwei...

So, the plan to isolate Song Chuning might not be effective. And if she were to enter the palace, with Noble Consort Xian and Consort Liang there, she would thrive like a fish in water.

He wasn't sure how dangerous a young girl could truly be, but after observing her sister Song Chuyi, he knew better than to make any mistakes due to underestimating her. Caution would be the safest course.

"Write a letter to Songyun. Tell her I'll find a solution."

Songyun was a trusted figure given to him by Celestial Master Zhang, her martial skills on par with the best. Now, she was serving the young lady, so sending a letter to Songyun was effectively like sending one to Miss Song.

Yanming nodded quickly, then paused and asked, "Your Highness, should we also mention something about this Shen gentleman?"

If someone was making plans with her in mind, it would be wise to give Song Chuyi a heads-up.

Zhou Weizhao shook his head—it was best for others not to meddle in such matters. Though Shen Qingrang seemed questionable, who knew how Song Chuyi felt about him?