Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 159: Liu Miaoying Leaves the Capital
That night, after a detailed analysis with Shen Ruhui, Su Juan finally understood what Song Qianfan was plotting.
It turns out he never intended to choose a noblewoman from a prestigious family, but rather set his sights on her, how audacious!
[Unlucky, very unlucky.]
"Why not entertain him briefly, it could help discern his next move," Shen Ruhui suggested.
Next time we strike, he must not be allowed to escape.
Su Juan waved her hand dismissively, "Consulting with a tiger yields no advantage."
Dealing with someone like Song Qianfan, if you can’t meet his demands, you’ll end up like those courtiers who previously met their doom, so there’s no room for negotiation.
Shen Ruhui seemed thoughtful, "You know him well, miss."
"I suppose so," Su Juan replied bitterly; all her knowledge was accumulated from past experiences.
In truth, she had no desire to understand him.
Meanwhile, Xie Xun, having drunk heavily at the banquet and not rested well the previous night, struggled to keep his eyes open, though his ears stubbornly remained attentive.
"Miss, if you wish to secure a foothold in the court, you need to accomplish a few significant deeds. Recently, there’s been flooding in Xu State; perhaps you might volunteer to go," Shen Ruhui advised.
Only by strengthening herself could she attract more allies.
During times of disaster and chaos, many officials took the opportunity to rise swiftly through the ranks.
He recalled when Liu Xuan mentioned to him about helping Su Juan network with sincere courtiers. Even if they couldn’t be won over, they mustn’t become adversaries.
Though unsure of the reason, Liu Xuan’s steady character meant he wouldn’t speak of trivialities.
In fact, Shen Ruhui recently noticed that Su Juan had potential; she just needed an opportunity, and the flooding in Xu State presented such a chance.
Su Juan replied gravely, "I originally considered it, but His Majesty has already dispatched Vice Minister Jiang along with two colleagues from the Ministry of Revenue."
One of them is Miaoqing. If I volunteered to go now, it would inevitably seem like I’m seeking glory.
"If I volunteer now, others in the court might seize on the opportunity to create trouble."
The Ministry of Revenue had issues before. Though Mo Youqian’s leadership improved matters, Prince Han’s faction still scrutinizes it closely. The current delegation is already large enough without attracting more attention.
Mo Youqian wouldn’t approve.
Though not afraid of instigation, currently the team is adequate, and it’s indeed unsuitable to volunteer for Xu State.
Shen Ruhui nodded, "The lady has considered everything well, but should another opportunity arise, please don’t let it slip."
Su Juan nodded in agreement; she knew well that if she wanted to stand firm in court and have a voice, she couldn’t remain a Sixth Rank Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue forever. Power was needed to accomplish significant things.
Xie Xun, who had been listening for a long while, was nearly asleep, accidentally dozing off for a moment, yet still had to keep listening, absorbing bits and pieces of the conversation.
Yawning, he said, "If you’re going to Xu State, take me along; I’m good with my hands and can protect you."
Su Juan and Shen Ruhui exchanged a glance.
Shen Ruhui smiled, fully aware that Heir Xie wasn’t really listening, yet never missed an opportunity to be present whenever Su Juan sought his counsel.
It’s likely that he was acting under Lord’s instructions.
Though suspicious, Shen Ruhui chose not to expose it since he was living under someone else’s roof; as long as it didn’t interfere with his and Su Juan’s plans, he could turn a blind eye.
As for Xie Xun, Su Juan was almost too lazy to deal with him, shaking her head as she got up to leave.
She even began to suspect that Xie Xun might have been placed by someone to monitor her, always listening despite his disinterest.
Xie Xun: "?"
...
Back at the Liu Mansion, Liu Miaoying was called to the study for a meeting before departing for Xu State in a couple of days. The Chief Secretary offered numerous reminders about the flood in Xu State, warning that with many refugees, there might be unrest, and the aftermath of a disaster often brings disease, so caution was advised.
After giving some reminders, he suddenly recalled urgent matters needing attention and stepped out.
Liu Miaoying waited a long time for his return and eventually stood to leave.
As she stood to depart, she caught sight of a sheet of paper on the desk that caught her attention with its design.
She had a vague feeling of familiarity but couldn’t recall where she’d seen it before.
Why would such a drawing be in her father’s study?
...
On the day Vice Minister Jiang set off for Xu State with his team, Su Juan prepared various medicines and defensive mechanisms to see them off at the city gate.
She demonstrated a simple use of hidden weapons to Liu Miaoying, tying them to her hands, and handed her the baggage, "Xu State is plagued with floods, with the added threat of disease and bandits. I’ve prepared some medicine and defensive items for you to carry for protection."
[Xu State was never a peaceful place; now with the flood, it’s likely the bandits will be even more rampant.]
Understanding Su Juan’s concern for her, Liu Miaoying shouldered the baggage, "Rest assured, there will be guards on the way to Xu State, and there’s plenty of medicine and food, so nothing grave should occur."
"As for you, be cautious in your actions in the capital, seek counsel when needed, particularly with Shen Ruhui or Liu Xuan, and avoid rash actions."
Given Song Qianfan’s intentions towards Su Juan, she feared the unscrupulous methods he might employ to pressure Su Juan into submission.
Su Juan’s actions were often bolder than others, and she feared that in a fit of anger, Su Juan might directly kill Song Qianfan, which would be disastrous.
After all, she had always been aware of Su Juan’s desire to kill Song Qianfan.
Seeing Liu Miaoying’s concern, Xie Xun patted his chest, volunteering, "Don’t worry, as long as I’m around, there’s nothing to fear."
As long as I’m here, no one can harm Su Juan; Song Qianfan is nothing, with his skinny arms and legs.
Watching Xie Xun’s confident swagger, Liu Miaoying sighed. Even with Xie Xun by Su Juan’s side, he too acted on impulse, leaving her uneasy.
She feared Su Juan might be led astray by Xie Xun.
The methods in the capital were different from battlefield tactics.
She turned her gaze to Liu Xuan, who also came to see them off, "Though Ah Juan is clever, in major events she may panic; please keep an eye on her for me."
Liu Xuan nodded, "Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered."
Liu Miaoying believed that Liu Xuan, the most intelligent among them, would ensure nothing went awry.
Su Juan: "?"
[Liu Xuan is just a frail scholar; what can he do to watch over me?]
[Why does this feel like entrustment at the deathbed???]
Xie Xun: "???" What, am I invisible to you people?
Observers’ eyes grew warm at this scene. Although the chronicles of the famed dual maidens might have ceased, it didn’t stop them from enjoying the spectacle.
A look! Liu Miaoying is off to disaster relief, and the Vice Director is loath to part, having entrusted her to Mr. Liu. What deep affection!
Is Young Master Rushi truly not writing anymore?
What a pity, how unfortunate.
