Chapter Ten: Deliberate Leak of Information

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At this point, the old duke suddenly recalled the two prescriptions Zhao Ang had slammed onto the table earlier. Those were prescriptions that even Moxi Zi admired—where on earth did his grandson come from?

“Ahem, Zhao Ang, do you remember the prescriptions you gave me before?”

Prescriptions? What prescriptions? Zhao Ang was momentarily stunned but quickly recalled. At that time, seeing the old man covered in blood and weak in breath, he had casually washed and prepared two prescriptions for the servants to use in tending to his health. Later, he had gone to practice at the Jade White Pavilion and forgotten about them. It seemed the prescriptions had fallen into the old duke’s hands, and he had noticed something unusual about them. Otherwise, the old man wouldn’t have brought it up now. But Zhao Ang didn’t want others to know he understood medicine.

“What prescriptions? Old Duke, don’t mess with me. When did I ever give you any prescriptions?”

Feigning ignorance, Zhao Ang watched as the old duke described the scene.

“You mean the two prescriptions that Fugui grabbed and put on my desk?”

“Oh, grandson, you remember now!”

He looked as if he had just realized something, casting a sly glance at the old duke.

“Those were the prescriptions I painstakingly sought out for enhancing virility. I was wondering why Fugui took them but never gave them to me—it turns out you intercepted them!”

“So, Old Duke, how effective were those prescriptions?”

“Get out of here! You think I’m like you?”

The old duke gave him a sharp rap and stroked his whiskers. “Those prescriptions really weren’t written by you?”

“Really not!”

Zhao Ang denied it. Seeing this, the old duke suspected he lacked the ability and believed him. He carefully advised, “Those prescriptions are no ordinary matter. Don’t show them to others lightly.”

“Really? They’re not ordinary? Do they really work that well?”

“Enough of your nonsense! Where did you learn to be so shameless? Get out!”

The old duke was a bit angry. Suddenly, he began to suspect that his grandson’s roguish demeanor might not be an act.

“All right, Old Duke, you get some rest. I won’t disturb you anymore.”

Zhao Ang took the opportunity to leave the study. Outside, Wang Xin and his men were still in the courtyard.

“Your Highness.”

Seeing Zhao Ang, Wang Xin hurried to salute, and the soldiers beside him did the same. But after a quick scan, they realized the old duke still hadn’t dared to take action this time.

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Wang Xin sighed helplessly—such a spoiled grandson! Zhao Ang had already returned to his usual roguish self. He glanced at Wang Xin and suddenly had an idea.

“Uncle Wang, I have to tell you, you really made the right choice coming to catch me at the Jade White Pavilion!”

“Do you know why His Majesty has summoned my father?”

Hmm? Zhao Ang’s sudden mention left Wang Xin somewhat bewildered. The old duke and the Jing Emperor were secret agents—how could such news leak so easily? The residence was like a sieve, and once Zhao Ang spoke, the news would spread throughout the capital.

So Wang Xin quickly warned, “Your Highness, be careful what you say!”

Zhao Ang knew the residence was already full of leaks. That was exactly what he wanted! The residence needed a thorough cleansing, and some people had to pay the price!

“Uncle Wang, this is my own home. What’s there to hide?”

“Besides, this is great news—His Majesty intends to marry Princess Zhaohe to me!”

“Heh heh heh, it was because of her that I got beaten so many times before. Now that His Majesty is arranging this marriage, I’ll definitely avenge my previous humiliation!”

Upon hearing this, Wang Xin was stunned. If he remembered correctly, the marriage arrangement had long been discussed between the old duke and His Majesty. Could the emperor really have gone incognito again because of this? Wang Xin was doubtful. But if he asked, he wouldn’t know how to put it. Maybe the old duke hadn’t told Zhao Ang anything important. That was very possible—after all, telling him wouldn’t help.

Wang Xin thought for a moment and simply brushed off the matter.

“In that case, congratulations in advance, Your Highness!”

“Thanks. Remember to come to my wedding banquet later, Uncle Wang.”

After saying this, Zhao Ang leisurely strolled into the courtyard, looking as joyful as someone who has just received good news.

Out of his sight, the servants immediately began hustling. As they said, this residence was indeed a sieve!

“What! His Majesty is going to marry Princess Zhaohe to that good-for-nothing Zhao Ang?”

Upon hearing the spy’s report, Wang Xiuyun swept everything off the table in front of her. The servant kneeling nearby lowered his head even further, afraid to bring her bad luck.

“Is the news true?”

Zhou Qi couldn’t sit still either; he stood and looked at the servant.

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“It’s absolutely true. When His Highness said it, I happened to be sweeping nearby in the courtyard. I heard it clearly—no mistake!”

The servant quickly assured them, vividly describing the scene.

“That good-for-nothing… what merit does he have? How could he possibly marry Princess Zhaohe?”

Zhou Qi was jealous. What did Zhao Ang have that he didn’t? Zhao Ang could marry a princess, while he could only…

He glanced at Wang Xiuyun, his expression complicated. If it weren’t for Wang Xiuyun carrying his child, once she married over there, their son could inherit the Zhen Nan Duke’s estate. Plus, since Zhao Ang was particularly fond of her, he wouldn’t be interested in this treacherous woman!

“Mr. Zhou, if His Majesty truly arranges this marriage for Zhao Ang, what will we do?”

Wang Xiuyun was panicking. If she couldn’t marry Zhao Ang, both she and the child she carried would be doomed!

“Don’t worry,” Zhou Qi stepped forward to support Wang Xiuyun, “we can think this through carefully.”

He glanced at the servant, who understood and quietly withdrew, closing the courtyard gate behind him.

“How can we think it through? Now that the Zhen Nan Duke has returned victorious and His Majesty intends to marry Princess Zhaohe to Zhao Ang, we’re completely finished!”

“That scoundrel is so hateful! Why didn’t he die under that punishment?”

Wang Xiuyun gritted her teeth, her face twisted with rage.

Zhou Qi turned away to hide the disgust in his eyes but continued to comfort her.

“His Majesty hasn’t officially arranged the marriage yet. There’s still room for maneuver.”

“As long as we find a way to make His Majesty detest Zhao Ang, surely he will revoke the decree.”

“Right,” Wang Xiuyun’s eyes lit up instantly. “Mr. Zhou, you’re so clever.”

“But Zhao Ang’s reputation is already so bad. Can it get any worse?”

Her words silenced them for a moment until Zhou Qi broke the silence.

“No matter what, we have to try. Do you really want to let him marry the princess?”

“You’re right. This is the only plan for now. If it fails, we’ll think of something else.”

They nodded in agreement and continued plotting.

Soon, Wang Xiuyun came up with a scheme and looked toward Zhou Qi.

“If we want to ruin Zhao Ang’s reputation, my younger brother might be useful.”