Although Prince Jian had over a hundred advisors from the Eastern Palace, none could match Shan Jian's intelligence. When Chu Ying was still in the Eastern Palace, she often heard Prince Jian praise Shan Fuzhi for his wisdom and ruthless strategies, saying he was a man destined for great deeds. It was a pity he chose to serve under Prince Huan instead. If it weren't for Prince Jian's keen eye, Shan Fuzhi would have remained a mere guest.
Last New Year's Eve, when Chu Ying saw the Third Princess Consort, she already had thoughts of luring Shan Jian away from Prince Huan. However, she knew nothing about his appearance or personality. To steal someone without knowing anything about them was like daydreaming. Yet, she included him on her list as a future target for counterintelligence.
Unexpectedly, before she could find a breakthrough, he struck first by meddling within the Wu. "Madam?" Chu Ying suddenly realized her reaction was too intense. Although Lizan couldn't see her expression outside, he became concerned when she didn't respond and stood up from his chair. "It's... it's nothing!" Chu Ying quickly gathered her thoughts. If this was Shan Jian's counterintelligence plan, everything made sense. "Are you sure that person's courtesy name is Fuzhi?" Lizan naturally sensed her tension and responded solemnly, "Yes, the 'Fu' in talisman and the 'Zhi' in classical literature. I exchanged poetry with him. Fuzhi not only excels in poetry but also writes beautifully, comparable to historical calligraphy masters."
That's right! Chu Ying trembled with excitement at this sudden revelation. Because of his talent in poetry, he befriended Prince Huan and stayed in the Third Prince's residence. Because of his acquaintance with Lizan and their lack of formal introductions, Prince Huan could use his name for counterintelligence. His ruthless nature allowed him to betray friends without hesitation, even choosing to sabotage their relationship just before childbirth. Only one person could do these things—Shan Fuzhi.
Chu Ying dispelled her postpartum depression and became spirited. "Since they've delivered the challenge to our doorstep, we can't back down. Shan Fuzhi likes counterintelligence; let's turn the tables and make him taste his own medicine." Lizan rubbed his chin and said regretfully, "To be honest, I thought the same, but while the Crown Prince has a mole in our palace, we don't have any spies in the Eastern Palace..." "Who says we don't?" Chu Ying smiled happily. There was no better spy than her, the former Crown Princess.
"Invite Old Three to the full moon celebration?" Hearing her words, Cui Yi looked puzzled. "We're not close, barely ever spoke. Why invite him?" Since she hadn't finished her confinement period, Chu Ying had to stay in the side room. Cui Yi found sleeping alone in the main room too lonely and moved his pillow and blanket there. He joked about how he used to fear sharing a bed with others. After laughing, he kissed her passionately.
Chu Ying sat beside the cradle, soothing the baby to sleep. Without turning around, she said, "Not just the Third Prince, but also the Crown Prince and all the princes who have reached adulthood and established their own residences. We need to invite them all." Cui Yi instinctively frowned, clearly reluctant, but knowing Chu Ying always acted with purpose, he asked, "Do you want to seduce Old Three?" Chu Ying laughed, "My lord, what are you saying? I prefer strong, heroic men. Why would I abandon you, a mighty general, for a bean sprout? Is it because he tastes good when cooked?"
Cui Yi was flattered and coughed, pretending to be serious. "Then why invite them all?" Chu Ying bit the edge of the cradle gently and said leisurely, "Lizan and I discussed it. We should reciprocate since the Third Prince wants to play games. Let's take advantage of the baby's full moon celebration to return a series of counterintelligence operations." "Counterintelligence operations?" Cui Yi scratched his ear, unable to imagine the effect. "Just wait and see," Chu Ying kissed the baby after putting it to sleep and went to blow out the lamp. "With Lizan handling it, we'll cripple one wing of the Crown Prince and see how arrogant he remains."
As the baby turned one month old, relatives and friends came to celebrate. Cheng Fengyi and her husband, Cao Qian, and newly promoted General Yang Qiong brought gifts. Several generals close to Cui Yi also brought their families to drink wine. The Wu王府was bustling from noon, with servants busily preparing everything. Manager Wang personally directed carriages at the entrance. Suddenly, a lavishly decorated carriage approached. Wang squinted and hurriedly instructed a servant, "Quickly inform His Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived!"
The Crown Prince Cui Jie stepped out of the carriage, followed by his consort, Changsun Lingfang. Cui Yi and Chu Ying received them just in time. The brothers greeted each other with forced smiles. Changsun Lingfang held Chu Ying's hand and whispered, "It's been half a year. How are you?" Knowing Cui Jie was watching, Chu Ying didn't show too much affection and simply nodded. "I'm fine. But you look thinner. Is the food in the palace not to your liking? Or is it too hot? You should ask the imperial kitchen to prepare ice sugar pear soup to quench thirst and nourish your lungs."
Changsun Lingfang softly responded and timidly glanced at Cui Yi, calling him brother-in-law. Cui Yi returned the greeting. Chu Ying found the situation amusing. Sisters marrying brothers led to strange titles. Her sister became her sister-in-law, and her brother became her brother-in-law. She called the Crown Prince brother, and he called her sister...
While lost in thought, another carriage arrived, identified by its painted pine, bamboo, and plum design as belonging to the Third Prince. Unexpectedly, Prince Huan stumbled while getting off, landing face-first in front of everyone. Cui Yi couldn't help bursting into laughter. Chu Ying sighed, turning away. Though unplanned, it was satisfying.
More princes arrived, and guests were seated. Cui Huan sat nursing his injuries, unable to drink due to a bloody nose. Every time Chu Ying looked at him, she struggled not to laugh. Seeing the right moment, she gave Lizan a signal. Lizan understood and approached Cui Huan with a wine cup, pretending to chat warmly.
Cui Huan was startled to see Lizan, almost spitting out his rice. Lizan greeted him warmly, mentioning his face. Cui Huan, irritated, couldn't vent in front of the Crown Prince and waved dismissively. "Don't mention it. Just yesterday, someone warned me of impending bloodshed. Who knew it would happen so soon."
Lizan sat beside him, saying, "Who told you? Fortune-tellers' words aren't reliable. Ancient people believed in 'spending money to avoid disaster.' Perhaps this is 'disfigurement to avoid disaster.' Surviving a great calamity means good fortune ahead." Cui Huan's eyes widened, "You—" Lizan chuckled, "Are you angry? Didn't you once mock me for being untrustworthy?"
Cui Huan struggled for words and finally conceded, "No anger. It was just a joke." They pretended to be each other's friend, discussing past events. Lizan mixed truth with lies, subtly mocking Cui Huan. Unable to refute without admitting his identity, Cui Huan endured silently.
To outsiders like Cui Jie, they appeared to be chatting amiably. Lizan's smiling face and friendly gestures seemed genuine. "Who is that? He seems quite familiar with the Third Prince," Cui Jie asked, having already noticed Lizan during a previous encounter. Cui Yi played along, "He's our storyteller, an old friend of the Third Prince." Cui Jie eyed Lizan suspiciously.
Lizan continued, "Back then, you promised to remember our friendship if either of us achieved success. I kept that in mind." Cui Huan realized his mistake and quickly covered it up. "Of course, I remember. It's unfortunate Wen Yu is now working for Second Brother, achieving great things. He probably doesn't care for my small domain anymore."
Lizan sighed, "No, serving Prince Yi is just making ends meet. Future prospects remain uncertain." Cui Huan responded, "Wen Yu has big aspirations. Second Brother aims to reclaim the sixteen counties of Gan Prefecture. Plenty of opportunities await." Lizan remained vague, avoiding direct answers.