"Thank you, eunuch." Song Huaizhi replied calmly to the man in front of him, "I'm Song Huaizhi."
As he spoke, he casually took out a gold ingot almost half the size of his palm from somewhere and placed it in the eunuch's hand, saying, "You've come such a long way for us. This is just a little token of my appreciation. Please accept it."
"Oh!" The eunuch feigned reluctance, but a greedy glint flashed across his eyes. Looking at Song Huaizhi, he said, "Well... I won't decline your kindness, Young Master Song."
"Your Highness the Third Prince and Young Master Song, go and change your clothes quickly. I'll wait for you at the door."
Then, as if by chance, he sighed, "A few days ago, His Majesty summoned the Crown Prince and was extremely angry. He's not been feeling well these days. Young Master Song and Your Highness the Third Prince should hurry up. Don't keep His Majesty waiting too long."
This was an opportunity for the two of them to talk and also provided them with some information.
"Thank you for your consideration, eunuch."
As he spoke, Song Huaizhi glanced at Zheng Yuanqing, who was standing beside him, wide - eyed and stunned, signaling him to follow.
He pushed open the door and then closed it.
Zheng Yuanqing looked at Song Huaizhi, his eyes full of admiration. "You're really good at this! Good brother!"
Hearing the words "good brother", Song Huaizhi was taken aback for a moment. Then he glanced at Zheng Yuanqing blankly before continuing, "Yes. It seems you don't have a chance to cut ties with your maternal family for now. The Crown Prince has acted first, and it'll be hard for you to get away."
"What should I do?" Zheng Yuanqing had calmed down and was frantically thinking about how to get out of this situation, but he couldn't come up with a suitable solution.
Song Huaizhi frowned instinctively and glanced at Zheng Yuanqing.
Zheng Yuanqing wasn't bad - looking. But because of the recent journey and his long - term stay in the military, he now looked dark and haggard, with an air of desolation about him.
He was wearing the same silk robe that Song Huaizhi had first seen him in, but the corner of the robe was torn, showing some stitches.
Song Huaizhi's gaze lingered on the stitches for a moment, and a flash of inspiration came to his mind.
"Who sewed this hole for you?"
Zheng Yuanqing was stunned. He didn't know why Song Huaizhi brought this up, but he blushed slightly and said, "I did it myself."
"Do we need to change our clothes?"
Seeing this, Song Huaizhi showed a rare smile on his face.
"You..." Zheng Yuanqing hesitated. Looking at the smile on Song Huaizhi's face, he said, "Have you already come up with a plan?"
"Yes." Song Huaizhi nodded and continued, "This robe is perfect."
Zheng Yuanqing looked at him, completely confused.
"When you're in front of the Emperor later, make sure he sees the hole in your robe." Then Song Huaizhi continued, "If he tries to test you and asks what you want."
"Remember, Zheng Yuanqing, no matter what you think now or whether you trust me or not."
"You need money, a lot of money. You're greedy and short - sighted, and you accidentally took control of the army."
"As for how we met, you can think about it yourself."
Hearing Song Huaizhi's words, Zheng Yuanqing lowered his eyes slightly, looking unhappy.
Was all his hard - earned merit going to go to waste like this?
The Crown Prince! Zheng Yuanjia!
Zheng Yuanqing gritted his teeth and secretly swore that one day he would trample that man under his feet!
"Thank you for your advice, Young Master Song." Zheng Yuanqing stood up and bowed deeply to Song Huaizhi. "If it weren't for your strategy, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to leave the palace today."
"Remember to tell Yuyu." Song Huaizhi turned to look at Liufeng. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon. You don't need to follow me."
"Yes." Liufeng nodded respectfully.
"Okay, let's go." Song Huaizhi stood up and pushed open the door.
Outside the door was the scorching sun. It was the hottest time of the day, and the heat rushed towards them. The sunlight made Song Huaizhi squint his eyes slightly.
The senior eunuch at the door was slightly surprised to see that the two of them looked more composed. He couldn't help but think more highly of Song Huaizhi.
Truly...
It had been a long time since he had seen such a smart person, especially one so young. Although he came from a humble background, he was now a disciple of Mr. Lin. Mr. Lin had no sons, so this disciple might be as good as a son to him.
He was so young but had such a strategy. His future achievements would be limitless. A genius like Song Huaizhi would surely turn things around even if he fell into the mud as long as he could survive.
He should give him some face.
His expression became more obsequious. He said to the two of them, "Since we're in a hurry, you'll have to ride horses."
"It's okay. Thank you, eunuch."
Song Huaizhi took the reins from a junior eunuch and mounted the horse.
...
The main hall.
The Emperor was drowsy. He seemed to hear footsteps, so he turned over slightly, opened his eyes, and asked, "What's going on?"
"Your Highness," the junior eunuch knelt down respectfully and said, "Your Highness the Third Prince and Young Master Song are here."
"Okay."
He stood up, his hands trembling slightly. He watched as the junior eunuch helped him tidy up his clothes and then turned to go out.
Sitting on the dragon throne in the main hall, he looked at the two people kneeling below and was slightly surprised. He took a closer look and then realized that the dark - skinned person bowing to him was actually his third prince.
"Third son?" The Emperor was a little surprised. Looking at him, he said, "You... "
He didn't finish his sentence, but his gaze on the third prince softened a lot.
"Come up and let me have a look."
The Emperor was in an unusually kind mood, so he softened his expression even towards the third prince he had almost failed to recognize.
Thinking of Zheng Yuanqing's confusion when he left the capital, the Emperor's gaze remained on him.
"Father!"
Zheng Yuanqing stepped forward. Seeing the Emperor's expression, he suddenly panicked and said, "Haven't you been resting well recently?"
The palace servants immediately held their breaths for the reckless third prince.
The Emperor didn't like others talking about his poor health.
The Emperor's face darkened when he heard this, but the expression faded a little when he saw the haggard look on the third prince's face. He said nothing.
Song Huaizhi was ignored, but his expression remained unchanged. He was calm and listened with his head down to the conversation from above.
"What do you want?" the Emperor asked. Thinking of the Crown Prince, his face turned a little cold. "You've done a great service for me this time. What do you want?"
Zheng Yuanqing was shocked. He couldn't help but be amazed at Song Huaizhi's foresight. So he pretended to be excited, flicked his sleeve, wiped his nose, and said uncomfortably, "Anything?"
He lowered his head and smiled, trying to look obedient and innocent.
"Yes."
"Then..."
The Emperor saw the patch on his silk robe and his gaze paused slightly.
"Father, could you give me more... more silver?" Zheng Yuanqing tried his best to pretend to be a short - sighted person, showing a greedy look on his face in front of the Emperor.
"Silver?" The Emperor said calmly, "Sure. I'll reward you with a thousand taels of gold and two hundred bolts of silk."
Zheng Yuanqing suddenly looked up. "Thank you, Father!"
As he bowed, the patch on his sleeve was exposed again.