Ji Yunqing's scheme didn't disappoint Wen Yu. In the end, the position in the Personnel Selection Department of the Ministry of Personnel didn't fall to Pei Shen. As for the reason, Wen Yu learned it from Pei Shen himself.
"Did the Third Prince really say that?" Wen Yu feigned shock. Then, a hint of guilt and relief flashed across her face. "He did want me to be his concubine back then, but I refused. I didn't expect it would end up hurting you."
Her expression was extremely complex. She stepped forward to pick up all the crumpled papers Pei Shen had thrown on the ground. Then she sighed. "But what should we do now? Although I'm not well - versed in court affairs, I know how important the position in the Personnel Selection Department is. You've been worrying about this matter for so long. How could His Highness do this?"
Her eyes were as gentle as water, filled with worry and indignation.
[Guys, is this what male competition looks like? They're almost at odds with each other for our little sister. Isn't this plot a bit off?]
[The Third Prince is really... If he can't satisfy everyone, then he'll make everyone dissatisfied, right?]
[In court today, Pei seemed so angry that he probably wished he could turn into an octopus so he could slap eight people at the same time.]
[It's more than that.]
"Don't worry about me. I have my own way to make the Third Prince know who is truly capable of helping him." Pei Shen comforted Wen Yu, but there was a fire burning in his eyes.
If this matter was really as easy as he said, she wouldn't have seen him crumple and throw a whole table of rice paper around when she came.
Originally, according to the barrage, Ji Yunqing and Pei Shen would be the best partners in the future.
She thought it would take some effort to drive a wedge between them.
Unexpectedly, Ji Yunqing was quite helpful.
He actually threatened Pei Shen with the position in the Personnel Selection Department to hand her over.
Given Pei Shen's personality, this was an extreme humiliation.
He could accept sending Wen Yu to Ji Yunqing's bed in exchange for a glimmer of hope for their cooperation, but he couldn't accept getting his official position by sacrificing a woman.
Moreover, Pei Shen was currently poisoned by the Luoshen Poison, and his pride had been unconsciously magnified several times.
With Wen Yu being cute and obedient by his side every day, Ji Yunqing's move undoubtedly touched Pei Shen's sore spot.
"I heard that His Highness finally promoted an official named Wang Mian. He seems to be a junior from a side branch of the Wang Censor's family." Wen Yu casually dropped another hint. Then she couldn't help but say, "In the court, it's really hard to make any progress without connections. A Shen, do we really have to rely on the Third Prince?"
Promoting Wang Mian was just a superficial move. In fact, it was to further secure the Wang Censor's position beside Ji Yunqing.
This Wang Censor was the one who had proposed that Wen Yu remarry in the Wen Mansion before. This made it even more irritating for Pei Shen.
His expression darkened. Suddenly, he sneered repeatedly. "It's not difficult. Since His Highness only has eyes for that Wang Censor, then let him take a good fall. His Highness will eventually know who he should treat well."
"Then aren't you going against the Third Prince? If..." Wen Yu seemed even more anxious. She quickly put down the things in her hand and stepped forward to grab Pei Shen. "This move is too risky."
Pei Shen was already annoyed because of Ji Yunqing's actions. Wen Yu's persuasion only added fuel to the fire.
His eyes changed. The smile on his lips froze. His dark eyes stared deeply into hers. "Does sister - in - law not trust me? Or does sister - in - law think I should just submit to others?"
[This gloomy and perverted guy is so cool.]
[Pei may seem stable, but he's actually been crazy for a while.]
[He's not going to just drop dead, is he?]
[Well, our Third Prince may be a bit mean - mouthed, but he's not really bad - hearted.]
"I don't mean that. Forget it. Since you've made up your mind, I'll always support you." Wen Yu gave him a gentle smile. Then she looked at Pei Shen hesitantly twice before leaving the study.
As soon as she left, she heard the sound of things shattering in the study.
This Luoshen Poison was really effective.
It was a pity that it would be too easy to be discovered if it was used on Ji Yunqing.
"Things have turned out just as you expected. His Highness is very satisfied and asked me to tell you that you don't need to worry too much about court affairs from now on. His Highness will stir up this muddy water thoroughly."
As soon as she returned to the courtyard, Xun Ying immediately appeared to report the news.
Hearing this, Wen Yu just nodded quietly.
Stirring up trouble between Pei Shen and Ji Yunqing wasn't her most important goal. She just wanted to take advantage of their conflict to buy more time for the Wen family.
But during this period, she had searched most of the Pei Mansion, yet there was still no clue about the ledger.
"You seem to be in a bad mood. Did Pei Shen do something to you just now?" Xun Ying carefully observed Wen Yu's expression. Then she frowned worriedly. "Or I'll make you some snacks. His Highness said that when a woman is unhappy, eating something sweet will make her feel better."
Did Ji Yundan say that?
Wen Yu subconsciously imagined that scene and couldn't bear to look any further. "Does His Highness usually talk to you about such things?"
"His Highness is afraid that you're under too much pressure, so he asked me to pay more attention to you, in case..."
Xun Ying scratched her head, too embarrassed to continue.
But Wen Yu could probably guess what it was.
What good words could Ji Yundan say? He was probably just worried that she couldn't bear the pressure and would end her own life first.
Now Wen Yu had proved her ability to him. Such a useful pawn, of course, he wouldn't want anything to happen to her.
"Don't worry. I can hold on. Besides, the Luoshen Poison has started to take effect. If I do something stupid now, wouldn't it be a waste of all my efforts? I, Wen Yu, will never do something that makes my loved ones sad and my enemies happy."
As she said this, she took a long breath.
The dawn was approaching. She had to see it with her own eyes.
Seeing that her state was not too bad, Xun Ying finally breathed a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to say something, a look of alertness suddenly flashed in her eyes. "Someone's coming."
As soon as the words were out, Xun Ying had already disappeared from the spot.
"Madam Pei, His Highness invites Madam Pei to go sightseeing by Chunhua Lake tomorrow."
As the maid spoke, she handed over a letter.
After seeing Wen Yu take it, she turned around and left without giving Wen Yu a chance to ask questions.
"Invite me to Chunhua Lake? What's his game?"
She frowned and looked in the direction where the maid had left, confused about Ji Yunqing's intention.
[The Third Prince is finally taking the romantic route?]
[Our boy has finally grown up. He finally knows that he has to fight for the beauty.]
The scenery around Chunhua Lake was really nice recently. Many young men and women with budding feelings had started to make appointments to go boating on the lake.
But now Wen Yu was still nominally the mistress of the Pei family, and Ji Yunqing was a noble prince.
If she had already agreed to Ji Yunqing's idea of taking her as a concubine, it would be fine. But under the current circumstances, why would Ji Yunqing suddenly invite her to such a crowded place?
Unless he was tired of competing for the crown prince and wanted to invite impeachment for fun.
Xun Ying suddenly popped out from somewhere. Seeing Wen Yu frowning, she took the initiative to ask, "Miss Wen, don't worry. I'll go and find out the situation."