Chapter Twelve: Beyond Avoidance

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Shangguan Ya’er was briefly taken aback, then bowed her head and said, “Your Majesty’s wisdom surpasses all. I failed to grasp Young Master Chu’s true intentions and may have been somewhat presumptuous.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled faintly, a trace of inscrutable depth shining in her eyes. “It matters not. I have my own plans.”

With that, her gaze turned cold as she looked at the memorial before her, a sharp glint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. Calmly, she continued, “However, for the Prefect of Jingzhao to cause trouble for Chu Nan without reason, he must surely be acting under someone’s direction.”

“Perhaps he believes that my favor toward a mere merchant is a joke, something he can trample upon at will.”

She paused, her tone dipping slightly. “If that is the case, then I will make him understand that within the capital, my will is unshakable.”

Shangguan Ya’er immediately understood and spoke softly, “Your Majesty’s words are most wise. The Prefect of Jingzhao holds a high position and should work for the welfare of the people in the capital, yet he condones his subordinates’ bullying of the innocent. Such behavior is truly unbecoming.”

“In my opinion, Your Majesty could use this opportunity to make him reflect on his conduct or use it as grounds for his demotion, serving as a warning to others.”

A faint cold smile touched Cheng Lingyu’s lips, her eyes flickering with resolve. “I have made up my mind. The Prefect of Jingzhao has long held himself in high regard. Since he does not know his limits, I shall adjust him accordingly.”

Shangguan Ya’er stood quietly to the side, bowing her head respectfully and awaiting further instructions.

The Empress’s hand holding the brush paused briefly, then she lifted her gaze with a hint of scrutiny and asked, “Ya’er, what do you think of Chu Nan?”

Shangguan Ya’er pondered for a moment before shaking her head slightly. “I believe Chu Nan is but a merchant. Though he possesses some clever and novel items, I have not perceived him to be particularly profound or talented.”

“I personally inspected his shop, and it merely displayed some curious trinkets. While clever and interesting, they are ultimately suited only for common folk.”

Cheng Lingyu’s eyes gleamed with a hint of inquiry, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She spoke softly, “So you believe Chu Nan is not a person worthy of serious responsibility?”

Shangguan Ya’er nodded carefully, her tone cautious. “Precisely. Though he is clever and quick-witted, his foundations are shallow, lacking deep foresight.”

“The capital is filled with merchants, and unless Your Majesty pays special attention, I do not see anything extraordinary about him.”

Cheng Lingyu bowed her head in thought, furrowing her brows slightly as if weighing Shangguan Ya’er’s assessment.

Having served the Empress since childhood, Shangguan Ya’er was well acquainted with her temperament and discernment, so her doubts about Chu Nan were expressed plainly and honestly.

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She understood that the Empress was at a critical point in selecting her people, and focusing too much on an ordinary merchant now might be untimely.

Seeing the Empress remain silent, Shangguan Ya’er felt moved and leaned in slightly, probing gently, “Your Majesty, our dynasty has just emerged from turmoil, with much to rebuild. What we need most now are pillars capable of stabilizing the court and strengthening the nation.”

“As for Chu Nan… I think Your Majesty need not invest too much care in him.”

Cheng Lingyu’s eyes betrayed no disappointment at these words.

Instead, she smiled faintly, a mysterious hint in her expression. “Ya’er, perhaps you have not noticed that although Chu Nan’s clever items seem ordinary, his ability to calmly handle the Prefect of Jingzhao’s harassment is not something any common merchant could manage.”

Shangguan Ya’er was momentarily stunned.

Though she was the Empress’s trusted confidante, her impression of Chu Nan had never gone beyond the surface, and she had not delved into his potential.

She chose her words carefully: “Perhaps Your Majesty sees deeper than I do, but I still harbor doubts. This man’s foundations are ultimately shallow; without the court’s support, I fear he cannot achieve greatness.”

Cheng Lingyu gently set down her brush, her gaze deep and serene as water. She spoke softly, “There are many capable men in the court, but most are either too focused on official matters or bound by their origins.”

“I value Chu Nan precisely because his identity is simple, without complicated ties. If guided skillfully, he may yet be of use to me.”

Shangguan Ya’er frowned, still uneasy. “Your Majesty’s reasoning is certainly sound, but I remain concerned that he is merely a petty commoner, unfit for great responsibility.”

“I believe the person Your Majesty currently needs must be loyal and reliable, with the talent to benefit the realm and uphold the state.”

Cheng Lingyu smiled slightly, showing a measure of tolerance, and said calmly, “No matter. I have made my decision. Ya’er, I understand your concerns; the court indeed needs more stable forces now.”

“But the capital’s affairs are unpredictable, and among the people there may be hidden talents. The reason I favor Chu Nan today is simply to give him a chance.”

With that, Cheng Lingyu raised her hand gently, signaling Shangguan Ya’er to cease her persuasion.

She then lightly stroked the slightly yellowed memorial on the table, as if lost in thought. After a moment, she said slowly, “Since you still harbor doubts, accompany me to Chu’s shop once more. Let us see what he is truly capable of.”

“If he is truly as mediocre as you say, I will naturally not trouble myself further.”

Shangguan Ya’er, seeing the Empress’s resolute decision, said nothing more and bowed slightly. “I understand and stand ready to serve Your Majesty’s call at any time.”

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Cheng Lingyu regarded Shangguan Ya’er’s respectful demeanor with a barely perceptible smile.

“Then it shall be three days from now. Join me in visiting the Chu family’s shop.”

Shangguan Ya’er lowered her head in assent, though some puzzlement lingered in her heart.

Chu Nan leaned listlessly against the counter of his small shop, idly fiddling with a few scattered copper coins on the table.

Since the incident with the Prefect of Jingzhao’s men, his business had plummeted.

Once, this street thrived with bustling crowds; neighbors often patronized his shop, and some regulars came nearly every day.

Now, although people still passed by, none dared linger before his door.

“Sigh… it seems the Sword Marquis’s influence truly makes people steer clear.”

Chu Nan sighed softly, a trace of helplessness flickering in his eyes.

Though Shangguan Ya’er had helped him out, rumors of his offending the Sword Marquis had already spread among the townsfolk, and ordinary people naturally avoided his little shop.

Just then, a youthful voice came from the alley entrance: “Uncle Chu!”

Chu Nan looked up to see a familiar little boy peeking from the street corner, his cherubic face bright with joy.

This child, called Xiaobao, was one of the most frequent visitors among the neighborhood children.

Usually, Xiaobao bought candy with his few coins, and Chu Nan often gave him a few extra pieces. Seeing the boy’s happiness always brought him some comfort.

“Xiaobao!” Chu Nan’s face lit up with a faint smile as he waved. “Come here, Uncle has new candy.”

Xiaobao’s eyes brightened, and he was about to step forward when suddenly his mother’s stern voice called out from behind, “Xiaobao! Stop right there!”