Chapter 047: Planting a Spy

Xue Rui's plan was, in fact, quite simple. He intended to take advantage of the panic among the people of the capital, causing Zhang Zhong to mistakenly believe that the city could no longer be defended and that remaining would be tantamount to awaiting death. As long as he could frighten him enough, and then have others urge him on, it was possible Zhang Zhong might follow the crowd and flee the capital—thus, all would be well.

However, considering Zhang Zhong’s status, it was not certain he would be willing to abandon everything. The foundation of the Duke of England’s household lay mostly in the capital, and whether he could bear to leave remained an open question.

Therefore, Xue Rui thought of another method: persuading Madam Wu to give up a large sum of money, intentionally allowing Zhang Zhong to acquire it. With wealth in hand, Zhang Zhong would naturally have more confidence to leave the city.

Upon hearing Xue Rui’s plan, Madam Wu was left dumbfounded.

It took her a long while before she hesitantly asked, “If you say to give him some money, how should it be given, and how much?”

“Madam, if you are unwilling to part with the child, you cannot catch the wolf. The more you give up, the more likely he will be to leave. As for getting it into his hands, I have a rather immature idea for you to consider.”

“Please, explain in detail,” Madam Wu said, ready to listen.

“If you have someone you trust, you might have them pretend to defect to Zhang Zhong’s side and offer him advice, using the funds you provide as proof of loyalty. Then, encourage him to leave the capital. In this way, not only can you send Zhang Zhong away, but you also gain an informant—truly killing two birds with one stone,” Xue Rui explained.

Madam Wu began to quietly consider suitable candidates. Soon, she settled on someone and instructed the maid waiting outside, “Xiaoque, call Steward Cao here. Tell him I have something for him to do.”

Because the matter was sensitive and Xue Rui was an outsider, Madam Wu could not speak freely. He took the opportunity to withdraw to the rear hall.

“Greetings, Madam,” Steward Cao said upon entering, offering his respects.

Madam Wu was silent for a long moment before she began, “Steward Cao, you have been with my household for over ten years, haven’t you?”

“Replying to Madam, it has been fourteen years,” Cao replied quickly.

Madam Wu’s family was also a prominent one in the capital. Her father, seeking to form an alliance with the Duke of England’s household, married his legitimate daughter to Zhang Fu as a concubine. Cao Si was one of the servants who accompanied her as part of her dowry.

After Madam Wu bore a son, her status rose, and she was promoted to principal wife. Naturally, Cao Si was trusted with many responsibilities, managing affairs both inside and outside the household, making him one of the most important servants in the Duke’s residence.

Looking at Cao Si, Madam Wu spoke in a low tone, “Steward Cao, now that the master has passed, this household will soon change hands. For us—my son and me, as well as you and your son—our prospects have come to an end.”

Cao Si’s face changed, and he hurriedly asked, “Madam, why do you say this?”

“Have you never considered who will inherit the title now that the master is gone?” Madam Wu countered.

“Well, I… I do not know,” Cao Si stammered.

Of course he had thought about it, but he did not fully understand the implications. He believed he would simply play things by ear; no matter who inherited the title, the household would still need someone to manage its affairs. As long as he did his job well, there was nothing to fear.

“If you have not considered it, then let me tell you.” Madam Wu’s expression turned somber. “According to the laws of the realm, the title will naturally be inherited by the master’s legitimate son, Zhang Zhong. Even if he is disabled, the court will permit the legitimate grandson, Zhang Jie, to inherit once he comes of age. Over the years, Zhang Zhong has squandered money, leaving the household deeply in debt. I have repeatedly stopped him from borrowing more from the accounts, and for this he holds a grudge. I fear he would like nothing more than to skin me alive. If he inherits the title, not only will my son and I suffer, but you and your son will be remembered with hatred. Even if you are not driven from the household, you will be tormented endlessly to satisfy his resentment!”

Cao Si broke out in a cold sweat. He had never realized the consequences could be so severe. He became anxious and asked in a trembling voice, “Madam, what should we do?”

This was the very question Madam Wu had been waiting for. Rising to her feet, she said, “If we wish to change our fate, we must act first and seize the title, cutting off all future troubles. I have called you here because I have a task for you. If you succeed, the danger we face will be lifted. When it is done, I will return your and your son’s indentures and grant you both a fine estate. Are you willing?”

Cao Si was no fool. He realized that what Madam Wu wanted him to do must be difficult—he even wondered if she meant for him to assassinate Zhang Zhong and his son. The thought made his legs tremble.

Fortunately, Madam Wu had no intention of resorting to such base means. In just a few words, she explained what she wanted him to do.

“So, you want me to act as a spy!” Cao Si sighed in relief.

Compared to murder, he found this task much easier. As long as he could win Zhang Zhong’s trust, the rest would follow naturally.

After a moment, Madam Wu asked, “Have you made up your mind? Are you willing?”

“I am willing. At worst, it is death. Should anything happen to me, I beg you to look after my wife and children.”

Temptation triumphed over fear, and at last Cao Si gritted his teeth and agreed.

Madam Wu let out a breath and assured him, “Don’t worry, it won’t come to that. Even if you said nothing, I would take care of them. Go with a calm heart.”

“Very well, then. There’s no time to lose—I will go at once!” Cao Si bowed deeply to Madam Wu.

Madam Wu personally saw him to the door and said, “Then I await your good news.”

...

Cao Si left and headed straight for the western wing where Zhang Zhong resided.

This wing was a separate building, purchased and renovated by Zhang Fu in the neighboring estate specifically to house his disfavored eldest son. Compared to the grandeur of the main residence, the western wing was rather shabby, its conditions not much better than those of the servants’ quarters.

It was no wonder that Zhang Zhong harbored resentment toward Madam Wu and her son, who had taken from him both his father’s affection and his rightful place.

Upon arriving, Cao Si found a maid and asked about Zhang Zhong. He learned that Zhang Zhong was still fast asleep, having not yet recovered from last night’s drunkenness, and remained unaware of his father Zhang Fu’s death.

Cao Si thought to himself, The servants of the Duke’s residence are all wailing, yet he is completely oblivious. Clearly, he will not be hard to deal with.

“Hurry and announce me. Tell him I have urgent business to discuss,” Cao Si said to the maid guarding the main room.

The maid shook her head repeatedly, afraid to go in. “The young master is not yet awake. If you disturb him, you’ll be beaten.”

Cao Si hadn’t expected her to be so intimidated, so he said, “Very well, I’ll call him myself.”

With that, he stepped forward and pushed open the door.

Inside, there was a table in the center, cluttered with cups and plates—a clear sign of last night’s revelry. On the floor lay various women’s garments, including undergarments of bright and unfamiliar styles, the likes of which Cao Si had never seen, causing him to blush.

Carefully stepping around the clothing, he reached the bedroom door, knocked a few times, and said in a deep voice, “Young master, are you awake? Cao Si has urgent matters to report…”