Chapter 83

Chapter 83 - This Is My Chance

“Young master...” Wu Sheng glanced at Yin Xu, intending to speak.

Teng Yu had just been summoned to the palace by the emperor and tasked with organizing the warehouse before his departure.

Engrossed in a thick tome, Yin Xu didn't bother to lift his head at Wu Sheng's voice. “What is it?”

Finding themselves alone, Wu Sheng approached and inquired, “Did the Third Prince truly dismiss the servants in the rear courtyard for your sake?”

“Something to that effect.”

“Isn't that... improper? Rumors are circulating that you've transformed into a fox.”

“Then let them know that foxes in this realm are still a distant dream.” Yin Xu shut the book, rising to his feet. “Instead of indulging in gossip, why not tend to the warehouse?”

The Third Prince's warehouse sprawled between the front and rear courtyards, encompassing an entire enclosure. Seven to eight sizable chambers remained securely locked, each under vigilant watch.

Prior officials and emperors had predicted that the Third Prince's warehouse expansions hinted at abundant wealth. They cautioned against sending anything of value to the Third Prince.

Over the years, the emperor's interest waned, perhaps feeling he had accomplished his aims, hence his reduced attention to Teng Yu compared to previous years.

Nevertheless, lack of royal intervention didn't deter others. Despite the Third Prince's tarnished reputation, many sought to curry favor.

Teng Yu rarely refused such advances, readily accepting bribes, fueling the warehouse's rapid expansion.

Yin Xu led Han Sen, Manager Wu, and Wu Sheng into the secured enclosure. Guards allowed passage only after verifying a tablet Yin Xu presented.

“Half of the contents here are immovable relics, collecting dust with no utility,” Steward Han remarked, opening a chamber for Yin Xu's inspection.

Aware that gifts from the Emperor couldn't be sold and had to be provided to commoners, Yin Xu contrasted with Teng Yu's indifference, who left items to gather mold if unusable.

Opening a large chest revealed neatly stacked silk, clearly aged.

“Whether His Highness can utilize it or not, this silk, while of excellent quality, suits attire for a mature gentleman,” Yin Xu assessed.

Marking the cloth's location with a brush, he made a decisive cross.

Pushing the chest aside, he instructed, “Have someone fashion new garments for the stewards. Let's not allow it to gather dust.”

“Rumors suggest many court officials value such items. Perhaps selling to them at a premium could earn the Third Prince their gratitude.”

Han Sen pondered: Some individuals would spare no expense, even sacrificing all, for such a painting; undoubtedly, they'd be deeply appreciative.

It appears Seventh Young Master is resolute in selling his calligraphy and paintings; we should confer with His Highness on this matter later.

Should they emulate Seventh Young Master's path, Third Prince Mansion's reputation would undoubtedly plummet further.

Sensing his reluctance and dissent, Yin Xu elucidated: “You're aware of His Highness' tarnished reputation, yet he remains oblivious to his true character; we cannot allow his infamy to persist. Thus, we must gradually reshape Teng Yu's public perception.

This demands a strategic opportunity, one that can be exploited without arousing suspicion. Do you comprehend?”

Han Sen shook his head.

Yin Xu lifted his chin, pointing to himself, “This opportunity lies with me. Blame all the irrationalities on me. Whether it's dismantling the backyard out of envy, accusations of murder, or claims of my greed, let it be so.”

Han Sen mused: Jealousy, violence, and greed; this wasn't framing at all!

“Besides nurturing covert forces, a portion will be allocated for future military training. The remainder will be dedicated to philanthropic endeavors: funding private schools, aiding victims, repairing infrastructure, and the like. So long as it garners acclaim, they will proceed unabashedly. Let the world witness the Third Prince's benevolence, regardless of his ulterior motives. If he acts, his deeds stand.”

Han Sen marveled at Yin Xu's depth of insight, though its feasibility remained unexplored, he couldn't deny its noble intentions.

Gratefully, he remarked, “With Seventh Young Master's assistance, His Highness will surely soar like a tiger with wings!”

“No need for flattery,” Yin Xu thought, “A mere succession squabble wouldn't perturb one who has lived over a millennium!”

Teng Yu returned unusually early. Upon Yin Xu and company's return from the storage room, he had already changed attire and begun conferring with trusted aides in the study.

With photographic memory, Yin Xu recognized all familiar faces within the residence. Despite encountering many of Teng Yu's confidants, there were invariably unfamiliar ones.

Aware of Teng Yu's circumspection and the pervasive palace espionage, Yin Xu treaded cautiously. Despite his youthful appearance, his composure belied his age, earning him disregard.

Over the years, Yin Xu painstakingly built his network, step by step, amidst formidable challenges.

Thus, he proceeded with utmost caution, concealing his true self. Despite being a mere teenager, his demeanor surpassed his years, rendering his age inconspicuous.

Upon Yin Xu's entrance, Teng Yu's countenance softened, beckoning him over. “Done tidying up already? Allow me to introduce someone to you.”

Disregarding the curious stares, Yin Xu made his way to Teng Yu's side and settled into the adjacent chair. Fortunately, the study's furnishings accommodated their proximity; otherwise, he'd have had to perch on Teng Yu's lap.