mtl008 Chapter 299 Testing (Part )
Chapter 299 Testing (Part )
Yu Lan nodded slightly, indicating that she agreed with Xiao Man's point of view.
"Xiaoman is right. When it comes to love, we can't just look at the surface, but also the heart. We have to find a way to test the emperor and Lord Chen to see if they are really good to you." Her tone was calm and her eyes were firm, like a guiding star, stabilizing Cen Jiexiao's panic.
She paused for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly on the table, as if she were thinking. "We need a thorough plan to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Cen Jiexiao asked anxiously, "What should we do now?" She clenched her hands tightly together, her brows filled with worry.
Yu Lan pondered for a moment, her eyes moving back and forth between Xiao Man and Cen Jie Xiao.
"We must first find out what the Emperor and Lord Chen truly think of you. Only by knowing ourselves and the enemy can we win every battle."
She continued, "Xiao Man, you're in the intelligence department and are quite familiar with the situation in the palace. Where do you think we should start?"
Xiaoman nodded in agreement. An idea suddenly occurred to her, and she said excitedly, "I have an idea! The emperor seems to be very interested in Cuju recently. I can use this opportunity to get close to him and try to find out his feelings indirectly. At the same time, I can also observe the people around the emperor to see if there are any opportunities that can be exploited."
Yu Lan thought for a moment and added, "That's a good idea, but we still need a backup plan. If this plan doesn't work, we can still..."
She paused and continued, "We can arrange a 'chance encounter' so that the dean and the emperor can meet unexpectedly and observe the emperor's reaction."
Cen Jiexiao's brows were still furrowed as she asked worriedly, "But how can we know their true feelings? The Emperor lives deep in the palace, making it difficult for us to approach him. And our eldest brother is a meticulous and reserved man, his emotions hidden from view, making it difficult to see through his heart. How can we test his sincerity?"
Xiaoman patted her chest confidently and comforted her, "Teacher, don't worry! I know the situation in the palace very well, and I will find a way to get close to the emperor. As for Lord Chen..." She looked at Yu Lan, motioning her to continue.
Yu Lan took over the conversation, "Master Chen enjoys collecting ancient books. I can cater to his interests and ask you, the dean, to give him a precious ancient book as a way to test him. At the same time, I can also learn about his recent movements and thoughts through his friends or subordinates."
"This is a good idea. We can take a two-pronged approach, working inside and outside the palace at the same time. This will be more efficient," Xiaoman added.
"Wait!" Cen Jiexiao suddenly spoke, interrupting their conversation.
"Isn't this too risky? The palace is heavily guarded, and this is an extremely sensitive period. What if Xiaoman is discovered? Also, Yulan, how are you going to test Lord Chen? We're so familiar with each other. If he sees through us, won't his misunderstanding of us deepen?"
Xiaoman comforted him, "Teacher, don't worry. I will be very careful. I will disguise myself as a palace maid so as not to arouse suspicion. Also, I will prepare a retreat route in advance. If something goes wrong, I will evacuate immediately."
Yu Lan also comforted Cen Jiexiao, saying, "Dean, don't worry. I will choose a suitable time and place to approach Master Chen and will not let him discover my intentions."
Seeing their determination, Cen Jiexiao finally nodded and agreed to their plan. "Okay then, you must be careful. If you encounter any problems, stop immediately and protect yourself. After all, this is my personal matter, and I really don't want to embarrass you."
"Dean/Teacher, you are an important official of the Great Zhou, so your private affairs are not entirely private. In short, don't worry, we are aware of what is going on." Yu Lan and Xiao Man answered in unison.
"Okay, now that we have decided, let's plan it carefully." Cen Jiexiao said, taking a piece of paper from the desk and spreading it out.
"Xiao Man, your entry into the palace carries the greatest risk. We must plan carefully."
Xiaoman sat cross-legged opposite Cen Jiexiao, her chin supported by her hand, her eyes rolling around.
"Teacher, I plan to disguise myself as a maid who sweeps the floor. This way I'll be less noticeable. Also, I heard the palace is recruiting a new batch of maids who sweep the floor, so I can sneak in."
"That's a good idea." Yu Lan agreed.
"There are many people in the palace, and the maids come and go frequently, so it's not easy to arouse suspicion. But how do you approach the emperor and find out what he's thinking?"
Xiaoman smiled mysteriously: "That depends on my ability! I heard that the emperor has recently become obsessed with Cuju. I can create some 'little accidents' when he is playing Cuju to attract his attention." As she spoke, she gestured the trajectory of a rolling ball with her hand, and then made a gesture of accidentally falling, and winked playfully.
"For example?" Cen Jiexiao asked.
"For example, when he was shooting, I accidentally kicked the ball off target, letting him notice my 'clumsiness'; or, when he was taking a break, I accidentally spilled tea on him, and then apologized to him sincerely..." Xiaoman described her plan vividly, making Cen Jiexiao and Yu Lan laugh.
"You are such a clever girl, you have a lot of ideas, but you must be careful not to make things worse. Also, the key is to find out the emperor's attitude towards me and see if he is sincere." Cen Jiexiao smiled and shook her head.
"I understand! Don't worry, teacher!" Xiaoman nodded seriously.
Yu Lan continued, "As for Master Chen, I plan to start with his hobbies. He enjoys collecting ancient books. I can ask someone to send him a rare, single copy in your name. Then, I can use this opportunity to connect with him and find out what Master Chen is thinking."
"What book should I give you?" asked Cen Jiexiao, with a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
"It would be best if it could impress him and show my knowledge."
Yu Lan thought for a moment and said, "Let's give him 'Commentary on the Classic of Mountains and Rivers'. This book is rare on the market, and I know Lord Chen has always wanted to collect a copy. It's also relevant to your research, so it might resonate with him. Furthermore, Lord Chen's lifelong wish is to establish the Great Zhou's transportation and logistics system. Isn't this book right up his alley?"
"Well, this is a good choice. Maybe we can use this opportunity to discuss academic issues with him. When he mentions me in the process, be sure to observe the changes in his eyes and expression. Micro-expressions can't lie. I have taught you this myself before." Cen Jiexiao nodded approvingly. She secretly hoped that Chen Zigui could understand her feelings.