Jia Zhen sighed. "This was Uncle's idea. Direct threats would have been too crude, and Han Tuozhou might have used them afterward to attack the Contest for Command results. This method, on the other hand, leaves no trace. Even if Han Tuozhou finds out afterward, he can only blame Wu Tiande for lacking self-control and has no grounds to make an issue of it. As they say, a mute man eats bitter herbs—he suffers in silence."
"So that was it. Jia Shixian truly has remarkable foresight. Admirable, admirable!" Zhao Shicheng lavished him with praise, but as he watched Jia Zhen's dejected expression, he sneered inwardly. Who knew who was really the mute man swallowing bitter herbs?
Jia Zhen was in no mood to continue chatting. He cupped his hands and said, "I need to report the outcome to Uncle, and comfort Keqing while I'm at it. I won't trouble Your Highness any longer. Farewell."
"Take care. I won't see you out," Zhao Shicheng replied, secretly shaking his head. A woman personally given to another man by the man she loved had already suffered a heart riddled with wounds. How could a few comforting words possibly mend it?
"Your Highness, please stay," Jia Zhen said with cupped hands before hurrying away at a light run.
Watching his departing back, Zhao Shicheng fell into thought. Then a faint sigh drifted into his ears. "Your Highness, did you harm someone again last night?"
Zhao Shicheng turned around and saw his wife, Tang Wan, standing nearby with a worried expression. He hurried over to support her. "Why is Madam up so early? The garden dew is heavy and the chill is strong. Hurry back inside and rest."
Tang Wan sighed. "You did not return to our room all night. How could I sleep? I