Chapter 20: Crisis Approaches Again

"Chen knows!"

In the side hall, Ning Chen gazed directly at Master Kong. "That is why Chen needs your help, Master!"

From the Master's expression, he knew that his words had struck a chord within him. He had to strike while the iron was hot and win the Master over completely. Master Kong would be his greatest asset in realizing the second step of his plan.

Master Kong caught his breath, then said thoughtfully, "Let me ask one last question. Why is Your Majesty so certain that I will assist you?"

Ning Chen laughed, his face relaxed. "From start to finish, I was never certain!"

"But the result proves that I bet correctly, does it not?"

A bet?

Master Kong was taken aback. That was true; this nine-year-old child had indeed been gambling. He was gambling on whether the Master would assist him, and even more, he was gambling with his own life!

How could he say such things with such lighthearted indifference? Was this truly just a nine-year-old child? If all his previous schemes suggested this young emperor was a rare genius, then the nonchalance and poise he displayed now were impossible for even a genius to possess. After all, he was only a child of nine! Unless one had grown accustomed to life and death, unless one had weathered great storms, it would be impossible for anyone to be so calm and mature beyond their years.

A thought that defied his understanding began to stir within him: Could this little emperor truly be the Child of Destiny? Yes, it must be so! It must be that the harrowing experiences of the past three years had fully awakened the Child of Destiny.

As he was thinking, Ning Chen grew serious again. "Master, as you said, the path I have chosen is riddled with thorns and dangers. One misstep, and I shall be doomed forever!"

"In that case, are you still willing to help me, just as you have today?"

The Master was startled once more. Indeed, this nine-year-old, despite his exceptional talent and maturity, was still merely a puppet without troops or power. To help him meant risking his own life. Furthermore, if things went wrong, his lifelong reputation and achievements would be destroyed in an instant.

Ning Chen said nothing, nor did he make any plea; he simply waited quietly for the Master's answer. He knew he had exhausted every means to win the Master over. Facing such a wise man, any further words or actions would be superfluous.

For a long time, the Master remained standing there, his mouth slightly parted, unable to offer an answer. Ning Chen felt a secret disappointment. Had his words failed to move the Master? Well, it was to be expected—he was far too weak now. It would be natural for the Master not to tie his lifelong reputation to a puppet like him.

Just then, the Master spoke. "Your Majesty, I have one more question. I hope Your Majesty will answer truthfully."

Ning Chen replied, "I shall!"

The Master said with a stern face, "If I am not mistaken, today's performance was merely your first step. May I ask what your second step will be?"

Ning Chen frowned slightly; he understood at once. The Master must have already formed his own answer to this question. Asking it was his final test—a way to see if he would make the right choice, to see if he was truly worth helping. In other words, his answer would determine whether Master Kong would truly become his ally.

With this in mind, Ning Chen smiled. Instead of answering directly, he turned and retrieved two brushes from the room. He handed one to the Master. "Master, why don't we both write our answers on our hands? Let us see if there is another spark of understanding between us, grandfather and grandson..."

The Master was stunned. This young emperor was truly remarkable; he had known that he already had an answer! Very well, let us see if his plan aligned with what he had envisioned for him.

The two turned back-to-back and wrote their answers on their palms. A moment later, they turned around, smiling at one another. They extended their hands simultaneously to reveal the same two words written on both:

"Pan Yu!"

Seeing this, the Master was struck with shock. Two seconds later, he knelt before Ning Chen and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, please accept the obeisance of your subject, Kong Xiaoru..."

Night deepened.

Ning Chen lay on his bed alone, thinking of his secret conversation with the Master, a corner of his mouth curving upward. His first goal had been perfectly achieved; Master Kong was now his. Next was the second goal: Pan Yu, Commander of the Imperial Guard! With the Master's help, his plan would surely succeed.

Just then, a voice came from outside the hall: "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager arrives!"

The doors were pushed open, and the Empress Dowager entered with her entourage, Xiao Anzi trailing behind. The Empress Dowager was all smiles. Seeing Ning Chen about to rise to greet her, she pulled him up with affection and laughed, "Chen'er, no need for such formalities!"

"What is it? Are you still unhappy that the Master did not take you as his disciple?"

"Do not worry. If the Master thinks your talent is poor, it is because he is blind. You need not take it to heart. Besides, he has promised me that even if he does not take you as a disciple, he will enter the palace regularly to tutor you."

Ning Chen nodded and said obediently, "Thank you, Mother!"

The Empress Dowager smiled and continued, "I am very pleased with the birthday celebration today, and it allowed me to see your filial piety!"

"Looking back, I have been truly too strict with you. I hope you do not hold a grudge against me..."

Ning Chen felt a jolt inside. *When something is abnormal, there must be a demon at work. This old hag must be plotting something!*

But he quickly replied, "Mother, it was Chen who was foolish in the past. Your strictness was for my own good. I am grateful to you; how could I hold a grudge? I hope you will not be angry with me. Do not worry, Mother, I shall be a dutiful son to you from now on..."

The Empress Dowager patted Ning Chen’s head affectionately. "Good boy. I have decided that starting tomorrow, you shall begin to learn how to handle state affairs. Since I have sworn it publicly, I will do my utmost to assist you in becoming a wise monarch!"

Ning Chen sneered inwardly: *Starting tomorrow, you want me to handle state affairs? My dear mother, you truly do commit to your act!*

But aloud, he said, "I am still young and fear I may not handle state affairs well. I only wish to follow you..."

As he spoke, the Empress Dowager turned and beckoned. An old maid brought over a bowl of soup. The Empress Dowager took the bowl and fed him herself, painting the picture of a loving mother: "Chen'er, this is a premium shark fin soup specially offered by Bozhou for my birthday. I brewed it myself for you!"

"Come, I shall feed you myself as a reward..."

Looking at the shark fin soup, a chill ran down Ning Chen’s spine. A strong, ominous premonition flooded his heart. Suddenly, he noticed Xiao Anzi not far away, looking at him with intense worry. The slight shaking of his head and his terrified, restless gaze confirmed his fears.

The soup was poisoned!

However, the Empress Dowager gave him no chance to refuse, bringing the spoon filled with soup to his lips. Ning Chen’s mind raced. He knew that if he drank this, his survival would be uncertain! Yet at this moment, with the Empress Dowager present and feeding him herself, he had no choice but to drink.

Just then, he noticed Xiao Anzi take a step forward, quietly raising his arm. Ning Chen used his gaze to stop him, fearing that if he acted abnormally, it would arouse the Empress Dowager's suspicion.

He took the bowl from the Empress Dowager with both hands and, without a moment's hesitation, drank it all in front of everyone.

Seeing the Empress Dowager and the others stunned, he quietly looked at Xiao Anzi, signaling him not to act rashly. Xiao Anzi finally understood his intent; the intense anger and frustration he felt were buried deep within, to the point where his whole body was trembling. He had clearly signaled to the little emperor that the soup was dangerous and must not be drunk! And the little emperor had clearly understood. Why, then, had he stopped him and downed the bowl without a second thought?

Ning Chen no longer looked at Xiao Anzi. He licked the bowl with feigned innocence, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and looked at the Empress Dowager with excitement.

"It is so delicious, Mother!"

"Do you have any more? Chen wants to drink more..."

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager snapped out of her shock, then smiled with doting eyes. "Good boy!"

"Shark fin is good, but you must not be greedy! Rest assured, as long as you are obedient and strive to be a good emperor, I will brew soup for you regularly..."

Ning Chen pouted, looking somewhat reluctant. "Mother, but Chen still wants more..."

The Empress Dowager smiled and feigned severity. "Did you not say you would be obedient?"

Ning Chen lowered his head, feeling aggrieved. "Very well, Mother. You promised me—as long as I am obedient, you will brew soup for me regularly..."

The Empress Dowager patted the obedient Ning Chen again. "A sovereign's word is final!"

"Very well, Chen'er, you should rest. There is an early court session tomorrow. I shall return now..."

After the Empress Dowager and her entourage left, Xiao Anzi remained. He knelt before Ning Chen, filled with worry and self-reproach. "Your Majesty, are you alright? Your Majesty..."

Ning Chen frowned and suddenly said in a low, deep voice, "Xiao Anzi, do you know your crime?"

Xiao Anzi was startled, his face turning pale instantly. He quickly said, "Y-Your Majesty, I truly did not know about the soup..."