{"id":3623,"date":"2026-05-28T03:57:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T03:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/peach-blossom-overturning-the-country-the-princesss-gambit-22\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T03:58:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T03:58:03","slug":"peach-blossom-overturning-the-country-the-princesss-gambit-22-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/chapter\/peach-blossom-overturning-the-country-the-princesss-gambit-22-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Peach Blossom Overturning the Country (The Princess\u2018s Gambit) 22"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chapter 22: Let Her Stay


Playing it safe? Shen Zaiye raised an eyebrow. \u201cThen what token do you think would be appropriate?\u201d

Having inquired about this earlier, Peach Blossom spoke directly: \u201cI\u2019ve heard that you have a precious jade pendant you treasure dearly. Could it be temporarily entrusted to me? If I should meet my demise due to your actions, then \u2018the person perishes, and the jade shatters\u2019\u2014how does that sound?\u201d

Shen Zaiye\u2019s face instantly darkened, the line of his jaw tightening sharply, as the light in the room seemed to dim considerably.

\u201cNo!\u201d

Peach Blossom was startled, not expecting him to have such a strong reaction, and instinctively hunched her shoulders slightly: \u201cWhy?\u201d

The person before the bed lowered his eyes, looking rather displeased: \u201cI never part with that jade pendant. Pick something else.\u201d

\u201c\u2026 Oh, um, don\u2019t get worked up just yet.\u201d After sizing him up for a moment, Peach Blossom cautiously said, \u201cIf the jade pendant won\u2019t do, how about money? You\u2019ll place ten thousand taels of gold with the Southern King. If I die at your hands, the gold will be mine. How about that?\u201d

His anger subsided slightly, and Shen Zaizhe looked at her with a strange expression. \u201cIf your life is gone, who will you give the money to?\u201d

\u201cSomeone will always collect it on my behalf, so there\u2019s no need for you to worry about that.\u201d Peach Blossom smiled. \u201cTen thousand taels of gold is no small sum. As far as I know, the Prime Minister\u2019s annual salary is only fifty taels of gold. Of course, other sources of income are undoubtedly substantial, and I\u2019m not worried that you won\u2019t be able to come up with it.\u201d

He could indeed produce the money, but being manipulated like this by a woman still left him uneasy. \u201cIs your life worth that much money?\u201d

\u201cI will prove to you that this deal is nothing but profitable for you. If I am still alive six months from now, I will return the gold to you in full\u2014fair and square.\u201d

Leaving him at the South Prince\u2019s place was something Shen Zaiye had no objection to anyway, as he would have had to let him go even without this arrangement. For him, the condition was neither here nor there, but he didn\u2019t agree right away. Instead, he looked Jiang Taohua up and down as if appraising her worth.

Standing tall, her face pale but her spirit unbroken, Taohua fixed him with a firm gaze, declaring: \u201cThis lady is worth every bit of that price!\u201d

\u201cSince we\u2019re going to cooperate, mutual trust is essential.\u201d Shen Zaiye reached out, gently clasping her neck. \u201cI can agree to your demands, and you should serve me well in return, without any more thoughts of scheming.\u201d

\u201cRest assured, my lord,\u201d said Peach Blossom. \u201cThis humble one is very dependable.\u201d

\u201cIf you\u2019re so reliable, why did you still attempt to use seduction on me?\u201d His eyes darkened, the hand on her neck tightening slightly as Shen Zaiye said with a mocking smile, \u201cI can\u2019t stand things that are too beautiful; I always feel like crushing them with my own hands. Would you like to try it?\u201d

Her heart skipped a beat. Tao Hua quickly straightened up, shaking her head in alarm. \u201cNo, no, please calm down! I promise I\u2019ll break this habit in front of you from now on!\u201d

A habit? She was clearly trying to control him every time she saw him, searching for his weaknesses. If that was a habit, it was truly terrifying.

Snorting lightly, Shen Zaiye released her, watching as she timidly hunched her shoulders. He said irritably, \u201cLater, I\u2019ll have someone draft a contract for you, then send the gold to the Nanwang Mansion. You should rest well.\u201d

\u201cMaster!\u201d

Seeing that he was about to leave, Peach Blossom quickly called out to him, \u201cDoes the master truly believe that all your concubine needs to do is live like an ordinary woman in this backyard?\u201d

Casting a sidelong glance at her, Shen Zaiju crossed his arms, \u201cWhat else do you want?\u201d

\u201cYour concubine feels that the master\u2019s gold was generously given, and continuing to lie around like this seems a bit ungrateful to you,\u201d Peach Blossom said with a smile. \u201cHas the matter with Prince Jing not been settled yet?\u201d

His expression tightened, Shen Zaiye\u2019s gaze darkened as he looked at her. \u201cWhat do you know?\u201d

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for you to be nervous. What you wish to do, very few people are aware of.\u201d Jiang Taohua pursed her lips and spoke with great composure. \u201cEven if I know, I won\u2019t utter a single extra word. Now that I am your person, I will only help you and never harm you.\u201d

Shen Zaiye watched her with full suspicion, his hand beneath his sleeve slowly clenching.

Taohua pretended not to sense the killing intent and continued calmly. \u201cPrince Jing is currently the most favored prince by the Emperor. If you, my lord, wish to involve yourself in the struggle for the throne, you must start with him. Previously, you wanted to use my death to create a rift between Prince Jing and the Emperor, then win Prince Jing\u2019s heart. From this step, I can understand exactly what your attitude toward Prince Jing is.\u201d

First win over, then use as a stepping stone, and finally kick aside.

Shen Zaiye\u2019s disguise was excellent; given the current situation, people outside would likely think he was beginning to lean toward Prince Jing, and there should gradually be calls in the court to establish Prince Jing as the Crown Prince. Prince Jing was determined to win him over and had no suspicions of him, so Shen Zaiye\u2019s move held great promise of success.

\u201cI\u2019ve ruined your plans, my lord, and you must still be somewhat angry. Why not let me step in and make up for this, how about that?\u201d

Such bold words! Shen Zaiye sneered, \u201cDo you think this is some trivial matter that can be easily resolved? Opportunities come only once\u2014once lost, they\u2019re gone forever. What could you possibly use to make up for it?\u201d

Her head was a bit dizzy. Peach Blossom reached out to rub it, her breath weakened: \u201cForgive me for being blunt, but Master\u2019s previous plan was probably somewhat hasty, with many oversights. Even if Prince Jing were to kill me out of hatred, he would at most receive a scolding from His Majesty, without creating too deep a rift. Moreover, it would inevitably arouse suspicion toward you.\u201d

\u201cI do have a way to make His Majesty doubt Prince Jing\u2019s character without implicating you in the slightest.\u201d

Shen Zaiye paused, the killing intent in his eyes slightly diminishing: \u201cWhat method?\u201d

\u201cLet me rest for a while first. I\u2019ll tell you when I wake up, as I always keep my word, especially when it concerns life and death.\u201d Her face was ghastly pale. Peach Blossom forced a faint smile toward him, lay flat on her back, and closed her eyes with a frown.

Shen Zaiye: \u201c\u2026\u201d

This was the first time someone had piqued his curiosity like this. How could this woman, who had just arrived, know so much? She seemed to have a thorough understanding of not only him but also the inner courtyard of the Prime Minister\u2019s residence and even the affairs of the court.

How did she manage it?

He reached out and gently tapped her forehead. Looking at her pale, delicate face, Shen Zaiye couldn\u2019t help but feel the balance in his heart tilt slightly toward the idea of \u201ckeeping her.\u201d

Such an extraordinary woman would be a pity to lose, wouldn\u2019t she?

If she could truly handle the matter of Prince Jing, then\u2026 he would have no reason to kill her.

Thinking of her injuries, Shen Zaiye reached out to lift the blanket, expecting to see some scabbing by now. But as he pulled back the covers\u2014even without removing her outer garment\u2014he saw a large patch of blood seeping through her white sleeping robe.

His expression darkened. \u201cZhanlu,\u201d Shen Zaiye called out sharply, \u201csummon the female healer and the physician!\u201d

\u201cYes.\u201d

Qingtai glanced up, her heart tightening. Disregarding propriety, she hurried forward, gently lifting Taohua\u2019s robe and unwrapping the bandage to take a look.

\u201cIt must have torn when she sat up just now!\u201d Furious, Qing Tai cast a reproachful glance at Shen Zaiye: \u201cCouldn\u2019t you have let her speak lying down? This wound was just starting to heal\u2026\u201d

Shen Zaiye pursed his lips: \u201cShe insisted on sitting up herself, and you\u2019re blaming me?\u201d

I\u2019m not taking the blame for this! It\u2019s obvious Jiang Taohua is just plain stupid!

The moss opened its mouth, but couldn\u2019t find any words to say. She could only turn around and prepare all the medicine, waiting for the physician and medical assistant to come and re-bandage the wound.

Shen Zaijing leaned against the wall and watched for a while. When the medical attendant and the doctor arrived, he took Zhan Lu and went out.

\u201cIs there still a room available in the Chunzheng Pavilion?\u201d

Zhanlu nodded, \u201cThe side hall is empty.\u201d

\u201cAlright, I\u2019ll rest in the side hall tonight. As far as outsiders are concerned, just say the Prime Minister stayed up all night taking care of Lady Jiang.\u201d

Zhanlu looked up at him, somewhat surprised. \u201cBut didn\u2019t you cooperate with Lady Jiang\u2026?\u201d

\u201cDuring cooperation, she should demonstrate her value; otherwise, why would I agree to her terms?\u201d Shen Zaiye chuckled lightly. \u201cJiang Taohua has a tough life; don\u2019t worry about her.\u201d

Zhan Lu\u2019s heart skipped a beat. He shook his head like a rattle drum, his face filled with panic as he said, \u201cThis servant isn\u2019t worried!\u201d

\u201cI\u2019m just teasing you, don\u2019t be anxious.\u201d Shen Zaiye glanced at him and sighed. \u201cMadam Jiang is truly beautiful; indeed, few men could resist her.\u201d

He wouldn\u2019t find it strange if men other than himself developed feelings for her.

Zhan Lu tensed up, quietly sizing up his master twice, feeling uncertain for the first time. By all accounts, the master\u2019s words were spoken lightly and truly didn\u2019t seem like he was about to assign blame, yet the aura emanating from him felt somewhat strange.

Shen Zaiye paid no attention to him. Entering the side hall, he freshened up and rested, no longer inquiring about the situation in the main room.

Peach Blossom\u2019s injuries were severe, and once the wound reopened, the doctor and medical maid toiled for another two hours before withdrawing.

After a night\u2019s rest, she opened her eyes, once again greeted by Shen Zaiye\u2019s insincerely smiling face.

\u201cCome on, get up and have some porridge.\u201d

With a weak smile, Peach Blossom looked at him and said, \u201cIs Your Lordship really that idle?\u201d

\u201cNot idle at all, but you didn\u2019t finish what you were saying yesterday, and it has been weighing on my mind.\u201d Looking down at her from his lofty position, Shen Zaiye replied, \u201cAfter you make it clear, it will be time for me to attend the morning court session.\u201d

Closing her eyes, Peach Blossom said, \u201cYour Lordship only needs to tell me what His Majesty the Emperor fears the most. What I choose to do with that information is my own affair. Could it be that Your Lordship is also someone who enjoys watching the process unfold?\u201d

The emperor\u2019s taboo?

With a glance at her, Shen Zaiye asked, \u201cIf you don\u2019t tell me the specific plan, how can I be sure you won\u2019t bring trouble upon my Prime Minister\u2019s residence?\u201d

\u201cI do not act in the name of the Chancellor\u2019s residence,\u201d Peach Blossom replied. \u201cOnce I step out of this estate, few in Great Wei would recognize me. What is it that worries you, my lord?\u201d

That seems reasonable as well. Currently, only the Prince of Nan and he himself have seen her face; the Prince of Jing hasn\u2019t laid eyes on her either.

After a moment\u2019s contemplation, Shen Zaiye began, \u201cWhat the Emperor detests most is princes who don\u2019t know their place, acting on impulse. That\u2019s why Prince Jing has always been steady and never stepped out of line.\u201d

\u201cI understand,\u201d Peach Blossom nodded. \u201cAfter resting for a couple more days, once the wound has healed a bit better, I will go take care of your affairs, Master.\u201d

Two days? Shen Zaiye laughed. \u201cThe imperial physician said you won\u2019t be able to get out of bed for less than half a month.\u201d

\u201cCan you afford to wait half a month?\u201d

\u201cI can\u2019t wait.\u201d

\u201cThen that settles it.\u201d Tao Hua chuckled softly. \u201cWhat I plan to do, Master need not concern yourself with. Just wait and see the final result.\u201d

People like them don\u2019t care how difficult the process is; they only look at success or failure.<\/p>","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-3623","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3623"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3624,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3623\/revisions\/3624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=3623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}