Chapter 86: Mother, Allow Me to Perform a Trick for You

Zhu Hao listened to Gongsun Ce’s explanation and finally understood what was going on with this cuttlefish ink. He thought to himself, “Damn, this is the legendary invisible ink! How could I be so stupid not to think of it, especially as a science student!” The reason Zhu Hao hadn’t thought of this was because, deep down, he’d believed that something like chemical elements couldn’t possibly exist in this era, so, naturally, invisible ink had never crossed his mind. But he had underestimated the wisdom of the ancients; though they didn’t know what chemical elements were, they had already begun to use such things widely in daily life, just without the modern concept or terminology.

Once Zhu Hao figured it out, he exclaimed, “Gongsun, you mean that Fang Congzhe used invisible ink—no, I mean cuttlefish ink—to write a confession for the prince, which is why the writing disappeared after it dried!” He almost blurted out “invisible ink,” but caught himself just in time, remembering that such a term didn’t exist in this era. Otherwise, he would have coined yet another new phrase today.

Though Gongsun Ce was momentarily puzzled by Zhu Hao’s slip, he didn’t ask about it and simply nodded, “Exactly!”

Receiving Gongsun Ce’s confirmation, Zhu Hao waved his hand grandly and said, “Well, what are you waiting for? Prepare water and dust at once! Today, Gongsun, you and I shall witness a miracle together!”

At Zhu Hao’s command, Gongsun Ce fetched a basin of clean water, found some dust outside the door, and began the process. He carefully placed the paper in the basin, then gently retrieved it, sprinkled dust over the damp surface, and before their eyes, words began to appear on the once spotless page. Zhu Hao looked closely and saw it was indeed the confession Fang Congzhe had written that day.

Delighted, Zhu Hao cried, “Gongsun, bring these things at once! I want to show them to the ministers. When they see this confession, let’s see who will still believe the poisonous lies of Lady Dowager Zheng!”

But Gongsun Ce quickly stopped the enthusiastic Zhu Hao, “Your Highness, that must not be done! This confession is your trump card—it must only be used for a decisive, unexpected blow. If you reveal it now, it’s unlikely you’ll achieve the result you desire, and Lady Dowager Zheng will learn of your advantage and fortify her defenses. If you use your trump card now and fail, it will lose all its value when you next reveal it. Please, Your Highness, reconsider!”

Zhu Hao, puzzled, asked, “What do you mean? Are you saying that even with such vital evidence, the ministers won’t believe me? How is that possible? They’re not blind—this is Fang Congzhe’s own confession, in his handwriting. The ministers should recognize his script. If it proves that my father was poisoned by Fang Congzhe and Lady Dowager Zheng, how could those ministers—who loudly proclaim their loyalty to the court—still believe Lady Dowager Zheng’s lies?”

Gongsun Ce sighed, “Indeed, there are no blind men among the ministers, but there is no shortage of those who lie with their eyes wide open. Don’t forget, these ministers are being held prisoner in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Though they fear you and dare not resist, that doesn’t mean they harbor no resentment. If you go to them now, you will only provoke their anger. Besides, the Chief Minister holds immense influence at court. For these reasons, the ministers are likely to side with Lady Dowager Zheng. Your Highness must be cautious and act only after careful consideration.”

Reminded by Gongsun Ce, Zhu Hao slapped his forehead and said, “Thank you for the warning, Gongsun! Otherwise, I would have made a grave blunder. Based on your advice, what do you think my next step should be?”

In truth, Zhu Hao had already made up his mind—he was only seeking Gongsun Ce’s opinion for confirmation. Since he couldn’t act directly, he could have Empress Guo present the confession to the ministers. With her influence and position, the ministers would be forced to refute Lady Dowager Zheng’s forged edict, making his brother’s claim to succession indisputable.

Gongsun Ce didn’t pause to ponder Zhu Hao’s intentions, but answered straightforwardly, “Go to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility!”

Hearing Gongsun Ce’s answer matched his own thoughts, Zhu Hao clapped his hands and laughed, “Gongsun, you truly understand me! Great minds think alike! I shall go to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility at once! Meanwhile, you keep a close watch on the Intelligence Office and report any movements in the palaces to me immediately!”

Gongsun Ce bowed and replied, “Your humble servant obeys! Your Highness may rest assured!” At Zhu Hao’s signal, he took his leave.

After Gongsun Ce departed, Zhu Hao wasted no time in his own chambers. He had someone bring the confession, basin, and dust, and together they went to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

Upon arrival, he saw Spring Peach standing guard outside. When she saw Zhu Hao, she smiled and said, “Your Highness, here to visit Her Majesty?”

Zhu Hao nodded in response and entered the Empress’s chambers. He immediately noticed that the maids and eunuchs were friendlier toward him, now that he and Empress Guo had reconciled. He no longer felt uneasy visiting the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

This change in the servants’ attitudes swept away the gloom Zhu Hao had felt for days, and he was pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, happiness is that simple—a smile from someone is enough.

Inside, he found Empress Guo lying weakly on her bed. Though she was still frail, her complexion was much improved. Zhu Hao knelt and greeted her, “Your son, Zhu Youjian, pays his respects to Mother. May you have blessings and long life.”

Empress Guo smiled at him and waved her hand, “These are extraordinary times, no need for such formalities. Come closer and speak.”

Zhu Hao rose and moved to her bedside, kneeling with concern. “Mother, are you feeling any better?”

She nodded slightly, “I do feel a bit better, but I’m still too weak to rise. I am deeply anxious. You have returned so soon—have you already found proof that Lady Dowager Zheng’s imperial edict is a forgery?”

Hearing her anxious tone, Zhu Hao quickly soothed her, “Mother, don’t worry. I will answer that in a moment. First, let me show you a little trick I’ve just learned. I promise, once you see it, all your fatigue will vanish and you’ll be full of energy!”

Amused and a little exasperated, Empress Guo replied, “You child! How did I never realize you were so mischievous? Very well, show me this trick—I want to see what feat could possibly cure my illness.”

With a mysterious smile, Zhu Hao had the paper, water basin, and dust brought forward. He picked up the blank sheet and flipped it back and forth for her to see. “Mother, look closely. This is a blank sheet of paper—perfectly clean with nothing written on it.”

She nodded to show she agreed.

Zhu Hao smiled again, “Now, Mother, watch as I place this blank sheet into the water basin.” He soaked the paper thoroughly, then lifted it for her to see. “Now, this is just a wet, blank sheet—still nothing on it!”

Though she had no idea what he was up to, Empress Guo nodded along. Zhu Hao set the wet paper on the table. “Mother, now’s the moment to witness a miracle!”

He sprinkled dust over the damp paper, then lifted it and held it before her eyes. “Mother, look! The paper is now covered in writing! Isn’t it magical?”

Empress Guo’s gaze fell on the page, now filled with words. She couldn’t look away. Suddenly, she sat up, murmuring, “This… this is…” Then, clenching her fists in fury, she cried, “So it’s true! That venomous woman really is so ruthless!” She collapsed onto the bed, sobbing, “Your Majesty! It’s all my fault! If only I hadn’t trusted that woman! I deserve to die!”

Zhu Hao watched, startled by her sudden breakdown. Though he didn’t know what role Empress Guo had played in his father’s death, from what Spring Peach had told him, he understood that the woman before him had loved his father deeply and would never have harmed him.

With that in mind, Zhu Hao comforted her, “Mother, Father is gone. You must take care of yourself.”