Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 874 There is a Phoenix!
The Wu residence in Bingzhou had its vermilion gates tightly shut, and the snow under the eaves remained unswept, exuding a deliberate sense of desolation. When Xiao Wu's caravan arrived, only the side gate was open, where an elderly man who appeared to be a steward, accompanied by two timid servants, waited with a cold smile on his face.

"Second Miss, you must be tired from your journey. Madam has instructed that things be kept simple due to the busy year-end season. Please go directly to the West Courtyard to rest." The steward's tone was indifferent. When his gaze swept over the astonishing twenty-seven carriages of ceremonial guards and the thousands of guards of the Eastern Palace, a trace of barely perceptible fear flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by his usual arrogance.

This was a show of force from Madam Yang, the matriarch of the Wu family, intended to suppress Xiao Wu's arrogance and make her realize her awkward status.

The head of the Eastern Palace guards' expression darkened, his hand already on the hilt of his sword. Xiao Wu gently raised her hand to stop him, her expression calm and composed, as if the cold reception she was about to receive was entirely expected. She didn't even glance at the steward, only giving the head of the guards a slight nod: "Thank you, General Chen, please proceed with the arrangements as planned."

His voice was clear and cool, neither too loud nor too soft, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

General Chen was a fierce general personally selected by Xia Lin from the veterans of the Fuliang faction. He was given a strict order to prioritize the safety and reputation of Miss Wu above all else.

He snorted coldly, his voice booming like a bell: "His Highness the Crown Prince has ordered that when Miss Wu returns to her hometown, the ceremonial procession must not be disregarded! Open the main gate and unload the carriages. Since you are not opening the gate now, my men! Dismantle them!"

Before the words were even finished, more than a thousand elite soldiers behind him responded in unison, their voices shaking the rooftops and exuding a chilling aura of killing intent.

The steward turned pale with fright and retreated repeatedly, not daring to utter another word. The middle door creaked open slowly, and the Wu family servants, under the watchful gaze of the gleaming swords and spears, began to move items with trepidation.

Surrounded by attendants, Xiao Wu headed straight for the west courtyard. The courtyard was indeed remote and old, but the guards from the Eastern Palace acted swiftly. In less than half a day, they had cleaned it inside and out, laid out the brocade carpets they had brought, and lit the finest silver charcoal. The simple courtyard was instantly transformed, filled with warmth, a stark contrast to the coldness of the rest of the Wu residence.

The news quickly reached the ears of Madam Yang, the head of the household. She was talking with her biological sons, Wu Yuanqing and Wu Yuanshuang, when she heard the news and angrily smashed the teacup in her hand.

"This is outrageous! It's truly outrageous! A bastard brought back by an abandoned woman from another family dares to act arrogantly in the Wu family!" Madam Yang's chest heaved. She had originally intended to give Xiao Wu a warning, but she never expected that the other party would directly use his power to intimidate her without any mercy.

Wu Yuanqing said with a dark face, "Mother, please calm down. After all, she is someone close to the Crown Prince, and she is currently very powerful. It would be unwise to confront her head-on."

Wu Yuanshuang's eyes darted around, a glint of greed in them: "Mother, brother, she brought back so many things. I heard there are dozens of bolts of Shu brocade alone, and quite a few imperial items. If we could..."

The next day, Madam Yang adjusted her strategy, sending someone to invite Xiao Wu to dine in the main hall under the pretext of a family gathering at the end of the year. In reality, she wanted to use her status as an elder to give her a warning and test her true relationship with the Crown Prince.

Xiao Wu gladly went. She was still dressed in simple clothes and light makeup, except that she wore a pearl hairpin that Li Zhi had personally bestowed upon her, which shimmered as she walked, making her face even more beautiful.

During the meal, Madam Yang feigned concern, but her words were tinged with inquiries: "Second Miss, it is truly an honor for the Wu family to have the Crown Prince's favor in Chang'an. However, I have heard that the Crown Prince is currently selecting a consort. There are countless noble ladies in Chang'an. Second Miss should make plans as soon as possible, after all, there is a difference in social status."

Several clan elders echoed this sentiment, subtly suggesting that Xiao Wu should work more for the benefit of the family and entrust the Crown Prince's reward to the public treasury so that the family could secure her future.

Xiao Wu listened quietly, slowly consuming his soup. When they had finished speaking, he put down his silver spoon, picked up a silk handkerchief to wipe his mouth, and looked up at Madam Yang, his gaze calm yet sharp: "Thank you for your concern, Mother and elders. In Chang'an, I was trusted by His Highness the Crown Prince and instructed by my master, Commander Xia. I deeply understand the principles of being content with my lot and keeping to my duty. His Highness's gifts are imperial favors, recorded in the annals, every stitch and thread has its origin. How could I dare to accept them privately and thus tarnish His Majesty's grace?"

Her tone was gentle, but her words were uncompromising, directly accusing the Yang family of bestowing great favors upon them, leaving the Yang family and the clan elders speechless.

"As for the Crown Prince's selection of a consort," Xiao Wu smiled slightly, a smile that was gentle yet carried a penetrating power, "it is a matter of great importance to the nation, and His Majesty, Marshal Xia, and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs are naturally concerned with it. I am but a humble person and dare not speak rashly. I have heard, however, that my two elder brothers seem to have had mediocre political achievements in their posts?"

She changed the subject, her gaze sweeping over Wu Yuanqing and Wu Yuanshuang, whose expressions had suddenly changed. "The court is currently in dire need of talent, and the assessments are rigorous. If you brothers are interested in a career in government, you should be diligent in your duties; that is the right thing to do. If you need to bribe officials, why not focus your efforts on that? It's better than focusing on your sister's meager reward. If word gets out, won't people laugh at the Wu family men for lacking ambition?"

Her words were a mix of offense and defense, both dispelling her own ulterior motives in the selection of concubines and turning the tables on them, directly pointing out the incompetence of the Wu brothers and subtly implying that they coveted her wealth. Her words were extremely sharp.

The room fell silent. The Wu brothers blushed, and Madam Yang's face turned ashen, but she couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.

Xiao Wu calmly stood up and gave a slight bow: "I'm done with my meal, everyone please enjoy."

After this battle, everyone in the Wu family knew that this seemingly weak second young lady was no longer the orphan girl they could easily manipulate. Behind her stood the Crown Prince and the infamous Marshal Xia, and even more frightening was her composure and sharpness that were beyond her years.

However, she was never one to be easily persuaded, and her hands never stopped moving. First, citing the Crown Prince's concern for the local people's livelihood, she used some of her rewards to set up soup kitchens and provide free medicine and medical treatment in Bingzhou City.

She personally oversaw the situation, and because of her superb medical skills, she treated the poor people with no airs and was patient and meticulous. In just a few days, the reputation of "Miss Wu's compassionate heart" and "divine medical skills" spread like wildfire, quickly overshadowing the rumors that the Wu family had deliberately spread about her awkward identity and dependence on men.

Meanwhile, she instructed General Chen, under the guise of "protecting the Crown Prince's rewards and maintaining the dignity of the Eastern Palace," to lead elite guards on daily patrols within Bingzhou City. The gleaming armor and menacing presence of the troops were a silent declaration—Miss Wu the Second was someone the Eastern Palace valued highly. Seeing this, Bingzhou officials and gentry were alarmed and began to reassess the importance of this young lady of the Wu family. Privately, invitations and gifts poured in, with many seeking to pay her a visit.

Xiao Wu did not meet with all of them, but selectively met with the families of several officials who were known for their integrity or held real power. He spoke appropriately and was neither arrogant nor humble, which further consolidated his reputation and network of connections.

This combination of kindness and severity was executed brilliantly. Within the Wu family, some members of the collateral branches who had initially been observing began to actively curry favor with Xiao Wu, and the Yang brothers, including Wu Yuanqing, felt increasing pressure.

On this day, the wife of the Governor of Bingzhou hosted a banquet, inviting the women of the city, including Xiao Wu. During the banquet, someone naturally brought up the matter of the Crown Prince choosing a consort, subtly probing Xiao Wu's intentions.

A woman who was on good terms with Yang deliberately said, "I've heard that the young ladies of the Pei and Cui families in Chang'an are both beautiful and talented, and come from prominent families. They are both popular candidates for the Crown Princess. Miss Wu is often by the Crown Prince's side, so you must have seen these two ladies, right?"

Immediately, all eyes were focused on Xiao Wu.

Xiao Wu sat upright at the table, his expression unchanged. He gently put down his teacup and spoke in a clear and gentle voice: "Sister Pei is graceful and refined, and Sister Cui is lively. Both are rare beauties. His Highness the Crown Prince is kind and benevolent, and he is very kind to those around him."

She cleverly defined Li Zhi's relationship with them as tolerant rather than special, and then changed the subject: "However, Master Xia often teaches Your Highness that when a ruler selects virtuous and capable officials, virtue and talent are the most important factors. Although family background is also important, it is not the only factor. Your Highness is young and now needs to focus on your studies and gain experience in politics. I believe His Majesty and Commander Xia will make their own wise decisions."

She not only easily defused the test, but also brought up Xia Lin's prestigious reputation, implying that the selection criteria for the imperial concubine were not entirely within the control of the Guanlong Group. Finally, she steered the conversation back to Li Zhi's studies and political affairs, making herself appear to be a person of great principle who had no desire to cling to power.

Her words were impeccable, protecting Li Zhi while showcasing her own magnanimity, and subtly revealing her extraordinary relationship with Xia Lin and the Crown Prince. The woman who had stirred up trouble was speechless with embarrassment, and the other women looked at Xiao Wu with completely different eyes. This little eighteen-year-old girl could handle things so with such ease; this wasn't a mere confrontation, it was a phoenix rising from the ashes…

After the banquet, Xiao Wu returned to the Wu residence and was surprised to find several elders of the clan, who usually fawned over Madam Yang, waiting respectfully at the gate. They were asking her to speak well of the Wu family members to the Crown Prince, hoping to secure a future for them. Xiao Wu did not immediately agree, but said calmly, "If a member of the Wu family truly possesses talent, His Highness will naturally appoint him according to his abilities. If he is unworthy of his position, I, being of lowly status, dare not let personal matters interfere with public duty."

The more she acted this way, the more unfathomable the elders felt about her, and the more humble they became.

That evening, Wu Yuanshuang secretly visited him. He was no longer arrogant and probing as before, but rather flattering, implying that he would reward him handsomely if he could help him get promoted, and promising to fully support Xiao Wu in the clan in the future.

Looking at his half-brother's fawning face, Xiao Wu sneered inwardly, but maintained a calm demeanor: "Brother, you jest. Official positions are public assets of the court; how can they be bought and sold with gold and silver? If you wish to advance, you should follow my advice and diligently serve the king, achieving political success—that is the right path. As for the support from the clan..."

She paused, then gave Wu Yuanshuang a meaningful look: "As long as you act with a clear conscience, live up to His Highness's trust, and are worthy of the Wu family name, that's enough. Why do you need the support of others?"

Wu Yuanshuang was rebuffed and slunk away.

Standing by the window, gazing at the myriad lights of Bingzhou City, Xiao Wu gently stroked the brocade pouch in her sleeve. This visit home had not only dealt a severe blow to the arrogance of the Yang family, but also established her prestige in Bingzhou and begun to build her own network of connections. She had proven through her actions that even without the support of a powerful family, she could stand tall and proud with her own wisdom, skill, and the strength behind her.

“It’s time,” she murmured to herself.

Bingzhou is no longer a concern; Chang'an is the true stage. With the turmoil surrounding the Crown Prince's selection of a consort still unresolved, she needs to return to his side to face even more formidable rivals and to plan for a more distant future.

She spread out paper and pen and began to write a letter to Li Zhi. It was not to complain or to ask for credit, but to calmly describe the scenery and people's lives in Bingzhou, as well as some reading notes. She only mentioned it subtly at the end: "The snow in Bingzhou is gradually fading, spring is coming, and I will return soon."

She knew that when the boy received this letter, he would understand her longing and the news of his imminent return.

(End of this chapter)