Jing Wen’s amusement disappeared as quickly as it emerged. Reaching within his robes, he took out some snacks leftover from earlier. The pastries were wrapped in a delicate handkerchief and appeared particularly appetising.

Fang Hui had been starved of food for almost a day by now. Without much hesitation, he sat down and promptly devoured the food. A short while later, he leaned back against the wall comfortably. It as though he was about to fall down any moment from the satisfaction of a full stomach.

Looking at Jing Wen, he said, “Daren (大人), please command me.”

Jing Wen casually inquired, “How are you aware of my identity?”

Fang Hui blushed and responded, “Daren, the handkerchief in your hand has the embroidery of a four-legged dragon. However, since Daren is not wearing any yellow on his body, then it means you are likely not of the Imperial family. As such, this one had suspected Your Excellence’s identity to be of a Marquis.”

Jing Wen nodded in admiration of Fang Hui’s deduction. “However, you forgot one thing; the state is currently in mourning. Even if I were a prince, I would not dare wear yellow.”

Fang Hui was stunned, but he quickly answered, “Daren, it has already been a month since the passing of the Prime Minister. Most of the people would have done away with white and light colours by now. If Daren was a prince, I suspect you would be wearing yellow by now.”

Jing Wen calmly remarked, “Indeed, I am not a prince. I am merely the Marquis of Ji with power that cannot rival those of the Prince.”

Fang Hui sighed, “Then it is no wonder that daren is still so determined on continuing to wear white. Since daren is the son of the Prime Minister, I have no worries regarding your moral qualities.”

Jing Wen thought over some matters, then said, “I wouldn’t question you about your past, despite my interest in learning how you are aware of things beyond the common knowledge of a merchant. However, in the future, if you have some mishaps over some unusual enemies or past grudge, do not blame me for being unable to resolve it.”

Fang Hui hesitated slightly, before answering firmly, “Daren, do not worry; I do not have any particular history that I require you to deal with. However, I am an untalented individual and do not know what I can do for daren.”

Jing Wen indifferently stated, “I don’t need you to do much. Simply pledge your allegiance to the Seventh Prince and become his close confidant.”

Fang Hui was stunned as he asked, “Daren, I am a nobody. How can I get close to the prince?”

Jing Wen placed his hands behind his back as he explained, “It’s not difficult. I don’t need you to find out any secrets nor to communicate with us. I simply require you to acquire the Crown Prince’s favour. And judging by your temperament, this should not be a difficult task. Remember, a favoured subordinate is not necessarily a skilled one, simply an individual who is doted upon by their master.”

Jing Wen lowered his gaze, as if staring at Fang Hui through that layer of cloth. He said coldly, “You only need to adhere to one principle; to intensify the Seventh Prince’s lustful nature and, when the right opportunity presents itself, speak a few words to sow discord. Outside of that, you must act like the Seventh Prince’s dog, doing whatever acts he wishes you to commit. In the case that you hear any major secret, you must remain ignorant.”

“Understand that after today, this meeting will have no existed. Even if we meet afterwards, I shall be the Marquis of Ji, and you, the confidant of the Seventh Prince.”

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Although Fang Hui did not manage to comprehend the meaning behind Jing Wen’s words entirely, he still nodded his head like a chicken pecking grain. He said, “I understand daren’s wisdom. You only need me to attain the favour of the Seventh Prince. Aside from that, everything I do will be completely autonomously. I only need to try and please the Crown Prince, accompanying the Crown Prince to eat, drink, and play.”

Jing Wen nodded his head and took out two envelopes from his robes. Handing the first envelope to Fang Hui, he said, “Not bad. The matters contained in this envelope should at least allow you to enter the Seventh Prince’s household - perhaps even acquire his attention. Everything after that will depend on your ability. As for the other envelope, it contains the instruction that will allow you to evade suspicion when you hand in the information. Read it as you walk. Do not forget to destroy it.”

Jing Wen waved his hand, stating, “Gao Shu, there should be a box of aphrodisiacs in the storage room. When Drifter Fang Hui departs, pass it to him.”

Turning towards Fang Hui, Jing Wen then said, “These aphrodisiacs are of excellent quality and would no doubt grant the Seventh Prince much happiness. Since the Seventh Prince fears his reputation being ruined, he would not ask the Imperial physicians for such prescriptions; you would become his only source. As a result, you should be able to join the Seventh Prince’s inner circle without any problem.”

After sensing Fang Hui nodding once more, Jing Wen’s expression turned severe as he said, “However, you must make sure to not give him more than one pill at a time, less he becomes violent and does unspeakable things to his partner.”

Fang Hui blushed and stated, “Daren need not worry. While this one has not committed such a sinful act as rape, I am familiar with all sorts of aphrodisiacs, and it’s potency. I can understand through the warning provided by daren, that these are ‘Three Poison Bewitching Pill’ used by monks to test their resistance against temptations. However, they are definitely effective aphrodisiacs for commoners and, if not used excessively, are incredibly potent drugs.”

“Exactly. If that is the case, then I can be at ease of mind.” Jing Wen expressionlessly said before inquiring, “Do you have any questions? After today, I doubt there will be any future opportunities.”

Fang Hui hesitated for a moment before he asked, “Daren, are you not afraid that I will betray you?”

Jing Wen thought it over and said, “How can you betray me? I am not asking you to do anything, and am instead aiding you to perform a meritorious contribution. I even gave you a prescription that will allow you to enter the inner circle of the Seventh Prince.”

“As for keeping the Seventh Prince company as he plays around, I am well aware of his personality. He is certainly not a virtuous individual that abstain from sex. You will have your use for him. Even if the Seventh Prince finds out I am using you to lead him down a dark path… will he really stray from it once he learns for forbidden pleasures? I doubt it.”

Jing Wen lifted the corners of his lips and said, “As I said, as long as you are smart enough, you will not only gain the Seventh Prince’s favour, but will reach great positions later on. I trust you know what is good for you.”

Jing Wen paused for a moment, before continuing, “However, you are right in that I cannot fully trust you. How about this; write a written pledge stating that you are a spy from the Thirteen Prince and leave it with me. That way, if you do betray me, I can simply show it to the Seventh Prince, proclaiming I had discovered this hidden ploy. That way, not only will the Seventh Prince seek to kill you, but the Thirteen Prince would also want to clear his name.”

Jing Wen calmly concluded, “Don’t think about it too much. Just bring the note and prescription with you. As long as you can earn the Seventh Prince’s favour in a month, you may have the glories and riches you so desire. If not, then you will have outlived your usefulness, and I must have you killed.”

Fang Hui kneeled to the ground and swiftly declared, “This one will definitely not forsake daren’s trust. Daren, please be at ease, this one is only pleasing his Imperial Highness, and would not forget his true allegiance.”

Jing Wen nodded and said, “Mere words are cheap; go write the written pledge now. I’m waiting for you to show me an excellent result. Don’t worry, after everything is done, I will arrange an escape path for you so that you are not implicated due to my commands.”

Fang Hui lowered his head and replied, “This one understands.” Finished speaking, Fang Hui stood in place and patiently waited.

Gao Shu saw that Fang Hui was now waiting for the writing stationeries to write down the pledge. Leaving, Gao Shu quickly returned with paper and brush, along with the box containing aphrodisiac.

Fang Hui received the paper and brush and began writing the written pledge. His words were slightly crooked, as, in his mind, he would be immediately killed if he did not leave this pledge behind.

After Fang Hui had finished writing, Jing Wen passed the second envelope containing the instructions to Fang Hui. He then commanded, “Gao Shu, bring Drifter Fang outside the city walls. Make sure not to leave a trace behind.”

Gao Shu promptly acknowledged. Picking up Fang Hui and hanging him over his shoulders like a bag of rice. With ease, Gao Shu leapt over the walls of Jing manor.

After Jing Wen and Gao Shu departed, Jing Wen placed the written pledge into the flame of a lamp. The paper quickly ignited, its white body turning into ash that blew away with a gust of wind.

Jing Wen shook his head, thinking; what use will the written pledge serve? Even if it was given to the Seventh Prince, how could he so easily trust that it came from the Thirteenth Prince and not forged? The only purpose it could serve is as a mental pressure that always bored down the mind of Fang Hui.

But to begin with, as long as Fang Hui is an intelligent person, he would not betray Jing Wen.

After all, if Fang Hui were to betray Jing Wen, he would be a great fool.

The second greatest fool in history.