Empress Ma and the others had already been drawn in by Ma Yu’s words. Upon hearing the mention of the Huai River, their gazes immediately shifted to the line representing it. Nearby, the attendants looked at Ma Yu with even greater fervor. He was truly a man of genuine talent; it was no wonder the Empress wanted to adopt him as her nephew. They must make sure to curry favor with him in the future.
In the corner, Eighth Uncle Ma and Ma Ye were filled with envy. "If only we had such talent," they thought. However, realizing they would be following his lead from now on, both felt a sense of relief. Ma Ye was young and his thoughts were simple: Empress Ma had entrusted them to Ma Yu, which meant he was their patron. Naturally, the more capable one’s patron, the better.
Eighth Uncle Ma’s feelings were more complex. He was truly terrified by how easily he had been manipulated and how he had ended up striking an imperial prince. Having recognized his own limitations, he only wanted to return home to his own plot of land and live a peaceful life. Yet, on the other hand, he did not want to return in such a pathetic state. Moreover, he had grown accustomed to the flattery he received in Yingtian. Perhaps, with such a clever man as his protector, he could stay a while longer? But they were not truly familiar with Ma Yu, nor did they know his character. What if he, too, was a cunning fox using them? He was deeply conflicted.
Chapter 30