The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 139

Congratulations, Your Majesty. Long Live My Emperor, Ten Thousand Years, Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand Years.

At this moment, the Imperial Palace, both inside and out, was under the control of the Qu family army from Shoulin. Outside the capital walls, Prince Zhangning’s army was stationed.

With the sudden change of power, all the ministers were in the hands of the rebel army. The city guard soldiers who had been transferred from elsewhere all gave up resisting.

            

The Emperor, who had been with the Empress, was now detained in the Imperial Study along with the Empress and the Crown Prince, brought there by Cai Daozheng and his men.

Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent stood there, staring at the Emperor, whose fingers trembled. He was forcing him to write an abdication edict.​¹

“If you don’t write it, my Father King can still ascend the throne. He is the eldest son of Imperial Grandfather Taihua. If you meet your demise, he is the rightful heir,” Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent said, his armor-clad form looming aggressively.

            

“Nonsense! The son succeeds the father. How could it ever be your turn?” the Crown Prince retorted, hiding behind the Empress in terror.

Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent, now the victor, looked at the Crown Prince and snorted. “And what if you die too?”

That single sentence from the Heir Apparent left the Crown Prince utterly distraught. The Empress reached a hand behind her to soothe him, then turned to the Heir Apparent. “If His Majesty writes it, can you spare our lives?”

            

“Of course. Right now, in this palace, I have the final—” Before he could finish the word ‘say’, Qu Sheng arrived with her soldiers, ordering the Imperial Noble Consort to be brought over, along with the Little Prince, who was now several months old.

“General.” Seeing Qu Sheng enter, Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent hastily saluted.

During the battle, he had observed this cavalry force. They were all commanded by the woman before him, who wore a gold-patterned mask. ‘Wan Zhetian’ was also completely deferential to her, obeying her every command. But to this day, he did not know her name, nor could he guess her origins.

            

Qu Sheng glanced at him, her gaze landing on the Emperor, whom she had seen in her childhood. When her eyes shifted to the Empress at his side, she found the Empress scrutinizing her.

“You… you are…” The Empress recognized Qu Sheng, especially her eyes.

The Imperial Noble Consort, who had been thrown to the ground, had already scrambled to the Emperor’s feet. Hearing the Empress speak, she cried out, “She is Qu Jinian’s daughter, Qu Sheng!”

            

Hearing this, Qu Sheng was unafraid. The Imperial Palace was already under their control. Her mission was half-complete. Even if she was recognized, she had nothing to fear. But anyone who recognized her and spoke out of turn had to die.

Qu Sheng slowly removed her gold-patterned mask. Her expression was icy, without a ripple of emotion. After a moment, she turned to Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent and asked, “Is the abdication edict written?”

When the Heir Apparent heard the Imperial Noble Consort say that the gold-masked female general was Qu Sheng, he was incredulous. But upon realizing she was from the Qu family, his expression changed drastically, and he was suddenly beaming with joy. “Not yet,” he said quickly.

            

“Mm,” Qu Sheng grunted, her gaze sweeping back over the members of the imperial family.

Except for the Imperial Noble Consort, the Empress and the others were all staring with wide, shocked eyes. The Empress was the first to ask, “Aren’t you a fool?”

“She was never a fool,” the Imperial Noble Consort replied to the Empress’s question, getting to her feet.

            

“How do you know?” the Empress demanded.

The Emperor also turned to look at her. The Imperial Noble Consort had known for a long time, but she had never told the Emperor. Qu Sheng had spent a year in Shoulin. After she returned, when she and Qu Yu went searching for Qu Ming, an old man had seen through her act.

But at the time, it was only reported to Prince Fucheng, who in turn told the Imperial Noble Consort.

            

If those two had been of one mind with the Emperor, Qu Sheng’s charade would have ended long ago. But the Imperial Noble Consort worried that if the Emperor found out, he would immediately have Qu Sheng brought into the Eastern Palace and married to the Crown Prince. With the Qu family backing the Crown Prince, it would become nearly impossible for her to seize the throne for her own son.

Furthermore, Qu Sheng was a woman; she didn’t think she could stir up any great storms, so she had concealed the matter.

Now, with death at her doorstep, the Imperial Noble Consort still refused to tell the truth. The Emperor’s eyes filled with utter disappointment. The Empress also directed her anger at her.

            

“I knew long ago that you harbored malicious intentions and were colluding with Prince Fucheng. You concealed something so important! This disaster is all your fault—”

Hearing the Empress’s accusations, the Imperial Noble Consort’s temper flared. Standing behind the Emperor, she cut the Empress off, mocking, “Her Majesty the Empress truly has some nerve. You’re already a prisoner, yet you haven’t forgotten how to blame others. You colluded with the Qu family to murder Prince Fucheng and his entire family. Did you report that truthfully to His Majesty?”

“Nonsense!” The Empress’s eyes were wide with fury.

            

“Whether this wife is speaking nonsense or not, the Qu family is right here. We can ask them face-to-face!” With death imminent, the two women began tearing into each other again. Qu Sheng stood to the side, not intervening, letting them argue.

The Emperor was now perfectly aware of these matters. He shot a look at the two women beside him, silencing them, before his gaze fell on Qu Sheng.

“The victor is king, the loser is the bandit.​² This Emperor only wants to know if we can live.”

            

“No,” Qu Sheng said, her voice devoid of emotion.

At her side, Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent’s expression darkened when he heard that Qu Sheng would not spare the Emperor’s family.

“Then This Emperor will not write this edict. Any of the Sheng family bloodline has the potential to be emperor. Your claim is illegitimate, and all the vassal lords have the right to challenge you.”

            

“Hmph.” Qu Sheng gave a cold laugh. “With my Qu family present, who do you think would dare overestimate themselves?”

“It makes no difference whether you write it or not; Prince Zhangning will be the new emperor. But if you write it, perhaps you can suffer a little less.” Qu Sheng raised her eyes to look at the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort.

Killing the Emperor directly wouldn’t be enough to quell the hatred in her heart. But there were some things she could not do with her own hands.

            

The Emperor heard this and let out a cold laugh.

Qu Sheng glanced at Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent. “I must trouble the Heir Apparent to wait outside for a moment.”

Although the Heir Apparent didn’t know what Qu Sheng was planning, he knew that listening to her was the right thing to do. He bowed and, before leaving, glanced at the Emperor and his family. He seemed to sense that Qu Sheng had already decided to kill them.

            

After the Heir Apparent left the Imperial Study, Qu Sheng had the doors closed. Cai Daozheng’s burly frame stood beside her, making her appear petite. But even so, the noble air and the aura of slaughter emanating from Qu Sheng could not be concealed.

Two quarter-hours later, Qu Sheng emerged from the Imperial Study, edict in hand. She only had the Imperial Noble Consort taken away.

Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent took the edict. Seeing Qu Sheng’s icy expression, he thought for a few moments, then drew his sword and entered the room, ordering his men to kill the entire imperial family.

            

The Emperor was the one who had murdered Qu Ce, but Qu Sheng could not be the one to kill him now. The Imperial Noble Consort, however, was another matter.

Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent found his father and took the edict to the Golden Throne Hall.

“Since This Emperor ascended the throne, nearly thirty years have passed with no accomplishments. This Emperor has repeatedly been jealous of the worthy and capable, persecuted siblings, and assassinated loyal ministers. The things This Emperor has done are unforgivable by the laws of heaven; This Emperor’s virtue does not match the position. Therefore, This Emperor shall hang himself in Qianhe Palace and abdicate the throne to the Late Emperor’s eldest son, Prince Zhangning, Sheng Hezhang. It is hoped that all ministers will assist him with all their strength in the future. Respect this.”

            

Upon the dais, a Eunuch Official read out the short imperial edict. The hundred officials stood in place, listening to the Emperor’s self-deprecation in the edict, all at a loss.

But everyone was well aware that this edict was certainly not written of the Emperor’s own free will. Yet Prince Zhangning had brought soldiers and already controlled the imperial city. Who would dare to stand up and object?

“Impossible! His Majesty must have been murdered by you traitors, forced to write this edict! We—”

            

Before the man could finish, an arrow with double-sided barbs pierced his throat. The few other ministers who had been about to rise and echo his call immediately shrank back, lowering their hands, dumbstruck and not daring to breathe.

Qu Sheng, wearing her gold-patterned mask, lowered the bow in her hand and looked up at Prince Zhangning, who was still standing.

Prince Zhangning’s Heir Apparent stood beside his father. Seeing Qu Sheng suppress the officials for him, he turned to his father and said, “Father Emperor, please, be seated.”

            

Prince Zhangning was still a bit uncomfortable. To suddenly go from a prisoner to sitting on this supreme throne felt somewhat unreal.

Seeing his father’s hesitation, the Heir Apparent whispered, “Don’t worry, Father Emperor. Everything here is under our control. You can sit on this throne with an easy heart.”

Prince Zhangning glanced at his son, then at Qu Sheng in the distance, and blinked before sitting down.

            

Prince Zhangning sat on the Dragon Throne, but the officials did not kneel. Seeing this, the Eunuch Official on the dais shouted, “Kneel and pay respects to the new Emperor!”

A clamor arose from below, but not a single person knelt. They were all waiting, watching.

Qu Jinian looked back at the officials in the hall. There were several hundred of them. Outside the hall, there were thousands more.

            

These officials had been gathered here by Emperor Baoguang, who had originally wanted to find a way to solve the siege of the capital. Unexpectedly, they were all trapped here, becoming witnesses to the new emperor’s ascension.

The men looked at each other, none daring to be the bird that sticks its head out. After a long moment, Qu Jinian glanced behind him. Qu Sheng was just outside the hall.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty. Long live my emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years.”

            

Qu Jinian was the first to perform the kneeling ceremony. The officials in the court who had dealings with him saw this and followed suit, kneeling to the ground.

A moment later, cries of “Long live” rose and fell throughout the great hall.

Lin Jianhai, as Prime Minister—though he had been stripped of the title, his duties were still those of a prime minister—was the Emperor’s most loyal subject. Now, with the Emperor’s whereabouts unknown, and these treacherous ministers and villainous sons having forced the Emperor to write an abdication edict after storming the city, how could he submit to them?

            

Lin Jianhai stood there, prepared to die. Behind him were many officials who followed his lead, wanting to preserve their reputation for loyalty. But for some reason, Lin Jianhai’s knees suddenly lost their strength, and he knelt in the great hall.

When he tried to get up, Qu Jinian reached out and held him down.

“Let go of me!” Qu Jinian pressed down on his neck, forcing his head toward the floor.

            

Lin Jianhai was just a scholar. How could he break free from the grasp of Qu Jinian, a man seasoned on the battlefield? Qu Jinian knelt on the ground, ignoring him completely, even shifting one leg to press down on both of his.

With Lin Jianhai kneeling, the officials behind him who had wanted to hold out saw their leader fall. Suddenly a group of dragons without a head, they had no idea what Lin Jianhai was up to and could only follow his lead, kneeling in the great hall.

Cai Daozheng, who had flicked a piece of silver to strike the back of Lin Jianhai’s knees and was now grinning from ear to ear, saw Qu Sheng glance at him expressionlessly. His smile froze on his face.

            

A moment later, Qu Sheng shifted her gaze to where Qu Jinian was. Though it was far, she could see that Qu Jinian was still holding Lin Jianhai down.

After Lin Jianhai and the others knelt, a few scattered officials with high moral integrity remained standing inside and outside the hall. Qu Sheng gave the order to have them shot and killed.

“My lords—”

            

“Father Emperor, you are the Son of Heaven now.”

Prince Zhangning had spoken out of habit and couldn’t correct himself in time. Hearing his son’s reminder, he cleared his throat, settled back onto the Dragon Throne, and raised a hand. “Beloved Ministers, you may rise.”

“We thank Your Majesty! Long live my emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” Qu Jinian was once again the first to respond.

            

The kneeling officials now followed Qu Jinian’s lead, shouting “Long live” in unison.

Seeing that matters in the palace were temporarily settled, Qu Sheng ordered the officials from the Ministry of Rites to be gathered to draft the proclamation of the new emperor’s succession, to be sent to the various vassal kings and provincial prefectures when the time was right.

The city guard army had also been pacified without a sound. This battle had succeeded largely thanks to the Fifth Uncle of the Liang family, Liang Lianhui, acting as an inside man. Otherwise, they would not have been able to take the city so quickly.

            

A day later, Qu Sheng led her troops to clean up the palace. Resisters were either imprisoned or executed on the spot.

“The capital’s defenses, after the personnel exchange, will be handed over to Liang Lianhui. All other soldiers are to be led out of the city,” Qu Sheng commanded as she walked out of the palace.

Hearing this, Cai Daozheng relayed the order to a man beside him, telling him to go and report the matter to the new Emperor.

            

“Send a carrier pigeon to Shoulin. Tell General Lu to immediately bring a hundred thousand troops to the capital to take over the outskirts garrison.”

“Yes, yes! This subordinate will arrange it right away,” Cai Daozheng readily agreed.

After speaking, Qu Sheng paused for a moment. “Has any news come from the Northern Frontier?”

            

“Not yet,” Cai Daozheng replied.

Qu Sheng lowered her eyes for a moment, still uneasy. “Come back with me.”

The two of them had not yet left the palace before they turned back. The new Emperor was currently taking over palace affairs; palace maids were measuring him for a Dragon Robe.

            

Although the civil and military officials had been informed of his succession, the ascension of an emperor had always involved complex ceremonies like worshipping heaven and the ancestors.

Qu Sheng entered the palace and, after having her arrival announced, was personally greeted by the new Emperor.

Qu Sheng clasped her fist in a salute but did not speak. The Emperor saw this and smiled. “Beloved Minister, rise quickly.”

            

Qu Sheng straightened up, glanced at the new Emperor, and said, “Although the war on the Northern Frontier is for the sake of the border people, our army is very inexperienced in grassland warfare. I hope Your Majesty will issue an edict for the soldiers on the Northern Frontier to return to the capital.”

The new Emperor heard this and thought for a moment. He seemed to recall that Qu Jian and Qu Ting of the Qu family were still there, and he quickly smiled. “Good, good, good. This Emperor will have them recalled at once.”

Qu Sheng looked up and saluted. “Many thanks, Your Majesty.”

            

The new Emperor nodded. Watching Qu Sheng’s departing figure, he summoned someone to draft the edict, to be sent by the fastest eight-hundred-li express, ordering the troops aiding the Northern Frontier to return to court.

After leaving the palace, Qu Sheng did not rush back to the Qu Marquis Residence. She removed her armor and led her men to Lin Jianhai’s residence.

There were not many people paying respects in the Lin family’s ancestral hall. In the past, Qu Sheng had often seen Lin Xizhao come here to burn incense for Liang shi. She had her men throw a black sack into the hall.

            

A soldier opened the black sack, revealing the face of the Imperial Noble Consort.

Qu Sheng knelt on a rush cushion. A soldier beside her lit three sticks of gold-thread incense for her.

Qu Sheng kowtowed, then had the gagged Imperial Noble Consort dragged forward.

            

“Mother, this child is Qu Sheng. You know me. Xizhao has already agreed to marry me, and my Qu family has already sent the betrothal gifts. This child plans to bring Xizhao back for the wedding ceremony in a while, and I will come to see you often in the future.” As Qu Sheng spoke, she glanced at the Imperial Noble Consort, who was listening to her speak these incomprehensible, foolish words.

The Imperial Noble Consort struggled, her eyes falling on Liang shi’s spirit tablet. She knew now that she would surely die, but to be brought here and killed by a little slip of a girl like Qu Sheng—she could not accept it.

“This child was useless before and could never avenge you. Today, my wish is finally fulfilled. I have brought the murderer who killed you to comfort your spirit. In the future… this child will certainly not wrong Xizhao. I will definitely make her…” Qu Sheng knelt and kowtowed, but she remained bowed for a long time.

            

I will not let Lin Xizhao live in the shadows. On the contrary, I will make everyone in the world know of her, and revere her. I will make her the most honored person in this land.

Qu Sheng said many things in her heart. When she rose, she looked down at the Imperial Noble Consort, who was pinned to the floor.

Qu Sheng drew the side sword from her waist. The blade was still stained with blood and glinted with a cold light. She looked at the Imperial Noble Consort, her eyes radiating an icy chill. With a single stroke, she cut off the Imperial Noble Consort’s head.

            

Qu Sheng had someone place the Imperial Noble Consort’s head on the sacrificial altar. She knelt and kowtowed again, then rose and left.

Just as Qu Sheng left the courtyard, Lin Jianhai returned. The ministers had all been locked in the palace yesterday; only after Qu Sheng left today were they released one by one.

“What are you doing here?” Lin Jianhai looked at Qu Sheng, his eyes full of fire, but he didn’t forget to ask about his daughter. “Where is Zhao’er?”

            

Qu Sheng looked at Lin Jianhai, feeling no guilt for trespassing in someone’s private residence. She had brought soldiers and entered openly; even now, she was surrounded by government soldiers. Lin Jianhai looked them over but couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

Qu Sheng did not answer him and led her men out of the residence.

It wasn’t until Lin Jianhai asked a servant that he learned Qu Sheng had gone to the family’s ancestral hall.

            

When he saw the Imperial Noble Consort’s head on the offering table, he seemed to understand why Prince Zhangning had suddenly acquired an extra fifty thousand cavalry. And why their momentum had been so swift, allowing them to breach the Imperial Palace in just half a day.

But it was all too late.

Qu Sheng returned to the Qu Marquis Residence with her men. As soon as she entered, the steward rushed over. “Miss, the Eldest Young Miss has returned.”

            

Hearing that Lin Xizhao was back, Qu Sheng froze for a moment. She turned to the steward and asked urgently, “Where is Xizhao now?”

“In the Main Courtyard.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng’s eyes flickered. Her unhurried pace quickened, from a fast walk to an outright run.

            

Qu Sheng entered the courtyard. Perhaps the footsteps of the people with her were too loud, because everyone in the room looked over.

Lin Xizhao saw the anxious, running Qu Sheng at a glance and quickly rose to leave the room. She had just stepped over the threshold, her skirt still on the doorsill, when Qu Sheng swept her into her arms.

“Jiejie.” In front of several elders in the room, Qu Sheng embraced Lin Xizhao fully.

            

Held by Qu Sheng, Lin Xizhao knew how much she cared, but the elders were still inside. She reminded her softly, “Sheng’er, let me go.”

Lin Xizhao had been apprehensive when she returned, but when she heard from Qu Jinian that Qu Sheng was safe and sound, her heart had eased somewhat. Though she missed her now, she was still more composed than Qu Sheng, who had just heard the sudden news of her return.

Qu Sheng released Lin Xizhao, her eyes meeting hers. “Why did you come back?”

            

“I was worried about you. I had Li Jin and Chen Yan take Fourth Brother and the others back to Shoulin, then I rushed back with Feng Qi,” Lin Xizhao replied, her voice gentle.

Qu Sheng nodded, her gaze searching Lin Xizhao’s face for a moment. Worry crept back into her heart. “You can’t do this again.”

She had come here to fight a war. If things had gone badly, Lin Xizhao would have been a sheep entering a tiger’s mouth.

            

“Don’t worry. I made sure to get clear information before entering the city,” Lin Xizhao explained with a smile.

So what if it was a tiger’s mouth? Wherever Qu Sheng was, she would be there too. If anything happened to Qu Sheng, she would rather die with her.

The capital’s gates were still closed, but the guards recognized Feng Qi. Moreover, Liang Lianhui was in command. The moment she hinted at her identity, they let her into the city.

            

“Ahem.” Qu Jinian cleared his throat lightly from inside the room.

Only then did Qu Sheng remember the elders. She let go of Lin Xizhao’s hand, then took it again with one of her own, leading her into the room.

“Sheng’er greets Father, Mother, Third Uncle, Third Aunt, and Fourth Aunt.” Qu Sheng bowed to the elders, then looked at Qian Shuangying. “Third Sister-in-law.”

            

Qian Shuangying smiled and nodded. Qu Jinian then asked, “Are the matters in the palace all arranged?”

Qu Sheng nodded. “They are arranged. Both inside and out are our Qu family armies.”

“Still, you cannot let your guard down. News of the new emperor’s ascension has not yet reached the various vassal kings. We should make preparations as soon as possible.”

            

“Rest assured, Father. This child knows what to do,” Qu Sheng said respectfully.

Although the new emperor had succeeded the throne, regardless of whether the abdication edict was personally written by the former emperor, it would be met with doubt and even opposition from the various regions.

They still had battles to fight. Now it was a matter of seeing who was willing to submit and who wanted to stir up trouble in the chaos.

            

“The affairs in the palace will still require Father to mediate,” Qu Sheng reminded him.

Qu Jinian nodded. “Mm. The officials all have different thoughts. Many have only feigned submission. We must have His Majesty select new, capable, and virtuous ministers to replace these old ones as soon as possible.”

Qu Sheng lowered her eyes for a few moments. She wasn’t well-versed in the matters of civil officials, but she understood the principle that a new dynasty brings new officials.

            

Qu Sheng spoke with Qu Jinian in the room for a while, explaining the capital’s defenses and some of the things that needed to be done next, before taking Lin Xizhao back to her courtyard.

Qu Sheng hadn’t slept in two days. She had originally planned to get a good night’s sleep upon her return and go to the palace tomorrow to discuss matters. But since Lin Xizhao was back, how could she bear to sleep?

Qu Sheng pulled Lin Xizhao into the room and no longer restrained herself, seeking Lin Xizhao’s soft lips and kissing her.

            

Those soft, fragrant lips—Qu Sheng could never get enough. These past few days, though she was on a military campaign, Lin Xizhao’s image would flash through her mind whenever it was idle.

She knew she was bewitched, but she liked this feeling. As long as it was Lin Xizhao, she was fine with anything.

Qu Sheng’s fervent lips soon traveled down Lin Xizhao’s soft, white neck, kissing her throat.

            

“Sheng’er… go bathe first.”

Lin Xizhao could smell the heavy scent of blood on Qu Sheng and gently pushed her away.

Qu Sheng froze for a moment. She had killed people yesterday, and though she wore armor, a lot had splattered on her. Today, when she killed the Imperial Noble Consort, the Lin family’s ancestral hall was small, and she wasn’t wearing armor then. She must have gotten it on her at that time.

            

Qu Sheng stopped kissing her, staring blankly at Lin Xizhao. Lin Xizhao thought her refusal had angered Qu Sheng and quickly tried to make up for it. “If you really want to, it’s not impossible.” Lin Xizhao always indulged Qu Sheng, but for matters of pleasure, it was better to be clean. It was more comfortable that way.

“Let’s go to the Lin Residence.”

Qu Sheng’s sudden suggestion to go to the Lin Residence left Lin Xizhao completely baffled. She looked at Qu Sheng, blinking her eyes. “Why?”

            

“Jiejie will know when we get there.”

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Because the new emperor had entered the city with his army, the common people all dared not leave their homes. The streets were now completely empty. Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao shared a horse and quickly arrived at the Lin Residence.

Qu Sheng entered the Lin Residence and took Lin Xizhao directly to the ancestral hall.

            

At that moment, Lin Jianhai was sitting in a corner of the hall, staring dejectedly at the head in front of Liang shi’s spirit tablet.

“Ah!” Lin Xizhao was pulled into the ancestral hall by Qu Sheng. Before she could even smell the scent of blood in the air, she saw the head of the Imperial Noble Consort, her eyes still open, unable to rest in peace.

Qu Sheng immediately pulled Lin Xizhao into her arms, soothing her softly. “Don’t be afraid, jiejie. She’s already dead.”

            

Feeling the warmth of Qu Sheng’s embrace, Lin Xizhao quickly realized whose head it was.

When she looked again and confirmed it was the Imperial Noble Consort’s head, the image of her own mother’s tragic death flashed before her eyes.

Lin Xizhao stared at the head, tears quickly welling up in her eyes. All these years, unable to avenge her mother, how could she not be resentful, how could she not hate?

            

All her nonchalance was just a disguise. The enmity of her mother’s murder… even though she had begged Qu Sheng not to touch the Imperial Noble Consort, her heart was still full of hatred.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Asking my mother-in-law for a little something, to bless me so my wishes come true.”

            

Changed a previous “pre-collection.”

I’ll leave the pre-collection up for a while. If the number of collections is too low, I’ll change the premise. If I’ve explicitly said I’ll write it, then I definitely will.

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