Yang You smiled bitterly as he interrupted her words, “You mean he won’t confine me, or he won’t depose me? That’s right, the Tang Prince is different from Wang Shichong, but Second Brother and I are the same—both of us were forced to ascend to the imperial throne, and both unable to hold onto the position beneath us.”

Yunyi didn’t comfort him further, because they both understood in their hearts that such things would certainly happen—it was only a matter of time. After a long while, she placed her hand on Yang You’s thin, trembling shoulders and said gravely, “No matter what happens, your aunt will certainly protect your safety.”

Yang You’s trembling didn’t stop because of her words; instead, it became more severe. He clasped his hands tightly and said in a low voice, “If only… if only Imperial Grandfather were still here, they certainly wouldn’t dare treat us this way.”

At the mention of Yang Guang, a cold glint flashed through Yunyi’s eyes as she said coldly, “It’s precisely because of Yang Guang that our Yang family has fallen to this state today.”

Yang You was surprised by the hatred in Yunyi’s words. Imperial Grandfather was clearly her father emperor—why did her aunt seem to speak of him as if he were an enemy? However, such confusion was quickly replaced by panic and despair. “Aunt, has the Sui Dynasty’s mandate truly run out?”

“Every dynasty has a time when its mandate expires. This is Heaven’s will, not something we mere mortals can change. The only thing we can do is comply with the Mandate of Heaven.”

“I know, but…” Yang You wanted to say something but didn’t know where to begin. It finally became a sigh as he said dejectedly, “I won’t disturb Aunt any longer. Please rest early.” With that, he turned to leave. Watching Yang You’s lonely figure, Yunyi felt sympathy and said, “No matter what happens, you still have your aunt. You will never be alone.”

Yang You turned back, his youthful face showing a grateful smile. “Thank you, Aunt.”

After Yang You left, Jixiang shook her head, “Others always envy being born into the imperial family, but how many know the troubles of being born into the imperial family? Looking at His Majesty like that is truly pitiful.”

Ruyi sighed, “His Majesty is already fortunate. The Prince of Yue is truly pitiful. Speaking of which, this Wang Shichong truly has no humanity—if he’s going to usurp the throne, why must he be so ruthless?”

“Ruthless?” Yunyi said quietly, “The truly ruthless actions are yet to come.”

Ruyi’s eyelid twitched as she said tremblingly, “The Princess means… Wang Shichong will kill the Prince of Yue?”

Jixiang said hesitantly, “That can’t be. No matter what, the Prince of Yue was his former master. He should show some consideration.”

“Though I’ve never dealt with Wang Shichong personally, I’ve heard much about him. This man is a true tyrant—ruthless and ambitious. For him, the concept of ‘consideration’ doesn’t exist at all. Once he secures his position as emperor, his next step will be to kill Yang Tong!”

Hearing this, Jixiang immediately said anxiously, “Then… what can be done?”

Yunyi shook her head, “Nothing can be done. If Shimin had conquered Luoyang back then, I could have helped somewhat. Unfortunately, Luoyang is now Wang Shichong’s domain, and we’re powerless to reach that far.”

Hearing this, Ruyi and Jixiang could only sigh. They had followed the Princess since they were ten years old, watching the Sui Dynasty decline from prosperity to decay and ultimate downfall. After belonging to the Yang family for decades, the realm was finally about to change hands again.

Regardless of what happened in Luoyang, Chang’an remained peaceful, even though… no one knew when this peace would come to an abrupt end.

From the next day, Yang You issued edicts to the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau, Imperial Workshop Bureau, and other departments, ordering them to spare no effort in preparing for Yunyi’s wedding, including carriages, ceremonial robes, and so forth. The betrothal gifts listed in the previous gift list were also delivered in full to Mingse Hall.

The streets and alleys of Chang’an were all talking about this marriage. What interested the common people most was why a noble princess would be willing to marry Li Shimin as a concubine. There were various speculations and all sorts of rumors, creating quite a stir.

Meanwhile, Li Jiancheng once again urged Li Yuan to proclaim himself emperor, but Li Yuan still said they should wait a bit longer, leaving Li Jiancheng quite frustrated. Even after returning to the Heir Apparent’s mansion, he still felt vexed.

He truly didn’t understand his father. Previously, he said there was no urgency because no one had proclaimed themselves emperor. Now Wang Shichong had confined Yang Tong and was preparing to become emperor, yet his father said they should still wait. Did he want to wait until Yang You died of old age?

At this moment, the heavily pregnant Zheng Shi waddled in with a smile, “It’s good that you’re here, husband.”

Li Jiancheng glanced at her and said indifferently, “Is there something?”

Zheng Shi handed over the gift list in her hand, “This is the list I’ve prepared to send to Second Uncle, congratulating him on taking an equal wife. Please see if it’s appropriate, husband.”

Li Jiancheng waved his hand, “No need. You can handle this matter yourself.”

Seeing him say this, Zheng Shi could only awkwardly withdraw the gift list she had extended and said instead, “Husband looks somewhat tired. Should I go stew a bowl of ginseng soup?”

“No need.” Li Jiancheng glanced at her belly, “You’re about to give birth. Go back and rest.”

Zheng Shi hadn’t seen Li Jiancheng for several days, and today was a rare opportunity to see him. She had originally wanted to say some intimate words, but before she could say much, Li Jiancheng was dismissing her. It was truly heartbreaking.

Li Jiancheng waited a while and, not seeing her leave, said, “What, is there something else?”

Zheng Shi, afraid of making him unhappy, quickly said, “No, I’ll take my leave now. Please take care of yourself, husband, and don’t overwork.”

Shortly after she left, Li Jiancheng also rose and walked out. He didn’t know that his movements were all observed by Zheng Shi, who stood hidden in the shadows.

Liuye said indignantly, “Looking at that direction, the Heir Apparent is most likely going to Lady Ji’s place again. I really don’t know what’s so good about this Lady Ji that she has the Heir Apparent completely bewitched.”

Zheng Shi stared at her coldly, “Are you finished?”

Liuye felt a chill run through her body under that stare and shrank her neck, “This servant just feels it’s unfair for Miss.”

Zheng Shi said nothing, only taking a deep look in the direction Li Jiancheng had gone. Ever since the Li Chengzong incident, though Li Jiancheng hadn’t said anything more, he had become increasingly cold toward her. She knew in her heart that Li Jiancheng didn’t completely believe the story about Nanny Tong—he just hadn’t said anything more due to lack of evidence and the Zheng family’s influence. However, his attitude grew colder by the day, including toward Chengdao, whom she had borne!

She harbored resentment in her heart. She was clearly the legitimate first wife, yet her position in Li Jiancheng’s heart didn’t even compare to a mere concubine. Her legitimate eldest son also couldn’t compare to a deaf illegitimate son.

As Liuye had said, what was so wonderful about Lady Ji that Li Jiancheng favored her to such an extent? Would there come a day when Lady Ji might even replace her?

No, she would never allow such a thing to happen, absolutely not!

Setting aside Zheng Shi’s thoughts, Li Jiancheng made his way to the courtyard where Jirong lived. She was listening to a lip-reading teacher, hired at great expense, teach Chengzong lip-reading. The latter seemed somewhat resistant to this and wouldn’t study properly. Often, the teacher had to repeat something several times before he would reluctantly say it once.