In the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince lay with his eyes tightly closed while the Empress sat beside him, her expression full of worry and anxiety. The Crown Prince’s injuries were too severe, and everyone from the Imperial Medical Academy said there was little hope of recovery. Now they had reached the end of the road. Though the Crown Prince had not received imperial favor for many years, the Empress knew the Emperor was not completely heartless toward him. For something like this to happen during what should have been a pleasant royal hunt, even the Empress, who had not involved herself in rear palace affairs for years, couldn’t help but feel furious. With the Emperor now harboring resentment toward her, he would surely not rest until the mastermind was found. In the Empress’s view, though Xuan Pei currently enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, he ultimately lacked maternal family support and was still young, so she wasn’t particularly wary of him. Rather, it was Xuan Li and Xuan Hua – back when Consort Chen and Noble Consort De had fought with her for a lifetime, now these two younger ones wouldn’t even spare the Crown Prince’s life. It must have been one of these two who orchestrated this.

Lost in thought, she heard a eunuch announce that Jiang Dan had come to see the Crown Prince. The Empress turned around as Jiang Dan approached. Looking at the pale-faced Crown Prince on the bed, she grasped the Empress’s hand and said, “Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is blessed by fortune and will surely be safe and sound. These past days, this concubine has been praying for His Highness at the palace Buddhist hall, hoping only that he recovers soon. The Great Jin Dynasty cannot do without His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Her expression was sincere, her words heartfelt. Praying was easy to speak of but difficult to do, especially in this rear palace full of hidden dangers and open schemes. The women here would all be delighted for something to happen to the Crown Prince so he would vacate that position – who would think to pray for him? Hearing this, the Empress felt even more favorably toward Jiang Dan. Since entering the palace, Jiang Dan had always conducted herself properly, neither seeking favor nor claiming credit, humble and amiable in temperament. The Empress considered her one of her own people, saying, “You are thoughtful. What future of the Great Jin Dynasty – right now I only hope he can recover properly. Whoever wants to take that Crown Prince position can have it, rather than being schemed against until one’s very life is lost.”

When the Empress spoke these words, her tone couldn’t help but contain anger and resentment, clearly harboring complaints about the Emperor taking the Crown Prince out only for this incident to occur. Jiang Dan was startled, then said, “Your Majesty the Empress must not speak so. His Highness the Crown Prince will surely be fine. Besides, the mastermind has not yet been caught – Your Majesty should also seek revenge for His Highness the Crown Prince.”

The Empress seemed reminded by Jiang Dan’s words, saying, “That’s right, you’re absolutely right. I must certainly avenge my imperial son. Whoever harmed him to this state, I will make them repay a hundredfold, a thousandfold.” She then looked at Jiang Dan, “I know you were also present that day. Did you see anything unusual?”

Jiang Dan was startled, then waved her hand dismissively, as if remembering something, avoiding the Empress’s gaze and stammering, “No… nothing.”

The Empress frowned. Jiang Dan’s appearance couldn’t help but arouse suspicion. She had only asked casually since Jiang Dan had also been at the hunting grounds that day, but Jiang Dan’s reaction indicated she probably knew something, and there must be some suspicious circumstances. The Empress grabbed Jiang Dan’s hand tightly, pulling her close, saying urgently, “Tell me quickly, don’t be afraid of anything. If something happens, I’ll cover for you. Just tell me who wants to harm the Crown Prince?”

Jiang Dan let her grip her hand, finally sighing softly, “Your Majesty the Empress, these matters this concubine should not speak of. But since entering the palace, Your Majesty has treated this concubine extremely well, and His Highness the Crown Prince is sincere and without guile. This concubine did indeed see some things, and keeping them buried in my heart has made me restless. So be it – whatever the consequences, this concubine accepts them. Your Majesty, the person who harmed His Highness the Crown Prince to this state is someone even His Majesty must yield to, which is why they acted so brazenly.”

“Who exactly is it?” The Empress could no longer contain herself, feeling as if her teeth might shatter from grinding.

“Prince Jinying.”

Prince Jinying? The Empress’s expression changed several times. Prince Jinying – this name was never unfamiliar to her. From marrying into the imperial family to later becoming Empress, then gradually being neglected until finally becoming a figurehead in the rear palace, the name of Prince Jinying had always been known to the Empress. She had once watched Prince Jinying’s manor face disaster, thinking the manor would be completely uprooted, yet somehow the Emperor had shown mercy and even spared Xiao Shao’s life. Not only that, in subsequent affairs, the Emperor had repeatedly helped and relied upon Xiao Shao, and even Empress Dowager Yide showed different attitudes toward him.

Having spent many years in the palace as the Emperor’s wife, the Empress was no fool and naturally understood there must be some reasons behind this. However, she was wise enough not to ask too many questions – imperial family matters had their own reasons. But now hearing Jiang Dan say Prince Jinying was the culprit who harmed the Crown Prince, the Empress still found it somewhat unbelievable. She didn’t particularly dislike Xiao Shao because he had always maintained neutrality in court. When various ministers began taking sides with Xuan Li and Xuan Hua, only Xiao Shao had subtly indicated he stood with the Crown Prince.

If Xiao Shao stood with the Crown Prince, why would he act against him? The Empress frowned, “How could it be him?”

Seeing the confusion in the Empress’s eyes, Jiang Dan said, “This concubine thinks that originally Prince Jinying’s manor had been law-abiding for so many years and indeed had no reason to harm His Highness the Crown Prince, but…” Jiang Dan paused here, glancing at the Crown Prince on the bed. Seeing this, the Empress said urgently, “But what? Speak boldly whatever you have to say. I have my own judgment. If something really happens, I’m not entirely powerless before the Emperor.”

Any woman faced with her child being injured would never remain indifferent. The Empress was an empress, but before that she was first a mother. She could sit by and ignore the jealous rivalries in the rear palace for so many years, but she could not tolerate her own flesh and blood being schemed against. If she truly found the mastermind, even if it cost her own life, the Empress would seek revenge for the Crown Prince.

“Prince Jinying wouldn’t, but this concubine knows that Prince Jinying’s consort and the Thirteenth Prince have an excellent relationship,” Jiang Dan said slowly.

“Hong’an?” the Empress asked in confusion. Prince Jinying’s consort was Princess Hong’an. The Empress originally had no particular feelings about Jiang Ruan, but the Crown Prince had once even mentioned Jiang Ruan to her unprecedentedly, calling her an interesting woman. Later, when she went to see Empress Dowager Yide, she had also had opportunities to meet her several times. She remembered her as a calm and gentle woman, extremely beautiful, yet the frivolous air in that beauty was completely suppressed without showing the slightest trace. At this age, this was already quite remarkable. So the Empress couldn’t help but look at her more. Her impression of Jiang Ruan could be called quite good.

“Your Majesty doesn’t know,” Jiang Dan sighed at the right moment, “she and this concubine are sisters from the same father. I shouldn’t speak of her this way, but… sigh, she has a strong temperament. On the surface she appears obedient, but in reality she cannot tolerate others the most. When our late mother passed away and father elevated Aunt Xia, Second Sister became the legitimate daughter while she was sent away to the estate. Now Your Majesty can see – in that Minister’s manor, Aunt Xia died, Second Sister died, Third Sister also died, Second Brother got into trouble, and now even father has been imprisoned. If not for this concubine entering the palace, who knows what fate would have befallen me. Now she’s rising steadily. Speaking of something improper – the Thirteenth Prince and Princess Hong’an are not blood relatives, so how could they have such intimate sibling affection? Their relationship being so good is truly questionable.”

The Empress frowned tightly, “Don’t play word games with me. Speak directly if you have something to say.”

Jiang Dan quickly responded, “In fact, that day before departure in the tent, this concubine saw the Thirteenth Prince and Prince Jinying’s consort together discussing something. When this concubine passed by, I fortunately overheard words like ‘arrow’ and ‘dense forest.’ When this concubine approached, they stopped talking. At the time, this concubine didn’t sense anything wrong, but thinking back now, there are quite a few suspicious points – it very likely concerns this incident.” Jiang Dan observed the Empress’s expression and continued, “Later when the hunt ended and everyone returned to the main camp the next day, the Thirteenth Prince returned together with Prince Jinying and his wife. Everyone saw this – it was in full view of all. Your Majesty can ask anyone.”

After hearing all of Jiang Dan’s words, the Empress slowly exhaled, “So you believe it was the Thirteenth Prince and Prince Jinying’s couple who harmed His Highness the Crown Prince to this state?”

“This concubine dares not make wild assertions,” Jiang Dan lowered her head. “Prince Jinying’s manor currently wields enormous power. Doing such things would naturally be thankless work. But if Prince Jinying’s consort and the Thirteenth Prince have deep sibling affection and she wanted to help the Thirteenth Prince, that would be entirely different. You must know that currently the Thirteenth Prince can accomplish anything effortlessly in court. Speaking somewhat presumptuously – if something were to happen to His Highness the Crown Prince and the remaining princes fought among themselves, as long as the Thirteenth Prince has Prince Jinying’s manor as his trump card, he could never lose.”

The Empress lowered her head. Jiang Dan couldn’t see her expression clearly. After a long while, the Empress finally raised her head, “Is what you’re saying true?”

Jiang Dan inwardly sighed with relief, her tone very sincere, “Absolutely true. Today this concubine’s bold words to Your Majesty are indeed quite presumptuous. It’s just that this concubine truly cannot bear to watch evildoers go unpunished. His Highness the Crown Prince is also the future heir of the Great Jin Dynasty. This concubine cannot help but consider the Great Jin Dynasty’s interests and let those with wolfish ambitions continue wearing masks to harm others.”

The Empress examined Jiang Dan carefully. Those eyes that were no longer young showed not the angry, out-of-control look Jiang Dan had expected, but rather a scrutinizing gaze. Jiang Dan’s heart skipped a beat, immediately regretting being too hasty and saying so much at once, inevitably arousing suspicion. She especially shouldn’t have casually speculated about imperial succession struggles – she should have used more tactful methods to hint. Fearing the Empress might see through her thoughts, Jiang Dan forced herself to remain calm and meet the Empress’s gaze.

“Thank you for your trouble,” the Empress suddenly said with some fatigue. “That you could speak these words – I am grateful.”

Jiang Dan carefully observed the Empress’s expression. Only then did the stone in her heart settle, and she showed a somewhat awkward smile, “As long as Your Majesty doesn’t blame this concubine for speaking out of turn, this concubine is already quite content.”

“Let it be so,” the Empress said. “I want to stay a while longer. If Jiang Zhaoyi has no other business, please leave first. It will be inconvenient when the imperial physician comes later.”

Jiang Dan quickly agreed and withdrew.

After Jiang Dan left, the Empress’s personal maid hesitantly asked, “Your Majesty believed Jiang Zhaoyi’s words?”

The Empress’s expression changed. The gentle and kind look from before disappeared instantly, becoming extremely cold as if turning the pages of a book. She said, “Just a woman who thinks herself clever, actually daring to show off before me. Does she really think I’m some narrow-minded woman who can be fooled by her shallow words? Wanting to use me to deal with Prince Jinying’s manor – she’d better see if she has that capability.” The Empress had spent so many years in the palace. Though she didn’t interfere in rear palace affairs, this was certainly due to the Emperor’s attitude, but on the other hand, it was also because she wasn’t stupid – she was merely hiding her abilities. Between a Zhaoyi who had entered the palace not long ago and a mistress of the six palaces who had held the rear position for many years, the former’s only advantage over the latter was youth and beauty. The provocation in Jiang Dan’s words was far too obvious. If she truly had such discoveries, why wait until now to speak? Since she had decided not to speak, why show such an expression to arouse suspicion?

“Then what does Your Majesty plan to…?”

“She did remind me of something,” the Empress sneered coldly, the nine-tailed phoenix hairpin on her head swaying gently. “This matter may not necessarily be aimed at the Crown Prince. Since someone intends to frame others, she cannot escape involvement either.” The Empress glanced at the Crown Prince on the bed. His eyes were tightly closed, lips pale. Thinking of the imperial physician saying the Crown Prince was now at his last gasp, the Empress couldn’t help but feel her heart ache, then gritted her teeth, “I want to see who has such audacity. Even if it costs me this life to catch the mastermind, I will make him die a horrible death!”

…

The Emperor slammed the memorial in front of him onto the face of the minister below: “Useless!”

The minister quickly knelt down to beg for mercy. The Emperor looked at him coldly, finally unable to suppress his anger, “If there are no results within three days, you don’t need to continue as Minister of Justice, and you don’t need to keep that head either! Get out!”

Sweat poured down the minister’s forehead as he quickly withdrew.

The Crown Prince’s entire retinue of guards had been ambushed and annihilated at the hunting grounds. Now the case had been entrusted entirely to the Minister of Justice, yet there were still no leads. The Emperor couldn’t help but feel severe pain in his chest. As he grew older, his body was no longer what it once was. The Great Jin Dynasty’s realm would ultimately need to be inherited by young people. But looking at his sons – the undercurrents between Xuan Li and Xuan Hua, Xuan Pei who seemed good now but whose birth was too low. If Xiao Shao could take over… Thinking of Xiao Shao, the Emperor sighed heavily again. Things that others competed fiercely for meant nothing to him.

…

Jiang Ruan made a trip to the palace to see Empress Dowager Yide. The two discussed the Crown Prince’s injuries, both feeling somewhat melancholy. Empress Dowager Yide had always maintained an impartial view toward the Emperor’s sons in the palace, as if grandsons were not grandsons – she judged these men purely from the perspective of a qualified emperor. Though the Crown Prince, born as the future heir of the Great Jin Dynasty, was quite unsatisfactory, Empress Dowager Yide saw people with crystal clarity – the Crown Prince was actually the most straightforward and genuine among these princes. With the Crown Prince falling into this trap, Empress Dowager Yide inevitably felt sorrowful. In old age, she regarded matters concerning descendants more seriously than before. Perhaps remembering many past events, Empress Dowager Yide had not been living comfortably these past days.

Empress Dowager Yide also naturally inquired about Prince Jinying’s manor affairs, which Jiang Ruan answered completely. Previously she hadn’t understood why Empress Dowager Yide was so concerned about Xiao Shao, her attitude indeed rather strange. Now knowing Xiao Shao’s background, she understood. Presumably Empress Dowager Yide felt much guilt toward Xiao Shao. Prince Hongxi had ended up with his family scattered and destroyed because of this realm. Xiao Shao, at such a young age, had to experience such upheaval. As an imperial grandson who couldn’t acknowledge his ancestry, probably unwilling to acknowledge it either – as a mother and grandmother, Empress Dowager Yide’s heart must be heavy.

No wonder when Xiao Shao had proposed marrying her, the Emperor had vehemently opposed it while Empress Dowager Yide had agreed almost without hesitation. Perhaps due to guilt toward her eldest son, knowing Prince Hongxi had fallen to such a fate because of Xiang Xiaoyuan, she feared Xiao Shao would repeat his father’s mistakes. She transferred all her guilt toward Prince Hongxi onto compensating Xiao Shao.

After talking with Empress Dowager Yide for a while, Jiang Ruan rose to take her leave. Nanny Yang escorted Jiang Ruan to the palace gate. Seeing no one around, she lowered her voice, “The Empress Dowager has been in very poor spirits these past days.”

“Still worried about the Crown Prince’s matter?” Jiang Ruan glanced at the palace gate. “Please comfort the Empress Dowager, Nanny Yang. The Crown Prince’s matter will eventually come to light. As for His Highness the Crown Prince, he has imperial dragon qi protecting him.”

Nanny Yang shook her head, seeming very troubled as she thought, finally unable to help but bite her teeth, as if making an extremely important decision, whispering, “Princess doesn’t know – the Empress Dowager has been exceptionally strange these past days. After learning of His Highness the Crown Prince’s incident, she actually took out the court robes and sword she wore during the Eight Princes’ Rebellion. Last night she even studied the map of the Southern Border for a long time. This servant suspects this matter relates to the Southern Border. If Princess is willing to do a favor, please inform Prince Xiao of this matter. Prince Xiao might be able to help.”

Jiang Ruan stared at her, “Related to Xiao Shao?”

Nanny Yang said nervously, “This servant has served the Empress Dowager for many years. The Empress Dowager acts decisively and forthrightly. Some decisions she won’t inform this servant about either. This servant just feels the Empress Dowager has been extremely strange these past days. This servant’s entire life has been spent serving the Empress Dowager. Please help, Princess. This servant will repay the Princess like an ox or horse in the future.”

Nanny Yang was an important figure beside the Empress Dowager in the palace, naturally commanding some respect. Even before her as a princess, she wouldn’t need to plead so desperately. Though her words weren’t entirely clear, one could see this matter was of great importance. Perhaps Xiao Shao could help. Maybe Nanny Yang also knew of Xiao Shao’s background?

Jiang Ruan helped her up, “Since I hold the title of princess, I won’t sit by and ignore the Empress Dowager’s situation. Rest assured, I’ll tell Xiao Shao about this. But Nanny Yang, if the Empress Dowager shows any abnormalities, please inform me immediately.”

Nanny Yang looked at Jiang Ruan gratefully, “This servant thanks the Princess.”

Jiang Ruan frowned and shook her head as she left.

After bidding farewell to Nanny Yang, Jiang Ruan went to the imperial Buddhist hall. Now with the Crown Prince severely injured, regardless of whether it was an act, appearances had to be maintained. Coming to the Buddhist hall to light incense and pray for the Crown Prince was natural. Just as Jiang Ruan reached the Buddhist hall, she saw a familiar figure emerging. She pondered for a moment, hid to one side, and only entered the Buddhist hall after seeing Jiang Dan leave.

Master Hui Jue sat in the central Buddha hall, holding prayer beads, eyes closed in meditation. His movements were solemn, his aura peaceful. If one didn’t truly know his background, one might really believe he was indeed some accomplished high monk, pure as the wind and moon, saving all beings.

Jiang Ruan stood before him, smiling slightly, “Master, it’s been a long time.”

Master Hui Jue suddenly opened his eyes. He too hadn’t seen Jiang Ruan for quite some time. Now his position as Imperial Preceptor was secure, and his son’s condition had gradually stabilized under the expensive medicines he’d purchased. The power he had never even dared dream of was now firmly in his grasp – Master Hui Jue sometimes felt it was all just a dream.

Before Jiang Ruan, Master Hui Jue never put on airs as Imperial Preceptor, naturally performing a respectful bow, “Princess Consort.”

Jiang Ruan now held the noble title of Prince Jinying’s consort, even more prestigious than her former princess title. Master Hui Jue could see clearly – from a legitimate daughter who had faced difficulties and struggled at every step in the Minister’s manor to her current glorious position, Jiang Ruan was truly not to be underestimated. Moreover, her miraculous prophetic abilities were enough to inspire his awe.

“I came only to pray for His Highness the Crown Prince and to chat casually with the Master about Buddhist teachings. Master needn’t be nervous.” Jiang Ruan sat down at a small table nearby, playing host, pouring herself tea. Smiling at Hui Jue who had also sat down, she said, “Many people have been coming to pray lately. I saw Jiang Zhaoyi just left.”

Knowing that Jiang Dan and Jiang Ruan were sisters from the same Minister’s manor, though unaware of their grievances, Jiang Ruan’s words clearly sought information about Jiang Dan. Master Hui Jue pondered for a while before saying, “Jiang Zhaoyi has indeed been coming frequently, almost daily recently. The Fifth Prince has also been coming often. When they occasionally meet, they discuss scriptures together in the meditation room – both are devoted to Buddhism.”

Though Hui Jue didn’t speak plainly, his meaning was clear enough. Perhaps finding it truly absurd, a mischievous glint flashed in Hui Jue’s eyes.

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. The imperial family had always been full of scandals. Affairs between consorts and princes had never been rare throughout history. But Jiang Dan and Xuan Hua were perhaps too bold, actually meeting in the meditation room. It was truly imaginative. Indeed, the meditation room was a pure Buddhist sanctuary – ordinary people coming to burn incense and pray wouldn’t go into meditation rooms. Hui Jue, as a monk, wouldn’t think in sordid directions either. Unfortunately, Hui Jue wasn’t some master with six pure roots – he was a fraud who had clawed his way up from the streets. No one’s deceptions could escape his eyes.

“A Buddhist sacred place – this is truly scandalous,” Jiang Ruan said quietly. When she raised her head again, she was already showing a very bright smile, “Master, I’d like to ask another favor of you.”