[Bug fix from previous chapter: “who is the villain, who is the villain…”

Changed to: “who is the good person, who is the villain”]

Palace affairs were like water droplets falling into a pond—they quickly passed. When Lian Yu later learned of the incident, he visited Gu Shuangcheng’s quarters, instructed the imperial physician to use the finest medicines, and had Little Chuzi assign numerous elite guards for protection. He issued an edict saying only: “Henceforth, anyone who dares inflict private punishment on the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter without cause shall be executed without question.”

He did nothing to Murong Xi—no punishment whatsoever. He simply didn’t visit Murong Xi’s quarters, and when she frantically sought him out, she couldn’t see him.

This occurred on the ninth day within the palace.

The imperial court had its own affairs.

Throughout history, the nation’s rivers and mountains were thus—front gates and rear courtyards, each with endless matters.

On the ninth day, Lian Yu attended court. The ministers no longer advised about grain and oil prices, but the court atmosphere was once tense as drawn bows. Though the subjects didn’t raise the matter, the sovereign did—Lian Yu suddenly asked how purchasing grain from Chu State would be.

In the wine house, he had only vented slightly before the ministers through the performer. Now that he truly proposed it, aside from Yan Da, Marquis Murong Jing, and several officials from the Emperor’s faction who agreed, the other roughly two-thirds of officials led by Quan Feitong and Wei Chenghui opposed it.

Later they dispersed unhappily. Lian Yu dismissed court early. When the officials emerged, complaints filled the air.

Soon another day passed.

On this day, at the capital’s official guest quarters, Prince Zhennan was scowling darkly, his eyes coldly fixed on Princess Zhennan.

Princess Zhennan’s expression was equally ugly—half vicious and fierce, half sorrowful and heartbroken. Waving a letter in her hand, she shouted hoarsely: “Look what this has become! That seductress sends letters every few days urging you to return—what is this? You came here on state business, yet her son has merely minor aches and pains—is it worth all this? You’re so good to her, even personally writing to the Emperor to let that little hoof summon imperial physicians, giving her that priceless jade Buddha carving the Empress Dowager bestowed on you—you never gave me such things.”

Prince Zhennan slammed the table with a “bang,” roaring: “What madness are you spouting? This state business was supposed to be handled by your precious son, but what did he do here? Rape and murder! If not for my years of friendship with the Prime Minister, if not for our nation controlling Great Zhou’s grain and oil lifeline—tell me, what would have happened to him? If not for him, would I be delayed here, now awaiting that Lian Yu’s reply?

“If not for him, when my third son fell ill, could I not rush back to care for him? He has an extremely severe cold—minor aches and pains? You still dare make noise here! You’re my principal consort, Fengji is the heir apparent—what more could you want? So what if I give the jade Buddha to Qianqian? If anything happens to my third son, watch me skin that beast Fengji alive!”

Princess Zhennan choked back her words, eyes wide, not daring to speak further. She heard Prince Zhennan sneer coldly: “That beast does have some talent, true, but your precious son—today is the eleventh day, such an important date when palace news could arrive at any moment to see if Great Zhou’s emperor agrees, yet he still dares go out seeking pleasure. Tell me, what use is he to me? Better to let Great Zhou’s emperor kill him!”

“My lord, he is your legitimate son!”

Princess Zhennan was both shocked and frightened. Though her family held power in Great Chu, she knew this man’s ruthlessness. Despite her resentment, she temporarily held back, not daring to say more.

At this moment, an attendant reported that the Prime Minister requested an audience.

Prince Zhennan looked coldly at Princess Zhennan. The woman bit her teeth and considerably restrained herself.

Before long, Quan Feitong entered with Chao Huang. Prince Zhennan immediately went to greet them, also frowning with some displeasure: “Prime Minister, what about this pricing? I hear your emperor wants to negotiate with Chu State. Can’t you, as Prime Minister, usually speak with authority? I came this time with sincere intent, giving you face by lowering prices. Now—”

He gradually stopped speaking, seeing that Quan Feitong’s face had also swept away several days of slight gloom, with faint smiles at his brow and eyes.

Indeed, he heard Chao Huang’s eyes flash with fierce determination and a confident smile as he answered on behalf: “My lord may rest assured. Though half this kingdom remains in that Lian Yu’s hands, this matter is so significant that he still dares not act rashly—otherwise he would have issued the decree long ago. Why drag it to today? Consider, my lord—though he has decision-making power, my elder brother’s power is great, and several so-called supervising senior ministers in court are no pushovers either, extremely crafty and slick. Most importantly, though he’s Xiao’an’s beloved son, the Empress Dowager doesn’t support him this time. No matter what, Lian Yu cannot act arbitrarily—otherwise, he might appear to have defeated my elder brother but would suffer catastrophic defeat and lose the people’s hearts.”

Prince Zhennan’s expression brightened. Stroking his beard with a smile, he looked toward Quan Feitong: “It seems younger brother has brought good news this time.”

Quan Feitong bowed slightly, holding victory in his grasp, also smiling faintly: “This emperor announced yesterday that court would be suspended today, but Empress Dowager Xiao’an received us, speaking of inviting the Prince and Princess into the palace for discussion. The Empress Dowager has said that this time, she will definitely plan for the nation, forcing that Lian Yu to issue the decree.”

He swept his sleeves, his bright eyes seeming to hold heaven and earth. Prince Zhennan laughed heartily and nodded, taking the woman who had been weeping earlier but now bore a regal expression out the door.

Reaching the entrance, Li Zhaoting was already waiting. Seeing everyone’s slightly changed expressions, he bowed and asked: “My lord, at this time… the heir apparent is not here?”

Prince Zhennan glanced at him, his gaze somewhat dark. This young man who followed beside Quan Feitong—observing his composure, he felt quite favorable toward him, but at this moment he was somewhat presumptuous. Wasn’t this implying Pei Fengji’s indulgence?

Quan Feitong looked sideways at Li Zhaoting, who understood, smiling faintly and bowing as if apologizing.

Princess Zhennan snorted softly, smiling coldly: “My unworthy son brings shame—you jest, sir.”

Chao Huang thought that this Li Zhaoting was usually steady and intelligent but ultimately hadn’t delved deeply into officialdom. He simply pointed to the carriage, laughing: “Please.”

Quan Feitong was gracefully mannered, personally helping the Princess into the carriage. At this moment, another rider galloped up—a blue-robed palace eunuch whom everyone recognized as Ming Chuyan, the palace’s chief internal affairs officer. Though a trusted aide of Lian Yu’s, he often handled business for the Empress Dowager. He smiled: “My lord, honored ministers, to show respect for the Prince, the Empress Dowager has personally come out. Please wait briefly and follow this humble servant to the location the Empress Dowager has designated.”