Suzhen suspected Lian Yu’s illness was related to court affairs.

That night on Ning’an Street, he, Quan Feitong, and Li Zhaoting had analyzed and predicted that Great Wei would inevitably raise grain and oil prices during this visit. Once the Pei Fengji case ended, the two countries immediately began negotiations the same day. Great Wei indeed formally proposed new prices—fifteen percent higher than before.

After Quan Feitong’s mediation, it was reduced to ten percent with no further reduction possible.

But Lian Yu found the price too high and only asked Quan Feitong to continue negotiations during yesterday’s morning court.

Today he again claimed illness and didn’t attend court. Suzhen was excited, thinking: Damn, is he stalling for time, dear?

As long as Lian Yu didn’t stamp the documents for one day, Prince Zhennan and his son couldn’t leave the capital for one day.

Of course, this tug-of-war wasn’t very promising. After all, if Prince Zhennan was dragged into anger and wouldn’t even allow five points reduction, Great Zhou would be in trouble—unless Great Zhou was prepared to completely sever trade relations with Great Wei. But if they sought grain and oil from Chu State, another agricultural powerhouse, Chu’s prices were even higher than Great Wei’s increased prices.

Therefore, Lian Yu’s move drew much controversy from court officials. Many thought he shouldn’t have done so, and even Wei Chenghui, who had always seemed neutral, submitted a memorial of remonstrance.

Court power was roughly divided into three parts: those supporting the Son of Heaven, those supporting Quan Feitong, and those like Wei Chenghui who avoided offending either side. Lian Yu’s “illness” led many officials who supported him or remained neutral to seek audience with Empress Dowager Xiao’an, hoping she would intervene to regulate the Son of Heaven.

Originally, though popular anger over the Mochou case pointed at He Sai and Quan Feitong, blaming them for encouraging Great Wei’s arrogance, since Suzhen handled the case, she bore the brunt of criticism for the court’s pretense of retrial to deceive the people. The curses also indirectly targeted Lian Yu, and now people felt the Son of Heaven’s actions were inappropriate.

Suzhen couldn’t stand seeing Lian Yu succeed. Going out and hearing such talk made her happy, but thinking that man was acting for country and people, she felt somewhat petty and despicable—

She went out with complex feelings. Today, she had an appointment.

An important guest.

But Wuyan knew Lian Yu’s illness wasn’t entirely fake.

Because Xiao’an had found her for a conversation.

The content of this conversation made her realize, despite thinking herself experienced in palace winds and waves and getting along well with all relationships including Murong Xi while being favored, how shallow she was before Xiao’an.

Having been in power only briefly, Lian Yu had barely slept these past days, busy reviewing memorials accumulated during the national mourning period. Last night he had also accompanied Gu Shuangcheng in the frost all night—even if made of iron, he couldn’t withstand it. When he got up this morning coughing, the imperial physician diagnosed him with a cold. However, being young and having practiced martial arts with an excellent foundation, it was just a minor ailment, far from serious enough to prevent attending court.

He was using it as an excuse not to go, but he was indeed ill.

Xiao’an had never liked Shuangcheng. Though the break between Lian Yu and Quan Feitong was inevitable sooner or later, Shuangcheng had become the catalyst.

Now Shuangcheng had caused Lian Yu to fall ill—how could she not be angry?

But she didn’t want to personally do something that would hurt her son, so she wanted to borrow someone else’s hands.

Xiao’an wanted her to find a way to drive Shuangcheng out of the palace.

This unpleasant task couldn’t be done by Murong Xi—Murong Xi was Xiao’an’s own niece.

Looking throughout the entire harem, she was the most favored.

Though she was Wei Chenghui’s daughter, this father had never loved her. She was one of his concubines’ daughters, and her mother was like a plaything to him. If not for Lian Yu bringing her into the palace, she would just be an unfavored Miss Wei.

Wei Chenghui was no ordinary character—his deep scheming meant he would never offend Lian Yu and Xiao’an over her gains or losses.

Therefore, Xiao’an wasn’t afraid of offending Wei Chenghui.

If she did something to harm Gu Shuangcheng, her relationship with Lian Yu would inevitably become tense.

If she didn’t, life in the harem would probably be difficult in the future.

Xiao’an was so formidable, already giving hints. This matter couldn’t be discussed with Lian Yu.

She had to carefully weigh this matter without any mistakes. She wouldn’t allow anyone to destroy the affection and relationship between Lian Yu and herself.

Huo Chang’an was close to Xiao’an, often visiting her chambers to pay respects. Sometimes when she visited Xiao’an, she occasionally saw him. After entering the palace, she had no more contact with this man. But meeting Huaisu and feeling an instant connection, and knowing about the Mochou case and worrying about his setback, she finally couldn’t help but ask Huo Chang’an to secretly deliver a letter with some comforting words.

She quickly received a letter from Huaisu saying he wanted to see her and invite her for drinks.

Huaisu was a forthright person. She always felt he wasn’t a stranger. She often thought if she had a younger brother, he would be like this—clever, kind, with a bit of roguishness, troubling people everywhere, always inviting people to drink.

Though she wanted to personally care for Lian Yu, since Murong Xi and other palace consorts had already taken on this duty, she couldn’t compete too much. With heavy matters on her mind, she simply decided to go out for a walk and see Huaisu.

Lian Yu treated her extremely well, allowing her to occasionally leave the palace to return home and visit her mother.

Revisiting this old place, she remembered when Huaisu hadn’t yet won top scholar and they first met at this “Destined Encounter Inn.” Now that Huaisu had achieved high honors and still arranged to meet her here—it was truly a destined connection.

Entering with Xiang’er, she saw Li Huaisu already sitting where they first met, looking around.

Seeing her, his eyes lit up as he bowed to the ground: “Good sister, this humble student pays respects.”

Wuyan burst into laughter, then saw him staring at her intently like the other customers in the inn, but his gaze was clear and pure, absolutely without the lecherous intent of other men. Her fondness grew even more, and she heard him praise: “Sister, you’re truly beautiful, like a fairy.”

Today, she wore women’s clothing.

This youth was mischievous—in his previous reply letter, he had said he’d use his gambling winnings to buy hairpins for her to wear, subtly revealing he knew she was a woman. Since she was inclined to make friends, this time she simply wore women’s clothing, appearing in her true form.

The two sat down. Knowing she loved cleanliness, Huaisu immediately went to wash and scald the tea implements for her and Xiang’er. Usually cold-natured Xiang’er felt embarrassed—this Huaisu’s status was different from before, having gained the Son of Heaven’s favor, so she hurried to take over the task, letting only the two of them talk. Boss Shi Jianshang came over personally with a beaming face to serve them. Huaisu asked him to bring the best wine, and he agreed and went to arrange it.

Huaisu wasn’t shy at all and directly asked in a crisp voice if sister had any worries.