“Princess, His Majesty requests your presence,” Yuan Qing stood at the entrance of Chong Zheng Hall, smiling warmly at Yan Zhen. Regardless of the Empress and Crown Prince’s situation, Yuan Qing, the Chief Palace Steward, never revealed any tendency to shift with the political winds. He was especially kind to the Emperor’s only princess.
Yan Zhen appeared somewhat nervous. After Yuan Qing’s words, she took a deep breath and quietly asked, “How is Father’s mood right now?”
Yuan Qing smiled gently, “His Majesty is in good spirits. Don’t worry.”
Yan Zhen smoothed the creases of her palace gown before gathering her courage to enter the Imperial Study.
She rarely visited this place before, and even less frequently now. It had been quite a while since she’d last seen her father.
After a few steps, Yan Zhen saw Yan Huai behind his desk. He sat in a chair made of pure gold, cutting an imposing figure. Mountains of official documents covered his desk, and traces of fatigue marked his features. Yan Zhen gazed at him with both reverence and admiration as she performed a respectful bow.
“Zhen’er pays respects to Father Emperor—”
Yan Huai’s lips curved slightly. “Rise. What brings you to see Father today?”
Yan Zhen forced a smile and carefully observed Yan Huai. Seeing that his mood was genuinely good, she finally relaxed completely.
After pursing her lips for a moment, she asked, “Does Father truly intend to marry me off to Northern Wei?”
This had been decided long ago. Yan Zhen bringing it up again was merely an excuse to act coy with Yan Huai. As expected, Yan Huai sighed, “Having second thoughts again?”
Yan Zhen lowered her head and mumbled, “It was Mother who forced me to marry into Northern Wei in the first place.”
Yan Huai showed a somewhat helpless expression. “Tuoba Hong is indeed a suitable match for a husband. Apart from the distance, this marriage has no flaws.”
Yan Zhen raised her head, looking at Yan Huai expectantly. “Is Father so willing to part with his daughter?”
Yan Huai was momentarily stunned by Yan Zhen’s words. Then tenderness appeared in his eyes. “Father is reluctant to part with you, but all daughters must marry eventually. Father’s responsibility is to choose a husband who won’t harm you and will only treat you well. How could Father keep you by his side forever?”
Yan Huai’s gentle words stirred up the grievances in Yan Zhen’s heart, and her eyes instantly reddened. She stepped forward, moving closer to Yan Huai. “Why didn’t Father object when Mother said she wanted to marry me off to a distant land?”
Indeed, Yan Huai hadn’t objected. In this matter, he had given Zhao Shuhua sufficient authority.
Yan Huai looked at Yan Zhen for a moment, his eyes filled with complex emotions. “Because I know your mother has your best interests at heart.”
Yan Zhen’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was one thing for Qin Chaoyu to say this, but why would even her father say such a thing?
Her parents’ relationship wasn’t particularly good, and now Mother was even confined by Father. She had expected Yan Huai to criticize Zhao Shuhua’s autocratic behavior but never anticipated him to say such words. Yan Zhen hesitated for a moment before speaking, “But I still can’t bear to part with Father and Mother.”
Yan Huai sighed, “Then what do you want to do now?”
Yan Zhen lowered her head, her voice carrying hints of grievance and defiance, “Is it still possible for me to break off the engagement?”
Yan Huai sighed again, “What do you think?”
Yan Zhen knew it wasn’t possible. She looked up at Yan Huai with reddened eyes, “Once I marry into Northern Wei, I won’t be able to see Father and Mother anymore.”
Although she could return for familial visits, the thousand-mile distance between Great Zhou and Northern Wei made it difficult. As far as Yan Zhen knew, no princess who had married into another country had ever returned. Hearing her words, Yan Huai consoled her, “Although returning from Northern Wei will be difficult, it’s not impossible. As long as you live well in Northern Wei, your mother and I will be at ease. When possible, we’ll send people to visit you in Northern Wei.”
“Will you send Crown Prince Brother to see me?”
Yan Zhen asked spontaneously, and Yan Huai nodded, “That’s not impossible.”
At these words, Yan Zhen’s expression changed. Unless Yan Che visited Northern Wei in the next few years, it wouldn’t be possible later. Yan Che was destined to become Emperor, how could he personally visit her in Northern Wei? And now her father showed no concern about this point – was he merely making empty promises to comfort her, or had he already decided not to let her brother remain as Crown Prince?
“Father…” Yan Zhen stepped forward, placing both hands on the edge of the imperial desk. “May I see Mother? Please?”
Yan Huai looked at Yan Zhen. Though his face still showed fatherly gentleness, for a moment, Yan Zhen felt a cold sweat forming. Clearly, this request was beyond Yan Huai’s expectations, and he had seen through her intentions at a glance.
However, Yan Zhen knew she couldn’t back down. She looked at Yan Huai earnestly, appearing completely innocent and harmless.
Yan Huai sighed, “Have you forgiven your mother?”
Yan Zhen’s lips remained tightly pressed together as she dejectedly said, “No, but… but my wedding date is approaching. I don’t want to leave without seeing her one last time. Even you said Mother had my best interests at heart, so naturally, I don’t harbor the same resentment towards her as before.”
Yan Huai’s lips curved slightly, showing a hint of compromise. “Your mother has committed wrongdoing and shouldn’t be receiving visitors now. But what you say makes sense. Before you leave, you should see your mother once. Father permits it. Go see her later, you can stay for a while.”
Yan Zhen immediately brightened, her eyes sparkling. Remembering Qin Chaoyu’s words, she quickly said, “Could I bring…”
“You shall go alone.” Yan Huai cut off Yan Zhen’s words. Though his gaze remained gentle, his tone brooked no argument.
Yan Zhen’s pupils trembled, and she dared not say more. She nodded meekly, “Yes, I understand.”
Yan Huai raised his chin, “Go on then. You two should talk for a while.”
Though Yan Zhen had achieved her goal, somehow she couldn’t feel excited. While Yan Huai showed indulgence toward her, he also had clear boundaries that were non-negotiable. Yan Zhen felt somewhat uneasy, and only after respectfully bowing did she turn to leave.
Yuan Qing, following Yan Huai’s orders, personally escorted Yan Zhen to Kunning Palace.
Outside Kunning Palace, Zhao Yu, who was in charge of the imperial guards, was stunned to suddenly see Yan Zhen appear.
However, Yan Zhen maintained a cold expression, as if she hadn’t seen him at all. Yuan Qing, behind Yan Zhen, smiled and said, “His Majesty has ordered that the Princess be allowed in to speak with Her Majesty the Empress. Commander Zhao, please grant passage.”
Zhao Yu gave Yan Zhen a deep look before nodding.
The imperial guards dispersed, and Yan Zhen entered Kunning Palace alone, keeping her eyes straight ahead.
Zhao Yu’s gaze lingered on Yan Zhen’s figure before he finally sighed.
Yan Zhen felt quite uncomfortable inside. Though she and Zhao Yu had never exchanged eternal vows or developed deep feelings that made him irreplaceable, he was still the first person to stir romantic feelings in her young heart, making him different from others. However, she was about to get married, and there was no possibility with Zhao Yu anymore. No matter how outstanding and heroic Zhao Yu might be, how could he stand against her father and mother?!
Yan Zhen sighed and quickly walked to the main hall of Kunning Palace.
Days of confinement had made Zhao Shuhua’s complexion increasingly dark and gloomy.
When she was first confined for two or three days, she remained calm. Even after five or six days, she only felt somewhat suspicious. But now she had been confined for half a month, which was undoubtedly a very dangerous sign. Yun Yan watched from the side, feeling that in all these years, she had never seen the Empress so anxious.
“Your Majesty, this cannot continue. Should you try to find a way to see His Majesty…”
See His Majesty?! Zhao Shuhua gave a slight cold laugh. “It would be useless to see him. I suspect something has already happened to the Crown Prince.”
Yun Yan’s expression changed several times. “How could that be? Last year’s incident didn’t implicate the Crown Prince.”
Zhao Shuhua shook her head, her expression extremely complex. Although last year’s incident hadn’t implicated the Crown Prince, if Yan Huai wanted to find fault with Yan Che, it would be too simple. Power networks in court were intricately intertwined, and very few officials in office had completely clean backgrounds. Since Yan Che became Crown Prince, many had come to curry favor with him. Even if Yan Che maintained absolute fairness and integrity, he couldn’t prevent his subordinates from making mistakes, especially since politics was never crystal clear.
As the days of confinement continued, Zhao Shuhua’s heart sank to rock bottom. She had formed a vague guess in her mind, initially finding it unbelievable, but then thinking of something that made her cold smile grow deeper. Nothing was impossible – that person’s methods and mindset made everything possible!
Zhao Shuhua lowered her eyes in deep thought. She hadn’t slept well for days, and dark shadows had formed under her eyes. But in the current situation, trapped in this small Kunning Palace, she was completely helpless. Until the final moment, she wouldn’t reveal her trump card.
So had the final moment arrived? What plans had that person made? Zhao Shuhua couldn’t know, but she dared not harbor any wishful thinking. “Let’s wait a bit longer. We can’t do anything inside Kunning Palace, but outside there are the Crown Prince and Zhen’er. They must know they can’t wait any longer.”
Yun Yan nodded, expressing considerable concern, “Your Majesty, could it be…”
Zhao Shuhua laughed mockingly and nodded, “Our time might be running out!”
Hearing these words, Yun Yan was so frightened her pupils contracted. “This… surely it’s not that serious? That Jin Prince’s guard was just a minor figure. Even if he was truly executed by you, how could it have such a big impact? Besides, Jin Prince’s death had nothing to do with us. Back then, you wanted to save Jin Prince!”
Zhao Shuhua heard this and laughed bitterly, “But who would believe that?”
Yun Yan’s expression changed several times, her heart filling with bitterness. Indeed, no one would believe it.
Zhao Shuhua’s cold eyes narrowed, flashing with sharp brilliance, “It’s not necessarily excessive. Che’er isn’t His Majesty’s best choice.”
Upon hearing these words, Yun Yan felt even more terrified. As the Empress’s most trusted maid, Yan Che was like her young master. A year ago, Yan Che’s appointment as Crown Prince seemed perfectly natural. Yun Yan thought even His Majesty felt the same way. As the legitimate son, although not the eldest, Yan Che’s character and abilities made him the prime candidate for heir. Why would the Empress now say that Yan Che wasn’t His Majesty’s best choice?!
Yun Yan’s unease grew stronger. “Your Majesty, what do you mean?”
Zhao Shuhua gently closed her eyes. “This day was bound to come. I thought it would be a few more years, but I didn’t expect His Majesty to become impatient. Neither Yan Che nor Prince Cheng are the best candidates. His Majesty’s gaze has long been directed elsewhere.”
Yun Yan was bewildered. “His Majesty is in his prime. Could he be afraid the Crown Prince’s power is growing too great?”
Zhao Shuhua shook her head again. Then, thinking of something, she suddenly opened her eyes and said, “It’s too strange. I still can’t understand how Song Xiwen’s corpse appeared in Jin Prince’s rear courtyard. If not for that, His Majesty probably wouldn’t have found an excuse to confine me, and none of this would have happened.”
Having served Zhao Shuhua for twenty years, Yun Yan was one of the most knowledgeable about last year’s events. Upon hearing this, she immediately said, “Your Majesty, could someone have learned about last year’s affairs? Was Song Xiwen’s body moved to Jin Prince’s manor?”
Zhao Shuhua spoke with deep meaning, “Of course, it was moved by someone. Dead people don’t relocate and bury themselves.”
But who was it? The opponent lurked in darkness while she remained exposed – this feeling was extremely unsettling.
“We handled last year’s matter flawlessly. Such a mistake couldn’t have happened. Who could have leaked the information?”
Yun Yan frowned, “Those who know this matter best are Eunuch Kang and Eunuch Zhu. The two of them are quite close in private…”
Zhao Shuhua still frowned, “That’s impossible. They are loyal to me.”
As she said this, Zhao Shuhua herself became uncertain. Kang Bowen and Zhu Yucheng were indeed promoted by her, but both had been far from her sight for too long. Due to trust, she had never monitored them over the years. Whether these two might have betrayed her or been bought by someone new, Zhao Shuhua didn’t know. She frowned and sighed, “They didn’t hesitate when dying. I don’t think they would betray me.”
Yun Yan’s lips were tightly pressed together. “Your Majesty, if you’ve guessed His Majesty’s intentions, what should we do?”
Zhao Shuhua’s eyes turned cold, and her entire bearing became severe. Seeing Zhao Shuhua like this, Yun Yan’s heart jolted. The Empress was the wisest woman she had ever known. Over the years, whether facing palace threats from her cooling relationship with the Emperor or Yan Che’s step-by-step path to becoming Crown Prince, everything had been within the Empress’s control. No matter when she remained calm and composed. Regardless of how much anger or fear she felt inside, she never showed it. When her opponents saw this demeanor, they would believe she had sufficient backing. Usually, at this point, opponents would automatically retreat – Lady Feng was a good example.
Although everyone knew Lady Feng was most favored, for years Feng Lingsu hadn’t dared to truly oppose the Empress. When angry, she would vent on lower-ranked consorts; when favored, she would merely show off a little but never dared to do anything more outrageous. Yun Yan had always thought her mistress would eventually become the master of Shoukang Palace, and until the very end, this vast palace would remain under her mistress’s control. But now it seemed she had thought too simply.
Zhao Shuhua’s features were sharp, her entire being seeming to carry a fierce north wind. Her father was Great Zhou’s Defender-General, and she had known how to be a warrior since childhood. If she were a man, she would certainly have been a commander conquering territories on the battlefield. But she happened to be a woman, so she could only suppress all her ambition and edge within this cage of high walls and deep courtyards. Even after twenty years of confinement here, she still had the fierce courage in her heart to charge into battle and fight to the death!
“Wait two more days. If the Crown Prince and Zhen’er don’t appear, I have a plan.”
After pondering for a long while, Zhao Shuhua finally spoke. Hearing these words, Yun Yan’s heart immediately settled.
Zhao Shuhua only waited one day before Yan Zhen arrived. When Yun Yan saw Yan Zhen, she almost cried. Without time to bow, she turned and ran inside, “Your Majesty, the Princess has come! The Princess has arrived—”
Zhao Shuhua immediately stood up, but realizing she was too excited, she quickly sat back down at a distance. Soon, Yan Zhen entered the room.
Not having seen Zhao Shuhua for many days, Yan Zhen’s first glance made her feel that Zhao Shuhua had aged several years. She still wore magnificent clothes and exquisite makeup, but sitting there with her back straight gave people the feeling she was forcing herself to maintain composure. Her usual ease and presence had dimmed somewhat.
Yan Zhen approached without bowing. “Crown Prince Brother and Sister-in-law sent me.”
Zhao Shuhua gazed deeply at Yan Zhen. In the past, Yan Zhen would have already rushed into her embrace. But now, she wouldn’t even call her Mother. Zhao Shuhua looked for quite a while before speaking, “What did they say? What has happened outside?”
Yan Zhen came for business. Even though she felt uncomfortable under Zhao Shuhua’s gaze, she still stepped forward and quickly said, “Something has happened. The imperial commissioner investigating the military provisions case in the Northwest sent a memorial back, saying the corruption of Shuo Xi’s military provisions is related to Zhang Qide. Zhang Qide has been imprisoned now, for many days already.”
When Zhao Shuhua heard the words “something has happened,” her heart already jolted. Upon hearing Zhang Qide was imprisoned, her expression could only be described as fierce, with shock and anger all transformed into sharp edges, even her fist on the armrest clenched.
Yan Zhen was intimidated by Zhao Shuhua’s expression and momentarily froze. But Zhao Shuhua looked at her solemnly, “Continue.”
Yan Zhen nodded, “After Zhang Qide’s imprisonment, people at court began impeaching Crown Prince Brother. But Crown Prince Brother must have made arrangements, as there was no substantial evidence, and Father Emperor didn’t say anything. However, yesterday, the Censorate suddenly produced much evidence. All the people Crown Prince Brother had previously protected were implicated. When Father Emperor saw this, he angrily stripped Crown Prince Brother of his authority over the Ministry of Personnel and Revenue, and ordered him to reflect on his actions in the Eastern Palace.”
“Are there imperial guards watching?”
Yan Zhen nodded, “Yes, essentially confining Crown Prince Brother.”
Zhao Shuhua’s suspended heart fell, plunging into an endless abyss.
If she had held onto a last glimmer of hope before, by now, that final trace of wishful thinking had vanished.
She could now be certain of what the Emperor intended to do!
Zhao Shuhua’s expression was very unpleasant. Seeing this, Yan Zhen felt anxious. “Mother?”
Called by Yan Zhen, Zhao Shuhua suddenly came to her senses. Seeing the worry in Yan Zhen’s eyes, her heart softened. “I understand. Is there anything else? Has the Jin Prince Manor case been investigated further? Are there any other changes in court? What does the Empress Dowager say?”
Zhao Shuhua asked several questions in succession. Yan Zhen took a moment to react before answering.
“The Jin Prince Manor case hasn’t been investigated further. Prince Cheng is now focused on defeating Crown Prince Brother. Besides, nothing else can be found in that case. Grandmother still protects Crown Prince Brother. Yesterday, Grandmother personally went to the Eastern Palace. When she went, others became much more cautious. As for the court, I don’t know very clearly, except… oh right, Yan Chi has returned to the Ministry of Justice, still as Left Vice Minister.”
Zhao Shuhua’s brows were tightly knitted. Yan Zhen was naturally insensitive to court politics, and perhaps there were many strange circumstances she couldn’t notice. However, these messages alone were enough. She stood up and walked to the window. At this time of year, the weather had already turned cold, and it seemed the first snow of winter would soon fall. Zhao Shuhua pushed the window open abruptly. The cold wind howled in, even disheveling her temple hair, but she paid no attention to this.
Yan Zhen stood not far behind Zhao Shuhua, watching and waiting. She knew why Qin Chaoyu had sent her to see Mother. Whether it was her or Crown Prince Brother, no one could turn the tide, but Mother could. Her sister-in-law was also an extremely intelligent person.
Yan Zhen waited silently, not daring to disturb Zhao Shuhua’s thoughts. As she watched, Yan Zhen suddenly noticed several strands of silver white in Zhao Shuhua’s hair bun. Her heart jolted, and her chest immediately filled with sourness – her mother had aged too.
Zhao Shuhua herself was frantically thinking. The situation was as serious as she had imagined, even more difficult than she had thought. At this point, what could she still use? Thinking this, Zhao Shuhua suddenly thought of Yan Chi. She quickly turned and asked, “What has Yan Chi been doing since entering the Ministry of Justice? Has the Rui Prince Manor had any disturbances these days?”
Yan Zhen was startled, not understanding why Zhao Shuhua suddenly asked about Yan Chi, but still instinctively replied, “No, these days court affairs are complex. Yan Chi acts very steadily in the Ministry of Justice, nothing eye-catching. Why does Mother ask this?”
Very steady? Nothing eye-catching?
A flash of calculation crossed Zhao Shuhua’s eyes, and her lips curved in pleasure.
She suddenly had a suspicion – could the person who buried the corpse in Jin Prince’s rear courtyard be Yan Chi?
When the Jin Prince Manor case emerged, Prince Rui was already dead…
Having been Empress for twenty years, and dealing with royal family members since she could remember, her acumen and wisdom always allowed her to easily see through people’s hearts. While she might not be so certain about others, she saw clearly through the father and son, Yan Lin and Yan Chi. Yan Lin had grown up beside the Empress Dowager since childhood, his nature extremely loyal and upright, but this uprightness had harmed him. Fortunately, Yan Chi was different from him.
She hadn’t sent people to investigate Prince Rui’s death in detail, but for Prince Rui, who had been formidable in Shuo Xi for over ten years, to be killed by a group of Rong assassins was simply impossible. And as for who would have the courage to plan all this, Zhao Shuhua didn’t need to think much to know who it was!
What she could think of, Yan Chi could also figure out. Among the younger generation, Yan Chi was her most admired junior. He was a wolf king who grew up fighting in the northern plains of Shuo Xi. Even after returning to the capital, the fierce blood in his bones wouldn’t change.
Since Yan Chi could figure it out, what did his current docility prove?
Zhao Shuhua curved her lips, “Have Yan Chi and Qin Wan set their wedding date? How are they lately?”
Yan Zhen’s eyes widened, even more confused! Her mother and Crown Prince Brother were already in a difficult situation, yet why was her mother asking about others’ engagements? Was she thinking about what gifts to send them?
“They… should be fine. I saw Qin Wan yesterday. Grandmother hasn’t been well, so Qin Wan often enters the palace to treat her. Yesterday, Grandmother took her to the Eastern Palace, where she spoke with Sister-in-law. Nothing seemed unusual on the surface.”
Zhao Shuhua nodded, “When Yan Qi investigated the Jin Prince Manor case, was Qin Wan with him?”
Yan Zhen wasn’t clear about these matters, only saying, “Doesn’t Qin Wan examine corpses? She should have been there…”
Zhao Shuhua narrowed her eyes and thought for a moment, “Then go tell your Sister-in-law that when Qin Wan next comes to the Eastern Palace, have your Sister-in-law tell her a few things.”
Yan Zhen looked at Zhao Shuhua, not understanding why she wanted to pass messages through Qin Chaoyu to Qin Wan. Shouldn’t she be sending messages to Crown Prince Brother?
“Tell your Sister-in-law to inform Qin Wan that Song Xiwen indeed died in Kunning Palace.”
Yan Zhen’s eyes widened, feeling bewildered. Wasn’t Zhang Qide’s imprisonment the most urgent matter now?
Zhao Shuhua ignored Yan Zhen’s confusion and continued with a smile, “In Zhang Family Lane of An Min District in the south city lives a Madam Qian, who just left the palace early this year. If Qin Wan wants to know about Song Xiwen’s death cause from last year, she can find this person.”
Zhao Shuhua’s tone suddenly became composed again, as if the earlier sharpness and anxiety had been just Yan Zhen’s imagination.
Yan Zhen suddenly realized these seemingly random matters were crucial, and she quickly mumbled them twice to herself.
Seeing Yan Zhen do this, Zhao Shuhua knew the message would be passed on. Her heart settled a bit, but her eyes quickly darkened again. After brief consideration, Zhao Shuhua said, “Share this information with your Sister-in-law, and tell her only Qin Wan can know about this. You don’t need to handle anything after that and don’t let her meet with Qin Wan too often. If Qin Wan asks further questions, just warn her to act discreetly, as this involves last year’s Jin Prince case.”
Waves of realization washed through Yan Zhen’s heart, and after a while, she nodded. “Then Mother, what should Crown Prince Brother do now?”
Zhao Shuhua took a deep breath, “Do nothing. Let him and your Sister-in-law wait quietly. Also, tell him that things have reached their worst point.”
Yan Zhen’s expression changed slightly, “Mother, what does this mean? What do you mean things have reached their worst point?”
Zhao Shuhua turned aside, avoiding Yan Zhen’s questioning gaze, “Tell your brother, he’ll understand what it means.”
Yan Zhen anxiously stepped forward, “Mother! Why can’t you tell me? You say things have reached their worst point, could it mean… could it mean Father plans to strip Brother of his Crown Prince position?”
Zhao Shuhua didn’t immediately deny it, instead saying, “You’re about to be married, you needn’t concern yourself with these matters.”
Hearing this, Yan Zhen knew she had guessed correctly. She shook her head, unable to accept it. “But how is this possible? This time Crown Prince Brother just used the wrong people, but he didn’t do anything wrong. How could Father directly depose him?”
Yan Zhen shook her head, her eyes reddening. Though she didn’t understand much, she knew that if Yan Che was deposed now, it would mean completely losing his chance at the throne. He might be demoted, might be sent to some barren fief, while her mother would grow old alone in the palace. Yan Zhen couldn’t imagine it. Since childhood, she had known how noble her mother was and had been certain her brother would become the future emperor…
Zhao Shuhua turned to face her, looking at Yan Zhen with tender concern. Yan Zhen suddenly asked, “Mother, did you foresee this day, and that’s why you’re sending me away?”
Zhao Shuhua’s eyes glistened with tears, and Yan Zhen burst into tears. “But Mother, why? Why did you want me to marry into Northern Wei so early? Is there something between you and Father that I don’t know about?”
Zhao Shuhua couldn’t help but step forward and embrace Yan Zhen, who hugged her back. This sudden fear left her at a loss, and Zhao Shuhua’s embrace felt like a safe harbor, yet she would soon have to leave this harbor far behind.
“Good child, there’s nothing wrong. This is just politics. Your father is first the Emperor of Great Zhou, then your father. No matter what, he always shows you love.” Zhao Shuhua’s words were similar to Yan Huai’s – both refused to speak ill of the other, yet said the other was always good to her. Yan Zhen grew increasingly frightened hearing this. “Mother, so what will happen in the end? Will Crown Prince Brother be deposed? What will happen to you?”
Yan Zhen instinctively felt Zhao Shuhua knew everything. She suddenly regretted her previous tantrums with Zhao Shuhua.
“I don’t know the outcome either, but you needn’t worry. Everything will be fine with Mother here.”
These words had some effect. Yan Zhen’s subconscious was full of trust in Zhao Shuhua. As she sobbed quietly, Zhao Shuhua gently stroked her back and said, “After you leave today, go straight to your brother. Of what I’ve told you, tell what needs to be told to your Sister-in-law and your brother. Keep the rest in your heart. Zhen’er, Mother is very happy you came today.”
Though Yan Zhen’s wedding date hadn’t arrived, she was already experiencing the taste of separation. She couldn’t help but burst into sobs. Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua’s heart twisted in pain. “I’ve already prepared everything for your wedding. Once in Northern Wei, forget you were ever a princess of Great Zhou.”
“No, Mother, I’ll always be Great Zhou’s princess…”
Zhao Shuhua’s eyes reddened, “Mother only wishes for your happiness and safety. The fate of the nation isn’t your concern – that’s the responsibility of your mother and brother.”
Yan Zhen’s heart was heavy with complex emotions. Before, she had hated Zhao Shuhua for using her as a chess piece, but now she wished Zhao Shuhua would truly use her as one, and give her more instructions. She was willing to do more. “Mother, I don’t want to marry into Northern Wei anymore. I want to stay with you and Brother. If I leave, what will Father do to you…”
Zhao Shuhua tightened her embrace slightly and sighed, “Don’t say such things. After you leave here today, never say such things again. Your father won’t do anything to us – at most, we’ll lose some power. With me here, I’ll protect your brother well.”
Yan Zhen pressed her lips together, tears flowing more heavily. Just then, Yun Yan knocked on the door outside, “Your Majesty, Yuan Gong says it’s about time, the Princess should leave.”
They hadn’t talked for long before Yuan Qing came to call her. Was her mother truly imprisoned?
Yan Zhen’s brows furrowed in anger, but Zhao Shuhua pinched her cheek, “Go now, and remember Mother’s words.”
Yan Zhen wanted to say more. Though she couldn’t understand many things, she suddenly believed what others had said – her mother wouldn’t harm her; she just wasn’t strong or clever enough to see through everything. She gazed at Zhao Shuhua reluctantly, her eyes red from crying. Zhao Shuhua took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, then firmly pushed her away. Yan Zhen could faintly hear Yuan Qing’s voice outside, and finally left, looking back with every few steps.
Outside the main hall, Yuan Qing still stood smiling. Yan Zhen glanced at him and walked out with red eyes.
Yuan Qing hurriedly followed, “Does the Princess wish to see His Majesty?”
Yan Zhen snorted, “I’m going to see Crown Prince Brother!”
Yuan Qing wanted to say something but held back upon seeing Yan Zhen’s angry demeanor. Yan Zhen walked quickly, suddenly freezing upon seeing Zhao Yu. Remembering her tear-stained face, she lifted her skirts and walked even faster. Yuan Qing said something to Zhao Yu before returning to report to Chongzheng Hall.
Back at Chongzheng Hall, Yuan Qing smiled, “The Princess’s eyes were red from crying. This servant doesn’t know what she discussed with the Empress, but she headed to the Eastern Palace in anger.”
Yan Huai was reading memorials and said indifferently, “She probably realizes the Empress’s good intentions toward her.”
After a pause, Yan Huai casually ordered, “Watch what she does at the Eastern Palace, and see what the Crown Prince will do.”
Yuan Qing quickly agreed and went to instruct his subordinates without daring to think further.
In the Eastern Palace, Yan Che frowned hearing Yan Zhen’s words. “Did Mother truly tell me to do nothing?”
Yan Zhen nodded, looking at Yan Che very seriously. “Crown Prince Brother, these were Mother’s exact words. You must listen to Mother.”
Yan Che already had complete faith in Zhao Shuhua’s words, and being confined now made it difficult to do anything anyway. He nodded and looked at Yan Zhen’s eyes with a sigh. “Not angry at Mother anymore? Your eyes are red from crying.”
At this, Yan Zhen’s nose stung again, and she lowered her head sheepishly. “Crown Prince Brother, I was ignorant before. Now… though I still don’t understand everything, I think I grasp Mother’s meaning…” She continued, “But Crown Prince Brother, though Mother said not to do anything, she told me to tell you that things have reached their worst point.”
At these words, Yan Che’s face immediately paled. He remained stunned and silent for a long while.
Yan Zhen had her suspicions, and seeing Yan Che’s reaction confirmed her thoughts, making her heart heavy with grief.
“Crown Prince Brother, does this mean Father…”
Yan Che waved his hand, “Don’t concern yourself with this, and don’t ask more. After leaving the Eastern Palace, never mention this to others, and don’t plead with Father.”
Yan Zhen’s heart plummeted, while Yan Che seemed to lose his soul to his thoughts.
Yan Zhen wanted to cry again, but remembering the Empress’s message for Qin Chaoyu, she wiped her eyes and stood up, saying, “I’ll go see Sister-in-law.”
Yan Che nodded absently, and Yan Zhen turned to leave, heading straight for Qin Chaoyu’s courtyard.
Qin Chaoyu had been waiting for Yan Zhen. Hearing she was coming, she immediately went out to meet her. Seeing Yan Zhen’s tear-stained face, Qin Chaoyu’s heart sank. She wanted to offer comfort, but Yan Zhen grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the inner chamber, “Sister-in-law, dismiss everyone else.”
Qin Chaoyu’s expression turned serious, and she immediately sent everyone away. Yan Zhen pulled Qin Chaoyu into the inner chamber, carefully listened for any movement outside, and then cautiously relayed Zhao Shuhua’s instructions. After hearing everything, Qin Chaoyu was also shocked. Yan Zhen quickly added, “Mother also said that if Qin Wan asks questions, tell her to act discreetly. I think Mother means this matter is very dangerous. Mother said it’s related to last year’s Jin Prince case…”
Of course, it was related to last year’s Jin Prince case, but at this critical moment, why would the Empress give such instructions?
Despite her many doubts, Qin Chaoyu wouldn’t disobey the Empress. She nodded, “I understand. Did Mother say anything else important?”
Yan Zhen was about to shake her head, but now trusting Qin Chaoyu completely, she hesitated briefly before saying, “Mother said… things have reached their worst point and told you and Crown Prince Brother to wait quietly and do nothing for now…”
Qin Chaoyu’s face paled. She had made the worst prediction, and now it aligned with the Empress’s words!