As soon as Director Guo finished speaking, two guards immediately stepped forward and firmly gripped Ying Chu’s jaw. A sound like a suffocating fish gasping for air emerged from Ying Chu’s throat. Director Guo gestured, and someone immediately brought over a bowl of medicinal soup and poured it directly into Ying Chu’s mouth. After quite a while, Ying Chu gradually returned to normal, though his head hung low, as if all his vitality had been released in that earlier frenzy, no longer displaying his previous mad expression.

Director Guo sighed softly: “This Five Poisons Powder must be taken regularly. I can help you use it once, but you won’t be so lucky next time! That’s all for today’s discussion—we should go.” The last sentence was directed at Li Weiyang.

Their feet had not yet stepped out when a voice suddenly came from behind: “Is that matter about Changde really true?”

Wang Zijin glanced at Director Guo, then smiled faintly: “What reason would we have to deceive you about such a matter? If you don’t believe it, you’re welcome to investigate for yourself.”

Ying Chu’s expression shifted uncertainly, his eyes flickering between light and dark, unclear what he was thinking. The other three quietly watched him, and the scene fell silent for a moment.

This young man named Changde did indeed exist. As Wang Zijin had said, he was someone Empress Dowager Pei had recently become quite fond of. Not only was he beautiful in appearance, but he also had a gentle, compliant, refined, and reasonable temperament, always wearing a cheerful expression on his face. When serving others, he was neither too warm nor too cold—just right—making Empress Dowager Pei feel very comfortable. Not only did the Empress like him, but even the female officials and palace maids were quite friendly with him. When others paid him respects out of consideration for the Empress, he always returned the courtesy in a very approachable manner. He had excellent relations with everyone, regardless of who they were. Though he had not been in the palace long, a small anecdote had already spread. It was said that the Empress had summoned the Qingyun Theater Troupe to perform in the palace a few days ago and casually ordered that the pastries on the table be bestowed upon an actor. However, this actor didn’t want the pastries—instead, he boldly requested that the Empress bestow calligraphy upon him. The Empress was in a good mood and actually had a eunuch bring writing materials. With a sweep of her hand, she wrote the character “fu” (fortune). Standing beside her, Changde looked at what the Empress had written and noticed that the “fu” character used the “shi” (示) radical instead of the “yi” (衣) radical—the character was clearly written incorrectly. If taken back, the actor would surely display it, inviting criticism, but not taking it would also be awkward. The actor obviously noticed this too, and whether to take it or not, both options were problematic, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. Yet the Empress merely smiled faintly, clearly waiting to see how Changde would handle this—or rather, this was the Empress testing him. If he knew the master had made a mistake but said nothing, then this servant could only ever be a servant. If he pointed it out bluntly without discretion, then he couldn’t even remain a servant.

At this moment, Changde’s mind worked quickly, and he said cheerfully: “Your Majesty’s fortune exceeds everyone else’s in the world by a little extra, so isn’t that just the ‘yi’ radical?”

Hearing this, the actor’s mind caught on, and he immediately kowtowed: “Your Majesty’s fortune is so abundant—this supreme fortune above all others, how would this servant dare accept it?”

Upon hearing this, the Empress merely smiled and no longer insisted that he take the calligraphy. Afterward, she actually promoted Changde to be her close personal attendant. Anyone with eyes could see that the Empress was testing whether Changde had the qualifications to climb the ladder of advancement, and also allowing him to show his face before everyone.

Most crucially, Changde had been sent to the Empress by the Crown Prince—he was an important link connecting their mother-son relationship. By accepting Changde, Empress Dowager Pei was forgiving the Crown Prince and casting aside Ying Chu.

Ying Chu had already raised his head, staring at Director Guo: “How did you discern that something was wrong with me?”

Director Guo knew his target had taken the bait and sighed softly: “I was once poisoned by Five Poisons Powder myself, so naturally I know the pain when it takes effect. That day, observing your expression from outside seemed very familiar, which made me suspect you were also controlled by Five Poisons Powder. I’m just very curious—since Five Poisons Powder is a tool in Empress Dowager Pei’s hands, how did even you fall for it?”

Ying Chu smiled bitterly: “A year ago, Her Majesty gave me a gift—ice ginseng that grows on snowy mountains. This substance is a medicinal ingredient, already rare in our country. If taken in small amounts, it can strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality, extremely beneficial for the body. I never doubted her—I consumed everything she bestowed without leaving a bit. From then on, she regularly sent me medicine to nourish my body, which I truly needed because practicing internal martial arts is very harmful to the body… Later, I discovered that these things she sent were gradually making me addicted, clearly showing she had long intended to kill me.” Ying Chu spoke with his head lowered, talking to himself, his demeanor seeming somewhat abnormal.

Director Guo smiled slightly: “Lord Ying, you should think carefully. I have plenty of patience. One day you’ll understand that following Empress Dowager Pei will ultimately only lead to being discarded once you’ve outlived your usefulness. You’d be better off seeking another path.” With that, they left the stone chamber.

The moment they saw sunlight again, Li Weiyang stopped gently, her expression easing: “Fifth Brother, was everything you did today planned in advance?”

Director Guo smiled slightly: “What? Are you dissatisfied with everything I said?”

Li Weiyang glanced lightly at the stone chamber before saying: “I know you’re eager to win over Ying Chu, but in my view, this plan is somewhat risky.”

Director Guo’s expression darkened slightly: “No one in this world can escape the suffering of Five Poisons Powder—not I, not Ying Chu either. Even though I’ve already overcome this addiction, whenever I wake at midnight, those nightmare-like experiences still surface in my mind. I can never forget this, and I’ll never forget this cutting pain. No matter how deeply Ying Chu loves Empress Dowager Pei, he’s ultimately still a man. Toward a woman who doesn’t return his love yet exploits him in every way, he’ll inevitably harbor some resentment. As long as we handle his emotions properly, destroying Empress Dowager Pei is just a matter of time.”

Li Weiyang rarely heard Director Guo speak this way. Her lips moved as if wanting to dissuade him, but recalling Director Guo’s pained expression from before, she understood why he was doing this. After thinking, she only said gently: “Fifth Brother, I don’t mean anything else. Since Ying Chu loves Empress Dowager Pei so deeply, if we use him well, we can naturally eliminate her. But if we don’t use him well… it could easily backfire on us. Think thrice before acting—without complete certainty, I hope you won’t take risks.”

Director Guo furrowed his brows, looking at Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, you’re being overly cautious. One must be bold in all things. Ying Chu has already fallen into our hands—should we still restrain ourselves everywhere and be controlled by others? I’m unwilling—I just want to reclaim some justice for myself and the Guo family!” With that, he strode away quickly.

Li Weiyang watched him leave, her gaze shifting slightly, an inexplicable unease welling up in her heart. She had never seen Director Guo like this—as if that out-of-control Fifth Brother from before had returned…

Seeing Director Guo depart, Wang Zijin finally spoke: “Jia’er, don’t blame Fifth Young Master. I can see he’s suffering deeply inside.”

Li Weiyang started, turning to look at Wang Zijin. Seeing a trace of sympathy flowing in those beautiful eyes, her heart stirred, and she couldn’t help but smile: “Zijin, when did you start speaking up for him?”

Wang Zijin’s heart skipped a beat. Looking at Li Weiyang’s clear, water-like eyes, she only sighed: “This is the first time I’ve learned that Fifth Young Master was once harmed by Five Poisons Powder. Once someone gets involved with this substance, to overcome the addiction requires shedding a layer of skin—no one has ever successfully broken free from Five Poisons Powder addiction. Yet looking at Fifth Young Master now, he seems completely unaffected, showing how much effort he must have invested to achieve this. What’s even more admirable is that he hasn’t become self-destructive or decadent because of past experiences, and even maintains a smiling face and treats people kindly—such a man is rarely seen in this world. This willpower alone is enough to earn my admiration! But no matter how carefree he appears, the scars in his heart won’t disappear immediately. I think his eagerness to grasp Empress Dowager Pei’s weakness is just to release the frustration in his chest.”

After hearing Wang Zijin’s words, how could Li Weiyang not understand? She knew Director Guo’s personality seemed carefree, but deep down he was quite stubborn. Especially since Empress Dowager Pei’s scheme had forever robbed him of his ability to wield a sword, transforming him from a young master accomplished in both civil and martial arts into what others considered worthless. Though he didn’t speak of it, how could he harbor no resentment? The more cheerful and magnanimous someone appears, the more invisible wounds they carry behind them. Li Weiyang could empathize with Director Guo’s feelings, but she still felt something was amiss about this matter.

Seeing Li Weiyang’s hesitant expression, Wang Zijin said: “Jia’er, do you still have concerns?”

Li Weiyang glanced back toward the stone chamber, her tone slightly halting as she spoke slowly: “Ying Chu is so loyal to Empress Dowager Pei, he won’t easily switch sides. If Fifth Brother is too confident, that’s never a good thing.”

Wang Zijin only smiled slightly: “You should trust Fifth Young Master—he won’t put the Guo family at risk.”

Li Weiyang nodded. Even if this matter didn’t succeed, there wouldn’t be much harm—it could be considered just an attempt. Moreover, she was naturally suspicious and overly cautious in her actions. Perhaps this time she really was overthinking things.

The next evening, Li Weiyang was sitting and chatting idly with Director Guo and Princess Ali when someone came in to report: “Fifth Young Master, that person wants to see you.” Director Guo had finally received the news he’d been waiting for. He suddenly stood up from his seat, unable to suppress the joy on his face. He turned to Li Weiyang with a smile: “I’ll be right back.”

Li Weiyang quickly stood up as well, saying softly: “Fifth Brother, I’ll go with you.”

Director Guo glanced at Li Weiyang and smiled: “Come if you want, but don’t interfere with my business.”

Li Weiyang smiled but said nothing. The two entered the stone chamber again to find Ying Chu half-lying, half-reclining on the ground like a stray dog, his eyes revealing despair and unwillingness. Director Guo smiled—this time his smile finally reached his eyes: “Have you decided?” His voice was soft yet very certain.

Ying Chu only said flatly: “From the time I can remember, I’ve been a house slave of the Pei family. Back then, I really disliked this identity. I’ve had ambitions since childhood, wanting to rise in the world, wanting to become superior to others, but because of the debt our ancestors owed the Pei family, generation after generation had to serve as slaves and servants in the Pei household—serving masters seemed like a natural duty. I was extremely unwilling then, because my natural talents were high. I had already learned the shamanic medical arts passed down from my parents, and after reading ordinary books once, I could recite them backward and forward. If I weren’t a Pei family slave, perhaps my fate would have changed. But later… I met her. She was the Pei family’s precious pearl, the most precious flower of the Pei clan. When I was young, I was frail and was often bullied by my peers. Once, when I was being mocked and beaten, she suddenly appeared before me and told me that crying wouldn’t make my life better—only by striving to climb upward, step by step, step by step to the highest place, could I change my circumstances. Otherwise, I might as well die. From that day on, I was determined that even as a house slave, I could become superior to others, become the most important person by her side.”

Hearing Ying Chu speak of the past, his expression quite moved, the lines of half his face softened considerably. Li Weiyang watched him, her expression very calm, not interrupting.

Director Guo’s eyes stared at him like a poisoned sword, scrutinizing carefully: “So you’ve been by Empress Dowager Pei’s side ever since?”

Ying Chu relaxed slightly, a trace of a smile appearing on his face. When half his face smiled, it looked cunningly attractive—a smile revealing both intelligence and ruthlessness. He gently closed his eyes, his consciousness almost blurring for a moment. He had just inadvertently caught sight of Li Weiyang’s expression—this woman with her cold beauty and indifferent temperament unknowingly overlapped with someone in his memory. Though Huaizhen’s face was devastatingly beautiful, in a certain sense, they were both equally heartless women.

It seemed like a summer day many years ago. He was dirty and smelly then, the most useless of all the children. Some kids grabbed him and beat him mercilessly until his features bled and his arm was nearly broken. Then he saw a pair of delicate, exquisite shoes walking toward him, the white gauze skirt nearly touching the ground. The ground was very dirty, but he had never seen such beautiful feet. The young woman’s voice was very indifferent yet pleasant, like when he accidentally touched a zither string as a child—crisp and lovely. Though her tone wasn’t gentle, she subsequently ordered people to rescue him and took him to the back courtyard to wash. From then on, every time he saw that person’s back, his heart surged with a fervent passion, and he almost wanted to kneel on the ground to worship her.

He had always been cold, his temperament strange, by nature both resenting being looked down upon and fearing pity. But this woman neither looked down on him nor pitied him. Instead, she told him that to stand up, he could only rely on himself, step by step becoming stronger, becoming the strongest person in this world. It was because of her that he resolved to work hard—as long as he could be with her, even death would be worthwhile. Yet despite this, he knew deep down that in her heart, he was just a chess piece. Pei Huaizhen was decisive and ruthless, but as time passed, Ying Chu came to admire and trust her even more. To become her confidant and trusted aide, he had worked hard his entire first half of life. But why did she kick him aside like a dog?

Ying Chu made no sound, but his eyes were like those of a wounded beast, emitting a silent wail.

Director Guo’s heart stirred slightly. Looking at the near-hateful expression on Ying Chu’s half-handsome face, he smiled quietly: “However much hope there once was, now there is that much despair. Lord Ying, you called me here—surely not just to see this sad, decadent appearance of yours?”

Ying Chu finally raised his face to look at him, saying in an unusually calm tone: “You need not test me further. Breaking promises may not be important to you, but for us shamanic physicians, it’s more serious than anything. Keeping promises—once given, one must see them through to the end with no turning back midway, unless…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but Director Guo said flatly: “Unless the other party breaks their promise first, such a person no longer deserves your loyalty and trust.”

Ying Chu hadn’t expected Director Guo to understand the shamanic physician family’s creed so well. He smiled slightly: “Correct. Though I’m merely a Pei family slave, our Ying clan’s service to the Pei family isn’t solely because of that deed of sale. We’ve never valued such things—staying was only to repay a debt of gratitude. Since she has now broken her word first, I need no longer risk my life for her.”

“Is this what they mean by ‘however deep the love, equally deep the hatred’?” Director Guo simply smiled, his tone light.

Ying Chu’s face paled. He felt as if his wounds were bleeding profusely, and Director Guo kept sprinkling salt on them with seemingly casual words. Ying Chu finally said: “If Fifth Young Master trusts me, I’m willing to testify against that person for you.”

Director Guo raised an eyebrow: “What are your conditions?”

Ying Chu smiled, saying only: “Fifth Young Master is indeed clever. Actually, my condition isn’t excessive—I only hope that at the critical moment, you’ll hand that person over to me for disposal.”

Director Guo glanced at Li Weiyang. Seeing she had no objection, he decisively said: “Alright, I agree on my own authority.” He only wanted to bring down Empress Dowager Pei; her life or death was irrelevant to him.

From beginning to end, Li Weiyang quietly observed Ying Chu, never speaking. She seemed to be studying him while also judging the truthfulness of his words.

Ying Chu noticed this. He turned to look at Li Weiyang: “It seems Miss Guo doesn’t trust me. No matter—I’ll eventually earn your trust.”

At this time in the Crown Prince’s residence, the Crown Prince entered with a joyful expression. Leng Lian hurried forward to greet him, smiling: “Your Highness is beaming today—what happy event has occurred?” Leng Lian’s status had long since risen beyond that of a lowly concubine. After the previous lesson, the Crown Princess no longer dared casually make her a target. On the contrary, the Crown Princess personally went to the separate courtyard to bring Leng Lian back to curry favor with the Crown Prince. But the result of doing this was undoubtedly inviting a wolf into the house. Originally, the Crown Princess could still maintain the position of noble legitimate wife in the residence, but once Leng Lian arrived, the Crown Prince didn’t even glance at her anymore.

Hearing Leng Lian speak thus, the Crown Prince grabbed her hand, his face full of smiles: “It is happy news, very happy news! Listen to what I tell you.”

After the Crown Prince finished relating all the happy events, Leng Lian didn’t immediately show joy: “So Ying Chu has completely disappeared?”

The Crown Prince laughed loudly: “Yes, this wretched creature finally doesn’t have to dangle before my eyes—my heart is much more at ease!”

Because Li Weiyang’s actions were secretive, Leng Lian didn’t know into whose hands Ying Chu had fallen. Her brows couldn’t help showing a trace of worry: “But Your Highness, Ying Chu’s disappearance without reason—could he be quietly hiding somewhere with other plans?”

There was a crucial detail here: because they’d lost Ying Chu, the assassins the Crown Prince sent couldn’t report back, so they had no choice but to say Ying Chu was seriously injured and pursued by another group of people, certainly meeting a dire fate. Because the Crown Prince had obtained information about Ying Chu’s so-called weakness, he had always believed this unquestioningly. Now, being questioned by Leng Lian, he immediately said: “No, that’s impossible. Though the assassins I sent that day couldn’t bring back his corpse, this was because he’d made too many enemies, which is why two groups collided. Since the others didn’t intentionally save him, nothing good can come of him falling into their hands. Lian’er, you don’t know—over these many years, Ying Chu has committed countless evil deeds and made countless enemies. Besides me, those who want his life are everywhere!”

Hearing the Crown Prince speak this way, Leng Lian smiled on the surface but harbored doubt in her eyes: “Then… what was the Empress’s reaction?”

The Crown Prince paused: “Mother? She was naturally greatly enraged and sent people everywhere to search, but found nothing. So I suspect that either the other party has hidden Ying Chu very well, or Ying Chu was already killed.”

Leng Lian didn’t believe Ying Chu would die so easily. She vaguely felt the Crown Prince hadn’t been so credulous before—his current state was completely abnormal due to long-term suppression. She spoke up to remind him: “Your Highness mustn’t forget that Ying Chu possesses an immortal body.”

The Crown Prince laughed heartily: “What immortal body? His weakness is merely in his right chest—this just means his heart grew in a slightly different position. What secret is that?”

Hearing the Crown Prince speak with such certainty, Leng Lian’s expression changed slightly: “Your Highness, is this truly so?”

The Crown Prince pulled her over and held her on his lap, full of tender affection: “If someone else asked me, I might not tell them, but as for you, I naturally won’t hide anything.”

Leng Lian seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, smiling: “In that case, Your Highness can rest easy.”

But the Crown Prince’s smile gradually faded: “Originally I thought that eliminating Ying Chu would give me a place by Mother’s side, but now it seems that removing one Ying Chu doesn’t change anything.”

The Crown Prince’s words clearly indicated his displeasure. Leng Lian quickly said: “Your Highness, you should be happy about eliminating Ying Chu. What other dissatisfaction do you have?”

The Crown Prince couldn’t help gritting his teeth: “You don’t know—Mother’s mood has been very poor lately. She often takes it out on me. Anything I say earns her cold looks. Now I have no idea how to please her anymore.”

Hearing the Crown Prince say this, Leng Lian smiled: “Didn’t Your Highness just send someone new to Her Majesty’s side? He can’t play much of a role yet, but after some time when Her Majesty favors him more, the situation will turn around. If Your Highness wants to please Her Majesty, why not build a palace for her as a summer retreat?”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince was somewhat stunned. Then he recalled that Empress Dowager Pei did indeed have a Cuihua Palace in the outskirts of the capital for summer use, but Cuihua Palace was truly quite small. If it could be expanded, Empress Dowager Pei would surely be very happy. Why hadn’t he thought of this before? He nodded, smiled, and kissed Leng Lian’s tender face before saying: “You’re right—Mother will surely be pleased when she knows.” Then he looked around and said: “This Bi’an Garden is really too small—I’ve wronged you.”

Leng Lian smiled: “Your Highness is joking again. I’m merely a nameless, title-less concubine. Living in this courtyard is already thanks to the Crown Princess’s grace.”

The Crown Prince held her tighter: “I wish I could give you the Crown Princess position! But given the current special circumstances, I can’t yet confer upon you the title of secondary consort. Seeing you so obedient, I can’t bear it!”

Leng Lian’s smile became even more gentle: “Look at what Your Highness says. I don’t care about such titles—those are just superficially attractive. As long as I can be with Your Highness, even being a servant would be better than those empty titles. However, Your Highness, the Crown Princess ultimately manages this residence. When you come here, I fear the Crown Princess might be displeased…”

The Crown Prince sneered: “As if she’d have the courage!”

The Crown Prince indeed became even more determined to establish Leng Lian as a secondary consort, because this woman was not only perceptive and tactful but also often gave him perfectly appropriate advice. That very day, he raised with the Crown Princess the matter of conferring upon Leng Lian the title of secondary consort. The Crown Princess endured and endured, but ultimately couldn’t hold back: “This Leng Lian is indeed beautiful beyond compare—not just Your Highness, even I am quite captivated. By rights, whatever woman Your Highness favors and whatever rewards you give are entirely Your Highness’s decision. But since Your Highness came to ask my opinion, it proves Your Highness still values me as Crown Princess. So I’ll say one more thing: Leng Lian serves Your Highness very devotedly and is usually quite obedient. If Your Highness dotes on her more, no one dares say half a word against it. But her background is very special, and to this day we still can’t figure out exactly what her identity is, so…”

The Crown Prince’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and he heard the Crown Princess continue: “If she were an ordinary woman, it would be one thing, but she seems to have some connection with Dali. Among the secondary consorts by Your Highness’s side, Secondary Consort Yao comes from an illustrious meritorious family, Secondary Consort Du was personally selected for Your Highness by Her Majesty, Secondary Consort Zhang is just now pregnant with child. Even Secondary Consort Lu… has already borne Your Highness a son. They all have sufficient status and position to hold the secondary consort position. May I dare ask Your Highness, what virtue or ability does Leng Lian possess—a woman with no family background or accomplishments—to ascend to the position of secondary consort? If Your Highness promotes her, you must first convince everyone. Otherwise, the higher you raise her, the harder she’ll fall in the future! I’m not being jealous—I’m only thinking of her welfare!”

By this point, the Crown Prince was already filled with rage, wishing he could slap the Crown Princess hard. But given the Crown Princess’s special status, the Crown Prince forcibly suppressed his anger and sneered coldly: “You need say no more. I’ll make my own decision on this matter.” With that, he had already flung his sleeves and left. But before reaching the door, he heard the Crown Princess raise her voice: “Your Highness, I advise you not to think of appealing to Mother. If you dare mention this matter to her, you’ll likely be scolded until bloody!”

Hearing those four words, the Crown Prince became even more furious, flinging his sleeves and disappearing from sight.

The Crown Princess felt a surge of anger, a mouthful of phlegm stuck in her throat, blocking it so she could neither swallow nor spit. Finally, a maid nearby came to support her: “Your Highness, why must you quarrel with the Crown Prince?”

The Crown Princess pointed in the direction the Crown Prince had left, even her hand trembling: “Since having that seductress, when has he cared about anyone else? Not just me as the legitimate wife—even the other sisters who were previously favored never see him anymore! Now he even wants to confer a title on that vixen. What is she? She has no background, and she’s older than the others. Where exactly is her charm?” These words were clearly full of sourness and deep resentment.

The maid quickly lowered her head and dared say no more.

The Crown Prince entered the palace that very day. When he arrived, Eunuch Changde was combing Empress Dowager Pei’s lustrous long hair. The long black tresses spread straight out, lying on the ground like brilliant satin, dazzling to behold. The Crown Prince bowed: “Mother, I have a request that may be inappropriate.”

Empress Dowager Pei glanced at him, saying flatly: “Since you know it’s an inappropriate request, there’s no need to say more.”

The Crown Prince paused, quickly saying: “I only feel that Cuihua Palace in the suburbs is truly too cramped. Every year when Mother goes there for summer retreat, you must reduce your staff to fit everyone in. You don’t live comfortably either. I want to properly renovate it.”

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Pei was indeed somewhat surprised: “Renovate? Do you want to use treasury funds? Forget it—people will only say you’re using this opportunity to line your own pockets, and it will just cause me more trouble.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince quickly said: “No, Mother. This time, to show my filial piety, I’m willing to pay for it myself.”

From the mirror, Empress Dowager Pei looked at her son’s face, somewhat surprised. The Crown Prince struck while the iron was hot: “Mother, I’m sincere. Please don’t doubt my filial piety.”

Empress Dowager Pei finally smiled. Actually, the Crown Prince paying for the renovation and expansion of Cuihua Palace himself wasn’t excessive at all—even those harsh censors would say nothing about it. First, it could demonstrate the Crown Prince’s filial piety; second, she truly did feel Cuihua Palace was too simple when going there for summer retreat. Thinking of this, she couldn’t help smiling slightly: “So you do know how to show filial piety.”

This was a rare opportunity for the Crown Prince to receive Empress Dowager Pei’s praise. The Crown Prince couldn’t help feeling delighted in his heart, becoming even more grateful to Leng Lian. Seeing that Empress Dowager Pei seemed to be in a good mood, he said softly: “Mother… actually I have something else to say.”

Empress Dowager Pei glanced at him, her smile fading slightly: “About that concubine in your residence?”

The Crown Prince was startled, then couldn’t help changing color after his astonishment: “Did the Crown Princess run to Mother and say something? That jealous woman!” When he said the words “jealous woman,” a trace of severity showed in his eyes.

Empress Dowager Pei smiled faintly: “I’ve yet to personally see a woman in this world who can tolerate her husband’s coldness. The Crown Princess’s words and actions aren’t excessive, and moreover, Leng Lian’s background is indeed special. Keeping her by your side is already a disaster. If you also confer upon her the title of secondary consort, won’t that invite even more criticism? A concubine can hide in the residence without others knowing, but once conferred as a consort, she must attend all occasions—this is no trivial matter. If others learn that Leng Lian is the Dali Imperial Concubine, won’t my face be completely lost along with yours?”

Knowing Empress Dowager Pei wouldn’t easily agree, the Crown Prince had only wanted to try his luck. Hearing this, he quickly said: “Yes, Mother. I was rash.”

Empress Dowager Pei looked at Changde’s beautiful face in the mirror and sneered: “Your rash acts—how is this the only one!”

Hearing Empress Dowager Pei’s words always carried such pointed implications, the Crown Prince’s heart jumped: “Mother, I don’t know what you’re referring to?”

But Empress Dowager Pei didn’t answer. Instead, she frowned and said coldly: “Usually when you comb my hair, you’re always so careful. Why are your movements so rough today?”

Changde was startled. Looking at the comb, he saw a strand of black hair on it. He immediately knelt on the ground, trembling as he said: “Your Majesty, this servant is guilty!”

Empress Dowager Pei snorted coldly: “Get out!”

Changde dared say no more. Though he had served Empress Dowager Pei for not long, he knew this master was most mercurial. Her sudden change of expression now—who knew what she was thinking? He quietly withdrew and simultaneously ordered the female officials in the hall to leave as well. Only Empress Dowager Pei and the Crown Prince remained in the great hall. Empress Dowager Pei looked at the blurred figure in the bronze mirror, seeming to examine it carefully for a moment before saying: “Mother is indeed getting old. Look—there’s even white hair at my temples.”

The Crown Prince rarely heard Empress Dowager Pei express such sentiments and quickly said: “Mother isn’t old at all—you look at most in your twenties!”

Empress Dowager Pei turned to glance at the Crown Prince, her expression shifting slightly: “Look at you—you can’t even say a pleasant word properly, and what you do say doesn’t please anyone. Without my support, you’d be destined to either remain Crown Prince your whole life or be someone’s stepping stone!” As she spoke, she stood up gently.

The Crown Prince said somewhat anxiously: “Mother, I truly don’t understand what you mean?”

Empress Dowager Pei suddenly said sternly: “Regarding Ying Chu being assassinated—have you discovered anything significant?”

The Crown Prince couldn’t help kneeling on the ground: “I have investigated thoroughly in every way, but helplessly cannot find out who abducted Ying Chu. He offended too many people in the past, which led to this misfortune. Please don’t be too grieved, Mother.”

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Pei couldn’t help sneering several times: “Naturally I know whose hands Ying Chu is in. I just want to know more what methods they’ll use to force Ying Chu to talk!”

The Crown Prince paused, immediately becoming somewhat worried: “Does Mother think someone will use Ying Chu to make trouble?” His heart became even more uneasy, vaguely feeling he might have been happy too soon. Indeed, Ying Chu knew too many of Empress Dowager Pei’s secrets—perhaps he shouldn’t have kept this person alive at all. Thinking of this, he didn’t forget to make amends: “Mother, I will definitely find Ying Chu as soon as possible and eliminate him to prevent future trouble.”

Empress Dowager Pei glanced at the Crown Prince, her expression revealing a trace of mockery: “Just relying on you?” Her words clearly conveyed distrust of the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince dared say no more, only earnestly saying: “Please trust me once, Mother.”

Empress Dowager Pei waved her hand: “Never mind the rest. Go back and properly renovate Cuihua Palace—that will fulfill your filial devotion.”

The Crown Prince bowed: “Yes, Mother.”

Empress Dowager Pei sighed softly, casually toying with the comb on the dressing table, her expression calm: “Li Weiyang isn’t someone who wastes resources. Having finally gotten Ying Chu into her hands, she’ll certainly make good use of him. Let’s just wait and see.”