Xiaoying wasn’t being entirely accurate.

Yesterday, when she captured Meng Shiba, she had originally planned to persuade him to change sides with her persuasive skills. Unexpectedly, Meng Shiba proved stubborn and tried to ambush her in a fight to the death, only to be stabbed through by Feng Yuan, who had been driven into a killing frenzy.

At the time, Xiaoying was somewhat anxious, saying Feng Yuan used too much force.

No wonder during the Battle of Linchuan, Feng Yuan’s blood-soaked rampage had inspired awe even in her adoptive father, a veteran of countless battles.

Compared to her, the Little King of Hell, Feng Yuan, in a killing frenzy, seemed possessed by a demon king, truly inspiring fear!

Meng Shiba’s death created some complications. Fortunately, one of her adoptive fathers, Meng Zhun’s subordinates, resembled Meng Shiba in build and face. They attached the mustache shaved from Meng Shiba’s face, added an eye patch, dressed him in Meng Shiba’s clothes, smeared his face with blood, and deliberately spoke hoarsely. This successfully fooled Duke Ding, allowing them to obtain the letters and iron token, thus neutralizing Duke Ding’s backup plan in the capital.

However, Xiaoyin Mountain Villa had operated for over twenty years with numerous followers. If they didn’t take this opportunity to eliminate them, future troubles would surely arise.

Thus came the plan of Emperor Chunde feigning death and returning to the palace, forcing Duke Ding to reveal all his cards, thereby eliminating Xiaoyin Mountain Villa’s forces in one stroke.

Emperor Chunde had hovered on the edge of death several times today. Fortunately, Mu Hanjiang, mindful of blood ties, had used a spring-loaded mechanism sword to pierce a pig’s blood bladder hidden in the Emperor’s robe, and whispered for him to play dead. This created the opportunity for a reversal.

The spectacle of court officials following the traitors’ lead just now had been heard by the Emperor. Pampered by years of comfort, he had almost forgotten the sense of crisis from his days as a royal bastard, when he had to exhaust his mind and constantly live as if on burning coals.

What audacity from Duke Ding! He had disregarded the Emperor’s trust, set up such an elaborate scheme, and delusionally attempted regicide and usurpation!

Thinking of this, Emperor Chunde’s gaze darkened as he sternly ordered Duke Ding’s arrest.

At this point, further struggle would only invite ridicule.

Duke Ding simply put his hands behind his back and said to those coming to bind him, “I know where the prison for serious offenders is located. There’s no need for pulling and dragging; I’ll go by myself.”

As he said this, he turned to leave, but Emperor Chunde, filled with resentment, asked: “Duke Ding, has the Emperor not treated you well? Why would you do this?”

Hearing this, Duke Ding threw his head back and laughed loudly: “Treated me well? So-called good treatment means knowing that Zhanxue and I were in love, yet you colluded with that slut Xiao Yuyi to separate us. Treated me well means that when I was severely injured saving you, I was left with an incurable disability… and finally, you had me wear the green hat and raise your illegitimate son for over twenty years? Feng Qishu, what you owe me is more than just one life!”

Emperor Chunde, having his past scandal exposed again, was extremely embarrassed.

At this moment, Princess Anqing, accompanied by Noble Consort Yi, rushed over and shouted: “Duke Ding, what nonsense are you spouting! Mu Hanjiang is your son!”

Hearing this, several princes who had arrived after learning of their father’s return looked at each other in bewilderment, confused by the sudden appearance of an additional brother.

Duke Ding smiled at the Princess and said softly: “Years ago, I was away from home for five months under the pretext of official business, but was recuperating from injuries. You’ve always been curious about where I was injured? Let me tell you—I was injured in a man’s most fundamental place. Even after consulting famous doctors, I could never be a man again! Xiao Yuyi, don’t you understand? In such circumstances, how could you possibly be pregnant with my child? What you carried… were all bastards!”

By the end of his speech, his usually cultured and refined demeanor seemed like a torn-off mask, completely gone, with his eyes and the corners of his mouth revealing endless malicious curses!

How could she and Feng Qishu have simply been drunk back then? What he had used was excellent Xirui powder from the Western Regions. Just a few drops in the incense burner could create temporary passion, making unlikely men and women share a bed!

From then on, Anqing felt guilty towards him, became obedient, and couldn’t hold her head high. Emperor Chunde, feeling indebted to him, frequently bestowed favors on the Mu family.

And he could rightfully conceal his impotence before the world!

The Third Prince, suddenly learning of his beloved’s heritage, stared wide-eyed in shock, murmuring in confusion: “Has Duke Ding gone mad? What nonsense is he talking about?”

Anqing shook her head in disbelief: “How is that possible? Yanyan is yours and mine…”

Recalling that period, Duke Ding always extinguished the lights before entering her chamber. If not him, then who could be Yanyan’s biological father…

Anqing suddenly understood, her face turning as white as paper—it turned out that Duke Ding had arranged everything, turning her into a woman available to all!

After a cry of shame and fury, she lunged forward like a madwoman, hitting Duke Ding: “Tell me, during those months when we reconciled, who was entering my chamber!”

Having reached this point, Duke Ding spared no one’s face. He completely ignored the suddenly crazed Anqing and addressed Emperor Chunde: “And you, karma comes full circle. The mighty Emperor, yet you’ve been raising someone else’s child for eighteen years…”

Before he could finish, Feng Yuan, who had been on guard against him revealing secrets, simply and brutally stabbed Duke Ding in the chest.

Duke Ding seemed to have anticipated this, laughing painfully yet triumphantly.

He had deliberately intended to reveal the secret of Feng Qiyuan’s identity. He knew very well that his crimes warranted dismemberment of his entire clan, so by forcing Feng Yuan to kill him to silence him, he had secured the easiest outcome for himself.

Thinking of this, with blood bubbling from his mouth, he was in too much pain to speak loudly, only leaning close to Feng Yuan’s ear with a ferocious grin: “These years, living has been too exhausting… finally, I can go find your mother!”

Feng Yuan, expressionless, pushed the blade in deeper: “You won’t find her. My mother was never on the same path as you!”

With these words, Duke Ding collapsed backward, and after convulsing in a pool of blood, finally opened his eyes and breathed his last.

Anqing stared blankly at Duke Ding, letting out another grief-stricken cry: “I was your wife! How could you treat me like this!”

Mu Hanjiang stood with an expressionless face, wooden and stunned, watching it all.

Xiaoying quickly rushed forward, delivering a swift chop to knock Anqing unconscious. With so many people present, such a scene was inappropriate. Not to mention, if the truth about Mu Yanyan’s parentage spread, a young lady like her might become desperate and hang herself.

Feng Yuan’s imprisonment at Duke Ding’s hands for over ten years was truly deserved!

Duke Ding’s twisted and dark thoughts were beyond what a normal person could conceive. Even in death, he had cast one final poisonous spell.

Emperor Chunde hadn’t expected Feng Yuan to act so suddenly and frowned, gritting his teeth: “How could you kill him so easily?”

Feng Yuan turned his head, glaring at Emperor Chunde with cold eyes, as if asking how he had the face to ask such a question.

Emperor Chunde was ultimately in the wrong; after all, Feng Yuan had acted to eliminate a Feng family scandal.

Xiaoying exhaled a sigh of relief nearby, grateful that Duke Ding, in his final moments, hated Mu Hanjiang’s betrayal the most—the son he had raised with his own hands—which is why he revealed the Mu family scandal first.

If he had first revealed Feng Qiyuan’s secret, even if Feng Yuan had struck the killing blow, it would have appeared suspicious, as if he were trying to cover something up.

Now, however, it could be explained away as protecting Emperor Chunde from embarrassment.

Sure enough, seeing Duke Ding dead, Emperor Chunde, though frowning slightly, also breathed a sigh of relief.

After Duke Ding’s body was removed and the unconscious Anqing was taken away by Noble Consort Yi, silencing the remaining officials was easily managed. The Emperor didn’t even bother interrogating those who had colluded with Duke Ding, merely ordering them to write confessions before immediate execution at Wumen Gate.

As for the likes of Elder Teng, without Grand Prince needing to say anything, they immediately understood they should act deaf, keeping their mouths shut about matters involving imperial family secrets, pretending they hadn’t heard anything.

Having been officials at court for so long, they knew what lines couldn’t be crossed. This was just another matter to keep forever buried in their stomachs.

Mu Hanjiang had stood frozen at a distance throughout, only his fists clenched tightly, as if he had broken down, standing motionless and watching his once-respected father’s chest ooze blood as he collapsed.

Later that day, Emperor Chunde summoned Mu Hanjiang to his study first. This should have been an opportunity for father and son to finally acknowledge each other, to comfort Mu Hanjiang’s emotions, and to praise his loyalty and filial piety…

However, after Mu Hanjiang left, the Emperor bypassed Feng Yuan and separately summoned Xiaoying to the imperial study.

When Xiaoying entered the imperial study, Emperor Chunde had just finished a simple wash and was accepting a bowl of porridge from Li Quan. He pointed to the seat opposite and said, “Sit down and have some food as well.”

Xiaoying was indeed hungry. Although she had managed to grab some dishes during the wedding toast, she still felt very hungry.

Emperor Chunde’s meal today was no different from usual—simple tea and plain food. Perhaps to entertain his eldest son’s wife, Emperor Chunde had Li Quan add some more dishes.

But when the dishes were served, Xiaoying’s pupils contracted slightly, then she continued eating her porridge as if nothing was amiss, though she didn’t touch the dishes.

Emperor Chunde personally picked up some meat dishes and placed them in Xiaoying’s bowl: “Eat. Aren’t these all dishes you enjoy?”

Candied braised meat, pork ribs in black bean sauce, and shrimp with tofu—these were indeed all dishes Xiaoying loved. But… these were dishes she had ordered while impersonating Feng Qiyuan…

What did Emperor Chunde mean by ordering these now?

Thinking of this, she smiled restrainedly: “My waistline has been getting a bit thick lately, so I haven’t been eating much meat…”

Seeing her not touching her chopsticks, Emperor Chunde leaned back slightly and said calmly: “You truly have extraordinary courage and a mouth full of lies. Do you think this old Emperor’s eyes are so dim that I can’t recognize you?”

Hearing this, Xiaoying slowly put down her chopsticks, then silently left the table and knelt on the ground.

Emperor Chunde said coldly, “Yan Xiaoying? You’re Feng Qiyuan’s twin sister, aren’t you?”

Xiaoying’s heart sank suddenly. This old Emperor truly knew!

She slowly raised her head, calmly asking: “May I ask when Your Majesty discovered this?”

Emperor Chunde hadn’t expected this young woman to face him without fear, instead asking him so calmly. She truly had extraordinary courage—no wonder she dared to impersonate the Fourth Prince and stay in the palace for so long!

“After Consort Shang caused such a scene last time, did you think I was completely unaware? Would Feng Yuan save an old eunuch who had once shown him a small kindness for no reason? Tell me, since when did you replace your brother Feng Qiyuan?”

It seemed Emperor Chunde still had doubts, probably having pieced together clues from the mad Empress, followed by secret investigations.

But why, despite knowing clearly, did he keep silent?

Perhaps having learned of Feng Qiyuan’s true identity, the Emperor finally made up his mind to depose the former Crown Prince, waiting only for the old ministers still advocating for the Crown Prince’s reinstatement to quiet down before dealing with the siblings?

Thinking of this, Xiaoying respectfully said: “Your Majesty is wise. My small trick certainly couldn’t escape your sacred eyes… I took my brother’s place when he injured his leg after being released from Yiyuan.”

Guessing that the Emperor had already learned everything from the Empress, Xiaoying simply didn’t hide anything anymore.

Emperor Chunde narrowed his eyes. Indeed, it was from that time that he started finding the Fourth Prince more agreeable. He had thought the prince had matured, but it turned out he had been replaced.

“Tell me, how should you and your brother die to atone for the treasonous crime of impersonating a prince?”

Hearing this, Xiaoying half-raised her head and asked: “Your Majesty, your daughter-in-law has guarded you all night without food or water. Could I be granted a full meal before we discuss matters of life and death?”

This young lady, who had just referred to herself as a commoner, now suddenly called herself a daughter-in-law, trying to establish familiarity. She was truly slippery, with the demeanor of a street-smart woman.

Emperor Chunde wanted to see what tricks she had up her sleeve and said: “Aren’t there dishes right here? If you can eat them, then go ahead.”

Hearing this, Xiaoying immediately thanked him and rose, then returned to the table and ate the meat dishes without restraint, taking big mouthfuls of rice.

This lack of etiquette and unladylike behavior made Emperor Chunde frown: “What does Feng Yuan see in you? Or have you two made some private pact?”

Xiaoying had already thought things through. Crimes like impersonating a prince weren’t the issue.

If Emperor Chunde had been truly concerned, he would have had her and her brother arrested and secretly dealt with long ago.

The fact that he could hold back for so long without taking action meant he had a plan—to use her to test Feng Yuan!

After all, Feng Qiyuan had never been Emperor Chunde’s favored son, but Feng Yuan was different. Emperor Chunde now likely had expectations for him, but couldn’t allow him to harbor resentment like Duke Ding had, nurturing evil intentions that would threaten the Feng royal lineage due to past injustices.

So after wolfing down a bowl of rice, Xiaoying poured tea for herself and the Emperor while saying: “We did make agreements in private, but we never quite settled on terms. I thought that a rough person from the jianghu like me isn’t worthy of a prince, and forgetting each other would be the best choice for both of us. But the Grand Prince is kind-hearted and truly pitied the fate of us siblings, especially that we lost our mother at birth. He insisted on making amends. Your daughter-in-law, being greedy for the Grand Prince’s good looks and the luxury of the Prince’s mansion, shamelessly accepted his proposal.”

If Emperor Chunde suspected his eldest son of harboring ill intentions, even Feng Yuan would struggle to protect himself and might once again be relegated to the desolate palace. Therefore, she tried her best to absolve Feng Yuan.

Emperor Chunde laughed out loud: “You truly dare to speak your mind. How did your father raise such a bold and presumptuous young lady?”

Xiaoying very frankly said: “This matter was entirely my willful presumption, having nothing to do with my father or brother. Especially my brother, who was just a swaddled infant—how could he decide anything? In his heart, he has always respected Your Majesty as his father and has never committed any wrong in the palace. I beg Your Majesty in your wisdom to reduce my royal brother to commoner status and let him live an ordinary civilian life!”

Emperor Chunde snorted coldly: “If your brother is blameless, you’re suggesting all of this is my fault?”

Xiaoying thought to herself, “Feng Yuan and I spent all night cleaning up your mess—this is all the shit you left behind from years ago! If it’s not your fault, whose could it be?”

But as the Son of Heaven, how could he be at fault?

She could only sincerely say: “Your Majesty is a ruler rarely seen in Dafeng’s history, always concerned with the welfare of the common people and great affairs of state. How could you have known about the secretive dealings of the inner palace women? Fortunately, Your Majesty’s dragon lineage is healthy, and all your sons are exceptional, with righteous hearts. Tonight’s events served as a touchstone to distinguish between loyal subjects and traitors. Your Majesty has your judgment, and there’s no need for someone as crude as me to say more.”

Hearing this, Emperor Chunde’s gaze sank slightly.

What the young lady said wasn’t wrong. If Feng Yuan had harbored ill intentions, today would have been the perfect opportunity for regicide. Yet from beginning to end, Feng Yuan hadn’t shown the slightest ambition.

This also puzzled Emperor Chunde. The Grand Prince had always been taciturn with him, never speaking a word. That’s why he had summoned this young lady to his study, hoping to get some answers.

When Emperor Chunde asked about this, Xiaoying replied frankly: “Your Majesty’s doubts are reasonable. Anyone else might not resist such a great temptation and would likely have ideas. But at the time, the Grand Prince was only concerned about two things. First, when he lost his mother at a young age, he was too small to protect her. Now that he has grown up, he absolutely won’t allow anyone to harm his birth father. Second, Luochuan Town has just deterred Wei Country, but the Wei people covet our land, and their desire to destroy us hasn’t died. At this time, if Your Majesty were to have an accident, none of the princes has your ability to command the ministers. The common people of Dafeng, like the Grand Prince, can’t do without you as their father!”

Xiaoying could lie without blinking. The first half of what she said about Feng Yuan being unwilling to let his father die was complete nonsense.

The latter half, however, represented Feng Yuan’s true concerns.

Although Emperor Chunde was calculating in nature, he had won the hearts of both civil and military officials. If the Emperor were to pass away now, with the succession uncertain, anyone taking the throne would cause instability in Dafeng, allowing Wei Country to exploit.

Xiaoying’s raising of the “filial love” banner pleased Emperor Chunde.

After all, his escape from danger today was entirely thanks to his two sons.

Moreover, Mu Hanjiang had mentioned that his decision to abandon the dark path and not join Duke Ding was due to Feng Yuan’s guidance.

His sons getting along peacefully had always been Emperor Chunde’s wish. He hadn’t expected this desire to be realized in such a twisted manner, leaving him with no joy whatsoever.

Emperor Chunde’s heart was a mix of darkness and complexity. He had originally intended to keep this young lady to test Feng Yuan.

But he hadn’t anticipated that a palace coup would expose his failures as both a ruler and a father.

Duke Ding’s mockery was right—after a life of warfare, sacrificing his beloved woman, mistreating his eldest son, and being deceived by that poisonous woman, Tang, he had raised an actor’s son for eighteen years. A man like him, with such chaotic family affairs, had become the laughingstock of the world.

How should he deal with this pair of impostors?

Emperor Chunde’s thoughts turned, feeling that keeping this young lady by Feng Yuan’s side posed a risk. If Feng Yuan were to inherit the throne in the future, how could a woman of such background be the empress of the nation?