Jixiang deeply agreed: “Yes, despite His Majesty’s young age, he can clearly distinguish right from wrong. I heard that Princess Xin’an has bothered His Majesty quite a bit over the reduced expenses at Shuangyue Palace, but His Majesty has always persisted without yielding.”

Yunyi took the goat milk handed to her by a palace servant: “His Majesty’s temperament is the same as Crown Prince Yuande—modest and sentimental. Unfortunately, he had already passed away when I was still young.”

Because of Empress Xiao, Yang Guang’s other offspring all harbored varying degrees of hostility toward Yunyi, including even Princess Yining, who was born of the same mother. Only Crown Prince Yang Zhao particularly loved this seventh sister, often carrying her around the gardens, and when the weather was good, he would catch butterflies for her to play with. Although Yunyi was only four or five years old at the time, she always remembered this elder brother clearly. Unfortunately, Yang Zhao died of illness in the second year of the Daye era.

Speaking of this, Ruyi remembered something: “Yesterday, when this servant went to deliver bird’s nest to Second Young Madam on the Princess’s orders, I heard people in the Tang Prince’s mansion saying that Wang Shichong has officially ascended the throne in Luoyang. He demoted the Prince of Yue to Duke of Lu with a fief of five thousand households, but still keeps him imprisoned in Hanliang Hall. It’s truly excessive.”

Yunyi’s expression grew grave: “Wang Shichong… has the ambition of a wolf. I’m afraid things won’t necessarily end here.”

Ruyi was startled and asked uncomprehendingly: “This servant doesn’t understand—could there be more to come?”

Yunyi took her handkerchief to wipe the milk stains from the corners of her lips: “Although Wang Shichong wields the greatest power in Luoyang, not everyone necessarily submits to him—they just dare to be angry but not speak out, especially since he also killed Yuan Wendu.”

Jixiang was confused and asked doubtfully: “Then what will happen?”

Yunyi reached out to catch a pink apricot blossom that drifted in from the window, lowering her head to smell its delicate fragrance, and spoke slowly: “Since those people don’t submit to Wang Shichong, they will develop thoughts of restoration. This point—if I can think of it, Wang Shichong can certainly think of it too. So he will definitely find a way to cut off those people’s hopes, and this method is…” She paused, looking at the thoughtful Ruyi: “Have you thought of it?”

“I’ve thought of some things, but this servant doesn’t know if it’s correct.” Saying this, Ruyi tentatively asked: “He… will kill the Prince of Yue?”

Yunyi sighed deeply: “Correct. The Prince of Yue is in very dangerous circumstances right now. Unfortunately… though I know this, I cannot save him.”

Ruyi, fearing she might overthink, quickly said: “In this chaotic world, being able to preserve one’s own life is already difficult. The Prince of Yue… he won’t blame you. Don’t be sad.”

“I’m fine.” Yunyi walked to the window, gazing at the warm spring light outside, and said quietly: “I hope… this chaotic world where life is like grass will end soon.”

In March, with bright spring weather and grass growing while orioles flew, it could be said to be the best time of the year. According to proper etiquette, the groom and bride should not meet before the wedding, so from the beginning of March, Li Shimin had not entered the palace again. However, every few days, he would have Chuyi visit the palace to see Yunyi on his behalf.

On the night of the twenty-seventh day of March, after Li Shimin finished his work and prepared to return to his room, servants had just finished preparing the pregnancy-preserving medicine to take to Changsun Shi. He conveniently took it with him, and upon entering the room, he saw Changsun Shi hunched over documents at her desk by lamplight. He walked over: “What are you reading?”

Changsun Shi rubbed her somewhat sore eyes: “Your wife is reviewing the guest list. If there are any omissions, there’s still time to add them now.”

“You’re pregnant now. This kind of thing can be left to the steward.” As he spoke, Li Shimin made a gesture to take the list, but Changsun Shi smiled: “It’s not heavy work—your wife can handle it. Besides, the steward has been incredibly busy these days. Where would he find time to review lists?” She continued: “Your wife heard that Deputy General Du’s family has arrived in Chang’an. He’s close to the Princess, and his wife has known the Princess since childhood. Why don’t we invite their whole family? Also Deputy General Pei—your wife has calculated that there should be enough seats.” The Deputy General Du and Deputy General Pei she mentioned were Du Ruhui and Pei Qiancheng, who had served as deputies under Li Shimin after pledging allegiance to him.

Li Shimin thought about it: “That’s good. I’ll speak with Ruhui tomorrow.”

“Mm.” After Changsun Shi finished reviewing the remaining guest list, she closed it: “Everything else is complete. Tomorrow I’ll give the gift list to the steward. Er’niang is in charge of the banquet arrangements—I’ll go to her tomorrow to review the menu.”

“Good.” Li Shimin responded, then said gratefully: “Wugou, thank you for your hard work.”

Changsun Shi smiled: “From the beginning of the month until now, husband, you’ve said this no less than ten times. May your wife say… she’s really getting rather tired of hearing it?”

Li Shimin hadn’t expected her to say this and was momentarily speechless with amusement, waving his hand: “Alright, alright, I won’t say it anymore.” After a pause, he said: “It’s getting late—rest early.”

Changsun Shi was just nodding when Chuyi’s voice came from outside: “Second Young Master, someone has come to the mansion gates saying they have urgent business with you.”

Li Shimin frowned: “Do you know what it’s about?”

Chuyi replied: “He says he must see Second Young Master before he can speak.”

Hearing this, Changsun Shi pushed Li Shimin: “If that’s the case, husband, you should go see quickly.”

Li Shimin nodded and, before leaving, reminded her to drink the pregnancy medicine on the table. After following Chuyi all the way to the mansion gates, he saw a young man pacing anxiously back and forth outside. Upon seeing him emerge, the man hurried forward: “This servant greets Second Young Master.” His voice sounded somewhat shrill.

Li Shimin looked puzzledly at this completely unfamiliar young man: “Who are you? What matter requires you to see me?”

“Reporting to Second Young Master, this servant is a palace attendant who was transferred to serve the Grand Princess at Mingse Hall half a month ago. This servant is called Xiao Liuzi. This evening, Princess Xin’an suddenly came to Mingse Hall. Originally we thought it would be like before—she’d say a few words to vent her anger and that would be that. But unexpectedly, she kept making trouble today without stopping, and even… even struck the Princess!”

Hearing that Xin’an had actually harmed Yunyi, Li Shimin’s face immediately darkened: “What audacity!”

Xiao Liuzi said with a bitter expression: “She’s not just audacious—she’s simply mad! When Sister Ruyi saw the situation was bad, she went to summon His Majesty. But unexpectedly, she even berated His Majesty, and ordered people to guard Mingse Residence, not allowing anyone to leave! When Sister Ruyi saw things going wrong, she had this servant secretly slip out to report to Second Young Master. Fortunately, this servant hasn’t been at Mingse Hall long, so Princess Xin’an didn’t pay much attention to me, otherwise I couldn’t have gotten out!” Speaking urgently, Xiao Liuzi said: “Second Young Master, please go quickly and see! Calculating the time, this servant has already been out for quite a while—who knows what state things are in now!”

“Indeed, she should never have been allowed to remain in the palace.” Li Shimin muttered, then said to Chuyi behind him: “Immediately go and bring my horse.”

Chuyi responded and asked: “Second Young Master, should we notify Guard Duan and Guard Zhao?”

Li Shimin thought about it: “That’s good—quickly go summon them.”