When the palace attendant arrived at the Marquis' residence, Qin Chaoyu hadn't expected the Empress to summon her to the palace today. Seeing this, Hu Shi immediately ordered servants to prepare her belongings. "Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival banquet. Her Majesty must have instructions for you since she's calling you to the palace today."
Beaming with joy, Hu Shi suddenly added, "Could it be that the selection of the Crown Princess will be decided tomorrow? So Her Majesty wants to inform you in advance today?"
At these words, Qin Chaoyu's eyes instantly brightened, though her expression remained composed. After carefully adorning herself, she followed the palace attendant to the carriage. Hu Shi stood at the mansion gate watching her depart from afar, her eyes filled with immense anticipation!
Arriving at Kunning Palace, Qin Chaoyu entered the main hall with her usual respectful demeanor. The moment she stepped inside, Zhao Shuhua smiled and said, "Chao Yu is here—come quickly and help me examine this painting—"
Qin Chaoyu curtsied and hurried forward. Before her hung a landscape painting that made her eyes sparkle instantly. "Your Majesty, is this Zhang Xi's 'Landscape of Youzhou'?"
Zhao Shuhua laughed delightedly. "Your reputation as the capital's top talented maiden is truly well-deserved! This is indeed Zhang Xi's 'Landscape of Youzhou'! Come closer and tell me if this is the genuine work."
Zhang Xi was a renowned painter from the previous dynasty, and this "Landscape of Youzhou" was considered his masterpiece—so rare that it was practically priceless in the market. Even Qin Chaoyu had only seen it in books. Normally, for authenticating such a famous painting, the Empress could have consulted experienced court officials or palace artists skilled in this area. Yet here she was asking a young woman like Qin Chaoyu to examine it, clearly demonstrating her appreciation and fondness for her.
Not daring to be careless, Qin Chaoyu studied the painting meticulously before speaking. "Zhang Xi excelled at ink-wash techniques with watercolors, and this piece is one of his representative works. Legend says he painted this after his wife passed away, and ancient Youzhou was his wife's hometown. Thus, this painting is imbued with his longing for her. The foreground features emerald mountains, while the background shows the You River of ancient Youzhou winding through them. The river's deep hues, upon closer inspection, seem to convey turbulent undercurrents that cannot be calmed—symbolizing his profound longing for his wife. His brushstrokes vary in pressure and rhythm, with uneven lengths that create a seemingly chaotic river flow. Yet the color details are exquisitely handled. Compared to the layered green peaks, the rushing water appears incredibly lifelike. As for the signature..."
Qin Chaoyu turned to a corner of the painting. "This seal is Zhang Xi's personal stamp, found on all his discovered works. The most difficult part to forge is this broken corner of the seal..." She pointed to a tiny gap in the red seal. "Right here."
Leaning in for a closer look, Qin Chaoyu finally straightened up. "If I'm not mistaken, this painting should be authentic."
Having said this, she looked directly at Zhao Shuhua. "Your Majesty, if I'm wrong, please don't blame me. My knowledge is still limited—"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shuhua chuckled and came forward to take Qin Chaoyu's hand, seating her on the couch by the window. "You, you... As the capital's top talented maiden, your reputation is clearly deserved based on what you just said. I believe you."With that, she instructed the servants, "Take good care of this painting and store it properly."
Qin Chaoyu breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Your Highness, to be cautious, perhaps we should invite a few more experienced painters to examine it..."
Zhao Shuhua shook her head and took her seat. "No need. When I say I trust you, I mean it."
Qin Chaoyu looked at Zhao Shuhua with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness..."
Palace attendants served tea to both of them. Zhao Shuhua did not drink hers but instead studied Qin Chaoyu carefully. Qin Chaoyu grew somewhat embarrassed under her gaze, but Zhao Shuhua smiled. "What's the matter? You know what tomorrow is, don't you?"
Qin Chaoyu nodded. "Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival Banquet."
Zhao Shuhua curved her lips. "Yes, tomorrow is the Lantern Festival Banquet. The reason I summoned you to the palace today is because I have some personal words I wish to share with you..."
Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu thought to herself that it was exactly as Hu Shi had predicted, and she immediately adopted an attentive expression.
"Your Highness, please speak—"
Zhao Shuhua took Qin Chaoyu's hand and sighed. "I don't know whether it's right or wrong to speak with you like this now, but I can't help myself since the selection documents will be sent to the Imperial Observatory tomorrow. Whatever I say to you now, keep it buried deep in your heart."
Qin Chaoyu quickly nodded. Zhao Shuhua then spoke with grave sincerity, "Right now, I am not speaking to the daughter of the Marquis of Zhongyong, but to Che'er's future wife—"
Qin Chaoyu's heart jolted violently, her eyes instantly sparkling with brilliance!
Che'er's wife...
The Empress was already treating her as the Crown Princess!
Qin Chaoyu's emotions surged wildly. She took a deep breath to steady herself.
Zhao Shuhua continued slowly, "Chao Yu, although Che'er has been established as the Crown Prince, you should know that Prince Cheng and Consort Su have ambitious intentions. As long as Che'er hasn't ascended the throne, they remain a threat to him..."
Qin Chaoyu nodded. Of course, she knew this.
Zhao Shuhua went on, "But that's not all. Although the Emperor has established Che'er as Crown Prince, he tests him every single day. If he ever decides Che'er isn't the ideal candidate for Crown Prince, things might change."
Qin Chaoyu's dark pupils contracted sharply. Zhao Shuhua's voice turned cold, "But at this point, no matter why Che'er fails to remain Crown Prince, he and I—along with his future wife—will not survive. Chao Yu, do you understand?"
Outside the window, snowflakes danced wildly. As Qin Chaoyu listened to Zhao Shuhua's chilling words, she suddenly felt a cold sensation creeping up from the soles of her feet. She had some understanding of the struggles within the palace, but this was the first time she had heard them spoken so plainly. Yet, as if thinking of something, her eyes—which had never witnessed death or bloodshed—gradually filled with determination.
Zhao Shuhua looked quite satisfied. "Therefore, the person I choose for Che'er must not only be capable of loving, supporting, and caring for him but also able to contribute to his achievements. Among all the noble ladies in the capital, aside from you, I see no one else qualified for this role! You possess both intelligence and virtue, you understand the greater picture—only you can stand by Che'er's side and accompany him on his Path to the throne."Qin Chaoyu was inherently proud, yet she had never heard Zhao Shuhua praise her like this before. At this moment, she felt her heart surging with emotion. Her gaze at Zhao Shuhua was filled with both joy and gratitude—gratitude for Zhao Shuhua’s regard, gratitude for her appreciation, because she so desperately wanted to be the one standing by Yan Che’s side…
Seeing Qin Chaoyu’s expression, Zhao Shuhua’s lips curved slightly. Her eyes softened with a sudden maternal affection, and she even reached out to gently stroke Qin Chaoyu’s cheek. “You are a good child. If you were to marry someone else in the capital—some young master from a ducal or noble household, or perhaps the heir apparent of another prince—you would surely live a life of ease, free from worries about wealth and status… But you, you have caught my eye, Chao Yu. This is a difficult Path. Are you truly prepared to walk it?”
“Once you become the one by Che’er’s side, those who wish to harm him will likely turn their arrows toward you. Not only that, but the people around you, your family, will become inextricably linked to Che’er. And if they cannot bring him down, they may very well target those close to you and your family…”
“Besides those threats, you will one day have to oversee the imperial harem and become the motherly figure to the entire nation. Your burdens will grow heavier and heavier. You will stand in a position second only to one, above tens of thousands. It will be truly arduous for you.”
At this moment, Qin Chaoyu felt as though she would gladly offer her own heart to Zhao Shuhua. “Your Majesty, Chao Yu is not afraid. Chao Yu will walk this Path… Please trust in Chao Yu…”
Zhao Shuhua smiled with deep satisfaction. “Good, good, good… With your words, I am at ease. Knowing that Che’er will have you by his side in the future, I truly feel reassured. I also believe my judgment is not mistaken—you are undoubtedly the finest candidate in this world to accompany Che’er on his journey to that throne…”
Every word from Zhao Shuhua bolstered Qin Chaoyu’s confidence, and every word filled her with boundless gratitude. For many years, she had been waiting for this day, and for the sake of Zhao Shuhua’s faith in her, she would not let her down!
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Your trust in Chao Yu will not be betrayed! Nor will I ever fail the Crown Prince. From this moment on, Chao Yu will spare no effort to assist His Highness!”
Qin Chaoyu tightly clasped Zhao Shuhua’s hand in return, her heart racing with excitement, her eyes shining brilliantly. Zhao Shuhua nodded approvingly. “Good child, I knew I had not misjudged you. Rest assured, I will treat you as my own daughter. Che’er will surely cherish and care for you deeply. In the future, your child will become the master of Great Zhou.”
These words were a promise. Zhao Shuhua did not need to say them for Qin Chaoyu to willingly devote herself, but now that she had spoken them, Qin Chaoyu felt even more compelled to prove herself to Zhao Shuhua. Her child would become the master of Great Zhou—what a weighty pledge this was!
“Your Majesty, please be at ease. Chao Yu will not disappoint you.”
Qin Chaoyu returned the vow, and the satisfaction in Zhao Shuhua’s eyes deepened. She removed the bracelet from her own wrist and slipped it onto Qin Chaoyu’s, smiling as she said, “This was one of the betrothal gifts the Emperor presented to me back then. He once said that if he were fortunate enough to become Emperor, I would undoubtedly be his one and only Empress. This bracelet was his token of faith to me. Now, I give it to you, as a symbol of the sincere devotion both Che’er and I hold for you…”Qin Chaoyu's eyes welled up with tears. She had thought Zhao Shuhua's summoning her to the palace today was merely for some routine instructions, but she never expected such solemn sincerity. "When treated as a stalwart, respond as a stalwart"—this appreciation and deep affection ignited a blazing fire within her, making her wish she could burn her very heart and soul as an offering for Yan Che's cause!
"Your Majesty—"
Qin Chaoyu's voice choked with emotion, but Zhao Shuhua smiled gently. "Do not be alarmed by my words. This is merely an expression of my sincerity. I feared you might harbor some trepidation or doubts in your heart. Now that you know how I regard you, I trust you will feel more at ease."
Qin Chaoyu gazed at the vibrant green bracelet adorning her wrist and indeed felt profoundly reassured.
Although she had been confident about securing the position of Crown Princess, Qin Chaoyu had been uncertain of Zhao Shuhua's true intentions. Now that she understood, she felt that Zhao Shuhua stood united with her. This shared purpose filled her with fierce determination—she must not disappoint Zhao Shuhua, nor could she fail Yan Che.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I did feel somewhat uncertain before, but now that you have treated Chao Yu with such genuine sincerity, I am truly comforted. Please rest assured, from now on, Chao Yu will serve you with filial devotion."
Zhao Shuhua's smile deepened. "All is well on my end. What matters most is that you capture Che'er's heart."
Qin Chaoyu blushed, lowering her head shyly as she nodded. "Yes, Chao Yu will obey."
Zhao Shuhua nodded in approval and was about to speak further when suddenly, Yun Yan entered with an uneasy expression. "Your Majesty—"
Releasing Qin Chaoyu's hand, Zhao Shuhua straightened, and Qin Chaoyu also sat upright. Yun Yan glanced between Zhao Shuhua and Qin Chaoyu, hesitating as if weighing her words.
Zhao Shuhua raised an eyebrow. "What has happened?"
Yun Yan cast another fleeting look at Qin Chaoyu. Zhao Shuhua said pointedly, "Chao Yu is one of us. Speak plainly."
Qin Chaoyu had been considering whether she should excuse herself, but Zhao Shuhua's words immediately stirred gratitude within her. After a moment's hesitation, Yun Yan said, "A servant from Changxin Palace just reported that... Consort Su and Prince Cheng intend to harm the Empress Dowager tomorrow. They plan to induce her illness in front of everyone and use it to... to blame Ninth Miss."
At these words, Qin Chaoyu's face paled instantly, and Zhao Shuhua's eyebrows shot up. "What?!"
Yun Yan lowered her gaze. "The report comes from our informants. The information should be reliable, though we are uncertain what Consort Su and Prince Cheng are plotting..."
A look of realization dawned on Qin Chaoyu's face. "No wonder... no wonder..."
Zhao Shuhua looked at her. "No wonder what?"
Qin Chaoyu hurriedly explained, "No wonder Father forbade Ninth Sister from entering the palace! So it was because Prince Cheng intends to harm her!"
Zhao Shuhua's expression shifted several times before she let out a cold laugh. "So your father discerned Prince Cheng's scheme and that is why he prevented Qin Guan from entering the palace? What a cunning Prince Cheng! Unable to strike at Che'er directly, he now targets your marquis household. If anything goes wrong with the Empress Dowager's health, not only will Qin Guan suffer—you and your father will also be implicated. At that point, forget about entering the Eastern Palace; it is uncertain whether the marquis household itself can survive..."
Qin Chaoyu's heart raced with dread. The Lantern Festival Banquet had not yet arrived, but she could already foresee a silent, bloodless war brewing."Your Majesty, what should we do? Father has already decided not to let Ninth Sister enter the palace tomorrow."
Zhao Shuhua's expression turned grave, and after a moment, she resolutely shook her head. "Not entering the palace is the worst possible strategy. Qin Guan has been overseeing the Empress Dowager's illness. Whether she enters the palace or not, if anything happens to the Empress Dowager, the blame will inevitably fall on Qin Guan."
As she spoke, Zhao Shuhua looked at Qin Chaoyu and said, "She must enter the palace! Only by having her enter the palace and keeping watch over the Empress Dowager can we avert this calamity... Who would dare make a move right under Qin Guan's nose?"
Qin Chaoyu found this reasoning sound, but then she wondered, could the matter really be so simple? "But Your Majesty, what if Ninth Sister enters the palace and still cannot prevent it? Or what if, by entering the palace, she falls right into their trap?"
Zhao Shuhua smiled. "You have considered this thoroughly, but you have forgotten one thing—we already know their plan! We hold the advantage! If they dare make a move tomorrow, not only will we prevent Qin Guan from being framed, but we will also catch them red-handed!" She looked at Qin Chaoyu and added, "Moreover, we need Qin Guan's assistance."
If they were to use the Empress Dowager's illness as a pretext, who could be more convincing than Qin Guan?!
Qin Chaoyu immediately nodded. "Very well, Chao Yu understands. I will return to the estate at once and speak with Father. Tomorrow, I will definitely bring Ninth Sister into the palace..."
The situation had arisen suddenly, and Zhao Shuhua wore a solemn expression. After exchanging a few more words, Qin Chaoyu took her leave to return to the estate. Zhao Shuhua did not detain her further, merely ordering servants to bestow upon her a generous amount of jewelry and precious stones.
After Qin Chaoyu had departed, Yun Yan softly said, "Your Majesty, the Eighth Young Miss expressed some doubts earlier. After she returns and discusses matters with the Marquis, might she uncover Your Majesty's scheme?"
Zhao Shuhua smiled faintly. "It is good that she has her own thoughts. If she blindly believed everything I said, she would be nothing but an incompetent fool. I have not misjudged her—she is clever and sharp-witted, as she should be. Yet, she must still heed my words. For now, she will not doubt me. Even if she harbors some suspicions, she will choose to trust me. As for Qin Shu, he is a man who understands the bigger picture. The one he values is Chao Yu, not Qin Guan."
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