In Changxin Palace, Feng Lingsu frowned as she watched the weeping Feng Chenbi. A trace of impatience had already surfaced in her eyes, but she suppressed it and sighed, "It's no solution for you to always stay here with me. You must find a way to win Prince Cheng's heart."
Feng Chenbi gritted her teeth, wiped the corner of her eye, and said with immense grievance, "But cousin doesn't believe me now—he only trusts that Qin Xiang! She's the Crown Princess's sister—could she possibly have good intentions?! I know she's pregnant, but I only had people keep an eye on her; I never harmed her child. Now cousin only believes her and not me... I... I never want to return to the royal residence again, wu wu wu wu..."
Feng Lingsu rubbed her forehead. "Enough!" she snapped.
Her low shout immediately silenced Feng Chenbi, who pressed her lips tightly together, sniffling intermittently. Feng Lingsu sighed again. "Chenbi, although you're my own niece, now that you've married Prince Cheng, you must prioritize the bigger picture. You need to see yourself as the princess consort. Do you know how high my standards are for the princess consort? If it weren't for you... if you weren't my niece, I might not have even allowed Prince Cheng to marry you. And you—not only do you fail to cherish this hard-won opportunity, but you've also stirred up such trouble. Do you plan to stay here forever and give up being the princess consort?"
Feng Lingsu's words showed no favoritism toward Feng Chenbi, who quickly pleaded, "Auntie... ah, no, Mother... do you not believe me either?! It really wasn't me, wu wu! If I did such a thing, may I be struck by lightning—"
Feng Lingsu raised a hand to cut her off, feeling that Feng Chenbi was truly hopeless. "I only ask you: do you still want to be the princess consort or not?"
Feng Chenbi replied immediately, "Of course, Mother! You know I've loved cousin since we were children!"
Feng Lingsu sighed. "While you're here crying, back at the royal residence, Prince Cheng is showering that Qin concubine with care. If you stay a few more days, that Qin woman might even be pregnant with a second child. Look at yourself! You're truly disgracing the Duke's household!"
Feng Chenbi's eyes reddened, on the verge of crying again, but when Feng Lingsu frowned, she bit her lip and held back.
"If you still want to be the princess consort, then return to the residence immediately and reflect on where you went wrong in this matter!"
Seeing Feng Chenbi about to defend herself again, Feng Lingsu's gaze turned cold. "Don't say it wasn't you! You need to think about why Prince Cheng trusts others over you. Is it because they're better at winning people over, or because their methods are more skillful? They've won; you've lost. What's the use of crying? Instead of hiding here, think about how to turn the tables. If something like this happens again and even the Empress Dowager gets angry, not even I will protect you!"Feng Chenbi stood there dazed, seemingly stunned by Feng Lingsu's words yet also as if pondering something. Feng Lingsu sighed and shook her head, hardly believing her brother and sister-in-law had spoiled Feng Chenbi into such a fragile state. "Think carefully about how to win Prince Cheng's heart and how to be a proper Princess Consort of Cheng. If you lack the capability yourself, don't blame others for framing you. If you remain this incompetent, you won't even be able to hold onto your position as Princess Consort!"
Feng Chenbi's face grew two shades paler. Seeing Feng Lingsu's icy expression, she dared not cry or act spoiled any longer. She could only wipe her tears and stand up. "Alright... then... I'll return now... Thank you for your guidance, Mother Consort."
Feng Lingsu nodded and added, "You're married into Prince Cheng's residence now. Don't run to your parents at every minor issue. Even a maternal uncle shouldn't interfere in his nephew's household affairs, let alone when Prince Cheng is of imperial lineage. You ought to exercise some discretion."
Feng Chenbi trembled slightly, her face turning three shades paler. "Yes, yes, I've remembered everything you said, Mother Consort. I won't dare do it again."
Feng Lingsu gave a noncommittal "hmm" and instructed a palace maid to escort Feng Chenbi out. After Feng Chenbi left, Bao Die brought Feng Lingsu a fresh cup of hot tea and whispered, "Your Highness, do you believe what the Princess Consort said? Was it really her, or that concubine..."
Feng Lingsu responded with a cold laugh. "Regardless of who it was, Feng Chenbi's foolishness is genuine—so much so that she seems beyond teaching. As for that Qin family concubine... I'm not worried. She burned her bridges to enter Prince Cheng's residence and can only pin her hopes on him now. This child was Prince Cheng's first. Not only is he furious, but even I find it regrettable. If it hadn't been miscarried, Prince Cheng would have had the first imperial great-grandchild—a joyous occasion. But now..."
She narrowed her eyes. "If she truly used the child as a pawn in her schemes, I'd almost admire her. Let's wait and see. If she channels that ruthlessness appropriately, I won't interfere—it might serve as a wake-up call for Feng Chenbi to improve herself. But if she dares entertain other ambitions, I certainly won't tolerate her."
Bao Die nodded. "Your Highness is most thoughtful."
Feng Lingsu took a sip of tea and asked leisurely, "Is there still no movement from Kunning Palace?"
At this question, Bao Die immediately smiled. "None. Commander Zhao follows the Emperor's orders strictly, guarding it tightly. I heard the Empress tried to send messages outside, but none got through. The Crown Prince also sent people to check, but they were turned away. Affairs at court have him overwhelmed, and at this critical juncture, he doesn't dare clash with the imperial guards. So no one knows what's happening inside Kunning Palace."
Feng Lingsu scoffed. "The Empress... it seems this time her fate depends on whether the Crown Prince can prove himself."
"Minister Zhang has been imprisoned. Many memorials at court have been impeaching the Crown Prince these past two days, and those under Minister Zhang are being implicated one by one. Many of them originated from the Northern Garrison Army, and investigations at court have exposed numerous people from the Crown Prince's faction. It seems the Crown Prince won't easily extricate himself from this situation."Feng Lingsu said leisurely, "Last year's corruption in the salt transportation allowed the Crown Prince to evade disaster, but this year I doubt he'll be so fortunate. Heaven is truly aiding us."
When the corpse case at Prince Jin Manor emerged, Feng Lingsu had been anxious for several days. Since the corpse case was linked to Prince Jin's plot against Consort Jin, she feared what new revelations the sudden appearance of the corpses might bring. Unexpectedly, it resulted in the Empress being placed under house arrest. All these years, the Crown Prince had always followed the Empress's lead. With her sudden confinement, he was bound to be frantic and disoriented—and precisely at this moment, Zhang Qide suddenly encountered trouble!
Zhang Qide had returned to report on his duties and was the Crown Prince's intended candidate for commander of the Northwest Frontier Army. Yet who could have predicted that Zhang Qide would become the first high-ranking official to fall in the military provisions case? With his imprisonment, the Crown Prince lost a crucial ally, the Northern Garrison Army was implicated, and the Crown Prince's faction found itself surrounded by crises.
Feng Lingsu's mood had grown better with each passing day. As impeachment memorials piled up, the Crown Prince was losing support from both court officials and the common people—nothing could delight her more. She even speculated whether the Emperor might decide to depose the Empress... If Zhao Shuhua were removed...
At this thought, Feng Lingsu smiled contentedly. Empresses and consorts—none could know who would emerge victorious until the very end. She snorted, "Keep a close watch on the Eastern Palace, especially the new Crown Princess. This new Crown Princess isn't as foolish as Feng Chenbi."
Baodie nodded promptly but hesitated, "Your Highness, this servant has been vigilantly monitoring the Eastern Palace and has noticed something peculiar."
"Oh?" Feng Lingsu turned to Baodie.
Baodie lowered her voice, "This servant observes that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess don't seem particularly close."
Feng Lingsu raised an eyebrow, prompting Baodie to continue, "The Crown Prince spends most of his time in the side hall, sometimes even resting there at night. The Crown Princess and Crown Prince are only together for about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea each day, and... the Crown Prince hasn't spent the night in the Crown Princess's chambers for several consecutive days."
The Eastern Palace being within the imperial palace meant such matters couldn't remain secret amid so many eyes and ears—though Feng Lingsu hadn't anticipated this particular development.
Yan Qi hadn't been particularly fond of Feng Chenbi either, but they were newlyweds after all. According to reports from Prince Cheng's household, Yan Qi visited Feng Chenbi's chambers quite frequently. What man wouldn't be drawn to a young maiden in her prime? Especially one of exceptional character and beauty!
Though the Crown Prince wasn't as fond of beauties as Yan Qi, the Empress had long favored Qin Chaoyu. Logically, the Crown Prince should have been delighted with Qin Chaoyu as his consort. Feng Lingsu smiled with keen interest, "Another delightful piece of news. I thought the Crown Prince and his consort were deeply devoted, but it seems their relationship is rather ordinary."
After a moment's thought, she added, "See if there's any way we can assist..."
Understanding her meaning, Baodie withdrew. Feng Lingsu leaned back against her armrest, her expression relaxed and content, tinged with subtle anticipation. The Crown Prince's predicament was serious—without the Empress, he was like a cornered beast, and Yan Qi wouldn't give him any chance to recover.
Feng Lingsu raised a hand to cover her eyes, but the smile at her lips overflowed uncontrollably.At the same time in the Eastern Palace, Qin Chaoyu was frowning as she looked at Qin Shu. "Father, is there truly no solution? The political climate these past few days has grown increasingly unfavorable to His Highness the Crown Prince. If left unchecked, he will surely lose the people's support!"
Seeing the anxiety in Qin Chaoyu's eyes, Qin Shu could only offer a bitter smile. "My daughter, if there were a way, would I not act? Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince has long given orders regarding this matter—we must not cling to what cannot be saved, lest we entangle ourselves further."
Qin Chaoyu let out a long sigh. "What do you think the Emperor intends this time?"
Qin Shu instinctively glanced back, relaxing only when he saw Moyun and others guarding the entrance. Lowering his voice, he said, "I cannot be certain either. These days, it is best for the Crown Prince to do nothing. The situation has already reached this point; we absolutely must not give them new grounds for criticism."
Qin Chaoyu rubbed her temples. "I understand that. I have been doing the same these past few days, but His Highness the Crown Prince..." She trailed off, then changed the subject. "I just do not know what His Highness is thinking."
A complex light flickered in Qin Shu's eyes. He seemed to want to say something but hesitated awkwardly before finally speaking after a long pause. "Daughter... His Highness treats you..."
"His Highness treats me very well," Qin Chaoyu said slowly, turning away with a stubborn expression.
Qin Shu had already been suspicious, and seeing her expression, he understood everything. Recalling the scene when Yan Che encountered Qin Guan at Qin Manor, Qin Shu hesitated internally but ultimately said nothing. He only advised, "His Highness carries heavy thoughts. You must put in more effort. Now that the two of you are united as husband and wife, you must endure any grievances for the time being."
Qin Chaoyu gritted her teeth, her expression stiffening for a moment before relaxing. She then nodded. "Do not worry, I understand."
As her father, Qin Shu could not say much more. He sighed and took his leave.
As soon as Qin Shu left, Qin Chaoyu's eyes reddened. She turned her back to the door, taking a long while to suppress the tears welling in her eyes. Before long, footsteps sounded behind her—it was Moyun entering slowly. "Your Highness? The Marquis has left..."
Qin Chaoyu took a deep breath. By the time she turned around, nothing was amiss. "Yes. Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?"
"His Highness is meeting with the Vice Minister of Revenue in the side hall."
Qin Chaoyu nodded and stepped outside, stopping only when she reached the side hall where Yan Che was.
As the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, she could not enter such places freely. Like the officials outside, she had to wait there.
After waiting for the time it took to drink two cups of tea, Qin Chaoyu finally saw Tang Fu hurrying out. "Your Highness the Crown Princess, please come in..."
Qin Chaoyu nodded and stepped inside. Yan Che sat behind his desk, his brow tightly furrowed. For two days, the court had been in turmoil, and her Crown Prince was deeply agitated by it. Qin Chaoyu bowed before speaking. "Has Your Highness found a solution?"
Yan Che shot her a cold glance, neither understanding her concern nor approving of a woman meddling in court affairs.
After a tense silence, Yan Che finally said, "You need not concern yourself with these matters."
Qin Chaoyu knew this meant he had found no solution and sighed softly. "Your Highness, let us visit the Empress Dowager."Yan Che furrowed his brow. Qin Chaoyu said, "Earlier, the Empress Dowager summoned us. From what I observed, Her Majesty seemed inclined toward reconciliation. At this point, the Empress Dowager might be our opportunity. I dare not comment on court affairs, but within the inner palace, I see things clearly. Only the Empress Dowager can help us now."
Yan Che's gaze softened slightly. With no access to the Empress, the Empress Dowager was indeed their only chance.
"But Grandmother is unwell, and given the severity of this incident, she couldn't possibly speak on our behalf."
Qin Chaoyu replied calmly, "She wouldn't speak for outside ministers, but she would certainly speak for you. That's enough."
Yan Che's brow furrowed repeatedly as if he understood her meaning. His expression darkened again, but Qin Chaoyu continued, "Your Highness, we must prepare for the worst..."
The worst scenario would be this turmoil endangering his position as Crown Prince. But would his father truly depose him?!
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Recommendation: "Reborn into a Noble Family: The Young Madam" by Shui Junxin
[This is a story about a wolf in sheep's clothing and a cunning little fox joining forces, occasionally bickering and flirting.]
Mission failed. Hong Hu sacrificed herself, only to open her eyes as an eight-year-old girl, about to be sent off as a child bride?
Wait, are there no age restrictions for child brides now?
In the room, Zhou Ziyue looked at the blind man in the wheelchair. "Such beautiful eyes, are they really blind?" The gleaming knife tip in her hand slowly moved toward his eyes...
"So you're Zhou Ziyue?"
The knife paused just before his eyelashes. The girl smiled profoundly, took his hand, and placed it on her small head, nodding.
Mu Xingchen thought: What a sinister child. She was about to stab him with a knife moments ago, yet now she wears such an innocent smile. It seems life won't be boring from now on.
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