Coroner's Diary

"Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence."

Yuan Qing stood at the entrance of Chongzheng Hall, smiling warmly at Yan Zhen. Regardless of the Empress and Crown Prince's circumstances, Yuan Qing, as the Chief Eunuch, never revealed any inclination to follow political winds—especially when facing the Emperor's only daughter, whom he treated with particular kindness.

Yan Zhen seemed somewhat nervous. After Yuan Qing spoke, she took a deep breath and quietly asked him, "How is Father Emperor's mood today?"

Yuan Qing smiled gently. "His Majesty is in good spirits. You needn't worry."

Yan Zhen smoothed the wrinkles in her palace gown, composed herself, and then entered the Imperial Study.

She had rarely visited this place before, and in recent times her visits had become even fewer. Moreover, it had been a long while since she last saw her father.

After taking only a few steps, Yan Zhen spotted Yan Huai behind the desk. Seated in a grand chair crafted of pure gold, he appeared exceptionally imposing and tall. The desk was piled high with memorials, and a faint weariness lingered between Yan Huai's brows. Yan Zhen gazed at him with both reverence and admiration, then performed a respectful bow.

"Zhen'er pays respects to Father Emperor—"

The corners of Yan Huai's lips lifted slightly. "Rise. What brings you to seek your father today?"

Yan Zhen forced a smile and carefully observed Yan Huai for a moment. Only when she confirmed he was truly in good spirits did she fully relax.

After pressing her lips together briefly, she said, "Does Father Emperor truly intend to send Zhen'er to marry into Northern Wei?"

This matter had long been decided. By bringing it up again, Yan Zhen was merely finding an excuse to act coquettishly with Yan Huai. Sure enough, Yan Huai sighed. "Having second thoughts?"

Yan Zhen lowered her head and murmured, "Zhen'er was originally forced by Mother Empress to marry into Northern Wei."

Yan Huai looked somewhat helpless. "Tuoba Hong is indeed a suitable match. Aside from the distance, there is nothing objectionable about this marriage."

Yan Zhen lifted her head and gazed pleadingly at Yan Huai. "Is Father Emperor truly so willing to part with his daughter?"

Yan Huai was momentarily taken aback by her words, then a touch of tenderness surfaced in his eyes. "Your father is reluctant to let you go, but all daughters must marry. I can only ensure you wed a husband who will not harm you and will treat you well. How could I keep you by my side forever?"

Yan Huai's gentle words stirred the grievances in Yan Zhen's heart. Her eyes reddened instantly. She took two steps closer, shortening the distance between them. "Why did Father Emperor not object when Mother Empress proposed sending Zhen'er far away to marry?"

Yan Huai indeed had not opposed it. In this matter, he had granted Zhao Shuhua full authority.

Yan Huai studied Yan Zhen for a moment, his expression briefly complex. "Because I know your Mother Empress has your best interests at heart."

Yan Zhen's eyes widened in disbelief. It was one thing for Qin Chaoyu to say such words, but why would her own father say the same!

Her parents' relationship had never been particularly harmonious, and now her mother was even imprisoned by her father. She had expected Yan Huai to criticize Zhao Shuhua's authoritarianism, but instead, he uttered these words. Yan Zhen hesitated, on the verge of speaking, then said, "But Zhen'er still cannot bear to part with Father Emperor and Mother Empress."

Yan Huai sighed. "Then what do you wish to do now?"

Yan Zhen lowered her head, her voice tinged with both grievance and defiance. "Is it still possible for Zhen'er to call off the engagement now?"

Yan Huai sighed once more. "What do you think?"Yan Zhen also knew it was impossible. She lifted her tear-filled eyes to look at Yan Huai, "Once Zhen'er marries into Northern Wei, I won't be able to see Father Emperor and Mother Empress anymore."

Although home visits were theoretically possible, the distance between Great Zhou and Northern Wei spanned thousands of miles. From what Yan Zhen knew, no princess who married far away to another country had ever returned afterward. Hearing her words, Yan Huai comforted her, "Although returning from Northern Wei is difficult, it's not entirely impossible. As long as you live well in Northern Wei, your mother and I will be at ease. When opportunities arise, we'll also send people to Northern Wei to visit you."

"Will you send Crown Prince Brother to visit me?"

Yan Zhen asked without thinking, and Yan Huai nodded, "That could be arranged too."

At these words, Yan Zhen's expression changed. Unless Yan Che were sent to Northern Wei within the next few years - but later, Yan Che was destined to become emperor. How could he possibly travel to Northern Wei personally to visit her? Yet her father emperor had agreed without hesitation. Was this just casual reassurance, or did it mean he no longer intended to let her brother remain as Crown Prince?

"Father Emperor..." Yan Zhen stepped forward, placing both hands on the edge of the imperial desk. "Could Zhen'er see Mother Empress one more time?"

Yan Huai looked at Yan Zhen, his face still bearing a father's tenderness. Yet in that instant, Yan Zhen felt cold sweat breaking out all over her body. Clearly, her request had taken Yan Huai by surprise, and he had seen right through her intentions almost immediately.

However, Yan Zhen knew she couldn't back down now. She gazed earnestly at Yan Huai, her entire demeanor appearing open and harmless.

Yan Huai sighed, "Have you forgiven your mother?"

Pressing her lips together, Yan Zhen replied dejectedly, "No, but... but my wedding date is approaching. I don't want to leave without seeing her one last time. Since even you say Mother Empress acted for my benefit, I naturally don't resent her as much as before."

The corners of Yan Huai's mouth curved slightly, as if showing a hint of compromise. "Your mother has made mistakes and shouldn't normally receive visitors now. But what you say makes sense - before your departure, you should see your mother. Father Emperor grants permission. You may go see her later and stay for a while."

Yan Zhen was immediately overjoyed, her eyes shining brightly. Remembering Qin Chaoyu's words, she quickly added, "Could I bring..."

"Go by yourself." Yan Huai cut her off, his gaze still gentle but his tone leaving no room for argument.

Yan Zhen's pupils trembled, and she didn't dare say more. She nodded meekly, "Alright, Zhen'er understands."

Yan Huai lifted his chin slightly, "Go ahead. You and your mother should talk for a while longer."

Yan Zhen had achieved her requested objective, yet somehow she felt no joy in her heart. Though Yan Huai showed indulgence toward her, he also maintained clear boundaries that allowed no questioning. Feeling somewhat uneasy, Yan Zhen performed a respectful bow before turning to leave.

Yuan Qing, following Yan Huai's command, personally accompanied Yan Zhen to Kunning Palace.

Outside Kunning Palace, the person in charge of the imperial guards' defense was Zhao Yu. Suddenly seeing Yan Zhen appear, Zhao Yu froze in surprise.

However, Yan Zhen kept a cold expression, acting as if she hadn't seen him. Yuan Qing, following behind her, said with a smile, "His Majesty has ordered that Her Highness the Princess may enter to speak with Her Majesty the Empress for a while. Commander Zhao, please allow passage."

Zhao Yu gave Yan Zhen a deep look, then nodded.The imperial guards dispersed, and Yan Zhen walked straight into Kunning Palace without glancing sideways.

Zhao Yu's gaze lingered on Yan Zhen for a long moment before he sighed deeply.

Yan Zhen's heart was actually quite unsettled. Though she and Zhao Yu had never sworn undying love or reached the point of being inseparable, he was after all the first young man who had stirred her maiden heart. That made him different. Yet she was soon to be married, and there was no future for her and Zhao Yu. No matter how exceptional Zhao Yu was among the youth, how could he possibly contend with her father and mother—the Emperor and Empress?!

Yan Zhen sighed and quickened her pace toward the main hall of Kunning Palace.

...

...

The consecutive days under house arrest had cast an increasingly gloomy shadow over Zhao Shuhua's complexion.

During the first few days of confinement, she remained calm and composed. By the fifth or sixth day, she only felt slightly suspicious. But now, nearly half a month had passed—undoubtedly a dangerous Signal Flare. Watching from the side, Yun Yan thought she had never seen the Empress so anxious in all these years.

"Your Majesty, this cannot go on. Should you consider finding a way to see the Emperor..."

See the Emperor?! Zhao Shuhua let out a faint, cold laugh. "It would be useless. I suspect the Crown Prince has already met with misfortune."

Yun Yan's face shifted through several expressions. "How could that be? Last year's incident didn't implicate His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhao Shuhua shook her head, her expression profoundly complex. Though last year's events hadn't implicated the Crown Prince, it would be all too easy for Yan Huai to find fault with Yan Che. The court was a tangled web of influence, and few officials in power had completely clean records. Since Yan Che became the Heir Apparent, many court officials had flocked to his side. No matter how impartial and strict Yan Che was, he couldn't prevent his subordinates from making mistakes. Besides, in politics, water that was too clear harbored no fish.

After days of confinement, Zhao Shuhua's heart had sunk to the depths. A vague suspicion had formed in her mind—one she initially refused to believe. But as she pondered further, her cold smile grew increasingly pronounced. Nothing was impossible. Given that person's methods and temperament, anything was possible!

Zhao Shuhua lowered her gaze in deep thought. She hadn't slept well for nights, and dark shadows now lingered under her eyes. Yet, trapped within the narrow confines of Kunning Palace, she felt utterly helpless. And until the final moment arrived, she wouldn't reveal her trump card.

But had that final moment truly come? What exactly was that person planning?

Zhao Shuhua had no way of knowing, but she dared not cling to hope any longer. "Let's wait a little longer. We can't do anything from inside Kunning Palace, but outside, the Crown Prince and Zhen'er are there. They must know we cannot afford to wait any longer."

Yun Yan nodded, her voice tinged with worry. "Your Majesty, could it be that..."

Zhao Shuhua smiled mockingly and nodded. "Perhaps our end is near!"

Yun Yan shuddered, her pupils contracting in fear. "Th-That can't be... That Prince Jin's guard was just a minor underling. Even if you did have him executed, how could it cause such a major impact? Besides, Prince Jin's death had nothing to do with us. Back then, you clearly intended to save Prince Jin!"

Zhao Shuhua laughed bitterly. "But who would believe that?"

Yun Yan's expression shifted repeatedly, a wave of bitterness rising in her heart. Indeed, no one would believe it.Zhao Shuhua narrowed her cold eyes, a sharp glint flashing in their depths. "It's not entirely impossible. Che'er isn't the Emperor's preferred candidate."

Upon hearing this, Yun Yan's heart trembled with fear. As the Empress's most trusted maid, Yan Che was practically her young master. A year ago, when Yan Che was appointed Crown Prince, it had seemed almost inevitable. Yun Yan had thought even the Emperor shared this view—though not the eldest son, Yan Che, being of legitimate birth, was unquestionably the top candidate for Heir Apparent in both character and capability. Why would the Empress now claim Yan Che wasn't the Emperor's best choice?!

Yun Yan's unease grew heavier. "Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?"

Zhao Shuhua, however, closed her eyes calmly. "This day was bound to come. I had thought it would be a few more years, but I never expected the Emperor to grow impatient so soon. Neither Yan Che nor Prince Cheng is the ideal choice. The Emperor's gaze has long shifted elsewhere."

Yun Yan was utterly bewildered. "The Emperor is in the prime of his life. Could it be that he fears the Crown Prince's power has grown too great?"

Zhao Shuhua shook her head again. As if struck by a sudden thought, she opened her eyes and said, "It's too strange. I still can't fathom how Song Xiwen's corpse ended up in the backyard of Prince Jin Manor. If not for that, the Emperor would never have found grounds to place me under house arrest, and none of these subsequent events would have occurred."

Having served Zhao Shuhua for twenty years, Yun Yan was among those most privy to last year's affairs. At these words, she immediately responded, "Your Majesty, could it be that someone learned of last year's incident? Was Song Xiwen's body moved to Prince Jin Manor?"

Zhao Shuhua's tone was profound. "Naturally, it was moved. The dead don't bury themselves elsewhere."

But who could have done it? The adversary lurked in the shadows while she remained exposed—a feeling utterly disconcerting.

"Last year's affair was handled flawlessly; there should have been no such mishap. Who could have leaked the information?"

Yun Yan frowned. "Those who knew of it best were Eunuch Kang and Eunuch Zhu. The two of them were also quite close in private…"

Zhao Shuhua remained frowning. "That's impossible. Both are utterly loyal to me."

Yet even as she spoke, doubt crept into her own certainty. Kang Bowen and Zhu Yucheng had indeed been promoted by her own hand, but they had long drifted beyond her oversight. Trusting them implicitly, she had never surveilled them over the years. Whether they might have betrayed her or been swayed by new influences—Zhao Shuhua had no way of knowing. She sighed, her brow furrowed. "They didn't hesitate even in death. I doubt they would betray me."

Yun Yan pressed her lips tightly together. "Your Majesty, if you've discerned the Emperor's intentions, what should we do now?"Zhao Shuhua's eyes turned cold, her entire demeanor becoming murderously stern. Seeing her like this, Yun Yan's heart skipped a beat. The Empress was the most astute woman she had ever known. Over the years, whether facing threats in the harem as her relationship with the Emperor grew increasingly distant or witnessing Yan Che's gradual rise to become the Crown Prince, everything had remained under the Empress's control. No matter the circumstances, she was always calm and composed. No matter how much anger or fear churned within her, she never let it show. When her opponents saw her in this state, they believed she had ample confidence, and usually, they would retreat voluntarily. Feng Lingsu was a prime example.

Although it was widely known that Consort Feng was the most favored, over all these years, Feng Lingsu never dared to truly oppose the Empress. She would vent her anger on lower-ranking consorts, flaunt her favor when she received it, but never dared to cross the line. Yun Yan had always believed that her mistress would eventually become the mistress of the Longevity and Health Palace and that, until the very end, this vast imperial palace would remain under her control. But now, it seemed she had been too naive.

Zhao Shuhua's expression was sharp, her presence like a fierce northern gale. Her father was the Grand General who supported the state of Da Zhou, and from a young age, she had known how to be a warrior. If she were a man, she would have been a commander galloping across battlefields, capturing cities and territories. But she was a woman, so she had to suppress all her ambition and brilliance, confined within the high walls and deep courtyards of this cage. Even after twenty years of imprisonment here, the fierce courage to charge into battle and fight to the death still burned in her heart!

"Wait two more days. If neither the Crown Prince nor Zhen'er appears, I have a way."

Zhao Shuhua pondered for a long while before speaking. Hearing this, Yun Yan felt a wave of relief.

……

……

Zhao Shuhua only had to wait one day before Yan Zhen arrived. When Yun Yan saw Yan Zhen, she nearly wept. Without even pausing to bow, she turned and rushed inside. "Your Majesty, the Princess has come! The Princess has come—"

Zhao Shuhua immediately stood up, but realizing her overeagerness, she quickly sat back down. Soon, Yan Zhen entered the room.

Having not seen Zhao Shuhua for many days, Yan Zhen's first glance made her think Zhao Shuhua had aged several years. She still wore lavish robes and exquisite makeup, but sitting there with her spine rigidly straight gave the impression she was forcing herself to hold on. Her usual composure and authority seemed to have dimmed.

Yan Zhen stepped forward without bowing. "Elder Brother the Crown Prince and my sister-in-law sent me."

Zhao Shuhua gazed deeply at Yan Zhen. In the past, Yan Zhen would have thrown herself into her arms, but now, she didn't even address her as "Mother Empress." After a long silence, Zhao Shuhua finally spoke, "What did they say? What has happened outside?"

Yan Zhen was here on serious business. Even though Zhao Shuhua's stare made her uncomfortable, she stepped closer and spoke quickly, "There's trouble. The imperial envoy sent to investigate the military provisions case in the northwest has submitted a memorial, saying that the corruption in the Northwest Frontier Army's provisions is linked to Zhang Qide. Zhang Qide has been imprisoned—for many days now."When Zhao Shuhua heard the words "something has happened," her heart jolted. Upon learning that Zhang Qide had been imprisoned, her expression turned sharp enough to be described as fierce. Shock and anger transformed into piercing intensity, her fist clenching so tightly on the armrest that her knuckles turned white.

Yan Zhen was momentarily stunned by Zhao Shuhua's expression. Zhao Shuhua, however, looked at her solemnly and said, "Continue."

Yan Zhen nodded. "After Zhang Qide was imprisoned, some officials at court began impeaching Brother Crown Prince. But Brother Crown Prince must have made arrangements—there was no substantial evidence, and Father Emperor didn’t say anything. However, yesterday, the Imperial Censorate suddenly produced a lot of evidence. Everyone Brother Crown Prince had previously protected became implicated. When Father Emperor saw it, he was so furious that he stripped Brother Crown Prince of his authority over the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, and ordered him to reflect on his mistakes in the Eastern Palace."

"Were imperial guards dispatched to stand watch?"

Yan Zhen nodded. "Yes. It’s equivalent to placing Brother Crown Prince under house arrest."

Zhao Shuhua’s suspended heart sank, plummeting into an abyss of despair.

If she had still clung to a final shred of hope earlier, by now, even that last bit of wishful thinking had vanished.

She could now be certain of what the emperor intended to do!

Zhao Shuhua’s face was extremely grim. Yan Zhen watched her uneasily. "Mother Empress?"

Called by Yan Zhen, Zhao Shuhua snapped back to attention. Seeing the worry in Yan Zhen’s eyes, her heart softened. "I understand. Is there anything else? Has the investigation into the Prince Jin Manor case continued? What other changes have occurred at court? What does the Empress Dowager say?"

Zhao Shuhua fired off several questions in rapid succession. Yan Zhen took a moment to process them before answering.

"The investigation into the Prince Jin Manor case hasn’t continued. Prince Cheng is now fully focused on bringing down Brother Crown Prince. Besides, there’s nothing more to uncover in that case. Grandmother Empress Dowager still protects Brother Crown Prince. Yesterday, she personally went to the Eastern Palace. Her presence alone made outsiders more cautious. As for the court... I’m not entirely clear, but... oh, right. Yan Chi has returned to the Ministry of Justice and resumed his position as Left Vice Minister."

Zhao Shuhua’s brow furrowed deeply. Yan Zhen naturally had little sensitivity to court politics—there were likely many unusual details she failed to notice. Yet, this information alone was enough. Zhao Shuhua stood and walked to the window. The weather had long turned cold, and the first snow of winter seemed imminent. Without hesitation, she pushed the window open. A cold wind rushed in, tousling her hair, but she paid it no mind.

Yan Zhen stood not far behind, watching and waiting. She understood why Qin Chaoyu had asked her to see Mother Empress. Neither she nor Brother Crown Prince could turn the tide, but Mother Empress could. Her sister-in-law was an exceptionally clever woman.

Yan Zhen waited in silence, not daring to disturb Zhao Shuhua. As she watched, she suddenly noticed a few strands of silver-white hair in Zhao Shuhua’s chignon. Her heart clenched, and a wave of sorrow washed over her chest. Her Mother Empress had aged.Zhao Shuhua was racking her brains desperately. The situation was as severe as she had imagined, even more difficult than she had anticipated. At this point, what else could she utilize? Thinking this, Zhao Shuhua suddenly thought of Yan Chi. She quickly turned and asked, "What has Yan Chi been doing since joining the Ministry of Justice? Has Prince Rui's residence encountered any disturbances these days?"

Yan Zhen was taken aback, not understanding why Zhao Shuhua was asking about Yan Chi, but she instinctively replied, "No, with numerous court affairs these past two days, Yan Chi has been conducting himself quite steadily at the Ministry of Justice office. Nothing conspicuous has occurred. Why does Mother ask about this?"

Quite steady? Nothing conspicuous?

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Zhao Shuhua's eyes, and the corners of her lips curled up in pleasure.

She suddenly developed a suspicion—could the person who buried the corpse in Prince Jin Manor's backyard be Yan Chi?

When the case at Prince Jin Manor emerged, Prince Rui was already dead...

Having served as Empress for twenty years, Zhao Shuhua had been dealing with imperial family members since her earliest memories. Her sharpness and intelligence always allowed her to see through people's hearts easily. While she might not be as certain about others, she saw Yan Lin and his son clearly. Yan Lin, having grown up under the Empress Dowager's care, possessed an extremely loyal and upright nature—but this very loyalty and uprightness had harmed him. Fortunately, Yan Chi was different from him.

She hadn't ordered a detailed investigation into Prince Rui's death, but the idea that Prince Rui—who had dominated Shuoxi for over a decade—could be killed by a group of Rong assassins was utterly impossible. As for who had the audacity to orchestrate all this, Zhao Shuhua didn't need to think twice to know!

What she could deduce, Yan Chi could too. Among the younger generation, Yan Chi was the one she admired most—a wolf king forged in the harsh battles of Shuoxi's Cold Plains. Even after returning to the capital, the ferocity in his bones remained unchanged.

Since Yan Chi could figure it out, what did his current compliance signify?

Zhao Shuhua curled her lips. "Yan Chi and Qin Guan have set their wedding date. How have they been recently?"

Yan Zhen's eyes widened in greater confusion! Her mother and elder brother the Crown Prince were already in a precarious position, so why was her mother concerning herself with others' engagement? Was she already thinking about what gift to give them?

"They... seem fine. I saw Qin Guan yesterday. Since Grandmother is unwell, Qin Guan often enters the palace to treat her. Yesterday, Grandmother took her to the Eastern Palace, where she spoke with my sister-in-law. On the surface, nothing seemed amiss."

Zhao Shuhua nodded. "When Yan Qi investigated the Prince Jin Manor case, he brought Qin Guan along, didn't he?"

Yan Zhen wasn't clear about the details. "Qin Guan knows Corpse Examination, right? Probably, yes..."

Zhao Shuhua narrowed her eyes in thought. "Then go tell your sister-in-law that the next time Qin Guan visits the Eastern Palace, she should relay a message to her."

Yan Zhen looked at Zhao Shuhua, puzzled why she wanted to communicate through Qin Chaoyu and Qin Guan instead of having her deliver the message directly to the Crown Prince.

"Have your sister-in-law tell Qin Guan: Song Xiwen indeed died in Kunning Palace."

Yan Zhen's eyes widened, bewildered. Wasn't Zhang Qide's imprisonment the most urgent matter now?

Ignoring Yan Zhen's confusion, Zhao Shuhua smiled faintly and continued, "In Anmin Lane, Zhang Family Alley in the southern city, there lives a Granny Qian who just left the palace early this year. If Qin Guan wants to know the cause of Song Xiwen's death last year, she can seek out this person."

Zhao Shuhua's tone suddenly became composed again, as if the earlier sharpness and anxiety were merely Yan Zhen's illusions.

Yan Zhen suddenly realized these seemingly disjointed matters were critically important and hurriedly murmured the instructions twice to herself.

Seeing this, Zhao Shuhua felt assured the message would be delivered. Her heart eased slightly, but soon her eyes darkened again. After a moment's thought, she said, "Pass this information to your sister-in-law and tell her it must be known only to Qin Guan. After that, neither of you should interfere further, and she shouldn't meet with Qin Guan too frequently. If Qin Guan presses for details, just have her warn Qin Guan to act discreetly, as this involves last year's Prince Jin case."

Waves of realization swept through Yan Zhen's heart, and after a long pause, she finally nodded. "Then, Mother, what should Elder Brother the Crown Prince do now?"

Zhao Shuhua took a deep breath. "Nothing. Have him and your sister-in-law wait quietly. Also, tell him things have reached the worst possible stage."

Yan Zhen's face paled. "Mother, what do you mean? How have things reached the worst stage?"Zhao Shuhua turned sideways, avoiding Yan Zhen’s questioning gaze. “Tell your brother. He will understand what this means.”

Yan Zhen took an urgent step forward. “Mother! Why can’t you tell me? You said things have reached the worst point. Does that mean… Does that mean Father intends to depose Brother as Crown Prince?”

Zhao Shuhua did not immediately refute her. Instead, she said, “You are about to be married. There is no need for you to concern yourself with these matters.”

Hearing this, Yan Zhen knew she had guessed correctly. Shaking her head in disbelief, she said, “But how is that possible? This incident was only because Brother the Crown Prince misjudged someone. Brother himself made no mistake. How could Father depose him outright?”

Yan Zhen shook her head, her eyes reddening. Though she did not understand much, she knew that if Yan Che were deposed at this point, it would be tantamount to losing all chance at the throne. He might be demoted, exiled to some barren fiefdom, while her mother would grow old alone in the palace. Yan Zhen dared not imagine it. Since childhood, she had known how esteemed her mother was and had always believed her brother would become the future emperor…

Zhao Shuhua turned to face her, her gaze filled with pity. Yan Zhen suddenly asked, “Mother, did you foresee this day long ago? Is that why you sent me away?”

A glimmer of tears shone in Zhao Shuhua’s eyes as well. Yan Zhen burst into tears. “But Mother, why? Why must I marry into Northern Wei so early? Is there something between you and Father that I don’t know about?”

Unable to hold back, Zhao Shuhua stepped forward and pulled Yan Zhen into her embrace. Yan Zhen clung to her mother, the sudden fear leaving her at a loss. Zhao Shuhua’s embrace felt like a safe harbor—yet she was soon to leave it far behind.

“My dear child, it’s nothing. This is simply politics. Your father is first and foremost the Emperor of Great Zhou, and only then your father. No matter what, he has always cherished you.” Zhao Shuhua spoke words almost identical to Yan Huai’s. Neither would speak ill of the other, yet both insisted the other held affection for her. The more Yan Zhen heard, the more frightened she became. “Mother, what will happen in the end? Will Brother the Crown Prince be deposed? What will become of you?”

Yan Zhen instinctively felt Zhao Shuhua knew everything. She suddenly regretted having quarreled with her mother earlier.

“I don’t know how it will end, but you needn’t worry. Everything will be fine. I am here.”

Her words offered some comfort. In her subconscious, Yan Zhen held unwavering trust in her mother. Sobbing softly, she felt Zhao Shuhua gently stroke her back. “After you leave today, go to your brother immediately. Share with your sister-in-law what I’ve told you that she should know, and tell your brother what he needs to hear. Keep the rest to yourself. Zhen’er, I am glad you came to see me today.”

Though her wedding day had not yet arrived, Yan Zhen already tasted the bitterness of parting. She couldn’t hold back her sobs. Zhao Shuhua’s heart ached at the sound. “The arrangements for your marriage have long been prepared. When you go to Northern Wei, forget that you are a princess of Great Zhou.”

“No, Mother. I will always be a princess of Great Zhou…”Zhao Shuhua's eyes reddened, "Your mother only wishes for your peace and happiness. The fate of the state is unimportant—that is the responsibility of your mother and your elder brother."

Yan Zhen's heart churned with complex emotions. She had once resented Zhao Shuhua for treating her as a pawn, yet now she wished Zhao Shuhua would truly use her as one, giving her more tasks to fulfill. She was willing to do anything. "Mother, I don’t want to marry into Northern Wei anymore. I want to stay and protect you and Brother. If I leave, how will Father treat you both..."

Zhao Shuhua tightened her embrace slightly and sighed, "Don’t speak such words. Once you leave here today, never say such things again. Your father won’t harm us—at most, we’ll lose some power. As long as I am here, I will protect your brother well."

Yan Zhen pressed her lips together, tears streaming down uncontrollably. Just then, Yun Yan knocked on the door from outside. "Empress, Eunuch Yuan says it’s about time. The Princess should leave now."

They had barely spoken for long before Yuan Qing came to summon her. Was her mother being treated like a prisoner?

Frowning, Yan Zhen was about to erupt in anger, but Zhao Shuhua gently pinched her cheek. "Go now. Remember your mother’s words."

Yan Zhen hesitated, her thoughts tangled. Though many things remained unclear to her, she suddenly believed what others had said—her mother would never harm her. It was only because she was not yet strong or wise enough to see through the complexities. Reluctantly, she gazed at Zhao Shuhua, her eyes swollen from crying. Zhao Shuhua took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, then firmly pushed her away. Faintly hearing Yuan Qing’s voice outside, Yan Zhen left, glancing back repeatedly with every step.

Exiting the main hall, she saw Yuan Qing still standing outside with a smile. Yan Zhen shot him a glance and strode out, her eyes red.

Yuan Qing hurried after her. "Your Highness, do you still wish to see the Emperor?"

Yan Zhen snorted, "I’m going to see Crown Prince Brother!"

Yuan Qing seemed about to say something but held back upon seeing Yan Zhen’s furious expression. As Yan Zhen walked briskly away, she suddenly spotted Zhao Yu and paused in surprise. Remembering her tear-streaked face, she lifted the hem of her skirt and quickened her pace. Yuan Qing exchanged a few words with Zhao Yu before returning to Chongzheng Hall to report.

Back in Chongzheng Hall, Yuan Qing reported with a smile, "Her Highness the Princess’s eyes are red from crying. This servant doesn’t know what she discussed with the Empress, but she’s now storming off to the Eastern Palace."

Yan Huai, reviewing memorials, replied indifferently, "She’s likely realized the Empress’s goodwill toward her."

After a brief pause, he added casually, "Keep an eye on what she does in the Eastern Palace, and observe what the Crown Prince plans to do next."

Yuan Qing promptly acknowledged the order and went to instruct his subordinates without daring to ponder further.

...

In the Eastern Palace, Yan Che frowned slightly upon hearing Yan Zhen’s words. "Did Mother truly tell me to do nothing?"

Yan Zhen nodded, her gaze earnest as she looked at Yan Che. "Crown Prince Brother, these were Mother’s exact words. You must heed her advice."

Yan Che had always trusted Zhao Shuhua’s words implicitly. Besides, confined as he was, it was indeed difficult to act at the moment. He sighed, studying Yan Zhen’s tearful eyes. "So you’re no longer angry with Mother? Your eyes are all red from crying."At these words, Yan Zhen felt her nose sting again, too embarrassed to lower her head. "Crown Prince brother, I was ignorant before. Now... though I still don’t fully understand, I think I grasp Mother Empress’s meaning..." She continued, "But Crown Prince brother, although Mother Empress said you shouldn’t take any action, she asked me to tell you that things have reached the worst possible stage."

Hearing this, Yan Che’s face instantly turned pale. He remained silent for a long while, lost in thought.

Yan Zhen had already formed her own suspicions, and seeing Yan Che like this only confirmed them, making her feel a surge of sorrow.

"Crown Prince brother, could it be that Father Emperor..."

Yan Che waved his hand. "Don’t concern yourself with this matter. Don’t ask further. Once you leave the Eastern Palace, never mention it to anyone else, and don’t plead with Father Emperor."

Yan Zhen’s heart sank abruptly, while Yan Che seemed to drift into a daze, as if his soul had left him.

Yan Zhen felt like crying again, but remembering that the Empress had messages for Qin Chaoyu, she wiped her eyes discreetly and stood up. "I’ll go see Sister-in-law."

Yan Che nodded absently. Yan Zhen turned and hurried out, heading straight for Qin Chaoyu’s courtyard.

Qin Chaoyu had been waiting for Yan Zhen. Hearing that Yan Zhen was coming her way, she personally went out to greet her. When she saw Yan Zhen’s tear-streaked face, Qin Chaoyu’s heart sank. She was about to offer comfort, but Yan Zhen grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the inner chamber. "Sister-in-law, dismiss the others."

Qin Chaoyu’s expression turned serious, and she immediately sent everyone away. Yan Zhen led her into the inner chamber, carefully listening for any movement outside before cautiously relaying Zhao Shuhua’s instructions. When she finished, Qin Chaoyu was equally shocked. Yan Zhen added urgently, "Mother Empress also said that if Qin Guan presses for details, she should act discreetly. I suspect Mother Empress means this matter is extremely dangerous. She also mentioned it’s connected to last year’s Prince Jin case..."

Of course, it was related to last year’s Prince Jin case—but why would the Empress issue such instructions at this critical juncture?

Despite her doubts, Qin Chaoyu would not disobey the Empress. She nodded. "I understand. Did Mother Empress have any other urgent messages?"

Yan Zhen initially thought to shake her head, but now placing full trust in Qin Chaoyu, she hesitated briefly before saying, "Mother Empress said... things have reached the worst possible stage. She wants you and Crown Prince brother to wait quietly and refrain from any action for now..."

Qin Chaoyu’s face turned pale. She had already prepared for the worst, and now the Empress’s words aligned perfectly with her fears!