《Her Power and Favor Span the World》


 Chapter 1: Through the Princess

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    Northern Tang, King Chu''s Pheasant Courtyard.


    The flickering candlelight illuminated the half-faded double happiness characters posted everywhere in the room. The soft rays emanated from the gilded edges, rippling on the walls and enveloping the entwined silhouettes.


    There was not a shred of affection in Yuan Qingling''s expression, only endurance and unwillingness.


    They had been married for a year, yet he had not touched a hair on her. The day before yesterday, when they went to see the Empress Dowager, she sighed at the sight of Yuan Qingling¡¯s t belly, greatly disappointed, and brought up the matter of taking a concubine. Yuan Qingling had no choice but to tell the Empress Dowager that although they had been married for a year, their marriage was not yet consummated.


    She did not want to tattle andin. She just...could not ept it.


    Since first seeing him at thirteen, her heart had been tied to him. She had used every means possible and finally married him as his concubine. She had thought that even the coldest stone could be warmed with her embrace, but she had overestimated herself in the end.


    He was her husband, yet she could not detect a shred of pity in his eyes, only maniacal hatred.


    ¡°Ugh...¡±


    A sharp pain made her unconsciously groan, but upon seeing the iciness in his eyes, the pain stabbed into her heart like a poisoned needle.


    A sudden rush of hatred welled up inside her. She hugged his body tightly, exerting herself to sit up and fiercely bit his lips.


    Blood seeped out. The tangy taste of blood trickled into her mouth.


    His eyes darkened. His tall figure rose from her. With a resounding p that contained the sound of shattering jade, he struck her cheek. ¡°Yuan Qingling, I have fulfilled your wish and consummated this marriage with you. But from now on, you and I will be like strangers.¡±


    Yuan Qinglingughed bitterly, despairingly. ¡°I knew you hated me.¡±


    Before getting married, her mother had taught her about the bedroom matters between man and wife. But he had drunk an aphrodisiac beforeing to her, merely taking her innocence before rising without an ounce of attachment.


    His azure robe swirled as he wrapped his strong, sturdy body. With a kick of his slender legs, the table and chairs crashed thunderously to the ground, belongings shattering everywhere. His voice was frigid, his phoenix eyes full of disdain. ¡°Hate? You are unworthy. I only feel disgusted by you. In my eyes, you are no different than a pesky fly, loathsome and repulsive. Otherwise, I would not have needed the aphrodisiac just to consummate this marriage.¡±


    He stormed out like a whirlwind, leaving only the chilled wind swirling in from the doorway, instantly cooling her heart.


    His voice drifted back distantly. ¡°From now on, there is no need to serve her like a mistress. She is just a dog kept in my residence.¡±


    It hurt, it really hurt. She had finally gotten her wish to consummate their marriage, but he chose to trample her heart in this way.


    She pulled out the hairpin from her head...


    Screams rang out from the inner chambers of Pheasant Courtyard.


    ¡°The Consort hasmitted suicide!¡±


    Darkness shrouded Pheasant Courtyard. Her wet nurse escorted the doctor out before turning back with a frosty expression.


    ¡°If Consort had wanted to die, she should have waited until His Highness finished with you and sent you back before dying. Don¡¯t dirty the manor grounds and bring bad luck to His Highness.¡±


    Yuan Qingling slowly opened her eyes and looked at the mean-spirited woman before her.


    ¡°Water...¡± Her throat was parched and practically smoking.


    ¡°If you had the ability to die, you have the ability to pour water for yourself.¡± After speaking, her wet nurse shot her a disgusted look and spat before leaving the room.


    Yuan Qingling struggled to get up. Her whole body felt like it was falling apart from the pain. She crawled to the table and tremblingly poured herself a cup of water, gulping it down greedily before feeling revived again.


    She looked at the wounds on her wrists, still somewhat stunned by everything that had happened.


    Since childhood, she had been known as a prodigy. At ten, she finished high school and was admitted to Guangzhou Medical University. At sixteen, she obtained her doctorate and became the youngest PhD candidate of the 22nd century. She did not go into medicine after graduation. Instead, she studied biomedical science and earned another doctorate. Afterwards, she delved into virology at the virology research institute for two years before being recruited by a biotechpany to develop a drug that stimted brain development.

 Chapter 2: The Wounded Fire Man

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    She passed out after injecting herself with a drug she had developed, and when she woke up, she was here.


    Some unfamiliar memories in her mind were slowly intertwining with her own.


    Yuan Qingling had long been thinking of and missing King Chu Yuwen Hao. After turning fifteen anding of age, she went to a banquet at the princess''s residence and schemed to frame King Chu for "taking advantage" of her, going through great lengths to get what she wished and be King Chu''s consort.


    But sadly, after marrying into the royal residence for a year, despite her best efforts, King Chu hadn''t even nced at her.


    As a woman of science, although she had never been in love, the lingering painful tearing told her that the original owner must have gone through an invasive act before her death.


    The remnants of the original owner''s memories in her mind also confirmed this.


    Having gone from genius researcher to the consort of some unknown dynasty''s King Chu, the only thing Yuan Qingling regretted was that she could no longer continue her research project.


    Soul transmigration, somethingpletely unscientific, happening to her, she was not overly worried about her circumstances, but rather thought that if she could return to modern times, she might study parapsychology.


    The excessive blood loss made her feel dizzy and muddleheaded, so she simply stopped thinking and went back to bed to sleep.


    She didn''t know how much time passed, but outside came an enormous boom, apanied by a miserable shriek.


    "Hurry, hurry and call the doctor!"


    Panicked, disorderly voices came from Qi Amah outside the door.


    The smell of blood seeped in through the barely open wooden door.


    Yuan Qingling held onto a chair to steady her shaky footsteps and looked outside.


    She saw Qi Amah and a maid supporting a servant boy sitting in the corridor. Blood was gushing from the boy''s eyes with something stuck in them, and he was crying loudly in acute pain.


    Qi Amah was very anxious and wanted to cover the bleeding area with her hands, but the sharp object was protruding from the eyeball, so she wanted to pull the sharp object out.


    Seeing this, Yuan Qingling disregarded the pain all over her body and quickly walked over. "Don''t move!"


    Qi Amah jumped in fright. Seeing it was her, she said unpleasantly, "This is none of the consort''s business. Consort, please go back."


    Yuan Qingling took a look and felt slightly relieved. The sharp object was a nail that had grazed the corner of the eye and stabbed in deeply rather than into the eyeball itself.


    The nail was embedded very deeply. Forcibly pulling it out would injure the cornea or even cause the eyeball to rupture.


    "Tweezers, cotton, needles, strong alcohol, and a decoction boiled with aconite, pokeweed, henbane, birthwort, and datura flowers. Hurry!" Yuan Qingling pushed Qi Amah aside and ordered steadily.


    Qi Amah shoved her away furiously. "Don''t touch my grandson!"


    "By the time the doctor gets here..."


    Seeing her about to continue speaking, Qi Amah pushed her forcefully back into the room and shut the door.


    Yuan Qingling fell to the ground from the push. A cold sentence echoed in her mind: "There is no need to treat her as your mistress. Just treat her as one more dog kept by the Chu royal residence."


    She was just a dog, so naturally the servants would not respect her either.


    Yuan Qingling slowlyy back down on the bed, listening to the boy''s cries of pain growing distant outside. He must have been moved somewhere else.


    That child looked about ten years old or so?


    What a pity. If treatment was dyed, not only might he lose eyesight, he could also lose his life to infection.


    Yuan Qingling did not have a particrlypassionate heart. She only believed that what she had studied was medicine and medicinal and viral research. Her family were all doctors, and ever since she was little, the topic her elders and forebears had discussed most at home was a doctor''s responsibility and methods of treatment.


    In the Yuan family''s eyes, healing was a calling.


    They practiced what they preached, devoting their entire lives to doing this well.

 Chapter 3: The Emergence of the Medicine Cabinet

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    The original owner''s body was too weak. She fell into a deep sleep.


    She dreamed that she had actually returned to herboratory.


    Theb that thepany had arranged for her was very secretive. Apart from the chairman of thepany and her assistant, almost no one knew the location of theb.


    Everything was the same. She touched the desk,puter, microscope, the syringe she used for injections, and the discarded test tubes.


    Theputer was on with her WeChat ount logged in, and many messages kept popping up, all from family asking where she was.


    She touched the keyboard and only then felt the sorrow of having died and left the modern world.


    She would never see her parents and family again.


    After spacing out for a while, she saw a bottle of iodine tincture on the desk. This was what she had taken out before injecting herself. Since she had been in the research institute for a long time, there were always various drugs in the institute.


    She opened the medicine cab. Almost none of the drugs had been touched.


    If she had these drugs, then perhaps that child could still be saved.


    She didn''t know how long she had slept when she heard the creaking sound of the door opening, and she suddenly woke up from her dream.


    A maid came in holding amp, carrying a te of steamed buns which she heavily put down on the table, and coldly said, "Consort Yuan, please eat!"


    After that, she put down themp on the table and left.


    Yuan Qingling was in a daze, as if she had lost something. It was just a dream!


    She really was hungry. She slowly got out of bed and walked over. But her foot was suddenly tripped by something. Looking down, she saw a medicine chest on the floor.


    Her blood instantly froze.


    This medicine chest was exactly the same as the one in her research institute.


    She quickly picked up the medicine chest and brought it to the table to open it. Her trembling hands slowly touched the medicines inside, identical,pletely identical to those in her research institute.


    She could barely breathe, she simply could not believe what she was seeing.


    It was already inconceivable that her soul had transmigrated, but now this medicine chest hade with her too?


    No, no, it didn''t seem to be there before. It only appeared after she had that dream.


    What was going on?


    She first discarded any supernatural exnations. She tried to use scientific reasoning to exin this.


    Let''s just say this was a parallel universe...


    No, no, that didn''t make sense. Even if parallel universes existed, and she had somehow entered one by chance, her mind was still her own, this body wasn''t hers, there was no way to exin this.


    After a long time, she finally calmed down.


    She hid the medicine chest, wolfing down a few steamed buns. Then shey back down, wanting to see if she could dream her way back into the research institute.


    But her emotions were surging, she was extremely excited. She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    Not only that, but for the next two days, she still could not sleep. Even when her body waspletely exhausted without an ounce of strength, and she couldn''t even open her eyes, her mind was still racing, unable to settle down.


    On the third day, she still hadn''t fallen asleep.


    Sitting in front of the bronze mirror, she saw that she looked like a ghost.


    Disheveled hair, sunken eye sockets, sallowplexion, a small scar on her brow. The wounds on her wrists didn''t seem to be a big problem anymore, just asionally throbbing with pain.


    This was a sign of healing wounds.


    She wondered how that boy was doing.


    She slowly redirected her thoughts, feeling that fretting was useless. She should adapt to her present life first.


    So when the maid brought her meal again, she asked, "Lv Ya, how is Steward Chen''s grandson?"


    The maid was called Lv Ya. She had the original owner''s memories in her mind.


    Lv Ya coldly said, "He''s close to death, aren''t you happy about it?"


    Why would she be happy?

 Chapter 4: The Doctor Can’t Help

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Lord Yuan was startled for a moment as memories suddenly flooded his mind. The day before Brother Huo''s ident, the original owner had berated and beaten him, demanding that he hurry to cover the boards on the thatched shed tightly. He must have fallen off the roof of the shed and been stabbed by the nails.


    And this work wasn''t supposed to be his responsibility at all.


    Not only that, but because the original owner''s serving girl brought with her had been sold off, the original owner had taken out her anger on the people sent here by King Chu, frequently beating or yelling at those around her. She had even smashed a cup against her amah''s head, causing her to bleed profusely.


    No wonder the original owner had such poor rtionships with others.


    "Could you ask her amah if I can go see Brother Huo?" Yuan Qing Ling said.


    "With the way the queen treats others, it''s no wonder she''s in her current circumstances. There''s no need to pretend, neither her amah nor Brother Huo want to see the queen," L¨¹ Ye said before turning and leaving.


    The great doors closed again.


    Yuan Qing Ling sighed softly. Was the child nearing death?


    She didn''t know the extent of Brother Huo''s injuries, nor did she know the skills of the doctors here in treating wounds. If treated improperly, the cornea was likely to detach and the eyeball rupture, apanied by infection.


    To her, human life was more important than anything. She still couldn''t bring herself to eat, instead taking some antibiotic pills from the medicine box before heading out.


    Qi Amah had been sold to serve the prince''s residence, while Brother Huo was a homeborn ve living in the low houses behind the Phoenix Ceremonies Pavilion.


    Yuan Qing Ling wandered around for a while before finally finding it.


    "What are you doing here?" Qi Amah''s bloodshot eyes stared at Yuan Qing Ling, her face full of resentment, when she saw her.


    "I want to see Brother Huo," Yuan Qing Ling said.


    "Leave. We servants can''t handle you!" Qi Amah said coldly.


    Yuan Qing Ling tried to apologize. "I''m sorry, I didn''t know he would have such an ident when I asked him to repair the thatched roof..."


    "An ident? He''s only nine years old and can only do some cleaning work. But you specifically told him to repair the roof when there are people in the residence whose job is repairs. You deliberately wanted to make things difficult for him. He''s only nine! How can you be so vicious?" Qi Amah angrily demanded.


    Facing Qi Amah''s furious questioning, Yuan Qing Ling didn''t know how to defend herself.


    She had never been good with words.


    She could only hand the antibiotic pills to Qi Amah. "Give these medicines to him, three times a day, two pills each time..."


    Qi Amah pped the pills out of her hand to the ground, then viciously ground them under her foot. "No need. Queen, please go back. This servant doesn''t want to curse others and instead wants to umte virtue for my grandson."


    Yuan Qing Ling watched the medicine be powder, distressed. There weren''t many antibiotics left in the medicine box.


    Seeing Qi Amah''s angry and heartbroken face, she knew there was nothing she could say. She could only turn around and leave.


    That night, Brother Huo''s condition became critical.


    Qi Amah still held King Chu''s favor. When King Chu learned of the situation, he specifically had his retainers invite the famous imperial doctor Li Daifu from the capital. After examining the situation, Li Daifu shook his head without writing a prescription, only saying to prepare funeral arrangements.


    Qi Amah wailed with gut-wrenching sobs. Her cries reached Yuan Qing Ling''s ears. Yuan Qing Ling hurried out and grabbed L¨¹ Ye who was also rushing over. "What''s happened?"


    "Brother Huo is nearing death," L¨¹ Ye said in her urgency, momentarily forgetting her hatred.


    Yuan Qing Ling hurried back to her room to grab the medicine box and rushed over with it.

 Chapter 5: The Slap

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    Qi Amah knelt on the ground begging Doctor Li, Doctor Li looked helplessly to his attendant Tang Yang, Tang Yang said awkwardly, "Doctor, why not try?"


    Doctor Li sneered, "Try? For a dying man, if I take over, it would damage my reputation."


    Hearing this, Qi Amah cried so hard that she almost fainted, gasping and crying, "My poor grandson!"


    Lv Ya came over tofort her and helped Qi Amah sit aside.


    Attendant Tang Yang said to the doctor, "The child is truly suffering, why not give him some medicine to relieve his pain. We won''t im you ever treated him."


    As Tang Yang spoke, he tucked some silver into the doctor''s sleeve.


    Only then did Doctor Li say, "If it''s just for pain relief it''s fine, but pain relief is useless, he still has to go. There are no miracle workers in the Prince''s estate that can save him."


    "Yes, yes, yes!" Tang Yang just hoped Brother Huo could go morefortably, the poor child that he had watched grow up.


    Just as Doctor Li was about to go in and write a prescription, the door mmed shut and thetch fell into ce.


    Lv Ya recognized the sh of robe she saw before the door closed, and cried out, "It''s the Princess!"


    When Qi Amah heard it was the Princess who had gone in, she was heartbroken and furious. Like a mother lion gone mad, she rushed up and pounded on the door, "Open up, open up, what are you trying to do?"


    Yuan Qingling''s voice came from inside, not loud, speaking little, just three words, "He can be saved."


    Doctor Li sneered on the spot, "He only has half a breath left, he can be saved? What miracle worker does the Prince''s estate have?"


    Qi Amah''s body went limp, she looked at Tang Yang in despair, "Master Tang, I beg you, have them break down the door. I want to be with him, he''s afraid!"


    Tang Yang had not expected the Princess toe at this critical juncture, really stirring up trouble.


    It seemed she had not taken the Prince''s words to heart.


    Since this was the case, he would have no choice but to report to the Prince.


    In a deep voice he ordered, "Lv Ya, go get the Prince. If the Prince is not there, we cannot be rude to the Princess. Call some more people to break down the door."


    "Yes!" Lv Ya was also furious, and immediately ran off.


    Tang Yang then had the doctor write a prescription on a rock in the yard, to send someone to grab medicine.


    Inside, Yuan Qingling heard themotion outside. She only had a limited time.


    Brother Huo was already dazed and kept crying that he was in pain.


    Yuan Qingling looked at his wound, pusing from the corners of his eyes, his whole eye swollen from infection.


    She opened the medicine box, took out an injection, first injected him with antibiotics, then took out a scalpel and iodine disinfectant, sterilized, and then began to drain the pus and blood.


    With no anesthetic, forcing drainage, the child could not stand the pain and began to scream miserably.


    Outside, when Qi Amah heard her grandson''s screams, she mmed her head against the door in rage, cursing, "Whatever you want to do, do it to me. If you torture him, even if I die I will not let you go."


    "Too cruel!" Even the doctor could not help but shake his head at the screams.


    Tang Yang was both angry and heartbroken, but afraid Qi Amah would injure herself, so he went up to hold her back.


    Lv Ya quickly brought the Prince Chu over.


    As soon as Prince Chu entered the courtyard gate, he heard Brother Huo''s miserable screams from inside.


    When Qi Amah saw the Prince arrive, she fell to her knees with a thud, weeping, "Your Highness, save my grandson!"


    The Prince''s eyes darkened, his face iron blue as he said, "Come, break down the door!"


    Several guards of the household immediately came forward to smash down the door. Together in just three or four strikes the door was smashed open.


    Qi Amah rushed in, seeing Yuan Qingling holding a knife, the ground covered in cotton swabs stained with blood, she rushed over to shield him, "You''re taking my life, you''re taking my life!"


    "Granny, it hurts, it hurts!" Brother Huo''s whole body trembled as he used all his strength to grab Qi Amah''s hand, crying out.


    Yuan Qingling had already finished treating him, and had wanted to bandage him, but saw there was no time left.


    She picked up the medicine box, and was suddenly enveloped in a shadow. As she looked up, a pnded heavily on her face, the ringing in her ears was deafening, and her cheek felt numb and stinging for a while before the burning pain set in.

 Chapter 6: Make It through

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    Before she could recover her senses, her neck was seized by his iron fingers. She stared with wide eyes at King Chu''s face, twisted in furious, fire-breathing anger. The air was forcibly squeezed from her chest and her vision went dark as she nearly fainted.


    "Just a ten-year-old child," he ground out through clenched teeth. "Yet you dared to inflict such vicious harm. Guards, drag the queen out and give her thirtyshes!"


    Yuan Qingling had not slept for several days straight and barely had any strength left. After being pped once, she was too weak to even stand. As his grip loosened, her body softly copsed to the ground. Air rushed back in and she gasped for breath, only to be forcibly dragged up again and out of the room.


    In the gloomy darkness, all she could see was King Chu''s face, so cold it seemed to radiate frost, and the contempt in his eyes as his luxurious brocade sleeve brushed past...


    She was dragged directly down the stone steps, her head knocking against the hard, sharp edges. A piercing pain shot through her and her vision went ck as she finally lost consciousness.


    She did not remain unconscious for long. Waves of agony coursed through her body with each blow thatnded on her waist and thighs. She had never experienced such pain in her past life. Each stroke seared down to the bone. She felt certain her waist and legs would snap off.


    The taste of blood filled her mouth. She had bitten through her lip and tongue. Though her vision flickered with darkness, she could not pass out again.


    The pain kept her awake.


    After thirtyshes, she felt as though an entire lifetime had crawled by.


    She was Yuan Qingling, a 22nd century genius, with long lines of admirers singing her praises wherever she went, the star of every gathering.


    So many patients desperately hoped she could develop life-saving medicines for them.


    Yet here, trying to save one small boy had brought her to the brink of paying with her life.


    She was dragged back and tossed onto the marble floor of Phoenix Pce, the medicine box mmed heavily onto her back.


    Unable to roll over, she could imagine her back was a mangled, bloody mess. She fumbled to pull the medicine box over, opened it, swallowed a pill and gave herself an injection, praying it would help her survive this ordeal.


    Slowly, she lost consciousness.


    In the annex, King Chu had sentenced Yuan Qingling to a vicious beating. Still consumed by wrath, he calmed the old wet nurse with a few words before departing.


    Tang Yang hurried to catch up. "Your Highness, shall I summon a doctor for the queen?"


    A sinister light flickered in King Chu''s eyes. "No need. If she dies, report it as death by abuse!"


    "How shall I exin this to the princess?" Tang Yang inquired.


    "Is there a need for exnation?" King Chu''s voice was icy.


    "Understood," Tang Yang acknowledged.


    King Chu strode away.


    Returning to the annex, Tang Yang instructed Green Bud to fetch medicine for Little Fire.


    Inside, he found Little Fire had fallen asleep.


    Wiping her tearful eyes, the old wet nurse tidied away the bloodied cotton swabs. "It''s good he can sleep. The pain kept him awake."


    ncing at Little Fire''s eyes, Tang Yang murmured in surprise, "The swelling seems reduced."


    The old wet nurse quickly looked up and saw the inmmation had subsided somewhat, with no more oozing.


    Noticing her tidying, Tang Yang picked up an empty syringe. "What is this?"


    "I don''t know. That woman left it behind." The old wet nurse refused to call Yuan Qingling by name.


    Unfamiliar with the object, Tang Yang wondered, "Could she have poisoned him again?"


    "Did the doctor leave already?" the old wet nurse asked urgently.


    "He''s gone. But he left a prescription." Tang Yang nced at Little Fire. "Don''t worry, just guessing. No sign of poisoning."


    The old wet nurse''s swollen eyes showed some relief. "Sir, I wish to keep watch over him. May I have your permission?"


    "No need to ask. Stay with Little Fire," Tang Yang consented.


    "Thank you, sir!"


    Tang Yang sighed softly. "The doctor said it would likely happen tonight. Keep a close eye."


    The old wet nurse''s tears flowed again.

 Chapter 7: Self-help

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    Tang Yang ordered Lv Ya to grab medicine, thenforted Brother Huo''s grandma for a few more sentences before leaving.


    His grandma stayed by his side the whole time. When it got dark, she started getting scared.


    Lv Ya also came over to apany her. The two didn''t speak, just held their breath watching Brother Huo, afraid he wouldn''t be able to take another breath.


    But Brother Huo remained fast asleep until nearly midnight, when he finally woke up and opened one eye to look at his grandma, "Grandma, I''m hungry!"


    His grandma was so happy she nearly jumped up. Ever since he was severely injured, he hadn''t been able to eat anything, not even the goat''s milk she had worked hard to get for him.


    She reached out and felt his forehead, which wasn''t nearly as hot as before.


    "The doctor''s medicine is working, it''s working!" his grandma eximed excitedly to Lv Ya.


    "Yes, the doctor''s medicine is working!" Lv Ya was also very happy.


    The next day, Doctor Li was invited back to the Prince''s manor.


    Upon hearing the child wasn''t dead yet, Doctor Li also felt it was miraculous. "This kid really has a strong life force. He was nearly gone before."


    His grandma knelt down and kowtowed, "Doctor, please prescribe another course of medicine to save my grandson."


    Doctor Li was stunned for a moment. The medicine he had prescribed yesterday could not cure the injury at all, it was merely for pain relief and sedation, and didn''t do much for the actual injury.


    However, perhaps it was just blind luck.


    He had checked Brother Huo''s pulse, which did seem slightly better than yesterday, and his body didn''t feel as hot either.


    So he wrote another prescription, "Send a maid toe back with me to grab the medicine. He''ll need to take this continuously for two days, as well as medicine powder to apply on the wounds. If he improves, keeping to get more medicine."


    "Thank you, Doctor!"


    "Who''s paying my diagnosis fee and medicine cost?" Doctor Li asked.


    Yesterday''s fee was paid by Tang Yang, but today''s would have to be paid by his grandma.


    Seeing the doctor hold up his hand, his grandma tentatively asked, "Fifty coins?"


    "Five taels!" Doctor Li said unhappily.


    He wasn''t some quack doctor, he didn''t prescribe cheap medicines costing a few coins.


    His grandma''s eyes nearly popped out.


    Five taels of silver? That was half a year''s wages for her.


    And this was only the second dose of medicine.


    But her grandson''s life was naturally more precious than silver, so she gritted her teeth and took out five taels to give the doctor.


    Lv Ya apanied Doctor Li to grab the medicine. When she returned and saw his grandma in tears, sheforted her, "Grandma, don''t be upset. Brother Huo will definitely recover."


    His grandma said resentfully, "How could there be such cruel people? I still hate her when I think of how she burst in and sliced Brother Huo''s eyes with a knife. If anything happens to Brother Huo, I won''t want to live either. I''d stake my life to kill her."


    Lv Ya reassured her, "Don''t be angry, you''ll only hurt your own health. The Prince has already ordered to let her live or die on her own. She was beaten so badly, she probably won''t live anyway. Whether she dies from illness or starvation, she''ll get what''sing to her."


    In the Feng Yi Pavilion:


    Yuan Qing Ling didn''t know how long she had been unconscious. She slowly awoke to find the room pitch ck.


    She was disappointed that she didn''t dream of returning to theb.


    Feeling around, she crawled over to the table area, remembering there was tea and buns there.


    She needed water and food.


    There was no glucose in the medicine box for her to give herself an IV drip.


    The short distance took her a long time to crawl. She struggled to stand but immediately copsed to her knees again. But her hand grabbed a bun and shey on the floor, taking small bites.


    She knew she had a fever and didn''t dare eat too much, to avoid overburdening her digestive system.

 Chapter 8: The Princess Healed Me.

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    After eating most of the steamed bun, she felt some strength returning. She struggled to get up, leaning on the table to support herself with her upper body. Unable to pour water, she could only lean down to drink what was left in the cup.


    Feeling a little better, she slowly tried to move her legs back so she could lie down. Too weak, she copsed on the ground again, sending a stab of pain through the wound on her back.


    She gritted her teeth to endure it before crawling over to find the medicine box. Though she couldn''t see, she remembered where the anti-inmmatory and fever-reducing medicines were ced.


    Unable to inject herself, she could only take heavier doses orally.


    After about half an hour, she groped for some vitamins and swallowed a few without water. The sourness made her want to pound the floor.


    After taking the medicine, she curled up panting on the ground. Since leaving her mother''s womb, she had never suffered such physical torment. The caning this time made her realize this era was very different from the one she had lived in - those of high status and power held the authority over life and death.


    Her life was in King Chu''s hands.


    She had to adapt to this harsh environment.


    She wondered how the child was doing. Though the pus was drained from the wound, it wouldn''t heal without medicine.


    In the short courtyard, Brother Huo''s fever rose again after taking the medicine.


    Qi Amah was frantic. He had been so much better during the day, so why did the high fever return at night?


    Lv Ya was also anxious. "Should I go ask Doctor Li toe again?"


    Seeing her grandson burning up and breathing with difficulty, and remembering Doctor Li''s fee of five taels of silver for two doses of medicine, Qi Amah despaired, "It''s useless, useless."


    Lv Ya cried anxiously, "What should we do? Are we going to just watch Brother Huo..." She couldn''t bear to say thest word.


    Qi Amah gritted her teeth, her eyes shing with grief and anger. "If anything happens to Brother Huo, even if I have to stake this life, I will kill that woman!"


    Brother Huo was her only grandson left. If anything happened to him, she would have no reason to live.


    That woman was the queen and Chilling''s true daughter. Killing her would certainly cost her own life, but she didn''t care anymore.


    Hearing this, Brother Huo slowly woke up.


    He opened his eyes, his cheeks flushed from the burning fever. The sensible little boy spoke hoarsely with tears, "Grandma, I''m fine."


    Qi Amah wept as she stroked his face with her rough hands. Through gritted teeth, she said, "Don''t worry, grandma will definitely avenge you. I won''t let Yuan get away with this."


    Brother Huo looked confused. With some effort, he spoke, "The queen... treated me. The queen is good."


    Lv Ya was taken aback. "Is Brother Huo delirious? Why is he speaking nonsense?"


    Brother Huo became anxious. "The queen drained my pus and said I would get better after draining the pus and taking medicine. She also stroked my head and said I would be alright."


    After speaking, he copsed onto the bed, breathing heavily.


    Qi Amah stood up in surprise. "Really? Wasn''t she trying to harm you?"


    "Didn''t harm me..." Brother Huo''s remaining eye looked somewhat blurred and out of focus. He reached out a hand. "Grandma, I''m so cold."


    His whole body trembled as he breathed with his mouth. Only the exhaled air could be seen, not the inhaled.


    "Lv Ya, watch Brother Huo. I''m going to ask the queen toe." Qi Amah immediately rushed out holding antern.


    Qi Amah ran to Feng Yi Pce and pushed open the door. Thentern illuminated Yuan Qingling sprawled on the ground, looking utterly miserable.


    The room was left in chaos and mess ever since that day, with no one havinge in to clean up.

 Chapter 9: Quacks do Harm

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Brother Huo had adjusted to the darkness, when a sudden sh of light stabbed his eyes. He reflexively raised his hand to block it, and heard a thud as Qi Amah knelt on the ground, "My Queen, I did not recognize your kind heart. I wrongly used you. Please save Brother Huo."


    "Help me up!" Yuan Qingling said hoarsely as she slowly lowered her hand.


    Qi Amah quickly put down thentern and went to help Yuan Qingling up. Seeing the pool of blood behind Yuan Qingling, she knew it was from a caning injury. She hesitated for a moment, still quite disgusted by this woman in her heart, but perhaps Brother Huo was right after all?


    "My Queen, can you stand?"


    "Bring me my medicine kit!" Yuan Qingling knew Qi Amah hated her deeply, yet she was willing to kneel and plead. Brother Huo''s condition must be very serious then. She had to put aside her worries about her medicine kit being discovered.


    "Yes, yes!" Qi Amah went to fetch the medicine kit and came back to support her.


    With every step, Yuan Qingling felt excruciating pain in her buttocks and legs. By the time she made it out the door, she was drenched in sweat, the agony making her teeth chatter.


    "My Queen..."


    "No more nonsense, let''s go!" Yuan Qingling said through gritted teeth, enduring the pain.


    To her, saving someone was pure and simple. But saving Brother Huo this time, she had an additional motive - to win back people''s hearts. Only then could she survive.


    "He won''t die."


    Suddenly, she heard someone speaking.


    Yuan Qingling instinctively looked at Qi Amah. One of Qi Amah''s hands held thentern, the other supported her. She hadn''t spoken. Seeing Yuan Qingling look at her, wrinkles furrowed her brow. She quickly asked, "My Queen, is the pain too much to walk?"


    The voice was different.


    Qi Amah''s voice was aged, but the one she just heard sounded young and childlike.


    Yuan Qingling slowly shook her head. More voices drifted into her ears. This time she couldn''t make out what was said, only the direction - a big tree in the yard.


    Two birds fluttered up from the tree, spreading their wings high and flying away.


    Were those bird calls? Ah, her mind was ying tricks on her, making her think they were human voices.


    By the time they reached the low building, Yuan Qingling had exhausted all her strength. Her legs trembled as she walked, but she couldn''t even sit to rest.


    "Go wait outside first!" Yuan Qingling told Qi Amah and Lv Ya.


    Qi Amah hesitated. She still didn''t quite trust Yuan Qingling.


    "I''ll stay and help."


    Yuan Qingling''s face darkened. "Or do you want to treat him instead?"


    Seeing Brother Huo delirious with fever, Qi Amah thought she had nothing to lose with this final gamble. "Alright. I and Lv Ya will stand guard outside. My Queen, call if you need anything."


    But she thought to herself that if anything happened to Brother Huo, she would fight Yuan Qingling to the death.


    Lv Ya wanted to speak, but Qi Amah had already pulled her outside.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Close the door. No peeking, or I won''t be responsible for what happens."


    "I wouldn''t dare peek," Qi Amah said as she shut the door.


    Yuan Qingling breathed a sigh of relief and slowly dragged the medicine kit over.


    She felt Brother Huo''s forehead. It was at least 40 degrees Celsius.


    Yuan Qingling first gave him a fever reducer, then injected him.


    She unwrapped the wound dressings. The wound was inmed and had some sticky yellowish stuff that looked like medicinal powder. She scraped some off and rolled it between her fingers - it was San Qi powder.


    The infected wound was festering, yet they had externally applied San Qi powder. No wonder it continued worsening.


    Yuan Qingling couldn''t help getting angry. Ipetent doctors harm people.


    She cleaned Brother Huo''s wound again, scraping away the San Qi powder mixed with blood and pus, before rebandaging it.

 Chapter 10: Medicine Cabinet Problem

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    Yuan Qingling finished all this and was extremely tired. She half-sprawled on the table to rest. She knew her actions were very ungraceful, but she didn''t care about that anymore.


    After resting for a while, she heard her maid''s slightly anxious voice from outside, "Consort, how is it?"


    Yuan Qingling slowly got up from the table and said lightly, "Come in."


    The door was pushed open in an instant, and her maid and Lv Ya rushed in. They both ran over to Brother Huo quickly and saw that he was breathing steadily. Only then did the maid heave a long sigh of relief.


    Yuan Qingling picked up the medicine box and said, "What happened tonight, you two must keep it a secret and not tell King Chu or anyone else in the manor."


    The maid and Lv Ya looked at each other, feeling a little surprised.


    Lv Ya came over to support Yuan Qingling, "Consort, let this servant help you back."


    "No need, keep an eye on him. There is medicine I left by the bedside. Give it to him every two hours, ande ask me for more after it''s finished," Yuan Qingling shook off her hand and walked out with difficulty.


    "Consort!" The maid called out. She wanted to say thanks but couldn''t get the word out when she remembered what Yuan Qingling had done before. She just said lightly, "The night road is pitch ck, take antern."


    She handed thentern over. Yuan Qingling took it and said, "Thank you!"


    The maid was shocked!


    Thank you? She said thank you?


    Yuan Qingling returned to Feng Yi Pce and gave herself an injection before copsing on the bed.


    She tried her best to prevent inmmation of the wounds, but the area was toorge. Coupled with the effects of antibiotics, she looked very weak.


    After the high fever, all her strength had been stripped away. She was as soft and limp as a cotton ball, even lifting her head was difficult.


    Soon, she fell into darkness and fell asleep.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed when she heard someone push the door open and urgently say, "Consort, get up quickly."


    Yuan Qingling opened her eyes with difficulty and saw Lv Ya''s anxious expression. Judging by the sunlight, it was already noon.


    She slowly got up, "Did Brother Huo have a high fever again?"


    "No, you need to get up quickly. Someone from the pce is here to summon you and the Prince to enter the pce immediately." Lv Ya looked at the bloodstains on her back and urged, "But can you walk now?"


    "What happened in the pce?" Yuan Qingling felt no better after sleeping. On the contrary, she was more groggy, and the wounds showed no signs of healing as the medicine could not curb the injury. It had started to be inmed and feverish.


    Lv Ya lowered her voice, "I heard that the Retired Emperor is nearing his end."


    Yuan Qingling searched through the original host''s information in her mind. The Retired Emperor?


    The current emperor was Emperor Ming Yuan, who ascended to the throne five years ago. Back then, the Retired Emperor had heart problems and evil winds. The imperial physician said he wouldn''t make it past that autumn. So while he still had awareness, he let the Crown Prince take the throne as emperor. Unexpectedly, after the Crown Prince''s enthronement, the Retired Emperor gradually recovered and had been bedridden since, though not debilitated.


    Last winter, the Retired Emperor''s condition worsened again.


    Havingsted until now, it was about time.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t understand the pce etiquette, but even in amoner''s family, when a grandfather passed away, the grandchildren and their spouses had to be at his deathbed to see him off.


    She slowly propped herself up, but the untreated wounds and blood-soaked clothes were stuck together. The slightest movement was so painful that tears almost came to her eyes.


    The wounds were further aggravatedst night when she went to treat Brother Huo''s injuries. More blood kept oozing out, leaving the wounds even more severe than before.


    Her hands could not support her weight and she copsed back onto the bed.


    Seeing this, Lv Ya said, "Let this servant go inform the Prince. You really can''t move like this."


    With Yuan Qingling''s attempt to get up, she felt even more muddled. Lying on the bed, she heard Lv Ya''s hurried footsteps fading away. In her groggy mind, she wondered - in this state, would King Chu really make her enter the pce covered in injuries?


    She barely propped herself up again to take an antipyretic. The moment she closed the medicine box, she saw a bottle of atropine tablets inside.


    There was no atropine in her medicine box.


    Underneath, there were dopamine injections and a small, delicate intravenous drip fixer she had designed herself.


    Impossible.


    She kept some dopamine and atropine in theb for emergencies, but she would never put them in her medicine box, let alone the intravenous drip fixer.


    And when she had checked the medicine box earlier, these definitely weren''t inside.

 Chapter 11: The Emperor is Gravely Ill

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    She was already feeling a blur between reality and fantasy. Trembling, she pushed the medicine box back under the bed, but the moment the medicine box slid under the bed, it vanished.


    She didn''t dare breathe for three seconds, reaching under the bed to feel around. Indeed there was nothing there anymore.


    She trembled as she slowly crawled back into bed, breathing heavily.


    The things that had happened recently were beyond her knowledge and expertise. Her professional and amateur knowledge could not provide an answer. When humans encounter the unknown, they feel fear. She really felt afraid now.


    The door was flung open with a "bang." Yuan Qingling hadn''t yet propped herself up to look before feeling the air fill with indifference and aloofness. She only felt a pain in her scalp as she was flung from the bed onto the floor.


    "Are you pretending to be dead for this king? Hurry up and go die, or get up and get dressed to enter the pce with this king." The cold voice exploded above her head. She was roughly flipped over, her back hitting the floor painfully, making her tremble all over. Before she could gasp a breath, her chin was seized in an iron grip, so powerfully it nearly crushed her jaw.


    Her pained eyes collided with his furious ones. His face was icy and savage, filled even more with unconceble contempt and hatred. "This king warns you, don''t try any more tricks. If you spout more nonsense in front of the empress dowager, this king will take your life."


    Yuan Qingling was furious from the pain. A human life was so worthless in their eyes? She was already severely injured, yet they were still unwilling to let her go.


    Mustering all her strength, she grabbed his hair and yanked down, using her knees to prop up her body and mming her head heavily into his face. She was prepared to go down in mes with thisst strike.


    The Prince of Chu, Wuyuan Haun, did not expect she would dare to fight back, moreover to smash her own head into him. He failed to dodge in time and was momentarily blinded with dizziness from the impact.


    Yuan Qingling nearly fainted, but she bit down hard to retain consciousness. Seizing the moment before he recovered, she kneeled on his hand and let her bloody mouth drip onto his face. Her long hair draped down as she spoke with near madness: "Killing should not exceed what''s needed. Why must you bully people so extremely!"


    A pnded on her face.


    Her head jerked to the side and her vision went ck. In her blurry state she only heard Qi Amah hurriedly approach, "Your Highness, show mercy!"


    His Highness showed no mercy. Another p whipped across her face. After his rage subsided and he saw the bloody water on Yuan Qingling''s back, he coldly ordered: "Treat her wounds and get her dressed. Bandage the wounds tightly. Make her drink a bowl of Imperial Gold Soup to endure half a day."


    Yuan Qingling watched his embroidered gold thread ck boots slowly fade from her vision. She finally let out the breath she had been holding.


    Qi Amah and Lv Ya came over to help prop her up and move her to the bed without a word. When they cut open her clothes, both sucked in a cold breath.


    Lv Ya said in a choked sob: "Thirty heavy strikes...they really showed no mercy and whipped for real."


    "Quick, bring hot water, medicinal powder, and brew the Imperial Gold Soup!" Qi Amah exhorted calmly.


    Yuan Qingling''s whole body throbbed with pain. Especially when they cut open her clothes and gently peeled off the garments stuck to her skin, her entire body quivered. But she didn''t make a sound, her throat scorched as if on fire, unable to utter a word.


    Washing the wounds, scraping off congealed blood, applying medicinal powder - she silently endured the entire process as if trapped in a nightmare that she would awake from.


    She heard Lv Ya ask: "Amah, do we really need to give her the Imperial Gold Soup?"


    "We must, or I''m afraid she won''t make it," Qi Amah replied with a sigh.


    "But this Imperial Gold Soup..."


    "No more nonsense, hurry and prop up the Consort."


    Yuan Qingling, like a clump of tattered cotton, was lifted up. Warm liquid flowed into her mouth, very bitter. She had nearly lost the ability to swallow.


    "Drink up, Consort. You''ll be alright after you drink it down," Qi Amah said gently by her ear.


    Eager to escape this torment, Yuan Qingling gulped it down in one breath.

 Chapter 12: Purple Gold Soup

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    After drinking the medicine, she felt a warmth rising in her stomach, making her feel much morefortable.


    Her wet nurse said gently, "Mydy, when you return to the manor after leaving the pce, I will slowly nurse you back to health. For now, please close your eyes and rest for a while, it will be alright soon."


    Yuan Qingling closed her eyes. She felt like there were sparks popping and exploding in her brain, and some chaotic noises echoing.


    "You are not worthy of my hatred. I just loathe you. In my eyes, you are no different from a pesky fly that I detest. Otherwise, I would not have needed the medicine to be with you tonight."


    It was the voice of Prince Chu Yunwen, full of resentment and malice. She had never heard such heartless words before.


    Someone was sobbing next to her ear. The sparks in her brain turned into twisting pools of blood.


    Gradually, everything became quiet.


    It was as if the tangled threads in her mind finally unraveled.


    The pain also slowly faded away, or rather, it became numb.


    She opened her eyes to see L¨¹ye standing by the bed, frowning at her.


    "Mydy, are you feeling better?" L¨¹ye asked when she saw her open her eyes.


    "It doesn''t hurt anymore," Yuan Qingling said hoarsely.


    Indeed, it did not hurt, but her whole body felt oddly numb. She tried pinching her own cheek, but felt nothing at all.


    This worked better than anesthetics.


    "Then I will help you up and change your clothes, otherwise the Prince will be angry," L¨¹ye said as she reached out to support her. Her wet nurse also came in from outside, holding clothes in her hands. Seeing Yuan Qingling get up, she said, "Hurry and change, the Prince is waiting."


    Yuan Qingling stood numbly as the two stripped off her clothes and dressed her, bandaging her wounds. She felt nothing at all.


    After she was dressed, sitting in front of the bronze mirror, Yuan Qingling examined the person in the mirror.


    Her features were exquisite, her skin fair, with long curvedshes framing a pair of lifeless eyes.


    Her lips were very dry and pale without a hint of color. Her hair was a mess, her slightly wide forehead obscured. Her skin was dull without any luster.


    However, with the deft hands of her wet nurse and L¨¹ye busy at work on her face, the person in the bronze mirror seemed to transform into someone else. Her brows were like willow leaves, her lips red and teeth white, her phoenix eyes bewitching. As she tried to open them wider, they looked more spirited.


    "What is Zijin Decoction?" Yuan Qingling asked, her voice extremely hoarse.


    "You don''t remember?" L¨¹ye looked startled.


    She didn''t remember. Her mind contained many memories that did not belong to her, tangled up with her own. Shecked the energy to slowly sort them out.


    But she did not ask any further. Since L¨¹ye said so, she calmed down and thought, she would eventually know what Zijin Decoction was.


    She was certain it was nothing good.


    She got up and walked around. Her wounds did not hurt at all, just her legs felt sluggish because of the numbness.


    "Mydy, even if it doesn''t hurt, you still need to be careful when walking around, try not to irritate the wounds," her wet nurse cautioned.


    "Is Brother Huo better?" Yuan Qingling asked, grasping the door frame as she looked back at her.


    Her wet nurse was startled for a moment before reflexively nodding, "Much better."


    Yuan Qingling looked at the sky outside. Just a while ago there was still sunlight, now it was overcast and gloomy, looks like a storm wasing.


    "I''m sorry about Brother Huo''s matter," she said in barely a whisper.


    Her wet nurse and L¨¹ye exchanged nces, both somewhat surprised.


    Did they hear wrong? She said sorry?


    Yuan Qingling slowly walked out. She was not used to these clothes. Because of the numbness, she walked clumsily and slowly. She tucked her hands into her sleeves, and felt something inside. She stopped and took it out for a look. Her entire body froze.

 Chapter 13: Enter the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    It was a small box, about the size of half a fist. It was not anything else, but her missing medicine box.


    How could this be? Why did the medicine box be smaller and hide in her sleeve?


    Yuan Qingling''s numb body was suddenly covered in goosebumps.


    There were footsteps behind her. She hurriedly stuffed the small medicine box back into her sleeve.


    "This servant will send the Consort out," Lv Ya supported her. "This servant will plead with the Prince, to allow me to enter the pce together with you."


    Yuan Qingling''s mind was in chaos, she did not know what Lv Ya was saying at all, she just nodded absentmindedly, and followed her out.


    After passing through arched gates, walking along corridors, making turns, they finally arrived at the front gate.


    A carriage was already prepared and waiting at the gate. Yuwen Hao was not sitting in the carriage, but on a ck spirited horse instead.


    He wore a light purple robe, a gold and jade crown. His face was as dark as stormy weather, and his eyes contained impatient anger. Seeing her arrive, he just nced at her coldly and said in a cold voice, "Prepare to set off."


    "Your Highness, does this servant need to follow you into the pce?" Lv Ya bravely asked.


    Yuwen Hao looked disdainfully at Lv Ya, "Might as well, so the Empress Dowager won''t ask about the consummation. You can testify."


    There were nearly ten servants seeing them off at the manor gate, including the household official Tang Yang. Yuwen Hao said this right in front of them,pletely disregarding how ashamed Yuan Qingling would feel.


    Yuan Qingling did not show any expression, her muscles were nearly stiff, no matter how ashamed she felt, she could not make a shameful expression.


    Lv Ya supported her onto the carriage. The moment the curtains fell, she looked up and saw the hatred in Yuwen Hao''s eyes, as well as the schadenfreude on the faces of the manor servants looking at her.


    She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and Yuwen Hao''s words echoed in her ears.


    The original owner Yuan Qingling was very beautiful. How much must Yuwen Hao hate her, that he needed medication to consummate their marriage with her?


    How humiliating must this be for the original owner?


    No wonder she wanted tomit suicide.


    She gradually sorted through the original owner''s memories along the journey, trying hard to steady her mind.


    After a long while, she softly sighed, and opened her eyes.


    So it turns out, Yuwen Hao hated her this much, and it was for a reason.


    It would not be an exaggeration to describe the original owner as obsessively stubborn. She decided she wanted to marry Yuwen Hao when she was thirteen and saw him for the first time. If it was a mutual affection, it would not have been a bad thing. But the one Yuwen Hao liked was Chu Mingcui from the Chu family. In order to achieve her goal, the original owner schemed and falsely used Yuwen Hao of taking her chastity at the Princess'' birthday banquet. A woman''s chastity was above all else. The Princess had no choice but to report this incident to the Emperor. Yuwen Hao''s reputation as a gentleman was ruined, and he had to give up his beloved to marry her.


    The current Son of Heaven had not established a Crown Prince. Yuwen Hao was young and aplished, and had achieved military merits on the battlefield. The Emperor had thought highly of him initially. But now with his reputation in ruins, it would be nearly impossible for him to be Crown Prince.


    Ruining someone''s future, severing someone''s romantic fate, how were these not heinous crimes? No wonder Yuwen Hao hated her to the bone, and used various means to humiliate her.


    Yuan Qingling, your suffering was brought upon yourself!


    Listening to the clopping of hooves along the way, Yuan Qingling only felt a numb, icy coldness in her heart. Being reborn into another world also made her feel deep anguish and confusion. She did not know what to do for the moment.


    She reached into her sleeve and stroked the medicine box that had suddenly shrunk. Only then did she feel a trace of security in her heart.


    The wind was strong, blowing the curtains about. She saw Yuwen Hao''s back as he rode his horse, upright and resolute. His jet ck hair and golden jade hairpin shone brightly under the sun.


    That man would be her nightmare, at least for a while.


    She slowly clenched her fists. If she did not break free of this predicament, she would probably only have a road to death. So she could not afford to be weak or panic.

 Chapter 14: Chu Mingcui

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    The carriage went straight into the pce gate under Yuwen Hao''s lead. Yuan Qingling was not curious about the pce at all now. She only saw a long pce road and mottled red brick pce walls through the slightly raised curtain.


    Unable to see into the distance, only asionally a tall pavilion came into view, splendid in gold and jade, with zed tile roofs touching the sunlight.


    The carriage stopped, and Yuan Qingling took a deep breath and got off the carriage with the help of L¨¹ye.


    The sunlight shone on the vermilion pce walls, and the golden zed tiles in the distance reflected dazzling light. She was like a ghost who couldn''t stand the light, and instinctively reached out to block the sunlight.


    Yuwen Hao also got off his horse. The carriage and horses were all tied here, and they continued on foot.


    When they reached the gate of Xiaoyun Hall, L¨¹ye said softly, "My Lady, I can''t go in. Please walk carefully."


    Yuan Qingling knew that Xiaoyun Hall was where the Retired Emperor lived. Outside, there were already maids and servants from various households standing there. She took a deep breath and followed Yuwen Hao in carefully.


    Passing through a courtyard full of lush vegetation, they entered the main hall. There were many people standing in the main hall. Yuan Qingling nced around - they were all dressed luxuriously with grieving expressions.


    Thanks to the original host''s remaining memories, she recognized most of them.


    The one dressed in a cyan satin robe, with a solemn and grave expression, was Prince Ji, Yuanming Emperor''s eldest son. He was thirty years old, born of Concubine Qin. His wife was the daughter of Marshal Ma, and Concubine Qin and Lady Ma were now standing beside him, along with a pair of children.


    Prince Wei, Prince Sun, and Prince Zhou were also there, each apanied by their consorts and children.


    The princes barely nodded, and did not converse. The atmosphere was extremely heavy.


    Yuan Qingling felt Yuwen Hao suddenly tense up beside her, his gaze shifting about, his whole body visibly stiff and ufortable.


    Yuan Qingling looked towards the entrance, where a couple walked in.


    The man looked about eighteen or neen, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, tall and straight as a jade tree. His white brocade robe gave him an extraordinary bearing.


    He held the hand of the woman beside him tightly. Her hair was styled in an auspicious cloud bun, adorned with a kingfisher hairpin. She wore a blue water-ripple patterned satin pce dress with pomegranate embroidery, and cloud-patterned pointed pearl satin shoes.


    Her face was like a lotus flower, and the pair of coral earrings swaying as she walked made her brows and eyes look charming yet dignified.


    As soon as she entered, she felt the other women in the room were vulgar and gaudy.


    Yuan Qingling''s lingering memories told her that this couple was Prince Qi, Yuwen Qing, and his consort, Chu Mingcui.


    Chu Mingcui was the one Yuwen Hao had loved. A year ago, after Yuwen Hao married Yuan Qingling, she became the consort of Prince Qi.


    As soon as she entered, her eyes met Yuwen Hao''s - clear yet bold, charming yet sorrowful.


    Yuwen Hao tensed up, breathing rapidly, struggling to look away. His gaze swept over Yuan Qingling''s face, full of resentment and hatred.


    Yuan Qingling slowly lowered her eyes.


    No one noticed this fleeting moment, not even Prince Qi. After nodding in greeting to the princes and consorts, he stood to one side, looking at the curtain to the inner hall.


    Yuan Qingling started to feel dizzy. She struggled to steady herself, but a wave of dizziness came over her. She instinctively grabbed Yuwen Hao''s hand. He shook her off without thinking, and she staggered back, barely steadying herself, extremely embarrassed.


    Many people''s gazes swept over her face - brazen, contemptuous looks.


    A hand gently supported her, and the scent of sunken fragrance enveloped her, apanied by a gentle, intoxicating voice, "Are you alright? Do you feel unwell?"

 Chapter 15: On the Sick Bed

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    Yuan Qingling looked up, meeting Chu Mingcui''s gentle and concerned eyes.


    "Do you want to sit down and rest for a while?" Chu Mingcui asked.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head, subconsciously withdrawing her hand, "No need, thanks."


    Prince Qiwang Yuwenqing pulled Chu Mingcui back, ncing at Yuan Qingling''s face displeasedly, and said to Chu Mingcui: "Why bother with someone like her?"


    Chu Mingcui stood back beside Prince Qiwang, ncing at Yuan Qingling lightly, seeming somewhat surprised. She said softly: "We are all family."


    "You are too kind-hearted." Prince Qiwang held Chu Mingcui''s hand. The two of them standing together were like a celestial couple.


    Yuan Qingling immediately felt a chill beside her, this chill came from Yuwen Hao.


    How could he not feel heartbroken and upset seeing his beloved standing beside another man? Yuan Qingling thought.


    Inside the hall, the sound of crying could be heard.


    Everyone was shocked and looked towards the doorway in unison.


    The curtains rolled up, and an elderly eunuch with snowy white hair walked out. His eyes were red and swollen, his face filled with grief and despair. His voice was hoarse as he said, "His Majesty has an edict, asking all consorts, princes and princesses to enter the hall."


    This was Old Li who had served the Retired Emperor for forty-five years.


    Everyone had solemn and mournful expressions as they followed Old Li inside, their footsteps light, barely breathing.


    Yuan Qingling followed behind Yuwen Hao, struggling to suppress her dizziness.


    Inside the hall, many people were already present.


    The Empress Dowager and the Emperor sat beside the bed, the Empress also keeping vigil on one side. The Retired Emperor''s brothers, the feudal princes, had also returned to the capital and entered the pce yesterday, keeping watch inside the hall.


    Nearly all the imperial physicians of the pce hade, standing in two rows with solemn expressions.


    Yuan Qingling took a quick look and saw the golden canopy curtains rolled up. On the sandalwood bedy an elderly man with a witheredplexion. The pillows were stacked high, he gasped for breath with his mouth wide open like a ck hole, his eye sockets sunken.


    The crying came from the Empress Dowager, sitting at the bedside dressed in loose gray robes that made her look especially frail.


    She used a handkerchief to wipe her tears, trying her utmost to restrain herself, yet sobbing sounds still escaped.


    Seeing everyone had arrived, she lifted her head with tears streaming uncontrobly down her face. Choking back sobs, she said, "Kneel, send off your Imperial Grandfather."


    Everyone knelt down, including Yuan Qingling.


    A small dog slipped in from outside the hall, whimpering as it climbed onto the Retired Emperor''s bed. No one stopped it.


    Ever since the Retired Emperor had taken in this small dog, he had doted on it like a precious treasure. Only when seeing it would he be happy. This dog had run away for two to three days before, and the Retired Emperor had refused to eat for those two to three days.


    Seeing the small dog, the Retired Emperor, who had been breathing with difficulty, showed a hint of tenderness in his eyes. He raised his hand and stroked the dog whining at his bedside.


    The dog whimpered at him.


    Only the dog''s sounds could be heard in the hall.


    Yet Yuan Qingling was stunned, as if struck by lightning.


    She could actually understand the meaning of the dog''s whimpers - it was grieving its master''s impending departure.


    Since when could she understand dognguage? She couldprehend what dogs said?


    The Retired Emperor tremulously stroked the dog, then slowly turned to look at the Emperor. Though unable to speak, his eyes conveyed the wish to entrust his sessor.


    Emperor Ming Yuan immediately said, "Father, please rest assured, your son will definitely treat Fubao well."


    Satisfied, the Retired Emperor smiled gently, gazing fondly at the dog Fubao, and his breathing even eased slightly.


    The Empress Dowager sobbed, "Retired Emperor, your grandchildren are all here, won''t you take a look at them?"

 Chapter 16: To save or not to Save

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    The Retired Emperor rolled his eyes around, looking at the sea of people kneeling on the ground. His mouth quivered but he did not say a word, only letting out a soft sigh as he watched them with visible reluctance.


    Yuan Qingling knew they were kneeling here waiting for the Retired Emperor''sst breath. When they had entered earlier, the Retired Emperor seemed to be on his deathbed, so his passing was imminent.


    However, looking at him now, he did not appear to be at the brink of death. What''s more, his breathing had grown much stronger.


    Perhaps it was the effect of the medicine the imperial doctors had just administered.


    It seemed the Retired Emperor was suffering from a heart condition, and had also suffered from apoplexy in the past.


    Now in this state, he was most likely experiencing heart failure... She had dopamine in her medicine box.


    Yuan Qingling''s mind raced chaotically. The shock from the revtion that dogs could speak humannguage still hadn''t abated, and now she was faced with this test of life. Of course, no one would believe her if she offered to treat the Retired Emperor.


    Therefore, the inevitable oue was that she would have to watch helplessly as the Retired Emperor took hisst breath before her.


    For a doctor, this was sheer torment.


    After kneeling for about fifteen minutes, she began to sway. Her kneeling posture was awkward and stiff, partly due to numbness in her body, and partly to avoid aggravating her injuries, which would make her condition even worse.


    She stealthily nced at Yuwen Hao beside her. He knelt ramrod straight, his side profile clearly delineated. Sorrow seemed to envelope his entire being, belying any impression that royalty was devoid of familial love.


    The Emperor Ming Yuan and the chief imperial doctor emerged from behind the curtains, speaking just outside.


    Yuan Qingling could vaguely make out parts of their conversation. Emperor Ming Yuan saw the Retired Emperor''s condition improving and asked the doctor if more medicine should be administered, but the doctor said this was just a brief revival, and the end woulde within the hour.


    When Emperor Ming Yuan returned, he ordered the golden gauze curtain to be lowered, followed by the outer cyan canopy. In a somber voice, he said, "Go forth and pay your respects to the Retired Emperor."


    The Empress Dowager''s eyes brimmed with tears again. She seemed utterly helpless and distraught as the Empress sat by her side, tightly clutching her hand. The Empress Dowager looked at the figure on the bed - the man who had apanied her for almost a lifetime.


    The Empress Dowager was escorted outside the canopy, and the Emperor supported her as she sat down. As soon as she was seated, she appeared on the verge of copse.


    The first to enter was Prince Rui and his wife.


    As the Retired Emperor''s eldest son by the Empress Dowager, Prince Rui was Emperor Ming Yuan''s brother.


    The couple went in, paid their respects, exchanged a few words with the Retired Emperor, and came out shortly after, their eyes red but holding back tears.


    Next was Prince Baoli and his wife, who also said a few parting words and emerged from behind the curtain, urging the Retired Emperor to set his mind at ease.


    Yuan Qingling''s mind raced, calcting that each person spent about three minutes inside. If she administered dopamine intravenously to the Retired Emperor based on the dosage and rate for refractory heart failure, she would need at least five minutes.


    In other words, as long as she could buy five minutes inside, she could seed in administering the drug.


    To save him or not? Attempting to save him would incur tremendous risk, even her own life.


    But if she didn''t try, that would be one less life in this world.


    For a doctor, this was not a multiple choice question.


    The predicament now was that she would be going in with Yuwen Hao, who could clearly witness her administering medicine. If he cried out or tried to stop her, all would be for naught.


    Hypnosis? Anesthetics?


    Hypnosis was not viable - she was not highly proficient in hypnotism, just somewhat familiar.


    Anesthetics...did her medicine box contain any?


    Bowing her head, she took out her medicine box from her sleeve, using the voluminous fabric to conceal her actions as she opened it and rummaged inside. At the bottomy a small vial of kaine anesthetic.


    Her heart settled in an instant.

 Chapter 17: Prepare for Anger

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Yuwen Hao, the fourth son of Emperor Mingyuan, and his wife went in after that. The next ones to go in were Yuwen Hao and Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling slowly took deep breaths, adjusted her emotions, and ignored all the difort in her body.


    On such a matter of life and death, she could not afford to be reckless.


    Chang Gonggong said, "King Chu, Queen Chu, please go in."


    Yuan Qingling got up with Yuwen Hao. He walked ahead and lifted the curtain, entering the innermost area.


    Yuwen Hao knelt by the bedside, and Yuan Qingling knelt behind him. She swiftly took out a medicine box, and after the box hit the floor, it grew bigger. Yuan Qingling had no time to wonder why the medicine box would do that. She quickly took out an anesthetic and filled a syringe with it.


    Immersed in grief, Yuwen Hao did not notice her actions. He choked out, "Grandfather Emperor..."


    Yuan Qingling grabbed his hand. He instinctively turned back, a look of disgust rising in his eyes. Yuan Qingling had already injected the anesthetic into the inside of his wrist.


    He was shocked. Rage red up in his eyes as he looked at Yuan Qingling. Yuan Qingling let go of him and said, "Grandfather Emperor, your granddaughter-inw kowtows to you..."


    She counted silently in her heart: one second, two seconds, three seconds...


    Yuwen Hao''s body went limp, but his eyes were still wide open.


    Yuan Qingling was shocked. Keaine should have quickly put him under anesthesia, leaving him unconscious. But he was just paralyzed while struggling to remain conscious.


    The Retired Emperor also noticed something was wrong. His gaze, which had been unfocused, slowly concentrated on Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling continued speaking as if kowtowing. Then she took out a syringe she had made herself. She diluted dopamine with glucose and pushed up the Retired Emperor''s sleeve to find a vein. She leaned in close to the Retired Emperor''s ear and said, "Elder, don''t be afraid. I''m here to save you."


    Seeing Yuan Qingling inject the Retired Emperor, the little dog Fu Bao suddenly started barking. Yuan Qingling was afraid of alerting the people outside, so she quickly lowered her voice and said, "Help me. I''m saving your master. Go cause a distraction outside."


    She could understand Fu Bao, but didn''t know if Fu Bao could understand her.


    Sure enough, Fu Bao dashed outside and started jumping around wildly, even jumping onto the table and knocking over stools. No one dared to restrain Fu Bao before the Retired Emperor had passed away, so they could only let it go crazy for a bit.


    Yuwen Hao had not been fully anesthetized. He red at Yuan Qingling, the mes of fury burning in his eyes as if he wanted to reduce her to ash.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t dare meet his gaze. Her heart was in her throat. She was almost certain that if anyone came in and saw this scene, she would be sentenced to death, and it might even implicate the original owner''s n.


    One minute passed, then two, then three, then four. The syringe was nearly empty. Outside, footsteps quietly approached. In a panic, Yuan Qingling said, "Grandfather Emperor, don''t worry. Your granddaughter-inw will definitely bear the Prince two or three sons, definitely."


    The injection wasplete.


    She quickly put away the syringe and picked up the medicine box. As it left the floor, it swiftly shrank down again. She hid it in her sleeve.


    She whispered in the Retired Emperor''s ear, "You will improve shortly. Please allow me to remain in the pce so I can continue the medication."


    She didn''t wait for a reaction. Lifting the curtain, she went out and cried, "The Prince is ovee with grief and cannot stand up."


    Chang Gonggong hurried in and indeed saw Yuwen Hao half-kneeling, half-sitting on the ground, appearing to have copsed from excessive sorrow.


    The Emperor also saw this. He sighed softly, and his gaze toward Yuwen Hao became much gentler. He ordered people to go in and help Yuwen Hao to a side hall to rest.


    As Yuwen Hao''s queen, Yuan Qingling naturally had to follow and care for him.


    She was prepared to face however he would rage at her when he woke up. The Retired Emperor still needed treatment, so she had to keep him quiet, no matter the method.


    And she could not keep letting him beat her.

 Chapter 18: Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    The dose of anesthetic was not high, and Yuwen Haoy in the side hall for a while beforeing to.


    Princess Yuanqing Ling sat by his side. She had dismissed all the attendants in the hall, and it was very quiet.


    His steel-like fingers gripped her neck, nearly choking off her breath. Yuwen Hao was like an enraged beast, his eyes filled with thick anger, and he ground out between clenched teeth, "You dare poison my Imperial Grandfather?"


    Princess Yuanqing Ling''s head was forced back, her face rapidly turning red as her eyes filled with red veins. With difficulty she said, "Why doesn''t the Prince look down?"


    The prick of the needle punctured his thigh, a special needle with a small tube filled with liquid.


    "You can choke me to death, but before I die, you will certainly meet your end too. So why not listen to what I have to say?" Princess Yuanqing Ling said with difficulty, stubborn fortitude in her eyes.


    His hand slowly loosened, but the rage in his eyes grew more intense. His handsome face was slightly distorted by the violent anger he was struggling to contain.


    "Speak, what poison did you use?" He had never known Yuanqing Ling would use poison. It seemed he had truly underestimated her before.


    Princess Yuanqing Ling removed the needle and smiled mockingly. "Poisoning the Retired Emperor in the pce, do you think I have a death wish?"


    "Speak!" he said impatiently.


    Princess Yuanqing Ling took a deep breath. "It wasn''t poison, it was medicine. The Retired Emperor''s condition is not so poor. I was trying to save him."


    Yuwen Hao gave a coldugh, murderous intent shing in his eyes. "This king was unaware he had married a miracle doctor."


    He stood up and twisted her arm. "Come, follow this king to confess your crime before my father."


    He dragged Yuanqing Ling and she fell to the ground, unable to break free of his iron grip. After being dragged a few steps, in her panic she said, "Fine, I''ll confess, and then I''ll say it was Chu Mingcui who ordered me to do it."


    Yuwen Hao pped her, the blownding squarely on her cheek and snapping her head to the side.


    He crouched down, gripping her chin between two fingers, nearly crushing the bone. Rage like a raging storm filled his eyes as he ground out between clenched teeth, "Are you courting death?"


    Blood seeped from the corner of Yuanqing Ling''s mouth, but she felt no pain, knowing it was the effect of the Purple Gold Soup. But this humiliation, she could bear no more.


    With difficulty she bared her teeth in a ghastly smile and injected the needle''s contents into Yuwen Hao''s thigh.


    It was toote by the time Yuwen Hao noticed. His body began to grow tired and he slowly loosened his grip on her.


    Yuanqing Ling pped him back just as he had done to her, grinding her teeth as she spat out, "All my life I have respected you a foot even when you only respected me an inch. You have shamed and beaten me repeatedly, already crossing my bottom line. Taking shelter in your manor does not mean I will let you bully me. If you have the ability, report to the Emperor and divorce me. But instead you care about your reputation with one hand while bullying a woman with the other. What kind of hero is that?"


    Yuwen Hao copsed on the ground, his sinister eyes still fixed on her, clearly wishing he could y her alive and devour her, but that viciousness did notst long. Slowly he closed his eyes.


    The first time, she could notpletely anesthetize him. This time, she seeded.


    Yuanqing Ling went limp, breathing heavily. Tears welled up in her eyes and she tilted her head back, forcing them back.


    Now was not the time to cry. There was still a way out.


    She opened her medicine box. Once it hit the ground, it would automatically expand and float at about matchbox height. Truly bizarre.


    As she gasped for breath, she checked the contents.


    Before, the medicine box had mostly been for external injuries, but now it seemed to be full of heart medications, even including two bottles of sublingual tablets.


    This was truly strange. She did not have sublingual tablets in herb. In fact, several of the medicines that had appeared - propranolol, salvia tablets and more - she did not have at all.


    Yet now they were neatly arranged at the bottom of the medicine box.


    Even more absurdly, there was a stethoscope.


    Sitting on the ground, she uttered a phrase she never would have said before: "This is fucking weird."

 Chapter 19: The Emperor wants to enter millet porridge

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Yuan Qingling dragged her numb body to the bed where Yuwen Hao hadin earlier, copsed onto it, and soon felt her whole body trembling. The things that had happened over the past few days were so unbelievable that even if she had racked her brains previously, she could not have imagined them.


    The brain development project had failed, yet it had gone off in a sinister direction instead.


    Some said that science and theology ultimately converge.


    When the brain is developed to a certain degree, one can move objects with their mind,e and go freely, and the brain automatically esses all kinds of information, rendering one like the gods worshipped by people today.


    Yuan Qingling shakily raised her hand, wanting to touch the medicine box in her sleeve to gain some sense of security, but her sleeve slipped down, revealing her fair wrist. On her wrist was a red gash¡ªa new wound.


    She was startled. When did she get hurt? During her scuffle with Yuwen Hao earlier?


    No, the blood along the wound''s edges had already congealed, and there was blood staining her sleeve too. This injury was at least half an hour old.


    Half an hour ago?


    Yuan Qingling narrowed her eyes, recalling that when she was waiting outside the hall earlier, Yuwen Hao had flung her aside, and Chu Mingcui hade over to support her.


    Could it be that she hadn''t simply been helping her?


    She remembered that when Chu Mingcui had returned to the Qi Prince''s side, her eyes seemed to sh with a trace of astonishment.


    Everything suddenly became clear to Yuan Qingling.


    Chu Mingcui had deliberately hurt her, not knowing that she had lost her sense of pain after drinking the Zijin Decoction. If it had been the Yuan Qingling of the past, she would have erupted in anger and hurled abuse at the scene. In such a solemn setting, even if she wasn''t sentenced to death, she would still end up imprisoned and then discarded.


    Yuan Qingling felt chilled to the bone. She could hardly imagine that someone''s heart could harbor such malice.


    She had previously thought Chu Mingcui wasn''t too bad¡ªeveryone else looked at her that way, yet she alone had cursed her.


    But beneath that beautiful, gentle fa?ade was actually such viciousness.


    She tried to find a reasonable exnation for Chu Mingcui''s actions, like Yuan Qingling having ruined her prospects with the Chu Prince, forcing her to turn to the Qi Prince instead.


    But she could not ept such an exnation.


    If Chu Mingcui held a grudge, she could have confronted Yuan Qingling to settle scores, or even pped her in front of many people. Such underhanded injury was truly ruthless.


    Yuan Qingling lowered her hand. She could set aside thoughts of Chu Mingcui for now, but had everything gone smoothly on the Retired Emperor''s end? Was the Retired Emperor willing to believe her?


    She had read many history books, both official records and unofficial ounts, yet none mentioned a country called Northern Tang. So the history she had learned was of no help in understanding the Retired Emperor''s personality.


    With life and death uncertain and the future unclear, Yuan Qingling felt suffocated.


    Exhausted, she nced at Yuwen Hao lying unconscious on the ground¡ªa sleeping lion. When he awoke, things would be dire for her, unless the Retired Emperor summoned her.


    She gave a wry smile. She did have selfish motives in saving the Retired Emperor.


    Without anyone''s protection, she could not survive in the prince''s manor.


    Inside the Retired Emperor''s bedchamber...


    All the imperial princes had already paid their respects inside the tent and were now kneeling outside, awaiting the Retired Emperor''s passing.


    The atmosphere in the hall was extremely heavy and sorrowful, with grief saturating the very air. The Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort had been helped out after being ovee with anguish.


    Emperor Ming Yuan also sat outside, ready to kneel down and pay hisst respects as soon as the eunuch attending the Retired Emperor inside announced that the time hade.


    Everyone was preparing for that moment.


    Finally, the azure tent curtain was lifted. Ming Yuan''s expression darkened, pain flooding his eyes. His body went limp, yet before he could kneel, the eunuch happily proimed, "The Retired Emperor says he wants millet porridge."


    The emperor froze in surprise, then hurried over. To his astonishment, he saw that the Retired Emperor had opened his eyes and was stroking Fu Bao''s fur, looking much better than before.


    "Quick, tell the imperial kitchen to prepare millet porridge!" Ming Yuan was overjoyed, his voice going shrill.

 Chapter 20: Summon the King of Chu

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    All the imperial doctors were dumbfounded.


    How could this be possible? How could the Retired Emperor still have an appetite? His heart failure was already extremely severe, at the point of his oil drying up and hismp extinguishing, he probably couldn''t even swallow a mouthful of water.


    The Head Physician rushed in and took the Retired Emperor''s pulse, crying as he did, "Heaven bless Northern Tang, heaven bless my Retired Emperor!"


    The pulse, actually showed signs of improvement.


    The golden gauze curtain was rolled up, the blue canopy slowly opened, the Retired Emperor looked weary, his gaze swept over the hall, and he said hoarsely, "Why are you all kneeling? Rise."


    Although that voice was like the sound of falling leaves, faint and powerless, when heard by everyone present, it was as if thunder had rumbled.


    Everyone revealed an expression of ecstasy, kowtowed and then stood up.


    The Retired Emperor lightly exhaled a breath, the purplish-blue color on his lips slowly faded. He looked around and murmured, "Where is the Fifth Prince?"


    The head eunuch Chang quickly said, "The Prince of Chu was worried about you and fainted, now he is resting in the side hall."


    "Summon him here." The Retired Emperor patted Fu Bao''s head, and actually revealed a trace of a weary smile, "Go on, good child, I won''t be leaving just yet."


    Fu Bao jumped down, wagging his tail as he left.


    "Quickly summon the Prince of Chu!" Chang said.


    "And his wife..." The Retired Emperor seemed to contemte for a moment, and also seemed to be too weak to speak, as he uttered a few words from his parched lips, "Summon her as well."


    Everyone was surprised.


    Especially Chu Mingcui, she was stunned for a good while. The Retired Emperor wanted to see Yuan Qingling?


    Since the Retired Emperor had recovered somewhat, Emperor Ming Yuan wanted to drive people out.


    All the princes withdrew to the outer hall to wait, only he, Prince Rui and Chang remained with the Retired Emperor, naturally, as well as the Head Physician.


    Side Hall.


    Yuwen Hao had not been unconscious for long before Yuan Qingling was summoned. When he woke up, he saw her standing there. Seeing him get up, seeing him approach wrapped in fury, seeing the killing intent swirling in his eyes, she had no strength left to resist, only a bitter smile. "If you want to kill me, then kill me, don''t waste words!"


    The door was pushed open swiftly, a pce maid rushed in, "Prince of Chu, Princess of Chu, the Retired Emperor requests your presence!"


    Yuwen Hao''s hand was already raised, when he heard the summons, he froze for a moment, "The Retired Emperor?"


    The pce maid happily said, "Yes, the Retired Emperor has recovered, he requests that you and the Princess attend him."


    Yuan Qingling''s tense body slowly rxed. Meeting Yuwen Hao''s suspicious, wary gaze, she did not exin, just slowly got up, reached to tidy her hair bun, hoping she would not look too disheveled.


    The two of them went out, passing through the outer hall where all the princely rtives were waiting. Yuan Qingling nced indifferently at Chu Mingcui, and Chu Mingcui also looked at her, then nodded to her very friendly.


    Yuan Qingling ignored her and went straight in.


    Chu Mingcui''s face immediately stiffened.


    Before entering the inner hall, Yuan Qingling took a deep breath. She could feel the wounds starting to hurt again, her dizziness was worsening, she felt very cold and couldn''t help shivering, but her face was hot.


    She knew her high fever was starting.


    Yuwen Hao swept aside the beaded curtain to enter, it hit Yuan Qingling''s face, amplifying the pain, but she didn''t dare show it at all, just followed him in lockstep.


    The hall was quiet. When Emperor Ming Yuan saw them enter, his expression was not very warm. For this son, he had once held high hopes, but after the incident at the Princess''s residence where he acted inappropriately, he was very disappointed. No matter how great his military achievements, with deficient moral character, he could not achieve great things.


    However, he also knew that the Retired Emperor had always doted on him, and now that he had recovered slightly, of course he would want his son to attend him. As his son, naturally he could not go against his wishes.


    The two of them knelt at the Retired Emperor''s bedside. Yuwen Hao looked at the lucid Retired Emperor, disbelief in his eyes. His eyes slowly grew moist.

 Chapter 21: Arouse Suspicion

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    Yuan Qingling stole a nce at The Retired Emperor''splexion and saw that the purplish color had faded noticeably and his breathing was much smoother. She heaved a sigh of relief, thinking the old man was temporarily saved.


    The Retired Emperor looked at Yuwen Hao, slowly trying to prop himself up. Seeing this, Yuwen Hao immediately stood up to add more pillows behind his back so he could recline.


    "My fifth son, I don''t seem to have met this daughter-inw of yours before," said The Retired Emperor. Although he spoke with more vigor than before, his voice was still very weakpared to a healthy person.


    Yuwen Hao felt somewhat ufortable that after waking up, the first thing Grandfather asked about was this woman.


    This past year, The Retired Emperor had been bedridden most of the time. After their wedding, they did pay their respects in the pce, but The Retired Emperor had been indisposed so Yuwen Hao did not take Yuan Qingling to see him.


    Yuan Qingling kept her head lowered without speaking or showing any expression.


    However, she could feel The Retired Emperor''s gaze fixed on her face, probing and scrutinizing her. His eyes seemed to have an extremely prating power that wanted to see right through Yuan Qingling.


    Having ruled for thirty-eight years in an era when power was highly centralized, The Retired Emperor had cultivated an imposing manner through the sands of time.


    "Grandfather, she...has been in poor health, so I didn''t bring her to pay respects to you, for fear of infecting you," Yuwen Hao exined.


    "I''m already at death''s door, what is there to be afraid of catching?" The Retired Emperorughed, his tone somewhat gentle.


    Yuan Qingling slowly raised her head, meeting the sharp light in The Retired Emperor''s eyes. She was so frightened that she quickly lowered her head again.


    "Grandfather, you must not speak like that. You will recover," said Yuwen Hao, sounding upset.


    Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui also said, "Father, you will have good fortune."


    The pce maid brought in millet porridge. Gonggong Chang came to serve him, but The Retired Emperor red at him and said, "Why is it you? I''m not worth having a young one serve me? Look at you with those ck eye bags, like a ghost. If I''m not dead yet, seeing you like this could frighten me to death. Go, go, get some rest. With the Concubine Qing here, that will do."


    Gonggong Chang had served The Retired Emperor for many years and naturally understood his temper. He also knew His Majesty was considering his health, so with tears welling up, he choked out, "This old ve is not tired. I will serve you here."


    "Get out!" The Retired Emperor''s temper red and he started panting. Clutching his chest, he said, "Are you trying to anger me to death?"


    Seeing his state, Gonggong Chang''s face turned pale with fright. Hurriedly he said, "Yes, yes. This old ve will go. Don''t get angry, dear ancestor!"


    After Gonggong Chang left, Yuan Qingling still knelt woodenly. The Retired Emperor red at her again and said, "What is it? Unwilling to serve this old geezer?"


    Yuan Qingling immediately stood up, took the bowl from the pce maid, and knelt back down saying, "No, I only...I''m just overwhelmed by the favor."


    "Come here, son!" Not wanting her to get near The Retired Emperor, Yuwen Hao wanted to personally feed him.


    The Retired Emperor cocked his droopy eyes and said, "What is it? Reluctant to let your daughter-inw serve your grandfather?"


    "No...of course not!" Yuwen Hao lowered his hand. He felt very awkward inside. Although he knew it was the truth, he still did not really want others to address Yuan Qingling as his wife.


    Wife and imperial concubine were just titles, but to him, there was a big difference.


    Yuan Qingling knelt upright and fed The Retired Emperor a spoonful.


    After swallowing it, The Retired Emperor exhaled and raised his droopy eyes. "Mm, to be able to taste the vors of the mortal world again, I did not expect that."


    Hearing this, Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui also grew misty-eyed.


    "Sit by the bed and serve me," The Retired Emperor said.


    Yuan Qingling smiled wryly. How could she sit now when she was in pain?


    "This granddaughter-inw does not dare. I will kneel."


    "I told you to sit, so sit!" The Retired Emperor red again.


    Yuan Qingling had no choice but to shakily stand up and gingerly sit down. Although the bed was padded with soft nkets, when her weight sank down, there was still piercing pain. Her whole body trembled slightly from the agony.


    Yuwen Hao was right beside her and could feel her trembling.


    The Ambrosia Soup had lost its effectiveness.


    His gaze darkened asplex feelings welled up inside.


    After feeding half a bowl of porridge, Yuan Qingling was drenched in sweat from the pain. She could only reassure herself that sweating was good when feverish.


    The Retired Emperor could not eat anymore and waved his hand to indicate Yuan Qingling should stop.


    Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui looked over and seeing he had eaten about half a bowl, both heaved a sigh of relief.


    The Imperial Physician also breathed easier.


    After resting a moment, The Retired Emperor looked at Yuan Qingling and said, "You served well. Stay by my side these next few days and attend to my illness."


    This was exactly what Yuan Qingling had been waiting for. She lowered herself again into a kneel and said, "Yes!"


    Although Emperor Ming Yuan wanted to object, seeing how pleased The Retired Emperor was, he let it be.


    Yuwen Hao suddenly looked up in disbelief at The Retired Emperor, then at Yuan Qingling. He said, "I will be here to attend to Grandfather as well."


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression darkened. "Foolishness!"


    Realizing his mistake, Yuwen Hao lowered his eyes and said, "Your son misspoke!"


    Yuan Qingling also understood why Emperor Ming Yuan was suddenly angered.


    She knew a bit about this dynasty''s situation from the original host''s memories. After a little organizing, she understood why Emperor Ming Yuan was mad.


    The crown prince''s position had not been established yet, and The Retired Emperor had the most authority to determine the crown prince candidate. Emperor Ming Yuan must have thought Yuwen Hao had ambitions for the crown prince''s position, which was why he wanted to stay in the Qian Kun Hall to attend to The Retired Emperor.


    The misunderstanding Yuwen Hao suffered under Emperor Ming Yuan did not make Yuan Qingling feel guilty at all. This man...was truly detestable.


    The Retired Emperor smoothed things over by saying mildly, "If you are truly filial, thening to pay respects every day will suffice."


    "Yes!" Yuwen Hao bowed in acquiescence.


    Those outside the hall were shocked speechless when they heard Yuan Qingling was kept alone in the Qian Kun Hall to attend to The Retired Emperor.


    Chu Mingcui lowered her eyes and smiled gently. "As long as Grandfather is well, who attends to him is the same."


    But the others did not think so. Close proximity was advantageous¡ªwho didn''t understand that truth? With Grandfather ill in bed, if he gained Imperial Concubine Qing''s attentive care, he would surely look on Fifth Prince differently.


    When Yuwen Hao came out, everyone looked at him strangely. Prince Ji had always been arrogant. He gave a coldugh and said harshly, "Quite the scheme, Fifth Brother!"


    Yuwen Hao''s expression darkened. "I don''t understand what First Brother means. Please rify."


    Prince Ji sneered. "You know in your heart."


    Having said that, he left with his concubine.


    Seeing Prince Ji leave, the others also dispersed in pairs and threes. Prince Qi came tofort Yuwen Hao, saying, "Eldest Brother always speaks without thinking. Fifth Brother, don''t take it to heart."


    Yuwen Hao nced at Prince Qi. Chu Mingcui stood quietly by Prince Qi''s side. The two looked quite well matched. Feeling even more stifled, Yuwen Hao didn''t even bother with Prince Qi and stalked off.


    Prince Qi smiled. "Even I have incurred Fifth Brother''s resentment."


    Chu Mingcui mused, "It''s probably to disguise things."


    Prince Qi waved a hand. "Fifth Brother is not that kind of person. Let''s go pay respects to Mother."


    Chu Mingcui lowered her eyes, hiding her suspicions.

 Chapter 22: Scheming in the Harem

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    Yuwen Hao returned to his mansion feeling uneasy.


    He saw her using a needle to inject something into His Majesty, but didn''t know if it was poison or something else.


    Although His Majesty seemed a little better, that liquid made him lose consciousness. It could have other effects too, like mind control.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t understand these things before. Could someone be teaching her from behind the scenes?


    Was it her father Jing Hou Yuan Baloon?


    He didn''t have the guts. Yuan Baloon was just an opportunist.


    Yuwen Hao thought of more serious consequences. Yuan Qingling was his queen. If what she did to His Majesty was exposed, he would certainly be med for orchestrating it behind the scenes. No one would believe he was uninvolved.


    The more he thought about it, the more anxious he felt. He ordered Tang Yang to summon Lv Ya and her wet nurse.


    They served Yuan Qingling closely. Any unusual behavior wouldn''t escape the wet nurse.


    Lv Ya had apanied Yuan Qingling to the pce, but was told to tell her wet nurse that Yuan Qingling was staying at Qian Kun Pce to care for His Majesty''s illness. This greatly surprised the wet nurse.


    Hearing the prince''s summons, the two hurried over.


    "My prince!" Upon entering the study, they bowed.


    Yuwen Hao nced at the wet nurse, recalling her grandson''s matter, and casually asked, "How is Brother Huo?"


    "Thank you for asking, my prince. He''s recovered well."


    Yuwen Hao was a little surprised. "It seems Doctor Li''s skills are quite good."


    "Yes...yes!" The wet nurse hesitated before responding.


    Yuwen Hao was adept at reading people. He nced at her. "Is wet nurse hiding something from me?"


    The wet nurse was startled. "I wouldn''t dare!"


    "You''ve served me since I was little. You must be loyal to me. You surely wouldn''t hide anything from me." Yuwen Hao spoke coldly, his face icy.


    The wet nurse shivered. She quickly kneeled. "This old servant has sinned. I didn''t mean to conceal anything."


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes shed a cold light. "Speak!"


    The wet nurse had no choice but to say, "To tell my prince the truth, Brother Huo wasn''t cured by Doctor Li, but by the princess. She instructed this old servant not to mention it to anyone."


    Tang Yang was surprised. "The princess? When did she learn medicine? At that time, my prince punished her with thirty hard strikes for injuring Brother Huo."


    The wet nurse confessed everything that happened that night when Brother Huo was in danger. She ashamedly said, "This old servant misunderstood the princess."


    Yuwen Hao and Tang Yang exchanged nces, both shocked.


    "Let me ask you, have you seen her with a box? That box..." Yuwen Hao suddenly froze. When she entered the tent, she didn''t have a box. But after going in, the box appeared from somewhere. Later in the side hall, the box wasn''t with her.


    "There was a box!" Lv Ya quickly said, "It was full of medicines I''d never seen before. I hadn''t seen that box before either."


    Yuwen Hao asked again, "Has anyonee looking for her recently? Or did she go out to meet someone?"


    The wet nurse shook her head. "Since the princess married over, hardly anyone visits her. She hasn''t returned home the past few months either."


    Tang Yang added, "Indeed. The gatekeepers record the princess''sings and goings. I saw that thest time she returned home was three months ago, for half a day, beforeing back furious."


    The wet nurse felt guilty for betraying Yuan Qingling. She was also worried about her condition, so she said, "Ever since mydy was caned, she hasn''t gone out. My prince ordered us not to bother her. So she treated her own injuries. Before taking the Zijin decoction, she had a high fever. Now that the medicine has worn off, I wonder if she can endure it in the pce."


    Yuwen Hao recalled how she forcefully endured the pain to feed His Majesty porridge, trembling all over. The effects of the Zijin decoction had already worn off then.


    He wasn''t worried about Yuan Qingling, just afraid she would loseposure and implicate his mansion and mother.


    After a moment of silence, Tang Yang said, "My prince, thirty heavy strikes were indeed too harsh."


    Even a small servant would need days of rest after that.


    A frailer maid might even lose her life.


    My prince truly hated Lady Yuan.


    Yuwen Hao coldly said, "Her actions deserved death, not just a beating."


    If not for implicating his mother and the imperial family''s reputation, he would have cast Yuan Qingling out long ago.


    The wet nurse plucked up her courage and said, "My prince, it seems the princess changed into a different person."


    Yuwen Hao looked up at her. His heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"


    The wet nurse said, "The princess always acted arrogant even when at a disadvantage. But that day, when she saved Brother Huo, her attitude and tone... She even apologized to this old servant. I wouldn''t have imagined it before."


    The wet nurse''s words confirmed Yuwen Hao''s suspicions.


    He recalled her using her head to hit him before entering the pce, gritting out, "Killing people leads to decapitation, don''t go overboard."


    She would never speak like that, knowing she was in the wrong. In the mansion, she only dared to bully servants, never daring to be so rude before him.


    But today, she spoke as if she was the aggrieved one.


    And her resistance in the side hall...


    In his mind''s eye, her resolute and cold face appeared, echoing her words in the side hall.


    He had to get to the bottom of this.


    In the Empress''s Mingfeng Pce:


    After Prince Qi came to pay respects, he first went to check on his eighth brother, Yuwen Lu, leaving Chu Mingcui alone with the Empress.


    Chu Mingcui was the Empress''s niece. Once Prince Qi left, Chu Mingcui dismissed all the pce attendants.


    Seeing this, the Empress knew something was up. She sat up straight and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "Aunt, do you know that Yuan Qingling was kept at Qian Kun Pce by His Majesty to care for him?"


    Having just returned, the Empress didn''t know about this. Hearing Chu Mingcui mention it, she was slightly surprised. "Princess Chu''s wife? His Majesty is allowing her to care for him?"


    But she soon waved her hand dismissively. "If she''s caring for him, that saves me the trouble of running back and forth. I''ve been exhausted these days."


    Chu Mingcui sighed. "Aunt, you''re muddled. Don''t you see?"


    The Empress smiled. "I know your worries, but don''t be anxious. Whatever the Fifth Prince does is futile. His Majesty deeply resents him now."


    Chu Mingcui slowly shook her head. "Aunt, now that His Majesty is lucid, everything has changed."


    The Empress was startled, her expression slowly bing grave.


    Indeed, His Majesty still valued His Majesty''s opinion greatly in the matter of appointing a crown prince.


    And His Majesty had always favored the Fifth Prince. If Yuan Qingling took this chance to make suggestions, the Fifth Prince still had a chance.


    But...


    The Empress looked up. "Doesn''t the Fifth Prince detest Yuan Qingling?"


    Chu Mingcui slowly smiled. "Even if detested, a useful person can be tolerated."


    The Empress'' heart sank. She immediately said, "The Empress Dowager worked tirelessly caring for His Majesty''s illness. The Crown Princess should stay by her side today to disy filial piety."


    Chu Mingcui stood and bowed. "Your daughter-inw understands."

 Chapter 23: I’m So Hungry.

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Inside the Qinkun Hall.


    The Retired Emperor chatted with Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui for a while, before dismissing them due to fatigue. Even the imperial physician was sent away, leaving only Yuan Qingling alone in the hall.


    Before leaving, Emperor Ming Yuan gave Yuan Qingling a meaningful nce but did not say anything.


    The hall was quiet, with the curtains drawn to block out the wind.


    Yuan Qingling stood by the bedside, not knowing what to do for a moment.


    The Retired Emperor, who had lightly closed his eyes, suddenly opened them again, sweeping her a cold nce as he snapped sternly, "Kneel down!"


    Yuan Qingling slowly knelt down. For her, this kneeling pose was morefortable than sitting, after all, with the effects of the Zijin Decoction having worn off, every pore of her body ached.


    "Do you know your crime?" the Retired Emperor asked coldly.


    Yuan Qingling knew the Retired Emperor would not truly punish her, at least not at this critical juncture. As long as he still had attachments to the mortal world, she was his only hope of survival.


    So she raised her head and honestly replied, "I know my crime."


    "Where does this crime stem from?"


    "Inadequate medical skills yet presumptuously stepping forward," Yuan Qingling downyed things.


    The Retired Emperor coldly said, "What an ''inadequate medical skills'' you speak of, you''ve essentiallybeled all the imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Institute as mediocre."


    Hearing this, Yuan Qingling felt relieved. Since the Retired Emperor had affirmed her medical skills, everything could be easily resolved.


    Sure enough, the Retired Emperor continued coldly, "Come, sit down and tell me about my illness - will I live or die, when will I die if death is toe, and how long can I live if I am to live?"


    Yuan Qingling slowly stood up and said, "I dare not make a diagnosis yet. Please grant this humble one permission to examine you, Your Majesty."


    "Then what are you still dawdling for? Come, take my pulse."


    The Retired Emperor watched as Yuan Qingling took out some strange object and hung it on her ear. She smiled and said, "Now, let''s first listen to your heartbeat..."


    After a while, the Retired Emperor''s mouth twitched and he snapped angrily, "What is this broken thing? Are you trying to freeze me to death?"


    Yuan Qingling took off the stethoscope and hung it on the Retired Emperor''s ear, gently saying, "Shh, Your Majesty, listen carefully."


    The Retired Emperor''s furious expression slowly softened, and his eyes took on a lost look. After a moment of silence, he said, "That is the sound of my heartbeat!"


    Yuan Qingling nodded. "Yes, it doesn''t sound very healthy, but I''m afraid that Lord Yama won''t be collecting you for the time being."


    "How daring of you!" The Retired Emperor red at her with knitted brows and cold eyes.


    Yuan Qingling hurriedly moved to kneel again. "I''m sorry!"


    "Forget it, what''s there to kneel for? Sit down," the Retired Emperor snorted. What was there to apologize for?


    Yuan Qingling smiled bitterly, "I dare not sit."


    The Retired Emperor nced at her lightly. How could his well-behaved daughter be so rude?


    But then again, it wasn''t as if there was ack of ill-mannered people in this pce.


    "Take your medicine, then go rest. I''m tired," the Retired Emperor closed his eyes and took off the stethoscope.


    Yuan Qingling put away the stethoscope and went to rummage for her medicine box. Upon opening it, she was stunned again - there was even an IV drip in it!


    She smiled wryly, too tired to think about it. She took some antipyretic and anti-inmmatory medication, swallowing them dry, then prepared the IV drip.


    The Retired Emperor had not fallen asleep yet. Hearing footsteps, he frowned, "Why have youe again? Didn''t I tell you to go rest?"


    "I''ll set up the IV first, then rest after," Yuan Qingling carefully took out the IV drip, afraid that the strange sight would make the Retired Emperor unwilling to have it inserted.


    The Retired Emperor did find it odd, but he was also too weary to ask. With a light nce, he simply said, "Be quick about it."


    Yuan Qingling wasn''t very adept at setting up IVs, but the Retired Emperor''s veins were easy to locate, allowing her to insert the needle smoothly.


    After setting it up, Yuan Qingling looked up to see the Retired Emperor watching her intently.


    She gave an embarrassedugh. "I''ll exin everything once you get better."


    She couldn''te up with any excuses now even if her life depended on it.


    The Retired Emperor said, "It had better be a reasonable exnation."


    Yuan Qingling smiled bitterly again. She''d try her best.


    She didn''t let the IV drip for long, afraid someone woulde in. Once that bottle was emptied, she removed it.


    The Retired Emperor let out soft snores, having fallen asleep.


    Yuan Qingling was exhausted, hungry and in pain, but could neither sit nor lie down, and had nothing to eat or even drink.


    She peeked around and saw no one else in the hall. The Retired Emperor also seemed unlikely to wake anytime soon. She stood in front of the table, bent over to rest her head in her hands on the tabletop, bottom sticking up like a groundhog burrowing a hole.


    She had intended to just rest like this for a bit to alleviate her fatigue and pain, but unknowingly, fell asleep.


    Eunuch Chang had gone to rest for a while after leaving the Retired Emperor''s side earlier. Worried about him, and hearing that only the Consort of Chu was attending to the Retired Emperor, he immediately came over.


    Upon entering, he saw Yuan Qingling sleeping in that odd bent over position and frowned. Was this any way to care for an ill person? This Consort of Chu really was unreliable. And this position was just too unsightly.


    Just as he was about to call out, he heard the Retired Emperor softly say, "Do not disturb her."


    Eunuch Chang tiptoed over to help tuck the Retired Emperor in, feeling puzzled.


    The Retired Emperor softly instructed, "Go prepare some food for her."


    Now Eunuch Chang was even more bewildered. The Consort of Chu was caring for the Retired Emperor in this manner, yet not only was the Retired Emperor not angry, he even wanted to reward her with food?


    But he did not ask questions, and quietly left the room.


    Yuan Qingling''s arms had gone numb from her sleeping position, slowly rousing her awake.


    Realizing she had dozed off, her back chilled over. She swiftly nced at the bed behind her and saw the Retired Emperor still sound asleep before finally rxing.


    She took out her medicine box and retrieved a thermometer probe, holding it in her mouth. Just then, she heard footsteps approaching from outside and hastily closed the box, slipping it into her sleeve as she turned around. It was Eunuch Changing in with food.


    Seeing the object in Yuan Qingling''s mouth, Eunuch Chang paused in surprise. "Consort..."


    Not knowing how to exin herself, Yuan Qingling stood there awkwardly with the thermometer still in her mouth, unable to either remove it or leave it in.


    It was the supposedly "sound asleep" Retired Emperor who came to her rescue, snapping, "What are you dawdling for? Hurry and set the food down, else she''ll be reduced to eating my shoes next."


    "Oh!" Eunuch Changughed and set the food down on the table. "You must be famished, Consort. Go ahead, eat up!"


    Yuan Qingling was indeed starving, her stomach clenching painfully. And that wasn''t all - she was also parched, her throat practically smoking.


    Seeing Eunuch Chang had even brought soup, etiquette was thest thing on her mind. She removed the thermometer and immediately started guzzling down the soup. With a big satisfied gasp as she finished the bowl, wisps of steam issuing from her mouth, she dove into the food.


    Seeing this, Eunuch Chang frowned. Starving or not, suchck of decorum was uneptable, especially in the Retired Emperor''s presence!

 Chapter 24: Have a Safe Night

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    In the evening, Emperor Ming Yuan came to pay his respects. Seeing that the Retired Emperor''s condition had improved, he chatted with the Retired Emperor for a while before leaving.


    Yuan Qingling kept her head low the whole time, maintaining a low profile, and did not catch Emperor Ming Yuan''s attention, which was just as well.


    After Emperor Ming Yuan left, Eunuch Chang helped clean and dress the Retired Emperor as usual, while Yuan Qingling withdrew to the outer hall.


    While she still had time, she gave herself another injection. Unfortunately, she couldn''t re-dress her wound. She could feel the wound was damp - it seemed the blood had started seeping out again.


    After the injection, shey down to rest for a moment. Hearing footsteps inside, she knew Eunuch Chang was done. She pushed herself up, but the sudden movement made the blood in her body surge upwards. She tasted blood in her mouth.


    She walked unsteadily outside and spit the blood at the foot of a tree.


    Leaning against the tree, it took her some time to steady her energy and blood flow.


    "What''s the matter, Consort?" Eunuch Chang''s voice came from behind.


    Yuan Qingling turned around and waved her hand dismissively. "It''s nothing. Just ate too much."


    "Oh!" Eunuch Chang looked a little suspicious, but didn''t say anything further before leaving.


    Yuan Qingling suppressed her misgivings and returned to the hall. The Retired Emperor was half-sitting up in bed, looking much more spirited.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Retired Emperor, it''s time to hook you up to an IV again."


    The Retired Emperor stretched out his hand and nced at her indifferently. "This old one has already sent away that old bastard. Just hook up whatever IV you want."


    Yuan Qingling first listened to his heartbeat and breathing. His breathing was still not very smooth, so she gave him an appropriate dose of dopamine before hooking up the IV.


    She took out a bottle of dissolving tablets and handed them to the Retired Emperor. "These are emergency medicine. If you feel chest pain or shortness of breath, ce them under your tongue."


    She had already torn off thebel outside. Still, the bottle looked exquisite. The Retired Emperor fiddled with it in his hand before putting it away.


    After a while, seeing Yuan Qingling bring him water and a handful of pills in various colors - clearly not medicine pills - the impatient Retired Emperor said, "What''s this now?"


    "Medicine. Time to take medicine."


    "I''m not eating it!" Anything so colorful must not be good.


    "You must take it!" Yuan Qingling now knew the Retired Emperor wouldn''t harm her, so she spoke more boldly. "You''ll get better after taking them. They''re not bitter."


    "Troublesome!" The Retired Emperor looked at them with distaste but still took a few and put them in his mouth. Yuan Qingling brought him water, but saw that the Retired Emperor had already started chewing them, his old face twisted like pickled vegetables.


    "Quick, drink water and swallow them!" Yuan Qingling hurriedly brought the cup to him. How could he just pop them in his mouth like that? Even children knew to take medicine with water. Did the pce not have pills?


    After drinking a cup of water to swallow the bitter medicine, the Retired Emperor angrily said, "When this old one gets better, I''ll chop off your head."


    "Alright, alright!" Yuan Qingling soothed, and felt likeughing inside. She also admired herself for still being able tough now.


    The Retired Emperor grumbled a few more curses before slowly tilting his head to the side. Yuan Qingling knew he was drowsy, so she moved the pillow away and helped him lie down.


    The IV took about an hour. Shortly after Yuan Qingling finished cleaning up, Eunuch Chang brought the imperial physician over.


    Eunuch Chang said to Yuan Qingling, "The Retired Emperor ordered just now that the Consort rest in the outer hall. Come back in at sunrise tomorrow to attend to him."


    Exhausted, and knowing there likely wouldn''t be any major issues tonight, Yuan Qingling nodded and went out.


    The outer hall was where Yuwen Hao had sleptst night. Yuan Qingling closed the door and copsed onto the bed. She fell asleep almost as soon as she hit the bed.


    She woke up halfway through the night and secretly went to check on the Retired Emperor. Eunuch Chang was dozing off sitting on the floor, while the Retired Emperor was sleeping soundly. She rubbed her eyes and went back out to take her medicine before continuing to sleep.


    Before dawn, she woke up from a dreamless sleep, but threw up blood again. For a few minutes, she also felt a stabbing pain in her internal organs. She hastily swallowed some anti-inmmatory medicine until the pain subsided a little, then went in to serve the Retired Emperor.


    Eunuch Chang was already awake and had ordered the pce maids to prepare hot water outside, as well as a basin for Yuan Qingling.


    After washing her face, Yuan Qingling felt much more clear-headed.


    The Retired Emperor had also woken up, and Eunuch Chang was attending to him.


    Daybreak came, and they heard the Empress Dowager had arrived.


    Yuan Qingling immediately patted her cheeks to make herself more alert.


    The Empress Dowager entered wearing a green silk embroidered robe with the character for longevity. Herplexion looked especially pale green.


    Consort Chu Mingcui of Qi apanied the Empress Dowager. When Yuan Qingling greeted the Empress Dowager, Chu Mingcui came over and grasped her hand gently, saying, "Chu State Consort must be exhausted."


    Yuan Qingling lowered her head to look at her hand. Below the pink wide sleeves was a pair of fair hands wearing etched armored gloves. Several exquisite rings adorned her fingers.


    She didn''t notice any needles or des.


    However, the armored glove on her right little finger seemed odd, glinting coldly.


    When Yuan Qingling withdrew her hand, she inadvertently swept over it. Hard and cold, her fingertip stung - it was a thin de.


    So it was her after all!


    A pce maid came in from outside and reported, "Retired Emperor, Prince Chu is here waiting outside the hall to be summoned!"


    "Summon him!" The Retired Emperor brushed Eunuch Chang''s hands away. "Where''s Fu Bao? Call Fu Bao here."


    The Empress Dowager smiled and came forward. "That''s more like it, thinking about that beast again."


    The Retired Emperor didn''t like to hear that. He stretched out his old face. "What beast? Doesn''t it have a name?"


    The Empress Dowager sat by the bed and gently wiped his temples and brows with a towel. Her eyes reddened. "Yes, its name is Fu Bao. Aren''t we hoping it will be blessed?"


    Yuwen Hao strode in, having entered the hall before the curtain even settled, showing his hurried pace.


    Usually, whenever Chu Mingcui was present, his eyes would look at her first. But today, as soon as he entered the hall, he searched for Yuan Qingling and his gaze fixed on her face for quite a while before he went to greet the others.


    Chu Mingcui retreated to the side, lowering her head to hide the resentment that had erased her earlier gentle look.


    He didn''t even nce at her?


    "Why have youe to the pce so early today? It''s not the morning court session," the Retired Emperor still spoke with a long face, but his tone toward Prince Chu was noticeably milder.


    "Your grandson was worried about Imperial Grandfather and rushed over anxiously." Yuwen Hao hadn''t slept all night, and there were dark circles under his eyes.


    "This old one is fine!" The Retired Emperor reassured his grandson.


    Soon, Emperor Ming Yuan and the Empress also arrived, along with Prince Rui who had not left the pcest night.


    Yuan Qingling withdrew to the side to watch the imperial family converse.


    Chu Mingcui also moved to stand beside her, still wearing that gentle, amiable smile. "You must have been exhaustedst night."


    "It was alright," Yuan Qingling gave a brief reply, reluctant to engage her.


    The imperial physician came to serve the medicinal soup, but the stubborn Retired Emperor refused to drink it. "Take it away, take it away! I won''t drink it!"


    No matter how much everyone persuaded him, he wouldn''t listen. Even direct pleas from Emperor Ming Yuan and the Empress Dowager didn''t work. The Empress Dowager became anxious and worried, with tears in her eyes.


    Knowing his father''s temper, Emperor Ming Yuan was about to have the medicine taken out first when Yuan Qingling''s voice rang out from the corner, "Imperial Grandfather, you still need to take the medicine."


    It was as if everyone in the hall only noticed her then. They nced at her indifferently, and the beginnings of anger could already be seen in Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes. He feared her words would anger the Retired Emperor.


    Standing beside her, Chu Mingcui couldn''t help but smirk. Hopelessly stupid - even the Emperor and Empress couldn''t persuade the Retired Emperor right now, yet she thought he would listen to her? Wasn''t this deliberately provoking the Retired Emperor''s wrath?

 Chapter 25: Am I Dying

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    Sure enough, Chu Mingcui saw that the Retired Emperor''s face darkened.


    Chu Mingcui felt relieved. Although the Retired Emperor doted on Prince Chu, it was also because of this favoritism that he had ordered Yuan Qingling to stay in the hall to attend to his illness. Unfortunately, Yuan Qingling was an arrogant fool, unworthy of an important role.


    Seeing the Retired Emperor''s displeased expression, the imperial physician hurriedly brought over the medicine and turned to leave.


    But the Retired Emperor angrily said, "Why haven''t you brought the medicine over yet? Didn''t you hear the Prince''s Consort say she wanted to drink medicine?"


    Everyone was stunned and looked towards Yuan Qingling.


    Especially Chu Mingcui, whose expression suddenly changed. She could hardly believe her own ears.


    Yuan Qingling lowered her head. She really did not want to say those words, but if the Retired Emperor recovered without taking medicine, it would raise suspicions.


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression lightened with joy. "Quickly, bring it here!"


    Fromst night until now, Emperor Ming Yuan finally looked at Yuan Qingling approvingly for the first time.


    The Retired Emperor drank down the entire medicine in one gulp, evidently really hating the bitter taste. After drinking the medicine, his face was all scrunched up. The Empress Dowager quickly handed him some honeyed fruits, and his face looked a bit better.


    Yuwen Hao looked at Yuan Qingling withplicated eyes. This situation did not reassure him, it only made him feel more anxious. The Imperial Grandfather actually listened to her words, could it be that her sinister plot had already seeded?


    After the Retired Emperor drank the medicine, the Empress Dowager was also very happy. She called Yuan Qingling over to praise her, and even the usually silent Prince Ruiplimented Yuan Qingling.


    Although the Empress was also smiling, her smile was very forced. It seemed that Mingcui''s worries were not unfounded.


    Emperor Ming Yuan had set aside state affairs to specially attend to the Retired Emperor, although the Retired Emperor had improved, he still could not stop worrying. After all, just yesterday the entire Imperial Medical Bureau had said that the Retired Emperor was on hisst legs.


    However, the Retired Emperor clearly did not want them to attend to him, and told Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui to go back.


    Before leaving this time, Emperor Ming Yuan said to Yuan Qingling, "Take advantage of the daylight and people being around to get some rest first."


    "Yes!" Yuan Qingling bowed.


    She went out to the outer hall, preparing to rest for a while, but Steward Chang came to inform her that the west warm pavilion had been arranged for her rest. He also ordered pce maids to bring a change of clothes and medicine for external injuries, and to prepare hot water.


    Yuan Qingling was a bit surprised.


    Steward Chang said indifferently, "By order of the Retired Emperor. Later, Granny Xi wille to apply medicine for you. Granny Xi has served the Retired Emperor for many years and will not gossip. Don''t worry, Consort."


    Although Steward Chang''s attitude was still indifferent, Yuan Qingling felt like crying.


    Arriving at the west warm pavilion, after a short while, pce maids brought in hot water, followed by a granny in gray clothes, about fifty years old, with a neat bun hairstyle. The corners of her eyebrows and mouth drooped down, appearing very stern.


    "Granny Xi!" Yuan Qingling greeted her politely. The Retired Emperor''s people were practically half masters.


    "You may leave!" Granny Xi said to the pce maid by her side.


    "Yes!" The pce maid bowed and retreated.


    Without another word, Granny Xi said to Yuan Qingling, "Let this old servant undress the Consort to apply medicine."


    As she spoke, she took out several bottles of medicinal powder from her sleeve and ced them by the bed.


    As a patient has no dignity, Yuan Qingling allowed her to undress her andy prone on the bed.


    She heard Granny Xi gasp.


    Hearing the sound of scissors, Granny Xi cut open the cloth bandaging her wounds. Piercing pain came, and she couldn''t help but clench her fists.


    "If it''s too painful, Consort may bite down on the bedding," Granny Xi''s voice carried a hint of mncholypassion.


    "Mm!" But Yuan Qingling bit her own hand.


    Such pain, it was the most acute, tearing pain she had suffered in her life.


    Tears of grievance and pain welled up.


    But the door was suddenly pushed open as someone strode in quickly.


    Yuan Qingling was shocked. From the footsteps she knew who it was. She pulled up the bedding to try to cover her body. But Granny Xi pressed down her hand and said indifferently, "It''s Prince Chu who hase, no need to move!"


    It was because it was Prince Chu that she wanted to cover up!


    Yuwen Hao had not expected Granny Xi to be here. He really could not restrain himself and wanted toe ask questions, but happened to see Granny Xi treating her injuries.


    The chest full of anger and doubts were suddenly stuck in his throat.


    Seeing her wounds, his eyes darkened.


    On her back, thighs, and buttocks, wherever the cloth strips were cut open, it was a bloody mess, seeping blood.


    Her wounds really had not been treated.


    Yuan Qingling had been able to hold back her tears, but being stared at naked like this by him was even more humiliating than the pain. She shed silent tears.


    Drop by drop, she bit her hand desperately, not daring to sob aloud, but unable to control the trembling of her shoulders.


    Yuwen Hao''s fury actually slowly dissipated. At this time, he was not thinking about her scheming against him at the Princess''s residence, but recalled what she had furiously said yesterday when cornered, and the madness as if driven to desperation and forced to fight back.


    That ferocity contrasted sharply with her current fragile weeping.


    Granny Xi finished cutting the cloth strips and said indifferently to Prince Chu, "Please bring over a hot towel."


    Yuwen Hao turned and saw a basin of hot water next to him. He soaked a towel in the water, wrung it out, and handed it over.


    "Wipe her," Granny Xi said.


    Yuwen Hao did not move, frowning. The wounds were almost impossible to handle, and most importantly, he was unwilling to touch this woman.


    Granny Xi sighed, took it from him, "Made of flesh and blood, my prince!"


    Yuwen Hao had been raised by Granny Xi, and naturally did not dare refute her, though his face kept shifting between green and red.


    The towel gently dabbed her wounds. Yuan Qingling''s whole body shook, sobbing stuck in her throat. This sound was even more pitiful than crying out loud.


    "How did you endure such wounds for a whole day and night?" Granny Xi sighed, ncing reproachfully at Yuwen Hao, "If you won''t wash the wounds, at least you could have applied medicinal powder?"


    Yuwen Hao took the medicinal powder and sprinkled it over Yuan Qingling''s massive wounds. The flesh that had been moist now looked much drier after the powder.


    But the wounds appeared even more mottled and horrifying coated in white powder.


    Yuan Qingling started coughing, and once she started, she almost could not stop. She coughed so hard her whole body curled up, coughing until tears spilled out. In her fluster she still did not forget to cover her chest with cloth, looking wretched and pitiful.


    A mouthful of bright blood sprayed from her mouth,


    Sttering like a huge, brilliant red peony blossom on the white pillow.


    Granny Xi''s expression changed. Looking up at Yuwen Hao, she said, "You¡ª"


    But the words stuck in her throat. After all, this was the child she doted on, and she could not bear to reprimand him. She only shook her head, "Such suffering, which consort must suffer like this? What heinous crime wasmitted?"


    "I''m going to die, aren''t I?" Yuan Qingling knew it was because of the Purple Gold Soup. She did not know what was in it, but this bout of hemoptysis was probably because of the Purple Gold Soup. At the time, her granny and Green Bud had fed it to her, and she could tell the Purple Gold Soup was toxic.


    She grabbed Yuwen Hao''s sleeve, her pale face raised slightly. Blood still lingered at the corner of her mouth, pulling so hard made her grit her teeth in pain. Looking at Yuwen Hao, her eyes were nearly mad with determination.


    "I beg one thing of you. Before I die, divorce me. I''d rather die than be this Prince''s Consort."

 Chapter 26: The Medicine He Gave

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    Yuwen Hao was shocked in his heart. She said she would rather die than be the King of Chu''s concubine?


    How ridiculous. Wasn''t this position as the King of Chu''s concubine what she had desperately sought after using every trick up her sleeve?


    "Wake up and exin yourself clearly!" A surge of indescribable anger rushed up in Yuwen Hao. He held up her face and pped her.


    Xi Mama was furious. She stood up and blocked in front of Yuan Qingling, saying, "How can you bear to do this? Prince, how have you be so vicious? Even if you don''t have marital affection, even a stranger wouldn''t treat her like this! How can you be so heartless?"


    Yuwen Hao nced at Yuan Qingling''s frighteningly pale face. The tears in her eyes had already welled up, but she was forcing herself not to let them fall, looking stubborn and cold.


    He actually couldn''t stand looking at her stubbornness and turned to leave.


    Standing under the locust tree outside the side hall, watching the yellow leaves swirling in the wind in front of him, his heart also felt like a great wind had blown through, filled with indescribable emotions.


    "King of Chu!" Behind him came the voice of Concubine Chu Mingcui of Qi.


    Yuwen Hao collected himself and turned to look at her.


    She stood in front of the corridor, her skirt trailing behind her, her bearing noble and elegant, like a fairy descending to earth.


    Her beauty had always been outstanding and unmatched.


    Childhood sweethearts, yet she had be another''s wife. In his heart, there was a faint piercing pain.


    Seeing the hidden grief in his eyes, Chu Mingcui finally felt a trace of smug satisfaction.


    He still couldn''t forget her after all.


    She raised her eyebrows, speaking with some gratification, "The Supreme Emperor''s illness has stabilized now, and Father Emperor''s attitude towards you has also changed slightly. I''m also happy for you."


    He neither agreed nor disagreed.


    After a long silence, she said faintly, "How are you?"


    Yuwen Hao lowered his eyes. "What''s there to be good or bad about? I''m still alive."


    Chu Mingcui gave a sadugh. "Yes, what''s there to be good or bad about? Being alive is enough. I only hope now that what I fear will not happen."


    Yuwen Hao looked up at her. "What are you afraid of?"


    With eyes brimming with tears, Chu Mingcui''s eyshes fluttered lightly as she said softly, "I''m afraid that one day, for the sake of that position, you and him will fight to the death."


    Yuwen Hao was silent for a long while before slowly shaking his head. "No, I have no other thoughts. Don''t worry too much. I made you a promise before, and I will honor it."


    Chu Mingcui let out a soft sigh, looking at his handsome face. "You know, I''ve always hoped it would be you." Having said that, she blinked her eyshes, tears welling up, making sure he saw it before slowly turning to leave.


    He stood there woodenly, thinking not of Chu Mingcui''s meaningful gaze just now, but of Yuan Qingling''s pained and resolute face.


    Xi Mama came out with water and stood behind him for a while before gently saying, "Prince, go back in. Everything can be talked through clearly."


    Yuwen Hao nodded slightly and turned to go back in. He did indeed have a lot to ask Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling was still lying face down on the bed. Her clothes were just lightly draped over her back and covered with a brocade quilt. Her face was tilted to the side, pale.


    Seeing Yuwen Haoe in, she slowly closed her eyes, exhaustion evident in the faint dark circles under them. The shadows cast by her eyshes made her look weak and fatigued.


    Yuwen Hao had calmed down a lot more. He pulled up a chair and sat in front of the bed. "We need to have a good talk."


    Yuan Qingling didn''t open her eyes, just said indifferently, "As long as you don''t hit me, I''m willing to have a good talk anytime."


    Her words were calm and breezy.


    Yuwen Hao narrowed his long eyes. Looking over all her injuries, this breeziness felt somewhat sarcastic.


    Yuan Qingling slowly opened her eyes to look at him. "No need to guess. My words represent what I''m thinking. Since the Prince is willing tomunicate, I wee it. I''m not a masochist who needs to be beaten up before I''ll cooperate."


    Yuwen Hao naturally didn''t believe her. He leaned back in his chair, feet pressed against the bed frame, the chill still evident on his face. Both his body and mind rejected Yuan Qingling.


    However, Yuan Qingling''s words undoubtedly reduced his rejection and disgust somewhat.


    "What medicine did you give the Emperor?"


    "Emergency medicine, can be used for heart attack, heart failure and breathing difficulties." Yuan Qingling replied.


    "Who gave you the medicine?"


    "No one. It was my own."


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes were cold. "Clearly, you''re unwilling to tell the truth."


    "It''s because you don''t believe me that makes you think I''m not telling the truth."


    Of course Yuwen Hao didn''t believe her. How could she have gotten these medicines herself? However, he also understood that if someone highly skilled had given her these lifesaving divine medicines and told her to keep it secret, it would be normal.


    He asked again, "What poison did you give me that made me lose consciousness and be unable to move?"


    "That wasn''t poison, it was anesthetic, for surgery, simr in effect to zijin soup."


    Yuwen Hao coldly said, "Zijin soup is poison."


    Yuan Qingling looked at him. "So the medicine you made me drink was poison."


    Yuwen Hao was silent, tacitly admitting it.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Forget it, be it poison or divine medicine, I don''t care anymore. It''s just this life. If you really can''t stand the sight of me, then take it. But as long as I live one more day, please don''t always make things difficult for me. At least while I''m treating the Emperor, please be more tolerant. For past matters, after I leave the pce, I will give you an exnation."


    Yuwen Hao coldly said, "If anything happens to the Emperor under your care, I will hold you ountable."


    Yuan Qingling retorted, "Then what if the Emperor recovers? Will you give me credit for that?"


    Yuwen Hao narrowed his eyes and leaned over her, his cold eyes shing in front of her for a moment. "I will. I clearly distinguish between gratitude and grudges."


    He then stood up, pulling the chair back and tossed a pill onto the table. "Later, have Xi Mama give it to you to take." Having said that, he turned and left.


    Yuan Qingling was somewhat surprised by his answer. Clearly distinguishing between gratitude and grudges? Would he?


    She didn''t know about gratitude, but she was certain he clearly distinguished grudges. At least, he held a grudge against the original Yuan Qingling for scheming against him, and hadn''t let Yuan Qingling have a single good day.


    She was extremely exhausted and soon fell into a deep sleep.


    She didn''t know how long she had slept. When she awoke, she saw Xi Mama sitting at her bedside.


    Seeing her awake, Xi Mama felt her forehead and said, "Your fever''s gone down."


    Yuan Qingling also felt her spirits had improved somewhat. She croaked, "Thank you for taking care of me, Mama."


    "Don''t mention it!" Xi Mama''s expression was indifferent. She got up and poured a cup of water, taking the pill Yuwen Hao had left anding over. "Take your medicine."


    "What medicine is this?" Yuan Qingling propped herself up to look at the glossy red pill, like a chocte truffle.


    "Zijin Dan."


    "Zijin Dan?" What was it now, Zijin soup wasn''t enough she had to take Zijin Dan too?


    Xi Mama said, "It reduces bruising and regenerates flesh, extremely good for your injuries. This pill is worth thousands in gold. Each prince only has one. It can save your life if you''re gravely injured."


    "So miraculous? What is it made of?" Yuan Qingling was very interested in studying medicine, so she took it and sniffed it. It had a very strong notoginseng smell. Was it made with notoginseng?


    "I don''t know, just that it''s extremely precious. The Prince..." Xi Mama looked at her. "When the Prince was once gravely wounded by an arrow, he didn''t even bear to take this pill."


    Yuan Qingling felt a littleplicated inside. This pill was so precious, yet he was willing to give it to her. Naturally, it meant he believed she could cure the Emperor.

 Chapter 27: Something Happens to Fubo

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    After eating the Purple Golden Pill, Yuan Qingling slept for over an hour before waking up. As expected, she felt the pain from her wound had reduced significantly. What''s more, she could feel the wound was no longer oozing.


    She got out of bed and walked around. The pain did seem much less intense¡ªat least she could walk without tearing the wound open and causing sharp, stabbing pain.


    Xi Mama came in and saw she was up. "The Consort is awake, good. Go for a walk outside to circte your qi and blood after taking the Purple Golden Pill."


    Yuan Qingling said, "Alright, I was just thinking of going for a walk."


    "This old servant will apany you."


    The two had just stepped out of the courtyard when they saw a panicking young eunuch rushing over, his face pale. "Consort, Prince Chu urgently requests your presence in Qian Kun Hall!"


    Xi Mama grabbed his arm. "What''s happened? Why are you in such a rush?"


    The eunuch looked on the verge of tears. "Fubao fell from Wenchang Tower. He''s barely breathing. When the Retired Emperor heard, he immediately fainted. The hall is in chaos. They''ve sent for the Emperor already."


    Xi Mama paled in shock. The Retired Emperor doted on Fubao like his own grandson. If anything happened to Fubao, the heartbreak and fury would surely exacerbate his illness.


    Sudden distress was the worst thing for his condition. She hurriedly called to Yuan Qingling, but saw she had already rushed off despite her injuries.


    Yuan Qingling strode quickly to Qian Kun Hall. It was indeed chaotic inside. The Empress and Chu Mingcui stood anxiously to one side while Yuwen Hao and Prince Qi were at the bedside. The imperial physician was also frantically taking the pulse and examining the Retired Emperor.


    Neither the Emperor nor Empress Dowager had arrived yet.


    Yuan Qingling hurried over and whispered something in Yuwen Hao''s ear. He nced at her, then went to hold off the physician first. "Doctor, how is His Majesty?"


    Yuan Qingling immediately came over and slipped a Lingshidan pill under the Retired Emperor''s tongue. With her back to the Empress and Chu Mingcui, they didn''t see her actions, but Chu Mingcui kept her eyes fixed on Yuan Qingling, noticing something amiss.


    The Retired Emperor was fine, just a brief fainting spell.


    Seeing the physician step up to administer acupuncture after Yuan Qingling gave him the pill and his breathing grew steadier, she let out a breath in relief and stepped away, asking the eunuch from before, "Where''s Fubao?"


    The eunuch said, "The Consort of Prince Qi was afraid of distressing the Retired Emperor, so she had Fubao buried outside the hall."


    "He wasn''t dead yet?" Hearing this, Yuan Qingling panicked, hair standing on end as she rushed outside.


    Sure enough, she saw two eunuchs digging a hole under the sophora tree while Fubaoy bloodied on a small brocade nket, barely clinging to life.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t hesitate to gather Fubao and the nket into her arms and hurry towards the West Warm Pavilion.


    Seeing it was the Consort of Prince Chu, the two eunuchs didn''t dare obstruct her and could only watch as she took Fubao away.


    Yuwen Hao had called Yuan Qingling over to treat the Retired Emperor. But after giving him something, she''d run off instead. Fortunately the Retired Emperor revived, so he went after her to rebuke Yuan Qingling, only to see her carrying Fubao away.


    Yuan Qingling rushed back to the West Warm Pavilion andid Fubao on the bed. She took out a stethoscope and listened to Fubao''s heart, abdomen, lungs and spleen.


    As she''d guessed, the fall from such a height had ruptured his spleen.


    "Good boy, this is going to be tough, but you have to pull through!" Yuan Qingling stroked Fubao''s head. Though his eyes were open and blood dribbled from his mouth, he seemed to understand her words, feebly trying to strike his former vigorous pose but unable to do more than let his paws slowly go limp.


    Before opening her medicine chest, Yuan Qingling closed her eyes and prayed for surgical instruments.


    When she opened it, her heart sank.


    The chest contained a full set of surgical supplies.


    This wretched yet lovable medicine chest.


    She hurriedly set up an IV drip to stop the bleeding. Just as she finished, the door opened.


    "You''re not with His Majesty..." The words faded on his lips as he saw the scalpel in Yuan Qingling''s hand pointed right at him.


    "Help me!" said Yuan Qingling.


    "Fubao..."


    "He can still make it!" Yuan Qingling swiftly exined, throwing him a towel she''d used to wipe blood earlier. "I''m going to operate to repair his ruptured spleen. Help suction away the blood. The Retired Emperor cares deeply for Fubao. His death would be a tremendous blow that could directly impact his illness."


    Yuwen Hao took the towel, staring dazedly as she put on a surgical mask. She looked ugly like this, yet strangely beautiful at the same time.


    After anaesthetising and shaving the incision site, Yuan Qingling swiftly located the spleen with practiced, professional motions.


    "Suction the blood!" Seeing Yuwen Hao frozen and staring at her, she shouted.


    Jolted back to awareness, he used the towel to soak up the blood around the incision. She then plunged her bare hands in. It was quite a gory scene, yet she showed no trace of fear or disgust.


    Blood sttered onto her face, forehead and eyebrows.


    "A blood vessel burst!" Yuan Qingling''s expression shifted slightly. "Got to suture it first."


    He instinctively reached over to wipe the blood off her forehead and brows. It had stained the space between her brows like an enormous mole, strangely bewitching.


    "Thanks!" said Yuan Qingling with her head lowered, using mps on the vessel before threading it with forceps and stitching it up.


    The blood vessel was repaired but the spleen continued bleeding heavily.


    Growing anxious, Yuan Qingling spoke as she stitched, "Hang in there Fubao. We can get through this. You must get well¡ªthe Retired Emperor needs you."


    Yuwen Hao found himself anxiously concerned for a mere dog.


    "Doesn''t this hurt him?" he finally couldn''t resist asking.


    "He''s anaesthetised!" Yuan Qingling replied without looking up.


    "..." He had suffered the same fate as this dog!


    Watching heryer byyer suturing Fubao''s skin and flesh with the expertise of sewing clothes, more questions sprouted in his mind.


    But he was too proud to ask.


    "The surgery is done. Whether he survives depends on his fate now," said Yuan Qingling with a breath of relief as she started cleaning away the blood.


    Fubaoy motionless on his back, tongue lolling out at an angle, eyes closed¡ªthe very picture of pitifulness.


    Yuwen Hao rose to his feet. Half-squatting for nearly an hour had numbed his legs.


    Only then did he realise how tiring that posture was, especially for her with injuries. Yet she hadn''t made a single sound of pain this whole time. This woman''s endurance was astounding.


    "What should we do with Fubao? Leave him here?" asked Yuwen Hao.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him. "Fubao wouldn''t have jumped from that high up himself."


    Yuwen Hao''s gaze shifted subtly. "What do you mean?"


    "I don''t know," said Yuan Qingling, leaving it at that. Yuwen Hao would understand.


    Harming Fubao could impact the Retired Emperor''s condition.


    Fubao''s ident had immediately caused the Retired Emperor''s illness to act up. From this, the culprit''s motive was clear.


    "Yuan Qingling, don''t mention your spections to anyone for now," said Yuwen Hao heavily.


    Yuan Qingling wiped her hands. "Your Highness, even if I don''t say it, His Majesty will realise."


    Yuwen Hao said solemnly, "No matter who guesses, both you and I will keep our mouths shut about this."


    Seeing his grave, sombre expression, Yuan Qingling knew he had been gued by misfortune this past year. No matter what happened, the me always somehownded on him in the end.


    Yuwen Hao suddenly said, "Fubao fell from Wenchang Tower."


    His face turned ashen.

 Chapter 28: He Is Suspected

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    Yuan Qingling could tell from his expression.


    "Were they after you? Were you at the Wenchang Tower?"


    Yuwen Hao didn''t answer. He slowly sat down, looking at the miserable state of Fortune the dog, fury rose in his heart.


    "They wanted to kill two birds with one stone, harming the Emperor Emeritus, then implicating me as well." Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling was silent for a moment, then said to him: "Even if they can''t harm the Emperor Emeritus, they will certainly try to bring you down with this. It''s not normal, the Emperor will investigate for sure, and at that time, I''m afraid you won''t easily get off. And even if the Emperor doesn''t me you, the Emperor Emeritus will be disappointed with you."


    She didn''t say thest sentence out loud.


    That he would no longer have a chance at being Crown Prince.


    Yuwen Hao was silent for a long time, his brows furrowed, his eyes freezing over.


    He looked frightening like this, Yuan Qingling didn''t dare provoke him.


    She didn''t want to know about these convoluted schemes and plots.


    But since this would eventually affect her, the Princess Consort of Chu, she still couldn''t help asking: "Other than you, who else was at the Wenchang Tower?"


    Yuwen Hao suddenly looked up sharply, "What are you implying?"


    "Chu Mingcui!" Yuan Qingling blurted out.


    "Silence!" Yuwen Hao''s eyes filled with fury. "Who told you to make wild guesses?"


    Yuan Qingling didn''t confront his anger head-on. She sat next to Fortune and stroked his fur, saying lightly: "You should hurry to the Emperor Emeritus'' side to keep watch. When the Emperor Emeritus wakes up, the Emperor will surely order an investigation, it''s best if you''re present."


    Yuwen Hao turned and strode out, his face icy.


    Yuan Qingling looked at Fortune with a gentle sigh. Since someone wanted to harm Fortune, she couldn''t guard him herself. If she was lured away for a moment, they could make their move. For Fortune to survive this cmity, he had to stay by the Emperor Emeritus'' side.


    She wrapped Fortune in a brocade nket and picked him up, heading for the Hall of Heaven and Earth.


    It was the Emperor Emeritus who ordered the thorough investigation into Fortune''s incident.


    The Emperor Emeritus knew Fortune''s temperament well. Fortune was afraid of heights, even going down stone steps made his legs tremble. He would never go up the Wenchang Tower, nor would he jump down from it.


    Therefore, after the Emperor Emeritus awoke, he immediately ordered a full investigation. When Ming Yuan Emperor came and got a clear picture of the situation, he was also furious, beating the little eunuch responsible for walking the dogs twenty heavy strikes first.


    The one in charge of the investigation was Guard Commander Gu Si.


    There weren''t many people in the Hall of Heaven and Earth, so questioning them finished quickly.


    The testimonies all pointed at Chu Prince Yuwen Hao.


    Some saw that it was Yuwen Hao who carried Fortune up the Wenchang Tower.


    "Summon Chu Prince!" Ming Yuan Emperor''s expression was grim.


    Yuwen Hao had just arrived at the pce, and upon hearing Ming Yuan Emperor''s angry order, his heart sank. Without waiting for Gu Si toe for him, he strode into the hall.


    Inside the hall, several princes like Ruixiao Prince, Qi Prince, Ji Prince had also arrived. The Empress and Chu Mingcui stood at the Empress Dowager''s side attending to her. The Emperor Emeritus sat up halfway in bed, his expression unreadable. Eunuch Chang stood by the bed waiting upon him with tea.


    "Chu Prince!" Gu Si stepped forward, his gaze somewhatplex. "Did you bring Fortune up the Wenchang Tower today?"


    Yuwen Hao was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Yes."


    Ming Yuan Emperor''s expression immediately darkened. "What did you bring Fortune to the Wenchang Tower for?"


    Yuwen Hao was silent again for a moment. "This child was feeling stifled and wanted to get some air at the Wenchang Tower. Fortune followed along, so I picked him up on a whim."


    "When you left the Wenchang Tower, did Fortune follow you down?" Gu Si asked.


    Yuwen Hao shook his head. "At the time, I didn''t notice."


    "You are usually observant, and you know Fortune is your emperor emeritus'' beloved pet. How could you have not noticed?"


    Ming Yuan Emperor''s words were sharp. He was clearly implying that Yuwen Hao had always tried to curry favor with the Emperor Emeritus by fawning over the dog. The atmosphere in the hall was very tense.


    Even the Empress Dowager was startled.


    She said: "Forget it, why make your own son lose face over a dog? Even if it was Fifth Brother who brought him up, he certainly wouldn''t have thrown Fortune down. Fifth Brother is quite fond of Fortune."


    The Empress Dowager didn''t know that Ming Yuan Emperor had other thoughts in mind. She only felt that he was making a big fuss over a trivial matter - it was just a dog after all. Coaxing the Emperor Emeritus and investigating is one thing, but why embarrass Fifth Brother in front of so many people?


    Seeing that Ming Yuan Emperor remained silent with a dark expression, the Empress Dowager turned to the Emperor Emeritus: "Emperor Emeritus, say something! Fortune is already gone, you can''t punish the prince over a dog."


    But the Emperor Emeritus was looking at Yuwen Hao. "Who else was at the Wenchang Tower after you left?"


    There was a sh of hesitation in Yuwen Hao''s eyes. "In response to Emperor Emeritus, no one."


    When Yuan Qingling entered, she heard the Emperor Emeritus ask Yuwen Hao this. After hearing Yuwen Hao''s reply, she was almost certain there was someone else at the Wenchang Tower.


    But this person was someone he wanted to protect.


    Yuan Qingling nced at Chu Mingcui. She stood by the Empress'' side, hands sped, listening to Yuwen Hao''s answer. Her eyes clearly shed at that moment.


    Eunuch Chang''s eyes were sharp. He saw that Yuan Qingling was holding a brocade nket, Fortune''s nket, now stained with blood. He was displeased, what was the Princess Consort of Chu doing? She knew the Emperor Emeritus was distressed over Fortune, yet she still brought Fortune''s bloody nket in, wasn''t that deliberately provoking the Emperor Emeritus'' sadness?


    He hurriedly went to stop Yuan Qingling, but she had already entered the hall.


    Everyone else also saw her and the nket she held.


    Ming Yuan Emperor''s expression grew even darker, and was about to scold her when Yuan Qingling bent her knees in a bow. "Emperor Emeritus, Father Emperor, I treated Fortune''s injuries, he still hasn''t woken, afraid that the Emperor Emeritus would worry for him, I brought him over first for you to see."


    The Emperor Emeritus'' eyes opened wide. "Bring him here quickly!"


    Yuan Qingling went to the bedside, cing Fortune and the nket on the floor. Fortune was still unconscious but breathing.


    The Emperor Emeritus propped himself up to take a look, then asked Yuan Qingling, "How are his injuries? Why is he asleep?"


    "There shouldn''t be major issues now. Your daughter-inw fed him some medicine to treat internal injuries, I got it from the Prince earlier." As she spoke, she nced back at Yuwen Hao.


    Chu Mingcui''s voice rang out. "I wonder what medicine was given that could save Fortune from the brink of death."


    Yuan Qingling turned to look at Chu Mingcui. "Purple Gold Elixir. The Prince said Fortune is the Emperor Emeritus'' beloved pet. Afraid that Fortune''s plight would affect the Emperor Emeritus'' health, he fed Fortune the Purple Gold Elixir to see if it could save his life."


    The Empress Dowager eximed, looking at Yuwen Hao reproachfully. "How muddled you are! You only had one pellet of Purple Gold Elixir, even you didn''t bear to consume it yourself, yet you fed it to Fortune?"


    Yuwen Hao nced at Yuan Qingling. Yuan Qingling stood calmly, her gaze clear.


    He said softly: "Seeing the Emperor Emeritus fall ill over Fortune''s matter, this child acted rashly in the moment..."


    That he was willing to use the precious Purple Gold Elixir to save Fortune showed that he didn''t harm Fortune.


    Ming Yuan Emperor''s expression also softened slightly. Ruixiao Prince took the chance to say: "Fortune must have wandered up the Wenchang Tower on his own impulse and identally fell over the railing. This was an ident."


    Ming Yuan Emperor seemed to ept this exnation as well, especially seeing the Emperor Emeritus'' intention to let the matter rest.


    The Emperor Emeritus said: "Gu Si, take Fortune away to recuperate."


    The Emperor Emeritus waved a hand. "No need. Let him stay by my side to heal. I''m tired, Princess Consort Chu, continue attending me here. Everyone else, withdraw!"

 Chapter 29: The Emperor in My Heart

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    After everyone had left the hall, the Retired Emperor looked at Eunuch Chang with displeasure. Why was he standing there motionless like a wooden statue? Didn''t he know when to make himself scarce?


    Eunuch Chang nced resentfully at Yuan Qingling. Ever since the Princess Consort of Chu had entered the pce to care for the Retired Emperor during his illness, he had lost his standing with the Retired Emperor. But considering that she and the Prince of Chu had saved Fubao, he let it go.


    Eunuch Chang dismissed all the pce maids waiting outside as well, leaving the hall quiet.


    The Retired Emperor nced at Yuan Qingling. "What''s on Fubao''s belly?"


    "A centipede...I think!" Yuan Qingling replied weakly.


    No one else had stared at Fubao''s belly earlier. After all, Fubao was covered in blood all over.


    Only a true devoted owner would notice.


    "Still not telling the truth? Do I need to ask my grandson to interrogate you before you speak?" said the Retired Emperor coldly.


    What business was it of hers to be interrogated? It would be best if he was flogged with thirty heavy strokes to vent his anger.


    Of course, she did not dare say this aloud. Under the Retired Emperor''s piercing stare, she said, "Fubao''s spleen ruptured. It required surgical incision and suturing. The scar that looks like a centipede is from the stitching of the wound."


    The Retired Emperor closed his mouth. He really wanted to ask how this procedure was done, but his dignity did not allow him to ask. He could not admit to not having heard of such a treatment method before.


    "Who took the Imperial Purple Gold Elixir?" the Retired Emperor asked next.


    Yuan Qingling said, "I did."


    "My grandson has treated you quite well," nodded the Retired Emperor.


    Yuan Qingling could not agree with this. With his readiness to flog people at any moment and p them on impulse, how could this be considered good treatment?


    "What exactly happened with the injuries?" the Retired Emperor asked again.


    Now Yuan Qingling did not dare tell the truth. "It really was from a fall," she said evasively.


    "Being so stubborn and not speaking a word of truth, you really deserve a beating. He has hit you too little," the Retired Emperor snorted.


    Yuan Qingling lowered her head. "The truth is always unpleasant to hear."


    "Does this old man not have enough pleasant words in my life? But I have not heard many words of blunt honesty. Will you speak or not?"


    Yuan Qingling stood woodenly for a moment before replying softly, "From a caning."


    "What offense wasmitted?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "I don''t know."


    "So you are using my grandson of caning you for no reason?" His eyebrows shot up.


    Yuan Qingling truly could not fathom what the Retired Emperor had in mind. She only felt that he was being overbearing yet not deeply malicious. She answered perfunctorily, but he saw through it. Tell the truth and he was unhappy. The people of the Yuwen n were really hard to serve.


    "It''s time for medicine!" Yuan Qingling changed the subject as she walked behind the curtain to fetch some medicine and brought it over with water to the bedside.


    The Retired Emperor was exasperated. "So young yet bearing grudges already."


    Although he grumbled, he still swallowed the medicine.


    After taking the medicine, the Retired Emperory down and exhaled in relief. "After a brush with death three times, I fear the next will truly end me. Princess Consort of Chu, helping me battle evil spirits, you are weak and powerless. How will you know how you died?"


    Yuan Qingling was taken aback for a moment, seeing the Retired Emperor''s meaningful expression.


    The old fellow''s mind was bright and clear.


    He knew someone wanted to harm him.


    Yuan Qingling said lightly, "A life is trivial to give up if needed."


    The Retired Emperor was somewhat surprised. His gaze on Yuan Qingling gradually filled with appreciation, though his mouth remained venomous. "I''m afraid you won''t find death so easy. You''ll be tortured to the verge of dying yet unable to."


    "Then I have no fear of that either!" said Yuan Qingling.


    It wasn''t fearlessness, but fear was useless.


    "Among the many people in this hall earlier, who were human and who were monsters, could you discern?" asked the Retired Emperor.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "I cannot tell."


    "Look closely. As long as your heart is calm enough, your eyes sharp enough, the fiends will slowly surface. Ambition cannot be hidden. When you see clearly, I will tell you how to deal with them."


    Yuan Qingling was truly confused now. "Since you already know who is human and monster, why don''t you take action?"


    "Because I cannot eliminate them all. Eliminate the monsters, and those who were originally human will slowly turn into monsters too. Ambition devours one''s true nature. As for me, I already have one foot in the coffin. Ick the strength. They are all of the Yuwen n, my descendants, to kill one is to injure myself once."


    After the Retired Emperor said this, he slowly closed his eyes.


    Yuan Qingling felt these words were somewhat sad. He was the reigning Retired Emperor, of the highest status, yet unfortunately, he could not even deal with those harming him.


    "My grandson is clever but unfortunately blind!" the Retired Emperor muttered with eyes closed.


    Yuan Qingling tucked his quilt around him. "Sleep."


    But the Retired Emperor suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed her wrist. "I hope your medical skills can cure the blindness in his eyes."


    Yuan Qingling looked into the Retired Emperor''s anxious, worried eyes and said gently, "When the heart is blind, no medical skill can cure it."


    The Retired Emperor closed his eyes again, clearly agreeing with her words.


    After a while, soft snores could be heard as the Retired Emperor fell asleep.


    But Fubao woke up, stirring slightly and whimpering.


    Yuan Qingling squatted down and stroked its head. "Tell me, who hurt you?"


    Fubao whimpered three times, stating a name Yuan Qingling could understand.


    "Good boy, don''t be afraid. It''s alright, she can''t hurt you anymore." Yuan Qingling consoled.


    Fubao licked her hand, its gaze extremely dependent.


    After a while, Yuan Qingling walked out of the hall. Eunuch Chang was waiting outside.


    "The Retired Emperor is sleeping. I trouble Public to keep watch," she said.


    Eunuch Chang made a sound of agreement. "Princess Consort, this old servant has had food prepared. Go eat something."


    "You have my thanks!"


    "The meal is set up in the West Warm Chamber. The Prince should also be there."


    "Has the Princess Consort of Qi left the pce?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Eunuch Chang said, "She should also be in the West Warm Chamber. The Prince of Qi is there too."


    Yuan Qingling strode towards the West Warm Chamber.


    Upon arriving at the West Warm Chamber, she did not see Yuwen Hao or the Prince of Qi, only Chu Mingcui standing in the corridor.


    Looking at Yuan Qingling, her eyes were cold and mocking, with an arrogant smile at the corners of her lips.


    As Yuan Qingling approached, Chu Mingcui suddenly said softly, "Do you really think you''ve won his heart? Dream on. He can''t forget me. He won''t love you his whole life. You can''t even match up to a substitute."


    Yuan Qingling watched her calmly. Chu Mingcui, talented beauty of the capital, gentle, humble, knowledgeable and reasonable. Everyone sang her praises.


    But now her curled lips mocked, ambition nakedly revealed, ugly to the extreme.


    "It was you who threw Fubao down, right?" Yuan Qingling asked evenly.


    The Retired Emperor said that as long as the heart was calm enough, everything could be seen clearly.


    Chu Mingcui gave a coldugh. "A woman''s thoughts really are meticulous and sensitive. You know about me and the Prince of Chu at Wenchang Tower, but it''s a pity it''s just your spection. No one will believe you, only think you are ndering me. The Prince of Chu would rather die himself than protect me."


    "I know no one will believe what I say. I just want to confirm whether my inference is correct. You threw Fubao down, right?" Yuan Qingling asked again.


    Chu Mingcui leaned to her ear and said proudly yet gently, "You guessed right, it was me. Do you want to know what the Prince of Chu said to me at Wenchang Tower? He said you are filthy and disgusting, he has to take medicine even to touch you."


    "He said that to you?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "If not from him, how would I know?" Chu Mingcuiughed unrestrainedly. She watched Yuan Qingling, waiting to see her reaction. With Yuan Qingling''s usual temperament, she would surely go mad.

 Chapter 30: Make it Clear

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    However, Yuan Qingling just stood there quietly, with no trace of anger on her face, not even a hint of care.


    Chu Mingcui didn''t believe she was really indifferent, and continued to provoke, "Don''t you want to know why he said those things to me?"


    Yuan Qingling suddenly grabbed her wrist and dragged her in, "I want to know, but I think there''s nothing the four of us can''t sit down and talk about nicely."


    She was certain that Yuwen Hao and Prince Qi were in the hall. Based on what she had learned about the situation so far, she also knew why the Prince and Princess of Qi hade to find Yuwen Hao, so Chu Mingcui must be standing outside and not going in.


    She saw here up with an excuse to insult and provoke her, willing to do anything to anger her and prevent her from staying in the pce and getting close to the Retired Emperor.


    "Let go of me!" Chu Mingcui didn''t expect her to do this, and turned pale with fright. With a flick of her pinky finger, the sharp edge swept across Yuan Qingling''s wrist, trying to force Yuan Qingling to let go.


    Yuan Qingling had a stubborn temper since she was young. If she wanted to do something, she would do it even if she had to stake her life on it.


    So all the way in, droplets of blood dripped down, staining the floor in clusters of pomegranate flowers.


    "Prince Chu, Prince Qi!" After taking the reckless approach, Yuan Qingling no longer cared about etiquette. She dragged Chu Mingcui directly into a chair and sat her down, then took out a handkerchief to bandage her own wound, not forgetting to say, "The Princess of Qi has something to tell us."


    Seeing her manhandle Chu Mingcui, Yuwen Hao''s eyes darkened and he asked coldly, "What are you trying to do?"


    Chu Mingcui had just been in an awkward situation, but after sitting down, she immediately tidied up her appearance and looked at Yuan Qingling lightly.


    She didn''t believe Yuan Qingling would dare to repeat what she had said earlier. Not only was Prince Chu here, but Prince Qi was also present. Anyone with a sense of shame would not speak of bedroom matters.


    But she had misjudged. Yuan Qingling raised her head to look straight at Prince Chu after bandaging her wrist, "Just now, the Princess of Qi told me that when you were alone with her on Wenchang Tower, you told her you have to take medicine in order to consummate our marriage, and that you can never forget her in this lifetime, telling me to give up hope. Finally, she said she was the one who threw Fu Bao down, and since she was willing to tell me this, I''m sure she can say it in front of you as well."


    Chu Mingcui''s face changed dramatically. She immediately covered her face and cried, her whole body trembling, "You...why are you fabricating this? Why are you trying to frame me?"


    Yuwen Hao stood up and walked over to Yuan Qingling. His whole being was gloomy and terrifying, his eyes swirling with storms as he raised his hand, looking like he was about to p her.


    Yuan Qingling raised her head, anger bursting in her eyes, "Go ahead and hit me. If you p me, I guarantee none of us four will live. I''m willing to stake my life ying this game with you!"


    Yuan Qingling had touched Yuwen Hao''s reverse scale, and the anger in his eyes grew even stronger. His hand swung down, but Prince Qi quickly stood up to grab Yuwen Hao''s hand, "Fifth Brother, don''t argue with such a shrew."


    Yuan Qingling pulled out her hairpin, seeking to protect herself. She looked extremely angry and agitated. "Prince Qi, shut up. If I''m a shrew, your princess is a poisonous woman. What can you do after marrying a poisonous woman? Does she really love you? She only loves that you''re the Emperor''s son."


    Prince Qi''s eyes were cold as he said, "This prince has seen bold women before, but never one as malicious as you. Aren''t you afraid of divine retribution for ndering Mingcui like this and distorting right and wrong?"


    When Yuan Qingling heard this, she almost wanted tough. Divine retribution? Were these the words of a prince?


    No wonder Chu Mingcui was so impatient. She had married a heartless man. If she didn''t make ns, when would things ever happen?


    Chu Mingcui was still crying, but in her heart she scolded Prince Qi for being stupid.


    She knew that Prince Qi would eventually believe her, but he wouldn''t be able to stand up for her. She could only seek help from Prince Chu.


    She stood up with tears brimming in her eyes and looked at Yuwen Hao pitifully.


    "Prince Chu, I know she hates me, but I didn''t say any of the things she imed earlier. I, Chu Mingcui, would rather die than utter such shameful things."


    In other words, she was not so shameless as to bring up such matters.


    "As for saying I threw Fu Bao down, that is even more preposterous. I have been a vegetarian for years, not viting the precept against killing. I wouldn''t even step on an ant, let alone Fu Bao."


    Her tears slid down her cheeks from the corners of her eyes. The glistening teardrops rolled down her fair cheeks, indescribably pitiful and moving.


    Prince Qi felt extremely distressed and put his arms around her. "Right and wrong are decided by the heart. Don''t argue with such a shrew."


    Chu Mingcui was held in Prince Qi''s embrace, but looked at Yuwen Hao with sorrowful eyes.


    Yuan Qingling watched this scene coldly. She truly felt it wasughable rather than angering.


    A beauty''s words were worth ten thousand of her own arguments.


    However, the wild fury in Yuwen Hao''s eyes gradually faded away, and eventually, his gaze became calm again. He said to Prince Qi, "You two leave first."


    "Alright, we''ll leave first. Fifth Brother, don''t get angry. Just treat it as the ravings of a madwoman." Prince Qi was afraid Yuwen Hao would beat the princess in the pce and make a scene in front of the Emperor, which would be even harder to resolve.


    After speaking, he pulled Chu Mingcui away.


    Chu Mingcui was practically spewing blood. Why were they leaving now? The matter was not yet cleared up.


    She turned reluctantly to look at Yuwen Hao and choked out, "I hope His Highness can restore my innocence."


    Yuwen Hao nodded slightly. "Go back first."


    Chu Mingcui had not received any assurance. She felt very stifled and angry, but now it was inappropriate to make another scene. She had no choice but to leave with Prince Qi.


    She didn''t even dare to give Yuan Qingling a sideways nce.


    Yuwen Hao retracted his gaze and looked at Yuan Qingling, who was gripping the hairpin tightly. Her hair was loose, with two strands falling down, and the hair on her forehead was stuck to the corners of her eyes with sweat. It revealed a pair of phoenix eyes ring fiercely.


    "Don''te near me!" Yuan Qingling held up the hairpin, ring at him. "Don''t go too far. I''m not afraid of you."


    She was already mentally prepared. If he tried to hit her again, even if she couldn''t beat him, she would make sure to injure him before going down.


    Yuwen Hao walked over to her, frightening Yuan Qingling into a reflexive reaction. She directly stabbed the hairpin into his arm.


    The hairpin pierced in.


    She had used all her strength.


    After stabbing him, she was also shocked by her own actions. This was the first time she had ever injured someone with a weapon.


    Blood seeped from his in robe, staining and expanding into a palm-sized blotch.


    Yuwen Hao looked at the flustered Yuan Qingling, and recalled when she had treated Fu Bao, even sticking her hand in to handle the wound and suturing it. Was this the same person?


    Yuwen Hao pulled out the hairpin and tossed it onto her body. She reflexively caught it, then heard him say lightly, "Let''s eat."


    He walked past her and sat down at the dining table.


    And his arm was still bleeding.


    Yuan Qingling tidied her hair and put on the hairpin, carefully watching him, unsure of his intentions.


    Yuwen Hao nced up at her. "Sit down and eat."


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "Exin yourself clearly."


    "Not everything needs to be crystal clear. This prince apologizes for almost hitting you earlier." Yuwen Hao ced the chopsticks on the bowl across from him and said lightly.


    Apologize?


    Yuan Qingling slowly walked over and hesitantly sat down across from him. Yuwen Hao cleared his throat, frightening Yuan Qingling into leaping up. She grabbed the hairpin with one hand and pointed it at him sharply, shouting, "What are you trying to do?"

 Chapter 31: See Him not in the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    Yuwen Hao picked up his chopsticks and ate the now cold food, ncing at her lightly, "Want to fight? Eat your fill first to have strength to fight."


    Yuan Qingling knew she had misunderstood, feeling a little embarrassed, and put her hairpin back on before sitting down again.


    She was indeed quite desperately hungry, ever sinceing here, she had been starving her stomach.


    Because she was always on guard in her heart, she ate very quickly, bolting it down.


    While Yuwen Hao ate slowly and steadily, his expression still gloomy, but his whole person seemed especially calm, it''s just that this calmness, made people feel it concealed unpredictable storms.


    After Yuan Qingling finished her meal, she went behind the screen and gave herself an injection and took medicine.


    The gauze screen filtered light through, so Yuwen Hao could actually see what she was doing inside.


    He watched fixedly, these past few days, things had slipped out of his control and grasp, Yuan Qingling''s change, also changed the situation.


    He was once again thrown into turmoil.


    This was not a good thing, but if it could make Grandfather Emperor get better, he didn''t care either.


    Yuan Qingling''s change, he could slowly observe and investigate once back at the manor, she could not overturn the heavens.


    After Yuan Qingling finished her injection, she put the medicine in her mouth and swallowed it down with cold water.


    Yuwen Hao raised his head looking at her, lightly said: "Go back to the bedroom pce and stay there, don''t meddle in anything, and don''t try to exin too much either, this king is going out of the pce."


    Yuan Qingling felt his sudden change in attitude gave her no sense of security at all, she always felt he had some evil scheme brewing.


    "Let me help bandage your wounds." Yuan Qingling hardened her scalp and said, remembering his evilness, these words were truly forced.


    Yuwen Hao shook his head, stood up and turned to leave.


    Watching his departing back, Yuan Qingling felt it strange, he could have easily left without eating this meal.


    And also, she had just acted like that against Chu Mingcui, Chu Mingcui was the apple of his eye, how could he let it go just like that?


    Remembering the instant when he raised his hand to p, the rming clouds swirling in his eyes, it was very frightening.


    His figure was pulled long by the setting sun, after passing through the pce gate, his shadow instantly disappeared, not leaving a trace.


    In Yuan Qingling''s heart, a strange feeling slowly rose up.


    A feeling nearing inauspiciousness.


    Returning to Qian Kun Pce, Grand Emperor and Fu Bao were still sleeping, she sat at the side, Chang Gong Gong stood in front of the bed, head lowered and standing erect, asionally stealing a nce at her.


    The second day, Fu Bao''s spirit was much better, looks like this rascal had evaded cmity.


    With Fu Bao''s improvement, Grand Emperor''s mood opened up, his illness also showed signs of improvement.


    After morning court, Emperor Ming Yuan came first to ask after Grand Emperor, then Prince Rui, the Empress, Empress Dowager, Noble Imperial Concubine, then the various princes, Qian Kun Pce had been busy nonstop that morning.


    But Grand Emperor didn''t really speak much for the most part, the princes came in, kowtowed and left.


    Chu Mingcui and Prince Qi also came, Chu Mingcui''s eyes were tinged with red threads, but Prince Qi was very affectionate to her, holding her hand whenever they came or left.


    When Chu Mingcui entered the pce, she gave Yuan Qingling a look, that gaze, concealed sinister intentions.


    While at this time Yuan Qingling was disinfecting Fu Bao''s wounds, while saying to Fu Bao: "Fu Bao, when you see the person who harmed you in the future, you must not show mercy."


    Prince Qi red at Yuan Qingling, how can this woman be so detestable? Fifth brother really should teach her a lesson.


    After Prince Qi and his wife left, Grand Emperor looked at Yuan Qingling and said: "Can''t your mouth stay idle? What''s the point of saying so much?"


    Yuan Qingling wiped her hands, "Yes, I''ll remember Grand Emperor''s teaching."


    "Still not convinced?" Grand Emperor humphed, "Don''t know your own limits? Be careful of disasters sprouting from your mouth."


    Yuan Qingling was stunned for a moment, she really wasn''t that childish, so she shook her head more firmly, "I really don''t think that way."


    Grand Emperor tapped the bedside, "Come kneel here!"


    Soft cushions were alreadyid at the bedside, for the convenience of Yuan Qingling kneeling.


    Grand Emperor knew she was injured and could not sit, kneeling was mostfortable, so he had Chang Gong Gong prepare the cushions.


    Yuan Qingling knelt on the cushion, having served in the pce for three days, she understood Grand Emperor''s temperament, whenever he had a bit of spirit, he would admonish people, and wouldn''t ept any rebuttal or exnation.


    Sure enough, it started.


    "Do you feel, that I''m telling you to endure silently means I''m telling you to be a turtle grandson?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head, "I don''t think that way."


    "No? Clearly you do, you feel wronged in your heart, feeling that unfair matters must be spoken out, and you can''tpromise."


    Yuan Qingling really wasn''t that childish, so she shook her head more firmly, "I really don''t think that way."


    Grand Emperor knocked the bedside with the back of his hand, strengthening his tone, "What do you fear embarrassment for? Everyone would think this way, I was like this when I was young too, I encountered countless walls, only then did Iprehend the rationale, when you have ability, you can speak out about all unfair matters, but when you have no ability, even if people make you eat dog shit, you still have to eat it."


    "...Yes!" Yuan Qingling hung her head, appearing very humble and willing to learn.


    "Still not convinced?" Grand Emperor raised a brow.


    Yuan Qingling raised her head, her eyes really did not show any hint of rebellion, as meek and obedient as a little white rabbit, where did she look unwilling?


    "Truly convinced!" She said, ncing outside, all the princes hade, howe Yuwen Hao still hadn''t appeared? She actually hoped at all that he wouldn''te.


    Seeing her absent-minded, Grand Emperor''s face fell, "Not listening to an elder''s words, suffering losses right before your eyes, in the future you''ll know my words canpare to sages."


    Rhyming! Good literary talent!


    The imperial physician personally brought medicine in, Yuan Qingling silently cheered inside, extremely diligent as she said: "Leave it to me!"


    The imperial physician respectfully said: "Thanks to the Empress."


    She carried the medicine over, Grand Emperor''splexion darkened by arge half, looking at Yuan Qingling''s gentle smile, retributiones quickly huh.


    Chang Gong Gong stood at the side holding candied fruits, waiting for the medicine to be finished drinking, he immediately passed the candied fruits over, Chang Gong Gong''s gaze looking at Grand Emperor, heartache beyond words.


    "This old ve hates that he can''t suffer illness in your stead."


    If it was another person saying this, it would be a bit fawning, but with Chang Gong Gong saying it, it was full of affectionate pampering.


    "With your status, you can suffer illness in my stead?" Grand Emperor chewed the candied fruit in his mouth, vaguely saying.


    Chang Gong Gong only smiled looking at him, not answering.


    Yuan Qingling fed Fu Bao water, Fu Bao stillcked spirit, drinking two mouthfuls before lying back down, so Yuan Qingling stroked its dog head.


    Sunshine shone in from outside the pce, everything inside, seemed truly peaceful and tranquil like this.


    A small eunuch came in from outside and softly reported: "Grand Emperor, Prince Ji is waiting outside."


    Grand Emperor''s eyes faintly looked up, the earlier angerpletely gone, calmly saying: "Invite him in."


    Prince Ji entered the pce, wearing a brocade cloud pattern python robe, appearing vigorous and dynamic, he respectfully came forward and knelt down, "Grandson pays respects to Grandfather Emperor, may Grandfather Emperor be forever healthy!"


    Lying sickly on the bed, Grand Emperor''s gaze clouded as he nced at Prince Ji, squeezing out a hoarse hmm sound from his throat, responding perfunctorily.


    Prince Ji kneeled two steps forward, "How is Grandfather Emperor feeling today?"


    "Much better!" Though Grand Emperor said this, from his voice and expression, he really didn''t look any better at all.


    "Grandfather Emperor''s health is this grandson''s blessing." Prince Ji had an appearance of gratitude moved to tears.


    After speaking a few sentences, Prince Ji took his leave.


    Before leaving, he deliberately took a look at Yuan Qingling, deep in his eyes, seemingly containing a kind of strange thing.


    Yuan Qingling inexplicably felt her heart shudder once.

 Chapter 32: Under Attack

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    As the nting sun spread over the courtyard, Yuwen Hao still had not entered the pce.


    Yuan Qingling felt a little uneasy, this day had gone so smoothly, unlike anything since she traveled here.


    After helping clean Fubao''s wounds at night, Steward Chang told her to rest in the Western Warm Pavilion.


    Yuan Qingling went out to the outer hall and saw the imperial carriage of Emperor Ming Yuan arrive at the pce gate. She hesitated, wondering if she should leave quickly or stay to greet him before leaving. But she saw a guarde up and say a couple words, and Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression drastically changed as he immediately turned to leave.


    He was leaving as soon as he reached the outer hall? Did something big happen?


    Distracted, Yuan Qingling returned to the Western Warm Pavilion. Granny Xi came to change her bandages. Yuan Qingling washed herself with hot water and felt much morefortable after washing her face.


    After taking an anti-inmmatory pill, she went to bed.


    She had been taking these pills for days, leaving her listless and tired. As soon as she hit the bed, her eyelids drooped.


    She didn''t even get a chance to wonder why Emperor Ming Yuan hade and gone.


    In the middle of the night, Granny Xi woke her up.


    Yuan Qingling rubbed her eyes and looked at Granny Xi standing there holding amp, an obscure sadness in her expression. Yuan Qingling practically leapt out of bed and hoarsely asked, "The Retired Emperor..."


    "No, no!" Granny Xi immediately interrupted her. "Consort, get up and change clothes to leave the pce. Gu Si is waiting outside for you."


    "Leave the pce?" Yuan Qingling was confused. What was this about leaving the pce in the middle of the night?


    "Don''t ask, just go!" Granny Xi pulled back her nkets. "Attend to the Consort and help her change."


    Only then did Yuan Qingling see there were two other pce maids in the hall besides Granny Xi.


    A cold wet towel was ced on her face. Granny Xi said, "The Consort must wake up a bit."


    The cold shocked Yuan Qingling fully awake. She didn''t ask any questions. Granny Xi was the Retired Emperor''s person. Her leaving the pce must have been at his order.


    Was the Retired Emperor angry with her?


    So he was kicking her out in the middle of the night?


    Outside, she saw a young man in silver armor with a sword at his waist waiting under the eaves. Seeing here out, the guard bowed with his hands sped. "Gu Si escorting the Consort out of the pce."


    Yuan Qingling recognized him as Gu Si, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards.


    He had been in charge of investigating Fubao''s fall two days ago.


    A thought struck her. Gu Si was escorting her out of the pce? If the Retired Emperor wanted to kick her out, he could have sent anyone. Yet he went through the trouble of sending the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards?


    Still, she didn''t ask any questions and followed Gu Si.


    Gu Si walked very quickly. Yuan Qingling struggled to keep up, still falling quite a distance behind.


    By the time they reached the pce gates, she was gasping for breath.


    Outside the gates was a carriage with the horseman being none other than Tang Yang from her household.


    Tang Yang dismounted and set down a mounting stool. He bowed and said, "Consort, please get on the carriage."


    Without asking, Yuan Qingling stepped onto the stool and boarded the carriage.


    Gu Si rode ahead while Tang Yang drove the carriage, heading swiftly along the dark road toward the Prince of Chu''s estate.


    The carriage moved quickly, bumping and jostling her. Yuan Qingling felt pain from her wounds, but was too anxious to care. Her heart was seized with an indescribable dread.


    The carriage arrived at the Prince of Chu''s estate and stopped. Tang Yang dismounted and opened the curtains to let Yuan Qingling down.


    Tworge glowingnterns hung outside the gates of the Prince of Chu''s estate, shrouded in mist.


    Uneasy, Yuan Qingling misstepped, twisting her ankle. Gu Si quickly caught her. "Consort, be careful."


    "Thank you!" Looking up, Yuan Qingling met Gu Si''s cool gaze.


    "Can you walk?" Gu Si released her and asked.


    Yuan Qingling tested her foot. It really hurt, but she didn''t let Gu Si support her. She limped inside.


    Once inside, as they walked forward, Tang Yang finally said, "Two nights ago, the Prince was ambushed and gravely injured on his way out of the pce."


    "How bad is it?" No wonder he hadn''te to the pce yesterday. It turned out he was attacked.


    "At one point, he stopped breathing. He only came to after Prince Qi sent a Purple Gold Elixir. But he still hasn''t woken up. Sincest night, he''s had a high fever, weak breath, and has coughed up blood twice already." Tang Yang said heavily.


    "Why am I only being notified now?" Yuan Qingling asked urgently.


    Still walking swiftly, Tang Yang said, "The Prince forbade notifying the pce. It was onlyst night when his condition became especially critical that we reported to His Majesty. We didn''t expect the Retired Emperor to hear of this and ask about the situation. Then Steward Chang entered the pce to fetch the Consort by his order."


    Tang Yang didn''t know why the Retired Emperor had called for the Consort. Steward Chang only said she was the only one who could save the Prince.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t have time to wonder how the Retired Emperor knew. Recalling how the Emperor hade to the Celestial Hallst night only to leave again, she guessed the Prince''s people must have gone to report.


    Following behind, Gu Si couldn''t help asking upon hearing Tang Yang, "Does the Consort know the Retired Emperor''s intentions?"


    "I don''t know. Let me go see first." Yuan Qingling felt her foot aching badly and her heart panicking. Perhaps the original host''s lingering emotions were at work.


    Arriving at Yuwen Hao''s Xiao Yue Pavilion, the head guardsman Xu Yi heard their footsteps and opened the door. The indistinctmplight and bloody smell gushing out created a stifling, deathly atmosphere.


    The bloody smell made Yuan Qingling''s legs go soft. Reaching to steady herself on the door, it swung back with her push and she stumbled forward.


    The Prince''s maid Qi Luo hurriedly caught her. "Consort, be careful."


    Yuan Qingling''s forehead was cut and bled a little, making her head feel even heavier.


    She was secretly annoyed with herself. What was wrong with her? It wasn''t like she hadn''t treated critically ill patients before. Why was she so flustered?


    With great difficulty, she made it to the bedside and saw the person lying there. She gasped.


    Was this...the Prince of Chu, Yuwen Hao?


    A long gash ran from beside his left ear to his brow bone. The depth exposed the bone, the surrounding area swollen. His head was wrapped, clearly injured too.


    His eyes were shut tight, his face as pale as rice paper, his lips colorless. He seemed to have no breath at all, like a dead man.


    "Eighteen wounds. Two swords pierced his abdomen. Arms, legs, back, all injured," someone said quietly from the corner.


    Yuan Qingling looked over and saw it was Prince Qi, his voice anguished.


    Yuan Qingling sucked in another breath. Eighteen cuts, and he was still alive?


    "Where are the imperial doctors?" She hoarsely asked. "Why haven''t you summoned them?"


    "They''ve already returned to the pce," Tang Yang heavily replied. He had been the one to escort the doctors back. They said even gods could not save him now, and he only had one breath left.


    "Lift the nkets. Let me look at the wounds," Yuan Qingling immediately said.


    Tang Yang came over and pulled back the covers. With his robes removed, only his lower abdomen and thighs were covered by a thin sheet. The wounds had been treated but were oozing blood, truly in critical condition.


    Yuan Qingling bent down to check his breathing and heartbeat. His heart was very weak, asionally stopping. Massive blood loss had led to heart failure.

 Chapter 33: Badly Hurt

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    She gently patted his face, "Yuwen Hao, Yuwen Hao."


    "Don''t pat him, he''s already passed out," Prince Qi said angrily.


    But Yuan Qingling was still patting him, "Yuwen Hao, wake up, try to open your eyes."


    She held his hand, gently straightened it, then gripped it tightly and pulled, "Open your eyes."


    "What is this woman doing here, I wonder what Imperial Grandfather called you here for?" Prince Qi strode over, wanting to pull Yuan Qingling away.


    But he saw Yuwen Hao slowly open his eyes.


    Yuan Qingling pushed Prince Qi away, slightly annoyed, "Step aside, don''t interfere with me."


    Prince Qi looked at her in surprise, why was this woman so fierce?


    Yuan Qingling ced both hands on Yuwen Hao''s head, and asked, "Yuwen Hao, look at me, do you know who I am?"


    Yuwen Hao''s vision was blurred, but he could barely hear her voice, and whispered, "Ugly woman."


    The corner of Yuan Qingling''s mouth twitched, "Who are you? Do you know what happened?"


    "This prince was ambushed..."


    He was conscious.


    "Good, I''m going to examine you now. Tell me if it hurts, I need to rule out skull hemorrhage and internal bleeding." Yuan Qingling''s hands began gently pressing on his skull, slowly moving down, his heart, lungs...


    Yuwen Hao''s chest rumbled, his body shuddered, and his face flushed red as he struggled to breathe.


    Yuan Qingling quickly judged that he had internal injuries, the coughing triggered pneumothorax.


    "Fifth brother..."


    "Your Highness..."


    Everyone cried out in rm as Yuwen Hao''s condition suddenly became critical.


    Yuan Qingling had already hurried behind the screen, opened the medicine box, took out a needle and came back out.


    "Tangyang, hold him down for me, he has a pneumothorax which is life-threatening, I need to drain the air." Yuan Qingling said.


    "What?" Tangyang didn''t understand, looking at her in shock holding the needle.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t bother exining, she grabbed his hand to press down Yuwen Hao''s left and right hands, "Try to keep him still as much as possible."


    "Oh, oh!" Although Tangyang was not a foolish man, seeing Yuwen Hao in such distress and no imperial doctor present, he could only listen to Yuan Qingling''s words, after all, this was the Supreme Emperor''s order.


    That everyone should listen to the Princess Consort of Chu.


    Yuan Qingling took a deep breath, it had been a long time since she''d done a pneumothorax drainage.


    She positioned her fingers, slowly targeted the spot, and inserted the needle between the second intercostal space to drain the air.


    Fortunately, everything went smoothly.


    Everyone was stunned, watching as she slowly advanced the needle, and as she did so, Yuwen Hao visibly calmed down.


    They were slightly relieved, but Yuan Qingling''s heart was heavy.


    This meant his internal injuries were not minor, but she had no way of knowing exactly where or how severe the injuries were. As a modern medically trained doctor with little clinical experience, most of her diagnoses relied on medical instruments.


    Now, apart from a stethoscope, she had no other usable equipment.


    What needed to be done first was a blood transfusion, he had lost too much blood and was at risk of dying.


    She closed her eyes and silently recited, there must be blood typing test strips and transfusion equipment in the medicine box.


    Opening it, indeed there was. She really could make her thoughts be reality, but she reassured herself this was mind control, nothing to do with any mystical powers.


    Sheid out the test strips on the table one by one, then solemnly said to Gu Si, "All of you drip some blood onto the test strips, he''s lost too much blood and desperately needs a transfusion."


    Gu Si didn''t understand, "What do you mean, transfusion?"


    "That is, to use your blood for him."


    Guard Xu Yi raised his wrist, scraped it with his fingernail, and fresh blood dripped down. He moved closer to drip it into Yuwen Hao''s mouth, "Even if this subordinate has to drain all his blood dry, it doesn''t matter."


    Yuan Qingling nced at him, "Loyalty ismendable, but you can''t help him like this. Even if he swallows the blood, it will only reach his stomach, not his blood vessels or circte to his heart. Stop the bleeding, don''t waste it."


    Xu Yi was startled, looking at Yuwen Hao who now had a mouthful of fresh blood, and awkwardly said, "Isn''t that how it works?"


    Yuan Qingling handed him the test strip to smear Xu Yi''s blood on, and had the others follow her instructions to drip a drop of their blood onto the test strips.


    Then she pricked Yuwen Hao''s fingertip to test his blood.


    After a while, she looked at the test strips and said, "Gu Si, Tangyang, your blood types match his."


    These two were Type O, while Yuwen Hao was Type A.


    Gu Si and Tangyang immediately stood at attention, awaiting Yuan Qingling''s orders.


    "Sit down!" Yuan Qingling took out blood collection needles and tubes, with the emergency transfusion, rigor was impossible, she just hoped they were all healthy with no illnesses, hadn''t been drinking, smoking, or taking medication.


    Gu Si and Tangyang watched as their blood flowed from the small tubes into two ck bags. They nced up at Yuan Qingling and seeing her solemn expression, didn''t dare ask any questions.


    After collecting two bags of blood, Yuan Qingling hung them by the bed and started Yuwen Hao''s transfusion.


    She picked up the stethoscope again to check if there was any rupture or internal bleeding in his organs.


    The earlier hemothorax was likely from coughing during the hemothorax which triggered the pneumothorax.


    She drained blood from his chest cavity again. Yuwen Hao was conscious now, his eyes kept following Yuan Qingling''s movements. Even as she lowered her head to drain the blood from his chest, he didn''t feel any pain, just stared at the blood beading on her forehead.


    Then he slowly raised his hand, wanting to wipe the blood from her forehead away.


    At the slight movement, Yuan Qingling sternly ordered, "Don''t move."


    He struggled to re at her, did she want to scare him to death yelling so loudly?


    Sensing his dissatisfaction, Yuan Qingling said, "You''re still getting a transfusion."


    Seeing Yuwen Hao''s condition slightly improved, Prince Qi believed it was the effect of the Imperial Purple Gold Pill and said, "Fifth brother, I''ll go ask second brother for an Imperial Purple Gold Pill."


    Gu Si said, "Your Highness, the imperial doctor said the Imperial Purple Gold Pills cannot be overused."


    Yuan Qingling knew he had taken an Imperial Purple Gold Pill, she was familiar with its effects from her own experiments.


    So she nced at Prince Qi, "Your Imperial Purple Gold Pill may have temporarily saved his life for now."


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have made it this far.


    Prince Qi''s eyes shed, "He''ll be alright, won''t he?"


    "I don''t know!" Yuan Qingling withdrew the needle, discarding it to the side, "The Imperial Purple Gold Pill is no elixir, it only temporarily stabilized his condition. But he has lost too much blood, and his injuries are severe with unclear internal damage..."


    As she spoke, she nced at Yuwen Hao, who had slowly closed his eyes again.


    Discussing a patient''s dire condition right in front of them was rather cruel.


    But she believed he could bear it.


    Closely monitoring the transfusion was critical, and next was treating the wounds.


    With so many wounds, so deep, disinfecting and suturing was unavoidable.


    Suturing all the wounds would be an immense and lengthy process.


    Yuwen Hao was like a tattered rag doll, under everyone''s staring as Yuan Qingling''s skilled hands slowly stitched him back up bit by bit.


    Prince Qi watched, on the verge of tears, it was too cruel.


    It was dawn by the time she finally finished suturing the head wounds.


    There was no bleeding in the skull, which satisfied Yuan Qingling greatly.

 Chapter 34: A Little Better

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    Yuan Qingling stood up and moved her sore and soft hands around. Her shoulders and neck were also aching and she could barely endure it anymore.


    She took a look around, none of the people present had the qualifications of intern doctors, let alone nurses, so she couldn''t rely on anyone else.


    "Consort Yuan, if you are really tired, why not call for your personal maid toe and help you, she is quite skilled with needles and threads." Xu Yi awkwardly suggested, trying to regain some face after embarrassing himself earlier.


    "If Prince Qi were a piece of clothing, I could indeed ask my maid toe and help." Yuan Qingling lightly responded.


    Prince Qi really couldn''t hold it in any longer, "What are you doing? The wounds will naturally heal, why do you have to stitch them up?"


    It looked like this woman knew a thing or two about medicine, but it wasn''t orthodox medicine, rather some witch doctor''s skills. That box of hers was a witch doctor''s box.


    If it wasn''t for his grandfather the Emperor''s orders, he wouldn''t have let her mess around like this.


    What was mostughable was her saying that his blood wasn''t suitable for the 5th Prince. He and the 5th Prince had the same father, their bloodline was connected, how could it not be used?


    Yuan Qingling didn''t even want to bother with him, she turned around slowly, rotating her neck to rx.


    Prince Qi was so angry he wanted to spit blood. What Consort Yu said waspletely right, this Yuan Qingling, full of lies and arrogance, forgot herself and looked down on everyone else.


    He firmly believed that the reason why the 5th Prince''s condition had improved was because of his Purple Gold Elixir.


    Not because of Yuan Qingling.


    And this detestable Yuan Qingling actually continued sewing up the wounds.


    In between, Yuwen Hao had woken up briefly, but he wasn''t fully conscious and vaguely looked at Yuan Qingling before passing out again.


    Yuan Qingling knew he was in great pain, because even when unconscious, his body would still tremble slightly from the agony. But there was nothing she could do, as there was no more anesthetic left in the medicine box.


    This was very strange, it was as if the medicine box held some grudge against Yuwen Hao. Yuan Qingling had seen a bottle of anesthetic in there just yesterday, but now no matter how she searched, it couldn''t be found.


    It seemed the medicine box had a mind of its own, feeling that Yuwen Hao was too detestable, so it refused to provide anesthetic for him.


    As Yuan Qingling stitched the wounds, she pondered to herself that perhaps the medicine box was a manifestation of her own subconscious. And everything she was facing now was merely a dream.


    Finding joy in hardship was impossible, as human life was at stake here.


    After treating the wounds, it was almost noon.


    She continued the blood transfusion and IV drip to bring down inmmation. Finally by evening, his condition had stabilized somewhat.


    But there was still no cause for optimism, as the extent of internal injuries remained unknown. It was uncertain whether his condition would deteriorate again overnight.


    Yuan Qingling let the others rest in shifts, while she quickly ate something andid down a mat to nap for a while herself.


    When it was almost the hour of the rooster, Eunuch Chang came to ask about the situation. Tong Yang hurriedly woke Yuan Qingling up.


    As Yuan Qingling climbed up from the floor, she saw Eunuch Chang had already entered.


    The way Eunuch Chang looked at her this time was full of pity. He had witnessed how difficult things had been for the Consort these days.


    "How is the Prince?" Eunuch Chang softly asked.


    "Better, but we''ll have to observe him through the night to know for sure." Yuan Qingling replied. "How is His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus?"


    "Throwing tantrums!" Eunuch Chang said helplessly. "No one can persuade him to take his medicine, not even His Majesty. He says it''s too bitter."


    Yuan Qingling nodded. "Let me prescribe some medicine for you to bring back to him, I''ll trouble you to serve it to him."


    By now, she didn''t hide the fact that she knew medicine anymore. Either way, the truth about her medical knowledge would eventuallye to light.


    Prince Qi''s eyes widened in shock. "You... you''re prescribing medicine for my grandfather? Do you really know medicine?"


    Eunuch Chang looked at the slow-witted Prince Qi with a smile. "Why else would His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus summon her back to the manor in the middle of the night to treat the Prince?"


    Prince Qi looked at Yuan Qingling, sizing her up and down, as if seeing her for the first time.


    Eunuch Chang asked Yuan Qingling again, "His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus also asked me to check on the Consort''s own injuries, have they gotten better?"


    Yuan Qingling sighed inwardly. In the end, the old man still cared for her.


    "Please convey my thanks to His Majesty for his concern. I''m much better now."


    Eunuch Chang smiled. "That''s good to hear. His Majesty said for the Consort to properly nurse her wounds and strengthen her constitution. I guess the next round of punishment won''t be far off. Only with a strong constitution can one withstand fiercer storms."


    Yuan Qingling lowered her eyes, silently taking back what she had just thought. This rotten old man was wicked through and through.


    Prince Qi red at Yuan Qingling enviously. He knew that his grandfather''s words always contained double meanings like this. The more he doted on someone, the more he would say such things.


    How did this woman manage to gain such care from his grandfather? Just by serving in the pce for a few days, she had gained such favor.


    After Eunuch Chang left, Prince Qi looked at Yuan Qingling and asked lightly, "Just what have you used to bewitch my grandfather?"


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes nced at him briefly, not wanting to bother with him.


    "I''m talking to you, how can you be so rude?" Prince Qi was very angry.


    Without even lifting her head, Yuan Qingling directly said, "Go back to your manor!"


    "What do you mean?" Prince Qi was stunned for a moment, what did going back to his manor have to do with anything? Weren''t they talking about herck of manners?


    "I''m telling you to leave!" Yuan Qingling said bluntly.


    "On what grounds can you do that?" Prince Qi asked furiously, his neck bulging.


    Yuan Qingling replied, "This is the Prince Chu manor, I am the Princess Consort of Chu. That''s my grounds."


    Prince Qi was extremely irritated. He flung his arms and said, "Don''t even think about making me leave. I''m staying here to keep an eye on you, to prevent you from plotting anything."


    "If you don''t leave, then shut your mouth!" Yuan Qingling red at him, then went to fetch a thermometer to check Yuwen Hao''s temperature.


    Prince Qi sat to the side, puffed up with anger. He secretly vowed that once the 5th Prince recovered, he would definitely have him properly punish this woman.


    Since Prince Qi refused to leave, after taking Yuwen Hao''s temperature Yuan Qingling left. His temperature had gradually gone down, so she could step out for a while.


    She went to check on Huoge''er.


    Seeing Yuan Qingling arrive, Huoge¡¯er¡¯s wet nurse immediately stood up.


    Huoge¡¯er''s condition had indeed improved a lot. The wounds were slowly healing. Yuan Qingling examined him and said in relief, "Very good, the cornea hasn''t been damaged, his vision won''t be affected."


    Huoge¡¯er knelt on the ground. "This ve pays his respects to the Consort."


    "Stand up, what''s a child like you saying ve for?" Yuan Qingling pulled him up with one hand, smiling as she rubbed his forehead.


    Huoge¡¯er was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor. He nervously nced at his wet nurse, whose expression was veryplicated. The Consort seemed to have be a totally different person, her change was unbelievable.


    Thinking of how she had betrayed the Consort in the past, the wet nurse felt very uneasy. She wanted to apologize but also feared that Yuan Qingling''s change was only temporary. If she brought up her past betrayal, the Consort might settle scorester, and her future days would be miserable.


    After sending Huoge¡¯er away, Yuan Qingling sat down and asked his wet nurse, "What is the Purple Gold Elixir? How does it harm the human body?"


    The wet nurse''s eyes darkened a little as she was reminded that Yuan Qingling had drunk the Purple Gold Elixir before.


    "Did the Consort vomit blood from it?" The wet nurse asked.


    "Yes, I vomited blood three times in the pce." Yuan Qingling replied.


    "Apart from vomiting blood, were there any other diforts?" The wet nurse was slightly nervous now.

 Chapter 35: Then Listen to Me

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    Yuwen Hao looked at her and asked, "What difort are you referring to?"


    She was feeling all kinds of difort currently. However, under high pressure, she did not have time to sense them. Yet when she sat orid down, she still felt her five viscera and six bowels were curled up together, even more unbearable than the wounds.


    Her wet nurse shook her head. "Actually, I don''t know the specifics either. Perhaps Doctor Tang or Guard Xu would know more. I only know that after taking the Gold Soup medicine, it would damage the five viscera and six bowels. Initially there would be symptoms like vomiting blood, coughing, nightmares, etc. Previously there was a little attendant who secretly took the antiques from the Prince''s manor to sell them off. He stubbornly refused to admit it and even smashed his head against the wall attempting suicide. Doctor Tang made him drink the Gold Soup medicine and he finally confessed afterwards. In around half a month, the person died."


    Yuan Qingling listened in fright and shock. "Died in half a month? Was it because of the Gold Soup medicine?"


    "Doctor Tang said that after taking Gold Soup medicine, one must take medicine to recuperate for one and a half years before recovering to normal. However that little attendant was truly hateful. Doctor Tang did not let him recuperate properly, so he died. Before his death, he also vomited blood, had stomach pains, and coughed severely, unable to stop once he started coughing. When he died, his face had turned purple."


    Coughed until hypoxic?


    The wet nurse hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Also, before he died, he kept saying that he saw many ghosts that wanted to take him to the Underworld for trial. He was very afraid. Therefore, the Gold Soup medicine causes nightmare trips to the Yellow Springs."


    Yuan Qingling stared nkly at her wet nurse, then slowly squeezed out a bitter smile. Yuwen Hao, how much do you hate Yuan Qingling? And most ironically, she, as Yuan Qingling''s stand-in, still had to do her utmost to save him.


    If reincarnation really existed, then she and the original Yuan Qingling must have dug up the Yuwen family''s ancestral grave, to suffer such retribution.


    She collected herself and thought, so-called seeing ghosts should just be hallucinations, hallucinations caused by cerebral hypoxia. Therefore, this Gold Soup medicine would make people hypoxic and cause hallucinations.


    Did she hear Fu Bao speaking, or was it just a hallucination?


    Even Yuan Qingling could hardly tell apart now.


    Seeing her expression, the wet nurse felt she was somewhat pitiful, but as a servant, she had no qualifications to pity her mistress.


    Yuan Qingling returned to Xiao Yue Pavilion, with Qi Wang and Tang Yang still inside keeping watch. Seeing Yuan Qingling''s return, Tang Yang quickly said, "The Prince woke up a moment ago. Does the Princess want to call an imperial physician to take a look?"


    "Not for now," said Yuan Qingling, and wanted to go over to take a look. Qi Wang stepped forward to block her.


    Yuan Qingling felt rather impatient with this human pir. "Qi Wang, just what do you want?"


    "While Fifth Brother''s condition is better, you should make things clear. Why did you falsely use Mingcui?" Qi Wang red at her and demanded.


    Yuan Qingling let her hands drop. "Do you think now is suitable to talk about these things?"


    "It''s suitable. Mingcui wille soon to see Fifth Brother. I don''t want you to make things difficult for her again."


    Yuan Qingling gave a coldugh. "You are really generous. Don''t you know that she was the one Yuwen Hao originally wanted to marry? You feel at ease with your wife worrying for another man?"


    Qi Wang raged, "Mingcui and Fifth Brother are not as sordid as you imagine. They interact openly and upright."


    Hearing these words, Yuan Qingling didn''t know what to say.


    She didn''t know what Yuwen Hao was thinking, but she knew everything Chu Mingcui had done and thought very clearly.


    As a prince, being able to have such innocent faith and belief in righteousness was really precious.


    Therefore, when she should have raged, Yuan Qingling instead softened and said, "Don''t worry, if shees, I won''t make things difficult for her, unless she wants to find trouble herself."


    Qi Wang was stunned. He had prepared words to retort Yuan Qingling''s even more sour and sarcastic ones, but with this turn to gentleness, haloed figures, he was at a loss instead.


    He could only stammer, "She definitely won''t look for trouble herself. You don''t know her. She''s very good."


    Yuan Qingling gave an "mm" and walked to the bedside. She saw that Yuwen Hao had already awakened at some point, staring wide-eyed at them.


    His focus slowly retracted and fixed on the small wound on Yuan Qingling''s forehead.


    Yuan Qingling touched it. The wound had already dried, with the bloodstains not wiped off yet.


    "How are you feeling, Your Highness?" Yuan Qingling felt a bit ufortable being stared at by him.


    "Won''t die for now," he said hoarsely, lowering his eyes.


    Qi Wang squeezed over and happily said, "Fifth Brother, you''re awake?"


    Yuwen Hao nodded slightly, looking at Qi Wang. "Thanks to your Gold Pill."


    Qi Wang waved grandly, "What''s a Gold Pill? I''m not on the battlefield anyway, so I don''t even need the Gold Pill."


    Yuwen Hao smiled faintly, his gaze deep.


    After a moment, he said, "Seventh Brother, Tang Yang, go rest first."


    Qi Wang said, "I''m not tired, I''ve rested."


    Yuwen Hao gently sighed, looking at Tang Yang.


    Tang Yang pulled Qi Wang''s hand. "That''s right, Your Highness, your subordinate has some matters he wants to ask you about. Pleasee out with me for a moment."


    "What is there that can''t be said here?" Qi Wang said in puzzlement, but was dragged out by Tang Yang.


    Yuan Qingling felt rather pent up inside initially, but seeing this scene, she couldn''t helpughing.


    Yuwen Hao gestured, "Come closer."


    His voice was very weak without a shred of vigor. One foot still lingered at death''s door, but even so, his expression was still rather cold and hard.


    Yuan Qingling moved closer, trying her best to lessen his effort in speaking. "Speak."


    "How is Imperial Grandfather?" Yuwen Hao asked.


    Yuan Qingling had thought he wanted to ask about his own injury, and didn''t expect he was worried about the Retired Emperor. It seemed that although this man had a cruel and ferocious nature, he had filial piety.


    "His illness has been going on for too long, so getting better won''t happen overnight."


    "Then you should go back to the pce to continue attending the illness. This king no longer needs you here." Yuwen Hao said.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him in surprise. "Your dangerous period isn''t over yet. If I leave, you''ll have a fifty percent chance of dying."


    "This king knows, I''ve made it through this barrier." Yuwen Hao said.


    Hmph.


    Blind overconfidence.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "I''ll stay a few more days for now until Your Highness''s condition stabilizes before returning to the pce."


    "If I tell you to go then go!" Yuwen Hao''s face darkened. This woman really could not be treated well.


    "I know the situation," Yuan Qingling said indifferently.


    "You..." His eyes shed with anger. He hammered the bedside with his hand. He thought it would be thunderous force, but in reality even the bedding wasn''t shaken, only softly sagging down.


    Yuan Qingling couldn''t help gloating. Now you''ve got yours.


    Although she didn''t know who had ambushed him, Yuan Qingling was grateful to this person.


    "This king will kill you!" Seeing the ridicule in her eyes, he burned with rage.


    Yuan Qingling directly turned around, grabbed a pair of scissors, and threw them on his bed. "Go on then!"


    Yuwen Hao looked at her in disbelief. His head buzzed. Humiliation, absolute humiliation.


    "If you have the ability, then kill me. If you can''t, you still have to listen to me. Hold out your hand for the IV drip." Yuan Qingling said expressionlessly.

 Chapter 36: You can Die

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    After Yuan Qingling had finished hooking up Yuwen Hao''s IV drip, she went back to wash up and change beforeing over. She then saw Chu Mingcui entering the yard with her maids.


    Chu Mingcui was dressed in a light green, embroidered, flowing cloud brocade skirt with wide sleeves and green piping around the cuffs. Around her slender waist was a sash of the same color, showing off her dainty figure.


    Her hair was styled in a elegant bun, and she wore a phoenix-tail hairpin encrusted with strands of gold and jade. Her fair earlobes held golden hollowntern-shaped earrings that jingled against her skin as she moved, emitting crisp, melodic sounds like breaking jade.


    When the Prince Qi saw her arrive, he gave her a gentle smile and took her hand, saying, "Was the carriage ride tiring?"


    Chu Mingcui returned his gentle look and softly replied, "Not at all."


    The two held hands as they climbed the stone steps together.


    Yuan Qingling just stood by the doorway, watching Chu Mingcui expressionlessly.


    Chu Mingcui discreetly withdrew her hand from the Prince Qi''s sp and gave Yuan Qingling a curtsy, saying, "Greetings, Consort of Chu."


    "Mm," Yuan Qingling gave a nomittal murmur in response.


    The Prince Qi was irritated. ording to protocol, she should have said "Greetings, Consort of Qi," not just "Mm."


    What was that supposed to mean? Putting on airs, was she?


    Chu Mingcui gently pressed his hand and smiled, shaking her head at him to indicate he shouldn''t bother with someone so uncouth.


    Seeing Chu Mingcui being so understanding, the Prince Qi couldn''t help but feel sympathy for his fifth brother, having married such a woman as his consort - truly an injustice!


    "Let''s go inside!" The Prince Qi wanted to take Chu Mingcui''s hand again, but she had already stepped inside ahead of him.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t follow them in, but leaned against the doorway quietly watching and listening.


    Chu Mingcui walked to the bedside, looking up with worried, anxious eyes, "Your Highness, are you well?"


    Her eyes were fixed on the wound above his eyebrow, her heart shaken.


    Even so, he was still so handsome it made her heart race erratically.


    Why didn''t this man have more backbone? If he could have be the Crown Prince, she wouldn''t have ended up like this, would she?


    A sudden sadness welled up within her, and looking at him, her eyes couldn''t help bing a little more resentful.


    Yuwen Hao, however, appeared quite calm. He even gave a faint smile and mildly replied, "It''s nothing serious, thanks for Consort Qiing to see me."


    "You and I are like siblings. There''s no need for such formalities between us," Chu Mingcui sighed lightly. Her exquisite makeup could not conceal theyer of sorrow that veiled her beautiful face.


    Behind her, the Prince Qi naturally could not see her expression.


    Yuwen Hao neither confirmed nor denied her words, though the smile at the corner of his lips froze.


    "Who exactly was so ruthless as to do this?" Chu Mingcui asked.


    The Prince Qi said coldly, "If I find out who it was, I will chop him to pieces."


    Chu Mingcui nced back at him, a hint of helplessness in her eyes, before turning again to face Yuwen Hao. "Your Highness must have some idea who it was and why they would make such a vicious attempt. Please tell me."


    Yuwen Hao remained silent, seeming to have fallen asleep.


    The Prince Qi exchanged a look with Chu Mingcui. Why did she seem so concerned with finding the assant? Yet she hadn''t asked about Fifth Brother''s condition at all!


    "Let''s go," he said, taking Chu Mingcui''s hand.


    Seeing that Yuwen Hao appeared to be asleep, Chu Mingcui had no choice but to leave with the Prince Qi.


    At the doorway, Chu Mingcui paused and looked at Yuan Qingling. "Take good care of His Highness and don''t upset him."


    Yuan Qingling coolly replied, "Consort Qi is meddling too much."


    The Prince Qi was angry, afraid she would say something even more rude, and pulled Chu Mingcui along saying, "Let''s go, don''t bother with her. His Majesty only sent her back to take care of Fifth Brother, yet look at the job she''s doing."


    Chu Mingcui''s eyes shed in surprise, but the Prince Qi had already dragged her away.


    Yuan Qingling watched them leave, and heard Chu Mingcui ask the Prince Qi, "It was His Majesty who summoned her back to take care of Fifth Brother?"


    The Prince Qi instead asked her, "Why do you keep asking about the assant?"


    Chu Mingcui sighed lightly, "I''m thinking of you. If someone wants to kill the Prince of Chu, they may welle after you too. I''m worried about you, why can''t you understand?"


    Yuan Qingling shut the door, cutting off the conversation between the Prince Qi and his consort.


    She slowly walked back in and craned her neck to look at the bed. His eyes were closed but his breathing was ragged - he wasn''t asleep.


    She didn''t know if he had heard the Prince Qi and Chu Mingcui''s earlier conversation, given the distance. He probably hadn''t.


    However, he looked very upset.


    "What are you staring at?" Yuwen Hao suddenly opened his eyes and red viciously at her.


    "Nothing!" Yuan Qingling got up to fetch a cushion and knelt on it by the bed.


    Yuwen Hao ignored her, but didn''t go to sleep either, lying there with eyes open, lost in thought.


    Yuan Qingling was also pondering the matter of the medicine box.


    She had originally thought it would only produce medicines from herb, but she discovered that wasn''t the case. As long as she thought of a medicine in her mind, the box would make it appear.


    Why was this medicine box so mystical? Could it be a wormhole connecting the two worlds?


    But that reasoning was wed too. The contents of the medicine box came and went like they were being controlled by someone. Who was controlling the medicine box?


    "I never said those words to her."


    In the midst of her chaotic thoughts, Yuan Qingling was startled to hear Yuwen Hao''s hollow voice.


    "What?" Yuan Qingling frowned in confusion.


    Yuwen Hao looked at her, seemingly wanting to say more but stopping himself. In the end he turned his face away without looking at her or saying anything else.


    Weirdo!


    Yuan Qingling ignored him and decided to stop puzzling over the medicine box. She would just take it out and examine it herself.


    She removed the medicines from the box''s twoyers and ced them on the floor, making sure the box was empty before closing it again. In her mind she thought: hemorrhoid cream!


    Slowly opening the box again - nothing inside.


    Clearly she wasn''t the one controlling the medicine box.


    She smiled wryly, realizing she was being silly. She put all the medicines back in ce, and was about to close the box when she saw a tube of hemorrhoid cream lying next to the cotton pads in the upperyer.


    "Damn it!" She couldn''t help crying out in astonishment.


    A hand stretched out from the bed and pped her forcefully across the face.


    Yuan Qingling jumped up, fury shooting up from the pit of her stomach. Disregarding his injured brow, she pped him back just as hard and coldly said, "Go die!"


    With that, she picked up the medicine box and stormed out.


    She gave up. She didn''t want to save this man anymore. He was going too far. Just because seeing Chu Mingcui put him in a bad mood, he took it out on her. What kind of man was that? She had tried so hard to heal him, yet he was better off dead!


    As she yanked the door open, Tang Yang and Xu Yi were standing outside. They had heard the p but were hesitating whether to enter. Before they could make a move, Yuan Qingling had flounced out carrying the medicine box.


    Seeing the p mark on Yuan Qingling''s face, Xu Yi felt relieved. The one who got hit wasn''t His Highness, but her - great!

 Chapter 37: Out of It

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    Xu Yi watched Yuan Qingling stomp away in anger, and wondered to himself, "I wonder what she did to anger Prince Yuwen this time that caused her to get beaten again."


    However, Tang Yang hurried inside. Seeing the bleeding on Yuwen Hao''s brow and the palm print on his pale face, he said in a low voice, "Xu Yi, hurry and get some medicinal powder."


    Upon seeing this, Xu Yi angrily said, "She dared to hit the Prince?"


    "Hurry up and get the medicine powder!" Tang Yang pushed him.


    Yuwen Hao calmly said, "No need."


    But Tang Yang insisted it was necessary. However, when Xu Yi brought the medicinal powder over, Yuwen Hao said, "No need to apply medicine, she had already treated it earlier."


    Xu Yi was very puzzled, and couldn''t help butin, "Your Highness, she dared to hit you, yet you still use her medicine? She is bing more and more arrogant."


    Yuwen Hao ignored him, and only said to Tang Yang, "Go give her some medicine. The Purple Gold Decoction seems to have taken effect. I heard her shout about seeing ghosts just now."


    "She''s having hallucinations?" Tang Yang immediately understood. "The Consort has misunderstood Your Highness."


    Yuwen Hao coldly said, "What misunderstanding? If not to shock her awake, when I recover, I will have to severely beat her again."


    Xu Yi nodded in agreement by the side, " rightly so, rightly so. Looking forward to it, Your Highness."


    Tang Yang shot him an annoyed look, "You stay here and watch over the Prince, I''ll go and return shortly."


    "Yes!" Xu Yi replied.


    Still fuming, Yuan Qingling returned to Feng Yi Pce.


    Seeing her return, the maid L¨¹ Ye was surprised and said, "Consort, weren''t you with the Prince?"


    Yuan Qingling nodded. Yuwen Hao was injured, the whole manor knew, but how severely was not made public. They didn''t even dare to inform Yuwen Hao''s mother, the Virtuous Concubine.


    The Emperor had decreed that no information was to be passed to the rear pce. But somehow, the retired Emperor found out.


    "Consort, you..." Seeing her poorplexion, L¨¹ Ye recalled her violent temper, and her body shuddered involuntarily. "Let this ve go pour you a cup of water."


    "Thank you!" Yuan Qingling said.


    L¨¹ Ye was stunned for a moment, hesitant as she walked out. A thank you?


    Just after L¨¹ Ye left, Tang Yang arrived.


    Seeing hime in, Yuan Qingling coldly said, "What is it? Did he send you to convey his anger? No need!"


    Tang Yang shook his head slightly. He took out a white porcin bottle with lotus patterns from his sleeve, "These medicines were sent by the Prince for the Consort."


    "Medicine?" Yuan Qingling looked at the exquisitely crafted little bottle. Opening it, she poured out a single red pellet. It was a tiny pill.


    "If the Consort sees any hallucinations, like ghosts and such, take one immediately and you''ll be fine." Tang Yang said.


    "Why would I see hallucinations out of nowhere..." She suddenly stopped speaking, shocked as she looked at the bottle. Could he have thought she was like that thieving attendant, experiencing hallucinations after taking the Purple Gold Pill?


    She seemed to have shouted about seeing ghosts.


    "He hit me thinking I was hallucinating?" Yuan Qingling stood up and asked.


    Tang Yang nodded, "Yes, with the Prince''s injuries, that p must have exhausted all his strength. The wound on his brow was bleeding again."


    Though Tang Yang''s words contained no usations, his gaze looking at Yuan Qingling held some implications.


    Yuan Qingling stood up, "Let''s go see how his injury is first."


    "Consort, take the medicine first." Tang Yang said.


    Yuan Qingling asked Tang Yang, "After taking this medicine, can it counteract the Purple Gold Decoction''s poison?"


    Tang Yang hesitated for a moment, "At the very least, it can alleviate it."


    "What canpletely resolve it?"


    Tang Yang shook his head, "I''m afraid that will take some time."


    Yuan Qingling swallowed a pellet, "Alright, let''s go."


    All the way there, she felt her lungs expandingfortably, and found it much easier to breathe.


    It seems this medicine expands the lungs.


    With the lungs expanded and breathing smooth, the brain will not be continuously deprived of oxygen and suffer hallucinations.


    She just didn''t know who was capable of making this Purple Gold Pill and its antidote.


    When they arrived at Xiao Yue Pavilion again, both Tang Yang and Xu Yi followed Yuan Qingling in, seeming very wary of her, actually daring to hit the Prince! Truly short but gutsy.


    Seeing here in, Yuwen Hao''s expression was still faint, not saying a word.


    It was Yuan Qingling who saw his wound oozing, and felt somewhat guilty. An apology was definitely not forting, she just silently sat at the bedside to tend to his injury.


    "Does it hurt sitting like that?" Yuwen Hao suddenly spoke, startling Yuan Qingling.


    She looked at him, and he stared straight back at her, his eyesplicated.


    "Not too painful!" Yuan Qingling said indifferently.


    "I''m sorry!" He suddenly said.


    Yuan Qingling''s mouth twitched. Thirty heavy strokes, and an apology.


    She didn''t want to reconcile. They needed a wall between them to feel safe.


    So she should sternly say, apologies are useless.


    But her words came out weak andpromising, disappointing herself.


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes gradually lit up withughter.


    Yuan Qingling red at him resentfully. He actually had a roguish expression, "This Prince admits wrong."


    Yuan Qingling firmly pressed on the wound, immediately causing him to bare his teeth in pain, fury on his face.


    "My skills arecking, not intentional." Yuan Qingling said.


    Xu Yi really couldn''t stand watching anymore, "Consort, go easy on your hand!"


    "You do it then!" Yuan Qingling nced at him, immediately moving aside.


    Xu Yi looked at it and shrank his neck back, "This... Consort, you should continue."


    He didn''t know how to handle that wound, shaped like a centipede. His hands were rough, he would apply more force.


    Yuwen Hao looked at Xu Yi and Tang Yang, "Alright, you two leave. The Consort can keep vigil tonight."


    "Yes!" Since the Prince had spoken, Tang Yang and Xu Yi withdrew.


    Yuan Qingling also wiped his face for him, then knelt on the soft cushion by the bed. "They are quite protective of you."


    "This Prince provides them their wages."


    Yuan Qingling nodded. Indeed, hired help looks after their boss.


    While she as the boss''s wife, was a freeloader, so the staff naturally wouldn''t care for her.


    "In three days, everyone will know you cured the retired Emperor. Be careful." Yuwen Hao said.


    Yuan Qingling rested her chin on the bedside, "It''s Prince Ji, isn''t it?"


    Yuwen Hao''s expression changed, "Who told you?"


    "Guessed!" Yuan Qingling recalled Prince Ji''s somewhat strange gaze at her when he entered the Golden Ridge Pce. Also, he seemed rxed and high-spirited. So she felt Prince Ji was very suspicious.


    Yuwen Hao coldly said, "Don''t pretend to be smart, bringing disaster upon yourself without knowing. These words, you can say them before me, but don''t speak carelessly outside, especially in the pce."


    "Of course I know not to speak of it." Yuan Qingling faintly smiled, "Actually, what does this have to do with me? I''m best staying out of it."


    Yuwen Hao stared at her, "I''m afraid that won''t be possible."

 Chapter 38: One More Wound

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Yuan Qingling looked at him in surprise, "What do you mean?"


    Yuwen Hao didn''t answer but asked in return, "Why do you think it was Prince Ji who did it?"


    Yuan Qingling thought for a moment and said, "Intuition, I guess."


    Of course she wasn''t the kind of person who relied on intuition. She was just deducing that it was Prince Ji based on her preliminary understanding of the current situation.


    Yuwen Hao saw through her in an instant. "I don''t believe that. Just tell me your thoughts."


    Yuan Qingling said lightly, "It really is just intuition."


    She regretted her loose tongue. She didn''t want to cause more trouble. Telling him her analysis would make it seem like she already understood these things while confined in Jinghou Manor.


    As someone who read history books, she had keen instincts about the political situation. Prince Ji was the eldest son and had military achievements. His Majesty favored him greatly and he had also won over some of the court officials. It was almost certain that he would be Crown Prince.


    As for the other princes, even if they were ambitious, given Prince Ji''s current power, none of them could help get rid of Yuwen Hao.


    Because keeping Yuwen Hao was like putting up a barrier on Prince Ji''s path to bing Crown Prince. It wasn''t that the other princes necessarily favored Yuwen Hao, just that with the current struggle over the position of Crown Prince, things hadn''t be that antagonistic yet.


    Yuwen Hao didn''t ask further. He was just somewhat shocked inside that this foolish Yuan Qingling actually knew it was Prince Ji.


    It seems the current state of affairs was discussed frequently in Jinghou Manor.


    His distaste for Jinghou Manor grew even more.


    Yuan Qinglingy prone on the cushion, slowly closing her eyes.


    She had really been especially tired recently, wanting to sleep as soon as she touched the bed.


    But her mind kept worrying about many things, leaving her body exhausted but unable to fall asleep with her eyes wide open.


    "Ugly woman!" His voice came from the bed.


    Yuan Qingling turned her head to the outside, unwilling to bother with such a rude person.


    A pillow was thrown down, hitting Yuan Qingling on the head.


    Yuan Qingling propped up her hands and red at him with eyes that had no energy at all. "What is it?"


    "This king needs to relieve himself!"


    Yuan Qingling got up and went behind the screen to get a chamber pot and brought it over.


    "Call Tang Yang in." His eyes darkened slightly. She was clever at times but also foolish at critical moments. Telling her he needed to relieve himself was to get her to call Tang Yang to serve him. Why did she go and fetch the chamber pot herself?


    Yuan Qingling put down the chamber pot and turned to go out and call Tang Yang.


    Tang Yang came in for a bit and then came out carrying the chamber pot, saying to Yuan Qingling, "Consort, you can go in now."


    Yuan Qingling nodded and was about to go in when Tang Yang suddenly said, "Consort, wait a moment."


    Yuan Qingling looked back at him. "What is it?"


    Tang Yang went into the courtyard and then beckoned Yuan Qingling over, looking very mysterious.


    Yuan Qingling suspiciously walked over. "Just say what you have to say."


    Tang Yang lowered his voice, "His Highness has another wound that he won''t let anyone treat. Just now...just now I took a look, and it seems to be getting inmed and purulent."


    "Another wound? Why won''t he let it be treated?" Yuan Qingling said in astonishment.


    Where else could he be wounded? She had clearly treated all his wounds already and had looked him over front and back.


    Except...


    Her eyes slowly darkened as she looked at Tang Yang. "Don''t tell me you''re talking about his reproductive...manhood?"


    Was that the appropriate term?


    Tang Yang was 35 years old this year. In his early years he had been a seasoned veteran of brothels and had gone through life and death on the battlefield with Yuwen Hao. He could be considered to have seen his share of storms.


    But now, this robust man''s face flushed red in an instant. He sighed inwardly, couldn''t the Consort speak more euphemistically?


    What ''manhood''? Wouldn''t it be better to say His Highness''s ancestral shrine? Anything like ''ancestral root'' would also sound more polite!


    "That''s what it is, right?" Yuan Qingling asked again when he just stared nkly without answering.


    "Tang Yang, what nonsense are you spouting?" came a roar from inside, a roar that seemed to shake the roof tiles. It was definitely beyond Yuwen Hao''s physical capacity.


    Tang Yang hurriedly took the chamber pot and fled.


    Yuan Qingling stood there nkly, slowly withdrawing her gaze.


    Yuwen Hao''s face was mottled red and green, like a palette. But the bridge of his nose was ghostly white.


    His eyes burned with rage as he stared fixedly at Yuan Qingling, still with that enraged look like he wanted to y her alive and devour her.


    "Um..." Yuan Qingling didn''t know why he was so angry. "Tang Yang said you have another injury."


    "He''s talking nonsense!" Yuwen Hao said through gritted teeth.


    The more Yuan Qingling looked, the more she felt it didn''t seem like Tang Yang was speaking nonsense. On the contrary, it seemed like he was stubbornly denying it.


    Yuan Qingling knew some people avoided doctors out of modesty about illness and didn''t want to show weakness. So she earnestly advised, "Don''t conceal your injuries from the imperial physician. Otherwise, if an infection spreads from an untreated wound, it could lead to high fever and death."


    "What business is it of yours?" Yuwen Hao snarled viciously.


    Yuan Qingling knitted her brows. "So you really are injured down there? How could you be injured in that area? Were you lying down while being chopped up?"


    "This king will kill you!" Yuwen Hao erupted in another roar. He wished he could prop himself up and smash Yuan Qingling with his fist.


    His face had also turned red to the roots of his ears.


    "You can kill me after you''ve recovered. For now, let me take a look and see how severe the wound is."


    "You wish."


    "I''ll leave right after looking."


    Yuwen Hao gnashed his teeth. "Even if this king were dead, I would not let you look!"


    Yuan Qingling sighed softly, hershes drooping. "It seems I''ll have to enter the pce and request an edict from His Majesty."


    Imperial order to inspect the rooster.


    Yuwen Hao red with vertical brows and round eyes. "Do you even remember how to write the word ''shame''?"


    Yuan Qingling didn''t speak, just looking at him.


    "Don''t stare. This king already said I''d rather die than let you see."


    Disinfectant, cotton balls, tweezers, scalpels were all prepared.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him. "I''m lifting it up. Don''t be embarrassed. Just pretend I''m the imperial physician."


    "Imperial physician? You wish!" Yuwen Hao''s teeth chattered. She even threatened to sedate him before looking.


    He didn''t want to pass out, not knowing what she might do to him unconscious!


    Gritting his teeth, he could only agree to let her take a look.


    He turned his head to the inner side of the bed, humiliated to have her lift his final fig leaf.


    "Spread your legs a bit more, I can''t see clearly."


    He swallowed, also swallowing down his rage, and opened his legs as instructed.


    The air was very cold. The chill prated his skin, and his whole body bristled.


    "You..." He felt her hand touch him and immediately became enraged. "Don''t touch randomly!"


    "How can I see the wound if I don''t move things aside a little? My god, this wound''s down to the bone. Go in another inch and your manhood would be beyond saving. Also, if you don''t treat the wound, even if it heals, it will affect your virility."


    What nonsense was this? "You just said look."


    "If the wound wasn''t serious, I wouldn''t need to treat it. But as Tang Yang said, your wound is infected and must be treated." Yuan Qingling said solemnly.


    "You..."


    "Be quiet. When you can pleasure women in the future, you''ll thank me for this."


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes filled with killing intent. He had already secretly sworn that once he recovered, he would make Yuan Qingling die a terrible death.

 Chapter 39: Father Muru Arrives

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    In a fit of rage, Yuwen Hao saw Yuan Qingling pick up a razor de and angrily ask: ¡°What are you trying to do now?¡±


    ¡°Shave, of course. How else to disinfect and treat the wound?¡± Yuan Qingling pped his leg. ¡°Cooperate and spread your legs.¡±


    Yuwen Hao felt all his blood rushing to his head. His ears buzzed as if they were about to explode.


    Hearing the scraping sound of the razor de against his skin and the tufts of hair falling off, the sensation sweeping across his thighs, each touch carried a sense of humiliation.


    Yuan Qingling was actually quite helpless inside.


    Did she want to watch? Want to shave his hair for him? Want to treat the wound there for him?


    But if he died from infection, she wouldn''t be able to exin it to the Retired Emperor or herself.


    Although, if he died, it would be his own fault.


    Luckily, the wound had just barely missed the femoral artery on his thigh, scraping past the side. The cut was deep. He must have used some method to stop the bleeding himself, as there was some caked powder nearby.


    Also, if it was just a little more towards the middle, it would definitely have chopped that part right off.


    If it had been chopped off, now that would have been great, the root of all evil.


    She thought this as she sneakily nced up at Yuwen Hao.


    Yuwen Hao threw a punch at her. Yuan Qingling quickly ducked her head back down, catching a glimpse of his beet-red face.


    ¡°Stitches are still needed!¡± Yuan Qingling dered seriously after disinfecting the wound.


    ¡°No!¡± Yuwen Hao firmly refused, slowly bringing his legs together. But Yuan Qingling had already wedged her hand in to stop him from closing them.


    Yuwen Hao felt like all the hairs on his body were standing on end, each being singed by his fury.


    ¡°Alright then!¡± Yuan Qingling took out the medical kit, found the topical anesthetic, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll apply some medicine to stop the bleeding and promote faster healing.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and do it!¡± Yuwen Hao red.


    After applying the medicine, Yuan Qingling looked up and asked, ¡°Does it feel less painful there now?¡±


    Yuwen Hao did feel it was less painful, but unwilling to admit it, he stubbornly said, ¡°Who said it doesn¡¯t hurt? You think your medicine is that amazing?¡±


    Yuan Qingling knew he was being stubborn and didn¡¯t bother with him. She threaded a needle and said, ¡°I¡¯ve applied anesthetic. I¡¯m going to start stitching now.¡±


    ¡°Yuan Qingling!¡± Yuwen Hao roared furiously. Damn this ugly woman actually dared to deceive him?


    That day she had stitched him, the pain made him grit his teeth to the point of breaking. And now she wanted to stitch the most painful part of his body? She must be trying to kill him.


    ¡°Alright, no stitches, but I have to scrape out the pus. That should be eptable, right?¡± Yuan Qingling said.


    Only then did Yuwen Hao restrain his rage. Watching as she lowered her head, he thought that if he felt any pain, he would directly kick her over.


    Yuan Qingling was actually stitching him up.


    With the anesthetic applied, she could finish before it wore off if she worked quickly.


    The door was shoved open with a ¡°bang¡±.


    Xu Yi blew in like a whirlwind.


    Pushing aside the curtain, with one sweeping nce, his whole body froze, standing extremely still, as if struck by lightning.


    Doctor Tang had said that the Prince would need someone to assist him at night, so he hade to keep night watch and was just about to report in, when he saw the Princess Consort¡¯s head buried between the Prince¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Yuwen Hao was also as if struck by lightning. After freezing for a few seconds, he erupted in fury.


    Xu Yi fled like he had seen a ghost, then ran back to shut the door.


    No one heard his screaming and crying inside, that the woman had taken advantage of the Prince while he was injured.


    Yuan Qingling was the calmest person in the room.


    Calmly finishing up the stitches, she said, ¡°There, stitched up.¡±


    Stitched up? She had dared to stitch him again!


    His hands went limp at his sides, no longer wanting to say another word.


    Yuan Qingling cleaned up. He turned his head, watching as she poured the contents onto the floor. That strand by strand of ck...hair.


    He would have to kill a few people to vent his hatred.


    But for now, he could only endure. Don''t sweat the small stuff, or the big ns would be disrupted...


    After that, neither of them spoke.


    Yuan Qingling dozed off leaning over.


    In her dream, she was being chased down. des and swords shed, as she dodged left and right until being driven to a dead end. A huge saber was raised up. Through the cracks between her covering fingers, she saw Yuwen Hao¡¯s sinister face.


    The saber shed down. Blood sprayed onto her face. She let out a shriek and woke up.


    Her face felt damp. Wiping it, it was all water.


    She looked up to see Yuwen Hao holding a bowl, tilted over upside down, now empty.


    His expression was smug and sinister.


    A bowl of water had been ced by the bedside for him to conveniently drink when thirsty.


    Yuan Qingling was very angry. She had painstakingly cared for and treated him, without a word of thanks, and instead he yed a trick on her.


    However, she didn''t show her anger. On the contrary, she looked at himpassionately, ¡°How pitiful. A prince of royal blood, who has in countless enemies, can now only take revenge against me, a youngdy, by pouring water.¡±


    Yuwen Hao¡¯s eyes shed with anger. He flung his arm and the bowl flew towards her.


    The bowl didn¡¯t hit Yuan Qingling. Instead it hit himself in the head.


    His hand had slipped. It looked like he had thrown it out but he had just let go.


    The bowl smashed right into his nose bridge, the pain bringing instant tears to his eyes.


    Pathetic and embarrassing.


    Yuan Qingling''s mouth twitched. She picked up the bowl and walked out.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡±, outside, Yuan Qinglingughed until her wound nearly burst.


    Inside, Yuwen Hao rubbed his nose bone, trembling all over. ¡°He¡¯s going to be the death of me!¡±


    The first light of dawn emerged, a faint orange glow on the horizon as the clouds were slowly dyed.


    Xu Yi had squatted outside all night, dozing off.


    He was jolted awake by Yuan Qingling¡¯s maniacalughter, rubbing his eyes in fright as he looked at Yuan Qingling¡¯s face somewhat contorted fromughing hard. ¡°Princess Consort...are you alright?¡±


    Yuan Qinglingughed until herplexion was flushed red. Even after stopping, her eyes and brows still flew high. She patted Xu Yi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Go take care of the Prince, Xu Yi. He...has had some bad luck!¡±


    Seeing her break into devilishughter again after saying this, Xu Yi fled in fright into the room.


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    He dejectedly came back out, his face ashen.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t go back in. She leisurely walked to thekeside, looking at the huge orange sphere slowly emerging on the horizon.


    Watching the sunrise always invigorated people, filling them with spirit.


    The sadness of leaving her family after transmigrating was slowly suppressed by the sunrise, pressed to an inconspicuous ce, almost out of reach.


    Perhaps it was the sunrise, or perhaps it was the bout ofughter just now, but she felt like she had finally lived a few minutes as a normal person under the sun.


    What was there to fear under the sun?


    She stood by theke for over half an hour.


    Only when she felt the sunlight was too ring did she slowly retract her gaze.


    Tang Yang hurried over and solemnly said, ¡°Princess Consort, Eunuch Mu Ru is here.¡±


    Yuan Qingling turned back, seeing Tang Yang¡¯s rather grave expression. ¡°Eunuch Mu Ru?¡±


    ¡°Eunuch Mu Ru is the Retired Emperor¡¯s head eunuch.


    ¡°What business does he have?¡± Yuan Qingling knew Tang Yang was usually steady. Seeing him looking somewhat rmed now, Eunuch Mu Ru''s visit did not bode well.

 Chapter 40: The Incident of the East Window

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Yuan Qingling followed Tang Yang to the main hall.


    On the way, Tang Yang had already told her the reason.


    The Emperor was furious when he found out that she had secretly treated the Retired Emperor. He ordered Mu Ru eunuch to personallye to summon her to the pce for questioning.


    Yuan Qingling was definitely a little panicked in her heart. She understood the pce rules. She was neither an imperial physician nor a doctor. She had no qualifications to treat the Retired Emperor at all.


    Mu Ru eunuch sat waiting with a solemn expression in the main hall. When he saw Yuan Qinglinge in, he stood up and said lightly: "Consort Qing, the Emperor has summoned you to the pce."


    Yuan Qingling only asked one question, "How is the Retired Emperor?"


    "The Retired Emperor is unconscious due to poisoning." Mu Ru eunuch said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling lowered her eyes.


    No wonder the Emperor wanted to interrogate her. If it was just a simple treatment without any incident, then naturally there was no fault or merit on her part. But once something went wrong, all the mistakes were hers.


    Moreover, it was poisoning.


    When she followed Mu Ru eunuch out to the gate, she saw that themander of the imperial guards, Gu Si, was also there.


    Gu Si''s eyes were indifferent. "Consort Qing, please get on the carriage."


    There was no footstool ced below.


    Yuan Qingling climbed onto the carriage with difficulty. The moment the curtain fell, she suddenly recalled that she had forgotten to tell Tang Yang to pay attention to see if Yuwen Hao had a fever. She suddenly lifted the curtain and said to Gu Si, "I have a word I want to say to Tang Yang."


    Gu Si''s eyes were cold and stern. "Consort Qing, you''d better not do those useless things. Just go to the pce."


    Yuan Qingling was puzzled. "Useless things? What do you mean?"


    "Just take care of yourself and don''t drag the Prince down." Gu Si said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling sneered, "I see. Then please inform Tang Yang to pay attention to whether the Prince has a fever. If he has a high fever, let him take one of the pills I left by the Prince''s bedside. It''s for rapidly reducing fever."


    The curtain fell, blocking her icy expression.


    Her heart was chilled to the extreme. This was a society full of suspicion and distrust everywhere.


    Gu Si led the way on horseback. The Emperor had maintained Yuan Qingling¡¯s dignity by not making a big show of taking her to the pce for interrogation, but rather sent her in a luxurious carriage, saying it was to summon her for questioning.


    Yuan Qingling was taken to the imperial study.


    The windows and doors were closed in the study, blocking out the sunshine and making it oppressively stuffy.


    The colors inside the hall were bright and magnificent. The huge sandalwood screen was carved with a pattern of soaring dragons. Yellow silk curtains hung down, their smooth folds rippling like waves on ake stirred by the wind, distinct and clear.


    Emperor Ming Yuan sat erect on the carved dragon throne, his hands ced on the huge engraved pear flower carved sandalwood imperial desk. On the desk was a bronze three-legged censer giving off curling smoke, emitting a camphor-like aroma, a overbearing smell that immediately refreshed and awakened one¡¯s mind.


    The wealth and majesty of the imperial family was everywhere, making one instantly weak in the knees with the urge to kneel down.


    This was the power of the imperial authority, already permeating the air.


    Yuan Qingling did not dare look at Emperor Ming Yuan. In her field of vision, she only glimpsed a shadow. She knelt down and said, "Your daughter-inw Yuan Qingling greets Your Majesty!"


    "Raise your head!" Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice was not loud, but it seemed toe from all directions.


    Yuan Qingling slowly raised her head, but kept her eyes downcast, not daring to look directly at Emperor Ming Yuan.


    But Emperor Ming Yuan looked at her coldly and sharply. "Did you secretly treat the Retired Emperor?"


    It didn''t sound like he was interrogating her, but rather asking casually. Yet it contained anger.


    Yuan Qingling did not dare deny it, knowing that he must have evidence. She said, "Replying to Your Majesty, yes I did."


    "Where did you learn medicine from?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked again.


    Yuan Qingling had thought of what Emperor Ming Yuan would ask ever since she entered the pce, so she had already prepared her response. "Replying to Your Majesty, when your daughter-inw was young, she encountered a female wanderer, who stayed in the capital for a period of time. She was very fond of me and taught me medicine."


    "How long did you study with her?"


    "One year."


    "What was your master''s name?" Emperor Ming Yuan pressed step by step to get to the bottom of this.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Your daughter-inw doesn''t know. My master never revealed her name."


    Her unconvincing words were watertight, infuriating the Emperor even more.


    "Did you treat the Retired Emperor on the instructions of the Fifth Prince?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "The Prince didn''t know about this."


    "He didn''t know?" Emperor Ming Yuan pursed his lips tightly, his eyes narrowed as he said coldly, "The first time you administered medicine to the Retired Emperor, you entered the tent together with the Fifth Prince. Yet you''re saying he didn''t know?"


    Yuan Qingling had no intention of dragging Yuwen Hao into this. So even though the Emperor said this, she still insisted on her own ount. "The Prince really didn''t know. Administering medicine to the Retired Emperor only took a moment. It was just one pill that I ced in the Retired Emperor''s mouth and let slowly dissolve."


    In fact, by saying that Yuwen Hao knew, she could have avoided the main usation. The Emperor would definitely think that Yuwen Hao had ordered it. Then her life could be spared.


    And Emperor Ming Yuan certainly wouldn''t kill Yuwen Hao.


    That was the safest approach.


    But Yuan Qingling had never thought of dragging him into this. It would be very unfair to him, even though he was a terrible person.


    "Was it this bottle of pills?" Emperor Ming Yuan took out a bottle of medicine from behind the memorial and ced it on the desk, asking Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling raised her head to take a look. They were sublingual tablets.


    She silently nodded. "Yes!"


    "Even I, who doesn''t understand medicine, know that this pill does not contain ginseng, bovine bezoar and other ingredients you mentioned." Emperor Ming Yuan said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling said in surprise, "I...I don''t know either. That was indeed what my master told me."


    "Mu Ru, take one pill and have the Consort ingest it in the same way she administered it to the Retired Emperor." Emperor Ming Yuan said lightly.


    Mu Ru eunuch obeyed the order, took a sublingual tablet and handed it to Yuan Qingling. Yuan Qingling took it and ced it under her tongue, pressing down on it.


    Mu Ru eunuch kept watching her actions.


    "Take the Consort to the side pce and have Gu Si keep watch on her!" Emperor Ming Yuan said lightly. "Summon Jing Hou."


    Yuan Qingling didn''t remember for a moment who Jing Hou was until after Mu Ru eunuch took her to the side pce. She then recalled that Jing Hou was the father of the original Yuan Qingling.


    Her fly-by-night, selfishly opportunistic father.


    Initially, Yuan Qingling was invited to Princess Ping''s residence to scheme against Yuwen Hao, which Jing Hou strongly supported.


    But after Yuan Qingling seeded in marrying into Prince Chu''s estate, she discovered that the daughter was not favored. Even the Thrice Gate-opening Prince didn''t take her back with him, which greatly disappointed Jing Hou.


    At first, he had also tried to put on the pretense of father-inw with Prince Chu, but slowly discovered that Prince Chu didn''t even look straight at him. Hepletely gave up and also stopped caring about Yuan Qingling.

 Chapter 41: A Pile of Bad Luck.

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    If this involved the Jinghou Mansion, she was afraid she would be the object of curses from all the n members.


    She slowly sat down, Gu Si just standing right in front of her, arms crossed as he stared at her, truly watching her closely.


    She raised her head and asked Gu Si, "Can you tell me, what poison did the Retired Emperor ingest exactly?"


    Gu Si pressed his lips tightly together, not saying a word.


    Yuan Qingling knew that these pce guards, their mouths were tighter than steel, if they didn''t want to speak, there was no way to pry them open.


    She didn''t doubt at all that the Retired Emperor was poisoned.


    From the Fu Bao incident it could be seen that the Retired Emperor poked some people''s eyes, there were people who wished with all their heart that he would die.


    It''s just, Qian Kun Pce was airtight, to add something to his food and drink, it was nearly impossible.


    The possibility of poisoning his medicine was also not big, because the imperial doctors'' prescribed medicines were all tested by someone, if they wanted to poison the medicine, then that person must be Eunuch Chang and Xi Mama. Xi Mama and Eunuch Chang, one of those two people watched the medicine testing, after testing the medicine, they would take it directly into the pce for the Retired Emperor to ingest.


    In the three days in Qian Kun Pce, she knew this process.


    If food and medicine couldn''t be poisoned, then only the incense remained.


    But in the pce there wasn''t only the Retired Emperor alone, Eunuch Chang was always at his side, if the Retired Emperor was poisoned, Eunuch Chang would also certainly be poisoned.


    And there were always eunuchs going in and out to serve him, Empress Dowager, Emperor Rui, Prince Qin always went to pay respects, putting poison in the incense burner was also very stupid behavior.


    Mu Ru eunuch said the Retired Emperor lost consciousness, so who was it that informed His Majesty, and said that she had medicine to treat him?


    Eunuch Chang? But Eunuch Chang also didn''t see her giving medicine when she went in together with Yuwen Hao.


    Other than Yuwen Hao, no one knew.


    Even if Yuwen Hao wanted to say, he couldn''t say it either, these past few days he hadn''t even entered the pce.


    Had he told other people? He didn''t seem like someone who didn''t know his ce, he knew that as soon as this matter was investigated, he would certainly be implicated, it didn''t benefit him at all.


    If it wasn''t someone he absolutely trusted, he wouldn''t have said it.


    If he didn''t say it, then someone guessed.


    Who paid such attention to her actions going in?


    There were two people, Prince Ji and Chu Mingcui.


    Prince Ji noticed whenever anyone went in, especially when Yuwen Hao went in, he would certainly prick up his ears to eavesdrop.


    Could it be Chu Mingcui? Might Yuwen Hao have told Chu Mingcui before?


    He should absolutely trust Chu Mingcui, they had also been together at Wenchang Tower before.


    Assuming it was Chu Mingcui, she wouldn''t directly tell His Majesty, she would inform the Empress.


    After a few quick thoughts, she raised her head and asked Gu Si, "The Empress didn''t see me give the Retired Emperor medicine, so why would His Majesty firmly believe the Empress''s words?"


    She stared at Gu Si.


    Gu Si''s eyebrows raised slightly, seeming somewhat astonished in his eyes, but in an instant, he returned to normal again, still not saying a word.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t need Gu Si''s answer, just seeing his expression, she had already guessed.


    It was the Empress who informed His Majesty, but the Empress''s thoughts weren''t so meticulous, so her deduction wasn''t wrong, it was Chu Mingcui.


    Very good, Chu Mingcui!


    Every cell in Yuan Qingling''s body turned icy cold.


    This was a ce where people devoured each other.


    Prince Chu''s Residence


    After Yuan Qingling was brought into the pce, Tang Yang immediately went down to tell Yuwen Hao.


    After hearing about this matter, Yuwen Hao''splexion had remained very ugly the entire time, as if he had suffered a major blow.


    When it reached the hour of Shen [3-5 pm], and there still wasn''t any news from the pce, he ordered Tang Yang to prepare a sedan chair, he wanted to go to the pce.


    Tang Yang advised: "Your Highness''s injuries are too severe, it''s not suitable to go to the pce."


    "No need to waste words."


    "Your Highness, the situation is precarious, it''s better to keep observing for now." Tang Yang said.


    "By continuing to observe, will the situation reverse?" Yuwen Hao coldly said.


    "It won''t, but at least we''ll know how to respond." Tang Yang sighed, "Right now Your Highness is truly unsuitable to charge forward into the limelight, Your Highness is heavily injured, by not going to the pce to exin, His Majesty will also understand, but if Your Highness drags your gravely injured body to go to the pce, it will instead make His Majesty feel that Your Highness deliberately used a show of suffering to demonstrate your innocence."


    "Xu Yi, prepare a sedan chair." Yuwen Hao directly ordered Xu Yi.


    Xu Yi looked at Tang Yang in difficulty, His Highness''s injuries were so severe he couldn''t even get out of bed, how could he go to the pce?


    "Your Highness, please think thrice!" Tang Yang said in a deep voice.


    How could Yuwen Hao not have thought it over thrice? He had thought it over more than thirty times already.


    From the moment Mu Ru eunuch took Yuan Qingling away, his brain hadn''t stopped running scenarios.


    He had thought over many arguments, but no matter which argument, there was no way for him topletely absolve himself of involvement.


    And the worst possibility he could think of was that Yuan Qingling would frame him as the mastermind in order to free herself.


    Yuan Qingling absolutely could do this. Over this past year, her life in the Prince''s residence hadn''t been satisfactory, in order to survive, betraying him wasn''t out of the question.


    If it were him, he probably would also do the same.


    After all, they didn''t even have the bonds of husband and wife between them.


    When Yuwen Hao was about to prepare to enter the pce, the gatekeeper hurriedly came to report: "Your Highness, Lord Wu from Jingzhao Prefecture hase with people."


    Tang Yang''s expression quickly changed, "He must have captured the assassin who tried to kill Your Highness."


    Xu Yi''s expression brightened, "That would be great."


    Yuwen Hao''s heart, however, sank down.


    He had some ominous premonition in his heart.


    Lord Wu brought the yamen runners from Jingzhao Prefecture over, six yamen runners stood at the entrance, and Lord Wu came into the room.


    Tang Yang asked: "Lord Wu, have you found the assassin who tried to kill His Highness?"


    Lord Wu nodded, "That''s right, we did find him."


    He stepped forward and bowed with hands sped, "This humble official pays respects to Your Highness."


    "No need for courtesy!" Yuwen Hao looked at him, "Did the murderer confess?"


    Lord Wu looked straight at Yuwen Hao, "He confessed. This time I havee on imperial orders."


    Tang Yang''s expression changed slightly, "Come on imperial orders?"


    "That''s right. At first the assassin admitted he was sent by Prince Qi. But after torture, the assassin changed his confession and said the assassin was sent by Your Highness Prince Chu." Lord Wu said heavily.


    Xu Yi immediately said: "Preposterous! His Highness sending an assassin to kill himself? There is nothing so foolish under heaven!"


    Yuwen Hao calmly asked: "Did the assassinmit suicide?"


    "As Your Highness expected, after confessing, the assassin bit down poison and killed himself."


    Yuwen Hao faintly smiled.


    Unable to withstand torture, confessing he was the mastermind behind it all before biting poison tomit suicide, it was illogical, but he had died without anything to prove it false.


    "His Majesty asked this humble official toe ask Your Highness one thing, was what the assassin said true or not?" Lord Wu said.


    Yuwen Hao slowly shook his head, "It wasn''t, I never did that."


    Lord Wu said: "Since that is the case, this humble official will return to the pce to report. It would be best if Your Highness does not leave the capital these next few days."


    "I want to go to the pce." Yuwen Hao said.


    "Your Highness, the princes may not enter the pce without an imperial decree." Lord Wu said.


    Yuwen Hao''s body slowly sank down, "I understand, see Lord Wu out."


    Tang Yang bent down, "May Lord Wu depart slowly."


    Lord Wu nodded, bowed towards Yuwen Hao with hands sped, "This humble official bids farewell!"


    He retreated two steps, turned around, and left, taking the yamen runners outside with him.


    Tang Yang was silent for a moment, then said: "Your Highness, the enemy operates in the dark, it would be unwise to act rashly now."

 Chapter 42: To the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    Xiaoyue Pavilion was plunged into prolonged silence.


    Yuwen Hao thought long and hard, then looked up at Tang Yang and said, "Go find out what poison the Retired Emperor was given."


    "My lord, I''m afraid it won''t be easy to investigate."


    "Gu Si would know!" said Yuwen Hao.


    "Gu Si should be on duty in the imperial court right now. He can''t get away, and besides, Gu Si came with us earlier. If he knew anything, he would have found a way to let us know already," replied Tang Yang.


    A sh of ruthlessness appeared in Yuwen Hao''s eyes. "Go to the pce and report that I plead guilty."


    "My Lord!" Xu Yi and Tang Yang both cried out in shock. Was the lord out of his mind to actually plead guilty?


    "I confess that everything Imperial Concubine Ling did was under my orders," said Yuwen Hao with an expressionless face.


    Xu Yi heaved a sigh of relief. For a moment he thought the lord was going to admit that he himself had hired the assassin to injure him.


    But it was still inappropriate to admit to ordering the imperial concubine to treat the Retired Emperor.


    "That won''t do, My Lord. You are already in a precarious position as it is," said Xu Yi.


    After some thought, Tang Yang said, "Does My Lord believe in the imperial concubine?"


    "This is the only n!" said Yuwen Hao coldly.


    Tang Yang looked at Yuwen Hao and said, "If My Lord is determined to do this, then you and the imperial concubine''s fates will be tied together. If she is unable to turn things around, My Lord''s situation will only get worse. Has My Lord thought this through carefully?"


    "Is there any other way besides this?" Yuwen Hao''s heart was filled with indignation, and the blood in his throat churned again. He forcefully suppressed it, but he could still smell the sweet tang.


    Prince Ji''s machinations were air-tight and left no loose ends.


    Since the assassin had already taken his own life, he certainly wouldn''t have left any evidence behind. On this matter, he was destined to suffer this injustice in silence.


    Therefore, there was no point in plotting and scheming here. His only hopey in Imperial Concubine Ling sessfully curing the Retired Emperor again. Then he might have a chance to redeem himself of this crime.


    He was very clear on how ruthless his father the Emperor could be.


    Xu Yi did not understand. "What is this approach exactly?"


    Tang Yang exined, "The Retired Emperor was already at death''s door, but Imperial Concubine Ling managed to treat and save him. If the Retired Emperor''s poisoning had nothing to do with her, then she should be credited for saving his life. And if it was all done under My Lord''s orders, then My Lord ought to be rewarded for this."


    Xu Yi was shocked. "Then what if the imperial concubine is unable to prove her own innocence?"


    After a moment of silence, Tang Yang said in a low voice, "Then, Xu Yi, you and I will have to die with My Lord."


    A sense of valor rose in Xu Yi''s chest. "Fine, if death it is, then so be it. Waiting around like this was a dead end anyway, we might as well take a gamble."


    Tang Yang nodded. Looking at Yuwen Hao, he said, "Since My Lord can''t enter the pce right now, the only n for the moment is to find Prince Rui."


    "Correct!" Yuwen Hao slowly stood up, and the movement tore at his wounds. Every inch was agony, but pain was a good feeling - it would keep his fighting spirit strong.


    Imperial Concubine Ling could drag her injured body into the pce to treat the Retired Emperor. Why couldn''t he?


    The sedan chair arrived at Prince Rui''s residence.


    Prince Rui was just about to head to the pce when he encountered Yuwen Hao''s sedan chair at the entrance.


    Knowing that Yuwen Hao was gravely injured, Prince Rui was very shocked to see him arrive. Tang Yang stepped forward to report, "Prince Rui, pleasee over for a moment. Prince Chu is too injured to dismount. Please grant an audience."


    Prince Rui walked over leading his horse. Tang Yang lifted the sedan curtain, revealing Yuwen Hao''s ashen face.


    "Uncle, treating the Retired Emperor was done under my orders. Please bring me into the pce," said Yuwen Hao.


    Prince Rui nodded. "Let''s go!"


    He ordered his horse to be switched for a sedan chair and entered the pce together with Yuwen Hao.


    The sedan chairs passed through the East Gate without any obstruction, with Prince Rui apanying them.


    Only when they reached the entrance of the Imperial Study did the sedan chairs stop.


    Prince Rui said to Tang Yang, "Wait here with your lord. I will go in and see His Majesty first."


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    With a swish of his robes, Prince Rui entered the hall of the Imperial Study.


    Tang Yang saw Jing Hou trembling as he stood unsteadily outside the hall.


    He walked over and called, "My Lord?"


    Jing Hou was badly startled, and only came back to his senses when he saw it was Tang Yang. He craned his neck to look around and said, "Oh, it''s you, Sir Tang!"


    "What brings My Lord here?" asked Tang Yang.


    Jing Hou looked miserable as he said, "Waiting for the Emperor to summon me, though I don''t know what for. His Majesty ordered me toe, but he hasn''t seen me. He only asked me a few questions about Imperial Concubine Lin... I mean, the imperial concubine, then told me to wait here."


    Just then, the eunuch Mu Ru came out and announced, "Prince Chu, enter to pay your respects."


    Tang Yang and Xu Yi quickly supported Yuwen Hao out. Seeing Yuwen Hao''s condition shocked Jing Hou, who took several steps back for fear of touching him identally.


    The man looked no sturdier than a paper cutout, as if a gust of wind could blow him over.


    "Only Prince Chu is summoned!" Mu Ru dered as he stood between Xu Yi, Tang Yang, and Yuwen Hao.


    Xu Yi and Tang Yang looked at Yuwen Hao worriedly before he slowly steadied himself and said, "Lead the way, eunuch."


    It was only twenty steps into the hall of the Imperial Study.


    Yuwen Hao slowly dragged himself forward. Each step was excruciating, and the wounds on his legs had all torn open. A trail of blood followed behind him, presenting a ghastly sight.


    Mu Ru was taken aback, not expecting Prince Chu to be so gravely wounded. He had thought the injuries were limited to the prince''s face and ears.


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s brows furrowed as he watched the trail of blood behind Yuwen Hao, his expression ominous.


    The wounds were two days old and still bleeding profusely. Did the prince take him for a fool?


    This son of his was too clever for his own good.


    Yuwen Hao''s forehead was beaded with fine sweat. The walk here had already drained every ounce of his strength, yet he still had to kneel.


    His body slowly lowered with great effort. As his leg gave out, he crashed to the ground with a thud. The wound on his abdomen tore open and blood sprayed out. Yuwen Hao instantly felt the world spin as his vision went ck, but he still managed to choke out, "Father... Imperial Concubine Ling treating the Retired Emperor was under my orders..."


    Having uttered those words, he copsed unconscious on the ground.


    Yuwen Hao was carried to the nearest annex where Imperial Concubine Ling was staying. She watched as the bloodstained Yuwen Hao was brought in, with Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui following behind. The imperial doctor had not yet arrived.


    "How could he have entered the pce? He couldn''t even get out of bed! His wounds must all be torn open," said Imperial Concubine Ling, aghast.


    Prince Rui zoomed in on the key point. "Were you the one who treated his wounds?"


    "Yes. He suffered eighteen stab wounds and was still in mortal danger when I entered the pce. He hadn''t gotten through the critical period yet," Imperial Concubine Ling replied, her eyes drifting constantly to Yuwen Hao. She was extremely anxious - if the wounds weren''t treated promptly, he could die.


    The emperor''s gaze shifted subtly, but he said nothing. He only looked deeply at Imperial Concubine Ling.


    Imperial Concubine Ling paid him no heed. She rushed over to apply pressure on the bleeding abdominal wound that she had meticulously stitched up. Had he gone mad to enter the pce in this state?


    "Yuwen Hao, Yuwen Hao, wake up!" Imperial Concubine Ling pressed on the wound with one hand and pped his face with the other. "Don''t sleep, or you''ll never wake up again."


    With so much blood loss, he really could die.

 Chapter 43: Should have Let You Die.

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    Prince Rui could no longer stay either. He took a pill from his own sleeve pocket and ced it in Yuwen Hao''s mouth, then turned around and knelt on one knee, "Your Majesty, your servant does not believe that the Fifth Prince is self-harming. Based on these injuries, I''m afraid that even the Imperial Physicians will have trouble saving him. If this was just an act to show you, there would be no need to injure himself so severely."


    When Yuan Qingling heard this, her heart skipped a beat. The Emperor suspects that he self-harmed?


    Gu Si, who had been staring at Yuan Qingling in the hall, also pleaded, "Your Majesty, I also feel that this is unlikely. The Imperial Physician did say earlier that the Prince''s injuries were too severe and to prepare for his passing. It was the Retired Emperor who ordered the Princess Consort to leave the pce before the Prince could be saved. As someone who practices martial arts, I know that des and spears are indiscriminate and it is not necessarily possible to injure so severely without threat to life."


    Emperor Ming Yuan said lightly, "You may all rise."


    There was some dullness in Gu Si''s eyes. The Emperor still did not give his stance.


    The Imperial Physician rushed over in haste. Although he worked in the pce, he had treated the Retired Emperor''s illnesses for many years and had honed his skills. As he walked over, he kneeled and paid his respects.


    Due to the urgency of the situation, after this kneel, he would normally forgo further formalities and hurry over.


    However, this time, he had just knelt down before starting to stand up without waiting for the Emperor to say "exempt from courtesy".


    As his brain issued themand, his body was already standing and stepping forward. He abruptly halted and knelt back down again, stumbling as he did so. His medicine box fell to the ground and he also crashed down.


    Yuan Qingling did not care how the Emperor might react. With one hand she grabbed the Imperial Physician''s medicine box, opened it, used scissors to cut open Yuwen Hao''s clothes, and immediately wrapped gauze above the bleeding wound to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.


    Yuan Qingling''s actions were very swift. After binding the abdominal wound, she immediately moved to take off his shoes and cut open his pants. All the wounds were exposed before Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes.


    Seeing the wound on the inner thigh, Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes darkened. He said coldly to the Imperial Physician, "What are you waiting for, stop the bleeding!"


    The Imperial Physician hurriedly crawled up and went forward to help.


    After taking Prince Rui''s Purple Golden Pill, the bleeding gradually stopped, but the ruptured wounds still needed proper treatment.


    Emperor Ming Yuan sat down and watched as Yuan Qingling skillfully treated the wounds. There was not a hint of panic or fear in her eyes, and her actions did not hesitate or shake. Blood stained her face but she did not care to wipe it off for the moment.


    After treating the wounds, she continued to pat Yuwen Hao''s face, "Wake up, don''t sleep."


    Yuwen Hao did not respond at all.


    The Imperial Physician came over to check his breathing, then drew back in shock, "Your Majesty..."


    Emperor Ming Yuan suddenly stood up and ced his fingers under Yuwen Hao''s nose. There was no breath.


    His face changed drastically as he asked Prince Rui, "Did you not have him take the Purple Golden Pill just now?"


    "The Prince had already taken one pill before," Gu Si said.


    The effects of the first Purple Golden Pill were very good, but taking a second within a short period of time greatly diminished the effects. If the injuries were too severe, it would still be beyond salvation.


    Emperor Ming Yuan was shocked and greatly affected.


    Yuan Qingling immediately knelt by Yuwen Hao''s side, sped her hands together over Yuwen Hao''s chest, and powerfully pressed down and pounded, "Yuwen Hao, don''t sleep, wake up!"


    "Princess Consort!" Gu Si wanted to reach out and pull her away, but men and women should not have physical contact, and the Emperor was still here.


    Yuan Qingling''s hair was disheveled, her forehead sweating, but even more so, she felt flustered. Was he going to die?


    A life was slipping away before her eyes, a life that had once been her patient''s.


    She felt extremely distressed.


    "Take the Princess Consort away!" Emperor Ming Yuan sorrowfully ordered. He had not expected Fifth Brother''s injuries to be so serious. When the Imperial Physician came back that day to report that the injuries were quite severe, but the Retired Emperor''s side somehow got word and had the Head Eunuche report not to worry, that the situation was fine after asking about it, so he had always believed the injuries were not critical.


    Mu Ru eunuch went to pull Yuan Qingling away, but Yuan Qingling angrily yelled, "Don''t touch me!" After speaking, she grabbed a pillow and threw it at Mu Ru eunuch.


    Mu Ru eunuch looked at Yuan Qingling in shock, not expecting her to suddenly be deranged.


    Yuan Qingling continued to administer chestpressions, hoping he was just in shock.


    A profound sadness pierced Emperor Ming Yuan. This son had once been the one he admired most. Although he was disappointed by him in the end, the bond between father and son could not be severed.


    He could not bear to look directly, turning away and stumbling a step. Prince Rui steadied him just in time.


    "Take her away!" Emperor Ming Yuan swallowed the blood in his mouth, his head dizzy and muddled, "Notify Consort Xian toe see him onest time."


    Just as Gu Si was about to go pull Yuan Qingling away, he heard the Imperial Physician exim, "The Prince has started breathing again, he''s breathing again!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan swiftly turned his head, almost unable to believe as he watched Yuwen Hao''s chest slowly rise and fall.


    He had personally checked for breath.


    Yuan Qingling was spent of energy and copsed by the bed, gasping heavily for air. Tears flowed from her eyes for no reason she could discern, and she felt aggrieved, like she wanted to cry loudly. In fact, she did sob out loud.


    She knew she was being improper, half-kneeling as she cried and pleaded forgiveness, "Father Emperor, your daughter-inw knows she is being rude, but I really want to cry. Please grant me a moment to do so."


    Her words were inappropriate and her crying unsightly with her eyes and nose scrunched together, but Emperor Ming Yuan, who had just felt his son lost and regained, did not mind at all. On the contrary, he found this previously unfavored daughter-inw rather endearing.


    After examining the pulse and checking, the Imperial Physician continuously eximed, "Miraculous, simply miraculous! This must be divine protection!"


    Prince Rui nced coolly at the Imperial Physician and said, "It is because King Chu''s fate is not yet exhausted."


    The Imperial Physician quickly changed his words, "Yes, yes, it is because King Chu''s fate is not yet exhausted."


    "What is the situation?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked the Imperial Physician.


    The Imperial Physician respectfully reported, "Replying to Your Majesty, King Chu is gradually stabilizing. It appears the Purple Golden Pill has taken effect."


    Emperor Ming Yuan was relieved, "Keep a close eye on him."


    "Yes!" acknowledged the Imperial Physician.


    Emperor Ming Yuan turned and steadied himself, then took Prince Rui''s hand, "Let us go out."


    Prince Rui murmured in agreement and supported Emperor Ming Yuan''s slightly burdened body, aware that he was unsteady on his feet due to the earlier panic.


    Outside the Imperial Study, Emperor Ming Yuan slowly sat down and looked at Prince Rui, "We personally checked Fifth Brother''s breath earlier, and he had indeed passed away."


    "Your Majesty, the matter of the assassin still needs prudent handling," Prince Rui said, taking the opportunity.


    Emperor Ming Yuan nced at him lightly, "Do you think I would actually suspect him? I was merely observing everyone''s reactions."


    Prince Ruiughed inwardly. Older brother, do you really not suspect your younger brother? You did harbor suspicions.


    But on the surface he acted as if suddenly realizing, "Your Majesty is wise."


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked pensive, "However, this Princess Consort of King Chu does seem rather capable, to be able to revive one who had lost breath."


    Prince Rui smiled, "Where was any reviving done? Could she have revived him just by pounding on his chest like that? Fifth Younger Brother likely just fainted temporarily."


    The innocent should not be convicted for harboring a treasure. Prince Rui was well aware of this idiom. This niece-inw has some skills, she must not be struck down.


    Emperor Ming Yuan nodded, epting Prince Rui''s exnation.


    Inside the annex hall, Yuan Qingling had finished crying but was still sobbing.


    A hand hanging from the bed dropped onto her face, and took the opportunity to wipe off the tears and snot on it. The one who had just awoken spoke in disgust, "You''re filthy."


    Yuan Qingling used a handkerchief to wipe herself and looked up at the weak and frail yet fully disdainful person. She wanted to cry butughed instead, "You ought to have died."

 Chapter 44: Have you ever Thought about the consequences

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    "Turn around!" he said softly.


    Yuan Qingling leaned her chin on the bed and smiled with tears, "Wee back from the brink of death."


    "Weren''t you hoping for this king to die?" Yuwen Hao looked at her bright and colorful face, the bruises on her forehead, and her swollen eyes that looked like peaches. Her tears washed away some of the dirt on her face, revealing some fair skin underneath.


    He really had not expected that just a few days ago, they were still at odds with each other.


    "Yes, I did hope that you would die," Yuan Qingling wiped away her tears, revealing some childishness, "But not dying right in front of me. I''m a doctor. Having a patient die before me is dereliction of my duty."


    Yuwen Hao looked at her and smiled slowly.


    Gu Si watched from the side, sighing in relief with a smile. After smiling, he looked at Yuan Qinglingplicatedly.


    This consort was not as annoying as he thought after all.


    Yuwen Hao took a deep breath, feeling the effect of the Purple Gold Elixir in his body as his dantian qi slowly rose.


    He looked at Gu Si and asked, "What poison did the Retired Emperor take?"


    Gu Si stepped forward and said, "I''m not very clear either. I only know thatst night, the Retired Emperor suddenly coughed up blood and lost consciousness. The imperial physician diagnosed it as poisoning."


    Yuwen Hao looked at Yuan Qingling, "Could the medicine you gave the Retired Emperor have caused him to cough up blood and faint?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "Absolutely not."


    "Then we''ll wait for Father Emperor''s investigation. There will surely be a result," Yuwen Hao said.


    "I ask that His Majesty allow me to go see the Retired Emperor," Yuan Qingling said.


    Gu Si shook his head. "Consort, remain calm. His Majesty will surely make arrangements. I''m sure that Prince Rui will also help intercede."


    Outside, Jing Hou, who was waiting, had already cursed his daughter Yuan Qingling a hundred times in his heart. He had schemed with all his might to marry her into the royal family, but unexpectedly, instead of helping her, she had caused trouble for him first.


    He reckoned Yuan Qingling must have done something wrong to anger His Majesty so greatly, otherwise he would not have summoned him to the pce so early in the morning and made him wait a full hour.


    Finally, the eunuch Mu Ru came out and said, "Jing Hou, His Majesty summons you."


    Jing Hou''s legs went soft, and he nearly knelt down.


    Trembling, he went in, knelt down, and pressed his forehead and face to the ground. "This minister Yuan Balong pays respects to His Majesty!"


    "No need for excessive courtesy in the Yuan family!" Emperor Ming Yuan said.


    Hearing the emperor''s very amiable tone, Jing Hou''s hanging heart fell by half. He slowly stood up and waited to the side for the emperor''s orders.


    Emperor Ming Yuan smiled and said, "I summoned you to the pce for no other reason than to ask how things are at home?"


    Yuan Balong''s heart hung again. With the Retired Emperor seriously ill and court affairs busy, how could His Majesty be so free and idle as to summon him to the pce to ask about things at home?


    There must be another intention.


    It must be that rebellious daughter causing some trouble again.


    He trembled and said, "Replying to His Majesty, all is well at this minister''s home."


    "That''s good, you may leave."


    Jing Hou was stunned and speechless.


    After leaving the imperial study, he asked around and spent a tael of silver to find out that Yuan Qingling had been summoned to the pce early this morning and there was still no news.


    He was furious. It must be her causing trouble!


    Returning home, he yelled at his wife for a while. "Look at the good daughter you raised. With the full might of this household helping her be the principal consort, what has she given back to this family? If His Majesty was in a good mood today and didn''t interrogate me, I''d probably be stripped of my position by now!"


    Yuan Furen was without her own opinion. Hearing her husband scold their daughter, she also secretly resented her. "From now on, just let her fend for herself. We shouldn''t care about her anymore."


    "Care about her? From now on, if shees home asking for silver, absolutely do not give her any," he said, recalling the silver he had previously given her to curry favor at the Ministry of War. That silver was like throwing meat buns at dogs - gone without any return. Just thinking about it made his heart hurt a little.


    Yuan Furen repeatedly said, "I understand."


    Jing Hou drank a cup of tea but was lost in thought to himself. With Yuan Qingling unable to gain King Chu''s favor, even with the position of consort, she was useless. It seemed he had to find her a good next match.


    He had been serving as an assistant minister in the Ministry of War for many years, watching as the Minister position changed hands three times, yet he still didn''t get a chance to take that position. He couldn''t wait any longer.


    The Chu family had been putting out word that with the high chance of Prince Qi being named Crown Prince, many people in court had already started currying favor with them. If he approached the Chu family and greased some palms with silver, perhaps it could happen.


    "How much usable silver do we have now?" Thinking of this, he asked his wife.


    "Around twenty thousand taels," Yuan Furen said.


    "Take three thousand taels for meter. I''m going to go make some contacts at the Chu house."


    Yuan Furen was stunned for a moment. "The Chu house? I fear that would be inappropriate. After all, Chu Mingcui, the Chu family''s eldest daughter, was originally going to marry King Chu before being thwarted by Qingling. The Chu family hates us enough as it is. How could they entertain us?"


    Yuan Furen had not forgotten the scornful, disdainful look from Madame Chu.


    "What does a woman from a fold know? Just take it when I tell you to," Jing Hou angrily said.


    Yuan Furen didn''t dare to speak again and personally went to the ounting room to retrieve the silver for Jing Hou.


    The current head of the Chu house was the chief councilor of the court and the emperor''s father-inw.


    The Minister of War over the years were mostly his people.


    Jing Hou saw clearly that in order to be Minister of War, he first had to be on good terms with the Chu house.


    Clutching three thousand taels worth of silver notes, he brought gifts and rode straight to the gates of the Chu estate.


    The Chu house was very lively today. Carriages were parked all outside. After inquiring, he found out that today was the day Prince Qi''s consort was returning to her maternal home.


    He was overjoyed. It was perfect that the consort was here. He could first apologize to her. He had heard that this eldest daughter was generous and magnanimous. If he apologized, she probably wouldn''t hold a grudge against the Jing Hou household anymore.


    He submitted a greeting card, but unaware to him, after the gatekeeper notified them, he came out and ryed that there was a family banquet today and no outside guests would be received. Jing Hou left feeling angry and humiliated.


    In the study of the Chu house, Premier Chu sat in the Grand Tutor''s chair while Chu Mingcui prepared the tobo pipe for him, sending away all the attending servants so that only the grandfather and granddaughter were left in the study to talk.


    "Grandfather, why do you think Jing Hou is desperatelying to our door today?" Chu Mingcui sat down and asked.


    "What else could it be for?" Premier Chu blew out a puff of smoke and nced at Chu Mingcui. "He must be here because of King Chu''s consort."


    "Yuan Qingling?" Chu Mingcuiughed. "I''m afraid begging anyone would be useless. With suspicion of poisoning the Retired Emperor, His Majesty will surely not let her off even without evidence."


    Premier Chu looked at her displeased. "You just won''t listen. Right now you have no need to offend anyone. King Chu''s consort is not worth fearing, nor is King Chu himself. Why avoid provoking them? If you make a mistake, just directly harm Prince Qi. The costs outweigh the benefits."


    But Chu Mingcui was nonchnt. "Grandfather, don''t worry. My aunt told His Majesty about this. I heard that Yuan Qingling also admitted to secretly treating the Retired Emperor. She can''t escape this crime."


    Premier Chu mmed his pipe pot on the table and coughed. He was even more displeased. "Your biggest mistake is letting your aunt get involved in this matter. Have you thought that if Yuan Qingling is exonerated and has nothing to do with the Retired Emperor''s poisoning, she would be a hero for saving the Retired Emperor? And His Majesty would be suspicious of your aunt because of this."

 Chapter 45: Search for the Cause

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Chu Mingcui felt that her grandfather was worrying too much. She said, "Grandfather, don''t worry anymore. Yuan Qingling cannot wash away her crime. The Retired Emperor''s condition was already serious to begin with, and now he has been poisoned and is in aa. Where can he be saved? As long as the Retired Emperor passes away, no matter how he passes away, Yuan Qingling will be used of secretly treating him and causing the Retired Emperor''s condition to deteriorate, let alone being rewarded. "


    The inner pce''s situation wasplicated and unpredictable. She still could not see through it all, let alone Yuan Qingling.


    Now that the situation was soplex, Prince Chu was involved and in danger. The Prince''s manor was finished.


    Thinking of Yuwen Hao, she still felt regretful, but to aplish great things, one cannot nitpick. That was his fate.


    "Don''t be so sure. Nothing is certain until the very end. There are always variables," Chief Minister Chu suddenly stared at her. "The Retired Emperor being poisoned was not your doing, was it?"


    Chu Mingcui was shocked. "It definitely wasn''t us. Even if you gave me the guts of the world, I still wouldn''t dare poison the Retired Emperor."


    Chief Minister Chu nodded slightly, lowering his aged eyelids. "That''s good that it wasn''t you. I will investigate why Yuan Qingling knows medicine. You may leave now."


    Chu Mingcui bowed and left the study.


    Once out of the door, the setting sun spilled across the ground. Thinking of Prince Chu, she still felt all kinds of unwillingness.


    She had thought he would always love her, but from their conversation at the Wenchang Tower, she already sensed his indifference and aloofness.


    Did he now have feelings for Yuan Qingling? How could that superficial woman be worthy of him?


    She guessed that after Yuan Qingling had seen Yuwen Hao''s injuries at the Prince''s manor, and heard from Prince Qi that Yuan Qingling had controlled Yuwen Hao''s injuries, she had pondered and realized that the sudden improvement in the Retired Emperor''s condition that day was likely Yuan Qingling''s doing.


    Back then, she had watched the canopy closely. Yuan Qingling had rushed to the Retired Emperor''s side. Based on her usual temperament, if she had not taken action, she would not have approached a dying man.


    Getting her aunt to probe had been very dangerous, but now, even at the risk, they had to act. Fortunately, everything she had guessed was right.


    She smiled faintly and lightly instructed the pce maid beside her, "Go stop Jinghou. Tell Jinghou toe to the pce to find me."


    How could she not understand Jinghou''s intentions? She needed Jinghou to arrange people for her. Once the struggle for that position began, Jinghou could also lend a hand.


    The pce maid left to pass on the order.


    She then instructed the old servant woman, "Go notify Prince Qi to prepare to enter the pce."


    The old woman was puzzled. "Didn''t you say to return to the manor?"


    "When did I ever say to return to the manor?" Chu Mingcui nced at her lightly.


    "Just now, didn''t you..."


    Chu Mingcui said coldly, "Then tell him to wait. If I''m still not out of the pce by the hour of the night watch, tell him toe back tomorrow, and keep doing this for several days. If he still has the patience, I will see him."


    The old woman did not understand. "Why is Consort doing this?"


    She smiled coldly. "I want to blunt Jinghou''s edge and make Jinghou realize that in front of me, he is just a dog. Only when he realizes this will he be absolutely loyal to me."


    After speaking, she gracefully walked down the stone steps, stepping out.


    In the pce.


    Around the hour of the night watch, Emperor Ming Yuan sent Eunuch Mu to summon Yuan Qingling to Qian Kun Pce.


    Yuwen Hao looked at her with a hint of worry in his eyes. "Be careful in everything you do. Don''t act rashly."


    "I know," Yuan Qingling replied.


    She felt rather warm inside. Yuwen Hao was not so bad after all.


    Eunuch Mu led Yuan Qingling out through a side door without going past the imperial study.


    Arriving at Qian Kun Pce, she saw that Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui were both there.


    Empress Dowager, who had been keeping watch at the Retired Emperor''s side, was not there, nor was the Empress.


    The imperial physician and Eunuchs Chang and Xi Mama were still attending by the bed. Fubao had been carried onto the luohan bed to recuperate and already looked much more spirited. Seeing Yuan Qingling, it made whining sounds.


    Yuan Qingling took a look at Fubao and shushed it. Fubao immediately quieted down.


    Seeing this, Prince Ruiughed. "This little beast actually listens to you. How strange."


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "Dogs understand human nature."


    "That''s true. Otherwise, how could it delight the Retired Emperor so? Sometimes this dog sees through more than people," Prince Rui murmured thoughtfully, then gave Emperor Ming Yuan a sideways nce.


    Emperor Ming Yuan also nced back coolly at Prince Rui, as if to say did he think he could not see through things?


    He said to Yuan Qingling, "Since you know medicine, go take a look at the Retired Emperor''s condition."


    Yuan Qingling immediately went over.


    Xi Mama and Eunuch Chang moved aside. Looking at the Retired Emperor''splexion, she asked the imperial physician beside her, "The Retired Emperor has been poisoned?"


    The imperial physician had just witnessed Yuan Qingling''s amazing rescue of Prince Chu, and was now rather respectful. "Yes, Consort. The Retired Emperor does show signs of having been poisoned."


    "May I see the diagnosis notes?"


    The imperial physician took them out of the medicine box and handed them to her. "Please review them, Consort."


    Yuan Qingling flipped open tost night''s ount of the Retired Emperor. He had vomited blood twice, then lost consciousness. His pulse was weak and feeble, his lips had turned purple. The initial diagnosis was poisoning.


    It did not state what poison though.


    The prescribed medication forms were at the bottom - Chinese medicine forms for detoxification. But it was also noted below that they did not relieve the condition after being taken.


    In other words, the antidote was wrong.


    She kept flipping up and saw that the Retired Emperor had been continually taking a medicinal pill called Nine Revolutions Elixir.


    "What is this Nine Revolutions Elixir made from?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "The Nine Revolutions Elixir was specially formted for the Empress Dowager. It dispels wind evil, strengthens the foundation and nourishes the essence. The Empress Dowager took it well, so she decreed that the Retired Emperor take it too. The form for making the Nine Revolutions Elixir is on the first page..." The imperial physician came over to help flip to the first page and pointed it out to Yuan Qingling.


    It was made from medicinal ingredients like atractylodes, cinnabar, jujube kernels, arborvitae seeds, angelica etc, which were indeed calming and stabilizing medicines with nothing suspicious about them.


    "May I see this Nine Revolutions Elixir?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Eunuch Chang said, "There is some in the pce, as it is medicine the Retired Emperor takes regrly, so we keep it stocked here."


    Eunuch Chang went to fetch a box and brought it over to Yuan Qingling. She opened it - there were twelvepartments, meant to hold twelve pills. Ten had already been taken, with two left.


    Eunuch Chang was puzzled. "Eh? There should be three pills left. Why is one missing?"


    "One is missing?" Yuan Qingling''s heart lurched. "Are you certain?"


    "Absolutely. I''m the one who attends the Retired Emperor and gives him his medicine every day. I clearly remember there were three pills left thest time."


    Yuan Qingling said gravely, "Eunuch Chang, please recall carefully if you are absolutely certain. This is of utmost importance."


    Eunuch Chang unhappily said, "How could I get something like this wrong? Thest time I administered the medicine, Fubao suddenly barked, startling me and making me drop the pills on the ground. After picking them up and putting them back neatly, I distinctly remember there were three pills left."


    "The pills fell on the ground? So the order must have gotten mixed up then?"


    "What does it matter if the order got mixed up? The pills are all the same."


    Yuan Qingling said, "I''m afraid not necessarily."


    She went and ced the pills on the table, spreading out the two pills. Taking a cup, she crushed one pill and looked at the color of the powder. Yuan Qingling breathed a sigh of relief then frowned. "Your Majesty, please take a look."

 Chapter 46: Nine Turning Dan

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    Emperor Ming Yuan and Prince Rui went forward to take a look. There were two pills. The center of one pill was ground open and was crimson, while the other one was faint yellow and ck.


    "The two pills look different? What is going on?" Prince Rui asked the imperial physician.


    The imperial physician was confused, "That''s impossible. These pills were made in the same batch, how could they be different colors?"


    "Then I ask that the imperial physician examine them and see which one is poisonous," Yuan Qingling said coldly.


    The imperial physician pointed at the crimson-centered pill, "This wasn''t originally this color. Why is the center so extremely red?"


    He broke off a bit of the pill and put it in a cup, poured water over it, then put in a silver needle. The entire needle turned ck, indicating the extreme toxicity.


    "Your Majesty!" The imperial physician fell to his knees with a thud, his lips trembling, "This is absolutely impossible. The medicine provided by the Imperial Medical Bureau has been tested to be nontoxic. Someone must have switched the pills!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes turned icy cold, "Guards, seal off the Imperial Medical Bureau and investigate thoroughly!"


    The guards left to carry out the order.


    Prince Rui looked at Yuan Qingling, "How did you know the pills were different?"


    Yuan Qingling exined, "One pill was missing. This means someone took away a pill. Why take it away? Clearly the pill that was taken had an issue. Eunuch Chang said thest time the medicine was administered, some pills fell on the ground. So it''s possible the order got mixed up. The one taken away was nontoxic, while the one that should have been taken away remained here."


    "Your analysis is right!" Prince Rui''s eyes also chilled, "To dare poison the Retired Emperor, they really have no fear of death."


    Emperor Ming Yuan directed all his anger onto the imperial physician. Yuan Qingling hesitated, "Father, I''m afraid the issue may not lie with the Imperial Medical Bureau."


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at her, "What do you mean?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "There were three pills. To take away the toxic pill, only one pill needed to be switched. That way there would be no suspicion. But this person could not take out another Nine Revolutions Elixir pill, since those are made by the imperial physicians. The Imperial Medical Bureau surely could have provided more Nine Revolutions Elixir pills, there''s no need to be short one pill and raise suspicion."


    Emperor Ming Yuan nodded, "Reasonable."


    Yuan Qingling continued, "There are three ces the culprit could have gotten the pills. One is from the Retired Empress Dowager, one is the Retired Emperor, and the other is the Imperial Medical Bureau. The Imperial Medical Bureau can be ruled out based on previous analysis, because if they could get pills from there, they could have taken an extra one. Likewise, the Retired Empress Dowager''s ce can be excluded. The culprit directly switched out the Retired Emperor''s medicine to add the poison. Because the pills were counted, after the Retired Emperor was poisoned, the culprit had to immediately take away the remaining toxic pill."


    Prince Rui didn''t understand, "Why did this person leave an extra poisonous pill? One pill was already enough to poison the Retired Emperor."


    Yuan Qingling said, "A rushed poisoning means the dosage is hard to control precisely. So this second pill was backup, in case one wasn''t enough. Adding the second pill the next day would ensure the poisoning seeded."


    "How does your mind turn so quickly?" Prince Rui praised.


    The imperial physician was now greatly relieved. The Consort''s words had helped exonerate the Imperial Medical Bureau.


    Eunuch Chang said, "But the only people who could ess these pills are our household and Xi Mama. No one else could get close."


    Xi Mama knelt down, "That is so."


    Emperor Ming Yuan had absolute trust in Eunuch Chang and Xi Mama. They had served the Retired Emperor for many years and were utterly loyal. They would never harm the Retired Emperor.


    "How many people are allowed to serve in the pce?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked Eunuch Chang.


    "In reply, Your Majesty, there are three people personally promoted by the Retired Emperor."


    "Bring them here. I want to question them!" A sharp light shed in Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes.


    "Yes!" Eunuch Chang said and then left.


    Among those allowed into the pce, there was Xiao Quan Zi. He was mainly responsible for walking the dogs and taking Fu Bao in and out of the pce.


    There was also Xi Mei, who attended to the Retired Emperor''s washing.


    The other was Xiao Luo Zi, who was responsible for cleaning the inner pce. The bedchamber was veryrge, he cleaned it alone. The Retired Emperor disliked noise, he mostly stayed in bed, so Xiao Luo Zi had half a day for cleaning.


    Eunuch Chang brought Xiao Quan Zi and Xi Mei. Xiao Luo Zi was nowhere to be seen.


    Xiao Quan Zi and Xi Mei knew nothing about this matter. Questioning them yielded fluent responses, they didn''t even know where the medicine was ced.


    Yuan Qingling said, "This Xiao Luo Zi is key. Since he''s responsible for cleaning the bedchamber, he must have touched the medicine box when dusting. It''s not strange he knew. He must be found immediately."


    Emperor Ming Yuan immediately ordered the entire pce searched to find Xiao Luo Zi.


    Half an hourter, Xiao Luo Zi was found.


    But he was already a cold corpse, dumped in an abandoned well in the Cold Pce.


    The corpse was discovered by guards of the Cold Pce. As Emperor Ming Yuan had ordered a pce-wide search for Xiao Quan Zi, the Cold Pce guards vaguely recalled seeing Xiao Quan Zi enter the Cold Pce today. So they searched and found the corpse.


    The Cold Pce guards were summoned for Emperor Ming Yuan to question personally.


    "Other than Xiao Quan Zi, who else entered the Cold Pce?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked.


    The guard answered, "In reply, Your Majesty, I only saw Xiao Quan Zi alone. The Cold Pce only has four guards doing shift patrols day and night. So I truly do not know if anyone else came after."


    Eunuch Chang also personally searched Xiao Quan Zi''s bedding and found a thousand-tael bank note.


    The bank note was issued by Dingfeng Firm.


    Yuan Qingling couldn''t read bank notes, but seeing Prince Chu''srge seal, her heart sank. She opened her mouth to defend, "Father, it couldn''t be the Prince."


    Emperor Ming Yuan wasn''t stupid. Naturally he knew if it was Prince Chu, he certainly wouldn''t use a note bearing Prince Chu''srge seal.


    The whole affair was someone framing the Fifth Prince.


    And the nning was rushed, clearly prepared at thest minute. This person likely didn''t expect the Retired Emperor''s condition to improve.


    It could be said Yuan Qingling''s sudden intervention caused this person''s original ns to failpletely. They had no choice but to hastily prepare another strategy, one that was bound to reveal ws.


    Only an attentive person would notice these ws, because the Retired Emperor had been taking Nine Revolutions Elixir for some time already. And the elixir was suggested by the Retired Empress Dowager, so no one would be suspicious of it.


    Thinking this, Emperor Ming Yuan looked at Yuan Qingling a couple more times. When the Fifth Prince married her, he was quite unhappy about his daughter-inw, but after that disgraceful affair, he could only ept it. The imperial family could not be freely criticized.


    Now looking at her, she didn''t seem too bad, just her walking posture was a bit strange, like a crab.


    He swept a nce at the imperial physician, "Hurry and see what the poison is!"


    The imperial physician quickly said, "Yes, I will examine it right away."


    Prince Rui looked at Yuan Qingling, "Do you know?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head, "I don''t have expertise with poisons."


    The imperial physician felt relieved. If the Consort knew everything, what purpose would the Imperial Medical Bureau serve?


    Yuan Qingling actually could roughly guess what the poison was.


    It should be cinnabar. Cinnabar can be used medicinally but overdosing causes poisoning. The Nine Revolutions Elixir already contained cinnabar. The Retired Emperor had been taking it long-term and was already mildly poisoned, though it was not severe yet. Suddenly increasing the dose would be devastating.

 Chapter 47: Dining Alone with the Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    She tiptoed up and stood in front of the Retired Emperor''s bed.


    In just two days, he had visibly lost a full circle in weight. His waxen, purple-lipped face and his fierce, disorderly eyebrows were now his only sign of authority.


    The once most powerful man in the Northern Tang Kingdom.


    Now even his life and death were beyond his control.


    Yuan Qingling ced her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating slowly and irregrly. Her own breath quickened.


    "How is he?" Prince Rui came over, thinking she had examined him.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "Still unclear."


    Disappointment was evident in Prince Rui''s eyes.


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression remained impassive as he watched the Imperial Physician concocting medicine.


    The Imperial Physician let out a breath in relief and came over to report: "Your Majesty, there is cinnabar mixed with wisteria poison."


    "Hard to cure?" Prince Rui asked.


    "Not difficult. Now that we know the poison, we can prescribe targeted antidotes. The medicine we''ve tried so far doesn''t work on cinnabar or wisteria poison, so we need a different prescription." The Imperial Physician replied.


    Now that the Imperial Physician could provide an antidote, Yuan Qingling¡¯s services were no longer needed. Emperor Ming Yuan sent her away to tend to Yuwen Hao.


    When taking her leave, Emperor Ming Yuan said to her, "Dine with Us tonight."


    Yuan Qingling didn''t realize this was an enormous favor, but just thought it amon meal. After all, they were family. She agreed offhandedly before withdrawing.


    Prince Rui admired herposure in the face of favor or disgrace.


    Yuan Qingling was actually still worried about one thing - the wound in Yuwen Hao''s private area.


    It had just been stitched up. She wondered if it would rupture after the bumpy ride into the pce and walking several hundred steps. The area was so close to the testicles that stretching it would be agonizing.


    This guy had phenomenal pain tolerance.


    With so many people around earlier when the situation was urgent, she didn''t have time to check on him. Now there should be just Tang Yang and Xu Yi caring for him in the annex, so it would be fine.


    Entering the annex, it was indeed Tang Yang and Xu Yi on duty. Seeing Yuan Qingling return, Tang Yang hurriedly asked, "Consort, how is His Retired Majesty?"


    Yuwen Hao also turned to look at her, a question in his eyes.


    "They''ve found a cure," Yuan Qingling said.


    Yuwen Hao was visibly relieved, his head and shoulders sagging down.


    The annex wasn''t a good ce for conversation, so after brief thanks all around, they didn''t discuss it further.


    Yuan Qingling told Tang Yang and Xu Yi, "You two go on out. Let me check His Highness''s wound again."


    Yuwen Hao immediately red at Yuan Qingling. "The wound is fine. No need to look."


    "It needs checking!" Yuan Qingling said meaningfully.


    Tang Yang tactfully pulled Xu Yi out, saying as they left, "We''ll be right outside if His Highness needs anything."


    Yuwen Hao''s face was ck. What would he be calling them for? He wasn''t some woman.


    Meanwhile, Yuan Qingling had opened her medicine box, preparing an IV drip and shots for pain and inmmation. He was averse to needles on principle, watching unknown substances enter his body gave him the creeps.


    But even creepier was seeing the deep mockery in Yuan Qingling''s eyes when she said, "Spread your legs!"


    Some very colorfully worded opinions on Yuan Qingling''s eighteenth generation of ancestors echoed through the annex.


    Yuan Qingling actually wanted to exin proper conduct to Yuwen Hao - when you''re weak and haven''t vited principles, it''s best not to resist, obey in everything, and you''ll increase the other''s efficiency and suffer less.


    The wound wasn''t a big issue and soon treated.


    Exhausted, Yuan Qingling said, "Try to scoot over some so I can lie down."


    "Can''t scoot," Yuwen Hao said grumpily, but seeing how tired she was, he slowly inched over to make room.


    Yuan Qinglingy down beside him, hands pillowing her forehead, and said heavily, "Hope everything will be fine and I can have some peaceful days."


    "If His Retired Majesty is well, petition to leave the pce and return home," said Yuwen Hao.


    "After dinner I''ll go," said Yuan Qingling.


    Annoyed, he said, "No food at home for you? What''s so good about pce food?"


    "His Majesty asked me to dine with him tonight," said Yuan Qingling.


    Yuwen Hao froze. "Father asked you to dine with him? He meant after dinner you can leave, right?"


    Father always dined alone, even visiting Empress''s pce only after eating.


    In all his years, except banquets, he''d never dined alone with Father.


    Yuan Qingling still spoke heavily, "Don''t know, that''s what he said. Just being polite, I guess."


    Yuwen Hao knew Father was never polite. Inviting someone to dine was a solemn affair.


    If he had to name someone Father dined alone with after bing emperor, only Grandfather.


    "Anything to be careful of dining with His Majesty?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Yuwen Hao''s face was very ugly. "How would I know?"


    Yuan Qingling lifted her head slightly. "You don''t know?"


    Thinking he was unwilling to say, she said lightly, "If I embarrass myself, it''s Prince Chu''s face I''ll lose."


    Yuwen Hao was silent a moment before saying slowly, "I''ve never dined alone with Father."


    Yuan Qinglingughed. "With so many in the family, of course you don''t dine alone. I won''t be dining alone with His Majesty either."


    "Who else if not you and Father?" Yuwen Hao asked, surprised.


    "I don''t know, who does he usually dine with?" Yuan Qingling looked at Yuwen Hao, face slowly bing serious again. "It can''t be just the two of us dining alone, right?"


    "Father never dines alone with anyone," said Yuwen Hao.


    Stunned, Yuan Qingling said, "So he always dines alone?"


    "Mm."


    "Why?" Yuan Qingling really didn''t understand. There were so many concubines in the pce, plus unwed princes and princesses. They could all dine together. Why insist on eating alone?


    Yuwen Hao was silent, just gazing obscurely at Yuan Qingling. He also didn''t know why Father preferred to dine alone, much less why Father who always dined alone would want to dine with Yuan Qingling tonight.


    Yuan Qinglingy with her head on the pillow without breathing for a good while. She really didn''t want to dine alone with His Majesty.


    "Don''t be afraid, Father won''t eat you."


    Yuan Qingling said gloomily, "It''s not fear, just awkward for two unfamiliar people to dine alone, nothing to talk about."


    "What is there to talk about? Answer whatever he asks and say nothing else," Yuwen Hao said irritably.


    Hearing his tone, Yuan Qingling didn''t want to provoke His Lordship and just rested with eyes closed.


    His Lordship also felt dejected, thinking Father wanting to dine alone with Yuan Qingling could only mean one thing - he still didn''t trust him and wanted to interrogate her about Prince Chu''s estate.


    The assassin had already taken poison and died, the matter could only be dropped. He couldn''t clear himself of suspicious bitter flesh.

 Chapter 48: The Queen Is Sick

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    Empress'' Zhongshu Pce.


    Prince Qi and Chu Mingcui entered the pce, and first went to pay respects to the Empress.


    When Chu Mingcui entered the hall, she saw the Empress'' face looked a little unhappy, sitting there with her hand on her chest.


    Chu Mingcui was always tactful in front of the Empress. After greeting her for a while, the Empress was still sullen.


    Chu Mingcui knew the Empress had something on her mind, so she smiled at Prince Qi and said, "Wasn''t Your Highness saying youposed a new poem to recite to Prince Lu? Go on now."


    Prince Qi didn''t like writing poems, but Prince Lu enjoyed them. Prince Qi and Prince Lu were both born of the Empress, milk siblings, so in order to please this unfortunate younger brother, and to entertain him, Prince Qi had started learning to write poetry.


    Now he had justposed a new one, and was eager to show off in front of Prince Lu. Hearing Chu Mingcui say this, heughed and left.


    After Prince Qi left, Chu Mingcui dismissed the attendants in the hall and sat down beside the Empress, asking, "Auntie, what exactly happened?"


    Seeing her son had left, the Empress resentfully said, "The Emperor and I have been married for over twenty years. Since our grand wedding, he has never dined alone with me. But tonight, he actually ordered Yuan Qingling to dine with him."


    Chu Mingcui was shocked. "Yuan Qingling? Wasn''t she brought into the pce for questioning? Howe she wasn''t locked up?"


    When Yuan Qingling entered the pce, she hadn''t asked about it. She assumed that with the crimes Yuan Qingling hadmitted, even if she wasn''t thrown into the dungeons, she would at least be confined first while they investigated and then stripped of her title of Princess of Chu, with the remaining punishment given in ordance with hermoner status.


    The Empress Chu coldly said, "Lock her up? Now she''s dining alone with the Emperor, just the two of them. Who knows what she''ll say to him."


    Chu Mingcui was slightly rmed. Recently, Yuan Qingling seemed to have be much smarter. If she mentioned any of her suspicions to the Emperor, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    She turned and looked at the Empress, a cunning light shing in her eyes. "Auntie, are you feeling dizzy?"


    The evening meal was set up in Feilong Pce, just one pce away from the study.


    Yuan Qingling had hoped Prince Rui would dine with them too, at least to have one more person there to talk.


    But when Eunuch Mu Ru led her to Feilong Pce, her hopes were dashed.


    A small round rosewood table, if not for the ce settings, Yuan Qingling would have thought it was a tea table. No, even a tea table would be too small for this. It could hold one dish at most.


    With a table this small, even sitting face to face, they would be very close.


    Emperor Ming Yuan now sat beside the round table, back straight, hands on his knees, looking at her with sharp eyes.


    Perhaps he was trying to look gentle, but the aura of majesty had been there too long. He couldn''t make that gentle expression, only a slight upturn of his lips before it froze, making people even more chilled to the bone.


    Yuan Qingling slowly walked over, just about to bow, when Emperor Ming Yuan said, "No need for courtesy, sit down."


    Yuan Qingling responded and carefully stepped to the table, gingerly sitting down.


    "Don''t be nervous, it''s just an ordinary meal," Emperor Ming Yuan said, seeing her tension.


    Yuan Qingling thought, how could she not be nervous? Even an ordinary meal didn''t usually involve just the patriarch and daughter-inw dining alone, not to mention you are the Emperor!


    "Yes!" she responded.


    On her way here, she had thought Emperor Ming Yuan summoned her to this meal because he definitely wanted to ask her something. Her guesses were actually the same as Cao Wenxuan''s - asking about affairs in Prince Chu''s residence, asking about Cao Wenxuan''s activities, who he associated with, and so on.


    She had also prepared appropriate responses in advance.


    But Emperor Ming Yuan didn''t ask. He just calmly told Eunuch Mu Ru, "Serve the dishes!"


    Looking at the size of the table, Yuan Qingling wondered how many dishes could be served?


    The first course was stewed soup.


    Two exquisite small stew pots were carried in and ced before Emperor Ming Yuan and Yuan Qingling. The lids were removed, fragrance wafting out, going straight up Yuan Qingling''s nose. Her appetite was immediately stirred, and she desperately wanted to drink it right away.


    But she knew it wouldn''t be so simple. Didn''t the Emperor''s meals need to be tasted for poison first, and then hand-washing and so on?


    A pce maid came forward to pour the soup into a small bowl for her, cing a silver spoon inside, while Eunuch Mu Ru attended to Emperor Ming Yuan.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t dare move, waiting until Emperor Ming Yuan picked up the silver spoon and started drinking before she rxed and reached for her own spoon.


    She was just too hungry. With delicious food in front of her, the tense mood naturally dissipated. She thought that no matter what he askedter, she already had prepared answers, so there was nothing to fear.


    She had just brought the spoonful of soup to her mouth when hurried footsteps sounded from outside. She put down her spoon and looked towards the door.


    Eunuch Mu Ru''s eyes shed with annoyance as he quickly stepped out. Shortly after, his expression changed as he came back in and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress is feeling unwell and has fainted."


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s brows furrowed as he stood up. "My carriage!"


    Yuan Qingling rxed again. The Emperor was leaving, so she could eat casually now.


    She really was too hungry to eat daintily and gracefully.


    But Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes swept over her. "Youe along too."


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes reluctantly left the soup to meet his. "Yes!"


    She stood up as Eunuch Mu Ru brought out a cloak. Emperor Ming Yuan turned his back to Yuan Qingling and let Eunuch Chang attend to dressing him in the cloak, smoothing out the wrinkles in his robes.


    Taking the chance while Emperor Ming Yuan and Eunuch Mu Ru weren''t looking, Yuan Qingling hurriedly brought the soup bowl to her mouth and drank it down in two gulps. The scalding soup slid down her mouth and throat, burning all the way to her stomach. It brought tears to her eyes.


    Emperor Ming Yuan turned around and looked at her in slight surprise.


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes were misted with tears as she forced out a smile, standing there awkwardly.


    Suddenly, Emperor Ming Yuan asked Eunuch Mu Ru, "Did Prince Qi and Princess Qi enter the pce today?"


    "Replying to Your Majesty, Prince Qi and Princess Qi entered the pce not long ago," Eunuch Mu Ru answered.


    Emperor Ming Yuan slowly adjusted the sash on his cloak, seeming lost in thought.


    Then he sat down again. "Summon the Imperial Physician to the Empress'' pce. Let''s continue the meal."


    Yuan Qingling was slightly puzzled. She looked up at Eunuch Mu Ru, but he seemed to have rxed.


    What exactly was going on here? The Empress had fainted, yet the Emperor wasn''t going to her?


    What did this have to do with Prince Qi and Princess Qi entering the pce?


    She didn''t dare ask. She slowly finished her soup, then the stew pot was removed and dish after dish was served. She saw Emperor Ming Yuan only took two bites from each dish, never a third time with his chopsticks.


    There was a braised pork elbow she quite enjoyed. Emperor Ming Yuan took one bite then told Eunuch Mu Ru, "This elbow is good, reward it to Prince Rui."


    "Yes!" Eunuch Mu Ru took it out to have the eunuchs deliver it to Prince Rui.


    Yuan Qingling knew the Emperor had this habit of rewarding leftovers from his meals to his officials. It was considered an honor that the officials generally felt immensely glory for.

 Chapter 49: No Need to Treat Illness

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    The meal passed in silence. By the time they finished thest dish, Yuan Qingling counted a total of ten dishes, including the stewed soup.


    She had thought the Emperor would be frugal, but did not expect such extravagance - nine dishes and one soup for just the two of them, with unlimited rice. This was outrageous.


    Mu Ru the eunuch brought over a hot towel for Emperor Ming Yuan to wipe his mouth.


    The leftover food was cleared away. Yuan Qingling thought that the Emperor would not ask her anything more, and that she should go see how the Empress was doing.


    She stood up and bowed, "This daughter-inw does not dare to dy Your Majesty from visiting the Empress Mother. I shall take my leave first."


    "Sit down!" Emperor Ming Yuan pressed his hand down and swept his authoritative eyes over her face, then waved for Mu Ru and the other attendants to withdraw from the hall.


    Emperor Ming Yuan and Yuan Qingling sat facing each other, only an arm''s length apart. With the hall attendants gone, an oppressive atmosphere descended upon them again.


    However, after this meal, she felt much more rxed.


    "How are you getting along with that rascal Fifth Prince?"


    Yuan Qinglingposed herself. Finally, they were getting to the main topic.


    Although this question was unexpected, it would not be difficult to answer - nothing more than cursing and beating.


    She smiled, "We treat each other with courtesy!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at her with a hint of a smile. "What do you think of the Fifth Prince''s character?"


    "The Prince is kind and benevolent!" Yuan Qingling forcibly covered her conscience and smiled as she spoke.


    These were not things the Emperor needed to know. The Emperor did not have time to care whether they had a harmonious marriage.


    But Emperor Ming Yuanughed.


    As if he had heard a very funny joke.


    Yuan Qingling struggled to maintain her smiling expression.


    "It has been a year since you married. Yet there is still no sign of a child. This so-called courtesy seems to be no more than that." Emperor Ming Yuanughed briefly and said lightly.


    Such a blunt and directment, Yuan Qingling could handle. "We have been trying hard all this time. I''m sure we will be able to add a golden grandson for Your Majesty soon."


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes shed with astonishment. Usually when a daughter-inw heard such words from an elder, she should be nervous or bow her head in embarrassment.


    Yet she said they were trying hard? Was she shameless?


    But Yuan Qingling thought she had said nothing wrong, and maintained a dignified smile on her face.


    Emperor Ming Yuan said lightly, "Very well, I look forward to holding a golden grandson."


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "Yes, I will definitely live up to Your Majesty''s expectations."


    She was utterly shameless!


    Emperor Ming Yuan paused for a moment. "How are Fifth Prince''s injuries?"


    Yuan Qingling answered smoothly, "Currently stable."


    "Go on, go back and take care of Fifth Prince!" Emperor Ming Yuan waved his hand.


    Yuan Qingling was taken aback. That was it? It seemed they had barely started the conversation.


    Emperor Ming Yuan got up and walked out. Mu Ru already had the imperial carriage waiting outside. With an order to depart, the Emperor left.


    Yuan Qingling was still in a daze. Not even a question about Yuwen Hao? Oh right, he did ask about the injuries, but she had prepared a whole speech.


    In Zhongxi Pce, Chu Mingcui had only been waiting for the imperial physician.


    The physician diagnosed the pulse of the Empress, and said there was no major issue - just liver qi stagnation. He prescribed medicine and left.


    After the physician departed, it was announced, "The Emperor arrives!"


    Chu Mingcui stood up. It had already been half a shichen since the Emperor left for the meal. He was onlying now, so the meal must be over.


    Emperor Ming Yuan strode into the hall. Chu Mingcui quickly curtsied, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan nced at her. "The Princess Consort of Qi is here too? You are truly filial."


    "It is my duty as a daughter-inw." Chu Mingcui smiled.


    Empress Chu struggled to sit up, and said sickly, "Why has Your Majestye? This concubine is fine."


    Emperor Ming Yuan sat by the bed. "Did you not send someone to summon me?"


    Empress Chu looked awkwardly at Chu Mingcui.


    Chu Mingcui quickly said, "Your Majesty, it was I who sent someone to summon you. Seeing the Empress Mother faint, I panicked in that moment, and the Prince was not by my side..."


    Emperor Ming Yuan said, "You have always been resourceful. Why are you out of ideas today?"


    Chu Mingcui''s heart thumped. The Emperor''s words seemed to hide barbs.


    Yuan Qingling must have said bad things about her to the Emperor.


    Seeing that Emperor Ming Yuan was still watching her, she awkwardly said, "I was also worried about the Empress Mother."


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at the Empress. "What did the imperial physician say?"


    The Empress softly replied, "The physician said deficiency in both qi and blood, along with liver qi stagnation, led to the fainting. With rest for a period of time, there would be no major issues."


    Emperor Ming Yuan straightened her bedding and gently said, "Very well, you should rest well. You need not go to the Retired Emperor''s anymore."


    The Empress was startled, and quickly said, "This concubine is fine."


    "I know you are filial," Emperor Ming Yuan said with a smile, his gaze very gentle. Looking at Chu Mingcui, he continued, "Princess Consort Qi should take good care of the Empress. Having Princess Consort Chu attend to the Retired Emperor will suffice."


    Chu Mingcui''s face immediately turned pale. The Emperor''s words clearly forbade her from going near the Retired Emperor again.


    Let Princess Consort Chu take care of things? Since when was she so important?


    The Empress said, "Princess Consort Chu has unclear intentions. Your Majesty cannot let her attend to the Retired Emperor in Qian Kun Pce again. Her privately treating the Retired Emperor is already a grave offense. Your Majesty spared punishment on Princess Consort Chu out of affection for Prince Chu, but you must also consider the Retired Emperor''s health."


    Chu Mingcui also said, "Your Majesty, I believe the Empress Mother is right. The Retired Emperor''s health is paramount - how can we let Princess Consort Chu use her dubious remedies? What of the imperial physicians'' reputation?"


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at Chu Mingcui and said, "I think there is no harm in trying her remedies, especially since the Retired Emperor''s condition has improved thanks to Princess Consort Chu''s remedies."


    Usually stern, Emperor Ming Yuan spoke to Chu Mingcui so gently, yet she inexplicably felt panicked. Reason told her not to say more, but she was still unwilling and said, "Your Majesty, since when have the Retired Emperor''s affairs needed private discussion between the Empress and Consort Qi?"


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at the Empress and said lightly, "The poisoning of the Retired Emperor was decreed by Us as ssified. How did Consort Qie to know of it?"


    The Empress said, "It was I who told her about it. It was a major matter, so I discussed it with Consort Qi. Does Your Majesty disapprove?"


    She already harbored resentment that Emperor Ming Yuan dined alone with Yuan Qingling and did not care for her health when he came. Now seeing him constantly praising Yuan Qingling, she could not help her anger rising.


    "Discussed?" Emperor Ming Yuan''s gaze gradually turned cold. "Since when have the Retired Emperor''s affairs needed private discussion between the Empress and Consort Qi? It seems there is great ability in this Zhongxi Pce."


    The Empress'' eyes reddened. "What does Your Majesty mean by this? Are you displeased that I and Consort Qi meddle too much? I have managed the six pces for many years, working tirelessly. I worry over every matter in the pce so much it has be a habit. Since the Retired Emperor fell ill, I have been anxious and scattered, not knowing what to do. Consort Qi is clever and capable, so I discussed everything with her. What is wrong with that? Yet Your Majesty does not punish Princess Consort Chu - that is an error going unpunished. With Your Majesty''s attitude today, how will I rule over the six pces in the future? Will the authority of the imperial couple and royal family not bepletely lost?"

 Chapter 50: Talking About Children

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes slightly raised, and his voice was gentle, "Then in the Empress''s view, how should Princess Chu be dealt with?"


    Empress Chu heard that the emperor was not displeased, so she said, "This concubine believes that the dragon body of the Retired Emperor concerns the destiny of North Tang Kingdom. Princess Chu recklessly thought herself clever and superior in medicine, privately using her own prescriptions to treat him, disregarding the safety of the Retired Emperor. This is extremely unfilial, but fortunately no serious consequences resulted. Therefore, this concubine believes she should be expelled from the pce and demoted to a concubine, with no permission to enter the pce without an edict."


    Emperor Ming Yuan smiled and said, "The Empress''s words make sense. Without punishing wrongs and rewarding merits, that is not the way of the Son of Heaven. We will do as the Empress says, demoting her to be a concubine, but she will still retain the title of Princess of Chu. Then We will reward her with two strands of nanzh¨± pearls. What do you think?"


    Empress Chu could hardly believe her ears. Reducing sins but still rewarding merits? The emperor clearly had no intention of punishing her at all.


    "Two strands of nanzh¨±?" Empress Chu''s eyes bulged out and her face immediately became gloomy. "Your Majesty, the nanzh¨± pearls tributary from Ryukyu, there are only three strands in total."


    The nanzh¨± pearls from Ryukyu were all huge and round, rare treasures. In previous years, the nanzh¨± pearls given in tribute by Ryukyu were only one strand, and the emperor would mostly give them to the Empress Dowager. She had thought she could get one strand this year, but now two strands were rewarded to Yuan Qingling, leaving only one strand for the Empress Dowager and none for herself.


    "Yes, there are three strands this year, Ryukyu''s aquatic production is very abundant this year!" Emperor Ming Yuan said with a smile.


    Empress Chu unwillingly said, "Your Majesty, how can Princess Chu be considered to have merit for saving the Retired Emperor? Was it her prescriptions that cured the Retired Emperor''s illness?"


    "The Empress doesn''t know?" Emperor Ming Yuan looked slightly surprised. "The Empress has sharp eyes and ears, and many capable people around her, yet she doesn''t know about Princess Chu''s merit?"


    Looking at Emperor Ming Yuan''s mocking yet still gentle face, Empress Chu suddenly realized he was angrily aware of her and Mingcui''s intentions.


    "Your Majesty jests." The sharpness in Empress Chu''s manner gradually weakened.


    "Of course I''m joking. Otherwise, I would have long investigated the Empress for a crime of loose lips." Emperor Ming Yuan''s smile faded and he stood up. "Since the Empress is unwell, rest well. I''m leaving."


    "Respectfully sending off Your Majesty!" Chu Mingcui quickly bowed.


    Emperor Ming Yuan nced at her. "I heard that Seventh Prince recently enjoys writing poetry. Princess Consort Qi is aplished in poetry and literature. If you have time, husband and wife writing poetry and reading books together can also be interesting, no need to always squeeze into the pce."


    Chu Mingcui''s face turned deathly pale. Uneasily she said, "Yes, your daughter-inw obeys."


    Emperor Ming Yuan strode out withrge steps.


    Chu Mingcui slowly walked to the bedside and sat down, her fingers digging into her flesh. "I don''t know what Yuan Qingling said to Father Emperor that caused Mother Empress to faint, yet Father Emperor didn''t even ask about Mother Empress when he came, his words ming her. Mother, I''m afraid we''ll have to pressure Consort Xian."


    Empress Chu, hearing Chu Mingcui''s words, only felt a mouthful of muddy qi stuffed in her chest, both indignant and heartbroken at once. She said, "What use is there in talking to Consort Xian? Consort Xian has the Empress Dowager''s support, she may not necessarily fear us."


    Consort Xian was the Empress Dowager''s niece. She had entered the pce many years ago and bore one son and one daughter, deeply favored by the emperor. Although she had lost favor for a few months due to the matter with King Chu, in the end didn''t the emperor still often sneak into her pce?


    Chu Mingcui''s mind turned over a hundred ways, trying to think of a clear path to deal with Yuan Qingling, but now Yuan Qingling had entered the emperor''s sights. With the emperor watching her, she could do nothing.


    Too many things had happened in the Prince of Chu''s estate recently. If she made another move, it would only benefit the Prince of Chu''s estate instead.


    After Yuan Qingling finished the meal with the emperor and returned to the side pce, Wenhao had waited until he was somewhat impatient.


    He wasn''t afraid that Father Emperor would pry for information, only afraid that Yuan Qingling would rashly say the wrong thing and provoke Father Emperor''s anger.


    Seeing Yuan Qingling return in a muddleheaded manner, he subconsciously tried to sit up before Yuan Qingling''s sharp eyes saw and she pressed him down with one hand. "You can''t move around!"


    "Get your filthy paws off me." Wenhao felt very ufortable that he actually had some concern for her, and viciously said to Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling felt this person was simply mentally ill, repaying care with malice. "What''s wrong with you, so ungrateful? I''m caring about you."


    "Who wants your care?" Wenhao said coldly.


    "Can''t be bothered with you." Yuan Qinglingy down beside him. "Scoot over a bit more, I want to sleep."


    Wenhao didn''t move over. Arm against arm, but he told himself it was because his injuries prevented him from moving, letting their arms stay pressed together.


    Yuan Qingling''s face was tilted outward, leaving only the back of her head''s ck hair for him.


    "Hey, what did Father Emperor say to you?"


    "Asked about your injuries." Yuan Qingling closed her eyes, her eyelids almost unable to lift. After eating her fill she just wanted to sleep.


    "What else?"


    "Also asked when we''re having a child."


    Wenhao was startled. "Father Emperor asked like that?"


    "Well, not exactly asking, just said we''ve been married a year but there''s still no sign of a belly, and I said we''re working hard on it, will give him a child after a year." Yuan Qingling''s breathing was somewhat heavy, it was just toofortable nestling like this.


    "You give him a child? Do you know how to speak properly?" Wenhao was furious, hearing such a reply, wouldn''t Father Emperor be angered to death?


    "His grandson, ah." Yuan Qingling couldn''t stand his sharp, jarring voice, disgustedly turning her face away while he just happened to turn over, her eyshes nearly sweeping his face. She quickly moved back, pulling away a fist''s distance.


    The distance was still a bit close, Wenhao could see the fine fluff on her face, her skin tender and fair, the dark circles around her eyes fromck of sleep, the boundary between her eyes and face very distinct. Her eyes lookedzy from drowsiness, lips slightly upturned, head tilted back leading to her chin slightly raised. Her ck and white distinct pupils had a clear brilliance.


    Shey there innocently like a bear dog.


    In looks, she fell short of Chu Mingcui by a bit.


    Her features weren''t perfect at all. Her nose wasn''t high, her mouth was a little full, her eyes not big, but these features together were inexplicably pleasing to the eye and gentle, especially when she raised her brows, her entire being seeming bright and vibrant.


    Father Emperor had actually asked when they would have a child? Truly unexpected.


    How could he possibly have a son with Yuan Qingling? Yuan Qingling''s son would be so ugly.


    Disgust arose in him, coldly saying: "This prince prefers daughters."


    Yuan Qinglingughed, eyes curving. "In this era, girls suffer misfortune. I can''t bear to bring a daughter into the world to suffer, better to have a son."


    But even if she had a child, it wouldn''t be with him. They were destined to separate. When she had enough capital, she would abandon him.

 Chapter 51: She Cried

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    Yuwen Hao frowned, "Who said a youngdy must suffer?"


    Yuan Qingling took a deep breath in her prone position and adjusted herself before responding, "Why wouldn''t she suffer? This is a society that values men over women. Other than getting married and having children, women have no other path. Serving her husband is a woman''s lifelong career, yet even this career haspetitors - you men take multiple wives and concubines, are fickle in love, and don''t understand true affection.


    Yuwen Hao was struck speechless. What kind of nonsense was this? What career? Whatpetitors? And why say he doesn''t understand true affection?


    "Who said I don''t understand?" The scar on Yuwen Hao''s eyebrow furrowed in anger.


    "Do you understand? If you finally get your wish and marry Chu Mingcui, will you spend your whole life with only her and take no concubines?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Yuwen Hao coldly replied, "Whether or not I take concubines is none of your business. Also, why bring her up?"


    "Let''s discuss it. Just say if you''d be willing to only have her your whole life and take no concubines."


    "She''s different from you. She knows her ce."


    "Yes, she knows her ce. She''d even personally bring concubines to you. But I''m asking if you''d be willing to only be faithful to her for life? If not, then you don''t truly love her." When facing ancient men, Yuan Qingling could finally pretend to be a love expert.


    Although she didn''t read silly romantic stories, her assistant Aimi loved to express all kinds of views on love in front of her.


    Aimi was a chubby graduate student who had never been in a rtionship or even had her first kiss.


    But Aimi was very optimistic. She said that one day she would definitely meet that person and devote herself to him wholeheartedly like a harpoon.


    After saying this, Yuan Qingling turned her head and continued sleeping.


    Yuwen Hao was left speechless.


    He felt very disgruntled. Who said that loving someone meant only having them your whole life? Taking concubines was for continuing the family line and had nothing to do with love.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t understand love, but that Yuan Qingling was too overbearing.


    Thinking of this, he shuddered with fear. Could Yuan Qingling have said such things in front of His Majesty too?


    He wanted to ask more but heard her steady, even breathing as if she had fallen asleep.


    Pig, able to sleep in this situation. And not even telling him what His Majesty had said exactly.


    Yuan Qingling had only wanted to rest her eyes briefly, but ended up sleeping for two whole hours.


    Upon waking, she saw Xu Yi and Tang Yang sitting silently guarding the door.


    ncing over, she saw Yuwen Hao was sleeping, the faint yellow candlelight illuminating his face. The scar didn''t look as hideous now that he was sleeping peacefully and the swelling had gone down slightly.


    She reached over to feel his forehead. His temperature was a little high but nothing too serious.


    She let out a breath in relief. Her mind gradually became clear.


    It was truly hard to imagine that just days ago he had hated her so much he wanted her dead, yet now they could lie peacefully in one bed.


    Recalling his cold demeanor from before, Yuan Qingling couldn''t help but shiver. She knew that they could be peaceful like this only because the pce crisis affected them both. But once this blew over, they would certainly revert to how they were before, swords drawn against each other.


    Thinking this, Yuan Qingling could no longerfortably sleep in the same bed as him. She got out of bed and tiptoed out.


    Tang Yang lowered his voice and asked, "Where is Consort Yuwen going?"


    Yuan Qingling softly replied, "I''m going out for some air. I''ll be right back."


    "Then don''t go far, Consort Yuwen. Just stay nearby. Pce security is tight and the guards won''t recognize you. I''m afraid they may identally injure you."


    "Got it." Yuan Qingling nodded and headed out, pushing the door open.


    Stepping outside, she took a deep breath. The eunuchs keeping night watch saw here out but didn''t try to stop her, only bowed in greeting.


    Yuan Qingling asked, "What time is it?"


    "Reporting to Consort Yuwen, just past the hour of zi [11pm-1am]."


    Yuan Qingling slowly walked on. Lanterns hung along the corridor, bathing the yard in dazzling soft light.


    She didn''t go far, just sat under a magnolia tree after leaving the yard.


    All was silent.


    The sounds of insects and frogs drilled into her ears. Yuan Qingling closed her eyes, enjoying nature''s gifts.


    After a while, she slowly opened her eyes, looking towards the bushes in shock. She could actually understand those insect and frog sounds.


    Being able to understand Fu Bao was already astonishing enough. Now even insects and frogs - just what was going on? Was she dead? A lone soul? Did ghosts really exist in this world?


    Yuan Qingling suddenly felt an aura of horror approaching from the darkness, making her heart panic. She scrambled up and rushed back to the hall as if ghosts were chasing her.


    Tang Yang and Xu Yi were startled by her hurried footsteps. Looking up to see her pale-faced and panting as she dove into bed and pulled the covers over herself, they couldn''t help frowning.


    Yuwen Hao was woken up by this. Opening his eyes to look at her, he asked with knitted brows, "What''s wrong?"


    Yuan Qingling sidled closer to him. "Scared!"


    "What are you scared of?" Yuwen Hao was taken aback. Her body was trembling - she really was terrified.


    With her head buried under the covers, her mind was in chaos. She felt an irrational sense of fear towards the unknown.


    A cold hand firmly grasped her shivering hand!


    Rough palm, slender fingers, tightly holding on with all his meager strength.


    Yuan Qingling felt as if that hand contained endless power, pulling down her heart that was floating midair and pressing it firmly in his palm.


    She hadn''t expected him to make such a warming gesture at all. She''d thought he would ridicule or look down on her.


    Her head slowly emerged from under the covers, her panicked eyes bing calm and docile. Her entire being seemed weak and well-behaved.


    Yuwen Hao''s heart inexplicably twisted for a moment, then came a feeling like ants gnawing away, a trace of sour pain.


    Their arms touched again. Yuan Qingling indulged herself in relying on this temporary steadiness, desperately inhaling and sucking it in.


    "What exactly happened?" Yuwen Hao asked.


    Yuan Qingling''s voice choked up. "I miss home."


    It had just been an excuse at first, but speaking those words brought an immense sadness and homesickness flooding up. Like dense clouds gathering without dispersing, her nose turned sour and she buried her face in his arm as tears spilled out.


    Ever sinceing here, the constant pain had barely given her a moment''s rest. The awful environment meant she could not and dared not weep loudly, as if crying would allow weakness to take root in her heart and swallow her whole.


    With no one here she could rely on, she had no right to be weak.


    She could only convince herself that from the very beginning as a tadpole, she had been the best, the smartest. Her IQ was 180. There was no situation she couldn''t handle.


    But in this moment, in front of someone who could still be considered an enemy, she had to permit herself to be weak for once.


    Yuwen Hao felt the wetness on his arm, her shaking shoulders. Missing home? Perhaps she did, after all Tang Yang said her family rarely visited after hearing she had fallen from favor.


    But she definitely wasn''t crying because she missed home. She was afraid.

 Chapter 52: It’s Not Xiao Luo Zi

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    Yuan Qingling fell asleep.


    Later she thought for a long time, why she could cry herself to sleep by Yuwen Hao''s side. She felt it should be because the smell of disinfectant filled him, which gave her peace of mind.


    The next day when she woke up, she was full of energy.


    Looking into Yuwen Hao''s pitch-ck and obscure eyes, Yuan Qingling slowly moved her hand away, somewhat embarrassedly said: "Morning!"


    "You drooled in your sleepst night and got my sleeve dirty," Yuwen Hao said indifferently.


    "Sorry!" Yuan Qingling didn''t expect her sleep posture to be so dirty, and immediately felt embarrassed.


    Yuwen Hao closed his eyes and resumed his indifferent expression.


    Yuan Qingling got up. Tang Yang and Xu Yi were no longer in the hall, but washing water had been ced. She simply rinsed her mouth, washed her face,bed her hair, then opened the door. Xi Mama and a pce maid were waiting outside. Seeing Yuan Qinglinge out, Xi Mama bowed and said, "Princess, the Retired Emperor ordered that if you wake up, please go to attend to him."


    "Can I take care of the Prince''s wounds first?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "The imperial doctors will take care of it," Xi Mama replied.


    "But..."


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "The Retired Emperor''s original words were, that little bunny won''t die. With the imperial doctors, let Yuan Qingling scurry over."


    "..." Yuan Qingling had no choice but to go back and tell Yuwen Hao, "I have to go take care of him. Remember, don''t get impatient when the imperial doctors treat your wounds, you must disinfect and apply medicine."


    Yuwen Hao frowned. "When was I ever impatient? Go on, stop nagging."


    Fine, they¡¯re all the same, grandfather and grandson, no respect for doctors.


    Nowadays, doctors are not respected at all.


    When she arrived at Qian Kun Hall, she saw that Prince Qi and Chu Mingcui were waiting outside the hall.


    Seeing her, Prince Qi asked, "How is Fifth Brother?"


    "He¡¯s fine," Yuan Qingling replied. She looked at Chu Mingcui, whose eyes shed with unveiled hatred, full of hatred.


    Yuan Qingling ignored her and followed Xi Mama inside. Still, she couldn''t help but quietly ask Xi Mama, "Why aren''t they going in?"


    Xi Mama calmly said, "Prince Qi can go in, but as for the Prince¡¯s Consort? No one may enter without an imperial order. However, the Prince¡¯s Consort is filial, waiting outside for the Retired Emperor to summon her."


    "I see." Yuan Qingling didn''t know what had happened between them, but it was none of her business.


    Before she even entered the hall, she heard the Retired Emperor''s angry shouts, "Take it away, take it away! What is this stuff? Drinking this all day, what''s left to enjoy in life? I might as well be dead."


    Eunuch Chang sighed and said, "Your Majesty, please don''t speak rashly."


    Yuan Qingling hurried over and said, "Drink what? Can I have a taste?"


    Seeing her arrive, Eunuch Chang rxed entirely. "It''s good the Princess is here. Look at him, throwing a child''s tantrum."


    On the Luohan bed, Fubao also raised his dog head and barked twice at Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling smiled and took the medicine bowl. She took a sip and clicked her tongue. "It has licorice, not bitter at all, sweet and syrupy."


    She looked at the Retired Emperor. Sitting up made him look even thinner. His eye sockets were deeply sunken, his cheeks hollow, and hisplexion very poor.


    He now raised his head to look at Yuan Qingling. His features and face resembled Yuwen Hao¡¯s very much. She felt that Yuwen Hao would look the same when he got old, ugly.


    "If you don''t believe me, drink another mouthful. This medicine is very bitter," the Retired Emperor said.


    Yuan Qingling drank another mouthful. "Not bitter at all!"


    "Drink two more mouthfuls!" the Retired Emperor cunningly said.


    Yuan Qingling sat down, gently stirred with a spoon, then brought it to his mouth and firmly said, "Medicine or injection? Choose."


    The wide open mouth immediately closed. He red angrily at Yuan Qingling.


    After a long pause, he roared again, "Usually it''s injections in the arm. Why take down my pants? Have you no shame? Men and women should not have physical contact, you know?"


    "Some injections must be given in the buttocks," Yuan Qingling pushed the syringe to get the air out. Medicine sshed out. She held up the needle, "Cooperate and I''ll be gentle."


    Although he cursed and swore, the Retired Emperor still cooperated. He wanted to live.


    He didn''t even ask Yuan Qingling what the injection was for.


    After the injection, Eunuch Chang came in. The Retired Emperorzily nced at him and calmly asked, "Are they still outside?"


    "Yes, they are," Eunuch Chang replied.


    Yuan Qingling knew he was referring to Prince Qi and his wife. Although curious why the Retired Emperor didn''t see them, she didn''t dare ask.


    The Retired Emperor closed his eyes. "Let them stand there."


    Yuan Qingling went to see Fubao. Fubao''s wounds were no longer serious. Dogs have strong self-healing powers. With the right medicine, it was healing quickly.


    But it still couldn''t go out jumping around.


    "Are you being good?" Yuan Qingling stroked Fubao''s head and started talking to it.


    Fubao whimpered, like a husky.


    Yuan Qinglingughed. "Really? Eunuch Chang doesn''t give you meat? You''re injured, you can''t eat meat yet. Isn''t sheep''s milk enough?"


    Eunuch Chang looked over curiously. "Oh, Princess, can you really understand it or are you guessing? Did Fubao really tattle?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "I can''t understand it, but dogs are intelligent. Sometimes from its barking and eyes you can see what it¡¯s trying to say."


    "So you could tell we didn''t give it meat, only sheep''s milk?"


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "I guessed. Because its stomach is empty but it smells like sheep''s milk."


    The Retired Emperor said to Eunuch Chang, "She''s not a dog, how could she understand dognguage? You really are foolish."


    Yuan Qingling smiled wryly. She really could understand it! Fubao even said the Retired Emperor had frequent temper tantrums.


    Yuan Qingling suddenly had an idea. Fubao was in this hall, it saw everyone who came and went, so naturally it saw who changed the medicine.


    She slowly picked up Fubao and whispered in its ear, "Do you know who changed the medicine?"


    Fubao barked three times, somewhat agitated.


    When Yuan Qingling heard this, she was stunned.


    Fubao didn''t say it was the pce maid Xia Luozi.


    "Fubao, don''t lie. Did you really see it?" She urgently asked Fubao, ignoring the puzzled looks from Eunuch Chang and the Retired Emperor.


    Fubao was even more agitated and barked three more times, still naming that person.


    This was impossible. That person had no reason to do something so dangerous. If it really was that person, wouldn''t the pce maid Xia Luozi be a scapegoat?


    Yuan Qingling felt the waters in this pce were getting deeper and deeper, like entwining vines that were slowly wrapping around her neck, making it hard for her to breathe.

 Chapter 53: An IOU

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    All of this was premeditated.


    Xiao Luo Zi was made a scapegoat. The silver bills found in his residence were promissory notes issued by Prince Chu¡¯s residence.


    Yuan Qingling was reported to have secretly treated The Retired Emperor. If the matter of Jiu Zhuan Dan was not uncovered, she would always be under suspicion of harming The Retired Emperor.


    Now, has she cleared herself? Unlikely. The Emperor was only secretly investigating. Prince Chu¡¯s residence was still in the eye of the storm.


    How would The Retired Emperor see this matter? She couldn''t help but nce at The Retired Emperor.


    The Retired Emperor was staring at her, his gaze severe.


    Yuan Qingling put down Fubao and lowered her head to gloss over the situation.


    She knew The Retired Emperor might have noticed something, but if she didn''t say it, The Retired Emperor probably wouldn''t understand Fubao''s words either.


    "Come over!" The Retired Emperor said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling slowly stood up and walked over. "Your Majesty, please give your order."


    "What were you thinking just now? Why did your expression change dramatically?" The Retired Emperor asked directly.


    Yuan Qingling nced at Eunuch Chang and Xi Mama. She shook her head, "Replying to Your Majesty, I was not thinking about anything. My change ofplexion was probably because I''m physically weak and haven''t eaten breakfast."


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "His Majesty hasn''t eaten yet either. It''s being prepared now and will be ready soon."


    "Thank you, Mama Xi," Yuan Qingling said softly.


    The Retired Emperor didn''t ask further. After being detoxified, his body was very weak. He couldn''t even re at Yuan Qingling for long.


    Breakfast was meat congee. After two bowls, Yuan Qingling felt her strength gradually returning. Fubao''s tongue hung out long and saliva kept dripping. She smiled and said to Xi Mama, "Fubao can drink congee now. Make some for it, but don''t add salt. Dogs should eat light food. In fact, His Majesty should eat light too."


    "I can''t eat in food," The Retired Emperor said hastily.


    "You must!" Yuan Qingling turned her head and looked at him seriously.


    "You, a nosy woman, manage everything under the sun, and now even what I eat!" The Retired Emperor was angry. He knew it was a mistake calling her over.


    "I don''t manage other things, but diet must be managed!" Yuan Qingling punned.


    The Retired Emperor stopped talking then.


    This old man is so shrewd.


    So does he know who poisoned him? Will he think it was Xiao Luo Zi?


    Xi Mama went to make meat congee for Fubao, and Eunuch Chang went to supervise the soup cooking.


    Yuan Qingling had just walked over intending to probe The Retired Emperor when she heard shouts from outside, "His Majesty rewards the Princess of Chu!"


    Yuan Qingling was stunned for a moment. She looked outside as The Retired Emperor said, "What are you dazing for? Hurry out to receive the reward!"


    "Oh!" Yuan Qingling hurried out and saw Mu Ru Eunuch holding an exquisite tray standing outside. Prince Qi and Chu Mingcui had not left yet and both were looking at Yuan Qingling.


    "His Majesty decrees that the Princess of Chu, for her meritorious service in caring for His illness, is specially rewarded with two strings of south sea pearls tribute from the Ryukyu Inds and one thousand taels of gold!" Mu Ru Eunuch announced.


    Yuan Qingling knelt down, "Thank you, Father Emperor, for the reward."


    Chu Mingcui''s eyes were wide open. Rewarding south sea pearls was not enough, there was also one thousand taels of gold? Why did Father Emperor value Yuan Qingling so much?


    Mu Ru Eunuch put the tray in Yuan Qingling''s hands with a smile. "Princess, these south sea pearls tribute from Ryukyu are extremely precious, unmatched by ordinary kinds. The Princess must take good care of them."


    "Yes, thank you, Eunuch Mu," Yuan Qingling said as she stood up.


    "We will go in first to pay our respects to His Majesty," Mu Ru Eunuch said and turned to go inside.


    Yuan Qingling saw no gold on the tray, only two strings of shimmering round south sea pearls. Under the pearls was a piece of paper. She opened it and was dumbfounded. It was an IOU for one thousand taels of gold.


    The reward came with an IOU?


    Chu Mingcui stepped forward and smiled coquettishly. "Congrattions to the Princess for receiving His Majesty''s reward."


    Yuan Qingling looked at her. Her face was full of brilliant smiles and her eyes were also full of congrattions, without the slightest bit of jealousy or resentment.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Thank you."


    "The south sea pearls match a beauty. Why doesn''t the Princess try them on?" Chu Mingcui said.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "No need. I still have to attend to His Majesty inside. It''s inconvenient to wear them."


    Yuan Qingling felt this woman had deep schemes. Every word she said should be guarded against, not knowing what intentions they carried.


    "Of course, that''s right. By the way, how is His Majesty''s condition now?" Chu Mingcui asked.


    Yuan Qingling looked at her and said, "Why doesn''t the Princess Consort go in personally to pay respects and ask?"


    Chu Mingcui''s face turned ugly immediately.


    Prince Qi, however, stepped forward and said somewhat puzzled, "Could you ask why Grandfather refuses to see Us? This is rather odd."


    Yuan Qingling sighed lightly in her heart. Foolish man, it''s not that you are refused entry, but that Chu Mingcui is not allowed in.


    However, since Prince Qi did not speak ill of her, she also had no need to offend him. "His Majesty probably doesn''t want too many people making noise around him. He has always liked tranquility."


    "We also think so," Prince Qi turned and looked at Chu Mingcui. "Let''s go back. We''lle to the pce to pay respects after Grandfather gets better."


    They had been standing for half a day and he was tired too.


    Chu Mingcui''s fists tightened slightly as hatred grew in her heart. His Majesty had always doted on Prince Qi and herself. If the Emperor did not allow her in, His Majesty would not do this. She could not sit still and wait for death. She must gain His Majesty''s renewed favor. If she did not attend to him in the pce, she could not stop Yuan Qingling.


    Thinking of this, she smiled slightly. "Why not wait a little longer?"


    "But Mother is in poor health. Isn''t it better we go back to apany Mother?" Prince Qi knew Chu Mingcui was being filial and did not want to make things difficult for her.


    Hearing this, Chu Mingcui suddenly said to Prince Qi, "That''s right. I heard Consort Xian has been suffering frequent headaches recently. Why don''t we go visit Consort Xian?"


    When she spoke, she nced intentionally or unintentionally at Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling ignored her and went back inside. She was suspicious in her heart. Consort Xian was the birth mother of Yuwen Hao. She had always stayed out of politics. Even when Yuwen Hao was seriously injured this time, she did note. The Emperor must have blocked the news and not allowed her to know.


    Back inside the hall, Mu Ru Eunuch had also left.


    Xi Mama was feeding Fubao congee. Yuan Qingling casually put the pearls on the table and went to take The Retired Emperor''s temperature.


    "This thing is too cold," The Retired Emperorined.


    Yuan Qingling was used to hisints by now and simply ignored him.


    The Retired Emperor was very bored. He nced at the tray on the table. "What nice things did he reward you?"


    "South sea pearls and an IOU for one thousand taels of gold," Yuan Qingling said.


    "An IOU?" The Retired Emperorughed. "Girl, you''d better treasure it."


    "I know. Eunuch Mu said these south sea pearls were tributes from Ryukyu, top treasures."


    "What are pearls worth? Dead objects, neither filling nor warming. The IOU is the treasure."


    Yuan Qingling was puzzled. "How is the IOU a treasure?"


    "Didn''t Turtle Son owe you one thousand taels of gold? Why did he give you an IOU?" The Retired Emperor asked.


    "..." Turtle Son, so does that make you Old Turtle? "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."


    "Take a closer look at the IOU. In the future if you face mortal danger, take this IOU into the pce. Perhaps it can save your life."


    Hearing this, Yuan Qingling hurriedly fetched the IOU and opened it. Written in swirling calligraphy was "Owed to the Princess of Chu, one thousand taels of gold." Below, by therge seal, a few small words were added: If you don''t care for money, you can exchange it for something else.


    Yuan Qingling was confused. "Why did His Majesty write it like this?"


    "Who knows? Perhaps he saw something." The Retired Emperor shrugged.


    As he shrugged, his armpit opened and the thermometer probe dropped out. He fished it out and handed it to Yuan Qingling. "Done."


    Yuan Qingling took it and saw no fever, his temperature was normal.


    "I''m going to sleep now. You go out and fight the battle," The Retired Emperor mumbled with eyes closed.

 Chapter 54: The Quarrel

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    Yuan Qingling didn''t hear too clearly, only heard him dismiss her.


    She respectfully took her leave, holding the south pearl as she left the Hall of Heaven and Earth. Xi Mama happened toe out just then, after feeding Fu Bao, and waved the maids to take away the bowls.


    "Is Consort Yuan heading back to Cining Pce?" Xi Mama said. "This old servant will go with you."


    Yuan Qingling looked at Xi Mama''s slightly stern face. This old mama had helped her during her most difficult times, and she was grateful.


    As they walked forward, Xi Mama smiled and said, "Why did His Majesty suddenly bestow two strands of south pearls on Consort Yuan? These south pearls are precious indeed, with only three or four strands presented as tribute each year, most given to the Empress Dowager and Empress, Consort Xian did get one strand, but there really weren''t enough to go around."


    "Oh," Yuan Qingling responded absentmindedly.


    Xi Mama nced at her and said, "Consort must not think this old servant meddlesome, Consort Xian is Consort Yuan''s proper mother-inw, Consort Yuan should try to please Consort Xian, these two strands of pearls are the same, why not respectfully offer one strand to Consort Xian?"


    Yuan Qingling was preupied, but when she heard Xi Mama say this, she replied, "Mama''s words make sense, I''ll send someone to deliver itter."


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "This old servant happens to be heading that way, why don''t I help Consort Yuan deliver it?"


    "Then I''ll have to trouble Mama," Yuan Qingling handed over a strand of pearls to Xi Mama, her eyes shing slightly, "Just say it''s my respectful offering to Consort Xian."


    "Very good!" Xi Mama took them and nced at Yuan Qingling, "Then...Consort Yuan can return to Cining Pce first."


    "Alright!"


    Yuan Qingling had walked two steps when Xi Mama suddenly called her back, "Consort Yuan!"


    Yuan Qingling looked back, "What is it?"


    Xi Mama looked at her, hesitation shing in her eyes, but eventually she just said lightly, "You know the way back?"


    Yuan Qingling gazed at her silently, "I know it."


    Xi Mama nodded and slowly turned away. Yuan Qingling stood unmoving, watching as she took step after step in the opposite direction.


    "Mama!" This time it was Yuan Qingling who called her back.


    Mama halted and slowly turned back, puzzlement in her eyes, "Consort Yuan?"


    Yuan Qingling looked at her and said softly, "Thank you!"


    "This...old servant doesn''t dare ept thanks." Xi Mama was startled.


    "My wounds healed so quickly because you helped me. I''ll remember your kindness, Yuan Qingling." Yuan Qingling looked at her, enunciating each word clearly.


    Xi Mama stood stock still like a stone statue, a distant look in her unfocused eyes.


    Yuan Qingling turned and left.


    Her heart was full of confusion, hoping it wasn''t what she suspected.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t be able to trust anyone again.


    She returned to Cining Pce in a restless mood. The imperial doctor had just finished treating Yuwen Hao''s wounds and left.


    Yuwen Hao must be in great pain, his face was pale.


    She sat there numbly, unconsciously cing the remaining strand of pearls on the table. Seeing here in looking dazed, Yuwen Hao asked, "Why the long face? Upset about something?"


    Yuan Qingling retorted irritably, "Can you say something nice for once?"


    Yuwen Hao''s brows furrowed. Eh? She''s be so boldtely, even dares to talk back to him?


    But seeing that she did seem very out of sorts, he also grew concerned, "Did something happen with Imperial Grandfather?"


    "No, everything''s fine!" Yuan Qingling replied.


    Reassured, Yuwen Hao noticed the pearls on the table, a little surprised, "Did Grand Empress Dowager award those to you? These are top grade south pearls."


    The south pearls tribute from Ryukyu, only Grand Empress Dowager has them, not even Empress Dowager. So they must be a gift from Grand Empress Dowager to her.


    But Yuan Qingling said, "No, Father Emperor awarded them."


    Yuan Qingling hid the IOU matter.


    Yuwen Hao was very surprised, "Awarded by Father Emperor?"


    Yuan Qingling nodded. After a moment of silence, recalling Xi Mama''s actions, she raised her head to look at him and asked, "Prince, do you trust me?"


    Yuwen Hao looked at her, "Why ask this?"


    "Just answer me, do you trust me or not?"


    Yuwen Hao straightened his neck to look up at the ceiling beam. Trust her? Not trust her?


    Although she''d saved him before, the despicable things she''d done were too vile. He would never trust Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling said softly, "No matter what happenster, please believe me and stand on my side."


    "What''s going to happen? Or what other outrageous things have you done again?" Yuwen Hao turned and said severely.


    Seeing the sharp light in his eyes, Yuan Qingling knew it was nearly impossible to gain his trust.


    She gave a coldugh, "Why do you assume it''s something I did instead of something others intend to do?"


    Yuwen Hao was extremely irritated, "Can you stop causing trouble for this Prince?"


    Yuan Qingling turned her head away, "It''s Chu Mingcui who keeps making trouble."


    Yuwen Hao''s expression immediately darkened, "Shut up, you''re unworthy of mentioning her!"


    The pce instantly quieted.


    Their gazes locked for a moment, a sh of regret in his eyes, but it was fleeting, to be reced by cold cruelty again.


    Yuan Qingling was aggrieved and angry, yet still managed a smile, "You''re right, I''m unworthy!" Taking the pearls in one hand, she strode out.


    She was too upset.


    Last night she had sought his warmth and sense of security. She had foolishly thought there would at least be a period of peace and basic trust between them, but it turned out she was just wishful thinking.


    Even if she gave her life to him, it wouldn''tpare to one gentle smile from Chu Mingcui.


    She left without knowing where she was headed, and could bump into Emperor Ming Yuan if she rashly charged out of the library pce.


    Fortunately she discovered a side door and slipped out that way, ignoring her still painful wounds as she raced to the imperial gardens. A pebble on the ground tripped her and she kicked it away forcefully without thinking.


    The pebble flew into the flower bushes.


    "Ow!" A head poked out from the bushes, a young man whose angry expression was thunderous. "How dare you attack this Prince!"


    Seeing she had mistakenly injured someone, Yuan Qingling''s anger evaporated. Looking closely, the round faced, stout figure wore ck clothes and held half-eaten chicken leg in his hand, grease smeared around his mouth contrasting with his furious expression.


    She thought for a bit and recognized this person as the second prince of the current Emperor Ming Yuan, Prince Sun Yuwen Du.


    Prince Sun Yuwen Du was the most unambitious of all the princes, holding no court position, just an idle prince. His mother was Concubine Shu.


    She apologized, "Sorry, Prince Sun, I didn''t know you were hiding in the bushes...eating chicken."


    Prince Sun also recognized her and said interestedly, "Consort Chu, I heard you dined alone with Father Emperorst night."


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes shed. It seemed that dining alone with the Emperor had truly offended many people, even the normally indifferent Prince Sun hade to ask about it.


    She said lightly, "That is the case."


    Prince Sun took a big bite of the chicken leg, greasy juices flying everywhere. He stepped closer and asked while chewing, "What dishes did you eat? Were they tasty? Did he make you thousandyer beancurd? I heard he awarded Uncle Prince a braised pork elbow, let me tell you, the braised dishes in the pce are better than even the best chefs outside can make. Next time you dine alone with Father Emperor, could you ask him to award me a dish?"


    His eyes shone brightly, looking at her expectantly.

 Chapter 55: The Concubine is Angry

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    Yuan Qingling smiled faintly, "Your Highness, I''m afraid His Majesty will not invite me to dine again."


    "That''s not necessarily so, we have to make ns," Prince Sun said.


    "Your Highness must have enjoyed these imperial dishes frequently," Yuan Qingling said lightly.


    "It''s different. You don''t know that His Majesty''s chefs cook only for him. Can''t you tell that the vors are unlike other imperial dishes?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "I can''t tell the difference."


    "What a pity, a pity!" Prince Sun said with great regret, "You''re letting fine cuisine down, letting fine cuisine down!"


    He looked at the leftover chicken leg in his hand and sighed deeply. "Chicken legs and His Majesty''s dishes are worlds apart. But still, I can''t let the chicken leg down either."


    Having said that, he continued gnawing.


    Seeing him eat with such relish, Yuan Qingling thought none of Ming Emperor''s sons were normal.


    "Why is Your Highness eating hiding in the bushes?" Yuan Qingling saw he had no intention of leaving, and she really had nowhere to go, unfamiliar with the pce''s paths, afraid of offending others. So she hoped Prince Sun would leave quickly.


    "This king doesn''t want anyone to discover me sneaking chicken legs." He ate attentively, but spoke with perfect rity despite having food in his mouth.


    "Sneaking food?" Yuan Qingling was puzzled. Did he need to sneak food?


    "I''m on a diet!" As he spoke, he had finished the chicken leg. He flung the bone toward thekeedge, sshing up water as it sank down. Wiping his hands, he looked at Yuan Qingling and waved his hand. "Let''s go."


    Dieting yet sneaking food? Yuan Qingling felt none of Ming Emperor''s sons were normal.


    She took a few deep breaths. Prince Sun had distracted her by asking about the imperial dishes, diverting her attention and easing her mood.


    What was she angry about anyway? It was normal for him to believe Chu Mingcui. They were childhood sweethearts, innocent and devoted. If not for Yuan Qingling wedging in, they would have married long ago.


    If she had a childhood sweetheart, would she believe him or a viin destroying her marriage? Clearly the former.


    Watching theke surface gradually calm, Yuan Qingling''s indignation also dissipated.


    At thatst moment leaving the hall, the Retired Emperor''s words echoed clearly in her mind.


    He had told her to go fight.


    The old man knew many things clearly. If not clear before, he would understand everything afterward.


    With someone perceptive on her side, Yuan Qingling felt much more stable.


    Consort Xian''s Feast and Joy Pce


    Lately Consort Xian had been unwell, stirred up by autumn winds. Her migraine kept recurring, confining her to Feast and Joy Pce for days without setting foot outside, even missing greetings to the Empress.


    In recent days, with the Retired Emperor''s illness, all the concubines listened for news. No one was willing to make a show of visiting her. Chu Mingcui''s arrival injected a breath of vitality into Feast and Joy Pce.


    Consort Xian was very fond of Chu Mingcui. The girl was virtuous and famous, while the Chu n''s power at court rose daily. If the Fifth Prince married her, it would greatly benefit his future prospects.


    The Empress Dowager had said the Prime Minister Chu was shrewd, and would not concentrate all his power on the Empress''s blood prince. If the Fifth Prince married into the Chu n, he had much hope.


    Unfortunately, all this was ruined by Yuan Qingling.


    So Consort Xian still refused to see Yuan Qingling.


    She hated Yuan Qingling deeply.


    Today, seeing the Prince of Qi and Chu Mingcui strolling in intimate harmony, the perfect couple destined by heaven, her headache worsened, though she had to force a smile to greet them.


    "Greetings to Esteemed Consort Mother," the Prince of Qi and Chu Mingcui bowed.


    "Quickly, dispense with courtesy and sit," Consort Xian smiled.


    The two sat down. Chu Mingcui looked at Consort Xian with concern, "I heard Esteemed Consort Mother''s migraine red up again. Have you summoned an imperial physician? Do you feel better?"


    Consort Xian sighed inwardly. What a pity this girl had always been her favorite, the most filial, even exceeding the Fifth Prince.


    "The winds are strong, headachees naturally. I''m used to it, no hindrance," Consort Xian replied.


    "Esteemed Consort Mother must take care of yourself," Chu Mingcui rose and went to Consort Xian''s side. "Let me massage you."


    Her gentle fingers skillfully pressed Consort Xian''s temples. After a few kneads, Consort Xian exhaled infort. "Even Auntie Lu can''t learn your technique."


    She nced at the Prince of Qi. "Seventh Prince, you have married a fine princess. Blessed indeed."


    Inwardly Consort Xian was bitterly jealous, but having spent years in the pce she had cultivated restraint, naturally concealing joy and anger. So the insensitive Prince only heard praise.


    He looked proudly at Chu Mingcui. "Esteemed Consort Mother speaks true."


    Chu Mingcui blushed. "Alright, you go out. Let me chat with Esteemed Consort Mother."


    The Prince had no interest in women''s talk anyway, so he took his leave.


    Once the Prince left, Chu Mingcui''s eyes reddened. "Esteemed Consort Mother, you must take care of yourself. I can''t always attend you here. If you disregard your health, it will always worry me."


    Consort Xian held her hand, gently patting the back. "The Fifth Prince had no fortune, unable to marry you. Now nothing can be done."


    "His Highness is well too. The Princess of Chu is favored by His Majesty. His Majesty rewarded her two strands of nanzhu pearls. She said she would offer them to Imperial Mother. At least she is filial," Chu Mingcui said.


    Consort Xian was startled. "His Majesty rewarded her nanzhu pearls? Ordinary ones?"


    "No, tribute from Ryukyu."


    "His Majesty even rewarded her Ryukyu tribute nanzhu?" Consort Xian was somewhat surprised. "I recall His Majesty doesn''t like her much."


    "She served diligently during the illness, favored by the Retired Emperor, so His Majesty likes her now," Chu Mingcui smiled.


    "Such a thing happened?" Consort Xian didn''t know this. News from Rest and Health Pce was restricted. Only the Empress attended there, even the Imperial Concubine couldn''t go near.


    Unexpectedly Yuan Qingling had gained the Retired Emperor and Current Emperor''s favor, even rewarded with nanzhu pearls. If so, it was a different matter.


    Chu Mingcui saw Consort Xian''s change of heart. Her eyes chilled as she sneered inwardly.


    Esteemed Consort Mother, I fear you are rejoicing too soon.


    After Chu Mingcui left, Consort Xian awaited Yuan Qingling''s visit.


    Rewarded with two strands of pearls, offering one to her would show filial respect.


    But after waiting half a shichen, Yuan Qingling still hadn''te. Consort Xian sent Auntie Lu to investigate. Auntie Lu soon returned and said, "Imperial Mother need not wait. The princess has already presented a strand to the Empress."


    Hearing this, Consort Xian''s heart chilled. After a long pause, she said coldly, "Of course, paying respects to the Empress is good. She is so sensible."


    Auntie Lu couldn''t help saying, "What is the Princess of Chu doing, currying favor with the Empress like this? She didn''t evene pay respects after serving in the illness. Yet when rewarded she immediately thinks of the Empress. Why?"


    Consort Xian already resented Yuan Qingling. Now her actions provoked even greater fury. She said coldly, "I wonder how His Majesty will feel when he learns his gracious rewards were used to curry favor with the Empress?"


    Auntie Lu hesitated. "Imperial Mother, this won''t do. It may implicate the Prince."

 Chapter 56: Thunder and Fury

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    Consort Xian thought about it and realized it made sense. She was so angry she couldn''t swallow it down.


    Xi Mama went to Zhongshen Pce and delivered the southern pearls from Yuan Qingling to the Empress, saying, "The Princess of Chu said that since the Empress has never received tribute pearls from Ryukyu, she as a daughter-inw did not dare monopolize them. So she is respectfully offering the Empress a string as a gift."


    Upon hearing this, the Empress was furious. She coldly said, "This pce does not dare ept such a grand gift. Send them back."


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "Why reject the Princess'' filial gesture? After all, they were bestowed by the Emperor. If the Empress doesn''t ept them, I''m afraid they''ll go to Consort Xian or Consort Xian. The southern pearls are precious, and neither of them has any yet. Wouldn''t that hurt the Empress''s standing? It''s better to ept them first, and decide what to do with themter."


    The matron-in-charge at Zhongshen Pce also said, "Xi Mama makes sense. Your Majesty, just ept them for now. Whether the Princess of Chu is showing off or currying favor, that''s for the Emperor to decide."


    In any case, the Emperor would be angry.


    The Empress had spoken rashly in anger before. Now reminded by the matron, she coldly said, "You''re right. I''ll ept them and send them to the Emperor. Even if the Dowager Empress doesn''t have these southern pearls yet, this pce does not dare keep them."


    She knew the Emperor still had not given the Dowager Empress the string of pearls he obtained. So her words were reasonable.


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "This old servant must return to serve the Retired Emperor. I take my leave."


    "See Mama out!" said the matron-in-charge.


    Xi Mama slowly walked out of Zhongshen Pce. Once outside, her steps grew heavy. She heaved a deep sigh and softly said, "What I owed you, it''s all repaid. No more debts in this life."


    Chu Mingcui walked towards her with a smile.


    Xi Mama bowed and said, "Princess."


    "Mama," Chu Mingcui looked at her. "Thanks for your hard work."


    Xi Mama said nothing and took her leave.


    Chu Mingcui watched Xi Mama''s departing figure and smiled. She had to do this. Since the Emperor gifted two strings of pearls to Yuan Qingling and dined privately with her, it posed endless trouble. She must destroy this trust and make the Emperor suspect King Chu of ulterior motives, so King Chu would withdraw.


    She sighed softly. Brother Hao, I''m thinking of you. This is a deadly deal that you must not get involved in. Just be a good King of Chu. I will surely protect your life and let you live freely.


    Seeing the matrone out with the pearls, Chu Mingcui went up to her. "Auntie, are you going to the Emperor?"


    The matron was surprised. "The Princess knows?"


    Chu Mingcui smiled. "Listen closely to my words, Auntie, and ry them to the Emperor as I say. It is my grandfather''s order."


    The matron looked at her and hid her surprise. She nodded.


    The Empress'' string of pearls was delivered to the Emperor.


    It was the matron who brought them. She softly said, "The Empress said the Dowager Empress does not have these southern pearls yet, so she really dare not ept the grand gift from the Princess of Chu. Also, the Empress cannot fulfill the Princess''s request."


    Emperor Ming Yuan examined the string of pearls thoughtfully. "What request of the Princess of Chu can the Empress not fulfill?"


    The matron said, "The Princess of Chu knew the Empress coveted the southern pearls. By offering them to the Empress, she asked the Empress to say a few good words about King Chu in front of the Emperor, so His Highness could gain experience at the Ministry of War."


    "The Ministry of War?" Emperor Ming Yuan sneered coldly. "I see. You may leave."


    After the matron left, the Emperor''s expression darkened. He grabbed the string of pearls and flung them into a corner, coldly saying, "What nonsense! Number Five is incorrigible!"


    Seeing the Emperor angry, Mu Ru the eunuch quickly picked up the pearls and cated, "Your Majesty, calm down. This may not be King Chu''s intention."


    "Without Yuan Qingling calling the shots in the King of Chu''s residence, she can only obey. The Emperor grew angrier the more he thought about it. "Yuan Qingling may not be that innocent. Didn''t she aspire to be the Crown Princess? Back then, she and Madame Jing schemed shamelessly to force Number Five to marry her. Was it really for Number Five and not for the position of Crown Princess?"


    Mu Ru was surprised. The Emperor knew King Chu was set up back then? Why then was he still angry at King Chu? And ordered him to marry the Yuan familydy?


    Mu Ru felt that though he had served the Emperor for a long time, he still didn''t understand what the Emperor was thinking.


    "Your Majesty, since you knew King Chu was set up, why do you still treat him so coldly?" Mu Ru asked.


    The Emperor''s anger was not abated. "Just one Madame Jing and one Yuan Qingling managed to tie down that battle-hardened man. How useless. Why should I expect anything more of him?"


    Seeing him so angry, Mu Ru didn''t dare advise further.


    He knew his master''s temper a little. To say more now would be pouring oil on the fire.


    Mu Ru actually felt something was off about this matter, but since it came from the Empress''s side, it was credible. Also, the Emperor trusted the Empress, and the matron was the Empress''s confidante, well-versed in pce protocols. If it wasn''t true, she wouldn''t say it recklessly.


    The Emperor''s face was dark, and he showed no intention of reconciling. Coveting the Crown Prince''s position had touched his reverse scale.


    He could favor Number Five, but absolutely would not tolerate any ambition.


    "Since the Princess of Chu does not like the pearls this Emperor bestowed on her, take them back, along with the IOU." The Emperor calmlymanded.


    "Yes, Your Majesty!" Mu Ru obeyed.


    After calming herself by theke for a while, Yuan Qingling returned to the stone steps outside the side pce and sat for a bit. Mu Ru soon arrived.


    "Princess!" Mu Ru came up and saluted. Looking at the princess before him who had attained the highest glory yet was too scheming to endure, what a pity.


    "Eunuch!" Yuan Qingling returned the salute.


    Mu Ru collected himself and said, "His Majesty sent me to take back the southern pearls and IOU he gifted to you, Princess."


    Yuan Qingling was not surprised at all. "Only one string of pearls remains."


    "Oh?" Mu Ru pretended not to know. "Why is there only one string left?"


    "The other string disappeared." Said Yuan Qingling.


    Mu Ru smiled lightly. Trying to fool the Emperor with such pettiness? How naive.


    For King Chu''s sake, he reminded, "Did the Princess give it to someone? Think carefully. There can be no trickery with His Majesty."


    "It''s truly gone." Said Yuan Qingling.


    Mu Ru''s expression instantly turned ugly. She''s not very bright.


    Having heard the conversation, Tang Yang immediately reported to Yuwen Hao. Yuwen Hao''s expression was icy cold. "Please invite the Eunuch in."


    Tang Yang hurried out and bowed to Mu Ru, "Eunuch, you must be tired. My lord invites you in for some water."


    Mu Ru waved his hand. "No need, I''m on an errand."


    "It''s an errand, but the pearls can''t be returned immediately. Why note in and discuss it?" Tang Yang entreated Mu Ru.


    Recalling King Chu, whom he had watched grow up, Mu Ru was moved. If the boy really harbored such intentions, it would be going too far.


    He should give the boy some advice.


    So he said, "Very well, I have been parched on the road. A drink shouldn''t dy things."


    "Yes, yes!" Tang Yang rxed and led the Eunuch in.

 Chapter 57: Believe it or not

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    After Mu Ru eunuch went in, Yuan Qingling also followed him in.


    Yuwen Hao struggled to prop himself up slightly and asked, "Eunuch, why did Father want to take back the southern pearls?"


    Seeing that he was so direct without beating around the bush, Mu Ru eunuch told the truth, "Since His Highness asks, this old servant will say a few words. Don''t me this old servant for being too rude. If His Highness wants to honor the Empress, there are plenty of opportunities. Why the rush to send them over when the Consort has just obtained the southern pearls?"


    Yuwen Hao''s gaze was like a knife stabbing Yuan Qingling''s face.


    Yuan Qingling lowered her eyes, not saying a word, her face expressionless.


    Yuwen Hao slowly moved his piercing gaze back to Mu Ru eunuch''s face and said, "Please return first, eunuch. This prince wants to speak privately with the Consort for a few words."


    "Consort, you should return the remaining strand of southern pearls and the IOU first. The Emperor is angry now." Mu Ru eunuch said.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Eunuch, one strand of the southern pearls is lost. I will go apologize to Father. You can leave first."


    Mu Ru eunuch couldn''t help but feel somewhat angry. "It''se to this. The Consort really doesn''t need to say that. It will only make the Emperor angrier."


    Yuwen Hao stared at Yuan Qingling and said in a deep voice, "Give it to the eunuch."


    Yuan Qingling met his gloomy and furious eyes. She slowly shook her head and said, "No, I lost them. I will go apologize myself."


    Mu Ru eunuch said coldly, "Consort, if you insist on saying you lost them, this old servant can''t help you. But the strand you imed to have lost was sent to the Emperor by Treasured Auntie from Zhongshen Pce. If you really lost it, you''re implying Zhongshen Pce''s people took it. The severity of this, please think it over carefully, Consort!"


    He continued after speaking, "Your Highness, this old servant will take his leave first. If the Consort insists on apologizing to the Emperor, it''s best not to say she lost them, just sincerely admit fault. It''s not a big deal."


    "Thank you for the reminder, eunuch." Yuwen Hao said solemnly.


    Mu Ru eunuch took one more look at Yuan Qingling and sighed inaudibly. A daughter of a waiting official is still not presentable after all.


    After the eunuch left, Yuwen Hao grabbed the scissors from the bedside table and threw them at Yuan Qingling. The scissors were for cutting gauze when treating his wounds, so they were left at the bedside for easy ess.


    Yuwen Hao''s arm was originally injured, but in his anger he disregarded the pain. With skill, Yuan Qingling was unable to dodge. The scissors grazed past her ear, drawing a streak of blood as they fell to the ground.


    "Your Highness, please don''t get angry and aggravate your wounds!" Tang Yang said hastily.


    Xu Yi was also scared stiff. If it had hit right on, the Consort''s eyes might have been poked blind.


    But there was no helping the Consort either. She seemed to have changed a bit, but immediately reverted to her old ways, wanting to curry favor with the Empress as before.


    Yuan Qingling slowly squatted down to pick up the scissors. She had thought she would be very angry, but she wasn''t at all. She was extremely calm.


    It was as if this was the result she had anticipated, that this oue was normal.


    Not allowing her to exin at all, because he had never thought of believing her.


    The anger in his heart was indescribable.


    "If this prince doesn''t get rid of you, I swear I won''t be human!" Yuwen Hao said through gritted teeth, full of hatred in his eyes, just like when Yuan Qingling had first transmigrated over.


    Yuan Qingling put the scissors on the table, slowly raised her head to look at Yuwen Hao, and softly said, "Okay!"


    Seeing her like this, Tang Yang also got angry. "Consort, do you know what the Emperor will think of His Highness with you doing this? You''ve harmed His Highness once already. I beg you to settle down, okay?"


    Yuan Qingling''s gaze went past Tang Yang andnded on Yuwen Hao''s face. His hideous look was really frightening.


    She nodded, her eyes calm as she said, "Don''t worry, I will exin everything clearly to the Emperor. This matter has nothing to do with you. The Emperor can kill or punish me, I will bear it alone."


    "Get lost!" Yuwen Hao said in extreme disgust.


    Yuan Qingling gripped the strand of southern pearls, turned around, and took two steps. She looked back at Yuwen Hao again and said quietly, "Your Highness just said if you don''t get rid of me, you swear you won''t be human, right?"


    "This prince hates that he can''t kill you." Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    "Killing me would dirty Your Highness''s hands. Please keep your word and get rid of me after this matter passes!" After speaking, she turned and left.


    "Your Highness!" Tang Yang looked at Yuwen Hao worriedly, "With the Consort going like this, she will likely anger the Emperor further."


    Yuwen Hao slowly lowered his head. Yuan Qingling''s parting words kept echoing in his ears, various disturbances tangling up and giving him an inexplicable headache.


    "Let her go. Father has already lost all hope in this prince. It doesn''t matter if he loses hope once more." Yuwen Hao said quietly.


    "Why did the Consort give the southern pearls to the Empress?" Xu Yi was rough and asked bluntly, unable to figure out Yuan Qingling''s intention.


    "Why? Of course it''s to curry favor with the Empress." Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    "What''s the use of currying favor with the Empress?"


    Tang Yang nced at Xu Yi lightly and said, "Are you muddled? Qingling has always wanted to get close to the Chu family, you know that perfectly well."


    Xu Yi harrumphed, "Qingling, that shameless old man, has truly reached the height of audacity. When our prince was favored by the Emperor, he desperately married his daughter into Prince Chu''s Residence. Now that our prince has fallen from grace, he immediately goes to cling onto the Chu family''s cold butt. How shameless can he be?"


    Seeing Yuwen Hao''s expression turn colder, Tang Yang scolded Xu Yi. "Don''t speak nonsense. Shut up."


    Xu Yi knew he had spoken out of turn. He nced at Yuwen Hao and quickly kept silent.


    Yuwen Hao closed his eyes. His heart was inexplicably chilled. No one knew how much he had hoped Yuan Qingling would change, but obviously she had not.


    The anger in his heart was indescribable.


    When Yuan Qingling went out, the wind whizzed past her ears. She reached out and her hand was covered in blood.


    She smiled as she kept walking forward, letting the blood drip down. The small wound was not fatal. The bleeding would stop.


    The imperial study was not far from the consorts'' pces, but she still walked quite a while.


    When she arrived at the door of the imperial study, Mu Ru eunuch went in to announce her arrival. Emperor Ming Yuan calmly said, "Have her wait outside first."


    So Yuan Qingling stood outside motionless.


    She was extremely calm inside.


    This was actually the calmest moment since she had transmigrated over.


    It was as if the original owner''s entanglements lingering in her mind hadpletely vanished.


    She stood for a full half an hour. Emperor Ming Yuan still didn''t see her. She kept turning the southern pearls in her hand, as if fingering prayer beads.


    "What are you doing here?" A voice came from the side, tinged with surprise.


    Yuan Qingling looked up to see Prince Sun.


    His loose green robe billowed in the wind, like a puffed up great peng bird. His round face held a puzzled look. He walked over, smelling of roast meat, with a bit of meat crumbs still remaining at the corner of his mouth, evidently having eaten in a hurry and failed to wipe clean.


    "Your Highness!" Yuan Qingling smiled at him.


    "Are you requesting an audience with Father? I''ll put in a word for you." Prince Sun kindly offered.


    "No need. Father is busy. He will naturally see me when he''s free." Yuan Qingling said.


    "Father is busy?" Prince Sun was clearly somewhat relieved. "Then I won''t wait either."


    As he spoke, he was about to leave, but Mu Ru eunuch came out and said, "Your Highness, the Emperor summons you."


    Prince Sun was somewhat annoyed. He slowly turned around and said, "I see."


    Not long after Prince Sun went in, the sound of smashing things and several angry roars came from inside. After a while, Prince Sun came out looking crestfallen and disheveled. He looked at Yuan Qingling and said, "You probably shouldn''t go in. Father is angry."

 Chapter 58: Did I Hear You Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    However, in his rage, Emperor Ming Yuan ordered Mu Ru the eunuch to summon Yuan Qingling to see him.


    Prince Sun looked at Yuan Qingling with pity, feeling embarrassed to make her face the emperor''s anger on his behalf. He had heard that Fifth Prince was recovering from his injuries in the pce, so he should go tell Fifth Prince first to find a way to retrieve the Princess of Chu.


    When Yuan Qingling entered the hall, Emperor Ming Yuan didn''t even lift his head. He just said indifferently, "Kneel down!"


    Yuan Qingling knelt down as instructed and greeted, "Greetings to Father Emperor!"


    The hall was in disorder. Mu Ru the eunuch was tidying up the spilled inkstone, memorials and other things that the emperor had smashed to the ground in fury at Prince Sun.


    On the ground, there was also a string of southern pearls, less than five feet away from where Yuan Qingling knelt.


    Emperor Ming Yuan asked in a calm tone, "Just now, Mu Ru came back to report that you said you lost a string of southern pearls I rewarded you. Where did you lose it?"


    "Replying to Father Emperor, I lost it in Qian Kun Pce," Yuan Qingling replied.


    "Then take a look, is this string on the ground the one you lost in Qian Kun Pce?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked again.


    Yuan Qingling took a nce and said, "Yes."


    "This string of pearls was sent to me by someone from the Empress''s pce. Are you saying the Empress''s people stole your pearls?" There was a trace of displeasure in Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice.


    But it seemed he was still giving her a chance.


    Yuan Qingling slowly shook her head. "No, your daughter-inw knows who took them."


    "Oh?" Emperor Ming Yuan sneered coldly. "You know who stole them?"


    "I know. I saw who took them," she insisted on using the word "took".


    "Who was it?" Emperor Ming Yuan wasughing angrily.


    Yuan Qingling was silent for a moment. "Xi Mama!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan mmed the table in fury. "Absurd!"


    Mu Ru the eunuch quickly said, "Princess, you must not speak nonsense. Do you know Xi Mama is by the Retired Emperor''s side?"


    Yuan Qingling said with difficulty, "I know..." Her words trailed off, conveying a sense that she didn''t dare to ask because she knew Xi Mama''s status.


    Emperor Ming Yuan stared at her coldly. These words were simply preposterous. No one would believe them if spoken out.


    But it was precisely because they were so absurd that it gave Emperor Ming Yuan an illusory feeling that there was a possibility they could be true.


    Yuan Qingling was not foolish enough to falsely use someone by the Retired Emperor''s side.


    Emperor Ming Yuan calmed down instead.


    Auntie Bao had said the pearls were sent by Xi Mama. In other words, she was also conveying those words. If Yuan Qingling wanted to secure Fifth Prince''s future, why would she rely on others?


    She should have delivered them herself to show sincerity.


    Yuan Qingling remained kneeling with a thorough serenity on her face.


    She had tossed this thorny issue back to Emperor Ming Yuan.


    It was up to him whether to summon the Retired Emperor''s people to ask about this matter.


    After careful consideration, Emperor Ming Yuan ordered, "Issue an edict summoning the Empress and Xi Mama to the study."


    The pce maid left to pass on the order.


    Before Xi Mama and the Empress arrived, Consort Xian came instead.


    Consort Xian could no longer sit still. Having learned that Yuan Qingling had sent the pearls to the Empress, she knew the situation was slowly changing. She could not keep staying in Qingyu Pce on sick leave.


    Being on prolonged sick leave would make even that wretched daughter-inw look down on her.


    She hade out this time not because of the pearls, but to show her face so people would know she was not dead yet.


    Consort Xian brought over some tonic tea. Upon entering the hall, she saw Yuan Qingling kneeling in front and a string of pearls on the desk. Seeing the emperor''s angry expression and Mu Ru the eunuch keeping silent, she felt uneasy.


    She knew the emperor was angry because Yuan Qingling had sent pearls to the Empress. Although she knew this matter would implicate her own son, she still felt a sh of malicious joy at Yuan Qingling being punished.


    She maintained the smile on her lips. "Your Majesty, this subject knows you have been busy with state affairs and worrying over the Retired Emperor''s illness. So I made this tonic tea to bring over."


    Emperor Ming Yuan said indifferently, "Set it down."


    Consort Xian put down the tea and nced at Yuan Qingling. She hesitated and said, "The Princess of Chu is also here? Then I shall not disturb Your Majesty."


    Emperor Ming Yuan said, "Since you are here, this matter also concerns your son, so sit down."


    Hearing it was rted to the King of Chu, Consort Xian was so angry she wished she could skin Yuan Qingling alive and devour her raw.


    She suppressed her anger, the smile never leaving her lips. "Yes!"


    She moved to sit down, her mind racing. The emperor must think Yuan Qingling was currying favor with the Empress on Fifth Prince''s behalf. Fifth Prince would never do such a thing. At this time, he should protect himself wisely. How could he be so aggressive in seeking advancement?


    He really married an unvirtuous wife.


    If Fifth Prince was shunned and banished by the emperor again because of this, she would definitely not let Yuan Qingling off.


    How could she end up with such a woman? If the marriage with Chu Mingcui had gone smoothly back then, would things be like this today?


    The more Consort Xian thought about it, the angrier she felt. She already harbored the desire to crush Yuan Qingling''s bones and scatter her ashes.


    Yuan Qingling knelt upright, fully aware of Consort Xian''s murderous gaze yet unaffected by it. This matter alone made Consort Xian dislike her, disregarding anything else.


    "Announcing the Empress''s arrival!" A eunuch proimed from outside the hall.


    Emperor Ming Yuan waved his hand to gesture acquiescence. Mu Ru the eunuch hurried out. Seeing the Empressing with Auntie Bao while Xi Mama had just arrived, he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the emperor summons you!"


    He looked towards Xi Mama. Xi Mama''s expression was calm and undaunted.


    Mu Ru the eunuch said, "Mama, please enter."


    The Empress and Auntie Bao walked ahead while Xi Mama followed behind. The three entered the study together.


    Seeing the Empress arrive, Consort Xian quickly stood up to salute. "This subject pays respects to the Empress."


    The Empress nced at Consort Xian indifferently. "Consort Xian is also here."


    She walked right past, casting a cold look at Yuan Qingling before disregarding her. She greeted Emperor Ming Yuan with a curtsy, "Your Majesty, I''m here."


    "Sit," Emperor Ming Yuan waved his hand.


    Xi Mama also came forward to salute. "This old servant greets Your Majesty!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan still treated the mama respectfully. Xi Mama had watched him grow up. In the past, she had not hesitated to speak up for him before the Retired Emperor. If this matter today was purely Yuan Qingling''s nderous usations, he would certainly not absolve her of guilt.


    "No need to be so courteous," Emperor Ming Yuan said gently.


    Xi Mama moved back to stand at the side, meeting his gaze directly without even ncing at Yuan Qingling.


    Emperor Ming Yuan began questioning. "Xi Mama, were these pearls sent by you to the Empress''s pce?"


    Without any hesitation, Xi Mama replied, "Replying to Your Majesty, yes I was the one who sent them."


    "Did the Princess of Chu ask you to send them?" Emperor Ming Yuan continued asking.


    Xi Mama nodded. "Yes."


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s gaze swept over Yuan Qingling''s face coldly. He asked again, "When the Princess of Chu asked you to send them over, did she convey any message?"


    Auntie Bao''s expression changed instantly.


    Xi Mama said, "The princess said she had two strings of pearls while the Empress had none, so she should present one string respectfully to Her Majesty the Empress."


    "Anything else?"


    Xi Mama shook her head. "Nothing else."


    Mu Ru the eunuch said, "Mama, think carefully, did she also ask you to ry a message to the Empress, to say good words on behalf of the King of Chu before His Majesty?"


    Xi Mama shook her head again. "She said no such thing."


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression turned cold. "Empress?"


    Empress Chu was taken aback. "She didn''t mention wanting me to speak for the King of Chu!"


    Emperor Ming Yuanughed coldly. "Is that so? Then I must have misheard. Isn''t that right, Auntie Bao?"


    Auntie Bao knelt down with a thud, her face pale. She stammered a few times, "Replying to Your Majesty, this ve...this ve must have misheard."

 Chapter 59: Sister Happy Confesses

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    Empress Chu looked at Auntie Bao in shock and doubt, "What did you hear wrong? This pce told you to return the bead, how did you report it?"


    "My Lady..." Auntie Bao''s lips turned pale, and kept trembling, "This foolish servant took the initiative, thinking that Princess Chu sent the bead for Prince Chu, so I said an extra sentence, saying that Princess Chu asked My Lady to say a few good words for Prince Chu."


    Empress Chu was furious, "You actually made random guesses? You are so bold!"


    Empress Chu suddenly calmed herself down. Auntie Bao had been with her for many years and was always steady in nature. She would not say random guessing words in front of the Emperor.


    She immediately thought of Chu Mingcui.


    Earlier, Chu Mingcui had suggested going to find Consort Xian, but she thought there was no need to oppose Consort Xian for the time being. Consort Xian was the niece of the Empress Dowager, offending her would make things more difficult.


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression immediately turned very ugly. How could Auntie Bao dare to do this? It must be instructed by the Empress. His eyes nced coldly over Empress Chu''s face.


    Empress Chu had no choice but to rify her stance. She pped Auntie Bao in the face and angrily scolded, "Insolent! You actually told the Emperor your own random guesses? How dare you!"


    Auntie Bao knelt on the ground, not even daring to cover her face, just kept pleading, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, please forgive me!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan expressionlessly ordered, "Come, drag Auntie Bao out and severely punish her with thirty strokes of the rod."


    Empress Chu felt heartache but could not speak for her, and just indignantly said, "You got off easy, don''t you know to thank His Majesty''s grace?"


    Auntie Bao kowtowed with her body already half limp, her face ashen as she said, "Thank His Majesty for the punishment."


    Auntie Bao was dragged out. Soon, the sound of rods striking and muffled groans could be heard from outside.


    Empress Chu''s expression was calm, but she was extremely anxious inside, cursing Chu Mingcui for being reckless.


    At this moment, Consort Xian just wanted to watch the show. She had originally thought that the daughter-inw went to fawn on the Empress and humiliated her. She didn''t expect so many twists and turns. She had to watch carefully.


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at Princess Chu, his eyesplicated.


    He could not pursue this matter further. Even if Princess Chu had instructed Xi Mama to send the bead, he could only rest the spear for now.


    In case something unexpected was found out.


    After all, Xi Mama was from the Retired Emperor''s side, he couldn''t make any mistakes, lest the Retired Emperor got angry and hurt his health.


    After thinking for a moment, he lightly said, "Since the matter is clear, the guilty has been punished. You may all withdraw."


    The Empress knew that the Emperor had misunderstood her, thinking that she deliberately ndered Prince Chu. But exining now would be useless. She had to carefully ask Chu Mingcui first before acting, so she quickly withdrew.


    Consort Xian nced at Princess Chu and also withdrew. She understood in her heart, but the Emperor obviously didn''t want to expose the ugliness under this fa?ade. The imperial family had to keep face.


    Xi Mama also wanted to withdraw, but Princess Chu said, "Mama, there is one thing I want to ask you."


    Emperor Ming Yuan warned, "Princess Chu, the matter ends here."


    Princess Chu''s expression changed from calm to insistence, "Father, this is a major issue that must be rified."


    Xi Mama looked at Princess Chu and said lightly, "What does the Princess want to say? That the bead was not sent to the Empress by your order? Since the Princess does not admit it, then take it as this old servant taking matters into her own hands. This old servant pleads guilty."


    Princess Chu looked at her and said, "Whether it was your own initiative or not, we all know in our hearts, but what I want to ask is why did you switch out the Retired Emperor''s elixir and frame Xiao Luo Zi?"


    As soon as she said this, Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes turned cold in an instant, "Princess Chu, what nonsense are you talking about?"


    Princess Chu looked straight at Emperor Ming Yuan, "Father, however bold I am, I would not randomly fabricate charges and frame the Retired Emperor''s trusted aide."


    Emperor Ming Yuan was stunned for a moment, thinking that she would not fire nks.


    She turned to stare at Xi Mama, "The Retired Emperor treats you well, so why do you want to harm his life?"


    "Shut up!" Xi Mama stared at her coldly, "This old servant has never had any intention of harming the Retired Emperor."


    "You dare to say you didn''t switch the medicine?" Princess Chu asked.


    Xi Mama fell silent.


    Emperor Ming Yuan was about to m the table, but his hand slowly lowered. He quietly looked at Xi Mama, and his heart slowly sank.


    Xi Mama could have directly refuted it, but she did not.


    She was acquiescing.


    Emperor Ming Yuan was both shocked and angry. How could it be Xi Mama?


    "Princess Chu, do you have evidence?" Mu Ru eunuch asked anxiously.


    Princess Chu said indifferently, "The evidence is in Qian Kun Pce, in front of the Retired Emperor. Xi Mama, don''t you have to admit it in front of the Retired Emperor? You have harmed him once, surely you don''t care if he gets angry and ill because of you. Let''s confront each other in Qian Kun Pce. "


    Xi Mama almost instantly lowered her head, the light in her eyes fading inch by inch, and the taut skin on her face slowly went limp, sagging at the corners of her eyes, making her seem several years older all of a sudden.


    "There is no need to go to Qian Kun Pce. This old servant admits it!" She slowly knelt down.


    There was dead silence in the hall, apart from the angry breathing of Emperor Ming Yuan, there was no other sound.


    After a long pause, Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice slowly rang out, empty and pale, "Why?"


    A smile uglier than crying appeared on Xi Mama''s face, "This old servant never intended to harm the Retired Emperor. It was this old servant who switched the medicine, but this old servant did not know it was poison, it was toote when I found out."


    "So you killed Xiao Luo Zi and framed him!" Princess Chu said coldly.


    "It wasn''t me who killed him." Xi Mama said.


    "Who instructed you to switch the medicine?" Emperor Ming Yuan felt a chill down his back. Not many people in the pce could instruct Xi Mama.


    Xi Mama kowtowed, "Your Majesty, execute this old servant, but this old servant will not say."


    "You..." Emperor Ming Yuan was extremely disappointed, "Things havee to this, yet you are still unwilling to name the person behind it? It is clear the Retired Emperor trusted you in vain."


    Xi Mama''s lips trembled, full of regret and despair, "Your Majesty, just grant this old servant a quick death. For old times'' sake when this old servant helped Your Majesty a lot, don''t torture this old servant for a confession. Once this old servant bites her tongue and dies, she will never relent. Also save this old servant from suffering before death."


    Emperor Ming Yuan really couldn''t bear to be so cruel. He was by no means a soft-hearted person, but he didn''t see Xi Mama and Eunuch Chang as ordinary servants. When he was still the Crown Prince, the two of them helped him a lot.


    Princess Chu knew she wouldn''t talk.


    In Xi Mama''s heart, the Retired Emperor held a very important position.


    She was even willing to give her life to the Retired Emperor.


    She did this for someone more important than the Retired Emperor, and she was willing to die rather than expose this person.


    Princess Chu then asked about the bead, "So who instructed you to give the bead to the Empress?"


    Xi Mama was silent for a moment, still hesitant to speak.


    Emperor Ming Yuan angrily said, "Can''t you even say this much?"


    Two teardrops slid down Xi Mama''s eyes. She choked out a breath, sobbing, "Giving the bead to Her Majesty the Empress was Princess Qi''s idea. She resented Princess Chu for scheming to win Prince Chu back then, so she wanted to take revenge on her."


    "Was switching the medicine Princess Qi''s idea?" Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes were filled with rage.


    Xi Mama shook her head, "It wasn''t her, she doesn''t have the ability to order this old servant to deal with the Retired Emperor."


    "But she is capable of ordering you to harm Princess Chu?" Emperor Ming Yuan said coldly.

 Chapter 60: Invisible

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    Xi Mama smiled bitterly, "I owe someone a favor, and it must be repaid. I was seriously illst year, and it was the Princess of Chu who sent good medicine to cure me. Helping her this time repays that favor. I know the Princess of Chu will not be punished, the Retired Emperor still needs her, at most she will be scolded a few times. I don''t want to harm anyone."


    After she finished speaking, she bowed deeply for a long time. When she raised her head again, her expression was calm, "This old servant has nothing more to say. Your Majesty, please grant this old servant the poisoned wine!"


    What I owed in this life, I have repaid.


    On the road to the underworld in the future, I will owe him nothing more.


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s face was uncertain, "If you reveal the person behind you, I will pretend nothing has happened."


    Xi Mama was silent, with an expression of detachment from life and death.


    Ming Yuan was extremely angry and sad. He naturally could not kill Xi Mama, nor could he tell the Retired Emperor about this. The Retired Emperor is now suffering from heart disease. How could he bear the blow that the person who had apanied him for decades tried to poison him?


    After a long silence, he said lightly, "Since you said you didn''t mean to harm the Retired Emperor, I believe you and will not investigate further. But Mama, you are too old to continue serving the Retired Emperor. Since you and the Princess of Chu get along well, let me ask the Retired Emperor to grant you to the Princess to serve her."


    After all, Ming Yuan was unwilling to do it himself. He wanted Yuan Qingling to deal with Xi Mama, whom she had harmed Ling.


    Yuan Qingling was dumbfounded!


    "Xi Mama, you can leave first." Ming Yuan had already restrained his anger and said lightly.


    Xi Mama looked at Yuan Qinglingplicatedly, then bowed and retreated.


    Ming Yuan looked at Chang Gong, "Keep an eye on her, it would be best to advise her not to seek death in the pce."


    Xi Mama''s eyes were desperate. She was afraid that if the Retired Emperor found out, she wouldmit suicide in the pce.


    "Yes!" Chang Gong obeyed and left.


    Yuan Qingling and Ming Yuan stared at each other.


    "Couldn''t you have told me first?" Ming Yuan said unhappily.


    Yuan Qingling knew she had acted rashly. She admitted her mistake sincerely, "Your daughter-inw was wrong."


    Ming Yuan looked at her, "Did you know long ago that Xi Mama took the bead to the Empress?"


    "She said she was giving it to the Virtuous Concubine."


    "Hmph," Ming Yuan snorted coldly, "Didn''t you say she took it privately?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "Your daughter-inw didn''t know if she would admit it in the end. If she admitted it, your daughter-inw would naturally also admit it. If she didn''t admit it, your daughter-inw would insist it was taken by her privately. I couldn''t falsely bear the usation."


    A little clever.


    Ming Yuan did not pursue it, but was curious, "She told you she was giving it to the Virtuous Concubine. How did you know she would eventually give it to the Empress?"


    "If she kindly wanted to maintain the rtionship between your daughter-inw and the Virtuous Concubine, she should have suggested I give it to the Virtuous Concubine myself, rather than delivering it for me. Besides, the Empress hadn''t even gotten this bead before, it was inappropriate for her to suggest giving it to the Virtuous Concubine. Xi Mama would not make such a mistake, unless she intended to harm me."


    Her mind was very clear. Even at this time, her mind was still so lucid.


    Ming Yuan said lightly, "Now I have sent Xi Mama to you. You can deal with her as you see fit, just don''t let the Retired Emperor know."


    Yuan Qingling said helplessly, "Father, it is really inappropriate to give her to your daughter-inw. Your daughter-inw also has no way to deal with her." She didn''t want to offend the Retired Emperor, her only backer, by using Xi Mama.


    "Anyway, I''ve given her to you, do whatever you want with her, I won''t interfere at all." Ming Yuan said.


    Yuan Qingling secretly thought Ming Yuan was sly, but she was powerless since he was the emperor.


    Ming Yuan looked at her and said, "If you really don''t know what to do, perhaps you can go back and ask your father for advice."


    Yuan Qingling was very helpless. Such an obvious test, is it really okay?


    "I won''t bother my father with it." Yuan Qingling said.


    Ming Yuan was very satisfied with this answer. He looked at her for a moment, and suddenly said, "Just now Xi Mama said that the Princess of Qi resented you and tried to harm you. You were in the wrong first by seeking private revenge. Don''t do it again, understand?"


    "What if she provoked me first?" Yuan Qingling retorted. She couldn''t let herself be bullied.


    "She won''t dare anymore. The Chu family won''t let her make trouble again either. There''s one more thing," Ming Yuan pondered for a moment, looking at her and said, "The Virtuous Concubine once told me that after all, the Fifth Prince and the Princess of Qi grew up as childhood sweethearts. It was a pity they didn''t end up together. The Princess of Qi has a younger sister who looks very simr to her. I also intend topensate the Fifth Prince and take the seconddy of the Chu family as a concubine. Do you have anything to say?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head, "No!"


    Ming Yuan was somewhat surprised. So magnanimous?


    The seconddy of the Chu family was of the main line. Once she entered the pce, even Yuan Qingling as the principal consort would have to make way for her. Didn''t she care at all?


    Or did she not know the power of the Chu family?


    Clearly she was no fool, so she should understand this point.


    "You may go." Ming Yuan said lightly.


    Yuan Qingling withdrew.


    After leaving the hall, she took a deep breath. A concubine? Why not? Marrying a concubine would fulfill his wish. Then they could live in conjugal bliss and stop bothering her.


    When she returned to her pce, she saw Xi Mama standing under the pagoda tree, hands hanging, quietly watching her.


    Her eyes seemed to show no emotion, as if nothing had happened between them. She was calm in a frightening way.


    Yuan Qingling walked over and looked her in the eye.


    Xi Mama bowed slightly, "Princess!"


    "Were you waiting for me, Mama?"


    Xi Mama stared at her, "Since the Princess saw through it early on, why didn''t you expose this old servant?"


    "I foolishly hoped that Mama would not give the bead to the Empress in the end."


    Xi Mama''s eyes darkened, and she said mockingly, "Isn''t the Princess very disappointed? This old servant did not cherish the chance you gave me, but still delivered the bead to the Empress."


    "Yes, very disappointed." Yuan Qingling''s expression was unchanged, but her tone was full of exhaustion, "I thought that at least there was someone good to me in the pce and outside. I was wishful thinking."


    She looked at the door of the pce. Laughter came from the Prince''s pce. Going in, she would see Macheng. She didn''t want to see him. For a moment, she felt the world was vast with nowhere to go.


    She went to Qian Kun Pce. Although the old man had a bad temper and scolded her at every turn, he knew to coax her after scolding.


    On the way there, she was still thinking about who was behind this, instructing Xi Mama to betray the Retired Emperor. Xi Mama was even willing to die rather than reveal this person. It was certainly impossible for it to be Chu Mingcui. Xi Mama would not harm the Retired Emperor''s life for Chu Mingcui.


    Xi Mama said she didn''t know it was poison and had no intention of harming the Retired Emperor. But having been in the pce for many years, could she be so naive as to think the person just wanted her to rece some candies for the Retired Emperor? The Emperor''s attitude was also strange. Considering the Retired Emperor''s health, there''s no way he would just let this go, right? This was attempted murder of the Retired Emperor, an unforgivable crime. As long as the murderer was not found, the Retired Emperor would still be in danger.


    Yuan Qingling felt she understood the intrigue in the pce less and less.

 Chapter 61: The Old man must have Known.

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    When Yuan Qingling arrived at the Qian Kun Pce, the Retired Emperor was actually half-sitting up, cracking melon seeds.


    In addition to Eunuch Chang in the hall, there was another person, a man dressed in ck with a sword, graying sideburns, somewhat aged. When he saw Yuan Qinglinge in, his gaze swept over her, and it was as cold as lightning.


    The Retired Emperor cracked melon seeds and said, "You can leave now."


    The man in ck bowed with his hands sped and withdrew.


    His footsteps were very light. Even if one stared closely, it seemed his heels did not touch the ground. In just a moment, he had disappeared from the hall.


    "What are you looking at? He is my secret guard. Have you settled your business?" The Retired Emperor nced at herzily and asked casually. His spirit seemed quite good.


    Yuan Qingling suddenly had the feeling that this old fellow really knew everything, including who had instructed Xi Mama.


    The old fellow looked at her with a sinister smile.


    Yuan Qingling''s scalp tingled. She had not guessed wrong. The old fellow knew everything.


    "Eunuch Chang, I have something to say to the Retired Emperor privately. Please go out for a moment." Yuan Qingling felt she could not pretend to be muddle-headed. She must ask clearly.


    Eunuch Chang was very tactful and immediately went out.


    The Retired Emperor was still cracking melon seeds, looking a bit smug. "What do you want to ask? I may not answer you."


    "Who switched the medicine?" Yuan Qingling leaned in and asked, "You know, don''t you?"


    "I know!" he replied without even lifting his eyelids. "Xiao Luo Zi."


    "Don''t y games with me..."


    "Insolent!" The Retired Emperor bellowed, "Who do you think you''re talking to?"


    Yuan Qingling lowered her eyes, swallowing the grievances in her belly. "I''m sorry, I was wrong."


    The Retired Emperor harrumphed and continued cracking melon seeds, speaking frankly, "That''s right, I know."


    Yuan Qingling looked at him in surprise. So everyone was considerate of his feelings, yet he knew everything clearly? If he knew clearly, why did he still allow Xi Mama to serve him in the hall? Was he not afraid she would poison him again?


    "Can''t see through?" The Retired Emperor snorted and spit out the shell.


    "You are most wise." Yuan Qingling admitted defeat.


    The Retired Emperor looked at her and motioned, "Come here!"


    Yuan Qingling hurried over and waited eagerly for him to speak.


    But the Retired Emperor handed her a pile of melon seeds, "Shell these!"


    Yuan Qingling was frustrated, but could only help shell them for him.


    With each melon seed ced in his palm, he was in no hurry to eat them. After she had shelled ten or eight seeds, he grabbed them and put them in his mouth, chewing twice, and said in disgust, "Not as tasty when you don''t shell them yourself."


    Yuan Qingling said, "Eating melon seeds isn''t really about the seeds. It''s just enjoying the cracking process."


    "Good that you understand!" The Retired Emperor said lightly, "So why ask so much? Just slowly peel it open yourself and examine it slowly."


    Alright, he was trying to indoctrinate her in various ways.


    "You don''t need to continue attending to me in the pce. Take your Prince Chu and get back to the Prince Chu''s Residence. When I want to see you, I will naturally summon you." The Retired Emperor pped his hands with azy look, half-reclining.


    Thinking of returning to the Prince Chu''s Residence, Yuan Qingling felt depressed, her whole spirit dampened.


    "Not happy?" The Retired Emperor observed her and asked.


    "Nothing to be happy about."


    The Retired Emperorughed. "Is it about Fifth Prince taking a concubine? It was Consort Xian''s idea. You don''t seem to care much about Fifth Prince anyway, just go along with it. Why make a fuss?"


    He knew about this too? It seems the concubine matter had already been proposed.


    "It''s not about that. To me, that''s not a big deal." If anything, it was a good thing. "Xi Mama is going to leave the pce with me. You know that, right?"


    "I know!"


    He knew? This was just decided. Someone had reported to him so quickly? Who was so swift? Yuan Qingling couldn''t help but think of the man in ck just now. He was probably the Retired Emperor''s eyes and ears.


    "Be a little nicer to her. Although I am disappointed in her, I do not resent her." The Retired Emperor lowered his eyes and wiped his hands, and said.


    With his noble status, someone had plotted to kill him, yet he did not resent her and told Yuan Qingling to be good to her. How strange.


    In the study''s annex in the imperial pce, Prince Sun knew Yuwen Hao was recuperating in the pce but did not know his injuries were so serious. Seeing Yuwen Hao lying in bed without a trace of energy, Prince Sun''s head, round as a rubber ball, bristled with anger until his hair nearly stood on end. His face was purple. "Who''s the bastard that did this? I want to chop him into meat sauce."


    As he cursed, he grabbed a handful of the honeyed snacks sent for Yuwen Hao''s medicine and stuffed them into his mouth, chomping angrily.


    Yuwen Hao was very calm. He tilted his head towards the snacks and said, "There are some pastries over there, sent by Eunuch Chang."


    He didn''t say they were for Yuan Qingling. His heart was very restless as he kept looking outside.


    Tang Yang brought the pastries over and ced them in front of Prince Sun. Prince Sun waved his hand. "Can''t eat these. Pastries make you fat... These were sent by Eunuch Chang? Made by the imperial kitchen? They look exquisite. I''ll try one."


    He took one, and Tang Yang moved to take the te away. Prince Sun grabbed his hand. "What are you doing? Leave them here. Tang Yang, you look so petty. Eat yours!"


    Tang Yang smiled and said, "Prince, I''m afraid you''ll get too full."


    "When have I ever gotten too full?" Prince Sun red with his round eyes.


    "Yes, yes!" When have you not gotten too full?


    Yuwen Hao''s heart was very chaotic. He wanted Prince Sun to finish eating and leave. He really had no energy to discuss delicacies with him. "Let him eat. Let him eat his fill. He can take a walkter to digest the food."


    Prince Sun ate the pastries and said, "That reminds me, I just came from seeing Father. He scolded me badly. Father is still fuming. Your wife went in. I wonder if Father will berate her too."


    Yuwen Hao propped himself up. "Father is very angry?"


    "Yes, I don''t know why he''s so furious. I just went in to greet him and he rebuked me, said I don''t attend to proper business and only know how to eat and drink all day. It''s really unfair. He wants me to work at the Jingzhao Prefecture. I''m not cut out to handle cases. So I rmended you."


    "Jingzhao Prefecture?" Yuwen Haoughed helplessly. "Why did you rmend me? To be a police chief?"


    "The Prefect of Jingzhao!"


    "What?" Yuwen Hao was shocked. "Father appointed you as the Prefect of Jingzhao?"


    Jingzhao Prefecture, the regional government of the capital region, oversees taxes and levies, obverses themon folk, manages the judiciary and prisons, and supervises officials. Its power is shocking. Father actually wanted to appoint Second Prince as the Prefect of Jingzhao?


    He immediately realized that Father didn''t intend to appoint Second Prince. He wanted to select someone from the princes to serve as Vice Prefect of Jingzhao.


    The Prefect of Jingzhao was definitely not a cushy role; strictly speaking, it was an role that offended people. But for Father to select a candidate from among his sons, the princes, it was a cushy role to them. Father wanted to test this person.


    In the past, the Vice Prefect of Jingzhao was often held by a prince. The Retired Emperor in his reign changed this practice and boldly appointed outsiders. For the imperial n and rtives, it also yed a supervisory role. After all, if not held by a prince, there would be fewer personal favors involved.


    Yuwen Hao was shocked. What was Father trying to do? Once this news got out, the covert struggles would surely erupt into open conflict.


    "Second brother, how could you rmend me to Father?" Yuwen Hao resented Prince Sun in his heart. Father already distrusted him, and Second Brother readily rmended him. What would Father think? He must have suspected long ago that Yuwen Hao had ambitions.

 Chapter 62: The Emperor’s Intention

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    Yuwen Haoughed and said, "I rmended you because I feel you are more suitable. Eldest brother probably wants to do it himself, but I don''t like eldest brother, so of course I wouldn''t rmend him."


    Tang Yang''s expression also darkened as he said, "Your Highness, this rmendation of yours will harm Prince Chu."


    Prince Sun was taken aback, "How would it harm him? I was just casually saying it, it can hardly count as a formal rmendation. Father wouldn''t listen to me anyway. Tang Yang, you''re just being too cautious. Living like you do, how can you find any joy?"


    Tang Yang didn''t know whether tough or cry. You certainly have some self-awareness, since you know His Majesty wouldn''t listen to you, why say it at all? This Prince Sun really is naively innocent.


    Seeing everyone''s unhappy expressions, Prince Sun realized he may have misspoken. He pped his own mouth and said, "This foolish mouth of mine, have I said something wrong again?"


    "It''s nothing," Yuwen Hao shook his head, "You didn''t say anything wrong. Second brother appreciating me and rmending me is certainly not wrong."


    His eyes kept ncing outside. Consort Yuan Qingling hadn''te back yet. Father was still furious, how would he deal with her?


    After Prince Sun finished eating the snacks, he left. About half an hour after he departed, Consort Yuan Qingling finally returned.


    Yuwen Hao didn''t wait for her to sit down before asking, "How did Father deal with it?"


    Yuan Qingling looked at him and said, "He didn''t punish me. He also didn''t say much about the South Pearl incident, only asked about you taking a concubine, then dismissed everyone. After that, His Majesty had us leave the pce."


    His injuries were actually not suitable for moving, but Consort Yuan didn''t say this out loud.


    What did his life and death have to do with her?


    "The matter of South Pearl was just dropped like that?" Yuwen Hao didn''t believe it, but any news from the study was always kept secret. He had no way of inquiring about it.


    "Yes, it was dropped," Yuan Qingling said expressionlessly.


    However, Tang Yang picked up on the key point. "His Majesty spoke of the matter of the Prince taking a concubine? How did the Princess respond?"


    "I agreed," said Yuan Qingling.


    Tang Yang was a bit surprised. She readily agreed, just like that?


    Yuwen Hao remained silent. He knew all along that Empress Mother was keen on him taking a concubine, wanting to form ties with the Chu family.


    But of the Chu daughters, he was only interested in one, not the others. He had no interest in the rest.


    Tang Yang and Xu Yi made arrangements to exit the pce. With Yuwen Hao''s severe injuries, he obviously couldn''t walk out and had to be carried.


    Emperor Mingyuan ordered Gu Si to prepare an imperial carriage to escort them, with ample space andfort to minimize Yuwen Hao''s suffering.


    Yuan Qingling sat beside him, Tang Yang drove the carriage, while Xu Yi and Gu Si went ahead to clear the way. It was quite a grand procession.


    Old Mama Xi also packed up her things and followed in a small carriage behind them.


    Yuwen Hao closed his eyes. But the carriage still jolted somewhat. The Purple Gold Pill that Prince Rui had given him earlier maintained his vitality, but now that its effects had worn off, with such serious injuries, the jostling still caused him enormous pain.


    Yuan Qingling hadn''t intended to care, but seeing his furrowed brows and pained expression, she still took out her medicine box and injected him with a strong painkiller.


    Yuwen Hao didn''t speak. After the painkilling injection, he felt the pain lessen and slowly opened his eyes to nce at Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling was fiddling with the medicine box without looking at him, a lock of hair hanging down to obscure her peripheral vision.


    "Father really didn''t me you?" Yuwen Hao asked hoarsely.


    Yuan Qingling closed the medicine box and said indifferently, "Father sees everything clearly. He knows I had nothing to do with this matter, so of course he wouldn''t me me."


    "Who did it? Why did Old Mama Xi also leave the pce with you?"


    "Noble Consort Xian was also in the study. Perhaps after the Prince recovers, you can go ask Noble Consort Xian," said Yuan Qingling, having learned her lesson not to say anything bad about Chu Mingcui in front of him.


    Back at the Prince''s estate, she would have to live that stifling life again. The less trouble the better.


    Hearing that Noble Consort Xian was also present, Yuwen Hao slowly furrowed his brows.


    Empress Mother was often ill and didn''t normally interfere in pce affairs. How did she get involved this time?


    News of his severe injuries had been suppressed by Father and not allowed to spread to the imperial harem. That was why he had been staying in the subsidiary pce, precisely to avoid the rear pce finding out.


    Yuan Qingling closed her eyes and leaned against the window, feeling the cool breeze seeping in. Her heart also seemed to be tinged with the bleakness of autumn.


    Yuwen Hao looked at her. The autumn sun shone on her cheek, with a gentle, warm radiance, while the other side of her face was cold and gloomy.


    Just a few days ago, she had been all warmth and softness. Now, only bleakness and coldness remained.


    Upon returning to the Prince Chu estate, Yuan Qingling got out of the carriage and went back to Feng Yi Pavilion with Old Mama Xi.


    Lv Ya and her mama were very surprised to see her bringing a pce mama back. Yuan Qingling didn''t feel like exining and just told her mama to arrange lodging for Old Mama Xi, then instructed Lv Ya, "Come prepare hot water with me. I want to take a bath."


    The hot water was brought up and poured into arge tub. Lv Ya was about to add dried flowers, but Yuan Qingling said, "No need to add anything. You may leave. Don''te in unless I call you."


    "Yes!" Lv Ya felt she was acting strangely but didn''t dare ask. She turned and left, closing the door behind her.


    Yuan Qingling took off her clothes and slid into the tub. Her wounds weren''t actually suitable for water yet, but she needed to rx.


    The water temperature was slightly scalding. The pain from her wounds was distinct. She held her breath and submerged her head in the water until she felt her chest would explode. Only then did she surface and take a deep breath, feeling her breath and blood cirction slowly returning to her limbs and every part of her body.


    The room was perfectly quiet. Outside there were sounds of people walking. Her hearing was especially keen, able to hear the sound of leaves falling, and some other recognizable sounds were dogs barking, though they seemed to being from very far away.


    The sound of the dog barks gave her a feeling of real life.


    In fact, these past days she had been living especially dreamily, a cruel dream, walking on ground that felt unreal. Every night before falling asleep, she would think that perhaps opening her eyes, she would find it was just a nightmare.


    But these barks made her see the mundane world.


    It had been a long time since she dreamed of theb. She hoped that tonight, falling asleep, she could dream her way back to theb once, to have a ce where she could breathe.


    After soaking for about fifteen minutes, the water gradually cooled and she got up.


    Disinfecting, applying medicine, giving herself injections¡ªshe felt her hands could actually twist behind her back to handle her injuries on her spine with no difficulty, her neck as well. She could even see her own back. Turns out the original Yuan Qingling had very good flexibility.

 Chapter 63: The Virtuous Concubine’s Departure from the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    Yuan Qingling had no appetite for the dinner her Qi Amah had prepared. She only drank a sip of the soup before having it taken away.


    Sensing her mistress was in a bad mood, Qi Amah didn''t dare ask any more questions. She told Lvye toe help clear away the dishes.


    As Qi Amah turned to leave, Yuan Qingling asked, "Amah, is Brother Huo better?"


    Hearing her speak, Qi Amah quickly turned back and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. He''s recovered now."


    "I''ll go see him tomorrow," Yuan Qingling said.


    "Yes, thank you!" Qi Amah was moved that Yuan Qingling still cared about Brother Huo even when she was in a terrible mood.


    After reading for a while, Yuan Qingling decided to go to bed, hoping to have a good dream.


    But Xi Mama came in, closing the door behind her.


    Yuan Qingling looked at her. "What is it?"


    Xi Mama lowered her hands and said tly, "Why doesn''t Your Highness just say it directly - how do you n to deal with this old servant?"


    Yuan Qingling gave a faint smile. "I don''t n to deal with you."


    Xi Mama''s voice was bleak. "Then this old servant understands. Your Highness means for me to take my own life. That must be His Majesty''s intention as well."


    Yuan Qingling said evenly, "I don''t know His Majesty''s intentions, nor dare I guess at them. But the Retired Emperor told me to treat you well."


    Xi Mama stared at her, her lips trembling. "The Retired Emperor really said that?"


    "I have no reason to lie to you. Whether you take your own life to end this enmity, or live well to repay the Retired Emperor''s kindness, that''s for you to think over. I can''t decide for you. Go back now, I need to rest." Yuan Qingling dismissed her directly.


    Xi Mama left heavily. For a long time afterwards, Yuan Qingling could still hear her sighing.


    She had given Yuan Qingling the impression that she was deeply helpless, with many unspeakable hardships. Yuan Qingling had no intention of judging her actions, nor did she have the right. But everyone had to take responsibility for what they did.


    As for Chu Mingcui, whether or not the Emperor would punish her, Yuan Qingling felt it had nothing to do with her anymore. Behind Chu Mingcui stood the Chu n; the Empress was the Chu n''s daughter. The Emperor would have to give them face, at most scolding her a few times.


    She slept dreamlessly through the night.


    When she woke up the next morning, Yuan Qingling still felt lost and sorrowful. It was the best night''s sleep she''d had sinceing to this world, yet she wasn''t happy at all.


    After washing up, she went to see Brother Huo.


    Brother Huo''s wounds had basically healed, but scars remained.


    He was respectful yet frightened of her, not daring to speak, only asionally looking at her with worshipful eyes.


    "You''re better now!" Yuan Qingling reached out and ruffled his hair. "From now on you don''t have to do such hardbor. At your age, you should be learning to read and write."


    "Read and write?" Brother Huo''s eyes widened.


    "Yes, I''ll find a school for you." Only then did she realize there might not even be schools here. Wealthy families would open their own schools and hire teachers for their n''s children to study together. It was nearly impossible for servant boys to attend school.


    She was a little embarrassed by her thoughtless words.


    Qi Amah smoothed things over. "Your Highness is too kind. He''s a servant born and bred, he has to work."


    "Granny, I want to learn to read and write," Brother Huo said softly.


    "Don''t talk nonsense!" Qi Amah red at him.


    Brother Huo shrank his neck, not daring to say more.


    The longing in his eyes slowly faded. He knew it was just wishful thinking.


    Yuan Qingling felt a little sad inside. This was not a fair society, and her own power was limited.


    A servant hurried in, as if something urgent had happened. Seeing Yuan Qingling there, he was startled for a moment. What was the princess consort doing in the servants'' courtyard?


    "What is it?" Qi Amah asked.


    The servant collected himself and first paid respects to Yuan Qingling, then said, "Master Tang told you to prepare some refreshments. Word from the pce is that Consort Xian ising to the estate."


    "Consort Xian ising?" Qi Amah immediately perked up. "Alright, go back and tell Master Tang I''ll make the proper arrangements."


    Qi Amah had served as Consort Xian''s pce maid when she married into the household. When Yuwen Hao was granted his own estate, Consort Xian had rewarded her to him. Naturally she was delighted that the old mistress wasing.


    But Yuan Qingling''s heart was clouded with gloom.


    Consort Xian - the person who liked her least in the entire pce. She must have heard about Yuwen Hao''s injury ande out of the pce to inquire about it. Actually it would have been easy for Consort Xian to find out by asking people in secret. She had just been keeping a low profile.


    She returned to Feng Yi Pce and tidied up to formally receive Consort Xian as her mother-inw.


    The scar on her forehead, despite Xi Mama''s efforts to conceal it with heavy powder, was still faintly visible like a imprint, very noticeable.


    Yuan Qingling was quite good-looking, though not a peerless beauty like Chu Mingcui. But she had clear, bright eyes and a calm, unyielding demeanor, giving her an air of tranquil grace.


    Meeting her gaze in the bronze mirror, Xi Mama felt a surge of inexplicable guilt.


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes were calm and undisturbed.


    It was nearly noon when Consort Xian arrived at the estate. The autumn sun at midday was scorching, and though a cool breeze blew, Yuan Qingling still felt dizzy from the heat as she stood at the estate gates to wee Consort Xian.


    The curtains of Consort Xian''s golden phoenix carriage were lifted by pce maids, revealing the glittering gems and jewels within, and then Consort Xian''s exquisitely made-up face.


    Yuan Qinglingposed herself and led Tang Yang, Xu Yi and the others to greet and bow to Consort Xian.


    Consort Xian stepped down from her carriage. d in a flowing, embroidered cloud brocade court dress, hair in a nted phoenix bun pinned with an carved openwork golden phoenix hairpin, arge round ruby pendant hanging on her forehead, she looked rich and august. With one nce at Yuan Qingling she said, "No need to bow."


    Yuan Qingling stepped aside. "Pleasee in, Mother Consort."


    Consort Xian entered the estate with her pce maids, followed by Xi Mama. Seeing her, Consort Xian''s eyes shed with surprise, but her expression quickly returned to normal.


    Consort Xian was led into Yuwen Hao''s quarters. Seeing his severe injuries, she immediately whipped around to re at Yuan Qingling, furious. "Why didn''t you say a word about this yesterday in the study?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "Father Emperor forbid me from speaking of it."


    "Even if you couldn''t say it then, couldn''t you have privately sent someone to inform me afterwards?" Consort Xian said coldly.


    "After that, the Retired Emperor ordered us to leave the pce immediately," Yuan Qingling replied evenly, unafraid of Consort Xian''s anger.


    "Mother Consort!" Yuwen Hao called out. He slowly frowned. "Enough. I''m nearly recovered now. Besides, Father Emperor forbid her from telling you because he feared you would worry yourself sick over it. How could she dare disobey Father Emperor''s order?"


    Consort Xian raised her brows. What was going on with Fifth Brother, actually speaking up for Yuan Qingling?


    "Keeping it from me - if something had really happened, what was your mother to do?" Consort Xian still hadn''t vented her anger. Seeing his injuries, she was distressed beyond words. Sitting at his bedside, she gently dabbed at the area around the wounds with a handkerchief. "Does it hurt?"


    "It doesn''t hurt anymore," Yuwen Hao said.


    "Liar. With wounds this big, how could they not hurt?" Consort Xian''s eyes reddened. "Who did this?"


    "Father Emperor will investigate," Yuwen Hao said lightly.


    He knew in his heart the investigation would turn up nothing. The perpetrators had alreadymitted suicide, and finding out who was behind it would be as hard as scaling the heavens.

 Chapter 64: Then I’ll Kill Her

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Consort Xian worriedly said, "Who on earth have you offended? Why did they send such a deadly assassin?"


    "Son has not offended anyone," Yuwen Hao reassured her: "It''s alright, the assassins have all been executed already, son will not be in danger again."


    "The Empress is not a fool..." She looked up at Yuan Qingling, really angry, "What are you standing there for? Don''t you know to order the servants to make some soup for the Prince? Is this how you serve people?"


    Yuan Qingling looked at Yuwen Hao, "Does the Prince want to eat anything?"


    Consort Xian angrily said: "You should have ordered it made, what''s wrong with eating something? You even have to ask what an injured person should eat, unable to handle even small matters, it seems the affairs in this prince''s manor are too much for you to handle alone, it would be better to find someone to share the burden."


    Yuan Qingling sneered inwardly, so this was about taking a concubine was it? Afraid she would make trouble? Overestimating her, she could not make trouble.


    Consort Xian slowly sat up straight, her expression dignified, "The Empress Mother came today not only to see your injury, but also to discuss something with you."


    Yuwen Hao knew what she wanted to say, "Let''s put it off for now, son''s injury has not yet healed, it''s not suitable to speak of it now."


    "We must speak of it," Consort Xian insisted, "The Empress Mother has already discussed this with your Father Emperor, he did not object, only waiting to send someone to ask the Chu family, if the Chu family agrees, this matter will be settled, and if your Father Emperor speaks on your behalf, the Chu family will not possibly refuse. You just focus on recuperating, once you have recovered, it will be time to proceed."


    "Enough, let''s not speak of this now." Yuwen Hao was quite vexed, and did not want to bring this up at such a juncture.


    Consort Xian sternly said, "There is no one else here, what can''t be said? If not for the incident at the Princess mansion a year ago, you would have married Cui''er long ago, how could you have fallen to such dire straits? Not only neglected and looked down upon by your Father Emperor, but at the mercy of anyone to freely assassinate. Anyone with a conscience would no longer oppose you taking a concubine to consolidate your position."


    These words were clearly meant for Yuan Qingling to hear.


    Consort Xian deeply resented Yuan Qingling. All those years of hope dashed in an instant, caughtpletely off guard, had left her unable to let go this past year.


    Her poor health this past year was also due to pent-up frustration.


    She coldly nced at Yuan Qingling,pletely unaware that she was indifferent, her expression unchanged, only further stoking her anger, coldly saying: "This Empress warns you, you can either ept this matter willingly or not, but either way you must ept it. If you dare make any moves behind the scenes, this Empress will be the first to show you no mercy."


    Yuan Qingling indifferently said: "Even if you dismiss me, I have no objections, let alone taking a concubine. I have already stated my position on this matter before His Majesty. You two talk slowly, excuse me."


    After speaking, she turned and left.


    Consort Xian had not expected Yuan Qingling to take this attitude with her. This was not apromising attitude, but clearly an attitude of wanting to make trouble. It seemed she was opposed to the Fifth Prince taking a concubine.


    Consort Xian''s expression was gloomy as she red coldly at Yuwen Hao, "Is this how you indulge her actions?"


    Yuwen Hao nced up, "She saved this son''s life when even the imperial physicians had given up."


    Consort Xian was startled, "Her? She knows medicine?"


    Then she sneered, "Look at you in such sorry state. How reluctant were you to marry her back then? Yet now you make excuses for her. After just one year together you have feelings for her? Don''t forget how she and Marquis Jing schemed against you. Besides, Marquis Jing is truly unworthy of your trust. You must win the Chu family''s support to have a chance to turn things around."


    Yuwen Hao was getting impatient, "Empress Mother, let''s talk about these thingster, shall we? I really am not in the mood to think about all these messy matters right now."


    Consort Xian sighed, "The Empress Mother is doing this for your good. If you don''t fight for this position, others won''t let you off easily. Why not make an effort?"


    Yuwen Hao suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of resentment in his gaze, "Make an effort? What does the Empress Mother want me to strive for? To stand up and fight for the Crown Prince''s position?"


    "Why are you shouting? Making sure others can hear right? " Consort Xian stood up and looked at him coldly, "The position of Crown Prince is rightfully yours. To fall to having to fight for it now is already so unfair to both you and the Empress Mother. Do you know how much effort my maternal n has made for your sake? How can you fail them?"


    Upon hearing this, Yuwen Hao was not angry butughed, "How much effort have they made? But how much have they demanded from this Prince? This Prince never said I wanted them to do anything. They are Father Emperor''s subjects, being loyal to Father Emperor and the court is enough. Father Emperor is still young, what''s the point of those machinations?"


    "You are simply unreasonable!" Consort Xian trembled with anger, "It''s clear I came today in error. You are stubborn and unrepentant, unappreciative of good intentions. You will suffer for this attitude."


    Tang Yang who was at the side quickly came over to smooth things over, "Consort Xian, the Prince is still recovering from heavy injuries, it''s really not suitable to speak of these things. Why not wait until the Prince has recovered before making ns?"


    "There are no ns to be made. Taking a concubine is imperative, it''s rare your Father Emperor agrees, if you don''t take one for fear of Yuan Qingling''s objections, I will kill her first."


    Yuwen Hao really had no heart to continue entanglement over this matter with her, indifferently said: "Then kill her, whatever makes the Empress Mother happy."


    Consort Xian''s eyes were icy cold, "Don''t just casually speak of killing. When the timees that the Empress Mother really takes action, you''llin about the Empress Mother again."


    Tang Yang smiled catingly, "Your Ladyship, don''t be angry. The Prince''s wounds cause him pain, he really can''t think of anything else. Why don''t you go outside for some cakes and pastries, Qi Amah knew you wereing and made your favorites early on."


    Consort Xian felt stifled with anger, coldly said: "I don''t want any. Coming to my own son''s home yet getting aggrieved, what is there to eat? You take good care of him and see to his recuperation. I''m leaving."


    Consort Xian took one look at Yuwen Hao''s expressionless face, increasingly disinclined, disheartened, and left.


    Tang Yang hurriedly escorted her out. Qi Amah had just brought over cakes and pastries, "Your Ladyship, your servant has brought you..."


    Consort Xian didn''t even nce their way, and swept out a hand knocking the cakes to the ground. Qi Amah was frightened and immediately knelt down, "This old servant is guilty!"


    Consort Xian did not linger, her skirt trailing over the stone steps as she coldly departed.

 Chapter 65: Divorce Her

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    Princess Qi''s wet nurse saw that all her hard work had been stained with dust, and was suddenly panicked. Madam Xu Yi came out and said, "Wet nurse, get up. Her Highness the Virtuous Imperial Concubine is not angry with you, she is upset with the Prince."


    The wet nurse did not dare to ask questions, she just picked up the pastries on the ground and retreated.


    On the way back to the pce, Princess Qi thought more and more angrily. She summoned her confidante and said, "Go and pass a message to my father, just say that there are obstacles to taking a concubine, and ask him to speak a few words with Marquis Jing."


    "Yes!" The confidante wet nurse left to pass on the order.


    Recently, Marquis Jing had been very annoyed. The other day, the Princess Consort of Qi had sent someone to tell him to go to the Prince''s mansion to wait, but he went for two consecutive days and the Princess Consort did not see him.


    He did not want to go again, but now his own situation was unbearable. He had to go to the mansion gate as usual and waited for more than half a shichen before seeing the Princess Consort''s pnquin returning.


    He concealed the resentment in his heart and went forward with a smiling face to pay his respects, "Greetings to the Princess Consort of Qi!"


    Chu Mingcui lifted the curtain and looked at him coldly, "It''s you, Marquis?"


    "Yes, yes!" Seeing her unfriendly tone, Jing Hou did not dare to say much.


    Chu Mingcui said lightly, "Marquis Jing, please go back. The doorframe of the Prince''s mansion is low, I''m afraid it''s beneath you and will displease Princess Chu. She might thenin about me to His Majesty, which would not be good. Please leave."


    After speaking, she lowered the curtain again and the pnquin continued forward, leaving Marquis Jing standing there.


    Marquis Jing was from a marquis''s residence after all. After waiting for more than half a day and being driven away, this was an extremely humiliating disgrace. His face turned purple with anger, unable to leave or enter.


    It was only when he saw the mocking look from the steward at the Prince''s mansion gate that he finally turned and left angrily.


    "Marquis Jing!" A shout came from behind him.


    Jing Hou angrily turned around and saw Princess Qi''s maid walking over with a faint cold smile on her face, "The Princess says she was rude just now and asked me to apologize to you on her behalf."


    Marquis Jing was slightly angry in his heart. Apologizing by sending a maid? Wouldn''t that diminish his status? This Princess of Qi looked down on him too much.


    The maid said, "Marquis Jing, don''t be angry. The Princess was wronged in the pce."


    Hearing that it involved pce affairs, Marquis Jing was shocked and carefully asked, "I don''t know what grievance the Princess Consort has suffered?"


    The maid said lightly, "It is not suitable to say too much. Marquis should go back and ask Princess Chu. The Empress Mother said that one should leave some room in dealing with matters. His Majesty does not necessarily favor her, he just can''t go against the royal family''s face. Marquis should consider for himself, don''t let Princess Chu implicate your own future in the end. s, it''s a pity, the Princess Consort originally wanted to take Marquis to meet the Prime Minister..."


    After speaking, the maid bowed and went back inside.


    Hearing these words, Marquis Jing was both shocked and angry. What exactly did Yuan Qingling do to anger Princess Qi so much?


    He knew that Princess Qi had called him to the prince''s mansion with the intention of supporting and drawing him over. He didn''t expect it to be ruined by Yuan Qingling.


    This rebellious girl didn''t help him at all, but kept ruining his affairs, which was absolutely infuriating.


    After thinking about it, he sent someone to Prince Chu''s residence to pass on a message, saying that the Old Madam''s illness had worsened and asked Princess Chu to return home for a visit.


    After entering the mansion, Chu Mingcui slowly drank tea and saw the maid return. She asked lightly, "Did you pass on the words?"


    The maid replied, "Rest assured Princess, I passed them on word for word without omission. Marquis Jing is very angry."


    Chu Mingcui hmm-ed and said no more.


    Before leaving the pce this time, His Majesty had ordered Prime Minister Mu to admonish her to get less involved with affairs within the harem in the future.


    Her aunt had also severely reprimanded her. If her grandfather hadn''t been mentioned, her aunt probably wouldn''t have let her off easily.


    How could Yuan Qingling see everything so clearly? It waspletely beyond her expectations.


    This person could not be underestimated. The only one who could control her was Marquis Jing''s residence. If Marquis Jing still wanted a future, Yuan Qingling would have to toe the line.


    Yuan Qingling was not favored in Prince Chu''s residence, and Brother Hao didn''t take her seriously at all. She couldn''t lose the support of her natal family, so she had no choice but to listen to Marquis Jing and do as he said.


    However, Chu Mingcui couldn''t help wondering in her heart, not only was Yuan Qingling''s medical skillspletely unexpected, but she was also so perceptive. Could it be that she had been pretending all along?


    It seemed that if Marquis Jing could not control her, Yuan Qingling could not be kept any longer.


    When Marquis Jing''s people arrived at Prince Chu''s residence to report that the Old Madam was unwell and asked Yuan Qingling to return home to visit her, Yuan Qingling''s mind raced to recall the situation in Marquis Jing''s residence.


    Marquis Jing''s Old Madam, Mrs. Lu, was of county lord descent. When she was young, she had been a vigorous and resolute figure. During her time managing the household, Marquis Jing''s residence prospered and his position as Vice Minister in the Ministry of War was also obtained through her efforts.


    However, eight years ago, the Old Madam had suffered a serious illness since which she had been bedridden. The doctors had said several times that she wouldn''t make it, but she was stubborn and bit her teeth to barely cling to life time and time again.


    Now that the Old Madam was bedridden, Marquis Jing''s original main wife, Yuan Qingling''s mother Mrs. Huang, was indecisive. All the affairs of the residence were handled by the Second Madam, Mrs. Zhou.


    Speaking of Mrs. Zhou, she could also be considered a figure.


    She had originally been the Old Madam''s apanying maid. Following the usual pattern, she might have ended up as the old master''s concubine. But she was beautiful and capable, and somehow got entangled with the second young master resulting in her pregnancy. Under normal circumstances, the second young master would have taken her as a concubine to serve him after this situation happened. But she was unwilling to be a concubine and would rather die, hanging herself in suicide which made the second young master very heartbroken and moved - after all a woman was willing to die for him, satisfying the man''s vanity.


    After being saved, he married her as his official wife against his family''s opposition.


    After the Old Madam fell ill, Mrs. Zhou was basically in charge of everything in the residence. The Madam of the Marquis Jing Residence, Yuan Qingling''s birth mother Mrs. Huang, had to listen to her.


    Marquis Jing trusted and respected this aunt very much. Nowadays, nobody in the residence remembered the bedridden old Madam. They only knew Second Madam. Even when attending social asions outside, it was Second Madam who supported everything.


    The original hostess seemed to have had quite good feelings toward her grandmother, because when Yuan Qingling heard of the deterioration of her grandmother''s condition, her heart tightened first of all.


    She arranged to return home to visit her the next day.


    As usual, Qi Amah informed Tang Yang of Yuan Qingling''s whereabouts, and Tang Yang went to inform Prince Chu.


    Yuwen Hao heard this and smiled coldly, "It seems my father-inw can''t hold back any longer."


    "Actually, the Prince could forbid the Princess Consort from going back." Tang Yang felt that the current situation was precarious. Once the Princess Consort went back, there was no telling what trouble Marquis Jing would stir up. After all, the Princess Consort listened most to Marquis Jing. When she previously had such a bad rtionship with the Prince, it was under pressure from Marquis Jing that the Princess Consort would make troubles to pester the Prince.


    Recalling those things made Tang Yang feel disgusted.


    "The Old Madam is critically ill, so she has to go back. When she returns, no matter how much trouble she causes, I''ll just pretend I don''t see it. She is also not allowed toe to me anymore." Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    "I''m just afraid Marquis Jing will teach her some other tricks to cause more trouble, like threatening another suicide, which would reflect badly. After all, His Retired Majesty still cares about her and has sent Granny Xi out of the pce to apany her." Tang Yang said worriedly.


    Yuwen Hao recalled her previous crying, making trouble and pretending to hang herself, and a look of disgust shed in his eyes. "If she does that again, even if Father reproaches and punishes me, I will divorce her."

 Chapter 66: Back to her Mother’s Home

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    Yuan Qingling felt a chill in her heart. If this was the case, the Emperor and the Dowager Empress would surely be enraged.


    However, their anger would only be momentary. Dismissing the Queen and bringing peace to the household from then on, without having to endure Jing''s harassment, would bring more benefits than harm in the long run.


    "What do you think of marrying the second daughter of the Chu family, Your Highness?" Tang Yang asked.


    Although weary of the topic, Yuwen Hao knew his father and mother kept pressing the issue, so it was unavoidable. He asked Tang Yang in response, "What do you think?"


    Tang Yang analyzed, "From the overall situation, it is indeed advantageous for Your Highness. Although the Chu family married their eldest daughter to Prince Qi, Premier Chu has not fully dered his support for Prince Qi, due to the Dowager Empress. Premier Chu still has some reservations, and because His Majesty has always favored Your Highness, this has forced the Chu family to act conservatively. This is the current situation. But once Your Highness marries the second daughter of the Chu family, the Chu family will care more about Your Highness. If Prince Qi proves ipetent, Premier Chu will ce all his power behind you."


    Yuwen Hao said mildly, "It seems you agree with the Queen Mother."


    Tang Yang shook his head. "No. The analysis makes strategic sense, but I know Your Highness has no desire to pursue her. Still, I hope Your Highness takes the second daughter of the Chu family as a concubine, if she is willing."


    "Why the contradiction?" Yuwen Hao frowned.


    "There is no contradiction. The Noble Consort wants you to marry the second daughter of Chu to vie for power, but I hope Your Highness gains the Chu family''s care and protection."


    "Does this Prince still need the Chu family''s protection?" Yuwen Hao asked coldly.


    "Your Highness," Tang Yang said explicitly, "There are some things you cannot do, but the Chu family can. For example, when Prince Ji made his move this time, if the Chu family was on your side, could they not discipline Prince Ji? Prince Ji is truly too arrogant now."


    An arrogant army is doomed to fail, but before failure, it can still do great harm.


    Yuwen Hao said mildly, "I understand your meaning."


    "Then..." Tang Yang ventured, "What does Your Highness think?"


    "There is no need!" said Yuwen Hao.


    Tang Yang tactfully kept silent.


    But Yuwen Hao asked another question, "Janitor Yuan Qingling, what do you think?"


    Yuan Qingling hesitated and said, "I agree."


    Yuwen Hao fell silent.


    The next morning, Qingling had her aunt go to the storage room to pack some ginseng, bird''s nest, and other items to take back to her maiden home.


    She returned this time without her aunt or her wet nurse Granny Xi, only bringing the maid L¨¹ Ye with her.


    When the carriage arrived at Marquis Jing Manor, the gatekeeper weed them in.


    Jing had already instructed that she would return today, so Second Madam led the women waiting in the main hall. Seeing Yuan Qingling enter, Second Madam smiled and stood up, "Qing''er, you''ve returned? Come,e sit."


    By propriety, she should have respectfully addressed her as Queen and performed obeisance, but with one "Qing''er", their seniority was made clear.


    Yuan Qingling was no fool. She understood, and looking at the people sitting in the room, it was only after Second Madam stood up that they rose, their manner not particrly deferential,zily calling out "Sister" or "Younger Sister" instead of "Queen".


    Yuan Qingling did not respond, walking directly over to sit down.


    At a nce, she recognized that standing next to Second Madam was her eldest daughter-inw, Madam Luan, wearing a green embroidered silk robe, light eyebrows, almond eyes, a t nose, and almost imperceptible wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, indicating good maintenance.


    Beside her was brother Yuan Lunwen¡¯s wife, Madam Cui, wearing a yellow printed silk feather skirt, jade bangles on her wrists, and exquisite pearls and jade in her hair, indicating her esteemed birth. She was haughty in character, and looked at Yuan Qingling with arrogance in her eyes.


    Next to her stood original host''s sister Yuan Qingping, fifteen years old, just put up her hair, powdered and rouged, staring with two round eyes, the whitesrger than the irises, making them look triangr, and somewhat thin lips, but still very pretty overall.


    In addition were two illegitimate daughters of the second branch, standing demurely, heads lowered, dressed simply as was expected for children of concubines.


    There were many more women in the household who had note out, so it was clear Second Madam had only called out two illegitimate granddaughters to pad the numbers.


    Yuan Qingling looked again at Second Madam. She was plumper now, round face with few wrinkles, hair apparently dyed without a white strand in sight. Her clothing and essories were alsovish, satins and silks, an elegant hairstyle held with exquisite hairpins, bearing no resemnce to the shabby maidservant she once was. If one didn''t know, they might assume she was born noble.


    They all wore faint mocking smiles, clearly looking down on the disfavored queen.


    Yuan Qingling asked, "A report from the manor said Grandmother''s condition had worsened. How is she now?"


    Second Madam nced outside, seeing she had indeed only brought one maid and no chaperones from the royal manor, her manner cooled as she said, "Your grandmother has always been like that. But this time it was your father who called you back, go to the study to find him."


    Yuan Qingling knew her thoughts. Bringing so few people meant no need to give the royal manor face or entertain her, so Second Madam simply dismissed her to the study.


    Yuan Qingling frowned. If he wanted to see her, he could havee directly to the royal manor. Why lie that Grandmother was ill?


    Since it wasn''t that Grandmother was ill, she was in no rush either, saying mildly, "I haven''t eaten breakfast yet."


    She wasn''t trying to put on airs, just that rushing back this morning before eating, she was feeling rather weak with hunger.


    Second Madam looked at her, then said, "Go to the study first, this old woman will have someone prepare millet porridge for you."


    "Now!" Yuan Qingling met her gaze directly.


    Second Madam looked at her a moment before turning to order, "Come, bring millet porridge."


    Eldest daughter-inw Madam Luan sat down with a twist of her mouth. "Quite the imposing air,ing home demanding millet porridge. Don''t they feed you well enough at the royal manor?"


    At Madam Luan''s words, the other womenughed.


    As a county magistrate''s daughter, Madam Luan was a minor family in the view of a marquis manor. Before her father held office, Madam Luan had helped her mother peddle embroideries since childhood to supplement the family ie, ustomed to themon market, still carrying the airs of a petty merchant. Seeing Yuan Qingling putting on arrogance, she couldn''t help ridiculing her.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t even lift her eyelids, saying, "Sister-inw means the royal manor is so poor they can''t even afford millet porridge?"


    Madam Luan was taken aback. "I didn''t say the royal manor was poor."


    "Then you mean I''m a failure as queen, unable to even eat my fill at the royal manor and having to beg for gruel at my maiden home?"


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes shed sharply at Madam Luan.


    Madam Luan felt terribly wronged. What was this? Wasn''t Yuan Qingling always fawning on her maiden family before? Why so imposing today?


    Second Madam gave an insincere smile and said, "Now, you two, why argue over this? Where is that breakfast? Go take a look. And Zhang Ma made osmanthus cakes today, bring some for the Queen as well."


    No matter how calm, it would still be millet porridge.


    With some yelling, there would be osmanthus cakes to eat too.

 Chapter 67: Don’t Care Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    However, Yuan Qingling only drank millet porridge and did not eat osmanthus cake. She generally did not eat sweet things in the morning.


    The osmanthus cake was served and left on the table, untouched.


    After drinking the millet porridge, Yuan Qingling stood up and said, "Second Madam, please excuse me!"


    The Second Madam looked at her kindly and said, "Go ahead, your father is waiting for you."


    Yuan Qingling nodded and walked straight out.


    As soon as she stepped out the door, she heard the shrill, sour voice of Mrs. Luan, "What arrogance! As if we don''t know her situation in the Prince''s manor. Without our Marquis manor''s support, I dare say she couldn''t even afford millet porridge. I''ve heard that the Prince either beats or scolds her. Did you see the wound on her forehead? It must be from being hit by King Chu. She''s been married for a year and still hasn''t consummated the marriage. Aren''t you afraid of beingughed at?"


    Yuan Lunwen''s wife, Mrs. Cui, said, "I heard they consummated it. But I also heard it was under pressure from the Empress Dowager that King Chu had to take medicine to consummate the marriage. It shows King Chu has no interest in her whatsoever."


    "Alright, stop it. While it''s fine for outsiders to gossip, we shouldn''t chime in. Let''s disperse." The Second Madam righteously said, though her face betrayed a hint of smugness. Having to take medicine just to consummate the marriage showed just how little the King thought of her.


    Howughable that she thought consummating with the King meant he would look upon her differently and allow her to put on airs as his consort upon returning to the manor.


    Shallow, ignorant, foolish and vulgar.


    Although Yuan Qingling had juste of age, she knew a thing or two about affairs between men and women. Hearing these words, she frowned, then hurried to catch up.


    She grabbed Yuan Qingling''s sleeve roughly, "How useless you are! You''re already the Prince''s consort yet you still haven''t gained his favor. Everyone isughing at you."


    Yuan Qingling shook her off, her gaze tranquil, "What does othersughing at me have to do with you?"


    "Of course it concerns me. Everyone knows what a useless older sister I have. Laughing at you meansughing at me too. Can''t you do better?" Yuan Qingping said angrily.


    Yuan Qingling looked at the fifteen-year-old girl. She still didn''t understand that not everything in this world happened ording to one''s own will. Did being capable mean one would definitely get what they wanted?


    She said nothing and walked past her.


    Yuan Qingping stomped her foot in anger. She had never met someone so useless.


    When Yuan Qingling arrived at the study door, a servant had been waiting. Seeing her arrive, he bowed and said, "My Lord is waiting for the Consort inside. Please go in, Consort."


    Yuan Qingling nodded, told Lv Ya to wait outside, and entered alone.


    The room was dimly lit. A row of bookshelves stood against the east wall. A middle-aged man in ck robes stood before them, a book in hand, his expression extremely impatient.


    His gaze was fierce, exuding a ruthless air. His brows were locked in a frown, chin slightly raised, the lines on his face sharp and cold. His eye bags sagged heavily, making him seem old and stern.


    Seeing her enter, he quickly put the book back on the shelf and said coldly, "What took you so long?"


    He swiftly went to sit in the official hat chair behind the desk, resting his hands on the tabletop, looking ready to interrogate her.


    "I was having some porridge outside!" Yuan Qingling said, walking over slowly. It seemed he had been waiting for her ever since she entered the manor gates.


    Marquis Jing looked very impatient. "What porridge? Don''t you know I have urgent business with you? Let me ask you, did you go to the pce?"


    Yuan Qingling did not like his tone. Her brows furrowed slightly but she endured and said, "Yes."


    "Who summoned you to the pce?" Marquis Jing asked. He knew no one in the pce liked Yuan Qingling. Even the Empress Dowager only tolerated her for King Chu''s sake and would not give her the cold shoulder. But generally no one would specially summon her there.


    "The Retired Emperor!" Yuan Qingling replied.


    Marquis Jing abruptly stood up. "The Retired Emperor?"


    He looked quite shocked. This was nearly the most unlikely person to summon her. The Retired Emperor had practically withdrawn from all affairs.


    "What did he summon you to the pce for?"


    "To serve him."


    Marquis Jing''s expression softened a little, turning somewhat more amiable. "The Retired Emperor actually had you serve him? Then you must seize this opportunity and ingratiate yourself with him. Get him to like you."


    Yuan Qingling felt ufortable seeing his anger instantly vanish as he began plotting and nning. "I can''t ingratiate myself. I offended the Retired Emperor and he chased me out of the pce."


    Marquis Jing mmed the table. "How useless you are! Such a rare opportunity, wasted by you! What good are you? Why did you offend the Retired Emperor? Did you nder the Princess Consort in front of the Retired Emperor and His Majesty?"


    "You could say that." Yuan Qingling didn''t want to exin too much. She already felt estranged at heart. This parental home was frigid and malicious everywhere. She did not wish to linger.


    Marquis Jing said angrily, "You dared to oppose the Princess Consort? I really misjudged you. If not for you saying you could gain King Chu''s favor, how would I have arranged your marriage into the Prince''s manor? And offended the Chu family in the process."


    Yuan Qingling reminded, "I brought Lv Ya back. She carries the Prince''s orders. My every word and deed in my parental home, and anything my family says or does to me, must all be reported to the Prince. Father, it would be best to mind your words with her right outside."


    "You..." Marquis Jing wished he could spit a mouthful of blood on her face. A misguided investment, toote for regrets. And now she had offended the Princess Consort in the pce. Wouldn''t the Chu family treat him like a thorn in their side?


    He said he was asking for the Minister of War position but he knew well, just retaining his vice minister position would be good enough. Now it seemed even that was out of the question.


    "Tomorrow you will go to the Princess Consort and apologize." Marquis Jing ordered. Mindful of Lv Ya outside, he lowered his voice somewhat.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "I cannot apologize to her."


    Marquis Jing''s anger red up violently, his eyeballs nearly shooting out mes. "Do you want a way out or not? Do you know the consequences of offending the Chu family? Don''t think you''re just an out-of-favor consort. Even if you gained King Chu''s favor, the Chu family is not someone you can afford to offend."


    Yuan Qingling did not wish to hear more. She bowed and said, "I''ll go see Grandmother first. I told the Prince this trip was to see Grandmother''s illness."


    With that, she turned and left.


    Marquis Jing was furious. "Stand right there!"


    Yuan Qingling acted as though she couldn''t hear and told Lv Ya outside, "Let''s go, I''m going to see Grandmother."


    Lv Ya looked inside. That angry shout was frightening to hear. But the Consort''s expression was as if she didn''t care at all.


    Lv Ya had apanied the Consort back to Marquis Jing''s estate several times. She knew the Consort was always extremely respectful to everyone in the manor because the manor would support her with money and gifts to improve her status in the Prince''s manor and buy people''s hearts.


    But today the Consort seemed not to care anymore?


    Following the original host''s memories, Yuan Qingling came to the old Madam''s courtyard.


    This was the ce closest to the back wall in the entire manor. Of all the Marquis manor, this was the quietest and most secluded spot.


    The once prominent county lord, who possessed decisive and ruthless authority, could now only live in obscurity here, quietly waiting for death.

 Chapter 68: The Old Lady’s Sickness

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    The Old Madam enjoyed tranquility. Only Grandma Sun was attending to her in the room.


    When Yuan Qingling came back, Grandma Sun beamed, ¡°Is it the Consorting? Pleasee in quickly.¡±


    Yuan Qingling sighed lightly in her heart. In this marquis manor, it was not easy to see a sincere smile.


    As she walked in, she asked, "How is Grandmother''s health?"


    Grandma Sun blocked her and smiled awkwardly, "Still okay. She drank over half a bowl of porridge today. Usually she only drinks half a bowl a day."


    Yuan Qingling looked at her outstretched hand. Was she not allowing her to go in?


    "Grandma Sun, I want to go in and see Grandmother." Said Yuan Qingling.


    Grandma Sun sighed, "Consort, you should go back first. The Old Madam is still angry. I mentioned you a few days ago and she immediately frowned without a word."


    Yuan Qingling immediately recalled that the Old Madam had opposed her scheming her way into the royal family as Consort. She had even struggled to sit up and scolded her fiercely before the wedding, saying she was muddle-headed and vain, overestimating herself, and acting on impulse.


    Previously when the original host returned home to seek an audience with Grandmother, the Old Madam always shut her out, extremely disappointed in her.


    It was nice to have such an understanding person in this Jing Manor.


    The original host¡¯s actions were indeed muddled and foolish.


    She said gently, "Grandma Sun, this time I have an urgent matter. I just came out of the pce yesterday. There are some things I must consult Grandmother about."


    Hearing she hade out of the pce yesterday, Grandma Sun said, "Then try going in. If she''s still angry, you can''t say any more. She can''t get angry in her current state."


    "I know!" Said Yuan Qingling, and walked inside.


    The room was dimly lit with the windows all closed. The cool autumn breeze still crept in through the door, making it quite chilly.


    Yuan Qingling saw the Old Madam lying in bed. Her whole body was terribly thin without an ounce of flesh on her face. She was skin and bones. Her face was lifeless, with no vigor in her sunken eyes. Only when she saw clearly that it was Yuan Qingling did a trace of sharp light appear in them.


    Immediately, her face darkened as she said hoarsely and coldly, "This old woman did not know the Consort would honor us with her presence. Please forgive my inadequacy in weing you properly."


    Yuan Qingling''s heart inexplicably ached. It seemed the original host did care deeply for this grandmother.


    She said gently, "Grandmother, do not be angry."


    The Old Madam''s face was cold as she turned away, ignoring her.


    Yuan Qingling walked closer and saw her face was waxen yellow, her eyes were sunken, clearly showing long illness.


    "Grandmother!" She sat down and asked, "How are you feeling?"


    "Not dead yet!" The Old Madam''s voice carried anger, but the anger made her seem somewhat more spirited.


    Yuan Qingling asked Grandma Sun, "What symptoms does Grandmother have?"


    "Still struggling to breathe, coughing, breathing with great difficulty."


    "What did the doctor say?"


    "The doctor said it was pulmonary disease."


    "Meddlesome!" The Old Madam red coldly at Grandma Sun.


    Yuan Qingling took out her stethoscope and said, "This is a gadget bestowed by the Retired Emperor when I went to the pce yesterday. It''s said it can hear what illnesses a person''s heart and lungs harbor..."


    Hearing it was bestowed by the Retired Emperor, the Old Madam''s face slowly turned as her gaze sharpened on her. "The Retired Emperor saw you?"


    "Yes, I was attending to his illness in the pce for several days, only leaving yesterday." Yuan Qingling smiled slightly.


    Grandma Sun quickly added, "See how thoughtful the Consort is, just returning from the pce yesterday, yeting first thing this morning to see Grandmother."


    The Old Madam''s face grew even darker. She suddenly sat up and pped Yuan Qingling, shaking with anger, "What other tales do you still want to spin? Would the Retired Emperor summon you to the pce to attend to him?"


    The pnded on Yuan Qingling''s face but contained no strength at all. Yuan Qingling didn''t even feel pain.


    All the Old Madam''s strength went into shouting that sentence. Then came herbored breathing without coughing. The air in her windpipe sounded like boiling water, gurgling loudly.


    Her face gradually turned purple, her lips bloodless and pale. Her body went limp as shey back down, still unable to stop panting.


    Yuan Qingling hurriedly turned and took out a medicine box. Inside was a box of asthma inhaler. She quickly opened it and held it to the Old Madam''s mouth, urging loudly, "Inhale deeply. This is medicine from the pce, extremely good."


    The Old Madam, struggling for breath, did not want to heed Yuan Qingling, but with each wheeze she still inhaled the medicine.


    Seeing the inhaler descend by one dose, Yuan Qingling knew she had inhaled it sessfully. She slowly withdrew it, patting the Old Madam''s chest, "Breathe slowly, rx!"


    The Old Madam''s breathing gradually eased, and the purple flush on her face slowly receded.


    Grandma Sun said in wonder, "What medicine is this? It''s too miraculous!"


    "Medicine from the pce. The Retired Emperor uses it too." Yuan Qingling had already ced the medicine by the bedside. "Give this to Grandmother when she has an attack."


    The Old Madam gradually calmed down. Yuan Qingling took out the stethoscope and listened to her heart and lungs.


    She remembered the Old Madam used to have asthma and had likely developed emphysema now, leading to her weakened state. Once she started wheezing, it was nearly fatal.


    Asthma was already hard to treat. Added to the chronic emphysema, it would be difficult to improve without long-term care.


    The Old Madam had never breathed so smoothly in her years of illness.


    Previously, every breath required great effort to force air down, resulting in long-term oxygen deprivation that sometimes left her mind hazy. Thus, she had handed over control of the household to Yuan Qingling''s mother, Mrs. Huang. But Mrs. Huang was ipetent, losing control to Second Madam in just a few months.


    The Old Madam and Second Madam had always been at odds. After Second Madam took over, the Old Madam simply stopped interfering and retired here to quietly recuperate.


    After the Old Madam''s breathing evened out, her anger also vanished. She asked doubtfully, "This is truly medicine from the pce? You really attended to the Retired Emperor there?"


    Yuan Qingling nodded. "Of course it''s true. Grandmother, many people know about this, Father knows too."


    Only then did the Old Madam''s expression soften as she looked at her and asked, "Does it hurt?"


    Yuan Qingling smiled and shook her head. "Grandmother didn''t even use any strength."


    The Old Madam humphed, "That''s because I have no strength left. If I had my strength, I would have beaten you to death already, sparing myself the shame you bring."


    Seeing the fondness in her eyes, Yuan Qingling''s heart settled as she held her hand and said gently, "Grandmother, granddaughter was wrong. I should have listened to you."


    The Old Madam sighed lightly as she looked at the scar on her forehead. "The path is chosen by oneself, there''s no turning back now. You can only grit your teeth and keep going. But you needn''t please anyone nor do anything for your father. Just live your days well in the manor. That in itself is your blessing. Don''t overthink anything else."


    Yuan Qingling nodded silently.


    But the Old Madam suddenly said sternly again, "However, don''tpletely grovel and humiliate our Jing Manor''s reputation. In the end it''s but one life. If you''re bullied too much, even at the cost of this life, you must still resist. Endlessly bowing your head doesn''t mean you''ll necessarily fare well. Remember this!"


    Yuan Qingling''s nose soured. The Old Madam feared her suffering yet also her humiliation. She truly cared for her deeply.


    "Granddaughter remembers," she said.

 Chapter 69: A Little Calm

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    Yuan Qingling was still at the old matriarch''s ce when Imperial Uncle Su came to visit.


    Imperial Uncle Su was the younger brother of the Empress Dowager. Although the Su family hadn''t produced many talented people in recent years, even a rotten boat has three catties of nails. After all, an Empress Dowager and a Consort Xian were like moving clouds and flowing water.


    Imperial Uncle Su went straight to the point when he arrived at the marquis''s manor, speaking of King Chu taking a concubine. Throughout his words, he kept mentioning the Empress Dowager, ensuring Marquis Jing that when King Chu takes a concubine, both his queen and Marquis Jing''s manor would be sincerely happy.


    When Marquis Jing heard that King Chu was taking Chu Mingyang from the Chu family as a concubine, his heart had already sunk. If he had known this earlier, how could he have nned the incident at the princess''s manor?


    Now that he had not curried favor with King Chu and offended the Chu family instead, he had truly lost both his daughter and his troops.


    Facing Imperial Uncle Su''s threats, he could only sincerely say, "Don''t worry, Uncle. This little marquis dares to guarantee the queen will also be delighted. After all, when the second youngdy of the Chu family enters the door, she and the queen will address each other as sisters. Serving His Highness together in the future, they can be considered one family."


    Imperial Uncle Su lightly said, "The marquis is a sensible man. With your words, the Empress Dowager and Consort Xian can rest assured. Don''t worry, Consort Xian remembers your matters and will not make you suffer for nothing."


    Marquis Jing smiled bitterly. How could Consort Xian help with his matters? Even the Empress Dowager had no power to intervene in politics. The Su family was no match for the Chu family. Now, half of the Northern Tang was under the Chu family¡¯s control.


    Of course, he did not dare to say this aloud, only able to repeatedly bow and scrape, ¡°Then I thank the Empress Dowager, and thank Consort Xian.¡±


    Imperial Uncle Su left satisfied.


    As soon as Yuan Qingling came out from the old matriarch''s room, she was stopped by two guards who directly "escorted" her to the study. Lv Ya was first led away by the servants to eat snacks and not allowed to follow Yuan Qingling.


    This time, Marquis Jing was furious. "I ask you, answer me truthfully. Were you driven out of the pce for opposing King Chu taking a concubine? Did you offend Consort Xian?"


    Yuan Qingling was brought in and her heart was already upset. Hearing his fierce questioning made her sink her face. "Whether it is or not, what does it matter?"


    "What does it matter?" Seeing that she showed no sign of repentance and even dared to argue with him, Marquis Jing instantly erupted with anger and raised his hand to p her.


    The moment he raised his hand, Yuan Qingling coldly said, "I still have to see King Chuter. If father hits me, he hits."


    His raised hand awkwardly dropped, but could not conceal his anger. "How did I have such a muddled daughter as you? When King Chu is taking a Chu family girl as concubine, you should have readily agreed and even provided assistance. Only then could the Chu family''s resentment be appeased. Even if you have to relinquish the position of queen, you must also let go."


    Yuan Qingling coldly said, "As for King Chu taking a concubine, it is my utmost wish. Let alone giving up the position of queen, even if I am divorced, I have no objection. Father, pass these words to the Chu family. I, Yuan Qingling, keep my word."


    Having said this, she took a step back and curtsied,pleting the etiquette of a daughter. "I will take my leave first. His Highness has been unwell recently, so I should return to attend to him."


    Marquis Jing was still in shock when Yuan Qingling had already opened the door and left.


    He could hardly believe those were Yuan Qingling''s words. She had once begged for death just to marry King Chu.


    How could she change her mind now?


    No matter what, Marquis Jing breathed a sigh of relief.


    Looking back now, forcing the marriage then was truly dangerous.


    The retired emperor at the time greatly valued King Chu, and with King Chu''s military achievements, the chance of him being named crown prince was high. That was why Marquis Jing did not hesitate to offend the Chu family to push for the marriage.


    Little did he expect King Chu to be demoted by the emperor for this matter, and the retired emperor''s illness to worsen, making it almost impossible for King Chu to be named crown prince.


    If Yuan Qingling was willing to leave on her own initiative, perhaps the Chu family''s resentment could be appeased. More contact and ttery in the future, if not to gain their support, at least not to be seen as a thorn in their side. He would just pray to Buddha then.


    As for Yuan Qingling leaving anding back, he could find a minor household for her to marry into. It could be seen as the machinations of fate.


    Thinking this, Marquis Jing''s mood lightened considerably.


    However, he still had to take the initiative in this matter, preserving both sides¡¯ face without offending King Chu. With what excuse could he request an annulment without losing face for King Chu or his own manor?


    To not damage King Chu¡¯s face or his own manor¡¯s face, he could only sacrifice Yuan Qingling.


    A trace of hatred shed in his eyes. "Come, summon the Second Madam."


    Within three days of Yuan Qingling returning to the manor, rumors had spread all over the capital saying that Yuan Qingling returned to the marquis¡¯s manor to ask the Second Madam to find a skilled physician, but was diagnosed with a congenital condition that made her unable to conceive.


    It was said on the streets that this news was very real, spoken by someone from the Second Madam¡¯s side.


    When Yuan Qingling heard the rumors three dayster, she could only give a faint smile. Her clear mind had long seen through Marquis Jing¡¯s intentions.


    She was now a piece to be discarded by the marquis manor. Unable to help the manor, yet as a consort in the king¡¯s manor, she was an eyesore to the Chu family. To curry favor from the Chu family, Marquis Jing naturally had to abandon her.


    Find an excuse to voluntarily annul herself, which could be considered sending the Chu family a great gift.


    The Chu family had not finalized the marriage, probably because they did not want Second Miss Chu Mingyang to enter as a concubine. If she entered as queen, that would be a different story.


    ttering and currying favor, Marquis Jing was skilled at it.


    If such calctions were used for the country and people instead, how could his achievements stop at today?


    ¡°My queen, why aren¡¯t you angry? People outside are making things up.¡± Lv Ya said indignantly. Although she did not like the queen before, the queen had changed a lot now and was not the same as before. Lv Ya sincerely saw the queen as her mistress now and would not tolerate others ndering her.


    Yuan Qingling smiled. ¡°You know they are making things up. Why be angry? Their mouths are on their bodies, let them say as they wish.¡±


    Lv Ya sighed. ¡°Such nder hurts your reputation!¡±


    Yuan Qingling knew that for women, the greatest insult was only losing their chastity and being unable to bear children.


    Marquis Jing¡¯s move this time was vicious.


    Although Yuan Qingling did not see Marquis Jing as her father, she was still saddened. If the original host was still alive, how heartbroken would she be?


    That was her own daughter!


    For the sake of his future career, even his closest kin were denied.


    Granny Hui, who was listening to their conversation, nced at Yuan Qingling with deep, thoughtful eyes but did not say anything.


    Yuwen Hao had been recuperating from his injuries for several days and was much improved. Emperor Ming Yuan directly ordered an imperial physician to attend to him at his manor, so Yuan Qingling did not need to do anything. They had not seen each other during the days she was out of the pce.


    Life was rather peaceful.


    However, this peaceful life soon ended.


    On the fifth day after leaving the pce, Emperor Ming Yuan summoned Yuan Qingling to return to the pce immediately for an audience.

 Chapter 70: She’s a Shield

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    Yuan Qingling was thinking that the matter of the Prince taking a concubine had been brewing for several days now. Moreover, there were rumors circting outside that she was infertile. Being summoned to the pce today must be about being put aside.


    She asked her wet nurse if anyone from the pce hade byst night or today.


    Her wet nurse said, "Master Mu Ru came in person."


    That confirmed it. The Emperor must have asked Prince Hao again about his intentions of taking the daughter of the Chu family as a concubine. How could he not be willing? It was his heart''s desire.


    Yuan Qingling felt at ease. Since the imperial family wanted to put her aside, they would definitelypensate her generously, enough that she wouldn''t have to worry about making a living afterwards. At worst, she still had an IOU that she believed could be exchanged for a small house.


    With a feeling of finally being set free, she stepped onto the carriage.


    At the pce gates, she lifted the curtain of the carriage, looking at the endless golden zed roof tiles and upturned eaves. She thought to herself that this was probably thest time she would enter the pce.


    In her heart, she felt an indescribable joy andfort.


    With this feeling, as she got off the carriage and walked to the Imperial Study on foot, she took in the scenery of the pce with a positive attitude.


    The Northern Tang imperial pce was truly magnificent, not with the kind of elegant pavilions and towers of the south, but a breathtaking grandeur. Tall towers stood erect, halls were majestic, columns were painted with goldcquer, disying imperial power everywhere.


    Arriving at the door of the Imperial Study, she saw someone emerge from inside.


    This person wore a green Confucian robe, with a red gemstone embedded in his official hat. He appeared to be sixty or seventy years old, with white hair and beard, and sunken, bony cheeks, making his face look shriveled and small. But his eyes were extremely sharp. As he walked out, with a casual nce, his eyes fell on Yuan Qingling''s face, seeming to shoot out two beams of lightning that made her involuntarily feel awed.


    She recognized this person¡ªit was the current Premier Chu, who held half the power of Northern Tang in his hand, inferior to none.


    Premier Chu''s eyes lingered on Yuan Qingling''s face for about a second before looking away. He didn''t greet her, but walked away via the corridor on the left side.


    Just that one second his eyes were fixed on Yuan Qingling made her feel like snowmelt flowing down a mountain peak, chilled and a little bloody.


    She had never seen someone with such a frightening gaze before. Just a cursory nce made her feel as if she was faced with thousands of troops and horses.


    No wonder Marquis Jing was willing to sacrifice even his own daughter to curry favor with Premier Chu. But who had given him the courage originally, to let the original owner Yuan Qingling snatch the prince that the Chu family had its eyes on?


    Marquis Jing also had the heart of an ambitious hawk. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the ability.


    After being defeated, the ambitious hawk became a dog with its tail between its legs.


    Just as she was thinking this, Eunuch Mu Ru walked out. Hisplexion was somewhat pale¡ªclearly things had not gone well inside.


    "Consort, you''ve arrived. Please go in, His Majesty is waiting for you," said Eunuch Mu Ru.


    Yuan Qingling respectfully entered.


    Emperor Ming Yuan sat on the dragon throne, holding two jade beads in his hand. Seeing Yuan Qinglinge in, he slowly put them down. His body was visibly rxed. Seeing this action, Yuan Qingling guessed he had just been in a state of high tension.


    "Your humble daughter-inw pays respects to Father Emperor!" Yuan Qingling went forward and knelt down in greeting.


    "Rise!" Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice carried exhaustion and frailty.


    "Thank you, Father Emperor!" Yuan Qingling stood up with her hands by her sides.


    Emperor Ming Yuan stared at her. "I remember asking youst time¡ªyou don''t object to Fifth Brother taking a concubine, right?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "Yes, I''m happy to see it happen."


    "Happy to see it happen?" Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice grew increasingly stern. "I sent Mu Ru to ask Fifth Brother, but he said you were firmly against it. He was considerate of your feelings, unwilling to cause disharmony between husband and wife and be aughing stock. What do you mean by contradicting yourself like this?"


    Yuan Qingling was struck dumb.


    At the time, Prince Hao hadn''t asked her opinion at all.


    "Are you implying that Fifth Brother doesn''t respect you?" There was gloom in Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice.


    "No, that''s not what I meant..."


    This waspletely different from what she had imagined. She had thought she only needed to firmly say she didn''t object, then wait for the annulment decree before packing up and leaving. After all, the rumors outside were paving the way for her to be dismissed.


    "The answer Mu Ru got was that after being married for only a year, it''s inappropriate for you to take a concubine so soon. I remember you also promised to soon give the imperial family a child. Your words are inconsistent¡ªwhat exactly do you mean?"


    Yuan Qingling was at a total loss.


    At the time, she had just said what needed to be said for the asion. Where did thinking about follow-up matterse in?


    "Do you agree or disagree?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked sternly.


    Yuan Qingling opened her mouth, the word "agree" on the tip of her tongue. But Eunuch Mu Ru said, "Your Highness, choose your words carefully, do notmit the crime of deceiving the ruler unknowingly."


    Yuan Qingling was exasperated. Crime of deceiving the ruler?


    But how could she answer withoutmitting that crime? Agreeing or disagreeing, she would be deceiving the ruler either way.


    Eunuch Mu Ru reminded: "Didn''t Your Highness say you agreed for the sake of the Prince having offspring? As long as you give birth to a prince within a year, you need not worry about that, right?"


    "This is..." Yuan Qingling was at aplete loss.


    To say no would mean her promise to continue the imperial line was just empty talk. Matters concerning heirs could indeed constitute deceiving the ruler, since he was the Emperor after all.


    But to say yes would be equivalent to acknowledging she disagreed with Prince Hao taking the second daughter of the Chu family as a concubine. Wouldn''t the Chu family y her alive and devour her? Moreover, Marquis Jing must have already told Premier Chu about his willingness to be put aside. In that case, she probably wouldn''t be able to return to her maternal home anymore either.


    A surge of anger suddenly rose in Yuan Qingling''s heart. Yuwen Hao, damn you! If you don''t want to marry her, why use me as a scapegoat? Taking shelter behind a woman, how righteous!


    "Cat got your tongue?" Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice came crashing down.


    Yuan Qingling could only slowly say, "Father Emperor, please forgive me. Actually...I don''t wish for the Prince to take a concubine so soon."


    Emperor Ming Yuan snorted. "Then why did you say so readily that you agreed?"


    "I was afraid ofmitting the sin of jealousy," Yuan Qingling said remorsefully, having long cursed Yuwen Hao a hundred times in her heart.


    "A woman''s thoughts, how could I not understand? If you didn''t agree, just say so directly. Would I have forcibly wedded Fifth Brother to a concubine?" Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression had also softened considerably, his tone no longer stern.


    Yuan Qingling looked at Emperor Ming Yuan, and a thought suddenly shed in her mind¡ªperhaps the Emperor also didn''t wish for Fifth Brother to marry the second daughter of the Chu family. But forced to this point, he had no choice but to bring it up.


    No wonder he hadn''t been genuinely happy when she had agreed back then.


    And when Yuwen Hao used her as an excuse to refuse the marriage, the Emperor was actually relieved instead.


    Yuwen Hao lost his reputation as a virtuous prince, while she was branded as jealous, petty, narrow-minded, and unable to tolerate her husband taking a concubine. She had offended both her natal family and the Chu family.


    No wonder Premier Chu''s gaze towards her was so icy earlier.


    The fiery anger in Yuan Qingling''s heart exploded over and over like fireworks.

 Chapter 71: The Drunken Princess

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    Emperor Ming Yuan said, "Since Fifth Prince respects you, I will also respect Fifth Prince this once. A marriage cannot be forced, lest it be a resentful marriage in the future. I will exin this to Concubine Xian. You may go now."


    Yes, and now Concubine Xian has thoroughly offended her mother-inw as well. She is beset by enemies on all sides.


    After leaving the imperial study, Yuan Qingling started brewing the forty-meter long sword in her heart. If there was no crime for killing, Yuwen Hao would have to die by her hand.


    People were waiting for her as soon as she left the imperial study, saying that Concubine Xian wanted to see her.


    External pressure arrived from who knows where, but it reached Concubine Xian''s Qingyu Pce the fastest.


    Just as she was reluctantly heading to Concubine Xian''s Qingyu Pce, Eunuch Chang suddenly appeared halfway.


    "Consort, the Retired Emperor summons you!"


    The maid at Qingyu Pce said, "Eunuch Chang, Concubine Xian has already summoned the Consort first, just to speak a few words. Why not let her go to Qingyu Pce first before going to Qian Kun Pce?"


    Eunuch Chang smiled like Maitreya Buddha, "It''s fine, I''m just afraid the Retired Emperor will get angry from waiting too long."


    The maid could not insist further. "Then may the Consort see the Retired Emperor first, before going to Qingyu Pce."


    Eunuch Chang said, "I''m afraid it won''t be that quick. The Retired Emperor has many matters to handle. Also, there is one thing that requires her to immediately leave the pce to handle."


    The maid''s expression changed slightly.


    "These are the Retired Emperor''s orders." Eunuch Chang reminded.


    The maidplied, "Yes, then I will ry the message to Concubine Xian."


    Yuan Qingling breathed a sigh of relief and followed Eunuch Chang.


    Along the way, Yuan Qingling said, "Thank you, Eunuch Chang, for your assistance."


    "It is the Retired Emperor''s foresight." Eunuch Chang smiled.


    Yes, that old man is so clever.


    But how long could he protect her? His hands could guard her in the pce, but once outside, it would be beyond his reach.


    When they arrived at Qian Kun Pce, the Retired Emperor was actually strolling in the courtyard. Although his steps were stumbling, he looked much livelier than usual.


    "Greetings, Grandfather Emperor." Yuan Qingling stepped forward to pay her respects. Seeing his tottering figure, she instinctively reached out to support him.


    Eunuch Chang quickly said, "There''s no need to..."


    The Retired Emperor red at him, and he immediately fell silent.


    He grumbled inwardly, didn''t he just forbid others from helping him a moment ago?


    "Let''s go inside to talk." said the Retired Emperor.


    Yuan Qingling nodded and helped him inside.


    The old man didn''t lie down either, just sat cross-legged on the luohan bed. Eunuch Chang served him tea, and he leisurely cracked his knuckles, popping sounds echoing.


    "I heard you opposed Fifth Prince taking a concubine." The Retired Emperor closed his eyes and asked leisurely.


    Bad news really travels fast.


    "If that''s what the Prince said, then I did oppose it." Yuan Qingling was inexplicably annoyed.


    "Good, opposing it was the right thing to do." The Retired Emperor said lightly.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him, "How so?"


    "Why wouldn''t it be? This way, the Chu family will take care of Jinghou first, Jinghou will take care of you, and Concubine Xian will also deal with you. It seems even the Su family''s side will likely see you as a thorn in their flesh."


    Gloating over her misfortune!


    The Retired Emperor opened his eyes and looked at her with a smile. "Congrattions, from now on, you''ll be at the center of this maelstrom."


    "Things easily go wrong when taken to the extreme, Grandfather Emperor." Yuan Qingling said indignantly. Was the sarcasm really necessary?


    "It wasn''t me who pushed you to the crest of this storm, so why are you grumbling?"


    Yuan Qingling deted.


    The Retired Emperor looked at her for a moment, then said with augh, "Alright, I invited you for a drink."


    "I don''t drink." She led a very disciplined life with healthy habits and no bad habits like drinking.


    "Have a sip, to vent your frustrations. In hard times like this, it doesn''t hurt to get drunk once in a while. When you''re drunk, I''ll have someone send you home."


    Saying so, the Retired Emperor waved his hand for Eunuch Chang to bring wine.


    The strongest wine Yuan Qingling had drunk in her previous life was champagne. After two sses she was dead drunk. But with a different body now, her alcohol tolerance shouldn''t be that low, since these ancient people did asionally drink.


    When she smelled the osmanthus aged wine brought by Eunuch Chang, she inhaled deeply. The aroma wasn''t too strong or alcoholic.


    "I cannot drink, and Old Chang doesn''t like drinking either, so it''s difficult for me to even smell the wine." The Retired Emperor seemed to be in good spirits.


    Eunuch Chang poured him a cup to the side. Yuan Qingling pressed down on it and warned, "You can only smell it."


    "Smelling it is fine too." The Retired Emperor took a deep breath, letting the wine aroma slowly seep in through his nose, savoring the taste of drinking wine, and felt a little tipsy.


    "Come, you drink. I''ll smell!" He clinked cups with Yuan Qingling.


    He brought the cup to his mouth, "Does this wine taste different? Howe the aroma isn''t as mellow as before? These useless servants must not have stored it properly. I''ll try a taste to check if it has gone bad. If so, I''ll have them all brought out and caned."


    After saying so, he took a small sip, clicked his tongue, and said, "Can''t really taste it."


    As he raised his hand to drink more, Eunuch Chang grabbed hold of it. "Retired Emperor, can you change your trick? You''re stealing wine again."


    The Retired Emperor was furious with shame. "Do I need to steal wine to drink it? Can any of you stop me if I want to drink?"


    "This servant is wrong. Please put it down and continue smelling it." Eunuch Chang said.


    The Retired Emperor cursed and grumbled as he put it down. Looking at Yuan Qingling, he said, "You should drink."


    Yuan Qingling took a sip. She felt fine. It was sweet with a slight alcoholic vor, like fruit wine. The alcohol content shouldn''t be too high.


    After a stick of incense.


    Eunuch Chang worriedly asked, "Retired Emperor, what should we do?"


    The Retired Emperor was also shocked. "How would I know? It was the wine you brought."


    "But you ordered it." Eunuch Chang looked at him in bewilderment.


    "Who let her drink so much?" The Retired Emperor was angry. He had only wanted her half drunk so he could pry some information from her. But unexpectedly, she actually got drunk.


    "Much? It was just osmanthus aged wine. An average person can handle half a catty without issues right? She only drank one cup!" That one cup was less than half a tael.


    The Retired Emperor grimaced, covering his ears. "Make her shut up, it''s deafening."


    Eunuch Chang looked at Yuan Qingling jumping on the table with her hands on her hips, spewing out a torrent of words. He didn''t know what she was saying, but she looked very agitated.


    Not only was she cursing, but also smashing things. If not for having closed the pce doors, who knows how many people would have squeezed in to watch.


    "What is she saying anyway? It doesn''t sound like Northern Tangnguage."


    "Birdnguage!" pronounced the Retired Emperor.


    "Alright, make her some sobering soup, then hurry and send her out." Eunuch Chang rushed to open the door, ordering the astonished pce maids outside to prepare sobering soup. The maids left in shock, wondering what had happened inside. It sounded like there was a shrew cursing up a storm. Who dared to curse like that in Qian Kun Pce? Where did the shrewe from?


    When the sobering soup was brought in, Yuan Qingling was cursing herself hoarse while sitting on the table, panting breathlessly.


    "Come, drink more!" Eunuch Chang steeled himself and went over. How could her alcohol tolerance be this bad? It''s so frustrating.


    Yuan Qingling took it with one hand, sshing the sobering soup all over. But she gantly said, "Drink, drink... why is this wine so hot?"


    "Warmed wine is more potent." Eunuch Chang said.


    Yuan Qingling downed it in one go, then felt her stomach churning. She slowly climbed down and walked up to the Retired Emperor, smiling at him. "Old geezer, I wanna puke."


    "Get lost!" The Retired Emperor yelled in fright.


    "Consort, you must not be rude!" Eunuch Chang quickly shouted. How dare she call the Retired Emperor an old geezer!


    Yuan Qingling hazily turned her head, grabbing Eunuch Chang with a deepening smile. "Eunuch Chang, I want to... ugh..."


    Eunuch Chang looked to the heavens in distress. His new silk robe gifted by the Retired Emperor!


    Supervisor Gu was urgently summoned to Qian Kun Pce and tasked with an important mission.


    Supervisor Gu had a tense expression as he directed a green sedan chair out of Qian Kun Pce. The sedan bearers'' steps were very quick, almost jogging away. Once outside the pce, they switched to a carriage with Supervisor Gu driving it himself. A pce maid who had apanied the person from Qian Kun Pce was frightened stiff inside.


    If the Emperor found out the Consort was having a drunken frenzy in Qian Kun Pce, they would all likely be punished.

 Chapter 72: Chop the Man to Death.

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    Yuan Qingling was sent back to Feng Yi Pavilion. The two mama and Lv Ya were startled when they saw her like this. Xi Mama quickly calmed herself and asked Lv Ya to prepare sobering soup, then inquired about the situation from Gu Si.


    Gu Si said, "She got drunk in the Hall of the Retired Emperor. I already gave her sobering soup, but she threw it all up."


    "She got drunk in the Hall of the Retired Emperor? My goodness, she must have angered the Retired Emperor to death!" Xi Mama eximed in astonishment.


    "I don''t know if he was angered to death or not, but Lord Chang''s face was as white as a sheet," Gu Si said.


    "Oh dear!" Xi Mama turned and looked at Yuan Qingling. She was sitting on the bed. Her mama wanted her to lie down, but she held up her hand and said, "Don''t touch me, I''m dizzy!"


    "Master Gu, you may leave. Thank you," Xi Mama said.


    Gu Si looked at Yuan Qingling. Her face was frighteningly red, her eyes were also red, her hair was disheveled, and her clothes were wrinkled as if they had been pulled at. She looked an utter mess.


    "Farewell!" Gu Si turned and left.


    He didn''t expect the usually quiet Consort of Chu to go into such a terrifying drunken frenzy.


    When he first arrived at Qian Kun Pce, he saw her raising a stool, about to smash it. The Retired Emperor was curled up in the corner of the Arhat Bed, Eunuch Chang was vomited on from head to toe, stomping his feet in vexation over his new robes.


    He had never seen Qian Kun Pce so...full of life.


    He had also never seen the Retired Emperor show any expression other than dignity, such as looking like a frightened rabbit.


    Perhaps he should tell the Prince about this.


    Yuan Qingling sat in front of the bed. The room spun around her, objects alternately grewrger and smaller before her eyes, and cacophonous sounds assaulted her ears ceaselessly. She seemed to hear voices from very far away that had nothing to do with her, yet she felt like her head would explode.


    She had to do something, otherwise she would be maddened to death.


    "Consort, how much did you drink? Why are you so drunk?" Xi Mama sighed and tried to help her lie down.


    Yuan Qingling grabbed her wrist tightly. She slowly raised her head.


    Xi Mama saw a sh of murderous intent in her eyes.


    Xi Mama slowly lowered her head. She really did have the intent to kill, but was held back by the Retired Emperor''s status.


    "Where is the kitchen?" Yuan Qingling asked softly. "Take me there."


    "The kitchen? Why do you want to go to the kitchen?"


    "Take me..." She hupped. Her face grew even redder, bordering on derangement. "Just take me there, what''s with all the questions?"


    "You should lie down..."


    "Take me there!" Yuan Qingling let out a roar, frightening Xi Mama and the other mama.


    Seeing the resentment in her eyes, Xi Mama thought of Lv Ya making sobering soup in the kitchen. She decided to go along with her wishes and take her there to drink the soup.


    "Alright, this old servant will take you there. Can you walk?" Xi Mama supported her.


    "I can walk, don''t need your help..." She waved her hand dismissively. All these people had ulterior motives, she didn''t want to touch them or have anything to do with them. After taking a step, the room spun around her even more, and she grabbed Xi Mama''s hand. "On second thought, help me...help me!"


    After stumbling two steps, Xi Mama finally steadied her. Yuan Qingling put all her weight on the mama, and Xi Mama nearly couldn''t stand straight. The other mama came over to help support her, and the two of them half carried her out.


    Yuan Qingling''s steps were unsteady, and she mumbled to herself, "Carrying me again? What terrible luck have I had recently? Sinceing here, I''ve been treated like a prisoner. When you need me, you beg. "


    "Yes, yes!" The two mamas could only agree, not daring to say anything. They were puzzled about what exactly happened to the Consort, and how could Eunuch Chang let her drink so much?


    The fresh air outside did not make Yuan Qingling feel better. On the contrary, the wind made her dizzier, but the chaos in her mind kept churning up.


    She was simmering with anger in her belly, and this pent-up anger made her very ufortable. Why didn''t a single thing go smoothly? If Yuwen Hao wanted to call off the marriage, he should have said it directly instead of using her as a scapegoat. Was she that easy to bully?


    Now she had offended so many people that her head was tied to their waistbands, just waiting for them to take it whenever they pleased.


    Name is as insignificant as grass, name is as insignificant as grass, she chanted this line to herself repeatedly. If she were to die, she would at least kill the culprit first.


    Driven by this obsession, she persevered all the way to the kitchen, shook off the two women and dove right in, spinning around wildly and scaring Lv Ya half to death. "Consort, what are you looking for? Tell me and I''ll find it for you."


    Yuan Qingling saw it. She pounced over and snatched up arge kitchen knife, waving it menacingly at Lv Ya. "Whoever wants to harm me, I''ll kill them first."


    This terrified the two mamas and Lv Ya. She kept brandishing the knife, not that she was afraid of identally injuring anyone, but rather she was afraid she would injure herself.


    "Consort, let''s talk this through!" Xi Mama fiercely signaled Lv Ya with her eyes to go find the guards.


    Lv Ya understood. She wanted to find an opportunity to run outside, but Yuan Qingling noticed her intention and kicked over a small stool, sending it flying to block the door. "Who dares to go?"


    Lv Ya quickly stopped in her tracks and raised both hands. "I won''t go, I won''t go. Consort, don''t get agitated. Put the knife down. The Prince will be angry if he finds out."


    Upon hearing the words "Prince", murderous intent shed in Yuan Qingling''s eyes. She ground her teeth and said, "I''ll kill him first."


    Brandishing the kitchen knife, she charged out. Drunk and disorderly, her whole body was filled with power. She ran swiftly, her legs weak with fear, Lv Ya only managed two steps before stumbling. The two older mamas couldn''t run fast either, so they could only cry out hoarsely at the top of their lungs, "Quick, stop the Consort!"


    An armed and drunk frenzied woman could not be stopped by anyone. Yuan Qingling ran unimpeded all the way to Xiaoyue Pavilion.


    Xu Yigang had juste out from inside when he saw Gu Si arrive, and Yuwen Hao told him to have people prepare wine and dishes.


    He had just stepped down the stone steps when he saw someone rushing in impetuously, a silver gleam flickering in their hand, filled with killing intent.


    On instinct, heshed out with a flying kick, then seeing clearly it was Yuan Qingling, immediately pulled back. But his explosive power was too great, forcing him to abruptly restrain it caused bacsh, and he threw himself forward, copsing at Yuan Qingling''s feet.


    Yuan Qingling was running very fast. Suddenly a person threw themselves in front of her, and she couldn''t stop her momentum either, directly trampling over the back of his head.


    When she stepped on the back of his head, it was too slippery. Her foot slid sideways along his ear, and Xu Yigang only felt like his ear was crushed into mud.


    Then sudden force was exerted on his waist, and he heard a crisp "crack" as her feet slid off his butt. He reflexively curled up to avoid getting his ancestral hall trampled. By the time he stood up gritting his teeth, Yuan Qingling had already charged inside.


    The run had broken out a sweat all over Yuan Qingling, and she was slightly more clear-headed.


    When she burst into Yuwen Hao''s room brandishing the kitchen knife, she was aware of what she was doing, but did not want to think about the consequences.


    An arrow fired cannot be retrieved. She needed to stand up for herself, and could not allow herself to be bullied like this all the time.


    Her grandmother''s words echoed in her mind. If she had to die, at least she would not let others humiliate her wantonly.


    Gu Si was the first to jump up. Seeing the dark kitchen knife in her hand, he said solemnly, "Consort, put down the knife."


    "Unrted people, get out!" Yuan Qingling narrowed her eyes and blew aside the stray hairs, exuding a domineering aura. As her blown hair fluttered and settled back down, her eyes grew even more sinister.

 Chapter 73: Are You a Dog

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    Tang Yang saw the way she raised the cleaver, and his heart fluttered nervously. He was about to speak when Yuwen Hao slowly stood up, gripping the table. In a deep voice he said, "You guys go out first. The queen wants to see me."


    Gu Si looked at him and asked, "Are you sure?"


    "Go," said Yuwen Hao.


    Gu Si nodded and said to Tang Yang, "Let''s go."


    Tang Yang was very worried. Gu Si had just said the queen was sent back drunk, and now she was swinging a cleaver around with no sense of precaution at all. An intoxicated woman was very dangerous, but even with his injuries, it shouldn''t be a problem for the prince to disarm her.


    So he left with Gu Si.


    "Close the door!" Yuan Qingling yelled coldly, still holding up the cleaver.


    Tang Yang looked to Yuwen Hao, who said, "Do as the queen says. She''s armed right now¡ªvery dangerous."


    The door closed, and the room became silent. Yuan Qingling''s breathing was coarse and hurried, her chest heaving up and down.


    Yuwen Hao looked at her. His face was strangely devoid of anger.


    "You''re mocking me," said Yuan Qingling, made even angrier by hisst remark. She had a weapon, so she was the most dangerous? She knew that even with a machine gun, she was still the weaker one before him.


    "I''m not mocking you. You''re drunk," said Yuwen Hao gently, trying to approach her.


    "Don''te any closer. Stay right there. I''ll feel threatened if youe over." Yuan Qingling raised the cleaver angrily.


    "I''m unarmed and seriously injured. I should be the one feeling threatened," said Yuwen Hao.


    Yuan Qingling struggled to keep her eyes open in what she hoped was a fierce re, but the alcoholic haze made her eyes watery and not at all intimidating.


    She swayed a little. Running over had made her dizzier, and Yuwen Hao kept swimming unsteadily before her eyes. She muttered a curse under her breath. "Damn it, I''m warning you not to move."


    Yuwen Hao held up his hands innocently. "I''m not moving."


    Yuan Qingling felt the need to cut to the chase. She was so tired. "I''m asking you, why did you say I didn''t agree to you taking concubines?"


    Yuwen Hao looked at her. "Because you didn''t agree."


    "When did I ever say I didn''t agree?" Yuan Qingling demanded fiercely, swinging the cleaver again. A fleck of meat flew off the blunt side and stuck in her hair. She reached up clumsily to pull it out and threw it viciously on the ground. She felt the motion had the grandeur of moving mountains and seas, giving her more courage for the confrontation.


    Yuwen Hao''s mouth twitched. "When we got married, you warned me not to take concubines."


    Did she? Yuan Qingling tilted her head, trying to remember. She had no such memory.


    "Don''t remember? Let me help jog your memory," said Yuwen Hao, walking over casually. His voice held a bewitching tone. "Do you recall what happened that night? I came back to our bridal chamber half drunk, and you..."


    Yuan Qingling listened in confusion, struggling to keep her eyes wide open. His big face kept swaying blurrily before her. She staggered back a step sharply. "Stay farther back. Don''te over. Just say what you want to properly."


    Yuwen Hao was just about to grasp her wrist and felt a sh of irritation that she was so alert. But he also stepped back and looked steadily at her.


    Yuan Qingling was unsteady on her feet. Still pointing the cleaver at him, her face flushed deep red. "Back up more. It''s best if you stand by the bed. I''m so dizzy I need to sit down to talk to you properly."


    "Alright, alright. I''ll back up." Yuwen Hao slowly retreated until he was at the bed, then sat down on it.


    Yuan Qingling staggered to the table. Seeing the stool, she plopped down heavily on it. But she sat down unevenly and fell to the ground, knocking over the stool so it pinned her knees down.


    She kicked it away roughly, but was too weak to regain her fierce demeanor. The cleaver really was too heavy, and her wrist ached from holding it up. Her grip failed, and it nged to the ground, bouncing up. Her hand happened to sweep across the de edge and left a bleeding cut.


    She stared nkly for a couple seconds. She hade charging in here wielding a cleaver to hack someone up, but the only injury was to herself. Her chest full of rage turned into grief and resentment. Her lips twisting, she burst into loud sobs.


    Seeing her sitting on the ground bawling gracelessly, Yuwen Hao felt a strange tugging pain in his heart. She looked just like a bullied child. Noticing her hand was still bleeding as she randomly lifted it to wipe her tears, the blood smearing her face, as bedraggled as a defeated stray dog.


    He walked over silently, tore off a strip of gauze she had left behind earlier, and crouched to bandage her wound, sighing lightly. "Fine, it was my mistake. Don''t cry anymore. You were ugly to begin with, now you''re even uglier crying."


    Hearing this, Yuan Qingling cried even harder. She pushed him away. "Go away. Who wants your fake benevolence? I ended up like this today, and it''s all your fault too. If a woman like me doesn''t die, I ought to strangle her to death personally."


    Yuwen Hao fell back from her push, covering his chest in pain. "You hit my injury."


    "Why aren''t you dead yet?" said Yuan Qingling angrily.


    He smiled, his brows curving. "Never seen a widow so eager for her husband''s death. If I die, you''ll probably cry yourself to death too."


    She forgot her tears, ring fiercely. "If you die, I guarantee I won''t shed a single tear."


    "Of course. You won''t cry. You might even set off firecrackers to celebrate," he said with augh.


    Yuan Qingling wiped her tears. "Firecrackers aren''t environmentally friendly."


    "What are you happy about?"


    Looking at his handsome face leaning close, Yuan Qingling thought of everything he had done to her, and even more about her own precarious situation with her head only temporarily attached to her neck. Her dizzy head spun. Sadness welled up inside her.


    Her hand reached out and the instant it touched the cleaver, he directly kicked out. His kick struck the cleaver and simultaneouslynded on her forearm, nearly kicking it out of joint.


    The piercing pain made fiery rage rise up in her. She flipped over and threw herself at him, resentfully yelling, "Domestic violence? I warned you not to hit me. Do you think I''m easy to bully? Scum like you¡ªYuan Qingling must have been blind to fall for you. If a woman like her doesn''t die, I have to strangle her myself!"


    She hit and yelled and cursed while lunging at him, sitting right on top of him and whaling on both his arms. Luckily she was too weak to put any force into it, so her blows just felt like rhythmic thumps on his back, oddlyfortable instead of painful.


    But the ce she was sitting on...seemed to have an injury.


    "Your Highness, do you need help?" came Tang Yang''s anxious voice from outside.


    With difficulty, Yuwen Hao responded, "Stay outside. Don''te in."


    If they saw them in this position, it would be embarrassing enough tough about for a whole lifetime.


    He grabbed her hands. "That''s enough. Don''t think I won''t dare touch you just because you''re drunk."


    With her hands pinned, Yuan Qingling simply headbutted his face. There was a loud thunk as their heads cracked together. She ground her teeth as her head buzzed noisily.


    Yuwen Hao''s nose was nearly smashed crooked from the pain, tears nearly springing from his eyes. He grabbed her chin with one hand. "Stop it, do you hear me?"


    Yuan Qingling jerked her face aside and opened her mouth, biting down on the web between his thumb and index finger.


    "Are you a dog?" Yuwen Hao was furious. He wanted to kick her away, but seeing the stubborn resentment on her flushed face, he thought of how he had indeed ruined her this time, so he didn''t hold it against her.

 Chapter 74: The Cuff

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    Yuan Qingling gave Yuwen Hao a beating, then bit him once, which relieved much of her anger. She was indeed also dizzy, her eyes rolled back, and she copsed on top of him in a faint.


    Seeing that she had suddenly be still, Yuwen Hao pushed her and said, "Hey!"


    Yuan Qingling mumbled indistinctly and buried her head on his shoulder, murmuring, "I want to go home. I can go home after I sleep."


    Yuwen Hao was exasperated. She had thrown a drunken tantrum and then directly fell asleep. Go home? Fine, he would send her back tomorrow. It was truly bizarre how attached she was to that ghostly Marquis Jing Manor.


    He pushed her off with difficulty and looked at her lying on the cold floor. She unconsciously curled up into a ball. Although furious, Yuwen Hao couldn''t help but feel pity.


    He slowly bent down to pick her up. Her whole body seemed weightless. His injuries were still quite severe, but it didn''t feel difficult to carry her.


    He brought her to the bed and thought for a moment before tucking her in with a quilt. Looking at her bright red face after her bout of madness, he gently shook his head. "What a crazy woman."


    He got up and opened the door. Gu Si and Tang Yang hurriedly came over and peeked in.


    "No need to look, she''s asleep!" Yuwen Hao said impatiently.


    "Then is Your Highness okay?" Xu Yi asked while rubbing his ear vigorously.


    "What could happen to me?" Yuwen Hao saw him rubbing his ear and asked, "Do you have a vendetta against your ear?"


    "The consort stamped on my foot. It hurts to death." Xu Yi said aggrievedly.


    Gu Si and Tang Yang bothughed at the pitiful and ridiculous Xu Yi.


    Yuwen Hao couldn''t help asking Tang Yang, "How much did she drink in Qian Kun Pce?"


    Gu Si said, "I heard Steward Chang say it was one cup of osmanthus wine."


    "How big was that one cup to get drunk like this?" Xu Yi widened his eyes in surprise.


    Gu Si spread his arms to demonstrate an embraced shape and said, "This big..." As he spoke, his encircling arms suddenly shrank, hands sped together to form a one inch cup size.


    Xu Yi was stunned. "Just that small cup? Just one cup? It couldn''t be osmanthus wine, right?"


    "That''s what Steward Chang said."


    Tang Yang was also incredulous. "Could she be pretending to be drunk?"


    Yuwen Hao thought it very likely she faked intoxication to act out.


    Gu Si still had lingering fears as he said, "Pretending to be drunk is highly unlikely. After all, she did throw a drunken tantrum in Qian Kun Pce. You don''t know, when I went in, everything breakable in the Retired Emperor''s bedchamber had been smashed. The Retired Emperor was huddled on the Arhat Bed. The consort vomited all over Steward Chang. She herself stood on the table cursing up a storm, just unclear what she was cursing since it didn''t seem to be Northern Tangnguage."


    The three men looked at each other, all with astonished expressions.


    Xu Yi slowly raised his thumb and said in a trembling voice, "The consort is mighty."


    It was unprecedented for someone to run amok in Qian Kun Pce like this. Yet the Retired Emperor did not punish her, and even had Gu Si personally escort her back to her manor. How strange!


    Yuwen Hao was shocked inside, but just what about this ugly woman had caught his grandfather''s dragon eyes? He actually indulged her over and over.


    Wouldn''t she be even more unbridled from now on?


    Tang Yang said, "Doesn''t this make Premier Chu hate Marquis Jing even more?"


    "He took one look at the consort, and it seemed he almost wanted to chop her to pieces." Gu Si said, looking at Yuwen Hao, "Was it the consort who didn''t want to or you who didn''t want to?"


    Yuwen Hao calmly said, "It was this prince who didn''t want to."


    "Why?" Gu Si didn''t understand. Marrying the second daughter of the Chu family, even if the Chus didn''t assist him, they wouldn''t make a move against him. At least that would eliminate a powerful enemy, the most powerful enemy at that.


    Moreover, she was said to closely resemble the Princess Qi.


    Yuwen Hao''s gaze was cold. "This prince never thought about marrying Chu Mingyang."


    "She...I heard she looks a lot like Princess Qi." Gu Si said softly, staring at him the whole time.


    Yuwen Hao''s gaze shed like lightning. "So what if she looks exactly the same? She still isn''t her."


    Gu Si couldn''t help but say, "Even if she really was her, you still couldn''t marry her."


    Yuwen Hao was silent for a few seconds, slowly ring at Gu Si. "You''re meddling too much."


    Gu Si shook his head. "I am meddling, but it''s well-meaning. Pining for someone you shouldn''t will put you in great danger, and it will also hurt your rtionship with Prince Qi."


    Tang Yang badly wanted to apud, but seeing the Prince of Chu''s ominous expression, he held back.


    "Let it go!" Gu Si said.


    Yuwen Hao didn''t speak, his face unsightly.


    Gu Si knew it was pointless to continue and got up. "Alright, I should head back to the pce too since I''m on duty today."


    After speaking, he cupped his fists in farewell and turned to leave.


    Tang Yang actually hoped he would say more. There were some things he couldn''t appropriately discuss, but Gu Si was the prince''s friend. The prince wouldn''t truly be angry with him.


    Yuwen Hao then sank into lengthy silence, sorting through things. Many events had recently urred, yet they made his mind clearer. One by one, people with ulterior motives emerged, as if they were staging an borate y.


    He didn''t want to get dragged in, but he was already at the eye of the storm. By carrying Yuan Qingling out this time to block the marriage proposal, whether intentional or not, he had thwarted her.


    He had assumed she would at most yell at him a few times. He didn''t expect her to have a drunken outburst and even dare toe at him with a cleaver to settle scores. Recalling her utterly crimson face twisted in anger, he couldn''t help a faint smile.


    She had schemed against him once before, so now they were even.


    Tang Yang had seen how furious he was earlier, so kept silent. Unexpectedly, as his anger simmered, he actually smiled.


    Today was really a day of bizarre events.


    Yuwen Hao got up. "I''m tired, going to my room to sleep. You all can do as you please, no need to keep standing guard and waiting on me. This prince''s injuries are no longer critical."


    "Why not take that Purple Golden Pill from Prince Sun as well?" Tang Yang suggested.


    "No need. Let''s keep it for now. Who knows when someone will plot another assassination. This prince is now beset by enemies both outside and within." Yuwen Hao said heavily, but his tone was lighthearted, as if he had suddenly gained a backbone, an ability to resist everything dishonorable.


    Even the simpleminded Xu Yi could see it.


    Back in his room, Yuwen Hao paced around before finally unable to resist sitting by the bed looking at the sleeping Yuan Qingling.


    Disheveled hair covered her face. Her mouth hung open, the corners...eh, this ugly woman even drooled in her sleep!


    Looking at her sprawled every which way, her sleeping posture waspletely inelegant. He really wanted to p her awake. Did she even know she was the Prince of Chu''s consort, disgracing him like this?


    As he internally criticized her, Yuan Qingling kicked away the quilt with both feet and turned her body. Her hand swung over and directly pped Yuwen Hao''s head.


    Yuwen Hao was furious. She had something in her sleeve that hit him hard and painfully.


    He suddenly recalled that day in Qian Kun Pce when they had entered the tent together. Her box...


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes fell upon her sleeve as he hesitated a moment before rolling up her sleeve and rummaging her pocket.

 Chapter 75: Is He a womanizer

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    Yuan Qingling took two things out of her sleeve pocket.


    One was a small exquisite box that he had seen before, but it wasn''t this small when he saw it.


    The other was a sheet of paper folded into the shape of an origami crane. He first unfolded the paper and saw that it was a promissory note for ten thousand gold taels issued by the Emperor Father and stamped with the big seal.


    He felt somewhatplicated. Why did this woman who had always been ignored and hated by everyone suddenly be so favoured by the Emperor Father and the Retired Emperor?


    He started fiddling with the box. There was a small hidden catch that he touched and it opened with a snap. Inside was empty, nothing at all.


    Strange, there should have been something inside this box. She said it contained medicine, and she had also taken out that anesthetic needle from here. Could it be used up?


    It would be good if it''s used up. She wouldn''t be able to deal with him anymore in the future.


    However, since she treasured this box so much, he had to hide it away. Can''t have you going on a drunken rampage and shing people with a kitchen knife.


    He picked up the box and casually shoved it under the bed.


    Then he was stunned.


    As soon as this box touched the ground, it grew bigger!


    Although he had felt this box was strange from the beginning, it was still very shocking to see the box instantly grow from the size of a finger to that of a medicine chest.


    What the hell was this?


    "Are you stealing my things?" Came Yuan Qingling''s startled and hoarse voice from above his head.


    He looked up and met her angry eyes. There was a sh of panic in his eyes before he stood up holding the medicine chest and angrily asked while pointing at it, "Tell this prince, what is this?"


    "It''s a medicine chest!" She rubbed her aching head. Her mind was still groggy and slow.


    "Why does this medicine chest shrink and grow?" Yuwen Hao asked solemnly.


    "How would I know?" Yuan Qingling panicked for a moment, and forgot that she was going to use him of theft.


    "You better exin properly. This concerns a major issue, it could cost you your head." Yuwen Hao said very seriously, as if it was a huge matter.


    Yuan Qingling slowly sat up and looked at the medicine chest with a nk expression. "Why would it cost my head?"


    Yuwen Hao said coldly, "His Majesty hates ult arts the most. This medicine chest can be considered a demonic object, right? Once His Majesty finds out, chopping off your head would be the least of it. I''m afraid even the lives of hundreds of people from Jinghou Pce would be implicated."


    Yuan Qingling didn''t believe him. "Don''t treat me like a fool. It''s just a medicine chest, what ult arts? Implicating the lives of hundreds of people, aren''t you exaggerating?"


    "You''d better believe it!" Yuwen Hao looked at her intently, not missing any change in her expression. "Something simr happened five years ago. Back then, a county magistrate presented a jewellery box as tribute. That jewellery box was very strange. If you put one piece of treasure in, it would be two pieces of treasure. His Majesty obtained this box then and was very delighted. However, at the same time, theft cases arose frequently among themoners. After investigation, it was discovered why that box could magically duplicate treasures - they were all stolen from themoners. His Majesty was furious and executed that county magistrate''s entire family. This case caused greatmotion. You must have heard of it, right?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head in confusion. "I haven''t heard of it."


    "You haven''t heard of it?" Yuwen Hao looked at her in surprise. "No wonder you still harbour hope."


    Yuan Qingling said, "But this isn''t any ult arts either."


    "In His Majesty''s eyes, these crooked ways are all ult arts."


    Yuan Qingling started to believe him then, and couldn''t help feeling afraid. If it was just her life at stake it would be fine... No, even her life being at stake is uneptable. She didn''t want to die, and if this implicated the lives of others in Jinghou Pce, her sin would be grave.


    "Are you trying to scare me?" Yuan Qingling squinted at him. She felt that something was off behind his solemn and serious front.


    Yuwen Hao calmly said, "If you don''t believe, just bring this box into the pce. Let''s see if your head can remain attached to your neck safely."


    Yuan Qingling truly didn''t expect that being an imperial consort in this ancient era would be such dangerous work. Weren''t those imperial consorts in history able to live their happy lives safely? Why was she so unfortunate?


    In less than half a month since transmigrating to the ancient times, she felt like she was being driven crazy.


    Thinking that she would die anyway, she immediately felt disheartened. Right in front of him, she picked up the medicine chest. It shrank, and she put it into her sleeve pocket together with the promissory note. Lifting her chin arrogantly, she said, "I''ll just go all out now. If you dare to bully me in the future, I''ll take you down with me."


    Seeing the chest suddenly shrink made Yuwen Hao shocked again. After pondering her words, he was so angry smoke was practicallying out of him. "Just because you wildly swung a kitchen knife around, didn''t manage to cut anyone, and only injured yourself, you daring fool, you actually dare to threaten this prince? Do you have no shame?"


    "No, I don''t want anything anymore. No shame, no quality, no morals. Anyway if I can''t keep my head, you''ll definitely be the first to suffer." Yuan Qingling said viciously.


    Yuwen Hao inexplicably found it funny.


    It was as if he saw an ant clutching a speck of dirt and dering it would take down a tiger along with it.


    "Hahaha!" Heughed out loud.


    Yuan Qingling''s expression immediately darkened. Watching himugh with his teeth bared and eyes disappearing, the previous gloominess and viciousness werepletely wiped away. She was so angry yet also felt...indescribable.


    But she didn''t n on reconciling with him. There was a huge grudge between them now.


    After he finishedughing, she coldly said, "Don''tugh. It''s because of you I''m in this state. You owe me..."


    "Wait," he interrupted her. The burst ofughter left his eyes and brows looking gentle and harmless. "What about that scheme you and your sister plotted against this prince at the Princess Manor, how do you calcte that?"


    Yuan Qingling pondered for a long time.


    Yuwen Hao had the final say, "We''re even now."


    Now Yuan Qingling understood. Why did she feel like the pot calling the kettle ck?


    She wasn''t stupid either. She slowly slid down and closed her eyes, weakly pulling up the quilt to cover her face. "I''m heavily drunk. Let''s talk after I sober up."


    Yuwen Hao flung away her quilt. "Stop pretending. Tell me, after you entered the pce, what did His Majesty say? Did he reprimand you?"


    "Go ask him yourself." Yuan Qingling waspletely uncooperative.


    Yuwen Hao warned, "If you don''t say, I won''t be able to help analyze for you. This concerns your head, think it over yourself."


    Yuan Qingling was so exasperated yet helpless that she had to sit up again. Giving him a white look, she said, "His Majesty only asked why I went back on my word, having agreed before to let you take a concubine but then disagreed. From his expression he didn''t seem very angry, but I met Premier Chu in the hallway outside the Imperial Study. He seemed somewhat angry."


    "Did he say anything to you?" Yuwen Hao asked.


    "No, he didn''t even greet me and walked away directly." Yuan Qingling looked at him, "Why didn''t you marry Chu Mingyang?"


    Yuwen Hao flicked his sleeve arrogantly, "Didn''t want to marry her."


    Yuan Qingling said, "Although I don''t like how you pushed me out to take the blows, I have to admit you did the right thing."


    Yuwen Hao nced at her. "Right?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "Don''t misunderstand, I''m not against you taking a concubine. I just feel that if your heart is set on staying loyal to someone, you shouldn''t continue harming another woman. You don''t like Chu Mingyang, marrying her wouldn''t make her happy either. For you it would be a stepping stone of power, but for her it would be ruining her life. No one except herself has the right to ruin her life."


    Yuwen Hao stared at her dazedly. Her words were clearly approving of him, yet he felt guilty about it.


    He had never considered Chu Mingyang before, much less thought about potentially ruining her life.

 Chapter 76: Did You Do It

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    Yuan Qingling naturally did not know what he was thinking. She only thought that he would not lose his conscience. On the surface, marrying Chu Mingyang would be advantageous for him in every way and harmful in no way. However, he was unwilling to ruin Chu Mingyang''s life. So he would rather give up such a big advantage.


    He was not quite a scumbag, barely qualifying as a domestic abuser.


    "Reconciliation, okay?" Yuwen Hao looked at her and asked.


    His tone was very good, without any domineering or superiority. Yuan Qingling looked at him, with sincerity in her eyes.


    She was now besieged on all sides. There was really no need to engage in infighting with Yuwen Hao. She held her head and tried her best to see him clearly. She said solemnly, "Reconciliation is possible, but I have conditions."


    "Speak!" Yuwen Hao was very straightforward.


    "First, still that sentence, you can''t beat me."


    "Agreed!"


    "Second, you can no longer use me as a shield for not taking a concubine, if the marriage must be brought up again."


    Yuwen Hao thought for a moment, "Agreed!"


    "Third, don''t interfere too much with my freedom."


    "That''s natural too." He didn''t intend to interfere with her to begin with, and didn''t even want to take care of her before.


    "Fourth, if there is a chance, please divorce me. Let''s part ways and live happily." Yuan Qingling said sincerely.


    Yuwen Hao slowly nodded, "Rest assured, that is what this king thinks too."


    "Fifth..."


    He frowned, "Are you done? If not, then no reconciliation."


    "Thest one," Yuan Qingling quickly said. "The matter of my medicine box, you cannot mention it to anyone."


    Yuwen Hao leaned in a little closer. "If you want this king to keep it confidential, it is equivalent to making this king take risks for you. In that case, you must tell this king the origin, use, and why it can change size."


    Yuan Qingling had already fabricated a story in her mind. Hearing him say this, she said, "I''m also very confused about this medicine box. Do you still remember that I was caned by you because of Huoge''er? I fainted at that time and had a dream. In the dream, someone iming to be the Ghost Doctor taught me medical skills. At that time, I felt it was absurd. But when I woke up, there was a medicine box next to me. When I reached out and picked it up, the medicine box became smaller. Up until now, it''s as if it were a dream to me."


    In ancient times, she had also inquired about it. The most famous divine doctor on the entire continent was the legendary Ghost Doctor. He was not from Northern Tang and was said to have died a long time ago. However, stories about the Ghost Doctor were circted in all five kingdoms.


    Sure enough, when Yuwen Hao heard her say this, he couldn''t help but believe it a little, because he had heard of the Ghost Doctor before, and also knew that the Ghost Doctor was good at using needles, which should be the unique needles in Yuan Qingling''s medicine box.


    He believed it was also based on facts, because he had investigated and confirmed that Yuan Qingling did not actually understand medicine, and had not gone out in recent days either. Her change happened after the Huoge''er incident.


    In addition, she could have fabricated many kinds of lies. This Ghost Doctor story sounded absurd and unbelievable. She had no reason to make up something like this.


    It seemed to be the truth.


    He said, "This medicine box is empty. Have you used up all the medicine in it?"


    Yuan Qingling was surprised. "Empty?"


    She immediately took out the medicine box and opened it. It was stuffed full of all kinds of medicine. "No ah."


    Yuwen Hao''s eyeballs nearly popped out. He had just seen with his own eyes that the medicine box was empty.


    After a long time, he raised his shocked face and said, "Yuan Qingling, are you a ghost?"


    Yuan Qingling had also figured out the medicine box these past few days. The medicine box changed ording to her actual situation or what she thought, so to speak it was controlled by her will.


    Her death in the modern times was because she had injected herself with a brain-enhancing drug she had developed.


    When the drug was first developed, it was injected into monkeys. It was discovered that the monkeys could actually understand human speech. But when further researching, the monkey got drunk after secretly drinking the foreign wine given by the CEO, and ran out to get hit by a car and died.


    She boldly hypothesized that her brain had been enhanced. As for why itter formed soul transmigration or idea escape after enhancement, further research was still needed.


    Of course, there were no conditions to research now, let alone time to care about it. After all, the current situation was quiteplicated, a matter of life and death.


    The shock of the medicine box caused the disputes between the two to temporarily cease fire.


    Anyway, Prince Chu''s Residence was unprecedentedly harmonious this night, because for the first time, the couple had dinner together.


    While it was peaceful and joyful here, there was a bit of a gunpowder smell at the Chu''s residence.


    Today, Princess Qi returned to her maiden home. Prince Qi had official business to attend to and did not apany her. Premier Chu returned early and had people summon Princess Qi, who was chatting with her grandmother, to the study.


    As soon as Chu Mingcui entered the study, Premier Chu sternly asked, "The matter of the Retired Emperor being poisoned, what exactly happened?"


    Chu Mingcui was shocked. "Grandfather, how would your granddaughter know about this?"


    "You don''t know?" Premier Chu''s eyes were fierce.


    Chu Mingcui thought for a moment. "Was it Prince Ji?"


    "Prince Ji is not a fool. Would he make a move against the Retired Emperor at such a critical juncture?" Premier Chu stared at Chu Mingcui. "Were you hiding something from me and making small moves behind my back?"


    Chu Mingcui shook her head innocently. "Everything this granddaughter has done is ording to grandfather''s instructions. There is absolutely no concealment from grandfather."


    Premier Chu''s voice was icy cold. "Then what about Xi Mama? Why did she obey your order to send Princess Chu''s nanzhu to the Empress?"


    Chu Mingcui had already been scolded by the Empress for this matter once. Thinking that it was the Empress who had informed on her again this time, she had prepared her remarks and said, "This was your granddaughter''s recklessness. I originally wanted to create some discord between Noble Consort Xian and Princess Chu, but I didn''t expect it would be ryed to His Majesty by my aunt."


    "Do you think it was your aunt who told me?" Premier Chu''s voice contained anger. "Yesterday I went to the pce and was scolded by His Majesty, who told me toe back and discipline you. Do you think it was your aunt who informed me?"


    Chu Mingcui''s heart sank. "His Majesty is angry?"


    "Xi Mama would not take special care of you many times. You threatened her, yes or no?"


    Chu Mingcui shook her head. "Really not. How could your granddaughter dare threaten someone from Qian Kun Pce?"


    Premier Chu sneered coldly. "You are not reckless. You know Xi Mama''s rtionship with me. You knew she would help you this time. Moreover, the poisoning in Qian Kun Pce was also done under your direction."


    Chu Mingcui turned pale with fright. "No, how is that possible? Why would your granddaughter do that?"


    Premier Chu stared at her. "You''d better confess the truth. I can help you get this position of Princess Qi. I can also pull you down from it. You''d better not challenge my patience."


    Chu Mingcui was still calm. "Grandfather, listen to me..."


    "Speak!" Premier Chu roared, frightening Chu Mingcui so much that she immediately kneeled down.

 Chapter 77: Wind of the Chu Family

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    The anger on Premier Chu''s face slowly faded away. Sitting in the prime minister''s chair, his expression was still gloomy. "This is thest chance. If you don''t speak, then forget about being the Qi Prince''s consort. The Chu family has many obedient girls."


    "Grandfather, please listen to your granddaughter. I certainly didn''t mean to..." She cried softly, with tears sliding down her cheeks. She looked so pitiful that anyone seeing her would soften their heart.


    Unfortunately, Premier Chu was clearly not one of them. He never believed in tears.


    "Stop your tears and get out!" He said coldly.


    Chu Mingcui''s face finally showed fear and regret. She pleaded, "Grandfather, I was wrong, it was my mistake. I shouldn''t have taken advantage of Xi Mama''s rtionship with you. It''s true that I asked her to poison the Retired Emperor''s medicine because I was afraid he would get better and King Chu would regain power. I was thinking about the big picture!"


    "How did you know about Xi Mama''s rtionship with me?" Chu Shoufu''s voice was cold and gloomy. His whole person was immersed in murderous air.


    Chu Mingcui had never seen such a terrifying expression on her grandfather''s face. She was so frightened that her lips trembled and she confessed everything. "It was Grandmother who said it. She also ordered this matter. She said that Xi Mama was indebted to you, and as long as you gave the word, Xi Mama would give her life even if it meant losing it. I didn''t believe it at first, but when I said it to Xi Mama, she agreed."


    She then quickly added, "Grandfather, Xi Mama would never admit to poisoning the Retired Emperor, much less implicate you. Don''t worry."


    Chu Shoufu closed his eyes, with no expression on his entire face, as if he had turned to wood.


    Chu Mingcui felt uneasy, twisting her handkerchief, not knowing what to do.


    After a long while, Chu Shoufu finally opened his eyes. They were calm, "What do you think about King Chu taking your younger sister as a concubine?"


    Chu Mingcui quickly replied, "Absolutely not, Grandfather!"


    "Why not?" Chu Shoufu asked coldly.


    Chu Mingcui hesitated for a moment. "She is a daughter of the main wife. How can she be a concubine?"


    "Marquis Jing can ask Yuan Qingling to step down from her position. Then your sister would be the proper consort."


    Chu Mingcui paled in fright. "Marquis Jing would say that?"


    "However, since the Queen of Chu opposes it, His Majesty said he would respect her wish. So your sister''s marriage with King Chu is called off."


    Chu Mingcui breathed a sigh of relief. "It was forced, so less trouble is better during this critical time."


    Chu Shoufu indifferently said, "Indeed. So I have decided your sister will serve Prince Qi together with you."


    "What?" Chu Mingcui fell to the ground, her face ashen.


    She quickly knelt up and said firmly: "No, Grandfather. Marquis Jing will agree to it. He cannot disagree. I guarantee King Chu will be able to take my sister as his proper consort."


    Chu Shoufu said expressionlessly, "This is yourst chance. I don''t care how you do it, but it must be clean and neat. Of course, I hope everyone is happy with the oue. If you don''t handle it well or cause any trouble, hand over your position as Prince Qi''s consort."


    In other words, he hoped Yuan Qingling would voluntarily withdraw. But if they had to take action, there must be no traces left.


    Chu Mingcui serenely said, "Don''t worry Grandfather, I will definitely handle it properly."


    Chu Shoufu waved his hand wearily. "You may leave."


    "Granddaughter takes her leave!" Chu Mingcui bowed and exited.


    After Chu Mingcui left, Chu Shoufu immediately summoned someone in and said lightly, "I don''t want to hear anyone mention Little Xi again. Send a bowl of medicine to the Old Madam."


    The man was tall and gaunt, with a cleanplexion. Hearing this, he lowered his eyes. "What about the Princess?"


    "She''s a smart woman. After seeing what happens to her grandmother, she''ll keep her mouth shut tight." Chu Shoufu closed his eyes, hiding the murderous intent in them.


    After leaving the study, Chu Mingcui didn''t immediately leave, but went to her younger sister Chu Mingyang''s room.


    Chu Mingyang had juste of age this year. Her appearance was quite simr to Chu Mingcui''s, but Chu Mingyang was more unrestrained and arrogant, unlike Chu Mingcui''s calm patience.


    When Chu Mingyang was born, her grandfather had just recovered from illness and received a promotion. As a result, Chu Mingyang had been doted on since childhood, no less than the legitimate eldest son of the household.


    Chu Mingcui even suspected that her grandfather had never intended for her sister to be King Chu''s concubine. If her sister married into King Chu''s estate, she would eventually obtain the position of proper consort.


    Therefore, she absolutely could not let Chu Mingyang marry Prince Qi as a concubine. That would directly threaten her position as proper consort. Her grandfather favored her for her steady nature. Now that she had caused trouble, it was uncertain whether her grandfather would discard her.


    Thinking of this, she became even more worried. But upon seeing Chu Mingyang, she still put on an affectionate smile of the elder sister.


    "Sister," Chu Mingyang was very happy to see her return. She pulled her arm and walked inside. Her pretty face was flushed, evidently she had not rested idly in the room. "Let me show you my new ything."


    Chu Mingcui smelled the scent of blood. She already knew about her younger sister''s hobbies. She feared it was another poor victim this time.


    Sure enough, when pulled inside, she saw a young maid kneeling on the ground. The girl was only thirteen or fourteen years old. She had a bowl bnced on her head, filled to the brim with clear water.


    Seeing the arrivals, the maid shifted slightly, spilling a few drops of water. Chu Mingyang immediately whipped her and shouted, "Kneel properly!"


    The girl winced in pain and slowly knelt upright, her face flushed red, with tears welling in her eyes but not daring to fall.


    There were already a few broken bowls on the ground, and the floor was wet. It seemed she had already suffered quite a bit, with several whip marks on her face.


    "Fun, isn''t it?" Chu Mingyang looked at Chu Mingcui coquettishly, proudly showing off.


    Chu Mingcui indulgently said, "As long as you find it fun."


    Chu Mingyang sat down and tossed away the whip. "Actually it''s not fun at all, but I''m so bored. Grandfather won''t let me go out."


    She red at the maid. "Get out!"


    The maid seemed to have received amnesty. She quickly took down the bowl and hurried out.


    The other maids cleaned up and served tea and snacks before closing the door to let the sisters talk.


    Chu Mingcui considered for a moment before asking with a smile, "Younger sister, do you know Grandfather intends to arrange a marriage for you?"


    "I know!" Chu Mingyang''s pretty face turned cold. "But I don''t want to marry out so early."


    "Grandfather''s words have always been impossible to defy." Chu Mingcui sighed lightly. "Does Sister wish to marry early? I''d rather stay to apany Grandmother more, a jewel of the household. But once married out..."


    "What do you mean? Is Brother-in-Law not good to you?" Chu Mingyang pricked up her ears and asked.


    Chu Mingcui gave a wry smile. "That''s just superficial polish. But being an imperial daughter-inw, where''s the freedom? There are many rules in the household, and officials watching for any improper behavior to immediately report to the pce. The Empress Dowager would fiercely scold me as soon as she heard. "


    Chu Mingyang was shocked. "Is it so strict?"


    "Of course. Suffering yet unable to tell Grandfather, he can''t intervene in imperial family matters."

 Chapter 78: Everybody’s Angry.

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    Chu Mingyang was very worried. "Earlier, my mother had said that she wanted me to marry King Chu. I would never want to marry King Chu! Besides, if I married him, I would only be a concubine. I don''t want to be a mistress."


    Chu Mingcui''s eyes shed as she said, "King Chu is not bad. The Empress Dowager would not be too harsh on the Princess of Chu. After all, the Princess is the Empress Dowager''s niece. Because of this rtionship, the Empress Dowager is more tolerant towards the people in King Chu''s residence. Look, ever since the Princess married King Chu, she seldom goes to the pce to greet the Empress Dowager, yet the Empress Dowager never says anything about it."


    "King Chu..." In Chu Mingyang''s mind, the image of a handsome man gradually appeared. Thest time she saw him was at the city gate when he had returned from battle triumphantly. He was riding a tall steed, wearing golden armor. He looked very majestic.


    She had known King Chu since she was very little. He would alwayse to the manor, but everyone knew he came to see Eldest Sister.


    She indifferently said, "I don''t want to marry King Chu."


    Chu Mingcui was surprised. "Why?" She knew her younger sister''s feelings. Every time King Chu came, she would secretly peek from behind the door.


    "He married Yuan''s daughter, Yuan Qingling. Since he married a woman like her, I look down on him," Chu Mingyang said.


    "He was tricked into it by the Yuan family. He had no choice. Besides, Grandfather said that if you are willing to marry him, he would make King Chu divorce Yuan Qingling," Chu Mingcui said.


    Chu Mingyang looked at her elder sister. With upturned lips, she said, "Why does Eldest Sister keep trying to persuade me to marry King Chu?"


    Chu Mingcui said, "Eldest Sister wants the best for you. King Chu is rarely a good man. You will definitely be happy if you marry him."


    Chu Mingyang chuckled coldly. "Is that so? If he is so good, why don''t you marry him yourself?"


    Chu Mingcui''s eyes darkened. "That''s because he had already married Yuan Qingling."


    "Wasn''t it you who secretly helped back then so Yuan''s plot against Yuwen Hao seeded at the Princess Residence? Sister wasn''t providing assistance in the dark?" Chu Mingyang asked sarcastically.


    Chu Mingcui was shocked. "What nonsense are you saying?"


    Chu Mingyang shrugged. "Before Eldest Sister got married, I was always by your side. I know everything you thought and did very clearly. I''m not stupid just because I don''t say anything. Go back, Sister. There''s no need to persuade me. If I want to marry King Chu, it will be of my own free will, definitely not because of your little schemes. Outsiders all say that King Chu let you down, but only I know that you were the one who changed your heart first."


    Chu Mingcui was so shocked that she couldn''t speak. She stared at this younger sister whom she had always thought was unruly and dumb. She would never have expected her to be so meticulous.


    She suddenly remembered what Grandmother had said - there are no simple daughters in the Chu family.


    She realized that her pretense of calmness and prudence was just an act. As for Chu Mingyang''s obstinacy and unruliness, those were also just an act. What kinds of thoughts were hidden underneath these acts? She was startled by this realization.


    Just then, a maid rushed in. "Princess, Second Young Lady, Old Madam has had an ident!"


    Chu Mingcui jumped up in shock. "What happened?"


    The maid''s face was also pale with fright as she said, "Just now, after Old Madam drank a bowl of soup, she vomited blood. Now she has fainted."


    Chu Mingcui was stunned. "Oh heavens, heavens!"


    It was as if something was stuck in her throat. Her voice could barelye out. Her breathing was suffocated. She felt the world spinning as her vision went dark and she fainted.


    When she awoke, she was already in the royal manor.


    Prince Qi was sitting by her side, looking at her worriedly. "You''re awake?"


    She immediately grabbed Prince Qi''s hand. Trembling all over, she asked, "How is Grandmother?"


    Prince Qi hugged her and patted her back tofort her. "Don''t worry. She''s fine. Her throat was just scalded so she can''t speak anymore."


    She can''t speak anymore?


    Chu Mingcui seemed to have lost her mind. She cried andughed at the same time. "Too heartless, too heartless."


    Prince Qi looked at her puzzledly. "What''s wrong? Who is heartless?"


    Chu Mingcui thought of her grandfather''s cold eyes, then of his viciousness. His wife of many years had only said some unkind words about Concubine Xi, yet she suffered such a malicious fate to lose her voice.


    Suddenly, Chu Mingcui felt very scared.


    She curled up in Prince Qi''s arms, sobbing softly. "Grandmother is already old in age. To suffer such a blow, it really is the heavens being heartless!"


    Prince Qi stroked her hair tofort her. "This king has already investigated. It was a maid of the residence who mistakenly took medicine as soup and brought it to your grandmother. Because your grandmother''s body is weak, she couldn''t handle the medicine which led to her losing her voice. In the future, summon the imperial physician to treat her. She will be fine."


    In her heart, Chu Mingcui cursed Prince Qi for being so foolish to actually believe such a preposterous excuse.


    For the first time, she felt that she might have chosen the wrong person. If it was Elder Brother Hao, he would have surely seen through the abnormality and taken precautions, which would have given her a sense of security.


    Thinking of Yuwen Hao, her heart ached.


    Back then, scheming against him was unavoidably necessary because Grandfather had decided to fully support Prince Qi. And the Supreme Emperor was critically ill and unable to attend to Elder Brother Hao. She could only painfully let him go.


    She didn''t want to bear the reputation of being unfaithful. She could only secretly send someone to get close to Second Madam at the Marquis Jing Manor and teach her to plot against Yuwen Hao when he visited the Princess Residence. She also deliberately created opportunities for Yuan Qingling. She had only intended for the Emperor to take Yuan Qingling as a concubine to save face, even if he loved her. She didn''t expect that Yuan Qingling would directly be the principal wife.


    She really resented this for a period of time. But after marrying Prince Qi as she wished, she temporarily forgot about it. How could she have known the situation would change?


    Prince Qi didn''t know what she was thinking. Feeling her body go limp, he thought she was worried about her grandmother''s illness, so he held her even tighter.


    Marquis Jing Manor


    Recently, Marquis Jing really felt like he was going to be angered to death. He had finally gotten what he wished and met with Chancellor Chu. If the two families wanted to reconcile, Yuan Qingling just needed to give up her position as Princess. He had promised he would do his best to persuade Yuan Qingling to agree. But before he even had the chance to n, after Second Madam had spread some rumors, Chancellor Chu had already gone to see the Emperor. The news he got was that Yuan Qingling had even opposed taking a concubine, let alone giving up the Princess position.


    When he went to the Chu manor to see Chancellor Chu again, he couldn''t even get past the front gate.


    Not only that, the official performance reviews at the Ministry of Personnel would begin soon. The head of the Ministry of War told him that the Ministry of Personnel would focus on reviewing him.


    The Ministry of Personnel was under Chu''s influence. He knew this was Chancellor Chu warning him.


    When he returned, he felt more and more uneasy. There was still a chance to remedy the situation. He had to call Yuan Qingling back to scold her well and persuade her to obediently give up the Princess position.


    He immediately ordered someone to go to the royal manor, still using the excuse that the Old Madam was critically ill, to call her back.


    He didn''t know the messenger came back saying that because the Princess had to take care of the injured Prince, she could not return. She asked the Marquis to invite an imperial physician to treat the Old Madam.


    Marquis Jing flew into a rage. Disregarding his status, he cursed loudly in the study. "She''s grown wings now? Taking care of the Prince? Does she even know how few times she''s seen the Prince since marrying over there? This is preposterous! Go tell her right now that if she doesn''te back, she''ll regret it."


    The servant could only go deliver the message again.


    The imperial physician living at King Chu''s residence was surnamed Cao. Because Yuan Qingling had trouble with tones, she heard it as imperial physician Grass Cao. Nowadays, Grass Cao treated Yuwen Hao''s wounds every day. The wounds were slowly scabbing over. Seeing how the wounds were sutured, he felt it was amazingly meticulous work. If this was done on the pce''s embroiderydies, it wouldpletely surpass all of them.

 Chapter 79: The Years are Quiet

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    That day, the Cao imperial physician came again to treat Yuwen Hao''s wounds. He asked how this suture should be handled. Tang Yang then ordered someone to invite Yuan Qingling over.


    Yuan Qingling said to the Cao imperial physician, "This is a protein suture that can be absorbed by the human body, no need to remove it."


    "A suture made of protein? Amazing, amazing!" The Cao imperial physician eximed in admiration.


    Yuwen Hao was quite depressed. "Doesn''t that mean I will have to coexist with these sutures from now on?"


    "That''s right, the sutures live on as long as you live. When they perish, you perish," Yuan Qingling said mockingly.


    The past two days had been rtively pleasant, so asionally they would mock each other a little.


    Xu Yi greatly admired the medical skills of the Cao imperial physician. When he finished treating the Prince''s wounds, he hurriedly came forward to consult, "Your Excellency, I have been feeling unwell recently. Could you take a look at me?"


    "What problems are you having, Guard Xu?" The Cao imperial physician was approachable and did not look down on Xu Yi for just being a pce guard.


    "Lately I''m always feeling sleepy and muddled headed. I fart a lot and my farts really stink. My breath stinks too. My hair gets oily easily. My butt has grown a lot of bumps, Your Excellency,e inside and let me show you the bumps, they are really scary..." As he spoke, he pulled the imperial physician behind the screen.


    Yuan Qingling was sitting in front of the screen and could hear the sounds of Xu Yi taking off his clothes. She felt a little awkward.


    Yuwen Hao angrily shouted towards the screen, "Xu Yi, get back to your room to undress!"


    A long, rhythmic fart sounded from behind the screen, culminating in an explosive sound at the end before everything suddenly fell silent.


    "This is the smell, Your Excellency. You see, am I sick?" Xu Yi clearly ignored Yuwen Hao''s anger.


    The imperial physician covered his nose and fled, "Alright, Guard Xu, I know what disease you have. This is deficiency of the spleen and dampness obstruction. I will prescribe two doses of medicine for youter. I''ll take my leave now."


    Yuan Qingling held her breath, the smell was quite strong. She stood up and walked outside, Tang Yang followed closely behind. Yuwen Hao was still lying down since his clothes were not properly worn, it would be highly undignified to go out like this. He could only curse angrily at Xu Yi.


    Xu Yi could not stand the stench himself and fled as well.


    Yuan Qingling sat outside the corridor, feeling the gentle breeze caressing her lightly. She rested her cheek in her hand, lost in thought.


    Yuwen Hao had already properly dressed himself and came out. Seeing her sitting there resting her cheek in her hand, looking so petite, specks of sunlight falling on her head through the gaps between the leaves, appearing as if she was having a peaceful time.


    He hesitated for a moment before sitting down as well.


    "What are you thinking about?" Yuwen Hao asked lightly. After Xu Yi''s jestful interruption, the atmosphere seemed much more rxed. It didn''t seem so difficult to take the initiative to speak to her.


    "Sunbathing to supplement calcium. Nothing much," Yuan Qingling still rested her cheek in her hand, looking bored. In fact, she was thinking about the news reported by a servant from the Marquis Manor, she knew it was not about the Old Madam''s illness, but the Marquis wanting to clean her up.


    "Supplement what?" Yuwen Hao didn''t hear it clearly for a moment.


    "Supplement..." Yuan Qingling gave up on exining, "Supplementing my brain, it''s not working well."


    "Sunlight can supplement brains now? Nonsense!" Yuwen Hao said. He was in a good mood today, possibly also rted to the sunny weather.


    He nced at the dazzling sun and immediately averted his gaze.


    "Sunbathing is always good. People are not that unfortunate," Yuan Qingling still rested her cheek in her hand, looking extremely bored.


    "Ugly woman..."


    Yuan Qingling turned to look at him. "We need to add another condition to our agreement - you cannot call me an ugly woman, ugly girl, ugly thing, etc."


    "Am I not stating the facts?"


    "It depends who you''reparing with." Beauty is usually determined throughparison.


    "Compared to me!" Yuwen Hao said disdainfully.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him. Sunlight shone into his eyes, covering his entire person with a soft, gentle glow. His handsome face also gave off a faint shimmer. His wheat-colored skin looked extremely healthy. His features were as exquisite as if they were carved. Phoenix eyes, longshes, even with the additional scar, he was still so handsome it took one''s breath away.


    She lost.


    Wholeheartedly convinced.


    She slowly turned her gaze away. "Then hurry up and divorce me. Marry a woman more beautiful than me as your queen."


    He felt irritated in his heart. "It will happen sooner orter."


    He spoke as if it was so annoying for her to be his queen, yet wasn''t she the one who rushed to be it?


    He changed the topic. "Just now, Tang Yang said someone from the Marquis Manor came."


    "Mm, saying my grandmother is ill and wants me to go back for a visit."


    "Yet you''re still sitting here?" Yuwen Hao was surprised for a moment.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him. "I said that the Prince is still recovering from serious injuries and it''s my duty as Queen to stay and take care of you."


    "Who wants you to take care of me..." As he spoke, he soon understood. "Your father must be impatient."


    "Thanks to the Prince, this is probably just the beginning," Yuan Qingling said.


    Yuwen Hao angrily said, "We''re even, no one is allowed to bring it up again."


    "Can''t even mention it a little? The Prince is feeling very guilty, isn''t he?"


    "Yuan Qingling!" Yuwen Hao shouted. Seeing her innocent, clear eyes, his anger was instantly swallowed back down. "This king really wants to sew your mouth shut."


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes shifted downwards. "Sewing needles? I''m afraid the Prince is not as skilled as me. Speaking of which, has that ce of yours healed yet?"


    Yuwen Hao was furious. He squeezed his legs together, extremely ashamed and angry. "This matter cannot be brought up again. I will kill your whole family if you mention it again."


    Yuan Qingling scoffed and was about to mock him a couple more times when she saw Tang Yang bringing the servant from the Marquis Manor in again.


    "My Queen, someone from the Marquis Manor is here with a message," Tang Yang said.


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes flickered slightly. "What is it about?"


    Upon seeing King Chu, the servant immediately knelt down to pay respects. "Your humble servant pays respect to the Prince, and pays respect to the Queen."


    "What is it?" King Chu asked coldly.


    Hearing this stern voice, the servant''s lips quivered. "It''s... the Young Master ordered me to inform the Queen that the Old Madam''s condition has worsened and requests the Queene back for a visit if she is avable."


    "I already said I have no time. I need to take care of the Prince!" Yuan Qingling stood up and bent down again, reaching out her hand. "My Prince, the wind here is too strong. You cannot sit here long. Pleasee inside with me."


    Yuwen Hao ced his hand in her palm. Holding hands, he stood up, then weakly fell towards Yuan Qingling. "Alright, I''ll listen to whatever the Queen says."


    Yuan Qingling nearly got knocked to the ground by him. She supported him with great difficulty as they walked inside. Her face was flushed red but she did not dare lose her temper.


    "See, the Queen has to take care of the Prince. If the Old Madam is truly critically ill, there are imperial physicians in the manor. Just ask one of them to go take a look. That''s all," Tang Yang said coldly.


    Hearing this, Yuan Qingling immediately pushed Yuwen Hao away and said, "Administrator Tang has a good idea. Let the Cao imperial physician go back with him. It would reassure me about my grandmother''s illness."


    Tang Yang knew the Old Madam was truly ill and the Queen was filial, so he naturally agreed. "Yes!"


    And so the servant left with the Cao imperial physician and Xu Yi for the Marquis Manor.


    When Marquis Jing heard the report from the servant that the Queen and Prince were intimate, he couldn''t help but frown. This was definitely impossible!


    The Prince wished he could devour Yuan Qingling''s flesh and drink all her blood. How could they possibly be intimate?


    He could not ask in detail, only following the imperial physician into the Old Madam''s room.


    Hearing it was the imperial physician sent by Yuan Qingling, the Old Madam was very cooperative. After the imperial physician diagnosed her pulse, he said, "Old Madam has umted dampness in her lungs and stomach, which is why she can''t stop coughing. This official has taken the liberty of prescribing several doses of medicine. If the Old Madam sees improvement after taking them, continue getting medicine ording to the prescription. Taking it for two months may not necessarily cure the root cause, but it will greatly alleviate the symptoms."


    "You have my gratitude!" The Old Madam said with a smile.

 Chapter 80: Come to Visit

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    After the imperial physician finished the diagnosis and left, Jing waited until the imperial physician and Xu Yi came to the main hall to have tea.


    Jing tentatively asked Xu Yi, "Is the Prince''s injury better?"


    "The Prince is much better thanks to the Marquis'' concern," Xu Yi remained very proper outside.


    "Then..." Jing smiled and said, "Has the Consort personally taken care of the Prince? My daughter was quite spoiled in the manor. I''m afraid she will annoy the Prince."


    "The Prince never gets angry with the Consort," Xu Yi tantly lied. Of course, this was what Tang Yang had instructed him to say. He said that if Jing knew the rtionship between the Consort and the Prince was stable, he naturally wouldn''t be too hard on the Consort.


    "Is that so?" Jing didn''t quite believe it, but the servant did see the Consort supporting the Prince into the room, that was witnessed first-hand. Could it be that Yuan Qingling had gained King Chu''s favor?


    The imperial physician gave a helping hand and stroked his beard with a sigh, "The Prince and Consort''s rtionship is really good. These days caring for the Prince''s injuries, the Consort must have been by his side to take care of him."


    Of course he didn''t know Yuan Qingling had onlye to steal the tricks of the trade. She didn''t understand traditional Chinese medicine very well, but she did believe in the traditional Chinese medicine therapies. After all, after doing pharmaceutical research for so long, she had tried using herbal medicine to develop proprietary Chinese medicine before.


    Drugs like artemisinin used to treat mria and lupus erythematosus were directly extracted from Artemisia annua, or by extracting artemisinic acid which is present in higher concentrations in Artemisia annua, then semi-synthesizing it.


    So these days she had been trying to learn traditional Chinese medicine from the imperial physician.


    After hearing what the imperial physician said, Jing finally believed it.


    No matter why King Chu''s attitude towards Yuan Qingling had changed, it was undoubtedly a good thing after all. Right now, the Chu family had definitely offended someone they couldn''t make amends with, so it was better to pin their hopes on King Chu.


    Although King Chu was not favored by His Majesty at the moment, his connections were still present. If he was willing to help, it shouldn''t be difficult for him to keep the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of War for Jing.


    Jing was satisfied sending off the imperial physician and Xu Yi.


    Xu Yi returned to report to Yuwen Hao, saying Jing was very happy and might not cause trouble for the Consort for the time being.


    Yuwen Hao looked at Yuan Qingling with some arrogance, "No need to thank me for this great favor!"


    Yuan Qingling bared her teeth and got up to leave.


    Yuwen Hao felt a small sense of victory andughed smugly.


    As it turned out, Jing was a very thick-skinned person.


    Just a few days ago he had scolded Yuan Qingling harshly, yet today he politely brought gifts and paid a visit, saying it was to see the Prince.


    He didn''t daree to visit before, but after hearing the ount from the imperial physician and Xu Yi yesterday, he knew the rtionship between the Consort and Prince was intimate now, so he immediately came over.


    First, it was to verify whether what Xu Yi and the imperial physician said was true.


    Second, it was also to get on good terms and act normally as inws.


    Jing didn''te himself, and Jing''s wife Madam Huang didn''te either. He still had some hope for the Chu family side, soing to visit King Chu at this time would be equivalent to giving up on the Chu familypletely.


    The Second Madam brought her oldest daughter-inw Mrs. Luan and Yuan Qingping to visit.


    The gifts they brought were nothing precious, just somemon medicinal supplements that could be bought at any pharmacy.


    Yuan Qingling received them in Feng Yi Pavilion. As soon as Mrs. Luan entered, she looked around, thinking to herself that this Feng Yi Pavilion was quite big, but unfortunately there was no valuable decoration inside, she wrinkled her nose, it didn''t seem like Yuan Qingling was favored much.


    The Second Madam spoke warmly to Yuan Qingling, "Is the Prince''s injury better? I should havee to visit earlier, but I alone have to struggle to manage everything in the household, so I''ve onlye now. I hope the Prince won''t take offense."


    Yuan Qingling felt ufortable with her overly affectionate manner and said lightly, "Whether he takes offense or not I wouldn''t know, why don''t you go ask him?"


    It would be best if they all went to Yuwen Hao''s side, so she didn''t have to entertain them.


    The Second Madam felt Yuan Qingling was putting on airs, but it didn''t matter. Being able to put on airs meant she had confidence. One should be dignified when in power, and enduring when out of power.


    Her attitude became even warmer as she said, "Would it disturb the Prince? If not too much trouble, may I ask the Consort to arrange for us to pay him a visit?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "No need to arrange, just go directly to Xiao Yue Pavilion, he''s inside."


    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Luan pretended to be surprised, "The Prince doesn''t stay in the same room as the Consort? Being husband and wife, and with no concubines yet, why separate rooms?"


    For such tantly provocative words, Yuan Qingling simply ignored them. It was Xi Mama who said, "The Prince''s injuries have not healed yet, afraid of disturbing the Consort''s sleep, so he moved to Xiao Yue Pavilion."


    Mrs. Luan looked Xi Mama up and down, "Who are you? Why have I never seen you before?"


    "I''m Xi Mama, served His Retired Majesty in the pce. Afraid there would be no one attentive here, His Retired Majesty sent me out of the pce to serve the Consort."


    Upon hearing this, the Second Madam immediately stood up and saluted Xi Mama, "So it turns out to be the famous Xi Mama from His Retired Majesty''s side. I have long heard your great name, please forgive my rudeness."


    "Second Madam is too courteous. I''m just a servant here to serve my masters."


    Her master was the Consort. They were not very respectful to the Consort, so what propriety was there for them to be so courteous to her, a mere servant?


    The Second Madam naturally understood the implied meaning. She didn''t take offense and smiled, "Mama is from His Retired Majesty''s side, a pce maid. I have no official title, so it''s only proper for me to pay respects."


    Xi Mama didn''t say anything, but her expression showed some impatience.


    Why did she have to emphasize not having an official title now? Just pay your respects then, no need to stress that point.


    Yuan Qingping looked at Yuan Qingling and asked, "They said the Prince is good to you now, is it true?"


    Yuan Qingping was straightforward. She directly asked whatever she wanted to know, not beating around the bush.


    Yuan Qingling turned the teacup in her hand, "Can''t say it''s good."


    "Why?" Yuan Qingping''s brows furrowed, "Why isn''t he good to you?"


    Yuan Qingling wasn''t sure if this younger sister was well-meaning or mocking her. She didn''t have any special feelings towards this sister in her memory.


    Mrs. Luan held Yuan Qingping''s hand and sneered, "Good niece, stop asking, don''t make things difficult for your sister, she wouldn''t know how to answer you."


    Yuan Qingping shook off her hand and sullenly said, "Men in this world are all dogs, this King Chu can''t be any good either."


    Yuan Qingling immediately took a liking to this sister. Her views were unique, especially thatst sentence.


    "I want to stay here for a few days, can you make that decision?" Yuan Qingping asked her.


    Yuan Qingling nodded, "You can stay in my room, I can decide that, no need to ask anyone else."


    The Second Madam brought it up again, "May I ask if we can still pay the Prince a visit?"


    "Go ahead." Yuan Qingling said.


    The Second Madam was a little embarrassed, "Then will the Consort apany us there?"


    "I''m not going!" Yuan Qingling nced inside the room, "I''m busy with things here."


    "What is the Consort busy with? I heard manager Tang takes care of everything in the manor, nothing that requires the Consort''s effort. Could it be the Prince also doesn''t wish to see the Consort, so the Consort dares not go?" Mrs. Luan said sarcastically.


    Before Yuan Qingling could reply, there was movement outside.


    "The Prince is here!"


    Xu Yi''s voice rang out.


    The people inside were startled. The Second Madam quickly stood up with a smile, looking towards the door.

 Chapter 81: I’m Sorry

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    Yuwen Hao walked in slowly with the support of Xu Yi. Dressed in white brocade robes with a golden jade belt around his waist, his handsome face was bathed in sunlight, as if he had descended from the heavens... The ailing monarch could barely take a step without seeming to expend all his energy.


    He came before them with difficulty, but as soon as he arrived, his expression eased into a gentle smile, his brows and eyes warm as he looked at Yuan Qingling.


    "How is Your Highness feeling?" the Second Madam asked considerately right away.


    Mrs. Luan also stood up, looking somewhat startled.


    Yuwen Hao shifted his gaze from Yuan Qingling to the Second Madam''s face, replying with a smile, "Thanks to your concern, this king is much improved."


    Having said that, he slowly walked to Yuan Qingling''s side, and asked in an aggrieved tone, "Still angry? You didn''te see me at all today, stop being upset okay?"


    Yuan Qingling looked at him, wondering what he was up to. Deliberately putting on a gentle demeanor, there was no need to go so far even if it was for her sake.


    She said slowly, "I''m not angry."


    He seemed greatly relieved, "That''s good then. In that case, will you still apany me out today like you said?"


    Had she said that?


    "I have a guest."


    Yuwen Hao looked reluctantly at the Second Madam, "I see. Then we can''t go?"


    The Second Madam quickly said, "It''s gettingte, this old woman should also take her leave."


    "So soon? Why not sit a while longer?" Yuwen Hao appeared very enthusiastic.


    "No no, I still have things to attend to, I''ll visit Your Highness...and the Consort again when I have time." As the Second Madam spoke, she exchanged a look with Mrs. Luan and Yuan Qingping.


    Yuan Qingping said, "Like eldest sister said earlier, I can stay here for a few days."


    "Then..." The Second Madam darted a swift nce at Yuwen Hao, seeing that he showed no displeasure, she said, "Alright, keep the Consortpany properly, don''t cause trouble, you hear?"


    "I hear!" Yuan Qingping acknowledged.


    After the Second Madam and Mrs. Luan left, Yuwen Hao instructed his wet nurse, "Have arrangements made for my young aunt to stay in the manor."


    "Yes!" The wet nurse stepped forward to curtsy, "Second young miss, pleasee with me to take a look, see which residence you fancy?"


    Yuan Qingping had intended to stay behind, but she was quite particr about where she stayed, so she went along with the wet nurse first.


    Yuan Qingling said to Yuwen Hao, "Actually, Your Highness need not go so far. The Marquis Manor now believes that you and I share deep marital affections. I''m afraid this will only lead to more trouble for you in the future. I don''t wish to incur such a debt."


    Most importantly, she basically knew what kind of person Qing Hu was. If he found out she was on good terms with the King of Chu, who knew what kind of kidnapping plots woulde flying her way in the future.


    Yuwen Hao also dropped his earlier gentleness, responding lightly, "I''m unwilling to damage your rtionship with your maternal family. At the very least, if I do this, your father''s attitude towards you will be more restrained."


    Yuan Qingling said, "I don''t care about his attitude. I''m staying in the manor, it''s not like I have to face him day and night."


    "You may not care, but you were drunk and crying, yelling that you wanted to go home." Yuwen Hao stated.


    Yuan Qingling was taken aback. "I cried and yelled that I wanted to go home?"


    "Don''t you remember what you did when you were drunk?" Yuwen Hao looked at her.


    Yuan Qingling felt somewhat embarrassed. "I remember what I did, but don''t remember what I said."


    Yuwen Hao stared at her intently. "How much do you remember? Do you remember what happened in the pce?"


    "What happened in the pce? What happened in the pce?" Yuan Qingling was momentarily confused.


    "You got drunk in the pce, in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Don''t you remember what happened yourself?" Seeing her face turn pale, Yuwen Hao felt a twinge of malicious pleasure.


    Yuan Qingling recalled it then. She had been so angry and frustrated at the time that she leapt onto the table andunched into a torrent of vulgarities¡ªof course, she had just enough sense left to curse in English.


    But heavens... To act so wantonly in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.


    "I heard Imperial Tutor Gu say that you frightened Grandfather Emperor and made him hide behind the bodhisattva altar, too afraid to make a peep!" Yuwen Hao helped refresh her memory.


    Yuan Qingling covered her face with both hands. Dear god of thunder, please strike her down!


    After a while, she lowered her hands to see Yuwen Hao''s gloating smile hovering before her eyes. She couldn''t help but be infuriated. "It''s all because of you!"


    Yuwen Hao was very rxed. "Let''s not y the me game anymore. We''re even now."


    Damn him!


    Yuan Qingling was so angry she ground her teeth, but after consideration, his situation back then wasn''t any better. There really was nowhere for her grievances to go.


    "No, I have to go to the pce and apologize." Yuan Qingling paced around in circles. "Change clothes, go out first, I need to change."


    Yuwen Haozily stood up. "In any case, I''m much recovered from my injuries. I''ll apany you to the pce and say a few words in your defense before Grandfather Emperor."


    "Thank you, thank you!" Yuan Qingling was just worrying about how to face the Retired Emperor. Having someone apany her would make things much easier. This time, she thanked him sincerely from the bottom of her heart.


    Just then, Yuan Qingping had picked a residence and rushed right back to the Phoenix Chamber.


    But she saw Yuan Qingling already dressed neatly, walking out with Yuwen Hao. She came up and asked, "Where are you going?"


    "To the pce for a bit. Wait here for me to get back." Yuan Qingling''s eyes were full of unease.


    "Did something happen?" Seeing her expression, Yuan Qingping was rmed. "Then hurry up and go."


    Yuan Qingling felt this younger sister could be quite considerate at times, and said, "Mm-hmm, if you''re hungry, tell the wet nurse to arrange food for you. If you''re bored, go out for a stroll."


    "Alright, go on, why so long-winded? You''re no fun at all like this." Yuan Qingping said unhappily.


    Yuwen Hao took a look at Yuan Qingping. Well scolded!


    The two nemeses went out the door, the carriage ttering towards the pce. Yuan Qingling fretted anxiously the entire way. Although the Retired Emperor had been good to her, he probably wouldn''t tolerate her behaving so recklessly in the Hall.


    Gradually, images surfaced in her mind of her jumping on the table, yelling and shouting in a hideous manner. This time she had truly humiliated herself all the way to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.


    What provided her somefort was that these past two days, no imperial decree hade from the pce summoning her for punishment.


    But Yuwen Hao mercilessly shattered her relief. "I heard that after you left the pce, Grandfather Emperor started having heart trouble again. The Hall of Supreme Harmony can cover up for you temporarily, but if Father Emperor looks into it, this matter won''t stay hidden. Father Emperor is the most filial. If he finds out, I''m afraid stripping you of ayer of skin would be getting off easy."


    Yuan Qingling said helplessly, "I''m doomed."


    The life of a imperial consort was fraught with peril!


    "I wonder how Imperial Grandmother will react when she finds out. How angry she will be!" Yuwen Hao said leisurely.


    Yuan Qingling gritted her teeth. "Can you shut your mouth? You''re annoying me to death."


    Yuwen Hao red at her fiercely. "Watch your attitude. Please reflect on it, otherwise I most certainly will not plead with Imperial Grandmother for you. As you know, of all her grandsons, I''m the one she dotes on most."


    Yuan Qingling swallowed her urge to tear his mouth apart and spoke deferentially, "I was wrong, I''ll reflect."


    "Is there something wrong with my ears? I didn''t hear an ''I''m sorry''."


    "I''m sorry!" Yuan Qingling was furious. She grabbed his big ear and yelled into it.


    "Yuan Qingling, do you have a death wish?!" Yuwen Hao swiftly pinned her neck with his hand, pushing her head towards him. Yuan Qingling was still wing at his ears, and he yelped in pain as she was pulled down. Then she bit into his chest.

 Chapter 82: The Emperor’s Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    Yuwen Hao gnashed his teeth, rubbing a certain part of his chest, secretly swearing that after things settled down, he would definitely take Yuan Qingling to a dark room and let a mad dog bite her a hundred times to avenge today''s disgrace.


    Yuan Qingling let out a breath, her whole body rxed a lot, and her heart was not as panicky anymore. However, seeing his livid face, she really had bitten too hard just now, so she sincerely apologized, "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have bitten you."


    Looking at her sincere and bright eyes, Yuwen Hao''s heart fiercely pped himself a hundred times. He couldn''t be soft-hearted, this woman was not sincerely apologizing, she was pretending.


    "Oh, I don''t know what''s wrong with me, I''ve be like a madman, I''m really sorry." Yuan Qingling continued to apologize, looking very dejected and regretful, "I know you really care about me, and even put on an act for me in front of my family, still remembering when I was drunk and said I wanted to go home. You are actually very good, it''s me who doesn''t know what''s going on, always wanting to oppose you."


    Yuwen Hao''s face was cold, "Forget it, I''m toozy to care about you."


    Yuan Qingling gratefully said, "I knew that the Prince was a generous man. Then in front of the Empress Dowager, please speak well of me."


    "What I promised you, I will never go back on my word." Yuwen Hao said with a wave of his hand.


    Yuan Qingling revealed a bright smile, "Thank you, my prince."


    Men are so easy to coax after all, just praise them relentlessly.


    Yuwen Hao secretly felt that he had been tricked, but never mind, don''t bother arguing with a woman, especially an ugly one.


    After all this fuss, it didn''t feel so heavy-hearted to enter the pce. Ever since he married Yuan Qingling a year ago, whenever he entered the pce, he felt very bad. The people he cared about revealed disappointment in their eyes. Over time, every time he set foot on this path, he would feel bad for no reason.


    A year of torment, caused by Yuan Qingling, also ended because of Yuan Qingling. The affairs of the world were truly inexplicable.


    After entering the pce, he went directly to the Hall of Heaven and Earth to pay his respects. Yuan Qingling''s attitude of pleading guilty was very good. When she went in, she didn''t look around, but knelt directly on the ground with her head drooping, "Grandfather, I was wrong. I shouldn''t have gotten drunk and lost control that day, frightening Grandfather and causing your illness. Please forgive me this once."


    "Got drunk and lost control?" A familiar and majestic voice rang out from the side.


    Yuan Qingling slowly raised her head, her eyebrows white with fright. Why was the Emperor here?


    "Fa...Father, you are here too!" She stammered.


    The Retired Emperor and Yuwen Hao looked at Yuan Qingling together. This woman would die a tragic death one day, killed by her own stupidity.


    "Got drunk and lost control, causing illness in the Retired Emperor? Princess, tell me what happened." Emperor Ming Yuan said lightly.


    Yuan Qingling''s head was almost buried in the ground, her voice as small as a mosquito''s, "Your daughter-inw was drunk that day and momentarily lost control, offending the Retired Emperor. Please forgive me, Father."


    "Lost control from drinking?" Ming Yuan pped the armrest angrily, shocking all the pce maids to their knees. Even Mu Ru eunuch dropped to his knees very smoothly, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    But Ming Yuan did not calm down. He angrily said, "As a princess, you should behave with dignity and propriety. Drinking for no reason is already wrong. To act drunkenly in front of the Retired Emperor, causing his illness to rpse, and not caring, onlying to apologize after two or three days, do you still have any regard for imperial rules? Do you still remember your status? If I don''t severely punish you today, I''m afraid you will continue to make foolish mistakes."


    "Your daughter-inw will ept the punishment." Yuan Qingling cried bitterly in her heart. She looked to the Retired Emperor for help, hoping he would say something to lighten her punishment.


    But the Retired Emperor just rolled his eyes. He didn''t care at all. It was her own stupidity, what did it have to do with others?


    Ming Yuan continued, "Considering this is your first offense, and the Retired Emperor has recovered, I will punish you to clean the Hall of Heaven and Earth and the Imperial Study. You may eat only after you finish cleaning. Fifth brother, you are also punished."


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes widened in shock. What did this have to do with him?


    "What? Any objections?" Ming Yuan roared.


    "Your son obeys!" Yuwen Hao quickly said.


    Ming Yuan snorted contemptuously, "Look at you two useless things. I''m so angry. It seems you are too free. When your injury gets better,e to Jingzhao Mansion in a few days to take over. If I don''t give you something to do, you will continue to fool around and be useless."


    After speaking, Ming Yuan turned to the Retired Emperor, "Father, please rest. Don''t worry about these wastrels. For such people, you can''t be too soft andpassionate. If you continue to pamper them, who knows what madness they willmit. Son will take his leave first."


    "Go on." The Retired Emperor nodded slightly, seeming rather happy.


    Once outside, Ming Yuan''s lips curved up. He finally let out his anger. Did Yuan Qingling think she could hide her drunken tantrum from him? Why did she throw a drunken fit? Wasn''t it because he med her in the Imperial Study, and she resented him for it, so she took the chance to act out while drunk?


    It was the Retired Emperor covering for her. He had no chance to scold her. He didn''t expect her to crash in today. It was so satisfying.


    For a while, Yuwen Hao didn''t react at all. He even thought he had misheard. Father actually appointed him to Jingzhao Mansion? The prefect of Jingzhao was a crucial position for the capital region. Father actually trusted him so much?


    "What are you still kneeling there for? Go sweep!" The Retired Emperor yelled vigorously.


    The difficult husband and wife helped each other up. Over there, Mu Ru eunuch had already prepared huge brooms and ced them at the door.


    Sighing at each other, and throwing each other a resentful nce, they each picked up a broom and went out.


    It was autumn. Fallen leaves were drifting everywhere, in the courtyard and corridors.


    "It''s all your fault. Are your eyes under your feet? Didn''t you see Father was there?" Yuwen Hao was still angry. A dignified prince, reduced to a sweeper, all thanks to her.


    Yuan Qingling cried grievously, "Why didn''t you kneel down and greet Father when you saw him? If you had said it, I would have known!"


    "Grandfather was there. I had to greet Grandfather first. You didn''t even greet him before immediately talking about things. Do you have a brain?" Yuwen Hao was furious.


    "It''s toote to say anything now. Fortunately it''s just sweeping. Getting caned would be terrible. Let''s sweep." Yuan Qingling was quite optimistic. In fact, she had already prepared mentally for a caning.


    "I''d rather be caned. My hands are for swords, spears and des, not brooms." Yuwen Hao said sullenly. If other princes and ministers saw this prince sweeping floors, would he have any dignity left?


    "Stop bbering. You sweep the Study, I''ll sweep here. Division ofbor for cooperation." Yuan Qingling really didn''t want to keep listening to his endlessints.


    "Get lost!" Yuwen Hao yelled angrily.


    Raising her broom, she walked out. Along the way, the pce maids giggled while covering their mouths.


    Arriving at the Imperial Study, Gu Si stood outside, giving her a faint nce. "His Majesty ordered me to supervise."


    Seeing his helpless expression, it seemed he had never done this kind of work before.


    "Just sweeping right?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "No, you also need to dust inside." Gu Si said.


    Go inside the Study? Yuan Qingling felt a headacheing on. So many people went in and out of the Study every day. If they all saw her, a princess, dusting in there, how embarrassing!

 Chapter 83: Shoot Yourself in the Foot

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    Yuwen Hao swept the floor vigorously. Sweeping the floor seems simple, but there is actually much to learn. For example, it is best to sweep the fallen leaves into one big pile. Arge pile is not easily blown away by the wind. If there are too many small piles, a gust of wind will blow them away all at once.


    As he swept, it wasn''t actually too difficult, and his mood lightened considerably.


    "Your Highness, be careful around the Warm Pavilion. There is a wasp nest in the tree that we n to burn tonight after it gets dark. Don''t disturb it, or there will be trouble," Eunuch Chang warned.


    "A wasp nest?" Yuwen Hao''s eyes narrowed, and the ce on his chest where he had been stung still ached. He should really make Yuan Qinglinge sweep here.


    "That''s right. These wasps are fierce. We don''t dare burn it during the day because His Retired Majesty doesn''t want to close the windows and doors. We have to wait until night to burn it," Eunuch Chang exined.


    "Okay, I understand," said Yuwen Hao.


    Eunuch Chang didn''t say anything more and went inside the pce to serve the Retired Emperor.


    A n formed in Yuwen Hao''s mind. He said to Tang Yang, "Go ask the Imperial Concubine toe. Tell her I''m willing to switch jobs with her."


    Tang Yang said, "Your Highness, there are many people going in and out of the Imperial Study. It may not be appropriate for you to sweep there."


    Yuwen Hao smiled slyly. "No problem. Gu Si is over there. I''ll just have him keep an eye out for me and hide if someonees."


    So Tang Yang left.


    When Yuan Qingling heard that Yuwen Hao was willing to switch jobs with her, she thought, this man isn''t totally bad after all, sparing her the embarrassment. Alright, she would ept his kind offer.


    Taking the broom, she returned to Qian Kun Pce and saw that he had already swept the front courtyard quite quickly.


    Yuwen Hao came over and said, "Don''t say I don''t consider you. This broom is very heavy and you don''t have the strength to clean well, so I helped you sweep the courtyard first. You just need to sweep the Warm Pavilion and side garden."


    Yuan Qingling gratefully said, "Thank you, Your Highness."


    Yuwen Hao pointed to the Warm Pavilion. "Go on, sweep over there."


    Yuan Qingling pointed to the messy leaves on the ground. "What about these..."


    "It''s fine. I''lle back and help you clear them upter."


    "Much appreciated!" Yuan Qingling smiled with cupped fists and took the broom to the Warm Pavilion.


    Yuwen Hao picked up a small pebble and stealthily circled around the outer wall. Hearing the sounds of Yuan Qingling sweeping inside, a sinister smile spread across his face.


    He had said, a gentleman bides his time for ten years to avenge an injustice.


    The pebble flew from his hand, tracing a beautiful arc through the air and precisely striking the locust tree''s wasp nest.


    The huge wasp nest suddenly burst like a boiling kettle, buzzing for a moment before releasing a muffled drone.


    Yuan Qingling looked up in surprise as the light before her was obscured. Focusing, she saw a swarm of wasps.


    "Ah..." she let out a scream. "Go away!"


    Hearing her scream, Yuwen Hao felt his heart fill with glee, as if a fountain were about to burst forth. Picking up the broom victoriously, he was about to head to the Imperial Study when he heard a buzzing sound behind him. Looking back, everything went dark as the wasps flew toward him.


    Descending on his head and around his face, ears, and neck, by the time he felt the pain and lifted the broom, he had already been stung several times. Still recovering from his injuries, he couldn''t swing the broom with much force and could only turn and run.


    "Your Highness, crouch down and cover your head, you can''t outrun them!" Tang Yang saw what was happening and yelled at Yuwen Hao.


    Yuwen Hao crouched down holding his head while Tang Yang rushed over. Removing his outer robe, he covered Yuwen Hao''s head and waved the broom with one hand at the wasps in the air. Other pce attendants brought torches and drove the wasps away after a chaotic flurry.


    Hearing themotion, Yuan Qingling ran out and saw Tang Yang supporting Yuwen Hao as he walked over, swollen and misshapen. The wasp stings had caused his left eyelid to swell until his eye was half-closed.


    "You were stung by wasps?" Looking at his bloated face, Yuan Qingling held back a smile and put on a look of concern.


    Eunuch Chang also came out of the pce after hearing the disturbance. Seeing Yuwen Hao''s state, he shook his head. "Your Highness, I already warned you not to disturb the wasp nest. How did you still get stung?"


    "How was I supposed to know there was a wasp nest?" Yuwen Hao''s pain made his mouth twist to the side. He had been stung on the lips too, which smarted sharply.


    "Didn''t I already tell you?" Eunuch Chang walked over. "My, stung real badly. We need to call the imperial doctor."


    Watching coldly, Yuan Qingling''s look of concern disappeared. He had known about the wasps and deliberately sent Tang Yang to ask her to switch ces, nning to provoke the wasps to sting her.


    What a petty, wicked man.


    Yuan Qingling calmly said, "You do need to call the doctor, but Your Highness should hurry to the Imperial Study first. You can''t dy your sweeping duties."


    "You malicious woman, the wasps clearly went for you first. Why did they turn and attack me instead?" He could hardly speak clearly, his lips twisted in anger.


    "He who rocks the boat gets wet," Yuan Qingling lifted her broom triumphantly and went back inside.


    She also found it strange. The wasps had clearly flown at her, but flew away after she screamed.


    Yuwen Hao ground his teeth in fury, but with Yuan Qingling seeing through his motives, he couldn''t make things difficult for her again. He could only lift his broom and limp to the Imperial Study, groaning with every step.


    Tang Yang watched Yuwen Hao in bewilderment, having had no idea that His Highness intended for the wasps to sting the Imperial Concubine. Why would His Highness do something so childish?


    It waspletely out of character.


    Had His Highness been possessed?


    He looked meaningfully at Yuan Qingling. The Imperial Concubine seemed like two different people now. She must be possessed too!


    Arriving at the Imperial Study, Gu Si saw him looking like a swollen pig head and barely held back hisughter. "What happened to you? Did you poke a wasp nest?"


    "Don''t mention it!" He lifted his broom and started sweeping vigorously, extremely irritated that Yuan Qingling hadn''t seemed to sweep much at all, with all these fallen leaves still here.


    "Go let the imperial doctor apply some medicine first, and take an antidote pill," Gu Si said.


    "No need. They''re just ordinary wasps, nothing toxic. It will just hurt for a while," he said, then winced and sucked in a breath again from the pain.


    Gu Si grabbed his arm. "In that case, leave the floor for now ande dust the shelves inside."


    Yuwen Hao was puzzled. "Weren''t we supposed to sweep? Why dust as well?"


    "His Majesty said the study has be very dusty and needs cleaning."


    "The study is cleaned every day..." Yuwen Hao stopped speaking, realizing this was deliberate on his father''s part.


    He felt very confused. His father had previously refused to acknowledge him at all, yet now was having hime to the Prince''s Manor and allowing him ess to the Imperial Study, as if nothing had changed in the past year.


    He understood his father''s intentions less and less.


    The position of Prefect of Chang''an was critically important. He had never dreamed his father would appoint him to it.


    In fact, after hearing from Second Brother, he had assumed the position would ultimately go to Eldest Brother, the King of Ji, who surely had his sights set on bing Prefect of Chang''an.


    Laying down the broom, he took the water and cloth over his shoulder and entered the Imperial Study under Eunuch Mu Ru''s watchful gaze.


    He kept his head low, not wanting his father to see his swollen and distorted face.

 Chapter 84: Who Has Changed

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    Emperor Ming Yuan was reviewing memorials. Just before he arrived, Sun Grand Academician, who was known for being a big mouth, had just left. If he saw Yuwen Hao cleaning the imperial study, he would surely tell everyone in the pce within a day.


    "Look up!" Emperor Ming Yuan''s voice smashed over from his left.


    Yuwen Hao was holding a rag and slowly turned around, squeezing out a smile as he half covered his face with the lute, "Father!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan''s mouth twitched for a moment. After pausing for several seconds to hold in hisughter, he said coldly, "Ugly people do more evil."


    Yuwen Hao didn''t know whether tough or cry as he stood there. What did this have to do with ugly people doing more evil?


    "Mu Ru, apply some anti-toxin ointment on him!" Emperor Ming Yuan ordered.


    "Anti-toxin ointment?" Mu Ru the eunuch was stunned for a moment. "This is..."


    "What nonsense?" Emperor Ming Yuan said coldly.


    Mu Ru the eunuch acknowledged and took out a small tortoiseshell box from the cab. He walked over to Yuwen Hao and smiled, "Your Highness, please endure it. This anti-toxin ointment stings when applied."


    "It''s fine, I''m not afraid of pain," Yuwen Hao said, feeling somewhat moved. Father is really benevolent.


    However, why did Mu Ru''s eyes seem to sh with a hint of sympathy?


    Soon, he couldn''t think anymore. The ointment, when applied, was not just stinging pain. It was excruciating, as if needles were piercing his skin and flesh, prating to his heart. He panted heavily, "Gently, gently!"


    "If you can''t endure this bit of pain, what can you aplish?" Emperor Ming Yuan said angrily.


    Yuwen Hao swallowed back the gasps of shock and pain. But it really hurt badly. Now he understood why there was a hint of sympathy in Mu Ru''s eyes.


    After the medicine was applied, he felt that everything above his neck was no longer his. The pain was almost numb.


    Moreover, he felt his eyelids were even more swollen. Just now he could still open them a sliver, and now only a slit remained, and he could barely see.


    "Get lost!" Emperor Ming Yuan magnanimously exempted him from his cleaning duty.


    "Yes, your undutiful son takes his leave!" Yuwen Hao quickly cupped his fists and retreated. His vision was blurred, and he couldn''t even see the doorway. He pulled hard on the bronze ring next to the door.


    Mu Ru the eunuchughed and opened the door, "Your Highness, this way!"


    The light shone in and Yuwen Hao saw it. He charged over and bumped right into the door. The pain made him gnash his teeth. He stumbled out.


    Mu Ru the eunuch really couldn''t helpughing. Seeing Emperor Ming Yuan''s stern expression, he quickly suppressed hisughter and awkwardly said, "His Highness''s face is terribly swollen."


    Outside, the sound of something rolling down the stone steps could be heard. Emperor Ming Yuan''s expression was nk as he said, "Serves him right."


    Mu Ru the eunuch took a look - it was His Highness who had tumbled down the steps. Steward Gu was supporting him as he staggered away. How pitiful.


    "Your Majesty, why did you apply anti-toxin ointment to His Highness when there is Baihua ointment? That must have been so painful!" Mu Ru the eunuch had used anti-toxin ointment before. That pain was extraordinary, and anti-toxin ointment was only meant for swollen and painful skin. Once there was an open wound, it would be even more swollen.


    "How can he learn his lesson without pain?" Emperor Ming Yuan''s face was stern. "Alright, send the Baihua ointment over to him."


    Yuwen Hao was in great pain as Steward Gu helped him back to the Warm Chamber in Qian Kun Pce to rest.


    Yuan Qingling was sweeping outside the warm chamber. Seeing his face even more swollen, and his eyes unable to open at all, she couldn''t help asking curiously, "What did you apply on your face? Why do the wounds look even more swollen?"


    Yuwen Hao was furious but didn''t want to bother with her. Squinting, he said to Steward Gu, "Help me in, I don''t want to see such an eyesore."


    Yuan Qingling had really never seen such a petty person. She remembered it was he himself who wanted to harm her, which led to her being stung by bees. And now he was making it seem as if she was the culprit. So she said coldly, "As if you could see me even if you wanted to. Don''t pretend you can when your eyes are as swollen as a monkey''s bottom. How ugly."


    "Yuan Qingling!" Yuwen Hao was so angry his chest felt like it would explode. "Shut up!"


    Yuan Qingling threw the broom over her shoulder. "Not only will I shut up, I''m leaving too. Steward Chang said he''s prepared sweet green bean soup. I''m going to drink soup. You slowly go crazy by yourself."


    They really couldn''t get along. It was too naive to think otherwise before.


    Steward Gu helped Yuwen Hao inside. After lying down, he was still cursing away.


    Steward Gu really couldn''t stand to listen anymore. "Your Highness, what''s going on with you? Why are you so against the Princess?"


    "Steward Gu," Yuwen Hao said angrily as he pped the bed board. "Didn''t you hear how vicious her words were? She said my eyes look like a monkey''s bottom."


    "Your Highness, let me ask you, who''s more annoying - the previous Princess or the current one?" Steward Gu asked with arms akimbo.


    Without thinking, Yuwen Hao said, "Equally annoying."


    "Previously, not to mention bickering and arguing, she didn''t even want to talk to you. So why are you so agitated over a single sentence from her now? Has she changed, or have you changed?" Steward Gu asked back.


    Yuwen Hao was rendered speechless.


    That''s right. Why do I care so much about every word she says now? Weren''t the things she did in the past annoying too? Not just annoying - detestable, revolting.


    What about now?


    He took a deep breath and thought about the things she had done recently. Sometimes very annoying, sometimes quite sensible, sometimes even a bit cute - like when she came in swinging a cleaver and raving drunk.


    He had to admit that just thinking of the three words Yuan Qingling made his breathing rapid and his mind almost explode.


    But why was this happening?


    Steward Gu said, "Your Highness, think it over carefully."


    Then he turned and left.


    Yuwen Hao pillowed his hands behind his head and unconsciously squinted. He suddenly felt dejected. No need to squint - he couldn''t see anyway.


    Would he have done something so childish before? Seeing a bee''s nest and wanting to y a trick to harm that ugly, annoying woman. He wouldn''t have done something like this after the age of ten.


    So why did he ruin his image like that today in Qian Kun Pce? Just to deliberately provoke Yuan Qingling?


    It seemed he had to keep his distance from this woman, otherwise who knew what other childish things he might do in the future.


    Yuan Qingling came back to Qian Kun Pce still upset.


    The Retired Emperor stared at her. "Can you not smack your lips when you eat? It''s so annoying."


    Yuan Qingling put down her porcin spoon. "I won''t eat then."


    "Angry?" The Retired Emperor asked.


    "Not angry," Yuan Qingling thought about it and felt she shouldn''t conceal her emotions either, so she indignantly said, "It''s fake to say I''m not angry. I''ve never seen such a scumbag. I originally thought he kindly wanted to help me clean the imperial study and was grateful to him. Who knew he would deliberately provoke a bee''s nest to harm me instead."


    "But in the end wasn''t it he who harmed himself?" The Retired Emperor said.


    "That''s not the point. I''m upset because of the psychological letdown. I was prepared to get along well with him. We had just reached an understanding when we entered the pce today. Why can''t he just settle down? Am I so detestable that he has to think of ways to harm me before he''s satisfied?" The more Yuan Qingling thought about it, the angrier she got.


    The Retired Emperor shook his head. "I don''t believe he would do that. You misunderstood him."


    "No misunderstanding. He admitted it himself," Yuan Qingling said impatiently.


    "He is always steady and prudent. His father just sent him to take over the Jingzhao Prefecture. Why would he make trouble in the pce?" The Retired Emperor really didn''t believe it. But if it was true, there might still be hope for this grandson - at least he had some spirit.

 Chapter 85: Go for a Walk

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    Yuan Qingling took out a stethoscope, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about him, I will examine you first.¡±


    The Retired Emperor was used to it, heid down, lifted his clothes, and waited for the cold thing to be ced on his heart, looking at Yuan Qingling sideways, ¡°This old man wants to listen.¡±


    Yuan Qingling hung the stethoscope on his ears, and plugged it in, saying, ¡°Listen carefully, keep count.¡±


    The Retired Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, listening to his own heartbeat, it was really a luby.


    ¡°How many beats?¡± After about a minute, Yuan Qingling asked.


    ¡°Fifty-six beats.¡± The Retired Emperor grinned, showing his yellow teeth.


    Yuan Qingling took it and listened again, ¡°Not up to standard, but there is progress.¡±


    Eunuch Chang curiously poked his head over, ¡°Is this gadget fun? Can you let me try it?¡±


    Yuan Qingling smiled and handed it to him, ¡°Sure, hang it on your ears, put it against your heart, then you can hear your own heartbeat.¡±


    Eunuch Chang did as Yuan Qingling instructed, his eyebrows kept fluttering, and he happily said, ¡°This is so strange, it sounds like beating a drum, thump thump.¡±


    He was reluctant to return it to Yuan Qingling, ¡°Where can I buy this? Get one for me too!¡±


    ¡°Let me ask around, if I can find it, I¡¯ll buy you one. Then you can be responsible for listening to the Retired Emperor¡¯s heartbeat every day.¡± Yuan Qingling said.


    ¡°Great!¡± Eunuch Chang happily agreed.


    Fubao came over quickly, rubbing against Yuan Qingling''s feet.


    Yuan Qingling bent down to pick up Fubao, holding its tongue with one hand, ¡°Naughty!¡±


    Fubao let the drool flow freely, looking very happy.


    ¡°Dogs are spiritual, they can discern.¡± Yuan Qingling stroked Fubao''s head, ¡°Right, Fubao?¡±


    Fubao barked twice, as if in agreement.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Eunuch Chang looked at Fubao with a smile, ¡°It seems to understand the Consort¡¯s words?¡±


    ¡°Of course it understands, Fubao is a smart child,¡± Yuan Qingling put Fubao down, ¡°Go, bring the Retired Emperor his outer robe, we¡¯ll take a walk with him.¡±


    Fubao ran off swiftly, wagging its tail.


    Eunuch Changughed, ¡°Consort, you really treat it like a person? It doesn¡¯t know how to fetch things, let alone know what an outer robe is.¡±


    Yuan Qingling just smiled without replying.


    After a while, Fubao came running back happily with the Retired Emperor''s outer robe in its mouth. The robe dragged on the ground, but Fubao was agile and didn''t step on it. It dragged the robe all the way here. Fortunately the hall was clean without dust.


    The Retired Emperor widened his eyes in surprise, ¡°It really understands human speech?¡±


    Eunuch Chang waspletely dumbfounded, ¡°How is this possible?¡±


    Yuan Qingling smiled knowingly, held out her hand to Fubao and said, "Paw!"


    Fubao sat down obediently and ced its paw in Yuan Qingling''s hand, sticking out its tongue and smiling.


    A dog''s smile is instantly healing. This smile made the Retired Emperor''s heart flutter.


    "The other paw!" Yuan Qingling said.


    Fubao hurriedly put down the first paw and ced the other paw in her palm.


    "Good boy!" Yuan Qingling smiled and stroked its head. Fubao was so happy that it spun around her.


    "Fubao,e here!" the Retired Emperor called.


    Fubao ran over in a sh, jumped up and sat on the Retired Emperor''sp. The Retired Emperor hugged it and said, "Oh, I didn''t expect you to be so smart and able to serve people, how remarkable."


    The Qian Kun Pce was filled withughter and joy, which could be heard from far away.


    Every detail in the Qian Kun Pce was reported to Emperor Ming Yuan¡¯s ears.


    ¡°The Consort was ying with Fubao, and Fubao was obedient, the Retired Emperor was so happy.¡±


    ¡°The Consort said she would take the Retired Emperor for a walk, and he agreed.¡±


    Hearing these reports, Emperor Ming Yuan''s frown rxed more and more. The Retired Emperor hadn¡¯t been willing to leave the Qian Kun Pce for a long time, and now he was willing to go out, this was so great.


    It seems the old man is very satisfied with this grandson''s wife.


    The fifth prince got a treasure by a fluke.


    The sunshine was bright.


    The Retired Emperor reached out to block the sunlight, sighing, "The human world is still very beautiful."


    Yuan Qingling smiled and said, "You should go out more often, the human body is like a machine, if it doesn''t move, the parts will age."


    Hearing this, the Retired Emperor looked thoughtful, "I''ve heard this saying before."


    When Yuan Qingling said this, she was a little absent-minded. Realizing after speaking that she couldn''t take it back.


    Just as she was annoyed with herself, hearing the Retired Emperor''s words, she was startled, "The Retired Emperor has heard this before?"


    "Who said that?" The Retired Emperor looked back at Eunuch Chang.


    Eunuch Chang shook his head, "I haven''t heard it before."


    "How could you not have heard it? It sounds so familiar." The Retired Emperor scolded, "Your memory is too poor."


    "This old ve is getting old, memory is failing." Eunuch Chang sighed.


    "Retired Emperor, try to think, who exactly said this?" Yuan Qingling urged.


    The Retired Emperor stopped and racked his brains, "Oh, I remember, Duke Xiaoyao said it."


    "Duke Xiaoyao?" Yuan Qingling had no information about this person in her mind at all.


    "You don''t know Duke Xiaoyao, you¡¯re old and forgetful." The Retired Emperor looked a little absent-minded, as if recalling something from the distant past, "He is a few years older than me. I heard long ago that he was often ill, I wonder how he is nowadays?"


    "Don¡¯t worry, Retired Emperor, Duke Xiaoyao is still well." Eunuch Chang said.


    Yuan Qingling was eager to find out who this Duke Xiaoyao was, and asked, "Where does this Duke Xiaoyao live? Where is he from?"


    "He lives in the capital, also a resident of the capital city. During the Retired Emperor''s reign, he was the Prime Minister, butter retired due to illness. After retiring, it¡¯s been many years." Eunuch Chang said.


    Yuan Qingling made a mental note that if there was a chance, she must pay a visit to this Duke Xiaoyao.


    Today the sunshine was good, and many pcedies came out for a walk. Even Consort Xian couldn''t sit still, and went out to bask in the sun with her attendants.


    The garden was filled with the fragrance of blooming osmanthus flowers, attracting the Empress out as well. She sat in the pavilion chatting with Noble Consort Di and Consort Xian.


    Noble Consort Di''s father was the Grand General Di Weiming. She had one son and one daughter. Her son was the Fourth Prince Yu Wenan.


    As a consort with royal lineage, Noble Consort Di was from a prominent military family. She never got involved in pce disputes.


    Sitting with the Empress, her dignified and magnanimous temperament made her somewhat resemble the Empress.


    However, Noble Consort Di rarely conversed with the Empress or even Consort Xian. She was a decisive person who generally had no interest in female topics. She happened to be sitting in the pavilion first today, then Consort Xian came over, followed by the Empress. She couldn''t just leave immediately.


    ncing around boredly, she suddenly fixed her eyes and eximed in surprise, "Isn''t that the Retired Emperor? How did hee out today?"


    Following her gaze, the Empress and Consort Xian also saw the Retired Emperor walking by theke.


    "The one supporting the Retired Emperor doesn''t look like a pce maid." Noble Consort Di said.


    They were too far away to see the face clearly. Consort Xian squinted but still couldn''t see clearly.


    The Empress recognized her and said lightly, "It''s the Consort of Prince Chu."


    Consort Xian was taken aback, "It''s her?"


    The Empress gave Consort Xian a cold smile, "Consort Xian can''t even recognize her own daughter-inw?"


    Hearing the sarcasm in her words, Consort Xian smiled lightly, "This lowly concubine has always had poor eyesight, not as perceptive as the Empress."


    Here we go again! Noble Consort Di rolled her eyes. She hated women making snide remarks when talking to each other. Why not just say it directly?


    She stood up, "Let me go pay my respects to the Retired Emperor."

 Chapter 86: This Woman is so Mean.

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    When Consort Gui passed on her greetings, Empress and Consort Xian also had no reason to sit here, so they stood up together.


    Yuan Qingling supported Retired Emperor by theke and walked a few steps. Feeling a little tired, he sat down on a wooden chair by theke. Yuan Qingling tied his outer robe for him neatly. The weather today was neither cold nor hot, but certainly not hot either.


    "Come on, do you have to be so meticulous?" Retired Emperor said impatiently.


    "I must. You''ve walked quite a distance out here. If you get hot, you can''t blow cold winds," Yuan Qingling said.


    "At such a young age, you''re already so nagging," Retired Emperor lifted his neck to let Yuan Qingling''s hands work. As he raised his head, he saw Empress and the othersing over.


    Retired Emperor''s eyebrows drooped down. "How boring."


    Yuan Qingling looked back and immediately stood upright with her hands by her sides, thinking to herself: How boring.


    One Empress, one Consort Gui, and one Consort Xian - three of them came over, naturally followed by many pce maids. Thisrge group of people came over mightily, making it feel instantly crowded in the Imperial Garden.


    Yuan Qingling went forward properly to greet them, "Greetings to Empress, greetings to Consort Gui, greetings to Consort Xian."


    She made a mistake in the greetings. ording to protocol, she should have addressed Empress as Mother Empress, Consort Gui as Di Consort Mother, and Consort Xian as Mother Consort.


    However, with Retired Emperor present, no one bothered to correct her. They came forward together, curtsied, "Your servant greets Retired Emperor."


    Retired Emperor was in a gentle mood today. He smiled slightly, "You''re all here."


    Empress stepped forward respectfully and replied, "In response to Retired Emperor, the weather is good today, so my sisters have alle out. I hope Retired Emperor is well?"


    "I''m good. If I wasn''t, could I be out walking?" Retired Emperor said spiritedly.


    "As long as Retired Emperor is well, it is a blessing for Northern Tang. Isn''t that right, Princess of Chu?" Consort Xian said with a smile.


    Yuan Qingling was distracted - uniform? What uniform?


    She responded, "Yes, wearing uniforms."


    Consort Xian''s expression immediately darkened halfway. "Is the Princess tired?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "Not tired, thank you for your concern, Consort Xian."


    Consort Xian was about to be angered to death by her.


    Consort Gui looked over Yuan Qingling. Lately, this Princess of Chu has been in favor. Although she didn''t interact with the other consorts in the pce, there were never any secrets in the pce. News would spread all over within a few days.


    This Princess of Chu was the first consort to enter the pce to care for an ill person. Her reputation wasn''t good in the past, but seeing her now standing quietly and demurely next to Retired Emperor, and neither arrogant nor submissive to Empress and Consort Xian, she seemed to be a transparent person.


    It appears that rumors cannot be fully trusted.


    Empress was also looking at Yuan Qingling. After the Nan Zhu incident, she held hostility towards Yuan Qingling, but never really paid attention to her. But seeing Yuan Qingling apany Retired Emperor out for a stroll today, and even support Retired Emperor, she had to start paying more attention now.


    Consort Xian had the mostplex feelings.


    She still disliked Yuan Qingling, and even hoped that King Chu would be ruthless enough to discard her. She wanted to get on good terms with the Chu family, and it seemed that things were already halfway sessful, but was put on hold by Yuan Qingling''s disagreement.


    The chain of events led to her deeply hating Yuan Qingling.


    But seeing her gain favor with Retired Emperor now, and Retired Emperor having the final say in choosing the Crown Prince...


    Consort Xian decided to observe first, and temporarily put aside her intentions against Yuan Qingling.


    Retired Emperor calmly said, "I''m tired, let''s head back."


    Yuan Qingling responded and reached out to support him, "Let''s go then."


    "Sending off Retired Emperor respectfully!" The three of them curtsied to see him off.


    It was after sending Retired Emperor back to the pce that Tangyang came to report it was time to return to the manor.


    The carriage ride back to the manor was silent. Yuan Qingling didn''t make a sound or look at Yuwen Hao. She just thought back to the scene in the Imperial Garden.


    She could sense the subtle changes in Consort Xian''s mood. For now, Consort Xian and her maiden family wouldn''t have any ideas or actions against her, due to the favor shown by the Emperor and Retired Emperor towards her.


    But that didn''t mean her situation had improved. The Chu family or Chu Mingcui would certainly be more wary of her because of this.


    In addition, with Yuwen Hao taking on the role of Prefect of Jingzhao, it was like throwing a pebble into the calmke, immediately stirring up the waters.


    It wasmonly known that Emperor Ming Yuan was cold towards King Chu, so he would absolutely not entrust him with important responsibilities.


    Therefore, some would guess that this was on Retired Emperor''s wishes.


    And the person getting along most happily with Retired Emperor recently was her, the Princess of Chu. Speaking a few words for King Chu in front of Retired Emperor would make King Chu go from a thorn in the Emperor''s eye to being in favor.


    What if King Chu had ambitions for the Crown Prince''s position?


    Yuan Qingling shuddered as she recalled the one time Yuwen Hao was assassinated.


    "Scratch my back for me!" Yuwen Hao''s slightly irritable voice came from beside her.


    He vigorously rubbed his back against the cushion, his swollen face indiscernible. He couldn''t even open his eyes.


    Yuan Qingling said, "Your hands can reach."


    Yuwen Hao shakily stretched out his hands, pitifully trying hard to open his eyes to look at her. Although it was just a slit, Yuan Qingling''sughing face was still captured in his vision.


    His hands were as swollen as pig''s trotters. Wherever was uncovered, he had been stung by wasps.


    He really looked miserable from the injuries.


    Although Yuan Qingling felt this guy was a bully, his current appearance was quite pitiful.


    She scratched him through his clothes. "Here?"


    She didn''t have long nails and couldn''t get to the itch through his clothes. The light strokes up and down even made him feel more itchy.


    "No, put your hand directly inside, through the cor!" Yuwen Hao said, writhing.


    Yuan Qingling half knelt up and pulled open his cor to put her hand inside.


    "Here?"


    "A bit lower."


    "The left chicken wing?"


    "You''re the chicken wing. Below the shoulder de." He tried hard to re angrily, but to little effect.


    "Where is it?"


    "You''re so stupid," he said angrily. "It''s the left chicken wing."


    Yuan Qinglingughed. She actually knew where it was, because his back kept amodating the movement of her fingers when she put her hand inside.


    "What an arrogant rooster." Yuan Qinglingughed and said.


    "Shut up!" Yuwen Hao effortlessly closed his eyes, feelingforted deep in his heart by her scratching. He would forgive her shamelessness for now.


    Although he wouldn''t forgive her, he had no way to deal with her either.


    "Harder, lower down." Yuwen Hao murmured.


    Yuan Qingling leaned her body forward, stretching her hand down with her chest nearly entirely pressed against his face.


    Yuwen Hao''s face was originally hot, painful, and sore. Suddenly colliding with softness, he instantly felt the soreness and pain recede quite a bit.


    This woman was too insidious. Even at this time, she didn''t forget to seduce him.


    But feeling her scratching pleasurably, he would let it slide for now.


    But was there cotton stuffed in her chest? Why was it so soft andfortable?


    It was sofortable that he couldn''t help turning his face, burying it deeply inside.

 Chapter 87: Not Heartless

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    Yuwen Hao jerked his hand back forcefully and pushed Yuan Qingling away. "What are you doing?"


    Yuan Qingling stared at him in confusion. "What do you mean what am I doing?"


    "Your face!" Yuan Qingling used. She didn''t expect he would be so improper.


    He snorted. "You were the one who leaned in. I was just trying to turn my head away to avoid offending you."


    "So it''s my fault now?"


    "How could it be my fault? Did I grab you and make you lean in?"


    He sat up straight and said coldly, "What''s the big deal? It''s not like I haven''t seen it before. Besides, you''ve already seen everything of mine, and I wasn''t upset about it."


    Yuan Qingling didn''t know whether tough or cry. "I was treating your wounds."


    "Who asked you to meddle?"


    "If I had known, I wouldn''t have helped you. Then you could be incapable in the future, never able to have children." Yuan Qingling felt her temper ring more and more. The main reason was that he was going too far.


    "You''re my royal consort. If I can''t have children, neither can you."


    "I''m going to stop serving you in the future," Yuan Qingling narrowed her eyes. "We had an agreement."


    "Before thinking about that, you should carefully consider your promise to the Emperor, that you would give him a grandchild within a year." His words were frosty.


    Yuan Qingling casually said, "A year has too many variables. Thinking about it now would be pointless."


    Yuwen Hao didn''t respond, but he felt an inexplicable resentment.


    Both because of her casual attitude, and the word "variables."


    The two didn''t speak again for the rest of the trip, and they sat apart from each other, mutually disgusted.


    When they returned to the manor, Yuan Qingling went straight to the Feng Yi Pavilion.


    In the yard, Yuan Qingping was eating red bean soup made by her nanny. Seeing her sister return, she knitted her brows and asked, "Why are you onlying back now?"


    "Some things held me up." Yuan Qingling sat down and leaned over to take a look. The red bean soup seemed quite good. "Nanny, bring me a bowl too."


    "What things held you up?" Yuan Qingping asked.


    "Trivial matters." Seeing that she was still staring, seemingly concerned, Yuan Qingling was slightly taken aback. This younger sister didn''t seem to dislike her.


    "Can''t you be a little smarter?" Yuan Qingping said in frustration.


    "Really, it''s nothing."


    Yuan Qingping didn''t believe her at all. But this wasn''t something she could pry about either.


    She said indifferently, "Second Lady instructed me to subtly ask about the true nature of your rtionship with the Prince."


    "Oh." Yuan Qingling responded absentmindedly.


    After a few spoonfuls, Yuan Qingping pushed her bowl aside, seemingly angry. "Why are you so indifferent? They''re probing about you for a reason. How can you be so muddle-headed?"


    Seeing her suddenly upset face, Yuan Qingling smiled. "What reason?"


    "How would I know? It must be to help Father''s official career. If you can''t assist Father, the consequences will definitely be severe. I can tell your rtionship with the Prince isn''t genuinely good either."


    Yuan Qingling pondered, "You have keen insight."


    Yuan Qingping said impatiently, "What keen insight? These years, everyone knows what Father has been working towards tirelessly. I''m not stupid."


    "That''s his business. Don''t get involved."


    Yuan Qingping gave a coldugh. "I don''t want to get involved. But what choice do I have when he''s already arranged my marriage to further his future prospects?"


    "Your marriage is already arranged? I didn''t know," Yuan Qingling said in surprise. She had juste of age, how could they arrange it so hastily?


    "My birth date and eight characters have already been sent out."


    "To whom?"


    Yuan Qingping said coldly, "Chu Dayou."


    "Who is Chu Dayou?"


    The nanny said lightly, "The nephew of the Chief Minister Chu. He''s already over thirty years old and his previous three wives have passed away."


    "You''re only fifteen. Marrying a man in his thirties to be a concubine, how can this be allowed?" Yuan Qingling was furious upon hearing this. Jing Hou must be insane to ruin his own daughter this way.


    "Father said I should consider myself lucky to be marrying up. Despite being only in his thirties, he''s already been bestowed the title Marquis of Huiding, his status is prestigious."


    "So what?"


    "Nothing can be done except obey," Yuan Qingping''s tone was still frosty. Just over fifteen, she had seen through much already. She had no right to object to her own marriage arrangements.


    Yuan Qingling asked the nanny, "What''s this Marquis of Huiding''s personality like?"


    The nanny replied, "The Princess Consort can ask the Prince. Since fifteen, the Prince has been in battles under the Marquis of Huiding. It was only at twenty that the Prince started leading armies himself."


    Yuan Qingling looked at Yuan Qingping''s ashenplexion. "You must have already inquired about him?"


    Yuan Qingping''s face was pale. "I did. He has a violent temper."


    The two words "violent temper" were likely just a broad generalization.


    Yuan Qingling suddenly understood why she wanted to stay here instead of going home. She needed a respite to catch her breath.


    Fifteen years old, just a middle schooler.


    For the sake of his own prospects, Jing Hou really had no limits.


    Yuan Qingping looked at her sharply. "I used to resent you. If you had gained the Prince''s affection and helped Father gain power, perhaps I wouldn''t have to marry the Marquis of Huiding. But I know it''s too selfish of me to think that way."


    Seeing her indignant yet conflicted expression, Yuan Qingling said with difficulty, "I don''t have the right to intervene in your marriage arrangements."


    "You don''t, but if you were favored, you could ask the Prince to intervene. He''s the Prince of Chu. As long as he says the Marquis of Huiding is unsuitable, Father will listen. But you can''t persuade the Prince, can you?" Yuan Qingping stared at her as she spoke.


    Yuan Qingling just stayed silent. Could she persuade him? She wasn''t certain. She also couldn''t casually make Yuan Qingping a promise, in case it didn''t work out and disappointed her.


    "You can''t, right?" Yuan Qingping gave a coldugh and wiped her tears with one hand. "I know it''s futile to ask this of you when you can barely protect yourself, let alone me."


    Yuan Qingling said with difficulty, "I don''t have the right to intervene in your marriage."


    "You don''t, but the Prince does. If you were favored, you could have asked the Prince to intervene. He''s the Prince of Chu - as long as he says the Marquis of Huiding is unsuitable, Father will listen. But you can''t persuade the Prince, can you?" Yuan Qingping stared at her as she spoke.


    Yuan Qingling remained silent. Could she persuade him? She wasn''t certain. Nor could she casually make Yuan Qingping a promise, in case it didn''t work out and disappointed her.


    "You can''t, right?" Yuan Qingping gave a coldugh and wiped her tears with one hand. "I know it''s futile to ask this of you when you can barely protect yourself, let alone me."


    Yuan Qingling still didn''t speak. In this era, marriage arrangements were at the discretion of parents and matchmakers. As the controversial eldest sister, what right did she have to interfere?


    Perhaps she should broach the topic with Yuwen Hao and ask him.

 Chapter 88: No Fuss

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    Yuan Qingling thought that asking that scumbag would make her feel reluctant. He definitely wouldn''t be so willing to help. Moreover, even if he was willing, Jing Hou might not necessarily listen to him. Yuan Qingping was thinking too simply.


    However, if he was willing to help, he surely had his ways.


    "Go back to your room and rest first. We''ll discuss this matter in the long run," Yuan Qingling said.


    Yuan Qingping felt extremely upset inside.


    She actually hadn''t expected anything from Yuan Qingling at all. Coming to stay at the Prince''s residence was indeed only to avoid things for a while. Today when she came out of the pce, she asked with a trying mentality. Only after asking did she inevitably have a glimmer of hope inside.


    But she had said such a thing - discuss in the long run? That was just an excuse to stall.


    She had never had a brain her whole life. She had even gone along entirely with her father''s words regarding the King of Chu''s matter, solely relying on a persistence. Yet she hadn''t thought that forcing a melon to ripen early would not make it sweet. Even if the King of Chu married her, how could he have a good expression?


    Her father had relentlessly made this choice, taking a risk and trying it out. It was sacrificing one daughter if it didn''t work out.


    But she shouldn''t have done this. That was her lifelong happiness.


    Feeling mncholy, what was left for Yuan Qingling was only resentment and grievance.


    Yuan Qingling asked her wet nurse, "What does the Prince like to eat the most?"


    "Peri duck." Her wet nurse looked at her - was she really going to plead for Yuan Qingping?


    "Teach me!" Yuan Qingling said.


    Her wet nurse hesitated and said, "Your Highness, you''d best not get involved in this matter. The Prince might not listen to you either. And even if the Prince agrees, him intervening in your sister''s marriage would be equivalent to giving your father great hope. Your father..."


    "Will pester endlessly?" Yuan Qingling continued her unsaid words.


    "I didn''t mean that," her wet nurse awkwardly said.


    Yuan Qingling said, "He can''t bother the Prince." She knew how to reject someone, especially the shameless type.


    "Does Your Highness really want to do this? It may not work," her wet nurse felt it was inappropriate.


    "As sisters, I''ll try my best. At leastter I can look back without guilt," Yuan Qingling said.


    Xi Mama indifferently said, "Let her try. After all, it''s her sister''s lifelong matter."


    Hearing Xi Mama say this as well, her wet nurse could only say, "Then fine. This peri duck is the Prince''s favorite. If paired with good Fen wine, the Prince will be even happier."


    "Okay, I''ll have a drink with the Prince tonight," Yuan Qingling casually said.


    "Don''t!" Both wet nurses immediately voiced their objections.


    Yuan Qingling awkwardlyughed. "Underestimating me."


    Yuan Qingling had decided to learn how to drink alcohol. Living here, not being able to drink was very disadvantageous, especially since people now knew she couldn''t touch alcohol. If someone tried to harm her by forcibly pouring her a cup, who knew what she would do.


    Little life oh!


    Peri duck, premium Fen wine, Yuan Qingling carried the tray, smiling as she appeared at the door of Xiao Yue Pavilion.


    "Yo, why is it Her Highness the Consort personally delivering food today?" Tang Yang quickly reached out to take it.


    Yuan Qingling peeked inside. "No need, I''ll do it myself. Waiting upon the Prince is my duty."


    Inside, Yuwen Hao was lying down. Hearing Yuan Qingling''s voice, he weakly spat out a word, "Scram!"


    Yuan Qingling pretended not to hear and walked over solicitously asking, "Is the Prince feeling a bit better?"


    "Are you blind? Can''t see for yourself?" Yuwen Hao turned his back to her.


    "It looks less swollen," Yuan Qingling smiled and praised. "It must be said, the Prince''s appearance is truly outstanding. Even swollen like this, you still look handsome and extraordinary."


    "If you have fart, release it and get lost after," Yuwen Hao felt a bit feverish. His whole body was powerless. This wasp''s poison was more toxic than Yuan Qingling.


    "Do you want to disgust me to death?" Yuwen Hao turned around, struggling to open a slit in his eyes. Seeing Yuan Qingling''s fawning and obsequious expression, he said, "One chance. Speak or scram. Won''t say, then scram."


    "Have a drink..." Seeing his face, Yuan Qingling thought, really ugly. "Forget it. Your face is badly swollen now. You can''t drink. Eat. This is the first time I''ve made peri duck. The smell is so fragrant. Rest assured, I guarantee there''s no ulterior motive. I just feel that it''s not a solution for us to keep arguing like this. After all, we still have to live this life going forward, right? Harmony is precious."


    These words were said very sincerely, extremely good at reconciling. Yuwen Hao listened and quite enjoyed hearing them.


    He also felt constantly arguing was annoying, even more annoying than when he had previously ignored her.


    Moreover, she didn''t seem so annoying now. He really shouldn''t be so harsh.


    Thinking this, he sat up. "You know how to make peri duck?"


    "Your wet nurse taught me. Smell that peri fragrance. Don''t you really want to eat it?" Yuan Qingling reached out to support him.


    Yuwen Hao let her support him to walk over. In the slit of his eyes, he could see the duck had been cut open, then neatly arranged ording to the original shape on the white porcin te. There was also a flower ced on the duck. The presentation was very beautiful.


    The duck had just been cooked and was piping hot, giving off an aroma that stimted gastric acid secretion. Yuwen Hao''s index finger twitched. He sat down and started eating.


    "How is it?" Yuan Qingling asked smilingly.


    Yuwen Hao nced at her indifferently. "Pour wine."


    "Can''t drink."


    "Why did you bring wine if you can''t drink?"


    "Forgot you''re injured."


    "Clearly you''re heartless and don''t care about me at all," Yuwen Hao severely reprimanded.


    Yuan Qingling''s attitude of admitting fault was very good. "It''s my mistake. I''ll reflect and definitely pay attention in the future."


    She diligently used her chopsticks to pick up a piece of duck breast for him. "Come, eat quickly."


    Yuwen Hao ate another three pieces then put down his chopsticks. "Not eating anymore."


    Yuan Qingling was startled. "Not eating? Doesn''t taste good?"


    He indifferently said, "No matter how good something tastes, you can''t eat too much. Moderation is needed."


    Yuan Qingling was a bit surprised. It was just a dish. If you want to eat more, just eat a few more bites. Why was moderation needed?


    Moreover, he was always so aloof. For a duck dish, he was willing to reconcile with her. Clearly he really liked eating it.


    Likes it but is moderate - that''s a military style after all.


    Since he only ate a few bites, Yuan Qingling really felt embarrassed to bring up Yuan Qingping''s matter.


    However, Yuwen Hao saw through her thoughts. He dabbed the corners of his mouth, adjusted his swollen face, and indifferently said, "Speak. What''s the matter?"


    Yuan Qingling awkwardly smiled. "You can tell?"


    "No free lunch! I don''t know you?" Yuwen Hao unhappily said. "I don''t know you yet?"

 Chapter 89: Women Can’t be Trusted.

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    Since this was the case, Yuan Qingling did not stand on ceremony and sat down, going straight to the point, "I''d like to ask Your Highness about two people."


    Yuan Qingling felt that when asking for favors, one should start small and work up to bigger requests, rather than make difficult demands right away.


    "Who are they?" Yuwen Hao did not show any distaste.


    "Duke Xiaoyao."


    Yuwen Hao''s expression changed slightly. "Why are you asking about him?"


    "I heard His Majesty mention him before and got a little curious, that''s all."


    "I know nothing about him, no need to ask." Yuwen Hao''s face was dark as he spoke.


    Yuan Qingling was puzzled. Wasn''t Duke Xiaoyao the previous Prime Minister? How could he know nothing?


    From the corner of her eye she saw Tang Yang making faces at her, so she knew Duke Xiaoyao must have some resentment towards Yuwen Hao. She then said, "Nevermind then, let me ask about the second person, Marquis of Huiding, Chu Dayou."


    Yuwen Hao visibly struggled to knit his swollen eyebrows, making them appear slick and shiny. "Him?"


    "What is this man''s character like?" From his expression, Yuan Qingling knew there would be no good answer.


    "One word: Vile!" Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling suppressed the urge to correct him that vile was two words. In her heart she was shocked, knowing that Yuwen Hao would not casually nder someone. His mouth was only vicious to her.


    However, to describe Marquis of Huiding with just the word vile showed what a scumbag he truly was.


    "I''d like to hear the details," Yuan Qingling quickly said.


    "Why are you asking about him?" Yuwen Hao questioned.


    Yuan Qingling hesitated for a moment before replying, "My father wants to marry my younger sister to him."


    Yuwen Hao was stunned, then coldly said, "Then be prepared to collect your sister''s corpse."


    Yuan Qingling was badly frightened. "Is it that serious?"


    Tang Yang chimed in, "Your Highness, he has married three wives, and they all died."


    "How did they die?"


    "The official story is they died suddenly of illness, though the Imperial Astronomers say it''s because he was too abusive and his wives did notst. But his abuse was all for the sake of the court and the country, so of course His Majesty cherishes him even more."


    "Maybe they really did die of illness?" Yuan Qingling asked hopefully, still trying to be optimistic.


    Yuwen Hao calmly replied, "If you believe that, then by all means let your sister marry over. See if she also conveniently dies of illness in the end."


    Yuan Qingling was badly shaken. After all, it was a human life. Even if not her own sister, she could not disregard it.


    "Do you know the inside story?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Tang Yang looked at Yuwen Hao, who nodded. "Tell her."


    Tang Yang continued, "This Marquis of Huiding has a penchant for abusing women. The women who have died by his hands are not limited to those three wives. The pce maids, vige girls from the outskirts of the capital, at least over ten, not counting the military prostitutes during campaigns, and girls from nearby viges brought in.


    Yuan Qingling was livid upon hearing this, mming the table as she stood up. "And no one has done anything about this?"


    "Who would? Without a intiff, who can do anything? These matters cannot be reported to the yamen. He handled them privately. Those who could be cated with money were given money. Those unwilling to take money who tried to report him were intimidated by his power into moving away or forced tomit suicide by poisoning."


    "Didn''t Your Highness know about this? Why didn''t you do something?" Yuan Qingling looked at Yuwen Hao and asked. Her whole body shook with anger. How could such an evil person exist without punishment?


    "This King has shed with him on numerous asions," Tang Yang said. "Later, I even reported the matter to His Majesty, but the investigation ordered by His Majesty found nothing. This King was instead berated by His Majesty for ndering the Field Marshal."


    Yuan Qingling was shocked. "So you''re saying he has killed so many women, yet has managed to smooth it all over?"


    "Except for one person. She was the father of his third wife, the Prefect of Lu Prefecture. He happened to be in the capital when his daughter died. Seeing his daughter''s corpse covered in horrific wounds, and her belly carrying a miscarried child from his abuse, the Prefect naturally would not let the matter rest and demanded an investigation..."


    "What happened in the end?" Seeing him suddenly stop speaking, Yuan Qingling urgently asked.


    Tang Yang sighed. "The investigation was unsessful. The Prefect went mad."


    Yuan Qingling''s whole body trembled violently. Fury coursed through every pore. She felt like her hair was standing on end. "Is there no one who can deal with him?"


    Yuwen Hao lightly said, "Though someone did give him a severe beating once."


    "Who was it? Good for them," Yuan Qingling gritted her teeth. "Why didn''t they just beat him to death?"


    "Duke Xiaoyao!" Yuwen Hao looked at her as he spoke.


    "Duke Xiaoyao?" Yuan Qingling was surprised. At his advanced age, he could still beat someone? Impressive! She must pay Duke Xiaoyao a visit.


    Tang Yang said, "After Marquis of Huiding''s third wife died, he wanted to marry Duke Xiaoyao''s grandniece. He even asked Premier Chu to act as matchmaker. The marriage was going to happen, but when Duke Xiaoyao found out, he took his dragon-headed cane and gave him a fierce beating, leaving him bedridden for three days. Clearly he was ruthless."


    "A dragon-headed cane? Sounds very formidable." Yuan Qingling was eager to meet this hero Duke Xiaoyao right away. She held him in utmost esteem.


    "Of course. His Majesty bestowed this dragon-headed cane to him. It can knock out rulers..."


    Yuan Qingling couldn''t help chiming in, "And punish corrupt officials."


    Tang Yang was stunned. "Does the Consort know about this?"


    Modern people all know about it, what''s the big deal?


    Yuan Qingling''s blood boiled with excitement. "If Duke Xiaoyao can keep Marquis of Huiding in check, I may ask him for help."


    Yuwen Hao''s swollen face immediately turned pitch ck. "Seeking him out? I forbid it!"


    "Why do you dislike him so?" Yuan Qingling asked. How could he arbitrarily dislike such a great hero?


    "I forbid it, that''s final!" Yuwen Hao stood up and coldly stated, "If you dare go, this King will break your legs."


    "We have an agreement that you cannot harm me," Yuan Qingling rationally argued.


    Yuwen Hao snorted. "This King does not need to do it himself."


    Yuan Qingling was stunned for a moment, having forgotten he had many subordinates. But whether he did it himself or not, the meaning was the same. He could not use force against her.


    "If I don''t go to Duke Xiaoyao, do you have another solution?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "Why should this King help your sister?"


    "She''s your aunt-inw."


    "Didn''t you say you''ll divorce me sooner orter? Don''t forget your firm words." Yuwen Hao felt he had finally let out his frustration. This woman was terribly slick, always going on about divorcing him, as if he didn''t dare do it.


    Yuan Qingling solemnly said, "Your Highness, a woman''s words cannot be trusted."


    "So," Yuwen Hao tried to narrow his eyes but found that narrowing them meant closing them. He was even more irritated. "When you said you cannot be harmed, that is also untrustworthy?"


    Yuan Qingling was amazed to discover that verbal sparring was a skill that could be honed. Yuwen Hao''s reactions were quicker than before.


    She may have wasted a duck, and wasted time and effort in turning him into a duck.

 Chapter 90: Don’t Dream

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    Yuan Qingling racked her brains, what exactly was Yuwen Hao''s weakness?


    Yes, Chu Mingcui, but she was also his inverse scale. Grasping his weakness while touching his inverse scale would have serious consequences.


    "Forget it, I''ll find another way. If nothing works, I''ll meet this Marquis of Huiding myself." Yuan Qingling left the table angrily.


    Yuwen Hao scoffed. She would personally meet the Marquis of Huiding? She didn''t have the guts. He wouldn''t even consider her worthy to tie his shoes.


    It wasn''t because he looked down on people. It was just that no one from the Marquis Jing Manor dared to provoke anyone from the Chu family.


    Yuan Qingling was a woman of action. The next day, she asked Lv Ya to deliver a visit card to the Marquis of Huiding. However, the Marquis clearly didn''t take the visiting queen from the Marquis Jing Manor seriously. He directly rejected it, saying the Marquis of Huiding was not in the manor these past two days.


    When Lv Ya returned to the manor, she was very angry. In front of Yuan Qingling, she said, "The Marquis of Huiding is too disrespectful to you. He was clearly in the manor. I saw the gatekeeper go to report to him when he was in the corridor."


    "Lv Ya, don''t say too much!" Her wet nurse scolded.


    Yuan Qingling said indifferently, "He is a popr young marquis. It is normal for him to put on airs or look down on me."


    "He didn''t even look at the Prince in the eye."


    "Of course, the Prince used to be under hismand." Who would look at their former subordinate in the eye? Especially one who had offended him before.


    Yuan Qingling was at a loss.


    Under normal circumstances, if the Marquis of Huiding respected the Marquis Jing Manor, he would at least meet his future sister-inw. However, his outright rejection indicated that he did not actually respect the Marquis Jing Manor.


    In other words, this marriage was unequal.


    "Your Majesty, why don''t you ask Marquis Jing for help?" Lv Ya said.


    "Asking him would be useless than asking the Jade Emperor!" Yuan Qingling said coldly.


    "Then let''s ask the Jade Emperor for help." Lv Ya thought Yuan Qingling was serious. When one was helpless, one could only pray to the gods.


    After thinking for a moment, Yuan Qingling said, "Help me get ready, I''m going back home for a bit."


    "Didn''t you say it was useless to ask the Marquis?" Her wet nurse asked.


    "For big events like marriage, parents make the decisions. Father is already unconscious. I hope Mother can think for her own daughter. Her persuasion would be better than mine." Although Yuan Qingling said this, she felt a little blindly optimistic.


    The facts also proved her thoughts right.


    Mrs. Huang''s mind waspletely brainwashed by Yuan Balong.


    When Mrs. Huang heard Yuan Qingling''s opposition to this marriage, she even flew into a rage and pointed at Yuan Qingling, yelling, "What''s wrong with you? Your sister has a rare opportunity to marry into a marquis manor. Instead of being happy for her, you oppose this marriage?"


    Looking at the hideous face in front of her, did she even look like a mother?


    "Mother, you know the Marquis of Huiding''s Third Madam died, right?" Yuan Qingling felt there was still room for salvation. As a mother, she wouldn''t just watch her daughter walk to her death. As a woman from a distinguished family, maybe she didn''t know what kind of person the Marquis of Huiding was.


    Mrs. Huang red with wide eyes. "So what? It was Third Madam''s fate to die early. Who can be med? me her shallow fortune for not being able to enjoy such wealth and status. As the marquis''s madam, she doesn''t need to worry for the rest of her life."


    "Mother was also a marquis''s madam." Yuan Qingling said indifferently.


    Mrs. Huang ground her teeth. A string of angry words spewed out, "How can the Marquis Jing Manorpare to the Marquis of Huiding Manor? The Marquis of Huiding''s surname is Chu, and he is currently a hot military general. Even the Emperor values him greatly. I''m warning you, don''t try to ruin your sister''s marriage. Otherwise, I won''t let you off easily. I haven''t scolded you yet. Your father worked hard to arrange a marriage for you into the Prince''s manor. What have you done for the family after marrying into the Prince''s manor? You''re just a debt collector, unable to aplish anything. No wonder your father is angry with you."


    Her words were the same as Yuan Balong''s - birds of a feather flock together.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t want to waste time with her. "I''m leaving."


    "Stand there!" Mrs. Huang yelled. "Don''t think I don''t know you want to ask your grandmother for help. I''m warning you, the Second Madam doesn''t like people disturbing your grandmother. You''d better not go. It would be futile anyway."


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "Thanks for the reminder. I wouldn''t have remembered I could ask Grandmother for help if not for you."


    But what did she mean by the Second Madam not liking people disturbing Grandmother? She was the granddaughter. Visiting her critically ill grandmother was perfectly normal.


    Mrs. Huang was so angry she felt dizzy. "You''re going to anger me to death. None of you ever learns or behaves."


    Yuan Qingling ignored her and walked straight out.


    She almost bumped into someone as soon as she stepped out of the door.


    She quickly took a step back and saw a handsome young man in green schr robes standing in front of her. She blurted out, "Big Brother!"


    This was Yuan Qingling''s elder brother Yuan Lunwen. He was an imperial schr.


    He used to be the pride of the family, but after offending the Chu family with radical words, he was now an idle nobody in the Imperial Academy.


    "Clumsy." Yuan Lunwen said sternly.


    "I have something urgent. Excuse me." Yuan Qingling didn''t have a good impression of the Yuan family and was toozy to ponder what kind of person Yuan Lunwen was.


    Mrs. Huang''s scolding could be heard from inside. Yuan Lunwen grabbed Yuan Qingling''s arm, "What made Mother angry again?"


    "She just loves to get angry."


    "Don''t be rude!" Yuan Lunwen''s face hardened as he angrily scolded her.


    Yuan Qingling already had a stomach full of anger. Unable to vent it on Mrs. Huang, seeing Yuan Lunwen''s stern face made her anger surge up. "Rudeness is still better than heartlessness."


    "What heartlessness?" Yuan Lunwen said angrily.


    "Marrying one''s own daughter to an evil man like the Marquis of Huiding. Isn''t that heartless?" Yuan Qingling said coldly.


    "Who''s marrying the Marquis of Huiding?" Yuan Lunwen''s face changed drastically.


    Looking at him, Yuan Qingling said, "Big Brother doesn''t know? Father wants to marry my second sister to the Marquis of Huiding to establish ties with the Chu family."


    "Absurd!" Yuan Lunwen was furious, his handsome face turned pale.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t expect there would still be someone sensible in the Yuan family. She said, "Big Brother also opposes it right? Please advise Father properly. If my sister marries into that family, it will likely lead to her death."


    Without another word, Yuan Lunwen said, "You go find Grandmother, I''ll go find Father. This has to be stopped."


    After saying that, he hurried away.


    Watching his retreating figure, Yuan Qingling felt slightly relieved. At least someone was sensible.


    She went with Lv Ya towards Grandma''s courtyard, but before they arrived, they were stopped by Second Madam''s daughter-inw, Mrs. Luan, and her servants.


    Mrs. Luan looked at Yuan Qingling with a mocking smile. "Oh, the Princess is back!"


    "Sister-inw!" Seeing her sinister face, Yuan Qingling didn''t want to argue. "I''m going to visit Grandmother. Excuse me."


    "What''s the rush?" Mrs. Luan blocked her with one hand, lifting her mocking face. "Your grandmother is critically ill and shouldn''t see people. Princess, please go back."


    "Grandmother is critically ill. As her granddaughter, it''s perfectly normal for me to visit her. What right do you have to stop me?" Yuan Qingling asked coldly.


    "Visit her?" Mrs. Luan sneered. "I know what you''re up to. Don''t dream. Even if you begged Granny, it would be useless. Granny is useless now. Even the servants don''t listen to her, let alone the Marquis. Princess, just give up."


    Yuan Qingling suddenly realized that when the entire manor schemed for the same purpose, it was a very powerful and twisted force.

 Chapter 91: There’s No Reason to be Wrong.

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    The "solidarity" of Jinghou Mansion aroused the rebellious and violent aura in the depths of Yuan Qingling''s heart.


    "I''ll count to three, get out of the way!" Yuan Qingling stared coldly at Mrs. Luan.


    Mrs. Luan chuckled lightly, "I really can''t get out of the way, in case the Princess impulsively startles the Old Madam who is sick in bed."


    Counting to three, how childish.


    Yuan Qingling stared at her, "One..."


    With a push of both hands, Mrs. Luan stumbled and fell to the ground.


    "Sorry to offend you!" Yuan Qingling strode away quickly.


    "Oh, the Princess hit me, the Princess hit me!" Mrs. Luan cried out painfully and shrieked loudly on the ground, attracting the mansion''s servants toe and watch.


    Yuan Qingling stopped in her tracks, hesitated for a moment, then turned around and strode back.


    Mrs. Luan cried, "This is unjust! After all, I''m your aunt-inw. How could you hit me? Just because you''re the Princess you think you''re superior?"


    Yuan Qingling leaned down and sneered coldly, "Auntie, I advise you to shut your mouth tight. Even the two Madams didn''t dare stop me today, yet you insisted on sticking your head out as the ringleader."


    "What...what do you mean?" Mrs. Luan immediately stopped crying, and couldn''t squeeze out a single tear however hard she tried.


    "Usually when Ie home, I have to ask the Prince repeatedly for instructions. But now I can go wherever I want. What do you say?" Yuan Qingling said gloomily.


    Mrs. Luan was startled, "Don''t bluff me. The Prince doesn''t care about you at all. You were just putting on an act of a loving couple for us to see that day." It was precisely because they acted like a loving couple that day that it made people suspicious.


    "Even if it was an act, the Prince had to be willing to act with me."


    Mrs. Luan thought it was very likely. Yuan Qingling had been timid and cautious when she returned before, but this time she was very confident.


    She didn''t dare to make a sound, and could only watch Yuan Qingling stride away quickly.


    Yuan Qingling went to the Old Madam''s room. The Old Madam was indeed quite ill and was sleeping, but very restless, with a pale face.


    Granny Sun pulled Yuan Qingling out and whispered, "Don''t disturb her. She didn''t sleep all nightst night and coughed all night."


    "What about the medicine I gave? Didn''t you give it to Grandmother?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Granny Sun sighed, "It was thrown away."


    "Thrown away? Why was it thrown away?" Yuan Qingling was puzzled.


    "The Second Madam threw it away. She said she would take it to a doctor to see what kind of medicine it was. But after taking it away, she never brought it back." Granny Sun said angrily.


    "Why did she do that?" Yuan Qingling really didn''t understand. The medicine worked and she had told Granny Sun and Grandmother that it was medicine from the pce. Why did the Second Madam take it away to let a doctor examine the pce medicine?


    Granny Sun angrily said, "Why else? She was afraid the Old Madam would get better and seize power from her."


    Power, again power.


    Yuan Qingling hated that word to the bone.


    "Tomorrow I will have someone bring more medicine, but this time you have to hide it. Don''t let her take it away and throw it out." Yuan Qingling said.


    "This old servant understands. By the way, did the Princesse back this time for Second Miss''s marriage?" Granny Sun asked.


    "You know too? Does Grandmother know too?"


    Granny Sun shook her head, "I didn''t dare tell her. She would get anxious and have a re up if she knew. She can''t handle it in her current condition. Princess, you must not tell her."


    Yuan Qingling nodded helplessly, "I know."


    The Old Madam didn''t wake up before Yuan Qingling left. It seemed the Old Madam couldn''t be of much help. She had made a fruitless trip today, but hopefully there would be good news from Eldest Brother''s side.


    Clearly not.


    Not long after Yuan Qingling returned to the Prince''s mansion, she heard that Yuan Lunwen hade.


    Looking at his face, the fair and delicate face had several finger marks on it, and half of his cheek was swollen. As a military officer, Shouhou could take half a person''s head off with one p.


    Yuan Lunwen was very angry but also very helpless. He said to Yuan Qingling, "Father wouldn''t listen to me about this matter. He insisted on marrying Second Sister to the Chu family to curry favor with them."


    Yuan Qingling sighed lightly and ordered Lv Ya, "Go to the ice cer and bring me a block of ice wrapped in a towel."


    Lv Ya went to fetch it. Soon she brought back the ice and Yuan Qingling wrapped it in a towel to press on Yuan Lunwen''s face.


    Yuan Lunwen looked at Yuan Qingling, "Eldest sister, do you have any other way? Can you ask the Prince?"


    "I asked already. That dead man refused." Yuan Qingling said.


    Yuan Lunwen gasped, "Eldest sister, don''t talk about the Prince like that. The Prince is a good man."


    "With which eye did you see he''s a good man?" Yuan Qingling said impatiently. Could it be he also wanted to rely on the King of Chu?


    "The Prince fought for the country without striving or contending. How is he not good?" Yuan Lunwen nced at her lightly. "If you say he didn''t treat you well, you brought it upon yourself and made the Prince suffer."


    Yes, this was her original sin that she could never wash away.


    Yuan Qingling changed the subject, "Is this Marquis of Huiding really so bad?"


    How thick-skinned must someone be to still shamelessly live in this world after being so thoroughly despicable?


    "I don''t know for sure, but rumors say he beat his Third Madam to death, and he has a lust for women. Any vige girl or woman of low status who caught his eye would be abducted by him, it''s just a pity there is no evidence."


    Yuan Qingling''s heart stirred.


    "What kind of women would catch his eye?"


    Yuan Lunwen said, "Naturally beautiful women. But I heard he also likes men. If a woman looks heroic, that would be just what he likes."


    Yuan Qingling put down the ice pack, lost in thought as she asked, "If there was evidence, or he was caught red-handed, I''m afraid he couldn''t escape then, right?"


    Yuan Lunwen pointed to his face, "Keep going, it feels really good."


    Yuan Qingling responded absently, "Brother, what would the punishment be if he tried to dishonor the current Princess?"


    Yuan Lunwen sneered coldly, "The crime would be huge. To dishonor the Princess, even considering his past military merits, he would at least be exiled. If strictly prosecuted, the death penalty would not be excessive."


    After Yuan Lunwen finished speaking, he suddenly red at her, "What are you trying to do?"


    "Me? I was just casually asking." Yuan Qingling waved her hand. "How could I dare provoke him?"


    Yuan Lunwen said solemnly, "You absolutely must not act recklessly."


    "I don''t dare, I don''t dare. I''m timid." Yuan Qingling shrank away to avoid his gaze. "Most importantly, my rtionship with Second Sister is not to the point I would take risks for her."


    Not for Yuan Ping''s sake, but who knows how many more women would suffer if this man was not eliminated.


    Yuan Qingling had no intention of posing as a justice angel, but thinking of the women who had suffered harm from him, waves of anger surged in her heart.


    In everyone''s heart resides a hero; she was no exception.


    But she knew she could not rashly provoke the Marquis of Huiding. No venture, no gain. Thinking of this, she couldn''t help sighing dejectedly. If only she had superb martial arts.


    But once this thought sprouted, it seemed to take root and grow rapidly in her heart.


    She decided to carefully scheme.


    With her extremely high IQ, there was no reason she couldn''t outwit a martial arts brute.

 Chapter 92: Into the Tiger’s Lair

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    That crazy thought kept growing even after Yuan Lunwen left.


    Yuan Qingling checked the medicines in her medicine box - anesthetics, gauze, hemostatics, dopamine for resuscitation, atropine, and some other odds and ends.


    No dagger, she could borrow one from Xu Yi.


    With everything ready, all that''s left was investigation.


    She wanted to investigate where Marquis of Huiding liked to hang out, which routes he would take and when, how many guards were around him, what weapons they carried.


    Xu Yi felt the Princess Consort had been acting very strange recently, borrowing a dagger from him one moment, asking if he had any concealed weapons the next, and then asking what''s the most prominent feature of a man.


    He could let the first two questions slide, but for thest one he really couldn''t bring himself to say it - a real man''s most prominent feature should be well-developed pecs and then a Treasure Dragon down below, right? The Princess Consort was just too innocent.


    Then one day, he saw the Princess Consort leave through the back door in a brand new set of men''s clothes, without Lv Ya or her two maids in waiting.


    He felt it was odd, but was too embarrassed to ask. If consorting with women was Her Highness'' indulgence, it would be too awkward to ask about it.


    The next day, the Princess Consort went out again with two buns, and was gone the whole day until nightfall before returning.


    On the third day, it was the same.


    Xu Yi felt it was necessary to inform the Prince Consort.


    After the swelling subsided, Yuwen Hao immediately went to the Jingzhao Prefecture residence to take up his new post as the prefect.


    With new administration, a thorough reshuffle was necessary. With dozens of officials major and minor in the prefecture, and intricate web of conflicts and rtionships, factions and backstabbing intrigue, it was not an exaggeration at all.


    Yuwen Hao had to familiarize himself with all matters as quickly as possible, and was busy from dawn to dusk.


    When he returned home that day, Xu Yi came to him and said, "Your Highness, the Princess Consort has been acting very strange recently."


    Having sustained injuries, Yuwen Hao had no interest at all in hearing about his consort Yuan Qingling, "This King does not wish to hear the words Princess Consort or Yuan Qingling."


    Seeing the fatigue in His Highness'' eyes, Xu Yi swallowed back what he wanted to say, "Oh."


    Tang Yang pulled Xu Yi aside and asked, "How has the Princess Consort been acting strange?"


    Xu Yi said, "Over the past few days the Princess Consort has been dressing up as a man when going out, leaving early in the morning and onlying backte at night."


    "Has she been withdrawing money?"


    "No, she took along steamed buns and a sk of water."


    Tang Yang also found it odd, "Did you ask Lv Ya or the maids in waiting?"


    "I did. Her maid said the Princess Consort was looking for some medicine to present to His Majesty the Retired Emperor, saying that his birthday wasing up soon, right? But she didn''t allow them to follow, afraid it would ruin the surprise."


    "The Princess Consort has been acting very peculiar recently." Tang Yang thought it made sense - everyone attached great importance to the Retired Emperor''s birthday. If the Princess Consort presented a treasure to delight His Majesty, it would also benefit His Highness.


    Still, to be prudent, Tang Yang said, "From now on when the Princess Consort goes out, secretly follow her, but don''t let her discover you."


    "Understood." Xu Yi acknowledged.


    After Tang Yang went back in, he told Yuwen Hao, "The Princess Consort is preparing a gift for His Majesty the Retired Emperor''s birthday."


    Yuwen Hao snorted. "She''s showing off her skill at courting favor."


    After investigating for several days, Yuan Qingling found out that Marquis of Huiding liked to go to Qingcheng Pavilion to listen to singing and music.


    However, he did not go at fixed times, only dropping by whenever he was free and happened to pass by the pavilion. He did not go every day, usually after returning from the military camp, he would stop by the pavilion to listen to a few songs.


    At first Yuan Qingling was not able to go in, because listening required giving tea money and tips, and she did not have any silver on her, so she could only pace around outside waiting.


    Marquis of Huiding would ride back to the city, usually with just two men. These two men wore swords on their waists, with stern expressions, one apanying him inside to listen, the other waiting outside.


    Today, Yuan Qingling brought silver and went inside to listen to the singing.


    Dressed in aqua blue men''s clothes, sash around the waist, smooth glossy hair tied up in a headband, face without any powder or rouge, yet with naturally rosy lips and white teeth, clear and elegant brows, every move brimming with feminine charm.


    However, she had deliberately painted her brows a bit thicker, the ends flying up, adding a hint of masculinity to the gentle beauty.


    She had practiced diligently at home with Xu Yi on how to walk like a man, binding her chest, straightening her back, steady strides. Xu Yi wore a sword, but she had opted for a folding fan instead. A schr''s outfit coupled with a warrior''s gait did not look out of ce.


    She was slightly dyed today because Yuan Qingping said she was returning to her parental home, so Yuan Qingling kept herpany through a meal, seeing the mncholy in Yuan Qingping''s eyes, sheforted her with a few words.


    When she arrived at Qingcheng Pavilion, she was delighted to see one of Marquis of Huiding''s attendants waiting outside, meaning the Marquis must be inside.


    After waiting for so many days, she could finally get close to Marquis of Huiding. Yuan Qingling''s heart pounded wildly - apprehension, fear, and tion all intermixed.


    She cleared her throat and strode in arrogantly with a schr''s swagger.


    At a nce she spotted Marquis of Huiding sitting in the front row wearing a ck floral brocade robe. Beside him stood another attendant, both watching the singing girl on the stage.


    The singing girl was very handsome, singing while casting amorous nces. Her voice was clear and sweet, infused with tender feelings.


    Yuan Qingling found a seat not too far from Marquis of Huiding and sat down. The Tea Service Master came over with tea and refreshments. Yuan Qingling casually tipped him a few copper coins and he bowed in thanks before leaving.


    As Yuan Qingling sipped her tea, she secretly nced at Marquis of Huiding from the corner of her eyes. She saw him with eyes lightly closed, fingers gently tapping the armrest, a picture of enjoyment.


    He had the looks of a man in his thirties. His brows knitted together in a prominent frown when his eyes were closed, clearly a man quick to anger.


    His skin was a bronze hue - very fashionable by modern standards.


    With a squared face, full forehead, thick brows - yet the stray brow hairs gave him a very fierce look at first nce.


    Suddenly he opened his eyes, and they shed like des. Yuan Qingling''s heart skipped a beat and she hastily averted her gaze, looking at the singing girl instead.


    Just then, the melody abruptly changed to the mournful tones of a pipa. The air seemed to take on a deste exotic bleakness, like weeping and wailing, sad and stirring, as the singing girl''s slender white fingers plucked the strings of the pipa. Her red lips parted and she began to sing, "The swirling sands have aged my looks, leaning by the wooden door pining, my general, do you nce back..."


    The weeping beauty plucked at the heartstrings, piercing the heart and soul. The sorrowful notes she sang softly stirred a tender ache in Yuan Qingling''s heart. For a moment forgetting she was here to observe Marquis of Huiding, ovee by reminiscence, her eyes grew moist.


    She gazed longingly at the pipa in the singer''s hands, past scenes surging up at the plucking of the strings.


    When the song ended, she still lingered, lost in thought.


    Unbeknownst to her, Marquis of Huiding''s gaze had at some point shifted to her face - a passing nce at first, but then he looked intently.


    Sensing his gaze, Yuan Qingling gave a startled nce. Their eyes met and her heart thumped wildly. She quickly looked away and grabbed her teacup to take a big gulp, feeling the liquid slide down her throat.


    Watching the motion of her swallowing, watching that delicate neck, Marquis of Huiding smiled meaningfully.

 Chapter 93: Taken Away

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    Yuan Qingling knew that she had caught his eye, and steadied herself firmly.


    She nned to first make him interested in her, but he wouldn''t make a move in a crowded ce. She would arrange it well, then create an opportunity for him to make a move.


    When the time came, how could she not catch him in one fell swoop?


    So she stopped at the right point, got up and left.


    As instructed by Tang Yang these past two days, Xu Yi had been following Yuan Qingling. When Yuan Qingling entered Qingcheng Pavilion, he also went in through the side door, but didn''t sit down, only leaning against the door watching her.


    He also saw the Marquis of Huiding, however the Consort wouldn''t have any interactions with the Marquis, so after seeing the Consort leave, he slowly went out through the back door, following from afar.


    Yuan Qingling walked on foot. She had be quite familiar with the nearby roads after going out these past few days, but hadn''t yet taken the time to appreciate the scenery of the ancient streets.


    The capital of Northern Tang was truly prosperous, with shops and markets bustling in every trade. Silk shops, jewelry stores, grain shops, cosmetics shops were all filled with customers.


    As Yuan Qingling walked along looking around, dazzled by the sights, she didn''t notice a carriage pull up beside her.


    The carriage''s shadow fell over her. Looking over in surprise, she saw the curtain pulled back revealing none other than the Marquis of Huiding.


    Yuan Qingling''s heart jumped, though she didn''t show much rm. She just looked at the Marquis in confusion.


    But she found it odd, having seen him riding horses before. Why did he have a carriage today?


    "Young master, let me give you a ride," said the Marquis.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "No need, my home is just up ahead. I''ll be there after a short walk."


    Now was not the right time. She had no preparations or ns in ce.


    "I enjoyed listening to the music with you at Qingcheng Pavilion earlier. I can see you are a kindred spirit. Why don''t we go to the tavern for a drink?" The Marquis smiled and extended the invitation. His demeanor was upright, as if he had met a like-minded friend and was sincerely asking them out.


    Yuan Qingling politely declined again with a smile. "Thank you for the kind invitation, but I have matters to attend to today. Let''s make ns another day."


    Having said that, she cupped her hands and took her leave.


    Xu Yi had been following behind Yuan Qingling the whole time. Seeing the Marquis stop his carriage and speak to the Consort shocked him somewhat, but when Yuan Qingling left, he rxed.


    The Marquis let the curtain fall, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. He stretched out a hand from inside the carriage, made a gesture, then withdrew it.


    After leaving the Marquis, Yuan Qingling''s heart was still racing, but the first step of her n had seeded in catching the Marquis'' attention. She could now prepare for the next steps.


    She knew for this she would need Yuwen Hao''s help. As the prefect of Jingzhao, he just needed to cooperate to cast a dra, and capturing the Marquis would be no problem.


    Moreover, if he personally oversaw the matter, there would be no damage to his reputation.


    What needed to be done now was to persuade him. The man was somewhat old-fashioned and not very willing to cooperate with her. It would take some effort.


    Negotiation was a technical task. She would need to prescribe remedies ording to his symptoms and take hold of his weaknesses.


    As Yuan Qingling pondered this, she didn''t notice the carriage following her.


    Suddenly, she felt a tug at her waist. Looking down in shock, she saw a whip coiled around her. Before she could react, the whip pulled taut and she flew up into the air, falling into a carriage.


    In her panic she caught a glimpse of a face - it was the Marquis of Huiding!


    Yuan Qingling''s blood ran cold. With a thud in her heart she thought, no, let her go. It wasn''t time yet. She hadn''t made arrangements.


    The Marquis gave a faint smile. "Sorry about this, young master."


    "What are you trying to do? Let me go!" Yuan Qingling sat up straight, steadying herself and shouting angrily.


    The Marquis looked at her like she was a feast, his predatory eyes unconcealed desire.


    Hisrge hand gripped her chin forcefully, nearly bringing Yuan Qingling to tears. Remembering this man''s violent tendencies, she became extremely anxious.


    His hand suddenly went ck, then slid up to caress her face. With a jerk he ripped off her hair ribbon, her tresses spilling freely.


    "So you''re a young mistress." His smile deepened. His breath blew on Yuan Qingling''s face, making her nauseous.


    Her mind raced. When met with resistance, his violent tendencies would be provoked, further agitating him. She could not resist.


    But what to do? She didn''t expect him to make a move in broad daylight. How unscrupulous was he?


    Recalling her abrupt flight through the air, the speed was astonishing. Any onlookers likely just saw a blur, not realizing it was someone snatched by the carriage.


    She regted her breathing, slowly calming herself.


    Scooting back slightly, she leant on the carriage seat, a seductive smile on her lips. "What''s wrong with being a young mistress? Do you look down on women?"


    The Marquis was taken aback, seemingly not expecting her to suddenly be alluring andpliant after her initial panic. But he had seen his share of women''s wiles. With a faint smile he said, "How could I look down on the young mistress? I''ve invited you for a drink at my residence and we can discuss music. What do you say?"


    "Though I don''t like your methods of invitation, I''ll forgive you for your sincerity. Let''s go then." She gave a silly grin, the very image of an ignorant young girl.


    Yuan Qingling felt she had the makings of a gifted courtesan.


    The Marquis smiled leisurely. He was in no rush to act. Once in his carriage, sooner orter she would be his. No need to hurry.


    Xu Yi had been following Yuan Qingling, but after the carriage passed, she was gone. Thinking she had stepped into a shop, he waited outside. But when she didn''t emerge after some time, he grew anxious. Rushing into several shops, there was no sign of Yuan Qingling.


    His face paled. The carriage from before belonged to the Marquis.


    This was bad, terrible.


    He sprinted at full speed directly to the Jingzhao government office.


    Seeing him barge in breathless, Tang Yang grabbed his shoulders. "Speak, what happened?"


    "The Consort...the Consort..." Xu Yi pped himself to help his speech. "Was taken by the Marquis of Huiding!"


    Tang Yang''s expression drastically changed. "Didn''t I tell you to watch her closely?"


    "Couldn''t keep up. Go report to the Prince quickly!" Xu Yi was nearly out of breath from anxiety.


    Tang Yang hurried in. Yuwen Hao was speaking with an official. Seeing the usually steady Tang Yang rush in pale and flustered, he knew something was wrong. "Leave us," he said to the official.


    "Yes, sir!" The official withdrew.


    Yuwen Hao looked at Tang Yang. "What is it?"


    Lowering his voice, Tang Yang said, "The Consort was captured by the Marquis of Huiding."


    Yuwen Hao shot up. "What? He daresy hands on Prince Chu''s estate?"


    Not knowing of Yuan Qingling''s recent activities, Yuwen Hao assumed the Marquis had directly vited Prince Chu''s estate by taking Yuan Qingling.


    "No, the Consort had been going out these days. Xu Yi was assigned to follow her. It seems to have happened while she was out."


    "Summon Xu Yi!" Yuwen Hao was furious. How unruly could she be?

 Chapter 94: Know Your Identity

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    Xu Yi lowered his head and walked in, dared not look straight into the anger in Yuwen Hao''s eyes, ¡°Your subordinate has been following the Princess these past two days. Today she dressed as a man and went to Qingcheng Pavilion to listen to music. She met Marquis of Huiding there. When she left, the Marquis''s carriage blocked her way. Your subordinate didn''t hear what he said, but the Princess replied a couple of sentences before leaving. I secretly followed all the way, but unexpectedly, the Marquis''s carriage sped by in a sh. Shortly after, the Princess disappeared. Your subordinate suspects she was kidnapped by the Marquis of Huiding.¡±


    ¡°Dressed as a man? Does she think she can fly?¡± Yuwen Hao was extremely furious. Doesn''t she know that dangers are all around her? How dare she dress as a man and run around outside?


    Such a person is useless even if not dead.


    ¡°Forget about her, let her die,¡± Yuwen Hao said in a cold tone.


    Tang Yang advised, ¡°My Lord, now is not the time for rash words. You know what kind of person the Marquis of Huiding is. Now that the Princess has fallen into his hands, death may be the lighter punishment.¡±


    ¡°She brought it upon herself, who asked her to run around for no reason.¡± Yuwen Hao suddenly narrowed his eyes, ¡°No, did she go to get close to the Marquis of Huiding on her own initiative? For her sister''s marriage?¡±


    Tang Yang was shocked by his bold spection, ¡°That can''t be! The Princess wouldn''t be so reckless.¡±


    ¡°She doesn''t have the guts, but she''s foolish,¡± Yuwen Hao said angrily.


    Xu Yi asked, ¡°What should we do now? Should we go directly to the Marquis''s manor to look for her?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    Tang Yang also said, ¡°My Lord, it''s too risky to take people to the Marquis''s manor now. After all, it''s just Xu Yi''s guess. If the Princess is not there, it would be hard for you to step down. You have just taken over as the Prefect of Jingzhao. If anything goes wrong, His Majesty will punish you, and that''s the end of your prefectship. What''s more important is the future.¡±


    Xu Yi''s face turned deathly pale, ¡°Then the Princess is in big trouble this time.¡±


    Yuwen Hao paced back and forth irritably and angrily, filled with rage and at a loss on how to calm down and think carefully.


    Xu Yi and Tang Yang looked at each other. How should they decide?


    After marrying the Princess for a year, His Majesty has shunned the Prince for a year, not even allowing him to go to the army. He finally got the position of the Prefect of Jingzhao. If anything goes wrong, what can he do in the future?


    Yuwen Hao stopped pacing and looked at Xu Yi, ¡°Xu Yi, gather all the guards of the manor. Tang Yang, pass on my order to the participating military officials of the departments under Jingzhao Prefecture to prepare fifty guards, together with the manor guards, go to the Marquis of Huiding¡¯s manor.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Tang Yang was shocked, ¡°My Lord, you can''t do that. Taking just the manor guards would be fine, but you can''t use the people from Jingzhao Prefecture. With the manor guards, it would at most seem like personal vengeance. But once Jingzhao Prefecture is involved, it bes an investigation. If the Princess cannot be found, it would be false usation and insult to the meritorious Marquis. That would be a serious crime.¡±


    Yuwen Hao said in a deep voice, ¡°Use only the manor guards. The Marquis can deny it and refuse to provide records. Besides, the Marquis has capable and valiant guards and attendants. The manor guards won''t be able to break in. But if I go as the Prefect of Jingzhao to investigate, he would have no reason to obstruct. Any obstruction would mean he looks down on thew of the state.¡±


    ¡°On what grounds?¡± Xu Yi asked.


    Yuwen Hao was silent for a moment, then said, ¡°Just say someone reported seeing the Marquis of Huiding abducting the Princess of Chu in broad daylight.¡±


    Tang Yang was horrified and speechless for a long time.


    ¡°My Lord, have you thought it through clearly? If this spreads, yours and the Princess''s reputations will be ruined.¡±


    Yuwen Hao''s mind was slowly bing clearer. ¡°I know what Lady Yuan wanted to do. She doesn''t care about her reputation, so I shouldn''t worry too much either. Although reckless, she has taken the first step and provoked someone she shouldn''t have. No matter her reasons, the point is, she did what I always wanted to do but didn''t dare.¡±


    He lifted his head andmanded, ¡°Less nonsense, go do it now.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The two took their orders and left.


    Yuan Qingling was taken by carriage to the Marquis of Huiding¡¯s manor.


    On the way, she had slowly calmed down and started talking to the Marquis, ¡°You just took me onto your carriage like this. Don''t you want to know who I am?¡±


    The Marquis looked at her wickedly, ¡°Since I''ve taken a liking, why bother asking where you''re from?¡±


    Yuan Qingling said, ¡°You are the Marquis of Huiding, right?¡±


    The Marquis was not surprised at all that she knew him. He just moved closer to her and said coldly, ¡°Scared?¡±


    His face was right in front of her, the mes in his eyes leaping wildly, a me that he thought was particrly amusing. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, not resembling a smile at all, but rather mocking and malicious, even violent.


    This man was full of violent factors from head to toe.


    It would be a lie if Yuan Qingling said she was not afraid, but she trembled her lips and said, ¡°Scared, of course I''m scared with you so close.¡±


    She sped her hands in her sleeves, hoping to open the medicine box and take out something for self-protection.


    However, the Marquis had noticed. He nced coldly at her hands and sneered as he grabbed her wrist and jerked hard. Yuan Qingling swiftly took out a handkerchief and waved it yfully in front of him.


    The Marquis pinched her chin, forcing her to look up at him. His eyes were filled with unrestrained coldughter, ¡°Princess of Chu, what teachings do you have for this Marquis aftering with me for a few days?¡±


    This time, Yuan Qingling was truly shocked. He knew her identity?


    The Marquis knew her identity yet still dared to openly abduct her. Heavens! This man was actually so arrogant!


    Yuan Qingling had thought her investigation was very covert. She hadn''t expected it to draw his attention long ago. She couldn''t help butugh bitterly to herself. Overconfidence could be life-threatening.


    ¡°Or,¡± his grip on her chin tightened, almost crushing her jawbone. The danger in his eyes grew, ¡°Did the Prince of Chu send you?¡±


    Yuan Qingling endured the pain and said with difficulty, ¡°It has nothing to do with the Prince. I wanted toe see for myself what kind of man my future brother-inw is.¡±


    ¡°Brother-inw?¡± The Marquis was slightly stunned, then remembered, ¡°Ah yes, I''m about to marry the second daughter of Marquis Jing Manor.¡±


    Hearing this, Yuan Qingling knew he didn''t take this marriage seriously at all. Marquis Jing, you shameless old bastard, you really don''t care if your daughter lives or dies.


    The Marquis let go of her chin, but lightly patted her cheek, ¡°Don''t worry, with this rtionship, I¡¯ll be gentle with you.¡±


    Facing such a madman, Yuan Qingling didn''t put on the attitude of an empress to intimidate him, knowing it would be useless, and evenughable.


    He knew her identity yet still dared to abduct her, clearly not putting Yuwen Hao in his eyes.


    But how did he dare to be so arrogant?


    ¡°The Marquis forcibly took me away, aren''t you afraid of offending the Prince?¡± Yuan Qingling asked.


    ¡°Who saw it?¡± He sneered coldly, ¡°Even if someone saw, the Prince of Chu barely managed aeback and is now lying low. Would he dare offend me?¡±


    Yuan Qingling waspletely disheartened. What the Marquis said made sense.


    Even if Yuwen Hao knew she was in the Marquis''s hands, he probably wouldn''t sacrifice his prospects to save her. The Marquis was one of the Chu n, and the Chu n had the person Yuwen Hao loved most and dared not offend.


    It seemed that to escape this time, she could only rely on herself.

 Chapter 95: The Instruments of Torture House

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    Yuan Qingling was brought into the back door of Marquis of Huiding''s mansion dressed as a man with her hair down. The people of Marquis of Huiding''s mansion didn''t find this strange at all, in fact they acted as if it was normal.


    Everyone knew about the lord''s tastes, didn''t they?


    "This lord is going to take care of some business. All of you keep a close eye on her!" Marquis of Huiding dragged her into a room and ordered the maids around him.


    "Yes!" The two maids bowed in response.


    Yuan Qingling saw that these two women were tall and had coarse hands, they were clearly martial artists as well.


    She wanted to escape from these two, using force was absolutely impossible.


    But...Yuan Qingling tidied up the medicine box in her sleeve, a frosty glint shed in her eyes.


    "Sister, I need to use the restroom, please tell me where it is?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Seeing herpletely unafraid, dressed as a man but with the looks of a beauty, and judging by her flirtatious charm, these two maids figured she must be a singing girl or prostitute from the brothels, who came willingly. But the lord had ordered them to watch her closely, so they said, "Go behind the screen, there is a chamber pot in there."


    "Is there no outhouse?" Yuan Qingling frowned.


    "It''s too far, the lord ordered to not let you leave this room, in case the vicious dogs in the mansion get startled and disturb the youngdy."


    Vicious dogs? Yuan Qingling remembered hearing loud barking when she first came in, there must be a pack of vicious dogs guarding the premises.


    Oh well, she should still be able to take out the medicine box behind the screen, it''s not like they would follow her in to watch her relieve herself, right?


    Yuan Qingling went behind the screen and squatted over the chamber pot, listening carefully to the sounds outside. The two maids remained standing without moving, but they didn''te in either.


    She quietly and carefully took out the medicine box. She had borrowed a dagger from Xu Yi and put it in the medicine box earlier, but when she tried to shrink the medicine box with the dagger inside, it didn''t work, so the dagger didn''t get put away in the end.


    It looked like the anesthetic was the only weapon she could use now.


    But Yuan Qingling helplessly discovered there was only one vial of anesthetic left, enough to sedate only one person. If it was for the Marquis of Huiding, she felt like the anesthetic wouldn''t evenst three minutes on him.


    She looked around, she clearly remembered there were several bottles of etomidate before, how did they disappear? Medicine box, you have failed me this time.


    Yuan Qingling was secretly anxious.


    "Youngdy, are you done?" The maid called from outside.


    "Almost!" Yuan Qingling responded.


    She attached the needle and hid it in her sleeve. She also put away the medicine box and tidied her hair so she wouldn''t look too disheveled.


    When she first came in it was through the back door and she was brought straight here, so she remembered the route clearly. If she wanted to escape, it would be best to use the back door.


    But the problem was she only had one vial of anesthetic, and there were two people. Plus she didn''t know if the Marquis of Huiding was outside, even if she could get out of this room, she wouldn''t be able to get out of the mansion gates if he was out there.


    It looked like this vial of anesthetic could only be used on the Marquis of Huiding.


    The Marquis of Huiding went to the study and summoned his trusted aide. "You take men to guard the premises, don''t let anyone break in. If the Prince of Chues, stall him first and then make it seem like the Princess is here to trick him before letting him in to look for her."


    His aide was surprised. "My lord, what if he finds the Princess?"


    The Marquis of Huiding grinned hideously. "Those who have pleasured this lord are this lord''s people. Even if this lord grinds her bones to dust, no one will be able to find a single trace of her."


    His aide understood. "Alright, then after my lord secretly sends the Princess away through the tunnel, we''ll let the Prince in."


    The Marquis of Huiding picked up a dagger from his desk and fiddled with it. Suddenly, he viciously stabbed the dagger into the desk, sinking it all the way to the hilt. He said sinisterly, "That little brat Yuwen Hao, this lord has long disliked him. Who knows what the Emperor was thinking, actually appointing him as Prefect of Jingzhao. But no matter, he may have risen up but he doesn''t have the ability to stay steady. This foolish woman has delivered herself to my doorstep today, this lord will use her to make Yuwen Hao fall into an abyss he can never climb out of."


    His aide also sneered coldly, "Yes my lord, you can finally avenge this humiliation."


    Recalling the past humiliation made the Marquis'' chest tighten with hatred. "Back then he was just a vanguard under this lord, yet he dared to publicly beat this lord in front of all the officers and soldiers, causing this lord topletely lose face. This lord nearly got interrogated by the Emperor, if not for uncle covering for me, this lord wouldn''t have attained my current aplishments. I''ve carried this grudge in my heart for many years, today I can finally settle it."


    "My lord, don''t worry, today I will certainly frame the Prince of Chu for ndering a high official of the court and breaking into the marquis''s residence. He won''t get away." His aide said. Looking up, he asked, "What should be done about the Princess?"


    The Marquis of Huiding sneered coldly, "Since she delivered herself to my door, why shouldn''t this lord use her to humiliate the Prince? I wonder how he''ll feel when he finds out his wife has been yed with by this lord?"


    "Alright, then we''ll wait for my lord''s order to send her to the secret chamber and house her in a separate courtyard for now until my lord decides how to deal with her." His aide said.


    The Marquis narrowed his eyes. Yuwen Hao, you were so bold back then. Not only did you beat me, you snatched my achievements three or four times. How can I let you run amok anymore?


    Thinking of Yuan Qingling, he sneered coldly. Of course he didn''t believe what Yuan Qingling said, she must be here to set a trap at the behest of that spineless turtle Yuwen Hao. So he was certain that Yuwen Hao woulde today, since Yuwen hated him to the bone. The first person he would target after taking office was naturally him.


    Too impatient.


    Yuan Qingling eventually gave up the idea of sedating the maid. Because she heard low voices speaking outside, there must be guards stationed outside as well. She only had one vial of anesthetic, she couldn''t waste it.


    The medicine box really failed her this time, it made her feel quite dejected. She had thought the medicine box would change its contents ording to her will or the circumstances, but apparently that wasn''t the case. Right now she desperately hoped there was a gun in the medicine box.


    She sat down and organized her thoughts, slowly calming down.


    There was only one chance, she couldn''t make any mistakes, or she would not only lose her life, but suffer humiliation before death.


    "Youngdy, the lord invites you!" The maid went out and said a couple words beforeing back in to tell Yuan Qingling.


    "Invite me?" Yuan Qingling looked at her. "Where to?"


    The maid smiled. "The lord awaits you in the room, food and wine has been prepared."


    Knowing she had to follow, Yuan Qingling said, "Alright, lead the way."


    After leaving the room and making about three turns on the corridor, they arrived at the door of a wing room. Yuan Qingling carefully memorized the route, this ce was more secluded than the previous room. The dog barking sounded very loud, as ifing from the courtyard next door.


    The door opened and the maid suddenly smiled coldly. "Go in, youngdy!"


    She pushed Yuan Qingling''s back with one hand. Yuan Qingling stumbled forward but barely kept her bnce. Then she heard the door m shut.


    The room was dimly lit. Thick blue curtains covered the windows and the door was pasted over with yellow paper that blocked the light. Yuan Qingling suppressed the fear in her heart and looked towards the candlelight flickering from the far left corner.


    The candlelight grew brighter, illuminating the room. The one holding the candle and approaching was none other than the Marquis of Huiding himself. He had a ghostly, sinister look and was full of evil aura. He wasn''t wearing a top, revealing his muscr upper body covered in scars both big and small.


    What frightened Yuan Qingling wasn''t the man himself, but the many torture devices and tools for tormenting women hanging on the walls of the room.


    Many were spattered with blood stains and gave off a rotten, rancid smell of decay.


    Yuan Qingling reflexively covered her nose. Rage surpassed fear in her heart. Just how many women had lost their lives in this room?

 Chapter 96: Run for Your Life

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    ¡°Scared?¡± Marquis of Huiding sneered evilly, ¡°This marquis is rather impressed by you. To help Yuwen Hao overthrow this marquis, you really don¡¯t care about your own life anymore.¡±


    Because of her rage, Yuan Qingling became calmer instead.


    She looked at Marquis of Huiding and slowly walked over, ¡°The marquis got it wrong. I''m not doing this for him.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then who are you doing this for? Could it be that you want this marquis to enjoy your alluring body?¡± Marquis of Huidingughed coldly, but his eyes lingeredsciviously over Yuan Qingling''s body. Finally, he stared at her chest, swallowing as his eyes filled with bloodthirsty madness.


    Yuan Qingling smiled faintly, hiding a syringe of anesthetic in her sleeves.


    ¡°All women like gant generals.¡± Yuan Qingling gazed at him longingly, making her eyes misty with sorrow, ¡°It¡¯s just a pity that I was mistaken about Yuwen Hao. He doesn''t like me so I''ll stop pursuing him. He''s spineless anyway.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Marquis of Huiding wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. Lowering his head, he sneered, ¡°Regretting now is still not toote. Yuwen Hao is just a spineless fool, nothing to speak of.¡±


    Yuan Qingling''s hands sped his back as she continued to gaze at him longingly. ¡°Yes, I really hate him...¡±


    Her fingernails dug into his skin, causing him to shudder lightly as he enjoyed the slight pain.


    Yuan Qingling rested her head on his chest. At this moment, she was calmer than ever. The needle stabbed into the scratch marks from her nails. With her other hand, she pinched the skin and muscle by his side.


    Suddenly, the iron hand seized her neck. Reaching around to his back, Marquis of Huiding grabbed Yuan Qingling''s hand and snatched away the needle. His eyes filled with bloodlust as he pped Yuan Qingling violently across the face. ¡°You want to use hidden weapons?¡±


    Yuan Qingling felt like that side of her head was gone. After some time numbly, she felt a searing pain. Her vision went dark and she felt dizzy.


    There was a taste of blood in her mouth but she forced herself to stay conscious. ncing at the syringe, her heart settled¡ªthe anesthetic had been fully injected.


    She gave a bloody grin, ¡°I hate how soft-hearted and weak he was for not killing you back then.¡±


    She didn''t know her smile was bordering on hideous. This ugliness provoked Marquis of Huiding. His eyes filled with killing intent as he tore open her clothes, revealing half her shoulder.


    He lowered his head towards her shoulder, opening his mouth wide to bite down.


    ¡°...Three, two, one!¡± Yuan Qingling couldn''t avoid it so she silently counted down.


    Marquis of Huiding copsed with a crash.


    The intramuscr anesthetic had taken effect.


    Yuan Qingling wanted to make a run for it, but with him now anesthetized, it was in her hands to make sure he didn''t get off easy.


    Yuan Qingling did the boldest thing she''d ever done in this life or her past one.


    She picked up a chair and viciously jabbed its legs into Marquis of Huiding''s crotch.


    Cracking eggs with a rock!


    This was very risky since the anesthetic dose wasn''trge and he had strong martial arts. The intense pain could potentially wake him up. But if she just let it go, he would still harm other women in the future.


    She had thought about killing him but couldn''t do it, having never taken a life before.


    Fortunately, Marquis of Huiding didn''t wake up.


    She saw a pair of bloody scissors on the floor and picked them up to hide in her sleeve pocket. She quickly retreated to the door. There were people outside. After taking a deep breath, she called out loudly, ¡°Sorry, my lord, but I really do have an upset stomach today. I''m just going to thetrine and will be right back very soon. Please wait for me.¡±


    She turned around, pulled open the door, and swiftly shut it. The two maidservants from earlier were standing outside.


    Having heard Yuan Qingling, one said, ¡°Miss is going to thetrine? Let this servant take you there.¡±


    Clutching her stomach, Yuan Qingling replied, ¡°Alright, thank you!¡±


    As she spoke, she looked around. Other than these two, there were no other guards.


    It seemed Marquis of Huiding didn''t like too many people listening to his "performance".


    Following the maidservant out, she had just left the courtyard when she heard another maidservant''s voice behind her, ¡°She has injured the prince! Seize her quickly!¡±


    Having anticipated her cover being blown as soon as the shout started, Yuan Qingling acted before the maidservant could make a move. She swiftly took out the scissors and stabbed them towards the maidservant''s ear.


    A skilled fighter could block strikes to most parts of her body briefly. But a direct stab to the eardrum would cause enough pain to make her instinctively cover her ears rather than counterattack.


    The maidservant let out an agonized scream as Yuan Qingling pulled out the scissors and broke into a run.


    The scream alerted the guards and rapid footsteps approached. In her panic, Yuan Qingling ran into the neighboring courtyard.


    Looking around after entering, she was so frightened her legs turned soft.


    At least twenty vicious dogs were barking ferociously, eyes red¡ªclearly starved and fed live meat.


    Dogs fed live meat were aggressive with high obedience. If their master gave the order, they would maul enemies directly.


    Yuan Qingling leaned against the wall weakly, retreating backward. The pursuers had caught up.


    ¡°Want to flee after injuring the marquis?¡± A man in his thirties stood before Yuan Qingling, smiling sinisterly.


    She recognized him as one of the guards who had apanied Marquis of Huiding to Qingcheng Pavilion.


    Surrounded front and back, she despaired, not expecting her escape n to fail so quickly.


    She had crippled Marquis of Huiding''s manhood. How would he not torture her to death?


    Just thinking about the torture devices in that room, she would rather be mauled by the dogs. At least if they bit her throat, her death would be swift.


    She wondered if Yuwen Hao would be very happy to hear of her death.


    When nearing death, the scumbag was who she thought of.


    The guard advanced step by step, whip in hand, his expression vicious and bloodthirsty¡ªeven more terrifying than the dogs'' eyes.


    Yuan Qingling resolutely turned to face the twenty-plusrge vicious dogs. She didn''t know if they could understand her words, but said anyway, "Come, bite my throat hard. I absolutely won''t die by their hands."


    Just as she finished speaking, all the dogs suddenly halted their advance and stood motionless, the red in their eyes seeming to fade somewhat.


    There was even a trace of confusion.


    Yuan Qingling was startled, and a streak of wild delight rose in her heart. Could theymunicate with her like Fubao?


    Either way, she was doomed, so she might as well try. She took a step forward and, pointing at the guards, said to the dogs, "Brothers, we are of one nation, the same kind. Bite them to death."


    The twenty-odd dogs instantly erupted, barking at her, and charged straight for her.


    Yuan Qingling''s face paled. She understood¡ªthat was the war cry for attack.


    Her little life was over.


    But the situation quickly reversed. The dogs didn''t pounce on her but ran past her from both sides, charging at the guards instead.


    Apparently not expecting the dogs would turn on them, the guards were furious. They shouted a few orders that the dogs normally obeyed. But today the dogs seemed to have gone mad, biting anyone they saw. The guards were thrown into chaos, only concerned about escaping themselves.


    The dogs didn''t truly maul them though. They only bit trouser legs or mped down for a bite that drew blood but no bone.


    Even so, the scene was far too chaotic.


    Yuan Qingling was frightened silly by the sudden reversal. Hearing thergest ck-eared, erect-tailed dog bark at her a few times¡ªseemingly urging the idiot to hurry and run¡ªshe panicked and fled like she was possessed.


    Below the surrounding wall was an iron cage she could use to jump over the wall if she got enough of a running start.

 Chapter 97: A surname

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    Everything went unexpectedly smoothly.


    She stepped on the iron cage and sessfully climbed over the enclosure wall,nding like a flying man, but fell very badly, seeming to have hit her head on a rock. She reached back and found that it was bleeding.


    Without caring about anything else, she desperately fled for her life, with the vicious dogs chasing after her, but they were not chasing her - rather trying to block the guards who were chasing her.


    With the protection of the vicious dogs, Yuan Qingling sessfully escaped through the back door.


    After getting out of the back door, she still fled desperately for her life. She didn''t even believe that she had escaped from danger.


    She ran far, far away and hid in a small alley, sitting down on the ground and breathing heavily. She realized her heart had been stuck in her throat the whole time, almost jumping out.


    Her head hurt terribly, and so did her face. The pain was unbearable.


    She hurriedly took out the medicine box, wiped some disinfectant on the gauze and bandaged her head. She had to return to the Wang manor first - she couldn''t stay here. If she was found by the Marquis''s men, she would be doomed.


    When she stood up, she felt her legs trembling badly.


    She really had lived two lifetimes but never experienced anything so thrilling.


    In her previous life, she was an obedient goody-two-shoes who had never even tried to skip ss, let alone escape from danger.


    She thought about the vicious dogs that had helped her today... No, puppies. She wondered what would be of them?


    Attacking their master, their fate would surely be miserable!


    But what power did she have to save them?


    Yuan Qingling felt sad. Just now, the big ck dog with the short tail and upright ears had thoughtfully told her to escape.


    The Marquis of Huiding was a cruel man. With his descendants'' ancestral temple harmed, the ck dogs had helped her escape, so how could he let them off easily? Forget it, she should return to the manor first and then think of a way, sheforted herself, to ease her conscience a little.


    She slowly walked out of the alley and peeked out to make sure there were no pursuers. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly heard the sound of galloping horses from the east main street, and a troop came into view.


    The dozen or so people leading the troop were all riding tall horses, looking very majestic.


    She immediately shrank back, thinking they were the pursuers.


    But after shrinking back, she froze for a moment. The person leading the horse seemed to be Yuwen Hao?


    She leaned against the wall and poked her head out to look - it was indeed Yuwen Hao.


    He was dressed in an official robe with a purple base and embroidered with sun and moon patterns, wearing an official hat. His expression was stern and solemn, cold and murderous.


    Xu Yi and Tang Yang were also on horseback following him, and she recognized some of the others as the manor guards whom she sawe and go routinely.


    As for those in the back... Yuan Qingling looked and didn''t recognize them, but their clothing was uniform and their steps orderly, like soldiers.


    Where was he taking all these manor guards and Jingzhao Prefecture soldiers?


    Judging by the direction he was headed, it seemed to be towards the Marquis of Huiding''s manor.


    Yuan Qingling froze for a moment, could he be leading people to rescue her?


    But how would he know that the Marquis of Huiding had captured her?


    It was probably not the case. He was not that kind.


    He would rather see her dead.


    After the troop passed by, she tiptoed out, with her head wrapped up. Dressed as a man with a bruised face and visible finger marks, she should have attracted a lot of attention.


    But no one noticed. The passersby on both sides were all watching the troop marching away.


    "Is that Prince Chu? Where is he taking the Jingzhao Prefecture troops?"


    "It''s definitely Prince Chu. The new official taking office must be looking to make trouble for someone."


    "Taking office and immediately mobilizing so many troops and horses, I wonder what big case he is working on?"


    Yuan Qingling listened and felt something was wrong.


    What if he really was going to the Marquis''s manor to rescue her?


    Taking so many people, it looked like he wanted to search the manor. Not sure if he had an imperial decree. Searching a marquis''s manor without cause, if nothing was found, the Emperor would definitely hold him ountable. Surely Yuwen Hao wouldn''t be so reckless?


    She didn''t dare follow along either, only squatted on the ground to continue calming down.


    Not long after Yuan Qingling escaped, the Marquis of Huiding had already woken up. The doctor in the manor looked at his injuries and shook his head, saying "I''m afraid the young marquis will no longer be able to live like a human."


    The Marquis of Huiding slowly closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and when he opened them again, they had turned blood red.


    Cruel, bloodthirsty, sinister - like a cornered jackal.


    Fury made his pallid face flush with a hint of red, and his expression was almost twisted.


    His confidant stepped forward. Although disheveled today after being bitten by dogs in several ces, he was fortunately unharmed.


    "Young Marquis, there is another strange thing - when the Princess Consort fled, she actually made all the wolves in the yard clear her path, even tearing at and biting the manor guards."


    The Marquis of Huiding simply could not believe it. There were over twenty wolves in the manor, all brought back from Ba Li by him and specially trained by experts to be extremely vicious and obedient. A single wolf could match a top master.


    "Betraying in battle, kill them!" the Marquis of Huiding gritted out.


    "Yes!" His confidant responded, "Also, the monitors reported that Prince Chu is about to arrive at the marquis manor."


    Murderous intent shed in the Marquis of Huiding''s eyes as he stared at the doctor, "Bandage me up well. I want to meet this good-for-nothing Yuwen Hao."


    "Marquis, your injuries are not suitable for..." The doctor began.


    The Marquis of Huiding coldly cut him off, "If I don''t exert myself, can I be cured?"


    The doctor lowered his head, "I''m afraid... not."


    "Then stop wasting words." The Marquis said angrily.


    Whether it was Yuwen Hao or Yuan Qingling, he would let neither off easily. He wouldn''t let them live well or die peacefully.


    When Yuwen Hao arrived at the manor gate, everyone dismounted without waiting for the gatekeeper toe out and ask questions. They strode right in.


    The Marquis of Huiding came out with his manor guards and escorts. The moment he saw Yuwen Hao, he was determined to grind this man''s bones to dust and settle all grievances, new and old, at once.


    "Why has the Prince brought so many people to my manor? What guidance do you have?" The Marquis of Huiding asked coldly.


    Yuwen Hao also looked at him coldly. He hated the Marquis to the bone.


    His first military expedition was under the Marquis''smand. From the day he entered the barracks, the Marquis had never looked up to him, and his words were often sarcastic and insulting. He deliberately concealed and suppressed Yuwen Hao''s achievements, and repeatedly petitioned iming him to be greedy for merits and reckless in using troops. If it weren''t for the military supervisor finally speaking up for him, perhaps he still wouldn''t have gotten ahead by now.


    Later, they even fought because the Marquis abused women.


    Cao Staff stepped forward with cupped fists, "There are eyewitnesses who saw the Marquis kidnap the Princess Consort of Chu. To avoid damaging the Marquis''s reputation, the Prince specially brought people to investigate and restore the Marquis''s innocence."


    The Marquis of Huiding angrily said, "Preposterous. I haven''t even seen what the Princess Consort of Chu looks like, how could I have kidnapped her?"


    Cao Staff asked, "Then may I ask the Marquis, did you bring someone away on the street today?"


    The Marquis of Huiding coldly said, "I did not. This is pure nder."


    Yuwen Hao looked at him with icy eyes, "Whether it is nder or not will be clear after a search."


    Far from getting angry, the Marquis of Huiding smiled, baring his ckened teeth. But it was as if a jackal had opened its mouth. "Prince, my manor is not to be searched just because you say so."


    "Is the Marquis afraid we''ll find something if we search?" Yuwen Hao stared at him and said.


    The Marquis of Huiding also stared at him. He slowly walked forward, each step causing piercing pain. The two confronted each other, their gaze like crossed swords, and though no hands wereid, a battlefield of shing des had already been created.

 Chapter 98: Kill You with My Own Hands

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    Yuwen Hao smelled the scent of blood on him, and his heart sank slightly.


    Marquis of Huiding was moving freely, so he should be uninjured. Then whose blood was it?


    Could that ugly woman Yuan Qingling have already met a tragic end?


    Thinking of this, he became anxious and said, "I came today with troops from Jingzhao Prefecture to investigate the case of the missing princess. I ask that the Marquis cooperate."


    Marquis of Huiding slowly retracted his piercing gaze and scoffed, "What great authority you wield, Prince. Since you''vee to investigate, I certainly won''t refuse to cooperate. But if you can''t find anything in my mansion, then I''ll have to bring charges against you in front of His Majesty."


    His words were full of threat. And this threat was far beyond merely filing charges.


    Yuwen Hao issued two orders in session, "Colonel Tang Yang, take men to search the mansion. Remember, look closely for any hidden rooms, tunnels, and leave no corner unsearched."


    "Xu Yi, take men to guard the front and back gates. No one leaves before the investigation ends."


    "Yes!"


    The troops swiftly went into action, searching in several directions.


    Marquis of Huiding and Yuwen Hao still stood in confrontation, but Yuwen Hao was already feeling uneasy,cking the certainty from when he had arrived.


    He had brought troops from Jingzhao Prefecture, and Marquis of Huiding would eventually cooperate, but there was no way he would cooperate so thoroughly. Could Yuan Qingling have already been dealt with?


    Seeing the unease on his face, Marquis of Huiding coldlyughed, his face hideously twisted, eyes ominous and sinister. "Prince, just wait if you can''t find anything."


    Yuwen Hao remained silent, his gaze also extremely gloomy.


    From Marquis of Huiding''s expression, he sensed the aura of a plot.


    Either Xu Yi had been duped, and had not captured Yuan Qingling.


    Or he had captured Yuan Qingling, but had not brought her back to the mansion.


    No matter which was true, he had made a fatal mistake today.


    Acting on emotions, without investigating clearly.


    But there was no time for investigating. If the ugly woman really fell into his hands, the consequences were unimaginable.


    He could only gamble on this, repaying Yuan Qingling''s life-saving favor, though he had always been unwilling to acknowledge it.


    "Do you know why I''ve always opposed you?" Marquis of Huiding jeered as nastily as he could, curling his lips in a cold smile, concealing the cruelty and malice in his eyes.


    Yuwen Hao appeared rather impatient, "I''ve always wanted to know, please enlighten me, Marquis."


    Marquis of Huiding held up a finger, mocking, "Because I look down on you. Aside from slightly better martial arts, your schemes and tactics are useless. Stubborn and aloof, disobeying orders, disrespecting superiors. Yet His Majesty wants you to establish achievements, so you ride on this to swiftly rise in position. If not for having an emperor for a father, how could you stand here and speak with me today?"


    Yuwen Hao smiled. "Too bad you didn''t have an emperor father."


    Marquis of Huidingughed wildly. "Is that so? Maybe having an emperor father wouldn''t have helped anyway. Today you still fall into my hands. I will beat you until you have no hope of turning the situation around."


    His bearing was extremely arrogant andcent, but his eyes held even crazier obsession, staring at Yuwen Hao as if wanting to incinerate himpletely.


    Yuwen Hao appeared calm, but was actually extremely anxious inside.


    Afraid they wouldn''t find Yuan Qingling in the mansion, and afraid they would find her, because if they found her, he feared that she would...


    He had a kind of unspeakable dread.


    The troops came back one by one to report: "Prince, we''ve searched the main hall, nothing found."


    "Prince, the rear courtyards searched, nothing found."


    "Prince, the entire mansion investigated, discovered secret rooms but no princess."


    Yuwen Hao''s heart sank lower and lower. He looked up at Marquis of Huiding. Marquis of Huiding smiled coldly and arrogantly.


    Tang Yang hurried over and reported, "Prince, we discovered a small building near the ear room in the back courtyard, full of torture devices."


    He waved his hand, and some troops brought over the torture devices, cing them in front of Yuwen Hao.


    Yuwen Hao saw that many of the torture devices were covered in bloodstains.


    Marquis of Huiding said indifferently, "What now, does the Prince want to search my torture chamber too?"


    "May I ask why the Marquis needs a torture chamber?" Yuwen Hao asked slowly.


    "To punish unruly servants. The Prince can report me for having an unauthorized torture chamber, that I''m cruel to my servants." Marquis of Huiding snorted.


    Tang Yang seemed very anxious. They had basically searched everywhere possible today, truly not finding any trace of the princess.


    Did that little Xu Yi not look clearly? If they caused trouble over a mistake, it would be disastrous.


    The Colonel also returned, saying, "Prince, except for a courtyard with vicious dogs, we''ve searched the whole mansion."


    "Vicious dogs?" Yuwen Hao''s gaze shed.


    Marquis of Huidingzily said, "Everyone knows I keep over twenty vicious dogs to guard the mansion. If the Prince thinks I''d hide the Princess there, feel free to search it. But those dogs are fierce, so don''t me me for not warning you if something happens."


    "Prince, only that courtyard is left unsearched." Tang Yang said, "Why don''t I take men to check it out?"


    Yuwen Hao pondered briefly, "I''ll go personally."


    Tang Yang became anxious. "Prince, it''s dangerous."


    "It''s fine." Yuwen Hao nced indifferently at Marquis of Huiding. "If something happens to me in the Marquis''s mansion, the Marquis will feel bad too."


    He couldn''t afford that responsibility, as Yuwen Hao was still a prince.


    Marquis of Huiding just smiled icily, sunlight filtering through the treetops onto his face, mottled and gloomy.


    "I''ve given fair warning, Prince. If you lose an arm or leg, don''t me me."


    "No matter." Yuwen Hao looked at him sternly. "As long as I have one breath left, I will remember the Marquis''s kindness."


    "Prince, allow me to apany you inside." Tang Yang said.


    "I will apany the Prince as well." The Colonel also stepped forward.


    Yuwen Hao waved them down. "Follow along, but don''t enter the courtyard."


    He looked at Marquis of Huiding. "Please lead the way."


    "My pleasure!" Marquis of Huiding actually bowed.


    Seeing this, Marquis of Huiding''s confidants revealed cruel smiles.


    These vicious dogs would have to be killed eventually. If the Prince of Chu was injured today, killing the dogs then pleading guilty to the Emperor, even the Emperor couldn''t stay angry at animals. The mansion would have a reasonable exnation.


    And after chasing and biting their master, the dogs would be violently beaten until in a mad frenzy. At the sight of an enemy, it would only take a gesture to sic the vicious dogs on him.


    The group headed toward the dog courtyard.


    From afar, frenzied barking could already be heard, the sound waves overwhelming, each bark louder than thest, deafening.


    Therge gate was shut, but the maddened barks seemed ready to explode out from within.


    Yuwen Hao steeled himself. He had once saved his manhood from a dog''s jaws, and since then had a psychological fear of dogs. If there was any other way today, he would never go in.


    Yuan Qingling, you''d better still be alive.


    I will beat you to death personally.

 Chapter 99: From the Sky

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    As soon as the door opened, Yuwen Hao felt his scalp tingle.


    More than twenty vicious dogs with bodies covered in scars snarled ferociously at him, on guard, full of hatred. Their eyes were bloodshot, as if ready to pounce and tear him apart if he moved an inch.


    Marquis of Huiding coldly said, "Prince, don''t you dare go in?"


    "Your Highness, you must not!" Tang Yang quickly advised. He was no dog trainer, but judging from the wounds on these vicious dogs, they must have just been brutally beaten and were now in a violent mood.


    Yuwen Hao gathered his nerves and tried to leap over the dogs, but he didn''t expect the marquis'' attendant to gesture to the dogs, who immediately went mad and rushed forward, jumping up to surround Yuwen Hao. He couldn''t get close to the inner chambers at all.


    He jumped around a few times, his sleeves and clothes already torn from biting, barely escaping with his flesh intact thanks to his quick reflexes.


    "Be careful, Your Highness!" Tang Yang suddenly shouted to warn him.


    Yuwen Hao quickly turned back, only to see a short-tailed, pointy-eared vicious dog had actually jumped up, its body tracing an arc in midair as it charged at Yuwen Hao''s back like lightning.


    Yuwen Hao hurriedly dodged to the side, but the dog''s paw still managed to sh his nape, leaving several bloody marks.


    The royal guards and Tang Yang wanted to rush in, but Marquis of Huiding barred their way. "Stop. No one is allowed in this courtyard without my permission."


    Tang Yang saw the marquis'' attendant continuously gesturing and whistling, while also making whooping sounds - the attack cue.


    Tang Yang was furious. "Marquis, you''re deliberately trying to injure him!"


    "Deliberate injury? I already warned the prince not to enter, yet he insisted on going in." The marquis haughtily replied.


    Tang Yang gnashed his teeth as he watched Yuwen Hao''s increasingly dangerous plight. Though with the prince''s agility he could still escape, that would make it impossible to search the ce.


    Things had alreadye to this, if they couldn''t find the princess today, it would still be a major crime. Might as well take this final gamble.


    In a deep voice he ordered, "Men, charge in. Search only the rooms, do not harm the dogs, and be quick about it."


    Injuring the dogs would only drive them into more of a crazed frenzy. Unless all the dogs were killed, even if there was but one dog barely clinging to life, it would still bite back in vengeance.


    Moreover, forcing their way into the marquis'' estate, killing all the guard dogs yet finding nothing, there would be no way to wash themselves clean of this.


    Nearly a hundred men charged in to rescue Yuwen Hao, allowing him to escape. Together with some garrison troops he rushed into each room to search.


    All the rooms'' doors were flung open, not a soul inside.


    One of the chambers was arranged just like a study.


    Yuwen Hao''s heart sank - they had been duped.


    "Your Highness..." The marquis and his household guards had also entered. The vicious dogs stopped their attack and crouched docilely in a corner of the courtyard. The marquis strode up to Yuwen Hao and sternly berated, "This is my study, containing confidential military documents and weapon blueprints. You''ve charged in with your men to steal state secrets and weapon ns - what exactly are you plotting?"


    Tang Yang also realized what had happened. By letting them freely search the estate, the marquis'' true objective was this room.


    Though an unfounded search and smear campaign against a senior official would not draw heavy punishment from the Emperor, stealing confidential documents and weapon blueprints was a major crime, and imprisonment would be unavoidable even if not sentenced to death.


    Tang Yang''s heart quailed as he looked to Yuwen Hao. "Your Highness..."


    Yuwen Hao had already calmed himself. Slowly he turned his gaze to the marquis and coldlyughed. "Nice scheme, Marquis."


    The marquis'' eyes were the same vicious shade as the dogs'', arrogant and bloodthirsty as he smugly dered, "Do you still remember what I told you that day outside the tent? That one day you would fall into my hands, and I would make you suffer a fate worse than death, never to rise again."


    The bloody aura surrounding him grew even thicker, the hatred in his eyes undisguised.


    Yuwen Hao was nearly in despair.


    He was almost certain Yuan Qingling was already dead.


    Strangely, now that things hade to this, he was no longer worried about his own future. In any case, he was already used to being ostracized. His father the Emperor wouldn''t go so far as to take his life.


    He stared fixedly at the marquis, like a cornered beast, and said in an icy tone, "If I find evidence that Princess Yuan really died by your hand, I will stake this life of mine and make you pay with your death even if it''s thest thing I do."


    The marquis guffawed loudly. "The Prince overestimates himself. After today, just trying to preserve your own pathetic life will take all you''ve got."


    Yuwen Hao gnashed his teeth but was powerless.


    Other than that one time at the Princess''s residence, never before had he suffered such humiliation.


    The attendant stepped forward bowing. "Marquis, shall we go face His Majesty now?"


    The arrogant smile left the marquis'' face, his gaze ominous. With a wave hemanded, "Prepare the horses. Summon the Prime Minister. I shall take His Highness the Prince to see His Majesty and discuss this matter."


    Tang Yang''s face was pale as he came forward. "Your Highness..."


    Yuwen Hao coldly ordered, "Withdraw all troops!"


    Tang Yang stood dumbfounded. Everything that had happened in the marquis'' estate was like a bolt from the blue. The prince''seback had been but a fleeting firework, instantly scattered into nothingness.


    The royal guard was also at a loss,menting his own misfortune. Stealing confidential documents was a crime - if this were pursued, everyone present today would be implicated.


    The garrison troops and royal guards filed out silently.


    The marquis was unspeakably ted. He had choked back this anger for years. If not for the Prime Minister blocking him before, he would have dealt with Prince Chu long ago, instead of allowing him to strut about until today.


    But now, it was just perfect. He, Yuwen Hao, thought he had ascended the peak once more, at the height of glory. Knocking him down now would shatter him all the more thoroughly.


    The marquisughed twistedly, his eyes shing with sinister, venomous light like a viper''s.


    Yuwen Hao suddenly turned back. Things had alreadye to this, he might as well vent some anger first.


    Before the marquis could react, he unleashed a lightning-fast punch squarely on his nose. He followed with a backhand hook to the temple. The marquis only felt the world spinning as he nearly lost his footing.


    The guards and attendants rushed to support him, ring furiously at Yuwen Hao.


    Half of Yuwen Hao''s resentment dissipated. His brow rose as he quipped, "The honorable marquis, be careful in the future since you''re in such an esteemed position. No telling when some destitute prince might strike a fatal blow."


    The marquis spat out a mouthful of blood, gazing fiercely at Yuwen Hao as if wanting to y him alive this instant. "Don''t worry, I''ll remember this clearly, and collect both punches back in full with interest."


    Yuwen Hao gave a coldugh and turned away. But from the corner of his eye, he seemed to glimpse someone sprinting over from the back of the courtyard...


    "Save me, Your Highness, save me!" The figure was shouting in panic as she ran over. From a distance he could already see her face and hair caked with blood and dirt, her clothes tattered in many ces, dressed as a man but with a woman''s voice.


    In that moment, Yuwen Hao felt his entire body''s blood instantly start boiling. He stood stock still, his heart slowly settling back into ce.


    Never in his life had Tang Yang lostposure like now. He cried out at the top of his lungs, "The Princess, it''s the Princess!"

 Chapter 100: Got Beat Up Again

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    The guards rushed over, followed by the military advisor, who went over to support Yuan Qingling.


    Marquis Huiding was almost stunned for a moment, and looked to his trusted aide instinctively. His aide also had a panicked and shocked look on his face.


    Yuan Qingling was helped over. Yuwen Hao immediately embraced her and took off his robe to wrap around her. Yuan Qingling looked very panicked, her whole body was shivering and gasping for breath.


    Her face was badly swollen, and there was also bleeding from the back of her head. She looked like she was about to faint.


    However, leaning against Yuwen Hao, she pointed at Marquis Huiding with a sob in her voice, "It was him, he kidnapped me and tortured me, trying to make me reveal the reason why His Majesty appointed the Prince as the prefect of Jingzhao."


    Yuwen Hao turned to look at Marquis Huiding, watching as his face turned pale, the blood draining away inch by inch.


    "Marquis," Yuwen Hao sneered coldly, "Are the horses ready? Is it going to the pce oring with me to Jingzhao Prefecture?"


    Marquis Huiding stared grimly at Yuwen Hao, after a long pause, he finally ordered to retreat, "Please invite the Premier to Jingzhao Prefecture."


    His eyes were fixed on Yuan Qingling, seemingly still unable to ept the fact that she had escaped ande back. The hatred in his eyes drowned everything else, and even this hatred was deeper than what he felt towards Yuwen Hao.


    The hatred ran so deep that even Yuwen Hao could feel it.


    He looked quietly at Yuan Qingling, curled up in his arms, shivering ceaselessly, as if she had just experienced a nightmare.


    He touched the back of her head, staining his hand with blood. He felt indescribably restless and furious. He ordered Tang Yang, "Send the Consort back to the manor first."


    Yuan Qingling slowly raised her pitiful little face, and pointed at the viinous dogs inside, "My Prince, Marquis Huiding ordered the vicious dogs to attack people, they must be taken back."


    "Beat them to death!" A trace of ferocity shed in Yuwen Hao''s eyes.


    "No!" Yuan Qingling cried out fiercely, "Don''t kill them."


    Yuwen Hao narrowed his eyes and looked at her. She was standing straight now, without a trace of the panic she had earlier.


    Seeing Yuwen Hao staring at her, Yuan Qingling lowered hershes, and squeezed out some tears with great effort, "Interrogate them first before killing."


    Yuwen Hao didn''t know what tricks she was ying. After the initial pleasant surprise, he was now filled with anger, and would settle ounts with her slowly after dealing with Marquis Huiding.


    "Take them away!" Yuwen Hao said coldly to Tang Yang.


    "What about the dogs..." Yuan Qingling asked.


    "Bring them to the Yamen as well." Yuwen Hao said lightly.


    Only then did Yuan Qingling follow Tang Yang with relief. When she walked past Marquis Huiding, Marquis Huiding only felt pain in his groin, and shame and anger surged up. He grabbed Yuan Qingling by the neck with one hand.


    Yuan Qingling immediately thrust her knee upwards, hitting him right in the crotch. Marquis Huiding let out a miserable shriek and fell to the ground, clutching his crotch and rolling around.


    Blood seeped out.


    Everyone was horrified, even Yuwen Hao was shocked beyond measure.


    Yuan Qingling just shook her sleeves and said to Tang Yang, "Let''s go!"


    She waspletely unafraid.


    Yuwen Hao narrowed his eyes, watching her straight back as she walked away. He felt something was wrong, did she look anything like someone who had just been rescued from a plight? No, on the contrary, she walked away like a victorious rooster.


    Tang Yang brought Yuan Qingling back to the manor. All the way, Tang Yang didn''t ask anything, he would just wait for Yuan Qingling to bathe and change before calling the imperial physician to treat her injuries.


    After the imperial physician left, Tang Yang asked, "Consort, what exactly happened?"


    Yuan Qingling welled up with tears...


    "Consort, stop pretending." Tang Yang mercilessly exposed her act.


    Yuan Qingling''s expression changed, she was very disappointed, "As you can see, I was kidnapped and nearly died at Marquis Huiding''s manor."


    "That''s it?"


    "That''s it." She slowly propped up her head, "Maybe there''s more, but my head hurts so much I really can''t remember anything. Oh yes, please tell the Prince that I probably won''t be able to go out these few days and it''s inconvenient to meet people."


    Tang Yang didn''t know whether tough or cry. Nevermind, he had to go back to Jingzhao Prefecture first. Since the Consort was already safe, he could slowly ask about the matterter.


    "Master Tang!" Yuan Qingling called him, "Please properly take care of those dogs if possible."


    "If you don''t exin, I''m afraid the Prince will have all the dogs killed." Tang Yang said.


    Yuan Qingling knew Tang Yang was crafty, so she had to say, "I was able to escape because of those dogs, they saved me."


    With a sentence saying she was able to escape, it confirmed Tang Yang''s suspicions. He cupped his fists, "This subordinate will do his best to save the Consort''s benefactors."


    After Tang Yang left, Xi Mama said in shock, "The Consort actually fell into Marquis Huiding''s hands?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "Fortunately the Prince came to the rescue in time."


    "Did the Consort..." Xi Mama hesitated for a moment, but still didn''t ask.


    "No!" Yuan Qingling immediately answered, knowing what she wanted to ask.


    Only then was Xi Mama relieved.


    "I''m tired, going to take a nap. Mama, please stop the Prince by all means if hees looking for me." Yuan Qingling exhorted over and over again.


    "I know." Xi Mama said with a smile, "You can avoid it on the first day, but not the fifteenth."


    "Nevermind, as long as I can avoid it the first day, the anger will slowly subside." Yuan Qingling said very optimistically.


    Shey down, her recent habit of sleeping face down had almost be a habit. The back of her head was injured, so she could only sleep like this.


    It turned out she was blindly optimistic.


    Yuwen Hao came back from Jingzhao Prefecture and headed straight for Feng Yi Pavilion.


    Of course Xi Mama could not stop him.


    After apprehending Marquis Huiding and taking statements from the manor guards and trusted aides, they also invited Premier Chu. Premier Chu said Marquis Huiding''s injuries were too severe and needed medical treatment first before interrogation.


    As for what kind of injuries, Yuwen Hao had seen it with his own eyes. His forehead was steaming, without another thought he rushed back to the manor.


    He was furious, but saw Yuan Qingling sleeping loudly, as if nothing had happened. He was so angry he didn''t know where to start. He raised his hand and pped her butt hard several times.


    These ps were vicious, Yuwen Hao was venting all his anger through them.


    Yuan Qingling was startled awake from her sleep. After a brief confusion, she realized she had been beaten again. She pounced over, baring her teeth, "You said you wouldn''t hit me again. If the tiger doesn''t show its might, do you think I''m a sick cat?"


    Yuwen Hao pushed her face back with a p, yelling angrily, "Speak, how did Marquis Huiding get injured?"


    Yuan Qingling pushed his hand away, her momentum instantly deted as she looked at him in surprise, "What injury? Who''s injured? Marquis Huiding? How would I know, I was locked up by him, it took great difficulty for me to escape."


    Yuwen Hao stood in front of the bed, arms crossed, and said coldly, "Going to speak or not?"


    "I really don''t know." Yuan Qingling said honestly.


    "Not saying huh? Fine, you''re involved in the case, I''ll take you to the Yamen for interrogation." Yuwen Hao said with a cold face. He called out, "Tang Yang, prepare the shackles and bring her to Jingzhao Prefecture for interrogation."


    Yuan Qingling watched as Tang Yang, who was prepared early, strode in, followed by Xu Yi. Xu Yi was holding a pair of shackles, walking over with a hideous look on his face.


    "Consort, you should just tell us. This case will be reported to His Majesty, there can''t be any mistakes. This is not anything disgraceful." Tang Yang earnestly advised.


    It wasn''t that Yuan Qingling felt this matter was disgraceful, she just didn''t want to talk about injuring another''s manhood in such a sinister way.


    However, if it was to be reported to His Majesty, she would have to exin it to Yuwen Hao, and let him fabricate an ount to report to His Majesty.

 Chapter 101: Dare Not

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    Yuwen Hao was already coldly saying: "You don''t need to confess right? The people around Marquis of Huiding have already said that you deliberately lingered in front of Marquis of Huiding these past few days, knowing his fondness for handsome men. You deliberately dressed as a man to seduce him. Have you gone crazy? Or has a ghost hit your forehead? Who is Marquis of Huiding? How dare you provoke him? If you don''t want this life of yours, go dig a grave and bury yourself, don''t cause me trouble. I wish I could just kill..."


    Yuan Qingling looked at him with anger on his face, and gently interrupted: "When I was at the marquis''s mansion, I heard you tell Marquis of Huiding that if I died by his hand, you would stop at nothing to kill him and make him a scapegoat for me. Prince, I didn''t know you loved me so much."


    This should be the fastest way to make him shut up.


    Sure enough, Yuwen Hao''s angry face suddenly froze, the corners of his mouth twitching a few times, as if suffering from aftereffects of a stroke. "What nonsense love are you spewing?"


    Just as he was about to give her a good scolding, the saying goes that the onlooker sees more of the game, Tang Yang calmly said: "Prince, about her injuries."


    Yuwen Hao immediately came to his senses, his eyebrows shot up in anger. He grabbed Yuan Qingling''s arm and pressed her down, raising his palm, about to strike down. Yuan Qingling hurriedly pleaded for mercy, "I''ll talk, I''ll talk!"


    Yuwen Hao let go of her in one motion. "Today I won''t mess around with you. If you don''t confess everything truthfully, the nk awaits you."


    For the sake of the present, she could only bow her head to the evil forces.


    She adjusted her sitting position, sitting cross-legged on the bed. She cleared her throat, but was grabbed by the ears by Yuwen Hao, who barked, "Speak!"


    Yuan Qingling shrank her neck aggrievedly, looking at his fierce face, "I''m about to."


    "If there''s half a lie, I''ll kill you first before exining to Father. You''d better not challenge my bottom line." Yuwen Hao said angrily.


    Yuan Qingling knew he didn''t necessarily have the intention to kill her, but losing control and killing someone did happen.


    So she didn''t dare conceal anything, and said, "I was thinking that a person like Marquis of Huidingmits evil without end, yet I have no evidence to convict him, and I feel resentful. Knowing his preferences, I disguised myself to deliberately approach him. At first I only wanted to attract his attention, and when he took the bait I would set a trap to catch him red-handed with you leading people to arrest him on the spot. I swear, that was my original intention, I wanted to cooperate with you."


    She looked at Yuwen Hao sincerely.


    Yuwen Hao''s face was impatient. "Go on." Cooperate? With her brains could she even do that?


    Yuan Qingling said with a dejected face: "Who would have thought he had already noticed me. What I didn''t expect even more was that he dared to openly abduct me, and he knew my identity. He had me taken to a room full of torture devices, wanting to take indecent liberties with me there. Of course I refused, and injected him with anesthetic, then took the opportunity to..."


    She took a furtive nce at him, seeing that his eyes were still spraying fire, she faltered, "took the opportunity to poke his tool that he used to vitemoner girls in the past, with the legs of a chair."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Yi and Tang Yang gasped. Xu Yi subconsciously protected a certain ce. Heavens, how painful would that be? That Marquis of Huiding was truly a tough guy, getting injured there yet still able to skip around.


    Yuwen Hao''splexion also changed. But he burst out scolding, "When you had the chance, instead of escaping immediately you had to injure him first. Are you dumb as a pig?"


    Yuan Qingling continued, "After injuring him I immediately escaped, but when I went out I was discovered by maids and forced into the dog pen. Strangely, those dogs were like mad dogs rushing at the guards instead, which gave me a chance to escape. Seeing the chaos, I immediately ran out the back door and didn''t stop until I was very far away."


    Yuwen Hao listened ufortably, raising his eyebrows, "You escaped?"


    "Yes!"


    "Since you escaped, why did you appear at the marquis''s mansion again?" Yuwen Hao pulled over a chair to sit down, his expression slowly calming down.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him and said, "After escaping, I hid in an alley and didn''t dare to go out for the time being. But I saw you leading people passing by, and at the time I thought you were on official business so I didn''t dare call out to you. Later I thought you seemed to be going towards Marquis of Huiding''s mansion, so after hesitating for a long time, I sneaked back to take a look. Seeing people guarding the gates, I knew I was right so I went in through the back door."


    "That''s not right!" Xu Yi stared at her, "I was guarding the back door the whole time, the Consort never came in."


    Yuan Qingling was rather embarrassed, "I thought the guards were the marquis''s men, I didn''t look closely. I crouched by the wall for a while, and discovered a dog hole on the ground..."


    Everyone fell silent.


    The Consort crawled through a dog hole?


    Yuan Qingling really didn''t want to say this out loud, "The dog hole was too small, I definitely couldn''t crawl in. So I climbed up the wall and jumped down from above."


    Xu Yi said, "But the Consort could still crawl through that dog hole, I saw it when I went to stand guard."


    "No one''s asking you to y mute!" Yuan Qingling red at him resentfully.


    Xu Yi felt very wronged, he was just stating facts.


    But Yuwen Hao looked at her thoughtfully, "Even if I went to the marquis''s mansion, why did you go back?"


    Yuan Qingling said matter-of-factly, "Of course I had to go back! Prince, you brought Jingzhao Prefecture''s men there, if they couldn''t find me, would Marquis of Huiding let it go graciously? He''d surely bite you like a mad dog and not let go."


    "Don''t you hate me? Wouldn''t it be to your satisfaction to see me bitten by a mad dog?" Yuwen Hao watched her closely, and his anger had damned well vanished from his heart.


    Yuan Qingling patted him on the shoulder and boldly said, "It''s fine if I kill you with my own hands, but I''m unwilling to have you die by another''s hands."


    "Go die!" Yuwen Hao pushed her impatiently.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t expect him to suddenly push her. She fell back and the back of her head hit the bed frame hard. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted.


    "That''s what you get for pretending!" Yuwen Hao raised his hand and pped her calf.


    No reaction.


    Yuwen Hao bared his teeth and dragged her up by the hand, "Still pretending?"


    Yuan Qingling was pulled up and flopped limply to one side again, eyes still closed motionless.


    Tang Yang''s sharp eyes saw it and eximed in shock, "She''s not pretending, the wound opened up, look, she''s bleeding again."


    Yuwen Hao looked and saw the bed curtain was indeed stained with bright red blood.


    "What are you still stunned for? Call the imperial physician!" Yuwen Hao yelled loudly. He knelt on the bed and picked Yuan Qingling up, reaching to the back of her head, his hand was covered in blood.


    Xu Yi hurried out in a panic.


    The imperial physician was very helpless as he treated Yuan Qingling''s wound again, grumbling, "This wound is at the back of her head, already very serious to begin with. It must be carefully tended to. How did it get injured again? If injured again, the Consort will be an idiot."


    "The Consort... bumped into it herself." Xu Yi guiltily exined to the physician.


    "The Consort isn''t an idiot. Knowing she has an injury at the back of her head, how could she bump into it on purpose?" The imperial physician really couldn''t stand it any longer. He had been treating the Prince''s injuries in the residence for many days, knowing the Prince would yell at and handle the Consort roughly at the slightest thing.


    "Is the imperial physician criticizing me?" Yuwen Hao asked coldly with an icy face.


    The imperial physician took one look at Yuwen Hao''s cold ferocious face, the courage he had just disyed instantly vanished into thin air. Picking up his medicine box, he didn''t dare say anything more and scurried away dejectedly.

 Chapter 102: Dream Back Lab

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    Yuwen Hao angrily shouted at the retreating back of the imperial doctor, ¡°When will she wake up?¡±


    "The Consort is tired, and has lost some blood from the shock. Let her rest for a bit and she will wake up," the imperial doctor said hurriedly before scurrying away.


    "Women are so troublesome!" Yuwen Hao red at the unconscious Yuan Qingling, "Fainting from such minor injuries. Pathetic."


    Xu Yi felt that the Prince was being unreasonably harsh. He believed the Consort''s endurance was already quite strong - being beaten at the Marquis''s manor, escaping, and thening back to rescue them from the predicament.


    Which ordinary woman would have such courage and valor? Most would have started bawling as soon as they were captured at the manor, crying until dead.


    "Shall I summon the midwives to attend to her, and ask if Your Highness wants to return to the estate first?" Xu Yi asked, lest the Prince''s presence further upset the Consort when she awoke.


    "No need. I will stay and keep watch for a while," said Yuwen Hao. "Go and instruct the kitchen to prepare some congee or broth for when she wakes. She can drink it."


    "Yes, Your Highness!" Xu Yi withdrew.


    "Tang Yang," Yuwen Hao turned to look at him, "return to the estate and monitor Marquis Huiding''s injuries and treatment. Do not let anything go wrong, at least not until Father is fully informed of the matter. He must not die yet. Only designated physicians approved by me can treat him, not whoever Prime Minister Chu appoints. Even the imperial doctors need my permission."


    "When does Your Highness n to report to His Majesty?" Tang Yang was worried they would miss the opportune timing.


    "No rush," said Yuwen Hao.


    "But Prime Minister Chu may enter the pce first to confess. Things told from his mouth will be distorted," Tang Yang argued.


    Yuwen Hao justughed coldly and shook his head, "He won''t. Father already senses the Chu family has been overstepping their boundaries, butcks evidence to discipline them. Now with Marquis Huiding''s incident, Father will certainly seize the opportunity to reprimand the Chus. So he won''t allow anyone to cover things up."


    Tang Yang gazed at Yuwen Hao with the eyes of a diehard fan.


    His Prince really had such prating insight and deep strategies. Of all the royal sons, he was the most outstanding. His Majesty ought to see that.


    After pondering a moment, Yuwen Hao added, "Just to be safe, go also find Leng Jingyan."


    Leng Jingyan, the youngest Supervisor of the National Academy since the founding of Northern Tang. Exceptionally talented and a favorite of the Emperor, who loved to summon him into the pce for chess and conversation. There was joking talk that His Majesty could not go a day without Master Leng.


    "Understood!" Tang Yang left to carry out his orders.


    After dismissing the others, Yuwen Hao sat at the bedside looking at Yuan Qingling''s face, badly swollen on one side and distinctly higher than the other. Lurid red suffused the translucent skin, like blood bubbles spreading, quite grisly to behold.


    That p must have nearly cracked her head open.


    A woman like Yuan Qingling deserved punishment, but she was the Consort of Prince Chu. Hitting her equated to hitting him, an indignity he could never swallow.


    Most importantly, who gave others the right to p his wife without his permission?


    The anger and resentment simmered again.


    "Scared this time? Nearly died?" Yuwen Hao mocked.


    Now that it was over, remembering it gave him chills. This woman really had guts, to daringly plot against Marquis Huiding.


    "Sooner orter you''ll die without even knowing how," Yuwen Hao snorted. "Best behave yourself in the future. Don''t stir up more trouble. I can''t keep cleaning up after your messes."


    Yuwen Hao mused that the world was full of strange twists.


    When he married Yuan Qingling, he was certain they would never exchange another nce or civil word in this lifetime, let alone think of ''a lifetime'' regarding the two of them.


    Yet now, some matters seemed to be changing against his will.


    He didn''t know if it was the circumstances or the person that had changed.


    Speaking of change, he looked slowly over at Yuan Qingling. It was evident she had changed, in speech and conduct, no longer the same as before.


    He remembered at the start of their marriage, she would find endless excuses to seek him out, bringing clothes, soup, embroidered pouches and the like. He always scorned her gifts, while the resentment and hurt were in on her face, yet she persisted. Back then it gratified him to humiliate and shame her.


    After half a year of marriage he grew tired of these petty torments and didn''t want to see her anymore. If not for herining to the Empress Dowager of their unconsummated union, perhaps they would have had no further interactions to this day.


    Now he recalled, the change began after their consummation.


    He had to ruefullyugh at himself. Could it be that having conjugal rtions really enabled them to overlook the otherwise unforgivable wrongs in each other?


    The unconscious Yuan Qingling returned again to theboratory.


    Sitting at theputer desk, she looked at the WeChat messages from her parents, sister, and brother. Same as always, reminding her to rest and not overwork herself.


    She copsed atop the desk and sobbed bitterly.


    After the bout of weeping, she circled theb, gazing at the closed door with the little teddy bear keychain hanging from the handle, a prize she won at the w machine for her little niece the previous birthday. The angelic child was overjoyed and gifted her the tiny teddy bear, saying it was a lucky charm.


    Holding it in her hand now, she felt immense sorrow, knowing she would never see the girl again in this life.


    She grasped the handle and pushed open the door with a ''crack.'' A draft of wind slipped in.


    Her heart pounded nervously. Would she be able to step outside and encounter herb colleagues like when she was still alive in this world?


    Finally she pulled the door fully open. Beyondy pitch ckness, with only the dim corridor lights emitting a faint glow.


    The scene was familiar, just like leavingte from overtime.


    The exteriorb doors were shut. She pressed her thumb to the fingerprint scanner, which failed to recognize her.


    It wouldn''t open.


    Her heart sank immediately. In the end it was just a dream.


    She returned to herb station, the previous experiment data still essible on theputer. She could conveniently check andpare the EEG readings of the monkeys after injections.


    She wanted to determine if there was any direct or indirect link between her transmigration and the drug.


    While scrutinizing the data, she suddenly felt a heaviness on her right arm, unable to lift it up as if something pressed down on it. She exerted all her strength to no avail.


    Shocked, had she suffered a stroke and paralysis?


    She jerked upright, then winced as sharp painnced through the back of her head. Vision dimming then brightening, her surroundings changed again.


    She ruefully regarded Yuwen Hao''s head pillowed on her arm, sleeping soundly. No wonder, with a head that huge, how could it not be heavy? She was still an injured patient!

 Chapter 103: All For You

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    She was toozy to move. If she woke him up, he would inevitably scold her again. She didn''t want to exin anymore.


    She closed her eyes, savoring everything in her dream. Even a small ornament in her dream was precious to her.


    Why did she have to wake up?


    She had read Monkey Brother''s data many times before. The drugs did have an effect. Even without looking at the electroencephalogram, just by observing his daily actions, it was clear that he had be much smarter. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to sneak out and get hit by a car and die.


    She suddenly had a crazy idea. After Monkey Brother was hit by the car and died, what if his soul also transferred and coincidentally ended up here too?


    Ah, she was really letting her imagination run wild.


    This guy''s head was really heavy.


    She turned her head to look at him closely. She only dared to scrutinize him when he was asleep. It wasn''t that she was shy, but rather that he was so narcissistic. If she looked at him a few more times, he would think she had fallen in love with him.


    Strictly speaking, he was very good looking.


    His features were nearly perfect. If she had to nitpick, it would be that the contours of his face were too hard and cold. Even when a person like this smiled, it still gave people a feeling of coldness.


    Especially when he suddenly opened his eyes, the icy re sweeping over was like a bolt of lightning, just like now...


    She was so frightened that she shuddered. "When...when did you wake up?"


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes were indifferent. "When you were shamelessly looking at me."


    "Get up. You''re pressing down on my arm and it''s gone numb." Yuan Qingling guiltily patted his head.


    Yuwen Hao lifted his head to let her pull back her arm. There was only one pillow on this bed and she had taken it, so he could only sleep on his arm.


    He was making a fuss over her sleeping on just one of his arms?


    "What were you looking at just now?" Yuwen Hao asked.


    "I was just seeing how your wound has healed. Don''t get the wrong idea." Yuan Qingling quickly denied it.


    He didn''t misunderstand. When he woke up, he saw her staring at him. That was definitely an investigative look, not a loving gaze.


    "Misunderstand what? Everyone in the capital knows you''re obsessed with me. Why are you in such a hurry to deny it?"


    Yuan Qingling sighed. This really was her original sin.


    "How will Marquis Huiding deal with this?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Yuwen Hao had also thought about this problem earlier while looking at Yuan Qingling''s sleeping face. He had some thoughts of changing his mind.


    "I n to tell Father that Marquis Huiding privately kidnapped a schr."


    Yuan Qingling was startled. "Why say that? The guards and everyone else knows he kidnapped me, the Prince''s Consort of Chu.


    Saying he kidnapped a schr, wasn''t that giving Marquis Huiding a chance to evade punishment? Kidnapping the current prince''s consort and intending to dishonor the consort was a capital offense.


    Kidnapping a schr, he could argue there was a personal grudge and he only wanted to teach the schr a lesson. At most, the Emperor would scold him a few times.


    Yuwen Hao looked at her. "I can order the guards in Jingzhao to keep it confidential. As for Marquis Huiding''s estate, he would be crazy to spread this outside."


    "That won''t do. We went through so much trouble and I almost got...killed by him. How can we let him off easily?" Yuan Qingling angrily said. What kind of person Marquis Huiding was, who in the capital didn''t know? Letting him off so easily today, there would be consequences. Also, this was a rare opportunity that was hard toe by. It would be difficult to catch him again in the future.


    Yuwen Hao got up. His tall figure was cast on the ground. "I''ve already decided. No need to keep talking about it."


    "I object!" Yuan Qingling angrily jumped up and grabbed his arm. "Are you afraid of the Chu family? Or are you still being lenient because of Chu Mingcui?"


    Yuwen Hao''s face was gloomy. "Don''t bring up irrelevant people."


    Yuan Qingling disappointingly looked at him. "I guessed right. You don''t want to be enemies with the Chu family because of Chu Mingcui. I really misjudged you. I thought you were at least clever enough to know to avoid harm. Letting Marquis Huiding off today, there will be consequences."


    Yuwen Hao angrily shook his sleeve. "Ridiculous!" He said coldly and left.


    Yuan Qingling watched his retreating figure. She was also very angry. She had almost sacrificed her chastity and life to gain this opportunity, yet he easily gave it up. Didn''t that mean she had suffered for nothing?


    Qi Amah softly sighed. "Your Highness, don''t be angry. The Prince is also thinking of you."


    "Thinking of me?" Yuan Qingling coldlyughed. "If he was thinking of me, he would truthfully report this."


    Qi Amah said, "A woman''s reputation is more important than life itself. Marquis Huiding''s character, who in the capital doesn''t know? If this got out, Your Highness''s reputation would be ruined and you wouldn''t be able to show your face in public. Hurtful words are like frost in June."


    Yuan Qingling was taken aback. "I don''t even care about my own reputation. What does he care about?"


    "This shows the Prince cares about Your Highness." Qi Amah said definitively.


    Yuan Qingling hadn''t thought about this issue. But if it was about reputation, it was probably his own reputation he cared about. In any case, he loathed her. He might annul their marriage at any time. This wouldn''t impact his reputation much.


    But damaging his reputation a bit to get rid of an evil person, he should understand the trade off. He was a crafty man.


    So was it really for her sake?


    "If the Prince didn''t care about Your Highness, how could he stay by your side the entire time you were unconscious?" Qi Amah continued.


    Yuan Qingling regretfully thought, "So did I wrongly me him?"


    "Your Highness did wrongly me the Prince." Qi Amah said decisively.


    Yuan Qingling put her hand on her forehead. She always messed things up.


    Just when it seemed to be going well, something would happen.


    Later, Yuan Qingping came to see her. Seeing her injured, Yuan Qingping''s gaze wasplicated.


    Although the people in the residence had hidden it from her, she had figured out the gist by probing Lu Ye.


    "You really didn''t need to do this." Yuan Qingping said with difficulty.


    "I''m fine." Yuan Qingling absentmindedly responded.


    Yuan Qingping was silent for a while before asking her, "Does it hurt?"


    "It hurts!" Her body had never recovered. She was always hurting somewhere.


    Yuan Qingping lowered her head and started sobbing.


    "What are you crying for? This is a good thing. At least you''re free now." Yuan Qingling said. Even if this didn''te out, Marquis Huiding probably wouldn''t dare provoke Prince Jing''s residence for the time being.


    Yuan Qingping wiped a tear. "What if you had died?"


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "If I died, then I died. Everyone dies eventually. It''s just a matter of sooner orter."


    "You''ve been so good to me. I don''t know how to repay you." Yuan Qingping lifted her head. Her flower-like face was covered in tears, butcked the previous cold arrogance.


    "Just treat me the same as before. Don''t feel burdened. It wasn''t all for your sake that I did this."


    That was the truth. She had mainly been motivated by a moment of heroic impulse.


    She didn''t want to ept someone else''s gratitude.

 Chapter 104: What Is Dependency

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    After seeing Yuan Qingling back to the Marquis¡¯s Mansion, Yuwen Hao hugged Yuan Qingling before leaving, and softly said, ¡°Thank you, sister.¡±


    Being called ¡°sister¡± made Yuan Qingling''s heart feel soft.


    She deliberated for a long time, and felt that she still could not do as Yuwen Hao said.


    "Is the Prince in the mansion?" she asked her servant.


    "Yes, he''s in the study," the servant replied.


    "I''m going over to find him," said Yuan Qingling as she tidied her clothes before heading out.


    The evening mist was heavy, casting this courtyard in dusk¡¯s colors, making it feel tranquil and mellow. Curls of cooking smoke rosezily from the kitchen, the scent of worldly life permeating every corner, making one feel the reality yet ephemerality of it all.


    Today¡¯s ordeal gave Yuan Qingling a true sense of living in this era, rather than just existing.


    Arriving at the study, a maid was just carrying over some food to the door. "I''ll take it," Yuan Qingling said softly.


    "Yes, mydy," the maid acquiesced with a curtsy before leaving.


    Yuan Qingling brought the food in. The room was lit with just two candlesticks, the flickering light both lively yet wan.


    He was practicing calligraphy at his desk. On the ground were many discarded papers, each forcefully inked with the character ¡°endure¡±.


    Hearing footsteps, he looked up. In the dancing candlelight, his face appeared and disappeared, the corners of his eyes and lips turned up, making him look solemn yet forlorn.


    The scar winding from the corner of his eye to his ear added a ferocious air.


    "What are you doing here?" Yuwen Hao put down his brush and asked coldly.


    Yuan Qingling set the food down on the Eight Immortals table. Going over, she said, "It''s time to eat."


    "I''m not eating. Take it away!" Yuwen Hao frowned.


    She stood amidst the scattered papers, not knowing what to do with her hands as they hung sped in front of her. "Let''s talk," she said.


    "If it''s about what happened today, there''s nothing to discuss. I''ve made my decision," he said icily.


    Yuan Qingling slowly walked over to stand at the other side of the desk, looking earnestly into his eyes. "Enduring is unnecessary. Perhaps many matters require endurance many times, but even endurance has a bottom line. Once that line is crossed, further endurance will lead to aplete loss of integrity. I don''t care what others say; I only care whether good and evil receive their due."


    "You don''t care? Easy to say, but when ndered, who can remain unaffected?" He spoke from experience. This past year, all kinds of malicious words had pierced his heart.


    "I can. I truly don''t care, because I care about something more," she said.


    "Something you care about more?" Yuwen Hao looked straight at her. "What is that?"


    "Conviction!"


    "What conviction?" He was surprised. This was not something Yuan Qingling would say.


    "The conviction to be human: to not let evil run rampant and wreak havoc in this world. The Marquis harmed many women. He represents evil." Yuan Qingling spoke righteously, but these words were not for Yuwen Hao. They were for him to ry to the Emperor.


    "Say something normal," Yuwen Hao frowned.


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes chilled. "Revenge. He nearly disgraced me and wanted to kill me. If I don''t avenge this, how can I swallow this indignation? I cannot tolerate such a despicable person living well in this world."


    Yuwen Hao''s expression softened slightly. "Even if we do as I proposed, he won''tst long. I''ve already informed Jingyan, who will hint subtly to Father at the right time."


    "No, Prince. There''s no need for hints. Since the Emperor appointed you Prefect of Jingzhao, he must want you to aplish great things vigorously. If you don''t speak inly, and only let...Jingyan...hint, the Emperor may feel you''re timid and unfit for the task."


    Yuwen Hao stared at her. "Who taught you to say these things?"


    "My own thoughts and ideas make me say them."


    "Impossible. You''re not that clever."


    "That''s an ad hominem attack. I advise the Prince to be virtuous," Yuan Qingling said.


    Yuwen Hao reached out a hand to habitually pat her head, but remembering her head injury, he stopped and let his hand fall onto her shoulder instead. "Eat."


    Yuan Qingling said, "You have to agree with me first."


    "No more nonsense. Eat!" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her over. "Keep mepany."


    "I''ve eaten. I''ve had soup," she said.


    "Then attend me while I dine."


    "As youmand!" Yuan Qingling rolled her eyes.


    He ate as if famished, the meal disappearing in the blink of an eye with nary a grain of rice left.


    "That hungry? Should I have them make you something more?" She remembered he usually ate very moderately. Such ravenous eating showed his deprivation.


    "No need. Attend me in changing clothes. I''m going to the pce to see His Majesty."


    Yuan Qingling hopped to it happily. "Yes!"


    The two returned to Xiao Yue Pavilion. Yuan Qingling opened the wardrobe to rows of neatly folded clothes, and looking back, asked him, "Which outfit?"


    "Official robes!" he said impatiently.


    "Oh!" She shut the wardrobe and went to the clothing rack to retrieve the official robes he had changed out of when he returned today. Reaching out, she touched the exquisite embroidery: the symbol of power.


    The purple robe cinched at the waist, the gold and jade belt perfectly delineating top and bottom, the proportions perfect.


    Topped with the official hat, he seemed to temper his sharp edges, the entire person bing steady and grounded.


    This was Yuan Qingling''s first time attending him. Though serving someone was tedious work, today she was happy to do it.


    She couldn''t help speaking lightly, "The Prince looks so handsome."


    "Scram!" He red at her.


    "Yes, will scram shortly," she said ingratiatingly. Couldn''t offend the master.


    Yuwen Hao''s eyes and brows somehow betrayed a hint of a smile as he nted a nce at Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling''s heart thumped loudly. She gazed nkly at him.


    "Stupefied?" He didn''t have her attend him in changing shoes, doing it himself as he sat down.


    Yuan Qingling returned to her senses. "No, just wondering how to fade your scar a little."


    "No need. I''m not some woman," said Yuwen Hao as he stood, a good half head taller than Yuan Qingling. She figured she was about 165 cm. Judging by the average head being 22 cm, she estimated him to be around 185 cm, no more than 187 cm.


    The height difference was significant. Without high heels here, walking beside him made her feel too short.


    Ah, why was she pointlessly estimating heights here? Damn!


    Seeing Yuwen Hao off, Yuan Qingling slowly paced back into the room. She had thought about following him into the pce but she was supposed to be terribly frightened and traumatized now, needing rest and recuperation in the manor to appear pitiful.


    But she couldn''t calm her thoughts, recalling that thrilling moment earlier, as if electric currents had coursed from her toes to the crown of her head then out to her limbs.


    This was illogical.


    Yuwen Hao was a scumbag, coarse and rude. She couldn''t change her opinion just because he asionally showed kindness, even disregarding past grievances entirely.


    Yuan Qingling, you can''t be so cheap. Don''t freely give your true feelings.


    She must be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, the most salient symptom being developing reliance and trust in one''s abuser.


    This was sickness needing immediate treatment.


    The cure was maintaining a positive attitude, not easily giving in to reality. Understanding the abuser''s weaknesses tounch preemptive counterattacks, and establishing systems limiting the abuser''s evildoing.


    After this heroic pep talk, she immediately softened. She didn''t want to oppose him anymore. What to do?

 Chapter 105: I don’t Seem So Annoying Anymore.

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    Yuwen Hao didn''te back, but Tangyang came back.


    Tangyang was wearing tattered clothes and looked disheveled when he came in, "Consort Yuan, I''ve settled all your benefactors in another courtyard, but one of them insisted on following me, so I had no choice but to bring it back."


    Yuan Qingling curiously looked out to see who insisted on following him.


    Then she saw Xu Yi leading a ck dog with a short tail and erect ears in. It was the dog that had enabled Yuan Qingling to escape. Now it was squatting on the ground with its short ears pricked up, mouth open, tongue sticking out and looking at her.


    Its whole body was very dirty, injured, and its fur was stained with blood. Whip marks covered its whole body, each whip had cut into its flesh, some ces the skin and fur were gone, exposing the bloody flesh, looking creepy.


    But now as it squatted on the ground, its past ferocity and fierceness were gone. Its eyes were very round as it stared at Yuan Qingling.


    Yuan Qingling quickly walked over, only its head was intact, she reached out and stroked it, "Good boy."


    "Woof Woof Woof!" The ck dog barked at her, wagging its tail, seeming to have tears in its eyes.


    Tangyang walked over, Yuan Qingling turned around and said, "Prepare medicinal powder and hot water."


    The dog was very obedient, allowing Yuan Qingling to disinfect and dress its wounds without making a sound as she washed its fur and treated its injuries.


    Tangyang and Xu Yi had wanted to help, but Yuan Qingling chased them out.


    After cleaning up, Yuan Qingling stroked its head, "From now on, you''ll follow me. There''s one called Fu Bao in the pce, I''ll call you Duo Bao, okay?"


    "Woof woof woof!" Duo Bao barked three times, as if agreeing.


    Earlier when they met, Duo Bao had said she had harmed it badly, and all the dogs had been beaten badly.


    Yuan Qingling could understand Duo Bao''s words and felt very distressed about what had happened to the dogs.


    She went out and told Tangyang to treat those dogs well. Tangyang said, "Of course, since they are all the consort''s benefactors, I will definitely treat them well."


    "Duo Bao will follow me from now on. I''ll trouble Xu Yi to build a dog house for it, just outside the yard, make it spacious."


    "Should I find a female dog for it?" Xu Yi asked nkly, why was the consort so close with this dog?


    "No need." Yuan Qingling nced at him, then looked at Tangyang, "General Tang, what happened to you? Go wash up and change your clothes."


    "Yes, thank you for your concern, Consort Yuan." The two then left.


    Duo Bao obedientlyy at Yuan Qingling''s feet. Dogs are spiritual creatures, it knew it had found a good master, so although covered in injuries, it still held its head high.


    Yuwen Hao would only be back tomorrow. Lv Ya informed Yuan Qingling when he returned to the manor. Yuan Qingling had tossed and turned the whole night without sleep. Hearing he was back, she hurriedly rushed out.


    Seeing her with her clothes not properly worn, Yuwen Hao''s face darkened, "Why did you just run out like this?"


    Only then did Yuan Qingling see that Yuwen Hao hadn''t returned alone. There was also Mu Ru Eunuch and two others she didn''t recognize who looked like cooks.


    She quickly lowered her eyshes looking distressed, "My lord wasn''t herest night, I was afraid."


    Matching the image of a victim.


    Mu Ru Eunuch felt very sympathetic, "The consort has just returned from cmity, it''s normal for her to be afraid. My lord, don''t rebuke her."


    "Thank you, Mu Ru Eunuch." Yuan Qingling said with tears in her eyes.


    Mu Ru smilingly said, "Hearing of the consort''s injury, His Majesty specially ordered two imperial chefs toe and personally cook for the consort to aid her recovery. Consort Yuan, just tell them what you want to eat."


    "Please convey my thanks to Father Emperor!" Yuan Qingling said, feeling honored.


    "We''re here on orders to see Consort Yuan. How are your injuries, Consort Yuan?"


    A summoned imperial doctor quickly came out, "Eunuch Mu, the consort''s injuries were actually very serious, with head injuries and excessive bleeding. She shouldn''t be getting out of bed, but the fright has made it hard for her to sleep. Hearing of the lord''s return, she rushed out. Consort Yuan, do you feel dizzy from the rush?"


    "Dizzy, very dizzy!" Yuan Qingling quickly leaned on Yuwen Hao, "Didn''t feel it earlier, but very dizzy now that I''ve stopped."


    "Someonee help the Consort back to her room." Yuwen Hao ordered.


    Lv Ya quickly came over to support the frail looking Yuan Qingling back slowly.


    Mu Ru Eunuch shook his head sympathetically, "Poor thing, just a few days without seeing the consort, she''s thinner by a whole circle."


    Yuwen Hao sneered coldly in his heart, poor thing? Didn''t feel that at all, only hateful and detestable.


    After sending off Mu Ru Eunuch, Yuwen Hao directly went to Feng Yi Pavilion.


    As soon as he entered, a big ck dog rushed out, blocking his path and ferociously barking at him. The shadow of his fear of dogs came over him again, and his calves went soft.


    Yuan Qingling leaned against the door and said, "Duo Bao, stop being fierce, you know him, your dad."


    "You''re its dad." Yuwen Hao said angrily, "Who brought it here? Send it away immediately."


    Yuan Qingling said, "Duo Bao, go y."


    Duo Bao obediently left, wagging its tail.


    "Duo Bao? It even has a name?" Yuwen Hao said angrily.


    "Why quibble with a dog?" Yuan Qingling said.


    "No dogs allowed in the manor, it''s either it or me." Yuwen Hao walked over and red at her warningly.


    Yuan Qingling followed him in and changed the topic, "How did it go?"


    Yuwen Hao sat down, his handsome face cold, "Father interrogated him overnight. He denied knowing you were the consort at first. Father was going to summon you, but finally Premier Chu personally interrogated him and he admitted it."


    "He admitted it? What will happen to him then?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "Already imprisoned. As for what will happen, I can''t intervene, but Father is furious this time. Given his past arrogance, I''m afraid he won''t easily let him off."


    Yuan Qingling was puzzled, "Why did Premier Chu want him to admit it?"


    Once admitted, there would be no chance to argue otherwise.


    "From Father wanting to summon you, he must have believed me. Premier Chu could guess your testimony, he would have to admit it sooner orter. Better admit early and plead for leniency. If Father saw your pitiful injured state, he would recall how you were beaten and harmed by Marquis Huiding. He likely would have killed Marquis Huiding on the spot. After all, you are the emperor''s daughter-inw, this time Marquis Huiding was pping Father''s face."


    Yuan Qingling said, "Killing him would be letting him off easy."


    Yuwen Hao looked at her, "Although Father ordered this case be kept secret, the Chu family can''t keep their mouths shut tight. Have you thought about what you''ll face in the future?"


    "I haven''t thought about it." Yuan Qingling said nonchntly.


    "Don''t pretend to be so unrestrained. No one doesn''t care." Yuwen Hao''s eyes were sharp.


    "Whether I care or not, life still goes on. I escaped death from the marquis manor, got back a life. Being able to live again is a great blessing to me. Why would I care about some idle gossip?"


    Yuwen Hao had to admit, "You really have changed a lot."


    Yuan Qingling smiled, "Change isn''t good?"


    Changed for the better, not as detestable as before.


    "Changed for the worse." Yuwen frowned.


    "Say one thing but mean another!" Yuan Qingling saw through him in a nce andughed.


    Yuwen Hao kept a straight face, walked out sternly like a strict old man.

 Chapter 106: The fifth wife is still good

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    Pce.


    Emperor Ming Yuan was furious all day long, his chest aching with anger.


    The arrogance of the Chu family had already exceeded his imagination.


    The power of the Chu family was now encroaching on his imperial authority. Premier Chu, who used to be respectful, said something today that made him realize that the Chu family posed a grave threat to the Macun imperial court.


    Premier Chu admonished Marquis of Huiding in distress, saying that although he was of high rank and enjoyed deep imperial favor, he had instigated his subordinates to stir up this universally outraged incident that damaged the reputation of the Chu family.


    The reputation of the Chu family? What about the reputation of the imperial family?


    He could tell that the old man had just blurted it out. With an incident like this, he could not afford to think too much. This showed that to him, the reputation of the Chu family was much more important than the reputation of the imperial family.


    The middle-aged generation of the Chu family now held important positions at court, and the younger generation had also started military training, climbing up thedder of military officials.


    And his sons? They probably only thought aboutpeting for the crown prince''s position. Who cared about the threat of the Chu family?


    Only the Fifth Prince did.


    The Fifth Prince didn''t care about his own reputation or the queen''s this time, and was determined to bring down Marquis of Huiding. This showed that the Fifth Prince had a clear mind.


    His refusal to marry Chu Mingyang was probably because he saw this too. Once his interests were tied to the Chu family, he would easily be assimted. Even if not assimted, he would be fettered.


    He had wanted to deal with Marquis of Huiding for a long time, but with his great military achievements, ordinary charges could not touch him at all. Today he brought this on himself by openly kidnapping the Fifth Prince¡¯s wife in broad daylight...


    Emperor Ming Yuan suddenly narrowed his eyes. The Fifth Prince¡¯s wife was the queen. She should not have been dressed as a man alone if she went out on business.


    He remembered Lady Jing¡¯s words. If it weren¡¯t for the queen''s wit this time, the prince would probably have fallen deeply into Marquis of Huiding¡¯s trap.


    "Go to Qian Kun Hall!" Emperor Ming Yuan''s eyes shed as he ordered.


    The old man must also know about this. He had many eyes and ears, and there was little he did not know about the pce and the court.


    And the person who knew the Fifth Prince best was the Retired Emperor.


    The old man was in good spirits today. After walking around the yard twice, he sat quietly in a reclining chair in the yard, basking in the sun.


    Seeing Emperor Ming Yuane, he was not surprised at all, just blinked his eyelids slightly, "You''vee!"


    "Father!" Emperor Ming Yuan stepped forward and saluted.


    Eunuch Chang brought over a stool, "Your Majesty, please sit."


    Emperor Ming Yuan sat down, and said impatiently, "Does Father know about what happened with Marquis of Huiding?"


    "I know!" The Retired Emperor tapped his thin, slender fingers on his knees a few times, looking very leisurely, "The Fifth Prince won a good fight this time. Marquis of Huiding looked down on him in the past, and today he was defeated by the Fifth Prince, which serves him right for his poor judgement back then."


    Emperor Ming Yuan said, "It was a good fight, but not so glorious after all, at least the Fifth Prince has implicated his wife¡¯s reputation in this."


    The Retired Emperor looked at him, "Maybe she was willing?"


    Emperor Ming Yuan tentatively asked, "What does Father think?"


    The Retired Emperor smiled. "The emperor wants to ask if this was a coincidence or the Fifth Prince''s scheme?"


    Having his intention seen through, Emperor Ming Yuan was immediately embarrassed, "Well, the son doesn''t think the Fifth Prince is capable of this."


    "A couple with one heart and mind can shatter gold." The Retired Emperor shook his head and hummed a tune.


    Emperor Ming Yuan was lost in thought.


    The Retired Emperor nced sideways at him, "Whye and sound me out instead of talking directly to your son? Whatever I know is what you know, and whatever I don''t know, you may know. He is your son, you birthed him, shouldn''t you know his weight and measure? You don''t know?"


    Emperor Ming Yuan said, "The Fifth Prince is indeed remarkably aplished at a young age, with my vigor back then."


    "You were far worse than him back then!" The old man ruthlessly tore down his stage.


    "Father, which father looks at his son like that?" Emperor Ming Yuan waved his hand in protest.


    "How do you look at your sons then? No matter how capable you and your brothers were back then, you were never enough in my eyes, there was always room for improvement. Your feelings now should be just like mine back then."


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked at the Retired Emperor very warily, "Does Father still think so now?"


    A question had never urred to him before - was Father still satisfied with him as emperor?


    The Retired Emperor looked at him and suddenly burst outughing,ughing so hard that Emperor Ming Yuan''s hair stood on end.


    The Retired Emperor slowly stood up and patted him on the shoulder, "Your uneasiness now is the same uneasiness your sons feel."


    Emperor Ming Yuan stood up, "Father, so this matter is really..."


    The Retired Emperor turned and left. "Who knows? But I heard that Marquis Jing originally intended to marry his second daughter to Marquis of Huiding. This Marquis Jing is also an interesting man. If you sometimes can''t see clearly the situation at court, just look at which way people like him wag their tails, and whoever they wag for must be a formidable figure."


    Emperor Ming Yuan cursed Marquis Jing bitterly in his heart for making him an inw and disgracing him.


    Since Emperor Ming Yuan rewarded Princess Chu, naturally her pce gates were flooded with visitors.


    Group after group came to greet,fort, give gifts, and at the same time condemn Marquis of Huiding¡¯s arrogance and maliciousness.


    Yuan Qingling had been smiling to prove she was fine. After smiling for half a day, her face muscles were stiff.


    She could only pant with her mouth open like a Multi-pocket, just short of sticking out her tongue.


    With great difficulty, at sunset, she finally got through it.


    She plopped down in a chair and took a big gulp of tea, about to rest her eyes for a bit,


    when Lv Ya hurried over, "Princess, Prince Sun is here."


    Yuan Qingling slumped in her chair, weakly waving her little hand, "Can I not see him?"


    "He has already gone directly to Feng Yi Pavilion."


    "Here? No, no," Yuan Qingling stood up, "then let''s go to the side hall. Did the Princess Sune with the Prince?"


    "Just Prince Sun himself."


    Yuan Qingling froze for a moment. Visits like this were usually with wives, so why did he rush over alone?


    Were she and Prince Sun that close?


    She hurried out and had Prince Sun taken to the side hall. Prince Sun sped his hands and walked in like a little old man, first poking his head around to look, then frowning slightly at the table.


    "Is my sister recovering well?" he asked tly.


    "Thanks to second brother''s concern, she is much better now." Yuan Qingling bowed.


    Prince Sun sat down. "Oh, good then."


    Yuan Qingling didn''t know what to say, and could only awkwardly ask, "Why didn''t the second sister-inwe with second brother?"


    "She doesn''t know I''m here."


    "Oh!"


    Lv Ya brought tea, "Your Highness, have some tea."


    Prince Sun sighed, "This tea hurts the stomach on an empty stomach. Any snacks to go with the tea?"


    "Snacks?" Lv Ya was momentarily confused.


    "Pastries and the like." Prince Sun was displeased.


    "Yes, yes!" Lv Ya quickly bowed, "Please give this servant a moment, will bring some right away."


    "Made by the imperial kitchen?" Prince Sun''s hands came out of his sleeves, and his plump hands were like two short fat bananas, glowing with ripeness.


    "Well...yes, yes." Lv Ya said.


    "Then bring a couple dishes too. I haven''t even had breakfast yet."


    "Second brother hasn''t even had breakfast yet?" It was almost dinnertime!


    "Dieting, can''t eat too much." Prince Sun said lightly.

 Chapter 107: Still want to see Him

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    Yuan Qingling watched as the dieting Prince Sun wolfed down a whirlwind meal of two tes of dim sum, friedmb chops, two small stir-fried dishes, and a bowl of white rice, not leaving a drop of sauce behind.


    "Brother, if you''re still not full, call for more dishes." Yuan Qingling felt he was still looking longingly at the empty tes with a pitiable sense of still being hungry.


    Prince Sun sternly looked at her. "No more. This prince is on a diet. You must not sabotage my efforts."


    Yuan Qingling felt very helpless. A man iming to be dietinges to gorge himself at her ce, then uses her of sabotaging him.


    "Then brother should stop eating," Yuan Qingling said.


    Prince Sun slowly raised his head, a look of grief and indignation on his round face. "I''ve only eaten two of your dim sum. Must you be so petty about it?"


    "It''s not that..." Seeing his angry fat face, Yuan Qingling let her shoulders droop helplessly. "I meant, brother has eaten quite a bit today. Come back tomorrow for more."


    "What dim sum will you make tomorrow?" Prince Sun dabbed his mouth daintily with a handkerchief, casually asking. But his eyes shone with obvious anticipation.


    "Brother can ask the imperial chefs to make whatever he wants." She was defeated by him.


    "Just make whatever is convenient." Prince Sun lowered his eyes and rummaged in his sleeve for a while, drawing out a list. "What a coincidence. My birthday ising up in a few days. My consort said she wanted to celebrate for me and specially ordered this menu. Why don''t you have the chefs make a few dishes from it so I can try the vors first, to avoid offending the guests if the tastes are off during the actual banquet. The portions don''t need to be toorge since I''m dieting and can''t eat too much."


    He put the list on the table. Yuan Qingling picked it up and took a look, immediately dumbfounded. "38 dishes for brother''s birthday banquet?"


    "It''s a bit extravagant, I know. We can cut back on other areas, skip the troupe performances, but we can''t skimp on the food for the guests." Prince Sun said cidly.


    "I can''t make 38 dishes tomorrow though." Yuan Qingling truly felt for the imperial chefs.


    "Just make three dishes tomorrow, then three more the next day, and so on. We''ll get through the whole menu in 10 days or so."


    "But your birthday banquet would be over by then!"


    "Dy it!" His reply was terse.


    Gluttons always have lofty justifications.


    She was almost certain Prince Sun came to see her because the emperor had sent two imperial chefs to her estate.


    Indeed, that was the case. When Prince Sun left, he didn''t even ask about Yuan Qingling''s injuries.


    The next morning, Prince Ji and his wife, and Prince Qi and his wife came together.


    There was a 10-day imperial rest period, so Yuwen Hao didn''t go to the administrative offices either. He chatted with Prince Qi and Prince Ji in the main hall, while Consort Ji and Chu Mingcui spoke with Yuan Qingling in the Phoenix Pavillion.


    Today Chu Mingcui wore an autumn fragrance colored diagonal folding plum blossom embroidered satin dress with butterfly pattern embroidery, her hair in a tall sharp Wu style chignon pinned with a cloud motif jade hairpin, requiring no other adornments, which made her appear refreshingly beautiful yet sweetly enchanting.


    She had outstanding looks. Just a light touch of rouge on her face, her lips tinted like honey, gave off a smooth luster.


    Her shapely brows were elegant, the ends slightly upswept, containing allure with a hint of sharpness.


    Looking at Consort Ji, she wore a fresh green precious Xiang silk robe with gold swaying step hair ornaments. Her looks were ordinary, but she had an upright, grand aura. There was a ck mole between her brows. As a daughter of an eminent family, she was knowledgeable and sensible. Standing together with Chu Mingcui, she did not seem overshadowed by Chu Mingcui''s brilliance, but rather appeared free and easy.


    In contrast, Yuan Qingling''s face was ghastly pale. She wore an old rose colored blouse with her hair casually bundled up. In her haste she had applied just a touch of lip rouge, still unable to conceal her haggard appearance.


    Seeing her, Consort Ji''s face was filled with rm. "I didn''t expect Marquis Huiding to be so brazen and reckless, even daring tomit this atrocity right under the emperor''s nose. Little sister must have gotten a huge fright this time!"


    "It was fine, thank you for your concern, Consort Ji," Yuan Qingling said. She was unfamiliar with her and truly did not know what kind of person she was, so could only politely respond.


    Hearing Consort Ji''s words, Chu Mingcui felt a little unhappy. Although it was Marquis Huiding causing trouble, saying this right in front of her was a bit deliberate.


    She kept silent, only looking at Yuan Qingling.


    The two were enemies to begin with. No need for pretense today. She was only here because Prince Qi came. He was muddleheaded.


    Consort Ji was very enthusiastic. "I heard His Majesty sent two imperial chefs to your estate. Why don''t we eat together today? Us sisters haven''t sat down to chat in a long while."


    Yuan Qingling nodded. "That''s good!"


    The three didn''t actually have much to talk about. But Consort Ji was adept at avoiding awkward situations. She kept asking Yuan Qingling all sorts of questions, about affairs inside and outside the estate, until the topic went to attending the retired emperor during his illness.


    "Does the retired emperor have any preferences? Was he difficult to serve when you attended him in Qian Kun Pce?"


    Yuan Qingling became somewhat wary now. She smiled and said, "I only assisted the retired emperor with taking his medicine in the pce. I didn''t need to do anything else, and he rarely spoke to me, so I didn''t find it very difficult to serve him."


    "Is that so? But I heard he had you apany him on a stroll through the Imperial Gardens." Consort Ji smiled.


    "That did happen." Yuan Qingling said. Just apanying the retired emperor on a walk around the gardens somehow attracted so much attention from others. She truly felt undeservedly favored.


    Where was that glutton Prince Sun?


    "So the retired emperor trusts you quite a bit. He hasn''t been out to the Imperial Gardens in a long time. Asking you to apany him on a stroll, and I heard you supported him by the arm, right?" Consort Ji enthusiastically asked.


    Yuan Qingling forced an awkward smile. "The retired emperor was in an especially good mood that day."


    "It shows you served him properly." Consort Ji praised ceaselessly.


    Where on earth was that glutton Prince Sun?


    Chu Mingcui felt just as uneasy as Yuan Qingling. She didn''t want to hear any of this at all. There was no need to inquire so deeply about these things. Why keep grilling Yuan Qingling like this? Her questions made Chu Mingcui feel provoked.


    Consort Ji was truly meticulous with her questions.


    Might as well go out for a walk.


    Yuan Qingling immediately stood up. "Good idea!"


    Consort Ji walked over and looped her arm with Yuan Qingling''s. "You''re still injured. Be careful when walking."


    Yuan Qingling forced a smile. This woman really couldn''t be judged by her appearance.


    Consort Ji looked proper and steady, but acted quite frivolously. Seemed she wouldn''t find peace outside either.


    However, Granny Xi was adept at reading subtle cues. Seeing Yuan Qingling didn''t want to make small talk with the two women, she came over and said, "Consort, it''s time to summon the imperial doctor to change her dressings."


    Yuan Qingling apologetically said to Consort Ji, "I''m terribly sorry, I need to leave you for a bit. See you at the tableter."


    "Change dressings?" Consort Ji had wanted to offer her help, but the thought of looking at bloody wounds made her nauseous. She could only say, "Alright, see youter."


    Chu Mingcui had already gone out. Chatting with the two women was truly boring. Her heart had long flown to the main hall. He was there. She hadn''t seen him for many days.


    When she came in earlier, she had only glimpsed him from afar, not even greeting him before Consort Ji pulled her to the Phoenix Pavilion.

 Chapter 108: Too Much Meat is Bad.

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    After the two women left, Yuan Qingling let out a long sigh of relief and gratefully said to Xi Mama, "Mama saved my life."


    Xi Mama calmly said, "Consort Ji is a deep person, the Princess should have less contact with her."


    Yuan Qinglingughed and said, "She''s deep? I don''t think so, on the contrary she seems a bit frivolous."


    Xi Mama snorted, "Frivolous? That''s just an act."


    Yuan Qingling was startled, "An act? Why pretend?"


    "Everyone has their own protective coloration," she poured a cup of tea for Yuan Qingling and sat down, saying, "Princess Qi is self-righteous, relying on some petty cleverness, thinking she can control everything, she is not much of a threat. If you really have to be wary of someone, it is because she is from the Chu family. But Consort Ji is different. Consort Ji is well-versed in literature since childhood, with profound knowledge. She is the strategist behind Prince Ji. Does the Princess know what Consort Ji''s most frightening aspect is?"


    Yuan Qingling asked, "What is it?"


    "Despite being so powerful, she is willing topromise and ingratiate herself with others, willing to lower her status, and even tear off her facade, which can easily lull enemies into thinking she is frivolous. That''s what the Princess thought just now, right?"


    Yuan Qingling was startled and smiled bitterly, "Then among so many consorts of the princes, is there no one sincere?"


    "It''s not like that. Princess Sun is not bad, although she is a bit arrogant. Once you get to know her, there''s nothing much."


    Prince Sun who loves to eat, surely wouldn''t marry a scheming woman.


    Birds of a feather flock together.


    However, Prince Qi is a simpleton who married Chu Mingcui, and will suffer in the future. Only a fool like Prince Qi would be deceived by Chu Mingcui.


    Yuan Qingling thought of this and sneered twice. No, there was still one person, her own Prince.


    In fact, Prince Sun had already arrived. He originally wanted toe early in the morning, but was dyed by some things when he went out. He thought he could eat the dishes ordered yesterday when he arrived, but didn''t expect several brothers to be here already, so he couldn''t just go in without saying hello.


    "Second brother, haven''t seen you for a few days, you seem more plump," Prince Qi joked.


    Prince Sun''s eyes rolled to heaven, and he stuttered, "Are you blind?"


    "Can''t even make jokes now?" Prince Qi said with augh.


    Yuwen Hao looked at Prince Sun, "Second brother, did youe yesterday?"


    He was busy yesterday and when he returned, he heard from the mansion that Prince Sun hade.


    "Can¡¯t Ie today if I came yesterday?"


    "Second brother will definitelye, Father bestowed two chefs to the Prince of Chu¡¯s mansion, of course second brother will rush over," Prince Ji said sardonically.


    Prince Ji had triangr eyes which gave off a sharp gleam when narrowed. With thin lips, he always looked very sarcastic.


    Prince Sun disliked this eldest brother the most, and asked Yuwen Hao directly, "Has the meal started? I haven''t had breakfast yet."


    Prince Sun was not afraid to offend people. He had no other hobbies except eating. It was not worth anyone''s effort to deal with him.


    It was at this moment that Chu Mingcui walked in and sat down beside Prince Qi after greeting them. Her eyes nced at Yuwen Hao. Yuwen Hao answered Prince Sun''s question about eating, saw Chu Mingcuie in, and his eyes drifted for a moment as he said, "Second brother can eat whatever he wants, I¡¯ll have someone prepare it."


    "I''m very simple, mainly vegetarian dishes, and then just a few meat dishes," Prince Sun said sincerely.


    Yuwen Hao then got up and left.


    Chu Mingcui was very disappointed.


    The two didn''t even make eye contact. Had he changed?


    Prince Qi held her hand and gently asked, "Sister-inw, are you alright?"


    Chu Mingcui said lightly, "She looks fine."


    "Did you apologize to her?" Prince Qi asked.


    Chu Mingcui looked at him and cursed his stupidity in her heart, but could only sigh and say, "How could this be resolved with just an apology?"


    "The apology is just for show anyway, strictly speaking, this matter has nothing to do with you," Prince Qiforted, thinking she was really angry and remorseful about what the Marquis of Huiding did.


    Chu Mingcui absent-mindedly agreed, and when she saw Yuwen Hao walk in again, she stood up and bowed to Yuwen Hao, "Brother Hao, I apologize on behalf of my uncle. I didn''t expect him to do such a thing. Fortunately the Princess of Chu is not seriously injured, otherwise I would feel guilty to death."


    Her voice was choked with sobs, shocked and indignant.


    Yuwen Hao looked at her and said, "Her injuries were quite serious, it can''t be said that she is not seriously injured. But you don''t have to feel guilty, this matter has nothing to do with you."


    When Chu Mingcui heard this, her heart was veryplicated.


    Although heforted her, he also expressed concern about Yuan Qingling''s injuries.


    With a bitter smile, she sat down in a daze, her eyes full of sorrow, and even a hint of sadness.


    She didn''t pay attention to what they said next. She was just sadly heartbroken, yet also unbearably angry.


    "Second brother, I heard you rmended fifth brother to be the prefect of Jingzhao," Prince Ji suddenly asked.


    Prince Sun slowly looked up and said, "Yes, Father asked me if I wanted to do it, of course I didn''t want to, so I rmended fifth brother."


    "Humph, useless," Prince Ji sneered.


    "That''s knowing my limits," Prince Sun retorted mercilessly.


    Prince Qi curiously asked, "Second brother, why don''t you want to do it?"


    "It¡¯s beyond my abilities."


    "Second brother is too modest. Who doesn''t know about second brother''s literary talent and military strategies..." As Prince Qi spoke, heughed at himself first. Okay, this remark was too sarcastic.


    Prince Sun nced at him indifferently, "I dare not boast about literary talent and military strategies, but I do have some insight into judging people. At a nce I can see that our abilities are about the same."


    Prince Qi didn''t know whether tough or cry, "I''m not as gluttonous as you."


    "But you¡¯re more muddled!" Prince Sun said.


    When Chu Mingcui heard Prince Sun''s words, she became even more flustered. She knew Prince Sun was right, or rather, Prince Qi was not as good as Prince Sun. How foolish she was back then, thinking that as the emperor''s eldest son, only he couldpete with Prince Ji, but ignoring hiszy and foolish nature, and forgetting Brother Hao''s talents and martial arts.


    Now Yuan Qingling was taking advantage for no reason. Fortunately he didn¡¯t have true feelings for Yuan Qingling.


    Prince Ji looked at Prince Sun and Prince Qi, and felt that these two could not take on big responsibilities, even if Prince Qi was the eldest son. Father must be able to see his mediocrity.


    Only fifth brother...


    His eyes nced over. He noticed Chu Mingcui staring nkly at fifth brother, her eyes sad and resentful, and he remembered that fifth brother and Chu Mingcui were originally going to be engaged, but Yuan Qingling interfered and ruined their marriage.


    Looking at their lingering nces now, could it be that there was still attachment between the two?


    His expression suddenly became hideous. Fifth brother, if so, you are really humiliating yourself.


    Tang Yang came in to report that the meal was ready and invited everyone to the reception hall.


    Prince Sun was the first to stand up, hiding his plump hands behind his back, holding his head high and walking out, saying, "Let''s eat first then, can''t talk on an empty stomach."


    Since it was just a meal for several brothers and sisters-inw today, they didn''t stand on ceremony too much and the three princesses sat at a round table together.


    There were ten dishes, one soup, three vegetable dishes, and the rest were all meat, phoenix, goose, shark''s fin stew, braised pork ribs, wanfu pork. Just these few already made Prince Sun drool.


    Prince Sun looked at the appetizing food and kept shaking his head, "Should have prepared more vegetable dishes, too much meat is not good."

 Chapter 109: Chu Mingcui Fainted

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    Yuan Qingling actually did not really want toe out for this meal. She had good reason not toe: she could say her wounds were hurting, or that she needed to eat special food for her health. But remembering what Granny Xi said, she also really wanted to observe Consort Ji again to see if she was a two-faced or multi-faced person.


    When Yuwen Hao saw her arrive, his expression seemed even worse than yesterday. He couldn''t help but frown, "Have you taken your medicine?"


    "I''ve had it," Yuan Qingling replied. However, she had taken her own medicine, not the ones prescribed by the imperial doctor. She took one sip of those and found an excuse to pour the rest away.


    "It would be better if you really drank it. If I find outter you poured it away in secret, you''ll be in trouble," Yuwen Hao said in a low voice, threatening her.


    Yuan Qingling shrank her neck back. "I wouldn''t dare."


    He was genuinely threatening her, and Yuan Qingling also felt genuinely guilty, but to Chu Mingcui''s ears, it sounded like yful lovers'' banter.


    After they were seated, Yuwen Hao was on her left side, Chu Mingcui on her right next to Prince Qi, followed by Consort Ji, Prince Ji, and Prince Sun.


    The servants came in to serve the meal, but Prince Sun waved his hand and said, "Today us brothers are gathering, no need to be served. You can all leave."


    Having the servants serve was so slow, and they couldn''t guess preferences. It was better to just take what you wanted to eat yourself.


    In modern times, Yuan Qingling was an educated person who understood proper table manners. She would never sweep the table clean like Prince Sun. She thought of herself as someone who ate very properly.


    However, when she saw how Chu Mingcui and Consort Ji ate, she realized how crude she was.


    She saw that Chu Mingcui''s mouth was slightly open, revealing two pearly white teeth. Her chopsticks picked up about...Yuan Qingling counted...five grains of rice, and put that small mouthful into her mouth. She closed her lips and slowly chewed a few times, then slowly swallowed it down her throat. The action was extremely elegant, especially when the rice slid down her throat, her neck stretched out slightly, and you could see her throat move a little. It was graceful and beautiful.


    As for eating dishes, she basically didn''t eat meat, only eating stir-fried lotus root slices and small mushrooms. She lightly picked up a slice of lotus root, and gently bit off about...Yuan Qingling estimated...one centimeter. Her biting action was also extremely elegant. Her teeth clicked together almost soundlessly, and she continued chewing lightly with closed lips and swallowed.


    Consort Ji ate in the same manner.


    Yuan Qingling feltplicated as she looked at the piece of wanfu pork in her bowl.


    It was just a piece of fatty pork belly, full of fat. She felt that only biting off one centimeter could not allow her to experience the pork''s sticity and stickiness. She had to put the whole piece in her mouth to let the oil explode in her mouth, leaving fragrance between her teeth and cheeks. That was the highest realm of eating in her opinion.


    She had not carefully studied the eating manners of women in this time period, which was very unfortunate.


    When in Rome, do as the Romans do. She could only reluctantly give her piece of wanfu pork to Yuwen Hao, saying, "Too fatty, I can''t eat it. I''ll just have some vegetables."


    Without thinking, Yuwen Hao picked it up with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. Then he picked out a slightly leaner piece for her and said, "This piece is good."


    Although they had been bickering these days, they had also be used to each other''s presence and developed some tacit understanding. So for these two, this was just ordinary behavior.


    But in Chu Mingcui''s eyes, it was like shocking, awful news.


    Even between her and Prince Qi, who appeared to have a loving marriage to outsiders, he would not eat from her unfinished te.


    Didn''t Elder Brother Hao hate Yuan Qingling to the extreme? When did they be so intimate?


    No, this can''t be. He said he would help her.


    Ovee by grief and indignation, Chu Mingcui did not think. She grabbed her chest and fainted.


    Prince Qi caught her with one hand, crying out in rm, "Cui''er, Cui''er, what''s wrong with you?"


    Yuan Qingling put down her chopsticks and quickly walked over, directing, "Hurry and carry her to the inner room, have her lie down t. Did she have any illnesses before? Has she taken any medicine recently?"


    This was purely a doctor''s instinct.


    Prince Qi carried her, panicking, "No illness! She was fine, and didn''t take any medicine. Medicine...that''s right, she did take the tonic prescribed by the imperial doctor to help conceive a child."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Ji could not conceal the smile in her eyes. She said, "Could it be false pregnancy?"


    Prince Qi ah-ed in surprise. "You can have false pregnancy?"


    He looked at Yuan Qingling. "Then, Fifth Sister-in-Law, please go help."


    Yuwen Hao grabbed Yuan Qingling''s arm and said, "Carry her to the inner room first. The manor has imperial doctors who can be called overter."


    "Alright!" Prince Qi carried Chu Mingcui and walked out, led by her head maid.


    Everyone sat back down, but had lost their appetites, except for Prince Sun.


    Consort Jiughed. "I didn''t expect that they were in such a hurry even though they''ve been married less than a year."


    Prince Sun continued eating and said, "How could they not be in a hurry? Now us brothers don''t even have one son yet."


    Consort Ji gave an embarrassedugh. "Then Second Brother will have to work harder."


    "I will. Eldest Brother should work harder too." Prince Sun nced at Prince Ji while eating. "Eldest Brother is anxious, right?"


    Prince Ji had just picked up his chopsticks, but slowly put them down upon hearing this. He sternly said, "If you have any issues with me, say it directly. There''s no need for snide remarks. I don''t recall having offended you."


    "No issues," Prince Sun looked up in surprise. "I''ve always spoken like this. When have I made snide remarks? Everyone is anxious to have a son. I''m anxious too. I was just saying it in passing. Why is Eldest Brother getting so worked up over it?"


    Prince Ji harrumphed. "No meeting of minds here. Let''s go!" He pulled Consort Ji up.


    Consort Ji apologetically said to Yuan Qingling, "Then we''ll take our leave first."


    Yuan Qingling bowed in farewell. "Have a safe trip."


    The brothers'' gathering ended unhappily, but Yuan Qingling was very happy. At least she could eat more freely this meal.


    She sat down and said to Prince Sun, "Since they''re not eating, we should eat more and not waste the food. These are all fresh dishes and meat."


    "I''m actually full, but there''s so much good food and ingredients here, meticulously prepared by the imperial chefs. It would be a waste not to eat more."


    However, Yuwen Hao did not eat. He just sat there, seeming lost in thought.


    Yuan Qingling assumed he was worried about Chu Mingcui, and said, "She''s fine."


    Chu Mingcui had pretended to faint. Just now when she stood up to ask, Yuan Qingling saw that Chu Mingcui''s eyshes were fluttering and her breathing was smooth. Her face was flushed red rather than pale or livid. Clearly she had just been momentarily angered.


    But she didn''t understand why Chu Mingcui had be so angry all of a sudden. Everyone had been eating at the time. What was she mad about?


    Yuwen Hao nced at her and said tly, "Jumping to conclusions."


    He wasn''t thinking about Chu Mingcui. He also immediately saw that Chu Mingcui was pretending to faint.


    He found it strange that Eldest Brother had reacted so indignantly over Second Brother''s simple remark. Also, Consort Ji''s expression seemed to be unnatural in an instant as well.


    Second Brother''s speech had always been sarcastic. Even more severe things in the past did not elicit such anger. Why was he so angry today?


    If it was because he still did not have a son, many of the princes did not have sons, not just him alone.


    However,e to think of it, Eldest Brother currently only had one consort. Originally there had been two consorts in his residence, but one died suddenly of illness. After that he did not take another, and even sent away all the beautiful concubines in the manor.


    Currently he only had two daughters, both nearing ten years old.


    Neither Consort Ji nor that other consort had conceived. And he did not take any more concubines.

 Chapter 110: The King is Dying

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    Prince Sun looked at the empty tes on the table angrily. He had identally finished all the food again, and a strong sense of guilt welled up in his heart. He scolded Yuan Qingling, "I told you to prepare only three dishes, why did you make so many? You are being extravagant and wasting food, preying on themon people''s livelihood. You bloodsucking worm!"


    After scolding her, he struggled to leave with a bloated stomach.


    Yuan Qingling was scolded for no reason and was puzzled for a moment. She said, "Who asked him to eat so much? It wasn''t me who ate the most, so why am I the bloodsucking worm? Isn''t it him?"


    She looked at Yuwen Hao and said, "Is there something wrong with your second brother''s brain?"


    Yuwen Hao lookedpletely calm and said, "Yes."


    Alright then, no point arguing with someone with mental issues.


    Qi Amah came out and reported, "Prince Qi and the Princess have left. This servant is ordered to inform you."


    Yuan Qingling asked casually, "Is the Princess Qi alright?"


    Qi Amah replied, "The imperial doctor said the Princess was just having an agitated heart and a moment of heart fire attacking her heart. After recuperating for a while, she will be fine."


    Yuan Qingling looked at Yuwen Hao. Yuwen Hao got up and walked out without any expression on his face.


    Yuan Qingling shrugged. Pretending!


    She ordered Qi Amah to pack some things and take them back to feed Duo Bao. She yed with Duo Bao for a while in the courtyard. Then she saw Tang Yange in and say, "Consort, His Highness said for you to go rest."


    "Rest? I''m not tired!" Yuan Qinglin had gotten a little hot from ying excitedly with Duo Bao. She wiped the sweat from her forehead.


    "Not tired?" Tang Yang smiled. "His Highness said that if you are not tired, please copy the Diamond Sutra one hundred times."


    Yuan Qingling lowered her hand. "Now that you mention it, I''m a little tired. I''ll go in and rest first. Please ry that to His Highness."


    "Alright!" Tang Yang smiled calmly.


    Yuan Qingling went in andy on the bed to sleep. She actually wasn''t tired, but taking too much medicine did make people feel sleepy. She soon fell asleep.


    Tang Yang returned to the study and reported to Yuwen Hao, "The Consort has gone to rest."


    "So obedient?" Yuwen Hao didn''t look up from practicing his calligraphy.


    "His Highness''s n worked well, the Consort didn''t want to copy Buddhist scriptures."


    "I knew it!" Yuwen Hao put down his brush and looked at what he had written, shaking his head. "I''ve been restless recently, even my calligraphy is not up to par."


    Tang Yang said, "His Highness cares a lot about the Consort."


    "She is recuperating from her injuries by imperial decree, how could I dare disobey?"


    What a bunch of excuses.


    "Today, the Princess Qi..." Tang Yang hesitated, looking at Yuwen Hao, not sure if it was appropriate to continue.


    Yuwen Hao calmly said, "Don''t mention the Princess Qi in the future. I don''t want to interfere in my sixth brother''s family affairs."


    "Yes!" This was the answer Tang Yang wanted to hear, and it reassured him greatly.


    As Tang Yang turned to leave, he felt the days were extremely pleasant. Although he really disliked the Consort before, he had witnessed her change, and she was not as bad as before.


    Consort Xian sent over some supplements for Yuan Qingling to help her recuperate from her injuries.


    Yuan Qingling was woken up from her sleep by the pce maid who brought Consort Xian''s "greetings". Reading between the lines, Consort Xian was telling her to watch her words and actions, not to lose face for Prince Chu''s Residence, and especially not to lose face for Consort Xian herself.


    For the next few days, Yuan Qingling stayed in the residence and did not go anywhere.


    Prince Sun came every day, and he was gradually getting familiar with Yuan Qingling, because Yuan Qingling also liked something that suited his taste very much, which was a love for delicious food.


    In fact, Yuan Qingling didn''t particrly like eating, but among the women of this time period, she could be considered someone who could eat, and she ate with rtively unrestrained manners.


    Prince Sun said women usually ate like little birds pecking at food, eating just a few bites before being full, due to the aesthetic view that thinness is beauty. This made women always unable to eat their fill.


    Today Yuan Qingling had the imperial chef prepare a few dishes, but Prince Sun waste ining. Usually he would arrive early, but today even after noon he still hadn''t arrived.


    Yuan Qingling figured he might be tired of the food, or had decided to go on a diet again. So she divided up the dishes and let Qi Amah and Lvye eat them.


    She had also gotten a little tired of the food herself these past two days, and didn''t have much of an appetite. She just drank a bowl of porridge and went out walking the dog.


    Prince Sun didn''te until the afternoon. He seemed listless.


    Yuan Qingling sat on the stone steps with Duo Bao lying at her feet. The two baskedzily in the sun. When Prince Sun came in, he just plopped down at the other end of the stone steps and rested his cheek in his hand, lost in thought, without even saying hello.


    "What''s the matter?" Yuan Qingling asked. "On another diet?"


    "No!"


    "Hungry? I''ll have someone make something for second brother."


    "Can''t eat!"


    Yuan Qingling was surprised. A foodie who had no appetite? This seemed serious.


    "What''s wrong?" Yuan Qingling patted Duo Bao''s head to get it to go away.


    Duo Bao dragged itszy body and slowly walked away.


    Prince Sun nced at her sideways. "Didn''t fifth brother tell you? Sixth brother might not make it much longer."


    Sixth brother? Yuan Qingling then recalled the pitiful Prince Huai.


    He and Yuwen Hao were born in the same year, with Yuwen Hao a few months older. Prince Huai was Consort Lu''s son. Two years ago he had fallen ill and had been put under house arrest in his residence. He hadn''t stepped out of his residence doors once since then.


    "What exactly is wrong with him?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "Tuberculosis!"


    "Tuberculosis? Lung tuberculosis?"


    "Mm!"


    Yuan Qinglingughed. "Tuberculosis can be cured. It doesn''t kill people. How could he be beyond saving?"


    Prince Sun nced at her. "You sure can boast. Even the imperial doctors don''t have your skills. They can''t cure it."


    Yuan Qingling was taken aback, suddenly recalling that before the advent of antibiotics, tuberculosis was a terminal illness that could only await death.


    "Is the situation very serious?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Prince Sun dejectedly said, "Father Emperor has ordered preparations for sixth brother''s final affairs. I saw the inner residence has even prepared his coffin. Earlier this year, Father Emperor also sent people to the Imperial Mausoleum to prepare a mausoleum for sixth brother. I''m afraid it''s alreadypleted. In the future, sixth brother will reside in his tomb, and we brothers will be separated by a hundred miles."


    After hearing this, Yuan Qingling felt it was quite cruel to Prince Huai.


    While he was still alive, they had spent several months preparing for his death.


    During these past few months, he must have been living under the shadow of impending death!


    Seeing Prince Sun''s sorrowful expression, Yuan Qinglingforted, "Don''t be too sad. Sooner orter, brothers can still be reunited in the underworld."


    "..." Prince Sun looked at her. "Can''t your dog mouth spit out a single ivory?"


    "Everyone has to die eventually." Yuan Qingling said faintly. She had died once already.


    Prince Sun stood up. "Insensitive words. Forget it. I''ll...eat a meal. I''ll go order the imperial chef. I want meat, lots of meat. And alcohol too."


    "Didn''t you say you had no appetite?" Yuan Qingling looked up at him.


    "No appetite or not, I still have to eat. Like you said, everyone has to die eventually. But people also have to eat. Since death is unavoidable, so is eating. "


    Yuan Qingling had to admire him. He could rte anything to food. But that was the nature of Chinese people - any asion, birth, full month celebration, birthday, getting into college, marriage, death - all warranted eating a meal. Not only eating it yourself, but also inviting rtives and friends to eat together.


    "What did the imperial doctor say?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    "The imperial doctor? Useless at critical moments. Father Emperor also said, if they can''t cure him, lop their heads off."


    Yuan Qingling was shocked. "Lop their heads off?"


    "Bunch of ipetents, if they''re useless might as well chop them."


    "Doctors aren''t gods and can''t cure every illness. Even with the Retired Emperor''s illness back then, the imperial doctors were helpless."


    "Fortunately the Retired Emperor recovered, otherwise a few heads really would have rolled."


    Yuan Qingling shuddered. Being a doctor for the imperial family really was high stakes work.

 Chapter 111: To Visit the Huai King

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    Prince Sun slowly paced into the room, murmuring: ¡°Poor Fifth Brother is probably not feeling well either. Among all these princes, he and Prince Huai were the closest.¡±


    Yuwen Hao went to Prince Huai''s manor in the evening, and aftering back, he hid in the study withouting out, not even eating dinner.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t eat dinner either. She had apanied Prince Sun for a meal in the afternoon, and was still full now.


    Recently, she really had no appetite. Ancient meals were just too greasy.


    Yuwen Hao was hiding in the study while she hid in her room, opening the medicine box and taking inventory of the medicines inside.


    Antibiotic streptomycin, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide - these were four new additions.


    She was conflicted.


    For early-stage tuberculosis, the treatment period was three to six months, but there was no telling how long Prince Huai had been ill, much less whether the tuberculosis bacteria had infected other areas.


    The medicines in the box couldst him ten days at most. But once antibiotic treatment began, it could not be interrupted halfway, otherwise drug resistance would develop. Even if treated again, the chances of recovery would be slim.


    She could not guarantee the medicine box would be continually restocked with tuberculosis drugs, because it was capricious and beyond her control. An interrupted course of medicine would still doom Prince Huai.


    More importantly, it was unknown whether Prince Huai had developedplications from tuberculosis.


    If Prince Huai had lived out his life''s trajectory without her treatment, dying a natural death, she would have had little to do with it. At most, she would have offered a bolt of fabric at his funeral and lit some incense for this younger uncle.


    By intervening with treatment, if Prince Huai still died in the end...


    One should not rashly interfere in royal affairs. If unable to cure him, the physician''s head would roll. Even if her head remained on her shoulders, she likely faced bleak prospects. She was reminded of when she had boldly treated the Retired Emperor, truly the recklessness of youth.


    But if she stood idly by, it would be akin to watching him die. Could she rest easy?


    Yuan Qingling sat at the low table beside the bed, hugging Duobao. "What do you think I should do?"


    The wounds on Duobao''s body had scabbed over, but the surrounding fur was starting to fall out in patches resembling vitiligo, still baring the scars.


    "Woof woof!" Duobao nudged her palm with its nose.


    "Do whatever you want? Nevermind, why even ask a dog like you?" Yuan Qingling said.


    "Woof woof!" Duobao protested. Don''t forget who saved you from Marquis Huiding''s manor.


    Yuan Qinglingughed and patted its head. "Alright, stop seeking credit. I''ll get you a big chicken legter."


    Duobao happily turned in circles.


    Yuan Qingling''s injuries had basically healed, and the pce chef had also returned.


    Prince Sun still came over the next day, unaware. Yuan Qingling informed him the chef had returned to the pce. He froze for a good while, just short of bursting into a whimper. If only he had eaten more yesterday, knowing this would happen.


    "The imperial delicacies in the pce were not scarce when you were young. Why crave them so now?" Yuan Qingling asked.


    Prince Sun was utterly crestfallen. "In my youthful ignorance, I thought all the world''s vors were the same. Only after receiving my own fief and separate residence did I know Father Emperor had gathered the best chefs in thend into the pce."


    He waved his hand. "Nevermind. I might as well go see Sixth Brother."


    Yuan Qingling''s heart stirred. "Can you take me along?"


    Prince Sun looked at her in surprise. "Why don''t you go with Fifth Brother? He went today too."


    "He didn''t return to the manor? I didn''t know he went. I thought he had returned." Yuan Qingling also hadn''t seen him these past couple days, figuring he must be busy.


    "I ran into him outside. He said he was going over, probably didn''t return to the manor. After all, Marquis Huiding''s case is settled now."


    "Settled? Has he been sentenced?" So quickly? She thought a case of this magnitude would drag on at least a month or two.


    "Stripped of the marquisate, demoted tomoner status, sentenced to exile."


    Letting him keep his life truly was a bargain for all the women he had harmed.


    "Fifth Brother didn''t tell you this?" Prince Sun asked.


    "I''ve seen Second Brother more often than himtely."


    "Then your marriage can''t be going well!" Prince Sun frowned.


    Yuan Qingling summed it up: "No fighting means a good marriage."


    Prince Sun looked at her. "Do you two fight a lot?"


    "How could that be? My prince and I have an affectionate marriage. How could he bear to hit me?" Yuan Qingling walked inside. "Second Brother, please wait a moment while I change clothes to apany you."


    With Prince Huai''s condition worsening, even the less affectionate brothers hade to pay their respects.


    When Yuan Qingling arrived, there were many people - imperial rtives and nobles, some unfamiliar faces, including several princesses.


    Prince Sun went inside while Yuan Qingling couldn''t even squeeze in, only able to pace around outside. She didn''t see Yuwen Hao either.


    But while wandering outside, she saw Chu Mingcui emerge from within, eyes rimmed red.


    Chu Mingcui gave her a nce before turning to leave.


    Princess Luoping and Princess Qinping also came out, apanied by their husbands. The two princesses walked ahead, eyes slightly red but still carrying themselves with proud, elegant grace befitting imperial princesses.


    Yuan Qingling had already retreated to the side. The four passed straight by the corridor, ignoring her.


    After a moment, she saw Prince Huai''s mother Concubine Lu assisted out by pce maids, face ghastly pale and haggard, eyes and nose swollen red - clearly having cried for a long time.


    She continued sobbing as she exited. "My poor child!"


    Yuan Qingling could hardly stand to see the elderly grieving their young. She thought of her own mother, who knew how distraught she would be at her daughter''s death.


    She sighed softly.


    "Lv Ya, let''s go," she said.


    Lv Ya asked, "Is the Princess not going in?"


    "No." She was afraid she would act rashly once inside.


    She could not keep getting lucky. If unable to cure Prince Huai, she could not shoulder this crime.


    Better stay out.


    She had just turned to leave when she saw someone run out from within, sitting on the stone steps and muffling heartrending sobs into their hands.


    A name floated into Yuan Qingling''s mind - Princess Changping Yuwenling.


    Yuwenling was Noble Consort Xian''s daughter, blood sibling to Yuwen Hao.


    Yuan Qingling hesitated, wondering if she should gofort her.


    Just then, Yuwen Hao emerged from inside. Not noticing Yuan Qingling, he sat directly beside Yuwenling, stretching an arm around her shoulders. His voice was grieved. "Don''t cry. He might hear you and be saddened. We shouldn''t trouble his heart."


    Yuwenling messily wiped her tears and forced out a difficult smile. "I know. I don''t want to cry. It''s just seeing him trying so hard to keep our spirits up despite coughing painfully...I really can''t help it."


    Yuwen Hao heaved a heavy sigh, raising his eyes to see Yuan Qingling standing awkwardly nearby.


    "Why have youe?"


    "I came with Second Brother," Yuan Qingling said, walking over. His appearance was haggard,plexion even worse than when injured.


    "Sister-inw!" Yuwenling hurriedly bowed, voice nasal with tears.


    Yuan Qingling returned the greeting. "Princess!"


    "Your injuries haven''t healed. Don''t run around." Yuwen Hao instructed Lv Ya, "Take the Princess Consort back to the manor."


    "Yes!" Lv Ya acknowledged.


    Yuan Qingling nodded. "Then I''ll take my leave."


    She had walked a few steps before turning back to Yuwen Hao, hesitating as if wanting to say something.

 Chapter 112: Are You Looking for death

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    Yuwen Hao asked: "What happened?"


    Yuan Qingling swallowed back the words that were about to burst from her lips and said: "I came here with Second Brother. I don''t have a car to go back."


    Yuwen Hao said: "Go sit in the side hall and wait for this king. This king will leave soon and take you back to the mansion first."


    "Then I''ll go take a walk in the garden." It would be good to get some fresh air and clear my head.


    "The wind is too strong in the garden. Go sit in the side hall!" Yuwen Hao''s face darkened.


    "Understood." Yuan Qingling left with Lv Ya.


    She didn''t go to the side hall. Disobeying his words, she went to the garden instead.


    Sitting on the grass by theke, the wind was strong, blowing her hair into a mess. Lv Ya apanied her behind, seeing her master''s unhappy expression, not knowing why she seemed so upset when the Prince was so good to her health.


    "Is the Consort hungry? Should I go ask if there is anything to eat?" Lv Ya said.


    "Hmm!" Yuan Qingling wanted to be alone for a while, so she let her go as she wished.


    Lv Ya hurried off.


    Yuan Qingling looked at the shimmering ripples on theke. The sunlight shone upon it, like there were thousands of glittering gold fragments. In the distance, the willow branches swayed, and chrysanthemums bloomed gloriously. This human world was so beautiful!


    But King Chu probably could not see it anymore, right?


    She sighed softly. Medicine chest, please help him.


    "What is there for the Consort of Chu to sigh about? Isn''t Fifth Brother treating you well now?"


    It was really unfortunate to encounter inappropriate people at inappropriate times.


    She didn''t respond, hoping the other would take a hint and leave.


    Chu Mingcui never took hints. She stood by Yuan Qingling''s side, a pair of embroidered ribbon shoes with coiled branches appeared in Yuan Qingling''s view. The toe of the shoes was iid with a huge pearl. In the sunlight, it shimmered with flowing light and shadow.


    "I never knew you were so scheming," Chu Mingcui said coldly.


    "Can we not make pointless remarks?" Yuan Qingling said indifferently.


    Chu Mingcui''s gaze fixed on the hairpiece on top of Yuan Qingling''s head. "I can''t stand to see you so smug."


    "You''ll just have to endure it, Consort Qi," she reminded her of her status.


    "I could have been Consort Chu."


    Yuan Qinglingughed softly. "Yes, you could have been."


    There was resentment in Chu Mingcui''s voice, "You took everything from me."


    "You gave up everything yourself."


    "Nonsense!" Chu Mingcui scolded angrily.


    "Don''t treat others like fools. Do you think you can hide what you did from everyone?" Yuan Qingling shook her head. "Perhaps only Prince Qi and Yuwen Hao believe you. Even I can see through this trickery."


    Yuan Qingling stood up. This ce had unpleasant sounds now and was no longer beautiful.


    The two women stared at each other confrontationally. There was sharp anger in Chu Mingcui''s beautiful eyes.


    "What use is your hatred? If I withdraw now, can you still marry Yuwen Hao?"


    "At least the imperial family would be much cleaner without you."


    Yuan Qingling said solemnly: "Marquis Huiding is your uncle. If these words of yours spread, do you think he would just be exiled that simply? I advise you to not be envious of what''s in others'' bowls when you have your own. This is the path you chose yourself. Even if you have to cry and beg, you still have to walk down it."


    Yuan Qingling turned to leave.


    Chu Mingcui grabbed her arm, her eyes full of hatred and a few red veins. "What does he see in you anyway? You''re useless."


    She added bitterly through gritted teeth, "You are a whore, a slut."


    Yuan Qingling looked at her in astonishment. These words sounded so discordanting from Chu Mingcui''s mouth.


    What kind of anger and regret had forced the dignified and elegant Chu Mingcui to utter such vulgar words?


    Yuan Qingling shook off her hand andughed.


    That seemingly disdainfulugh at the endpletely provoked Chu Mingcui.


    She shoved Yuan Qingling into theke fiercely, as if staking her all.


    Yuan Qingling''s wounds were notpletely healed. Her whole body was weak, and she did not expect that Chu Mingcui, who appeared to be a delicatedy, would have such great strength to pull her in without any chance to resist.


    She couldn''t swim. After falling into the water, she thrashed about, trying hard to grab onto something, but Chu Mingcui kept pulling her down, forcing her head underwater.


    The icyke water enveloped her. She felt like her head was like a sponge, with her mouth, nose, and ears all sucking in water. She hurriedly held her breath. Her chest felt terribly ufortable, as if about to explode.


    She struggled, trying to push Chu Mingcui away, but Chu Mingcui seemed to have boundless strength, pressing down on her head and neck, not allowing her to surface.


    Yuan Qingling gave up struggling. She pulled out the hairpiece on her head and stabbed out blindly. The water tasted of blood. She had stabbed Chu Mingcui.


    The pressure on her head and neck disappeared. She hurriedly kicked her legs and waved her arms to paddle upwards, finally getting her head above the water surface, greedily gasping for air. The exploding sensation in her lungs quickly subsided.


    She saw Chu Mingcui slowly sinking into the water. There were traces of blood spreading on the surface. While paddling, she caught a glimpse of Chu Mingcui''s mad and smug expression.


    Just that one look made her heart thump ominously.


    Before she could specte further, she heard cries from the shore, "The Consort has fallen into the water! The Consort has fallen into the water!"


    Many people rushed over together, as if they had been lurking nearby, watching, and came to the rescue as soon as the shout rang out.


    Still dizzy and muddled, Yuan Qingling was pulled ashore andid on the ground. Someone came over to pat her face anxiously calling out, "Consort Chu, Consort Chu, are you alright?"


    Chu Mingcui was also pulled out, with two to three bleeding wounds on her body, still bleeding water as she emerged.


    More people crowded around. Prince Qi pushed through the crowd and rushed up to hug Chu Mingcui, asking anxiously, "How did you fall into the water?"


    Yuwen Hao had also arrived. His expression was gloomy as he first nced at Yuan Qingling, then Chu Mingcui.


    Chu Mingcui spat out some water, then kept coughing. Shivering, she clung onto Prince Qi with chattering teeth.


    "It''s alright, it''s alright. I''m here," Prince Qi held his beloved wife dearly, extremely distressed.


    "It was Consort Chu who pushed Consort Qi into the water," a maid said.


    Princess Changping Yuwen Ling angrily scolded, "Nonsense!"


    The maid was shouted down by Yuwen Ling and retreated back a step, her face pale as she lowered her head.


    After catching her breath, Yuan Qingling slowly sat up and looked at Yuwen Hao, "It wasn''t me."


    Yuwen Hao looked at Chu Mingcui.


    Chu Mingcui''s lips trembled. Curling up in Prince Qi''s embrace, she kept coughing, crying between coughs, covered in injuries and dripping blood. She presented a extremely miserable and wretched sight.


    Prince Qi coldly red at Yuan Qingling, "If it wasn''t you, did she jump in herself?"


    Lv Ya came rushing back and was so frightened by the scene that her face turned pale.


    Yuwen Hao ordered Lv Ya to help Yuan Qingling up and said to Prince Qi, "This king will provide you an exnation for this matter."


    "Fifth brother must not continue indulging her," Prince Qi said coldly.


    Yuwen Hao cast a cold nce at Yuan Qingling, his voice tinged with anger, "Back to the mansion!"


    Yuan Qingling knew he wouldn''t believe her. She let Lv Ya support her up and staggered away under the strange looks from the crowd.


    Once out of the mansion gates and into the carriage, Yuan Qingling sneezed continuously. In her damp clothes on this autumn day, she felt piercingly cold.


    But all that was nothing. She knew that once back at the mansion, what awaited her would surely be a raging storm.


    Pushing his beloved woman into the water, how could he not kill her?


    Yuwen Hao also got on the carriage. Seeing the shivering Yuan Qingling leaning against the side, he swore angrily, "I told you to rest in the side hall. Why did you go to the garden trying to die?"

 Chapter 113: Sudden Tenderness

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    Yuan Qingling curled up, her nose sounding heavy as she said, "You can scold me, but you can''t hit me. If you dare hit me, I will fight with you to the death. I''m telling you first, I didn''t push her into theke. She was mentally ill and dragged me down with her, pressing down hard on my head and not allowing me toe up for air. I had no choice but to injure her with the hairpin!"


    She sniffed and felt extremely wronged. How could she have met such a crazy woman?


    "I know you won''t believe me. You dislike me. Even my breathing is wrong to you. You like her. Even if her feet stink, you would think it a sweet smell..."


    Yuwen Hao ripped open her clothes with one hand and peeled them off with both hands. "Shut up!"


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes reddened. She said fiercely, "You want to hit me again? You want to hit me again? I will die with you!"


    After saying this, she pounced over to wrap her arms around his neck and bit down hard.


    "You crazy woman!" Yuwen Hao was furious. He reached out and touched it. Blood was already oozing from his neck. He took off his outer robe and threw it to her. "When has this king ever wanted to hit you? You are drenched to the bone. Take off your clothes and wear this king''s outer robe."


    "You can''t be so kind!" Yuan Qingling looked at the outer robe he had taken off and said decisively.


    "That''s right, this king still wants to kill you." Yuwen Hao was extremely angry, his handsome face distorted and twisted with rage.


    Yuan Qingling wiped her face and said awkwardly, "Then...then what you said is correct. Why did you tear my clothes? Cat got your tongue?"


    Yuwen Hao simply ignored her and turned his head away.


    Yuan Qingling''s nose tickled and she sneezed several times in a row. It was indeed cold.


    She slowly took off her clothes. "Don''t look at me."


    "As if I''d look at you," Yuwen Hao said coldly.


    Yuan Qingling quickly put on the outer robe, wrapped her body, then took the clothes she had taken off, took out a pill box from it and swallowed a Wei pill, twisted her dripping wet hair, and said, "I misunderstood you, okay? I thought you didn''t believe me."


    Yuwen Hao leaned against the backrest without making a sound.


    Yuan Qingling looked at him. "Do you believe that I didn''t push her?"


    Yuwen Hao remained silent.


    Yuan Qingling stuck out her tongue. Silence is golden.


    This was truly unexpected!


    After wiping her hair for a while, Yuan Qingling put the clothes aside and asked, "How is Prince Huai''s condition?"


    "Not good," he said.


    "How not good?"


    "Very not good," he said gloomily.


    He nced at her. "That box of yours, does it have medicine to treat his illness?"


    Yuan Qingling said embarrassedly, "His illness is not so easy to cure."


    "Yes, it''s not so easy to cure," he said. As he spoke, he closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. It was just an idle question. He knew tuberculosis could not be cured.


    Yuan Qingling hesitated, then reached out and patted his shoulder. "Don''t be upset. Life and death are predestined."


    His eyes were fixed straight ahead. "It was this king who killed him."


    Yuan Qingling was surprised. "What do you mean by that? What does his illness have to do with you?"


    Yuwen Hao said in a low voice, "Three years ago, when this king returned from the battlefield, I drank with three veteran generals and him. But unexpectedly, one of them had tuberculosis without knowing it, not even the patient himself knew. After that drinking session, Old Six soon fell ill."


    Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease that can be transmitted through droplets. Talking andughing together while eating and drinking, with saliva flying everywhere, it''s no wonder he caught it.


    "Of the four people, only he fell ill. This king and the other two veteran generals were fine."


    Yuan Qingling murmured in agreement, "Probability. Drinking together doesn''t mean everyone will be infected."


    "What?"


    "I said Prince Huai is really unlucky." Yuan Qingling disyed an appropriate amount of sadness, which was ruined by a sneeze that broke the mournful atmosphere.


    Yuwen Hao patted his shoulder. "Lean on me and close your eyes to rest for a while."


    Suddenly he was so warm that Yuan Qingling felt a little ufortable.


    But in the bumpy, jolting carriage, having someone to lean on wasn''t bad.


    She smiled and said gratefully, "Thank you."


    She slowly lowered her head, about to rest it on his shoulder, when he suddenly shifted away. Yuan Qingling missed and her body tilted. Her head banged against the hard edge of the seat cushion.


    Yuwen Hao said coldly, "That''s for biting me."


    Yuan Qingling was extremely angry. She sat up straight and rubbed her head. "You are too petty."


    How could there be such a nasty person?


    "An eye for an eye."


    "A tooth for a tooth." She had already nearly drowned when Chu Mingcui held her head underwater. And now he deliberately tricked her into bumping her head. How tasteless.


    Seeing that she kept holding her head, Yuwen Hao remembered she was injured there, so he pulled her over onto hisp. "Let me see your wound."


    Yuan Qingling struggled a bit. Yuwen Hao rapped her on the spine. "Don''t move."


    With her face buried in hisp, this position...


    His long, cold fingers parted her hair to look at the wound. There were clear signs of previouspression. The wound itself wasn''t serious, but it looked like someone had dug their fingernails in when pressing her head down, breaking the skin in a few ces with traces of blood.


    Yuan Qingling shifted her head outward a little to breathe. But he pressed it back down again. "Don''t move. Let me wipe the mud around your wound."


    Theke water was indeed filthy. There was mud stuck to her hair and around the wound, giving off a stench of silt.


    Yuan Qingling didn''t know whether tough or cry. Was the part her right cheek was pressing against slowly swelling up?


    He used the wet clothes to gently wipe around her wound, moving very carefully, making sure her hair was fully parted so he wouldn''t pull at the roots while wiping.


    Yuan Qingling slowly stopped struggling and obedientlyy there on hisp. One hand dangled down while the other didn''t know where to put itself, so she slowly, fumblingly, clutched at his clothes to crawl up his waist, then stayed still.


    Lying with her face in that spot was quite ufortable. She shifted slightly to let air flow smoothly into her mouth.


    That tiny movement caused Yuwen Hao, who was concentrating on wiping around the wound, to freeze briefly, his eyes darkening a shade.


    Yuan Qingling felt that ce grow increasingly warm and swollen. She hurriedly struggled to get up. "That''s good, thanks."


    Yuwen Hao released her. He cleared his throat. "Mmm."


    The atmosphere was a little awkward. Yuan Qingling''s fingers twisted the clothes as she shrank away to one side. Her right cheek seemed to still feel residual warmth¡ªshe didn''t know if it was her own face heating up or because of something else.


    Yuwen Hao nced at her. Her hair was messy, her face flushed crimson, disying utmost beauty. Her shifting eyes were misty, eyshes fluttering, as if dewdrops clung to dragonfly wings.


    Her beautifully curved lips parted slightly, revealing a glimpse of white teeth. Although frightened pale, they still held an enchanting allure.


    His mind wentpletely nk. His lips were dry and tongue parched. He only felt surging heat rising up to set his heart ame.

 Chapter 114: Does he have a room

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    He sat bolt upright, staring straight ahead, his hands slowly moving over of their own ord, his fingertips touching the back of her hand resting on the soft cushion, cool to the touch.


    Just like that he didn''t move, not advancing, not retreating.


    Yuan Qingling also sat bolt upright, her gaze darting around, every muscle in her body tense, feeling his fingertip''s touch. She should move her hand away, she should, alright, she''ll move it away.


    But wouldn''t that seem too deliberate? It was just their fingertips touching, what of it? They had been physically intimate before, just a slight touch of the hands didn''t warrant a big reaction.


    After all, weren''t they friends now? A touch of the hands between friends was no big deal.


    Just now he had even dried her hair for her, she had also identally touched a part of his body...


    If her heart wasn''t beating so fast, everything would be fine.


    The carriage suddenly stopped, Xu Yi lifted the curtain. Yuwen Hao quickly pulled his hand back and ced it on his knee.


    "Your Highness, Your Ladyship, we''ve arrived!" Xu Yi called out.


    Oblivious Xu Yi naturally didn''t notice the awkward atmosphere in the carriage.


    Yuwen Hao got out of the carriage first, Yuan Qingling wrapped herself tightly in his loose outer robe, carefully peeking out. Yuwen Hao put his arm around her to help her down, their bodies pressed close in that instant, Yuan Qingling felt weak all over, after getting down she could barely stand, her heart racing nonstop.


    Xu Yi reached out to take Yuan Qingling''s wet clothes, Yuwen Hao grabbed them from him, "This king will take them."


    "Oh!" Xu Yi felt it was a bit strange that His Highness would take Her Ladyship''s dirty clothes for her.


    But then Yuwen Hao immediately threw the clothes to Lv Ya, "Make her a bowl of ginger soup."


    This incident of falling into theke was somehow absurdly resolved. Sitting in Feng Yi Pavilion, Yuan Qingling looked out at the pagoda tree outside the window, still feeling very confused.


    How did Yuwen Hao conclude that she wasn''t the one who pushed Chu Mingcui into theke?


    He didn''t believe Chu Mingcui framed her? This was really bizarre.


    "Your Ladyship, the ginger soup!" Lv Ya brought in the steaming ginger soup, the billowing steam made her eyes water, she blinked a few times.


    Yuan Qingling took it and raised it to her lips, gulping it down. "Hot!" she eximed in surprise.


    Lv Ya didn''t know whether tough or cry, "Why are you drinking it in such big gulps?"


    Yuan Qingling put the soup down and pulled Lv Ya over, solemnly asking her, "Ya, I have something to ask you, you must answer me truthfully."


    Seeing her solemn expression, Lv Ya was given a fright, "Your Ladyship, please ask, I would never hide anything from you."


    Yuan Qingling brushed back her hair, trying to disguise her unnatural demeanor, "Have you ever liked someone before?"


    Lv Ya was confused, "Like? What kind of like does Your Ladyship mean?"


    "A woman''s feelings for a man."


    Lv Ya''s face turned red, "How could I like a man?"


    "It''s only natural for a woman to like a man."


    "I wouldn''t dare."


    As her chief handmaiden, Lv Ya was so conservative about the topic of love, it really made her miss her previous life''s assistant!


    "Why are you asking about this?" Lv Ya asked ingenuously.


    "You''re about the right age to marry, I was thinking of finding you a match if there''s anyone suitable."


    Lv Ya was stunned for a moment, then her eyes began to fill up with tears, "Do you really mean it, Your Ladyship?"


    "Why are you crying? Don''t you want to?"


    Lv Ya fell to her knees with a thud, "I''m deeply grateful for Your Ladyship''s kindness."


    Now it was Yuan Qingling''s turn to be confused, "What are you thanking me for? Men and women are meant to marry, you''ve pledged your service to the prince''s manor, of course it''s my duty to arrange your marriage, why are you calling it a favor?"


    Lv Ya sobbed and said, "I thought Your Ladyship would take me as a concubine."


    "Take concubine?" Yuan Qingling was startled, of course she knew what it meant, to make her most trusted handmaiden a concubine for Yuwen Hao.


    Usually when a youngdy marries, her personal maid often bes a concubine. The children born to the concubine would also be the youngdy''s children. This would solidify her position.


    Lv Ya wasn''t originally herdy in waiting, but her previous one had been dismissed, with Lv Ya taking over that position.


    The status of a concubine was only slightly better than that of a maid, in essence reduced to being a breeding tool or s*x tool, without dignity.


    Yuan Qingling suddenly realized this issue and asked, "How many concubines does His Highness have?"


    Xiaoyue Pavilion seemed to have some maids serving him, all quite good-looking, could they be his concubines?


    Lv Ya said, "I wouldn''t know about that, we of Feng Yi Pavilion would never dare ask about Xiaoyue Pavilion''s affairs. But I presume there are none, otherwise it would be made known. Taking concubines isn''t kept secret unless His Highness doesn''t want people knowing about it."


    Yuan Qingling felt that was probably the case, he didn''t want others knowing.


    It was reasonable for a physically normal adult man to have such needs and take one or two concubines.


    Yuan Qingling suddenly felt a twinge of sourness, it seemed the aftereffects of drinkingkewater still hadn''t faded.


    "Lv Ya, I''ll find someone suitable for you, stop kneeling." Yuan Qingling pulled her to her feet.


    Lv Ya was still very moved to tears.


    Yuan Qingling slowly drank the ginger soup, her prior lightheartedness gone.


    After sending Lv Ya away, Yuan Qingling began making wishes to the medicine chest.


    She started with a simple wish, asking for a pen.


    If her wish could be granted, she would try asking for medicine.


    Closing it then opening it, she rummaged through but couldn''t find a pen, only some pencils.


    Was the medicine chest deaf?


    "Rifampicin," she tried again.


    Closing and opening it, there was rifampicin, but it was what was originally inside, no new medicine appeared.


    "Prednisone."


    Opening it again, a small bottle of prednisone creamy inside.


    "Prednisone tablets."


    Upon opening, she didn''t know whether tough or cry, inside was a tube of hemorrhoid cream, bundled with a bottle of camphor oil.


    The medicine chest was so unreliable, looked like there was no way she could heal Prince Huai.


    Prince Huai, I''ve tried my best.


    Shey copsed on the bed, looking very helpless.


    She wondered how Chu Mingcui was doing. She wondered what Yuwen Hao told Prince Qi about this matter.


    What was Yuwen Hao thinking? Why did he believe her with just one look at the scene?


    It was truly puzzling.


    The moment Yuwen Hao took Yuan Qingling away, Chu Mingcui''s heart turned to ashes.


    Her entire body was trembling, her heart was also trembling.


    She thought she understood him, had him under control, and believed he would take her side without question.


    But he didn''t, just casting that indifferent nce at her, she saw the disappointment in his eyes.


    He said he would give them an exnation, that was just an excuse. He felt sorry for Yuan Qingling and wanted to take her away immediately.


    When he looked at Yuan Qingling, although his expression was gloomy, his eyes were anxious and worried, he felt sorry for her.


    This woman who had schemed against him, causing him to be neglected by the Emperor, ridiculed by civil and military officials andmoners in the capital, yet he actually felt sorry for her.


    Yuwen Hao, why are you so shamelessly infatuated? And why are you so heartless?


    Her heart bled the entire carriage ride back, the pain indescribable.


    "Don''t be afraid, Fifth Brother will definitely give you an exnation," Prince Qi held her hand tofort her.


    "He won''t!" Chu Mingcui said coldly.


    "Fifth Brother will, he''s reasonable, he definitely won''t let Yuan Qingling off."


    "What do you understand?" Chu Mingcui suddenly erupted at Prince Qi.


    Prince Qi fell silent.

 Chapter 115: Concubine Lu Complains

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    Prince Qi''s face changed slightly. He had never seen Chu Mingcui like this before. All along, she had spoken gently, acted steadily and magnanimously, was friendly to people, and even to the servants in the residence, she never put on the airs of a princess. The old pce maids treated her even more kindly.


    She had never been so sharp before.


    She must have been badly frightened.


    Prince Qi thought of this and reached out to hold her in his arms. "It''s alright now, don''t get agitated."


    Chu Mingcui leaned against his shoulder, like a wooden doll, and roared. She knew she was losing herposure, but she didn''t care anymore. Prince Qi was simple and honest,pletely devoted to her. No matter how sour and vicious she was, how malicious and cruel, he would not despise her.


    Perhaps it was time to forget about Brother Hao. Prince Qi was good, and moreover, he was the most promising one now who could give her everything she wanted.


    Recalling the harsh words she hadshed out at Yuan Qingling, she felt ashamed and angry. Why did she say such vulgar words? That should have been something Yuan Qingling said.


    "Why did Yuan Qingling push you into theke? Is she crazy?" Prince Qi asked when she had calmed down a little.


    Chu Mingcui slowly became calm. When she saw Yuan Qingling standing by theke in Prince Huai''s residence, she had the urge to push her into theke and kill her.


    The sudden vicious impulse - she hadn''t nned it well. She just thought that Yuan Qingling would drown after being pushed into theke, and she could say that they both fell into theke by ident.


    But the moment she fell into the water, she remembered her grandfather''s words and shuddered with fear. Her killing intent faded, but she couldn''t let her off easily.


    She had to hold her down firmly to sink her. That would definitely provoke fierce resistance from her. If Yuan Qingling injured her, it could prove her malicious intentions. At least Brother Hao would hate her to the bone after this.


    But why did even this one step go wrong?


    "This woman is truly too vicious. At first, I thought she had changed." Prince Qi said angrily.


    Chu Mingcui tried to pull herself together. "Forget it. Nothing happened to me. Don''t pursue it further."


    "Cui''er, you are too kindhearted. If you let her off easily this time, who knows if there will be a next time?" Prince Qi felt he couldn''t just let this go and would see what Fifth Brother had to say. If the exnation was unsatisfactory, he would bring this to Father Emperor.


    "We are one family. It''s not good to damage the harmony. Besides, she was just impulsive for a moment. Perhaps seeing me and Brother Hao grew up together as childhood sweethearts, she thought Brother Hao had feelings for me, so she lost her senses like this."


    "Absurd. Although you and Fifth Brother grew up together and once talked about marrying, you are both married now. Let bygones be bygones. What purpose could she have clinging to the past?"


    Chu Mingcui sighed lightly. "What purpose could there be? Most likely it is for the position of Crown Prince."


    "For the position of Crown Prince?"


    Chu Mingcui gently leaned against him. "The position of Crown Prince is still undecided. You have the best chance. She must have been unhappy in her heart. If she provoked conflict between you and Brother Hao, Brother Hao might not try his best to seize this position. Then she could achieve her goal and be Crown Princess."


    Prince Qi was furious. "A woman like her actually has such ambition? How could I let her seed?"


    Chu Mingcui felt a little relieved in her heart. If this could motivate him, it might not be a bad thing.


    "Mother has been working hard for you. Although I feel the position of Crown Prince is unimportant to you, and unimportant to me, Northern Tang''s kingdom still needs someone capable to inherit it. Prince Ji is overbearing and ruthless. I''ve heard that Brother Hao''s assassination attempt before was ordered by Prince Ji. If Prince Ji dared to make a move on Brother Hao, he might not hesitate to make a move on you."


    "Big brother?" Prince Qi''s expression changed. "Where did you hear this rumor?"


    "No need to ask. The information is reliable."


    Prince Qi knew she had obtained the information from the Chu family. If so, it must be true. He couldn''t help feeling both angry and sad. For the sake of the position of Crown Prince, brothers would fight each other to the death. How cruel!


    As for the position of Crown Prince, it was a lie that he had never thought about it, but he knew his own abilities. Could he bear the responsibility of running a country if it was entrusted to him?


    But if Prince Ji gained power, could he really retire to a corner and live as an idle prince?


    Chu Mingcui continued, "For the sake of the position of Crown Prince, everyone has ulterior motives. Even Yuan Qingling knows how serious it is. This is not just a power struggle, it is even a fight to the death. Whether you join it or not, you can''t escape, because you are the legitimate son. Prince Ji may tolerate everyone in the future, but he will never tolerate you, never tolerate Mother."


    Prince Qi held her hand. "I will think about it carefully. Don''t worry too much."


    Prince Qi may have thought about these things in his heart, but he always felt it hadn''t reached that point yet.


    But after finding out today that it was Prince Ji who ordered the assassination attempt on Fifth Brother, he suddenly realized - it wasn''t that it hadn''t reached that point yet, it was that he didn''t dare touch it out of fear.


    The incident of the two princesses falling into the water in Prince Huai''s residence quickly spread out.


    Naturally, the most angry person was Concubine Lu.


    Prince Huai was critically ill and already at hisst moments, yet still had to suffer this shock. How could she not be furious?


    She cried as she went to Emperor Ming Yuan and reported the incident.


    After reporting, she cried and bitterly denounced, "Princess Chu is really going too far. What grudge does she have with Princess Qi that they have to resolve outside? Why do this malicious thing in my son''s residence? If someone had died in Prince Huai''s residence at this time, wouldn''t that be my son''s crime?"


    Emperor Ming Yuan was also worried about his son''s illness and was furious when he heard Concubine Lu''sint. "Princess Chu actually dared to make a move in Prince Huai''s residence? This is simply outrageous. Rest assured, I will hold her ountable."


    "Your Majesty, it''s not that I''m petty, but my son''s condition, as you know, he can''t take any shock. Now something like this has happened in the prince''s residence, he got anxious and aggravated his illness. I feel heartache for him." Concubine Lu cried without any manners, her nose and tears covered her face.


    Emperor Ming Yuan angrily said, "Summon Gu Si and order him to investigate Prince Huai''s residence. Also summon Princess Chu into the pce."


    Concubine Lu said, "Your Majesty, Princess Qi is the victim. After falling into the water, she must have been badly frightened. Your Majesty should have someonefort her properly."


    Emperor Ming Yuan saw that even at this critical juncture, Concubine Lu still remembered not to offend the Empress and the Chu family. She really had a clear mind.


    Even the women of the harem knew not to offend the Chu family.


    After dismissing Concubine Lu, Emperor Ming Yuan went into the inner pce.


    The chessboard was set up on the table, looking like the game was halfway through. Judging from the game position, the fight was intense, but experts in chess could see that the white side had already lost. All escape routes were cut off. Continuing would lead to certain death.


    Leng Jingyan got up. "It''s your move, Your Majesty!"


    Emperor Ming Yuan sat down at the white side and sighed sorrowfully. "Forget it, I won''t continue. My heart is troubled. It''s rare for me to battle wits with you, Jingyan, but unfortunately I don''t have the mood."


    With one hand he scattered the chess pieces. "This match is a draw!"


    Leng Jingyan''s mouth twitched slightly. "Well drawn."


    "You heard Concubine Lu''s words too. What does Jingyan think about how to handle this matter?" Emperor Ming Yuan asked.


    Leng Jingyan still regretfully looked at the chess game and said, "Your Majesty must already have a decision in mind, just like this chess game, the winner and loser are already determined."


    Emperor Ming Yuan was unhappy. "Speak inly. What chess game?"


    This was Leng Jingyan''s irritatingly arrogant side - she was a sore loser, unwilling to concede defeat or even a draw.

 Chapter 116: It Shouldn’t be Done

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    Leng Jingyan sighed calmly, the schr met the soldier, it was hard to make sense when you¡¯re right.


    ¡°Since His Majesty has already decreed to summon Princess Chu into the pce, and did not summon Princess Qi, it seems that His Majesty does not care who was right or wrong between the two princesses. His Majesty surely will not bother with such idle matters.¡±


    ¡°That makes some sense, go on, what is His Majesty''s reason for summoning Princess Chu?¡± Emperor Ming Yuan drank tea leisurely.


    ¡°There is no reason. Once Princess Chu arrives in the imperial presence, she will be extremely guilty, unable to defend herself at all. Your Majesty will determine her guilt.¡±


    ¡°This was your idea?¡±


    ¡°This was my guess.¡±


    ¡°This was your idea!¡±


    ¡°...This was my idea.¡±


    Why was this despicable idea his? It was clearly thought up by His Majesty.


    Emperor Ming Yuan praised endlessly, ¡°Minister, this idea is excellent. Ask her about her crimes first, then offset achievements against crimes. She can only go to treat Prince Huai''s illness to atone. If she cures him, it will atone for her crimes. If not, I will exceptionally grant mercy and temporarily pardon her. In the future if anythinges up, I will investigate again. Minister, this idea is really good!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty overpraises, I only anxiously attend to Your Majesty''s concerns.¡± Leng Jingyan set up a chessboard, ¡°Shall we y another round?¡±


    Emperor Ming Yuan waved his hand, ¡°What else to y for? Do you Minister have so much free time? Every day neglecting your duties toe idle here, more work and less y young man, go back and focus on your studies, train talent for me!¡±


    Leng Jingyan could only rise and withdraw. Being a favorite by the emperor''s side, it was truly hard to get along.


    Two hourster, Yuan Qingling knelt in the imperial study.


    The Emperor berated harshly from the start, ¡°As a princess, your every action and behavior represents the dignity of the imperial family. When you went to visit Prince Huai, you did not think to care for his illness, but instead fought violently with Princess Qi over personal grudges, even attempting to murder her. Do you know your grave crimes?¡±


    Yuan Qingling¡¯s voice was almost horrified, ¡°Your daughter knows her crimes, Father Emperor please show mercy!¡±


    If it was just a scolding, she felt His Majesty was serious.


    But mentioning violently fighting and attempted murder, she knew His Majesty had some plot.


    However, as usual she still had to shout for mercy.


    Emperor Ming Yuan raged, ¡°Show mercy? How can I show mercy? This is not the first time you have recklesslymitted such deeds. If not for the Retired Emperor pleading for you, I would have taken your head. Do not shout injustice, I must hold someone ountable for the people, for this falling into water incident. Either you, or Princess Qi, one of you must take the me.¡±


    Yuan Qingling unwillingly asked, ¡°Why not Princess Qi?¡±


    Emperor Ming Yuan coldlyughed and asked, ¡°Yes, why not Princess Qi, you tell me?¡±


    Don¡¯t you have any self-awareness? You and the Chu family are like ants shaking a tree.


    Yuan Qinglingined inwardly, Your Majesty bullies the weak and fears the strong, fearing the Chu family. After moving against Marquis Huiding you don¡¯t yet dare to move against the Chu family again.


    She could not say these things, and still had to find a very good excuse for His Majesty.


    ¡°Princess Qi and I fell into the water, everyone says I pushed her. The Chu family people will also believe it true. Father Emperor, by questioning my crimes first, whether willing or not, the Chu family cannot privately seek vengeance against your daughter for this matter. Father Emperor''s concerned efforts protect your daughter, I¡¯m extremely moved. I will definitely do my utmost to cure Prince Huai¡¯s illness.¡±


    Emperor Ming Yuan earnestly said, ¡°Since you guarantee you can cure Prince Huai, I will give you a chance for now. Go, prepare your medicine box immediately.¡±


    Cure him? Yuan Qingling was struck dumb.


    ¡°Go!¡± Emperor Ming Yuan warned with his eyes, no more unnecessary talk.


    Yuan Qingling slowly got up, how unfair the world was!


    After leaving the pce, Yuan Qingling breathed a sigh of relief.


    On the issue of whether or not to treat Prince Huai, she had always wavered.


    Although she finally decided not to take the risk, she was always uneasy, constantly fretting over it, tortured very much.


    Now without a way out, it was good.


    She believed if she could not cure him, His Majesty would also not truly do anything to her, it was just, she would likely have to endure Princess L¨¹''s anger.


    Princess L¨¹... Yuan Qingling''s head ached badly, don''t provoke Princess L¨¹!


    Yuan Qingling went to Qian Kun Pce.


    The old man was very spirited today, doing carpentry in the pce.


    When Yuan Qingling went in, Eunuch Chang was holding a saw, while the Retired Emperor held a ruler measuring a thumb-sized piece of wood.


    ¡°Retired Emperor, what are you making?¡± Yuan Qingling curiously asked.


    The Retired Emperor looked up, his forehead actually had sweat, hisplexion was ruddy, quite smug as he said, ¡°Guess!¡±


    ¡°Is this to make a clothes drying rack?¡± It was just a long piece of wood, ned round, still a good clothes rack.


    ¡°What clothes drying rack nonsense?¡± The Retired Emperor asked, unaware of mundane things.


    ¡°What is it then?¡± Yuan Qingling examined the piece of wood, which even had a fork on it. Was it not a clothes drying rack?


    ¡°Don¡¯t know? This is to reward you.¡± The Retired Emperor said.


    Yuan Qingling was greatly surprised, ¡°To reward me?¡±


    Reward her with some jewels or anything would be fine, gold and silver too, making a piece of wood, what was the meaning?


    ¡°This is called the Royal Husband''s Staff. Later if Old Five bullies you, just take the Royal Husband''s Staff and beat him, do you like it?¡±


    He put down the ruler, took the saw from Eunuch Chang and started sawing it shorter, ¡°Too long is improper, three chi three is most suitable.¡±


    Yuan Qingling''s eyes lit up, ¡°Like it, like it so much.¡±


    Whatpared to this bit of gold and silver?


    Eunuch Changughed, ¡°And it can beat those unreasonably troublesome, readily dragging people intokes shrews.¡±


    Yuan Qingling eximed, ¡°Eunuch Chang, what you say...¡±


    Eunuch Chang shrugged, ¡°These were the Retired Emperor''s original words, I do not dare speak this way.¡±


    Yuan Qingling was moved, watching the old man sawing the little piece of wood, panting heavily, was sawing a small piece of wood so tiring?


    ¡°You know I was bullied?¡±


    ¡°What in this world can still be hidden from me? In this matter you were useless, I¡¯m ashamed for you.¡± The Retired Emperor shortened the wood and sat down, taking a small ner to round it.


    Yuan Qingling sat beside him, holding the wood steady for him, ¡°It was unavoidable.¡±


    ¡°Then why don''t you just kill her?¡±


    ¡°Not good right? After all it is a human life, always yelling to beat and kill, too uncivilized.¡± In the imperial study her grievances instantly dissolved, Yuan Qingling felt she was truly easily pleased, a little favor easily made her willingly continue working hard for the imperial household.


    ¡°The world is just so, if you don''t kill people, people kill you.¡± The Retired Emperor looked up at her for a moment, ¡°However, you did well with the matter of Marquis Huiding.¡±


    ¡°I dare not take credit, it was the Prince''s ingenious n.¡±


    ¡°Take it seriously,¡± the Retired Emperor snorted, ¡°This matter should not have been handled this way. This time was a narrow victory, relying on some luck. If not for that luck, dead without knowing how you died.¡±


    Yuan Qingling was curious, ¡°Not doing it this way, how should it have been handled?¡±

 Chapter 117: The Charioteer

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    "Wipe the sweat!" The Retired Emperor yelled.


    Yuan Qingling hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, "Take a break, have some water before continuing."


    "Almost done, just need to carve a few more dragon patterns to make the hidden sp." The Retired Emperor nced at her, "Speaking of Marquis of Huiding, since you don''t care about your own reputation and take risks, you shouldn''t have disguised as a man but appeared directly in front of him as the Princess of Chu, and attracted his attention, best if you attracted his lust. "


    Yuan Qingling asked, "What''s the difference? He knows I''m the Princess of Chu."


    The Retired Emperor said, "He will pretend not to know, and after taking care of things and killing someone, who knows you had fallen into his hands? Then wouldn''t you have died for nothing? But if you interact with him in your identity as the princess, there will be more witnesses. Even if you die and no evidence can be found to prove it was him, charges can still be pressed against him with some effort, so your death will be worthwhile."


    After hearing the Retired Emperor''s words, Yuan Qingling had to admire that this was really an old fox.


    "Before doing anything, you have to think of the most desperate step first, and do things with the mentality that even if you die, you will never let the other party get away with it, so things can often be effective."


    "Listening to the Retired Emperor''s words has been very enlightening." Yuan Qingling sincerely took in what he said. She thought about it and it really was too dangerous. If not for Duo Bao and hispanions saving her, things would have happened as the Retired Emperor said, she would have died for nothing and made the enemy happy before death.


    Eunuch Chang said, "The Princess must remember the Retired Emperor''s words. He seldom says such things to others. You are the first."


    After all, it was too sinister.


    "I know," Yuan Qingling responded, subconsciously moving closer to the Retired Emperor, relying on the mountain!


    But the Retired Emperor pushed her head away, "Go back to the pce, don''t disturb me. Aren''t you going to Prince Huai''s mansion tomorrow? Go back and prepare first."


    Yuan Qingling was shocked, "Your information is too urate! I came straight from the study, no one reported anything on the way here."


    The Retired Emperor said, "It''s easy to guess this matter. Your fight and falling into theke wasn''t something that happened today. If the Emperor wanted to inquire, he would have done so earlier. Asking about it today when nothing happened for so long, he must be targeting you. The only use he has for you is your ridiculous medical skills, he didn''t want you to take responsibility for the death of the prince, but now he has no choice. As a father, nothing is more painful than seeing your children die before you." The Retired Emperor sighed lightly at the end.


    Yuan Qingling had to sincerely admire him, living so long really gave him great insight, no one could hide anything from him.


    If this old man was still in power, the Chu family probably wouldn''t dare to be so rampant.


    What a cunning old fox!


    "So when will you give me the royal staff?" Yuan Qingling asked as she stood up.


    "It will be bestowedter, along with an edict, otherwise who would take the stick seriously?" The Retired Emperor turned around and started fiddling with many tools, taking out a long drill bit carving knife, which looked very strange.


    Yuan Qingling grinned and said, "That makes sense!"


    She wanted to reach out and grab the carving knife, but the Retired Emperor red at her, "You dare touch my treasure? Get out immediately!"


    She came in with her head down, but left with her head held high.


    Having a powerful backer really gave an arrogant feeling.


    Eunuch Mu Ru also went to Prince Huai''s mansion to pass on the edict, saying that the Emperor had sent an imperial physician to treat Prince Huai''s illness, and asked Prince Huai''s mansion to prepare to wee the imperial physician.


    At the same time, Concubine Lu also learned that the Emperor had removed all the imperial physicians from Prince Huai''s mansion and sent Yuan Qingling to treat Prince Huai''s illness.


    She was so angry that she smashed everything that could be smashed in the pce, and after smashing, she went to the study and cried, saying she wanted to go out of the pce herself to take care of her son. If the Emperor didn''t allow it, she would take her own life.


    Emperor Ming Yuan was most afraid of women''s tears and tantrums. He waved his hand and said "Granted."


    Upon hearing this, Concubine Lu immediately stopped crying and put on a tough look. After thanking him, she immediately went to pack up.


    Eunuch Mu Ru said, "Your Majesty, wouldn''t Concubine Lu hinder the Princess''s treatment?"


    "She will!" Emperor Ming Yuan emphasized loudly.


    "Then...then why let Her Ladyship go?"


    Emperor Ming Yuan looked deeply at Eunuch Mu Ru and shook his head, "You won''t understand in your whole life."


    "This servant is stupid. Please enlighten me, Your Majesty." Eunuch Mu Ru asked humbly.


    Emperor Ming Yuan directly ignored him.


    It was pointless to talk about women''s affairs with an old eunuch.


    In Prince Chu''s mansion, Yuwen Hao was anxiously waiting. After he returned to the mansion, the mansion''s servants told him that Elder Gu had suddenly taken Yuan Qingling into the pce, saying it was about Prince Huai''s mansion''s matters. He was hesitating whether or not to enter the pce, when he heard that the Princess had returned.


    The first thing Yuan Qingling said when she saw him was, "Father ordered me to treat Prince Huai''s illness."


    Yuwen Hao was surprised. "Are you confident?"


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "No."


    "Then don''t go if you''re not confident." Yuwen Hao said.


    Yuan Qingling sat down and drank a cup of water. She said, "If I don''t go, there''s definitely no chance. You know your father''s temper. If I dare to defy the decree, he will definitely have my head chopped off."


    "It won''t go that far!" Yuwen Hao said.


    "It won''t go that far," Yuan Qingling looked at his worried face and felt warmth in her heart. He had learned to care about others. "Don''t worry too much. Even if I can''t cure him, Father won''t really punish me. At most I''ll get a beating."


    Yuwen Hao said indifferently, "This king is not worried about you, but worried that you will make trouble at Prince Huai''s mansion, or carelessly stick needles to make my sixth brother suffer. If you are confident, I naturally hope that you will go, but if you are not confident, going will be useless."


    Yuan Qingling put down her cup. "It doesn''t hurt to say something nice."


    Yuwen Hao looked at her and asked, "Do you really have no confidence at all?"


    "It''s too early to say I''m confident now. I have to see how far his illness has progressed."


    "This king will apany you there tomorrow."


    Yuan Qingling shook her head. "No need. The Prince still has to go to work. I''ll just bring Xi Mama."


    "This king will apany you!" Yuwen Hao emphasized unhappily. This was not asking for her opinion, it was his decision.


    Yuan Qingling walked away with her hands behind her back. She suddenly turned back and looked at his slightly cold expression. "The Retired Emperor said he would bestow me something."


    "What is it?" Yuwen Hao asked reflexively.


    "It''s called the royal staff," Yuan Qingling stood upright. "He said I can beat you with it without asking why, by imperial decree."


    After saying that, she walked away victoriously.


    Yuwen Hao was stunned. Grandfather, you went too far!


    That night, the royal staff was delivered to Prince Chu''s mansion.


    It looked slightly different from what Yuan Qingling had seen during the day. It was a dark red color, polished very smoothly all over. A dragon coil was carved on the staff, like riding the clouds. Cloud and fire patterns were also carved on it. The head was slightlyrger and bifurcated, polished round, and engraved with the words "Imperial Staff".


    Yuan Qingling held it in her hands. She felt it was quite heavy, different from ordinary wood, and it looked very sturdy.


    "What kind of wood is this?" Yuan Qingling asked curiously.


    Xi Mama took a look and said, "This should be iron birch wood."


    Yuan Qingling was surprised. "Iron birch wood?"

 Chapter 118: The Wine Is Too Spicy

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    Iron birch is probably the hardest wood in the world, right? It¡¯s twice as hard as ordinary steel.


    In modern times, iron birch is an endangered wild nt. People used to use iron birch instead of metal for small objects, but the prices were quite expensive.


    However, she clearly saw the Retired Emperor sawing it short with a saw just now. Also, with such hard wood, carving it must have been very difficult, right? He couldn¡¯t have used a diamond knife to carve it, could he?


    "The Retired Emperor carved this personally, this can''t be iron birch!" Yuan Qingling said with certainty.


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "Only the Retired Emperor can carve this. Ordinary guards can''t do it."


    "The Retired Emperor is sick and can barely walk. How could he carve such hard wood?" Yuan Qingling asked curiously, making the Retired Emperor sound very impressive.


    "He has trouble walking because he''s ill. When the Retired Emperor was young, he was the most powerful warrior in Northern Tang, skilled in both literary and martial arts. Now that he''s old, he''s often sick, but he still has the inner strength for carving."


    "So inner strength really exists?" Yuan Qingling was even more curious. In martial arts novels, it''s said that when inner strength reaches a certain level, one can pluck flowers and leaves to injure people.


    Just as Xi Mama was about to exin, a sh of shadow appeared at the door. She took a close look and said, "Oh, why is the Princeing sote!"


    Yuwen Hao heard that the pce rewards had arrived, and wanted to sneak a peek at the door. Since he was discovered by Xi Mama, he simply walked in and casually nced at the imperial staff in Yuan Qingling''s hand, "Is this the gift bestowed by Grandfather Emperor?"


    "Yes, the carvings are extremely exquisite. Take a look, Prince." Yuan Qingling reached it out to him.


    Yuwen Hao didn''t expect her to be so gracious, somewhat surprised. He took it and stroked it carefully, his fingertips sliding over the dragon pattern. It felt icy cold with unevenness. "The carving is indeed meticulous. A fine object. This is truly a treasure. You must find a ce to hide it well and not take it out casually. At least don''t take it out unless in dire need. Let me put it away for you."


    "No need. I''ll keep it myself. I¡¯ll carry it with me." After Yuan Qingling took it back with one hand, letting him hide it would defeat the purpose of having this imperial staff!


    "How can you carry this with you? What if you lose it?" Yuwen Hao said solemnly.


    Yuan Qingling said, "I''ll be careful."


    However, although this thing was only as thick as a thumb, it was still one meter long. It wouldn''t be good to take it out.


    Carrying it on her back wouldn''t work either. It would be like confessing a crime with a rod on her back.


    She gestured with it, feeling very annoyed.


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "Princess, take a close look at the me pattern."


    Yuan Qingling hurriedly lowered her head to look closely. There were me patterns around the dragon patterns and dragon body, arranged in a regr way. There was a me pattern every ten centimeters or so.


    The me patterns were carved deeper than the coiled dragons. They didn''t seem to be just a base pattern for embellishment.


    Yuan Qingling pressed on the me pattern, and with a "shua" sound, a section of the imperial staff retracted.


    She was startled, and pressed the second me pattern again, retracting another section. She looked up joyfully, "It''s retractable with a mechanism."


    She continuously pressed several me patterns until the staff shrank to just ten centimeters, light enough to be ced in her sleeve or hung on her waist.


    "How is this done? The Retired Emperor is amazing." Yuan Qingling was overjoyed. As a researcher and developer, she was very interested that such an exquisite mechanism existed in this era.


    Xi Mama smiled and said, "The Retired Emperor was an outstanding carpenter when he was young!"


    "Incredible!" Yuan Qingling was extremely delighted. She said to Yuwen Hao, "See, I can hide it myself." After speaking, she tucked it into her sleeve and it disappeared.


    Yuwen Hao resentfully nced at Xi Mama. Why did she have to tell her? If not said, this foolish pig would never have known in her lifetime.


    But seeing her smiling radiantly, her face as beautiful as a flower, it was rare to see her so happy. Let it go. Anyway she wouldn''t really hit him. They had agreed, no domestic violence.


    "I''m so happy, Mama Xi. Go make some food and I''ll have a drink with the Prince."


    "Forget about drinking. This king hasn''t eaten much tonight. I''ll eat with you."


    "I have to build up my alcohol tolerance. Otherwise I''ll be at a big disadvantage in the future. It''s fine since we¡¯re not going to Prince Huai¡¯s manor until tomorrow. Just have a drink with me." Yuan Qingling sincerely invited him.


    Yuwen Hao found himself unable to resist her sincerity.


    He shrugged. "Fine, this king just happens to want a drink too." He had to find some excuse, didn''t want her to think he''d do whatever she said.


    Yuan Qingling felt she had to be able to drink thousands of cups without getting drunk. At least after a weakness had been discovered, it would be her biggest threat.


    With Xi Mama''s skillful hands, she could always whip up all kinds of delicious dishes, even with the simplest ingredients. By the time the food reached her hands, she could turn it into something magical. As Yuan Qingling ate, she couldn''t helpughing, "Second Brother always says the imperial chefs make delicious food, but if he tried Xi Mama''s cooking, I''m afraid he''d pack up ande live here."


    Yuwen Hao looked at her, "You seem to get along very well with Second Brother."


    Yuan Qingling poured wine for him and filled a cup for herself. The small cup held about one mouthful of wine. The wine was clear and aromatic.


    Yuan Qingling took a deep breath, already feeling tipsy. With a bright smile she said, "Yes, he''s not bad, just a bit gluttonous."


    "A bit?" Yuwen Hao sneered contemptuously.


    Yuan Qingling recalled Prince Sun''s plump figure and fat fingers, and couldn''t helpughing again, "You''re right, not just a bit. Extremely gluttonous, yet always talking about dieting."


    "If he didn''t keep yelling about dieting, he''d eat even more crazily."


    "Yelling about dieting doesn''t mean he¡¯ll actually stop eating."


    Yuwen Hao didn''t like her always talking about Second Brother. "Let him eat if he wants. Why do you care so much? You don''t seem to care about what you should be caring about."


    Yuan Qingling slowly sniffed the wine, gathering courage to drink this liquid. She smiled gently, "What do I have to care about?"


    Yuwen Hao impatiently said, "What''s not there to care about? Such a big prince''s manor, yet everything relies on Tang Yang. As the primary wife, aren''t you ashamed?"


    Yuan Qingling mocked, "I remember you told Xi Mama to just raise me like a dog."


    Yuwen Hao was furious with shame. "Do you deliberately like to argue with me?"


    "Did you say it or not?" Yuan Qingling nced at him.


    He confronted her, "You''re so petty, remembering things from so long ago. If you insist on resenting, why don''t we discuss what happened at the Princess'' manor a year ago?"


    A sore spot.


    Yuan Qingling smiled cheerfully as she raised her wine cup. "Let us drink away our grievances!"


    Yuwen Hao snorted, but still picked up his cup and clinked with hers. "This king is magnanimous and won''t quibble with you. But you can''t go too far in the future."


    He drank it all in one gulp, showing her the inverted cup.


    Yuan Qingling took a mouthful. Spicy!


    With a "puh" she spit it all out.


    Yuwen Hao trembled with anger as Xi Mama hurriedly came over to wipe the wine off his face. Heavens! She had sprayed so urately, his whole head and face were drenched.


    Yuwen Hao banged the table and angrily said, "Did you do that on purpose?"


    Yuan Qingling slowly took out the imperial staff and put it on the table, sincerely exining, "The wine is too spicy!"


    Yuwen Hao stared at the imperial staff, speechless for a while, before calmly telling Xi Mama, "Change to Osmanthus Aged Wine. The Princess can''t drink strong alcohol."


    On the side, Duo Bao whimpered and turned his dog head away, unable to watch.

 Chapter 119: How many rooms do you have

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    Half a timeter, Yuwen Hao resentfully looked at this shameless woman sitting on the table.


    Her clothes were half exposed, her handszily climbed her neck and vicles...scratching hard.


    On her face, vicles, neck, and even half-exposed chest, there were strips of red marks and bumps of red hives everywhere.


    The bowls and chopsticks on the ground were scattered all over the ce, and her two maids had been driven out. Xi Mama was clever and hid first to brew medicinal soup.


    Even Duo Bao, at the onset of this storm, had already escaped for his life before the first bowl hit the ground.


    It was just one cup of osmanthus wine, he swore, really just one cup.


    He slowly got up and retreated backwards.


    Yuan Qingling picked up the royal staff and mmed it heavily on the table, yelling hoarsely, "You try it?"


    Yuwen Hao had an urge to kill her.


    What he hated most in his life was being threatened.


    Yuan Qingling was so itchy she was nearly driven mad, this was the first time she had drunk wine and got drunk without an allergic reaction, so why did she have an allergic reaction this time?


    She was still conscious, but couldn''t stand the piercing itchiness, as if it came from the blood, and after rummaging through the medicine box, she couldn''t find a single pill that could be used for allergies.


    She hated that she couldn''t peel all the skin and flesh off her body.


    At this critical juncture, he actually dared to think of leaving?


    "My back is so itchy, I can''t reach it!" Yuan Qingling banged the table madly with her legs, and her hands kept groping behind her back.


    "Where is the imperial physician?" Yuwen Hao roared furiously, but still had to go over and scratch her back.


    Her back was hot, burning hot to the touch. As his fingertips brushed over, it was as if he was scraping over a fireball.


    This was just bizarre.


    Being so hot, howe she wasn''tbusting?


    The imperial physician rushed in hurriedly. Yuwen Hao pulled up her clothes and growled, "Don''t you know to knock first?"


    The imperial physician looked back at the only door left, the other one, crooked and nted on the ground. Knock?


    He didn''t dare look at the prince''s face, with the left three w marks, right three w marks, those who didn''t know would think it was a cat.


    "Hurry up ande take a look at what''s going on!" Yuwen Hao''s patience waspletely worn out. Who had any pity for the scratch marks on his face?


    The imperial physician hurried over, no need to even look, opened up a prescription and said, "Alcohol rash, it''ll be fine after drinking a bowl of medicine. I will personally brew the medicine."


    "I will brew it personally!" Yuwen Hao snatched the prescription with one hand, gritting his teeth and saying.


    The imperial physician was startled for a moment, sighed, taking a look at what the cat had been forced into?


    People who didn''t know how to drink could not touch a single drop of alcohol.


    Yuan Qingling''s allergy subsided in the middle of the night.


    Yuwen Hao was tired and fell asleep directly in the Phoenix Courtyard.


    The room was in a mess.


    Yuan Qingling got out of bed and drank a big gulp of water, feeling as if she had just escaped death.


    She sat quietly in the chair and started to recall this time being drunk.


    Not just this time being drunk, every time she recovered from illness and injury, her mind felt exceptionally clear and her senses exceptionally acute.


    For example right now, she could hear sounds from very very far away, and she could look out into the pitch ck courtyard through the missing door, everything in the courtyard, she could see very clearly.


    As if it were broad daylight.


    She seemed to even hear the sound of her brain cells dividing, and neurons constantly extending.


    She took out the medicine box, pressed thetch, and said, "Liycin!"


    Slowly opening it, inside the medicine box were two boxes of liycin injections.


    Closing it back up.


    She discovered a pattern.


    Every time she felt unwell, the medicine box would unlock something. Of course, the medicine box unlocking things probably also had to do with her brain unlocking.


    This discovery was huge, at least it allowed her to have hope. As her brain and/or medicine box continued unlocking things, she would be able to gainplete control over the medicine box.


    Forget this for now, in any case, now there was liycin, she could first get injections for fifteen days to stabilize the illness before anything else.


    She neatly organized everything in the medicine box, the hemorrhoid cream and nasal decongestant spray were still there too, but these weren''t used often, so were stuffed in the corner of the bottomyer.


    Returning to the bedside and seeing Yuwen Hao sleeping like a dead pig,


    How much did he drink? How did he get so drunk?


    Looking at the scratches on his face, three on the left and three on the right, Yuan Qingling felt a pang of guilt. She really shouldn''t have, how was he going to go back to work tomorrow looking like this?


    She yawned, also feeling sleepy, so she climbed over him to get to the inner side of the bed to sleep.


    With this climb, she woke him up.


    Yuwen Hao was sleeping soundly, when he was suddenly woken up, his mind sobered up a bit as he recalledst night''s events, and he couldn''t help but feel furious. "What are you doing messing around in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?"


    "I just couldn''t fall asleep earlier, and now I''m sleepy." Yuan Qingling yawned again. "Sleeping now."


    Seeing her turn to the side, breathing evenly as she fell asleep, Yuwen Hao''s vindictive heart arose. She may be sleepy, but he had woken up.


    "Yuan Qingling, I suddenly feel a lot of pain in my chest."


    Yuan Qingling immediately sat up and looked at him painfully clutching his chest. Looking at how hisplexion had suddenly turned pale, she panicked, lowered her head to listen to his heartbeat.


    "How could it suddenly be painful?" Yuan Qingling listened for a moment, then lifted her head to take out the stethoscope, cing it on his chest.


    The instant her face touched his chest, Yuwen Hao''s whole body stiffened, his heart beating uncontrobly.


    His heart rate was very fast, pounding, at least 120 beats per minute.


    "Does your left arm hurt? Does your back hurt? Other than the pain, any other sensations?" Yuan Qingling asked anxiously.


    Seeing her so anxious, Yuwen Hao felt a little guilty. But he couldn''t let her know this was just a prank, so he pressed his chest with his hand, subtly applying inner force. "Just pain here. I don''t know if it''s because you threw a bowl at me while drunk, injuring me here."


    Yuan Qingling was startled, lifted his clothes, and indeed saw a bruise on his chest, from the look of the bruise, it must have been hit very hard.


    People who were drunk usually had no conscious control over their strength.


    She was filled with guilt. "I''m sorry."


    Seeing her lowered eyshes covering her eyes, looking remorseful, Yuwen Hao felt much morefortable inside. "I''ll let it go this time, but please don''t practice drinking anymore in the future."


    "I won''t drink anymore, this alcohol tolerance really isn''t something that can be practiced." She was a medical doctor, but aftering to ancient times, her mind had muddled along with it.


    "You...can even say something like that wrong? You can''t recklessly im something with 50% certainty, especially in front of the Sixth Prince." Yuwen Hao was exasperated.


    He couldn''tpliment this woman at all, even just mentally.


    "I definitely won''t say it." Yuan Qingling said.


    Yuwen Hao pulled the nket to cover both of them. "Sleep."


    "You''re not going back?" In the dim light, Yuan Qingling''s eyes shone brightly.


    "Toozy to run back and forth." Yuwen Hao said.


    Yuan Qingling oh-ed, held it in for a while, then couldn''t resist asking, "How many concubines do you have?"

 Chapter 120: Cure

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Yuwen Hao turned sideways to avoid facing her with concealed anger, and calmly said, "Three or five."


    Yuan Qingling was very shocked. She had thought that one or two would already be too many, but she did not expect that there were three to five.


    As a modern person, she could not understand doing it for the sake of propagating offspring.


    She also turned her back to him, feeling very angry on behalf of those girls.


    But under his power, they could only submit. Their social status was low.


    Those pitiful girls, would they just let scoundrels like Yuwen Hao defile them?


    But now if she sent them away from his residence, in this feudal society, which good family would they be able to marry into?


    Yuan Qingling was very angry, and Yuwen Hao was also very angry.


    What was the implication of her words? That she saw him as what kind of person? He didn''t even have concubines or consorts, only her as the primary wife, but she was averse and unwilling.


    Both of them were furious, and as a result neither of them fell asleep.


    Closing their eyes, they silently cursed at each other in their hearts. By the time the sky grew light they had awakened.


    Yuwen Hao got up first and went out to instruct Tang Yang with a few words, telling him to go back to the manor and say that today he would not return until after noon.


    Yuan Qingling also got up. She did not have Lv Ya help her change clothes, instead taking her own clothes behind the screen to change.


    His Amah brought over Yuwen Hao''s clothes, taking them off one by one, then putting them back on him piece by piece, tying and fastening them. Yuan Qingling watched this while sitting at the dressing table, and could not help but say: "You''re not disabled, so why can''t you dress yourself?"


    At any other time, she absolutely would not have said this, knowing that these young masters hated having to do anything for themselves, and would have disliked even being hand-fed while eating.


    But after stewing all night with a bellyful of anger, she really needed to vent it.


    Yuwen Hao did not say anything. His Amah was stunned for a moment, "Princess, this is what I should do."


    Yuan Qingling blurted out, "Those poor girls, would they just let scoundrels like Yuwen Hao defile them?" Then she regretted it immediately. Those girls were so innocent, and she had pitied them all night, yet today she uttered malicious words towards them.


    His Amahughed, "Look at what the Princess is saying. What does the Prince have?"


    Lv Ya came over to do Yuan Qingling''s hair and gently said, "I asked Amahst night, and she said the Prince does not have any."


    Yuwen Hao coolly asked, "Why are you so concerned about whether or not I have any?"


    Yuan Qingling had no words to defend herself.


    But the heavy stone weighing down her heart suddenly lifted.


    She realized that she cared about Yuwen Hao.


    "Curiosity!" Yuan Qingling said lightly.


    "Curiosity?" Yuwen Hao, fully dressed, came over. His reflection in the bronze mirror showed his features, the horizontal scratches on his face looking quite silly, marring his handsome appearance.


    Yuwen Hao also noticed this and angrily said, "What will you do if I w your face like this?"


    "Just say a cat did it," Yuan Qingling said guiltily.


    "How will I show my face to others now?"


    Yuan Qingling hurriedly made him sit down, pressing on him, "It''s fine, I''ll put some rouge and powder on you to cover it up."


    "I don''t wear rouge or powder!" His anger grew. This was a matter of face, and this vicious woman just would not let this matter with his face rest.


    "It was my mistake, I shouldn''t have drank alcohol or threw a drunk tantrum. There won''t be a next time. Prince, please bear with it for two days. The wounds will fade and probably be invisible by tomorrow. My powder is high quality, it makes theplexion look natural. No one could tell I had it on. Look at me..." As she spoke, she grasped his hand and rubbed it against her own face, "Can you tell I have foundation on?"


    Her face was delicate, refined, and supple, with an abundance of sticity. Grabbing and pinching it gave a feeling of fullness.


    That kind of feeling made one eager to pinch again, and again.


    Faced with the choice of wearing makeup or going out with cat scratches on his face, Yuwen Hao chose the former.


    But he had wrongly trusted Yuan Qingling.


    Her powder was not good quality. Once applied to the face it became blotchy, clinging in uneven patches, looking as if he had contracted leprosy.


    In the end, it was the imperial doctor who applied a medicinal liquid that made the red marks disappear, but his face became sallow and yellow, looking as if he had suffered a major illness.


    However, this was still the best oue.


    After a simple breakfast, they departed by carriage, arriving at Prince Huai''s manor after the time it takes to burn two incense sticks.


    The carriage had to stop at a rtively far alley entrance, because the main and rear gates were packed full of carriages.


    The Imperial Pce had sent over several carriages, Concubine Lu had already arrivedst night.


    Princess Jing had been staying at the manor for several days already, as well as Yuwen Ling whom Yuan Qingling had greeted before.


    The imperial uncles had also been taking turns keeping night vigil at the manor, for fear that Prince Huai would have some ident during the night. People were always by his side, with Prince Ji and Consort Ji being the most diligent. Before Concubine Lu''s arrival, the couple had handled practically all matters themselves.


    The manor''s serving women and steward were also keeping watch at Prince Huai''s manor, and following yesterday''s decree, today after the Princess Consort arrived, all imperial doctors would withdraw.


    Yesterday Concubine Lu had instructed the imperial doctors to prescribe enough medicine for several days before allowing them to leave.


    Today was Yuan Qingling''s first day at Prince Huai''s manor, so the attending eunuchs were also very nervous.


    Emperor Ming Yuan had ordered Gu Si to protect Princess Chu, ensuring absolute safety as Yuan Qingling traveled between the two manors.


    Naturally Gu Si understood the gravity of the matter, selecting two attendants of superb martial arts skill to apany him out of the pce.


    By the time Yuan Qingling arrived at Prince Huai''s manor, Gu Si had also just arrived. He exined the Emperor''s intentions, then entered together with her.


    Prince Huai had contracted an infectious disease, so ordinary people were generally not allowed to go in and out of his quarters. Even visiting rtives kept their distance, standing briefly with their hands covering nose and mouth, then washing hands and changing clothes when leaving.


    Only Prince Huai''s personal manservants attended to him inside.


    However, Consort Ji had also gone inside to care for him thesest two days. She took care of Prince Huai''s matters meticulously and earned herself the reputation of a virtuous sister-inw. The Emperor had also praised her for this.


    Today Yuan Qingling hade to treat his illness by imperial decree, so many imperial family members were waiting for her at the courtyard entrance.


    Consort Ji stood on either side of Concubine Lu, smiling as she looked at Yuan Qingling and said, "Sister, hearing you hade instantly put my heart at ease."


    Yuan Qingling had some medical knowledge and had inadvertently cured the retired emperor, at least that was what people outside believed. So Consort Ji implying her medical skills were so amazing, and that Prince Huai would certainly be cured, was quite calcting in front of so many people.


    Yuan Qingling did not act modest either. She and Yuwen Hao stepped forward to greet Concubine Lu.


    Concubine Lu did not look at her, only looking at Yuwen Hao and saying, "Concubine Lu believes you can watch your consort and prevent her from acting rashly. I do not know why the Emperor let here. This is an imperial decree that cannot be defied, but if she makes mistaken diagnoses and wrongly prescribes medicine due to inadequate medical skill, harming my Huai''er, I will say this in advance¡ªI will not let the matter rest easily."


    Yuwen Hao bowed with hands sped, "Mother Concubine, please be assured mydy will do her utmost."


    Concubine Lu did not actually know about the circumstances of Prince Huai contracting the illness, so she did not hate Yuwen Hao. She also knew she could not offend Consort Xian and Yuwen Hao, but this concerned her son''s life, so she had to be cautious.


    "Let me go in and see Prince Huai," said Yuan Qingling, feeling very ufortable with everyone''s stares.


    Consort Ji eagerly said, "Sister, I''ll go in with you."


    Yuan Qingling had prepared masks, keeping them in her sleeve pocket. She took some out and distributed them to Yuwen Hao, Consort Ji and the others.


    She put one on herself as well.


    But unexpectedly, after she put on the mask, Concubine Lu trembled all over in anger.


    Pointing at Yuan Qingling, she angrily said, "If you disdain my Huai''er, you needn''t havee. He is already despondent from his grave illness, and seeing youe in wearing this, seeing you all harbor disdain for him, how will he not feel awful?"

 Chapter 121: Shunned

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    Yuan Qingling spoke sternly: "Prince Huai''s illness is contagious, and anyone going in and out must wear a mask. I will exin this to Prince Huai clearly so he doesn''t feel bad about it."


    "Shut up!" Concubine Lu was so angry she didn''t know what to say. She hade out of the pce just to keep an eye on Yuan Qingling, and now Yuan was causing trouble before even treating the illness.


    Consort Ji smiled and said, "It''s alright, just be a bit careful. I''ve been going in and out these past few days without wearing a...mask, was it? Sixth Brother is very ill and often lost in thought, we should try our best not to make him feel bad."


    She casually handed the mask back to Yuan Qingling and turned to go inside, indicating she took no offense.


    Yuan Qingling said sternly, "Stop right there!"


    Prince Ji said coldly, "What arrogance is this?"


    Yuan Qingling looked around at everyone and said, "Since His Majesty sent me here to treat Prince Huai''s illness, everything regarding his condition must be left to my judgment. Even Fifth Brother can only transport me here and back. This disease is highly contagious, and can be spread through saliva. Wearing masks is a basic precaution. Anyone who does not wear a mask cannot enter this room."


    She turned to look at Gu Si coldly and ordered, "Gu Si, stand guard at the door. Anyone who wants to enter must wear a mask. No exceptions, including Concubine Lu."


    "Yes!" Gu Si obeyed. The Emperor had indeed said to follow Princess of Chu''s instructions in all matters. He had no choice.


    However, Gu Si felt Princess of Chu was quite bold today. He looked at Yuwen Hao, who seemed unperturbed, as if long ustomed to this. Yuwen Hao made no move to argue for Princess of Chu.


    Concubine Lu was furious. "You dare stop even me? Gu Si, get out of my way!"


    Concubine Lu pulled Consort Ji and tried to enter, but Yuan Qingling took out an imperial scepter from her sleeve, extending it section by section to block their way. "You may enter, but put on the mask first!"


    "You...this is..." Concubine Lu looked closely and saw the carved dragon pattern on the scepter. She was greatly shocked. "This was bestowed by His Majesty?"


    "The Retired Emperor," Yuan Qingling replied.


    Consort Ji''s eyes nearly popped out in shock.


    Concubine Lu whipped around to look at Yuwen Hao. "Fifth Brother!"


    Yuwen Hao spread his hands helplessly. "Mother Concubine Lu, she has the scepter, I''m powerless too. Father and Grandfather''s words hold precedence, that she is to decide all medical matters. Even I am only to escort her."


    Concubine Lu''s expression twisted angrily. The standoff continued.


    Princess Wenjing stepped in, "Mother Concubine Lu, it is only a mask. Exin it to Sixth Brotherter. Let Princess of Chu in, don''t dy treatment. Father trusts her, he must have reason."


    Yuan Qingling threw a mask to Gu Si. "Watch them. I''m going in. No entry without a mask."


    She looked back at Yuwen Hao. Yuwen Hao cooperated, quickly putting on a mask to set a good example.


    The two entered the room. There was a servant inside attending the prince. Yuan Qingling gave him a mask to wear, then went to Prince Huai''s bedside with Yuwen Hao.


    "Sixth brother, how do you feel today?" Yuwen Hao tucked Prince Huai''s nkets and leaned down to ask.


    Prince Huai had be very thin, with sunken cheeks and eyes. His eyes were bloodshot, clearly having just suffered a coughing spell. His whole being looked weakened and pale after torment.


    Yet he smiled and said, "Fifth brother, I can barely recognize you."


    Yuwen Hao reflexively moved to take off the mask, but Yuan Qingling stopped him. She stepped forward with a smile. "Prince Huai, I am Yuan Qingling, Princess of Chu. His Majesty sent me to treat your illness."


    Prince Huai''s eyes slowly moved to Yuan Qingling, his smile fading somewhat. "I have long admired your great name, yet had no fortune to meet you until now. This humble brother pays respects, sister-inw."


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "We''ll be seeing each other often from now on. At least for the next half year, you''ll be seeing me."


    Prince Huai smiled again. "Half a year? Good, wonderful!"


    He knew how seriously ill he was. Let alone half a year, he likely wouldn''tst half a month.


    He had heard the imperial doctor tell his mother concubine that he only had a few days left, as his coughs were bringing up blood without cease.


    Yuan Qingling looked over the doctor''s logs. The condition was indeed already severe, with a month of bloody coughs despite constant medication. He would stabilize for two to three days before worsening again, coughing ceaselessly through the night.


    Yuan Qingling did a preliminary exam and questioning, then took out medicine kits and injected penicillin.


    Concubine Lu and Consort Ji came in wearing masks and saw Yuan Qingling giving Prince Huai an injection.


    Concubine Lu rushed over. "What are you doing? What did you inject him with?"


    Yuwen Hao held her back. "Mother Concubine Lu, please calm yourself."


    Concubine Lu looked at Yuwen Hao in shock and suspicion. "What kind of treatment is this? Does His Majesty know?"


    "He knows!" Yuwen Hao said.


    Yuan Qingling took out some pills and had the servant bring water. She told Prince Huai, "Swallow these down."


    Prince Huai was very cooperative. In the two to three years since falling ill, he had cooperated fully with all treatments, drinking down any concoctions brought by the various shamans and witch doctors his mother had found, without even asking what they were.


    So now, he didn''t even ask what Yuan Qingling''s medicine was, directly swallowing it down with a slight frown.


    Yuan Qingling paused in surprise. "These aren''t meant to be chewed, they should be swallowed with water."


    "Chewing increases the effect!" Yuwen Hao added, so Prince Huai wouldn''t feel awkward.


    Yuan Qingling had the servant bring more water. Prince Huai drank down arge cupful in one go, but the bitterness in his mouth still didn''t fade, lingering in his throat.


    "After the medicine, sleep if you feel tired. I''ve given you strong drugs, the first few days you''ll feel very sleepy and listless, with poor appetite. These are normal side effects, don''t worry." Yuan Qingling said gently.


    Prince Huai nodded and smiled at her, then looked at Concubine Lu. "Mother concubine, treat my sister-inw well."


    Concubine Lu understood her son''s meaning. Bitterly, she nodded, "Mother understands. Rest if you''re tired."


    Her son was so sensible.


    Though Concubine Lu had a fiery temper, her background was truly not powerful. In the harem, she had always cautiously survived.


    The Empress, Noble Consort, Virtuous Consort, Imperial Consort Qin - their families were influential, while her own father was just a local magistrate.


    Her temper was really just a cautious attempt to protect herself. No one wanted to provoke a fiery woman.


    Now His Majesty had ordered Princess of Chu to treat her son''s illness. Though she opposed it, all she could do wase watch.


    Her son feared her rashness would offend and leave him unable to protect her. So he wanted her to defer in all matters.


    Her son was so thoughtful.


    Consort Ji looked thoughtfully at Yuan Qingling''s medicine box and asked, "The medicines in your box look strange, don''t they need decocting?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "These are all pre-made pills that can be directly swallowed. Concentrated and more potent without decocting."


    She exchanged a look with Yuwen Hao - not more effective by chewing, alright? Illiterate!


    Consort Ji smiled slightly, then went up to Prince Huai. "Sixth brother, don''t me your sister-inw. She makes us wear masks to avoid catching your illness."


    Prince Huai gave a weary smile. "I understand."


    Yuan Qingling added, "Of course Prince Huai understands. Having fallen ill, he knows the misery of this disease, and naturally doesn''t want his loved ones infected."


    She took out a stethoscope and told Yuwen Hao, "Help him lie on his side, I need to listen to his back."

 Chapter 122: Get Beat up by my Daughter-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    Yuwen Hao went forward to support Prince Huai. Consort Ji hurriedly said, "Fifth brother, if you are afraid of infection, let the attendante instead."


    That was going too far.


    Yuan Qingling could stand it no longer. Hanging the stethoscope over her ear, she turned and coldly said to Consort Ji, "Consort Ji, other than fomenting trouble here, you are of no help. Why don''t you go out for tea and gossip, and do what you do best?"


    Consort Ji did not expect Yuan Qingling to say this. She was stunned for a moment, then looked at Concubine Lu guiltily. "Concubine Mother Lu, I really am sorry. I truly haven''t been of any help."


    Concubine Lu disliked Yuan Qingling''s sharp tone. She said coldly, "What gives you the right to order her out? If it wasn''t for Consort Ji stabilizing the princes'' manor these past few days, it would have fallen into chaos long ago. You don''t even know your own capabilities yet dare to be so disrespectful?"


    Yuan Qingling was extremely angry. "Concubine Mother Lu, it''s your son lying there between life and death. I was summoned by decree to save him, not harm him. I''ve already exined about the masks to you. Prince Huai''s illness is infectious. Wearing masks is to prevent infection. If you think it''s distasteful, think what you will, but you and Consort Ji cannot interfere with my treatment. I don''t know what she is plotting, but she certainly doesn''t care for your son as much as you do. Right now, I''m the physician. I should stand united with the patient and his family. If you were reasonable, you would listen to me too. After all, even His Majesty listens to me regarding Prince Huai''s treatment."


    "Chu Wangfei, I really don''t understand what you mean about me having ulterior motives. What could I possibly gain?" Before Concubine Lu could respond, Consort Ji jumped in to defend herself.


    "Consort Ji, I won''t bicker with you. Either stand there quietly and observe, or leave." Yuan Qingling said directly.


    Concubine Lu was about to speak when Yuan Qingling''s gaze swept over. "Concubine Mother Lu, think carefully before you speak!"


    Concubine Lu pondered for a moment, then turned to Consort Ji. "Forget it, let''s not argue with her."


    Consort Ji sighed. "Alright, I''ll keep silent then."


    Yuwen Hao could not conceal his admiring gaze. It was inappropriate for him to intervene in women''s conversation. He had thought Yuan Qingling would blow up at Consort Ji this time, but with just a few words she had turned it around, clearly pointing out Consort Ji''s ulterior motives and leaving her unable to bite back.


    Concubine Lu was no fool. She had just been anxious and distrustful of Yuan Qingling, leading to all her suspicions.


    But Yuan Qingling''s words made her see things more clearly. Harming Huai''er would bring her no benefit at all. On the contrary, saving Huai''er would make the Emperor appreciate her and Yuwen Hao. No matter how she looked at it, she had no reason to harm Huai''er.


    It was Consort Ji who kept harping on about the masks, and when she thought about it carefully, it did seem she was deliberately stirring up trouble. Also, Yuan Qingling had already spoken so bluntly, yet she still insisted on staying to observe.


    These past days, the princes had been frequently visiting Prince Huai''s manor. How could she not know the reason?


    Huai''er had been ill for three years. The only regr visitor was Yuwen Hao. The sudden influx of princes recently, with Prince Ji even moving in to stay, was clearly to gain reputation as a virtuous elder brother.


    Thinking this, Concubine Lu''s mind cleared up. She deliberately blocked Consort Ji''s line of sight by standing in front of her.


    Of course, Yuan Qingling was unaware of Concubine Lu''s thought process. She listened to the lungs and heart with her stethoscope. Without diagnostic instruments, shecked clinical experience in treating tuberculosis.


    Putting away the stethoscope, Yuan Qingling pressed on the liver area and asked Prince Huai if it was painful there or in the stomach. Prince Huai said his stomach had hurt for a period some time ago, but there had been no major difort recently.


    Prince Huai asked, "Is this stomach pain rted to my illness?"


    Yuan Qingling said, "I need to eliminate the possibility of the tuberculosis bacteria infecting your gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere. The first half month is critical for treatment. Your Highness must follow my instructions. I require absolute cooperation. You absolutely cannot stop taking the medicine. If you stop, I will be powerless to save you."


    "Then now..." Prince Huai''s eyes darkened slightly. "Do you have the ability to save me?"


    "There are no absolutes in medicine. Your illness has progressed for quite some time. I''ll do my best." Yuan Qingling said.


    "The imperial physician said I wouldn''t make it past ten days. Counting the days, only three remain now." Prince Huai said quietly.


    Yuan Qingling shook her head, indirectly denying the imperial physician''s words. "Your heart and lung function have not beenpletely damaged. The hemoptysis will be controlled to a certain extent after a week, seven days. Even your night coughing will see corresponding improvement tonight. This will be a long treatment process. As long as Your Highness does not give up, I will not give up."


    Listening to this, Yuwen Hao felt a warmth in his heart. He gazed steadily at Yuan Qingling. This woman had been rather dazzlingtely.


    "Thank you, sister-inw." Prince Huai said softly.


    "Sleep now." Yuan Qingling turned to Concubine Lu. "Concubine Mother Lu, you should all leave and let His Highness rest."


    Concubine Lu nodded. After peeking worriedly at her son, she reluctantly left.


    Hope was slowly growing in her heart, but this hope did note from the imperial physicians. It came from Yuan Qingling, so she was not at ease.


    Yuan Qingling also left. Yuwen Hao wanted to stay and chat with his younger brother, but Yuan Qingling pulled him out. "Family members, out. Do not disturb the patient''s rest."


    "Is this proper etiquette?" Yuwen Hao followed her unwillingly,ining internally. She was putting on airs after getting the Imperial Cane.


    Outside, many people were gathered, including Prince Qi and Chu Mingcui who had note earlier.


    Seeing Yuwen Hao, Prince Qi pulled him aside.


    Yuwen Hao was speechless. Why was everyone so fond of pulling sleevestely?


    Prince Qi and his wife had already been here a while, listening to Yuan Qingling treating the illness inside, so they were waiting with the others.


    But he had not forgotten about Chu Mingcui falling into the water.


    He pulled Yuwen Hao aside and asked, "Fifth brother, it''s been days since the incident. Shouldn''t Mingcui get an exnation about falling into the water?"


    Yuwen Hao looked at him and really wanted to p him.


    "Seventh brother, what exnation do you want?"


    Prince Qi red. "Naturally, make her apologize to Mingcui. Otherwise, I''ll report this to Father."


    Yuwen Haoughed. "Father already knows about it."


    "He knows?" Prince Qi considered all the people present that day, word must have reached Father. "What did Father say?"


    "Father ordered her toe treat Sixth Brother. If she cures him, she will be pardoned."


    Prince Qi murmured, "So Father didn''t ask her to apologize to Mingcui? Fifth brother, tell her to go make amends."


    Yuwen Hao waved him off. "I wouldn''t dare."


    Prince Qi was shocked. Wouldn''t dare? Did he mishear? Since when was Fifth Brother afraid of Yuan Qingling?


    Yuwen Hao exined, "Grandfather Emperor rewarded her with an Imperial Cane, decreeing she may use it to beat anyone who vexes her."


    Prince Qi''s eyeballs nearly popped out. "No way?" Why would Grandfather do something so disgraceful?


    "Want to try it yourself to find out? This king was beaten all night." Thinking back tost night, Yuwen Hao sighed heavily, looking thoroughly humiliated and resentful but not daring to vent.


    Seeing his haggardplexion, Prince Qi believed Fifth Brother had indeed suffered tremendous indignity. s, Fifth Brother was also pitiful.

 Chapter 123: Who’s Stupid

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    When Prince Qi thought of this, heforted Yuwen Hao instead, "Fifth Brother, forget it then. Don''t keep count with her either. Women are unreasonable. Not every woman is as sensible as Cui''er."


    Yuwen Hao said, "That''s right. Cui''er is sensible. Tell her about this and let it go. If you really anger her, who knows if she will hit you with a rod. Wouldn''t that mean you just suffered a misfortune from falling in the water and now you get beaten too? It''s not worth it to feud with this kind of woman. It''s not worth it!"


    As he spoke, the corners of his eyes involuntarily moistened.


    Prince Qi was stunned for a moment. "Fifth Brother, I realize you seem to be enjoying this?"


    Yuwen Hao''s expression darkened as he red at him. "Should I cry instead? There are so many people here. I can''t let others know I was beaten by my wife."


    That made sense!


    "Then let''s drop this matter like this?"


    "Bear with it for the sake of the imperial rod!" Yuwen Hao finished speaking and went to find Yuan Qingling.


    He couldn''t let this woman out of his sight recently. She caused trouble at every turn.


    It was getting more and more ridiculous.


    Where was Yuan Qingling?


    Yuwen Hao looked around for her. He had just left for a moment and she disappeared?


    Yuan Qingling was taken away by Princess Changping Yuwenling and Princess Wenjing.


    The two sisters were truly concerned about Prince Qi''s illness. Thus, after Prince Qi pulled Yuwen Hao away, they hurriedly brought Yuan Qingling to the outer courtyard to ask about Prince Qi''s condition.


    Yuan Qingling gave them a general overview. Princess Wenjing sighed, "I hope he can get through this hurdle. I haven''t slept well for several days in a row."


    Seeing her dark undereye circles and dryplexion, it was indeed true that she hadn''t slept well. Yuan Qinglingforted her with a few words.


    While speaking with the princess, Yuan Qingling saw Chu Mingcui walk over out of the corner of her eye.


    Yuwenling said in disgust, "She''s back again? Why didn''t she drownst time? Making trouble every day."


    Yuan Qingling felt this youngdy Yuwenling was very sincere and well-mannered, and she liked her at once.


    However, Princess Wenjing frowned. "Ling''er, don''t speak recklessly. The Qi Prince''s concubine is still decent."


    She looked at Yuan Qingling. "For what happenedst time, you should apologize to her. I''ll take responsibility. Let''s put this matter behind us, alright?"


    Yuan Qingling smiled. "I can apologize, but can she take it? What if the heavens strike her with lightning? She knows clearly in her heart how she ended up in the water. "


    She said this deliberately when Chu Mingcui walked closer.


    She didn''t care about her reputation. But she wouldn''t take the me for something she didn''t do.


    She also didn''t want to watch Chu Mingcui pretending to be pitiful and innocent everywhere.


    Princess Wenjing looked at Chu Mingcui in surprise. Chu Mingcui stopped in her tracks and lowered her eyshes, sighing lightly as she turned and left.


    She didn''t deny or confirm, looking very innocent and helpless, with nothing to say to defend herself.


    Yuwenling directly said, "If she was really innocent, why didn''t she refute Fifth Sister-in-Law''s words?"


    Princess Wenjing disliked these struggles between women the most. Seeing that something strange seemed to be going on, she left without another word.


    But Yuwenling pulled Yuan Qingling along, extremely excited as she said, "Fifth Sister-in-Law, you were so awesome just now, actually daring to say that to her!"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare? Didn''t you speak about her too?" Yuan Qingling said with amusement.


    "This woman has malicious schemes. It''s a pity Fifth Brother and Imperial Concubine Mother were fooled by her."


    Yuan Qingling especially wanted to understand where Yuwenling saw that there were problems with Chu Mingcui''s character.


    However, Yuwenling said, "Fifth Sister-in-Law still has to tend to Sixth Brother''s illness right? Then I won''t dy you."


    Yuan Qingling grabbed her arm. "No hurry. Let''s discuss Chu Mingcui''s character."


    The sister-inw pair found a secluded spot. Yuan Qingling learned the full process of how Yuwenling and Chu Mingcui became enemies.


    This matter happened two years ago.


    At the time, everyone assumed Yuwen Hao would marry Chu Mingcui. Yuwenling also liked this future sister-inw very much. Every time Chu Mingcui entered the pce to visit Imperial Concubine Mother, she would stop by Consort Xian to pay her respects, and conveniently bring some trinkets for Yuwenling, gaining Yuwenling''s favor. She was always praising Chu Mingcui in front of Consort Xian and Yuwen Hao.


    Once, Chu Mingcui brought a white jade butterfly hairpin into the pce. Yuwenling saw it and liked it very much. She asked to borrow it and wear it for a bit. Chu Mingcui was very gracious and directly gifted the hairpin to Yuwenling.


    Yuwenling was extremely delighted. She hurried back to her room to try it on and match it with an outfit before going to show off to her sisters.


    As a result, she overheard Chu Mingcui speaking to her maidservant in the Imperial Flower Garden.


    The maidservant asked why she wanted to give such a precious jade hairpin to the princess. Chu Mingcui actually said in disgust that Princess Changping was greedily taking it as a handout to a beggar.


    At the time, Yuwenling was still immature. She rushed out and directly questioned her. The matter escted with Consort Xian and Yuwen Hao also finding out. Chu Mingcui actually cried that Yuwenling was falsely using her, and she never said such things. Her maidservant also testified that the princess was lying.


    As a result, Yuwenling was punished by Consort Xian, and scolded viciously by Yuwen Hao.


    Two yearster, Yuwenling still felt angry when mentioning it. "If she was unwilling to give it to me, I wouldn''t have insisted. Father dotes on me. What treasures don''t I have? I must have her hairpin? She gave it to me but talked about me like that behind my back. I''m an imperial princess but she called me a beggar with her mouth. Most hateful is how she dared to do it but didn''t dare admit it. She cried and said I was ndering her in front of Imperial Concubine Mother and Fifth Brother, getting me punished by them. I saw through what kind of woman she was. Back then I said, even if Fifth Brother married a beggar, don''t marry her. And as expected, I got my wish."


    Yuan Qingling coughed. Obviously she was now this beggar.


    Yuwenling quickly added, "I didn''t mean Sister-in-Law is a beggar. I just blurted it out. Don''t me me, Sister-in-Law."


    How could Yuan Qingling bear to be angry with this adorable youngdy? She said, "It''s fine."


    Yuwenling sighed in a mature manner. "You say, how could someone as shrewd as Fifth Brother be fooled by this woman back then?"


    Yuan Qingling consoled, "Don''t me your Fifth Brother. He''s an idiot with nothing but grass filling his head."


    Yuwen Hao had just walked over to find them and heard her say this. He asked ominously, "Who did you say is an idiot?"


    She was gossiping about him with Little Ling again. Really unreliable.


    Yuwenling stuck out her tongue and gave Yuan Qingling a sympathetic look before saying, "Fifth Brother, Sister-in-Law, I''m leaving now."


    Then she slipped away swiftly.


    Yuwen Hao stepped forward, his tall figure looming over andpletely overwhelming her with pressure.


    His sallow face flushed red with anger as his eyes stared straight at her. "Say it, who''s the idiot? Who has nothing but grass filling their head?"


    Yuan Qingling smiled apologetically. "Heard wrong, heard wrong."


    "This king''s hearing is good. Don''t think you can get away!" Seeing she wanted to escape, he blocked her with one hand, forcefully cornering her against a tree. His aura was imposing as his masculine scent enveloped her, leaving Yuan Qingling nowhere to hide.


    She reached out and cradled his cheeks, gently saying, "The Prince really heard wrong. I was praising you. You are perfect in my eyes, otherwise I wouldn''t have schemed in every possible way to marry you."


    "This king doesn''t fall for these tricks. Remove your ws." Yuwen Hao coldly snorted.


    He was truly angered to madness. She called him an idiot today, tomorrow she''d call him crazy. When had he ever heard her sincerely say a single good thing about him?


    Although he had beencking before, hadn''t he treated her well enough recently? Yet she was still a snake that wants to swallow an elephant!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!