The hall fell silent as everyone rose to their feet.
"Greetings to Princess Ansheng. May Your Highness live a thousand years."
Princess Ansheng entered, supported by Imperial Son-in-law Cao. She first helped Old Madam Cao rise before smiling warmly and saying, "No need for formalities. My health has been poor, so I arrived late. I beg my uncles, aunts, and sisters not to take offense."
Her demeanor was gentle and approachable, devoid of the usual haughtiness expected of royalty. The guests felt as though bathed in spring breeze as they straightened.
Princess Ansheng noticed Chu Huaishan. "Duke Chu, you’ve come as well?"
Chu Huaishan stroked his beard and chuckled. "How could I refuse an invitation from my brother-in-law, Lord Cao?"
"Then, please enjoy the feast. After I pay my respects to my mother-in-law, I shall return to toast you all."
Chu Huaishan and the others hastily declined the honor.
Imperial Son-in-law Cao spoke softly, "Your Highness, your health is frail. You shouldn’t drink."
Princess Ansheng shook her head. "No, my health can recover, but family gatherings are rare..."
"Your Highness, please listen to me this once. Your well-being matters most. Let me drink in your stead." His gaze was filled with tenderness—since entering the hall, he hadn’t spared a glance for his mother or brothers, his eyes fixed solely on her.
Cao Yang clenched his fists. Chu Ruoyan recalled her uncle’s words: "He’s bewitched."
A shadow crossed her brow as she sighed imperceptibly.
Princess Ansheng seemed momentarily taken aback.
In all their years of marriage, this was the first time he had defied her.
A faint smile touched her lips. "Very well, I’ll yield. But I won’t abuse my position. If Duke Chu and the others insist on toasting you, you must hold your ground for me."
Imperial Son-in-law Cao declared firmly, "I will forever be Your Highness’s vanguard!"
The scene stirred envy among the guests. Madam Kong couldn’t help remarking, "The imperial son-in-law and the princess share such a loving bond..."
No sooner had she spoken than she felt a sharp glare pierce her back. Yet when she turned, she saw nothing.
Puzzled, Madam Kong glanced around. Meanwhile, Old Madam Cao frowned deeply. When the couple approached to pay respects, she said sternly, "Second Son, your devotion to the princess is commendable, but remember—you are first and foremost a man of Great Xia. Your loyalty must lie with the nation above all. Understood?"
Her tone was reproachful, directly countering his "vanguard" remark.
Princess Ansheng seemed ready to intercede, but Imperial Son-in-law Cao remained unmoved. "Mother’s guidance is noted. But this son has pledged his life to one person alone. Forgive me for disappointing you and Elder Brother." With that, he took the princess’s hand and led her away.
Old Madam Cao’s eyebrows shot up in fury.
Chu Jing quickly restrained her. "Mother, this is a joyous occasion. Let’s not spoil it."
Her meaningful glance toward the Earl of Zhongyuan and the others outside made Old Madam Cao suppress her anger with a cold snort. "Tell me, why did I raise such a lovesick fool? I opposed his marriage to the princess from the start! This second son of mine is stubborn and obsessive—once he sets his mind to something, not even nine oxen can pull him back. I fear this path will lead to disaster!"
A mother knows her child best.
Chu Jing’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at Chu Ruoyan.
Chu Ruoyan murmured, "You jest again. Children forge their own destinies. At your age, must you still carry their burdens? Let them be."
The old lady paused, then laughed wryly. "Well said, girl. These wretched children have worn me out all my life. Must I spend my final years fretting over them? Jing’er, teach me that tile game you mentioned last time."
Chu Jing exhaled in relief. Chu Ruoyan whispered to her, "Aunt, just keep an eye on the old madam..."
Then she rose and moved to the curtain.
Peering through a gap, she saw Chu Huaishan, the Earl of Zhongyuan, and the others standing outside.
True to Princess Ansheng’s earlier words, Cao Dong was making rounds with toasts.
He was no heavy drinker; after a few cups, his face flushed crimson. Yet he pressed on until he reached Cao Yang.
"Elder Brother, I toast you!"
Cao Yang remained seated, his expression icy as he stared silently.
"Elder Brother, I—"
A wave of nausea hit Cao Dong. He clamped a hand over his mouth, barely stifling the urge to retch.
His eyes bloodshot, he gazed pleadingly at his brother. At last, Cao Yang lifted his cup and rose slowly. "Second Brother, the toast is mine to give."
"First, I salute your ruthlessness. Second, your cruelty. Third, I salute our brotherhood—like this cup!"
Crack!
Before he finished, the cup shattered in his grip. Shards flew, slicing his hand bloody.
Chu Huaishan frowned. "Old Cao!"
Cao Yang ignored him, bowing to the two in-laws. "My apologies. A family matter requires my brother’s immediate attention. We must excuse ourselves." His eyes met Chu Huaishan’s briefly.
Having served together in court, Chu Huaishan understood instantly—this was no trivial matter, but one of grave consequence.
With solemn nods, they retreated to the inner courtyard.
Princess Ansheng watched uneasily. "Husband?"
Cao Dong stared after them for a moment before turning back, his face softening. "Did I startle you, Your Highness? It’s nothing. I’ve displeased my brother, and he wishes to reprimand me."
Princess Ansheng nodded. "Then return swiftly."
Cao Dong smiled in assent. After two steps, he paused and looked back.
"What is it?"
His gaze lingered on her face as if memorizing every detail.
"Nothing... I merely hate to part from you."
The princess smiled faintly. "If you miss me, come back soon. Don’t forget—I still wish to watch you paint."
For the first time, Cao Dong didn’t nod. He strode away resolutely.
Meanwhile, inside—
Cao Yi hurried in. "Lady Chu, my lord requests your presence."
Chu Ruoyan knew the moment of reckoning had come. She gave her aunt a reassuring glance and followed him out.
The night was cold, the wind biting.
Entering the study, she saw Imperial Son-in-law Cao kneeling at the center.
"Ruoyan? Why are you here?" Chu Huaishan looked stunned and tried to usher her out, but Cao Yang stopped him. "Lady Chu must bear witness."
He turned to Cao Dong. "Speak your piece now."
Cao Dong lifted his head calmly. "I have nothing to say."
"Then you admit to it all?!" Cao Yang roared, slamming his bloodied palm on the table. "Diverting military provisions, embezzling arms, colluding with foreign tribes, framing loyal subjects—condemning our army’s hundred thousand men to death! You confess to every charge?"
"I do."
"Why?!" Even Cao Yang’s composure shattered. "For a woman?!"
Cao Dong’s face hardened. "Choose your words carefully, Brother! She is no mere woman—she is Princess Ansheng of Great Xia!"
Chu Huaishan gasped.
He’d doubted Cao Yang’s claims until now. "Have you lost your mind? A hundred thousand lives!"
Cao Dong’s voice was icy. "So be it. They were doomed the moment they sided with the Yan Family." Hatred seethed in his eyes at the mention. "My only regret is failing to kill Yan Wenjing, leaving Yan Xu with an heir!"
"Have you ever considered the Cao Family? Do you realize your actions could bring utter ruin upon us all?!" Cao Yang exclaimed in fury.
Cao Dong froze, his face gradually twisting in anguish. "I know... I know all of it... But Brother, I have no choice. Princess Ansheng suffers too much—far too much... If I don’t help her, no one else will..."
As he spoke, he suddenly lifted his head, his expression steeped in sorrow.
"I know I’ve failed the Cao Family. Beat me, kill me, tear me apart—I’ll accept it all. Brother, I only beg you to tell Mother this: Her second son is unfilial, unable to care for her in her old age... or... send her off in the end..."
His voice trailed off, growing fainter.
Cao Dong’s entire body began to tremble—first his breath grew ragged, his face turning ashen, then blood seeped from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth...
Chu Ruoyan’s expression shifted abruptly. "No! He’s taken poison!"
