Chu Ruoyan looked at her for a moment and suddenly said, "The news the Princess wishes to share wouldn’t happen to be about Imperial Son-in-law Cao’s infertility, would it?"
Princess Qingping’s expression darkened instantly. "How did you know?"
This was a closely guarded secret—even the Cao Family was unaware. If she hadn’t accidentally overheard their conversation years ago, she wouldn’t have known either!
A faint smile curved Chu Ruoyan’s lips as she stood. "If that’s the case, then the Princess’s news isn’t worth mentioning after all..."
She made as if to leave, but Qingping snapped, "Stop right there!"
Realizing her tone had been too harsh, she softened her voice. "What exactly do you know? And who told you?"
Chu Ruoyan smiled gently. "Why, it was the Princess herself who told me..."
Princess Qingping froze as Chu Ruoyan continued leisurely, "If I were to relay these words to the Princess, do you think she might direct her anger toward you?"
Though spoken softly, each word pierced like a blade!
Princess Qingping’s gaze turned sharp. "You dare threaten me? Do you not fear leaving this place alive today?"
"Princess, you jest. Many saw me enter your residence. If anything were to happen to me, how would you explain it?" Chu Ruoyan replied with a smile. "You’re a clever woman—you wouldn’t make such a foolish mistake."
Cold sweat dampened Qingping’s palms.
She had underestimated this woman. She’d thought to pressure her into making Cao Yang comply, but instead, Chu Ruoyan had turned the tables, using the Princess to threaten her!
Qingping’s chest heaved as she took a slow breath. "Fine. What do you want to ask?"
The implication was clear—she had conceded.
Chu Ruoyan steadied herself. "May I ask, Princess—is the Princess’s pregnancy real?"
Qingping was taken aback. "Why would you ask that?"
Chu Ruoyan remained silent. Based on recent rumors, the Princess was far from the benevolent figure she portrayed. That she would miscarry to save Yan Zheng? Unbelievable!
More likely, the pregnancy was fabricated—a calculated move to bolster her reputation and guilt-trip the General’s family.
Qingping replied, "It’s real... My royal cousin cherishes her reputation and never indulges in extravagance. Yet for months, her residence was flooded with tonics like Angelica Powder and Mugwort Decoction for fetal stability. The Imperial Hospital even assigned a dedicated physician. Such precautions wouldn’t be taken for a lie."
Chu Ruoyan frowned. "Then does the Princess know who fathered the child?"
Qingping shook her head. "I don’t. I only overheard Imperial Son-in-law Cao say he was impotent and grateful the Princess allowed him into her household, vowing to repay her with his life. At the time, my cousin told him she didn’t need his death—just for him to live and raise her child with ‘that man’..."
"That man?" Chu Ruoyan seized on the phrase.
Qingping’s eyes also flickered with confusion. "I found it strange too. My cousin has always been disdainful of everyone, including Imperial Son-in-law Cao. The only man she ever admired was General Yan. So for her to conceive a child with someone, even marrying Cao to cover it up... I truly can’t imagine who it could be... Who?!"
Princess Qingping’s voice sharpened as a strikingly handsome man entered the room.
"Princess~ Wei Lian has been waiting for you forever. Why won’t you come see me~?"
The syrupy, melodramatic tone sent shivers down Chu Ruoyan’s spine.
Qingping’s expression softened at the sight of him. "Didn’t I tell you I have an important guest? Go wait. I’ll join you shortly."
Wei Lian beamed, blew her a flirtatious kiss, and reluctantly left.
Chu Ruoyan pressed on. "And the Princess’s miscarriage back then..."
"Wasn’t that common knowledge?" Qingping scoffed. "Back then, Xie Yuan was recuperating at Cuiping Mountain’s Sleeping Buddha Temple after childbirth. The Princess happened to visit for prayers. Since they were close friends, Xie Yuan stayed overnight. The next day, a flash flood struck. Xie Yuan was rescued by servants, but Third Yan was left behind in his swaddling clothes. Fortunately, the Princess saved him, though the exertion caused her to miscarry."
"The child was stillborn. The Princess was devastated. When Imperial Son-in-law Cao arrived, he drew his sword to strike the infant Yan Zheng, but the Princess threw herself in the way, injuring her wrist! She cried, ‘What sin has this child committed?’ That line is still repeated in teahouses to this day!"
Chu Ruoyan’s heart pounded. So Yan Zheng had nearly died by Imperial Son-in-law Cao’s blade back then!
But if Qingping’s account was true, the Princess truly was Yan Zheng’s savior. Had they misjudged her?
"Princess, were there any witnesses to these events?"
Something still felt off, but Qingping laughed derisively. "Do you think I’m omniscient? I’ve told you everything—both what I should and shouldn’t. Keep your word, or if this reaches my cousin’s ears..."
A rare flicker of fear crossed Qingping’s usually haughty face. "You don’t know what she’s capable of."
After the revelation about Imperial Son-in-law Cao, Chu Ruoyan could sense the Princess’s terrifying influence.
She nodded. "Thank you..."
Before she could finish, Qingping waved her off and strode into the courtyard.
The male attendant, Wei Lian, immediately draped himself over her like a clinging vine.
Qingping seemed to enjoy it, tilting his chin to brush his lips with hers.
Wei Lian cooed bashfully, "Princess~"
The sight left Chu Ruoyan utterly dumbfounded. Her aunt and father’s earlier suggestion of keeping such companions was clearly out of the question—she could never tolerate men like this!
Leaving the Princess’s residence, her carriage raced to the Bai Xiao Pavilion.
Only when she saw Yan Zheng’s composed, elegant face did she exhale in relief, summarizing Qingping’s words.
Yan Zheng tapped the armrest thoughtfully. "So the Princess’s pregnancy was real, but the father’s identity remains unknown."
Chu Ruoyan nodded. "Exactly. Unfortunately, Imperial Son-in-law Cao is dead, and the Princess’s household is tight-lipped. The only one who knows is likely her... By the way, did you ever investigate the Cuiping Mountain incident?"
Yan Zheng stiffened, his cool gaze dimming.
Meng Yang quickly interjected, "Young Madam, our Lady has always regretted that day. She forbade the General’s household from speaking of it and... harbored resentment toward the Young Master because of it."
Chu Ruoyan understood. With Xie Yuan’s stance, the Yan family had accepted it as truth. How could they have questioned it?
Her heart ached as she glanced at Yan Zheng. Sensing her concern, he offered a faint smile. "It’s fine. It’s all in the past..."
But Chu Ruoyan couldn’t accept that.
How could it be "in the past"?
He’d endured his mother’s resentment for years over this. If there was more to the story, wouldn’t it be a terrible injustice?
Before she could speak, urgent knocking came at the door.
Yulu’s frantic voice followed. "Miss! Hurry! The Duke is here looking for you!"
