The fact that his legs were gradually healing was known only to Chu Ruoyan, Chief Physician Zhang, and a few trusted aides by his side. Yet An Sheng was aware of it—didn’t that mean…
“There’s a spy among my people?”
An Sheng smiled. “My son is clever. Then why not guess again—which of your trusted men is it?”
Yan Zheng’s gaze turned as cold as ice. After a moment, he slowly uttered a name: “Uncle Mo.”
Mo Zhongcheng.
The very man who had been sent by Yan Shu to kill him on the back mountain of the Guardian Temple!
At the time, doubts had already arisen—Uncle Mo had been loyal to him for years, so why would he suddenly obey Yan Shu’s orders?
But back then, his mind had been too turbulent to dwell on it. Never had he imagined that Uncle Mo was actually An Sheng’s agent!
“Correct, it was him! From the very beginning, he was sent by me to infiltrate your circle. Think carefully—your leg bones were shattered, so how did they suddenly heal? It was because I ordered him to mix medicinal powder into your daily tea! Unfortunately, he had to expose himself prematurely to carry out another critical mission for me.”
Yan Zheng lowered his eyes to look at his legs. “Your other mission was to turn me against the Yan family?”
An Sheng’s expression grew even more pleased. “Indeed. I had him pretend to obey Yan Shu’s orders and attempt to kill you. My original plan was to harden your resolve, to make you kill Yan Shu and sever all ties with the Yan family. But that Chu girl ruined everything…”
A mocking smile curled at Yan Zheng’s lips. “In that case, the prophecy by Monk Liaokong was also your doing? To make me resent the Yan family?”
An Sheng, however, frowned. “No, that was unexpected! When Liaokong gave you that prophecy, I assumed it would be the same flattering nonsense about bravery and ambition like what he said for your father and brother. Who knew he’d call you a harbinger of calamity? I went to confront that bald monk afterward, intending to force him to retract his words. But then it occurred to me—perhaps this was fate! Heaven itself ordained that my son would bring down the Yan family and avenge the humiliation I suffered!”
At this point, nearly all the mysteries had been unraveled.
Only one remained…
Yan Zheng’s eyes darkened as he asked slowly, “Then… the Battle of Hangu Pass—was that also part of your design?”
An Sheng nodded. “Indeed. I never wanted you to go, which is why I secretly arranged your betrothal to that Chu girl before your departure. But your determination was too strong to stop. All I could do was maneuver behind the scenes to ensure you survived…”
A proud smile touched her lips. “But my son, you truly are remarkable. To think of faking a leg injury to escape—those southern barbarians were utterly fooled! They set up checkpoints at all twelve city gates, yet still couldn’t find you!”
Yan Zheng narrowed his eyes.
She claimed she had ensured his survival… but the battlefield was ever-changing. How could she have guaranteed it?
Unless…
“You had dealings with the southern barbarians as well?”
An Sheng was surprised by his sharpness, but she couldn’t admit it yet. She replied lightly, “Zheng’er, now that we’re reunited as mother and son, there’s no need to dwell on those unpleasant matters. You are now the Marquis of Anning, holding an official post in the Ministry of Justice. After this, His Majesty will likely return you to the military.”
“You are the sole heir of the Great General. His prestige and connections in the army will all fall to you! Once the three armies bow to you, I will find a way to push you into the Grand Secretariat. With both civil and military power in your hands, you will become the most powerful chief minister of Great Xia—second only to the emperor himself. Absolute authority will be within your grasp!”
She spoke without restraint, right here in the imperial gardens.
Yan Zheng’s lips pressed into a thin line. He was certain her people had sealed off the area, ensuring not a word would leak out.
He asked slowly, “And what do you want?”
An Sheng’s gaze sharpened.
Her brows relaxed, and a frightening brilliance flashed in her eyes.
“What I seek, you will learn in time. For now, you need only know that everything I’ve done has been for you! Very well—make any request you wish. Consider it a small compensation for the suffering you’ve endured all these years.”
Yan Zheng smirked.
So now came the honeyed trap.
An Sheng was truly a master of manipulation—first provoking his anger, then soothing him with gentle words, and finally dangling rewards before him. Anyone else would have been groveling in gratitude by now!
No wonder Imperial Son-in-law Cao was so devoted to her…
He remained silent, turning his wheelchair to leave.
An Sheng called after him, “Zheng’er! Don’t you want to marry that Chu girl?”
Yan Zheng feigned hesitation, just as she continued, “I know you care for her. I, too, find her a fitting daughter-in-law. The two of you were already wed once, but the Empress Dowager and His Majesty interfered, forcing your separation. Just say the word, and I will mediate to reunite you with your beloved!”
Yan Zheng frowned, as if struggling. “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
An Sheng’s lips curved.
No matter how shrewd he was, everyone had a weakness—and for Yan Zheng, it was that Chu girl!
“If you don’t believe me, wait a few days. Perhaps His Majesty’s decree will—”
“Too long!” Yan Zheng cut her off. “I won’t trust a single word you’ve said today unless you give me solid proof!”
An Sheng raised a brow. “Haven’t you already met Granny Sun? Do you doubt even her testimony?”
Yan Zheng scoffed. “You’ve orchestrated such an elaborate scheme—buying off a mere midwife is nothing!”
Seeing his unwavering skepticism, An Sheng finally grew serious. “Granny Sun has a son named Sun Cai. The reason she betrayed Xie Yuan back then was for that boy. If you don’t believe me, I’ll give you his whereabouts. Take him to confront Granny Sun—then you’ll have no choice but to accept the truth!”
Yan Zheng’s heart steadied, though his expression remained indifferent.
An Sheng called out, “Yu Hui!”
Moments later, Yu Hui appeared, bowing respectfully. “Greetings to Her Highness and… the Young Master!”
Yan Zheng averted his eyes at the title “Young Master.” An Sheng ordered, “Take Zheng’er to the Imperial Academy and retrieve Sun Cai for him.”
Yu Hui obeyed. Before Yan Zheng left, An Sheng added meaningfully, “Zheng’er, don’t forget—though you bear the Yan name, we are family!”
With a cold snort, Yan Zheng departed.
Gong Shang emerged behind An Sheng, voicing concern. “Your Highness, the Young Master still seems resentful toward you…”
“So what? He is still my flesh and blood. Before, he didn’t know the truth—but now that he does, do you think he could bring himself to harm me?” An Sheng chuckled dismissively. “Besides, resentment means nothing. Power and profit are what truly conquer all! I am his noble birth mother, and I’ve paved a glorious path for him. Do you think he’s a fool? Would he throw away such splendor for past grievances?”
Gong Shang assented but then asked, “But what about Granny Sun? Without Sun Cai as leverage, what if she exposes the truth?”
An Sheng lazily smiled. “She won’t. Do you really think Sun Cai still acknowledges her as his mother?”
