Yan Zheng turned around to see the Dowager Noble Consort approaching with Princess Roumin, her scarred face radiating kindness. His brow furrowed slightly when Chu Huaishan’s voice suddenly cut through the air: "If Dowager Noble Consort has something to say, please speak here. My daughter is timid and shouldn’t be left alone with you."
Those nearby nearly winced at the words.
Timid?
Timid enough to defy the Empress Dowager?
Yan Zheng, too, clasped his wife’s hand and added, "Dowager Noble Consort, forgive us. My wife is indeed easily frightened. Whatever guidance you have, we’ll listen respectfully here."
One was the Duke of the State, the other the newly appointed Chief Grand Councilor. Faced with their united front, the Dowager Noble Consort had no choice but to relent.
She studied Chu Ruoyan intently before asking, "Child, who was your birth mother?"
Chu Ruoyan lowered her eyes demurely. "Your Grace, my mother was of the Jiang family, the legitimate daughter of the Yangzhou Jiang clan."
"Jiang? Not Ji?" Realizing her slip, the Dowager Noble Consort forced a smile. "Ah, age must be clouding my memory. No matter. Enjoy the feast—I won’t keep you."
As she turned away, she threw a command at Chu Huaishan: "Duke Chu, accompany me."
His expression darkened, but he followed. He never returned before the banquet ended.
By then, most officials and their families had departed. Eventually, Chu Zhong came to relay a message: "Madam, Eldest Miss, Eldest Son-in-Law, the Duke said his conversation with the Dowager Noble Consort was most engaging. He’ll return later and asks you not to wait."
"But when did my husband ever know the Dowager Noble Consort? How could I be unaware?" Lady Jiang the Younger fretted, twisting her handkerchief.
Chu Ruoyan soothed her, "Perhaps from years past. Aunt, don’t dwell on it. Let’s return for the New Year’s vigil."
With no other choice, Lady Jiang the Younger led Chu Ruolan and the rest of the second branch away.
Meanwhile, once inside her carriage, Chu Ruoyan’s smile vanished. "She recognized me!"
Her certainty made Yan Zheng sigh. "Perhaps not you, but..."
"My mother," Chu Ruoyan finished bitterly. "Strange, isn’t it? In all these years at home, no one ever said I resembled her. Yet now, a stranger points it out. What does that mean?"
Yan Zheng’s heart ached as he covered her hand.
She continued, voice trembling, "At Guardian Temple, the monk Liaokong claimed my mother had a ‘phoenix destiny.’ I thought he meant Empress Pei, but Father swore otherwise. Yet when I pressed him, he only insisted my lineage was flawless. Then there’s my illness—Old Divine Doctor Qin said it was congenital, but Nanny Zhou swore my mother was healthy, her childbirth smooth. Where did this ‘cold affliction’ come from? And Doctor Wen—how did my mother find a physician even the Imperial Medical Bureau couldn’t locate? Not to mention the Frostblade Sword he gave her!"
Her agitation grew until Yan Zheng pulled her into an embrace. "A’Yan, don’t."
Buried against his chest, she finally whispered, "So many clues... I should’ve seen it sooner. I just didn’t want to. Yan Zheng, Father’s love means everything. What if I’m not his daughter? What if my bloodline brings ruin to him—to you?"
The Dowager Noble Consort had ties to the previous dynasty... and recognized her mother.
Liaokong’s prophecies were never wrong... and he called her mother a phoenix.
Previous dynasty. Phoenix destiny.
Those words alone could doom a family.
Overwhelmed by protectiveness, Yan Zheng cupped her face. "A’Yan, no lineage is a curse. If you seek the truth, I’ll stand with you. If you bury it, I’ll ensure it stays buried."
His unwavering confidence steadied her.
"But what if I’m tied to the fallen imperial house?"
"So what?" He brushed stray hairs from her forehead. "You’re my wife. That’s all that matters."
Her heart found anchor at last. Eyes glistening, she opened her mouth—
Knock knock knock.
Little Yan Wenjing’s head popped into the carriage. "Uncle! Aunt! Stop talking! It’s almost midnight—let’s go set off fireworks!"
Chu Ruoyan blinked. Midnight already?
Peering outside, she saw ink-black skies. With a deep exhale, she let go.
Yes. A new year was coming. Time to leave worries behind.
Whatever came, they’d face it. For now, joy took precedence.
"Let’s go light those fireworks!"
Before Yan Zheng could react, the boy cheered and dashed off: "Auntie’s the best in the whole world!!"
Chuckling, Yan Zheng helped her alight.
The Yan Mansion observed mourning, so no red lanterns or decorations brightened its halls. Yet Nanny Zhou had boiled red eggs for everyone.
"Where’s mine?" Old Xu pestered her, but she ignored him, handing two eggs to Yan Zheng and Chu Ruoyan. "Young Master, Young Mistress, a blessed new year. May it be sweet and whole."
Chu Ruoyan teased, "What about Old Xu’s?"
Nanny Zhou sniffed, but the old man grinned. "You two first. I’m family—I can eat anytime."
Family? More like husband, his smirk implied.
Nanny Zhou pinched his arm. "Come! The kitchen’s full—stuff yourself sick!"
As Old Xu yelped, he mouthed something at Yan Zheng.
Curious, Chu Ruoyan asked, "What did he say?"
Yan Zheng smirked. "Sure you want to know?"
"Tell me!"
Leaning close, his breath tickled her ear. "He said red eggs symbolize happy news... and the whole mansion awaits ours."
Her ears burned. "We’ve only been married months—"
"Exactly. Clearly, I must... apply myself more diligently."
His deadpan delivery made her face flame. Every night wasn’t enough?!
Just then, Madam Li and Yan Zhao approached with New Year’s greetings. The younger brother hesitated until Chu Ruoyan took a red envelope from Yulu.
"A new beginning brings peace and joy... This is from your elder brother."
Both men froze. Yan Zhao’s hands shook as he accepted it—then thud, he knelt.
"Third Brother... I wronged you. Beat me, punish me, I’ll never flinch!"
He produced a cane, startling Madam Li into snatching it away.
"Sixth Brother! It’s New Year’s!"
Chu Ruoyan rubbed her temples. She’d meant to reconcile them, not stage a duel!
But Yan Zheng only smiled lazily. "You’ll take any punishment?"
