Shen Yanshui did not dare look too closely either. Her gaze swept briefly over the group opposite her, focusing mainly on the several young princes gathered around the Crown Prince. This was the first time she had ever seen so many princes from such close range.
As she was looking around absentmindedly, an elegant and refined face suddenly entered her line of sight.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes halted. She was inwardly startled. Xu Chengwen? What was he doing here?
As a second-rank palace graduate in the imperial examinations, had he caught Emperor Pingkang’s eye? Was that why he was accompanying the imperial retinue?
Curious, she looked at him a few more times. When she noticed him looking back, she politely inclined her head and smiled.
Her former parents had regretted the verbal marriage arrangement they had just made for her. Since the Earl’s Mansion had been in the wrong first, although the matter had not been her choice, she still felt a trace of awkwardness and guilt whenever she saw him.
Fortunately, she had thick skin. The marriage had already been called off, and she quickly set those feelings aside.
She soon shifted her gaze away and followed the Empress into the Qiw u Hall.
Cui Yu watched her turn and leave. From the corner of his eye, he glanced in the direction where she had just stared blankly for a moment. There, he saw Lord Xu—the lecturer at Chongzheng Hall, who had recently won Father Emperor’s favor because of his outstanding poetry and prose—still gazing after her.
Xu Chengwen seemed to sense something and lowered his eyes slightly.
Cui Yu unconsciously knitted his brows.
Then he suddenly remembered how she had looked at the rather handsome Imperial Guards earlier, her expression full of avid interest…
Women rarely had many opportunities to leave their homes, and women in the palace had even fewer. Given her lively and daring nature, it was perfectly normal for her to enjoy watching the excitement. It was just that… he inexplicably felt a little displeased.
*********
After taking her seat, Shen Yanshui began admiring the scenery along both banks of Golden Bright Lake with great interest.
Although this was not her first time seeing it, it was her first time viewing it from aboard a dragon boat. The angle was completely different, lending the scenery a fresh appeal.
Shen Ronghua, however, could not help being startled when she saw Xu Chengwen—the man who should have become her Fourth Sister’s husband.
Indeed, the two had not even formally become engaged. At most, they had met once or twice under the watchful eyes of their servants, so naturally they could not have developed any deep feelings for each other.
But Xu Chengwen would one day rise to become a prime minister. It was truly a pity to miss out on such an excellent future husband. Perhaps… she could suggest this marriage for Fifth Sister instead?
Fifth Sister was her full younger sister, so her status was naturally more distinguished than Fourth Sister’s. Even if the Xu family harbored some resentment because the Earl’s Mansion had broken off the original match, as long as they were willing to marry their legitimate daughter into the Xu family, the Xu family—and Xu Chengwen himself—would only be more pleased.
Besides, in her previous life, Fifth Sister’s husband had treated her poorly. Xu Chengwen, on the other hand, had been famous for his devotion. He had remained wholeheartedly faithful to Fourth Sister. It was said that his inner court was exceptionally quiet: apart from two bedchamber attendants, he did not even have a proper concubine.
Who would not envy such a life?
As everyone exchanged cups, chatted, and admired the scenery, the Crown Princess suddenly said with a smile, “Lady Shen has been watching Lady Shen. Is there something you would like to say? Earlier, Lady Shen even went out of her way to speak with Lady Shen for quite some time. I wonder what the two of you discussed. Why not tell us as well?”
Shen Yanshui was inwardly startled. Someone had actually been eavesdropping when she and her elder sister were talking?
Having been born with memories of a previous life, she had no habit of constantly using her supernatural ability. Her current first-level ability had a range of only a dozen or so meters, scarcely farther than her own hearing, so there was no need to use it unnecessarily.
Moreover, at the time, Imperial Guards, palace maids, eunuchs, and attendants had been moving about all around them. She truly had not noticed anyone deliberately eavesdropping.
But she was certain that within at least several meters of them—the distance at which an ordinary person could hear their conversation—there had been no one.
Just as she was pondering this, Shen Ronghua spoke.
“The Crown Princess is jesting. We merely happened to run into each other while I was going to change clothes, so I casually reminded Fourth Sister to observe the rules and serve the Crown Prince and Crown Princess properly. I never expected that someone so fond of spreading tales would repeat it to the Crown Princess. Truly hateful.”
The Crown Princess sneered inwardly, but her face retained a gentle smile. “Oh? I thought Lady Shen and Lady Shen had been exchanging private words between sisters—something unsuitable for outsiders to hear. I never imagined you were helping me instruct someone from the Eastern Palace.”
Shen Ronghua’s expression stiffened slightly.
The Crown Princess glanced at her rigid face and drawled, “In any case, there is no need for Lady Shen to trouble herself over the people of the Eastern Palace. Besides, Lady Shen has always been very proper. It is Lady Shen who has been worrying needlessly.”
She suspected that the two of them had plotted something.
Otherwise, why had Lady Shen happened to pull Lady Zhang back at such a crucial moment?
Was she trying to win the Crown Princess’s trust? Or did she have a greater scheme in mind—to gain the Empress Dowager’s and the Crown Prince’s favor?
If she had nothing to hide, why could she not speak openly? Why had she instead dismissed the attendants and whispered in secret?
Unfortunately, the people she had sent had failed to hear what the two women had actually discussed.
And because Lady Shen had stepped in to save Lady Zhang earlier, she now had to treat Lady Shen even better. Otherwise, as Crown Princess, she would appear incapable of distinguishing between merit and fault and would lose all dignity.
Seeing that the Crown Princess was no longer pressing the matter, Shen Ronghua smiled and said, “The Crown Princess is right. I have overstepped. I hope the Crown Princess will not take offense.”
Even so, she could not help feeling troubled and uneasy inside.
She had never expected that it would be Fourth Sister who helped the Crown Princess at the critical moment, leaving the Crown Princess unharmed.
But if the Crown Princess had not miscarried, would the events that followed also change?
This deviation from what she had foreseen in her dream left her deeply agitated.
Just as Shen Yanshui was secretly studying her elder sister’s expression and demeanor, she suddenly heard the Empress call her name. She hurriedly rose and saluted.
The Empress looked at her with great warmth. “You may be said to have rendered meritorious service by saving the Crown Princess just now. Those who have merit should be rewarded. Is there anything you would like?”
The Empress had been left with a particularly deep impression of her today. Not only was she beautiful and graceful, but more importantly, she was eloquent. Several attempts had been made to target her, yet she had not suffered a loss even once. Instead, those who had provoked her had only humiliated themselves.
At the critical moment, she had been able to step forward and help. She had also remained calm and composed, explaining everything clearly and logically without the slightest panic. She was clever and courageous. The Empress could not help feeling two more points of fondness for her.
The Crown Princess’s brows drew together slightly. It was one thing for the Empress to reward Lady Shen; after all, Lady Shen had protected her and deserved recognition.
But to indulge Lady Shen to this extent—to let her choose her own reward?
The Crown Princess pressed her lips together.
The others were also faintly surprised by the Empress’s words. They glanced at Lady Shen, realizing that the Empress must be very fond of her.
Shen Ronghua likewise recovered from the Empress’s words and could not help looking at her Fourth Sister with a complicated expression.
Shen Yanshui was a little surprised as well.
But a reward was a reward—why refuse something offered freely?
Besides, she felt she had done nothing to feel guilty about this time. At once, she smiled until her lovely almond-shaped eyes curved into crescents and said in a clear, cheerful voice, “Thank you, Your Majesty. But I honestly don’t know what I want. Whatever Your Majesty chooses to reward me with, I’ll be happy.”
Although the Empress was generous, Shen Yanshui had no intention of pushing her luck. Besides, how could anything personally bestowed by the Empress of the realm be anything but precious?
A trace of surprise flickered through the Empress’s eyes. She recalled how Shen Yanshui had thanked her and accepted the reward without the slightest hesitation. Hearing that bright, melodious voice, brimming with youthful vitality and delight, the Empress’s face unconsciously softened into a smile.
A little farther away, Countess Zhongyi’s heart sank when she heard Shen Yanshui’s words. She hurriedly rose and stepped forward to offer her respects. “Your Majesty, this minister’s wife has failed to properly educate her daughter. I beg Your Majesty to forgive her.”
Her Hua’er had already been implicated and targeted by the Crown Princess earlier. Now she had to come forward and plead for forgiveness on her behalf as well. Countess Zhongyi nearly ground her teeth to pieces.
Shen Yanshui: “...”
She wasn’t stupid. Though her earlier words had indeed been somewhat improper and contrary to the rules governing a proper young lady, she had chosen them after carefully observing the Empress’s expression and the atmosphere of the occasion.
Just as she was thinking this, she secretly raised her eyes to look over—only to meet the Empress’s gaze.
She froze for a moment, then instinctively curved her eyes and gave the Empress a sweet smile.
The Empress was stunned for an instant. Then her expression relaxed, and she smiled kindly. “Lady Shen is still young. She is pure-hearted and forthright. There is no reason to blame her. Countess Zhongyi, please rise.”
In the end, the Empress removed a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin with dangling golden tassels from her own coiffure. Looking at Shen Yanshui’s tender, sweetly smiling face, she said with a smile, “This is something I wear myself. I shall give it to you.”
Shen Yanshui bowed, expressed her thanks, and respectfully accepted it. Yet inwardly, she was somewhat astonished. In a certain sense, a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin represented the Empress’s status and attitude.
It was much like an item bestowed by the Emperor. To a subject, either represented immense honor.
Everyone present was envious—some to the point of jealousy.
The Crown Princess stared at the ornate and exquisite nine-tailed phoenix hairpin with its dangling golden tassels, an ornament only the Empress was qualified to wear, and frowned. She felt that Her Majesty’s reward had gone a little too far.
Even the Crown Princess could only wear a seven-tailed phoenix hairpin according to court regulations...
Fortunately, Lady Shen was not foolish enough to put it on in public. Only then did the Crown Princess shift her gaze away.
Shen Yanshui had no idea what the Crown Princess was thinking. She was in an excellent mood. Today, she had at least made herself known to the Empress. After carefully and properly putting away the phoenix hairpin, she thought that although she could not wear it, it might prove extremely useful someday.
Before long, the Empress told the younger members of the family that they need not remain so formal and could go amuse themselves.
The dragon boat had many different rooms, each equipped with various entertainments. There were games such as shooting at zongzi, pitch-pot, and competing over plants and flowers. There were also rooms where guests could rest. Every so often, the Golden Bright Pool offered different water performances for people to watch, while the bustle and excitement along the banks were equally captivating.
Shen Yanshui was very interested in the garden aboard the dragon boat, which was filled with rare flowers and exotic treasures. Thus, when she saw Secondary Consort Tang rise, she rose as well.
Shen Yanshui did not know what the garden was called, but she noticed that quite a few people had come. Most were in groups of two or three. Some were simply admiring the flowers, while others had selected various plants for elegant or physical contests. She strolled leisurely among the rare and exotic flowers that had been gathered there.
She soon discovered that they truly deserved to be called rare treasures.
Because of her supernatural affinity with plants, she had studied flowers and plants extensively since childhood. She had also taught herself a little rudimentary medicine from medical texts and made some commonly used remedies herself.
Yet she found that quite a number of the plants here were ones she had never seen in Great Yong. Some, however, she recognized from the illustrated encyclopedias of flowers and plants she had deliberately sought out and studied in her previous life, during the apocalypse.
Peonies, Chinese peonies, irises, China roses, roses, wisteria, rambling roses... There were all sorts of common flowers, as well as precious variants in every imaginable color.
But her gaze fell upon a cluster of pink, bell-shaped blossoms only about a centimeter across, swaying in the breeze, as well as the inconspicuous little purple flowers beside them, seemingly used merely as decoration. Her eyes suddenly lit up.
“What is there to see in these flowers?” Secondary Consort Tang asked when she noticed how intently Shen Yanshui was looking at them. She approached at an unhurried pace, though the speed at which she waved her round fan had quickened somewhat. Leaning closer, she saw the pink-and-white bell-shaped flowers she had never encountered before.
An eunuch nearby, who had been keeping watch for the needs of the noble guests, stepped forward and respectfully replied, “In response to Your Highness, these two varieties are newly introduced plants presented by a small Western Regions kingdom. The pink ones are called red willow blossoms, and the purple ones are Anxi fennel.”
Shen Yanshui listened quietly.
So the Apocynum flower was called red willow blossom here, while Anxi fennel was actually cumin blossom.
Apocynum flowers mostly grew along the edges of deserts. Their blossoms were pink or white and had the effects of calming the nerves and lowering blood pressure. They were often used to treat hypertension and neurasthenia.
As for cumin, there was even less need to explain its uses. At the thought of the fragrance of cumin powder sprinkled over barbecued meat, Shen Yanshui nearly began to drool. She had searched for cumin before but had never found any. She had never expected to encounter it here.
If only she had asked the Empress for this as her reward just now!
She was feeling rather regretful when she suddenly remembered that, earlier, the princesses and noble young ladies had seemed to be picking flowers and plants for their contests in this very area...
After hearing the eunuch who tended the plants explain their origins, Secondary Consort Tang nodded. “So they are flowers from the Western Regions. Their appearance is fairly ordinary, but they do smell quite nice.”
As she spoke, she saw Lady Shen of the Eastern Palace reach out, pluck two plants, and dig them up by the roots before stuffing them into a pouch she carried with her.
Secondary Consort Tang: “...?”
Seeing the strange look in her eyes, Shen Yanshui pressed her lips together in a smile. “I find the scent of this Anxi fennel quite pleasant as well, and I like it very much. I thought I would make it into a sachet to carry with me. Please don’t laugh at me, Your Highness.”
The aroma of barbecue... Slurp!
She would force them to grow as soon as she returned!
Looking at her, Secondary Consort Tang found it rather astonishing. They were merely two insignificant flowers—how could they possibly inspire such excitement?
Still, out of kindness, she offered a reminder. “Since these were presented by a small kingdom in the Western Regions, they may be difficult to keep alive unless one specializes in tending flowers and plants.”
Shen Yanshui smiled. “Thank you for reminding me, Your Highness. If you don’t mind, should I be fortunate enough to grow them successfully, I will give you some as well.”
Secondary Consort Tang did not believe she would truly manage to keep them alive, but she did like the scent of the Anxi fennel. Thus, she politely smiled and agreed.
The two were still chatting and laughing when suddenly, a scream nearly split the heavens!
“Ah—there’s a venomous snake!”
“Crash!”
“The Crown Princess!”
“Quick, someone come!”
“Your Highness! Her Highness is bleeding!”
“Hurry and summon the imperial physician!”
In an instant, the atmosphere, which had been filled with cheerful ease, descended into chaos.
The voices were coming from one of the rooms. They sounded somewhat distant, but both Shen Yanshui and Secondary Consort Tang hurried toward the commotion.
By the time Shen Yanshui followed the sound and arrived, she found several layers of people crowded outside the room, standing shoulder to shoulder. Nearly all the wives and female relatives of officials, as well as the guards, were there. Yet the area was unnaturally quiet, making the Crown Princess’s frightened cries of pain and the Empress’s calm questioning of the imperial physician inside the room especially clear.
“How are the Crown Princess and the child in her womb?”
The imperial physician was drenched in cold sweat. In the short span of time since he had arrived, his back was already soaked through. His fingers trembled instinctively as he pressed them against the Crown Princess’s wrist through a handkerchief.
The Crown Princess was unable to suppress the fear and panic in her heart. Her face was deathly pale, and she stared fixedly at the imperial physician, who had already dropped to his knees.
The physician kowtowed and replied in a trembling voice, “R-Reporting to Your Majesty, the Crown Princess was so badly startled that she has suffered a disturbance to her pregnancy. This subject will immediately prepare a prescription to protect the fetus, but…”
The Empress’s expression darkened. “But what?”
“But the Crown Princess has already begun to bleed. This subject… can only do his utmost.” Cold sweat covered the physician’s forehead, and he did not dare raise his head.
“No, no, that’s impossible! I order you to keep the child in my womb safe. If anything happens, even the slightest mishap, I will have your life!” the Crown Princess cried, her face pale and her emotions overwrought. She could not accept such a consequence!
The imperial physician instantly broke into a torrential sweat.
The Empress said grimly, “Help the imperial physician down and prepare the medicine to protect the fetus at once!”
“Yes!”
Someone immediately helped the physician to his feet and escorted him away.
Shen Yanshui’s heart tightened. The Crown Princess’s pregnancy…
She instinctively looked toward Lady Shen, who was standing not far ahead. From the surprise revealed between her brows, Shen Yanshui could tell that this matter likely had little to do with her.
She had not expected the person acting behind the scenes to be so audacious. After failing once, they had actually dared to strike again.
“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince…”
Suddenly, the sound of palace maids and eunuchs kneeling and offering greetings rang out, followed by the greetings of the assembled wives of officials. Shen Yanshui naturally lowered her head as well. From the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar figure stride past with an imperial physician, before quickly entering the room.
The atmosphere inside and outside the room immediately grew even more tense.
Cui Yu’s expression was as dark as water. Without looking at anyone, he went straight inside. The moment he saw the expression on his mother’s face and the Crown Princess’s paper-white complexion, he felt his heart sink despite having been mentally prepared for this.
Shen Yanshui heard the Crown Prince’s voice, cold and heavy as ice, and did not dare relax in the slightest.
The imperial physician whom the Crown Prince had brought reached a conclusion almost identical to that of the first physician. Shen Yanshui tried to discern something from the faces of the high-ranking consorts and imperial princes’ consorts, but all she saw were expressions of concern. She sighed inwardly. As expected, every one of them was an excellent actress.
The physician, who had been observing the Crown Princess’s pulse, suddenly frowned, then relaxed slightly.
Cui Yu’s eyes turned cold, and he immediately asked in a deep voice, “What is it?”
Realizing that the Crown Prince had misunderstood, the physician hurriedly rose to his feet. Trembling with excitement, he said, “Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Majesty the Empress, the fetal heartbeat has grown slightly stronger. It seems Heaven is watching over the child!”
Heavens! His head was finally a little more securely attached to his neck.
At least the situation was no longer deteriorating. When he had taken her pulse earlier, there had been a moment when he could not feel the fetal heartbeat at all… Fortunately, Heaven had not abandoned them and had left the child a thread of hope.
“The medicine is here!”
An imperial physician personally brought the medicine over, and everyone hurriedly made way.
Outside the room, the various people concealed their differing thoughts beneath faces filled with concern.
Hearing the commotion inside, Shen Yanshui also relaxed slightly.
After the Crown Princess finished the medicine, the physician carefully inserted needles into her. Only after two quarters of an hour did he finally raise his sleeve and wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.
He immediately bowed toward the Empress and the Crown Prince, whose expressions were equally cold and solemn, and said, “Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Majesty the Empress, the child in the Crown Princess’s womb has been saved for the time being. However, she has suffered a disturbance to her pregnancy. From now on, the Crown Princess may need to remain bedridden throughout her pregnancy in order to safely give birth to the imperial grandson.”
The breath the Empress had been holding suddenly escaped her. Her legs went weak, and she nearly fell. The palace maid beside her and Cui Yu caught her just in time.
Cui Yu’s brows remained tightly furrowed. “Mother’s health has yet to recover. Help her rest for a while.”
The Empress frowned. “There’s no need…” How could she possibly rest at a time like this?
Cui Yu said, “Mother, rest assured. I am here.”
The Empress looked at the emotions in his eyes, her brows drawing together even more tightly. In a voice so low it was almost inaudible, she asked, “Did you know that the Crown Princess was pregnant…?”
Cui Yu’s voice was low and cold. “I did not.”
The Empress’s heart sank. Her entire body went limp as she leaned back against the chair.
The Crown Princess had actually gone to such lengths to conceal this from Yu’er…
Then again, if Yu’er had known, the Crown Princess would not have appeared here today. For a moment, the Empress was so angry and furious that she almost wanted to laugh.
What on earth was the Crown Princess thinking? What was she trying to do?
***
Once the Crown Princess’s condition had temporarily stabilized, Cui Yu wore a grim expression and immediately had the people involved brought before him. After swiftly interrogating them and clarifying the sequence of events, he sent someone to report to Emperor Pingkang.
Emperor Pingkang was enraged!
Not only because the Crown Princess had nearly miscarried, but also because of the venomous snake that had appeared from nowhere.
A palace maid serving the Crown Princess had been bitten. The venom was fatal upon contact with blood, and she died in less than two breaths.
What if one—or even several—of those deadly snakes had appeared beside him as well?
Emperor Pingkang immediately ordered the dragon boat to dock and instructed the Directorate of Palace Administration to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The First Prince and Fourth Prince, who had been responsible for security during the banquet at Jinming Lake, came forward to accept responsibility. Emperor Pingyuan directly stripped both of them of their positions in court. Noble Consort Lan and Consort De were also implicated and punished with the loss of a year’s salary.
***
When Shen Yanshui returned to the Eastern Palace, Chunping, who had been taken away, still had not come back.
Seeing her return, Quanfu quickly noticed the unusual atmosphere from the change in his mistress’s expression and the banquet at Jinming Lake ending ahead of schedule.
Once the door was closed, Xia'an, who could never keep her questions to herself, immediately asked in a low voice, “Mistress, did something happen at the Xifang Palace?”
Before their mistress returned, the commotion from the Xifang Palace had been so great that even those in the rear rooms had faintly heard it.
This had already left them feeling uneasy. Now that their mistress had returned as well, they finally seemed to have found someone to rely on, and their hearts eased somewhat.
But why hadn’t Sister Chunping returned…?
Seeing the worried, pale, and frightened expressions on everyone’s faces, Shen Yanshui composed herself and said, “The Crown Princess is pregnant and was startled, causing a disturbance to her pregnancy. His Majesty has ordered the Directorate of Palace Administration to investigate thoroughly. The palace will not be peaceful in the days to come, so be more cautious and keep a low profile in everything you do.”
As for Chunping… Recalling what Lady Shen had deliberately said to her earlier, Shen Yanshui unconsciously knitted her brows. After pondering for a moment, she quickly made up her mind.
She could not afford to take any chances.
After receiving their mistress’s instructions, everyone’s expressions turned solemn, and their faces could not help but pale.
Although this matter seemed unrelated to them, so long as Chunping did not return, none of them could truly set their minds at ease.
Shen Yanshui looked at Quanfu and said in a low voice, “Keep watch for when His Highness the Crown Prince returns to the Eastern Palace. Report to me at once when you receive word.”
Quanfu lowered his head anxiously and acknowledged the order.
Three quarters of an hour later, Quanfu returned and reported that His Highness the Crown Prince had gone back to the Eastern Palace, but had proceeded to the Fragrant Garden Hall.
Shen Yanshui nodded, picked up two small rice dumplings, and ate them to calm her nerves.
She had initially thought that the Crown Prince would remain in the Fragrant Garden Hall for quite some time. After all, the Crown Princess had nearly miscarried. Yet before even the time it took to burn a single stick of incense had passed, she learned that His Highness had left the Fragrant Garden Hall and gone to the front hall.
Shen Yanshui was slightly surprised. What had happened? It had only been a few minutes. Could it be that the Crown Princess had felt unwell and gone to rest? Or perhaps…
The lavishly furnished inner chamber of the Fragrant Garden Hall was now filled with the thick, unpleasant smell of medicine.
“Crash!”
A fine celadon vase was violently smashed onto the floor, sending shards of porcelain flying in every direction.
“Your Highness!” Matron Zhou hurried forward and seized her hand. Choking back a sob, she said in a low, panicked voice, “My lady, His Highness the Crown Prince has only just left. What if he heard that noise?”
The Crown Princess’s pale face flushed red, then turned white again. Her hands clenched tightly into the silk sheets beneath her.
She lowered her voice, yet could not suppress the panic in her heart. “Did you see it, Matron? I am the Crown Princess, and I was nearly made to miscarry, yet His Highness… Does His Highness truly regard me as his wife? As his Crown Princess?”
As she spoke, the Crown Princess’s eyes reddened, and a trace of resentment appeared in their depths.
Matron Zhou’s wrinkled face furrowed, but she did not know how to persuade her.
The medicine the Crown Princess had been taking all this time was clearly meant to protect the pregnancy, not to treat a cold. It would not be difficult to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Yet when Matron Zhou saw the expression on the Crown Princess’s face, she ultimately swallowed the words that had reached her lips.
She had watched the Crown Princess grow up. Her mistress had never been able to listen to unpleasant truths. At a time like this, nothing she said would be of any use. The only choice was to indulge her.
“Your Highness, the imperial physician said that you must avoid excessive emotional agitation. It would be harmful both to you and to the child in your womb.” She paused, then continued to comfort her. “His Highness the Crown Prince has always been that way. He treats everyone alike. Surely Your Highness knows this. Why make yourself angry over it?”
Seeing the Crown Princess’s expression relax somewhat, she pressed on.
“Besides, His Highness came straight to the Fragrant Garden Hall to see you after returning from His Majesty. That shows that he still has you in his heart. Your Highness is carrying two lives now, and the child in your womb is the Crown Prince’s legitimate heir. How could His Highness not be worried or concerned?”
The Crown Princess’s anger finally eased a little, and the faint unease in her heart gradually dissipated. Recalling that the Crown Prince had indeed not blamed her, she felt somewhat reassured. He had merely worn his usual cold expression, instructed her to rest and care for the pregnancy, arranged for an imperial physician, and then departed.
Zheng Yuande hurried along behind his master, his steps quick. He stole a glance at the Crown Prince’s cold, gloomy face, and all the fat on his body trembled. He kept wiping the cold sweat from his brow.
He could not help but feel resentful toward the Crown Princess.
That was His Highness’s legitimate son. The Crown Princess had deliberately concealed it from the Crown Prince. Was that not an obvious sign that she did not trust him?
She had even claimed that she had been afraid the pregnancy would not hold and that she would only be giving His Highness false hope—that she had wanted to surprise him.
If that had truly been the case, then perhaps she could be said to be deeply devoted to His Highness.
Unfortunately, the Crown Prince was no fool. Before this, keeping silent might still have been understandable. But they were already about to go to Golden Bright Lake, and she had still not revealed the slightest hint. Yet she still had the audacity to say that she had feared he would worry?
In the depths of his heart, Zheng Yuande very irreverently spat, “Tui!”
Where did she get the nerve? Seriously?!
Back in the study of the Palace of Diligent Governance, Cui Yu’s face was cold as he said in a low voice, “Send word to Assistant Director Wang. Have him deliver any news immediately.”
Zheng Yuande bowed at once and respectfully acknowledged the order.
Assistant Director Wang was one of the most powerful officials in the Directorate of Palace Servants, second only to the two Chief Directors. He was also the Eastern Palace’s man within the Directorate.
***
Shen Yanshui brought Quanfu and Xia’an to the front hall to request an audience with the Crown Prince.
Cao Zhongda, the eunuch in charge of the Eastern Palace’s front hall, wore a solemn expression as well, affected by the oppressive atmosphere in the palace. “Lady Shen, you have come at an unfortunate time. His Highness left the Eastern Palace just moments ago to pay his respects to Her Majesty the Empress at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. If you have something to say, you may tell this servant. Once His Highness returns, I will certainly relay your words to him.”
Shen Yanshui knitted her brows slightly, then nodded naturally. “Thank you for your kindness, Eunuch Cao. However, I imagine you have many duties to attend to, so I shall not trouble you. I will request an audience with His Highness tomorrow.”
With that, she inclined her head toward him and turned to leave with her attendants.
Cao Zhongda gave a slight bow. He merely lifted his eyes to watch Lady Shen’s departing figure, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.
After returning to Lotus Heart Court, Shen Yanshui ordered the servants to bring in the meal and ate as usual.
Seeing that their mistress could still calmly eat, everyone else felt more settled as well. At last, they were no longer quite so panicked.
After Shen Yanshui had eaten her fill, she proceeded as usual. This time, however, she did not go outside for a walk to aid digestion. Instead, she strolled slowly around Lotus Heart Court.
When the sky gradually darkened into a deep gray, she bathed, washed up, and lay down to sleep.
***
When Cui Yu returned to the Eastern Palace, his entire body radiating coldness and his face expressionless, he learned what had happened.
Sitting before the writing desk, he thought about what the Empress Dowager had said earlier, as well as the news just delivered by the Directorate of Palace Servants. His sharp brows lifted slightly, and his voice was unnaturally calm.
“Oh?”
Cao Zhongda lowered his head and said nothing, but Zheng Yuande’s heart trembled.
By now, he also knew what had happened to the Crown Princess that day. Even before the poisonous snake appeared, someone had already attempted to harm the Crown Princess and frame Lady Zhang for it. Fortunately, Lady Shen had pulled her away in time, preventing the culprit from succeeding.
Yet according to the palace maid serving the Crown Princess, suspicion had instead fallen upon Lady Shen. Lady Shen and Lady Shen had exchanged a few quiet words in private beforehand, so perhaps the entire incident had been a self-directed performance…
The Fourth Prince was also responsible for the dragon boat’s safety. If this matter had indeed been secretly ordered by Noble Consort Lan and the Fourth Prince, then it would have been exceedingly convenient for them.
And now Lady Shen had actually come to him of her own accord at such a time…
Cui Yu tapped his fingers restlessly against the writing desk for a long while. Then he suddenly rose.
“Go to Lotus Heart Court.”
The night was as deep as water, and all was silent.
The Eastern Palace lay in utter stillness. Yet the moment the sounds belonging exclusively to the Crown Prince reached the corridor outside the rear quarters, everyone’s attention was drawn toward them.
Quite a few people even wondered inwardly whether His Highness the Crown Prince could truly be in the mood to enter the rear quarters today.
Unbeknownst to them, another fine porcelain cup was shattered in the Fragrant Garden Hall.
With the Crown Prince’s arrival, Lotus Heart Court instantly brightened with lamplight. This time, Shen Yanshui had not been slow to react. At her mistress’s instruction, Quanfu went inside to announce His Highness’s arrival the moment the Crown Prince stepped into the corridor of the rear quarters.
Shen Yanshui wore a loose moon-white robe. Her hair was arranged in a simple, casual cloud-knot, secured only by a pink-and-green tourmaline hairpin carved in the shape of auspicious clouds.
The moment she stepped outside and raised her eyes, she saw the Crown Prince approaching in great strides. He was dressed in black trimmed with silver, and his entire person radiated a chilling air.
She hurriedly lowered her head and bowed. “This concubine pays her respects to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
They had already seen from afar that the Crown Prince was in a state entirely unlike his usual self. After the people of Lotus Heart Court knelt in greeting, they did not even dare breathe too loudly.
Cui Yu did not pause. He stepped over the cluster of servants and continued forward until he reached Shen Yanshui. She felt a broad palm gently support her arm, and heard a low voice beside her ear say, “Rise.”
She could not help feeling somewhat relieved.
It seemed that the Directorate of Palace Servants was taking longer to investigate than she had expected.
But hadn’t the Crown Princess previously been sounding out Lady Shen and her as well? Why had she never mentioned it to the Crown Prince?
Judging by the Crown Prince’s manner, he apparently still knew nothing about the private conversation between Lady Shen and herself. Otherwise, his attitude toward her would not still be considered gentle.
She had already prepared for the worst. At most, the Crown Prince would suspect that she had joined forces with Lady Shen, Noble Consort Lan, and the others to plot against the Crown Princess.
Although there was no evidence, even without evidence, it was perfectly ordinary for one or two low-ranking secondary consorts in the Eastern Palace to fall quietly ill and die.
If matters truly came to that, she would have to find a way to fake her death and escape. Those serving her had been assigned by the palace, and they had not served her for long. Given the Crown Prince’s temperament, he likely would not take their lives even if they were implicated.
As for Chunping...
Now that the Crown Prince was willing to seek her out of his own accord, he still trusted her to some degree—at least two or three parts out of ten.
Shen Yanshui rose with the support of his hand. With a respectful expression and a hint of nervousness, she lowered her head and said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Cui Yu glanced at her and said in a deep voice, “Come inside. We’ll talk.”
With that, he clasped his hands behind his back and stepped into the room.
Shen Yanshui acknowledged him with a quiet reply and raised a hand to signal that no one should come in to attend them. Once inside, she first served the Crown Prince a cup of warm tea. Then she took two steps back and suddenly knelt, saying solemnly, “Your Highness, this concubine has something to report.”
Zheng Yuande, who had been standing beside the Crown Prince, was startled by her sudden movement. He stole a glance at his master’s expression and hesitated for a moment before quietly withdrawing.
Cui Yu lifted his eyes slightly. His gaze was deep and unreadable. His fingers rubbed the porcelain cup, which held just the right degree of warmth. Only after a moment did he ask in a deep voice, “What is it?”
Shen Yanshui’s bright, limpid peach-blossom eyes, as though washed clean by water, were now filled with unease. Her brows drew together slightly, making anyone who saw her instinctively want to smooth away the worry and sorrow between them.
Cui Yu lowered his eyes and took a sip of tea.
There was an unmistakable note of nervousness in Shen Yanshui’s voice. “Your Highness, it concerns my elder sister, Lady Shen. Today, after the Crown Princess learned that she was with child, Lady Shen saw me and instructed me to keep my distance from the Crown Princess. At the time, I did not know why Lady Shen would say such a thing. I had also spoken somewhat discourteously to her, so after saying that, she simply turned and left.”
“This concubine is foolish. Although I had some vague suspicions in my heart, I had no evidence at all. My status is lowly, and I was frightened and at a loss, not knowing whom I could tell. I could only remain on guard and observe matters myself... If I had told the Crown Princess immediately, perhaps she would not have suffered from disturbed fetal energy. This concubine was at fault. I beg Your Highness to forgive me.”
She did not mention that she had promptly held Lady Zhang back. If nothing had happened to the Crown Princess, that could be counted as a merit.
But the Crown Princess had ultimately suffered from disturbed fetal energy and had even nearly miscarried. There was no need to bring it up now. Otherwise, it would seem as though she were deliberately claiming credit before the Crown Prince to prove her innocence.
Even though she said nothing, Cui Yu knew what had happened at the time.
As he listened to her account, which matched the testimony submitted by the Directorate of Palace Servants in every detail, without the slightest deception, the crease between his brows slowly eased before he even realized it.
