The emperor looked as if he had drunk an elixir of vitality, instantly glowing with energy.
On his way to the imperial study, he said to Eunuch De, "Summon the Imperial Astronomer."
Wedding arrangements should be made sooner rather than later to avoid unexpected complications.
Upon arriving at the study, the emperor addressed Ye Jingchuan, "Minister Ye, return to your residence at once and bring Ye Chutang to the palace."
"Your servant obeys the decree."
Just as Ye Jingchuan turned to leave, the emperor remembered something.
"Minister Ye, leave behind Ye Chutang's birth details."
With the birth details, an auspicious date could be calculated.
After providing Ye Chutang's birth details, Ye Jingchuan left the palace with light steps.
Seated in his carriage, he remarked cheerfully, "After enduring that wretched girl for so long, I finally see the fruits of my labor."
He could almost see the title of marquis beckoning to him.
However, his good mood lasted only until his return home, where it evaporated entirely.
Ye Jingchuan saw officials from the Ministry of Justice arresting Ye Siyin.
Ye Siyin struggled fiercely, her clothes disheveled.
"Let me go! You’ve got the wrong person! I didn’t spread the rumor that Ye Chutang was pregnant!"
The official scoffed disdainfully. "Do you think the Ministry of Justice is some petty office? We don’t arrest people without evidence. Not just you—even Lady Zhao has been thrown into prison!"
At these words, Ye Siyin turned deathly pale, her strength to resist draining away.
How could this be?
Zhao Simin was, after all, the daughter of a count. How could she be imprisoned just for spreading vague rumors?
Hearing the exchange, Ye Jingchuan couldn’t bring himself to step out of the carriage.
Why had he fathered such fools? Did they have to court disaster at every turn?
Ye Siyin spotted the Minister's Mansion carriage.
Desperate to avoid arrest, she cried out, "Father, save me!"
Seeing no movement from the carriage curtains, the officials dragged the unwilling Ye Siyin away.
Ye Jingchuan would never risk offending Ye Chutang to save a foolish concubine-born daughter!
Thankfully, the pregnancy rumor was false—otherwise, Ye Chutang’s marriage to Prince Chen would have fallen through, and his dreams of becoming a marquis along with it.
Only after ensuring the officials were gone did Ye Jingchuan step out of the carriage.
A crowd had gathered nearby, whispering and pointing at the Minister's Mansion.
"In just two days, the legal wife died, the eldest son was imprisoned, and now a concubine-born daughter is arrested—how eerie!"
"Eerie? More like well-deserved. Those who do evil will reap the consequences."
"Exactly! Miss Ye is such a kind soul, yet everyone tries to harm or bully her. They’re monsters!"
"I’m just curious—why aren’t there any mourning banners for the mistress of the house?"
Ye Jingchuan shot them a warning glare, and the onlookers quickly dispersed.
As soon as he entered the mansion, the steward asked, "Master, what should we do with the madam’s remains?"
The summer heat made preservation difficult, even with ice, and the smell was becoming noticeable.
Ye Jingchuan rubbed his temples in frustration. "I must return to the palace first. We’ll deal with it when I’m back."
With that, he hurried to Ningchu Courtyard.
Ye Chutang reclined on a daybed, lost in thought about her impending exile.
Northwest winters lasted half the year—she’d need plenty of warm clothing, bedding, and food.
"Historically, cotton was introduced early from the Western Regions. Why doesn’t Beichen Kingdom have it?"
Though this dynasty didn’t appear in history books, its territory resembled China’s, with development akin to the Song or Ming periods.
In Beichen Kingdom, the wealthy used fur and silk for warmth, while the poor made do with reed catkins and hemp cloth.
The middle class typically relied on kapok—light and soft but less insulating than cotton, and not much cheaper.
"My first task in the northwest will be planting Xinjiang long-staple cotton!"
During her time in the apocalyptic world, Ye Chutang had fortuitously emptied an agricultural seed warehouse.
She had seeds of all kinds, filling several shipping containers.
A region’s poverty often stemmed from a lack of economic opportunities.
"Building infrastructure in the northwest and ruling as a local sovereign doesn’t sound bad."
Just then, Ye Jingchuan entered Ningchu Courtyard.
He was sweating profusely and panting from haste.
"Chu’er, His Majesty has summoned you to the palace."
Ye Chutang lazily waved him over. "Father, over here."
Ye Jingchuan rushed to the windowsill. "Don’t dawdle—hurry and freshen up."
"The one I’m marrying isn’t the emperor. Why should I dress up for him?"
"Fine, no need to dress up, but come out at once!"
Ye Chutang asked, "What does the emperor want with me?"
Ye Jingchuan grew frantic at her unhurried demeanor.
"An imperial summons isn’t to be taken lightly! I’ll explain on the way—just move!"
Knowing full well why she was being summoned, Ye Chutang rose and left her chambers.
She boarded the carriage with Ye Jingchuan, heading straight for the palace.
"Father, you’re too eager. Did you really rush to the palace to request a marriage decree? Aren’t you afraid Prince Chen will grow suspicious?"
Ye Jingchuan had been too excited to consider that.
"Chu’er, since you convinced Prince Chen to marry you, you can surely ease his doubts, right?"
Ye Chutang didn’t answer, deliberately leaving him in suspense.
Instead, she asked, "The emperor summoned me to discuss eliminating the Qi family, didn’t he? When will he give me the antidote?"
"Help His Majesty rid himself of his greatest threat, and not only will you get the antidote—you’ll become an imperial consort."
Ye Chutang burst into laughter.
"The emperor is impotent. Being a consort would mean living in widowhood—what’s there to celebrate?"
Ye Jingchuan lunged to cover her mouth, but she dodged.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? Never say that again!"
After the warning, he soothed, "His Majesty has enlisted Divine Doctor Xue’s help. He’ll recover. If you bear him a son, the child could one day ascend the throne!"
Ye Chutang wanted to crack open Ye Jingchuan’s skull to see if maggots had eaten his brain.
How could he spin such an outrageous fantasy?
She rolled her eyes. "Stop daydreaming in broad daylight."
Soon, the carriage reached the palace gates.
Eager to see Ye Chutang, the emperor had sent a palanquin to meet her.
Father and daughter were swiftly carried to the Hall of Diligent Governance.
The emperor presented Ye Chutang with the drafted marriage decree.
"The Imperial Astronomer has confirmed your and Prince Chen’s birth charts. Five days from now is the most auspicious date."
Ye Chutang skimmed the decree, which lavished praise on her and Qi Yanzhou, declaring them a perfect match.
"Your Majesty, such a rushed wedding will surely arouse Prince Chen’s suspicions."
The emperor knew Qi Yanzhou would be wary, but he refused to wait.
"Since you convinced Prince Chen to marry you so quickly, you can certainly dispel his doubts."
Masking her disgust, Ye Chutang lowered her gaze.
"This servant will do her best. But surely Your Majesty didn’t summon me just to deliver the decree?"
"The purpose of your marriage to Prince Chen should be clear to you."
"This servant understands. Prince Chen harbors treasonous ambitions. Your Majesty seeks to purge the court of treacherous ministers."
The words filled the emperor with smug satisfaction, as if he’d finally gained validation.
But trust didn’t come easily. He commanded, "Look at me."
Ye Chutang raised her head, meeting the emperor’s piercing gaze without flinching.
"Having spent time with Prince Chen recently, have you developed feelings for him?"
"This servant values her life. I only wish to be an imperial consort."
"Truly the one I chose—bold and resolute."
With that, the emperor gestured for her to sit.
"I have a plan to have Prince Chen's entire household executed, but it requires your cooperation, Miss Ye."
"Your Majesty, please elaborate."
