"As long as no one in Prince An's residence provokes me today, I won’t stir up trouble."
Ye Chutang finished speaking and walked with Ye Jingchuan to the gates of Prince An's residence.
The steward of Prince An's household announced loudly, "Minister Ye has arrived! The eldest Miss Ye has arrived!"
Ye Jingchuan handed over the congratulatory gifts to the steward and entered the residence.
A servant led the father and daughter inside.
"Minister Ye, Miss Ye, this way, please."
Prince An's residence was a grand four-courtyard estate.
Beyond the main gate, the first sight was an intricately carved screen wall depicting the vastness of the sea and rivers.
In the center of the courtyard stood a large vat, where lotus leaves stood gracefully, and koi fish played in the water.
Turning right and passing through a covered corridor led to the garden.
The female guests were temporarily seated near the opera stage at the far end of the garden, while the male guests proceeded through the flower hall to the front courtyard and main hall.
Prince An and Princess An stood at the entrance of the flower hall to greet their guests.
After exchanging pleasantries, Ye Jingchuan introduced Ye Chutang to them.
"This is my daughter, Ye Chutang."
Ye Chutang curtsied gracefully. "Greetings to Prince An and Princess An. May the princess remain forever youthful and in good health."
Princess An’s smile stiffened slightly as she took in Ye Chutang’s beauty, which could put even the most vibrant flowers to shame.
"Rise, child. You have such a sweet tongue."
She looked exactly like her mother—that bewitching face that ensnared men’s hearts!
Prince An couldn’t tear his eyes away from Ye Chutang, who bore a striking resemblance to Tang Wanning.
"Miss Ye, you look so much like your mother."
Ye Chutang met Prince An’s heated gaze with disdain and averted her eyes.
"My father says the same."
Princess An’s forced smile nearly faltered.
She summoned a maid. "Escort Miss Ye to the opera pavilion for tea and flower viewing."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Once Ye Chutang was led away, Ye Jingchuan’s expression darkened.
"Your Highness, do you have a moment to speak?"
Back in the day, Tang Wanning had taken the capital by storm with her unparalleled beauty, drawing the admiration of countless nobles.
Even the emperor had entertained thoughts of her—let alone Prince An.
Of course, Ye Jingchuan wasn’t here to discuss Tang Wanning but rather the emperor’s plans.
Prince An nodded. "Minister Ye, follow me."
He then called for his son.
"Qingshu, entertain the guests in my stead. I shall return shortly."
"Yes, Father."
Zhao Qingshu noticed Princess An’s pale complexion and asked with concern, "Mother, are you unwell?"
"It’s nothing. Perhaps I’ve been standing too long and am a little tired."
"You are the guest of honor today—you mustn’t overexert yourself. Go and rest. Let Anping greet the female guests."
Princess An, worried that her daughter might clash with Ye Chutang again, agreed.
"Very well. Stay here and receive the guests. I’ll fetch Anping."
Princess Anping was already at the opera pavilion.
Dressed in a fiery red gauze dress, she was radiant and bold in her beauty.
But the moment Ye Chutang appeared, all attention shifted to her.
The princess, who should have been the center of admiration, was left with only a few close friends by her side.
Everyone else flocked to flatter Ye Chutang!
"Miss Ye is not only a literary prodigy but also skilled in medicine. Truly admirable!"
"I must apologize for my past ignorance. Please forgive my rudeness."
"Miss Ye excels in all things—she is a model for women everywhere."
These noblewomen, who had once scorned Ye Chutang, now bitterly regretted their shortsightedness.
It was easier to offer help in times of need than to add flowers to brocade.
But a few sweet words couldn’t hurt.
Ye Chutang was the type to return a smile when given one.
She responded gracefully to their praises, though her eyes flickered toward Princess Anping, whose face had turned livid.
With a subtle, taunting smile, Ye Chutang provoked her further.
Princess Anping nearly exploded with rage and stormed forward.
Before she could hurl an insult, Princess An arrived swiftly.
"Anping, I’m feeling tired. Go to the flower hall and greet the guests."
In the Beichen Kingdom, filial piety was paramount.
Though willful, Princess Anping obeyed her elders without question.
"Yes, Mother."
With Princess An’s social finesse, the atmosphere among the noblewomen became harmonious.
The older ones chatted about household affairs, while the younger ones recited poetry and sipped tea.
Ye Chutang nibbled on melon seeds, enjoying the poetry and gossip alike.
Meanwhile, Ye Jingchuan was led by Prince An to the study.
On the desk lay a small white jade vial.
Prince An picked it up, gripping it tightly, his heart torn with conflict.
After seeing Ye Chutang, he no longer wished to send her to her doom.
Noticing Prince An’s silence, Ye Jingchuan asked, "Your Highness, what were the emperor’s exact orders?"
Prince An snapped out of his thoughts and reluctantly handed over the vial.
He was but a powerless pawn, kept in the capital under the emperor’s "benevolent" watch.
Disobeying the imperial command would mean the annihilation of Prince An’s household in an instant!
"This is a secret poison from the emperor—odorless, tasteless, with effects similar to a muscle-relaxant. But without the antidote in seven days, the victim’s tendons will rupture, leading to a painful death."
Ye Jingchuan pocketed the vial. "Does the emperor hold the antidote?"
"Yes. Once the deed is done, His Majesty will summon you."
"Understood. What of the shadow guards?"
As soon as he spoke, two figures clad head-to-toe in black appeared soundlessly at his side.
Prince An glanced at them. "If poisoning fails, resort to force."
Today, Prince An’s residence was a trap laid specifically for Ye Chutang.
Once she stepped in, there would be no escape.
Seeing that the emperor had arranged everything meticulously, Ye Jingchuan felt somewhat reassured.
But one problem remained.
With men and women seated separately, how was he to administer the poison?
"Your Highness, can you not carry this out instead?"
Whether through food or drink, Prince An’s people had easier access.
Prince An shook his head. "No. My role is only to assist you in fulfilling the emperor’s decree. I refuse to be implicated in this matter."
Regardless of the outcome, Prince An’s household must not be dragged into it.
Ye Jingchuan frowned. "Let me think."
Unable to devise a plan immediately, he brought up another matter.
"How does Your Highness intend to ensure Prince Chen and Chutang have… intimate contact?"
"By drowning."
Ye Jingchuan found the plan unreliable.
While such a scheme might work on sheltered noblewomen, Ye Chutang had grown up in the countryside.
"Chutang was raised in the rural outskirts. There’s a nine-in-ten chance she knows how to swim."
Prince An gestured to the shadow guards. "They will lie in wait in the lotus pond and restrain her if needed."
"And how will you guarantee Prince Chen jumps in to save her?"
"By ensuring he is the only one present by the pond at the critical moment."
Ye Jingchuan considered that if Ye Chutang were in danger, he, as her father, would have to intervene—providing the perfect opportunity to administer the poison.
"Very well. Since Your Highness has arranged everything, I will not disappoint you."
"Disappointing me is inconsequential. Do not disappoint the emperor."
With that, Prince An turned to leave.
"Minister Ye, we’ve been here too long. Let us return to the front courtyard."
Ye Jingchuan nodded and followed.
But as they stepped out, another concern arose.
"Your Highness, what if the drowning plan fails?"
Prince An glanced back, a cold, confident smile curling his lips.
"Rest assured, Minister Ye. Even if it fails, I have another scheme prepared."
