Fall In Love With A Substitute – The Princess’s Beloved Wife, Chapter 36
Feng Yuexian stood up, her skirt swaying suddenly.
She furrowed her brows and headed towards the side hall, with Yin Bing and Yin Xue hurriedly following behind.
Xu Jing was guarding Song Pianxian, and when Song Pianxian suddenly slumped over at the desk and fainted, Xu Jing was startled.
Instinctively, he called for the guards and was about to quickly carry Song Pianxian to the main hall’s bed, but then he realized —
This was the Princess!
How could he, as a male guard, let the Princess, a delicate young lady, be held in his arms, touching her skin?
As he turned to see Xue Qing, his eyes lit up, suddenly remembering that it was unusual for a palace guard not to use one, and to have Xue Qing, a palace attendant, carry the Prince out — something seemed off.
Just as he was fretting, a palace attendant called for the Princess Consort. Xu Jing couldn’t hide his anxiety as he said:
“Princess Consort, take a look at this —”
Feng Yuexian’s gaze fell on Song Pianxian. She was slumped over the desk, her long black hair flowing over the dark table, revealing only a hint of snow-white at the nape of her neck.
Due to her position, she couldn’t see the slight rise and fall of her chest. She looked like a lifeless jade statue.
Feng Yuexian subconsciously quickened her pace, and Xu Jing quickly made way for her.
Approaching, Feng Yuexian carefully let Song Pianxian rest her head against her chest, then lifted her up by the waist.
Song Pianxian’s black feathers draped over Feng Yuexian’s arm, her robes fluttering before Feng Yuexian as she walked.
Everyone else was bewildered.
T-The Princess Consort is carrying the Prince??
Ignoring the onlookers, Feng Yuexian carried Song Pianxian into the main hall with swift steps, asking in a soft voice:
“Has the imperial physician been summoned?”
Xu Jing followed behind, hastily replying, “Someone has been sent to fetch him.”
Feng Yuexian laid Song Pianxian on the bed, removed her boots, brushed her fingertips across her collar, hesitated for a moment, then simply pulled the brocade quilt over her, tucking her in securely.
“Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”
Her voice turned cold, the gleam in her eyes piercing as ice arrows aimed at Xu Jing:
“The Prince is often ill, and yet there’s no imperial physician guarding the East Palace?”
Xu Jing’s legs went weak, nearly kneeling before the Princess Consort.
“T-There was… there was one…”
The arrival of hurried footsteps from outside spared Xu Jing. Jiang Yuyi, the imperial physician, hurried in with his medicine box.
Interrupting his gesture of respect, Feng Yuexian instructed him to check Song Pianxian’s pulse first.
After a careful examination, Jiang Yuyi reported without omission:
“Princess Consort, the Prince’s condition is due to an old illness, caused by deficiency of qi and blood. These past few days of slight exhaustion and mental strain have taken a toll, but there’s nothing major to worry about.”
“Probably in another half hour, he will wake up. There’s no need to change the prescription; just continue using it as usual.”
Fatigued? When did he get fatigued?
Walking a few steps or sitting for a while tires him out?
Feng Yuexian only knew that these siblings were frail and often ill, but she never expected Song Pianxian to fall ill without any apparent reason.
The imperial physician on duty at the East Palace must be trusted by the Prince, yet at this moment, he showed no signs of concern, as if it were routine. He almost wrote “Don’t worry, this is the Princess’s usual condition” on his face.
Feng Yuexian glanced at Song Pianxian’s pale lips, grunted in acknowledgment, then asked:
“When you were called away just now, who summoned you?”
“Consort Qi is not feeling well and specifically requested my presence.”
Apart from the Crown Prince, there were only two princes born of the two virtuous consorts in the palace. The younger one was just a child, so it was obvious who Consort Qi belonged to.
Feng Yuexian didn’t say anything further and let the imperial physician wait outside.
Xu Jing was probably traumatized, fearing that in the blink of an eye, the Princess would end up like Song Yu, something terrible. Moreover, he still didn’t fully trust Feng Yuexian, so he and Xue Qing stayed behind together.
After sitting by the bedside for a while, Feng Yuexian noticed Xu Jing glancing at her from time to time. She found it amusing and decided to leave the bedside and go to the outer room, sparing Xu Jing, who was already of a certain age, the trouble of worrying about thieves.
Xue Qing followed her out, her brows furrowed with worry as she said:
“Princess Consort, the Prince is too weak.”
“He’s alright.” Feng Yuexian replied casually.
“And also…”
“Speak.”
As they walked out into the spacious hall, deserted on all sides, Xue Qing hesitated to speak:
“Master wants me to remind you to restrain yourself.”
“Hmm… What?”
Feng Yuexian, on her way to the study, suddenly realized and looked at Xue Qing. “What are you talking about?”
Xue Qing shrank her neck and said in a low, hurried voice:
“You see, it’s only been one night, and you’ve already…”
“…?”
Yin Xue and Yin Bing had just entered the palace today and didn’t know the Prince’s hidden identity, unaware that nothing happened last night.
Moreover, because both of them had a good upbringing, their sleeping posture could be described as neat and orderly, sleeping peacefully like two parallel slices of crispy rice cake.
Yin Xue’s expression was serious. “You have to consider the Prince’s health.”
Feng Yuexian clicked her tongue, ignoring her, and instead said, “Go help me with something.”
“You command.”
“Go to the Imperial Medical Office and select two imperial physicians to send to Consort Qi.” Feng Yuexian smirked, a cold gleam in her eyes. “Let them stay near the Second Prince, so that if Consort Qi has any issues, she won’t have to pick from the physicians in the East Palace.”
Yin Xue’s eyes lit up. “Yes.”
“You must personally check the medical records of these two physicians every day and make it clear to Consort Qi. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I’ll go and handle it right away.” Yin Xue eagerly went to take care of the matter.
Although the master and the Prince didn’t have much affection between them, they were still family. What was that consort? How dare she step on the face of the East Palace? She wasn’t afraid of causing trouble!
When the medicine was ready, Song Pianxian slowly woke up.
There was a bitter medicinal smell in her nose, reminding her of when she first came to this world. The scent of medicine was floating in the air even before she could see anything.
As she opened her eyes, she saw that a bowl of medicine was already by the bedside. But unexpectedly, it wasn’t Xue Qing who was there by the bedside, but Feng Yuexian.
“Awake?” the cold beauty asked.
Song Pianxian nodded and slowly sat up, her black hair sliding off her shoulders, the strands brushing against her temples.
Feng Yuexian picked up the bowl of medicine, still steaming hot. She gently stirred it with the white porcelain spoon.
Glancing around, she noticed Xue Qing was absent, leaving only Yin Bing and Yin Xue, both of whom had a background in martial arts. They could take care of themselves, but caring for the little Princess might result in her being pampered too much.
She had to do it herself.
The Princess Consort completely forgot that she had praised Yin Bing for being meticulous. She scooped up some of the dark brown herbal soup with the white porcelain spoon. Just as she lifted about half of it—
The bowl and spoon were taken away by the person on the bed.
“I can do it myself,” Song Pianxian said with a smile.
In the blink of an eye, the Princess Consort’s hands were empty.
She paused for a moment, then calmly put her hands down, a slight restlessness in her heart, as she said lightly:
“That’s easier.”
Medicine should be taken while it’s still hot. Song Pianxian cooled the medicine twice, then drank it all in one go. Yin Bing handed her a handkerchief, which she took and pressed against the corner of her lips, smiling:
“I’ve been sick for so long, taking medicine every day. I’ve long been used to it.”
As she spoke, her lips still had a faint white hue, her face devoid of color, like a fragile glass doll, easily shattered with a touch.
The bitter scent of the medicine emanated from Song Pianxian, and Feng Yuexian gradually dispelled the little bit of emotion in her heart.
She took the medicine bowl, handed it to Yin Bing, took a plate of refreshing candied fruits, and casually asked:
“Why did you faint in the study?”
Song Pianxian picked up a candied date from the mother-of-pearl plate and was about to put it in her mouth when she heard the question, and her heart turned.
According to 09’s conclusion, it was because her body wasn’t functioning properly, with no other reason.
But fainting like this… was indeed timely.
If she remembered correctly, what she saw before fainting was the dossier from Sishui County.
“The corruption case in Sishui County, Yuexian, you’re aware of it.” Song Pianxian dismissed the others and sighed lightly, “The Crown Prince was so upset by this case that he collapsed on the bed and left like that.”
“When I saw it, I couldn’t help but feel emotional.”
Feng Yuexian’s eyes flickered with contemplation, and she nodded.
Sishui County was in Jiangnan, closer to Dian Nan, tightly controlled by King Chu. Emptying the local granaries and treasuries to provide military funds for Dian Nan troops was a common practice.
This year happened to be a severe drought in Jiangnan, with serious disasters. The Crown Prince ordered the opening of the granaries for disaster relief, but there wasn’t a single mouse in the granaries; they were completely empty, and the treasuries were just as empty.
With both sides empty, the people of Sishui County couldn’t afford it, almost starving to death everywhere.
The Crown Prince immediately sent people to provide disaster relief, but as expected, things went wrong. The troops were slaughtered, and the food and money for buying food were intercepted.
The county magistrate lied through his teeth, saying it was the work of bandits.
When the news came back, the Crown Prince immediately sent a special envoy to investigate. After another half a month, news came back that the envoy team encountered refugees and was killed by them, with no one left alive.
King Chu did things openly, using such unbelievable reasons to deceive the central government, disregarding imperial authority. The envoys executed people arbitrarily!
The Prince was infuriated and bedridden, unable to get up.
The relief efforts were delayed, exacerbating the contradictions between the central and local governments. He felt anxious and exhausted, then passed away.
Feng Yuexian had heard something, but she couldn’t intervene too much, otherwise, she would be accused by King Chu. Therefore, she couldn’t meddle too much, only ensuring that the refugees around Sishui were properly resettled.
But for Sishui County or the overall situation, it was just a drop in the bucket.
At this moment, seeing Song Pianxian take the initiative to mention it, Feng Yuexian said:
“If you’re planning to take action, you should do it as soon as possible.”
“I’m afraid King Chu has already spread news of the royal marriage to Jiangnan,” Feng Yuexian said, her lips curling with a faintly sarcastic smile, “It must be said that during the crisis in Sishui, the Prince of one country is marrying his princess.”
“Since such actions have been taken for the sake of an alliance, it’s inevitable that someone will seize the opportunity.”
“The top priority is still disaster relief. The corruption case can be postponed.”
A sharpness flashed in Song Pianxian’s eyes. She rarely got angry, but when it came to right and wrong, the actions of King Chu were truly contemptible.
“Oh? Is there anyone willing to investigate?” Feng Yuexian flicked her sleeve, smiling sardonically, “As far as I know, no one dares to go to Sishui and risk their lives.”
Song Pianxian smiled with a hint of bitterness.
Of course, no one dared to go. The fate of the previous one with no complete corpse was there for all to see. Those who were pointed out by the Prince before either broke their legs from falling off their horses that day or wept bitterly in court. They were all weaklings.
She glanced lightly at Feng Yuexian.
Feng Yuexian’s skin was cold and white, but her lips were rosy. The combination of bold strokes and aloofness made it difficult to read her thoughts, her black eyes hidden beneath thick black lashes, except for Song Pianxian, who had read the entire script.
She seemed hesitant and whispered, “The Capital’s Army rarely trains and cannot protect the envoys. I heard from my brother that the Northwest Army is extremely brave and far superior to the army of Yunnan.”
“The Northwest Army is far away on the border. If they were to be called, it would probably take at least ten days. It’s difficult to put out a fire from afar.” Feng Yuexian said lazily, as if chatting casually.
Song Pianxian licked her teeth and maintained an innocent expression on her face. She tilted her head and said, “Even marquis can raise private soldiers, and the General’s Mansion must be no exception, right?”
Feng Yuexian fluttered her long eyelashes lightly and teasingly lifted her eyes. She smiled and said, “There are indeed some.”
“I’ve heard that they are among the best in the Northwest Army, able to fight ten enemies at once.”
“Princess seems to have heard a lot.” Feng Yuexian smiled charmingly, but her words revealed nothing.
“The reputation of the General’s Mansion is well-known. Even though I’m ignorant, I’ve heard quite a bit.”
“Princess overpraises.”
“In that case, would Yuexian be willing to assist me?”
Song Pianxian leaned forward slightly, as if expecting help, portraying herself as a princess unfamiliar with the ways of the world, showing a hint of anticipation.
Having just saved Feng Yuexian’s master, Sun Qing, she knew Feng Yuexian owed her a favor.
Feng Yuexian was always clear about debts and grudges. At present, she had the opportunity to repay the favor, and if managed properly, she could also deal a heavy blow to King Chu’s faction. Song Pianxian was eighty percent confident she would agree.
Facing those clear, limpid hazel eyes, Feng Yuexian recalled the message she had just received: Sun Qing had been escorted into the city by the Northern Army. She paused.
She chuckled lightly and said, “Princess, you exaggerate. The situation in Sishui County is urgent, and the Feng Family is fortunate to be able to do its best to help. There is no intention to decline.”
“In that case, it’s good.” Song Pianxian leaned back against the soft pillow, relieved. “We’ll surely be able to protect the relief envoy without any worries.”
Feng Yuexian’s words were just for show, but Feng Yuexian herself would definitely mobilize her forces to the fullest extent possible.
Song Pianxian didn’t need to know or worry about this part.
No one likes to be seen through, especially not by a suspicious and intelligent person like Feng Yuexian.
Feng Yuexian said neither lightly nor heavily, “Princess, you’ve exerted yourself for the sake of the people. It’s better to rest properly first and recuperate your body before considering other matters.”
Song Pianxian smiled in response and then lay back down.
Feeling drowsy, there was a slight sedative effect in the medicine, and she soon fell into a deep sleep.
Finally, Song Pianxian’s brows relaxed, and the heavy burden she shouldn’t have borne disappeared from her forehead, allowing her face to return to tranquility, her breathing calm and steady.
After sitting for a while, Feng Yuexian put down the bed curtain and left.
With the agreement of this little Princess, many things needed to be rearranged—
Song Pianxian’s body was frail. After this fainting spell, she remained in bed for three days before recovering.
When she could finally leave her room, she would have to take Feng Yuexian to pay respects to the Old Emperor at his bedside, and then greet the few relatives in the palace.
The Old Emperor lay on the bright yellow bed, and the room was filled with a thick scent of aloeswood. He lay there, lifeless.
The eunuch who had checked on him said he was asleep. But perhaps because of the heavy atmosphere in the hall, anyone would feel that this old man seemed to be on the verge of death.
Song Pianxian didn’t agree with the actions of this person, nor did she have any affection for him. After paying her respects according to the rules, she instructed the eunuch to take good care of him, then left Qianqing Palace with Feng Yuexian.
When they met the relatives, the younger brothers of the Old Emperor, those with a bit of ability had all been deposed by King Chu, leaving only a few titled princes who lived a quiet life or had gone out.
Therefore, most of the relatives in the capital were distant relatives or aged princes. King Chu even called them “uncle” here.
Feng Yuexian followed Song Pianxian, cold, elegant, and graceful, handling everything with ease.
The reason why these old uncles could live for so long was that they minded their own business. So today, when they saw the Princess Consort, it was all compliments after a nod.
Until they met Song Qu.
Song Qu first squinted his eyes, bowed, and saluted, calling out, “Your Highness, Princess Consort.”
“Second Prince,” Song Pianxian replied.
Her disguise was seamless under the assistance of the system, making Xue Qing suspect her own craftsmanship had made a quantum leap. Standing proudly in front of Song Qu, he naturally couldn’t detect any clues and only felt that the Crown Prince looked much better.
Sickly back and forth, why hasn’t he died yet?
A hint of malice flashed in Song Qu’s eyes, and when his gaze fell on Feng Yuexian, the resentment from being humiliated on the wedding day resurfaced in his heart:
“Perhaps the Crown Prince doesn’t know, but upon the Princess Consort’s arrival in the palace, she showed concern for her sister-in-law and sent two imperial physicians to my palace.”
Feigning warmth, Song Qu said, “The Princess Consort’s care is truly hard to refuse, especially when Queen Qi is suffering from a slight headache and fever.”
Rumors had been rampant in the palace these days. They said that the Princess Consort punished the Crown Prince’s attendants for trivial matters, displaying unpredictable moods, making everyone in the Eastern Palace walk on eggshells.
Later, when the Crown Prince fainted, the Princess Consort intentionally lifted him before the guards, which greatly diminished the Crown Prince’s prestige. Now, everyone laughed at the Crown Prince for being a weak heir who could be carried by his wife.
Putting himself in the Crown Prince’s shoes, Song Qu thought if it were him, he would have long hated Feng Yuexian and would have locked her in a room and whipped her with a horsewhip.
Using this divisive tactic, he was sure to deepen the rift between the two, fostering resentment.
Smirking, Song Qu’s confident gaze lingered on their faces, and he saw his sickly, handsome elder brother’s face break into a faint smile.
Sensing something amiss, Song Qu heard a voice as sharp as ice and snow:
“Second Prince, be cautious with your words.”
This hit a sore spot. Feng Yuexian began to distance herself, and Song Qu felt certain that her smile was genuine:
“The Princess Consort’s care—”
“What sister-in-law?” Feng Yuexian lifted her chin slightly, lowered her eyes to look at him, her pride overflowing.
Seeing Song Qu’s smile freeze on his face, she continued mercilessly:
“A mere concubine, also worthy of being called my sister-in-law?”
Her tone was mocking.
With few princes in the palace, Song Qu had been riding the waves too smoothly and suddenly faced humiliation, his face turning as red as a pig’s liver.
This cunning woman, Feng Yuexian!
Feng Yuexian glanced around at the people present. Normally, she would have stopped at this point, but to maintain the righteousness of the Eastern Palace, she couldn’t help but say a few more words:
“The Crown Prince’s health is unstable. The Qis should know better than to insist on using the Eastern Palace’s rotating imperial physicians.”
With a flick of her sleeve, Feng Yuexian snorted and said, “Those who know her know that she fell ill suddenly. Those who don’t, think she lacks respect and etiquette.”
Song Qu’s head was spinning with anger, and he gritted his teeth and spat out a few words:
“The Princess Consort is right. The Qis have overstepped.”
He harbored hatred towards the Qis as well—if it weren’t for Qi’s acting coquettish and foolish with him, he wouldn’t have suffered such humiliation today!
In the hall, the Crown Prince and Princess Consort stood side by side, with Song Qu, who usually wore an expression that said “I’m the future emperor once the Crown Prince dies,” bowing his head to accept the scolding, behaving like an obedient grandson.
Someone nearby couldn’t help but laugh:
“Snicker.”
When Song Qu turned his head sharply to look, he found all the royal relatives with serious expressions, sipping tea or eating fruit.
His face turned even redder, and steam seemed to rise from his head.
These shameless old people!
“Second Prince, don’t blame yourself.” Song Pianxian, having seen enough excitement, spoke lightly. Though her words were gentle, they clearly indicated who was at fault—
Indeed, it’s your fault.
“Why isn’t the Third Prince here?”
“He couldn’t sit still, so he didn’t come.” Speaking of this, Song Qu seemed to regain some confidence. He looked coldly at the two in front of him. “Mother said she’ll invite the Princess Consort for a chat another day, so you’ll be able to meet then.”
The Third Prince, Song Duan and the Virtuous Consort.
Two names floated in Song Pianxian’s mind.
With the late emperor gone, the current emperor was just a figurehead, and the Virtuous Consort wielded power in the six palaces, looking down on everyone even more.
But compared to the urgent situation in Sishui, the disaster relief was more pressing.
If it weren’t for the manpower still being deployed by Feng Yuexian’s side, Song Pianxian wouldn’t have made it to today.
In the morning, she met with the royal relatives, and in the afternoon, she went to the Yongxin Hall and summoned a few officials.
Tan Shi, the Left Prime Minister, Li Zi, the Right Prime Minister, as well as Zhao Peng, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Deng Bo, the Deputy Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Shao Wen, the Minister of Finance, were among them.
The Left and Right Prime Ministers were the Emperor’s chief political advisors.
From his perspective, the Left Prime Minister was the Crown Prince’s maternal relative, and the Right Prime Minister was the beloved younger brother recommended by King Chu. With their assistance, the Crown Prince could stabilize the country and tidy up the mess he had made.
But except for the late emperor, everyone sees it clearly.
The Left Prime Minister, Tan Shi is old and can only maintain the status quo. The Right Prime Minister, Li Zi is in his prime, ambitious, and a key general under the King Chu. In daily affairs, he suppresses the Left Prime Minister firmly.
Song Pianxian sat upright behind the desk, first instructing someone to bring a sandalwood chair for Tan Shi to rest his legs, and then glanced down and said:
“I intend to send another imperial commissioner to Sishui County. Li Zi, do you have a candidate?”
When Li Zi was named to answer the question, he had already prepared his answer.
Isn’t the result obvious? Logically, sending his own trusted aide would ensure safety and avoid further complications.
But complications won’t arise, and the disaster won’t be resolved. Without results, public grievances will boil, and there will only be the fate of being questioned and executed.
Of course, it’s time to push a scapegoat out, and it won’t bring more trouble.
Li Zi’s gaze fell on Deng Bo.
Deng Bo is a commoner with no connections or influential relatives to rely on, making him the most suitable candidate to “die suddenly from illness” along the way.
This man is slick and only knows how to talk like an official. He doesn’t have any real skills and isn’t even officially recognized in front of the Crown Prince. He’s just right for the role.
Li Zi pretended to ponder and said:
“I believe that Deng, the Deputy Chancellor, was raised from Jiangnan and is familiar with the area. He can better coordinate Sishui with the surrounding counties, making him the most suitable candidate.”
Before Song Pianxian could speak, Deng Bo, with a bitter expression, spoke up:
“Your Highness, I’m just good with words. I don’t have the ability to back them up. I might drop dead halfway there.”
“If you send me, you’ll need to have some people follow behind to ensure preparedness and collect my body if anything happens.”
Song Pianxian glared at him and reprimanded, “Nonsense.”
“I will send someone to accompany you.”
“And will it be the same soft-footed soldiers from the capital? They’re not enough for the ‘bandits and refugees’ to handle.” Deng Bo’s face looked even more miserable.
Zhao Peng next to him hypocritically said:
“How can Deputy Chancellor Deng speak so disrespectfully? This trip will surely be auspicious, so don’t worry.”
Shao Wen, the Minister of Finance, remained as steady as an old dog, saying little, but his face showed a sense of relief as if he had survived a catastrophe.
“Not only that,” Song Pianxian said with a faint smile after considering the overall situation, “I will send two hundred private soldiers from the General’s Mansion to accompany you.”
“Can I rest assured?” Deng Bo’s old face immediately brightened, as if a field of marigolds had bloomed, bowing repeatedly, “Rest assured, rest assured! There is nothing more reassuring than this!”
“Oh, then this is a great credit for nothing, unexpectedly such a good thing can fall on my head.”
Zhao Peng’s face instantly froze.
Shao Wen wanted to speak but hesitated, “I wonder if Deputy Deng can handle it alone? I also have the intention—”
“Are you already vying for credit?” Deng Bo glanced at him sideways, not at all like a minister, but rather like a shameless rascal.
Shao Wen wanted face, but the rest of his words were immediately stuck in his mouth, but his expression had already changed from relief to regret.
How could all the benefits be taken away by Deng Bo!
Just by adding the private soldiers from the Feng Family, the mission instantly changed from a suicide mission to a plum job.
The position of the Feng Family in the minds of these officials is evident.
Song Pianxian’s eyes carried a hint of amusement, and the corners of her eyes swept towards Li Zi.
Sure enough, Li Zi’s long face suddenly became more solemn.
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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
