Chapter 42

When Song Qu returned to the Wude Hall, Qi Baozhu pinched her palm to force herself to smile and welcome him.

“Your Highness, ten thousand blessings,” she greeted.

“Hmm.” Song Qu’s expression wasn’t great, but at least he didn’t lose his temper or kick her directly.

Qi Baozhu breathed a sigh of relief, it seemed she wouldn’t be beaten today.

As she moved, the still-not-completely-healed wounds on her body began to ache faintly. Qi Baozhu endured the pain and said, “I wonder how is His Majesty’s health? My family sent an ancient remedy for treating headaches to the Imperial Hospital. If it’s suitable, perhaps it can cure His Majesty’s illness.”

Song Qu was satisfied with her filial piety and praised her with indifference: “You still have some care.”

Qi Baozhu indeed revealed a delighted smile. Her joys and sorrows were all under her own control.

Gracefully, Song Qu bestowed some concern: “While I was absent, what have you done today?”

“When Your Highness was absent, what else could your servant do? I just made a flower basket to pass the time,” Qi Baozhu said, then changed the subject, “But I heard that the Princess Consort went to the Qianqing Palace today to attend to His Majesty.”

Feng Yuexian?

Thinking of the previous conflicts, a hint of disgust appeared in Song Qu’s eyes, but within this disgust was also an inexplicable desire. Even if Feng Yuexian caused trouble again, she was still an exceptionally beautiful woman.

None of the concubines in the palace could compare to her, and only Song Pianxian, who rarely went out, could challenge her.

Moreover, she was the woman of the ailing Prince, making it even more intriguing. If he could conquer this woman in the future and have his way with her…

Song Qu entertained these dirty thoughts, eager to try. He fiddled with his fingers and asked, “Is Father Emperor feeling better?”

“Yes, the imperial physician has administered acupuncture skillfully, and Father Emperor can now speak. According to the news from the Qianqing Palace, he was very pleased to see the Princess Consort attending to him today.”

Song Qu chuckled.

Attending to him? Feng Yuexian was probably the last person the Emperor wanted by his bedside.

Qi Baozhu pouted, saying, “I also wanted to go, but then I remembered the rule that only the Prince’s Consort should attend to the Emperor’s illness. Feng Yuexian, however, used the Prince’s name to attend to him.”

“So, I had to wait for Your Highness to return before discussing it further.”

As the Prince was serving as regent, and considering his illness, the Princess Consort acting in his stead and attending to him by his bedside was considered filial piety.

The Second Prince had not yet assumed any official duties, so having concubines attend to the Emperor’s illness in his place would not be appropriate.

“In that case, tomorrow…” Song Qu paused, but didn’t continue.

Qi Baozhu’s heart tightened, but she dared not show any emotion, casually saying, “The Princess Consort has only been in the palace for a short time, yet she manages everything. She even showed off in the Wude Hall earlier, truly thinking she’s above everyone else.”

“Nonsense!” Song Qu’s eyes, sharp as knives, swept over.

Qi Baozhu reflexively knelt at his feet, shrinking her neck:

“Please calm down, Your Highness.”

No man could tolerate being recklessly intruded upon and intimidated in his own palace, especially considering that Feng Yuexian belonged to the Crown Prince.

Qi Baozhu knew that saying this would anger Song Qu and might even bring about another round of beatings.

But she wasn’t afraid now; she only feared that Song Qu would remain indifferent.

Both morally and logically, upon hearing that the Crown Prince had shown filial piety before the Emperor, Song Qu should have gone to the Qianqing Palace to show his respect.

But Qi Baozhu was too impatient. She wanted to break free from Song Qu’s control and inadvertently aroused his vigilance.

With the Emperor’s recovery underway, if he could plead a few words for his younger uncle while attending to the Emperor, it should be no problem to secure his safety, given the favor of the Empress and himself.

But would Feng Yuexian set a trap for herself? Looking at the momentum of the Feng Family in the court and the attitude of that faction led by her, Feng Yuexian must be a deeply scheming person. It was possible that she would embarrass him in front of the Emperor in the Qianqing Palace.

It was better to be cautious.

“I have a gathering in the Western Suburbs these days. Let’s discuss it later.”

Song Qu casually found an excuse to postpone the matter and instead instructed people to closely monitor the situation in the Qianqing Palace.

Feng Yuexian’s actions continued as usual. For three consecutive days, she went to the Qianqing Palace to attend to the Emperor for half a day, and the Emperor was visibly moved.

Rewards flowed into the Eastern Palace like water, with gold, silver, jade, precious pearls, and even a pair of coral trees, which were shining brilliantly, were sent to the Eastern Palace as rewards.

On the other hand, the Empress, who was still bedridden, couldn’t sit still upon hearing the news. When she saw Song Qu coming to the Yi Xi Palace, she reprimanded him:

“Since you’ve come to see me, how could you not go to the Qianqing Palace? If someone whispers in your father’s ear, with his temperament, he might just start to dislike you.”

Song Qu could only sigh. Fortunately, Feng Yuexian seemed unremarkable, not even casting a glance in his direction, which relieved Song Qu’s vigilance.

Moreover, within just three days, even He Jieyu took the Little Princess to the Qianqing Palace. Seeing other consorts taking action, as a son, if he still didn’t show his face, it would be unacceptable.

Moreover, the convoy escorting Xi Qingyan is about to enter the capital.

Song Qu didn’t wait any longer. The next day, he rose early. He had hoped to avoid Feng Yuexian or give her a hint to make way for him. However, he unexpectedly ran into the procession of the Princess Consort right at the gate of the Qianqing Palace.

The solemn processions coming from both sides clashed at the steps of the Hanyu Jade. Neither side showed any intention of stepping back.

The chief eunuch of the Qianqing Palace came out to greet them. In front of the Emperor’s intimate relatives, Song Qu had to humble himself and let the Princess Consort’s procession go first.

Once inside the Qianqing Palace, Song Qu keenly felt Feng Yuexian’s familiarity with the place. The palace attendants were all affectionate towards her.

Not to mention the Emperor, who was still unable to get out of bed. When he saw Feng Yuexian, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Song Qu suddenly felt the crisis. He was neither the eldest nor the legitimate son. If he wanted to ascend the throne, besides hoping for the Crown Prince to vacate his position, he also needed to win the Emperor’s favor.

He shouldn’t have sidelined himself because of fear of Feng Yuexian! Song Qu regretted it deeply and tried to make up for it now.

He eagerly approached the bed to serve, saying flattering words and explaining his absence over the past two days as being dedicated to praying for the Emperor’s health at a Taoist temple outside.

The Emperor was initially somewhat aloof, but how could he be displeased when he saw his son? Being soft-hearted, the Emperor’s imperial temperament and suspicions were quickly dispelled by Song Qu’s coaxing, and father and son conversed happily.

Feng Yuexian, having her place usurped, remained calm. She wore a faint smile on her face. Beautiful as she was, she seemed distant and ethereal, like a flower in mist or a moon in water.

Song Qu took over all the tasks of attending to the Emperor’s illness. It seemed that he was determined to shine brightly under the Emperor’s bed. He even personally fed the Emperor medicine, spoonful by spoonful, almost as if he were drinking it himself.

Feng Yuexian watched from the side, suddenly remembering how Song Pianxian had taken medicine in one go.

That delicate and charming figure was surprisingly decisive at times.

A hint of genuine smile finally appeared at the corner of Feng Yuexian’s lips. Her cold yet charming eyes softened a bit in this moment of contemplation.

But soon, she gathered her thoughts—Song Qu finally couldn’t contain himself and mentioned the Xi Family.

“… My mother, recently, has had recurring headaches. Since she cannot come to attend to you, she hopes Your Majesty will forgive her.”

“She, indeed.” The Emperor leaned against the bed, his expression like stiff cardboard, struggling to move. “Why the headaches?”

“Your Majesty also knows that the Xi family only has one heir. Unfortunately, my mother’s own younger brother, my uncle, is not a reliable person. Because of him, my mother suffers headaches frequently.”

The Emperor grunted briefly.

With a gentle smile, Song Qu ventured cautiously, “My uncle’s behavior is erratic. My mother fears he might do something unforgivable one day. At that time, how could she face Your Majesty to seek forgiveness for the only bloodline of the Xi Family?”

Isn’t that quite audacious?

The smile at the corner of Feng Yuexian’s lips turned into sarcasm.

“I cannot bear to see my mother in tears every night. I thought of coming to Your Majesty to request a decree, regardless of what my uncle might do in the future. I hope Your Majesty, considering the hard work and contributions of the Xi Family, will preserve the bloodline of the Xi Family.”

After Song Qu finished speaking, he held his breath, waiting for the Emperor’s response, his eyes full of admiration, as if a child who never grew up was looking up at an all-powerful father.

This move of his was somewhat reckless, but he had no other choice. Xi Qingyan’s actions had touched the Emperor’s authority. If this matter were known to the Emperor, he would not escape punishment even if he didn’t die.

However, Song Qu wasn’t without confidence. He understood his Emperor father well. The Emperor valued familial affection, and his ears and heart were soft. They had exploited his nature to their advantage many times before.

As long as he could move the Emperor today, when the incident occurred, his mother and he could put on a show. If they did it repeatedly, the Emperor would not have the strength to punish his uncle.

In the cloudy eyes of the Emperor on the bed, there was a hint of emotion. His lips moved slightly, as if he were about to speak.

Song Qu saw hope, his eyes shining slightly. But before he could hear the Emperor’s response, Feng Yuexian’s voice rang out first:

“The matter mentioned by the Prince, even heard by an outsider like me from the Xi Family, is profoundly moving.”

Feng Yuexian sighed softly, her voice gentle and her tone soft, conveying a hint of tenderness that was more touching than usual, capable of touching one’s heart more deeply.

But Song Qu felt like facing a formidable enemy, immediately alerting himself.

“It’s just that the daughter-in-law has a question. The Xi Family is a noble family with many eminent scholars in its ancestry. It’s not an exaggeration to say that every person there is talented and exceptional. Even if the young master of the Xi Family has some flaws in the eyes of Consort Xi, influenced by family upbringing, he is still a natural gemstone, just needing some polishing.”

“However, what the Second Prince said today seemed as if he had witnessed the young master of the Xi Family causing trouble and urgently came seeking a talisman for protection.”

Whether there was trouble or not, Song Qu didn’t believe she was unaware. But in front of the Emperor, he couldn’t say anything. Grinding his teeth inwardly, he maintained a polite demeanor on his face:

“Princess Consort’s words are very reasonable, but as a nephew, it’s hard to sever the ties of flesh and blood. I always worry, especially my mother.”

Feng Yuexian furrowed her brows slightly, her beauty captivating, but Song Qu didn’t dare to be careless at all, his hair standing on end.

“This matter shouldn’t have been said by me, but… although the Second Prince is from the Xi Family, don’t forget that you are the Emperor’s son. The Emperor’s health has improved somewhat. How can you make the Emperor worry about the matters of the Xi Family?”

Song Qu suddenly widened his eyes, about to explain, but Feng Yuexian cut him off mercilessly.

“Consort Xi cannot come to the Qing Palace because of the Xi Family’s affairs. Since you, the Second Prince, can come, you should also fulfill Consort Xi’s intentions.”

After Feng Yuexian finished speaking, she sighed softly.

Song Qu’s teeth leaked cold air through the gaps, his eyes staring at Feng Yuexian, his eyeballs almost bulging out.

Feng Yuexian actually criticized him for not being diligent in the Qing Palace, eagerly pleasing the Xi family. She also reminded the Emperor that Consort Xi’s illness prevented her from coming to the Qing Palace, also a concern for the Xi Family.

Overall, it meant telling the Emperor that this mother and son duo only cared about the Xi Family in their hearts, completely ignoring you.

For Song Qu and his mother, who relied on pleasing the Emperor to gain benefits, this was a crushing blow.

Song Qu was shocked and angry, but he struggled to maintain a gentle and admiring expression, turning to look at the Emperor on the bed.

“Father, I am not—”

But the Emperor no longer looked at him, his lips turned downwards, his hand moved laboriously twice.

The eunuch steward nearby understood the meaning and bowed, saying, “Second Prince, the Emperor sees you are tired. Please return first.”

It sounded polite, but it was obvious that he was being rejected, not wanting him to serve here any longer.

Feng Yuexian, with just a few words, nullified his efforts of half a day.

Song Qu was extremely unwilling but couldn’t disobey the order.

He stood up from the bedside and as he walked out, he met Feng Yuexian’s gaze.

His eyes were filled with hatred and malice, the veins on his forehead bulging uncontrollably, showing signs of frenzy.

Feng Yuexian showed no fear, even lowering her chin slightly, her eyes deep, and lightly smiled, saying:

“Brother, rest well. Tomorrow, you will have to work hard again.”

Song Qu became alert. By the next day, he finally understood what Feng Yuexian was implying—

Xi Qingyan was being escorted to the capital.

The commander-in-chief of the guards who escorted him directly submitted a memorial to the imperial court, reporting that Xi Qingyan led the Fujian soldiers to seize disaster relief funds, provoking the Crown Prince’s anger.

Xi Qingyan was directly sent to the prison of the Dali Temple, awaiting punishment, without giving the Xi family a chance to intervene.

Immediately, the Crown Prince ordered the three departments, the Dali Temple, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Punishments, to jointly investigate the case and make a clear and just judgment.

Rumors spread like wildfire.

After all, the Fujian soldiers, combined with the escort, numbered in the thousands, causing a sensation when they entered the city.

Many common people thought they were returning from the border or coming to receive rewards, never expecting that most of them would be sent to the Dali Temple for imprisonment.

Once a bit of information about the case leaked out, it became even more sensational, spreading like snow waves throughout the capital and beyond.

“The Xi Family dares to rob even this silver? Such audacity! It seems they’ve been embezzling on ordinary days. The Xi Family must be thoroughly investigated, exposing their corruption!”

“I heard that this is the third time the court has provided disaster relief. The previous two batches of relief funds disappeared without a trace. Could it be him—”

“Lawlessness! This is outrageous!”

…

In the court, regardless of neutrality, the Crown Prince’s faction, or the faction aligned with the Feng Family, everyone was throwing stones into the well, demanding severe punishment for Xi Qingyan, without tolerating any leniency.

But in just a short day’s time, both in the court, among the people, and even within the palace, rumors and uproar spread everywhere.

It’s one thing to have a knife hanging over one’s head, but it’s another thing when it actually falls. When the Virtuous Consort heard that her own brother had truly been sent to the Grand Justice Temple and the Crown Prince ordered the three ministries to interrogate him, she fainted again in the Yixi Palace.

Song Qu hurried over, looking at the emaciated figure lying unconscious on the bed, and then glanced at the mischievous little brother playing with jade stones beside her. He waved his sleeves and left the room.

Eastern Palace.

Feng Yuexian was playing with her chess pieces by the window. The endgame was already set, but she had no intention of playing against herself.

Simply because the Crown Prince’s health was affected by Xi Qingyan’s actions today, she didn’t return to the Xiangxin Palace.

With her around, it seemed she couldn’t calm down.

Her gaze frequently paused at a certain place where Song Pianxian was holding a scroll of travel notes, looking engrossed.

Feng Yuexian lightly tapped a black jade chess piece, creating some movement.

Finally, it drew the person’s attention.

She opened her lips, “Want to make a bet?”

“Hmm?” Song Pianxian lowered the scroll slightly, revealing her beautiful face.

Feng Yuexian’s voice was like music:

“I bet… I can wrap things up within three days.”

Song Pianxian smiled.

There was a hint of helplessness, a hint of tolerance, and even indulgence in her smile.

“What?” Feng Yuexian remained composed.

At this point in the performance, Song Qu had to act swiftly and decisively. He had suffered losses and couldn’t afford to give Feng Yuexian more time, or else she would definitely strike a fatal blow.

Song Pianxian also felt that three days would be enough.

This was a bet she was likely to lose.

But it was just a small bet, nothing serious.

Feng Yuexian was waiting for Song Pianxian’s response.

If Song Pianxian didn’t speak soon, her ears would be the first to burn under her gaze.

Under her gaze, Song Pianxian’s chestnut-colored eyes shimmered with gentle light, and a light smile graced her lips.

It seemed she knew the outcome, yet she allowed herself to be playful.

“What’s the wager?”

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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