Chapter 53

The Shuntian Mansion and the Grand Court jointly handled the assassination case. The Shuntian Mansion inspected the traces of the assassins in the capital and searched for their hiding places.

The Grand Court was responsible for interrogating the assassins, but one after another, several live witnesses died in prison, despite all precautions to keep them alive and silent.

The most eerie death was that of the dwarf. According to the torturers, he was mocking the guards one moment, then foaming at the mouth and dying within two breaths.

When he was poisoned, his eyes almost popped out, as if he hadn’t expected to die.

Therefore, the Grand Court concluded that the poison on the dwarf was ingested under deception, to prevent him from being captured and revealing the mastermind behind him.

As usual, the Grand Court reached no conclusion, and the Shuntian Mansion found no clues. The assassination that caused a great uproar and stained the Jinming Pool with blood seemed to fade away like melting snow without a sound.

As the summer heat approached, the Crown Prince was weakened and exhausted, confined to the sickbed.

Coincidentally, as the Emperor’s spirits improved, he resumed control of the court affairs.

After the incident at the Jinming Pool, officials related to the Xi Family submitted their resignations one after another, attempting to escape punishment. But can the wrath of the Emperor be easily quelled?

The first thing the Emperor did upon returning to court was to purge and punish officials associated with the Xi Family, punishing them and their families for three generations.

Furthermore, the Xi Family members were banned from entering the imperial service for three generations, causing the family’s foundation to be completely destroyed, with no prospects for the future.

The Emperor’s methods suddenly turned ruthless, and for a while, there was unease among the court officials.

Inside the Eastern Palace, Song Pianxian felt weak. After a nap, she barely regained consciousness.

Before she could get out of bed, the medicinal food for replenishing her body arrived. Xue Qing was afraid that she would catch a cold after taking the medicinal food and advised her to put on outer garments and have some first while lying on the bed.

Song Pianxian dared not challenge the limits of her body. Feeling extremely fatigued, she agreed.

Feng Yuexian walked in and saw Song Pianxian eating in bed.

Since she was about to be examined by the imperial physician, Song Pianxian was unusually without makeup.

Feng Yuexian was momentarily stunned by her appearance. With her petite face, a hint of red on her nose, and the snow-white inner garment clinging lightly to her body, outlining the curves under her cold jade-like collarbone, she appeared delicate and trembling.

Her gaze moved downwards, where the moon-white outer garment draped delicately, the shy and timid waist peeking out from the pile of dark blue brocade quilts, becoming even more alluring.

Feng Yuexian averted her eyes and licked her lips.

“Yuexian, you’re here,” the person on the bed greeted her with a smile, holding a jade bowl.

Feng Yuexian hesitated for a moment, but unable to resist the desire to be close, she approached.

“What brings you to find me?” she asked.

After asking, Feng Yuexian noticed that Song Pianxian had only eaten some medicinal food, but there was a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.

The scalding steam lightly brushed Song Pianxian’s face, setting off a very light blush on her snowy complexion, giving her a slightly intoxicated appearance, three points more charming than usual.

Though her gaze was intense, Feng Yuexian’s tone was light as she said, “If you’re not well yet, don’t rush to exert yourself.”

Without Song Pianxian needing to say, Feng Yuexian knew that Song Pianxian had called her for official business.

Only official matters would prompt her to seek her out.

Thinking of Song Pianxian’s busy life and delicate shoulders, Feng Yuexian’s tone softened slightly, with a hint of huskiness that only a pampered woman could evoke:

“I’ll watch over things outside.”

To reassure the little Princess to rest, Feng Yuexian sat down on a low stool by the bed, her voice as light as morning mist:

“As for the Empress Consort’s matter, it has annoyed the Emperor quite a bit, and he has flaunted his power in court.”

“The Empress Consort only just emerged from the Qianqing Palace prison today. I heard that the Emperor originally intended to execute her, but out of consideration for Song Duan, spared her life and sent her to the cold palace, where she need not worry about matters in the future.”

Song Pianxian smiled, “I wonder how much she told the Emperor.”

“From the looks of it, she probably didn’t say anything she shouldn’t have,” Feng Yuexian clicked her tongue, “She’s quite ruthless to herself. I’ve heard she’s been tortured beyond recognition.”

Every sentence was based on hearsay, but each one seemed as if witnessed firsthand, revealing Feng Yuexian’s influence within the palace.

“The Xi Family has already suffered because of her. If she were to speak up now, she would truly have lived her life in vain.”

As Song Pianxian spoke, she looked at Feng Yuexian, and the meaning left unsaid was understood.

Feng Yuexian couldn’t bear such scrutiny.

She inwardly resented Song Pianxian’s gentle eyes like autumn water, diverting her thoughts to official business:

“On the day of the incident at the Jinming Pool, King Chu withdrew to the outskirts of the city to protect himself. As soon as he saw the situation was dire, he went to Yunnan, handling matters very prudently.”

Feng Yuexian praised indifferently, “My people are still by his side, leaving marks along the way. The manpower is ready to follow him. With just one command, we can capture King Chu and bring him back to the capital.”

“Although there is no direct evidence, but at such a time, with King Chu not in his fiefdom but lingering near the capital, it arouses suspicion from the Emperor’s side—besides, leaving the fiefdom without permission is already a serious offense, one that King Chu cannot escape.”

The situation was exceptionally clear, the opportunity rare. Feng Yuexian felt there was nothing much to discuss, just informing Song Pianxian. Once she nodded, they would send people to arrest King Chu.

However, at the next moment, Song Pianxian said, “Let him go back.”

“Why?” Feng Yuexian frowned. Song Pianxian wanted to let King Chu go?

Because of Kang Xueying.

The one who taught Feng Yuexian the six arts of a gentleman was Kang Xueying’s wife. They were harmonious, their relationship once a well-known tale.

Feng Yuexian had a deep bond with Kang Xueying’s family since childhood.

As a result, Kang Xueying’s entire family was killed by King Chu, including his newborn son of less than a month. Only he survived, saved by the General’s Manor.

In grief and resentment, Kang Xueying disguised himself and went to King Chu as a pawn.

The one he chose to play the game with was the young Feng Yuexian at that time.

Song Pianxian remembered a sentence from the information:

Kang Xueying’s wife, Lu, was extremely skilled at chess. After teaching Feng Yuexian, she repeatedly mentioned having successors, so Kang Xueying willingly became a pawn.

In the original plan, Feng Yuexian followed the marks to find Kang Xueying and prepared to rescue him.

However, there was no need to chase a desperate enemy. Unable to find the traitor under severe threat, King Chu killed everyone around him, including Kang Xueying.

Although Feng Yuexian successfully thwarted King Chu, Kang Xueying’s death filled her with regret, becoming a lifelong remorse.

Now that Song Pianxian knew, they could avoid this outcome.

It would just take a bit more effort, but it was worth it.

Looking at Feng Yuexian in front of her, Song Pianxian’s gaze softened. She handed the jade bowl to Xue Qing, clasped her hands together on her abdomen, and said:

“There is no direct evidence. Although the Emperor may have suspicions, he cannot act recklessly, fearing unforeseen variables.”

Song Pianxian didn’t mention Kang Xueying at all.

She didn’t want Feng Yuexian to feel burdened.

She was different from herself. The imprint of “Feng Yuexian’s half-life” was engraved on her. Her feelings for the people of this world were genuine.

Before Feng Yuexian could say anything, Song Pianxian continued:

“Moreover, I intend to invite King Chu to the capital.”

“Hmm?”

Song Pianxian said with a smile:

“At that time, please invite King Chu to the capital.”

It seems that Song Pianxian has another arrangement.

Feng Yuexian fell silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement:

“Alright.”

Seeing Feng Yuexian seemingly unenthusiastic, Song Pianxian thought for a moment and explained:

“I didn’t mean to keep my actions from you, it’s just—”

“In the eyes of the Princess, am I such a suspicious person?” Feng Yuexian lazily interrupted.

She fluttered her eyelashes and looked at Song Pianxian. “Wait until you recover from your illness before wasting words.”

It’s just suspicion, Song Pianxian thought.

But being trusted by Feng Yuexian, no matter for what reason, brought a hint of sweetness to her heart.

“Is there anything else?” Feng Yuexian asked.

“Yes,” Song Pianxian replied. She sent Xue Qing to fetch a brocade box.

The brocade box was painted with auspicious clouds. Feng Yuexian recognized it at a glance.

Song Pianxian took it and flicked the copper clasp with her fingertips. Click. The lingzhi-patterned crystal hairpin inside was revealed.

“I noticed you liked it before, so I wanted to give it to you. I hope Yuexian won’t refuse.”

Song Pianxian’s voice was as gentle and pure as ever, but Feng Yuexian couldn’t help but feel that something was different, whether it was her own perception or something else.

If it was originally like a spring breeze, today it seemed to be mixed with the soft spring rain, gentle and sweet, moistening everything.

It was all melting away.

Feng Yuexian didn’t respond. Song Pianxian glanced at the hairpin.

“Don’t you like it, Yuexian?”

Since Feng Yuexian had looked at this hairpin several times before, Song Pianxian had brought it from the Ming Shou Palace. But now, did Feng Yuexian not like it anymore?

Women were truly fickle.

What should she give instead?

Suddenly, Song Pianxian felt a bit at a loss. She blinked and looked at the round lingzhi.

Why didn’t Feng Yuexian like it anymore?

In the next instant, the brocade box was handed to another pair of hands.

“Thank you for the Princess’s reward.”

Feng Yuexian, her bones softened by the spring water, took the brocade box.

She had intended to refuse with dignity, but then she worried that if she listened to a few more kind words, the Princess might truly take it back. It was better to take it first.

Feng Yuexian rubbed the patterns on the box with her fingertips, her eyes probing, smiling as she looked at Song Pianxian:

“I thought before that this was something you cherished, Princess, and it would be difficult to part with. Why is it different today?”

As she spoke, her gaze fixed on Song Pianxian, taking in every subtle movement.

Song Pianxian’s slender fingers lightly tugged at the brocade, as if troubled by this question. Her head tilted slightly, and the green silk hanging down to her waist swayed with the movement.

Did she still need to think about it?

“Yes, I indeed like it. It will stay with me for a few more days.”

Under the strict scrutiny of the Princess Consort, the Princess answered cautiously:

“But if it stays in my hands, it will inevitably gather dust. It’s better for a precious item like this… to be with a worthy person.”

Song Pianxian added:

“And also, you don’t need to call me Princess. If there’s no one around, just call me by my name.”

A worthy person.

Pianxian.

In the following days, these two words always floated into Feng Yuexian’s mind.

They fluttered around in her mind like a pair of butterflies.

And that lingzhi-patterned crystal hairpin also lightly fell into Feng Yuexian’s cloud-like hair, delicate and translucent, shimmering in the sunlight.

The crystal hairpin faintly radiated a light blue hue, as if carved from ice crystals, perfectly complementing Feng Yuexian’s temperament. Seeing her, it was rare not to be amazed.

But those who dared to praise Feng Yuexian in front of her were extremely rare. In the palace, only Yin Xue, who was talkative, dared to say:

“… The kitchen has been prepared these days, saying it was specially ordered by the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is really caring more and more about you. In the past, I thought His Highness was considerate enough, but who would have thought it could get even better.”

Yin Xue chuckled and said, “I think, maybe the Crown Prince has recently loosened his grip and doesn’t have to worry about the inner palace. His thoughts… are all on his beautiful consort.”

Yin Bing rolled her eyes at her. “You talk too much.”

After rolling her eyes, Yin Bing also whispered, “The Western Hall where Her Highness resides is narrow after all. If Her Highness is willing, why not…”

Feng Yuexian didn’t respond.

Even bystanders could see something, let alone her.

In the past, Song Pianxian’s care for her was already sufficient, but recently, it lacked the usual warmth and concern.

Apart from that, the unmistakable difference that existed every time they met was indescribable.

Feng Yuexian looked at herself in the phoenix mirror, her eyes half-open, concealing emotions unknown to others.

Just as she was speaking, a palace attendant from the main hall came to invite her:

“May the Princess Consort please come, the Crown Prince requests your presence.”

Yin Xue smiled. “Oh, the Crown Prince must have prepared another gift for the Princess.”

In recent days, the Western Hall had received countless items.

Feng Yuexian curled her lips, her neck tilting slightly, no longer looking at the mirror.

“Prepare my makeup.”

This was indeed another fresh gift presented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Since the lingzhi crystal hairpin had taken its place in Feng Yuexian’s hair, Song Pianxian had always felt delighted to discover something suitable to give to Feng Yuexian.

When there’s intention from above, there’s naturally eagerness from below.

Today’s gift was a newly made flower hairpin.

“It’s different from before, Yuexian, look at this. It’s made of agarwood, and the whole body is made of spices. The patterns are drawn with gold mud and gold powder. Take it and wear something novel.”

Song Pianxian explained in detail, but Feng Yuexian seemed indifferent.

She played with the conch box, her eyes slanting up, mostly hidden under thick lashes, making it unclear what emotions lay within.

It was already dusk, the mellow light cast on Feng Yuexian’s silhouette, extremely hazy.

She seemed to smile ambiguously, her voice as cold as ever:

“Pianxian has been exceptionally considerate to me lately.”

“In the past, when you thought I was suspicious, I even denied it. I didn’t expect that you could see through me better than I could myself.”

Song Pianxian felt that something was off with this statement. She paused and asked, “What do you mean, Yuexian?”

Feng Yuexian extended her sleeve, her eyes closing and then opening, containing a hint of mockery:

“These past few days, I have truly begun to suspect that your intentions toward me are…”

She emphasized, “What ulterior motive do you have?”

“How could I…”

“Or is it that when I moved to the Western Hall, you felt relieved and used this tactic to appease and stabilize me?”

Interrupting her, Feng Yuexian chuckled:

“In the main hall, there’s a secret passage.”

Seeing Feng Yuexian deviating further from reason, Song Pianxian said helplessly, “There’s really no such thing. If you’re still uneasy, you can move back to the main hall.”

After a moment of contemplation, Feng Yuexian slowly nodded and said, “That seems to be the only way.”

She seemed quite reluctantly compliant.

Then, Feng Yuexian looked up.

Perhaps due to intuition, Song Pianxian’s heart tightened slightly.

“What if I still have doubts?”

Song Pianxian sighed lightly, feeling somewhat troubled.

Can Feng Yuexian’s suspiciousness be cured?

But thinking about the encounter of these two worlds, thinking about the separation of the previous life, Song Pianxian’s heart sank slightly, softening.

“What do you think should be done?”

Feng Yuexian’s fingertips pressed lightly on the mother-of-pearl box, causing her fingers to numb.

She pondered for a moment, then lightly said:

“The grand marriage has been postponed for so long, Your Highness…”

As she finished speaking, she lifted her eyelashes, revealing a half-concealed gleam in her eyes, staring closely at Song Pianxian.

“I haven’t had the chance to touch you yet.”

In her eyes, there was a desire for the prey.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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