Chapter 67

On Song Pianxian’s side, there was also a lot of busyness.

She summoned the Left Prime Minister, explained the changes, learned that the problem originated from the Tao Family, and only then did the situation come to light. The Left Prime Minister’s face was gray, apologizing directly to Song Pianxian.

Song Pianxian comforted him.

The Left Prime Minister was very fond of the late Emperor’s daughter, and he was also very sympathetic to his young grandchildren who had lost their mother. The Tao Family had no ambitions, the Left Prime Minister was old, and his ability and energy were not sufficient. He had wanted to retire long ago but remained in his position for the sake of the palace, always taking care.

Some things couldn’t be done flawlessly with loyalty and goodwill alone. Even if Song Pianxian did it herself, she couldn’t guarantee it would be foolproof.

“This is also an opportunity,” Song Pianxian said to the deeply worried Left Prime Minister.

Then, she outlined a series of arrangements, and finally said:

“…Since there is no way to avoid it, we might as well face it.”

“After this banquet, I will start to adopt the heir under my knees— even if Elder Brother is still alive, it’s unavoidable.”

The granddaughter’s face showed a hint of determination, becoming more dignified, making people dare not look directly at her.

The Left Prime Minister looked at his granddaughter, feeling conflicted.

He had lived for most of his life and had never thought of letting his granddaughter become the Emperor.

A Female Emperor, wasn’t that something from the previous dynasty?

He opened his mouth several times but couldn’t come up with another effective solution.

Really hand over power?

Let King Chu, who persecuted his daughter, triumph?

Thinking of this, the Left Prime Minister made a firm decision and said immediately:

“If you’ve made up your mind… then go ahead and do it.”

Song Pianxian’s expression relaxed, and she smiled.

“Thank you very much.”

The Left Prime Minister was not only a confidant but also family. Both in terms of emotion and reason, Song Pianxian would tell him everything.

As for those who knew Song Pianxian’s true identity, there were only a few close confidants.

Apart from trust and understanding, their relationship with the Eastern Palace was extremely close; they rose and fell together, with no way out.

Song Pianxian didn’t bother explaining to others one by one.

One couldn’t coerce or entice one’s own people. If one tried to be too clever, it would only cause trouble.

It was better to observe their reactions together that day. As long as the situation remained under control, there would be no harm done.

After giving various instructions, and meeting several people in succession, along with the state affairs, Song Pianxian was exhausted and went to bed early after drinking a tonic to rest her body.

During these critical days, she couldn’t afford to fall ill again.

After returning to the palace, Feng Yuexian first freshened up, then went to bed, half-opening the curtain, propped up on one side, and talked with Song Pianxian.

“I’ve already instructed Xie You to make preparations,” Feng Yuexian said, “There have also been some movements in Li Fang’s Southern Army.”

“When Li Fang wants to enter the palace, once he does, there’s nothing to fear.”

At this moment, Feng Yuexian, who had previously exuded an imposing demeanor outside, was now softened by the warmth and fragrance inside the canopy, being extremely careful, afraid of freezing the delicate girl.

Once she softened, Feng Yuexian revealed a great deal of tenderness.

Through the thin veil, seeing the graceful figure lying on the side, and hearing this voice, for some reason, Song Pianxian’s face inexplicably flushed.

Wait a minute, why was she feeling shy?

It was well known that the Crown Prince was actually the Princess. What was wrong with two girls talking?

Thinking of this, Song Pianxian finally realized it a few days ago.

When Feng Yuexian revealed the truth to both of them, Yin Bing was shocked by the truth itself, while Yin Xue’s first reaction was actually relief.

It turned out that the master didn’t have an illicit relationship with the Crown Prince; they just had a good relationship with the Princess.

Feeling extremely ashamed, Yin Xue realized how impure her thoughts had been.

As she was thinking this, she saw inside the canopy, two figures overlapping, not very clear—

They must be plotting again… right?

In Yin Xue’s small eyes, there was a big doubt.

On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

From the hour of the Monkey (3 to 5 pm), the courtiers gradually entered the palace. The banquet was set up next to the Mingguang Pool. The courtiers were led by the palace attendants to this place to enjoy the scenery first.

It wasn’t until the hour of the Rooster (5 to 7 pm) that they could see the full moon rise, so for now, they could only admire the exquisite and rare flowers and trees, as well as the blue tiles and red walls of the palace buildings.

Duke Zhen Zheng, following his daughter’s instructions, arrived early and was led by the palace attendants to a vacant palace near the back palace, where Qi Baozhu was waiting for him inside.

Even though the Second Prince was going to guard the imperial tomb, the Qi Family could enter the palace, but there was absolutely no reason for any man to visit the harem.

Since Qi Baozhu became a member of the Imperial Family, the father and daughter had not seen each other again.

This meeting, let alone Qi Baozhu shedding tears, even Zhen Zheng was on the verge of tears.

He had a strong temper outside, but he cherished his daughter like a treasure, fearing she might suffer grievances somewhere.

Now that they had just met, he asked with concern:

“Is it difficult for you in the palace? If you can’t get used to it, come back with me. I’ll go and talk to the Emperor.”

“Did you encounter any difficulties this time you left the harem? Otherwise, it’s better to go back sooner.”

Clearly, her father wanted to see her, yet he urged her to return early, afraid she might reveal something.

Qi Baozhu smiled bitterly, feeling as if her heart had been squeezed and squeezed again. Suppressing the sourness in her nose, she smiled and said:

“Don’t worry, I’m very comfortable in the palace, quite at ease. Didn’t my mother tell you?”

Although her mother had said so, both husband and wife were afraid that Qi Baozhu was deliberately comforting them. Moreover, given the plight of the Second Prince, how could their daughter be doing well?

Duke Zhen was skeptical:

“Really?”

“Having the Princess Consort take care of me, there’s nothing better.” Qi Baozhu said.

“Even seeing you today is arranged by the Princess Consort. Let’s have a good chat. Someone will take us back later.”

“Why is the Princess Consort so good to you?”

But Zhen Zheng was still not reassured. He thought more; was this the Feng Family trying to win over the Qi Family?

“Oh, where are you getting these thoughts from? The Princess Consort not only bestowed this favor on me but also on a little beauty in the harem. As long as you request to see her, she will never refuse.”

Only then did Zhen Zheng feel relieved and sighed, “The Feng Family has always been kind-hearted.”

Seeing his expression, Qi Baozhu indeed felt aggrieved for Feng Yuexian.

Not to mention how much good Feng Yuexian had done in the harem, just by saving their family, they owed her a great debt of gratitude—

Although Feng Yuexian didn’t expect any repayment for her kindness, Qi Baozhu considered herself someone who repaid kindness.

“Dad, if there’s anything in the future, please help the Feng Family.”

Zhen Zheng’s just relaxed heart tightened again. Was his daughter swayed by Feng Yuexian’s small favors?

“Why?”

Qi Baozhu made up her mind and said to Duke Zhen, “Daughter was wronged by Song Qu before…”

Qi Baozhu didn’t disclose the truth to her father, but simply fabricated a story about “Song Qu neglecting her while raising a beautiful maid, and Feng Yuexian standing up for her.”

Just this made Duke Zhen uncontrollably angry. If Song Qu hadn’t already left the capital, he would have made sure Song Qu didn’t have it easy!

Regarding Feng Yuexian, he also understood why his daughter asked for his help. Zhen Zheng immediately said:

“Since she helped you, Dad will help her in the future. I’ll repay this kindness.”

Qi Baozhu smiled and linked her arm with his, “Dad, you’re the best.”

His daughter was still so close to him; Zhen Zheng was greatly comforted. His gratitude towards Feng Yuexian also became more sincere.

Regardless of Feng Yuexian’s motives, she had protected their daughter, who was more precious than anything to them, in their hour of need. Helping her was only right.

However, the Feng Family was always dominant, and Zhen Zheng didn’t know when he would be able to repay this kindness—

At this moment, Zhen Zheng didn’t know that the opportunity to repay the favor would come soon.

As the Mid-Autumn banquet was about to begin, Zhen Zheng returned to the Mingguang Pool. By now, most of the people had arrived, and he immediately saw King Chu.

For some reason, King Chu seemed particularly spirited today.

Zhen Zheng and King Chu had never been on good terms due to family grievances, and they usually avoided each other. However, today, King Chu took the initiative to greet him.

Zhen Zheng didn’t think King Chu was being kind; he immediately thought that the King must have something advantageous to him planned for today’s banquet.

He subconsciously became wary.

King Chu was accustomed to hiding his ambitions beneath a refined and modest exterior, rarely being so conspicuous. It seemed that today would not be peaceful.

Finding his seat, Zhen Zheng sat down and discreetly surveyed his surroundings.

The various princes were almost all seated: the Prince of Jin, the Prince of Xin, the Prince of Li, the Prince of Pingjin…

Their statuses were high, and they were clustered together. Duke Zhen’s table was just below the Prince of Pingjin’s. He effortlessly overheard a conversation between the Prince of Pingjin and the Prince of Li:

“…Proposing marriage to Qinghe? She’s not one to be constrained; I reckon she doesn’t want to marry. Let’s forget about it,” the Prince of Pingjin said casually, showing no concern about his daughter’s marriage.

“Look at the Princess Consort, can you describe her as someone not to be constrained? I bet there’s no one under the heavens who can restrain her; even her elder brother listens to her obediently.”

“Hmm, Feng Rong has a bad temper. He’s established himself in the northwest, with over a hundred thousand soldiers under his command. When the Princess Consort looks at him, he dares not speak.”

As the Prince of Li spoke, he wore an uneasy expression, as if he had also been intimidated by Feng Yuexian.

“With someone like the Princess Consort, who’s now happily married, if Qinghe meets someone she likes, surely—”

“But she hasn’t met anyone. Why are you getting involved in matchmaking matters? Let’s just enjoy the feast.”

Only then did the Prince of Li touch his nose, dropping the matter of Qinghe and instead saying:

“Speaking of the Princess Consort, now that we’re all family, we should have a family banquet later. In consideration of Feng Rong’s status, we should have a good chat.”

The Prince of Pingjin chuckled knowingly.

Listening nearby, Zhen Zheng understood immediately. This wasn’t just about Feng Rong’s face; it was about the Northwest Army under his command and the overwhelming power of the Feng Family.

Otherwise, why didn’t they pay attention to him earlier, and have a proper chat with his daughter?

Just as he was thinking, others approached Zhen Zheng for conversation. He chatted with a few old friends for a while until the Emperor arrived.

When the Emperor took his seat, everyone realized that even though the Emperor was here, the position of the Crown Prince remained empty.

King Chu, greatly favored and trusted, sat at the first seat on the left. Seeing that the Crown Prince had not arrived, he grew suspicious.

Coincidentally, as he moved, the Crown Prince avoided the danger.

Had the news leaked?

But—

Could his niece avoid it for a moment and still evade it for a lifetime?

No, he wouldn’t even let her evade it for a moment.

The Emperor, seated at the top, also seemed puzzled:

“The Crown Prince is always very respectful…”

“Could it be an illness?” King Chu asked with concern, “If the courtiers can’t attend the banquet, it’s not a big deal, but for the upcoming family banquet, which symbolizes reunion, the absence of Your Highness would be unacceptable.”

The Emperor pondered, “Hong Chang, go and see if the Crown Prince is ill.”

Although he said it as a question, the Emperor felt it was almost certain. He added:

“If it’s not too serious, give him some medicine to sustain him for a while. He should rest for a bit, but he must attend the family banquet.”

His tone was like a favor, as if granting the patient a rest of two or three hours was a great kindness, even though it meant coming to the banquet on a slightly cool autumn night.

King Chu concealed a smile, confident as if he held a winning ticket, like a cat playing with a mouse.

He looked up at the Emperor:

“The Crown Prince has always been filial and respectful, never defying Your Majesty. I believe he must be genuinely troubled today…”

He praised the Crown Prince endlessly.

The more satisfied the Emperor was with the Crown Prince’s obedience, the more furious he would be when the truth came out, like a thunderstorm.

With a few words, King Chu flattered the Emperor excessively.

Both of them smiled, but for entirely different reasons.

King Chu was about to say something else—

“The Crown Prince has arrived—”

His smile froze, and he suddenly looked up.

The Crown Prince had arrived?

Would Song Pianxian dare to come?

Or perhaps, his niece simply didn’t know what she was about to face, and that’s why she was late?

Only this logic could explain it.

King Chu found an explanation in his mind, but his gaze was held captive by the Crown Prince’s procession and couldn’t move away.

Perhaps fearing the wind, the Crown Prince was in a carriage, surrounded by windproof silk curtains, making it impossible to see inside.

It wasn’t until the procession stopped outside Mingguang Pool.

Everyone’s gaze shifted with uncertainty.

First, Feng Yuexian got off the carriage.

Why would Feng Yuexian come here?

There was a momentary stiffness in King Chu’s back, as if he hadn’t noticed, or hadn’t had time to think about it—

Feng Yuexian got off the carriage and went to help someone out.

There were very few people in the world who could make the Princess Consort behave like this. It must be the Crown Prince in the carriage.

Everyone thought so.

But then, after seeing the silk curtains, gracefully appearing was another woman.

Wearing a black large-sleeved garment, with snowy skin and red lips, delicate eyebrows and a straight nose, she was graceful and elegant.

Her figure was slender like a willow in the wind, evoking pity. Her face was radiant like bright jade, with some resemblance to the Crown Prince in her features.

Though delicate in appearance, her gaze was firm and upright.

As her eyes swept over, most people at the banquet subconsciously avoided her gaze, not daring to meet her eyes.

Finally, her gaze settled on King Chu, whose face looked extremely unpleasant.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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