Chapter 80: Liu Ying Part 2

Xun Yi halted, lifted his gaze, his expression stern. His eyes narrowed suddenly, filled with icy chill. “As principal wife.”

A glint flashed in Yuyin’s eyes. He turned toward the direction the Prince had come from. Whatever the rumors outside, with the Prince welcoming her as principal wife, Xun Changqing became legitimate once more. The rumormongers behind it would surely spit blood in rage. He shook his head silently. A mansion full of adults could not outmatch a girl not yet of age.

The rumors deepened Xun Yi’s guilt. The harsher they spoke of her, the greater his resolve to vindicate her name.

…………………………

In the seventh month, the sun blazed brightly, and lotuses bloomed profusely in the lake before Splendid Clarity Palace, many in paired hearts.

The Emperor’s health worsened daily, gradually delegating state affairs to Xun Yi. Yet he could not be kept in the dark about major court matters. The rumors swirling over the Imperial Capital had long reached his ears. After hearing the Wise Noble Consort’s words, he laughed, “I knew that girl would not suffer losses. Now her birth mother’s spirit tablet has entered the Prince’s Mansion. The principal wife position is no small matter. For a merchant’s daughter to receive such honor is enough.”

He had not left his bedchamber for days, but today he was spirited, walking along the winding bridge before the hall. The Wise Noble Consort watched his usual demeanor, a hidden unease stirring in her heart. He seemed like he was experiencing a final burst of vitality.

She suppressed her suspicions and smiled on the surface. “She was driven to desperation. Xun Yi ignored those matters, so she had to find her own way. Those people were in the wrong. Even a little girl like Changqing draws their disdain. It seems the people in the Prince’s Mansion are restless too.”

The Emperor glanced sideways at her and suddenly patted her hand with a sigh. “I know you pity that girl for having no protector—a mother’s compassionate heart. If you like her, summon her to the palace more often. That girl knows gratitude. Treat her well, and she will return it. Grateful people are rare in this world.”

The Wise Noble Consort shook her head and sighed. “Changqing knows gratitude. She’s protecting Xun Yiran outside now, just as you suggested. A few days ago, assassins entered the mansion, but thanks to her prior arrangements, everyone was spared. I’m afraid she won’t be able to protect him much longer.”

The Emperor’s face darkened like still water, his imperial dignity intact. A single cold glance made the Wise Noble Consort’s hand tremble in his. She lowered her voice. “Even before I’m dead, it’s like this. If I die, I’m afraid he’ll follow me to the Underworld soon after.”

His words pierced all schemes. The Wise Noble Consort pondered before saying, “It shouldn’t come to that. He has a concubine who seems pregnant. But you need not worry—arrangements have been made. She’s been quietly removed from the mansion. You will see your grandson.”

“You mean Xun Changqing, right? In the Imperial Capital, only she does these thankless tasks. Others either preserve themselves wisely or watch from afar. I merely hinted to Xun Changqing, and she took it to heart. Wise Consort, you did not misjudge her. That girl is fine stock. It’s a pity I won’t live to see her grow into a great tree.”

“Your Majesty speaks such discouraging words again. Your complexion is good today. In a few days, you can return to Containment Origin Hall.”

They were mere consolations. The Emperor descended the steps slowly. No one knew his body better than he. He was already on his last legs. Surprisingly, he walked back to his bedchamber alone, leaving the Wise Noble Consort sighing. Perhaps it truly was a final rally.

She hurried after him. The Emperor held the Jade Seal, examining it closely for a long while. Seeing her approach, he smiled. “In truth, you understand me better than the Empress. But I can no longer give you her position.”

It was fact. The Gu Liang Clan had abandoned her. She was alone, controlling the Rear Palace. Even with influence at court, what did towering power mean without heirs? It was all emptiness.

With the Emperor about to pass, she too would retire to the Imperial Mausoleum in solitude.

She fell silent, standing quietly, a desolate smile curving her lips—cold to the bone. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Your Majesty, what if this consort accompanies you?”

At these words, the Wise Noble Consort felt some relief. The Gu Liang Family was regaining court influence, allied with Xun Yi by marriage. Deep in the palace, even with grudges, she could not shake their foundations—better to go with the Emperor and earn a good name.

The ever-composed Emperor’s heart skipped. The emperor’s dreamlike prosperity chilled him, but her words moved him to sorrow. He placed the heavy Jade Seal in her hands and said faintly, “A’rou, the treacherous court is already rife with perils. That seedling is still young; you’re in no hurry. Besides, I prefer quiet. Do not disturb me.”

Her shock made the Jade Seal tremble in her hands, nearly falling. Even her usual poise cracked, her voice quivering. “Your Majesty… you… this is…”

She knew the answer, yet asked. The Emperor said no more, flipping through memorials on the table. Seeing Xun Yi’s name, he picked it up for a glance. “Xun Yi is altering the family registry today. Then I can lend a hand.” Surveying the surroundings, he ordered the palace servants outside, “Go, summon Yuan Qingming to me.”

The servant bowed slightly and hurried off to fetch him.

After altering the registry, Xun Yi swiftly welcomed Liu Ying’s spirit tablet into the Prince’s Mansion Ancestral Hall. His swift action stunned everyone. No one dared oppose him, grudgingly accepting it.

By rights, Xun Changqing should have been the happiest, but over ten days passed since the tablet’s arrival, and she had not visited the ancestral hall once. Even Xun Yi came to urge her, but she hung her head in silence, leaving those who tried to console her speechless.

Some gradually realized: Xun Changqing did not refuse to go—she dared not.