Upon learning of it, the Second Imperial Prince indeed ordered the plan halted and went to Changle Palace himself to discuss with the Empress.
Cen Li did not know the details of their discussion, but he received the order to stop the plan. Perhaps in the Second Imperial Prince’s eyes, the stakes were too high.
In Containment Origin Hall, the Emperor’s attitude toward him had worsened considerably compared to before. The matter of Shao Tang spreading rumors had planted suspicions that he was the mastermind. His close ties to the Shao Family made any explanation futile and pale. His uncle Shao Cheng was still maneuvering to protect his legitimate son, but he himself hardly dared intervene. The Emperor’s words, overt and covert, were all warnings to him.
The Empress’s power mostly came from the Shao Family, but over these years, he had gradually realized his uncle no longer fully controlled by his mother and himself. In public, Shao Tang’s words were like nails driven into the ground—how could they be pulled out?
A hundred mouths could not refute it. He had to abandon Shao Tang to preserve himself.
All he needed to do was quell the matter, let his father and the people forget it, rather than letting it escalate uncontrollably. His mother’s move was far too risky. If it was not Wei Lingci, sending assassins into Radiant Benevolence Palace—even as a test—could backfire if the Wise Noble Consort turned it around and accused them. How would they refute then?
The Emperor already harbored guilt toward the Wise Noble Consort; this would only deepen it. The Empress would be deemed immoral, and her position might not hold. Even if they exposed Wei Lingci as the assassin, it would only implicate her alone—Pingnan Prince’s Mansion would suffer no loss.
After layers of consideration, the Empress had no choice but to abandon the plan.
For one Wei Lingci, to risk everything—not worth it!
…
A faint, clear fragrance wafted lazily from the gold-wire incense burner intricately carved. The atmosphere in the entire sleeping chamber was mild and warm. Doors and windows tightly shut, crimson curtains and vermilion gauze swayed gently. Candles burned brightly. After Zi Jin and Xian Yun tidied up, they both withdrew from the side hall.
The two inside the hall slept on separate beds!
In the cold winter, after drinking, the chill felt even more biting. Xun Changqing lay on the soft couch, tossing and turning, feeling the cold seep into her bones. The brazier for heating in the hall was some distance away, and she felt no warmth from it.
Unable to sleep, her mind foggy, she suddenly threw off the quilt, glanced at the inner bed for a moment, then got off the couch and ran inside. Her bare feet stepped on the icy floor tiles, making the chill even more piercing. Standing before the bed, she pouted aggrievedly. “It’s so cold outside. I can’t sleep.”
The lightly sleeping person opened her eyes. A dim lamp burned by the bed, enough to see Xun Changqing’s expression clearly. She had insisted on sleeping outside earlier, yet now she was aggrieved—it was such an unpredictable temperament. She smiled. “Do you want to switch beds with me?”
“No swapping. Just give me half.” Saying this, Xun Changqing feared she might change her mind and climbed directly onto the bed, burrowing into the quilt. It was much warmer than outside. She turned her head to look at the person shifting inward and said, “My head is dizzy…”
Wei Lingci’s expression softened. She tucked in the quilt and lay on the inner side, saying faintly, “A drunk person should sleep as soon as they touch the bed. You’re not acting like someone drunk at all—more like you’re faking it.”
“Faking it or not, my head is dizzy anyway.” Xun Changqing gazed at her, her eyes truly misty. Her hand fumbled randomly under the quilt, touched the hand Wei Lingci had placed between them, gripped it tightly, and then contentedly closed her eyes.
Wei Lingci had not expected her to be so forward, leaving her somewhat at a loss. She wanted to withdraw her hand but did not want to disappoint her, so she let her hold it. Glancing sideways, she saw Xun Changqing’s face flushed from the alcohol and smiled faintly. “Changqing, aren’t you afraid of assassins now?”
Xun Changqing replied lazily, “I’ll guard.”
“Guard what?”
“Guard… naturally, keep watch at night.”
“Someone keeping watch at night would lie on the bed?”
“Then I’ll guard you—is that okay?” Xun Changqing opened her eyes and stared at the gauze canopy above. Sleepiness faded as some memories surfaced. Suddenly, she said, “Do you like being Empress? No, I mean, do you want to be Empress?”
Wei Lingci’s heart jolted sharply, her smile vanishing. She did not reply. Xun Changqing turned to lie on her side, gazing at her, inhaling the faint peach blossom scent emanating from her body. “I helped arrange Xun Yiran’s marriage. Are you disappointed…? No, if you regret it, it’s not too late. After all, being the mother of the nation is quite glamorous.”
As soon as she finished, Wei Lingci withdrew her hand and closed her eyes to sleep, leaving Xun Changqing snubbed. She shifted inward too, her fingertips gripping Wei Lingci’s shoulder, murmuring lowly, “Are you angry?”
“No. Actually, this matter is not without room for maneuver. The Second Imperial Prince’s principal wife can still be changed.” Her voice was cold as trickling stream water—gentle words, yet carrying an icy chill.
Sensing something amiss, Xun Changqing hurriedly said, “I was just talking nonsense. Don’t take it seriously.”
“Words spoken—why not take them seriously?”
“I… I was drunk and babbling. Of course, it’s not believable.” Xun Changqing made up an excuse on the spot, but her heart suddenly leaped with joy. Her hand disobediently reached toward Wei Lingci, embracing her soft waist. The touch was warm and smooth. Her gaze held a gentleness as if from another lifetime, and she smiled brightly. “Being Empress easily turns one into a jealous woman. Not good, not good.”
Wei Lingci opened her eyes. She was already backed against the wall with nowhere to retreat. Suddenly, a slightly cool hand appeared at her waist. She pushed it away gently, placed her own hand on her waist instead, and said faintly, “Changqing, then what are you now?”
Xun Changqing blinked, seemingly not understanding her meaning. “What am I…”
