Reality arrived much later than imagined, and the two who had long prepared merely responded in unison.
In her previous life, His Majesty should have already passed away by this time, but dragging it out until now in this life was already defying the heavens. Xun Changqing gazed at the honeybee that had lingered around the flower pistil for a long time. It flapped its wings and flew on, hoping to gather more nectar, somewhat greedy like humans. She turned her head and instructed Zi Jin, “Keep a close watch on the Second Prince’s Mansion. Do not let anyone with ulterior motives take advantage of the situation. Never let your guard down. If necessary, send more people over. Also, discuss with Yuan Qingming and secretly dispatch some Imperial Guards there. During the national mourning period, no unnecessary troubles can arise.”
Zi Jin showed a flicker of surprise, but upon second thought, she realized this instruction was for His Majesty’s sake. Understanding the intent, she went off to carry it out.
With His Majesty having passed, the entire court and country would surely be shocked, and tomorrow the new emperor’s selection would be announced. Wei Lingci saw the relief on her face and gently took her hand, smiling. “Today, we can finally rest for a day. Stay at the County Princess Mansion tonight.”
This was utterly unlike her character, so Xun Changqing naturally found it strange. She leaned in close, staring into her dark pupils, gripping her hand tightly as she teased, “Miss Wei, what are you hiding from me this time? Why so kindly invite me to stay at the County Princess Mansion? I’m afraid the County Princess will chase me out, leaving me on the street to be laughed at.”
A misty flicker passed through her eyes like rippling waves. Xun Changqing caught Wei Lingci’s unnatural expression and immediately seized the ‘braid,’ laughing. “Quick, tell me, what are you hiding?”
The triumphant look was obvious and uncontainable. Wei Lingci’s lips curved slightly as she gazed at the people approaching from behind her, reminding, “The Heir Apparent’s wife is here.”
The icy gaze fell into her deep black eyes. Xun Changqing immediately straightened up and looked at the few attendants behind Qin Jingyu, her eyes darkening as she asked, “Eldest sister-in-law, what is this?”
Qin Jingyu had not expected to encounter the two in the garden. She had never seen Wei Lingci before, but in the Southwest, she had heard of her reputation—peerless martial arts, beauty that toppled geese, a visage that shamed fish and eclipsed the moon. Yet seeing her today, that face seemed icy cold, tainted with gloom for no reason. She stepped slightly aside, a smile appearing on her face as she said, “I’m taking people to the storeroom to fetch some things, to set up the rooms. Ximing’s study needs some additions too. After enlightenment, Father Prince said to invite renowned teachers to instruct him. After all, for a boy, studying is best in the future.”
Xun Yitan had been versed in both civil and martial arts, which led to his early death. Naturally, Qin Jingyu would not let her only son practice martial arts again, lest he repeat the tragedy.
Now that she managed the household, the storeroom keys were in her hands. Even taking night-luminescent pearls out in broad daylight to light the way, no one would dare comment. Xun Changqing naturally said nothing, only replying, “Eldest sister-in-law has thought it through thoroughly. After all, Ximing is the only boy in the mansion now, the legitimate eldest grandson. He should naturally use the best. Later, when second sister-in-law gives birth to a nephew, Ximing can also guide him.”
He was the only boy now, rare and thus precious, but that might not hold in the future.
Qin Jingyu’s expression changed slightly, the hairpin ornaments in her hair swaying with the wind, her gaze growing darker. She curtseyed and left, no longer minding etiquette—she was clearly quite angry.
She could no longer bear children, but Xun Yibai was still there. There would be plenty of male heirs in the future, and Xun Ximing would not remain so precious. Her flaunting now was merely temporary glory.
Moments later, Xun Changqing let out a cold laugh, concealing the faint chill and pity at the corners of her lips. Watching Qin Jingyu’s retreating figure, she moved her lips. “Actually, she’s very foolish. Driving me to extinction has no meaning. Better to properly teach Xun Ximing to succeed—that’s her only path. Father Prince won’t abandon Xun Yibai to make a half-grown child the heir. Contending for a princely throne would be easier.”
“Once ambition swells, no one considers other insignificant paths. A princely throne is nothing compared to the imperial one—who wouldn’t want that?”
“I don’t want that position.”
Wei Lingci lowered her lashes, hiding the flickering light in her eyes. Her slender jade-like fingers still gripped Xun Changqing’s wrist tightly. A mocking smile appeared on her serene face as she flicked Xun Changqing’s nose. “That’s because you lack ambition. Great Qi has the precedent of a Female Emperor. If you strive for it, you still have a chance.”
Xun Changqing pulled her along as they walked out. Her peerlessly handsome face paired with plain words suddenly startled Wei Lingci, who inwardly sighed at this fool before her. Xun Changqing said, “I’m not striving. The rivers and mountains or you—I prefer you. If the County Princess knew I harbored ambitions for the throne, she’d surely take you away. I don’t want that.”
Wei Lingci stared dazedly at Xun Changqing’s infatuation. She was no less than any royal—features exquisite as a painting, her peach-blossom eyes radiating a serene aura that reflected her heart’s purity. If Xun Yi ascended, she could compete with Xun Yibai, but for her mother Wei Xiao’s words, she willingly gave it up.
Who was lighter, who heavier—anyone could discern. Whether to call her foolish or obtuse, Wei Lingci saw the purity in her eyes and helplessly said, “When did Mother ever say that to you? And you just gave up like this?”
Xun Changqing glanced at the empty corridor, slowly leaned in, hugged her waist, and tiptoed to whisper in her ear, “She has an Imperial Edict, meaning for Father Prince to make me the heir. If I leave you, she’ll hand it over to me.”
Wei Lingci was stunned speechless, suddenly hugging her tightly and whispering back, “You gave it up?”
“I didn’t take it. Though I don’t know why His Majesty left such a decree, as long as it’s not produced, no one will know. I don’t want to strive. You or the rivers and mountains—I think you’re more beautiful, a living beauty far better than a tedious, laborious throne.”
