The first thing the imperial physician saw after entering the room was Prince Yi lying unconscious in bed in his innerwear.
A beautiful young woman was sitting beside the bed and wiping her tears with a handkerchief. When she saw him coming in, she let go of Prince Yi's hand and stepped back to sit on a cedar chair. A maid stood behind her respectfully with her head lowered, looking like she didn't even dare to raise her head.
Yu Jian stepped forward and said, "Princess, this is Physician Xu. His Majesty sent him to examine our prince's injury."
"Yes, please do so. He… He's still unconscious…" Ning Xueyan looked up, her eyes still red. It was obvious that she had cried and her voice was hoarse, too.
The physician carefully observed Princess Yi. She was an exquisite beauty, if a little thin. She seemed to have suffered some congenital deficiencies. She lowered her head again after speaking, making it hard for him to see her expressi
Inside the hall, the high and mighty Emperor looked coldly at Physician Xu as the latter knelt. "He's really injured, and at a risky place at that? He nearly lost his life?""Yes, that's the case. I took care to examine it myself. The wound is close to his chest. If it were anywhere lower, Prince Yi might not be able to regain consciousness so easily."Physician Xu trusted in his medical skills, so he was able to speak with certainty."Is there really nothing odd about Prince Yi's Manor?" the Emperor asked, frowning. It seemed that he could stop suspecting Ao Chenyi of directing the assassination himself."No," Physician Xu said, but added upon second thought, "But… something seems off about Princess Yi."The Emperor didn't expect Physician Xu to bring up Princess Yi. He was momentarily stunned, but soon asked, "What's off about Princess Yi?""Prince Yi was unconscious when I was treating him, but I notice
Inside a gorgeous pavilion, lithe women decked in a colorful dress were dancing gracefully while two men watched from a platform. One of them was Wen Xueran, with his alluring smile and devastatingly handsome face. He looked even more beautiful than the dancers below.His black hair was draped over his shoulder, lending him an androgynous allure. His wide robe made him look like an ancient scholar, with a trace of languidness in its flightiness. Beside him was the elegant Hua Yunheng in a light-colored robe.The dancers were twirling around gracefully, their sleeves fluttering with every action, their dainty waists twisting from time to time, as they displayed their elegant figures. Instrumental music from both sides that accompanied the performance made them look all that more delicate and beautiful. Upon closer look, the musicians were all beauties themselves. But dressed in men's attire, they looked more dashing instead.However, these women
Chen Hexiang, being the plaintiff, was the first to arrive. Ning Ziyan was also brought to the court well in advance. Xia Yuhang, a reputable young nobleman and the son of Minister Xia, wasn't arrested and detained. Instead, the officers from the Ministry of Justice only brought him here today.Ning Xueyan stayed in the carriage, watching Xia Yuhang being herded through the crowd into the court. Someone pushed him just as he noticed her carriage, causing him to nearly fall. He was brought inside the Ministry of Justice, almost pathetically so, and the crowd soon filled the door.While the trial continued, Xinmei would return from time to time to report the development of the case. It wasn't an uncommon sight, for there were many people who found it inconvenient to leave their carriages. Many quick-witted servants and maids would run back and forth to deliver the latest news, so Ning Xueyan remained inconspicuous.Inside the court, Chen Hexiang
When Ning Xueyan regained unconsciousness, all she could feel was pain all over her body. She touched the back of her head, unable to recognize where she was at the moment. She seemed to be inside an old firewood shed with some firewood scattered on the floor. Underneath her was a large piece of firewood, so the surface was still fairly soft. She sat up and saw that she was all alone.The first impression the place gave her was that of an old firewood shed but the second, however, was a jail. It was a small room, with a tiny window high above. The whole place looked gloomy.Hearing the noise from inside the shed, two repulsive-looking burly men opened the door and walked in. "Hey, you woke up?" they said, looking at the woman sitting on the pile of firewood. It was apparent from their appearance that they were no gentleman.Ning Xueyan's gleaming eyes blinked as she asked calmly, "Who are you two?" The lady who attacked her was skilled and foll
Ning Xueyan's firm words made the two burly men hesitate for a moment. They exchanged doubtful looks. One went out while the other stayed behind, watching her with an unreadable expression. She leaned on the pillar beside her calmly and started closing her eyes as if she was taking a rest. She kept them partially open under her long lashes, with just enough space to keep a vigilant watch.The burly man who went out earlier returned shortly after and yanked his companion. They started whispering in the corner of the shed, though it seemed more like arguing instead. Now and then, they would point at Ning Xueyan. Although their voices weren't loud, their argument was getting tense.Ning Xueyan seemed relaxed, lying against the pillar, but in reality, her whole body was tense. All of her attention was on the two big men. In a situation like this, she couldn't afford any mistakes as a woman. Xia Yuhang was still in the Ministry of Justice, so the only one who co
Ning Xueyan stayed dazed for a long time after waking up. It took her a while to recognize that she was in a familiar place, the third floor of the Moon-embracing Tower and Ao Chenyi's room. Only then did the vigilance in her eyes fade."You're up? How are you feeling?" Ao Chenyi's voice reached her ears. It was a pleasant baritone voice that wasn't gloomy. If anything, it made her feel all soft on the inside.He had always been an introvert with great self-control. It was rare for him to show how he felt.Ning Xueyan leaned her head against him and said softly, "I'm fine. I just didn't expect Xia Yuhang and Ning Qingshan to be so crazy."She wasn't lying. She did think that Xia Yuhang would be desperate enough to do something to save himself but didn't anticipate how far he would go. Just to get Ao Mingwan to help him, he kidnapped her and tried to send her to Ao Mingwan's bed.The reason he colluded with Ning Qingsha
A commotion swept through the capital as soon as the sun rose as another major incident followed the discovery of Prince Xiang's concubine having an affair with other men. There were assassins infiltrating Prince Yi's Manor, Prince Xiang's Manor, and Prince Fu's Manor. It was said that quite a few were injured but the biggest number of dead bodies were found in Prince Yi's Manor. Prince Yi was so badly injured that he was still in a coma and the guards were left without a leader. The assassins were able to take advantage of the lack of leadership and exploited the loopholes.Fortunately, the three princes were well-protected and stayed safe.There was, however, another scandal. It was said that Grand Tutor Ya's granddaughter and Prince Fu's soon-to-be consort, Ya Moqin, was found beside Prince Xiang's bed. When the Emperor's men rushed to Prince Xiang's bed, they found Ya Moqin leaning against Prince Xiang's bed. What was most coincidental was that Prince X
Ya Moqin somehow got wind of the news that Ao Mingyu's life was in danger that day, so she sneaked out of the backdoor and headed to Prince Xiang's Manor. The guards at the manor knew her, and thinking that she had business with the prince, they allowed her in. She made it all the way to Ao Mingyu's bed using the same excuse. Right at that moment, Ao Mingyu happened to regain consciousness.While she was serving him with tea and water, the Emperor's men arrived.In one massive stroke of coincidence, this scene was witnessed by everyone."Forget about Moqin. Her scandal isn't a big deal. But Ning Qingshan…" Grand Tutor Ya was similarly irritated at the mention of Ya Moqin, but she was nevertheless his granddaughter. Now that her granddaughter had lost her position, he should at least have her give birth to the heir.In a rare display of disobedience toward Grand Tutor Ya, Honored Consort Ya said unhappily, "Father, how can I explain
"What will you do now?" Ning Xueyan had to take two quick steps to catch up with Ao Chenyi's pace. "Destroy the nine barbarian states alongside Wen Xueran?""No." Ao Chenyi raised an eyebrow and smiled mysteriously. "I'll negotiate with Wen Xueran."Confused, she repeated, "Negotiate?""The people of the nine barbarian states have always been different from those of the central plains. They're valiant and barbaric. For many years, they have wanted to invade us. If it weren't for the princes of Annan holding down the front, the nine barbarian states would have attacked us a long time ago. Annan troops have fought the nine barbarian states more than our troops did, and they have a better chance of winning too."Ao Chenyi said calmly. He didn't like the nine barbarian states in the slightest. If it weren't his father forbidding him from going to the faraway hinterland of the nine barbarian states, where death was almost certain, he wo
It didn't take long for Qingyu to return from the Lord Protector's Manor with a new piece of news. It was said that there had been a haunting in the prayer hall of the manor.Rumor had it that an older maid became ill from the fright of seeing a ghost.A long time ago, the Cloud Reflection Courtyard was said to be haunted too. No one dared to come close at that time, not even during the day. Even though the rumors died down later on, a few people who were deeply affected by the events said that the situation was still grave then.Therefore, even though only a maid had seen the ghost, the rumors spread like wildfire in the manor.The prayer hall used to be Madam Dowager's favorite spot. It was later used to imprison Madam Ling for some time. Now that Madam Ling was dead, everyone feared that she was the ghost. It was said that Madam Ling was an evil woman when she was alive. Even in death, she might become a malicious ghost. The sit
Ao Chenyi was so close that his handsome face was all that Ning Xueyan could see, and he didn't look all that happy. Then, she realized that she had been holding tightly onto a strand of his black hair.She flung her hand and hastily released the strand of hair in her hand. She even caressed the hair on his temples with a wide smile. "Why are you here? When did you come? Why didn't you wake me up?"Ning Xueyan looked truly confused as if she really didn't know that she had grabbed Ao Chenyi's hair until it hurt."Playing dumb, huh?" he said coldly, frowning at her. His slender fingers reached out and lightly pinched the wing of her nose."Ouch!" Ning Xueyan held her nose pitifully. Her limpid eyes seemed glazed over as if brewing tears."Now you know it hurts!" Ao Chenyi's thin lips were curved into a smile. He was satisfied to see her not daring to voice her frustration.Ning Xueyan nodded firmly without
"Can you remember it now?" Ao Chenyi narrowed his eyes and knocked on their table with his slender fingers. His voice sounded a tad threatening."I… I really can't remember." Ning Xueyan felt like she had thought of all the possible answers but she was still coming up empty. She had no choice but to admit her fault."You really can't remember?" His beautiful eyes curved into a charming arc and his expression was sinister. Sure enough, this was a bad situation to be in. She didn't even hesitate to grab his hand with a bright smile on her tender face."Even if I can't remember, you can still remind me, right?" She knew it would pay well to cajole this man.Ao Chenyi wasn't polite with her either. He turned his hand over and pinched her soft face. His expression had improved considerably. There was a faint smile on his face as he asked, "If I tell you, can you really understand and remember what it is?""Of course I can!"
It seemed that at this point of the letter, the Empress couldn't continue anymore. There were only tear stains on the paper, followed by wide empty spaces.Then, the Empress said how reassured she was that Madam Ming would be taking care of her newborn. Madam Ming would be a fine mother. She had also asked someone to watch over Madam Ming and the newborn. Their statuses in the previous dynasty had vanished like smoke. Time was always moving forward and the changing of imperial dynasties was inevitable.The only tragedy was the eternal separation of her from her husband, and of her from her daughters.The only reason she had written the letter was that she couldn't help herself. If she never said anything, her child would never know the truth. That would have been for the best. Yet, she couldn't accept this, so she would hand the letter to the person who would be looking after Madam Ming. If Ning Ziying's identity was revealed to the world one d
The news of Ning Zu'an's death shocked everyone in the Lord Protector's Manor. Even though the title had been passed onto Ning Huaijing, Ning Zu'an was the patriarch of the family. Even without the title, he was still the most authoritative figure in the manor.Madam Dowager collapsed as soon as she heard the news of his death. She became ill and bedridden, unable to get up.Ning Xueyan couldn't leave the palace freely due to her status as the Empress. She sent Qingyu and Mother Han to the manor and had them inquire about Madam Dowager's health in her place. Mother Han returned to Prince Yi's Manor afterward while Qingyu entered the palace to report to Ning Xueyan.It was inconvenient for Mother Han to live in the palace because she had a son to take care of. Instead of entering the palace with Ning Xueyan, she stayed in Prince Yi's Manor as the housekeeper. Ning Xueyan was prepared to release her from the manor when the situation stabilized in
"The Empress discovered a secret tunnel under Chenyuan Palace by accident. She never told anyone about it. She even killed the maid that discovered the tunnel with her and accompanied her in walking through the tunnel. In other words, she was the only one who knew about it," Ning Xueyan explained.This was the Empress' secret. To prove it, she used Yun Luoluo's incident as an example. When Ning Xueyan was drugged in Chenyuan Palace, the Empress wanted to take her to a room. There, a man would sneak into the palace through the secret tunnel.If Ning Xueyan woke up and discovered herself in disheveled clothes in the presence of another man, she would surely panic. To protect her secret, she would surely agree with whatever the Empress wanted. The Empress wanted to use Ning Xueyan to force Ao Chenyi into accepting his "affair" with Yun Luoluo.Unfortunately, Ao Chenyi had appeared all of a sudden. She didn't dare to do anything with him around, so
Ao Chenyi didn't try to persuade her this time. This had bothered her for so long that she would continue to suffer for it if she didn't cry it out now. He held her tighter and allowed her to wet the front of his robe. She didn't brawl. All she did was close her eyes and let her tears stream down her face. When her tears finally dried, she sat quietly in Ao Chenyi's embrace for a long time.It was so quiet inside the room that she could finally calm down.Her hands were being held so tightly in Ao Chenyi's hand that she could feel the callus in his palm. He was Prince Yi, the late Emperor's beloved prince who grew up to be the infamous Demon King. Those who mentioned his name would often be frightened and alarmed. Only she knew how difficult his life had been.Ao Chenyi was still young when he drew his elder brother's jealousy and suspicion. He was framed, imprisoned, and nearly died. His fiancee abandoned him at his lowest point, sought shelte
"It was and wasn't an accident. He could only blame himself. No matter what, he was the one who forced my hand and cornered me to this state. He ruined my everything. Him dying in my hands could be considered as his retribution."The Empress began to look calm again. She turned her head and stared at Ning Xueyan with a trace of sadness in her eyes. "I invited you here to ask you to let go of my family. It's all my fault and has nothing to do with my family. They're just a small and useless noble family. In exchange for their safety, I'll tell you a secret."Her voice had lost her previous agitation and anger, leaving only a sense of helplessness. She had never put any hope in her family. She thought that she would be able to help her people after gaining power but now that she was in trouble, she was worried that her family would be implicated and sentenced to death.She had resented her family countless times for marrying her off to the Empero