Chapter 21: Where is the Princess?

The Empress covered her nose with her sleeve and retreated repeatedly, her eyes filled with disgust. The clever palace maid, however, scurried out of the palace gates to find the imperial physician.

Granny Sun's face was covered in festering sores that oozed pus. Coupled with her paralyzed appearance, which made her mouth and eyes crooked, she was extremely horrifying and unbearable to look at.

The Empress sternly ordered, "Drag this filth out of here right now!"

So, two eunuchs rushed forward, one on each side, and lifted up the limp Granny Sun, dragging her out of the palace without any mercy.

When the imperial physician arrived, he carefully examined the boils on her face. After looking her over, he could not diagnose the cause and could only report that it was a sudden onset of malignant boils and that she needed to be isolated and rested immediately to prevent infection.

The Empress was already under house arrest by His Majesty because of the Jade Lotus incident, and she was feeling extremely resentful. Now, seeing that Granny Sun had brought such filth upon her, she was even more furious and angrily rebuked, "What bad luck!"

"Your Majesty, please have mercy!" Granny Sun cried out incoherently.

The Empress waved her sleeve impatiently and gave an order: "Go, move the old woman to an abandoned courtyard next to the Cold Palace to live alone. No one is allowed to visit her without my permission!"

Just as the Fengyi Palace was in a state of panic because of Granny Sun's affair, Jiang Fushi was leaving the palace in a carriage.

Passing through the bustling East Market, the most vibrant street scene in the capital, the magnificent cityscape came into view.

She lifted the car curtain and peeked out, gazing at the bustling crowds, her eyes gradually becoming unfocused.

She always felt that when she was unconscious, she was enveloped by a warm force, as if someone was always holding her and protecting her.

The lingering taste of lotus seeds in my mouth seemed to be a silent testament.

But how could that be?

Let alone who would protect her like that. That's the imperial palace, heavily guarded. Who could possibly get close to her in such an environment?

Amidst the chaos of his thoughts, the image of a man wearing a black iron mask suddenly appeared in his mind.

Since that day in the bathhouse, the masked man had never shown his face again, making her almost believe that what happened that night was just her imagination.

But she was certain that what happened that night was real.

Who exactly is he? What is his identity? And what was his purpose in coming that day?

This unsolvable mystery, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, rippled with unease in her heart.

The carriage slowly came to a stop; they had arrived at the princess's residence.

Hot water for bathing was ready. After removing her elaborate palace attire, Jiang Fushi immersed herself in the warm water.

A misty haze enveloped her eyes and brows.

She had no intention of fighting with the Empress's faction and only wanted to remain invisible and live a peaceful life in a secluded corner. However, the Empress had suffered such a great loss this time and would certainly not let it go easily. From now on, she would likely face danger at every turn.

The four sides of the sky and the vermilion walls were really making her feel suffocated.

Jiang Fushi immersed herself in the hot water, closed her eyes, and let the water envelop her entire body.

In a daze, it felt as if she had returned to her days among the common people. She carried a medicine basket on her back and wandered through the mountains and fields, picking herbs and mushrooms. When she was tired, she would sit by the stream and eat wild fruits, free and unrestrained.

The gentle waves washed over her mouth and nose, and Jiang Fushi's heartbeat was completely swallowed by the sound of the water.

Zhanxiao, who was standing quietly on the eaves, suddenly froze.

The princess's clear heartbeat disappeared.

He immediately bent down and lowered his center of gravity, peering through the gaps in the tiles, but could only see the shimmering surface of the bathtub, without a single person in sight.

The princess has disappeared?

He hadn't noticed anything unusual at the princess's residence all night, so there was no way the princess could have been kidnapped right before his eyes.

With a slight frown, Zhanxiao's knuckles silently pressed onto the hilt of his sword.

Just as he was about to break through the window, he heard a soft exhale, and the familiar heartbeat finally returned to his ears. He slowly loosened his clenched fist, the tension in his eyes fading, leaving only the usual cold indifference.

Jiang Fushi sat up straight, leaned against the edge of the bathtub, and wiped the water droplets from her face.

Running away is useless.

The Empress must have a backup plan; she needs to prepare early.

After getting out of the bath, Qingdai helped her change into a soft nightgown. When they arrived at the dressing table, Jiang Fushi looked at the bronze mirror, but her gaze gradually became unfocused.

Over the years, she has secretly developed many poison formulas, but most of them are very potent and would be easy to trace back to her if used.

Ultimately, these are all desperate measures taken when it comes to life or death.

Poison is ultimately a dagger hidden in the shadows; it can protect you from sneak attacks from behind, but it cannot withstand the storms from the front.

What she really needs is someone who can stand in front of her and shield her from both open and hidden attacks.

Just like the Emperor and Yu Yao, they all have their own personal guards and confidants.

She was all alone.

I wish she could have someone so completely loyal to her.

...

The Duke of Jingguo.

Cao Zhang stood up angrily from his chair: "How is this possible? For that bastard Yuhe, His Majesty actually confined my aunt to her quarters!"

The Duke of Jingguo's face turned ashen, and he glared at him irritably: "Shut up! Isn't it chaotic enough already?"

Cao Zhang had no choice but to sit down dejectedly. Old Madam Cao tried to smooth things over, saying, "Your Majesty was careless this time. Why would His Majesty punish someone so severely? Yuhe must have used some underhanded tricks!"

When Cao Zhang returned to the manor injured earlier, he exaggerated his entanglement with Yu He, claiming that Yu He had humiliated him without cause. At this point, everyone in the Jingguo Duke's manor naturally believed that Yu He was a malicious person.

"I never expected that Princess Yuhe, who seems so quiet and unassuming, would have such means to trick Her Majesty. I underestimated her in the past."

As she spoke, Old Madam Cao looked at Cao Zhang's arm, which was wrapped in bandages three times over, and her eyes reddened. She said, "My poor Zhang'er, he suffered at her hands not long ago, and now even the Empress..."

Cao Zhang then put on a wronged expression: "Grandmother, that's right, my hand still hurts."

Seeing this, Madam Cao felt even more distressed.

Seeing the way these two were behaving, the Duke of Jingguo slammed his teacup down: "That's enough."

"You," he said, pointing at Cao Zhang, "you need to rein in your temper!"

"It's pointless to discuss Princess Yuhe's rights and wrongs now. The matter is settled, and His Majesty is in a fit of anger. Everyone in the household must be careful with their words and actions these days, lest they cause any more trouble and only add to Her Majesty's worries!"

Cao Zhang stiffened his neck, looking defiant, but dared not disobey his grandfather, so he could only mutter, "Grandson understands."

The Emperor punished the aunt, so what does it have to do with him? It's not like he was the one who was harsh on Princess Yuhe, so he can't be blamed no matter what.

He doesn't want to stay cooped up in the mansion all day.

Tonight is Peach Blossom Maiden's coming-of-age ceremony, and he is determined to have her.

After dealing with the two elders, Cao Zhang immediately left the mansion with his entourage.

The injury on my arm has been healing for some time now, and it's time to find a place to relax.

As soon as they entered Xiefang Pavilion, the madam, Li Niang, came to greet them.

"Oh, Young Master Cao, you've finally arrived! The best seat has been reserved for you, right in front of the stage, so you can get a good look at Peach Blossom Girl."

Cao Zhang nodded in satisfaction: "You're smart. Tonight, no one but me will be able to touch Peach Blossom Girl."

Li Niang smiled and said, "With a character like Peach Blossom's, it's no wonder that many gentlemen admire her... We'll sort out the bidding rules later, and the highest bidder wins. I hope you'll understand."

Cao Zhang snorted coldly.

After Li Niang left, he said disdainfully, "The business of sleeping with a thousand people dares to act high and mighty with me."

Cao San whispered, "Young master, please calm down. Why bother arguing with them? Just pay them more money later, and the madam will come to serve you with a smile."

"Hmph." Cao Zhang didn't take it seriously. He tugged at his collar, suddenly felt a wave of heat, and took off his outer robe as he walked, throwing it to Cao San.

Lately, I don't know what's wrong with me, I'm always feeling hot and cold, and sometimes I can't breathe.

The doctor said he was physically weak and had been indulging in excessive sexual activity.

Pshaw.

He's perfectly healthy, how could he have overdone it? They're all quacks.

Cao Zhang sat down in the private room, feeling irritated. Cao San said, "Second Young Master, the tea is getting a little cold. I'll go find someone to refill it with some hot tea."

Cao Zhang didn't even lift his eyelids: "Get lost."

Cao San carried the teapot and walked through the noisy corridor to the small kitchen in the backyard, where he threw in the last of his Sky Blue Withering and Flourishing Powder.