Chapter 139: Exchange: Is there no room for anyone else in her heart? ...

While the emperor was drafting his imperial edict in his underground secret room, Nanny Han from the main courtyard was reporting to Xu Nanzhi, "Madam, a servant in the mansion just said he saw the young mistress return from the east side door and go straight to the young master's study."

Xu Nanzhi was leaning against the stove to keep warm. Her face lit up when she heard this: "Didn't Ziyu say Shuli was dead? Could he be lying?"

Nanny Han replied excitedly, "The young master must have said that because he didn't want Old Madam to worry. How about Old Madam go over and take a look?"

"I have to go and take a look, I have to go and take a look." Xu Nanzhi was excited. She stood up and walked out of the house, saying as she walked, "Zi Yu has suffered so much these days in search of Shu Li. If Shu Li really comes back alive, I have to persuade this young couple to live in harmony and not quarrel again in the future."

The master and servant went to the study in Xie's mansion together.

Wu Sheng stood outside the study door and bowed respectfully to Xu Nanzhi: "Greetings, old lady."

Xu Nanzhi glanced into the room a few times and asked, "Is Ziyu in the room?"

Wu Sheng replied, "Madam, the boss is still on duty at the Dali Temple right now."

Xie Wuhen had kept the fact that he was taken to Fengtian Prison yesterday a secret from Xu Nanzhi, so as not to make her worry and hurt herself.

Xu Nanzhi asked, "Since Ziyu is in the Dali Temple, why are you guarding outside the study?"

Wu Sheng replied, "The boss told me before I took up my post that there are a number of important files concerning the state in the study. I must guard them at all times and make sure nothing is lost."

Xu Nanzhi looked at him suspiciously: "Isn't the person you are guarding someone real?"

Wu Sheng lowered his head and said, "I don't understand what the old lady is saying."

Nanny Han stepped forward and scolded, "The old lady wants to go into the study to take a look. You little brat, please be tactful and stop blocking the way."

Wu Sheng bowed his head again and said, "I hope the old lady will not touch the case files inside the house after she enters."

Xu Nanzhi didn't bother to pay attention to him. She walked past him and went into the study. She walked around the room but didn't see anyone.

She simply asked directly: "I heard that your young mistress is back?"

Wu Sheng replied respectfully, "The boss said there are no more young ladies in the world."

Xu Nanzhi asked again: "Is Shuli really not back?"

Wu Sheng replied, "The boss said there is no Li Shuli in the world anymore."

Xu Nanzhi was so angry that she gritted her teeth and said, "As expected, the people he brought here are all of the same character!" After saying that, she turned around and left angrily.

Nanny Han didn't forget to point at his nose and said, "You little bastard, remember this."

Only after the two men left did Wu Sheng breathe a sigh of relief and then went to the underground secret room to pick up Su He.

He took out a cloak and said, "This is the boss's outer coat. Princess, remember to put it on when you leave the house, so as not to be seen by the servants in the house again."

Su He nodded and thanked him, then put on her cloak and took the imperial edict out of Xie's house and went straight to Fengtian Prison. After arriving at the gate of Fengtian Prison, she directly summoned the warden to receive the edict.

The jailer was worried, not knowing what the emperor had suddenly ordered. After hearing the contents of the imperial edict, he was puzzled.

The Concubine Shu issued an order to arrest someone yesterday, and the Emperor issued an order to release him today. The Concubine Shu and the Emperor have always been in harmony, so could it be that they are becoming estranged now?

Su He shouted, "Why don't you release the Shaoqing immediately?"

The warden was startled and answered "yes" repeatedly, then ordered the jailer to release Xie Wuhen quickly.

It only took a few cups of tea for Xie Wuhen to be released from prison.

Although he had changed out of his prison uniform, his hair was still messy and his face was stained with blood.

The sun was rising in the sky, the light was dazzling. He looked up at the sky at the door, and the dazzling sunlight shattered into his eyes, sparkling.

Su He stepped forward and handed him the cloak: "Congratulations on your release from prison, sir."

He took the cloak and said, "Thank you very much, Princess."

Su He replied: "I was just acting according to your plan. If you want to thank someone, you should thank yourself."

He nodded and was speechless for a moment.

Su He said again: "Let's get on the carriage first."

Then he ordered Fang Yicheng: "Send the master back home."

Fang Yichen tightened his grip on the reins and said "yes".

In the carriage, she and he sat opposite each other.

This was the first time she and he had ridden in the same car since she left the Xie family.

When they rode in the same car before, he would either hold her in his arms or hug her, whispering sweet words in her ears, but now they kept a clear distance and remained silent.

Even if their eyes met occasionally, they would quickly look away.

The carriage passed through the streets and alleys, making a "clattering" sound.

The car curtains trembled, letting in rays of light and shadows that were like a dream, adding a touch of charm and ambiguity to the silence in the car.

Su He was the first to break the silence, "What are you going to do next, sir?"

He answered simply: "Use stillness to control movement."

"Waiting for Concubine Shu to reveal her flaws?"

"It shouldn't take too long!"

Su He nodded: "The emperor has been rescued, and Bai Jinan doesn't have the seal. Concubine Shu will be panicked and will surely rush to enthrone the second prince as the crown prince."

He replied, "The royal enthronement ceremony has always been held in Tongtian Terrace."

Su He paused: "Tongtian Terrace is outside the palace."

He replied, "Let's take advantage of this opportunity to use someone else's power to replace someone else."

"My Lord, you are very calculating."

"I'm afraid the princess will need your help then."

"I will do my best."

The two looked at each other, then both looked away.

He calculated everything he did, and she understood everything immediately. They were truly the most sympathetic allies.

Finally, he asked, "If Concubine Shu asks the Princess why she released me, do you know how to respond?"

She smiled slightly: "Don't worry, sir, I can handle it."

He replied "Okay".

He was naturally confident in her abilities.

Outside, Fang Yicheng was rushing to catch the car.

He wished he could grow wings and fly to Xie's house immediately - he didn't want to see them alone.

With a "thump", the carriage hit a rock on the side of the road and suddenly shook a few times.

Su He in the car lost her balance and suddenly jumped forward. Xie Wuhen stretched out his arms to catch her in the blink of an eye and held her firmly in his arms.

Both of them were stunned.

Time seemed to have stopped.

Her eyes met his, their breaths intertwined, and she could smell the scent of pine cones on him again.

She even heard his heartbeat.

Fang Yicheng asked outside the car: "Is the girl okay?"

She suddenly came to her senses, quickly broke free from his arms and returned to her seat.

She shouted back, "I'm fine, you keep driving."

Fang Yicheng also responded loudly with "Okay".

Xie Wuhen listened to them singing in unison and secretly clenched his fists.

He felt pained by the way she quickly broke free from him, but he remained silent and suppressed the pain.

He remained silent from then on.

It was not until he arrived at Xie's house that he clasped his fists and said, "I'll take my leave first." Then he got off the carriage without looking back.

Su He looked at his back and felt a sense of emptiness in her heart...

At this time in the Prince Rui's Mansion.

After a night of treatment, the second prince Zhao Bo finally woke up.

Concubine Shu felt relieved and thanked Bai Jin'an several times.

Bai Jinan pretended to be humble: "Your Majesty has been so kind to me, I will be loyal to you forever."

Concubine Shu breathed a sigh of relief: "Don't worry, after Bo'er ascends the throne, you will be the Grand Emperor of Liang and enjoy a lifetime of honor and glory."

Bai Jinan replied respectfully, "I thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

He naturally didn't believe that Concubine Shu would let him go, and he even disdained to be the emperor emeritus.

He wants to be the real emperor!

The eunuch Chuanzi hurried into the palace and said, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened. Xie Wuhen has been released from prison."

Concubine Shu was shocked: "Who dares to release people without permission after eating a leopard?"

Chuanzi glanced at the one-armed Bai Jinan and said with a bitter face: "It's an imperial decree."

Concubine Shu looked at Bai Jinan, then at Chuanzi, puzzled: "Where did the imperial edict come from?"

Chuanzi lowered his voice: "It's an imperial edict with a seal."

Concubine Shu took a breath of cold air.

Since sending Bai Jin'an into the Weiyang Palace, she has repeatedly forced the old emperor to tell her the whereabouts of the seal, but the old emperor refused to tell her. If he doesn't want to tell her, then he won't tell her. She is not without a way. These days, she has been recruiting craftsmen to make imitation seals.

As long as the imitation is realistic enough, who would dare to question it?

But I didn't expect that at this critical moment, an imperial edict with a seal would appear. It seems that the old emperor in the cold palace has already contacted people outside.

Concubine Shu asked anxiously, "Who sent the imperial edict?"

Chuanzi replied: "It's the new princess who came into the palace."

Concubine Shu's expression suddenly turned cold: "It seems that this little hoof is not simple."

Zhao Bo, who had just woken up, was also heartbroken and muttered, "I told you, Mother... to eradicate the problem completely... but you didn't listen..."

"I don't have the time to argue with you right now. You should take care of yourself first." Concubine Shu was extremely anxious and immediately ordered the palace servants, "Return to the palace immediately."

As soon as she arrived at Changle Palace, she didn't even have time to drink a cup of tea. She immediately changed into casual clothes and went to the cold palace in secret.

But the cold palace was already empty, and there was no trace of the old emperor.

She was so angry that she kicked the table in the room over.

The teacup on the table fell to the ground with a bang and broke into pieces.

She gritted her teeth and said, "You are so cunning, Zhao Chengye, but I will not lose."

Shufei then went to Huayang Palace.

At that time, Su He had just returned from outside and was making tea in the hall.

Fang Yicheng entered the palace and reported: "Miss, the Concubine Shu is here."

Su He paused, then smiled: "She came quickly."

Zhang Xiuhua was worried: "This Concubine Shu...will she do anything to the princess?"

Su He looked disdainful: "She doesn't dare to do anything to me for the time being."

Then he ordered: "Prepare tea and welcome the guests."

Just as she finished speaking, Concubine Shu rushed into the inner hall and said in a loud voice, "There's no need to prepare tea. I don't need it."

Su He immediately bowed and saluted: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Concubine Shu looked at her meaningfully for a few seconds, then took the first seat in the hall. "I have a few words to say to the princess in private. Please leave first."

Zhang Xiuhua, Chunlan and Fang Yichen were all worried and stood motionless in the hall.

Concubine Shu's expression turned cold. "Why, are my words so useless in this Huayang Palace?"

Su He immediately replied, "Your Majesty, you are too polite." Then she signaled the three of them to leave.

The three of them looked at Su He uneasily before retreating one after another.

There were only two of them left in the hall.

Concubine Shu spoke directly: "I heard that the princess personally went to Fengtian Prison today to release Xie Wuhen?"

Su He lowered his head and replied, "It was not me who released Xie Wuhen, but my father who issued an order to release him."

Concubine Shu asked in return, "The Second Prince was poisoned, and your father has been guarding the Rui Palace. How could he have the time to draft an edict for you?"

Su He pretended to be confused. "I don't know either. I found the imperial edict on the dressing box early this morning. I asked the palace maids to confirm that it was my father's handwriting and seal. Then I hurried to Fengtian Prison. After all... Xie Wuhen did me a favor, and I was just helping him..."

Concubine Shu stared at her coldly, seeming to believe it or not.

Su He added, "If Your Majesty suspects that the imperial edict is a forgery, you can now go to the warden to retrieve it and then have someone investigate it in detail."

Concubine Shu said, "No need."

Then she stood up from her seat, walked slowly to Su He's side, and warned in a low voice: "You have been in the palace for some time now. You should know who has the final say here. To be honest, your second brother will soon become the crown prince. You'd better be smart and know who to listen to and who to side with. Only in this way can you maintain your dignity as a princess."

Su He bowed his head and answered respectfully, "Your Majesty's command will be obeyed."

Concubine Shu glanced at her gloomily and then walked away.

Su He looked at her back, a faint smile appearing on the corner of his mouth.

Chunlan asked Su He: "Why is the princess laughing?"

Su He replied: "Shu Fei has taken the bait."

The next day, the Weiyang Palace indeed issued an edict, announcing that the second prince Zhao Bo would be appointed as the crown prince, and the enthronement ceremony would be held at Tongtian Terrace ten days later.

The decree did not go through the three provinces and six ministries, but was issued directly by the emperor.

The ministers were in an uproar.

Zhou Ping even led a group of civil officials to the Weiyang Palace to argue, but was stopped outside the palace by Concubine Shu.

Zhou Ping asked, "Your Majesty, why are you stopping us from seeing you?"

Concubine Shu smiled meaningfully and said, "The Emperor is ill and cannot summon you for the time being."

Zhou Ping said sternly, "Since the Emperor has issued the decree to appoint a crown prince, we, the ministers, must also see the Emperor according to the protocol."

Concubine Shu patiently replied, "I've just said that the Emperor is ill and can't come."

Zhou Ping's tone was a little harsher: "According to the law, the harem should not interfere in the affairs of the former dynasty."

Concubine Shu stopped smiling, a hint of disdain in her eyes: "Lord Zhou, you are overthinking it. I am just concerned about the emperor's health."

Zhou Ping's words shone with ulterior motives: "The Emperor has always been diligent in his work, but recently he has been absent from court for several days and has refused to meet with court officials. There must be something fishy going on. Perhaps he has been held hostage by someone with ulterior motives."

Concubine Shu shouted, "How dare you!" and then took two steps towards Zhou Ping, staring at him sternly. "Sir Zhou, if you dare to speak nonsense in front of this palace again, don't blame me for being rude."

She had once thought about winning over the Zhou family, but now it seems unnecessary.

Fang Yushan, who was standing by, gripped the hilt of his sword and took a step closer to Zhou Ping, his intimidating aura obvious.

Zhou Ping knew that he couldn't confront them head-on for the time being, so he gritted his teeth and said, "Since the emperor is ill, we will take our leave first." After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and turned around and left with everyone in a huff.

Concubine Shu looked at the backs of the group of people and snorted disdainfully: "When my son ascends the throne, I will make these people suffer." After saying that, she turned around and went back to Changle Palace.

Fang Yushan entered the palace and reported: "Your Majesty, the Queen has left."

Bai Jin breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that you're gone. You can be left in peace." He removed his left prosthetic arm, stood up, and slowly walked over to Fang Yushan. "Don't worry. After ten days, when the matter is settled, I will hand the Second Prince's life over to you. You can do whatever you want with him."

Fang Yushan clasped his fists and bit his back teeth, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

His fiancée committed suicide two years ago after being raped by the second prince. This hatred was heartbreaking and irreconcilable, which was also the reason why he turned to Bai Jinan.

Wang Xing'er muttered softly, "If that's the case, then after the Second Prince was poisoned... why did the Emperor still... save him?"

Bai Jinan smiled kindly, "Who said I saved him?"

Wang Xing'er was puzzled: "Didn't he... come back to life?"

Bai Jinan's eyes flashed with pride: "Only on the surface did he survive, but in reality," he lowered his voice, "his offspring was cut off."

Wang Xing'er paused, "Then the Second Prince and I...are not the same?"

Bai Jinan nodded: "Yes, he is the same as the eunuchs in this palace."

Then he did not forget to comfort Wang Xing'er: "Don't worry, in ten days, the position of the chief eunuch in the palace will belong to you, Wang Xing'er."

Wang Xinger's face lit up with joy, and he quickly knelt down and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

This is much better than working for Concubine Shu. Apart from blaming and scolding him, Concubine Shu didn't give him any real benefits at all. Why should he follow her orders?

Fang Yushan asked, "How confident is the Emperor on the day of the enthronement?"

Bai Jinan's eyes were sharp: "As long as you arrange the Qianniu Guards safely, I will be fully confident."

After all, apart from the trump card of the "fake emperor" and the guards of Prince Rui's mansion, Concubine Shu has no other capable guards.

Fang Yushan replied in a deep voice, "I will do my best."

Bai Jinan's brows relaxed. "Ten days from now, I will make Lord Fang a marquis and a prime minister."

Fang Yushan also knelt down and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

At this time in the Prince Rui's Mansion.

The second prince, Zhao Bo, was smashing cups and bowls in the house, shouting loudly: "Get out, all of you get out." All the concubines who served him left the house in fear.

Guard Xiang Qingchi was puzzled and walked into the room to ask, "The Second Prince will become the Crown Prince in ten days, why... is he still so unhappy?"

Zhao Bo's clothes were disheveled, his hair was messy, and his eyes were filled with endless despair.

He staggered two steps in the room and fell sideways into the armchair. "Isn't he the crown prince?"

Xiang Qingchi replied: "The next step for the crown prince is... to become the emperor."

Zhao Bo jumped up from his armchair with a whoosh and shouted frantically, "This kingdom of Daliang has long been in my pocket. What's there to be happy about?"

Xiang Qingchi was stunned by his shouting!

After a moment, he murmured, "Second Prince...what happened?"

Zhao Bo then suppressed his emotions and fell back into his chair.

It has been a few days since he woke up from the poisoning. He seems to be able to eat and sleep without any problems, but only he himself knows that he is different - he is unconscious.

Over the past few days, he had summoned all the concubines in the mansion to his bedside, but none of them could make his body react. In other words, he was dying.

He even went to Weiyang Palace to question Bai Jinan, "Have I completely eliminated the poison in my body?"

Bai Jinan vowed, "Don't worry, Second Prince. I have completely eliminated the poison from your body. I wonder if there is anything else wrong with you, Second Prince?"

He choked and replied casually: "Just clean it up, there is nothing wrong with me." After that, he turned around and went back to Prince Rui's Mansion.

He couldn't let anyone know that he was incapacitated.

He currently has no wife and no children. If people knew that he might not have an heir, his position as crown prince and even as king would be in jeopardy.

Even his mother would not necessarily put all the chips on him, a hopeless person. After all, there is still a fifth prince in the palace, and there are many young children of the Zhao clan who are ignorant of the world. Each of them can become the power in the hands of Concubine Shu.

Zhao Bo was like a dumb person eating coptis chinensis, unable to express his pain.

He could only wait until he got the throne of crown prince and then the throne of king in ten days, and then he could think carefully about his own health.

At this time, in the secret room of Xie Mansion.

Xie Wuhen was also planning with the emperor what would happen ten days later.

After several days of recuperation, the emperor's health has improved greatly.

He asked, "How confident are you, Ziyu?"

Xie Wuhen knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I am absolutely sure."

The emperor stepped forward and helped him up, smiling reassuringly, "Hearing you say that, I'm relieved." Finally, he instructed, "The princess will also be at the enthronement ceremony, so be sure to protect her."

Xie Wuhen replied: "I will not let the princess get hurt."

The emperor breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."

It was late at night when I came out of the secret room.

Xie Wuhen couldn't fall asleep for a while, so he went to the study and sat for a while, and then he came to Chunhuayuan as if by magic.

Chunhuayuan is now an empty courtyard, but two gauze lanterns are still hung on the gate, and a treasure vase with a few bunches of plum blossoms is still placed on the stone table under the corridor.

Everything looks the same as before.

He walked through the courtyard gate and came to the main room, sitting down at the wooden table in the dark.

In the past, he and she always chatted at the wooden table, or he peeled chestnuts for her to eat.

The rest of the furnishings in the room were also untouched. Her clothes were still in the wooden cabinet, her hairpins were still on the dressing table, and even her body odor lingered in the air.

This was the house where he and she were married.

It was also the house where he and she ate, slept and chatted with each other.

He seemed to want to embed this room into the long river of time like a specimen.

He sat alone in the dark for a long time.

It was so long that it seemed as if this long night would never dawn.

Wu Sheng was also waiting outside quietly.

The cold wind blew, making him shiver. He called out, "Boss?"

No one in the house answered him.

He asked again, "Boss, do you want to light a lamp?"

Xie Wuhen had already come out of the house, stood on the steps for a moment, and then walked down the steps.

In the darkness, his figure looked particularly lonely, desolate and lonely.

Wu Sheng asked tentatively: "Boss, are you missing me again..." As soon as he said that, he realized that he shouldn't ask such questions, so he had to change the subject: "It's getting late, Boss, you should rest early."

Xie Wuhen looked back at Chunhua Courtyard. Under the night sky, the entire courtyard was only left with an undulating outline, shadowy and hazy.

He answered irrelevantly: "Once the situation is settled, the Emperor and the Princess will no longer be in danger."

Wu Sheng sighed, "Boss, you should take better care of yourself. Ten days from now...it's going to be a tough battle."

Xie Wuhen didn't respond to him, turned around and walked out of the yard.

After a moment, he ordered: "Send someone to keep a close eye on the Zhou family these few days."

Wu Sheng was puzzled: "What does the enthronement ceremony have to do with the Zhou family?"

Xie Wuhen replied in a deep voice: "Don't ask too many questions, just keep a close eye on it."

Wu Sheng lowered his head and replied "yes".

Xie Wuhen added, "We still have to find a way to meet the princess."

Wu Sheng's face lit up with joy: "This is easy, the boss can just use a carrier pigeon to make an appointment with the princess."

Xie Wuhen said "hmm" and strode back to the study.

The next day, the Xie family's carrier pigeon flew to the window of Huayang Palace as promised.

There are still three words written in the pigeon-foot mailbox: How are you today?

Su He replied as before: Safe!

It was not until there were only two days left before the enthronement ceremony that Xie Wuhen wrote on the note: An appointment is required.

Su He replied: Tomorrow at 1:15 pm, Changlong Restaurant, the old place.

So the day before the ceremony, the two met again in the Suyaju private room of Changlong Restaurant.

Since leaving the Xie family, she has met him many times. Although their old love has not rekindled, some trust has developed between them as "allies".

This time, Su He spoke first: "It's lunch time now, why don't I eat here with you, sir?"

He remembered her eagerness to escape from him the last time they rode in the same carriage, so he flatly refused: "I have official business to attend to, and the princess must return to the palace on time, so let's forget about the meal."

Since he made her uncomfortable, they should talk about it to save time. He said in a deep voice: "I asked the princess to come here today to discuss the matter of canonization tomorrow."

Su He was rejected by him and felt a little angry. "Tomorrow's matter is of great importance. I have already anticipated your intentions."

Xie Wuhen raised his eyes to look at her and said, "Princess, since you know that tomorrow's matter is of great importance, you could have...taken the initiative to make an appointment with me." Otherwise, why would you wait until today to make an appointment?

Su He said something with a hidden meaning: "Your Excellency is very good at planning and keeping it secret. I can only wait for Your Excellency to take the initiative to arrange an appointment."

Xie Wuhen choked and was speechless for a moment.

She was clearly mocking him for keeping his last actions secret from her.

Why hadn't he noticed before that she had such a sharp tongue?

The two of them were competing with each other!

I don't know what they were arguing about, but no one said anything.

The atmosphere in the room was very awkward!

Fortunately, Wu Sheng and Fang Yichen were both outside the house and had no chance to witness this embarrassing situation.

After a long while, he finally spoke, and his tone softened: "Since the princess wishes to dine here, then I will accompany her."

She glanced at him sideways: "Didn't the Master just say that he had some official business to attend to?"

His expression softened a bit, but he still kept his eyes downcast, his long eyelashes trembling like brushes. "I just... don't want to make the princess uncomfortable."

She said angrily, "You are not a bug in my stomach, how can you know whether I am comfortable or not?"

He completely lost his temper and pursed his lips, "The princess is right."

He added: "I know I was wrong."

That sincere tone was just like when he said "I was wrong" before!

Since the two decided to dine in the private room, the waiter began to serve the dishes one after another.

Outside the private room, Fang Yicheng gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and clenched his teeth. He remembered that the last time Su He came to this restaurant, she refused to dine with Xie Wuhen.

Why do I have to dine with him today?

After the waiter finished serving the dishes, Fang Yicheng walked in. "Young lady, are you sure... you want to eat here? My aunt should have prepared food for you in the palace."

Su He smiled slightly: "It doesn't matter where we eat. Today's matter is of great importance, so I will chat with Master Xie while we eat."

Fang Yicheng paused and was speechless for a moment.

Xie Wuhen said coldly: "A mere guard wants to control the princess?"

Fang Yicheng clasped his fists and bowed his head: "I dare not."

Xie Wuhen ordered: "Since you don't dare, then retreat quickly."

Fang Yicheng glanced at Su He, then turned and left.

Xie Wuhen ordered again: "Remember to close the door."

Fang Yiben had already retreated to the door. Upon hearing this, he turned around and closed the door of the private room.

There was a world of difference between them, and he clenched his teeth again.

In the private room, Xie Wuhen served Su He some soup while asking, "Princess, do you know the internal structure of Tongtiantai?"

Su He took the soup from him and shook her head: "I don't know."

After thinking for a moment, he said, "I only know that Tongtian Terrace is located in the east of the capital city. It is as high as a ten-story attic, and there are Western Hills behind it and the Qingshui River in front. It is in an excellent location."

She had never been to Tongtiantai, and the only information she had was from other people's casual conversations.

Xie Wuhen nodded: "That's right, and there is also a temporary palace built under the Tongtian Terrace."

Su He paused: "There's even a palace?"

As long as there is no emotional connection, the two of them have no qualms about talking about serious matters.

Xie Wuhen narrated the story slowly, "The temporary palace isn't large, just a simple hall. According to the custom of previous enthronement ceremonies, Consort Shu and the Second Prince will arrive at the base of the Tongtian Terrace beforehand to greet the Emperor. The Emperor will then be served by his closest relatives in the temporary palace, helping him change his clothes, wash his face, and wash his hands. He will then walk through the palace corridor and onto the platform to meet Consort Shu and the Second Prince. Finally, the three of them will walk together to the highest point of the Tongtian Terrace."

Su He quickly realized, "Apart from the Second Prince, the Emperor's only close relatives are me and the Fifth Prince. The Fifth Prince is too young, which means I will be the one to help the Emperor change his clothes, wash his face, and wash his hands in the palace tomorrow."

Xie Wuhen nodded, then pulled out a shiny yellow copper lock from his sleeve pocket: "Tomorrow, while Bai Jinan is changing his clothes and washing his face, lock him in the hall and prevent him from coming out."

Su He asked: "What happens next?"

Xie Wuhen replied: "After that, I will bring the real emperor to Tongtiantai."

Su He breathed a sigh of relief, "That's great."

Then he glanced at the copper lock: "Bai Jinan is a martial arts expert, can he really be locked up?"

Xie Wuhen replied: "Princess, don't worry. Bai Jinan lost an arm, and his martial arts skills are not as good as before. Even if it is..." He paused, wanting to say something but stopped.

Su He asked: "Even if it is what?"

He pursed his lips and said, "Even Mr. Fang outside the door should be able to subdue him."

Su He's brows relaxed. "In that case, I'll let Yicheng go to the palace with me tomorrow."

She actually called him "Yicheng", which was very affectionate.

He lowered his eyes, picked up the cup and took a sip of the soup, then said "hmm".

After a moment, he still reminded: "If you encounter danger, Princess, don't forget the signal torch I gave you."

Su He nodded: "I will carry it with me."

Then he also reminded: "Master, please be careful tomorrow."

He nodded again and said "hmm".

The two of them had a simple meal and then left the restaurant.

Before leaving, Xie Wuhen walked to Su He's carriage and said through the window: "I am here for tomorrow's affairs, Princess, don't worry."

His expression was solemn, his tone was serious, his excellent bone structure was handsome and stern, which made him look even more indestructible and resolute.

She smiled softly in the car, a gentle and relaxed smile, just like the smile she had given him before, and said, "As long as you are here, I have nothing to worry about."

He hummed again and turned back to his carriage.

Fang Yicheng on the side also quietly grasped the hilt of the sword again.

The carriage sped along and soon arrived at the palace gate.

Then Su He got on the sedan chair and returned to Huayang Palace.

As soon as she entered the inner hall, she ordered, "Yicheng will go with me to the enthronement ceremony tomorrow. Chunlan and Auntie will wait for us in the hall."

Fang Yiben was originally feeling depressed, but upon hearing this, his chest relaxed a little and he replied "Okay".

Then he asked, "What are your instructions for tomorrow?"

Su He answered calmly: "You must keep a close eye on Bai Jinan tomorrow."

Fang Yicheng asked, "Why are you staring at him?"

Su He replied, "We must lock him inside the hall while he is changing his clothes and washing his face."

Fang Yicheng paused, as if he understood: "Don't worry, young lady."

Zhang Xiuhua felt a little uneasy: "Is there anything wrong?"

Su He comforted her: "No, everything is under control."

Fang Yicheng also took the opportunity to comfort her. When Su He turned around to rest, he suddenly asked, "After this matter is settled, will the young lady and the Shaoqing get back together?"

After hearing these words, Su He was stunned.

Even Zhang Xiuhua and Chunlan looked at her.

The air was silent for a moment.

Then Su He smiled and asked, "Why do you ask that, Yicheng?"

Fang Yicheng then realized his abruptness and smiled stiffly: "I was just... curious, so I asked casually."

She answered casually: "Who can predict what has not happened?"

She has not yet obtained the antidote to the Heart-Eating Flower poison.

After giving birth to the baby in her belly, she might die!

In this situation, what else can she predict about the future?

She can only make herself feel guilt-free at the moment, that's all!

But she couldn't let them know her situation, at least she couldn't let them know her mood, so she responded so calmly.

Only Zhang Xiuhua called out "Princess" worriedly.

Su He smiled slightly: "Don't think too much, just spend tomorrow safely."

Fang Yichen's face darkened, and it seemed as if his whole person darkened as well.

What she meant was that she still wanted to rekindle her relationship with that Shaoqing, right?

Is she still holding him in her heart? Is she no longer able to hold anyone else?

Fang Yicheng murmured back, "Miss, you're right. Tomorrow's matter is the most important."

He then said, "Young lady, please take a rest first. I will go to Tongtian Terrace to check the situation to prevent any mistakes tomorrow."

Su He nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."

Fang Yicheng held his breath, turned around and walked out of Huayang Palace, then out of the palace and headed straight towards the east of the city.

The early spring wind was still chilly, and when he inhaled the cold air into his lungs, he felt as if the whole world was icy and his heart was freezing.

He originally just wanted to quietly watch over her and protect her, but unexpectedly, he gradually developed greed and unwillingness.

He was the first person to know her! He was the first person to save her from danger!

Why should he watch her run towards that man again and again?

Fang Yicheng leaped up and flew across the sky above the Qingshui River like a silhouette.

But in the blink of an eye, it landed on the base of Tongtian Terrace.

Because the enthronement ceremony will be held tomorrow, many palace servants are already setting up the scene around Tongtian Terrace. Even Yintianjian has come here in advance to observe the wind direction and celestial phenomena.

Fang Yicheng secretly passed through the base of the platform, then walked through a long corridor and came to the palace under the Tongtian Terrace.

The palace faces south and is very majestic.

Although it is not large in area, it is beautifully decorated and magnificent.

He casually pushed open the largest hall and walked in.

The hall was furnished with clothes hangers, basins, bronze mirrors, screens, and all the necessary daily necessities. There were even two buckets of clean water prepared in the corner.

He looked around and confirmed that this was the temple where Bai Jinan would change his clothes and wash his face tomorrow.

He was about to check the door lock when a familiar voice suddenly rang out from behind him: "Yicheng, you're here too?"

Fang Yicheng turned around and saw Bai Jinan standing behind the screen.

He had removed his left prosthetic arm, leaving the sleeves empty, but his body was steady, as if he had gotten used to the loss of his arm.

Fang Yicheng replied coldly, "Isn't Senior Bai here too?"

Bai Jinan took a few steps forward, shortening the distance between them, and stared at him kindly: "It seems that Yicheng has learned a lot from being around the princess."

After all, he didn't call him "Your Majesty", but "Senior Bai".

Fang Yicheng replied: "In this world, truth will eventually come to light."

Bai Jinan also smiled: "Yicheng is right, so, you came here to check it out in advance, right?"

Fang Yicheng answered simply: "There is no need for me to tell you, Senior."

Bai Jinan turned and paced a few steps inside the room. There were no windows, only light from the doorway, which revealed his age. He asked, "Could it be that Yicheng's lifelong wish is just to be a small guard beside the princess?"

Fang Yicheng asked coldly, "What exactly do you want to say?"

Bai Jinan chuckled: "How can a mere guard be worthy of a princess of a country?"

Fang Yicheng bit his back teeth and said, "What does this have to do with you?"

Bai Jinan stopped walking and stared at him meaningfully. "Back then, Yicheng had done a lot of practical things for me and traveled to many places. I trusted and supported each other. I never expected that Yicheng would later have a quarrel with me over a woman he didn't love, and even risk his life for her. I deeply regret this." He paused, then continued, "Today, I'm thinking of our past friendship and want to give Yicheng some advice."

Fang Yicheng refused bluntly: "You think too highly of yourself. I don't need your advice."

Bai Jinan approached him again, until he was only an elbow away. "May I ask, what will happen if we fail tomorrow?"

Fang Yicheng looked disdainful and said, "Tomorrow is the crown prince's enthronement ceremony. If this fails, then the one who wants to be the crown prince will never become the crown prince."

"It seems Yicheng hasn't seen tomorrow's events clearly enough." Bai Jin'an's eyes darkened. "Tomorrow is the day when the Liang Kingdom's political situation will be finalized. All parties involved will be mobilized, such as Concubine Shu, the Zhou family, and even Xie Wuhen. If Xie Wuhen wins this round, what do you think will happen?"

Fang Yicheng had a cold face and said nothing.

Bai Jinan's expression became more arrogant. "Xie Wuhen will definitely receive greater favor from the emperor, and he may even marry the princess in grand style. But you, Yicheng, will still be just the guard that the princess desires but cannot get."

Fang Yicheng replied: "No matter who wins, I am just a guard beside the princess."

"You are wrong." Bai Jinan lowered his voice. "If you can submit to me and help me win tomorrow's game, I will make you a high-ranking official and allow you to marry the princess smoothly."

Fang Yicheng sneered and lowered his voice, "You are now under the control of Concubine Shu, and you can barely protect yourself. How dare you speak so arrogantly?"

Bai Jinan lowered his voice even more: "Anyone could win tomorrow, except Concubine Shu."

He took another step closer: "How about Yicheng think carefully about what choice he should make?"