The moment Xie Yu stepped into the capital, it felt like a lifetime had passed. The streets were still bustling, teeming with people, and the cries of vendors rose and fell.

As he rode his horse, his gaze involuntarily searched for the Yunxiang Pavilion shop.

Before long, he saw the large signboard of Yunxiang Pavilion at the bustling intersection of Zhuque Street. The place was crowded with people and customers came in an endless stream. The business was far more booming than he had imagined.

He reined in his horse and stood silently for a long time, until his attendant behind him whispered, "Young master, it's time to return to the manor."

Xie Yu withdrew his gaze, gave a faint "hmm," and turned his horse towards the Xie residence.

Throughout the journey, his thoughts were in turmoil. The glory of Yunxiang Pavilion was created by her, while he could only stand at a distance, watching her brilliance shine in all directions.

Upon returning to the Xie residence, the steward was already waiting at the gate. Seeing him dismount, he hurried forward and said, "Young Master, Master and Madam are waiting for you in the main hall." Xie Yu nodded, straightened his robes, and stepped inside.

Inside the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Xie sat at the head of the table, their faces showing a relieved smile when they saw him enter.

"Yu'er, you're finally back." Mother Xie stood up and took his hand, her eyes full of love. "Now that you're back, you can't leave again."

Xie Yu smiled slightly: "Mother, don't worry, I will spend more time with you and Father this time I'm back."

Father Xie coughed lightly and said seriously, "Yu'er, you are already twenty-five years old, and your marriage can no longer be delayed. In the past few days, the family has been looking for several young ladies for you. Take a look and see if there is anyone you like."

Xie Yu's heart sank, but he showed no sign of it on his face. He simply replied respectfully, "Your son understands. Everything is up to Father and Mother to decide."

He knew that his marriage was not a personal matter, but a bond of family interests. He could neither refuse nor escape it.

At the age of 25, she was considered late to get married in Beijing.

He smiled bitterly to himself, thinking that perhaps marriage would be better, at least it would put an end to those inappropriate thoughts.

---

Meanwhile, deep within the imperial mausoleum, ten-year-old Hongli knelt on the cold stone slab, before whom lay the ancestral tablets.

The flickering candlelight illuminated his youthful yet somber face.

A trusted eunuch hurried in and whispered a few words in his ear. Hongli's pupils suddenly contracted, and the incense candle in his hand snapped with a "crack".

"The Imperial Concubine has given birth to twins, a boy and a girl?" His voice was as cold as ice; history had indeed deviated...

In his past life, he was the emperor's only heir, but now, Lin Yun's rise has completely disrupted his plans.

He slowly stood up, a ruthless glint in his eyes: Since that's the case, don't blame me for being ruthless.

He turned and walked to his desk, picked up his pen and wrote a secret letter, which he handed to his confidant: "Give this letter to the Taoist priests of Baiyun Temple, and make sure they act according to the plan."

The trusted aide took the letter and hesitated, saying, "My lord, what if the Emperor finds out about this..."

Hongli sneered: "Father is now bewitched by that woman, why would he care about these things? Go, and be careful."

---

A few days later, a strange rumor suddenly spread throughout the capital. A Taoist priest from Baiyun Temple observed the celestial phenomena at night and claimed that "a demonic star has appeared next to the Ziwei star, indicating unrest in the harem and damage to the nation's fortunes."

Even worse, some pointed the finger directly at Consort Lin and her twins, calling them "jinxes" who would bring disaster to the Qing Dynasty.

Rumors spread rapidly like a plague, and people whispered and gossiped in the streets, alleys, teahouses, and taverns.

Some people who were unaware of the truth began to fear Consort Lin and her son, and some even secretly worshipped talismans at home in order to avoid disaster.

Inside the Forbidden City, Emperor Yongzheng quickly received the news.

He flew into a rage, slammed his fist on the table, and roared, "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! I want to see who's stirring up trouble behind the scenes!"

Su Peisheng knelt on the ground, cold sweat beading on his forehead: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This servant has already ordered people to investigate secretly, but these rumors are coming on strong, I'm afraid..."

A cold glint flashed in Yongzheng's eyes: "What are you afraid of? How can I allow others to slander my imperial concubines, princes, and princesses!"

---

In Yanxi Palace, Lin Yun was playing with Hongyao and Zhaohua in her arms when Granny Li rushed in, her face grave: "Your Highness, there are some unpleasant rumors circulating outside..."

After listening to Li Mama's account, Lin Yun remained calm, but a hint of coldness appeared in her eyes.

She gently stroked the child's cheek and said calmly, "He's just a clown, no need to pay him any mind."

Granny Li said anxiously, "But the more these rumors spread, the worse it may be for Her Highness and the young master!"

Lin Yun smiled slightly: "Don't worry, Granny, the Emperor won't stand idly by. Besides—"

She looked down at her two children, her tone gentle yet firm, "My children are blessed by God."

---

The rumors intensified, and some people even began to gather outside the palace gates, claiming they wanted to "purge the court of corrupt officials."

Enraged, Emperor Yongzheng ordered the arrest and severe torture of those spreading the rumors. Soon, several Taoist priests were imprisoned and confessed to being the mastermind behind it all: Baiyun Temple.

However, when the guards arrived at Baiyun Temple, the Taoist priests had already fled, leaving behind only a secret letter.

The handwriting in the letter was blurry, but it vaguely pointed to a certain prince in the palace.

Yongzheng stared at the letter, his face ashen.

He slowly raised his head, looking in the direction of the imperial mausoleum, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

The guard knelt on the cold floor tiles of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, his forehead pressed against the ground, his voice low and urgent: "Master, this servant has failed in his duty. The Fourth Prince's contact with the Taoist priests of Baiyun Temple is extremely secretive. Each time, he transmits secret messages through trusted eunuchs, and the tokens are all in code."

After the rumors spread, I finally traced the source, but... there was no concrete evidence pointing to the Fourth Prince.

The teacup in Yongzheng's hand slammed onto the table with a "bang," shattering the porcelain and spilling tea along the edge of the table.

His face was ashen, his eyes gleaming with a chilling light: "What a cunning fellow, Hongli! A ten-year-old child, yet he possesses such scheming!"

If Hongli hadn't been reborn, he wouldn't believe it even if you beat him to death.

He abruptly stood up, a gust of cold wind escaping from the sleeves of his dragon robe. "Issue my decree: Consort Xi, of the Niohuru clan, is stripped of her title, demoted to commoner status, and immediately imprisoned in the Cold Palace!"

Su Peisheng trembled and immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, should we investigate further...?"

"Investigate what?" Yongzheng sneered. "He dares to use the 'demon star' theory to shake the foundations of the nation. Do I need to present him with evidence?"

He waved his hand dismissively, "Go do it!"

He was furious. At this moment, it was the perfect time for military reform, and Hongli dared to so blatantly ruin his important plans.

He spared the life of a martyr because he was mindful of family ties.

A prince whose mother was demoted to a commoner—unless the Qing dynasty is completely destroyed, even if it were given to his brother, it wouldn't be Hongli's turn!

Yongzheng thought bitterly!