If Consort Xi had agreed to Hongli's request to divorce Jin Minjing and drive her out of the city, Chen Feng might have continued to protect her. He could then take care of her legitimately, and Jin Minjing might have developed feelings for him over time. The two could then be together openly, and even if Hongli knew, he probably wouldn't have interfered.

Unfortunately, Consort Xi refused to let her leave and insisted on confining her to a separate courtyard. Now that such a thing has happened, Hongli feels that he has lost face and it seems that it is understandable for him to go so far as to eliminate her completely.

Chen Feng, feeling pity for Jin Minjing and wanting to offer her some warmth, inadvertently caused a disaster! Was he wrong? He seemed wrong, yet his actions also seemed somewhat excusable…

Kim Min-jung is certainly despicable, but she is also a pitiful person imprisoned by moral shackles.

Su Yushan became increasingly confused, unable to distinguish right from wrong. In the end, all she could do was sigh, "I don't blame you, but fate just keeps playing tricks on us. Who can escape it?"

Yu Shan was stubborn, but soft-hearted. Hongli knew she was having a hard time accepting what she had witnessed, so he moved closer to her and pulled her into his arms.

"The so-called happy ending for lovers only exists in storybooks. How could a prince allow another man to take away his maid? Even if I have no feelings for Kim Min-jung, I cannot tolerate such a thing happening and disgracing the royal family."

She understood Hongli's feelings. "I know your situation doesn't allow you to be soft-hearted. I don't blame you, I'm just a little upset, but it's nothing serious, you'll feel better after a while."

That night, Su Yushan tossed and turned, unable to sleep, plagued by nightmares. The next morning, she woke up to the news that Princess Jin had already passed away.

Su Yushan knew that Hongli had asked Jin Minjing to have an abortion last night, but she couldn't be sure if the medicine had been tampered with.

Was it Hongli who wanted her dead, or did Jin Minjing, in her despair, take her own life?

Bamboo says: The last two chapters I wrote were rather somber, reflecting on the concept of cause and effect. However, I still want to wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year's Eve! May all unpleasant things dissipate with the wind, and may the New Year bring good fortune, peace, and joy!