at the same time.
Princess Qingping stood in front of the main hall, eyes downcast and seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. After reviewing all the memorials, she finally had time to pay attention to Situ Yin. She casually leaned back in her chair and asked her why she had come to the palace that day.
Upon hearing this, Princess Qingping's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly knelt down and finished expressing her gratitude. As she had expected, Situ Yin did not tell her to rise and seemed completely indifferent to her thanks.
After taking a deep breath, Princess Qingping carefully uttered the probing words she had pondered countless times.
Regardless of what really happened, all she wanted was clarity.
As Situ Yin's half-sister and the mother-in-law of the "deceased" Tang Ning, she should be entitled to know the truth.
But to her surprise, before she could even utter two words of probing, Situ Yin, sitting above her, readily and directly admitted it.
Yes, Tang Ning did not die. He was the one who started the fire in the Duke's mansion. The three charred corpses were also replaced by corpses that he ordered his men to find beforehand that looked very similar to Tang Ning and her two servants.
"My good nephew stole one of my concubines from my harem, so I'm asking him to replace her. Is there a problem with that? Or do you really think I'm so magnanimous that I'd remain unmoved even if outsiders entered my harem as if it were their own territory and stole my concubines?"
Situ Yin smiled slightly, then his eyes suddenly darkened.
"I am the true ruler of this world, not Helan Ruo!"
Upon hearing this, Princess Qingping immediately fell silent and bowed forward, repeatedly saying words of apology and forgiveness.
Before she could lie on the ground for even a moment, a series of footsteps approached her from behind the desk. Then, Princess Qingping was gently helped up by Situ Yin, who had already come to her.
“Sister Qingping, Helan Ruo is Helan Ruo, and you are you. No matter what, I still don’t want this matter to damage the sibling relationship between us. What do you think?”
Situ Yin put down the hand that was supporting Princess Qingping and said this with a smile.
"From...natural".
Princess Qingping felt a slight bitterness in her mouth.
Although she had been prepared in her heart that Tang Ning might not really be dead, she still found it hard to believe when it actually happened.
However, she felt that Tang Ning's entry into the palace was definitely not as Situ Yin had described. It was just because He Lanruo acted recklessly and he was indignant that he deliberately made Tang Ning fake her death to enter the palace. The truth of the matter was definitely not that simple. As far as she knew, although her younger brother had always thought differently from ordinary people and was unpredictable, he was definitely not such a childish person.
There must be some reason she doesn't know.
Whatever the reason, what she knows best now is that Tang Ning entered the palace from beginning to end for her scoundrel son. In order to appease the furious Situ Yin and release A'Ruo from prison so that he would no longer pursue his crimes of abducting a concubine and deceiving the emperor, she voluntarily followed Situ Yin into the palace.
All those words she spoke to her that day were nothing more than a final farewell to her mother-in-law, with whom she had no future.
The General's Mansion has been relatively quiet these past few days, perhaps because they received the news a long time ago.
The mere thought of such a possibility immediately blurred Princess Qingping's vision with tears.
What a silly girl!
Why can't you talk to your mother about anything? Why do you have to shoulder everything alone?
What's so great about that rascal A-Ruo that makes her, such a good girl, so willing to do anything for him...?
After returning to the Duke's mansion, she learned from A'Ruo's subordinates that A'Ruo had actually smuggled Ji Muqing out of the palace long ago, before she even left the palace. Tang Ning's maid had also witnessed this. A'Ruo had even gone to find Ji Muqing after she left, but who would have thought that Ji Muqing would have injured her head in the palace and lost her memory.
There is probably no one in this world who understands A'Ruo better than her, her mother. He is sentimental and soft-hearted. If Ji Muqing were alright, that would be fine, but in his previous state, he would never be able to let go of her. Tang Ning may have even witnessed him and Ji Muqing together.
Rather than saying that Tang Ning entered the palace for his sake, it would be more accurate to say that the silly girl was actually helping them achieve their goals. That's why she chose to perish in the fire as a way to leave. After all, only in this way could she, the woman who had taken on the identity of A'Ruo's wife, completely disappear, and at the same time, it would make it easier for A'Ruo to remarry.
As she thought about it, Princess Qingping's heart ached even more.
Such a wonderful girl, it's just that A'Ruo and their Duke's mansion aren't fortunate enough to have her...
But she couldn't even find anyone to blame. Should she blame Situ Yin? Actually, rather than saying that he was secretly plotting to make Tang Ning leave the Duke's mansion, it would be more accurate to say that A'Ruo personally handed Tang Ning over.
Princess Qingping could hardly imagine what Aruo's feelings would be if she knew everything behind the scenes. Perhaps, entering the palace today was a mistake.
Just as she was thinking this, a dark figure silently landed beside Situ Yin and whispered something in his ear.
Upon hearing the words of the black-clad guard, Princess Qingping clearly sensed that Situ Yin, who had been smiling at her, instantly curled his lips into a cold, bloodthirsty smile. Without even giving her any instructions, he lifted his foot and walked out of the palace.
Upon seeing that appearance, Princess Qingping's heart suddenly began to pound violently for no apparent reason.
Aruo is still outside...
His Majesty is once again adopting this posture as if he's about to settle scores with someone.
Could it be...?
In a moment of urgency, Princess Qingping lifted her foot to catch up with Situ Yin.
Unexpectedly, she was stopped by palace guards with cold and stern faces as soon as she reached the palace gate.
Left with no other choice, Princess Qingping had to retreat back into the palace. Her fingers, clutching the handkerchief, were twisted together in worry. She had no other recourse but to silently pray that Helan Ruo would still be waiting for her obediently in the same spot.
Unfortunately, Helan Ruo was destined to disappoint her.
Here, led by Qiuqiu, they walked along a deserted path. Helan Ruo, who appeared behind Tang Ning, stared in disbelief at Tang Ning's familiar face just a few meters away. He froze on the spot, even wondering if he was still unconscious and hadn't woken up at all. Otherwise, how could he see Tang Ning standing alive and well in front of him?
Not only was he astonished, but Tang Ning was equally surprised.
The two stared at each other for a long time before Tang Ning finally snapped out of her daze, hugged the soft white cat in her arms, turned around without hesitation, and started to walk forward.
Regardless of whether the Tang Ning in front of him was real or fake, whether he was in reality or in a dream, how could Helan Ruo allow Tang Ning to leave?
He hurriedly tried to catch up, but before he could take two steps, several dark figures suddenly appeared out of thin air and blocked his way.
Before the black-clad guards who were ordered to protect Tang Ning could say anything, Chunmian, the little maid who had said she was going back to get a blanket, had already excitedly run back with a silk blanket in her arms.
"Your Majesty, I've retrieved the blanket. Sister Chun Tan said that since it's cold, the small kitchen has prepared a hot pot for tonight, so His Majesty can come over..."
Before Chunmian could finish speaking, she suddenly looked up and immediately saw someone who should never be there. Instantly, Chunmian's eyes widened and she froze.
"Mother...mother...your majesty?"
Having almost confirmed that she wasn't dreaming, Helan Ruo painstakingly repeated Chunmian's two names, then looked incredulously at Tang Ning's back, her eyes immediately reddening.
"When did my wife become a concubine in my uncle's harem? Why didn't I know anything about it..."
He Lanruo suddenly clenched her fist.
"The Duke's mansion caught fire. Shouldn't she have died in the fire the night before I returned, along with her two personal maids? Why is she still alive? Not only alive, but she's also become a high-ranking...Empress in the palace!"
He Lanruo stared intently at Tang Ning's retreating figure and asked this question, word by word.
Hearing this, Tang Ning still didn't turn around, but simply closed her eyes gently.
"Answer me, answer me, Tang Ning!"
Helan Ruo screamed hysterically, tears streaming down his face, his whole body trembling uncontrollably from the force of his shout.
With her eyes closed, Tang Ning tried her best to control her emotions. After calming down for a while, she did not answer He Lanruo's question and took a step forward.
Upon seeing that she was about to leave, He Lanruo no longer cared about the black-clad guards blocking his way. He went berserk and desperately tried to move forward.
But the next second, Tang Ning and He Lanruo stopped in their tracks, because they saw that Situ Yin had suddenly appeared under a tree not far away, a smile playing on his lips, looking at them with a leisurely air.
Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, Situ Yin finally came out from under the tree and slowly stretched out his arms towards Tang Ning.
"Ningning, come here."
He smiled gently.
Upon hearing those four words, Helan Ruo felt a sudden roar in her mind.
"No, don't go there, Ningning..."
He Lanruo shouted this subconsciously.
"Don't go over there. It's getting late. You should come home with me. Since you're alright, what's the point of staying in the palace? His Majesty is our uncle, but he's still a man. Men and women shouldn't touch each other. You've already stayed in the palace for enough days. Come back with me. Our family is waiting for us. Let's go home and live a good life. We won't talk to anyone else anymore. It'll just be the two of us, okay?"
He Lanruo's voice trembled violently, but she still managed to force a smile.
Situ Yin didn't say anything, but simply kept his arms open to Tang Ning.
After listening to Helan Ruo's words, Tang Ning stood there for a while before slowly walking towards Situ Yin in front of her.
"Ningning, Ningning, turn around, turn around and look at me, turn around... You promised me, you promised to grow old with me, you promised me!"
Helan Ruo finally let out a low growl, her voice trembling with tears.
Unfortunately, it was all in vain. Tang Ning had just stopped in her tracks because of his sobbing when Situ Yin, who had been standing there, immediately took two steps to her side and pulled her into his arms. "It's cold outside. Why didn't you wear a cloak today? Didn't I make you a lot of clothes last time? Why haven't I seen you wear any of them? Don't they fit? That shouldn't be the case. I specially ordered the Imperial Wardrobe to make them for you. They wouldn't fit."
Situ Yin put one arm around Tang Ning's shoulder and held her slightly cold fingers with the other, frowning as he spoke.
"If it doesn't fit, that's alright. I'll have those people come over again today to take your measurements again. You've probably gained a little weight since you entered the palace, so it's possible that the clothes don't fit."
As he spoke, he took Tang Ning's hand and started to walk forward.
"Situ Yin!"
Unexpectedly, at that moment, Helan Ruo's cold voice rang out again behind them.
Upon hearing the other party address him by his given name, Situ Yin immediately raised an eyebrow.
"Have I ever offended you, or do you simply have a penchant for stealing other men's wives? Tang Ning is my wife, whom I married after a formal betrothal ceremony. What right do you have to stop me from seeing her? In terms of status, you are the ruler and I am the subject; in terms of blood relation, you are the uncle and I am the nephew. Are you really not afraid of the ridicule and contempt of the world for acting this way?"
"oh?"
Situ Yin slowly turned his head and looked at Helan Ruo behind him. "Laugh at? Disdain? Putting aside whether I care about such ridicule and disdain, didn't your wife, Helan Ruo, die in the fire at the Duke's mansion that night? The woman standing in front of you now is just a woman who looks remarkably like your wife. What do people in the world have to laugh at and disdain me for?"
Situ Yin perfectly exemplifies what it means to be shameless enough that no one has any reason to ridicule you.
"You... that fire that day, do you dare say it had nothing to do with you? Before, it was Ji Muqing, now it's my wife Tang Ning, why do you always have to steal the woman I love from me time and time again? What deep-seated hatred do I have for you?"
He Lanruo gritted her teeth and said.
"Here, I need to correct one of your mistakes. The reason Ji Muqing entered the palace was not because I forcibly took her away, but because she chose to do so herself. Even if you summoned Ji Muqing, Prime Minister Ji, and the others to confront me, I wouldn't be ashamed. As for Tang Ning..."
"Why she entered the palace is a question for you. You stole one of my concubines; shouldn't you give me another in return? Since you like Ji Muqing, I'll give her to you. I've exchanged her for Tang Ning. Of course, I also asked her about it..."
"She said that as long as I agree to release you from prison and will not pursue the matter any further, thus fulfilling your destiny with Ji Muqing, she can enter the palace."
As he spoke, Situ Yin chuckled softly.
Caught off guard, Helan Ruo felt as if her brain had been struck hard with a hammer upon hearing the news, and she froze on the spot.
"She was originally an imperial concubine; can't we let her go back?"
"Why don't you let Ji Muqing go back to the palace? Let her go back... At worst, we won't stay in the capital anymore. I'll go to the frontier with you, and we won't come back, okay?"
"You'll die, or would you rather die with Ji Muqing than live with me? I'm your wife!"
"Okay, I won't force you."
Take good care of yourself.
"I'll be going now."
I see, I see.
So that's what Tang Ning meant when she went to the prison that day. She was probably already entangled with Situ Yin at that time. After he did such a stupid thing, she was forced to choose between letting him suffer in prison and going to the palace.
So Tang Ning went to see him in prison with her last hope, but what did he do?
He chose Mu Qing over Tang Ning without hesitation, and even... even told her not to pressure him...
Oh.
As expected, Tang Ning did not force him. She took the initiative to enter the palace in exchange for his and Mu Qing's safe release from prison.
Ha ha ha ha.
It turns out that his anxiety that day was not without reason. It turns out that Tang Ning told him to take good care of himself that day because she would no longer be able to take care of him. Leaving first would be a violation of their agreement to leave first.
He Lanruo staggered, tears blurring his vision.
Ningning, that's his Ningning, why, why...
Tang Ning was taken away by Situ Yin. He Lanruo didn't even know how she left that place. She had only been out for a short while when she saw her mother standing anxiously under the eaves. As soon as she saw him, she took two steps forward and grabbed his arm.
"This is the imperial palace, you're not a child anymore, why are you running around like this? If..."
Before Princess Qingping could finish speaking, she had just raised her head when she was startled by Helan Ruo's current appearance, as if she had lost half her life.
She was about to ask a question, but then she remembered Situ Yin leaving in a hurry earlier, and looked at Helan Ruo's current appearance.
Princess Qingping, who had just made a guess, saw a tear slide down her face and felt a pang of pain in her heart. She immediately took her son into her arms.
"A'Ruo, we're not lucky enough for that, so let's stop thinking about it, okay? Don't you like Ji Muqing? Your mother agrees, she agrees. As long as you're willing, we'll marry her when we get back, okay?"
As she spoke, Princess Qingping pulled him toward the door.
To everyone's surprise, it didn't budge at all.
"In my entire life, my wife has only been Tang Ning; there has never been another."
He Lanruo's voice was terribly hoarse.
Upon hearing this, Princess Qingping felt a pang of sadness. She didn't say anything more and pulled Helan Ruo out of the palace.
Upon leaving the palace and returning to the Duke's mansion, Princess Qingping and Helan Ruo immediately heard a report from the servants who rushed over.
They said that when they left, Miss Ji, who was recuperating at home, had clearly woken up and was able to speak and eat. They didn't know what those gossipy maids had whispered in her ear, but now Miss Ji had a high fever that wouldn't come down no matter what they did. She looked very dangerous, and they were afraid… afraid she wouldn't make it…
Upon hearing this, even if she disliked Ji Muqing, it was still a human life. Without thinking, Princess Qingping left, took her thousand-year-old ginseng from her private treasury, and hurried over with the dazed Helan Ruo.
After being fed ginseng and given medicine, Ji Muqing's condition was finally not as dangerous as before.
On the one hand, she hoped to find something for Helan Ruo to do, and on the other hand, she hoped that Ji Muqing could make Helan Ruo forget Tang Ning, who had now entered the palace. After hesitating again and again, Princess Qingping suppressed her displeasure and left Helan Ruo by Ji Muqing's bedside.
We'll talk about the rest later.
While Helan Ruo was left by Ji Muqing's bedside, her eyes were clearly on the person on the bed, but her heart had already flown away without a trace.
He even had a selfish thought: if Mu Qing's freedom really required Tang Ning to exchange for it, he would rather that he had never taken her out of Situ Yin's cold palace from beginning to end.
As he kept thinking about this, he suddenly noticed that Ji Muqing, who was lying on the bed, suddenly became very strange. It was as if someone was choking her while she was sleeping. She stretched out her arms and started to struggle, shouting something as she struggled.
While Helan Ruo was still wondering, he suddenly heard the name Tang Ning in the other person's words.
"...Qin Tangning, I didn't kill you, don't come looking for me, don't kill me..."
"I didn't mean to... The cold palace was too painful, that's why I wrote the letter in blood... I want to live! The face-changing martial arts master... I did help Grandpa... meet Zichu, but it was useless, useless..."
"There's nothing I can do. Zichu likes you so much... He likes you so much... I have no choice but to pretend to have amnesia... I didn't mean to."
"Help! Help! Zichu, I was wrong... I shouldn't have listened to Grandpa from the beginning... to go to the palace... Please save me!"
...
No one knows what kind of dream Ji Muqing had.
Apart from--
Alone in front of the dressing table in Weiyang Palace, Tang Ning casually raised her hand and knocked the large, round pearl beside her to the ground, making a crisp and melodious sound.
Well, it's just a coincidence that there's one Nightmare Reappearance left from the Nightmare Reappearance item I bought in the last world. Following the principle of not wasting anything, Tang Ning used it.
Who would have thought that this Miss Ji, who looks like a tough person, is actually so timid and afraid of ghosts?
Yes, after having her face changed and being tormented in the cold palace for so long, the original owner of this body looks just like a female ghost.
At this moment, Helan Ruo, who had just listened to all of Ji Muqing's "heartfelt words", initially only had her hands trembling, but soon her whole body began to shake.
It turns out, it was all fake, everything was fake.
The forced entry into the palace was a lie, the amnesia was a lie, everything was a lie.
Then who can tell him what is true?
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