Chapter 102 1...
Cao Ying did not die after all. Even the Cao family members who had been imprisoned were all released by a pardon.
Things are different now. Yan Chao has changed her personality. The crown prince who used to swallow her pride and compromise in front of the emperor is no more. She has gradually become accustomed to standing on her own and wielding power.
She was absolutely certain she had Cao Shi's fate in her hands, but the emperor's sudden intervention thwarted her plans. She was ultimately unwilling to accept this.
The moment she gave the order, a hidden hatred welled up in her heart. She couldn't tell if it was directed at the emperor or at Cao Ying.
The Cao family was a prominent clan, with deep connections, Empress Wenshu who was also from the Cao family, and the secure position of the crown prince, Yan Hua. Cao Ying had already established a firm foothold in the capital during the reign of the previous emperor. At that time, the Cao clan was extremely prosperous and powerful.
With the passing of Empress Wenshu and the ascension of the emperor to establish a new empress, the Cao family became more vigilant and spared no effort to protect Yan Hua's position as crown prince. During this period, Cao Ying made things difficult for the Cui family both openly and secretly.
After the death of Crown Prince Zhaohuai, Cao Ying devoted himself to supporting Yan Fei, and at the same time finally turned his attention to Empress Wenhui and Yan Chao. The first to be persecuted was Empress Wenhui.
Yan Chao had known for a long time that his mother's death was not so simple. Back then, everyone was eyeing the Empress's palace, with the Li and Cao families eyeing her covetously, but the Emperor simply turned a blind eye.
She was well aware that her mother had shielded her from a calamity, so she dared not be careless in the slightest and secretly vowed to avenge her mother.
The Li family has been destroyed, and the Cao family cannot escape either.
Perhaps she was indeed a bit too hasty in dealing with the Cao family this time. The victory that was so close made her head spin, and she had no time to consider much else. The unexpected event happened suddenly, and it was as if she had been doused with cold water in the dead of winter.
I almost lost my composure in front of others at that time.
On the way back to the palace, Yan Chao remained silent. Having finally calmed himself, he stepped out of the sedan chair and saw Lan Huai'en following outside. She paused, not even really noticing him. She lowered her eyes, straightened her robes, and frowned, asking, "Is something the matter?"
Lan Huaien noticed her displeasure and was about to speak when she turned and left. He quickly followed and explained the situation with the emperor.
"...No one had ever seen Princess Yongjia so fierce yet so disheveled. She held a gold hairpin to her throat, forcing the guards and palace servants to make way for her, and forced her way into the warm pavilion. Princess Yongjia was pregnant, and she knelt on the ground, refusing to get up even when the palace servants tried to help her up, crying and begging. How could His Majesty not respond? He was furious, his face turning purple from holding back his anger, but he still forced himself to issue an edict, ordering his ministers to come immediately to pardon her."
After saying that, he couldn't help but add, "Even if it weren't for Princess Yongjia, and the current stability of the court, His Majesty wouldn't have allowed you to deal with the Cao family so recklessly."
Yan Chao snorted coldly, turned her head away, pursed her lips, and went into the study, leaving him outside: "I want him to manage this."
The emperor indeed stopped interfering in the Cao family's affairs. That imperial edict was essentially a grant to the Cao family, a pardon for treason, but not a guarantee to preserve their family's honor and former glory.
Yan Chao, being very "understanding," did not go to see the emperor, fearing that he might be angered and harm his health, and also to avoid unpleasantness for himself. Instead, he directly ordered a eunuch to take the cabinet's proposed solution to the emperor for his instructions.
After the eunuch finished reading the words aloud, the emperor understood what was going on. He closed his eyes weakly and sighed softly, "Granted."
The Cao family confiscated their property, and apart from Cao Ying being demoted to commoner status, all the adult males were sent to the border regions to serve in the army, and their families were expelled from the capital.
They were expelled from the capital.
The emperor seemed to remember something, but vaguely felt it was not a matter of great importance, and finding it too troublesome, he simply did not want to think about it in detail.
Princess Yongjia, who was extremely anxious, was finally met with this result, and she was naturally dissatisfied. She was filled with grief and anger.
"...Exiling them to the army and banishing them from the capital—this is an attempt to wipe out the Cao family! Yan Chao is ruthless, but how can Father Emperor bear to treat Mother's maternal family like this? Father Emperor and Mother are deeply devoted to each other, and he also respects his maternal grandfather. I don't believe he would approve this decree! It must be Yan Chao; she must have forged the imperial edict and acted recklessly, using her position to settle personal scores!"
She then pushed her maidservant aside and ordered a sedan chair to be prepared immediately for her arrival at the palace. The imperial son-in-law, Xue Heng, blocked her way, and Princess Miaohua, who was following behind, also stepped forward and grabbed her sleeve, weeping, "Mother, my maternal grandmother is gone, my uncle is gone, even my cousin Fei'er is gone! I cannot be without a mother too!"
Miao Hua had spoken without thinking out of concern, but Xue Heng's expression immediately changed, and he scolded in a low voice, "Miao Hua! What nonsense are you talking about!"
Princess Yongjia smiled bitterly: "She's not wrong. When has Yan Chao ever cared about brotherhood? We all know how our fourth brother died, and besides, she doesn't even respect Father Emperor now, so what are we?"
Xue Heng frowned deeply, offered a few words of comfort to Miaohua, and ordered her to be taken away. Only then did he carefully support the princess's waist, gently advising, "This imperial edict may not be entirely unjust. In any case, the crime of treason committed by your maternal uncle's family is undeniable, and moreover..."
He lowered his voice: "Moreover, when the Fourth Prince plotted rebellion, His Majesty merely used that person to kill him. He didn't even care about his own son, let alone a maternal relative who has no prince to support now? Colluding with the enemy and betraying the country is only one step away from treason. His Majesty has always been suspicious. If it were in the past, the Cao family would have been executed along with their entire clan. His Majesty spared their lives because of his father-daughter relationship with the princess."
“Everyone says there is no kinship in the imperial family, and in this respect, Father and she are exactly the same!” Princess Yongjia bit her lip, her heart finally sinking inch by inch.
“Princess, to put it another way, although His Majesty rejected that person’s judgment this time, apart from promising to save the lives of the Cao family, he did not show any obvious dissatisfaction with that person. Not to mention punishment, he did not even utter a word of reprimand.”
“You mean…” Princess Yongjia was secretly surprised, but then shook her head firmly, “Impossible! The Yan Dynasty has sealed off the imperial court. Even if there is any news, it cannot be leaked out.”
Xue Heng helped her sit down, took her hand, and said in a deep voice, "Princess, think carefully. When His Majesty heard your tearful account that day, he was still conscious. Did he say or do anything?"
He didn't say the second half of his sentence, but Princess Yongjia understood.
She stared blankly at Xue Heng, her expression darkening, and a layer of bewildered mist gradually rising in her eyes.
Pregnancy already makes her prone to overthinking, and the more she thought about it, the more heartbroken she became. When she spoke again, her voice sounded like she was about to cry: "If Yan Chao really ascends to the throne, will we still have a chance to survive...?"
She buried her head in Xue Heng's arms, feeling that she must look extremely disheveled at that moment.
Even the eldest princess, who was once the legitimate heir, had fallen into such a sorry state. Without the protection of her father and the Cao family, her nobility, her dignity, and her pride vanished in an instant, leaving her adrift and uncertain of her fate.
"It's good that the princess doesn't oppose her. Didn't she say that you are, after all, the noble legitimate princess? We know all about what the Cao family has done, and she probably does too. Saving the Cao family's life is already more than enough."
Xue Heng gently persuaded him, but a sense of unease lingered in his heart. He wondered if Cao Ying's secret dealings with the Xingji Earl's family might implicate the Xue family this time.
.
On the day the Cao family left the capital, Princess Yongjia insisted on seeing them off. Xue Heng tried to dissuade her many times to no avail, so he had no choice but to accompany her.
No sooner had the sedan chair stepped out of the mansion than Xue Heng secretly sent someone to the palace to report to the Eastern Palace in the name of Princess Yongjia, saying that Cao Ying was in remembrance of Empress Wenshu and therefore requested an audience with the princess.
After hearing this, Yan Chao smiled and then nodded in agreement, though he couldn't help but sigh a few times. When he spoke with Liang Lu, he shook his head and said, "Princess Yongjia is very proud and arrogant. How could she possibly take me seriously? It's probably a decision made by the prince consort on his own."
Liang Lu pondered for a moment, then asked in surprise, "Isn't the Prince Consort afraid that Princess Yongjia will find out and blame him for playing the good guy both ways?"
Yan Chao glanced at him, but didn't answer him immediately: "That's a very well-reasoned explanation. It looks like he's yielding to me, but in reality, he's using Empress Wenshu to shut me up. It protects the princess's face and reputation while also implying that he's surrendering to me. Xue Heng and the Xue family are both sensible people."
“Princess Yongjia poses no threat to me. However, the Xingji Earl’s family is a family of meritorious officials. Although they have declined, their prestige should not be underestimated. If Princess Yongjia’s husband’s family is willing to support me, the other noble families may waver. Husband and wife are one, so Princess Yongjia’s attitude will not be so important at that time.” Yan Chao narrowed his eyes and raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly.
The farewell scene outside the city was quite desolate. Apart from Princess Yongjia, only a few of Cao Ying's students were helping with the arrangements. Everyone else was afraid of getting involved with the disgraced official and had already left to avoid suspicion.
Cao Ying was already old. Within a year, he lost his son and his family, suffered several misfortunes, and endured the hardship of imprisonment. Even the strongest old bones could not withstand it.
Upon receiving the decree, he breathed a long sigh of relief. Thinking of his descendants, a great weight was lifted from his heart. However, he could not bear the torment and eventually fell ill.
His chronic illness relapsed after many years, and he could no longer stand or walk. He could only lie in the carriage, letting the servants take care of him.
With graying temples and unfocused eyes, this once powerful Grand Secretary, who had devoted his life to serving the country, now faced such a desolate end. Though his body was not dead, his name had already faded into oblivion.
The princess stood before him, a pang of sorrow rising in her heart, and she silently wept.
Cao Ying sighed, "It's all just a matter of the victor being king and the loser being villain; Princess, please don't be sad."
He's been trying to reconcile with his past these past few days, constantly comforting himself and telling himself to let go. But having passed the age of "an old steed in its stall still aspires to gallop a thousand miles" so early, he still feels a little unwilling.
"The Cao family, a century-old clan, ultimately began its decline with me. My entire life has been trapped in the vortex of power, scheming and plotting as if walking on thin ice, powerless to control my own destiny. I thought I could rest easy because of my family background, but I didn't realize that this was the root of all trouble. I should have realized this from the moment Empress Wenshu passed away... Your mother, what a pity for her, leaving us so young and beautiful. She never enjoyed the honor of being an empress while she was alive, and only after her death is she worshipped as a model of virtue for the nation."
The princess couldn't hold back her tears: "Mother will always be Father's first empress, and she deserves to be respected by all the people of the world."
“Jinghui…” Cao Ying sighed deeply, and for the first time overstepped his bounds by addressing the princess by her maiden name, “Does the princess know that His Majesty never intended for your mother to become the Empress from the very beginning?”
The princess was stunned for a moment, then looked up at him with a blank expression.
"To prevent the maternal relatives from interfering in politics, the imperial consorts of our dynasty have always been of humble origins, and there have been many commoner empresses in the past. Your Majesty fell in love with your mother at first sight and, despite the opposition of the late emperor and the advice of the ministers, insisted on marrying her as the crown princess. Not long after, she gave birth to Crown Prince Zhaohuai and you."
"Afterwards, Crown Prince Zhaohuai was established as the Imperial Grandson, and the Cao family rose step by step in the court. At that time, the late emperor was wary, and who knows, Your Majesty might also be wary. He is the emperor, how can he allow his wife, the next heir, and the former court officials to all have the blood of the same family flowing through their veins?"
"But His Majesty was still young at that time, and the court was unstable. He dared not easily take action against the Cao family, nor could he bear to harm his own children. The only one who could be so ruthless was naturally Empress Wenshu..."
A gust of cold wind swept across the princess's beautiful face like a sharp blade. She shivered and cried out through gritted teeth, "Impossible! Father and Mother were a loving couple. Since Mother's passing, he has offered sacrifices to her every year, often remembering her and never forgetting her..."
“Who can tell whether it’s true or false…” Cao Ying shook his head and smiled, his gaze towards the princess filled with affection. “After this old man leaves, I will probably never see the princess again in this life. I just can’t bear to see you kept in the dark. You are the only remaining bloodline of my dear and lovely daughter…”
"As for the downfall of the Cao family, it was not a sudden event. When their fate was sealed, there was nothing anyone could do. All I can do is try my best to protect the princess. I know a little about the temperament of the Crown Prince now. As long as you don't get in her way, she won't go after you. The princess is of noble status and is pregnant. Right now, it is safest for her not to get involved with any faction."
He coughed and added, "But we must be wary of Lan Huai'en from the Eastern Depot."
.
The clouds were heavy with snow, and the twilight added to the chill. Winter nights are long, and before dusk, the sky had already darkened considerably. Lights flickered throughout the palace gardens, and where the lanterns shone like daytime, the atmosphere was both serene and dazzling.
After returning to the East Palace from Wenhua Hall and having dinner, Yan Chao was about to return to his study when a palace maid from Zhaoyang Hall requested an audience, saying that Lady Sun wished to see her.
Yan Chao was slightly surprised, as she had not seen Madam Sun since returning to the palace.
Rumors circulated in the palace that Lady Sun was overwhelmed with grief over the untimely death of Prince Changle and locked herself in Zhaoyang Palace, refusing to see anyone. At first, she was only in a daze, but later she occasionally did some crazy things.
The imperial physician examined the patient and diagnosed it as a mental illness, which could not be cured by medicine.
Liang Lu observed Yan Chao's expression and estimated the time. Just as he was about to persuade him, Yan Chao agreed: "Let's go take a look."
There were still some unresolved grievances between her and the Sun family.
.
Zhaoyang Palace was already remote, but it became even more desolate after Yan Fei left. The emperor no longer cared for it, and no one in the imperial court paid any attention to it; even the palace servants and guards became lazy.
When Yan Chao arrived at the palace gate, only a lightly dressed, rough-looking palace maid opened the door. She glanced at the scene outside and was startled. Perhaps she did not recognize Yan Chao's identity, and stood there at a loss.
"Where is your master?" Yan Chao asked first, not pursuing her rudeness.
The palace maid bowed her head and answered, "In...in the bedchamber..." Before she could finish speaking, the large group of people had already passed her and gone straight inside.
The garden was as deserted as ever, but now it felt even more desolate. Yan Chao walked closer, stepping on the scattered withered branches and fallen leaves, and immediately saw two plain white lanterns under the eaves, swaying trembling in the night wind.
Every room was brightly lit, yet no one could be seen; there was no sign of life.
Palace servants followed her closely, fearing any mishap. A maid led the way, guiding her to her bedchamber.
Yan Chao knocked on the door and called out "Elder Sister-in-law" and then "Empress Sun," but no one answered.
There was quite a commotion outside; Sun couldn't have missed it. She frowned and decided to try pushing it.
With a push, the door opened.
The room was warm from the burning charcoal, but the smell was a bit pungent. Yan Chao couldn't help but cover her nose and cough lightly. Just as she was hesitating whether to go in, a figure suddenly stumbled out and walked towards her as if no one else was there.
Yan Chao was startled and instinctively stepped back. The guards beside him reacted quickly and stopped the man.
It is the Sun family.
She was dressed impeccably, especially in her honey-colored floral-patterned long jacket and the peach blossom jade hairpin in her hair, which made her look exceptionally elegant and pretty. When she looked up, she was stunning; her rosy lips, fair face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and bright eyes made her look completely different from the aloof and simple Mrs. Sun she had been before.
Even the most exquisite makeup couldn't hide her haggard look. Her brows were furrowed, and the tassels at her temples swayed anxiously.
"Your Highness..."
Sun stared at Yan Chao intently, struggling to reach out to her, her eyes sparkling with an inexplicable joy.
That joy was pure and innocent, so thorough that even the corners of her eyebrows naturally turned up.
Yan Chao ordered his men to release her and instructed the palace servants to help her up. The guards, receiving the signal, temporarily withdrew.
Once Sun was steady, she cautiously stepped forward and reached out to grab Yan Chao's robe, but Yan Chao clearly avoided her.
She was extremely aggrieved and choked out, "Your Highness, why won't Your Highness pay attention to Rou'er... Rou'er waits for you to come home every day. Your Highness promised to bring Rou'er the first peach blossom of spring this year. Rou'er will pin it to her lapel, okay?"
Yan Chao was momentarily dazed, then suddenly realized: the Sun family had mistaken her for Crown Prince Zhaohuai.
"...Your Highness, Rou'er is wearing a new dress today," she said, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she twirled around, pointing to the embroidery on her jacket. "There's a twin lotus flower here, which Rou'er embroidered herself. I pricked my fingers, it hurts so much! If my hands are injured, I can't play the zither for Your Highness. Your Highness, please blow on it for Rou'er..."
She stretched out her slender fingers, her nails stained with bright red henna, a touch of melancholy like a parrot's beak, a perfect image of a peony bud in spring. But indeed, faint traces of injury were still visible.
Yan Chao gazed at her silently.
Her innocent and charming expression seemed somewhat out of place for her age. No matter how much she tried to act coquettishly or foolishly, her face, which had been steeped in loneliness and pain for a long time, could never shake off the shadow of melancholy.
But was she really like this before?
In the earliest memories recorded by Yan Chao, Lady Sun was already a dignified and elegant Crown Princess.
Occasionally, I would learn from others that the Crown Princess was not favored by the late Emperor because she was too lively and frivolous. Only Crown Prince Zhaohuai cherished her.
Thinking about it carefully, it's no wonder that Yan Fei has that kind of personality.
Madam Sun continued to ramble on: "...Your Highness, please don't frown, okay? If you're unhappy, you should tell Rou'er. Rou'er will always be there for Your Highness."
"Your Highness promised Rou'er that you would go to the northern frontier to see the long smoke and sunset, and to the south of the Yangtze River to see the willows and painted bridges, as well as the osmanthus blossoms in autumn and the lotus flowers for miles. Your Highness, please don't break your promise..."
"It's okay if I can't go this year, it's okay next year too. Life is so long, I'll go someday. Rou'er will wait for Your Highness, and it doesn't matter if I keep waiting, because Your Highness is here..."
"Rou'er will be obedient from now on and won't make things difficult for Your Highness."
Her voice was muffled. She sniffed, her fair fingers clenched back, and her bright red nail polish was hidden inside her sleeve.
“It was Rou’er’s fault, Rou’er was too willful. Rou’er thought that after marrying His Highness, things could be the same as before, but His Highness is not only Rou’er’s husband, but also the Crown Prince of the world…”
"I'm not greedy. I just want to see Your Highness happy. When I woke up last night, I saw Your Highness with a furrowed brow. I tried to smooth it out, but I couldn't... Would Your Highness please smile?"
"His Highness is gentle to everyone, but he refuses to be kind to himself."
"I know Your Highness is exhausted. Since the Empress Dowager passed away, Your Highness has moved into the Eastern Palace and has been working tirelessly day and night without daring to slack off in the slightest."
"Your Highness has the world in your heart and cares for the common people, but who can truly understand and cherish Your Highness? I only regret that I am a woman and cannot share Your Highness's burdens in the court..."
She leaned back and lightly touched her stomach, as if she were pregnant.
"...Your Highness, touch it! It's moving! It startled me just now."
"The baby will be born in winter, Your Highness. Please wait for him, okay? Children grow up so fast, they'll be walking and running in the blink of an eye. Your Highness really wants to hear him call you 'Daddy'..."
"Your Highness will also teach him to write poetry and paint, teach him to ride horses and shoot arrows, accompany him as he grows up, and hold his hand as he climbs the high steps to see the vast mountains and rivers..."
Gradually, her expression became more and more dejected.
"His Highness said he would be with Rou'er forever, you can't leave me alone."
"How could you bear to leave Rou'er alone? The snow hasn't even fallen yet, we haven't even had a chance to grow old together, how could you leave first?"
She finally broke down in tears, collapsed to the ground, heartbroken.
Everyone present was deeply moved and gradually became immersed in sorrow.
Yan Chao lowered her eyes, a slight stinging sensation in them. She didn't know if she was feeling pity for Lady Sun or if she was thinking of Crown Prince Zhaohuai.
Just as the atmosphere inside the room reached its most somber point, the curtains of the inner room were suddenly flung open.
A figure flashed in swiftly, accompanied by a glint of cold light, and while everyone was distracted, charged straight at Yan Chao.
She seemed to be prepared to die. Upon seeing Yan Chao, she could not contain her grief and indignation, her eyes blazing with anger, and she shouted out in a hateful voice.
This shout had a significant impact; everyone in the room heard it.
One of Yan Chao's guards, seeing that she was holding a sharp weapon, feared that she would harm her master, so in a moment of panic he drew his sword and stepped forward to block her.
The thin blade grazed the girl's delicate neck, and bright red blood splattered like raindrops.
Xu Shuying's eyes were red, and tears still clung to her face. Her eyes remained fixed on Yan Chao, and she let out a low moan before her frail figure collapsed limply to the ground.
Yan Chao's heart suddenly jolted, a dull ache spreading through him. He couldn't help but glare coldly at the guard: "Did I give you permission to do it?"
The guard put down his knife, bowed his head, and apologized.
Yan Chao ignored her and turned to leave the bedroom. He had just stepped out the door when, amidst a chorus of footsteps, he heard Madam Sun's mournful murmurs.
"...Your Highness, I know you took Fei'er away too. It's time for you to reunite with Fei'er. You haven't seen our child yet. But in the afterlife, will you still remember Rou'er? Will you still recognize Rou'er?"
Even if we met again, you wouldn't recognize me, my face covered in dust, my temples white as frost...
Yan Chao turned around abruptly, but Sun Shi was already gone. Her eyes held a hint of warmth, but a gust of wind chilled them again.
"Sun Xianrou, what's wrong with you?"
"I've investigated for so long. It was you who placed the 'Evening Fragrance' in Kunning Palace, which could cause my mother to miscarry. It was you who sent someone to poison the bowl of porridge that Consort Ning served to my mother. It was you who planted Xiao Song in Consort Li's palace. It was you who instructed that palace maid to push Consort Zhuang into the water, resulting in the deaths of both mother and child. You killed my mother, sowed discord between me and Consort Ning, and secretly colluded with the Cao family to try to kill me several times! I've investigated everything clearly. I haven't heard you confess your crimes in person, I haven't heard you bow your head and admit defeat, so why have you gone mad?"
“You schemed and plotted for your Fei’er, but in the end it was all for naught. This is your retribution! Sun Xianrou, this is your retribution!” Her eyes reddened.
"What makes you think you can escape everything by going crazy...?"
The truth behind a decade-long feud has come to light. But now, who else can she hate?
Her eyes sank into the pitch-black night, boundless and adrift. Searching and sinking were indistinguishable; she saw no moonlight, nor could she rouse a single star.
Zhaoyang Palace, perhaps there will be no more Zhaoyang Palace in the future.
The image of Fei'er's small figure flashed through her mind.
Once you step out of this door, all outsiders will talk about is how the crown prince drove his elder sister-in-law insane and how he indiscriminately killed palace maids.
Back at the East Palace, Lan Huaien was waiting for her, not for any particular reason. That night, Lan Huaien held her tightly and said, "Your Highness, just don't look back."
A slanting wind flickers the lamplight, and snowflakes pelt against the window.
In the dim light, Yan Chao gazed intently into his captivating eyes. This face, so universally despised, this man considered utterly wicked, was now sharing her bed.
She smiled and said, "Then it seems I'll have to seek out a bad reputation too."
Lan Huaien kissed her forehead and whispered, "His Majesty doesn't have many days left, and he probably won't make it through the New Year. Your Highness should make preparations as soon as possible."
Author's note: This chapter was really too sad.
The main storyline is almost over; it's nearing its end.
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