The Emperor paused, then spoke in a chillingly cold tone: "I didn’t keep you alive just so you could wallow in your grievances here."
It was evident that he was saying he had already given her a lot of face by letting her live.
Song Yalin gave a self-deprecating smile. Yes, she was Song Yalin, the legitimate daughter of the Song Family, the darling among darlings, the dutiful daughter raised with high expectations. She was the number one maiden of Yu State, idolized since her childhood. But who knew that she’d end up being degraded like a lowly camp follower, thankful to be alive.
"I understand you’re feeling wronged. But those who wish to achieve great things must sometimes endure. I hope you are rational enough to understand what is beneficial and harmful to you. For instance, if you choose to remain quiet now, you will only be seen as a broken-down girl who has been violated by the Rouyi Army. No one will respect you," uttered the Emperor mockingly.
"But if you are unwilling to accept this fate and seize this opportunity to bear a child, I can assure your return to Yu State in grandeur. Use the ’little heir’ in your belly to rightfully stake your claim to the successor of the Pingyang Prince Mansion, thereby toppling Ji Xinhe and becoming the true mistress of that mansion. You will command the respect of the masses, retain wealth and status, a situation far more preferable than being the wife of the Great Prince. Isn’t this the life you dream of?" the Emperor gently goaded her.
Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope appeared in Song Yalin’s desolate eyes, causing her to suddenly look up at the Emperor.
The Emperor was satisfied and smiled, "You are a woman who knows how to make choices. Duan Lan once said he chose you because of your ambition. You are ambitious and smart. You know what is best for you. Your circumstances are such, no amount of hatred you harbor can reverse your situation. Instead of resenting, think about making a counter move. What’s the worth of a spotless reputation? Once you have claimed the Pingyang Prince Mansion as its only mistress and become the ruler of Yu State with help of the bastard in your belly, who would dare to utter a word about your past?"
Song Yalin’s heart was wildly beating, her pursuit for power and fame almost driving her mad. The disgraceful scene the Rouyi Army subjected her to began to vanish from her mind, only to be replaced by the memories of her ninth year in the Palace. Her cousin, Imperial Noble Consort Shu, was sat on the highest seat, where even her father and mother had to bow down to her. She stood at the pinnacle of power, unparalleled in status and wealth, and since that day, this dream has become her lifelong pursuit.
She also thought of Ji Xinhe, who always kept a low profile, often hiding from the public eye. The last time was at the fifth birthday celebration of the Young Maiden. All the esteemed ladies of Yu State had to pay homage to the Princess, and seeing her in that prominent position stirred envy in all who watched.
Envy consumed her; these women who stood at the pinnacle of power should have comprised her instead! She should have been there in their place!
Now...it wasn’t too late!
The sorrow in Song Yalin’s eyes instantly disappeared, replaced with freezing brilliance. Her voice chilled as she spoke, "Thank you, Emperor, for giving me this opportunity."
The Emperor, seeing Song Yalin’s teachable spirit, laughed saying, "It’s good that you have come to terms with your situation. Regardless of how terrible your past was, it’s all in the past. What is really important is what lies ahead. What your future holds. Always remember, your only enemy was and always will be Ji Xinhe, because she is the one who usurped your place."
Song Yalin bowed deeply, then respectfully replied, "I understand."
The Emperor smirked, then turned and left.
Song Yalin slightly raised her head, watching the departing figure of the Emperor, her lit-up eyes betraying her anger and cruel determination. Having come this far and losing so much already, what more could she fear? An excellent opportunity lay right in front of her, why would she let it slip away?!
——
For several days in a row, Ji Xinhe didn’t leave her residence. All her businesses were managed by their respective shopkeepers, and even Chaihuo took care of some thorny issues for her, so she didn’t have to worry too much. Moreover, she wasn’t in a good mood.
Marquis Mu Houchu hadn’t returned. How could she be in a good mood?
The news from Rouyi could possibly mean Mu Houchu was still alive which put Ji Xinhe’s worries at ease to a certain extent. However, he still isn’t back and she didn’t know what further risks he might be taking. What if something were to go wrong?
Bearing this anxiety within her made her sullen, a touch of worry was now etched on her beautiful face.
"Princess, the wind outside is cold and straight. Take care not to fall ill." Shulan advised.
Xin He leaned on the window lattice, her eyes lost in the pure white scenery outside. She didn’t hear Shulan’s words as if she was lost in her thoughts.
With a sigh of helplessness, Shulan shook her head at Xiaoyu.
Xiaoyu had no choice but to put a warm cloak on Ji Xinhe’s shoulders saying, "Your Highness, you should not worry so much. His Highness/The Prince should be back soon."
Xin He, her eyes lowered, asked "Mmm, has there been any movement in the court?"
Ji Xinhe had been feeling quite low these past few days, but she did not neglect her official duties. She consistently kept an eye on the court, but there hadn’t been any movements as of now.
Shulan shook her head, "Presently, the Imperial Army is stationed in Mingzhou, their intentions unclear, seems to be posturing."
Ji Xinhe scoffed, "They are preparing. Rest assured, they will make their move eventually. And..."
Her eyes hardened, "They will definitely make their move before Mu Houchu returns to Yu State."
They were all aware that once Mu Houchu returned to Yu State, he would declare independence from the Kingdom of Da Qian. Then, regardless of what the Emperor could do, he wouldn’t be able to turn the tide.
The only window of opportunity the Emperor had left was before Mu Houchu returned to Yu State.
And his last card, Ji Xinhe was well aware of—Song Yalin.
So rather than waiting for Mu Houchu to return, it was more accurate to say that she was waiting for Song Yalin’s move.
She knew that all of this was unavoidable. The die was cast; whatever stroke of luck Song Yalin could muster at the last minute would never be enough. She could not easily give up the vanity of this mundane world because of her innate ambition.
All she could do now was to protect Yu State and the Pingyang Prince Mansion for Mu Houchu. No matter who it was, they should not dream of taking advantage of the situation!
With such determination in her mind, Ji Xin He’s eyes shone with resolve.
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