Back at Yangui Tower, Yan Xuecuī summoned his hidden guards and ordered a thorough investigation into the Soul-Departure Pills.

The evidence of the mastermind pointed toward the Empress, yet many details remained unclear. For instance, where did the Soul-Departure Grass originate? Whose hands had refined it into pills? Even the artisan who crafted the sandalwood box had to be identified. Every link in the chain had to be exposed.

Reflecting on the Empress’s situation over the years, Yan Xuecuī could easily guess her motives.

Most high-ranking consorts in the harem had given birth to princes, yet the Empress had only one daughter. She had spent half her life in a state of anxious despair, exhausting every method to conceive, only reaching a state of resigned acceptance in recent years.

However, once the Emperor eventually passed away, the new Emperor would naturally honor his biological mother as the Holy Mother Empress Dowager. At that time, the two Dowagers would be honored equally. The Empress would hold the title of Motherly Empress, yet she would never be as close to the throne as the biological mother.

The Empress came from a noble background and was the Mother of the Realm. Yet for decades, she had watched the other palaces produce princes one after another, thinning the Emperor’s favor for the Central Palace. How could she endure having to stand on equal footing with consorts who once knelt and kowtowed before her?

Noble Consort Ning, Consort Li, and Consort Yi all plotted for their own sons to seize the throne. They would stop at nothing to topple other princes. The Empress’s goal, however, was to target the mothers. No matter who ascended the throne, she intended to be the only Empress Dowager left.

Five years ago, the Empress had apparently bet on him, so she struck at his mother, wishing for her to die in a fit of manic self-mutilation.

Now that he was blind and out of the running for the throne, the Empress was likely already plotting against her next target. Consort Li, the mother of Prince Xuan; Consort Yi, the mother of Prince Rui; Consort Lan, the mother of Prince Qing; or even the mother of the Ninth Prince, Concubine Min. Any of them were possible.

Over the years, his brother had died a tragic death on the battlefield, and his mother had been poisoned. Having walked from a sea of blood and a forest of thorns to get to where he was today, he had long since left himself no path of retreat.

A towering rage nearly scorched his heart. Yan Xuecuī tightened his palm, his knuckles turning white from the force. The scabs over the burns on his palm split open once more, and fresh blood seeped through the gaps in his fingers.

He would use the pain of his flesh to remember this hatred. He would make the person behind this suffer total ruin. Blood would be paid with blood.

* * *

Shuyu Pavilion.

Auntie Fangchun helped Chi Ying sit down and carefully examined the swelling on her ankle. After applying the gold-sore ointment, she was still worried. “If I had known, I would have asked Physician Lin to take a look while he was here.”

Chi Ying replied, “It is no matter. It no longer hurts.”

Fangchun insisted, “Let us see how it is tonight. If the Princess feels any discomfort, you must tell me immediately.”

Chi Ying nodded to ease her mind.

Thinking of the day’s events, Fangchun sighed. “If that box hadn’t broken, we would still be kept in the dark. For the past two years, Her Ladyship’s spirit has grown increasingly frail. There were several times she nearly took her own life…”

Remembering how the Consort had suffered from the loss of her son, tormented day and night until she seemed mad, even committing acts of disrespect before the Emperor, Fangchun felt both hatred and fear.

“The struggle of the harem has been cruel since ancient times. But Her Ladyship had already lost a son. She was not the type to fight for favor or dominate the Emperor’s attention. She posed no threat to the position of the Central Palace. Why did the Empress still want to drive her to a dead end after she lost her eldest son?”

Chi Ying patted her hand, soothing her. “His Highness said he would investigate. I believe the truth will soon come to light. At that time, the wicked will be dealt with by the law, and Mother will slowly recover. Everything will eventually get better.”

Auntie Fangchun nodded with tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Princess.”

Chi Ying pondered for a moment before asking tentatively, “My cold delayed our visit to the palace to give thanks. If I go with His Highness in the future, does that mean I will meet the Empress?”

Fangchun furrowed her brows. “We must see how His Highness arranges it. The Emperor is considerate of the Prince’s blindness, so he is not required to attend the morning roll call or offer daily greetings like the other princes. He is even exempt from palace banquets and various sacrificial rituals. Though a few visits are inevitable in the future, you just need to follow the Prince. The masters of the palace, regardless of what they do in private, always maintain their public facades perfectly.”

She lowered her voice. “If we hadn’t discovered those Soul-Departure Pills today, I would still believe the Empress was a person of great kindness and approachability…”

Chi Ying understood. The noble people of the palace were mostly “buddha’s mouth but snake’s heart,” appearing one way while being another. She would have to go to the palace eventually, but as long as Prince Zhao wasn’t in a hurry, she could enjoy a few more days of peace.

For the next two days, Chi Ying did not see Prince Zhao. He was likely still investigating the origin of the poison.

Having nothing to do, she visited Shouchun Hall every day to see Consort Zhuang.

Because of the previous episode of rage and sorrow, the Consort had slept for three full days. When she woke, she had forgotten mistaking Chi Ying for Noble Consort Ning. The entire Shouchun Hall staff, considering her health, kept the matter of the poison a secret for now to prevent her from overthinking.

When the Consort was lucid, she had the habit of praying, but she couldn’t find her usual prayer beads. Qionglin brought out another set made of lobular red sandalwood and explained, “His Highness visited yesterday and noticed a crack on the old beads, so he took them to be repaired and maintained.”

Consort Zhuang did not suspect anything.

During Chi Ying’s consecutive visits, though the Consort remained somewhat lethargic and grew tired after only a few words, she no longer suffered from constant nightmares. When she woke, her thoughts were clear. She no longer spoke nonsense or mistook people. Her condition was indeed slowly improving.

Chi Ying often brought snacks. Consort Zhuang praised her skill constantly, saying her pastries were even sweeter and softer than those from Ruyi Pavilion.

Ruyi Pavilion was the most popular confectionery in the capital among the nobility. Chi Ying vaguely remembered eating their snacks once as a child. This gave her the idea of making snacks to earn money.

However, living in the Prince’s estate meant every word and action was watched. Making snacks on a large scale to sell outside would be far too conspicuous. To earn enough for her mother’s medicine, she would have to find another way.

* * *

The next morning, Chi Ying washed and dressed as usual.

Auntie Fangchun had informed her beforehand that she would bring the estate managers to pay their respects today. Xiangqin dressed her up elaborately, following Chi Yingyue’s usual style. Sitting before the mirror, looking at the woman adorned with pearls and emeralds, Chi Ying felt for a moment as if she were seeing the real, refined Chi Yingyue.

She didn’t know when they would ever be able to switch back.

After breakfast, Chi Ying arrived at the main hall surrounded by a crowd of maids. The estate steward, Liu Changshun, led the various managers forward to pay their respects. They all knelt and offered their greetings.

Though Chi Ying had never experienced such a scene, she knew the general procedure. She softly told them to rise, her gaze sweeping over them as she spoke a few pre-prepared formal phrases.

With her status and position, as long as she sat in the primary seat and remained solemn, no manager would dare to slight this young mistress of the household.

Steward Liu respectfully presented a stack of ledgers. Chi Ying opened the top one and flipped through a couple of pages. The books recorded income and expenses categorized by time and item. The sums were massive, and the records were organized clearly.

It was only now that Chi Ying realized that as a Princess Consort, she received an annual stipend of four hundred taels of silver. This portion was hers to use as she pleased.

Four hundred taels. That was enough for her and her mother to leave the capital and settle down in a place with beautiful scenery.

Chi Ying let out a silent sigh, then quickly recognized reality. She likely wouldn’t stay here for a year. If she fled with the money midway, the crime would be unforgivable if she were caught.

Next, the managers responsible for the farms, shops, garden repairs, and kitchen procurement came forward to report in turn.

Two hours flew by. Chi Ying offered a few standard words on managing subordinates, and the managers all bowed in unison to accept her instructions.

Once everyone had retreated, Chi Ying’s body, which had been tense for half the day, finally relaxed. She spent the afternoon looking at the books to make herself look more competent.

* * *

Late at night, Yangui Tower.

Cheng Huai returned to report after days of investigation. “That sandalwood box was crafted five years ago by a woodworker named Liao Ji under the Imperial Palace’s Directorate of Palace Servants. I have learned that Liao Ji returned to his hometown in Zhigu five years ago. However, not long after his return, he drowned in a river while drunk.”

Yan Xuecuī let out a cold laugh.

With the witness dead, the mastermind had indeed been thorough.

Cheng Huai continued, “His neighbors all claimed his skill was excellent and that he had been appreciated by a noble in the capital. He brought back a hefty reward, but he had the money to earn and no life to spend it.”

Yan Xuecuī asked, “Have you found out which imperial physicians entered and exited Kunning Palace back then?”

Cheng Huai nodded. “I checked the records of the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Six physicians were sent to Kunning Palace for pulse checks that year. None have retired or been silenced. The Academy Commissioner Fang Jiayu and Physician He Lianqing are highly trusted by the Empress. Whenever she feels unwell, she summons them first.”

Yan Xuecuī pondered for a moment. “Investigate those two strictly. See if they had a way to obtain Soul-Departure Grass, if they ever had contact with Liao Ji, or if they received lavish rewards from the Empress. Report back as soon as you have proof.”

Cheng Huai cupped his hands to accept the order, but the man who should have retreated remained standing there, looking as if he had something else to say.

Yan Xuecuī heard his palms clench and loosen repeatedly. He frowned. “What is it?”

Cheng Huai braced himself and spoke. “Last time, Your Highness ordered me to find the whereabouts of the Princess’s broken earring. I have found a lead.”

Yan Xuecuī’s eyebrows arched, his interest piqued.

Yuan De, seeing Cheng Huai’s conflicted expression, felt his heart sink. He hoped it wasn’t something improper.

Cheng Huai’s throat felt dry, his voice dropping an octave. “From the time of the assassination to the time I returned to search, only… only the carriage of Prince Xuan passed by.”

Yuan De’s pupils shrank. He almost didn’t dare look at his master’s expression.

Prince Xuan, Yan Yunshēn, was the son of Consort Li. Consort Li was a cousin to Noble Consort Ning, the mother of Prince Rong. Prince Xuan and Prince Rong were of the same faction and were the Prince’s sworn enemies.

How could the Princess’s earring happen to be picked up by Prince Xuan!

Yan Xuecuī, however, let a smile spread across his lips, as if he had heard something incredibly amusing.

She was sent to his pillow, yet her earring was secretly picked up by his enemy.

His Princess and Prince Xuan truly had a deep connection.

* * *

Shuyu Pavilion.

Chi Ying had just lied down when her eyelids began to twitch for no reason. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, her mind replayed the intimacy of that night.

The man’s low, hot gasps were still in her ears. He had held her tightly, his burning breath brushing against her neck…

In a state of half-sleep and half-waking, a warm sensation touched her feet. It was a bit itchy, as if something were wrapping around her ankle. She instinctively kicked her leg, but she couldn’t break free of the strange restraint.

It wasn’t until a cool, deep, and magnetic laugh rang out that she suddenly jerked awake. She snapped her eyes open and bolted upright in bed as if she had been shocked.

A tall, familiar figure stood by the bed.

Prince Zhao’s palm was pressing against her ankle, which hadn’t quite finished swelling. He spoke casually, “I have disturbed the Princess in the middle of the night. I didn’t expect to wake you. Surely you won’t blame me?”

Chi Ying was now wide awake, her heart leaping into her throat. It took a long time for her to steady herself. “Your… Your Highness, why are you here?”

Having a man enter her bed curtains silently in the dead of night—even if he was her husband in name and was blind and couldn’t see anything—was terrifying.

She hadn’t been sleeping that deeply; how could she have not noticed his arrival?

Yan Xuecuī lowered his head to rub her injured ankle. He couldn’t see, so he could only use his hands to search inch by inch.

NOTES

Holy Mother Empress Dowager (圣母皇太后 – Shengmu Huangtaihou): The title for the biological mother of an Emperor.

Motherly Empress Dowager (母后皇太后 – Muhou Huangtaihou): The title for the Empress of the previous Emperor, regardless of biological relation to the current one.

Directorate of Palace Servants (御用监 – Yuyong Jian): An office responsible for making furniture and items for the palace.

Zhigu (直沽): A historical name for a region near modern Tianjin.

Academy Commissioner (院使 – Yuanshi): The highest-ranking official in the Imperial Academy of Medicine.

Holy Mother Empress Dowager (圣母皇太后): In the Qing dynasty (which many webnovels model after), the biological mother and the primary wife of the previous emperor both became Empress Dowagers, but they held different ranks.

“Buddha’s mouth but snake’s heart” (佛口蛇心): An idiom for someone who speaks kindly but harbors malicious intentions.

“The money to earn and no life to spend it”: A common trope in webnovels emphasizing the danger of taking hush money from powerful people in the palace.

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