The idea of actually consummating the marriage with Prince Zhao had never even entered Chi Ying’s mind.

Her father and legal mother had never mentioned Prince Zhao’s ruthless and mad temperament, likely to keep her compliant. But there were always whispers among the servants. Combined with the sheer terror that had seized Chi Yingyue whenever his name was brought up, Chi Ying knew he was a man of cold, violent character.

After losing his sight, his volatility had reportedly worsened. It was whispered that no woman ever left his chambers alive, and those dragged out had met gruesome ends.

This was exactly why Chi Yingyue had refused to marry him, even as he lay dying from his injuries. She feared she would provoke him and suffer a wretched death like the others. For the sake of her daughter’s life, Madam Yin had chosen to deceive the Emperor and send a concubine-born daughter as a substitute.

Chi Ying was naturally afraid as well.

But things had already come to this. There was no room for regret. Her mother’s illness required urgent medication, without which she might not survive another six months. Furthermore, having already agreed, Chi Ying knew the Yin mother and daughter would never let her back out now. They might even resort to more desperate measures if pushed.

However, being a substitute did not mean she was willing to be a real wife to Prince Zhao.

Her best hope was to never even see his face until he succumbed to his wounds. If he passed away, she could escape early, take her mother away from the capital, and find a peaceful place with clear waters and green mountains to settle down.

The dream was beautiful, but she didn’t know how long she would have to endure the Zhao estate.

Marrying in yesterday without being caught was only the first hurdle.

Exhausted from the long day, Chi Ying tossed and turned all night. Nightmares plagued her: Madam Yin’s blood-stained pregnancy, her mother’s mangled back after the whipping, her sister’s hissed threats, and finally, a faceless, blind man whose hands were crushing the life out of her throat.

…

The next morning, Chi Ying rose to wash. Faint dark circles marred her eyes, which she had Xiangqin cover with powder.

Xiangqin was a maid specifically assigned by Madam Yin for her skill in cosmetics. With just a few subtle strokes and the addition of the hairpins Chi Yingyue frequently wore, she managed to push the resemblance from seventy percent to eighty percent. It was a feat one had to admire.

Auntie Fangchun, who had seen Chi Ying’s natural beauty the night before, found her heavily made-up appearance today somewhat jarring. It was beautiful, but felt “off” in a way that was hard to describe.

It was like taking a clean, elegant ink wash painting and haphazardly adding splashes of gaudy color, losing its original charm.

Of course, if the Princess Consort liked it, that was all that mattered. The face was still stunning.

After breakfast, Chi Ying followed Auntie Fangchun to the northern part of the estate, Shouchun Hall, to pay her respects to Prince Zhao’s mother, Consort Zhuang.

Given the Consort’s delicate mental state, Fangchun briefed her beforehand. “Her Ladyship was once a very gentle and kind person. However, she was deeply traumatized when Prince Ding died in battle years ago. Since then, her mind has been unstable. Sometimes she mistakes Prince Zhao for Prince Ding; other times, she sees him as the enemy who killed her eldest son.”

Thinking of something, Fangchun sighed. “But you needn’t worry, Princess. Shouchun Hall is heavily guarded. They won’t let Her Ladyship harm others or herself.”

Chi Ying nodded. “Thank you for telling me, Auntie.”

The Zhao estate featured ornate carvings and towering eaves, looking ancient and solemn. Security was tight, with heavy patrols everywhere.

Listening to the faint clatter of armor from the shadows, Chi Ying’s palms grew damp. She felt as though she were under constant surveillance with nowhere to hide.

She constantly reassured herself: her appearance and makeup were nearly identical to Chi Yingyue’s. Even if they stood together, the maids from the Chi household might not tell them apart.

Besides, the Marquis of Changyuan’s estate had long since fallen into decline. In a capital teeming with nobility, they barely counted for anything. Chi Yingyue had lived in seclusion for the past year, becoming a marginal figure in social circles. Chi Ying herself had lived at the manor for seven years. Even close relatives of the Chi family might not remember the exiled Concubine Xue and the “errant” daughter. No one in the Zhao estate would recognize her.

As long as she didn’t slip up, she was safe for now.

Still, Chi Ying couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Fangchun let out a soft sigh. “His Highness went to the battlefield with Prince Ding when he was only thirteen. Back then, he was spirited and invincible. It’s a pity…”

She couldn’t bring herself to continue, her eyes showing a trace of sadness. She looked toward the guards at the gate. “These guards are all former subordinates of the two Princes. Every one of them is a master. Now that His Highness is blind and Her Ladyship is ill, the estate must be guarded strictly. Otherwise, those with ill intentions might strike. Don’t you agree, Princess?”

Chi Ying’s eyelashes flickered. Perhaps out of guilt, she felt a warning in those words.

The struggle for the throne was exceptionally dangerous. The Zhao estate was surely on high alert. She was merely an outsider who had just married in. Since her intentions were unknown, they couldn’t possibly lower their guard.

A draft blew through the hallway and chilled her spine. To her, the dragons coiled around the pillars and the stone lions at the gate looked like ferocious beasts with bared fangs, ready to tear her to pieces.

As they neared Shouchun Hall, Fangchun’s expression turned grave. “There is one more thing I beg the Princess to remember.”

Chi Ying replied, “Please, speak.”

Fangchun sighed. “Her Ladyship is frail and cannot handle shocks. The matter of His Highness’s blindness is a closely guarded secret. Her Ladyship has not left her quarters in two years, so to this day, she does not know the extent of the Prince’s condition.”

Chi Ying was stunned.

Prince Zhao had been blind for over a year, yet Consort Zhuang didn’t know. The Prince was truly filial to go to such lengths to hide his condition from his mother.

Recovering her senses, she quickly nodded.

Fangchun added, “Her Ladyship was asleep yesterday and doesn’t know the wedding rituals weren’t fully completed. When you see her later…”

Chi Ying understood. “Do not worry. I won’t let anything slip.”

Shouchun Hall was located at the end of a winding path behind the estate garden, connected to a small Buddhist hall. Under heavy guard, it was almost isolated from the world.

The martial maids guarding the gate held weapons, their eyes sharp and alert as hawks.

Chi Ying’s heart hung in suspense. She instinctively lowered her gaze.

Qionglin, whom she had met yesterday, came out to greet them. “Her Ladyship is awake and in good spirits. She was just asking about you. Please, come in.”

What must be faced, must be faced. Chi Ying took a deep breath and entered.

Instead of the opulence she expected, Shouchun Hall was a refined and cozy courtyard. Flowering trees were lush, and the scent of crabapple blossoms floated in the cool spring air. Yellow jasmine peeked through the windows, swaying against the mossy white walls.

The layout reflected the owner. Consort Zhuang seemed like she would be easy to get along with.

Entering the room, the scent of medicine mixed with faint sandalwood hit her. Further in, she saw a thin, pale woman sitting on a black lacquered bed carved with longevity symbols. Her hair was tinged with frost, and there was a sickly grey hue under her eyes. Her clothes were simple, yet her features remained elegant. She possessed the composed dignity of someone who had long held a high status.

Chi Ying lowered her head and gave a deep curtsy.

Consort Zhuang was pleased to see such a quiet, beautiful, and well-mannered daughter-in-law. “Good child, come closer so I can see you.”

She then looked toward the door. “Why didn’t Qi-lang come with you?”

Qi-lang was the seventh son, referring to Prince Zhao, Yan Xuecuī.

As Chi Ying deliberated how to answer, Qionglin explained, “His Highness had official business and left the estate this morning.”

Consort Zhuang grumbled, “What business could be more important than accompanying his bride to pay respects?”

Chi Ying said nothing. She followed etiquette and served tea to Consort Zhuang, then presented a handmade sachet for calming the mind and heart.

Consort Zhuang set down her prayer beads and smelled the sachet. Her brow relaxed. “The stitching is fine, and the scent is refreshing. You are a thoughtful one.”

She signaled to Qionglin, who immediately brought out a pair of translucent, vibrant green emerald bracelets.

Chi Ying had never seen such treasures, but she knew they were incredibly valuable.

Consort Zhuang said, “These were given to me by the late Empress Dowager Huiren. I originally planned to give one to each of my daughters-in-law, but now… forget it. I give the pair to you today. I hope you and Qi-lang will be of one heart and live in harmony.”

Chi Ying submissively accepted. She couldn’t refuse the Consort’s kindness, so she decided to keep them safe and return them when she eventually left the estate.

After sitting for a while, Consort Zhuang grew tired. As the maids helped her back to bed, she didn’t forget to instruct Qionglin and Fangchun. “Check the gift list for the Princess’s return to her bridal home tomorrow. Do not let anything be missing. Also, start handing over the estate matters to the Princess. She is new here. Send the managers to introduce themselves. She is young, so you must help her establish her authority.”

She rambled on with instructions until she could no longer keep her eyes open and fell into a weary sleep.

Looking at the exhausted woman on the bed, Chi Ying felt a strange sensation, as if she were truly being cared for.

But that feeling vanished quickly. Consort Zhuang’s care was for her daughter-in-law. Chi Ying was nothing to her.

Fortunately, since the Consort mentioned the return home, she could use this chance to see her mother. That was an unexpected joy.

The next morning, Chi Ying put on a veiled hat and returned to the Marquis’s estate with her two maids, Xiangqin and Baoshan.

The two maids knew her true identity. To avoid suspicion, they acted with complete submission in front of the Zhao estate staff.

Inside the carriage, Chi Ying looked at the gift list. Her eyes lingered on two century-old ginseng roots.

Meanwhile, the Marquis and Madam Yin made a show of welcoming her. But once they were inside and saw she had only brought her own maids, their fake smiles vanished.

The Marquis was worried about the substitution. As soon as they entered, he questioned her.

Chi Ying knew he wasn’t worried about her safety, but rather that her mistakes might ruin the entire family. She replied coldly, “Prince Zhao is bedridden; I haven’t seen him. Consort Zhuang was unwell, so I met her once. No one suspects anything yet.”

The Marquis nodded, his heart full of complex emotions.

Madam Yin saw this marriage as a death warrant for her daughter, but he disagreed. The estate had been in decline for a long time. Having a Prince as a son-in-law, even a blind and injured one, brought immeasurable wealth and prestige.

But he hadn’t expected Madam Yin to risk the crime of deceiving the Emperor just to save their daughter.

Chi Ying had married into the estate without even a ceremony or seeing the Prince. In just a few days, the Marquis of Changyuan’s estate had become the laughingstock of the capital, making him lose face before his colleagues.

But then again, they had used a concubine’s daughter to fake the marriage. Being able to get away with it was already a blessing.

Madam Yin stared at the girl dressed in fine silks and jewels. She remembered how Chi Ying had knelt outside the gate last year, thin and frail in a tattered coat. It left a bitter taste in her mouth.

If Prince Zhao weren’t a violent dying man, Yingyue would be the Princess Consort right now. This lowly servant’s daughter wouldn’t have had the chance!

She gritted her teeth and warned, “Even so, you must not be careless. If something goes wrong, no one can protect you.”

Chi Ying sneered internally. She looked at the Marquis. “I want to see my mother.”

Before the Marquis could speak, Madam Yin blocked her. “We will take care of Concubine Xue. You are a substitute now; you must act with caution. Why keep mentioning a concubine? If the Zhao estate hears of it, they will find it suspicious.”

Chi Ying refused to back down. “If I cannot see that my mother is well, I’m afraid I won’t be able to continue acting as the Princess Consort. Perhaps Mother should bring Second Sister back so I can return the title to her.”

“You!” Madam Yin was furious. “You dare threaten me? You killed your brother back then. I haven’t even asked for your life yet! You’re just taking Yingyue’s place for a while. Even if the man is no good, you’ve climbed a high branch and are living a life of luxury! Others would dream of this! The Marquis and I have to spend money and effort to look after Concubine Xue. If you won’t be grateful, do you really want the whole estate to be buried with you?”

Chi Ying gritted her teeth. “Mother, ask your own heart. Did I really…”

“Enough!” The Marquis interrupted. “Why bring this up again? Do you want everyone to know?”

He waved his hand. “Concubine Xue is in the Spring Willow Court. Go.”

Chi Ying immediately headed there. Concubine Xue had been brought back to the estate in secret. The servants at the court were all old hands. Madam Yin had already warned them to keep quiet or lose their tongues, so no one dared speak.

Chi Ying entered and saw her mother lying in bed. While she didn’t look great, she looked much better than she had at the manor. She exhaled in relief. “A-niang.”

Concubine Xue hadn’t seen her daughter in days and forced herself to sit up. “A-Ying, where have you been? I heard them say they wanted you to marry in the Second Lady’s place?”

Chi Ying quickly helped her lie down. “Don’t worry, A-niang. I’m fine.”

To put her mother at ease, she downplayed the situation. “The young lord of that house is terminally ill and doesn’t have much time left. Second Sister didn’t want to marry him, so I took her place.”

Concubine Xue was full of worry. “How can you take her place? You look alike, but your personalities are different. What if you’re found out?”

Chi Ying said, “I’ve been there for a few days, and no one noticed. Don’t worry, Mother. Once that man passes away, I will come back to be with you.”

Concubine Xue was skeptical. Chi Ying forced a smile and showed off her beautiful dress.

“Look, I have fine food and clothes now, and your health is improving. Life is much better than it was at the manor, isn’t it?”

Concubine Xue remembered their helpless days at the farm. A-Ying’s beauty had often attracted unwanted attention. But the capital was a den of tigers and wolves! That Madam Yin was so wicked—she wouldn’t let her own daughter marry, so she threw A-Ying into the fire…

Thinking of this, Concubine Xue burst into tears. “You should have had a proper marriage. After this mess, how will you live?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Chi Ying soothed her. “Once this is over, we will leave the capital and go somewhere no one knows us. Maybe… I’ll take you to Jiangnan?”

Concubine Xue sighed. She didn’t know how much longer her body would hold out, but she didn’t want to worry her daughter. “We’ll talk about the future later. For now, you must be careful.”

Chi Ying nodded. She couldn’t stay long. After spending some time with her mother, she made two demands to the Marquis before leaving.

“The two ginseng roots in the gift list are top-quality. I want to leave them here for my mother’s health.”

Ginseng was a main ingredient in the Jiji Pills her mother took, and these were high-quality items from the Zhao estate. She didn’t want them falling into anyone else’s hands.

The Marquis had planned to use the ginseng as a gift for his young son’s teacher. He hesitated but eventually agreed.

Chi Ying paused, then added, “My position at the Prince’s estate is difficult. I need money to bribe people.”

The dowry belonged to Chi Yingyue and the Chi family. The Marquis wouldn’t let her touch it, hoping to get it back after Prince Zhao died. So, Chi Ying had no money of her own.

The Marquis scoffed. “You’re a substitute. Just behave yourself. Do you really think you’re the Princess Consort?”

Chi Ying tried to remain calm. “Father surely doesn’t want people to see the daughter of a Marquis with no money, having to sell her jewelry to survive? If people see that, they will get suspicious…”

The Marquis gritted his teeth and had the steward give her fifty taels of silver.

Chi Ying used ten taels to bribe the girl brewing the medicine and the woman looking after her mother. Both were delighted and promised to take good care of Concubine Xue.

She didn’t expect much, only that they wouldn’t mistreat her mother. That was enough.

On the way back, Chi Ying planned how to use the remaining silver to start a business. She needed to earn enough for her mother’s medicine so she wouldn’t be controlled by others. She also needed to find the truth about Madam Yin’s miscarriage… There were so many things that required money.

Her mind was full of thoughts when the carriage suddenly braked hard. The frame groaned as the vehicle jerked to a stop.

The three women inside were thrown forward.

The sound of clashing blades came from ahead.

Chi Ying grabbed the window frame. “What happened?”

The driver recognized the emblem on the opposite carriage and stared at the guards with drawn swords. His voice trembled. “Princess… it’s, it’s our Highness’s carriage!”

His Highness…

The driver had said, “Our Highness.”

Chi Ying’s mind went blank for a second. Then, with the sharp Zheng! of clashing steel outside, the title rang in her head like a thunderclap.

Chi Ying clutched her handkerchief, her heart pounding like a drum.

Outside, the fighting continued.

The clash of swords was endless, each strike hitting her heart like a drumbeat.

Wasn’t Prince Zhao bedridden? Why was he here on Chengxian Street?

Did he know she had returned home today?

Should she hide… or stay?

Footnotes:

Guining (归宁): A traditional wedding custom where the bride returns to her natal home (usually on the third day) to visit her parents.

Qi-lang (七郎): “Lang” was a common address for young men; “Qi” means seventh. It is an affectionate way for a mother or elder to refer to the seventh son.

Sachet (香囊 – Xiangnang): A small bag filled with fragrant herbs or medicine, often given as a token of affection or for health benefits.

Translator’s Note: Enjoy, and drop feedback.

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