Chapter 29: Truly Deserves Death, Brother Wuwuwu—

By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

We, bearing Heaven’s mandate to rule all lands, establish the inner palace system to manifest proper order. Prime Minister Yan’s legitimate grandson Yan Qing, possessing both talent and virtue, with exceptional elegance, gentle and humble in demeanor, has deeply captured Our heart. He is specially appointed as Consort An to enter the palace and accompany the imperial carriage, bestowed with golden credentials and jade seal, precious jewels and jade artifacts, to demonstrate glorious favor.

Respect this.

Yan Qing looked up in astonishment, meeting Huang Gungong’s amiable yet profoundly meaningful smiling face.

Young Master Yan, why don’t you quickly come receive the decree and give thanks!

Except for Prime Minister Yan, all members of the Yan family knelt with bowed heads.

Yan Qing suddenly stood up, ignoring the astonished gazes of everyone, and walked directly toward the mansion entrance.

Prime Minister Yan’s aged and deep voice echoed behind him for a long time.

Heng’an, what have you done?

What had he done?

Yan Qing didn’t understand.

Since returning to the capital, his interactions with Murong Ji had been few and far between. Why would the other party suddenly want him to enter the palace?

Yan Qing’s face darkened like the gloomy clouds at the horizon. He mounted his horse and was about to leave when he saw someone galloping rapidly toward him from ahead.

The person wore dark black robes, sleeves fluttering in the wind, a silver spear scraping blinding sparks against the bluestone pavement as he approached murderously.

Yan Qing! You truly deserve death!

Yan Qing? Why have you come?

The wildly arrogant and fierce angry face suddenly transformed into youthful innocence, those murderous phoenix eyes turning puzzled.

Yan Qing, who had rushed over in haste, took a deep breath, his voice hoarse and heavy.

To visit the Imperial Grandson.

With that, he walked directly toward Prince Chu’s vermilion lacquered main gate.

Seeing this, Yan Jingquan quickly followed, chattering incessantly: I’ve been here for ages! If I weren’t afraid of disturbing Murong Ji, I would have gone in long ago! Since you insist on entering, I’ll reluctantly accompany you today!

Saying this, he stepped forward first and knocked on the prince’s mansion gate.

Yan Qing paid no mind to Yan Jingquan, for he was already trapped in a greater dilemma.

During the Emperor’s birthday banquet, he had indeed changed some events. Prince Qi didn’t receive severe punishment, and Prince Qi’s Royal Concubine Wu Shi didn’t suffer a miscarriage due to Xue Consort’s affairs.

But at the subsequent Flower Viewing Banquet, Prince Qi’s Royal Concubine Wu Shi had a miscarriage from the shock of Murong Zhuo pushing Yan Jingquan into the water, and precisely because of this incident, the Northern Garrison Prince’s daughter-in-law didn’t drown as in his dream. Yan Qing had initially thought Wu Shi’s miscarriage was merely an accident, but after the Dragon Boat Racing concluded, the Northern Garrison Prince’s daughter-in-law’s death occurred again as if fate-decreed.

He seemed to have prevented some events, but in reality, he had only delayed their occurrence. Wu Shi was destined to miscarry, the Northern Garrison Prince’s daughter-in-law was destined to die—so could he truly change the events concerning Prince Qi and the Imperial Grandson that were to follow?

What frightened him more was that in his dreams, although Prince Chu had poor health, he wouldn’t die this early. Now that Prince Chu had fallen into the sea and died, was this the backlash of his attempts to alter fate?

Perhaps he had indirectly caused Prince Chu’s death.

Then the Imperial Grandson…

Yan Qing held his forehead, his head splitting with pain.

Suddenly, a familiar, raspy voice interrupted his thoughts.

Brother Yan, you’ve come too.

Yan Qing looked up, and the moment he saw the Imperial Grandson, pity surged in his heart like tidal waves.

The child who was once plump and adorable, always beaming with smiles, had now grown taller but also much thinner, the baby fat on her face appearing particularly gaunt. Her originally clear and bright eyes were red, swollen, and moist from excessive crying, and her entire being seemed dejected and listless.

Yan Qing took two steps forward, pulling Murong Ji into an embrace, his downcast eyes filled with guilt.

Murong Ji was slightly taken aback.

Ever since the Dragon Boat Racing incident, when Yan Qing was taken back to the fifth level, she had sensed some resentment in his heart, and afterward, he had not spoken much. Now, not only had Yan Qing taken the initiative to come, but he was also being so intimate, which instead stirred a trace of suspicion in her heart.

She leaned close to Yan Qing’s ear and whispered very softly, Brother Yan, are you here to keep Ji’er company?

Yan Qing did not answer, only gently patting her back.

Yan Jingquan, standing nearby, snorted discontentedly, I was here first! Why don’t you ask if I’m here to keep you company?

Murong Ji pushed Yan Qing away, glanced faintly at Yan Jingquan, and then turned to walk toward the Inner Courtyard.

In the past, Yan Jingquan would have already thrown a tantrum and stormed off in displeasure, but now, he merely furrowed his brows and followed her.

The three of them walked in silence, eventually sitting down in the pavilion behind the artificial hill and lake. The stone table and chairs in the pavilion were simple and elegant, but the table was empty, and no attendants came to serve them, making the place feel particularly desolate.

Yan Jingquan clutched the hem of his robe, cleared his throat lightly, and tried to break the suffocating silence.

Why haven’t we seen a single servant along the way?

Murong Ji replied, I dismissed them.

Yan Jingquan widened his eyes, What happened?

Murong Ji leaned on the wooden table, her gaze vacant as she watched the willow leaves drifting on the lake.

Father is gone, and Mother is returning to Cangzhou. What’s the point of keeping them here?

Yan Jingquan exclaimed anxiously, Cangzhou? Are you going to Cangzhou too?

Murong Ji shook her head, her eyes lowered. After Mother leaves, I will return to the palace.

Yan Jingquan opened his mouth but did not know what to say.

Yan Qing pursed his lips, reached out, and gently brushed a fallen petal from Murong Ji’s hair, his voice gentle.

Staying in the palace, His Majesty will protect you.

Murong Ji slowly turned her head, meeting Yan Qing’s compassionate gaze.

But Grandfather is very busy. He has so many people to manage. What if he grows tired of Ji’er?

Yan Qing replied, He won’t. His Majesty is very fond of you.

So certain?

The message conveyed in his eyes struck Murong Ji as strange.

It was as if…

He already knew the outcome.

Did Chancellor Yan know something?

Or was it because of Yan Qing himself?

Was he…

Murong Ji suddenly buried her face in her arms, afraid the young man would see the astonishment in her eyes.

The strange speculation rising in her heart made Murong Ji tremble with excitement.

Yan Jingquan, however, mistook Murong Ji’s trembling for sorrow and thought she was crying. Instantly enraged, he glared at Yan Qing and snapped, Why did you say so much! You’ve made Murong Ji cry! Are you satisfied now?

Yan Qing frowned and was about to speak when he heard Murong Ji’s muffled, suppressed voice.

Ji’er is so scared. Can you stay with Ji’er these next few days?

Yan Jingquan quickly stood up, walked to Murong Ji’s side, and patted her trembling body.

I’ll stay with you! It just so happens that my family’s estate is empty lately. That princely manor—whether I return or not makes no difference.

Yan Qing sighed softly and nodded. If it’s not too much trouble, I will come to see the young mistress every day.

Murong Ji slowly raised her head, a strained smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Thank you.

She would make good use of this.

Two days later, the weather was clear and fine.

Yan Jingquan had grown up in the Northern Desert since childhood, learning to hunt with his grandfather as soon as he could walk, which made him rather detached towards matters of life and death. Though saddened by his mother’s passing, he didn’t wallow in grief. He knew he had to mature quickly to return to the Northern Desert sooner.

The Northern Garrison Prince’s estate had never been heavily staffed, and after his mother’s death, he dismissed even more servants. Now the estate felt empty, making him prefer staying at Prince Chu’s estate.

Chu Wangfei came from a family that served as imperial merchants to the Great Jin dynasty. The food, clothing, and amenities at Prince Chu’s estate were superior to those at the Northern Garrison Prince’s estate, not to mention the exquisitely trimmed rocks, flowers, and trees that appeared meticulously maintained everywhere, creating a beautifully soothing atmosphere.

Especially since that pretty boy Yan Qing wasn’t around.

Yan Jingquan felt even more delighted.

He pointed excitedly at a white tiger stone carving by the lake and asked Murong Ji.

Who carved that? It looks so real! It nearly scared me yesterday.

Murong Ji looked over and recognized the white tiger that Zhang Luo had carved to cheer her up when she was young.

Her eyes flickered slightly, her voice still hoarse: It was made by a dismissed servant.

Ah? Oh… Yan Jingquan awkwardly closed his mouth.

But soon, he enthusiastically grabbed her shoulders again.

Murong Ji, let me teach you martial arts! You’re too weak and growing too slowly. If you learn my Yan family’s martial techniques, you’ll definitely become as strong as me!

Murong Ji studied Yan Jingquan seriously for a moment before shaking her head: No.

As a girl, if she really ended up looking as rough as Yan Jingquan, her mother would probably cry herself to death.

Yan Jingquan didn’t understand: Why not? I’m perfectly fine like this! Remember when we fell in the water together? I was fine that same day, but you were bedridden for ages.

Murong Ji waved her hand dismissively, picking up a fishing rod nearby and casting it into the lake.

If I were to learn, I’d want Brother Yan to teach me.

Yan Jingquan immediately flew into a rage: Murong Ji! You—

Before he could finish, that annoyingly calm voice came from behind them: Alright.

Yan Jingquan turned around, glaring furiously at the newcomer.

Yan Qing! Dare to have a match with me!

Yan Qing had been in a poor mood lately. Hearing this, he directly walked to an open area and looked at the furious youth.

I won’t go easy on you.

Yan Jingquan snorted coldly, charging forward with a fierce punch: I don’t need you to!

Yan Qing sidestepped the attack, raising his hand to strike Yan Jingquan’s arm. Yan Jingquan spun with the momentum, launching a powerful leg whip aimed at Yan Qing’s face. Yan Qing leaned back, his waist bending at an incredible angle as his steps shifted slightly. Soon, he appeared behind Yan Jingquan, pushing a palm strike forward.

Forced forward by the fierce assault, Yan Jingquan staggered before turning around, his eyes now showing more seriousness and composure.

The Dong family’s Soaring Cloud Steps are indeed impressive. Again!

As the two engaged in combat again, Yan Jingquan’s attacks remained as violent as a storm, while Yan Qing moved with flowing grace, each move precise and accurate.

Murong Ji sighed, refocusing on her fishing rod.

Suddenly,

Rapid footsteps approached from behind, accompanied by two familiar voices.

Brother—where are you, brother—Zhuo’er has come to see you—brother—

Murong Zhuo! Slow down!

The two from Prince Qi’s Estate had arrived.

Yan Qing and Yan Jingquan simultaneously stopped fighting, turning their attention toward the moon gate leading to the rear garden.

The fair-skinned Murong Zhuo was the first to rush over, followed by a visibly tense Murong Wan.

As this was an imperial family visit, the two could only watch from the sidelines.

But unexpectedly, Murong Zhuo charged forward with such uncontrolled force that he directly tackled Murong Ji to the ground.

The fishing rod fell and sank into the lake.

Murong Ji gasped for breath under the weight: …Murong… Zhuo… you!

Before Yan Qing and Yan Jingquan could intervene, the belated Murong Wan promptly kicked Murong Zhuo aside and reached out to pull Murong Ji up.

After checking on Murong Ji, she turned and scolded angrily: Murong Zhuo! What did I tell you before we came here!

Although his constitution was much stronger than that of an ordinary child, Murong Zhuo was still less than two years old. Due to the incident at the previous Flower Viewing Banquet, he had been confined for a long time. Now that he was finally allowed out, his thoughts were entirely focused on his elder sibling.

Throughout the journey, Murong Wan had repeatedly warned him not to be as reckless as before when he saw Murong Ji, but to be gentle and well-behaved.

And now!

This little rascal had completely ignored her words!

Murong Wan clenched her fist and stepped forward, but before she could raise her hand, Murong Zhuo, who had scrambled up from the ground, burst into loud sobs.

Crying and shuffling toward Murong Ji: Elder sibling—Elder sister is bullying Zhuo again, wuwu—

Yan Jingquan, standing nearby, couldn’t help but roll his eyes: What a crybaby!

Listening to Murong Zhuo’s dry wails, Yan Qing also felt quite helpless.

Murong Wan’s scolding grew louder, yet it still couldn’t drown out Murong Zhuo’s naturally powerful voice.

Elder sibling, wuwu—

This commotion, however, managed to lighten Murong Ji’s previously sorrowful mood a little.

She closed her eyes, pushing aside the tangled thoughts, and when she opened them again, her gaze was clear and composed.

Murong Ji turned her head to look at Murong Zhuo, who was now the same height as her, and felt a wave of relief in her heart.

She pinched Murong Zhuo’s delicate cheek and turned his face toward the opposite side of the lake: If you keep crying, I’ll throw you to that big tiger over there!

Murong Zhuo had never seen a tiger before, but at the sight of the massive creature across the lake, he trembled all over and nearly burst into tears again. However, his elder sibling’s warning still echoed in his ears, so he tightly covered his mouth, letting out pitiful whimpers.

Seeing this, Murong Wan burst into laughter.

Crybaby! Finally, someone can keep you in check!

Murong Ji suddenly turned to the young girl: Elder sister Wanwan, did Aunt Third lift your confinement?

At this, Murong Wan puffed out her cheeks, looking displeased.

Ah-Zhou was making too much of a fuss, so Mother agreed to let us out for one day, but we still have to resume our confinement afterward.

But Murong Zhuo clung tightly to Murong Ji, refusing to let go: Zhuo doesn’t want to go back—

Murong Wan snorted coldly: If you don’t go back, just wait for Mother to come and drag you back herself! By then, Father will surely give you a good thrashing!

As if he had already experienced such punishment, Murong Zhuo suddenly covered his little bottom, his lips quivering as tears instantly welled up in his eyes.

The speed of it made Murong Ji wonder if this child had been made of water in his past life.

She pointed toward the tiger across the lake: Be careful, it will come and eat you if it hears you crying.

Murong Zhuo abandoned his bottom and hurriedly covered his mouth instead. The resulting two crisp slapping sounds sent Murong Wan and Yan Jingquan into another fit of laughter.

This little fool is too funny—

Did it hurt? Hahaha—how could you injure yourself like that? Hahaha—

Murong Ji also laughed along.

Suddenly, Murong Zhuo put down his hands and leaned close to Murong Ji with sparkling eyes.

Brother is laughing! Brother is laughing, hehe! Brother really likes Zhuor the most!

Seeing Jier return to his usual self, Murong Wan smiled even more happily.

But the other two felt complicated.

They had been here for two days, and aside from accompanying Murong Ji for meals and entertainment, they hadn’t been able to elicit a genuine laugh from him.

Yet these two, especially Murong Zhuo, had managed to make Murong Ji laugh and become so relaxed in less than half an hour.

Yan Jingquan felt truly defeated.

After brief reflection, Yan Qing let it go.

In his dream, Murong Zhuo had been extremely trusting and dependent on the Eldest Imperial Grandson. Yan Qing had originally thought they were close simply because both were imperial grandchildren. But now it appeared the main reason the Eldest Imperial Grandson favored him was Murong Zhuo’s sincere simplicity. While he was indeed spoiled by Wu Shi, he was also pure and innocent, making it easy for others to let their guard down.

Though Yan Qing was highly educated, his thoughts were also the most complex – he couldn’t achieve Murong Zhuo’s level of pure sincerity.

Before long, Ziyun came to call everyone for lunch.

Seeing her young master’s relaxed expression, she finally smiled and couldn’t help wanting to let the two stay.

Murong Zhuo excitedly exclaimed: Zhuor wants to stay! Zhuor wants to stay!

Murong Wan also wanted to stay very much, but she couldn’t disobey her mother’s words.

Murong Ji put down his bowl and chopsticks, looking at Ziyun: Send someone to Prince Qi’s Estate to inform them that this young master, though overwhelmed by grief, finds joy today in seeing his elder sister and younger brother, and wishes to keep them for one more day. Requesting Qi Consort’s permission.

Ziyun acknowledged and left.

Murong Wan and Murong Zhuo widened their eyes: We don’t have to go back?

Murong Ji smiled and nodded.

Murong Zhuo let out an ao sound as he jumped off the wooden stool, tightly hugging Murong Ji: Zhuor likes Brother so much—

Murong Ji pulled away the child’s dirty little hands, his gaze disdainful: If you ever dare hug me with dirty hands again, Brother won’t let you come anymore!

Murong Zhuo stood obediently: Zhuor understands—

When night fell, Yan Qing took his leave, and Prince Qi’s Estate sent a reply agreeing to let the two children stay one more day, but they must return to the estate by the following evening.

Murong Wan and Murong Zhuo beamed with joy, believing that if Murong Ji requested it again, they might be able to stay even longer, happily running around the courtyard in their excitement.

The next day, which was Murong Ji’s fourth day out of the palace.

With the company of Yan Qing, Yan Jingquan, Murong Zhuo, and Murong Wan, his mood had improved considerably.

Coveting Yan Qing’s Soaring Cloud Steps from the previous day, Murong Ji wanted to ask Yan Qing to teach him martial arts. But whenever Yan Qing approached to instruct him, Murong Zhuo would urgently shout Fox spirit, go away! making Yan Qing quite helpless.

By evening,

Yan Qing departed again. Yan Jingquan, having lost to Yan Qing once more, was seriously practicing martial arts in the backyard. Murong Zhuo and Murong Wan pestered Murong Ji, asking to stay another day.

But Murong Ji waved his hand and ordered Ziyun to send them back directly.

Murong Zhuo cried heartbreakingly: Brother—Zhuor doesn’t want to go, wuwu—

Murong Wan was also very sad.

Murong Ji comforted them: Be good, when I return to the palace, I’ll beg Grandfather to lift your restrictions. Then you can come to the palace to find me.

Really! The two exclaimed excitedly.

Only after Murong Ji promised several times did they reluctantly depart.

A moment later,

Murong Ji beckoned, and Cheng San instantly landed before her, kneeling with bowed head.

Young Master, we have news.

Speak.

Cheng San reported respectfully: Assistant Minister Xue indeed keeps a mistress. His wife remains unaware because he placed her right under his own nose – at Lan Shan Temple.

The monks’ territory?

Murong Ji inquired: Why is Assistant Minister Xue at Lan Shan Temple?

Cheng San: Half a month ago, right after the Dragon Boat Racing, Grandmaster Lingjue came to the capital to preach Buddhist teachings for one month. Being from Western Rong and of special status, the Chief of the Court of State Ceremonial specifically assigned Assistant Minister Xue to handle this matter. During this period, Assistant Minister Xue frequently visits Lan Shan Temple, leaving directly for home afterward. We initially thought he had no time to seek women, but who would have imagined he actually hid a woman directly in the back hills of Lan Shan Temple.

Murong Ji smiled faintly and strolled to the backyard.

In that case, it’s time for this Young Master to visit Lan Shan Temple to pray and worship the Buddha.