The story of a bullied daughter's rise to power

Then, Tan Tai Wu Yue was heard saying, "The main ingredient for curing the plague is a type of plum blossom called Plum Blossom Nine Degrees. These plum blossoms are only found in the entire Lanlin area, at Qiu Shui Villa in Luocheng. Inside Qiu Shui Villa, I see my father's calligraphy, as well as the mechanisms left behind by Master Qiu Lian. I believe this is my father's manor. Without these plum blossoms, I wouldn't have been able to cure the plague so quickly. So, if you take it seriously, it's all thanks to my father."

Tantai Wuyue's words were well-reasoned. The ministers knelt again and said, "Long live the emperor."

The emperor's expression finally softened, and he looked at the prince with a more favorable eye. "How could I covet your credit? Stand up, what's yours is yours. Come! For your meritorious service in combating the plague, I grant you Luocheng as your city. From now on, all income from Luocheng will belong to you."

The emperor's words startled everyone. A country within a country! This was all too familiar. There had already been a Liucheng before. However, what was truly surprising was that the emperor would give such a country within a country to the crown prince!

If it were given to an outsider, with the imperial power still at the top, then no matter how much the Liucheng City Lord struggled, he would still be in Lan Lin's control. But what about the Crown Prince?

Doesn’t this prove that the emperor will pass the throne to the prince in the future?

"Thank you, Father." Tantai Wuyue's face showed neither joy nor sorrow, but indifference. It was as if China had no meaning to him at all.

After rewarding Tan Tai Wu Yue, the emperor's gaze fell on Situ Yao Rao who was standing beside him and said, "Crown Princess."

"Father." Situ Yaorao knelt on the ground.

"As the Crown Princess, you have committed an unforgivable crime by leaving the imperial city without permission, and the Queen has already issued a warrant for your arrest. But... considering that you are devoted to the Crown Prince and have made great contributions, I will spare your punishment. However, this kind of thing can be forgiven once, but if it happens again, I will not let you off easily." The emperor's words finally put Situ Yaorao's heart at ease.

"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty."

"Today's welcoming banquet is held for you two, so you don't have to be polite." The emperor spoke in a kind tone, and his attitude was considered to be supporting Situ Yaorao.

At that moment, everyone understood that the emperor's punishment of the prince had stopped here. After that, unless there were any accidents, there would probably be no changes. The prince's position would basically not be shaken, and the princess finally stood firm.

I have to say that Situ Yaorao and Tan Tai Wu Yue really made a profit.

As the emperor finished speaking, the banquet finally began. During the banquet, many ministers were trying to show their favor to the crown prince. Situ Yaorao was also surrounded by many women she didn't even know. They were all trying to befriend Tan Tai Wu Yue.

Across from them, the Sixth Prince and Situ Honglei sat in their original seats. Situ Honglei looked at the scene with hatred. All that should have belonged to her was Situ Yaorao's fault. If it weren't for this woman, everything would have been hers.

"Let's go." The Sixth Prince stood up and walked towards Situ Yaorao and Tan Tai Wu Yue with Situ Honglei.

As these two people approached, everyone unconsciously made way for them. After all, everyone knew that the Sixth Prince and the Crown Prince were in conflict, and for a moment, everyone became curious about what the Sixth Prince would do at this moment.

However, to everyone's disappointment, the Sixth Prince was a gentleman. He was open and honest. Looking at Tan Tai Wu Yue, the Sixth Prince said, "Congratulations, Crown Prince, on your return from Luo City. While there have been setbacks along the way, I believe the future will be smooth sailing for you, Crown Prince." The Sixth Prince's attitude was sincere, so sincere that it was hard to detect a trace of unremarkable sincerity.

And it is precisely because of this that the Sixth Prince is even more popular.

Generous, frank, not afraid of losing but daring to win. Which minister would be dissatisfied with such an energetic and responsible prince?

This was the Sixth Prince's plot. Even though the Crown Prince had returned from Jiangnan to quell the plague and won the hearts of the ministers, the Sixth Prince's words were even more appreciated.

"Sixth Prince is still the same as always." Tan Tai Wu Yue narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke calmly. Unlike the Sixth Prince's domineering demeanor, Tan Tai Wu Yue looked naturally noble. Just sitting there, it seemed as if everything he had now should belong to him.

"Congratulations, sister, on your safe return. Your departure from the capital city has caused great worry to our family. Auntie and father have been unable to eat or sleep, fearing that something might have happened to you. Now that you've returned, I'm relieved. Please go back to see our parents as soon as possible after the banquet."

Situ Honglei looked at Situ Yaorao and pleaded sincerely. She looked like a sister who was worried because her sister hadn't returned for a long time.

However, that was only under the premise of ignoring the viciousness in her eyes. No matter how Situ Honglei pretended, she still couldn't hide the hatred in her eyes. Perhaps it was because her hatred for Situ Yaorao was too deep?

Situ Yaorao looked at Situ Honglei and thought to herself, "Of course. My departure this time is truly unfilial. I will definitely apologize when I get home. It's my fault, sister, for making you worry."

"What are you talking about, sister? We are a family, aren't we?"

"Yes, we are family, so... we understand each other better than anyone else." Situ Yaorao's words were full of meaning, causing Situ Honglei's face to change, but it was only for a moment, and she quickly returned to normal. Looking at Situ Yaorao, she said, "I haven't been able to properly congratulate you, sister. I'll host a banquet someday, and you must go."

"Of course I will go." Situ Yaorao said. Then, she stood up and walked to General Situ, who had been sitting among the ministers, and said respectfully, "Father."

"Princess Consort, please call me General Situ in front of others." General Situ's attitude was cold, as if telling everyone that the relationship between him and Situ Yaorao was not very good.

Situ Yaorao didn't care and just said, "I've been away from the capital for these days, and my father has been worried."

"The one who's really worried is your mother," General Situ said. However, when he mentioned Madam Situ, a trace of guilt crossed his eyes.

This trace of guilt did not escape Situ Yaorao's notice. As expected, her departure from the capital had caused her mother much suffering. As expected, this man had also caused her mother to suffer humiliation because of this incident.

Thinking of this, Situ Yaorao became even more worried about Madam Situ, and wanted to go to the Situ house to see her even more.

After the banquet officially began, the emperor and empress left. The main characters this time were Situ Yaorao and Tantai Wuyue. After dealing with these people, Situ Yaorao excused herself to go out and relax.

Outside, the moon was bright and the stars were sparse. Although it was not as magnificent as the main hall, Situ Yaorao liked it even more. Because here, she didn't have to face those people's false smiles, nor did she need to worry about doing something wrong and causing others' dissatisfaction.

Situ Yaorao walked to the Imperial Garden. Because of the banquet tonight, there were few people here. She walked into the garden and stopped unconsciously when she saw the peonies. These peonies were also very beautiful, but... compared to the peonies on the bones, they were far inferior.

Damn it! What was I thinking?

Situ Yaorao cursed herself for being crazy and then walked away.

"Sure enough, you came here."

The man's voice rang out, yet it didn't seem out of place in this quiet garden. Situ Yaorao heard the voice and turned to look...