Poisonous Goddess: I'm just lazing around in the mortal realm.

She still collaborates with Duan Yuchuan, so naturally she least wants anything to happen to him at this time.

An Ruyi drank the warm water in her teacup in one gulp and glanced at her indifferently.

"If you think your mother is lying, then have someone investigate the medicine jars she has kept in her residence these past few days."

Since she dared to tell her daughter about Duan Yuchuan's situation at this time, it was natural that she had already investigated everything.

"..."

Duan Yuyan did not answer An Ruyi's question, but instead took the teacup from her hand and lowered her head, lost in thought.

She had considered her brother's health, but she didn't believe her mother could be so kind as to help her if it weren't for her brother.

So much so that it was only when her mother actually brought up her brother's health that she finally seemed to realize what was happening.

However, what she wants now is still something her mother cannot give her.

So she tightened her grip on the teacup, then slowly raised her head and said...

“Mother, I know your worries. But I... I only have one brother. If that day doesn't come, I... naturally still want the family to be reunited.”

As if she had made up her mind, her gaze towards An Ruyi became more resolute.

"I will promise you that I will not take action against Thirteen for the time being, but I also hope that Mother Consort can grant me one request."

Her hesitant manner surprised An Ruyi.

"You said, Yan'er."

"I..." Duan Yuyan composed herself, suppressing her resentment.

"I do not want to marry the Khan of the Western Regions. If Mother can agree to persuade Father to change his decree, I will spare Thirteen!"

An Ruyi was taken aback upon hearing this; she had ultimately overestimated her daughter.

He thought he had persuaded his daughter to let Mr. Thirteen go for the time being, but it turned out to be just a deal in the end.

She was, after all, Duan Yuyan's biological mother.

If she could persuade the emperor, how could she allow her daughter to marry far away to the Western Regions?

Thinking of this, she slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, her gaze lowered as if in resignation.

"In your heart, have you always thought that your mother didn't care about this matter? Do you really think your mother wanted you to marry into the Western Regions?"

"Is not it?"

Duan Yuyan's tone was somewhat cold; she couldn't hold back her anger after all.

As early as when her father issued the decree, she discovered that her mother had always been trying to protect herself.

They didn't care who she actually married, but rather what her marriage could bring to her mother and the An family.

For her, this marriage was nothing more than exchanging her happiness for the benefit of everyone else.

She naturally understood, including how much of her dear brother's willingness to help her was truly genuine.

She is not stupid.

"Are you blaming your mother?" Although An Ruyi's face did not change, the guilty conscience that flashed in her eyes betrayed her.

Indeed, she isn't...

Why should we let her worry about it?

The two seemed to have run out of things to say, and noticing the awkward atmosphere, An Ru had no choice but to speak up.

"You've seen the Khan of the Western Regions before. He's handsome and has a strong build. He might be a good husband. Besides, the Khan of the Western Regions can only marry one wife in his lifetime. With your personality, you won't suffer if you marry him."

"And what about your father, the Emperor?"

Duan Yuyan seemed unmoved by reason; she looked up and stared blankly at her mother.

She had naturally seen Helian Nash's appearance at the Emperor's Birthday Festival. Although he was good-looking, he was still far inferior to Shen Mu.

Not to mention that the Western Regions were already a harsh environment, how could her pampered body possibly survive there?

"What do you mean by this? Your father and I have been in perfect harmony for over ten years..." An Ruyi naturally did not expect her to ask her such a question.

“But Yan’er feels that your feelings for Father are genuine, but his feelings for you…”

Duan Yuyan glanced at the door and then suddenly shut her mouth.

She knew in her heart that some things should be said and some things shouldn't be said.

"Nonsense! Aren't you afraid that someone with ulterior motives will overhear such words? Don't speak like that again. The Emperor is the ruler of the country, and the number of concubines in the harem is much smaller than in previous dynasties."

An Ruyi could naturally guess what she was about to say, and quickly stopped her.

Duan Yuyan turned her head away somewhat sullenly, not wanting to look at her mother.

She had naturally considered the Khan of the Western Regions, but she still couldn't let go of Shen Mu. Even though Shen Mu had publicly humiliated her, she never considered killing him directly.

An Ruyi, remembering that the incense issue was still unresolved, could only offer a perfunctory reply.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to your father again. Later, have your brother find out where Thirteen is. If there's a way, bring her to see me."

She naturally wanted to confirm with Thirteen whether her current body was capable of successfully giving birth to an imperial heir.

"Yes, Mother." Duan Yuyan naturally didn't believe that she could speak kindly to her.

As she stood up to leave, Qingwu rushed in in a panic.

"Aunt Qingwu?"

Duan Yuyan was a little surprised, thinking that only a cup of tea had passed, and the ginger tea was already brewed?

When she saw Qingwu come in empty-handed, her heart sank, as if she had forgotten something.

When Qingwu entered, she gave Duan Yuyan a deep look before immediately walking to An Ruyi's side and saying...

"Your Highness, the Emperor has sent word that the Princess must return to her residence immediately and is not allowed to leave the residence without permission before her marriage."

"What--"

Duan Yuyan suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Qingwu's body, saying...

"Say it again, Father Emperor wants to put me under house arrest?" She naturally didn't believe that her father Emperor could make such a decision.

"Qingwu, where did you hear that?"

An Ruyi had not expected that such an imperial decree would be issued at such a critical juncture.

Seeing that the two were so surprised, Qingwu quickly lowered her head and repeated...

"It was Eunuch Tao from the Emperor's side who brought guards. They said they wanted to take the princess back to her residence, and they are waiting outside Yong'an Palace." She naturally noticed that Eunuch Tao's face was pale, so he must have just been reprimanded by the Emperor.

She naturally dared not delay and hurriedly went inside to report.

"Mother, I don't want to go to the Western Regions!"

Duan Yuyan became even more anxious. She knew clearly that if she went back to the princess's residence with that eunuch Tao today, she might really have to marry someone from the Western Regions!

"you……"

An Ruyi and Duan Yuyan exchanged a glance, then An Ruyi said angrily.

"As the Princess of Nanyang, you should marry into the Western Regions to ensure the success of your father's plan to conquer the Southern Barbarians. Don't be so selfish!"

"Mother--"

Duan Yuyan looked at her mother in disbelief.

Although she knew her mother was putting on an act in front of Qingwu, hearing these words from her still ignited her anger.

"Yes! Mother only remembers the one in your belly. My brother and I were just stepping stones for that princess in your belly!"