Spring arrives and the land smiles

Qingyan and Yunxuan were having dinner in the inner chamber, wondering why Consort Cheng hadn't arrived yet. However, their thoughts came true halfway through their meal.

"Princess, the Imperial Concubine requests an audience." Zhui'er came to report, but what she saw was Qingyan being fed meat porridge by Yunxuan. She wanted to go forward to serve her, but then stopped.

"Let her in," Qingyan said softly and reluctantly.

Yunxuan put on an even more enthusiastic performance, carefully feeding Qingyan bite by bite, making it look like Qingyan was struggling.

"Your Majesty, this concubine pays her respects." Consort Cheng greeted her humbly.

Yunxuan also wanted to pay his respects to Consort Cheng, but Qingyan stopped him.

"Your Highness, please sit down." Qingyan gestured for Zhuier to sit, her sickly appearance making Consort Cheng even more uncertain about her purpose and desired outcome today.

However, Consort Cheng was a clever woman; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to become the most favored concubine in this chaotic harem.

"Your Majesty, I know my crime." Consort Cheng not only did not sit down, but also knelt down before Qingyan, disregarding the presence of others.

Qingyan was caught off guard. Although Consort Cheng was a concubine in terms of rank, she was a high-ranking and favored concubine. There was no reason for her to kneel before Qingyan, which left Qingyan speechless.

"Your Majesty, please rise." Qingyan spoke weakly. Now she was a mother who had lost her child, and no matter who the person in front of her was, she should hate him to the bone.

Consort Cheng remained kneeling on the ground in a humble manner, as if she had not heard anything.

"Your Highness, the Eldest Princess." Consort Cheng bowed deeply to Qingyan on the bed again, "Miaoru knows her crime."

She didn't refer to herself as "your humble servant" but as "Miaoru"! Could it be...?

Qingyan's heart stirred, and she exchanged a glance with Yunxuan, who then gripped Qingyan's hand tightly.

"Every man for himself, so what crime has Your Highness committed?" Qingyan glanced at Consort Cheng, then turned her face away, using hatred to mask her doubts.

“Princess, we are both intelligent people. We can speak intelligently.” Consort Cheng continued, still kneeling on the ground, “Your Highness has framed me, simply to avenge a grudge from ten years ago. I have reaped what I sowed and have no one to blame but myself. Your Highness, please tell me how to appease your anger.” Her words were neither humble nor arrogant, revealing her scheming and displaying an air of self-assurance.

Cheng Jia is trying to stop the war in the harem!

The Cheng family was a newly wealthy and powerful clan, not an established one. It would be a lie to say that Cheng Xueli climbed to the position of Minister without resorting to underhanded tactics, but to say he relied entirely on cunning would be an insult to his talent for governing the country. Back then, when Emperor Longqing had just ascended the throne, the court was unstable after the suppression of internal strife. Emperor Longqing had seized the throne through extreme means, inevitably attracting discontent. During this time of distress, Cheng Xueli, unconventional in the palace examination, did not take the exam questions but instead wrote a treatise entitled "Pacifying the Nation," which deeply impressed Emperor Longqing. He was appointed the top scholar, and from then on, his talent was fully displayed, leading to a meteoric rise in his career. Later, the entry of his sister, Cheng Miaoru, into the palace further paved the way for Cheng Xueli's smooth career path.

But now, in order to find a powerful backer, the Cheng family is actually willing to give up Consort Cheng, the biggest asset in their family's honor!

As Qingyan was pondering how to respond, a servant announced from outside the door that the Empress had arrived.

"Yan'er!" Empress Shangguan called out as she rushed into Caiyi Palace, disregarding her image. She had lost both her gentleness and dignity, but no one cared at the moment.

Empress Shangguan went straight to Qingyan's bedside, and Yunxuan tactfully gave up his seat, standing behind the Empress.

"Yan'er." Empress Shangguan didn't know what to say to comfort her daughter, so she could only call out softly, which brought tears to everyone's eyes.

The level of grief is comparable to losing one's own child. Qingyan sighed softly, knowing that this was the ultimate expression of maternal love. Thinking about it, could it be that the incident of her falling into the water ten years ago frightened her, causing her to panic upon hearing that she had miscarried?

"Mother, I'm fine," Qingyan said softly, her voice slightly out of place.

"How can she be alright?" Empress Shangguan looked at the weak person on the bed, her heart aching with heartache. Her eyes caught sight of the person kneeling in front of the bed, and anger surged within her. "Cheng Miaoru, how could you harm Yan'er time and time again?"

Perhaps recalling a scene from ten years ago, Empress Shangguan was consumed by rage and actually stepped forward to slap Consort Cheng.

Everyone was shocked, and even Qingyan had not expected this move.

"You..." Consort Cheng was also enraged by the slap. Due to Empress Shangguan's status, she could not slap back, but her eyes were spitting fire.

Consort Cheng gestured to her personal maid to help her up, then looked deeply into Qingyan's eyes, glancing at Empress Shangguan before understanding dawned on her: "Your Highness, Miaoru's sins are grave. I wish to spend the rest of my life in seclusion, praying for the well-being of my Great Qi." With a deep bow, she resolutely departed.

Shangguan Lanyun, I'm returning my husband to you; that's enough to make your daughter's unborn child feel right.

Consort Cheng's retreating figure made Qingyan smile inwardly, but she couldn't show it on her face: "In the imperial court and the harem, your Cheng family can only have one. Cheng Miaoru, I respect your magnanimity. I will accept this generous gift from the Cheng family."

She offered a few more words of comfort, and only after Qingyan agreed that Empress Shangguan would send her nourishing meals every day did she give her many instructions before returning to the palace.

"Little sister." Just after seeing off Empress Shangguan, another crescent-colored figure appeared in Qingyan's Caiyi Palace.

"Brother." Qingyan gestured to Qinghuan's personal attendant, Xiaoshunzi, to help him sit down on the edge of the bed.

"You may all leave." Qingyan dismissed all the servants, leaving only Qinghuan and Yunxuan in the room.

"Yan'er, why is this?" Qing Huan asked, holding Qing Yan's hand.

"I had no choice." Qingyan recounted the key points of her conversation with Emperor Longqing in the Jingxin Hall that day.

“Consort Cheng is no pushover,” Qing Huan said with a smile.

"Consort Cheng just came by. She wishes to spend the rest of her life in meditation and praying for the Great Qi."

"Oh?" Qing Huan was surprised; this was unexpected.

"One cannot have both the imperial court and the harem; this is his own choice in getting married." There was a hint of satisfaction in Qing's words.

"It seems we have no choice but to choose Cheng Xueli." Qing Huan's tone seemed to carry a hint of relief at the loss of talent.

“Brother, if he truly belongs to us, it would be a great blessing. Cheng Xueli’s talent is no less than that of Shan Jiuzhou, the first retainer under the Prince of Jin.”

"Whether you truly entrust yourself to your brother or not, you don't need to worry about it." Qing Huan affectionately patted Qing Yan's head, then told her to rest well before leaving.

Afterwards, despite her frail health, Ina rushed over to check on Qingyan out of concern, which deeply moved Qingyan. Originally, Ina should have been bestowed the title of Princess of Jingguo after the sacrificial ceremony, and there would have been no further excuse to keep her here. But now that this had happened, Qingyan thought that as long as she asked, Ina would definitely stay and accompany her without hesitation, saving Qingyan a lot of brain cells.

After seeing off all the various people who came to see her with ulterior motives, only Qingyan and Yunxuan remained in the room.

"Is Yan'er feeling better now?" Yunxuan asked, his tone a mix of teasing and helplessness.

"No," Qingyan answered without hesitation.

"Why?" Isn't this enough? Yunxuan frowned.

"I'm so tired." Qingyan pulled Yunxuan to sit on the edge of the bed, gently leaning against him. She shut out the scheming she had just harbored against Consort Cheng, wanting only to hold onto this moment of peace.

What a pitiful child. Yunxuan gently stroked her head, one stroke at a time, sweeping away Qingyan's mountain of helplessness.

"Yunxuan, I've changed. What do you think?" Qingyan asked softly with her eyes closed.

"Nothing has changed, just like when I first met you," Yunxuan replied calmly.

"Yunxuan, if I'm scared, what do you think I should do?"

"Just come into my arms." Yunxuan remained calm and composed.

"The crown prince of a nation, are you asking me to be a coward?" Qingyan smiled, feeling sorry for Yunxuan.

"Whatever you like." If you like to stay in your shell, I'll shelter you from the wind and rain; if you like to be powerful and show off, I'll help you flaunt your strength; if you like to scheme and plot, I'll help you devise strategies. Yunxuan gently stroked her small face with his fingertips, feeling its smooth and lovely texture.

“Yunxuan, those annoying monsters and demons are getting more and more arrogant. If I show even the slightest fear, they will definitely devour me alive. So…” Qingyan paused for a while, “So, I have to include myself in the calculations.”

“I know,” Yunxuan nodded, “including me.”

"Yunxuan." Qingyan was surprised and embarrassed. She had taken advantage of his feelings and had been exposed.

“Yan’er, I love your kisses, but the way you look at me is never as genuine as Ning Yuan’s. I’m jealous.” Yun Xuan took Qing Yan’s hand and stroked it against his face. “We made a vow of life and death. Don’t doubt me, Yan’er. Even if I can’t have your love, we are still ruler and subject. You should believe me.”

"Yunxuan, I..." Qingyan lowered her head, seemingly repenting for using Yunxuan, but she couldn't say anything, only overflowing with emotion.

"Yan'er, I will never let you down, believe me." Yunxuan embraced Qingyan tightly, leaving no gap between them.

"Ok!"

I promise you, for all eternity.

That evening, the imperial son-in-law, Fu Yunxuan, stayed overnight at Caiyi Palace under the pretext of taking care of the eldest princess. The next day, the Longqing Emperor also granted Consort Cheng's request, and from then on, he began to practice Buddhism at the Mingjue Nunnery in the palace while keeping his hair intact.

This bizarre pregnancy incident has come to a satisfactory conclusion.

In the days that followed, because it was nominally a miscarriage, Qingyan stayed at home and rested in bed, sleeping until she naturally woke up every day, which was a complete break for her body. However, the daily diet was too nourishing, which made Qingyan feel a bit hot in the early spring.

After finishing his political affairs, Yunxuan would come to Caiyi Palace to accompany Qingyan. Therefore, even though the child with obvious Fu family characteristics was miscarried, there were rumors in the palace that the future eldest grandson of the emperor was undoubtedly of Fu family blood.

"Yan'er, I will be setting off tomorrow to inspect the provinces with Sun Zhoutian. You must be careful by yourself." Ning Yuan will not be able to return to the capital for several days, and Yun Xuan also has important matters to attend to. Yun Xuan is indeed a little worried about Qing Yan's current situation.

"As long as Physician Wang says I can't get out of bed, these demons and monsters won't dare approach my Xuanhua Palace. Don't worry, I'm fine. It's just that Sun Zhoutian is Cheng Xueli's student, so you have to be careful." Qingyan was more worried about Yunxuan.

"Mm." Yunxuan nodded, knowing Qingyan's personality well, and didn't say anything more.

The next day, Yunxuan left the capital. If it weren't for the fact that she was in a state of miscarriage in front of others, Qingyan would have really wanted to stage a farewell scene at the palace gate with wine and flute music, to provide some fodder for gossip for those who wanted to watch the show.

One day in bed is rest, but three days in bed is torture.

Perhaps it was this kind of injury that made Empress Shangguan feel lingering fear. Not only did she personally send her tonics every day, she also strictly ordered Zhuier not to let Qingyan get out of bed, saying that she should lie down for ten days as the doctor had advised. Qingyan finally realized what it meant to reap what you sow.

Just as she was sighing helplessly, Li Chun, the head eunuch of Xuanhua Palace outside Caiyi Palace, told Qingyan in his high-pitched voice that the Emperor had arrived.

She had intended to get up to greet the emperor, but then her mind changed, and she deliberately slowed down her movements. When the Longqing Emperor came in, he saw Qingyan struggling to sit up in bed and about to get out of bed with difficulty.

"No need." Emperor Longqing strode forward, supporting Qingyan's swaying body, and gestured for her to lie down.

"Thank you, Father Emperor." Qingyan feigned gratitude, then deliberately stopped looking at Emperor Longqing and instead let her gaze wander elsewhere, appearing unfocused.

"Is Jiaojiao still blaming me?" Although it was a question, Emperor Longqing's tone was not that of an inquiry.

"Your subject dares not," Qingyan replied reluctantly.

Emperor Longqing sighed softly, took Qingyan's hand in his large palm, and discovered that his daughter was actually quite petite.

"Jiaojiao, your father knows he was wrong."

Qingyan was taken aback; the Longqing Emperor had resorted to this tactic again. Knowing him as she did, she knew this was the limit and she had to stop while she was ahead.

"Father Emperor—" Qingyan cried and threw herself into the arms of Emperor Longqing, determined to portray the grief of losing her son perfectly. "Your subject does not blame him; it is this child's misfortune." After a pause, Qingyan continued, "Although Jiaojiao is a woman, she knows the responsibility of being the crown prince. Your subject is also grateful for your teachings, Father Emperor, and will not repeat the same mistake."

These words moved the Longqing Emperor, and suddenly he no longer felt resentful about Consort Cheng's departure.

Qingyan narrowly escaped this melodramatic situation. The very next day, Emperor Longqing, under the pretext of comforting her, bestowed generous rewards upon Xuanhua Palace.

With Emperor Longqing's overtures, the wicked and scheming women in the harem dared not cause any more trouble for Xuanhua Palace, and Qingyan was happy to have some peace and quiet.

Ina, like Empress Shangguan, would report to Caiyi Palace every day. The two often met and chatted very congenially. Qingyan took the opportunity to ask Empress Shangguan for the title of Princess Jingguo for Ina, and Empress Shangguan gladly agreed.

Consort Cheng's departure was a fait accompli. Empress Shangguan brought this up to Emperor Longqing, and Qingyan, by going along with it, essentially gave the Emperor and Empress a chance to start anew. Of course, this gesture of goodwill also served to tell Emperor Longqing that, regardless of the truth, she had completely let go of the pain of losing her son.

With just over half a month to go, Qiu Rong's official letter will arrive in Suizhou. Therefore, Ina's investiture ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow. Although King Guici is bedridden and unable to attend the ceremony, he still sends an envoy with generous gifts, which will arrive in Shengjing soon.

Most importantly, at the repeated requests of the Great Qi, the King of Guici agreed to marry Ina to Luomurhaitu, the eldest son of Qiurong, under the name of Princess Jingguo. A month later, the Great Qi sent Princess Jingguo to Qiurong territory for the wedding. From then on, the Great Qi and Qiurong maintained friendly relations for generations, and the letter of submission from Qiurong arrived soon after.

At this point, the overall situation should be settled. Qingyan deliberately presented Haitu with a difficult problem. Calculating the time, when Ina's child is born, Haitu can only announce that the child was premature.

Qingyan was still forced to stay in Caiyi Palace to recuperate as a patient, but the time she spent lying in bed was reduced from a full day to half a day.

At this moment, Qingyan was idly counting the carvings on the bed.

"Little sister, I have good news for you." Qing Huan, supported by her personal eunuch Xiao Shunzi, happily entered the inner chamber without being announced to anyone.

"Good news?" With internal and external troubles changing so much lately, what good news could there be? Qingyan seemed uninterested.

"Is Ning Yuan good news?" Qing Huan raised an eyebrow and smiled ambiguously.

"Ning Yuan is back?!" This was indeed fantastic news, and Qing Yan was so excited that she immediately jumped out of bed.

"Slow down, Ningyuan won't arrive in the capital until sunset." Hearing the commotion, Qinghuan was both amused and exasperated.

But Qingyan was already impatient at this moment.

"Brother, shall we go out of town to pick him up?"

"Now?"

"Yes, now."

Qing Huan shook his head.

"Now that you're in public as a patient, do you want people to gossip about you all the way to the Emperor?"

"If I change my clothes, no one will recognize me. Besides, if I go out of the city with Prince Rui, who would dare to check your car?" Qingyan flattered with a smile, knowing that only in this way would her brother be powerless against her.

"You just take advantage of how much I spoil you and bully me all you want," Qing Huan said with a helpless smile.

"Brother, I know you're the best." Qingyan rushed over and hugged Qinghuan, leaning against him and acting coquettishly.

"Go change your clothes," Qing Huan patted her back, acknowledging her.

"Mmm." Qingyan skipped and hopped as Zhuier brought her a set of eunuch's clothes to change into.

Sure enough, with Prince Rui around, sneaking out was no problem at all. Qing Huan petitioned Emperor Longqing to allow him, as the eldest prince, to welcome General Ning fifty li outside the city. This way, his departure from the palace would be perfectly legitimate, and even his carriage wouldn't need to be checked. After Qing Yan disguised himself, no one suspected a thing.

The spring sun was warm, the flowers were in bloom, and the birds were singing. The scenery along the way was beautiful. If it weren't for the timing, today would indeed be a wonderful day for a spring outing. Qingyan and Qinghuan sat facing each other in the carriage, but their thoughts had already drifted to the person in the suburbs who haunted their dreams.

I wonder if he's lost weight again. The journey is so long, and General Ning must be making him anxious. He must be riding at full speed. I hope his journey is smooth and he doesn't get injured again.

“I have already sent someone to inform Ning Yuan that he will go ahead and meet us in the suburbs.” Hearing Qing Yan’s restless movements, Qing Huan smiled and shook his head.