Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

The Empress's dislike for someone was blatantly obvious, without any attempt at concealment. Even Ye Qingchen, seeing this, couldn't help but feel a pang of pity and began to sympathize with Gu Mochen. She knew she always used the name "Changfeng," it had become a habit. However, from now on, she would have to address him simply as Gu Mochen. Frankly, compared to the constraints and rules of the palace, she much preferred the free and unrestrained life in the mountains. After all, there were no formalities or intrigues there, only fresh air, a tranquil environment, and complete freedom—wasn't that far more enjoyable than being confined to the palace?

Ye Qingchen remained composed and gracefully bowed to the Empress, her movements perfectly balanced, neither humble nor overly arrogant. She slightly raised her head, her gaze clear and resolute, and spoke softly, “Your Majesty, I am Ye Qingchen. There are likely many rumors circulating in the palace that I come from a farming family, but this is not true. I am the eldest daughter of the current Prime Minister, Ye Zhao. Years ago, to ensure my mother's health, my father ordered her to recuperate quietly in the mountains. Therefore, from a young age, I have lived with my mother in the mountains.”

At this point, Ye Qingchen's eyes dimmed slightly, and her voice unconsciously carried a trace of sorrow: "However, at the beginning of this year, fate dealt me ​​many blows. When my father sent people to fetch my mother and me back to the capital, they were attacked by bandits on the way. Those villains were extremely cruel and brutally murdered my mother. In the chaos, I unfortunately fell off a cliff. Perhaps it was a blessing from heaven that I survived, and by a twist of fate, I met His Highness Prince Chen. Thanks to His Highness Prince Chen's rescue, I was able to save my life. It was only after this that I learned that the husband my father intended to be betroth to me was none other than His Highness Prince Chen. Therefore, I decided to marry the prince ahead of schedule. However... I am still young and have not yet reached the age of marriage. His Highness Prince Chen, pitying my youth, said that after I have completed my coming-of-age ceremony, he will consummate our marriage."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's face showed extreme surprise. Her beautiful eyes widened as she stared at the person before her in disbelief, exclaiming, "What? You are Ye Zhao's daughter! This... this is truly unexpected. Tell me quickly, how many children did your mother have? And who is Ye Zhao's legitimate daughter, Ye Shiqing?"

Facing the Empress's rapid-fire questions, Ye Qingchen was prepared. She calmly curtsied and slowly said, "Your Majesty, my name is Ye Qingchen, just as the name suggests, merely a speck of dust in this mortal world. As for my concubine's daughter, her name is Ye Shiqing. Years ago, my mother was away on business for a long time, but never received a letter of divorce from my father. However, somehow, my concubine suddenly became the legal wife, and her children with my father were openly regarded as legitimate children. This matter truly perplexes me, and I still cannot understand it." At this point, Ye Qingchen frowned slightly, a hint of confusion and helplessness in her eyes.

The Empress was furious. Her Crown Prince was of noble birth; how could he possibly marry a concubine's daughter as a secondary consort? Her face flushed with anger, she ordered the Emperor to summon Ye Zhao, the Crown Prince, and his consorts. Soon, Ye Zhao arrived hastily. "Left Prime Minister Ye Zhao greets Your Majesty with long life! Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress with a thousand years of grace!" The Empress pointed to Ye Qingchen and said, "Is this your daughter? Her name is Ye Qingchen." Ye Zhao looked at Ye Qingchen; her features resembled his wife's, so he nodded. The Empress then asked, "Then why did you still allow the Crown Prince to marry that girl born to a concubine? Is she worthy of being a secondary consort?!" Ye Zhao finally understood the crux of the matter and said, "Your Majesty, I elevated the concubine for the sake of our Emperor and Crown Prince. When I was young, I was traveling with my two daughters when a monk grabbed my youngest daughter and said she was of immeasurable nobility. Therefore, I allowed my principal wife to live in seclusion in the mountains, giving Shiqing the status of a legitimate daughter."

"Incredibly noble?! Hahahaha... This is utterly ridiculous! How could such an absurd statement exist? Does a mere concubine's daughter possibly aspire to the position of Empress?" The Empress's face was filled with disdain as she openly mocked. Just then, the Crown Prince, accompanied by his Crown Princess and two concubines, slowly entered the palace. They happened to hear the last syllable of "incredibly noble," and the Crown Princess's face instantly turned extremely ugly, as if she had just swallowed half a disgusting fly.

She couldn't help but think to herself, "So, I, the dignified Crown Princess, am being ignored like this here. Does everyone in this mansion disregard me? What is that Ye Shiqing anyway? What makes her worthy of the title 'incomparably noble'?" The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. The Crown Princess gripped the handkerchief in her hand tightly, almost crushing it. The Crown Prince and another concubine exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to handle this awkward situation.

It was Ye Qingchen who broke the deadlock. "Your Majesty, I was fortunate enough to be saved by Prince Chen, and thus I married His Highness. My father did not divorce me. I am the legitimate daughter of the Left Prime Minister. Although I am not of the highest rank, I am still worthy of Prince Chen, am I?"

The Emperor didn't want to hear any more of this. What talk of unparalleled nobility? He had made the Crown Prince Emperor so that his women could have that same status. General Wei's daughter was skilled in both literature and martial arts; she was the true noblewoman of the capital. As for concubines, it didn't matter who they were. But this Ye Qingchen, although she resembled Ye Shirou somewhat, possessed an ethereal beauty that suited his Chen'er perfectly; he was pleased with her.

So he said, "By imperial decree, bestow upon the Princess Consort of Chen a golden seal and a golden book. Today, all of you will dine with me." Ye Qingchen, being quick-witted, pulled out a box of pills from his pocket and said to the emperor, "Father, your daughter-in-law and Prince Chen are too poor to offer you any gold, silver, or jewels. However, we found a herb in the mountains and, along with ginseng and other herbs, refined it into two Rejuvenation Pills. We present these two to you, Father, wishing you boundless happiness and longevity!"

The Emperor's taking medicine was a significant matter, unlike that of ordinary people. When the imperial physician rushed over, he first examined the dark, herb-scented pill to confirm it was not poisonous. Only then did the Emperor nod slightly in approval. The Emperor then extended his long, slender, and noble fingers, gently picked up the round pill, and without hesitation, placed it in his mouth and swallowed it. Afterward, his expression remained calm, as if what he had just consumed was not some precious medicine, but merely ordinary food.

Immediately afterward, the Emperor waved his hand, signaling everyone to join in the meal. In an instant, palace maids filed in, placing exquisite and delicious dishes on the table. However, no one noticed that a pill had been casually placed in a corner of the hall by the Emperor. Perhaps to the Emperor, it was merely a trivial matter; eating it was simply to fulfill his child's filial piety.