Chapter 13: The Aftermath and the Scheme

The carriage rattled through the streets, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels echoing the turmoil in Gu Wan Niang's heart. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed uncontrollably. She could not believe that she had lost her most precious virginity to Chu Yan. She had been saving herself for Bai Jue, the crown prince, but now everything was ruined. There was something terribly wrong with the entire scheme, but in her frenzied state, she could not piece it together. The drug coursing through her veins made her crave Chu Yan's touch again and again, betraying her mind and dignity.

As the carriage reached the Gu Manor, Minister Gu, her father, met her with a furious glare. "Go to your room and do not step out," he commanded, his voice cold and unyielding. "I will deal with this."

Wan Niang bowed her head, too ashamed to argue. Her body ached with longing, and she knew the drug was still affecting her. She slipped into her room and, once inside, summoned her maid.

"Bring Chu Yan to me," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling. "Sneak him in. Do it discreetly."

The maid nodded and hurried away. Wan Niang's heart pounded as she waited, her body betraying her with every passing moment. Soon, Chu Yan was brought to her room, and they entangled themselves until morning, the effects of the drug driving them into a frenzy of passion.

Meanwhile, at the Gu Manor, Minister Gu paced back and forth, unable to settle the turmoil within him. He needed a way out of the disgrace his family had fallen into. He had barely begun to formulate a plan when Gu Wan Niang summoned her maid to sneak Chu Yan into her room. Both were still under the influence of the drug, and they spent the night entangled in each other's arms.

Wan Niang, in her room, lay beside Chu Yan, their bodies still entwined from the night's passion. She felt conflicted—shame for her actions, yet an insatiable craving for more of the drug's effect. She knew she was spiraling out of control but could not stop herself.

"Chu Yan," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "We need to be careful. My father is furious. If he finds out about us..."

Chu Yan smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Don't worry, my sweet. I have ways of handling your father. We'll be fine."

Wan Niang wanted to believe him, but doubt gnawed at her. She had to find a way to make things right with Bai Jue. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him forever.

The scandal spread quickly through the palace, causing the selection process to be paused. The emperor was furious, and the empress dowager was livid. This was the first time in the history of the crown princess selection that it had become a laughingstock throughout the kingdom.

In the Gu Manor, Minister Gu paced his study, the weight of his daughter's scandal pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had always prided himself on his family's influence and standing, but now everything was threatened by Wan Niang's reckless actions. He needed a plan, a way to control the damage and protect their position.

Back in the crown prince's palace, Bai Jue, feeling invigorated by his time with Yang Mi, prepared for the day's challenges. He had assured his grandmother that he would handle everything, and now it was time to make good on that promise. He watched Yang Mi sleep beside him, her face peaceful and serene. He felt a deep affection for her, but his duties called. He needed to attend the morning assembly with the ministers and the emperor.

As he dressed, Da Yi rushed in, his face pale with urgency. "Your Highness, the morning meeting is canceled. The emperor demands your presence at the empress dowager's palace immediately."

Bai Jue nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Prepare my robe," he instructed. He glanced back at Yang Mi, who was still asleep. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. "I will return soon," he whispered.

Bai Jue made his way to the empress dowager's palace, where the atmosphere was tense. The sick empress dowager lay on her bed, the emperor sitting beside her with the empress patiently waiting next to him. Bai Jue's siblings, Bai Li and his sister, arrived at the same time, and they all greeted each other with respectful bows before entering the bedchamber.

They all bowed deeply, giving their respects to the emperor, empress, and empress dowager. As the favorite grandchild, Bai Jue and Bai Li were summoned closer to the empress dowager. Her voice was weak, but her eyes were sharp as she asked, "Are you both handling everything well?"

Bai Jue stepped forward, his voice steady and reassuring. "Grandmother, do not worry about anything. I will sort out this mess and restore order." His words brought a smile to the empress dowager's face, reminding her of the emperor in his youth.

Bai Li also promised to take care of their grandmother. "I will stay by your side every day, ensuring you have everything you need," he said sincerely.

The empress dowager smiled at her grandchildren, feeling a bit better. "You both make me proud," she said softly.

Soon after, Bai Jue was summoned to the imperial study to discuss his plans regarding the Gu clan. The emperor listened intently as Bai Jue outlined his investigation and strategy to deal with the corruption.

"Be cautious," the emperor advised. "Remember, one of my consorts is from the Gu family, and many ministers are allied with them. This must be handled delicately."

"I understand, Father," Bai Jue replied. "I will proceed carefully and report back to you with my findings."

After bowing to the emperor, Bai Jue excused himself, ready to dive into the work that awaited him. Before he could head to his study, Da Yi approached him. "Your Highness, Miss Yang Mi is still asleep in your chambers. How would you like to handle this?"

Bai Jue thought for a moment. "Keep her presence here a secret," he instructed. "Ensure that no one finds out. I will return to her after I have finished my duties."

In the crown prince's palace, Bai Jue's mind was sharp and clear, focused on the pressing matters at hand. The recent scandal had thrown the selection process into chaos, and he needed to act swiftly and decisively. As he sat in his study, the weight of the kingdom's expectations rested heavily on his shoulders. The room was filled with the scent of incense, meant to calm the mind, but Bai Jue's thoughts were a storm of strategy and determination.

Chang Er entered the room first, bowing deeply before beginning his report. "Your Highness, Liu Jin Yan has been found. However, she is in a dire state. The drug has affected her mind deeply. She is beyond saving in terms of her social standing."

Bai Jue nodded grimly, his expression darkening. "Continue to monitor the situation. We need solid evidence to bring Chu Yan down and expose the Gu family's involvement."

Pei Yuan stepped forward, his demeanor equally grave. "Your Highness, I've uncovered some troubling information about Chu Yan's business dealings. He's been running several illegal operations, including the brothel where Liu Jin Yan was found. These activities extend far beyond what we initially suspected. Chu Yan's influence is more insidious than we thought."

Bai Jue leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with intensity. "Explain."

Pei Yuan laid out a series of documents on the table, each one detailing the various illegal enterprises linked to Chu Yan. "These records show extensive corruption and exploitation. He's involved in smuggling, extortion, and bribery, using his position and connections to operate with impunity. The brothel is just the tip of the iceberg."

Bai Jue's fists clenched as he absorbed the information. "The Gu family has always wielded significant power within the court. Their alliance with Chu Yan makes them even more dangerous. This goes beyond personal grievances; it's a threat to the stability of the entire kingdom."

Chang Er added, "We need to move carefully, Your Highness. The Gu family has many allies within the court. A direct confrontation could lead to significant backlash."

Bai Jue stood, pacing the room as he considered his options. "We must be strategic. We need to gather irrefutable evidence, enough to dismantle Chu Yan's operations and expose the Gu family's complicity without causing a political upheaval."

Pei Yuan nodded. "I've already set plans in motion to track their financial transactions and communication networks. This will provide us with the necessary proof."

Bai Jue paused, his mind racing. "What about our allies? We need to secure support from other influential families. If we can turn public opinion against the Gu family, we can isolate them politically."

Chang Er replied, "I've been in contact with several key figures who are disillusioned with the Gu family's growing arrogance. They are discreetly willing to lend their support."

Bai Jue's eyes gleamed with determination. "Good. We will proceed on multiple fronts. Continue gathering evidence, and ensure our allies are ready to act when the time comes. This must be executed flawlessly."

The atmosphere in the room was tense, each man fully aware of the stakes. The political landscape of the Dayu Kingdom was as intricate as it was treacherous. The Gu family's downfall could shift the balance of power, and Bai Jue needed to ensure it was done without plunging the kingdom into chaos.

"Your Highness," Pei Yuan began cautiously, "there's also the matter of the emperor's consort from the Gu family. She could pose a significant obstacle."

Bai Jue considered this. "The consort has always been more of a figurehead than a power player. However, her presence complicates things. We must handle her delicately, ensuring she cannot rally support for her family."

Chang Er interjected, "We should also consider the common people. The recent scandal has already eroded their trust. If we frame our actions as a fight against corruption and injustice, we can gain their backing."

Bai Jue nodded thoughtfully. "The people are weary of the elite's excesses. If we can show them that this is a fight for justice, we can turn the tide of public opinion in our favor."

He turned back to his advisors, his voice resolute. "This is not just about eliminating our enemies; it's about restoring integrity to the throne and the court. We will proceed with caution, but we will not waver. The Gu family and Chu Yan must be brought to justice."

As the meeting concluded, Bai Jue felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he was not alone. With loyal and capable allies by his side, he was ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead. The downfall of the Gu family would be a turning point, a chance to reshape the kingdom and secure a future free from corruption and deceit.

He dismissed his advisors, his mind already planning the next steps. As he returned to his chambers, the gravity of his mission settled over him. Yang Mi's presence was a comforting reminder of what he was fighting for a kingdom where justice prevailed, and those he loved were safe.