relation

Chi Ying, her face stern, ignored the person clinging to her and strode towards the door. Ya Yi, entering to see the queen on the floor, clutching Chi Ying's leg, shouted, "How dare you! This is disrespect to Her Majesty! Arrest her!"

"No! Sister, please, help me one last time! If you don't want to stay in the palace, I'll let you leave after you give birth. I'll ask the Emperor to let you and Prince Wu live freely, never to be pursued again!"

"Changsun Ling Fang, listen carefully," Chi Ying forcefully pried her fingers open, causing Changsun Ling Fang to scream and fall to the ground, "The night your palace maids attempted to harm me and Xiao Nian, it was the last straw. From now on, I have no sister. We have no relation!"

"Sister!" Changsun Ling Fang cried desperately.

Palace guards had already restrained her. Chi Ying, fearless, declared loudly, "Cry all you want! Let the entire palace know your dirty schemes! Once the Empress Dowager finds out, see how long you can remain queen!"

Changsun Ling Fang, supported by palace maids, screamed, "I didn't want this! You forced me! You ruined me! It's all your fault!"

Chi Ying sneered coldly, "If I had any guilt towards you before yesterday, now it's all gone. Caught cheating and cornered, blaming me now? When you wore the crown and robes, did you mention those were gifts from me? Changsun Ling Fang, people act for themselves. I'm not a sheep to be slaughtered. Trying to manipulate me with words, forget it!"

Changsun Ling Fang covered her ears, screaming, "Shut up! Shut up!"

Chi Ying closed her mouth, allowing the guards to lead her away.

The commotion in Yao Hua Palace attracted attention from nearby palaces. Everyone had spies watching. By voicing her accusations, word would spread, eventually reaching the Empress Dowager. At that point, she would either seek freedom or mutual destruction!

When Chi Ying was locked in Yao Hua Palace's prison, Cui Yi and Cao Qian were racing back to the capital. From Song County, it took three days by carriage, and they used every means possible—horses, donkeys, running—to reach the capital five days after Chi Ying.

The imperial guards had withdrawn from Drunken Butterfly Mountain, likely because Cui Jie learned Cui Yi hadn't come and Chi Ying was trapped in the palace. Cui Yi quietly returned to the palace but found Ye Shi's residence filled with funeral offerings. Breathing heavily, he almost crushed the glazed tiles on the wall.

With Consort Qing dead and Chi Ying and Cui Xiang missing, Cui Yi felt lost for the first time, unsure of his next move. Like a wandering spirit, he descended the mountain to meet Cao Qian.

Cao Qian sent signals to the scattered Yanzhou troops. Returning to their rendezvous point, he saw Cui Yi approaching but seemingly unaware, passing by without acknowledging him. Dragging him back, Cao Qian asked urgently, "Your Highness, what happened?"

Cui Yi's eyes were vacant, slowly regaining focus. "Let's find a place to rest. Have the signals been arranged?"

"Yes, everything is set. Our men should gather tomorrow. Your Highness, what should we do next?"

Cui Yi, feeling helpless, asked, "Did Teacher Yang give you any secret plans or advice?"

Cao Qian shook his head honestly, "No. I gathered the troops early and waited outside the palace. I didn't see Teacher Yang. But I encountered Gong Qi at the training grounds. He said something I didn't understand."

"What did he say?" With no one else to consult, Cui Yi had to rely on Cao Qian.

Cao Qian recalled, "He said… if they didn't know what you've done, they might become your greatest enemies."

Cui Yi raised an eyebrow, confused, "Who are 'they'? Enemies? Is it Changsun Tai?"

Cao Qian admitted he didn't understand Gong Qi's words either. Cui Yi pondered this enigma, unable to sleep that night, worrying about Chi Ying and Cui Xiang's safety. Not knowing their whereabouts, he feared they might have fallen into Cui Jie's hands.

The next morning, Cao Qian, following military habits, came to attend to Cui Yi. Seeing his dark circles, he assumed Cui Yi was worried about Chi Ying and reassured him, "Lady Chi has her own fortune. She'll be fine, maybe waiting for you nearby."

Cui Yi looked miserable, "I'm thinking about what Gong Qi said…"

A woman's mind is hard to fathom when many are gathered together. 

The events unfolded just as Cheng Ying had anticipated. After the big argument with her sister at Yaohua Palace, news quickly reached the Empress Dowager at Yanshou Palace. Before she could even warm up the floor of her prison cell, the chief eunuch of the Empress Dowager came to take her away. Rong Shi was the highest-ranking person in the entire palace, and even Queen Longelfang could not defy her will. She had no choice but to let her take the person away. 

Cheng Ying was still wearing a single layer of clothing, and on the way from Yaohua Palace to Yanshou Palace, she didn't even have shoes on. Her feet stepped on the square stone slabs, feeling like stepping on ice blocks. At first, it hurt, but later it became numb, and she couldn't even feel her toes. 

When she arrived at Yanshou Palace, the palace maid said that the Empress Dowager was still praying. Cheng Ying knelt outside and waited for about half an hour before Rong Shi arrived, accompanied by palace maids and eunuchs. 

The Rong family was also a large clan, whose ancestors were founding heroes. By Rong Shi's generation, they had become wealthy and influential, with several capable brothers serving in various capacities in the capital or their hometowns. Emperor Jianwen did well in controlling the influence of relatives, and after Cui Jie ascended the throne, the Rong family did not suddenly rise to prominence. Cheng Ying believed that this cunning and sinister emperor did not trust his maternal relatives either. 

"Your humble servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager," Cheng Ying greeted, shivering slightly. 

Fortunately, Rong Shi was very courteous and told her to rise and be seated upon seeing her kneeling. Seeing her in a single layer of clothing, she frowned, "Why are you so improperly dressed? Jin Sui, take the Princess Consort to change into some proper clothes and then come back to see me." 

Rong Shi's courtesy exceeded Cheng Ying's expectations, but soon she realized the reason behind it. 

After changing into new clothes, the palace maid combed her hair and applied makeup. A royal physician also checked her pulse, likely concerned about her catching a cold and passing it on to the Empress Dowager. 

When she stood before Rong Shi again, the Empress Dowager finally nodded approvingly, "Now you look more presentable. Sit down." 

Cheng Ying thanked her and sat down. Rong Shi held a hand warmer and quietly observed her for a while before saying, "I've heard about what happened at Yaohua Palace, but there are still many unclear points. Tell me everything." 

"Which part would Your Majesty like to hear?" Cheng Ying deflected the question. 

Rong Shi smiled warmly at her, "Start from the beginning. Why were you at Yaohua Palace?" 

Cheng Ying answered frankly, "In the first lunar month, I heard that Heqing Concubine was seriously ill. The Prince couldn't leave, so I came back to visit her. Unfortunately, I didn't make it in time, and instead, I was taken to my father. Then, I was sent to the palace. I tried to leave, but Queen Longelfang wouldn't let me go, so we argued." 

Rong Shi listened with a smile, but Cheng Ying's brief explanation left her momentarily stunned. Frowning, she asked, "That's all?" 

Cheng Ying nodded, "Yes, that's all. Did Your Majesty hear something different?" 

Caught off guard by her question, Rong Shi hesitated before smiling again, "Changsun Chengying, you're not an ordinary woman. From the first time I met you, I admired you. Although the Queen is good, she doesn't match your wisdom and steadiness. I often think that if you had become my daughter-in-law, we would have gotten along splendidly." 

Her words weren't entirely false. Whether in her previous life or this one, this woman always put on a good front, never dealing with someone directly but instead undermining them behind the scenes. Intelligent women always appreciate other intelligent women, especially when they share common interests. 

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I am deeply honored," Cheng Ying bowed slightly in politeness, "But fate has its own course, and perhaps I lack the fortune." 

Rong Shi smiled lightly, with a hint of deeper meaning, "Perhaps not. Fortune is something people strive for. Otherwise, how could I, a mere concubine's daughter, end up sitting on this Empress Dowager's throne?" 

Cheng Ying felt a chill run down her spine. Could it be that the Empress Dowager wanted to bring her and Cui Jie together? No way! She had already been killed by him in her past life, and now she had drawn a clear line with him. She'd rather die than get involved with him again! 

However, Rong Shi continued, "You are the daughter Changsun Taifu spent his entire life educating. In terms of talent and cultivation, you are outstanding. Yet, because you failed to become the Crown Princess, your parents treated you so harshly. When I see you, I see myself from the past, and it breaks my heart." 

Cheng Ying was confused by her words, unsure of her true intentions. "Your Majesty flatters me. I do not deserve such praise." 

Rong Shi beckoned her with a smile, "Come here, sit beside me." 

Cheng Ying had no choice but to obey. Rong Shi pulled her close and let her sit beside her, saying, "People say that those who recognize the times are wise. You are a clever woman. Can't you sense the impending storm? Women live their lives according to others—first their fathers, then their husbands, and finally their sons. We are human too, with flesh and blood, love and hate. If we don't fight for what we want, we may never get it." 

"... I am dull-witted and do not understand Your Majesty's meaning. Please enlighten me." 

Rong Shi smiled mysteriously, patting her hand, "You understand, but you cannot answer. It's fine. I've arranged a room for you. Stay here for a while and think carefully about what I said. When you understand, come and see me." She then instructed the palace maid to take her away. 

Cheng Ying was led away, utterly bewildered. The room prepared for her was called Nongdieju, located east of Yaohua Palace. It was clean and tidy, with two palace maids and a eunuch assigned to her, clearly indicating that she was meant to stay long-term. Cheng Ying felt uneasy, wondering why everyone seemed eager to confine her. 

Her father and sister wanted to use her to bear children, which made sense, but why did the Empress Dowager want to keep her? It made no sense. Cheng Ying racked her brain but couldn't figure it out. She sighed, frustrated by the rapid changes in her plans and the lack of someone to consult. This situation was driving her crazy. 

Later that evening, a eunuch from Yaohua Palace came to Yanshou Palace to ask for her, but Rong Shi turned him away. When Cheng Ying heard the news, she was about to retire for the night and wondered why Rong Shi had specifically informed her. Was it to remind her that her sister wouldn't save her? 

"Please tell Her Majesty that I know," Cheng Ying instructed the eunuch, unable to decipher Rong Shi's intentions. 

The eunuch agreed and left. As he exited, a palace maid entered with a tray containing a bowl of soup. She explained that the Empress Dowager was concerned about her catching a cold and had ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare ginger soup for her. Cheng Ying was overwhelmed by the attention and even more confused by Rong Shi's motives. 

The next morning, another palace maid brought her medicine. Given her current predicament, Cheng Ying knew she couldn't refuse to eat, or she might be killed immediately. Since last night's soup hadn't harmed her, she drank the medicine. 

After breakfast and taking the medicine, Cheng Ying was taken to the Buddhist hall. Rong Shi prayed, the nanny struck the wooden fish, and everyone knelt. Cheng Ying had no choice but to kneel with them, feeling exhausted after an hour. 

She thought Rong Shi had summoned her to talk, but Rong Shi didn't mention anything about yesterday's events at Yaohua Palace. Instead, she showed great interest in what Cheng Ying liked to eat and use, which only made Cheng Ying more nervous. 

Just before lunch, a eunuch announced loudly, "His Majesty arrives!" Cheng Ying almost choked on her tea in shock. 

What was Cui Jie doing here again? D*mn it, seeing him twice in three days was enough to shorten her lifespan! 

Cheng Ying instinctively wanted to hide, but Rong Shi firmly grasped her wrist. Her heart raced, wondering what Rong Shi was planning. How would she explain this encounter? 

Cui Jie had just finished court and hadn't changed out of his official robes. Rong Shi rose to greet him, laughing, "Why did Your Majesty decide to visit today?" 

"I haven't seen Mother for a while, and I missed you. So I came to have lunch with you," Cui Jie replied perfectly, presenting a picture of filial piety. "How is Mother's health? I had a string of prayer beads made from Bodhi wood, which should arrive soon." 

Rong Shi beamed, praising his thoughtfulness. Cui Jie scanned the hall and immediately spotted Cheng Ying. His expression showed surprise, but his calm eyes betrayed his true intent. Cheng Ying knew he had come for her. 

Great, now the Queen, Empress Dowager, and the Emperor himself were all involved. Cheng Ying felt like a deer caught between predators, curious yet terrified about her fate. 

Cui Jie didn't ask, and Rong Shi didn't explain. They happily sat down to eat. 

"By the way, Mother, during today's court session, Minister Cai and others jointly proposed holding a selection of consorts in spring. I decided to postpone it until I consulted with you. What do you think?" Cui Jie mentioned casually as the meal neared its end. 

Rong Shi looked slightly surprised but didn't answer immediately. Instead, she asked, "What does Lord Changsun think?" 

Cui Jie smiled, "Lord Changsun... naturally disagrees. He says that half of our tax revenue last year went to the Northern Di tribes, causing much public discontent. It's not the right time for a selection." 

Rong Shi nodded approvingly, "Lord Changsun's concerns are valid. Your Majesty is the ruler of the people, and you must always prioritize their welfare." 

Cui Jie respectfully bowed, "Mother's teachings are correct. However, since ascending the throne, I haven't taken any new consorts, and my lineage remains thin. I feel guilty towards our ancestors, especially after the Queen's child died last year. I'm sure Mother understands my feelings." 

Rong Shi paused, realizing his true intention. "There must be a middle ground. I've always advised you to spend more time with your consorts so they can conceive heirs. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?" 

Cui Jie smiled, appearing sincerely convinced, "Mother is absolutely right. Selecting consorts nationwide would be costly and impractical, but there are plenty of suitable palace maids in the palace. Perhaps we could select a few who are beautiful and gentle, and I'll choose among them. What do you think, Mother?" 

Cheng Ying cursed inwardly.