Side Story Volume

Sang Duo's decision to seek revenge in the Central Plains was leaked by someone within the Humutuo royal family. Guo Mao, always good at dealing with people, found out about this and promptly informed Cui Yi. He also bribed informants to keep tabs on the situation.

"Guo Ziyang is a formidable person, but my elder brother never appreciated him," Cui Yi said with a satisfied look, "Just because of the Rong Hai incident, Guo Ziyang advised my elder brother not to hastily label Rong Hai as a traitor. But instead of understanding his intentions, my elder brother blamed him. On the day I conquered the capital, if it weren't for the fact that it was his monthly visit to the palace, my elder brother would have been dead long ago."

Chi Ying clicked her tongue twice. "Is this something he told you himself?"

Cui Yi smiled and replied, "Yes, to prove his loyalty, he confessed everything he had done. Actually, whether he confessed or not didn't matter much. My elder brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Brother were all dead. Who else could he turn to? As long as he does his job well, I'm not the type to exterminate everyone."

While in Liangzhou, Guo Mao kept in contact with informants from Humutuo. When Sang Duo decided to seek revenge, she was still pregnant and physically unable to take risks. Moreover, when Cui Yi captured Purple Chapter City, Cui Jie abandoned his concubines, and most of his children were killed in the chaos. The child in Sang Duo's womb was Cui Jie's last descendant, and she couldn't bear to harm it.

With ample information and the cooperation of Guo Mao and Baili Zan, Cui Yi staged a fake imperial selection, deliberately giving Sang Duo the opportunity to approach the palace.

The benefits of a fake selection weren't limited to luring Sang Duo. By agreeing to the selection and getting injured in the process, anyone who mentioned the selection again would be suspected of plotting to assassinate the emperor. Thus, he could enjoy some peace and quiet.

Chi Ying looked skeptical. "A ruse? But why are you fine? When I came in earlier, your complexion didn't look like you'd lost too much blood."

Cui Yi smiled. "And you were scared to tears."

"That's because I saw blood!" Chi Ying glared at him, slightly angry.

Cui Yi patted the back of her hand. "That's the clever part. If anyone doubts, I can pretend to be strong, try to get out of bed, and reveal the bloodstain. Then no one would doubt."

Chi Ying looked at his smug face and retorted sarcastically, "Very clever indeed."

Cui Yi pinched the blood on his robe. "This is pig's blood. Mr. Yuan had someone fill pig bladders with it and hide them under my clothes. When she stabbed, she thought I was really injured. But..."

"But what?"

"Sang Duo's reaction was a bit unexpected."

Cui Yi gestured as if handing a knife. "I handed her the knife, expecting her to stab me fiercely. But she drew the knife to commit suicide."

Chi Ying was suddenly shocked. "She died?"

Cui Yi shook his head and pointed to his arm. "No, I stopped her in time. The knife cut her arm slightly. I had Gong Qi send her away. She should be out of the city by now."

Chi Ying breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good... Sang Duo is also a pitiful girl, deceived by such a person and still willing to die for him... Oh, right, what about her child? Did she bring it to the capital?"

Cui Yi glanced away casually. "I don't know. Probably not. —You know, standing in full armor in the August heat all day, my skin felt like it was soaking in sweat. I originally thought the knife was fake and wouldn't hurt, so I didn't need extra protection. But Mr. Yuan insisted I wear it, and even brought out his ancestral protective mirror."

Chi Ying looked at him, sensing he was hiding something, and sighed, deciding not to press further. Cui Yi rarely hid things from her, and even if he did, it was usually for her sake, to avoid putting her in difficult situations or causing her pain.

Rather than pressing the issue and making both of them unhappy, it was better to let certain matters remain unresolved, perhaps forever.

On the outskirts of the capital, the dazed Sang Duo was helped off the carriage. Yang Qiong and his men turned back, and Cao Qian, who had been waiting, dismounted and handed her a bundle from a soldier.

"What is it?" Sang Duo asked blankly.

Cao Qian didn't speak. Sang Duo reached out to take it, but as soon as her hand touched the bundle, she understood what it was. She recoiled as if electrocuted, staggering backward. A soldier caught her just in time to prevent her from collapsing.

Her face drained of color, and she gasped in fear, shaking her head and muttering, "Liar... Impossible... Impossible!"

Cao Qian tossed the bundle at her feet and said coldly, "His Majesty has shown you great mercy by letting you go, remembering the gratitude of your brother's past deeds. His Majesty advises you to remember that you're young and have a long future ahead. It's not worth it for such a person."

Sang Duo let out a piercing scream, grabbed the bundle, hugged it tightly, and cried out in anguish, "No—!"

"Cover her mouth and put her in the carriage," Cao Qian ordered. Two soldiers dragged her to the carriage, and her screams soon turned to muffled cries as the carriage drove southward.

In the palace, news spread that the emperor had been attacked during the selection and was severely injured. Ministers were terrified and dared not even visit him, kneeling outside Wan Sheng Palace to beg forgiveness. Chi Ying made them kneel for two or three hours before reluctantly pardoning them.

Seeing these old lechers, who had wanted to marry their daughters into the palace, trembling with fear and gratitude, Chi Ying felt immensely satisfied. Good, very good. From now on, anyone who dared mention the selection would face public condemnation and eternal disgrace. Though she didn't care about being empress herself, she wouldn't give others the chance to rise.

Thus, that year's Mid-Autumn Festival found Cui Yi confined to bed. Although the promise of family reunion was fulfilled, ...

"Where's the moon viewing?" Chi Ying threw a pile of food she had bought outside onto the bed.

Cui Yi chuckled nervously, "Well... I would love to accompany my beloved concubine to view the moon, but... all the imperial physicians are kneeling in the courtyard. If I go out and something happens, their heads will roll. How could you bear that?"

Chi Ying snorted and called out, "Bring a table over and fetch that purple sandalwood throne. Since His Majesty can't go out to view the moon, we'll stay indoors and celebrate together."

Cui Yi, unaware of her ulterior motives, happily agreed, "Excellent, excellent."

Soon, little Cui Xian and little Cui Hao were brought in. The whole family gathered around the bed, with dozens of snacks on the table. The children, blissfully unaware of hardship, happily grabbed food with both hands. Chi Ying took a pickled chicken foot and munched contentedly, "Cheng Sister's homemade pickles are far better than the palace chefs'."

Cui Yi licked his lips, eyeing the feast wistfully, "Well... seeing you all eat so happily, I feel a bit hungry myself."

Chi Ying smiled slyly, "Oh dear, I forgot you were still hungry. Bring the pearl jade porridge from the imperial kitchen."

Pearl jade porridge was plain rice boiled with vegetables. Seeing the bland bowl, Cui Yi's face turned greener than the floating leaves. His lips twitched, "This... I'm injured. Without meat, how can I recover?"

Chi Ying immediately added, "Quick, bring a white jade ball." The maids brought a bowl containing a peeled boiled egg.

Cui Yi: "..."

"Your Majesty, the imperial physicians said during recovery, it's best to avoid rich foods, but eggs are fine. You can have as many as you like whenever you crave meat."

Cui Yi looked at the snacks on the table and then at his small bowl of porridge and boiled egg, his sorrow turning into a lament, "I want meat—!"

That night, the full moon shone brightly, casting its light everywhere. Heroes and beauties, all became part of history's eternal scroll.

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**Side Story Volume**

**Side Story One: Little Peach Crisp's Diary**

X month X day, rainy

I was born in a broken basket in the house next to the Prince's residence. Mama Cat said she chose this place because the food in the neighboring residence was particularly good, often throwing away untouched fish, enough for her to eat for two or three meals. But when I asked why we didn't just make our nest in the Prince's residence, Mama Cat swatted me with a paw, "Fool! Can you just live wherever you want?"

What's so special about the Prince's residence anyway? Four pillars, three walls, two living people, and a bed. Isn't it the same as where we live now?

... But what does 'Prince's residence' mean?

Ah! Leaking! Help! I can't walk yet!

X month X day, sunny

Despite Mama Cat's repeated warnings not to wander into the Prince's residence, I've secretly visited several times.

The Prince's residence is huge. Luckily, I know the way. Why do humans build such big houses for themselves? And they keep dogs. I hate dogs the most!

But the food in the Prince's residence is indeed good, with plenty of chicken, duck, fish, and meat. Unfortunately, none of it is for me.

I heard from the servants that the prince eats first, followed by the attendants, then the dogs, and finally stray cats like me.

Pfft! Why should I eat leftovers from the dogs? No way!

So I seized the opportunity when the attendants weren't looking and swooped down like a god, scaring the dog so badly it hid behind a water tank. Thus, the dog's bowl of fatty fish became mine.

X month X day, sunny

Today, I encountered a stranger while scavenging in the Prince's residence. Judging by the leftovers in his bowl, he must be an attendant.

The male attendant sat eating under the corridor. I passed by, stuffed from eating, and he waved at me. I ignored him.

He picked out some fish from his bowl, "Little kitty, come eat some fish."

Hmph! I'm already full!

X month X day, windy

Today was unlucky. While climbing a wall, I encountered a large dog. My fish was stolen.

I was furious and scratched the cowardly dog, which offered me a pork rib from its bowl. I was even angrier—who wants to eat that! So I scratched it again and went elsewhere to find food.

Again, I met the male attendant. He was still eating his leftovers under the corridor. Recognizing me, he offered me some fish from his bowl.

I thought about it. Attendants' food was better than dogs', so eating his wasn't beneath me. I approached and ate.

But feeding is one thing, who allowed you to pet my fur!

X month X day, cloudy

Didn't eat enough today and got into a fight with a big dog. Not happy!

Luckily, the male attendant was still eating under the corridor. I wagged my tail over, and he gave me all the fish from his bowl.

Much better~ For being so generous, I'll let you pet me.

X month X day, sunny

Today, while eating with the male attendant, we encountered a woman. He bowed to her, obviously the lady of the house.

Seeing us eating together, the lady screamed. Sensing trouble, I ran. Sure enough, shortly after, the lord of the house—a man covered in iron scales—appeared with a fierce expression.

Fortunately, I ran fast, or I'd be dead today.

X month X day, partly cloudy

The male attendant's food improved, and I benefited too. He even held me to play with the lady.

The lady's thighs are soft and perfect for sleeping.

X month X day, cloudy turning clear

The lady named me Little Peach Crisp. Does she want to eat me?

But it doesn't seem like it.

X month X day, cloudy

Alert! Alert! A shrew has entered the Prince's residence!

The shrew even dared to bully the lady. Unbearable! Big Dog, let's teach her a lesson!

D*mn! Just a coward. Not going.