Chapter 96   Eve

Consort Xian firmly held her position in the palace, observing the changes with a slight smile on her lips.

She said to the Fifth Prince, “Qi Er, this time, we might be able to see a few more deaths.”

The Fifth Prince inquired, “Mother, what do you have in mind?”

Consort Xian gazed deeply at the Fifth Prince and asked, “Qi Er, what do you think?”

After pondering for a moment, the Fifth Prince replied, “Shu Yan must have poisoned the Emperor. You can wait until the poison has taken a deep effect on the Emperor, then remind him. When the Emperor is on the brink of death, he will retaliate, killing the Third Prince and Shu Yan, wiping out the Li family.”

“We can ask Uncle to send people, disguise them as troops from the camp outside the capital during the Li family’s rebellion, and in the chaos, they can kill Zhang Guefei and the Crown Prince.”

“Prince Ming Ge is in the Shu Country and won’t return soon. Mother you have the merit of saving the Emperor. When the time comes, it will be the opportune moment for me…”

Consort Xian nodded in satisfaction, “My son is clever.”

The Fifth Prince humbly bowed, “It’s all thanks to Mother’s guidance.”

Consort Xian was very pleased with the Fifth Prince’s humble attitude.

After discussing the future arrangements in detail, the Fifth Prince took his leave.

As he walked out of Consort Xian’s chamber, the compliant and submissive expression gradually faded from the Fifth Prince’s face, replaced by a sense of urgency. At only eleven years old, with no support, if he were to ascend the throne at this moment, the power might fall into Consort Xian and the Peng family’s hands.

However, if he missed this opportunity, the future was uncertain…

At that moment, the Fifth Prince couldn’t help but think of Zhao Qingqing.

Some of the people Zhao Qing Qing had previously brought together for him, although they held minor official positions and limited power, had been suppressed for various reasons recently. These individuals had lost contact after Zhao Qing Qing’s husband was killed.

If only Zhao Qing Qing hadn’t killed An Shaoyu! He could have formed a power base with the Anding Marquis House and the part of the people he had managed to gather, and he wouldn’t be in such a passive situation now!

Where had Zhao Qing Qing gone?

Was she dead, or had she fallen into someone else’s hands?

Anxious thoughts filled the Fifth Prince’s young face.

…

The Emperor observed his increasing drowsiness.

Despite the Emperor’s assurance that everything was under control, the Crown Prince gathered all the guards to the Palace and had Jun Liu return with a batch of prepared gunpowder.

Shu Yuwan had been pregnant for over seven months and couldn’t afford any mishaps. She could go into labor at any moment, and the Crown Prince didn’t want any unexpected incidents.

“It seems that the Emperor wants to take this opportunity to eliminate all potential threats that could arise from the explosion. That’s why he has been cooperating with Shu Yan’s act. I’m afraid that someone might take advantage of the chaos and harm you in the Palace.”

Shu Yuwan became worried upon hearing this, “Ah Qing, the midwife and the wet nurse, I have them ready, but if there’s an emergency during labor and the physician doesn’t arrive in time, what should we do?”

“I have arranged for a trustworthy female physician to be discreetly sent into the Palace, disguised as a maid, to be by your side.”

Shu Yuwan felt reassured by this arrangement.

The Crown Prince added, “Furthermore, in my study, there is a hidden room that only Jun Liu knows about. In case of an emergency, you and Wenyue can take refuge there.”

The Crown Prince’s instructions were clear and thoughtful.

—

Shu Yuwan nodded, holding the Crown Prince’s hand gently, and said, “With Ah Qing here, I am naturally at ease.”

The Crown Prince rubbed Shu Yuwan’s nose, and the couple settled down for the night.

Shu Yuwan closed her eyes and silently thought to herself, it seems there will be a great upheaval!

She couldn’t help but worry about her family.

The next day, Shu Yuwan sent Qing Dai to deliver a message to the Shu Residence.

When Mrs. Shu received the letter from Shu Yuwan, she went to the Palace to seek an audience, “Wanwan, you asked me to come urgently. What’s the matter?” Seeing the urgency in Shu Yuwan’s words, Mrs. Shu quickly scrutinized Shu Yuwan from head to toe upon meeting her, feeling relieved only after seeing her daughter in good spirits.

Shu Yuwan pulled Mrs. Shu up, “Mother, we are family, no need for formalities.”

“I was thinking, it’s been a while since we last met, and with the birth approaching, I miss my mother.”

With that, she dismissed the palace attendants.

Once everyone had left, Qing Dai stood guard at the door, and Shu Yuwan said, “Mother, the Emperor is unwell, having arrived in the capital not long ago. There may be trouble ahead. During this time at the residence, we must remain discreet and secure the doors tightly.”

“Wanwan?”

Shu Yuwan glanced deeply at her mother, nodding without a word.

Seeing this, Mrs. Shu instantly understood her daughter’s intentions.

“Don’t worry, I understand. I’ll inform your father when I return.”

Looking at her daughter’s belly, Mrs. Shu expressed her concern, “You must also be careful in the Palace.”

Shu Yuwan reassured her, “Mother, rest assured, the Crown Prince has made arrangements, and everything will be fine.”

Mrs. Shu returned to the residence and, upon the return of the attendant, promptly informed her husband of the day’s events.

“It seems there’s more to the Emperor’s illness than meets the eye.”

“If there’s going to be chaos, it will likely be directed towards the palace. It won’t come looking for us right away. We just need to secure the doors tightly. The real concern is Shu Yuwan.” The attendant advised, cautioning Mrs. Shu, “This matter must not be mentioned outside. Not even to close acquaintances.”

Mrs. Shu nodded hurriedly, “Rest assured, I understand.” She added, “Today, Shu Yuwan mentioned that the Crown Prince in the Palace has made proper arrangements.”

“That’s good.”

Thinking back to the Crown Prince’s words after the morning court session, the attendant guessed that the Crown Prince and the Emperor had reached an understanding, which eased his mind a bit.

—

Disguised as a merchant entering the capital, the Crown Prince, accompanied by a group of guards and hidden escorts, pulled a cart of fur. They finally arrived outside the capital.

Lou Yi looked at the city gate and exclaimed, “Young Master, we have finally arrived in the capital.”

The group had all disguised themselves, making it impossible to recognize their true appearances.

Presenting the prepared route guide, the city guards accepted it, inspected the goods, found no issues, and allowed them to enter the city!