Chapter 33

Li Dean is indeed the chief eunuch and the emperor’s most trusted person. How could Feng Yaoguang treat him roughly?

“Yushu,” Yan Donghuang looked directly at Yan Yushu, her expression calm.” I’ll ask you one last time: Are you willing to bring the two children to the Grand Princess’s residence?”

Yan Yushu bit her lip, torn, “Donghuang, don’t make it difficult for me, I…”

“I understand.” Yan Donghuang’s voice was indifferent, “Yaoguang, arrange for some people to escort Princess Fengyang back and warn the Marquis of Pingyang and his mother that if they dare to trouble Princess Fengyang and the two children again, I will confiscate the Marquis’s residence next.”

“Yes.” Feng Yaoguang turned and looked at Yan Yushu, who was still kneeling on the ground, and said expressionlessly, “Princess Fengyang, please.”

Yan Yushu looked up at Yan Donghuang, wanting to say more, but seeing the cold and resolute look in Yan Donghuang’s eyes, she felt a chill in her heart, realizing that Donghuang was no longer the bullied little girl she used to be.

Of course.

She had the power of 200,000 troops, and her subordinates were battle-hardened elites who obeyed her every command. With such military achievements known throughout the land, how could she be willing to live a life of submission and domesticity?

The glory she earned through six years of bloody battles could not be easily given up.

Yan Yushu slowly stood up, her face pale, and turned to leave.

The security at the Grand Princess’s residence was much stricter than before, with elite soldiers patrolling everywhere, exuding an intimidating aura. Ordinary people would be terrified just stepping through the gates.

Yan Yushu looked up at the darkening sky and took a deep breath.

Times have changed.

She realized that after six years of battlefield experience, Yan Donghuang was no longer the same, and neither was Yan Ming, who had ascended the throne.

One was the supreme ruler, the other a powerful princess. Whether due to changing hearts or natural deception, they could never go back to the way things were.

Yan Yushu walked out of the Grand Princess’s residence step by step.

“General Yaoguang,” she said softly, looking ahead, “do you think Donghuang has any chance of winning against the emperor?”

“It’s not about chances, but certainty,” Feng Yaoguang replied coldly, “The dog emperor isn’t even worthy of polishing her shoes.”

Yan Yushu was shocked.

Were Donghuang’s generals all this arrogant?
Insulting the emperor in front of a princess without hesitation?

“What are you looking at?” Feng Yaoguang’s expression was stern, his tone unfriendly, “Don’t think that just because you’re a princess, I’ll be polite to you. If it weren’t for Donghuang’s kindness, remembering your past kindness to her, you wouldn’t even be seeing her today.”

Yan Yushu’s expression darkened, “I understand.”

Feng Yaoguang snorted in dissatisfaction.

A weak person who only drags Donghuang down, why does she care about her?

“I actually envy Yan Donghuang,” Yan Yushu suddenly said, her voice low and tinged with a sigh, “She is truly a role model for all women.”

If all women had Yan Donghuang’s temperament and courage, those men who oppressed women with male superiority would not be so arrogant, and serving mothers-in-law and husbands would no longer be a woman’s duty. If one day, women could hold office, lead troops, and do business without being scolded for bringing shame to their families, wouldn’t men’s arrogance be curbed?

…

“Eunuch Li,” Yan Donghuang leaned on the couch, coldly looking at Li De’an, who was clutching his chest in pain, “As the chief eunuch by the emperor’s side, you should have several apprentices. Why do you always run back and forth to deliver messages yourself? Are the others not usable, or does the emperor not trust them?”

Pale and trembling, Li Dean said, “It’s my duty. Please forgive me, Grand Princess.”

Having witnessed Yan Donghuang confiscate the Chu family’s property and seen Chu Yuanzheng’s hand cut off, he was truly terrified of her.

“Others may not know, but you, as the emperor’s closest person, know that the emperor’s intention to harm me is certain, even if he doesn’t admit it.” Yan Donghuang’s voice was cold, “No need to run back and forth anymore. After you return to the palace tonight, just tell him to prepare the antidote for the Seven-Day Heartbreak Poison.”

Li De’an, terrified, said, “The emperor really didn’t…”

Yan Donghuang gently rubbed her forehead, looking unwell, “I only have seven days. It’s already late, and the palace gates are about to close. Just report to the emperor truthfully. Tell him it’s not difficult to make me believe him. Just have the empress dowager or the emperor personally deliver the antidote to me by tomorrow evening.”

Li Dean, clutching his chest and supporting himself on the table, staggered to his feet, “Is the Grand Princess serious?”

Yan Donghuang indifferently said, “Once I say something, I never go back on my word.”

“Yes.” Li Dean took a deep breath, enduring the pain, “I will report to the emperor immediately.”

“And tell him, don’t try to threaten me with anyone. My heart is as hard as iron, and I will not accept threats.” Yan Donghuang warned, “If he dares to threaten me, don’t blame me for confiscating a few more corrupt officials’ residences overnight.”

“Yes, I will convey the message to the emperor.” Li Dean dared not stay any longer, hurriedly saluted, and left.

Yan Donghuang closed her eyes lightly, her brows filled with a frosty aura. She knew little about Yan Yushu’s life after marriage due to her years on the battlefield. Children were Yan Yushu’s weakness, but the old lady of the Marquis of Pingyang’s residence was not easy to get along with. If the Marquis of Pingyang could be considerate and protect his wife, then it wouldn’t matter if a princess married into his family.

But he wasn’t. Not only was he a notorious playboy, but he had also squandered his father’s wealth and used much of Yan Yushu’s dowry.

A princess in such a situation, was it her own inability to resist, or was it the emperor’s deliberate indulgence?

“Si Ying,” Yan Donghuang ordered calmly, “Keep an eye on the Marquis of Pingyang’s residence. If Princess Fengyang is troubled after returning, report to me immediately.”

“Yes.”

“Your Highness,” Mo Lin stepped over the threshold, saluting, “The Chu family’s warehouse has been emptied, and the private storerooms of the various masters have been searched. The accounts have been checked. Do you want to review them now?”

Yan Donghuang said indifferently, “Leave the account books.”

“Yes.” Mo Lin stepped forward, placing the freshly checked accounts before Yan Donghuang, “The empress dowager hasn’t left the palace. Should we still cut off Chu Yuanxiao’s leg?”

Yan Donghuang said indifferently, “Tomorrow morning, send the Chu father and son to the military camp. Tell the Qingluan Army soldiers that the delay in grain and fodder last March, which almost starved us at the border, was caused by Minister Chu.”

She paused, “Also, tell them that the silver confiscated from the Chu family will be distributed to all soldiers as compensation and to improve their meals.”

“Yes.” Mo Lin nodded, taking out an object from his sleeve and placing it with the account books, “Your Highness, this is the key.”

Yan Donghuang responded with a hum, her expression indifferent.

Mo Lin bowed and left.