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Wen Jin had spent the night without sleep, standing quietly by the window, gazing at the night outside. His eyes were deep and unreadable, reflecting a profound and turbulent inner turmoil.
The next morning, the Prime Minister did not appear at the court assembly but instead sent word that he was taking sick leave.
This was the first time in the three years since Wen Jin entered the court that he had taken leave, surprising both civil and military officials.
“Sick leave?” Emperor Yan Chen frowned as he sat on the dragon throne, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease. “Wasn’t Minister Wen fine yesterday?”
The courtiers exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of what had transpired.
“Wei Changhai.” Yan Chen instructed, “Later, have the imperial physician visit the Prime Minister Wen’s residence, bring along extra medicinal herbs to help with his recovery, ensuring the Prime Minister’s well-being.”
Wei Changhai respectfully acknowledged, “I shall follow Your Majesty’s orders.”
Yan Chen’s gaze shifted slightly as he looked towards the head of the military commanders, Xiao Zhongshan. “General Xiao.”
Xiao Zhongshan stepped forward and bowed, “Here, Your Majesty.”
“What is the situation at the Princess Chang’s mansion today?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, I have not visited yet.” Xiao Zhongshan, who had also spent nearly a sleepless night, wasn’t in the best of moods at the moment, “After the morning court, I will bring a gift and personally go to the Princess Chang’s residence to offer my apologies and seek forgiveness from the Princess.”
In the presence of the many courtiers, it was necessary to speak tactfully and show sincerity to avoid giving others an opportunity to criticize. After all, with the upcoming royal wedding, the eldest son of the Xiao family openly going in brothels not only showed a lack of respect for Princess Chang but also tarnished the family’s reputation.
Given the Xiao family’s initial fault, it would be unwise to appear arrogant and disrespectful, relying solely on the Emperor’s favor, as it would undoubtedly lead to gossip.
Yan Chen sat on the dragon throne, his tone cold, “Today, as I am not too busy with state affairs, you and Wei Changhai will deliver a decree later. Summon Yan Qing and the Prince Consort to the palace. I wish to have a meal with them.”
“Understood.”
The courtiers remained silent, clearly unwilling to get involved.
Although discussions about the Ninth Princess Yan Qing had been ongoing for the past ten years, for many, such topics were taboo, restricted to quiet murmurs behind closed doors.
The late Emperor and Empress Dowager detested their daughter, avoiding her at all costs. Nonetheless, she was a member of the imperial family with royal blood, and even as the “Lone Star of Calamity”, she was not to be criticized or insulted by others.
Wise individuals simply kept their distance.
As for Xiao Zhongshan, he understood the Emperor’s intentions well. The meal was a pretense, but having Yan Qing and Jinghan brought to the palace was real.
Only by seeing Jinghan could they ascertain his current situation.
Yan Qing personally leading troops to the Red Swallow Pavilion to apprehend someone, publicly parading the Prince Consort back to the Princess’s residence, causing the Xiao family great embarrassment, and ordering the execution of Qiao Yue – though of low status, the act of killing in public showcased the Princess’s ruthlessness.
Without witnessing it firsthand, no one could guarantee how she would treat Jinghan, the Prince Consort.
Thus, after the morning court, Xiao Zhongshan and Wei Changhai personally went to the Princess Chang’s mansion – Xiao Zhongshan had only one legitimate son, Xiao Jinghan, and he couldn’t take any risks without seeing his son safe and sound.
However, just like the day before, upon arriving at the Princess Chang’s mansion, they were still blocked at the gates and not allowed entry.
Shen Mo, with a sword at his waist, stood tall, “By order of the Princess Chang, no one shall be received today.”
Wei Changhai respectfully requested, “Could you please inform the Princess again, saying that the Emperor has decreed and requests an audience with the Princess?”
An audience?
Shen Mo glanced at the two men expressionlessly, likely recognizing Wei Changhai as the Emperor’s close attendant. After a moment of contemplation, he instructed someone to inform the Princess, while he remained outside the gate with his men.
Before long, light footsteps echoed from within the Princess Chang’s residence.
Yan Qing stepped out gracefully, followed by several maids.
Draped in a floor-length deep red gown embroidered with the vermilion phoenix pattern, the attire accentuated her slender figure, exuding an air of nobility and elegance. Her captivating beauty carried a subtle tone of aloofness, her stunning features exuded a regal allure, with a faint smile playing at the corners of her cherry lips.
Seeing Xiao Zhongshan, Yan Qing raised an eyebrow, her voice languid and nonchalant, “General Xiao personally gracing us with his presence truly adds luster to our humble abode.”
Xiao Zhongshan’s expression shifted slightly.
Princess Yan Qing of the Yong Dynasty possessed unparalleled beauty that left people in awe. Her title as the “Lone Star of Calamity” made many avoid her, and during her years in Zhuque City, she had minimal interactions with the nobles and officials of the imperial capital.
Yet, it was undeniable that anyone who laid eyes on her would be inevitably struck by her mesmerizing beauty.
This impact was not just due to her stunning appearance but also carried an unknown sense of fear and unease within.
If not for the decree that must be followed, Xiao Zhongshan would never have agreed to let his son become the Princess’s Prince Consort.
Xiao Zhongshan lowered his gaze and respectfully greeted, “I pay my respects to Princess Yan Qing.”
Wei Changhai also bowed respectfully, “I pay my respects to Princess Yan Qing.”
“No need for formalities.” Yan Qing leaned against the gate, her tone casual and relaxed, showing no hint of the solemnity expected when facing a high-ranking general and a palace attendant, “Speak, what brings you here?”
Wei Changhai replied, “The Emperor requests that the Princess and the Prince Consort dine in the palace.”
Yan Qing lightly smiled, “I have not yet married Xiao Jinghan, so he is not yet the Prince Consort.”
“Understood, it was my mistake.” Wei Changhai lightly tapped his mouth, “The Emperor requests that Princess Yan Qing and the Master Xiao dine in the palace.”
“Xiao Jinghan is in the dungeon and cannot come.” Yan Qing directly refused, showing no courtesy, “I am not in the mood and have no appetite.”
In the dungeon?
Xiao Zhongshan’s expression changed abruptly, lowering his head, he said, “Jinghan has been rash in his actions and deserves some reprimand. However, he is not a criminal. Princess, could you consider giving him a small punishment for my sake and allowing me to see him, to teach him the ways of a husband.”
“No.” Yan Qing’s tone remained calm, “General Xiao’s reputation holds no weight with me.”
Xiao Zhongshan retorted angrily, “Do you not think, Princess, that you are going too far?”
“Indeed, quite far.” Yan Qing nodded casually, her tone relaxed, “But so what?”
“You!”
Yan Qing glanced past him to the Tiger Warrior soldiers behind, taunting, “Is General Xiao planning to force his way in?”
“I dare not.” Xiao Zhongshan’s voice turned cold, “But if the Princess insists on not releasing him, then I will have to resort to force.”
“Very well.” Yan Qing disinterestedly nodded, her tone indifferent and lazy, “Shen Mo, have the Qilin Guards watch the gate well. If General Xiao’s soldiers dare to break into the Princess’s residence, kill one for each that comes, kill two for each pair.”
“Understood!”
Yan Qing’s demeanor became even more indifferent, “If there is any bloodshed tainting my residence today, you will cut off Xiao Jinghan’s head, dismember him, clean up meticulously, and have General Xiao take him back.”
“Understood.”
Xiao Zhongshan’s face turned pale, staring at her in disbelief, “You—”
“Is General Xiao planning to force his way in?” Yan Qing smirked, giving him a challenging glance, “Give it a try. See if you can eliminate all the guards first or if I’ll turn your son into mincemeat!”
Leaving these words behind, she turned and walked into the castle, the striking red hem of her gown swaying with regal and dazzling elegance, captivating those who beheld it.
Xiao Zhongshan gazed at her slender figure, his anger simmering, and questioned, “What will it take for the Princess to release him?”
“When Xiao Jinghan is dead, I will have his body sent back to the Xiao family.” Yan Qing’s voice turned icy, “Or perhaps, General Xiao, do you want to take his body back now?”
Xiao Zhongshan’s face darkened with anger, “He is your Prince Consort-in-waiting, is the Princess planning to commit spousal murder?”
This time, Yan Qing didn’t even respond, simply walked away without looking back.
Spousal murder?
It was an overestimation of Xiao Jinghan, just a prisoner at the moment, was he qualified to be her husband?
“General.” Wei Changhai turned to Xiao Zhongshan cautiously, “Shall we return to the palace to convey the decree, or…”
Xiao Zhongshan contemplated leading his men to storm the Princess’s residence.
As a high-ranking general, he found himself being threatened by a seemingly fragile woman. Without teaching her a lesson, did she truly think she was of royal blood?
However, with uncertainty about his son’s situation, dare he act recklessly?
Certainly not.
Xiao Zhongshan coldly turned and said, “To the palace!” Mounting his horse, he rode swiftly towards the direction of the palace.