Forcing a strained smile, she said, “Your Majesty is correct. I will resolve the matter concerning Zanying within five days and ensure that the family is not disgraced.”

The Emperor gave a dismissive “hm” and waved his hand, “You may leave.”

Empress Yu agreed, and, choking back her anger, withdrew with the Crown Prince from the inner hall.

As they left the palace, they heard the voice of the Yellow Gate Director, “Proceed to Yuning Palace.”

Empress Yu nearly stumbled and almost fell, but the Crown Prince caught her.

She clutched her son’s sleeve, her face hidden in the dark, making it hard to discern whether she was angry or fearful.

Her voice, however, was genuinely biting, “Go back to the palace and have a good talk with your mother. What else did that girl say? She was raised by you. You need to assert control and find a way to win her over.”

Li Jinghuan shook his head. “I will return and sort out her belongings. Since she wants them, I will return them. After that, if I need to ask her again, with the way I’ve treated her over the years, what can she possibly return?”

With that, he went straight back to the Eastern Palace.

Hearing this stubborn response, Empress Yu’s anger intensified.

Upon returning to the Xianyang Palace, she threw several cups and accidentally broke her carefully maintained nails.

Such behavior was extremely rare for the dignified and graceful Empress.

Madam Lu quickly stepped in to support the Empress, “Your Majesty, please don’t let your anger harm your health.”

Empress Yu was both vexed and confused, whether it was because the Emperor went to see Concubine Liang or due to the betrayal by the dog she had raised.

“Is it worth making such a fuss over someone like Fu Zhuangxue? She’s a careless, thoughtless girl. Does she think that once she enters the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince cannot have anyone else around him? Nonsense!”

Madam Lu carefully glanced at the Empress and cautiously suggested, “Your Majesty, could it be that Lady Fu recalled something from her childhood?”

Empress Yu’s expression stiffened.

She pushed away Madam Lu’s hand and scolded, “She was too young to remember anything before she was five. What could she possibly recall?”

She then asked, “Have you thoroughly investigated the servants in Yuzhu Hall? What did you find?”

Madam Lu, hesitating to mention the matter again, replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, all have been questioned, and they say there was nothing unusual about Lady Fu before the coming-of-age banquet. Apart from occasionally talking alone with Chun Jin, as Lady Fu relied on her, others did not pay much attention.”

“Chun Jin is also a treacherous maid,” Empress Yu cursed, her eyes flashing with anger. “She wants to reclaim her maid’s contract—dream on. Send a secret edict to the old lady of the Fu family, instructing her to find a way to pressure Fu Zanying to abandon these troublesome thoughts. Otherwise, she can forget about the posthumous honors for Fu Rong.”

Empress Yu’s personal maid, Jian Jia, softly said, “Your Majesty, I heard that Lady Fu has severed ties with the Fu family. Will the old lady really listen to her?”

“One word of filial piety can crush a person.” Empress Yu scratched the broken edge of her pinky nail, a cold smile appearing on her lips. “Wasn’t there an incident with the Lu family’s Fifth Lady being driven to hanging for disrespecting her stepmother due to a single word of rebellion? Zanying, huh, being unfaithful to her future husband and disloyal to the ruler. If she dares to be unfilial to her direct grandmother, even with the Wei family as her support, if everyone spits on her, she will drown. Let’s see how she survives.”

“Your Majesty.”

Just as the orders were being given, the Chief Steward of the palace entered from outside, carefully stepping over the shards of broken porcelain on the floor.

He approached and reported softly, “The Taixian of the Tai Hospital has visited the dowager consort Xi. He said that if she does not resume eating soon, her condition may worsen.”

Empress Yu furrowed her brows again. “Has the Princess of Huizhou entered the palace to attend to her?”

Dowager Consort Xi’s only son was Li Jing of Shu Kingdom.

In the past, the late emperor had intended to make Li Jing the crown prince but was obstructed by the influential Wang family.

Later, seeing the factions within the court arguing over the succession, disregarding the welfare of the people, Li Jing voluntarily requested to leave Jiankang, giving up his claim to the throne and moving to Shu to defend the western borders.

This move secured his position in the current era.

After nearly twenty years of stable reign, when the eldest son, Li Rongzhi, turned fifteen, he was sent to the capital with the pretext of seeking the emperor’s favor for marriage.

In reality, it was a gesture of loyalty.

The emperor, moved by his loyalty, granted Li Rongzhi the title of Duke of Huizhou.

His wife was the daughter of the prominent Jiangdong family, the Zhou family.

Both the Shu King and his son were known for their filial piety.

If Dowager Consort Xi truly met with misfortune in the palace and died not of old age but of starvation without illness, it would be a grave matter.

The Chief Steward reported that the Princess of Huizhou had been unable to help.

In the past, it was Miss Fu who served the dowager consort.

The dowager’s mind was unclear and she only asked for Miss Fu.

Empress Yu, upon hearing this, was tempted to throw something in frustration.

It seemed that everyone was treating that girl as if she were a treasure.

With no other options, she suppressed her anger and decided to visit the Dowager Consort’s quarters herself.

That night was restless.

---

In the Western Mountain Palace, in the South Hall.

Wei Yu, hearing the term “cut off the paw,” paused for a moment but did not reprimand her.

He spoke slowly, “The tiger’s mouth is wide open and fierce. Since you are considering cutting off the paw, what do you anticipate their reaction will be?”

“There is.”

Zhan Ying’s profile, illuminated by the red candlelight, was like the color of peach blossoms.

She kept a serious expression and said, “Thinking of the worst-case scenario, openly, they might summon me to the palace and then detain me. I would refuse to go. Could the palace send troops to surround the Western Mountain Palace or execute me for defying the imperial edict? Either way, it would escalate the situation faster than my method of involving scribes. The imperial family, after all, is after money. They will likely avoid making a public spectacle of it and handle it discreetly.”

“If it comes to secretive measures, the worst-case scenario is that they would kill me to silence me. My life is insignificant, but the Tang family has countless managers, brokers, and clerks. They cannot block the voices of the people. In the end, it would be the imperial family losing their way and becoming the subject of ridicule.”

Wei Yu’s eyelashes lowered, his fingers tightly gripping the edge of the table.

He could tell that Zan Ying’s consideration was still somewhat immature but was done to the best of her ability.

Yet, what experiences had turned this seemingly harmless little girl into someone who, when weighing the situation, placed her own life on the line first?

His little niece should not be like this.

“Say that again.”

His voice was soft, with a deliberately gentle tone.

Zan Ying, however, felt that the person across the table was slightly displeased.

She thought she had said something foolish and quickly reviewed her words from start to finish.

Unsure, she rephrased her response, “I… I am very important. I have the Tang family to rely on. The palace would not dare to act recklessly. Also, there is my little uncle. He will protect me.”

Her clumsy attempt at flattery made Wei Yu’s expression shift from irritation to a smile without anger.

Zan Ying looked dazed. “Little uncle smiled.”

She said it quite smoothly.

Wei Yu listened with pleasure and said helplessly, “I am not a wooden person.”

He then pushed a plate of osmanthus cakes from the South Hall toward the little girl.

Zan Ying took them with both hands and, after hesitating for a moment, gathered her courage and asked, “But for this matter, I want to handle it myself. I don’t want to rely on others. Little uncle, is that okay?”

Wei Yu did not answer directly but adjusted his sleeve and lazily asked, “Do you need me, or do you need the Wang family?”

Zan Ying hesitated briefly, almost accustomed to her little uncle’s ability to see through her thoughts.

She replied, “I heard that the Wang family and the Yu family have old grievances.”

Wei Yu asked, “Do you know why the Wang and Yu families are at odds?”

Zan Ying replied, “Because the Wang family did not want the Crown Prince to take over the administration.”

Wei Yu asked again, “Why is the Wang family unwilling to let the Crown Prince govern?”

Zanying replied, “Because they have old grievances.”

Realizing how absurd it sounded, she straightened her back slightly and said, “Uncle, teach me.”

Seeing her eager expression, Wei Yu smiled faintly and explained a few things, “The Wang family has been prime ministers for generations and holds great influence. Did you know that not only in the Southern Dynasty but also in the Northern Wei, there are Wang families, both from the same lineage? During the Southern migration, most of the Wang clan crossed the Huai River, while some branches remained in the troubled Luoyang. Despite the chaos, they established a strong foothold due to their noble status. The Northern Wei Tuoba clan, being non-Han, wanted to adopt Han customs and culture to govern the large number of Han people in the north. To prevent dissent, they needed the renowned Han families. There is a saying among the people: ‘The Wang family and the imperial family, sharing the world,’ which originated from this.”

No one had ever told Zanying these things before.

She thought of the turmoil that followed Li Jinghuan’s ascension in her previous life and listened intently.

“The so-called conflicts among noble families are due to differing interests. The Wang family’s reluctance to let the Crown Prince govern is largely because of you.”

Zanying, who was trying to process what she had just heard, was taken aback. “Me?”

Wei Yu nodded. “The Crown Prince’s maternal family is powerless, but he has you and the wealth of the Tang family. The Tang family’s influence spans the three Wu regions, Jing, Yu, Xiang, and Huai states, even reaching the Northern Dynasty. The Tang family’s connections and wealth are deeply rooted. Since the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, scholars have ruled over commoners, and aristocrats have dominated the people. If the Crown Prince were to ascend and use the Tang family’s wealth and influence to challenge the noble families, it would be a disaster of unprecedented magnitude for the century-old aristocratic families. They cannot imagine nor tolerate the day when a commoner rises to suppress the noble families. Hence, they are on high alert and will do everything possible to prevent it.”

His words were like opening a window in Zanying’s narrow world, revealing the complex class conflicts and giving her a glimpse of distant possibilities.

She was still not fully aware of the situation.

Reflecting on the information, Zanying said softly, “So, if I break off the engagement, the Wang family would be pleased. Without support from me, the Crown Prince would no longer be a threat, and the Wang family would no longer need to see him as a threat. Therefore, regarding my interactions with the palace, the Wang family would remain passive.”

“Ascend through merit, sitting as high officials is the Wang family’s family motto,” Wei Yu explained slowly. “The Wang family will not take unnecessary risks nor abandon hidden opportunities. If you want to use the Wang family, beware of being used by them in return.”

Zanying qfelt a shiver and became somewhat wary and confused.

She seemed not to realize that by leaving the palace and taking over the Tang family, she was about to become the most coveted target in the capital.

Seeing her frown in contemplation, Wei Yu said, “Actually, using the Wang family is not impossible. You—”

“Little Uncle, please don’t say more.” Zanying raised her eyes, meeting his gaze with sincerity. “Let me think about it myself. If I can’t figure it out, I’ll come back and ask for your advice.”

Her tone was slightly nervous, as if Wei Yu had given her a major, intangible task to tackle.

Wei Yu looked into her eyes and said gently, “Alright.”

“It’s late. I’ll have someone send you back to rest. There’s no rush; you can think about it tomorrow.”

Zanying, who hadn’t felt tired before, now yawned involuntarily and shook her head.

Supporting her soft cheek with her palm, she said, “I’m not sleepy. Little uncle, you explained so well. Could you tell me more about my father and mother? What were they like? I heard when I was young that—um…”

She hesitated, covering her mouth and lowering her voice. “Father was initially chosen by Mother, who took him away. Little Uncle, is that true?”

When she came to Wei Yu, she seemed to have no reservations, sharing things she wouldn’t disclose to others.

There’s an old saying: “Old friends are like new ones, old acquaintances are like old friends.” Perhaps she was like the former with Li Jinghuan and like the latter with Wei Yu.

Wei Yu looked at her with a smile, “Who told you such things?”

The figure in front of him swayed, and Zanying’s head drooped as she fell.

Wei Yu, quick to react, extended his hand and placed his palm between the girl’s cheek and the wooden table.

The warmth and softness of her face melted into his hand, causing a slight itch where his calluses were.

“Ah Nu.”

Zanying did not respond, and soon, a steady breathing sound could be heard.

She had fallen asleep just like that.

Wei Yu observed the girl’s innocent, unguarded face under the lamp.

Without much hesitation, he supported her head with his right hand, used his left hand to push against the table, and gently lifted her into his arms.

He then carried her out of the hall and headed towards the Yunzhu Pavilion.

Chun Jin, waiting outside the door, was startled when she saw that the young lady was asleep.

Realizing the situation, she quickly followed.

In the gentle rocking, Zanying remained with her eyes closed, clearly exhausted.

She murmured sleepily, “Little Uncle.”

A soothing voice responded, “I’m here. Sleep well.”

As the moon rose high in the sky, some were able to sleep while others could not.

…..

In the Fu residence, old Lady Fu was infuriated when she heard that Ah Xue had gone out alone and had scolded the maidservants in her granddaughter’s room.

She waited until dusk but only saw Fu Xiao return alone.

Upon questioning, Fu Xiao’s expression was even more troubled than his mother’s. “The Grand Marshal ordered that Second Young Miss return on foot, and An Gu insisted on accompanying her.”

Old Lady Fu looked at her second son in disbelief. “So you came back alone, abandoning them. What business does the Grand Marshal have in this?”

Fu Xiao sighed deeply. “Mother, do you still not understand? With Ah Xue leaving, our Fu family has offended the Grand Marshal. Today, General Wei has come to support A’ying and given our Fu family a hard time.”

He had figured it out on the way back. “Tomorrow, I will send Fu Zhuangxue to the estate. They say that a family with accumulated good deeds will have a blessing for their descendants. Our Fu family has been peaceful for many years, but this little girl has caused such chaos and trouble.”

Old Lady Fu was outraged.

She glared and said, “How dare you? She is your elder brother’s blood, and you can’t bear to treat her harshly because of that face.”

She attributed all the problems to Fu Zanying, leaning on her cane and snorting coldly. “That girl is just as troublesome as her mother. Don’t be fooled by her current arrogance and support. Remember, her father’s name is still on our family tree. If she wants to sever ties, fine. Let’s remove her and her father’s name from the genealogy as well. I want to see if she can bear the reputation of being unfilial and rebellious, leaving her deceased father’s spirit without a home or incense.”

Fu Xiao was alarmed and did not know where his mother’s strange idea came from.

Indeed, elderly people can be unreasonable when it comes to their grandchildren.

But the Fu family could no longer afford to bear the turmoil or lose face.

He hurriedly tried to dissuade her. “Mother, don’t make a fuss.”

Old Lady Fu ignored her son’s pleas, her eyes cold and her lips curled in disdain. “Tomorrow, have your wife go to the palace to find that girl and test the waters. Don’t let her be useless and idle all the time, just eating and not contributing.”