She swallowed hard and continued in a low voice, “Your humble sister knows that the Yu family has fallen, and Your Majesty has always wanted to have Cui Yu adopted under the Yu family’s name over the years.

In principle, this should be a great honor, and I should only be happy about it. However, back when General Wei was leaving the capital, he openly declared that the Wu Commandery Yu family would have no male heirs from then on.

If there was even one, he would… deal with him accordingly. Even my husband was affected—he had to lower his title from a hereditary second-rank marquis to a subordinate fourth rank—all because of the general’s words.

If the title exceeds the fourth rank, the Cui family will follow in the Yu family’s footsteps. Your Majesty, I only have Ah Yu, my only son. Wealth and beautiful companions are great, but one must have the life to enjoy them.”

Lady Xiao Yu understood what the Empress was plotting.

Seeing that Lady Fu was no longer tied to the Crown Prince, the Empress had set her sights on her nephew, hoping to keep Fu Zanying away from other families.

If it worked out, the vast wealth of the Tang family wouldn’t fall to the Cui family but would instead find a way to be siphoned by the palace.

But could it be that simple?

The Tang family was no fool; how could they not see through this?

Fu Zanying hadn’t even taken an interest in the Crown Prince; how could she possibly be interested in the Crown Prince’s cousin?

Moreover, the Grand Marshall was still standing firm in the capital.

Lady Xiao Yu truly feared that imposing figure.

She still remembered how, at the age of fifteen, that young man with neither troops nor power managed to force the entire Yu family into a corner.

Her husband had lost his title because of it and had almost divorced her.

Now, his abilities had only grown, possessing both military power and imperial favor.

It was said that to get a single bowl of iced dessert for the ailing Lady Fu, he personally descended to the Xuan Tower, rode alone to the Western Market—what kind of care was he providing, to lead a general with ten thousand troops to such mundane tasks?

With this, how could Lady Xiao Yu even dare to entertain any lofty ideas?

Did she really think her son’s life was too long?

Empress Yu said coldly, “You were all eagerness when you came to me for favors, but now that I’ve only mentioned a possibility without making any concrete plans, you start making excuses.

On the first of the month, the Wang family will host a banquet at Leyou Park. Have Ah Yu and his sister attend.

Let Ah Yu at least see the girl and form an impression. What, do you think that rascal from the Wei family would eat you alive?”

The tone was clearly one of anger.

Lady Xiao Yu dared not argue further, though she grumbled inwardly.

All along, Lady Fu had been treated like a fortress to be guarded from all outsiders, even though Ah Yu was the Crown Prince’s cousin.

He hadn’t even seen that girl since he was seven.

Now there was another excuse.

Though she was dissatisfied, she still expressed concern for the Crown Prince. “I heard that His Highness’s head ailment has flared up again recently, without any apparent cause. What exactly is going on?”

At the mention of this, Empress Yu felt a pang of heartache.

If she knew the cause, it would be better, but not even the entire Imperial Medical Bureau could give a definitive answer.

Seeing her dear son suffering was far more painful than if it had been happening to her.

Empress Yu rubbed her temples wearily. “If you know of any skilled doctors, recommend them to have a look.”

…..

When the news reached Xinrui Garden, Manager Du became alert and warned the young lady to be wary of any tricks the Yu sisters might pull.

Zanying was already aware of this in her heart and nodded, but another matter also came to mind that needed preemptive attention.

She asked Manager Du for a topographical map of the Southern Dynasty and spread it out on the desk.

Although she could learn many things, those winding lines were beyond her comprehension. She had no choice but to ask, “Uncle Du, where is Yingdong’s Qiao Commandery?”

Manager Du had already become familiar with the young lady’s eagerness to learn these past few days, but hearing her suddenly mention a place she had never set foot in still filled him with surprise.

He pointed to the spot just north of where the Huai and Ying rivers converged on the parchment map.

“It’s here. Why does the young lady ask?”

Zanying made a noncommittal noise.

It wasn’t easy to say that she had heard in her previous life that a rebellion led by displaced peasants, which swept through half the country, had erupted from this very place.

Evading the crux of the matter, she hugged the wolf at her side and stroked its soft mane, saying vaguely,

“Please, Uncle, find someone to investigate whether there is a person named Wulong Yushou in that area. If so, look into his background, his family members, and have someone keep a close watch on him.”

Two years later, when the emperor passed away, Li Jinghuan ascended the throne and fought internal battles with the noble families.

It was this man who first rallied over ten thousand displaced people in Huaibei and declared himself king.

His name was unique, and because he was from Chunjin’s hometown, she had mentioned him several times in Luo Zhi Palace, allowing Zanying to remember it.

However, she knew few other details and could only start by confirming if he existed.

Manager Du saw that the young lady didn’t wish to elaborate, so he didn’t press further and readily agreed.

After some thought, Zanying asked again, “Is this place on the map of Xin’an?”

Manager Du was puzzled. “That’s a county in Northern Luoyang. Does the young lady have someone to look for there too?”

Northern Dynasty?

Zanying froze, her heart thumping twice. She nodded, “Yes.”

“I don’t know who it is yet. Please have someone keep an eye on any notable events or people in that county.”

As she said this, she suddenly realized, “I’m being foolish—that’s in the Northern Dynasty.”

She didn’t even know where the northern gate of the capital was, yet here she was thinking about probing into the Northern Dynasty, as if it were her own backyard.

Manager Du blinked. “It’s not difficult. Tang Bao runs a horse farm over there. I’ll send someone to pass the message; they can assist the young lady.”

His tone was so nonchalant, as if he were simply sending someone out to sell a couple of pastries.

This time, it was Zanying’s turn to be surprised. “It’s not difficult?”

Manager Du smiled. “The young lady may not know this, but who do you think owns the largest horse farms in both the Southern and Northern Dynasties?”

With that hint, Zanying suddenly remembered—the Tang family ancestors started out as horse traders.

The largest horse farms in both dynasties were actually owned by the Tang family.

However, Zanying did not show the curiosity or pride that Manager Du had expected.

Instead, she quickly clenched her fingers, her left hand pressing down on her right arm instinctively.

These vast enterprises spread across both the North and South were all left behind by her grandfather and mother, yet she was like a child who opens her mouth only for a piece of candy, ignorant of the full picture.

The more she learned about the Tang family, the more she felt that her past self had been truly unworthy.

But now was not the time to dwell on the past.

Zanying thanked Manager Du and entrusted him to keep an eye on those two places.

Regarding the military rebellion from her previous life, she only remembered these few clues.

She didn’t know if the course of this life would follow the same path, but her past experiences had at least taught her one thing—if you flaunt wealth in the marketplace, you must have the means to protect yourself.

Whether in times of peace or chaos, the immense wealth of the Tang family was enough to tempt anyone.

The person who had once led troops to the city gates demanding her as the Princess of Xin’an—who was he?

Was he after wealth or her?

Did he want to coerce her or rescue her? Zanying still did not know.

Since she didn’t know, it was best to be as prepared as possible.

But after making all the preparations, one couldn’t help but hope for the best outcome.

Xin’an King.

Little Uncle.

These two thoughts that had been circling in her mind suddenly connected like a thread, and Zanying was startled by her own realization.

She sneaked a glance at Manager Du, coughed lightly, and pretended to study the map, which was just scribbles to her. “This place, Jingkou, where is it?”

Manager Du looked at the young lady’s fluttering eyelashes and drew a circle in the northeast corner of the capital with his pen. “The military headquarters where the Grand Marshal is stationed is right here.”

Zanying’s thoughts had been exposed.

She tugged at the wolf’s ears and avoided eye contact, mumbling softly, “Uncle, why are you laughing?”

“I—I’m always laughing.” Manager Du usually wasn’t so mischievous, but the young lady probably didn’t realize how much she resembled a child trying to sneak a piece of candy right now.

It was too tempting not to tease her a little.

He imitated Zanying’s way of speaking, and instead of feeling embarrassed, Zanying looked straight at the small red-marked area on the map with clear eyes. “Does the Grand Marshal really command as many as a hundred thousand troops?”

Manager Du replied, “That’s the official count. Including the displaced leaders and mercenaries under his command, it’s far more than that.”

Zanying let out a long breath.

It was as if hearing that the Grand Marshal had so many troops to rely on was the best news she’d heard all day.

But soon, the light in her eyes dimmed slightly, and she asked about something that had puzzled her for a long time. “The first time I saw him, he was wearing a fox fur coat. Uncle, has my Little Uncle ever been injured?”

Hearing this, Manager Du’s smile faded as well. “Young lady, haven’t you heard that rumor?”