As the morning sun bathed the imperial palace in golden light, the crisp air carried a lingering chill. Palace attendants hurried about in all directions, tending to their duties. Meanwhile, inside the vast and imposing Golden Throne Hall, an air of solemnity hung thick in the atmosphere.

The court had been abuzz with debate over the recent salt tax case, and now the matter had entangled the Liu family. Many officials quietly speculated on how the emperor would handle it. After all, Liu Shilang had already been demoted last time—was this the beginning of a broader move to suppress the Liu family?

“This case is riddled with inconsistencies,” the emperor declared from his golden throne. “Chancellor Lu, you will take charge of the investigation. I expect you to uncover the corrupt officials behind this swiftly.”

As his words fell, Chancellor Lu immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty, I will see to it with the utmost diligence!”

Hearing this, the court officials’ minds immediately became more active. Everyone knew that Chancellor Lu and the Liu family were locked in a deep-seated rivalry—if the investigation was placed in Lu’s hands, it was clear that the emperor had made up his mind to deal with the Liu family.

As murmurs of speculation spread through the hall, the emperor suddenly let out a soft chuckle, his voice cutting through the discussions.

“I have not forgotten the concerns my ministers raised before,” he said. “It is indeed time for the Crown Prince to take a wife. Do any of you have suitable candidates in mind?”

The unexpected statement left the officials momentarily stunned. The emperor had always avoided this topic in the past, yet today, he had brought it up on his own. Whatever discussions they had about the salt tax scandal were instantly cast aside as ministers eagerly stepped forward to offer their suggestions.

“Your Majesty,” one official began, bowing deeply. “The future Crown Princess must be virtuous and dignified, possessing both grace and intelligence to earn the people’s respect. In this regard, Chancellor Lu’s eldest daughter is the ideal choice.”

The one who spoke was the Vice Minister of Rites. Immediately after, an elderly censor stepped forward and added, “Your Majesty, while Chancellor Lu’s daughter is indeed a fine choice—renowned for her gentle and refined temperament—she lacks the commanding presence needed to inspire confidence. On the other hand, Minister Liu’s daughter not only grew up alongside the Crown Prince but also possesses both boldness and strength of character. She could very well become a model for the imperial consorts, much like Her Majesty the Empress.”

At this, someone let out a derisive scoff. “Censor Liu, for a learned man, you seem to confuse brazenness with strength. What a ridiculous notion. Besides, Minister Liu’s daughter is barely literate—how could she possibly be suitable for the role of Crown Princess?”

The hall quickly descended into a heated debate, officials arguing back and forth. Meanwhile, Liu Guozheng stood there with an expression of calm indifference, as if the matter had nothing to do with him, watching impassively as the others quarreled.

Just then, a scholar from the Hanlin Academy suddenly spoke up. “Lord Zhang, I must disagree. According to Grand Tutor Shen, though Lady Liu has spent only a short time in formal study, she is exceptionally quick-witted and perceptive. Besides, we are choosing a Crown Princess, not a top scholar—what use is literary talent in this matter?”

The officials murmured in surprise. Had the Liu family’s influence really extended into the Hanlin Academy as well? Everyone knew that Liu Yin was reckless and brash, completely lacking the reserved grace expected of a noblewoman. How could Grand Tutor Shen possibly have spoken so highly of her?

Amidst the ongoing debate, the emperor finally spoke, his tone laced with hidden meaning. “Your arguments are all quite reasonable. Both Minister Lu’s and Minister Liu’s daughters have their merits. However, there can only be one Crown Princess. My son—what do you think?”

In an instant, all eyes turned to the Crown Prince, who had remained silent throughout the debate. Everyone knew how much he despised Minister Liu’s daughter—how could he possibly agree to marry such a brash and unruly woman?

Yet, under the weight of countless expectant gazes, Qin Yan suddenly stepped forward and gave a slight nod. “My cousin is simply straightforward in nature. And… I am quite fond of her.”

The moment his words fell, the entire hall plunged into stunned silence. Even the sound of breathing became unnervingly clear. The ministers stared at the enigmatic Crown Prince as if they had just seen a ghost, struggling to process what they had just heard.

The Crown Prince actually wants to marry her?!

Impossible. It must be a political move to win over the Liu family. Yes, that had to be it!

Even Liu Guozheng, who had thus far remained indifferent, couldn’t hide the flicker of surprise in his eyes. In his lifetime, he had rarely been this shaken. He had assumed securing his daughter’s position as Crown Princess would require considerable effort—after all, the Crown Prince had always rejected the Liu family’s attempts at goodwill.

But now that it had all happened so easily, it felt almost… unreal.

Of course, he wasn’t naive. He knew perfectly well that the Crown Prince’s words were nothing more than a formality. This was about political strategy, not personal affection. As for the idea that Qin Yan actually liked his daughter? That was something Liu Guozheng wouldn’t dare to dream of, even in his wildest fantasies.

The hall remained eerily silent. The emperor’s gaze lingered on his son, deep and unreadable, before he finally spoke. “Since that is the case, the Ministry of Rites shall make the arrangements. Choose an auspicious date for the wedding. As for Minister Lu’s daughter… she shall be granted the title of secondary consort. What do you think?”

His voice was calm and steady, yet it sent ripples through the court. Minister Lu immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty. For my daughter to become His Highness’s secondary consort is the greatest honor for my family. It is a blessing she could only dream of.”

The other ministers quickly followed suit, their voices rising in unison. “Your Majesty is wise!”

The hall echoed with thunderous approval, but Qin Yan remained still, his expression as composed as ever—unmoved, untouched.

Even after court was dismissed, speculation ran wild. If His Majesty truly intended to suppress the Liu family, why would he make Liu Yin the Crown Princess? The emperor’s intentions were as unfathomable as ever.

Liu Guozheng barely had time to fend off the flood of congratulatory remarks from his colleagues before hastily making his way after the Crown Prince. The others, sensing the moment, discreetly stepped aside.

It was only when the palace corridors were empty that Liu Guozheng let out a quiet chuckle, clasping his hands in greeting. “Even Her Majesty the Empress gave me no prior hint of this decision. Your Highness, you truly caught me off guard.”

He simply wanted to know—what exactly was the Crown Prince’s intention? Had he truly accepted the Liu family’s goodwill?

Their eyes met briefly before Qin Yan came to a stop, his voice gentle yet unreadable. “It was indeed a sudden decision, but rest assured, Uncle. I would never mistreat my cousin.”

Liu Guozheng studied the young man before him, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. Unable to suppress his doubts, he hesitated before speaking. “But… His Majesty—”

“The hour grows late. I must head to the Council Hall,” Qin Yan interrupted smoothly. With that, he turned and walked away without another word.

Liu Guozheng remained where he stood, his brows furrowed in deep thought. The emperor had deliberately balanced the scales—naming his daughter the Crown Princess while granting Lu Lixing’s daughter the title of secondary consort. It was a clear move to restrain the Liu family’s power.

What puzzled him even more was the Crown Prince himself. In the past, Qin Yan had never bothered with diplomatic pleasantries—his cold indifference toward Liu Yin was proof of that. But now, he had spoken of treating her well?

Something was off.

He needed to speak with his sister.

Changchun Palace.

Morning court had just concluded, and after dismissing the palace attendants, the Empress stood by the window, scissors in hand, leisurely trimming a potted plant. Her tone was calm, yet laced with venom.

“The emperor has barely spent a few days with Noble Consort Li, and that wretched woman already dares to flaunt her arrogance in my palace. Truly ignorant of her place. When my son ascends the throne, I’d like to see just how long she can keep up this insolence.”

The only one attending to her in the inner hall was Hong Xing. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a golden hue across the room. Bowing her head slightly, Hong Xing echoed, “Noble Consort Li is indeed short-sighted. She seems to forget that the Fifth Princess is still under your care. Does she not fear that, in time, Your Majesty might arrange an unfortunate marriage for her?”

At that, the Empress’s phoenix eyes sharpened, and with a crisp snip, she severed a delicate branch.

“You’re right,” she mused, a cold smile forming. “The emperor has long sought to win favor with the scholars of humble origins. When the time comes, I shall marry the Fifth Princess to some pedantic, impoverished scholar. That way, it will align with His Majesty’s wishes, appease the court, and leave that wretched woman with no power to rely on. I’d like to see how she dares to act high and mighty in front of me then.”

“Your Majesty is absolutely right,” Hong Xing chuckled, her voice laced with amusement.

Just then, a frantic voice echoed from outside.

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”

A palace maid burst into the hall, her hurried, breathless state instantly drawing a frown from the Empress. Displeasure clouded her expression as she reprimanded coldly, “Such panic—have you forgotten all sense of decorum?”

The maid dropped to her knees, trembling. “Your Majesty, please forgive me! But just now, I received urgent news—at court this morning, His Majesty decreed a marriage between the Young Mistress and His Highness the Crown Prince. The imperial edict has already been sent from the palace.”

A sharp snap echoed through the hall as a branch fell into the pot. The Empress immediately set down her scissors, her poised and elegant face now frozen in shock.

“You… say that again!”

Hong Xing, however, was the first to regain her composure. A smile quickly spread across her lips as she stepped forward. “Congratulations, Your Majesty! This is a joyous occasion—your long-cherished wish has finally come true.”

For a moment, the Empress simply sat there, stunned. It had all happened so suddenly. She had expected this matter to require far more maneuvering, yet here it was, unfolding effortlessly before her. Not a single hint had been leaked beforehand—not from the emperor, not from anyone. And most baffling of all, the Crown Prince himself had agreed to marry her niece. It had caught her completely off guard.

—

Meanwhile, at the Liu residence, Liu Yin was still sitting with her mother, painstakingly learning embroidery. Though she found the task excruciatingly dull, she bit her lip and endured it with remarkable patience.

The room was silent as she finally finished stitching a flower. Eagerly, she held up the handkerchief. “Mother, look! Haven’t I improved a lot?”

The embroidery was still rough, the stitches clumsy and uneven, but at least it resembled a flower this time—unlike before, when she couldn’t even be bothered to pick up a needle. Seeing that her daughter was finally making an effort, Madam Zhang’s heart swelled with satisfaction. She reached out and gently patted Liu Yin’s head.

“Very good. A few more months of practice, and you’ll be able to make one for your father.”

Hearing this, Liu Yin immediately set down her needle and thread, rubbing her sore wrists with a deep frown. “I’m not making anything for Father! I asked him for a painting yesterday, and he refused. So stingy.”

“That’s part of your father’s collection,” Madam Zhang chided, tapping her daughter lightly on the forehead. “You don’t even appreciate paintings—what do you need it for?”

Liu Yin pouted and quickly defended herself. “Father has so many, what’s the harm in giving me just one? Besides, Grand Tutor Shen has been so kind to me! He never minds that I can’t read well, and he’s always so patient. He won’t even accept expensive gifts. I just wanted to give him a painting as a token of appreciation. Am I not even allowed to build good connections now?”

Seeing how sharp-tongued her daughter was becoming, Madam Zhang could only shake her head helplessly. “Your father will handle these things. You, as a young lady, should focus on what’s proper for you.”

“But I still need to—”

“Madam! Madam!”

Suddenly, the door swung open, and a maid in green hurried in, breathless, as if bearing urgent news.

Liu Yin propped her chin on her hand and lazily glanced at her. “Sister Ping’er, what’s the rush? Don’t tell me my brother returned to the capital early?”

“N-No… that’s not it…” Ping’er panted heavily, drenched in sweat from running. She pointed toward the courtyard, struggling to catch her breath. “T-The palace… someone from the palace has arrived…”

Before Liu Yin could even ask, Ping’er blurted out, “His Majesty has bestowed a marriage—Second Miss is to wed the Crown Prince! You must go accept the decree at once!”

The words had barely landed when Madam Zhang’s expression changed. She immediately set down her needle and thread, her face turning solemn. Liu Yin, meanwhile, sat up straight, completely dumbfounded.

“You… what did you just say?”

“It’s true! Every word of it!”

Ping’er stomped her foot anxiously, pointing outside. “If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself! The officials are already waiting in the main hall!”

=^_^=