Chapter 117

Yan Donghuang obviously didn’t fully understand what she meant.

Did she have a bad relationship with her family, or did she have no family at all?

However, Yan Donghuang had already witnessed Yuan Ziying’s unusual way of speaking, so she reacted normally this time.

“Your Highness.” Yuan Ziying handed her a teacup, “Have some tea.”

Yan Donghuang took the teacup, glanced at her thoughtfully, and sipped the tea.

“Today, I passed through the streets of the imperial city and heard a lot of discussions about female officials. I think this is a good thing.” Yuan Ziying propped her chin, “People discussing it means they care about it, which means Your Highness’s plan has a chance to be implemented.”

Yan Ling frowned, “Donghuang, who exactly is this girl?”

Yan Donghuang glanced at him, “She is Xie Yunjian’s fiancée.”

“Since she is Xie Yunjian’s fiancée, why doesn’t she have any manners in front of the Grand Princess?” Yan Ling looked at Yuan Ziying disapprovingly, as if somewhat helpless, “Didn’t Xie Yunjian teach you etiquette?”

Yuan Ziying frowned, puzzled, and turned to him, “What etiquette?”

“The etiquette of speaking to the Grand Princess.”

“I did follow the etiquette.” Yuan Ziying innocently argued, “I greeted Her Highness when I arrived. Her Highness is kind and allows me to speak like this. Besides, there is a difference between the ruler and the subject. Prince An, your status is not as noble as Her Highness’s, yet you are sitting here talking to her.”

Yan Ling was at a loss for words and looked at Yan Donghuang helplessly, “This girl is quite sharp-tongued.”

“It’s getting late, Seventh Prince. You should go back.” Yan Donghuang issued a polite dismissal, “Regarding the matter of female officials, I have already made up my mind. You don’t need to worry.”

Yan Ling was silent for a moment, “I’m just worried you can’t handle such great pressure…”

“How could that be?” Yuan Ziying retorted indifferently, “Her Highness is the chosen heir by the heavens. She must have extraordinary abilities and willpower. What is this little resistance?”

Yan Ling’s eyes darkened. This girl not only lacked manners but also spoke recklessly. Each of her statements alone could be a crime punishable by death.

Xie Yunjian’s fiancée?

Yan Ling’s thoughts deepened, and he suddenly thought of something. Among the seven generals of the Qingluan Army, at least three had unknown backgrounds, including Xie Yunjian.

When Yan Donghuang promoted them to second-grade generals, did she thoroughly investigate their backgrounds?

Did the Emperor know the family backgrounds of these three?

One must be cautious in the military, especially at the level of generals. They must be loyal and capable and have a clear and known family background. Because if a spy infiltrates, it could cause significant losses with unimaginable consequences.

Xie Yunjian’s background was unknown, and his fiancée was also an uneducated woman. Where did they come from? Maybe he should go to the Ministry of War to investigate.

Yan Ling stood up, brushed his robe, and bid farewell to Yan Donghuang, “Since Your Highness is not worried, I will take my leave. Donghuang, be careful.”

Yan Donghuang nodded and instructed Chang Lan to see him off.

After he was escorted by Chang Lan, Yan Donghuang withdrew her gaze and turned to Yuan Ziying, “You don’t like Prince An?”

“No.” Yuan Ziying nodded honestly, “He has some unpleasant smells on him, including the Seven-Step Intestinal Poison.”

Yan Donghuang was slightly shocked.

It wasn’t that Yan Ling had the scent of the Seven-Step Intestinal Poison but that Yuan Ziying’s sense of smell was so keen. The colorless and odorless Seven-Step Intestinal Poison, she could identify it so easily?

Thinking of how she could identify scents with just a bottle, Yan Donghuang had to admit that some people are born with unknown talents, whether you like it or not.

“Your Highness.” Yuan Ziying cautiously looked at Yan Donghuang, “Do you have a good relationship with Prince An?”

Yan Donghuang nodded noncommittally, “It’s okay.”

“One must always be cautious of others.” Yuan Ziying frowned, gently reminding her, “People can disguise themselves… The more harmless someone appears, the more likely they are to be deceitful. Your Highness is the future ruler of the world. You can’t act on emotions.”

Yan Donghuang was silent for a moment, “Are you suggesting I be wary of him?”

“Yes.” Yuan Ziying nodded, “But don’t make it too obvious. If he wants to use poison, it would be like showing off in front of an expert in my presence. If he uses force, he is definitely not Your Highness’s match.”

She paused, “As for other aspects, there’s no need to worry. He wouldn’t need to resort to such underhanded tactics if he had other skills.”

Yan Donghuang didn’t say anything. She was truly impressed by this young girl.

Yuan Ziying was not only good at identifying and using poisons but also seemed to have a knack for understanding people.

Was she really a girl who grew up in the deep mountains?

“Your Highness.” Yuan Ziying didn’t know what Yan Donghuang was thinking at the moment and hesitantly spoke, “I don’t want to live alone in a small courtyard. Can you set up a small bed next to your sleeping quarters? I promise to guard you at night and not let any ill-intentioned people approach you.”

Yan Donghuang took a sip of tea, “You don’t need to guard me—”

“I do.” Yuan Ziying shook her head, “What if someone gets desperate?”

Yan Donghuang looked at her and didn’t speak for a moment.

Yuan Ziying coughed lightly, embarrassed, and touched her nose, “I just drugged Prince An.”

Yan Donghuang remained calm, clearly having guessed, “So you put the antidote in the tea when you poured it for me?”

Yuan Ziying’s eyes sparkled, “Your Highness is so smart. How did you know?”

She had always been very discreet with her poisons, rarely discovered.
The antidote was the same.

Yan Donghuang: “…”

“But Your Highness is destined by the heavens. It’s normal to be smarter than others.” Yuan Ziying quickly said, “When Your Highness ascends the throne, can I join the Imperial Medical Office as a female official?”

Yan Donghuang’s expression was subtle, “You want to be a female official?”

“Yes.” Yuan Ziying nodded, “It seems very prestigious.”

Xie Yunjian is a general who commands twenty thousand soldiers; everyone respects him. But she is just a commoner with no official position, and many people will look down on her. What if the noblewomen in the capital think she is unworthy of him?

“Becoming a female official is not difficult.” Yan Donghuang said, “As long as you have merits, you can be rewarded and get an official position.”

Yuan Ziying was delighted, “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will work hard to earn merits and strive to become the number one female official in the world.”

“What great ambition! ” a voice lazily came from outside, and a figure in red, Feng Yaoguang, walked in. “I heard that Xie Yunjian’s fiancée came from afar. I thought it was to find her husband, but it turns out she has such aspirations. Truly admirable.”

Yuan Ziying turned to look, “Who are you?”

Chapter 118

Feng Yaoguang raised his hand and handed her a packet of candied fruits, bowing gracefully, “I am Feng Yaoguang. It’s an honor to meet Miss Yuan.”

Yuan Ziying accepted the candied fruits and looked up and down at the handsome man in front of her. After a moment, a look of realization flashed in her eyes, “You admire Her Highness, the Crown Princess?”

Feng Yaoguang paused, surprised, “How did you know?”

Yuan Ziying raised her chin, “Because I’m brilliant.”

She wasn’t blind; she had eyes to see. Mr. Feng’s attitude toward the Crown Princess was different from that of ordinary subordinates toward their masters. Moreover, he came to see the Crown Princess so late without announcing himself and wore such flamboyant red clothes, like a peacock displaying its feathers. If it wasn’t admiration, what was it?

Feng Yaoguang raised an eyebrow, “Xie Yunjian’s little fiancée is quite adorable.”

Yan Donghuang said calmly, “One should not judge by appearances.”

Feng Yaoguang nodded in agreement and sincerely looked at Yuan Ziying, “Miss Yuan, could you please step aside for a moment? I have something to discuss with Her Highness.”

“No.” Yuan Ziying shook her head firmly, “My duty is to protect Her Highness, the Crown Princess.”

After saying this, she opened the packet of candied fruits in front of them, took one, and put it in her mouth, “The candied fruits are delicious. Thank you, Mr. Feng.”

Feng Yaoguang raised an eyebrow at her, unable to help but wonder if such a seemingly obedient but actually clever girl, who was said to be proficient in medicine and poison, could be a match for Xie Yunjian.

“If Miss Yuan wants to stay, then stay.” Yan Donghuang sipped tea, “What do you want to discuss?”

Feng Yaoguang withdrew his gaze and sat beside Yan Donghuang, “How does Your Highness plan to deal with the rumors outside?”

“After the sixth day, when the morning court resumes, I will issue an edict to announce to the world that sixteen companions will be selected to enter the palace first.” Yan Donghuang said indifferently, “After a period of training and experience, these companions will gradually enter the court as female officials. How far they can advance will depend on their own abilities.”

Before Feng Yaoguang could speak, Yuan Ziying nodded, “Her Highness’s idea is excellent.”

Yan Donghuang looked at her, raising an eyebrow slightly, “What’s good about it?”

“Her Highness is a woman. When she ascends the throne in the future, the daughters of officials will lose the opportunity to enter the palace as concubines. The men, who are used to being in high positions, will certainly be hesitant about this matter.” Yuan Ziying said slowly, “Allowing daughters to enter the palace as female officials is a choice that most people can more easily accept.”

Feng Yaoguang countered, “If it’s so easy to accept, why are there so many opposing voices outside?”

“Because women entering the court as officials will inevitably affect the interests of some men.” Yuan Ziying snorted lightly, “They use various rules and doctrines to restrict women simply because they are afraid of losing their high positions. But if enough benefits are promised to some people, I believe more people will accept this than oppose it.”

Yan Donghuang remained silent, looking at Yuan Ziying with growing admiration.

This girl not only knew medicine and poison but also had a sharp mind.
What exactly did such a rare and wonderful person do to make Xie Yunjian so annoyed?
…

Yan Ling returned to Prince An’s Mansion, dismissed his personal guards, and went back to his own courtyard alone. A frail and delicate beauty in a green jacket came out, bowed respectfully, then lowered her eyes and gently helped him remove his cloak and outer robe.

Yan Ling walked to the window and sat down, his expression no longer as gentle and elegant as before. His brows were clouded with a layer of gloom, making the room seem filled with an invisible low pressure.

The delicate beauty lowered her eyes and served him tea, then knelt beside him to massage his legs, “Is Your Highness in a bad mood?”

Yan Ling didn’t speak; he just silently sipped his tea and ordered, “Call Miao Qiyuan over.”

A maid bowed and left to carry out the order.

Yan Ling leaned back on the couch and gently closed his eyes, and the gloom in his brows deepened.

Before long, a man in a dark red robe walked in. His face was pale and cold, with a sinister look, as if he had been dealing with poisons for a long time. He looked like a lurking venomous snake.

“Prince An.” The man gave a somewhat improper bow and casually sat opposite Yan Ling, “Did you suffer another setback?”

Yan Ling didn’t speak. He just lightly gestured for the woman kneeling beside him to leave, then opened his eyes and looked at the man in front of him. “Is there a better way?”

“I think Prince An should be patient.” Miao Qiyuan sincerely suggested, “Among the princes, you have always been gentle and harmless, unambitious. If you act too hastily, it will arouse suspicion. Moreover, although the Intestinal Poison is colorless and tasteless, repeated failures suggest there is a problem. We should not take any action for now.”

Walking by the river often, how can you not get your shoes wet?
What they should do now is to bide their time and not expose themselves.

Yan Ling was silent for a long time, then slowly shook his head, “I can’t wait.”

The current situation in the court was completely different from what he had expected. If it were any other prince—no matter who ascended the throne, he could afford to wait patiently for an opportunity. But the one in power was Yan Donghuang, making it impossible for him to stay calm.

Yan Donghuang had military power, an unbeatable stronghold, her shield.
Moreover, with military power in her hands, the other princes could not become her threats. Even if she wanted to eliminate dissidents, the royal princes were far from being her match. Once she sat on that throne, it would mean stability as solid as a rock.

No one could shake her position.
Then, he would lose the opportunity to reap the benefits.

Yan Ling had been thinking about it every day for the past few days but still couldn’t come up with a way to change the current situation.

“Poisoning is not the best way.” Miao Qiyuan had to continue persuading. Although he relied on Prince An, he valued his own life more: “If Your Highness is really unwilling, I have a more secure plan.”

Yan Ling looked up at him, “What plan?”

“The issue of Xie Yunjian’s background.” Miao Qiyuan smiled sinisterly, “Actually, there’s no need for Your Highness to stir up trouble personally. Just spread this news, and naturally, someone will be eager to use it against Yan Donghuang.”

Yan Ling’s expression changed slightly. What Miao Qiyuan said coincided with his thoughts at the Grand Princess’s Mansion. He also suspected that Xie Yunjian and Feng Yaoguang’s backgrounds were problematic. However, the Qingluan Army had always had special privileges. The titles of the seven generals were not managed by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War but were entirely decided by Yan Donghuang. Their military promotions were also fully decided by Yan Donghuang.

Only Yan Donghuang knew the backgrounds of the seven generals in the army.