Chapter 147

The Retired Emperor reclined on the couch, his eyes lowered as he said calmly, “She was a woman I brought back from the battlefield. After returning to the palace, she never had an official title, and the concubines of the harem didn’t think much of her, so they called her an untitled palace maid.”

Yan Donghuang remained silent.

“There was a time when I was very fond of her; she was proud and passionate, different from those well-trained noblewomen,” The Retired Emperor said with a hint of a smile. “Before I met her, my harem already had an empress and numerous concubines. I wanted to give her a concubine title, but she refused.”

Yan Donghuang listened quietly, her face showing no emotional fluctuations.

“I didn’t know why she didn’t want a title until after she gave birth to you and left a letter on the day of your full-month celebration, quietly leaving. That’s when I realized she never intended to stay here.”

Yan Donghuang frowned, “In such a vast palace, she left without alerting anyone?”

“Yes.” The Retired Emperor’s expression was subtle. “I had the entire palace searched, nearly digging up the entire capital to find her, but it was as if she disappeared into thin air, leaving no trace. We only found a letter at her residence.” At this point, the Retired Emperor’s face darkened. “She said she didn’t like the harem filled with concubines and asked me not to look for her. She had her responsibilities and wouldn’t lower herself to be just a concubine in an emperor’s harem or a man’s subordinate.”

So that’s how it was. Yan Donghuang understood. For some reason, she felt no resentment towards her mother for abandoning her; instead, she felt a bit of admiration… or maybe it wasn’t admiration, but a realization that her own character might be more like her mother’s. However, she wasn’t as decisive and ruthless as her mother.

After leading troops on the battlefield for so many years, she still held some deep-seated beliefs. In her past life, Yan Ming said that Sheng Jing’an had no military achievements and was the only son of the Duke’s mansion. If he married into the Grand Princess’ residence, it would be unfair to the late Duke. After all, the Duke had made contributions during his lifetime, and the royal family should treat him well. If his son had no heirs because of this marriage, he would be saddened in the afterlife. She softened and agreed to marry.

But such a compromise didn’t bring gratitude; instead, it led to a wife and concubines marrying together and a cup of poisoned wine. So, emotions were often unreliable.

If her mother had stayed in the palace, she might have been just another one of many concubines or might have died in palace intrigues. Or she could have given birth to a prince and become the ultimate winner. All possible outcomes existed. But her decision to leave only proved that leaving was better than staying—at least for her, it was the better choice.

The Retired Emperor was silent for a long time before speaking again, “I was deeply in love with her at that time, so I was furious about her departure. Maybe out of some desire for revenge, I neglected you in the harem, leaving you to be cared for by nannies and wet nurses, thinking that if she knew you weren’t doing well, she might soften and come back… Whenever I think of this, I feel extremely guilty.” He had neglected Yan Donghuang for nearly ten years. Although he tried to make amends later, the mistakes and responsibilities of those years were undeniable.

Yan Donghuang nodded slowly, “I see.”

“Is there anything you want to say?” The Retired Emperor looked at her, guilt flashing in his eyes. “Even if you resent me, it’s understandable.”

“There’s nothing to resent.” Yan Donghuang lowered her eyes, her voice calm and unruffled. “Everyone has their own choices. As long as they are responsible for the outcomes of those choices, it’s fine.”

The Retired Emperor was clearly surprised by her words. “I thought you would have some resentment.”

Yan Donghuang shook her head slowly, “My heart is as hard as iron. I no longer rely on emotions. Although there were regrets in my childhood, those are all in the past.”

Only the weak dwell on what they cannot have. She would fight for what she wanted herself without expecting others.

“That’s good.” The Retired Emperor breathed a sigh of relief. “I searched for information about your mother for a long time without finding anything. If you want to continue, you can send people to look for clues.”

Yan Donghuang nodded and rose to take her leave. “Father, please rest.”

After leaving Linzhi Palace and returning to Chongming Hall, Yan Donghuang washed up and changed clothes. She stood quietly by the window, her eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. Her mother had left the palace shortly after giving birth to her. The massive palace, with its high walls and tight security, would have made it impossible for an ordinary woman to leave without a trace. Unless someone inside the palace helped her, which Yan Donghuang found unlikely. Her father, the emperor at the time, was not someone who had lost power. The disappearance of his daughter’s mother involved the negligence of eunuchs, palace maids, and guards, implicating countless people. Even if the entire imperial city was turned upside down, they would have found her. Under such a large-scale deployment of the imperial guards, who could take her away without a trace?

The second possibility was that her mother had unknown skills and origins, and she left secretly because she had no choice. This reason could be divided into two types: either she had her own difficulties, or she simply did not love the emperor and was forced to stay, thus harboring hatred for the emperor and for the daughter who carried the emperor’s blood.

Regardless of the real reason, Yan Donghuang could understand. After all, she had never met her mother and, therefore, had no attachment or resentment. She was simply…

“Your Majesty,” Chang Lan approached, putting a robe over her shoulders, “The hot water is ready. Would Your Majesty like to take a hot bath first?”

Yan Donghuang replied, “Is Ziying back yet?”

“Not yet.” Chang Lan paused and asked softly, “Is Your Majesty thinking about your mother?”

Yan Donghuang glanced at her and smiled faintly, “Do you think I’m sad?”

Chang Lan shook her head.

“I’m not sad, but I want to find out the truth.” Yan Donghuang turned and walked towards the bathroom. “The political situation changes constantly. After the Yong Dynasty’s throne was taken, other countries have been watching closely. I don’t want to see uncontrollable variables occur.”

She could handle court affairs and was experienced in border wars. But variables often caught people off guard. Since she knew there was such a person, she had to find out the truth to ensure that nothing would go beyond her control.

After bathing, Yan Donghuang, dressed in her nightwear, leaned against the headboard, reading military books. Among the books was a folded map of the world.

Yan Donghuang unfolded the map, her eyes falling on the names of the countries surrounding Yong.

Yong Dynasty bordered North Liang in the north and Qi Kingdom in the east. The Qi Kingdom was divided into South Qi and North Qi and had been unstable for nearly ten years, with constant internal strife. The Qi Kingdom was originally very powerful, with its cavalry almost sweeping the world. Even after being forcibly divided into South Qi and North Qi, their military strength remained formidable. In times of external war, they would unite and fight together. So, even after years of civil war, no neighboring country dared to attack the Qi Kingdom.

The reason for their division was very similar to Yan Ming and Yan Donghuang. Thirty years ago, when the new emperor ascended the throne, his younger brother, who had been leading troops in battles for years and had numerous military achievements, caused the emperor to feel threatened. Ministers suggested that the emperor take back his brother’s military power. However, the prince was rebellious and led his troops to the north, forcibly sharing the kingdom with his brother, dividing and ruling. It was only ten years ago, when the prince who ruled his territory passed away, that his eldest daughter inherited the throne and changed the imperial title, officially splitting the Qi Kingdom into South Qi and North Qi. However, because a woman ascended the throne, the legitimate emperor of South Qi did not take her seriously and was eager to reclaim the lost territory. Unfortunately, he encountered a formidable opponent, leading to ten years of unrest.

Chapter 148

Yan Donghuang lowered her eyes in thought. The North Qi and Yong countries were separated by a river, making future conflicts unlikely, and they might never intersect. While she was contemplating, Yuan Ziying quietly walked in and respectfully bowed, “Your Majesty.”

Yan Donghuang looked at Yuan Ziying and said, “You’ve done a great job this time. Is there any reward you wish to receive?”

Yuan Ziying thought for a moment. “Anything?”

Yan Donghuang nodded. “You go first.”

Yuan Ziying pondered seriously for a while but couldn’t think of anything in particular. She was a female officer now, and the Emperor said she would receive a salary every month. She didn’t really care about the salary, though. After all, if she really wanted to make money, she could earn it by treating people. However, receiving the Emperor’s salary gave her a sense of accomplishment. She had always lived in the mountains, accustomed to simple food and clothing, and had no desire for luxurious meals or exquisite clothes. She wasn’t fond of jewelry either. So, she didn’t seem to have any specific wishes. After a moment, she shook her head slowly. “I only wish to remain loyal to Your Majesty, nothing else.”

Yan Donghuang’s expression became subtle. “Don’t you want me to grant you a marriage with Xie Yunjian?”

“Marriage?” Yuan Ziying’s face changed slightly. “Does a granted marriage mean we have to get married right away? Wouldn’t that mean I can’t stay by Your Majesty’s side anymore?”

Yan Donghuang said, “You can still come.”

“No,” Yuan Ziying shook her head decisively. “I only want to stay by Your Majesty’s side and be a valiant female officer.”

Yan Donghuang was silent for a moment. “I remember when you first arrived, you seemed interested in Xie Yunjian…”

“That was then; this is now,” Yuan Ziying looked a bit disdainful. “I think he seems a bit stupid compared to Your Majesty, who is far superior.”

Despite being a great general, Xie Yunjian didn’t seem very smart, making Yuan Ziying wonder if he had been poisoned too many times before, affecting his mind. She used to think Xie Yunjian was great, but now she only admired the Emperor.

Yan Donghuang looked at her silently, unsure what to say. She couldn’t quite understand the young girl’s rapidly changing thoughts. In the morning, Xie Yunjian was still a hero saving the damsel in distress, but by evening, she was already feeling disdain for him. One wonders if Xie Yunjian would feel relieved knowing this.

“Unless Your Majesty has other matters, I shall take my leave,” Yuan Ziying bowed respectfully. “Rest well, Your Majesty.”

Yan Donghuang smiled. “Your manners are getting better.”

Yuan Ziying couldn’t help but feel happy. “I specifically learned from the inner court ladies for half an hour.”

“You don’t need to learn too much,” Yan Donghuang said gently. “You’re not originally from the palace, so don’t force yourself.”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. I am willing,” Yuan Ziying lowered her head. “Since I am to be a female officer, I must observe the distinctions between ruler and subject. Besides, Your Majesty is the most powerful Emperor of Yong, and I… I admire Your Majesty the most, so I must show my respect.”

Yan Donghuang was silent for a moment. “You may go rest.”

Yuan Ziying bowed again. “Yes, I take my leave.”

Yan Donghuang watched her leave, unable to suppress a smile.

The next morning, the atmosphere in the court remained tense. Since the new Emperor ascended the throne, the ministers seemed to be in a constant state of anxiety. Even after Prince An was punished and demoted to a commoner yesterday, no one dared ask many questions. After a bit of inquiry, the reasons were clear enough. The entire night was enough for them to understand the context and deduce the reasons for Prince An’s severe punishment. But the other princes looked gloomy.

Yan Donghuang had no interest in guessing their thoughts. After discussing several essential matters in the hall, she went to the Qin Zheng Hall to handle state affairs and summoned several generals of the Qingluan Army. Apart from Feng Yaoguang, Gu Chiran, and Mu Yunfan, the other four were present.

Yan Donghuang looked at the four generals before her, each with their own distinctive styles, and said faintly, “You have followed me to the battlefield for several years, earning numerous military merits, but have delayed your marriages.”

Xie Yunjian instinctively looked at Yuan Ziying, but she kept her gaze down, showing no expression.

Yan Donghuang continued, “With the imperial guards gradually returning to normal in the palace, besides the routine training in the army, you should also pay attention to your marriages.”

Qin Yang frowned slightly. “According to the usual rules, we should at least wait until Your Majesty selects consorts before we can marry.”

Yan Donghuang raised an eyebrow. “You want to enter the palace?”

Qin Yang bowed. “We follow Your Majesty’s arrangements.”

“I expect you to lead troops into battle, yet you think about entering the harem to serve?” Yan Donghuang frowned. “Can you have a bit more ambition?”

Xiao Nanfeng retorted, “Your Majesty is mistaken. Even if we were to enter the harem, it would be to support Your Majesty, not to serve with our looks.”

Xiao Qingwu turned to look at him. “The harem must not interfere in politics, remember?”

Xiao Nanfeng was at a loss for words. “But rules cannot be broken. Even if Your Majesty does not favor us, we must wait until we are thirty to marry.”

“Thirty?” Yan Donghuang raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

Xiao Nanfeng replied, “Throughout history, emperors select concubines, and those not selected must wait until they are at least twenty-five to marry…”

“Nonsense. There are so many women in the world; not everyone can participate in the selection,” Yan Donghuang glanced at him and paused. “Besides, I don’t plan to select consorts for now.”

“Why?” Xiao Nanfeng frowned. “Does Your Majesty intend to favor Yaoguang alone?”

With this question, the atmosphere in the hall became quite awkward.