Chapter 79

Feng Yaoguang turned to the Qingluan soldiers outside the palace gate, signaling them to ensure Sheng Jing’an knelt for the full half-hour without a moment’s respite. Then he caught up with Yan Donghuang, his eyes gleaming, “Your Highness.”

“Hmm?”
“Sheng Jing’an is your fiancé,” Feng Yaoguang’s expression was somewhat complex, as if reminding her, though his tone carried a hint of jealousy.

“After his three-year mourning period, you are to marry him. Isn’t it a bit harsh to humiliate him like this today?”

Yan Donghuang replied indifferently, “Do you feel sorry for him?”

Feng Yaoguang’s face stiffened, “Your Highness jests.”

If he had a choice, he would gladly find a secluded place in the dead of night to chop Sheng Jing’an into a hundred and eight pieces and scatter them in all directions at the mass grave, leaving him for the wild dogs to carry away, ensuring not even a fragment could be pieced together.

Yan Donghuang looked at him.

At this time, Feng Yaoguang was only twenty, younger than when she passed the throne in her previous life. His features were even more striking and radiant, his demeanor bold and unrestrained, and a pair of beautiful, expressive eyes that often made him seem carefree and unruly. He loved wearing red, and he was the most handsome and narcissistic among the Qingluan soldiers. But those who knew him understood that Feng Yaoguang was actually a man of stubborn dedication.

Yan Donghuang’s eyes flickered with a trace of emotion.

In her previous life, when she passed the throne, Feng Yaoguang’s eyes were filled with sorrow and despair, and she remembered his desperate cry, “Can’t you defy fate just once?”

At this moment, she felt an impulse to tell him that she indeed had a chance to be reborn and change her fate. But whether it was to follow or defy fate, she couldn’t say.

However, Feng Yaoguang knew nothing of their past life and had no memory of it. Even if she told him, he wouldn’t understand.

“What are you thinking, Your Highness?” Feng Yaoguang asked, puzzled.

Yan Donghuang came back to her senses, silently took out an imperial decree from her sleeve, and handed it to him.

Though puzzled, Feng Yaoguang accepted the decree and unfolded it. As his eyes fell on the content, he was stunned. Then, fearing he had misread, he carefully read it word by word from beginning to end.

An imperial decree canceling the engagement?

After a moment of shock, Feng Yaoguang was overjoyed and almost jumped up in celebration, but he restrained his emotions. He didn’t fully understand the situation yet, and it might be too early to celebrate.

What if it wasn’t Her Highness’s intention?

If Sheng Jing’an wanted to cancel the engagement and the Emperor reluctantly agreed out of respect for the late Duke, the Grand Princess would be sad and angry, which might explain why she punished Sheng Jing’an.

Feng Yaoguang slowly closed the decree and returned it to Yan Donghuang, observing her expression, “Why did the Emperor issue a decree to cancel the engagement?”

“Because I wanted to cancel it.”

Feng Yaoguang was stunned again, then carefully controlled his joy, “Does Your Highness think Sheng Jing’an is not a good match?”

“I am about to inherit the Yong Dynasty, rule the world, and hold great power. Whether he is a good match is irrelevant,” Yan Donghuang’s voice was indifferent, “But he is indeed not a good match.”

Feng Yaoguang nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

The Grand Princess was right. She was about to inherit the Yong Dynasty, with vast lands under her feet. She had many responsibilities and no time for trivial matters of love. But it was also good. She would govern the country, and they would protect the borders for her.

Such a princess was the one he admired, destined to be recorded in history as a celebrated empress. Feelings would only hinder her progress and become a burden.

They walked in silence. On the imperial road from the palace to the Crown Princess’s residence, Qingluan soldiers stood in orderly rows, silent as bamboo.

Back at the Crown Princess’s residence, Feng Yaoguang went to discuss the defense arrangements with Mo Lin, while Yan Donghuang returned to Qingluan Hall and sat by the window.

Her sudden rebirth had left her little time to think in the palace, busy dealing with the matter of establishing the heir. Now, leaning on the couch in her chamber, she had time to calmly reflect on the many unresolved questions from her previous life.

The primary issue was to find out who possessed the ‘Seven-Day Intestinal Poison’ and ‘Silk Binding’ poisons, which were not known in the palace. The harem usually used saffron, musk, contraceptive soup, or cinnabar to harm others, and the Emperor used hemlock to execute guilty consorts.

The ‘Seven-Day Intestinal Poison’ and ‘Silk Binding’ were not palace items. Additionally, the Imperial Medical Office needed a thorough investigation to prevent her father from being harmed.

Yan Donghuang rested her head, quietly contemplating.

Imperial Physicians Wen and Jiang should be reliable, as their families were in the capital, and they had no reason to harm the Emperor, risking the execution of their entire families.

Imperial Physician Feng, however, needed to be checked.

To ensure everything was foolproof, Yan Donghuang needed someone skilled in poison detection by her side. She didn’t want to be secretly harmed again, as she had in her previous life.

Yan Donghuang’s brow furrowed slightly, and she turned to instruct Chang Lan, “Summon Xie Yunjian to the Crown Princess’s residence.”

“Yes,” Chang Lan replied and left.

Chapter 80

Sheng Jing’an was punished to kneel outside the Nan Gate, in full view of the public, with no privacy at all. The news quickly spread to the residences of the princes and officials.

Yan Ming, who was waiting for news in the palace, initially thought Sheng Jing’an could extract some information from Yan Donghuang. Instead, he received the shocking news of Sheng Jing’an’s punishment, leaving him stunned.

“Sheng Jing’an was punished to kneel?” He stared at the reporting servant, almost in disbelief. “Punished by Yan Donghuang herself?”

“Yes.”

Yan Ming’s expression darkened, his lips tightened, and his hand slowly clenched at his side.

What on earth is Yan Donghuang up to?
A sudden change in temperament, could she be possessed by something?

His face turned grim as he pondered the recent events. Apart from the Emperor’s sudden rage over the Crown Prince’s scandal in the harem, which led to his fainting from anger, nothing else unexpected seemed to have occurred.

Yan Donghuang had even visited their mother a few days ago, speaking to him in a relatively gentle tone. After all, she had always been aloof and distant, not accustomed to being overly close to others.

Yan Ming could discern her emotional changes and was sure that Yan Donghuang was normal yesterday, but today she seemed like a different person…

Could the Emperor have said something to her?

Before the Emperor left her alone, everything was normal. What did he say to her that caused such a drastic change in her attitude?

Yan Ming’s eyes darkened as he turned to the servant. “Any news from the palace?”

The servant respectfully replied, “The guards at the palace gates are all from the Qingluan Army. Even if Consort De had something to convey, it would be difficult to get the message out.”

Yan Ming’s face showed displeasure. “Has Yan Donghuang returned to the palace?”

“The Grand Princess has just returned.”

Yan Ming closed his eyes lightly. Now, he could only use a bitter strategy to personally find out the reason for Yan Donghuang’s sudden change in attitude.

Taking the whip hanging on the wall, Yan Ming turned and walked out.

“Prepare the horse. I am going to the Grand Princess’s residence.”

“Yes.”

Carrying the whip, Yan Ming dismissed the servants and rode alone to the Grand Princess’s residence. After sending a message, he was quickly led to the front hall.

Yan Donghuang was sitting in the hall, drinking tea.

Yan Ming walked slowly into the hall, his tall figure wrapped in a silver-white fox fur cloak, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

Whether familiar or unfamiliar, anyone seeing Yan Ming for the first time would not think he was a narrow-minded, selfish, and sinister person.

Appearances can be deceiving.
This saying is indeed a profound truth.

“Donghuang.” Yan Ming looked at Yan Donghuang, his eyes gentle and desolate as if facing a child who suddenly threw a tantrum; even his tone was self-reproachful and helpless. “I am here to apologize to you.”

Yan Donghuang took a sip of tea. “Apologize for what?”

Yan Ming lowered his eyes, his expression dark and guilty. “I failed to supervise the Chu family, resulting in my uncle embezzling a huge amount of silver. This is my oversight, and I cannot excuse myself.”

Saying this, Yan Ming knelt on one knee, handing over the black whip with both hands. “I am here to accept punishment.”

Yan Donghuang glanced at the whip in his hand but said nothing.

Feng Yaoguang, who came in with him, raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing at Yan Donghuang without a word.

Is Prince Jing planning to use a bitter strategy?

“I can’t imagine how many wrong things my uncle did behind the scenes with such a huge amount of embezzled silver, selling official positions and titles, allowing unqualified and even morally corrupt people to occupy positions they shouldn’t.” Yan Ming lowered his head with a bitter smile. “Although some say ‘clear water has no fish,’ as long as my uncle is capable, I should turn a blind eye. But I never expected his greed to be so great, embezzling to an astonishing extent behind my back.”

Feng Yaoguang watched Yan Ming silently, a hint of sarcasm at the corner of her mouth.

This act seems poorly performed. Clearly admitting fault, yet subtly shifting some blame, showing no sincerity at all.

“Second Brother, do you know that half of the embezzled funds from Minister Chu came from the rations of soldiers on the battlefield in recent years?” Yan Donghuang’s tone was cold. “War is already taxing on the people and the treasury, and Minister Chu embezzled military pay while soldiers fought for their lives, secretly deducting funds and falsifying accounts in the court. This is an unforgivable crime!”

Yan Ming’s face changed drastically, and then he lowered his eyes. “It was my oversight…”

“I originally intended to support you to the throne, but you, staying in the capital for years, failed to notice Minister Chu’s embezzlement and selling of official positions. This truly disappoints me.” Yan Donghuang’s tone was hard. “If you truly feel you were negligent and brought the whip yourself, it would be biased if I didn’t punish you.”

Yan Ming’s expression stiffened, his hand holding the whip tightening unconsciously.

“I am now the Crown Princess, and there is a distinction between ruler and subject. Punishing you is not beyond my authority.” Yan Donghuang said, turning to instruct, “Yaoguang, since Second Brother’s status is noble, it would be inappropriate for others to act. You do it.”

“Yes.” Feng Yaoguang stepped forward, taking the whip from Yan Ming’s hand and looking at Yan Donghuang. “Your Highness, how many lashes should it be?”

Yan Donghuang looked calmly at Yan Ming. “Second Brother knows how serious Minister Chu’s crimes are and how severe his own negligence is. How many lashes do you think are appropriate?”

Yan Ming’s face alternated between pale and flushed, looking embarrassed and humiliated. He didn’t expect Yan Donghuang to actually punish him.

He is a prince, her elder brother, and she wants to whip him in front of her generals?

“Prince Jing.” Feng Yaoguang’s gaze fell on his face, his tone respectful and polite. “How many lashes do you think are appropriate?”

Yan Ming suppressed the gloom in his eyes. “Until Donghuang’s anger is appeased.”

Yan Donghuang took a sip of tea. “Since Second Brother said so, then proceed. I am deeply disappointed by Minister Chu’s embezzlement of military pay and even more so by your negligence. If I don’t punish you, it would be hard to quell my anger.”

Feng Yaoguang didn’t hold back. Although whipping a prince is a serious offense, who asked King Jing to offer himself up for punishment?

Moreover, there is a distinction between the ruler and the subject. The Crown Princess punishing a negligent prince is reasonable. Besides, the Qingluan Army surrounds the palace. The Grand Princess is now just one step away from ascending the throne. She needs to vent her displeasure.

Feng Yaoguang raised the whip, about to strike, but noticed Yan Ming wearing a thick cloak, pausing slightly. “Prince Jing, your cloak is quite valuable. It would be a pity to damage it. Please remove it.”

Yan Ming stiffened, his hand at his side slowly clenching.

“Prince Jing came to accept punishment voluntarily. If you feel wronged, you can leave.” Feng Yaoguang said calmly. “Don’t make it seem like the Grand Princess is bullying you.”

Yan Ming looked at Yan Donghuang, his lips tight. “If a beating can appease your anger, it is what I deserve.” He said, removing his cloak and handing it to a nearby servant.

Feng Yaoguang raised the whip and struck, the first lash making Yan Ming’s face pale.

Yan Donghuang watched coldly, her eyes covered with a thick layer of frost.

Appease anger? This is just the beginning. The hatred from past betrayals surged, invading her bones and spreading to her limbs. She wished she could beat Yan Ming to death here. But now is not the time.

After her reborn, the betrayals and traps of the past have not yet occurred. She has no reason to eliminate Yan Ming and Sheng Jing’an for now. In the eyes of outsiders, they are her childhood sweetheart fiancé and a caring elder brother, trusted and deeply affectionate. Suspicion would arouse if she suddenly turned against them, and there would be a lack of solid reason. But there are more ways to take revenge than just killing someone. Gradually clipping their wings, making them lose everything they care about and unable to resist, slowly becoming desperate, trapped beasts might slightly ease the heart-wrenching pain of betrayal.

A painful groan suddenly sounded.

Yan Donghuang’s gaze shifted slightly, landing on Yan Ming’s pale face, seeing his pale complexion, cold sweat on his forehead, and a look of pain and endurance.

It seems Feng Yaoguang didn’t hold back.

“Second Brother, I am very disappointed in you.” Yan Donghuang walked forward, slowly squatting in front of him, frowning as she looked at him. “Minister Chu is a key minister of the Yong Dynasty. The military pay he embezzled is the lives of the soldiers at the border.”

Yan Ming frowned, his voice trembling. “Donghuang, it is my fault. If your anger is appeased, can you… can you ask Father to be lenient?”