Chapter 18

It was already late into the night, and the entire palace seemed frozen in the cold wind. The lights had flickered out, and all sounds had died away.

Inside the carriage, there was not a sound, as silent as if it were empty.

Xie Hengzhi sat to one side, his face cold and expressionless. Lying on the soft cushions beside him was Yi Ling, her face pale.

She remained motionless, even her breathing careful and cautious.

In fact, after being carried into the carriage, Yi Ling had already felt much better.

But at the same time, she had heard the sound of the wheels rumbling over the golden bricks.

—Xie Hengzhi was openly riding a carriage inside the palace?!

Yi Ling was so frightened that she didn’t dare to open her eyes.

Although she knew that if Xie Hengzhi dared to do this, he must have had a plan in place.

He had already barged into the princess’s palace; what was a mere carriage ride compared to that?

It wasn’t until the carriage smoothly passed through the Shenwu Gate that Yi Ling finally let out a long sigh of relief.

It was at this moment that Yi Ling suddenly heard Xie Hengzhi’s voice.

“Did the princess hit you?”

Yi Ling froze again, her body tensing up.

The same feigned fainting was exposed, but this time it was drastically different from the awkwardness of this afternoon.

At this moment, Yi Ling felt a bit afraid. She sat up honestly, her voice soft as she said, “No.”

Xie Hengzhi turned his head to look at her.

In the dim, pitch-black carriage, his unspoken gaze was an undeniable presence.

A single glance made Yi Ling feel a chilling aura.

Regarding today’s events, Yi Ling could already predict that Xie Hengzhi was certainly angry.

Princess Yu’an’s actions had indeed humiliated Xie Hengzhi, but wasn’t his own behavior a greater crime?

Yi Ling knew that she was the cause of the situation, and fearing that the two powerful figures might clash and drag her down with them, she instinctively wanted to ease the tension.

“The princess really didn’t harm a single hair on my head; she just bound me and…” 

She didn’t finish her sentence, realizing how absurd it sounded.

“Just?”

She closed her mouth and stopped speaking, instead using her peripheral vision to observe Xie Hengzhi’s expression.

Because it was late at night, the carriage was moving smoothly without any bumps.

In this quiet and steady small space, Yi Ling couldn’t read Xie Hengzhi’s mood, and she didn’t know what he was plotting in his mind.

Though she wanted to keep out of trouble, Yi Ling knew she couldn’t escape being involved in Xie Hengzhi’s bold actions of storming the palace.

After a pause, Yi Ling cautiously asked, “What do you think should be done about today’s matter?”

“I have my own plans.”

What did that mean?

He spoke calmly, but Yi Ling couldn’t shake the feeling of coldness.

“She is a princess; you don’t intend to kill someone again, do you?”

“Again?”

Xie Hengzhi turned to look at her. “When have I killed anyone?”

Yi Ling: “…”

She turned her face away, a cold smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

So forthright—if he wasn’t really forgetting his past wrongdoings, he must be shameless to the core.

---

Meanwhile, after Xie Hengzhi took Yi Ling away, Princess Yu’an had an outburst at Hehuan Palace.

She had never been so insulted in her life—this was absurd!

Looking at the kneeling palace maids and eunuchs, her anger grew even more.

They were all useless; at the crucial moment, not a single one of them had dared to stop Xie Hengzhi.

But after replaying the situation in her mind, Princess Yu’an knew that she was in the wrong today.

Her father had always favored Xie Hengzhi, the scoundrel, and if she waited until tomorrow for Xie Hengzhi to present the matter in court, it would be hard to say who would come out on top.

Thinking of this, Princess Yu’an realized she had to strike first… no, she had to make the first move!

With that, she lifted her skirt and, amidst the surprised gasps of her attendants, rushed out of Hehuan Palace.

The sky darkened, and the wind howled with a biting cold.

Princess Yu’an’s destination was the Taiyi Palace, where the Emperor resided, not far from Hehuan Palace.

Unlike the other solemn and majestic palaces, Taiyi Palace was built with a transcendently elegant style.

Outside the hall, towering ancient trees had been transplanted, with running water and artificial springs creating a sweet spring rock garden.

Among the flowers, trees, and rocks, deer, cranes, and turtles were kept, making it a serene sanctuary within the palace.

During the day, the place felt full of natural rustic charm.

But by night, it exuded a sinister and eerie air.

As soon as Princess Yu’an entered, she was startled, her body shivering as she paused for a moment before rushing towards the hall.

“Princess? Princess?! You can’t go in!”

Princess Yu’an pushed past the eunuchs who were trying to block her, pounding on the palace doors.

“Father! Father! I have urgent news to tell you!”

“Father! Please come out! Xie Hengzhi has committed an unforgivable crime today!”

Upon hearing this, the eunuchs hurriedly stepped forward to pull Princess Yu’an away.
“Princess! You can’t speak like that!”

“I’m not making things up!” Princess Yu’an struggled, shouting, “Father! Where is Father?”

The eunuch replied, “Princess, please stop shouting. His Majesty is in seclusion today,

cultivating his essence. If you disturb His Majesty, that will be the real unforgivable crime!”

Upon hearing this, Princess Yu’an calmed down.

Was she supposed to wait for her father to finish his seclusion before dealing with Xie Hengzhi? By then, Xie Hengzhi would have turned the blackest of deeds into white ones.

Taking a step back, she glanced westward. Through the thick clouds, half of a pale, gray-white moon peered through, resembling an old, worn-out figure.

It was at that moment she suddenly remembered—

Apart from her father, there was another influential figure in the palace: the Queen Mother!

---

After all the commotion caused by Princess Yu’an, Yi Ling felt like her body was falling apart by the time she returned to the Xie residence.

Although Mama Cao’s voice was loud and irritating, she calmly arranged for Yi Ling to bathe and change clothes and had soothing herbal soup ready for her.

But despite everything, Yi Ling still couldn’t sleep peacefully that night; her dreams were fragmented and restless.

It wasn’t clear whether it was because Princess Yu’an’s actions had exceeded Yi Ling’s understanding, but whenever she closed her eyes, she could hear the princess’s sharp and obsessive voice.

Over and over again, she demanded to know where Chu Ren was, threatening to kill Yi Ling if she didn’t speak.

Before long, her dream shifted to a reenactment of Xie Hengzhi storming Hehuan Palace at night, clashing with the princess’s guards.

Blood splattered, though Yi Ling didn’t know whose it was, and she woke up screaming, startling Xie Hengzhi beside her.

She couldn’t remember what he said afterward, only that she fell back into a hazy sleep.

It wasn’t until the next morning when she woke up to bright daylight that Yi Ling finally felt as though she had escaped the shadow of Hehuan Palace.

However, there was a faint bruise under her eyes, which would need to be covered up.

Sitting at the vanity, Yi Ling carefully applied her eyebrow makeup, while Mallow softly combed her hair beside her.

The entire Xie residence remained as calm as usual; even Mama Cao refrained from her usual noisy behavior, worried she might disturb Yi Ling.

She used rouge and powder to cover the signs of fatigue, and Yi Ling’s mood improved somewhat as she prepared to pick out a brightly colored outfit.

But when she turned around, she was surprised to see, neatly hung on the clothes rack, Xie Hengzhi’s court robes and black hat.

Yi Ling froze for a moment, then called for Mama Cao and asked, “Did the master not go to court today?”

“Yes, the master is in the study,” Mama Cao replied.

“Is Madam looking for the master?”

Yi Ling didn’t answer immediately, instead furrowing her brow as she stared at the court robes.

It wasn’t a rest day, so why didn’t he go to court?

Thinking of this, Yi Ling couldn’t help but feel uneasy about what happened last night.

On one side was the princess kidnapping a minister’s wife, and on the other, the minister breaking into the princess’s chambers at night.

Which was more serious?

Was Xie Hengzhi skipping court to defy the imperial family, or was he avoiding trouble?

No matter which possibility, Yi Ling felt she couldn’t remain unaffected.

She could no longer sit still and decided to head to Xie Hengzhi’s study.

However, several guards stopped her from a distance, saying that Xie Hengzhi was dealing with important matters and she couldn’t go in.

Yi Ling looked at the tightly shut door of the study, her worries deepening.

As evening fell, the twilight deepened, and the lanterns were lit.

Xie Hengzhi still hadn’t come out of the study, and no one could enter. Yi Ling was unable to learn anything from him, so she anxiously waited alone in the house for him to emerge.

After waiting for a long time, Yi Ling still hadn’t seen Xie Hengzhi, but she did receive word that Princess Shen Shufang, the Crown Prince’s wife, had arrived.

As soon as Yi Ling heard this, she knew something was wrong.

What could the Crown Prince’s wife be visiting at night for?

Sure enough, Shen Shufang entered with a worried expression and rushed to ask, “Mrs. Xie, where is Xie Hengzhi?”

“He’s in the study,” Yi Ling replied.

Shen Shufang hesitated for a moment before looking up and saying, “Mrs. Xie, things are bad!”

Yi Ling: “…”

She knew it!

In a panic, Yi Ling quickly asked, “Is it because of last night’s incident?”

“Of course!”

Shen Shufang said this and then fell silent. After sending the servants away and ensuring they were alone, she anxiously continued, “Actually, I heard about last night early this morning, but with so many people around, I could only wait until nightfall to come secretly to discuss it with you.”

She lowered her voice and took Yi Ling’s hands in hers.

“Xie Hengzhi was too bold. Though it was all to save you, the consequences of his actions have instead harmed you! Now the whole court knows about it, and the memorials against him are piling up, accusing him of bullying the princess and disrespecting the imperial family. They’re calling for his death sentence!”

When Yi Ling heard this, she knew the situation had escalated.

She asked anxiously, “What is His Majesty’s stance on this? Will there be punishment tomorrow?”

“It won’t happen so quickly.”

Shen Shufang said, “Fortunately, His Majesty went into seclusion yesterday and won’t be out for at least ten days to half a month.”

Yi Ling breathed a slight sigh of relief, but Shen Shufang then added, “But unfortunately, that old hag returned to the palace yesterday. She has always disliked the Crown Prince and wants to put the First Prince back on the throne. Xie Hengzhi is a clear supporter of the Crown Prince, so how could she let this opportunity slip? The memorials against Xie Hengzhi today were all orchestrated by her!”

After listening for a while, Yi Ling asked in confusion, “I’m sorry to ask, but who is this old hag?”

Shen Shufang nearly stomped her foot in frustration: “The Queen Mother!”

Yi Ling: “!!!”
She hadn’t expected it to be the Queen Mother.

Shen Shufang was so agitated that she completely disregarded etiquette, gritting her teeth as she muttered, “This old hag, always chanting Amitabha, but her claws are constantly stirring up trouble and fanning the flames. In just one night, she’s stirred up so many people. What a skilled hand she has.”

Yi Ling, feeling anxious, responded, “The princess is also the queen’s daughter, the Crown Prince’s full sister. She has truly stepped on a steel board this time.”

Had she known that the feud between Princess Yu’an and Xie Hengzhi would escalate to involve herself, Yi Ling would never have stirred up trouble that day.

However, Shen Shufang then said, “Even if the Queen Mother and the Crown Prince want to help, they’re powerless now!”

Yi Ling: “Why?”

“Don’t you know?” Shen Shufang exclaimed in surprise. “Peng San was originally a subordinate of the Crown Prince, but after his rebellion, although it was quelled, it put both the Queen Mother and the Crown Prince under intense scrutiny. To calm the public, the Queen Mother secluded herself in the national temple, swearing off worldly affairs. The Crown Prince also took on a difficult task in the Shu region, executing many of his former subordinates. This was the only way to ease external suspicion.”

“With the Crown Prince unable to act and the Queen Mother trapped in the temple, how can they help?”

Yi Ling didn’t know that this matter had been involved in the battle at Qingyang.

No wonder Xie Hengzhi had won the battle but didn’t claim the credit, and all the rewards went to her.

But this wasn’t the time to reminisce about the past. Yi Ling completely forgot how scared she had been of Shen Shufang and now saw her as the only lifeline.

She grasped Shen Shufang’s hands tightly and asked, “What do you think I should do?”

Shen Shufang didn’t hesitate, answering firmly, “Hurry up and get a divorce from Xie Hengzhi!”

Yi Ling: “Huh?”

Shen Shufang: “You should divorce him and clear yourself out of the situation. Quickly write a letter and send it to Jiangzhou. Mr. Shang has disciples all over the world, and many high-ranking officials come from your Jiangzhou Academy. They should collectively petition for you.

That should temporarily keep you safe.”

Yi Ling felt increasingly anxious as Shen Shufang spoke, but she retained a sliver of reason.

“No, I absolutely cannot divorce Xie Hengzhi!”

Shen Shufang: “Why?!”

Of course, it was because if she divorced him, she wouldn’t survive.

Yi Ling couldn’t tell her the truth, so she simply frowned tightly, unable to speak from worry.

Seeing Yi Ling’s expression, Shen Shufang suddenly realized.

“I thought you were just proud of your talent, but I didn’t know you were so devoted to love. How could there be such a good woman like you in this world?”

Yi Ling: “?”

Before she could react to what Shen Shufang was saying, her expression shifted from admiration to determination. Holding Yi Ling’s hand, she said, “Don’t worry, I’ll go back and ask my grandfather for help. With his prestige, he should be able to mediate.”

After finishing her words, she turned and left.

No matter the cost, she was determined to protect the best female talent from the business world!

–
After Shen Shufang left, Mama Cao, who had come in with some calming medicine, curiously asked, “Madam, what was the Crown Princess doing here so late?”

Yi Ling didn’t answer Mama Cao. Instead, she frowned and paced back and forth.

The emperor now revered the Daoist teachings, seeking immortality, and had surrounded himself with a group of “immortals” for company. He hadn’t attended court for two years.

All state affairs were controlled by Xie Hengzhi, who had done much to suppress opposition, and more and more people were scheming to bring him down.

At the forefront of these forces were the Queen Mother and the First Prince’s faction.
But to find a serious mistake to trap him under his power was not easy.

After all, Xie Hengzhi had willingly placed the indifferent Zhou Ge Lao at the head of the cabinet, using him as a mouthpiece, protecting himself while remaining untouchable.

Although the officials knew that all memorials were reviewed by Xie Hengzhi, the memorials themselves came from the Taiyi Palace, and the decisions were officially made by Zhou Ge Lao. No one could directly accuse Xie Hengzhi of overstepping.

What happened last night, however, was Xie Hengzhi himself putting his neck out for others to strike.

The Queen Mother and the First Prince might have been waiting for such an opportunity. Once they seized Xie Hengzhi’s weakness, how could they not go all out to ruin him?

When the Emperor finally left his retreat, it was likely that the day of reckoning would come.

No wonder the usually busy Xie Hengzhi hadn’t shown up for court today and had stayed hidden at home.

Yi Ling couldn’t just sit back and let Xie Hengzhi go down alone.

She no longer hesitated and went straight to Xie Hengzhi’s study again.

The guards still blocked her, but this time she didn’t listen to orders. In a low voice, she commanded, “Step aside!”

The guards stood motionless, as immobile as statues, blocking her path.

Until a voice came from inside the study.

“Let her in.”

The four guards immediately stepped aside, allowing Yi Ling to pass.

The winter wind was quiet, barely rustling the tree tops, but it felt as though knives were cutting into her face.

Yi Ling opened the study door, lowered her eyes, and took a deep breath.

After composing herself, she looked up to find Xie Hengzhi, dressed in loose attire, standing in front of the desk… admiring a painting.

What was going on? How could he still have time for this kind of leisurely pursuit at such a critical moment?

Before Xie Hengzhi could speak, Yi Ling cut to the chase, “Do you know that the memorials accusing you have already piled up like a mountain?”

Xie Hengzhi turned his head and glanced at Yi Ling indifferently.

“Yes.”

“Then why are you looking at paintings here?”

Yi Ling spoke urgently, “You’ve been in this study all day. Have you come up with any countermeasures?”

It was as if there was an invisible wall between them. He remained unaffected by her anxiety, his attention still fixed on the painting in front of him.

“Why the hurry? I’ll handle it properly.”

His tone was so calm and confident that it left no room for doubt.

After speaking, he walked over to the antique shelf, not sparing Yi Ling another glance.

Yi Ling stood motionless for a long time, staring at his back.

After about a quarter of an hour, she silently left the study.

She had to admit that Xie Hengzhi was a person who, though arrogant and dismissive of everything, could almost always accomplish what he set his mind to.

Since he was so calm at this moment, it must mean he had a plan for his own rescue.

But he wasn’t willing to share it, and Yi Ling knew she wouldn’t be able to get anything out of him.

In that case, all she could do was place her hope in him.

–
From then on, Yi Ling continued to stay at Lin Fengyuan, anxiously passing the days, waiting for the impending danger to either fall or be averted.

However, there was no news from the palace, and even Shen Shufang didn’t send any updates.

This did not reassure Yi Ling; instead, it made her more fearful.

As everyone knew, in the court, the quieter the matter, the more serious it was.

Moreover, Yi Ling noticed that Xie Hengzhi hadn’t left the Xie residence recently.

Each morning, he went straight to his study and stayed there for the entire day.

When he became busy, the food sent to him was untouched and returned without a single bite.

When had he ever been so preoccupied that he couldn’t even make it to court for three days?

He must be hiding at home, scheming something…

Yi Ling had a strong sense that something big was about to happen, but she didn’t dare ask too many questions.

That evening, Mallow noticed Yi Ling’s low spirits and suggested she take a walk in the yard to clear her mind.

Yi Ling was distracted, walking along the path, but her mind was still filled with worries about her life.

When they reached the back yard, Mallow whispered, “Madam, have you noticed something strange about the manor recently?”

Yi Ling: “…Did you just notice?”

Mallow scratched her head in embarrassment and added, “There’ve been people coming to the manor these past few days, all with dark faces. They look really scary.”

Indeed.

Yi Ling had encountered them several times. Although they didn’t wear official attire and acted discreetly, it was clear they weren’t common people.

They stayed in Xie Hengzhi’s study for hours at a time, with no sound coming from inside. Yi Ling had no idea what they were doing.

It felt increasingly like the calm before a storm.

Thinking of this, Yi Ling sank back into her fearful thoughts.

Staring at the flowers and plants on the ground, a sudden idea flashed through her mind.

At that moment, Mallow suddenly shouted, “Who are you? What are you doing here?!”

Yi Ling suddenly raised her head and saw two unfamiliar men dressed in black, carrying a locked wooden box in their hands, quietly entering through the small back gate.

They remained calm even when they heard Mallow’s startled exclamation. Instead, they bowed respectfully to Yi Ling before walking past them, heading straight toward the study.

They said nothing throughout, their calmness exactly like that of Xie Hengzhi.

Mallow was still panicking and mumbling, but Yi Ling widened her eyes, staring at their retreating figures.

Ah! She understood!

It turned out that Xie Hengzhi’s way of saving himself was…

Yi Ling suddenly covered her mouth to prevent herself from gasping aloud.

Though, though it was a bit crazy, on second thought, this did seem to be the only way he could save his life.

---

That night.

Xie Hengzhi had been busy all day, and when he returned to his quarters, Yi Ling was already peacefully lying in bed.

She seemed to be no longer as fearful as in the past few days, as if she had already recovered.

So Xie Hengzhi also removed his outer robe and laid down.

He closed his eyes. The room was quiet and warm, and the woman beside him no longer tossed and turned.

Because Yi Ling had lost her appetite recently, the kitchen had been trying various ways to make delicious food for her.

It was either exotic delicacies or overly sweet snacks.

Nothing that Xie Hengzhi liked.

Now that she seemed to be doing much better, it was time to ask the kitchen to prepare something to his taste.

Stir-fried lotus root slices, or perhaps Wensi tofu…

As he thought about what to arrange for the next day’s meal, Yi Ling suddenly turned over and moved closer to his ear.

In a very low voice, she mysteriously asked, “When are you planning to rebel?”

Xie Hengzhi: “?”