Chapter 124
The next day.
He Danyan watched the carriage carrying Shen Ningyu gradually disappear into the distance. An indescribable unease rose in her heart; she couldn't shake the feeling that something uncontrollable was about to happen.
He Danyan's personal maid quickly noticed her mistress's troubled state and asked with concern, "Madam, your complexion doesn't look well. Perhaps you should return and rest?"
He Danyan shook her head. "No, it's nothing. I was just thinking."
"Is Madam worried about the Eldest Young Miss?"
"Yes," He Danyan nodded, her face etched with a worry too complex to put into words. "Ningyu's demeanor just now... I fear this matter won't end so simply... Never mind. Go prepare writing tools for me. I need to write a letter to my husband."
No one understands a daughter like her own mother. Deep down, He Danyan feared that Shen Ningyu might act on impulse and do something rash. This was precisely why she decided she must inform Shen Zhaoyan of the situation.
"Yes, Madam."
...
The Imperial Palace.
As soon as Shen Ningyu entered the palace, she went directly to Noble Consort Chun's residence and performed a formal bow. "Ningyu pays her respects to Noble Consort Chun."
"Enough, rise quickly. Have I not said there is no need for such formality with me?"
Shen Qianxue spoke and immediately ordered a seat for Shen Ningyu.
Shen Ningyu didn't stand on ceremony either. After thanking Shen Qianxue, she took her seat. "A few days ago, Ningyu heard that Noble Consort had recovered from a serious illness. So, upon entering the palace today, I specifically brought a ginseng root for Noble Consort to nourish your health. I hope Noble Consort will accept it."
As soon as Shen Ningyu finished speaking, Liu Su, following her order, opened the brocade box she had been holding.
Inside the box was indeed the ginseng Shen Ningyu mentioned. Judging by its size, it was a specimen of considerable age.
"Good... very good, good, good..." Shen Qianxue said approvingly several times in succession. "This Consort knew you were a filial child. If Xichen could have even half your heart, This Consort would be consoled."
Shen Ningyu inquired nonchalantly, "By the way, why is the Fifth Princess not seen today?"
"She? She is kneeling in the prayer hall."
Speaking of Ying Xichen, a flash of displeasure inadvertently crossed Shen Qianxue's eyes.
Hearing this, Shen Ningyu was taken aback. "Uh... The Fifth Princess, she..."
Shen Qianxue stated, "There's no need for you to plead on her behalf. This time, This Consort will discipline her properly."
Shen Ningyu noticed the displeasure inadvertently revealed in Shen Qianxue's eyes and cautiously advised, "Noble Consort, please do not be angry. The Fifth Princess might have had her reasons for incurring Noble Consort's displeasure."
"What reasons could she possibly have!"
Far from being appeased by Shen Ningyu's words, Shen Qianxue was instead stirred to greater anger towards Ying Xichen.
Originally, before Shen Ningyu's visit, Shen Qianxue had informed Ying Xichen, asking her to come out and meet Shen Ningyu as well. Little did she expect Ying Xichen to not only flatly refuse but also speak ill of Shen Ningyu, turning Shen Qianxue's face dark with anger. It was fortunate no one else was around at the time; otherwise, such words would undoubtedly have sparked countless rumors.
"Your Highness, the Fifth Princess is still young. Perhaps..."
"Enough," Shen Qianxue, not wishing to continue this topic, abruptly interrupted. "Since you've taken the trouble to come to the palace, let's not speak of such inauspicious matters. Why not tell This Consort how you have been faring outside the palace?"
"Yes..."
Upon hearing this, Shen Ningyu began to converse with Shen Qianxue. Naturally, she concealed any inappropriate remarks well, so much so that even Shen Qianxue couldn't detect anything amiss for the moment.
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!"
Sooner said than done. Just as they were engaged in casual conversation, Ying Zhengjing arrived.
"Pay respects to Your Majesty the Emperor. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years."
As Ying Zhengjing entered the hall, Shen Qianxue and the others promptly rose and bowed in greeting.
"No need for such courtesy. All may rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Upon rising, Shen Qianxue naturally invited Ying Zhengjing to be seated—a gesture Shen Ningyu observed with silent admiration. Ying Zhengjing was the Emperor, the Son of Heaven. With his supreme status, there was no woman in the realm beyond his reach. Yet, he continued to hold Shen Qianxue in special regard. Even as Shen Qianxue grew older with the years, his regard never waned, and he remained a frequent visitor to her palace.
Ying Zhengjing took a sip of tea before speaking. "Have We interrupted you?"
Shen Qianxue shook her head. "How could that be? Your consort was merely exchanging casual conversation with Ningyu."
Shen Ningyu, ultimately worried that Li Jin might be taken by someone else, and seeing Shen Qianxue mention her, promptly knelt down. "Your Majesty, your subject's daughter has an impertinent request. I beg Your Majesty to grant it."
"Ningyu!"
Shen Qianxue hadn't expected Shen Ningyu to act so suddenly and shot her a slightly displeased glance.
Ying Zhengjing seemed intrigued by Shen Ningyu's earnest demeanor and remarked casually, "Since it is an impertinent request, speak and let Us hear it."
Shen Ningyu stated directly, "I beg Your Majesty to bestow a marriage upon your subject's daughter and the Heir of Prince of Dingbei Li Jin."
Her request was like a stone causing a thousand ripples, instantly stunning both Shen Qianxue and Ying Zhengjing. Clearly, they hadn't anticipated Shen Ningyu would say such a thing.
Ying Zhengjing was the first to recover. He asked again, "You say... you wish for Us to bestow a marriage upon you and Jin'er?"
"Yes," Shen Ningyu nodded solemnly, then continued, "To be frank with Your Majesty, your subject's daughter and Heir Li Jin have long been mutually devoted. We originally intended to wait for my father's return and have the Prince of Dingbei's mansion send someone to propose marriage. Little did we expect that some inexplicably appearing commoner would disregard all decency..."
As she spoke, Shen Ningyu's tears nearly fell, presenting an image of someone who had suffered immense grievance. In her words, Ying Yuan was portrayed as a fox-spirit solely dedicated to stealing men.
"Outrageous! How could such a thing happen?" Upon hearing that the one contending with Shen Ningyu was actually a man, Shen Qianxue was so angered she slammed the table. She then looked at Ying Zhengjing and said, "Your Majesty, this time you must uphold justice for Ningyu. We cannot let Ningyu be bullied by a mere commoner."
"We will look into this matter clearly. Beloved Consort, set your mind at ease."
Ying Zhengjing nodded thoughtfully.
"Your Majesty, then what of your subject's daughter's marriage with Heir Li Jin..."
"Not so hasty," Ying Zhengjing shook his head. "After We inquire about Jin'er's true feelings, We will naturally make a decision regarding your matter."
Hearing this, Shen Ningyu's back stiffened instantly. "Your Majesty, could you not bestow the marriage now?"
Shen Ningyu hadn't forgotten Li Jin's recent declaration of not liking her. If Ying Zhengjing were to seek confirmation from Li Jin now, it would be equivalent to slapping her in the face.
"This matter is of great importance and requires careful deliberation."
"Your Majesty..."
"Enough!" Ying Zhengjing couldn't have missed the anxiety in Shen Ningyu's eyes. He stood up impatiently. "This matter is settled. Beloved Consort, We have important affairs to attend to. We shall visit your palace another time."
After uttering these words, Ying Zhengjing turned and left.
"We respectfully send off Your Majesty."
Shen Qianxue immediately rose and bowed. At the same time, she realized Ying Zhengjing's swift departure was clearly due to being angered by Shen Ningyu. However, out of consideration for Shen Ningyu being Shen Zhaoyan's legitimate daughter, he found an excuse to leave instead of speaking his mind.
"Noble Consort, your subject's daughter and Heir Li Jin are truly devoted to each other. Why wouldn't Your Majesty agree to bestow the marriage?"
Shen Ningyu was on the verge of tears. Her marriage to Li Jin could be settled with just a word from Ying Zhengjing. Yet he had not given his immediate agreement, leaving her heart filled with unease and apprehension.
"Enough," Shen Qianxue said, seeing Shen Ningyu in such a state and finding it difficult to press the matter further. "His Majesty has his own considerations in such matters. Besides, did His Majesty actually say he would refuse the marriage?"
"Yes."
Shen Ningyu lowered her head in acknowledgment. Unbeknownst to others, she was already forming another plan in her heart.
This won't do. Li Jin previously said he doesn't like me. If His Majesty asks, he will certainly refuse. I must find a way to make it so he cannot refuse.
...
Yang Shaochuan reverently placed the freshly brewed tea before Ying Zhengjing. "Your Majesty, how do you intend to handle the matter mentioned by Miss Shen?"
"Wait until Shen Zhaoyan returns before discussing it."
Ying Zhengjing shook his head, indicating he did not wish to deal with it too soon.
"Yes."
Seeing this, Yang Shaochuan thought it best not to press further and withdrew.
"Pay respects to Your Majesty."
Just as Yang Shaochuan left, a man dressed in black night clothes appeared before Ying Zhengjing and knelt on one knee.
Ying Zhengjing picked up his teacup. "Regarding the matter We asked you to investigate earlier, have you made any progress?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, upon learning that Your Majesty intends to grant princely titles earlier, many of the princes have secretly begun currying favor with court officials, seemingly aiming to seize the opportunity to secure the Crown Prince position. Does Your Majesty wish to..."
Ying Zhengjing shook his head, interrupting. "Cough... No need. We originally intended to select a Crown Prince. Since they are willing to contend, let them continue. We also wish to see who will emerge victorious in the end."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"There is another matter We want you to investigate as well."
"Your Majesty, please issue the command."
"Go and investigate for Us whether Shen Zhaoyan has engaged in any covert dealings with the Prince of Dingbei's mansion."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The man, having received new orders, took his leave. In a short while, the vast hall contained only Ying Zhengjing.
Ying Zhengjing suddenly stood up, looking towards the gap in the window, murmuring to himself, "Shen Zhaoyan must have some awareness of Our wariness towards the Prince of Dingbei's mansion. Yet he still plans to ally through marriage with them. Could he be plotting something?"
Upon hearing Shen Ningyu's words, Ying Zhengjing's first thought was that the Shen family intended to unite forces with the Prince of Dingbei's mansion. Otherwise, why would Shen Zhaoyan marry his legitimate daughter to Li Jin?
"Cough... Cough, cough, cough..."
As he pondered, Ying Zhengjing was suddenly seized by a violent coughing fit. He instinctively raised his hand to cover his mouth. To his surprise, upon touching his lips, he felt something in his palm. He immediately opened his hand.
Instantly, Ying Zhengjing saw the warm substance in his palm—it was his own blood. However, upon seeing the blood, Ying Zhengjing showed not a trace of fear. Instead, he calmly retrieved a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the blood away.
"It seems this body of Ours is likely no longer of much use."
Ying Zhengjing sighed, his tone heavy with unspoken meaning.
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