Chapter 375: Calculations and Uncertainty

Chapter 375: Calculations and Uncertainty

Yun Li shook her head gently. "We'll know in time. These layers of intrigue are all directed at you and me. Don't worry, Mother will handle it properly."

"Don't panic. It's obvious that someone is plotting against us. It's only natural, given your rising reputation and the favor your father has shown towards your mother. People targeting us is nothing out of the ordinary." Yun Li rose to pat his shoulder. "Your job is to focus on your studies. Whoever dares to question you, apart from your father, you need not hold back."

The Ninth Prince nodded and sighed. "I just feel so powerless, unable to protect you. Every time, it's still you who protects me. I am a man, after all."

"You've grown up safe and sound in the palace, without much experience. And with constant favor, it's understandable that you would be flustered when something happens. Mother knows that you are capable. Besides, I never intended for you to learn the tricks of the harem. Those tactics would do you no good."

"Rest assured, Mother and you are one in heart and mind. If there's ever a real need for you to step in, Mother won't hesitate."

These were true words. If Yun Li couldn't protect herself, how could the Ninth Prince expect to have an easy life?

"Mother…" The Ninth Prince called out suddenly.

"I might not have seen how other princes interact with their birth mothers, but I'm sure they can't compare to us. You're definitely the best mother in the world," the Ninth Prince said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

But he had been accustomed to being spoiled since childhood, and even now, as he was older, he still had a hint of...

Control yourself, after all, you're not that young anymore.

This winter, he's already fully thirteen years old.

Others say he's fourteen.

"Silly child," Yun Li laughed softly.

This child was quite independent when he left her, thoughtful in his words and actions. But wasn't it allowed for him to be affectionate with his mother?

Be it thirteen or even thirty-three, she would still see him as her little one.

"Right, there's something else Mother forgot to mention earlier. The daughter of Lady Shu, the Empress Dowager's sister, is engaged to Fu Jingyang's second son. They'll be married soon. Just keep that in mind," Yun Li said.

Prince Jiuyi frowned. "Isn't that not appropriate? I don't think Sixth Brother has any intention of forming alliances, but now they're tying the knot..."

He made a sound of disapproval and knitted his brows.

Yun Li chuckled lightly. Seeing that he understood, she stopped there and changed the subject.

The lighter the mother and daughter's burden, the more sorrowful and furious He was in An Yi Hall.

Naturally, she suspected Yun Li first. Believing that Yun Li would retaliate if she acted against her, she felt it was inevitable.

In her grief and fury, she sought out the emperor, pleading for him to uphold justice for her and the He family.

However, Emperor He Jinli did not meet with her.

He was also pained by the misfortune of the He family, but he wouldn't see He solely because of this matter.

For a moment, the concubines in the harem were abuzz with rumors, but the emperor remained silent. Thus, the following day, Yun Li continued her routine of paying respects as usual.

Upon seeing her, the junior concubines seemed to regard her as some sort of monstrous creature, their greetings filled with trepidation.

Yun Li merely smiled gently, giving no particular reaction.

The empress did not reprimand Yun Li, instead addressing the group, "The incident involving the He family is no trifling matter. His Majesty has already dispatched people to investigate. This case has stirred the local authorities, and they are all now involved in the inquiry. When the time comes, all those connected will be brought back to the capital."

The others simply acknowledged the situation, too intimidated by its magnitude to dare speak out of turn.

After the dispersal, the Empress Concubine accompanied Yun Li back home.

"The whole situation seems suspicious. I kept pondering last night about who would have the motive to do such a ruthless act. Do you think it was aimed at you or the Empress Dowager?" the Empress Concubine inquired.

It was an intriguing perspective. Yun Li smiled. "I suspect it was still targeted at me."

Well, since she had agreed with the Empress Dowager not to interfere in each other's affairs, it would be best not to involve the elderly Empress Dowager in this.

Otherwise, the incident might lead to suspicions of the Empress Dowager swapping her child...

Forget it. He Jinning had been good to her over the years; she shouldn't hurt him unnecessarily.

"The way I see it, if this was indeed directed at you, there might be more to come. Perhaps it's aimed at sullying your reputation and that of the Ninth Prince?" the Empress Concubine suggested.

Yun Li nodded. "That seems likely."

"Do you think it was the Lady Concubine Shu?" the Empress Concubine asked.

Yun Li shook her head. "To be honest, I'm unsure now. But it's probably still someone entangled in the web of interests."

The Concubine Imperial sighed. "Watching Prince Ji grow up, he's becoming more and more challenging."

Yun Li smiled gently. "Who can blame him for being born into the royal family? The same goes for us. Whether we compete or not, it's exhausting as consorts to the emperor. And how much more so for princes?"

The Concubine Imperial let out a soft sigh and said no more.

She didn't vie for power because she knew it was futile.

But if Ninth Prince didn't fight for his position, their future together would be bleak.

One only had to look at the Empress Dowager to understand. She had raised an emperor, but due to their non-blood relation, she faced many restrictions.

If the emperor were the Empress Dowager's biological son, there would be no need for the Zhang Tong siblings to scheme relentlessly.

Suppose the emperor were to pass in the future, and a new one ascended the throne. Even if they spared Yun Li and her child, how could their lives possibly be peaceful?

Putting aside other factors, just the mere fact that she had enjoyed the emperor's favor for over a decade made her a thorn in many eyes. If another woman became the Empress Dowager, how could she expect to live comfortably?

There was no need to mention others; just look at Feng Tai- Concubine.

She remains the esteemed Lady Yuanzheng, and with her son, wouldn't she still have to rely on the Empress Dowager even as a Grand Consort?

If someday there were someone who held a grudge against her and became the Empress Dowager, life would undoubtedly be unbearable.

It's no wonder, then, that things have become increasingly challenging for Xiao Jiu.

But precisely because of these difficulties, one must rise to the occasion.

"Regardless, we've been good sisters all these years. I support you. If there ever comes a day when you need it, I, Yuanzheng, will stand by Xiao Jiu."

Yun Li couldn't help but laugh. "Your words make it seem like I befriended you just for this purpose."

"I know you didn't, but what does it matter? I'm willing," the Empress smiled.

Lines had formed at the corners of her eyes, yet her smile was still lovely.

Yun Li smiled too, taking her hand without saying a word.

In the Fengyi Palace, the First Princess paid a visit to the Empress.

"Mother Empress, I've heard about these matters. Was it really Concubine Xian who did it?" the crown princess inquired.

The empress shook her head. "I doubt it. It would have been a good thing for her to clear her name. Why would she provoke trouble? The He family's survival doesn't hinder her in any way. It's more likely that someone is trying to harm her."

"Mother... this could be an opportunity," the crown princess said, looking at the empress. "Not long ago, Fifth Brother came to visit me. He said something that made a lot of sense."

The fifth prince was due to marry after the new year, and with renovations ongoing at his residence, he had been going out frequently.

"What can the Fifth Prince accomplish?" the empress frowned.

"Mother Empress, aren't all imperial princes the same? What makes them different? He lacks accomplishment only because he hasn't had a supportive concubine. His own mother passed away early, and the Lin family isn't capable either. That's why he's in his current state. If you were willing to support him, wouldn't his chances improve significantly?"

"You mustn't forget that by supporting him, you would also be bringing honor to the Empress Dowager. Besides, would the Empress Dowager not care about the Lin family? In the end, everyone would be pleased," the crown princess explained.

"Mother Empress, how old is Grandmother now..." the crown princess continued.

The empress still frowned but didn't refute her daughter's words.

"The next chapter is not yet complete, I'll update it shortly."