Chapter 163: Offering Prisoners

Chapter 163: Offering Prisoners

Outside the imperial estate in the capital, the sky was nearing dusk, with cold crows flitting across the sky. A thin layer of unmelted snow lingered in the shadowy corners, while the visible snow had already been cleared away.

Jia Hongyuan finished the thick, dark medicinal brew at the bottom of the jade bowl with an impassive expression, not leaving a single drop, and nonchalantly tossed the bowl aside.

"Has the third prince's consort given birth yet?"

In the dimly lit, vast hall, a faint shadow spoke, "The consort of Prince Jin gave birth seven days ago. The Prince Jin's residence has been keeping the news under wraps. I have failed in my duties; I beg for your punishment, Your Highness."

Jia Hongyuan gave a faint "hmm," "What else have you learned?"

"Prince Jin's eldest son was born with an ailment, and it is said that the symptoms are identical to the poison affecting Your Highness."

Jia Hongyuan looked at the empty medicine bowl, and after a while, he chuckled softly, his eerie laughter echoing through the vast hall, filled with a chilling aura.

"Sixteen, who do you think is truly behind this poisoning?"

Sixteen slightly raised his head, lowering it just before meeting Jia Hongyuan's gaze, "I am unsure, Your Highness."

Jia Hongyuan did not expect an answer from Sixteen. He said lightly, "Have the meal served; you will dine with me. Zisui and Binzhi's child was born today. Order the Ministry of Revenue to exempt all tenant farmers of this imperial estate from a year's rent, as a blessing for both children."

As for whether others would interpret this act as a blessing for the children of Qishu County Princess or as gloating over Prince Jin's eldest son being suspected of being poisoned, Jia Hongyuan did not care.

Jia Hongyuan was in high spirits today, even indulging more in the imperial cuisine he usually only nibbled at. Sixteen quietly noted the amount of food Jia Hongyuan consumed, feeling content and at ease.

The mastermind behind the old case from years ago had finally revealed themselves. Was the individual who poisoned the late empress and the crown prince the same as the one who poisoned Prince Jin's eldest son? Was it that person...

"Sixteen, do you hope that Prince Pingxian is behind this?" Jia Hongyuan suddenly asked.

Sixteen's mechanical, rhythmic movements of picking up food and chewing were interrupted. He was silent for a few seconds, carefully choosing his words, "I hope Your Highness can uncover the true culprit."

"Oh?" Jia Hongyuan slowly curled his lips into a smile, "Is Sixteen concealing something from me?"

Sixteen's heart skipped a beat, suppressing the storm within, he calmly said, "No, Your Highness."

This was the first time he had ever lied to Jia Hongyuan, a cold sweat instantly breaking out across his back, his heart feeling as if it was being grabbed, weighed, and kneaded.

Jia Hongyuan scrutinized him for a few seconds, then smiled lightly, "That's good."

He stared into Sixteen's lifeless eyes, his voice as if sighing, "You are the only person I completely trust. Do not let me find out you are hiding something from me, Sixteen. You know the consequences."

Sixteen lowered his head, instinctively relieved in his heart, but his body remained tense. He would not betray his prince, but he would also... never put Qiu Huanian in danger.

Fortunately, by the time the next words were spoken, Jia Hongyuan had returned to normal. He condescended to pick up some of Sixteen's favorite dishes, watching him eat them bite by bite, a pleased smile on his face.

"Sixteen."

"Your Highness?"

"You have accompanied me for so long, and for your merits, I can grant you one wish."

"Your servant—"

Jia Hongyuan raised his hand to stop Sixteen from continuing, his voice filled with subtle hints, "Think carefully. As long as it is within my power, anything is possible."

...

Due to proper care during pregnancy, the use of alcohol for disinfection during childbirth, and continuous care from imperial physicians and precious medicines after birth, Qiu Huanian did not suffer much during her postpartum confinement.

Wu Shen returned to the capital with captives and countless spoils on the second day after the twins were born, with Bao Yi and his wife Ye Taohong also in the procession.

It is said that the Yuanhua Emperor, accompanied by his officials, personally welcomed the victorious army at Zhengyang Gate. Wu Shen and the soldiers first paid homage to the emperor, then to the crown prince, with shouts of "Long live the emperor" and "Long live the crown prince" resounding through the skies, shaking the hearts of those with hidden agendas.

No matter how the princes compete for power, the people see Jia Hongyuan, crowned prince when the Yuanhua Emperor ascended, as the unshakable heir—a future ruler revered like the emperor himself.

As long as the crown prince is not formally removed, the hearts of the people will not waver.

This awareness took root in the hearts of various factions, breeding resentment, fear, and greater ambitions.

The Yuanhua Emperor had the crown prince assist him in raising Wu Shen to his feet before the army, and held a grand banquet in the palace to reward the soldiers. Captives from foreign tribes, along with cattle, sheep, gold, silver, and weapons, entered the capital through Zhengyang Gate, parading along the main streets of the inner city. The citizens lined the streets to watch as the seemingly endless procession passed by.

For a time, Wu Shen's fame and prestige nearly matched his father's. Behind the crown prince, Wu Dingshan had fallen, but a younger and more promising Wu Shen had risen.

The factions vying for the throne regretted their past decisions, deeply regretting not having eliminated Wu Shen and Du Yunse three or four years ago, allowing them to escape and grow in the shadows. Now, the fledgling eagle had spread its wings and soared into the sky, making any further attempts to act against them nearly impossible.

Qiu Huanian missed the grand spectacle of the army presenting captives due to his recovery. To recover, he spent his days in the delivery room with the children, living a "decadent" life of eating and sleeping—something he had never experienced before.

With just a few days left until New Year's Eve, Du Yunse took a long leave from the Ministry of Personnel until the following year. He spent his days in the delivery room, personally and meticulously caring for Qiu Huanian, Gu Gu, and Yang Yang. Whenever he was present, he never let anyone else handle the intimate tasks.

It was unusual for a husband to stay in the delivery room, but Mumian and Putao, remembering Du Yunse's presence during the birth, chose not to object.

After all, it was already scandalous enough—what harm could a little more do? The county lord and his husband lived their lives behind closed doors, and who would dare gossip?

Although Du Yunse stayed by Qiu Huanian's side, and Qiu Huanian could see him every time he opened his eyes, Du Yunse still remained fully aware of what was happening outside. If Qiu Huanian hadn't known Du Yunse so well, he might have suspected Du Yunse had a double elsewhere.

"Uncle Baoyi and Aunt Taohong have arrived and are staying in the east wing of the outer courtyard. They will spend the New Year with us, and next year, depending on the emperor's wishes, they will decide whether to buy a house in the capital."

Qiu Huanian, while playing with the children in the cradle, asked, "Will they return to the border?"

"The war is not yet over, so they will certainly return. What's uncertain is whether they will come back to live in the capital permanently."

"What do you mean?"

Du Yunse calmly explained, "Over a decade ago, after General Wu Dingshan pacified the northeast, the emperor transferred him and replaced all his loyal subordinates."

Qiu Huanian listened to Du Yunse as he played with the children.

Gu Gu and Yang Yang had lost their newborn redness and were wrapped in autumn-colored satin, looking like two glutinous rice dumplings in bamboo leaves.

The babies, only a few days old, couldn't move their hands or smile yet, but they could hear sounds, see light, and respond to bright colors to varying degrees.

Qiu Huanian held a red ball with small bells, gently moving it left and right above the cradle. Gu Gu followed the sound of the bells with his eyes, trying to keep the red ball in sight. Yang Yang, however, was lazier, only moving his eyes when the ball was shaken right in front of him.

After "teasing" Yang Yang and eliciting a reaction, Qiu Huanian set the ball aside and sighed.

"Although achieving great merit that overshadows the ruler is never a good thing, it's still disappointing to be replaced after gaining fame and accomplishments..."

Du Yunse said, "Wu Shen understands this. Even if he didn't before, after being exiled to the border for three years, he clearly understands now."

"Besides, Wu Shen might not end up like General Wu Dingshan."

"How so?"

"While the emperor is rewarding Wu Shen now, his future achievements will depend more on the crown prince."

Qiu Huanian understood the implication: a new emperor always reshuffles his inner circle.

Qiu Huanian's heart raced, and he grasped Du Yunse's hand. "Is the change happening soon?"

Three years ago, the struggle for the throne had reached a fever pitch. It was the Yuanhua Emperor who suddenly took action, placing the crown prince under house arrest, disbanding the Crown Prince's Secretariat, and dealing with the prince's allies, forcefully defusing the tense situation.

After that, the crown prince chose to bide his time, keeping a low profile and avoiding confrontation while quietly developing his forces. The situation remained at a standstill for some time.

But now, especially after Wu Shen led his troops back to the capital, all factions must have come to realize that they had not truly shaken the crown prince's foundation. Instead, they had given him the breathing room to develop new forces.

From now on, those who wish to act will no longer hesitate or miss their chance. The situation is unlikely to remain as peaceful as before.

Du Yunse clasped Qiu Huanian's hand in return, his warm and firm palm conveying a reassuring strength.

"It is indeed close, but the advantage is ours," Du Yunse said, kissing Qiu Huanian's smooth forehead and promising in a deep voice, "I will protect you all."

...

As the New Year approached, many government offices had already halted most of their official duties, deferring non-urgent matters until after the holiday to prepare for the celebrations. Only the Dali Temple, which handled cases in the capital, was busier than usual.

Min Leyi's sister-in-law, Ren Suyin, had received joyful news two months ago and was now resting at home during her pregnancy. With Min Leyi's elder brother, Min Leshi, busy with official duties, Min Leyi gradually stopped wandering outside and took the initiative to stay at home to help his brother and sister-in-law with their affairs.

At noon on the 26th of December, five days before New Year's Eve, Min Leyi sent someone to deliver lunch to his brother at the Dali Temple. Just as he was about to return to his backyard residence for a rest, he suddenly saw the maid who served Ren Suyin.

"Young master, Madam asks you to come to the main hall."

"Sister-in-law is calling me? Let me wash my hands first, then I'll go over."

When Min Leyi arrived at the main hall, Ren Suyin was sitting at the desk, reviewing the case files she had compiled. Even her pregnancy couldn't dampen her passion for solving cases.

"Yier, has the person who delivers lunch to Leshi left yet?"

"They've already left. Does sister-in-law have something to send to big brother? If it's urgent, I can go myself. It's not far anyway."

Ren Suyin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "It's about the case of the wife of the Military Governor's counselor. I sense there are some suspicious elements. Could you ask Yier to deliver this note to Leshi and ask him to review the case files before the New Year?"

"That case involving the real and fake Miss Zhao?"

The youngest daughter of the wealthy Zhao family in the capital went missing at the age of nine and was found three years later. A few years after that, she married the Military Governor's counselor as his second wife. However, a few months ago, Madam Zhao encountered a strange woman while visiting a temple outside the city, who claimed to be her real daughter.

The case of the real and fake Miss Zhao was full of twists and turns, with suspicious details everywhere. Min Leyi had a deep impression of it and had even shared it as an interesting story with Qiu Huanian before.

"Wasn't it said that the later Miss Zhao was a somewhat mystical fraudster who used sorcery to bewilder Madam Zhao's mind and had already been exposed and arrested by a master?"

Ren Suyin shook her head. "I believe there may be spirits and deities beyond the six realms, but I absolutely do not believe they could be so powerful."

"This case might hold another possibility."

"What?" Min Leyi asked curiously. He particularly enjoyed listening to his sister-in-law analyze cases.

"Miss Zhao went missing at the age of nine, and the girl found three years later was not the real Miss Zhao. A child's appearance undergoes the most change around the age of ten. After three years of disappearance, as long as the appearance bore some resemblance and the girl adopted some accents and habits, it would be enough to convince the desperate Zhao family."

"But... but... what would the person who took Miss Zhao's place gain from this?"

"Exactly, what would they gain?" Ren Suyin tapped the desk lightly with her index finger, murmuring to herself. "A young lady from an ordinary wealthy merchant family, even as a second wife, could she really marry a fourth-rank Military Governor's counselor without some deliberate arrangement and assistance?"

Min Leyi was completely baffled, but a sense of unease and tension surged within him like an instinct. He immediately put on the cloak he had just taken off. "Sister-in-law, don't worry. I'll go to the Dali Temple right now to deliver the message to big brother!"