Chapter 4

Chapter 4

At this, Shen Zhinuo could no longer lie still. Her chubby little body rolled over, and she knelt up, her small voice firm and resolute: "That's impossible. My father is the best dad in the whole world. He would never do such a thing."

Her parents had been sweethearts since childhood. They had been married for twenty years, and their love for each other was still as strong as ever.

Her father, the Crown Prince, had only married her mother and had four children with her.

The Old Emperor had repeatedly urged her father to take more concubines to expand the royal lineage, but her father had turned a deaf ear to such suggestions.

If her father had ever had such intentions, many noblewomen would have flocked to the Eastern Palace. But he stayed devoted to her mother, never even looking at other women.

Now that her father was of such an age, how could he possibly do something to hurt her mother so deeply?

Moreover, her father had always been respectful and filial to the Old Emperor and had strictly adhered to the rules of propriety with the ladies of the harem. How could he possibly defy all norms and disrespect the Old Emperor's concubine?

Princess Wen'an was deeply shaken, but she was closest to her sister and dared not move. However, she also felt that her sister's words were absolutely right.

Shen Weiqing could no longer hold back. He sat up suddenly, like a ghost, craning his neck to glance at the bedside. Seeing his parents lying quietly, he looked again, feeling his elder brother tugging at his clothes, and quickly lay back down.

He glanced sideways at his elder brother, Shen Weiyan, who was giving him a warning look with his eyes. He quickly mouthed: "I was afraid Mother and Father would fight."

"You're hoping Father and Mother would fight so you can enjoy the show, aren't you?" Shen Weiyan silently retorted, glaring at his brother and signaling him to lie still.

On the bed, the Crown Princess leaned her head on the Crown Prince's arm, seemingly lying quietly, but her hand pinched the inside of his arm.

The Crown Prince winced and whispered in her ear: "Qinghe, I'm innocent. I swear, I would never do something so despicable."

The Crown Princess pinched him again: "I know, but hearing it just makes me uncomfortable."

The Crown Prince: "..."

Shen Zhinuo knelt up, only then realizing she shouldn't disturb her siblings. She looked around and saw her siblings sleeping quietly. She slowly lay back down, gently placing her sister's hand back on herself and pulling the small blanket over her belly.

She then emphasized: "My father would never do anything to hurt my mother. ATong, check again. Maybe you made a mistake."

ATong confirmed once more, "Young Master, ATong did not make a mistake. The plot summary clearly says this."

Shen Zhinuo: "Then I know. Someone must have set up my father. ATong, help me find out who that concubine is, so we can follow the clues."

"That must be it. My child gets me." The Crown Prince was filled with excitement and whispered in his wife's ear: "Qinghe, look, even our Nuo Er knows something's fishy here."

The Crown Princess couldn't help laughing and gently patted the Crown Prince's arm: "I know."

Seeing that his wife wasn't holding onto the baseless accusation, the Crown Prince felt relieved. He kissed her on the temple and took the opportunity to express his loyalty: "Qinghe, in this life, I'll only be with you. There will never be another woman."

Even though they were an old married couple, whenever the Crown Prince spoke such sweet words, the Crown Princess's heart still filled with sweetness. She put her hand over his mouth and softly chided: "The children are here."

Hearing the laughter in the Crown Princess's voice, the Crown Prince also smiled and lay back down, listening quietly.

ATong then diligently searched, but after a long time, it still couldn't find any useful information. "Young Master, I can only see that it was a young and beautiful concubine favored by the Old Emperor during that period. Other information is unknown."

Shen Zhinuo sighed in her heart, her little face scrunching up in worry: "The Old Emperor's harem has so many young and beautiful concubines. How am I supposed to know which one it is?"

ATong suggested: "Young Master, if you really want to know, why don't you visit the harem sometime? I can scan each concubine one by one and find out."

Shen Zhinuo's big eyes lit up: "Good idea. Let's do that."

Hearing this, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess exchanged a worried glance.

They had just decided today to temporarily keep Nuo Er away from outsiders, and they had already planned not to let her leave the East Palace for a short period, nor allow anyone to enter the East Palace.

But Nuo Er is a child full of energy, who used to love going out. How are they going to explain it to her if they suddenly stop her from going out?

As they were worrying, they heard the little girl yawn loudly, her small voice full of sleepiness: "ATong, I'm sleepy, let's talk tomorrow."

ATong replied, "Alright, Young Master, good night."

A three-year-old really falls asleep the moment she says it, and in just a few breaths, she was deeply asleep, even starting to snore softly.

Princess Wen'an opened her eyes, pulled her hand out from under the blanket, tucked her sister in, and glanced at her brothers.

Shen Weiyan and Shen Weiqing got up from the couch almost at the same time, both barefoot. Shen Weiyan casually picked up his elder sister, and the three siblings walked to the bedside. The Crown Prince had already helped the Crown Princess sit up, and the three children climbed onto the bed.

In the pitch dark, the family of five huddled together like thieves, their heads close, whispering.

Shen Weiqing rubbed his hands together, somewhat excited: "Father, what’s the plan? Just say the word, and your son is ready to go through fire and water, even face death."

Shen Weiyan also nodded: "Father, just give the order."

Princess Wen'an leaned in the Crown Princess's arms, both mother and daughter looking at the Crown Prince, quietly waiting for him to speak.

The Crown Prince first praised his two sons: "You two are good sons, and your father is very proud."

Then he changed the topic: "But the current situation is uncertain; we must not act rashly."

After saying that, he patted the shoulder of his fiery younger son, "Especially you, A Qing. In this palace, everyone is shrewd. From today onwards, you must act cautiously, do not reveal any clues."

Shen Weiqing patted his chest: "Father, don’t worry. Your son may be reckless, but I’m not stupid. I promise I won’t slip up."

Shen Weiyan also said: "Your son and second brother are together all day; I’ll keep an eye on him."

The Crown Prince nodded, then looked at Princess Wen'an: "Hui Er, to avoid raising suspicions, your brothers will continue their studies at Zhanghua Hall and their martial arts training as usual. Your father entrusts you with the task of taking care of Nuo Er."

Princess Wen'an knew the matter was of great importance, quickly sat up straight from her mother's arms: "Father, don’t worry. Your daughter understands the gravity of the situation and will take good care of my sister."

After the little girl assured, she worried again: "But father, Nuo Er just told ATong she wants to visit the harem to meet the ladies. I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop her."

The Crown Princess and the Crown Prince exchanged glances, both fell silent.

Even though Nuo Er is little, she’s incredibly determined and stubborn. If the little girl really wants to go somewhere or do something, she is like a little bull, and it's hard for ordinary people to hold her back.

They could already picture Little Dumpling tugging at Hui Er’s hand with all her might, desperately trying to drag her along.

Seeing their parents in a dilemma, Shen Weiqing volunteered: "Father, mother, what if your son takes a few days off to help Hui Er look after Nuo Er?"

Shen Weiqing loves martial arts, but sitting through half a day of lectures at Zhanghua Hall every day gives him a headache. It's much more interesting to follow Nuo Er and listen to those novel things.

Seeing their younger son’s eager eyes, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess exchanged glances, both sensing it might not be the best idea.

Shen Weiqing moved his butt forward, leaned closer to persuade again: "With your son around, I’ll make sure to keep a close watch on Nuo Er. Even if Nuo Er tries to go somewhere, with me following, I can carry her and run if the Emperor or any Imperial Uncle comes near. Besides, your son is still young and known for being mischievous. Even if I’m a bit rude, the Emperor and the Imperial Uncles probably won’t mind."

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess couldn’t help but laugh. This A Qing—he knows himself well.

Shen Weiyan was actually also worried about Nuo Er and wanted to stay, but he couldn't.

The second brother has never been fond of studying. He’d always find excuses to skip school, often sneaking out of the palace to play. Everyone was used to it, even the Emperor, who’d stopped scolding him anymore.

But as the eldest son of the East Palace and the Emperor’s eldest grandson, his studies have always been a priority. If he skipped school, the Emperor would surely send someone to check.

Shen Weiyan then said, "Then, as usual, I will go to school."

The Crown Prince nodded, "I’ll also attend court as usual and head to the Ministry of Revenue for my duties."

The Crown Princess said, "Tomorrow, after paying respects to the Empress Dowager, I’ll stroll around the inner palace and mingle with the Emperor’s new concubines."

After arranging their respective tasks, the Crown Princess added, "Tomorrow, let’s have someone trustworthy stay close to Nuo Er to see if they can hear her talking to A Tong."

Everyone had no objections, and thus it was settled. The three siblings returned to their beds, and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess also lay down, and the family fell asleep one after another.

The night was uneventful.

Early the next morning, the Crown Princess summoned her wet nurse, Nanny Gu, to help Nuo Er with breakfast. During this time, Nuo Er spoke a few words to the system, but Nanny Gu showed no abnormality, obviously not hearing anything.

The Crown Prince then called Ding Ming, a eunuch who had been with him since childhood, to take Nuo Er to feed the two Green Peafowls that were recently sent as gifts from a neighboring country and bestowed upon Nuo Er by the Emperor. Ding Ming remained cheerful the whole time, with no indication he heard anything.

Subsequently, several palace maids and eunuchs were called in to serve, and no matter how Nuo Er and A Tong chatted, they all appeared normal.

The Crown Prince whispered, "It seems only our family can hear them."

The Crown Princess nodded, "It seems that way, but I’m still uneasy. Should I ask my elder sister to come and listen?"

The Crown Prince quickly waved his hand, "My elder sister has a fiery temper. If she hears something and makes a scene, it’ll be a disaster."

The Crown Princess thought it was also true.

Princess Lanzhen and the Crown Prince were twins, and she was fiercely protective of him. If she found out the Crown Prince’s future throne would be taken and their family exiled and killed, Princess Lanzhen would likely storm straight to the Emperor without a second thought.

The Crown Prince thought for a moment and said, "The eleventh prince is returning to the capital soon. Once he’s back, he’ll surely visit the Eastern Palace. We’ll have him listen then."

The Crown Princess nodded, "That’s the best plan."

The Crown Prince called his eldest son, and the two headed out—one to court and the other to school.

The Crown Princess handled the Eastern Palace affairs before heading to the Empress’s palace to pay her respects. Before leaving, she specifically instructed the children, "Stay and play in the Eastern Palace—don’t go outside."

Seeing her mother looking at her while saying this, Shen Zhinuo obediently nodded her little head, "Nuo Er will obey."

The Crown Princess kissed her daughter's little face and left.

As soon as the Crown Princess left, Shen Zhinuo said in her heart to the system, "Puppy, let’s go out and meet people."

Shen Weiqing, who’d been pretending to play with a cloth tiger nearby, perked up at these words.

Princess Wen'an, however, grew anxious and quickly signaled her second brother to behave.

The little black dog appeared out of nowhere, wagging its tail and floating in front of Shen Zhinuo, "Okay, Young Master."

Shen Zhinuo climbed down from the bed, grabbed Princess Wen'an’s hand, and tugged her outside, "Sister, Nuo Nuo wants to go play outside."

Normally, Princess Wen'an would agree right away, but not this time. Unable to explain, she crouched down, hugged her chubby sister, and gently coaxed, "Nuo Er, mother said to stay inside. Let’s just play in the Eastern Palace, okay?"

Shen Zhinuo had plans and wasn’t having it. Her big eyes darted around, and she wriggled out of her sister’s arms, ran to her second brother, pointed to the window, and said, "Second brother, Nuo Nuo wants to go play outside."

Shen Weiqing had been waiting for this. He immediately jumped up from the bed, scooped up his sister, and said, "Let’s go, second brother’s got you."

"Second brother, get back here." Princess Wen'an was furious and worried, but Shen Weiqing was already sprinting off with the little girl in his arms. After yelling, she had no choice but to chase after them.

The palace maids and eunuchs attending to the young masters quickly followed them out.

The three siblings left the Eastern Palace and strolled leisurely through the imperial palace. Princess Wen'an felt uneasy and kept tugging at Shen Weiqing's sleeve, steering him to avoid people.

After wandering for quite a while, they only encountered the occasional palace maid or eunuch, but no one else.

Shen Zhinuo grew anxious, "Doggy, my sister is acting so strange today. Why is she always choosing deserted paths?"

ATong replied, "Young Master, you'll have to think of a way. ATong can only scan faces."

Shen Weiqing heard this and looked around, spotting the 14th Prince in the distance. His eyes lit up, and he hurried towards him, carrying his little sister and holding his elder sister's hand.

Princess Wen'an really didn't want to go over, but she couldn't resist her brother, so she had to follow.

When they got close, Shen Weiqing and Princess Wen'an bowed to the 14th Prince, saying, "Greetings, Imperial Uncle."

Shen Zhinuo, cradled in her brother's arms, also raised her little fists and said in a childish voice, "Greetings, Imperial Uncle."

The 14th Prince, aged 23, had a cheerful baby face that clearly reflected his good-natured personality.

Seeing his nephew and nieces, he smiled and gestured for them to rise, then reached out to the chubby little girl in Shen Weiqing's arms, saying, "Nuo Er, come here. Let Imperial Uncle hold you."

He had been married for several years, and his wife was finally pregnant with their first child. He had always liked Nuo Er, and now, seeing her, he hoped his own child would be as adorable as she was, making him like her even more.

Shen Zhinuo quite liked this always cheerful 14th Imperial Uncle and opened her arms to reach for him.

But Shen Weiqing immediately took a step back, holding his sister firmly, and said with a playful smile, "Imperial Uncle, I haven't had enough time with her yet. You can hold her another day."

Knowing this nephew was always a little rascal, the 14th Prince pointed at him and said, "Skipping school again, aren't you? When I see your Imperial Grandfather, I'll definitely report you."

Shen Weiqing wasn't afraid of being reported and laughed, "If you're not worried about upsetting Imperial Grandfather, go ahead and report me."

While the uncle and nephew were talking, Shen Zhinuo asked again, "Doggy, did you scan my 14th Imperial Uncle's face yet?"

The 14th Prince was startled and instinctively asked, "What do you mean by scan..."

Before he could finish saying 'my face,' his mouth suddenly felt both painful and numb, leaving him unable to speak.

ATong replied, "Yes, I scanned it."

Shen Zhinuo asked, "Then did my 14th Imperial Uncle frame my father?"

ATong quickly flipped through the plot and replied, "No, he didn't. The 14th Prince is carefree by nature, only interested in eating, drinking, and having fun, with no ambitions."

Hearing the strange male voice, the 14th Prince's eyes widened in shock. He wanted to ask what was going on, but his mouth was too numb to respond, and he couldn't even open his lips.

Afraid that Nuo Er would notice something wrong, Shen Weiqing pretended to look elsewhere, turning the little girl in his arms away from the 14th Prince.

Shen Zhinuo was relieved: "That's good. So, what happened to my 14th Imperial Uncle in the end? Did he have a peaceful end?"

ATong replied, "No, he didn't. His wife was pregnant, but during childbirth, she suddenly miscarried. The 14th Prince's Consort bled too much, resulting in the death of both mother and child. The 14th Prince was utterly devastated, never recovered, and later became a monk."

The 14th Prince's heart was filled with shock. His face turned pale, his hands trembled, and he stood frozen on the spot. "How could this happen?" he thought. "How could my wife and child be gone?"

Shen Zhinuo asked the same question: "How could my 14th Aunt suddenly have a miscarriage?"

ATong replied, "Someone harmed her."

Shen Zhinuo asked, "Who did it?"

The system investigated: "The 14th Prince's Consort's half-sister from his wife's side was bribed and tampered with the food."

Upon hearing this, the 14th Prince could no longer bear to listen further and immediately bolted.

His wife's half-sister had come to visit a few days ago, saying she missed her sister, and had stayed for a short period.

He had to rush back immediately.

Shen Zhinuo heard the footsteps and, with her little hands clinging to her brother's shoulders, looked over and asked in puzzlement, "Brother, why did Imperial Uncle run away?"

She had been planning to find a way to warn him, but now he had run off.

Shen Weiqing shook his head, feigning ignorance, "I don't know, maybe he had an emergency."

As they spoke, not far ahead, Emperor Chengwu, fresh from court, appeared on his imperial palanquin, approaching leisurely.

Emperor Chengwu first noticed a figure streaking past like a flash in front of him. He frowned and asked the eunuch beside him, "Was that the Fourteenth Prince just now?"

The eunuch replied, "It was indeed."

Emperor Chengwu frowned in displeasure, "What urgent matter could make him run so fast as if his pants were on fire? Remind me to question him tomorrow during his palace visit."

The eunuch responded, "Yes."

Emperor Chengwu then ignored the 14th Prince and ordered to continue forward. Despite his age, his vision remained keen, and he immediately noticed the three siblings standing ahead.

Seeing the chubby little baby, Emperor Chengwu laughed and boomed, "A Qing, bring Nuo Er over, let me have a look."

Shen Weiqing's face changed, pretending not to hear, he lifted the chubby toddler onto his shoulder, grabbed Princess Wen'an under his arm, and dashed off, vanishing in an instant.

The Old Emperor was speechless.

The eunuchs by the Old Emperor's side were stunned.

The palace servants left behind by Shen Weiqing were bewildered.

What in the world is happening today?