Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Emperor Chengwu watched his grandson disappear in the blink of an eye and snorted coldly, "That rascal, I haven't scolded him for a while, and he's becoming more and more unruly."

The eunuch Kang Yuande, who was serving by his side, smiled and said, "At this hour, His Highness the Imperial Grandson should be studying at Zhanghua Hall, but instead, we ran into him here. He must have ditched class again. No wonder he ran when he saw Your Majesty."

Emperor Chengwu shook his head with a smile, "Among my grandsons, only that rascal A Qing has a bit of the spunk I had in my youth. Ah, let him be."

The eunuchs continued carrying the sedan chair forward, and Emperor Chengwu added, "Later, head to the East Palace and fetch Princess Baoning to join me for dinner."

Kang Yuande smiled and acknowledged the order.

------

Shen Weiqing dashed off with his two sisters, turning several corners until he was sure the Old Emperor couldn't see them, and then he stopped.

He was a little wild monkey by nature, climbing trees and scaling walls since childhood, never staying still. His stamina was excellent, and even after running such a long distance, his complexion hardly changed.

But the two little girls were in a rough shape.

Princess Wen'an, like a little chick under a hen's wing, was clamped under her second brother's arm, feeling as if she was about to be strangled. Her small hands clung tightly to her brother's sleeve, and she weakly said, "Second Brother, put me down quickly, my ribs are about to snap."

"Oh, oh," Shen Weiqing quickly bent down and placed his elder sister on the ground, asking with concern, "Are you okay, Hui Er?"

Princess Wen'an clutched her ribs and sat down on the ground, glaring at her second brother in dissatisfaction, "I have legs, why did you have to carry me like that?"

Shen Weiqing looked guilty, "I'll be more careful next time, Hui Er."

As he was apologizing, he suddenly grimaced and cried out, "Nuo Er, why are you tugging on my ear? Let go."

The little girl pulled again, even harder than before.

"Nuo Er, behave," Shen Weiqing was observing his elder sister to see if her ribs were really hurt by his clamping, so he momentarily ignored his younger sister, only half-heartedly comforting her while patting her bottom.

But the little girl not only didn't behave, she responded by smacking him on the face with her chubby little hand, which had quite a bit of force.

Only then did Shen Weiqing realize something was wrong. He quickly tilted his head to look and saw the little girl's face was pale, her mouth tightly shut, clearly holding something back.

Shen Weiqing was startled, "What's the matter, Nuo Er?"

The little girl still didn't speak, but one small hand desperately pointed to the ground.

Shen Weiqing quickly placed the little girl on the ground, but his hands didn't dare to let go, still protecting her, "Nuo Er, are you feeling sick?"

Shen Zhinuo was so angry she could die. She shoved her second brother's arm away, her short legs scurrying as she ran to the roadside and crouched down, "Ugh~"

She had just eaten breakfast before going out, and it hadn't digested yet when her reckless second brother carried her on his shoulder, jostling her. Her stomach jostled against his shoulder, making her feel queasy.

Seeing her sister about to throw up, Princess Wen'an forgot about her ribs and quickly got up from the ground, running over to pick up Little Dumpling, gently patting her back, her heart breaking, "Nuo Er, is your stomach hurting?"

Hearing her sister almost crying, Shen Zhinuo wanted to comfort her but couldn't speak, only waving her small hand to indicate she was fine, bending over and sticking out her little bottom, continuing to retch.

Princess Wen'an was the most protective of her sister. Seeing the little girl's face pale from retching, she felt both heartbroken and furious, turning her head to glare fiercely at Shen Weiqing, "Second Brother, it's all your fault."

Shen Weiqing knew he was at fault. He squatted on the other side of Shen Zhinuo, guiltily scratching his head, "I'll go fetch the royal physician."

Princess Wen'an was frantic, "It will take too long to go and return. Carry Nuo Er and let's go."

Shen Weiqing naturally had no objection. He picked up Shen Zhinuo and left. Shen Zhinuo, having retched until she had no strength, lay limply on Shen Weiqing's shoulder.

Actually, she wanted to say she was fine and didn't need to see a royal physician, but she knew it would be pointless. Usually, if she even sneezed, her mother would have the royal physician check her pulse. Now that she was retching like this, how could her brother and sister agree not to see a physician?

Shen Weiqing walked quickly while glancing down at Princess Wen'an: "Hui Er, are you alright? Should Second Brother carry you on his back?"

Princess Wen'an quickly waved her hand in refusal, "I can walk by myself. Just hold Nuo Er properly, Second Brother."

The three siblings then made their way straight to the Imperial Medical Bureau, fearing that any jostling might upset the little princess again. This time, Shen Weiqing didn't run but walked briskly instead.

The palace maids and eunuchs from the East Palace finally caught up, panting heavily. Princess Wen'an instructed a quick-footed eunuch, "Go to the Phoenix Palace and inform my mother. Tell her that the little princess is feeling unwell, and we're taking her to the Imperial Medical Bureau for a check-up. But don't alarm my grandmother; tell her quietly."

The little princess was a cherished treasure in the East Palace, and no mishap could be allowed. The eunuch glanced at the listless little princess, his expression turning serious, and he quickly set off to carry out the order.

---

When he heard that his wife and child were in danger, the 14th Prince rushed out of the palace. He took the reins from his servant Dong Lai, mounted his horse, and galloped away.

Dong Lai, unaware of what had happened but seeing the grim look on his master's face, immediately mounted his horse and gave chase.

The 14th Prince didn't dismount upon reaching his residence but rode straight through the gate, galloping all the way to the inner courtyard. He dismounted at the entrance and rushed inside, calling out anxiously, "Wei Er, Wei Er!"

The maids working in the garden, puzzled by their master's panic, quickly informed him, "Your Highness, the 14th Prince's Consort is inside, accompanied by Miss Wei Yun."

Hearing this, the 14th Prince's expression darkened further. He quickened his pace, his voice growing more urgent, "Wei Er!"

Dong Lai, following closely behind, looked grave, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Inside, the 14th Prince's Consort sat on the couch, embroidering a small child's garment. Her stepsister Wei Yun sat beside her, also holding an embroidery hoop. The two sisters chatted and laughed while they worked, enjoying each other's company.

Upon hearing the 14th Prince's frantic calls, the 14th Prince's Consort chuckled, "Lately, as my belly has grown, I haven't been bothered much, but my husband has been quite jumpy."

Wei Yun's smile faltered for a moment but quickly returned to normal. She said with a smile, "That's because Your Highness is concerned about you and the child."

The 14th Prince's Consort set aside the small garment she was embroidering and rose, supporting her belly as she made her way to the door. Wei Yun also stood up and went to assist her.

Before they could reach the door, the 14th Prince burst in. He took two steps forward, held his wife, and looked her over from head to toe, "Are you alright? Is there anything wrong?"

The 14th Prince's Consort smiled and chided him, "I'm fine. You're always so dramatic. Be careful, or people will laugh at you."

Seeing that his wife was well, the 14th Prince let out a sigh of relief, only then realizing that his legs were trembling.

Thinking of the mysterious man's words, whether he was human or ghost, he felt a wave of fear. He could no longer hold back and pulled his wife into his arms, burying his face in her neck, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance, "It's good that you're okay. You scared me to death."

The 14th Prince's actions were somewhat baffling. The 14th Prince's Consort was both amused and exasperated, patting his back, "Alright, alright. Yun Er is still here."

The 14th Prince released his wife, his expression turning cold as he glanced to the side.

There stood Wei Yun, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. Sensing his gaze, she curtsied and said, "Brother-in-law."

The 14th Prince stared at her for a moment before suddenly calling out, "Dong Lai."

Dong Lai, who had been waiting outside, stepped in immediately, "Your Highness."

The 14th Prince pointed at Wei Yun and said coldly, "Take her away and confine her. We'll deal with her later."

At these words, everyone in the room was stunned.

Though confused, Dong Lai didn't hesitate. He immediately stepped forward, grabbed Wei Yun's arm, and began to lead her away.

Wei Yun's face paled, and she exclaimed, "What have I done wrong, Brother-in-law? Why are you treating me like this?"

The 14th Prince's Consort was shocked. She stepped forward to block Dong Lai, looking at the 14th Prince in confusion, "Your Highness, has Yun Er done anything to offend you?"

Although her husband was a prince, he was kind and amiable. Since their marriage, they had been deeply in love, and he had always been warm and friendly towards her family. This was the first time he had treated a member of her family so harshly.

She was convinced that he wouldn't act without a reason; there must be something behind it.

The 14th Prince gently took his wife's arm and said softly, "Wei Er, let Dong Lai handle her first, and I'll fill you in on everything."

With that, he gave Dong Lai a meaningful glance. Dong Lai obeyed and led Wei Yun out. Wei Yun struggled but couldn't break free and immediately burst into tears, crying out, "Sister, save me!"

The 14th Prince's Consort was heartbroken for her sister but couldn't openly defy her husband's orders. She could only soothe her, saying, "Don't be afraid. Go and rest first. I'll get the details from His Highness and come check on you."

Once Dong Lai had led Wei Yun away, the 14th Prince waved his hand, dismissing the silent maids and servants in the room. He then led his wife to sit on the couch, saying, "Wei Er, listen to me. Today, when I went to the palace to pay respects to Her Majesty, I encountered Wei Qing with Hui Hui and Nuo Er on the way..."

The 14th Prince held his wife's hand and recounted the astonishing events he had encountered in the palace.

The 14th Prince's Consort was stunned. She thought long and hard but couldn't find the words to express her shock.

After a long silence, she reached out and touched her husband's forehead.

The 14th Prince knew what his wife was thinking and let her touch him for a while before grasping her hand. "I'm not sick. You probably think I'm crazy, but I'm not. I really heard those words with my own ears."

The 14th Prince's Consort knew her husband well, but she still found it hard to accept. "My lord, regardless of whether that mysterious man was human or ghost, as for Yun Er, she has always been close to me. Why would she want to harm me? This is utterly ridiculous."

"Yes, I also find it ridiculous," the 14th Prince nodded in agreement. "But I truly believe that man was telling the truth. I rushed back, my heart pounding with anxiety. I was terrified that I might be a step too late, and you and the child..."

At this point, the 14th Prince didn't dare to continue. He wrapped his arms around his wife again, saying, "Wei Er, I was terrified."

The 14th Prince's Consort patted her husband's back to comfort him. "Don't be afraid. Everything is fine now. But that man said you ended up becoming a monk?"

The 14th Prince nodded, feeling aggrieved. "If you were gone, what would be the point of me living alone?"

Even though this hadn't actually occurred, the 14th Prince's Consort was deeply moved and felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

The couple embraced in silence for a moment before parting. The 14th Prince's Consort asked, "So, what's the next step?"

The 14th Prince's face turned cold. "I will get to the bottom of this and find out why she wanted to harm you and our child."

The 14th Prince's Consort worried, "Nothing has happened yet. Even if Yun Er had the intention to harm me, she would never admit it."

Harming the royal family was a capital crime. Without evidence, no one would easily confess to such a crime.

The 14th Prince patted his wife's hand. "Don't worry, I'll handle it."

The 14th Prince's Consort caught a glimpse of ruthlessness in his eyes and felt concerned. "My lord, Yun Er has been with me since she was a kid. I still believe she wouldn't treat me like that. When you question her, don't frighten her. Besides, we don't know if that man's words are true or not. Let's not wrong her."

The 14th Prince understood her feelings, but the safety of his wife and child left no room for leniency. He comforted her by patting her hand, saying, "Don't worry. I'll just question her, maybe give her a scare, but I won't lay a finger on her."

Only then did the 14th Prince's Consort feel reassured.

The 14th Prince then headed to the room where Wei Yun was detained. As soon as he entered, he coldly ordered, "Tie her up and get the dog."

...

Soon, the sound of barking dogs and the terrified screams of a woman echoed from the room.

After just a short while, the 14th Prince emerged, his face grim, standing with his hands behind his back under the corridor.

Behind him, Dong Lai led the dog out, handed it to a servant, and approached the 14th Prince, asking, "Your Highness, how should we deal with Wei Yun?"

The 14th Prince frowned in disgust. "Tie her up. You personally escort her back to the Wei family and inform Lord Wei. Let him handle it."

Dong Lai replied, "Yes."

The 14th Prince added, "Also, inform Minister Wei that within three days, I want to know who is behind this instigation."

Dong Lai was surprised, "There's someone behind the scenes?"

The 14th Prince sneered, "Things are definitely not as simple as she said. I always feel that she is just a foolish pawn."

Dong Lai acknowledged the order solemnly, summoned two attendants, and entered the room with them. They took down Wei Yun, who had already fainted from fear, bound her hands and feet with rope, and hauled her off unceremoniously, dumping her into a carriage to be sent to the Wei residence.

The Princess Consort was anxiously waiting when she saw the 14th Prince return. She went up to him and, seeing his dark expression, her heart sank, "Is it true that Yun’er intended to harm me?"

The 14th Prince held his wife's hands and nodded, "Yes."

The Princess Consort was completely stunned and confused, "For what reason?"

The 14th Prince showed a look of disgust, "Wei Er, I warned you, don’t lose your temper."