Chapter 70

Chapter 70

The palace maid remained silent, continuing to wipe the floor.

The Imperial Noble Consort asked again, "How is Imperial Physician Wang?"

The palace maid replied, "Imperial Physician Wang's cold went untreated and developed into a pulmonary illness. He has been coughing incessantly and, five days ago, he resigned due to illness and returned to his hometown."

The Imperial Noble Consort said, "He has worked hard for so many years. Was he properly sent off?"

The palace maid moved to another spot and continued wiping, "Your Ladyship, rest assured, everything has been arranged properly."

The Imperial Noble Consort pondered for a moment, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth, "Lung disease, how convenient."

After saying this, she suddenly covered her mouth and began coughing violently.

Seeing this, the palace maid nodded, picked up the water basin, and retreated. At the door, she said with a panicked expression, "The Imperial Noble Consort suddenly feels unwell, quickly summon the imperial physician."

---

Fengyi Palace.

After listening to the Empress's words, Emperor Chengwu frowned, "A mere cold?"

The Crown Prince also grew solemn, "Yes, just as Nuo Er asked, among all the illnesses in the world, why is it that all the cases A Tong brought up are related to a cold?"

"Mother, Hua Yue, and the Virtuous Consort all fell ill with a cold. The imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital are highly skilled; how could they fail to cure a simple cold, and repeatedly at that?"

The Empress continued, "And a while ago, the children were running around playing, and suddenly there was that unexplained outbreak of cold in the palace, so the children couldn't go out. To be precise, Nuo Er was forced to stay in the Eastern Palace and was confined."

The Crown Prince immediately understood the Empress's meaning and added, "If Nuo Er was confined, A Tong couldn't carry out his duties either."

At this point, the three of them pondered gravely and said in unison, "Investigate the Imperial Hospital."

Emperor Chengwu's expression darkened, and he barked, "Liang Quan."

Liang Quan entered promptly, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Chengwu asked, "Has there been anything unusual in the Imperial Hospital recently?"

Liang Quan replied, "Imperial Physician Zheng has had a recurrence of his heart condition these past two days and is on leave today to rest at home. Also, Imperial Physician Wang, who had been taking care of the sick consorts, caught a cold and has been at home for several days, not returning to the palace."

The Empress frowned, "The Imperial Physician Wang who specializes in treating colds?"

Liang Quan nodded, "Exactly."

Emperor Chengwu and the Crown Prince exchanged glances, their voices cold, "Go, fetch him to the palace immediately."

Liang Quan acknowledged the order and turned to leave.

While waiting for Liang Quan to return with him, Emperor Chengwu and the Crown Prince discussed the northern border situation. The Crown Prince asked, "Father, if Yers refuses to withdraw his troops, what should our course of action be?"

Emperor Chengwu said, "Fight. These grassland people won't submit unless they are beaten. A good beating will keep them quiet for a few years."

The Crown Prince worried, "We should fight, but the timing worries me."

Emperor Chengwu asked, "Are you talking about those young wolves?"

The Crown Prince nodded, "Exactly, with all the recent disturbances in the inner palace, the ministers in the court have already been discussing it extensively."

"The edict summoning the Feudal Princes to the capital has just been issued, and many ministers have submitted memorials arguing that this action is unlawful."

Emperor Chengwu: "Let's not bother with them for now. Once I take care of these troublemakers, I'll settle scores with those old-timers properly."

The Crown Prince nodded: "Yes, I've held back those petitions. Father, there's something I've been thinking about lately."

Emperor Chengwu: "Go ahead, say what's on your mind."

The Crown Prince: "I've been thinking that once the Feudal Princes return, Nuo Er is bound to stir up a lot of trouble."

"And with the consorts in the rear palace, A Tong hasn't finished digging through everything. Who knows what else is still hidden."

"If any of the princes are really planning to rebel, it will inevitably involve the court. If these matters are suddenly brought to light, it’s bound to throw the court and the country into chaos."

"Daxuan has only been around for a few decades, and our neighbors have been itching for trouble. If we start a big fight up north at this sensitive time, I’m afraid other countries might jump on the bandwagon, putting our nation at risk and making the people suffer."

Before the founding of Daxuan, the world was in chaos for decades, and many had suffered from the ravages of war.

Recalling those days of uncertainty and displacement, the Crown Prince sighed heavily: "Letting A Tong spill all the beans, punishing the guilty and executing those who deserve it, would indeed be satisfying. But what comes after?"

"How do we win over the court officials? How do we justify it to the Feudal Princes’ men and soldiers? And how do we explain it to the common folk?"

Emperor Chengwu's face darkened: "So, what’s your plan?"

The Empress, also filled with worry, said: "Your Majesty, we need to think this through carefully."

The Crown Prince nodded: "I think taking it slow is the way to go."

Emperor Chengwu: "So, you’re saying we shouldn’t throw the welcome banquet?"

Emperor Chengwu was determined to find out who was plotting against him. He had originally planned to hold a welcoming banquet in the palace once all the Feudal Princes returned, allowing A Tong to publicly expose their true intentions and reveal their ambitions.

He’d been carefully planning this for a while. Hearing the Empress and Crown Prince tell him to hold off, he wasn’t happy.

Seeing his cold expression, the Empress gently advised: "Your Majesty, every Feudal Prince has an army at their command, unlike the consorts in the rear palace. We’ve got to tread carefully here."

Emperor Chengwu remained silent, his face stern. The Empress continued: "Your Majesty, I’m stepping out of line here, but can I ask, do you intend to pass the throne to the Crown Prince?"

Emperor Chengwu found the question redundant: "Of course, haven't you noticed I've already handed over most affairs to him?"

"I've said it before, once I deal with these rebellious sons, I will abdicate and become the Retired Emperor."

The Empress nodded: "Then, Your Majesty, please consider the Crown Prince's position."

"When Your Majesty was conquering the land, the second, third, and fourth princes, like the Crown Prince, stayed by your side. In all fairness, they contributed greatly to the Shen family's rule, suffered injuries, and later guarded Daxuan's borders for years. These deeds are known to all."

"As members of the royal family, we hear Nuo Er and A Tong's conversations. We know A Tong's words are true."

"But have you considered, others do not hear A Tong and Nuo Er's conversations."

"When consorts are found guilty, they are dealt with, and outsiders rarely know. Even if they do, they can't say much, as it's the Emperor's family matter."

"But the princes, especially the Feudal Princes, are not only Your Majesty's sons but also Daxuan's subjects, matters of the court and the nation."

"Without solid evidence proving the Feudal Princes' rebellion, hastily punishing them would appear to the court officials, the people, and their subordinates as 'killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.'"

"Moreover, they would say Crown Prince Shen Xu is narrow-minded and cannot tolerate his brothers."

"Your Majesty, Daxuan won the hearts of the people before winning the land. If the Crown Prince loses the people's support, how difficult will it be for him to ascend the throne?"

"Worse, the world might fall into chaos again."

After listening to the Empress's heartfelt words and considering that none of his sons were easily controlled, Emperor Chengwu sighed heavily: "Alright, alright, we won't hold the palace banquet. As you suggested, we'll proceed gradually, one step at a time."

The Empress and the Crown Prince exchanged glances, both breathing a sigh of relief.

Although the Emperor had recently distanced himself from the Taoist priest and stopped taking elixirs, the harmful effects of long-term overuse of elixirs had already become apparent. Although he was taking medication to regulate his condition and trying to control his temper, he still occasionally became anxious and irritable, losing his patience.

The once steadfast and composed Emperor, as immovable as Mount Tai and as deep as a tranquil pool, gradually disappeared, increasingly resembling the head of an ordinary household.

The Crown Prince felt a whirlwind of emotions, thinking of the 13th Prince, whose situation in the imperial prison was uncertain. He reported the situation and asked, "Father, how should we handle the matter of the imperial prison today?"

Emperor Chengwu, exhausted from a morning of labor, took off his shoes and reclined on the couch, waving his hand: "The 13th Prince deserves his punishment; this beating is well-deserved."

After a heavy sigh, he added, "But make sure he doesn't die. You take care of the rest."

The Crown Prince acknowledged.

Emperor Chengwu closed his eyes: "I'll take a short nap. Wake me when Liang Quan returns."

The Empress covered Emperor Chengwu with a thin blanket: "Rest, Your Majesty. I'll wake you later."

---

Shen Zhinuo ran until she was out of breath, her two little buns nearly falling apart, finally catching up to Shen Weiqing. She kicked him twice and snatched back the little rabbit and tiger he was holding, keeping the rabbit for herself and returning the tiger to Di Guihong.

Princess Wen'an, feeling sorry for her sister, wiped her sweat and glared at Shen Weiqing: "Second Brother, why do you always tease Nuo Er? Look how tired she is."

Shen Weiqing squatted down, pointing at the short legs of the chubby little girl: "Hui Er, you don't understand. Our Nuo Er needs to run around more to stay healthy."

Shen Zhinuo kicked him again, "I'm already healthy. Right, Little General?" Di Guihong smiled, his lips pressed together.

The children walked and played, wandering around without a clear destination. Before long, Princess Huayue came running over with a smile.

The little girls, who hadn't seen each other in days, hugged and jumped around, thrilled to be together.

After exchanging warm greetings, Shen Zhinuo let Princess Huayue choose a small stuffed animal. Princess Huayue chose a kitten, and upon learning it was made by the Eighteenth Princess, she leaned affectionately against her: "Thank you, Auntie."

The Eighteenth Princess patted the little girl's head and said, "I'm glad you like it."

Shen Zhinuo had been wandering around for a while without running into anyone and was about to lead everyone elsewhere.

Before she could say anything, Princess Huayue exclaimed with admiration, "Guess who I just met at the palace gate?"

Shen Weiqing: "The 11th Imperial Uncle?"

Princess Wen'an shook her head: "No, guess again."

Seeing Princess Huayue's expression, Princess Wen'an thought for a moment and suddenly had an idea: "Is it the Eighth Prince's Consort?"

Princess Huayue clapped her hands and laughed: "Exactly! The Eighth Aunt is as lively and bold as ever. I heard she's been to many places, almost traveling all over Daxuan. I can't wait to grow up so I can travel everywhere like her."

When Shen Zhinuo heard that the Eighth Prince's Consort had come to the palace, she was thrilled and thought to herself, "Doggy, let's go find my Eighth Aunt."

Shen Zhinuo had no memory of ever meeting this Eighth Aunt and had no impression of her. After hearing A Tong's stories about the Eighth Prince and his consort, she was very eager to meet this bold and passionate Eighth Aunt.

Shen Weiqing and Princess Wen'an's eyes sparkled with curiosity. Both siblings were eager to know how two people who had once been at odds had suddenly grown close.

Seeing the eager and excited expressions on the siblings' faces, Princess Huayue and the Eighteenth Princess knew something interesting must have happened that they were unaware of, and they too became interested.

The four of them looked down at the petite girl, waiting for her to make the first move.

After a while, instead of moving, the little girl sat down on a nearby stone bench: "I don't know where my Eighth Aunt is now. I'll rest for a bit before looking for her. My legs are tired from chasing Second Brother earlier."

The little black dog naturally had no objections: "Young Mistress, take a rest."

Although Princess Huayue didn't know what had happened, she glared fiercely at Shen Weiqing upon hearing that Nuo Er's legs were sore because of Shen Weiqing.

Then, pretending to chat casually with Princess Wen'an, she deliberately said, "I just found out you were in the imperial garden, so I ran over to find you. My mother and Eighth Prince's Consort went to Fengyi Palace together, saying they would pay respects to Grandmother first, then go to Consort Xian's palace to see my Eighth Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Princess Wen'an walked over to Shen Zhinuo and crouched down: "Nuo Er, you don't remember your Eighth Aunt, do you? Let's go see her, okay?"

Shen Zhinuo kicked her little legs a couple of times, smiled, and nodded in agreement.

Princess Wen'an smiled and reached out to pick up her sister, but Shen Zhinuo pushed her hand away: "Nuo Er can walk on her own."

With that, she jumped off the low stone bench, took Di Guihong's hand, and strolled leisurely towards Consort Xian's palace.

Upon entering, they saw Princess Lanzhen and Eighth Prince's Consort already there, chatting amiably, clearly having just arrived.

The children stepped forward to pay their respects. Eighth Prince's Consort gave each child a gift. She hadn't expected the Eighteenth Princess to be present and hadn't prepared a gift for her, but knowing about this younger sister of hers, she liked her very much and immediately removed a jade bracelet from her wrist to give to her. The Eighteenth Princess thanked her with a smile and accepted it.

Shen Zhinuo held Di Guihong's hand and sat on the couch, curiously observing this impressive Eighth Aunt as she spoke with a smile.

Eighth Prince's Consort feigned anger and complained to Consort Xian: "Mother, look at your Eighth Prince. Ever since he saw his Fourteenth Brother, the two of them have been hiding in a corner talking. Later, he didn't even say a word, just rode off on horseback. I had to chase after him all the way, and only now have I caught up to the palace."

"Other men forget their mothers after getting married, but Eighth Prince forgets his wife after seeing his brother."

Although Eighth Prince's Consort was in her twenties, her lively manner and playful tone made her seem like a teenager, making everyone laugh.

Consort Xian even poked her forehead: "You and your sharp tongue."

Eighth Prince's Consort laughed heartily: "It's you who spoiled me."

The Eighth Prince, recalling what A Tong had said and seeing his wife's cheerful demeanor now, felt a surge of guilt. Regardless of the others present, he stepped forward and gently squeezed his wife's hand, his eyes filled with deep affection, and sincerely said, "I'm sorry."

Being so affectionate in front of everyone made Eighth Prince's Consort a bit embarrassed. She shook off his hand and snorted, "Who are you? Don't try to get close to me."

After saying this, she found it amusing and couldn't help but laugh again.

Shen Zhinuo, caught up in her laughter, also giggled.

Di Guihong tilted his head to look at the little girl, seeing her round little face tremble with laughter, and he smiled too.

After laughing, Shen Zhinuo remembered: "Doggy, go scan my Eighth Aunt's face."

The little black dog flew up from the girl's shoulder: "Yes, Young Mistress."

Hearing this, Eighth Prince's Consort was visibly startled. She instinctively touched her face and looked at the Eighth Prince and the Fourteenth Prince, her eyes asking, "Is this that A Tong?" Both nodded slightly.

Eighth Prince's Consort was excited but remembered Fourteenth Brother's earlier warning. Maintaining her smile, she sat down next to the Eighth Prince.

The little black dog quickly finished scanning and flew back to Shen Zhinuo. "Young Mistress, what do you want to ask?"

Shen Zhinuo: "Didn't you say before that my Eighth Uncle and Eighth Aunt used to be like mortal enemies? I want to know how they suddenly got along so well."

Hearing Nuo Er ask this, everyone's faces lit up with excitement, their eyes fixed on the Eighth Prince and Eighth Prince's Consort.

The Eighth Prince and Eighth Prince's Consort both looked nervous. They glanced at each other, their cheeks slightly red, and then quickly looked away.

Everyone noticed this, and their excitement grew even more.

Shen Zhinuo lifted her little head to look at their faces, only to find that her annoying Second Brother had dragged a chair right into her line of sight, blocking her view completely.

The little girl couldn’t bring herself to leave the Little General sitting alone, so she had no choice but to stay seated.

The system searched for the plot related to the Eighth Prince's Consort, flipped through it, and replied, "Young Master, I’m sorry, but I can’t find it."

Everyone was disappointed, and Shen Zhinuo was also very disappointed. "Huh? Still can’t find it? Why not?"

The system said, "Young Master, as you know, this is a political intrigue novel, and most of the plot revolves around the main storyline. Some minor details aren’t fleshed out."

Shen Zhinuo sighed in her heart, "ATong, I wish you could answer anything I ask."

The system replied, "We’ll just have to wait for the system to update."

Hearing these strange words, the Eighth Prince and his consort looked at each other, not understanding. The Fourteenth Prince whispered a few words of explanation to them, and they nodded, roughly understanding.

Hearing the disappointment in the little voice, the system flipped through again, "Young Master, but ATong knows why the two of them didn’t get along in the beginning."

The gossip flame that had just dimmed in everyone’s hearts reignited, and Shen Zhinuo quickly urged, "ATong, spill it already."

The system said, "Everyone assumed the two of them didn’t get along, but in fact, at the beginning, it was only the Eighth Prince’s Consort who truly disliked him."

"The Eighth Prince’s dislike was just an act."

Everyone looked at the Eighth Prince again, their eyes filled with shock. What? He’s that good at acting? He fooled everyone, even the whole capital.

Seeing everyone looking at him with disdain, the Eighth Prince awkwardly scratched his head, reached out, and picked up his wife along with her chair, gently placing her in front of him.

A big, burly man tried to hide behind his petite wife.

His hunched-over, cowering posture was utterly ridiculous. Everyone couldn’t bear to look and turned their heads away.

The Eighth Prince’s Consort was mortified, rolled her eyes, and pinched his leg hard. The Eighth Prince grimaced in pain but didn’t move, still hiding like that.

Shen Zhinuo was very surprised, "So, my Imperial Uncle liked my Eighth Aunt all along?"

The system replied, "Exactly, the Eighth Prince liked the Eighth Prince’s Consort from their very first meeting as a child."

Shen Zhinuo didn’t understand, "If he liked her, why didn’t he just say so? Why did my Imperial Uncle pretend not to like her?"

The system said, "When they first met, the Eighth Prince was very young, about the age of a human elementary schooler. When he liked a girl, instead of being nice, he’d pull her braid and act annoying."

"Anyway, every time he saw the Eighth Prince’s Consort, he’d act up and make her furious, chasing him and giving him a good beating."

Shen Zhinuo kicked her little feet and said disdainfully, "How immature."

The system replied, "Yes, the Eighth Prince always did this. He thought it was a way to bond with the Eighth Prince’s Consort, but in her heart, she was utterly annoyed. Whenever they met, she wanted to beat him a hundred times a day."

"Later, when the Eighth Prince grew up, he wanted to get along well with the Eighth Prince’s Consort, but their dynamic had already been set. Almost every time they met, they would end up fighting after just a few words."

Shen Zhinuo didn’t understand, "My Imperial Uncle didn’t understand when he was young, but now that he’s grown up, can’t he just talk to her properly?"

The system said, "He tried. On a beautiful spring day, he invited the Eighth Prince’s Consort to a scenic spot outside the city for a horseback ride, intending to express his feelings. He did express them, but the Eighth Prince’s Consort didn’t believe him, thinking he had some bad idea to deliberately mess with her."

"The Eighth Prince’s Consort said, 'You jerk, Shen Fei, I know what you’re trying to pull. You hold a grudge because I beat you too much, and you want to marry me to annoy me for the rest of your life as revenge. I’m telling you, forget it.'"

Princess Lanzhen and the Eighteenth Princess tried to hold back their laughter as they looked at the Eighth Prince’s Consort, who was full of embarrassment and secretly pinched the Eighth Prince again.

Shen Zhinuo found it amusing, "If someone treated me so annoyingly, I wouldn’t believe they liked me either."

Di Guihong sat quietly by the side, nodding slightly in agreement with the little girl's words.

The Eighth Prince reached for his wife's hand from behind her, only to have her dig her nails into the back of his hand.

The system replied, "Exactly. No matter how much the Eighth Prince explained, his Consort wouldn't believe it even if her life depended on it. She was convinced that he was deliberately trying to disgust her."

To get rid of this nuisance, the Eighth Prince's Consort quickly asked her family to find her a husband. During that time, she was in a frenzy, meeting potential suitors left and right.

The Eighth Prince, seeing this, panicked and hurried to the palace to beg the Old Emperor to grant him a marriage decree. At first, the Old Emperor also thought the Eighth Prince had ill intentions and didn't want to create enmity with the Eighth Prince's Consort's family, so he refused. But after the Eighth Prince persistently pleaded, he finally obtained the marriage decree.

Shen Zhinuo was confused, "Darling, that doesn't make sense. Didn't you say that after the Old Emperor granted the marriage, my Imperial Uncle still caused a huge scene, adamantly refusing to marry?"

Everyone was also puzzled. Back then, the Eighth Prince's commotion outside Chong'an Palace was well-known to all. Later, Emperor Chengwu ordered him to be given twenty lashes, and he was carried away screaming in agony.