Chapter 41 Entering the Palace

Chapter 41: A Summons to the Palace

After running into Nie San, the Crown Prince was delayed for two days. Upon returning to the capital, he first went back to the Eastern Palace to bathe and change his robes.

When the Crown Princess heard of his return, she acted like a drowning woman grasping at straws and hurried out to greet him.

In the past, as the legitimate daughter of a prestigious ducal house and the primary consort of the heir apparent, she would never have tolerated being slapped by him. She would have cried, made a scene, returned to her family, and done everything possible to make the imperial family answer for it.

But now, she was terrified by her own dreadful suspicions.

The Father Emperor had kept his brilliance veiled in recent years, his sharp edges hidden, but that was only because the court had been relatively calm.

She knew all too well that five years ago, over a corruption case, the Father Emperor raged like a thunderstorm, shaking the entire court. Countless officials were either demoted or met gruesome ends. Even the once-prominent Marquis of Anping was stripped of his title.

The Dowager Marchioness of Anping was the Father Emperor's aunt, yet even her tearful pleas had failed to move him—the Emperor showed no mercy for personal ties!

Thus, the Crown Princess understood deeply what kind of imperial wrath awaited those who crossed the Emperor.

Now, born into a prestigious ducal house, she keenly sensed that if her terrifying suspicion was correct, the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.

What was even more frightening was that, after days of contemplation and discreet inquiries, she became increasingly convinced she was right.

This suspicion left her in constant dread, unable to eat or sleep. She longed to seek out the Crown Prince and share her thoughts, but he had not returned until now.

When she finally heard of his arrival, she rushed out to meet him without even bothering to fix her hair.

The road-weary Crown Prince was taken aback to see his hair in disarray, face ghostly pale, suddenly appear before him.

Though he still resented her, he asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Her face ashen, her eyes wide with fear, she trembled and said, "Your Highness, there is something I must tell you. I... I am afraid."

The Crown Prince frowned. "What trouble are you stirring up now, woman?"

She stepped closer. "Your Highness, let us speak inside."

The Crown Prince wanted nothing to do with her—his thoughts were consumed by A Wu. But after all that had happened, he had learned patience.

Though he loathed the Crown Princess and ached to see her destroyed, he knew he could not act against her without justification.

As the primary consort of the heir apparent and the principal wife of the royal house, she held a position he could not challenge without absolute certainty.

For now, he had to endure.

Moreover, rushing would spoil everything. He realized that if he wanted to protect A Wu, the Crown Princess could become an ally.

Against his father, the Emperor, he had few advantages to wield—but the Crown Princess could be turned from foe to friend.

So he followed her inside. "What is it?"

Hearing his rare, gentle tone, the Crown Princess was choked with sudden grief.

She bit back tears. "Your Highness, I have a suspicion about the Father Emperor. I do not know if I should speak of it."

The Crown Prince said, "Speak freely."

She glanced outside—Lady Su kept watch, ensuring no one could overhear.

Then she whispered, "Your Highness, why do you think the Father Emperor commanded Ning Niangzi's presence? And what does 'serving the Emperor' truly entail?"

The Crown Prince said, "I was just about to ask the same. I fear there might be a trap here. A Wu has only just entered the Daoist order—she can barely recite scriptures properly. How could she possibly perform rituals for the Emperor’s blessing?"

The Crown Princess cautiously ventured, "Has Your Highness ever considered... that Lady Ning is a female Daoist? There has never been a case of a female Daoist entering the palace to serve the Emperor. This so-called 'service'..."

She dared not continue, leaving the implication hanging.

The Crown Prince froze for a moment, then his expression darkened as realization struck. He snapped sharply, "What kind of nonsense is this?"

The Crown Princess trembled. "But Your Highness, think carefully—what Lady Ning said to you."

The Crown Prince stiffened again, recalling A Wu's words—how she had spoken openly of a man she admired, without the slightest hesitation, as if unafraid of anyone knowing.

Fu Tai had treated A Wu with unusual respect, and A Wu seemed... did she know Fu Tai?

A sharp buzz rang in his ears, followed by a wave of dizziness.

For a fleeting moment, he thought the Crown Princess might be right—but how could that be?

The Emperor, in recent years, had shown little interest in the imperial harem, rarely visiting any consorts. How could he suddenly take notice of A Wu?

Besides, A Wu was the woman he loved. The Emperor would never—he absolutely would never—

And most importantly, was the Emperor even that kind of man?

The more he thought, the more he convinced himself it was impossible. The Emperor had countless consorts in the harem, yet had he ever spared any of them a second glance? The Emperor had been schooled in imperial strategy since childhood, devoted to the path of a wise ruler. He would never allow his imperial virtue to be tarnished by something as trivial as lust!

Gritting his teeth, his gaze turned fierce. "What madness are you uttering? Do you even realize what you're saying? You dare to suggest such treasonous words against the Emperor?"

The young Crown Prince’s face turned icy, radiating fury.

The Crown Princess flinched but clenched her jaw. "Your Highness, we are husband and wife. It is only because of this bond that I dare risk disrespect to speak these words. I’ve been sick with worry these past days, thinking of nothing else—there is no other explanation!"

Suddenly, she clutched the Crown Prince’s sleeve. "And there’s more—I’ve heard that the Empress has ordered the Langhua Palace prepared, saying a new consort would soon join the palace."

The Crown Prince’s expression stiffened.

He stared at her. "The Langhua Palace, prepared for a new consort? Are you certain of this?"

The Crown Princess nodded grimly. "Yes, Your Highness. Absolutely certain."

After all, the Emperor had not selected any new consorts for years. The Empress’s sudden order to prepare the palace was no small matter—it sent ripples through the court. The noble houses were abuzz with speculation, wondering who this mysterious newcomer could be.

After delivering this news, she lifted her eyes to the Crown Prince.

His handsome face went blank, as if he had retreated into thought, his gaze fixed on some unseen point ahead.

The Crown Princess did not disturb him. She knew he needed time.

The idea was too shocking to grasp immediately.

But she had to warn him—or else he might anger the Emperor.

Though the Crown Prince was currently the Emperor’s only heir, if things truly escalated to that point, the Jingxi Emperor had nephews of his own bloodline, some of whom were outstanding candidates. He could easily name one his heir.

So she suppressed her own turmoil and waited in silence, allowing the Crown Prince to confront the unthinkable possibility.

The room fell silent. His labored breathing was the only sound.

The Crown Prince remained motionless, rigid with tension. She could barely breathe.

She knew her husband—he’d even give up everything for her.

This absolutely could not stand.

If that woman were to be taken into the Jingxi Emperor’s inner court—

She dared not imagine how the Crown Prince would react!

In this breathless silence, the Crown Princess finally heard the Crown Prince's voice.

In a voice tight with suppressed emotion, he said, "I will enter the palace."

He licked his lips and spoke rapidly, "I will enter the palace and ask His Majesty what he plans to do with A Wu!"

With that, he turned and marched out.

The Crown Princess tried to stop him but failed to catch him.

The Crown Prince strode out, but before he could even leave the Eastern Palace, a delegation arrived—no ordinary visitors. Among them were the commanders of the Three Armies Camp, the Five Thousand Camp, and the Divine Machine Camp, all clad in iron armor, led by the highest-ranking commander of the Five Military Commissions, Commander Sun, the Right Chief.

Taken aback, he demanded an explanation and learned that a fire had broken out at the northern military parade grounds, demanding immediate response. The Emperor had just issued an emergency decree, ordering all those involved in the parade to depart immediately without delay.

The Crown Prince’s face turned ashen. Cupping his hands, he said, "My lords, grant me a moment. I have urgent business and must see His Majesty in the palace."

Commander Sun, the Right Chief, hesitated slightly. "Your Highness, the Emperor’s order brooks no delay."

The Crown Princess hurried after him, disheveled, and froze upon hearing this.

Trembling, she steadied herself against a nearby corridor pillar, her conviction growing stronger.

This was the Emperor’s scheme. By the time the Crown Prince returned from the parade, it’d be a fait accompli!

Her face pale, she stared fixedly at the Crown Prince, awaiting his decision.

The Crown Prince stood in silence, a storm of conflicting thoughts surging within him.

At this moment, his reverence for his father, his belief in loyalty and filial piety, and his duty and responsibility as the Crown Prince all surged within him.

Of course, alongside these came his burning love and wrenching guilt toward A Wu.

If she were truly to be taken into the Emperor's inner court, what then could he do?

And what if the Emperor had no such intention? If she were merely summoned to recite scriptures, and he caused a scene over it, what disgrace would he bring?

The Crown Prince’s mind was in turmoil, while beside him, Great Hui’s highest generals and the commanders of various forces watched him intently.

They must be wondering—what was this young Crown Prince so stubbornly resisting?

War waits for no man!

The Crown Prince was shredded by anguish and doubt.

Just then, a clamor erupted outside—the Imperial Guard had arrived, bearing an imperial decree.

Startled, the Crown Prince hurried to receive it.

The decree was a private, confidential message. The Crown Prince swiftly unrolled it, finding the Emperor's words concise and to the point.

"Mo Yao, We have heard that the Taoist nun Miao Zhen of Yanxiang Temple has already given her heart to another. Our past wager—you’ve lost, my son."

The Crown Prince's heart lurched as he suddenly recalled the earlier bet.

What the Emperor had said was that if A Wu had eloped with someone, he would personally execute her.

But now A Wu had flat-out admitted she already had someone in her heart—this—

At that moment, the leader of the Imperial Guard lowered his voice and said to the Crown Prince, "His Majesty has another oral command."

The Crown Prince abruptly asked, "What is it?"

The man whispered a few words, the meaning simple: the Jingxi Emperor would no longer force him to personally execute the Taoist nun Miao Zhen. Upon his return from the military review, they would discuss everything further.

Discuss further...

The Crown Prince gritted his teeth, forehead veins standing out.

He raised his head and looked at the impatient generals fidgeting.

He knew he should shoulder his responsibilities. Otherwise, his father would only grow more convinced that A Wu was a jinx who'd be his downfall.

The more he appeared to care, the more he would push A Wu to the point of no return.

With these thoughts, his eyes burned, threatening tears.

A Wu, A Wu—she was like willow catkins in late autumn, drifting aimlessly. He had thought he could hold her in his arms and cherish her, never imagining he would almost destroy her.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes with difficulty.

When he opened them again, his gaze was clear and resolute. He immediately barked orders at his men.

On one hand, he dispatched men to guard outside Yanxiang Temple, instructing them to report any news to him immediately. On the other, he wrote a formal petition to the Jingxi Emperor, politely asking about A Wu’s arrangements, his wording cautious.

As the Jingxi Emperor’s son, he understood his father well—his father wanted to see he had what it took to be Crown Prince.

A man destined to inherit the Great Hui Empire could not fall apart over a woman.

For now, A Wu was safe in Yanxiang Temple. He had to first appease his father if he hoped to return and protect her.

—This was the Crown Prince’s logic in that moment.

In the countless times he reflected on this moment, his gut would twist with regret. He couldn’t help but wonder—had he been evading, fooling himself with wishful thinking just to console himself with a feeble "Surely not"?

*******

A Wu, meanwhile, lived quite comfortably in Yanxiang Temple. The Taoist nuns treated her with utmost reverence, nearly walking on eggshells around her as if she were their revered ancestor.

Seeing Lingguan Song, the abbess, and the old Taoist nun—who had once bossed her around—now flattering and fawning over her, she couldn’t help but marvel.

No wonder people chased power so fervently. What she had now was merely crumbs from the Jingxi Emperor’s fingertips, yet it was enough to make her drunk on power.

A Wu spent these days carefully planning her future. She made up an excuse to go sightseeing, using the opportunity to dig up the gold she had previously buried, repack it neatly, and hide it among her scriptures and chests.

Though she would surely have no shortage of riches once she became the Jingxi Emperor’s companion, this gold had come from the Crown Prince—her very first treasure. She wanted to keep it. Who would complain about too much gold, even if it blinded you?

Holding her own gold, A Wu was glowing with satisfaction.

Yet she also began envisioning her future. The Crown Prince, Nie San—these were nothing now. The Jingxi Emperor knew about them, and she had already cut them off clean.

Even her childhood betrothed, the boy next door—the Jingxi Emperor knew of him too. If it ever came up, she wouldn’t fear it.

The one loose end was Lu Yunjian.

But no matter how powerful the Lu family might be, if they incurred the emperor's suspicion, their empire could collapse in an instant.

She mulled over the Jingxi Emperor’s ways and personality, realizing that the ones who should be sweating now were the Lu siblings—they should be terrified she’d spill the truth, not the other way around.

Naturally, she had to tread carefully to avoid being silenced by them.

Out of nowhere, panic seized her. What if they decided to take her out? What could she do?

She needed a failsafe—some way to expose the truth even if she died. The Jingxi Emperor would surely be furious, and the Lu family would suffer the consequences.

But how? Dead women tell no tales.

If they struck her down, she might not even have the chance to say a word to the Jingxi Emperor before her death.

A Wu massaged her temples, frustrated, finding the situation truly vexing.

If only she had someone in her corner—but she was on her own.

Her mind jumped to the Crown Prince.

Soon, she sighed. No, she couldn’t drag him into this. That’d be like signing her own death warrant.

********

A Wu never expected an imperial edict to arrive so suddenly.

She hadn’t even finished copying the scriptures.

Surrounded by Lingguan Song and others, she hurried to receive the decree—sure enough, it summoned her to the palace to serve the emperor.

She let out a breath of relief once the edict was in hand. Until she stepped into the palace, nothing was certain. Now, with the decree in hand, everything was settled.

While she was still processing this, another edict arrived—this one concerning Yanxiang Temple. It charged the Taoist nuns with disrupting the sanctity of the Daoist faith and ordered them to recite scriptures and pray at the imperial mausoleum.

A Wu didn’t quite get what "mausoleum prayers" really meant, but judging by the nuns' devastated expressions, she guessed it was no blessing.

Maybe... they’d be buried alive there?

Upon hearing the decree, Lingguan Song knelt on the ground, her face ashen.

Moments later, as if struck by realization, she threw herself forward, bowing and scraping before A Wu. "Abbess Miao Zhen, remember our bond—you’ve got to help me! Please, I implore you! I don’t want to go to the mausoleum—"

Her voice shook between kowtows, words splintering with each thud of her forehead.

Other nuns, hearing this, also rushed forward to kowtow.

Miao Xin crawled forward on her knees, weeping. "Abbess Miao Zhen, remember our bond—you’ve got to help me!"

A Wu froze, wide-eyed. She didn’t understand their despair, nor did she know how to plead for them.

Hugging the edict to her chest, she bolted back to her room.

Not all the nuns were sent to the mausoleum—most junior nuns were allowed to stay, and a few senior abbesses were spared as well. The spared nuns shook like leaves, kissing up to A Wu, as if they wished to kneel and call her "grandmother."

Curious, A Wu quietly inquired about the "mausoleum prayers." Indeed, those sent there would become the living dead, never seeing daylight again.

Her blood ran cold. She couldn’t look at the condemned nuns—it was too much.

The doomed nuns packed their belongings in despair, preparing for their grim journey.

Guarded by captains, escape was impossible. They might as well have been walking to the gallows.

A Wu was packing up too, but she was heading for the imperial palace in the capital.

Accompanied by two palace attendants, she left Yanxiang Taoist Temple and prepared to board her sedan chair when she saw Lingguan Song and the others being escorted onto a carriage.

A Wu's sedan chair was ornate and elaborate, carried by four bearers, while Lingguan Song and the others were loaded into a carriage covered with a black canopy, giving off a gloomy, funeral-like vibe.

Hesitating briefly, A Wu stepped into the sedan chair. The palace attendants lowered the curtain, and the journey began.

She did feel some pity for these Taoist nuns, but at the same time, she thought they deserved little sympathy. These were imperial Taoist nuns who mingled with noble courtiers in the past. They understood the dangers of serving the emperor—it brought wealth and status, but also disaster.

A Wu vaguely sensed that the Jingxi Emperor must have had deeper intentions in dealing with these Taoist nuns. A father claiming his son’s woman was already an unspeakable scandal, let alone the many other secrets within Yanxiang Taoist Temple that were best left unspoken.

Lost in thought, she suddenly heard a huge procession approaching on the street ahead. Pedestrians hurried to make way, and her sedan chair also moved aside.

Curious, A Wu made a point of looking out but could see nothing.

Just then, she faintly overheard bystanders murmuring—apparently, the crown prince was standing in for the emperor by leading troops to the northern border for a grand military review.

At the mention of the "crown prince," A Wu’s heart stuttered. She craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse, but all she saw were waving banners and a jostling crowd.

She withdrew her gaze, thinking that his departure was for the best. Now she could focus on making her place in the palace, ensuring the Jingxi Emperor’s favor.

If he had stayed, she would have felt uneasy instead.

Amid the swaying of the sedan chair and her swirling thoughts, she finally re-entered the imperial capital. As they crossed the bridge, she deliberately looked out.

Back then, the Jingxi Emperor had called her unfit and sent her away from the crown prince’s residence to become a nun. Now, she was being welcomed back in an imperial sedan chair.

Once inside the capital, she carefully observed the bustling streets, her spirits lifting.

She was about to enter the palace—to become the emperor’s concubine.

The emperor was older, but not too old, still in his prime. He was skilled in bed, even more so than those two younger men before.

Thinking of the days ahead, she felt there was something to look forward to.

As the sedan chair passed through the streets and finally entered the palace, A Wu stirred mixed feelings as she gazed at the towering walls and the neatly dressed palace attendants.

From now on, she belonged here. She wondered—when she left this palace one day, would she be rolled in a straw mat or carried in a grand eight-bearer sedan chair?

The thought gave her a moment of hesitation.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible hesitation, yet it made her skin crawl, as if her mind had suddenly gone blank.

Suddenly she remembered the sea in her hometown, the boy from home. She was supposed to marry him joyfully, to walk barefoot along the beach!

But this odd blankness lasted only a brief moment before she snapped back to reality.

Then she saw those eyes again—belonging to that radiant, gentle man, so strikingly handsome, smiling at her.

She could only gamble—bet on that moment when he had been tender toward her.