Chapter 315 Eavesdropping

Behind the screen, Princess Rongning covered her mouth tightly.

What did he mean by "I dare not gamble" and "I cannot afford to gamble"?

At the Immortal Banquet, Xue Quan said he had Imperial Physician Wang examine the elixir, and Imperial Physician Wang said it was fine—

So Imperial Physician Wang was Father’s man. Father had instructed Imperial Physician Wang to lie, all to allow Master Miaoqing to speak well of it before the Imperial Uncle, thereby harming the Crown Prince, harming the Imperial Uncle, and ultimately seizing the throne…

Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face, over the hand covering her mouth and onto her clothes.

Beyond the screen, Prince Fu's conversation with his advisor was perfectly clear.

“The new emperor is kind but not weak or stupid. He surely suspects me, but hasn't acted only because he lacks evidence.” Prince Fu’s eyes betrayed his anxiety.

“Your Highness, the news that Imperial Physician Wang might still be alive could just be bait.”

“What if it is bait?” Prince Fu’s voice rose slightly. “If the new emperor is using bait to lure me out, doesn't that prove he already suspects me? He is already the emperor. Even without evidence, if he has such thoughts, when the time is ripe, a trumped-up charge will be enough to convict me.”

Prince Fu’s expression twisted. “Doing nothing won't save me. Rather than wait for the new emperor to deal with me easily, it's better to make a desperate move now, while his position is still shaky!”

Behind the screen, Princess Rongning’s breath caught.

Strike now?

Father wasn’t planning to stop.

“…Set it for the day of the late emperor’s funeral, to avoid problems from delays…”

Prince Fu deliberately lowered his voice while discussing with his advisor, but Princess Rongning heard every word.

“Go make the arrangements. I need some time alone.”

The soft sound of a door closing came, followed by Prince Fu’s long sigh.

After a long while, Prince Fu finally rose and left the study.

Princess Rongning slowly stretched her numb body, but did not leave immediately.

Soon, the servant assigned to watch the study entered and began clearing the tea set from the desk.

While he was wiping the bookshelf, Princess Rongning quietly slipped out of the study and returned to her quarters.

Her room was filled with her favorite incense, everything arranged just as she liked—a place she had dreamed of returning to during her time in Western Jiang.

But now, looking at it all, Princess Rongning felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.

Her father was not the person she had believed him to be. Kindness and righteousness were just masks hiding his wolf-like ambitions.

What should she do?

“Your Highness, the Princess Consort wants to see you.”

“I understand.”

Princess Rongning washed her face again to make sure no trace of her distress showed, before heading to the main courtyard.

“Rongning, come sit next to me.”

Princess Rongning walked over and sat beside Princess Consort Fu. “Mother, you wanted to see me?”

“Why do you look so thin?” Princess Consort Fu gazed at her daughter with concern.

Princess Rongning touched her cheek and forced a smile. “It’s getting hot, and I don’t have much appetite in summer. I’ll be fine by fall and winter.”

Princess Consort Fu took her hand. “Rongning, haven’t you gotten over what happened in Western Jiang?”

“No, the King of Xijiang is dead. There’s nothing to hold onto.”

“You might fool others, but not your mother.” Princess Consort Fu tucked a stray strand of hair behind Rongning’s ear. “I know something is bothering you.”

“Mother, you still haven’t told me why you summoned me.”

“Rongning, what do you think of Deputy Palace Commander Yang Zhen?”

Princess Rongning was startled.

“I’ve inquired about him carefully. Yang Zhen is twenty-seven this year. He was once engaged, but the woman died of illness before the wedding, which delayed his marriage. For someone his age to be Deputy Palace Commander is remarkable. He should be worthy of my Rongning…”

As Princess Rongning listened to her mother’s gentle words, she recalled the scene at the Immortal Banquet where Yang Zhen killed Master Miaoqing.

Such urgency, such impulsiveness—he didn’t even give Master Miaoqing a chance to speak before cutting him down.

Knowing her father’s intentions, it was easy to guess that the so-called impulse was just to silence him.

Deputy Palace Commander Yang Zhen was her father’s man.

Her mother bringing up marriage with Yang Zhen now—it must be her father’s wish, to strengthen their bond.

“Mother, why bring up marriage out of the blue? The national mourning period just ended.”

“I’ve been looking for suitable candidates since last year, but none pleased me. Your father said Yang Zhen has good character and ability, and intends to marry…” Princess Consort Fu’s voice turned bitter.

It wasn’t that there were no suitable candidates, but Rongning had been married to the King of Xijiang. Many praised Princess Rongning’s righteousness, but when it came to marriage, they looked down on her.

Families who looked down on her daughter—she didn’t care how outstanding the man might be.

So it was her father.

Princess Rongning lowered her eyes, hiding the mockery inside. “Mother, I think Yang Zhen is too old.”

“Too old?” Prince Fu walked in, overhearing Princess Rongning’s words, his expression darkening.

Princess Consort Fu found his sudden anger inexplicable. “Rongning thinks Yang Zhen is too old. Actually, I think so too. Let’s drop the match.”

“No.” Prince Fu looked at his oblivious wife, irritation rising within him. “Yang Zhen is not yet thirty and already Deputy Palace Commander. His future is limitless. He is more than worthy of Rongning.”

More importantly, the upcoming plan depended on Yang Zhen. He needed Yang Zhen’s loyalty, and Yang Zhen needed his guarantee. Becoming father-in-law and son-in-law would reassure both of them.

“But Rongning doesn’t like him.”

Prince Fu shot a displeased glance at Princess Rongning, his tone harsh. “Marriage has always been by parental decree.”

At this critical moment of life and death, he had no patience left to play the loving father.

“Father, you already sacrificed me once. Do you have to force me a second time?” Princess Rongning asked expressionlessly.

“Force? I’m doing this for your own good.”

As long as we succeed, Rongning will be a true princess. How has he wronged her?

"Your Highness, if you truly want what's best for Rongning, you should respect her wishes instead of forcing her to accept."

Prince Fu, his face full of impatience, said, "Enough! She's been spoiled by you!"

"Your Highness—"

"Mother, don't say anymore." Princess Rongning tugged at Princess Consort Fu's sleeve, and looked deeply at Prince Fu. "Let's follow Father's wishes. Father is right; he means well for me."

"I'm glad you understand. Princess Consort, make proper preparations for the betrothal. I have matters to attend to." Prince Fu put on a smile and turned to leave.

Princess Rongning calmly watched Prince Fu's hurried retreating figure, no longer feeling torn inside.

How ridiculous. Twice he pushed her into marriage for his own ambitious schemes, and all she got in the end was being called 'sensible'.

"Mother, I'm going out to clear my head."

Princess Consort Fu, worried that her daughter might dwell on things, asked nervously, "Where are you going to clear your head?"

Princess Rongning smiled. "I'm going to visit A Heng."

Upon hearing that she was going to see Qiu Heng, Princess Consort Fu relaxed. "Go ahead, but take more attendants."

County Princess Suiyun and Rongning got along well; chatting with her might cheer Rongning up.