CHAPTER 38

At this point, both inside and outside the palace, the atmosphere was tense, as though a storm was on the horizon. Knowing this, Song Yuanzhi was even more cautious about her visit to see the Empress than during her previous two trips.

 

The palace had a much more oppressive atmosphere compared to Song Yuanzhi’s previous visits. The palace servants barely dared to breathe, and when they encountered others, they communicated with mere glances, as if everyone was walking on eggshells.

 

Seeing this made Song Yuanzhi’s heart turn cold. She could hardly imagine that the situation inside the palace had become so dire. It was obvious that the reason Empress Lu had summoned her this time was to discuss something of grave importance.

 

Arriving at the gates of Fengyi Palace, Song Yuanzhi took several deep breaths before straightening her back and stepping inside. Empress Lu sat composed on her throne, her expression easing into a smile as she observed Song Yuanzhi’s serious demeanor. She gently reassured her, “Why so tense? I’m not going to eat you.”

 

Song Yuanzhi exhaled in relief. She didn’t see the need to hide her thoughts from the Empress and spoke frankly, “The atmosphere in the palace is so strained. How have you been, Your Majesty?”

 

“I’m the Empress; how could I not be well?” Empress Lu chuckled softly, gesturing for Song Yuanzhi to sit. Neither of them wasted time with pleasantries. Song Yuanzhi had no desire, nor did she have the skills, to put on airs in front of the Empress. As for Empress Lu, she didn’t want Song Yuanzhi lingering in the palace for too long, lest it attract unwanted attention.

 

After all, if Emperor Yongkang had a sudden whim and decided to send Song Yuanzhi an elixir to show favor and strengthen ties with the Zhenbei Marquis’ Mansion, what would she do?

 

If she took it, it would be a threat to her health. If she refused, it would be an affront to the emperor. Neither option had a favorable outcome.

 

Empress Lu raised her hand, dismissing the palace servants. Only then did she turn to Song Yuanzhi and softly ask, “How is Ah-ji’s health?”

 

Although she spoke casually, Song Yuanzhi noticed that the Empress mouthed the word “elixir” in silence. Immediately understanding, Song Yuanzhi shook her head and then nodded slightly. “My husband has mostly recovered, but he hasn’t had much time to rest. Both my mother-in-law and I worry he may develop lingering issues.”

 

“It’s important to take care of that.” Empress Lu nodded faintly. “The Northern Rong envoy has been in the capital for quite a while. They should be returning to their country soon. Once they leave, Ahji can finally take some time to rest.”

 

Lu Shaoyou’s mere presence was a nightmare for the Northern Rong envoys. He didn’t even have to say anything—just standing there was enough to remind them of the terror of having their homeland trampled by the Northern Border Army.

 

As long as the Northern Rong envoy remained, Lu Shaoyou couldn’t afford to be idle.

 

Emperor Yongkang’s obsession with alchemy at this time was laughable in the eyes of outsiders.

 

Song Yuanzhi frowned, and her thoughts immediately turned to Yu Ling.

 

Though Yu Ling wasn’t the brightest, she had transmigrated from the modern world, and as the novel’s original author, who knew what kind of absurdities she might still be capable of?

 

You could predict the actions of a smart person, but when dealing with a fool, you never knew when they might do something utterly ridiculous.

 

Song Yuanzhi had a gut feeling that Yu Ling wasn’t going to leave the capital so easily. It was clear Yu Ling wanted to marry into the Nan’an Marquis Mansion and compete with Song Lilan for Xuanyuan Yu’s favor.

 

Sometimes, Song Yuanzhi couldn’t help but wonder: Was Yu Ling really an educated modern woman? She had transmigrated into another world, and her ultimate goal was to snatch a man. That motivation seemed far too absurd.

 

Yu Ling still clung to Xuanyuan Yu, and Xuanyuan Yu himself was in a difficult position. In the past, he had relied on the power of Xuanyuan Guifei and the Nan’an Marquis Mansion to act arrogantly in the capital. Now, with Xuanyuan Guifei out of favor and the Nan’an Marquis family repeatedly reprimanded by Emperor Yongkang, Xuanyuan Yu no longer enjoyed his former glory.

 

Moreover, Yu Ling’s unique identity made things even trickier. Even when Xuanyuan Yu was at his peak, he couldn’t easily embarrass her in public.

 

Besides, Yu Ling was still the “white moonlight” in his heart. Although Xuanyuan Yu resented her for revealing her feelings at the palace banquet, which led to Nan’an Marquis Mansion being snubbed by the emperor, their past feelings remained. Yu Ling played the pitiful card well, and with evidence of Xuanyuan Guifei’s assassination attempt on her, Xuanyuan Yu’s attitude softened once more, and he even began accompanying her on outings again.

 

To onlookers, it seemed like these two were bound together by fate.

 

However, none of this had much to do with Song Yuanzhi for the time being. The real reason Empress Lu summoned her wasn’t related to Xuanyuan Yu, but rather a different matter. “There have been many troubling matters lately, and His Majesty’s health is not as good as it once was. Tell Ah-ji to pay attention in court and make sure not to overburden His Majesty.”

 

The meaning behind her words…

 

Song Yuanzhi immediately nodded and replied, “His Majesty’s concern for state affairs is a blessing to the people. The princes will also urge him to take care of his health.”

 

Empress Lu, satisfied, nodded. “That’s good. Once the envoys return to Northern Rong, Ah-ji will be able to rest properly. I’ll plead with His Majesty to grant him an extended leave so you two newlyweds can go on a trip. Perhaps you can even bring a child into the family. The Marquis Mansion has only one heir, and Madam Qin is eagerly awaiting grandchildren.”

 

Blushing, Song Yuanzhi’s face turned red at the sudden change of topic. Nevertheless, she smiled awkwardly and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

 

Empress Lu closed her eyes briefly, a look of fatigue crossing her face. Sensing this, Song Yuanzhi wisely took her leave.

 

After Song Yuanzhi departed, Empress Lu slowly opened her eyes again, a sigh escaping her lips.

 

Meanwhile, Emperor Yongkang sat with a grim expression, asking his shadow guard, “Is that all the Empress and the Marchioness of Zhenbei discussed?”

 

The shadow guard responded respectfully, “Yes, Your Majesty. That is all I heard. I wouldn’t dare withhold anything.”

 

Emperor Yongkang’s expression softened slightly, and he nodded with satisfaction. “As expected, the Empress is reliable.”

 

Though she often offered critical advice about the elixirs, the Empress always prioritized his health, which pleased him greatly.

 

However, when another person crossed his mind, his face darkened again. He asked coldly, “You’re telling me Xuanyuan Yu is entangled with that Yu Ling again?”

 

If it weren’t for the Northern Rong envoy, Emperor Yongkang would have had Yu Ling executed in the public square already. Helping outsiders fight against her own people and then brazenly parading back into the capital with the envoy—no true citizen of Rong could tolerate that.

 

Emperor Yongkang’s expression turned sinister. “Since they’re so fond of each other, I might as well grant them another marriage. Isn’t Xuanyuan Yu already engaged to the Song family? Let Yu Ling be a secondary wife and marry into the Nan’an Marquis Mansion as well.”

 

Let her stay in the capital. After all, the rule was that envoys weren’t harmed even in times of war. It wouldn’t be wise to kill the entire Northern Rong envoy. Since Yu Ling was so eager to throw herself into Xuanyuan Yu’s arms, Emperor Yongkang might as well play the good guy and fulfill their “destined love.”

 

Once she was in the capital, there would be plenty of ways to deal with her. Emperor Yongkang guaranteed Yu Ling would meet a satisfying end.

 

After leaving the palace, Song Yuanzhi couldn’t shake a feeling of unease. The way the Empress guided their conversation seemed deliberate. And given that the Empress was aware of the emperor’s declining health, it was likely that Emperor Yongkang’s condition was worse than Song Yuanzhi had initially thought.

 

Then again, Emperor Yongkang’s health had never been good. Now that he was obsessed with elixirs, it was a miracle he hadn’t already met his ancestors.

 

When Lu Shaoyou heard Song Yuanzhi’s account of her meeting, his expression turned grim, and he began taking steps to investigate the Imperial Guard.

 

A couple of days later, Song Yuanzhi was shocked to hear that Emperor Yongkang had bestowed marriages upon Xuanyuan Yu, Yu Ling, and Song Lilan.

 

Upon hearing the news, Song Yuanzhi was stunned. Was Emperor Yongkang trying to lump all the strange characters together in some kind of cursed marriage game? It seemed like he was intentionally fostering chaos!

Translator’s Note: This is the last week of this novel. It will end in few chapters. Thank you for sticking till the end. Lots of Love !!!