Chapter 134: The Chapter Before the Finale

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Despite how harshly Chu Jinyao confronted Noble Consort Shu and Zhao Lanhui, her current situation was far from good. The Eastern Palace had been sealed off like an iron barrel. Chu Jinyao’s authority over the palace was transferred, and she was forbidden to step outside the Eastern Palace.

 

While meals were still delivered from the imperial kitchen, they were inspected multiple times, and the eunuchs who came and went were all familiar faces, making it impossible for outsiders to infiltrate or send messages.

 

This was essentially a form of house arrest. Noble Consort Shu had taken the imperial seal, and naturally, the authority to manage the Six Palaces had fallen to her, given her seniority and reputation. Princess Consort Su, often seen by her side, also gained access to some palace affairs. Together, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law controlled the palace, while Prince Su was busy installing his confidants at court. Most crucially, Emperor was heavily influenced by Fang Pucun.

 

Since returning from the Wara, Emperor had grown increasingly reliant on Fang Pucun for advice on both state and personal matters. The emperor was a man easily swayed, deeply trusting those he depended on—first it was Empress Xiao Qi, and now it was Fang Pucun.

 

Back when the emperor was held captive in the Wara military camp, Fang Pucun was the only Yan Chinese present. Naturally, the emperor grew reliant on him. Later, when Fang Pucun swore loyalty and actively sought ways to rescue the emperor, the emperor became increasingly reliant on him in that isolated and helpless situation.

 

Had Fang Pucun truly been a loyal patriot, that would have been ideal. But he was an intelligent man devoid of empathy and moral constraints. He had devised schemes to coerce the Wara into using the emperor’s return to compel various border towns to open their gates and later negotiated a peace treaty with outrageous demands. Fang Pucun’s evil lay in his actions being seen as loyalty in the emperor’s eyes, but to the court, he was a menace to the state.

 

A man who gambled with the fate of the nation—no matter how intelligent or strategic—was no genius; he was a fiend.

 

Qin Yi’s refusal had been anticipated both by Qin Yi and Fang Pucun. Thus, when the emperor returned, suspicion naturally fell on Qin Yi, while Fang Pucun became a hero in the emperor’s eyes, gaining trust and manipulating imperial favor.

 

Chu Jinyao sat in the iron-barrel-like Ciqing Palace, gazing out of the window and sighing softly. The weather was getting warmer by the day, and the willows in the palace had sprouted fresh green buds. Even the dead tree outside Ciqing Palace was showing new growth—delicate green shoots that stirred feelings of tenderness. Yet, despite the spring atmosphere, the palace felt like an endless night, with no hope in sight.

 

The Eastern Palace’s first clash with Fang Pucun had seemed like a victory but was, in fact, a defeat. Now, Fang Pucun slowly revealed his second move. He told the emperor that the crown prince’s rebuilding of the Imperial Guards at Xishan was not for the country but a ploy to raise private troops. The army Qin Yi was building, Fang Pucun claimed, would not be a loyal imperial force but a personal army under the crown prince’s control. Once the Imperial Guards were re-established, the crown prince would use them to stage a coup and seize the throne.

 

Hearing this, the emperor panicked and, following Fang Pucun’s advice, ordered a search of the Eastern Palace. Chu Jinyao not only refused the Eastern Depot but also dismissed Noble Consort Shu when she came to act as a mediator. These actions, in the emperor’s eyes, took on a different meaning.

 

The emperor’s suspicions deepened, and he ordered the Eastern Palace to be surrounded. Chu Jinyao was confined in the palace, stripped of her freedom, with her safety no longer guaranteed. Prince Su, Noble Consort Shu, and Fang Pucun had formed an alliance, and they now held the court, the harem, and the emperor tightly in their grip. The Eastern Palace stood on a knife’s edge, where one misstep could lead to ruin. Chu Jinyao and her unborn child were the most vulnerable, their lives at constant risk should things take a turn for the worse.

 

With the Eastern Palace in peril, the atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly oppressive. Officials were tense, walking on eggshells. Whether they had taken sides or not, everyone was cautious, searching for ways to protect their families while secretly planning escape routes.

 

Linglong entered, carefully closing the window. “Crown Princess, you’ve been sitting in the draft for too long. You’re heavily pregnant now. Please, go inside and lie down for a while.”

 

Chu Jinyao shook her head. How could she sleep with so much weighing on her mind? Her due date was in April, a little over twenty days away, but her movements were already severely hindered. Chu Jinyao knew that worry was especially harmful to pregnant women, but with armed guards surrounding Ciqing Palace, how could she not be overwhelmed with anxiety? How could she focus solely on nurturing her pregnancy?

 

Looking at the tender green buds outside the window, Chu Jinyao sighed softly and placed her hands on her belly, whispering to her unborn child, “I promised to show you the flowers, and the palace is already filled with the beauty of spring. By the time you arrive in a month, it will be even more beautiful. Be good, don’t be afraid.”

 

The timing of Prince Su and Fang Pucun’s move was particularly unfortunate. Had they waited just a little longer—until Qin Yi had fully rebuilt the Imperial Guards—they wouldn’t have posed a threat at all. Qin Yi would have had no reason to fear Fang Pucun, Prince Su, or even the emperor. But now, with their move coming when Qin Yi’s forces were only halfway ready, Qin Yi lacked the strength to launch a full assault, and Prince Su and Fang Pucun were hesitant to advance on Xishan. Both sides were locked in a stalemate.

 

In this standoff, Chu Jinyao was both a hostage and a bargaining chip. Over the past few days, she had heard whispers that the tension between Prince Su and the crown prince was growing more intense. Fang Pucun, using the emperor’s authority, had sent a decree summoning the crown prince back to the palace to report on the progress of the Imperial Guard’s reconstruction.

 

No one believed the emperor genuinely wanted an update. It was a trap—an invitation to disaster. Even Han Xin, the powerful general, had been killed during a banquet arranged by Empress Lu, despite being a high-ranking official (a story from history). Qin Yi, whose forces were still incomplete, faced an even greater danger. This summons was clearly a trap.

 

In her heart, Chu Jinyao silently prayed that Qin Yi would not return to the palace, that he would find an excuse to avoid coming back. As for herself, as long as her unborn child’s gender remained unknown, neither the emperor nor Prince Su would dare harm her. Calculating her due date, Chu Jinyao sighed again. They were being pushed to the edge of a cliff, and all she could do was endure as long as possible.

 

Linglong finally persuaded Chu Jinyao to stand up and return indoors. Lately, Chu Jinyao’s appetite had been very finicky; the smell of greasy dishes made her nauseous. But at this stage in her pregnancy, nutrition was crucial. Since the Eastern Palace had been sealed off, Linglong and the palace wet nurses no longer allowed her to eat food from the imperial kitchen. They had begun cooking simple dishes in a small kitchen, ensuring everything was fresh and safe. Though the process was slower, it was far more reassuring.

 

The wet nurse had asked earlier what Chu Jinyao wanted to eat and had rushed off to prepare it. But a while later, Linglong heard the sound of an argument near the side gate.

 

“What’s going on?” Chu Jinyao asked.

 

Jiegeng, who had been standing nearby, hurried outside to investigate. She returned moments later, her face stiff. “Crown Princess, it’s the eunuchs delivering food, but the guards outside have stopped them.”

 

The guards had thoroughly inspected the vegetables for a long time before declaring that something was hidden in the basket and refusing to allow the eunuchs to deliver the fresh vegetables inside.

 

Jiegeng argued with the guards for a long time, her face red with anger. “This is outrageous! They dare hold back the vegetables! If they delay the Crown Princess’s and the young master’s meals, who will be responsible?”

 

Linglong was also furious. “I thought Prince Su, though disloyal, at least acted honorably. But I never imagined he would stoop to such despicable tactics! The Crown Princess is nine months pregnant—she cannot afford to be neglected, yet they’re withholding food!”

 

In the past, Linglong and the other maids would never have dared to speak ill of the royal family, but the situation had deteriorated to such an extent that fear no longer held them back. Either the crown prince would restore order, and they would survive, or Prince Su would succeed in his schemes, and everyone in the Eastern Palace would meet a grim end. Since death was on the horizon, what was there to fear in cursing him?

 

Such tactics were indeed low and despicable, but effective nonetheless. Linglong and the others could withstand hunger, and Chu Jinyao could endure as well—but what about the child?

 

Jiegeng, fuming, muttered under her breath, “If only the crown prince were here, they wouldn’t dare do this…”

 

“Jiegeng,” Chu Jinyao said sharply, and Jiegeng immediately lowered her head in fear. Chu Jinyao glanced at her and said, “This is not a serious matter. Go to the kitchen and tell the wet nurse to make whatever we have.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jiegeng quickly retreated.

 

Once the others had left, Chu Jinyao’s gaze grew cold as she turned to Linglong. “No one is to speak of this again. Understood?”

 

Linglong quickly knelt and agreed, her voice trembling.

 

Chu Jinyao slowly stood up, supporting her belly as she walked around the room. She had heard that walking more in the last month of pregnancy could help with labor, reducing the risk of complications. After walking a few laps, she was beginning to sweat lightly. The maids, worried that she might catch a chill, quickly brought warm towels to wipe her down.

 

Just as they arrived, a eunuch entered. Bowing respectfully, he announced, “Crown Princess, His Majesty has heard that your appetite hasn’t been well lately and has sent me to inquire.”

 

Linglong, already on edge, muttered, “It’s not the Crown Princess’s appetite that’s the issue—if only she had fresh vegetables, who wouldn’t feel better?”

 

The eunuch simply smiled but didn’t respond. His tone remained firm and unyielding. “Crown Princess, His Majesty awaits you. Please come with me.”

 

Linglong immediately grew suspicious, stepping forward protectively. Was it truly the emperor’s summons, or had Prince Su or Noble Consort Shu used the emperor’s name to lure Chu Jinyao out of the palace, only to harm her? At nine months pregnant, the slightest mishap could mean life or death for both mother and child.

 

Linglong tried to stall. “The Crown Princess’s legs are swollen; she cannot walk.”

 

“Rest assured, the carriage is ready, and several experienced nurses are on hand to assist. The Crown Princess will be well taken care of.”

 

“But…”

 

The eunuch’s expression grew impatient. Chu Jinyao raised her hand, cutting Linglong off. “Since His Majesty has summoned me, I must not keep him waiting. Please prepare my formal attire for an audience with the emperor.”

 

The eunuch scowled, his voice sharp. “You dare make His Majesty wait?”

 

Chu Jinyao stopped and fixed the eunuch with a cold, piercing gaze. “Are you instructing me on how to conduct myself?”

 

The eunuch’s arrogance faltered. Though the crown princess’s situation was precarious, she was still the crown princess. Weighing his options, the eunuch dared not push too far and remained silent as Chu Jinyao went to change her clothes.

 

Once inside the private chamber, Chu Jinyao urgently whispered, “Bring the powder.”

 

“Crown Princess!” Linglong gasped.

 

“Quickly!”

 

With trembling hands, Linglong retrieved the hidden poison powder, and under Chu Jinyao’s direction, they carefully applied it to the tips of her hairpins. What remained, Chu Jinyao concealed under her fingernails.

 

When she reappeared, her expression was calm, her demeanor composed. With Linglong by her side, she walked toward the waiting carriage. However, as she approached, the eunuch stopped her. “Crown Princess, His Majesty has already prepared attendants for you. You need not bring your own.”

 

Chu Jinyao shot him a glance. “Dingxiang, you and the others stay here and guard the palace. Linglong, you come with me.”

 

Linglong quickly complied. The eunuch, his smile forced, said, “Crown Princess…”

 

“I am the legitimate daughter of the Changxing Marquis House and the rightful wife of the crown prince. Since entering the palace, I have never been without my attendants.” Chu Jinyao looked down at the eunuch with disdain. “Do you question the propriety of my retinue?”

 

The eunuch swallowed his objections. There was no reason to bar a single maid from accompanying her. What could one maid do? Deciding it wasn’t worth the trouble, he allowed Linglong to follow and escorted Chu Jinyao outside.

 

It was the first time Chu Jinyao had stepped outside her palace in days, but as soon as she was out, she was practically forced into the carriage. The journey was rough, the carriage jolting and swaying as it sped along. Chu Jinyao endured it silently, trying to guess their destination. After what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived. As she was helped down, Chu Jinyao raised her head and was stunned.

 

It was the Qianqing Palace.

 

Chu Jinyao had expected the summons to be a pretext, yet here she was, standing before the emperor’s residence. She maintained her composure, though her mind raced. What was their true intention? The child’s gender was still unknown—they wouldn’t dare make a move yet. So why had they forcibly brought her here?

 

As she entered through a side door and walked past the enormous screen behind the main hall, Chu Jinyao’s heart nearly stopped at the sight before her.

 

Standing in the center of the palace, tall and radiant, was a man whose presence commanded attention even amidst a crowd. He wore black court robes embroidered with a golden coiling dragon on the shoulders, and a leather belt cinched tightly around his waist, giving him a sharp, commanding air.

 

It was Qin Yi. He had returned.