Chapter 95: Three Imperial Decrees

usually did, but something was different about him—less of a prince’s arrogance and more composedness; there was also a hint of fatigue in his eyes. She thought that with Nigh Tianqin’s imprisonment a...Chapter 95: Three Imperial Edicts

Upon hearing this, Yun Qianyue's thoughts stirred. Qin Yuceng If not for Leng Shaozhuo mentioning her name today, she would have almost forgotten about this woman who had disappeared on the day of Night Tianqiong’s wedding. She looked at Leng Shaozuo and raised an eyebrow at him.

Leng Shaozuo nodded firmly, "I did indeed see Qin Yuceng."

“Where is she Was she at the grand banquet for Night Tianyu's wedding” Yun Qianyue asked. If Qin Yuceng had appeared yesterday during the celebration banquet, although there were many guests present, she would not have been able to miss her presence.

Leng Shaozuo shook his head, "I arrived at the palace very early yesterday morning. Before the bridal sedan chair came, I entered the residence and went to the rear courtyard when my stomach started hurting. After using the toilet, I saw a woman’s silhouette leaving Night Tianyu's quarters. Although it was just her back, I’m sure that person was Qin Yuceng."

Yun Qianyue narrowed her eyes, "A silhouette Are you certain"

Leng Shaozuo nodded seriously and said, "If it were anyone else, I might not have been able to recognize them. However, Miss Qin from the Chancellor's household has always behaved with propriety since she was young; she’s like a statue carved out of clay. I could immediately tell who she is." Seeing Yun Qianyue silent after he spoke, he continued, "Moreover, in my younger days, I came into contact with countless women and have seen all sorts. If it were men, perhaps I wouldn’t be able to recognize them by their demeanor alone, but with women, each one has her unique traits. Without seeing their faces, I can identify a woman just from her silhouette."

Yun Qianyue nodded, "According to what you’re saying then, the person you saw must definitely be Qin Yuceng!"

"It’s definitely her!" Leng Shaozuo affirmed, nodding. "At that time I didn’t make a sound and made sure she didn’t see me either. After all, I am aware of Chancellor Feng’s background and history. If he finds out about this, I think I would not be a match for him."

"Right! You did the right thing! Qin Yuceng originally has martial arts skills," Yun Qianyue nodded at Leng Shaozuo, thinking to herself that this was indeed Prince Xiaoqin’s heir and someone who should succeed as the future prince consort. Without any martial skills himself, he naturally would not be a match for Qin Yuceng. If she had discovered him discovering her, it would have meant certain death for him.

"After returning here, I wanted to tell you right away, but since you went with the wedding party to the Fourth Prince’s residence and immediately held your marriage ceremony after entering, and then a matter occurred involving the Fourth Prince's concubine, I thought it must be related to Qin Yuceng. But as the matter had already unfolded yesterday, I didn’t rush over today and only came early in order not to arouse suspicion," Leng Shaozuo added.

Yun Qianyue nodded, "The Southern Frontier’s royal family never reveals their forbidden techniques externally; only those of the Southern Frontier lineage would know them. A hundred years ago, a branch of the Southern Frontier royal family was isolated and formed another lineage, that being Chancellor Qin's clan. The current ruler of the Southern Frontier has been bedridden for a long time, Ye Qian sits firmly on the throne in the Southern Frontier without intervening in Heavenly Saint affairs, and there’s no way he would come to the capital city. Therefore, it can only be between Chancellor Qin and Qin Yuceng. Chancellor Qin is originally an old emperor's man; although many people monitor him secretly now, they cannot control someone who has been missing for two months like Qin Yuceng. Since you saw Qin Yuceng, then she must have acted covertly beforehand."

"Why would Qin Yuceng harm the Fourth Prince’s concubine The Emperor killed her unborn child using purple grass; doesn’t she hold any grudges" Leng Shaozuo was puzzled.

“Because the person she loves is not Night Tianqiong. She naturally wouldn't want to keep that child, so killing it would be fine for her. And helping the old emperor might not necessarily be something she wants to do; right now, she's someone who belongs to Night Tianyi," Yun Qianyue said calmly.

Leng Shaozuo understood, and suddenly sighed, "In royal succession battles, the first ones affected are always the weak, elderly, women, and children."

Seeing his worried expression, Yun Qianyue smiled at Leng Shaozuo. Truly, he had changed from inside out; in the past, how could he have cared for the weak "This is an inevitable matter. Although the child is good, it was not a timely arrival for Night Tianyu and Zhao Kehan. It would be better off this way than being born only to face knives and blades."

Leng Shaozuo nodded when he heard her words, "Though you may say so, this has been quite a blow for the Fourth Prince. This time might truly see changes in Heaven."

A mocking smile appeared on Yun Qianyue’s lips as she said indifferently, "Actually, it should have changed long ago; dragging things out too long is already too much."

Leng Shaozuo looked at Yun Qianyue and clearly saw her mocking smile and indifferent expression. He hesitated for a moment before asking seriously, “Yun Qianyue, if the Second Prince and Fourth Prince rebelled, would you help them”

Yun Qianyue blinked; they had discussed this very topic yesterday with Rong Jing. She hadn't expected Leng Shaozuo to bring it up today. It seemed that many people already saw Yun Tianqiong and Yun Tianyu as potential rebels, and her attitude was crucial. Did Night Tianyi also watch the situation from a distance She arched an eyebrow, asking in return, “Do you want me to help, or do you not want me to help”

Leng Shaozuo pursed his lips; it seemed he had trouble answering this question.

Yun Qianyue looked at him and didn't say anything further.

A moment later, Leng Shaozuo shook his head, "I don’t know. Although you seem cold-hearted, you still value emotions deeply. I don’t know how you feel about Night Tianqiong, but towards Night Tianyu, you certainly have some reluctance. Since childhood, he has always been kind to you; regardless of what thoughts or methods he might employ behind the scenes, it seems that none of them were ever used against you."

Yun Qianyue nodded, "That’s indeed true!

Cold Shaozhu continued, "Do you remember Many years ago at the palace banquet, you and I had a big fight. I couldn't beat you, got beaten black and blue, lying on the ground unable to get up, while you only grazed your hand slightly and bled. After the Fourth Prince arrived, he didn’t even look at me once but anxiously pulled you away to the Imperial Medical Institute. You refused, and he sternly scolded you. Later, you obediently followed him."

“Hmm, there was such an incident!” Yun Qianyue thought for a moment and nodded with a smile.

"So, since you are so sentimental, I don't think you would refuse to help, right" Cold Shaozhu asked again.

"What if I do help What if I don’t" Yun Qianyue said in passing.

Cold Shaozhu was taken aback.

“Logically speaking, the Cloud Manor and the imperial family have always been walking on thin ice. I am already at odds with the old emperor, and my relationship with Night Tianyi has also deteriorated. If Night Tianqing and Night Tiange are rebelling against the imperial family, then the person I should help most would be myself.” Yun Qianyue said in a light tone, “Helping them won’t harm me at all.”

Cold Shaozhu looked at Yun Qianyue. He knew she had more to say and listened quietly.

Yun Qianyue spoke earnestly to him, "But I will not help!"

"Why" Cold Shaozhu glanced at Yun Qianyue with a hint of surprise.

Yun Qianyue smiled faintly and shook her head, “There’s no reason! Although I cherish our friendship deeply, they are not as crucial to me as my life. Besides, they belong to the Night family.”

Cold Shaozhu seemed to understand a little but was still puzzled. He nodded with uncertainty without asking further.

Yun Qianyue also did not speak anymore. She had already helped Tianqing and Tiange enough. Many people thought she valued her emotions deeply, but only she knew that those were trivial matters that wouldn’t have any significant impact. When it came to crucial matters, she was actually colder than anyone else. She would never cherish someone so much that she couldn't distinguish what needed help. Rebellion against the emperor was one of them.

"Then how do you plan to deal with Qin Yuning" Cold Shaozhu asked again.

“If she threatens me, I’ll kill her. If not, let her jump around as much as she wants; Ye Qian probably wishes for her death more than I do.” Yun Qianyue said indifferently without a care for Qin Yuning.

Cold Shaozhu nodded and asked again, “What would you like me to do”

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes, tilted her head, and looked at him.

"Although we didn't uncover the mastermind behind the Five Lakes Four Seas casino incident, both my father and I know who was responsible. The Xiangqing Prince Manor has always been relied upon by the Heavenly Saint Imperial Family; they have supported and protected my father all along, or else I wouldn’t have been able to commit evil deeds for so many years without being harmed." Cold Shaozhu slowly said, “Although as a junior prince of the Xiangqing Prince Manor, I am supposed to support the imperial family and my father, but I want to help you. It’s just that I alone wish to help you, regardless of the Cloud Manor behind you or what you aim for. I’m willing to help you out of personal desire. The person I want to help is simply Yun Qianyue.”

Yun Qianyue was slightly moved by his words; she looked at the man sitting opposite her. From childhood, they had disliked each other and fought until now. Now that he realized this, rescuing him back then was merely because of Night Tianyi. The reason Tianyi rescued him was to make their relationship public and curry favor with Xiangqing Prince. Back then, she didn’t feel anything about handing over the grand restoration pill; saving his life meant nothing more than preserving one life. Unfortunately, things are unpredictable. She had never imagined that Cold Shaozhu would be so kind towards her one day, telling her he wanted to help Yun Qianyue alone.

"I once thought all women were better than you, but in the end, it turns out you’re the best." Seeing Yun Qianyue staring at him intently, Cold Shaozhu suddenly smiled.

Yun Qianyue stretched her lips and rubbed her forehead. "Cold Shaozhu, I didn’t expect you to say such words."

Cold Shaozhu looked out the window as a cool breeze blew in, causing the curtains to flutter. He sighed, “I didn't either, but now that's how I feel. That’s my true heart.”

“I’m very happy to hear your true words! But this murky water is too deep; just be yourself!” Yun Qianyue shook her head and said, "I don’t want you to help me in any way because I am not sure how the road ahead will unfold. However, there’s one thing for certain: Tianyi and I are bound to clash!"

Cold Shaozhu nodded, “Understood!”

Yun Qianyue smiled at him; her smile was different from usual and carried a hint of warmth.

Cold Shaozhu's expression flickered slightly, but it was just for an instant. He got up to take his leave. Yun Qianyue remained seated and waved at him with a smile. He slowly left the room and soon exited Qianyue Pavilion.

Yun Qianyue watched as Cold Shaozhu's figure disappeared, lightly tapping her fingers on the table. A moment later, she leaned back in her chair with her eyes closed lazily.

Noon arrived, and news from the imperial palace was that on the day of the Fourth Prince’s grand wedding, his concubine had been afflicted by a taboo spell from Southern Frontier, causing harm to the royal offspring. The emperor issued an edict to the Southern Frontier King requesting him to come north to the capital to deal with the matter together.

After issuing the decree, the old emperor sent large quantities of fine herbs and dispatched Bright Consort personally to visit Concubine Zhao Kehan at the Fourth Prince’s residence, urging her to take care of herself. She was still young, and he hoped that she would soon bear another child for the royal family.

Unable to get out of bed, Ye Tianyu thanked his father on behalf of his concubine.

Seemingly, a small bloodshed did not lead to any more turmoil in this grand celebration. Thus, the matter was passed over cleverly by those who were in the know and ignored by others who remained oblivious.

The next day, the old emperor issued three imperial decrees: one month from now would be the coming-of-age ceremony of Jing Shizi of Rong王府 and Miss Yun Qianyue of Yun王府. He ordered the Ministry of Rites, as well as both the Rong王府 and Yun王府 to prepare for a grand celebration.

Thus, imperial edicts were read simultaneously in the Rong王府, Yun王府, and the Ministry of Rites. Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn to these coming-of-age ceremonies.

In ancient times, men's and women's adulthood rites were highly esteemed by relatives, elders, and families as a great joyous event. Moreover, Jing Shizi and Miss Yun Qianyue were two of the most prominent figures in the capital city. Jing Shizi governed Rong王府 and was revered by all; while Miss Yun Qianyue was the legitimate daughter of Yun王府, the focus of everyone's attention from childhood until now. These coming-of-age ceremonies commanded imperial approval and naturally surpassed ordinary ones.

Upon receiving His Majesty’s orders, the Rong王府, Yun王府, and the Ministry of Rites immediately began making preparations.

Within the Rong王府, Rong Xi, as the chief steward, immediately took charge of organizing everything.

In Yun王府, Green Branch and Jade Bracelet also hurriedly got started with their tasks.

The Cloud Prince governed the Ministry of Rites, while Yun Lizi assisted in the department; thus, officials under them treated this matter seriously. They immediately discussed specific details with those from both houses after receiving the imperial edicts.

This event suddenly stirred up a great commotion in the capital city, catching everyone's attention.

The stories of Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue had spread from small gossip to big news. From when they were children until now as they approached adulthood, their romantic entanglements captured people’s hearts. Therefore, this simultaneous coming-of-age ceremony attracted the focus of all eyes and discussions even before preparations began.

Not only did every citizen in the capital city pay attention to it, but news also quickly spread beyond the capital and covered the entire country within a day.

Yun Qianyue didn't feel particularly excited about this. The only thing that came to mind was that after her coming-of-age ceremony, she would officially be an adult. She could then do whatever she wanted without the burden of being underage anymore.

The day passed in a blink.

On the next day, Yun Qianyue heard that Empress Dowager was unwell and thought of her aunt's pale complexion covered with powder on that day. She planned to go to the palace. Although she disliked the imperial court, her aunt belonged to her family. In these days while she had been residing in the palace for her pregnancy, nobody from Yun王府 had come to invite her despite knowing her thoughts. It was time for her to visit and keep her company. The incident of Zhao Kehan's miscarriage at Ye Tianyu’s residence should have affected her mood as well. Her aunt was a very intelligent person.

Upon hearing that Yun Qianyue intended to enter the palace, Linglian and Yixue immediately prepared the carriage.

The carriage was ready. Yun Qianyue put on an extra layer of clothing, tidied herself up, left her room, quickly arrived at Yun王府’s main gate, boarded the carriage, and set off for the imperial court with Linglian and Yixue driving.

Passing by Wuhu Sihai gambling house, she saw a large yellow paper stuck on the door forming an X shape.

Yun Qianyue glanced at it briefly before drawing the curtain. She thought about how Wuhu Sihai’s decades of glory had come to an end. Prince Consort Xiao remained silent this time too, knowing that he wouldn’t dare offend either Night Tianyi or Jade Zishu.

The carriage arrived at the palace gate and stopped steadily. Linglian whispered inside to Yun Qianyue: "Miss, it's Sixth Princess! She seems like she’s leaving the palace."

"Hmm!" Yun Qianyue responded, realizing she couldn't forget there was such an unruly person in the royal family.

The voice of Princess Six said, "I thought Miss Qianyue would never set foot inside this palace again What day is it today that has brought you here"

Yun Qianyue narrowed her eyes and stared at the curtain outside for a moment. She then slowly lifted the car curtain to see Princess Six standing not far from a carriage, apparently preparing to get in to leave. Upon seeing Yun Qianyue arrive, she stayed behind to chat. The princess was still dressed as usual on the night of Night Tianyu's birthday, gentle and dignified. At first glance, it seemed like another Qingwan. But unlike the deceased Qingwan Princess, she had more inner scheming and solemnity. She glanced at Yun Qianyue with a faint smile, "If not for Aunt in the palace, I really would never have wanted to come here."

"That's probably up to you! Yun Qianyue, don't forget your engagement to Seventh Brother!" Princess Six also looked at Yun Qianyue, straightening her back and deliberately reminding her.

"Engagement is not marriage yet. Princess Six doesn’t need to worry about it. I suggest you should pay more attention to your own marital prospects instead. My brother doesn't like you, and the Jade Crown Prince of Donghai Kingdom looks down on everything; he probably wouldn't look at you either. Since we've known each other since childhood, I'm being kind by advising you not to waste your thoughts in the end gaining nothing." Yun Qianyue said lazily.

"You don’t need to be kind!" The gentle expression of Princess Six finally revealed her anger as she flung her sleeve and lifted the curtain to get into the carriage.

Yun Qianyue withdrew her gaze, took a step forward, and entered the palace gates.

Haven't come for two months, the palace was already painted with the yellow hues of autumn.

As Yun Qianyue walked towards Palace Prosperity, the eunuchs and maids in the palace all greeted her upon seeing her enter.

A group of women came forward when she still had a distance from Palace Prosperity. Leading them was Ming Fei, dressed in a pink attire looking bright and eye-catching; behind her were women clad in simple garments like green leaves surrounding a red flower.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Qianyue How long has it been since you've come to the palace I thought you had forgotten about this place," Ming Fei spoke first with a tone similar to Princess Six's.

Yun Qianyue glanced at Ming Fei and said lightly, "Ming Fei, you look more vivid every day. You're like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, getting prettier by the day. I almost didn’t recognize you."

Ming Fei was stunned; she had thought Yun Qianyue would retort sharply to her pointed remark. But it turned out differently and she was momentarily at a loss for words.

"Surely late autumn is here now, the cold of late autumn requires more clothing! Emperor Uncle still needs you to attend him!" Yun Qianyue left a sentence as she passed Ming Fei.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue followed behind her without uttering a word.

Only after Yun Qianyue had walked away did Ming Fei regain her senses, realizing that Yun Qianyue was mocking her flourishing youth while the old emperor could no longer rise. She ground her teeth in anger as she glared at Palace Prosperity where Yun Qianyue left and continued walking forward.

The concubines in the harem exchanged glances but didn't dare to speak, following behind her.

Upon arriving at Palace Prosperity, the guards guarding it opened the palace gate when they saw Yun Qianyue arrive. She walked in.

The interior of Palace Prosperity was quiet and desolate; the grass seemed to have withered before those outside, leaves scattered everywhere. Upon entering her eyes, there was a kind of bleakness. Her heart dimmed, thinking that indeed, the twin children inside were not only consuming her but also the vitality around them, making the scenery in Palace Prosperity look more withered than outside.

The chamber door opened as Guan Nanny came out to welcome Yun Qianyue and bowed slightly. "Miss Qianyue, Queen is inside! She was informed of your arrival and asked you to go in!"

Yun Qianyue nodded and walked through the curtain Guan Nanny lifted. As soon as she stepped in, she saw the queen lying on her bed; on the day Night Tianyu's wedding took place, perhaps because of her loose robes, she looked fuller. But today, without a coat, sitting upright, aside from being bigger around the belly, her face was yellow and wax-like, and wrinkles had appeared where once there were none; it seemed as if she had aged ten or twenty years overnight. She stopped walking, somewhat unbelievingly looking at her.

"Moonie, you're here" The queen originally closed her eyes to rest but now opened them.

Yun Qianyue’s eyes welled up with tears as she quickly walked to the bed and said to the queen, "Aunt, how long has it been since I last saw you How did you become like this"

"The twin fruits consume essence blood. As long as the children are well, that's all that matters," the queen held Yun Qianyue’s hand and smiled gently, "you're about to come of age in a month; what's there to be upset about now"

Yun Qianyue opened her mouth but suddenly couldn't say anything. She held the empress's hand and sat at the bedside, looking at her stomach and asking, "Is he peaceful"

"Are you talking about baby He is very peaceful!" The empress smiled with satisfaction, "Every day I can feel his heartbeat, and it makes me so happy. Auntie has never felt this content in my whole life."

"Has Father come to see you Is there really no other way" Yun Qianyue asked again.

The empress shook her head, "My brother said the same thing as Prince Jing, unless I don't want the child, otherwise there is no solution. But how could I not want my child Yue, you shouldn't worry about Auntie! Auntie knows that you have a lot on your plate and wouldn't want to see me like this, so sad-hearted, which is why I haven't called for you in these days."

Yun Qianyue nodded her head, suppressing the sorrow in her heart.

The aunt-niece duo chatted about family matters. Yun Qianyue tried to lighten the mood and talked about events outside of the palace, and before she knew it, time flew by very quickly. At noon, Yun Qianyue accompanied the empress for lunch in the palace, and only left Ronghua Palace during the evening.

Before leaving, the empress looked at Yun Qianyue and asked, "Yue, what kind of relationship do you have with Prince Jade from Donghai"

Thinking that her aunt, although living deep in the palace, knew many things, Yun Qianyue thought for a moment and replied, "A life-and-death friendship."

The empress nodded, no longer pressing further.

As soon as she left Ronghua Palace, she saw the Grand Eunuch Wen Lai waiting by Emperor's side. Seeing her come out, he hurriedly said respectfully, "Miss Yun Qianyue, His Majesty requests your presence."

"It is already getting late," Yun Qianyue looked at the darkening sky.

"I have been here since noon waiting for you. Knowing that you wouldn't leave Empress Dowager's place anytime soon, I sent people to inform His Majesty, who said no matter how late it gets, he wants you to come over," Wen Lai also glanced at the sky and added, "It is not too late actually, there's still an hour before sunset."

Yun Qianyue nodded upon hearing this, "Let's go then!"

Wen Lai immediately led the way.

The Holy Yang Hall was a place Yun Qianyue had been to many times, but never left with pleasant feelings. She assumed that this visit would be no different.

Upon arriving at the Holy Yang Hall, she saw a young eunuch welcome her and inform her that the emperor had instructed for Miss Yun Qianyue to enter directly upon arrival. Picking up the curtain, Yun Qianyue walked in.

The sky was still not dark but lamps were already lit inside the Holy Yang Hall, illuminating every corner brightly. Apart from the palace maids serving, only the old emperor lay on a bed in the hall; several memorials were placed before him.

Upon seeing Yun Qianyue arrive, the old emperor lifted his head and said to her, "Little Yue, you haven't visited the palace for quite some time!"

"Yes," Yun Qianyue sat down on a chair not far away from him and nodded.

"You have become much quieter these days," the old emperor remarked again after observing her.

"I fear that one day when Uncle Emperor is displeased, he might shout at me or strike me. Naturally, I should keep a low profile." Yun Qianyue smiled lightly and said nonchalantly.

"You are such an impudent girl! You never say anything serious in front of the emperor," the old emperor scolded with a smile.

Yun Qianyue neither agreed nor disagreed.

"How is your aunt Since I learned about her pregnancy, I haven't seen her. She doesn't want me to see her either." The old emperor said again.

"Not good!" Yun Qianyue uttered two words.

"Cousin Yue, are you blaming me for your aunt's pregnancy" The old emperor stared at Yun Qianyue's eyes.

"I have plenty of reasons to blame you! How could I possibly hold it against you" Yun Qianyue scoffed, "Elder Uncle Emperor, after waiting half a day for me, did you just want to talk about this with me"

"I know that you disliked me ever since you were little! To be honest, I didn't like you either." The old emperor didn’t answer Yun Qianyue’s question but instead changed the subject.

Yun Qianyue remained silent.

"There are many reasons why I dislike you. Firstly, you're the legitimate daughter of the Cloud Manor and were destined to be a member of the imperial family as the future empress. Just for this reason alone, I don’t like that you’re the legitimate daughter who will become my son’s empress in the future. For hundreds of years, the Imperial Harem has been dominated by daughters from the Cloud Manor, whose roots are vast and deep, making many people believe that the Tian Sheng Dynasty is actually shared equally between the imperial family and the Cloud Manor. Second, your reputation: wasteful and unrefined, illiterate, without manners or etiquette, nothing but a wild girl. Not even a hint of a lady’s demeanor, let alone being fit to be an empress in the future, ruling the empire with dignity. Lastly, although you seem to flatter me every time we meet, your eyes convey indifference; furthermore, you’ve involved both Crown Prince Jing and my seventh son as well as that little devil from the Duke of Virtue’s Manor. Now it turns out that you even brought the Jade Prince of East Sea into this mix too. In my view, a girl like you is naturally suited to be flighty."

Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows but still didn’t say anything.

"I’ve thought about killing you more than once, unfortunately I’m just too old now and can no longer do it. Moreover, that foolish boy wouldn’t allow me to harm a hair on your head. If I were to touch you, he said he’d destroy the royal tombs of Night family." The old emperor’s voice contained anger, "You’ve been so cold towards him, yet he remains unchanged, making me want to knock some sense into his head and see what else is in there besides a woman who doesn’t care about him."

Yun Qianyue remained silent. She knew that the foolish boy mentioned was Night Tianyi.

"Alright! I don't have many days left to live anyway! I can no longer manage, so I won’t anymore! When my eyes close for good, you may do as you please!" The old emperor seemed tired after saying this much and closed his eyes with a sigh.

Yun Qianyue looked at him; even the term "withered" was inadequate to describe his senile and sickly state! He resembled an ancient tree on the brink of death, waiting for winter’s frost to fall upon it before he would die, never to return.

"Letting you come here to chat with me, yet you’ve been silent all along. Never mind then, go back now!" The old emperor was quiet for a moment and opened his eyes, gesturing for Yun Qianyue to leave with his hand.

Yun Qianyue immediately stood up and stepped out of the room.

"Cousin Yue, is your mother still alive" As Yun Qianyue was about to exit through the door, the old emperor suddenly asked.

Yun Qianyue paused in her steps, squinted her eyes slightly, and slowly turned back around. Looking at the old emperor with a calm expression, she replied, "Elder Uncle Emperor, why would you say that If I remember correctly, it’s been twelve years since my mother passed away."

The old emperor stared at Yun Qianyue for a while but saw no sign of emotion. He silently waved his hand at her.

Seeing he wouldn’t delve further into the matter, Yun Qianyue turned and left the Shengyang Palace.

In the evening, the imperial palace was rather peaceful. Outside the gates, there was a carriage waiting for her.

Yun Qianyue walked over, reached out to lift the curtain, and saw Rong Jing leaning against one side of the carriage with his eyes closed, taking a nap. She climbed into the carriage beside him and asked, "Why are you waiting here"

"Knowing that you entered the palace, I finished my business and waited for you to return together!" Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue before wrapping her in his arms, "Your aunt’s situation is unavoidable; there's no need to feel too sad about it."

Yun Qianyue felt a warmth in her heart, realizing that he had waited here because he was worried she would be upset upon seeing her aunt. She reached out to wrap her arms around his waist and buried her face on his chest, shaking her head and saying, "I am somewhat sad, but when I think it’s her own choice, we should respect it."

Rong Jing's expression softened as he nodded, not uttering another word.

The carriage smoothly returned to the Cloud Manor.

—— Excerpt from Chapter—— the past now. What difference does it make to talk about it now Haven't you already done what you did regardless of whether I blamed you or not" Yun Qianmo smiled faintly, her voice carrying a cool t...