Chapter Nine, Insomnia

As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Hong's expression and actions came to a halt, and the atmosphere suddenly fell into a dead silence. Fang Luan did not dare to breathe, and even though she had over ten years of experience in intimate conversations with him, she could not recall a moment as grave as this one.

She reminisced about the past, filled with emotion. "Before the empress was deposed, she had roughly understood the ins and outs of the matter, but when speaking to others, she claimed it was the doing of the deceased's sister outside the palace. Who would believe that? Moreover, she was the daughter-in-law of the minister's family, and the empress had no means to reach her. The situation at that time was complex, making it impossible to turn against the minister's family. She had to endure this loss and hastily found a scapegoat—namely, the biological sister of the princess. The original intention was to take revenge on that family, but unexpectedly, the princess grew bolder, and after narrowly escaping once, she did not stop. She actually conspired for another sister in the palace, leading to the empress's downfall as well."

The path she intends to take is a different one

The young prince's soft eyelashes fluttered gently. King Yong said, "What can we do? As a blood relative so closely connected to the Emperor, it will be too late to defend ourselves when others accuse us of treason. Every day we live, we must prove our loyalty to the one on the throne, demonstrating that we have no desire for the imperial throne." He shook his head helplessly, "I have heard that the Crown Prince can coldly kill his unborn siblings. Every day we live, we must prove our loyalty to the one on the throne, demonstrating that we have no desire for the imperial throne." He shook his head helplessly, "I have heard that the Crown Prince can coldly kill his unborn siblings. If the concubines in the harem no longer bear princes, when he ascends the throne, you will be the only one of his generation among the royal family. This is the reason I invited the Choi family—not to ensure you possess enough dazzling talent, but to make you cunning enough, charming enough to put him at ease with you.

She smiled with understanding and shook her head, saying, "I was momentarily willful, and I now regret it. Your Majesty has just shown signs of recovery, and I do not dare to hinder your rest." After speaking, she stood up and, as usual, arranged for the Emperor's rest in an orderly manner

Shen Hong pinched the embroidered pouch without expressing anything, and then asked, "Is there anything special happening outside? What have you seen or heard?" He intentionally shifted the topic. Fang Luan looked at him with concern and no longer mentioned the embroidered pouch, responding, "The recent major events are nothing more than the return of the Duke of Lanling and the Prince of Yong to the capital. His Highness the Prince of Yong has been mature in handling affairs since childhood, and this time, his every action in the capital has been beyond reproach. As for the Duke of Lanling, it is said that the Empress has ordered him to reflect in seclusion at his residence, and he has not made any significant moves." His Highness the Prince of Yong has been mature in handling affairs since childhood, and this time, his every action in the capital has been beyond reproach. As for the Duke of Lanling, it is said that the Empress has ordered him to reflect in seclusion at his residence, and he has not made any significant moves.

Li Huaiying, however, smiled and said: "Just wait! She will come again."

His expression startled Fang Luan, causing her to become tongue-tied: "Your, Your Majesty, regarding Her Majesty the Empress..." The cold gaze of Shen Hong fell upon her face, and Fang Luan instinctively retracted the latter half of her sentence, changing the subject: "Recently, there have been quite a few people coming and going in the Xiang residence—I have heard some disrespectful remarks." She took a breath and continued: "Some are speculating whether, after the Crown Prince returns to the capital this time, Your Majesty will abdicate in his favor."

She shook her head and sighed: "That woman is like a wild vine with nowhere to grow, her ambitions are immense! Give her a crack, and she will break through the wall, spreading recklessly—not to achieve any grand vision, but simply to prove that she is capable of doing so"

Your Majesty has always known? Su Ying felt somewhat unconvinced in her heart, does Your Majesty know what chaotic things she has learned in that academy?

"Who said this?" The unusually deep and prolonged tone of Shen Hong was remarkable, and Fang Luan did not dare to deceive him, so she counted out a few individuals for him. Shen Hong said nothing further and waved his hand, indicating that she could leave.

On the other side of the wall, the Jade Shard Palace was enveloped in silence, and the night watchmen had already been dismissed. Eunuch Pan, holding a red lantern, pushed open the palace door and softly said inside: "Your Majesty, she has arrived"

"Gong Zhengsi Yang Fang, and also a palace maid here, Feng Lingrou." Su Ying said while lifting the teapot beside her, "We must be courteous to her—I invited her to come for tea and reminisce."

Shen Hong, draped in a robe, sat by the window, gazing intently at the night sky outside without a sideways glance. The night breeze flowed in through the window cracks, seemingly unnoticed by him. The myriad stars reflected in his eyes, filling them with a sense of ethereal brilliance.

Su Ying gazed at him, her eyes gradually drifting, as she gently rested her head on his shoulder. Is her wish, for which she has paid a price, finally coming true? She was determined to try once more

Mrs. Feng, unable to sleep, recounted to her husband the exact words that Zhen Ning had said during her several visits. Li Huaiying listened quietly, occasionally nodding. In the end, Mrs. Feng lamented, "What a fine young lady she was, yet she turned out to be a princess... I fear we may never see her again."

Su Ying sat quietly, still awake as night fell. She reflected on the Emperor's words and actions since he fell ill, and suddenly realized: a year of hers had slipped away while waiting for her brother to return to the capital, taking with it two months. With the Eastern Palace soon to return to court, there were still many matters she needed to attend to

The heir respectfully replied: "Because the child spoke too much in front of the princess."

When Fang Luan stood up, he asked again: "Fang Luan, if someone, out of good intentions, were to ask you to do something you really do not want to do, causing you to be greatly disappointed in their character... what would you do?" Fang Luan pondered for a moment and replied: "If that person is Your Majesty, no matter what you command, I will certainly comply."

This day is not a significant one, yet many people stayed awake all night

King Yong gently touched his son's head and smiled, saying: "If you were born a foolish child, I would be saddened, yet I would also know that your life is safe. However, since you are born intelligent, your parents cannot help but put in extra effort to plan for the future. If only your mother could be like that princess, I would probably have much less to worry about."

In the vast palace, only three people know: the figure coming to the Jade Shard Palace is not the ghost of Empress Huai Min, but rather Madam Ju, who is meeting with the Emperor here

Thinking of her two elder sisters, Zhen Ning was reminded of what the palace maids had secretly told her recently: the Emperor and the Empress were going to choose a husband for her. The thought of this made Zhen Ning feel disgusted. Marrying like her sister Rong An, who was selected after countless considerations and was overjoyed, was nothing more than marrying a man like Bai Xinmo. Rong An was foolish for not realizing that she had entrusted herself to the wrong person. Now, was she to let another scheming man take advantage of her royal lineage? Absolutely not! Now, was she to let another scheming man take advantage of her royal lineage? Absolutely not!

Fang Luan took out a small embroidered pouch from her bosom, hesitated for a moment before handing it to Shen Hong. "Your Majesty should know that this item is very harmful to your current health."

"If Your Highness wishes to bide your time and cultivate your strength, it is best not to have any dealings with this person," Cui Luoxia said slowly. "Who can control the growth of wild vines?"

Su Ying was startled and propped herself up to look at him. His gaze was clear and calm, unwavering as it met hers—this was truly his gaze. In that moment, Su Ying clearly confirmed her suspicions: he must have another belief in his heart that allowed him to continually compromise with her on the surface

"You haven't looked closely enough," Shen Hong said softly. "Su Ying's gaze... she wouldn't have looked at me like that before. Something has changed, and I am a bit worried."

Zhen Ning, feeling both hungry and resentful in her chamber, found it impossible to sleep. She secretly vowed never to be intimidated by Su Ying and promised herself that she would seize any opportunity to go out again, leaving Su Ying with no means to counter her. She was also uncertain about how Mr. Huai Ying and the Feng family felt after all the commotion, and whether they would welcome her presence once more. Surely, they would not be afraid. They were people who understood many principles! She had many questions that she needed to consult Mr. Huai Ying about! If she could grasp the knowledge that Mr. Huai Ying possessed, she would surely become a princess unlike her sisters!

As Su Ying was serving dinner in the Jade Shard Palace, she naturally glanced after the third "ke" character and discovered that the Emperor was actually standing by the window. Her steps involuntarily quickened, and she hurried to his side in just a few strides. Her expression of joy was unmistakable, and the Emperor smiled, one hand resting on the window frame while the other reached out to embrace her. However, he lost his balance again, and Su Ying quickly supported him with her body, while the palace maids hurriedly assisted the Emperor back to bed. The smile on his face turned awkward, but it soon returned to a grin. However, he lost his balance again, and Su Ying quickly supported him with her body, while the palace maids hurriedly assisted the Emperor back to bed. The smile on his face turned awkward, but it soon returned to a grin.

Su Ying knew that the emperor favored the princess, yet she stubbornly said: "The one who brings shame upon herself is her own self—if she still remembers that she is an unmarried girl, she should not go to a place crowded with young men"

What about the things you brought?

The guard shivered, suspecting that he was seeing things, and shook his head as he walked away

The woman knelt before him and sincerely said, "Your Majesty, you look exceptionally well, which is truly reassuring"

"Fang Luan." Shen Hong smiled at her: "Long time no see"

In the back courtyard of Mingde Academy, Li Huaiying's wife, Feng, still sighed: "That girl Rui'er, unexpectedly... sigh!" Li Huaiying lay on his back on the bed, his hands placed on his chest, his ten fingers leisurely gliding over the quilt as if playing a zither. After a long while, he finally spoke: "How does Miss Rui'er usually talk about her family matters? I seem to recall you mentioning that she mentioned her father being ill, her stepmother being weak by nature yet wanting to seize the family fortune, and a scheming steward lurking nearby?" A barely noticeable smile blossomed on his face: "Heh! What else did she say?"

Shen Hong curled the corners of his mouth, but his smile did not convey approval. Fang Luan sensed the subtlety and asked, "Your Majesty, do you require me to pay closer attention to the actions of the Hou family?"

The heir nodded and said, "I will certainly remember my father's teachings." After a moment of thought, he added, "In the future, if I have the opportunity to meet Princess Dechang, I will not provoke her either."

He showed no reaction at all. Su Ying thought that his tolerance had not yet led him to abandon his stubbornness. Tomorrow, she would go and uproot those pomegranate trees

The King of Yong, holding a lamp and walking slowly, suddenly stopped in his tracks, his rigid figure remaining motionless, as if gripped tightly by an invisible hand on his shoulders. When he turned and crouched beside his son, his face appeared so pale under the moonlight, as if recalling some terrifying event. "Your mother and my mother, the noble Consort Xiang, are indeed not at all associated with 'ruthlessness'; they find it difficult to even protect their young children."

As soon as the woman entered, she sensed a wave of heat rushing towards her—there was already a fire lit in the Jade Fragment Palace. She stepped forward and gently closed the window, saying: "Your Majesty, please be cautious; the sudden changes in temperature may disrupt your health"

Su Ying turned around, her tone indifferent: "Your Majesty, do you not think that the time has come to select a consort for Zhen Ning?"

A dark cloud enveloped the moonlight, and a red silk lantern in the shadow of the pavilion became particularly dazzling. A palace guard, seeing the lantern from a distance, was about to approach and inquire, when the red light suddenly vanished with a strange sound. He walked to the spot where the lantern had disappeared, just as the moon leisurely drifted out from behind the clouds, illuminating three sides of the palace walls—a dead end, with a corner eave of the Jade Flake Palace peeking over the wall.

"Why? Because she is cruel and terrifying?" The Crown Prince said while holding his son's hand as they walked, "Isn't that necessarily a bad thing? Empress Dowager Kangyu is more ruthless than my mother; she pushed her son onto the throne, and now we all have to watch his expression and live by guessing his thoughts. If my mother were like her, perhaps we wouldn't have to live so cautiously." Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince became confused again and after a moment of thought said, "I understand now. Such a person is indeed terrifying as an enemy, but if they can be utilized, one can achieve accomplishments beyond the reach of ordinary people. Next time I see her, I will show her even more respect."

The widow of a noble family was commanded to remarry... Deep Hong nodded thoughtfully, "There have indeed been precedents for this in the past." Fang Luan glanced at Deep Hong's expression and said softly, "The ministers have been voicing some criticisms about Her Majesty the Empress in recent days, but Her Majesty possesses a broad-mindedness, tolerating all opinions, which has gradually rendered them speechless. It is indeed rare to find a young woman from the Su family who can be like Her Majesty the Empress today."

Shen Hong chuckled and said, "Do not overestimate my tolerance towards you; perhaps one day, I will hold you accountable for this statement."

His voice was soft, as if recounting trivial memories. "On the day the Prince of Xiu died, I witnessed a spear pierce his chest... I thought, perhaps it was a dream, like the dreams I had in the past, that my beloved brother, favored by Father Emperor, had died. But it hurt here." He patted his shoulder and said, "The pain reminds me it is not a dream—my mother, Consort Xiang, stood behind me, staring intently at the corpse of the Prince of Xiu, her hands gripping my shoulders tightly, her nails almost digging into my flesh. Later, she asked me, 'Can you do it? Kill your own brother and still be respected?' I said I could not. She said, 'The one on the throne can do it. Leave the capital, the farther the better. I do not wish for you to become the next stepping stone for a wrongful death.' She could only use this method to save my life. At that time, I was twelve years old, accompanied by a pitifully small retinue, heading to the fief like an exile.

If I, a humble servant, do not know my own limitations and willingly accept punishment. After Fang Luan finished speaking, she performed a bow and took her leave, while the eunuch Pan at the door still held the red silk lantern to see her off

Su Ying sat beside him, feeding him while secretly observing his expression—he struggled to rise, and his complexion was worse than usual. Su Ying comforted him, saying: "Recovering from illness is like pulling silk; Your Majesty need not be anxious in the moment."

In the Yongwang Mansion, there is also a solitary lamp that flickers but does not extinguish. The Yongwang leisurely flips through books beside the lamp, occasionally asking Cui Luoxia about the allusions found in the texts. Kneeling before the desk is the heir, yet the two of them remain oblivious to his presence. The heir listens calmly to their conversation, having knelt for a considerable time, yet showing not a trace of resentment.

Shen Hong smiled and said, "There is no need to take this opportunity to express loyalty—I have never doubted your loyalty. Give me a concrete answer." "This is my sincere response," Fang Luan replied, bowing slightly. "I understand how Your Majesty shows kindness to others, and I have also witnessed the fate of those who overestimate themselves and betray Your Majesty's goodwill.

I thought there was finally some improvement..." The emperor sighed softly

The emperor's gaze was piercing, and Su Ying felt a sense of guilt under his scrutiny, slightly turning her body. Yet, she thought to herself: it is indeed unreasonable for Ning to make baseless accusations against Su Chen. With this thought, she felt that it was not inappropriate to teach such a girl a lesson. However, the emperor did not agree, saying: "It is not unusual for a girl of around ten years old, confined in the palace all day, to be curious about the boys of her age gathering in the outside academies. Moreover, it is not a crime for her to broaden her horizons."

On that day, she was in good spirits and, coincidentally, had very good reasons, so she instructed someone to call Bai Xinzhe and said to him: "You go and help me find two people to come in."

Shen Hong leaned against the wall to stand up, took several deep breaths, and then slowly moved towards the bed. After much effort, he reached the edge of the bed, leaned his body sideways onto it, and with great difficulty, embraced the jade pillow. He then took out the embroidered pouch presented by Fang Luan from his bosom. His jade pillow was also a box, which could hold some small items when opened. Shen Hong emptied the contents of the embroidered pouch: round, bead-like fruits and a few fresh green leaves fell out.

Shen Hong let out a soft sigh, closed the jade pillow, threw the embroidered pouch into the stove to burn, and then lay back on the bed, gently closing her eyes

The emperor gazed at her quietly, a slight smile on his face: "Indeed." His prompt agreement, however, did not bring Su Ying any joy—things had been going too smoothly lately; whatever wish she had, he fulfilled for her. She was concerned about Su Sa, and without needing to voice her worries, he had already made a light judgment. ... She was also worried about Zhen Ning, and with just a casual mention, he agreed to marry off the princess ...? ... What was he thinking?

The heir apparent listened attentively to her words and nodded, but he noticed that his father's expression was not as usual. Before the father and son each returned to their rooms to sleep, the heir could not help but look up and ask his father: "Are the women of the Su family truly that cruel? The Empress Mother is not like that. Nor is my father's mother, right?"

The emperor could eat no more after having just a little, instead he mentioned that Princess Zhenning refused to have dinner, with a hint of reproach towards Su Ying in his tone. "Using the full ceremonial display to expose the unmarried Princess Zhenning to the public, such humiliation is excessive on your part."

Cui Luoxia's expression was grave as she said: "Your Highness, do you know that approximately three years ago, at this very time, that woman killed her own pregnant sister? Shortly thereafter, she framed the then-Empress—at that time, she was merely a young woman who had never set foot in the palace. " Both the Crown Prince and Prince Yong were taken aback. Cui Luoxia continued: "The younger sister of Princess Dechang poisoned the princess before entering the palace for selection, seeking revenge against the princess and her mother. Her sister, who entered the palace, was quite capable; within a few months, she gained the Emperor's favor beyond the established rules and subsequently became pregnant. The Prince of Dongping, who is now known as Prince Ping, held great hopes for this daughter, yet he said not a word regarding the princess's misfortune. The princess married the second son of the Prime Minister and remained silent, but when she acted, she took her sister's life, thwarting her father's wishes and subtly pointing the blame towards the then-Empress.

There is no need to be particularly concerned about Prince Yong. The situation is different for Prince of Lanling—there have been ongoing rumors that Shengle will remarry him, and what discussions are there now

The matter of the prince being stripped of his general position has sparked much debate. However, few question his ability to remain loyal to the emperor. He has been staying behind closed doors at the prince's residence, and Princess Shengle has even written to comfort him. Moreover, the Empress is determined to see their marriage come to fruition, leading outsiders to speculate that, at the latest, once Princess Shengle's mourning period is over, she will marry the prince. Given the Empress's proactive stance, it is also possible that the marriage will be arranged even sooner, with an imperial decree for them to wed.

After finishing a book, King Yong asked his son: "Do you know why you are being punished?"

When you face wild dogs, you know not to act rashly. Yet when confronted with a person, you forget to be cautious and flaunt your judgment in front of her. Wang Yong said gently, "She does not appear as ferocious as a wild dog, but she is a Su. By the time you were born, she had already learned things that are more sophisticated and intricate than you can imagine"

"To speak in front of me about what the Su family and the Cui family would never teach her is undoubtedly influenced by that academy. However, I occasionally find her thoughts quite interesting." The emperor smiled as he held Su Ying's hand, "Although she has a difficult temperament, she will become a person with her own opinions, completely different from her siblings—what more can a father ask for from a daughter?"

The ancient palace is filled with many mysterious rumors, one of which states that whenever the emperor stays overnight in the Jade Shard Palace to reminisce about his mother, a woman's ghost follows the old path to the Jade Shard Palace. It is said that this is the ghost of Empress Huai Min, who believes that her sister, Empress Dowager Kang Yu, has returned to her former sleeping quarters, and thus she goes to seek vengeance. To block her path, a wall was erected along this road. She is always unable to find the way to the Jade Shard Palace and leaves only after letting out a low growl in frustration. It is said that this is the ghost of Empress Huai Min, who believes that her sister, Empress Dowager Kang Yu, has returned to her former sleeping quarters, and thus she goes to seek vengeance. To block her path, a wall was erected along this road. She is always unable to find the way to the Jade Shard Palace and leaves only after letting out a low growl in frustration

But at this moment he said: "Stay."

Let me stay tonight

After Princess Zhenning returned to the palace with her grand entourage, she shut herself in her chambers and refused to see anyone. Her return to the palace this time caused quite a stir, even alarming the Jade Shard Palace.

Su Ying, seeing his blatant favoritism, could only remain silent

Winter corals ... . ... It is best not to use them. However, the world is unpredictable, and it is wise to be prepared.

You are jealous of her. Her status, her courage, her recklessness..." The emperor said slowly, "Now, she can no longer go to that academy, and they dare not receive a princess who has left the palace without permission. She cannot even leave the palace anymore—there are people outside who would recognize her, and she could be harmed. " He sighed, "But can you really keep this little thing under control by locking her up with you?" "Now, she can no longer go to that academy, and they dare not receive a princess who has left the palace without permission. She cannot even leave the palace anymore—there are people outside who would recognize her, and she could be harmed. " He sighed, "But can you really keep this little thing under control by locking her up with you?"

The King of Yong sat upright and listened intently. In the end, he pondered solemnly and said, "If that is the case, this person is indeed a remarkable individual among the Su family..."

If you believe her, listen to her tone carefully and ask, "Which two?"