"Did she really say that?" Princess Dunsu laughed, "In the past, I would advise her that as the lady of the house, she shouldn't act like a young girl anymore. Otherwise, not only would she fail to command respect, but she would also be vulnerable to bullying. But she was just timid. Now that she has a child, she's no longer like a new bride, which is very good."

Princess Dexin put down her small gold-painted tea cup, took a handkerchief to dab the corners of her mouth, and smiled, "We're getting off topic. What timidity? She just respects herself and is unwilling to get angry easily. Remember last year when you invited us to your residence to admire the winter plum blossoms? Roujia also went. At that time, she was already heavily pregnant, but her every move and manner were still so refined. After all, she was personally trained by the previous Queen of Lingnan, exuding nobility in every way."

On this day, the princesses gathered together to visit the Emperor. After exchanging greetings and conversing briefly with the Emperor, they withdrew. Having only sat for a short while, Empress Feng felt it inappropriate to let everyone disperse like this, so she invited them to her palace. After being seated, they began discussing the jokes circulating in the Imperial City today, and the topic unknowingly turned to Roujia.

Empress Feng had recently been implicated due to the poisoning of Qi Qi, her imposing manner diminished, and her complexion had deteriorated significantly. Upon hearing this, she pulled the corners of her mouth into a smile and said, "Living with anger, nourishing with the body, this imposing manner will slowly develop." The implication was that Roujia's backbone had stiffened, naturally daring to throw her weight around now.

These words were not well-received. Everyone knew Roujia was Princess Dunsu's niece-in-law and didn't dare agree, causing the atmosphere to turn a bit cold. Empress Feng's expression turned even more unpleasant.

Princess Dexin interjected in a timely manner with a smile, "I haven't seen Roujia since she finished her confinement. I remember she had a threatened miscarriage before. Is she alright now?"

Princess Dunsu smiled, "Thank you for your concern. Her mother-in-law has taken good care of her with soups and tonics. She has recovered well now. After her confinement, she has filled out a bit. With a little dressing up, her complexion is even better than before."

Princess Dexin grinned from ear to ear, "I must say you have a knack for making people thrive. When Roujia returns, she'll probably be like your Fen'er, having babies one after another."

Princess Dunsu shook her head and laughed, "I dare not claim such a good reputation. If we talk about making people thrive, we must mention the Crown Prince. Everyone probably knew before that I wholeheartedly wanted to betroth Roujia to... Alas, some issues came up later, so I dropped the idea."

Everyone smiled knowingly. They hadn't forgotten the incident two years ago in the side hall of Qianqing Palace, where the Second Prince got into a fight with the heir and scratched his neck. Empress Feng's face instantly turned ashen. She stiffly picked up her teacup, took a sip, and pretended not to have understood the implication.

Princess Dunsu continued slowly, "To demonstrate his innocence, the Crown Prince specially vowed before the Emperor that he would not marry the Princess of Lingnan. The Crown Prince being so sensible, I as his aunt don't know what to say. Actually... whether it's Xiao'er or Hua'er, aren't they both my biological nephews? Betrothing her to either would be the same.

"It's just that with this incident, it wouldn't be good to really switch the betrothal to someone else, to avoid provoking disharmony between the brothers. It so happened that my nephew Zichen went to the Crown Prince's residence for a banquet that day. He had just been appointed as a Hanlin Scholar. The Crown Prince took a liking to him at first sight, feeling he possessed moral integrity suitable to marry the princess. He mentioned it to the King of Lingnan... oh, he was still the heir then. The heir took a look and also felt it was good, so he agreed."

Everyone naturally hadn't forgotten the events of that day. At that time, no one had high hopes for this marriage. Although He Zichen was from the He family, his father had been unfilial early on and had already been split off from the family. Later, he indulged in drinking, visiting brothels, and gambling, squandering everything before going to meet the King of Hell. What good could come from such a destitute household?

As for Roujia? While she sounded like a proper princess, her uncle's family had long been gone, her mother was not favored, and her brothers had entered the capital as hostages with no hope of succession. What waves could such a couple make in the future?

Unexpectedly, in just over a year, times had truly changed. He Zichen rose rapidly in the Hanlin Academy, while Roujia became the biological sister of a proper king. Outsiders all said Princess Dunsu had a discerning eye, finding such a capable in-law for her family.

Recalling the past in light of the present, everyone sighed endlessly. Even the pale-faced Consort Xue, sitting to the side, was listening intently, lost in thought.

Princess Yihua turned to Princess Dunsu, shaking her head with a smile, "The Crown Prince took a liking at first sight and immediately arranged such a good marriage. Putting other things aside, just in terms of the affection between this young couple, they surpass others.

"I remember when the south first fell into chaos, Roujia was depressed and suffered a threatened miscarriage. Your nephew guarded her day and night, not even going to the court for other matters, hurrying home. My youngest son often asked about it. Your nephew said... now that the south is in turmoil, she has lost her mainstay. If I'm at home, she'll at least feel more at ease. Oh my, just listen, how considerate."

Everyone took the opportunity to chime in with flattery, "The men of the He family have always been superior to others... In the end, the Crown Prince has a keen eye, finding such a good husband for the princess."

Princess Dunsu shook her head with a light laugh and turned to look at Consort Xue, smiling with deep meaning, "I dare not claim anything else, but it's true that the Crown Prince has a keen eye... Whatever he deems right, you don't even need to think, just do as he says, and you're guaranteed not to lose out."

Consort Xue's heart stirred, and her previous doubts instantly vanished.

With the Xue and Feng families repeatedly reprimanded by the Emperor, everyone's hearts were now clear as mirrors—... It used to be said the Crown Prince couldn't inherit the throne, but now it seems quite likely. Therefore, they were even more earnest in flattering Princess Dunsu, leaving Empress Feng out in the cold.

Empress Feng was stifled, drinking tea alone without speaking. After Princess Dunsu politely exchanged a few words, she turned to Consort Xue with concern, "I heard the Third Prince fell ill again. Has he gotten better?"

Tears welled up in Consort Xue's eyes. Qi Qi had truly been harmed this time, but no clues could be found. People mockingly said she was using the same old tricks, vicious-hearted, using her son's life to vie for favor.

Consort Xue had grievances she couldn't express. She wrote a blood letter to the Emperor. Although the Emperor also investigated and reprimanded the Feng family, Consort Xue knew in her heart that the Emperor now suspected her.

With her own son suffering such a great injustice, how could Consort Xue not feel distressed? She used a handkerchief to dab the corners of her eyes.

After a long while, she said hoarsely, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. He has gotten much better, it's just that he's still weak and can't get out of bed. Otherwise, I would have him come pay respects to Your Highness."

Her words were so earnest and pitiful that most of the mothers present couldn't help but sympathize. However, Empress Feng could no longer hold back. She heavily placed her teacup on the table and coldly scolded, "Enough! Who are you putting on this act for? The Emperor isn't here, so save your tears. If you use them all up, what will you have left to complain to the Emperor with later?"

Everyone was stunned for a moment. The princesses all stood up, looking awkward. Princess Dunsu laughed mockingly in her heart. These past few days had not been easy for Empress Feng either. The Emperor suspected that she had tried to harm the imperial heir, and had reprimanded her several times both openly and in private. However, she was truly innocent this time, wrongfully accused and unable to defend herself, left only to seethe in anger. It seemed she could no longer hold it in.

The princesses and the elder princess all felt somewhat uneasy, but Princess Dunsu remained calm and composed, sitting serenely in her seat. She said mildly, "What's the matter, Empress? Consort Xue is the mother of the Third Prince, so it's only natural for her to be concerned about her son. Even if she loses some decorum, it's still forgivable."

Empress Feng laughed coldly in mockery, "I'm not angry, I just find it amusing. Slapping yourself and then crying to others that your face is swollen - who can't see through this ploy? Once or twice is fine, but if it happens too often, no one will believe it anymore."

No one expected Empress Feng to suddenly tear off the facade without any regard for her dignity. They were all startled. Everyone looked at each other, not knowing how to resolve the situation.

However, Princess Dunsu acted as if she didn't understand and turned to look at Empress Feng, laughing in disbelief, "What's wrong, Empress? Which part of Consort Xue's words were incorrect? You should just instruct her. How did it provoke your anger?"

Empress Feng had originally believed that her son had finally turned the tables, but unexpectedly, there was another setback. Filled with anger and resentment, how could she still care about saving face?

She said indignantly, "How dare I be angry? I haven't done anything, yet she keeps putting on the act of a heartbroken beauty. If I had really done something, wouldn't she have hanged herself at my palace gate already? I just hope it's not all for show again."

Consort Xue indeed had some intention of putting on an act, but now she truly became resentful. That day when Qi Qi was poisoned, a single detoxifying soup could have saved his life, but Empress Feng had blocked the summons for the imperial physician. By the time the physician arrived, Qi Qi was already unable to speak. How could Consort Xue let go of such a deep grudge?

Princess Dunsu watched the undercurrents surging between the two and laughed inwardly. She pretended to mediate, saying, "Enough, enough. It's not a big deal. We're all family. Let bygones be bygones. But Empress... I'm not trying to take sides, but in the future, if the Third Prince has any discomfort and needs to summon the imperial physicians, just agree to it. Don't let the Imperial Physician Institute sit idle while the prince's life hangs in the balance. Regardless of whether it's a serious illness or a minor one, he is still an imperial heir, isn't he?"

Consort Xue, remembering Princess Dunsu's previous instructions, took the opportunity to kneel down and kowtow repeatedly while crying, "All the wrongs are my wrongs. I only beg the Empress... not to harm my child..."

Consort Xue's cries were heart-wrenching. Princess Dunsu sighed and shook her head, "A parent's heart is truly pitiful."

Empress Feng's face turned purple with anger. She grabbed a teacup and smashed it, causing a commotion in the hall...

This farce finally ended with Fu Hailu bringing the Emperor's decree to Fenghua Palace.

Fu Hailu had just attended to the Emperor, who had coughed up blood, and was in no mood for pleasantries. He said coldly, "Conveying the Emperor's decree: Fourth Prince Qi Li has reached the age of twelve and it is no longer appropriate for him to reside in the same palace as Consort Jiang. Starting today, Prince Qi Li will be moved to Yulong Palace. Eight nannies and two tutors will be specially assigned to him."

Empress Feng immediately exclaimed, "That lowly maid's spawn, how can he..."

"Empress," Fu Hailu interrupted coldly, "Now that Prince Qi Li has his own palace, according to tradition, he can be addressed as 'Your Highness'. I hope the Empress will be cautious with her words."

As if he felt Empress Feng wasn't miserable enough, Fu Hailu added, "The Emperor also said that Prince Qi Li is young and weak. In recent years, he has been neglected and the Emperor feels distressed about it. He instructed the Empress to furnish Yulong Palace luxuriously and not to shortchange Prince Qi Li. Although the provisions cannot compare to those of the Crown Prince's Haiyan Palace back then, they should not be less than those of the Second and Third Princes."

Empress Feng felt like there was a fishbone stuck in her throat. After a long while, she finally answered with a single word: "Alright."

Outside the palace, upon hearing the news, Qi Xiao laughed mockingly. Using the Fourth Prince to suppress the situation was indeed a feasible move, but it was already too late. Qi Xiao immediately summoned Jiang Deqing and instructed calmly, "Tell Xi Xiang that he can increase the dosage now."

Jiang Deqing swallowed and asked in a low voice, "Is it... time?"

Qi Xiao gently fiddled with the life talisman at his waist, unhurriedly saying, "It's not time yet. It's just that I no longer need his mouth now, so we can shut him up first. When I've dealt with everything that needs to be dealt with, I'll let him wake up... and slowly settle the scores with him for all these years."

Qi Xiao had placed his final chess piece. Now he was just waiting to collect the board.

Three days later, on the spring equinox, the Emperor knocked over a bowl of lotus seed soup in the morning and coughed up blood. He tightly grasped Fu Hailu's hand, gasping for breath for half a day before falling unconscious.

Although he was revived, he remained in a daze. His body was completely spent. Eating a meal could exhaust all his energy. He slept for ten hours a day, and the remaining two hours were spent either eating or taking medicine. He couldn't even speak properly. As for state affairs... he had no energy left at all.

With the Emperor's complete collapse, the Feng family, who had just seen a glimmer of hope only to be immediately suppressed into the mud, was at a loss. The Xue family, who had been repeatedly disciplined, remained silent. The newly favored former palace maid Consort Jiang and Prince Qi Li were even more dumbfounded.

They weren't the only ones who were dumbfounded. The court officials and the capital's powerful figures were the most uncertain. The Emperor had fallen into a coma at such a timely moment. Just before that, he had fiercely suppressed the Second and Third Princes several times, and in a stroke of genius, had greatly promoted the Fourth Prince before losing consciousness. So... which prince did the Emperor truly favor?

Moreover, most importantly, in the past month, the Emperor had thoroughly scrutinized the Xue family. Two members of the Xue family had retired, two had claimed illness, and they were still in mourning. The Xue officials who had already fallen out of favor were sent back to continue their mourning.

Judging from the situation, it was impossible for the Xue family to fight for anything as the maternal relatives of the Third Prince. As for the Feng family, they had been repeatedly disciplined by the Emperor for nearly two years and no longer had the power to scheme. Looking at the capital's new nobles, the Jiang family... it was troubling for the officials, as they couldn't find any members of the Jiang family in the court.

Everyone's eyes unconsciously turned towards the Crown Prince... The wheel of fate turns, destiny shifts; could it be that the royal bloodline is finally returning to the main hall?