Edited: 12.17.2023
Ye Zi was silent.
Miss Jing had delicate features, a pair of almond-shaped eyes, and a delicate figure. She was pretty and charming. Although he had clearly never seen the person in front of him before, for some reason, her eyebrow structure seemed familiar.
Ye Zi hesitated for a moment: “Miss……Jing, have we met somewhere before?”
Miss Jing’s whole body trembled slightly as if she was frightened, her fingers clenched her sleeves nervously, and she sputtered: “N-No, we’ve never met before!”
She sheepishly looked up at Ye Zi. Seeing that the latter was still staring at her, she hurriedly dropped her head like a quail and didn’t dare to move any further.
She practically had the word “liar” written on her face.
Ye Zi: “……”
Without waiting for Ye Zi to speak, Gu Yan took the lead: “The wedding banquet will be held in a couple of days, so it’s better for the miss not to run around. Fortunately, she only bumped into us, but if something goes wrong, it’ll be troublesome.”
Miss Jing was immediately discouraged and said listlessly: “Oh, I understand.”
No one had ever dared to speak in such a tone in front of Prince Rui. The two maids next to Miss Jing were so frightened that they almost knelt down: “Your Majesty, please forgive her. The young miss has just entered the palace and doesn’t understand the rules. Please don’t blame her, Your Majesty.”
Gu Yan shook his head: “There’s no harm, take her back.”
“Yes.”
The two palace maids led the future Crown Princess away. Ye Zi stared at that person’s figure for quite a while before turning his head to look at Gu Yan. But before he could ask, Gu Yan took the lead: “Let’s go back home first.”
Ye Zi frowned, didn’t say anything, and obediently followed Gu Yan out of the palace gates.
As the two of them rode on the carriage back to the Prince’s manor, Ye Zi was still thinking about Miss Jing, whom he had just met. He was about to open his mouth to ask, when Gu Yan suddenly started: “By the way, just now Emperor Jinghe asked me about the epidemic in Jiangnan.”
This topic change could be said to be very blunt.
Ye Zi was silent for a moment: “What did he say?”
Gu Yan said: “He asked me how I found the source, caught Feng Yihai, and how I found the cure.”
Ye Zi was stunned: “What did you……say?”
“The truth.” Gu Yan said, “I told him that it was Sixth Imperial Uncle who helped me.”
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Ye Zi was shocked: “Then he……”
Gu Yan felt happy when he thought of Emperor Jinghe’s appearance just now and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly: “He was so angry that he almost lost his breath. He couldn’t say anything, so he had to send me away.”
Ye Zi was frightened when he heard this and whispered: “Zicheng, it’s too dangerous for you to do this. If he suspects that you know the truth about twenty years ago…….”
“No harm done.” Gu Yan shook his head, “He mentioned this in front of me today because he wants to test whether I know about the past or not. No matter what I say, he will be skeptical. In fact, it doesn’t matter if he suspects me or not, with Sixth Imperial Uncle in front of me as a barrier, he can’t touch me for the time being.”
“Since the new Crown Prince is going to be established soon, he wouldn’t dare to do anything rashly.”
Ye Zi pondered: “Zicheng, I always feel that this matter is not that simple.”
“If that poisonous flower was really handed over to Feng Yihai by Emperor Jinghe, why did he let Feng Yihai spread the plague in Jiangnan? Just so he could harm you? Or is……it someone else.”
Gu Yan took two soft cushions and placed them behind Ye Zi, wrapping him into his embrace: “Sixth Imperial Uncle never said that the doctor was invited to Chang’an by Emperor Jinghe.”
Ye Zi was stunned for a moment: “You mean……”
Gu Yan’s gaze drifted towards the window and he faintly said: “That incident back then was indeed the work of Emperor Jinghe, but I believe he may not be the only one involved.”
Ye Zi whispered: “Then who else would it be……”
Gu Yan said: “Although I am the one who went to Jiangnan this time, do you remember that it was the Crown Prince who went to Jiangnan in the previous life? There was also an epidemic in Jiangnan in the previous life. Looking at it this way, it seems that that person didn’t just want me to fall on my face, they also wanted the Crown Prince to fall on his face. Do you remember what happened next in your previous life?”
Ye Zi thought for a moment: “The Crown Prince returned to Chang’an and because of the improper management of the flooding and epidemic, he was punished by Emperor Jinghe. The whole dynasty became more and more dissatisfied with him and it wasn’t long before……”
Gu Yan said: “It wasn’t long before Emperor Jinghe issued a decree to remove the current Crown Prince and establish Gu Xuan as the Crown Prince instead.”
“Gu Xuan…..” Ye Zi pondered for a moment and raised his eyes to look at him, “Are you trying to say that……it was Noble Consort Yu?”
“A Zi, don’t you understand, who that person was is actually not important to us and it’s also very difficult to check.” Gu Yan said, “What’s important is that from the moment the epidemic was cured, an unseen sharp blade hung over Emperor Jinghe’s head, and all those who are related to this matter and know about it will become part of that blade.”
A smile slowly appeared on Gu Yan’s lips: “He would be restless every day, unable to sleep, as he constantly worries about if what happened back then would be revealed.”
Ye Zi looked at him.
He really didn’t understand what Gu Yan had in mind. Gu Yan had never been shy about showing his hatred for Emperor Jinghe in front of Ye Zi, but other than that, he didn’t have any genuine desire to overthrow that person.
On the contrary, he secretly helped Gu Xuan to seize power and also helped conceal Gu Yi’s rebellion. He got himself involved but seemed to be separated from the chaos.
Chang’an was still peaceful now, but it might not be long before it became bloody.
When Ye Zi thought of this, an idea suddenly came to his mind.
Could this be Gu Yan’s purpose?
Before Ye Zi could figure it out, the carriage quickly arrived a short distance outside the Prince’s manor. When Ye Zi saw the entrance of the manor from a distance, he subconsciously broke away from Gu Yan.
Gu Yan frowned and looked at him askance: “What are you doing?”
Ye Zi shrank to the other end of the carriage and sat down, feeling guilty and not daring to look at him: “It’s nothing.”
Gu Yan didn’t believe him at all. He got up and came over to Ye Zi’s side, wrapping his arms around him from behind: “What is it that my beloved consort is suddenly upset with me about?”
The low hoarse voice maliciously drilled inward along Ye Zi’s ear. Ye Zi shivered a bit and pushed on his hand: “Stop messing around, we’re almost there.”
“So what if we’re almost there?” Gu Yan said, “I’m hugging my princess consort at my own manor, is someone going to scold me?”
The hug didn’t stop and he started rubbing Ye Zi with his fingers through the thin robe, as if he wanted to slide them under the hem.
Ye Zi urgently pulled his wrist, his voice trembling: “Zicheng, don’t……”
Gu Yan stopped moving, but still maintained the posture of holding him: “Then tell me, what’s wrong?”
Ye Zi pursed his lips and stammered for a while: “Yesterday, the great princess said……”
“Said?”
Ye Zi’s ear tips reddened slightly as he whispered: “She said that you are in poor health and told me……told me not to keep pestering you……”
Gu Yan: “……”
Gu Yan took a deep breath and before he could say anything, the carriage gently shook and stopped. Ye Zi hurriedly broke free from his arms and took the lead to get off the carriage first before stretching out a hand towards him as if to help him.
Gu Yan was exasperated by the serious expression on his face, but he had no choice but to hold back the fire in his heart as so many people watched. Reaching out to hold Ye Zi’s hand, he was helped down from the carriage.
At this time, within the Noble Consort Yu’s chambers, Emperor Jinghe’s face was furious as he hissed with his drink: “Didn’t you take care of everything back then, why does Prince Jing know about it?”
Noble Consort Yu fell to her knees in front of him and said with downcast eyes: “I did follow Your Holiness’s request and had the doctor killed. Moreover, the people related to it have been silenced, I-I really don’t know……”
“You don’t know……” Jinghe Emperor’s voice was dark and hoarse, “I told you long ago that that flower was not allowed to be cultivated privately anymore, but you——”
Emperor Jinghe coughed violently twice, his face reddening.
“Your Holiness!” Noble Consort Yu knelt and took two steps forward, reaching out to grab the hem of his dragon robe: “Your Holiness, please take care of your body. I……I will go and investigate right now. I will definitely find out everything!”
Emperor Jinghe took a deep breath before finally coming back to his senses and said in a deep voice: “Yes, go and investigate. All the people, children, and relatives of those who knew the existence of the coil orchid back then should be investigated. No one can be left alive.”
Noble Consort Yu lowered her head and responded: “Yes.”
Emperor Jinghe took another deep breath, barely managing to stabilize his breathing: “Noble Consort Yu, you should understand in your heart how you came to be in this position. If you hadn’t offered the coil orchid to me in the beginning, you wouldn’t be here today. I will make Xuan’er the Crown Prince, this world sooner or later is his. If you know your place, your position as Empress Dowager should also be set in stone, but if you don’t know your place……”
Emperor Jinghe bent down and whispered in her ear: “Just the crime of poisoning and murdering the former Crown Prince is enough for me to punish all and anyone related to you.”
After Emperor Jinghe finished saying this, he stood up trembling and walked towards the outside of the hall. Noble Consort Yu knelt on the ground in a daze, her eyes trembling slightly, and she was huddled on the ground as if she was afraid of the cold. After a long time, light footsteps slowly walked into the hall.
Someone gently helped her up from behind.
Noble Consort Yu struggled a bit and the other party spoke softly: “Mother Consort, it’s me.”
“Xuan’er……”
Gu Xuan helped Noble Consort Yu to a seat and poured her a cup of tea: “Mother Consort, don’t be afraid, I’m here for you.”
Noble Consort Yu’s fingers trembled: “You heard everything?”
“Yes.”
Noble Consort Yu hung her head and didn’t say anything else. Gu Xuan continued: “I won’t tell anyone about today’s matter so please don’t worry, Mother Consort. As for what Father wants, if Mother Consort is willing to tell me what happened back then, I am willing to share Mother Consort’s worries.”
Noble Consort Yu shook her head repeatedly: “No, this matter cannot involve you, this……”
“Does Mother Consort still not understand?” Gu Xuan interrupted indifferently, “If you don’t give Father an explanation, we will all suffer.”
Noble Consort Yu was silent for a long time and whispered: “Okay, I’ll tell you everything.”
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She sent away everyone from her large bedchamber as Noble Consort Yu slowly told Gu Xuan what had happened in a low voice.
Back then, she found an expert from amongst the commoners, brought that person to Chang’an, and asked him to secretly develop a poisonous flower for her. After the coil orchid was successfully developed, she dedicated the flower to Emperor Jinghe, who was still the Second Imperial Prince at the time, which eventually caused an epidemic in Chang’an and took the Crown Prince’s life.
After it was over, she followed Emperor Jinghe’s order to silence that doctor and cleared out the people involved.
After many years, she thought that no one in this world would know about this matter anymore, which was why she dared to cultivate that coil orchid again.
But she didn’t expect that there were still others who knew about it.
Gu Xuan listened quietly, occasionally confirming some details with Noble Consort Yu. The corners of his mouth hooked up a little, but there was no smile. Instead, his brows looked even more gloomy.
However, Noble Consort Yu was in a trance and did not notice his abnormality.
“That’s how it is, Xuan’er, you must help me……” After Noble Consort Yu finished speaking, she looked pleadingly at her adopted son whom she had raised for many years.
Gu Xuan lowered his eyes and said calmly: “This is natural, but before that, I want to meet someone first, I’m hoping Mother Consort would allow that.”
……
“Is that really the little sparrow?” Ye Zi looked at Gu Yan in shock.
He had always felt strange after seeing Miss Jing in the Imperial garden in the morning. But after being sidetracked by Gu Yan in the moment and then returning to the manor, he had forgotten about it.
It didn’t come to mind until this moment.
Gu Yan nodded: “Indeed, that Miss Jing, is that little sparrow.”
“But……” Ye Zi was incredulous and asked: “How did he……how did he become like that?”
“He’s a demon, not a human. Is it that strange to learn the art of transformation to change into the appearance of someone else?” Gu Yan laughed, “It’s probably only you anyway. They say you’re an immortal plant, but you don’t know any spells. At best, you can only be made into medicine.”
Ye Zi frowned at him and huffed, “So now you dislike me?”
Ye Zi broke away from Gu Yan’s arms, walked to the bed, and sat down: “Why don’t you go find someone who knows spells? This world is so big and there are so many demons, why do you have to stick to me?”
Gu Yan shook his head and went up to him to coax in a warm voice; “There are many demons in this world, but I only want a certain small plant, what should I do?”
As soon as Ye Zi heard him say this, his pursed lips couldn’t hold back a little smile.
He loved Gu Yan’s sweet words so much. Although he knew that the man was just trying to make him happy, he still couldn’t get enough of them.
During their time together, Gu Yan figured out Ye Zi’s preferences and became more proficient in dealing with him.
Ye Zi had just calmed down after being coaxed by him, but he immediately thought of something else and asked suspiciously: “Wait a minute, when did you figure out that she was the little sparrow?”
Gu Yan was rarely speechless and turned his head without answering.
Ye Zi knew something was wrong as soon as he saw his appearance and questioned: “You knew from the start, didn’t you?”
Gu Yan was silent for a moment before finally answering softly: “Yes.”
“Then you——”
“Listen to me.” Gu Yan explained, “I know you have always been worried about the little sparrow so I had Siwei send someone to keep an eye on him. When Noble Consort Yu took him out of the palace that day and wanted to kill him on the spot, I had someone snuck in and save the little sparrow.”
Gu Yan continued: “Afterwards, I contacted Taoist Priest Guangxu and had him teach the little sparrow some transformation tricks. That little sparrow looked silly, but his talent was good, and after practicing for a few days, he was able to do it fluidly. I simply had him change into a woman’s appearance and arranged for a wealthy Jing family to have him participate in the Imperial consort selection as the Jing family’s youngest daughter.”
“So that’s how it is.” Ye Zi responded and chided, “In that case, you clearly knew that he was fine a long time ago, so why didn’t you tell me? You made me worried the entire way!”
“Sorry.” Gu Yan rubbed a handful of his hair and explained, “When I originally sent the little sparrow into the palace, I wasn’t sure if he could successfully stand out and didn’t dare to tell you, lest your joy is in vain. Later……after the Crown Princess was finalized, I haven’t been able to find the right time to say, it is my fault.”
Ye Zi puffed up his lips and reluctantly accepted his explanation. He thought for a moment and then asked: “Does the Third Imperial Prince not know about this?”
Gu Yan shook his head: “He hasn’t met ‘Miss Jing’ yet, he shouldn’t know.”
Ye Zi sighed softly: “When I saw him recently, it did seem like he didn’t know anything about it. I swear, why didn’t you explain the matter clearly to him first? If it were me, I would definitely go crazy if you were taken and I didn’t know if you were dead or alive…….”
Gu Yan lowered his eyes: “I naturally have my reasons.”
Ye Zi was stunned for a moment; “What is your plan?”
Gu Yan smiled: “It all depends on how far Gu Xuan is willing to go for that little sparrow.”
Hearing Gu Yan’s words, the doubts in Ye Zi’s heart rose again. After deliberating for a long time, he couldn’t help but open his mouth and ask: “Zicheng, what exactly do you have in mind?”
Gu Yan turned his head to look at him: “What do you mean?”
Ye Zi’s lips pursed lightly as he whispered: “Emperor Jinghe……he harmed your father and you, but why did you……”
“Why didn’t I agree to Sixth Imperial Uncle’s plot to rebel?” Gu Yan finished his sentence and said faintly: “A Zi, you asked me about this matter back in Guangling, what about you, why do you think I refused?”
Ye Zi hesitated for a moment and hypothesized: “Is it because……you are worried that he will not be able to escape the same ending in his previous life?”
“Of course not.” Gu Yan smiled: “In the previous life, Sixth Imperial Uncle failed because of my obstruction. If I promise to help him in this life, this world will be ours.”
“Then why……”
“But A Zi, what would I do with the world?” Gu Yan’s arm around Ye Zi tightened, murmuring to himself as he whispered, “I just want to make those people pay the price they deserve.”
In the end, that was all Gu Yan said and refused to say the rest no matter how much Ye Zi asked. A few days passed quickly and soon it was the day of the Crown Prince’s coronation ceremony and his wedding banquet.
On this day, red silk was hung in the Imperial city, exuding liveliness and joy from the inside out. In a slightly remote palace, a green shadow jumped across the wall. The eunuch guarding the door turned his head and glanced in that direction, but saw nothing and frowned in confusion.
On the other side, Ye Zi pressed himself against the wall and hid amongst the grass, letting out a long breath.
Several palace attendants were busy, Ye Zi slightly judged the direction and walked towards the direction of the bedchamber.
Inside the bedchamber, there were some sounds of argument faintly coming from inside.
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“Can I not put this on? If I put this on my face, he won’t recognize me.” It was the voice of that “Miss Jing.”
A palace maid beside her said: “No, Miss. How can you not put on makeup when you’re getting married. Don’t worry, this servant will dress you up beautifully.”
“But……” She wanted to say something else, but she couldn’t resist the insistence of several palace maids and could only sit obediently in front of the dressing mirror.
Ye Zi squatted by the window and waited quietly. After the maids put on her makeup, covered her with a red veil, opened the door and left, he quietly climbed into the room through the window.
The delicate woman was sitting on the bed, mumbling something incessantly, not even noticing that something was approaching.
Ye Zi wandered over to her side and stretched out his stem to tug on the hem of her wedding robe: “Hey.”
The little gray sparrow was startled by this voice. He lifted the veil, saw a small green plant squatting at his feet, and couldn’t help but blurt out: “Little……”
His voice came to an abrupt end.
The little gray sparrow looked like it had thought of something, pursed its lips, and said in an extremely superfluous way, pretending to be surprised: “W-What are you?”
Ye Zi: “……”
Ye Zi climbed onto the bed and nonchalantly sat down on the bed: “Little sparrow, stop pretending.”
The little gray sparrow was stunned for a moment, blinked, and asked curiously: “How did you know it was me?”
Ye Zi answered: “Gu Yan told me.”
The little gray finch let out an “Oh,” and then said indignantly: “The Prince really doesn’t keep his words. He clearly said earlier that he couldn’t tell anyone my identity, but in the end, he told you.”
Ye Zi shook his head and dangled two small roots leisurely on the edge of the bed without saying anything.
The little gray sparrow suddenly bent down and encircled him with his palm, those almond eyes that were extremely similar to his original form shone brightly: “However, Little Leaf, I’m so happy that you came to see me.”
He paused and said aggrievedly: “You don’t know, I was almost bored to death during this period. Taoist Priest Guangxu said that I don’t have enough spiritual power and won’t let me change my appearance casually. Those people also won’t let me see A Xuan, not even a little peek. And you were also not here…..”
Ye Zi stretched out his stems and patted his hand, smiling: “Aren’t I back now?”
The little gray sparrow poked the tip of Ye Zi’s leaf: “Yes, you’re finally back. I thought that you had gone somewhere far away with the Prince and would never come back.”
“I won’t.” Ye Zi smiled, “How could I leave you behind?”
“That would be best.” The little gray sparrow lay down on the bed without a care: “I’m so uncomfortable in this appearance, I don’t know what A Xuan’s reaction will be when he sees me in a while.”
He envisioned the man’s reaction. Not knowing what came to mind, he laughed foolishly: “Do you think he will be shocked when he realizes that the Crown Princess is actually me?”
Ye Zi turned his head to look at him and for some reason, a bad premonition flashed through his heart.
It should be said that from the moment he met Gu Xuan that day, he couldn’t calm down his heart. Even after knowing that nothing had happened to the little gray sparrow, the uneasiness in the bottom of his heart did not subside.
Because of this, he took advantage of the time before the coronation ceremony to come see the little gray sparrow.
If he didn’t see this person with his own eyes, he couldn’t rest assured in his heart.
And after he expressed his uneasiness to Gu Yan today, Gu Yan did not object to his meeting with the little gray sparrow.
Ye Zi followed the little gray sparrow’s example as one person and one plant lay side by side on the bed, talking intermittently. After an unknown amount of time passed, someone suddenly knocked on the door of the room in a hurry.
“Miss Jing, Miss Jing, things are bad!”
Several palace maids pushed the door in. Ye Zi hurriedly hid under the bed and the little gray sparrow stood up and looked at them: “What’s wrong?”
The palace maids fell to their knees and anxiously said: “News just came from the Hall of Imperial Harmony, His Holiness, His Holiness, he suddenly fell ill!”
The little gray sparrow tilted his head, looking unconcerned: “Suddenly? Hasn’t he always been sick?”
The palace maid was so anxious that tears were falling and she choked: “No, His Holiness had a fever last night. The Imperial doctor gave him medicine and then he went to bed, but this morning he couldn’t get up. The Imperial doctor just went to check on him again and said his symptoms……his symptoms…..”
“Exactly what happened?”
The palace maid said: “The Imperial doctor said that his symptoms are exactly the same as the epidemic that occurred in Jiangnan!”
Edited: 12.17.2023
Ye Zi was silent.
Miss Jing had delicate features, a pair of almond-shaped eyes, and a delicate figure. She was pretty and charming. Although he had clearly never seen the person in front of him before, for some reason, her eyebrow structure seemed familiar.
Ye Zi hesitated for a moment: “Miss……Jing, have we met somewhere before?”
Miss Jing’s whole body trembled slightly as if she was frightened, her fingers clenched her sleeves nervously, and she sputtered: “N-No, we’ve never met before!”
She sheepishly looked up at Ye Zi. Seeing that the latter was still staring at her, she hurriedly dropped her head like a quail and didn’t dare to move any further.
She practically had the word “liar” written on her face.
Ye Zi: “……”
Without waiting for Ye Zi to speak, Gu Yan took the lead: “The wedding banquet will be held in a couple of days, so it’s better for the miss not to run around. Fortunately, she only bumped into us, but if something goes wrong, it’ll be troublesome.”
Miss Jing was immediately discouraged and said listlessly: “Oh, I understand.”
No one had ever dared to speak in such a tone in front of Prince Rui. The two maids next to Miss Jing were so frightened that they almost knelt down: “Your Majesty, please forgive her. The young miss has just entered the palace and doesn’t understand the rules. Please don’t blame her, Your Majesty.”
Gu Yan shook his head: “There’s no harm, take her back.”
“Yes.”
The two palace maids led the future Crown Princess away. Ye Zi stared at that person’s figure for quite a while before turning his head to look at Gu Yan. But before he could ask, Gu Yan took the lead: “Let’s go back home first.”
Ye Zi frowned, didn’t say anything, and obediently followed Gu Yan out of the palace gates.
As the two of them rode on the carriage back to the Prince’s manor, Ye Zi was still thinking about Miss Jing, whom he had just met. He was about to open his mouth to ask, when Gu Yan suddenly started: “By the way, just now Emperor Jinghe asked me about the epidemic in Jiangnan.”
This topic change could be said to be very blunt.
Ye Zi was silent for a moment: “What did he say?”
Gu Yan said: “He asked me how I found the source, caught Feng Yihai, and how I found the cure.”
Ye Zi was stunned: “What did you……say?”
“The truth.” Gu Yan said, “I told him that it was Sixth Imperial Uncle who helped me.”
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Ye Zi was shocked: “Then he……”
Gu Yan felt happy when he thought of Emperor Jinghe’s appearance just now and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly: “He was so angry that he almost lost his breath. He couldn’t say anything, so he had to send me away.”
Ye Zi was frightened when he heard this and whispered: “Zicheng, it’s too dangerous for you to do this. If he suspects that you know the truth about twenty years ago…….”
“No harm done.” Gu Yan shook his head, “He mentioned this in front of me today because he wants to test whether I know about the past or not. No matter what I say, he will be skeptical. In fact, it doesn’t matter if he suspects me or not, with Sixth Imperial Uncle in front of me as a barrier, he can’t touch me for the time being.”
“Since the new Crown Prince is going to be established soon, he wouldn’t dare to do anything rashly.”
Ye Zi pondered: “Zicheng, I always feel that this matter is not that simple.”
“If that poisonous flower was really handed over to Feng Yihai by Emperor Jinghe, why did he let Feng Yihai spread the plague in Jiangnan? Just so he could harm you? Or is……it someone else.”
Gu Yan took two soft cushions and placed them behind Ye Zi, wrapping him into his embrace: “Sixth Imperial Uncle never said that the doctor was invited to Chang’an by Emperor Jinghe.”
Ye Zi was stunned for a moment: “You mean……”
Gu Yan’s gaze drifted towards the window and he faintly said: “That incident back then was indeed the work of Emperor Jinghe, but I believe he may not be the only one involved.”
Ye Zi whispered: “Then who else would it be……”
Gu Yan said: “Although I am the one who went to Jiangnan this time, do you remember that it was the Crown Prince who went to Jiangnan in the previous life? There was also an epidemic in Jiangnan in the previous life. Looking at it this way, it seems that that person didn’t just want me to fall on my face, they also wanted the Crown Prince to fall on his face. Do you remember what happened next in your previous life?”
Ye Zi thought for a moment: “The Crown Prince returned to Chang’an and because of the improper management of the flooding and epidemic, he was punished by Emperor Jinghe. The whole dynasty became more and more dissatisfied with him and it wasn’t long before……”
Gu Yan said: “It wasn’t long before Emperor Jinghe issued a decree to remove the current Crown Prince and establish Gu Xuan as the Crown Prince instead.”
“Gu Xuan…..” Ye Zi pondered for a moment and raised his eyes to look at him, “Are you trying to say that……it was Noble Consort Yu?”
“A Zi, don’t you understand, who that person was is actually not important to us and it’s also very difficult to check.” Gu Yan said, “What’s important is that from the moment the epidemic was cured, an unseen sharp blade hung over Emperor Jinghe’s head, and all those who are related to this matter and know about it will become part of that blade.”
A smile slowly appeared on Gu Yan’s lips: “He would be restless every day, unable to sleep, as he constantly worries about if what happened back then would be revealed.”
Ye Zi looked at him.
He really didn’t understand what Gu Yan had in mind. Gu Yan had never been shy about showing his hatred for Emperor Jinghe in front of Ye Zi, but other than that, he didn’t have any genuine desire to overthrow that person.
On the contrary, he secretly helped Gu Xuan to seize power and also helped conceal Gu Yi’s rebellion. He got himself involved but seemed to be separated from the chaos.
Chang’an was still peaceful now, but it might not be long before it became bloody.
When Ye Zi thought of this, an idea suddenly came to his mind.
Could this be Gu Yan’s purpose?
Before Ye Zi could figure it out, the carriage quickly arrived a short distance outside the Prince’s manor. When Ye Zi saw the entrance of the manor from a distance, he subconsciously broke away from Gu Yan.
Gu Yan frowned and looked at him askance: “What are you doing?”
Ye Zi shrank to the other end of the carriage and sat down, feeling guilty and not daring to look at him: “It’s nothing.”
Gu Yan didn’t believe him at all. He got up and came over to Ye Zi’s side, wrapping his arms around him from behind: “What is it that my beloved consort is suddenly upset with me about?”
The low hoarse voice maliciously drilled inward along Ye Zi’s ear. Ye Zi shivered a bit and pushed on his hand: “Stop messing around, we’re almost there.”
“So what if we’re almost there?” Gu Yan said, “I’m hugging my princess consort at my own manor, is someone going to scold me?”
The hug didn’t stop and he started rubbing Ye Zi with his fingers through the thin robe, as if he wanted to slide them under the hem.
Ye Zi urgently pulled his wrist, his voice trembling: “Zicheng, don’t……”
Gu Yan stopped moving, but still maintained the posture of holding him: “Then tell me, what’s wrong?”
Ye Zi pursed his lips and stammered for a while: “Yesterday, the great princess said……”
“Said?”
Ye Zi’s ear tips reddened slightly as he whispered: “She said that you are in poor health and told me……told me not to keep pestering you……”
Gu Yan: “……”
Gu Yan took a deep breath and before he could say anything, the carriage gently shook and stopped. Ye Zi hurriedly broke free from his arms and took the lead to get off the carriage first before stretching out a hand towards him as if to help him.
Gu Yan was exasperated by the serious expression on his face, but he had no choice but to hold back the fire in his heart as so many people watched. Reaching out to hold Ye Zi’s hand, he was helped down from the carriage.
At this time, within the Noble Consort Yu’s chambers, Emperor Jinghe’s face was furious as he hissed with his drink: “Didn’t you take care of everything back then, why does Prince Jing know about it?”
Noble Consort Yu fell to her knees in front of him and said with downcast eyes: “I did follow Your Holiness’s request and had the doctor killed. Moreover, the people related to it have been silenced, I-I really don’t know……”
“You don’t know……” Jinghe Emperor’s voice was dark and hoarse, “I told you long ago that that flower was not allowed to be cultivated privately anymore, but you——”
Emperor Jinghe coughed violently twice, his face reddening.
“Your Holiness!” Noble Consort Yu knelt and took two steps forward, reaching out to grab the hem of his dragon robe: “Your Holiness, please take care of your body. I……I will go and investigate right now. I will definitely find out everything!”
Emperor Jinghe took a deep breath before finally coming back to his senses and said in a deep voice: “Yes, go and investigate. All the people, children, and relatives of those who knew the existence of the coil orchid back then should be investigated. No one can be left alive.”
Noble Consort Yu lowered her head and responded: “Yes.”
Emperor Jinghe took another deep breath, barely managing to stabilize his breathing: “Noble Consort Yu, you should understand in your heart how you came to be in this position. If you hadn’t offered the coil orchid to me in the beginning, you wouldn’t be here today. I will make Xuan’er the Crown Prince, this world sooner or later is his. If you know your place, your position as Empress Dowager should also be set in stone, but if you don’t know your place……”
Emperor Jinghe bent down and whispered in her ear: “Just the crime of poisoning and murdering the former Crown Prince is enough for me to punish all and anyone related to you.”
After Emperor Jinghe finished saying this, he stood up trembling and walked towards the outside of the hall. Noble Consort Yu knelt on the ground in a daze, her eyes trembling slightly, and she was huddled on the ground as if she was afraid of the cold. After a long time, light footsteps slowly walked into the hall.
Someone gently helped her up from behind.
Noble Consort Yu struggled a bit and the other party spoke softly: “Mother Consort, it’s me.”
“Xuan’er……”
Gu Xuan helped Noble Consort Yu to a seat and poured her a cup of tea: “Mother Consort, don’t be afraid, I’m here for you.”
Noble Consort Yu’s fingers trembled: “You heard everything?”
“Yes.”
Noble Consort Yu hung her head and didn’t say anything else. Gu Xuan continued: “I won’t tell anyone about today’s matter so please don’t worry, Mother Consort. As for what Father wants, if Mother Consort is willing to tell me what happened back then, I am willing to share Mother Consort’s worries.”
Noble Consort Yu shook her head repeatedly: “No, this matter cannot involve you, this……”
“Does Mother Consort still not understand?” Gu Xuan interrupted indifferently, “If you don’t give Father an explanation, we will all suffer.”
Noble Consort Yu was silent for a long time and whispered: “Okay, I’ll tell you everything.”
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She sent away everyone from her large bedchamber as Noble Consort Yu slowly told Gu Xuan what had happened in a low voice.
Back then, she found an expert from amongst the commoners, brought that person to Chang’an, and asked him to secretly develop a poisonous flower for her. After the coil orchid was successfully developed, she dedicated the flower to Emperor Jinghe, who was still the Second Imperial Prince at the time, which eventually caused an epidemic in Chang’an and took the Crown Prince’s life.
After it was over, she followed Emperor Jinghe’s order to silence that doctor and cleared out the people involved.
After many years, she thought that no one in this world would know about this matter anymore, which was why she dared to cultivate that coil orchid again.
But she didn’t expect that there were still others who knew about it.
Gu Xuan listened quietly, occasionally confirming some details with Noble Consort Yu. The corners of his mouth hooked up a little, but there was no smile. Instead, his brows looked even more gloomy.
However, Noble Consort Yu was in a trance and did not notice his abnormality.
“That’s how it is, Xuan’er, you must help me……” After Noble Consort Yu finished speaking, she looked pleadingly at her adopted son whom she had raised for many years.
Gu Xuan lowered his eyes and said calmly: “This is natural, but before that, I want to meet someone first, I’m hoping Mother Consort would allow that.”
……
“Is that really the little sparrow?” Ye Zi looked at Gu Yan in shock.
He had always felt strange after seeing Miss Jing in the Imperial garden in the morning. But after being sidetracked by Gu Yan in the moment and then returning to the manor, he had forgotten about it.
It didn’t come to mind until this moment.
Gu Yan nodded: “Indeed, that Miss Jing, is that little sparrow.”
“But……” Ye Zi was incredulous and asked: “How did he……how did he become like that?”
“He’s a demon, not a human. Is it that strange to learn the art of transformation to change into the appearance of someone else?” Gu Yan laughed, “It’s probably only you anyway. They say you’re an immortal plant, but you don’t know any spells. At best, you can only be made into medicine.”
Ye Zi frowned at him and huffed, “So now you dislike me?”
Ye Zi broke away from Gu Yan’s arms, walked to the bed, and sat down: “Why don’t you go find someone who knows spells? This world is so big and there are so many demons, why do you have to stick to me?”
Gu Yan shook his head and went up to him to coax in a warm voice; “There are many demons in this world, but I only want a certain small plant, what should I do?”
As soon as Ye Zi heard him say this, his pursed lips couldn’t hold back a little smile.
He loved Gu Yan’s sweet words so much. Although he knew that the man was just trying to make him happy, he still couldn’t get enough of them.
During their time together, Gu Yan figured out Ye Zi’s preferences and became more proficient in dealing with him.
Ye Zi had just calmed down after being coaxed by him, but he immediately thought of something else and asked suspiciously: “Wait a minute, when did you figure out that she was the little sparrow?”
Gu Yan was rarely speechless and turned his head without answering.
Ye Zi knew something was wrong as soon as he saw his appearance and questioned: “You knew from the start, didn’t you?”
Gu Yan was silent for a moment before finally answering softly: “Yes.”
“Then you——”
“Listen to me.” Gu Yan explained, “I know you have always been worried about the little sparrow so I had Siwei send someone to keep an eye on him. When Noble Consort Yu took him out of the palace that day and wanted to kill him on the spot, I had someone snuck in and save the little sparrow.”
Gu Yan continued: “Afterwards, I contacted Taoist Priest Guangxu and had him teach the little sparrow some transformation tricks. That little sparrow looked silly, but his talent was good, and after practicing for a few days, he was able to do it fluidly. I simply had him change into a woman’s appearance and arranged for a wealthy Jing family to have him participate in the Imperial consort selection as the Jing family’s youngest daughter.”
“So that’s how it is.” Ye Zi responded and chided, “In that case, you clearly knew that he was fine a long time ago, so why didn’t you tell me? You made me worried the entire way!”
“Sorry.” Gu Yan rubbed a handful of his hair and explained, “When I originally sent the little sparrow into the palace, I wasn’t sure if he could successfully stand out and didn’t dare to tell you, lest your joy is in vain. Later……after the Crown Princess was finalized, I haven’t been able to find the right time to say, it is my fault.”
Ye Zi puffed up his lips and reluctantly accepted his explanation. He thought for a moment and then asked: “Does the Third Imperial Prince not know about this?”
Gu Yan shook his head: “He hasn’t met ‘Miss Jing’ yet, he shouldn’t know.”
Ye Zi sighed softly: “When I saw him recently, it did seem like he didn’t know anything about it. I swear, why didn’t you explain the matter clearly to him first? If it were me, I would definitely go crazy if you were taken and I didn’t know if you were dead or alive…….”
Gu Yan lowered his eyes: “I naturally have my reasons.”
Ye Zi was stunned for a moment; “What is your plan?”
Gu Yan smiled: “It all depends on how far Gu Xuan is willing to go for that little sparrow.”
Hearing Gu Yan’s words, the doubts in Ye Zi’s heart rose again. After deliberating for a long time, he couldn’t help but open his mouth and ask: “Zicheng, what exactly do you have in mind?”
Gu Yan turned his head to look at him: “What do you mean?”
Ye Zi’s lips pursed lightly as he whispered: “Emperor Jinghe……he harmed your father and you, but why did you……”
“Why didn’t I agree to Sixth Imperial Uncle’s plot to rebel?” Gu Yan finished his sentence and said faintly: “A Zi, you asked me about this matter back in Guangling, what about you, why do you think I refused?”
Ye Zi hesitated for a moment and hypothesized: “Is it because……you are worried that he will not be able to escape the same ending in his previous life?”
“Of course not.” Gu Yan smiled: “In the previous life, Sixth Imperial Uncle failed because of my obstruction. If I promise to help him in this life, this world will be ours.”
“Then why……”
“But A Zi, what would I do with the world?” Gu Yan’s arm around Ye Zi tightened, murmuring to himself as he whispered, “I just want to make those people pay the price they deserve.”
In the end, that was all Gu Yan said and refused to say the rest no matter how much Ye Zi asked. A few days passed quickly and soon it was the day of the Crown Prince’s coronation ceremony and his wedding banquet.
On this day, red silk was hung in the Imperial city, exuding liveliness and joy from the inside out. In a slightly remote palace, a green shadow jumped across the wall. The eunuch guarding the door turned his head and glanced in that direction, but saw nothing and frowned in confusion.
On the other side, Ye Zi pressed himself against the wall and hid amongst the grass, letting out a long breath.
Several palace attendants were busy, Ye Zi slightly judged the direction and walked towards the direction of the bedchamber.
Inside the bedchamber, there were some sounds of argument faintly coming from inside.
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“Can I not put this on? If I put this on my face, he won’t recognize me.” It was the voice of that “Miss Jing.”
A palace maid beside her said: “No, Miss. How can you not put on makeup when you’re getting married. Don’t worry, this servant will dress you up beautifully.”
“But……” She wanted to say something else, but she couldn’t resist the insistence of several palace maids and could only sit obediently in front of the dressing mirror.
Ye Zi squatted by the window and waited quietly. After the maids put on her makeup, covered her with a red veil, opened the door and left, he quietly climbed into the room through the window.
The delicate woman was sitting on the bed, mumbling something incessantly, not even noticing that something was approaching.
Ye Zi wandered over to her side and stretched out his stem to tug on the hem of her wedding robe: “Hey.”
The little gray sparrow was startled by this voice. He lifted the veil, saw a small green plant squatting at his feet, and couldn’t help but blurt out: “Little……”
His voice came to an abrupt end.
The little gray sparrow looked like it had thought of something, pursed its lips, and said in an extremely superfluous way, pretending to be surprised: “W-What are you?”
Ye Zi: “……”
Ye Zi climbed onto the bed and nonchalantly sat down on the bed: “Little sparrow, stop pretending.”
The little gray sparrow was stunned for a moment, blinked, and asked curiously: “How did you know it was me?”
Ye Zi answered: “Gu Yan told me.”
The little gray finch let out an “Oh,” and then said indignantly: “The Prince really doesn’t keep his words. He clearly said earlier that he couldn’t tell anyone my identity, but in the end, he told you.”
Ye Zi shook his head and dangled two small roots leisurely on the edge of the bed without saying anything.
The little gray sparrow suddenly bent down and encircled him with his palm, those almond eyes that were extremely similar to his original form shone brightly: “However, Little Leaf, I’m so happy that you came to see me.”
He paused and said aggrievedly: “You don’t know, I was almost bored to death during this period. Taoist Priest Guangxu said that I don’t have enough spiritual power and won’t let me change my appearance casually. Those people also won’t let me see A Xuan, not even a little peek. And you were also not here…..”
Ye Zi stretched out his stems and patted his hand, smiling: “Aren’t I back now?”
The little gray sparrow poked the tip of Ye Zi’s leaf: “Yes, you’re finally back. I thought that you had gone somewhere far away with the Prince and would never come back.”
“I won’t.” Ye Zi smiled, “How could I leave you behind?”
“That would be best.” The little gray sparrow lay down on the bed without a care: “I’m so uncomfortable in this appearance, I don’t know what A Xuan’s reaction will be when he sees me in a while.”
He envisioned the man’s reaction. Not knowing what came to mind, he laughed foolishly: “Do you think he will be shocked when he realizes that the Crown Princess is actually me?”
Ye Zi turned his head to look at him and for some reason, a bad premonition flashed through his heart.
It should be said that from the moment he met Gu Xuan that day, he couldn’t calm down his heart. Even after knowing that nothing had happened to the little gray sparrow, the uneasiness in the bottom of his heart did not subside.
Because of this, he took advantage of the time before the coronation ceremony to come see the little gray sparrow.
If he didn’t see this person with his own eyes, he couldn’t rest assured in his heart.
And after he expressed his uneasiness to Gu Yan today, Gu Yan did not object to his meeting with the little gray sparrow.
Ye Zi followed the little gray sparrow’s example as one person and one plant lay side by side on the bed, talking intermittently. After an unknown amount of time passed, someone suddenly knocked on the door of the room in a hurry.
“Miss Jing, Miss Jing, things are bad!”
Several palace maids pushed the door in. Ye Zi hurriedly hid under the bed and the little gray sparrow stood up and looked at them: “What’s wrong?”
The palace maids fell to their knees and anxiously said: “News just came from the Hall of Imperial Harmony, His Holiness, His Holiness, he suddenly fell ill!”
The little gray sparrow tilted his head, looking unconcerned: “Suddenly? Hasn’t he always been sick?”
The palace maid was so anxious that tears were falling and she choked: “No, His Holiness had a fever last night. The Imperial doctor gave him medicine and then he went to bed, but this morning he couldn’t get up. The Imperial doctor just went to check on him again and said his symptoms……his symptoms…..”
“Exactly what happened?”
The palace maid said: “The Imperial doctor said that his symptoms are exactly the same as the epidemic that occurred in Jiangnan!”
