Yu Wanyin was busy writing a note to Prince Duan.

The greatest advantage of being in the cold palace was that she didn’t have to meet Prince Duan. The guards outside seemed to be imprisoning her, but in reality, they were also protecting her, cutting off all prying eyes. Inside the main gate, another layer of dark guards ensured the place was as secure as her previous quarters as a favored consort.

Since that bloody magic show, Prince Duan seemed to believe she was a useful tool, often sending her notes.

His notes were elegantly written, with graceful strokes and refined wording, always containing affectionate words. But Yu Wanyin read between the lines and saw that the entire paper was essentially saying, “Get to work.”

Sometimes, her “divine vision” opened very actively, helping him in his power struggle against the Empress Dowager. With reference to Xu Yao’s book, she could always give precise predictions of his actions, along with a few auspicious words like, “I foresee your great victory.”

Other times, it led to strange places: “Last night I dreamed of Xie Yong’er weeping alone, her belly swollen. What does this signify?”

Maybe she was too obvious in her testing; he didn’t respond.

Sometimes, she also had to help Prince Duan suppress Xiahou Dan.

According to Xu Yao’s notes, if Prince Duan continued with his plan, he would soon defeat the Empress Dowager’s faction and turn his attention to the throne.

But Yu Wanyin couldn’t act rashly.

As they had discussed before, she only had one chance to turn the tables. After that, regardless of success or failure, she would no longer be able to influence Prince Duan.

Every note exchange was a strategic move in a game of wits, with no room for regret. Her reactions were slower than Prince Duan’s, often requiring a lot of thought before making a move. When they used to face each other, engaging in verbal sparring, she was always tense. Now, separated by thick palace walls, her pressure was significantly reduced.

Another benefit of the cold palace was that it blocked out the outside world.

Since Xie Yonger’s dramatic vomiting incident, the harem had been in turmoil, and the palace intrigue had long since deviated from the original script.

Yu Wanyin stayed hidden, knowing she wasn’t suited for such schemes, and to avoid becoming collateral damage, she decided it was best not to leave at all.

However, what you fear most often comes to pass.

She avoided palace intrigue, but it sought her out.

Just as she finished writing her note, a sharp voice came from outside the door: “I demand entry! What right does a mere discarded concubine have to block my way?”

Yu Wanyin: “…”

The voice was familiar. Who was it?

Every palace drama had one or more unfortunate concubines who genuinely loved the emperor but were never loved in return.

In this story, that role was played by Consort Shu.

Consort Shu had been living happily for a while.

Since the once-favored Yu Wanyin had tried to poison her and was demoted to the cold palace, Consort Shu had daily adorned herself, strutting in front of the other concubines as if she were the primary consort.

However, no matter how long she waited, Xiahou Dan never summoned her.

Consort Shu was confused and anxious.

Xiahou Dan had punished Yu Wanyin for her sake, so why wouldn’t he see her?

Consort Shu pulled out all the stops, bribing An Xian, and orchestrated a chance encounter in the imperial garden. When the tall figure she had longed for appeared, she turned her head in surprise, her eyes brimming with charm as she greeted him.

Xiahou Dan: “Move aside.”

Xiahou Dan walked away.

Consort Shu was devastated.

She finally realized that this story had nothing to do with her. Xiahou Dan punished Yu Wanyin because he was angry with Yu Wanyin—not because of her, Consort Shu.

If she was miserable, she wouldn’t let Yu Wanyin be happy either.

As time passed, Yu Wanyin remained confined in the cold palace, seemingly with no hope of regaining favor.

Consort Shu came today to settle scores.

The long-closed door of the cold palace creaked open, and Consort Shu, accompanied by several palace maids, stepped into the courtyard.

Yu Wanyin stepped forward, gesturing behind her to the dark guards to stay calm. They couldn’t expose the presence of the dark guards just because of a palace intrigue scene.

Consort Shu looked her up and down, seemingly surprised, and sneered: “Oh, you’ve been in this ghostly place for so long, but your charming face seems even more delicate.”

Yu Wanyin: “Thank you for the compliment, Sister.”

Consort Shu snapped, “Why don’t you bow when you see me?”

Yu Wanyin gave a proper salute: “I overstepped, please forgive me, Sister.”

Consort Shu gave a signal with her eyes, and a eunuch stepped forward, shouting sharply, “A proper apology requires the right demeanor. Kneel down!”

Yu Wanyin froze for a second.

In that second, she calculated: If a physical conflict broke out, the dark guards would definitely reveal themselves. If Consort Shu discovered the secret of the cold palace, she would become a threat. Live people don’t keep secrets, but she didn’t want to taste blood again.

“What? Unwilling to kneel?” The eunuch raised his hand, ready to strike.

Yu Wanyin knelt with a thud.

The eunuch didn’t hesitate for a second, slapping her face.

The dark guards’ swords were already drawn.

Yu Wanyin suddenly raised her arm, barely blocking the slap, then got up and ran.

Her action shocked everyone, even the dark guards—running was never an option in palace intrigue.

Consort Shu: “Stop right there!”

The eunuchs and maids chased after her.

Yu Wanyin, driven to desperation, reached her top speed, darting into the room and slamming the door shut behind her, whispering to the dark guards, “Quick, reinforce the door!”

Outside, Consort Shu, furious, ordered her maids: “Push the door!”

The maids rushed forward, pushing and kicking the door, but it stood firm as if reinforced with steel.

Consort Shu, pacing like an enraged lioness, commanded: “Get an axe! Break the door down.”

Yu Wanyin: “…”

This is too intense. They’re practically out for blood.

Dark Guard: “Madam, please take refuge in the tunnel.”

Yu Wanyin: “Remember to conceal the entrance well. Don’t expose the tunnel.”

Dark Guard: “His Majesty has ordered that if anyone discovers the tunnel, they are to be killed on the spot.”

Yu Wanyin smiled wryly: “That’s what they call a death sentence…”

A loud thud sounded as an axe struck the wooden door.

Just then, a sarcastic voice came from outside: “Consort Shu, what fun are you having here?”

Consort Shu turned to see An Xian.

The appearance of the grand eunuch seemed to hit her hard; she swayed and her arrogance deflated: “Eunuch An?”

An Xian: “His Majesty has decreed that no one is allowed to visit the cold palace. Please, Consort Shu, go elsewhere for your walk.”

Back in her quarters, Consort Shu summoned her entourage and alternated between crying and cursing.

“That wretched girl, even after falling from favor, she still has tricks to get Eunuch An to protect her!”

Xie Yong’er sat quietly in the corner, looking unwell, listening to the others vent.

Xie Yong’er used to be Consort Shu’s most trusted confidante, but since the rumors of her pregnancy, she had sparked jealousy and was now ostracized within the group.

After listening to the others’ chatter for a while, Xie Yong’er finally spoke up: “Sister, something about this seems strange.”

Consort Shu glanced at her: “What is it?”

“An Xian is known for currying favor with the powerful. If Yu Wanyin had truly lost favor, he wouldn’t even look at her. For him to stand up for her indicates he still sees value in her.”

Consort Shu was shocked: “Could that wretch regain favor?”

Xie Yong’er lowered her head: “I don’t know, but for now, it’s best not to provoke her.”

Meanwhile, Yu Wanyin was pleading with Xiahou Dan: “We can’t just leave Consort Shu unchecked.”

“We can.”

“If you deal with her, Prince Duan will know I haven’t lost favor. Then all the acting we’ve done will be wasted!”

“If we don’t deal with her, others will come with axes next time.”

“…My relations aren’t that bad.”

Xiahou Dan said seriously: “Wanyin, the cold palace exists to protect you. If it loses its effectiveness, you must leave.”

Yu Wanyin felt a warmth in her heart but firmly shook her head: “We’ve finally tricked Prince Duan…”

“I’ve thought it through,” Xiahou Dan smiled. “Here’s the plan: I’ll act as if I realized I still need your ‘divine vision,’ so I’ll reinstate your title and humbly beg for your return. But you, having suffered so much, will be estranged from me and open your heart only to Prince Duan.”

“Chasing wife in the crematorium?” Yu Wanyin, having read many novels, aptly summarized.

Xiahou Dan: “?”

Xiahou Dan: “Yes, exactly.”

Yu Wanyin, realizing what she had said, blushed and quickly added, “It makes sense. Given Prince Duan’s intellect, he wouldn’t believe you wouldn’t utilize me. This plot would seem reasonable to him.”

Xiahou Dan breathed a sigh of relief and got up to leave.

Yu Wanyin called out to his back: “Where are you going?”

“To deal with someone.”

Yu Wanyin didn’t have a good impression of Consort Shu, but still cautioned: “Don’t kill her.”

“I won’t,” Xiahou Dan replied lightly, hiding the murderous intent in his eyes.

Yu Wanyin was restored to Consort status and moved back to the palace she lived in when she first transmigrated.

As she left the cold palace, Consort Shu was being confined in another, more dilapidated cold palace. Therefore, she didn’t see what Consort Shu looked like upon entering.

She only knew that the other concubines now looked at her with a hint of fear.

Xiahou Dan began his act of chasing his estranged wife, frequently sending clothes and jewelry to her palace. Yu Wanyin, meanwhile, remained cold, her face devoid of makeup, appearing as if her heart had died.

A few days later, it was the Autumn Festival.

At the banquet, Yu Wanyin dined with other women in a side hall.

As an ordinary concubine disliked by the Empress Dowager, she was seated at the back, near a window.

To show her indifference to Xiahou Dan, she wore a pale green dress with only a plain silver hairpin in her hair, looking almost rebelliously out of place. Yet, her appearance still exuded a striking cold beauty.

Ignoring the many gazes directed her way, she focused on the food in front of her. Although there was a small kitchen in the cold palace, a sumptuous feast like this was a rare treat.

In the distance, an announcer called out: “The envoys from Yan have arrived—”

Yu Wanyin turned to look out the window.

There were over thirty people in the entourage, both men and women, with high noses and deep-set eyes, clearly not of Central Plains origin. The men were all strong and wore fur garments; the women were beautiful, slender, and adorned with intricate jewelry that jingled with each step, resembling dancers.

The leader was a middle-aged man with a slightly plump face, smiling affably.

However, Yu Wanyin’s gaze was drawn to the person beside him.

That person was dressed like the other followers but was the most burly, with a thick beard covering most of his face, leaving only a pair of deep-set eyes visible.

As Yu Wanyin peered out from the window, the man suddenly lifted his head, his sinister gaze locking onto her.

Even from such a distance, she felt a shiver run through her body, as if a beast had spotted its prey, filling her heart with cold dread.

Yu Wanyin hurriedly pulled back her head.

When she looked again, the envoy group had already entered the main hall.

The plump middle-aged man was presenting gifts to Xiahou Dan, speaking in heavily accented words: “Envoy Ha Qi Na from Yan congratulates His Majesty of Daxia on his boundless longevity.”

Xiahou Dan politely accepted the gifts, gesturing for them to be seated.

Ha Qi Na continued, “We have also brought Yan dancers to present a performance for His Majesty.”

Xiahou Dan: “Very well.”

A few Yan members borrowed instruments from the palace musicians and plucked the strings lightly, creating an exotic melody.

The drums began, the music swelled, and the beautiful dancers gracefully entered the hall.

Just then, someone loudly interjected: “Having beauties dance is certainly a treat, but for His Majesty’s safety, it might be prudent to search them first. After all, it hasn’t been long since the last incident with a Yan dancer.”

The music abruptly stopped, and the hall fell silent.

Everyone understood the reference to the failed assassination attempt by the dancer Shanyi.

The officials exchanged glances, and some discreetly looked at the Empress Dowager, who was seated beside the emperor—the one who spoke up was from her faction.

Ha Qi Na’s face twitched as he suppressed his anger.

Xiahou Dan: “How dare you!”

The official knelt skillfully: “Your Majesty, I speak out of concern for your safety!”

Ha Qi Na, controlling his temper, waved his hand: “No matter. We came to celebrate, not to stir conflict. If it is the rule of Daxia’s palace, then let them be searched.”

The side hall, filled with women, had a more relaxed atmosphere. The intimidating Empress Dowager and the emperor were absent, making the gathering more casual. A group of young women ate and chatted, resembling a normal gathering.

Faint music from the main hall piqued their interest, but it suddenly stopped.

They exchanged puzzled glances.

Interruptions during the Autumn Festival were unusual. A few women left their seats to peer out the window, while the rest discussed the situation.

Only two women remained still.

One was Xie Yong’er, looking as listless as a wilted eggplant. She glanced toward the main hall but quickly withdrew her gaze.

The other was Yu Wanyin, who was observing Xie Yong’er.

Sensing she was being watched, Xie Yong’er looked up, and upon seeing Yu Wanyin, continued to stare blankly at her.

After a few moments, she stood up, holding a wine cup, and approached: “Sister, let me toast you.”

Yu Wanyin: “Ah… I should be toasting you. I heard you advised Consort Shu not to trouble me. I’m grateful.”

Xie Yong’er remained silent, giving a bitter smile: “Now I understand what you meant. We are all pitiful people.”

Filled with her own worries, she raised her cup to drink. Yu Wanyin stopped her: “Wine is bad for your health. Have some tea instead.”

Xie Yong’er hesitated, her body tensing like a wary cat.

Yu Wanyin tried to reassure her: “It’s okay. You can trust me…”

But Xie Yong’er wasn’t interested in talking further. She downed the wine in one gulp and quickly returned to her seat.

Moments later, she accidentally knocked over her cup.

Yu Wanyin looked over in surprise, but Xie Yong’er had already left with her maid, slipping away through the side door.

Not knowing what excuse she used, Xie Yong’er crossed past the guards and vanished into the night.

Yu Wanyin blinked hard.

She wasn’t imagining it—there had been a spot of blood on Xie Yong’er’s dress.

Yu Wanyin stood up, realizing too late what had happened.

Damn, she really had a miscarriage?

Where was she going now?

Yu Wanyin knew how dangerous miscarriages were in ancient times, often leading to death. If the protagonist died, wouldn’t the story end? Would it be axed?

Without further thought, she quickly left her maid behind and ran out. The guards outside looked at her suspiciously: “Do you have urgent business, Madam?”

Yu Wanyin laughed awkwardly: “Uh… nature calls.”

She looked around but couldn’t see Xie Yong’er anywhere.

Music started again in the main hall.

The dancers had passed the search and began their performance.

Xiahou Dan sipped his wine, watching the crowd over the rim of his cup. Some were smirking, some confused, and others tense.

The tense one seemed to sense something, nervously glancing up.

Their eyes met the emperor’s, causing him to shiver. He suddenly stood, and after a moment’s hesitation, exclaimed: “Oh… oh no! My jade pendant is missing!”

Someone nearby responded: “Don’t panic, Lord Wang. Let’s search again.”

“I’ve already searched. It’s not here. I had it when I sat down…” Lord Wang said, looking at the Yan people beside him.

The implication was clear.

The Yan man’s face darkened, and he muttered something.

Ha Qi Na stepped forward coldly: “If there’s doubt, then search me.”

Lord Wang’s hands trembled as he faced the tall Yan man, reaching for his robe.

When he pulled his hand back, he was holding a jade pendant.

Lord Wang: “How could this be on this envoy?”

The Yan man was astonished, then erupted in fury, smashing the wine cup in his hand.

Smashing the cup was an extremely dangerous signal. The imperial guards immediately surrounded them, weapons pointed directly at the Yan people.

Ha Qi Na’s hand shook with anger as he turned to Xiahou Dan: “You… you…”

Someone placed a hand on his shoulder.

It was the particularly burly attendant. Ha Qi Na turned and exchanged a quick glance with him.

Ha Qi Na took a deep breath, clenched his teeth, and bowed: “We are people from the wilds, unaccustomed to such opulence. Perhaps he was momentarily tempted. Please forgive us.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the burly attendant turned and punched the accused man, knocking him to the ground.

Ha Qi Na: “Do with him as you will.”

The Empress Dowager, who had been watching the scene, spoke slowly: “Hmm, since the envoy likes the jade pendant, let it be a gift to you. Let’s not let a small matter spoil the relations between our two countries.”

Lord Wang sneered as he tossed the jade pendant onto the fallen man’s body.

The Yan people’s faces turned blue with anger.

The man ignored the pendant, stood up slowly, and let the pendant slide off him, shattering into pieces on the floor.

The tension in the hall was palpable, like a string about to snap.

Xiahou Dan spoke: “Lord Wang, where exactly did you find this jade pendant?”

Lord Wang was stunned and bowed: “Your Majesty, it was inside his… tunic.”

Xiahou Dan: “Really? Where exactly?”

Everyone had seen Lord Wang’s search earlier, so he could only answer: “It seemed to be near his chest.”

Xiahou Dan: “I see these Yan people’s clothing doesn’t fit tightly like ours. How could such a small object stay fixed in his tunic at the chest? Interesting. Show us again.”

Lord Wang: “…”

Ha Qi Na gave a few quick orders in his native language. The accused man picked up half of the broken jade pendant, placed it inside his tunic.

With another sharp sound, the pendant fell to the ground, shattering further.

Lord Wang was already pale with fear: “This… there must be some misunderstanding…”

Xiahou Dan: “Your sleeve looks like it could hold a pendant securely. Why don’t you try it?”

Lord Wang dared not move, only kowtowed.

Xiahou Dan lost interest: “Take him away.”

Lord Wang was dragged away.

Ha Qi Na, deeply moved, praised the wise and fair emperor, while Xiahou Dan, full of apologies, personally offered a cup of wine to the wronged man.

Music resumed.

No one spoke.

Everyone present understood the same message: the emperor was completely at odds with the Empress Dowager now.

If looks could kill, the Empress Dowager would have turned Xiahou Dan into a sieve.

Xiahou Dan seemed oblivious, respectfully saying: “Mother, let me toast to you.”

Just then, a eunuch hurried over, whispering something into the Empress Dowager’s ear.

She paused, her anger fading, and a smile appeared as she said to Xiahou Dan: “I heard that two concubines suddenly left their seats and exited the side hall, heading towards the imperial garden. Who were they?”

The eunuch bowed: “It was Consort Yu and Consort Xie.”

Xiahou Dan’s brow furrowed slightly.

“It seems one of the concubines was bleeding…” the Empress Dowager sighed. “I’ll go check on them. You continue hosting the banquet, my son.”

With that, she swept out of the hall.

The entire court watched the family drama unfold, except for one person who continued watching the Yan envoy.

As the Yan people returned to their seats, Prince Duan stood up.

He seemed to want to toast the emperor but accidentally dropped his cup as he passed the Yan people.

The cup fell towards one man’s foot.

The man reflexively flicked his foot, catching the cup without spilling a drop.

But only for a moment.

The next moment, the cup followed its original trajectory, rolling off his foot and spilling its contents.

“My apologies,” Prince Duan said courteously, looking at the burly attendant.

The attendant: “…It’s fine.”

Prince Duan widened his eyes in surprise: “You speak our language so well.”

The attendant bowed and walked away.

Prince Duan turned to watch the dancing beauties, muttering to himself, “Truly beauties of the mortal world, but still not as enchanting as Shanyi from back then.”

He didn’t look at the Yan people’s reactions, just shook his head as if regretting his words.

Back at his seat, he subtly signaled his confidant with an elegant hand gesture.

Only his confidant knew what it meant: follow them.

At that moment, most important figures were at the Autumn Festival, and security near the imperial garden was lax.

Yu Wanyin wandered through the dark forest for a while until she finally heard heavy breathing.

“Sister? Xie Yong’er?” She followed the sound.

Xie Yong’er was slumped against a tree, gasping for breath. In the faint moonlight and distant lanterns, Yu Wanyin saw the bloodstains on her dress.

Yu Wanyin: “What’s happening to you…”

Yu Wanyin scanned the area frantically but didn’t see any terrifying clumps of flesh on the ground, which gave her a bit of relief.

From a distance, footsteps and the shaking glow of several palace lanterns indicated a group approaching.

In her panic, Yu Wanyin didn’t have time to think. “Can you stand up? Go back and change clothes; I’ll cover for you.”

Xie Yong’er looked at her with a confused expression.

Seeing that Xie Yong’er was at her limit, Yu Wanyin urged, “We’ll discuss it later. Just go.”

Xie Yong’er didn’t move.

She gave a bitter smile: “I can’t stand up.”

The group had arrived.

The Empress Dowager: “What are you doing here? Oh dear, why is there blood in such a place?” She raised her sleeve to cover her face, turning away as if she couldn’t bear the sight.

Yu Wanyin, bracing herself, explained: “I don’t know either, perhaps an injury?”

The dazed Xie Yong’er murmured, “It was that cup of wine…”

She took a short breath, her head tilted, and she fainted.

When Xie Yong’er first discovered she was pregnant, she was utterly incredulous.

It all started with some passionate moments, a bit of jealousy, and a deliberately arranged drunken encounter. She wanted to secure Prince Duan’s heart. She thought she was safe after taking the contraception potion.

Who could have guessed it wouldn’t work on her?

When Prince Duan found out, he remained calm, even gently comforting her: “It’s fine. I look quite similar to the emperor; no one will notice anything unusual once the child is born.”

Xie Yong’er was terrified: “But the emperor didn’t…”

“Didn’t what?”

Xie Yong’er fell silent. In that moment, she sensed a terrifying thing stirring in Xiahou Bo’s eyes.

She couldn’t let Prince Duan know the emperor hadn’t touched her, or he would surely force her to abort the child.

As a modern person, she knew how dangerous ancient abortion methods were.

But she had a plan: before the pregnancy showed, she would get Xiahou Dan to sleep with her and register the child under his name.

This should have been a simple task—if Xiahou Dan wasn’t such an enigma.

Xie Yong’er couldn’t understand why, even after practically throwing herself at him, Xiahou Dan remained unmoved, like a monk.

Could he really be impotent? The original story didn’t mention anything like that.

As time passed, things spiraled into despair.

An ill-timed bout of vomiting drew the Empress Dowager’s attention.

The Empress Dowager began trying to poison her.

At first, she thought it was because the Empress Dowager had discovered her affair with Prince Duan. But thinking it over, she realized if that were the case, she would have been executed immediately. The Empress Dowager didn’t know the truth but still acted against her.

There was a reason no royal offspring had been born in the palace for years: the Empress Dowager allowed only one crown prince.

So, regardless of whether the child was registered, it was doomed.

Xie Yong’er gave up on preserving the pregnancy and started looking for a safe way to abort it scientifically.

She was the chosen heroine and always had some special luck. She befriended a talented apprentice in the imperial hospital who began to have feelings for her. She was slowly gaining his trust to secretly obtain a safe potion.

Meanwhile, she had to be constantly on guard against everything she ate or drank to avoid the Empress Dowager’s attempts. She had read the original story and knew the Empress Dowager’s methods were deadly; consuming any of her poisons was a death sentence.

Just as she was about to get the safe potion, the Autumn Festival banquet ruined everything.

After drinking that cup of wine, her abdomen twisted in pain, and her vision darkened. She barely managed to escape the side hall and only made it to the garden before collapsing.

During that nightmare, only one maid was with her.

She was relieved it was dark, and she couldn’t see the fetus. She told the maid to escape alone and bury the remains elsewhere.

Then Yu Wanyin arrived.

When Xie Yong’er woke up, she was back in her bed.

A physician was taking her pulse.

The Empress Dowager stood by the bed with a displeased Yu Wanyin—who was only there because she had been at the scene and was now being held for questioning.

The Empress Dowager: “Well?”

Physician: “The bleeding is severe, the pulse weak, suggesting a miscarriage, but there is no fetus…”

The Empress Dowager immediately said: “If it’s a miscarriage, it’s a serious matter. Quickly inform His Majesty.”

Xie Yong’er’s eyes shot open.

Xiahou Dan must not know! If he finds out, I’m doomed!

She struggled to sit up: “Mother, I must report, I was never pregnant! It was just an upset stomach that caused me to vomit in front of others. Someone must have mistaken it for a pregnancy and poisoned my wine…”

The Empress Dowager: “You mean someone poisoned you to cause a miscarriage, even though you weren’t pregnant?”

Xie Yong’er: “Yes.”

The Empress Dowager blinked: “Who poisoned you then?”

Xie Yong’er slowly lifted her head but didn’t dare meet her eyes, staring at her chin instead.

The Empress Dowager’s crimson lips moved: “If you know anything, you must point them out.”

Xie Yong’er’s thoughts slowly connected.

She couldn’t accuse the Empress Dowager unless she had a death wish.

But the bleeding was real, so someone had to take the fall.

Yu Wanyin watched helplessly as Xie Yong’er turned her gaze towards her.

Yu Wanyin: “?”

The Empress Dowager was delighted: “It seems Consort Yu is involved in this matter.”

Yu Wanyin suddenly knelt: “It was Consort Xie who offered me a toast. I never touched her cup!”

The Empress Dowager: “Then why did you chase after her?”

Yu Wanyin: “…I was worried…”

The Empress Dowager didn’t want to hear her explanation: “Guards, confine these two consorts here. No one leaves without my order.”

She strode out, and the door creaked shut.

If looks could burn, Yu Wanyin would have set Xie Yong’er’s entire bed on fire.

She did it on purpose. This woman definitely did it on purpose.

She knew the fetus had to be aborted, and she had to drink the poisoned wine, so she dragged me down with her. Her toast was an obvious trap!

Who knows what’s happening with Xiahou Dan, but I’m stuck here and will probably be charged with some crime by the Empress Dowager.

Xie Yong’er avoided Yu Wanyin’s gaze, a rare expression of guilt appearing on her face.

Yu Wanyin, however, had completely lost hope in her.

Even though Xie Yong’er was just a character in a book, her low level of ambition was disappointing, especially for someone supposedly from a modern background.

Anger and fatigue mixed within Yu Wanyin, pushing her to make a rash decision.

It was time to abandon the gentle approach.

Prince Duan was close to toppling the Empress Dowager, and soon he would focus all his efforts on Xiahou Dan. They didn’t have much time left.

A maid approached with a bowl of medicine: “Please take your medicine, madam.”

Xie Yong’er, now wary of any liquid handed to her, shook her head: “No need, I’m fine…”

Yu Wanyin, with a sarcastic tone, said, “Sister, if you’re unwell, you should take your medicine. Don’t neglect the basics.”

Xie Yong’er remained silent.

Yu Wanyin continued, “It’s like if one day you’re riding a horse, lost in the deep mountains with no food. You search and search, finally finding a river with fish. You want to catch the fish.”

Xie Yong’er: “…?”

Yu Wanyin: “But you don’t have any bait, so you look at your horse.”

Xie Yong’er stared at her blankly.

Yu Wanyin: “You kill the horse, chop its meat for bait. You catch the fish, but you’ve lost your horse. Was it really worth it?” (English)

Xie Yong’er froze entirely.

She didn’t notice when the maid left, and she and Yu Wanyin were left staring at each other.

After what seemed like an eternity, Xie Yong’er finally whispered, “You… you are…”

“Who else could it be?” Yu Wanyin walked to the bedside, looking down at her. “I’m tired. Let’s lay everything on the table.”

Xie Yonger’s eyes lost focus, vision blurring.

She tried to focus, only to see a tall shadow behind Yu Wanyin, cast on the door.

Xie Yong’er immediately tensed, attempting to stop Yu Wanyin: “Don’t say anymore.”

Yu Wanyin ignored her warning: “Avoiding the truth is pointless. You already know who I am.”

Xie Yonger began to sweat profusely: “What do you mean? I don’t understand…”

“I think you understand perfectly.”

Seeing Xie Yonger’s continued evasion, Yu Wanyin grew impatient. She thought of saying “how are you,” but remembering the guards outside, she opted to pick up a pen and write the phrase on a piece of paper.

Holding up the paper, she started back to the bed, then paused, looking at the door: “Your Majesty?”

The shadow moved, and Xiahou Dan entered.

Xie Yonger’s emotions had been on a rollercoaster all night, and now she was on the brink of a breakdown. Before Yu Wanyin could speak, Xie Yong’er blurted out: “Your Majesty, Consort Yu was speaking strangely and writing strange symbols on paper. I’m frightened!”

Yu Wanyin: “…”

Xiahou Dan placed a hand on Yu Wanyin’s shoulder and asked Xie Yong’er: “You knew I was outside the door and deliberately led her to speak and write?”

Xie Yong’er: “?”

Xiahou Dan: “You caught the fish but lost the horse. Was it really worth it?“

Xie Yong’er: “…”

Xie Yong’er: “…”

While Xie Yong’er remained frozen, Yu Wanyin patiently waited for her to regain her composure, quietly asking Xiahou Dan: “Why are you here?”

“I heard someone was framing you, so I came to rescue you.”

“And the Empress Dowager…”

“She had the wine that Xie Yong’er drank tested and found it contained abortifacient. Then she claimed Xie Yong’er said you poisoned her and wanted to imprison you. I stopped her.”

“And then?”

“Then I said I needed to question Xie Yong’er myself. She accused me of trying to force a confession. I said if we were going to investigate, we should do it thoroughly.”

Xiahou Dan frowned, reenacting the scene: “‘Mother, treating the symptoms won’t solve the problem. Every entry and exit in the palace must be recorded. Concubines cannot leave the palace without reason, yet such poison could be smuggled in. The negligence is shocking!'”

Yu Wanyin played along: “‘What do you mean, son?'”

“‘In my opinion, we should interrogate all the eunuchs and maids who served at the banquet today. If no one confesses, we should expand the investigation, questioning the guards at the gates. We must find out who smuggled in the poison. Guards!’—then I pointed at the Empress Dowager’s head maid,” Xiahou Dan narrated, “‘If I remember correctly, you were at the Autumn Festival too, weren’t you?'”

Yu Wanyin, raising her eyebrows in an imitation of the Empress Dowager: “‘Hmm, are you suggesting something?'”

Xiahou Dan, worried: “‘Mother, please don’t be angry. I fear there may be villains hiding among us, endangering you.’—and that put an end to it. The Empress Dowager has plenty of reasons to hate me already, this just adds to the list.”

He spoke nonchalantly, but Yu Wanyin felt a chill.

“You’re really something, Xiahou Dan,” she said, still shaken. “You weren’t scared at all.”

“You can’t afford to be. She’s guilty; pressing the matter would make her nervous first.” Xiahou Dan glanced at the paper in Yu Wanyin’s hand, took it, and burned it over a candle.

Seeing him dismiss the English phrase, Xie Yong’er lost her last bit of hope: “So, you two, like me, are from another world?”

Yu Wanyin thought about the slight differences but didn’t mention them: “Yes. Since we’re all the same—”

Xie Yong’er interrupted with a defeated look: “I’ve been exposed from the start. I never stood a chance, did I?”

Before Yu Wanyin could speak, Xiahou Dan interjected: “Correct. Watching you cheat on me was quite entertaining.”

Yu Wanyin choked, giving him a look: enough, don’t provoke her.

After a moment, Xie Yong’er laughed bitterly: “Since it’s come to this, why not kill me? Claim I died in childbirth; it wouldn’t raise Prince Duan’s suspicion, would it?”

Xiahou Dan quickly replied: “Indeed, I wonder the same. Yu Wanyin, why tell her? Just kill her.”

Yu Wanyin was momentarily speechless, but then she turned to Xie Yong’er with a hint of sympathy: “Because there’s still a chance for you. If we kill you now, we lose a valuable ally against the Empress Dowager and Prince Duan.”

Xie Yong’er stared blankly: “An ally?”

Yu Wanyin nodded: “You know things, and you have the potential to help us. If you cooperate, you can still find a way to survive this.”

Xie Yong’er, exhausted and broken, slowly nodded: “What do you need me to do?”

Yu Wanyin and Xiahou Dan exchanged a look, a silent agreement forming between them. The game was far from over.

Yu Wanyin: “?”

“Are you here to mess things up for me?” Yu Wanyin glared at him more fiercely before turning to Xie Yonger with as much kindness as she could muster. “We’ve reached a point of forced abortions and framing. If we don’t lay all our cards on the table now, it will become a life-and-death situation. We’re all the same; have you ever considered another possibility?”

Xie Yonger clutched her blanket and sneered coldly: “I accept my loss; there’s no need for you to pretend to be kind. You didn’t tell me from the start, but watched me step by step fall into the quagmire. Now that I’m in this pitiful state, you claim to be the same kind. Don’t you find it ridiculous?”

Her face was pale, and she sat wrapped in a blanket, looking frail and weak, with only her eyes still alive, filled with defiant anger. Yu Wanyin saw her unyielding gaze and felt a deep sense of helplessness: “If we had told you right from the start, would your first reaction have been to cooperate?”

Xie Yonger: “…”

Xie Yonger was at a loss for words.

At that time, she had felt that heaven had given her a second chance, to abandon her ordinary and dull life, and to make a great impact in this new world.

She foresaw that Xiahou Dan would die without a doubt, so she unhesitatingly sided with Prince Duan, and Prince Duan naturally accepted her. She was full of ambition, believing that every step she took was on the path to victory.

If she had suddenly discovered that Xiahou Dan had become an unexpected variable, her first reaction would likely have been panic, fearing his revenge. Then she would have gone to inform Prince Duan and eliminated this variable while it was still weak.

Yu Wanyin’s question hit her where it hurt: “What do you mean? I just want to survive till the end, is that wrong? Don’t you want that too?”

Yu Wanyin: “I do.”

She softened her tone: “Actually, I don’t think it’s entirely your fault. The fault lies in this damned environment. If possible, I hope you can also survive till the end, and we can have a hotpot together and play some cards…”

Her intention was to soothe, but Xie Yonger felt humiliated, glaring angrily at the pair: “To the victor go the spoils. Stop acting like a saint. If our roles were reversed, you wouldn’t have made different choices!”

Xiahou Dan chuckled: “The difference would be huge.”

Today, he seemed determined to undermine her efforts: “If Wanyin were like you, do you think you’d still be alive?”

Yu Wanyin: “No, no, it’s not like that. Actually, Yonger isn’t as ruthless as she thinks. She wasn’t trying to bait me earlier; she was trying to warn me.”

Xie Yonger was taken aback, her expression unreadable.

Xiahou Dan, however, shook his head and pulled Yu Wanyin along: “I don’t think there’s anything more to say to her. Let’s go.”

Yu Wanyin looked at him in disbelief, but Xiahou Dan increased his grip and forcefully led her out the door, adding as he left: “Add more guards here. No one enters or leaves while Consort Xie is recovering.”

Once they were alone, Yu Wanyin slowed her pace: “What are you doing? Xie Yonger is still useful. She’s emotionally fragile now, and I want to persuade her to switch sides.”

Xiahou Dan remained calm: “I know. I was just playing along.”

“That was playing along?”

“Yes, I apply pressure, you offer the carrot. I’ve been betrayed; a bit of private punishment is reasonable, isn’t it? You can sneak in later with some food and medicine to break her psychological defense.”

Yu Wanyin: “…Private punishment?”

Xiahou Dan nodded: “Trust me, words alone won’t work.”

“Don’t rush. At least let me try.”

Xiahou Dan shrugged: “I knew you’d say that. Go ahead and try. If you can turn her, great; if not, let it go. She’s a real villain. Even if she switches sides, you’ll have to guard against her acting. She’s a liability.”

Yu Wanyin hesitated.

“Actually, I meant what I said earlier. Her actions tonight might have been a stress reaction rather than premeditated. And I hope she survives, to prevent the story from abruptly ending. It’s ultimately self-preservation…”

Xiahou Dan stopped walking.

Yu Wanyin didn’t notice and kept talking: “There’s not much difference between her and me.”

“There is.” Xiahou Dan stated firmly.

Yu Wanyin turned: “?”

Xiahou Dan stood there, looking at her with a strange expression: “Have you ever thought that keeping someone alive can be done in many ways? Cut off her legs and imprison her for life. As long as she doesn’t die, isn’t the goal still achieved?”

“…” Yu Wanyin felt a chill run down her spine.

“You didn’t even think of that, yet you dare call yourself a villain.” Xiahou Dan found it amusing. “Xie Yonger would definitely think of that. Let me remind you again, she’s a character in a story. She’ll be as bad as the plot needs her to be.”

Yu Wanyin stared at Xiahou Dan.

He was still wearing his formal attire from the banquet, but his crown was gone, and his hair was slightly askew. He had been toasted many times, still carrying a faint scent of alcohol. Maybe that’s why he was speaking more and more casually tonight.

So casual it was unsettling.

Yu Wanyin: “You—”

“Yes?”

You need to stay vigilant and not let this role consume you.

“You—” Yu Wanyin bit her lip, “Did you notice anything strange about the Yanguo people at the banquet?”

Xiahou Dan nonchalantly replied: “Of course there’s something wrong. The Empress Dowager provoked them, yet they didn’t react. They must be planning something bigger.”

Yu Wanyin nodded absentmindedly.

“But the Autumn Festival is the most heavily guarded time. If they wanted to do something, they wouldn’t choose today. They’ll probably wait for a private meeting to make a move. Let’s not worry about it now. It’s cold outside, let’s head back.”

As she turned to leave, Xiahou Dan grabbed her hand.

Yu Wanyin’s heart skipped a beat, and she turned to look at him.

His fingers, cool and slender, twitched as if instinctively wanting to let go but ultimately didn’t.

His pale and long fingers, already cold, felt even colder in the night breeze, like a snake.

Yu Wanyin shivered.

Xiahou Dan let go this time: “You left in a hurry just now. Did you eat enough?”

“…Ah? It’s fine, I’ll have the servants warm up something as a late-night snack.”

Xiahou Dan took out some pastries wrapped in cloth from his robe: “These are still warm. Have some first.”

Yu Wanyin took the pastries in a daze. They were indeed warm, having been kept close to his body, still carrying his body heat.

This man had been sparring with the Empress Dowager and outwitting the Yanguo emissaries, yet he still thought about her being hungry.

“Unbelievable, this is so touching, great villain.” Xiahou Dan said with a smile.

Yu Wanyin took a deep breath: “Walk with me a bit. I’m afraid the Empress Dowager will block my way.”

“Sure.” Xiahou Dan urged her, “Eat quickly, or it will go to waste.”

Yu Wanyin took a bite of the pastry, barely tasting it: “By the way, what did you originally look like? After seeing the tyrant’s face for so long, I can hardly imagine your original appearance.”

Xiahou Dan, standing half a step behind her, squinted and tried to recall.

“Just… ordinary, not ugly.”

“Ordinary?” Yu Wanyin laughed, “Weren’t you an actor?”

“That’s why I was unsuccessful.” He responded fluently, “What about you?”

“Me? Just an ordinary office worker. With makeup, I could barely be called cute. Without makeup, it’s another story.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself. You must be beautiful.”

Xiahou Dan walked Yu Wanyin back to her residence before returning to his own palace. They were still pretending to be in a ‘husband-chasing drama’ for the public, so once they were within the sight of the palace servants, Yu Wanyin put on a cold face: “Your Majesty, please leave.”

Xiahou Dan, not sure if he was acting, responded gently: “Rest early.”

Yu Wanyin lowered her head and entered through the main door.

“Uncle Bei?” She said in surprise.

“Dan’er just sent me over. I’ll be protecting you closely for a while.” Bei Zhou said in a low voice, “What happened here tonight?”

“It’s a long story, so many twists and turns…”

“I can see that.” Bei Zhou nodded, “Your face is all flushed with anxiety.”

Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager’s faction was having a small meeting.

Everyone looked solemn and heavy-hearted. The Empress Dowager lowered her head, stirring the tea leaves in her cup.

She remained silent, so a minister stepped forward to take responsibility: “It was my incompetence. I didn’t anticipate the emperor would challenge us publicly during the Autumn Festival banquet. I was at a loss on how to respond, which led to the downfall of Lord Wang…”

“Lord Wang was flustered and failed to meet expectations. It’s not undeserved that he ended up in prison.” This was someone who had always been at odds with Lord Wang, seizing the opportunity to add insult to injury.

“It seems the emperor is getting older and developing his own ideas. We, his ministers, are incompetent. We must ask the Empress Dowager to guide and enlighten the emperor for the sake of the country.” This was someone fanning the flames, encouraging the Empress Dowager to take action.

The Empress Dowager finally lifted her head: “Guide?”

She laughed: “He’s clearly made up his mind to never listen to guidance again.”

“From what I see, though this is a father and son matter, the Crown Prince is wise and benevolent, showing the qualities of a great ruler.” This was someone subtly suggesting to replace the puppet.

The little Crown Prince sat quietly to one side.

The Empress Dowager, however, did not lose her temper tonight. She spoke with a hint of melancholy: “The timing has passed.”

They had missed the best opportunity. Prince Duan’s momentum was too strong now, firmly suppressing them. Killing the emperor at this time would only benefit Prince Duan.

The ministers continued to argue over whether to deal with the emperor or Prince Duan first, but the Empress Dowager put down her tea cup with a “clink,” silencing them: “From the emperor’s performance, he’s determined to negotiate peace. If we make peace with Yanguo, the border will be secure, and Prince Duan will become unstoppable.”

They must keep the border forces engaged.

She made up her mind, speaking lightly: “Those Yanguo people don’t speak our language well. Walking around the capital, they will inevitably have some conflicts with the locals. A group of barbarians, one word out of place, and they should start a fight, right? By then, swords don’t have eyes, and there might be bloodshed.”

The ministers were silent.

Those who added insult to injury, those who fanned the flames, and those with their own agendas all stopped talking, staring blankly at the woman seated above.

The Empress Dowager wanted more than just a failed peace negotiation. That wasn’t enough for her.

If she was going to act, she would go big, aiming to wipe out the Yanguo emissaries right here. Killing emissaries was the greatest insult, provoking Yanguo’s revenge and sparking a new war.

A minister wiped his cold sweat: “This… the safety of the country…”

Another quickly aligned himself: “What, are you all afraid that the Central Army will lose if there’s a real fight? Even if the Central Army is defeated, we can send the Right Army. By then, the Yanguo and Prince Duan will be weakened, and we can reap the benefits.”

A casual remark turned thousands of soldiers’ lives into chips on the table.

The sweating minister glanced at the little Crown Prince, as if hoping he would say something. The Empress Dowager noticed and directly asked: “What does the Crown Prince think?”

The little Crown Prince thought for a moment: “If Grandmother says fight, then we fight.”

The Empress Dowager laughed heartily: “What a good grandson, much better than the one on the throne now.”

Even the most ambitious ministers felt a chill at this moment.

Thinking that the kingdom of Daxia would one day fall into the hands of such a child, they couldn’t help but feel a cold shiver in their hearts.