Reborn in the Cold Palace: The Emperor's lie

"She lives in the mansion, whether she's good or bad, I hear and see it every day, how could I not know?" Cui Yi had always resented being forced to marry, even if it was someone who had raised him for many years. "Concubine Duan, don't defend her, I will never marry her."

Concubine Duan wanted to say something but was interrupted by the Empress's laughter, "Miss Xie is Sister Ye's niece, she shouldn't be bad. But since Yingrong doesn't like her, even if he marries her, he won't be happy. If he locks her away without seeing or touching her, wouldn't that waste Miss Xie's youth? Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"

Emperor Jianyuan pondered silently. Concubine Duan continued, "Your Majesty, Yingrong and Yuchan's marriage was promised by you and Empress Xiaoling in front of the entire Xie family. The Xie family has carefully nurtured their daughter for many years. If we don't take her, how can Yuchan hold her head high in the future? Besides, Yingrong marrying Yuchan was Empress Xiaoling's wish. Now that she has passed away, this is her only wish. Can Your Majesty bear to let her spirit in heaven not rest in peace?"

The Empress laughed, "The engagement back then was just a casual joke by Empress Xiaoling, how could it count? Moreover, Houcheng is outstanding in appearance, background, and manners. I believe Empress Xiaoling would be pleased to see Yingrong married to such a good wife."

The two women argued back and forth, each sticking to their own arguments. Cui Yi, the main character, was stunned, curiously looking at Houcheng—why was the Empress speaking for him?

Houcheng looked back helplessly—he thought she was really helping him? She was afraid he'd ally with the Xie family, adding pressure to the Crown Prince.

"Stop arguing," Emperor Jianyuan declared, and both the Empress and Concubine Duan fell silent. "Yingrong, I'll ask you one last time, will you marry or not?"

Cui Yi answered without hesitation, "I cannot marry."

Houcheng could tell Emperor Jianyuan was trying to stay calm but was internally furious. If it weren't for the fact that getting angry during the New Year was inauspicious, he would have already shouted.

Emperor Jianyuan took a deep breath and asked, "Then whom do you plan to pass your title to in the future?"

Cui Yi glanced at Houcheng's belly.

Emperor Jianyuan said, "Changsun Tai's daughter is certainly not bad. Since you refuse to marry Miss Xie, let's wait until next summer when the child is born to decide. If it's a boy, Changsun Houcheng will be promoted to King Wu's consort, and I will no longer interfere with your marriage."

"If it's a girl, I will select a suitable lady from a scholarly family in the capital, and you must marry her whether you like it or not."

Before Cui Yi could speak, Emperor Jianyuan concluded, "Marriage should be decided by parents. Empress Xiaoling passed away early, and I indulged you because I pitied your loss of mother at a young age. Don't think you can always be wilful!"

There was no room for argument anymore. Cui Yi could only bow, "Yes."

At this point, Houcheng finally understood why Concubine Duan had said "legitimate and illegitimate are different." It was indeed a hidden agenda aimed at squeezing Zhangsun Lingfang and ultimately targeting her, Changsun Houcheng. By reminding Emperor Jianyuan of Cui Yi's delayed marriage as a legitimate-turned-illegitimate son, she also implied that even if Houcheng gave birth to a child, it would be an illegitimate one, like the children of Cui Jie's concubines, unworthy of the high society.

After returning to their seats, Cui Yi grumbled in a low voice, "You're usually eloquent, why didn't you say anything just now?"

Houcheng replied helplessly, "What should I say? That Miss Xie bullied me?"

Cui Yi frowned, "Isn't it better to say something than nothing?"

Houcheng was at a loss, unable to explain in detail. She suddenly had an idea and gave him an analogy, "Suppose you're picky about food, only eating meat and refusing vegetables, and then you're criticized. At that moment, would the meat explain that it's because the vegetables taste bad that you refuse to eat them?"

Cui Yi's eyes widened noticeably. After thinking for a moment, he silently nodded.

The subsequent offerings of wine by the Third Prince and his consort, the Fourth Prince and his consort, were minor roles that neither the Empress nor other consorts found troublesome. They symbolically asked about their recent conditions and dismissed them to eat.

The New Year's banquet lasted until the hour of Hai (9-11 PM). Then, it was time to watch the opera. Every New Year and birthday, the royal family would invite the best opera troupes to perform in the palace. This year was no exception. Houcheng had little interest in watching operas, especially since she had seen them before, and she was tired. She leaned against the backrest and started to doze off.

Soon, Xiaoqiu gently touched her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Lady, Second Lady wants to talk to you."

Houcheng immediately woke up with a start, glancing at Cui Yi beside her. Good, he was completely engrossed in the opera, so she didn't need to worry about him not letting her go. She said, "I'll go."

But Cui Yi immediately turned his head, "Where are you going?"

Houcheng smiled bitterly, "To relieve myself, do you want to come along?"

Cui Yi's lips twitched, "Return quickly, be careful on the way."

Houcheng nodded and followed Xiaoqiu down the viewing platform. An old nanny from the Eastern Palace was already waiting. Seeing them, she silently gestured for them to follow her, leading them around the theater to a small courtyard nearby.

Last night, a heavy snowfall covered the city, and the snow piled up along the palace paths, chilling to the bone. Houcheng wrapped her fur cloak tighter and asked the maid ahead, "Madam, did the Crown Princess say what she wanted to talk about?"

The nanny didn't turn around or answer. Houcheng sensed something was wrong and pretended to stumble, sitting down with a cry, "Ah!"

Xiaoqiu was almost scared out of her wits, "Lady! Lady, what happened? Did you hurt your foot? Does it hurt?"

Houcheng acted as if in great pain, clutching her ankle, "Ow, my foot... twisted, hurts! Feels broken, so painful!" Then, she discreetly pinched Xiaoqiu.

Having served Houcheng for so long, Xiaoqiu immediately understood. She loudly called out, "Help! Something's wrong! The Wangfei sprained her ankle! Someone call the imperial physician!"

Her cries immediately drew the patrolling guards' attention. The squad leader asked loudly, "What's the commotion?"

Xiaoqiu waved her hands, exaggerating Houcheng's situation, "Our Wangfei felt stuffy in the viewing area and asked me to walk around. But the road was uneven, and she twisted her ankle. She can't stand up now. Quickly call the imperial physician!"

The squad leader immediately straightened up and ordered, "Quick, fetch the imperial physician!"

"No need for the physician, let me check the Wangfei first," the nanny said, squatting down in front of Houcheng, feeling her ankle and then squeezing hard, causing Houcheng to scream in pain.

"Don't bother calling the physician, let me check the Wangfei first," the nanny said, squatting down in front of Houcheng, feeling her ankle and then squeezing hard, causing Houcheng to scream in pain.

Joking! If she really allowed her to manipulate her ankle, it would surely break! This was just a ruse to escape. Better to cut her losses and leave before losing a leg, Houcheng thought. She hurriedly pushed her hand away, "No need, no need, I suddenly feel much better, it doesn't hurt anymore. Madam, you're truly skilled, you healed me instantly."

She quickly stood up with Xiaoqiu's help, fearful that the nanny would try to harm her again.

The squad leader asked worriedly, "Are you sure you're okay?"

Houcheng nodded repeatedly, "Fine, fine, just a slight twist. I'm going back now."

The squad leader said, "Let us escort you."

With escorts, it was perfect, saving her from any further trouble. Houcheng agreed immediately, "Thank you very much."

Just as she was about to leave, she saw the nanny still standing there, her expression clearly showing frustration at her failed plan. Houcheng thought to herself that it was fortunate she had been cautious. Otherwise, who knew what trouble she might encounter tonight.

"Oh, right, Madam, thank you very much," Houcheng, remembering the pinch, said, "The Crown Princess is my sister. I will definitely ask her to reward you properly."

The nanny's face remained stiff, replying stiffly, "Thank you, Wangfei."

In front of the guards, Houcheng exposed the nanny's identity and hinted at the suspicious circumstances without revealing the details. If anyone questioned the incident later, she would have witnesses, making the Empress hesitant to harm her unborn child.

She had originally planned to chat with her sister during the banquet, but now it seemed impossible.

Back at the viewing platform, Cui Yi noticed her limping and his eyes bulged, "What happened to your foot?"

"Shh! It's fake, don't spread it around," Houcheng sat back in her seat, pretending she had gone to the restroom and returned to continue watching the opera.

Though Cui Yi was puzzled, he couldn't ask in front of everyone. He waited patiently for the opera to end.

After the opera, the Empress announced, as per tradition, they would stay overnight in the palace to celebrate the New Year with the Emperor.

Cui Yi was not pleased. It was freezing cold, and Houcheng had already worked hard today, greeting, drinking, and performing rituals. He couldn't let her stay up all night. So, despite everyone's agreement, he firmly said, "We won't stay."

Concubine Duan reproached, "Everyone else is staying, why only you two want to leave? You rarely come to the capital, this is a rare opportunity to spend the New Year with your father. Don't ruin the mood."

Due to the earlier disagreement over Xie Yuchan, Cui Yi was already upset. If it weren't for her upbringing, he might have said something harsh. Politely, he responded, "Since I'm usually absent, my presence or absence doesn't make much difference. Houcheng is tired, I'll accompany her back to rest."

Concubine Duan persisted, "Staying in the palace is the same. You can rest in the Hanfu Palace, let Houcheng rest there first. Or if you're worried, I'll ask Nongyue to serve her. New Year is about reunion."

Missing you, even your father emperor wouldn't be happy." Prince Cui Yi's face was solemn, seemingly puzzled again. Why was Concubine Duan now speaking on behalf of the Empress? They had never gotten along well before, so what was going on today?

"Alright then, Empress, have someone clean up the places where they used to live, prioritizing Hanfu Palace," Emperor Jianyuan, as the head of the family, had absolute decision-making power at this moment and thus issued an order. "Concubine Duan, send two maids from your palace to take care of them. If Yingrong doesn't feel reassured, he can accompany them over and return to Qingchun Palace after Chengying falls asleep."

The Empress and Concubine Duan immediately agreed and turned to instruct their servants and eunuchs to carry out the tasks. The stewardess of Songya Palace, Nongyue, approached Chengying: "Your Highness, please follow me."

"Eh..." Just as Prince Cui Yi was about to follow, Chengying waved her hand: "No need for Your Highness to escort me. Please stay with His Majesty at Qingchun Palace for the New Year's Eve. With the maids from Concubine Duan's palace taking care of us, why would Your Highness still be worried?"

Concubine Duan nodded repeatedly, but Prince Cui Yi seemed to sense something off in her words. However, if he tried to pinpoint it, he couldn't figure out exactly what was wrong. But since the emperor had already given his command, as a son, he could only obey and followed behind Emperor Jianyuan with a slight frown.

Nongyue led Chengying and Xiaoqiu around a courtyard, where a carriage was already waiting, indicating it had been prepared in advance. The journey from the theater to Songya Palace was quite long. After getting into the carriage, seeing that Nongyue didn't intend to enter the compartment, Chengying invited her: "Lady Nongyue, come in and sit. It's cold outside; don't catch a chill."

Nongyue smiled faintly and declined: "No, it would be too crowded for Your Highness. I'll just sit outside."

Crowded? Hardly. Chengying thought that even if another Prince Cui Yi were to squeeze in, she wouldn't feel cramped, let alone a maid. So she spoke directly: "I have a few questions for Lady Nongyue. Or has Lady Duan already ordered you not to say anything to me?"

Nongyue had no choice but to get into the carriage, close the door tightly, adjust the charcoal brazier, and ask: "What does Your Highness want to know?"

Chengying looked at her calmly: "When did Miss Xie enter the palace?"

Nongyue fell silent, unsure how to respond. Chengying continued: "Once we arrive at Songya Palace, will I be greeted by drugged snacks or Miss Xie's punches and kicks? Lady, you're burdened with the responsibility of watching over me. If anything happens to me, regardless of who is behind it, you will bear the blame. At best, you might receive a slap and be made to kneel, and at worst, you could be beaten to death. Is this how you treat those close to you?"

Nongyue's face flushed red and pale alternately, and after a while, she said: "Your Highness is overthinking. Her Majesty has no ill intentions; she just hopes that Prince can spend more time with His Majesty and fulfill his filial duties."

"Fulfill his filial duties, and then what?" Chengying laughed. "Will His Majesty change his mind and appoint Prince as the heir? And Miss Xie will marry Prince, becoming the future Empress and Empress Dowager. The Xie family will rise to prominence as the emperor's in-laws. What does Lady Duan gain? She isn't Prince's birth mother nor a Xie, so even if Prince becomes emperor, she won't benefit much, at most perhaps a beautiful temple where she can live in glory."

Nongyue remained silent, and Chengying knew she had guessed correctly. Sighing, she said: "Please advise Her Majesty to think carefully. Working so hard to help others, what is the point?"

For the rest of the journey, the three people in the carriage remained silent. Upon entering Songya Palace and not seeing Xie Yuchan, Chengying realized that Lady Duan must have arranged for her to appear at Qingchun Palace, conveniently filling the void left by herself when she returned to rest. Even if someone wanted to find fault, there was still the relationship of first cousins to mitigate any criticism.

Praying silently, Chengying hoped Prince Cui Yi wouldn't hit a woman in front of his father and brothers. Since they had spoken frankly in the carriage, she drank the tea served without worry.

If she had been nervous before, now it should be Nongyue who was anxious. If anything happened to her, whoever was behind it would make Nongyue take the blame.

After resting for half an hour at Songya Palace, someone from Hanfu Palace came to report that everything was ready and asked the princess to move over. As Nongyue escorted them to the carriage, she remarked: "Your Highness sees things so clearly; no wonder Prince favors you. But in this imperial palace, who isn't trying their best to climb higher or at least secure a stable position? I am also caught up in this."

"I understand; everyone has their difficulties," Chengying comforted her with a smile and entered the carriage with Xiaoqiu's help.

When the carriage arrived at Hanfu Palace and the door opened, Chengying realized what Nongyue's previous words meant. Crown Princess Changsun Lingfang stood at the steps of Hanfu Palace.

Xiaoqiu was momentarily stunned: "Crown Princess..."

Changsun Lingfang wore a fiery red palace dress, her makeup making her youthful face look older than it was. But looking closely into her eyes, one could see the anxiety of a young girl and the worries of a crown princess.

She opened her mouth slightly and called out timidly: "Sister."

Xiaoqiu quickly understood and pulled Chengying forward: "Second Young Mistress, why are you here? Let's go inside and sit down. It's cold standing here in the wind."

In Chengying's eyes, no matter how her sister changed, she was always her younger sister, someone she needed to protect. Although she realized her sister's appearance here was abnormal, she held onto a glimmer of hope that perhaps she had just come to apologize.

Without Nongyue accompanying them, the familiar faces of the palace maids and eunuchs at Hanfu Palace made Chengying smile. Even if someone else didn't recognize them, she knew every detail about them, including their families and hidden wealth.

While Chengying unexpectedly met her sister at Hanfu Palace, at Qingchun Palace, Prince Cui Yi also encountered Xie Yuchan unexpectedly.

Perhaps reminded by her family, Xie Yuchan appeared unusually gentle today, neither shouting nor clinging to Prince Cui Yi like an octopus. When Lady Duan introduced her to everyone, the third and fourth princes' consorts all exchanged knowing smiles—no wonder they went to great lengths to keep Prince Cui Yi in the palace for the New Year's Eve and sent away Changsun Chengying, obviously paving the way for their niece.

Emperor Jianyuan, hearing Lady Duan praise her niece endlessly, saw Xie Yuchan for the first time. He called her forward and asked a few questions, which Lady Duan had rehearsed beforehand. Xie Yuchan answered fluently, appearing quiet and obedient. Although Emperor Jianyuan didn't explicitly say anything, his expression clearly conveyed satisfaction.

Prince Cui Yi felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy.

Without Chengying by his side to consult, seeing his father's growing favor towards Xie Yuchan, how could this end well?