The husband I snatched halfway through his life is strange.

The torrential rain poured down relentlessly, and a curtain of pearls fell from the cracked sky like a waterfall, stringing together along the eaves, as if it could smash shallow pits into the bluestone slabs.

Amidst the thunder, the situation in the capital city was in turmoil.

"Who leaked those messages from outside?"

Yu Tingwan leaned against the octagonal pavilion by the pond, holding fish food in her hands and scattering it onto the water.

Years ago, his uncle, General Jingyuan, secretly rescued Ying Fuyan, who had been tortured beyond recognition. This was due to Emperor Yingqian's tacit approval and protection.

In the harsh, cold land, there was a doctor specially assigned to Ying Fuyan, who kept him on the verge of death so that he could be tortured repeatedly.

After the uncle arranged for his death to be faked, the officials in Lingnan panicked.

How could I dare to report it?
The Prince of Yan was strangled to death with iron chains by them, following the emperor's verbal order.

It is not as serious as rumored outside.

The emperor had barely secured his throne when he was already eager to eliminate the Prince of Yan. Yet, he insisted on cloaking himself in benevolence, failing to completely eradicate the threat, for fear of leaving any room for criticism.

“Those people were afraid of dying, so they found someone to take their place. And that person stayed for many years.”

To deceive the heavens and cross the sea.

Yu Tingwan: "My husband really wants to make a fuss about this, and someone has actually helped him."

Even when you're dozing off, someone will bring you a pillow.

Tan Jiang informed him, "It is the Second Prince."

Yu Tingwan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, that cripple."

Not surprising.

Because Yao Ru often went to temples to pray for blessings, he already harbored resentment towards Ying Fuyan, so how could he not pay attention?
They noticed something was wrong as soon as they paid attention and then investigated further.

When Ying Zhi learned that Ying Fuyan was dead, he was overjoyed.

But he knew the gravity of the situation and dared not mention it to anyone, nor did he even have the chance to tell Yao Ru, for fear that she might do something wrong.

So I kept it to myself.

But things are different now.

Yu Tingwan said softly, "That scoundrel is quite cunning. He wants to take advantage of the Emperor's injury to set a trap."

What bureau?

Look how unlucky Emperor Yingqian is now.

Regardless of what the Censorate finds out.

Even if the emperor goes to great lengths to exonerate you and absolve you of guilt, you will still be tainted with the infamy of harming the only heir left by the Prince of Yan.

What if it gets on your skin?
Compared to his ruthless methods and ability to scheme, he was ultimately inferior to the late emperor.

The enemy knows the enemy best.

From the moment Ying Yin rushed into the fire yesterday, the Fifth Prince's faction will spread the word about the Fifth Prince's virtuous and capable reputation.

Ying Zhi was well aware of this, and he would even help to push things along, praising Ying Yin to a high position.

The idea of ​​dragon energy only made Emperor Yingqian feel like he had swallowed a fly, a lump in his throat.

Tan Jiang: "The Second Prince reaps the benefits without lifting a finger."

Yu Tingwan gave a half-smile: "Not necessarily."

"He'll likely not get away with it if he enters the palace today."

Otherwise, why would his face look so sour?

Yu Tingwan wiped her hands with a handkerchief: "The Hall of Mental Cultivation was burned down, and your general and the shadowy figure got into a fight. They were fighting in the style of the Second Prince's confidants."

Tan Jiang: ...

Yu Tingwan: "Guess what Xiao Huaiyan did after bandaging Wei Zhao last night?"

Tan Jiang: "Didn't Prince Xiao and the General come to the riverbank to look for Madam and Miss Shen?"

Yu Tingwan snorted.

"If I'm not mistaken, he went to the Second Prince's residence and slashed his confidant's arm."

The injuries were exactly the same as those on Wei Zhao.

Isn't that a coincidence? Last night, the shadowy figures began investigating who dared to break into the palace and commit the crime.

I already had my suspicions about the second prince.

However, they also plan to investigate Wei Zhao and several other capable high-ranking officials to prevent anyone from deliberately framing them.

Unfortunately, a few shadowy figures bumped into Xiao Huaiyan, who was carrying a wine jug and came out of the gambling den in a fit of rage.

Xiao Huaiyan cursed as he walked.

"This lousy gambling den kicked me out after only five rounds. What, my dad forbids me from sending you money, so you're really just going to throw it away?"

"What's there to be afraid of! In twenty or thirty years, when my father kicks the bucket, I'll be in charge of the entire Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion!"

He really is a spoiled brat.

The shadowy figure didn't want to pay attention.

Then they heard a sentence.

"Damn it, Wei Zhao kicked me out, and now the gambling den dares to disrespect me!"

Just then, the shadowy figure received news that the Second Prince's confidant was injured on the street ahead.

Yes, his trusted confidant was inexplicably attacked, and he tried to chase after Xiao Huaiyan, but he vanished without a trace. He couldn't bear this and was searching for him on the streets! "Madam."

Just then, Shunzi came in from outside.

It was raining heavily outside, and he got a little wet.

"The carriage is ready."

Yu Tingwan turned to Tan Jiang and gave her instructions.

"Put on the silver fox fur cloak and let's go."

The rain was so heavy that there were few pedestrians on the road, and the journey was smooth.

It was half an hour later when the wheels finally stopped rolling.

As Yu Tingwan lifted the curtain, a gust of wind and rain fell on her face.

The water stains were icy cold.

It startled her.

Shunzi quickly came over to hold an umbrella for her.

"Madam, there are quite a few carriages ahead. His Majesty is injured and has been excused from the morning court session, but there are still many important matters that need to be reported to the court officials. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to walk a few steps."

Yu Tingwan looked around.

The ground was wet, with shallow puddles in several places.

She wasn't so conventional; she bent down and lifted the layers of her skirt, tying a small knot to prevent it from getting wet and revealing the delicate deerskin shoes underneath.

What noble lady would be so undignified?
But given her composed demeanor and her status, who would dare say otherwise?

Shoes made of deerskin mean you don't have to worry about getting your shoes and socks wet.

Yu Tingwan wasn't afraid of stepping in the water and walked forward with a clattering sound.

She could clearly sense that the palace was more heavily guarded this time than before.

At the palace gate, there were many Imperial Guards patrolling, and the nanny who served the Empress Dowager had been waiting for a long time. When she saw her coming, her eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward, taking the umbrella from Shunzi's hand and holding it for her.

"Her Majesty has been eagerly anticipating your arrival since she learned that you were going to the palace. However, she was worried that the heavy rain might deter you from coming."

Yu Tingwan: "Last time I received the Empress's snacks and the nanny personally escorted me out of the palace, so I promised to go to the palace to express my gratitude."

"We can't go back on our word."

The old woman's face was full of wrinkles from smiling as she led Yu Tingwan into the Cining Palace.

Inside Cining Palace.

The Empress Dowager put down the chess pieces in her hand before looking up at Gu Wu opposite her.

"Absent-minded".

Gu Wu looked and realized she had lost again.

Empress Dowager: "If I hadn't summoned you, you can calculate for yourself how long it's been since you last came."

"Grandma."

Gu Wu glanced outside every now and then, fidgeting nervously with her hands.

“But you didn’t say that my sister was coming too.”

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager gracefully took a sip of tea.

"What, are you afraid of her?"

Gu Wu remained silent.

The next moment, footsteps came from outside, along with the greetings of palace maids outside the hall.

The Empress Dowager, who had been nonchalant just moments before, suddenly sat up straight, straightened her clothes, and checked if there was anything amiss.

Before the person even entered, the Empress Dowager got up and went to greet him.

"Yaoyao."

Gu Wu: ...

How could I possibly say anything about her?

Yu Tingwan was pulled inside by the Empress Dowager and immediately saw Gu Wu, who was standing uneasily, looking down at her shoes, then cautiously glancing over and smiling at her.

She nodded calmly, indicating her agreement.

Empress Dowager: "Would it be alright to have lunch at my maternal great-aunt's place?"

Yu Tingwan is considering it.

Empress Dowager: "I just bought a blood coral a few days ago at a high price. It's almost half a person tall and very beautiful. I thought you would like it when you see it. Remember to take it with you later."

Yu Tingwan: ? ? ?

what?
These words sound so familiar.

She looked in the direction the Empress Dowager pointed.

More familiar.

Yu Tingwan: "Is it possible..."

"I sold those."

She split the money 50/50 with Shen Zhiyi.

(End of this chapter)