The demise of Concubine Yun had dealt a severe blow to the Duke Yun's estate. Now, with the Duchess Yun also gone, the entire estate was draped in mourning white.
"Eldest Miss, you have been kneeling for a day. It's time to rest," Bai Shao said softly, approaching to persuade her.
Yun Wei Shu shook her head, her voice choked with sobs, "Mother is still here. I cannot leave her alone. You have all stayed with me for a day; go back and rest. I am sufficient here alone."
"Eldest Miss..."
"Go back. I am not tired." Yun Wei Shu ceased speaking.
Seeing this, Bai Shao waved, signaling for everyone to withdraw.
A gust of wind blew, rustling the mourning banners in the mourning hall. Tears welled up in her eyes and flowed down.
Suddenly, a thud sounded from behind her as someone knelt. Without turning her head, she asked, "Is my elder brother here?"
"I wish to pay my respects to mother." Yun Duan Hai crawled forward on his knees and bowed three times.
Yun Wei Shu turned to look at him, her voice trembling, "Elder brother, Mother is gone."
Upon hearing this, Yun Duan Hai raised his eyes to the coffin, his voice deep and hoarse, "I caused Mother's death, and my aunt's..."
Yun Wei Shu shook her head, "It is not your fault. It is this Prince An's fault..."
As she spoke, she turned and saw the woman in white. Perhaps from kneeling for too long, she swayed as she stood up and walked to the woman. "In consideration of the sacrifices made by Duke Yun's estate for you, could you grant this humble one a request?"
"Speak..."
"I want Prince An dead." Yun Wei Shu gritted her teeth and spoke each word deliberately.
Xue Zi Ning paused slightly but, seeing the intense hatred in Yun Wei Shu's eyes, replied, "Very well."
Yun Wei Shu had not expected the Empress to agree so readily. She smiled and turned to look at the coffin of the Duchess Yun. "Mother, do not worry. Your and my aunt's grievances will surely be avenged."
"Eldest Miss, someone from the palace has arrived," Bai Shao's voice called from outside.
Yun Wei Shu started. "Bai Shao, come in."
Xue Zi Ning pulled Yun Duan Hai to hide to the side. Bai Shao entered and whispered, "Eldest Miss, someone from the palace has arrived. His Majesty summons you."
Yun Wei Shu's gaze deepened as she asked, "Where is Father?"
Bai Shao replied, "The Duke has just gone out."
Yun Wei Shu said, "I understand. Go and attend to the palace guests. I will change my clothes and leave."
Bai Shao departed.
Yun Duan Hai emerged from the shadows and said, "Wei Shu, you cannot enter the palace."
Yun Wei Shu replied, "I know it is not safe to enter the palace at this time, but if I defy His Majesty's order, do you know what that would mean for Duke Yun's estate?"
Yun Duan Hai was anxious, "But if you go, you might not return."
"That is my fate," Yun Wei Shu said calmly.
Yun Duan Hai was stunned. "Wei Shu..."
"Elder brother, the Duke's estate is entrusted to you. Guard it until Father returns." Yun Wei Shu said.
Yun Duan Hai shook his head, "Wei Shu, wait a moment. Father will be back."
"Elder brother, do you still not understand? Father will not return, at least not before I enter the palace," Yun Wei Shu said.
"Then you must not go either," Yun Duan Hai insisted.
"Elder brother, perhaps things are not as dire as you imagine."
"But..."
"I will accompany Miss Yun," Xue Zi Ning said, stepping out from the shadows.
"No..." Yun Duan Hai and Yun Wei Shu both refused immediately.
"Duke Yun has already sacrificed too much for me. I cannot stand by and watch Miss Yun be harmed."
"Your Majesty, Prince An's target is you. If you go, it will be like a wolf entering a tiger's den. You absolutely must not go," Yun Duan Hai urged.
Yun Wei Shu nodded, "My elder brother speaks the truth. You must not go."
"My mind is made up. Besides, the most dangerous place is often the safest," Xue Zi Ning said slowly.
Yun Wei Shu walked out of the mourning hall and said to Bai Shao, who was attending to the palace guests, "Bai Shao, you will remain here to guard the mourning hall. No one is to enter, except Father. I will take Bai Shuang into the palace."
Bai Shao nodded, "Eldest Miss, please rest assured. This servant will bear it in mind."
Yun Wei Shu approached the palace attendants, bowed, and said, "After entering the palace, I will rely on you, Aunt."
As she spoke, she gestured to the person beside her, handing over a purse.
The attendant, seeing the heavily filled purse, smiled gleefully and said, "Miss Yun, rest assured. His Majesty merely wishes to summon you for a few words."
Yun Wei Shu, along with her maid, got into the carriage.
Upon arriving at the palace, the attendants led Yun Wei Shu into Prince An's sleeping quarters. "Miss Yun, His Majesty is waiting for you inside."
After saying this, the attendants left.
Now, only Yun Wei Shu and Bai Shuang remained in the vast palace hall.
She clutched Bai Shuang's hand, her body trembling slightly.
"Don't be afraid..." Bai Shuang whispered.
Yun Wei Shu nodded and walked forward step by step.
Behind the curtain, a figure could be vaguely seen. Yun Wei Shu knelt and said, "This humble one, Yun Wei Shu, greets His Majesty."
"Rise, and come closer!" Prince An's voice emanated from behind the curtain.
Yun Wei Shu rose and saw the curtain being drawn open by the attendants on both sides. Prince An sat there, clad in his inner wear.
Yun Wei Shu, gritting her teeth, walked forward and bowed, "Your Majesty."
Prince An patted the space beside him. "Come and sit."
Yun Wei Shu bit her lower lip and did not move forward. Seeing this, Prince An descended, approached her, and extended his hand, "Come."
Yun Wei Shu took a deep breath and extended her hand. Prince An pulled her hand and led her to the bedside.
"All of you, withdraw," Prince An commanded.
At this moment, even a fool like Yun Wei Shu knew what Prince An intended to do.
Yun Wei Shu stepped back, "Your Majesty, this humble one is still in mourning. I fear I cannot attend to Your Majesty."
"This King does not mind," Prince An replied.
Anger filled Yun Wei Shu's chest. She looked up at Prince An and said, "My mother died just today. This humble one does not wish to offend Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to release me."
Prince An stepped forward, took Yun Wei Shu's hand, and suddenly pulled hard, sending her tumbling towards him. Prince An caught her and walked towards the bed.
Yun Wei Shu gasped, "Your Majesty, what are you doing?"
"Tomorrow you will be this King's Concubine Yun. What do you think this King intends to do?"
"Let go of me, let go of me..." Yun Wei Shu struggled. She had never imagined that Prince An would resort to force.
"Do you deserve my aunt? Before my aunt's remains are even cold, you intend to favor her niece? Your Majesty, did you ever love my aunt?"
Prince An paused, looking at the struggling Yun Wei Shu in his arms, his gaze turning cold. "She is not worthy."
With that, he pressed down on Yun Wei Shu.
Suddenly, a cold sword was placed at Prince An's throat. Prince An froze.
Yun Wei Shu quickly got off the bed, scrambling away.
"Who are you?" Prince An asked coldly.
"Whoever you wish me to be, that is who I am."
Prince An was taken aback, a flash of sharp coldness crossing his eyes. "You are Xue Zi Ning."
"As you wish," Xue Zi Ning said coldly.