But even so, it couldn't silence the gossip, which only grew more intense, escalating to the point where it was said that as long as Princess Chang Ning was not removed, the desolate wilderness would never know peace.
Xue Zi Ning, upon hearing the news from Xue Lian, realized that if things continued unchecked, she might be permanently confined here before she could even leave.
Therefore, she could no longer sit and wait for death. She had to take the initiative.
"Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to see you," Xue Lian whispered, approaching Xue Zi Ning.
Xue Zi Ning nodded. "Please inform Father Emperor that I will go immediately."
She also wished to see her father. Clearly, Father Emperor was concerned about this matter as well.
Arriving at Father Emperor's imperial chambers, Xue Zi Ning found that Mother Empress was also present. She stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Father Emperor, Mother Empress."
Father Emperor waved his hand at her. "A Ning, come here."
Xue Zi Ning obediently went to Father Emperor's side. Father Emperor sighed for no apparent reason. Seeing this, she couldn't help but ask, "Father Emperor, is it about the impeachment of me in court these past few days?"
Mentioning this matter, Mother Empress's face filled with anger. "Do these censors have nothing better to do? Instead of keeping an eye on corrupt officials, they are fixated on my A Ning. My A Ning has never been involved in court affairs. What are they so afraid of?"
"Empress, you may not be aware, but the news originated from the common folk."
"What news?" the Empress asked.
Father Emperor glanced at her and slowly said, "Rumors among the people suggest that the desolate wilderness might eventually have a female emperor."
Xue Zi Ning was slightly taken aback. She had thought it was merely gossip about her lack of virtue or something similar, but she hadn't expected it to touch upon the issue of royal succession.
"Father Emperor…"
"A Ning, Father Emperor has never believed these folk tales. Moreover, even if you became Empress, what of it? Are you any less capable than a man? In Father Emperor's heart and eyes, you are more intelligent than many men. If your brother cannot bear the responsibility of being Emperor, then A Ning can also ascend the throne."
Xue Zi Ning was stunned. "Father Emperor…"
She had no idea that in this life, Father Emperor had even considered passing the throne to her.
Although in this life, she ultimately did not inherit the throne, in the second life, Father Emperor had eventually given it to her.
If the throne was merely the starting point that led to her tragedy, then this was the beginning of the tragedy.
"Father Emperor, I have no interest in the throne, nor do I wish to be Emperor."
"A Ning, becoming Emperor grants supreme power. Don't you like any of these things?"
Xue Zi Ning shook her head. "What I want is very simple: happiness and a lifetime with one person."
"You can still have that as Emperor!"
Xue Zi Ning shook her head. "But you cannot achieve a lifetime with one person."
"A Ning, why must you be so insistent on a lifetime with one person?"
"Father Emperor, I have seen how much you love Mother Empress, but you still cannot disregard the advice of the court officials and have taken so many concubines. Some of them might not have seen Your Majesty's face even in death. This is not what I desire."
"A Ning, being born into royalty, this is unavoidable."
"That is why I do not wish to become Emperor," Xue Zi Ning said, enunciating each word.
Father Emperor looked at her for a long moment, then shook his head. "A Ning, such thinking is unacceptable in the royal family."
"A Ning knows, which is why I wish to ask Father Emperor to set aside such thoughts. A Ning has brothers and sisters, so it would never be my turn."
"You are mistaken, A Ning," Father Emperor said slowly.
"Father Emperor, you…"
"Only you, A Ning, are the legitimate descendant of me and the Empress. Chang An and Chang Jun are both born to Consort Yan. If Chang Jun is not capable, then that burden will truly fall upon you. A Ning, this is not a matter of whether you are willing, but something you must accept."
"Father Emperor, things have not yet reached the worst point. Moreover, my reputation is currently the worst. Even if Father Emperor and Mother Empress agree, the court officials likely will not."
Father Emperor's gaze became much more serious. "Those rumors among the people are likely the work of someone deliberately spreading them. Doesn't A Ning wish to find the person behind it?"
"Father Emperor wants me to find them?" Xue Zi Ning asked back.
"Does A Ning already have someone in mind?"
"Father Emperor, what if that person is also of the royal family?"
As Xue Zi Ning finished speaking, she saw Father Emperor's gaze turn significantly colder. "If it is truly someone from the royal family causing trouble, I will show no leniency."
"Leave this matter to me, Father Emperor!" Xue Zi Ning said slowly.
"Very well, I trust A Ning."
Emerging from Father Emperor's imperial chambers, Xue Zi Ning called Xue Lian over. "Xue Lian, send someone out of the palace to investigate who is spreading those rumors about me among the common folk."
Xue Lian nodded. "Your Highness, rest assured, this servant will thoroughly investigate who is framing Your Highness."
Xue Zi Ning nodded, but she knew that the person behind it must be Xue Chang An.
In the evening, Xue Lian returned and brought back a piece of news: the rumors circulating among the people had originated from a tea house, spread by a scholar preparing for the imperial examinations.
"Your Highness, this servant felt that scholars are all focused on their studies, so how would they have the leisure to concern themselves with Your Highness's affairs? As expected, guess who it was?"
"Gu Xiao Xiao, perhaps?" Xue Zi Ning looked up at Xue Lian and asked.
Xue Lian was taken aback. "Your Highness, you actually…"
"You want to know how I guessed it?" Xue Zi Ning asked.
Xue Lian quickly nodded. "Yes, I am very curious."
Xue Zi Ning said, "A few days ago, I heard that Chang An went to the General's mansion and spoke with Gu Xiao Xiao for half an hour. What do you think my good sister would have to discuss with someone like Gu Xiao Xiao, who has no status or background? I imagine they must have reached some agreement."
Xue Lian suddenly understood. "So that's how it is. It seems Your Highness already suspected that Miss Gu might be behind it?"
Xue Zi Ning nodded. "More or less!"
"Your Highness, then why not inform His Majesty? Let His Majesty properly punish Gu Xiao Xiao! A commoner dares to bully Your Highness, it's simply an unforgivable crime."
Xue Zi Ning said, "Gu Xiao Xiao is currently residing in the General's mansion. Even if the people of the General's mansion are not involved, no one will believe it. Therefore, I cannot let Father Emperor know about this yet."
Xue Lian nodded. "Your Highness's consideration is thorough."
"Send someone to keep an eye on Gu Xiao Xiao and see what else she does. If there's any other abnormality, report it to me."
Xue Lian nodded and withdrew.
As the sky gradually darkened, Xue Zi Ning changed into a set of night-traveling attire and went to the General's mansion.
Today, she wasn't looking for Yan Zhao, but for Gu Xiao Xiao.
At this moment, Gu Xiao Xiao lay exhausted on the bed. She had walked a lot these past few days, visiting every tea house and academy she could.
Now, she felt as though her legs were no longer her own.