Ling Mohan slowly recounted the events of that year, stating that if Chu Chenyi had not been injured, he would have likely been named Crown Prince long ago.
It was precisely because of his overwhelming prominence at the time, surpassing all other princes, that even the Empress Dowager and His Majesty favored him. The Empress Dowager had more than once expressed her desire to make him Crown Prince, which also drew considerable jealousy and resentment.
In contrast, Chu Yanxi, the legitimate son of the Empress, appeared to be dull-witted and was thus disliked by the Empress Dowager.
How could the Empress allow a concubine's son to constantly overshadow her legitimate son? She had suppressed Chu Chenyi both openly and subtly, and considerable evidence pointing to the Empress was found concerning the events of that year.
The Empress Dowager, in her anger, ordered a thorough investigation and even considered deposing the Empress. It was only because Emperor Xuanwen forcefully vouched for the Empress's innocence, and the Empress Dowager did not wish for a rift between mother and son, that the matter was settled with a minor punishment.
"A tall tree catches the wind, and moreover, Chu Chenyi is a concubine's son. Would the Empress allow a concubine's son to overshadow her legitimate son? The position of the Nine-Five Supreme is so alluring. Why wouldn't the Third Prince covet that position? Only by eliminating Chu Chenyi could he have a chance to turn things around."
It was evident that Chu Chenyi had been crippled and incapacitated. The Emperor of Southern Chu would certainly not allow a cripple to ascend the throne, leaving the most advantageous position to the Empress and her son.
Ling Mohan was not at all surprised by Feng Jin's analysis; he was utterly convinced that his wife was such a wise and insightful person.
"My lady is truly intelligent and grasps things instantly. However, one must not discuss matters of state so openly in front of outsiders."
"I am not a fool; naturally, I know the implications of this." After a pause, Feng Jin continued, "Then you truly stand with Chu Chenyi?"
She clearly remembered that Madam Sun had wanted her to marry Ling Mohan to leverage the Ling family's influence, and she wanted Feng Ruoyan to marry Chu Yanxi, thereby helping her become Empress.
Her nominal father had already chosen his side, Chu Yanxi. Given the current political climate, Chu Yanxi indeed had the highest probability of becoming Crown Prince.
However, the Empress Dowager, who had held power in the court for many years, was not willing to see Chu Yanxi become Crown Prince. Chu Yanxi was narrow-minded and lacked outstanding abilities. If such a person became Emperor, the Southern Chu empire might be in peril.
Feng Jin was deeply impressed by the Empress Dowager's foresight.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager truly lives up to her reputation as a heroine. Her vision and foresight are far superior to Emperor Xuanwen's. If it weren't for the Empress Dowager supporting him on the throne, this imperial seat would have long changed hands."
"Can't you control your mouth when you speak? I feel I will eventually be ruined by your mouth," Ling Mohan thought. She dared to say anything, without considering the consequences.
Feng Jin pouted, "I am merely speaking the truth."
No wonder there were so many literary inquisitions in ancient times. Let alone writing a few wrong characters, one had to be careful about everything they said.
"Do you have confidence in treating Prince Jing as the Empress Dowager instructed?"
Feng Jin's hand holding the teacup faltered, her eyes instantly shifting as she pondered, "Actually... I secretly checked Chu Chenyi's pulse. There are toxins in his body, likely accumulated over many years. His leg has been slow to heal precisely because of the toxins within him."
"If the toxins spread to his internal organs over a longer period, even an immortal could not save him. Judging by his pulse, the poison was likely administered when he was a child."
"Poisoned in childhood!" Ling Mohan was astonished. Chu Chenyi had lived in the palace during his childhood, meaning only imperial consorts could have administered the poison.
Chu Chenyi had lost his mother at a young age and lived alone in the palace, suffering much bullying. It was only at the age of eight that he was taken by the Empress Dowager to be raised.
"That's right, in his youth. I believe the number of people capable of poisoning a prince so subtly is very limited."
Although Feng Jin did not explicitly name the poisoner, Ling Mohan's heart was as clear as a mirror.
"The harem appears peaceful and prosperous, but it is so dirty behind the scenes."
"You have always only navigated the imperial court and are entirely unaware that women's struggles are more terrifying than battlefield combat. There has never been peace in the harem or inner courtyards."
As an avid enthusiast of palace intrigue and domestic drama, Feng Jin was well-versed in the tricks of these women's struggles.
With just a glance, she could discern their schemes.
Ling Mohan felt a chill down his spine. Having three wives and four concubines was truly not a good thing. He could barely manage one Feng Jin, and if there were a few more, he would likely go mad.
"My lady, I still think it's best to have only you as my wife," Ling Mohan said ingratiatingly, at least to avoid more disputes.
Feng Jin looked down at the man, finding him teachable.
"It's getting late; let's rest." Feng Jin rose and walked towards the couch.
It was difficult to get Ling Mohan to leave. The bed was too small, and more importantly, she was accustomed to being alone and felt too uncomfortable sleeping with others.
This was why she had采青 specially find a couch to place in the room.
"You and I are husband and wife; sleeping separately will affect our feelings."
Ling Mohan grabbed Feng Jin's hand and was about to pull her onto the bed. If he knew who had the audacity to place a couch in the room, he would have them beaten.
"I'm not used to sleeping with you..."
"You'll get used to it if we sleep together. Have you ever seen a married couple sleep separately?" Ling Mohan clung to Feng Jin shamelessly, determined not to let her leave.
He cajoled and tricked Feng Jin onto the bed and pulled her into his embrace.
With the beauty in his arms, and his own wife at that, Ling Mohan, as a normal man, couldn't help but feel stirred and his thoughts wandered.
Initially, he was very well-behaved, but gradually his hands began to roam, slowly searching around Feng Jin's waist.
"If you dare to move again, I'll make sure these hands can never move again!"
Feng Jin warned him fiercely, shrinking further into the bed to avoid too much contact with Ling Mohan and the possibility of unspeakable things happening.
Fearing he might anger the woman he had just appeased, Ling Mohan looked aggrieved. What kind of situation was this? He had a wife married through proper channels, yet he couldn't even touch her. It was truly frustrating.
"I won't move. I'll just hold you while we sleep, okay?"
Feng Jin couldn't stand his pitiful look and immediately softened. She took a step back, "Alright, but if you move, you know the consequences."
Upon receiving permission, Ling Mohan's face lit up with joy. He extended his arms and embraced Feng Jin.
At least he was allowed to hold her, which was a step forward.
There was still plenty of time. As they spent more time together, Feng Jin would surely fall in love with him one day.
Lying in the man's arms, Feng Jin's heart pounded wildly as she gazed at his profile.
Heaven had truly favored him. His face was handsome, and his brows held a heroic air. No one would dislike such a young general.