The Empress pursed her lips. "The Marquis of Nanyang's estate, the Li family, is a subordinate family to the Duke of Zhenguo's estate."
Upon hearing the Empress mention the Li family as a subordinate to the Duke of Zhenguo's estate, Yun Shang couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. No wonder Li Yuyao dared to poison her in broad daylight!
So she had the backing of the Duke of Zhenguo's estate. No wonder she was so audacious! If she were just the legitimate daughter of an ordinary noble family, it would be one thing. But she wasn't. She was the Regent's Consort, and more importantly, the wife of Prince Chen. Such a status was enough to make the Li family wary.
"The Marquis of Nanyang's estate is a hundred-year-old military family. Their ancestors made significant contributions in battle. However, during later wars, the old Marquis sacrificed himself on the battlefield, leaving behind only a pair of children and two grandsons. Currently, the Marquis of Nanyang's son holds a position in the Prefecture of the Capital, while his grandson, Nangong Rui, serves in the Ministry of War. The Marquis of Nanyang's estate can be considered part of the imperial clan."
"Then where did this Li Yuyao come from?" Yun Shang asked, her brows furrowed.
"Li Yuyao's original name was Li Xinyan. She is Nangong Rui's half-sister. As far as I know, her father died young, and her maternal aunt died of illness when she was four. The only male heir left in the Li family was Li Yuyao's father. He married the daughter of a merchant. After the woman gave birth to Li Yuyao, she became dejected and passed away, entrusting Li Xinyan with the child before her death. When Li Yuyao was five, Nangong Rui sent her to the palace as a maid. Six years ago, Nangong Rui was deposed. This girl took the opportunity to escape the palace and fled to the border. She has been staying at the border all this time. She only recently returned to the capital, but upon her return, she was apprehended by the Imperial Guards and escorted to the Imperial Mausoleum."
After listening to the Empress, Yun Shang finally understood. No wonder she looked so pale and filled with apprehension when she saw her last night. However, she was indeed clever to have chosen the Imperial Mausoleum.
"Then why did she attack me? Could it be that she hates me for stealing her husband?" Yun Shang asked indifferently.
"I wish it were so," the Empress sighed. "She is an emotional person who values loyalty greatly. If she were to learn that you killed the Emperor, she might turn against you."
Yun Shang lowered her gaze, a cold laugh echoing in her heart.
Seeing this, the Empress couldn't help but worry. "Yun Shang, the Emperor's intention is that since she attacked you, it proves you are a threat to her. The Emperor hopes you will stay far away from the palace and absolutely do not provoke Li Yuyao."
Yun Shang scoffed inwardly. Whether it was Li Xinyan or Li Yuyao, neither of them would be able to harm her!
Yun Shang nodded. "I understand what Your Highness means. I will certainly stay far from the palace."
The Empress visibly relaxed. She reached out and took Yun Shang's hand. "Good child, I know this is a hardship for you. I also do not wish to marry you off so soon, but the Emperor's health has been poor lately, and the imperial physicians are helpless. I have also tried to persuade him to abdicate and yield his position, but he insists on not doing so. I am truly at a loss, so I had to find such a pretext."
As the Empress spoke, her tone softened considerably. "I believe that one day, the Emperor will abdicate and pass the throne to Rui'er. At that time, Rui'er will be able to marry you."
The Empress spoke very sincerely, but Yun Shang's heart remained unmoved.
She was not foolish. She understood that the Empress's words were not only meant to deter Li Yuyao from acting against her, but also to warn her.
Yun Shang lowered her eyes, her expression downcast. "Yun Shang is deeply grateful for Your Highness's kindness. However, I am currently pregnant and it is indeed not suitable for me to be seen in public. I can only辜负 the Empress's good intentions."
"This..." The Empress clearly had not expected Yun Shang to refuse. After a moment of stunned silence, she sighed. "Yun Shang, I know you have been wronged. But you must also understand that even if you do not attend the palace banquet, there will still be various excuses to trouble you. Rather than constantly dealing with such occasions, it is better to simply avoid them. This way, it will be more peaceful."
Yun Shang frowned and remained silent for a long while, finally nodding. "Yun Shang will abide by Your Highness's teachings."
The Empress was then satisfied. She smiled and held Yun Shang's hand. "Yun Shang, once you give birth to your imperial heir, I will make you Empress, to continue the bloodline of Prince Rui."
Yun Shang curved her lips into a smile. Though she disdained it inwardly, she remained composed. "Yun Shang will obey whatever the Empress decides."
As Yun Shang left the Palace of Phoenix Perch, she encountered Prince Jingyang, who was heading that way.
Yun Shang paid her respects. Prince Jingyang glanced at her, his expression stern. "Come with me to the study."
Yun Shang lowered her head and respectfully agreed.
In the study, Prince Jingyang stared at Yun Shang for a long time before slowly saying, "Regarding the matter of Li Yuyao, do you have a way to handle it?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, although Li Yuyao holds a grudge against me, she is Nangong Rui's sister after all. It is not convenient for me to act against her. Therefore, I can only wait for Your Highness to take action."
Prince Jingyang nodded. "You wait patiently."
Yun Shang lowered her eyes and responded with a "Yes." Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck her. "Your Highness, I have a plan."
"Hmm," Prince Jingyang replied.
"Although Nangong Rui has been demoted, he still controls the military power of the Northern Desert. If Li Yuyao dies or is incapacitated, how can Nangong Rui simply stand by? Furthermore, Li Yuyao harbors resentment towards Your Highness. As long as Your Highness takes action, you will surely be able to eliminate Li Yuyao."
Yun Shang slightly lowered her gaze, concealing the ruthlessness deep within her eyes.
Prince Jingyang looked at Yun Shang with deep eyes. After a long moment, he finally nodded. "Leave this matter to you to arrange. Remember, be quick, and do not let anyone detect any clues."
"Yes," Yun Shang replied with her head bowed.
Prince Jingyang stood up and walked to the desk to write. In less than half an hour, the ink was dry. He put away his brush and placed it in his sleeve, then turned to leave.
"Your Highness, wait a moment." Yun Shang quickly called out to him. Prince Jingyang stopped, frowned, and turned to look at Yun Shang.
Yun Shang pursed her lips and looked up at Prince Jingyang. "Your Highness, the Empress mentioned that the Emperor's health is poor. Why don't you take some time to visit him? After all, you and the Emperor share a deep brotherly bond. If the Emperor needs any help, you should certainly offer it."
Yun Shang did not mention Li Xinyan, but instead used the phrase "deep brotherly bond."
Prince Jingyang was slightly taken aback. He seemed to ponder the implication of Yun Shang's words. After a moment, he nodded. "You are right. I should indeed visit the Emperor."
With that, Prince Jingyang, accompanied by his guards, left the Palace of Phoenix Wu and headed directly for the Hall of Qian Yuan.
Outside the Hall of Qian Yuan, the guards were heavily fortified. Prince Jingyang's carriage stopped outside the palace. The guards, upon seeing Prince Jingyang arrive, quickly announced his presence.
Prince Jingyang entered the Hall of Qian Yuan and saw Nangong Lie sitting on the couch, reviewing memorials. However, his complexion was haggard, and faint lines had appeared around his eyes, clearly showing he had not slept well for many days.
Prince Jingyang's gaze fell upon the memorials in Nangong Lie's hands, and a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He had known Nangong Lie for so many years and considered himself to understand him well. Yet, the Nangong Lie before him was vastly different from his past self. Those sharp, deep eyes conveyed fatigue and weariness.
Prince Jingyang could not believe his eyes. Nangong Lie looked as if he had aged decades in an instant.