《Not Your Typical Villianess》


 Chapter 1: Disclaimer

This story is complete fiction and is not a recount of history.


    Any similarity to real facts is just a coincidence and is a work of my imagination.


    Any similar names or place is completely coincidental as this work is fiction.


    *Enjoy !!!!!!!!

 Chapter 2: prologue

    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!, We have to get going, General Lu''s army has breached the palace. They will soon be upon us" The Emperor''s Personal guard Fu Hong shouted as he ran into the room and fell to his knees in front of the Emperor.


    The palace was in a mess, servants and guards ran for their life, leaving the palace unguarded. After a day and a half of siege, General Lu''s army breached the city gates and were headed straight to the palace.


    Most of the officials had changed sides and pledged loyalties to the general and his army. The rest all hid behind their gilded walls.


    Three days earlier, when Lu Yaozhu surrounded the city gate with his army, Emperor Ming sealed the palace and the city gates to keep the army away. He sent out the garrison commander Commander Liu to guard the gates and kill the rebels.


    After days of siege, General Lu''s army broke into the city gates thanks to the inside help from the ministers. He surrounded the palace a few hours ago. This morning the officials and commoners submitted various reports requesting for the emperor to turn himself in.


    The Palace was already understaffed as most of the guards had resigned and joined the general''s army.


    The Empress had committed suicide as soon as the palace was surrounded, which completely broke the Emperor.


    The once awe-inspiring Emperor got weaker. He looked much older and he had lost the will to live. Emperor Ming sat on the floor by his throne drunk, he reminisced on the old days.


    Before everything changed before he let his envy blind him till he could no longer see things clearly. He saw his friends and allies as his enemies and dined with his enemies. When he still had a good relationship with General Lu. Back then Lu Yaozhu still looked up to him like an elder brother.


    All the present pain and suffering was all thanks to his envy. If only he''d never let the power get to his head, all this wouldn''t be happening and General Lu would stand with him and not against him.


    It all began with an imperial decree...

 Chapter 3: What...I am alive

    8:30 pm, B city modern-day china


    At a closet-sized room of a small apartment in the local student community west of B city. A slender feminine figure laid heads down on a narrow single bed.


    The small window opposite the bed was left open to allow the cool night breeze to come in. It is typically hot in the summertime but gets colder at night.


    The sole occupant of the small room Su Liya was dressed lightly to allow easy access to a cool breeze, in louse white cotton shorts and an equally louse blue coloured strapped cotton singlet.


    Su Liya lay flat on her stomach dead to the world. When the alarm clock on the bedside table began to ring, The alarm blasted loudly, shocking her out of sleep. She had set an alarm for 8:30 pm since she had an online appointment by 9 pm. She rushed down from the bed and rushed into the bathroom.


    Ice cold water gushed out of the nuzzle as she turned on the shower. It fell on her shoulder and back as soon as she turned on the shower. Su Liya jumped away from the flowing water once the water hit her back.


    "Damn this old plumping system. Ahh, dear universe, please bless me with an overbearing CEO so I can get out of this old house" Su Liya chuckled as she soaped her body up and stepped back under the water. Su Liya was no daydreamer but like every girl out there she enjoyed the little escape romance novels gave her.


    Su Liya was a romance novel enthusiast, she followed quite a few books but her favourite book was Dizzy Scholar''s The Emperor''s cunning wife. She had followed the entire first volume of the book from start to finish and was anticipating the start of the next volume.


    The first chapter of ''The Emperor''s cunning bride'' Volume 2 would be released in the next thirty minutes. Su Liya, as one of the top fans of the author, promised her 1000 followers on weibo to host a live stream and give her a review of the web series.


    Su Liya was a die-hard fan of the author of ''The Emperor''s Cunning Bride'' Dizzy scholar. She had followed her for over five years, back when Dizzy Scholar was still starting. After so many bestsellers Dizzy scholar had become a household name in the web novel industry for her unique writing style.


    Su Liya ran out of the bathroom as soon as the soap ladder was washed out of her body. She quickly ran her soft cotton towel around her body and put on some comfortable house wear.


    Su Liya picked up her small pink brush and ran it through her short-cropped pixie cut hair. She had grown comfortable with leaving her hair short for many years. It was also cheaper and easier to manage so Su Liya didn''t bother growing her hair out.


    Keeping short hair was very economical as it saves her the high cost of maintaining long hair which was a luxury for a ward of the state like her. It was because of her financial situation that she got involved in an online review of books.


    Su Liya was a sophomore student of the department of international relations at B city university. She wasn''t one of the top students but her results were okay.


    Su Liya got inspired to try her hand at online novel reviewing after reading an article on one of the biggest internet influencers in China.


    She started with just a hundred and fifty followers on Weibo but has now grown to over a thousand followers in just four months. That in itself was huge progress.


    After her daily grooming, Su Liya connected her electric cooker and after filling a small pot with enough water for a serving of noodles and placed the pot on the burner. While the water began to heat up, Su Liya cut some vegetables for the noodles into a bowl.


    Su Liya dropped a serving of ramen into the boiling pot then poured in the vegetables and stirred gently. Su Liya watched the clock in intervals.


    Once her noodles were boiled, She turned off the hot pot, brought down the pot of noodles and poured it into a bowl.


    She placed the bowl by her laptop to cool. While it cooled, powered on her laptop and after booting logged into WN books online website and clicked on Dizzy scholar''s online webpage.


    It was two minutes to the lunchtime of volume 2 of ''The Emperor''s Cunning Bride''. A countdown clock appeared on the screen as soon as the webpage opened.


    Su Liya sat in front of the laptop and began eating the bowl of noodles until it finished. As soon as the countdown clock stroke zero, a new page opened and the first chapter of the second volume of the online web novel opened.


    Just as the first chapter opened a thunderstruck suddenly and everywhere went dark. There was a blackout in the entire B city, but unlike other blackouts, her laptop went black too. Su Liya pushed back her seat and stood to check what went wrong when her laptop turned on immediately.


    The laptop screen began to blink and green numbers quickly ran through the screen. Su Liya moved closer to check what was going on with the laptop. As she placed her hand on the laptop, the was room brightened up by lightning.


    There was another thunder strike, which stoke the laptop directly. There was a transfer of current from the laptop into her body. Su Liya felt an electric current ran through her body, settling her blood on fire. It felt like her blood was boiling as the current threw her across the room. She hit her head on the wall. and blacked out.


    ******


    When she came to, she laid sideways on what felt like glass, in an ancient-looking throne room made of gold. She saw a beautiful couple dressed in white with gold crowns. The couple sat gracefully in their throne, their body movements off the charts. The couple gave off a dignified air.


    The woman stood and walk gracefully towards Su Liya, who had risen to a seating position. "Wow she looks like a goddess," Su Liya thought as she watched her come closer.


    The woman who Su Liya referred to as a goddess glowed, her skin sparkled like diamonds. She was incredibly beautiful with delicate features. She was oval faced with a slim pointed nose, beautiful almond coloured eyes with long full lashes and small lips.


    The Goddess looked like she stepped out of a fantasy. Su Liya was so absorbed by the goddess beauty she didn''t notice that her name was called until she felt a warm hand rest on her shoulder.


    Shocked, Su Liya exclaimed "what_" and took a step back. Su Liya looked up, she found herself gazing into one of the weirdest eyes she had ever seen. The goddess eyes which looked almond from afar looked like pure gold up close.


    The goddess must have noticed her discomfort because her eyes immediately changed to the beautiful almond colour from before. The goddess smiled, stretched out her hands and said


    "Hello Liya, I am Mazu the heavenly empress. You are about to die but what would you do if I said I have a way to help you live?"


    Her last sentence caught Su Liya''s attention. Su Liya stood straight.


    The Heavenly Empress smiled and said holding out her hands to Su Liya she continued "Take my hand if you want to live."

 Chapter 4: What.... I am alive 2

    NORTHERN WEI,  THE TWENTY-NINTH YEAR OF EMPEROR ZHONG''S REIGN.


    The main gates of the Imperial Capital.


    A soldier in dusty full battle armour rode into the city at full speed on horseback. It was past 10 pm, and the city gates were already shut. He presented the military messenger identification card at the gates before he was let into the city.


    The soldier rode swiftly to the palace, he once more presented his identity card at the palace gate to be allowed into the palace. When he got to the inner palace gates, he got down from his horse. The soldier ran to the Household department and requested an audience with the Emperor.


    *****


    Meanwhile, back at the Emperor''s hall.


    At one end of a chess table, Emperor Zhong sat opposite Minister Zhu a powerful courtier and the leader of one of the top faction of the government. A chess game was ongoing between them with Minister Zhu taking the lead.


    The Emperor moved a white chess tile forward, he dropped it on a free spot when a noisy commotion began just outside the hall. Emperor Zhong''s lips paused, his eyebrows needing as he tried to make sense of the commotion.


    As the voices at the door got louder Emperor Zhong turned to his chief eunuch standing beside him "Caihong, go find out what all the disturbance is about"


    Chief Eunuch Caihong was familiar with the Emperor temperament. He has been with the Emperor since he was young, as soon as the instructions were given he hurried out of the hall.


    Minutes later he ran back in with the soldier in toe. He knelt a few steps from the Emperor and said "Your majesty there is an urgent report from the northern border".


    The soldier followed Chief Eunuch Caihong clued the Emperor in on the possibility of a military report from the border generals but the mention of the northern borders got the emperor''s interest.


    It has been silent at the northern borders after the sudden attack by the Chu state that resulted in the burning of the black armoured tigers military camp.


    After weeks of no report Emperor Zhong felt relaxed, he waited patiently to receive the military report announcing the death of the young General Wu.


    The Emperor sat straight and looked down at the kneeling soldier. He caught Caihong''s gaze and nodded. The balding Eunuch turned to the soldier and prompted him to continued then stood by the Emperor''s side.


    The soldier held up the military report and said  "Your Majesty, General Wu has successfully conquered and occupied the northern border towns of Chu state. Chu state''s Reagent Prince surrendered two iron mines to your majesty as a show of good faith.


    "Your Majesty, due to the burning of the camp we have run out of military resources.  Most of the troupe is injured and in recovery, General Wu requests for more resources"


    The Emperor''s expression grew dark as soon as he heard the words ''General Wu successfully conquered the northern border towns of Chu state''.


    The room suddenly grew colder, the soldier looked around subconsciously. The Emperor was quiet for some minutes, he couldn''t quite understand why. The soldier looked up discretely, he was surprised to find that the Emperor had a sour expression like he swallowed something bad.


    The soldier looked down immediately thinking ''what''s going on? Didn''t I deliver good news? Why us his Majesty''s expression bad?''


    Minister Zhu Noticing the awkward silence spoke up "General Wu made a good contribution your majesty. This soldier must is tired from his trip, he should be given a place to rest and some food. if he is to deliver his Majesty response Tomorrow"


    Emperor Zhong couldn''t care less about a measly soldier but he understood that Minister Zhu was giving him a way out. He nodded and waved Caihong over.


    Emperor Zhong whispered some instructions into his ears and waved him away. Caihong on receiving the instructions escorted the soldier out of the hall.


    When Caihong and the soldier were out of hearing distance Emperor Zhong dropped the empty cup on the table with force and began pacing, "How could this happen?"


    Minister Zhu carefully placed his teacup next to the chessboard and replied "Your majesty the young general has made a good contribution to the nation, we will have to reward him for that to avoid raising any suspicion".


    The Emperor paused his pacing and said "His so-called contribution is disastrous to me. This is one more point to the already powerful Lu Family"


    Minister Zhu and the Emperor were allies and friends for decades. He was aware of his majesty''s fears and ambitions. Since the young general once again destroyed their plans, they would have to result to more drastic measures.


    Minister Zhu a tall good looking man in his fifties stood from his seat and walked over to stand opposite the Emperor. He was about to offer some words of consolation to the Emperor, when the Emperor let out a deep laugh. His eye brightened up and said "To defeat the enemy you must know the enemy".


    Minister Zhu Looked up at his friend confused, the Emperor laughed and patting his shoulder said "We have been trying to beat the Lu family without taking necessary precautions. You either plan to win or plan to lose. Why don''t we put in a spy among the Lu family? Someone that would never betray us¡­"


    Minister Zhu immediately got the direction the emperor was going, his lips curved up quickly "someone like a wife. The Lu family are royal-in-laws, the young Duke is the head of the family and is still unmarried why don''t your Majesty confer a wife on him"


    "Yes, that''s what we need, someone who would give us first-hand information¡­.. Do you have anyone in mind?" Emperor Zhong returned to his seat.


    Minister Zhu replied, "Yes, as a matter of I do."


    *****


    A short while later, there was a fast flash of lightning followed swiftly by a deafening thunder strike. A huge breeze blew shaking the entire capital, seconds later it began to rain heavily.


    A few streets away at the Minister Zhu''s manor at the servants sleeping Quarters, the room was empty save for a shivering thin figure on a bed. The rest of the occupant went out to take things in to avoid any damage by the rain.


    A bright light came over the stiff feminine figure wrapped in blankets. Su Liya opened her eyes wide as the light disappeared.

 Chapter 5: Ahh I got transmigrated as a small villainess!

    A short while later, there was a fast flash of lightning followed swiftly by a rumble of deafening thunder. A huge breeze blew shaking the entire capital, seconds later it began to rain heavily.


    A few streets away at the servants sleeping Quarters of Minister Zhu''s residence, a shivering slim Young girl laid on her back on a hard wooden bed. The rest of the occupants all ran out as soon as the ran started, to bring in clothes and other delicates that could be destroyed by the rain. Only the girl huddled up in thick blankets was left.


    A bright light came over the young girl wrapped in blankets, Su Liya opened her eyes wide as the light disappeared. She was in an unfamiliar room, Everything about the room seemed off,it was nothing like her small apartment.


    The decor of the entire room was completely off, It didn''t look modern. There were no bulbs or electric fans in the room, instead there were traditional chinese lamps hanging on the walls. It was a widespread room made of wood and bare of little or no decoration.


    The only decorative items were a small vase plant and a plain aged embroidery piece hanging on the wall. The room looked like it stepped out of a historical drama.


    Su Liya sat up slowly, she didn''t want to make any sudden move that would worsen her splitting headache. She hissed as she clutched the right side of head and felt a slight bump covered by a wet bandage.


    "What is this!" She murmured quickly bringing her hand down. She did she caught a wimp of the metallic smell of blood as she did. Her brow creased, She looked down to find her hands stained with blood, Shocked Su Liya got down from the hard bed in search of a mirror.


    The room swayed as soon as her leg touched the ground, She fell to the side. She grabbed onto the nearest structure which was the long pole of the bed to wedge her fall. Su Liya stayed like that for a few minutes, She counted to three before letting go of her surport and stood carefully.


    She felt a little nauseous as she walked forward, the nausea lasted for five minutes before it subsided. From the window the patter tap splash sound of rain was heard, cold breeze blew into the dim room making her shiver.


    The room was lit by five lamos scattered at intricate parts of the room. Su Liya squinted as she searched for a mirror.


    Su Liya felt a little puzzled "Just where did she send me?  that I can''t find a mirror" She thought as she checked the various corners of the room.


    Su Liya immediately remembered her strange conversation with the Heavenly Empress.


    "Finally You are are awake. I am Mazu, the heavenly empress. You are about to die but I saved you. What would you do, if I said I have a way to help you live?"


    Her last sentence caught Su Liya''s attention, She stood straight.


    The Heavenly Empress smiled and said holding out her hands "Take my hand if you want to live."


    Su Liya took a big step back "what.. I don''t understand?".


    The Heavenly Empress smiled, she brought down her hand and said "You must be surprised by everything so I will explain everything as well as I can."


    Su Liya bit her lips gently and nodded


    "Liya You are dead, you were struck by lightning and died a few minutes ago. However, since you haven''t achieved much in your life, we are willing to give you a second chance at Life_"


    Su Liya cut her off halfway, "What do you want? I doubt you are doing this without having anything else in mind. Stop beating about the bush and tell me what you want"


    The Heaven Empress didn''t take her actions to heart but instead was amused. She chuckled softly and replied, "You are smart¡­ I like that. Since you asked so nicely I will give you an answer. You don''t have to do much actually, all you have to do is to help my children get a happy ending".


    After thinking briefly Su Liya asked " just that?"


    "mmm," the Heavenly Empress replied.


    "If I do that you will give me a second chance?" Su Liya asked once more.


    "Yes"


    "Alright then, I am in" Su Liya stretched out her hands. The Heavenly Empress smiled and took her hands. That was the last thing Su Liya remembered before waking up in the strange room.


    When she couldn''t find a mirror Su Liya walked to the window. If inside the room looked this traditional she wanted to check how outside the room would look.


    It was still raining heavily outside. It was pitch black outside, with only the flashes of lightning to help get a slight view of the compound. It looked ancient, there wasn''t an electric line or Street light insight which was strange.


    Su Liya was trying to make sense of everything when the door was pulled open and a petite girl in ancient gab rushed in. As soon as she saw her standing by the window, the girls shouted


    "Sister Liya you are up! Why are you standing by the window, please get seated or you will catch a cold. Your injuries haven''t healed! The doctor said you should avoid getting sick until it heals"


    The girl rushed up to her and pulled her away from the window, she led Su Liya by the arm back to the bed she had vacated. The girl seemed familiar to her which Su Liya found strange since this was her first time meeting the girl.


    The girls went on and on but Su Liya did pay her any attention. Su Liya searched her memory trying to remember who the girl was, but came uo with nothing until she heard the girl say


    "I will inform First young Mistress that you are awake. The Young mistress has been inquiring on your condition for the best two days, she will be happy to hear that you are awake"


    The girl stood to leave when Su Liya grabbed her tightly on the wrist "Hold on did you say Young Mistress"


    The girl nodded with a puzzled expression. Su Liya got a bit suspicious when she heard that but did not take that to heart. She thought ''Surely it can''t be that I transmigrated into the Emperor''s cunning wife. I mean that''s not possible, it only happens in movies and books. It can''t happen in real life right''.


    Everything seemed familiar to the popular web series she was currently reading. To be sure Su Liya asked, "Eh, I.. so the young mistress doesn''t happen to be Zhu Fengyin right".


    Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the girls response "That is indeed the given name of our mistress but we are not allowed to call her by her given name. it is not proper. I guess it must be different for you since you grew up with the young mistress but even Nanny Sheng doesn''t call the young Miss by her name".


    The maid''s response made her speechless, She watch silently as the girl left. When she was sure the girl was out of hearing distance, Su Liya screamed "Ahhh I got transmigrated as a small villainess".

 Chapter 6: Wow the author must hate Su Liya

    At the other side of northern Wei, at the border town Daiyi of Chu state.


    Two days later at the governor manner of the newly conquered border town north of northern Wei.


    The military Envoy sent by the emperor together with the soldier rode into the temporary military camp at the governor''s manor at full speed.


    Meanwhile at a well-guarded courtyard deep into the manor, a Tall lanky, clean shaved male with mismatched coloured eyes sat Shirtless on a wooden bed behind a screen while his male servant Yu Tao redressed his wound.


    Yu Tao tied a bandage from his master''s shoulder to his midriff.  He focused mainly on the gorry gush at his master''s side. Lu Yaozhu winced as Yu Tao poured medicine on his injury. A few minutes later he was done dressing the wound and stepped back. Lu Yaozhu picked up his shirt and began to dress up.


    His Right Vanguard General Lu Yimo rushed in as Lu Yaozhu pulled up his coat. Lu Yimo held out the military tally presented by the military Envoy as he reported "General Lu, the Emperor''s military Envoy has arrived"


    Lu Yaozhu paused for a second, ''that was fast, what is the emperor up to'' Lu Yaozhu thought and continued dressing. Once he was fully dressed, he turned around and replied "Let him in".


    "Yes General" Lu Yimo bowed and rushed outside to lead the Envoy in.


    Lu Yaozhu watched him leave silently, he caught Yu Tao''s eyes as he walked to his seat on the other side of the screen. He quickly got the hint from Lu Yaozhu and placed the bloodied bandages on the table next to his master.


    Yu Tao held onto a basket of bandage and stood by Lu Yaozhu''s side silently. That was the scene the Emperor''s envoy saw as he walked in. The Envoy, Minster Sheng was a plump average heightened man in his forties.


    He was the father of one of the Imperial concubines and was deeply rooted in the Emperor''s camp. There was a strong stench of drugs in the room, Lu Yaozhu leaned on the armrest of his chair slightly but stood as Minister Sheng walked in.


    Minister Sheng took note of the bloodied bandages and Lu Yaozhu''s pale sickly complexion. He was extra observant since that was the Emperor''s orders. He was sent to observe the strength and conditions of the troupe and report back to the Emperor.


    The Emperor was very suspicious of the Lu family,  Lu Yaozhu in particular since he was the leader of the Lu Family''s army. From close observation Minister Sheng didn''t find anything strange, everything was similar to what was written in the military report.


    Minister Sheng and Lu Yaozhu exchanged salutation.


    "Good to see you, General Lu"


    "You too, welcome to our temporary camp Minister Sheng"


    "mm," Minister Sheng replied.


    "Please have a seat" Lu Yaozhu pointed to the seat next to his. He sat when the minister was seated "I trust that your trip here was uneventful"


    "Yes, it was," Minister Sheng said watching as Yu Tao packed up the used bandages and took them away. He continued once they were alone, "His Majesty is impressed with your hard work. You have been fighting for weeks and has gotten injured. His majesty asks that you and your troupe returns to the capital. I will oversee things here from now on".


    Lu Yaozhu balled his fist under the table in anger ''What is his majesty playing at by recalling his troupe back to the capital early. Why would he do that when he initially aimed at completely conquering Chu State in three months?''


    Lu Yaozhu was already aware that the Emperor was wary of the Lu family''s military power. It was no secret that he has been trying to take it away from the Lu Family for years but held back because of his great ambition to conquer all the neighbouring states to the north.


    With that thought in mind, Lu Yaozhu put on a fake smile and replied "many thanks to his Majesty for his kindness".


    "mm," Minister Sheng replied, minutes later he left the courtyard and returned to the guest room.


    Lu Yimo came in after Minister Sheng left, he stood next to Lu Yaozhu. "Young master, What did the envoy say? Is his Majesty sending any other reinforcements or any more military provisions".


    Lu Yaozhu poured himself a cup of tea and took a sip of tea to calm his anger. He counted to twenty and back then replied "tell the men to pack up, we are returning to the capital in two days. Have the steward clean up the governors quarters and move Minister Sheng to the governor''s quarters"


    "what? How come we are returning to the capital when we have not completed the Emperor''s orders" Lu Yimo said surprised.


    Lu Yaozhu drank up the cup of tea and set it down. He leaned back on the chair "His Majesty mistrust has increased Yimo. He must be scared that the Lu family would rebel. When you dealing with a jealous monarch you have to make sure to appease him".


    Lu Yimo shook his head silently, his father was a retinue under the former Duke Wu so he was aware of the Lu family''s real relationship with the Emperor. He replied  "Since he majesty calls us back home it''s only right that we answer. The men have been moving from one battle to another, they could do with some break"


    Lu Yimo left the room and obey the general''s orders.


    ******


    Meanwhile, back at the Capital. At the Emperor''s private hall.


    Emperor Zhong sat at the centre of the room silently going through the court reports submitted by the ministers when Chief Eunuch Caihong walked into the room and handed a note to the Emperor.


    "Your majesty a messenger from Minister Sheng delivered this"


    Emperor Zhong collected the letter, unfolded the note and read through the note. "Minister Sheng did a good job, have someone deliver some gifts to the Imperial concubine and the Sheng family".


    "Yes, your majesty" Caihong replied.


    The Emperor called him back briefly and said "Oh and deliver this to Minister Zhu". Emperor Zhong handed a sealed note to Caihong.

 Chapter 7: Wow the author must hate Su Liya 2

    Hours later at Minister Zhu''s manor. At the maids sleeping chamber of the eldest young Mistress''s courtyard.


    A petite young lady in a light blue maid uniform sat on a low stool facing a small looking glass. Su Liya leaned forward to get a clearer view of her face. She turned her face in different directions, alternating from side to side as she studied the delicate features of the body her soul occupied.


    Dizzy scholar''s description of Su Liya does not do justice to her fairy-like beauty. As she admired the features even she must admit that Su Liya deserved the title of No 1 beauty.


    The original Su Liya was known for her exotic beauty, she made any woman including the female leadl beauty look inferior.


    She had a soft yet pronounced beauty with her small heart-shaped face, slanted cat-like eyes with long lashes, natural dark eyelids, a small delicate pointed nose and small perky lips.


    Apart from her beautiful hazel eyes, it was her tanned complexion that made her look more exotic. It didn''t help that She was very petite with a beautiful body shape and nibble bones to rival that of a dancer.


    It''s a pity that she didn''t end well, Su Liya''s death was painfully slow. Su Liya could sense the author''s hatred for the character as she read the book.


    Su Liya''s death pained her the most, it was the bloodiest of all deaths in the series. After reading that scene Su Liya thought "the author must hate Su Liya to write such a painful end for her"


    The character Su Liya was created to be the very personification of a dumb and malicious beauty. Su Liya''s worst character was her greed, She had no loyalties and would betray anyone, even her mother, to improve her station in life.


    The breaking point of Su Liya''s life for her as she read the novel was the moment Su Liya betrayed Zhu Fengyin. It was completely unexpected since Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya acted like sisters.


    After two days in this world, though she couldn''t tell the exact time in the novel she had transmigrated since Zhu Fengyin was unmarried Su Liya could only conclude that she had transmigrated the few months before Zhu Fengyin married the sixth prince Zhongshan Cheng.


    ''Zhongshan Cheng, now that was a nutcase she had to avoid. Zhongshan and his mother Imperial Consort Shi were a murderous pair that the original Su Liya in her thirst for power joined hands with'' Su Liya thought.


    Zhongshan Cheng was the sixth prince of the dynasty and the Emperor''s most favoured son. His mother Imperial Consort Shi was the treasured daughter of a scholarly family in the far north of the state.


    Imperial consort caught the emperor''s eyes during one of her family''s rare visit to the capital twenty years ago. Zhongshan Cheng was spoiled rotten by the Emperor and Imperial Consort.


    He had no respect for human life and only cared about power. Zhu Fengyin has been engaged to the sixth prince since birth. Zhu Fengyin loved Zhongshan Cheng but he only saw her as a means to getting the throne nothing more.


    Su Liya still couldn''t understand how she was expected to help a villainess as bad as Zhu Fengyin get a happy ending. Even Su Liya was destined to die.


    ''How can I save someone when I can not save myself'' Su Liya thought when the door was pushed open and the young maid who she had first met walked in.


    The maid who introduced herself as Tian Tian skipped over to her side "Sister Liya the young mistress called for you".


    ''The mentioned young mistress has to be Zhu Fengyin, that is the only member of the Zhu family that would be concerned about a small fly like me'' Su Liya thought putting away her personal effects.


    Su Liya stood " Let''s go". They walked the short distance from the Maids rooms to Zhu Fengyin''s rooms. Su Liya paused by the door for a few seconds, she breathed in and out.


    Seconds later she squared her shoulder and walked into the room, Zhu Fengyin''s room was well furnished. There was a clear contrast between the dull and almost bare maids room and the well-furnished room of the eldest young Miss of a noble family.


    When they walked in, Zhu Fengyin sat gracefully on the chair reading a book. She looked up as they walked in "Liya you look well".


    Although Zhu Fengyin was smiling, Su Liya could see that the smile didn''t meet her eyes. If anything, it looked superficial which Su Liya found a bit odd.


    Zhu Fengyin dismissed Tian Tian and the other maid. The smile slipped from her face as soon as they left, the temperature of the room dropped.


    Zhu Fengyin dropped the cup of tea on the table loudly "How come you are still alive?"


    "Wha_ what!"


    "You should be dead, no you were dead I made sure of it.... Who are you?"


    Su Liya looked at her shocked, She unknowingly blurred out the question "why would you kill Su Liya". Su Liya covered her mouth with her hands as soon as that came out of her mouth.


    However Zhu Fengyin shrugged, she leaned on the armrest and playing with her earnings she replied unconcerned by us Liya''s question "Why shouldn''t I. Su Liya isn''t loyal to me, why should I keep her that close to me."


    "How do you know Su Liya would betray you. Who are you?"


    "I ask the questions, you should answer. That is how it is going to be"


    "Since you know that Su Liya was working with the sixth prince, you must have transmigrated like me"


    "Transmigrated? I don''t understand, What do you mean?"


    "You don''t know what that means then how do you know Su Liya would betray you?"


    "Maybe because I am Zhu Fengyin from many years in the future. After getting killed by someone I took as a sister, I was reborn. Judging from how you are referring to Su Liya and since you are also aware of her betrayal you must be from the future so I will ask once more ``Who are you?"

 Chapter 8: Lets give her a hand

    Zhu Fengyin''s room.


    "You don''t know what that means then how do you know Su Liya would betray you?"


    "Maybe because I am Zhu Fengyin from many years in the future. After getting killed by someone I took as a sister, I was reborn. Judging from how you are referring to Su Liya and since you are also aware of her betrayal you must be from the future so I will ask once more ``Who are you?"


    Su Liya stood there, silently contemplating if she should give Zhu Fengyin an honest answer or not. She has already let it slip that she had transmigrated but since Zhu Fengyn wasn''t familiar with that, Zhu Fengyin assumed that she was from the future.


    She could just claim that she was from the future without giving herself off as a transmigrator but it didn''t seem fair to Zhu Fengyin.


    If she was going to successfully in her mission to Zhu Fengyin get a happy ending, she needed to earn Zhu Fengyin''s trust. That was the only way she would get Zhu Fengyin to follow her instructions no questions asked. With that thought in mind, Su Liya looked Zhu Fengyin afraid in the eye.


    Su Liya introduced herself to Zhu Fengyin and explained everything to her but left out the bit about the Heavenly Empress. At the end of her introduction, Zhu Fengyin remained silent.


    Zhu Fengyin''s continued silence got her worried, she had taken a huge risk laying down all her cards on the table. As Su Liya was about speaking up and gauge the situation, Zhu Fengyin replied


    "If you are from many years in the future how come you are here"


    Su Liya ran her tongue through her lips and replied "I don''t know maybe the gods decided to give me a second chance at life".


    "That God must have made a mistake if you got reborn as someone like Su Liya"


    Su Liya chuckled "mm that must be it. Well since we at stuck in this time¡­ let''s make the best of it. What do you say Yin''er, do you want to take control of our future"


    She looked up at Zhu Fengyin, a wide smile on her face. She caught Zhu Fengyin''s eyes and winked at her. Su Liya looked cute, Zhu Fengyin burst into laughter. Since she had nothing much to lose Zhu Fengyin nodded.


    "Then let''s drink to it¡­ say do you want to have a drink with me?"


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t answer her instead she called in a maid and ordered two jars of alcohol. The maid ran out and came back with the alcohol minutes later. Zhu Fengyin dismissed the rests of her maid. The two of them drank till they passed out.


    ******


    A week later, Zhu Fengyin''s room.


    It was 9 am, Su Liya escorted Zhu Fengyin to her stepmother''s courtyard to pay her respects. The Doctor had given her a clean bill of health three days ago so she resumed her duties fully.


    Su Liya spent the past week learning the various duties of the first-class maid of a young mistress from Zhu Fengyin. It had been a most painful week indeed, Su Liya never knew the first-class maid had this many responsibilities.


    She was a glorified nanny to Zhu Fengyin, she was responsible for almost everything Zhu Fengyin did. The only bright spot in the whole thing was that unlike another maid she didn''t do any domestic Labour but she was still responsible for overseeing other maids.


    It was a good thing that Zhu Fengyin had two other high-level maids who took charge of a few other areas. Su Liya wasn''t familiar with the minister of education''s manor so she followed Zhu Fengyin closely.


    The Madam''s courtyard was empty when they walked in. There wasn''t a single servant insight, as they got closer to the door they overheard a conversation between Madam Yang and her daughter Zhu Feifei.


    "Why do I have to marry into that barbaric family while that sneaky girl Zhu Fengyin marries into the royal family. Don''t I deserve to be a princess? why does she have to get all the good stuff!" An angry younger female voice said.


    "You know that your dad also looks out for you too. He has his reasons for suggesting this. Plus everything isn''t yet set in stone, your father can still change his mind. There are four unmarried young mistresses in the Zhu family, he can choose from the mix" a more mature voice which could only belong to the madam was heard.


    "Who cares if there are four unmarried young mistresses in the family, Zhu Fengyin is still betrothed to the sixth prince. She is now of marriageable age, the date is almost set which means that in a short while she will become process consort.


    "I will have to bow to her for the rest of my life. The Sixth prince is the Emperor''s favourite, he is bound to inherit the throne in the future. When he does Zhu Fengyin will become the Empress.


    "Mother that arrogant know-it-all will become the most powerful woman in northern Wei while I will be the wife of an improvised Duke. I refuse to be subservient to anyone most of all Her!"  Zhu Feifei said.


    "Aiyo! Calm down my dear, with me around how would you be subservient to anyone. Don''t worry mother will help you" Madam Zhu said.


    There was no one to announce their presence so Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin stood till the end. When the mother and daughter began discussing something else Su Liya shook her head and said to Zhu Fengyin


    "I hope you are not still attached to that sleaze, the sixth prince cause it won''t work out between you two. The only person that man cares about apart from his mother is himself".


    As she said that the last moments of Zhu Fengyin life''s flashed in her eyes. In her past life, she had been naive and trusted the wrong people. Zhu Fengyin wasn''t about to make the same mistake twice.


    Zhu Fengyin replied, "Don''t worry I am not stupid".


    Su Liya nodded  "Good I can work with that".


    Zhu Fengyin turned to her and said "Are you thinking what I am thinking?"


    To which Su Liya replied cheerfully "Yes¡­"


    They both said together," since Zhu Feifei. wants to be the princess consort. Let''s give her a hand"

 Chapter 9: Because shes the female lead

    Zhu Fengyin turned to her and said "Are you thinking what I am thinking?"


    To which Su Liya replied cheerfully "Yes¡­"


    They both said together," since Zhu Feifei wants to be the princess consort. Let''s give her a hand"


    Zhu Fengyin smirked and asked, "what do you have planned?"


    "Nothing much¡­ Zhu Feifei is almost at the edge all we need is to give her a little push," Su Liya said thoughtfully. She bit her lip gently "if I remember correctly the Emperor''s birthday is coming up soon¡­ that can be the day we conclude everything but first we will have to lay down the groundwork"


    Su Liya saw a flash of blue from the side of her eyes, As a slender baby-faced girl with bold yet beautiful features walked in with a maid following her closely.


    The girl was quite attractive, she had similar features to Zhu Fengyin. As she got closer, the girl said in a very soft tone "Fengyin-jei jei, you came".


    Su Liya searched her memory for a character that suited this description. The girl was pale with a big almond-sized eye, a small nose and lush plump lips. She looked very innocent with a certain glow to her.


    Su Liya zoned out as she searched her memory for the identity of the new arrival when the conversation between Zhu Fengyin and the girl filtered into her ears "mmm, I did. I got the medicine thanks for sending them over, Fenfeng-mei Mei".


    Su Liya paused her eyes locked on Zhu Fenfeng. The female lead of the book and the second daughter of minister Zhu.


    Zhu Fenfeng was like the ideal female lead, she was both innocent and naively nice. There was a certain glow to her that made her the centre of attention as soon as she walked into the room.


    Su Liya felt a little irritated just looking at her smiling face, she sneered as she thought ''did she go around with a spotlight or what? Talk about being an attention seeker. I guess this is the so-called female lead aura''


    Su Liya snorted loudly, which drew everyone''s attention to her. Zhu Fengyin turned to her eyebrows raised as she mouthed the words "what is wrong?"


    Su Liya laughed sheepishly "oh¡­ I have a sore throat" she brought her hands up to her throat, rubbing it gently.


    Zhu Fengyin nodded "oh yes.. How could I forget," she said to Zhu Fenfeng. Who nodded in understanding.


    "Sorry, it must be painful. It''s a little colder at night in spring, you should cover up while sleeping" Zhu Fenfeng caution. She turned to her maid Xiao chu and said "Xiao Chu, please deliver some ginger tea to Su Liya for her col_"


    Zhu Fengyin interrupted her before she could complete the statement "there is no need to worry yourself, Fenfeng-mei Mei. Liya is under my household, I will take care of that but thanks anyway for your concern"


    "Oh_ that''s alright," Zhu Fenfeng said with a hurt expression. Which pissed Su Liya off more, Zhu Fenfeng expression made it look like Zhu Fengyin bullied her. When that wasn''t the case.


    ``We can not have this happen again, I will have to talk to Zhu Fengyin about avoiding the catastrophe that is Zhu Fenfeng. This white lotus female lead aura is too much, it could get us in trouble" Su Liya thought.


    Zhu Fengyin noticed the change in Zhu Fenfeng expression but pretended otherwise "We should not keep big madam waiting, let''s get going".


    She walked past Zhu Fenfeng and stood by the door. When Zhu Fenfeng caught up, she knocked gently on the door.


    A faint female voice said, "come in".


    On her order, Su Liya stepped forward, pushed the door open and stepped aside to let Zhu Fengyin come in, before following her in. Zhu Fenfeng and her maid Xiao Chu came in after them.


    They paused at the centre of the room and paid their respects. Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Fenfeng sat on the seats facing the master''s seat while Su Liya and Xiao Chu stood behind their young mistress.


    Madam Zhu a slim middle-aged woman sat on the soft couch at the centre of the room. On the table next to her seat were a tea set and snacks. The fourth young miss of the Zhu family Zhu Feifei sat next to her mother.


    When they were all seated Madam Zhu picked up the teacup and blew gently before taking a few sips of the tea.  Madam Zhu placed the teacup on the table and said  "It''s good to see you both, fengyin I heard that you caught a cold, how are you feeling"


    Zhu Fengyin smiled and replied, "I am now better".


    "That''s good," Madam Zhu said. She took a sip of her tea. "The ministry of rite sent over an invitation to the Emperor''s anniversary party coming up in a few days. It will be a general banquet so you have to be on your best behaviour. Fengyin''s marriage is already final but the same cannot be said for the both of you" she looked at Zhu Fenfeng and Zhu Feifei.


    The three young mistresses chorused "Yes Mother".


    Madam Zhu conversed with them for a short while before she dismissed them to go on with their other activities. Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya maintained a calm expression until they got into Zhu Fengyin''s room.


    Su Liya let out a breath as soon as they got in "jeez that was suffocating". She rubbed her neck gently, Su Liya glanced at Zhu Fengyin briefly and said." It has to be a talent¡­ your ability to stay calm when dealing with fake people like that". Su Liya sat on a seat and began to massage her legs.


    "You will get used to it"  Zhu Fengyin dropped on the seat.


    "I hope so" Su Liya pressed her thigh firmly "about Zhu Fenfeng¡­.. Yin er let''s try to avoid getting on her bad side okay!"


    "why... because she is the female lead?" Zhu Fengyin said smirking.


    Su Liya looked at her quickly "How do you know that?"

 Chapter 10: A change in plans

    "I hope so" Su Liya pressed her thigh firmly "about Zhu Fenfeng¡­.. Yin er let''s try to avoid getting on her bad side okay!"


    "why... because she is the female lead?" Zhu Fengyin said smirking.


    Su Liya looked at her quickly "How do you know that?"


    "Zhu Fengyin replied, "isn''t that what you called her outside mother''s room".


    Su Liya laughed awkwardly "yes that is true" she looked down at her palm as she clipped her nail. ''That was close, for a second I thought that I let something slip'' Shu Liya thought.


    As much as it pained her to keep the fact that this was a novel from Fengyin, she had no other choice. Something was better left unsaid, she didn''t know how Zhu Fengyin would react to that information and she didn''t was to find out.


    ******


    Four days to the Emperor''s banquet Lu Yaozhu returned to the capital. As he rode in with his army, the commoners cheered. The news of their success travelled far and wide. The name General Lu was popular in the entire kingdom.


    After years of conquering nations for the Emperor, Lu Yaozhu made a name for himself. The name General Lu was now synonymous with the title the golden god of war.


    Lu Yaozhu was called the golden God of war because of his sharp facial features and his signature armour which was made of pure gold. The armour was gifted to him by the Empress dowager after his first military campaign.


    The Empress dowager always gifted him properties and armour after each Battle. Lu Yaozhu separated from his tropes and rode to the palace to report to the Emperor.


    Lu Yaozhu left his horse to be stable at the palace gates and walked to the Emperor''s sturdy on foot. Lu Yaozhu road non-stop for the past few days so he was a little dusty from the trip.


    Lu Yaozhu would have preferred to go back to Duke Wu Residence and change into a fresh set of clothes but he decided against it. The Emperor has been displeased with him of late, Lu Yaozhu was determined not to allow the Emperor to discipline him.


    When he got to the Emperor''s sturdy, Lu Yaozhu stood by the door as the Eunuch standing at the door announced his presence.


    "General Lu has arrived"


    Emperor Zhong held a goblet of wine to his mouth when the announcement was made. He paused halfway, the wine suddenly tasted bad. He spat the wine back into the goblet.


    He placed the cup back on the tray, his expression sour. Emperor Zhong caught Caihong''s eyes and signalled him to let Lu Yaozhu in.


    Caihong nodded and hurried outside. Lu Yaozhu looked up as the eunuch rushed forward.


    Caihong smiled "General Lu please come this way," he said turning aside to let him in. Lu Yaozhu nodded and followed him into the sturdy.


    The Emperor was seated behind the table when he walked in. Lu Yaozhu was about to pay his respect when the Emperor waved him off.


    "We are all family Yaozhu, don''t stand on ceremony", the Emperor said walking down the short steps. He placed both hands on Lu Yaozhu''s shoulders " I got the military report¡­ you did well".


    Lu Yaozhu smiled and said, " Please don''t flatter me, your Majesty, I was only doing my duty."


    The Emperor returned to his seat "There is no need to be humble Yaozhu,  even the citizens sing your praise. If you do a good work you should accept your praise".


    Lu Yaozhu stretched out his hands and bent forward "many thanks your Majesty".


    "Alright there is no need for that, I will leave you to get some rest. You must be tired from the journey," The Emperor said.


    "I will take my Leave your Majesty " Lu Yaozhu said


    Emperor Zhong  replied "mm"


    Lu Yaozhu bowed low and left the room. A Eunuch from the Empress''s palace approached Lu Yaozhu as he walked down the stairs. The Eunuch called out in a low tone "General Lu".


    Lu Yaozhu paused and replied, "hello Eunuch Ye, how can I help you?".


    "The Empress is asking for you", the Eunuch said.


    It was normal to visit her since he was close to the Empress. Lu Yaozhu nodded and followed the Eunuch to the Empress''s palace. Minutes later, they arrived at Empress Dowager''s palace. Lu Yaozhu was led in by a maid.


    The Maid stood by the door and announced his presence "Your majesty, General Lu has arrived".


    The Empress looked up from her painting, her face brightened up as she caught sight of Lu Yaozhu. Her lips spread revealing two perfect dimples "Yaozhu! Come over let me look at you", the Empress said beckoning him closer.


    Lu Yaozhu looked down at his dusty armour, feeling a little self-conscious "Uh...Your Highness, I don''t think¡­. That is¡­. I am a little dusty¡­"


    Empress Lu laughed softly "oh, I don''t mind that. come closer. You are too tall, I can strain my neck to look up".


    "oh... Yes, your highness" Lu Yaozhu walked forward, he stood a small distance away. Seeing the shadow at the side of her drawing sheet, Empress Lu looked up "Yaozhu why are you standing so far" she pouted, placed the painting brush on the brush holder and walked to him.


    Empress Lu walked closer when she saw a long cut on her neck. "How did you get hurt?" She said holding his jaw and moving his face to the side to get a closer look.


    Lu Yaozhu stepped back quickly "it''s nothing, Your highness, it is just an old injury", he said quickly.


    Empress Lu felt a little hurt by his actions, she brought down her hands to her side. She turned to her maid " please call the imperial doctor over, he should come to take a look at this".


    "No no that won''t be necessary, the Emperor already sent over a doctor to the camp," Lu Yaozhu said quickly, stretching out his hand and held her back.


    "Oh¡­  then there is no need for that, '''' Empress Lu replied softly. The Empress and Emperor had an estranged relationship. They both stayed out of each other''s business. Since the Emperor sent over a doctor, there was no need for her calling over another doctor.


    Lu Yaozhu stayed for some time and conversed with the Empress before returning to Duke Wu''s residence.

 Chapter 11: A change in plan 2

    "Oh¡­  then there is no need for that, '''' Empress Lu replied softly. The Empress and Emperor had an estranged relationship. They both stayed out of each other''s business. Since the Emperor sent over a doctor, there was no need for her to call another doctor.


    Lu Yaozhu stayed for some time and conversed with the Empress before returning to Duke Wu''s residence.


    *****


    Back at the Emperor''s end.


    Minister Zhu walked into the Emperor''s study some minutes after Lu Yaozhu Left. Eunuch Caihong set up the "Go" board as soon as Minister Zhu arrived.


    Minister Zhu and Emperor Zhong''s chess tradition was already known, Caihong dismissed the maids after the "Go" board. He stood by tge Emperor''s side as the game commenced.


    *How is our plan coming up?" Emperor Zhong asked moving a go piece forward.


    Minister Zhu see down the Go piece and sat forward "Our plans are coming up well your Majesty, minister Sheng has settled in the border towns. The first tribute from Chu state will arrive in four days."


    Emperor Zhong laughed softly and replied, "that''s good, Lu Yaozhu never disappoints! I won''t bother keeping him alive if he wasn''t so useful".


    Minister Zhu picked up the cup of homered tea and brought it to his lips. The light brown liquid went down his throat warming him up. Out of his six unmarried daughters, he had finally decided on the best fit for the job.


    Minister Zhu dropped the teacup on the table "With the General back at the capital we should find a good opportunity to sent out the marriage decree"


    "Hmm, your right" Emperor Zhong replied, "it has been three years since imperial mother''s death. The capital can do with some happy news".


    "I will get everything ready" Minister Zhu said


    "Good, with the Empress Dowager out of the picture there is no one else that can restrain me. The Lu family has no strong ba kings apart from the Empress, getting rid of them would be much easier"


    "Your Majesty, if we want to clip the Lu family''s wing, we get rid of the Empress_"


    "NO!!" the Emperor said in a tone more than two Octaves higher than normal. "No one is allowed to touch the Empress. She is my wife, I will handle her".


    Minister Zhu smiled and nodded " okay, then I will think of something else". He continued to play the game as nothing happened.


    ******


    Minister Zhu''s residence, Zhu Fengyin''s room.


    It was a little after 5 pm, Zhu Fengyin sat in front of the mirror while Su Liya gently ran a brush through her silky black hair. Everyone kept long hair during these times so combing one''s hair was a long task.


    Su Liya sighed heavily as she moved the comb to the other half of Zhu Fengyin''s hair. It took close to an hour just to pack up Zhu Fengyin''s hair. Su Liya lamented that The time spent on just grooming this hair was enough to get to her part-time job during rush hour.


    After weeks in this fictitious world, Su Liya was starting to dread morning grooming, styling her hair was a pain. Su Liya placed the brush on the dress straightening the tangles in Zhu Fengyin''s hair and picked up a hairpin.


    Zhu Fengyin''s second class maid, Tian Tian Who was more proficient than Su Liya in the styling of hair was sent out on errant. Su Liya was filling in for her while she was gone. Su Liya only mastered one simple hairstyle after weeks of observation so she quickly whipped up that simple style.


    Tian Tian rushed in as Su Liya put in the finishing on Zhu Fengyin''s hair. Tian Tian rushed to Zhu Fengyin''s side carrying two brown wrapped paper packs of baked snacks. She had gone out early to queue in front of the bakery to buy the snacks.


    Tian Tian ran to Zhu Fengyin and panting heavily she said "Young Miss!!! Third Young Master is back!"


    Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin said at the same time "Zhu Faye is back'' "The third brother is back".


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya voices were a bit off, Tian Tian looked from one irritated expression to the other, her brow furrowed as she thought "That is odd¡­. What is wrong with their expression".


    Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin shared a look briefly and looked away. Zhu Fengyin cleared her throat gently "You took a while, were you able to buy our snacks"


    Tian Tian nodded and held up the brown package "Yes I did".


    "mm, please drop it on the table. Send over a pack to third brother''s place, he just got back from a long journey. He might be hungry" Zhu Fengyin said.


    Tian Tian dropped the packaged snacks on the table and ran out to deliver the snacks to Zhu Faye. Su Liya cleared the dressing table when she was done with Zhu Fengyin''s hair.


    As she did, Su Liya tried to make sense of the change in plot, Zhu Faye''s return came much earlier than it should. Zhu Faye was the third son of Minister Zhu and the sixth Prince''s right-hand man.


    Zhu Faye was the last person Su Liya wanted to run into right now. The original Su Liya had a complicated relationship with Zhu Faye. A relationship that ultimately led to her death. The Sixth prince was a saint compared to Zhu Faye who killed non-stop.


    Zhu Faye was the mastermind behind a lot of deaths, Zhu Fengyin''s death included. He had hurt a lot of people that Su Liya was overjoyed when Zhu Faye was finally killed by the male lead''s friend Lu Yaozhu.


    At the end of the first volume of"the Emperor''s cunning bride," the male lead and female lead killed the entire Zhu family and were crowned the Emperor and Empress. The first volume ended with Lu Yaozhu''s sudden invasion of northern Wei.


    Although Su Liya could not pinpoint what changed the plot, the prospect of the plot change gave her much hope.

 Chapter 12: Ah, the second male lead appears.

    Minister Zhu''s residence


    At the end of the first volume of"the Emperor''s cunning bride," the male lead and female lead killed the entire Zhu family and were crowned the Emperor and Empress. The first volume ended with Lu Yaozhu''s sudden invasion of northern Wei.


    Although Su Liya could not pinpoint what changed the plot, the prospect of the plot change gave her much hope. It showed that their future wasn''t yet set in stone, she could still change everything.


    If she prevented Zhu Fengyin from marrying the sixth prince, she could prevent her from going down the path of destruction. The same goes for her character Su Liya, if she could avoid Zhu Faye and their complicated relationship maybe she wouldn''t end up the way the original Su Liya did in the novel.


    Su Liya dropped the hairpins into the jewellery box and shut the lid. Zhu Fengyin had her back turned to Su Liya as she put on her outer jacket.


    Su Liya walked to the small wooden cupboard opposite the dressing table and returned the jewellery box to its usual spot in the cupboard. As she did Su Liya silently contemplated if she should bring Zhu Faye''s early return to the light.


    However, Zhu Fengyin beat her to that "Liya isn''t the third brother back earlier than expected. In my past life, he came back after the Emperor''s banquet"


    Su Liya shut the cupboard door and turned around "That''s what I thought too¡­ I don''t know why he is back early but the change in the plot is not necessarily a bad thing"


    Zhu Fengyin stepped away from the hanger and sat on the bed "how do you mean?"


    Su Liya looked around to make sure no one eavesdropped on their conversation. Since Tian Tian was due back anytime soon, Su Liya walked to the bed and sat next to Zhu Fengyin "Scoot over" she whispered.


    Zhu Fengyin shook her head, moved to the side and made more space for her. "Here you go, is that enough space or do you need more space," she said sarcastically.


    Su Liya rolled her eyes and replied "Ha Ha very funny! We don''t have much time, Tian Tian will be here soon".


    Zhu Fengyin smiled and rubbed her nose gently.


    "You look a little scared Liya, which is weird since I am the one that should be that scared since I am the one that got killed. You are safe since Su Liya and my third brother had an ambiguous relationship"


    "An ambiguous relationship¡­ please these three words should not be used with Su Liya and Zhu Faye in the same context"


    "Why?" Zhu Fengyin asked eyebrows raised.


    "Those two had a doomed relationship, hmph if you can even call whatever those two had a relationship."


    "Huh that''s odd, didn''t the two of them get married and had a child?"


    "They did but how long would a relationship as toxic as theirs last.  At her highest time of glory, Su Liya was killed by Zhu Faye"


    Zhu Fengyin sat there agape, she tried to make sense of everything Su Liya said. The more she thought of everything, the more it all made sense to her.


    How could she forget the kind of person her elder brother was? Zhu Fengyin was as heartless as her father, how could she expect anything more from a power-hungry man like him.


    Her death back then was of her own doing, she let her guard down. That was the only way She ended up the way she did. She forgot the two rules of survival in the Zhu Family "Never let your guard down or you would die" and ''power begets power".


    Zhu Fengyin sighed "We have to be careful around the third brother."


    Su Liya nodded"To beat a master manipulator like him, we have to make sure we have all the cards on our table. Starting with the sixth Prince"


    *******


    On the day of the banquet.


    Members of the noble families all stepped out in grand style to attend the Emperor''s banquet. Carriage after carriage rode into the palace, as various high ranking families attended in mass.


    The banquet was to celebrate thirty years of the Emperor''s rule. It was a major event of the year that a lot of foreign dignitaries were invited.


    The Zhu family arrived at the events in two carriages, Minister Zhu and madam Zhu were both seated in the carriage in front while the young mistresses were in the second carriage.


    The carriages were allowed in order of seniority, carriages belonging to members of the royal family and high titles families such as Dukes, earl''s and viscounts were allowed inside before everyone else.


    The Zhu family were titled Earls but since minister Zhu wasn''t from the primary line of the family but the fifth son of the family he was only a mare Lord. They had to wait until it was their turn.


    A short while later it got to its turn, the carriage moved forward and came to a stop at the gate. Two servants rushed down from the carriage, brought down a step each and placed it at the foot of each carriage.


    Minister Zhu came down first, hr stretch out his hands and helped Madam Zhu down the steps. Minister Zhu and madam Zhu put on the pretence of a loving couple for the public to see but privately were always in discord.


    After the couple were out their daughters followed them closely. Zhu Fei''er who was closest to the door came down first. Servants were not allowed to ride with the family so Su Liya and the other maids followed the carriage on foot.


    Su Liya a modern time day who even though was used to the hard life, had a difficult time getting accustomed to life in ancient times. Su Liya cursed the heavenly empress and the author of the book dizzy scholar all through the trip.


    "Ahh! My legs are on fire. Why Why Why did she have to name a cannon fodder Su Liya and then make her a maid! Living in these ancient times as a maid was pure torture!", Su Liya thought as she stood by the step and helped Zhu Fengyin come down.


    Zhu Fenfang was the last to come down and like all white lotus female leads out there she made sure to slip down the step. As she fell Zhu Fenfeng was caught by a tall lanky male dressed in black.


    Su Liya rolled her eyes when she saw who caught the tumbling female lead.


    "wow like every idol drama out there, dizzy scholar never disappoints," Su Liya said watching as the female fell into Lu Yaozhu''s arms. "Ah, the second male lead finally appears"

 Chapter 13: Scheming Mother and daughter

    Zhu Fenfang was the last to come down and like all white lotus female leads out there she made sure to slip down the step. As she fell Zhu Fenfeng was caught by a tall lanky male dressed in black.


    Su Liya rolled her eyes when she saw who caught the tumbling female lead.


    "wow like every idol drama out there, dizzy scholar never disappoints," Su Liya said, watching as the female fell into Lu Yaozhu''s arms. "Ah, the second male lead finally appears"


    Su Liya would identify the second male lead anywhere, unlike the male lead that was described to be incredibly beautiful. Lu Yaozhu though handsome had a thin scar on his left eyes, his signature character trait was his mismatched eyes caused by a childhood illness.


    Lu Yaozhu like every other general in most web series out there always wore black clothes. Initially, Su Liya had found that cute but now that she was experiencing every single scene in the series, it all seemed un-original.


    The story in her honest opinion was pretty common, it followed all the popular troupes out there. It was like every other typical white lotus saves the brooding hero novel out there. Su Liya usually enjoyed a good white lotus story but now that she was a character in a said novel she found it annoying.


    Maybe it was because her character was written to die by the end of the year. Even if she followed the patterns set by female leads in other transmigration novels she doubts that she would ever get to meet the male lead.


    Zhu Fengyin''s path never crossed with the male lead Zhongshan Ling''s until she married the sixth prince. Since her mission was to help Zhu Fengyin get a happy ending, she would have to pick another candidate such as maybe¡­.the second male lead.


    Lu Yaozhu is not bad for a second male lead, he also doesn''t have a wife or a concubine yet so Zhu Fengyin wouldn''t have to deal with the mess the original Female lead dealt with in the novel.


    "This could just work out," Su Liya thought, lips cuiled wide. In the novel, the female lead and second male lead met two years ago after Zhu Fenfeng saved a former Zhu Family servant from being sold to slave traders.


    Lu Yaozhu bought the servant from the slave traders as a favour for Zhu Fenfeng. He also helped get the servant a new place of employment. After year''s of interaction between them, Lu Yaozhu and Zhu Fenfeng struck a friendship.


    The Lu family and Zhu family were political rivals so Lu Yaozhu wouldn''t let his guard down easily on Zhu Fengyin''s presence. Zhu Fengyin will have to gradually win his trust.


    Su Liya began making plans as she followed Zhu Fengyin and the rest of the Zhu family into the palace.  They were almost at the banquet hall when a maid from Noble Consort Shi palace called Zhu Fengyin away.


    Noble consort Shi wished to see Zhu Fengyin before the banquet began. Consort Shi was the most favoured consort and the mother of the sixth Prince, everyone respected her. Zhu Fengyin has been engaged to the Sixth Prince since birth, the noble consort was fond of her.


    Noble Consort Shi treated her like her daughter, it was normal for her to call her over. Zhu Fengyin grew up in the palace thanks to her mother''s close relationship with the noble consort.


    Minister Zhu was in the sixth prince camp, he encouraged any close relationship between his daughter and the sixth prince. He didn''t hold Zhu Fengyin back instead he let her go.


    After getting her father''s permission Zhu Fengyin bowed "I will take my leave father".


    Minister Zhu nodded and turned forward to resume his walk to the banquet hall when Madam Zhu said "it''s been a while since I saw the noble consort, let me join you Fengyin"


    Zhu Fengyin paused surprised by her stepmother''s actions. She caught Su Liya''s eye, Su Liya gave her an encouraging nod. Zhu Fengyin smiled and nodded "alright"


    Madam Zhu brought down her hand from Minister Zhu''s sleeve and walked towards Zhu Fengyin. When she got to where her daughter stood, madam Zhu grabbed her hands and walked forward. "Feifer please escort mother"


    Zhu Feifei replied "en" and followed her mother.


    Minister Zhu found their actions strange but dismissed them. He already suspected what the mother and daughter pair was up to but didn''t wish to get involved. He had no problem with their scheming as far as it doesn''t bring destroy his plans or worse bring shame to him.


    Minister Zhu and Zhu Fenfeng walked into the banquet hall and took their seats.


    ***


    Meanwhile at Yonghe palace.


    Noble consort shi was dressed in light pink ceremonial robes when they arrived. Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya paid their respects and stood aside while Madam Zhu and Noble consort Shi caught up with each other.


    While everyone was distracted Zhu Fengyin whispered to Su Liya "hey, why did you let me come here with the scheming mother and daughter pair"


    Su Liya moved closer "aren''t we trying to get rid of that engagement of yours! What better way to do so than to swap grooms"


    "Swap grooms? What do you mean?"


    "I did my research and based on the snippet of conversation we heard between the scheming mother and daughter, the Emperor wants to decree a marriage between the Lu family and the Zhu family"


    "The Lu family? Is that even possible, father and Duke Wu are political rivals why would he agree to such a union?"


    "Your father is a power-hungry man, why won''t he agree to such a union. The Emperor must be looking for a spy and what better spy to have than a spy that shares the same bed with your enemy. Think about it Fengyin, your father already has a profitable marriage with a prince what else does he need one with a Duke for."


    Zhu Fengyin looked at her quickly "so you plan to somehow make the noble consort get familiar with Feifei that way getting her to adj for a change in brides"


    "Bingo," Su Liya said, when she saw Zhu Fengyin''s surprised expression she replied quick "Yes, that means yes"


    "Really¡­ wow. Bingo is another way of saying Yes"


    Su Liya waved her hand quick "No that not what I mean. Bingo doesn''t mean yes It was a mistake"


    "Oh...okay" Zhu Fengyin nodded.


    Noble consort Shi was getting tired of Madam Zhu''s ass-kissing she shifted away from Her and called her maid over "the Emperor is almost at the banquet hall I should get going" she said and hurried out of the room but not before calling Zhu Fengyin to join her.


    Madam Zhu and Zhu Feifei watched them leave before hissing loudly. Zhu Feifei said to her mother "mother we have to get set up tonight. I hear that the Emperor would release the imperial decree anytime soon".


    Madam Zhu tapped her daughter''s hands gently "stay calm my dear, mother will handle everything".

 Chapter 14: What a scheme

    Noble consort Shi was getting tired of Madam Zhu''s ass-kissing she shifted away from Her and called her maid over "the Emperor is almost at the banquet hall I should get going" she said and hurried out of the room but not before calling Zhu Fengyin to join her.


    Madam Zhu and Zhu Feifei watched them leave before hissing loudly. Zhu Feifei said to her mother "mother we have to get set up tonight. I hear that the Emperor would release the imperial decree anytime soon".


    Madam Zhu tapped her daughter''s hands gently "stay calm my dear, mother will handle everything".


    The mother and daughter returned to the banquet hall while Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya followed the Noble consort into the hall. The banquet was already in full swing when they arrived. The Emperor and Empress were seated at the centre of the room.


    Zhu Fengyin stepped back and walked over to where her father was seated. She occupied the free seat next to Zhu Feifei, while Su Liya stood behind her.


    An hour in and Su Liya was already exhausted and bored. She had been on her feet for over five hours, her muscles were stiff. Su Liya hit her thigh discreetly, trying to wake up her numb muscles.


    After an hour and a half of empty talks and dull music and dance performances, the palace servant began to bring in the dishes. An assortment of snacks and dishes lined the tables in front of her.


    Yet Su Liya could only watch and not partake in the dishes. "Aiyo life of a servant sure is hard. I haven''t eaten anything since morning yet I am tempted with meals from the gods" Su Liya thought as her mouth watered.


    She got a wimp of the aroma of braised meat and her tummy rumbled loudly. The three Zhu sisters turned around, Zhu Feifei tsked "really Fengyin-jei how do you train your servants. Look at how she reacts to food, she''s a glutton in the making. If you have a problem disciplining her, tell me.  I will give you a hand".


    To Which Zhu Fengyin replied smiling "no need to trouble yourself with that Feifei-mei Mei. I will handle that!"


    Zhu Feifei shrugged "okay if you insist" she turned back to watch the performance.


    Zhu Fenfang bit her lip gently in contemplation before finally saying "Liya-jei you must be hungry after all this time" she placed a piece of cake on a handkerchief and pushed it to the side "her have a cake".


    Su Liya looked at Zhu Fengyin,  her expression was blank but the killing aura was great. Su Liya smiled and calmly turned Zhu Feifei down "oh no need for that fifth young mistress. I am good".


    Zhu Fenfang Understood what happened, she didn''t want to put Su Liya in trouble. She nodded and returned the cake to her plate. Minutes later Zhu Fengyin called Su Liya to help remove the bones from the fish. As Su Liya did so, she slipped her a piece of meat.


    Unbeknownst to them Lu Yaozhu saw the interaction between the servant and master and smiled. " interesting" he spoke out unknowingly.


    "What do you find interesting Xiao Zhu?" his elder brother Duke Wu asked next to him.  Lu Yingjie followed his younger brother eyes to two bright-faced pretty girls seated next to minister Zhu and his wife. Particularly an air of a young mistress and servant.


    From the bearing of the well dressed young miss. Lu Jingjie identified her as Zhu Fengyin the capital''s most talented young miss, First daughter of Minister of Revenue Zhu Yawen and the sixth prince''s fiancee.


    "You are behaving out of character. Why are you watching that bunch,h Xiao Zhu?" Lu Yingjie brought the cup of wine to his mouth and took a sip.


    "It wasn''t my plan, it''s just that the young mistress''s servant was interesting".


    Lu Yingjie snorted "you won''t say that once you hear about her exploits. I advise you to avoid getting wrapped in any of her schemes, that is one ambitious maid"


    "I don''t intend to have anything to do with either of them so there is no need to worry brother"


    "Good".


    The banquet was halfway through when Zhu Feifei suddenly disappeared. Su Liya searched around the banquet hall for Zhu Feifei with her eyes found nothing.


    She tapped Zhu Fengyin on the shoulder to get her attention and whisper into her ears  "ay Fengyin, I can not find your scheming sister".


    Zhu Fengyin smiled "don''t worry about her, I am sure she will turn up soon enough".


    Su Liya watched her expression hoping to see her slip but got nothing, she nodded "alright" and stood at her previous position.


    A short time later Zhu Feifei did indeed turned up, a scream was heard from the garden drawing everyone''s attention. The Emperor immediately sent a eunuch to check out what caused the disturbance.


    The Eunuch rushed straight to the Emperor minutes later. Everyone was still trying to find out what caused the disturbance when Zhu Feifei''s maid rushed in.


    She fell to the ground and cried out "Your Majesty!, your majesty! You have to get justice for my young Miss".


    The Emperor stood up quickly "guards, quickly drag this unruly servant away".


    Two armoured guards rushed to the maid, grabbed each of her arms and began dragging her away. The maid immediately screamed at the top of her  "Your Majesty please save my young mistress!"


    The banquet continued after the maid was dragged away but The Empress and Noble Consort Shi left the hall in a rush. Madam Zhu was called away a short time later.


    Though she didn''t fully understand what happened, Su Liya had her suspicions.  S   kneeled by Zhu Fengyin''s table and poured her a fresh cup of tea. With the pretence of pouring her mi, stress a cup of tea Su Liya asked "what is going on Fengyin? Why was madam Zhu called away"


    "Think Liya, what would make the Emperor make a scene like this?"


    Su Liya blinked as she dropped the kettle, minutes later she said "it can''t be what I think t is right, Zhu Feifei wouldn''t take such a risk".


    Zhu Fengyin dichuckleckled softly " a desperate man can do anything".

 Chapter 15: The Dreaded Royal decree

    "Think Liya, what would make the Emperor make a scene like this?"


    Su Liya blinked as she dropped the kettle, minutes later she said "it can''t be what I think it is right, Zhu Feifei wouldn''t take such a risk".


    Zhu Fengyin smiled "a desperate man can do anything".


    Two hours later the banquet had come to an end, while the guest returned to their houses.  Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Fenfang were invited to stay back at the palace. They were accommodated at a guest house.


    Minister Zhu and Madam Zhu were absent for the entire night. Su Liya had her doubts about the entire mess with Zhu Feifei up until early the next day when the wedding day of Zhu Feifei and the sixth prince was announced.


    She was accompanying Zhu Fengyin on a walk through the royal garden when she met a frail Zhu Feifei seated on a stool under a shade. Zhu Feifei had a smug expression when she saw Them.


    Su Liya noticed that a few more maids were serving Zhu Feifei, she shared a  look with Zhu Fengyin. Who looked carefree and calm but Su Liya could see the slight tug on her lips. It would seem that their plan worked faster than they had expected.


    Zhu Fengyin put on a fake concerned expression and rushed up to Zhu Feifei "Feifei-mei Mei how are you feeling, mother, informed us that you were unwell".


    Zhu Feifei smiled "I am well, it was just a little weak, but the palace Matron tells me that it is natural after those things". She touched her cheek, acting shyly.


    The palace matron at Zhu Fengyin''s side, eyes narrowed ''is getting the cart before the horse something to boast about. This young miss is shameless'' the palace Matron thought.


    Zhu Fengyin pretended not to notice her play of words and instead inquired on everything else. Zhu Feifei must have noticed that Zhu Fengyin didn''t take the bait because she faked a sad expression and said "Fengyin-Jei jei I am sorry about what happened with your engagement, it wasn''t my intention. Please don''t take it to heart"


    Zhu Fengyin blinked quick and with a confused expression she said "Why are you apologising to me Feifei-mei Mei? I don''t understand!".


    "It is just that_ Fengyin-jei, you must not yet been informed but your engagement to his highness the sixth prince has been broken. The sixth prince took a liking to me and personally asked his Majesty for my hand in marriage"


    Su Liya snorted from her position behind Zhu Fengyin ''how dumb was this girl that she thinks no one can see through her obvious lie'' She thought rolling her eyes.


    "A wedding, that is good news"


    Zhu Feifei looked "Really, jei Jei are you sincerely happy for me or just pretending to be generous. Even if you were pretending, it won''t matter because unlike your long-standing engagement the wedding date has been fixed" she said smugly.


    When she saw her smug expression, Zhu Fengyin smiled her first sincere smile in a while. They say that "he that wears the shoe knows where it hurts'' after enduring years of pain and sorrow in the hands of her so-called husband, Zhu Fengyin was no longer the naive girl she was before.


    Marriage into the imperial royal family looked glamorous to the onlookers but was hell on the wives. Everyone respected and admired the Empress as the most powerful woman in the country but only a few knew that the position of the Empress was a gilded cage.


    Empress Lu was the most powerful woman in the nation but she could even protect her own family. The Once powerful Duke Wu''s family were walking on sinking sand.


    The Emperor was jealous and unreasonable, he punished the loyal subjects and elevated the disloyal subjects. If she had not experienced what she did in her past life, she never would have seen things clearly.


    Who cares if She doesn''t marry the prince, she had already been a princess consort, it was nothing special. With a stronger resolve, Zhu Fengyin said "congratulations Feifei-mei Mei. You will become Princess consort, you did well. You must be busy, I will take my leave".


    Zhu Feifei was confused by her eldest sisters strange behaviour, this wasn''t the reaction she had expected. Who in the empire did not know how dedicated Zhu Fengyin was to the sixth prince.


    This calm response through natural based on Zhu Fengyin usual character was unexpected from a woman who got her fiancee stolen. Zhu Feifei could only nod and dismiss her.


    *******


    Two weeks later Zhu Feifei''s wedding to the sixth prince was held. The wedding was a grand occasion as expected of a royal wedding. The Sixth prince came with a lot of gifts to collect the bride from her paternal home.


    Zhu Feifei was dressed in a beautiful red wedding gown and a gold coronet. As per tradition the bride and groom paid respects to the bride''s parents before leaving for the groom''s house.


    To avoid much talk Zhu Fengyin was present all through the ceremony. She was dressed simply to avoid being accused of trying to outdress the bride.


    There was a huge crowd present on the day of the wedding ceremony, most of which attended with the hope of watching a show. It wasn''t every day that a younger sister stole her Elder sister''s husband.


    The news of the sixth prince and Zhu Feifei''s affair made waves days after the marriage was announced. Around that time a lot of nosy Nobles looking for gossip began to make calls.


    Zhu Fengyin was no stranger to the gossip pool, but on an amicable expression and dismayed any questions that came her way. Before leaving with the sixth Prince, Zhu Feifei put on an act of a filial sister that would miss her younger sister and pulled Zhu Fengyin into a hug.


    As she pulled away from her, Zhu Feifei whispered "looks like I am the one that becomes a princess consort"


    The two girls shared a smile before the bride and groom left. It wasn''t proper for unmarried women to stay for the wedding banquet, Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya returned to the courtyard.


    Su Liya dropped on the bed as soon as they were alone "Ahh finally I can rest! What is with this era and making servants stand on their feet? At this rate, I might start getting muscular legs"


    Zhu Fengyin pulled the hairpins out of her hair and packed her hair in a ponytail "stop being dramatic Liya, you are not the only one that was on her feet all day".


    "I might as well be, you don''t count Fengyin since it was your own choice to stand. No one forced you to stand" Su Liya rolled onto her back and looked up at the bed curtain.


    Zhu Fengyin joined her on the bed and mumbled "That was the only way to seam gracefully".


    Su Liya turned toward Zhu fengyin and laid on her side "Ha, who cares about that. I am just happy that we successfully jumped the huddle the is your engagement"


    Zhu Fengyin sighed "Did we jump that huddled? My father is still looking for a spy, I could get engaged anytime soon!"


    "You could but look on the bright side, at least this time you would be used as a punching bag by the sixth prince".


    "mmm, I am happy about that" Zhu Fengyin smiled and moved closer to Su Liya.


    *****


    Two days later as predicted the dreaded imperial decree came from the palace. The entire Zhu family all came out to receive the decree. They all knelt as the Eunuch read out the decree.


    "The Emperor decrees a marriage between the eldest young Mistress of the Zhu family Zhu Fengyin and Duke Wu Lu Jingjie"


    After the decree was read Zhu Fengyin went forward and accepted the decree. Zhu Fengyin was called into her father''s study after the Eunuch left. She went in alone while Su Liya waited by the door.


    Su Liya stood by the door humming on her mind when she heard her name called. She turned to the direction she heard her name and found herself face to face with a tribulation from the original Su Liya''s past Zhu Faye.


    Su Liya smiled awkwardly "Hello Thir young master"


    Zhu Faye smiled and walked up to her "Xiao Liya! It''s been a while, how are you" he raised his hands to touch her lips but Su Liya stepped back.


    "How can I help you, Young master," she said.


    "Why are you acting all stiff, I thought we are closer than this" he returned his hand to his side.


    "You flatter me, how can I a servant be close to third young Master" Su Liya replies head bowed low. She clasped her hands tight, silently counting in her mind.


    Zhu Faye was about speaking but the sturdy door opening made him pause "Fengyin-mei Mei congratulations, Duke Wu is a good match" he said looking pasted Su Liya.


    "Yes, I guess he is" Zhu Fengyin replied stiffly. She looked at Su Liya and said " we should get going, a designer from Roushi house is coming over to take my measurement".


    Su Liya nodded "Alright". She followed Zhu Fengyin back to her rooms.

 Chapter 16: The Deadliest enemy is the person you share a bed with

    "Zhu Faye was about speaking but the sturdy door opening made him pause "Fengyin-mei Mei congratulations, Duke Wu is a good match," he said looking past Su Liya.


    "Yes, I guess he is" Zhu Fengyin replied stiffly. She looked at Su Liya and said " we should get going, a designer from Roushi house is coming over to take my measurement".


    Su Liya nodded "Alright". She followed Zhu Fengyin back to her rooms.


    Several maids were standing around the room when they walked, Zhu Fengyin immediately dismissed them all. The maid were well trained, they all left within seconds. Su Liya put her ears close to the door to make sure no one stood by the door.


    She had watched enough drama and read enough books to know that there were often spies put on every courtyard. Su Liya wasn''t still convinced that they were indeed alone, so she walked out and looked down the hall. There wasn''t a soul in sight as she walked down the hall, she returned into the room.


    "What is going on Fengyin, what is troubling you? It can''t be the imperial decree, we already suspected that so it cannot be anything new" She sat close to Zhu Fengyin, gently rubbing her back.


    Zhu Fengyin pulled her hair back and let out a dry breath "t is about the imperial decree. I don''t like what that means, it would seem that even marriage can''t pull me out of my father''s clutches."


    "Say Fengyin, What did minister Zhu say to you? you weren''t this way when you left"


    Zhu Fengyin looked at her silently, then looked to the door and let out a heavy sigh. She leaned to her right and rested her head on Su Liya''s shoulders. "You were right about the decree. Once again I am trapped in a situation not to my liking by my father".


    Su Liya pats her cheeks gently "Don''t lose hope just yet not because Minster Zhu asks you to spy on the Lu family means you have to do that. You can pick what you reveal, after all, you will be out of their reach".


    Zhu Fengyin sat up excitedly "you are a genius Liya why didn''t I think of this".


    "Because you are too old," Su Liya said playfully flicking Zhu Fengyin''s forehead.


    "Ha, I am old and your not! Last I checked you are older than me by a year" Zhu Fengyin retorted smiling.


    "No, I am not. That''s the other Su Liya, I am only 20 years old" Su Liya said which made Zhu Fengyin laugh harder.


    "That is even much older than me since based on my original age when I died, I am only 18 years old. I should call you grandma".


    "Age doesn''t matter" Su Liya replied quickly pouting.


    ******


    The next day Duke Wu came to Minster Zhu''s residence with a long line of betrothal gifts. The wedding date was set for ten days later, the fact that Liu Yingjie brought the gifts himself was surprising.


    Zhu Fengyin sat behind a screen all through the duke''s visit. The fact that Minister Zhu and Duke Wu were at odds was hard to deduce since both men were polite to each other. They acted like a bunch of intimate father and son in law.


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t stay long before returning to her rooms, Su Liya was silent all through their walk back. As soon as they were alone Su Liya finally broke her silence.


    "Wow I have got to hand it to Duke Wu, he is phenomenal. Look at all those gifts, they are all top-notch. Onsight one would think that it was the Duke that initiated the marriage and not the paranoid Emperor" Su Liya snorted and skipped to the sofa.


    Zhu Fengyin quickly made a shush sign and looked around cautiously "will you Hush now, someone may hear you!"


    "Who will hear me, please everyone is busy gawking at the bride price from your future husband" Su Liya spat out the word husband like it was an insult "you should be careful about that one Fengyin, the deadliest of enemies is the person that share a bed with you".


    "Alright, I understand Liya let us talk about something else. All this talk about marriage is suffocating" Zhu Fengyin sat down next to her.


    "Okay, what do you want to talk about?" Su Liya asked.


    "I don''t know¡­. Maybe my third brother"


    Su Liya pulled away "What about that walking catastrophe?"


    "How are you going to do about him, I noticed that he had been hovering around you. Judging from his previous actions, unlike father I don''t think the distance would keep him at bay"


    Su Liya sighed heavily "don''t worry about me, I can take care of him. The pressing issue now is figuring out how you can survive in the Lu family".


    "The Lu family won''t hurt me"


    "Don''t be so sure Fengyin, the Lu family supports the crown prince thanks to the Empress. You are the daughter of their number one enemy, you are not going to have it easy in the Duke manor" Su Liya crossed her legs and pulled a loose strand of hair out of her eye.


    "Don''t worry about that yet Liya, let us make it through these last few days. We can make our strategy after the wedding" she turned to Su Liya who nodded and replied


    "Okay".


    ******


    Five streets away at Duke Wu''s residence.


    Lu Yaozhu was going into the duke''s study as soon as he arrived. He had been away at the training camp for 4 days. Lu Yaozhu would have stayed a little bit longer but he was called home by his mother.


    His elder brother Lu Yingjie and younger brother Lu Yong were both seated in the room. Lu Yaozhu squeezed their shoulders and sat on the seat opposite his elder brother.


    Lu Yingjie didn''t look up from the court report he was going through. "You didn''t have to come back home, it is still early. The wedding is ten days from now. You should have waited till then".


    "I would have, if I had any other choice. Mother called me back home" Lu Yaozhu replied in a bored tone.


    Lu Yingjie placed the brush aside and looked up from the report. "Wow, don''t I get any say in this family".


    "No, at least not according to mother. She is¡­ displeased with your marriage but since she can not question the emperor''s decision, she has taken it upon herself to protect the family as she put it"


    Lu Yong chuckles softly "is her method of protecting the family anyhow related to her calling Zhu Fenfang over".


    "mm," Lu Yaozhu replied.


    Lu Yingjie pinched the top of his nose gently "She has to be careful, the Emperor is watching us closely".


    "I guess he has gotten tired of keeping a low profile in our lives, he now wants to act like an uncle. Pathetic, What provoked him this time" Lu Yong said.


    "My last victory, he is angry that I made it out alive" Lu Yaozhu replied.

 Chapter 17: We cant afford to have any more spies around us.

    Lu Yingjie pinched the top of his nose gently "She has to be careful, the Emperor is watching us closely".


    "I guess he has gotten tired of keeping a low profile in our lives. What provoked him this time" Lu Yong said.


    "My last battle, the Emperor was hoping I would be killed when the camp was attacked," Lu Yaozhu replied.


    Lu Yong sighed "How long are we going to take this Jingjie? The Emperor is exhausting all means just to subdue us".


    Lu Yaozhu replied "Don''t worry about me, I know when to let go"


    Lu Yong was satisfied with his elder brother''s answer, he nodded then replied "don''t worry about mother she will come around".


    "mm"


    Lu Yaozhu discussed other things with his brothers before leaving to meet his mother.


    ******


    His mother laid on her side on the recliner when he walked into her room. Li Yaozhu rode hard from the training camp back to the capital for three hours. It was nearing 7 pm when he got home.


    The weather got hotter earlier in the day, his mother had changed into a simpler set of clothes. She leaned to her right on the chair, resting her head on her upraised arm, her elbow placed on the wooden armrest. Her eyes were shut, her face relaxed.


    The young maid standing next to her made a move to wake her but he stopped her. His mother was always on her feet, doing one thing or another. It was rare to see her like this, she looked exhausted. She must have been thinking too much


    Madam Lu looked up when she noticed the movement of a shadow past the light. "Yaozhu!" She cried out and got up from her chair. She walked to him and grabbed both of his hands, she raised. She looked at her maid and asked "why didn''t you alert me of his presence".


    The maid gulped, she was a relatively new maid in the Duke''s manor. She wasn''t used to everything yet and didn''t know how to respond. She stuttered "I_I" when Lu Yaozhu replied, "don''t be too hard on her mother, I stopped her from alerting you. I wanted to give you more time to rest".


    Madam touched his cheeks gently "How sweet of you". She frowned when her hands moved up "You lost weight Yaozhu" she stepped back and gave him a thorough look down "Look at you now you are all fresh and bones now."


    Lu Yaozhu smiled and replied, "I was only gone a few days mum, it is nothing".


    "Nothing?!" She stepped back and looked at him eyes narrowed "Let me be the judge of that".


    She once again turned to the young maid and instructed her to inform the kitchen to make all of the second young master''s favourite foods. The maid nodded and rushed out to deliver the instructions.


    Lu Yaozhu led his mother to her seat "mother please have a seat. You shouldn''t only worry about us mothers, you should take care of yourself too".


    Madam Lu sighed bitterly "How can I not worry about you all when his majesty keeps taking shots at you all. Your younger brother is about to take the imperial examination for the fourth time. If he fails again, I don''t know if he will be able to take it again. You know that your brother is a scholar and not a fighter.


    "And then there is your elder brother''s marriage, he is definitely up to something baby making him marry that cold-hearted Zhu First Miss. Let us not forget his delay in sending in reinforcements during your last battle.


    "Your father is dead and even if he was alive, I can no longer give birth. You and your brothers and sister are the only descendants of the Lu family. None of you has any children, if anything happens to you all, that is the end of our Lu family".


    "Don''t say something like that mother, nothing will happen to us" he consoled.


    She paused her lips and then said "I hope so, that is why we have to act quickly. We can''t let the Emperor put another spy in the family. Zhu Fengyin is already enough for us to hassle. Since he is in league with Minister Zhu, why don''t you marry Zhu Fenfang. Fenfang isn''t as rotten as the rest of the Zhu family, she is very sweet.


    "The two of you also get along well plus she is my sister''s only child. Ever since my younger sister died I feel somewhat responsible for her. My younger sister died of an illness she got while protecting me that year, I can''t let her down. Marry Fenfang and start having your own children, you aren''t getting any older."


    Lu Yaozhu pulled back slowly, after some thought, she replied "Mother, let us get the elder brother''s marriage settled. We can worry about mine later, let us avoid getting ahead of ourselves".


    She watched him silently for some minutes and nodded "alright, let us do as you say". She was familiar with her son''s temperament, he had gotten tired of the conversation. Lu Yaozhu was this close to making up his mind, it won''t do to irritate him. That will just make him more stubborn.


    Minutes later when everyone had calmed down She said "I paid a visit to the Empress at the palace earlier today, her majesty had a relapse from an old sickness. She had gotten better after taking some drugs.


    "Yingjie and Yong''er accompanied me for the visit. You should also visit her when you can. Ever since the first princess and crown prince moved out of the palace, she had been alone. Your aunt is very fond of you, Yaozhu. Please visit her often, she misses you".


    "The first princess may have married far away but the crown prince is still in the capital"


    "The crown prince is busy with his official duties and if you remember Yaozhu, the Empress isn''t his biological mother. They aren''t that close, not like you are to her since you are related by blood" his mother said.


    "It is because we are related by blood that I don''t want to visit her often. The Emperor is suspicious of our Lu family, the Empress is also a member of the family. I fear that frequent association with us could be detrimental to her marriage".


    His mother nodded "I guess you are right. how can I forget that ''''.


    Lu Yaozhu ate dinner with his mother then returned to his room. He called it a night when he got to his room.

 Chapter 18: Let us start a Revolution

    Three days later, Xu Dan Tea house.


    "What kind of rotten luck do I have" Su Liya thought as she walked out of yet another fragrance shop with Zhu Fengyin and Nanny Lin. Preparing for a wedding was very stressful. In the last four day, she had been forced to go through every single protocol.


    Su Liya, like most modern girls, could tell the differences between stitches but in the four days since the imperial decree was delivered, she had been forced to pick up sewing. Embroidery was a nightmare, she couldn''t understand how most noble ladies took it up as a hobby.


    Her hands were stiff from all the stitches, she had been so happy when they were done with sewing the wedding gown. That was until Nanny Lin announced that they were going fragrance shopping.


    She had initial exclaimed with joy at the thought of leaving the minister''s house. However the joy was short-lived, Su Liya had sniffed different types of fragrance that she had lost use of her nose.


    Five fragrance stores later and they were finally done shopping. Zhu Fengyin noticed Su Liya''s long face as they left the last fragrance store. "this girl is trying so hard, maybe I should give her a reward, '''' Zhu Fengyin thought.


    She raised the curtain and looked out of the window. The street was very active, people went about their business. Traders sold their wares while street performers put on their performances.


    Throughout her previous life she had never stopped to observe the common people. Since she only had eyes for Zhongshan Cheng, she was so focused on winning his heart that she inadvertently lost herself.


    This time she wasn''t going to make that mistake. Zhu Fengyin dismissed Nanny Lin, and instructed her to return to the minister''s manor with the carriage while she grabs lunch at Xu Dan Tea house.


    Su Liya was shocked when Nanny Lin let them go, she never expected the strict middle aged woman to accept Zhu Fengyin''s flimsy excuse. When they got to the tea house, She got down from the carriage and supported Zhu Fengyin down the carriage.


    They stood by the entrance until the carriage was out of sight. Turning sideways and gesturing to the tea house, they were in public so she made sure to watch her actions "Young Miss, right this way", she said, eyes cast down.


    Her false submissive behavior was amusing, Zhu Fengyin snickered. ''Who is she trying to fool? I have never seen someone look this


    "You look awkward, this won''t do. LETS GO!" Zhu Fengyin grabbed Su Liya''s hands and ran towards the crowded streets, dragging Su Liya with her.


    It happened so fast, Su Liya was shocked and speechless. She couldn''t quite make sense of her new friend''s sudden change in attitude. Zhu Fengyin dragged her from one performance stall to another.


    She never let go of her hands as she sampled various street foods and watched different street performances. Zhu Fengyin Laughed and tipped the performers, when she wasn''t shushing her from asking questions, she was shoving cakes, candies and other snacks into her mouth.


    Zhu Fengyin was about shoving a piece of sweetened nuts into her mouth when she caught her hands. "Alright I think that''s enough with all the mouth feeding. What''s wrong with you Fengyin? Why are you behaving out of character?".


    "Out of character?!"


    "Yes!, I find it strange that a Queen of prosperity like you would suddenly start acting like a_"


    "A what?!"


    She growled and spat out, her Expression tight "like me okay! Damn it!"


    Zhu Fengyin threw the nut into her mouth and chewed gently. "Queen of prosperity? I guess I was acting a little stiff, right?"


    "Yes!"


    "Well no need to worry about that anymore, I am done trying to impress a group of people who would never understand me. I am going to rebel*.


    "What?"


    "After a lifetime of sacrifices and pain, of acting the proper way, speaking the right way, I tried so hard to please everyone at my own detriment, but not anymore. This time I am going to live for me not Zhongahan Cheng or the Zhu family, me! I think I have earned that don''t you think?"


    "Yes you do, as a matter of fact you deserve more than that. After the life you lived, You deserve a happy ending and that is what you will get. Who cares if the whole world is rigged against us, we are going to have the last laugh" Su Liya placed her hands on Zhu Fengyin''s shoulder and pulled her closer "Let us go start a revolution".


    ******


    Minutes ago at a table overlooking the street in Xu Dan Tea house.


    Lu Yaozhu was seated on the seat nearest to the window while he conversed with a veiled Zhu Fenfang. They ran into each other at the medicine store two shops away from the tea house.


    Lu Yaozhu was there to pick up intelligence from the Ginseng group under the pretense of picking up a prescription. The Ginseng group was a network of spies, which dealt with information. He had caught the manager''s eyes as soon as he walked in, he walked to the counter and presented his card number.


    A few minutes later a staff member ran over with the bundle of wrapped prescriptions. He paid for the prescription and walked to the door, when he heard his name called in a low melodic voice.


    "Master Lu"


    He looked up and found that it was Zhu Fenfang that called. They exchanged a few pleasantries before he was invited to join her for lunch.


    Lu Yaozhu interacted with Zhu Fenfang a few times, their mother were cousins. However while they got along a little, he did not see her as anything more than a sister.


    The Emperor had gotten more paranoid, everyday it was a gamble to leave. The last thing he wanted was to bring an innocent woman in the middle of that hot mess.


    The Waiter had just delivered their order when he saw a carriage with Minister Zhu''s logo stop at the entrance and two young women camw down. The young mistress trapped her maids hand and ran towards the market. The sight of that scene was amusing, he found himself smiling.

 Chapter 19: The girl in white

    Xu Dan Tea house.


    The Waiter had just delivered their order when he saw a carriage with Minister Zhu''s Nameplate stop at the entrance and two young women came down. The two ladies weren''t that tall, the tallest of the two ladies was dressed in a pale pink gown of exquisite design while the other lady was dressed in a maid''s livery.


    Minister Zhu had three older daughters, his second daughter was married into the royal family so she couldn''t be the lady in pink and since Zhu Fenfang was seated across from him that left only one daughter. His future sister-in-law Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fengyin and her maid stood by the entrance and watched the carriage leave. Once the carriage was out of sight, she grabbed the maid''s hand and ran towards the market.


    That was unexpected, it was completely out of character for a young lady known as the perfect young lady. Though he had gone from battle to battle these last few years, Lu Yaozhu had paid attention to events in the capital.


    Zhu Fengyin''s strange behaviour was amusing, he found himself smiling. Zhu Fenfang said a few things but he did not pay her any mind. Lu Yaozhu brought the cup of tea to his mouth and took a sip of his tea, his lips tugged up a little.


    There was a lot to the perfect Miss Zhu that meets the eye. Having gotten bored of all of Zhu Fenfang''s proper conversations, he skillfully diverted the conversation to the new person of interest, Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fenfang was a little surprised when the topic of the conversation changed to her eldest sister. It was even stranger because General Lu seemed to be looking for information on her sister.


    This wasn''t what she had expected when she invited him to the tea house. While Madam Lu had invited her to the Duke''s manor''s under the pretence of caring for her niece, Zhu Fenfang had already figured out the real reason behind her invite.


    While the Emperor and Lu family got along on the surface, Zhu Fenfang knew the reality of their relationship. The Emperor was wary of Duke Wu''s military family and wanted to suppress them.


    That was the real reason behind Zhu Fengyin''s sudden marriage arrangements. Madam Lu wished to use her as a shield for General Lu. While she didn''t like the arrangements, she couldn''t easily reject Madam Lu''s help.


    She could only actively avoid any connections with a declining family like the Lu family. Even though in decline, a connection to the Lu family was still useful. She had never liked that eldest sister of hers, so Zhu Fenfang made sure to stress on Zhu Fengyin bad properties.


    "I know that there are a lot of rumours going around about Elder sister Fengyin, but please don''t take those seriously. Fengyin-jei is nothing like that, she is just misunderstood. It''s just that she was raised by Noble consort Shi hence she is a little stricter,"she said.


    Lu Yaozhu found her words a little strange but he pretended otherwise. "Look at how well you praise her, you must get along with your elder sister".


    "Yes I do", she replies blushing.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled and continued to drink his tea. He had a previous engagement, a short while later he took his leave. Lu Yaozhu went straight to the crown prince manor to play a game of chess. Before meeting the crown prince he instructed his servant Yu Tao to investigate Zhu Fengyin.


    *******


    Zhu Fenfang stayed back for a few minutes before leaving the tea house. She had her maid Xiao Chu call her carriage around, the carriage, clothes and jewellery even though they weren''t as expensive as Zhu Fengyin''s and Zhu Fei Fei''s, were some of the benefits she got from her father.


    While she wasn''t one of the favoured daughters in the family, she still received the standard benefits of any daughter of a noble family. She didn''t receive much attention and care from her noble father because of her mother''s origin.


    Unlike her sisters and brothers, she didn''t have any powerful relatives that Minister Zhu could make use of. Her mother was the concubine daughter of the He family. The He family was once a powerful military family but were now in decline.


    Minister Zhu married her mother back then as a favor to Madam Lu, back when her father and the previous Duke Wu were still close. That was before her father became power-hungry and ruthless.


    Maybe if she had powerful relatives, her father would see her in a different light. She was more beautiful and intelligent than any of her sisters yet her father didn''t give her any attention. He didn''t involve her in any decisions and plans he made.


    It was always only Fengyin or Feifei, he never even introduced her to any one of his followers. Which was annoying, no matter how hard she tried, she could never be compared to his precious Zhu Fengyin.


    Every plan he made was always in Zhu Fengyin''s favour. As soon as Zhu Fengyin was born he got her betrothed to the Sixth Prince, she would have been a princess consort if it wasn''t for Madam Zhu and Zhu Feifei''s involvement.


    Zhu Fenfang had been overjoyed when that happened, she had thought that finally, Zhu Fengyin would know how it felt to lose face. However, her joy was short-lived because minister Zhu found her another match. Even though the Lu family was in decline, they were still members of the royal family.


    The Empress was Duke Wu''s aunt, they still held a majority of the military power and were still the second richest family after the royal family. The Lu family was a very old line with roots that were dated to the founding fathers of the empire. They had been producing Empresses and defending the borders for generations.


    Zhu Fengyin still had a good match, at least she would become a duchess and get to run a household. Zhu Fenfang had been suppressed since birth by Zhu Fengyin, she wasn''t going to let that happen again.


    No she would never let that happen, she would never marry Lu Yaozhu. He was just a second son with no power of his own. If she married him, she would have to bow to Zhu Fengyin for the rest of her life. Which wasn''t any different from her life in the Zhu Family.


    Zhu Fenfang aimed higher; unlike Madam Zhu and Zhu Feifei, she wasn''t going to aim for a favored prince without any power.  She had her eyes on the crown prince, the Emperor may favor the sixth prince but with his reputation right now, the Sixth Prince would never inherit the throne, the Crown Prince''s position was very stable.


    Zhu Fenfang was seated in the carriage with Xiao Chu, on their way back to the minister''s residence when there was a loud commotion outside. Zhu Fenfang pulled the curtains on the window to the side and looked out the window.


    A rider lost control of their carriage and was headed straight to where a child stood. The child chased after his toy. The carriage was going too fast, someone needed to get the child out of the way.


    Zhu Fenfang stopped the carriage and rushed out. She ran out of the carriage and pulled the child into her hands, the force was a little high, she fell with the child in her hands.

 Chapter 20: The girl in white 2

    A street away from Minister Zhu''s residence


    Zhu Fenfang knocked lightly on the carriage wall alerting the footman to stop the carriage. she rushed down when the carriage came to a stop. She ran forward and pulled the child into her hands. Her speed was a little high, she fell with the child in her hands.


    To prevent the little child from getting hurt, Zhu Fenfang pulled the child closer to her belly. She hugged the child tighter and wrapped her hands around the child. Zhu Fenfang shut her eye and braced herself for the painful landing.


    when she felt someone grab her arm tightly and held her up. She was pulled into a hard warm embrace and shifted to the side of the road and away from the upcoming carriage. Her eyes fluttered twice before her eyelids gave way to reveal her bright bold eyes and long lashes.


    A pale masculine face with slanted cat eyes, pointed nose and thin light pink lips look down at her. Whoever this is was quite handsome, Zhu Fenfang blinked twice in shock.


    Her saviour pulls her higher and helped her get steady before taking a step back. the little girl of about four to five years shifted in her hands drawing her attention away from the tall man in brown silk robes.


    She looked down at the child in her hands, the child face was red and scrunched up, tears and snot ran down her face, as her lips were bent down slightly. Zhu Fenfang bends low to her eye level and gently wiped the tears from her face. "Don''t cry, you are safe now", Zhu Fenfang said smiling.


    The child trembled, her eyes puffed up. Her previous low cry got louder, Zhu Fenfang pulled her closer and patted her back gently. she held her until her cry stopped before holding her forward and wiping her tear away once more.


    At which point the mother of the child ran up to Zhu Fenfang. Her face was filled with worry and then relief as she finally found her child. She hugged her daughter tight, taking in her side baby smell then carried her up.


    "thank you a lot, for saving my daughter''s life young Miss", the child''s mother a slim woman in loose faded clothes said. She looked up to the tall young Master standing next to the young mistress and bowed.


    Zhu Fenfang replied smiling "There''s no need to thank me". She pinched the child''s puffy cheeks affectionately and said "goodbye my little friend".


    The mother nodded and thanked them once more and left with her child in her hands. Zhu Fenfang watched the mother and child leave, with a look of longing. The mother''s concern and relief reminded her of her latest mother


    it had been a while since she had felt this way, her mother had been dead for 7 years but she missed her every day. More so when the anniversary of her death was around the corner. The anniversary of her mother''s death was in two days yet no one made any preparations for her anniversary.


    Even concubines in other families were given a memorial ceremony but her poor mother got nothing for the past 7 years. Her father didn''t even acknowledge her mother''s death, even in her death, her mother could never compare to Zhu Fengyin''s mother, the beautiful Princess Bai.


    Zhu Fenfang pulled up her fist, her gaze got colder as are remembered the lonely memorial ceremony she held alone for years. While the rest of her family flocked the spring garden courtyard for Princess Bai three days long memorial ceremony.


    A soft tap on her shoulder drew her away from her sad thoughts, she shivered and blinked twice. Zhu Fenfang turned to her side and said "thanks for helping me up" her lips curved up, in a gentle smile.


    Her lustrous eyes combined with the smile gave off a certain amount of serenity that drew people in. Zhongshan Ling wasn''t immune to that effect, he felt calm like all his worries were no more. He couldn''t help but smile as his heart soften "no need to thank me. I was just doing the right thing".


    "You deserves my appreciation for fearlessly doing the right thing" she pulled a loose strand of hair behind her ear and looked down shyly.


    Zhongshan Ling smiled wider, she was cute. Like a ray of sunshine after a storm, she was different from the young ladies he had come across at the palace. He was curious to find out just who she was, he saw his guard Fu Hong coming closer and discreetly signalled him to stay back.


    "Are you hurt, Miss?" he said.


    Zhu Fenfang chuckled a shook her head "no, thanks". She looked up, the sun caught in her eyes as she did. Su curved her hands at her eyes to keep out the sun.


    Zhongshan Ling noticed her slight discomfort, he rose his hands up in the direction of the sun and used his wide sleeve to protect her from the sun. "I am sorry for keeping you in the Sun".


    "oh..that''s alright" she blushed looking down at her feet.


    Zhongshan Ling smiled "I won''t keep you waiting anymore," he said bringing down his hand and walked away. Zhu Fenfang stood there smiling sheepishly as she watched him leave until her maid ran over. She stood by opposite them watching their interaction.


    Zhu Fenfang had caught her eyes when she steadied herself and stopped her from running over. Xiao Chu could only stay put until her mistress was done speaking with the young Master.


    "Are you alright, Young Miss? My heart skipped away when you fell. luckily that young Master was there, I don''t know what I would have done if you got injured. it''s late young Miss let''s get going", Xiao Chu rattled on quickly. She draped a coat on her young mistress''s shoulders and guided her to the carriage.


    Zhu Fenfang pulled the coat tighter and as she got into the carriage. She couldn''t help but think that the young Master back then was a little familiar. it was like she met him before but she couldn''t remember where.


    When she kept getting blanks, Zhu Fenfang decided to keep the matter aside and instead focused on preparing for her mother''s memorial ceremony.

 Chapter 21: I will make them pay 1

    At a local theatre behind the most popular brothel in the capital M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n.


    Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin were seated at one of the single tables lining the upper level overlooking the wide stage. On the stage opposite them, the theatre troupe put up a musical.


    The play was interesting and had most of the audience captivated, Zhu Fengyin included. Zhu Fengyin wanted to experience all the capitals attractions and so far they had done exactly that.


    The theatre was their last stop before heading home. They have been seated for close to an hour, Su Liya could feel her leg getting numb. She excused herself and walked out to the balcony to stretch her leg.


    The balcony faced the back entrance of M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n, Su Liya was a little curious about the brothel. In the novel, M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n was written as a gambling den of information disguised as a brothel, owned by Minister Zhu. The women collected information for the minister, who sold them for a fee.


    The Guests who frequented M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n were powerful men with deep pockets and big secrets. M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n offered them a secure and high-class hunting den, where they went to wind down and enjoy themselves.


    The male guests were offered in abundance, good Wine and the company of beautiful women. Two of the main ingredients in the recipe for destruction for powerful men. Once drunk the men were tricked into spilling all their secrets which Minister Zhu used for his benefit.


    Su Liya watched as a carriage packed just outside the back entrance and two tall men got down. Which was odd since most customers made use of the front door. To make use of the back door they were most definitely cohorts with Minister Zhu.


    They certainly fit the role since they looked very wealthy dressed in a high-quality silk suit. She had come in contact with a lot of silks and jewellery during her short time as Zhu Fengyin''s maid.


    She could easily recognise high-quality materials on sight. Everything the men wore from clothes to jewellery was all high quality, The carriage rode away almost immediately, leaving both men at the door. Both men backed the theatre, she couldn''t identify them.


    Su Liya moved closer to get a clearer view of them. Both men though tall were of different heights. The man at the right which was dressed in brown with packed his hair up in a tight bun was slimmer and taller.


    While the other man dressed in dark blue robes, one half of his hair was packed loosely at his back while the other half of his wavy ink-black hair was left down. He had a fuller frame compared to his friend. The hairpin on his head and his frame felt familiar, however, she couldn''t remember where she had seen it.


    She could only watch silently as the familiar man at the left knocked briefly at the door, seconds later the door was pulled open by a heavily made-up older lady in a light pink gauzy gown.


    The woman bowed at both men, She exchanged a few words with the familiar man who had walked closer. Su Liya was too far to hear what they had said but it didn''t seem to be anything good.


    They must have concluded because the woman stepped aside to let them in while the man in dark blue robes turned back to call his friend over.


    Su Liya hid behind a pillar as soon as the man turned back, he was none other than Zhu Faye. She hid behind the pillar for a few minutes only coming out some minutes later.


    The street was empty when she was out from her hiding spot. She let out a breath she had unknowingly held and leaned by the wall. From how secretive Zhu Faye and his buddy acted, she guessed that the second man was the Sixth Prince.


    They must be up to no good as usual, Zhu''s Faye and Zhongshan Cheng. Most of their evilest and bloodiest schemes were planned in M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n.


    Zhu Faye and Zhongshan were both scumbags, who had no respect for human life. They were both her most hated characters, they embodied every vice possible. Whatever scene they both appeared in usually ended bloody.


    These black-hearted men were always so ruthless and throughout the first book got away with everything they did. Su Liya disliked them so much that she usually skipped their scenes.


    Back then she didn''t take that to heart definitely because she never imagined that she would one day find herself transmigrated into the novel. However, she was now starting to regret not paying attention to the manipulative paid.


    A complete knowledge would have given her an edge against their ministration now that she was stuck in the book. She couldn''t turn back the hands of the clock, she would make do with what she had.


    Zhu Faye and Zhongshan Cheng orchestrate a lot of schemes in the book and since she had skipped most of their scenes together, She couldn''t identify which of the schemes they orchestrated at this point.


    Which made her feel very uneasy, Su Liya was deep in thought ever since she got back from her stroll during the performance. She had been quiet from then, the sudden change in attitude by Su Liya left Zhu Fengyin worried.


    Zhu Fengyin asked her about her weird Change in attitude but Su Liya denied her and instead insisted that she was alright. Zhu Fengyin understood that Su Liya didn''t wish to let her in, she withdrew and gave her some space.


    *******


    The Crown Prince''s study.


    At a widespread compound of exquisite design assigned to the Crown Prince, Lu Yaozhu sat silently waiting for the crown Prince to arrive. On arrival, he had been informed by the steward that the Crown Prince was on his way back from the palace.


    He was served tea and biscuits while he waited, A short while later the crown prince was back. Zhongshan Ling was in a good mood when he walked in, Lu Yaozhu tilted his head to the side and asked "You are in a good mood".


    "Yes, I ran into something interesting on my way back"


    "Really?


    Zhongshan Ling nodded.


    "Well I am glad to see you smiling, it''s been a while"


    "Yes," he said in a light tone, In a more serious tone he contacted "The sixth Prince side has been quiet for a while, I think that they are up to something. Have you heard anything about that?"


    Lu Yaozhu shook his head "no I haven''t but I will have our spies look into it, with my brother''s wedding around the corner, I have been lying low. I don''t want to spoke the Emperor."


    "That''s a good step to take, father Emperor has been acting strangely for since Cheng''s marriage. You all have to be careful, even imperial mother hasn''t been spared from the heat".


    "His Majesty just wants to subdue the Lu family. As far as we lie low, his killing interest will go down. Don''t worry about the sixth Prince side, I will look into it".


    "Good, I will send over some wedding gifts to Brother Yingjie. A wedding is happy news, we should merry".


    "Ha, tell that to my mother. She is currently on the warpath. At the rate she is going, I will be married by next month".


    "Auntie is just trying to protect you, don''t take it to heart. Even mother Empress is worried, she nearly charged to father''s study when the news of brother Yingjie''s marriage broke".


    "what... The Emperor is already angry with our Lu family, Auntie shouldn''t antagonize him much."


    "Don''t worry about that, luckily I was in the palace that day. I calmed her down before she could make a scene"


    "Thank you"


    "no need for that, Mother Empress may not be my birth mother but she raised me for years. I am not an ingrate, I see her as a mother figure. I would never let anyone hurt her".


    "Auntie also takes you as her son too, she has been sad since the first princess got married. Please keep an eye on her, don''t make her give in to the negative emotions".


    Zhongshan Ling smiled "I won''t".

 Chapter 22: I will make them pay 2

    Duke Wu''s residence.


    it was already dark when Lu Yaozhu returned to his family''s residence, by then everyone had eaten their dinner and was preparing to go to bed. Lu Yaozhu walked to his residence with his servant Yu Tao holding up the lamb, lighting his way to the residence.


    Light reflected from the previously quiet courtyard belonging to his younger sister Lu Yuling. He could faintly hear the sound of a soft feminine laughter from the courtyard. Lu Yaozhu slowed down his pace, turned slightly and asked in a low tone "is Xiao Ling back home?".


    Yu Tao nodded "Yes she is, young Miss got back a few hours ago".


    Lu Yaozhu lips curved up and he increased his pace, he had on this one younger sister and was very fond of her. Lu Yuling was spoiled by everyone, she was the youngest in the family and the only girl.


    Even though she was a little naughty, Lu Yuling was very soft-hearted and kind. Lu Yuling was closest to Lu Yaozhu since she was a child, back then she always followed him around. Even during his battles and campaigns around the grasslands, Lu Yuling always kept in touch. She even visited him a few times, which always made their mother worry.


    His mood got lighter as he got closer to her courtyard. He called out her name fondly as he walked into her courtyard " Xiao Ling!!!".


    Lu Yuling, who was seated by the window rushed out as soon as she heard her brother''s voice. She ran into his widespread hands and hugged him tightly. "Second Brother!"


    Lu Yaozhu looked down at her fondly and he hugged her, patting her back gently. "Hello little troublemaker, how was your trip back".


    "It was good" she replied rubbing her cheek on his chest. She stayed that way for a few minutes before unwrapping her hands from around him.


    Lu Yuling pulled back slowly and looked up at her brother''s smiling face. "I missed you so much, staying at the hometown with grandmother and the third branch family was so boring. All the young ladies are so proper, talking to them was like talking to a palace Etiquette Mistress".


    "Then it was a good idea sending you to learn under third aunt Xu," He said his mouth hooked up.


    Lu Yuling on the other hand felt wronged by his words, she hit him on the shoulder, pulled out of his hands and stood back. She folded both hands on her shoulder and pouted "Hey! I was just fine in the capital you know. Mother didn''t have to send me away to the countryside for a year. It was so boring there".


    "Hmm" he placed his hand on his jaw thoughtfully "it didn''t seem that way in the letters you sent. They were always filled with a full recap of your adventures with Xu Yicheng."


    "It was boring before Brother Yicheng came. That reminds me, I must thank you for sending him over, I was starting to get suffocated by all of third aunt''s rules" she said her chick getting brighter as her lips curved up.


    "There is no need to thank me, I didn''t send Xu Yicheng to accompany you. He was there to gain more experience and protect the borders".


    "Yes! Yes! that must be true" she replied.


    "You!" Lu Yaozhu flicked her forehead playfully. He stayed back to catch up with his sister before returning to his courtyard.


    *******


    The next day at The Finance minister''s residence.


    As Su Liya led a group of maid''s to the latest Madam Princess Bai''s courtyard. They were transporting the offerings for Princess Bai''s memorial ceremony. All hands were on deck for Princess Bai''s memorial ceremony, which was in two days.


    Zhu Fengyin was in charge of the entire ceremony from the guest list down to the offerings. This year was the fifteenth anniversary of Princess Bai''s death so the ceremony will be celebrated in a big way. Minister Zhu invited two Monks from the imperial monastery to host the ceremony.


    Princess Bai was Minister Zhu''s first wife and the Emperor''s Maternal cousin. The author had described Princess Bai as a beautiful kind-hearted woman who didn''t believe in social ranking. She treated everyone equally and was well-loved by everyone.


    Back then she had shocked everyone by marrying the scholarly fourth son of the noble Marquis family Zhu Yawen. The couple had been so in love that they were dubbed the immortal family.


    Princess Bai was born with a weak body so she was very delicate. When She got married the imperial physician informed her that because of her weak body, she would have difficulty having a child.


    However four years after their marriage Princess Bai gave birth to a baby girl named Zhu Fengyin. However, a year later Princess Bai had a relapse of her old illness and died.


    Minister Zhu was so heartbroken that he locked up her courtyard and never allowed anyone to move in. Apart from Minister Zhu, Zhu Fengyin and the Princess Bai maid in charge of taking care of the house, no one was allowed into the courtyard.


    The courtyard was only opened to others during the Late Princess memorial ceremony. Su Liya led the servants to the courtyard and after placing the offering at the altar, orders them to leave. Su Liya followed them behind.


    As she walked past an empty courtyard, her hand was grabbed and she was pulled into a small garden. Su Liya Slapped the hand away "Let go of me!"


    "What is wrong with you, when did you get this rough" a cold male voice said


    Su Liya suddenly felt cold, goosebumps appeared on her skin as she looked up at Zhu Faye. Even though he smiled softly, she could see a certain coldness in his eyes.


    Su Liya took a step back "Third young Master, I apologise for my actions. I didn''t see you there". she said softly head bent down.


    "Liya there is no need to worry, we are close after all. I didn''t take it to heart" he said gently pulling a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.


    Su Liya shrank back as his hands got closer, she saw his smile slip and replied quickly "I recently caught a cold, you shouldn''t come closer so as not to catch it".


    Zhu Faye stepped back quickly and rubbed his hands on his dress like he touched something disgusted but pretended to get something from his coat. "You seemed to be getting sick often these days. You should take care, I still have something to do. I will get going" He said and walked away quickly.


    Su Liya sighed and turned around to leave but ran into none other than Zhu Fenfang.

 Chapter 23: I will make them pay 3

    2 hours earlier, at Zhu Fenfang''s quarters.


    Xiao Chu held the flower pot steady for Zhu Fenfang as she carefully trimmed the sterns and leaves when a maid ran up to her and reported that she had a visitor.


    Xiao Chu took permission from Zhu Fenfang and stepped out to check who it was. They hardly ever had any visitors since Her master wasn''t close to any of her siblings and their courtyard was located deep in the compound.


    Apart from the few time when Madam Zhu sent over a maid with their share of any gifts or clothes, the courtyard was always quiet. Xiao Chu was a little curious about who the sudden visitor was and the purpose of the visit.


    As she got to the door, Xiao Chu saw a Maid from the main courtyard standing by the stone sculpture outside the house. Xiao Chu has quickly recognized the maid as one of her master''s spies at the main courtyard Xu Ye.


    She dismissed the maid standing next to her and walked up to Xu Ye, she led her to the side such that they were hidden by the sculpture. They discussed in a low tone for a few minutes after which Xiao Chu handed the maid a few silver coins.


    The maid accepted the coins and left while Xiao Chu went back into the house. Zhu Fenfang was at her previous position, carefully trimming the flowers. Xiao Chu rushed up to her and whispered into her ear "Young Miss, the master is back from the court".


    Zhu Fenfang paused and looked up before resuming her trimming. When she felt that the flower was properly trimmed she set down the scissors.


    "Call someone to put this away," she said as she took a step back and walked to the wash basin. Zhu Fenfang rinsed and dried her hands and rolled down her sleeves. She rose them up to avoid staining them with dirt. Zhu Fenfang waved away her sleeves and said to Xiao Chu"Let''s go to the kitchen".


    Xiao Chu had already arranged with the cook to allow her mistress to make use of the kitchen, as soon as they arrived the servants left the kitchen until Zhu Fenfang was done cooking. Zhu Fenfang prepared chicken broth for the minister and poured it into a food warmer.


    Zhu Fenfang left for the main courtyard with Xiao Chu carrying the food warmer behind her. Zhu Fenfang already had a plan, which was to deliver the soup to her father at his study to win his favour.


    Tomorrow was the anniversary of her mother''s death was, Zhu Fenfang wanted to request for a memorial service to be held for her mother. It wouldn''t be difficult to arrange, since her father already invited some monks for Princess Bai''s memorial ceremony.


    All she wanted was for her mother to get the recognition she never got when she was still alive. Even if her father refused her request and she suspected he would. Zhu Fenfang was willing to settle for him giving her mother''s death anniversary a little attention.


    It would make her mother happy to get his attention even if for only a short time. She deserved that after spending all her prime years loving a man who never even had her in his eyes.


    Zhu Fenfang collected the food pack from Xiao Chu when they got to the entrance to the main courtyard. She straightens out her clothes and with a polite smile walked into the courtyard.


    Zhu Fenfang raised her hands to knock when she heard the slow deep voice belonging to her father. He seemed to be in a meeting with his clerk Uncle Du, which explains why there wasn''t any servant in the courtyard.


    He must have dismissed them to avoid anyone overhearing their conversation. Zhu Fenfang brought down her hands and walked to the side, she stood by the wall next to the window and listened silently.


    At first, the clerk reported on the condition of the stores and other miscellaneous activities but the direction of the conversation changed into the political angles of things. Zhu Fenfang stiffened when the conversation came to her marriage.


    She heard her father ask "did you check on Count Ling''s heir?"


    "Yes, I did. The young master is a promising scholar, he would be a good match for the third young mistress however he is very close to the granddaughter of the head of the imperial college. There was talk of a potential marriage between both families but it fell through", Uncle Du replied.


    "The marriage talks fell through because of the Count''s previous mismanagement of relief funds scandal. That''s is the only reason I have such a good chess piece in my hands, my lending him a hand back then was a good idea.


    "This was I can get Prince Ye''s support, I will need that to get Fengyin out of any future mess the Lu family gets their selves into. Zhu Fengyin is Xiao Bai''s only child, I have to protect her".


    "You have always protected the young Miss, I am sure her highness would be glad in heaven", Uncle Du said.


    "it the least I could do, Xiao Bai sacrificed a lot to give birth to Fengyin. She is our legacy, I have to ensure her future. Since young Master Ling checks out you, inform the Ling family that we will go through with the marriage. The He family is now in decline this is the most adventurous match Fenfang can get"


    Uncle Du bowed and walked to the door, "I will get right to it"


    Meanwhile, at the other side of the door, Zhu Fenfang"s hands tightened on the food pack. She bit her lips hard, as she tried to control her temper. She controlled her expression and walked down to stand on the step a short away from the door.


    Uncle Du would be coming out soon, she didn''t want to give up the fact that she had overheard their conversation. She stood by the steps, smiling softly as Uncle Du stepped out. They exchanged greeting as she got into her father''s study.


    As she walked in Minister Zhu looked up from the report "Fenfang? why are you here? shouldn''t you be helping with the preparations for the memorial ceremony," he said seating back on the seat.


    "I made some chicken broth soup, I brought you a bowl," she said softly.


    "oh, I haven''t had that in a while" he pushed the report aside. Zhu Fenfang opened the food pack and took out a bowl of soup and a spoon, she placed both on the table in front of him and stepped back.


    Minister Zhu picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup. "this is good, you have a talent for cooking, You should help out with the preparation of the meal for the memorial ceremony. Her highness was kind-hearted, she deserved the best".


    Zhu Fenfang''s breath cut as soon as she heard those words, it took a lot of control to prevent her from losing her temper on him. Her hands balled up at her sides, her nose flared. She stood silently until he was done eaten then left the courtyard.


    She threw the food pack to the side when she was a few distances away from the main courtyard. Xiao Chu quickly bent and picked up the lunch box


    Zhu Fenfang stumped her feet and stood by a tree "Her highness! her highness! is she the only person he sees! What about my mother? Doesn''t she deserve the best! is she so worthless because she doesn''t have a powerful family behind her!


    "No matter what I do, he only has Zhu Fengyin in his eyes, she is the only one that matters. What is so special about her! Every time I am forced to make sacrifices for that spoiled brat! I have no say in even my future, that I have to marry into a mediocre family like the Ling family just to secure a future for his precious Fengyin!"


    Her shoulders shock quickly, she brought her hands to her face and leaned by a tree. Xiao Chu placed the lunch box on the ground and hugged her mistress tight, patting her back gently. Minutes later Zhu Fenfang pull away from her and wiped the tears from her eyes.


    She said firmly "I will take charge of my future, who cares what they say. I will make them all pay!"


    She deep breath and continued walking to her courtyard, as she walked into the small garden close to her courtyard she came across Zhu Faye and Su Liya.

 Chapter 24: Why would I paddle a sinking ship

    Zhu Fenfang came across Su Liya and Zhu Faye at the small garden close to her courtyard. Zhu Faye stood opposite Su Liya, he held her arm gently and spoke softly.


    "Liya there is no need to worry, we are close after all. I didn''t take it to heart" he said gently pulling a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.


    She heard a lot of rumours mostly from the maid''s about Su Liya and Zhu Faye having an ambiguous relationship but always doubted it. However, this scene proved the rumours to be true.


    Zhu Fenfang held Xiao Chu arm and rushed closer to hid behind a tall flower. She missed Su Liya''s previous response but heard Zhu Faye''s reply


    "You seemed to be getting sick often these days. You should take care, I still have something to do. I will get going" He said and walked away.


    Based on their interaction Zhu Fenfang''s could tell that their relationship was a little beyond that of master and servant. Although Zhu Faye was the heir to the Zhu family, he wasn''t the only male child of the family. He was just the only legitimate male heir, his position wasn''t so stable


    An association with a servant, if found out could become messy. if the news somehow broke out the person that would receive the full brunt of the scandal would be Su Liya. Even Zhu Fengyin no matter how favoured she was wouldn''t be able to protect her from her father''s rath.


    Su Liya''s origin was quite promiscuous, The main madam would never let someone like her marry into the family. Which made this little secret meeting interesting, this was her way in. This was just the stepping stone she needed to make a huge dent in Zhu Fengyin''s future.


    "Xiao Chu, it seems even the universe is on my side" Zhu Fenfang whispered smiling wide. She tapped Xiao Chu on her wrist and straightening her expression. She walked out from her hiding spot.


    Su Liya locked eyes with Zhu Fenfang as she turned to leave. Her eyes widened but she quickly wiped the look away. "third young Miss", She bowed and walked forward.


    However as she walked past Zhu Fenfang, she was called back. "Stop there!".


    Su Liya paused for a second, wincing as she swore in her heart. She silently counted to three and turned around. "Yes, Young Mistress", she said looking down at the ground.


    Zhu Fenfang walked closer, "Why did you keep holding out on me Liya, we may not be closed but that could be changed. You are Faye seems close, almost like_ Lovers".


    Su Liya looked up and replied adamantly "No we are not! Third young Master was only enquiring about my mistress''s health".


    "Really?! how kind of him. I guess of is normal practice to be intimate with the young master".


    "I wasn''t intimate with the third master! I never have!" replied Su Liya.


    "That wasn''t what I saw, you know Liya I have heard quite a few things about you and Faye" Zhu Fenfang move the stray strands of hair away from her eyes and smiled "imagine what would happen if it was someone else that saw this, like Fengyin or maybe Father. You would be in big trouble."


    Su Liya frowned, "Nothing is going on between third young master and I, stop trying to scare me that won''t work".


    Zhu Fenfang''s eyes got cold, she held Su Liya jaw tightly "Do you think anyone would believe you? It would be your words against mine and even your precious mistress can''t save you".


    Su Liya balled up her hands tightly until her nails bit into her palm. She could already tell the direction this conversation was going but she still wanted to be sure.


    Zhu Fenfang was nothing like she had expected while reading the novel. She had expected things to be slightly different but she never expected Zhu Fenfang to be like this.


    She was deviating from the original plot, Su Liya suspected that it must have something to do with her changing the plot. However, she had the nagging feeling like this was the real Zhu Fenfang.


    Everything felt normal in this world so it had to be real, which meant would explain how the characters were nothing like the way they were written in the original novel.


    "What do you want?", Su Liya asked eyes narrowed. She watched as a cold smile appeared on Zhu Fenfang''s face, Zhu Fenfang immediately looked so ugly in her eyes. She was like an eyesore, Su Liya was so mad. It was irritating looking at Zhu Fenfang''s face, She felt so disgusted by her.


    Zhu Fenfang was still high on happiness, she didn''t notice the change in Su Liya but Xiao Chu did, her eyes narrowed and her expression immediately got cold. Xiao Chu was very loyal to Zhu Fenfang, like Su Liya, she grew up with her young Miss.


    Little Madam He, Zhu Fenfang mother saved her life when she was younger so she was hugely indebted to mother and daughter. She was so angry to see that look on someone as worthless as Su Liya.


    The ignorant Zhu Fenfang smiled proudly "You don''t have to do much yet, I just want you to inform me of Zhu Fengyin''s move and the rest. When the time is right, you can do me a little favour. Don''t worry it would be worth your time. If you do well, j will put in a word for you with my dad and help you get married into the family. Third brother''s Courtyard is still empty".


    Su Liya chuckles softly much to Zhu Fenfang''s surprise, it soon grew into a peal of laughter. The smug smile slipped off Zhu Fenfang''s face, she felt a little self-conscious. Su Liya noticed her discomfort and immediately dived in for the kill.


    "Ha Ha Ha, now why would I paddle a sinking ship. You will help me marry into the family", Su Liya scuffed.


    "How pathetic, like you even have any power in this family. I am not stupid enough to fall for any of your tricks. Go report me if you can and see if you would go scot-free. You forget that behind me is the powerful royal family while you have nothing. I am busy with preparations for the memorial ceremony. Third young mistress, I will take my leave", She bowed, turned around and walked away.


    Zhu Fenfang opened her mouth and shut it. She bit her lips and breathed heavily. Su Liya''s response replayed in her head, seconds later she let out a dry laugh "Su Liya, you dare to insult me? You think Zhu Fengyin is all-powerful because she has a strong maternal family and father''s protection. Ha! we will see what happens after she marries into the Lu family. Then you will see that a married daughter is like spent grains!".

 Chapter 25: Acting blind to avoid getting dragged in

    Su Liya walked briskly, her heart beating rapidly. She just wanted to run into her room and hide, she did not know where all those words that she said or even the courage she had came from.


    While she was pissed off by Zhu Fenfang, she still wanted to trend gently and not annoy the female lead of the book she was stuck in. Even if Zhu Fenfang wasn''t so powerful in the Zhu family''s dynamic, she was still the minister''s daughter.


    She was classes above her and could find a way to punish her for her unruly behaviour and even Zhu Fengyin may not be able to save her. Su Liya ran to her room behind the house as soon as she got to Zhu Fengyin''s courtyard. A maid she was close to Tian Tian tried to truck up a conversation with her but she waved her off and rushed to her room.


    Su Liya leaned on the door, breathing heavily until she felt calmer. She Laid down on the bed, her hands resting on her forehead. Su Liya slept off in that position until later in the evening. She got, washed her face and left for Zhu Fengyin''s room.


    Zhu Fengyin looked up from her book as she came in. "Glad to see that you have decided to join the land of the living. why did you lock yourself up in your room?", she Shut the book and leaned back on the chaise.


    Su Liya recalled her previous run-in with Zhu Fenfang and once again she felt uncertain. While she and Zhu Fengyin had gotten along so far, she still wasn''t sure if it was a good idea for her to let Zhu Fengyin in on this. She couldn''t tell how Zhu Fengyin would handle this information.


    Since she was the one that was approached, Su Liya decided to keep it to herself. it hasn''t constituted any problems yet so there was no need to make Zhu Fengyin worry. She cleared her throat and replied, "it has been stressful with the wedding and everything else. I wanted to get some sleep in without getting disturbed".


    "it has been a hectic l, hasn''t it? Luckily the wedding is in a few days, we can finally get some rest", Zhu Fengyin yawned and dropped the book aside.


    "I am looking forward to Leaving here, I would like to put some distance between I and Zhu Faye", Su Liya muttered picking up the book and returning it to the bookshelves opposite the chaise.


    Zhu Fengyin''s lips twitched, "You ran into him didn''t you, that explains your sudden need to shut yourself in. You must be feeling a little uncomfortable dealing with the third brother but you can''t let him know that you aren''t the real Su Liya. For our plan to work, he has to keep thinking that he has us fooled."


    "He might not be the only one we have to worry about Fengyin", Su Liya said squatting by Zhu Fengyin. "Zhu Fenfang is acting strange".


    Zhu Fengyin laughed softly, "is she? I think she is acting normal Liya. Zhu Fenfang is very two-faced, like her mother. She put on a kind naive front when she is very rotten inside. She didn''t come after me directly so I never paid her any mind but I am well aware of her capabilities".


    Su Liya looked back at her shocked, "You know about that, I didn''t know that you did?"


    "well, I do so don''t worry about her. People like her don''t deserve your attention. We should be thinking of how to get a foothold in the Lu family. Duke Wu''s mother Madam Lu wouldn''t make things easy for us"


    Su Liya sighed "I heard that Madam Lu was fierce, she is not an easy opponent".


    "Which is why we have to be careful there. Liya you have to behave properly, don''t give her any reason to hurt us"


    Su Liya smirked "Don''t worry Fengyin. I will be so well behaved, you will give me an award".


    Zhu Fengyin watched her silently for some seconds and shook let head silently.


    ******


    Four days after the memorial ceremony, The wedding ceremony was held.


    The fourth day of the month was selected as the auspicious day for weddings. The Minister''s manor was decorated with red ornaments from the front gates to Zhu Fengyin''s courtyard.


    Everyone at Zhu Fengyin''s courtyard woken up early to prepare for the wedding Zhu Fengyin was dressed in a beautiful Embroidered Red wedding gown and a red veil. Her make-up was done lightly such that it emphasised all her beautiful features.


    Lu Yingjie arrived at the minister''s residence before noon to escort the Zhu Fengyin to the Duke''s residence. After greeting the girls family and paying their respect Zhu Fengyin was led into the Duke''s carriage and they left for the Duke''s residence.


    Minister Zhu held a small banquet at his manor for a few guests while the Lu family held theirs. When they arrived at the Duke residence Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie performed their bowls after which Zhu Fengyin was escorted to the main courtyard to wait while the groom attended to the guest.


    Everyone left for the wedding banquet leaving only Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya in the room. Su Liya looked out of the window, when she didn''t see anyone close by she let out a breath and rushed to the table at the centre of the room.


    "Fengyin, I am starving! Can I eat a cake?", Su Liya said. Her mouth watered as she looked down at the assortment of snacks spread out on the table.


    "No, those are not for eating", Zhu Fengyin replied softly.


    "huh! if they are edible aren''t they? why can we eat some... or is it like an unspoken rule or something?" Su Liya looked back at Zhu Fengyin.


    "Yes, there is an unspoken rule. Those are only for show, I will be made fun of by my in-laws for being a glutton. if any of those are eaten. I had Tian Tian pack up some snacks, you can eat that while we wait", Zhu Fengyin brought out a small paper bag from her sleeves and held it out "Here".


    Su Liya looked longingly at the snack one more and sighed, "Aiyo it isn''t easy leaving in the past, everything is a tool even food". She collected the paper bag and unwrapped the bag and like Zhu Fengyin said there were a few pieces of snacks inside.


    She took out a piece, placed it on her handkerchief and passed it to Zhu Fengyin "You didn''t eat much this morning, here have a cake". Zhu Fengyin took the cake from her and took a bite. Su Liya sat on the tool next to Zhu Fengyin, she gave her a few pieces of cake and ate a few.


    They were done eaten by the time Lu Yingjie returned, Su Liya put away the evidence and stood next to Zhu Fengyin.

 Chapter 26: The second make lead is a little cute 1

    Duke Wu''s residence


    The wedding banquet went on till late in the dark, most of the guests present were from the younger generation and kept pushing drinks in Lu Yingjie''s hands. Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yong intercepted a few cups of wine before they got to Lu Yingjie.


    Lu Yingjie was well aware of his alcohol tolerance, when it was almost at the Limit, he bowed out. To keep the rowdy you drunks away, Lu Yingjie pretended to be drunk. His face was already flushed from all the drinking, Lu Yingjie stood "Brothers, It''s getting late. I should go check on your sister in law," he said, his voice slurred.


    The male guests cheered loudly, raising their cups of wine and praising Zhu Fengyin''s beauty. A few of the more rowdy bunch stood to escort Lu Yingjie to the bridal chamber but Lu Yingjie immediately discouraged them.


    When he finally had them convinced, Lu Yingjie leaned on Lu Yaozhu''s shoulders. He sent the guests off, he made sure to slur his words as he waved at the guests as he left the banquet hall. Lu Yingjie and Lu Yaozhu put on the show until they were a short distance away.


    Lu Yingjie separated from Lu Yaozhu when he was sure that they weren''t being followed. They walked silently, Lu Yingjie didn''t like talking much and neither did Lu Yaozhu. They had both said all that needed to be said the night before.


    .*********


    Last night, The Duke''s Manor


    Lu Yaozhu rode into the manor late in the night, the manor was quiet when he arrived. He was exhausted after the strenuous journey from the garrison training centre outside the capital. Tomorrow was his elder brother''s wedding, no matter how busy he was, he has no intention of missing the ceremony.


    Lu Yaozhu yawned as he walked to his rooms, he was passing through the main courtyard when he saw the light at his brother''s study still on. Lu Yaozhu paused, he looked towards the study and shook his head.


    Over the year, Lu Yingjie has become quite the workaholic it seemed. By this time, shouldn''t he be getting some sleep? It was his big day tomorrow surely he could take a break today of all days. Lu Yaozhu called Yu Tao closer and whispered into his ears.


    Yu Tao ran off as soon as he was done talking and came back with two four short jars of wine. He passed it to his master and returned to the servants quarters. Lu Yaozhu testes the size of the wine in her hands before walking into his brother''s study.


    The room was empty apart from his brother and his servant Xiaojun. Xiaojun rushed to welcome Lu Yaozhu as soon as he walked in.


    "Young Master Yaozhu, His grace is going through some reports. please come in", said Xiaojun cordially.


    Lu Yingjie looked up from the report and smiled. When Lu Yaozhu wasn''t back till late in the night, he had assumed that he wouldn''t be present for the wedding and yet here he was. "Yaozhu, why didn''t anyone inform me that you were back", Lu Yingjie stood from his seat and walked around this table.


    "Don''t take that to heart, they may not be aware I was back. I just came in a few minutes ago, I saw your light still on by this time, so I came in to say hello. Aren''t you getting married tomorrow, how come you are still awake?", Lu Yaozhu stood by the wall.


    Lu Yingjie chuckled, "I was working on a few reports, it would be busy tomorrow. I wanted to get everything settled today".


    Lu Yaozhu moved forward "well it''s now late, you should take a break. I don''t think you can make it today, it''s been a while Yingjie. Let''s have some drinks" He raised the jars of wine.


    Lu Yingjie initially planned on turning him down but after some thoughts, he nodded "okay " he said and dismissed Xiaojun. Xiaojun took an excuse and left leaving the two brothers to their own devices.


    Lu Yaozhu walked forward smiling softly, he passed Lu Yingjie a jar of wine and sat by the window. Lu Yingjie uncorked the jar of wine, took a swing and sat next to Lu Yaozhu.


    A few minutes later he said, "Didn''t expect you to be back after it got later".


    "it''s your wedding day, how can I miss an important day like that. Plus It won''t do to get on the Emperor''s bad side, he will have eyes on us tomorrow. We have to but on a united front", replied Lu Yaozhu smiling bitterly.


    "You were right about Zhu Fengyin, I asked around and she has been acting out of character for the past few months. I don''t know where she stands so far, it is necessary to keep an eye on her".


    "Mother has already made a few moves behind the scenes, luckily the emperor hasn''t noticed any of her moves but it''s only a matter of time." Lu Yaozhu said.


    Lu Yingjie replied, "Don''t worry about mother, I already spoke to her. She promised to take a step back, however, how are we going to handle Minister Zhu and the sixth Prince?"


    "our spices reported that Minister Zhu is trying to arrange a match between Count Ling''s heir and Zhu Fenfang. if that works out he will have Prince Ye on his side"


    "Prince Ye has been neutral so far in the power struggles, It isn''t in our advantage to get him involved", Lu Yingjie said thoughtfully. "We can reveal minister Ling''s illegal dealing with Chu state, that would permanently destroy whatever minister Zhu has planned".


    Lu Yaozhu''s Lips curved up when he heard that, "That would make a little dent on the sixth Prince''s reputation, I am surprised you are finally making this move after all we have been seating on this for months".


    "I was waiting for the right time to use this piece. Since I Will be visiting my in-laws three days from now, let''s hold off on the plans until after that is done".


    "Okay, you can take that as a wedding present from me."


    "seriously Yaozhu, are you trying to get out of giving me an actual wedding present"


    "no! no! no! I already have a wedding present wrapped up for you. You can take this as a bonus gift" Lu Yaozhu said grinning.


    "if you say so but my wedding present better be costly"


    "oh don''t worry it is!"


    ********


    fast forward to the next day.


    Lu Yaozhu escorted Lu Yingjie to the nuptial chamber. He stood by as Lu Yingjie straighten out his clothes and went into the room. A few seconds later the door opened slightly a maid stepped out.

 Chapter 27: The Second Male lead is a little cute 2

    The Lu residence


    Su Liya Stood from the bed and moved to stand beside Zhu Fenfang as she heard the servants guarding the hallway outside the nuptial room chorused greetings to the Duke.


    "The Duke is here", Su Liya whispered and stood by the bed.


    The door was pushed open and the Duke and the female wedding officiant walked in. Zhu Fengyin and the Duke completed the wedding ritual. Everyone stepped out as soon as they were done with the rituals leaving the couple to have their wedding night.


    Su Liya was the last to leave, she shut the door tight and ran forward. She was exhausted after the long day. She had escorted Zhu Fengyin through all procedures carried out during the wedding ceremony. She ran into a solid male chest as she rushed forward.


    Su Liya was knocked back slightly, she looked up as a rough hand held her steady. "Thank_ you," she said looking up at an eerie set of eyes. The set of eyes were a weird mix of greet and brown covered by long thick lashes arranged in a straight line. A scar ran from a little above the slim eyebrow to below the light green eyes.


    Su Liya felt the hands on her Shoulders flex, Lu Yaozhu looked intently at her. She could tell that he was studying her face as she was studying his. Madam Lu was rumoured to be quite the vulture, it didn''t take a genius to guess that she would have her spies planted in the main courtyard.


    Zhu Fengyin just married into the marriage, with how strained the Lu family relationship with the Zhu Family had become, Madam Lu pretty much had it out for them. Su Liya wasn''t about to give Zhu Fengyin''s mother-in-law materials to hurt her. She stepped away from Lu Yaozhu quickly and muttering a greeting fled away from the scene.


    The next morning Su Liya led Tian Tian and the rest of Zhu Fengyin''s dowry maid''s into Zhu Fengyin''s room to help her get prepared for the tea ceremony. Xiaojun and the Duke''s servants already waited by the door when they arrived.


    Both parties exchanged greetings as they waited outside the room for the right time to wake their masters. An hour and a half later Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie were both dressed and walked side by side to madam Lu''s place.


    Madam Lu was just as Su Liya imagined cold and calculating. She didn''t leave Zhu Fengyin any escape route and instead picked on all of Zhu Fengyin faults. By the end of the day, Madam Lu made her stance on the marriage obvious. Zhu Fengyin had already predicted this response and tolerated every hardship.


    Madam Lu saw Zhu Fengyin as an eyesore so they didn''t stay long at her courtyard. Once the tea service was concluded she sent Zhu Fengyin away. Duke Wu escorted his new wife back to her rooms before leaving for court.


    Lu Yingjie was cordial to Zhu Fengyin, they had dinner together and had some small talks but apart from having the standard conversations regarding the household management, He never let anything slip.


    He was quite cautious around her, so were the servants but unlike his mother, he didn''t make it obvious. Su Liya didn''t run into Lu Yaozhu again until a few days later. Su Liya ran into the general at the garden close to the main courtyard.


    Su Liya had stepped out to have her lunch while Zhu Fengyin had a nap. The Lu family residence was a little different from the minister''s residence. There were a lot more servants assigned to Zhu Fengyin, so she was forced to share rooms with three other maids.


    Two of which she suspected were madam Lu''s spies, they paid close attention to every action she took. Su Liya couldn''t eat comfortably because of the nosy bunch l, who for the past few days judged her every action.


    It was so irritating how often those two had an opinion, they once commented on her eating habits because they say her eating from Zhu Fengyin''s snack bowl.


    Su Liya looked around as she walked into the garden, there wasn''t a soul in sight. She let out a breath of relief and took out her launch from her sleeves.


    Su Liya sat crossed-legged on the bench next to a tall flower bed and began munching on her lunch. She hadn''t eaten to her fill during breakfast so she was famished. The ever-helpful bunch of nosy older maids had accompanied She and Tian Tian during breakfast. She could barely eat a few spoons without being chided by the nagging aunties.


    Su Liya sighed heavily after eating to her fill "now this is the feeling", she said rubbing her tummy gently. When she heard a soft male voice ask


    "Was it good?" Su Liya replied "Yes ah_" only to stop midway when her mind cleared. She quickly looked up, Lu Yaozhu stood a few steps away dressed in dark blue robes, his hair was all packed up.


    "Gen... General Lu", Su Liya stood.


    Lu Yaozhu waved her off "there no need for all this tiresome ceremony, please seat down", Lu Yaozhu said moving forward.


    Su Liya replied "Thank you General " and sat down.


    Lu Yaozhu stood by the cherry tree opposite Su Liya and asked "Why are you eating here? it''s a bit far from the main courtyard".


    Su Liya smiled "I came out to get some fresh air", she said with a straight face. Madam Lu was Lu Yaozhu''s mother, after all, she couldn''t just tell him that she ran to the garden to hide from his mother''s monitoring squad. She could only lie through her nose to avoid ruffling any feathers.


    "oh, are there no fresh air at the main courtyard that you would have to travel so far?", he asked in a bored tone.


    Su Liya felt her heart sink, why was he trying to be difficult, wasn''t Lu Yaozhu written to be taciturn and unconcerned with the activities of others. why was he acting out of character?


    Su Liya grit her teeth silently and replied "the residence has a lot of beautiful sceneries, I wanted to enjoy some of the scenery while eating".


    "Really? so you aren''t hiding here to avoid getting scolded by other maids"


    "of course not!" she replied loudly.


    "hmm, that''s what I thought. You haven''t given me an answer to my previous question Miss Su" he looked down at her.


    Su Liya could see something spark in his eyes, his lips were tugged up a little almost like he was holding a laugh but she quickly dismissed that thought and replied "What question?"


    Lu Yaozhu''s Lips curved up " I asked if the meal was tasty".


    "Yes! it was tasty that is", she said nodding.


    Lu Yaozhu looked at her nervous expression and smiled "I am starving but I sent Yu Tao on an errant. would you please get me a tray from the kitchen?", he said bending to her eye level.


    "um... um I, why don''t I tell the kitchen to make you some food. This may not be to your liking" she replied quickly.


    "oh I don''t mind, I am a soldier Miss Su. I am used to eating pretty much anything, plus you said that it was tasty. I will trust your judgement" he said and turned around to look down at the small fish pond at the centre of the garden.


    As if to tell her that the conversation was over. Su Liya bit her lips gently, he seemed a little stubborn, she might not be able to convince him otherwise. Su Liya turned around and went to the kitchen.

 Chapter 28: The second male lead is a little cute 3

    Duke Lu residence


    Su Liya watched the tall male figure standing by the fish pond and shooked her head. She didn''t understand what he was playing at, sending her on such a strange errand. She didn''t see Yu Tao around which proofed his excuse of sending his servant on an errand to be right.


    Su Liya packed up the plates and left for the kitchen. She kept thinking of various methods she would use to convince the cook to give her another set of food. She couldn''t just inform the cook that the second master had instructed her to get him some food.


    That would just great a huge mess for her, the servants were all loyal to Big madam Lu. As soon as the words second master and lunch came out of her mouth, Madam Lu would dig her a very deep grave.


    It is no secret that Madam Lu is very protective of her children, most especially Lu Yaozhu. She never lets anything damage Lu Yaozhu''s reputation, Madam Lu was quite extreme in her actions. She once had a maid caned to death for trying to seduce Lu Yaozhu.


    Su Liya felt that she was too young to die yet, to avoid getting Into a big mess she would have to tread carefully. Which meant that she needed to find a safe means of getting that food tray. Su Liya paused just outside the kitchen door and took a deep breath before going in.


    Su Liya approached the cook a short plump man which read oily face and a screechy voice. Su Liya introduced herself as Zhu Fengyin''s maid. Zhu Fengyin''s name had a little weight even though she wasn''t in charge of the household, she was still the Emperor''s personally conferred wife of the Duke and the first daughter of the Minister of Finance.


    As soon as Zhu Fengyin''s name was mentioned, the cook''s attitude changed. Zhu Fengyin was the new wife so it was only natural that everyone would try to curry favour with her. Zhu Fengyin had a very high reputation in the capital which also extended to the Duke''s manor.


    Su Liya noticing the sudden change in the cook''s attitude modified her excuse. She whispered "uncle Li, my mistress liked the lunch box you sent over to us maid''s this afternoon. She ate a bit of mine and requested for another set" Su Liya said with a straight face.


    She silently thanked her good luck today, that there was no one from the main courtyard close by that would contradict her statement. The cook was overjoyed to hear that the young madam liked his cooking. He pretended to feel embarrassed but quickly accepted the compliment.


    The cook instructed the kitchen staff to pack another set of lunch. This time he added some cakes and deserts to the set. Su Liya happily accepted the lunch box and walked back to the garden.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled as he saw Su Liya coming over with a big smile on her face. He looked back at Yu Tao who stood in front of him, giving him a full report of the errant he had been sent on.


    That was the scene Su Liya saw as she got closer, She had never met the general''s manservant Yu Tao or had much of a conversation with him during her short time in the manor. She was surprised to finally put a face to all the rumours she heard.


    Yu Tao was said to be very capable and swift in his actions. In the original novel, Yu Tao was praised as the perfect aide to the general in both politics and war. Unlike the previous owner of this body Su Liya, Yu Tao was loyal to Lu Yaozhu and the Lu family.


    While reading the book she had expected Yu Tao to be a little older but was surprised to find out that he was a teenager of about seventeen or eighteen years of age. He was very respectful to her and treated her normally like it was every day he saw his young Master talking with a maid.


    Yu Tao''s presence gave her the opening she needed to escape from Lu Yaozhu. Su Liya made a move to escape when she was held back by Lu Yaozhu, who dismissed Yu Tao and collected the food box from her.


    Su Liya could not question Lu Yaozhu''s actions, she could only silently watch Lu Yaozhu as he took the dishes out of the food box and placed them on the stone table next to the fish pond. Lu Yaozhu looked up with one eye and said in a bored tone, "what are you standing there for? Have a seat, I don''t need you to stand guard".


    Su Liya nodded "oh..Yes Sorry", she said and sat on the stone tool next to him. Lu Yaozhu didn''t pay her any mind again and began to eat silently. Su Liya didn''t know what to do while she waited. She looked here and there finally settling on the fish tank.


    She washed the colourful little fishes swim around the fish pond when she heard the man next to her say "why are you looking so intently on the fish, do you want to eat fish".


    "Huh?!" Su Liya looked up, blinking twice. She had been lost in her thoughts and was shocked to hear Lu Yaozhu say that. Lu Yaozhu looked up eyebrows raised, his expressions said "What is up with you? are you dead".


    Su Liya bend down her head shyly thinking "what is wrong with you Su Liya? I wish I could just dig myself a grave and bury myself underground".


    Lu Yaozhu looked at her and smiled " no need to look at the fishes they were sent by the Emperor. no matter how much you like it, these things aren''t meant to be kept for long".


    Su Liya whispered, "These fishes are really pretty, it''s a pity they aren''t allowed to roam free".


    She thought that Lu Yaozhu didn''t hear her until he replied "Who is free in this world. We just have to make do with what we have". He brought out the plate of desert and handed it over to her "Here you go, I don''t like sweet things", he said and continued eating.


    Su Liya took the plate from him and smiled, she picked up a piece of cake and took a bite thinking ''This second male lead is a little Cute, like all second male leads. He knows how to treat people well.

 Chapter 29: Oh I am not worried about her

    After their meeting in the garden, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu didn''t run into each other again. After a month of marriage, Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya both adjusted to life in the Lu mansion. Apart from paying respects to Great madam Lu and meeting the steward, they spent most of their time in the main courtyard.


    It was normal practice in noble families for the female members of the family to pay respect to the Great madam of the family every day or thrice a week. Depending on the instructions set by the Great madam or matriarch of the family.


    Zhu Fengyin was the only wife married into the family was obligated to pay respects to Madam Lu every day. However, during her first meeting with Madam Lu after her wedding, she had been instructed to visit thrice a week. Madam Lu used the excuse of getting too old and not wanting to tire the younger generation.


    it was no secret that Madam Lu wasn''t in support of the marriage so Zhu Fengyin didn''t pursue it further. After all, it was also to her advantage, since she was saved from the dreaded critique meetings with the in-laws. Most unfavoured daughter-in-laws faced in the hands of their mothers-in-law.


    In a month of marriage, the number of times Zhu Fengyin visited Madam Lu could be counted by hand. Thi Madam Lu went to the temple two weeks after the wedding and only returned home recently. Madam Lu came back later in the evening, Zhu Fengyin wasn''t at home since she had gone to check on the stores.


    The next day Zhu Fengyin woke up early and went to madam Lu''s courtyard to pay her respect. Madam Lu was attending to some visitors when she arrived. Apart from madam Lu''s only daughters Lu Yiling, there were three young ladies and two madams present.


    Su Liya saw two familiar faces among the young ladies, one was Xu Qiumei, the sixth daughter of fifth rank assistant minister of works Minister Xu. The Xu family and Lu family were relatives by marriage, Xu Qiumei was madam Lu''s niece.


    Xu Qiumei was a side character without many scenes in the original novel. She had married General Lu later in the book but that was after the crown prince and the original Female lead got married.


    Madam Lu convinced General Lu to marry her after the previous marriage plans between Lu Yaozhu and Zhu Fenfang hadn''t worked. Lu Yaozhu was very obedient to his mother, he married Xu Qiumei but never stopped loving Zhu Fenfang.


    However, Xu Qiumei was very loyal to Lu Yaozhu, which led to her death at the end of the first book. Xu Qiumei was taken captive in the palace while Lu Yaozhu started a rebellion. Xu Qiumei was a pitiful side character that got killed by association.


    Xu Qiumei was a regular visitor at the Lu residence so Su Liya was familiar with her. She had visited a few times when Zhu Fengyin came to pay her respect to Madam Lu.


    The other familiar face was none other than Zhu Fenfang the Original female lead and Su Liya''s official most hated person. It was no surprise that she was present, it was around this time in the original plot that Madam Lu was trying to get her married into the Lu family.


    The only difference to the original plot was that Zhu Fengyin was married to Duke Lu and not the sixth Prince. Their little change to the plot hadn''t completely derailed the plot, everything was still going according to the original plot.


    Su Liya felt relaxed with the way things were currently going since she was very familiar with the plot. However, she was a little worried by the absence of Xia Yang the original Female lead''s best friend and Duke Lu''s wife in the original novel.


    Su Liya was surprised that a character like Xia Yang that was very important to the plot hadn''t yet appeared. While she was a little worried, Su Liya hoped that it would stay that way. The character Xia Yang wasn''t simple, she was quite a piece of work.


    Xia Yang was more manipulative than all the Zhu sisters, she had always thought that it was a good thing Xia Yang was on the original Female lead side. If not things would be bleak for Zhu Fenfang because Xia Yang was a horrible enemy to have, she was very cutthroat.


    Su Liya wasn"t familiar with the other young lady present but Madam Lu introduced her to Zhu Fengyin as the granddaughter of the assistant imperial secretary Wang Shiyi. The young ladies stood as Zhu Fengyin walked in, they all stood while Zhu Fengyin greeted the other madams before going to sit; next to madam Lu.


    Zhu Fengyin and Madam Lu put on a show of having a good mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship since there were guests present. Su Liya was a little suspicious of the sudden influx of visitors, by the end of the visit one of her suspicions came true.


    Zhu Fengyin informed her when they returned to their courtyard that Madam Wang and Wang Shiyi were here to grow a relationship with the Lu family by marrying their concubine daughter Wang Shiyi to the Duke as a first-rank concubine.


    Su Liya was holding a coat when she heard Zhu Fengyin say that. She dropped the coat on the bed and sat next to Zhu Fengyin. "What! you have got to be kidding me. Didn''t you just get married to the Duke, why are the vultures already surrounding you".


    Zhu Fengyin sighed and leaned by her side "Why wouldn''t they, before our marriage the Duke always seemed detached from other affairs apart from politics. Madam Lu may have been approached by other noble families but had turned them all down."


    "If she had turned them all down before why are they now coming out again, after just a month of marriage?" Su Liya asked frowning slightly.


    "Because they smell blood, it''s not difficult to guess that madam Lu isn''t happy with this marriage. They are all hoping that I would fail to give birth within a year of marriage and allow them to push their daughters in".


    "Isn''t that just a risky decision on their part? With how often the Duke stays here, you might just get pregnant before six months" Zhu Fengyin blushed as she said that. "While we are speaking of the marriage unions, I think we should talk about the elephant in the room. Which is Zhu Fenfang, you don''t need to worry about her marrying into the family_"


    Su Liya was saying when she was cut off by Zhu Fengyin "Because she would marry into the royal family, the Crown Prince to be precise. oh I am not worried about her"

 Chapter 30: Sowing a seed of doubt 1

    The main courtyard.


    "Because she would marry into the royal family, the Crown Prince to be precise. oh I am not worried about her" said Zhu Fengyin as she stood by the mirror carefully arranging the loose strands of her hair.


    When Su Liya remained silent, she looked up through the mirror and saw Su Liya shocked expression. She chuckled, turned around and pinched Su Liya''s cheek, "wipe that shocked expression off your face Yaya! You are not the only one with a cheat".


    Su Liya smiled sheepishly "that''s true". She took a step when Zhu Fengyin let go of her cheeks. Su Liya clamped both hands in front of her and stretched out her hands, the case if she was a soldier paying her commander respect.


    "Sister Fengyin please accept my apologies! This little one was acting silly" she said cheekily.


    Zhu Fengyin shook her head and knocked her jokingly "Shut it silky". She looked up and saw Lu Yingjie standing by the door.


    The steward Uncle Lu had informed Lu Yingjie of the Wang''s family visit as soon as he got back from court. He was aware that his mother had been making things difficult for Zhu Fengyin but there was nothing he could do about that.


    His mother was the matriarch of the family, it wasn''t in his place to caution her without being accused of being an unfilial son. Zhu Fengyin was a new wife, it was left to her to make her mother-in-law warm up to her.


    While he couldn''t get involved in the power struggle between them, he could make it up to Zhu Fengyin. He was expecting to find her in low spirits when he arrived but was surprised to find her in such high spirits.


    Her face brightened up as she smiled, which made her so enchanting. Lu Yingjie felt his heart soften as he saw her, while he was cautious around his new wife, he couldn''t help but admit that he had gotten fond of her.


    He had paid close attention to her for many years but this was the first time, he saw her look genuinely happy. Back then she had been engaged to the sixth prince and in love with him so he could look at her from afar. He was careful not to let his mother discover his feelings or she would be harder on Zhu Fengyin.


    Lu Yingjie look was quite heated, Zhu Fengyin got shy. She blushed and said, "Young Master! sorry, didn''t see you there".


    Su Liya who stood in front of Zhu Fengyin, with her back to Lu Yingjie, looked up at Zhu Fengyin, her breath hitched and her eyes bulging out. She mouthed "Oh Lord" and turned around. She Smiled nervously, greeted Lu Yingjie in a muffled voice and ran out of the room quickly.


    Zhu Fengyin was amazed at her speed, she watched her leave mouth open. Su Liya speed was very great, Zhu Fengyin only saw a blur of her clothes. She shook her head and smiled, Lu Yingjie''s lips were curved up as she turned around. He thought that he was cute when he smiled, he didn''t smile often but she wished that he did.


    "You must be famished after the long day, I will instruct the kitchen to send over some dishes and a cold drink, it has gotten hotter," she said.


    "That would be a little difficult, didn''t you maid just run for the hills," he said playfully.


    Zhu Fengyin chuckled "that''s true! Don''t let Yaya hear you, I fear that she would try to convince you otherwise".


    "Yaya? You both seem very close"


    "We are close, almost like sisters. Yaya can be a little naughty, don''t take her actions to heart" she said referring to Su Liya''s previous actions.


    "Don''t worry, I didn''t take it heart she acts a lot like Xiao Ling".


    Zhu Fengyin bet her head slightly "Really? I didn''t know that" she said thoughtfully.


    "You just met Yiling. Once you get to know her better, you will understand. Yiling is very naughty but a trip to our hometown made her act a little mature"


    Zhu Fengyin smiled "then I will take your word for it. I look forward to getting to know Yiling better".


    Lu Yingjie sat on the stool at the dining table at the centre of the room and replied "You will don''t let her tough exterior fool you, Yiling is a sweetheart. Come have a seat, Xiaojun will soon be here with our lunch". Zhu Fengyin nodded and sat opposite him.


    *********


    Meanwhile at Madam Lu''s Courtyard.


    Madam Wang and Wang Shiyi stayed for some minutes after Zhu Fengyin left before they left. Madam Lu was relieved that they were smart enough to read the room and leave as soon as they did. They had archived the purpose of their presence and she didn''t see the need in keeping them here.


    Madam Wang was an exact example of the pompous brainless noble wives of noble families that she didn''t like to associate with. The Wang family had been hunting to their motives both openly and secretly for a while now but she had been acting ignorantly.


    Madam Wang initially approached her with her eldest daughter under the thoughts of being the main wife but since Yingjie wasn''t inclined to get attached to the family, she turned them down. However, her current visit indicated that they weren''t discouraged by her son''s wedding.


    She wanted to applaud them on their level of shamelessness for approaching them once again just a month after her son''s wedding. The Wang family were desperate because this time she was pushing forward their concubine daughter.


    Madam Lu had entertained their presence just to test how Zhu Fengyin would react to such treatment and so far Zhu Fengyin behaved properly. Now that she was gone, there was no need to keep them here.


    Everyone loosened up once Madam Wang and Wang Shiyi had left. Madam Lu was very fond of both of her nieces, she quickly introduced them to her youngest child Lu Yiling.

 Chapter 31: Sowing a seed of doubt 2

    Everyone loosened up once Madam Wang and Wang Shiyi had left. Madam Lu was very fond of both of her nieces, she quickly introduced them to her youngest child Lu Yiling.


    Madam Xu was Madam Lu''s First cousin from her maternal side. They had both grew up together and were close friends. Xu Qiumei and her mum visited the residence often so Lu Yiling and Xu Qiumei were very close.


    The introduction was more for Zhu Fenfang''s benefit, this was her first time meeting Xu Qiumei and Lu Yiling. Madam Lu was Zhu Fenfang maternal aunt, She and her late mother He Xiaoqi were both sisters from different mothers.


    He Xiaoqi was the concubine daughter of the previous Imperial Secretary. After her marriage to the Zhu family, He Xiaoqi and Madam Lu both lost touch with each other. The futures of both daughters of the He family was very different, one was a duchess of a powerful family while the other was a lovely concubine of a first rank minister.


    Madam Lu and He Xiaoqi were close growing up, however, after He Xiaoqi''s marriage, their relationship was strained. Madam Lu was so caught up with the Lu family''s dealings that she failed to pay attention to her youngest sister. She was very sad when she heard about He Xiaoqi''s death.


    However because she was still in confinement after giving birth, she couldn''t attend the funeral but had sent over a representative. She had only discovered Zhu Fenfang''s existence a few ago after she saved her life.


    She felt a little responsible for He Xiaoqi since she was the one that introduced her to Zhu Yawen. Back then she had thought highly of Zhu Yawen before everything went sour. Zhu Yawen was an honest man who thought for the people, She introduced them both because she thought he was a good man and would take good care of her sister.


    Now many years later, she regretted her decisions back then, Zhu Yawen was not the man she thought him to be. He was a power-hungry and manipulative man who had no bottom line. She didn''t want to fail Zhu Fenfang the same way she failed her mother. This was the reason behind her decision to push for Zhu Fenfang to marry Yaozhu in place of Xu Qiumei.


    Lu Yiling had been skeptical about this new cousin of hers, even after hearing her mother sing her many good qualities. While she trusted her mother''s judgement, she knew never to trust the facade put on by any young lady of the noble class.


    They were all actresses, who would put on any act to archive their goals. A good example was this new sister-in-law of hers Zhu Fengyin, who in the capital wasn''t aware of her undying love for the sixth prince. Zhu Fengyin loyalty to the sixth prince was her only good quality in Lu Yiling''s eyes.


    She heard quite a few colourful things about this Zhu Fengyin and the Zhu family as a whole so she didn''t have much of an expectation from Zhu Fenfang. That was until she met Zhu Fenfang, she never expected Zhu Fenfang to be the same kind young lady in white that she had witnessed risk her life to save the little girl a few weeks ago.


    She had been coming back home from their home town and had stopped by Wu-Tang bakery to buy a few of her mother''s favourite pastries when she witnessed the driver lose control of the houses. The carriage was headed straight to the young girl when she saw a beautiful young lady in the white rush out of her carriage.


    The lady in white picked up the little girl and ran to the side, she was about to hit the ground when the crown Prince held them up. It was like a scene out of a book, she could only stand and watch. She remembered thinking how beautiful and selfless the lady in white was.


    She even wished she could befriend such a heroic female, who was both beautiful and kind. She never would''ve thought that her hero would end up being her future sister-in-law. She was happy to find out and quickly decided to befriend Zhu Fenfang.


    As soon as her mother asked her to see Zhu Fenfang off, she quickly jumped at the opportunity to get closer to her.


    *******


    Meanwhile at Su Liya''s end.


    Su Liya ran out of the main courtyard, embarrassed. She didn''t know how to face the very proper Lu Yingjie and was even scared of getting punished by him. This wasn''t the minister''s residence, Duke Lu residence was a lot stricter.


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t have a strong foothold and wouldn''t be able to save her if she got into trouble. Duke Lu was very strict and never tolerated any misbehaviour from servants, her little act could get her flogged to death.


    Even though She lived a tough life in the past, it was nothing compared to the tough life faced by servants in the past. Su Liya increased her speed at the thought of receiving a thorough flogging by the department of labour.


    Su Liya ran into another scarier Lu man, Lu Yaozhu. Her feet got caught on a tree trunk, she was running at full speed and swiftly fell forward.


    "Ahh!!" she exclaimed falling forward. She shut her eyes tightly as she fell forward, she hit a warm solid chest knocking them both to the ground.


    Su Liya grabbed onto his clothes as they fell, she heard a "Tire" sound as they fell to the ground. She lay on his hard chest for a few seconds, the solid chest rumbled as Lu Yaozhu cleared his throat.


    "Oh no!" said Su Liya as she quickly pulled away from the warm chests. She locked eyes with Lu Yaozhu, "Ahhh!". She pulled away quickly, rolled away and sat on the ground next to him. Her eyes opened wide like a scared rapid.


    Lu Yaozhu laughed softly when he saw her expression. He stood and stretched out his hands to help her up.

 Chapter 32: Sowing a seed of doubt 3

    Lu Yaozhu laughed softly when he saw her expression. He stood and stretched out his hands to help her up. Su Liya silently looked from his slender long fingers to his handsome scared face. She didn''t know what to make his sudden action.


    She was clearly at fault, why was he treating her so well. After going through so much pain in the Emperor''s hands, Lu Yaozhu had gotten quite suspicious. He never even let any woman close to him, he always treated any woman that tried to harshly.


    She didn''t understand why he was treating her differently. However, while she was suspicious of his actions, she still needed to get up. After weighing her options, she decided to concede and placed her hands in his.


    Her slim hands looked small and delicate on his hands. Lu Yaozhu rubbed his thumb on her knuckle gently, his eyes creased as he smiled. A few seconds later he held her hands firmly and pulled her up.


    There was just a small distance between them both. Su Liya was so petite, she was at eye level with his chest. She blushed when she saw the small tear on his coat. She looked down at her feet and shyly muttered "Thanks for helping me up General".


    "no need" Lu Yaozhu stepped back to get a broader view of her "Are you hurt anywhere?" he asked.


    Su Liya made a quick survey of her body and everything looked intact. There wasn''t an injury in sight, apart from getting a little sand on her gown. She looked okay, Su Liya shook her head and replied "No I am good".


    "That is good", replied Lu Yaozhu. There were some sticks and leaves stuck on Su Liya''s hair, he picked out a few from them and dropped them on the floor.


    This was the scene Lu Yiling and Zhu Fenfang saw as they walked to the front doors. Lu Yiling had been asking Zhu Fenfang about a few of the noble families in the capital. She had been so caught up with their conversation that she wasn''t looking forward.


    She had taken a few steps forward when she noticed that Zhu Fenfang and her maid were lagging behind. Lu Yiling paused confused by the awkward silence from her companions. She turned around slowly and discovered that everyone''s gaze was focused on the right.


    Lu Yiling took a step back and followed their gaze "Oh no!" she whispered as she watched her sister-in-law''s maid, skillfully fall into her brother''s embrace. Lu Yiling immediately felt embarrassed, of all the times this social climber would carry out her plans, it just has to be now. while her future sister-in-law was visiting.


    She quickly rushed forward and held Zhu Fenfang''s arm. "Sister Fenfang why are you dallying! There are still a few things I want to show you let''s go", Lu Yiling said dragging her forward.


    Zhu Fenfang noticed her actions but pretended otherwise. This young Mistress was still wet around the ears. Here she was trying to force her away from the scene, how amusing. Zhu Fenfang didn''t have any thoughts for Lu Yaozhu so she didn''t care about anything he did.


    The Lu family were merely a means to achieve her goal so she was forced to give them some face. This was the most interesting thing, she had ever seen throughout her visit to the Lu family residence.


    While she couldn''t care less about what Lu Yaozhu was up to, she had no qualms about using him to punish Su Liya. Su Liya was so high and mighty that day in the garden, Zhu Fenfang wanted to teach her a lesson.


    Luckily Su Liya was already notorious among the maids for her shameless flirting with the young masters. Zhu Fenfang didn''t have to do much to deal with her. Lu Yiling was too naive and lacked the apt shrewdness most young ladies processed, She was just ripe for use.


    Before getting into her waiting carriage, Lu Yiling held on to Zhu Fenfang''s arm once more and said "please don''t take what you saw at the garden to heart Sister Fenfang. My brother didn''t mean anything of that level"


    Zhu Fenfang placed her hands on Lu Yiling''s and gave her gentle pant, She smiled softly and said "you don''t need to explain further sister Yiling, I understand. General Lu is a well-known official with a clean reputation, he isn''t the sort to do that. It''s just that_ no there is no need to say more".


    "Say more about what? Sister Fenfang, we are family. Please feel free to speak your mind"Lu Yiling replied quickly. She suspected that Zhu Fenfang wanted to say more but was worried about how she would take it.


    Lu Yiling wasn''t familiar with Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya but Zhu Fenfang was. After what she had just seen, she was more convinced that her mother was right about that sister-in-law of hers. If her maid dare do something like that then Zhu Fengyin was an opponent she had to be careful around


    Zhu Fenfang acted reluctant before finally speaking "It is not my place to say this but I fear that I must. It is about Su Liya, elder sister''s maid. This is something that I don''t think even my elder sister is aware of, I only found out by chance but since you insisted I will say it.


    "You have to be careful about Su Liya, I have heard on so many accounts that she likes to get close with the young Masters. I even heard that she was nearly married into the Sun military house as a concubine"


    "What!"


    "Yes, Ninth young Master of the Sun family was enchanted by her during a banquet and requested for her hand, but big Madam Sun refused. If she didn''t, Su Liya would''ve been married into that family. Please don''t fault elder sister for her actions, it''s just that She is too trusting and isn''t aware of her maid''s true colours"


    Lu Yiling''s heart grew cold as soon as she heard that. She found it hard to believe that Zhu Fengyin wasn''t aware of her maid''s reputation but she acted otherwise. Lu Yiling and Zhu Fenfang said a few more words before the carriage left.


    As soon as she got back into the house, the smile on Lu Yiling''s face slipped and she said to her maid "Zhiliu have someone investigate that Su Liya''s origin and the rest. I want to know everything about her".

 Chapter 33: The Lu Family doesnt need a power hungry person like you 1

    Lu Residence


    While Lu Yiling took Zhu Fenfang away from the scene to prevent her from getting any more ideas, Su Liya silently contemplating the quickest escape route. Su Liya smiled sheepishly at Lu Yaozhu, she feared that Lu Yaozhu would think that she had stayed her fall just now.


    She had watched enough dramas and read enough books to know that in a family as strict as the Lu family, this could get her killed. She needed to get out of here before Lu Yaozhu changed his mind. However she couldn''t just leave that easily, Lu Yaozhu was a titled member of the nobility. He could prevent her from leaving if he wanted to.


    Su Liya began to hear herself up for having the worse luck ever, not only did she get involved in a freak accident but she got herself trapped in a novel. She couldn''t just get trapped as a young mistress or a princess, no. she had to get trapped as a maid who didn''t live past fifty chapters.


    Suddenly, she saw a flash of brown servant livery as Yu Tao ran to his master''s side and whispered into his ear. Her heart cooled down as she saw Lu Yaozhu''s expression change, she suddenly began to praise her ancestors for remembering her for once and sending Lu Yaozhu away.


    Whatever Yu Tao reported must have been very serious because Lu Yaozhu''s expression got dark. He immediately forgot her presence and walked away. Su Liya released the breath she held and smiled.


    She ran back to the main courtyard, Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie had just finished their lunch when she arrived. She cleared up the dirty dishes and sent them to the kitchen. The atmosphere in the room felt a little heated, Su Liya retreated to the hallway and gave the couple some room.


    For a workaholic like Lu Yingjie, it was initially surprising to see him this unrestrained but after a month, Su Liya was used to this. Lu Yingjie stayed over for two hours before leaving the room and returning to his sturdy.


    Su Liya came in when he left, Zhu Fengyin was fast asleep on the bed. Su Liya carefully picked up Zhu Fengyin''s dirty clothes and laid out a fresh set. There were a few more clothes that needed to be washed, Su Liya added the new set to the pile and threw them into a basket.


    Su Liya Instructed Tian Tian to keep watch, in case Zhu Fengyin woke up and needed something while she sent the dirty clothes to the laundry room. Su Liya and Tian Tian made sure to keep watch of their young mistress, to avoid giving anyone a chance to hurt her.


    No one was to be trusted in this Lu mansion, madam Lu had a lot of influence on the servants and it was no secret that she does not like Zhu Fengyin. Su Liya waited until Tian Tian was set before heading out.


    The laundry room was located at the other side of the mansion, very close to the servants quarters. She met a few servants as she got closer but most of them just watched her as she passed by. Su Liya ignored their strange looks and continued walking forward.


    It wasn''t until she got into the laundry room and passed the baskets of clothes to the maid in charge of Zhu Fengyin''s clothes that she discovered what was going on. A sloppy looking maid approached Su Liya as she dropped the basket on the table.


    The maid looked aggravated as she got closer, she blocked Su Liya''s way out and smirked"Aiyo! who is this La? Isn''t this the new Madame''s big short maid ah. I didn''t know that you would also come to a place like this, I thought that it would be against a high-class maid like you la"


    The two other maids following her joined in "oh no, Ah Tan isn''t she also a maid like us. Don''t pay her any mind, she is just putting on airs".


    "no no your wrong Ah San, She is nothing like us because at least we know our place. We don''t try to climb into our master''s bed Ha Ha Ha" the first maid which she guessed was named Ah Tan replied.


    "which kind of maid haven''t we are in this manor, Su Liya I advise you to give up whatever foolish dream you have. General Lu won''t fall for your low class moves so don''t waste your time"


    Su Liya was initially confused by their sudden hostility until she heard them mention Lu Yaozhu. This wasn''t her first visit to the laundry room, previously while the maids weren''t friendly to her, they were never this hostile.


    She suspected that a servant must have seen her with Lu Yaozhu and suspected that she was trying to seduce him. Which in this time wasn''t strange, most maids who wanted to improve their station by becoming concubines, usually employed these trucks.


    There was no point in arguing with people who had already made their conclusion on her so she handed the clothes to the maid, turned around and walked to the door, completely ignoring their statements.


    The leader of the trio, Ah Tan got angrier when she saw that Su Liya was treating their words like air. She ran up to Su Liya and pushed her forward with force. Su Liya had already had one foot out of the door, as soon as she was pushed she fell forward.


    The laundry house was constructed on a little higher ground so Su Liya rolled down and hit her head on the trunk of a tree. The trio smiled as they watched her fall, "that will teach you to behave" Ah Tan said and walked back into the laundry house.


    After rolling down the ground full of broken sticks and stones, Su Liya was in great pain. The servants all around understood why this had happened and didn''t lend her any hand. Su Liya held on to the tree trunk as she got up.


    She dusted off the leaves and sand from her clothes and continued walking, her head held up high. Even if she was in so much pain, she refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her hurt.

 Chapter 34: The Lu Family doesnt need a power hungry person like you 2

    Lu Yiling''s courtyard


    Lu Yiling sat behind a reading table, head bent over a spread out white sheet. In a line in front of her were different colours of paints and paintbrushes. She held a slim paintbrush over the sheet, silently taking in the scene before her.


    Lu Yiling had instructed her maids to move that table and her painting tools next to the wide window overlooking the backyard. The backyard had very good scenery, with long green bamboo trees lined with brightly coloured flowers.


    Lu Yiling loved to look out and sketch her favourite scenery whenever she needed to calm her mind. She hadn''t done that since she returned to the capital but thanks to a certain greedy maid, she was driven to do this.


    After Zhu Fenfang had informed her of Su Liya''s bad reputation, she sent out her most trusted aide Zhiliu to find investigate. Zhiliu returned about an hour and a half later, she informed her that Zhu Fenfang was right.


    When she heard that Lu Yiling felt a lot of emotions at once, from confusion to exhaustion and finally anger. She had secretly hoped that it wouldn''t be true because then she could convince herself that what she had seen back there was a mistake.


    However everything turned out to be true, She was stuck in crossroads. Su Liya left her with no other choice, she didn''t want to get her mother involved in this. Lu Yiling could only be the bad one here and put an end to Su Liya''s hopeless dreams.


    Things would be disastrous if her mother got wind of this, it would affect not just Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin but also her brother. While she didn''t couldn''t make any obvious moves so as not to alert her mother, she still needed to put an end to Su Liya''s little tricks.


    Zhiliu rushed in as Lu Yiling silently made a rough sketch of the small bamboo plantation."Mistress!", Zhiliu called out as she ran to Lu Yiling''s side. She bent low and said I''m a low tone "I just got word from ah Yan at the laundry house. She reported that Su Liya was pushed down by three laundry attendance"


    Lu Yiling paused for a second and asked "did they send across the message?"


    "Yes they did"


    Lu Yiling placed the painting brush aside and picked up a fresh brush, She needed to paint a different colour this time. "Ah San handled this well, reward her", Lu Yiling said dipping the fresh brush in a leave green ink and continued to paint.


    "Yes, Mistress" Zhiliu picked out the small purse on the table and ran out to hand it off to Ah San.


    Lu Yiling''s hand shook slightly as she brought down the paintbrush, smearing the paint on the sheet. Lu Yiling hissed and dropped the paintbrush. She clenched her hands slightly as she stared down at the ruined painting.


    Lu Yiling was far from calm, instead, she was positively fuming. Because of Su Liya, she was forced to do something that was below her bottom line. She was not malicious, she never took any of the usual actions popular in most noble families. Yet because of Su Liya, she was forced to make these moves.


    Lu Yiling stood and walked to the door, she felt cold and exhausted.


    *****


    Meanwhile at the main courtyard.


    Tian Tian was the first person from the courtyard to see Su Liya as she limped in. She nearly dropped the bowl of water she was carrying. "What happened sister Liya, why are you injured?" she whispered quickly. She placing the bowl of water on the ground and rushed over to give Su Liya a hand.


    Su Liya quickly waved her off "It is nothing, I fell on my way back", she replied shifting away.


    "You got all these injuries from falling?" she said pointing at the scratches on Su Liya arm and cheek. "It must have been quite the fall".


    "I wasn''t paying attention, I fell at the door of the laundry house" Su Liya replied. She didn''t see the need to let Tian Tian find out the real truth behind her fall. If she informed Tian Tian then it was only a matter of time before Zhu Fengyin found out.


    Since this was the result of her own careless actions, there was no need to drag anyone else into this case. Judging from the Lu family servants response, the order must have come from someone high up.


    In the Lu family, there were only two female masters, Madam Lu and Lu Yiling. The management of the house was usually handled by the females. The Duke and general were busy court ministers, they wouldn''t have time to arrange something like this.


    While the fourth young Master Lu Yong was preparing for the imperial examination and is always at the academy. None of the men would have time to do this, which left only Madam Lu and Lu Yiling.


    Apart from a few surface injuries, she wasn''t that hurt so it can''t be Madam Lu''s doing. From what she knew about Madam Lu when it came to her children, she had no bottom lines. If this was Madam Lu''s doing, she would have received bodily harm and probably got sold off too.


    After weighing everything, Su Liya concluded that it was Lu Yiling''s doing. Lu Yiling and Lu Yaozhu were very close, she didn''t want anything to ruin her brother''s future. Lu Yiling wasn''t malicious at all, if anything she was doing her a favour by not informing her mother.


    Since Lu Yiling wished to give her a way out, Su Liya decided to follow suit. Su Liya changed the topic "is our Young Miss awake?"


    Tian Tian understood that Su Liya didn''t wish to pursue this any further and didn''t press on. She nodded "Yes, I just brought her water to wash her face. if You don''t want to make her worry, you can get back to the room and wait. I will send a maid with warm water and medicine for your injuries".


    "Thanks" Su Liya replied


    "no need for that" Tian Tian patted her hands and went back to pick up the bowl of water. While Su Liya carefully walked to her room

 Chapter 35: The things we do for family

    Duke Lu''s residence, the main courtyard.


    Luckily there was no one in the room when she rushed in, which she deeply appreciated. She wasn''t in the right mood to answer any questions, especially since anything she said would be reported to madam Lu.


    Su Liya took off her clothes and stood in front of the mirror to check the extent of her injury. Her ankle hurt so she couldn''t stand for long, she sat on the bed closest to the mirror. Apart from the throbbing pain at the side of her head and ankle, she hadn''t sustained any serious injuries.


    She also had some bruises, on her sides and a few cuts on her hands and legs. Su Liya laid back on the bed and checked her ankles, it didn''t look serious nothing a little rest and hot balm won''t fix. There was a light knock at the door, Su Liya stood carefully and answered the door.


    It was one of the maids that had followed them from Zhu Manor, she was sent over by Tian Tian with warm water and a basket of medicine. Su Liya stepped aside to let her in, the maid helped clean up and dress her wounds before leaving.


    Before leaving, the maid informed her that Tian Tian asked her to rest for some time. Which Su Liya translated to code for take your time I will help cover for you. Su Liya was grateful for that, she nodded and saw the maids off.


    After resting for two hours, Su Liya went out to Zhu Fengyin''s room. Zhu Fengyin was reading a book when she walked in, She brought down the book and rested it on her chest. Zhu Fengyin''s eyes widened as she saw the bandage wrapped around her forehead.


    "What happened to you? Why are you injured?"


    Su Liya smiled as she brought her hands up to rest on the bandage, she replied, "I fell while I was walking".


    Zhu Fengyin hissed "How exactly does that happen? Have you no working eyes? Don''t lie to me and tell me how you got so injured?"


    "nothing happened Young Miss, I fell at the laundry room. Don''t worry it is nothing serious, it is just that I hit my head when I fell"


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes," Su Liya smiled sweetly.


    Zhu Fengyin Watched her for some seconds then looked away. She wanted to press on but suspecting that Su Liya didn''t want to tell her anything because Tian Tian was present. She looked to her side and said to Tian Tian "You have worked hard, step out. Let Su Liya take over".


    "Yes," Tian Tian replied, bowed and left the room.


    Zhu Fengyin watched her leave, then stood from the chaise and walked to the tea-table. She sat on a stool and pointed at a seat, She said to Su Liya "Sit".


    Su Liya nodded and smiling, she sat opposite Zhu Fengyin. "I am not going to change my mind, so don''t press on", she said looking Zhu Fengyin in the eye.


    Zhu Fengyin gave up when she saw the stubborn expression on her face. "Tell me when you are ready".


    *******


    Two days later


    Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin ran into Zhu Fenfang once again, this time on their way to Madam Lu''s courtyard. Zhu Fenfang was on her way out accompanied by the Lu Siblings, Lu Yiling and Lu Yaozhu.


    Su Liya''s heartbeat quicken as they got closer to the trio, this was her first time meeting Lu Yaozhu since the incident. She was actively trying to avoid running into him, to the point of staying indoors. She wasn''t about to raise any more suspicion, she had taken Lu Yiling''s warnings to heart.


    Both parties stopped for some time to exchange greetings with each other. Su Liya kept her head down during the greetings and stayed quiet. She avoided drawing any attention to herself. Su Liya left her hair down at one side of her face to cover the bandage at the side of her forehead.


    However as she bends down, a small breeze blew, raising her hair which drew Lu Yaozhu''s attention to her injuries. Throughout the brief greeting, Lu Yaozhu eyes bead trailed on Su Liya. He noticed her strange behaviour, he always felt that Su Liya contrary to popular gossip was never Showy but reserved.


    However right now looked to be scared, she bent so low that Lu Yaozhu bead sure that if it was possible to bury herself in the ground she would. He hadn''t run into her in days, it was almost like she was avoiding him. He had been informed by Yu Tao that Su Liya had stayed indoors.


    She didn''t look like herself at all, Su Liya looked a little pale. There were scratches on her cheeks but it was the bandage on her forehead that caught his attention. She wasn''t like this the last time they met, the injuries didn''t look so old, which meant it must have happened within these few days.


    Lu Yiling sneered when she saw Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin coming closer, it wasn''t possible to avoid running into them so they could only slow down. "why do I have to run into this girl again", Lu Yiling thought frowning slightly.


    While she felt a little worried when she saw Su Liya''s injuries, she didn''t let it show on her face. She consoled herself with the thought that she was doing this to protect her family''s interest. "At Least, she didn''t end up dead", she thought.


    Zhu Fenfang bribed a main to report on the events of the Lu family and had been informed of what happened to Su Liya. She hadn''t expected Lu Yiling to take this route but had been overjoyed when she found out that she had.


    Now that she saw the injuries first hand, Zhu Fenfang was glad. Su Liya deserved this and more for the embarrassment she caused her, she wished that the injuries would leave a scar. Su Liya was always praised for her beauty, a scar like this would put an end to that. Her lips curved into her first genuine smile at that thought.


    Lu Yiling wasn''t aware of the thoughts going through her mind, she only felt like she needed to prevent Zhu Fenfang from remembering what she had seen last time. She had already noticed her brother looking at that fox.


    She looked at Su Liya sharply and said "we won''t keep you anymore, Sister-in-law. You should get going while we see sister Fenfang off. We will take our leave now".


    Zhu Fengyin smiled and said goodbye. The trio walked past them, while they continued walking to Madam Lu''s Courtyard.

 Chapter 36: The things we do for family 2

    Lu Yaozhu separated from Lu Yiling and Zhu Fenfang a short time later under the pretence of working. While he enjoyed his sister''s company, he still had a few more things planned for the day. He knew what his mother had planned and didn''t want any hand in it.


    Even if his mother dangled Zhu Fenfang in front of his face for centuries, he still wouldn''t bite the bait. He had enough problems without adding an arranged marriage to them. He saw Zhu Fenfang as a friend and nothing more.


    The sooner his mother accepted that right now, marriage was the last thing on his mind, the better for them both. Lu Yaozhu quickly returned to his courtyard and went into his study. As he sat at the desk and went through the military report.


    Before withdrawing from the border town, he had left a small unit of his ghost warriors to monitor Minister Sheng. Any action Minister Sheng took was the Emperor''s orders and the Emperor saw the Lu family as an eyesore. All the Emperor''s actions so far were aimed at cutting off the Lu family.


    The Lu family who had served the Zhongshan royal family of northern Wei for centuries were facing extinction at the hands of the royal family they had sworn to protect. That was both pitiful and dissatisfying, although he was loyal to the royal family, Lu Yaozhu refused to let the Emperor destroy his family.


    He quickly read through the secret message sent by the commander of the Lu family''s ghost warriors. The commander reported that Minister Sheng contacted Chu states Crown Prince Gao Zhan a few days back.


    Minister Sheng secretly meeting with the crown Prince of Chu state was very suspicious. Especially since the crown prince entrance into Northern Wei wasn''t announced. Lu Yaozhu brought the note to the candle and set it on fire. He leaned backwards and tapped his finger on the table.


    Even with the pressing political problem, his thoughts still went to Su Liya''s beaten up appearances. He couldn''t stop thinking that he might be the reason behind her injuries, her behaviour was strange. She was so focused on the ground and completely avoided his gaze.


    "Yu Tao, Please find out what happened to Su These past few days".


    "Yes," he replied and left the room.


    Yu Tao was surprised to hear his young master request but pretended otherwise. He had noticed that his usually aloof master had begun paying an unusual amount of attention to Su Liya. Which made him worried, Lu Yaozhu however was his master.


    It wasn''t in his place to question any actions Lu Yaozhu took. He could only assist Lu Yaozhu in all he''s doing, so far Su Liya hadn''t done anything suspicious, there was no need to act on that.


    LU Yaozhu went through the reports, replying to the official letters and minuting a report that would be submitted to the court. He was halfway through the long pile of reports when Yu Tao returned. Yu Tao reported his discovery


    "Young Master, I asked around and discovered that Su Liya was pushed out the laundry house door a few hours after your accidental fall. The instructions came from Young Mistress Yiling".


    "What?" He looked up quickly. "how did she find out".


    "I don''t know"


    "is my mother aware of this?"


    "No, I don''t think so"


    "Then Xiao Ling carried this out on her own", he said thoughtfully. He set down the ink brush on the brush holder "sent over a small jar of the miracle pill from Imperial Doctor Qin to help with the healing. inform her to apply the medicine on her injuries to help prevent scarring..... or maybe hold on, I will send her a note. that will be more well-received"


    "Yes", Yu Tao replied.


    *******


    A short time later, when Yu Tao went over to deliver the medicine after he had been informed that Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya had returned from Madam Lu''s courtyard. Su Liya carried a dirty bowl of water away when he walked up to her.


    Su Liya looked up "Yu Tao, how can I help you".


    "I came over to deliver some medicine for your injuries".


    Su Liya dropped the bowl of water aside and waving her hands at him, she said quickly "oh... there is no need for that".


    "it is from second master, I can''t return it to him" Yu Tao put the small bottle of medicine in her hands and wrapped her fingers around it. He said in hurried tones "please don''t make things difficult for me".


    Su Liya didn''t want him to get into trouble with Lu Yaozhu, she resigned to her fate and accepted the medicine. Nodding half-heartedly, "alright, I will accept it. Send second young master my thanks".


    Yu Tao smiled and rushed away. Su Liya shook her head as she watched him skip away. "Ha Aiyo, I hope no one saw this. I really can''t handle any more falls". She picked up the bowl of water and went to dispose of the dirty water.


    Zhu Fengyin saw their entire exchange through the window facing the courtyard, Her lips pressed tightly, After noticing Su Liya''s strange behaviour outside Madam Lu''s courtyard, she had been suspicious of the reason behind Su Liya injury until now.


    She got suspicious when she noticed that Lu Yaozhu''s eyes were locked on Su Liya all through their brief meeting, but it was Lu Yiling hostility that cemented her suspicion. Zhu Fengyin planned on getting the full story out of Su Liya today but after seeing this, it might not be necessary.


    Zhu Fengyin stood there waiting silently for Su Liya to come back. She dismissed all her maids apart from Su Liya and resumed her embroidery work. Su Liya noticed that Zhu Fengyin was silent since they returned from Madam Lu''s courtyard but she kept quiet.


    Any visit to the great madam always left Zhu Fengyin sour, although Madam Lu always behaved properly. Madam Lu always found faults in everything Zhu Fengyin did, she didn''t even bother hiding her dislike for Zhu Fengyin.


    Most of her conversation was centred on praising Zhu Fenfang which was just annoying. It took all of Su Liya''s self-control not to go off on Madam Lu. If it was the modern time and not this century, Su Liya would''ve comfortably given Madam Lu a piece of her mind.


    Feeling a little bored Su Liya walked to the window and watched the servants go about their duties. There was no one else present apart from Zhu Fengyin so she didn''t have to stand on ceremony.


    "Yaya, was it Lu Yiling that ordered the maids to push you?," Zhu Fengyin asked finally breaking the silence.


    Su Liya stood straighter "what.. what do you mean?"

 Chapter 37: The Things You Do For family 3

    Su Liya stood straighter "Wha... what do you mean?"


    Zhu Fengyin threw the embroidery aside "Don''t bother lying to me Yaya. I know that Lu Yiling had something to do with your little fall. The disgusted look she gave you throughout our conversation said it all".


    "Did Lu Yiling really give me a nasty look?" she asked only to receive a cold look from Zhu Fengyin. She saw that Zhu Fengyin was bent on getting the whole story out of her mouth. She let out a breath and lean back, "Is this necessary Fengyin, it''s not like you can do anything about this_"


    Zhu Fengyin threw a pillow at her as she said that, Su Liya couldn''t avoid it since it was sudden. The pillow hit her on her right shoulder, "aiya! Denton why are you throwing me things," She said.


    Zhu Fengyin quickly prepared to retaliate by raising another pillow, "okay... hold on now Fengyin. I was wrong, please stop throwing things at me", Su Liya replied quickly.


    "oh so you know how to apologise", Zhu Fengyin kept the pillow aside and leaning to her side, she rested on the wooden chaise couch.


    "Yes I do, my lady," she said trying to coax Zhu Fengyin. "Don''t take this to heart Fengyin, I just didn''t want you to get involved with this. You see, It was all a misunderstanding. There is nothing going on between General Lu and I, it is just that I slipped while running out of the main courtyard two days ago and fell into General Lu''s arm. Lu Yiling saw what happened and assumed that I was trying to seduce him".


    "And were you?" Zhu Fengyin asked looking down at her nails.


    "NO!!" Su Liya replied loudly, which made Zhu Fengyin look up. "What do you take me for, I and Su Liya may share the same name but we are literally worlds apart".


    Zhu Fengyin watched her for some time then smiled "I believe you".


    "Did you even have to doubt me, if I wanted to seduce someone why would I pick Lu Yaozhu. Who by the way isn''t interested in women, well other women but Zhu Fenfang" she snorted loudly.


    "I wouldn''t be so sure about that if I were you, Lu Yaozhu didn''t look interested in Zhu Fenfang"


    "for now but trust me he will be" Su Liya sat on the bed.


    Zhu Fengyin just smiled and kept silent, she didn''t want to draw Su Liya''s attention to Lu Yaozhu''s interest in her since it wasn''t going to bear any fruit. Lu Yaozhu was a young master of noble birth while Su Liya was a maid, they weren''t destined to be together.


    Even if they got together, Su Liya would just end up sad because men Like Lu Yaozhu can''t marry her as anything more than a concubine. Even if she became his concubine, Madam Lu would make her life miserable. She had never seen a woman that enjoys micromanaging her children''s lives as much as Madam Lu.


    *******


    Back at Lu Yiling''s courtyard.


    She was informed of Yu Tao delivering some medicine to Su Liya as she woke up from her short nap. Her hands tightened on the teacup she held up when Zhiliu relayed the message. She Shut the teacup lid and passed it over to Zhiliu silently.


    She had lost interest in drinking the tea, which thanks to Su Liya had gotten bitter. She stood to wash her face, she wiped her face with a soft towel when she was done. "Did you notice how long second brother looked at that wench, it would seem that I underestimated her".


    "Should we inform Big Madam of this?" Zhiliu asked slowly.


    "No! we can''t get mother involved in this. I will handle this, she hasn''t done anything, for now just have someone watch her closely"


    "Yes".


    when there wasn''t any interaction between her elder brother and Su Liya for weeks, she loosened up her guard on the sneaky maid. After months of rain, they were gradually entering into Summer. It rained less often and the sun was hotter.


    The change in season was well received, everyone switched their thicker spring clothes for much lighter summer wears. cooling boxes filled with ice was delivered to all courtyards and the young ladies put on much brighter colours.


    Madam Lu opened up the storeroom and picked out a few rolls of material to be sewn into gowns for the three ladies of the house. The servants weren''t exempted from the gifts, a new set of light unforms were given to each servant.


    It got hotter as the days went by, Zhu Fengyin began taking cold beverages to cool off and avoid getting a heat stroke. The court session got shorter as the Emperor got ready for his annual few weeks summer break.


    Shorter Court sessions equalled a longer stay at home for the Duke and General Lu. The start of Summer also meant the start of various festivities and banquets for the noble families. Everyone was curious about the newly married Duchess of Wu.


    The invitations came in mass every day, Zhu Fengyin accepted a few invitations but not before discussing with Lu Yingjie and Madam Lu. There were a few palace banquets scheduled throughout the summer.


    Two days to the first royal banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress to welcome the crown prince of Chu State Gao Zhan and the royal Envoy. The peace and quietness of the Duke of Wu''s residence were disrupted.


    During a hot summer afternoon, Zhu Fengyin laid back on a recliner at the balcony of the main courtyard. She was dressed in light clothes, her hair packed up loosely, while Su Liya peeled some fruits next to her.


    As Su Liya arranged the oranges and apple pieces on the plates, A scream was heard as a maid was dragged away. Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin walked out of the main courtyard to find out what was causing all the noise.


    They walked a short distance to Madam Lu''s courtyard, they watched as a crying maid was dragged to a long wooden long bench. the maid wailed pulling away as they laid her on the bench. "Big Madam, I was wrong please forgive me! Please save me! Big Madam please have mercy", the maid cried out her face bright red as tears ran down her face.


    Madam Lu who was seated in the hallway don''t spare her any glace as she instructed the servants "Tie her up and give her 100 plank strokes, don''t stop until she dies".


    Su Liya got pale as soon as she heard that, she couldn''t understand how a person could play with a person''s life like this. Madam Lu looked cold and unfeeling, she looked at the girl like she wasn''t a human being.


    Su Liya grabbed Zhu Fengyin''s sleeve tightly, Zhu Fengyin looked from the hands holding her sleeves to the pale face by her side and pursed her lips. "Let''s go", she said and turned around but we''re soon blocked off by Lu Yiling.


    Lu Yiling looked straight at Su Liya and said "Hold on sister-in-law"

 Chapter 38: Why cant I get a break

    Lu Yiling looked straight at Su Liya and said "Hold on sister-in-law". She smiled as she walked closer and stood a few steps away from Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya. "I think You should stay back until the end, we must keep a united front right now".


    Zhu Fengyin noticed the sharp look ate gave Su Liya or was obvious that She intended to use whatever was going on to threaten Su Liya. "A maid getting punished is nothing new, I don''t think my presence is necessary", Su Liya replied. She stepped aside to walk around Lu Yiling but was blocked once again.


    "oh but this isn''t just a normal punishment, the acts committed by the maid is a lot more serious. You are the new duchess, you must get accustomed to our rules. Don''t you think so Liya?" she posed a question to Su Liya while acting innocent.


    Su Liya looked at Lu Yiling''s small round face, eyes narrowed. ''Why is she putting me in a bad sport. why can''t I get a break from all this? Which maid would dare question their master'' Su Liya thought looking down at her feet while grinding her teeth.


    She didn''t even bother to reply to Lu Yiling''s statement since each statement was designed to put both Zhu Fengyin and herself against each other. Lu Yiling found her silence amusing, she had already sewn discord between the two ladies.


    There was no need to talk much, She walked forward and said cautiously "please come this way, Sister-in-law".


    Zhu Fengyin took in a calming breath and stood next to Lu Yiling. Lu Yiling smiled when she saw Zhu Fengyin''s cold expression, no matter how powerful Zhu Fengyin was, she was nothing compared to her.


    "Do you know what this maid is guilty of, Sister-in-law"?


    Zhu Fengyin was too tired to play this game but could only play along since that was the only option left to her. "No, do tell" she replied feeling bored by her present company.


    "Sister-in-law hasn''t been here long so you must not be familiar with the female servants of every Courtyard. This traitorous maid is was a newly bought high-rank maid, she initially served under my mother''s courtyard but was promoted recently and sent to serve under my second brother''s courtyard.


    "She was sent to be in charge of handling other maids at his courtyard but for the past few days has been trespassing at his study. This afternoon She was caught by another maid drugging second brothers lunch. The matter was discovered by mother and this is the result.


    "The Lu family is a clan that appreciates hard work and talent. We do not tolerate underhanded actions of any kind. If you are a servant, you are advised to perform your actions properly and know your place. Do not get greedy and aim higher than you should, do that at the cost of your life".


    Zhu Fengyin immediately felt Su Liya who held onto her sleeve and too next to her stiffen. She could already tell that every single word said by Lu Yiling was aimed at Su Liya. While it wasn''t strange for a madam to order a servant to be flogged to death.


    Zhu Fengyin felt that this punishment was too harsh for the crime, usually most mads sold off the maid far away as punishment. Yet Madam Lu was making a fanfare out of this, it was clearly a warning to everyone, Zhu Fengyin included that she would deal with every transgression with an iron fist.


    If she wasn''t already sure of her mother-in-law''s feelings towards her before, this little action made everything clearer. Lu Yiling was right, it was in her best interest to stay till the end of everything. Since Madam Lu put on such a play for her, it was only proper that she stayed to the end.


    Zhu Fengyin gave Su Liya a pat on the hand and nodded towards Madam Lu. The previously nervous Su Liya quickly understood the message and calmed down. This little charade was arranged by madam Lu and not Lu Yiling, there was no need to worry. If madam Lu was aware of her involvement with Lu Yaozhu, she would attack her directly.


    Su Liya stood straighter, she put on a calm expression until the very end. She watched as two tall muscular servants laid the maid down on her stomach and tied her to the bench. They stood at both sides of the bench, facing each other and raising the long wooden thin planks high they brought it down, alternating between themselves until the maid stopped moving and was pronounced dead.


    At the end of the punishment, Madam Lu instructed the servants to get rid of the body and returned to her room. Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin left some minutes later, the inhumane act left Su Liya speechless.


    Su Liya felt queasy as soon as they got back to Zhu Fengyin''s room. She knee dived next to the ceramic chamber pot and emptied the content of her stomach. Zhu Fengyin ran to her and helped raise her hair away from her face. Su Liya kept vomiting until everything in her stomach was gone, with shaky hands she accepted the cup of water handed to her by Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fengyin helped her get up and led her to the bed. "take it easy, Yaya", Zhu Fengyin poured some wine into a cup and offered it to Su Liya "Here, drink this. It is wine, it will help calm your nerves a little".


    Su Liya nodded and accepted the wine "thank you", she said.


    "It was nothing, I am only doing what I should", Zhu Fengyin replied patting her back gently.


    Su Liya drank some wine and swallowed. it tasted fruity with a little tang caused by fermentation. "no need to be so modest Fengyin, it is not everyday master takes care of their troublesome servants".


    "who is troublesome, you?" She looked at Su Liya thoughtfully and after some seconds nodded "yes that is true but that is okay. I like you like that".


    They burst into laughter, "You like me like that, Ha wait till I do something naughtier. We will see if you would still say this then" Su Liya teased.


    "Hmm, I don''t think you can do anything that would make me change how I feel Yaya. You have livened up my life so far, I didn''t know how much I needed that until now. So don''t let that little charade back then affect you, I won''t let that ever happen to you. okay"


    Su Liya nodded smiling sweetly "okay".

 Chapter 39: Another eventful palace banquet

    The night before the Palace banquet.


    Two cloaked men both dressed in black jumped over the wall of Duke of Wu''s residence, landing swiftly outside the residence. They surveyed their surrounding to ensure that there was no trailing them before moving out.


    It was already past midnight and the usually bubbling capital had grown silent. there wasn''t a soul in sight. Most businesses even those at the red light district were all shut down for the day by now. The capital guards were already performing their rounds and ensuring that the capital was safe.


    The two cloaked men jumped onto the roof of the building opposite the Duke''s residence quietly, they were careful not to make any noise and attract the attention of the guards. They ran along the streets and roofs quietly until they arrived at their destination.


    A small stall deep in the alley that during the day served as a smithy. The men they were meeting with were already present, they walked into the stall and stood I''m the dark. The taller man of the cloaked duo went forward and asked "Did you have any problems coming here?".


    Their contact a short man with a round face and a thin moustache replied "no, everything went smoothly, everything is set. On master''s instructions, I will carry out our plans".


    The taller cloaked man looked to his partner, who stood silently in the dark, he was the one in control. His taller partner only relayed his instructions while he stayed in the dark. "Carry on as planned" The taller man replied after he got a nod from his master.


    The two cloaked men left quickly after throwing a bag of coins to their contact.


    *****


    The next day, the imperial banquet.


    As they arrived, the guests were led to their seats by the palace servants. The imperial concubines and consorts were already seated at their seats apart from the sixth Prince''s mother Imperial consort Shi and the Empress.


    The Envoy from Chu state and the crown Prince Gao Zhan were seated on the first seats under the throne. Their seat was directly opposite the seats belonging to the imperial examination. Gao Zhan and the Envoy looked around silently as everyone got seated.


    Su Liya stood behind Zhu Fengyin who sat next to Liu Yingjie. Madam Lu and Lu Yiling were seated next to another madam on the table up ahead. Liu Yaozhu was delayed at the military training ground but got back a few minutes before the Emperor arrived.


    He sat on the free seat next to Lu Yingjie, Gao Zhan''s watched her for some time before looking away. Gao Zhan had faced Lu Yaozhu multiple times and lost, after which he had grown to respect Lu Yaozhu as a worthy opponent.


    Su Liya glanced at Gao Zhan discreetly, She was a little curious about a reoccurring character like Gao Zhan. In the original novel, Gao Zhan was a rather capable side character. He was one character with selfish goals, he never picked any sides and only watched out for himself.


    Su Liya didn''t like this character at all because he was a snake. He betrayed both his kingdom and Family when he joined hands with Emperor Zhong. This visit was the start of it all, he would antagonize Lu Yaozhu and the Lu family by fueling the Emperor''s distrust.


    Bang!! "The Emperor has arrived!" a Eunuch standing by the door and dressed in the standard low ranked servants green tunics announced loudly.


    Everyone stood and looking ti the entrance bowed and chorused "Long live the Emperor!, Long live the Emperor!"


    The Emperor walked in dressed in the customary Gold ceremonial attires. The Empress and Imperial consort Shi followed him behind. The Emperor sat on his throne at the centre of the room while The Empress and Imperial consort Shi satin the individual seats below the Emperor''s throne.


    "rise" the Emperor commanded when he was seated. Everyone returned to their seat on the Emperor''s orders and the banquet began. There were a lot of performances one after the other, all of which were aimed at entertaining the guests.


    Su Liya looked around the banquet hall, trying to take in the crowd. No matter her united the Emperor wished the guests to look, it washed hard to see their differences. The different Princes factions took jabs at each other both obviously and discreetly.


    There were six living Prince but only four were actively involved in the struggles for the throne. The other two were either too young to get involved or sickly. Out of the four Prince''s involvement in the struggle for the throne, only Three had good backings and stood a chance in the fight for the throne.


    They were The Crown Prince, Zhongshan Ling, the sixth Prince, Zhongshan Cheng and the fifth Prince Zhongshan Zuo. The Crown Prince was raised by the Empress and had the backings of the Lu family, the He family and his maternal family the Tong family.


    The sixth Prince on the other hand had the backings of the Zhu family, The Yang Family and his maternal family the Shi family. Lastly, the not so popular Fifth Prince, who had the support of Prince Yi, the Zhang family and his maternal family the Sheng family.


    The Princes maintained a good relationship on the surface but anyone could see that it was all for show. The fourth Prince involved in the fight if the throne was Zhongshan Xi, the eighth prince. His maternal family was now in decline so he didn''t have much support.


    Out of the four senior Prince, only three were present, Zhongshan Zuo was noticeably absent from the banquet. The crown Prince Zhongshan Ling arrived a little after the Emperor arrived. He walked in and a few steps away from the throne, he bowed.


    "Sorry for coming, late imperial Father and mother"


    The Emperor look up coldly "Xiao Ling since you are here. Have a seat".


    The crown Prince nodded and walked to his seat next to the Empress. As he looked up, he saw a familiar face seated next to Minister Zhu.

 Chapter 40: Another eventful palace banquet 2

    The Palace banquet


    Zhongshan Ling sat next to the Empress and looked straight ahead. He was seated at the centre of the room which gave him a full view of the entire banquet hall. He received a lot of attention as soon as he was seated. Zhongshan Ling was the most powerful prince and was still unmarried.


    A lot of marriage-minded you ladies accompanied their parents with the main aim of catching the eyes of an eligible young master. Zhongshan Ling like most male leads was very handsome, most of the young ladies stole glances at him and blushed.


    Su Liya for all her wise opinion wasn''t immune to Zhongshan Ling''s beauty. it was like he was sculptured by the gods themselves, she had to hand it to the author for creating such a perfect visual that could beat that of the top kpop male visuals.


    Zhongshan Ling had beautiful double eyelids light brown eyes, a straight pointed nose and light pink small lips. He was about 6ft tall, with a well proportioned muscular build. two words came to mind when one saw Zhongshan Ling, which was "Eye candy".


    She had always been sceptical when the author wrote that wen fell in love with the male lead soon as they met him. However, after seeing him herself, she never doubted the possibility of that.


    Su Liya shook her head twice to get her head back in the game. As beautiful as Zhongshan Ling was, he wasn''t meant for her. She wasn''t even going to stay here for long, she would be gone as soon as Zhu Fengyin got her happy ending. This wasn''t her world, no matter how real it seemed.


    This was a fictitious world, it was an ongoing novel and her character wasn''t even meant to live that long. Su Liya looked away from the Crown Prince, she looked straight ahead. She saw the Chu state Envoy and Gao Zhan exchange words while looking toward where the Lu family sat.


    They looked at the table after Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie''s table. The only person seated at the table was Lu Yaozhu, the third master of the Lu family Lu Yong was absent from the banquet, he was back at the academy preparing for the imperial examination.


    Su Liya was suspicious of what the pair of leechers were up to. The crown Prince of Chu Gao Zhan joined hands a few times with the sixth Prince to attack Lu Yaozhu and the Lu family in the novel. Gao Zhan and his pack of dummies had only been in Northern Wei for seven months but the damages they caused were catastrophic.


    It destroyed the little thread of trust the Emperor had for the Empress which put the Lu family in a messy situation. The Lu family had to rely on their relationship with the crown prince to get by. Although her only concern was Zhu Fengyin, she still didn''t want to see the Lu family hurt. Since Zhu Fengyin''s happiness was entwined with that of the Lu family.


    While Su Liya was trying to figure out what the sixth Prince and his Chu state cronies were up to, Zhongshan Ling also made his own discovery. Zhongshan Ling didn''t enjoy attending any royal banquet because of how tiring they turned out to be.


    He was usually forced to tolerate the greedy stares and mechanisation of marriage-minded members of the nobility. Everyone tried to get closer to him and Introduce their daughters to him by having them perform dances and poems.


    Zhongshan Ling ignored the looks sent his way by everyone and poured himself a cup of wine. He didn''t look anywhere in particular instead focusing on the sword dance performed by the all-male dance troupe. A familiar female face drew his attention as he watched the performance.


    It had been more than a month but he could still recognise that face anywhere. "There you are," he thought as he locked eyes with the girl from that day. His lips curved up when he saw her shocked expression, it would seem that she hadn''t recognised him that day.


    He knew from her dressing and mannerism that she was from a wealthy family but he never imagined that she would be the daughter of the Minister of Finance Zhu Yawen. He regretted not asking for an introduction that day and had given up hope of ever meeting her again. However her they were again, He watched as her cheeks got brighter and she looked away.


    The banquet was nearing its completion, yet the fifth Prince Zhongshan Zuo was nowhere to be found. The Emperor looked to the empty seat before the sixth Prince and asked "Why isn''t Xiao Zuo here yet?".


    Zhongshan Zuo''s mother Imperial concubine Sheng reassured the Emperor "please don''t take this to heart, Your Majesty. Zuo''er has been so focused on work this past few days, he must have got lost in time. I will send someone to remind him".


    "Okay," the Emperor replied.


    If there was another favoured Imperial consort apart from imperial consort Shi it would be Imperial concubine Sheng. She had entered the palaces a year earlier than imperial consort Shi. She was from a powerful scholarly family that had produced successful misters for centuries.


    She knew how to charm men and had managed to hold a little bit of Emperor Zhong''s favour for decades. Before marrying the Emperor imperial concubines Sheng made a name for herself among the schoolers for her wonderful poetry skills.


    The author hadn''t written much about Imperial concubine Sheng, since she was just a side character added to progress the plot. She didn''t even have many scenes, Su Liya was only familiar with her because of the part she played in harming the Lu family.


    Imperial concubines, Sheng like every other member of the royal family was manipulative and selfish. Minister Sheng the imperial concubine''s father was the newly conferred Governor of Daiyi the newly conquered border town that preciously belonged to Chu state.


    Before being promoted, Minister Sheng usually clashed with the Lu brothers so the imperial concubine was hostile to the Empress. Imperial concubine Sheng instructed the Eunuch standing nearby to call her son over.


    The Eunuch was almost at the door when the door was pushed open and Zhongshan Zuo staggered into the room. "Noo need to send anyone over... to call Mee... I am here," he said. His voice slurred as he leaned heavily on his servant.


    Imperial concubine Sheng looked at him shocked, her eyes open wide. "Your majesty, Zuo''er is unwell. let me have someone send him back", Imperial concubine Sheng said quickly.


    "no no no, don''t do that Mother. I feel fine," Zhongshan Zuo replied laughing sheepishly.


    "No, you are not!" Imperial concubine Sheng said loudly. She instructed "Du Kwon take his highness away", she said to her guard.


    "No don''t come closer! I am fine" Zhongshan Zuo hiccuped waving his free hand. He attempted to move forward which made the servant holding him tumble. Zhongshan Zuo laughed as they fell over, luckily the imperial concubine''s guard held onto the prince.


    Zhongshan Zuo unhooked his hands from his servant''s shoulder and wrapped his hands around Du Kwon''s neck "ahh uncle Du!! it has been a while" he turned the guard''s face to the side and said, "uncle Du, you are getting older. You should smile more, don''t be such a downer".


    Imperial concubine Sheng ignored her son''s statement and shouted "quickly take him away!".


    Suddenly from the seat opposite that of the imperial concubines, Gao Zhan said in a bored tone "What''s the point in sending him away, we all know that he is high".


    Emperor Zhong got embarrassed as soon as he heard that. He was so angry he could barely seat still, this foolish son of his dared to get high during a state banquet and right in front of the envoys from Chu state.


    The Empress noticed the change in the Emperor''s mood, she looked at her Eunuch and said "the Fifth Prince is tired, please sent him back".


    The Eunuch curtsied and replied "Yes".


    The Eunuch ran over to the fifth Prince and said I. a low tone "Your highness must be exhausted please come this way".


    Zhongshan Zuo eyed the Eunuch briefly and laughed "why are you here Eunuch Yu, did mother Empress send you to take me away? Pathetic! like I need that nosy wench to make decisions for me. She doesn''t have a son yet dates to act superior over everyone".


    The Emperor threw a teacup at Zhongshan Zuo as soon as he heard that "You! how dare you insult your senior! Take this unfilial son away from my sight!".


    Imperial concubine Sheng immediately fell to her knees "Your Majesty? please don''t take Zuo''er words to heart he is not himself. He doesn''t know what he said".


    Zhongshan Zuo pulled his hands away from Du Kwon''s hold and shout "who says I don''t mean what I said. What is wrong with what I said, isn''t that what you said the last time mother Empress called you over to caution you about your spending. Should a barren woman like her even be allowed to run the Haram_"


    "SHUT UP!! You shut up!" Imperial concubine Sheng shouted rushing to her son and giving him a slab.


    Zhongshan Zuo held his cheek gently and said "You dare slap me!"


    "Yes! stop talking nonsense?" she shouted falling to the ground and wailing.

 Chapter 41: Another eventful palace banquet 3

    The palace banquet.


    The hall was silent as soon as Zhongshan Zuo called the Empress barren. Everyone saw imperial concubine Sheng''s attempts at covering up for her some disgusting. It was insulting to the Empress and everyone could scarcely keep their expression neutral.


    The Imperial concubine was just proving that the popular public opinion, which was that she was a spoiled brat with no respect for her senior right. The imperial concubine had been rumoured by the palace servants, a few times of throwing her weight around.


    The imperial palace was a jungle deeper with beautiful but poisonous women who all waited for an opportunity to attack each other. In this world, you were either a Predator or the prey. For years Imperial concubine Sheng had ruffled lots of feathers.


    Now that she was down other powerful predators rose to attack her. Imperial consort Shi was the first to take the first bite, with concubine Sheng getting this low. This was the best opportunity to pull her down completely.


    Imperial consort Shi took a sip of tea, using her cup and upraised hands, she shielded her smile from the public. As she watched the usually arrogant concubine Sheng grovelling. Imperial concubine Sheng and the fifth Prince deserved everything that is happening to them. She didn''t pity them one bit, Their little fall from grace was beneficial to her dear son.


    She has always disliked imperial concubine Sheng because of her arrogant and derogatory way of speech. Imperial concubine Sheng was among the large members of the nobility who saw merchant families and people that aren''t from long generations of noble families as subservient to them.


    Imperial consort Shi didn''t come from an old noble family, her family were primarily merchants. However, they were awarded a noble title when her grandfather who came first in the imperial examination and was appointed an imperial physician discovered a cure to a plague.


    Imperial concubine Sheng always made sure to mention that her family were former seafood and boat merchants at every opportunity she got. After hearing it for decades she couldn''t stand this concubine.


    Imperial consort Shi put on a concerned expression as she said "sister, a child''s attitude is a direct representative of their upbringings. Everything he just said was brought about from years of overhearing it from you. Her majesty is kind and generous in all her doings, she doesn''t deserve this kind of slander and from a member of the younger generation.


    "Is it right to let the Fifth Prince go scot-free? Her majesty is not just the mother of the crown prince but also the mother of the nation. How dare the fifth Prince call her barren, wouldn''t that imply that the nation has fallen".


    The guests began to whisper between them, most of the guests criticized the imperial concubine. Imperial concubine Sheng fell back on her buttocks as soon as she heard the imperial consorts words. She balled up her hands, while silently insulting imperial consort Shi in her mind.


    If she wasn''t scared of making the Emperor angrier and giving these nosy little members of the nobility something to talk about, which would ultimately worsen her case. She would her given Imperial consort Shi a dirty look and a piece of her mind.


    At this point the Emperor was exasperated, he called some hefty servants to send the fifth Prince away and guard his quarters to keep him away from causing any more mess. Imperial concubine Sheng was such an eyesore to him, he dismissed her to her room.


    After the mess caused by the fifth Prince, the previously lively atmosphere got cold. A few minutes later the banquet came to an end, the Emperor and Empress early withdrawal marked the end of the banquet.


    As the Lu family returned to their manor Lu Yaozhu was held back by his mother. "Xiao Zhu hold on and walk with mother," she said in a low tone.


    Lu Yaozhu understanding that she just wanted to have a quick word with him turned around and walked to his mother. He held out his hands for her, as soon as she took it he walked slowly with her.


    Madam Lu looked at his beautiful side view and smiled. This son of hers was always kind to her, she always thanked the gods for giving her a son like him. It was a pity that her good friend the Empress wasn''t so opportuned to experience this.


    It always saddened her that her best friend never got to hold her son, the Empress always loved children. After giving birth to the first Princess the Empress had longed to have her son, she had been so happy when she gave birth to her son.


    Too bad her joy was short-lived, the Empress lost her child four days after he was born. She couldn''t imagine how hurt her friend felt when the foolish prince called her barren. No one understood the pain of losing a child more than she did.


    Even though madam Lu imagine that her pain could never compare to that of the Empress since she had only miscarried twice before having Lu Yaozhu. Unlike the Empress who lost a child that she had carried for ten months.


    Imperial concubine Sheng and her spawn were a nasty bunch who should never be allowed to rule. It was disgusting that a fellow woman dared to say this. Madam Lu sighed and shook her head a few times.


    When they were finally away from prying eyes and ears, Madam Lu patted her son''s arm gently and said "please pay your aunt a visit tomorrow, Xiao Zhu. She must be feeling so sad, you should pay her a visit and console her. Your aunt cares about you".


    Lu Yaozhu nodded "Yes mother, I understand".


    "You are such a kind boy, I am lucky to have you," His mother said.


    "And I you", Lu Yaozhu replied. The separation when they got to the carriage, Lu Yaozhu helped his mother up the carriage before mounting his horse and riding back to Duke of Wu''s mano

 Chapter 42: There is more to her than meets the eye.

    The Duke''s residence.


    Lu Yingjie and Lu Yaozhu went straight to the Duke''s study when they got back to the Manor. While the women returned to their rooms, Madam Lu was worried by the events of the banquet, she sent everyone away including Lu Yiling.


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya on the other hand returned to the main courtyard. Su Liya Instructed the servants to send over some water for Zhu Fengyin to wash her face. After washing up, Su Liya handed a towel to Zhu Fengyin to dry her face.


    They waited for the other servants, Tian Tian included leaving the room before having any conversations concerning the banquet. It would put the royal family in a bind if the information was somehow made public.


    Su Liya looked out the window and door to ensure that there was no one listening in Before she brought up the incident. This incident wasn''t surprising since it was in the original plot. However, the author never revealed who arranged everything.


    Su Liya was curious about the mastermind behind this mess. She walked back to the bed and lying halfway on her back with her feet still on the ground. "Well talk about an eventful banquet. What is up with that?"


    "I don''t know but I suspect that we will find out soon enough", Zhu Fengyin replied.


    "Do you know something that I don''t?", Su Liya asked turning her head to Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t give her a response and instead grinning, she laid down next to Su Liya.


    Su Liya''s eyes narrowed slightly as she rolled to her side and whispered "what are you hiding Fengyin".


    To which Su Liya received no answer, She sat up and holding Zhu Fengyin''s hand tight said firmly "You know who was the mastermind don''t you? That''s the only reason you are acting this way" she hit Zhu Fengyin on her arm and asked, "Who is it?".


    Zhu Fengyin smiled and shook her head twice "uh uh uh, not so fast".


    "Tell me or face the consequences" Su Liya threatened which once more got her no response from Zhu Fengyin. Su Liya nodded "so you want to be stubborn, okay see if I won''t get you to reply" she began tickling Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fengyin rolled over laughing, when she finally couldn''t take it again she cried out in between giggles. "Okay okay, Yaya hole on..I will answer that".


    Su Liya laughed soft and raised her hands high reassuring Zhu Fengyin "Well let''s hear it".


    "Isn''t it funny how out of all the princes available, this is happening to the one prince as much a strong backing as the Crown Prince and the sixth prince? When you get stuck in a situation like this, you should always ask yourself ''who is the most to benefit from this".


    Su Liya eyebrows furrowed, "who would gain more from this scandal", she mumbled.


    Zhu Fengyin watched her and laughed "no need to wreck your brain, it was the sixth Prince".


    Su Liya looked at her in shock "wait what?"


    "Yes, I am surprised you even considered the crown Prince for a moment. These types of underhanded moves aren''t his style"


    After some thought, Su Liya finally nodded "you are right".


    "I am always right"


    Su Liya rolled her eyes "oh be humble Fengyin". Zhu Fengyin smiled and rested her head on Su Liya''s Shoulder. While Su Liya understood that the sixth Prince must have gotten Zhongshan Zuo drunk. She was bothered by a few things, after thing for some time, everything finally clicked.


    "But... Fengyin isn''t it a little suspicious that the Fifth Prince would get drunk during a major state event like this".


    "How do you mean".


    "Even if the fifth Prince was an alcoholic, I don''t think he would get drunk knowingly during a state banquet"


    "Do you mean to imply that he was drugged"


    "Yes!, Well at least not knowingly"


    "How do you mean".


    "While I went out to call the carriage around, I overheard two palace maids talking in hushed tones about the fifth Prince meeting with an imperial physician frequently. I didn''t find that suspicious until now, I don''t know if you are aware but a few drugs when mixed with alcohol can make a person high".


    "It has been established that the sixth Prince drugged the fifth Prince, how does that have to do with an imperial physician paying a lot of visits to the fifth Prince palace"


    "Everything Fengyin. What if the Sixth Prince never drugged him directly?. What if it was the fifth Prince that took the drugs? The fifth Prince frequents a few gambling dens in the capital, gambling dens that are popular for selling drugs. He could be a drug addict, the sixth Prince may have gotten access to his starch by bribing his supplier which is the imperial physician to twerk the dosage"


    "....." Zhu Fengyin wanted to dismiss Su Liya''s claims but for some reason, she just couldn''t. ''Even if what you said was true, how would an imperial physician have access to drugs?".


    "From the Shi family of course"


    "What!!" Zhu Fengyin looked at her eyes wide.


    "Fengyin the Shi family has an exclusive right of importing drugs. Imperial consort Shi is a highly favoured consort, the Shi clan and the Emperor are in league with each other. If they wanted to do some business on the side, no one will be the wiser.


    "Although Opium is an addictive drug, it is still imported into the country and since it is used as a pain reliever in special cases. The Shi could import a few and sell them to the masses for money"


    "If what you said is true such a piece of news would cripple the Shi family. I r that we should investigate this before letting anyone know"


    "Okay," Su Liya nodded. Meanwhile, in her mind, she rejoiced for successfully drawing Zhu Fengyin''s attention to the Shi family''s bright job. Su Liya had done this to prevent the Shi family from using this against Lu Yaozhu.


    In the book, the Shi family drugged Lu Yaozhu with opium after he got injured on the battlefield and got him addicted to the drug. The military doctor had convinced Lu Yaozhu that he was only giving him one because of the pain.


    When Lu Yaozhu became addicted to opium, the Shi family reported it to the court. As punishment, the Emperor took away the Lu family''s military tally, which marked the fall of the Lu family. Su Liya was drawing Zhu Fengyin''s attention to this to prevent that from happening in the future.

 Chapter 43: There is more to her than meets the eye 2

    Meanwhile back at the Empress palace


    Empress Lu sent out all her servants after getting charged from her red ceremonial wide-sleeved gown. The fifth Prince''s words at the banquet got on her nerve, she had only pretended to be calm to maintain appearances. The palace servants all left except her maid Xuayi.


    Empress Lu walked to the small cupboard by the wall and brought out a rectangular wooden box. It had been a while she had last opened the box but it was still in good condition. She dropped the box on the table and turned the small key in the keyhole under the lid.


    With a little ''Click'' the lid rose, She opened the box fully. Inside the box was a pair of thick, small newborn sized socks, the socks were placed on soft white and gold blankets. Next to the blankets was a raffle, these were all that was left from her nursery back then.


    They were all that was saved after the fire that took away her son from her. Her beautiful little boy wasn''t even a month old when he died. Everyone said it was an accident but she never believed that. How is it that only the nursery where the newly conferred crown Prince was kept caught fire?


    That was the darkest day of her life, she had only held her son for ten days before he was taken away. She had gotten better these days by the foolish mother and son pair opened up her wounds once more. She could still remember how hard she had fought to rush in and save her little boy but she was held back by the servants.


    The Emperor hadn''t even bothered to go in to save her boy, he just stood there while her precious child burned to death. Her heart and any soft feelings she ever had for the Emperor burned that night. After She discovered that she was the only one that cared about her son, the Emperor was too hung up on his foolish beliefs.


    Empress Lu brought the took out the blanket and brought it up to her nose. She never allowed anyone to touch the blanket so as not to lose her son''s newborn scent.


    When she entered the palace, her grandaunt who was the Empress dowager back then told her that after many years when the love had run dry, you will have to rely on your children to console you.


    She had never understood that statement until that night as she watched her husband stand there, completely indifferent to her pain. That was the moment she swore to protect her children herself and never depend on anyone else to do that for her.


    Xuayi took her mistress hands in hers and hugged her tight. The Empress''s shoulders shook as she cried, Xuanyi rubbed her back gently. She of all people understood what the Empress was going through. Xuanyi and Empress Lu were very close, they grew up together and she followed the Empress from the Lu family after her marriage.


    It hurt her to see her once bubbling mistress reduced to this. Her mistress was kindhearted when she married the Emperor but after years of abuse from the Emperor, she had changed into someone else. She had gotten colder and manipulative that sometimes even surprised her.


    Imperial concubine Sheng and the fifth Prince opened up an old wound. The only person that seemed to get her mistress mood up was General Lu but It was too late to call the general over. She could only distract her mistress by talking about something else entirely.


    "Your highness, I spoke with Big madam Lu before the banquet started. She informed me that a few families are approaching her to arrange a match between the second young master and their daughters"


    The Empress stopped shaking, Xuanyi smiled when she noticed that and passed a handkerchief to the Empress. There were only a few things that could distract her mistress, the Empress pull out of her arms. She dabbed her eye gently "is there anyone good?", She asked.


    "Only a few"


    Empress Lu bit her lips thoughtfully and replied "the Emperor has already dictated Yingjie''s marriage. I can''t allow him to do that again, send a message to Elder Princess Long. She has an unmarried granddaughter named Xia Ying. I have met her a few times, she is very smart and kind. She will make a good match for Azhu, inform her to send over her daughter for a visit".


    "Yes, the princess is a good match for General Lu. They both care so much for the people, I heard that the princess provides education to the commoner in her hometown".


    "Xia Ying was raised by her grandmother the eldest princess so you can imagine that she would be quite an overachiever. Which is why I am pairing her with Azhu, the Eldest princess will protect him when I am not here anymore", Empress Lu said folding the blanket and putting it back into the box.


    "Please don''t talk like this, your highness. You are still strong, you can protect the Lu family!" Xuanyi cried out quickly.


    "I am not going to die any time soon Xuanyi, I am just planning ahead. The Emperor''s Paranoia is getting worse, it''s only a matter of time before he sees me as a thorn in his side. I am still here because of his old sentiments. I have to plan for the future, I need to ensure that the Lu family would be safe when I am not longer here" She replied shutting the lid of the box and turning the key.


    "The crown Prince wouldn''t let that happen"


    "Would he have any other choice, I don''t place my trust fully on the crown Prince. Even if he calls mother, he is still not my child. There are no blood ties between us, he wouldn''t be very loyal to me. He has gotten closer to the Tong family of late, soon he will no longer see me as a mother".


    "You have raised him since he was 4 years old, the crown Prince holds you dear to his heart. Nothing and no one would change that fact!"


    Empress Lu laughed softly "only time will tell".

 Chapter 44: There is more to her than meets the eye 3

    Two days later, the main courtyard of Duke of Wu''s manor.


    The servants cleared the table after Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie finished their dinner and retreated apart from Su Liya, Tian Tian and a few servants that stood guard in the hallway. After days of thinking, Su Liya''s words now made sense.


    She had been searching for the right time to bring it up to Lu Yingjie. She knew that the Emperor had been working everyone to the ground ever since the banquet. The rumours making the rounds were that the Emperor put the fifth Prince on house arrest.


    Another rumour going around was that the sixth prince side was trying to make use of the fifth Prince''s lapse in judgement to remove him from his official position. However, the Emperor was determined to only suspend the fifth Prince for a few weeks as punishment.


    It wasn''t in her place to talk about court affairs however with the speed at which the Emperor bead trying to put an end to the fifth Prince affairs, they could lose their opportunity to investigate the Shi family''s involvement in opium importation.


    Zhu Fengyin waited for some time until she felt that the servants were no longer within hearing distance. "I am sorry to say this but as it''s a little time-sensitive, please bear with me" she watched Lu Yingjie''s expression before continuing


    "It is about the fifth Prince, Liya brought to my attention a conversation she overheard between two palace servants. I don''t usually pay any mind to gossip, however, there was a little sense to what is heard"


    Lu Yingjie watched his wife for a few seconds, in the few months of their marriage Zhu Fengyin never talked about court affairs with him. Which was strange, he had put a few shadow warriors on her and they didn''t find anything harmful to the Lu family.


    He had interrupted a few secret correspondences between his wife and her father, Zhu Fengyin had never written anything harmful to the family yet. He was already aware of the so-called conversation she had with her maid Su Liya concerning the fifth Prince''s behaviour at the banquet.


    The shadow guard he had assigned to her, reported everything to him. He had begun conducting his secret investigation on the Shi family''s involvement with the underground drug markets.


    Lu Yaozhu had suggested he used this to test his wives true loyalties. These past few days Lu Yingjie waited patiently to receive a secret correspondence between his wife and her father but had received none.


    He was starting to suspect that he had missed a correspondence between them until now. It would seem that his wife had finally made her choice. He smiled and replied, "we are husband and wife, you can be comfortable with me".


    Zhu Fengyin was a little nervous, she didn''t know how Lu Yingjie would react to this news. She swallowed silently and said "Yaya overheard a few of the servants discussing how a certain imperial physician visited the fifth Prince regularly.


    "The Fifth Prince is known to be in good health but there are rumours that he frequents a few gambling dens that are known to dabble with selling opium. Although the sale of Opium is illegal in the capital, it is still available as a medicine prescribed for special cases."


    "You suspect that the imperial physician visiting the fifth Prince regularly supplies opium to him?" Lu Yingjie asked.


    Zhu Fengyin nodded "Yes".


    "That is not exactly far fetched, I also found the fifth Prince actions during the banquet strange. This could be true but I will have to look into this. You did well, keep it up" Lu Yingjie said smiling. Zhu Fengyin''s cheeks brightened up immediately.


    ******


    The next day, just outside the capital.


    It was around 6 pm but it was still bright outside. The tire of a wooden carriage headed into the capital derailed which spooked the horses. ''Nyeee Nyeee'' the horses exclaimed and took off deep into the forest on one side of the road.


    The driver tried to rein in the horses but the horses were already spooked. The horses shook their head quickly, which threw the driver away from his seat. The driver fell off the carriage and hit his head and shoulder on a tree, while the horses continued forward.


    Inside the carriage, the previously calm and collected Xia Ying fell forward from her seat in the carriage. Her ladies maid Yuqi held her steady and prevented her from hitting her head on the carriage wall.


    Yuqi raised the curtain covering the window, "we are going too fast, your highness. We might hit something", Yuqi. Had only said that when she saw a stone up ahead. Their carriage was headed straight to it.


    "Your highness, we have to get out of here. We are headed for a boulder" Yuqi said panicking. Xia Ying abandoned all pretence of proprietary and raised the curtains. She said a huge boulder up ahead, Xia Ying kicked the door open immediately.


    "We have to jump out of here, Yuqi" she stretched out her hands expectantly. Yuqi held her mistress hand tightly and they jumped out, As they jumped, Xia Saw a tree up ahead of them. Fearing that they might hit the tree head-on, she shook Yuqi''s hands away and pushed her aside.


    Xia Ying shut her eyes as she fell, she was expecting to hit the tree. When an a wrapped around her waist and pulled her out of harm''s way. She shut her eyes tightly and clenched her teeth until she felt her feet touch the ground.


    Xia Ying opened her eyes quickly, she blushed as she looked straight into two slanted mismatched double eyelid eyes. One of the eyes was brown while the other was hazel with specks of green. She looked at her saviour slowly.


    He was good-looking with a straight high boned nose, thin lips and slanted double eyelids. The scar under his left eye didn''t depreciate his beauty instead it made him more dashing. He was spotting a tan that spoke of his working in the sun.

 Chapter 45: Xia Ying has appeared 1

    Some minutes earlier, At the military training ground


    Lu Yaozhu and the three key commanders of the battalion stood on the raised platform overlooking the training ground, watching as the armoured soldiers completed a military drill. The military drill began at daybreak, with the soldiers carrying heavy weapons while running lapses.


    Lu Yaozhu was tasked with training the recent recruits for the Imperial Army as soon as he returned to the capital. After meaty three months of training, the recruit made significant improvements. After running a thorough evaluation of the recruits, the results were encouraging.


    They were now ready to be presented to the Emperor and ministers. He could barely seat still for a minute, these days. The Emperor kept questioning him about the condition of the soldiers.


    Emperor Zhong was arrogant by nature, he liked to boast, with the Envoys from Chu state present he wished to display northern Wei''s military might. Emperor Zhong''s pride would ultimately lead to his downfall.


    The emperor aimed at conquering all the states, that was his only driving force and while Lu Yaozhu didn''t like that plan, he was glad that the Emperor had such thoughts. The Emperor''s hunger for conquest was the only reason the Lu family was still standing.


    If it wasn''t for the strong military power behind the Lu family, the Emperor would have gotten rid of them. Lu Yaozhu didn''t like risking the lives of his men and himself continuously on the war front but was forced to do so to survive The Emperor''s greed was endless and Lu Yaozhu couldn''t get over the fact that he was one of the driving forces enabling it.


    Lu Yaozhu stopped the training as the sky gradually got darker, he ordered the soldiers to return to the barracks. Lu Yaozhu met with his commanders to plan the next day''s drills, he rode back to the capital with Yu Tao at the sunset.


    He heard screams and horse heaves as they rode through the woods. Lu Yaozhu reined in his horse and listened to determine where the cries were coming from. He turned the horse around and rode in the direction the cries came from.


    He saw a carriage ride headed towards a huge boulder, there wasn''t a driver controlling the spooked horses. Lu Yaozhu jumped down from the bed and ran towards the carriage. He watched as the carriage door was pushed over and a servant and mistress pair jumped out of the carriage.


    The timing of their jump was unplanned because Frome the angle of their jump and the movement of the carriage they were headed straight for a tree. The Mistress noticed that first, she pulled her hands away from that of her maid and pushed the maid away.


    It was only for a split second but Lu Yaozhu''s impression of this young mistress increased. He ran quickly, stepping on a tree trunk to propel himself forward, he jumped forward. Lu Yaozhu grabbed the young mistress hands and pulled her into his arms as they spun in the air.


    Lu Yaozhu grabbed the tree trunk to steady their landing. The young mistress was a bit unsteady after their landing but he held her up until she got back her footing. He stepped away when she did and gave space for the maid from earlier and other female servants who ran to their mistress.


    A properly dressed male who seemed like a guard walked to him, bowed and said "Thank you for saving our Young Mistresses life. Please stay back while we get you a reward".


    Lu Yaozhu laughed, shaking his head he replied "please don''t, don''t think anything of this, there is no need for that". He stepped back and returned to the horses. Meanwhile, Princess, Xia Ying tried to get away from her maids and speak with her saviour.


    She hadn''t said anything to him during the few minutes, she was in his arms and instead, she stood there like a dummy while looking at him. The servants were difficult to shake off from her, she watched her closely and ask If she was feeling pain anywhere in her body.


    Which she denied, by the time she was able to get away from the or unwavering concern, her saviour was gone. "I haven''t even gotten his name" she murmured sadly. The next day at mood Xia Ying arrived at the palace, she was led to the Empress palace by a palace Matron serving the Empress.


    The Empress welcomed her warmly, she asked about her parents and grandmother. When the Empress asked about her trip, Xia Ying replied "It went smoothly Your highness. We didn''t run into any trouble, apart from the tires of the carriage detailing and spooking the horses, the trip went smoothly".


    Empress Lu asked quickly "the carriage tires derailed! How could that happen, were you hurt anywhere?". Empress Lu instructed Xuanyi to send for an imperial physician.


    Xia Ying had only said that to inquire about her saviour, seeing the Empress''s reaction, she replied swiftly "No no I wasn''t hurt, your highness. Luckily a kind man came to our aid".


    "Oh, that is good. Tell his name, so that I can send him a reward", Empress Lu replied relieved to hear that Xia Ying was saved. The Eldest princess sent over her precious granddaughter from Xi''an to the capital at her request. If anything happened to the Princess, she would be held responsible since the princess was under her care.


    Her heart skipped for a second as she heard about the accident, for a second she feared that it was caused by imperial consort Shi and the Shi family. Luckily, it was just an accident, or she would have gone on the warpath.


    To ensure Xia Ying''s safety she had kept her visit under the wraps so as not to tip off the sixth Prince''s camp. She made use of the Emperor''s recent guilt trip, brought about by imperial concubine Sheng and the fifth Prince.


    The Emperor put on a disguise of consoling her by sending over gifts and spending some nights at her palace. His little actions were useless, it has been twenty-two years. She no longer got moved by his pretence. A broken glass jar can''t be fixed, she gave him face by accepting the gifts and acting pleased.


    Xia Ying sighed on hearing the Empress question "he left quickly, your highness. I wasn''t able to get his name".


    "Don''t worry about that, I will call the best painter to draw his picture. Then have a few reliable people search for him so that we can offer him a reward".


    Xia Ying''s face brightened up "really, thanks your highness".


    "It is nothing my dear" Empress Lu replied.

 Chapter 46: Xia saying has appeared 2

    The Imperial Palace.


    While the Empress and Xia Ying caught up on their various affairs, back at the throne room Minister Yao, who work under the ministry of justice Brought up the widespread of drugs in the capital. He pointed out that a lot of young scholars fell victims to addiction.


    Emperor Zhong had high ambitions to Annex the other states so thoughts of losing new talents to opium addiction annoyed him. Lu Yaozhu had predicted that it would. Emperor Zhong ordered Minister Yao together with Minister Hua to look into the case.


    Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie didn''t express any interest so as not to tip the Shi family off. As far as they never got involved in the investigation, everything would go swiftly. The Emperor wasn''t on guard of Minister Yao, he wouldn''t question any of his actions nor defend the Shi family once their involvement was discovered.


    As far as everyone in the capital knew, The Yao and Hua families were both Neutral parties in the fight for the throne since they never backed any of the Princes. They were both hard-working ministers with a lot of notable achievements under their belt.


    Having Minister Yao submit the petition, instead of one of the Lu family''s allies or known associates were all part of Lu Yaozhu''s plan. He did that to ensure that the results of the investigations would be received without contestf.


    The Emperor had an axe to grind with the Lu family and would never accept any results the Lu Yaozhu or his brother submitted. His obvious prejudice was stalling many projects headed by Lu Yingjie.


    if this case was given to any of the Lu brothers or their allies and the Shi family was found to be involved, the Emperor would suppress the results and accuse them of lying to the Emperor. Handing the case to a neutral party was the best option.


    Lu Yaozhu submitted an official leave request to return to the training camp for a few days to keep the Emperor off his trail. The Emperor let down his guard once he believed Lu Yaozhu was out of town. Which made carrying out his discreet investigation on the Shi family''s underground deals easy.


    After carrying out his investigation, the result was in line with what was suggested by Lu Yaozhu He arranged to meet minister Yao secretly to discuss a possible collaboration. Although the Yao family appeared to be neutral in the fight for the throne, they were quite attentive to the struggles of the people.


    Minister Yao didn''t give Lu Yaozhu any response until he conducted his investigation. The Shi family considered their plan safe proof which gave room for mistakes. After careful investigation, it was easy to find out what they were up to.


    Lu Yaozhu happily returned to Lu Manor after the court session. He had his usual calm expression, which looked unconcerned at least to onlookers but the few who knew him personally could see his joy.


    Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie weren''t the only ones in high spirited at Lu Manor. Lu Yingjie whisked Zhu Fengyin into their room when they were both done eating and dismissed the servants.


    Su Liya went straight to her room to turn in for the night. There was a small crowd of maids seated around a maid, as she walked past the general maid rooms. She heard the maid mention Lu Yaozhu''s name and bashful noises arose from the other maids in the room.


    Su Liya just shook her head and kept walking forward. The maids worked hard from dawn to dusk, they didn''t have much time to socialize. When they did, like most employees their liked to gossip about their Employers.


    It wasn''t unusual to see them gossiping about Lu Yaozhu in groups, they usually just spread unrealistic rumours. A maid once said that Lu Yaozhu gave his life to Yama, the god of the dead and made sacrifices to Yama before going to war, she claimed that it was those sacrifices that helped him come out victorious.


    When the maid said that, the other maids all ate that up, she had been surprised to see a bunch of mature adults believe such fantastical nonsense. since most maids were bored out of mind, it wasn''t surprising that they would believe such a load of crap.


    For the past few days, Su Liya underwent strict training on social etiquette and rules of northern Wei in preparation to accompany Zhu Fengyin for a banquet at the Xu family manor. These past two days she was forced to memorize the family history and information of a few notable noble families Madams that would be present.


    It has been a rather stressful two days, she was short-tempered and tired. She wasn''t in the mood to take part in the aimless conversation and just wanted to get better acquainted with her bed. She had been pissed off when she met her fellow roommates once more discussing Lu Yaozhu.


    ''Lu Yaozhu sure is popular today, can''t I get a few hours of not hearing about the magnificent Lu Yaozhu!'' Su Liya thought sighting loudly. She changed into her sleep ware and after brushing her hair plaited it into a thin single braid before turning in for the night.


    Her bed was at the far end of the room facing the bed, she laid down and brought up her blanket. Her only neighbour Tian Tian was on night watch this night. The other maids present were at other side of the room gossiping.


    Su Liya mitted them in her mind as she prepared for sleep. She has turned to face the wall when she heard the names Lu Yaozhu and Xia Ying. She sat up immediately, Xia Ying hasn''t appeared till now. She was initially worried about that character because of her relationship with Liu Yingjie in the original novel.


    She immediately heard alarms go off in her head at the thought of Xia Ying appearing now. Su Liya got out of her bed and ran up to where the other maid sat. As she did, Su Liya asked " What happened to conferred Princess Xia Ying!".


    The maids were fully absorbed in their gossip, no one found her tone off. The maid at the center of the conversation replied "Biqiu''s that works in the kitchen''s husband is one of the second young master''s men. He told her that the young mater came upon the princess''s carriage headed for a boulder and saved her life. Aiya our Young Master is so heroic...."


    The maid said a lot more but Su Liya didn''t pay her any attention anymore. All that was through her mind was the sentence "Xia Ying has appeared". In the original novel, Xia Ying was married to the Duke, the Empress had arranged this union to protect the Lu family.


    Xia Ying had a strong family background, her grandmother was known as the Eldest Princess Ni''an and was the current Emperor''s elder sister. She was the first child of the previous Emperor and was twenty years younger than the current Emperor.


    Xia Ying was married off to one of the Powerful state Dukes before the current Emperor was born. She was known to be intelligent and hard-working. She was the previous Emperor''s favourite princess and was well-loved by everyone.


    Princess Ni''an married a state duke with a powerful military family. The State Duke Ni''an and the Empress protected the borders for decades before retiring to the countryside. The Previous Duke of Wu was close with the state duke. They had fought together a few times so the Empress was close with the Princess.


    Princess Ni''an is very respected, even the pompous Emperor has to accord her some respect. Part of the reason why the Emperor was restrained back in the novel was because of the Powerful Xia Family. Although the state Duke was retired, he still had a solid footing in the government.


    Most senior Ministers listen to him, the Lu family was in trouble. The Emperor was warry of the Lu family and wanted to subdue them. To ensure that the Emperor didn''t go to the extreme, the Empress was arranging a marriage union with the State Duke''s family.


    Xia Ying was the state Duke''s only grandchild, she was beautiful and talented. In the original novel, Xia Ying fell in love with Lu Yingjie at the summer solstice banquet at the palace. They met when he visited the Empress.


    The Empress encouraged the two to cultivate a relationship, a few months later they were married. It was around this time in the original novel that Xia Ying was introduced as the sharp-minded Princess. She was quite capable and was able to protect the Duke and the Lu family from harm a few times.


    It was those actions that made the Duke fall in love with her finally. In the novel, the author hinted a few times that the Duke was previously in love with another woman but unfortunately his feelings weren''t reciprocated. The woman was in love with someone else, she had married the man she was in love with but he never treated her properly.


    While reading the book she l felt that the Lu family men were cursed with unrequited love. They loved selflessly with all their hearts but the object of their affection never felt the same way. Although the author never revealed who the Duke was in love with, reading the book you could feel all the Duke''s sincere feelings.


    She had been so happy when the Duke finally fell in love with Xia Ying. Their love was beautiful, he always loved and supported her no matter what. The thought of her presence in the capital put Su Liya on edge.

 Chapter 47: It is not easy being married 1

    The next day, at the main courtyard.


    At daybreak Su Liya relieved Tian Tian of her night duties, the Duke left for court as she arrived. As he left, he instructed Su Liya to let Zhu Fengyin sleep in for an hour before waking her up. While Zhu Fengyin slept, Su Liya supervised the fourth rank maids as their cleaned up the room.


    Su Liya felt weak while standing by the side, she hadn''t slept well thanks to the disturbing news she received last night. She tossed and turned till late in the night and when she finally fell asleep, she was plagued by nightmares.


    She kept on dreaming of Zhu Fengyin getting killed by Xia Ying after which she followed suit. In her nightmares, their deaths were slow and gruesome. Su Liya shivered and shook her head as she remembered each scene. A tap on her shoulder drew her away from her dark thought.


    A maid stood by her side, Su Liya looked at the maid and asked "Sorry, is there any problem?".


    The maid replied in a small voice that was almost a whisper, "sister Liya, Young Madam is awake".


    "oh! Thanks for letting me know", Su Liya replied. She pulled the curtains separating the sleeping chamber from the other parts of the room and strode in. Zhu Fengyin sat up on the bed, she looked up as Su Liya walked in.


    "What time is it", she asked sweeping the loose strands of her hair to the bank of her ears.


    "It 8:30 am", Su Liya walked to the table next to one of the side windows and poured some drinking water into a cup for Zhu Fengyin


    "It is 8 am! How could let me sleep solace!," Zhu Fengyin exclaimed.


    "I was about waking earlier but master instructed me to let you sleep for an hour", she said. SU Liya placed her hands under Zhu Fengyin''s jaw and raised her face "Aiyo see the bags under your eye, you have worked hard Yin''er", Su Liya said laughing.


    Zhu Fengyin felt her cheeks heat up as she pulled her jaw out of Su Liya''s hands "Silly girl", she muttered pouting. "You are too free, go bring out my purple banquet gown, I will be wearing it for today''s banquet".


    "Okay, why are you such a spoilsport" Su Liya grumbled in a low tone.


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t bother responding, she stood and walked to the curtain. She pulled the curtain aside and instructed a maid to send over some bathing water. After having her bath, Zhu Fengyin put on the purple banquet gown and say at this dressing table to get her hair made.


    Su Liya stood behind Zhu Fengyin, running the hairbrush through her silky smooth hair. As she did, she contemplated if it was a good idea to inform Zhu Fengyin of Xia Ying''s presence in the capital. Although Zhu Fengyin might not be aware of the full story between Xia Ying and Lu Yingjie, she was aware of their marriage.


    The couple had gotten married a year before Zhu Fengyin was killed by hi Faye and Su Liya. She didn''t know what difference informing Zhu Fengyin would make but she felt that she needed to be informed.


    Xia Ying was the Empress guest, there was no banquet or polo match that she wouldn''t be invited to. Even if she kept this from Zhu Fengyin, both ladies moved around the same circle. They were bound to run into each other at a banquet, the only thing Zhu Fengyin could do to avoid the original plot from playing out, was to make Lu Yingjie fall in love with her.


    Lu Yingjie had been attentive to Zhu Fengyin throughout their marriage, Zhu Fengyin making him fall in love with her wouldn''t be difficult. Su Liya ran the hairbrush through Zhu Fengyin''s hair more times than necessary that it caught Zhu Fengyin''s attention.


    Zhu Fengyin cleared her throat gently and said "Yaya I think that my hair has been untangled, if you keep running the comb through my hair, I might get a headache".


    Su Liya shivered and pulled the hairbrush away "oh no! sorry about that. I got distracted".


    "I noticed, what has got you distracted?"


    Su Liya kept the comp on the table, she pulled Zhu Fengyin''s hair up and heald it with her right hand, "I heard from some maids that Princess Xia Ying is in the capital, she was invited by the Empress".


    "The Empress didn''t waste any time it seems" Zhu Fengyin replied calmly.


    "What do you mean?" Su Liya asked eyes narrowed.


    "The Empress inviting the states Duke''s granddaughter is a power move. She must be trying to arrange a marriage between second young master and the princess".


    "Huh! how come it''s the second young master?"


    Zhu Fengyin smiled "who else would it be, the Duke? Please, Princess Ni''an would never allow her granddaughter to become a second wife. The crown Prince already has a possible marriage match with our Young Mistress. The only unmarried male the Empress is fond of is Lu Yaozhu".


    "Really how did I not think of that".


    "Because you are silly, You would know that, if you spend time getting to know each noble family instead of looking being nosy in my love life".


    "It is pretty boring at the residence, the only thing worth paying is your relationship with the Duke. I can''t start paying attention to big madam''s matters now can I"


    "You should improve yourself instead of paying attention to gossip. Don''t make the hairstyle too complicated, make it simple. I don''t want the gossip tomorrow to be how I like being the center of attention"


    "They can get that out of just your hairstyle?"


    "The madams like you have too much time on their hands, they are always looking for something to talk about. This is my first banquet as a Duchess, I can be found wanting. If not Madam Lu would tear me a new one tomorrow, she will be watching my conduct during this banquet".


    Tsk tsk tsk, "Wow marriage into the Lu family isn''t easy", Su Liya said shaking her head.

 Chapter 48: It is not easy being married 2

    After getting dressed Zhu Fengyin accompanied by Su Liya went to Madam Lu''s courtyard. The invitations sent by the Xu family to was addressed to the ladies of the Duke''s residence. Zhu Fengyin was leaving with Madam Lu and Lu Yiling.


    Madam Lu was still getting dressed when she arrived. She had been informed by a maid as she walked in, Zhu Fengyin sat on a seat while waiting for Madam Lu.


    A few minutes after she got seated, Lu Yiling arrived dressed in a light pink banquet gown. Her makeup and hairdo were much simpler and brighter since she was still an unmarried young lady.


    The unmarried young lady left their hair down and wore lighter colours as opposed to the married madams who were allowed darker colours and packed their hair up. Lu Yiling frowned slightly as she saw the maid accompanying Zhu Fengyin.


    She had become on guard at Su Liya presence.


    This was a huge banquet with a lot of Madams from high families. There was absolutely no room for mistakes of any kind, Lu Yiling feared that with a social climber like Su Liya present mistakes were eminent.


    Madam Xu was a tigress, it wouldn''t do to get on her bad graces. She wouldn''t tolerate one of Su Liya''s underhanded moves. Zhu Fenfang let it slip a few days ago that Su Liya seduced the Xu family''s only legitimate heir Xu Jingting during a polo match two years ago.


    Xu Jingting was so bent on marrying her that he refused to eat or drink. Old master Xu was so mad at the first branch of the Xu family and threatened to kick him out of the family. In the end, Madam Xu had to send him away on a tour to stop him from causing her any more trouble.


    It was such a touchy subject for Madam Xu that she got rid of all the servants that knew about that event. She didn''t let the news leak and instead informed everyone that Xu Jingting had gone to study under an old Master. Zhu Fenfang had only heard of this because she was close to the third daughter from the first branch of the Xu family Xu Shishi.


    Based on the history between Su Liya and Xu Jingting she was reluctant about bringing Su Liya with them. Her presence could make Madam Xu misunderstand them, she looked from Su Liya to Zhu Fengyin before finally saying


    "First Sister-in-law I don''t think it is a good idea to go with this maid of yours. I find that her appearance isn''t so good. Madam Xu prefers servants with a much calmer appearance".


    Zhu Fengyin''s eyebrows furrowed slightly when she heard those words. Zhu Fengyin glanced at Su Liya and smiled "Young mistress shouldn''t listen to gossip, they are just tales made up by envious person''s with malicious intent. Madam Xu is nothing like that".


    "You should listen to Fengyin, Ling''er" Madam Lu said as she walked into the room proofed up by her maids. She stopped in front of her daughter and let go of her maid Nanny Liu''s hands. "Ling''er, what did I tell you about listening to gossip, you are no longer a child but an adult. Don''t listen to baseless gossip" she gave Lu Yiling a sharp look.


    Lu Yiling''s proud expression immediately disappeared. She stood and said in a low tone "sorry about that mother, it won''t happen again".


    "En" Madam Lu nodded.


    Zhu Fengyin stood from her seat, bowed and said "good health and long life to you mother"


    Madam Lu turned to Zhu Fengyin and asked "did you wait long?".


    "No mother, I just came in" Zhu Fengyin replied.


    "Alright, it is getting late. Let''s get going" Madam Lu placed her hands on her maid''s arm. Lu Yiling rushed to her other side and took her mother''s hands.


    They left in two carriages, Madam Lu and Lu Yiling were in the carriage behind while Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya occupied the carriage at the front. It was a very bright day, the sun wasn''t very hot so Lu Yingjie followed them on horseback.


    The mansion of the main branch of the Xu family wasn''t that far from their house, it was a ten minutes journey. Zhu Fengyin brought up Lu Yiling''s strange statement when they were alone


    "The Young mistress''s words were all targeted at you, she seems to have an axe to grind with you. I wonder why".


    "I don''t know what I did to get on Lu Yiling''s bad side this time, so far I have avoided Lu Yaozhu like the plague. Don''t know why she is still mad at me!" Su Liya grumbled.


    "I fear that Lu Yiling''s anger with you goes beyond your little fall with her brother. She has been getting closer to Zhu Fenfang of late. Every time Zhu Fenfang visits Madam Lu, she spends an hour is less with Lu Yiling".


    "So it is her doing? Should have guessed so when I kept seeing that white lotus female lead at the residence".


    "This is out of character for Zhu Fenfang, you must have gotten on her bad side. She never treated Su Liya this way, all her anger was always focused on me".


    "Nothing, I always avoid that little snake".


    "It can''t be nothing Yaya, Zhu Fenfang wouldn''t just be attacking you for nothing".


    "Maybe she hates me by association with you"


    "If that was so, then she would also hate Tian Tian and all my other servants. No, I think she is deliberately targeting you. All her attacks have been personal. If she were targeting me, I will be at the receiving end of Lu Yiling''s rage not you"


    "That is true but I haven''t had much_ it can''t be because of that ... She wouldn''t be so petty at to do this" Su Liya said.


    Zhu Fengyin looked at her eyes narrowed as she asked "what happened between you two?"


    "Well... nothing significant"


    "If it was nothing significant, we wouldn''t be having this conversation now would we"Zhu Fengyin said in a scary sweet voice.


    "No we won''t, well it wasn''t anything major, at least I didn''t see it as anything major. It was just that two days to your mother''s memorial ceremony, Zhu Fengyin overheard a conversation between Zhu Faye and I. She tried to threaten to reveal it to Madam Zhu if I didn''t report everything you did to her. She promised to put in a good word for me with madam Zhu and get me married to Zhu Faye as a concubine"


    "Ha! Like third brother will ever let that happen. Let me guess you refused to help her and she is now angry and taking it out on you".


    "Well yes, but I didn''t exactly refuse her gently. I might''ve insulted her for not being favoured"


    "Why would you do that!"


    "I was angry and didn''t know when that came out. Too bad that was a bad move on my part, it is not good to hurt people with one of their biggest insecurities".


    "I am glad that you know that, there is nothing that can be done. Even if you apologize, she wouldn''t let you go easily. Just avoid her alright until she has gotten over the whole thing"


    "Of she ever gets over it. I am doomed" Su Liya said resting her head back on the carriage wall.


    Madam Xu stood at the door welcoming her guest when they got down from the carriage. After treating their host, Zhu Fengyin followed madam Lu into the garden.

 Chapter 49: Their little secret

    Xu Mansion.


    Madam Xu and First master Xu stood at the gate of their mansion, welcoming guests. Madam Xu was at the same age as Madam Lu but she looked much older. It had been written in the novel that Xu Jingting always caused a lot of trouble and made her worry about him.


    The Xu family were in-laws with Madam Lu''s Paternal family the He family. The third master of the Xu family was married to Madam Lu''s cousin. The Xu family come from a long line of scholars, all of whom were ranked in the imperial examination.


    The current head of the family Old master Xu had four son''s and five daughters, all of whom were all married. Xu Qiumei, Lu Yaozhu''s future wife was the fourth daughter of the third master. While Xu Jingting was the only son of the first master of the Family.


    Xu Jingting was a daredevil with no ambitions that spent his day going from brothel to brothel. He moved around with other spoiled young masters in the capital. He gambled and took bets on various risky activities. In a chapter in the original novel, during a polo match, Xu Jingting once set that he could ride a bull round the field while blindfolded without falling.


    He nearly got trampled by the bull and instead broke his arm. He was an adrenaline junkie, he lived for the thrills without considering how it affected his health. This kind of man was bad news, apart from his good family background there was nothing special about him.


    His bad reputation didn''t stop the original Su Liya from trying to seduce him, the author once hinted in the comments section that Su Liya had a fling with this brainless daredevil. She never remembered this until she stood face to face with the lovesick young master.


    ******


    Sometime later


    A carriage from the Minister of Revenue stopped at the gate, the two female occupants of the carriage Zhu Fenfang and Madam Zhu stepped out with their servants following them closely. Madam Zhu and Zhu Fenfang greeted their host at the gates before going in.


    Ever since Zhu Feifei''s marriage to the sixth Prince, Madam Zhu received a lot of respect as the mother of a Princess consort. She enjoyed all the attention and praises showered on her by other madams.


    She was one of the most envied madams in the capital for getting both of her daughter''s married one after the other and to two of the most eligible young men in the capital. A group of madams flocked to Madam Zhu as she walked in, most of whom had in married Son''s and daughters and wished to get close to her.


    The Madams all wished to be related to the Zhu family by marriage. Minister Zhu was close friends with the Emperor and had a lot of influence on the court. Minister Zhu had two unmarried sons including Zhu Faye and Zhu Fenfang.


    The Madams praised everything she had on her from her hairstyle and pins to her shoes in a bid to get on her good side. When that tactic was exhausted the women turned to Zhu Fenfang who stood next to Madam Zhu.


    Zhu Fenfang and Zhu Faye accompanied Madam Zhu to the banquet. Minister Zhu was busy with official business so Zhu Faye stood in for him. Zhu Faye saw some friends from the academy, he separated from them at the door and joined them.


    Madam Zhu didn''t take that to heart since Zhu Faye was preparing for the imperial examination, it was prudent for him to associates with other scholars and build a profitable relationship.


    Zhu Fenfang was glad that he wasn''t present or he would grab all the attention that she was currently receiving. The Madams praised her beauty and clothes, the praises all made her happy but she put on a shy expression to full them into thinking she was embarrassed and humble.


    This was the first time, all the attention and praises were on her and not Zhu Fengyin or Zhu Feifei. Usually, when they attended banquets every eye was always on Zhu Fengyin or Zhu Feifei, the legitimate daughters. While she was ignored and treated like she was invincible.


    Zhu Fenfang was loving all the attention, it suddenly didn''t matter that she had to deal with everyone asking about Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Feifei. She was finally getting her chance to shine and the madams were all finally noticing her. The feeling was wonderfully refreshing.


    She was getting comfortable with all the attention when Zhu Fengyin appeared. She came with Su Liya to greet her stepmother, Zhu Fenfang felt the smile slip from her face as Zhu Fengyin got closer. Zhu Fenfang turned to madam Zhu and whispered "Mother I see Yiling up ahead. Can I please be excused".


    Madam Zhu Looked in the direction Zhu Fenfang indicated and rolled her eyes. She didn''t want to come with this unambitious daughter of hers but she didn''t want to risk starting any rumours of maltreating her stepdaughter and was forced to come with her.


    She never liked talking with this Zhu Fenfang, not only was Zhu Fenfang slow nut she was also cowardly. While she enjoyed that about her since it meant that she wouldn''t have to worry about this concubine daughter getting in her children''s way.


    While she wasn''t pleased with Zhu Fenfang she still allowed her to leave to get rid of her, since her presence wasn''t really necessary. She had spoken with the minister and Zhu Fenfang''s marriage was already set. Soon one of her major problems would be gone and she could finally get some rest.


    As soon as she left, madam Zhu quickly focused on other things. Soon it was time to go into the garden and enjoy an opera performance. The women were led to their seats by madam Xu, the tables were already set.


    Su Liya ran into Xu Jingting while running out to get a clean shaw for Zhu Fengyin. The banquet was in full swing, the guest were all seated and the dish was served. The male and female guests all sat separately, the male sat at round tables with First master Xu presiding over the banquet while seated at the center of the table.


    While First Madam Xu entertained the females, the male and female guests were separated by a wide curtain. There were unmarried women present, it wasn''t proper for the unmarried women and males to interact.


    Su Liya stood behind Zhu Fengyin as both the male and female guests watched the opera performance on the stage set up In front. The servants brought in a new course after the first course as they placed it on the table, Zhu Fengyin''s shaw was stained with wine.


    Su Liya acted quickly and took the Shaw off Zhu Fengyin''s shoulder. Although it was summer she didn''t want to risk, Zhu Fengyin catching a cold. She rushed out to get an extra shaw from the carriage.


    She ran into Xu Jingting on her way back. He smiled sheepishly as stood in her way. He didn''t let her pass, he smelled like an alcohol dispensary.


    The longer she stayed in this world, the more she disliked this foolish small-time villainess she replaced. Su Liya made more bad decisions than a drug addict high on crack.

 Chapter 50: Their little secret 2

    40 minutes before the banquet began.


    Zhu Fenfang turned to madam Zhu and whispered "Mother I see Yiling up ahead. Can I please be excused".


    Zhu Fenfang stood patiently for a few seconds before receiving a nod from her stepmother. Madam Zhu was busy playing the influential socialite and didn''t pay her any mind. Which was exactly what Zhu Fenfang was counting on. She didn''t wish to get a front roll seat to praise Zhu Fengyin, the new Duchess of Wu party.


    She just might lose it, If she stood there any longer. Those madams only respond t power and with Zhu Fengyin present, the table was bound to turn on her. Zhu Fenfang walked to a free seat at the balcony,


    Zhu Fenfang had no intention of approaching that naive young mistress of the Lu family, she had only used it as an excuse to get out of having to stand by and watch everyone praise Zhu Fengyin. Some minutes after she was seated, Lu Yiling joined her at the balcony.


    Lu Yiling ran to her side and grabbed her hands, she looked left and right "There you are Sister Fenfang, I have been looking all over for you!"


    "I just arrived, that must be why" Zhu Fenfang replied.


    "If you had just arrived, you must not have run into my sister-in-law. You won''t believe this but she came with that maid of hers. I tried to stop her from coming but sister in law refused", Lu Yiling said her brows wrinkled. She bit her lips gently,


    Zhu Fenfang found Lu Yiling behaviour was a little weird. She didn''t understand why Lu Yiling would be this unsettled because Zhu Fengyin brought Su Liya with her to the banquet.


    "What is going on Yiling," she asked slowly.


    Lu Yiling dragged her to the garden next to the balcony after making sure that no one followed them she said "I just found out from sister Qiumei that her cousin, Xu Jingting was back from his tour". Her voice rose as she said the last words.


    "Xu Jingting is back?" asked Zhu Fenfang.


    "Yes!" Lu Yiling said pinching the skin on her neck.


    The wheels in Zhu Fenfang head began to roll as she suddenly came up with an idea. His initial anger at Zhu Fengyin stealing everyone''s attention disappeared. Everything was working in her favour, Xu Jingting presence was just what she needed to make this banquet memorable.


    Xu Jingting was very silly, that year she hadn''t needed to do much to push him to Su Liya. She had met Xu Jingting by chance at an embroidery house, she didn''t know who he was when they had met. She just thought he was another spoiled rich young master, so she didn''t pay him any mind.


    It wasn''t until she had accompanied Madam Zhu to a banquet host by the Xu family and was introduced to him. Xu Jingting was a popular rogue in the capital, he was popular for being infamous. Even without meeting him, she heard of all his escapade.


    That time just like today, she had been ignored by everyone as everyone praised Zhu Fengyin. No one noticed when she left, they were too focused on their blind worship of Zhu Fengyin. She had escaped to a garden, which was where she found Xu Jingting.


    Xu Jingting had recognised her from the Embroidery shop that day and strike up a conversation. He didn''t care much for propriety so it was no surprise that when he informed her that he had accompanied his former lover to the embroidery house.


    He then told her how he had been forced to break it off with her because his mother wished to get him a wife. Since it wasn''t proper to have a concubine before getting married he had to break it off with her.


    Out of curiosity, she had asked if his mother had any young lady in mind, which was when he informed her that his mother was hoping to choose one of the young ladies from the Zhu family.


    Zhu Fenfang hadn''t introduced herself to him so he didn''t know who she was. She pressed on for more information and discovered that madam Zhu had suggested to his mother that he married the third young mistress which was concubine born.


    His reputation was too bad to get him a legitimate born young lady so his mother had to settle on her. She was the only daughter born of a concubine, madam Zhu wanted to use her to curry favour with the Xu family.


    Zhu Fenfang was so angry at the thought of Madam Zhu using her as a bargaining chip just to ensure a more stable standing for her children that she informed him that the second daughter of the Zhu family was the most beautiful.


    She told him that the third daughter was sickly and ugly, that was the only reason Madam Zhu wanted to arrange a marriage between them. She convinced him that madam Zhu was trying to trick them into marrying an ugly wife while keeping her beautiful daughter with her.


    Luckily Xu Jingting wasn''t familiar with the Zhu family and fell for her trick, she then suggested that he go out and see for himself. Zhu Fenfang hid in the garden so when Xu Jingting went out to check he was introduced to only Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Feifei.


    She had assumed that her plan had worked since Xu Jingting announced that he had met the most beautiful girl in his life when he got back to the garden. It wasn''t until she saw Su Liya and Xu Jingting together at a jewellery shop that she discovered that her plan hadn''t gone as she had planned.


    She had been worried about being forced to marry such an unruly man when she heard from one of her servants that young master Xu insisted on marrying Su Liya. She found out that he was putting up quite a fight by refusing to eat but old master Xu wasn''t relenting.


    She monitored the drama for weeks when she was informed that old master Xu was threatened to kick Xu Jingting out of the family. Zhu Fenfang hoped that Madam Xu would somehow blame Zhu Fengyin for the big mess but that never happened. A few days later Xu Jingting was sent away to keep him from getting, old master Xu angrier.


    Now he was back, the thought of what she could do with this news made her happier. She quickly dismissed Lu Yiling, she had better things to do than to stay with this foolish little girl.


    Lu Yiling was no longer that useful to her, she never intended to marry into the Lu family so she still didn''t see the need to keep her closer. After the palace banquet, she had met the Crown Prince a few times in secret.


    The first time was at a temple, she had gone there to visit her mother at the Zhu family ancestral room. The second time was at a book store, Zhu Fenfang met with the crown prince a few more times while outside.


    While the crown prince pretended to be surprised to meet her all those time, Zhu Fenfang suspected that he had found out about her activities and pretended to meet her by chance. However, she pretended to be unaware since it was to her advantage


    When it was just her and her maid Xiao Chu, Zhu Fenfang called her made closer and instructed her to bribe a servant to inform Xu Jingting that Su Liya was present.

 Chapter 51: Something nasty is brewing

    Xu Mansion.


    Xiao Chu stepped out to make the arrangements, minutes before the guests were led in by madam Xu. The guests were led to a widespread wooden pavilion opposite a temporary stage. The female guests took their seats under the pavilion, separated from the male guests by a screen.


    Zhu Fenfang was seated next to Madam Xu, Xiao Chu to Zhu Fenfang''s side minutes after she was seated. She whispered into her ear " Everything is set, young Miss".


    Zhu Fenfang glanced at Su Liya with the side of her eyes, her lips curved up. "Good" she replied feeling giddy. The thoughts of finally wiping the smile off of Su Liya''s face made her happy, she could barely keep calm.


    Not long after, a long line of maids carried trays of food and placed them carefully on the table before stepping aside for a new set of maids who delivered the jugs of wine.


    Zhu Fengyin was seated next to Madam Lu and Lu Yiling at the opposite end of the table from Zhu Fenfang. Which gave Zhu Fenfang a full view of Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya. She watched as a maid holding a jar of wine topped off everyone''s cup of wine.


    Zhu Fenfang caught the maid''s eyes when she was only a few steps away from Zhu Fengyin and nodded. She watched as the maid pretended to slip pouring wine all over Zhu Fengyin. "Ah!" the maid screamed mouth opened slightly.


    It happened so fast, no one saw that it was staged. Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya stepped back as soon as they heard the maid exclam. Their quick movement made the maid miss her target as the wine plastered on the spot Zhu Fengyin''s seat was previously located.


    The wine missed Zhu Fengyin by a hairs distance but a few droplets fell on her white shaw. The maid fell to her knee, she low towed multiple times hitting her forehead on the ground multiple times while pleading loudly "sorry madam, I was wrong. I deserve to be punished!".


    Madam Xu stood and instructed the maid "What is this, quick go check of First Madam Lu is hurt. Sorry for this First madam, I didn''t teach my servants properly. I will discipline this unruly maid" she looked to the steward and nodded towards the kneeling maid.


    "No no, it is alright madam Xu there is no need for that. It was an accident, I don''t mind", Zhu Fengyin said folding the stained Shawl and handed it over to Su Liya.


    Su Like took the shawl and bowing rushed out to get her mistress another shawl. Madam Xu was impressed by how can and collected Zhu Fengyin was in the face of such a horrible mistake that her impression of Zhu Fengyin improved.


    She looked at the shivering made and said "Go away".


    The made turned to madam Xu still kneeling, kowtowed and replied "Yes!" She picked up the pitcher and left the room while the other maids did a quick work of cleaning the spilled wine and replacing the stained seat with a fresh seat.


    While the maids cleaned up, Su Liya ran to the carrier and placing the stained Shawl in a basket by the seat in the carriage, she picked up. a clean shawl and ran back into Xu Mansion. She ran straight into a flashy chest and took a step back.


    She looked up while gently rubbing her forehead, to relieve the slight pain from the collision. She looked down almost immediately, she had ran into one of the young masters. She bowed as she was thought and said "sorry Sir, I didn''t pay attention to where I was going".


    All the hours of intense training these past few days seem to work because the young master accepted the apologies as opposed to sending her away to be punished or so she thought. His next words soon made her breathing still.


    "Why are you acting so different, It''s hasn''t been that long. Surely you recognize me Xiao Liya"


    Su Liya blinked twice and thought ''Xiao Ya? That is strange. Does this young master know the original owner of this body? This can''t be good! if he knows the original owner, he might notice the difference between us. I have to find out who he is.


    The Young Master must have taken her silence as anger because he quickly continued speaking


    "you must be mad because of the events of that year Xiao Liya but please don''t take that to heart. I didn''t wish to stand you up back then, my mother four out about our plans to elope and grounded me at home. She then arranged to send me away without anyone knowing, so please don''t be mad. I still want to marry you"


    Su Liya could identify who he was until she heard the last few words. She rolled her eyes while cussing her horrible luck in her mind. "oh Lord no! Don''t tell me I ran into one of the original Su Liya''s previous scum ex-boyfriends. Once I get out of this book, I am going to visit the temple and check my Feng shu. I think I am going through my years of bad luck", Su Liya thought trying to maintain a straight face.


    Xu Jingting didn''t notice her change in attitude because he continued attempting to "appease her". He placed his hands on her shoulder but she quickly brushed him off and took a step back.


    "Xiao Liya don''t be unreasonable, you know I couldn''t avoid getting sent awake but don''t worry, I am back now. I will take part in the next imperial examination. Mother has promised me that I would be married once I pass so wait for me. Okay" he said trying once more to place his hands on her shoulder but she stepped back again.


    Su Liya noticed some movement behind Xu Jingting, she heard faintly the sound of a group of women discussing getting closer. The women should have been busy watching the opera they''re coming here suddenly was normal and was obviously orchestrated by someone.


    Her money was on Zhu Fenfang being the mastermind behind this, she was the only one that would benefit from this. The Lu family would also be affected by a scandal such as this so madam Lu and Lu Yingjie wouldn''t take the risk but Zhu Fenfang would Since she had nothing to lose


    Although she did enjoy any of the etiquette lessons she had been given by Zhu Fengyin, she had paid attention to each lesson. Even without the lesson, she was aware that one of the most important to any woman in ancient times was her virtue.


    Once that is lost, it could never be returned, a scandal of any kind affected everyone related to you. As she was Zhu Fengyin''s maid if she was caught meeting a man alone in secret her reputation and that of Zhu Fengyin and the Lu family would be destroyed.

 Chapter 52: Something nasty is brewing 2

    If she was caught with a man alone in a secluded place like the garden, it would ruin not just her reputation but that of Zhu Fengyin and the Lu family. Zhu Fengyin wasn''t on good terms with her mother-in-law, a scandal like this would ruin her chances.


    Su Liya couldn''t let that happen, she immediately took a step back and said "you have the wrong person young master. If there is nothing else I will take my leave".


    She walked past him or attempted to but was held up when he held her arm "I have the wrong person? Do you think I am blind or that I don''t recognize faces. If you are angry Xiao Liya, just a cold me don''t pretend like you don''t recognize me".


    Su Liya swore silently as she heard the voices get closer "Damn it I have to get going before these women gets closer. Why can''t this he give me a break".


    Her eyes darted to the pathway up ahead, the voices of the madams got closer. She bit her lips gently as she searched for a quick retreat. When she couldn''t come out with any other options, Su Liya pulled her arm out of his hold with force.


    Frowning, Su Liya said with a tight expression "let go, You have the wrong person. I don''t know you". She hissed and after straightening out the sleeves of her uniform, she straighten out her leg to continue forward.


    When she was held back by a loud cold female voice "stop there! Where do you think you are going".


    Su Liya stood backing the entrance, her attention focused on the trouble in front that she missed the danger behind her. During the time that she spends running around to get a fresh shawl for Zhu Fengyin, she had missed Zhu Feifei and the sixth Prince arrival.


    Su Liya held the skirt of her gown tightly and counted till 3 with her eyes closed. When that didn''t make the situation less annoying, she thought "Damn it! Why". Finally breathing in deeply and breathing out quickly, Su Liya turned around to see who it was that caught her.


    She had a premonition of bad luck as she turned around but she dismissed that feeling until she was face to face with Zhu Feifei and Zhongshan Cheng. They stood a short distance away from her, they were both dressed in festive red.


    The Sixth Prince smiled smugly, while Zhu Feifei looked irritated by her. Xu Jingting bowed at the couple and said "Your Highness, Princess consort".


    His greeting reminded her of all the hours spent learning etiquette, Su Liya courtesied "Your highness" she looked down at the ground.


    Zhu Feifei saw her husband''s eyes brighten up as soon as he saw Su Liya and frowned. She could not deal with another concubine stuffed into her husband''s side courtyard. She already had a lot on her plate dealing with all of those crafty wenches at the sixth prince''s side courtyard.


    If someone as beautiful as Su Liya got into her family, she would be completely sidelined. She would never let that happen, Zhu Feifei balled up her fist.


    Zhongshan Cheng initially wished to avoid the Xu family banquet but was advised against it by his mother. Although the later generation of the Xu family were all useless to him, old master Xu was still a respected minister with a lot of influence on the government.


    Zhongshan Cheng had to attend the banquet if only to give old master Xu some face. He didn''t wish to stay longer and deliberately arrived a little later than usual. He was the most favoured son of the Emperor, the Xu family had no right to be offended by his lateness.


    He couldn''t attend the banquet alone, so to keep up with appearances, he brought his new wife along. This wife of his was quite an eyesore to him, she wasn''t very smart yet she liked to pretend otherwise. He would have gotten rid of her a while ago if she wasn''t the daughter of Minister Zhu.


    Zhu Feifei was below Zhu Fengyin in everything from beauty to grace, they were worlds apart. In the five months that they had been married Zhu Feifei had turned his mansion upside down because of her temper multiple times. He was only tolerating her because she was pregnant with his child.


    Once his child was born, he would put her in her place. His mother was banking on her giving birth to the Emperor''s first grandson, which would make his father happy. He wasn''t expected to run into such an interesting scene as soon as he arrived. It looked like the Xu family''s heir Xu Jingting was meeting a maid in secret.


    Xu Jingting was known to be obsessed with beauty so he was curious about the appearance of the maid. He never expected to be struck speechless by the exquisite features of this maid. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with exotic features.


    Zhongshan Cheng was so enamoured by her presence that he didn''t notice when he made the statement "Beautiful". Zhu Feifei was blinded by anger as soon as she heard that word.


    "Su Liya! You sl*t how dare you try to seduce your better!".


    Zhu Feifei had said it so loudly that Madam Xu and the other ladies heard it from afar. Su Liya fell to her knee, head bent low as she replied "this is a misunderstanding your highness. I went out to get a shawl for my madam and got lost. I was asking the young master for directions".


    "Ha! who are you trying to lie to? I know your type of maid, you are just an opportunist!" Zhu Feifei spat out pointing at Su Liya.


    "Your highness please don''t misunderstand this servant, my young madam''s shawl got stained. I was sent out to get her a fresh shawl" Su Liya repeated, maintaining the previous position.


    By this point Madam Xu and the other madams got closer, she looked from her son to the royal couple and back to the kneeling maid. Xu Jingting saluted his mother and the madams "mother, madams".


    Madam Xu nodded and then rushed forward to greet the sixth Prince and his princess consort. "your highness, welcome to my home", she said performing a graceful curtsy.


    Zhu Feifei let out some breaths and greeted their host. This was her first time meeting Madam Xu since she had gotten married, she wanted to make a good impression and not embarrass the sixth prince.


    Madam Xu held her up before she could proceed with any greetings "please don''t your highness, there is no need for that. I don''t dare accept this, your highness. You are carrying a royal offspring".


    Zhu Feifei smiled and acted shy, she forgot her previous anger immediately.


    "Please don''t say that Madam Xu, you are making me embarrassed".


    Madam Xu caught Su Liya''s eyes and waved her off, Su Liya nodes and keeping her head down rushed away and returned to the banquet hall.

 Chapter 53: Bad news comes in threes 1

    Zhu Fengyin was seated when she returned to the banquet, Su Liya draped the shawl on her shoulders and stepped back. Su Liya had taken a while to get bad which got Zhu Fengyin worried. She was about to enquire about that from Su Liya when Zhu Feifei was led in by madam Xu.


    Zhu Feifei sat next to her mother, all the other Madams present got over their shock at her presence at the banquet. That all began to get on her good graces, Zhu Fengyin didn''t join the adoring fans and continued to watch the play.


    A short time later, Zhu Fengyin felt some movement at her right, she turned to find Zhu Feifei seated next to her. Zhu Fengyin rolled her eyes and faced forward, choosing to avoid talking to Zhu Feifei.


    Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Feifei never got along, they usually avoided each other''s company when they could. Zhu Fengyin didn''t have the brain cells to waste talking to this senseless sister of hers. Zhu Fengyin''s rude treatment didn''t stop Zhu Feifei from talking to her.


    "Sister Fengyin, it''s been a while how is married life treating you," Zhu Feifei said rubbing her baby bump. As if to tell Zhu Fengyin that we are both married for a while now and I already have a child on the way. Where is your child?


    Zhu Fengyin noticed her actions but pretended otherwise, she rolled her eyes. She replied with a sunny expression "The Lu family and the Duke treats me well thanks for your concern".


    Zhu Feifei snared at her while thinking ''who is concerned about you. Keep pretending like you aren''t concerned. We will see how long you can act this way. She glanced at Su Liya who stood a few steps behind Zhu Fengyin and smiled.


    Zhu Feifei grabbed Zhu Fengyin''s hand and place it on her hands. Patting her hands gently she said "You have only been married for a few months so you must still be in the honeymoon phase but that doesn''t mean that you should slack even for a second.


    " I will advise someone with more experience I these matters_"


    Zhu Fengyin''s eyes narrowed as soon as she heard that but she held back to see where this unpleasant conversation would lead to. There was no smoke without fire.


    "You are just newly married but you should be careful of these greedy maids who like to seduce their betters" Zhu Feifei looked at Su Liya as she said this.


    Zhu Fengyin was amused to hear that, she understood the sentiment behind Zhu Feifei''s words because she had experienced what Zhu Feifei was currently facing in her marriage in her past life.


    In the three years, she had been married to Zhongshan Cheng, she had been forced to deal with the never-ending line of Zhongshan Cheng''s concubine. No one was safe from Zhongshan Cheng''s hands, she was forced to be suspicious of every single female servant in the sixth Prince mansion.


    Back then she had been madly in love with Zhongshan Cheng and kept making excuses for his actions. She blamed the maids for seducing him by using various underhanded moves. She had done that because she didn''t want to accept that Zhongshan Cheng wasn''t an honourable man.


    It had taken her a year before she could finally accept that the women were not the problem. It took two to tango and Zhongshan Cheng wasn''t all that innocent. Once she became at peace with that thought, she stopped worrying about all his affairs and paid more attention to her health.


    While she understood where Zhi Feifei was coming from, she couldn''t tolerate this attitude from her. Zhu Fengyin looked around, when she saw that no one was paying them any mind, she pulled her hands out of Zhu Feifei''s hands.


    She hissed and said in a low tone "I do not need your concern, don''t ever try to interfere in my marriage. You should pay more attention to your marriage and stay out of mine". She picked up her cup of wine and moved down the table completely ignoring her younger sister.


    Zhu Feifei snared at her silently before returning to her seat. By the end of the banquet, while Zhu Fengyin went home in high spirits, Zhu Fenfang and Zhu Feifei went back on a horrible.


    ********


    Two weeks later, At the court hearing for the investigation into the widespread of opium in northern Wei.


    After two weeks of investigation, minister Yao and Minister Hua submitted a report requesting that the case be discussed at a special court session. Minister Yao was aware of the seriousness of the accusations about to be brought up against the Shi family and wanted to ensure that justice be found.


    When the case was called out by the presiding eunuch, Minister Yao and Minister Hua stepped forward and stood side by side. They bowed in unison and submitted their evidence. The entire court was shocked when the Shi family was accused of illegally distributing opium and embezzling public funds.


    The accusations couldn''t be contested since all the evidence and eyewitnesses pointed to the Shi family. No mail how favoured the Shi family was, the Emperor was forced to investigate their dealings.


    The investigation was transferred to the hands of Inspector Mu Yitze. Mu Yitze was a very thorough Investigator, within a few days evidence supporting the accusations were discovered. A few other minister''s and merchants were discovered to be involved in the deal.


    Minister Shi, the other Ministers and merchants were arrested and locked up for questioning. Imperial Consort Shi was getting a foot massage from her maid when one of the Eunuchs she had left at the court ran into the room.


    "Your highness we have an emergency!" He cried out falling to his knees.


    Imperial Consort Shi didn''t open her eyes at all, she just sat still eyes closed as the maid massaged her foot. She felt irritated by the Eunuchs little actions, "you had better have something better to report you are dead", she said in a bored tone.


    The Eunuchs next words made her seat forward.


    "Your highness, master Shi and the first master has been arrested!"


    "WHAT!!"

 Chapter 54: Bad news comes in threes 2

    Imperial palace


    "Your highness, Master Shi and the first master has been arrested!"


    "WHAT!!" Imperial Consort Shi slapped her hands on the chaise and sat forward. "What happened! How can a normal court session end like this!"


    The little eunuch didn''t respond he kowtowed, hurrying his head between his hands. He was familiar with the Imperial consort''s temper and didn''t want to be here anymore. Imperial Consort Shi never understood the saying of don''t shoot the messenger, he silently prayed that the ground would open and swallow him.


    Working for the royal family was risky, especially when you worked with a consort as deadly as Imperial consort Shi. One wrong mood could end with your death, the little eunuch shivered while praying silently.


    Meanwhile, the imperial consort kicked the maid massaging her feet away with force and stood. She called her court lady "court Lady Yang please find out what is going on".


    Her court lady a slightly plump lady, a few years older than her bowed "Yes" and walked to the door. She was nearly at the door when the door was pushed open and the sixth Prince rushed in.


    "Mother! We have a problem" he said walking briskly to her side.


    "Xiao Cheng? What happened at court today? Why am I hearing that your grandfather and uncle were arrested?"


    "That is only the half of it mother, father Emperor has ordered that the Shi family assets be seized"


    "Seized? On what grounds?" Imperial Consort Shi said eyes bulging. Zhongshan Cheng glanced at the kneeling winch and the maids briefly, imperial consort Shi immediately got the hint. She dismissed everyone, when they were all gone she cleared her throat.


    Zhongshan Cheng moved closer and said in hushed tones "Our dealings with the foreign opium ring has been discovered. Father Emperor is investigating the Shi family".


    Imperial Consort Shi grabbed his arm tightly "what! How did he find out".


    "Minister Yao found out about the secret deal"


    Imperial Consort Shi fell on her seat and rested her head on her hands "What? Oh no! How bad is it?"


    "Minister Zhu looked into it and the evidence is damning"


    "We can''t let him discover about our involvement" Imperial consort Shi hissed. She held her head up, tapping the arm of the chaise thoughtfully. "We can''t let this implicate you, we could lose everything if it is discovered".


    "I asked around mother and the men reported seeing someone that matched Lu Yaozhu''s description around the stall a few weeks ago. I suspect that the Lu family was involved in this"


    "What? So far Minister Yao has always stayed neutral. How is that possible, he has criticized the Duke and the crown prince multiple times"


    "Minister Yao is a self-righteous prick, Lu Yaozhu must have given him some concrete evidence..."


    "LU YAOZHU! Again, it''s bad enough that his previous actions cost you the crown Prince position. Now he targets our Shi family''! He needs to be dealt with" imperial consort Shi said balling up her fist.


    The Lu family were a thorn in her eyes and has been for years. She couldn''t understand why the Emperor kept the Empress around, no matter how she tried to push him to get rid of the empress. The Emperor was already weary of the Lu Family''s power specifically the military power on Lu Yaozhu''s hands.


    The Empress dowager was dead no one would question him if he dethroned the Empress, yet he kept her around. Imperial Consort Shi was forced to bow to the weak Empress. The Emperor''s indecision had cost her son the Crown Prince title.


    Now it was about to cost her family great harm, she would never let that happen. Imperial Consort Shi wrote down a message on a piece of paper and passed it to her son. "Make haste Xiao Cheng, Give this to your third granduncle".


    Zhongshan Cheng accepted the small letter and rushed out of his mother''s palace.


    *********


    Two days later the head of the third branch of the Shi family, confessed to selling opium illegally to cover his gambling debt. He confessed to working alone and keeping his family in the dark. With his confession submitted, Eldest master Shi and first master Shi was released from prison and sent home.


    The Shi family could be said to have narrowly escaped getting killed, although Eldest master Shi and first master Shi was found to be innocent, the Shi family lost their importation rights. The opium trade was one of the major sources of income for the Shi family.


    Losing the importation rights resulted in the Shi family losing 40% of their incoming, putting a dent in their financial condition. The sixth Prince and Imperial consort Shi was greatly affected by that.


    Minister Shi and the Sixth Prince were fined three months income for mismanaging the resources. That day Zhongshan Cheng went straight to M¨§ir¨®ng yu¨¤n after the court session and drank till late in the night.


    Zhu Feifei was handling the mansions accounts when a maid reported that Zhongshan Cheng just got in. She looked up from the account books "have the kitchen deliver a light meal to his highness study".


    When the maid failed to move from where she stood, Zhu Feifei looked up once again and asked "is my message going to deliver themselves? WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE!"


    The Maid was startled when she Shouted but quickly corrected her expression. One would think that after serving the ever explosive princess consort for months, she would have gotten used to her temper. "Forgive my intuition your highness, but his highness the sixth Prince is not at the study".


    Zhu Feifei looked at her eyes narrowed, if looks could kill the maid would be dead. "What do you mean? Where is he?" When the maid remained silent Zhu Feifei shut the shut books loudly "ARE YOU DUMB OR SOMETHING! ANSWER ME!!".


    The maid took a step back and holding her hands tightly, breathed in and out then replied in a tiny voice "His highness retired to madam Qu''s place".


    Zhu Feifei exploded as soon as she heard that, she pushed back her seat loudly and pushed everything on her table to the ground. "THAT SLUT!" She screamed.

 Chapter 55: Bad news comes in threes 3

    The Sixth Prince mansion


    "THAT SLUT!!" Zhu Feifei screamed pushing everything on the table down.


    The maid backed away quickly, her eyes bulging. She took a few rasping breaths as she balled up her fist tightly. The Princess Consort was five months pregnant but still had great strength. The growing bump didn''t stop her from throwing things around.


    The Princess Consort looked mad enough to kill a person. Though this explosive temper was common from the princess consort, it got worse once Madam Qu was Involved.


    Madam Qu was the sixth prince''s senior concubine and the granddaughter of an assistant minister of rites. She was married on the same day as Zhu Feifei, which was common in noble families.


    While that was usually common in noble families, it wasn''t usually practised because it often bred hatred between the main wife and the husband.


    Zhongshan Cheng never cared for Zhu Feifei so he never considered her feelings when he made that decision.


    Marrying a concubine on her wedding day wouldn''t have mattered if it was Zhu Fengyin who was thoughtful and calm. Zhu Fengyin was trained by a popular palace Etiquette Mistress and knew how to handle these things.


    Zhu Feifei on the other hand was short-tempered and proud, she was used to having everything go her way and didn''t know how to handle difficulties. As soon as she found out about madam Qu just barely a day after her marriage, Zhu Feifei badged into the side courtyard and attack Madam Qu.


    Unlike Zhu Feifei, Madam Qu was beautiful and soft-spoken, she understood men and knew how to appease them. It was no surprise that she quickly turned the tables around and drew the sixth prince to her.


    The Sixth Prince was an arrogant proud man who didn''t like being controlled, by causing such a scene at the side Courtyard Zhu Feifei proved that she was utterly unsuitable for him. That singular action solidified the sixth Prince hatred for her.


    Zhongshan Cheng and imperial consort Shi had already discovered Zhu Feifei and her mother''s trick to get her married into the royal family. They let the mother and daughter get away with that because of Minister Zhu''s political power.


    Zhongshan Cheng had believed that she would behave appropriately and not cause any trouble in his courtyard. However, in just a day, she had disrupted the peace and caused a mess.


    Madam Qu wasn''t a normal concubine but the granddaughter of a powerful court minister from the old regime. Her grandfather had contacts that would be useful to the sixth prince but Zhu Feifei attempted to destroy all that he worked for because she was jealous.


    Ever since that day, the sixth Prince treated Zhu Feifei coldly. He never considered her feelings and just did whatever he liked. In the five months of their marriage, Zhongshan Cheng had taken in two more concubines.


    Zhu Feifei unlike Madam Qu couldn''t tolerate anything hurtful and always clashed with the sixth prince concerning his concubine. After clashing multiple times the sixth Prince didn''t visit the main courtyard often and instead spent the night at the concubine''s rooms.


    The number of times the sixth prince spent in her rooms reduced the more her pregnancy progressed. Zhu Feifei was already having a stressful pregnancy as it was and Zhongshan Cheng was adding to her stress.


    Zhu Feifei was under a lot of pressure thanks to the sixth Prince''s precious concubine madam Qu. She couldn''t visit the imperial Consort in the palace without hearing her mother-in-law compliment madam Qu.


    Imperial Consort Shi always compared her to madam Qu, it was nerve recking. Zhu Feifei could stand the fact that she was the legitimate daughter of a marquis and the sixth Princess Consort was compared to Madam Qu. A mere concubine and a concubine daughter of a third rank minister.


    Zhu Feifei paced around the room a few times before breathing out heavily. She pulled up the skirt of her gown and rushed to the side Courtyard. The little maid followed her mistress, she tried to calm the princess consort down.


    Nothing she tried worked, the princess consort wasn''t paying her any mind. Zhu Feifei had made up her mind to cause a scene at madam Qu''s rooms. The sixth Prince guard Dok Ming tried to stop her at the door but She didn''t let him.


    Dok Ming stood in front of the door and stretched out his hands. "You can''t badge in, your highness. Please stay back", he said in a deep voice.


    Zhu Feifei hissed and glared at him, she didn''t bother listening to him. Dok Ming was the tall muscular guard that followed Zhongshan Cheng. Everything he said was all to his master''s benefit, his words were never to be taken seriously.


    Zhu Feifei slapped his hand away and pushed him aside with a surprising heavy strength that had even Dok Ming shocked. He suddenly felt that Zhu Feifei had a lot of strength for a pregnant woman. Zhu Feifei pulled the door open with a force that made Zhongshan Cheng lose his balance.


    Zhongshan Cheng stood next to the table where a set of half-eaten trays of snacks were placed. He held Madam Qu''s chin up and kissing her gently when the door was pushed open.


    **PAAAH**


    The couple separated immediately, "URGH! What is it!" Zhongshan Cheng said irritated by the disturbance. "you! What are you doing here!" He spat out as soon as he saw Zhu Feifei.


    Zhu Feifei locked eyes with Madam Qu and balling up her hands she matched up to where Madam Qu stood. Madam Qu exclaimed as she got closer "ahh" and rushed behind Zhongshan Cheng.


    "Please save me, your highness," madam Qu said holding on to Zhongshan Cheng''s coat.


    "What do you think you are doing?" Zhu Feifei said in an eerily calm tone before diving behind Zhongshan Cheng and grabbed madam Qu&s hair "come here you little slut!!".


    "Noo! Your highness, please save me" Madam Qu shouted pulling at the sixth Prince''s coat.


    Zhu Feifei ignored the sixth prince momentary discomfort and pulled Madam Qu''s hair sharply.


    Zhongshan Cheng coat went with Madam Qu, it lifted as Zhu Feifei pulled madam Qu closer. "Stop it this instance!" Zhongshan Cheng shouted trying to separate the two. Zhu Feifei was too far gone in her anger, she ignored Zhongshan Cheng words and raised her hands.


    A tear was heard from Zhongshan Cheng''s coat as Zhu Feifei pulled madam Qu once more, "ah ah ah ah!" Madam Qu exclaimed as her neck was pulled at an uncomfortable angle. Zhu Feifei brought down her hand, Madam Qu saw the upcoming hand and pushed her face aside.


    A loud sound of a palm hitting a cheek was heard, everyone stayed still as soon as that happened. Zhu Feifei retracted her hands from madam Qu''s hair and brought her hands up to her lips "I am so sorry your highness, please forgive me," she said.


    Zhongshan Cheng shut his eyes and counted to ten while Madam Qu sensing the sixth Prince''s anger, pretended to calm him down "your highness please don''t get mad at her highness. I am such she doesn''t mean it".


    She was already familiar with the Princess Consort''s anger, she knew that Zhu Feifei''s temper wouldn''t let her stay calm. Zhu Feifei would make another mistake with just this little push. Zhu Feifei Immediately took the bait she brought down her hand from her lips and pointing at madam Qu walked forward "How dare you! You little bitch what are you trying to do?"


    Zhu Feifei was so loud, Zhongshan Cheng immediately lost control and slapped her heavily on the cheek. The force from the slap knocked her to the ground. "SHUT UP!! Have you no shame", Zhongshan Cheng said looking down at Zhu Feifei angrily.


    "Dok Ming! Get the princess consort out of here. She is confined to her rooms until I say so!" Zhongshan Cheng said waving his sleeve away and sat on the bed.


    "Zhongshan Cheng how dare you!!! Don''t touch me, let go of me. You dare" Zhu Feifei slapped Dok Ming''s hands away.


    Dok Ming ignored her and carried her away.

 Chapter 56: Bad news comes in threes 4

    Zhongshan Cheng kept Zhu Feifei confined to her rooms until it was time for the daughter''s day ceremony. The daughter''s day ceremony was an important ceremony held to celebrate the daughter of northern Wei.


    During this festival, the daughters married outside the family returned to their paternal families with their husbands and spend two days and a night at home. For this daughters day, Zhu Feifei and Zhu Fengyin were expected to return home with their husbands.


    On the day of the festival, Zhu Fengyin woke early and carefully prepared for the visit. She had the servants pack a few presents that would be distributed to the members of the Zhu family. This would be her second visit since she was married out, She wanted to make a good impression.


    Zhu Fengyin dressed carefully in a wide-sleeved dark blue wide-necked gown, although her dress wasn''t too grand it was very suitable. Lu Yingjie cleared his schedule to accompany her back to Zhu Mansion.


    Lu Yingjie and Zhu Fengyin both rode in the carriage together while Su Liya and the other servants followed them on foot. Lu Mansion was only a short distance away from the minister''s residence.


    The carriage rode some minutes later and came to a stop. Lu Yingjie got down from the carriage first then helped Zhu Fengyin down. Su Liya and the other servants stood aside and followed their master and mistress behind.


    Minister Zhu and Madam Zhu stood by the entrance and welcomed their daughters back home. Madam Zhu couldn''t care less if Zhu Fengyin arrived but as they were in public, she pretended otherwise.


    Today was a popular festival, the Zhu Family had very notable sons-in-law. A small crowd of spectators came out to watch the interaction between the sisters. A lot of rumours pitting the sisters against each other''s had been rampant of late.


    The crowd was there mainly to eat melons, especially since the Sixth Prince and princess consort were expected to make an appearance. Everyone in the capital heard about the couple''s conflicting relationship and were expecting them to make a scene.


    The Zhu sisters were both married around the same time and both had interesting marriages. In only just six months of marriage the sixth Princess Consort, Zhu Feifei was popular in the capital for being a shrew. While Zhu Fengyin was popular for being the extremely favoured yet powerless wife.


    It was no secret that Zhu Fengyin wasn''t on good terms with her mother-in-law but unlike her younger sister, she wasn''t completely at odds with her mother-in-law. She also had her husbands affection and didn''t cause a scene at the Duke''s residence.


    After over a decade and a half in the minister''s mansion, Zhu Fengyin was one of the best at putting on a play. She and Madam Zhu played the benevolent stepmother and daughter to the end. Zhu Feifei and Zhongshan Cheng arrived a few minutes after Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie.


    After putting on a play of a united family for the onlookers they got into the residence. As soon as the door shut behind them, everyone went their own way. Madam Zhu drew her daughter closer to her, their walked hand in hand and conversed in low tones.


    Minister Zhu led the men to his sturdy to discuss while the ladies went off to madam Zhu''s Courtyard. Zhu Fenfang stood by the door waiting for them, she ran up to them and welcomed them. Zhu Fenfang treated Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Feifei with so much care that an onlooker would think that they were close.


    Su Liya barely controlled herself from rolling her eyes when she saw Zhu Fenfang fake concern. After exchanging their fake pleasantries, they moved into madam Zhu''s room. The three women occupied the round tea table.


    They all sat quietly while the maids placed the snacks and tea on the table. When they were finally alone, madam Zhu drove in for the kill. "Feifei you look good, his highness must be treating you well. Look at your skin, you are positively glowing", madam Zhu said taking her daughter hands in hers.


    "Oh mother, don''t say things like this. You will make me embarrassed" Zhu Feifei replied pretending to be shy.


    "Why would you feel embarrassed, you and the sixth Prince are newly Weds and now you are expecting your first child. It is only right" madam Zhu continued.


    "Mother" Zhu Feifei laughed shyly.


    Madam Zhu smiled at her daughter before glancing at Zhu Fengyin, who sat silently opposite her. "You have been married for a while now Fengyin, I trust that the Duke is treating you well?", she asked.


    "Yes, he is mother" Zhu Fengyin nodded.


    "What is this I hear about you and your mother-in-law, Madam Lu is the wife of a celebrated general. You should make sure to respect your elders and behave properly. You are representing the Zhu Family, don''t make us lose face", Madam Zhu cautioned in a quiet tone.


    "Yes mother"


    "Don''t just focus on getting your husband''s attention, try to fulfil your responsibilities. As the Eldest daughter-in-law of the Lu family, it is your responsibility to provide the Lu family with heirs. You have been married for half a year, why haven''t I heard any news from you" Madam Zhu said scolding her severely.


    "Sorry mother, I will endeavour to do that" Zhu Fengyin replied her head bent low.


    "good, at least you know your duties".


    Zhu Fengyin stayed for a few hours with madam Zhu and her sisters as they ''caught up with each


    other. After eating lunch, they withdrew to their Courtyard. The servants cleaned out the old Courtyards of the young Mistresses for the occasion.


    They all returned to their previous courtyard, Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Feifei had just settled in when he asked "the young maid standing behind the duchess is very pretty don''t you think.... Is she married?".


    Zhu Feifei paused what she was doing for a split second, narrowed her eyes on Zhongshan Cheng and replied "not that I am aware of, why do you ask?".


    Zhongshan Cheng ignored her and just smiled, he pulled his boots back on and walked out of the door.

 Chapter 57: why do I keep meeting scumbags

    Minister Zhu''s mansion, an hour earlier, during the family dinner.


    The servants informed Madam Zhu when dinner was set, after ensuring that everything was set the whole family moved to the outdoor dining room for dinner. The outdoor dining room was set in the middle of the garden, in a roofed wooden pavilion.


    A long line of white beautiful paper candle lamps lined the pathway leading to the dining room, which lighted up the garden. The candlelight, the flowers and small ponds made the view magical. Su Liya felt like she had stepped into fairyland, madam Zhu really outdid herself.


    Beautiful flora scents rose as the wind blew which gave a calming effect. Five smartly dressed maids stood in a straight line by the side. They stood a few steps away from the long rectangular table. A large family dinner was spread out on the table.


    They all sat by order of seniority, Minister Zhu sat at the head of the table, with Madam Zhu seated by his left. Next to Madam Zhu was Zhu Feifei and Zhongshan Cheng opposite them was Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie. Zhu Faye and Zhu Fenfang sat opposite each other at the end of the table.


    The dinner went smoothly as expected, Minister Zhu and madam Zhu conversed with the younger generation. They gave some insights on married life and discourse a view of happenings. Everyone made sure not to touch on any political topics and just talked about plays and art.


    While everyone was comfortable with the dinner, Su Liya couldn''t help but feel uncomfortable. All through the dinner Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Faye kept stealing glances at her. It was like she was a circuit animal on full display standing behind Zhu Fengyin.


    It didn''t help that both scumbags were seated opposite Zhu Fengyin and as such could watch her comfortable. Su Liya swore silently as Zhu Faye had a maid slip her a note while smirking. Su Liya didn''t bother reading the note, she just rolled her eyes.


    "What the hell is wrong with my fortune these days, why do I keep meeting scumbags," she thought frowning and looking away from both men.


    To prove just how much of a shitty husband he was, Zhongshan Cheng gave Zhu Feifei a jade hairpin, the idiot said all the nicest things that if she didn''t notice him watching her or knew all about his extracurricular activities, she would have believed he was actually a caring husband.


    Zhu Feifei must either be really stupid or just a good actress because She looked like she completely bought the whole thing. Zhu Feifei blushed and acted shy, Su Liya really felt like rolling her eyes but controlled herself.


    Finally, the charade of a family dinner ended, Su Liya was glad to get out of this little stage. All these fake concerns were giving her a headache. Su Liya followed Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie to her old Courtyard.


    When they arrived, Su Liya arranged a bath for her mistress. After helping Zhu Fengyin get dressed onto a sleeping ware, Su Liya withdraw from the room and went back to the servant quarters.


    ******"*


    They all returned to their previous courtyard, Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Feifei had just settled in when he asked "the young maid standing behind the duchess is very pretty don''t you think.... Is she married?".


    Zhu Feifei paused what she was doing for a split second, narrowed her eyes on Zhongshan Cheng and replied "not that I am aware of, why do you ask?".


    Zhongshan Cheng ignored her and just smiled, he pulled his boots back on and walked out of the door.


    "Your highness, where are you going your highness!" Zhu Feifei dropped the hairbrush she held on the table and rushed after Zhongshan Cheng. No matter how loudly she called out, Zhongshan Cheng ignored her and walked out of the courtyard.


    Zhu Feifei stamped her foot on the ground and exclaimed "Ahhh! Why does he keep doing this to me!". She watched Zhongshan Cheng go far breathing loudly,


    Zhu Feifei had been overjoyed when Zhongshan Cheng had lifted her house arrest and informed her that they were going to her family house. She had thought that with that slut at the side Courtyard absent, he would finally look at her.


    They had been married for six months but he spent the majority of those months with his concubines. Every day he spend at the side Courtyard left her heartbroken, he always sided with that slut at the side Courtyard. It was so bad that even the commoners were aware, every day he went out and came in with a new beauty.


    She had been so stupid to think that even with Madam Qu absence he would pay her any attention. Even without his concubine present, he would look for someone new. Even though he was in her Paternal home, he still refuses to give her any face.


    Zhu Feifei pulled the jade hairpin, Zhongshan Cheng had slipped into her hair during the family dinner and threw it to the ground. Zhu Feifei jumped a little and stumped on the jade hairpin angrily.


    "You lying playboy! See if I don''t take care of your new toy" she grumbled.


    Zhu Feifei was about to go in when she saw Zhu Fenfang walk into the Courtyard. "Sister Feifei there you are," she said in a sweet tone.


    Zhu Feifei was very angry and didn''t have any patience to talk to anyone least of all this concubine born sister of hers. "Fenfang, it''s been a while. I don''t have any_"


    "Can we talk somewhere more private?" Zhu Fenfang asked cutting her off.


    Zhu Feifei watched her silently contemplating if she should give her any time of the day or not when she heard Zhu Fenfang say


    "It is about his highness".


    Zhu Feifei looked up quickly, she balled up her fist and grinded her teeth a little before finally saying "it is cold out here, let us talk inside". She went into the room not bothering to check if Zhu Fenfang followed her into the room.

 Chapter 58: The sudden Ally

    Minister Zhu''s mansion


    Zhu Feifei looked up quickly, she balled up her fist and ground her teeth a little before finally saying "it is cold out here, let us talk inside". She went into the room not bothering to check if Zhu Fenfang followed her into the room.


    Zhu mansion''s servants were all very efficient, by the time Zhu Feifei returned to her room everything was in order. Zhu Feifei dismissed all the servants including her first ranked maids, soon it was only she and Zhu Fenfang that remained in the room.


    Zhu Feifei sat on the master''s seat and directed Zhu Fenfang to the seat by her right, "Don''t make me strain my neck, Have a seat".


    Zhu Fenfang smiled and walked to the seat, She was aware that Zhu Feifei was only acting tough and found her little games amusing. Zhu Feifei and madam Zhu were both similar, they both relied on artificial tricks to show their superiority.


    Zhu Feifei put on a reserved expression as she occupied the master''s seat, as a ploy to exact her authority as the sixth Princess Consort. While that would have been intimidating for anyone else, Zhu Fenfang just found it pathetic.


    Everyone in the capital was aware of the real condition of her so-called position, Zhu Feifei may throw her weight around as the sixth Princess Consort but everyone was aware that she Has no real power in the sixth Prince''s mansion.


    Zhu Feifei flexed her hands "I haven''t got time to waste on you, why are you here".


    Zhu Fenfang laughed softly "why are you so impatient Sister Feifei? It has been a while, why don''t we catch up first".


    Zhu Feifei slapped the arm of the chair loudly and sat up "If you have nothing useful to say, just leave. It has been a long day, I am exhausted". She made a move to leave when Zhu Fenfang said


    "Do you know who I ran into on my way to my room"


    Zhu Feifei let out a breath "I don''t have time to play these games".


    "I ran into his highness and Su Liya at the garden"


    "What!"


    "They looked a little too close. I wouldn''t have said anything if it wasn''t his highness"


    Zhu Feifei sat on the seat exasperated "What do you mean? Have you seen her with someone else?"


    "I once saw her with third brother"


    "Elder brother..... and Su Liya?" Zhu Feifei leaned back on the cushioned seat.


    "I was also surprised to see that but since sister Fengyin was getting married, I didn''t see the need to make it an issue but now that I caught her with his highness. I can''t let it go"


    "That slut, how dare she?" Zhu Feifei sat forward.


    "We have to do something about her before it gets out of hand. I think that we should tell sister Fengyin" Zhu Fengyin said.


    "Why?"


    "Su Liya is her maid, what if she targets the Duke too. Sister Fengyin just got married, this kind of thing can ruin the husband and wife relationship".


    Zhu Feifei watched Zhu Fenfang, trying to find out if she was pretending to care but after a few minutes she couldn''t find anything. As expected this foolish sister of hers, was just too naive. She took Fengyin as her eldest sister, did Zhu Fenfang not have a selfish bone in her body.


    "Don''t worry about Sister Fengyin, I will inform her. It is getting late, gets some sleep", Zhu Feifei said to dismiss Zhu Fenfang quickly.


    "Since you have the situation at hand, I will take my leave. Good night sister Feifei" Zhu Fenfang said cheerfully and left the room. Zhu Fenfang smiled until she had left Zhu Feifei''s courtyard, the smile slipped away as soon as she was a short distance away from the courtyard.


    Zhu Fenfang paused and swore "Fool!"


    Her maid Xiao Chu pulsed her lips gently, then with a tiny voice asked "Did things not go as you planned mistress?"


    "No, it did. I am just a little angry, talking to people as conceited as Zhu Feifei makes one like this".


    Xiao Chu grabbed her hands "don''t get mad mistress, since your plan is working".


    Patting her maids hands gently, Zhu Fenfang smiled and said "Don''t worry about me, I am okay. I should thank you for the part you played. I would have never discovered that the sixth Prince kept looking at Su Liya during the family dinner if you didn''t let me know"


    "Aiyo mistress there is no need for that. I was just lucky, I know how much Su Liya hurt you. She deserves to suffer. I just hope that second mistress doesn''t find out that we lied about the sixth Prince meeting Su Liya this night"


    "Don''t worry, that won''t happen. The Sixth Prince is a known playboy, Zhu Feifei wouldn''t doubt otherwise. That''s the thing with people like Zhu Feifei, they are often too emotional and lose sight of these little things.


    "See the mess at the sixth Prince mansion, if Zhu Feifei wasn''t such a temperamental fool, would a mere concubine like Madam Qu best her so easily. Zhu Feifei''s jealousy would lead to her downfall" Zhu Fenfang said laughing softly.


    ******


    Zhu Feifei waited all through the night for the Sixth Prince to return but he never did. By the next morning, her imagination had gone wild. As soon as it was 7 am Zhu Feifei ran out of her room and rushed to her mother''s Courtyard.


    She had no idea where her husband spent the night but she had her suspicion. Zhongshan Cheng was too difficult for her to handle alone, she needed her mother''s guidance. Madam Zhu was having breakfast when she arrived.


    Madam Zhu instructed the servants to get another set of breakfast for Zhu Feifei, when it was all set they stepped back. Zhu Feifei was so worried about what Zhu Fenfang told her, she barely ate anything.


    Madam Zhu noticing her daughter''s strange behaviour sent the maids away but not before ordering them to remove the dishes. Madam Zhu waited till everyone was out, "Feifei, what is it. Why aren''t you eating?"


    Zhu Feifei teared up as soon as she saw her mother''s worried expression. Madam Zhu rushed forward and hugged her daughter close "Don''t cry my daughter, mother is here. Tell me what is wrong"


    Zhu Feifei snorted and burrowed into her mother''s embrace, it had been months since she had been held this way by her mother. She missed her mother''s warm embrace.


    "It is so lonely at the sixth Prince mansion, mother. His Highness doesn''t love me, he keeps visiting those sluts at the side Courtyard. Whenever I visit the imperial consort, she just keeps lecturing me to be more virtuous. It is bad enough that I have to deal with that slut Madam Qu but now there is Su Liya. The Sixth Prince didn''t sleep in the room last night since he left to meet that slut Su Liyaaaa!"


    Madam Zhu pulled away slightly "what!"


    Zhu Feifei choked out "Mother what do I do. It''s so painful, I can''t stand it anymore".


    "Don''t worry mum will handle everything"


    *****


    Meanwhile at Zhu Fenfang''s rooms.


    As the maids cleared the plates from breakfast away, Xiao Chu ran in and whispered into her mistress''s ears "young mistress wen Xiang in madam''s rooms reported that the second young mistress rushed to madam''s room early this morning and is just going out".


    Zhu Fenfang smiled "Really? How wonderful" She waited for the maids to all leave before continuing "Have her monitor all of madam Zhu''s moves"


    "Yes mistress".

 Chapter 59: What a romantic Emperor 1

    Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie had lunch with her family before returning to the Duke''s mansion. The Lunch unlike the previous dinner was more mellow, onlookers would mistake it for minister Zhu and his wife being sad to see their children leave but not Su Liya.


    She knew that there was no love lost between the members of the Zhu family. They only cared about themselves, there was no unity in this doghouse. Even though they were all in good behaviour, Su Liya still felt a heavy cloud of anger from Madam Zhu and Zhu Feifei.


    However, strangely their anger wasn''t directed at Zhu Fengyin but Su Liya. She had pretty much avoided both mother and daughter so she didn''t understand their strange behaviour. Her instinct screamed for her to find out what made them this annoyed but since she would be leaving soon, She decided to ignore her instincts.


    After Lunch Su Liya joined Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie and returned to the Duke''s mansion. Lu Yingjie rode his horseback while Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin took the carriage. The steward Uncle Lu received them at the gate, he took by the gate and welcomed them.


    They were not the only ones coming back from a trip, Lu Yaozhu was also present with his servant Yu Tao. When the carriage stopped at the gate, Su Liya helped Zhu Fengyin down from the carriage. Lu Yingjie and Lu Yaozhu stood by the entrance discussing, Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya greeted the general briefly before heading to the main Courtyard.


    It had been two weeks since Su Liya last saw Lu Yaozhu, after the warning from his angry sister. She avoided him like the plague, Madam Lu was a very scary woman to annoy and there were two things that Madam Lu cared about, the Lu family''s reputation and her children.


    This time was no different, Su Liya made sure to avoid running into Lu Yaozhu.


    ******


    Two days later, at the imperial palace


    Zhu Feifei and Zhongshan Cheng entered the palace to pay respects to the imperial consort. Zhongshan Cheng was still suspended from taking part in court sessions but still had to visit the palace weekly to pay his respects to the Emperor and Empress.


    While Zhongshan Cheng went out to pay respects to the Emperor, Zhu Feifei visited the imperial Consort. Ever since the daughters day, Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Feifei had been in a state of relative peace. Speaking with her mother about her concerns had helped her immensely.


    Her mother had given her some insights on how to handle Zhongshan Cheng''s concubines and ever since she followed her direction Zhu Feifei hasn''t clashed with the Sixth Prince. Usually, visits to the imperial palace left her on edge but not this time.


    This time she was a little impatient to talk with imperial consort Shi, she was following her mother''s instructions. After She saluted imperial consort, Shi, Zhu Feifei was instructed to seat. During this visit, as usual, the imperial consort''s daughter the fourth Princess, Zhongshan Cuifen was present.


    The fourth Princess, Zhongshan Cuifen was eight years older than the sixth prince and was married to a second-generation county prince. The fourth Princess like her mother and brother was arrogant, she was one of the most favoured Imperial daughters and used her power to suppress the weak.


    Mother and daughter both responded to Zhu Feifei''s greeting half-heartedly, they completely ignored her after that and continued with their previous discussion. Usually, that would''ve made Zhu Feifei embarrassed but this time it didn''t.


    Zhu Feifei didn''t take their attitude to heart since she had better plans for them. For the plan, her mother had come up with to work, she needed their help. She would tolerate their ride attitude until she archived her goal.


    Zhu Feifei waited silently until their conversation moved in the direction of the Empress and the profectory princess Xia Ying. It was Imperial consort Shi that started that conversation


    "that princess staying with the Empress has me worried Xiao-Fen, Xiao Cheng is still under suspension and the Emperor is still mad about that mess with the fourth branch of our Shi family. I fear that Empress Lu will make her moves very soon, I don''t feel at ease leaving such a powerful weapon in the Empress or worse the Lu family''s hands".


    The fourth Princess unlike her mother attended all the social gatherings and heard a few of the gossips going around. She cleared her throat and replied, "we have to do something about that mother, there are rumours that mother Empress is trying to arrange a union between Lu Yaozhu and the Princess".


    "We can''t let that happen, that can be disastrous for you brother. If the Lu family and Princess Ni''an''s family join hands, the Emperor would lose whatever leverage he has against the Lu family" Imperial consort Shi said bitterly.


    "What do you suggest we do mother, the Emperor is still a little suspicious of the Shi family. We can''t make any risky moves" Zhongshan Cuifen replied.


    Zhu Feifei seeing a good opening jumped in for the kill by saying "mother If I may, I might have a solution to this problem".


    Zhongshan Cuifen and Imperial consort Shi both turned to her eyebrows raised "you do?" The asked feeling skeptical about listening to Zhu Feifei''s ideas.


    "Yes mother I do," she said slowly.


    Imperial Consort Shi was at her wit''s end already, she decided to humour her for a minute. While she didn''t like this daughter-in-law of hers, she never dismissed that Zhu Feifei could be of use to her one day. The fact that she could marry into the royal family, even if it was by employing a dirty trick was a sign that she knew how to get around some things


    "Alright, let us hear it" imperial consort Shi replied seating back on her seat, her eyes shut.


    "Yes Mother, I won''t waste any more of your time and jump right on it. The Shi family may not be able to get involved with is but that doesn''t mean that we still can''t do anything. The Empress might be aiming to arrange a marriage between the Lu family and the Xia family but nothing is set in stone until the wedding is held. Why don''t we change the groom"

 Chapter 60: What a romantic Emperor 2

    The imperial palace, at the throne room.


    "The court session has come to an end, the Emperor is leaving. play the music!!" a short eunuch dressed in navy blue robes, standing below the upraised throne announced.


    As soon as the announcement was made the eunuchs playing the large music instruments began to hit the drums and flutes. Meanwhile, the officials and minister''s present for the court session all knelt and raising their white slim plank bowed.


    Everyone present except for the Emperor all chorused "Sending His majesty off, long line the Emperor, Long live the Emperor, Long live the Emperor!!!"


    The Emperor stood, got down from the throne and walked out of the room. He passed through the center of the room, walked down the long red carpet that led to the door. The Emperor''s retinue of ten guards, twelve Eunuchs and four imperial secretaries followed him out.


    The officials and Ministers were all on their knees their foreheads resting on the ground until the Emperor''s procession was long gone. They all stood and began to leave in groups, everyone had been keeping a low profile ever since the drug scandal involving the Shi family.


    A few other officials and Ministers were implicated in the case, most of the officials directly involved lost their position and were arrested. While those not directly involved were demoted or fined. No one expected the Emperor to come down hard on everyone involved since his most favoured Imperial consort''s family was involved but he did.


    The Sixth Prince and Prime minister Shi weren''t saved from the Emperor''s punishment, as punishment for not guiding their family better, Zhongshan Cheng and Minister Shi were suspended for two weeks. They also had their pay docked for three months.


    To say that the Emperor was annoyed with the outcome of the investigation was an understatement. Everyone kept a low profile to avoid getting on the Emperor''s bad side.


    Lu Yaozhu attended the court season to submit a report on the completion of the training session for the recruit. By the end of the court season, some officials approached Lu Yaozhu and his elder brother to discuss some of the new reforms proposed by the two during the court season.


    As he got to the door, Lu Yaozhu was approached by one of the Emperor''s high ranked eunuchs. Boeing the Eunuch stood a few steps away and reported in a low tone "sorry to interrupt General, the Emperor is asking for an audience".


    The officials surrounding Lu Yaozhu exchanged looks with each other and replied "his majesty''s time is precious, we won''t hold you any longer," they walked away, nodding at the eunuch as they left.


    Lu Yaozhu caught his brother''s eyes briefly before making a move "please lead the way" he said to the Eunuch. Lu Yaozhu followed the eunuch to the Emperor''s study. The Emperor sat at the desk waiting for him, Lu Yaozhu knelt and bowing until his forehead touched the ground.


    "Your Majesty," he said as he bowed.


    Emperor Zhong looked down at his bowed head and smirked. No matter how much military power Lu Yaozhu had, he still had to bow to him. Emperor Zhong pushed back his seat "please stand, no need for this much formalities my dear Nephew", Emperor Zhong said acting like the benevolent ruler.


    "Yes," Lu Yaozhu replied as he stood. The Emperor leaned back on his seat, smiling at him.


    "I read the report, you did well since to troupe is set we will have a military display ten days from now for the court and the Envoys from Chu state. Make the necessary arrangements"


    "Yes, Your Majesty" Lu Yaozhu replied.


    "I will leave that to you, I trust your judgement. Tomorrow is the annual summer royal game. I hope to see you there, the envoys from Chu state would be present, we can''t let them see us as weak. You have been working non-stop these past few months, you deserve a break. I expect to see you here tomorrow"


    "Yes your majesty".


    "Your aunt has missed you these past few months, pay her a visit before you leave," The Emperor said as he dismissed him.


    "I will your majesty" Lu Yaozhu bowing low continued "This servant will take his leave".


    "Alright," Emperor Zhong nodded rolling a report open. Lu Yaozhu bowing low left the room with his back.


    Lu Yaozhu visited the Empress palace after leaving the Emperor''s palace, he didn''t want to give the Emperor any more ideas. The Emperor must have put his spies on him, Lu Yaozhu could only obey his commands.


    The Empress was attending to some guests when he arrived, Lu Yaozhu didn''t stay long After paying his respects Lu Yaozhu left for the Duke''s mansion.


    ***********


    The next day the Royal summer Games kicked off, high ranking members of the nobility went into the palace in masses to take part in the games. The Lu family were royal in-laws so the entire family was invited.


    The entire family took up three carriages, Madam Lu and Lu Yiling occupied one of the wide carriages while Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie were in the other wide carriage. The maids occupied the small carriage at the back.


    The palace wasn''t very far but as it was a state event everyone wanted to show their prestige. Su Liya and Tian Tian were quiet during the short trip while the other maids conversed between themselves. Zhu Fengyin had been married for months but since she wasn''t close with her mother-in-law and Lu Yiling, they weren''t familiar with the other maids serving the Mistresses.


    When the carriage arrived at the palace gates madam Lu''s two dowry maids got down first to help their mistress down the carriage. Su Liya and Tian followed after them, the last one out of the carriage was Lu Yiling''s maid Zhiliu.


    When the female Mistresses were all out of the palace, the entire Lu clan walked into the palace. The Royal games were held in a wide field deep in the palace. To avoid the guest getting lost or going to restricted places, a guide was assigned to each family.


    The Lu family were one of the cornerstones of northern Wei, they were seated with the other members of the royal family. The female members of the royal family all sat with the Empress and other imperial consort.


    While the rest of the royal family sat a little further away. Two maids and a eunuch were assigned to direct Madam Lu, Lu Yiling and Zhu Fengyin to their seats. On their way to their seats, there was a little commotion, when they ran into a team of maids passing through with some refreshments.


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya stood aside and let the maids pass, when a maid ran into Zhu Fengyin, luckily she wasn''t carrying anything that would stain Zhu Fengyin''s gown. After some apologies, She was dismissed by Zhu Fengyin and they continued on their way to their seat.


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya joined madam Lu and Lu Yiling to pay respects to the Empress before going to their seats.

 Chapter 61: What a Romantic Emperor 3

    The imperial palace, the summer royal games


    The Royal games was a three days sports festival hosted by the Emperor and Empress. During this event three different key sports are hosted, each holding on a single day. The three games were hosted at Conju, polo and hunting.


    The sports event was held on separate weeks for two weeks, to give a break from court matters. Young masters from various households took part in these games. They all competed for different prizes and benefits. Young ladies and some young madams participated in the polo games.


    This year the royal games were kick-started by a polo game. The three young masters of the Lu family all participated in the games, after greeting the Emperor and Empress, they left to get changed and prepare for the games.


    Zhu Fengyin and the Lu family were all seated a short distance away from the Empress. The Emperor was seated at the centre of the spectator''s box, the Empress and improve consorts and concubines were all seated a step below the Emperor. While the members of the royal family sat a step below the Empress.


    Everyone watched the polo match, cheering for their various teams. Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie were among the team players on the field. The Lu family were a military family, every child in the family was taught martial arts and horseback riding at a young age.


    It was not surprising that their team was way ahead. The Lu brothers played with an effortless grace that made one''s heart melt. In just a short time, they already stole the hearts of the young ladies present.


    Lu Yingjie was already married so most of the ladies were attracted to his two unattached younger brothers. One was a powerful General who has never lost any battles, while the other was a handsome scholar with a bright future.


    Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yong were quite the catch, not only were they the Empress''s nephew, but they were also one of the richest young masters in Northern Wei. Lu Yaozhu was a decorated General who made a name for himself all over the states.


    Since he was 15 years old, Lu Yaozhu had gone from battleground to battleground and always came back in victory. Every time he came back victorious, he was given a lot of gifts by the Emperor and Empress dowager.


    Although Lu Yaozhu spent most of his time at Lu mansion, he had a huge compound in the capital under his name. The compound was a gift from the Emperor after his first battle, at the start of his career. He had been given a few soldiers to defeat many.


    Lu Yaozhu had come back victorious which earned him a lot of rewards. The rewards from the Emperor combined with the Lu Family''s wealth made him one of the richest men in the capital. Anyone that married him wouldn''t have to worry about money. All these fueled the young ladies feeling.


    Zhu Fengyin sat with madam Lu and Lu Yiling and silently watched the match. She smiled as she watched Lu Yingjie bend to the side on his horse and with the long polo stick, he hit the ball forward to his teammate. The Crowd cheered when the ball was hit into the hole.


    it was a typical hot summer, Zhu Fengyin felt sweat roll down her forehead. She put her hands into her sleeve bucket to pull out her handkerchief but she found nothing. Worried Zhu Fengyin put her hands into the other sleeve, when she came out with nothing she shook her sleeves slightly.


    "Where is it" Zhu Fengyin muttered.


    Su Liya noticed her actions and bending, she whispered to Zhu Fengyin''s ears "What is it Miss? What are you looking for?".


    They were in public so Su Liya acted formal, maids pretty much had no rights and couldn''t act friendly with members of the nobility. Even if she was whispering someone could hear them and that would get her some pretty heavy punishments.


    "It is my handkerchief Yaya, I can''t find it" Zhu Fengyin whispered.


    "What? Did you check your blouse maybe it fell in mistakenly".


    "I did Yaya, it is not there"


    Liu Yiling was seated between Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin. She was very proud of her brothers and watched the ongoing match intently, noticing their movements asked, "What is wrong?"


    "I lost my handkerchief" Zhu Fengyin replied in a tone below a whisper.


    "No this can''t be good. We need to find it before it turns into something big" Lu Yiling said turning


    to her side, reported the situation to her mother.


    Madam Lu frowned and looked at her irritating daughter-in-law. ''As expected this one is hopeless''. Madam Lu drew attention to the missing handkerchief, the handkerchief was a personal clothing item. To avoid getting into nasty scandals, when one loses such items it was best to make a noise and let everyone know.


    The Empress offered to send a few maids to look for the missing handkerchief but Zhu Fengyin gently turned her down and instead sent Su Liya to search for it. Although the Empress agreed to her request, she didn''t feel at ease sending Su Liya alone to search for the handkerchief in an unfamiliar palace.


    She sent a maid to give her a hand and act as a guide. Zhu Fengyin and Madam Lu thanked the Empress for her help then dismissed Su Liya and the maid. Su Liya suspected that the handkerchief must have been kind during the transit to the Polo match.


    She retraced their steps from the polo field to the palace entrance. Su Liya followed the maid behind, pausing at different locations to search for the handkerchief.


    Before long Su Liya noticed that they were going in the wrong direction. She didn''t remember passing through this pathway on her way to the Polo Field. Su Liya blinked when a courtyard came into view, "this isn''t the way to the entrance. Where are you taking me?"


    "The maid turned around and smiled, Su Liya suddenly heard a movement behind her. Someone hit her from behind and everything when dark.

 Chapter 62: Who knew the Emperor could be this romantic

    The imperial palace


    Everything was fuzzy when Su Liya woke, she found herself looking up at the Embroidered overheard curtain of a traditional Chinese wooden bed. Su Liya had been stuck in this fictional world for months and the only way she could afford this luxury of look up at an Embroidered bed curtain was when lying on Zhu Fengyin''s bed.


    She had transmigrated into the body of Su Liya, who was only a maid. In this century only the wealthy could afford such a bed, since she remembered getting hit behind her head while searching for Zhu Fengyin''s handkerchief waking up to such a view was weird.


    It was too far fetched for her to assume that whoever knocked her out returned her to the Duke mansion and even if they did, the maids room at the Duke mansion didn''t have a bed as luxurious as this. No maids quarters had a bed like this, such luxuries were left for the masters.


    in the romance books are had read, whether western or Asian, the one rule they had in common was that Waking up in an unfamiliar bed could only mean one thing..... ''Nothing Good''. Su Liya tried to get up but was held down by a heavy male body.


    Whatever she had been drugged with must be powerful, she had been so busy worry about her location that she missed the heavy male body draped on her and her current state of undressed.


    The man whoever it was was also naked and laid halfway on her, his head rested just over her right shoulder. His head was on the pillow next to her head, she saw his silky head of black hair as she turned her head to the Side.


    His hair was all packed up in a bun, held by a silver dragon-shaped hair coronet. ''only the royal family wore such hair accessories... It can''t be that I am in bed with the crown prince or worse the sixth Prince. Oh Lord no..'' she thought closing her eyes tightly as her heart began to beat quickly.


    ''no, I can drive myself crazy like this. If someone did arrange this, it is only a matter of time before they badged in with a crowd. I will be seating ducks if I keep lying here, I need to get out of here, summoning courage and strength, she pushed herself up, raising her bed mate.


    When she could finally move her hands, she pushed him aside and sat up. Su Liya pushed herself to rest by the wall next to the bed when she locked eyes with Lu Yaozhu. He must have been awakened by the movement because he looked at her with a sharp gaze.


    As she made a quick move to escape, her arm was grabbed and pulled back. A hand wrapped around her neck as she pushed to the wall, she hissed as her back hit the wall. It happened in what felt like a split second, one minute she saw a slight opening of escape by the foot of the bed at rushed to take it and the next minute her back hit the wall.


    Lu Yaozhu''s held her at the neck, his elbow resting on the wall. His face was only a short distance away from hers as he angrily spat out "Who are you? Who sent you? Tell me or I will kill you!"


    His hand held her neck tightly that she could barely breathe, it was so painful like his hand rested on her voice box. She whispered spoke the words "I_am Su Li...ya Zhu_ Feng__ maid". She tried to push his hands away from her neck so she could breathe properly but he was too strong. He held her tightly blocking her little movements.


    "Was she the one who sent you?" When she didn''t answer promptly he continued "answer me or I cock the worthless life out of you!"


    Su Liya shook her head, she felt tears run down her eyes gently as she whizzed out "No... Wasn''t...er"


    Lu Yaozhu must have noticed her discomfort because his hands loosened up a bit "who sent you?" He asked again.


    "No one! No one sent me!"


    "You are lying!" Lu Yaozhu pulled the long sober hair stick from the hole at the centre of the silver dragon hair holder with his spare hand and brought it to her neck. She swallowed on seeing how pointy the ends of the thin pin was.


    Lu Yaozhu pointed the sharp end to her neck, pricking her skin a little "tell me the truth or I will end you!"


    The tears fell more as she felt her heartbeat increase "please don''t, I am telling you the truth... Don''t know how I got here... It wasn''t me!"


    Lu Yaozhu watched her eyes for any tells but saw nothing, one could control their expression when they lied but when your life was on the line your eyes never lied. He loosened his hold on her "wipe your tears, you won''t be dying today".


    Su Liya initially held a blanket to her chest but during their struggle, she lost hold of the blanket. With the blanket down, he had a clear view of her body. Her skin was toned but he could see the teeth marks on her shoulder, the top of her round breast and nipples, he had been a little rough with her.


    This must have been caused by whatever he had been drugged with because he couldn''t remember clearly what transversed between them. He only remembered a few snippets of the whole thing but one thing he remembered was that she had been untouched before him.


    There was a small gap in his memory, the last thing he remembered before waking was being directed to change out of his robes in this room. According to the servant, this was an unoccupied palace. He had taken off his shirt when he smelt something odd coming from the incense burner, he had knocked the incense burner down but then two more were thrown in through the door.


    The door and windows were shut as he rushed to get out, whoever was behind this planned this carefully. They might still have time to leave since no one had rushed in yet, with that thought, he jumped out of the bed.


    "Get dressed we have to get moving before, whoever arranged this makes his move. we don''t have much time" He said not bothering to cover himself.


    There was time for prosperity and times when that wouldn''t help anyone. Two sets of clothes one female, the other male littered on the ground. He picked each cloth and after determining who each belonged to, dropped hers on the bed and proceeded to put on his clothes.

 Chapter 63: Who knew the Emperor could be this romantic 2

    The imperial palace.


    Su Liya felt a little embarrassed seeing him walk around naked, her cheek hitter up more when she turned and dropped her clothes on the bed. She immediately averted her eyes so as not to see his full package.


    Lu Yaozhu noticed her cute action and smiled for a split second. "There is no time to act shy, get dressed," he said with a straight expression before turning around to put his pants on.


    "Yes," Su Liya in a tiny voice and crawled out of the bed. She looked to Lu Yaozhu, she checked to ensure that he wasn''t watching her before dropping the blanket and putting on her clothes. She had just put on her blouse when the door was pushed open and a few servants led by the Empress lady''s maid Xuayi rushed in.


    "Second Young master, how come you are on her" she muttered. There was a slight movement behind Lu Yaozhu, she look ahead and locked eyes on the scantly dressed Su Liya.


    "oh no! You what are you doing here" She turned to servants and instructed them to go back "go back, there is nothing to see here".


    However, before they could go back imperial consort Shi''s maid Chu Mama walked in. She walked past the servants and seeing the scene in front smirked "who says there is nothing to see" smiling smugly she raised her voice as she continued "Second master and Miss Su please come out. The Emperor and Empress are worried sick".


    Madam Lu and the Empress rush in as soon as they heard that, they both called out simultaneously


    "Xiao Zhu!"


    "Yao Yao!!"


    Madam Lu was the closest, she raised her skirt and ran in. The Empress was held back by the Emperor, he held her arm tightly. She looked up surprised but he shook his head and kept silent.


    Lu Yaozhu had been missing for a few hours since he was knocked down from the horse during the polo match. He had only gone in to get changed, when he didn''t return hours later she got worried.


    It was bad enough that they had a missing maid in their hands but now even her son wasn''t back yet. The Emperor noticed his absence not almost immediately and sent some servants to find him, madam Lu assumed the worse when the servants came back without him.


    When a servant reported seeing smoke from this uninhabited palace, everyone rushed over to see what caused the fire. Hearing the palace maids words was a relief but as she ran in, the scene she saw made her heart sink.


    She turned back to keep anyone else from coming in, which was fruitless because the Emperor and Empress were already inside. The other royal family members followed them behind. Her heartbeat increased rapidly as everyone got closer, there was nothing cage could do to keep the Emperor away from discovering this scene.


    It felt like her world came to an end when she saw the shocked expression of the onlookers. There was no way she could salvage any of her son''s good reputation. Everything was gone, she looked from the Emperor''s stony face to her son''s cold face.


    Everyone was silent for a second before the murmurs began among the royal family members present and the Chu state Envoys. The Crown Prince of Chu state was seated with the Emperor when the servants rushed in and reported that there was a fire breakout.


    To show concern, he rushed over expecting to see a house on fire but on arrival they found nothing. There wasn''t any fire, at least not in the literal sense but there was a hot mess. He needed to applaud Lu Yaozhu for having the guts to have an affair in the palace. Lu Yaozhu was either stupid or full of himself to try something like this.


    The crown prince of Chu''s lips tugged up "Interesting" he muttered. There was no one next to him that could hear what he said apart from his servant.


    Lu Yaozhu got on his knees and knocked his forehead on the ground "I deserve to be punished, your majesty!" Su Liya fell to her knees after Lu Yaozhu, she didn''t know how he choose to handle this but decided to follow his lead.


    The sudden fanfare involving half the high ranking members of the royal family was the only tell Lu Yaozhu needed to know where this was leading. Although he had no idea who orchestrated everything, it was too well planned for the Emperor to not be involved. Since the Emperor wants to set up a play he could only play his part, it was either that or risk getting his family involved.


    The Emperor didn''t have much hope for the plan set up by his imperial consort but he was glad that it all went on as planned. He wasn''t happy with the Empress little play at getting his elder sister involved in his activities but thankfully this would keep her contained.


    He shook his sleeve and looking to the crown prince of Chu state who stood a short distance away, smiled affectionately. "Please be at ease General Lu, we are all Family aren''t we. Don''t act so strict, isn''t this the maid you told me about. This silly boy, you are so bold on the battlefield.


    "Why can''t you be as bold with you love, didn''t I tell you I would help you two love birds. I guess you just couldn''t wait" the Emperor turned to the Empress and took her hands. "My Empress don''t be so shocked, General Lu is still young. We were youngsters too you know how it is with young love, you always like to be close to each other".


    The Empress''s eyes narrowed when she heard that, she didn''t know what this husband of hers was up to but since it concerned her Lu family, it wasn''t anything good. The Emperor put her on the spot, she had no choice but to play along.


    "Your Majesty, you mean that you are aware of Xiao Zhu''s... Friend?


    "I haven''t met her my love but I have heard a lot of good things about her from General Lu. Since it has come to this, they are clearly in love. My love let''s get them married"


    "Ma_ma married? But she is a maid_"


    "Don''t worry about that my dear that can be remedied. My Empress ever since the first Princess got married far away, you have been a little down. Why don''t you adopt her, Xiao Zhu is your favourite nephew and you know what they say about marrying a good daughter-in-law. When you get old, they will take care of you"


    Empress Lu looked down at the scheming little bitch, she didn''t like this plan one bit but the Emperor left her no choice. She let out a breath and replied "your majesty is very wise, let us do as you say".


    "Good. Young lady, may I please have your name. Xiao Zhu this silly boy, was very secretive about you. He never revealed your identity, I don''t know what he was afraid of. He is my precious nephew, I wouldn''t hurt you now would I?"


    Su Liya hands shook slightly, she rose her head up gently and looked to Lu Yaozhu as if to get his permission. When she didn''t get any response from him, she swallowed silently and wetting her lips gently. "Answering your majesty, this lowly one is named Su Liya", she replied her head still resting on the ground.


    "Liya, what a lovely name. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya here my command. Su Liya is kind, beautiful and virtuous. She possesses all the characters expected of a young lady, I now confer her Princess Qin second-ranked princess


    "General Lu is a strong backbone of the society, he and Princess Ping are a good match. He has made great contributions to the development of our nation. I now confer him the hereditary title of Maquis Yunzhu. They are good role models for the younger generation. They will be married in six days"


    Su Liya looked up at the Emperor''s eyes wide, Lu Yaozhu quickly took action to avoid her disrespecting the Emperor and Empress. He rose still on his knees and taking her hand helped her up. Su Liya got snapped out of her shock and quickly mirrored Lu Yaozhu''s actions.


    She stretched out her hands and clamping them close replied "your majesty, this little one accepts your command. Long live the Emperor".


    The Emperor smiled and said, "Caihong have the military of rites deliver the documents and gifts to the Maquis and Princess".


    The elderly Eunuch by the Emperor''s side walked forward "Yes your majesty". He bowed and stepped back.


    The Emperor turned to the servants and guards by his side and instructed "it is getting late, please escort the princess to Jing palace"


    The servants and guards replied, "Yes, your majesty".


    Two maids helped Su Liya up and then led her away. The Emperor said a few miscellaneous things before leaving. The Empress glanced at Lu Yaozhu briefly before leaving. Everyone left one after another when they saw there was nothing more to see until it remained just the Lu family.


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t wait for anyone to talk and just left the room. "Xiao... Zhu!" Madam Lu called out before walking to Zhu Fengyin and after glaring at her hissed "Let us go".

 Chapter 64: Her late night visitor 1

    The Duke''s mansion


    Lu Yingjie rode his horse during the ride back to the mansion from the palace so Zhu Fengyin was alone in the carriage. Everything that happened in the palace replayed in her mind during the ride back.


    She didn''t know what to make of the whole mess, she didn''t understand who and why Su Liya was targeted. Why did it have to be Lu Yaozhu, madam Lu was like a tiger when it came to her children. This night wasn''t going to be peaceful for her at the mansion but that was expected.


    She didn''t know how Su Liya was feeling while at the palace. The Emperor held her in the palace under the pretence of preparing for the wedding but any smart person could see that it was to protect his interest. The Emperor just conferred a marriage between one of his keep officials and a maid.


    While it looked like an accepted union to onlookers, there were a lot of powerful parties unhappy with the union. The best place she should be right now to save her neck was the palace. It isn''t unheard of for a bride to accidentally die in the capital. Although it was a good idea that Su Liya was held in the palace, she couldn''t help but worry.


    While she may not be killed there were other ways the Empress or madam Lu could get their pound of flesh. ''i have to find a way to ensure her safety. YaYa is innocent. This was all a dirty move made by someone sinister'' Zhu Fengyin thought as the carriage stopped moving.


    Tian Tian walked down from the maids'' carriage and ran to help her mistress out. A maid under her banner had caused a mess, Madam Lu wouldn''t take that lightly. It wouldn''t be good if her mistress wasted any more time to get down. Tian Tian was scared Madam Lu would take out her anger on Zhu Fengyin.


    Tian Tian pulled the door open and said "Mistress we have arrived".


    Zhu Fengyin took in a breath and let it out before getting up and stepping out for the carriage. She heard Madam Lu ask after Li Yaozhu as she was helped down.


    Madam Lu stood by the gates with Lu Yiling while the steward welcomed them. "Is Xiao Zhu back?" Madam Lu asked.


    The Duke mansion''s Steward Uncle Lu replied "no, Madam".


    Madam Lu looked ahead but didn''t see her eldest son anywhere. "Why isn''t Yingjie here?"


    "My lady, the Duke left as soon as he got here to search for our second young master" Uncle Lu replied gently.


    "Yingjie went after Xiao Zhu and Yong''er?"


    "Third young master went back to his room" Uncle Lu replied.


    "Good" Madam Lu replied. There was a sudden drop in temperature as she turned to Zhu Fengyin and "You, followed me". Madam Lu walked Swiftly to her Courtyard with Zhu Fengyin following her closely.


    Madam Lu raise her hands and slapped Zhu Fengyin on the cheek as soon as they got into the room. "You scheming little snake! Kneel!, Madam Lu said angrily and sat on the seat at the centre of the room.


    Zhu Fengyin ignored the tubbing pain from her cheek and fell on her knees silently.


    "Are you happy now, you have destroyed my son''s prospect? I never should have let you step into this compound, you are no good!" Madam Lu hissed looking down at Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t reply, she remained silent no matter what madam Lu said to her. She understood that madam Lu was angry, nothing she said would make her calm down. Lu Yiling who stood silently by looked down at Zhu Fengyin sympathetically.


    While she didn''t know the particulars of the scandals, she suspected that Zhu Fengyin might not be the mastermind behind this. Based on what she knew about Su Liya, that gold digger must have orchestrated everything herself.


    However, she didn''t bother to speak up for Zhu Fengyin because although Zhu Fengyin was not the mastermind, she was still guilty by association. Her ignorance of the true face of that two-faced maid of hers brought them this mess. She should be held accountable for that.


    "Why did you do it? What do you want from us!" Madam Lu shouted.


    "I am sorry mother for my maids part in this but I can assure you that neither I nor Su Liya had any hand in this. We are being framed mother!" Zhu Fengyin replied head bent down.


    Madam Lu laughed softly then standing, walked to Zhu Fengyin and raised her chin. She said gently "You are being framed! Do you want me to believe that lie? Zhu Fengyin, do you think that I don''t know about your romance with the sixth Prince. You might have my son fooled but I know that you are still in communication with the sixth prince''s camp. Were you ordered to do this by the sixth prince''s camp?"


    "No mother, I am not in communication with the sixth prince. I never was mother, you have to believe me"


    "You want me to believe that you weren''t aware of your maid''s actions. Since you want to play it like this, I will play along" She looked to her Nanny Liu and said, "escort the young madam to her room. She is not to leave without my permission".


    "Yes," Nanny Liu replied. She turned to Zhu Fengyin and pointing to the door said "this way young madam".


    Zhu Fengyin was helped up by Tian Tian and escorted to her room. True to her words Zhu Fengyin was locked in her Courtyard until Lu Yingjie and Lu Yaozhu returned home.


    **************


    The imperial palace


    Meanwhile back at the Empress''s palace,  Empress Lu pace about the room while bitting gently on her Lips. It was already late in the night but she couldn''t sleep. Sleeping was a distant thought in her mind, there were so many conflicting thoughts in her mind.


    Her ladies maid Xuayi had dismissed the rest of the servants to give her some privacy. Xuanyi stood by the wall, she watched her mistress go toe and froe.


    Empress Lu strapped her pacing, turned to her maid''s maid "where is that maid?"


    "Your highness, as per his majesty''s orders, Princess Ping was placed at Jing Palace."


    "I am tired of this wait, let us go meet my adopted daughter" Empress Lu walked towards the door. She was a few steps away from the entrance when the door was pushed open and Emperor Zhong walked in.


    Empress Lu And Xuanyi curtsied immediately, "Your majesty!"


    The Emperor looked from his wife to her maid briefly before dismissing the maid "leave us".


    "Yes," Xuanyi glanced at her mistress for a few seconds then bowed out of the room. The Emperor''s servants retreated and shut the door behind. It was only the royal couple in the room.


    "My Empress are we going to keep standing here?" Empress Zhong asked, his lips curved in a small smile.


    "Excuse my mistake, your highness please come in" she turned to the side. The Emperor walked past her and walked to the inner room.


    The Emperor stood by a painting on the wall, "It has been a while since I last came here. My Empress, please don''t take this to heart".


    "I don''t dare, your majesty"Empress Lu replied from a few steps away.


    "We have been married for over twenty years, haven''t we. How come in the years we have been married I have never seen you this worried about me as you are right now. Was I not worthy of that?"


    Empress clamped her hands tightly "Your majesty shouldn''t play with me, you are my darling husband. If you aren''t worthy of my love who is".


    Emperor Zhong turned off around, "Then you better listen to this darling husband of yours and stay put. I let you run around freely for long it seems since you dare to get my elder sister involved in cour.


    "Did you think I didn''t know what you were up to when you brought Xia Ying to the capital? Don''t get ahead of yourself Lu Nuo. (Lu Nuo is the Empress given name. She is a member of the Lu clan)


    "In this palace, nothing happens without my knowledge, this is my last warning. Don''t ever try something like this again, I will give you a month to handle the mess with Princess Ni''an" He left the room and returned to his palace.


    Empress Lu was still standing at the spot when Xuanyi walked in. "Your Highness? What is wrong" Xuanyi said when she saw her like that.


    Empress Lu blinked a few times and replied calmly "oh... Nothing. It is getting late. I am going to bed, you may leave".


    Xuanyi has followed the Empress since she was still the young mistress of the Duke''s mansion. She was familiar with her actions and could tell that her mistress didn''t want to talk about whatever had her worried. She nodded and left the room.


    *******


    Back at the crown prince of Chu state''s room.


    He sat by the desk and listened as his spies reported on the events of the day. When the last of his spies left, his guard handed the secret missive from Minister Zhu. He sent him outside before opening and reading the content of the not.


    ''The first move from our end has been made proceed as planned''


    He set the note ablaze after reading the note.

 Chapter 65: Her late night visitor 2

    On the roof of the administrative offices of the Ministry of War.


    Lu Yaozhu sat on the thin wooden spine at the centre of the roof and overlooked the city. The minister of war was located next to the industrial area of the capital. while there weren''t many residential buildings in that section, it was one of the busiest parts of the capital during the days.


    The minister of war was one of the ministries with the biggest courtyards, the building was tall. Standing on the roof gave one a wide view of the capital, the only other place that offered such a great view was the clocktower at the palace.


    Growing up this was one of Lu Yaozhu''s favourite spots at the capital, back when their father was still alive. His father usually carried him up to the roof whenever he was upset and they just sat there looking at the city until he felt better.


    After many years, it had turned into a habit to come here whenever he felt upset. Which seemed to be whenever he visited the Palace. It was past curfew, there wasn''t anyone on the usually busy streets. Everyone had gone in for the night, which worked in his favour.


    Lu Yaozhu wasn''t in the mood to speak to anyone, he sat silently and looked down at the sleeping city. There was a slight movement behind him, as Lu Yingjie joined him on the roof. Lu Yaozhu glanced at his brother for a second, then turned back to the view.


    Lu Yingjie was used to his younger brother''s mannerisms when angry, he sat a few steps away from Lu Yaozhu.


    "Ahh what a view! I haven''t been up here in a while. The capital looks beautiful even when sleeping, the landmass has increased", Lu Yingjie said normally like they were having a good conversation. Lu Yaozhu always did everything the right way and was likely upset with how everything went down.


    Lu Yingjie kept talking about nothing in particular, as he tried to make his worked up brother get relaxed. Lu Yaozhu was Quiet for a while before finally opening up, he broke the silence not long later.


    "I don''t know how to face her, brother... She must have felt violated as I do. You have to understand that... She isn''t responsible for what happened. She is the victim in this, like_" he stopped halfway but Lu Yingjie understood what he wanted to say.


    Patting him on the shoulder, Lu Yingjie replied "you don''t need to explain, I understand. I never intended to play her, because then I would have to blame Zhu Fengyin and we have been married for months. I know what kind of person she is, Su Liya and my wife are a little similar".


    Lu Yaozhu turned to his brother surprised to hear this from him, "you don''t blame her?"


    "No, how can I. When I saw how giddy the Emperor was, everything was carefully planned. Something like this wouldn''t happen without some high ranking members of the haram being involved. This little trick is more common in Females and since the Emperor was involved, the orchestrator must be one of his women.


    "The Empress had her plans for your marriage, so it can''t be her. Plus our aunt and uncle are at odds, I doubt he would ever help her. The next powerful person is the one I believe is most likely the mastermind. Which is imperial consort Shi, she is the most favoured Consort so makes sense that the Emperor would work with her. Doesn''t it?"


    "Yes, I suspect her too but I want to be sure. They want to ruin our aunt''s plans and this is the best way to both ruin my reputation and block off all paths. Elder Princess Ni''an would never allow her granddaughter to become a concubine".


    Lu Yingjie nodded "since his majesty put such an effort into this, we can only play along. He would be watching to see how our family will handle this, for him to do this, he must be at his wit''s end. You have to be careful out there".


    "Don''t worry about me, I can handle him. Just promise me you will keep everyone safe, Su Liya included. She is innocent in this war with the Emperor."


    "Why are you speaking like you are leaving a will. Don''t try anything stupid!"


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at his brother and smiled "don''t worry, I know not to take any more risks.


    *********


    The news of Lu Yaozhu''s marriage spread wide by the next day, it was all anymore could talk about. Especially since the bride was a ladies maid, that stench could not be easily washed away. A lot of gossips involving Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin began to spread.


    By the evening that day, a lot of nosy madams visited the Duke''s mansion in search of gossip, under the pretence of congratulating the family. Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin were masters of pretence, they put on an amicable front to put the wagging tongues at Bay.


    However, as soon s the visitors left the old slipped off Madam Lu'' face and she sent Zhu Fengyin a heated look. The sight of this daughter-in-law of hers was irritating, "what are you waiting for, return to your room immediately!".


    Zhu Fengyin gave her salute and turned to leave. She was at the door when she was held back by Lu Yingjie, who just returned from court. He still wore the red court uniform, he held her arm gently and whispered to her "Don''t leave, you deserve to be here as much as she does".


    He ran his fingers through hers and held her arm, "let us go", he said smiling. Zhu Fengyin looked up at him with her big soulful eyes and glanced at their interwoven hands turned around and walked in with him.


    She had seen him since he visited her late last night


    ******


    last night, at Zhu Fengyin''s room.


    Zhu Fengyin dismissed her maids for the night to get some sleep. After tossing and turning for some time she finally gave up on sleep, she sat up on the bed and stepped down from the bed. The room was dim save for a few Candles set in strategic positions in the room.


    To distract herself from the obvious, Zhu Fengyin took out a book from the bookshelf and picking up a candle. She brought them both to the reading table. Placing the candle on the table, she flipped the book open and began to read.


    A few pages into her book, there was a whizz of air from the window as a dark figure jumped into the room. She rushed out of her seat worried until she saw it was Lu Yingjie.


    "Your Grace!"


    Lu Yingjie sat on the seat opposite hers, "seat, I need to speak to you".


    Zhu Fengyin returned to her seat, "if it is about the scandal, I swear that I and Yaya had nothing to do with that. We are being framed!"


    "I am not here to talk about that. We have been married for months now, I have treated you well haven''t I?"


    Zhu Fengyin nodded "Yes you have".


    "Are you still in communication with your father? You must answer me honestly Fengyin. We are husband and wife, Fengyin. After marriage, we become one. We live or die together if we are to make this marriage work, we have to trust each other".


    After the painful events of her past life, Zhu Fengyin knew not to trust her father. He would sacrifice her for power any day, there were no benefits in being loyal to him. She looked up to him and informed him that she had exchanged secret messages with her father a few times since their marriage.


    She relayed the content of each message and her response, Lu Yingjie silently watched her for a few seconds when she was done. Then replied "Good, get some sleep. We will talk tomorrow"


    She didn''t know what to make of his response but from his actions now, she could only assume that he believed her.


    *******


    The Present, At Madam Lu''s courtyard.


    Madam Lu looked was shocked to see her usually serious eldest son walk in holding his traitorous wife''s hand. She sat up and glared at Zhu Fengyin before glancing at her son "Yingjie, you are back early".


    "His majesty release court early" he replied then drawing Zhu Fengyin closer he continued "please don''t take your anger out on Fengyin or Su Liya mother. They had nothing to do with what happened yesterday".


    "How sure are of that! Yingjie, you are still young. You can''t judge these things emotionally."


    "I already investigated everything mother, the maids involved weren''t normal maids. Zhu Fengyin is my wife mother, she doesn''t deserve to be treated this way".


    "Since you said that, I will believe you. I am tired, indeed to rest. I won''t see you off" Madam Lu was supported by her maid Nanny Liu as she left the room.

 Chapter 66: The wedding 1

    The Imperial Palace.


    Zhongshan Cheng woke up to the best news of the year, He was getting ready for his first day back at court when the steward ran in and reported that Lu Yaozhu was caught up in a scandal and will be getting married. Lu Yaozhu and his brother Lu Yingjie were a thorn in his side and as such he welcomed every news that puts them in a bad light


    He caught more excited when he discovered that the bride was a mere servant. A servant with a bad lineage, according to his spies. The Bride was the daughter of a dismissed maid at the mansion of the military commander of Qinzhou


    Lu Yaozhu was unlucky in marriage because the mother of his bride was a popular songstress in the capital. It was rumoured that the maid was dismissed when she was found to be pregnant for the commander''s heir Yuan Jinli. Since the Yuan family were reputable, nothing could be proven.


    The marriage was a big joke disguised as a blessing, father Emperor made a significant dent in the Lu Family''s prestige. Lu Yaozhu''s wings could be considered clipped since he couldn''t marry Elder Princess Ni''an''s granddaughter.


    Zhongshan Cheng rushed to his mother''s palace after the court session in high spirits. He hummed as he walked into her palace, smiling at the maids assigned to her palace. His mother was trimming her flowers when he arrived, She looked up from her task and smiling


    "Xiao Cheng, you look dashing in your uniform. I am almost done, hold on" she said.


    He waited patiently for her to be done with the task and hand the plant over to a maid to take away. Once they were alone, imperial consort Shi took her son''s hands and let him to a seat. "You look overjoyed, it is your first day back. How was court?"


    "How did you do it, mother. father Emperor announced that Lu Yaozhu''s marriage during the court session" he said excitedly.


    Imperial Consort Shi chuckled as she replied "I didn''t do much, my Son. The real mastermind is your wife, she is the one that thought of the whole thing".


    "Zhu Feifei?"


    "Yes, she laid out the plan. I was as surprised as you were when she suggested it. I guess it was a good thing that you married her".


    Zhongshan Cheng remembered the ranging tigress he had married and shook his head. It felt so unreal but considering her amicable Zhu Feifei had been of late, it made sense. "Well, good to see that she is finally earning her keep. Now that the union between the Lu Family and the state Duke''s family isn''t possible, what is the plan for Xia Ying?"


    "I don''t know yet, his majesty said he would handle that".


    "Father favours us, whatever he has planned would favour us. There is no need to worry."


    **************


    Meanwhile at Jing Palace


    Su Liya woke up from yet another quick nap feeling anything but relaxed. She had been kept in the palace for three horrifyingly long days. The Emperor claimed that it was to prepare her for marriage but She like every other smart people in the know, were aware that the Emperor''s main purpose was to prevent her from running away.


    The Emperor took this sham of marriage seriously, for the past few days, the palace servants went around preparing for the wedding. The imperial Embroidery mistress and two other assistants visited her on her first day in the palace. They took her measurements for both her wedding dress and a few official dresses.


    The Emperor was very serious, a few hours before the clothing department came, the minister''s of rites visited her and delivered the official addict and other documents. She had been adopted by the Empress, her name was added to the Empress''s genealogy.


    Su Liya understood that it was just in name, In the three days, she has been in the palace her "mother" visited Zero times. Not that she felt sad or anything, she was okay with the Empress ignoring her. That saved her from any awkward meeting, she knew fully well that the Empress like madam Lu was displeased with the match.


    Su Liya herself didn''t know what to make of this union, she had a lot going on in her head to dwell on that. Waking up in a strange bed with a stranger did that to one, these past few days she felt a wide range of emotions. From despair to resignation, she had no other choice but to accept her present condition.


    Her experience in life made her somewhat jaded, she didn''t like to be the damsel in distress and learned to adapt to whatever situation she found herself in. She was all alone in the world and can only depend on herself. Apart from the palace Etiquette Mistress and a few maids, she didn''t have any other visitors.


    That quickly changed by 9 am on her fourth day in the palace, she had just finished going through a gruelling lesson with the Palace Etiquette Mistress. When the maid announced that imperial consort Shi was at the door.


    Su Liya was grounded at Jing palace by the Emperor, she couldn''t leave without his permission. She had been pretty much bored throughout her stay in the palace, apart from the stone-faced Etiquette Mistress and the scared maids, she was pretty much left to her own devices.


    With nothing much to do, Su Liya found herself reading and studying the etiquette books left by the Etiquette Mistress. She followed the usual protocol and saluted the Imperial Consort. This wasn''t her first time meeting imperial consort Shi, she had met her a few times while accompanying Zhu Fengyin.


    Everything she met this consort, she was always amazed by her superb acting skills. If this was modern time, imperial consort Shi could win an Oscar with her acting. This time wasn''t any different, imperial consort Shi acted like the concerned elder.


    She acted like they were very close, asking her various questions. Su Liya was already used to fakeness after following Zhu Fengyin to various social events. She got in touch with her inner actresses and put on a good show of closeness.


    Su Liya didn''t know she could put on such an act until now. The more she stayed in this world, the more explored her various potentials. It was scary how it all came naturally to her but that might be because it was a matter of life or death. After probing for information and getting none, Imperial Consort Shi left.


    Su Liya released the breath she held when the unwelcome guest left. This consort was a little too smart for her liking, her sudden visit left her on the edge. She felt so uneasy for the next few hours, the last shoe dropped when are when the Empress visited her.


    She had only seen the Empress during the few imperial banquets she had accompanied Zhu Fengyin to. Although It was always from a distance, the Empress was always awe-inspiring. Empress Lu had quite the aura, it was very intimidating.


    The Empress was supported by her court lady Xuanyi to the low backed seat at the receiving hall. Su Liya recalled all the Etiquette lessons, this was their first meeting so she paid her respects. The Empress never released her, instead, she watched her silently from her seat like the Empress She was.


    The Empress aura felt very innate luke she was born with it. It was nothing like the overblown aura imperial consort Shi put on. The Empress studied her silently, after a few minutes, she must have come to her conclusions because she finally dismissed her.


    "At ease"


    Su Liya stood and bowed. She wasn''t instructed to seat yet so she just stood in front of the Empress. The Empress, who wasn''t the kind to show her authority in such a childish manner instructed her to seat.


    Empress Lu picked up her cup of tea, lifted the lid halfway and waved the steam away before taking a sip. After a few sips of tea, she returned the teacup to the table next to her and said "You have been in the palace for some time, how are you finding your stay?"


    "Answering your highness this little one has enjoyed her stay. Thanks for the concern."


    Empress Lu tilted her head to the side, "you can dispense with the formalities, You are now my child. Call me imperial mother, get used to addressing yourself like a princess. It is your rate now".


    "Yes imperial mother"


    "While I am not pleased with how everything went down, since we are already at this point. Let us make do with everything. You will be getting married in a few days, although we haven''t known each other for long. You are my daughter, I am responsible for you.


    "Xiao Zhu is a kind boy, he is a very good choice of husband. Be loyal to your husband, don''t bring shame to the family. Learn the four lessons, be filial to your husband, your in-laws and your ancestors. Don''t steal, Don''t commit adultery and foster the new generation.


    "You are new to this all so I will give you a bonus piece of advice, Be careful of people that act like friends. That includes Imperial Consort Shi, I don''t know what game you are playing but hurt Xiao Zhu and I will end you" after saying that the Empress waved the maid standing next to Xuanyi closer.


    The maid held a medium-sized box in front of her, as soon as she was called forward, she bowed and presented the box to Su Liya.


    "You are getting married, Liya. We haven''t known each other for long, this is the best I can do for you. Every married young lady should be somewhat independent".


    Su Liya knew that it was tradition for the bride''s family to provide her with a dowry, it would be insulting for her to reject this. She accepted the box and bowing said "Thanks, imperial Mother"


    "It isn''t much, please bear with me. You must be exhausted, I will take my leave. The days are nearing close, join me for breakfast".


    "Yes imperial mother".

 Chapter 67: The Wedding 2

    The imperial palace.


    Lu Yaozhu was held back by the crown Prince as soon court ended, like other officials heard about Lu Yaozhu''s marriage. Lu Yaozhu had been as elusive as ever, he hadn''t been able to get hold of him until now. Zhongshan Ling pulled Lu Yaozhu into an unoccupied palace close to the court room to avoid getting overheard.


    He had left the palace as soon as the games ended and were present when Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya were found in a compromising condition. He had been shocked when his guard reported the situation to him.


    Zhongshan Ling gave his guard a sign to watch the door while they chatted. "I heard about what happened.... father Emperor is making a big move. How are you?"


    Lu Yaozhu grinned and replied "good, I am getting married. It is happy news, my mother has been worried about my marriage for a while. She can finally relax, I am just a lowly general. Don''t forget to give me a big wedding gift".


    The crown prince brows furrowed, "why are you acting so happy? It is okay to be sad".


    Lu Yaozhu tilted his head "sad? Why would I be sad? The bride is really pretty, she is like a first rank beautiful. I lucked out in wives, don''t worry about me." He said patting Zhongshan Ling on the shoulder.


    Zhongshan Ling looked at him like he was going mad, he didn''t know why Lu Yaozhu was acting this calm but he knew him well. The more he pressed for information, the more exaggerated things, Lu Yaozhu would say.


    "Since you want to play it like this, ahh forget it. My spies intercepted a message between Minister Zhu and the crown Prince of Chu state. You were right, the Shi family is making some underground moves. Be careful, I don''t think they are done with you yet". Zhongshan Ling said exasperated.


    "Aren''t I always. Imperial Aunt asked to speak with me, I better get going" Lu Yaozhu left silently.


    He didn''t have an appointment with the Empress, he just didn''t want to spend any more time speaking to her another concerned party. It was enough that he had to deal with his mother''s probing as soon as he walked into the house, he didn''t want another concerned person.


    He walked in the direction of the Empress''s palace, in case Zhongshan Ling put someone in his trail. Brother Ling was relentless when he got something in mind. As he walked through the inner palace garden, he overheard a few maids mention that the Empress visited the new princess at Jing Palace.


    He paused at the mention of the Princess at Jing palace, it can only be Su Liya since all the Princesses were either married or out of the palace. He turned to the left and headed to the Empress''s Jianxiu Palace. Since he was already close, he might as well check on his aunt.


    The Empress laid crooked on the chaise when the little eunuch rush in and reported his arrival. Empress Lu immediately sat up and quickly arranged her appearance before letting him in. She sat on the cushioned seat in the living room, with her two senior court ladies standing behind her.


    He stopped a few steps away from her, "Greetings Your Highness".


    "Xiao Zhu, I wasn''t expecting you!" She said smiling wide. Empress Lu usually had a solemn expression, her days in the palace were cold and exhausting. However, the solemn expression usually disappeared as soon as she saw Lu Yaozhu.


    The General always brighten up her mood, everyone noticed the change in her mood every time the general visited. There were a few sinister rumours spread by the other consort''s, they accused the Empress and Lu Yaozhu of having an unmentionable relationship.


    The rumours got worse the older the general got, but the Empress ignored all those rumours. There was no point in answering such baseless accusations. That would make the tongues wag more, Lu Yaozhu was her favourite nephew. She treated him like her child since he had been born after she had lost her child.


    "I am sorry for coming unexpectedly. After what happened..... We haven''t spoken.... I wanted to..."


    "Don''t worry, this Empress understands. I visited her, she is fine. Although she is a little suspicious, I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt" she had to watch him grow up, this wasn''t a normal visit. Her darling nephew must have heard that she visited his fiance and wanted to inquire about her conditions.


    "Many thanks, Your Highness" he replied.


    "You must be tired from the court, I won''t keep you any longer".


    "Goodbye, your highness".


    **********


    By 10 pm that night.


    Su Liya dismissed the maids and sat on the square table. The wooden box from the Empress was placed on the table, her room had been swarmed with maids all day. The number of servants in her Courtyard seemed to have increased when the Empress left.


    She suspected that the sudden traffic in her room had a lot to do with the Empress''s visit, it was safe to assume that majority of not all the maids were spies pushed in by the major players in the palace. She left the box on the cupboard in her room, carefully keeping an eye on the nosy maids.


    The maids waited till night, they gave up when they failed to get a response out of Su Liya. They gladly escaped to their rooms as soon as she released them. Keeping watch of these unwanted servants was exhausting, she let out a breath of relief when they left.


    She picked up the wooden box from the cupboard and moved it to the square-shaped table. She decided to check the content of the box, without anyone breathing down her neck. The Empress maid had given her the key together with the box, she had slipped the key into her sleeves when the maids came in.


    Su Liya carefully inserted the key into the key how and twisted the key. There was a "Click" as the box unlocked, the lid slid up. Su Liya pulled the lid higher, an assortment of jewellery was placed at the top of the box.


    The jewellery was made from pure gold, she knew it was high-quality gold because she had seen a few of Zhu Fengyin''s jewellery. However none was as exquisite as these pieces, it had been unexpected but the empress hasn''t spared any expense. There was a hidden compartment at the base, she removed the jewellery to open the compartment.


    There were deeds of farmsteads, shops and restaurants all in the capital hidden in the compartment. Su Liya sorted through the deeds carefully, before reading through the account book kept under the deeds. "The Empress left such a nest egg... Why? This is too generous" she thought as she read through the account book.


    It was getting late and Su Liya felt her eyes get tired. She returned the contents of the box into the box, locked the box and placed it back on the cupboard. She initially thought of hiding the box somewhere else but after some thoughts decided against it. "The best place to hide things was in plain sight" she muttered as she stepped away from the cupboard.


    As she walked to the bed, she was startled by the slight movement by the window. Scared, Su Liya gripped a paper holder from the table as a weapon. It wasn''t very big but create damage on anyone. She rose it high above her head, prepared to hit whoever it was, only to see Lu Yaozhu step out from the shadow.


    Su Liya took a step back, she dropped the paper holder back on the table and holding her chest, inhaled and exhaled quickly. "Oh my! You scared me!".


    "Sorry, the Emperor has his eyes here. I can''t get caught" Lu Yaozhu said apologetically.


    "Cool, I don''t mind. Thanks okay..."


    "How are you?"


    "I am good, still trying to get used to everything"


    "You must get adjusted quickly, we will be getting married soon. I don''t care about your past as far as you don''t cause trouble. Our Lu Family only recognized talent or skill".


    "Yes"


    "We will be getting married in a few days me, try to pull yourself".


    "Yes"

 Chapter 68: The wedding night

    In a bunk of an eye, it was the wedding day, everyone looked forward to the special day for all the wrong reasons. The Emperor looked forward to the day, he clipped the wings of this unruly nephew of his.


    The Empress had already come to terms with the whole thing but was in a bind thinking of how to appease Elder Princess Ni''an. The Emperor was breathing down her neck, waiting patiently for the deadline.


    While the Emperor and imperial consort Shi waited patiently to see their plan progress, the rest of the noble families all waited to watch a soul. Everyone waited for a big showdown but were surprised when they got nothing.


    The day before the wedding, madam Lu went through the arrangements made by the servant. She stood by the wall in the banquet all, while the steward in charge of the mansion Uncle Lu gave a rundown of everything. She made corrections where she should until she was satisfied then returned to her room.


    She was on her way to the room when it was reported that their in-laws the Xu family sent over some gifts for the couple. The servants presented it to the old madam before sending it to the second master''s place.


    Nanny Liu a servant that followed the old madam into the Duke''s mansion when she got married as one of her dowry maid''s, shook her head when she saw the present. All were of good quality, second madam Xu was a close friend of the madam wasn''t stingy in her gift.


    It was obvious that the gifts were all prepared by her since they were all based on the second master''s preference. At first glance, it was easy to see that the sender was meticulous. In a household like the Xu family full of peacocks, only Second madam Xu would put up such an effort.


    Madam Lu and the second madam were as close as sisters, they were considering arranging a match between the only daughter of the second madam Xu and their second young master. It sure a pity that their efforts were wasted on that dream


    She saw the upcoming marriage as a trap set by an overzealous maid who didn''t know her place. As they returned to their rooms, Nanny Liu Sighed "it is such a pity, madam. Look at all the top-notch gifts from second madam Xu. She treats you well, all our good plans all wasted thanks to that hussy!".


    "We made all the plans but sadly none were useful," madam Lu replied.


    Nanny Liu looked left and right before moving closer to her mistress and said in a low tone, "His majesty only conferred a wife for our Young Master, why don''t we marry the second young miss In as a concubine".


    Madam Lu glared at Nanny Liu as soon as she heard that "Insolence!, How dare you. Is this Duke''s mansion short on high-end products? It is the Lu Family''s tradition to have only one wife, I wouldn''t change a tradition to suit my needs!"


    Nanny Liu knelt immediately "this servant was wrong, I forget my place madam please don''t take it to heart".


    Madam Liu just looked down at her current position and ignored her.


    The next day, the wedding ceremony was held. Su Liya woke early to prepare for the big day, The maids responsible for beauty applied her make-up and styled her hair. While another set of palace maids brought in her wedding dress.


    After getting dressed, Su Liya was led to the carriage and left for the Duke''s mansion. The carriage was decorated in red, Su Liya sat silently, her heart beating faster as she was carried through the palace to the palace.


    Su Liya stopped at the Empress''s palace to give her greetings and received some blessings from the Empress before continuing on the trip to the Duke''s mansion. The Empress bestowed a few extra gifts and advised her to respect her elders and new family.


    As she left, the Empress added a few well-trained palace servants to her dowry to serve her. It was normal for families to add a few of their servants to accompany the bride into her new home. The few servants looked reliable but she suspected that they were sent along by the Empress to keep tabs on her


    She arrived at the Duke''s mansion at the auspicious hours and was led in by Lu Yaozhu. Lu Yaozhu let her pass the gate and holding on to one end of the red ribbon, walked into the receiving room.


    There was a small crowd in the living room, all of the whiles were here expecting to watch a scene. However, they had none. The wedding officiator instructed the bride and groom through the wedding procedures.


    At the end of the bows, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya held on both ends of the red ribbon as they were led to the nuptial room. Su Liya was a little familiar with the process since she had accompanied Zhu Fengyin during her wedding ceremony.


    Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu sat on the bed while various family members both from the royal family and the Lu family have their good wishes. Throughout the wedding ceremony, a palace Eunuch was present representing the Emperor.


    The women of Lu Yaozhu''s extended family each visited them, after saying a few words of blessings, they left. Soon it was quiet in the room, Lu Yaozhu returned to attend to the wedding guest at the banquet hall. While Lu Yaozhu waited in the nuptial chambers, staying in the brightly decorated room gave her feelings of Deja Vu.


    A few months earlier, she had accompanied Zhu Fengyin through this and now it was her turn. There were served outside the door and the room but she felt so alone and a little scared. Lu Yaozhu received a few toasts from the guests till it got dark.


    There were a few unruly guests, mainly other young masters in the capital who wanted to get him drunk. They have toast after toast, he caught his elder brother''s eyes as he started getting tipsy.


    Lu Yingjie had experienced something similar and quickly came to his rescue. He intercepted a few of the toast sent his younger brother''s way. When that didn''t keep them away, they started to get a little rowdy. They all insisted on following Lu Yaozhu to the nuptials chamber to see the bride.


    Lu Yingjie created a little disturbance to distract them, while Lu Yaozhu escaped. Su Liya ate some snacks while she waited for her new husband. She got more nervous the longer she waited, while she wanted Lu Yaozhu to stay longer at the banquet, she found herself praying he would hasten up.


    The headdress she wore weighed a lot, her neck hurt and was gradually getting stiff. The wedding gown was too layered, she was going to get a heat stroke if she didn''t do away with all this fabric. It was tradition, she couldn''t complain and just bared with the discomfort.


    After what felt like forever, Lu Yaozhu returned. She let out a breath and sat straight when she heard the maids greet him. Lu Yaozhu came in with the joyous mama to complete the other wedding rituals. He sat next to her on the bed and used a joyous stick to raise her veil, then drank the nuptial wine.


    Everyone withdrew at the end to give the couple some privacy. Lu Yaozhu noticed her discomfort, she sat in an awkward position caused by the heavy headdress. Su Liya blushed when she saw Lu Yaozhu watching him. It dawned on her that she would have to perform the deed with Lu Yaozhu after the remaining wedding procedures were carried out.


    She immediately swallowed, while they were married, Su Liya felt nervous in Lu Yaozhu''s presence. The thought of performing that act with a stranger scared her, she ran through various scenarios in her mind but none could get her out of this mess.


    It was a big deal In ancient times to consummate a marriage, this was inevitable. She zeroed her mind, expecting him to make a move when she heard a low male voice say "You look uncomfortable, is your headdress heavy?"


    Su Liya blinked, a little surprised to hear this but after some seconds she corrected herself "Ye_Yeas" she replied in a sweet low voice.


    "Turn around" he replied. When he was met with silence he said a few more words "turned around so I can help you take them off".


    "Oh oh yes" Su Liya turned around and replied "Thanks".


    Lu Yaozhu replied with a quiet "en" then went up to release Su Liya from the bondage she has on her hair. When everything was off Lu Yaozhu placed it on the square table at the side of the room. Su Liya expected him to get down to business but was shocked when he ignored her completely and walked to the door.


    She felt a little taken back by him and asked "are you leaving?"


    Lu Yaozhu looked back at her and nodded. "I have a few other things to take care of''. Su Liya heartbeat increased as she heard that. All eyes were on them, Lu Yaozhu leaving this early would lead to a lot of unfavourable gossips. At least for her, she bit her lips gently before summoning up the courage to say "can you not go.... Please".

 Chapter 69: The new bride

    The Duke''s mansion


    Su Liya bit her lips gently and summoning up courage said with a tiny voice "can you not go?"


    Lu Yaozhu turned around and looked at her with an expression that said ''Do you even know what you mean''. Su Liya felt her cheek heat up immediately, she immediately tried to explain "I_ I don''t mean it that way. It is just that leaving this quickly will make tongues wag."


    Lu Yaozhu nodded but didn''t reply, he walked to the door and spoke with her servant Yu Tao. Her heart sank when she saw him walk to the door, she wasn''t surprised he was leaving but she still felt disappointed. She had hoped that Lu Yaozhu would still help her save face, even if they got married this way, he was still her husband.


    She stood and unkneaded her achy neck. There was no need to avoid the inevitable, she removed her out covers until she was left in just her inner clothes. She rose the blankets and got into the bed, she looked up at the overhead curtain.


    As usual, the embroidery was very pretty, she silently processed the events of the day, when she heard footsteps at the door. She looked up expecting to find a maid when she saw Lu Yaozhu walk back in. Their eyes jammed when he walked in, Lu Yaozhu was amused by his new wife''s expression.


    She looked like a little rabbit looking at him from under the blankets, She rose the blanket up to her neck. Her clear eyes were all that could be seen from that position. Su Liya unlike most young Mistresses wasn''t good at hiding her thoughts.


    Her joyful expression was very easy to see, she must have assumed he was leaving. Lu Yaozhu cleared his throat and said "I am not in the habit of embarrassing my wife, I only stepped out to instruct my subordinates. I want us to start how we want to go on".


    Su Liya smiled "thanks"


    He didn''t reply and began to remove his red wedding clothes, stopping when it remained his white inner shirt and black trouser. He sat on the edge of the bed and took off his boots and placed it by the side of the bed, then got under the blanket.


    Su Liya rolled inside, while he undressed. They both laid stiffly on the bed, there was a short distance between them. Su Liya was still a little nervous, the Jitters kept her awake for some time. After a while when there was no action from Lu Yaozhu side, she loosened up and finally fell asleep.


    Su Liya fell asleep happy to have survived her wedding day, everything went smoothly. She wasn''t the only person happy with the success of the wedding, so was Xia Ying.


    Xia Ying waited till her maid reported that the wedding was concluded before going to bed. Xia Ying grew up hearing stories about brave warriors who uphold justice and protect the citizen. After hearing those stories, she decided to marry a man just like the heroes in those stories.


    She was overjoyed when her grandmother informed her that she was going to the capital until she found out that her grandmother was arranging a marriage prospect for her in the capital. She had put on quite the resistance until her sister informed her that she would be marrying the popular general Lu.


    Her sister told her a few of the stories she heard about the general, the stories were a little heroic. After hearing the stories, she decided to give him a chance. However, after meeting her saviour in the forest, Xia Ying fell in love at first sight.


    Although she didn''t know who her saviour was, Xia Ying was smitten. The thoughts of marrying anyone else felt impossible, She was initially worried about her future marriage but the Emperor''s edict solved that problem.


    Ignorance they say was bliss, no one understood that more than Xia Ying. A few days later the day she had received the news of Lu Yaozhu turned into the worse day of her life.


    ******


    The next day, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu woke up early. Today was the first day of their marriage, it was a tradition that the new couple served tea to the groom''s family.


    Yu Tao woke them at daybreak to get prepared to meet the family. This was going to be their first meeting after marriage, they both dressed appropriately and headed to madam Lu''s courtyard.


    It was 8 am when they arrived, everyone was seated in madam Lu''s living room. Lu Yingjie and Zhu Fengyin were both seated at madam Lu''s right while the other Lu siblings Lu Yiling and Lu Yong sat at her left.


    Su Liya caught Zhu Fengyin''s eyes as she walked beside Lu Yaozhu but pretended otherwise. Madam Lu''s expression was a little rigid, she was watching Su Liya like a shark. Testing this woman''s patient didn''t look like a bright idea.


    Su Liya saluted Madam Lu and everyone before they began to tea service. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya knelt in front of madam Lu and holding their balled-up fist in their hands said simultaneously


    "This son greets mother"


    "This daughter greets mother-in-law"


    Madam Lu nodded at them. "Rise", she said softly.


    Su Liya poured the tea carefully into the teacup, she walked up to madam Lu and presented the cups of tea to her


    "Daughter-in-law serves mother tea"


    Her actions were exquisite, she poured the tea carefully, making sure not to spill any on the table or her sleeves. After serving her mother-in-law, she turned to her husband''s feelings and said a few words of respect to everyone. Zhu Fengyin smiled softly at her, she was impressed by Su Liya''s actions throughout this event.


    Although she didn''t like her new daughter-in-law, madam Lu put on a friendly attitude. After saying a few shallow words on the surface, madam Lu released them. She asked Lu Yaozhu and the Duke to stay back for a few minutes. While Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie stayed back to discuss with madam Lu, Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin returned to their rooms together.


    Su Liya held on to Zhu Fengyin''s lands quietly while they walked out of madam Lu''s Courtyard. Zhu Fengyin said in a low tone "It has been a while Yaya, how are you doing?"


    Su Liya glanced at the. Servants around her and moving in closer whispered "Good apart from things being a little awkward between I and the second master".


    "Good, second master is very respectful. He might appear cold by I can assure you that he is a good choice. Don''t let mother''s actions discouraged you".


    Su Liya glanced at the serious-looking Zhu Fengyin and giggled. She leaned on Zhu Fengyin''s shoulders and whispered "look at you sounding all experienced?"


    "Am I not experienced, Considering how long I had been treated with the cold shoulder by madam Lu.", Zhu Fengyin teased.


    "Madam Lu is very strict, we sisters need to watch out for each other. I noticed that you and his grace has gotten closer, the two of you were in sync with each other"


    Zhu Fengyin blushed at the mention of her husband "don''t pay close attention to the Duke and I, you are also married. Pay attention to second young master" she cautioned shyly.


    "The second master had a lot of people paying attention to him, no need to worry. Madam Lu is now focused on me, please make good use of this opportunity to get closer"


    "Wow, Look at you acting so selfless"


    Su Liya nodded "why thank you?"


    "Ha!, look at your bashful expression. Go away" Zhu Fengyin removed her hands from Su Liya''s and pushed her away jokingly.


    Su Liya returned to Lu Yaozhu''s courtyard known as the Western pavilion. It was a two compound pavilion, there were two separate buildings. The bigger building was occupied by Lu Yaozhu, while the other served as a guest Courtyard but was converted to Su Liya''s rooms.


    Each building had four separate rooms and shared a central kitchen, one was the living room, the other was the bedroom, the library and the dining room. After changing to casual clothes, Su Liya sat on the chaise by the window and admired the flowers.


    Sometime later Lu Yaozhu returned with two Yong girls clad in a senior maid''s uniform following him closely. Su Liya stood when he arrived and after saluting sat on the chair opposite him.


    "Second Young master," she said respectfully.


    Lu Yaozhu waved her to her seat then called the two maids forward. He introduced them to her "Liya, you just came in from the palace, you don''t have a maid yet. I made Yu Tao looks into it and I arranged for two maids to serve you. Here at they are. They are Baozhai and Rong Rong"


    The two maids bowed when they were introduced "greetings madam".


    "They will be in charge of taking care of you. I feel more at ease with both of them taking care of you".


    "Thanks" she replied. The maid bowed, walked and stood behind her. Lu Yaozhu didn''t stay any longer and returned to his stuff.

 Chapter 70: offense is the best defense 1

    The Duke''s mansion.


    Lu Yaozhu left after the servants were introduced, leaving the rest to Su Liya. Su Liya had little experience with these things and didn''t understand how to handle the servants. Luckily, Lu Yaozhu already instructed Baozhai on everything because she carefully explained things to Su Liya.


    Baozhai and Rong Rong looked capable so she just put them in charge of the choosing of servants. She was just in charge of making the final decision, a few hours later everything was set. She discovered that Baozhai and Rong Rong were very efficient maids trained by the Empress and the Lu family respectively.


    Lu Yaozhu was given seven days leave from court by the Emperor so apart from eating breakfast and dinner with her, he spent the rest of his time in his study. Apart from the wedding night, they slept separately but he still stopped by at her place to maintain appearances.


    Two days after the wedding, Su Liya recurved an invitation to a house party held at Qianzhu military commander''s house in the capital. This was the first invitation she had received after her marriage. After having her breakfast, Su Liya went to find Zhu Fengyin at the main Courtyard.


    As she walked through the familiar path leading to the main courtyard, she couldn''t help but reminisce on the times she had taken this path as a maid. Now she walked through them as a master, she ran into a few filar faces as she walked to the main courtyard.


    The maid greeted her, as she walked to the main Courtyard. Even if they were familiar with her, her stations has changed. She was no longer a maid like them but a princess and now the second young madam. However, even with that, she received a lot of cold gazes from the maids.


    Who in the capital hasn''t heard of how she got married to the second master, most of the maids found her an eyesore. The older matrons at the main Courtyard greeted her with undisguised hatred. Su Liya ignored their gaze, she had expected this from them.


    Most of the older matrons were selected by madam Lu, they never liked her even when she was still a maid. Su Liya was left to stand just outside the door, while they went in to inform Zhu Fengyin of her presence.


    Su Liya ignored their actions, she just got married and didn''t have any standing yet. There was no need to blow it out of proportion, standing for a few minutes was nothing. Although cage wasn''t in a favourable position right now, there was still more chances to deal with them.


    Zhu Fengyin sat by the square table practising her embroidery when she walked in. Su Liya didn''t bother with formalities, she sat opposite Zhu Fengyin. She placed her elbow on the table and played with the threads.


    "Yin Yin!" She called in a cute voice.


    "yes" Zhu Fengyin didn''t look up from her work, she understood that Su Liya was just acting cute.


    "Yin Yin, I am bored," She said pouting.


    "If you are bored pick up some materials and practice some embroidery. It might be because you are too idle".


    Su Liya flinched like she hurt her and placed her hands on her chest "no! Please. I will leave the industrious wife stuff to you, okay!"


    Zhu Fengyin chuckled softly "why is your reaction this bad? I was just making a suggestion. It is not my fault if you don''t have the talent".


    "Even if I lacked the talent, I fear that it would be wasted on me cause sewing isn''t my thing" Su Liya shivered.


    "You don''t like to see or paint, what exactly do you like to do.... eat?"


    Su Liya moved in closer and whispered "how did you know that".


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t respond, she just flicked Su Liya''s forehead and said "silly".


    Su Liya leaned to the side as she laughed softly. After some seconds she said "thanks, I needed that, I haven''t had a good laugh in some time. I got an invitation from the Yuan family, this morning"


    Zhu Fengyin paused her sewing and looked up "Really, I guess they have decided to make their move".


    "Their move? Is there anything I should be aware of?"


    Zhu Fengyin set down the work and sighed "Yes, the Yu¨¤n family is Su Liya''s... " She glanced at the maids a few steps away "Well your relatives".


    "Relatives? Isn''t Su Liya''s mother a maid?"


    "Everyone has two parents you know" she turned to the maid and said "leave us"


    Su Liya looked to her maids and nodded. When the maids were long gone, she continued


    "Su Liya''s mother was a senior maid of the eldest young master of the commander''s mansion Vice-minister Yuan Jinli of the Ministry of justice.


    "She was promoted by the eldest master a few months after the eldest master was married. Back then the eldest master was preparing for the imperial examination. The Yu¨¤n family were looking for a good position for the eldest master and arranged a union between him and the second daughter of the principal wife of the former Minister of Revenue Tian Yun.


    "Su Liya''s mother Xiao Nuan got pregnant just two months after the wedding. When madam Yu¨¤n found out about the pregnancy, Xiao Nuan was kicked out of the mansion. The Yuan family didn''t want to annoy the Tian family, so Xiao Nuan was abandoned.


    "Xiao Nuan and my mother''s maid were cousins, so she took her in and took care of her until the child was born. Xiao Nuan was hoping the child would be a boy and help her get married into the Yuan family..... When she found out that it was a girl, she was disappointed. I overheard my mother and her maid talking about this before she died.


    "According to them, when Su Liya was five years old, Xiao Nuan abandoned her and went back to the Yuan family. Xiao Nuan got pregnant once again and this time she gave birth to a boy. The Yuan principal wife had to accept both her and the baby cause the principal wife only gave birth to girls.


    "The Yuan family is a very strict family, they only care about benefits. Xiao Nuan and the new heir of the Yuan family are useful but Su Liya a girl is not".


    Su Liya balled up her first "idiots, the lot of them. So She isn''t useful because she is a girl?".


    Zhu Fengyin shook her head "such is the way of the society we live in, don''t take it to heart".


    "Then this invitation?"


    "The Yu¨¤n family are reputable family, the Lu family and the Yu¨¤n family are in good relations. mother will attend, You can''t afford to ignore their invitation. You can attend the banquet, just be careful. You are the Empress''s adopter daughter and also married to a powerful General, associating with you would be beneficial to them. Your situation has changed, Liya expect these type of things"


    Su Liya smiled coldly "Don''t worry about them, I will treat them properly"


    *********


    The imperial palace, the Empress''s palace.


    Empress Lu sat at the tea-table brewing a cup of tea, she had just finished having her breakfast and was unwinding before the imperial concubines and consorts came in to pay their respects. As she carefully distilled the tea she asked her maid "Xuanyi, what time is it".


    Xuanyi looked out the window and replied "Your highness, it is about 9:30 am".


    Empress Lu sighed "The vultures will be upon us soon, did Matron Xu at Su Liya''s side report anything?"


    "Yes your highness, it was nothing major. She reported that apart from being a little cold to the princess, madam Lu didn''t give her much trouble".


    "That is good. This sister-in-law of mine is quite stubborn. She wasn''t like this in the past, it is such a pity. I don''t know if her marriage into our Lu family is a blessing or a curse to her"


    "Don''t take this to heart, your highness. Madam Lu and our Young Master were very much in love, I don''t think she regrets anything".


    Empress Lu smiled sadly "Xiao Lian may not regret getting married into our family but it still saddens my heart, when I remember all she has been through. I can''t help but think that she would have had a smoother life if I hadn''t arranged that union. We both would have had a smoother marriage if we didn''t marry our present partners".


    "Don''t think that way, your highness. If you didn''t marry your majesty, you wouldn''t have given birth to your children. Don''t worry about his majesty''s actions, he is just misguided. He will come around and see that you are treating him honestly".


    "Will he ever come around? Is it after he has destroyed whatever little love, I have left for him. It keeps getting worse every day, Xuanyi. It is very exhausting dealing with him" Empress Lu would have said more but a Eunuch rushed over and reported that the imperial concubines had arrived.


    "Let them in" Empress Lu replied. When the Eunuch was out of sight she stretched out her hand and was supported up by Xuanyi. "It is time to meet those jumping monkeys, his Majesty keeps pushing into the palace" Empress Lu whispered as they walked out of the inner room.

 Chapter 71: Offense is the best defense 2

    The Duke''s mansion


    Just as Zhu Fengyin predicted, the next day during the routine early morning visits to her mother-in-law, Madam Lu announced that they would be attending the commander''s mansions garden party.


    Just like the first day of her marriage, Su Liya was woken by her maid Rong Rong at daybreak to prepare to visit her mother-in-law. She had gone to bed a little late, so she felt a little drowsy on waking. She allowed Baozhai and Rong Rong to doll her up, she was too weak to struggle. It was during days like today that she appreciated her change in station.


    She had a light breakfast before leaving for Madam Lu''s Courtyard at the other side of the compound. Unlike the last time she paid her respects to her mother-in-law, Lu Yaozhu didn''t come with her instead she went alone.


    Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yiling were seated in the living room when she arrived. She nodded to Lu Yiling and unsurprisingly got a hmph as a reply. Lu Yiling was anything if not consistent. She and Zhu Fengyin shared a smile as she sat on the seat next to Zhu Fengyin.


    Lu Yiling must have taken them as an eyesore because she never even bothered looking towards them. It would have proven impossible if Madam Lu didn''t join them a few minutes later. She asked what Su Liya now called the standard superficial questions before moving to the invitation from commander Yuan''s mansion.


    "We received an invitation from commander Yuan''s mansion for their garden party tomorrow. I have spoken with Yingjie and Yaozhu, they will make time to attend the party was us. The commander is an old comrade of the past Duke, one has to remember this relationship.


    "This will be your first banquet Liya, remember to behave properly. You are a representative of not just our Lu family but also your husband. Husband and wife are one, you love or die together. Don''t cause us to lose face" Madam Lu said eyes focused on her second daughter-in-law.


    This daughter so far has been well behaved and didn''t cause her any trouble. Since she knew her place, there was no need to discipline her just yet.


    Su Liya smiled softly and nodded "Yes mother".


    "Good, if you have any questions just meet Zhu Fengyin. You two get along, don''t you?" Madam Lu said. Lu Yiling snicker when she heard her mother''s words but covered it up with a cough.


    Su Liya felt like although Madam Lu said something, she meant something else entirely. However, she decided to ignore her and replied sweetly "yes mother".


    Madam Lu gifted everyone tea from the west before they were dismissed.


    **********


    The next day, Commander Yuan''s mansion.


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya rode the same carriage to the commander''s mansion. They sat silently, while the carriage rode gently to the commander''s mansion. Lu Yaozhu came down first when they arrived and then helped her come down. The onlookers speculated that Su Liya was a fox and had the general caught in her spell.


    Lu Yaozhu led Su Liya to the older couple by the gat to greet their host. Vice-minister Yuan and the Eldest madam were in charge of welcoming the guest. The couple welcomed each guest before them warmly but Su Liya couldn''t help but notice the slight change in the eldest madam''s expression as soon as she got closer.


    Elders madam Yuan quickly corrected her expression but there was a slight difference in how she treated Su Liya compared to Lu Yaozhu. Many other guests were waiting after them so Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu didn''t waste much time outside.


    They walked forward and followed the maids to the garden, the couple separated as Lu Yaozhu was called forward by a few of the men. While Su Liya joined the women, she was new in the circle and didn''t have any friends so she felt a little isolated.


    Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu were delayed at the gates and lost sight of Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin. Su Liya stood with her maids by the side, while silently searching for their party. Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin on the other hand were called inside by old madam Yuan.


    The married madams of the noble families in the capital were a tight-knit of people, they knew each other well enough. When they noticed a new face in their means, the speculation began.


    They suspected that this beautiful young madam must be the new wife of Yunzhu Marquis. However, they were yet sure of her identity and could only watch her from a distance.


    Eldest Madam Yuan led Zhu Feifei in, as soon as she saw Su Liya standing by the side, she ran forward and with fake concern said "little sister Liya how come you are standing out here. I know that it hasn''t been long and you may not have gotten used to everything but you have to remember that you are no longer a maid. Don''t be scared to ask for help".


    The women began to murmur when they heard the word ''you are no longer a maid''. These women grew up being told the importance of having noble blood in your vein. They didn''t like it when improvised women dare to join their ranks. To these women, Su Liya who had no strong lineage and yet married into a powerful family like the Lu family was nothing but trash.


    They didn''t like her no appreciate her methods since it was similar to the underhanded methods employed by concubines. A few of the madams wished to arrange marriages between their family and the Empress family but thanks to Su Liya they couldn''t realize that.


    They saw Su Liya as an eyesore, a fox who got the marriage by playing dirty tricks and seducing a nobleman. The women began to look at Su Liya with an ugly expression but Zhu Feifei pretended not to notice anything. She acted role of the kind older sister and turned to eldest Madam Yuan to say


    "Eldest Madam please take good care of this little sister of mine. I don''t mean to insult your management of your servants but it is just that my sister is new. She isn''t used to our ways, she is also quite shy and doesn''t know how to talk to people. You know how it gets".


    Eldest Madam Yuan was a veteran in the games of words, she quickly understood what Zhu Feifei was hinting towards "Don''t bother your highness, I will take good care of the Princess".


    Su Liya felt her blood run cold as she heard Eldest Madam Yuan''s words. She could already guess that this "taking care of the Princess" would be disastrous to her.


    Zhu Feifei seeing that Eldest madam Yuan understood her words smiled smugly to Su Liya and holding her gaze said "I will leave this little sister of mine to you, while I go greet old madam Yuan". She walked past Su Liya and got into the pavilion to the left.


    Eldest Madam Yuan didn''t waste any time in attacking her, she said mockingly "I guess the rumours about the new princess is right, you are quite the beauty. I guess that must be what attracted Yunzhu Marquis to you. Men are always fickle in front of beauty, I thought the Marquis was different from other men but... He is still cut from the same cloth".


    Su Liya''s eyes narrowed on the plump face of eldest Madam Yuan. When she heard about Su Liya''s father''s principal wife, she had expected to see beautiful and majestic but the eldest Madam was surprisingly plain-looking. She had a prejudice against her, Su Liya had noticed eldest Madam Yuan giving her a bad eye since she arrive.


    Zhu Feifei was allowing eldest Madam Yuan to take out her frustration on her. Su Liya didn''t know how best to handle things, she didn''t want to cause scenes in public since that could negatively affect the Lu family and Lu Yaozhu.


    She didn''t say anything and just kept silent. The silence annoyed eldest Madam Yuan who saw it as being ignored. Meanwhile, Su Liya heard the women around her whisper the words "slut" "gold digger" "fox" and many more but pretended otherwise.


    Madam Lu''s instructions from yesterday played softly in her mind. She didn''t which to cause a mess and just bowed to the eldest madam and walked aside. She had only walked a few steps when she heard a female voice call her name.


    "Liya! Is that you" an average heighted older lady, dressed in a mauve coloured gown rush forward, all smiles.


    The people around began to whisper between themselves, "what is going on?" "who is this?"


    One of the madams stepped forward to ask "this is?"


    The maid following the new arrival replied confidently "this is madam Xiao Nuan"


    The mention of the name Xiao Nuan made her heartbeat still. Su Liya gave Xiao Nuan a thorough look down, Xiao Nuan was very pretty, Su Liya got a few of her features such as her tanned complexion and bone structure. She never expected to run into Xiao Nuan at this place and was a little surprised.


    Xiao Nuan must have been too favoured that she got stubborn and never understood her place because as soon as the women found out that this was just a small concubine, they all hissed. Eldest Madam Yuan immediately felt embarrassed, she instructed her maids "quickly, take madam Xiao Nuan away" two maids rushed to stand at either side of Xiao Nuan.


    As soon as the maid''s hooked hands on her arm Xiao Nuan fell to her knees and cried out


    "Eldest Madam please have mercy, this little one hasn''t seen her daughter in some years and just wanted to have a look"


    While the guests murmured the question "daughter?" "Who is her daughter?" "Did eldest Madam Yuan send her daughter away?" "I heard that the two male sons of the vice-minister were born by a concubine is this the concubine?"


    Xiao Nuan seeing that she got the women''s attention took her performance up a notch. She looked at Su Liya sorrowfully and cried out once again "Liya, my dear daughter. How I missed you!''

 Chapter 72: Offense is the best defense 3

    Commander Yu¨¤n''s mansion.


    Xiao Nuan seeing that she got everyone''s attention took her performance up a notch. She looked at Su Liya sorrowfully and cried out once again "Liya, my dear daughter. How I missed you!''


    Su Liya was shocked by the over the top performance put on by Xiao Nuan, everything from her speech to her actions was all heated at garnering people''s concern. Su Liya was impressed by the level of acting the women in this world could put on. It was like they were in one big telenovela, they were all seasoned actresses.


    Take this mother of hers, for example, look at her rolling herself on the ground like she had been informed that her husband was dead. Su Liya was starting to pity the original owner of this body. Her life was hard, first, she was abandoned by her father before she was born, then it was her mother... It was no surprise she turned out the way she did.


    Xiao Nuan was shameless, hear she was trying to get people''s sympathy and the leach off on her "daughter''s" new power to better herself. She didn''t even care that her actions could hurt Su Liya, all she cared about was herself and her sons. Since the shameless woman made sure to key in her two sons into her cries.


    All these years, Xiao Nuan didn''t do well for herself. She managed to give birth to both an heir and a spare for her husband. However, it seems that even with her achievements, Xiao Nuan had gotten greedier.


    If her performance today was anything to go by, she was aiming for something else but just what? Su Liya thought as she watched her supposed mother roll around silently. She watched Xiao Nuan like she was completely detached from the whole mess. It was easy to see that Su Liya had no intention of responding to her mother''s cries


    "Her mother" didn''t hold back in her actions but instead got louder and more active. Su Liya felt so weird calling someone ''her mother'' maybe because she had never called anyone that in her life. It was amusing that during her stay in this world she had somehow acquired two different mothers, none of whom seemed to have her best interest at heart.


    Growing up she has always wished to understand the feeling of having a parent, someone who cared for your well-doing. However, as she got older age had come to accept that such things weren''t possible for her. She wasn''t lucky to her that umbrella of protection that most people overlooked. It just wasn''t her faith.


    Su Liya wasn''t the only one irritated by Xiao Nuan''s act, Eldest madam Yuan nearly exploded with anger. This little slut, that had been an eyesore for years for her was trying to ruin her relationship. She dared to show herself in this place, it was bad enough that she had to tolerate her devil''s spawn of a daughter but now she was stomping on her reputation.


    The other madams didn''t bother to hide their disgusting expressions, she could hear them point at her. The main wife was responsible for giving birth to an heir for her in-laws but in the years she had been married, she had failed to do that. She had to tolerate her husband''s continuous affairs and Mistresses.


    However, like a cruel trick of faith, only this b***ch Xiao Nuan and the younger madam Lu had given birth to male children. This was her "shortcoming" as her mother-in-law put it since she couldn''t give her husband a child, she could only tolerate all the new women put into his side Courtyard.


    This little act was planned by this Xiao slut to use her daughter''s new position to get her son to choose as the heir to the Yuan family. Whether knowingly or unknowingly this new Princess had ruined her reputation and for the part, she played in this she must pay double the price.


    Eldest madam Yuan brought her handkerchief up to her mouth and said "Aiyo little sister Xiao, please don''t be like this". She looked to her fourth sister-in-law who stood by the side and caught her eye. This sister-in-law was married to the last son who shared a mother with her husband.


    The fourth madam was from a third-ranked official household and wasn''t as high ranked as her eldest sister-in-law in the family. She usually just acted as the eldest madam attack dog, she jumped forward and said


    "Princess, please don''t little madam Xiao''s words to heart. She is just being emotional, you see madam Xiao lost her child many years ago and hasn''t quite recovered from the loss. If her child was alive, she would have been around your age".


    Xiao Nuan seeing that the two women were trying to undermine her words and turn her into a mentally unstable woman rose her voice higher. "When did I lose my daughter? My Liya was never dead, she was kept away from me because of you" she pointed at eldest madam Yuan.


    "You were jealous of my daughter and me, so when the vice-minister left for official duty, you kicked us out of the mansion. If the vice minister didn''t find out about my condition and try to find us..... I don''t know what would have become of me and my Liya!!"


    Eldest madam Yuan couldn''t hold still anymore when she heard Xiao Nuan accusations. She pointed at Xiao Nuan at shouted "you you you lying thing when did I ever kick you out. Weren''t you a foolish servant who used tricks to seduce your master and pass off another man''s child as his? Do you think we don''t know what you did, you were never pure when you jumped into my husband''s bed!"


    "I was a maiden when the master favoured me, you were just jealous that I got pregnant before you and spread false information about me. You are a malicious woman, because of your lies I was forced to be separated from my daughter. My daughter didn''t get to grow up with a complete Family because of you!"


    The louder they were the more the commotion could be heard by old madam Yuan and the high ranked wives of powerful court officials such as madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin who were seated inside. Old madam Yuan slapped the arm of her chair in anger and walked out of the pavilion.


    The rest of the madams inside followed her to find out what was causing all the noise. They overheard Xiao Nuan''s words as soon as they came out.


    Eldest madam Yuan didn''t notice old madam Yuan''s presence and rushed forward to give Xiao Nuan a loud slap. "Xiao Nuan you bitch. How dare you slander your betters. I guess the apple doesn''t fall far from the tree, you and the princess are really capable. She even managed to seduce a capable general, what a good mother and daughter pair".


    As the side Su Liya could feel a headache coming along, she had been forced to endure this human torture at the hands of these women for nearly an hour. She was close to losing her patience and going grande level explosive on these annoying women.


    Zhu Fengyin quickly got the gist of everything after just a few minutes. She didn''t know what the Yu¨¤n family was up to, her main interest was to de-escalate the whole mess before Su Liya and the Lu family''s reputation was destroyed.


    She walked forward quickly and from the balcony of the pavilion shouted "ENOUGH!!" The shouting stopped completely out everyone turned to look at her. Now that she had their attention, Zhu Fengyin walked to the centre of the whole mess. The Madams and other females guests patted aside and made way for her.


    Soon she was in the midst of the four women, Eldest madam Yuan saluted her " Your Grace"


    Xiao Nuan was quite knowledgeable of the major guest invited to the garden party. As soon as she recognized who this was, she rushed forward and grabbed Zhu Fengyin''s hand. "Your Grace, please upload justice for me!"


    Zhu Fengyin shook Xiao Nuan hands away with force, knocking her to the ground. She looked down her nose at the Xiao Nuan "How dare you a concubine speak when your betters are speaking!"


    Eldest madam Yuan''s heart gladden when she heard that, however, Zhu Fengyin''s next words wiped the smug smile off her face.


    "Eldest madam Yuan, is this how you teach your servants? To be unruly and lack respect for social norms!"


    "I apologize, your Grace, for not teaching my servant well" Eldest madam Yuan replied with a stiff smile. She was embarrassed to be spoken to this way, by someone younger. Even if Zhu Fengyin was higher than her in social ranks, it was still a hard pill to swallow.


    Xiao Nuan still wanted to push her propaganda and brought up the fact that Eldest Madam Yu¨¤n made her abandon her daughter. She was expecting Zhu Fengyin to support her since she heard that Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya were close but she was surprised when instead Zhu Fengyin rebooked her in the most painful way possible.


    "When did her highness get a mother like you, last I checked the Yu¨¤n family nor you do not have a daughter in their genealogy. So where are these fantastical accusations of you coming from? According to every records the Princess is her highness, the Empress daughter. She is recorded under the royal genealogy, are you trying to accuse his majesty of lying?"


    Xiao Nuan immediately fell to her knees "I don''t dare, your Grace. Please forgive me, I was just a little mistake" she turned to the silent Su Liya and bowing low said "my apologies your highness".


    Zhu Fengyin glanced from Xiao Nuan to eldest madam Yuan, fourth madam Yu¨¤n had slipped off a little after she made her presence know. Zhu Fengyin grabbed Su Liya''s hands and said "if there is nothing else, we will take our leave". She pulled Su Liya away.

 Chapter 73: Offense is the best defense 4

    Commander Yuan''s mansion


    Zhu Fengyin grabbed Su Liya''s hands and dragged her away, finally they were out of everyone''s sight. Their maids followed them to a spot behind a small pavilion by the side. Su Liya let out a loud breath and leaned by a flower bed, "thanks for getting me out of there Fengyin, I was this close to giving those noisy women a piece of my mind."


    Beads of sweat ran down her forehead, even with the light summer clothes, age still felt hotter. Zhu Fengyin handed her an Embroidered fan, "it is a good thing that you didn''t go off in them. It would have been disastrous".


    Su Liya took the handkerchief from her and gently dabbed her face, she glanced at Zhu Fengyin who stood a few steps away and said "I couldn''t find you or mother when I came in, where were you guys?"


    "Guys? I don''t understand what you said. What do you mean?" Zhu Fengyin asked tilting her head sideways.


    Su Liya noticed her slip off as soon as she heard Zhu Fengyin''s words, she closed her eyes and clenched her teeth. ''sorry about that, I meant to say ''where were you"


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t take her to slip off to mind, after so many months, she was used to Su Liya''s strange words. "Mother and I were led to the pavilion in front of the garden, old madam Yuan attended to the high ranking madams present. You were also expected to be there too... It must be because of the delay at the gates".


    Su Liya''s eyes narrowed, "or I was deliberately held back".


    Zhu Fengyin looked at her softly "I think that far fetched Yaya, who would do that"


    Su Liya folded the silk handkerchief into a square and without looking up replied "the Yu¨¤n family, what if they wanted to disgrace me or make me feel out of place. It could be any of the three options".


    "I highly doubt that Yaya. The reputation of the Yuan family was ruined by this. They wouldn''t do something that would ultimately destroy them".


    Su Liya nodded "tray would be akin to shooting themselves on the foot"


    "Shooting themselves on the foot, is that bad?" Zhu Fengyin asked.


    Su Liya looked up at Zhu Fengyin feeling exasperated, she smiled "yes, it means bad".


    "Oh... Okay. We have stayed here long enough for Xiao Nuan to be sent away. Let is head back."


    Su Liya put the handkerchief in her sleeve and stood straight, "I am set, let us go".


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya rejoined the rest of the guests and after a few minutes was led in for some refreshments. The earlier scene had toned down the mood of the occasion, as most of the guests began to gossip about the deteriorating state of the commander''s family.


    The Yu¨¤n family had planned the banquet to show their family wealth and political position. However thanks to the scene caused by Xiao Nuan and eldest Madam Yuan, their reputation was in tartars. The proud Yu¨¤n military family had become a topic of gossip and jests.


    It wasn''t surprising that the banquet was concluded earlier than planned, meanwhile, on madam Lu''s end, she felt quite embarrassed by the previous scene. Before coming here, Madam Lu warned Su Liya to behave appropriately and not cause a scene.


    Yet Su Liya didn''t listen and instead created quite the mess. Madam Lu could barely seat still during the journey back to the Duke''s mansion. As soon as they got down from their carriages, madam Lu ordered Su Liya to follow her without even looking her way, "Liya! Follow me".


    She didn''t bother letting Lu Yaozhu know what was going on and just walked purposely into the house. The carriage stopped by the gate and the servants helped them down the carriage. Lu Yaozhu had noticed the storming atmosphere between his mother and Su Liya.


    However, neither his mother nor Su Liya was willing to reveal anything. From his seat opposite Su Liya, he saw colour drained out of her face. Lu Yaozhu looked from his fuming mother to Su Liya, and asked, "what happened?".


    Su Liya was smart enough to understand that nothing good would come out of reporting madam Lu to her son. She put in an earnest expression and replied "Oh_nothing! Mother just wants to discuss a few things with me. There is no need to worry yourself about this" Su Liya replied quickly while trying to avoid meeting his stern gaze.


    Lu Yaozhu''s facial expression never Changed, He understood that she didn''t want to put him on the spot. His impression of this new wife of his improved, he looked at her worried expression and replied "Is that so, then you had better get going. Don''t delay".


    He watched her rush after his mother, frowning slightly. Lu Yaozhu called his servant "Yu Tao!"


    Yu Tao who stood a short distance from the carriage, heard his master call his name. He rushed over to the door as his master got down from the carriage "Young Master, how may I be of assistance?"


    "Find out why mother is asking for Liya," Lu Yaozhu said calmly.


    "Yes!"


    **********


    At Su Liya''s end


    Su Liya rushed after Madam Lu, Madam Lu was already seated when she had just ran into the living room of madam Lu''s quarters. She bowed and apologized "I know that I was wrong, mother please forgive me".


    The apology soften Madam Lu''s heart a little, she looked down at the little girl in front of her and sighed. "At least you know to apologize. What were you thinking about getting involved in that mess with the Yu¨¤n family? What about don''t cause a scene didn''t you understand!"


    Su Liya didn''t try to explain herself and just apologized "I am sorry".


    "Liya, I understand that you are still trying to get the hang of everything but you can not allow women like Eldest madam Yuan to walk all over you. It is embarrassing, how can you the wife of a marquis, a first-rank official allow the wife of a mere fourth rank vice-minister to walk all over you.


    "Have you no shame, even if you don''t have any shame, think of Yaozhu. You just got married and as such must put the right foot forward. How are you going to command people''s attention after this mess? Save our Lu family some face!"


    Su Liya bit her lip gently as she left the words to bounce off her. She felt embarrassed standing here while madam Lu battered her with words. However such was the case in the time she found herself. She couldn''t go off on her mother-in-law and could only stand her silently and received her blessings.


    Madam Lu continued "This is the last time I will say this to Su Liya, you are not a child neither are you made of wood. Don''t stand there unresponsive while someone like Eldest madam Yuan put you down. You are a princess, conferred by his majesty himself. Know your place!"


    ******


    At the side, just outside the courtyard Lu Yaozhu and Yu Tao stood silently. Lu Yaozhu had decided to check up on Su Liya when Yu Tao reported what happened to him. He frowned as his mother went on and on, he knew how brutal his mother''s words could be.


    "Has steward Li from our hometown had arrived?" He asked Yu Tao who stood by his side.


    "Yes, my Lord".


    "We can''t keep him waiting, have someone call him over quickly"


    Yu Tao looked at the madam''s rooms and nodded "Yes". He was about to leave when he was called back by Lu Yaozhu


    "One more thing Yu Tao."


    "Yes, my Lord"


    "Send over the foreign sweets the palace sent over a few days ago, to Liya. That would lift her spirit after surviving one of mother''s long lectures."


    Yu Tao looked at his young master and sighed "Young master instead of having someone else deliver the sweets, why don''t you do it. I think our Young madam would appreciate it better if it comes from you directly. You just got married, this would help build your... Relationship" Yu Tao whispered the last word when he noticed Lu Yaozhu''s cold gaze.


    He swallowed and said "or.... You can forget I said anything. It was a moment of madness, don''t take me seriously. I will go get everything ready" he rushed forward immediately but a callous filmed hand held him back.


    "On a second thought just place the sweets in my sturdy, I will deliver it to Liya myself" he muttered, rubbing the back of his head gently.


    Yu Tao''s lips curved up immediately "Yes, young master you head back. I will go get the sweets".


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t respond and just nodded. Not that You Tao cared, Lu Yaozhu had already done more than enough. Yu Tao rushed off happily to carry out his master''s instructions. He was surprised by his master''s actions, he was finally taking some initiative.


    He knew that his master and madam haven''t talked since they got married. They both treated each other like guests treating each other cordially but not getting closer. Yu Tao just wanted to create an avenue for them to get to know each other.

 Chapter 74: offense is the best defense 5

    The Duke''s mansion


    Su Liya let out a breath of relief when Madam Lu was called out by a servant. She wanted to kiss that steward for putting her out of her misery. Madam Lu was talented at scolding, she somehow made you feel like crying and sleeping at the same time.


    Madam Lu''s words were hurtful and went on forever that, once you got over the pain the prolonged talk made one exhausted. When she was dismissed with a much appreciated "leave me", Su Liya happily returned to her rooms. Thanks to the ever-helpful mother of hers, she was forced to receive a rather hurtful redress from Madam Lu.


    Her room was located in the smaller Courtyard of Mingxi pavilion, which was Lu Yaozhu''s Courtyard. Lu Yaozhu stayed in the bigger pavilion that comprised of five rooms, a living room, a study, a bedroom, a small kitchen and a dining room. While her pavilion contained four rooms, her bedroom, her living room, her dining room and a nursery.


    The servants lived in the small quarters by the side. Her rooms gave off a really strong feminine aura. There were beautiful paintings and calligraphy hung on the wall. Flower vases were placed around the room which gave off sweet floral scents. The living room wasn''t as massive as madam Lu''s but was also quite wide.


    There was a wide honorary chair at the centre of the room, while three slimmer chairs lined either side of the room with small square tables separating each seat. The Dining room was clearly for a small family with a large square table occupying a majority of the room, surrounded by four small stools.


    The dining room wasn''t usually used since Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya usually ate at the small table in the living room. Her bedroom was the biggest room in the pavilion. There was a wide dressing table, with a brass mirror opposite a window.


    There were a few wooden shelves and boxes for her clothes and jewellery. At one side of the room, next to the wall was a big wooden bed with beautiful sheer bed curtains. The curtains were usually raised during the day and let down at night.


    Su Liya rushed into her bedroom and fell on her bed, waving her hands back and forth on the bed she said "ahh finally, I get some peace". She rolled to the side and back a few times before seating up, she looked to the two high ranked maids standing at the side of the bed.


    "I feel a little thirsty. Rong Rong, is there still any cold fruits?" She asked the younger maid with her hair tied into a double bun.


    "Yes madam, the kitchen sent over an icebox and see me frozen fruits. I will go get a bowl for you", Rong Rong replied.


    "Okay, thanks," Su Liya said. It was a reflex action from years of learning proper manners from the director of the orphanage. Baozhai and Rong Rong were already used to hearing her thank them. The first time she did that, they were so shocked. It was like their eyes would fall out of their sockets.


    Baozhai the sticker for proprietary tried multiple times to correct her before finally giving up. Her two maids had very conflicting behaviours, Baozhai was calmer and a little strict, which might be because she was from the palace.


    The rule in the palace was very strict, she had only stayed a few days in the palace but that was all she needed to know how tough things were in the palace. She was thankful that she wasn''t stuck in the palace as s maid.


    While Baozhai was serious and a little stiff, Rong Rong was more relaxed. She felt more comfortable in Rong Rong''s presence, Baozhai was a little scary. Her face always had a disapproving stare, Su Liya had never seen her smile.


    After a few days together, Baozhai and Rong Rong had developed a reliable system of doing things. Baozhai oversaw everything concerning the servants in the courtyard while Rong Rong took care of Su Liya''s daily necessities. Since Baozhai was the oldest, it was no surprise that she took charge of everything.


    Su Liya didn''t have any problems with Baozhai taking charge of things, as far as it wasn''t her. She wasn''t a control freak, she liked slacking off and playing as opposed to being all serious. She was a Sagittarius for a reason, the house management was better left to that Scorpio Baozhai.


    Baozhai looked at her sweaty madam and said "Let me help you out of your gown, Madam. They are a little too layered, once you get into lighter clothes you will feel better".


    "Alright," Su Liya replied as she tod and began to untie her belt. After a few minutes, she had changed out of the wide-sleeved gown, cleaned up and put on a simple gown. She sat at the dressing table while Baozhai removed the pearl hairpins from her hair and carefully brushed her long black locks.


    Rong Rong rushed in as Baozhai packed her hair into a high bun. "Madam, madam! I just saw our second young master and Yu Tao on my way here. They were heading here, madam", Rong Rong said placing the tray of cold watermelons on the small round table in the room and ran to Su Liya''s side.


    Rong Rong began searching for a few simple pieces of jewellery and hairpins for her madam. The young master hasn''t visited them in two days, this was a good opportunity for her madam to win some good points. While Rong Rong had a minor freak out, Su Liya the madam in question was worried about something else entirely.


    "Ahhh why is he coming here" she held Baozhai''s hand and looked up with a big eye "it can''t be that he is here to scold me, he must have heard about the big mess at Yuan mansion and is her to continue from where mother stopped and scold me. This is bad".


    Baozhai and Rong Rong shared a look that said what is wrong with her then looked down at her. Rong Rong dropped the hairpins she held in her hands and said "madam, I don''t think young master is here to scold you. Yu Tao was carrying a tray behind him, I think height just be getting you a treat".


    Rong Rong had seen a tray but Su Liya was too far gone in her imagination to believe her. She looked up at Rong Rong and blinked twice "Rong Rong is your brain fried? Why would Lu Yaozhu bring me a treat, is he giving rewarding me for causing a huge mess?"


    Su Liya glared at Baozhai when she heard her whisper "well at least you know your mistake".


    "You know Baozhai, I don''t understand you, whose side are you on exactly!. Can''t you speak nicely"


    Baozhai''s eyes widened and she tried to console her young madam "no-no madam, there is no need to worry. Our Young master has a very good temper, I don''t think he is here to scold you".


    "If he isn''t here to Scold me why is he here. Rong Rong quick go inform him that I am asleep or something. I don''t want him to scold me!!"


    Before Baozhai and Rong Rong could calm down their worried madam, they heard a calm male voice say


    "I am not here to scold you, my dear wife".


    They both looked up and found Lu Yaozhu carrying a tray and standing by the door.


    *******


    Lu Yaozhu stopped the servants from greeting him, as he walked in, he collected the tray of sweets from Yu Tao and walked into the bedroom. As he walked in, he heard Su Liya say to her maid


    "If he isn''t here to Scold me why is he here. Rong Rong hurry up and go tell him that I am asleep or something. I don''t want him to scold me!!"


    Lu Yaozhu smiled when he heard that, he didn''t bother knocking and just walked in. Su Liya was seated at the dressing table, pouting as she held onto both of her maids'' hands. She looked a little cute when she pouted, he smiled and said


    "Don''t worry Dear wife, I am not here to scold you?" he said walking forward and placing the tray on the round table.


    The two maids snapped out of their daze and curtsied "young master".


    Lu Yaozhu smiled and nodded "you two have both worked hard. I send over some cold drinks for the servants, go out and receive yours. I will keep your mistress company"


    "Yes," Baozhai and Rong Rong chorused and walked out of the room. Su Liya held on to their skirt to get them to stay back but the little traitorous maids left anyway.


    She smiled sheepishly when he caught her little actions. Lu Yaozhu sat on the stool and opened the plate "don''t keep seating there, come and have some sweet".


    A bulb went off on her head when she heard "sweet". She walked to the table and looked down at the plate, there were three sugared treats on the plate. She pointed at the treat and asked "is this for me?"


    Lu Yaozhu looked at her coldly, Su Liya laughed softly "hehe no need to answer that" she said on the stool next to him at picked up one of the treats.

 Chapter 75: offense is the best defense 6

    The Duke''s mansion.


    Lu Yaozhu looked at her coldly, Su Liya laughed softly "hehe no need to answer that" she said on the stool next to him at picked up one of the treats.


    It was soft sugared cookies, that melted in her mouth producing a delicious goodness.


    Su Liya felt her toes coil in delight, it had been months since she ate something like this. It brought out the homesickness she had tried hard to suppress.


    Although it had been smooth sailing for her since are transmigrated, she still didn''t feel comfortable at this time. Most times she went about her day scared that she would be discovered as a fake and executed. Before coming here, she had taken for granted those little things that she had access to in her tube, from delicious snacks and dishes to clothes.


    Well, she missed all the clothes except for a bra, she did not miss that weapon of pain. Although they were an equivalent of it in the past, it wasn''t as uncomfortable as the real deal. Luckily Su Liya wasn''t so endowed in that area so she didn''t have to go through any of the extreme dressings.


    "Mm this is good", Su Liya said running her tongue through her lips. Lu Yaozhu followed the movement with his eyes before quickly looking away. He blinked his eyes a few times where we thinking ''what am I thinking looking at her that way.


    He looked away, picked up one of the biscuits and took a bite. He was immediately assaulted by the sugary sweet taste, he wasn''t quite fond of sweets so he placed the half-eaten biscuits aside. Su Liya noticed his actions and asked "You don''t like the cookies".


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the biscuit and shook his head "not really, I don''t like sweet things".


    ''Typical male lead style. Can Drunken scholar be a little original? Did she have to follow all the typical romance book cliches of writing a very healthy male, that doesn''t eat processed or otherwise unhealthy foods like biscuits'' Su Liya thought rolling her eyes.


    She had noticed quite a lot of Drunken scholar''s, lazy writing. The characters were quite original, Su Liya nodded with an ''I do not pretend to understand what the hell you are saying but, I will pretend that I do''.


    "Oh....I understand. This is good" Su Liya replied.


    "I am glad you like it, it was sent over by Her highness. It is from the west".


    "Oh, the Empress treats you the best" Su Liya replied cheerfully.


    Lu Yaozhu brought down the lid of the plate when she was done eating and pushed the tray aside. "The second royal games will be held in two days, we have been invited. There will be a cuju game and I will be taking part in the game. You have to be careful while in the palace, stay close to Zhu Fengyin all through the game. Don''t leave with anyone and be careful of what you say or do".


    "You suspect that someone may try something bad?" Su Liya asked.


    Lu Yaozhu nodded "you can''t be too careful, don''t let down your guard. If you face any problem just gave Rong Rong sent me a message".


    "Okay", Su Liya replied. Her mood had gotten solemn when she heard that they would be attending a palace event. After the fiasco after the polo match that resulted in their marriage, Su Liya had unknowingly gotten a trauma for palace events.


    The Lu family had more enemies than friends especially in the royal family, someone was bound to make a move. She still wasn''t aware of whoever planned that little stunt from before which made her worried.


    Lu Yaozhu noticed the change in her attitude, she had gone from bubbly to serious in a split second. He didn''t like that the Emperor had Involved innocent people in his fight with the Lu family but unfortunately there was nothing he could do to stop that.


    He can''t stop the Emperor and the sixth prince from making any moves on her but he could make sure to ensure her safety. He wasn''t going to let her get hurt again, breathing out heavily, he said " I am sorry for getting you involved".


    "You don''t have to apologize, I understand. These things are beyond your control, don''t worry about me. Just play your game properly, I will be careful" Su Liya replied smiling to reassure him.


    Lu Yaozhu nodded and after saying a few more words concerning the royal games her left and returned to the big pavilion.


    **********


    Meanwhile, at the Emperor''s study.


    Emperor Zhong massaged his temple gently as he went through yet another military report from the various commanders stationed the guard the northern borders of Northern Wei praising My Yaozhu for his bright ideas and strategies.


    Lu Yaozhu had too much military power, most of these commanders words had a lot of weight since they are all old subjects that served under his father the past Emperor. They had a lot of trust in the young General and were recommending him to take charge of guarding the recently conquered border villages of Chu state.


    While he didn''t like Lu Yaozhu staying too long in that capital, he wasn''t about to send him to a prime spot. He was trying to destroy Lu Yaozhu''s moral, not give him a good weapon to hurt the stability of Northern Wei.


    Emperor Zhong shut the military report angrily and threw it aside. "Shameless! These old servants have gotten too comfortable in their position."


    Caihong who stood at his side ran quickly and picked up the fallen report. He placed it on the evaluated pile and returned to his position by the Emperor''s side.


    He was familiar with the Emperor''s temper and didn''t say anything, a few minutes later he poured the Emperor a cup of tea and kept it close enough that the Emperor could easily pick it up and far enough that he wouldn''t easily knock it down.


    Emperor Zhong glanced at the cup and took a sip then placed it back on the table. "How are things at the Empress''s palace," he asked some minutes later.


    "Answering your majesty, this little one heard from a servant at the Empress''s palace that she had received a letter from Princess Ni''an, a day earlier"


    The Emperor"s lips curved up as he sat up, "this would be the fourth later in the past few days. My elder sister is getting impatient as expected. Consort Shi''s made a dent in her relationship with my elder sister. Things are escalating quickly, send over some drinks to calm her down"


    "Yes,", Caihong bowed and ran out of the Empress''s sturdy. He ran into Minister Zhu at the door and after saluting him, went off on his errant Minister Zhu shook his head when he saw how jumpy Caihong was. The Emperor was not in a good mood, he walked forward.


    Emperor Zhong looked up from the reports as he came in. "You haven''t left", he asked.


    "Not yet, your majesty".


    "You have worked hard, head home quickly and rest, good friend. You have to take care of your health"


    "Yes", Minister Zhu replied walking forward.


    Emperor Zhong dismissed the servants present be and sat back on his seat. "What do you have to report?", He asked.


    Minister Zhu reported in a low tone "I spoke with the crown prince of Chu state a few days ago. After explaining everything, they are in"


    "Wonderful, then we will proceed with the plan"


    "Yes", Minister Zhu stayed back for a few minutes. Emperor Zhong looked up in surprise "how come you are still here, any other thing?"


    Minister Zhu nodded "yes, at the end of everything, what would happen to my eldest daughter?"


    Emperor Zhong chuckled "don''t worry, about her. she too would be safe".


    Minister Zhu replied "thanks, your majesty, I will go meet with the Chu Envoy"


    Emperor Zhong just nodded without saying anything more.


    ***********


    At the crown prince of Chu state end


    He received the go-ahead from Minister Zhu and informed his special forces. Northern Wei was currently the strongest of all the states Although they had lost to northern Wei, he was still aiming to make a comeback.


    The undisguised hatred the Emperor had for the Lu family and Lu Yaozhu was obvious. While he didn''t understand the foolish Emperor''s actions, he fully intended to fan the flames. Lu Yaozhu was a difficult competitor to him. He was a talented strategist, who was unfortunately too loyal to his motherland


    It was a pity that the Emperor he fought to protect was blinded by jealousy and wanted his head. The Crown Prince penned another note to his partner and informed him of his progress. The next few months was bound to be fun. if everything goes as planned, he and Lu Yaozhu would have a rematch.


    He was looking forward to that rematch because unlike last time Lu Yaozhu wouldn''t come out the victor. He would finally fulfil the long time dream of his grandfather and conquer the powerful Northern Wei with ease.

 Chapter 76: Revenge is a dish best served cold 1

    Prince Ye''s mansion.


    Summer was one of the busiest seasons in the capital, there was no rain or snow so it was the best time for outdoor activities and banquets. Every day was filled with one event after the other. However, even during the banquet filled summer, there were still a few notable summer parties.


    One of which was the poetry and art appreciation hosted by the only daughter of Prince Ye, Commandery Princess Meirong. Princes Ye also called Junwang Ye was the youngest son of the former Emperor. He was a notable figure in the government and the current Emperor''s youngest brother.


    (*sidebar- Junwang is a title given to a second-ranked prince. It is usually given to the son of an Imperial concubine or consort. Junwang is also the title given to the son of a first ranked prince, that is a Qinwang.)


    The art and poetry appreciation was hosted annually by his only daughter commandery Princess Meirong. During this banquet, the young mistresses of high ranked lords were invited to the Junwang''s mansion for the banquet. An invitation to this banquet was well sort after because of how exclusive it was.


    Only the daughters of 1st to 3rd rank officials were injured by the Commandery Princess Meirong. The commandery''s Princess''s banquet was the most important banquets for the unmarried ladies of the capital.


    Since the banquet was hosted by the Princess, without any close supervision from Junwang Fei (Princess consort Ye, the wife of a Junwang). The young ladies were free to talk without their mothers or an adult watching them. During this era when young noblewomen were guided by proprietory, the young ladies appreciated these few hours of no supervision.


    Minister Zhu was a first ranked marquis so every year an invitation written in beautiful calligraphy was sent over to their mansion for the two Di daughters of minister Zhu. ( * Di daughters refer to the daughters born by the main wives).


    Junwang Ye''s was a stickler for tradition, he did not appreciate inviting concubine born children (Shu children) to his banquets.


    Zhu Fenfang was never invited to this banquet until this year and she had only gotten the invitation because of Lu Yiling''s close relationship with Princess Meirong. Zhu Fenfang was ecstatic as she was led to her seat by a maid but pretended otherwise to keep up with appearances.


    If there was one thing Zhu Fenfang was best at, It was putting herself, in a good light. She was a Shu daughter from a declining maternal family, if she wished to make a good impression on these high ranked young ladies, she needed to be low key.


    These young ladies were all daughters of the principal wife''s of the family, they would never appreciate a concubine daughter overshadowing them. Throughout the banquet, Zhu Fenfang was silent and acted timidly. Apart from saying a few words to Lu Yiling or answering a question directed to her, She remained silent.


    After some time the women grew comfortable with her since they saw that this Shu daughter unlike the rest knew her place and didn''t try to cause waves. Among the guest was Yuan Liqin the eldest daughter of the Yuan family.


    Yuan Liqin was a lot like her mother and liked to act smart and faulty so it was no surprise that she wasn''t well-liked. She liked to criticise other young ladies and boast about her achievements. Most of the young ladies were victims of her sharp words.


    The events of the garden party at the commander''s mansion had already spread around the capital. The Yuan family were made fun of for having foolish daughters-in-law, who fought like fishwives. All the gossip going around put the Yuan family in a bad light.


    Yuan Liqin wasn''t saved from the criticism since her mother was among the daughter-in-law that caused that mess. Yuan Liqin tried to keep a low profile during the banquet, however that proved to be difficult since the young ladies she had criticized before brought up the mess.


    One of the young ladies who was the second daughter of a third-ranked duke was first to drag her out and draw everyone''s attention. "Liqin Mei Mei, why are you so quiet today?"


    (This means younger sister Liqin. Mei neo means younger sister while jei jei means older sister. It is an endearment used between ladies to show respect.)


    Everyone turned to look at the usually arrogant Yuan Liqin, with mocking smiles. There was no loyalty or real friendship between these ladies. They were all highly competitive and liked to kick someone when they are down.


    Another young Lady who had been a victim of one of Yuan Liqin''s insults stepped in to fan the flames.


    "That is true, usually at this point of the banquet, Liqin mei Mei would have said a few words" she looked to Zhu Fenfang and said "Fenfang Mei Mei, this is your first time attending this party so you may not be familiar with her but you see, Liqin is so smart. She always has her opinions and isn''t afraid to air it"


    Zhu Fenfeng understood that the ladies were attacking Yuan Liqin, the young lady wanted to use her as a stepping stone to take a hit at Yuan Liqin. In situations like this, it was best not to act like a hero. She didn''t say anything and just faked a confused expression to avoid drawing bad attention to herself.


    Yuan Liqin felt like glaring at the two ladies but because she was in public, she couldn''t act out. Before coming here, her grandmother warned her to be low key and not cause a scene. Yuan Liqin wasn''t about to join her mother to copy Buddhist tablets in the ancestral room.


    She could only stay calm but mentally put the two ladies on her bad list. "Please don''t make fun of me Jei Jei, I recently caught a cold of late''s so I just want to stay quiet".


    The first young lady chuckled and brought her hand to her mouth " oh is that how it is, I thought it was because of the scandal that broke out at your family''s Garden party" she clicked her tongue several times and shook her head as if she couldn''t stand the thought of it. "It was quite a mess everyone".


    Although most of the ladies were thirsting for an opportunity to talk about the little scandal involving the Yuans, a few were too scared to bring it up for fear of retribution. However now that it was brought to light, everyone stepped out in full force.


    " I heard about that. sister Liqin, your Yuan family has to keep watch of concubines like that".


    "Yes, Yes see how she dragged her madam into this mess"


    "Tsk tsk, It is such a pity, It must not be easy for your Yuan family. look how she even dragged the newly minced princess into that mess"


    Yuan Liqin watched as these vultures took jabs at her while pretending to be concerned about her. She wasn''t surprised to see them do this, Ste had done something similar to a few of them when they faced a situation similar to this. However, it was still painful to be at the receiving end of this. Especially for someone like her, that was used to being an onlooker.


    The Ladies continued, finally dragging the Lu and Zhu family into this mess. Most of them were disgusted to see a Shu daughter in their midst and wanted to teach her a lesson. Since she seemed to be close to Lu Yiling, they decided to draw a wedge between them.


    Everyone knew the true conditions behind the second young master''s marriage, evens if the Lu family pretended to get along. It was easy to guess that Madam Lu was discounted in both of her daughters-in-law.


    Lu Yiling''s relationship with this Shu daughter could be described as shaky especially since there were rumours that madam Lu was considering this Shu daughter as a wife for the General before the imperial decree was announced.


    "Speaking of that newly minted Princess, I must applaud her for being capable. Even with her shady background, she still got married to the second young master"


    "Yes, she is full of schemes. I heard that she caused quite the sensation before her marriage among the young Masters. Even the Xu family Shizi Xu Jingting was also bent on marrying her"


    (Shizi - refers to the heir of a noble title just like the Emperor''s heir was called the crown prince)


    "Wow, she has made rounds, Fenfang mei mei how did your Di sister end up with a maid like her?"


    Zhu Fenfeng looked at the mocking smile on the last speaker''s face and sneered. Did she deliberately call Zhu Fengyin a Di daughter to point out the fact that she was below them all since she was concubine born?


    ''Ha, see if I don''t wipe that smile off your face. Once I marry the crown prince and become the second most powerful woman in Northern Wei, after the Empress. Nobody will dare make fun of my birth, you will have to bow to me'' Zhu Fenfang thought curving up her lips and replied


    "My eldest sister is vet kind and is a good judge of character. Plus we also grew up with her Highness, she has never been like that to us. I think that she was just misunderstood"


    The previous young mistress smiled and said "Are you this naive. Ha, how pathetic. Who doesn''t know that it was your precious sister that brought her in? You gave a lot of guys acting all nice with sister Yiling!"


    Lu Yiling who following her brother''s sudden marriage felt a little guilty stepped in "Don''t make things hard for Fenfang Jei, ss us innocent"


    "But she really innocent?" Another young mistress closer to commandery Princess Xia Yong said.

 Chapter 77: Revenge is a dish best served cold 2

    Prince Ye''s mansion.


    Commandery princess Xia Ying listened silently from her seat as the young ladies bickered between themselves. They talked about an embarrassing scene that occurred at the Yuan family''s garden party that involved the new princess.


    Soon the conversation changed to the scandal that involved General Lu, from her understanding the other new attendee named Zhu Fenfang was the younger sister of the Duchess of Wu.


    It was quite funny how that almost-husband of hers Lu Yaozhu was brought up everywhere she went. It was like she couldn''t escape him, This General seemed to be very popular among the ladies. Look at how they all came out to take jabs at his new wife.


    Xia Yong shook her head while thinking that it was a good thing, she didn''t marry him. A man that was this popular with the ladies won''t be good for anyone''s peace of mind. The fact that he easily fell for the age-old trick employed by a greedy servant was proof that his morals weren''t good.


    Only a lecherous man fell for his sister-in-law''s pretty maid. Yes, it was a good thing that she never married him. While she was glad to have escaped a painful faith, she still would appreciate it if people stopped bringing him up in their conversation.


    Luckily there weren''t any formal marriage talks between her Xia family and the Lu family. However, she had heard from her maids that they were gossip and rumour going around on the true reason she was sent to the capital.


    She hoped that nobody dragged her into this awkward conversation but that was just wishful thinking because she was soon dragged in by her almost sister-in-law Lu Yiling. It all started when her longtime friend Chen Su stepped into the argument.


    Cheng Su was the youngest daughter of a long time subordinate of the State Duke. She free up with Xa Ying and was very close to her. She had returned to the capital after Xia Ying arrived to keep her company.


    She has been informed of the real reason Xia Ying was sent to the capital by Princess Ni''an before leaving for the capital. She was aware of how much thought Princess Ni''an who was like a grandmother to her, put into this match and was Angry when everything fell through. Thanks to the underhanded trick employed by that maid Su Liya and her mistress Zhu Fengyin.


    She could barely seat still anymore when she heard the shy daughter of the Zhu family claim that her eldest sister and the maids were innocent. It was one thing for Zhu fenfang to play the innocent but as soon as she heard Lu Yiling defend her too, Cheng Su snapped.


    She looked straight at Lu Yiling and said "But is she innocent?"


    Lu Yiling was a little bit taken aback by his statement. She looked at the unfamiliar young mistress, who was seated next to Grand Princess Ni''an''s granddaughter, Princess Xia Ying. This was her first time meeting the young mistress, Lu Yiling didn''t understand why this young mistress gaze was filled with dislike.


    "I, I don''t understand what you mean. Fenfang Jie is very honest, she would never lie. She is too pure for that" Lu Yiling replied warily.


    "You have an awful amount of trust for someone that you just met a few months ago. Don''t you think that your attitude is strange for someone whose brother had his prospects ruined by a med brought up by her "innocent" elder sister? I think that you are a little too naive for my liking"


    Lu Yiling''s face immediately darken, she felt so insulted by her words and prepared to go off on this young mistress but was quickly held back by Zhu fenfang, who held her arm


    "Yiling don''t, it is enough. Don''t take her words to heart." Zhu Fenfang said softly. She had initially planned to step back and let Lu Yiling handle everything but the young mistresses words hanged her mind.


    If she allowed Lu Yiling to continue talking, her image would be thoroughly ruined. Lu Yiling was too naive to understand the young mistress''s words but she wasn''t.


    Princess Meirong noticed that everything was getting out of control and stepped in. She pulled the conversation away from these dangerous topics to one a lot safer. At the end of the banquet, everyone left in their carriages.


    As Cheng Su escorted Princess Xia Yong back to her carriage, at the end of the banquet. Princess Xia Ying brought up what happened during the banquet with Zhu Fenfang and Lu Yiling. She said softly


    "Xiao Su, please don''t try what you did today again. You have to be careful with that Zhu Fenfang, she is not easy. None of the Zhu family members is, I hate people like that Zhu Fenfang. People who think they are also smart while all the other people a stupid.


    "She is the type that likes to manipulate people, don''t you see how she manipulated Lu Yiling into fighting her battles while making herself look weak and innocent. Tsk Tsk Tsk, she is no good. Next time trend carefully around her"


    Cheng Su nodded "I understand". She had her suspicions about Zhu Fenfang and Xia Ying just confirmed it. She decided to be careful around that concubine daughter.


    *******


    The Imperial Palace


    A day later, the second game of the royal games was held in the palace. This time the royal game to be played was the Cuju.


    (" Cuju was a form of traditional Chinese soccer-like game okayed with martial arts).


    Cuju much like soccer involved two teams both competing for the team that kick the ball into the net. The team with the highest number of hits wins the game. The players make use of their hard and feet to get the ball thrown in while trying to stop their opponents from winning.


    Like the previous royal game, the females of the Lu family was led to the royal family''s section but unlike last time Su Liya was seated as a guest and not standing behind Zhu Fengyin. Princess Xia Ying was also present this time, she was seated next to the Empress.


    The women of the Lu family saluted the Emperor and Empress before getting seated. The games began not long after, Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie took part in the competition. The game this time was a competition between Northern Wei and Chu state.


    At the start of the game Northern Wei was on the lead but Chu state delegates quickly picked up. The players put in masks while playing to ensure the anonymity of each player while the game was ongoing.


    This was Xia Ying''s first royal event since she arrived at the Capital, a lot of the royal relatives went up to her. They said a few good words, her relationship with Grand Princess Ni''an and the state Duke made her quite the catch.


    Since the marriage with the Lu family had fallen through, a lot of the madams wished to push for a union with their family. They each tried to sell Xia Ying and the Empress on their young sons but Xia Ying wasn''t impressed by any of them.


    She looked towards the new guests when she heard the eunuch announce that the Lu family had arrived. She heard quite a lot about Su Liya and was curious about the new bride. She watched as four-woman walked in and saluted the Emperor and Empress.


    She was familiar with one of the women, who was the slender young woman with a fringe that she had seen yesterday at prince Ye''s mansion Lu Yiling. Taking the lead was an older lady, who looked like an older version of Lu Yiling.


    The other two younger ladies present had to be the daughters-in-law, now to identify who was Su Liya. They were both pretty in their different ways, however, the shorter young lady was very stunning with exotic features. She had tanned skin, slanted hazel coloured eyes and plump lips.


    As soon as she saw her, she had a nagging feeling like this was Su Liya and the Empress''s warm question proved her right.


    "Liya, it has been a while. You should visit often", Empress Lu said smiling.


    "Yes, your Highness" Su Liya replied and went to her seat.


    ''She is quite the beauty, it is no surprise that Lu Yaozhu fell for her'' Princess Xia Ying thought as she watched Su Liya from her seat.


    The game went on for two hours before coming to an end, it went rather smoothly and there were no injuries. The game ended with Northern Wei winning the game five points ahead, Chu state had put them all into the competition.


    While the players went in to watch up and get changed, the rest of the guests was led to the banquets hall for the celebratory party. Su Liya followed the rest of the guests to the banquet hall when she was approached by Zhu Feifei.


    She followed the palace maid closely when Zhu Feifei fell into step with her. She was and didn''t know what to make of it, Zhu Feifei didn''t interact with her. Zhu Feifei was just another annoying side character to her.

 Chapter 78: Revenge was a dish best served Cold 3

    The Imperial Palace


    As She followed the palace is through the paved pathway leading to the banquet hall at the west side of the palace, Zhu Feifei fell into steps with her. Su Liya saw a bright yellow gown through the side of her eye and looked to her side.


    She stepped back when she locked eyes with the smiling Zhu Feifei, ''jeez this is just scary, why is she smiling like that. So weird'' Su Liya thought looking at Zhu Feifei strangely. Su Liya bowed, mattered "your highness" and walked away quickly.


    Su Liya had an ominous feeling, she felt on edge like there something bad would happen. The last time, she felt this way was during the first royal games. However, she had ignored the feeling and ended up drugged and set up by someone. Su Liya didn''t want history to repeat itself.


    She increased her pace when she was grabbed by her upper arm and pulled back. "Ahh" Su Liya cried as she was pulled back. She nearly fell backwards but was held up by Zhu Feifei, "easy there" she said with her weird smile.


    "The_ thanks.... your Highness" Su Liya stuttered and quickly pulled away from her embrace. Zhu Feifei laughed softly when she saw her actions.


    The Emperor and Empress were yet to arrive when they arrived, everyone was seat while waiting for the hosts to arrive. Su Liya was led to a wooden square table in front, she got seated and looked around stealthy.


    The banquet hall was decorated elaborately, with over twenty tables spread out in the wide hall. The Emperor''s dragon throne was placed on the raised stage in the middle of the hall opposite the door. A long red carpet ran from the width of the dragon throne to the door.


    The carpet divided the hall in two. On each end of the hall, both facing each other. A long line of square-shaped tables was arranged into two rolls at both halves of the hall. There were two short square-shaped tables below the Emperor''s dragon throne and would be occupied by the Empress and the imperial consort.


    The first few tables below the stage in front were occupied by the Prince and princesses, with the crown prince seated below the Empress. After the royal Prince and Princess were the other members of the royal family and the royal relatives. The Crown Prince of Chu table was placed below the throne, opposite the four royal princes.


    The guests were seated according to statues, the first ranked Noble families came first followed by the second, the third and the fourth. Duke Wu was a first-rank Duke that guards the nation and was also a royal-in-law.


    The Lu family was seated at the front, right after the members of the royal family. The seating arrangements were made in such a way that husbands and wives sat next to each other while children sat next to their parents.


    The men who took part in the cuju game strolled in gradually, as Lu Yingjie walked over to his seat, Su Liya looked out for Lu Yaozhu but he wasn''t in sight. Meanwhile, across the room, Zhu Feifei conversed intently with the young wife of the Shizi of Junwang Ye.


    They were around the same age and got along well, the Shizi''s consort like her had to deal with her husband''s out of hand haram so they bonded over that. Zhu Feifei looks away as heard the sixth prince quiet "damn" and followed his gaze to Su Liya.


    She frowned when she saw his heated gaze but it was his licking his lips that broke the camel''s back. She raised her right hand and called her maid over. When her maid came over, she whispered a few words into her ears, without removing her gaze from her husband and the little slut.


    Zhu Feifei bit her inner cheeks gently and glared at Su Liya as she thought, ''It seemed like she still hasn''t learned. I need to teach her another lesson"


    A few minutes later, a palace made approached Su Liya and said a few words, the summery was that Zhu Feifei wanted to have a word with her outside. Su Liya glanced at the maid then at Zhu Feifei and nodded. She didn''t know why she was being called outside but since the Emperor and Empress were yet to arrive, she decided to humour Zhu Feifei and stepped out.


    She was led to the small shaded spot on the left side of the banquet hall. She stood there for a few seconds before Zhu Feifei joined her.


    Zhu feifei stood a hands length away from her, she glanced at the maids around them as she said


    "All of you leave, I would like to have a word with Liya Jei alone"


    The palace maid that delivered the messenger curtsied and left. Zhu Feifei''s ladies maid followed her behind. Zhu Feifei was skilled and looked pointedly at the two maids standing behind Su Liya. They were like hawks gardening the chicks. It was amusing, "such loyal servants, do you think that I would swallow your madam. The Emperor will soon arrive, we haven''t got much time", she said calmly, her expression calm as water.


    Su Liya gave Zhu Feifei a stiff smile, without looking back "Rong Rong, Baozhai please step out for a few minutes"


    Zhu Feifei''s lips twitched a little when she heard her say please, ''How pathetic, who is she trying to fool by pretending to be kind"


    Rong Rong and Baozhai glanced at Zhu Feifei then their madam with concern. They were about to speak when Su Liya looked back and shook her head. The two maids frowned and sighed before leaving, they didn''t go far in case Su Liya needed them. Before leaving the Dukes'' manor, they were warned by the General to keep an eye on their mistress.


    Su Liya did understand what game Zhu Feifei was playing but she wanted to put an end to it. Zhu Feifei has been appearing around her of late, which she found unsettling.


    Since Zhu Feifei was going all Liya Jei like they were close or something, she decided to play along and abandoned all formalities. She didn''t understand the obsession of people with making empty talk and got straight to the point "Why did you call me out?"


    Zhu Feifei titled her head to the side and asked, "Liya Jei, you seem to not like this Princess. Have we ever had any altercation?"


    "Wha what, No no! That is not it" Su Liya replied eyes budged, the action was quite obvious because of her small face.


    Zhu Feifei hissed silently as she looked at the little slut, she couldn''t stand looking at her worthless face anymore, "then it must be because of your guilty conscience, You feel guilty for seducing my husband"


    "Your husband?" Su Liya asked


    "The sixth prince" Zhu Feifei walked closer to her "Did you think that I wouldn''t find out about your secret, not with my husband. After things didn''t work out with Faye, you decided to go after the sixth prince. Don''t bother denying everything, I heard it from a reliable source"


    At the mention of a "reliable source" Zhu Fenfang''s fake little face appeared in her mind. Since she was the only one that has ever seen her with Zhu Faye apart from Zhu Fengyin. Zhu fenfang and Zhu fengyin were like fire and water so it couldn''t be her.


    Zhu Feifei walked around her paused "Fenfang saw you meet the sixth prince at the garden after the family dinner during the daughter festival. Did you think no one would find out about that? Because it was dark and everyone had gone to bed, you were hoping that they wouldn''t weren''t you? You have got yourself a good life now, you are married to a marquis, your future is set or so you think"


    Su Liya''s heart stilled when Why "I never had anything to do with the sixth Prince, your highness. I have never even met him privately, I am being framed?" Su Liya refuted adamantly but that made no difference.


    Zhu Feifei laughed coldly, her laugh was a little cold and maid goosebumps down Su Liya''s arm "at least you are not claiming that you have never met him before. How is your relationship with General Lu, is it good? Is he treating well?"


    The questions were unexpected albeit strange, she went from rejecting her explanation to asking about her marriage. "Fi_fine, the General treats me well".


    "I hope he would still treat you well when he finds out about your previous relationship with the sixth Prince and Zhu Faye"


    Su Liya looked at Zhu Feifei''s, and thought was she trying to threaten me with all these lies?'' She hardened her expression and replied coldly "I don''t have any relationship with the sixth prince or Zhu Faye. Those are all lies, you can''t threaten me with something as insignificant as that."


    "Threaten you? Did you think I would threaten you with just that? I know about your little "romance" with Xu Jingting, you better stay away from my husband or I will deal with you a lot harsher than last time" Zhu Feifei got closer to her and whispered "Do you think you can win against me? You? An unwanted little thing? You are worthless, even your parents didn''t want you. Did you like the beautiful day you spend in the palace with General Lu, do you want to experience that again. Come close to my husband and I will arrange another special day for you but this time with your old flame Xu Jingting! Dirty little bitch" Zhu Feifei won''t out and walked away.

 Chapter 79: Evil is not born but made

    Su Liya stood like her feet was rooted into the ground as Zhu Feifei''s words ran through her mind


    "Do you think you can win against me? You? An unwanted little thing? You are worthless, even your parents didn''t want you. Did you like the beautiful day you spend in the palace with General Lu, do you want to experience that again. Come close to my husband and I will arrange another special day for you but this time with your old flame Xu Jingting! Dirty little bitch"


    Su Liya suddenly saw drawn into the most painful memory from her childhood, she was drawn to that day at the playground when she was 8 years old.


    ***


    Ten years ago at a large playground of a special elementary school.


    A much younger Su Liya dressed in dark blue and white track uniform belonging to District 5 elementary school B city, sat on a wooden bench facing the offices on the ground floor facing the school playground.


    Today was the school''s open day, Su Liya watched as her classmates rushed into their parent''s hands, full of smiles. The open day was held to allow parents the chance to check n their child''s progress.


    Minutes before the open day began, their class teacher Miss Hu send them all out to the playground. The other kids got along quite well and played with each other while ignoring the quiet skinny girl with pigtails who sat by the side.


    Su Liya was very shy and quiet most of the time, it was easy to overlook kids like that. Which was what the young Su Liya wanted, although many would argue that it was a bad idea to be invincible to everyone.


    When you are the only charity student in your class who didn''t have parents to buy you the latest clothes and has to perform at various charity events to get sponsors, you start to dislike bring the centre of attention.


    Kids were more active at this age, so after staying a few minutes with their parents, they were sent back to the playground to give the parents and Miss Hu space to talk. The scrawny girl with the pigtails was still seated on the bench when they returned to the playground.


    A few of the kids looked at her blank expression and snickered. Among the children was Cai Chuan, the son of the chairman of the school PTA and the class bully. Like every bully out there Cai Chuan preyed on the weak, which unfortunately was Su Liya.


    Cai Chuan was a plump, oily faced taller boy with chubby cheeks plastered with freckles. He had quite the image and because of his mother''s position on the PTA board, got away with everything he did.


    When a shadow fell upon her, Su Liya let out a breath and prepared her mind for his salty remarks about her clothes and attitude. She sat straight, silently waiting for his words when a meaty hand appeared in front of her knocked her forehead.


    "Hey, dummy! Why are you still out here, where are your parents? She pushed up her head roughly when she failed to respond "Why are you keeping quiet! You keep pretending like you can''t talk when I always see you sing on stages at the charity events the school board hosts.


    "I didn''t understand why you had to perform constantly, so I asked my mother and she said it was because you were begging for money. I heard that your parents doesn''t want you and left you outside.


    "I guess that like they must have gotten sick of your blank expression. Since you only talk when you are begging for money, why don''t you beg me to let you go? If you do, I will give you the money my mum gave me for ice cream"


    Su Liya didn''t respond, she just looked up at him silently, which made Cai Chuan angrier, he pushed her down from the chair "don''t ignore me dumb, or I will tell my mother not to give you any more money" he glared at her.


    The playground although filled with sand had a few stones, her skin was scratched out as she fell. It hurt so much but Su Liya didn''t let it show. That would just make Cai Chuan hurt her more, if she stayed calm after some time he would get tired and let her go.


    When he didn''t get the desired reaction, as usual, he kicked her on her foot "you are just a dirty little begged, no wonder no one wants you" he hissed and joined the rest of his little crew of bully''s to play.


    When he wasn''t paying her any attention again, Su Liya stood carefully. She dusted her clothes and rushed to the nurse''s room to get her wound cleaned.


    ******


    Now fast forward to the present and she once again comes across another bully, this time names Zhu Fenfang but unlike Cai Chuan who attacked her head-on, Zhu Fenfang liked to borrow other people''s hands.


    Su Liya stood at a sport, with a troubled expression as she tried to make sense of everything. She found herself thinking


    "Why on earth Zhu Fenfang would slander her like this. Was it because of those hurtful words she said back then? Did that warrant an action like this?"


    No matter how she thought of this, nothing could justify being treated this way. Zhu Feifei make have pulled the trigger but Zhu Fenfang made her the target. All for what? Because she hurt her precious ego? No these women were monsters.


    They had no bottom line, Zhu Fenfang made her a target for Zhu Feifei because she didn''t want to look bad or dirty her hand with that mess. She knew her sister''s temper and suspected his everything could turn out.


    Yet she still egged her on, someone like that didn''t deserve to be happy, none of them did. They violated her body and free will all because they could. No one deserved to be treated this way no matter what.


    While she went through the emotional turmoil, her maid rushed to her. They rushed over after the sixth princess consort left with her maid. In the capital the maids always had the best information on everyone, Rong Rong and Baozhai heard a lot of colourful things about the sixth princess consort.


    They were uneasy leaving their madam alone with her but since they were sent out they could only stand close by and wait. They stood at the side with their hearts beating heavily until the sixth princess consort walked out. However, they couldn''t let out a breath of relief because the princess consort left with a smile.


    Their heart sank as soon as they saw her smile, Rong Rong and Baozhai glanced at each other and run forward. Their madam stood still while looking into a distance.


    "Your Highness, Your Highness!"


    "How are you? Your Highness!"


    They called her a few times but didn''t receive any answer. Princess Ping looked to be in deep thoughts, nothing they did drew her away from her thoughts. Rong Rong shook her hair in frustration before she grabbed Su Liya''s arm and shook it a few times.


    Suddenly, the previously unresponsive Su Liya pulled out her hands from Rong Rong''s firm hold and looked from Rong Rong to Baozhai then shook her head and asked


    "what would you do if you found out someone deliberately tried to hurt you for something you didn''t do? What if you know what the person wants and have a way of preventing her from getting it but doing that would be very risky. Would you still do that?"


    Su Liya didn''t speak to anyone, in particular, so the questions were left in the air. Rong Rong and Baozhai communicated silently,


    "hey answer her, you are the oldest"


    "No! I don''t know why she is asking questions like this. It could be a trap"


    "She has been quiet for some time, she might be waiting for an answer. Just answer her"


    "You_ Rong Rong! why does it have to be me"


    "Because you are the oldest, use your seniority for something other than given orders and acting so smart"


    "....."


    Baozhai glared at Rong Rong silently for a few seconds before facing Su Liya. She breathed in and out to calm her troubled heart then replied "I don''t know how to answer thi_"


    She was interrupted by Su Liya "just answer honestly!"


    Baozhai let out a breath and continued "since she tried to hurt me once, she could do it again. I wouldn''t allow her to do so".


    Su Liya didn''t respond when she was done speaking and just looked ahead. Just as Baozhai started to worry, she replied


    "that is what I thought too. There are consequences to one''s actions, she has to pay for the part she played in causing me pain. They both do, looks like I will have to become a bad guy in this story. Since staying low key isn''t possible anymore"


    Su Liya looked up at the sky and smiled "let''s go".

 Chapter 80: Regrets

    The Imperial Palace.


    When She returned to the banquet hall, the Emperor and Empress were yet to arrive. The guests were all present, all that remained was the Emperor and Empress. Even the Crown Prince and Commandery Princess Xia were present.


    Zhu Feifei sat next to the Sixth Prince and socialized as if nothing happened. Su Liya glared at her for a few seconds before looking away, she just couldn''t stand this monster wearing human skin. She wasn''t going to let them go scot-free for doing that to her. Su Liya glanced at Zhu Fenfang who sat next to madam Zhu and smiled. There was her first target.


    Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie came in a few minutes later, they were immediately swamped by guests as they walked in. A few of the guests were friends but the majority of them were all trying to curry favour with them. The Lu family was the most powerful family after tge royal family so their words had a lot of weight.


    Lu Yaozhu skillfully manoeuvred the crowd until he got to the free seat on the table next to Su Liya. He smiled at Su Liya as he got seated before turning to the persistent crowd in front of the table. A few of the guests noticing the exchange between husband and wife began to fawn on Su Liya too.


    They congratulations them on their marriage and praised them for being a beautiful couple. Su Liya was surprised at how eloquently these overzealous men praised her. They were surprisingly good at empty talks, they gave compliments as good as women.


    All that noise attracted peoples attention, the sixth Prince included. Zhongshan Cheng clicked his tongue when he saw them surround Lu Yaozhu. He muttered "sycophants! Look at them surround this declining man, who can not even save himself.


    "Oh..... Why is she seated next to him?"


    Zhu Feifei followed his gaze and locked eye with Su Liya, her heart immediately sank but she soldiered on. She shrugged and replied "Her? That is the scheming little maid that seduced our fine General"


    "Huh! That is the maid you especially found for him? Is this supposed to be a blessing or a curse? Why would you give him such a good looking wife like her, is your eyes bad? Instead of giving her to this rough barbarian, you should have married her into my Haram. Isn''t that also part of your duty as an imperial consort?"


    Zhu Feifei''s eyes narrowed immediately. She glared at him as she said "are those sluts at your side courtyard not enough for you? You still want to have more?"


    Zhongshan Cheng brought his hands under the table and held her hit her on the lap sharply. He said tightly "You had better behave you little bitch. Don''t think that I can not deal with you because we are in public".


    She whispered "Ah! It hurts!"


    "Good that would teach you to be careful what you say. Judging from your envious reaction, you must know this maid. I heard she was your elder sister''s ladies maid. Who is she to you"


    "Who is she to me" Zhu feifei laughed softly and whispered "isn''t she, your mistress or do you have so many, you cannot remember them all" she hissed as he hit her laps once again.


    "Ah my dear wife, this is why it isn''t good to speculate. I would remember If I had someone as exquisite as her, I guess that was why you chose her." He chuckled and pulled his hands from under the table.


    "You are lying, someone saw you two together during daughter''s day"


    "That person must be mistaken because I went out with Faye that night. My dear wife, you really shouldn''t believe everything you are told, at least make your judgment of things" Zhongshan Cheng was quickly called over by his younger brother so she was left to her thoughts.


    Which as expected was conflicted, she didn''t know who to believe. She looked from Zhu fenfang and Su Liya, even if her husband was right and he doesn''t have anything to do with Su Liya, she didn''t understand why Zhu fenfang would lie. Except she borrowed her hand to deal with Su Liya.


    All logical thoughts led to that but Zhu Feifei didn''t wish to believe it. Maybe because that would mean her accepting the fact that she was manipulated by someone she considered herself superior to.


    Today seemed to be the day of discovery since even the Commandery Princess Xia Ying also made her discovery. Xia Yong had been silently observing the other guests in the hall from her elevated position at the table after the crown prince when they were a cluster of guests at the door.


    She looked to the entrance curious about who would get such a response from the guests. It has to be someone of high rank, whoever that was, had to be only a step below the royal family. The guests surrounded two male figures, they were quite much so she couldn''t see the faces of the new arrivals.


    Xia Ying spent most of her years in her grandparent''s country and wasn''t familiar with the noble families in the capital. She could only rely on the gossipy young princess seated next to her to identify this heavy hitter.


    Xia Ying was sandwiched between two third-ranked Princesses, around the same age as her. They were daughters of 2nd and third-ranked Princes, they were both very chatty and tried to rope her into their conversations. This must have been the Empress''s arrangements to make her feel more comfortable.


    Xia Ying turned to the Princess to her left. Xia Ying had observed that of the two princesses, she was the information supplier. Xia Ying gesture to the little cluster of people close to the entrance and asked A-Mei, why are they all surrounding them? Who are they?"


    A-Mei gazed at the cluster of people, "oh that is the Duke of Wu Lu Yingjie and the new Marquis of Yuozhuo General Lu Yaozhu".


    The crowd gradually separated and two tall young men walked out of the crowd. XXiaoYing was shocked to find herself face to face with her saviour.


    She opened and closed her mouth and asked once more "That is Lu Yaozhu".


    "Yes, the two of them are very important officials in court. General Lu is the popular God of War, he recently got married too. His marriage caused quite the scandal because you see his wife was a maid".


    Xia Ying couldn''t hear anything else she said after she found out the real identity of her saviour. Everything just buzzed in her ears, like her ears were filled with water.


    She had searched continuously for his identity but Little did she know that he was her former fiancee. Her heart hurt a little as she watched as Lu Yaozhu exchanged a brief smile with his wife Su Liya. It was like she was in a bad nightmare, why didn''t she bother to find out how her fiancee looked like. She was even stupidity relieved that he had married someone else. How she regretted all that now.


    The banquet went smoothly but a few of the guests left with heavy hearts. That night at mingxi pavilion, Su Liya tossed and turned for hours before finally going to bed. Even as she slept her night was full with recounts of the painful memory of waking up at the palace that afternoon and the memory from the playground when she was 8 years old.


    To put it plainly, she had a very shitty night. Which resulted in an equally shitty morning because she was forced to wake up very early and pay respects to madam Lu. She didn''t sleep well and had the bags under her eyes to prove it, she was so irritated that she could not tolerate the snide comments made by Lu Yiling.


    She was in luck that morning because while she was on her way to madam Lu''s courtyard, Nanny Chu sent down a message to her that madam Lu was exhausted from the banquet last night and won''t be seeing them today.


    Su Liya didn''t question the message, she was equally exhausted and the break. After the day she had yesterday, Su Liya wasn''t in the right mindset to meet anyone, she was far too angry and might explode at the littlest provocation.


    Baozhai and Rong Rong noticed their madam''s current state of mind and made sure to keep her from getting more stressed. They instructed the servants to be quiet and avoid making any mistakes.


    As soon as she got back to her room, Su Liya was served her breakfast. After eating, the dishes were sent away. Su Liya laid back on the recliner and shut her eyes. A few minutes later, she asked the maid standing next to her "Baozhai, has the general left for court?"


    "Yes, your Highness"


    Su Liya didn''t respond and just turned to face the at of the recliner. She was still for some time that it one would think that she was asleep but she wasn''t. She silently made her plans to deal with the Zhu sisters.

 Chapter 81: The move to Ningzhuo 1

    Many years ago at Northern Wei


    At a small noodles shop at the corner of the street racing the silk factory, the young Emperor Zhong and minister Zhu sat on one of the plain wooden tables at the side. Emperor Zhong had succeeded his father just eight years earlier following the death of his elder brother.


    They ordered their usual dish, sat by the side and observed the other customers. Emperor Zhong wanted to be closer to the commoners, so he went out of the palace regularly and walked around the commoners to get a fresh input on the true conditions of the kingdom.


    Emperor Zhong visited regular places such as tea houses and restaurants to listen to the common folks'' opinions on policies and the rest. After their meals were delivered, they sat silently and listened to the conversations around them while drinking tasteless tea.


    The men around them glossed over a few political topics, none of which were interesting. Emperor Zhong was about to leave for another hot spot when their conversation changed to a different angle. This was brought about by the arrival of a small group of soldiers putting up recruitment fliers on the notice board.


    A male customer clicked his tongue "argh what is wrong with the Emperor and going on campaigns. This has to be the fifth time this year?"


    Another male voice said "Is he determined to make our troupes live permanently on the war front. Didn''t the Duke of Wu just return from battle a month ago, I understand that he is trying to get revenge for the past crown prince''s death but it has been 8 years already. Isn''t all the bloodshed enough"


    The first male voice replied, "Obviously not!"


    Another male voice from the table behind Emperor Zhong also joined in their conversations "I think that this young Emperor of ours is too bloodthirsty. All these wars should have been tiring by now"


    Soon it became a six men conversation.


    "His has already gotten his revenge, There has been talk that all these other battles are all for his selfish dream of increasing his sovereign."


    "I hear that this hunger if his will never be quenched"


    "That is because there aren''t many ministers willing to question him except the Duke of Wu. All other ministers are minions that support everything he does"


    "Thanks to the gods that we have one honest official like the Duke of Wu to keep our power-hungry weak Emperor in check"


    "Duke of Wu isn''t known as the people''s voice for nothing"


    "I fear that Duke Wu may not be the People''s voice for long, with the rate he is being sent out on wars" the man shook his head and continued "what if he goes to war one day and never return"


    "Then we will be left seating docks because he is the only one guarding us. We can not depend on the weak Emperor, now can we?"


    "No, Which is why I think that the gods won''t let that happen. Don''t you see how frequently he had come back in victory, even the gods love him. The weak Emperor can never compare to him, all that sickly Emperor does is seat and eat"


    "I swear that he shouldn''t have been allowed to take the throne, he is not good enough"


    "Yes all he does is give orders, I bet he has never even lifted a sword. If he had ever experienced war, he would understand how we the common folks suffer every time he sends the soldiers on any Crusades".


    Minister Zhu who ad off this time wasn''t yet the powerful minister he was in the future but a mere vice-minister tried to calm the Emperor''s temper. "Your_" he started saying when he was given a dirty look by Emperor Zhong and quickly corrected himself. "Don''t take their words seriously, young master. They are illiterate and don''t know what they are talking about.


    Emperor Zhong just took out a small piece of silver and placed it on the table "let us go" he said as he stood and left the noodles shop.


    *****


    There was a break the next day and court was suspended until a day later. During the court session that day, the previous Duke of Wu (*Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjei''s father) led a few notable military and literary officials to challenge his next campaign.


    They argued that the soldiers were weak from the recent war and needed a little more time to rests. They also pointed out that the commoners needed to recover from the tax and manpower used up during the recently ended war.


    Emperor Zhong could not pay attention to anything they said because no matter the solid points they brought up, all he heard was the conversation he had overheard at the noodles shop.


    When he couldn''t take it anymore, he dismissed the court abruptly and went down to the Empress''s Palace for lunch. While eating he brought up the petition submitted by her elder brother to the Empress.


    When the Empress supported the arguments brought up by them, the Emperor lost his anger and left her palace angrily. He didn''t visit the Empress for months. He never intended to ignore her for longer than a few days but when Duke Wu''s team won the support of State Duke Xia ( princess Ni''an''s husband) and the campaign was moved forward.


    The Emperor threw a fit and ignored the Empress and instead favoured the newly conferred Concubine Shi. The Shi family became a notable ally for the Emperor in court, the Father and daughter were quite the pair.


    Minister Shi supported the Emperor''s bloodthirsty campaign during the day while Imperial Concubine egged him on in private. Soon the Emperor and Empress became estranged. They saw eye to eye lesser times than usual until they just stopped speaking.


    However, after the Emperor got injured while hunting, they reunited briefly for a few months. Which resulted in the Empress''s pregnancy. However about six months into her pregnancy, Imperial concubine Shi was also discovered to be pregnant.


    For the few remaining months of the Empress''s pregnancy, the Emperor spent time together. A reunion was rumoured to be in the making, especially after the fourth prince was born. It was further cemented when the Fourth prince was conferred the Crown Prince four days after he was born.


    It had caused quite the sensation in the capital, everyone congratulated the Lu family. The excitement caused the commoners to once again began calling Duke Wu, the people''s voice. The Emperor caught wind of that at once again displaced himself from the Empress.


    Especially when Imperial concubine Shi brought up the old rumours during one of his visits. Empress Lu noticed the Emperor''s actions but choose to ignore that. She was more focused on her newborn son and didn''t have time to pay attention to her husband''s ever-changing attitude.


    The Empress''s joy was short-lived because she lost her child a few days later. The loss of her child destroyed the couple''s relationship.


    *******


    Fast forward to years later


    A teenager in blue ran through the courtyards leading from the small study room by the Empress''s palace with his servant on his trail. The teenager was nine other than the crown Princes''s young study partner Lu Yaozhu.


    He jumped over the dead walls separating the eighth palace from the Emperor''s study. As he did his servant a shorter teenager with some baby fat on his cheek called him back, "young master slow down don''t do that it is very risky. You might get injured! If you get, her highness will have my hind!"


    Lu Yaozhu made a perfect landing and stood back to watch jus servant come down. "Why so worried, Yu Tao. It is not like I am running away from home, I am only going to meet my father. According to Eunuch Li, father came in to greet uncle Emperor at the Palace before going off to war. Father and I can not perform our usual tradition because I am in the palace but if I am fast enough I can meet him before he leaves"


    Yu Tao nodded and they continued on their way. They conversed along the way before finally arriving at the Emperor''s study. Lu Yaozhu brought his hand to his lips and gestured to Yu Tao to be quiet as they tiptoed to stand by the door of the study.


    Lu Yaozhu wanted to rush after his father as soon as he stepped out of the study and stood patiently by the door. Fearing that if they were caught, Yu Tao might end up getting punished, he sent Yu Tao to wait at a distance.


    Yu Tai stood at a distance from him but close enough that he could keep his eyes on him. Once Yu Tao was out of sight, Lu Yaozhu walked closer to the door. The conversations between the Emperor and her father filtered in from the open door.


    He heard the Emperor''s deep voice say "I don''t care what you do just don''t come back alive".


    Lu Yaozhu was no longer a child, he somewhat understood the Emperor''s word but even if he didn''t under the first statement. The next one was rather obvious.


    "I have been kind to give you a chance to meet your new daughter, you have been with her for a year and a half. Your time is up, go and win me Yi state but never come back to the capital. If you want your family, the Empress included safe end you retched life"


    Lu Yaozhu gasped and quickly clapped his hands on his mouth to keep him from making any noise that would attract their attention. Luckily none of them heard his little slip-up. He heard his father''s gentle voice before running back to the dwarf wall, his eyes were filled with tears but he couldn''t let them fall. If he did Yu Tai would try to find out why, which he couldn''t reveal.


    "This servant will abide, however since I am dying anyway. I would like to say a few words"


    Lu Yaozhu never found out what his father said to the Emperor, he ran away when his father accepted the order to save his family. It had been too painful for him, he waited by the dwarf wall until his father got out of the Emperor''s study before running to him.


    That was the last time he saw his father, two months later news of his death reached the capital and his decapitated body was returned to the capital to be buried.

 Chapter 82: The move to Ningzhuo 2

    The Present: The courtroom of the imperial palace of Northern Wei.


    Emperor Zhong sat on the Dragon Throne at the centre of the wide palace hall, seething with anger as yet another military official came forward to support the petition for the appointment of Lu Yaozhu as the military governor of Chengxu submitted by The Minister of war Tian Ke.


    Even after he had dismissed all their numerous written petitions, they dared to bring it up in courts. These military officials had a lot of guts to submit a verbal request in court and the presence of the delegates from Chu state.


    Emperor Zhong clenched his teeth, he glanced at the quiet Lu brothers and Minister Tian, their co-conspirator. This must be the two brothers plan, they couldn''t get him to give Lu Yaozhu more power through the usual methods, hence they decided to go all out.


    Emperor Zhong didn''t like to be cornered but since they were determined to bend his hands he will deal with them. Emperor Zhong had already made plans to handle these greedy bunch, starting with Lu Yaozhu. He waited for the current speaker to finish speaking before swooping in for the kill.


    "I have some really good officials, look at how you are all jumping up and down about the appointment. I understand that the urgency in choosing a new military governor for Chengxu. With our extending kingdom, these things are necessary.


    "However, after giving it some thoughts, I don''t think it is necessary to send General Lu to Chengxu. Sending over a military governor of General Lu''s calibre is a waste of his talent. A military governor was necessary when there was still unrest in the south.


    "The Previous Governor did a good job in quenching the unrest, Chengxu is now in peace. I am sending the sixth prince Zhongshan Cheng to take charge of that seat. General Lu''s talent is more needed to curb the wide clans in Ningzhuo"


    A chill spread around the entire hall as he said that, it was so quiet that even the sound of a pin when dropped would be heard in the hall. Everyone looked at the Emperor in shock, they could help but glance at the quiet young General who stood on the second role of long lines of the military officials.


    Who is the Emperor trying to fool by pretending to send General Lu to where "his talents" was needed. This isn''t a promotion but a curse, how is sending him to the far north something good. The Emperor was just sending him to suffer, was far not a cold land where it was winter for the majority of the year.


    Even when it wasn''t snowing the weather was too cold. Ningzhuo was the capital seat of the far north region where there was constant unrest and other problems. It was known as the barren lands for a reason.


    The unfavourable weather conditions coupled with the constant bandit''s attack and unrest with their northern neighbours made life unfavourable for the inhabitants. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t going to have it easy there.


    Ningzhuo never had the typical summer weather because of its location. it was either winter or spring and even when they did, it was extremely hot. Everything was to the extreme in that region, compared to the other towns in the far north, Ningzhuo was a breeze. Sending Lu Yaozhu to Ningzhuo was an obvious punishment ser up by the Emperor.


    Everyone expected Lu Yaozhu to challenge the Emperor''s decision and try to get sent to another border town but that wasn''t the case. They were surprised when Lu Yaozhu walked forward and accepted the "promotion".


    Bad news they say travels fast, by the end of morning court the news of Lu Yaozhu''s "promotion" had gone wide.


    ****


    At Minister Zhu''s residence, the main madam''s room.


    Zhu Feifei rushed over to her mother as soon as the news of the sixth Prince''s posting got to her. Zhu Feifei spent her entire life in the capital, the prospect of leaving her familiar place for a smaller city scared her. she immediately rushed over to seek her mother''s advice.


    Zhu Feifei rushed to sear next to her mother as soon as the maids were dismissed. "Mother something bad has happened, his highness has been posted out of the capital! Did we lose favour with his Majesty! What do I to do!"


    Patting her hands gently, Madam Zhu tried to console her troubled heart, Zhu Feifei was heavily pregnant, it wasn''t good for her to be worried. Especially since she was pregnant with the Emperor''s first grandchild.


    "Feifei''er, calm down! There is no need to worry, his Highness is his Majesty''s favourite child. Her Majesty would do anything to hurt him, his majesty sending him to Chengxu is sudden. However is not a bad thing, on the contrary, It is a wonderful idea."


    Zhu Feifei stopped fretting and looked up "really!" She said.


    Madam Zhu nodded "yes, Chengxu is one of the biggest cities in Northern Wei. Ningzhuo is considered a ghost town compared to Chengxu. Everything from the weather to the standard of living is all on par with the capital. You will not be disappointed"


    Zhu Feifei sighed, "now I can relax, mother do you know how scared I was when I got the news. I thought that tge Emperor was trying to punish us like he did Lu Yaozhu but turns out he isn''t."


    "Yes, this is also a good way to test His Highness leadership qualities. If he makes a good contribution to the kingdom, everyone will see him in a good light. It might even help him get appointed as Crown Prince since the crown prince doesn''t have many achievements on his plates. The Lu family are now at loss, now that Lu Yaozhu is transferred to Ningzhuo."


    Zhu feifei nodded "Their lose has become our gain, good"


    Now that she wasn''t worried about the sudden move, Zhu Feifei remembered the events of yesterday and the part she had in Lu Yaozhu''s marriage and how she had let Su Liya know. She had felt uneased after discovering that it was a misunderstanding. She had asked around, specifically the sixth prince''s servant and it was just as he had informed her.


    He never met with Su Liya that night but had spent the night at a brothel with her elder brother. She had been misled by Zhu Fenfang, who for whatever reason wanted to hurt Su Liya. He spied couldn''t find out the reason but she had discovered quite a few things about that two-faced sister of hers.


    Zhu Feifei was initially scared that Su Liya might report everything to the Empress or the Lu family and get her in trouble. However not that Lu Yaozhu was moving to Ningzhuo, Su Liya can''t make any moves. Su Liya would be too busy preparing for the move to do that.


    She had done it out of anger but now that she was discovered, she couldn''t help but worry about how Su Liya would respond. It was a good thing that Lu Yaozhu was moving to Ningzhuo. He would be too busy with the sudden move and wouldn''t have time to make a move on her.


    Zhu Feifei gazed at her mother and bit her lips. She was contemplating informing her mother about her discovery. When there was a knock at tge door followed by a maid coming in holding a tray of dried preserved fruits, some cakes and cold beverages.


    Madam Zhu looked at her lady''s maid, "Xiao Lan, you outdid yourself this time. You have been standing here for some time, when did you send a message to the kitchen?"


    Xiao Lan or Nanny Ding as she was known to everyone else was madam Zhu''s dowry maid and Zhu Faye''s nanny. She was the Chief matron in charge of madam Zhu''s courtyard, all the servants took orders from her.


    Nanny Ding came forward to reply " I didn''t call for their madam, her highness''s arrival was too sudden. There was no time to prepare for it".


    Madam Zhu looked from Nanny Ding to the maid carrying the tray of snacks, "this wasn''t your doing? Then who_?"


    Nanny Ding looked to the maid and ordered "who sent this?"


    The maid raised the tray higher, "answering madam, this was sent over by third Miss. She heard that her highness visited and ordered tge kitchen to send over these refreshments".


    Zhu Feifei''s expression got sour as she heard the maid''s words. After what she now knew of Zhu Fenfang, she knew not to take anything she did lightly. She opened her mouth to reject this but her mother beat her to it.


    "Aiya there is no need to do this. Third girl is thoughtful, she still cares about her second sister and even sent over all her favourite snacks. Xiao Lan, please send over my thanks" Madam Zhu Said then to the maid she gestured to the table next to Zhu Feifei''s seat and said, "Drop the tray on the table and sent the cook my thanks".


    The maid placed tge tray on the small table and left, Nanny Ding followed after her. Zhu Feifei waited until she could no longer hear footsteps before saying "sneaky bitch, mother don''t be fooled by that snake. Fenfang isn''t any good, be careful of her".


    Madam Zhu laughed " Fenfang? What is there to be worried about with that weakling?"


    "A lot, her methods are quite bad mother. She is no good" Zhu Feifei replied.


    Madam Zhu continued to laugh but when she noticed her daughter''s serious expression, she stopped "wait, you are serious?"


    "Yes, Zhu Fenfang that ... girl lied about seeing his highness and that slut Su Liya"


    "What! Are you serious?" Madam Zhu asked. When she saw her daughter nod, she held her neck and fell back. "tell me".

 Chapter 83: The move to Ningzhuo 3

    The Duke''s mansion


    Meanwhile back at the Lu family''s residence, Rong Rong greeted a few of the kitchen servants as she walked past the kitchen. She had some free time since Su Liya was having a nap and decided to visit her mother, Aunt Yu who worked as a matron at Madam Lu''s courtyard.


    She had just walked into the courtyard when she saw her mother rush out of the courtyard while firing orders at the maids. Rong Rong paused her steps and called out "mother!".


    Matron Yu looked to the entrance and saw her daughter standing steps away from the gates. "Xiao Rong! How come you are here", matron Yu dissed the maids surrounding her. Rong Rong rushed closer.


    The tension in the air was very thick, you could cut it with a knife, even her mother''s face was a little dull. Rong Rong rushed to her mother''s side and said "you look worried mother, did something major happen".


    Matron Yu sighed as she looked at her daughter calm expression. It seemed like she wasn''t yet informed, "something big went down a short time ago. Xiao Rong, You are now an adult, you have to start paying attention to political issues. Especially now that you will be out of the capital"


    "Out of the capital? How do you mean mother?"


    "We just got word from the palace, Second young master has been appointed the Military Governor of Ningzhuo"


    "Ningzhuo? As in the barren lands. Oh no no no, I need to tell her highness" Rong Rong said, she tried to run out but was held back by her mother.


    "Not so fast, you can''t go running to the highness without getting a full rundown of this"


    "Oh that''s right" Rong Rong replied. She started back a little longer before running to Mingxi Pavilion.


    Rong Rong looked into Su Liya''s room as soon as she got back to Mingxi pavilion and it was just as she left it. Su Liya was still asleep, while Baozhai sat by the window and sewed her a new gown. Madam Lu sent over a new batch of materials from the storeroom, Su Liya just got married and needed more clothes to show her status.


    Although Su Liya came with a few years of clothes from the palace, it was still necessary that madam Lu sent her a few balls of clothes. Out of her two maids, Baozhai was the most proficient in sewing and took charge of the task.


    Rong Rong glanced at the beautiful young lady on the bed as she walked in, she seemed deep in sleep. She tiptoed to where Baozhai was seated, she looked left and right before squatting next to Baozhai.


    Baozhai glanced down at the gossipy younger maid and smirked. She had seen a lot of maids during her time in the palace but Rong Rong took the cake. One would think that since Rong Rong grew up in old madam''s courtyard, she would be loyal to her but that wasn''t the case.


    All the other maids in the courtyard from the duke''s mansion were all loyal to madam Lu except this young girl, who sometimes seemed rather dense and gossipy. Baozhai had been initially wary of her, when she first came from the palace, she had assumed Rong Rong was a spy and was careful around her.


    However, after spending some time with her, Baozhai discovered that there was a lot more to this young maid than meets the eye. While Rong Rong seemed to be loyal to old madam, she always had Su Liya''s best interest at heart. Rong Rong was also the best person to send out and gather information because she seemed so good-natured and got along with everyone.


    The Rong Rong squatting at her side kept glaring and their mistress with a rather complicated expression. Whenever Rong Rong acted this way, she always had juicy gossip to share and couldn''t sear still.


    "you look like you are carrying a belly full of gossip to share. What is it", Baozhai said steadily repeating her seams along the edges of the light cloak.


    Rong Rong didn''t respond, she just felt the cloak and sighed. This was a light coat, which was meant to be used in the summer. It won''t be of much use in Ningzhuo, she looked at the fully concentrating Baozhai. "Baozhai jei jei, please make this coat a lot thicker, it is too light for the weather we will be facing soon"


    Baozhai paused her needlework and gazed down at her "just what nonsense are you rambling on about, why would our mistress need ticker coats in the summer!"


    "Maybe because we won"t be in tge capital for long", she moved closer and whispered choose to Baozhai''s ear "second young master has been appointed as military governor of Ningzhuo".


    Baozhai dropped the clothes "WHAT!"


    "Hey be quiet, you will wake her" Rong Rong brought her hands up to her lips and gestured with her chin to the petite woman lying on the bed.


    Baozhai immediately covered her mouth eyes wide and looked at the bed, Su Liya turned to face the wall and continued sleeping. When she had ensured that Su Liya was still asleep, she whispered to Rong Rong "is this true?"


    Rong Rong immediately felt offended "would I joke about something like that. I went to visit my mother in the old courtyard and it was very active there. She was the one that informed me, the Imperial edict would be sent over soon".


    "oh no, what do we do? How are we going to tell her?", Baozhai whispered.


    "We need to start preparing for the move, will take care of that. Since you are older, I will leave the rest in your care. You tell her" Rong Rong said quickly.


    "I tell her? How come you only remember I am older when you don''t want to take any risks?" Baozhai said.


    "Why do I have to take any risks when I have you. I am the youngest among us and hence has to rely on you the senior for guidance. Don''t tell me you intend to slack in your basic responsibility".


    "what basic responsibility, you little" Baozhai glared at the naughty younger girl next to her. "You better stay put because I do know the particulars of everything. You have to be here to relay the news to her"


    "What kind of senior are you"


    "The smart type, so don''t try to play smart with me. We are in this together, so stay back and wait for her to wake up. We will both tell her together"


    "Tell me what?" Su Liya said


    "Huh?, Baozhai and Rong Rong looked to their right and found themselves face to face with the now awake Su Liya who stood at the other side of Baozhai


    "Ahh"


    "Oh my, we didn''t see you there".


    "How could you, when you are too focused on your argument" Su Liya picked up the fallen gown and placed it on the table and sat down opposite Baozhai. The two maids flapped their mouths a few times like fishes while looking at her in shock.


    "Stop looking at me like goldfishes and tell me what is the big news, you are too scared to tell me. Your noisy whispers have already woke me up, I can''t sleep so might as well hear what the first is about", Su Liya leaned her elbow on the table and rested her face on her hands


    Baozhai snapped out of the initial shock and jabbed Rong Rong on her ribs "Highness, it is like this.... Second young master was just appointed the military governor of Ningzhuo", she said and sat back expecting an explosive response from her but she never received any.


    "oh, isn''t the general due for a promotion. That is okay, why were you both arguing?"


    "madam, aren''t you being too calm. You are allowed to shout, even old madam is worried. I just came from her courtyard and it is a madhouse there" said Rong Rong.


    Su Liya chucked, "what is wrong with getting promoted, it is not like he was sent to some remote end of the kingdom where life was hard," Su Liya said when she saw their expression she sat back and flexed her neck "you have got to be kidding! If Ningzhuo some place of deep suffering?"


    Baozhai and Rong Rong both nodded.


    "Oh no, should have seen this coming. Would the Emperor ever do something nice for Lu Yaozhu"


    "Shush, mistress be careful. Someone might hear you" Baozhai brought her index hand to Su Liya''s lips and stood. She looked around to check if there was anyone close. She brought her hand away from Su Liya''s lips when she ensures they were alone.


    Su Liya wiped her lips with the back of her hand, "was that necessary?"


    "Yes, you don''t know if there is a spy among us" Rong Rong replied.


    "Of course there is a spy among us, my money is on matron Gu or even the both of you"


    Rong Rong and Baozhai shrunk back as she poured them a cup of hot water. "You think we are spies?" Rong Rong asked.


    "Yes, since you are born here. You must be old madam''s fixture" she said to Rong Rong then to Baozhai "you must be either the Empress''s snitch, Imperial consort Shi''s or maybe both", she tilted her neck to the side.


    Baozhai seeing her expressed, burst into laughter. "Wow you were a little close but your highness, I am not the Empress''s or Imperial consort Shi''s spy but the second young master''s fixture"


    "What? Lu Yaozhu put you in here to spy on me?"


    "No, he put me in here to keep you safe. Treat Me as your secret guard"


    "Me too, Yu Tao is my elder brother," Rong Rong said.


    "I didn''t expect this. So you aren''t working for anyone else?"


    "Yes, we aren''t but I think matron Gu is the Empress''s spy so be careful what you say around her" Baozhai picked up the forgotten gown and resumed her sewing.


    "Oh, guessed as much" Su Liya looked to Rong Rong "about Ningzhuo, could you tell me everything about it?"


    "Yes," Rong Rong replied happily. She couldn''t let an opportunity to gossip pass.

 Chapter 84: The move to Ningzhuo 4

    The Dukes Mansion


    Su Liya looked to Rong Rong "about Ningzhuo, could you tell me everything about it?"


    "Yes," Rong Rong replied happily. She couldn''t let an opportunity to gossip pass.


    Baozhai shook her head as she saw the gleeful look in Rong Rong''s eye and muttered in a tone a little higher than a whisper "Gossip monger".


    Rong Rong sneered at her for a few seconds, then ignored her. She was in her full element as she poured out everything she knew about Ningzhuo.


    Su Liya''s expression got darker the more she found out about her new "home". The Emperor didn''t bother hiding his hatred this time and went all put with his actions. The Emperor was something, he was willing to send one of his best generals away to a place that could be referred to as the farthest ends of the earth.


    All because of good old jealousy, it was a miracle he managed to keep his kingdom with his level of intelligence.


    After all her complaints Madam Lu and the steward began to prepare for their move, she and word to Su Liya to get her things and servants ready for the move. Su Liya didn''t know how much time they were given to prepare before Lu Yaozhu resumed duties.


    After washing her face, She got dressed and left for the main courtyard where Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yingjie stayed. By the time she arrived the news had spread wide, even Zhu Fengyin was aware. As soon as she was announced by the maid, Zhu Fengyin paused her painting and sent all the maids away, her new head lady''s maid Tian Tian included.


    Tian Tian was promoted after Su Liya was engaged since she had served Zhu Fengyin tge longest out of all the maids and was the closest to Zhu Fengyin. Ever since her marriage, Su Liya had met Tian Tian a few times but didn''t have any time to talk.


    However as Tian Tian Walked out of Zhu Fengyin''s room, Su Liya smiled friendly but only received an unfriendly look from Tian Tian. Tian Tian just glared at her and walked around her, the smile wiped off her face. Su Liya watched her life before going in.


    Baozhai and Rong Rong noticed their little exchange but pretended otherwise, they weren''t in a safe place to talk. However, Baozhai found Tian Tian''s reaction to their mistress odd and decided to look into this. At Su Liya''s order, they stood outside the door while their mistress walked into the room.


    Su Liya grinned as she walked in, Zhu Fengyin who was seated on a stool on the round tea table next to her bed, shook her head on seeing her grin. "only you would smile at a time like this" Zhu Fengyin said and gestured to the stool opposite hers "get seated".


    Su Liya sat opposite her and pulled the tray of snacks on the table closer. "what is the point in wailing my eyes out, the Imperial edict has been drafted. Everything is already set in stone, crying won''t change anything".


    "At least you know that I don''t have to play the consoles" Zhu Fengyin muttered while pouring herself a cup of tea.


    Su Liya took a bite of one of the little round cakes on the tray and gestured to the cup of tea with her chin. "Is that for me?


    Zhu Fengyin frowned at her, "no! The kettle is right in front of you, do that yourself".


    Su Liya whistled silently, "easy there, Xiao Yin. All I did was ask a question, why do you want to swallow me whole. Are you in a bad mood?"


    Zhu Fengyin looked sideways for a second and replied hurriedly "no!"


    "Really? So it is common practice for you to snap at people. How did I not notice that while serving as your maid"


    Zhu Fengyin sighed and placed the kettle on the burner at the side of the table. "I got a message from my father, he wants to meet me"


    "What is wrong with meeting minister Zhu" Su Liya replied and took the cup of tea from Zhu Fengyin.


    "Hey you_" Zhu Fengyin gave her a glassy stare and said in a chilly tone "hey tea thief, give that back".


    "No!" Su Liya said as she gulped down some tea.


    "You Little_"


    "Little? Ah ah don''t forget that I am older" Su Liya said wiggling her index finger at Zhu Fengyin.


    "Ah that is right, I keep forgetting you are ancient," Zhu Fengyin said with a big smile.


    Su Liya glared at her and snapped "well at least I am not the one scared of her father." She shook her head "what is wrong?"


    "I think he suspects that I have been feeding him the wrong information"


    "What makes you think so?"


    "Father never asked to meet me until now and now that he did. I feel uneasy."


    "Since he is asking to see you, meet with him. If he questions your loyalty, just tell him that the duke has grown suspicious of you. He would just think that you weren''t careful and nearly got caught, after shouting at you. He would take a step back since you wouldn''t be of much use anymore"


    "Oh, I can do that"


    "Good"


    "Look at me rambling on about my issues when yours is more serious. You have to be very careful when you get to Ningzhuo, I don''t know the full story but I once walked in on a conversation with tge sixth prince and I overheard his man telling him that everything was set at Ningzhuo.


    "I didn''t take it seriously since I wasn''t close with the Zhu family but a few weeks after I heard their conversation, Lu Yaozhu was arrested for embezzlement of government funds and collaboration with the bandits in the north.


    "Although Lu Yaozhu was later found to be innocent, the Lu family lost their army. That was the start of the Lu family'' gradual decline. if it wasn''t for the Empress and Crown Prince''s intervention, the Lu family would have been wiped out.


    "When you get to Ningzhuo watch out for the officials and the noble families there. It is a popular belief that Ningzhuo is a ghost town but since it is so far away from the capital, it might all be lies. When you get there trust no one.


    "I will send over my mother''s former maids Son, Mu Chen. Nanny Mu and Mu Chen are loyal to my mother and now me, you can use them. I will be sent you massages through them since I suspect that the Emperor might be monitoring your messages"


    Su Liya nodded "okay"


    Zhu Fengyin stood, opened her box and pulled out a small wooden box and handed it to her. "Take this, you will need it".


    Su Liya accepted the box and opened it. She shut the box as soon as she saw the contents "that is a lot of money, so do I really need this much?"


    "Yes, you do. Ya Ya, you are going to a new place. Where you don''t know anyone, you will have to grease a few hands to get information. I don''t want you to be at a disadvantage, so take this. Don''t try to refuse me"


    Su Liya laughed, "why would I refuse such a huge bounty. I will treasure it greatly", she replied, pulling the box closer.


    "Well, this is the first time, I appreciate your shameless attitude. Don''t spend it all at once, if you need more just sent a message through the Mu family"


    Su Liya smiled "I will, thanks"


    ******


    "is the General back from court?" Su Liya asked the matron in charge of the Pavillion some minutes later as she walked into Mingxi Pavilion


    Matron Gu had come out to invited the second young madam to eat lunch, however before she could, Su Liya asked about the young master''s whereabouts. She knew of the young master''s recent appointment and understood that their young madam must be worried. She bowed her head and nodded "yes mistress, second young master is at his study".


    "I am headed his way. Matron Gu is there anything?" Su Liya looked at the plump former palace matron expectantly.


    "No, it is nothing serious. It is getting later and you haven''t eaten your lunch yet, Should I have the kitchen send over your lunch to our young master''s study?"


    Su Liya nodded "okay, have them send over lunch for the general and I. Since this is settled, I will be on my way"


    "Yes," matron Gu bowed her head until Su Liya was out of sight.


    Lu Yaozhu''s appointment was part of the original plot but since he wasn''t the main lead, the author didn''t focus on that plot. While reading the book, she had suspected that this was a plot written by the author to send Lu Yaozhu away and give the main leads a space to go through a few love trials that would strengthen their love.


    She had initially decided to stay out of the main couple''s romance but Zhu Fenfang decided to drag her into that hot potato that us their relationship, Su Liya decided to go all out. She would block Zhu Fenfang from getting the one thing she wanted.

 Chapter 85: The long journey to Ningzhuo 1

    Lu Yaozhu''s study


    In a well-lit room facing the small garden in Mingxi Pavilion, Lu Yaozhu stood facing the rectangular-shaped desk, next to the wall at the centre of the room, with his back to the door. While Yu Tao loosens up his belt and purple official clothes.


    Yu Tao loosen up the leather belt wrapped around his waist and helped him out of the purple brocade uniform for military officers. Lu Yaozhu changed into a white embroidered high necked, fitted Hanfu. He traded in the bold leather belt for a slimmer belt.


    Lu Yaozhu walked around to the other side of the desk and took a seat, he began to sort through the piled documents on his desk. He was a few documents in when he heard the servants stationed outside greet Su Liya. Lu Yaozhu glanced at Yu Tao, who was carefully folding his official uniform, then at the door.


    Lu Yaozhu leaned back on the seat and tapping the arm of the wooden chair asked, "Did anything happen while I was in court?"


    Yu Tao placed the folded dress on the tray, "no, nothing was reported by steward Lu. Second young madam must be here because of your new punish_ er I mean appointment". Yu Tao''s expression was like he swallowed something sour.


    Lu Yaozhu just glared at him and rolled up the report he was reading, he had expected her to react this way. Even his usually calm mother barely went on a rampage, he sighed, bent his elbow on the right arm of the chair. Testing his head on his open palm he closed his eyes and counted to 5, "go bring her in"


    Yu Tao nodded and left the room. Su Liya stood by a flower vase just outside the room, he bowed "sorry to keep you waiting. Young madam, please come this way" he gestures to the open study.


    Su Liya nodded with a polite smile and walked in, Lu Yaozhu stood in front of his desk, his left hand rested just below his back at his waist, while his other hand was at his side. Su Liya saluted him "Young master".


    "don''t stand on such tedious ceremony, get seated," he said, pointing at the round table by the window.


    Su Liya nodded, walked to the table and took a seat. Three maids came in from the kitchen with their lunch as she was seated. She instructed them to set the table and stood back to stay out of their way while they unpacked the food boxes on the round table.


    The maids were very efficient, in just a few minutes they were done and stepped out. A small feast was set up on the table for them, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya got seated and picked up their chopsticks.


    Su Liya signalled her maids with her eyes to leave a few minutes into their lunch. At that point Yu Tao already left to air the court dresses, they were left to have their meal. Su Liya placed the wooden chopsticks by her small bowl and cleared her throat.


    "If you are worried about the move to Ningzhuo, there is no need for that. You don''t have to follow me to Ningzhuo, you can stay back in the capital" Lu Yaozhu said calmly without looking up from his bow.


    Su Liya gazed at the seemingly unconcerned man and replied "why? So that you can come back with a beautiful white lotus maiden and then tell me that you married her to repay the debt of her caring for you, while I abandoned you in Ningzhuo?"


    Lu Yaozhu nearly choked on his rice, he coughed relentlessly. Su Liya picked up a cup of water and handed it to him "Sorry, here have a drink".


    Lu Yaozhu accepted the cup and gulped it down, two more cups later and he was back to normal. He glanced at his quiet wife "how does your head work exactly? Why would you even think of that?"


    Su Liya opened and closed her mouth before continuing "don''t mind the nonsense I sprouted, It was a mistake. I just wanted to say that I am not staying back here. Where you go, I go! We husband and I are a team"


    Lu Yaozhu gazed at her reddened cheek, noticing his hard stare, Su Liya smiled brightly and continued


    "were you expecting me to accept the offer and stay back? Please, I am smart enough to know that only a few days here alone and I will be begging to go to Ningzhuo. Honestly speaking, going with you is my best option. Your mother doesn''t like me and while I am sure that she wouldn''t make me suffer. It would be very awkward staying here with her, I think I will take my chances with you".


    He laughed, "at least you are honest, I was expecting to hear you claim to be devoted to me for life".


    "Devoted to who ... For what. Okay, I have only known you for a few weeks. I think that it is too soon to be devoting myself to you for life"


    "Since you are not here to pull at my heartstrings to get what you want, why are you here?"


    "Oh, I am here to pull on those flexible heartstrings for my gain_ well technically you are also involved so it could benefit you"


    "What is it?" He asked setting his bow and chopsticks aside


    "I found out who was responsible for tge scheme that got us married"


    Lu Yaozhu gave her a sharp gaze as soon as the words left her mouth. He hadn''t informed her of his suspensions, so how would she have this figured out or did the Empress tell her_"


    "It was Zhu Fenfang and the Sixth Princess consort Zhu Feifei"


    Lu Yaozhu Was shocked to hear that "eldest sister-in-law''s sisters? Why would they do that?" He was curious about the answers, she would give him. In the royal family, anything was possible.


    Breathing in heavily and then letting out her breath. Su Liya replied "I found out yesterday that it was all planned by Zhu Feifei to make Fengyin and I suffer. It all happened because of me, Zhu Fenfang lied to Zhu Feifei that I got close to the sixth Prince during the last daughter''s da_"


    "And did you?"


    "No!, why would I get informed with a married man? Even if I am a servant, I have my principles", Su Liya replied with a disgusted expression.


    Lu Yaozhu nodded "I had to ask, so to punish you for getting close with her husband she sent you to my bed. That wouldn''t be possible for a newly married princess consort like Zhu Feifei. At least not without some help"


    "Yes, I think she got help from Imperial consort Shi. The Imperial Consort wanted to stop you from marrying Commandery Princess Xia Ying so they joined hands together. I am so sorry for getting you in trouble"


    Lu Yaozhu laughed softly "don''t apologize, I think that it was the other way around. Why would the Imperial consort get involved in a fly to hurt a small fly maid like you? I think that Zhu Feifei got lucky with her big plan. However, I am a little bit curious as to why Zhu Fenfang would frame you like that".


    Su Liya down at her hands and replied in a low voice "I was a little disrespectful to her and said a few hurtful words to her".


    Lu Yaozhu leaned back on his seat and rubbed the top of his lips "it must have been some very hurtful words for her to do something like this. You must be telling me this for a reason"


    "I can not do anything to hurt them on my own. I don''t have any power yet so I just want to borrow your power a little bit"


    "Don''t worry, I will handle them. Leave it to me"


    "No!" Su Liya said, which made him look up quickly.


    "Why, are you having cold feet or something. I can deal with them without getting you involved if that is what you want"


    "I am not having gold feet, I_ I have a way to handle Zhu Fenfang"


    "Oh, okay"


    "I don''t think you would like it cause it involves the crown prince"


    His eyebrow twitched at the mention of the crown prince but he still nodded.


    "The Empress must be looking for a new groom to appease Grand Princess Ni''an and tge Xia family after your marriage fell through" Su Liya paused when she noticed Lu Yaozhu''s troubled expression but since she had already stood the first steps, she decided to soldier on.


    Su Liya decided to go big, "you suggest a union between the Crown Prince and Commandery Princess Xia Ying. That will appease the Grand Princess"


    "It would" he nodded, "I was thinking you were going to request for something impossible but this is a great idea. Seeing as you suggested this, the younger mistress Zhu must have been hoping to be the crown princess consort. With what I just found out about her... I can''t let her gave her way. Framing someone because of a few bad words can only be described as malicious. I will go with your plan"


    Su Liya sat straighter "really, you are not going to investigate everything yourself?"


    "Oh, I will but I doubt I will find out anything different. I had my suspicions about the Imperial consort involvement but you cleared my doubts. Did you think I thought you were the mastermind behind everything? Please you are not that smart and even if you were, you can''t order a palace maid to do anything if it couldn''t be your doing. Even if it was I doubt you would choose a mere general like me, that would be too low for you".


    "Your right. if I was the mastermind behind that, I would go for someone more powerful" Su Loya replied.


    Lu Yaozhu burst into laughter. "You are so funny, you will make things interesting in Ningzhuo. Go prepare, we leave in five days".

 Chapter 86: The Long Journey to Ningzhuo 2

    Ningzhuo, northern Wei


    Late in the night at a candlelit study, a robust-looking tall man sat at one end of a Go board, while a slender woman in red sat at the other end of the board. He held up a white go piece, silently calculating the right step to take.


    A lot of strategies ran through his might yet he couldn''t decide on the right step to take. His opponent had him locked in an unfavourable position, he glanced at his opponent. Whose red lips curved up, on seeing his obvious indecision. Her delight at his current condition was obvious.


    She didn''t even bother to hide it, "don''t keep me waiting my dear, make your move".


    The man shook his head and glanced at her for a second before he placed the white go piece on the Go board while following a set strategy. When a man in the light full body armour belonging to a military guard rush in and fell on one knee.


    "Master, a message from the capital just came in," the guard said. He raised a small cylindrical-shaped black leather letter holder, with his head bowed low.


    The man and woman tinted to him as soon as they heard the words message and capital.


    "What a relief," the man thought with a crooked smile. He returned the Go piece to the small woven basket beside the Go board. He glanced at his partner, apart from her narrowed eyes, she looked calm. He stood, walked to the guard and took the black letter holder. "You may leave".


    The guard nodded and left the room. The man unclamped the top of the leather jacket. He pulled out the rolled-up letter and spread out the letter.


    The woman tapped the table gently, "who is it from?"


    "It is from our contact in the capital" he replied and walked to the table.


    The woman leaned her head in her hands and rubbed her temple gently, "Not the palace?"


    "Yes!"


    She sighed, "What does it say?"


    "His Majesty has appointed a new military governor from the Capital"


    "What? I thought he had decided to pick from someone here? Hasn''t he been sending us the olive branch for the past few months" she slapped the table and stood? "Just what game is the lousy Emperor playing?"


    "He must have decided to drop us because the new governor is General Lu Yaozhu"


    "What! then who got the royal contract this time?"


    "Who else"


    "That Bastard! I knew that the stupid Emperor would betray us. Tell our men to all pull out" the woman said as she pulled the letter away from his hand and schemed through the letter.


    "We are pulling out?"


    She set brought the letter to the lit lamp on the small table next to the Go board, set it on fire and threw it into the ashtray on the ground. "Yes, his Majesty has made his choice. We will respect it".


    "just like that, what if he comes after us?"


    She laughed "he doesn''t have the guts but if he does, we can join hands with someone else. The Emperor is such a detestable man, he doesn''t have a shortage of enemies".


    *******


    Back at Su Liya''s end.


    The Imperial edict came the next day and five days later Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya left the Capital for Ningzhuo. They left the capital with a small military company of fifty soldiers from the Lu family''s soldier. Lu Yaozhu didn''t wish to show tge real mass of their army. He instructed the remaining soldiers to follow them closely in secret.


    The Emperor made a show of support by meeting them at the city gates to see them off. Before leaving, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu went up to the city gates to greet the Emperor before leaving the capital.


    After greeting the Emperor, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya returned to their horse and carriages. They left with three carriages, one was for their luggage, the second was for their female servants. While the last was for Su Liya and her maids.


    The soldiers surrounded the carriages while Lu Yaozhu, Yu Tao and his generals rode in front. They travelled during the day and made camp at night to rest. They travelled at a slow rate because of the ladies. There had been reports of bandits attacks at a few small towns outside the capital so they were careful when travelling.


    On the second day, they stopped at a village for the night. It was a small village and as soon as they arrived, the village chief arrived at the gates to greet them.


    "Welcome to Yul village, General", the village chief a plump elderly man in his fifties said bowing.


    Lu Yaozhu pulled the horse rein closer and got down from his horse. Yu Tao and his right general Yang Wuze got down and followed him behind. Lu Yaozhu walked to the village chief and exchanged a salute with him.


    "Please get up, chief. Don''t stand on ceremony"


    "Yes General. You have travelled for a long, please come in and rest. This lowly Chief is surnamed Wang, I am Minister Tian subordinate. I received a missive from minister Tian when you left the capital. I prepared some lounging for you and your wife, please make yourself at home"


    "I didn''t know Minister Tian sent word to you, I will send him my thanks. Please lead the way" Lu Yaozhu said.


    Lu Yaozhu caught Yu Tao''s eye and nodded before following the village chief into the village. Yu Tao rushed over to the wide carriage in the middle and knocked gently at the door.


    Baozhai pulled the curtain up and said "Brother Yu Tao, we stopped suddenly. Is there any problem?"


    "No, the village chief stopped at the gate to welcome us. He had already prepared a lounging for us, General Lu left with the village chief. I will lead you in" Yu Tao said with his eyes locked on the quiet woman by the other window.


    Su Liya looked up and nodded "thanks".


    Yu Tao bowed and walked back to his horse. Minutes later they arrived at an Inn at the centre opposite the Townhall. Lu Yaozhu stood at the entrance of the Inn to welcome them. He helped her down from the carriage and led her in.


    The inn was locked down for the night so it was only the both of their group lodged at the inn. Lu Yaozhu led her into the inn and introduced her to the village chief.


    "Chief Wang, this is my wife Princess Ping nee Su"


    Chief Wang looked at the beautiful young lady in Blue and bowed "Your Highness, welcome to Yul village. Please make yourself at home"


    "Thanks for having us, Chief Wang"


    Su Liya was led to her room to wash up and settle in, while Lu Yaozhu left to discuss with Chief Wang.


    ********


    At a small tea room in the inn.


    Lu Yaozhu sat opposite chief Wang at a small tea table. He quietly sipped his tea while listening to Chief Wang give reports of the conditions of the neighbouring villages. Since he would be passing through the villages, on his way to Ningzhuo.


    He had heard a few rumours concerning the actual conditions of those villages since he long suspected that the reports sent to the capital were altered by other officials.


    "Chief Wang, Have you heard anything concerning the events up north", Lu Yaozhu said as he placed the cup of tea on the table.


    "Not much, General. The officials up north have been tightly lipped for some time but it is suspected that a few factions are fighting for power. Yesterday, we intercepted some communication between one of the factions and someone in the palace"


    "Was there any news?"


    "Yes, my Lord. There were some coordinates written in the missive" the chief walked closer and whispered, "there might be a spy in your company, my lord because those coordination were routes. The route all led to Ningzhuo, you have to be careful during your journey".


    Lu Yaozhu was shocked to hear that, he had chosen to take the more hidden routes to Ningzhuo but it seemed that the either Emperor or the sixth prince''s men had discovered them.


    "Taking the hidden routes may not be a good idea, I will inform my men to take the main routes. That way we wouldn''t run into any trouble and get stuck on the road. Thank you, Chief, for drawing my attention to that" Lu Yaozhu said to the older man.


    "There is no need to thank me, my lord. Like Minister Tian, I was an old subordinate of your father. Your father saved me a couple of times on the battlefield, this is what I should do" Chief Wang latter his arm.


    After speaking some more with Chief Wang, Lu Yaozhu returned to his room. He took off his black and silver light armoured and dressed in his inner garments walked through the dim inn to the bath. It was already late, everyone should be asleep apart from the guards on duty.


    After washing up, Lu Yaozhu changed into some fresh clothes and walked back to his room. He heard a noise of glass breaking in Su Liya''s room as he walked past the hallway to her room.

 Chapter 87: The long journey to Ningzhuo 3

    Su Liya''s room at the Inn in Yul village


    Travelling in any era wasn''t easy much so for a modern times girl stuck in the past. After nearly a year in northern Su Liya had grown accustomed to life here is so she thought. Nothing prepared her for travelling in the past. They had been on the road for two days during which she was stuck in a stuffy carriage for over twelve hours.


    When she wasn''t stuck in the carriage, she like everyone had to endure cold summer nights in the forest. Although they had set up a few tents for the night, they were still plagued by mosquitos and other insects. Because of their condition, Su Liya had to endure two days without a proper bath. She has been forced to result to wash down with a were towel during those two days.


    This was why as soon as she was shown to her room by Lu Yaozhu the first thing she had requested was bathwater and a wooden bathtub. She left Baozhai to arrange everything while Rong Rong helped her get ready for her bath.


    Rong Rong brought out her scented soap and oil then a fresh nightdress. She helped Su Liya undress and straighten out her clothes before hanging them to air. The room wasn''t as well furnished as Su Liya''s room in the capital or rooms in the capital but it was manageable.


    The room had all the amenities needed, this must be the best that could be done in an inn located in a small farming village like Yul village. Since this was one of the best rooms in the inn, it was spacious with a wide comfortable bed. A small dressing table by the wall, with a brace mirror.


    There was a good table and three stools opposite the dressing table a short distance from the too. There was a small room next to the door wherefrom the position could only be the bathroom. Since the room was designed for female guests, that was obvious from the layout of the room.


    Baozhai came in with a few of the inn staff, who carried the wide wooden bathtub into the room and placed it in the middle of the small bathroom. Baozhai stood back and watched as the bathtub was filled with warm water. Rong Rong poured some scented liquids into the water as soon as the bathtub was filled.


    Su Liya waited until the staff left before holding onto Baozhai hand and getting into the bathtub. As she got in, Su Liya let out a loud breath and leaned back on the bathtub. This feeling could only be referred to like peace, she shut her eyes and got comfortable I''m the water.


    Rong Rong and Baozhai exchanged a look and shared a smile at their madam''s reaction to the warm bath. Su Liya''s previously sour expression was gone, only a satisfied smile remain. Su Liya stayed that way for a few minutes before she began to ladder her body.


    After rinsing, she accepted her towel from Rong Rong and dried her body. She got dressed and sat at the small dressing table by the wall, while Baozhai brushed and braided her hair into a single slim braid.


    After having dinner with Rong Rong and Baozhai, she called it a night and dismissed them for the night. Before leaving Baozhai placed a pitcher of water and cup on the table by the bedside, it had become a habit for her to do that. Since She discovered that Su Liya often woke up in the middle of the night.


    Su Liya to see and turned a few times before finally falling asleep when she heard the sound of light footsteps, coming from her open window. Her eyes lids flustered a little but she laid still on the bed and controlled her breathing. She wanted to maintain the illusion of being deep in sleep. if someone did break into her room, she needed to maintain the element of surprise.


    In case the intruder had a weapon, like a knife or something. She didn''t know why whoever this was broke in but she was hoping that it was just a thief and not an assassin. A thief was easier to handle than an assassin.


    Luck wasn''t in her side because she stiffened as felt the intruder walk to her bed. Su Liya balled out her fist and counted to ten and back in her mind, to keep her mind from imagining something bad. She needed to be able to think fast if possible, Su Liya tried to envision the room in her mind and identify if some potential weapons could be found in the room.


    As she heard the intruder raise the free pillow behind her head, Su Liya rolled down her side. She picked up the pitcher of water and to see the content at the intruder, a slender man dressed in black.


    "Ah... You bitch" the intruder said as the water got into his eyes. Her actions had been so unexpected, she had been so still. He had assumed she was asleep, that was the only reason he had decided to go on with the plan.


    He had already planned to pretend to be a thief if she somehow woke up and then kill her during the struggle. His master wanted her dead, She didn''t care about the means but the results. Her steady breathing made him think she was asleep, he decided to smother her to death.


    He preferred the less bloody methods, they were less messy and didn''t leave him needing a bath. To ensure that no one interrupted him, he has followed them at some distance until they got to Yul village. There was only one inn in the village so he just had to bride an inn staff to find out her room number.


    The inn staff was very cheap to pay off, he found out her room number for only a few pieces of silver. However since he couldn''t leave any trail that would lead to him, he snapped the unreliable servant''s neck and pulled him into a dark alleyway before sneaking into the inn.


    Although security was tight, General Lu Yaozhu must not have been counting on the inn staff being infiltrated because he didn''t station any guards in the staff quarters. He could easily sneak into the staff quarters and take the hidden hallways, all the way to the room beside the princess''s room.


    The room was vacant as per the village chief''s orders, the village chief arranged the inn to be vacated for the night. Before their arrival but while that was done for safety purposes, it worked in his favour because the walls of the inn were thin. From his hiding spot in the next room, he could hear everything that happened in Su Liya''s room.


    The intruder waited until she dismissed her maids and went to bed before jumping into her room through the open window. Su Liya lay facing the locked door of her room, with her back to the open window. He walked silently to the bed and stood still for some seconds to check if he would receive any response from her.


    When there was none, he pulled up the cloth to cover most of his face. Leaving only his eyes and pulled up his hood before picking up the pillow beside her. He had only bet low to pick the pillow up when a blanket was thrown at him.


    He dropped the pillow and took a step back, he heard the "sleeping" princess roll to the side. Just as he pulled the blanket away from his face, warm water shattered into his eyes. "Ahh, You bitch!"


    He heard the sound of fees platters on the ground followed by a pitcher being thrown at him, he dived down to avoid the collision. The Pitcher made contact with the wall behind him and broke.


    Su Liya seeing that she had missed her target looked around for another weapon. When she saw the intruder rush forward, she threw the cup at him and dived to the side. This time the cup hit tge intruder square on his forehead, which made him pause.


    "Ahh," he said wiping his forehead and seeing blood in his hands. "You will pay for this, you scrawny little bitch!" He said and dived at her.


    Su Liya jumped away quickly and raised the stool next to the table to hit him on the head. When the door was pushed open from outside and Lu Yaozhu rushed in. "General!"


    The intruder''s eyes widened when he heard her call out Lu Yaozhu, he looked at the newcomer and turned around to run to the other side but he was tackled to the ground by the lean general. The Intruder fought out of Lu Yaozhu''s hold and tried to pull himself out of the stronghold. He tried to hit Lu Yaozhu with his elbow but missed a few times.


    Seeing the two men roll around on the ground, Su Liya dropped the stool and rushed to find something heavy to hit the intruder or a weapon.

 Chapter 88: The long journey to Ningzhuo 4

    In the palace two days before, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya left for Ningzhuo.


    Empress Lu sat on a stool by the open window, she held a threaded needle in her right hand and slowly passed it through a square-shaped, embroidered screen. She tied up her wide sleeve with a thin ribbon to keep it from getting in the way of her work.


    It was 4:45 pm, nearly 5 pm and the once-hot sun was now getting cooler as sunset drew near. Empress Lu sat there with a slight smile as she made several small stitches on the main white material attached to the screen. There was nothing as relaxing to her as embroidering, it was the only thing she felt that she could control.


    Her ladies maid Xuanyi rushed in as she moved her stitches lower, Xuanyi was a well-taught maid. She didn''t so much as breath faster than normal, much so run except in dare situations. The last dare situation, they had in the palace was the day Lu Yaozhu had gone missing so she had Empress Lu worried.


    Empress Lu paused her sewing and gazed at the planting Xuanyi with creased eyebrows, however, Xuanyi''s next words soon make the worried empress relax and resume her sewing.


    "Your highness a letter came in from Grand Princess Ni''an," Xuanyi said holding up a cream coloured folded paper.


    Empress Lu didn''t give any serious response, but just replied with a carefree smile "open it and tell me what it says".


    Xuanyi was shocked at her mistress''s strange reaction, they had only three days till the extended deadline given by the Emperor elapsed. Surely her mistress should be as worried as she was, why was she acting carefree. Has her mistress surrendered to the Emperor''s punishment already?


    No that wasn''t the type of person, he master was. Well at least she hoped that wasn''t the case, her mistress was so worried about the second young master Lu. Surely she hadn''t decided to give up on her life all because of worry for him. When Empress Lu glanced at her expectantly, Xuanyi swallowed operated the letter and read through.


    Grand Princess Ni''an didn''t write much, the message was only a sentence. "It is a short message, your Highness. It reads "I will be arriving at the capital tomorrow". Xuanyi felt the breath rush out of her on reading the message but her mistress didn''t look concerned, no she wasn''t concerned.


    Empress Lu just nodded said this was nothing special "Mm, prepare a few gifts and send it over as soon as the Grand Princess arrives".


    Xuanyi didn''t understand her Calm response, she couldn''t stay still anymore and asked, "Just that, is there anything else I should prepare?"


    Empress Lu looked up from her work and shook her head "no need"


    Xuanyi nodded and walked to the door, only to stop halfway there. She turned back to Empress Lu, her wrinkled face filled with worry "mistress tge Grand princess is arriving two days to the Emperor''s deadline for commander princess Xia Ying''s marriage. What are we going to do about that?"


    "Nothing, these things usually sort themselves out. I already made the grand princess an offer that Ste can''t refuse. The fact that she is coming to the capital was all the answer I needed" she smiled sweetly "be at ease Xuanyi, Xiao Zhu already thought if a good solution".


    Xuanyi sighed loudly "since second master Lu has thought of a solution, I can now relax. I will go get tge gifts ready". She bowed her head and left the room.


    *******


    Commandery Princess Xia Ying also received a letter from her grandmother around this time but unlike the Empress''s letter, which was brief hers was filled with more words. Yet she was stuck at the second paragraph of her grandmother''s letter. The paragraph that read that the Empress had come up with another suitable marriage match for her.


    Her grandmother didn''t go into details as to who it was, which just made her more worried. Xia Ying looked up from the letter and asked her maid "Daiyu, please find out if her Highness the Empress is receiving guests".


    The plump ladies maid bowed "Yes" and left the room. She came back sometime later and reported "the Empress isn''t receiving any guest but is doing some embroidery".


    A light sparked in Xia Ying''s mind, "okay, get out my Embroidery kit. We will be joining her soon".


    Minutes later, She walked into Jiangxi Palace. The Eunuch at the front door announced her presence and led her in before returning to his post. Empress borough the needle down once more,


    "I was surprised to hear that you came Xiao Ying. It has been some days since you came over, I just received a letter from your Grandmother. She would be arriving at the capital tomorrow, you can give her a day to rest before moving in. I will have Xuanyi make the necessary arrangement".


    Xia Ying stood closer to Empress Lu, "Please don''t stress yourself with the arrangement, Your Highness. Daiyu can make the arrangements. That is why she is here".


    "Since you are confident in that, I will let you handle that. However, I can not rest easy just leaving you to do all the work. Since you are my guest." She looked at the young plump maid behind Xia Ying as she spoke "if there is anything you don''t understand, please speak with Xuanyi"


    "Yes, your highness" Daiyu replied head bowed.


    Empress Lu glanced down at the Embroidery basket in Daiyu''s hands, "are you here to join me? I didn''t know you Embroidered?"


    Xia Yong blushed, "answering her Highness, I do but sadly, I am not as good as you are. I hope you don''t mind, I wanted to learn a little from you."


    "How would I ever mind, please get seated" she motioned to the seat opposite her.


    "Then I will be in your care, your highness," Xia Ying said as she set up her Embroidery screen and thread.


    "You know Xiao Ying, haven''t we gotten close enough to desperate of the honorifics? Just call me Aunt, we are family and after your marriage to the Crown Prince, you can start calling me mother" Empress Lu said grinning.


    Her heart sank as she heard that but she presented like it was all good until she returned to her room. She was a soulless person for a whole day until she returned to her Grandmother''s house. She had been called over to her grandmother''s courtyard as soon as she got arrived.


    "Right this way, your highness", Her grandmother''s elderly maid Nanny Fu said motioning her to go in.


    "Thanks, Nanny," she said as she walked past her.


    Her grandmother stood from her seat and stretched out her hands as she walked in. Xiao Ying ran into her hands with a big smile, "Grandmother!"


    "Ying Ying, you look good. Her highness took good care of you" she pulled her away and looked her down then continued "You look fine, I can now rest easy. I thought that you will let the broken engagement trouble you but I am glad you didn''t".


    Xia Ying felt her heart tug at the mention of the broken engagement. It brought back all the bad memories that she wished to forget. She stepped away from her grandmother''s tight embrace, "must I marry the Crown Prince, Grandmother".


    Her grandmother narrowed her eyes and asked "what is wrong, Ying Ying? Is there something I should know about the Crown Prince?"


    Xia Ying shook her head "no-no that is not it. The problem is not his highness"


    "If it isn''t the highness, then why are you against such an adventurous union?"


    Xia Yong looked away for some seconds "grandmother, I grew up hearing about you and grandfather and my parents love story. They were so beautiful that I wanted to have something like that. I am not in love with the Crown Prince, I ha someone else I love. If I marry the Crown Prince, I will be denying my_"


    "You stupid child! I must have spoiled you a lot that you think you can have a say in this. What love story? Ying Ying, you are no longer a child but an adult. Marriage is between two families, not just you and your precious love. How can anyone compare to the next Emperor of Northern Wei? So what if I humour you? Who is this Precious love, he had better be someone of status!" Princess Ni''an interrupted her foolish granddaughter.


    Tears rolled down her face, "he is someone of high statue grandmother!"


    "Who is it?"


    "It is General Lu"


    "General Lu! You are refusing a valuable union with the next Emperor for a mere General and one that is already married at that! Do you intend to become a concubine" when she saw her granddaughter''s bashful expression she sort out "you impudent child! No granddaughter of mine will ever downgrade herself to become the concubine of a mere General"


    Xia Ying fell to her knees and cried out, "why! But you were okay with me marrying him"


    "As the main wife, not a concubine or secondary wife. As far as he has a wife, he is not worthy of you. However, that was before marriage to the Crown Prince was into the picture"


    Xia Ying wiped her face and said in a mellow voice "Then Grandmother, can you please give me a few days to get adjusted before agreeing to the union"


    Grand Princess Ni''an gazed at her stubborn expression and asked "what are you up to Ying Ying?"


    Xia Ying was helped up by Daiyu, "you said that can not be anything but the main wife of General Lu, so what if his new wife was no more. Would you let me marry him"


    Grand Princess Ni''an smiled, "you have 7 days if you can make that happen. I will personally go arrange the union myself"

 Chapter 89: The Long journey to Ningzhuo 5

    Grand Princess Ni''an''s Residence


    Nanny Fu supervised the kitchen maids as they delivered the Grand Princess''s Lunch and set the table before sending them away. She waited for everyone else to leave before helping the grand Princess out of the bed and to the table.


    Even after a few hours, She couldn''t get the grand Princess and their fourth mistress conversation out of her mind.


    (*Although Xia Ying is a commandery Princess which is a princess of the second rank. To the old servants that serve the grand princess, she is referred to as the fourth young mistress. This is because the grand princess gave birth to three daughters and when calculating, Xia Ying as her first granddaughter is nominally known as the fourth young mistress*)


    She bit her like gently then asked "your highness about the issues raised by our fourth mistress. Is it a good idea to let her have such thoughts?"


    "I have indulged her whims since she was born, what is wrong with indulging her again. Since she brought this up herself, I am curious of what she would do", Grand Princess Ni''an said with a small smile. She sat at the table and picked up the wooden chopsticks.


    Her calm expression made nanny Fu more worried. She poured some wine into a cup and passed it to the grand princess, "I understand that your highness wishes to test our fourth mistress but what if she does kill the general''s principal wife. What do we do then?"


    Grand Princess Ni''an chucked "nothing, we will do nothing. I spoiled Ying''er rotten, that she doesn''t understand how the world works. Even if she murders the General''s main wife, there is no way I will let her marry the general. Not when there is a more capable candidate like the crown prince".


    Nanny Fu swallowed immediately, "then the the princess_ she would be so disappointed".


    "but she will learn, in a bid to save her from the sufferings on the world. The Duke and I left her ignorant of how things worked. This will just serve as a reality check for her, life is not a fantasy. She will be angry but after some time she will appreciate what I did for her"


    Nanny Fu sighed "I hope that she doesn''t make a major mistake. She is emotional right now, that is why she is even considering taking a move like this".


    The Grand Princess just laughed and replied "Ying''er is my granddaughter, she comes from a long line of Emperors and military strategists. She can not make a mistake" she ate a little, "to be on the safe side, have someone monitor her. Even if she makes a mistake, I can not let her suffer too much"


    *****


    Xia Ying''s courtyard at Grand Princess Ni''an''s Residence.


    "Send someone to call Chen Su" Xia Ying instructed as she rushed into her room.


    "Yes," Daiyu bowed and rushed out to carry out her instructions.


    Xia Ying fell to her knees by her wide bed as soon as she was alone, she had barely held in her cries while at her grandmother''s courtyard. If there was one thing her grandmother enforced it was that she never lost her composure no matter the situation, she found herself in.


    As a member of the royal family, she was expected to hold it all in and put on a brave face. She had always done whatever her grandmother instructed but this time she just couldn''t. This time it concerned her future, she couldn''t follow her grandmother''s orders and marry the Crown Prince.


    Not when her heart belonged to another, no she had to think of her future. Lu Yaozhu was originally meant to be her husband, if the little servant didn''t play this trick, she would have married him. She would have been the one under his protection and she would have been happy.


    The Power-hungry maid denied her of that, the fact that she played such a dangerous trick was proof that she wasn''t a good person. There was nothing wrong with killing someone like that. When it came to either the maid and herself, she would always choose herself.


    Feeling more confident in her choice, Xia Ying wiped the tears off her face and a good. She walked to the bowl of water by the window and washed her face. Daiyu returned as she wiped her face with a soft towel.


    Daiyu noticed her mistress''s reddened eyes but pretended otherwise. She has witnessed what went down between her mistress and the Grand Princess. Her mistress had always been so proud, she didn''t like to appear weak to anyone. She reported calmly "I have sent word to Miss Chen".


    Xia Ying nodded, "Good, get me a change of clothes. Chen Su will be here soon, I need to get dressed before she gets here"


    "Yes"


    ******


    As She predicted, Chen Su arrived a few minutes later, she was led in by Daiyu who left a few minutes later.


    "I came as soon as I got your message, what is wrong Ying''er?"


    Xia Ying looked at her with a dim expression, "I need your help, Chen Su".


    "you have it, do you even need to ask"


    "Just like that? You are not going to ask me why?"


    "I don''t need to, Ying''er. You and I are as close as sisters, I will always help you no matter what. You seem upset Ying''er, what is wrong?"


    "My grandmother has arranged a natch for me"


    "That is good news, who is it?"


    "The Crown Prince, but I don''t love him. Susu, you know how I have always dreamed of marrying for love like my parents and grandparents"


    "I know Ying''er but surely you know that it isn''t possible for people like us. The decision of who we marry isn''t left to use but our parents."


    "Even though I still want to be able to marry for love and I will. Grandmother said that I can marry the general as long as his wife is dead. I must marry him as the main wife"


    "By general, you mean_"


    "General Lu"


    "But he is already married!"


    "It is a maid, someone with no backing. If she died no one would care, I would just wait out the mourning period and then marry the general as his second wife"


    "And the Grand Princess agreed to this?"


    "Yes, which is why I need your help. Well, I need tge help of your secret guards" Xia Yong held her arm tightly.


    Chen Su saw the determination in Xia Ying eye and sighed, "okay, I will help you".

 Chapter 90: The long journey to Ningzhuo 6

    Days later at Su Liya''s room at the Inn at Yul village


    The Intruder fought out of Lu Yaozhu''s hold and tried to pull himself out of the stronghold.


    He tried to hit Lu Yaozhu with his elbow but missed a few times.


    Seeing the two men roll around on the ground, Su Liya dropped the stool and rushed to find something heavy to hit the intruder or a weapon. She looked around the room until her eyes fell on a wooden umbrella leaning by the wall and a decorative vase.


    Both were effective weapons that could make a lot of damage to the intruders head. She ran across the room and picked up the wooden umbrella. Lu Yaozhu had the intruder tackled on the ground, he held the intruder close to him by passing his hands by the intruder''s armpit.


    While his other hand was wrapped around the intruder''s neck, Lu Yaozhu had him clapped or so he thought. He had the intruder facing the bed and struggling to get out of his tight hole. Su Liya saw the intruder''s hands run down his clothes before stopping at his high.


    She saw his hands dip into his clothes and pull something out, it was dark down and she couldn''t make out what that was until there was a slight reflection from the intruders free had by his tight, as the knife in his hands was caught by the light from the lamp by the wall.


    "He has a knife" Su Liya reclaimed and rushed over to knock the knife out of his hands. She hit his hands with the wooden umbrella, she knew it must have hurt because she hear his painfully hiss when the umbrella made contact with the intruder''s hands but she didn''t care.


    There were times and places for human sympathy, this wasn''t a time for that. This man was sent over to kill her, he doesn''t deserve her sympathy. With her new resolve, she walked closer and kicked him on the tummy. He helped in pain and momentarily lost hold of the knife.


    Su Liya kicked the knife under the bed, far far away from his reach. She checked to ensure that it was under the bed before walking back to finish him off with her umbrella. As she got closer, she felt the intruders hands wrap around her ankle and pull her forward.


    She lost her footing and fell back, "ahh!" Lu Yaozhu looked up when he heard her cry. He watched her fall backwards, towards the sharp end of the bed. Lu Yaozhu pulled away from the intruder and rushed forward to catch her before her head made contact with the sharp end. Which could have disastrous consequences.


    Su Liya let go of the umbrella as she fell back, she saw a slight movement with the side of her eyes. Followed by a hand grab her arm and she was pulled into his warm embrace. During all that struggle, the intruder dragged himself up and jumped out of the window.


    Lu Yaozhu hugged her closer until her heavy breathing subsidised. When her heartbeat returned to normal after the scare she had, "thanks for watching me". Her voice was muffled thanks to her present position.


    Lu Yaozhu replied, "It was nothing, how are you feeling".


    "Good, the intruder?"


    Lu Yaozhu looked around the room but he didn''t catch even the intruder''s shadow, "he escaped".


    Su Liya pulled away from him and looked down at her foot she said "I am sorry, you lost him because of me. I should have been a lot more careful".


    Lu Yaozhu shook his head "nonsense, how is this your fault, did you push yourself down? Please, I should thank you for kicking the knife away from him or who knows how the story would have ended"


    The noise from the intruder''s falls alerted the attention of the guards stationed outside the inn. Three guards ran after the intruder while the commander in charge of the guards led four guards into the inn.


    The inn was quiet as they ran up the step to the room, with the window where the intruder jumped down from. They rushed into the open room door, the room was untidy. The window was wide open and it looked like there was a struggle.


    They saw their master standing by the bed and hugging his wife closer. They immediately turned around "General Lu! We apologize for coming late"


    Lu Yaozhu pulled away and pushed her behind him when he gears their footsteps. He turned to the guards and replied "there is no need to stand on ceremony, did you see or hear anyone jump down from the window?"


    The commander a short muscular man in black and blue armour came forward, bowed his head and clamped his right hands in his left palm, "Yea General, three of my men chased after him". He glanced as the flustered woman standing behind the general and bowing his head once more continued "we failed to perform our duties and put her highness in danger, please punish us as you see fit".


    Lu Yaozhu led Su Liya to seat on the bed and walked to the open window, he looked out the window and didn''t find anyone but he saw that the window of the room next to his was wide open. "There is no need for that, you were only following orders, the problem isn''t from you since the intruder was already inside the inn. The window of the room before this one is wide open, he must have been hiding in there".


    He glanced at Su Liya and asked "When did you dismiss your maids for the night?"


    Su Liya pulled a blanket over her shoulders and walked forward, "not long ago".


    Lu Yaozhu nodded, "he must have been listening in, the walls of the inn are not thick. He waited for your maids to go and for you to fall asleep before sneaking in"


    He turned to the commander and instructed "position some guards around the inn both inside and out. Then have a few guards comb the area for the intruder, he would be was injured on his hand so keep an eye for anyone like that"


    "Yes," the commander bowed and left the room with his men.


    Lu Yaozhu held Su Liya''s hand and led her out of the room "you can''t stay here anymore, you will stay in my room".

 Chapter 91: A ruined Plan

    Grand Princess Ni''an''s Residence


    "What makes you think that we are not going through with the marriage?"


    Xia Ying''s hand holding the cup of tea shook, she placed the cup of tea on the table. "Grandma, didn''t you promise me that I would marry General Lu," she said in a shaky voice.


    The Grand Princess laughed, "Ying Ying, it is about time you grew up. The General already has a wife and even if he didn''t, there is nowhere I will refuse a chance to make you the next Empress. Do you know how many people would kill for this opportunity"


    "I don''t know and I don''t care to know! Grandmother you promised!"


    "That I will let you marry General Lu if he didn''t have a main wife before the end of 7days but he still does. Your assassin wasn''t successful and he likely never will, General Lu nearly caught him. Xia Ying be good and marry the Crown Prince, what is so good about marrying a mere general like him. If you marry the Crown Prince, you will never have to worry about anything in your life."


    She stood and knelt by her grandmother''s leg and held her sleeve, "I don''t care for that! I love General Lu Grandma, can''t I marry him!"


    "No!" Grand Princess Ni''an shook her hand away "Xia Ying, I am doing this for your own good. The Lu family is on the verge of extinction, the Emperor doesn''t like them. If you marry Lu Yaozhu, you will forever be on edge. Take his current" promotion" to a barren town in the north as an example"


    "Grandma that won''t happen. You are the Emperor''s elder sister, with you around no one would hurt the Lu family. Even the Emperor has to listen to you"


    Grand Princess Ni''an just looked at her granddaughter silently. She had always praised this granddaughter of hers for being very smart but that wasn''t the case now. She was acting like a fool, she didn''t know what to make of her and just shook her head.


    "How naive are you? Do you think that the Emperor would let you marry Lu Yaozhu! That younger brother of mine has gotten more paranoid, he is now getting suspicious of even I, his elder sister. Once I die he might go after our entire clan, I can''t let that happen.


    "When it comes down to you or our clan, I will pick our clan. The numbers are greater, a union with the crown print not just consolidates our power but also protects the hundreds of people in our clan. Don''t be selfish, Ying''er. My decision is final. You are marrying the Crown Prince unfailingly"


    Xia Ying quietly fell on her but and looked at her grandmother


    The grand princess looked at her elderly maid that stood by her side and instructed, "Nanny Fu, have someone send the princess back to her room and arrange for around the clock protection. Until she gets married, she is not allowed out of her room without my permission"


    She narrowed her eyes on her granddaughter''s lady''s maid and said firmly "Daiyu, you better watch your mistress carefully. I don''t want to hear any bad news from her or you will pay with your life!"


    "Yes," Daiyu replied, head bowed.


    There was nothing the Emperor could do to stop the union, two days later the official edict was delivered by Eunuch Cai to the Grand Princess''s residence. While the Crown Prince''s engagement received a lot of praise from the commoners, there were a few people that weren''t pleased with the union apart from Xia Ying.


    Among them was Zhu Fenfang who thought that since She had the Crown Prince''s heard in her palm, she had the marriage in her bag. The news came as a punch in the gut for her especially since it was revealed to her by her stepmother and Zhu Feifei.


    Although the sixth Prince was posted out of the capital, because Zhu Feifei was pregnant with the Emperor''s first grandchild, they were pardoned to stay until she had given birth. The Emperor called a lot of imperial physicians to care for her both before and after, she gave birth.


    Zhu Feifei was gradually nearing her confinement period during which she won''t be able to leave the house. The Imperial consort had arranged for her to spend the last two months of her pregnancy at the palace. Where she could receive all-round care from experienced doctors and midwives.


    This was her last visit before her confinement. After holding it in for weeks, Zhu Feifei was finally going to put Zhu Fenfang in her place. Madam Zhu had put a few reliable servants to monitor Zhu Fenfang''s movement.


    They arranged for a few heavy-duty matrons to knock her out. When she was on her way to meet the crown prince at their usual meeting point at the tea house. When she came to, Zhu Fenfang found herself lying on the cold hard floor of Madam Zhu''s room.


    Madam Zhu and Zhu Feifei sat in the living room and looked down at her sorry expression. Her hand was tied at an awkward position behind her, the rope tightened as she tried to move her bound hands.


    She glanced at the happy expression of the mother and women pair and bit the inside of her cheek gently.


    "Help her up" Madam Zhu instructed leaning back on her seat.


    Two heavy-duty mamas rushed forward and rose Zhu Fenfang up to her knees and stepped back.


    Zhu Fenfang greeted her like nothing happened "Fenfang greets mother".


    Madam Zhu chucked, "you have a lot of nerve Fenfang to act like nothing happen. I know that you have been meeting the Crown Prince in secret like a little slut. What a disgrace!"


    "No, no mother, that is not how it is"


    "Oh, so you haven''t been meeting the crown Prince in secret for months or was it your ghost I saw every week."


    "Don''t lie Fenfang, you have been caught", Zhu Feifei said in a concerned voice.


    Zhu Fenfang balled up her fist behind her to prevent herself from glaring at Zhu Feifei.


    "Your father and I were in talks to arrange a union for you with minister Lau''s son but that won''t be possible anymore. Since I can not vouch for your virtue, we will have to settle for making you the Yu family Shizu''s concubine. He is someone that won''t mind".


    "What! No no! Please don''t do this to me mother. I never laid with the Crown prince, I am still pure. You have to believe me!"

 Chapter 92: A ruined plan 2

    Days earlier at Yul village


    He led her down the hallway to a single wide door down a small hallway. Lu Yaozhu pushed the door opened and stepped aside for her to walk in. The decor of the room was similar to her own, the only thing that differentiated them was that this room unlike hers had a more masculine feel.


    There wasn''t a dressing table or tea table like hers, the room could be described as practical. Lu Yaozhu walked ahead of her and did a thorough rundown of the room. He opened the windows and looked out the window, everything looked alright.


    Commander Li worked very fast, there were already guards patrolling the downstairs when he looked down. Lu Yaozhu shut the door halfway, Su Liya stood where he left her. Her warry expression wasn''t surprising, after what she had just been through. It was normal to feel a little uneasy, "You will be safe here, you can sleep here. I will keep watch if you do not mind that is".


    "I don''t" she replied in a low voice.


    "Then get settled in, you can take the bed. I will sleep on the floor" Lu Yaozhu picked up a blanket but paused when she said


    "Don''t, you don''t need to sleep on the ground. We can both sleep on the bed as we did on our wedding night. I trust you"


    He tilted his head to the side "I thought that you will feel more at ease if I stayed close to the window".


    "Why so that we can check how quickly you could catch a cold, please get into the bed. We were already scared our would-be assassin away, I doubt he would come back this night. Give him a day or two to lick his wounds" Su Liya flexed her neck and sat at one side of the bed.


    His lips twitched when he heard her sarcastic reply, she keeps surprising him with her witty replies. "Okay, then I will take the other side" he walled to the bowl of water by the side and washed his face before joining her in the bed.


    The rest of the night was uneventful, the guards didn''t get hold of the assassin. Apart from the dead body of one of the Inn staff, there was nothing fruitful from their search. After washing up and eating breakfast, Lu Yaozhu and his party continued their journey to Ningzhuo.


    Thanks to the intel he got from Chief Wang, Lu Yaozhu changed their routes, they took the more common routes which meant that they passed through more villages. When spending the night at Inns, Lu Yaozhu ordered his soldiers to surround outside the inn and their rooms. To provide extra protection, they usually stayed in the same room but paid for random rooms and fixed had their servants serve them instead of the inn staff.


    *******


    Meanwhile back at Jiangxi Palace


    The Empress had just finished lunch when the Emperor stormed into the room. There was a slight commotion at the door as the Palace servants scattered. The Emperor didn''t care about maintaining his image, he bellowed loudly as he walked to the Empress "all of you, Get out!!!!"


    Everyone rushed out as soon as they heard that, with their head bowed. No one wanted to be at the receiving end of one of the Emperor''s temper tantrums. Emperor watch his wife of over 30 years ignore him like he was nothing and go about her usual activities.


    He could never get a response out of her no matter what he did, it was like she didn''t see him as someone worth her worries. He rushed up to her and holding her waist tightly pulled her to her feet. "Just what game do you think you are playing, how dare you try to undermine me!"


    Empress Lu Pulled her hands away from his and chuckled, "undermine you, who me? How can I do that, please control your wild thought". She walked around him and put some distance between them.


    Emperor Zhong glared at her calm smiling face for some time, "Are you pretending not to know why I am like this? You are quite good, you even know to act innocent. This must have been your plan when you invited my Elder sister to the capital".


    "was it?" Empress Lu shook her head "you think too highly of me your Majesty. I never invited the Grand Princess, she came over herself. All I did was make a reasonable suggestion, the fact that she agreed is something great".


    Emperor Zhong slapped the free chair by the side, "are you doing this to punish me for hurting your precious little nephew?"


    Empress Lu stepped back "What! No. I am just doing as you instructed. Didn''t you instruct me to arrange a new profitable match for commandery Princess Xia Ying? Well, that is what I did, what is wrong my darling husband, You don''t like her new fiancee?"


    She laughed softly, "you were mad that I was passing off such a great match to my Lu family is I decided to engage her to the crown Prince. That way keeping the power in the family, you should be thanking me for doing that and not storming in like I owe you money"


    "You_" he pointed at her and sighed "You must think that you have won the game but we both know that you didn''t. I will make you regret this".


    " I will be waiting!!"


    The Emperor glared at her for a short time before leaving, he ran into the other half of the Engaged couple on his way out of Jiangxi but pretended otherwise.


    ********


    The time they say goes faster when you are doing nothing, Xia Ying waited patiently to receive a piece of good news but every day there was no news from Chen Su''s man. Until the day of the deadline, she was called to the main courtyard by her grandmother. Before she could seat down she was informed that her time had run out.


    Grand Princess Ni''an poured her some tea and held It out to her, "have some tea, this was sent over by the crown prince".


    Xia Ying brought the cup away from his mouth and asked "is it a good idea to accept these gifts from the crown prince when we are not going through with the marriage"


    "What makes you think that we are not going through with the marriage?

 Chapter 93: Welcome to Ningzhuo

    Madam Zhu''s courtyard


    Madam Zhu laughter and said calmly "why should I believe you, there is no one that can vouch for you. It is only your word and based on your current actions, I can''t trust you. I am even being kind by not killing you and arranging a good match for you!"


    "This is not a good match for me! I can not be a concubine! Not ever" Zhu Fenfang shouted.


    "You dare raise your voice at me" Madam Zhu glanced at the heavy-duty maids "slap this unruly bitch".


    The maid walked forward and slapped Zhu Fenfang hard on her right cheek. The force made her head turn to the side sharply. Zhu Fenfang bent a little to the left but pulled herself up and glared at madam Zhu.


    "Again!"


    On Madam Zhu''s instruction, the said slapped her again. This time on her left cheek, in the end, both cheeks throbbed in pain. She was already far gone, there was no need to pretend. Zhu Fenfang decided to go all out,


    "you dare to slap me, can you handle the repercussions of this. How would you explain this to his highness the Crown Prince?"


    Zhu Feifei laughed when she heard Zhu Fenfang prideful comments, "hey! Don''t throw around the crown prince''s name like he can save you because even though he can, you are the last thing in his mind. You see the Crown Prince is getting married and you are not the bride"


    "What do you mean, that can''t be! You are lying!"


    Madam Zhu clocked her tongue, "why would feifei lie to you, you attach too much attention to yourself. The Crown Prince is getting married to commandery Princess Xia because like all men of good standing, he will marry women of similar stations as him. No matter anything you do, it doesn''t excuse the fact that you are the daughter of a concubine."


    Zhu Fenfang felt the breath get knocked out of her, she just looked blankly as the mother and daughter ridiculed her.


    Zhu Feifei laughed louder on seeing her expression, she should her head, " tsk tsk, you poor girls. I bet you thought you would break the mould and get married to the Crown Prince, you shouldn''t dream so big. You can never get married into the royal family as the main wife, you should have just stock with Lu Yaozhu.


    "Madam Lu had high hope of you marrying the General, which was a lot given your background. Yet you got greedy and look at what that got you. It is funny, isn''t it? Commandery Princess Xia who was meant to marry Lu Yaozhu is engaged to the Crown Prince. All your well-laid plans are ruined and everything is back to normal except for you"


    Tears ran down her face, the news of the Crown Prince''s marriage pulled the may off the ground. She couldn''t form a single sentence to defend herself, she had taken a risk all for nothing. Madam Zhu gazed at the young girl kneeling and shook her head, she glanced at the heavy-duty mamas, "take this slut away, no one is to let her out of her rooms without my permission. I will handle her after speaking with the minister".


    "Yes," the heavy-duty mamas held her as tightly and dragged her out of the room.


    ***************


    Back at Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya''s end.


    After travelling for 12 days they were now at the borders of Ningzhuo. Apart from the assassination attempt on Su Liya at Yul, their journey so far was uneventful. The weather at the north was a sharp contrast from that of the capital. It got colder as they got closer to Ningzhuo, soon they swapped their light summer clothes for ticker clothes that suited the weather conditions of the North.


    They made camp at a wide part of the woods, before night just outside Ningzhuo''s borders. The servants set up a few temporarily house tents while the soldiers stood guard. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya both had their single tents, Su Lita wiped her body down with a wet towel and changed into some fresh clothes before coming out for Dinner.


    Everyone sat around the big campfire set at the centre of the camp while the makes in charge of their food passed the bow of noodles and meat around. The meat was from the game caught by the soldiers at their last rest stop, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu sat with everyone else.


    They were different from other members of noble families who never associated with the commoners. Throughout their journey, they ate with the servants and soldiers. It was awkward the first few days but after some time everyone got used to the abnormalities. After eating, the maids took the plates away and washed them before going to bed.


    Late that night, a small group of men dressed in black and wearing half marks surrounded the camp. The men had been following them for a while but had lost track of their Convoy at Yul village. Luckily a scout a few villages away sent word as their convoy passed the village.


    The group of men travelled hard a finally caught up with them. They had a mission to stop the general from arriving at Ningzhuo. They were paid handsomely by their client to get rid of the newly appointed military Governor and his party. No one was to survive, the group of men who were dressed as bandits quickly identified the tents belonging to the Governor and his wife.


    They lit a few torches and threw them at the tents set in the camp but concentrated on the two tents belonging to the Governor and His wife. Su Liya woke up to the shouts from maida and the smell of burning leather. She jumped out of her fur sleeping bed, one end of her tent was on fire.


    There were sounds of steel hiring steal and fighting from around her. They were being ambushed, Su Liya could hear her maids try to put it the fire. It was smoky and the smoke was starting to disturb her, she looked around quickly.

 Chapter 94: Welcome to Ningzhuo 2

    (Warning this chapter contains some violence)


    *****


    At the temporary camp just outside Ningzhuo borders.


    The smoke made her choke, she coughed softly as she looked around for a bowl of water or a jug of drinking water. Baozhai usually left a jug of water for her every night, she saw a jug of water totalled to the side on the ground next to the table.


    The tent although temporary was like a standard war tent that was like a small room and took up a wide space. Which was a good thing because the fire was at one end of the rent but was spreading rapidly.


    While the maids tried to put out the fire, the fire wasn''t budging and spread to the other parts of the tent. There were a few fur materials that were flammable around the tent must especially at her bedding area where she currently stood. Su Liya pulled the small dagger from under her pillow, Lu Yaozhu had given her the dagger for her protection after the incident at Yul village.


    She ran to the box of clothes by the head of her bed and pulled out a blouse at cut it into a few scraps of clothes with the dagger. Luckily there was still water in the pitcher of water when she picked it up, she worked a scrap of the blouse in water and wrapped it around her nose.


    This made breathing a little easier, one end of her fur blankets caught fire and the bed lit up. She ran to an unaffected end of the tend and slashed the leather tent with the dagger, continuously until a tear was made. Su Liya widened the tear until she could pass through the tear.


    A rough-looking man ran at her with a sword as she ran out, Su Liya jumped away from his sword. She stepped in the steal and looked town. She was stepping on the sword of a fallen soldier, Su Liya quickly picked up the sword and swag it at the man. He bent down immediately and she stabbed the knife through the neck taking him down and pulled out her dagger.


    The man fell forward, Su Liya slashed him twice with the sword and holding the knife and dagger in both hands she jumped over him and ran to the front of the tent where her maids were. Baozhai and Rong Rong had their hands full trying to fight a few bandits while protecting the maids who were trying to put out the fire at her tent.


    Su Liya picked up an empty bowl of water and threw it at the man struggling with Rong Rong, hitting him at the back of the neck which knocked him out. Rong Rong slashed his neck with the sword in her hands and turned to where the bowl came from.


    "Your highness, you are not already out!" Rong Rong exclaimed.


    The man fighting Baozhai paused for a second n hearing her. Which was as long as Baozhai needed to kill him. Su Liya rushed to them, "where is the general?"


    It was Baozhai that answered her while Rong Rong led the maid that was trying to put the fire out to safety. "The general is fighting in front, these men came suddenly but we have them contained. Our reinforcement will be here soon".


    They walked forward, the loud noise of horse hops and battle cry was heard before a large group of soldiers dressed in the Lu family''s colours rode into the camp. The fighting was over not long after and a few of the men were captured but before they were captured the men pit their teeth and took committed suicide.


    Su Liya found Lu Yaozhu leaning by a tree with his guard Yu Tao holding him up. She rushed forward as soon as she saw him, he had a few burns on his arm and gushed on his left thigh and stomach. She dropped semblance of proprietary, "Yaozhu!, you are injured"


    When Lu Yaozhu tried to keep her away, she just ignored him and instructed Yu Tao "take the general to a clean tent and bring me hot water and alcohol"


    Before he could argue with her, Lu Yaozhu was led away to one of the closeby tents unaffected by the fire. He sat on the bed, while his elders came in to give their reports. Yu Tao and a few soldiers walked to the river close by and fetch some more water since a majority of the available water in camp was used to put out the fire.


    After receiving a thorough report from the commanders, Lu Yaozhu send them away and his shadow guard Yu Ke sneaked in.


    "How are things in the capital?" Lu Yaozhu asked without looking up.


    "It was as you predicted, the palace didn''t have anything to do with the assassination attempt on the young madam, but I noticed some activities from the grand princess''s residence. I raced that back to the Chem families youngest mistress Chen Su"


    "Then this must all be the commandery princess''s doing, have someone monitor her activities from now on and sent a calling card to General Chen. He had better control his daughter or I will do so. Meanwhile, how is it at the crown Prince''s end?"


    "Quiet, his highness accepted the union with the commandery Princess. The wedding will be in a few days, what are we going to do about the Zhu Fenfang"


    "The commandery Princess is too much of a handful to be left to her own devices, handle Zhu Fenfang as we planned"


    "Yes"


    "Once the sixth Princess consort has given birth, deal with her as per instruction. Since she dared to play with this general, she will receive no mercy"


    "Yes, general" Yu Ke replied, bowed his head and snuck out of the tent.


    *******


    A few hours later at a well-furnished study at Ningzhuo


    An armoured guard rushed in and fell on one knee with his right hand clamped in his left hand and his hands stretched forward. "Master, our spies reported that an attempt was made on the Governor''s life by a team sent by the Behe gang. It was unsuccessful"


    His master a tall man seating by the fire glanced at him and sighed "this Buhe gang keeps causing a lot of mess, once again I am forced to clean up their mess. Tell our men to prepare for the Governor''s arrival, there must be nothing out of place".


    "Yes," the guard nodded and left the room.


    A few minutes later a slender woman in red stepped out of the hidden room and hugged the man from behind. She whispered, "don''t let the affairs of Buhe gang disturb you, I will handle them".


    The man sighed again "and the new general?"


    She chuckled "not so fast my dear, one problem at a time".

 Chapter 95: Welcome to Ningzhuo 3

    outside the borders of Ningzhuo


    Yu Tao and some male servants came in with two bowls of water, alcohol, medicine and bandages. He instructed the servants to arrange them by the bed before leaving. Su Liya came in after them. Lu Yaozhu looked up as the tent flaps were pushed open.


    Su Liya had cleaned up during the time, she waited for the water to boil and was now dressed in a simple green blouse and skirt, her hair which was braided into a single slim braid. The weather conditions were a little worse in the north but apart from her skin looking a little rough, she looked okay.


    Even after being married for some time, he still gr a little surprised by her exquisite features. He was a rough military man who spent years on the battlefield and wasn''t one to be into looks but he had to admit that his wife was quite the beauty.


    During the few banquets they had attended before leaving the capital, he had caught a few men looking at her with star stroked eyes. Although she didn''t encourage any of the men, he could see the blind Worship in their eyes. It was a good thing that she never agreed to stay back at the capital, he would have been worried for her.


    She walked picked up a small bowl of water and a clean cloth as she came closer to him, "take off your shirt, I need to see how bad your injuries are".


    Lu Yaozhu pulled back slightly and open his mouth to discourage her but her next words closed all possible channels for him, "don''t give me that bullshi_ I mean unnecessary statements on how men and women are different. It is not like I am asking you to take off your pants"


    He tilted his head sideways and looked at her thoughtfully, "you are a very strange woman".


    "why because I am not blushing like the usual innocent little girls from this time. Please I like being practical, there is no time to act bashful. Your wound could get infected, I don''t have time for that nonsense" she clicked her tongue and gazed at him expectedly.


    His lips tipped up, he was starting to get used to her plain speech. She always sounded more honest than the young ladies that acted shy. He held the ends of the soiled free shirt, pulled it over his head and dropped it on the ground. It was torn and dirty, it wasn''t reusable anymore.


    Su Liya eyes drew to his abs as he pulled his shirt up but she quickly looked away when he pulled the shit over his head. She looked at him in a new light, he had abs for a lean man. She placed the bowl of water on a small stool next to the bed and soaked the clean cloth into the water.


    She squeezed the water out and cleaned the cute and gashes on Lu Yaozhu''s shooter and chest with the wet cloth. She quickly took in some air when she got to the gash on his stomach. The Gash was deep, blood gushed out of it. Although the blood was now clothing and the leading was slower. The trail of blood below it was much.


    "How are you still seating up, this looks very painful. How did you fight with all that pain" she looked up and was surprised to see his lips tug up. "Are you smiling, at a time like this!"


    "Why can''t I laugh, you keep forgetting what I do for a living. You have a full view of my upper body, surely you have noticed all my scars. What injury haven''t I experienced on the battlefield, I have a high pain tolerance" he seemed to be in high spirits as he said that.


    ''What a weirdo'' she thought as she dropped the clothes back in the water after cleaning around the wound and poured a little alcohol on another clean white cloth while muttering some swear words followed by "The Emperor is an asshole, even with his sacrifices the foolish emperor send him down here to die".


    There was a tick smell of strong alcohol as she opened the jar and poured the liquid spirits on the clean cloth. She soaked the clothes with some alcohol and paused for a few seconds, " brace yourself, this could hurt ... a lot". She glanced at him when she said that to get his response. He nodded and shut his eyes, expectantly.


    Even with her warning and his preparation, he hissed as she placed the cloth on his wound, "sorry, bear with it". She disinfected the open wound as soon as she could and pure some medicine on it before wrapping long rolls of bandage around the wound.


    She glance briefly at the cut on his thigh and then gazed up at him as of to ask ''should I help you clean that''. Lu Yaozhu understood her actions but wanted to tease her and said "what is wrong wife, want me to remove my trousers too. I guess you are out to give this general a good look down. Want to check if you got a good deal?"


    Su Liya"s cheek heated up at his words, she stepped back and looked down at her foot cautiously. "No no, I will leave that to Yu Tao" she placed the white cloth aside and stood straight, while Lu Yaozhu chuckled.


    She wanted to run out of there out of embarrassment but a sound of horse hops made her stop. She placed at Lu Yaozhu and asked "are we expecting any guests?"


    Lu Yaozhu''s expression got colder, "no"


    Su Liya glanced at the entrance of the tent "it can''t be that the bandits called some reinforcement before they died?"


    "I doubt it but one can not be so sure", He picked up the clean shirt placed on the bed by Yu Tai and pulled it on. Then picked up his sword next to the bed and walked to her. He limped a little as he favoured his injured left leg. He pulled her to stand behind him when a shadow appeared at the entrance to the tent.

 Chapter 96: Welcome to Ningzhuo 4

    Just outside the border of Ningzhuo


    Lu Yaozhu pulled her behind him and unsheathed his sword as he heard footsteps outside the tent. He held the sword tightly and raised it when a shadow appeared at the entrance of the tent. He swung the sword as the tent flap was pulled back, he stopped a breath distance from Yu Tao''s jugular vein.


    Yu Tao stepped back immediately and held his hands up, "hold on young master, it is me!"


    Lu Yaozhu pull the sword away and returned the sword into the scabbard, "who just rode in?"


    Yu Tao walked closer once the sword was sheathed, he gave Su Liya who stepped out from behind Lu Yaozhu an apologetic smile. "That is why I came in, young master. The Magistrate and a few other officials came with some guards to escort you and our young madam into the city".


    "What" she glanced at the quiet Lu Yaozhu and asked, "that is odd, did you inform them that you were at the city''s borders?"


    Lu Yaozhu shook his head "not yet, I didn''t want an elaborate preparation and was planning on firing them when we arrived".


    "If you didn''t inform them, how come they are here right on time. Almost as if they planned it, I don''t think the men who attacked us were bandits"


    "I never thought they were, the attack was too organised and then there s the fact that the few that survived killed themselves before they could be questioned. They were death troupes, bandits are not trained to kill themselves when caught"


    Su Liya nodded and said to Yu Tao, "Help the general clean up, since the officials are here to speculate. We should put our best foot forward, I will get dressed into a more worthy armour". She saluted Lu Yaozhu and left the tent. She kept her head down until she got to the new tent she was now occupying.


    Yu Tai looked at his master and on receiving a nod he walked forward to complete the job Su Liya started and helped Lu Yaozhu get dressed. The servants had moved a box of the General''s clothes that survived the fire into the tent while bringing the water and bandages earlier.


    Yu Tao helped him into his purple dragon and Magpie official clothes. The official leather belt was toed lower because of the injury to his stomach. The leaves were freer and didn''t rub n the slight burns on his arm, Yu Tao tied his head into a small upward bun and put on his black cap.


    Yu Tao bent to help Him put on the black embroidered boots when he heard his masters usually steady voice ask "how was the behaviour from the officials?"


    "The magistrate was calm but the Secretary and the deputy were asking questions about the state of the camp. Young madam was right, they might have had something to do with the attack. The magistrate kept asking how you were fairing", he said and stepped back.


    "Was he? How amusing. Get me a came from my things in the carriage. Make sure to make it obvious who it is for on your way here. Since they want to play games, I will help them play along".


    "Yes", Yu Yao bowed and rushed out of the tent.


    The magistrate a slim man with clean facial features followed the running make servant with his eyes. The male servant had introduced himself earlier as the Governor''s guard Yu Tao, the manservant made quite the impression on him. Yu Tao wasn''t intimidated by position and calmly asked them a few questions before stepping out to call his master over.


    The magistrate glanced at the tend, Yu Tao rushed out and smiled. ''There you are Lu Yaozhu " he thought. He has been curious where the governor was, as they ride into the camp. A few of the tents were destroyed by fire, apart from the servants and soldiers who went around to pack up, there wasn''t a well-dressed official insight.


    He watched as Yu Tao ran back into the tent with a wooden cane, he rubbed his jaw gently and muttered to his right-hand man beside him "the general may have survived the assassination attempt this time but he is injured".


    His right-hand man followed his master''s gaze to the cane in the guard''s hand and nodded. The Governor came out a few minutes later, he held the wooden cane as he walked. The officials got down from their horse, followed the Deputy''s lead and saluted the new Governor.


    The Deputy a plum man with a protruding belly stood straight after the salute and said, "Welcome to Ningzhuo my lord, this official is surnamed Zhang. I served the deputy for the past Governor, I led a few loyal officials to lead you into the city".


    Lu Yaozhu smiled at the officials "you shouldn''t have worried yourself coming here, I am sure you had a lot of work on your plate. I had instructed a servant to send word when we were nearing the city gates".


    Deputy Zhang waved his hands " it was nothing, You are here in special appointment from his Majesty" he clamped his hand to the east as he said your majesty and continued "It is right to give sure a special guest a warm welcome. We brought a few Elite guards to escort you to the Ningzhuo. Your guard must be tired after the long journey, let them stay back and rest while we get going. They can join us at Ningzhuo".


    Lu Yaozhu laughed, "how thoughtful of you Deputy". His expression got colder ad he continued, "they are my Elite guards, they go where I go but you are welcome to tag along with us".


    Chills ran down deputy Zhang''s back on seeing his cold expression. He suddenly felt that this new Governor wasn''t easy, he wasn''t going to be easy to control but when he remembered that he had the Shu family''s prove he got more confident.


    "Governor Lu is right, please forgive this official for stepping out of bounds".


    Lu Yaozhu waved him off "no need to apologize, I understand you did that out of concern. I already ordered my men to pack up, we will get going once my wife is set".


    "Yes, I forgot that the Commandery Princess came with you. Women like to take their time to get dressed. We can wait".


    Minutes later the camp was cleared up and Su Liya was led into her carriage. She had a veiled bamboo hat on so the officials couldn''t see her face.

 Chapter 97: Ningzhuo Governors house 1

    At a huge courtyard at the Center of Ningzhuo


    Su Liya didn''t have much interaction throughout the journey to Ningzhuo, she stayed in the carriage with her maids. They usually stopped for an hour in the afternoon for lunch but since they would soon arrive at Ningzhuo, there was no need for that.


    They stopped for a few minutes at the City Gates while the captain stationed at the gates introduced himself to Lu Yaozhu before they continued inside. Su Liya didn''t hear the full gist of Lu Yaozhu''s discussion with the officials since she was in the carriage.


    However, as soon as they arrived, Lu Yaozhu went off to settle a few things at the security council while Lu Yaozhu left for the Governor''s house with the servants and half of the Elite guards. Before leaving the officials Lu Yaozhu rode to the carriage window and knocked on the wooden frame.


    Baozhai rose the curtain up to check who it was, she was expecting it to be Yu Tao or General Wang but was surprised to see their Young master, "Young master!"


    "Call Liya", Lu Yaozhu replied calmly.


    "Yes!" Baozhai caught Su Liya''s eyes briefly as she moved to the seat opposite the window to make space for her mistress.


    Su Liya moved closer to the window and raised the curtain. She rose the white vail up and hooked it on the top of her hat, "General!" She said softly, squinting her eyes slightly at the bright sun outside the dim carriage.


    There were two windows on the carriage, both of which although open slightly was covered by thick white curtains. That coupled with the whore veil she had on made her vision darker.


    She had found the veil a nuisance when it was first brought out by Baozhai but when she was informed that princesses were not to reveal their face anyhow, she kept quiet and decided to bear with it.


    Lu Yaozhu pulled out a gold badge and a set of keys from his sleeve and handed it over to Su Liya, "take this".


    Su Liya''s gaze travelled from his face to his hands and back to his face, "why?"


    "I won''t be accompanying you to the Governor''s house, I need to handle a few things at the security bureau. You are the Lady of the house so I will leave setting it up to you. if you gave any questions just ask Rong Rong or Matron Gu from the palace", he motioned for her to give him her hands, Su Liya gazed at him essentially but stretched out her palm.


    He dropped the badge and a bunch of keys into her outstretched palm, "this is the Lu families official badge, that can mobilize the Elite guards and give you access to large amounts of our funds while those keys lead to my store box here in Ningzhuo and the capital. Please keep them safe, I will come back as soon as I can".


    Su Liya glanced at the badge and key in her hand and nodded "Okay, thanks" he rose the horse reins to when she pulled at his sleeve, "Be careful out there, no one is to be trusted most especially those corrupt officials. Don''t sign anything without reading it properly".


    Lu Yaozhu searched her expression for anything that would give off her strange thoughts but found nothing. Su Liya was proving to be a big bag of secrets, she was right most of the time that he was getting a little curious about how she cones about her accurate judgements of situations.


    He grinned and nodded the rode away quickly, the rest of the officials present left with Lu Yaozhu except the Chief in charge of the ministry of works. A short stick-thin man in blue official clothes, who introduced himself as Chief Ning. Su Liya didn''t meet him face to face but with a curtain between them, as was usual tradition.


    After having just a few words with him, it was easy to tell that he wasn''t to be trusted. Chief Ning acted very nervous and avoided answering any of her questions. Which was a good tell of a liar, he didn''t sound convinced of the information he was giving and tried to avoid being asked any questions more questions.


    They travelled silently until they arrived at a huge courtyard at the centre of Ningzhuo. Su Liya lifted the curtain up as the carriage came to a stop and looked out the window. There was a big plank at the top of the gates that was a nameplate with the name "The Governor''s House" carved boldly and painted Gold.


    Ningzhuo was the capital city of the northern province of Northern Wei. Each province of northern Wei had their independent ministries and leaders that answered to their Provincial Governor who answered to the Emperor. Ningzhuo as the capital city of the northern Province house the head offices of various ministers all under the Military Governor.


    The Military governor was like a vassal prince that ruled a particular region and answered to the Emperor. Su Liya and her maids were surprised as they rode into the city, on their way to the Governor''s house. Ningzhuo was nothing like it was rumoured to be, it was as developed as other Provincial Capital states.


    The citizens went about their businesses, as they passed by. A few stopped to watch their small party as they ride by, they were curious to see the new military Governor. They were shocked by the well-trained soldiers that arrived with the Governor. A few tried to still places at the woman in the wide carriage, ever since the Emperor''s appointment was made public.


    Rumours of the governor''s wife''s beauty were circulated, they weren''t much excitement this far north so the citizens relied heavily on gossip to pass time. However, the curtains of the carriage remained shut so they couldn''t see in.


    Chief Ning rushed over to the carriage window to announce that they had arrived at the Governor''s house. Su Liya glanced at Baozhai and nodded, they needed to come down and meet the servants of the Governor''s house who stood by the gates to welcome them.


    Baozhai knocked by the driver''s side indicated that they were ready to come down from the carriage. The driver and guard in front got down from his seat in front of the carriage and brought the step-down. They placed it on the ground at the door and pulled the door open once everything was set.


    Baozhai walked down the stairs first and held the curtain up. Rong Ron followed after her while holding on a lady''s slim tanned hand with a white jade bangle wrapped around the wrist. Su Liya got down from the carriage while holding onto her hands.


    She walked so gracefully she attracted the attention of Chief Ning and the Servant standing in front of the mansion. A cool breeze blew as she came down, which blew her white vail up revealing a small pointed tanned chin.


    Su Liya held onto Rong Rong''s arm as she walked down the wooden step. Her feet were a little jelly-like from seating for so long but Rong Rong and Baozhai helped her get steady. Chief Ning rushed over to introduce her to the steward, an elderly man in his fifties.


    "Your Highness, Let me introduce you to the steward" Chief Ning gestured to a tall man whose hair was now greying, "This is steward Meng, he has been serving as tbs steward for decades. He is very good at his job and he has a very good standing".


    Thanks to the tick veil no ins noticed jer eyebrows crease as she heard the tricky official whitewash the steward. She suddenly suspected that there was nothing quite right about this steward. He might be a spy place here to spy on them, she didn''t respond and just nodded.


    The steward stepped forward and bowed his head said "this old servant greets her highness and welcomes you to Ningzhuo. This servant is at your service please make use of me as you wish".


    "Then I will rely on you steward Meng" she replied softly.


    "Thank you, your highness" Steward Meng replied and gestured to the maids behind him, "these are a few old servants, this here is Matron Bao, she is in charge of the maids" he pointed at a plump cold faced woman who stepped forward and bowed.


    "Your highness," Matron Bao said.


    Su Liya nodded.


    Steward Meng turned to another older female servant who hand a white apron on "this is my wife the cook, she is in charge of the kitchen"


    Although Cook Meng''s still had a full head of black hair and looked to be in her late forties. She stepped forward like the previous maids and bowed her head "Your highness".


    Steward Meng introduced a few head maids and stewards before finally stopping at the steward in charge of the storeroom. Steward Ye, a bulky man with think beards who liked to be in his thirties, the man left a bad impression on her because of his sour expression when he greeted her.


    She quickly took note of his face and classified him under the same list as steward Meng. After the introduction, Su Liya was led into the house.

 Chapter 98: The calculating servants

    Ningzhuo''s governor''s house


    After the introductions were made, Chief Ning from the provincial ministry of works left. Steward Meng as the steward in charge of the upkeep of the governor''s house was sufficient enough to handle getting the New master and madam of the house settled. His presence wasn''t needed as such, he had already relayed his master''s instructions to these old servants, they knew what to do.


    The majority of the servants in front of her were all essential to the proper working of the house. Since each of them oversaw various sections of the servants, it wasn''t good for them to be held up for too long chaos could be unleashed by their underlings.


    While it was necessary for all the servants in the resistance to introduce themselves to her. There were still other chances, Su Liya was exhausted from the long journey and just instructed Steward Meng to bring the servants in batches to her pavilion the next day for tge necessary instructions.


    Su Liya dismissed the rest of the servants and instructed them to return to their posts while Matron Bao led her to her Quarters. The governor''s house was huge, it would take a full day to see all the courtyard present. Considering the new madam''s long journey here, matron Bao suggested that a thorough tour of the residence would be done on another day.


    However, Matron Bao pointed out a few places on the path to the main courtyard. Such as the governor''s receiving room, the banquet hall and the library which doubled as a schoolroom for children. There was an open-spaced pavilion with small false lakes, fountains, flowers and trees where house parties for ladies could be hosted.


    The governor''s residence was widespread and richly decorated as expected of a provincial leaders residence if not a little bit over-decorated. The previous Governor liked the finer things of life.


    This kind of blatant show of wealth from the provincial head of a rumoured underperforming province was suspicious and screamed of various financial crimes punishable by the law. How can a mere provincial Governor''s house rival the palace in splendour?


    One could tell that he poured in a lot of money in this residence. Every corner of the yard cried money from the beautiful landscape comprising of flowers and trees to the stone sculptures and fountains, the false hills and small lakes. Made for a beautiful picture of wealth and arts.


    The main courtyard was a wide small compound that took a large mass of land. As per the usual design, there were two large pavilions on different ends of the courtyard, divided by a small garden with a false lake that housed some small fish.


    The more she saw of this residence the more exhausted she got, this really seat well with her but she made sure not to let her true feelings show and just acted calmly. She took Zhu Fengyin''s last word before she left the capital to heart, so there wasn''t much said about Lu Yaozhu''s stat in Ningzhuo in the original novel since he was not the male lead.


    The author only glossed over it without saying much but based on what she knew of Emperor Zhong and the sixth prince, she suspected some foul play. She needed to look into the previous governor and his financial activities before bringing up her suspicions to Lu Yaozhu but she still wanted to sound him out and find out his thoughts on everything.


    Matron Bao led her through the small garden to her pavilion. The main courtyard was called the Fangxi pavilion, Lu Yaozhu''s quarters was the biggest in the house with very spacious rooms. The study, which took up a majority of the space. A small library next to it, a bathing room with a steam bath. A living room, a dining room and a spacious bedroom.


    While Su Liya''s waiter though big only contained five rooms, the biggest room was her bedroom. Next to the bedroom was a huge bathroom with a hot bath. There was a living room and dining room and a big nursery, which wasn''t going to be in use since Su Liya and the general just got married and didn''t have a child yet. There was a storeroom at the main courtyard, most people build those to have their smaller valuable closer to them while the main store held the bigger ones


    Before leaving the matron led the maids stationed at Fangxi pavilion to pay their respects to the new madam. She didn''t bother introducing the courtyard maid in charge of sweeping and keeping outside clean since they wouldn''t have much interaction with the madam and only introduced the three inside maids who served inside her waiters.


    The maids were introduced to her as Ah Mei, Ah Li and Ah Fan. The first thing she noticed on seeing the maids was that they were all pleasing to the eyes. They were the standard pretty girls with sweet innocent features men liked. Even their voice sounded nice, it was soft and sweet to the ears that is if you liked to train your ears to hear whatever they said.


    Which most men in ancient times liked since it made them sound innocent and young Although she wasn''t born in this era, she had read enough historical romance books to know what scheme was brewing. After living in this time Su Liya had concluded that the men just liked Lolitas which might be due to being too chanced.


    She glanced at the serene expression on Matron Bao''s face and rolled her eyes. She glanced at Baozhai as she said "I will leave them to your care Baozhai" then to the three conspicuous maids she said, "I don''t have many rules just perform your duties properly and don''t cause any trouble" she waved them away and caught Baozhai''s eyes.


    Baozhai led them to the side rooms, Su Liya travelled with a few of her hands including matron Gu from the palace so she left Baozhai to introduce the three Ah''s ( as Su Liya dubbed the three new fixtures by matron Bao). While she pretended to not notice the little moves made by Matron Bao, she made plans for them.


    Everyone in this residence was guilty until proven otherwise most especially those 3 fixtures, they could easily become spies for the officials or worse the palace. Whoever is behind them may have fixed them into the courtyard in hopes that one of them if not all would become a Fei for the new governor.


    (A Fei or a concubine of a nobleman, is a class below a Ce Fei and is a common concubine title given to maids or common girls that are favoured by a nobleman. In most noble families, this title usually preferred to be given to a maiden that has given the master a son.)


    Su Liya introduced Matron Gu to Matron Bao, at the mention of the fact that Matron Gu served at the palace, Matron Bao''s expression changed. It became noticeable dull, the visible change surprisingly gladdened her heart. It was pleasing to see the previous smug smile knocked off her face.


    Her obvious pleasure in her success in pushing in her fixture was irritating, thought of she was asked what irritated her exactly. Su Liya couldn''t tell, it can not be that they were aiming for Lu Yaozhu because while they were married, she didn''t plan on staying here long.


    Once she was successful in the mission set up by the Jade Goddess, she was out of here. Since this wasn''t long term she had decided not to pay any attention to Lu Yaozhu''s private life. If he decided to get a concubine, she would just support his decision, she wasn''t interested in playing house.


    She was okay with anything as far as he doesn''t disgrace her or go over the top. However, that didn''t mean she was alright with someone blatantly trying to push women at her husband. Matron Bao must have assumed that her job was being threatened because she did a complete 180 and started acting so respectful.


    Su Liya wanted her to suffer a little more and instructed matron Gu to follow Matron Bao and get acquainted with the servants in the estate. Rong Rong held herself from laughing at the scene in front of her, she waited until the Matrons were out of sight before bursting into laughter.


    Su Liya just smiled as she pulled the veiled hat off her head and kept it aside, she gazed at Rong Rong over her shoulder, "glad to see that you found that amusing, come be of use to me. Don''t just stand there laughing like a fool and help me get out of this monstrosity, "she gestured to the formal travelling dress she had had on.


    Rong Rong walked forward to help her up, still grinning. She couldn''t get matron Bao''s expression off her mind. "You pull one on that old which, it knocked the smug look off her face. I expect her and the rest of the old servant''s to start coming around"


    "Good, that would put them on their toes. Have the servants in charge of our valuables and money moved over divide everything in two and keep a majority of them in tge storeroom at Fangxi Pavillion. Most especially the valuables however have them keep the gifts from the palace in the main storeroom."


    Rong Rong paused for a second and asked "mistress if you suspect that the steward steals why are you keeping the Emperor''s gift in the main storeroom?"


    Su Liya''s lips tugged up and she replied, "because I want to catch a snake and to do that, I need bait".

 Chapter 99: Small Province big Problems 1

    Juning Tea house


    For what has to the fourth time in the past week, Zhongshan Ling left the private room of the tea house without seeing Zhu Fenfang after waiting for hours. He was more than a little worried, he hasn''t been able to get hold of her for days which was unlike her.


    Even if she wouldn''t be able to meet him at the tea house she usually sent him a letter to inform him but she had been silent for days. Zhongshan Ling returned to his residence from the tea house, he went into his study to go through the reports sent over from the palace after changing into more practical clothes.


    He was gradually taking over a few of the Emperor''s responsibilities, reports and requests from the three judicial ministries were sent over to him every day. As the future Emperor, he needed to get acquitted with running the kingdom. However, while he was in charge of a few key ministries, he could only advise.


    The final decision was left to the emperor, which meant that he submitted reasonable reports, which encompasses his take on certain issues. Zhongshan Ling then suggested the necessary solution to the problem. He was going through a report submitted by the Ministry of Justice but as expected he could barely stay focused on the report.


    His mind kept wandering to Zhu Fenfang, even his Chief Eunuch, Eunuch Lun noticed that his mind just wasn''t in the report. He watched as the hard-working Crown Prince flipped through the report. Zhongshan Ling sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead, gently. He tried going through the report once more before giving up, he rolled up the report and drop it on the table.


    "Eunuch Lun please call Xie fang over and brew me a fresh pot of tea," he said in a tired voice. Zhongshan Ling placed both elbows on the table and held his head in his hands. Eunuch Lun nodded and ran off to carry out his command. Xie fang walked in some minutes later and placing a balled-up fist of his right hand on his heart he said "what are your orders, Your Highness".


    Zhongshan Ling leaned back on the seat and said, "I haven''t heard from Fenfang in a while, please look into what is going on with her".


    "Yes," Xie Fang bowed and left the room quickly.


    The next day, Xie Fang was waiting for him in his study when he got back from court. Xie Fang saluted him as he walked in and stood back, while Eunuch Lun helped him out of his red and gold dragon official court uniform.


    Unlike the court uniform of the other civil officials, just like the Emperor''s court clothes, his wasn''t plain red but decorated with dragon and magpie embroidered with gold threads. His Belt was also made of gold and leather, only the Emperor or Crown Prince could wear clothes embroidered with gold threats.


    The only other people apart from them were the Empress and the Crown Princess consort. The gold threads were difficult to come by and was only available for the imperial Weavers that made the clothes for the royal family. The Imperial wavers were the only ones authorised to handle these threads.


    Eunuch Lu carefully folded the court uniform and placed it on a wooden tray and instructed another servant to put the court uniform to air. Zhongshan Ling walked around the desk and sat behind the desk. He took the cup of tea given to him by Eunuch Lun and took a sip. He looked at his assistant dressed in black and asked "What did you find out?"


    "Answering your highness, I found out from a maid in the minister of Finance house that the third miss was grounded after she was caught trying to meet you last week. Madam Zhu and the Yu family are presently in talks to arrange a match between the third young mistress and Yu Jingting as a concu_"


    Xie Fang paused when he heard the teacup in the Crown Prince''s hands fall on the ground and shatter, plastering hot tea on the Crown Prince''s clothes. Eunuch Lun and Xie Fang quick called out "Your highness!" as they heard their master hiss and shift back.


    Eunuch Lun rushed forward with a napkin to wipe the crown princes hands, he checked Zhongshan Ling''s hands for bruises and luckily there wasn''t anything. Only a few splashed n his hand and apart from making his hand red there wasn''t any injuries but to be safe, Eunuch Lun soaked a handkerchief in cold water and placed it on his hands.


    "Thanks" Zhongshan Ling mutter glancing at Eunuch Lin then quickly turned to Xie Fang and asked, "what happened, the Zhu family weren''t contemplating a match with the Yu family previously".


    Xie Fang''s eyebrows creased slightly as the conversation once more came back to the Zhu family''s third young Mistress. He was starting to dislike that young mistress since she seemed to always cause the young master trouble. However, before he could respond, Eunuch Lun spoke


    "Your highness, forgive me for speaking out of turn but the Zhu Family and the Yu family has been very close for years. Such a union is not a surprise, I overheard some talk that the Yu family were in talks to arrange an engagement between their heir and Miss Zhu Fenfang two years ago".


    Zhongshan Ling looked up shocked "that long ago?"


    "Yes, your highness. Which makes one question the motive for Miss Fenfang meeting you, was it really innocent or planned all along to improve jer station. They must have been forced to hasten things up after catching the third young mistress meeting you"


    Zhongshan Ling slapped the desk, "innocent or not there is no excusing my involvement with her. We can not leave her reputation destroyed this way, I will speak with Minister Zhu about arranging a satisfying Union".


    Zhongshan Ling made a move to stand but was held back by Eunuch Lun, "not so fast your Highness".


    Zhongshan Ling glared at the elderly eunuch, he was about to go off on him but tge eunuch''s next words made him pause.


    "With all due respect Your Highness, I think that bringing in a concubine right now would be insulting to the Crown Princess consort and can create a huge mess. It is highly unethical to do marry a senior concubine mere weeks before the Crown Princess is married in".


    Even in his anger Zhongshan Ling understood what eunuch Lun said. It all made sense to him, his Imperial mother, the Empress employed a lot of effort to get him such a beneficial union like this. He was not about to belittle her efforts like this by committing such a textbook mistake like this.


    He nodded, "I can not let her suffer such injustice, what do you suggest I do?"


    Eunuch Lun moved closer, "there are two ways you could handle this, one is by adding to her dowry in secret and then convincing minister Zhu to marry her off as the main wife instead of a concubine. This method is most preferred by noble families since your relationship with Miss Fenfang was innocent. This method will leave both parties satisfied since it will leave the Yu family in a good relationship with your highness"


    Zhongshan Ling''s brow creased, "this is unacceptable, isn''t adding to her dowry going to make our relationship seem more unclean and put her at a disadvantage with her future in-laws. I think this rule is best used when marrying off your concubine! What is the next option?"


    Eunuch Lun pulsed his lip and continued, "The second option which I suspect that you will find more comfortable but I don''t think the third mistress would willingly agree to is to marry her in as a normal concubine.


    "You can promote her once she has served you long enough and produced a son. The Grand Princess and commandery Princess Xia wouldn''t find fault in that since it is common for a young master to take a concubine to teach him of bed matters before marriage"


    Zhongshan Ling was silent for some minutes as he thought deeply. Both were a means to an end but while he felt that the first option was insulting to Zhu Fenfang, he found himself leaning more to the second option. The thought of another man touching and owning Zhu Fenfang drove him mad.


    "Arrange a meeting with Minister Zhu," he said to Xie Fang.


    *********


    Two days later Zhu Fenfang was sent in a litter to the Crown Prince''s residence. She was brought in through the side door and unlike the main wife, she wasn''t given a wedding ceremony. Huge wedding ceremonies and Imperial decrees were reserved for the main wife.


    Although the Crown Prince''s concubine was at the same level as an imperial concubine and higher than a normal concubine. She was still a concubine, she couldn''t leave the residence without permission and couldn''t attend parties. Although she was given the title lady and madam, she wasn''t on the same level as the main wife.


    She would never be buried with the Crown Princess and her children would be registered under the main wife. Her only advantage was that her conditions were better than that of a normal concubine.

 Chapter 100: Small Province big problems 2

    Ningzhuo''s governor''s house


    Rong Rong helped her get out of the stuffy uniform and into a free light pink gown. Su Liya sat on the couch by the side of the room while Rong Rong led the servants in with her things. They brought in her boxes from the carriage and placed them in the room.


    Su Liya looked up when she saw a shadow covering the light from the window opposite her, "Baozhai!, have the three Ah''s got settled".


    Baozhai tilted her head to the side and rose one eyebrow up, "the three Ah''s?"


    Su Liya noticed that she mistakenly let her nickname for the three fixtures out, "I ah mean the new inner Fixtur_ I mean maids"


    "Yes, I left them in the side room. They are arranging things over there"


    "Good, keep them occupied so that they don''t cause any trouble" Su Liya picked up the cup of tea and took a sip. While Baozhai walked over to Rong Rong to find out how everything was going.


    Hours later, the carriage was emptied and all the unpacking was done. Su Liya had a nap while Baozhai and Rong Rong arranged everything in the room. Lu Yaozhu cane by just as it got dark, he went straight to Su Liya''s room he arrived.


    There was a faint scent of alcohol coming from him as he walked in, his cheek was a little red and he grinned a little. From her observation, he seemed a little tipsy and not full out drunk. She glanced looked beside her at Rong Rong and instructed "Brew a pot of sobering tea, be quick about it".


    "Yes," Rong Rong replied and ran out to the small kitchen at the side. The kitchen wasn''t very big, at best it was enough to boil water for a bath or to brew some tea. Any major cooking would be handled by the kitchen, An elderly maid manned the small kitchen.


    The weather was colder so the old Mama in the kitchen had a pot of water always on fire. She sat by the stove, carefully attending to the fire. She had been present when the maids for Fangxi Pavillion was introduced to the new madam. She had seen Rong Rong and Baozhai standing behind the new madam.


    They were dressed in high-quality uniforms which was an indication of their high status. Normal maid lie ranked maid wore low-grade clothes with rougher materials when compared to the high ranking maids.


    The high ranked maid wore softer, brighter colours and could afford colourful jade hairpins. Since most of their jewellery was gifted to them by their madam. As soon as she came in the old mama greeted her and asked her if she wanted some water.


    Rong Rong nodded and watched as the old mama poured some water into a jug and brought it to her. She came over with the sobering tea leaves, she poured the leaves into a cup and poured in some hot water before carefully distilling the tea. When the tea was brewed, she carried it on a tray back to the room.


    "Have some sobering tea, my lord" Lu Yaozhu picked the cup out of the tray and passed it to him. Lu Yaozhu nodded as he took the cup from her, "thanks". He drank up gently, he don''t gradually clear after a cup, Su Lita poured him a fresh cup when he was done. Two cups later he was very sober, his cheeks were less red and he sweated a little.


    "weren''t you just going to meet the security bureau, how come you are coming back drunk? Lu Yaozhu said as she kept the pot of tea and Cup away. She looked to Rong Rong, "take this away".


    Rong Rong nodded and silently returned the pot is tea and a cup to the tray. She bowed at Lu Yaozhu before leaving.


    Lu Yaozhu loosened the neck of his hanfu a little, "Deputy Sun and the security chief took me out to a restaurant for dinner, after the meeting".


    "How come dinner turned into a drinking fest, next time they try to get you drunk find an excuse and get out of them. See how much sobering tea it took to get touring cleared, drinking this much can not be healthy for your kidney" Su Liya grumbled frowning slightly.


    Lu Yaozhu chuckled while watching her, "don''t worry next time they try to pour alcohol down my neck I will reduce and tell them that my house''s tiger wife doesn''t like me to come back drunk".


    Su Liya hit him hard on the shoulder, "You_". She glanced at Baozhai and Yu Tao and frowned. Lu Yaozhu just bent to the side and burst into full-on laughter.


    Baozhai and Yu Tao glanced at each other and smiled. They got her hint, made some excuse and left the room. As they left, Su Liya rolled up sleeves and hit his other shoulder "okay that us enough laughter out of you, shut it" she whispered.


    Lu Yaozhu looked up and continued laughing, "if only you can see your expressed right now .... It is so funny".


    "Glad to see that I am amusing to you" she clicked her lips and looked away. "If you don''t have anything else to do please get out, I need to get some sleep" she muttered when her tummy rumbled a little.


    They were a short distance away so he heard her tummy, he paused and looked up "You haven''t eaten?".


    "No, I was waiting for you to come back"


    "Sorry" he called out, "Yu Tao! Have the kitchen send over a light dinner for madam and I"


    "Yes"


    Ten minutes later Yu Tao led some maids in with two food packs and see them out on the table. They left after setting the table, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu are silent. After which the table was clear, Su Liya talked for some time before calling it the night.


    *********


    Governor''s house at Ningzhuo


    Lu Yaozhu wasn''t aware of the crown prince''s intrusion into his plans until a few days later, the message was delivered to the governor''s office through his secure channels. He had just sat through four hours of meaningless debates by the local officials.


    That had been the norm since he resumed office a few days ago, they were relentless in their little games to draw him away from their tracks. So far they had brought up the reconstruction of the copper mines multiple times.


    Each time they did he shut them down with budget issues. He wasn''t going to clear any money withdrawals until he was given detailed reports of the financial activities during the past year. He had already done his private investigation and found some obvious discrepancies with the reports submitted to the imperial court.


    However the financial officers and his Deputy were acting stubborn, the insisted that the report submitted to the Imperial court was unaltered by them. When they weren''t swearing on their parent''s death, they ignored each question and just changed the topic. He would have to employ different tactics to get to the end of this.


    Lu Yaozhu fell on his office seat behind his office desk with a loud sigh, leaned back on the seat and massaged his temple gently. He sat up when there was a knock on the door and glanced at Yu Tao. Yu Tao bowed and walked over to answer the door, he said a few words to whoever that was and shut the door.


    He handed a sealed letter to Lu Yaozhu, "it is from brother Yu Ke".


    Li Yaozhu unsealed the letter and read it through quickly, after which he took out his lighter and set the letter on fire. "Do I have any other meetings?"


    "No you don''t", Yu Yao replied.


    Lu Yaozhu nodded, "let us call it a day". He stood and walked out of the room with Yu Tao following closely. Steward Meng met him at the entrance as he rode in. He had sent word that he was on the way back before leaving the Governor''s office.


    Steward Meng bent at a 45-degrees angle as he reined in his horse and said "welcome home my Lord"


    "Hmm" Lu Yaozhu passed the reins to the stable hand that ran over and jumped down from the horse. "Is Liya in the residence?" He asked as he walked into the compound.


    Steward Meng followed him closely, "Yes, madam is around. Should I instruct the cook to bring over a light lunch?"


    Lu Yaozhu shook her sleeves, "No need, I will eat with Liya. Have them send over two at of lunch to Madam''s waiters". He increased his pace as he walked in, he arrived outside Su Liya''s quarters minutes later.


    Apart from the few maids tending to the flower beds outside the pavilion, it was quiet. It was odd, there wasn''t any noise from inside the pavilion. He assumed that she may be reading a book and walked in. Two unfamiliar maids rushed up to him as he walked in, they blushed as they caught his gaze and giggled.

 Chapter 101: Small Province big problems 3

    Nongzhuo''s Governor''s house


    Lu Yaozhu gazed at the two mad suspiciously, this was his first time meeting these faces at Su Liya''s rooms. He glanced at Yu Tai questionably but even his trustee assistant wasn''t familiar with these maids but since they were dressed in the light green uniform of Ningzhuo''s governor''s housemaid.


    They might be new maids which would explain why he was only meeting them for the first time. He stepped back, the two maids looked like they wanted to pounce on him. They looked too excited, one quickly came forward.


    Ah Mei arranged her hanfu quickly and let the folds open a little such that her smile chest was visible. She had been working for sometime days in Fangxi pavilion and during that time, the young madam had kept them away from the room whenever the young master arrived.


    Their young madam made them do the hard jobs at the side room and kept them away from meeting the governor. ''So what if the madam was very beautiful, no man could resist such view. This plan had been thought of by her mother and since the madam wasn''t around, this was the right time to do this'' Ah Mei thought as she skillfully bowed and said in a sweet voice "Ah Mei greets Master Lu" she said.


    "Hmm, is your mistress?" Lu Yaozhu replied looking straight ahead, he had noticed her sneaky actions and locked eye at the wall behind her as soon as she bowed low. He wasn''t in support of these snide actions and wasn''t about to encourage her.


    Ah Mei looked up and instead of locking eyes with the master as she had expected, she locked eye on his clean shaved jaw. She got up and gently and followed his gaze to the wall behind her. She bit her lip gently and balled up her fist when she noticed that he had ignored her and instead treated her like air.


    She felt so embarrassed especially since there were people that witnessed her embarrassing situations. She murmured an excuse and rushed out of the room, she couldn''t stand there anymore. The second maid Ah Lan had a half-smile on her face as she watched her sister leave quickly.


    It was satisfying watching her leave out of embarrassment, it served her right for always throwing orders at everyone. She thought that a battle ridden general like the governor would fall for such tricks. She turned away from the door and faced the governor when she heard a discrete clearing of a throat.


    "Answering Governor Lu, our mistress is receiving guests at the receiving room" Ah Lan replied head bowed.


    "Has she been gone long?"


    "Yes".


    "Bring me a pot of tea I will stay back and wait" He glanced at Yu Tao and went to set on the seat by the window.


    "Yes, my Lord" Ah Lan walked briskly out of the room. Before heading to the small kitchen at the side of Fangxi Pavilion, she left for the side room where the madam was receiving the female guests and reported that the Governor was waiting in the living room.


    While Yu Tao rusted his master''s pavilion and returned with a book to keep his master entertained. As she left the study, he sent a message to the kitchen to hold on bringing the lunch set until Madam Lu had returned.


    Meanwhile, back at the side room of the Governor''s audience hall Su Liya was stuck receiving a small group of nosy noble ladies. They had received on her when she had just got back from visiting the Mu family''s Restaurant.


    *********


    Hours earlier, At Su Liya''s rooms.


    Su Liya had just finished having a bath when the noisest one of the three ah''s, Ah Li reported that matron Bao came over with a batch of the maids of the residence to pay respects to the new madam. Su Liya sighed loudly, "okay I will be there soon".


    Ah Li secretly glanced up at their young madam, she had just finished having her bath and was bare-faced. Their young madam only had her inner clothes on which gave a good view of her small waist, and curvy hips. She was very pretty as the rumours said, it was no surprise that she caught the young master''s eyes.


    Ah Li bowed a left the room, she met her elder sister Ah Mei on her way out. She couldn''t help but compare her pretty sister to the beautiful young madam. Her elder sister was often praised by everyone for being quite the beauty, with her clean, pale complexion free from blemishes and pimples, big Bright eyes, small thin lips small nose and slim figure.


    Ah Mei was tge pride of their family, according to her mother matron Bao, Ah Mei would make their family proud by getting herself a marriage into a noble family. A few young masters of Ningzhuo''s noble families have shown interest in her but her mother all turned them down when she heard that the newly appointed governor was the Empress''s favourite nephew.


    Ah Mei scoffed when she noticed her looking intently at her "stop standing there like a fool and go report to mother. I don''t know why we have to listen to that madam, look at how she is giving out orders like she is even of noble birth".


    "Hush! Ah Mei Jei jei, she might hear you" she chastised her quickly.


    "Who cares if she hears me, she can not do anything to me. Just give me a few days and I will have the master in the palm of my arm, I will surely put her in her place!" Ah Mei grumbled and walked out with Ah Li.


    Minutes later Su Liya came out with her two ladies made, two chairs and a low table was brought out for the young madam and Matron Gu. The small low table was in-between the two chairs, Su Liya was seated on the cushioned chair while Matron Gu sat on the other chair.


    A fresh set of unused paper and ink was placed on the low chair. Each maid came forward and reported their qualification and duties to Su Liya. After which Su Liya asked them a few questions on their duties, while Matron Gu wrote a report on each made.


    Meanwhile, on Su Liya''s orders, Baozhai drafted a new contract for the maids, stating their new wages and duties. The mauds came forward to sign the contract before stepping aside. By the end of the introduction, the makes received new contracts.


    A few were given higher positions but everyone was given a raise. However since they had worked for years in the residence, Su Liya didn''t dismiss the unqualified maid and just kept them at their previous lower position but increase their salary by 5%. Everyone went home in high spirits as opposed to what matron Bao expected.


    Su Liya was about ordering for breakfast when the servants came over with some dried Fruits sent over by Zhu Fengyin. She had been expecting to receive a message from Zhu Fengyin so she opened the parcel as soon as it was brought in and as expected, Zhu Fengyin left her a secret message inside one of the smacks.


    The message was rolled into a small thin slip of paper, she carefully unrolled the note and the note was empty. All that was written was two lines of words which was an address to a restaurant in Ningzhuo.


    "Baozhai help me get dressed, I am going out for breakfast. I want to taste some of Ningzhuo''s local delicacies" she said as she balled up the note and threw it into the warm handsome on the table to burn.


    Although Baozhai found her sudden interest in the Local delicacies odd, she didn''t say anything about that and just helped her get dressed while Rong Rong was sent out to inform the kitchen not to make any breakfast for her.


    Twenty minutes later she got into the carriage with Baozhai, while Rong Rong stayed by to gather information. Rong Rong initially prepared to follow her out when she was held back by Su Liya,


    "You will be staying back Rong Rong, you can''t go with me. Someone has to stay back here and watch the servants movement. I need you to use your expertise to find out as much as you can about the former Masters of this residence and the servants. You have to earn their trust through any means necessary".


    Rong Rong initially felt like she was being left out when she was informed that she wasn''t leaving with her mistress but her mood uplifted as she received her mistress''s orders. She nodded happily "Yes"


    Baozhai just shook her head on seeing Rong Rong''s joyful expression. Rong Rong is the only one that will be happy to gossip in orders, while she didn''t understand the obsession this younger maid had with gossip. She understood the importance of these orders, she patted Rong Rong on the shoulder and muttered,"Do good job" on her way out.


    Su Liya and Baozhai got into the carriage, while Steward Meng looked on. Su Liya was sure that the crafty old man would report her movements to his master as soon as she left. Su Liya didn''t let the driver know where she was headed and just instructed the carriage driver to take her to a restaurant before going close to city hall.

 Chapter 102: The problem with having nosy neighbours

    Ningzhuo, northern Wei


    Steward Meng had more than enough eyes watching these new masters of his, Years of service had taught him the importance of information. Especially information about high ranking members of the nobility, being the steward of the residence of the highest-ranking official in the province didn''t pay as well as selling information.


    The previous governor was a halfwit who could think we''ll for himself and relied on his powerful in-laws to bankroll him and give him insights. He hardly ever attended court and when he did it was to agree to everything his father-in-law pushed for like a dummy.


    A smart person working for a fool was quite hurtful to one, he had never understood the importance of having good information to share until he worked for an incompetent master. The previous governor was quite foolish, he thought that his father-in-law would forever be in power and committed a lot of monstrosities.


    His previous master''s stupidity earned him a lot of benefits but he never counted on the Emperor sending a new governor from the capital. This new governor was a decorated general known to be shrewd and rumoured to be a devil on the battlefield.


    However, while that was good qualities to have as a general, it wasn''t a good assurance on a governor. The new Governor and his wife were a mystery, he needed to crack.


    These new masters of his weren''t that difficult to serve, the Governor was a workaholic as opposed to the previously over chanced governor he previously chances. He had a simple pattern which is to wake, wash up, dress up, eat breakfast and then leave for the Governor''s office.


    When he got back from the governor''s office he ate lunch and then locked himself up in his study working on reports. The only time he left the study was when he had dinner with the madam. The madam on the other hand was about as reclusive as the governor.


    She didn''t care much for going out, which was why he was taken aback when one of his little birds reported that their madam was going out to sample the local delicacies. The news came in as he got back from his rounds and laid down at the recliner by the window to rest his bones.


    He had only shut his eyes for one second when there was a loud knock on the door of his quarters. His eyes snapped open and swore silently, whoever that was just kept on knocking relentlessly even after receiving no response out of him.


    He sat up, hissing as his waist ached a little. He held one side of his waist and carefully got up. He glared at the door when the little fool at the door knocked once more. Whoever that was must have grown an extra brain cell because he heard a familiar muffled voice, "steward Meng! It is I, Jun".


    Everything made sense once he discovered who was at the door, ''I should have known it was this idiot when he didn''t even stop knocking for a second'' he thought. He ran his hands through his face, "come in".


    The idiot servant rushed in, he passed a few steps from the door on seeing steward Meng''s angry expression, "ai steward Meng did I wake you from sleep. You look a little sleepy!"


    Steward Meng ignored the nonsense he sprouted and just shook his head while thinking ''Idiot!''. He picked up a teacup next to him and threw it at the little fool. The idiot dared to step aside, the cup missed the target and hit the wall behind him.


    "You! Idiot! You dare to avoid that!"


    The younger make servant fell on both knees hard and moved forward, "please don''t be angry Steward Meng, I only wanted to bring you this information quickly. It was time-sensitive!"


    Steward Meng glared at the servant and returned the stationary he had picked up to the table, "the information had better be important or I will skin you alive!"


    The servant let out the breath he held in when he saw steward Meng return the stationary to the table. "I have very fresh information on our madam, I promise that you won''t be disappointed". The servant stood and wiped his clothes.


    "Say whatever you came here to say before I lose my patience!" Steward Meng said loudly, shocking the servant.


    "Um so it is like this" the servant started saying when he received a hard stare from Steward Meng which made him spit out the information quickly "Madam cancelled breakfast, she is going out to eat the local delicacies. She ordered sister Ah Li to inform the stable master and the carriage driver to bring the carriage around!"


    Steward Meng stood quickly which made the servant take a huge step back. The fearful servant merely ran out of the room when steward Meng exclaimed "What!"


    The servant fell on his knee once more, "I am telling the truth steward Meng, that is why the information seemed to be very time-sensitive?" Tears pooled up in his eyes on seeing the stewards dark expression.


    "Get up you little klutz, I wouldn''t hurt you. I have more pressing issues than dealing with you. Tell me did she happen to mention where she was headed?"


    The servant stood still feeling a little shaky, "No Sir, this is her first time here so she couldn''t know anywhere in Ningzhuo!"


    Steward Meng beckoned the young man over and when he got closer, he slapped him at the back of his head, "I know it is her first time her idiot, it is just that this is a little out of character for her. I want to know if she had anywhere specific she was headed to?"


    The younger servant rubbed his head gently, "oh then no, she just asked if there were any good restaurants close by", he replied grinning.


    "That means that she isn''t doing anything suspicious, she must have gotten tired of staying at home alone and wanted to go out and sightsee. Good but just to be sure, have Dongyi follow her, I want to find out everything she does".


    "Yes," the servant replied, smiling expectantly.


    Steward Meng saw his giddy expression and muttered "Idiot!" As he took out a fell count and hand threw it at the fool. He only worked with this idiot because it was easier to control a fool, who did not think as much as he did. He arranged his clothes when he was sure that he looked a little tidier.


    He left his room and stood by the gate, it would seem that most madams had delayed a lot longer than usual because their madam took her sweet time to come out. He opened his head to hear if she would mention any restaurant names but she didn''t so he let go of his suspension a little but still ordered Dongyi to trail her movement. He stood by the gate and watched until the carriage was out of sight before going inside.


    ""********?*


    Mu''s restaurant, Ningzhuo


    Before arriving at the restaurant while they were in the carriage, Su Liya hadn''t specified where they were headed or even the reason behind their visit but Baozhai suspected that their visit had to do with the eldest madam''s secret note. She had only stayed at the Duke''s residence for some weeks before they left for Ningzhuo.


    However, she had come to understand just what kind of woman the Duchess was, people in the capital saw her as a proud, vicious and manipulative wife. Who to improve her position in her in-law''s house and prevent the general from marrying well, ordered her maid to seduce her brother-in-law.


    Thereby ruining his prospects, in every rumour concerning the Lu Family Zhu Fengyin was painted as a vicious spoiled brat. However, on meeting the Duchess a few times and based on what she heard from Rong Rong, she observed that Zhu Fengyin was nothing like the rumours suggested.


    If old madam Lu and young mistress Lu let go of their obvious prejudices, they will see that Zhu Fengyin was a smart and kind girl who cared only for the safety of the Lu family. Even if she did order her maid to seduce the young master, her young mistress was a better match for the general than any of the other noble ladies.


    She didn''t question why they were headed to a restaurant, she trusted her mistress''s judgement so when her mistress asked her if the restaurant reserve private rooms for the governor, she replied honestly.


    As soon as they walked into the restaurant, she stooped a waitress aside and asked "Hello this is the governor''s wife, her highness Princess Qin. We would like to make use of the governor''s rooms" she showed the maid the Lu family''s batch.


    The maid nodded and ran out to call the restaurant manager a tall young man who looked to be in his thirties. The manager led them to the private room on seeing the Lu family batch. The guards from the governor''s mansion stood guard at the door while Su Liya and Baozhai walked in.

 Chapter 103: The problem with having nosy neighbours 2

    Mu''s Restaurant, Ningzhuo.


    The waitress handed the badge over to her manager, who stood by the counter going through the sales record. She tapped the table to get his attention, she smiled and relayed Baozhai''s words to him when he looked up. Then presented the batch to him, the manager looked down at the batch and glace back at the governor''s wife.


    The Duchess of Wu sent drawn a portrait of both the Lu family''s batch and the governor wife. Everything matched with her portraits so he dismissed the maid and walked over to Su Liya.


    "Welcome to Mu restaurant, Your Highness. I am the manager Mu Chen, I will lead you to the governor''s box"


    Baozhai nodded and replied, "thanks, lead the way Mu"


    Mu Chen gestured to the step leading to the second floor of the restaurant, "Please come this way".


    Su Liya nodded and they followed Mu Chen up the stairs to the private too at end of the hallway. Mu Chen unlocked the door, pulled the door open, walked into the room and stepped aside for Su Liya and Baozhai to walk in.


    The room was quite similar to the traditional private room in modern times, it was a normal-sized room with a square-shaped table at the centre of the room and four heated seating mats placed around the table. There were two open windows in the room, which brightened up the room and made it airy.


    Although the room hadn''t been used in a while there wasn''t a single spec of dust which spoke of the proper management of the restaurant and hard-working staff.


    Su Liya took a seat facing the food while Baozhai stood behind her. A guard from the governor''s mansion loitered for seconds, it wasn''t a face she was familiar with so he could not be one of Lu Yaozhu''s men. She got familiar with his men during the journey to Ningzhuo, so he had to be one of the steward Meng''s Little spies.


    She had suspected that they were a few of them placed around her, she took note of his face and sent him away from the room. As he left to keep him from getting suspicious of her visit to Mu restaurant, she asked " What are the local dishes you have on the menu?"


    Mu Chen saw the lurking guard and understood what she was getting at, he played along with her a began to explain most of their chef''s special. The guard left a few minutes later when he didn''t see anything out of place.


    Mu Chen waited a few minutes for the guard to leave the door before falling on one knee, balled up his right fist and rested his fist on his heart "Mu Chen greets your Highness".


    Su Liya wasn''t yet used to people bowing to her and waved him up quickly, "no no no please don''t act so form a_"


    "It is your due respect, your highness. I was given orders by the Duchess to help you during your stay in Ningzhuo. How may I help you?"


    Su Liya looked intently at the door and back at Mu Chen, "have the servants come in with my orders, to throw the snitch off"


    Mu Chen nodded, "Yes your Highness". He left the room only to come back minutes later with three waiters following him behind with her order.


    Dongyi watched the food with great concentration as the waiters carried them in, he hasn''t had anything to eat since morning.


    Steward Meng called him in to follow the new madam before he could eat his breakfast. He couldn''t reject the orders since Steward Meng had him on a leach. He placed his hand on his tummy as his tummy rumbled silently.


    Su Liya needed an excuse to send the guard away, well mostly steward Meng''s spy. She could only order some food for the guards that came with her. It was a risky move but worked, the guards were led to a private room at the side by the waiters where they were served their meal.


    With the guards out of hearing distance, She could talk freely with Mu Chen. "Fengyin tells me that your family has been in Ningzhuo for decades, so you must be familiar with the officials and nobility, from these parts. Tell me all you can about the local officials starting with the previous governor"


    Mu Chen sat on the mat opposite Su Liya and said "The previous Governor surnamed Sun is the youngest son of the northern branch of the Longxi''s Sun family. Although they are only a distant branch of the illustrious scholarly family that has produced four imperial Tutors to the crown prince. They had made a name for themselves in these parts but are now in decline.


    "The members of the recent generation are all corrupt people leaders and haven''t achieved much, the previous governor was the fourth son of the family and apparent heir to old master Sun since he was the only son of the legitimate wife. However, after the Embezzlement crimes, he was banished to the war front and stripped of all his wealth.


    "Following his arrest, his elder brother born of the Eldest master of the Sun family''s first concubine was temporarily put in charge of the government"


    Su Liya nodded "he is the present deputy right". She received a nod from Mu Chen, she took a sip of warm tea and muttered "I met him, don''t like him. He seems like the greedy sort".


    "That is because he is greedy but unlike the previous governor, he is smart enough to hide his actions. His speciality is to snatch peoples land and mismanage the city''s funds. I suspect that he is somehow connected to the northern bandits since he likes to use them to chase the common folks out of their lands and them acquires them at a very low price"


    Su Liya balled up her fist "so real estate fraud and misappropriation of public funds. All textbook crimes of corrupt politicians, he can not be doing this alone?"


    "He isn''t, he had the head of the provincial ministry of works and finance covering his tracks. Oh and also the head of Ningzhuo''s battalion"


    Su Liya looked up, "he also has his claws in the military, typical!"


    "Yea but that is not the end of it, your Highness. He has the Shi family protecting him but as far as I know, this union was only made recently. His made protectors are his wife''s family the Lau family. The Lau family own the tin mines and took over the contracts initially belonging to the Wu family and are now the main suppliers of tin to the capital"


    A light sparked in her mind on hearing that, "that can be fair to the Wu family, how are things in the Wu family?"


    "Not very good, when they lost the imperial contract their financier took a nosedive. Since they lost one of the major contracts but luckily they still have their silver mines but Deputy Sun has been trying to hold them down. I suspect his acquiring the lands around the mountainside with hopes that he will stumble upon a mountain with benefits. There are rumours that there are a few Mountains like that in these parts"


    "We can not have that now can we, tell me more about the Wu family?"


    "The Wu family is one of the richest families in the North, they have a few political officials but are mainly into business. The Previous governor was married to the only child of the Wu family but she and her child died in childbirth.


    "They were the main family protecting the previous governor but after losing the royal contract, things have gone downhill. The death of his only child cribbled old master Wu, he hasn''t been in the best of health."


    "So the Wu family doesn''t have an heir?"


    "No, they don''t"


    Su Liya found that a little odd, the Wu family weren''t mentioned much in the original novel. As far as she could remember, the Wu family was only mentioned when the new Emperor got on the throne and commanded the investigation into the officials in Ningzhuo.


    The New Emperor, who was the original male lead did that to clear the Lu family''s name after being accused of treason, which although they were later pardoned was a huge dent in their reputations. During his investigation, it was discovered that the Wu family was cheated out of the royal contract by the new governor of Ningzhuo.


    Who as she remembered was also surnamed Sun, which had to be the present deputy Sun. Zhu Fengyin mentioned that before being arrested for treason. Lu Yaozhu was accused of corruption, was all these planted by Deputy Sun and the Lau family. Then maybe if she found out what Deputy Sun and the Shi family was up to, she could prevent Lu Yaozhu from getting arrested and the fall of the Lu family.


    She looked up at Mu Chen, "can you get someone into the Sun family and the Lau family. Is that possible?"


    Mu Chen rubbed his chin silently for some seconds then nodded "I can''t make any promises but I will see what I can do. The Lau family are recently hiring, I can order one of my men to go in and investigate but getting someone into the Sun family won''t be easy."


    "You don''t need to get someone in, we can turn someone over. Money makes the world go around, offer as much as you can or get dirt on one of the high ranking maids. Any method will work"


    "I will put someone on that".

 Chapter 104: The problem with having nosy neighbours 3

    The Governor''s mansion.


    Su Liya didn''t spend much time at the restaurant, to avoid raising any unwarranted attention. She returned to the Governor''s mansion as soon as her plans were settled. Just as he did when she left, Steward Meng welcomed her at the door. An ignorant person would mistake his action for dedication to his duties but not Su Liya.


    She knew that the reasons for these elaborate actions on his part were dishonourable. It was all a ploy to get her to relax her guard around him and create a wide opening for him to enter. However, she feigned ignorance and went on as nothing happened.


    Living in this time has honed her acting skills, she was now used to saying what she termed beautiful lies.


    Once she was out of sight Steward Meng called Dongyi over and inquired about the trip to the restaurant. Apart from saying the restaurant they had visited, there wasn''t anything to report. Their young madam was like a typical madam true and true apart from spending money endlessly there was nothing special about her.


    He led down his guard on her, there was no need to waste resources on her, it would be a lot more productive to pay more attention to the governor. His Employer was paying him to watch the governor, not his wife.


    At Su Liya''s end, Rong Rong was waiting in her room when she got to Fangxi Pavillion. The inner maids were all dismissed, Su Liya felt more relaxed with the three Ahs out of hearing distance but to be safe, she spoke in low tones.


    Su Liya took off the outer jacket and passed it to Baozhai "Rong Rong, Were you able to find out anything about the previous occupants of the residence?"


    Rong Rong lips touched on remembering the juicy information she had discovered, "Yes your highness, I found quite a few interesting facts"


    "Do tell?" Su Liya said grinning as she put her hand through a fresh blouse.


    "When I brought up the precious governor the servant spilled a lot of interesting stories. The gist of it all is that the previous governor was a womaniser and well your typical never do well young master but it was the governor''s wife that had a very interesting story".


    "Apart from being the only child of the Wu family what other rumours are there?" Now that she was well dressed Su Liya sat on the stool by the tea table and rested her elbow on the table.


    "The previous Governor was quote a player that messed around with the maids in the residence. One of the mad that he had a fling with was that old witch, Matron Bao but get this, She has a son that was born at the same time as the madam''s child but he died of a cold when he was just a few weeks old"


    "Matron Bao isn''t the first maid to give birth for the master of the house and lose the child. Why would that be a rumour?"


    "Because when the governor''s wife died in childbirth, the midwife recorded a birth of a living child"


    Su Liya sat forward, "What!"


    "Yes so makes you wonder why the next day when the governor was arrested, the child was recorded as dead. When deputy Sun brought up the rumours the midwife changed her story and said that she was mistaken."


    "You mean to say that, the child was taken away?"


    "Yes, by the Wu family since a few years later there were rumours that old master Wu adopted a child from the side branch of the family but no one has seen the adopted child. Since the Wu family doesn''t socialise anymore".


    Su Liya sat back and brought down her hand on the table and tapped her fingers on the table gently. If the rumours were right then Rong Rong just found her an in with the Wu family but first, she had to do something to get the Wu family''s attention.


    How does one go about that exactly, she thought of bringing this up to Lu Yaozhu but didn''t know-how. Lu Yaozhu was sent down here to eradicate the bandits and ensure peace in the north. To do that, he would need the support of the battalion stationed here but getting that would be hard.


    If Deputy Sun still had a hold over them, before the Shi family and the Emperor made their move. Lu Yaozhu needed to neutralise the threat Deputy Sun and the Lau family presented. She needed to speak with Lu Yaozhu about this. There wasn''t much time left, the Emperor could make his move any time soon.


    The sound of fast footsteps drew get away from her thoughts, as Ah Li rushed into the room. " My Lady, we have a guest!"


    Su Liya looked up, "guests? Who are they"


    "It is Madam Ning from the next compound and a few other madams"


    "Oh, you can''t tell her that I am having a nap or something"


    Ah Li shook her head continuously, "no no we can''t. Madam Ning saw you come down from the carriage. She said it herself"


    Su Liya frowned and thought, ''who is this Madam Ning that is shameless enough to say something like this?" This neighbour of hers was giving her no room to escape, she sighed and nodded "have the kitchen send over some snacks, I will be joining them soon"


    "Yes," Ah Li replied and ran out of the room.


    Su Lita glanced at Rong Rong, "who on earth is this Madam Ning?''


    "According to the maids, she is the right madam of a dried fruit merchant family. She is the second daughter of old man Lau and feels entitled''


    "I should have known she was related to the Lau family, since she is too chanced and came here to disturb my rest I will tame her a little."


    Su Liya waited for close to twenty minutes before Coming out to meet the madams. The wait was designed to put them on edge so it wasn''t a surprise when she overhead them criticizing her as she wall in.


    "Where is that upstart, we have been waiting for some time. Madam Ning, I thought you said she was timid, what game is she playing keeping us waiting"


    "I don''t know what she is up to but Madam Chen do be patient, she might just be busy getting changed. Didn''t she just get back home"


    "Alright, I will listen. I am just disgusted that I will have to bow to a no need lady of low class like her"


    "Haha, she is quite a low-class bitch. Who in northern Wei doesn''t know how she got married to the Governor. There is nothing special about her, it is her methods that are too bad."


    "Oh that true, I heard that she is quite the beauty. It is a pity that she is as despicable as expected"


    "We should watch out for our young masters and husbands, in case she chooses to cast her gaze at them"


    Su Liya stood a few steps away from the door and listen silently to what they said. She wasn''t surprised at their snobbish attitude, she had experienced as much from them. However, Rong Rong was so angry for her mistress she nearly matched in to give them a dress down but was held back by Baozhai before she cour take a step.


    Su Liya saw their little actions and smiled, she walked in as the last woman finished speaking. She replied jokingly, "there is no need to watch protect your sons and husband from this princess. I am not a cougar, the Governor is more than enough".


    Her sudden appearance made the woman stiffen, they all blushed but Su Liya never intended to let them go so easily. She continued, "You women really shouldn''t listen to rumours, those are often lies made up by malicious people. When the Emperor granted this princess marriage to the Governor. He called us sweethearts, anything contrary is wrong. They are rumours challenging the Emperor''s orders".


    The madams all felt the colour drain off their faces on hearing that, the crime of challenging the Emperor''s orders was a major crime that can get the whole four generations of your family wiped. They all fell on their knees and said loudly, even Madam Ning joined them in their cries.


    "Your highness please forgive me"


    "Don''t take this to heart, your highness, we were wrong"


    "Please forgive this foolish servant?"


    "This lowly one doesn''t dare say something like that!"


    Su Liya smirked, "aiya why are you all being all serious, I was only playing. I think you all take life too serious, I was just pulling your legs. This is a very serious crime to accuse someone of since the result could be disastrous. Please stand, I understand that it was all rumours. It can not be your word or well that could cost you your entire family and wealth".


    The women all nodded with fake laughter, their lady''s maids helped them back to their seats. Madam Ning who was so full of herself initially, mellowed down. She had come over to intimidate the new governor''s wife but the table turned on her so quickly.


    She had assumed that the governor''s wife was timid since she wasn''t of noble birth, at the rumours from the capital said it that wasn''t the case. This improvised Princess wasn''t going to be an easy target.

 Chapter 105: We are a team arent we

    The Governor''s mansion


    About Forty minutes into her conversation with these women, Su Liya concluded that these women had too much time in their hands and nothing to do. She was bored of these baseless conversations the women brought up, in the beginning, they seem to launch an Inquisition into Lu Yaozhu and herself.


    However, the conversation progressed onto a gossip fest, they threw around information concerning other madams. Su Liya initially found their conversation interesting since their gossip provided some necessary information on the other members of the upper-class families of Ningzhuo, but it got tiring.


    It was like she had been seated here for ages, she was tired of their aimless conversation and desperately needed little rescue. She was very happy when Ah Lan reported that the governor was waiting in her room. It was just the right excuse that she needed to get out of this situation.


    The women must have gotten sick of her tight lip responses to their prying questions because they didn''t argue when she informed them that the Governor was asking for her. They just said a few words and quickly exited the mansion.


    Su Liya let out a breath of relief after they were led out by Baozhai, "finally! I am free. Hopefully, they won''t come looking for me again. She shook her head and sighed "I really can''t stand those women, let''s get back to fangxi Pavillion".


    Ah Lan greeted her as she got into the pavilion, Su Liya noticed that the annoying maid that acted as a permanent fixture at the entrance of her rooms was absent. How could she miss an opportunity to interact with her dream husband, She looked around before finally asking the girl in front of her "Where is Ah Mei?"


    Ah Lan blinked quickly then looked up at her usually quiet young madam, "answering madam Lu, Ah Mei stepped out to handle a few things at the maids quarters".


    Su Liya didn''t say anything and just replied with an "Oh". She continued inside as if it was nothing but deep inside she felt her heart steady. She was just at the entrance of her living room when she ordered Rong Rong to bring in some food. Lu Yaozhu left for City Hall very early in the morning, he must be famished and after running on just breakfast.


    Su Liya went in alone while Rong Rong ran out to arrange their lunch. Lu Yaozhu was asleep when she walked in. He was seated by the window, with his head leaning by the wall. The book that he was previously reading was on the floor by his foot.


    It must have fallen at some point, this was her first time seeing him this relaxed since they met. He was always so alert and serious in whatever he did, even when they shared a room during their trip to Ningzhuo. Lu Yaozhu slept later than she did and woke up earlier than she did.


    He was always on edge, maybe it was because of the present situation in northern Wei and the Emperor''s paranoia. He looked so peaceful and cute, he wasn''t so dazzling but he was still good looking. The scar on his left eye made him look a little rougher, he looked mature as opposed to the usual boyish good look typical in the male leads in most romance books.


    Her lips tugged up as she watched him silently, moments like this made her wish she had a cell phone but that was impossible. Cell phones weren''t invented until over 500 years from now, she walked silently into her bedroom and mixed up a light blanket.


    She draped the blanket on her shoulders, as she bent to Pick the fallen book. She locked eyes with him as she stood, "Yaozhu, you are up. Sorry did I was you. I didn''t mean to do that". She shook the book a little, "Your book fell".


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t respond, he glanced from her to the book then to the blanket draped over her shoulders, "you wanted to place a blanketing shoulder? That would have woken me, next time just let me sleep".


    "but what if you catch a cold?"


    "I will take some medicine for that, I can not risk injuring you because I felt a slight movement around me. After surviving a few assassinations, I am not always in the right mind", he said standing and stretching a little.


    "Oh ... okay, let me return the blanket" she walked briskly into her bedroom and folded the blanket then placed it on the table.


    Back at the living room, Lu Yaozhu heard some hurried footsteps as Rong Rong returned with the kitchen staff. They all bowed on seeing Lu Yaozhu, He nodded and stepped back to give the space to work. He appreciated their arrival, he was hungry enough to eat a cow whole.


    Su Liya returned as the maids left, Lu Yaozhu watched his hands in a watching hand basin then sat on one end of the table while Su Liya sat on the other end of the table.


    Su Liya saw him dive in hastily and sighed "Ah Lan said that you have been waiting for me, I am sorry for keeping you waiting. The madams were quite relentless, they were like wolves".


    Lu Yaozhu smiled, " I guessed much, hope you didn''t run into any difficulties with them?"


    "No, they were harmless. Just your typical nosy neighbours, it can not be easy in court how was today''s meeting?"


    "Unproductive, Deputy Sun is as stubborn as it gets. He has the other officials following his lead"


    Su Liya froze as she heard him mention Deputy Sun, "not just the officials but also the army?"


    Lu Yaozhu looked up, "You have heard something?"


    "Yes, it was nothing good. Deputy Sun and the Lau family are bad news, Yaozhu"


    Lu Yaozhu gazed at her thoughtful but while she thought he was considering her words about deputy Sun. His thoughts were far from that.


    Lu Yaozhu thought, ''There it is again, she called me Yaozhu. Is she even aware that she has done so? Has our relationship grown that she was now comfortable calling me by my name and not general''


    She said a few more things but none of that registered in his head. Lu Yaozhu expected hearing her call his name to feel a little awkward but it felt good. He was happy to hear his name out of her lips. Su Liya noticed that he had stopped eating and glanced at him, "You are not eating what is wrong? Did I step out of bounds by talking about politics? I know that women are not supposed to talk about these things".


    Lu Yaozhu laughed, "you didn''t step out of bounds, it just that I.... I am sometimes amazed by what you say".


    Su Liya''s cheeks heated up, she laughed nervously, "Is that a good thing, because if not you do not need to listen to my nonsense just ignore me".


    "But I like hearing your nonsense, who cares about social convention. Unlike most officials, I believe that everyone''s opinion should be taken into consideration even women. I was raised by my Imperial aunt, who by the way is the smartest woman I know. My father always said that if she wasn''t a woman, she would have become the Duke of Wu, not him. It is a pity that she held back by the Emperor"


    Su Liya looked down at her arms self-consciously, and nodded "Imperial mother is very fair in her treatment of everyone, after that incident although she was suspicious of me, she treated me respectfully".


    "Well, that is my Imperial aunt for you, as to that bit about women not talking about politics. That is just pathetic to me, it doesn''t apply to me. Like I said, the day we got married, husband and wife are one. We live or die together, you have proven time and time again to be a smart woman. I would be stupid not to listen to you"


    Su Liya tilted her head to the side and mattered "you know how to say the sweetest things. Since you said something that nice, I will give you bonus content. Apart from mismanagement of public funds, Deputy Sun is in bed with the bandits and has some hold on the battalion stationed here".


    Lu Yaozhu wasn''t shocked, he had suspected as much and his spies had discovered that but he didn''t say anything to her. He just smiled and replied "there is no need to give me any bonus since I didn''t properly fulfil my end of our bargain last time"


    "What do you mean?"


    "While the brother Ling didn''t marry Zhu Fenfang as the main wife, he still brought her in as a concubine."


    "What about the commandery Princess? Did the grand princess refuse, Imperial mother?"


    "No, she didn''t, everything went as planned on that end. Commandery Princess Xia and brother Ling would be married in five days as planned but Zhu Fenfang still got into the royal family albeit as a concubine"


    Su Liya was silent for a few seconds, she hadn''t expected this but it looked like things were still progressing according to the original plot. All they had achieved was just twisting the plot a little but not changing it.


    "It would seem that a union between those two is destined to happen. That''s alright certain things aren''t left to human control but ones faith".

 Chapter 106: Allies or Enemies 1

    The Governor''s mansion.


    "It would seem that a union between those two is destined to happen. That''s alright certain things aren''t left to human control but one''s fate".


    Lu Yaozhu brought his teacup to his mouth to take a sip of tea but paused on hearing the word fate. He glanced at her small face with scrunched brows. "Fate, I didn''t think I would ever hear you say that. Do you believe in faith? You don''t seem like the kind of person that does".


    Her lips tugged up, "but I do, believe in fate. Don''t you?"


    Lu Yaozhu dropped the cup of tea with a clack and looked away "No, fate is just an excuse used to fool people. If it did exist things wouldn''t be this bad, life has taught me that such things like fate are just wishful thinking".


    "What gave rise to these ideas?" Su Liya could guess what would influence him this way but she was still curious to hear his answer. She was curious if he would be honest with her or avoid the question entirely. They had gotten closer during the trip to Ningzhuo, however, she could tell just how close.


    This was her way of testing how close they had gotten. Had they gotten close enough that he would give her an honest answer or would her give her a half baked answer designed to discourage her from prying. His answer would decide how she would go about handling things at Ningzhuo. Her various life experiences taught her not to judge people by their words but by their actions.


    "There was a lot of things I believed in when I was young but as I got older, I lost interest in those things. Maybe because of my personal experience or from mere observation. Do you know that when a child is born most families invite priests to make divination on the child.


    The priest checks the child''s fate, luck and the rest. I said most families because not all family does that but the royal families do that. Those readings often decide on the path a child is meant to take in life. The Emperor was the 12th Prince born to the previous Emperor, he was born right after the crown prince was injured in battle and fell ill.


    "The Imperial physicians all told the previous Emperor, that the crown prince was fatally injured and won''t leave long. Everyone was so worried because the crown prince was the only healthy young prince that lived till adulthood. Out of the two other princes that were born after him, one died of illness.


    "While the other was assassinated by bandits while on an official trip to Western Liang state. You see most princes die young because of struggles within the haram. Just as they nearly lost hope the Empress dowager was found to be with child. When the Emperor was born a monk was invited by the Empress dowager and as usual divination was carried out and the result praised the Emperor for being chosen as a just and kind leader.


    "How is it that someone believed to be fated to be a kind and just reader, be so jealous and heartless that he nearly eliminated an entire clan. Fate to me is a big lie used to justify human greed, I don''t believe in that and I never will. One day I will make him pay in blood for everything"


    "There is always an exception to every rule Yaozhu, don''t let the Emperor''s actions change you into something you are not. Everyone was born with free will which means that we are responsible for our actions. Emperor Zhong was destined to be a just Emperor but he made a decision not to be just.


    "It was his decision, just as you decided to protect your family. Don''t let him get the pleasure of ruining your life. if you want to beat that paranoid old man, you have to succeed. He sent you here to suffer so let''s make the best of this situation. We can neutralise any of his traps and make a place for the Lu family in northern Wei. As long as there is life nothing is impossible".


    Lu Yaozhu watched her silently for some seconds and laughed, " You almost have convinced. Liya even if we stayed out of his way and just performed our duties, he will still find a way to hurt us. You can''t reason with a mad man. However, I could humour you for a short time but the moment he draws innocent blood. I will destroy him".


    His word brought a chill down her spine, he both looked and sounded like the cold-hearted general he was rumoured to be. While she understood where he was coming from but she was a little scared that he would end up getting killed. She felt a little invested in his life now that she had gotten to know him.


    ********"


    Duke''s Wu mansion


    It was nearly 10 pm but Lu Yingjie was yet to return from the crown prince''s mansion. There had been three murder cases these last two weeks, all the victims were all court officials and were all killed at night. Lu Yingjie had sent word a few hours ago that he would be joining the crown prince for dinner this night and might come back late.


    It was now very late at night and he was yet to return, Zhu Fengyin was a little worried. She stood by the window and looked up at the star-filled sky. The stars were all out this night, almost like they had come out to celebrate. She heard a quiet footstep a few steps away and turned around. Her maid Tian Tian walked in with a tray of fruits and a jar of water.


    "Tian Tian, is the Duke back yet?" She asked twisting the single braids on her shoulder.


    Tian Tian sighed and shook her head "No, my lady".


    She turned around and looking into the dark courtyard outside the window, sighed and muttered "what is keeping him, it is getting late. Should I send someone to check on him_"


    "No your grace! I don''t think that is a good idea, the crown prince may see it as an insult. His Highness and the Duke are quite close, maybe they were just carried off by their conversation. Our young master is vet responsible, he wouldn''t do anything bad".


    "You right, let me give him some more time, it is normal for men to stay out late. He may have drank a little at the crown prince mansion, please prepare some sobering soup for him. He might need to take that before sleeping, there is early morning court tomorrow. He can not be hungover".


    "Yes, have some fruit, your grace. You have been standing around for some time now, it will help you replenish your strength"


    Zhu fengyin glanced at the tray of fruit silently before finally nodding, "okay".


    Tian Tian smiled and placed the tray of fruits on the table by the window. She pulled a stool to the table for her mistress. "Here you go, your grace," Tian Tian said and stepped back.


    Zhu Fengyin stepped away from the open window and walked to the table a few steps away, she looked down at the small plate of cute slices of apples, Mandarin and peaches. They were arranged stylishly on the plate, she picked up the small picker resting by the side of the plate, "this looks good, thanks".


    Tian Tian blushed heavily and nodded "I will leave you to eat and go prepare the sobering soup".


    "Alright, thanks" Zhu Fengyin replied and watched to maid leave. She was halfway through the fruits when she heard the outside maids chorused greeting of Lu Yingjie. She jumped up from her seat and rushed to the door, nearly running into him in the process.


    Luckily he had seen her rush out and took a step back and held her shoulders to steady her. "Easy there Fengyin, not so fast," he said grinning.


    Zhu Fengyin quickly covered her lips with her hand, "sorry about that, I didn''t see you there!"


    "How could you at the speed you ran out with," he smelled a sweet aroma from her and smiled, "You smell of apples and peaches, did you change your scent pack or_" he saw a small stain by the side of her lips and wiped it away with his hands, it smelt like peaches, "you eating were eating fruits, that explains it".


    He was a lot more playful than usual, Zhu Fengyin looked at his eyes and quickly found the reason behind that, "You drank" she said sounding a little angry.


    Lu Yingjie nodded, he clasped her hand and walked in "did you wait long?"


    "No_ ah I mean yes" Zhu Fengyin replied shyly.


    "Sorry, the crown prince was a little happy. You see he is getting married soon" he said as they walked to the living room.


    "Yes to the commandery princess the Imperial edict has been out for days now. Everyone knows that, how much did you drink?" she stopped and looked at him closely.


    Lu Yingjie grinned and kissed her forehead, "not much my dear, at most I am just a little bit tipsy". He led them to seat at the side of the bed, " I know about the Imperial edict, I am not that drunk. It is not that marriage I am talking about my dear."


    "Oh!"


    "He is getting married to a second wife, as a concubine that is. It is someone we know".


    "Really"


    "Hmm, it is your third younger sister"


    "What!"

 Chapter 107: Allies or Enemies 2

    The Duke''s mansion


    "He is getting married to a second wife, as a concubine that is and It is someone we know".


    ''Someone we know, what does he mean. I don''t know any unmarried that would be willing to be a concubine. Even if he was the crown prince, a concubine was still a concubine and with in-laws like the Grand Princess and State Duke Xia, any concubine in that mansion wasn''t bound to have peaceful days. Who hasn''t heard of how the Grand Princess handled the State Duke''s Haram.''"


    "Really"


    "Yes" he nodded, "it is your third younger sister"


    "What!"


    Zhu Fengyin pulled back in stock and bit her lips, ''just what was that pretentious sister of hers thinking. Was she that desperate to become the future Emperor''s wife that she would even agree to be a concubine''.


    "How did this happen?"


    "I don''t know but Brother Ling is serious with her. This is the first time I have seen him attracted to a woman. He was always only focused on work, it was surprisingly natural".


    Zhu Fengyin''s fists balled up, why was history bizarrely repeating itself. She had been happy when the marriage of the Commandery Princess and the Crown Prince was announced. It gave her hope that changing her future was possible but in just a few days everything was a burst.


    Zhu Fengyin was worried when the commandery Princess arrived at the capital, she may not have paid any attention to the Lu family but even people in the remote parts of Northern Wei heard the stories about the Golden couple, Lu Yingjie and Commandery Princess Xia Ying.


    She had been a little scared that the commandery Princess would turn her gaze on Lu Yingjie. The thought of that opened up some of her old scars from her time as the sixth Prince''s consort. Where she had spent the majority of the three years, she was married to that man fighting concubine.


    Her biggest fear during those few weeks before commandery Princess Xia was engaged to the crown prince, was that Xia Ying would get the Grand Princess involved and convince the Grand Princess to get rid of her. However, the engagement took care of it and for some time she assumed that she had escaped her horrid fate.


    Zhu Fenfang''s sudden marriage had her a little worried but she soon calmed down when she remembered that, unlike her past life, in this life, she had avoided the cursed marriage into the royal marriage. Zhu Fenfang was only married as a concubine, even if she had the crown Prince''s affection she was not the main wife and as such had no real power.


    Her expression visibly brightened up, "I guess congratulations are in order for my sister, I will have to pay a visit to Zhu mansion tomorrow and congratulate her."


    Lu Yingjie noticed the change in attitude but pretended otherwise, he understood that the new must-have taken some time to get used to since it was unexpected. Even with how close he was to the crown prince he never expected a new like this.


    Tian Tian came in with a tray containing a bowl of sobering soup, placed it on the table beside the bed and stepped out.


    "Arrange a few gifts to be sent over for her dowry, the Zhu family and the Lu family are in-laws. We should show a semblance of a united front," he said picking up the spoon in the bowl of soup and taking a sip of the soup.


    "Yes, should I have the servants bring in some bathing water?" She asked seating forward.


    Lu Yingjie smiled at her over the spoon of soup and asked, "Fengyin my wife, are asking if I would spend the night with you?"


    Her whole face was on fire and she shifted away from him quickly "that is not what I mean".


    "Mm okay, then I can just sleep in the study no worries right?"


    "Don''t you date, I will be paying respects to mother tomorrow. If you sleep in the study this night, I will have to endure another of your mother''s scolding. I still haven''t recovered from the set down I received when you caught a cold last week".


    Lu Yingjie didn''t respond, he just laughed while Zhu Fengyin glared at him.


    Although the relationship between Zhu Fengyin her mother-in-law had improved, it was far from being perfect. They had called somewhat of a truce after Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya had left, Madam Lu had a hard time getting used to her son being posted do far away from her.


    A few days after Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya left madam Lu fell sick, the Imperial doctor after checking on her reported that she was just stressed out because of overthinking and needed to take her mind off a few things. Zhu Fengyin understood the bond between madam Lu and her children were strong.


    She knew that Lu Yingjie wouldn''t be the same if anything happened to her and decided to pay her mother-in-law visits more often. Initially, Madam Lu acted cold to Zhu Fengyin as usual but gradually she warmed up to her and the visits became livelier.


    Apart from scolding her a few times whenever she felt that Zhu Fengyin made a mistake. Madam Lu was respectful to her and treated her relatively better than before.


    As expected, as soon as Zhu Fengyin walked into the living room of madam Lu''s courtyard. She was besieged by Madam Lu and Lu Yiling, who wanted to know how her younger sister got attached to the crown prince. For someone that claimed not to indulge in gossiping, her mother-in-law seemed to be invested in doing exactly that.


    Lu Yiling was another story entirely, she always went out and came back with hot gossip. While Lu Yiling could be a little annoying at times, it wasn''t hard to see that she didn''t hold grudges. She always had the best intentions at heart and was selfless.


    Just like with Zhu Fenfang''s marriage, she added a few things to the gifts to be added to her dowry. Zhu Fengyin felt a little sad when she saw that because she knew that while Lu Yiling took Zhu Fenfang as a friend. Zhu Fenfang never saw her that way, to someone like Zhu Fenfang, Lu Yiling was a means to an end nothing else.


    This was why after meeting with her stepmother, Zhu Fengyin decided to visit her younger sister. This was a move that she never saw herself making ever.


    Both in her past life and now, Zhu Fengyin never wanted anything to do with this younger sister of hers. She had always seen through all of Zhu Fengyin''s tricks and because of that never saw her as someone worth mentioning.


    Zhu Fengyin was instructed to wait in the living room while Zhu Fenfang got ready to join her. She waited patiently for over thirty minutes before Zhu Fenfang came out. Zhu Fengyin suspected that this was all deliberately set up by Zhu Fenfang to prove a point. Zhu Fenfang''s first words on arrival proved her right.


    Zhu Fenfang walked listlessly into the room and bowed, "sorry for keeping your waiting elder sister Fengyin. It is just that I have been busy preparing for my wedding day." She laughter coyly "who knew marriage into the royal family would be this stressful and I am only getting married as a concubine".


    Zhu Fengyin laughed on seeing the bashful expression on her face, "You are right Mei Mei, who knew that the marriage of a mere concubine would be so stressful".


    "Wha_ what do you mean? A mere concubine! I am the concubine of the crown Prince, my position is well above that of a normal concubine!" Zhu Fenfang exclaimed loudly.


    "Yes, your position is above that of a normal concubine but is it above that of the Main wife? Do you get to pass through the east gate in a carriage? Do you even get to leave the east palace gate? No, you don''t because you are still just a servant, so please be humble. I don''t care how you managed to achieve getting married to the Crown Prince because that is frankly irrelevant.


    "I am only here to warn you, whatever you do never involve Lu Yiling. Seeing as you have finally married into the royal family, you don''t need her anymore. You have gotten the crown prince''s heart so leave the Lu family alone".


    Zhu Fenfang laughed, "Why do I need a declining family like yours, I am now an imperial concubine. My husband is the next Emperor, my children would be Princes and princesses. Why do I need a foolish young mistress of a mere dukes house? Zhu Fengyin, you and your mother always went around proudly because you were both of good station but look how low you have gotten. You lost your engagement to foolish Feifei and ended up as the wife of a duke at odds with the Emperor. If you ask me I think you should spend more time thinking of how to save your declining in-laws"


    Zhu Fengyin looked at the wide smile on her face and shook her head, "Don''t worry about me Fenfang, worry about yourself. You are a concubine, who''s mean that your survival is dependant on the crown Princes''s favour. Ask yourself how long you can stay in favour, especially when you are serving under a princess consort of high birth like the commandery Princess". Zhu Fengyin didn''t wait for any response from her and just left the room.

 Chapter 108: Allies or Enemies 3

    Old master Sun''s study at the Sun family mansion Ningzhuo, Northern Wei


    At the Sun Mansion, two streets away from the governor''s mansion. Deputy Sun stood in front of a small square-shaped low desk at the centre of the room facing his elderly father. Old master Sun was a plump man in his late sixties, he was still hale and hearty at his age. This was thanks to being a military officer in the past.


    The Sun family was an old family with deep roots in Ningzhuo, like all traditional families the old master Sun favoured the legitimate sons over those born of concubines. However, with his only legitimate some dead, he could only rely on this legitimate son of his. Since out of all the other Shu sons, Deputy Sun was the only person with a working brain in his head.


    Deputy Sun had proven time and time again that he could fulfil his duties as the improvised heir, old master Sun decided to let him take over a few of the family businesses. Deputy Sun had always delivered on all his tasks but for the past weeks, he had hit a boulder in the form of the new governor and hadn''t delivered as he used to.


    This was the reason, he was called in by his father this early morning. Old master Sun hadn''t looked up from the ledger since he walked in and deliberately left him waiting. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife, Deputy Sun was aware that his father put much importance on his finances and would drop him as soon as he felt that his money was threatened.


    He began to think of convincing answers that would satisfy his father in his mind as he waited. It didn''t matter that his foot began to throb because his main aim was to get out of his father''s bad side in one piece. Old master Sun Finally broke the silence minutes later, he shut the ledger and leaned back on the seat.


    Old master Sun glanced at his underperforming son and tapped his finger on the table "er''San, do you know the kind of person I hate the most?"


    Deputy Sun bowed his head lower and nodded, "Yes father, you hate incompetent people the most".


    "Good, at least you are smart enough to know that. Your deceased brother wasn''t so observant, although your younger brother was so incompetent. Do you know why I kept him around?"


    "Yes father"


    "You know that I do not like two words answers since you know the reason. Say It out, that way it will stick".


    Deputy Sun swallowed and balled up his fist, he replied in a low tone, "Because he is the legitimate son".


    Old master Sun waited expectantly but didn''t hear his foolish eldest son say anything else. He glared at the foolish boy, "Do you think that I supported him solely because of his birth?" When his foolish som didn''t give any response, he won''t out the words


    "short-sighted fool! Just like your low born mother, you cannot see past the obvious. There is a reason a concubine isn''t easily promoted to the main wife. That is because they often can not improve themselves and remain stock following the wrong ideals. You and that low born mother of yours schemed so well to get rid of my heir, yet you can not see past the insignificant facts of your birth".


    Deputy Sun looked up eyes wide, he never knew that his father found out about their involvement in the tragedy that got rid of his precious heir. He glanced at his father strangely, but his father''s expression never changed. ''If his father knew of his little tricks why did he let him go scot-free. What was his father''s end goal?''


    Old master Sun chuckled on seeing his son''s lost expression, "surely you did not think that you had me fooled. You two are not as smart as you think er''San, I know the part you played but I ignored your little games because of all the benefits your brother brought me. He was careless, one wrong move and he could cause me to lose everything. As much as I love him, love my social standing better. This brings us back to my previous questions, why do you think I tolerated you, incompetent brother?"


    Deputy Sun immediately remembered his father''s previous statements, "because he brought you good benefits".


    "Yes! Your brother had good standing from both his maternal side and from his wife but you have no one but the Lau family. The Lau family is just a new family, they just moved up the social ladder and while they are a wealthy family. They lack good management hands, if anything happens to old man Lau and the Eldest madam, the entire family would crumble.


    "When you came to me and begged me to pick you out of my four remaining sons to take over the family. You promised to help the family gain back all the money squandered by your deceased brother. You said that you would multiply our current wealth, that is the reason why I choose you and for some time you did.


    "You brought me good results, but now you are held up by a young governor over ten years your junior. He may be from the same clan as the empress but who in our circle doesn''t know that the Empress is at odds with the Empress. He lacks adequate protection, handling thus young governor won''t be hard. Yet you have failed to handle him and because of your incompetence lost a lot of money.


    "If you can not handle a mere general, how can you be left in charge of our Sun family. You couldn''t even carefully handle an assassination attempt and nearly got caught. Don''t forget that you are not the only male heir in this family, if you are not up to the task, I can always pick from one of your brothers or even from our side branch.


    "There are a lot of legitimate sons in that branch, all of whom have promising futures. The elders in the man branch at the capital will prefer that since it will keep the bloodline pure. There are a lot of people willing to take in your role so don''t be so complacent!"


    Deputy Sun fell on both knees immediately and crawled to the other side of the table, he held his father''s hand and cried out, "father Father please forgive me. I was wrong, I will take care of the governor. Please give me another chance, I was just being careful because the governor is a little suspicious. He wants to check the accounts book father, he is very serious. I don''t know how to handle him, father!"


    "You don''t know how to handle him? How can it be so difficult to falsify a record and give it to him? Lu Yaozhu is new at these parts, the Lu family had no standing here and neither do any of their allies. He lacks solid connections but you don''t, get the other officials in control and turn them all against him.


    " You managed to remove one seating governor without getting implicated, you can do it again, or are you only capable of handling weak opponents and not strong opponents? The Shi family even gave us a hand, we can use them to handle him. I heard that he ruined the Shi family''s opium business.


    "They are looking for revenge, rope them in. Handle this governor and get yourself appointed as the new governor. The Emperor deliberately sent him over here for a reason we can make good use of his plan. Meanwhile, submit a fabricated ledger to him, you are a smart boy, use your brain!"


    Deputy Sun nodded continuously, "Yes Father, I will handle it. Please give me some time".


    Old master Sun glared and he then sighed " You have three weeks"


    "Thank you, Father!"


    Deputy Sun visited his mother after leaving his father''s study, she had been moved to a bigger courtyard following his new promotion and was living in better conditions. Hus father wasn''t an affectionate man, he only appreciated results and for the past year, Deputy Sun had received good results.


    This put his mother in the old man''s good graces but this sudden situation could ruin that. His mother was resting on the recliner by the opener window when he arrived. She sat up and welcomed him "Er''San my son, you came! I heard that your father called you over, what is it?"


    His mother, Madam Sheng was a petite woman in her early fifties, although she was now older she still looked beautiful. She has been a dancing girl before she married his father and during celebrations liked to perform in front of the old master. She was also good at flattering people and old master Sun like most arrogant noblemen enjoyed that.


    She didn''t need her son to say anything to see that whatever conversation he had with his father had gone wrong. Her son''s dull expression said it all, after hearing the entire story she frowned. "Er''San, I have gotten sick of flattering that foolish old man. I spend my youth with him but got nothing to show for it apart from you and your sister. Why don''t we get rid of him and this new governor together?"


    Deputy Sun gazed at his mother, silently weighing their options before nodding "Alright mother, what do you have planned".

 Chapter 109: Allies or Enemies 4

    The Dukes''s mansion


    On a hot summer night, The watcher man slim man in brown fading clothes walked from street to street, striking his chapters for the second time signalling the start of the second watch which occurs from 9 pm to 10 pm. The watcher man would go about a few watches in the night, as the watcher man moved through the street he announced, "it is summertime when the wind is drier, beware of fires and wear more clothes".


    He was on his normal patrol through the Jingu Qinwang''s street when he heard the loud sound of multiple horse hops from a close distance. From the junction just opposite Duke Wu''s mansion over fifty armed soldiers in full amour rushed out followed by twenty soldiers on horses and five prison carriages.


    They surrounded the duke''s mansion and with a reinforced wooden battering ram hit the gates of the Duke''s mansion and knocked it open with a *THUD**. The foot soldiers rushed in as the gate was forced open, he hid behind a wooden stall at an ally as soon as the Duke''s mansion was surrounded and watched silently.


    Meanwhile, inside the Duke''s mansion, Zhu Fengyin had just finished having her bath and changed into a nightgown when a loud THUD was heard from the direction of the gate. She dropped the hairbrush in her hand and shivered "ah, what is that!"


    "I will go find out, what that is" Tian Tian kept the bowl of water in hand by the wall and ran out the front door.


    Zhu Fengyin picked up the hair brushed and placed it by the brass mirror when Tian Tian rushed back inside and shut the door quickly. Zhu Fengyin stood from the sear by the window and ran out of her bedroom to the centre room (*living room).


    Leaning by the door leading to the centre room from the bedroom, she asked "What was that noise Tian Tian?"


    She had to wait a few seconds for Tian Tian who was still panting from her run while leaning in the wooden door to waste it with her weight to get her breathing in check. When she finally did, she said in a shaky tone "we have trouble, madam. The Emperor sent a small troop of soldiers to arrest the entire Lu Family members!"


    "What? This can''t be happening" Zhu Fengyin paced around the room the looked down at her clothes and shuddered, "it is only a matter of time before they get here. I need to get dressed" she ran back into the room.


    Tian Tian pushed a chair to the door and ran after her. She helped her change into a simple blouse and skirt then braided her hair into a single braid before helping her put on the jacket. As the loud boot sounds got closer, Zhu Fengyin quickly penned a letter to Su Liya.


    She called over the young male servant that delivered her letters to her contact in the capital and handed it over to him with the instruction to escape through the small dog hole in the garden and deliver the letter as soon as possible to her contacts.


    She gave him a thick purse for his worries and sent him away. She watched him leave through her open bedroom window, before instructing Tian Tian to push the chair away from the door. The soldiers will be here soon and she was determined to meet them in style. She can not have them accuse the Lu family of disobeying Imperial orders au showing resistance.


    Tian Tian pushed the chair out of the way and unlocked the door just as the soldiers rushed into the courtyard with torches. The leader of the soldiers was prepared for resistance from the duchess as expected of women but was surprised to receive none.


    Unlike the big ruckus created by the Dowager duchess and the young mistress when they rushed into their courtyard. Zhu Fengyin left peacefully, they didn''t even have to drag her out as they did the Young mistress. The door was pushed open as soon as they ran into the courtyard and a beautiful woman in brown and green blouse and brown skirts walked out of the Pavillion.


    She walked gracefully with her head held high, her grace and beauty were enchanting. For the longest time, the soldiers found their eyes trailed on her. They would have suspected that she was tricking them so she could escape but the heavily sweating young maid following her behind discouraged them.


    An overzealous soldier grabbed her arm but was rebutted by his commander. The commander gestured ahead and said, "this way your grace".


    Zhu Fengyin nodded and followed ahead, she was soon led outside the game to where Lu Yiling and Madam Lu stood surrounded by soldiers. The older woman hugged her weeping daughter close, she looked up as Zhu Fengyin walked out gracefully. Zhu fengyin was led to stand beside Madam Lu and Lu Yiling, she waited until the soldier stepped back before turning to check on them.


    "Are you hurt Mother," she asked running her eyes through her mother-in-law before turning to Lu Yiling. "How is Yiling, mother?"


    Madam Lu Looked at her and sighed "we are good, Yiling is still in shock, apart from that all is well".


    " Good", Zhu Fengyin walked closer and pretending to check in Lu Yiling whispered, "Did they tell you why we were arrested?".


    Madam Lu shook her head, she was about to answer but stumbled back when she saw her sins led out in chains. "No!" She whispered.


    Zhu Fengyin turned around to see what had her shocked and covered her mouth with her hand to stop herself from screaming. The moment she screamed her mask of calmness she had on would-be broken. She needed to both look strong and act strong. That was what she needed to get them to safety.


    She needed to be of sound mind to think of a solution but the sight of Lu Yingjie, Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yong being led out in heavy chains nearly broke her.


    The Lu brothers were led into the carriage, they didn''t seem to have put up a fight because there weren''t any injuries on them. While Zhu Fengyin was glad that they hadn''t given the Emperor any way of punishing them, she was scared of what was to come.


    The soldiers were merciless in their actions, they pushed them forward and forced them into the wooden barred carriage used to transport prisoners. Because of the force Lu Yingjie who was in fr fell forward and hit his forehead on the bars, Zhu Fengyin took a step forward when she saw that. She wanted to rush forward and check on him but was held back by Lu Yiling.


    Her mother''s gasp had made her draw away from her arms and it was in time to see her elder brothers led out like criminals in long interlocking heavy chains. They didn''t seem hurt but she understood how embarrassing it was for them. The noise attracted a few daring onlookers from the residences around their mansion, all of whom were servants.


    Which was typical of these spinless noble families, they couldn''t come out for fear of being implicated but had no problem sending out their servants to find out what was going on. By morning a lot of distorted stories would be spread by these nosy neighbours.


    Their so-called allies would all deny them, who wants to associate with a family of criminals. This incident though sudden cleared her eyes, she watched as her brothers were roughly pushed into the carriage. She saw her eldest brother fall forward and hit his forehead and her ever proper sister-in-law rush forward as if to catch him.


    She immediately held her back and pushed her back. Never in a million years would she ever believe that she would witness her well behaved and perfect sister-in-law lose control. She didn''t even believe that her sister-in-law had emotions since she always gave off the cold vibe.


    She held Zhu Fengyin tightly until the carriage door was locked then let go of her. Zhu Fengyin didn''t make any move to go forward and instead whispered to her, "thanks". She didn''t respond a just nodded, she didn''t want to speak. She had lost the will to talk and just decided to observe. Lu Yiling looked around and saw that the Emperor had sent almost all his entire elite forces to capture them.


    If it was in the last and the entire Lu family and their servants, she wasn''t being taken in. She would have found this scene amusing, but this time the joke was lost to her. Did the Emperor fear that they would rebel, if he did, then he was more foolish than she thought.


    Her Lu family was loyal to a fault yet this paranoid old fool saw than as rebels, was this the price of their loyalty. Would centuries of loyalty to the Zhongshan royal family be rewarded with pain?


    There was no other way, Lu Yiling could think this would end. She didn''t bother struggling as She was led into another barred carriage with her mother and sister-in-law. In the end, struggling wasn''t worthwhile.

 Chapter 110: Allies or Enemies 5

    The ice prisons of Northern Wei.


    Deep below the majestic palace that is the Imperial Palace of northern Wei was a cold prison known as the ice Prison. It was built by the first Emperor of Northern Wei to house the most dangerous criminals found that committed the most heinous crimes. From the murder of members of the imperial family to plotting rebellions and treason.


    The members of the Lu family was transported straight onto the prison by Iron guards. No one was informed of the reason for their arrest, Everyone from the soldiers that borough them into the guards and the warden was silent.


    The ice prison as its name suggests was a very cold prison located deep under the palace. The Entrance of the ice prison was deep inside the palace. It was a set of chambers deep underground, the entire prison was a huge mass of metal and stone.


    Each prison cell was enclosed by heavy iron bars, the cell was empty. Striped to the bare minimum of necessities, it was empty save for a few sets of straw mats and a small wooden table and chair.


    There were around the clock security, with guards stationed all over the prison. The high-quality security combined with the location of the prison made the prison impregnable. The entire wide radius of the prison entrance was well guarded by iron guards, a set of powerful martial artists that answers only to the Emperor.


    They were transported to the prison in the barred carriages, the carriage passed through the side gates of the palace. Lu Yaozhu and his brothers were put all together in the first carriage while madam Lu, Lu Yiling and Zhu Fengyin were placed in the second carriage. Unlike the men, they weren''t but in chains, the three women huddled up together in the carriage.


    Their lady''s maids and other servants were put in the other carriages. While the members of the Lu family were transported to the ice palace their servants were taken to the general prison located at the ministry of justice. The carriage came to a stop without any warning pushing them forward, They held the wooden bars of the carriage to steady themselves.


    The Prison Warden a huge man in black soft armour stood at the prison gates to welcome them. The commander of the Elite guards and the Prison Warden spoke at the side. A few seconds later the commander ordered the soldiers to bring the prisoners out. Zhu Fengyin shivered when she saw the sick smile on the prison warden''s face.


    She didn''t know what the commander of the Elite guards said to the Warden but it wasn''t anything good. The soldiers dragged them down from the carriage roughly, they were merciless in their actions. Almost like they were ordered to do this, which spoke a lot about the person behind their arrest.


    They led them down long stone walls, the stone step went down to the prison. It got colder as they got down the stairs, armed guards surrounded the stairs. When they got to the ground floor of the prison, there were through a dim hallway until they got to a stone room containing long lines of prison cells.


    Lu Yaozhu and his brothers were dragged to an empty prison cell by the left and pushed in by the prison guard. While the women were led to the prison cell opposite theirs, the ice prison was deep underground and there weren''t any windows to provide light. The only source of light was the single lamp hanging on the prison wall, Zhu Fengyin cleaned the wooden chair at the side.


    The chair was surprisingly sturdy, she pulled Madam Lu to the seat. "Please have a seat, Mother".


    Madam Lu nodded and let Zhu Fengyin guide her to the seat. "Thanks", she whispered and looked down at her hands. Zhu Fengyin glanced at Lu Yiling, with her mother-in-law, settled she wanted to check on the youngest member of the family. "have a seat on the mat, Yiling. It is cold in here".


    Lu Yiling looked into her brothers'' prison cells, the guards had unlocked the long interlocked chains at some point. They now had individual chains, they stood around the prison and glanced at their prison cell periodically. Everything seemed normal, Lu Yiling walked to the mat and sat with her legs folded under each other.


    Zhu Fengyin smiled when caught Lu Yingjie''s gaze to ease his worry. They needed to be strong for what is going on, Lu Yingjie as the head of the family had a lot to worry about. She wanted to ease a little of his worries, Lu Yingjie gazed at her quietly for a few seconds, then nodded.


    He turned to say a few words to Lu Yong, Zhu Fengyin sat next to Lu Yiling. Everyone was lost in their thought, Zhu Fengyin included. She prayed silently that her message would get to Ningzhuo before the soldiers sent to bring Su Liya back to the capital arrived.


    She didn''t know if the soldiers had left but judging by their sudden arrest, they may not have sent a team already. She was initially worried when Lu Yaozhu returned alone without Su Liya and instead reported that she was suck and couldn''t travel. With everything that has happened, this sickness was proving to be a blessing in disguise.


    After some time, Zhu Fengyin gradually slipped into a deep slumber but the loud noise of the metal prison doors being pushed open snapped her awake. It was difficult to tell whether it was night or day but since they were being dragged out of their cell and led outside. It had to be daybreak, the bright morning light reflected on the steps confirmed her suspicion.


    Staying in the dark prison made her eyes hypersensitive to the bright rays of the sun. She squinted her eyes slightly as she walked out of the prison door. She couldn''t shield her eyes with her hand because of the heavy chains tied around her wrist. The guards tired the chains around their rise as they walked out of their prison cell.


    The chain was similar to the chain that has adorned Lu Yingjie, Lu Yong and Lu Yaozhu''s hands since they were arrested. Zhu Fengyin saw the three men walking in a straight line up ahead, with Lu Yingjie taking lead.


    They had been directed to walk in a straight line in the centre of two roles of heavily armed guards with a long line of soldiers standing behind them. Zhu Fengyin looked around as they walked forward, hoping to somehow identify their location.


    She had visited the palace regularly while growing up, she hoped to find somewhere familiar that could inform her where she was being held but there wasn''t a familiar landmark insight. This could be because there was a different entrance to the prison apart from the large used by people in the palace.


    They were led through a stone pathway and into a wide courtyard, there were soldiers stationed all over the courtyard. They were led to demand at the centre of the compound and then ordered to kneel facing the open balcony at the centre of the courtyard.


    Emperor Zhong sat in-between the crown prince and Prime Minister Shi, while the other ministers stood on at the balcony surrounding the square-shaped yard they were kept. Zhu Fengyin stole a glance at the Emperor and although he had a stoic expression on his face, his eyes were bright. Her father stood not far away, in his purple court uniform.


    Her father was very difficult to read so she couldn''t tell just how he felt the sixth Prince on the other hand stood next to the Prime Minister grinning like a concubine that gave birth to a son. She glanced down immediately the Imperial Secretary began to speak.


    "By his Majesty''s order, The Entire Lu Family has been arrested for the crime of plotting take over the throne. It has been brought to our attention by Deputy Sun of Ningzhuo that the Duke of Wu, Lu Yingjie and General Lu Yaozhu has conspired with the Northern Bongsu bandits for years.


    "There is evidence to show that General Lu has been recruiting and amassing an illegal army by making use of military funds. The Lu family has been brought in for questioning, Duke Wu and General Lu how do you plea?"


    Lu Yiling got angrier as the made-up charges were brought up, she glanced once more at the fool seated at the middle. How is it that the Emperor chose to listen to the accusation of a local officer accused of Fraud over a loyal statesman? Even though her brothers came up to deny the charges the Emperor''s lackeys did relent.


    More witnesses came up to defend these accusations, a majority of the witnesses were all military commanders in the capital and a few officials from Ningzhuo. It wasn''t difficult for Lu Yiling to realise the real reason behind Lu Yaozhu''s appointment to Ningzhuo. It seemed like this was the end game, well though by this imperial uncle of hers.


    However, it was the confession of Lu Yaozhu''s most trusted subordinate, General Yi that hit the nail in the coffin. The Emperor made a play to be merciful and announced that the case would be investigated by Prime Minister Shi and Minister Zhu.

 Chapter 111: Allies or Enemies 6

    MANY DAYS EARLIER, AT THE IMPERIAL PALACE OF NORTHERN WEI.


    It was a typical summer night, hot and long like any other summer night. The Emperor sat on a chair while imperial consort Shi massaged his stiff shoulders. She was very good at giving massages, she had picked it up when she found herself as an imperial concubine at the Imperial Palace.


    When you are the daughter of a sixth-ranked minister, in a haram filled with more qualified and exquisite beauties, you needed a good edge. She had picked it up to give herself an edge after an impromptu visit from the Emperor on the night. It was her third week in the palace and she was chosen for bed service by the palace household department.


    (the Empress together with the astronomy department and the head of the household department led by the Emperor''s Chief Eunuch makes the timetable scheduling the Emperor''s bed service. This a done to offer equal services to the Imperial concubines and is done by studying the astronomical signs and determining the most favourable time per consort birthdays. Since the most decision was made by checking the stars and picking lucky days. However, a favoured consort could spend multiple days in a month. Apart from a favoured concubine the Empress and Emperor are offered three fixed days in a month.)


    It was her second time spending the night with the Emperor and she was so nervous. The Emperor came over from a banquet, his most have noticed her stiffen expression, because instead of resuming the bed service after ordering the servants to leave. He asked her to give him a massage, this was her first giving someone a massage.


    She was a little rough but after remembering how her Lady''s maid use to rub her down, she decided to employ those tactics. She loosened her grim and made her action firm but light. The Emperor must have enjoyed the massage because he returned to her room two days later and asked for a massage.


    After a few more visits by the Emperor, she decided to read a few books on the act and invite someone to instruct her on the act. Thanks to that wise decision, she caught the Emperor''s attention but it was her father''s advice that put her completely in favour.


    Many years later and She was still the Emperor''s go-to for relaxation, even the perfect Empress or the new concubines can not hold a candle to her. The Emperor called her over to his study, minutes earlier and as usual, she came with her ouls and the rest but made sure to dress more appealing than usual.


    After the Opium incident, the Emperor had all but ignored her existence. Even after she had offered him a good solution to his problem concerning Lu Yaozhu''s marriage. Emperor Zhong only visited her for a few weeks but thanks to the dirty move the Empress used to get the crown Prince engaged to commandery Princess Xia, she once again lost favour.


    He had begun to frequent the palace of the newly conferred concubines. While she preferred that he favoured the new concubines when compared to the Empress but she still ran the risk of going out of favour. Which she couldn''t afford to happen, her plan depended on her staying in favour.


    Imperial consort Shi hoped to win back the favour she had lost with her secret weapon and after just a few minutes, she had begun getting the desired response from him. She was so happy, she could fly to the moon. The reemergence of the Emperor''s chief Eunuch Caihong annoyed her since it would delay her plan but the message he reported gladdened her heart immensely.


    "Your majesty, Minister Sheng sent a letter from Ningzhuo''s Deputy Sun".


    Emperor Zhong who initially had his eye closed opened them wide at the mention of Ningzhuo. Wasn''t that where he had sent that foolish nephew of his, was the seed of discord he had sown at Ningzhuo finally reaping fruits. "Bring it" he instructed, stretching out his hand and waiting patiently for the sealed letter to be handed over.


    He unsealed the letter as soon as Caihong passed it to him and read through, his lips spread out wide as he read through. Chief Eunuch Caihong left after handing the letter over to the Emperor so they were now alone. Imperial Consort Shi noticed the change in his attitude and smiled.


    "You seem to be in a good mood, Your majesty. The letter from Ningzhuo must have gotten you some good news, you are no longer even paying this little one any attention. I am jealous", she said acting coy. Imperial consort Shi bent and rested her cheeks on his shoulder. This had never failed to get the Emperor to loosen up around her, like most men out there he couldn''t fall for her trick.


    The Emperor chuckled and patted her hand gently then pulled her to walk around him and seat on his lap. "silly girl, you are now a grandmother. Don''t you want to grow up?" He said smiling and taping her nose twice with his index finger.


    "No!" She hooked her all-around his shoulder, brought her mouth to his ear and whispered seductively, "I don''t want to grow up just yet because you like me this way".


    Emperor Zhong laughed, "I guess I do" he folded the letter, rose the lamp cover and brought the latter to the open flame once it caught fire, he threw the latter into the ashtray beside the table. "I instructed minister Sheng to sow a few seeds it the north for me before Yaozhu arrived and it has grown fruits. Deputy Sun from Ningzhuo just reached out to him with a way to take care of Yaozhu and the entire Lu family".


    "Congratulations on finally resolving this pressing issue your Majesty. I know that you have been worried about that for year''s, with the Lu family out of the way you can finally rest easy".


    "Yes, you of all people understand what I went through with that family of wolves. I initially tolerated them because of my the Empress dowager and then the Empress but they are starting to grow wings of late"


    Imperial consort Shi nodded, "I understand your Majesty, you have suffered thanks to them. It is only right that you are allowed a few moments of enjoyment. If there is any way the Shi family can help you please do not hesitate to contact my father. The quicker we get rid of the Ku family the better for us".


    Who doesn''t like someone that told them what they want to hear, Imperial consort shi''s words left the Emperor, please. He immediately forgot all the misunderstanding they both had, this was where imperial consort Shi and the Empress diverted.


    Imperial consort Shi got her wish and received the Emperor''s favour, the next day the Emperor sent over a lot of gifts to her palace. Imperial consort Shi didn''t dwell on the Emperor''s favour for long, she quickly sent word to her father Prime Minister Shi inviting him to pay her a visit


    ********


    The Next Day at imperial consort Shi''s palace.


    Prime Minister Shi arrived at his daughter''s palace after morning court the next day. Imperial Consort Shi ordered the maids to leave after snacks and tea was served. She ordered her lady''s maid to keep watch by the door and ensure that no one eavesdropped on their discussion before recounting the full details of her discussion with the Emperor last night.


    They were both seated on the top seat in the centre room of the main hall, with only a low table between them. She preferred this position since they were much closer which accommodated the need to whisper and would keep anyone from overheating them.


    "Even the heavens seem to be on our side father, the Emperor received a missive from Ningzhuo last night. It was sent by that snake minister Sheng he has been in touch with a Deputy Sun at Ningzhuo. Father do we have any reliable men in Ningzhuo?"


    Prime Minister Shi sat up straighter as heard his daughter mention Ningzhuo, like the Emperor he was invested in finding out anything concerning that upstart Lu Yaozhu. He nodded, "Yes I do I have been in touch with the Deputy in question".


    "Good, Father we will be getting our big break soon. The deputy in Ningzhuo has cooked up quite a dish for Lu Yaozhu and the Lu Family. We will soon have them completely out of our way father, that old fool is about to have the entire Lu family arrested and executed on charges of treason!" she laughed softly.


    "Oh, how did that happen. I have been trying to get rid of those noisy bunch".


    "There is evidence that the Lu family has been growing an army to rebel and are in league with the Bongju bandits at the north"


    Prime Minister Shi chuckled and whispered "evidence? Who do we have to thank for this good news?"


    "Who else.... The deputy of course. The Emperor is very confident in his plan. I think we should make use of it father".

 Chapter 112: Allies or Enamies 7

    The Next Day at imperial consort Shi''s palace.


    "Who else.... The deputy of course. The Emperor is very confident in his plan. I think we should make use of it father".


    Although Prime Minister Shi hadn''t met with Deputy Sun he understood the kind of man the Deputy was. While his plan may be seen to be fail-safe to the Emperor, prime minister Shi was sceptical.


    "Daughter, did the Emperor explain the plan in detail to you?"


    "Yes father he did, the evidence is strong enough that the charges of treason will hold. After our family''s opium dealing came to light, the Emperor has been acting strange. I fear that he had gotten suspicious of us, for our plan to work we need to avoid any suspicions he may have. That''s is where the Lu family come in, let''s shift the blame to them. We can make it seem like third uncle was working with them" she said smirking.


    "What a wonderful idea, that would teach them not to get in our way", he placed his hand on her shoulder "You did well daughter"


    "Don''t mention father, I am only focused on our end goal. This is the best way to get rid of the Lu family and cover all loose ends, we have planned this for years. I will see this to the end".


    *******


    Meanwhile, At Deputy Sun''s mansion, Ningzhuo


    Deputy Sun, like most political officials, was given an official mansion on the same street as the governor''s mansion. He had moved out of Sun mansion and had established a residence a few years ago. However, his father still had the final say on every decision but if his plan worked out that would change.


    Deputy Sun''s residence unlike the governor''s residence was much smaller and less lavishly decorated. It was like a standard affluent family''s mansion, deputy Sun and his principal wife lived in the main courtyard located at the centre of the residence.


    Deputy Sun''s study was located at the small Pavillion close to the main courtyard. He was going through the accounts from his mansion steward when his messenger came in with a letter from minister Sheng. He dismissed the messenger and unsealed the letter, minister Sheng sent a response to his previous letter.


    He had been anticipating a response from him and finally, it was here, Minister Sheng had written to inform him that he could go ahead with his plan. Just as his mother had predicted Minister Sheng had agreed with their plan. He had received a message from the Shi family yesterday, the Prime Minister Shi had written to inform him that he wanted to meet up with him a few days from now.


    Once he had received the Shi family''s response, Lu Yaozhu was as good as dead.


    ********


    Four days later, the first snow fell at Ningzhuo


    There had been signs of the impending snowfall so it didn''t come as a surprise, they had prepared for the change in weather by preparing thicker layers of clothes suitable for winter, hand warmers, fur coats and hot packs. The maids on Night duty were the first to witness the fall of the white snow.


    They quickly alerted matron Gu who instructed the maid on the necessary precaution. The maids brought in the hot packs, the small warmers and blankets. They lit the warmers at the centre of the room and left. The servants worked efficiently and avoided disturbing their mistress sleep.


    Su Liya found that it was snowing when she walked up she put on a thick coat and ran out to play in the snow. Boazhai tried to stop her from leaving the room by reminding her that it was raining but, Su Liya waved her away. Out id all the seasons of the year, her favourite season was winter.


    The snow and white surfaces were so beautiful, winter to her signified the beginning and end of the year. She liked everything about winter, she liked the feel of her feet on the iced ground and the feel of snowflakes falling on her cheeks.


    Su Liya folded both hands at her shoulders and looked up to the sky eyes closed. As the droplets of snow fell on her face, the smile on her cheek spread wider. Her eyes opened as she felt something hairy brush her neck, "Yaozhu! I didn''t see you".


    "How could you when your mind is elsewhere, it is cold out here. Why are you dressed so lightly?"


    Su Liya rubbed the heavy fur coat on her shoulder softly, it looked very high quality and thick. "I wanted to feel the snow on my face. It is the first snow".


    Lu Yaozhu placed at her reddened hands, "let us get back inside, I don''t want you to catch a cold".


    She smiled as she followed his gaze to her hand, "okay". She walked in stride into the centre room of her Pavillion, the God air from the room ran straight down her spine warming her up. There was a vast difference between inside the room and outside.


    The maids had set up a few more heaters at strategic areas of the house. Winters in Ningzhuo were no joke, it got colder by the minute at times one could easily see steam come out as you talked. Majority of her servants were born and raised in Ningzhuo at were familiar with the weather.


    As soon it began snowing the kitchen sent over two basket loads of coal and heated wine. The servant went about filling up the water basins, while the kitchen prepared some hot food such as soap and porridge. The servants brought in a hot pot of tea and snacks as soon as they walked in.


    Even with the hearers and coat, her hands still felt a little cold. Baozhai pulled out a hand warmer and passed it to her. Su Liya held the hand warmer with both hands and sat on the too seat in the living room. Lu Yaozhu sat opposite her, he had a wool glove on.


    Su Liya hadn''t expected to meet him so early today, he was usually gone to court by this time. She waited for the inner maids to leave before turning to him and asked "It is odd to see you around this early, are you not going to court today?"


    "No, there is no need. This isn''t the court today. One of the perks of being a local official is that I do not need to come in every day."


    "Oh, must be good to be your own boss. Since you are not going to court today, what is your plan for the day?"


    Lu Yaozhu leaned to the side, resting his head on his hands, "I got a tip from an assistant at the ministry of finance, the assistant claims to have evidence of the official records being tampered with. I need to meet with him".


    "That is sudden, are you sure it is not a trap to get you to come out and then get killed. According to what you said the Sun family has been syphoning a lot of money. This might just be a means to get rid of a disturbance", her eyebrows creased a little passage tried to remember if any of the lots of the original story pointed to that but came out empty.


    The original plot wasn''t focused on Lu Yaozhu but the Crown Prince and Zhu Fenfang, everything mentioned in the book only concerned the progression of the original leads love story. She was on her own, there were no cheats. She was a little suspicious of this sudden eyewitness, the Sun family and the Lau family had a lot of influence in Ningzhuo.


    It would be difficult to find someone willing to risk their lives and betray them so easily. Everything seemed a little suspicious, like Su Liya, Lu Yaozhu was a little suspicious of the sudden witness. For the past few weeks, he had been trying to get a hold of the original accounts book but hit a dead end every time.


    Lu Yaozhu was curious what the witness would report, "do not worry about that, I took the necessary precautions. I have been finding it difficult to get any information, it might not be a bad idea to meet whoever that is. I will go with a few men, don''t worry".


    "Since you have taken the precaution, I guess that is okay. About the Wu family, I am thinking of getting in touch with them. In case getting the original ledger doesn''t work out we can see if we can get some help from the Wu family"


    "Okay, I will leave that to you, I will be meeting the witness this night so I will spend the night to keep them from finding out about my late-night visits. I caught a servant listening in on my conversation with General Bai yesterday, it is not safe here. The Sun family has some ears around us, we have to be careful".


    "I will be, don''t worry. About the spies, I suspect that steward Meng is behind them. The last time I went out, I noticed a guard paying close attention to my actions"


    "That steward Meng is butting more than he can chew, ignore him. I have plans for him".

 Chapter 113: A double edged sword 1

    The Next day, At the governor''s mansion.


    Su Liya woke up in high spirits, everything was going as planned. She had finally received a response from the Wu family, it came in with her new wardrobe delivered from the local weaving. shop at Ningzhuo.


    The letter was a pleasant surprise, she had all but given up when arrived. The patriarch of the Wu family had ignored her letters until now, while it wasn''t surprising, it was quite irritating for her. Everything was going as planned, or so she thought until Baozhai rushed in and whispered in her ear.


    "We have a problem, your highness. The General isn''t back yet!"


    "What!" She said then in lower tones, "are you sure?"


    "Yes, Your Highness. It was reported by Yu Tao himself. He returned to the General''s rooms at daybreak under the pretence of getting fresh clothes but he didn''t find the general" Baozhai replied


    Baozhai''s reply drove her into action. Luckily it was very cold outside and she had the maids shut the bedroom doo leaving only the side mirror so they were relatively safe from prying eyes.


    Lu Yaozhu left the mansion in secret, the fact that he wasn''t back yet couldn''t be announced since it would draw unnecessary attention to his affairs. She could only take preemptive measures to keep the servants from finding out he was missing.


    Su Liya paced around the room silently and paused "Baozhai, please call Yu Tao in. Be careful not to attract any negative attention".


    "Yes," Baozhai bowed and left the room. She ran to her room to call Rong Rong over to guard the door before going out to get Yu Tao. Rong Rong''s presence at the door prevented the servants from getting closer. She stood guard by the door and only Stepped aside for Yu Tao and Baozhai.


    Su Liya was seated on a seat by the tea table while holding a hand warmer close when the pair came in. She draped a fur coat on her shoulders, as she came in, she placed the hand warmer on the table and pursed her lips. "Yu Tao has there been any sign of the general?"


    "No, your highness. I asked around and no one from the small team he left with is back" Yu Tao replied.


    Su Liya hadn''t spoken a lot with Lu Yaozhu''s trusty assistant but she had a good impression of him. Yu Tao was a loyal and efficient assistant, it was one of the reasons Lu Yaozhu kept him close. Yu Tao and Rong Rong are the children of madam Lu''s oldest dowry maid. Yu Tao grew up with Lu Yaozhu, they were as close as brothers.


    Yu Tao usually accompanied Lu Yaozhu everywhere but to avoid getting steward Meng and the other spies placed in the residence from getting suspicious, he stayed back. Yu Tao didn''t argue with his master when the decision was made since the mission was meant to be a quick job.


    However the quick job was turning into something else, Yu Tao''s face was full of worry. He feared for the General''s safety, Lu Yaozhu not returning as planned without sending any message was unlike him.


    A lot went through her mind but Su Liya tried to stay focused, someone had to. It wouldn''t help them if she let the dark overshadow her thoughts. She stood and paced around the room while muttering silently "The general left to meet an assistant at the accounts bureau of Ningzhuo". she paused her pacing for a few minutes and turning to Yu Tao quickly she asked, "did he tell you who and where they were meeting the witness?"


    Yu Tao rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully, Lu Yaozhu didn''t inform him of the exact location he was meeting the assistant but he was aware that it was somewhere around the night market. "I wasn''t informed of the exact location but I am aware that, the young master was meeting the witness somewhere at the night market".


    "Then send a few trusted guards to look for the general, discretely. I don''t know what is keeping him from coming back but he might just be injured. While the guards to after the lead, we will cover up for him, luckily everyone assumed that he spent the night here. We can keep it like that, you got. I will just lock off the rooms and inform everyone that the general felt a little fainted when he got up this morning and is resting.


    "luckily we are in winter right now so no one would question the shut doors, we will maintain appearance by having the kitchen send down some food. No one would dare open the door without permission" This was the only way she felt they could safely go through this without drawing attention to the fact that the Governor wasn''t in the mansion.


    Baozhai and Yu Tao nodded but Baozhai remembered the three new inner chamber maids assigned to her and asked "what are we going to do about Ah Mei and the rest, they might start getting suspicious when they don''t hear the general voice".


    Su Liya rolled her eyes as soon as the three Ah''s were mentioned, those three were annoying. She couldn''t just dismiss them, "You can send them out of here, who doesn''t know what they are here to achieve. Have Rong Rong keep guard and send them on a task that would keep them occupied. Idle hands cause a lot of trouble".


    "Yes, I will inform the head of the General''s secret guards to send out a team".


    "Okay"


    Yu Tao ran out to make the necessary arrangements while Su Liya and her maid began their show.


    ******


    At Deputy Sun''s study


    Deputy Sun ordered two of his reliable men to keep an eye on the progress of his plan. He had begun to carry out his plan as soon as he got Minister Sheng and Prine minister Shi''s support. For his plan to be effective he needed to have their support.


    He had put on a show of following his father''s suggestions to keep old master Sun from getting suspicious. He already arranged to have an assistant working under him send the governor a secret message. As expected Governor Lu fell into his trap and arranged a meeting with his man.


    He had suspected that the general had eyes on him and made sure not to be seen with the assistant. Deputy Sun was informed of the kick start of his plan a few hours earlier and sent a small team to attack the general.


    He ordered his men to surround the meeting place while the exchange was in process and attack the governor. He had woken up to good news, his men had succeeded. They attacked the governor only giving him a slim chance to escape, as planned before the attack the assistant handed the take records to him.


    The successful operation that the first half of his plan was successfully carried out, now to see if the governor took a bite.


    *******


    The governor''s mansion


    Two hours later the small team She had sent out returned with the governor. Su Liya was standing by the window overlooking the garden at the surrounding the pavilion when she heard a noise at the window behind her. She turned around to see expecting to see Lu Yaozhu but was surprised to see him held up by two guards in black. The guards greeted her and brought him to the bed.


    He looked worse to wear with blood dripping down the side of his face, she covered her open mouth with her hands and whispered "General!" She rushed to the door and whispered for Baozhai to bring in some medicine and warm water and send for Yu Tao immediately.


    While Baozhai arranged that she instructed the two guards to lie him down on the bed. Yu Tao rushed in a few seconds later, he has been informed by Baozhai that the general was back. The general''s condition shocked him but there was no time to worry. Boaz hai came in with a warm basin of water and clean clothes, she placed them by the side of the bed.


    Su Liya orders the guards to shift away a give her some space. She cleaned up the cover most face and apart from a cut on the side of his face there weren''t any more serious injuries but as she tore his shirt open there was a long gash at his side. She cleaned up the wound and applied the medicine to his injuries.


    Next was a cut on his arm and his laps by the time she was done applying the medicine Lu Yaozhu was unconscious. She treated his injuries as best as she could that by the time the doctor arrived there wasn''t much to do. The doctor prescribed some pain medications and left.


    Su Liya sat by the bed keeping watch of Lu Yaozhu until he woke up. She let out a breath of relief when he woke up. She didn''t know what happened but was glad he came back alive.

 Chapter 114: A double edged sword 2

    The governor''s mansion of Ningzhuo


    Steward Meng received a surprise visit from Deputy Sun''s right-hand man, four Hours before Lu Yaozhu was brought back. After decades of following a similar schedule, one would inevitably become a creature of habit. Human beings although flexible would easily fall to similar patterns.


    Steward Meng was no different, he woke up at dawn and after washing up and changing into his dark brown high necked uniform resumed his morning rounds. He went about the residence, going from place to place and conversing with the servants in charge. He approved the necessary funds for each department.


    As he walked by the main courtyard, he was surprised to see the governors personal attendants standing around. The governor had spent the night with the madam yesterday and following common practice, he came over with his personal attendants.


    It wasn''t surprising to see the masters servant at the madam''s courtyard while the master was present in the courtyard but it was strange seeing them here till the late. His round had taken over two hours to complete by the time he was done, the sun was already up in the sky.


    The Governor had been with them for over two months, it was long enough for steward Meng to get familiar with his habits. The governor unlike his former master was very principled, he followed the social convention to the T. It was out of character for him to still be at their madam''s room this late in the day.


    Steward Meng stopped a courtyard maid sweeping the compound and instructed her to call his trusty male servant and informant Jun over. After a short while, Jun came running out f the courtyard. They met at the stone pathway behind the main courtyard that led to the kitchen.


    Steward Meng stood under a peach tree with his head tilted up as he admired the fruiting peach. As he got closer, Jun neatened up his clothes then walked around the trees. He gave steward Meng a salute, "Teacher Meng".


    Steward Meng gazed down at the younger, Jun was a servant he had personally trained to work for him. He wasn''t the sharpest tool in the shed but he was loyal, that was the only reason he still kept him thus close.


    "I saw the governor''s personal attendants stand around madam''s pavilion, is the governor still around?"


    "Yes master, I heard that the governor felt a little faint when he woke up and would stay a while" Jun chuckled and continued, "I think it is all a lie".


    "me too" steward Meng muttered, he looked in the direction of the courtyard. If the governor wasn''t feeling strong, why wasn''t a physician called to check on him? Why wasn''t any word from the main courtyard, the governor''s assistant Yu Tao was missing from the line personal attendance at the courtyard?


    What was the governor up to, there must be something suspicious for a dim wited person like Jun to find it strange? "Why do you think that their actions were suspicious?"


    Steward Meng was expecting to get a sensible answer from Jun but the response he got made him rethink keeping this young idiot next to him.


    Jun Licked his lips, moved closer to his elderly master and replied "master, the governor is not feeling faint at all. He must have overindulged in the usual pleasures between men and women, the young madam and he must still be at it even now because even the young madam hasn''t come out since daybreak".


    Stewart Meng glared at the foolish young man and let out a heavy sighed then shook his head. Why did he even bother talking to this fool, he gave Jun a heavy knock on his head. "Is it even possible to have an intelligent conversation with you, get out!"


    Jun felt wronged by his master, why would his master hit him when all he did was give his two cents. Why else would the governor and the madam lock themselves inside, he rubbed his sore head. He glanced at his master once more, his master glared at him and rose his hands as if to hit him.


    Jun didn''t waste any more time and ran out, he doesn''t know what got his master in such a mood. His master was out for blood and, He preferred it not be his blood. Talk about being a bad-tempered old man, his old master has been prone to mood swings of late.


    Steward Meng hissed as had watched his foolish student run away, it was high time he got a smarter informant. He went back to his room but couldn''t seem to get the governor''s strange actions off his mind. He felt that there was something odd about that but couldn''t quite put his finger on it.


    A shadow fell on him as he walked into his room, Xiao Peng, deputy Sun''s right-hand man stood by a small square-shaped table a few steps away.


    Xiao Peng was a huge man in his forties with bold features that followed the Deputy. He was Deputy Sun''s most trusted aide and was a man with a very dark reputation. He was very loyal to Deputy Sun and the Sun family, he was nicknamed the wild jackal by people because of his ruthless and erratic kill list.


    Xiao Peng was the man deputy Sun sends to handle disloyal people and get information. If you ever saw Xiao Peng in your house, it could mean one of two things. One was that you had committed an offence and was in Deputy Sun''s bad books would mean that your end was close and Xiao Peng was sent to send you off properly.


    The second reason was that Deputy Sun wanted first-hand information and sent his trusted aide to pick your mind. Both reasons were far from pleasant, Steward Meng swallowed. He bowed at the stone-faced man and said "Master Xiao Peng, sorry for keeping you waiting. How do this lowly one here can this lowly one help you?"


    Xiao Peng glanced at the silly old man in front of him and smirked, this old steward dared to act confident. How pathetic, he didn''t like this type of man. "Steward Meng should stand on ceremony, I am here at the master''s stead to ask a few questions" he picked up an apple from the fruit tray on the table and took out a knife from his sword belt.


    Steward took a step back unknowingly and laughing awkwardly replied "you can ask me any questions, I live to serve the master".


    "Really? You are getting older steward Meng, I hope your ear still works fine or we might not have need of such old bones" he sliced a piece of Apple and put it into his mouth, glanced at the old man and smiled.


    "My ears walked soundly, please be at ease" he replied quickly. He didn''t know why Deputy Sun send his best aide over but he hoped it wasn''t anything bad. He didn''t wasn''t to die anytime yet, he was willing to be an extra life given to this deranged man seated in front of him.


    "Hmm, we will see. Is the governor in residence?"


    "Ye_yes"


    Xiao Peng paused his slicing and glanced up, "Why the delay, are you uncertain or are you lying to me?"


    "No no no, it is like this. I haven''t seen the Governor today but according to my man in the main courtyard the governor felt a little bit faint this money and is resting in Princess Qin''s room".


    "How odd, I didn''t hear the governor call over a physician. I guess it is not serious".


    "Yes"


    "Were our men too lax on their duties or is the governor missing" Xiao Peng muttered to himself. He glanced at the shaky old man and smiled "Steward Meng your master is causing quite a mess for our master, if you hear anything interesting, send word to us. If you don''t ..... Then you can rethink your future survival"


    Steward Meng fell on his knees and kowtowed a few times, "please be at ease master Xiao this lowly one is loyal to the deputy and wouldn''t make sure a mistake".


    "Good" Xiao Peng patted his shoulder as he walked out of the room. Steward Meng''s heart continued beating fast even long after Xiao Peng had left.


    *********


    Xiao Peng returned to the Deputy''s mansion and went straight into his master''s study. His master looked up as soon as he walked in, "did you find out anything new?"


    "There is nothing new, everything went as reported by our men, the governor hasn''t appeared today. He must either be injured or he wasn''t in the residence, our other spies in the residence reported that apart from the Princess no one had seen the governor".


    "Good, I received a letter from Prime minister Shi, he says that he would put in a good word for me with the Emperor and get me appointed as the new governor. If I can fabricate reliable evidence of the Lu families involvement with the Bongju bandits opium trade. Our young governor ruffled a lot of feathers, not just mine, what a pity. Keep a close watch of the Governor''s mansion, I want to j ow everything that happens".


    "Yes"

 Chapter 115: A double edged sword 3

    The General''s mansion, Ningzhuo


    Su Liya sat on a cushioned seat by the bed and kept watch of Lu Yaozhu, the Doctor reported that there were no complications. The wounds were deep but weren''t too serious, after some days great they would be healed and Lu Yaozhu would be good as new.


    The physician that was called in was a famed military physician retained by Lu Yaozhu. He was surnamed Shen and was in his fifties. His hair had started greying in some areas, so far she had met him twice. During both times it was when he was called over to check on Lu Yaozhu, Physician Shen seemed rather easygoing.


    Physician Shen was loyal to the Lu family, he had served under the late Duke of Wu for decades. Lu Yaozhu trusted him greatly, physician Shen offer served as the chief military doctor during Lu Yaozhu''s military campaign. After doing a thorough check up on the general, he wrote down a prescription and left.


    Lu Yaozhu couldn''t be moved because of not just his injury but to avoid drawing any attention to his condition. Yu Tao offered to keep watch of his master but was turned down by Su Liya. She preferred to keep watch of him herself, at least until he regained consciousness.


    Lu Yaozhu slept for four hours, it was nearly night when he woke up. Rong Rong and Baozhai went about the room and lit the lamps before it was dark. They added more coal and wood to the fire, or was colder at night in the winter, most especially in Ningzhuo.


    When they were done with the lamps and the heaters, they quietly withdrew. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t dressed in thicker clothes because of the injury on his stomach, to keep him from catching a cold, Su Liya stood and shut the window properly. She saw Lu Yaozhu''s eyes flutter open, as she walked back to her seat.


    She increases her pace until she stood at the bedside, "how are you feeling, Yaozhu? You have been out for hours, would you like some water".


    Lu Yaozhu blinked a few times to clear the sleep away from his eyes then nodded. His mouth felt dry and his throat was itchy, She picked up the pitcher of warm water and Cup on the bedside table and poured him a cup.


    "Help me up please"


    "Okay" She dropped the cup on the table and came forward to help him seat up. He hissed as she helped him up, she rolled up a blanket and placed it behind him. When he was more comfortable, she passed the cup of water to him. He drank quickly and passed it back to her, indicating that he wanted some more.


    Two more cups later and his mouth was no longer dry and the previous discomfort in his throat was no longer felt. Su Liya pulled the blanket around him up, "you must be starving, are you ready to eat?"


    Lu Yaozhu nodded and smiled, "sorry for making you worry, your suspicion was right. The informant was working with Deputy Sun, we were attacked during the exchange. They tried to make it seem like they had followed the informant and was trying to stop him from giving me the records.


    "I would have fallen for that if I didn''t notice the callous on the informant palm, which spoke of years of sword use. The informant claimed to be an assistant at the ministry of revenue branch office, would an assistant have callouses? I wasn''t expecting to be attacked and just wanted to play along with the informant when a crowd of masked men descended on us.


    "Three of my men were killed, the three other men I came with escaped with me but one was fatally injured. He died not long letter so it, it was already daybreak and the three of us were all injured we could move around rashly. Luckily one of our men sported one of the secret guards you sent to find me or who knows how everything would have turned out".


    Su Liya sat on her vacant seat thoughtfully, " You said that the records were fake then this was Deputy Sun''s original plan. He wanted to stir you in the wrong direction by giving you a doctored record and to stop you from getting suspicious of that, he staged an attack to throw you up. How well planned".


    "Good to see that you are impressed, I would if one half of my body didn''t feel like it was on fire"


    Su Liya winced, "sorry dear, but look on the bright side... At least you are alive. There is hope as long as one is living, only the dead are hopeless. We will try to get the real records and if we don''t we can always trick them into revealing their true nature. So cheer up Yaozhu".


    Lu Yaozhu glanced and her and smiled.


    ******


    Three weeks later, Ningzhuo


    No matter how hard they searched, they couldn''t get a hold of the original records, which was nerve recking for the both of them. Everything changed after the secret meeting with the Wu family. The secret meeting took place at Mu restaurant, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu went together under the pretence of enjoying the local delicacies together.


    After over three months in Ningzhuo, the stories of the harmonious relationship between the young governor and his beautiful wife had spread. It was rumoured that the couple loved each other very deeply and the governor doesn''t notice any other woman but her.


    The Governor in just a few months had approved a lot of projects which greatly improved the standard of living of the people of Ningzhuo. The governor and his wife were in synch with each other, as the governor''s wife was kind and easygoing. She had done her fair share of actions to improve the lives of the common folks.


    Such as sending down some necessities to the villages affected by lizards and the rest, she had also started a small soup kitchen for the homeless. All these actions endeared everyone to the governor and his wife, that they were dubbed the role models for the younger generation.


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya going out to Nu restaurant to eat didn''t seem strange and no one paid them any mind. Lu Yaozhu had kept his search for the original records of the accounts book secret and instead made his investigation of the fabricated account book an open secret to anyone who wanted to know.


    This had Deputy Sun fooled since as far as he knew he had Lu Yaozhu fool and was just waiting for the young governor to make a move. He had left enough bread crumbs to give Lu Yaozhu the illusion that the account books were authentic.


    He had already arranged with Prime Minister Shi, once Lu Yaozhu felt assured of the "evidence" recorded in the doctored account book that proved his father and him guilty of embezzlement. They would go forward with their plans, Lu Yaozhu would take proper channels and report him.


    Following the set down rules, the court would send down an edict for their arrest and then they would be transported to the capital to be tried and arrested. All this needed to play out for their plan to work, he needed Lu Yaozhu to let down his guards and walk right into his plan.


    Once Lu Yaozhu was put high up, he would fall to the pit of pits. The Lu family would fall so low that not everyone the Empress or crown prince can save them. If his plan worked carefully, the Empress would lose her position. The Empress losing her position would be easy since she did not have a legitimate son.


    The crown Prince shared not a single drop of blood with her and as such the Emperor couldn''t pardon her with consideration to her son''s achievements. The Empress and the Lu family are done for and all because of their most powerful member. The Lu family only had themselves to blame for their downfall, they should have considered the paranoid emperor''s feelings.


    Who said that good things happened to loyal officials, that was far from the truth. At times great timing and crafty plans were necessary to once survive and unbeknownst to Deputy Sun and the Shi family, Lu Yaozhu wasn''t fooled.


    Lu Yaozhu was not yet fully healed but his wounds weren''t tender anymore and didn''t hurt as much. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya were escorted to a private room at the far end of the restaurant where they met with the Head of the Wu family. While a decoy couple were placed in the governor''s private room at the restaurant. As far as any onlooker know, the loving couple was eating in the private room.


    No one knew that, they were led out through a secret pathway leading to the secret box owned by the Mu Family by Mu Chen. The Mu families representative was already seated in the room when they arrived.


    Mu Chen gave them a half now and gestured Inside, "please go in, the Mu Family''s representatives are waiting".


    "Thanks" the couple replied and walked past him. Lu Yaozhu took the lead while Su Liya followed closely.

 Chapter 116: A double edged sword 4

    Mu restaurant, Ningzhuo


    Mu Chen gave them a half now and gestured Inside, "please go in, the Mu Family''s representatives are waiting".


    "Thanks" the couple replied and walked past him. Lu Yaozhu took the lead while Su Liya followed closely.


    There were two people seated on one end of the table as they came in, one was a woman while the other was a male. They were familiar with the attractive young man seated next to the young woman dressed in green. The young man looked up grinning as they walked in, when Wu Yao asked him to accompany him to meet a new ally, he never expected the new ally to turn out to be the governor and his wife.


    He caught Wu Yao''s eye and smiled. His little Yao Yao has been keeping secrets from him and big ones at that. He didn''t know what game his Yao Yao was playing but it seem like it would be interesting.


    The surprise of seeing a young lady as opposed to the already greying old master Wu could compare to the surprise of seeing a familiar face seated next to the unfamiliar young lady. Lu Yaozhu paired but continued forward, "Magistrate Li! What a pleasant surprise".


    Li Sichan watched the governor and his wife take a seat opposite them, "You too governor".


    Magistrates Li Sichan was the youngest magistrate in the history of Ningzhuo and the third son of the Li family. The Li family was a new noble family that was formally a merchant family that dealt in ice and iced produce trade.


    (New Noble family as the name implies are families that only recently received noble titles due to the contribution of certain members of the family. A new noble family usually get their titles from the Emperor, either from successful political appointments of members of the family or from their daughters marrying into the palace as consorts)


    Ningzhuo is one of the coldest regions in northern Wei and is known for its cold weather which is why trading in ice was once of the most successful businesses in these parts. Ningzhuo was northern Wei''s biggest supplier of ice and the Li family are one of the merchant families in the trade.


    The Li family was a mid-level merchant family but was promoted to a fourth-ranked family during the previous generation after the head of the family, Old master Li Hong earned the highest scores in the Imperial examination in the entire northern region.


    Li Hong was made the censor of Ningzhuo, a fourth-ranked official in charge of the northern region. Li Sichan like his grandfather was the highest scorer in the imperial examination and was made the magistrate of Ningzhuo. Li Sichan was known to be fair and just in his job and unlike the other local officials wasn''t corrupt. He never abused his power and was regarded as a protegee.


    The young lady seated on the other side of the table finally spoke, "Thanks for coming over governor Lu, Your Highness. I trust that you didn''t face any difficulty on your way here?"


    Lu Yaozhu was the one who answered, "No we didn''t. I wasn''t expecting to run into someone other than old master Wu. You are?"


    "I failed to introduce myself, I apologise. I am Wu Yao, the Eldest master''s niece. The Eldest master couldn''t make the journey, If you don''t mind, I will be representing him".


    "That is perfectly understandable young mistress Wu, I trust the eldest master''s judgement.


    Wu Yao didn''t notice any insincerity in Lu Yaozhu or his wife but to be safer, she decided to drag their conversation a little. "They say that trust is built from sharing a meal. Governor and your Highness, please let us have a meal together"


    "Okay"


    Wu Yao rang the bell by the side and Mu Chen came in to take their orders. Wu Yao asked the couple if they had any dietary restrictions before ordering a set of hot dishes. Hot and spicy dishes combined with warm wines were more preferable in the winter because they warmed the body and chased away the chill.


    Su Liya noticed that the interaction between Wu Yao and Li Sichan seemed very intimate but according to Mu Chen, magistrate Li was still unmarried. Based on the strict rules of this time such interaction between an unmarried man and woman was scandalous and could be disastrous to the young ladies reputation.


    Because of the obvious double standards, when these scandals broke it was only the woman that receive the brunt of it all. Most people would hide such a relationship, was Wu Yao trying to test them and see how they would react to this. How was amusing, Miss Wu''s methods were rather interesting.


    Wu Yao didn''t say anything throughout their lunch and neither did Su Liya. She took a cup of plain tea from her maid, a tall young lady in brown and rinsed her mouth after eating, the table was cleared as soon as they were done. Throughout the dinner, Li Sichan brought up a few dinner conversations to improve the ambience.


    Su Liya wasn''t familiar with the magistrates so apart from saying a few words, she was silent and instead discreetly studied the young lady. The young lady also did the same, she finally broke the silence as the dishes were cleared.


    "I don''t like playing games, Governor Lu. I prefer to be blunt and from what I heard, I know that neither do you. My uncle is now old after going through the events of a few years back, his health has taken a tow. I received a lot of letters from your wife and while I am interested in a collaboration with you. How can I be sure of the sincerity in your actions?"


    Lu Yaozhu looked forward and answered, "You can''t be sure of our sincerity miss Wu but you must admit that there are more benefits for you and your family than losses in associating with us. We both share a common enemy, so even if you don''t trust us, we can still work together in taking down the Sun and the Lau family"


    Wu Yao''s lips twitched a little but she maintained her neutral expression. She hadn''t expected such a blunt action from a seasoned courtier like Lu Yaozhu. Usually, these court officials will just go round around with their words nerves hiring any point and instead try to sell her on the benefits.


    That was how Minister Sheng spoke when he approached their Wu Yi company to help him handle this governor. Although her mind wasn''t in killing this general, she had for some time toyed with the idea of joining hands with the Imperial family for her Wu family''s benefits but as expected the Imperial family betrayed them.


    She discovered not long after minister Sheng''s impromptu visit that he had approached another group under Deputy Sun. Minister Sheng must have noticed the uncertainty in her answers and went to their rivals. That had annoyed her for some time but after meeting with the governor and his wife, she was starting to appreciate hold out a little.


    Working with the Imperial family male looked profitable on the outside but a smart person knew that it was like a double-edged sword. There was no escaping harm no matter the decision one took. If the plan works out, you will be praised and receive a lot of gifts but if the plan fails, you become a cannon fodder set up to take a fall for the glory of the Royal family.


    "You are just like the rumours said, how surprising" Wu Yao chuckled and glanced at the quiet woman beside the governor. Princess Qin was in her observation a poisonous beauty, she was as beautiful as she was dangerous. She looked from the governor to the Princess and back then whispered to Li Sichan "What an unusually pair, you two make".


    Li Sichan winked at her and replies "that is what the men say about us too. I guess we are all destined to meet".


    Wu Yao side-eyed him, snorted and muttered "idiot!"


    Li Sichan didn''t respond and just laughed softly, "Governor Lu, I heard about your injuries. I hope you are healed".


    Lu Yaozhu was surprised to hear the younger man mention his injuries. They had hidden it well, how is Li Sichan aware of his injuries. Except there was a spy among his men. Lu Yaozhu glanced coldly at the door and replied "I am well".


    Li Sichan noticed the change in Lu Yaozhu''s expression and smiled, "governor Lu doesn''t have to worry about your men, they are still as impenetrable as before but the same can not be said about Deputy Sun''s private army. I have never seen such a loose mouthed bunch".


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t feel relaxed by his reply and just nodded but already made plans to check through the tanks of his men carefully. Nothing killed a general as quickly as a compromised Army.


    Li Sichan couldn''t tell what Lu Yaozhu was thinking because of his usual poker face and continued "Deputy Sun has been making a lot of underground plans, General. I fear that he has joined hands with the Shi and Sheng family. You must already be aware that the account records you have are fake"


    "We know but I am curious who has the original records?"

 Chapter 117: A game of smoke and shadows 1

    Mu restaurant, Ningzhuo


    "Deputy Sun has been making a lot of underground plans, General. I fear that he has joined hands with the Shi and Sheng family. You must already be aware that the account records you have are fake"


    Li Sichan had a few spies placed around Deputy Sun and his henchmen Xiao Peng. He had been alerted as soon as Deputy Sun started making his moves. Deputy Sun''s Plans although very smart had a lot of open spots because of the quality of his helpers.


    Deputy Sun believes that he is the smartest one in the room and to support his belief, he didn''t keep smart people close. Every single one of his men could be described as muscles no brains, from his right-hand man, Xiao Peng to the lowest thug under him.


    Word on the grapevine was that the governor was investigating the doctored accounts books, which to Li Sichan was a waste of resources since nothing in that record was true. In the light of their collaboration, Li Sichan decided to test the waters and check of Lu Yaozhu was worth collaborating with.


    Lu Yaozhu came clean, there was no need to pretend otherwise. Li Sichan and Wu Yao had a strong information network, they may have already figured out it was a trick. Since they were joining hands, he should tell them his plan as a show of good faith.


    "I am aware of the doctored records, I know that the real records are out there somewhere. I needed a cover to look for the real records without getting caught and decided to pretend to fall for his trick. I needed Deputy Sun to loosen his guard so that I could search for the real records"


    Li Sichan nodded, "it was a good plan, governor. According to my spies, Deputy Sun is fully convinced that his plan has succeeded. Getting the records should be easy if Deputy Sun didn''t already destroy the real records. No matter how you search, I doubt you would find that record except if you could find someone with the original records"


    Lu Yaozhu tilted his head to the side and tapped his fingers on the table silently, "Someone like who, the only other person that would have access to the record would be the head of the Finance Ministry but he is the deputies man. Deputy Sun is smart enough to have already taken the necessary steps to keep everyone from finding out the original records. Except if someone else got hold of the record, then I am curious who has the original records".


    "I do", Wu Yao said looking at Lu Yaozhu straight in the eye. Wu Yao had gotten a hold of the real records from a steward at the head of the ministry of finance''s mansion. The record had come into her possession three weeks earlier, she had decided to meet with Su Liya after going through the records.


    "I won''t lie, the only reason I agreed to meet you was because of the records and nothing else but before I hand it over, I would like to find out how you plan to handle this" she continued, eyes focused on him.


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the quiet Su Liya seated beside him and grinned, "it is not my plan but my words so I better leave the explanation to her".


    Su Liya was surprised to hear him mention her name, she had only planned on just observing and not saying anything but his words were shoving her to the forefront of their conversations. She glanced at him silently when Wu Yao and Li Sichan looked at her expectantly.


    ''Now Look what he has caused, I just wanted to silently observe without getting involved'', Su Liya thought as she glared at him. Lu Yaozhu pretended like he did nothing bad, he was smiling at her like he didn''t just go out of plan.


    She sighed, "We found the attack on the general strange but since we don''t have the real records we can''t act yet. I thought that we would be able to investigate properly if Deputy Sun believed that his plan had succeeded. One would expect the doctored account record to whitewash Deputy Sun and the Sun family but that wasn''t the case.


    "Those records also put him at a disadvantage, which I found strange. Deputy Sun must have wanted to fool the general into believing that the record wasn''t doctored. We planned to find the original records and submit them to court"


    "Submitting the records might not be able to get deputy Sun removed from office since he already had prime minister Shi''s support. My men intercepted secret messages between the two and I fear that they plan on getting the Lu family arrested for treason.


    "Deputy Sun and Prime Minister Sun are already making plans with the Bongju bandits. They are just waiting for you to submit an official report to the Emperor. The system is already rigged against you so why don''t we help each other out"


    Lu Yaozhu blacked out at the mention of treason, never I''m a million years did he think that the Emperor would take such a route. Prime Minister Shi wouldn''t be so confident in his actions if he didn''t think that the Emperor would support him. Even if the Emperor was envious of the people''s love for the Lu family and their power in court, accusing them of treason would be disastrous to not just the Lu family but also the Empress.


    Why would he ever make such a risky move such as this? Has the Emperor decided to give up on the Empress completely or was this just another one of his sick moves to make the Empress dependant on him? Lu Yaozhu didn''t understand was the Emperor was aiming at but he needed to ensure that nothing went as he planned not just for his family but also the Empress.


    He owed her that much for what she went through because of him. He needed to be responsible for her safety at least this once, she can not always be the one making sacrifices for him.


    He was aware of Prime minister Shi''s and Imperial consort Shi''s secret ambitions, while the Emperor was blind to their secret alliances with Chu state, he was aware of it all. His father always advised everyone to be careful who they brought into their house but the Emperor never listened.


    In his greed the Emperor brought a demoness into his home, the shi family may pretend to be loyal to the kingdom but they only act for their benefit. He needed to use this opportunity to draw the Emperor''s attention to that.


    Lu Yaozhu tapped his chin thoughtfully and said "I have a plan but for it to work, I will need everyone''s contribution. Truthfully my plan will be very risky but if executed properly, we will all be able to get whatever we want. What do you say, Miss Wu, Magistrate Li? Are you ready to make a bet?


    Li Sichen glanced at Wu Yao, he wasn''t the one the most hurt by the Sun family. Wu Yao lost her aunt and her granduncle hadn''t recovered from losing his only child. He was doing this for her so every decision must be her choice. He could see the excitement in her eyes. Wu Yao liked taking risks, as far as it led her to achieve her wishes.


    Governor Lu already had her attention, He looked back at the governor and grinned " we are in"


    *****


    Four days later, At Ningzhuo.


    A small troupe of Imperial guards rode into the town and headed straight for Sun Mansion and Deputy Sun''s mansion. The guards were led to the mansion by Lu Yaozhu, which caused quite the fanfare. It was mid-day, everyone went about their businesses, the commoners manning their stalls watched as heavily armed guards and prison carriages surrounded the Sun family mansion.


    They watched as old master Sun was led out of the mansion and into the waiting carriage. The next stop was Deputy Sun''s mansion, where Deputy Sun was arrested. Both men were transported to the court jail to stay. They would be leaving for the capital the next day.


    Back at the governor''s house


    Su Liya was informed of the arrest by Rong Rong. The arrest was very public, the news was spread in just a few minutes after it had happened. Su Liya observed the behaviour of the servants around her, she wanted to check their response and find out just how many spies were in their residence.


    At the end of her experiment, she found out that only 20% of the servants were compromised. Steward Meng made himself scarce, he must have been scared that he would be arrested too but that never happened.


    Every time there was a knock on the door, his heart skipped. It wasn''t until Governor Lu left with the Imperial guards the next day that he finally relaxed.


    Before leaving with the guard Lu Yaozhu station a unit of his secret guards to keep Su Liya safe

 Chapter 118: A game of smoke and shadows 2

    The Imperial Palace, Emperor Zhong''s palace


    it was a moonless night in the capital, which meant that it was a lot darker than usual that night. The Palace servants lit up lamps to brighten up the entire palace. Standing lamps were placed from the entrance of the Emperor Purple hall to the Emperor''s Imperial study.


    Emperor Zhong was going through the reports when Caihong came in a reported that the Imperial Secretary had submitted a report from Ningzhuo. The mood of the previously exhausted Emperor rose at the mention of a report from Ningzhuo. He had been expecting this report for weeks, he had even instructed the Imperial Secretary to submit each report from Ningzhuo to him as soon as it arrived.


    Caihong presented the letter sachet containing the report to Emperor Zhong, Who took it from his hand. "The Imperial secretary Yang has worked hard, send down a reward", Emperor Zhong said and waved him away.


    Caihong bowed and quietly retreated. He felt that the Emperor response to the report was strange but didn''t dare speculate. However he still sent word to the Empress, Caihong has been with the Emperor for decades. He understood who between the Empress and Imperial Consort Shi had true feelings for the Emperor.


    The Emperor himself could tell but chose to play dumb. He had watched the Emperor grow so much like a parent, he felt embarrassed by how the Emperor treated the Empress. He couldn''t caution the son of the heavens (the Emperor is also titled the son of heavens since it is believed that he was chosen by the gods to rule).


    While he couldn''t caution the son of heaven, he could make life easier for the Empress. This was his way of apologizing for the Emperor, it was the least he could do. He didn''t know what came the Emperor was playing but since it concerned the Lu family most especially General Lu, he feared that it wasn''t anything good.


    Caihong sent one of his most trusted Students to deliver the message to the Empress while he stood outside the Emperor''s study and stood guard. He was on night duty in case the Emperor needed something.


    Meanwhile, inside the Imperial study, Emperor Zhong untied the strings holding the sachet closed and pulled out the report. He quickly read through, Deputy Sun had done a good job, based on the sample of the records submitted by Lu Yaozhu. He was pleased with the way things were going, everything would go back to normal soon.


    It was nearing the dawn of the Lu family''s empire, soon they would be history. He would successfully regain the power lost by the Imperial family, how can a mere military family be more popular than the Imperial family. Too bad his old friend Lu Peizhi wasn''t alive to see the downfall of his precious Lu family.


    Luckily the Empress would experience the whole thing, he would give her a front-row seat to it all. She would watch as the Lu family lost their precious honour, it would teach her to pick the right side. She dared to abandon him for her family, what was so special about protecting her family''s honour. How pathetic because with just a command from him, her precious family would lose everything.


    He picked up the writing brush and wrote the words approve then picked up the Emperor''s Dragon seal and stamped on Lu Yaozhu''s official request for the arrest of the Deputy Sun and old master Sun. He wrote an edict instructing the Imperial guards to escort Lu Yaozhu and the suspects back to the capital from Ningzhuo.


    The edict would be sent with is approval letter while another permission letter would be sent to Lu Yaozhu immediately. Emperor Zhong drafted all the necessary documents weeks earlier in preparation for the report. He took them out of a wooden box by his desk and stamped them all before calling Caihong in to send them to the Imperial office.


    Caihong collected the letter and sent them off to the Imperial office, he followed the necessary channels before sending word to the Prime Minister. Everything went swiftly, by the time it was reported to the entire court the next day the Imperial dispatch officer and the imperial guards had already left.


    The report submitted to the Imperial court was approved by the emperor as soon as it arrived at the capital. Most officials were surprised to hear that but they soon dismissed their suspicion. They just assumed that it was because the Emperor was annoyed by the provincial officials large scale louting not because of the Emperor''s favouring the young general but not Prime Minister Shi and Minister Sheng. They knew the real reason behind the Emperor''s speedy response.


    The Lu family was a thorn in their side, they were glad for an opportunity to get rid of this nuisance. Prime Minister Shi had secretly activated his secret guards this was a good opportunity to get rid of any possible resistance to his plans in tge Lu families camp.


    ***********


    The Governor''s Mansion, Ningzhuo


    The Imperial dispatch officer left hours earlier than the Imperial guards and thanks to his swift house, arrived at Ningzhuo a day earlier than the Imperial guards. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t surprised by his Emperor''s swift arrival, he had seen first-hand how quick his Emperor was in eliminating all resistance.


    The Emperor had been waiting for an opportunity to get rid of the Lu family, how would he let an opportunity like this escape him. Emperor Zhong believe that Fortune favours the brave, he was both swift and fast in his actions.


    Lu Yaozhu met the imperial dispatch officer as soon as he arrived at Ningzhuo and relieved him of the documents before sending him on his way. He suspected that the Imperial guards would arrive the next day and instructed the servants to arrange the necessary lodging for them.


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya had already planned with Physician Shen, two days earlier Su Liya was given a potion that would make her appear to be terribly ill. Physician Shen was called in very early that day the next day after Su Liya was discovered to be vomiting non-stop. After checking her pulse, Su Liya was reported to be suffering from stomach sickness and was ordered to be bedridden for twelve days.


    Because of her ill health, Su Liya was exempted from returning to the capital with Lu Yaozhu. Lu Yaozhu accompanied the Imperial guards and the prisoners back to the capital. They didn''t stay back at night to rest as often as Lu Yaozhu and his company did during the last trip, in just eight days they were at the capital.


    Lu Yaozhu was welcomed by the heads of the joint judicial offices and the ministry of justices at the city gates. The officials from the ministry of justice escorted the prisoners to the detainment cells located at the offices of the ministry of justice while Lu Yaozhu entered the Palace to pay respects to the Emperor.


    Today was a day off from court, there was no one at the palace. Lu Yaozhu met the Emperor at the Imperial study. Emperor Zhong was replying to some memorandum submitted earlier by court officials from the various offices. While the daily court session did not hold today and the officials were given a free day, the Emperor was free to rest.


    He had to go through the various memorandum submitted before the next court season tomorrow. Emperor Zhong felt a headache coming, he placed the memorandum in his hand back on the table and rubbed his temple gently. He picked up the cold tea on his right arm took a sip, Caihong came in as he returned the teacup to his previous position.


    "Your Majesty, General Lu has arrived, he is standing outside and requesting to pay respect", Caihong said in a quiet tone.


    Emperor Zhong sighed and gazed outside the door, "This nephew of mine is filial, he stops by at our palace as soon as he arrived at the Capital. It is a pity that I can not meet him now, this Emperor is tired and his eyes wary. Tell the general to get some rest, there is no need for these unnecessary formalities when we are all family. Tomorrow is another day"


    The Emperor had been working non-stop since having breakfast, it was no surprise that he was too tired to see anyone. Caihong understood the Emperor''s words, "Yes, your Majesty". He silently retreated but was called back by the Emperor a few steps from the door.


    "Eunuch Caihong, inform the domestic department to send over some replenishing tea leaves, Governor Lu travelled from a far distance and instead of going home straight stopped by here. We can not let him go empty-handed"


    "The servant understands, your Majesty".


    Emperor Zhong didn''t say anything more and just leaned back on the backrest of his seat while rubbing her temple gently. Caihong was an old hand, he knew how to handle everything. There was no need to worry.


    Caihong relayed the Emperor''s words to Lu Yaozhu when he got out and instructed him to wait. When the tea leaves arrived he handed them to Lu Yaozhu. Lu Yaozhu said his thanks to the Emperor''s Chief Eunuch and returned to the Duke''s mansion.

 Chapter 119: A game of smoke and Shadow 3

    The Prime Minister''s Mansion.


    Prime Minister Shi was the most powerful court official in Northern Wei and like most officials had a diverse web of spies responsible for keeping him informed of everything that happened I''m the capital.


    The Prime Minister''s mansion was a newly constructed mansion at Junwang Ye''s street, it was built on the repossessed land of a retired official from the previous Emperor''s administration.


    The Emperor gifted the land to the Shi family after Imperial consort Shi gave birth to the sixth prince. The Shi family for the past few generations lived at the lower level residential areas of the capital, close to the business district. It was home to mostly merchant families and newly titled noble families.


    That area was a newly constructed residential area and while it wasn''t the most ideal place according to the top tier noble families because of its distance from the Imperial Palace, it was good real estate. For generations, the Shi family were at the edges of the ranks of the middle tier noble family as a lesser forth ranked noble Family.


    For the longest time, the Shi family toed the edges of the ranks of the noble family, however after the Prime Minister was ranked third place in the Imperial exams decades earlier the Shi family social standing improved. The Prime Minister was placed in charge of the ministry of works, after years of hard work, he move high in the ranks.


    Prime Minister Shi''s essay submitted to the Imperial College caught the Empress''s eye. He was praised for having an insightful mind and being a valued talent. Which earned him a promotion to the right Assistant Minister of works. The Prime Minister''s promotion improved the families social ranking of the family.


    The Shi family went to the ranks and became a high-level fifth rank official, while the old noble family looked down on the Shi family, they began to receive invitations to palace banquets and other events.


    Imperial consort Shi caught the Emperor''s attention during a poetry appreciation gathering hosted at the palace by Empress Dowager to celebrate her birthday. The Emperor was impressed by her poetry skills, which earned her a place in the imperial haram as an imperial concubine.


    Having a daughter in the imperial haram had its benefits, once your daughter was favoured the entire family would be honoured. Prime Minister was brought into the limelight, he slowly climbed the ranks until he was appointed the Prime Minister.


    The Emperor charged the ministry of works with the task of constructing the prime minister''s new residence as soon as the edict announcing his official appointment was drafted. The Shi family changed residence once the mansion was constructed, at that point, everyone could see that the previous social dregs had the Emperor''s grace. Everything from the layout of the building to the landscape was all top-notch, the Ministry of works outdid themselves, It was as beautiful as the palace.


    The Prime Minister mansion was ran by Imperial consort Shi''s mother and the Prime Minister''s Principal wife Ling Shi. (Ling Shi means a girl surnamed Ling, it is used for married women. In ancient times women didn''t take their husbands names so they were called by their father''s surname. Hence in the case of our female lead, she is called Su Shi. A married female could either be called Madam (her husband family name) or her father''s family name)


    Ling Shi was a strict master, she ran the house would a firm hand. Which made the servants work harder, she was the daughter of a scholarly sixth-grade family and the Prime Minister''s only wife.


    As opposed to his wife, Prime Minister Shi didn''t have many rules for the maids serving at the main courtyard, except that his study was off-limits. No one was allowed inside without permission. He had a team of his secret guards stationed around this room.


    His study was locked when he wasn''t in residence, Prime Minister Shi was as paranoid as it got. He when everywhere with the key to that is room and never allowed anyone in to clean the room. The cleaning was done by his right-hand man, Xi Feng.


    Today was one of the rare court free days in a month that was observed by Prime Minister Shi, He had brought home some reports the previous day as he always did. After having a light breakfast with Ling Shi, Prime Minister Shi went into his study to handle those reports.


    The sound of hurried footsteps at the door drew his attention away from reading the diplomatic reports send back by the officials sent to Western Liang to handle the border trade deal with Western Liang, one of their allied nations. Western Liang and northern Wei had a Marriage Alliance, thanks to the First Princess''s political marriage to the Emperor of Western Liang.


    He looked up from the open report in his hands as Xi Feng rushed in and frowned, "why the hurried steps, Xi Feng?".


    Xi Feng stopped a few steps away from his masters reading table and bowed "my apologies for disturbing you my Lord, General Lu Yaozhu just arrived at the capital"


    "Finally, where is he now?"


    "Our men reported that he went into the palace to pay his respects to the Emperor as soon as he arrived"


    "What a good loyal dog, too bad that it is all a waste. What is the point of such loyalties when his Majesty the Emperor is blind to the obvious" He set down his brush next to the inkstone, "I need eyes on the general, all around the clock. We are in a delicate time, I must know where he goes, what he does and who he meets".


    "Yes"


    Prime Minister Shi nodded, "You are dismissed"


    Xi Feng nodded and quickly retreated.


    Prime Minister Shi stood and walked to the window by the side and looked out. Lu Yaozhu had taken longer than he had expected to take the bait but finally, he did. It looks like Deputy Sun''s plan would be a success, he hoped that the plan was successful. A lot was hanging on its success, he needed it to go smoothly for what he had planned to be successful.


    ********


    The Duke''s mansion


    Lu Yaozhu had sent word to his mother and brother days earlier so the entire Duke mansions waited patiently for his return. The responsibility for preparing for his return was handled by Zhu Fengyin. It was the first major event she was handling since she was given the responsibility of running the residence a few weeks earlier by madam Lu.


    Madam Lu had gotten satisfied with her eldest daughter in law these past few months, Zhu Fengyin had surpassed her earlier expectations of her and proven to be responsible. Madam Lu observed that there was no need to guard against her and decided to give her a few of the due responsibilities of her new position as a Duchess.


    Before getting married the young ladies of noble families are instructed on the methods of managing a household in preparation for the responsibilities they would assume after marriage. The young ladies are taught various tasks such as accounting and bookkeeping.


    Zhu Fengyin took over the running of the household under the tutelage of Madam Lu for two weeks before she was left to handle it alone. The Preparation for Lu Yaozhu''s return was the first major task, she was undertaking alone.


    Lu Yaozhu sent word a week earlier, Zhu Fengyin was informed of his return by Lu Yingjie as soon as his letter arrived. She met with madam Lu early the next day to discuss her plans before commencing with her plans.


    Throughout the days leading to his arrival, Madam Lu gave Zhu Fengyin a few pointers when needed. She didn''t interfere with Zhu Fengyin''s plans and just observed. Zhu Fengyin''s was efficiently the work that she gradually became at ease.


    Having a capable daughter in law has its perks, She no longer had to shoulder running the Duke''s residence alone and can now enjoy her days in peace. Madam Lu''s days were filled with leisure, she woke up whenever she wished and after having her breakfast and walking around the gardens took a nap until it was time for Lunch.


    The chief matron in charge of her courtyard reported the young master''s return while she reclined on the couch by the window with two maids standing at her side and fanning her gently. Madam Lu had just finished having tea with her cousin Madam Yu and was resting by the window when Matron Rong ran in.


    Madam Lu opened her eyes and glanced at her very capable dowery maid, who bowed and said quickly


    "Madam, I just heard from Officer Bo at the city gates, our Second young master is back"


    Madam Lu Sat up immediately, "Yaozhu Is back?"


    "Yes Madam, he went into the palace to greet the Emperor. He would be back soon"


    Madam Lu stood and waves her maids over "quick, help me get dressed. Rong shi, instruct the kitchen to prepare all his favourite dishes no hold on alert Fengyin first. Oh and tell steward Lu to inform him to come over once he is back" she rushed to seat by the dressing mirror, her lips spread wide as she hummed softly.

 Chapter 120: Treason 1

    The Duke''s mansion


    Madam Lu paced around the wide Center room of her pavilion, only stopping a few times to look to the open door expectantly. Her maids stood silently by the wall and watched her bore a hole on the ground with her shoes.


    Her most senior Maid Nanny Liu tried to make her relax, she walked to her mistress''s side and said softly, "please have a seat, madam. Second master went into the palace to greet the Emperor and Empress, it may take a while before he gets back. Drink some tea while you wait, walking around will only make you tired".


    Madam Lu could scarcely hear her, only the words "second master was back" repeated inner head. She had been experiencing him since she had received his letters last week. She hadn''t seen her son n mouths, one would think that with how often Li Yaozhu went to war, She would be used to his long absence from home but that wasn''t the case.


    She clamped both hands at her lower stomach and bit her lip gently while looking hopefully at the door. The wait was nerve recking but she never regretted the wait, there was joy in seeing someone dear to your heart after some time of separation. The little maid in charge of attending to the gardens sent by steward Lu to deliver the news of the second master''s arrival to her hadn''t finished saying the word


    "Second young master is at the gates"


    When Madam Lu rushed out of the room, her maids quickly ran after her. Nanny Liu rushed after her while calling out "Madam, hold on. Don''t run, be careful of falling".


    Madam Lu ignored her calls and ran towards the gates, she ignored the strange looks she received from the servants on the way. She met Lu Yaozhu walking in with Lu Yingjie and Zhu Fengyin as she walked out of a narrow pathway. Lu Yaozhu and his elder brother conversed between themselves in low tones as they caught up on a few things.


    They walked with their heads close, eyes focused on the path in front of them, while Zhu Fengyin followed silently beside Lu Yingjie. Zhu Fengyin stopped and bowed when she saw her mother-in-law walk out of the pathway at their right.


    "Mother" Zhu Fengyin stopped walking and holding both hands on her labs turned to the right and bowed. Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie around as soon as they heard that and bowed respectfully as they chorused "Mother".


    Madam Lu smiled and rushed forward, she held Lu Yaozhu''s hand up smiling and said "Xiao Zhu! It has been a while"


    She dropped one of his hands and placed her hands on his cheek, "I didn''t think that I would see you this soon". She glanced behind him and didn''t see Su Liya, "where is Liya? Didn''t she come back with you?"


    Lu Yaozhu brought her hand down from his cheek and put his hands through her palm. He smiled, "mom, Ya Ya is ill. She needs to rest in bed, it wasn''t safe for her to travel. Once she gets better, I will send for her".


    Madam Lu looked up eyes wide, "She is that sick? Oh no, what happened to her?"


    Lu Yaozhu looked at her with raised eyebrows and then glanced at his brother and sister-in-law. He was surprised to hear his mother worried for Ya Ya, wasn''t his mother sceptical of her before their move.


    Why the sudden change in attitude? His brother and sister-in-law just shared a gaze and smiled. His elder brother scratched his nose and smirked. Lu Yaozhu looked back at his mother''s expectant expression, "it is mother serious mother, it is just a stomach illness, she just needs to take some medicine to replenish her health. There is no need to worry, Physician Shen is taking care of her".


    Madam Lu was reassured when she heard that Physician Shen was with her. She had decided to give Su Liya a chance after her men reported that she didn''t have any hand in planning the scandal but was a victim but it was Zhu Fengyin''s action these past months that convinced her to give her a chance.


    Madam Lu nodded "that is good, it is getting late Xiao Zhu let''s have dinner".


    "Okay" Lu Yaozhu replied walking hand in hand with his mother.


    **********


    Two days, at the Emperor''s Audience Hall


    The court had just finished mediating a land case when Imperial Secretary Yu, an elderly man with completely grey hair in his sixties read out the official report submitted by Lu Yaozhu.


    "The next matter for deliberation by the entire court is the arrest of Deputy Sun and General Sun Wei of the secondary branch of Jingyan''s Sun family based in Ningzhuo for Embezzlement. The charge is brought against them by General Lu Yaozhu, governor of Ningzhuo.


    "The two men were taken into the Ministry of Justice for questioning. I call on Chief Inspector Mu Yitze to read his results"


    Secretary Yu bowed after reading out the report and retreated to his table and seat below the dragon throne at the side of the wide hall.


    Chief Inspector Mu Yitze walked in with two bloodied men in heavy chains. The two father and son looked rather miserable, they looked nothing like noblemen. There have was u kept and their temperature dull, there were heavy chains around their wrists and ankle. Holding their neck was a square-shaped wooden neck lock, the younger man was sporting a few bruises on his jaw and a cut on the lip.


    They when dragged forward by muscular prison wardens and forced on their knees as soon as they arrive in front of the Emperor. A straw mat was spread out on the red carpet in the middle of the audience room, to prevent it from getting stained.


    Emperor Zhong looked from his dragon throne calm, his eye fell on the bloodied Deputy Sun and old man Sun kneeling on a straw mat opposite the door and shook his head. They looked rather unkept, he gazed at Mu Yitze and smiled.


    This chief inspector of his was very good at his job, his men had reported that Mu Yitze was known as the iron touch. My Yitze performed a complete courtesy and unrolled the written report of the interrogation.


    Prime Minister Shi stood straighter as Mu Yitze read out their charges and the results of his interrogation. The two prisoners were transported to the capital from Ningzhuo two days earlier by Lu Yaozhu. Mu Yitze began his interrogation the next day on the Emperor''s orders.


    "On thorough investigation of the evidence provided by General Lu, it was discovered that the records were doctored. However, during the interrogation Deputy Sun maintained his innocence of the charges of corruption. After hours of questioning, there is no confession, even with the pressing evidence. This lowly official requests for a few more days of interrogation".


    Evidence or no evidence, this investigation was fruitless, it was a fact that Emperor Zhong knew but pretended to be a benevolent leader. "Embezzlement is a very serious offence, proper investigation is necessary to avoid any mistakes down the road. We will give you two more days to investigate, we expect results during the court session"


    (The Emperor made use of the royal we, to refer to himself instead of I)


    Mu Yitze bowed at the emperor with both of his arms stretches forward and his hands clasped together in front of him. He replied "Yes" and retreated silently.


    Deputy Sun and his father was dragged away and transported back to the detainment cells at the Ministry of Justice. The court session progressed as usual until it was called to an end and the Emperor dismissed them.


    ************


    The Detainment Cells at the Ministry of Justice


    In a dim windowless room deep inside the Imperial Prison Deputy Sun was claimed to a seat at the centre of the room. Mu Yitze held a heated iron stock to his lap, the sound of his scream could be heard even at the entrance of the building. He had been forced to undergo various painful tortures for the past few days.


    Shouting this often should have made him feel perch but he could barely concentrate on anything during each torture. Mu Yitze saw the foolish man in front of him crack his neck and look away like nothing happened.


    "Looks like you don''t want to end this early" Mu Yitze muttered and picked up the cane lined with sharp thorns by the side and gave Deputy Sun a few strokes.


    Deputy Sun could handle the cane if it was a normal leather whip but it wasn''t a normal cane. The sharp thorns on the edges of the whip shocked into the skin of his back, after a few whips it drew blood. Deputy Sun exclaimed loudly, he had planned to hold on for a few more hours so that his answer would seem true but the pain had become too much to handle.


    He screamed "STOP! I am ready to answer your questions. Please no more!!"


    "Good" Mu Yitze kept the whip aside. The two male guards standing by the wall behind Deputy Sun came forward with a pen and paper and dropped it on the table by the side. Mu Yitze spread out the paper, holding both ends down with a wooden heavy paper holder and picked up the pen.


    "Are you ready to confess?"


    "Yes, Yes. I should have done so earlier but I was warned not to say the truth. I didn''t embezzle the funds but was forced to cover up for my Father and General Lu Yaozhu"


    Mu Yitze looked up, "General Lu Yaozhu? How is he involved in this, the general hasn''t even been to Ningzhuo?"


    Breathing heavily because of his injuries, Deputy Sun continued "it is all a lie, he has been visiting Ningzhuo for years and meeting with my father. He is the main one behind the Embezzlement!"

 Chapter 121: Treason 2

    The Crown Prince Mansion, the west courtyard


    It was around 2 pm and as usual, Zhu Fenfang reclined on a long cushioned chair at the balcony facing the Fish bond and peach garden behind the West Pavilion. Life at the Crown Prince''s mansion was peaceful. She was the only concubine in the residence and served under a calm madam like Xia Ying.


    Life was easy for her, every day after paying her respects to Xia Ying in the morning, she was left to do whatever she liked. The Crown Princess consort was nothing like she had expected. She was calm and didn''t nitpick on anything she did. She didn''t mind that the Crown Prince spent more time with her.


    Most women were irritated if their husbands spend more time with the concubine than with them but not Xia Ying. She didn''t make things difficult for Zhu Fenfang and treated her nicely. Two days after the Crown Princess consort was married, she went to the east courtyard to serve tea.


    It was normal tradition for the concubines of a household to serve tea to the new madam on the second day of marriage. The tea serving ceremony was the most dangerous ceremony of a concubine''s life after marriage. It could make or mar you since it was one of the major determining factors that decided your future in the house.


    It was the official first meeting between the Principal wife and the concubine. The concubine would first salute the principal wife before serving her a cup of tea. After tasting the cup of tea, the principal wife would give her a small gift.


    Zhu Fenfang had decided to tolerate whatever Xia Ying did during their first meeting. Since Xia Ying was the principal wife and had a very strong backing. She had expected Xia Yong to behave like most madams and scold her a little, but that never happened. Instead, Xia Ying received the cup of tea and handed her an embroidered pouch.


    Zhu Fenfang went there expecting Xia Yong to offer her an opportunity to earn a little pity from the Crown prince, but Xia Ying didn''t go down the usual route as expected. She went back to her courtyard unease, after days of getting no reaction out of Xia Ying, she gave up.


    In her time in society, Zhu Fenfang understood that there were two types of madams. The first type of madams, are the vicious over bearing madams like her stepmother, second madam Zhu. The second type is the gentle and kind type, who did not cause trouble for concubines and was na?ve but while the first type was difficult to handle, they were the easiest to make use of.


    The second was the hardest to handle because they were so nice and always borough out a man''s protective instinct. The best example of that was Zhu Fengyin''s mother, Princess Bai. She was so kind and soft-spoken that the minister fell madly in love with her and didn''t put anyone else in his eyes. He focused solely on her, that he ignored her concubine mother.


    The most dangerous thing for concubines was being unfavoured and because of Princess Bai, they were forced to live in the shadows and tolerate the second madam''s harmful actions. She wore to never let that happen to her, which was why she held on to the crown Prince''s favour with a tight grip.


    She laid outside patiently waiting for the crown Prince to come back from court. She had her maid bribe a guard at the gates to inform her as soon as the crown Prince was home. She had the chair placed in a way that gave her a clear view of her room in case the crown Prince arrived.


    She fell asleep during the wait, only waking up when her maid Xiao Chu tapped her shoulder gently.


    She groaned and opened her eyes weakly, "is his highness back?"


    Xiao Chu nodded, "Yes".


    Zhu Fenfang sat up gently while using her palm to shield her eyes from the bright rays of the sun, "Xiao Chu, please get me a cup of water?"


    "Mmm," Xiao Chu replied. She stood and rushed inside to get a cup of warm water.


    Zhu Fenfang sat up and brought her legs down to the ground. She raised her hands and stretched a little when she caught the crown Prince''s eyes as he walk out of her room with a small round tray holding a small pitcher and a cup of water.


    Zhu Fenfang stood quickly and bowed, "Your Highness!"


    Zhongshan Ling smiled, "there is no need to act all proper with me. We are too close for that". He wrapped his hands around her and led her back to her seat "I met Xiao Chu in your room, she was carrying a cup of water. I took it from her". He picked up the cup of warm water and handed it over to her, "Drink up".


    She collects the cup of eater and mumbled "Thanks".


    He smiled and watched her drink slowly, He observed that her face looked a little red she looked down at her nose shyly. The servants bowed to the crown Prince and quietly retreated, how can they as servants observe their masters interact. Even the madam''s first rank maid had stepped back for the couple, their continuous presence was courting trouble.


    He took the cup from her when she was done drinking and returned it to the tray on the small stool beside the chair. There were a few drops of water at the side of her lips, he used his thumb to wipe it away.


    "You look a little warm, let us get back inside" he stood and stretched out his hands to her.


    "Okay," she placed her and in his and stood. He hugged her close and they return inside together. The maids had all retreated and stood just outside, Zhongshan Ling walked then to the top seats in the living room. The two seats were on a raised platform at the center of the room, directly opposite the door and shared a slim stool between them.


    "Your highness just got back from court, Should I send for the maids to bring in your lunch?" She asked.


    "No, there is no need for that. I ate at Wuyi restaurant with A''Zhu"


    "A''Zhu? General Lu is back at the capital?"


    "Yes my dear, he can back two days earlier. Sadly it is not permanent, he is back for official duty. He will go back as soon as that is handled"


    She smiled, "you must be glad to see him after all these weeks, You should meet up with him more often. Ningzhuo is such a far place to go, I heard that the weather dear isn''t very good".


    "A''Zhu is used to dealing with harsh conditions while on military campaigns, he looked okay"


    "Thank the gods"


    "He sent over a wedding gift for you from Princess Qin. I had Dong Yi hand it over to Xiao Chu. For his wife to give you a gift, she is tge type that remembers old sentiments. She is a good match for A''Zhu"


    Zhu Fenfang was taken aback when she heard him mention that Su Liya sent down a wedding gift for her. Her relationship with Su Liya wasn''t so good that she would send her a wedding gift. Zhu Fenfang just assumed that this was Su Liya''s way of trying to get favour from her now that she was married to the Crown Prince.


    She just replied "Yes" and changed the topic immediately. She wasn''t comfortable with a discussion about someone like Su Liya. Zhongshan Ling stayed for some time before leaving.


    She could barely sit still, she waited a few minutes after he left before calling her maid over. "Xiao Chu!"


    Xiao Chu who stood just by the door replied "Yes" and ran in.


    "Get out the Princess''s gift" Zhu Fenfang pointed to the small storeroom door at the side with her head while massaging her neck gently,


    Xiao Chu nodded and rushed to the side. She brought the key out of her bucket and unlocked the door. Zhu Fenfang watch the door silently until she saw her come over with a wide wooden box.


    "Is her gift that big, how wonderful. I think that by now that bitch knows her place. Open the box".


    Xiao Chu placed the box on the small table net to Zhu Fenfang. She turned the box to her mistress and unlocked the box. Zhu Fenfang gasped as she looked into the box, "that bitch! She pushed the box to the ground.


    Xiao Chu fell to her knees immediately I fear, she looked to the content which had all spilt out. Inside the box were three books and a small box. She glanced at her mistress and pulsed her lips while thinking, ''what is wrong with my mistress, while is she getting angry over a couple of books and a small box. Maybe it is because it wasn''t what she had expected.


    She walked to where the box fell and picked it up, the box was very sturdy because it was still firm. She picked one of the books and turned it around to see what had made her mistress angry. Written in bold were the words


    "Four Virtues of gentle born women for Dummies."


    Xiao Chu had never seen a book like this must have been specially prepared by the Princess. The titles of the next book weren''t any better.


    "A discovery of a scheming wife"


    The last book took the cake, unlike the other two this one was more explicit


    "Once a concubine born daughter and now a concubine."


    Xiao Chu glanced at her mistress and sighed. "I will keep it away immediately".


    "I don''t want that in my storeroom, burn it. Burn it all!!!!"


    "Yes Madam", Xiao Chu heard a click as she picked up the small box. "There is something else in here Mistress". She left the bigger box on the ground and brought the smaller box to her mistress.


    Zhu Fenfang glared at the box intently, as if the glare would somehow reach the owner of the box. She took the box from her maid and unlocked it. Inside was a gold Phoenix hairpin, it was good quality gold.


    Xiao Chu''s face darkened when she saw the hairpin, "what game is that low born maid playing mistress. His can she sends you such things, his disrespectful. Like she doesn''t know that Imperial concubines can not wear Golden Phoenix hairpins, only the Principal wife of a prince is allowed to".


    Zhu Fenfang shut the box and threw it aside, " Su Liya you bitch. Just wait, I will deal with you!"

 Chapter 122: Treason 3

    Fangxi Pavilion, the Governor''s house, Ningzhuo


    The surrounding of the entire compound was covered in snow. Unlike the earlier weeks, the snow had gotten heavier. Everyone has switched to full winter gear, Fireplaces were lit in every occupied room in the mansion. Thick fur curtains were hung on the windows and the doors were all shut to keep the cold away.


    The health precautions were observed seriously on Fangxi Pavillion, where Su Liya stayed on bed rest. Her maids brought down the bed curtains when the maids delivered her meals to keep her from view. The kitchen had already delivered her lunch, so the bed curtains were raised.


    Su Liya sat up on the bed with her back rested on the long wooden frame of the bed, while reading through the secret letter sent by Lu Yaozhu. It was delivered by his shadow guard Yu Ke, minutes earlier. She rolled back the letter and threw it onto the fire at the side of the bed.


    She said to Yu Rong Rong who stood at the foot of the bed, "The general and Yu Tao arrived at the capital a few days ago. He has delivered my gift to Zhu Fenfang, I wish I could see the look on her face when she opened the box".


    "It wouldn''t be a good sight for anyone, I believe that Madam Zhu would cause a scene. Mistress, aren''t you worried that Madam Zhu would cause trouble for you?"


    "Oh, I don''t doubt that she would take everything to heart. I am counting on her doing exactly that, You must be wondering why I did something so childish" she chuckled and continued "my actions might seem childish but that is the best step to take. The grudge between the both of us runs deep. Even if I avoid Zhu Fenfang, she won''t let me be. When someone is prejudiced against you, nothing you do would satisfy them so why bother?''


    Rong Rong bit her lip quietly, she didn''t understand what her mistress meant by counting on her doing exactly that'' and wanted to understand it properly. "Your Highness, why are you counting on her trying to make you pay for making fun of him"


    Su Liya got comfortable on the bed, she carefully repositioned her body to avoid getting body ache. "Why else if not to get my revenge, I tried to prevent Zhu Fenfang from getting married to the Crown Prince but things didn''t completely go as planned. Since she still married the Crown Prince, although it was as a concubine. She has fate on her side is if I want to destroy her, I have to make her do it herself."


    Rong Rong picked up a soft pillow and put it behind Su Liya, "Does Your Highness wish to egg her on into doing something dangerous?"


    "Yes! You, my dear, is a smart cookie" she tapped Rong Rong''s button-sized nose. "I found out from the general that the assassin who attacked me at that fishing village on our way here was sent by Crown Princess consort Xia Ying. She didn''t wish to marry the Crown Prince because she fancies herself in love with the general. She wanted me out of the way so that she could marry the general"


    Rong Rong balled up her fist at her sides, "what! Her methods are as bad as that of the Grand Princess?"


    "Shush! The walls have ears!" She whispered holding her index finger close to her lips and looking to the door.


    "I am sorry..... but I was so mad! How can she send an assassin after you just because she wanted to marry the General? Is she stupid! What makes her think that her grandmother would give up on a great opportunity to make her granddaughter, the Empress" Rong Rong hissed and folded both hands on her shoulder.


    Su Liya sat forward, balled up a napkin and threw it at Rong Rong, "Damn it, Rong Rong, don''t get all heated. I was just telling you my grand plan to turn the two obnoxious women against each other. If everything goes as I planned, they will be too busy attacking each other to pay me any mind. Think Rong Rong if you were as hot-tempered and as concerned about your low born status as Zhu Fenfang. How would you react after recording such a gift from me?"


    Rong Rong caught the balls up napkin. She walked closer and sat on the edge of the bed. "Honestly, if I would get determined to show you up by improving my station and in Zhu Fenfang''s case, that would mean becoming the Principal wife. However, the Crown Prince already has a principal wife and one that is as powerful as Xia Ying. It won''t be easy to change that, any sensible person can see that".


    "When has Zhu Fenfang ever been sensible. Like a typical female lead, she feels entitled to the crown Prince. That Entitlement would be her undoing because she would start going against Xia Ying. Which would put both women at odds, a house divided can not stand. Both women are bound to lose out, what better revenge is there than to watch them eat at each other", Su Liya smirked.


    "That is the ultimate revenge indeed" Rong Rong jumped up from the bed "Don''t worry, I will find someone to keep an eye on the two. I am friends with a few maids in the Crown Prince''s residence. I can keep an eye on how things develop!"


    Su Liya laughed, "Why won''t you, my little gossip Queen".


    It took more than five days to get to Ningzhuo by horse from the capital so by the time Yu Ke delivered the letter, the entire Lu family was arrested. Zhu Fengyin''s letter arrived a day letter. Lu Yaozhu had already alerted her of the Prime Minister''s movement in his letter so she knew that the arrest was imminent.


    She had Baozhai deliver a secret letter to Wu Yao, informing her to get ready for the big day. The Big day arrived three days later in the evening, Su Liya had just finished having an early dinner and was seated by the fire with Rong Rong while Baozhai gave her a massage.


    When the residence was surrounded but unlike when the duke''s residence was surrounded. The servants of the governor''s mansion weren''t arrested just only Su Liya and her maids. Before the guards got to the main courtyard Ah Li badged into the room and fell to her knees


    "Your highness! Your Highness! The mansion was surrounded by royal guards, they claim to be here to bring you to the capital!"


    "What!" Su Liya exclaimed weakly, to pretend to be surprised while also maintaining the pretence of being weak but within her, she thought ''Finally, I don''t have to keep taking those bitter concoctions. Building my immunity my a**. Once I get an opportunity, I will get back at Lu Yaozhu for making me take that concoction''.


    Boazhai and Rong Rong were already informed of the plan, they stood at either side of her and helped their mistress up.


    Su Liya looked down at the kneeling maid m, "leave here, you might get implicated if you get caught in here"


    Ah Li looked up shocked to see the princess standing with a calm expression, "your highness I... What about you? If you leave now_"


    "They will get me and then my punishment would be heavier. Don''t worry about me and just leave. This is my fight, I will handle it!" She said firmly.


    "I_ Okay" Ah Li stood and glanced at the princess for a minute before running away.


    Rong Rong fetched a fur coat for Su Liya from the cupboard and wrapped it around her.


    "Rong Rong, the seal!"


    "Yes, I will get it" Rong Rong nodded and rushed to the cupboard at the side, opened the box and pulled out the Lu family''s seal. She handed it over to Su Liya, who put it inside her sleeve.


    "Get a coat for Baozhai and yourself, we will not be going far"


    "Yes" Ten minutes later Rong Rong came back with a thick fur coat for baozhai, she already had hers on. Baozha put both hands into the sleeve of the coat tied up the belt.


    The living door was pushed open and soldiers rushed in, Su Liya glanced at both of her maids and holding both of their hands walked out of the sleeping chamber to meet them. The leader of the soldiers, a tall muscular man with a bush of black beards on his jaw and under his nose turned to the door at the side of the room as it opened.


    When they badged in and didn''t see the lady of the house, for a split second he thought that She had escaped and was about sending the guards with hounds after her. The Emperor ordered them to bring the general''s wife back to the capital but he didn''t say if he wanted her alive or not.


    He has worked for the Emperor for over a decade and more, he knew that except the Emperor wanted someone alive. He wouldn''t give any extra instructions, even if the general''s wife was killed in the search the Emperor won''t hold it against them. After all, she is the wife of a criminal and one accused of treason no less.

 Chapter 123: Treason 4

    The Emperor''s Study, Northern Wei


    Prime Minister Shi, Minister Zhu and Minister Sheng stood next to the table by the Empress right, listening to Mu Yitze give a detailed report of the previous Questioning of the Lu brothers.


    "Your majesty, this official has been unable to find evidence of General Lu Yaozhu''s treason_"


    Minister Sheng dived in immediately, without waiting for him to finish. He pointed at the kneeling Mu Yitze with a sour expression, "What? How difficult is it to find evidence of his treacherous act or is it because you are in league with him? Mu Yitze, you had better remember who is the Emperor of Northern Wei because his surname isn''t Lu!"


    Prime Minister Shi glanced at the shorter male next to him and shook his head, You could take a man out of a village but you couldn''t take the village out of the man. This fishmonger''s Son still hasn''t learned to be tactful and behave like one in his station.


    Even after decades in high society, this man was a good example of why these low born peasants shouldn''t be allowed to take the Imperial exams. Such opportunities should be left only for people of noble birth.


    He grabbed the arm of the little fool by his did pulled him back and walked forward.


    "Ah_" Minister Sheng turned to his side when he felt a hand wrap around his arm and pull him backwards. He met Prime Minister Shi''s cold expression and kept quiet. He didn''t like this old geezer but after his grandson made a full of himself mouths ago at the royal banquet, his daughter had lost the Emperor''s favour.


    Minister Sheng had just joined the ranks of the nobility and didn''t have a solid backing like Prime Minister Shi. He was forced to depend on Prime Minister Shi, who was too full of himself. He always liked to treat him like a slave just because he wasn''t born into an old noble family. Minister Sheng bit his lip as the Prime minister stepped forward.


    Mu Yitze frown stretched out his hands higher and bowed, "Your Majesty this lowly official has no ulterior motives but is trying to follow all standard procedures to avoid punishing the innocent"


    Minister Sheng said angrily while pointing at him with his index finger "The innocent ... You_ Your Majesty I request that Mu Yitze be removed from the case. He is sympathetic to the criminals_"


    Prime Minister Shi couldn''t longer hold out his anger for this blatant full, "Minister Sheng!"


    Minister Sheng jerk back sharply and looked at Prime Minister Shi with bulging eyes, his most opened and close a few times before he turned around and looked down at his bit silently.


    Prime Minister Shi glared at him until he turned around and gazed down at his foot. He sneered and then turned around to Mu Yitze, he came forward and said


    "Chief investigator Mu Yitze, When you requested that the evidence from Deputy Sun be dismissed, his Majesty accepted your request because you promised you would get to the bottom of the case. Yet here you are a week later reporting that you found no evidence. Do you know how suspicious that seems, I can not help but question your capabilities or is it because you are co-conspirators?"


    Mu Yitze looked at the older man with narrowed eyes, was his trying to threaten with treason? He knew that the prime minister was corrupt but to say something like this and in the presence of the Emperor. Prime Minister Shi has grown too big in his position, he glanced at Minister Zhu who remained silent till now and received a nod.


    Mu Yitze kowtowed, "Your Majesty, or is not my intention to set a criminal free but if Prime Minister doubts my sincerely. I am willing to step back from the investigation".


    Emperor Zhong nodded, "this must be a misunderstanding. We understand that loyal officials like you are difficult to find. Chief investigator Mu, shouldn''t take the Prime Ministers''s words to heart. Treason is a capital offence to commit and must be handled swiftly to prevent other officials from getting ideas. You have worked hard, investigator. Leave the rest of the investigation to Prime Minister Shi and Minister Shi"


    "Yes, Your Majesty" Mu Yitze replied bowing. The Emperor said a few more words before dismissing them.


    Minister Zhu didn''t say anything throughout the meeting and just watched the two men like monkeys in a circuit show. Prime Minister Shi and Minister Sheng''s lack of patient would be their undoing. He had suspected that they had a hand in the Lu Yaozhu and Duke Wu''s treason charges but never found any clues to that until now.


    It seems that the Emperor had joined hands with these two to do this without informing him. He didn''t like that thought but there was nothing he could do about that.


    Minister Sheng chased after the Prime Minister as he walked down the stone stairs leading down the Imperial study, "Prime Minister Shi! Hold on_"


    Prime Minister Shi heard him but didn''t pay him any mind. He walked quickly to catch up with Minister Zhu who was up ahead. Minister Zhu had gotten down from the last stair when he finally caught up with him


    Below the stone stairs a short distance away from the open doors of the Emperor''s study. Prime Minister Shi hastened up his steps and finally caught up to Minister Zhu.


    "Brother Yawen!" He called out softly.


    Minister Zhu pulsed his lips and stopped walking. He held both of his hands below his ack and turned around. "How may I help you, Prime Minister Shi?"


    "Brother Yawen shouldn''t be so serious all the time, we have known each other for decades now. You are also my senior, there is no need to be serious. About the young general''s case, I would like to question him today. That is if you are okay with that?"


    Minister Zhu nodded, "okay, you can make the first move, all we want is results. If that is all then, I will take my leave"


    "Goodbye, big brother Zhu"


    Zhu Yawen replied an mmm and walked away. Prime Minister Shi''s lips curved up as he watched the senior minister leave.


    Minister Sheng rushed forward after Zhu Yawen left. He has stepped back to give them some privacy, after getting the feeling that Prime Minister Shi didn''t want him close to them. He knew that the Prime Minister looked down on him but pretended otherwise since he didn''t have a very stable footing.


    "Eh, Prime Minister Shi. About the evidence submitted by Deputy Sun, why are we not making use of it? It is so detailed, isn''t it?"


    The smile fell off his face and his lips turned down as Minister Sheng''s voice got closer. He regretted working with Minister Sheng because he was always explaining things to this idiot. it was like irritating at best,


    "Minister Sheng, his Majesty is only trying to ensure that no ins questions his judgement down the line. Mu Yitze was right when he pointed out that Deputy Sun''s evidence couldn''t be used because it was submitted by a man suspected of fraud. If his Majesty should make a judgment just based on that evidence, his judgement can be challenged because the evidence was submitted by a suspected felon. We need a signed confession from Lu Yaozhu himself and if we leave it to Mu Yitze we may not get it".


    "Oh, that is true. I didn''t think of that"


    "How could you, now if you excuse me. I need to go get a confession out of the young General," he shock Minister Sheng''s hands away from his and walked away.


    ********


    The Ice Prison deep under the palace.


    Zhu Fengyin had lost track of how long they had been locked in the ice prison, it was difficult to keep track of time when there wasn''t a single window in the prison. Based on how often the guards were rotated, it could be close to a week already.


    Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie were dragged away a few times for questioning. Her heart stopped beating every time they were brought out in chains and every time they were dragged back into the prison they looked worse to wear.


    The women were safe from the questioning since it was assumed that they had nothing to do with the crime. Apart from the next morning after the arrest, the women haven''t been brought out of the prison.


    Zhu Fengyin woke up a few minutes earlier and after stretching, walked to stand by the iron bars of the prison cell and looked out. She caught Lu Yingjie''s eye from the opposite cell and smiled. She was about mouthing the question ''are you okay?"


    When the door was pushed open and a group of unfamiliar group of soldiers marched in led by Prime Minister Shi.


    ********


    At a small room at the royal guard''s command centre in the palace, Mu Yitze stood by the window overlooking the training grounds when there was a knock on the door.


    "Come in," he said without looking away from the training ground.


    An average hieghted Imperial guard in dark soft armour walked in and fell to his knee, "teacher, Prime Minister Shi just badged into the prison with some guards and took the general out for questioning".


    Mu Yitze kept quiet for some time before finally replying, "there is nothing that can be done, just let it be. Our master already predicted that I fear that our peacefully days are no more"

 Chapter 124: The Confessions of a traitorous official

    The Empress''s palace


    The mood in the Empress palace was mellow, it was even more mellow than usual. The Emperor had the Empress detained in her palace for a month and a half. He had ordered the Empress to stay indoors and pray for the nation after the Crown Prince''s marriage.


    Empress Lu wasn''t surprised by the order when it came in. She had been expecting something like this since she arranged the Crown Prince''s marriage. Emperor Zhong wasn''t pleased with her intrusion in his plans and he always punished her whenever he was in this type of mood.


    This time was no exception, he placed her on grounded her in her palace. The news came as a surprise to everyone except the few in the know since the Empress never made any mistakes. Empress Lu had gotten used to his temper tantrum, she didn''t take this little punishment to heart. Instead, she took it as a vacation since it saved her from having to deal with his ever-expanding Haram.


    She enjoyed the freedom it gave her. As usual, on the first day of September, she held a memorial ceremony for her elder brother the Late Duke Wu. It had been a long-standing tradition since he died over a decade ago. She was very close to her elder brother, he was like a father to her. He has taken care of her after her parents died.


    She dressed in white, she didn''t put on any hair accessories and she packed her hair on a simple burn. Her elder brother liked to sky gaze and enjoyed watching birds as they flew around the sky. She was very good in embroidery and even after her marriage, always embroidered a flying magpie flying over a flower garden on the handkerchief she gave him.


    Every year on the anniversary of his death, she always embroidered a set of handkerchiefs with the same signature design. She burned the handkerchief for him every year to remember him and the sacrifices he made for her. She owed her brother a lot that one life may not be able to repay him all her debt.


    Empress Lu looked up from the embroidery screen when she heard the maids outside chorus greetings to the Emperor. She glanced at her elderly maid Xuanyi, who stood by her side and sighed. She couldn''t deal with this husband of hers today, she pieced the needle into a small ball of yellow thread, dropped it beside the screen and muttered "of all the days he could visit me, it had to be on the anniversary of my brother''s death. Shameless!"


    Xuanyi walked forward, stretched out her hand and supported Empress Lu up from her seat. As she did, she whispered "this servant heard that the Emperor had been in a good mood, this visit might not be so bad"


    "We will see how it goes" Empress Lu replied as she walked into the living room.


    Emperor Zhong stood by the top seat backing the entrance from the bedroom, he turned around when he heard footsteps from behind him. The slight smile on his face disappeared when he caught sight of her white clothes. His expression darkened as gave her a thoroughly look down.


    "Why are you dressed like this? Just what game are you playing Lu Meirong! Are trying to annoy me, why are you dressed in mourning clothes? Don''t tell me that you are so desperate for my death that you now choose to wear mourning clothes?"


    Empress Lu and her maid fell on their knees immediately, "no you Majesty, today is the anniversary of my brother''s death. I dressed this way to burn some incense_"


    "Your brother? You have a lot of nerve hosting a memorial for the father of a criminal of the crown"


    Empress Lu looked up in shock, "A criminal of the crown?"


    Emperor Zhong nodded like he suddenly remembered something, "that right you have been under house arrest for some time. You must not be aware of what is ongoing in court". He walked closer to her and held up her chin, " Your "loyal'' Lu family was arrested for treason".


    "What" she fell back, she would have fallen further, if Xuanyi hand"t held her back. She shook her head and muttered "why? It''s not true... This cannot be happening!"


    Emperor Zhong laughed, "why would I low about something as serious as this? There is clear evidence pointing to them, Your Lu family is over and you have your precious A''Zhu to blame for this. Don''t worry about your position, I have no intention of changing how things are in the haram. I will protect you because of the years we spent together. You don''t have to thank me".


    Empress Lu watched the smile on his face get wider, he was enjoying seeing her this way. He had away wanted to destroy her family and finally, he can. How did they get this way, how did she miss this sinister side of his during those years he visited her brother as a young Prince.


    Tears rolled down her face but she made no sound, she just sat there watching him smile down at her. She couldn''t hold it in any longer and whispered, "Why?"


    He tilted his face to the side, "why what? What is your question, tell me? I am in a good mood right now, I will answer any of your questions"


    Empress Lu wiped the tears off her face and stood with her maid''s help, breathing heavily she said quietly "why do you hate me so much?"


    Emperor Zhong open and closed his mouth then took a step forward. He stretched out his hand to touch her shoulders but she stepped away from him and avoided his touch. He breathed out loudly and whispered "I don''t have you, Meirong. I never did!"


    "Then why do you like to hurt me, why won''t you let my family be! Why do you always hurt people I care about! You know that my family is loyal, you keep attacking them! You got angry that I am holding a memorial ceremony for my brother, forgetting the part you played in his death! Why do you have to get rid of anyone I care about! Why! Why!"


    She sighed, collected herself and bowed. "Please excuse my manners, your Majesty, I lost control of myself. I will lock myself in the temple and meditate on myself". She left without looking back. She didn''t want to look at his face and just left Jiangxi palace for the small temple in the palace.


    Emperor Zhong stretched out his hands to hold her back but drew his hands back when she turned around and walked away. He had tried to suppress the Lu family for years. However, now that he had succeeded, he did not feel any better.


    ********


    Meanwhile, at the ice Prison


    A loud sound of footsteps was heard as Prime Minister Shi led a team of armed guards into the prison. Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie stood at various ends of the prison as they walked in. Prime Minister Shi stood a few steps away from the prison door and smiled


    "General Lu, Duke Wu. It has been a while. Chief inspector Mu Yitze has been dismissed from the case. I will be taking charge of the investigation" he smiled coldly and then waved the soldiers at his side forward, "Get the General, I will be taking him for questioning".


    From the prison cell behind Madam Lu, cried out "No! Please don''t hurt him!"


    Prime Minister Shi just flawed at her and smirked "the words of a criminal are worth noting".


    The door of the prison cell was opened at four guards rushed in, the held Lu Yaozhu on the arm and dragged him forward. They dragged him out of the prison while Prime Minister Shi followed them behind.


    Lu Yaozhu has led to a small room a hall away from the cells and chained to a chair. Prime Minister Shi rolled up his sleeves and walked into the room. Two muscular men stood at both sides of Lu Yaozhu, the men were dressed in dull coloured guard uniforms with a leather apron wrapped around the front of their uniform.


    The muscular men strapped strong leather and cold chains around his wrist and ankle. Prime Minister Shi dragged a chair forward and sat in front of him. "How the mighty had fallen, General. Who would have thought that one day the powerful Lu family would find themselves stripped the low? What a pity, his Majesty is willing to give you all a reduced punishment. If you would confess to your traitorous acts"


    Lu Yaozhu smiled and replied in a jovial tone "Never!"


    Prime Minister Shi frowned, "then you leave me no choice" he looked to the two muscular men and said, "Begin!"


    "Yes, my lord" they chorused. The men picked up a thorny whip and began to whip him. Prime Minister Shi felt like it wasn''t painful, he picked up a sharp dagger and pierced Lu Yaozhu at his side. Lu Yaozhu hissed at the pain and tried to you''ll back but the chain held him back.


    The guards kept whipping him until his skin drew blood but Lu Yaozhu refused to give the Prime Minister what he wanted. The Prime Minister lost his patient after two hours of prolonged torture. He put on an iron edged knuckle and punched Lu Yaozhu twice. While shouting "Admit your crimes and get peace"


    "No! No!"


    "You, why are you as stubborn as your father! Don''t tell me it is a family trait!" Prime Minister Shi breathed loudly and then instructed the guards "Continue until she confesses, revive him if he faints and continue, don''t stop until he confesses"

 Chapter 125: The Confessions of a traitorous official 2

    The Imperial Shrine of Worship.


    Empress Lu had nowhere in mind to go as she left Jiangxi palace, she just wanted to get far away from the Emperor before she did or said something she would regret. After two decades of marriage, she had assumed she had seen the worse of her husband but she was only deluding herself to think that. Emperor Zhong was no longer the shy man she married, she could no longer recognise him.


    She paid no attention to her surroundings and just kept working until she got to the temple located in the Imperial Palace. She missed the surprised looks behind the salutes, she had received from the servants on the way.


    They had all heard of the current misfortune the Lu family were experiencing. It was all that was talked about in the capital, they were shocked to see her walking around after she was grounded at Jiangxi Palace by the Emperor.


    The greetings stopped as she bent into the stone pathway leading to the imperial shrine of worship. She stopped at the entrance of the Imperial shrine of worship and looked inside, there usually wasn''t any visitors during the day. She pulled up her gown and walked over the entryway. She walked the short distance to the front entrance of the Imperial Shrine of worship.


    The Imperial Shrine was a sacred place of worship in the palace, the Emperor and Empress made sacrifices to their ancestors in this pavilion. The Imperial Shrine served as more than just a prayer temple but a memorial room for members of the Imperial family. The People of northern Wei were placed great importance on honouring their ancestors.


    Every compound contained a wooden screen inscribed with auspicious words. The Imperial Shrine of worship was a spacious pavilion with three wide located at the Western side of the palace. The bigger hall was the main hall open to the public. It was where the public worship of the royal Ancestors was held annually.


    While the inner room was where the Emperor and other senior members of the royal family worshipped their ancestors. They burned incense for their ancestors during the anniversary of their dead. The central part of the main hall was for the Emperor to worship and eat sacrificial meats. In the western part was a gold statue of Buddha.


    The Memorial tablets of past Emperors and other members of the royal family that made notable contributions to the Empire was arranged around a much smaller Buddha statue. Candies were a lot around the room, while incense sticks were placed in a bowl for visitors to burn.


    Layers upon layers of memorial tablets encircled the buddha statue, among them was the memorial tablet belonging to Grand Princess Bai. The Emperor''s elder sister. A tall man in a green official uniform stood in front of the memorial tablet belonging to Emperor Zhong''s younger sister, Princess Bai.


    Empress Zhong removed her hand from Xuanyi''s hands and whispered, "Xuanyi, I need to speak with Minister Zhu, please keep a watch out for me".


    Xuanyj glanced at the minister standing solemnly by the memorial tablet and nodded. She bowed, hurriedly retreated and stood in the hallway a short distance from the door.


    Empress Lu climbed the two low steps and walked into the room, she glanced from her old friend to the black wooden memorial tablet and closed her eyes. She counted to three in her mind before walking forward.


    "Yawen-ge, it has been a while", Empress Lu said as she got closer.


    Minister Zhu turned around and gave her a half-bow, "Your Highness, please excuse my presence".


    "That''s okay, no need to get worried" She walked forward and stood next to him. She lit an incense and put it on the burner. Minister Zhu turned back and faced his wife''s memorial tablet.


    Empress Lu bowed and as she stood whispered, "Why didn''t you tell me about the arrest".


    Minister Zhu sighed " did he have to tell you that today?"


    Empress Lu Knew who the "He", Zhu Yawen was talking about, they were both used to being used by this mutual friend of theirs. She laughed mockingly, "I am surprised he could stay at ease till now, can you believe that he doesn''t even remember that today was the anniversary of his best friends death".


    Minister Zhu glanced at her, "how do you do it? All this hiding around is tiring, why do I always have to save him from himself?"


    "Someone has to do it and he has pushed me away. You are the only person that can do that"


    "I wouldn''t have to do that if brother Hong was still here. I never should have given him that advice. The memory of that day eats at me every single day" he glanced at her, "Don''t you regret it"


    She placed at him and shook her head, "honestly, sometimes I do but then I remember all the things we had to lose. If my brother had come back, he might have killed every last one of us. You did what you could".


    "When will it end, I can''t go on like this. Meirong, he wants to kill Yaozhu, he wants to kill all of them. How long must I plot against my own Godson, he has no limit. I must end this"


    "Brother Yawen, please don''t do anything foolish! Don''t worry about my family, I have a plan. The Grand Princess owes me a favour, It is time to call up old favours"


    Zhu Yawen gazed at her silently for some second, he owed the Lu family a blood debt that would take more than a generation to pay. Luckily he had done right by them this lifetime and married his daughter into the Lu family. When he is gone, he can trust that she would protect them.


    "Meirong, I don''t have much time left here"


    Empress Lu looked at him with hugging eyes, "is it time already?"


    "Nearly, Mazu visited me in my dream last night. I have to go back, once I find my eldest child. I will return to the heavenly palace. Don''t worry about the Emperor, I won''t leave you to suffer"


    "I understand old friend" Empress Lu turned away skillfully before he saw the tears in her eyes.


    ***********


    On Route to the capital from Ningzhuo


    Su Liya together with Baozhai and Rong Rong was put in a wooden carriage en route to the capital. After five days of on the road, they were now riding through the forest leading to the towns on the outskirts of Ningzhuo.


    The soldiers ignored them all through the journey so far. Apart from when they were pushed into the carriage, Su Liya was not addressed by the commander in charge of this unit. They rode from dawn until it got dark, at night the soldiers made camp.


    The camp was small with only four tents set up, the biggest tent was occupied by the commander while the other three were occupied by Su Liya and the higher-ranked soldier. Su Liya was put into a small tent with her maids. There wasn''t much in the tent apart from a sleeping bag and a small bowl of water.


    Su Liya sat by a lit heater at the centre of the tent with her hands after a sponge bath. She missed a few luxuries enjoyed in the future such as a shower or a bath. She had given up on checking for any secret message from Wu Yao after getting disappointed during the first three days of their journey.


    She was surprised to find a secret message slipped into the rice ball delivered by a guard. She had taken a bit of the Rice fall when she felt something firm in the middle of the ball. Su Liya gasped, brought the rice ball out from her mouth and broke it in two.


    Embedded at the middle of the rice ball was a slim leather sachet, she pulled it out and unclasped the sachet. There was a rolled-up white paper and a small key inside the sachet, she pulled out the paper and unrolled it. She glanced through the paper which read "Noon - Tomorrow" and threw the paper into the fire.


    The next day at noon a smoking letter sachet was thrown on the path in front of the leading horses. The horse got startled and began to struggle. The soldiers tried without none stop to rein in their horses but the animals never budge. A few soldiers were thrown off their horse and the more dan into the graces.


    The disturbance was the only sign Su Liya and her maids needed to get ready. They unlocked the chains wrapped around their hands, Baozhai raised the curtain carefully and looked out the window. She watched as armed men in black ran out of the graces around them with swords.


    They attacked the soldiers in large numbers, Wu Yao had eyes on them since they left Ningzhuo. She mustered fifty of her elite warriors for this mission. In less than an hour, the guards were all killed. Wu Yao ordered one of her men to unlock the lock on the carriage, letting them out.

 Chapter 126: The Confessions of a traitorous official 3

    Duanyue, Northern Wei


    Su Liya climbed up behind Baozhai on a chestnut horse as they rode off to the Wu Yi company''s safe house in the next town. Su Liya couldn''t possibly ride on a horse alone. With her level of inexperience, she might end up falling off her house and getting trampled. She didn''t want to be the first person killed by her horse, She asked Baozhai to ride in front while holding her tightly until her knuckles were white.


    Duanyue wasn''t very far, they arrived three hours later, they were led into a casino owned by the Wu family. Su Liya removed her winter gear and changed into lighter clothes before going into Duanyue.


    Duanyue is the last city at the border entrance of the northern region, unlike other northern cities which were cold most months of the year. Duanyue''s weather was similar to that of the capital. To avoid drawing attention to themselves, they changed out of their winter gear.


    Duanyue wasn''t a very big city compared to Ningzhuo and the capital. It was the trade Center of the other region because of its ideal location at the centre of other regions. They met with a team of Wu Yi agents a short distance from Duanyue. They were dressed as merchants, with the long roll of wagons supposedly carrying their goods.


    Wu Yao and Su Liya got down from their horses and got into a waiting carriage before continuing on their journey. They were greeted by loud noises from sellers announcing their wares and the roadside performance entertaining their audience as they rode in.


    Wu Yao booked the rooms at a guest house days earlier since they were fronting as merchants. They stopped by at the guest house and clocked in before sneaking out to get to the Wu family''s casino. An older woman dressed in vibrant colours, with a transparent veil covering half of her face, giving her an exotic look led them into the casino through the back entrance.


    The lady lead them to the secret room and bowed to Wu Yao at the door, Right this way, Madam". She stepped aside for them, Wu Yao nodded and walked in. Su Liya follows her in, Baozhai and Rong Rong walked in with her. Su Liya instructed her secret guards to follow her at a distance, only Baozhai and Rong Rong followed her closely.


    The secret room was a mix between a study and a bedroom. One half of the room had a wide canopy bed with purple silk covering, a. Small dressing table and mirror, a cupboard and a small tea temple in the middle.


    While the outer half of the room started a the door of the room was divided into two. At the right hand was a small study, with a low table, cushioned chairs and a bookshelf. To the left was a decline a small table and two chairs with a chessboard on the table.


    Wu Yao frown when she saw Su Liya come in with her maid but she quickly dismissed her concern.


    She thought ''this princess doesn''t trust me completely". She walked to the tea table in her bedroom and sat on one end, Su Liya walked to the other end opposite her and was supported by her maids to sit. She sat on her knees and rested her hand in front of her, just below her waist.


    Wu Yao smiled when as she watched Su Liya sit properly. ''she quite graceful for someone who only became a princess 5 months ago,'' she thought.


    There was a low knock on the door, drawing her attention away from Su Liya. She looked to the door, "come in".


    The Lady with the veil came in with utensils for making tea, carefully set it up and retreated. Wu Yao had two of her most trusted guards standing outside the door to keep guard. While this was her establishment, she rarely have here. Human beings were gullible, they can easily betray you for profit. It was better to be careful around even her oldest staff.


    Wu Yao picked up two teacups that were bent over from on the inside and flipped them to the right position. She rinsed the cups and poured the water into the extra cup before pouring in the tea leaves. "Your highness intel was right, the Shi family is indeed making moves with the Droko tribe and Yan state in the dark. As soon as the Lu family is eliminated, they plan to attack".


    Su Liya sighed and replied, "As expected, did you get the evidence?"


    "Yes, your Highness" removed a later sachet from inside her blouse and placed it on the table between them. "Your highness, I am a little bit curious. How you found out their plans, Prime Minister Shu has been planning in secret for decades. It started right after the Sixth prince was born, the Shi family''s spies are top-notch. Even if one got suspicious, it won''t be easy to get this evidence without getting close to the print minister", she passed a cup of tea to her.


    Su Liya immediately thought, ''Because I read about the Shi families methods in the original novel''. However, since she couldn''t give that as an answer without being called crazy. She decided to give Wu Yao the answer she had prepared, she had expected this question at some point and prepared a satisfying answer for it.


    Su Liya took the cup of tea from her and placed it on the table in front of her, " You are right in your deduction. Prime Minister Shi''s network although commendable, is not fail-safe. Human beings are not reliable with secrets, worse so when they are overconfident. That is one of the major faults when more than one person is aware of the complete plan.


    "As you must have heard grew up in Zhu Mansion and while Minister Zhu is loyal to the Emperor. The same can not be said for his son. Servants here everything, one should be careful what you say in front of servants. A part of their plans was picked up from Zhu Faye, while the rest I picked up during my short stay in Ningzhuo. I found it strange that the Bongju bandits weren''t handled properly considering the proximity of Ningzhuo and the grasslands"


    Wu Yao nodded and continued "Why didn''t you inform General Lu of your suspicion, he is in a better position to deal with this. Why ask me to investigate in secret?"


    "Asking you looked like the best option for me, I wasn''t sure if my suspicions would bear fruit and didn''t want to raise the General''s hopes. We as women should learn to gel each other and not attack each other".


    Wu Yao laughed when she heard her last statement, she stood and looked outside the window. It was getting late, "You have a glib tongue. We should get back to the guest house, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. We leave for the capital at dawn so that we can get there on time".


    Su Liya stood and gestured to the door, "Alright, lead the way, Sister Yao"


    Wu Yao stood and looked at her with wide eyes and said gently "sister Yao"


    Su Liya blinked at her innocently, "Yes, as I said. We women should help each other in the spirit of that talk, let''s dispense with the bulky titles".


    "Su Liya, you are nothing like I expected. Things just became interesting. Let''s go sister Liya" she walked forward with her lips curved up.


    *****************************


    The Ice Prison


    The guards tortured Lu Yaozhu for three hours straight but failed to get a confession out of him much to the Prime minister''s annoyance. He glared down at Lu Yaozhu who lean forward passed out, "take him back to his cell, we will resume again tomorrow. If he keeps being stubborn, we can move to his brothers. I think his youngest brother would be more flexible"


    The guard unlocked the chains at his wrist and ankle and dragged him by his shoulders back to his Prison cell. Zhu Fengyin stood and looked out of the iron bars toward the door when she heard the sound of footsteps. She asked when she saw the soldiers drag in a limp tall male body.


    She moved to block Madam Lu from sight but it was too late. She heard a loud sob and looked to tge side. Madam Lu fell on the ground and crawled to the iron bars, weeping loudly.


    "Xiao Zhu''ah Xiao Zhu''ah. Why!!!" Madam Lu began to hit the iron bars. Lu Yiling and Zhu Fengyin rushed to hold her back. Madam Lu was now old and her bones weak, she can not get injured. The Emperor had made up his mind to abandon them, the guards wouldn''t send for a doctor if she got injured.


    Lu Yiling hugged her mother close and consoles her quietly. The noise attracted some guards closer who shouted "Keep quiet old woman or I will shit you up permanently. Do you think you are at your mansion?"


    Zhu Fengyin stood in front of Lu Yiling and Madam Lu hands spread out and whispered "sorry".


    The guard glared at her and walked away. The next day, Lu Yaozhu was dragged out of the prison again.

 Chapter 127: A Relentless Enemy

    Two days later, Su Liya and Wu Yao arrived at the capital. They came in at night just an hour before the city gate is closed. They had exchanged the caravan they used at Duanyue for a carriage with the Wu family''s crest. The Wu family was a notable merchant family, old master Wu and Wu Yao usually frequented the capital that the guards at the gates were familiar with them.


    The carriage was waved down by a guard in black armour, who walked forward to the driver''s seat and asked "what is with all the extra guards A''Zi? old master Wu doesn''t usually come with this much".


    The Carriage Driver, a slim man in his forties chuckled and replied. "Commander Bo is quite observant. This time it isn''t the old master in the carriage but our young Miss. She is coming here to visit her aunt".


    "Ah, she must be a beauty, that explains all the guards. It is quite tge distance from Ningzhuo to the capital, she must be tired. I won''t make things difficult for you/ you may go" he waved them forward and gave a signal for the guards at the gate to let them in.


    Twenty minutes later they arrived at Wu Yao''s aunt''s mansion, in the commercial district. Su Liya got down from the carriage together with Wu Yao. She was dressed in a plain white gown and veil, she curtsied to Madam Zhang, Wu Yao''s aunt a said a few words.


    Madam Zhang didn''t know who this young lady that had arrived with her niece was but since she was well behaved. She dismissed her earlier suspicions. She trusted her niece''s judgement, Wu Yao won''t bring someone troublesome to her house. Wu Yao introduced her as a sickly young miss from Ningzhuo. She had introduced the young lady as Xu Yafei, she had followed her to the capital to seek medical help.


    Madam Zhang instructed the maids to lead her guests to the guest room before turning in for the night. The maids led her to a small single courtyard a short distance from the main room. Everything she would need for the night was already set so after leading her to the courtyard, they retreated.


    Su Liya was left with her two maids, Su Liya watch the maids leave before going in. Su Liya saw a female silhouette by the window as she walked in. She stopped by the door and held on tightly to Rong Rong''s arm. The stranger turned around and they came face to face with a familiar face.


    Su Liya and her maids quickly bowed and chorused, "Your Highness!"


    Empress Lu walked to the tea table, "You and A''Zhu have a lot of nerve to keep something as serious as this from me".


    "I apologise, your Highness. It was not our intention to keep it from you".


    "You know how to talk" she sat on the top seat and gestured for Su Liya to take the seat next to her. "I know that we just met and you might not be comfortable with this consort but surely you know that you can trust me with these kinds of information. Especially since it concerns our Lu family, instead I had to hear it from someone else"


    Su Liya looked at Baozhai, eyebrow raised. She was asking who the informant the Empress mentioned was but Baozhai didn''t respond and just shook her head.


    Empress Lu saw the exchange and laughed softly, "Don''t bother thinking so hard about who it was, You don''t know who that was. I have been the Empress of northern Wei for over two decades, no much can slip past me".


    Su Liya nodded, she felt that Empress Lu was right. They were being cocky when they thought they could keep it from her.


    "I can not stay long, give me the evidence. I will handle the rest" Empress Lu said.


    While she felt that giving the Empress the evidence was a good idea, Su Liya couldn''t help but worry. The Emperor might dismiss the evidence if it was submitted by the officials in the Empress camp. The best solution might be to use different channels but since she wasn''t very close to the Empress. She didn''t know how to say that without making it sound like an insult.


    Empress Lu noticed her uncertainty and said "I am as much a member of the Lu family as you are. You can trust me, I have their best interest at heart".


    "That is not why_ I. Your Highness, let me be honest. I don''t doubt that you are genuine, I know that you can be trusted. I just don''t think... That is, It may not be a good idea for any known associate of the Lu family and yourself to bring this up in court. If not it would be seen as a way of exonerating the Lu family".


    Empress Lu suddenly felt that this adopted daughter of hers was smart. She was initially worried that Lu Yaozhu hadn''t made a good choice of a wife but not anymore.


    Empress Lu''s prolonged silence made Su Liya feel like she had said something wrong. "I_please don''t take my word. Your high_"


    "I thought I told you not to call me that?


    "Oh, sorry your_imperial mother"


    "Don''t be so formal with me, Liya. We are family after all. About the evidence, You raised a reasonable point. will take it to heart, don''t worry" Empress Lu replied


    "Thank you, Imperial mother" Su Liya turned to Baozhai and instructed her to bring in the box of evidence handed to her by Wu Yao. She passed the box to the masked guard that came out of the shadows.


    ************


    3 DAYS LATER, AT THE ICE PRISON.


    Prime Minister Shi was relentless in his search for the "truth" every day he sent soldiers to bring Lu Yaozhu for questioning. four soldiers walked in silently and took Lu Yaozhu out. They always brought him back hours later bloody, they wanted to keep him alive as long as possible so some days they dragged Lu Yingjie in place of him.


    Madam Lu''s heart broke every time her sons were taken away but in the end, there was nothing she could do to stop it. Prime Minister Shi didn''t care one bit and neither did the guards, her tears just fell to dead ears. Madam Lu could barely sleep for fear that she might lose a son and just at close to the door.


    Today, as usual, the guards came in to bring Lu Yaozhu in. Madam Lu''s hand shook as she held on to the cold wall beside her and pushed herself up. Her complexion was dull and her eyes puffy because of all the crying. At this point, she had lost all sense of pride, she didn''t feel self-conscious. Madam Lu rushed forward but was held back by Lu Yiling.


    As much as it hurt her to do this, she had no other choice. The guard from the previous day was among the four guards that came in. Lu Yong supported his elder brother up as the guards unlocked the door. He tried to help Lu Yaozhu to the door but Lu Yaozhu slapped his hands away and walked calmly to the door. He was careful not to make his limp show.


    The Guards walked in, took hold of his hands and dragged him out. They dragged him back to the interrogation room from yesterday and trapped him in the chair. Prime Minister Shi was seated on a comfortable seat facing him, with both arms folded on his shoulders.


    "You look worse than before, General Lu. Good, this is how I want you to always look. Did you have a pleasant night, General? Are you now ready to talk?"


    He did not respond and just looked away. He knew what this sycophant was up to, Chief investigator Mu Yitze must have discredited the evidence submitted by Deputy Sun on grounds of the report being submitted by a criminal under investigation. Since the only evidence, they had on him was discredited.


    They wanted to get a confession out of him through any means necessary. Lu Yaozhu didn''t want to give them that satisfaction, he decided to prey on Prime Minister Shi''s short temper and buy more time for Su Liya to arrive in the capital with the evidence.


    Prime Minister Shi didn''t mind torturing Lu Yaozhu again, he was all for making him surfer after the amount of money he lost thanks to Lu Yaozhu''s actions earlier. He nodded to the guards standing behind Lu Yaozhu, they were under his pay. He had paid them enough to handle this as harshly as possible.


    The two guards raised the plank and began to hit Lu Yaozhu, Prime Minister Shi just sat back and watched them silently. He was looking forward to hearing Lu Yaozhu''s cries. The door opened with a bang shocking both the Prime Minister and the two guards. They all turned to the door, Chief Investigation Mu walked in with some guards.


    "How dare you badge in Chief Investigator Mu when I am carrying out a questioning?" Prime Minister Shi shouted, he stood from the seat and walked to Mu Yitze

 Chapter 128: A Relentless enemy 2

    The Imperial Palace


    Prime Minister Shi sat back and watched as the whip fell on Lu Yaozhu''s back, the two soldiers had fallen into a synchronous rhythm hit pause, hit pause. The sound of leather hitting flesh was all that could be heard In the dim room. However, Lu Yaozhu remained stubborn and never made any move to surrender.


    Prime Minister Shi held up his hand after some time, silently signalling the men to pause. They held their whip high, folded their whip in two. Placed them on the table at the side and stepped back cautiously. Prime Minister Shi''s main focus was on getting the written confession for Lu Yaozhu signed by him.


    He had to get that signed before the death line given by the Emperor elapse. Prime Minister Shi rose Lu Yaozhu''s sweaty face by his chin, "How long are you going to be this stubborn, General Lu. I won''t be patient forever, General. You either confess or I will get not just your you get brother this time but your mother too".


    Lu Yaozhu shook his head with force and pulled his face out of the Prime Minister''s hold. This annoyed Prime Minister Shi more because Lu Yaozhu didn''t seem bothered by his threat. He glared down at him and without looking up at the guards instructed, "continue".


    He returned to his seat to observe, as the soldiers brought up the whip to resume their actions. The door was pushed open, the guard and Lu Yaozhu''s left jumped and the whip in his hand fell with a " clank".


    Prime Minister Shi turned to the door with narrowed eyes, he wanted to see who dared to interrupt his questioning but was surprised to see chief investigator Mu walk in with some guards.


    Prime Minister Shi didn''t appreciate My Yitze''s interaction, he charged forward, "How dare you badge in Chief Investigator, Mu when I am carrying out a questioning?"


    Mu Yitze lowered his chin to look down at him coldly, Prime Minister Shi was like a clown in his eyes. He snorted when he saw how superior this man behaved, a cold smile spread in his face as he palmed the imperial decree in his arm.


    Prime Minister Shi stepped back when he noticed the contempt in Mu Yitze''s eyes, he had a strange foreboding. That things were about to go south, he glanced outside the door, the guards behind My Yitze noticed the direction of his gaze and immediately spread out.


    Mu Yitze smirked, rose the yellow scroll and read out the decree. Prime Minister Shi didn''t notice the decree in his hands until it was held up by the younger male.


    "Prime Minister Shi Yukai is of loose morals and has collaborated with the Empire''s enemies. He is not worthy of the title of Prime Minister and is stripped of his title and properties, effective immediately. He is found guilty of treason and will be arrested to be bending execution in three days" Mu Yitze rolled up the scroll and nodded at the kneeling Shi Yukai and ordered firmly, "take the Criminal Shi Yukai to his cell".


    The two guards behind Lu Yaozhu felt like disappearing into the wall behind them as they watched the former Prime Minister being dragged away. The tables had turned faster than they had expected. One can''t tell how the wind would blow, they were on edge. They didn''t bother trying to reason why the Prime Minister was accused of the same crimes as the young General.


    It didn''t seem like much of a coincidence, they feared that they might be in big trouble. The Chief investigator didn''t mention returning the Genera to his cell which could mean that the General was free. They feared that he would punish them for the part they played in his torture. However that never happened, Mu Yitze glanced at the two men.


    "What are you standing there for? Remove the straps immediately!"


    They nodded and rushed forward to do so, it took longer than usual. Their hands shook as they removed the straps, once the last strap was untied they stepped back. Without glancing at them, Mu Yitze instructed, "leave us".


    "Yes," both men ran out like the devil was on their tails.


    Lu Yaozhu''s lips tipped up as they ran out of the room. He leaned back on the seat, "Investigator Mu must want to have a few words with me".


    Mu Yitze quickly fell on his knees "You have suffered greatly, my Lord. Please forgive me, for coming this late. New evidence was summited by the State Duke''s intelligence team three days earlier. I didn''t work faster and submitted reports yesterday. Because of that, you had to stay longer in here, please accept my apologies."


    Lu Yaozhu nodded and patting him on the shoulder gently sat changed his body in a more comfortable position. "There is no need for an apology, you were only trying to be thorough. The evidence was submitted by the state Duke, What a surprise. Help me apologize to the state Duke for making him step out of his retirement to lend me a hand" Lu Yaozhu passed his right hand through his left and held it up to the right.


    "I would like to help but I think it would be better if he heard it from you"


    Lu Yaozhu pointed around the room, "That would be a little difficult to do while I am locked up in here"


    Mu Yitze smiled, "no anymore, His majesty just ordered for your released." He bowed lower, "Don''t worry about your wife, she is safe My spies reported that she is staying at the silk merchant Zhang family."


    "Oh, that is good" Lu Yaozhu looked down at his bloodied clothing, "I should clean up a little, if I go like this..... Can I please get a change of clothes and some water?".


    "Don''t worry about that, the Empress already had everything set. She set over water, food, clothes and medicine".


    Lu Yaozhu nodded silently, his suspected that his Imperial aunt had a hand in getting the state Duke involved. it was a smart move because the Emperor can''t easily discredit anything submitted by the state Duke.


    He stood carefully while using the back of the chair to support his weight away from his bad foot. Mu Yitze rushed forward to help him out of the room. Mu Yitze led him through a hiding underground passage that led straight to the palace bathhouse. His assistant Yu Tao stood by the bathtub with three male attendants.


    Yu Tao passed the towel in his hand to the attendant next to him and ran up to him. He replaced Mu Yitze and led him to the seat next to the bathtub. Mu Yitze retreated after leaving Yaozhu to Yu Tao''s care and rushed back to report to the Empress at Jiangxi palace.


    *********


    Meanwhile, at Imperial Consort Shi''s palace.


    Imperial consort Shi laid by her side on a recliner, eyes closed as she listened to the maid play the guipin. She was dressed in a loose cotton gown with her hair packed up in a loose bun. A slim white jade phoenix hairpin was hooked through her hair.


    Imperial Consort Shi was in one of her rare good moods, things were going good for her. The Lu family was arrested, once the confession was signed, the entire family would be executed. The Empress can''t make things hard for her anymore, soon she would be the most powerful woman in the haram.


    Once the Empress lost her support, she can finally take back her son''s position as Crown Prince. The future looked very bright for her, she calmly slipped into sleep.


    The sound of hurried footsteps and her son calling for her wiped the sleep away from her eyes.


    Zhongshan Cheng rushed out of the Emperor''s audience hall as soon as the Emperor left. He would usually wait for some minutes after court to discuss with a few close ministers. However, after the official Edict for his grandfather''s arrest was submitted. He was no longer in the mood to talk.


    Everyone had abandoned him, even his father Emperor refused to see him.


    He didn''t wait for his mother''s Eunuch to announce him when he arrived at her palace and just walked in.


    "Mother! Mother!" He didn''t find her in the main rooms and walked into the bedroom. A maid hurried out from the side of the palace and gave him a salute


    "Her highness is resting in the side room," she said head bowed low.


    Zhongshan Cheng nodded and rushed to the side room while calling out, "Mother, Mother!"


    Imperial consort Shi sat up quickly and turned to the door, Her face was flushed. She blinked and rubbed her eyes gently. "Cheng''ah! What is wrong? Why are you shouting?"


    Zhongshan Cheng looked at the maids around his mother and pulsed his lips. Imperial consort Shi immediately glanced at the maids by her side, "Leave us".


    "Yes," The maids chorused and retreated.


    Zhongshan Cheng made sure that all the maids had gone before speaking. "We have a problem mother, Grandfather was just removed from his position and arrested!"


    "What?" imperial consort Shi stood at the speed of lightning. "why, how_"


    "Imperial Father found out about our deal with the Droko tribe mother!"


    "No no no, this is not good. I must speak with the Emperor immediately!" She put her feet into her shoe hurriedly and ran towards the door but was held back by her son.


    "Don''t bother going mother, Father already announced that grandfather would be executed in three days"

 Chapter 129: The End of the Shi family

    The Imperial Palace.


    "We have a problem mother, Grandfather was just removed from his position and arrested!"


    "What?" imperial consort Shi stood at the speed of lightning. She felt like her whole works were falling around her but there was nothing she could do about that. She touched the gold necklace on her neck and held on tight, in normal circumstances, she wouldn''t hold such a precious necklace this tight but things were far from normal.


    She held down the pendant, "why and how was father arrested? She sounded so calm while experiencing a small mental breakdown within her. She kept running through the plan she had concocted with her father. No matter how she checked, it looked to be fail-safe. Why then was her father arrested?


    Zhongshan Cheng moved closer and replied in a loud whisper, "Imperial Father found out about our deal with the Droko tribe mother!"


    "No no no, this is not good. I must speak with the Emperor immediately!" She put her feet into her shoe hurriedly and ran towards the door but was held back by her son. Zhongshan Cheng grabbed his mothers wrist and pulled her close.


    He feared that his father wouldn''t help them again, this time the evidence wasn''t in their favour. His grandfather was in dire strain, the evidence provided was solid and given that it was submitted by the state Duke. A celebrated official of two regimes, who would dare question his judgment.


    "Don''t bother going mother, Father already announced that grandfather would be executed in three days"


    Imperial consort Shi wrestled away from his hand and a straight to the Emperor''s sturdy, proprietary be damned. She didn''t notice the strange looks the servant along the way gave her because of how she was dressed. She didn''t look like herself, from her simple plain clothes usually worn indoors to her simple hairstyle.


    Her feet slipped out of her shoes but she didn''t pause her movement. She kept running with only one foot on until she got to the Emperor''s palace. She was held by the shoulder by two muscular guard Eunuchs. No one was allowed into the Xincheng Palace without the Emperor''s permission.


    "Consort Shi" Chief Eunuch Caihong called out eye wide. He was surprised to see her this way. She looked nothing like the grandly dressed pampered Imperial consort he was familiar with. He stood guard at the door while the Emperor took a nap inside and was taken aback by her actions. The palace had rules but because of how much the Emperor spoiled thus consort. She dared to intrude in this secrete place.


    He held up his palm, "please hold. Your highness, how dare you badge in without permission!"


    Imperial consort Shi struggled out of the tight hold of the two Eunuchs and when that failed she glared at the chief Eunuch. She was aware that this eunuch didn''t like her. While he away treated her respectfully, he was distant to her. To him, she was a servant while the Empress was master.


    She glared at him, "Caihong! You dare keep me away from his Majesty? You have grown big, Let me go this instant!"


    Chief Eunuch Caihong pulsed his lips and gazed at her coldly, "Consort Shi! Where is this place you are standing? This is Xincheng palace, the home of many Emperors. It is not a place you can enter at will, even her highness the Empress must respect this place much less you a mere servant!"


    "Who are you calling a servant, you spinless man! I have always walked in and out of here. You must have your agenda!"


    Chief Eunuch Caihong''s expression darkened, he smiled coldly, "When you did so, it was on the Emperor''s orders! If you are not going to follow the rules, leave here. Don''t make things difficult for me!"


    "You...!"


    Her shouting suddenly woke the Emperor from his nap, he tossed and turned twice before giving up on sleep. He glared in the direction of the main doors and lying by his side called out "Who is there! Caihong!"


    Caihong looked in the direction of the door, the Emperor didn''t usually sleep well but this was early even for him. He glared at the loud woman in front of him and replied "Yes, your Majesty!"


    He rushed in, head bowed. The Emperor clicked his tongue when he saw the eunuchs usual smile.


    ''What is there to be happy about or is he just a clown that is paid to be forever in a sunny mood'' Emperor Zhong thought eyes narrowed to slim slits.


    Chief Eunuch Caihong didn''t seem affected by the Emperor''s sour expression or even though he was, he didn''t show it. He rushed to the side of the bed and lowered his face, "forgive the small one for it coming early, I didn''t expect your Majesty to be awake this early".


    Emperor Zhong hissed, "how could I possibly sleep peacefully with all that Rokus going outside. Who were you reprimanding earlier?".


    "Answering Your Majesty, Imperial Consort Shi is standing outside requesting for an audience."


    Emperor Zhong frowned, "why is she here and making so much noise at that? Did you not inform her that I was asleep or is she hard of hearing!"


    Chief Eunuch Caihong glanced at the door and walked closer, "this small one didn''t have an opportunity to do that Your Majesty. Consort Shi badged in suddenly requesting an audience urgently".


    Caihong felt the temperature drop as the Emperor glared daggers at the door. "Have I been too soft on her that she has lost her reasoning. How dare she come in here without permission, tell her to leave. I don''t wish to see her".


    "Yes, this small one will send her away" Chief Eunuch Caihong bowed and retreated.


    Imperial consort Shi looked up expectantly as he walked out, "Eunuch Caihong, is the Emperor asking for me?"


    Caihong clicked his tongue, she had a smug smile on her face. He felt irritated by the mere sight of her but he didn''t let that show. His feelings were not of importance as long as he performed his duties. He came forward a stood a short distance from her, "His Majesty, will not be seeing you. Please leave".


    "You lie, did you even tell him I was here. No, I don''t think you did" She walked around the eunuchs restricting her and rushed to the door. The Eunuchs were faster than her, they held her by the waist and carried her up. She kicked her legs and arms and tried to get out of their hands. "Let me go, let me go. Your Majesty!, Your Majesty! Please let me in. It is Xianyi. Your Majesty! You_"


    "CONSORT SHI!! Please don''t make things difficult for me. His Majesty is taking a nap, please don''t make any more noise" Caihong said calmly.


    "You are lying, I heard his Majesty call you in. She increased her voice, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Please let me in".


    Inside the palace, Emperor Zhong held a pillow to his ears. In a bid to cancel out her loud cries but he still heard them loudly. He couldn''t stay still much longer and got up from the bed. He walked out of the door, Chief Eunuch Caihong stood with his back to the door while looking down at Consort Shi.


    Shi Xianyi stood back as soon as she saw him and curtsied. "Your Majesty, you came. I know you wouldn''t leave me like this. Your Majesty, I would like to have a word in private with you. I have been standing out here but Eunuch Caihong refused to let me in. You have to_"


    She paused when she saw the Emperor''s dark expression. She took a step back, mouth open. This was the first time this expression was targeted at her. "Your Majesty," she said in a shaky tone.


    Emperor Zhong ignored her and said, "Take the Consort away. She is too unruly to be allowed outside without supervision. Consort Shi is grounded to her Palace and not allowed outside without permission!"


    "Yes, your majesty" Caihong caught the eunuchs eyes and waves them away.


    The Eunuchs hands around her arm tightened as they dragged her forward. Shi Xianyi resisted briefly and called the Emperor, "Your Majesty please give me an audience. Please your majesty!"


    Emperor Zhong glared at her and returned to his room. The conversation was over as far as he was concerned, he had given her soma way out but she acted stubbornly. The Palace wasn''t a madhouse, he wasn''t going to tolerate such a scene. The Emperor quickly saw himself comparing her to the Empress. Both women were married to him and both went through the same things.


    However while Shi Xianyi ran here to make a scene, the Empress never made a scene and instead quietly investigated the case. They were different classes of women, he never noticed this difference until now.


    The Imperial consorts actions and the Emperor''s response spread like wildfire in the palace. The rumours going around was that the arrogant consort Shi had finally lost the Emperor''s favour. Everyone understood that this time it was final, the Shi family had fallen. The Imperial Harem was a jungle full of snakes, as soon as Consort Shi lost favour.


    Everyone she previously intimidated sharpened their claws. However, before making a move they waited to see how the Empress responded. Since the Empress was the one she hurt the most.

 Chapter 130: Her hidden agenda

    The next day, Jiangxi palace, the Imperial Palace.


    Jianxi Palace and Xincheng like the Emperor and Empress were two halves as a pair. They were designed to embody the true aspects of the divine union between the Emperor and Empress. They were not just similar in design but were a walking distance away from each other.


    Jianxi palace like Xincheng Palace was the Empress''s official palace. Separated from Xincheng by a garden and pond, Jiangxi palace has housed many generations of Empresses starting from the founding dynasty. It was a self-sufficient palace with every modern amenities, due to the frequent reconstruction carried out before every new Empress moves in.


    In the same courtyard, just behind the Palace was a smaller palace. Where the Empress children were housed at a younger age until they moved into their palace and a private residence.


    Jiangxi Palace was a smaller version of Xincheng Palace but unlike the Emperor''s palace that never allowed visitors and lacked an audience hall. Jianxi Palace''s audience hall was in full use, it was where the Imperial Consort''s paid respect to the Empress.


    The Empress''s audience hall unlike the Emperor''s audience hall which had formal arrangements was more informal. It was smaller in size and was designed like a Main room/ Living room. At the center of the room, on an elevated stage was the Empress''s Phoenix throne.


    A long slim red carpet ran from the Phoenix throne to the wide doors on the bare marble floor, a few steps away from the red carpet was low backed wooden cushioned seats facing each other. On both walls of the hall were two calligraphy paintings and four landscape paintings.


    The audience hall was the side room of Jiangxi palace. It also served as the needing room for the Empress to attend to officials and Envoys. As well as other visitors, such as the members of the royal family and members of the noble class.


    when attending to guests of the opposite sex without blood relations (mostly Envoys), a screen was placed in front of the Phoenix throne to keep her out of close contact.


    Imperial Consorts paid respect to the Empress as often as four days a week. However, the next day after a consort was favoured by the Emperor, the consort was expected to pay respects to the Empress and other high ranking Consorts. The consort could be exempted by the Emperor the next day but most people chose to obey these protocols.


    Imperial Consorts Shi after years of favour got conceded and failed to observe this protocol. The next day after getting favoured, she usually made excuses and never arrived with the other imperial concubines to pay respects to the Empress. She usually made excuses and even when she came, she was always late.


    Her blatant disrespect to Empress was obvious to all but because she was under the Emperor''s protection. She was never punished, this made her stick out like a sore thumb. It was easier to make enemies in the imperial haram than friends. Her actions won her a lot of enemies, no one likes someone who didn''t know their place.


    Imperial Consort Shi was too arrogant and annoyed a lot of people, not just in the haram but also among the servants. However, no one acted on that but waited patiently for her to lose the Emperor''s favour. As soon as she did, everyone sharpened their claws and prepared to dive on her.


    By the next day, the news of Shi Xianyi losing his majesty''s favour and getting grounded had spread all over the palace. The news was well appreciated by the imperial concubines because she had not only lost the Emperor''s favor but also her political banking. Treason was a serious offence for any family since it resulted in the execution of mine generations of the family.


    The Shi Family were done for, she had fallen to the bottom of the social ladder. Imperial Consorts Shi and the Shi family as a whole were fond of kicking people when they were down so everyone came out to get their revenge.


    Empress Lu met a packed room of imperial concubines as she walked into her side room. Her lips tipped up when she saw their expectant expression. These women were like kids who were visiting a candy store. They all stood and walked to the red carpet at the center of the room as she walked up the Phoenix throne. They waited for her to be seated before performing a full curtsey.


    Empress Lu smiled and waved her hands, "please get seated, Sisters"


    They bowed and returned to their seats. This was the first time they were paying respects in months. They couldn''t do that while the Empress''s was grounded, although the Emperor had released the Empress from her house arrest a week earlier. She had cancelled all visits until today, they were speculations that the Empress''s had cancelled their visit to investigate the false accusations made on her paternal family.


    All the accusations were put to rest so it was no surprise that she was lifting the ban on visiting Jiangxi palace. They were so curious about how the Empress planned to handle Consort Shi, she hadn''t made any move. They suspected that she made a move in secret but since there wasn''t a change in imperial consort Shi treatment, It couldn''t be true.


    They came over to test the waters but were short of words now that they were in her presence. No one wanted to take the risk, in case the Empress didn''t want to talk about this. It was Imperial Concubine Sheng that broke the silence, "This younger misses her highness. Your highness got prettier, I can''t compare to her". She turned to the consort''s beside her and said "her highness skin is visibly glowing, I am jealous. Look at how dry my skin is!"


    The consort beside her nodded and said a few words of compliments. Soon a lot of empty compliments were passed around by the women. Empress Lu dismissed their compliments smiling, she knew not to take any of their words seriously. These women had a clear agenda, she would be stupid not to notice the direction these women were headed.

 Chapter 131: Sweet Revenge

    Jiangxi Palace, The Imperial Palace.


    The change in the mood of the room was obvious, Imperial concubine Sheng could barely seat still and hastily brought the conversation to Consort Shi and the Shu family. Imperial Concubine Sheng had been in the palace almost as long as the Empress. She better than any of the other Imperial concubines knew when to make a move.


    If consort Shi''s behaviour toward the Empress was disrespectful, her treatment of Imperial concubine Sheng was hateful. The two women never got along, even when they pretended to get along to attack any newly favoured concubine they away took jabs at each other.


    Over the years imperial concubine Sheng and consort Shi were the two most favoured Imperial concubines in the Imperial harem. Imperial concubine Sheng was the most favoured concubine before the imperial consort joined the haram. She was the only daughter of the vice minister of war and was pampered by her father growing up.


    She was used to solely receiving the Emperor''s favour and didn''t like when the Emperor began to favour another consort. She didn''t handle Imperial Consort Shi gaining the Emperor''s favour often and deliberately made things difficult for her.


    Imperial concubine and Sheng and Consort Shi we''re always against each other. She was the most satisfied of all the concubines with consort Shi''s fall from favour. She only had her anger rained in until she got a go-ahead from the Empress.


    "I don''t see little sister Shi around'', she glanced at a Noble lady next to her and asked "Your palace is closest to hers, does Madam Chen know what is keeping our younger sister. Don''t tell me that she overslept again?" She said with false concern.


    Although she was close to Imperial Consort Shi, Noble Lady Chen wasn''t about to put herself at a disadvantage by coming to her defence. It was everyone for themselves in the Imperial harem. She may have hung out with the Imperial consist while she was in favour but they were not real friends.


    It was just a popular case of the weak seeking shelter from the strong. Unlike the Imperial consort, she didn''t have a strong family backing her up. She entered the haram as a maid after receiving the Emperor''s favour during a drunken stupor. She had joined the haram after she was found to be pregnant. However, she lost the child after three months and never received any other favour from the Emperor.


    Someone like her in the Imperial haram could easily become a victim of someone''s traps. It was better to become a carpet than cannon fodder, she knew this much after staying here for over a decade. She played along with imperial concubine Sheng''s narrative and replied, "I haven''t seen Sister Shi in two days but I doubt she would be able to come out anytime soon. A maid reported that she was grounded after causing a scene yesterday".


    Empress Lu smiled and replied, "Grounded? What a surprise. Since it is his Majesty''s order, sisters let us obey that." Empress Lu didn''t need to say anything more, she had said all that needed to be said. They all understood the true meaning of her words, she was telling them to follow the Emperor''s orders.


    None of them would make any obvious moves until the Emperor released her from her punishment. Empress Lu didn''t care what happened to her as far as no one went to the extremes. They were pleased with the Empress''s reply since it was in line with their thoughts.


    The Imperial concubines stayed back and enjoyed some streets and tea for an hour before leaving. They left after Empress Lu retired inside her room, they didn''t stay any longer since they had already gotten the response they needed. They left as quickly as they arrived, a maid informed the Empress when the last set left.


    Empress Lu changed out of her inform gown and into something lighter that better suited the hot summer day after she left and laid down on the recliner. She wanted to catch up on sleep after she had gotten up earlier to attend to the concubines. She didn''t care what they did as far as she was concerned, Imperial Consort deserved all the hear she would receive and then some.


    She wouldn''t personally get involved in any attack on Consort Shi since that was below her but that didn''t manage would defend her. She wasn''t a Saint, this woman dared to come after her family. She deserved no mercy.


    ********"


    The Emperor''s study


    Emperor Zhong was surprised when he received the report of the Empress''s response by his spies. He hadn''t expected this type of response from her, while it seemed like was being respectful by telling the concubines to follow his leads. Emperor Zhong understood that this was also her way of taking her hands off his issues.


    He felt her going father away from him but there was nothing he could do to stop her. He still remembers the words she said when he had informed her of the Lu family''s. The fact that he couldn''t answer her left him speechless, especially after finding out just what kind of person Prime Minister Shi was.


    He looked up from the memorial in his hands and sighed after dismissing the guards that brought the report. Chief Eunuch Caihong walked forward and asked, "Your Majesty, would you like me to set for some refreshments? You have been hard at work, it won''t hurt to take a few minutes of rest".


    Emperor Zhong felt like rejecting the offer but after some thought decided to go with the suggestion. He leaned back on his seat and nodded "okay ser for them".


    "Yes"


    Minutes later the kitchen servants arrived with the freshments and set them up on the dining table. Emperor Zhong stood a walked to the table after they left. He sat at one end of the small table while his food tester did the poison check. Once the food was checked his passed the plate to the Emperor.


    Emperor Zhong took a few bites but thanks to his unsettled mind, he didn''t enjoy the pastry. Finally, he asked, "how are things with the consort?".


    Chief Eunuch Caihong knew who he was asking about without being told and replied " answering your Majesty, Consort Shi is refusing to have anything to eat until she meets you".


    Emperor Zhong slapped the table loudly "nonsense! Since she refuses to eat, Don''t waste any more resources on her. She is far too foolish for my liking, let her move around but she is never to show up around me. Inform the guards"


    "Yea, your Majesty" the greying eunuch bowed and left the palace.


    Emperor Zhong balls up his fist and thought "Shi Xianyi! It seems that you do not understand how things are now. After a few days, you will soon learn!"

 Chapter 132: Sweet Revenge 2

    Throughout the three days that led to the date of the official execution of Prime Minister Shi, a few young masters were arrested and brought in for questioning. The sudden arrest had everyone I''m edge, especially families known to have a close relationship with the Shi family.


    No one could tell if they would be called in next, in the heat of the uncertainty an imperial edict exonerating the Lu family was released. The Lu family returned to their mansion after being released and shut their gates. They didn''t receive any visitors, everyone was turned out at the gates.


    An official decree announcing the execution of the entire Shi family was released a day after their arrest. The execution was scheduled for two days later, the speed of the verdict was faster when compared to the Lu family''s arrest.


    Imperial Consort Shi tried to meet the Emperor one more last after the edict was released but it was unfruitful because she wasn''t allowed close to the Emperor''s palace. She stood on the Emperor''s usual route to Xincheng palace from the audience hall where the court session held, hoping to run into him on the way back.


    After a long court session, Emperor Zhong was on his way back to his palace when Imperial consort Shi ran out of the bushes. She knelt in front of the Emperor and rested her forehead on the ground. Emperor Zhong''s expression darkened as soon as she ran out, he glared at her.


    Su Xianyi had never been good been met with anger from the Emperor, she had always had it easy. She didn''t read the moon and launched into what she thought was a rather "appealing" request.


    "Your Majesty, please forgive this concubine for the interruption, I would like to have a few minutes of your time to discu_"


    "Why should I give you any of my time?" Emperor Zhong spat out, glaring down at her.


    Shi Xianyi was shocked to hear that, she hadn''t expected such a reaction from him. She rose her head from the ground and looked up, her body shook as she locked eyes with his heavy glare. Emperor Zhong just sat through a long shouting match in court, his foolish sixth sin rallied up a small group of officials to beg for a lighter punishment for the ex-prime minister and now he had to deal with yet another person again.


    The stupidity of the mother and sin air has annoyed him these past few days, his impressions of them have also fallen. They both stupidity defended a man who was found to be plotting to overthrow him due to close family links. Even with the solid evidence, they kept taking risky shots.


    "Consort Shi, I suggest that you give whatever foolish ideas you have a rest and let this case be. You might have given me a son but even that won''t always save you!" he walled around her to leave but the tail of his formal attire was pulled back by Shi Xianyi.


    She held his leg tightly and cried out, *Your Majesty please save my father, my father only made a mistake. He has always been loyal to you, your Majesty! He is just being framed please look into this properly!"


    Emperor Zhong glanced at her creating face and with a sigh, pulled his he kicked her away and pulled he leg out of her hold. Crouching to her eyes level he brought his face closer and said "you have a lot of nerve to defend hum this way. He is innocent and only being framed?" He laughed wildly and continued.


    "Do you think I am stupid? Or are you so confident with yourself? When crying that he was framed doesn''t work. What next would you say? That I should remember my old friendship with him? Or maybe you would ask me to remember our history together? Stop acting stubborn, I already did you a major favour by not executing you and your son but try me and I just might".


    She let go of him like he was a hot pot, as expected. Nothing compares to her son''s future. Emperor Zhong glanced at her submission actions and shook his head. ''She truly was too selfish, her story changed once he threatened her with her son''s career and her title'' he thought suddenly irritated by the mere sight of her.


    He glanced at her and sighed "How amusing, funny how the story changed once you discovered you could lose something. I guess that is your true priority". He left her kneeling there and resumed his walk back to his Palace.


    She knelt there in shock, the Emperor''s words replayed in her mind. This was her first rims being in the receiving end of his anger. It was new to her, she was helped up silently by her maid and supported to her room


    By the next day, Shi Xuanyi resolved to their fate and stayed back in her palace. She received a letter from her father on the day of the execution. The Emperor granted them an opportunity to say goodbye before the Execution.


    Women weren''t allowed on the executions ground, most especially concubines in the imperial haram who weren''t allowed to move around. She wore mourning clothes when she woke up that day and sat by the window, silently looking into the distance.


    The entire Shi family and their co-conspirers were led up the stage one after the other and executed. Imperial consort Shi shut herself in her palace


    ************


    The Dukes''s mansion


    Meanwhile, back in the Duke''s mansion. After being released from prison by the Emperor, they were met at the gate by Su Liya and their remaining servants. They were all skin and bones when they got back, the conditions in the ice prison were very bad.


    Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yiling held both of Madam Lu''s hands and supported her out of the carriage and into the house. The servant bowed at them while chorusing greetings to them. Su Liya walked forward and bowed, "Welcome home, mother."


    Madam Lu withdrew her hand from Lu Yiling''s hold and patted Su Liya on her hand. "Liya, you did well." Madam Lu looked wary and frail, it was like she aged a few more years in prison. She stood by the side and watched them leave until they were completely out of sight.


    Lu Yong came in after them, Su Liya wasn''t so familiar with this young master. Lu Yong was still a student at the Imperial College, most of his time was spent reading. He didn''t usually job them at family gatherings except during special events such as birthday banquets and vacations.


    Lu Yong saluted her respectively before continuing on his way to his courtyard. Su Liya held her handkerchief tightly as she stretched her neck to check for Lu Yaozhu. Finally, she saw two tall male figures walking forward. She could barely identify them because of the bright rays of the sun in her eyes.


    The two brothers were similar in height but their facial features differed. Lu Yingjie and their youngest brother Lu Yong were both on the muscular and taller side, unlike Lu Yaozhu who was slimmer. However, Lu Yaozhu was taller by a few inches and had lighter coloured hair.


    She frowned when she noticed Lu Yaozhu''s slight limp. It wasn''t that obvious because he leaned slightly on Lu Yingjie. She knew the penchant people in ancient times had for torture. They always made use of torture as a means of getting a prisoner to talk or in Prime Minister Shi''s case. Coercing a prisoner to confess.


    She notice the cut on his lips and fading bruises on his chin and cheek as he got closer. Lu Yingjie didn''t look any better, he was sporting a slight swell on his forehead, a zig-zag cut on his right cheek and a bruise on his chin. They both looked like they had gone through a fight.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled as he got closer, she just glanced at him and bowed at Lu Yingjie. "Welcome home your grace" she turned to him, "General".


    Lu Yingjei''s lip twitched as he noticed the exchange between the two. He smiled down at her, "don''t act so formal when we are family. It is good to see you, Sister-in-law, I will leave you two to talk" he glanced at Lu Yaozhu and walked away.


    Li Yaozhu tried to signal him not to leave but he ignored him. He didn''t see the need of helping him lie to his wife. That might end up backfiring on him considering how close their wives were. It was in his best interest to play neutral.


    Su Liya came forward and held out her elbow to him, "you can lean on me if you want, I might not be as strong as your brother but I am not completely useless".


    He smiled and waved her away, "don''t worry Liya, I can get around just fine".


    She gave him a death stare that said ''You had better accept this hand while I am being nice or risk making me mad''. He didn''t need to be told twice and just hooked his hands in hers. Being raised by two strong women taught him the benefit of not arguing with women when they were had made up their minds to do something.


    They slowly walked back to their courtyard, hand in hand. The Lu family instructed their guards not to allow any visitors in and recuperated for a few days after they were released

 Chapter 133: Sweet Revenge 3

    The Duke mansion.


    As the capital got colder, the citizens quickly adjusted their lifestyles to suit the weather. The light summer clothes were switched for ticker clothes and the cold dishes were removed from the food menu. The fall of the Shi family resulted in a few changes in the power dynamics in the capital as officials began the compete for the position of Prime Minister.


    The only family uninvolved in the competition was the Lu family and the Zhu family. They both understood that the position of Prime Minister was only beautiful on the outside but in reality, was deadly. Lu Yaozhu a Lu Yingjie sat in on the political struggles to nurse their wounds.


    After a few days in the mansion, Su Liya had fallen into the habit of taking walks in the garden beside her courtyard. She had never understood the obsession of women born in ancient times taking walks while watching historical dramas and reading historical novels until she was stuck in one.


    She had discovered how charming these walks were after being stuck indoors for days. She had gotten tired of lying about in her rooms all day when Baozhai suggested taking a walk. She had yawned for the nth time while lying by her side on a cushioned recliner at the balcony at the side of the pavilion.


    Su Liya held her hand to her mouth and looked down at the overly familiar scenery in front of her. She rolled her body to the side, sighed loudly and rested on her back. She locked eyes with the wooden roof and shoot her eyes. Baozhai who stood by the side, bit her lip gently as she noticed her mistress''s obvious boredom.


    No one enjoyed being stuck indoors, every day, Most especially her mistress who had gotten used to moving around while at Ningzhuo. She looked over the balcony thoughtfully, head tilted as she silently considers her solutions before properly making a decision.


    She came forward to stand by Su Liya''s ears and said in a soft tone, "Mistress if you are not so tired, we can take a turn of the gardens to stretch out muscles and get out of the house".


    Su Liya opened her eye quickly and sat up, " You had me at taking a turn". She turned to the side, dropped her lag at the side and put her feet in her flat shoes on the ground. "I am set, let us go for stroll ladies" She stood and ran out the door. Baozhai and Rong Rong ran after her.


    They caught up with her as she was by the door leading outside the Pavillion. Su Liya looked behind her expectantly, "finally, what took you so long. Let us go". She grabbed their hands and ran forward. The three ladies looked like the Embodiment of the statement running into the sunset.


    "Bs careful when running, you must not get injured or the general will have my hide. Slow down your highness", Baozhai cautioned as they ran. Su Liya chuckled and slowed down just outside the pavilion. She let go of their hands, breathing heavily.


    They walked towards the garden after catching their breath and strolled through the garden. The garden wasn''t so big but just a small kilometre of land that separated her Pavillion from the main pavilion. At the centre of the garden was a peach blossom tree next to a small fish pond.


    Su Liya picked up the fish feed next to the bond and sprinkled a few pieces of fish in the pond. It wasn''t good to overfeed these species of fish so she threw only a few pieces of feed. She watched the little fishes swim around the pond, the contrast between their natural colour and the water was quite the sight.


    It truly encompassed the beauty of nature, she looked at the natural art piece longingly while wishing she had a phone to take a picture of such a sight. She moved on minutes and walked down the stone pathway opposite the pond, which led to Lu Yaozhu''s pavilion.


    They had only stayed roughly two months at the duke''s mansion before moving to Ningzhuo. It wasn''t long enough for them to get close enough to visit each other in their rooms. Since she had nothing much to do Su Liya decided to visit Lu Yaozhu.


    She was curious how his Pavillion looked since there were maids in charge of cleaning. It would be neat and not just the messy man cave, most of her female classmates complained about during break times in between classes. There was a saying that you can tell a lot about a person by seeing their space.


    Su Liya continued forward with a small smile on her face, the first thing he noticed was that his courtyard had more male servants than maids. Most of the maids were stationed outside, at the courtyard as members of the cleaning crew. There was a momentary silence as she walked in, ever since their marriage tho was her first visit.


    As she walked in, the maids lined up in front of her and paid their respects. She nodded and dismissed them, she met Yu Tao on the steps leading into the Pavillion. Yu Tao briskly walked out of the room, holding a brown paper box of medicine with both arms. He stopped in the middle as he saw her come up and bowed with both had held the medicine up in front of him.


    "Your Highness," he said.


    "Yu Tao-ge, it has been a while", she glanced at the medicine bag in his hands. "You must be going to brew some medicine for the general, why don''t you give that to me. I will handle that" she smiled sweetly at him.


    Yu Tao grew up with Lu Yaozhu and was best at reading his thoughts. He knew of his master''s do fondness for the princess, he didn''t see anything wrong with letting her do this. His master had locked himself in for days to avoid her finding out the full extent of his injuries. A decision that he as a childhood friend didn''t support because it won''t help to bring the couple closer.


    "Alright, then I will leave it to you", he handed the medicine bag over to Rong Rong who walked forward to collect it. He bowed one last time before retreating to the side room.


    Su Liya glanced at the medicine bag and smiled then instructed "we need to go to the kitchen, Rong Rong ask a maid to lead us to the kitchen".


    "Yes, mistress" she nodded and walked down the stairs. She spoke with one of the outside maids, after saying a few words. The maid followed her up the stairs, after saluting Su Liya she escorted them to the small kitchen behind the Pavillion.


    The maid left once they arrived, leaving Su Liya with her maids. Rong Rong started the fire and put the hot water on fire. She proceeded to set up everything for brewing the medicine before stepping aside for Su Liya to move forward. Su Liya unwrapped the paper bag and poured a potion into a plate.


    Some Minutes later Su Liya walked out of the kitchen with a tray of medicine. She walked in front while Baozhai Followed her behind with a small white bowl of hot medicine and a spoon. Before going into the room, Rong Rong, who had rushed out to get some sweets while the water for the tea boiled, came back with a small plate is sweet.


    Su Liya was surprised when she placed a tray of sweets next to the bowl of medicine. Rong Rong hadn''t said much before leaving so she didn''t expect this. She looked from the plate of sweet to the bowl of medicine and finally to Rong Rong with a raised brow.


    "Don''t tell me the general cannot handle bitter medicine!" When she didn''t get a refute from Rong Rong she rolled her eyes, "seriously, what a baby. He can''t take bitter Chinese medicine but was okay with making me take them. See if I don''t make him suffer for that" she picked up the plate of sweet and handed it back to her. "He doesn''t get a single sweet until I am satisfied with his punishment. That man had me taking bowls of medicine continuously for days!"


    Baozhai chuckled when she heard that, she had heard her mistress complain nonstop every day she was forced to drink that bowl of replenishing soup back at Ningzhuo. The princess always promised to pay the General in kind every single time. This must be her way of getting even with him.


    She smiled at Rong Rong, who had a stupified expression and signalled her to keep silent and just follow their mistress. Her mistress was too soft-hearted to follow her plan for long, she just wanted to vent for a few minutes. If her mistress wanted to make due on her threat, she would have ordered them to keep the plate away but she didn''t and instead ordered Rong Rong to hold on to the plate of sweets until she asked for it.

 Chapter 134: A little Sugar

    The Duke''s mansion.


    Lu Yaozhu''s Pavillion was a lot wider than hers and unlike her pavilion, the rooms were separated by curtains. The lack of doors separating each room made each room brighter and more spacious. The only room separated by a wall and door was the study which was at the side of the Pavillion. Lu Yaozhu''s study had two separate doors, one used guests and servants that led outside by a wide door.


    That door faced the wide courtyard outside, while the second door which was used mainly by Lu Yaozhu, family members and his closest guards led from a small hallway from the main room. When she didn''t find him in the main room and bedroom, she went through the hallway and stopped by the screen door. She raised one hand signalling for Baozhai and Rong Rong to wait outside.


    They both nodded and stepped back to start by the wall at the right-hand side of the wall. Su Liya collected the small wooden square shaped tray containing the white small-sized bowl of medicine from Baozhai before walking forward and pulling the door to the side. She left the plate of sweets in Rong Rong''s hands.


    Lu Yaozhu sat by his desk reading a long wooden scroll, he looked up when the door was pushed open. His eyes widened for a split second before returning to normal, "Yaya! Didn''t expect it to be you".


    She smiled and walked over the door frame, "we haven''t seen each other in days, it is almost like you are avoiding me. I decided to check up on you and see how your injuries are healing. I ran into Yu Tao on my way inside. I found out that he was headed to the kitchen to brew a bowl of medicine for you and decided to give him a hand. I brewed a bowl of medicine, just for you" she knelt by the table, placed the tray on the table. She picked up the bowl of medicine and placed it info of him.


    "Here you go," she said picking up the tray and keeping it by her side.


    Lu Yaozhu looked from the tray to the hot bowl of brown liquid, "Is that all?"


    She smiled, "Yes" when he kept looking intently at the bowl of medicine with wrinkled brows, she asked, "You keep looking at the bowl of medicine, what is wrong? Is one bowl not enough? Should I get you more?"


    His face stiffen on hearing that, she noticed that he looked a little green. Her lips twitched a little when she notices his expression, it was amusing how he looked like he had lost his nation when faced with the prospect of taming the bitter medicine without any sweets.


    His hand under the table shook a little but his expression remained neutral. He swallowed and quickly replied in a low voice, as he felt like the breath was knocked out of his lungs. "Oh no, please don''t"


    He picked up the bow and held it up. He frowned as the druggy smell got into his nose. His forehead wrinkled and he pulsed his lips. Su Liya noticed all those changes as she watched him closely curious to see his actions. "What are you waiting for General, drink up or is it too bitter for you? Don''t tell me you need a sweet to take that"


    "No I don''t," he said quickly raising the bowl higher. His hand shook when it got closer to his face, he scrunched up his face and placed the bowl back on the table.


    ''What a baby'' she thought without looking away from him. She found his actions amusing, if not a little cute but continued to tease him.


    "Why so quick, Yaozhu? The medicine would soon get cold, you must take it got for the drug to work. Be good and take your medicine" she said in a placating way.


    Lu Yaozhu frowned as he picked up the small wide shaped spoon and scooped a spoon of tea and took a sip. His face quickly morphed into a yucky expression. The medicine was a lot more bitter than he had expected, he felt queasy.


    Su Liya laughed out loud when she saw his expression, "don''t force yourself, Yaozhu. If you can not stand the bitter taste of Chinese medicine don''t force yourself. All you need to do is to say the truth and I will get you some sweets".


    His eyes narrowed on her, "why do I get the feeling that you are doing this deliberately?"


    She frown, "no I am not, why would do that?".


    "I don''t know maybe because I made you take the body regenerative medicine".


    ''Oh, so you remember what you dud'' she immediately thought but responded: "Do I look like the vindictive type to you!".


    "Yes, as a matter of fact, you do!"


    "Ha! You have got to be kidding me. Hey, crybaby take your medicine and stop looking for sweets. Are you honestly not going to take this medicine because there is no sweet. Be good and Just take your medicine. Don''t be such a big baby, Elder brother always takes his medicine plain".


    Lu Yaozhu looked offended when he replied loudly, "No he doesn''t! Who did you hear that from?"


    She didn''t hear that from anyone, in particular, she had only said that to encourage him to take his medicine. She couldn''t let him find out that she lied so she replied, "Zhu Fengyin did, she said that the last time we met".


    "Then she is lying because my brother''s fear of taking medication is a lot worse than mine because at least I agree to fake them with the right insensitive. Yingjie doesn''t, he just refuses to take them!"


    She tilted her head to the side, "are you trying to say that the irrational dislike of bitter medicine is hereditary in all Lu men. is that something to be proud of!"


    "Hey not all Lu men are like this. A''Yong doesn''t have any problems with taking medicine".


    "oh, so it is only apparent in you two? How amusing, isn''t it funny how the powerful general with a high pain tolerance is scared of taking drugs. Tsk tsk tsk, what a baby!"


    "You_!"


    He picked up the bowl, it wasn''t so hot. He downed the drug in one go and placed the bowl back on the table. "If you aren''t going to give me any sweets, I guess I will just have to take it myself," he said watching her plump lips.


    Su Liya got self-conscious when she felt his eyes on her, "wha-what do you mean?" She asked.


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t reply, he just took and walked around the table to her side. She moved back when he knelt on one knee in front of her and said in a shaky voice "What are you up to", crawl back, "hey... You...don''t do anything funny!"


    Lu Yaozhu smile held up her chin and placed his lips on hers, her eyes widened, her shock gave him the opening he needed to deepen the kiss. Her heartbeat increase rapidly and she instantly felt hot. This was her first kiss, she didn''t know what to do or how to react. She was on edge, Lu Yaozhu noticed it and bit her gently in the lip. It was unexpected that she shivered.


    He placed his hand on her waist and pulled her closer deepening the kiss. She could taste the bitterness from the drug he had previously taken but that soon disappeared from her mind. She couldn''t think of anything else but the sensations going on within her. It was like she was taking her first taste of chocolates, she moved closer to him and wrapped her head around his neck.


    Lu Yaozhu''s hands moved circles on at her slim raise. The sensation of soft silk on warm skin the movement of his hand gave her was unexplainable. It heated her, making her heart melt like cheese Lu Yaozhu leaned her down gently. He put his hand under her to keep her from making real contact with the cold ground. He broke the kiss gently, giving her feathered kisses on the side of her lips, her chin and down her neck.


    Su Liya bent her right up at his lean hips as he kissed down her neck to her shoulder bone. She arched her back running her hand through bus hair. Meanwhile, the hand behind her pulled away and moved up her top, touching warm skin. He pulled her short jacket aside to give him better access. The hand in her shirt moved higher while she pulled at his jacket, rubbing her legs on his.


    Her skirt kicked up thanks to the movement of her legs but she didn''t notice. Even if she did, she wouldn''t mind. She didn''t notice when his right hand moved to untie the belt of her jacket spread it aside. He was slowly trying to untie the tie at the top of her blouse when there was a knock at the door of his study.


    He paused for a second then continued, hoping that whoever that was would leave after noticing that he didn''t answer. He had finally gotten the tie untied when the door was pushed opened from outside.

 Chapter 135: His runaway wife

    Duke Wu''s mansion


    Some minutes earlier, at Lu Yingjie''s study.


    Lu Yingjie read through the reports sent down two days ago by the clerk at the ministry of justice. He had a lot of pending work in his hands, which had piled up during his short stint in the ice prisons. One would think that considering what his entire family, himself included had been put through these past few days. The Emperor would give him a few more days break, even if it was only just three days but that wasn''t the case.


    Prime Minister Shi''s demotion affected every single department not just his main office. It had created a massive backlog caused by the frequent arrest of officials. Emperor Zhong wished to root out the remnants of former prime minister Shi''s men. Everyone was invited to work overtime to make up for the absence of a prime minister.


    Lu Yingjie didn''t get mad when the reports arrived the next day after they were released. It was a lot like the Emperor not to make life comfortable for him. For a paternal uncle, he wasn''t concerned about how things turned out for his nephews. He would be very okay if something happened to them.


    The letter summoning him back to court four days from now came in with another set of reports delivered yesterday morning. He has gone through half of the latest set when he felt a headache coming. He put down the last report he was going through and stood. He needed to stretch his legs, he walked out of the room and stood in front of his study.


    He looked out at the peach tree in the middle of his courtyard. The afternoon sun felt a lot


    hotter than usual, it was nearly time for his next dose of medicine. His face got sour at that thought, he couldn''t avoid taking the medicine. Not since Zhu Fengyin took charge of the arrangement, she had done so after discovering that he didn''t like taking his medicine.


    He went back into his rooms and took out a few jars of peach wine, he was in the mood for a drink or two. He walked to Lu Yaozhu''s study with the jars of wine, there was no maids insight at his brother''s courtyard which was usual during this time of the day.


    There was no one to announce his presence, He walked to the sliding door and knocked. There wasn''t any answer, ''the window was open so he must be in. A''zhu usually answered after a knock'', he thought looking to the side of the building to check once more if the window at the side of the window was open.


    He knock once more before pushing the door open, "let us have a drink, A''zhu. I brought over my best stash", he said as he walked in. His brother''s fast movements made him pause by the step, eyes open wide. A male jacket was draped around his sister-in-law''s shoulders while his brother hugged her tight. He quickly turned around, "sorry for interrupting you two".


    Blushing heavily, Su Liya quickly rearranges her clothes. She pulled out of Lu Yaozhu''s hold and rushed out of the room through the other door. Lu Yaozhu frowned as he watched her leave, he played heavily at his brother when he turned back around. ''Talk about having horrible timing'' he thought as he stood out walked to the table at the centre of the room.


    Lu Yaozhu grunted his reluctance at being interrupted, "let us get this over with".


    Lu Yingjie walked to the other side of the table and after placing 12 jars of peach wine on the table, he sat opposite Lu Yaozhu. He could barely look his younger brother in the eye, there was a few seconds of awkward silence. Lu Yingjie broke the silence with an apology "Sorry for the bad timing, that was my bad_"


    Lu Yaozhu walked to the cupboard behind him, took out two cups of wine and brought them back to the table. He pushed a cup to his elder brother, picked up a jar of wine and unlocked the jar. He poured some in his cup before interrupting Lu Yingjie, "Stop talking and drink". He brought the cup to his lips and tipped it up.


    "Okay", he replied. He picked up another jar and poured himself a cup of wine. They drank silently for some minutes.


    Three jars in and Lu Yaozhu was finally ready to talk glanced at his brother and said "I heard that the clerk at the palace came over with a summoning letter. When are you expected back at court?"


    "In for days, I was hoping that he would extend my stay longer but he didn''t. Once again, his conscience seems non-existent" he downed a cup of wine.


    "He must be mad that his plan failed, He put a lot of thought into that plan. Too bad."


    "Of only he can be as dedicated as he is in getting rid of our Lu family in properly running Northern Wei. Maybe he would stop supporting corruption, the Emperor hasn''t concluded on the Sun family''s case. I need that settled before returning to Ningzhuo. It is already snowing heavily in the north, before long the rods might get blocked".


    Lu Yingjie sighed, "there is a lot of backlogs thanks to the former Prime Minister''s sudden removal from office. It might take a while".


    He tapped his fingers on the table gently and replied "I understand but brother it might be a good idea to settle Yiling''s marriage before all the chaos of selecting a new Prime Minister began. O received reports that a lot of high ranking noble families were heading into the capital"


    Lu Yingjie grimaced at the thought of what the much arrival in town would entail. "All hell is about to break free"


    "Don''t worry about that, I already spoke with mother. Apart from events that cannot be avoided, everyone is to stay indoors. Luckily Yong''er is undergoing in-house preparation for the Imperial exams and won''t be going out often. I don''t want anyone of us to be casualties in this fight for the position of Prime Minister"


    "Yes, we have a lot of problems without adding that. I will make sure to make my lack of interest in that position obvious. In the end, the decision is ultimately up to his Majesty, do you have any idea who he is most likely to choose for the position?"


    "The obvious choice would be Zhu Yawen but he has already made his stance obvious. Word on the street is that your father-in-law will be retiring soon. He must have gotten tired of everything"


    Snotting loudly, Lu Yingjie replied "I will believe that when I see it. Until then I will remain vigilant"


    They spoke of a few other topics before, Lu Yingjie returned to the main courtyard.


    *********


    Meanwhile at Su Liya''s end


    Rong Rong and Baozhai took a step back when the door was pushed open and their mistress ran out. They ran after her, catching up with her in the garden, she stopped by the fish tank to catch her breath before walking back to her room briskly.


    They didn''t notice her dishevelled clothes and red face until they were inside her room. Baozhai glanced from the male outer jacket wrapped around her to her loosened up blouse and said nothing. She could already guess what happened based on her appearance. Baozhai helped her get changed into a simple gown.


    Su Liya was distracted ever since she got back from Lu Yaozhu''s room. She couldn''t quite wrap her head around what had just happened in there. The kiss had been so unexpected but while she was surprised by the kiss, it was the fact that she had enjoyed it that got her confused. She had noticed t that she no longer thought of him as a character in a book.


    This world felt so real, as did everyone she had net so far. She felt comfortable here than in her world after staying here for almost a year. Here she had family and friends, she had people who cared about her but in her world. She had nothing, she was so alone.


    She had grown comfortable with being alone but staying here made her appreciate having someone to rely on but this was not her home. To her this place was only a dream, it could be over as quickly as it began. Once she was done with her mission, she will have to go back to her world. She couldn''t afford to hold on to this dream, not when it would only bring her pain.


    Over the next two days, Su Liya avoided Lu Yaozhu like the plague, she didn''t want to be drawn deeper into this fantasy he was selling her. Luckily their rooms weren''t that close and were separated by a garden apart from during family mealtime they did not run into each other as much.


    Lu Yaozhu predicted she would follow this route when she rejected his request to join her for dinner the next day. Her hands reported that she was already asleep but he knew that she wasn''t. He decided to give her one more day to hide before going all out.

 Chapter 136: A missed opportunity

    The next day, Duke of Wu''s mansion.


    Su Liya walked through a bend at her right on her way back to her courtyard from madam Lu''s courtyard. She had gone over there to pay her respect to her mother-in-law, it was her first visit since she returned to the capital. After enquiring about her health and that of Lu Yaozhu, Madam Lu informed her of the Empress''s upcoming birthday banquet.


    After instructing her to prepare a desirable gift for her adopted mother, madam Lu ordered her maids to serve her a small desert before she was dismissed. Su Liya walked back to her room silently, she thought of a good gift to give the Empress. Rong Rong noticed her mistress''s troubled expression and decided to break the mood.


    "The Empress''s birthday party is in six days, should we call over the manager from Ruyi shop to come over with a catalogue of their premium goods for you to look through? Their products are always unique, they are one of the palace''s main jade supplies. A lot of attention will be on you and the gift you present to her as her highness''s adopted daughter during the banquet. Time is short mistress we had better start now"


    Su Liya stood walking and bit her lip, eyes gazed at the ground for minutes the modded "You made a good suggestion, Rong Rong. Set over a request as soon as possible".


    "Yes, Your Highness" Rong Rong replied with a bow.


    Su Liya resumed walking, her steps slow. The maids sweeping her courtyard bowed respectfully as she walked in. She nodded to them before going in, she felt a little stuffy in her present gown, she had on and needed to change into something more comfortable. She looked out a sky blue handkerchief and wiped her face gently.


    Although it was gradually getting colder, the effect of the summer heat could still be felt. The weather changes were obvious to all as they gradually went into autumn. She took a quick step back, ere wide as she walked into the main room.


    "G-G-General! How cons you are here!"


    Lu Yaozhu grinned, he glanced at the two lady''s maids behind his wife. They were as shocked as his wife, the stood at the door mouth opened slightly like fishes. They recovered a lot quicker than their mistress and gave him a salute, "this servant greets, General Lu".


    He held Su Liya''s gaze as he replied, "rise, you don''t need to stand her anymore. Leave us!"


    Maintaining their previous bow, Baozhai and Rong Rong replied "Yes" and left the room.


    He watched them leave until they were out is sight and walked closer to her. Her heart beat faster as he got closer, she bit her lip and looked down at her hand avoiding eye contact with him. She has avoided him since their interrupted make out sea, it had been so unexpected and she didn''t know what to me of it.


    Lu Yaozhu stopped a few inches away from him and took her hand in his. Her face immediately got red and she loved eyes on the ground. He carefully held her chin up, careful not to injure her without nails and said in a low tone, "You cannot avoid me forever Ya Ya! You look a little pale, come and have a seat". He led her to a seat and sat next to her.


    Su Liya felt a little nauseous as her mouth grew were but she didn''t let her unease show. However, Lu Yaozhu was observant enough to notice that but pretended otherwise. " Do you want sine water?" He asked softly.


    "No, I am good. Is there a reason you came to find me?" She asked calmly


    "Yes, I have something for you. That and we need to talk"


    Her breath quicken and let out a nervous laugh. She didn''t know what to expect, she had thought that by avoiding him. She wouldn''t have to face this but it seemed to be impossible. She cannot avoid him forever, that was impossible considering their proximity to each other. She nodded, head bowed.


    Lu Yaozhu still held her hand in his, her hands felt a little cold to feel. He took out a small hand warmer from his left sleeve and gave it to her. Su Liya was shocked to see a hand warmer in his hands in this weather. Carrying hand warmers was something only common in winter.


    "It gets cold at night in the palace around this time, the banquet would go on till late in the night", he gestured to the hand warmer in her hand, "that will help warm you up while you are there".


    "Thanks," she said holding the hand warmer tighter.


    "Mother must have told you about Imperial Aunt''s upcoming birthday banquet. Don''t bother preparing a gift for her, I already have something adequate preparation for the occasion. No need to stress yourself, you are still new at all this. I can take care of this year''s gift, I am sure you could handle it by next year"


    "I_ thanks. I made you worry, I apologise" she said looking down at her hands.


    "Don''t mention, we are husband and wife. It is normal to help each other out. It is time to take my medicine, I will take my leave" he stood


    "Is that all you have to say?"


    "Yes, is there anything else we have to talk about?" He asked grinning.


    "No!" She looked away quickly, blushing heavily.


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at her reddened face and smiled. He came here intending to bring up their kiss but after seeing how nervous she was, he decided against that. After staying a few months together, he now understood her personality. Su Liya was confident and strong in everything else except when it concerned her emotions.


    If he borough it up like that, he might spook her and make her hide deeply. In just a few days she had reverted to how she was when they first got married. She avoided him and wasn''t as free as she was previously. He didn''t like this cautious version of her, not after getting a taste of her when she was unrestrained.


    The next few days, Lu Yaozhu acted normally with her and did not bring up their kiss. By the third day, Su Liya gradually led down her guard. On the day of the Empress''s birthday, banquet Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu rode together in a carriage.


    The Empress Birthday Party was held at Fuyuang hall, the party was divided into two main events. The first event was a polo match held in the Royal fields, while the second was an indoor banquet held at Fuyuang hall that was scheduled to begin at 3 pm and go on till late in the night. The banquet was arranged by the minister of Rites under the direction of Emperor Zhong in honour of Empress Lu.


    Empress Lu liked polo matches, it was her favourite sport after Conju. She was popular for her superior skills when she was younger but had to give it up after becoming Empress. The polo field in the palace was constructed by Emperor Zhong after inheriting the throne. In the early years of Emperor Zhong''s rule, he frequently held polo matches just for her during the summer.


    Every year on the Empress''s birthday, the Emperor made a huge show of everything, he even hosted a horse race. However, after their falling out the Empress Birthday wasn''t as largely celebrated as it was until this year. The effort put into planning the banquet this year was obvious to everyone.


    Lu Yaozhu got down from the carriage when they arrived at the palace. He held out his hand up to her and helped her down the step. They presented their invitation and family barge to the guard at the gates before going into the palace. He held Su Liya''s hands as a young eunuch led them to the fields.


    He led them to their reserved seat with the other imperial-in-law then retreated. They were seated with the rest of the Lu family at a set of seats at the Empress right. All eyes were on them since this was their first outing since they were released from the prison.


    Based on their seating arrangement it was easy to see that the Lu family had regained the Emperor''s favour. Now, that the Empress was back in the Emperor''s good graces, her paternal family also received some graces.


    After their arrest, a lot of their political allies and family friends distance themselves from them for fear of getting implicated. Many now regretted their decisions and tried to get closer to them. While the Lu family never called them out on their initial behaviour. They remained cold to each of these families that abandoned them.


    Su Liya noticed a lot of new faces present in the banquet, especially among the royal relatives. A few of the new faces went around and greeted each guest. She was surprised when a richly dressed tall older woman and two young girls appeared in front of her table and curtsied to her.


    "This officials wife, Fu Mian greets, your highness Princess Qin"

 Chapter 137: A Missed opportunity 2

    The palace polo field.


    The ride from the Duke''s mansion to the palace was quiet, Su Liya felt shy at the start of the journey. She kept skillfully stealing glances at Lu Yaozhu, who was seated next to her. This was not their first time in a carriage together, they had tode together in the carriage a few times together. However, this was their first time in a confined space since the kiss.


    After a few minutes, she quickly can''t down a started to relax. There was a lot of carriages on the road today, as the Empress''s birthday was considered a major event of the year. Getting and an invitation wasn''t easy since it was an event of a senior member of the Imperial royal family. The invitation was given to only high ranked noble families.


    The carriage ride was longer, they rode slowly to the Palace. Carriages were not allowed past the main gates of the palace, the occupants were instructed to get down at the heavily guarded concrete-walled slim pathway leading to the tall iron gates of the palace.


    Lu Yaozhu got down from the carriage first and standing by the step, he stretched out his hands to her. Su Liya bent low as she stood from the cushioned carriage seat and walked out of the carriage. A few steps away from the step set up at the door, she stretched out her hand expecting to hold on to Baozhai''s hands but instead felt a rough hard hand that he hers. She locked eyes with Lu Yaozhu as she looked up.


    Her eyes flutter, as he held her steady. She carefully walked down from steps, she had expected him to let go of her hands when her leg touched the ground but he never did instead he held her tightly rubbed his thumb on the soft skin behind her hand a few times in a calming gesture.


    He presented the invitation and his name card, inscribed with the family crest. The Lu Family was deeply rooted in the capital, they controlled half of the army of Northern Wei. As such the everyone was as familiar with their family crest as they were with that of the Imperial family. They were allowed in as soon as the guards caught sight of the invitation and family crest.


    A Eunuch approached them as they walked in, Lu Yaozhu seemed familiar with the eunuch because of the warm greeting they exchanged. The Eunuch bent low and stretched out his arm forward, with both hands clamped together.


    "Good day, Your Highness, general. Please follow me, this small one would lead you to the polo grounds".


    Standing straight, Lu Yaozhu held up both hands. He balled up his right hand into a fist and held it tight to his open left palm, "Thanks, Eunuch Bo. Please lead the way", he stood and gestured to the pathway ahead.


    The Eunuch bowed, turned around and continued forward through the marble pathway leafing straight to the polo grounds. The majority of the gallery was occupied by the guests, all seated according to rank. All eyes were focused on the entire Lu family as they walked in, everyone was curious how they looked after the short stay at the cold prison.


    The rumours in the condition of the ice prison were gruesome, it was the place prisoners when sent there never remained the same. It was a place of pain and death, they were all curious what became of the Lu family after getting thrown there. The Lu family sealed up their mansion as soon as they were released and did not receive any visitors.


    Their secluded behaviour fed the rumour Mill and encouraged the rumour mongers to invent their tales about the conditions of the Lu family members they were released. Each rumour was more gruesome than the other and since no one was allowed into Lu mansion. There was no one to give an honest account of their condition so everyone believed the rumours.


    Their presence today put an end to the rumours as everyone could see that they were healthy and in good body conditions, without missing any body parts as a few of the rumours claimed. There was a few seconds hush from the guests as they were led to the wider private Gallery ar the middle of the field. Where the members of the royal family and the Imperial-in-laws, were seated. That section of the gallery had a clearer unobstructed view of the field.


    There was much tighter security at that spot because of the guest seated there. The Lu family was one of the most powerful family and were very attractive. During these events, members of nobility observed each other and tried to socialise.


    It was the perfect spot for marriage arrangements, the marriage-minded mama''s had their eye locker on the two unmarried members of the family Lu Yiling and Lu Yong but it was the young couple Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya that drew all their attention. They were attracted to Su Liya''s beauty, the story of how the couple were married made rounds together with the other rumours.


    Su Liya felt self-conscious as she noticed the gaze on her. Her hands shook as walked up the short step to their seat at the next level after the two levels following the Dragon and Phoenix throne. Lu Yaozhu squeezed her hands little as if to say ''you are not alone, I have got your back". His attempt to calm her down warmed her heart. She looked up at him and locked eyes with him.


    They had both glanced at each other at the same time, his lips curved up, showing a faint one-sided dimple on his cheeks. Su Liya blushed heavily, smiling shyly eye low. Her long lashes felt like beautiful soft feathers, shielding her eyes. Su Loya bit her lips gently, her heart and sizzling with excitement but she schooled her expression so as not to let it show and give up her feelings in public.

 Chapter 138: A missed opportunity 3

    The polo ground.


    The next two levels after the thrones were occupied by the members of the haram, the princesses and princes. The next level only the last tree that was contained fewer seats was packed with tables and chairs. Only first and second-ranked consorts were allowed to attend public social functions.


    Presently there were only eight high ranked consorts, including Imperial Consort Shi and Imperial concubine Sheng in the Emperor''s harem. Among these consorts were the few that had given the Emperor a child. However only three had sons that were still alive, the rest had daughters.


    The Emperor and Empress were yet to arrive, so everyone moved around and socialised with each other. The guests came up to greet each other including the consorts, who were already seated in their tables by rank. However, none of the guests neared the table of Imperial Consort Shi. She was let there like an outcast, everyone passed by her table without looking down at her.


    The number of people at the sixth prince''s table was fewer than usual, unlike during the last royal banquet. Only three young men spoke with the sixth prince, two is who were fifth rank officials with daughters in his haram and as such, they didn''t count.


    The Shi family''s fall from grace brought a lot is disadvantages to the mother and sin air as expected. The sixth prince faction suffered a lot of losses thanks to the execution of the entire Shu family. The Usually arrogant and showy Imperial consort Shi was more subdued and low key, she didn''t even wait to come in with the Emperor and Empress as she usually did.


    Neither was she dressed as grandly as in the past, Su Liya observed that she had noticeably lost weight. She looked pale and frail like she could drop any moment, Su Liya felt that even if she did faint no one but the sixth prince would pay her any mind.


    Imperial Consort Shi ruffled a lot of favours while in favour of her actions. She was not a crowd favourite and acted above her station which was a big no-no in high society. There were a lot of protocols and rules in the Palace, rules that even the Empress, the most powerful woman in Northern Wei followed. That she in her stupidity failed to observe, which earned her a lot of hate from the women of high society.


    Her fall from grace offered them the best opportunity to put her in her place. Imperial Consort Shi felt destitute as she sat there like an unappreciated calligraphy painting. It was a feeling relatively new to her, she had gotten used to the attention she received from everyone that she could not process how to handle the change in her condition. Even when she wasn''t that favoured, she was never treated this way.


    If she had her way, she wouldn''t be here. It was like she was on full display and not in a good way. She balled up her fist under the table as she saw the mocking looks thrown her way by the consorts and other guests.


    ''Idiots! They dare to look down on me'' she thought, her gaze moving from the other imperial concubines and the members of the Imperial family. Her gaze stopped at her son, her proud beautiful little boy was being snubbed by these fools. ''These officials are shameless, their two-faced nature was something else. They flocked to her son not long ago, showering him with praises but as soon as we lost favour, they all disappeared''.


    She moved her gaze and fell on the tables that received a lot of attention. One belonged to the Crown Prince while the other belonged to Duke Wu, Lu Yingjie and General Lu. She frowned at them and looked away immediately. "it wasn''t enough that I lost my father thanks to them. Now they were intimidating my son, Lu Yaozhu! You wait, I will make you pay with blood for my family''s death she thought balling up her fist tightly.


    Su Liya looked away from the imperial comforts present and returned her gaze to the wall opposite her table. A small crowd of ministers surrounded Lu Yaozhu''s half of the table, Su Liya nodded replied to the greetings of the ministers. She faced forward, she noticed a heated gaze on her coming from her right-hand side.


    She locked eyes with the Crown Princess consort, Xia Ying. This was her first time meeting her since her marriage, Xia Ying was one of the most memorable side characters in the original novel. She was the perfect morally grey character that would do anything and everything to protect her loved ones.


    Su Liya liked this woman a lot when she read the novel but not so much now that she was living it and was at the receiving end of her wrath. To her, Xia Ying was an unplanned enemy. Xia Ying nodded in greeting when their eyes met briefly. Su Liya returned the greeting and looked away. She didn''t want to interact with someone like Xia Ying. Although Xia Ying had smiled at her, it was obvious that the smile didn''t reach her eyes.


    Su Liya also couldn''t let down her guard against some like Xia Ying who threatened her life just because of Lu Yaozhu. Who knows what someone like that would do again. She saw a tall older woman dressed in a dark blue wide sleeve Palace gown approach her table with two younger ladies equally grandly dressed following behind her.


    She wasn''t familiar with this face, she glanced at Baozhai, who whispered in her eyes, "Mistress that is the wife of the late General Jiang, A subordinate of the late Duke Wu and the mother of Lu Yong''s Fiancee".


    Su Liya was taken aback at the mention of the third Son''s fiancee. There wasn''t any mention of a fiancee for the youngest Lu brother in the novel. This was her first time hearing of that, Lu Yong wasn''t frequently mentioned in the original novel. She quickly schooled her expression as the three women got closer and smiled softly at them

 Chapter 139: A start of something beautiful

    The Imperial Palace, the Polo grounds.


    Su Liya looked up as Madam Jiang got closer and stood in front of her table. Madam Jiang had heard a few things about this new Princess since she arrived at the capital a week and a half ago. After all, she heard. She was not impressed with this social climber. Madam Jiang came from an old aristocratic family whose lineage went down till the establishment of northern Wei.


    Members of this type of family were very strict about genealogy. To her the fact that Su Liya, a mere maid could marry a man of noble birth like Lu Yaozhu as the principal wife was a disgrace. It was an abnormality that should never have been. She believed strongly in the old ways and would never associate herself with a person of low birth like Su Liya.


    However, she was forced to do so, to give her daughter an edge. Her eldest son Jiang Hongli was just promoted to a fourth rank official in the ministry of works. Following his promotion, their entire family moved back to the capital from their hometown Yangzhuo. Where her eldest son, served as an official after ranking high at the regional Imperial examination.


    The move back to the capital came at a good time, her eldest daughter Jiang Hua had come of age. It was time for the Lu family to honour her engagement to their youngest son. Jiang Hua''s marriage to Lu Yong would open doors for her children.


    Madam Jiang stood a few steps away from Su Liya, she stretched out her arm in front of her and interlocked her fingers together, bowed to Su Liya.


    "This official''s wife, Fu Mian greets your highness, Princess Qin"


    Su Liya placed her hands on the older woman''s arm to stop her from bowing, "please don''t stand on ceremony, Madam after all we are family".


    ''At least she knows her place'' Madam Jiang thought, without changing her expression. She replied, "thank you for your kindness you Highness."


    Madam Jiang brought forward the two girls behind her, the two girls looked about Lu Yiling''s age. They saluted Su Liya before standing back in position, Madam Jiang introduced the taller girl as Lu Yong''s fiancee, Jiang Hua. While the second girl was her niece Chen Yao.


    Four tables ahead of Su Liya''s table, Sat Xia Ying. Although surrounded by women frowning on her, she couldn''t take her eyes away from that table. She looked longingly at that spot next to Lu Yaozhu. She might be the second most powerful woman in northern Wei burst this moment she felt nothing like that.


    She felt trapped in an uncomfortable position, like a doll on display. Xia Ying hated this feeling and the person that made her feel this way. if it wasn''t for Su Liya, that spot next to Lu Yaozhu would be hers. Su Liya just had to interfere in her marriage fate. She would never forget that interruption and the consequences, she was forced to face.


    Minutes later the Emperor and Empress arrival was announced, everyone ran back to their sears and falling on their knees bowed to the couple as they walked in. They stayed that way until they were both seated, Emperor Zhong glanced at them from the dragon throne and said "Rise".


    They all chorused, "Thanks, your Majesty" as they stood and sat on their cushioned seats. Emperor Zhong glanced at the guests closer to him and smiled. His smile shook a little when his eyes fell on the Lu family, He still felt uneasy around them but decided to let them go until the solid evidence of their betrayal was obvious.


    Emperor Zhong said words of good wishes before the polo match began. The match was lively and fun. By evening, they all moved to Fuyuang palace. Where the banquet kicked off properly. Members of the royal family came out one after the other and presented their gifts to the Empress.


    Soon it was Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya''s turn, they both came up to the centre of the room and bowed.


    "This general wishes her highness good health, heavens divine blessings and prosperity for northern Wei"


    "This Princess, wishes imperial mother, good health, heaven''s divine blessings and Prosperity for northern Wei".


    They both chorused kneeling on one knee and holding their hands forward. The Empress nodded at them smiling, their presence put her in a good mood. She was surprised at how grand this year''s birthday banquet was, she was impressed by his move.


    After giving their oral good wishes, Yu Tao and Baozhai came forward with the boxes of gifts. Two eunuchs at the side rushed forward and collected the gifts. The gift was searched as they arrived, for weapons, poison and the rest by the guards at the gate before it was allowed into the palace.


    The eunuchs carried the boxes up the steps and presented the gifts to the Emperor and Empress. They opened the box while standing a step below the dragon and Phoenix throne. Inside the first box presented by Su Liya was a string of luminous pearl necklace, while in the second box was a painting.


    There was a lot of gasps from the consorts and princesses who saw the bright pearl necklace.


    "beautiful!"


    "Wow!"


    "Such dazzle!"


    "Ahh!"


    Imperial concubine Sheng who was the most senior consort was the only one courageous enough to comment on the Empress Gift. She had stayed the longest among them and although she wasn''t close friend with the Empress. They had come to an understanding, a few years back.


    "Such beauty can only belong to her Majesty. Judging by the dazzle, it is definitely of high quality. Princess Qin treats her Majesty the best, aiyo! now I wish I had a daughter" she said smiling widely.


    Empress Lu smiled, "you flatter me, Mei Mei. We are one family aren''t we, Liya is also your daughter". Empress Lu''s heart warmed a little when she saw the gift, it had been a while since she had received a feminine gift like this. This kind of gift was youthful and could only be chosen by a younger female.


    Women her age wouldn''t be drawn to gift like this, seeing this gift reminded her immediately of her only daughter who had married far away. She hadn''t seen her in ten years, the first princess had married too far for her to visit. In the earlier year of her daughter''s marriage, she had visited Northern Wei with her husband.


    That was when her husband was still the Crown Prince of Western Liang and she the Crown Princess consort. Back when they were always sent over as Envoys to Northern Wei, her daughter hasn''t visited since she became the Empress of Western Liang. Her impression of Su Liya was much better now than it was months earlier. She was growing fond of this adopted daughter of hers.


    "Her Majesty is truly the mother of the nation. She treats everyone well." Imperial concubine sheng said glancing at the other imperial concubines present. The Imperial concubines all chorused happy responses to her statement.


    The Empress eunuch Chu Moran walked down the stairs, picked up the painting in the box and unrolled the painting. EmptessLu''s expression brightened up once again as the picture was opened out.


    She gasped and brought her hands to her mouth. The laugh line next to her eyes appeared on both sides of her face. "This is beautiful!" She gazed at Lu Yaozhu softly "A''Zhu paintings is always the best. It has been a while since I received one of these".


    Emperor Zhong also could take his eyes off such a beautiful piece of art. He was always amazed by the works painted by Lu Yaozhu. He always felt that Lu Yaozhu was a talented young man it was a pity that too bad he was from the Lu family. If he was from any other family, his talents would have been appreciated.


    He looked away from the life-like landscape paintings of the natural view of the Lu family''s ducal seat at Wuzhuo. He picked up his cup of wine and gulped down some wine. He glanced at Caihong and caught his eyes, signalling him to round this up quickly before he lost his patience.


    Today was the Empress''s birthday and he wished to indulge her today. He had noticed how detached Empress Lu had become of late and he didn''t like that. This was his way of getting back on her good side, even if it meant that he would have to tolerate the Lu family.


    Chief Eunuch Caihong didn''t need to be told twice, he hastened up the gift display and moved to the next guests. His hasty actions didn''t go unnoticed to Empress Lu but she pretended otherwise. She had doubted Emperor Zhong''s sudden change in attitude for a while. This was expected, it wasn''t much of a surprise to her that he would do this.


    Although she hoped that he would not do these things but he still did exactly that. Empress Lu glanced at her salty husband seated beside her and sighed. She rolled her eyes and muttered, "well at least he is consistent".


    Two hours later, Emperor Zhong had begun feeling a little lightheaded. He stood and looking down at the guest smiled, "it is getting late, I am calling it a night. You all should be merry, we are celebrating a virtuous woman today".


    Everyone chorused their affirmation and stood to see him off. The Empress left with the Emperor, the Imperial concubine couldn''t stray any longer since the hosts were gone. They left one after the other.

 Chapter 140: A start of something beautiful 2

    En route to the Dukes mansion


    It had gotten late at night and most of the guests were too tired to stay back, Su Liya included. Since the Emperor and Empress had retired, the guests began to leave one after the other. Su Liya glanced around the room and noticed the gradually increasing empty seats. Most of the guests present comprised of young masters all of who were students at the Imperial College.


    She had made that inference, when she saw how friendly they were with Lu Yong, with the imperial right around the corner. It is no surprise that they would leave as early as possible. The Lu family couldn''t leave early, even if they wanted because of the crowd formed around their tables. Her eyes felt heavy as she stifled a yawn, she looked around and sat back.


    Her foot felt numb from seating at one position for hours, she needed to walk around and stretch her leg a little to get rid of the numbness. However, she couldn''t. Walking around the palace this late could be disastrous. It was like asking for trouble, with the amount of hate she received from various members of the Imperial family. Su Liya would gave to be highly stupid to move around the palace alone or even with a servant.


    She could only bear with her present conditions, she gazed around the room. Since she was stuck here until the Lu family could leave, she decided to discretely observe each guest. Starting with the members of the Imperial Family, she observed that they were as surrounded by guests as the Duke of Wu and Lu Yaozhu.


    Except for the sixth Prince Zhongshan Cheng, who spoke with the same three men from earlier. She turned away and looked towards her left-hand side when she felt a heated gaze from that direction. Zhu Faye rose his wine glass up to her in mocking toast as her gaze fell on him since he was the only one looking this way.


    She bit her lips silently, eyes narrowed when he did that. She had avoided him since her marriage, careful not to cause any scandal. She had heard the rumours spread by the staff of the Zhu family mansion. Those rumours went around the capital non-stop, ruining her reputation in the long run. Her breathing increased and her nose feared, as she gazed at his smug expression.


    She felt like flying to him and drowning him in his saliva but that was impossible, instead, she looked away. Her gaze unknowingly fall on the sixth Prince''s table, Zhu Feifei looked slimmer and more retained. It was like life was gradually getting soaked out of her.


    She didn''t feel a pinch of remorse or pain for Zhu Feifei, to her Zhu Feifei deserved all the pain she was currently receiving from the sixth Prince''s hands. This was the result of her enormous greed for power and wealth. Zhu Feifei didn''t deserve to complain since she was getting exactly what she hope to receive.


    She had the power and wealth, too bad while she and her mother made their plans. They failed to factor in her happiness, there was no peace of mind or security gotten from marriage into the royal family. This was a lesson that Zhu Feifei and Zhu Fenfang were now learning.


    According to the rumours, two of the sixth prince''s concubines were now pregnant. While the sixth prince''s favourite concubine gave birth to a baby boy, a mere four months after she had given birth to her daughter.


    Zhu Feifei had gotten humbled by these major setbacks, but the most painful event had to be when her lady''s maid was found to be pregnant for the Sixth Prince, two months after she had her daughter. It was a slap in the face that made her fall sick in anger. Nothing is more painful than finding out that you were betrayed by someone you trusted.


    Lu Yaozhu noticed the slight change in Su Liya''s temperament, he followed her gaze to Zhu Faye''s smug expression and frowned. He was kissed off by the sheer audacity of this young master to gaze at his wife that way and in his presence at that. He had heard the rumours of the two but after investigating them, he found that it was malicious rumours spread by Zhu Faye.


    He hurriedly dismissed the guests surrounding him when he saw Su Liya stifle another yawn, he had noticed her yawn repeatedly for the last one hour. He initially planned to leave as soon as the Emperor and Empress left but he was besieged by officials. The death of the former prime minister coupled with the upcoming imperial exams led to a large influx of people into the capital.


    The new arrivals were mainly of high rank and were now trying to assimilate into the nobles in the capital and get a good footing. Among the families that returned to the capital was the Crown Prince''s maternal family the Tong family. The three branches of the family had returned to the capital together.


    The Tong family were once a literary family of great talents but had fallen in decline these last two generations. To maintain their position in court they sent their eldest daughter Tong Yang into the palace as an imperial concubine. Although she wasn''t well favoured by the Emperor, She still got pregnant a year after she entered the haram and gave birth to a baby boy.


    For a short time, the Tong family were successful and occupied a few good political positions but that changed when the Shi family came into play. They began to gradually decline until only one member of the family held a high ranking position in the capital. They were all forced to move back to their hometown after Noble consort Tong died.


    The Shi family had stepped on quite a few families to get to the height they had attained before they fell. Their fall for grace was the opening those families they stepped on needed to make a comeback.


    The men standing around his table didn''t make things difficult for him, they gradually withdrew. Since they were here to curry favours from him, they didn''t want to get on his ad side. Lu Yaozhu touched Su Liya lightly on her arm and whispered,


    "it is time to go Liya but first let''s greet his Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess consort before leaving. We missed their wedding, although we send over our gifts. It is proper that we greet them".


    Su Liya eye looked a little drowsy, so he held her hand in his walking her hand continued, "you must be tired, don''t worry. We won''t stay long, just hold on until we get into the carriage. okay?"


    Su Liya noted and blinked a few times to clear her eye, it didn''t seem to help get the sleep off her eyes. She said in a soft tone, "my legs are a little weak, Yaozhu".


    He smiled and squeezed her hands, "don''t worry, lean on me. I will never let go".


    Su Liya glanced at him, cheeks red. "Aren''t you scared that others will look down on you because of me? It is not proper for me to be that intimate in public".


    "Who cares what they think, that is their opinion. As long as I am okay with anything, don''t listen to them. People will always talk, it is better to give them something to talk about" he hugged her closer and helped her up.


    Su Liya blushed when she heard the conversation still for a moment before it resumed. She tried to hide her face in his clothes but that wasn''t an easy fit to achieve. Lu Yaozhu ignored the dark looks and blatant stare they received from people and continue forward. He tightened his hold when he felt Su Liya stir a little at his side and try to shift out of his hands.


    With a straight face, he whispered in a very low voice, "Stay still my dear or I will carry you up in my hands. We will see if you will agree to show your face in society again, once I do that".


    Su Liya stopped trying to push herself away and stood still. The one thing she was sure of was that Lu Yaozhu was going to make good on his promise. She walked slowly to the crown Prince''s table, her face bright red.


    Zhongshan Ling smiled when she saw the exchange between the couple. He had looked up when he noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere of the room. He found nothing strange in Lu Yaozhu''s behaviour, Lu Yaozhu wasn''t the cold unresponsive general like the rumours said. Lu Yaozhu unlike the rumours was very affectionate.


    Xia Ying who was seated next to him saw the couple''s interaction balled up her fists at her sides. Her eyes locked on Lu Yaozhu''s hands wrapped around Su Liya''s arms. She sudden felt years gather at the side of her eyes.

 Chapter 141: A start of something beautiful 3

    There were loud gasps from the madams and young ladies present in the hall as Lu Yaozhu hugged Su Liya close and led her towards the Crown Prince''s table. There was a brief silence right before the whispering began. Contemptfull gazes and heavy criticism were all aimed at Su Liya.


    It didn''t matter that the hug was initiated by Lu Yaozhu at least not to the judgemental madams who didn''t like this new Princess. To then Su Liya was nothing more than an opportunistic gold-digger who seduced a bright talent of Northern Wei. These women have never liked her and never would, they have always searched for an opportunity to put her down and this was it.


    Su Liya didn''t like the attention focused on her by these women, they didn''t even bother to hide their disgust. She kept her face forward and ignored their comments and looks. Lu Yaozhu was right, why should she worry about what they said. People like them will only have something bad to say about her.


    They stopped a few steps away from Zhongshan Ling and Xia Ying and bowed. The greeting process for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort wasn''t A elaborate as that of the Emperor and Empress. Which she now appreciated, because, in her current drowsy state, such elaborate greetings would make her faint from exhaustion.


    Lu Yaozhu took the lead in the greeting, he said stretching both as forward, balled up his fist and held it to his palm. "This official, Yaozhu greets his highness, the Crown Prince and her highness the Crown Princess".


    While Su Liya joined in but instead of bowing, she held up her skirts and curtsied head bent low. "This Princess Liya greets, his Highness, the Crown Prince and her highness, the Crown Princess"


    "Rise", The Crown Prince said smiling.


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya stood at his instructions. The Crown Prince continued, "It is getting late, General Lu. No need to be so proper" he looked up at Su Liya and said, "Little sister looks well, Yaozhu must be treating you well."


    Xia Ying commented on that, "his highness is right in his observations. General Lu and little sister-in-law are well matched for each other, they are like an eternal couple, his highness can now relax".


    Su Liya almost snorted on hearing this load of bull but she didn''t respond badly but maintained a neutral expression. Her mouth twitch a little at Xia Ying''s exaggerated praises. She glanced at Xia Ying discretely only to catch the other woman sizing her up.


    She had to applaud Xia Ying''s acting skills, the woman was a mark of smiles. It was like they were old friends and not love rivals, no that she could call them that since Xia Ying''s love for Lu Yaozhu was one-sided. Su Liya clicked her lips silently but maintained a neutral expression.


    After a few more words, they were dismissed by the Crown Prince and took their leave. No one approached them as they left, They walked behind two palace maids holding up two paper lamps to light up their path to their carriage. They waited at the gates with the two maids while their driver drove around the small hick-up my the gates.


    As soon as the carriage was driven over, a private guard seated next to the driver brought down the step and placed it by the opened door. Lu Yaozhu climbed up the step a stretched out his hand for Su Liya. He helped her up the step and into the carriage.


    The guard raised the step back up to the front of the carriage and returned to his seat next to the driver''s seat. They waited for the instructions from Lu Yaozhu to get moving, which came once Su Liya and himself were settled.


    As the carriages rode forward slowly, Lu Yaozhu noticed her closing eyes and tapped his shoulder. "If you are feeling sleepy, just rest your head on my shoulder and sleep, I will take you when we arrive at the mansion".


    Su Liya but her lips thoughtfully, she tried to find a good way of turning him down gently. Lu Yaozhu noticed her uncertainty and said


    "why think so much about this, you were leaning on me not so long ago in public. Why act is shy when we are alone, shouldn''t this be more comfortable in private than in public. I am only asking you barrow my shoulder for some time, it is not like I am a monster that would eat you"


    Su Liya face heated up at his words, there was some reason in what he had said. If she could lean on him in public, resting on his shoulder in private can not be that hard. She leaned her head to the right and shut her eyes. The carriage''s slow pace slowly drew Su Liya into a deep slumber.


    She didn''t wake even after they arrived at the Duke''s mansion. The guards brought down the step and placed it at the door before opening the door. Su Liya''s maid Baozhai got down from the second carriage, which the servants used and rushed to stand by the door. She needed to be handy in case, her mistress needed her to help her up.


    She came forward as the sustains at the carriage door was pushed apart, she took a step back expecting the general as usual to come down first before helping her mistress down but was surprised when the General carefully carried her mistress out of the carriage.


    "Ge-general" she stuttered in shock but was hushed by Lu Yaozhu who placed his index finger on his lips.


    Lu Yaozhu walked down the stairs slowly, careful not to wake her. Baozhai immediately rushed forward and collected a paper lamp from a maid to light their wet back to her mistress''s rooms. Although there were lamps set up from the gates to every corner of the mansion, She still held the lamb to the ground


    Rong Rong quick ran to their courtyard to arrange the bed. She lit the incense up by the bed and closed a few windows in the room. Rong Rong rose the sheer bed curtains and tired them at the side before pulling the bed covers up. She stood by the door and waited for them to come over.


    ********


    As the carriage came to a stop at the gate, Lu Yaozhu glanced down at the woman lying on his laps. He had moved her to that position minutes earlier to make her more comfortable. She slept peacefully, her breathing slower. He knew the exact moment she had finally surrendered to sleep after resulting for some time. Su Liya wasn''t a very quiet sleeper, which was irritating to someone like him who had very sensible ears.


    It had irritated him a few times during the first few days of their marriage but he quickly got used to her noisy sleeping pattern. While she didn''t snore, she did make a few faint noises as she turned in her sleep, all of which he found cute. He Raised her to a seating position from his lap and leaned her head by the wall before placing both hands under her next and knee.


    He slowly carried her up, holding her close and pushing the curtain aside, walked down the short steps. Su Liya''s first-ranked maid rushed forward to him but them.


    "Ge-general!" She said in concern.


    He got down from the last step and hugged her closer to his chest and glancing at the surprised expression of Baozhai. He shook his head and placed his right index finger on his mouth before continuing forward. Baozhai didn''t need to be told anything else, she glanced at Rong Rong. Who stood a few steps away and gestured into the house with her head.


    Rong Rong immediately got the hint and ran off to her mistress''s room. She ignored the greeting from the other maids in the courtyard and ran into the bedroom. After setting everything up for Su Liya''s arrival she stood outside the door to usher her in.


    Lu Yaozhu carried her through the front door and into the main room. The entire Pavillion was lit, he carried her through the main room and into the bedroom the bed covers were already up. He knelt on the bed and laid her down on the middle of the bed. He carefully removed her hairpins, necklace and bangles then placed them on the bedside table.


    He carefully rose her to a searing position, resting her head on his shoulder. He pulled her jacket down slowly and carefully removed her hands from the sleeve until she was left in her white inner garments. He laid her back on the bed, pulled the blankets over her and stepped away from the bed.


    "Take care of your mistress," he said to none of them in particular and left silently.


    Baozhai brought down the bed curtains and stepped out of the room. She dismissed Rong Rong and stood in the hallway outside the room with six maids standing behind her. They were on night duty today until dawn. She would take the first watch before Rong Rong took over.

 Chapter 142: Sweet Dreams

    That same night, at the Crown Prince''s mansion.


    Zhu Fenfang sat on a cautioned seat at the balcony facing the front of the courtyard, head bent over a rolled out book. She had picked up reading books after getting married. It was a popular romance story published and sold at the capital. Her ladies maid Xiao Chu stood behind her, she glanced up at the night clouds with a furrowed brow.


    It was getting colder but her mistress stubbornly refused to get inside, she bit her lip thoughtfully and glanced towards the gates. Her gaze landed on her mistress''s half nearly empty cup of tea, she walked forward, picked up the dark brown hot kettle of tea on the small lit tea stove and refilled the teacup by her mistress''s right.


    She pushed the teacup within Zhu Fenfang''s hand reach and stepped back to her previous position standing at Zhu Fenfeng left-hand side. Zhu Fenfang felt a slight pain at her right knee and raised herself, straightened her knee and bent it to the side such that she sat on her left-hand side. She felt more comfortable in that position and relaxed.


    The lamp was a little out of sight, Xiao Chu cams forward to reposition the lamp. As she did that, she saw Zhu Fenfang feel around for her cup of tea. Xiao Chu picked up the cup of tea and placed it in her mistress''s hands.


    "Thanks", Zhu Fenfang whispered.


    Xiao Chu looks at her mistress''s paling lips and sighed, "it is getting late mistress, why don''t we get inside".


    Zhu Fenfang never looked up from her book, "why? Are you bored of keeping me company or is it that you don''t want to serve me anymore? Is it hard for you as a servant, so you want to get an easier life?"


    Xiao Chu''s face pales immediately and she fell to her knees. "Mistress! I was wrong! Please don''t misunderstand, that is not what I meant. It_ it is just that_ I am worried about your health mistress! You have been waiting here for hours, it is getting colder. I am scared that you might catch a cold if you stay any longer!"


    Zhu Fenfang smiled, without looking away from the book. She brought the cup of tea to her lips and took a sip before returning the cup to the saucer.


    "It would be good if I caught a cold, that way his highness will pity me since I got sick waiting for him. He would feel touched and think of me often. Xiao Chu, after following me for so long. How come you cannot see something so obvious? Do you think I have been seated at this spot for the last four hours for nothing? All this is a strategy to get a full grip on his heart.


    "A man''s affection is fleeting, I want to get deeper in his heart. Until only I occupy one section of his heart, the fastest way to do that is by appearing frail and fickle to him. Men like women that made them feel strong, I intend to feed on his pride. If I appear weak, he would like to protect me better"


    "But_but mistress, your health?"


    "All these are sacrifices, I must make to win his Highness''s, full heart. It will be worth it in the end!"


    "I am not comfortable with watching you take this risk, Mistress. What with small madam He says if she sees you from heaven right now. I am ashamed to meet her on the other side, I fear that she would punish me!"


    "I don''t have a strong family backing me Xiao Chu! In this place, I am all alone. I must do this to survive, this is the Imperial family and I am here as a mere concubine. I am not even a senior concubine! I need to win his highness''s heart and then get pregnant. If I get pregnant without getting any support from his Highness_ I might end up in shambles!"


    "But mistress, you have been sitting out here for hours already. What of his highness never comes_"


    "He will! Even if he doesn''t, someone will report this to him. Why do you think, I am seated this out in the open! That sl*t, Su Liya dared to make fun of me! I can''t let her off! I will show her that I am not to be underestimated by anyone most of all her!"


    Xiao Chu bit her lips worriedly, "it is not a good idea to stay out here this late today! Not when you will have to go to the east courtyard to pay your respects to the Crown Princess consort! You might end yo waking late or be too tired and her highness might deliberately make things difficult for you!"


    "She wouldn''t, don''t worry. If she did, it would destroy all the false facade, she had put on since now. That would also be good, she would play into my hands. Xia Ying, that bitch is very sly. I know that she is pretending to be that kind, I pet that this is her play. She is pretending to be kind to win his highness''s heart, well at least she is smart. I could consider being friends with her if she wasn''t a rival.


    "Too bad we are not in the same team, I would be more irritated if I didn''t find her witty. At least she is not a blockhead like Zhu Feifei, although it would have been easier if she was. I won''t have to think much, she would just foolishly play into my hand. No matter how cunning she is, I will make her show her hand one of these days. Once she did, I will take her down".


    Xiao Chu saw a reflection of light a short distance from the gates and looked towards the gate. She saw a stunt male figure walking over with a lamp. "is that Ji Yang?" She say stretching her neck to get a glimpse of who was coming over. She let out a loud sigh when the face of the person who came over become clearer. She smiled, "mistress! It is Ji Yang, his highness must be back!"


    Zhu Fenfang felt a weight raised off her back, she placed the book on the table and looked up as he got closer. "Finally!"


    Xiao Chu walked back into position and stood gracefully behind Zhu Fenfang.

 Chapter 143: Sweet dreams 2

    The west side hall, at the Crown Prince''s Mansion


    "Mistress, it is Ji Yang. His Highness must be back!"


    "Finally!" Zhu Fenfang muttered as she felt like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulder. It was like the reward of all her pain and sorrow had arrived. She sat up to appear more regal, image was everything in the royal family. She placed the book she held on the table in front of her and looked up with a serene expression.


    Ji Yang was a eunuch registered under Zhu Fenfang at the crown princes mansion. He served as the steward and footman in her courtyard and was well connected since he had worked at the Crown Prince''s mansion for over a decade. He came in immediately after the crown Prince moved in but because the Crown Prince already had some reliable workers that served him in the palace while growing up.


    Ji Yang wasn''t used to his full potential and was abandoned. He was forced to do hard labour which was below his qualifications. He had grown dissatisfied with the crown Prince and even considered applying for a transfer. However before he could make up his mind to apply for a transfer, he was assigned to the new madam of the west side hall.


    This madam was very insightful, she called him over two days after she was married to sound him out. Ji Yang was grateful to this concubine for indirectly allowing him to showcase his talent so when she instructed him to collect information for her about his highness and the Princess consort, he agreed.


    He grew up at the imperial palace so he understood how the Imperial haram worked better than most servants. He supplied her with whatever she asked for, so far it has been nothing else but information. Ji Yang wasn''t a saint neither was he so naive as to think that she wouldn''t ask him to do something morally wrong one day.


    Even if she asked, he would do that because he knew the only rule in the palace apart from ''Do not get caught'' which is ''Efficiency and silence who get you rewards but sympathy would only get you killed.


    Ji Yang bowed a few steps away from Madam Zhu''s table.


    "Raise, Is his highness back?"


    "Yes madam, but_"


    Zhu Fenfang turned to Xiao Chu, "his highness will be here soon make sure that everything is set before he arrived"


    "Yes, Mistress" Xiao Chu bowed and turned to go in but paused when she heard Eunuch Ji''s next words.


    Ji Yang didn''t like to deliver bad news but, he needed to say this before she got her hopes up. "Madam, I feat that his Highness will not be coming here today", he said softly.


    Her serene expression broke away at her face squeezed into a frown, "What! why?"


    Ji Yang glanced at Xiao Chu, he signalled to her. To get closer and console her mistress, the girl was rather sharp. She walked back to stand behind her mistress. He let go of the breath he held and continued, "her highness came back a little drunk, the crown Prince is keeping her com_"


    Zhu Fenfang kicked back her seat and stood, "She came back drunk! If she came back drunk can''t her maid feed her some sobering tea! What does she need to hug his highness for!"


    "The Crown Princess held onto his highness tightly as she got down from the carriage. She demanded that his Highness carry her to her room, which is highness obliged. It was his highness that offered to stay with her"


    "Oh really! Good! What a well-planned move. Her Highness is cunning indeed! You may leave!"


    "Yes, goodbye madam". He said and retreated.


    Zhu Fenfang fell on the seat, she placed her elbows on the table and rested her forehead on her upraised palm. She said in a tired tone, "pack this up, Xiao Chu" she stood and walked into her room. Zhu Fenfang removed her outed layers of clothes and changes into the ticker nightwear before climbing into her bed and pulling the blanket around her.


    *******


    BACK AT SU LIYA''S END AT THE DUKE''S MANSION


    While Zhu Fenfang was plagued by nightmares and painfully thoughts, Su Liya on the other hand slept peacefully. Su Liya''s night was filled with sweet dreams that would have anyone blushing. All her sleep was filled with Lu Yaozhu, his touch, his smell and his face. She dreamt that they had taken a boat ride in the countryside amidst the flowers and bright clouds.


    From Boat rides to attending the mid-autumn festival celebration festivities together to the make-out session in his study. Each dream was stranger than the rest, even in her dreams, she could run away from her feelings for him. No matter how she tried, all roads seemed to lead to him.


    Her face heated up the next day when she remembered her steamy dreams, she could barely look him in the eye when they met up for breakfast. She had her head down, her gaze focused on the streamed burn and soy milk on the table.


    Her fused expression didn''t go unnoticed to Lu Yaozhu but since he wasn''t a magician that could read her mind. He just assumed that she was still shy from him hugging her close in public. He grinned at her bent head and continued eating. He had a lot of patience, even if it took him years. He was willing to spend the winning her heart because of him. She was worth more than gold.


    After eating, he left for the ministry of justices. Lu Yaozhu had been called in to give his report on Deputy Sun and the other corrupt officials at Ningzhuo. The entire Sun family and the corrupt officials were all transported to the capital for questioning. They would be prosecuted and a new set of officials sent down there.


    Su Lita locked herself in her room to process her conflicting thoughts and feelings towards Lu Yaozhu. She felt that these feelings needed to be sorted out carefully before making any moves.

 Chapter 144: A taste of his genuine heart 1

    The next day, at the crown prince''s mansion


    Getting drunk at banquets often comes with long-lasting repercussions, some manageable while a few could be disastrous. Most disastrous repercussions are often life-changing, a fact of which coating discovered the next morning after the banquet. She had woken up with a splitting headache and a few other aches.


    However, none of them was as painful as the heartache she had received when she turned to her side and saw a white inner cotton shirt draped over a fair slim male chest some steps away from the bed. She had just woken from what she could only describe as a terrible sleep. To her understanding sleeping was meant to relax both body and mind but that was not the case when she woke from sleep this morning.


    She was far from feeling relaxed or even remotely replenished, her head hurt. As did her waist and she had the awfully strange urge to empty her bowels. Xia Ying blinked her eyes, as the sun rays seemed to be focused solely on her eyes and nowhere else. She opened her eyes slowly to let them get accustomed to the lightning before opening them wide.


    She gasped as Zhongshan Ling turned over, hand spread at both sides as his attendance walked around him and carefully pined up his court uniform. She held her hands to her mouth to prevent herself from making any sound and alerting him that she was awake.


    She glanced around the corners of the to within her eyesight, to confirm if the was indeed her room and not his. She had drank quite a lot of wine yesterday, she feared that she might have acted a little strange.


    "why is he here'' she thought, sneaking glances at him through the transparent bed curtains that were pulled down when they went to bed. Xia Yong tried to remember what happened last night but her memory was hazy. She could only remember will the moment, the Crown Prince supported her into the waiting carriage after they had taken their leave.


    They had stayed a little longer because of the guests that approached the last night. They couldn''t send the guests away and we''re forced to attend to them since they were members of the Crown Prince''s maternal family. They had been away from the capital for over a decade and a half so most of the night was spent making introductions.


    Xia Ying didn''t like this type of relatives that were of no help and only wanted to munch off you. The members of the family were so shameless that the women tried to act like elders. Which was irritating to her, these women were of a lower class than her. The Tong family was a fourth-ranked family who couldn''t be considered fully noble since they had started as butchers.


    Their family status was only improved after the last two generations write and passed the Imperial exams. Their light ranking results had won''t be later generations a position in court, they were identified as a literary family after some time but soon went into decline.


    To save their declining social status they send their only daughter into the palace, back then it had caused quite a stir in the capital because their daughter had a long-standing engagement to the concubine born son of the Emperor''s uncle, Prince Xing. The family had shamelessly ended tbs engagement and pushed her into the palace.


    The entire family munched off her position as an Imperial concubine for a while, they had made quite a mess of things for a while. Especially after the Crown Prince was born, however, their sandcastle stumbled when Imperial concubine Tong died. Xia Ying didn''t like associating with incompetent fools like them but was forced to do so out of respect to the Crown Prince.


    She was highly irritated when those low-class women dared to act like elders and advice her on her marriage and how to treat the Crown Prince. She felt like telling them off completely but could only ignore them and drink a few cups of wine to calm herself.


    She cursed her luck on marrying into such a family, that she a direct defendant of the previous Emperor was forced to deal with people like them. The cups of wine were few and didn''t make her drunk, it was seeing Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu acting so intimate with each other in public no less that pushed her over the edge.


    She nearly spat blood watching them, it also didn''t help that the principal wife of the leader of the second branch of the Tong family choose that moment to comment on the couple''s "improper" actions in public. Her annoying monologue about a talented General like Lu Yaozhu being married to a hussy like Su Liya. Drove her heavily to her drink, she didn''t bother hiding her distaste at them.


    The Crown Prince noticed her actions and tried to hold her back but she was already too tipsy to reason with. He could only make an excuse for her and lead her away. Her splitting headache the next day was the price she paid for her bold actions, last night. She moved her head gently on the pillow, in a useless attempt to reduce the ache.


    Zhongshan Ling smiled when he saw that, he was very observant thanks to years of martial arts training. Although he wasn''t as good as the members of the Lu family, he knew the moment she woke up but pretended otherwise. She had been very bold last night, silently taking the initiative. She clung to him relentlessly last night, rubbing her body all over him and touching him all over his body.


    He knew that she was drunk and had no control of her actions but she was relentless. She kept moving closer to him and refused to let go no matter how much he tried to avoid her. In the end, he was forced to give in. She was surprisingly responsive, it was a night to remember since he hadn''t expected such a response from his always properly cold Princess consort. He always met ever since their marriage night.


    He still remembered her fear-filled face when the servants withdrew from their nuptial chamber on the night they were married. It had taken the strength out of him, he lost interest in consulting the marriage and instructed her to sleep. He tried to avoid her as much as he could since his experience that night. No one in their right mind enjoyed sleeping with an unwilling woman except a scoundrel.


    The reception he got last night, even if it was alcohol-induced was exciting. After getting dressed, Zhongshan Ling said to Eunuch Hu the eunuch that served under Xia Ying. "Last night was stressful, no one is to interrupt the Princess consort from her much needed rest."


    Then to Daiyu, Xia Ying''s dowry maid. He instructed, "get some nutritious medicine for your mistress".


    The two servants replied together, " Yes, your highness".


    He left after saying that, there was no need to stay since he was all dressed and he didn''t want to keep his hiding wife stuck there for long. Xia Ying waited some minutes for him to leave before getting up from her bed. By then Eunuch Hu had left, leaving her only with Daiyu. Daiyu took a step back when she saw a shadow in the bed.


    ."M_ M-mistress" she muttered, eyes wide.


    Xia Ying pulled the bed curtains up and got out of the bed, she stretched by the bed before walking to the table at the side. She flipped the covered up cup over, picked up the pitcher of water and poured herself a cup of warm water. Xia Yong had changed the water at daybreak so it was still warm.


    After drinking to her fill, she let out a heavy breath and asked, "Did his highness spend the night here?"


    Daiyu nodded repeatedly, "Yes mistress".


    The cup in Xia Ying''s hands shook, she rushed to the bed. Rose the bed curtain up, the blankets followed after until she got to the bedsheet below the bed. She fell on her knees when she saw the red bloodstains. Daiyu rushed forward when she heard a soft sob, "Mistress", she called out.


    She didn''t know what went on between her mistress and the Crown Prince but she had her suspicious especially after he gave her instructions to serve her mistress some nutritious medicine. However, the bloodstains on the sheet told her all that she needed to know. Her mistress and the Crown Prince were now rightly husband and wife.


    She knew that her mistress held onto her virginity with the foolish thought that she could come how to change her situation and end up married to her love General Lu but judging from how intimate the General and the Princess was even if something should happen to the Princess the General might remain single and never get married.


    Not like it would ever be possible for her mistress to get out of her marriage to the Crown Prince. The Grand Princess had a lot placed on this marriage, the only way her mistress would get out of this marriage was in a coffin. Even she a maid knew that for a fact, too badger mistress remained stubborn in her convictions.

 Chapter 145: A taste of his genuine heart 2

    The Eastern courtyard, the Crown Prince''s mansion.


    Daiyu glanced from the stained bed linens to her crying mistress and frowned. While this was a sign that the couple were now truly married, she couldn''t help but worry how this would be perceived or seen by others. The royal family were very particular about the consummation of marriage for it"s member. There were strict rules that each member including the Emperor himself must follow.


    The rules about the marriage consummation demanded that the white coloured blood-stained linen used on the wedding night of every member of the royal family be submitted to the palate as proof of the bride''s virginity. This is done to prevent the marriage of an impure woman already with child into the royal family. This is mainly done to maintain the purity of the royal succession.


    Her Mistress and the Crown Prince must have submitted a fake proof. if that was discovered, they could both face severe punishments. That could include, if not limited to losing their position and title. Since their offence could be associated with lying to the Emperor and the royal court. Her mistress and the Crown Prince has been married for months if this was seen by anyone.


    There could be disastrous consequences, hence she had to take care of this promptly. She walked around her mistress and pulled out the bed linen, careful not to disturb her mistress. She worked quickly, within seconds the white bed linen was folded and put In a bag. She would get rid of it later, it could be left so the only option was to burn it in the kiln at the small kitchen beside the courtyard.


    Going to the kitchen might attract attention, she took out fresh linens from the cupboard by the wall and spread it on the bed to replace the old one. Everyone was back to "normal" at record time, she glanced at her mistress who had stopped crying silently and now sat on the ground by the bed, his head leaning on the bed while looking ahead. She didn''t seem to be mentally present in the room.


    Daiyu felt her heartbeat increase as she looked down at her mistress, she didn''t quite know what to make of this new vulnerable side of her mistress. She has never seen her mistress behave this way, she was suddenly scared that Xia Ying would do something dangerous. She glanced at the bag containing the rolled-up bed linens and sighed.


    "Mistress, we need to get rid of those linens before the cleaning maids come if they see this...."


    Xia Ying Glanced at her and sighed, "do whatever you want".


    Daiyu gazed at her mistress''s pale face before nodding, "okay then I will take my leave" she said bowing and retreating quietly. She picked up the bag containing the linens on her way out. There was no one in the small kitchen but to be sure, she looked out the window and listened carefully for any newcomers but found none.


    She tools the linen out of the box and placed it on the table before lighting the stove and threw it into the fire. She pushed the linen deeper into the fire with poker and watched it until it was completely burned. She left when it was all burned, Xia Ying was seated on a stool next to the dressing table when she returned to the room.


    She let out a loud breath when she saw her seated by the dressing table. Although Xia Yong didn''t look happy, her expression was still better than when she first left the room to burn the linens. She was glad that her mistress no longer had a lost expression on her face. That was a well-desired progress in her books, she walked to Xia Ying.


    Xia Ying side-eyed Daiyu for a brief second before turning away to look into the mirror. Without looking away from the mirror she asked, "have you gotten rid of the linens?"


    "Yes Mistress, his highness sends over some medicine for you. Should I bring that over for you?"


    Xia Ying looked up from the mirror and gazed far ahead, she couldn''t understand why Zhongshan Ling would send over some medicine for her. She wasn''t used to him being thus concerned for her. He treated her properly with the utmost respect, they treated each other like guests and nothing more.


    He was only ever emotional to Zhu Fenfang, speaking of his concubine, "has madam Zhu come here this morning?"


    "No mistress, the Crown Prince before leaving for court instructed everyone to stay away and let you rest. No one was to come over without your permission".


    "really?"


    "Yes Mistress, his highness said it himself. He even had the Imperial physician send over the nutrient supplement. I asked around and according to the servants, this is the first time he is doing something like this. He does not even do that for Madam Zhu, this just shows that his Highness treats you well".


    "Does it? I think that it would be stupid to assume that just because he does not feed Madam Zhu nutritious medicine. It means that I am his highnesses true love", she rolled her eyes and continued


    "please with how often favours Zhu Fenfang, if he always called the Imperial physician to feed her sims nutritious medicine after spending the night with her. I fear that Madam Zhu would become a walking medicine bag. Don''t be silly and get me the bowl of medicine"


    "Yes," she went into the side room, picked up the prescription given by the imperial physician. She went into the small kitchen and brewed the medicine. She caught a maid looking into the room from the door on her way back with the bowl of medicine.


    "What are you doing here!"


    Daiyu''s loud shout startled the piping tom, the maid got caught in the trail of her gown and slipped. She fell hard on her knee and palm, "si-sister Daiyu_ I can explain. I swear!" The maid spat out quickly. She had only looked in a few seconds earlier but hadn''t seen anything.


    The maid was one of the few inner room maids that cleaned inside the rooms. She had been approached by Eunuch Ji that served under the Crown Prince''s Ce Fei (concubine), Madam Zhu. Madam Zhu had grown worried after being sent back to her room when she came over to pay her respects early in the morning.


    As soon as Ce Fei Zhu returned to her rooms, she was quickly called over to the western side hall by Madam Zhu. Who wanted to find out what had transpired between his Highness and the Crown Princess consort. The young maid like all the other inner maids stationed at the main courtyard was been dismissed as soon as the Crown Princess consort was carried in by the Crown Prince.


    She was unable to give any worthwhile answers to Madam Zhu, which nearly got her punished. Luckily she was quick-witted to make up a few things to save her neck. She knew that these lies will only earn her a short time if she didn''t report something interesting soon. Madam Zhu would make due on her threat to have her killed.


    That was why she had taken such a risk, she had no other choice by to make this move. A move that got her pushed into deep waters.


    Daiyu set the tray of medicine on a small table by the wall. She rushed forward and grabbing the maid''s arm tightly pushed her into the room before going back to pick up the round wooden tray of medicine. Daiyu was over 5 feet 6 inches, with well-defined muscles from years of carrying out various strenuous jobs so forcing the maid inside was nothing difficult for her.


    Xia Ying turned around to face the door when she heard a muffled feminine scream at the door followed swiftly by Daiyu long order, "get in or I will end you?"


    Her eye narrowed as she looked down at the maid kneeling by the door, she glanced at Daiyu, "what happened? Why is she here?"


    "Answering your highness, your servant caught the maid listening in by the door of the room!" She said frowning down at the maid.


    "What?" Xia Ying glared at the maid, "You dare! Who sent you!"


    The maid trembled as she heard that and crawled back, the Crown Princess consort was so dark. If looks could kill, she would be dead by the heated look Xia Ying gave her. She kelt and rubbing her palm together cried out "Please forgive me, your Highness, I was wrong. I won''t do this again, please give me another opportunity! Please your Highness!"


    Xia Ying glared down at the tearful maid, she signalled for Daiyu to bring the medicine over. Daiyu handed the bowl to her mistress and stepped back to stand behind the maid. Xia Ying ignored the maid cries for mercy at calmly drank the medicine.


    She passed the empty medicine bowl to Daiyu and day back on her seat. Her previous silence made the maid nearly pee in her pants. When everything was set, Xia Yong looked down at the shivering maid and asked, "Who sent you?"

 Chapter 146: A very awkward family dinner

    The Eastern courtyard, the crown Prince''s mansion


    Xia Ying accepted the hot bowl of medicine from Daiyu and held it up. She picked up the spoon inside the bowl, scooped up a spoonful of the dark brown coloured medicine and put it into her mouth. She dry heaved as the bitter liquid touched her tongue, she felt like throwing up but since it was high-quality medicine.


    She couldn''t waste medicine like this, she removed her mind from the medicine and swallowed it down. She placed the spoon on the tray, brought the plate to her lips and swallowed the entire medicine in one go. She covered her mouth with her palm as she let out some gas from her mouth. She placed the empty bowl on the tray and pushed it towards Daiyu.


    She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, "Get some sweets Daiyu".


    "Yes," Daiyu glanced at the weeping Maid kneeling in front of the Princess consort. Before going into the next room to get the box of sweets out of the cupboard and bring it to her mistress. "Here you go, mistress," Daiyu said and stepped back.


    Xia Ying opened the box of denied preserved sweets, picked out a few pieces and put them into her mouth. The sweet melted into a homey flavoured sweet delicacy in her mouth, which was a welcome change from the bitter after taste of the liquid extracts of the four herbs mixed to produce the medicine.


    There was a noticeable change in her taste buds after licking a few pieces of sweet. Xmtgecries of the maid alerted her of the unwelcome visitor she had kneeling in her room. Anger and pain came up from her heart and she glared down the maid. She wasn''t familiar with most of the maids serving under her palace but she did remember seeing the maids familiar face a few times in here.


    She held the arm of the chair with a strong grip trope in the anger and asked the maid in a cold tone "Who send you?"


    She had heard a few things about this Princess consort''s family, she wasn''t a good person to make an enemy of. She didn''t bother lying to keep the Crown Princess consort from finding out it was Madam Zhu that send her. The Crown Princess consort outranked Madam Zhu on so many levels. Although Madam here was currently the most favoured, she was still a concubine. Her words hold no ground when compared to the princess consort.


    The maid fell forward on her front and said, "please forgive me for being too forward your highness. This maid was asked by Eunuch Ji that served under Madam Zhu to check on your highness''s conditions!"


    "It was her! That wench is just pushing her lock" she said in an unnaturally calm tone, locked eyes with her maid and smiled. To an onlooker who was unfamiliar with Xia Ying, she may seem to be calm and relaxed but not Daiyu. She knew never to take her actions at face value, her mistress was far from amused.


    Daiyu felt the room get colder, glanced down at the maid and sighed. This madam Zhu was very ballsy, she dared to instruct her servants to spy on her mistress. Even if the maid claimed it was Eunuch Ji, they all knew who the real culprit was. Who was Eunuch Ji a what would he gain spying on her mistress, Eunuch Ji was a servant and wouldn''t do things like this without being ordered to. it was the madam behind him that sent him.


    This Madam Zhu was asking for trouble, trouble that she was about to get double of. She shook her head and just wished that her mistress wouldn''t take a page from the Grand Princess''s playbook and permanently handle this consort of the Crown Prince. Things might end up disastrous if she did do that.


    Xia Ying shit the lid on the sweets and gestured for Daiyu to take it away. Daiyu rushed forward without delay, took the box of sweets from her mistress and went into the side room to return the box of sweets into the cupboard. When she came back the maid was gone and her mistress laid on the side, with her eyes closed.


    It didn''t seem like a good idea to disturb her, so she just stepped aside and cleaned up the room. Xia Ying heard her come in put pretended to be sleeping, she didn''t want to explain her plan to Daiyu. She didn''t trust her maid not to report her actions back to her grandmother. Her loyalties were not fully hers but to her grandmother.


    She has treated, Zhu Fenfang cautiously but the foolish girl doesn''t seem to value her kindness and dared go against her. That was a mistake that Zhu Fenfang will soon pay for, she was going to put that unruly concubine in her place.


    Xia Ying couldn''t ignore her sneaky actions anymore, she had initially decided not to exact much of her authority on that concubine since she wasn''t interested in the marriage. However, based on recent developments, she couldn''t look away and let her get away with foolish actions like this.


    There was no point in holding on to the false hope that she could get out of this dreaded marriage and end up with the general. That was only a dream, it was time for her to wake up. She can not be with the man she loved, it was time to accept that and send him off with joy. She didn''t want to turn into something she wasn''t because she was obsessed with him.


    Maybe they would end up together at a different time not now. They would be happy together, keeping each other company till the end.


    *******"


    Meanwhile, at Zhu Fenfang''s side hall


    Zhu Fenfang sat on a seat by the window while her maid massaged her back gently. She had submitted to the massage as a means to calm her thoughts. It was either that or she would have been tempted to badged into the crown Princess consort''s room. She had felt uneasy some eunuch Ji reported that the crown prince won''t be spending the night at her place but at the crown Princess consort''s place.


    She couldn''t understand why the crown Prince would spend the night with that cold fish, Xia Ying. She wouldn''t have found any fault with him spending the night at the western courtyard if he hadn''t put on such an over-the-top scene this morning. She didn''t like what she saw and heard this morning, after all her sacrifices. She deserved to be the only woman beside him, not that cold fish.


    She looked toward the door when she heard loud voices outside the room. It sounded like there was a loud argument outside the door, which was getting loaded by the second. Finally, she could no longer stat still, her head was starting to hurt. She leaned her next back, opened her eyes and instructed, "Xiao Chu, find out what is going on".


    "Yes" Xiao chu rushed out the door, she didn''t need to ask any questions to find out what had everyone on edge. The sight of two maids holding the spy from the crown Princess consort''s courtyard was all she needed to tell what had them all on edge. She immediately walked forward and broke the dispute.


    "Enough, you are too loud!" She said loudly. The maid all turned to the side and bowed respectfully. "Sister Chu, sorry for the noise. We forgot ourselves for a few minutes there!"


    "That is alright, you were just doing your job. Let''s not try something like this again." She glanced at the shorter maid and continued "let her in, Madam Zhu is expecting her".


    The two older maids glanced at the shorter maid and stepped aside to let her come in. Xiao Chu nodded at both maids and turned around. The shorter maid followed her into the room, she escorted the maid to the side room where Zhu Fenfang was seated and stepped aside.


    Zhu Fenfang looked down at the maid, " what do you have to report".


    The maid counted full five in her head before speaking, she had already rehearsed what be Crown Princess consort ordered her to report in her head a few times on her way here. By now she knew what she was meant to say and what she shouldn''t say. However, saying it in one''s head and saying it out were two different things.


    She needed to be precise and very convincing to sell Madam Zhu on the plan. She took in a deep breath to calm her mind and bowing at 30 degrees said, "Yunli greets Madam Zhu. Mistress this little one found out something major, however, I don''t know if I should say_"


    Zhu Fenfang sat straighter on hearing that, it was like she had stumbled on gold. "Tell me everything you found out, I will be responsible don''t worry".


    She looked sideways and continued, "her highness has been indoors since morning, she sent all the maids away except for her Sister Daiyu, her lady''s maid. Sister Daiyu went in and out of the room multiple times, so I couldn''t get closer. However, I followed her closely to the kitchen once and saw her burn the white bed linen.


    "She was called out for a second so I slipped into check the bed linens and mistress the linens were stained with blood"


    Zhu Fenfang tilted her head to the side, "blood!? It can''t be that she started bleeding this morning but then why would her maid sneakily burn the bed linens except if she wasn''t bleeding_"


    "The Princess consort finished bleeding four days earlier mistress, I know that because I was in charge of cleaning her room during the five days she was bleeding"


    "Them it had to be_ how interesting!" The heavens blessed me with something good"

 Chapter 147: A very awkward family dinner 2

    Madam Lu''s courtyard, Duke Wi''s mansion.


    The smile on Madam Jiang''s lips fell as her eyes caught on the petite tanned skin girl standing in front of the chair next to the young duchess''s chair, She had a sudden urge to scream but held it all in. It wouldn''t help her to let her feelings show not in madam Lu presence. She glanced at her niece who stood by her right, signalling her to watch her actions.


    Madam Jiang didn''t like greeting this low-class princess but she couldn''t avoid that due to the usual courtesy attached to members of the royal family. Su Lita although adopted was still entitled to such treatment. She plastered a fake smile on her face and saluted both Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya before continuing forward with her daughter and niece following her behind.


    Su Liya reciprocated the greeting, with a calm expression, this madam always rubbed her the wrong way whenever they met. They had met a total of seven times earlier, this would make it their eighth time meeting. Every meeting left Su Liya exasperated and exhausted, she never stayed to the end. Opting to leave instead of staying any longer.


    To her Madam Jiang was an opportunist, she made use of had daughter''s engagement as a means to protect her son''s political career. She barely ever lets her daughter, say more than three words before buttons in. Su Liya pitied Jiang Hua who had such a mother like Madam Jiang, this kind of helicopter mother was a nightmare to anyone.


    After six failed visits within the last two weeks, Madam Jiang was gradually getting frustrated with the Lu family. Every time she brought up her sons in the conversation, Madam Lu away stored the conversation the other way. She didn''t understand how hard it was for the Lu family to put in a good word for her sons with the Empress.


    The Empress was now in favour, just a single word would help her sons. They didn''t even consider both family''s decades-long friendship and instead pretended not to notice her request. It was like they didn''t put her or her Jiang family in their eyes. She even treated the fake Princess, Su Liya with respect. Yet they never budged, the sight of Su Liya just pissed her off at this point.


    She didn''t understand why that Su Liya was always present during every visit. Since the Lu family refused to budge on her request, she decided to change tactics. Since the beginning of time marriages has been used to pave way for families. If using her daughter''s marriage wasn''t getting the desired outcome, she wanted to push another union.


    Once again, she couldn''t progress with her plans because of Su Liya''s presence in the room but not anymore. She couldn''t keep coming here anymore, it was either now or never. Madam Jiang waited for the maids who brought over some refreshments to leave before carefully placing the cup of tea in her hand on the table beside her.


    Without sparing gaze at Su Liya''s direction, she said, "madam Lu is really lucky, you are blessed with good daughters. Sadly I am not as lucky as you are" she glanced at Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya who were seated opposite her on two cushion seats next to each other.


    "Don''t flatter me, Madam Jiang. How can you say that you are unlucky? When you have Xiao Hua and Chen Yao to keep you company", Madam Lu replied.


    "Madam Lu, I only have thus two daughters next to me and now that I am getting older. I can''t help but worry about their future, Xiao Hua''s future is set thanks to her engagement to third master Lu Yong but the same cannot be said for Yao Yao. Yao Yao has been with me ever since her father was stationed at the western borders. She is all alone in the world and I fear that she would suffer if something should happen to me one day.


    "Even though she can still rely on the Tong family if that should happen, I can not help but worry. You know about that family more than do, I do not feel comfortable leaving her alone. Which is why I wish that you could take her in as a concubine for General Lu"


    Su Liya looked sharply at madam Juang as soon as she heard that. The room was so silent, that a sound could be heard of a pin dropped. Zhu Fengyin placed her hand on Su Liya''s palm, in an attempt to calm her down. She never expected such a request from madam Jiang or was a secret anymore that madam Jiang was approaching them all for a reason.


    However, they all decided to look the other way and just ignore her until she let go of her thoughts. Madam Jiang wasn''t the first person and would never be the last person to pester them for a favour. These types of things came with holding high political or social positions, Zhu Fengyin wasn''t surprised at that.


    However, trying to offer her niece as a concubine, she never saw coming. Madam Jiang ignored the sudden silence in the room and continued speaking. She assumed that the silence meant that madam Lu would consider her suggestion. To her it was a win-win situation for everyone, she believed that madam Lu Would accept her suggestion.


    Her niece was of noble birth from a family of scholars, which was completely different from her present second daughter-in-law. That had a tainted reputation from birth, in her opinion, this was a good solution to her problems. Chen Yao would give her grandchildren the legitimacy and good family background necessary to survive in the capital.


    "Although Yao Yao is of humble birth, she is very well-behaved and talented. She goes beyond her position. General Lu has been posted out of the capital, Chen Yao can keep her highness company while at Ningzhuo. With her married into the Lu family, I can finally be at ease and not worry anymore. That way, I can proudly meet my deceased friend".


    Su Liya''s nostrils flared and her breathing increased, she felt like shoving madam Jiang and her perfect niece down a long roll of stairs. She flexed her fingers, eyes focused on madam Jiang who either didn''t read the room or did but pretended otherwise.


    To sell madam Lu on her horrible plan, Su Liya glanced at madam Lu to see if she was buying any of the balls of lies Madam Jiang was throwing but she couldn''t read anything from her mother-in-law. Madam Li''s poker face was no joke, her expression hasn''t changed since madam Jiang arrived.


    Su Liya stylishly placed her hands behind her neck and massaged her stiffened neck gently. Her gaze fell on the old Peacock that had spread out her overgrown tails on the seat to her mother-in-law''s left. For the past hour or so madam Jiang the Peacock had begun hosting a little complement feast for her niece.


    Su Liya shook her head and rolled her eyes, the woman was trying harder than a telemarketer to sell Madam Lu on taking in her niece as a concubine for Lu Yaozhu. What Madam Jiang began gracing the mansion with her "wonderful" presence, Su Liya had suspected that she had an ulterior motive but since the woman was yet to show her hand.


    Su Liya kept her suspicion to herself, she didn''t want to get in her mother-in-law''s bad side. Plus it wouldn''t help her case if she made a mountain out of this molehill. Madam Jiang lacks patience, after only a few visits she had hurriedly shown her hands.


    For a woman that claimed to be here to introduce her daughter to her future in-laws, she was trying so hard to propel her younger niece forward into the family. Su Liya knew that it was normal for men in this time to have a concubine or two. Before getting married she gas thought about what to do if Lu Yaozhu should get a concubine.


    While she was of the modern reasoning of one wife to a man, she couldn''t dismiss the traditions of ancient times. She decided earlier on to concede to the social conventions of this time, instead of trying to change things up.


    She always found it heartwarming when writers made the male lead of the transmigration books she read refuse to take concubines and only hold the mistress in her heart. She wasn''t foolish to assume that would happen to her, that was the difference between reality and fiction.


    All her plans dissolved now that she faced a situation like this, she had unknowingly started to see Lu Yaozhu as her possession. To her, he wasn''t just a novel character but a man, her man. This manipulative madam had her eyes locked on her man.


    The moment the words "her man" popped up in her head, she got scared because that was the first time she had referred to him like that in her head. Instead of feeling strange, she felt very normal, Luke she did not just call a man she had only met eight months earlier her man.


    Su Liya didn''t pay any mind to whatever was said between the two madams. Whatever they said was not relevant, not when she was faced with thoughts that she had initially hoped to avoid.


    Madam Lu glanced at Su Liya, she had expected to get a response but when she didn''t. Her perception of Su Liya improved, she didn''t bother mincing words and said to madam Jiang, "the Lu family does not keep concubines, madam Jiang. If you are so concerned about your niece''s future, you can marry her to A''Yong. That way you can be at ease and her future can be set. Your daughter had the supportive Fu and Jiang family behind her, if you are gone nobody can bully her".


    Madam Jiang looked up eyes wide, "Wha-what, I don''t understand!"


    "What is there not to understand, I will pretend not to have heard what was said. It is getting late and I am feeling a little tired".


    Madam Jiang was too embarrassed to argue with Madam Lu. She immediately made up a flimsy excuse and left the mansion.

 Chapter 148: A very awkward family dinner 3

    The Duke''s mansion


    "The Lu family does not keep concubines, madam Jiang. If you are so concerned about your niece''s future, you can marry her to A''Yong. That way you can be at ease and her future can be set. Your daughter had the supportive Fu and Jiang family behind her, if you are gone nobody can bully her"


    "Wha_what, I don''t understand"


    Madam Jiang never expected such a response from Madam Lu, her breath hitched when she heard that. She placed at her daughter, Jiang Hua looked back at her with a gradually paling face and bulging eyes. She bit her lips gently and stole glances at the three married women in the Lu family luckily the young miss wasn''t her to experience her embarrassment.


    Madam Lu was running short of patience when it came to this in-law of hers. Her first interaction with madam Jiang was when she was still an unmarried Young lady. Back then she was still the eldest miss of the He family, back then madam Jiang''s Fu family was very influential. She was irritated by the level of arrogance this Fu family processed. That arrogance fueled her dislike of madam Jiang.


    However, she was forced to relate with her since their husbands were close, if it was left to her, the engagement between the two families would never stand. Back then, she had been against the union but her husband had insisted. The Jiang family just lost their bedrock and needed a form of protection. Protection that he sought to give them until they could stand on their own.


    Madam Lu sighed when she remembered the promise, she made her husband before he had gone on his last battle. No matter how much Madam Jiang irritated her, she would still honour her husband''s decisions.


    "What is there not to understand. Madam Jiang, I will pretend that I never heard any of this." She brought her hand to her temple, "it is getting late and I am feeling a little tired_."


    Madam Jiang didn''t allow her completes her sentence, there was no need for that since she understood what Madam Lu was aiming at. She needed to leave before she lost what little was left of her pride. She stood with a forced smile, her daughter and niece both stood as she did. She glanced at Madam Lu and replied in a hurried tone,


    "I have kept you here for too long. It is almost time for morning court to be adjourned for the day. I should better get home before Er''san gets home"


    Madam Lu nodded, "Mm, I won''t see you off".


    "Thanks for having us," Madam Jiang said owing and turning around. She had only taken a step forward when a male steward rushed inside and bowing at Madam Lu reported,


    "Madam, the second young master is standing outside. He asks to come in".


    Madam Lu pulsed her lips, she glanced at the three Jiang women and rubbed her temple gently with her index finger. There was no point in keeping Lu Yaozhu from Madam Jiang and her party of two. If she stopped him from coming in, it could be seen the wrong way. She wasn''t about to feed the gossip rags with detrimental information about her family.


    "Let him in", her eyes widened as if she had suddenly remembered something and continued, "Instruct the kitchen to send over some refreshments for Xiao Zhu."


    "Yes," her steward said and rushed out.


    Su Liya paid no mind to any interactions between her mother-in-law and madam Jiang. She had a lot in her mind, She had never felt the need to properly evaluate her emotions until now. She was, however, drawn out of her thoughts when the main focus of her thoughts walked in.


    Su Liya wasn''t the only one affected by Lu Yaozhu''s arrival, so was Madam Jiang. Madam Jiang never expected to receive such a response from Madam Lu. It took her by surprise was on her way out, Stars appeared in her eyes as she heard the servants outside chorus greetings at the General.


    It was like she had hit jackpot, her ill feelings towards madam Lu fell away as there was still a way for her to succeed. She stood by the side to wait for Lu Yaozhu to come in. Although Chen Yao didn''t possess the flamboyant beauty of Su Liya, she was still quite attractive. Her beauty was gentler and innocent-looking, as opposed to Su Liya''s bold beauty.


    She had the kind of face that touched men hearts, General Lu was a gently born man and as such his taste would be similar to that of most noblemen of his class. Noblemen married Gentile and soft beauties, those were the types you were such of their loyalties.


    They unlike the bold beauties were believed to be faithful and honest, which was why noblemen took gentle beauties as main wives and exotic beauties were better suited as concubines. Madam Jiang pulled her niece closer to stand by her side so that she would be in the General''s eyes.


    The wheels in her head were already moving, she was prepared to put her niece in his eyes. Hopefully, she would catch the general''s eyes.


    Lu Yaozhu stood by the door facing the flower bed beside the balcony, waiting patiently for the steward to come back with his mother''s response. He had been informed by the maids outside the courtyard that his mother was receiving some guests in the main room.


    The steward rushed back out not minutes later and said, "Second young master, madam is ready to see you".


    He turned around when he heard the steward call him, he nodded and went in without saying a word. The Steward waited for a few seconds after he walked in before heading to the kitchen.


    Lu Yaozhu looked around the room until his eyes fell on Su Liya. She looked up as he did and their eyes met, he noticed her darker pupil and wrinkled brow. Which spoke of her growing anger, he hadn''t seen this level of anger in her since he had informed her of the identity of the woman that ordered her assassination.


    He looked away from her and glanced at the other women present in the room. Apart from his mother and Sister-in-law, there were three new faces present. "They looked like a mother and her daughters, no they are a mother and child. Well at least one of the girls and the older woman who looked to be about my mother''s age had similar features'' he thought eyes sweeping past the strangers.


    He stood a short distance away from the top seat where his mother sat, stretched out his hand, held both hands together and bowed. "Good day mother!"


    Madam Lu broke into a wide smile as he walked in, his arrival uplifted her spirit. "You are back early! Have a seat, the sun must be hot outside. I have asked the kitchen to get you something, just sear tight", madam Lu said gesturing to the seat next to her.


    Lu Yaozhu walked forward and sat next to his mother. The rest of the women present, Su Liya included stood and saluted him.


    Madam Jiang rushed forward, while pulling her niece with her and bowed, "Welcome Home, General".


    She wanted to use the opportunity to push her niece into his sight. Lu Yaozhu noticed her small actions and didn''t spare her a glance. He was impressed by her audacity to push a woman at him, in his wife''s presence. He side-eyed Su Liya and as expected, she did not look pleased. Even though she plastered an unassuming smile, he wasn''t fooled.


    The shameless woman ignored his obvious set down and came forward and introduced herself and her daughter.


    "It is such a pleasant surprise running into you right now, General. I am Madam Jiang and this is my daughter Jiang Hua and my Neice Chen Yao".


    He frowned when he heard her mention her daughter''s name, ''isn''t third''s fiancee name Jiang Hua'' he thought, glancing at his mother to get a confirmation. Which he later didn''t need because Madam Jiang went on to give him a small family history.


    Madam Jiang made sure to explain a few of Chen Hua''s family backgrounds, she was expecting him to give her a response but was surprised when she received only a standard reply and was promptly dismissed by Lu Yaozhu. She stood there mouth opened agape, while thinking ''this was not what I expected. It was like he does not even see her niece''.


    She stood there awkwardly, bee face was flustered and she kept stealing glanced at Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin. The two women didn''t pay her any mind, after some minutes, she made a superficial excuse and left quickly.


    Twenty minutes later Su Liya took an excuse from madam Lu and after being permitted. She left her mother-in-law''s courtyard and walked back to her courtyard. She left after Madam Jiang went was led out by the maid. She needed to clear her head and think properly without any constraints.


    Her thoughts on the way to her room were centred fully on her past interactions with Lu Yaozhu. After thinking for a while, she had gradually come to accept her growing feelings for Lu Yaozhu. However, realising her feelings and acting on them were two different things. That realisation brought out a sudden fear for the future, she was only here on borrowed time and was scared to take such a risk.


    One question came up in her mind and walked to her courtyard "Should I act on my feelings or not?"

 Chapter 149: A very awkward family dinner 4

    Madam Lu''s main room, The Duke''s mansion.


    Lu Yaozhu followed Su Liya''s every move until she was out of sight. She seemed to be completely out of place, he had no idea what went down between Madam Jiang and Su Liya but based on the stunt she tried to pull in his presence. It wouldn''t be anything good, the Jiang family had only been in the capital for a total of six weeks and they were already proving to be a handful.


    He has received a couple of reports from his spy network leaders of Madam Jiang and her sons using the Lu family''s me to keep tabs in clothing shops, jewellery shops and brothels. He had gone pit hours earlier to address a few of the reports he had received before they got out of hand. He was planning to inform his mother and brother during the family dinner today.


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t wait for the refreshments from the kitchen to arrive, he ran after Su Liya minutes after she left. Madam Lu Shook her head as she watched him run out of the room, "silly boy," she muttered. She glanced at Zhu Fengyin and said, "am I the only one that feels that Xiao Zhu has been ageing backwards since he got married".


    Zhu Fengyin didn''t say anything, she giggled, covering her lips with her palm. Madam Lu''s eyes narrowed on her daughter-in-law''s pale face, "You look a bit pale are you eating well?"


    Zhu Fengyin touched her cheek''s self cautiously, "I haven''t had much of an appetite of late, it may have something to do with the change in weather_"


    "You should not make guesses about your health. After the days we spent at the ice prison, it may be a side effect of that stay", she glanced at the maid standing at her left, "sent for the physician!"


    "Yes Mistress," the maid said and rushed out to call the Family''s physician. Although the Lu Family had access to the services of the imperial medicine bureau that attended to members of the royal family. They kept a physician from the Royal Academy of medicine as their private family doctor named Physician Gu. Physician Gu was a top graduating student in the academy and has been working for the Lu family for close to two decades.


    Zhu Fengyin tried to stop madam Lu from making a big deal out of her since her period may turn out to be the reason behind it all.


    "I don''t think there is a need to call the physician_" she was cut stop when she received a heated stare from Madam Lu. Her mouth opened and closed twice, no other words came out apart from "Mother_"


    However, she was glared down by Madam Lu before she could say any more. She shut her mouth and looked ahead, pressing her mother-in-law any further was useless. One way or the other, She was getting examined.it was better to stay still and let everything go as planned.


    The maid came back with the physician close on her tail, she bowed at Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin before returning to her previous position at Madam Lu''s Left. Physician Gu stretched out both hands in front and holding his right hand in his left, bowed at madam Lu then Zhu Fengyin.


    "This servant greets, Madam Lu and Her grace," he said and stood straight.


    "My daughter-in-law hasn''t had much of an appetite of late. Go check her pulse", she gestured at Zhu Fengyin.


    "Yes", Physician Gu stood beside Zhu Fengyin, brought out a slim white handkerchief and placed it on her wrist before placing his two fingers on the nerve on her wrist. He stood quietly moving his hands up and down while taking a reading. He took his fingers away and removed the handkerchief from her wrist.


    Zhu Fengyin who heartbeat increased when he didn''t say anything and just fold the piece of white cloth and put it back into his medicine bag. She searched his face for a tell, even if a little that would point towards his thought but she didn''t get anything out of that.


    Physician Gu shut his box, placed it on the ground and bowed once more to Madam Lu. "Congratulations madam, the Eldest madam is three months pregnant!"


    "Ah!"


    "Praise the gods!"


    Zhu Fengyin and Madam Lu exclaimed respectively. It was a surprise, Zhu Fengyin placed her hands on her lower stomach. All the servants present in the room fell on their knees and chorused, "Congratulations Madam Lu, congratulations eldest madam Lu"


    Madam Lu was excited, this was her first grandchild. She laughed softly with a bright gleam in her eyes. She had never expected such a piece of good news, with the stress-filled weeks she had. First with the arrest and now with the selection of the new Prime Minister. She had somehow put all thoughts of grandchildren in the back of her mind.


    Maybe because all her thoughts were centred on survival, that this news filled her with joy and hope for a better future. She clapped her hands and called her maid forward, "quick give the physician a reward, instruct the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous banquet for not just us but the servants too. This is great news!".


    Nanny Liu nodded and rushed out to make the arrangement. Madam Lu turned back to the physician and asked, "Is everything alright with her and the baby? Is there anything that we should avoid? Please give us any necessary directions!"


    "The pregnancy is progressing properly, both mother and child are healthy. It is still early so her grace has to be very careful" the next words were directed to Zhu Fengyin a not Madam Lu. "Even if you don''t have any appetite, please try to eat something. Don''t stay up late or allow yourself to get agitated. You will start getting nauseous soon please try to avoid spicy food and just eat a lot of fruits. If you can follow my instructions, you would face no problems!"


    "Thank you doctor" Zhu Fengyin replied. Madam Lu was familiar with the rules but still asked in case there was something new added. She thanked the physician and constructed her maid to see him off. She immediately instructed Zhu Fengyin to get some rest but not before cautioning her maid Tian Tian to take good care of her mistress.


    ********


    Tian Tian escorted her mistress back to her room and after helping her change into more comfortable clothes helped her into her bed and stepped outside. Zhu Fengyin made a long list of things she needed to do before she began to show, such as getting maternity clothes and the rest made. She fell asleep before long.


    Tian Tian waited a few minutes after Zhu Fengyin slept before taking a bathroom break. She went in the direction of the servant''s restroom but made a different turn. She looked back and when she was sure there was no one following her close, she went into an abandoned courtyard. She opened a cupboard, took out a slim paper, ink and brush. She scribbled a sentence on the paper and rolled it into a thin fold, walked out of the courtyard, threw it into a small hole and walled away.


    Two hours later a man dressed in the dark brown, soft armoured uniform of the Lu family''s guard picked the note out of the hole a went away


    ****


    Meanwhile, at Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya''s end.


    Su Liya was miles ahead by the time he left his mother''s main room, Lu Yaozhu went straight to her pavilion to wait for her to arrive. Twenty minutes later, Su Liya was yet to be back. He walked to the door and called the new Matron in charge of her courtyard.


    Matron Yu had taken over management of Su Liya''s courtyard, in the absence of matron Gu who was still in Ningzhuo. "Aunt Yu, has the princess sent down any word of where she is?"


    "Not yet, General. Should I ask around for you?"


    "No need, I will just get going. Just let her know that I was here".


    "Yes".


    Lu Yaozhu left her courtyard and went over to his, as usual, there was no maids insight by this time. He walked to the door leading into his study, placed his hands on the round-shaped doorknob and pushed both doors back. He stopped a few steps away from the door, eyes wide as he found himself face to face with Su Liya.


    It was very amusing that the person he spend 20 minutes waiting for was in his study.


    "Liya! I didn''t expect to find you here. I guess we are of like minds" he grinned walked into the room and shut the door.


    Su Liya swallowed, her grip on the silk handkerchief in her hand tightened. She could hear her heartbeat loudly as he got closer. She opened her mouth to speak but shut it when he beat her to it.


    "About that scene at the main room, forget about that. Don''t worry about those things. People like Madam Jiang... In the end, nothing can happen without my permission"


    Su Liya looked up with narrowed eyes, "why the explanation, there is no need for that. You don need to diffuse the fore she started, It is not like she is your mother-in-law" the last sentence she said in a low tone.


    He refuted her statement as soon as he heard that, "What mother-in-law! What do you take me for? I don''t want nor do I need another wife, you are already high maintenance. Plus I love you, I won''t take a concubine and complicate things further"


    Every else he said disappeared only the words, "I love you" remained in her mind. Her Los tugged up and she ran forward and standing on her tiptoes pulled his shirt down. This made him bend his head lower, she drove in for a kiss on the cheek. It was so sudden that he turned quickly and her lips touched his instead.

 Chapter 150: A very Awkward family dinner 5

    The Dule''s mansion


    "What mother-in-law! What do you take me for? I don''t want nor do I need another wife, you are already high maintenance. Plus I love you, I won''t take a concubine and complicate things further".


    Su Liya gazed at his eyes wide, her initial expression fell off her face, only Lu Yaozhu''s words repeated in her head. She was taken aback by his words, she never expected him to say that. After settling her feelings, this past hour, she had decided to take a risk and tell him how she felt. Maybe it was the Little inkling, she had that he felt the same way for her.


    She had made a few plans in her head of what she would say when they met and how she would act but when they were face to face. She began to waver, she didn''t know how he would react and was scared that he would be very embarrassing for her. She suddenly decided not to say anything else and just keep her feeling to herself.


    She felt revitalized and encouraged to take that risk, as he unknowingly confessed to her. All her initial fear dropped and she decided to go big or go home. She reduced the distance between them and ran up to him, Lu Yaozhu was a tree compared to the petite height of the current body she found herself stuck in.


    She had never understood the blight of petite women until she was placed in this position. Her original height of 170 was pretty tall, it was one of her original body''s features that she missed. Luckily she quickly worked out a suitable solution to the height issues in her mind.


    She pulled ar the lapels of his outer jacket down resulting in him betting his head. This eliminated the previous distance between them. His head was pulled down to a suitable distance, that both suited her mechanisms and wouldn''t end up choking him. She stood at the tip of her toes, pulsed up her lips as she got closer to his cheek.


    Lu Yaozhu turned his face suddenly as she was a breath away and their lip touched, what started as a sudden butterfly kiss on the lips progress further. Her eyes widened as she looked into his eyes, Lu Yaozhu placed his hands on her chin. He coaxed her to open her lip and depended on the kiss.


    She felt a slight heat on her back, as a wider muscular hand rested on her back. His hand moved up her back to her waist gradually pulling her closer. His hand on her chin left her chin and moved up to rest on her black silky hair. Her hair gradually came undone as he ran his hand through her hair. He skillfully removed her hairpins from her hair, making each strand fall as he did.


    Her heart beat faster and shivers ran through her from her neck down to her toes, making her toes coil. She wrapped her hands around his neck, he held her tighter until they were chest to chest. Her hair was completely undone with her hairpins scattered around the ground. He placed his hands on her waist and carried her up.


    Her legs instinctively wrapped around his marrow hip and she held him thighed. The move made them face to face, He held him tightly and walked forward until they got to the steps leading to his reading table. He led her to the side table by the steps, sat her on the table and kiss his lips down her neck.


    Her brain was in a fog, she didn''t pay any attention to her surroundings much less her fallen hairpins. The couple were too absorbed in their hormones and feelings that they didn''t hear the multiple knocks on the door. It wasn''t until the door was pushed open and his older brother walked in on them, that they were pulled back to reality.


    "How come you are not answering A''zhu. It is about your return..... to Ningzhuo_ oh no sorry!" He quickly turned around. He heard his brother call out in an annoyed tone.


    "Again"


    "I am sorry once again, you know what ... I will leave while... You two..... You know... Continue what you were up to" the last few words was midfield as he rushed out of the room quickly. Su Liya''s two maids who stood outside the sturdy waiting washed him run out in shock. They didn''t understand why he was running like there was a Devil on his tail.


    They glanced at each other and shrugged before turning around again to follow him. Rong Rong looked at Baozhai and asked, "didn''t his grace just arrive here? How come he is leaving immediately? It can''t be that there is something strange going on inside?"


    "I am also out here with you, how would I know what happened inside", Baozhai said rolling her eyes. Rong Rong sometimes tempts her to commit murder, she had no idea how Rong Rong brain worked. By now nothing Rong Rong said or did surprise her, she had learned to expect the unexpected.


    Meanwhile, in the study. The fog in Su Liya''s head cleared as Lu Yingjie walked in on them. Suddenly, Feeling self-conscious, in her present position. She buried her face in Lu Yaozhu''s chest, luckily Lu Yingjie didn''t stay long. She unwrapped her hands from around his neck and faintly hit him on his shoulder, she got down from the table as he pulled back slightly.


    "wait_"


    Before he could continue his words, she straightened out her clothes and ran out of the room. Lu Yaozhu chuckled as he watched her run out of the room, he walked around the room and picked up her hairpins. He placed them in the box on his table, he would bring them back to her after the family dinner.


    Su Liya ignited the looks her maid gave her as she ran out of the study with her hair down. There was no way she looked at this that would not be even a little embarrassing. Luckily her maid was too shocked to say anything else, she never doubted that they had already put one and two together and discovered just what went in the study.


    Before leaving the safety of Lu Yaozhu''s usually empty courtyard. She now appreciates Lu Yaozhu''s strange preference of not keeping any maids in his study. If this was her pavilion, the news of their afternoon dalliance would have spread throughout the mansion that she would be put on the hot seat by madam Lu during the family dinner.


    Madam Lu wasn''t one to drag anything out so she was sure that the case won''t be moved till tomorrow like it would in other households. She touched her hair and glanced from Baozhai to Ring Rong and asked "do you have a ribbon or any hairpins on you?"


    Baozhai shook her head while Rong Rong put her hand into her sleeve and pulled out a slim white ribbon. "You can you mine your highness" she held it out to Su Liya.


    "Thanks" she picked up the ribbon and packed her head into a ponytail. After getting good confirmations from her maid, she returned to her Pavillion.


    *********


    Hours later at the family dinner


    The entire family were seated on the square-shaped table placed on the open-walled pavilion in the middle of the garden. The table was already set when they all arrived, they all got seated. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya arrived last, Lu Yaozhu had a late visitor from the training camp which delayed them. Everyone was already seated when they arrived, the two-seat opposite Lu Yingjie and Zhu Fengyin was left for them.


    Su Liya looked away as soon as her gaze fell on Lu Yingjie, her cheeks heated up as she remembered that he had walked in on her in a compromising position. She could not look at him and just focused her eyes on the dishes on the table in front of her. They were barely seated when madam Lu announced,


    "Finally we have good news, Physician Gu came over this afternoon to examine Fengyin. After examining her, he reported that she was three months pregnant!" Madam Lu grinned widely.


    A smile broke out of her face and Su Liya looked up at Zhu Fengyin. "Congratulations Jei Jei!" She watched Zhu Fengyin''s face brighten up, her eyes were almost opened into slants. Zhu Fengyin''s pregnancy was big news for the family, with everything they had all been through these few weeks. They welcomed any good news, everyone congratulated Zhu Fengyin.


    Madam Lu had stepped fully into the position of caring mother-in-law. She made sure that Zhu Fengyin''s plate was filled with nothing but nutritious dishes. She was so focused on making Zhu Fengyin eat her weight in food that she barely noticed the awkwardness between Lu Yaozhu, Su Liya and Lu Yingjie.


    Su Liya didn''t have much of an appetite as she was too embarrassed to look at Lu Yingjie. Their close distance meant that they would share a few dishes. She only ate from the dishes closer to her, to avoid looking up at him. Her actions weren''t lost on Lu Yaozhu who put more dishes on her plate while glaring at Lu Yingjie over her head. Lu Yingjie himself felt rather awkward, he mouths apologise at Lu Yaozhu.


    Who continued to give him a death stare. Su Liya rushed out without Yaozhu following closer as soon as madam Lu Left.

 Chapter 151: Enemies in the dark

    The Duke''s mansion


    Su Liya waited sold to throughout the dinner for the quickest opportunity out of close vicinity of Lu Yingjie. An opportunity presented itself as madam Lu finished eating and called it a night, she left not long after. Lu Yaozhu pulled back his seat seconds after she left, he walked at a normal pace while he was in sight of the Pavillion.


    He picked up his pace and jogged after Su Liya once he was out of sight of everyone in the outdoor pavilion. He finally caught up with her as she made a turn, "Liya! Hold on!"


    Su Liya looked back on hearing her name, Lu Yaozhu ran forward. She turned around and stood aside to wait for him to get closer. The night had gradually gotten colder, she pulled her wrap closer and folded both arms on her chest. Baozhai unfolded the cloak, she carried in her hand and wrapped it on Su Liya''s shoulders.


    Lu Yaozhu walked closer to Su Liya and held her hands in his as Baozhai stepped away. Su Liya was taken aback, she look up at his eyes wide, her eyes held a few questions but Lu Yaozhu didn''t say anything. He pulled her close to him, I clamped their hands, placed husband on her shoulder and hugged her closer.


    His body heat warmed her up, Su Liya tried to pull away when she remembered that her maids and Yu Tao followed them behind but he tightened his hold and led her forward. Su Liya gave up struggling out of his hold and just submitted to his public display of affection.


    She had expected him to let go of her and continue to his rooms when they got to her courtyard but was surprised when he followed her in. She paused close to the centre of her courtyard and turned around to face him. Lu Yaozhu who still held hands with her looked down at her expectantly.


    She raised their joined hands and said, "let go Yaozhu, I have arrived at my rooms".


    Lu Yaozhu did not reply and instead held her hands tighter. He continued to the entrance to her main room and pulled her forward. It was so sudden, Su Liya missed a step and nearly fell on her face. He immediately slowed down and held her up with both hands.


    Su Liya hit on his back when she was steady, "slow down champ, I nearly twisted my ankle because of you. Why so hasty to get into my main room! Shouldn''t you be returning to your room by now?"


    "Sorry, how is your ankle" squatting low, he raised her skirt to check for any injuries in her ankle. All the colour disappeared from her face when Su Liya heard someone gasps behind her. She slapped his hands quickly to prevent him from raising her skirt.


    She said in a loud whisper, "Stop that Yaozhu, we have company". Lu Yaozhu shook her hand away and once again, raised her skirt to check her ankles. He touched around her ankle and checked for any injuries, when he saw none, he put down her skirt and stood straight. Su Liya let out a breath, she tried to go forward but was held back by Lu Yaozhu.


    Lu Yaozhu walked closer to her and bent forward. He placed his hands behind her laps and at her waist, then hold firmly carried her into his arms. Su Liya held the front of his shirt tightly with one hand and hooked her other hands around his neck to support herself.


    Her maids were as surprised as she was but didn''t dare come forward. They watched as Lu Yaozhu quickly carried her into the house. "What? Why are you carrying me inside? What is going on Yaozhu!"


    Lu Yaozhu laughed softly as he walked through her main room, he carried her into her room and placed her on the bed. He crawled forward on the bed and replied "what else, I want to continue where we left off this afternoon. This time we are in your room, Yingjie can not interrupt us again"


    Su Liya raised herself to rest on her elbow, "You_". Lu Yaozhu placed his lips on hers before she could continue, giving her a small kiss. He whispered close to her lips, " Don''t try to think and just feel". He moved in for another kiss but was held back by Su Liya, who pulled him away by his chest. "What about my maids?"


    Lu Yaozhu pulled her hands on his chest away, "don''t worry, I instructed Yu Tao to send them away. They will come back tomorrow morning, until then. You are mine" he kissed her softly. He gradually deepened the kiss, soon Su Liya felt excitement down onto the tips of her toes.


    *******


    Meanwhile at the throne room of Chu state


    The King of Chu State, a plump man in his fifties sat on the throne, his palm resting on his protruded belly as he listen to his spymaster report on the political position of their powerful neighbour Northern Wei. His Son had successfully set up a good network of spies during the two and half months he was in Northern Wei as an Envoy.


    He glanced at his eldest son with pride in his eye, "You did well Son, my kingdom might not be as widespread or as powerful as the others but at least I have something other Kings lack. Which is a capable son, even the sons of the all-powerful Emperor of Northern Wei cannot compare to you.


    "Not everyone would be as smart as you to join hands with that greedy Prime Minister Shi and his family. Even with him dead our seeds have borne food, Emperor Zhong may be wealthier and have more lands but he lacks loyal officials".


    The Crown Prince smiled, "it is not that he lacks loyal official''s father he has one of the bests. It is a pity that he does not appreciate them and instead guards against them while pulling the greedy officials closer. He is so busy trying to suppress the Lu family who is the backbone of his entire military that he doesn''t notice the snake he has in his backyard. I nearly pity Lu Yaozhu, he is a very capable General. It is just that he is serving a blind king."


    "You stayed there for months apart from the incompetent sixth Prince and fifth prince. How is that crown Prince, I heard that he has a good head on his shoulder"


    The Crown Prince snorted, "He is smarter than the other Prince''s but he graves affection and public acknowledgement. He has the potentials of being worse than the foolish Emperor, he is currently subdued by the need for his father''s approval. His biological mother''s family is weak so he is forced to rely on the Lu family.


    "I am surprised that a man as smart as Lu Yingjie or even Lu Yaozhu hasn''t noticed that. I smarter move would be to mary their only sister to him as a consort. Too bad they let the Xia family get such a juicy position. He is also no good, at this rate, the Zhongshan family won''t rule northern Wei for long"


    The king''s adviser a slender, short man standing on the last step at the king''s left said, "I think that it works in our favour to attack them soon. We already have the Yan states'' support, let''s put an end to the Zhongshan family rule permanently".


    The King didn''t need to be told twice, they had been planning for years and thanks to some smart decisions on both his part and his son''s part. Their Success was assured, especially with the helper they had inside northern Wei. " Get everything ready and inform the Military that we are going to war. Inform the Droko tribe to be on the stand by to attack. Once they receive the go-ahead, we will join then".


    "Yes, Your Majesty," The King''s adviser said and hurried away.


    The Crown Prince waited for the advice to leave before standing and walking to the front of his father''s throne room. He stretched out his hands and fell on his knees, "father please let me take charge of the attack"


    "What! Why? I thought we agree to but General Shen in charge of the troops"


    "I know that we did father but ever since the last time I faced Lu Yaozhu on the battlefield. I haven''t slept well in a while. The humiliation I received in his hands... I cannot let him go scot-free. He must pay".


    The King sighed and nodded, "okay, you can take charge but you are bringing General Shen with you".


    "Thank you, father!"


    **********


    The Duke''s mansion, Northern Wei.


    Late in the night, while the other servants were asleep. Tian Tian got down from her bed and tiptoed out of the maid''s quarters. She hid behind a wall while a set of guards patrolled past the main courtyard. She waited for a few seconds after the guards went out of sight before running quietly out of the courtyard towards one of the many small garden''s that separated each courtyard.


    She walked out of the garden and went straight to the empty courtyard next to the main courtyard. She tapped her fingers on the door and waited to receive a response from the man inside.


    She stood back when she heard the dock unlock, she walked in as soon as it opened and ran into the hands of the man standing by the wall.


    "Third Young master Zhu! How I missed you?"


    The man pushed her away from him, "don''t act too familiar"


    She fell on her thigh and stuttered "Young_Young master!"


    Zhu Faye ignored her hurt expression, "I don''t have time to waste on your foolish feelings". He took out a small bottle and threw it to her, "take care of that pregnancy before it gets more stable. The Lu family must disappear, bringing a new life_ My younger sister should be smarter"


    He left after saying that without even looking back, Tian Tian picked up the bottle and put it into her sleeve. The affectionate smile fell off her face and she walked out of the room but not before dropping a secret note into the hole at the back of the building.

 Chapter 152: Enemies in the dark 2

    The Sixth Prince study


    Folding the letter from Chu State in two, Zhongshan Cheng threw it into the small fire beside his table. His lips were tipped up as he rubbed his palm together, "the long way has come to an end, Faye. Droko tribe and Chu state have begun matching to the borders. Soon they will surround northern Wei at all corners".


    Zhu Faye tapped the table and smiled, " having them attack from different directions will keep every available general occupied and give our main troupe away into the palace. In a month time a new regime will begin with you in charge". He bowed low and whispered, "Your Majesty?".


    Hahaha haha "we grandfathered this arrangement, I hoped I wouldn''t be forced to go this far. I guess I felt a little guilty because of how well my father treated me but his treatment of not just me but my Imperial mother this past few weeks. Made me abandon what little paternal feelings ever possessed. I need to get the old man out of my way, for my time to begin"


    Zhu Faye took a sip of tea and looked out the window, "about the Crown Prince, how do we proceed."


    "Send word to his advisers, the Crown Prince should be among the first set of generals to be sent to the war front with the Droko Tribe. I already had Father''s intelligence team infiltrated. He would just believe it to be another minor disturbance from the Canadians. His advisers would suggest that he head down there to get some Experience.


    "My elder brother is too foolish, he would jump at any opportunity to impress father. Not like he could, father us a snob. Father will always be prejudiced against him because of his mother''s actions. The fact that he is yet to understand this fact shows his level of intelligence."


    Zhu Faya chuckled as he thought of the rumours going around the capital about the Crown Prince and his maternal family. "If I had a maternal family like the Tong family, I would never associate with them. Such a family are only bad news, look how hard they are working to spread rumours that slander the Xia family."


    "I have heard all the rumours, it is only a matter of time before the Grand Princess gets involved. Father threw a fit yesterday about those rumours. This is coming at a good time, it would keep them occupied. Which would help our_


    Pa!!


    Eunuch Chen and Steward Li rushed into the room and fell on their knees. Zhongshan Cheng and Zhu Faye''s eyes immediately fell in the duo''s bloodied hands.


    "What is it!" the sixth Prince stood and walked around his table.


    Just then a louse haired bloody Concubine Qu rushed in and fell to the ground, "Your Highness please get justice for me, the Princess consort killed my Son" she burst into tears.


    Zhongshan frowned as he looked down at the woman bawling her eyes out. He glanced at Eunuch Chen, "What is up with all the theatrics?"


    Eunuch Chen came forward still on his knees, "answering your highness, there has been an accident at the side rooms"


    Madam Qu Spat out as soon as the words accident was dropped, "it was no accident! She did it deliberately!"


    Zhongshan Cheng touched his temple, feeling slightly irritated by her interrupt. "It is either you keep quiet and let Eunuch Chen explain everything to me or I will pretend nothing happened".


    Madam Qu opened and closed her mouth. She was smart enough to know not to push the sixth prince further. She bent down her head and bit her lips. Zhongshan Cheng glanced at her and moved his gaze back to Eunuch Chen.


    "Continue".


    Eunuch Chen nodded, "the little prince_ he that the Little Prince was thrown..... No fell down a flight of stairs while the princess consort was taking a turn in the garden." He looked at the ground below, as his heartbeat became rapid.


    "What! How did that happen, give a proper explanation or risk death!" On second thought, shut up " he called the commander of his shadow guard. "Commander Du!!"


    Commander Du came in as soon as he was called, as the leader of the sixth prince''s secret guard. He was always close to the sixth Prince to ensure his safety. A slim figure dressed all in black, with his entire face covered save for his eyes rested on and knelt a small distance from the sixth prince


    "Your highness," a low male voice higher than a whisper said.


    "What happened to the little Prince?"


    "While the Princess consort stood by the fish pond and admired the lilies, she was interrupted by Madam Qu who came out for a walk with the little prince. An argument began between the two, followed swiftly by a struggle. In the process of the struggle, the nanny carrying the Little prince was pushed down the long flight of steps leading to down the path that led to the detainment rooms.


    "The little prince.... did not survive the fall. Before my men arrived, the little prince was dead. It was the maids following the princess consort that relayed what happened to my men. Forgive this servant for not properly doing my job"


    The Sixth Prince was silent for some second as he tried to process the situation in his head. There was no how he look at this that wasn''t bad for Zhu Feifei. While he didn''t like that wife of his, he had kept her close all this while because of the Zhu family''s influence. He glanced at his best friend and ally Zhu Faye.


    Zhu Faye caught the look Zhongshan Cheng gave him and sighed. That foolish younger sister of his had gone and done it again, she just couldn''t stay calm long enough for the sixth prince to get the throne. Unlike his mother and father, he had no intention of tolerating her for long. It was better to cut her off before she did something worse.


    He walked closer and stood by Zhongshan Cheng''s side, "you don''t need to consider my feelings, not my family''s when handling her. A life was lost, we cannot ignore her actions".


    His words made Madam Qu header settle, finally, that crazy woman was getting her just deserves. Her son''s death wouldn''t get ignored, she was tired of dealing with that flighty wench. However, Zhu Faye''s next words made the colour leave her face completely.


    "However, Feifei isn''t fully to blame. Madam Qu should also share the risk for her carelessness in ensuring the safety of a royal offspring."


    Madam Qu looked up eyes wide, "wha_what!"


    Zhongshan Cheng just smiled and glanced at Madam Qu, "Commander Du, Madam Qu and the Princess consort are confined to their room under close supervision until the Emperor''s verdict is released"


    "Yes," commander Du trapped Madam Qu amidst her struggles and dragged her out of the room. Eunuch Chen and the Steward left after them. When it was only Him and Zhu Faye, the Sixth Prince sighed and went back to his seat.


    "Zhu Feifei went too far this time, plus the Qu family has gradually become a burden. Your judgement was right, it is best to tie up the loose ends".


    Zhu Faye smiled, "don"t worry about my dad, he won''t cause any trouble. I still have another more obedient Younger sister that can be sent in after you take the throne. I will talk to him, he is a smart man so of cause, he will see the bigger picture".


    ********


    The Jiang family mansion


    A slim feminine figure bent over the bed coughing out blood while her maid rubbed her back gently. The girl was none other than Chen Yao, Madam Jiang''s niece. She had fallen sick after she was punished by Madam Jiang to kneel outside for a day and a half.


    Madam Jiang blamed her for not being smart enough to grab General Lu''s attention. According to madam Jiang, her incompetence got her embarrassed. Madam Jiang had put a lot of thought into her plans but now that it has failed she blamed Chen Yao for that failure.


    It didn''t help that as soon as she got home, all the Jiang family''s creditors descended in the mansion to collect their debts. They had lost the Lu family''s protection, madam Jiang also bled Chen Yao''s incompetence for their current situation and added one more day to her punishment.


    Madam Jiang was determined to make her spend as long as possible on the punishment. However, Chen Yao''s fainting suddenly got her out of her punishment but did nothing to improve her situation because she was ignored by Madam Jiang.


    Now fast forward, four days later. Chem Yai''s cold had progressed into something worse. She felt in and out of consciousness. After coughing out blood, she fell backwards on the bed and her heart seized to beat. Her maid rushed out to beg Madam Jiang to call the doctor as she noticed that her mistress had lost consciousness.


    Chen Yao''s eyes opened as soon minutes later and she sat up. Her once soft eyes were now sharper.

 Chapter 153: Enemies in the dark 3

    The next day, Madam Lu''s courtyard of the Duke''s mansion


    Tian Tian palmed the bottle of poison in her pocket as went about her duties the next morning. She was searching for a good opportunity to carry out second Young master Zhu''s orders. For the past four days, she had found none. Zhu Fengyin usually eats her meals with either Madam Lu or the Duke. Both of whom were very careful, apart from their trusted maids no one else handled her food.


    She was now on edge because of all the letters she had received from Young Master Zhu urging her to complete the task. She didn''t want to disappoint Zhu Faye, not when he has been so kind to her. She strengthened her resolve and watched out for a good opportunity to carry out her plans.


    An opportunity finally presented itself, thirty minutes later when Su Liya came with her maids. She saluted Zhu Fengyin and Madam Lu before taking a seat beside Zhu Fengyin. Madam Lu glanced at her complexion and asked, "Liya, is your cold gone?"


    Su Liya was surprised to hear that, she glanced at her maids behind her in question. She hadn''t so much had gotten a headache much less getting cold since she got back from Ningzhuo so how come her mother-in-law was asking such a question. It became clearer as she heard Madam Lu''s next words.


    "Why didn''t you send word that you had a cold, if I knew you were sick, I would have exempted you from coming here si often last week. Imagine my embarrassment hearing about your conditions from A''Zhu. The weather is getting colder please wear more clothes and take care of your health. I understand that you are being filial coming here often but please not at the expense of your health"


    Madam Lu watched her daughter-in-law expression change from shock to understanding. She was surprised when her son visited her before leaving for court four days earlier and requested that she exempt his wife from paying respects. She couldn''t pick offence because he gave her a valid reason but she felt a little offended that Su Liya never said anything and just kept coming.


    She felt uncomfortable because it looked like she was being mean to her daughter-in-law, or like she was a monster that couldn''t be reasoned with. It is not like she could blame Su Liya for being a little scared to meet her with her concerns. They hadn''t started on good terms, she knew that she had been cold to Su Liya after she had married in.


    The servants she had placed around the couple reported that they were getting along well. To her that was all that mattered, Su Liya wasn''t half bad there was no need to be on guard. We couldn''t change how things started between them but she wanted to write the wrong as best she could. She excused Su Liya from paying respects for a week.


    Madam Lu was surprised to see Su Liya here when there were still a few days left in the break. There was no need to point it out to her, Madam Lu decided to use that opportunity to ask about her health and chip in a few words of caution.


    Su Liya was amused by Lu Yaozhu, Madam Lu had revealed one of his major lies these last few days. She was suspicious when Lu Yaozhu informed her that she could sleep in because his mother had given her a few days break. He never told her how or why she was given a break, he had made her believe his mother wasn''t receiving any visitor. He must not give counted on madam Lu rating him out.


    A smile broke on her face as she assured madam Lu that she was well, she would deal with the little lair she had at home later. "Liya apologises for making Mother worried. I am fine, please don''t take it to heart. It won''t happen again, mother".


    Madam Lu waved her off, "that is alright. I didn''t take it to mind. Just make sure to take care of your health, I am expecting happy news soon".


    Su Liya blushed heavily if it was before she had gotten intimate with Lu Yaozhu. She would have been more embarrassed but this just made her bashful. She quickly waved Rong Rong forward with the tray of Herbal tanxilli and egg sweet soup. She needed to change the direction of conversation before it heads into a neck of the woods that resulted in her being forced to take those so-called healthy foods.


    The Ancients were obsessed with prepping their body for pregnancy and considering the majority of the herbs taken tasted more like poison and should not be made edible. She didn''t want to be forced into taking those.


    "Don''t worry mother, we are taking precautions. We are doing our part, it is now left to the heavens to favour us with a child. I remembered that mother Empress send down some Herbal Tanxilli a few weeks ago. Herbal Tanxilli and Egg sweet soup is really nutritious and especially good for pregnant women especially in the early stages of pregnancy. I made a bowl for us, lets dish them out"


    Madam Lu grinned wide, "aiyoo! the child hasn''t been born yet and you are already spoiling him. Herbal Tanxilli a very healthy" she glanced at Zhu Fengyin, "the friendship between you two sister-in-law is really good. Look Liya even agreed to give a precious treasure from her Imperial mother to you".


    Zhu Fengyin smiled, "it is no surprise, mother Yaya has always been selfless".


    Tian Tian who stood behind Zhu Fengyin nearly snorted on hearing Su Liya being called selfless. As far as she knew, there wasn''t a single selfless bone in Su Liya''s body. The fact that Zhu Fengyin said this showed how ignorant she was of the true nature of Su Liya. She glanced briefly at Su Liya and balled up her fist, this girl was nothing but a betrayed.


    She only cared about one thing and that was power and wealth, Tian Tian remembered how much young master Zhu had cared for Su Liya. He always protected her but she betrayed him for power. She was only with him for power a wealth, as soon as she met Lu Yaozhu that was richer and more powerful than Zhu Faye she abandoned him.


    Su Liya changed her target to Lu Yaozhu and once she succeeded, she abandoned Zhu Faye. The more she thought of this the more convinced she was of drugging the soup Su Liya brought over. It can be considered as getting justice for second Young Master Zhu. She waited for the soup to be passed over to one of Madam Lu''s three dowry maids, Aunt He to be dished into three plates.


    Tian Tian walked forward and whispered into her mistress''s ear, "Your grace, aunt is getting older. She might find it difficult to carry the trays all by herself. Let me go help her out" Zhu Fengyin nodded without much thought. Although she wasn''t as close to Tian Tian as she was to Su Liya, she had a good impression of her. Tian Tian had served her for over six years, by now she knew what kind of person Tian Tian was.


    Even in her past life Tian Tian always treated her with respect a never betrayed her. She saw nothing wrong with sending her off to help out. She just cautioned her to hold on until Aunt Je left before following.


    As soon as the maid left, she waited a few minutes before going away under the pretence of going on an errand. No one found her actions strange since she had served Zhu Fengyin properly for years without making any mistakes. Tian Tian walked in the right direction before taking another turn, she stood by the kitchen window looking in while the maid dished out the food.


    The maid meticulously prepared the bowls of soup, there wasn''t much time left. Tian Tian looked around looking for a reason to send the maid away so that she could pour the drug in. She was prepared to create a distraction when a young maid walked in a whispered something into her ear. The woman glanced from the soup to the door, it looked like she needed to leave urgently.


    Tian Tian walked around the kitchen and came out at the entrance, "Aunt He, her grace was worried that carrying this back alone, might be too difficult for you. She sent me over to lend you a hand".


    Aunt He was glad that she was sent over a helper. she had met this young man a few times and she wasn''t half bad. She didn''t have much time to spare, the maid just reported that there was a situation in the kitchen that needed her attention. Before things got worse. She needed to go take a look. she picked up a tray containing two bowls of soup and passed it to Tian Tian.


    "Here you go, this should go to her grace and her highness"


    "Yea" Tian Tian replied taking the tray from her and walking out of the kitchen. She walked a distance then stopped, she looked back and forth to check if there was someone close by before taking the bottle of medicine out of her sleeve. She popped the lid and emptied it into a bowl of soup. She stored the soup a little and continued forward.

 Chapter 154: The poisoned soup

    The Duke''s mansion


    Tian Tian looked back and forth, after ensuring that there was no one coming closer. She pulled the small bottle of poison out of her sleeve, pulled up the lid and moved it to one of the bowls of soup. Turning the bottle over, she poured all the powdered content of the bottle into the plates and stored the soup gently to mix the poison with the soup.


    Once there was no lump showing and everything was properly mixed. She continued forward, the eldest young Mistress Lu Yiling had arrived at some point and was seated opposite Zhu Fengyin. Madam Lu looked up when a shadow came over at the door. A smile broke on her face when she saw the maid come in with the soup, she glanced at her daughter.


    "Ling''er, we did not know you would be coming over soon. Your second sister-in-law made a pot of Herbal Tanxilli and egg sweet soup and brought it over".


    Lu Yiling slapped her palms together in glee, "really, aiyoo I like that soup! I should have come earlier, ahhh I can not miss a treat like this. Second sister-in-law is already spoiling our nephew even before he is born. Herbal Tanxilli is especially Good for pregnant women". She glanced at the young made holding the tray of soup, "how many bowls are there?"


    "Eh, I there are only three bowls. Aunt He is coming with the last one" Tian Tian replied. She was a little taken aback by Lu Yiling''s question. Her heartbeat increases as she got closer to the tray, she was sweating profusely on her back. She bit the inside of her cheek as her hand tightened on the stray.


    "Just three bowls... Not fair" she held on to the hand of the chair and acting all cute, batted her eyes at her mother and then Su Liya. "I also want to taste the soup, can I share it with someone. Mother please"


    They all looked at Lu Yiling with eyes wide, they all had questions on their faces especially with her making various sad faces. Lu Yilling persisted even turning her attention to Su Liya when it seemed like her mother won''t budge. Su Liya felt a little pressure, she didn''t know how to handle this side of Lu Yiling. It was her first time experiencing this, she glanced from Madam Lu to Zhu Fengyin.


    Looking for a way out but both women did not give her response. Su Liya glanced at the bowl and nodded, she turned to madam Lu. "Mother if sister-in-law doesn''t mind, she can share a bowl with me" she stretched out her hand gesturing for Tian Tian to come over with the tray of soup.


    Tian Tian''s mood lifted when she saw that and she hurried over. However, she was cut short by Lu Yiling after taking only a few steps.


    "Second sister-in-law is so kind, don''t worry. I will take that" she stood and picked up a bowl.


    Tian Tian''s breathing stopped and her heartbeat increased as Lu Yiling took the poisoned now of soup. "No_ don''t!" Before she could stop Lu Yiling from taking that bowl, Lu Yiling already picked up the spoon and sculpted a spoon fill. Colour left her face as that happened, she had been glad that she had successfully carried out her task but she now had more pressing issues.


    She looked around worried, why did this young mistress take the wrong bowl. She wasn''t sure if the poison was harmful to only pregnant women. Young Master Zhu hadn''t informed her of anything else, her world was completely turned upside down. Tian Tian already planned to hand the unpoisoned bowl to Su Liya, while the poisoned one went to Zhu Fengyin.


    She did count on Lu Yiling coming up and taking the wrong bowl, which ruined her plan. She was already prepared to watch a good show that would hopefully end with Su Liya getting abandoned or better yet dead. Tian Tian rushed forward to stoop Lu Yiling from drinking the soup, she stretched out her hand.


    "Young Miss please hold on! That is the wrong bowl", She called out.


    Lu Yiling dropped the spoon, lips curved up. She glanced at the treacherous maid, "wrong bowl? Isn''t it the same soup in both bowls" she looked into the other bowl on the tray and then the bowl in her hands. "They''re the same size so it can not be that you made first sister-in-law''s bigger. What is wrong? Did you put something extra in here" she pointed at the bowl In her hands and moved closer to Tian Tian.


    "Don''t tell me that you don''t want to drink this owl because of the poison you poured in!"


    Tian Tian''s hands shook and the tray fell off her hand. The other bowl of soup was turned over and the content poured out on the cold ground. Aunt He who good by the door with the remaining bowl gasped. She glanced at the heavy duty maid at the side and shouted "hold that wench!"


    Tian Tian took a step back attempting to run but the maids had already for saw it. Rong Rong took out a Dagger, held Tian Tian close to her and placed the dagger at her neck. "Don''t you dare!" She said bringing the knife to her neck and drawing blood.


    The two Heavy Duty mama rushed over, stood on either side of her and grabbed her arms tightly. Rong Rong took the knife away from her neck and put it back in her sleeve as she returned to her position behind Su Liya.


    Lu Yiling passed the poisoned bowl of soup to her maid and turned to her mother. "On my way here, Mother. I caught this treacherous maid put something into the bowl of soup and then stir it. I didn''t want to alert her so I quickened my step to arrive her before she did"


    Madam Lu slapped her hand on the arm of the chair and sat forward. "You! Who ordered you to do this?"


    Tears fell down her face, she shook her head "No one, it is a lie. I... I didn''t put anything into the soup?"


    "Oh, why don''t you drink the soup" Lu Yiling nodded at her maid, who brought the bowl of soup over and handed it to her. Lu Yiling said to the heavy Duty Mamas, "Hold her down!"


    The two huge matrons pushed Tian Tian down to her knees, pulled her head back and forced her mouth open. Tian Tian began to struggle heavily as Lu Yiling brought the bowl closer to her lips.


    "Mmmm mmm nga," she said in a muffled tone.


    "Don''t want to drink the soup, didn''t you say it wasn''t poisoned. Since you only added some health supplements in there, surely you don''t mind drinking this down" she made a drop fall into Tian Tian''s open mouth and stepped back. The heavy duty maid let her go and Tian Tian bent to spit out the drop of soup.


    "Take your time, there is still a whole bowl full left, "Lu Yiling said.


    "no no no please let me go. Don''t... Not anymore!"


    Lu Yiling nodded "Only if you say the truth, did you poison the soul?"


    "Yes!"


    At this point Su Liya had gotten over her shock and said to Rong Rong, "search her and find out where she hid the poison, it must still be on her"


    Tian Tian pulled back when she heard that, she glanced at Su Liya who placed a hand on Zhu Fengyin''s shoulder.


    "Yes," Rong Rong went forward and silently searched through Tian Tian''s clothes. The heavy-duty Maid held her hand and kept her in place. Finally, she found the small bottle in Tian Tian''s right sleeve and took it out. "Here it is" she handed the bottle to Madam Lu''s lady''s maid.


    Madam Ly held up the bottle in the light and instructed without looking away from the bottle. "Send for Physicians Gu".


    "Yes," a maid said and ran out of the room.


    "Keep both this and the soup, physician Gu will check the content," Madam Lu said handing the bottle to Aunt He.


    Zhu Fengyin glanced at the weeping maid and felt sick, ''how could I be so ignorant! Making the same mistakes even in this life. I nearly killed another of my children" she thought bringing her hand to rest on her lower stomach.


    Zhu Fengyin balled up her fist and shouted "Send for steward Lu!"


    Everyone turned to look at her with concern. Madam Lu''s expression softened as she tried to calm her down. "Fengyin, don''t worry about this. Mother will handle this".


    "I should not let you do this alone, not when I am partly to blame. I failed to properly manage my servants, I apologise" she bowed at Madam Lu.


    Su Liya frowned, "You are not at fault, there is no need to apologise. Tian Tian made this decision herself, there is nothing you could have done to prevent it. I understand why you want to call steward Lu but if I might make a suggestion".


    "Yes, continue" Madam Lu replied.


    Su Liya glanced at Tian Tian, "sent her away and put guards on her. There is no need to question her, you might not get the right answer from her. Instead, she might claim it was someone else, like say me. That is going to be believable since I do have much to benefit from if something happens to the child. Brother-in-law can question her when he gets back and get the right answer. Meanwhile, let her be taken away".


    Tian Tian bit her lip when she heard Su Liya suggest that, She might claim that the entire poisoning was arranged by Su Liya. She nearly laughed out, since that was along the lines of the response. She was prepared to make it, she glanced at Su Liya and smiled.


    Madam Lu. Nodded and called in two guards to send the Maid to the prison.

 Chapter 155: Dont spook the Villain

    Madam Lu''s main room, the Duke''s mansion


    "lock her up in the detention cell at the back and put guards on her until we have decided on what to do with her. There is no need to question her, we might not get the right answer from her. Instead, she might claim it was someone else, like say me. That is going to be believable since I do have much to benefit from if something happens to the child. Brother-in-law can question her when he gets back and get the right answer. Meanwhile, let her be taken away".


    Madam Lu followed her gaze and nodded. There was reason in what Su Liya said, she quickly understood that Su Liya intended to say something and she didn''t want Tian Tian present. Madam Lu called in two of her guards, "take this treacherous maid to the detainment cell. I want around the clock guards on her"


    "Yes," the two guards bowed. They grabbed Tian Tian''s arms, lifted her and dragged her away. With her plans botched and brought to light, she lost all strength to resist her painful end. She had expected that when she decided to go against Zhu Fengyin and the family.


    She just submitted herself to the Lu family''s upcoming torture. She had no intention of revealing who gave the order since she could not be with her love in the end. She would settle for just protecting him till the end.


    Su Liya waited a few minutes for the guards and Tian Tian to be long gone before speaking, "Mother, I think that it is in our best interest to tighten up security and check for spies. The fact that someone as close as Tian Tian could have access to poison just shows us that our security and staff have been compromised".


    "All the more reason why we should have questioned Tian Tian before sending her away. What if someone gets to her before we have the chance of questioning her? We will lose our suspect and the only method of finding out who is behind this," Lu Yiling argued. While she understood what Su Liya was getting at, she couldn''t help but worry that they would lose a good opportunity to find out who is behind this.


    It was Zhu Fengyin that answered her, "Yaya is right, Even if she is killed. It won''t matter since I have already guessed who is behind this. I asked for Steward Lu because I think that The Duke and General Lu should be informed of this immediately. For him to make such a risky move like this... I think that a storm is about to hit us"


    Lu Yiling gazed at her eye wide, when she heard her mention that she knew who poisoned her. She opened her mouth to voice out the question "who is it?" When the aids announced the arrival of Physician Gu. She glanced at the short aged wrinkled face of Physician Gu and shut her mouth. ''I will save the question for after he leaves'' she thought and stop back.


    Before Physician Gu could bend to make his salute, he was stopped by madam Lu. MadamLu raised her hand to stop him, "Don''t stand on ceremony, please check the type of poison the is in the bottle". She waved her hands, gesturing for Aunt He to hand over the bottle confiscated from Tian Tian over to the Imperial Physician.


    Aunt He took the bottle out of her sleeve and handed it over to the Physician. She stepped back after that was done and watched the physician open the bottle bring it under his nose.


    Physicians Gu was shocked when the maid rushed into his quarters to call him over. However, it all made sense not that he had arrived. He took the small bottle from Aunt He and pulled the lid up. There was a faint fruity scent coming from the bottle, he brought the bottle under his nose. He smelled an array of scents from flowers to herb before finally pinpointing the main ingredient of the poison.


    He sighed and shut the lid then looked up, "it Is Gui powder, Your grace. It is a poison local to the Droko tribe in the south. It is very deadly in its pure form but the Gui powder that was stored here is diluted. It is not as deadly to adults as it is to children, it would weaken a man" his troubled gaze fell on Zhu Fengyin. "When consumed by a pregnant woman it causes a miscarriage or in worse cases infertility. It is very dangerous for women because it causes infertility when taken."


    Zhu Fengyin balled up her fist and looked away. No matter what she thought, she couldn''t pinpoint what she had done to warn this much hate from Zhu Faye. Both then and now, he refused to let her have peace.


    There was a painful silence after he said that, they all had mellow expressions as they stared intently at the bowl of soup. Imperial Physician Gu glanced at the bowl of soup that was the target of their gazes and then at Zhu Fengyin.


    He wet his lips, "based off of your expressions, forgive me for asking but did anyone take the poisoned soup?"


    "No, we found it about the poisoning before anyone could take it" Lu Yiling replied.


    "Good, this particular type of Gui is difficult to treat and even when treated few survive the treatment and even when they survive few go on to have children without later complications. It is good that no one was poisoned"


    "Amitabha" Madam Lu chanted glanced at her daughter-in-law and the heavens. "Thank the gods that you caught her Ling''er, imagine if you didn''t, I would lose my grandson and we will be put on a difficult spot. Please doctor, check her pulse".


    "Yes," he moved closer to Zhu Fengyin and took her outstretched hands in his. He placed his index finger on the nerves at her wrist and took a reading. Her blood was flowing properly, she was healthy. There wasn''t any poison in her system which was good. He smiled and stood straight, "there is no need to worry madam, her grace and the child is healthy, she was a little spooked by these things. After some rest, she will be as good as new"


    "Oh, that is good. Please see the Doctor off" Madam Lu said to her maids. Steward Lu who stood at the door went in as the Imperial physician was escorted out. He was a middle-aged man in his early fifties who was dressed in a brown uniform and kept a full beard. He came from a minor side branch of the Lu family that has served as Steward''s for generations.


    He bowed at Madam Lu, "Mistress".


    Madam Lu, who was more relaxed now that imperial Physician Gu had gone. She looked up, "today is a free day from the court, why are Yingjie and Yaozhu are not back yet, uncle Lu".


    "The Young masters were called over by his highness the Crown Prince on their way back from inspecting the stores."


    "Did something happen in the capital that involved her Majesty or the Crown Prince?"


    "Nothing major, it is just that they have been a lot of rumours going around about the relationship between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess consort. People claim that the couple never consummated their marriage and that they are guilty of lying to the Emperor that they did"


    "What, who would spread such tales... Wait no need to answer that. I think I know who would, the Tong family are bad luck. The sooner the Crown Prince completely abandons that family the better for him. If he is not careful they will destroy his relationship with the Emperor. Emperor Zhong has never made it a secret his dislike for families like the Tong family. How long have they been there?"


    "Over two hours, they left as soon as they were done with the inspection".


    Adam Lu sat on her seat and muttered, ''they should be done by now. She looked at uncle Lu, "send word to them to come back. They are needed here for something important"


    "Yes," Uncle Lu bowed and walked out.


    Madam Lu glanced at her two daughters-in-law and daughter. "It has been hectic today, you all go have a rest. Most especially Fengyin, you should be stressed. About the issue of a maid, don''t worry. I will send Aunt He over, I am sure Yingjie will have his plans".


    Zhu Fengyin noted, "thanks mother".


    "No need, I am only doing what I should. Please be at ease, do think too much about these things".


    "I won''t mother"


    "Good," she looked from Su Liya to Lu Yiling, "we don''t know if there are any more spies placed around us so be observant. If you noticed anything strange, Don''t hesitate to let me know. I will send someone to supervise the kitchen, this is the last we will hear of a poisoning!"


    "Yes"


    They all left leaving madam Lu to rest. Su Liya escorted Zhu Fengyin back to her room. She suspected that Zhu Fengyin would be beating herself up about what happened and wanted to check up on her.

 Chapter 156: Dont spook the villian 2

    Zhu Faye''s mansion, Minister Zhu Mansion


    Zhu Faye sat on a single seat by the fire, clutching a bottle of wine to his chest when his man A''Bao rushed in bowed. He winced as the bright afternoon sun got into his eye from the window. He blinked, squinting his eye to keep the light say until his eyes finally settled. He sat straight, the room spun a little as he did and he felt nauseous.


    He held on to his head and counted to ten until the rolling stopped and he was no longer nauseous. He glanced at the slim older man in front, "what is it?" He mumbled, rubbing his temple gently with his index finger.


    "My lord, our spy in the Duke''s mansion just reported that the maid, Tian Tian was detained after getting caught poisoning the first young mistresses meal".


    "Good," Zhu Faye said smiling. He noticed the disgust in his man''s heart as he called Tian Tian''s name. He too wasn''t fond of that airhead, he had only approached her to get information but the little fool fancied herself in love with him.


    A''Bao looked up at his young mater eyes wide, Shifting back. He blinked and tilted his head to the side, "young master... I.... that is _ I don''t understand you are not angry that your plans fell through?"


    "My plan? Please if I wanted to kill Zhu Fengyin would I leave my plan to a foolish girl like Tian Tian? I will soon get all that I ever wished to get, I needed to tie up loose ends. Someone as easily swayed by sweet words should be kept close" he placed the bottle back on the table and laughed, "I already made plans to handle Zhu


    Fengyin permanently. This time I will make use of unexpected Means. As for that Tian Tian, get rid of her before she starts running her mouth".


    "Yes", A''Bao bowed and left the room


    Two hours later, it was nearly dark. A''Bao came back with news, he bowed at his master who sat behind the low square-shaped table.


    "Has it been done?" Zhu Faye asked without looking up from the book he held in his hands.


    "Yes, Tian Tian has been taken care of" A''Bao modded with a bowl.


    "Good, how are things at the sixth Prince''s end?" Zhu Faye asked finally looking up.


    "His highness has the second young miss under house arrest since yesterday. My contact in the palace reported that the sixth Prince submitted a report to the Emperor. No report has been sent down but the report has arrived at the Emperor''s desk"


    "And my father, I am surprised he hasn''t heard of this, yet? Things has been silent at home so far, I am surprised".


    "Master is too focused on screening the candidates for the position of Prime Minister"


    Zhu Faye grinned, "ah that, since it is now at the Emperor''s table. He will soon be informed, it is funny how father no longer pays attention to Feifei. He must be tired of all her previous antics but I am curious how he would handle the news. Keep an eye on him".


    "Yes," A''Bao looked up at his master uncertainly as he took out the secret letter that was dropped at the brothel for his master. The brothel mistress had no idea who sent the letter only that it was addressed to the young master. No matter how hard he thought, no one came to mind and when he tried to investigate the origin of the letter he found nothing.


    He glanced down at the letter and folded his lips tightly. ''Here is to taking the risk'' He thought and came forward once more with the letter. He stretched out his hand and placed the letter on the table, "this came in for you at the brothel, young master".


    Zhu Faye glanced down at the letter with a wrinkled brow, he picked up the letter and unwrapped the letter. His lips tugged up as he read the letter, "interesting, looks like there is a new player in the game." He rolled up the letter a threw it into the fire.


    *********


    Minister Zhu''s study


    Zhu Yaren had different faces, he put on each face depending on who he faced. When he faced the other ministers, he wore a wise and reasonable face. This made other officials gravitate towards him but when he faced the Emperor, his expression was calculating and calm.


    After year''s of putting up a front, he had perfected the art of wearing a pocket face. He knew not to trust anyone because a friend today could become an Enemy. However, he had a few constants in his life that made up his bottom line. Both of whom was his daughter Zhu Fengyin and the Lu family. So when his guard rushed in to report that his two bottom lines were touched by that ungrateful adopted son of his.


    His face darkened, he was aware of the little tricks Zhu Faye and the sixth prince played in the background but pretended otherwise since they were usually unsuccessful. Zhu Faye was a child that in his opinion never should have been allowed to live but because of the promise he made his younger sister before she died giving birth to the boy.


    He couldn''t do anything harmful to the boy except he committed a capital crime. Based on the close familial relationship with his sister, he was forced to tolerate this son of his but attempting to hurt the people he cared about with a deed like this was something Zhu Faye would payday gravely for.


    ***********


    The Duke''s Mansion


    The next morning, Tian Tian was found dead in her cell. After the body was checked it was discovered that she was killed sometime before dark the previous day. Su Liya wasn''t surprised when Yu Tao reported it while she was getting dressed.


    Su Liya was seated in front of the dressing table when Yu Tao was called out by a guard from the detainment cell. Lu Yaozhu was seated on the bed reading a report while waiting for her to get dressed. They were invited into the palace by Empress Lu, the invitation was sent yesterday by the Empress''s eunuch.


    Yu Tao came back in not long after leaving, he stood next to Lu Yaozhu and reported "General, a guard from the prison just reported that Tian Tian was found dead in her cell at daybreak".


    Lu Yaozhu brought the book in his hands down a looked up, eyes narrowed. "How was she killed".


    "it was poison, it seemed that it was slipped into her dinner yesterday."


    "Have the kitchen staff that handle her food captured immediately. I want to get to the end of this"


    "Yes," Yu Tao replied and left the room. Lu Yaozhu noticed that there wasn''t a change in Su Liya''s expression. He tilted his head to the side and tapped his lap gently, "You don''t seem surprised by the news of her death."


    Su Liya didn''t need to be told who he meant by "her", she smiled and nodded, "no, I can''t say I am surprised since I expected this. Zhu Faye is a cold-blooded man, there is no way he would let her leave. She is a loose end, honestly, I suspect that he set this up for her to be caught. I can not believe that a man as calculating as Zhu Faye would take this kind of risk. This might all be his plan to get rid of Tian Tian, we should not let our guard down yet".


    Lu Yaozhu smiled, "I intend to change all the guards and servants in the mansion, I am not pleased with how much access he has in the mansion. Your suspicions are valid, it all seemed too easy. I think it is best to remove him from the equation, that is what I am aiming at. Until then, it doesn''t hurt to act dumb"


    Su Liya used a small pencil to draw her eyebrow, "as far as it doesn''t involve me taking another of those bitter concoctions and acting like I had one foot at death''s door. It is enough that we pull that once, I don''t intend to do that again".


    Lu Yaozhu sight, "when are you going to let me go for that, I have already apologised multiple times already. I feel like you bring that up every few days".


    Su Liya placed the pencil on the table with a "bang" "Can you blame me, try taking one of those medicines every day. Scratch that you are going to try it" she glanced at Baozhai, "we have a batch remaining right, go get it for the General".


    "No no no no, sorry okay! I was wrong!"


    "Don''t ever make me do that again or I will never forgive you." She pulsed hrs lips, "do you know why the Empress is asking for us?"


    Lu Yaozhu stood behind her and resting his head on her shoulder whispered, "Imperial Aunt wants to enquire on how effective our baby-making session is. News of sister-in-law''s pregnancy has her craving another nephew."


    "What!'' Su Liya blushed heavily, "You are lying!"


    "No, I am not. I heard that she invited the imperial doctors two days ago and instructed them to make a fertility enhancement pill. I fear that once again you would be forced to drink one of those healthy concoctions, you hate so much".


    "You!"


    Lu Yaozhu pecked her on the cheek and ran out before she could say anything more.

 Chapter 157: Dont spook the Villian 3

    The Crown Prince Mansion


    Zhu Faye wasn''t the only person to receive a letter from an anonymous person, two of such letters were sent to the Crown Prince''s mansion. One was addressed to the Crown Prince while the other was addressed to Zhu Fenfang. No matter how much Zhu Faye tried to find out who it came from but found nothing,


    Whoever sent him the letter hid well, although he had a few suspicions because of the content of the letter. While he couldn''t find where or who the letter came from he discovered that two of such letters were sent to the Crown Prince''s mansion. This pricked his interest since instead of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess consort being the recipient of the letter.


    He was surprised when the other recipient apart from the Crown Prince was Zhu Fenfang. This got him investigating his younger sister, he was curious about what the sender found in her.


    Meanwhile, at Zhu fenfang''s end. The letter never arrived through the proper channels, which was through the door but was sent through her maid Xiao Chu. Concubines, we''re pretty much confined to their room and hence wasn''t allowed much outside correspondence.


    To combat this rule Zhu fenfang received messages and other things through Xiao Chu. She was shocked when Xiao Chu handed a letter over to her. There was no name on the letter indicating who the letter came from, only her name was written on the envelope.


    Zhu Fenfang turned the envelope back and forth a few times while looking carefully to check if the sender left any initials but got nothing. She glanced at Xiao Chu and frowning slightly asked, "Where did you get this?"


    "Eh," Xiao Chu raised her bent head, stepped forward and gazed at the envelope in her mistress''s hand. "It was among the correspondence given by steward Li. The rest was from my hometown but only this was addressed to you"


    Zhu Fenfang pressed her lip into a thin line and stared at the letter for a few seconds. While she did know who the letter came from, she would be lying if she claimed not to be a little curious about the content of the letter. She picked up the small letter knife in a basket beside her table and cut the envelope open.


    She pulled the flat folded paper out and unfolded the paper. She slapped the table in range after reading the letter. The writer provided evidence of Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu''s involvement in her nearly losing an opportunity to get married to the Crown Prince. Zhu Fenfang never liked Su Liya so she believed the evidence without question.


    *******


    Back at the Crown Prince Study


    The Crown Prince held a similar envelope in hand but unlike Zhu Fenfang''s letter, his was thicker. The sender left a rather cryptic message.


    "Noble Consort Tong didn''t die a natural death, she was poisoned by the Empress. Look for the old Nanny that server her at the Noble Consort''s Palace surnamed Chu."


    He dropped the piece of paper on the table I don''t of him and sorted out the other reports added into the letter. He read through a few that was correspondence between Minister Zhu the past Duke of Wu, Lu Hongli and the Empress. He passed at the correspondence that came sent four days before his mother''s death.


    A memory of his mother bringing him over to the Empress''s palace a few days before her death suddenly came up.


    ********


    it was a cool spring day, instead of sending him over to Chengkun hall for his daily lessons with his Imperial Tutors. His mother asked for a day''s leave, it was a very memorable day for him because his mother personally made his favourite breakfast.


    His mother took him out to play for hours after they had eaten their breakfast.


    Imperial Consort Tong watch got tearful as she watched her six years old son run through the small garden adjacent to her palace with glee. Her Ling''er was a very beautiful and obedient boy, it was always a good sight watching him run around. Although she tried to put on a cheerful expression, she was far from cheerful.


    She wiped her eye with the back of her eyes as the beautiful memories they shared, ran through her mind. Imperial Consort Tong ignored the fatigue she felt as she sat on a blanket and watched her son run around. Nanny Chu her old Nanny and dowry maid gaze went from her weak mistress to the energetic young Prince and shock her head.


    Ignorance was bliss, the young Prince was too young to notice that his mother wasn''t as strong as she usually was. Nanny Chu had watched her mistress grow up, she more than most was familiar with her young Mistress''s health conditions. While her mistress wasn''t the healthiest, her health wasn''t this bad until she was entered the Imperial harem. Her health seemed to have worsened after the young prince was born.


    When Imperial Consort Tong couldn''t tolerate the harsh weather outside, she called the young Zhongshan Ling back. It was almost 3 pm, they needed to get to the Empress''s palace. The Young Zhongshan Ling was neither aware of his mother''s inner thoughts nor her health condition.


    He only remembered that his play was cut short and he was led to the Empress''s palace by his mother. This wasn''t his first visit to the Empress palace, he went there three times a week to greet the Empress. The Empress was always warm to him during the visits, after asking about his studies. She usually gave him gifts, this is it wasn''t any different.


    The only difference was that he was visiting the Empress with his mother, after saluting the Empress. He was sent out to wait by his mother, the Empress face him with a small ball before he left. For some time he was busy but the ball suddenly rolled towards the wedged door leading into the main room.


    He ran after the ball, as he bent to pick up the ball. He caught a glimpse of his mother Kneeling with the Empress warning by the window with her back turned away. He was curious what caused quite a scene, however as he raised his hand to push the door open and walk-in. A maid caught sight of him and let him out.


    ******


    Now years later, as he read at the old browning pieces of paper that contained the alleged conversation between his adopted mother the Empress, her brother, the deceased Duke of Wu and Minister Zhu that pointed out to his mother being poisoned. The event of that day kept coming up especially since that was the day his mother handed him to the Empress to raise.


    Four days later, his mother slept and never woke up again. The more he thought of these two events, the more he doubted the innocence of his imperial mother. Zhongshan Ling picked up the pieces of paper and put them back into the envelope.


    He pulled out a small compartment in the table and put the letter in. He intended to carry out a thorough investigation, before making any moves. Meanwhile, he would try to handle the more pressing issues of stopping the spread of malicious rumours about his marriage before his Imperial father got involved.


    **********


    The Empress''s palace


    Su Liya accepted that there was a little truth in Lu Yaozhu''s words before they left the mansion when the Empress called in a popular fertility doctor in the Imperial academy to check on her. She was still getting over that check-up when the Empress called in another "fertility expert". This time the Expert was female took it to new heights.


    Su Liya''s face heated up and turned nearly cheery red when the Female fertility expert Madam Cai asked


    "How often do you two have sexual relations?"


    Su Liya''s mouth fell, she turned to Lu Yaozhu with a rather scandalized expression. Lu Yaozhu didn''t seem bothered by the madam''s words and just smiled. He quickly supplied her with the answer, he continued to answer each question. Finally, Madam Cai just focused on him and abandoned the suddenly mute Su Liya.


    Su Liya sat there completely still, without saying a thing. While Lu Yaozhu became her spokesman, not that she minded. It was better he supplied the answers than she did but it didn''t stop the second-hand embarrassment from overtaking her. Luckily the arrival of a messenger from the Emperor''s palace put her out of her misery.


    That was until she heard the message he delivered.


    The messenger a thin young eunuch bowed, "Your Highness, there has been an incident at his highness at the sixth Prince''s mansion. The Sixth Princess consort surnamed Zhu has been arrested for the murder of the Imperial grandson".


    The smile on Empress Zhu''s face fell, " What! when did this happen?"


    "Answering your Highness, it happened two a day ago".


    Empress Lu pressed her lips into a thin line and sighed. She glanced at her nephew and daughter, "it seems like I cannot accompany you anymore".


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya both stood, "these citizens understand, we won''t keep your highness waiting".


    "Alright, I won''t see you off. Please take care of yourselves" Empress Lu said.


    "Yes", they saluted Empress Lu and retreated.

 Chapter 158: The first wave of war 1

    The Duke''s mansion


    Su Liya was silent all through the journey back to the Duke''s mansion. She tried to process the jaw-dropping news that was reported to the Empress. Murdering any member of the Imperial family meant death more so now that it was the Emperor''s grandson that was killed. Zhu Feifei was in deep trouble, even her influential father can''t save her.


    She committed a serious offence, saving her would mean sacrificing not just his position but the lives of everyone in the Zhu family. Zhu Feifei was a goner, even if she somehow kept her life, there is no way she would be allowed to keep her position. For someone like her who values position and wealth as much as she did, losing her position was akin to losing her life.


    There was an awkward silence throughout the ride back with Su Liya looking out the window and completely ignoring Lu Yaozhu who sat next to her. The very awkward conversation between Lu Yaozhu and Madam the female fertility expert just kept replaying in her head. When her last attempt at forgetting the awkwardness failed, Su Liya turned away from the window and sighed.


    She glared at the smiling Lu Yaozhu, she wished that she could slap that smile off his face. ''Men just has all the luck, the two of us were both present at the Empress''s audience hall. How come all those fertility experts were focused on me like I was suddenly the only determining factor in having a child'' she thought glaring at him.


    As soon as the carriage arrived at the Duke''s mansion, she slapped away the hand, held out by Lu Yaozhu and jumped down from the carriage barely casting a gaze on him. Lu Yaozhu''s lips tugged up, curving up endearingly as she stumped out of the carriage and walked briskly inside. He found the little pout she had cute and laughed softly.


    Their exchange was open to the servants and guards around but they pretended to notice nothing. Even the Lu Yaozhu ran after her in an attempt to calm her down, they held in their smiles as they watched their hardened General try to find her hands multiple times. Only for the young madam to pull her hands away, even when he tried to make her stop by holding her shoulder.


    Which resulted in her hitting him twice on the shoulder, he pretended to be hurt but they could tell that it was just acting. Not that she fell for his attempt at gaining pity, she just glared at him and continued forward. Lu Yaozhu seeing that she didn''t fall for his little games, frown. He tilted his head to his side for a few seconds as he thought of a new plan. His eye brightened up like bulbed, he straight A''s his leg increasing his steps and hugged her from behind.


    She gasped and held his hand clamped at her waist, she never expected this trickster to make such a bold move in public. Not that it surprised her especially when she remembered that he had all but carried her in hands at the last palace banquet they had attended. She looked around and as expected, his little act attracted a lot of eyes.


    The servants quietly went about their duties such as trimming the grasses and flowers, sweeping and even carrying things around all turned to look at them for a few seconds before quickly facing elsewhere.


    Although the servant in the Duke''s mansion as well trained as they are knew not to show interest in actions like this and quickly looked away. It did nothing to reduce the heavy embarrassment Su Liya currently felt. She slapped his hand and whispered "let go" teeth clenched as she tried to maintain a calm expression. Her outward calm and confident expression was a far cry from the tsunami she felt inside


    ''Jeez, is today embarrass Liya day. Why does this knucklehead keep doing things like this? I am tempted to knock him over the head with his sword. Maybe that would knock some sense into him, she thought glaring up at him.


    Lu Yaozhu just smiled and whispered, "only if you promise to behave and not hit me. Just let me hold your hands until we get to your room, you can hit me all you like once we are behind closed doors. At least try to make coaxing you possible chasing after you as you fume isn''t fun".


    "You!" She nodded "alright, no problem. I can do that, just let go first".


    "you won''t hit me", he said narrowing his eyes on her.


    "Yes I promise", she held her hands up.


    Lu Yaozhu unhooked his hands around her waist and pulled back smiling. He stretched out his hand to her expectantly. Su Liya straightened out her clothes and looked around discreetly before placing her hands in his. They walked quietly to her Pavillion, as soon as they got into her main room she dismissed her makes and Yu Tao.


    Once they were alone, Su Liya turned and kicked him the chin, "Silly" she muttered and walked forward. She sat on the top seat and glared at the tall man holding on to his throwing chin, she snorted when she caught Lu Yaozhu''s hurt expression. Her expression said, "why are you looking at me that way?"


    She smiled smugly and said, "Didn''t you permit me to hit you once we are behind closed doors well I just making goon on the promise. Don''t act like you lost your country or something". The last sentence she muttered and looked away.


    "Hey! Can you not be so vengeful. Why are you taking out your anger on me, I am not one of the fertility specialists".


    "How can I not be angry when they all treated you like the golden child while all the heat was placed on me!"


    He smiled, walked forward, placed his hands around her and pulled her closer. "Don''t be mad, next time that happens don''t worry. I will set them straight and pull all the fire in me"


    He thought that would calm her anger but it did the opposite. She just glared at him, "they better not be a next time or else you will be sleeping on the balcony for days".


    "that is also alright, as far as I am still close to you. I don''t mind sleeping in the dump if we are together. "


    Her heart softened and her cheek heated up. Her lips twitched a little but she quickly held in the smile. They held each other gaze but a sudden knock on the door made them look towards the door. Yu Tao stood at the door, eyebrows drawn together, lips pursed.


    He looked rather grim which was a sharp contrast from his amused expression a few minutes earlier as he walked out of the room with her maids. Lu Yaozhu''s smile paused, "What is it?" He asked eyes narrowed on the folded paper Yu Tao held in his hands.


    "We have a situation, General" he held the missive delivered from their homes in the various borders"You need to see this".


    Lu Yaozhu took the letter from him and quickly read through, his expression darkening as he did. Su Liya who stood at the side watching was surprised at the quick change, "what is it Yaozhu?"


    "Zhu Feifei''s murder case is no longer the most pressing problem. We have more bugger worries, my spies report that over 250, 000 troops from the Droko tribe, Chu state and Yan state has surrounded us. They are well armed Liya, I fear war is imminent" He folded the letter and put it in his sleeve.


    "Did you say that they all surrounded us, how is that? even possible. Why hasn''t the border patrol sent word? My spies report that they attacked the outstation of the border patrol. They are very co-ordinated, they came prepared".


    "I fear that it might be an inside job, Yaozhu."


    "As do I, if it is then we are in bigger trouble because they are a lot of suspects. The Emperor must be informed, a war council meeting should be held this night before they get closer to our borders." He took her hands in his, "don''t wait up for me, I might not get back this night or tomorrow morning. Don''t forget to cover up properly when sleeping, you dare not fall sick. I will get back as soon as I can".


    She nodded and placed her hands on his cheeks, "okay, I will inform mother and sister-in-law".


    "Alright, I trust you" he pulled her close and kissed her deeply before leaving the room. She watched him leave while praying on her heart that the Emperor doesn''t try anything funny. A few minutes later she breathed in and out deeply then walked out of the room. Her maids both fell in step as she walked to her mother-in-law''s courtyard. She glanced at her left, "Rong Rong, go call Fengyin and Eldest miss over".


    "Yes," she replied and ran off. Meanwhile, Su Liya continued walking to Madam Lu''s room. When she arrived, She stood at the door while a maid went in to announce her presence. A few seconds later she was invited inside.

 Chapter 159: The first wave of war 2

    Madam Lu''s courtyard, the Duke''s mansion.


    Su Loya heard the melodious sound of the traditional eight strings guipin as she got closer to madam Lu''s courtyard. The melodious harmony got louder as she walked into the compound at getting closer to the majestic Pavillion madam Lu occupied. Two maps stood outside the entrance of the pavilion, while the other lower-ranked outside servants went about cleaning up the yard.


    One of the maids stepped out from her post and came forward to salute Su Liya as she stood at the top of the small wooden step leading to the entrance of the pavilion.


    "Good day, Your Highness," the maid said bowing at 30 degrees.


    Su Liya smiled and glanced at the entrance of the Pavillion, "please announce my presence".


    "Yes, please wait" she bowed, walked to the door and knocked. She waited by the door for a response before going in. Madam Lu sat legs crossed at a low table in between the two side doors that allowed good ventilation of air. She didn''t look up from the guipin in front of her and continued to luck the string carefully.


    The youngest of Madam Lu''s dowery maids who stood next to madam Lu walked forward to meet her. The maid saluted Madam Lu, "second Madam is requesting an audience, madam".


    The tips of Madam Lu''s fingers on the strings of the exquisite guipin paused, she removed her fingers from the strings and placed both hands on the vibrating strings to settle the string. "let her in" Madam Lu said in a tone a few octaves higher than a whisper.


    The outside maid gave an affirmative reply and went out of the room to invite Su Liya inside. Meanwhile inside, madam Lu was supported up by her dowry maid, Aunt Bai and led to the top seat in the main room. This was the first time her usually low key daughter-in-law visited her, she was curious about the reasons behind the visit.


    Su Liya was already seated as Madam Lu walked out of the small door opposite her seat. She was stopped from standing to give her mother-in-law a salute as she tried standing. She was waved down and sat silently.


    Madam Lu''s dowry maid Aunt Yu stepped back after supporting her mistress to her seat. Madam Lu pulled her sleeve up, "Liya, I trust that all is well, I was surprised when the maid informed me that you were at the door. Don''t keep things from me, of something or someone is worrying you. Just let me know, even if it is Yaozhu. I will settle it for you"


    "Don''t worry mother, everything is going well on my end. However, I fear that the situation in the country is about to change. The General received a message a few minutes ago reporting that Over 200, 000 armed soldiers from Droko tribe, Chu state and Yan state appeared on all the borders. They are headed for the northern, southern and western borders", she sat in a low tone


    "What!" Madam Lu looked around and reducing her tone continued, "if this is becomes known to the public, it could cause unrest among the citizen. Usually, most large scale attacks like this are focused on only one border but to attack from different directions. I fear that this was a planned attack. Our opponents planned this carefully. Where is Xiao Zhu?"


    "He went into the palace to inform his Majesty"


    Madam Lu tapped the armrest of the top seat and pulsed her lips, after a few seconds she said. "Based on the urgency of this, you and Yaozhu must return to Ningzhuo. That occurs seat of our northern borders, get packing. I will arrange the rest, this isn''t going to be easy but you two have to stay strong. I wish you didn''t have to go but, I think you should accompany Xiao Zhu to war. If he argues just tell him that you are going there to provide medical help to the injured. That way you can put an eye on him"


    "Yes, mother"


    Madam Lu looked at her and sighed, "the last time, Lu Yaozhu went off to war, I nearly lost him. You must be careful, keep an eye out for spies. A war can be won without lifting a battle due to sabotage. For the enemies to get this close, there must be a few spies embedded in the army.


    "Most men often underestimate the strength of a woman, instead of arguing with men like that, use their ignorance against them. I will send a few secret guards to go with you, women in the Lu family might not openly fight wars but that doesn''t mean we aren''t useful. We are always the best vanguard generals to our men, they fight in the open while we fight in secret"


    Su Liya blinked and looked up, she saw the raw determination in her mother-in-law''s eyes. Her impression of madam Lu had improved these past few weeks but these words turned her into a fan. It wasn''t every day that one found a wan from the ancient times that thought this way.


    She stood and bowed to her, "daughter-in-law understands"


    *********


    At the Imperial palace


    Emperor Zhong ran his hands through his hair as he read through the various Intelligence sent over by his soy network. Things were not looking good for them. There were only a bare minimum of 20,000 soldiers stationed at all the borders, compared to the 60,000 soldiers the enemies had matching to their borders. They were bound to amass a lot of losses.


    The additional soldiers he would be sending down with his Commanding generals to defend the borders may not arrive on time. Although an Emperor was meant to appear brave in the hit of war. The look of everything was worrying, he sent down the report from the north and sighed,


    "it is not just the Droko tribe, Chu state and Yan state that us attacking us. There are reports of the Narashi ice warriors of Wuzhao joining in, I can write to western Liang to provide support for us in the south. The north is something else, back there we are surrounded by enemies. At the rate, we might lose the north. The Narashi ice warriors are like ghosts in the ice, I can''t risk our men on a hopeless war".


    "I am willing to protect the north"

 Chapter 160: The First Wave of war 3

    The Emperor''s war room.


    "I am willing to protect the north," Lu Yaozhu said from his position behind the minister of Wars, minister Tian. Everyone turned to him, they wide.


    "That is a death sentence!" The Crown prince said looking at Lu Yaozhu with narrowed eyes. The Emperor called in all the adult princes to seat in the meeting, even if both the fifth and sixth prince initially intended to just dribble his thumb throughout the meeting.


    The Crown Prince followed every intelligence that had come in. He understand what was at stake but even though he did, he didn''t support sending one of their best generals on a suicide mission. He opened his mouth to say more but Lu Yaozhu beat him to it.


    "Your highness, my main duty is to protect the people and last I checked the people in the north are also our citizens. We can''t write them off because it seemed risky if the enemy takes the north. We can just consider the war ended. That is where a majority of the military weapons are made, letting them take the north is like supplying them without treasures".


    His argument was reasonable, there was nothing Zhongshan Ling could say to challenge him. He could only shut his mouth and walk forward, stopping a few steps away from his father. "If General Lu heads north, we will be short of a general to guard in the west border. I would like to be permitted to lead the soldiers north and_"


    "No!" Emperor Zhong shouted before he could finish his statement. "You are the Crown Prince of Northern Wei, the next Emperor! You should remain in the capital."


    "Imperial father is right, I should remain at the capital and I would if this was not an emergency. We cannot allow the enemy to breach our borders, if General Lu goes north, we will be short on a general. For that, we need someone with military training and with no available general in the capital right now. I am the only one who can do that"


    "No, you are not!" Emperor Zhong walked closer to him and held up the crown Prince''s Chin, "there is Duke Wu and unlike you, he has a little experience something you, my dear son lacks" he dropped Zhongshan Ling''s chin. "Leave the protection for people who know what they are doing. Just focus on being a good helper".


    Zhongshan Ling suddenly felt like burrowing the ground and burying himself underground in embarrassment. He had hoped to finally get acknowledged by his father but his father refused to budge and just destroyed his confidence. Lu Yingjie noticed the change in the Crown Prince''s mood, he understood that the crown prince wanted to contribute.


    However, like the Emperor, he also thinks that it was safest for the crown Prince to stay back in the capital. If the crown Prince had asked for his opinion, he would have advised the Crown Prince to stay back at the capital. This battle was bound to be difficult, it is not the best battle for the Crown Prince to try to get experience.


    All eyes would be on him and if he didn''t come back successful or worse injured, public opinion with turn against him. Lu Yingjie didn''t know who gave him such bad advice but whoever that was does not have his best interest at heart. While he understood where the Emperor''s rejection came from. He still found the Emperor''s tone a little too harsh.


    Lu Yingjie wasn''t the only one with thoughts regarding the exchange between father and son. Everyone has their thoughts but pretended to be invincible. However unlike the rest of the occupants of the room who felt sympathetic to the crown prince. The sixth prince was far from sympathetic, of anything he was enjoying the crown Prince''s embarrassment.


    He suddenly felt that even though there was a little inch in his plan to get rid of the crown Prince, seeing the Crown Prince treated like a stubborn child made the loss worth it. He rubbed below his lips to hide his smile while thinking, ''those advisers of Zhongshan Ling needed a little bonus. They pulled it up a lot better than had expected''.


    The Sixth Prince caught the eyes of the maritime official and nodded. The maritime official a plump man can forward, "Your majesty, why don''t you station his highness at the seaport close to the capital. Although we could consider the land borders all covered, it is not wise to leave the seaport unprotected. In case of a sudden attack".


    The seaport was only a day''s trip from. The capital, which to Emperor Zhong was a preferable distance compared to the western border that was over four days away. He glanced at the Crown Prince and nodded, "get ready to lead a team down there".


    "Yes, father"


    At the end of the nearly 12 hours meeting, it was already mid-morning. The Emperor had issues over ten military edicts and tallies to the Generals. Among them was Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yingjie, the two brothers rode straight to the military Garrison located by the entrance of the capital to round up their team.


    Military Recruitment notices were already being written and would be announced before the end of the day. That day while everyone went back home grim-faced, the Sixth prince arrived at his mansion in good spirits. Not even the steward''s report of Zhu Feifei attempting to harm herself while he was away ruined his mood.


    This wasn''t her first attempt, she had tried to take her online non-stop since she had been confined to her rooms. Not that he would let her, he didn''t like this wife of his and fully intended to let her suffer. To him, she did not deserve even an easy ending. Her death would be painful and preferably after he took over the throne.


    He went straight to her courtyard, which was lined with his guards, as expected it was very quiet that even a sound of a pin drop would be heard. The men bowed in greeting as he walked to the door, opening the door and stepping aside to let him in. He was greeted by the metallic smell of blood as he walked in, he glanced to the bed and saw his principal wive tied up to a pole. A bandage wrapped around her wrist, the three muscular female maids standing guard bowed as he walked closer.


    He glanced at the fresh bandage on her wrist, "how did she get to a knife?" He walked to her and raised her chin.

 Chapter 161: The casualties of war 1

    The sixth prince''s mansion.


    The metallic smell of blood was heavy in the room, which was not surprising considering how often Zhu Feifei bled since she was locked up in here. Most onlookers would argue that her living conditions were bearable considering the offence she had committed. However, on close observation. They would discover that she never had a day of rest.


    Although Zhongshan Cheng was forced to keep her alive until the Emperor gave his verdict, that didn''t stop him from ordering servants to torture her. Zhu Feifei had bruises on her stomach and legs all thanks to the matron''s careful actions.


    At this point, Zhongshan Cheng was sick of dealing with her. He glanced at the fresh bandage on her wrist, "how did she get to a knife?" He walked to her and raised her chin.


    One of the stone-faced matrons keeping watch on Zhu Feifei replied "Answering your highness, the princess consort_"


    "Don''t call her princess consort, call her madam Zhu. She has lost that privilege", he interrupted smiling.


    Zhu Feifei struggled out of her restraints, " You monster!"


    He pulled his hand away from her chin forcefully, "Monster!, me_ you little!" He glanced at the maid behind her.


    The maid raised her hands and sent it down On Zhu Feifei''s cheeks. Zhu Feifei''s face was pushed to the left by the force. Her eyes teared up immediately and her sour cheek swelled up more. She felt the slightly metallic taste of blood in her lips, she turned sideways and spat out saliva mixed with blood


    Zhongshan Cheng never spared her any other gaze, he gestured for a servant to pull a seat closer and sat in front of Zhu Feifei. He leaned to the side and gazed down at her, her cheeks were like large red tomatoes. They swelled so much that her other facial features combined with the swollen cheeks made a very funny look.


    He chuckled and tapped the side of his lips, "stop making so much noise, it won''t help you." He glanced at the bandage wrapped around her wrist, "you want to die? Don''t you dare or you can be sure that your daughter will follow after you. Your life is in my hands, I will decide how and when you die".


    He stood and walked to the door but paused a short distance away from the door. He raised his index finger and turned back, lips curved up. "Oh and one more thing, don''t place any hope on the fantasy that your father would save you. Because he won''t, no one will. You see he has more pressing issues to worry about than you. Plus you are pretty expendable, don''t you have two other younger sisters apart from Zhu Fenfang.


    "You Zhu sisters are really capable, do you know how hard it is to get just one daughter married into the royal family" he shook his head, "but the Zhu family has two daughters in the Imperial family. That just shows how capable your Zhu family is".


    He laughed and left the room, completely ignoring her bellows. Zhu Feifei''s opinion was of no relevance as far as he was concerned, there was no need to pay her any attention. He instructed the guards at the door to tighten up security as he walked out.


    He was initially headed tie the direction of his side hall to visit one of his usual concubines but on second thought took another turn and headed straight to his study.


    ********


    Two hours later, the Duke''s mansion


    "Mistress, the guard at the gate just reported that the Duke and General are back" Baozhai whispered into Su Liya''s ears as her mistress sat through Rong Rong''s packing. They were in a hurry to pack up before the General returned from the palace. Su Liya dropped the hairpin in her hand inside tge box and stood.


    She glanced at Baozhai, "you take care of things here, I will go out and meet General Lu". Su Liya walked out of the side room and into the living room. Lu Yaozhu stood by the window, with his back turned to her from her position at the door. He turned as he heard her footsteps and smiled, "there you are".


    Su Liya quickly ran her eyes through him from head to foot, everything seemed okay. There was nothing out of order, she let out a loud breath on seeing them in order. "You are back, how was it," she said walking closer to him.


    "Good" he kissed her hands, "I will be leaving with the recruits and other soldiers for Ningzhuo tomorrow. I can not stat any longer my dear. The enemies are getting closer to the border".


    "I am already done packing, I can leave when you are ready"


    "You? Are you coming with me?"


    "Yes!"


    "Why"


    "Because I want to, plus I could offer medical help to the refugees and injured soldiers"


    "But it could be dangerous, you could get injured".


    "And so could you, I can not let you go through this alone. Don''t worry, I would get in your way"


    Lu Yaozhu looked at her stubborn expression and sighed, "okay"


    **********


    The next day, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya left at daybreak, before leaving they stood just outside the city gates and underwent a short ritual in the Emperor''s presence. Emperor Zhong sat at the tower by the gates until they were completely out of sight.


    Every morning for the next four days Emperor Zhong often sat at the tower to see the soldiers off. Although they tried without end to keep the conditions at the borders under wraps, rumours began to spread. The frequency of recruitment and deployment of soldiers raised a lot of suspicions.


    Emperor Zhong had people monitoring the situation at the borders, he was informed as soon as Lu Yaozhu arrived at Ningzhuo with his wife. The Narashi Warriors had just crossed the Frozen shark river a few hours after Lu Yaozhu arrived at Ningzhuo which would put them toughly three days away from the border.


    Emperor Zhong folded threw the report his soy master sent into the fire and glanced at his chief eunuch Caihong. "How are things with the Empress?"


    Chief Eunuch Caihong understood the question his master was asking and replied, "her highness has not been informed of the conditions at the borders".


    "Good, the last thing I want is for her to come charging in here. It is not my fault that her favourite nephew took such a risk. I can not be blamed for every bad decision he made."


    "General Lu is an adult, I am sure her highness would understand that you had no control over his choice".


    He raised his teacup high, " here is to hoping that she does, meanwhile, keep an eye on the seaport. Although it seemed safe, I can not help but worry about the safety of the crown Prince".


    "Yes"


    ********


    Meanwhile in a well-lit tent of the tiger claw camp of Droko tribes a few kilometres away from the southern borders of Northern Wei


    A hairy muscular man dressed in a black half armour stood at the head of the squat shaped control table that contained a detailed map of the southern borders of Northern Wei when a soldier ran in with a letter from their contact at the southern seaport.


    The man raised his hands and gestured for the other occupants of the room to keep silent. The other men didn''t have to be told twice, they kept silent while the general read through the letter.


    The Tiger claw troupe was part of the major forces of the Droko tribe and led by the king of Droko tribes nephew Prince Du. A giant-sized man of over 6 ft 5 popular for his massive beards.


    Prince Du let out a hearty laugh as he rolled up the letter and threw it into the fire. His mean looked up expectantly, they had served him long enough to know that if getting a response like this from him wasn''t easy. It had to be something interesting.


    Prince Du picked up the jar of wine next to his hands and drank straight from the bottle, a few drops of the wine fell on his beards but he didn''t take offence with that. "Tell the men to drink and be merry tomorrow, we will give the silly Emperor a huge hit."


    "Yes!" His men chorused and left the room.


    The next day, Prince Du led his elite troops after the Crown Prince of Northern Wei. He had come here out of duress but the prospect of ending the life of a spoiled near like the crown Prince made it worth the worry.


    Zhongshan Cheng was ambushed on his way back to the seaport tower from a small farming village a short distance from the seaport. He had gone there to meet with his mother''s former Nanny, he had a few questions about the events that occurred before his mother''s death. The Nanny initially tried to refuse his demands but after he said a few words, she gave in and told him all he wished to know.


    An arrow flew past his headache rode out of the village, knocking him out of his horse.

 Chapter 162: The casualties of war 2

    Some hours before the ambush, the Crown Prince''s room at the Southern seaport watchtower.


    A sudden knock on the door drew Zhongshan Ling''s attention from the cargo record he silently read through. Whoever was at the door knocked twice and paused for some seconds, His eyes narrowed on the door as the knocking resumed. He was not expecting any visitors, he looked to his servant, Xie Fang standing beside his seat and nodded to the door.


    Xie Fang nodded silently and without making any sound walked to the door, pulled his head out of its sheath and held it by his side. He kept it at the most easily accessible angle as he opened the door. His grip on the sword loosened as he came face to face with one of the Crown Prince''s most trusted servants and the leader of their spy network Hanriu.


    Hanriu noticed his sneaky actions as he pushed the sword back into the sheath but pretended otherwise. His lips curved up as he walked onto the room, Xie Fang didn''t block him anymore, he stepped aside to let Hanriu in. The two men nodded briefly until he came face to face with the Crown Prince.


    Hanriu performed the standard salute and held up a folded letter to the Crown Prince, "Your highness, I have discovered the current location of the Noble consort''s nanny".


    The Crown Prince''s eyes immediately fell on the letter, Xie Feng rushed forward and took the letter from Hanriu''s hands. He passed the letter to the Crown Prince and stepped back to stand at the Crown Prince''s right.


    Zhongshan Ling unfolded the paper and read through the content, which contained only an address and directions to get there from the watchtower. "She is living at the village close by, how amusing. Here I was sending people as far as her hometown on the north when she was this close. It is only three and half hours away if we leave now we can get there by daybreak. I just need to ask her a few questions so we won''t stay long"


    "I will go inform your guard_"


    "No need for that, I don''t want to alert anyone. we will be gone only for a few hours tops, going with my four private guards will be okay"


    "But it isn''t to save, I think going with a complete team would be more preferable" Xie Feng argued but Zhongshan Ling dismissed his concern. Even when Hanriu supported Xie Feng, his opinion was also dismissed.


    In the end, Zhongshan Ling left with a team of six alone. Before leaving an eagle was sent out to the tiger cub camp, the distance between the military camp and the village was short so Prince Du waited in the woods for Zhongshan Ling.


    Meanwhile, at Zhongshan Ling''s end, the Sun was high in the sky when he arrived at Nanny Chu''s cottage. They were greeted at the door by Nanny Chu''s son, after introducing themselves. They were led inside to meet Nanny Chu, the cottage was well furnished. The financials of the Chu family looked to be very good, which could mean one of two things.


    Either Nanny Chu was given a hefty retirement fund or she was paid off by someone. Zhongshan Ling was leaning more to the later because of how quickly Nanny Chu Left the palace. Most times when an imperial concubine with a child dies, by right the children usually inherits a few of their mothers'' servant but that wasn''t the case with him.


    Nanny Chu left as soon as his mother was buried, he didn''t read more meaning into it until now. Back then he was satisfied with the excuse that she left because she was besieged by grief. Nanny Chu looked nothing like he remembered, which had nothing to do with just ageing.


    Zhongshan Ling was led into a warm well lit room, Nanny Chu was seated next to the window. She stood as he walked in and attempted to give him a salute but he stopped her before she could.


    Nanny Chu didn''t sear until he was seated, she asked about his health. Completely avoiding any of his questions concerning his mother, Zhongshan Ling finally couldn''t take it again and asked a more direct question.


    "Aunt Chu, how did my mother die?"


    The smile on her face fell, "your_ Highness... You know how she died. Your mother was born prematurely_ she easily got sick. Sadly that last time.... She never recovered".


    Zhongshan Ling glanced at her shaky eyes, full of fear. It was all he needed to understand what happened but before jumping to conclusions. He needed to be sure, he looked her straight in the eyes and asked


    "Was my mother poisoned?"


    Nanny Chu couldn''t withstand the heat of his gaze, maybe it was because of the guilt that had silently eaten deep into her soul all these years. Her mistress had suffered all those years in the palace and although the Empress didn''t pull the trigger. To her, Empress Lu was as responsible as the other concubines. Why did the Empress turn blind eyes to her mistress suffering, if the Empress''s had stepped in maybe her mistress won''t have died.


    She looked away from the Crown Prince and bit her lips, she was tired of keeping quiet on the events of that year. It has been over two decades, the Crown Prince deserved to know the true conditions of his mother''s death. Nanny Chu also felt like this would give her much needed closure.


    It was not like she would be lying, things had gone down this exact way. She looked at him and once again the face of her poor young mistress flashed. He looked a lot like his mother, which made this more painful for her. ''Please forgive me for not keeping my promise mistress'' she thought looking up silently.


    "Your highness is right, the young mistress was indeed poisoned before she died but you must remember that this is normal in the Imperial haram. No one can escape that".


    His heartbeat stilled for a second as he heard that, he had unknowingly hoped that it would not turn out to be true but in the end it did. At least this proved that one out of the two accusations made in the anonymous letters is true now to find out if the second point made is true.


    "Who poisoned her?"


    Nanny Chu looked up eye wide as her heartbeat quickened, the scene she had experienced the night her mistress died immediately popped up in her head. She suddenly wished that she had kept her mouth shut about the poisoning. Maybe she wouldn''t be forced to put the Crown Prince in a bind like this.


    The Empress wasn''t someone that he could easily cross, the Empress''s grudge with her young miss was already very big. This crown Prince position was a position he got thanks to her mistress''s sacrifice if the Crown Prince crosses the Empress. It could be disastrous and it would end with him losing both his title and the protection the Empress offered him.


    Her silence made Zhongshan Ling more convinced that his earlier suspicion was right. He pressed her further by saying, "please tell me what happened to my mother. I have been seeing her in my dreams recently. Which made me feel very uneasy, don''t I deserve to know this much?"


    Nanny chu bit her lips gently, she couldn''t help but remember the promise she made her young mistress. She intended to carry this secret to her grave but present circumstances made that impossible for her. With her grandchild''s life in the line, there is no way she could keep her promise. The cost of doing that was too high for her to pay.


    "Young Mistress was poisoned by the Empress, she had been poisoned for years."


    "If the Empress poisoned my mother how come she still took me in?"


    "Because your mother begged her to during the last few days of her life. The Noble consort knew that she won''t survive the illness, the imperial physicians had told her several times. The Empress just lost her child and was grieving, our young miss knew that the Empress was kind and would never hold anything against a child. So she begged her to adopt you, your mother was willing to relinquish her rights over you just to keep you safe.


    "She knew that the empress had complications after giving birth and couldn''t survive another pregnancy. Out of the other Imperial concubines, she was the best option because she needed a son and unlike the rest, she had a strong family and could offer you protection the Tong family can''t.


    "Young Mistress also thought that since the Empress had no son, you could be made the Crown Prince. According to the traditions of northern Wei, only the son of an Empress or an imperial Noble consort can be made the Crown Prince. It was beneficial to everyone dividing the Lu family, a few days after Empress Lu accepted to adopt you. She sent over a bottle of fast-acting poison and instructed your mother to take it."


    Zhongshan Ling remained silent for some seconds as he tried to process all that he had heard. He came here convinced that he could accept whatever he discovered but now that he heard it all he still couldn''t bring himself to believe.

 Chapter 163: The Casualties of war 3

    The Southern borders


    Zhongshan Ling stayed back for a few minutes before giving an excuse and leaving the Chu family''s cottage. The journey back to the watchtower unlike the much earlier trip to the Nanny''s cottage was more Quietly. His men didn''t know what Zhongshan Ling had talked about with his mother''s Nanny but base on his current mood the result didn''t look good.


    His conversation with Nanny Chu replayed in his mind non-stop as they rode out of the small village.


    "Young Mistress was poisoned by the Empress, she had been poisoned for years."


    "she begged her to adopt you, your mother was willing to relinquish her rights over you just to keep you safe.


    "She knew that the empress had complications after giving birth and couldn''t survive another pregnancy. Out of the other Imperial concubines, she was the best option because she needed a son and unlike the rest, she had a strong family and could offer you protection the Tong family can''t.


    "Young Mistress also thought that since the Empress had no son, you could be made the Crown Prince. According to the traditions of northern Wei, only the son of an Empress or an imperial Noble consort can be made the Crown Prince. It was beneficial to everyone dividing the Lu family, a few days after Empress Lu accepted to adopt you. She sent over a bottle of fast-acting poison and instructed your mother to take it."


    He would have never expected to hear that the Empress did something like this. He had always assumed that she was better than the other consorts who had zero regard for human lives and would kill anyone for power.


    They rode out of the town unbeknownst to them that they were being followed by a team of Droko tribe''s best shadow warriors. They didn''t notice anything wrong until they were surrounded by the forest. The sound of a branch breaking at his left drew Zhongshan Ling away from his thoughts. He raised his right hand featuring for his hen to stop moving.


    His men stopped moving and he looked to the thick bushes on his left. His eyes scrutinised every single part of those bushes, searching for something or someone out of place. A small rabbit running quickly out of the bush to the bush to the bush on the other side made him relax. He smiled and pulled his horse reins, to his men behind him.


    He said, "false alarm, it is just a furry animal but be on guard".


    "Yes", his guards chorused.


    Zhongshan Ling nodded and rode forward, this time his speed considerably increased. Their vigilance gradually reduced, after an hour when there was no attack for close to an hour. However, everything quickly changed when multiple arrows were shot at them from different directions. It was so sudden, one of his marked guards were hit through the neck by the arrow and died instantly.


    Zhongshan Ling leaned forward on his horse as an arrow missed him by the ear, instead the arrow brushed his cheeks. There was a very quick sharp pain on his cheeks, a long line of blood dripped from the cur and stained the line of white fur on his horse. The horse was well trained and didn''t ride away when spooked. Like most well-trained warhorses, it stayed, only going forward after being shaped gently by Zhongshan Ling.


    The horse ran a few kilometres before it was hit on the jugular by an accurately shot arrow from Prince Du himself. The horse fell with the force pushing Zhongshan Ling forward. Zhongshan Ling stretched out his hands to waste his fall, but it wasn''t a good idea because as he hit the ground a loud "ckek" sound was heard of bone cracking. He hissed silently, he felt a sharp pain as he tried to move his right hand.


    He rolled to his side while clutching his hands admits the throbbing pain as he tried to avoid the arrows aimed at him. He was cornered with most of his men either dead or occupied, he created a tree and using his good hand, he pulled himself behind the tree. He leaned on the tree trunk and tried to regulate his breathing, catching his breath was wishful thinking at most.


    He placed his injured arm on his chest and held his cloth, or at least tried to hold on as best he could amidst the pain and tried to pull out his danger for protection. He stayed still and tried to control his breathing as he heard footsteps get closer to him, he held tightly to the Dagger. Raising it quietly to a convenient position as the footsteps got closer.


    Things were not looking so good for him because of his injuries but he was determined to go down fighting or die trying. He folded his legs silently preparing to strike out on his attacker when the sound of running followed by sword clashing was heard. He peeked out of the small line between the two giant threes he hide behind and saw Hanriu, Xie Feng and a new set of masked guards, he couldn''t identify fighting his attackers.


    He hadn''t gotten a clear look at his attackers until now but now that he did. Although they were dressed in black uniforms, they looked like Droko tribe soldiers. He couldn''t recognize the masked guards who fought alongside Xie Feng but based on their marksmanship they were skilled warriors trained by someone.


    He checked for any tags or marks that would point to whoever sent them but there were no notable tags on them. He couldn''t identify who owned such skilled soldiers but since they were all dressed in black, with their faces completely covered. Their numbers were not as much as that of the Droko tribe fighters but they gradually took down their enemies.


    Zhongshan Ling surveyed the entire fight scene, his eyes finally fell on a hairy giant-sized man in half armour. ''Isn''t that... the War Maniac Prince Du of Droko tribe''. What is he doing here?'' He watched as prince Du swung his heavy sword at one of his agile two opponents.


    Prince Du Swore loudly as he missed his opponent once more when compared to the two shorter masked men he was fighting. He was like a drunk giant falling around. Zhongshan Ling could take his eyes off such a legendary warrior like Prince Du. Most people prayed not to meet this man in battle but here he was meeting him in a thick forest in the south.


    If Lu Yaozhu was called the Young God of war of Northern Wei, Prince Du was Droko tribes equivalent. He was popular for riding into the battlefield in full armour wielding a heavy mace in one hand and an axe in his other hand. He could single-handedly take down ten men alone, he was the best at sneak attacks and few of his opponents came back in one piece.


    Rumour was that he liked to take body parts as Souvenir of each battle, which earned him the name the War Maniac because he enjoyed irrational killing. He liked to take a body part of the commanding generals of the armies he vanquished. There were rumours that after over a decade of leading various campaigns, he had an extensive collection of body parts.


    He preserves the body parts and carried them with him to every battle. A lot of rumours concerning this killing machine was rampant, among them were the rumours that he performed weird rituals with the body parts the night before any battle. All these rumours coupled with his massive height made him the one person Zhongshan Ling never wanted to run into unprotected.


    He glanced back at the scene behind him and two masked men kept Prince Du occupied. Which gave the rest of his men an opportunity to take down the Droko tribe soldiers. Hanriu ran a man through with his sword when he saw a light flash at his side. He stepped aside quickly, as an enemy''s sword missed his shoulders, he rose his sword to cut the enemies Sword off and with his free hand pushed the enemy back.


    The enemy momentarily lost his footing due to the force, thus allowing him to make a fatal blow at his jugular and cut him down. He jumped over the fallen enemy and stood back to back with Xie Feng who had gotten bloodier. Hanriu searched for the Crown Prince with his eyes but found no sign of it. His eyes fell on Prince Du and the two marked guard and pursed his lips.


    He said to Xie Feng, "Where is his highness?" They both hit the sword of the enemies in front of them aside. Separating for a few seconds until they ran their opponents through with a sword. They came closer and this time leaned back to back, panting heavily Xie Feng quickly surveyed his surroundings, there wasn''t any sign of the Crown Prince.


    "His highness must be hiding behind a tree" Xie Feng said finally.


    "Hold them off, while I bring his highness to safety," Hanriu said.


    "Okay," Xie Feng rushed forward and drew most of the soldiers towards him.


    Hanriu looked around before running forward, as he ran into the bushes, he called out in loud whispers, "Your highness! Your Highness!"

 Chapter 164: The Casualties of war 4

    The Southern borders


    Hanriu looked around before running forward, as he ran into the bushes, he called out in loud whispers, "Your highness! Your Highness!"


    Zhongshan Ling looked towards his right as he heard his name being called, he stepped out from behind the tree when he saw that it was Hanriu. "Here I am" he whispered.


    Hanriu''s looked toward the direction, he heard the Crown Prince''s voice. His eyes fell on the hand Zhongshan Ling clutched to his chest, he gave Zhongshan Ling a thorough look down before running closer. He bowed at the Crown Prince, "highness, I am here to take you to safety. While the others keep prince Du and his men entertained".


    Zhongshan Ling looked back, the men were still fighting heavily. They were now evenly matched, unlike much earlier. He turned back to Hanriu and nodded, "lead the way".


    Hanriu glanced at the hand he clutched to his chest and pursed his lips, Zhongshan Ling followed his gaze down. "I think a bone is broken, no need for first aid. We can take care of this when we are safe".


    "Your Highness, can you handle the pain. It must be uncomfortable running while holding your injured arm. I have a scarf, I can use it to hold your hands up. That is if you would like that" Hanriu brought out a dark blue scarf from inside his tunic and held it up to the Crown Prince.


    Zhongshan Ling nodded, it was more practical to do that. Plus he wanted to be able to run easily without pulling them down. He couldn''t possibly run fast while holding his hand up, it was smarter to follow Hanriu''s suggestions. Hanriu put his sword into the sheath and spread out the scarf, he folded it into a slimline.


    Then holding the Crown Prince''s injured arm firmly to his chest. He tied the scarf around, the Crown Prince''s injured hands and tied the other end of the scarf before hooking it over his neck and shoulder. "Sorry your highness", He said as the Crown Prince hissed silently. He stepped back when he was done and liked up.


    "Are you comfortable, your Highness? If you are not, I could adjust the scarf a little_"


    "No need, it is okay. Let us go" he whispered looking back to check if they were being followed but everyone was still busy fighting.


    Hanriu nodded and pointed to a slim path by their left, "this way, your highness. I will follow behind in case we are being followed".


    Zhongshan Ling nodded and ran through the path, they kept running. While looking back a few times to check if they were being followed but as far they weren''t even after running for close to thirty minutes. Hanriu led him through a few turns through the forest, until they got to a wide field. They stopped by a tree to catch their breath and rear for a few minutes before they continued heading back to the watchtower.


    Minutes later, when his heartbeat and breath somewhat settled, patting Hanriu on the shoulder Zhongshan Ling signalled that they should continue. They resumed tuning towards the watchtower, they ran for close to forty minutes. Zhongshan Looked through the forest and noticed that no familiar landmarks were in sight were indicating that they were getting closer to the watchtower.


    They had been running for over an hour and a half, as far as he knew they should be getting closer to their destination but there wasn''t a tower insight. He suddenly got a gut feeling that danger was up ahead but based on his long history and trust in Hanriu. He couldn''t believe that he was betrayed but he was fully convinced of the betrayal as they came out at a small field with a well.


    He turned around to Hanriu, "this isn''t the way to the watchtower, Hanriu. After all these years, why betray me?"


    Hanriu drew his sword and placed it on Zhongshan Ling''s jugular, "it was a pleasure serving you, your highness but that must come to an end. Don''t take this to heart, it has nothing to do with you. I just want to think for myself for once, working with you is not that beneficial in the long run"


    Zhongshan Ling gaze went from the sword on his neck to the old retainer that after year''s of service, he had no longer considered a servant but now saw as a friend. The amount of trust he has developed in this spymaster of his made the betrayal all the more painful. After all, they had experienced, he was curious why and who turned one of his most trusted servants against him.


    "Who ordered you to do this?"


    "Informing you of that is irrelevant not when you are not likely to survive this. There are no hard feelings between us, it is just that I have gotten tired of working with losers like you. While I won''t deny that we had made good memories working together. I cannot stand working with a weakling like you, who rely on the Lu family and the Empress for everything.


    "Yet you still dare to doubt their sincerity, so what if her highness poisoned your concubine mother. In the Imperial family, whose hand is clean. Even your so-called mother''s hand is filled with blood. You are lucky that the Empress took you in. If not you would have never become the Crown Prince!"


    "Do not insult my mother, she was nothing like that!"


    "Oh please don''t lie to yourself, you know that I am telling the truth. The Empress doesn''t go around killing people and even if she wanted to kill someone out of jealousy. Why would she kill a mere Imperial concubine who wasn''t even favoured but was lucky enough to give birth to a son?


    "Please, even you find that odd but since isn''t in line with the innocent image you painted of your mother. You don''t want to think on your suspicion, it is better to make the Empress your enemy. If you doubt what I am saying, just look into how the Empress lost her child. You would be shocked what you will uncover, too bad you can''t but don''t worry. I will tell you who started the fire, it would be my last duty to you."


    "I would be stupid to take a traitor''s words to mind"


    Haha haha, "why? Scared? Because it would run the innocent image, you painted for your mother. Too bad your opinion isn''t relevant, your highness" he moved closed the Zhongshan Ling, "the fire that faithful night was arranged by your mother and her darling Nanny. You see your mother was jealous when the fourth prince was named the Crown Prince. She was hoping that the throne would be passed to you since you are the only surviving prince then.


    "She had worked so hard to kill off the other prince that came after you but never counted on the Empress having a son this time after so many years. She knew that as a concubine without a strong backing, she would need her son to be adopted by the Empress but that can''t happen when the fourth prince is alive and kicking. Much less when the position of Crown Prince was already occupied by a one-week-old baby.


    "So they devised a plan to take care of that child but she didn''t count on two of the most favoured concubines in the haram getting pregnant and giving birth to a son one after the other. Not to speak ill of the dead but if you ask me your mother got what she deserved because like you, she was an ungrateful person that bit the hams that fed it. The Empress had a valid reason for killing her off, the only mistake she made was keeping an eyewitness alive. If I stayed on with you, I would have regretted my decision."


    Zhongshan Ling glared at Hanriu''s smiling face but Hanriu didn''t pay him any mind and instead pulled him closer. A slight disturbance on the bushes made him pull Zhongshan Ling close such that his back rested on his shoulder and held the sword to his neck. Zhongshan Ling shivered as the sword drew blood, he looked to the grass opposite them when he heard loud handclaps from that direction.


    He watched as Prince Du walked out with a few of his men, they dragged Xie Feng and two brutally bruised men forward. The men looked to be the two men that previously fought Prince Du, their faces were bloody with their eyes nearly shut. Zhongshan Ling suddenly swallowed and looked back at Prince Du. The bloody knuckles of the giant of a man drew his eyes, he felt the breath leave his lungs when he locked eyes with Prince Du''s maniac like eyes.


    He looked like he was in a frenzy, he didn''t even mind as the blood dripped down his face and hands. Prince Du''s nearly spotted when he saw the white face of Zhongshan Ling. His undisguised fear took the fun out of everything for him. While he liked his victims scared, he still preferred them to put up a fight.


    He unsheathed his

 Chapter 165: Draw the first blood

    The southern borders


    "Clack" "clack"


    Zhongshan Ling looked up and tried to find where the sound came from with his ears. He didn''t need to search long because the grass separated seconds later and a set of soldiers matched in. He shivered when he saw the craw tag on the arm of their uniforms. It felt ominous watching then walk forward, he suddenly felt like his death was coming.


    He watched as Prince Du walked out with a few of his men, a line of blood slashed more than half of his face including his beards. Prince Du was tge very image of a barbaric madman he was rumored to be.


    Two equally hefty memd grabbed Xie Feng and two brutally bruised men by the hand and dragged them forward. The men looked to be the two men that previously fought Prince Du, their face was all swollen with cuts and exposed skin. Their faces were now bloody with their eyes nearly shut like someone knocked their face ineith a sledgehammer.


    The bloody knuckles of the giant of a man drew his eyes, he felt the breath leave his lungs when he locked eyes with Prince Du''s maniac like eyes. His pupils were dialated with a series of nerves lining the white of his eye.


    Prince Du Lookedat the white faces young prince and laughed. "Who knew that the Zhongshan family produced such a spineless weak lean like you". He pulled hus heavy broad sword out of the sheath, eyes locked on Zhongshan Ling.


    The undisguised fear Zhongshan Ling wore like a mask irritated him. It took the fun out of everything for him, what was the fun of dealing with someone who gave up easily. While he liked his victims scared, he still preferred them to put up a fight.


    Even if the hunt had gone sour he still needed to meet his end of the bargain. His uncle had gacs him strict orders to take care of this and he followed orders. This was one of the conditions their partner face them an he intended to follow through with the promise that had agreed on.


    ******


    An hour or so earlier


    Prince Du noticed that Hanriu had left with the Crown Prince thirty minutes later, He had expected that since it was according to the information he was sent the last night. His partners wanted the Crown Prince death to look as natural as possible so as not to draw any attention to them. They had arranged for the attack to happen.as.soon as he left the safety of the seaport military watchtower.


    He looked around him and the Crown Prince''s men were putting up a good fight but they would hold him down for long at this rate. He brought two fingers into hid mouth, such that the rest were bend below his lip. He blew our some air with a force that created a loud audible whistle that traveled the short distance to where the rest of his team waited patiently for his instructions.


    Minutes alter the men.shut down majority if the Crown Prince''s men, he left a few prisoners before going after Hanriu and the general. He followed the bread crumbs, left by Hanriu to lead him to the Crown Prince. He caught up with the Crown Prince and Hanriu contact minutes later.


    The in disguised fear on the Crown Prince''s face disgusted him, he did not enjoy dealing with spineless men. Prince Du pulled his sword out of its sheath as he walked close to the Crown Prince. He stopped a few steps away from the Crown Prince, he held his sword in front of him with the tip piercing the ground while he placed his hands on the hilt of the sword.


    He glanced at the man standing behind the Crown Prince and holding him up at knife''s ends. "Growing up, I have heard a lot about the powerful Zhongshan family. The history books always sang praises about the grace and strength the Zhongshan family possessed. However, this current generation of the Zhongshan family are a disgrace at most."


    He shook his head, lips tugged up. "I am not here to give you moral lessons but to sent you a long the way. Don''t worry, Your Highness. You will not be alone on the afterlife. The Emperor and the rest of your family will soon join you, the Zhongshan family has had a good reign for hundreds of years. All dynasty must fall, you have your own stupidity to blame for this end. The first rule every noble man knows is to trust no one but you shattered that rule".


    He looked to his commander at his right and gestured towards the Crown Prince with his head. The commander came forward with two armed soldiers, Prince Du glanced at Hanriu and said, "You did a good Job Mr Hanriu but we will take it from here".


    "Ye... Yes your highness" Hanriu pulled the sword away from Zhongshan Ling''s neck and stepped back as the two guards standing behind the commander walked forward and grabbed Zhongshan Ling''s and dragged him away. Hanriu put his sword into his sheath, "your highness is a talented warrior is was nice meeting you. If you need anything please let me know, I will endeavour to help you".


    Prince Du glanced down at the shorter man and smiled, " Mr Hanriu unlike your foolish master, I do my keep Traitors. I have no use for unreliable men like you". He raise his sword and gave Hanriu''s neck a clean cut. Hanriu''s eyes widened just before his jugular was cut, the cut was clean and fatal. Hanriu fell to the side motionless. Zhongshan Ling paled as it happened, he glanced from Hanriu''''s lifeless body to prince Du.


    Prince Du wiped the blood off his sword on Hanriu''s tunic and walked closer to Zhongshan Ling. "That was a gift to you, I don''t like traitors. Consider that my last kindness before you die", Prince Du said as he ran a sword through Zhongshan Ling''s stomach.


    "Ah!", Zhongshan Ling fell back as he pulled the sword out of his body. Blood gushed outS he did but Prince Du soared him no glance, he pulled the sword down and cut the nerves at his ankle.


    "Aauh!!" Zhongshan Ling exclaimed loudly.


    "Too noisy" Prince Du glanced at the two guards holding Zhongshan Ling up, " throw him into the well". The guards nodded and dragged him bleeding towards the well behind them. Xie feng at the masked men began trashing about while calling out for mercy but Prince Du just ordered his men to kill them all before leaving.


    ************


    Hours later, the Empress Palace


    Emperor Zhong was having lunch with the Empress when a eunuch rushed in and fell on his knees in front of them.


    "This lowly one greets Your majesty and your hignesss" the eunuch said head bowed low.


    Emperor Zhong placed his chopsticks aside and frowned down at the eunuch. He had permitted the minister of war to bring him reports on the war no matter the time but while he appreciated their efforts. Time like this when he barely managed to get the Empress to stay longer that a few minutes with him. He didn''t appreciate the interruption.


    "What is it?" He said firmly, hus tone was so hard that even Empress Lu looked up from her plate. She was a little bit taken aback his tone much less the little eunuch. No matter how scared he was of earning the Emperor''s wrath, the eunuch didn''t dare act on that. He had more pressing news and withholding this information could cost hum, he life since it concerns the Crown Prince.


    "Your majesty, General Zhang that is in charge of the seaport military base just reported that the Crown Prince a missing"


    "What!" Emperor Zhong and Empress Lu exclaimed eye wide.


    "How is that even possible, isn''t he at the military watchtower over there. How can he just disappear?" Emperor Zhong stood and walled to the eunuch.


    "Answering your majesty, the guard at the gates reported that the Crown Prince left with a handfull of guards four and a half hours before day earlier today. According to the guard the Crown Prince reported that he was going to buy a few necessities in the next village."


    "Just How incompetence those guards, it is not like it is normal practice for the Crown Princeto get his own supplies. Why didn''t a team of guards follow him closely! we are at war, there is danger everywhere!" Emperor Zhong shouted walking around the chair.


    Empress Lu glanced down at the shivering eunuch kneeling on the ground, his green eunuch uniform was showing signs of heavy sweating. If the eunuch stayed any longer, he might pee in his pants. She stood, picked up a cup of calming tea and brought it to the Emperor.


    Patting him on the shoulder softly, Emperor Zhong''s gaze locked on her calm face. Although she looked calm, her eyes was full of worry. He looked down at the cup of tea she handed to him and took it from her. He understood that she must be going through a lot, she had raised tge crown prince

 Chapter 166: Draw the first blood 2

    The Imperial Palace, the Empress palace


    Patting him on the shoulder softly, Emperor Zhong''s gaze locked on her calm face. Although she looked calm, her eyes were full of worry. He looked down at the cup of tea she handed to him and took it from her. He understood that she must be going through a lot, she raised the Crown prince. Even if they weren''t related by blood, they still shared a bond. After all these years, She treated him like a son.


    Emperor Zhong held her hands and smile down at her. He seemed to help her calm down but knew that it wasn''t a permanent solution. Emperor glanced at his chief eunuch Caihong who stood on the other side of the room opposite his present location. Caihong and the Empress''s mood Xuanyi had taken that position as their master and mistress are.


    Imperial servants were all taught to be invincible, they were to serve mainly as an extension of hands for their masters. They helped make their master''s lives easier, although not taking part in the lunch. They stood by the side to provide help to their masters when needed. Their face a mask of calmness, as they stood attentively waiting to be called forward.


    Caihong rushed to Emperor Zhong''s side and bowed, "Your Majesty?"


    Emperor Zhong released the Empress''s hands and raised the lid of his tea, as hot smoke escaped from the teacup. He raised the Lid of the cup and weaved the lid slowly just a few inches above the cup brim waving the hot smoke away. When the tea was cooler he brought the teacup to his mouth and took a sip.


    "Caihong relay my orders, commander Wang of my special troupe is to head out to the south immediately. His is constructed to lead his team South, they are to turn the south inside out, no stone must be left unturned. I want tge Crown Prince found before the end of the day!"


    "Yes, Your majesty" he bowed and silently retreated from the room. Emperor Zhong finished the cup of tea, he handed it over to the maid standing quietly by the side. He gazed down at the kneeling eunuch, "the Crown Prince got lost on their watch, they better not sleep until the Crown Prince is found. Meanwhile, General Zhang should tighten security, we cannot lose that station".


    "Yes, I will take my leave, Your Majesty"


    Emperor Zhong nodded and waved him away. He watched the eunuch leave before leading the Empress back to her seat to rest. He had the information bureau to keep the news of the missing Crown prince under the wraps. However, before dark, the rumours began to spread which started a little panic among the citizens that worried that they weren''t safe in their homes.


    No matter how well it was investigated nothing could be found regarding the widespread of sensitive information. It was like a ghost job, no evidence was left. Meanwhile, at the sixth prince end, he received word from Prince Du informing him that the Crown Prince was taken care of. The news put him in a good mood.


    However, there are hours later. His good mood was crushed by the report of the Crown Prince''s return. Zhongshan Cheng nearly flipped the low desk in his study over angrily but was forced to hold in his reaction by Zhu Faye. This was to prevent drawing attention to himself.


    Zhongshan Cheng rushed over to the palace to check on his elder brother. The Emperor had the palace shut down while putting both the palace guards and the city guards on high alert. The Crown Prince was sent straight into the palace for a thorough medical check-up and a quick medical treatment.


    Zhongshan Ling had a very high fever as he was carried into the palace, he has been stuck in the empty well for hours. His wounds are left in the open for hours which encourages infection of the open wound. The thick smell of drugs filled the air as Zhongshan Cheng got closer to the Xinfeng palace where the Crown Prince was being treated. He was sent out of the palace as soon as he arrived while the imperial physicians attended to the Crown Prince.


    Not that it minded much ti him, he already asked around discretely and based off of what was reported to him by the attending servants that night. The Crown Prince''s condition was very unstable, although the doctors were optimistic. Zhongshan Ling''s life was on the edge, because of the number of hours he was left in the well.


    The Crown Prince''s injuries were infected and the doctors reported that he could lose his feet. Zhongshan Cheng left the palace in high spirits, he met with his mother before returning to his mansion.


    Emperor Zhong, the Empress and the Crown Princess consort sat patiently in the main room of if the palace. Waiting for the doctors to come out with good news, the Director of the Imperial medical team rushed out of the room thirty minutes later and fell on his hands and knees.


    "Your Majesty, We have an emergency!"


    Emperor Zhong looked up from his position at the top seat, resting his head on his upraised arm. "What is it?" He asked calmly, eyes narrowed.


    "It is about his highness''s injured ankle, his highness Achilles tendon was cut and because of the damp surrounding of the good couples with the length of time, his highness was stuck in there. The injury was infected, the injury is now too deep. Fear that there is nothing that can be done about that. We will have to amputate the foot to stop the infection from eating into his bones and spreading further", the director said carefully.


    There was a brief silence as Empress Lu and Xia Ying both stared at the Emperor expectantly. They were both speechless as that statement was heard. It was like the breath was knocked out of their lungs, they could scarcely breathe. Emperor Zhong was used to making various life-threatening decisions every day.


    Found himself speechless, making life-threatening decisions on a nation did nothing to prepare one for a time like this. He wasn''t just thinking like the Emperor this time but like a father. This was a decision that would affect the future of his son. While the amputation seemed like the best choice given that the other option was death. He couldn''t help but hope that there were better options.


    His son was in his prime, he couldn''t tell how Zhongshan Ling would respond to such a drastic change in his life. It was one thing to be born with a disability and another to lose one limp. He feared that Zhongshan Ling may not handle this new development well.


    Emperor Zhong glanced at Empress Lu silently, even without him saying anything. She could see the uncertainty in his eyes, she understood how he felt. This was not an easy decision to make, since it concerned their Son''s future but considering that the options were either death or amputation. She was kneeling on the later, she glanced at Xia Ying who sat at her left.


    "Doctor, isn''t there another way," Empress Lu asked softly.


    "No, your Highness. The infection is rooted too deep, any other treatments won''t work. Because of his highness was run through with a sword, if I attempt any other treatment. His heart may seize beating because of the strain"


    Empress Lu sighed, "Where there is life there is hope". She glanced at the Emperor and placed her hands on his, "Ling''er will understand that this decision was made to save him".


    Emperor Zhong nodded and cleared his throat, " Go on".


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the Director of the Imperial medical college said and went back into the room.


    "When there are changes like this, what matters after is a good mental condition", She said to no one in particular but one could easily guess that this was said to console either the Emperor, Xia Ying or herself. She glanced at Xia Ying and continued, "Ying''er has to make such his highness is in a good state of mind. There is no one I can depend on but you".


    Xia Ying nodded, "Yes, mother"


    They sat silently for close to three hours before the team of the Imperial Physicians led by director Yang of the Imperial medical college walked out of the Crown Prince''s room. They stood in two rolls with Director Yan standing in the middle as he bowed, "Your Majesty, the bleeding has stopped and the injuries are completely healed. The Crown Prince just fell into natural sleep, we will keep watch of him until he is stable".


    "Good, I want an around the clock care service from both the team of Doctors and the servants", Emperor Zhong said.


    Xia Ying came forward, "Your Majesty if you don''t mind. I will like to keep watch of his highness until he wakes. "


    Emperor Zhong glanced at her silently before turning His gaze to the Empress. They both shared a look, he felt like this wasn''t his decision to make it that of the Empress.


    Empress Lu nodded, "that is a good idea Ying''er. I will leave this to you. The Emperor and Empress stayed for sometime before leaving.

 Chapter 167: Everyone loves a black horse

    Zhu Faye''s rooms, Minister Zhu''s mansion


    Zhu Faye had a lot of spies Embedded in various departments in the imperial palace, that provided him with information. Good information was a valuable commodity and Zhu Faye was one of the biggest suppliers of information in the capital. The news of the amputation of the Crown Prince''s foot was sent down by his spies minutes after the Imperial Doctors left Xinfeng palace.


    Zhu Faye stood by the open door leading to the backyard silently looking outside the door to the tangerine tree at the backyard. His lips curved as he read through the secret letter sent out by one of his most reliable spies placed around the Crown Prince. His spy sent over a detailed report of the situation at the Imperial Palace.


    He folded the pieces of paper after reading the message, turned around and walked over to the candle lamp on the table behind him. He placed one end of the paper in the open flame, as soon as the end of the paper caught fire he threw it into the ask tray beside the table. He was in a good mood after reading through the report, he had been irritated when the Crown Prince was found but luckily fate was in their side.


    The amputation was an angle be could work with, public opinion was easily manipulated. People were fickle with the right stimulation, they could finish the Crown Prince coming off permanently.


    A''Bao stood a followed his master''s a time with his eyes a few steps away. He waited for his master to move to the small chair by the side door before coming forward. Zhu Faye glanced at his guard, "is there anything else?"


    "Yes, this came in minutes earlier", he said and pulled another letter from inside his tunic and presented it to his young master.


    Zhu Faye took the letter from his hand, "ah looks like another anonymous letter".


    A''Bao frowned slightly when he heard that, he didn''t like this Anonymous writer. He wasn''t a fan of things he knew nothing about, he felt like this anonymous writer was highly suspicious. It could be a ser up by the other side, to find out what they knew. For the past few weeks, a letter was sent in once a week. His distrust was valid considering the tough what they had been through together


    "The frequency of the messages has increased, Young master. I don''t feel comfortable with the sudden familiarity between you too. These letters have been sent frequently enough that tracking the source of these letters won''t be hard unlike when the letters were first sent. Should I look into this?" A''Bao asked quickly.


    Zhu Faye chuckled at his irritated guard, "there is no need for that A''Bao. Since the gas been a rather helped ally of late, let her be."


    A''Bao gazed at her master with a raised brow, "Her? Have you discovered her identity already?"


    "Well, you can say that. Not like it was very hard, her writing style was a dead giveaway. Based on her soft stylish brushstroke, a characteristic feature attached to literate female writers. As opposed to the firm and thick writing style particular to males. I already have a solid suspicion of her identity based on the tactics she uses, she seemed to have a strong grudge against the Lu family.


    "The fact that she made use of Noble consort Tong''s issues and also knew quite a few intimate information shows coupled with her method of execution and modern writing style. This shows that she is of the younger generation and since her writing still although passable lacks the refinement and style thought by the expensive tutors hired to teach the Di daughters of noble houses.


    "I deduced that she could only be a concubine born daughter and since there are no concubine born daughters old enough to arrange this on the Tong family main and side branch. Then she must be the child of one of the Tong females married into other families. I had someone look into their family records and discovered that the Noble consort had two younger sisters both of whom were more than five years younger than her.


    "One of them was her biological younger sister that is currently married to the left vice-chancellor of Linzhuo and a concubine born sister of who unsurprisingly was married as a concubine to a silk merchant. The silk merchant died two years into their marriage, while the younger Madam Tong was pregnant with her only child. There was a lot of dispute between the Merchants male heirs and other relatives.


    "After Madam Tong died during childbirth the child was adopted by one of her childhood friends married to the left vanguard general surname Jiang serving under the deceased Duke Wu. The girl is called Chen Yao, she just turned 17 this year''s and is the most likely person behind these anonymous letters."


    "But she cannot be the only daughter born of the married Tong daughters, there is still that the other Madam Tong married to the vice-chancellor," A''Bao said.


    "The Vice Chancellor''s wife has an only daughter of about 10 years old, which leaves only Miss Chen Yao. She is the most likely suspect, it also helps that she has an obvious grudge against the Lu family."


    A''Bao glanced at the letter in Zhu Faye''s hands and pursed his lips, "the Jiang family has only been back in the capital for a month and a half, young master. As far as I am aware although the Jiang and the Lu Family have a marriage alliance, they have not interacted much these last few weeks. How can a mere foster child like her hold grudges with a powerful family like the Lu family"


    Zhu Faye set the letter on fire and held it up in his hands watching as the yellow flames moved down the rolled-up paper. "With a mother as shameless as Madam Jiang, one could annoy even Buddha in just a few minutes. Madam Jiang overestimated her importance to the Lu family during one of many visits and suggested to not just madam Lu but Lu Yaozhu to marry her daughter as the main wife and then take her niece as a concubine for the general. All in Su Liya''s presence".


    A''Bao''s nose wrinkles as his lip curled, "Shameless"


    Zhu Faye just chuckled, "Madam Jiang couldn''t let such an embarrassment slide, while she couldn''t afford to go against the Lu family. She could only take her anger out on her powerless niece, funny isn''t it?"


    A''Bao shook his head, "while I understand that she must have gone through a lot in Madam Jiang''s hands. I think that her methods are too malicious, how could turning the Crown Prince against his only solid protection be considered revenge for a harsh punishment? I think that there is more to this girl than meets the eye, it might not be a good idea to trust her".


    Zhu Faye looked down at the open fire in the ashtray and smiled. "While her motives are questionable, I chose to ignore that since our goals are currently aligned. In the end, she is not someone worth worrying about, just let her have her fun with the Lu family. The moment she becomes a problem, I will take care of her".


    **********


    Ningzhuo, Northern Wei.


    The pure white snow on the ground had long turned crimson, thanks to the continuous bloodshed every day. Village in the outskirts of the north had been we''re destroyed and inhabited since all the villagers abandoned their homes and travelled up to Ningzhuo for safety. Lu Yaozhu tightened up security as soon as he arrived at Ningzhuo. He didn''t need to do much since Ningzhuo was already constructed as a stronghold.


    Su Liya housed the refugees in the governours mansion, they arranged for proper feeding and ti ensure the comfort of the refugee. After settling the refugees in the governor''s mansion. Su Liya together with the medical team moved ti the temporary military camp a few miles away from Ningzhuo.


    The Camp was set up at an abandoned village at the edge of the northern borders. There were over a thousand tents to house the soldiers. A clinic was set to treat the injured soldiers and citizens. The first attack took place two days after they arrived at Ningzhuo, at night. While there was a change of shifts, the attack was sudden and fast. I just a few minutes a few of the tents was set on fire.


    They were completely taken by the attack but quickly caught back pushing the enemies back until to the other side of a frozen lake. By daybreak, the enemy was completely pushed back and they can''t a brief truce. By mid-morning an army of fur, clothed soldiers appeared at the edge of the lake. Lu Yaozhu didn''t waste any time, he quickly led the soldiers to the back of the lake to meet their enemies.


    Lu Yaozhu was on horseback in the middle of the soldiers in his full armour with his commander facing their enemies.

 Chapter 168: Everyone loves a black horse 2

    Day''s later, Ningzhuo, Northern Wei


    As soon as the fire started, everyone worked together to put out the fire while searching for strange faces. A small team led by the right vanguard commander Yin chased after the small crackdown team. They chase them to the frozen river a few kilometres away from the military camp.


    Commander Yin took the lead in front while chasing after the crackdown team. He pulled the reins on his horse as he came face to face with the 250,000 well trained combined army of Wanzhu and Yan state. He frowned when he saw the fully armed army on the other side of the lake and pull the reins of his horse. He raised his hands and balled up his fist, silently signalling for his men to stop.


    The rest of his men followed his gaze, a few gasped as they saw the army up ahead. "Lieutenant Du, ride swiftly to the camp and inform the General of the situation here," Commander Yin said with a neutral expression without looking taking his eyes away from the enemy''s army at the other side of the river bank.


    "Yes," Lieutenant Du a stick-thin man replied, turning his horse around and quickly rode back to their military camp. Soldiers carried the injured teammates on stretchers to the medical tent for medical treatment. Although no life was lost during the fire, there were a lot of injured soldiers. The medical team were swallowed with injured soldiers, because of the crowd the soldiers were attended to according to the seriousness of their injuries.


    He ran straight to where the general stood with the rest of his commanders overseeing the process of putting out the fire. He fell on his knees a few steps away from Lu Yaozhu, as he ran over he called out loudly "report General".


    Lu Yaozhu looked to the side as he heard his loud cries and watched him run toward him. He stood with his hand folded behind him at his tail bone and look down at the soldier kneeling in front of him. "Lieutenant Du, what do you have to report?" He asked in a relaxed tone.


    The rest of the commanders also turned to face Lieutenant Du, they were curious what the Lieutenant had to report that made him act is over the top. Lieutenant Du didn''t falter for a second under all that attention, he knew the level of importance the information he carried had. The lives of his commander and the rest of his teammates were hanging on this.


    "General, there is a large army on the other side of the lake. Commander Yin sent me to inform you while he keeps watching the development at the borders".


    "what?"


    "This soon?"


    "Didn''t our scouts report that they were yet to get close to the borders"


    The other commanders and Generals muttered between themselves while glancing example expectantly at Lu Yaozhu who had remained quiet. They waited to see a reaction from him but got nothing out of him. Lu Yaozhu just sighed, his gaze moving from the burned down tents to the injured soldiers that were carried away in stitches. His lips thinned ad he thought of the pain his injured men were undergoing.


    "Inform everyone ready for war, we leave in twenty minutes" He ordered turning around and walking back to the commander''s tent. Yu Tao went in with him and helped him put on his armour. He stood at the centre of the room hands spread out as Yu Tao walked around him. The sneak attack put them at a disadvantage but Lu Yaozhu intended to level up the playing field before the end of the day.


    Since this was their home base they had all the advantages and he fully intended to make use of that advantage. Yu Tao started with the Gold coated heavy chest plate. He pulled it through Lu Yaozhu''s head, down his shoulder and chest then tied both ends of the heavy armour at his side.


    Yu Tao pulled the strong leather strings through to holes from top to bottom of the armour and tired it at his hips. The chest wear ran from his neck down to his knee, he stepped back after tightening up the strings, picked up the thick letter boots and brought it over to his master.


    Lu Yaozhu sat on the stool changed into the thick leather boots. He called Yu Tao closer and instructed in a tone audible to only the two of them, "Since they are attacking at that end, their camp must be close by. There aren''t much available water sources at that side of the lake in the winter apart from the small stream that runs across the mountains at that end.


    "While the fighting is going on, lead a small team there to poison all the available water sources. We have over a hundred injured soldiers in our hands thanks to the fire. This will not only buy us some time since a majority of their men would be injured but also thin down their numbers".


    Yu Tao whispered, "I will handle everything".


    "Good" Lu Yaozhu pulled the put up his left foot and stood. He stretched out his right arm, Yu Tao picked up the wrist shield and pulled it up his arm to his wrist before turning his hand aside as he laced the wrist bands up.


    Lu Yaozhu frowned as his eyes fell on Su Liya''s brown fur coat lying on the back of one of the wooden seats in the tent. After tying up the lace on the wrist guard on his right hand, Lu Yaozhu put down his hands and held up his left hand to Yu Tao. He waited patiently as Yu Tao tightened the laces before putting on his award belt on his waist.


    He had pulled his sword out of its Sheath, the was a flash of light caused by the reflection of light. From the lamp next to the table, Lu Yaozhu cleaned the sword with a soft piece of clothes and returned it to its sheath. Lu Yaozhu sat on the stool while Yu Tao packed up his hair into a tight bun held by a black iron head crown.


    Yu Tao stepped back when he was done, "You are set, general," he said softly.


    "Mmm," Lu Yaozhu said calmly then glanced at him and whispered, "thanks". He picked up the black leather Quiver next to the bow by the wall and hugged it on her shoulder before picking up the bow and Su Liya''s fur coat. He. Left for the medical tent.


    The tent was very active with the military doctors and their helpers running around the room. He searched around the room for Su Liya with his eye but did find her. She didn''t seem to be anywhere in the room and the longer he stop there the more of a nuisance he might become.


    He stopped a young apprentice doctor carrying out the used bandages in a basket and asked, "where is her highness?"


    The apprentice was startled, he never expected to run into the commanding general of the black tiger army. He bowed his head attempting to pay respect but was stopped by Lu Yaozhu before he did. Lu Yaozhu didn''t have time to waste, the Apprentice blinked and tilted his head sideways thoughtfully, "Her highness?" The teenager asked confused.


    "My wife..... Where can I find my wife? He asked.


    The teenager''s eyes brightened and his lips curved, "oh! Madam is in the other tent attending to men in there. The surgeon has attended to the two men with deep injuries, Madam Lu is in charge of their sedation, she must be done because I haven''t heard any noise from in there for some time".


    "Okay, I will go meet her in there," Lu Yaozhu said patting the boy on the shoulders as he walked past him. He met Su Liya outside the tent as she walked out carrying a basket of bandages with her following her behind.


    Su Liya walked with her eyes down, she laughed silently at something her maid said. Looking back at her maids and said a few words before turning forward. A black leather male boot cane into her line sight as she gazed down at the basket in her hands. Her gaze travelled up from the tips of the black leather boot up the well-coated armour to Lu Yaozhu''s smiling face.


    "General Lu," Su Liya said smiling softly, her eyes sparkling a little. The sparkle dimmed as She saw the sword on his waist and the bow and quiver he had on him. This could only mean one thing, it seemed that things were about to get dark in the camp.


    Her maids chorused greetings to Lu Yaozhu before walking forward to collect the basket from their mistress''s hands. They returned the basket to the small makeshift storeroom for medical supplies behind the tent giving the couple some much-needed privacy. Lu Yaozhu grabbed Su Liya''s hands and led her back to his tent.

 Chapter 169: Everyone loves a dark horse 3

    The medical unit, Temporary military camp Ningzhuo, Northern Wei


    Lu Yaozhu grabbed Su Liya''s hands and led her back to his tent.


    He led her into the tent and shut the flap close, Su Liya leaned by the table and looked up at him. "Are going to war?" She asked.


    He dropped his bow and arrow on the ground by the entrance of the tent and walked towards Su Liya. He unfolded the thick high-quality brown wolf fur coat and placed it on her shoulder. He pulled it closer and tried the knot holding it on her shoulder.


    "Yes", he ran his palm down her shoulders, straightening the coat while reading her hair neatly by her shoulder. "Commander Du sent word of the enemies marching towards us. After the sudden attack earlier, we cannot put it off anymore. I will lead my men to push them back and protect our borders".


    Su Liya looked I''m into his eye and nodded. "Don''t worry while you protect the borders, I will keep watch of the injured soldiers down here". She placed both hands on either side of his shoulders, lips curved up. "Go give them hell".


    He chuckled, "I will take care of yourself, my love". He pulled her into his hands and wrapped his hands around her, patting her back gently.


    Seconds later Su Liya said in a slightly muffled tone, "you should get going, it is getting late". She raised her head buried in his chest and tried to pull away from him but was pulled closer by Lu Yaozhu. Placing his hands on her chin, he raised her face and their lips met. He kissed her softly before pulling back, lips curved up.


    "Got to go, I will be back. Don''t worry!" he rubbed her cheeks gently with his thumb, smiling softly. He turned around, at walked to the entrance of the tent. When he felt a slight force push him forward, a soft feminine body hugged him from behind.


    As Su Liya watched him walk to the table by the entrance to pick up his bow and quiver he kept by the table. She felt her heartbeat quicken, she suddenly felt like holding him close. Su Liya rush forward a hugged him tightly from behind, wrapping her smaller around him.


    He didn''t expect such a response from her, a long line of emotions ran through him. From surprise to amazement before settling on love. He placed his hands in her hand hugged him tightly, lips curved up. They stayed that way for some seconds before she broke the silence.


    "Don''t go easy on then Yaozhu, just make them pay for every single drop of blood spilt earlier", she said, her voice sounding slightly muffled.


    "I won''t go easy on them, they must pay for everything" he replied.


    "Okay" Su Liya walked closer and smiled, "go, I won''t keep you from leaving" She pecked him on the cheek and stepped back.


    Lu Yaozhu picked up the quiver and hung it on his shoulder before picking up the arrow. He walked forward and opened the tent flaps, he looked back at her for a second before leaving the tent. Su Liya pulled her coat closer and walked out of the tent. She watched Lu Yaozhu climb up his horse for her position in front of the tent, she stood there until the last set of foot soldiers left and were out of sight.


    *********


    Lu Yaozhu rode briskly with the soldiers until they arrived at the riverbank, he sat on horseback at the centre with the commanders and other generals while the soldiers arranged themselves into various levels. Commander Du and his team rode up to him and bowed before giving him a thorough rundown of the report.


    The first four rolls of soldiers in front carried a heavy square-shaped metal shield. There formed a straight line waiting for his order. The archers stood in two long rolls behind them holding their bow in one hand, while carrying their quivers


    The drummers and horn blowers stood at the sides. Lu Yaozhu looked to the other side of the lake and locked eyes with the chief commanding general of the enemy soldiers a beard stone-faced man. Based on his black fur armoured uniform and stature, he was one of the famous Narashi warriors.


    The Narashi warriors were a group of legendary warriors, they were one of the most Elite of warriors well trained to battle under any harsh conditions by the Emperor of Wanzhau. This was Lu Yaozhu''s first time meeting them on the battlefield but he had heard a few commendable things about them.


    They were the ultimate warriors, known to push themselves to the edge to achieve their goals. Rumour was that they were half men half monsters because of the rituals carried out during their initiation process. Which wasn''t all that far fetched considering the powerful spiritual powers citizens of Wanzhau possessed.


    Lu Yaozhu had gone to Wanzhao twice and both times he left, he was shocked speechless at the capabilities of the citizens. Wanzhao was father than northern Wei, they lived in the mountains close to Yan state. Wanzhuo was a grey area for most states, while they didn''t like the black magic practised by the Wanzhao people.


    They all remained cordial with Wanzhau and even sent a few of their young nobles to train there for a few weeks as a show of good faith. Lu Yaozhu was chosen both times because the Emperor didn''t want to send any of his beloved sons and out of all the other young nobles his age. He was the only noble that was close enough to be considered valuable to the royal family.


    During both visits, Lu Yaozhu and the other nobles were kept as priced prisoners. Although treated with care and respect, it was obvious that they were not exactly free. Those two visits made him carry of Wanzhau, he had never seen a set of people more cutthroat than them. Even the members of their royal family didn''t have it easy.


    Lu Yaozhu ignored the smirk the leader of the Narashi warriors gave him and quickly surveyed the enemy in front of him. There weren''t a large number of Narashi warriors, there were only over a thousand mixed in with the other soldiers. Lu Yaozhu refused to let down his guard or get cocky because of the small number of Narashi warriors. Thoughts like that could lead to his downfall, he looked away from the enemies and looked down at his me.


    "Everyone get ready, we may not beat them numbers or skills but that doesn''t matter. We are here to protect the lives of our fellow citizens. On this battleground there is no class, we are all one body with a singular goal to keep our borders safe! Let us join hands and push these invaders away or die trying!" He said firmly.


    "Yess!!!" The soldiers shouted raising their swords.


    The loud cheers from the soldiers echoed to the other side of the lake, the leaders of the Narashi warriors frowned slightly as he heard their cheers. It felt completely unexpected to him, he had faced a lot of enemies on the battlefield in his life. During those battles, he was met by fear-filled soldiers and Generals.


    This was the first time he met with opponents that were this motivated, he once again glance at the young General leading the army and smiled. His deputy on his left saw his commanders expression and followed his gaze.


    "You seem impressed by the young one when you haven''t seen him fight yet. As admirable as his attempt to lift his men''s fighting spirit is, I will reserve my judgement until he showcases any of the hidden talents he is rumoured to possess" the Deputy commander spoke in their native language.


    The commander turned to his deputy and smiled, "Don''t worry, I know my duties. I won''t shrink from any of it, his Supreme highness has other plans for this general or he never would have sent us to such a pesky battle like this. We are here to observe at most, leave the fighting to the greedy fools" he glanced down at the soldiers of Yan state standing around him.


    He shared a brief look with his deputy before turning back to the army in front. "Archers Get ready!" He announced in a loud voice. The archers matched forward, they pulled arrows out if they quivers and liked the pointed ends with honey before putting them into the open fire. They pulled the arrow into their bows and got into position waiting for their commander''s order.


    Lu Yaozhu noticed their rapid actions and immediately took a counter-attacking action. "Get the shield up and get ready?" He instructed. A soldier rushed forward and beat the drum, while another blew the horns. This alerted the thousands of soldiers that the battle is about ti begin.


    The announcers on such roll immediately related his announcement. The soldiers in front stepped forward and formed a barricade, a few seconds later the flaming arrows fell. The soldiers went down and braced themselves for the impact.

 Chapter 170: New enemies

    THE CRIMSON PALACE, WANZHAU


    The dark palace looked nothing like its name suggested, it was bright and beautiful like any other palace. The Wanzhau people were a set of people known to be very close to nature. Their closeness could be seen from the flower, tress and other vegetation that surrounded the entire kingdom.


    The palace was like a nature conservatory, such flowers and trees growing around the palace and a natural waterfall at the side of the palace. They were a group of people that enjoyed roaming in nature and for generations had done exactly that.


    The Wanzhau people lived by one rule, which was that they paid back every action in kind.


    The Supreme leader of Wanzhau stood by the open window overlooking the music and performance department close to her palace. when one of her shadow warriors stepped out of the shadows. The shadow warrior a tall, slender woman dressed in black bowed respectfully, "Your Excellency, Commander Gao of Narashi sent a letter."


    Without looking away from the palace up ahead, the Supreme Leader stretched out her arm silently. The shadow warrior stepped forward, placed the sealed letter in her palm and stepped back silently.


    The Supreme leader unsealed the envelope and pulled the folded letter out of the envelope. The message was written in a code only the supreme leader could decipher. Without looking away from the window, she placed the blank letter in her right hand and silently felt the surface of the letter with her fingers.


    Her commander didn''t write much on the letter, only that he had met the young general but needed more time to feel him out. She threw both the letter and envelope into the fireplace and sighed. "General Lu is quite the Enigma don''t you think? Why is my master so interested in him. I am a little curious what made him so special luckily, commander Gai would soon get ms the answers I want".


    "What happens after he gets the answer, your Excellency? What about the ongoing war, we joined hands with Yan state, they expect us to meet our end of the bargain " the shadow guard said.


    "What else would happen? Do you think I ever intended to take part in that aimless war? Once my orders are carried out, the men are ordered to pull out immediately. I never intended to get involved in their war"


    "Yes, mistress" the shadow guard replied a left. The Supreme Leader glared at where the shadow guard previously stood, eyes narrowed. ''This shadow guard... It is about time I got rid of her permanently'', she thought turning around to look out the window.


    *******


    The temporary Military camp at the northern borders.


    The medical tent was more crowded than before as a large number is soldiers were carried in. The beds were all filled, the thick smell of medicine and alcohol filled up the room. Su Liya went from bed to bed, with a bowl of clean water and a towel. She carefully cleaned up the injuries of the injured soldiers and dressed their wounds.


    Each patient was generated by the severity of their injuries, the doctors and surgeons attended ti the seriously injured patient while Su Liya and the other medical personnel attended to the easier cases. She attended to the patient until noon before her shift ended and she walked back to her tent.


    Lu Yaozhu was speaking with a stranger dressed in all black when she walked in. The stranger was dressed like the typical shadow guard described in most books. The stranger stopped speaking passage arrived but she didn''t take that action to mind. Lu Yaozhu''s smiled and called her over she walked.


    "Yaya! Is your shift over?"


    "Yes it is, I am free until night." Her gaze fell on the cut on his chin, "You have a cut! Do you have any injuries?" She rushed over to get a better view of him. She relaxed when she didn''t find any signs of injury on him.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled and held her hands up softly, "don''t wort about me, I came back in one piece" he glanced at the man in black facing his table and continued, "this is your first time meeting each other, YaYa meet Yu Ke the commander if my secret guards. His team is in charge of our safety. Xiao Ke, this is my wife and your mistress Su Liya".


    She exchanged a brief greeting with Yu ke before stepping back. She made a move to leave but her hand was pulled back by Lu Yaozhu.


    "Stay, I have nothing to hide," he said pulling her to the sear next to his.


    "I... But.."


    "Seat!"


    "Oh... Okay," she straightened out her skirt and sat next to him.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled down at her while holding her hands. He glanced at Yule, "you may continue".


    "Yes, my lord." Seeing that his master was indeed serious, he continued. "The Crown Prince was attacked in his way back to the watchtower, he was run through with a sword and the Achilles tendon of his right foot was cut. By the time the Imperial guards found him, the wound was infected which resulted in his foot getting amputated".


    Lu Yaozhu frowned, "how did that happen, didn''t I put some secret guards on him"


    Su Liya glanced at him as soon as she heard him mention that he out guards on the crown prince. There was nothing wrong with him putting guards on the crown prince as far as it was to ensure his safety and nothing else. However, she had this nagging feeling like those guards wasn''t there just for his safety.


    She has known Lu Yaozhu long enough to understand that he was a man that kept his cards close to his chest. There was always more than one reason behind any action he took. Xu Ke''s words filtered into her ears gradually


    "The secret guards were all killed, he was attacked by Prince Du of Droko tribe and his elite guards. I sent a team to investigate the scene and the uniform checks out."


    Lu Yaozhu rapped his hands on the table silently, "you said that he met with his mother''s nanny before he was attacked?"


    "Yea, my lord"


    "His sudden interest in the last must have something to do with his new friend. Investigate the origin of those anonymous letters"


    "Yes, Sir"


    "You may leave and Yu Ke, be careful out there. There is someone new in the game and whoever that is. Doesn''t play fair".

 Chapter 171: New Enemies 2

    HOURS EARLIER, NINGZHUO, NORTHERN WEI


    Once the arrows stopped falling Lu Yaozhu shouted, "Attack!!"


    The northern soldiers pulled their swords out of their sheath, while the archers drew their bows shooting arrows at the enemies. Everyone charged forward, including Yan state men. They met at the frozen Lake, swords were drawn as they battled it out. Soon the sound of war cried and a clash of metal on metal was heard.


    The battle went on for hours, the Previously dark clouds were now bright and the full moon replaced by the bright morning sun. The Snow White snow had turned crimson, with motionless bodies lying about. The soldiered walked over the bodies as they fought for victory, Lu Yaozhu and the rest of his commanders had gotten involved at some point.


    The battle seemed endless until a crack was heard as the ice broke at the centre of the frozen river. the crack was unexpected, the ice had gotten weak due to the weight. It wasn''t until the ice gave in and the unfortunate soldiers standing at the first incident spot fell into the ice-cold water. Everyone immediately scrambled to get away as the ice began to crack.


    They all tried to pull their teammate out of the frozen water and ran to their different ends of the riverbank before the ice collapsed. The ice got more unstable as they ran finally collapsing some minutes later. The dead bodies lying around the ice fell in as it collapsed soon the once-solid bed of ice reverted to its original liquid state.


    The two armies watched each other from both ends of the lakes, the broken ice put an end to the fighting. The Yan state army couldn''t continue to attack from this end, since the ice gave out. It was better to pause the fighting for some time, regroup and continue later. There were injured soldiers on both sides, this would allow everyone to recuperate.


    The General on the other side glanced at Lu Yaozhu and the other Northern Wei soldiers. Everyone looked exhausted, it was better to end things here. "Retreat!?" He shouted turning his horse around and riding towards their military camp. The other soldiers followed behind him on foot and horseback. They carried their injures back on horses to be taken back for treatment.


    Lu Yaozhu let out a loud breath as he watched them leave. He slowly caught his breath, when they were out of sight he glanced at his men. He checked for injured soldiers, grading their injuries in his mind. They didn''t receive much damage luckily, which may be because the Narashi warriors sat out during this battle.


    While that worked out in their favour because it gave them a good head start. It was better to start the battle in a good light because it helped improve the soldiers'' morale but Lu Yaozhu feared that they might have gotten the short end of the stick because the Narashi warriors holding out on them failed to allow him to properly observe their capabilities.


    He looked toward the direction the enemy''s soldiers left, with a slight frown. ''It was no use focusing on impossible situations like this'' Lu Yaozhu thought and looked away from that end of the battlefield. He glanced at his men and said loudly "Return to camp!"


    "Yes," his men chorused as they turned around and watched towards the camp.


    Lu Yaozhu followed slowly behind them. The other commanders fell in line with him. They waits to receive any additional orders but General Lu seemed to be deep in thoughts. They looked at exchanged gazes behind themselves as they tried to convince one of them to make a move and ask to be released by the general. They hasn''t slept properly the last night and felt exhausted but none of them was bold enough to come forward.


    Lu Yaozhu lips twitched when he noticed their little actions but he pretended otherwise. This wasn''t his first battle with these men but their funny actions never got old. They always acted so comically, it was embarrassingly amusing. He pulled the reins of his horse and said, "You must be tired, go get some rest. Let''s have a brief meeting in three hours".


    Their face brightened up immediately as they heard that. They tried to pretend ti be selfless but he quickly put an end to that. Which resulted in then shamelessly showering him with praises.


    "General Lu doesn''t need to do this, we_," one of the Commanders said but Lu Yaozhu next words had him scared.


    "Since you are all up to it, why don''t we start the strategy meeting now?"


    "NO!" They all exclaimed in unison.


    "There is no need for that!"


    "We are okay with it!"


    "Yes, no need, no need!"


    "General is the best!"


    "General Li is truly a jade general blessed by the gods themselves. I am struck speechless by his poise and grace!"


    Lu Yaozhu rolled his eyes as he heard their nonsense. "This is about to get out of hand, please leave. Your flattery has me wanting to jump into the ice water lake".


    "oh... Please don''t!"


    "Yes, think of sister in law even if you don''t think of us"


    "Yes General shouldn''t think like that, you are so kind. If you do this, who knows how the next General his majesty sends will be"


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t reply. Instead, he shook his head, pulled the reins of his horse and quickly rode away.


    ************


    THE MEDICAL TENT, THE MILITARY CAMP OF NORTHERN WEI.


    The tent was very active with the military doctors and their helpers running around the room.


    Quickly! Carry him into the room!" Su Liya instructed as two soldiers carried their injured teammate in a wooden stretcher. They each held month ends of the stretcher as they walked into the camp. The injured soldier was heavily injured, he hissed as the stretched shook. Blood dripped from his open wound leaving a long trail of blood from the war front to the camp.


    Su Liya was seated in front of the medical tent, quietly taking in some early morning Sun when the soldiers began to come in with the injured soldiers. She stood as soon as the two men came into her sight just outside the gate. She ran her hand through her thigh, straightening the stained apron tight around her.


    Su Liya traded in her delicate soft silk long gowns and skirts for more work-friendly clothes. The right leg of the soldier on the makeshift stretcher was bent in an awkward direction. Su Liya immediately sent them into the tent to the doctor''s station.

 Chapter 172: A white lie.

    The Military Camp Ningzhuo, Northern Wei


    There was a heavy silence in the tent after Yu Ke left. Su Liya turned to her side and watched Lu Yaozhu closely, tilting her head to the side. she tried to get a read of Lu Yaozhu but as usual, can out with nothing. Lu Yaozhu was a hard nut to crack, he was a master of deception that made himself appear jovial and harmless. His facade made most people let down their guard on him, she had seen him do that a couple of times.


    She had this scary little thought at the back of her mind that he might have used it a few times on her but she refused to go down that route as it could result in some disastrous circumstances. she made sure to take note of that clue, she would always keep that in mind when dealing with him.


    Lu Yaozhu smirked when he noticed her gaze, "if you have any questions... Just ask. I promise to answer honestly... Well, as honestly as I can be "


    Su Liya glanced at his face and muttered, "well at least you are honest"


    Lu Yaozhu just chuckled without saying anything, he enjoyed her honesty the most. Most young mistresses were so confined to the strict rules of prosperity that they barely had a thought of their own but Su Liya was different. She wasn''t scared of airing her view no matter how contradictory it was. She was a good partner to him and he enjoyed her inputs no matter how contradictory because of how smart and witty she was.


    He wasn''t surprised that she had see-through his facade, neither was he supposed at her undiagnosed mistrust of him. He liked that even with their closeness, she always kept her wit around her. He never wanted her to experience what his aunt experienced in the Emperor''s hands. He needed her to be strong enough to overcome anything that came her way. In case he wasn''t here to protect her, he needed to be sure she could protect herself and their children.


    Su Liya moved her gaze from him and gazed forward, she looked down at her wrist and after some thought. She said in a low tone "I want you to be honest with me Yaozhu", she looked away from her first and gazed at him. "Did you have someone soy on the Crown Prince?"


    "Yes, I did. Just like you had people watching Zhu Fenfang and the Crown Princess consort" he said grinning as she tilted his head ti the side and continued, "you and eldest sister-in-law liked to appear relaxed but are even better than my brother and I at planning. You two already know about the secret letter don''t you?"


    She looked straight into his eyes, "how long have you been aware of that?"


    "Honestly, I got a little suspicious while we were at Ningzhuo. We just arrived there yet you knew so much about the noble family there, even if you got the information through the gossip mill. It won''t be so detailed, plus I know that you have known about the Shi family''s betrayal. The sixth Prince is behind this current war, he must have gotten tired of his majesty''s cold shoulder and decided to end things"


    "If you know that then you must have guessed that I am not the original Su Liya"


    His lips curved up, "Yes".


    Su Liya moved back eyes wide, " how long have you known that"


    He grabbed her hands and pulled her closer, "six months"


    "Six months... We have been married for six months"


    "Yes, want me to tell you how I found out?"


    Su Liya blinked and nodded


    Lu Yaozhu Smirked, "for someone that has had a close relationship with young master Zhu, you are always distant when talking to him. Initially, I thought you were pretending but then I had my men investigate you and discovered that after you nearly drowned a year and a half ago.


    "You acted like a completely different person, even if you still acted like Su Liya. The two of you had very distinct taste and character, I also found it strange that my eldest Sister-in-law would remain close to someone she tried to kill herself. You see, it wasn''t sister-in-law first attempt to harm Su Liya in a year. She has tried non-stop, I asked myself why someone would suddenly become chummy with someone they tried to kill.


    "Except they wanted whoever that was to let down their guard but when she didn''t try to hurt you again. I suspected that maybe, you were not the original Liya but acting Like her. Which sparked my interest, I was curious who you were. Then I noticed the strange words you said that and you seem to know private things about everyone.


    "Your mannerism was nothing like Su Liya and frankly you are smarter than her and far less malicious. One can not easily change their core character, an observant person would have noticed the changes".


    Su Liya gazed at him silently for a few minutes, she was too shocked and did not know the best way to proceed. This was completely unexpected, she had gone from trying to get a feel of Lu Yaozhu to getting her world shook. She has assumed that she did a good job, covering her tracks but this just proofed that she failed to cover her tracks. She couldn''t help but worry that Ku Yaozhu wasn''t the only one to notice all this.


    Lu Yaozhu must have noticed her worried expression because he quickly said, "don''t worry no one would suspect anything, I only got suspicious because of my close relationship with you. Even if they do, they can never say anything to harm you. I will not let them".


    She felt surprisingly relieved to hear that but she didn''t let it show not when things were not yet clear between them. She had questions to ask and fully intended to get some answers.


    Su Liya took in a deep breath and looking straight at Lu Yaozhu asked, "if you found out that I wasn''t Su Liya why didn''t you say anything?"


    "Why should I say anything? You didn''t trust me then and frankly, I did not want things to become awkward between us. My men couldn''t find anything on you, not even your identity so..." he nodded at her expectantly.


    Su Liya looked into his eyes, "you are so smart, you tell me what you think".


    "I think this is a case of looking alike, I once read somewhere that there are two people in the world that would look alike but the likelihood of meeting each other in one''s lifetime is pretty slim. Before sister-in-law successfully got rid of Su Liya, she came back from a trip west. That must be where you two met".


    Though she was unsure of Zhu Fengyin going West, she nodded. It didn''t seem like a trap since the author had written in the original novel that Zhu Fengyin had travelled a few times. Accepting that she was from the west seemed better than telling him the truth. She could not imagine how Lu Yaozhu would take the news that she was neither from this time, nor this world.


    ''He would think that I had gone crazy or was drunk on rubbing alcohol. No, it was better to just agree that I was from the west, I don''t want to be sent to ancient China equivalent of an asylum. I have a feeling that if I get sent there, I might come out batshit crazy. That is if I make it out in one piece'', Su Liya thought as she nodded in agreement with Lu Yaozhu.


    Zhu Fengyin never travelled that year but Lu Yaozhu didn''t intend to let her know that. He knew that she didn''t trust him with the truth but although it made him feel a little hurt. He ignored that, it was okay just staying with her. When she was ready she would tell him everything. He swept a few stray strands of hair that fell on her forehead behind her ears, smiling softly.


    Su Liya felt her cheeks heat up, She blinked her eyes and lowered her lid. She moved back as he pulled back. Lu Yaozhu grinned when he saw her little actions, he placed his left hand on the table and leaned back on his sear eyes locked on hers.


    Su Liya looked around the room feeling self-conscious, seconds later when she saw that Lu Yaozhu had no interest in looking away she started conversations take the conversation away from her.


    "You haven''t answered my question, Yaozhu"


    Lu Yaozhu leaned forward and brought his face a few inches away from hers, "what is your questions about".


    Su Liya leaned back a little and mumbled, " The Crown Prince?" When the response she received was a raised brow from Lu Yaozhu, she continued. "Why are you spying on the Crown Prince, I thought you were friends?"


    "So what if we are friends, don''t friends also betray each other. My father and the Emperor were friends, yet that didn''t stop him from abandoning my father. You can never trust anyone most of all a monarch. People change and not always for the best. I will never repeat my father''s mistake"

 Chapter 173: Sneak attack

    Military camp Ningzhuo, Northern Wei.


    Su Liya leaned back a little and mumbled, " The Crown Prince?" When the response she received was a raised brow from Lu Yaozhu, she continued. "Why are you spying on the Crown Prince, I thought you were friends?"


    "So what if we are friends, don''t friend also betray each other. My father and the Emperor were friends, yet that didn''t stop him from abandoning my father. You can never trust anyone most of all a monarch. People change and not always for the best. I will never repeat my father''s mistake"


    Su Liya glanced at him, she saw the uncertainty in his eyes. It was obvious that while Lu Yaozhu tried to protect his family and the citizens. He held on to a little bit of hope that things won''t sour between the Crown Prince and himself. Which was normal, it was proof that he was humane and not greedy for power. It would have been weird if he wasn''t a little bit hurt by the idea, she placed her hands on his and rubbed her thumb gently on his knuckles.


    "There is nothing wrong with planning, after all, people buy umbrellas in summer ahead of spring. Hopefully, we won''t have to use this. I think the Crown Prince won''t follow in his father''s footsteps."


    Lu Yaozhu smiled, he looked down at her hands, "your hand is a bit cold". He pulled his hands out from under his, grabbed her hand and brought it close to his lips. He blew warm air down on her hands in an attempt to warm her hands up.


    "Yaozhu, do you have any idea who is behind the anonymous letter? Whoever it seems to hold a grudge against the Lu family. He or she claimed to have proof that would destroy us in the letter sent to Zhu Fenfang."


    "How odd, Xie Feng reported that the crown prince has been looking into the events of the months leading to his mother''s death. Xie Feng was killed during that assassination attempt on the Crown Prince so I will not be able to get an answer. Looks like I need to get a new spy but since his highness is still recovering and. I am stuck here. I need ti to wait to see the replacement for his old staff"


    Su Liya nodded, "in the meantime, I will send word to Fengyin to have somewhat keep watch of the Zhu Fenfang. We can use her to discover the identity of the sender of that letter"


    "Why not pray on the tension between the Crown Princess consort and Madam Zhu. It is still hidden but bringing it to light might help us. I have been seating on good gunpowder to ignite their fight".


    "Now I am curious, what could make the two ladies openly attack each other."


    Lu Yaozhu laughed softly, "before I tell you anything, you have to promise not to get angry"


    "Get angry? Why would do that? It is not like I am in love with the Crown Prince! I am not that delusional, who doesn''t know that marriage into the royal family is all roses and sunshine. The Imperial haram is a gilded cage that turns women into nothing short of Peacocks to be admired like animals on display at a Carnival".


    Lu Yaozhu tilted his head to the side, " you seem to have really thought of that a lot?"


    "Well can you blame me! Try listening to noblewomen talk about the Imperial haram like it was heaven on earth. I was forced to endure that crap during all the banquets I attended. Instead of marrying into the imperial Haram, I prefer to marry a normal man like you. Who doesn''t have an ever-growing Haram, no woman liked to share her man"


    "Few young ladies are as insightful as you are, most people just see the glamour and not the pain the women in the Imperial haram experience. I grew up in the haram so I saw it first hand, I would never put the woman I love through that torture".


    "Since we are both clear on that, why don''t you tell me your plan. Oh, wise one" Su Liya said.


    Lu Yaozhu grinned, "I hope you will still be in a good mood when I am done speaking"


    Su Liya quickly narrowed her eyes on him which he found rather amusing. His lips twitched but he kept a straight face, "I suspect that Xia Ying egged Zhu Fenfang on to start the rumours about the wedding night between the Crown Princess consort and his highness so using that to put a wedge between them is not going to be effective. I am thinking of maybe letting Xia Ying find out about Zhu Fenfang''s involvement in the scandal that got us married_"


    "No, please! I just got those two to stop targeting me and focus on each other and I would like to keep it that way. The moment she finds out about that, I will once again become a target. Since she is suspicious of Zhu fenfang, we can just make use of that. Let Fenfang find out that she was manipulated, based on her temperament. She would go all out and since that the Crown Prince would be recuperating in the palace with only Xia Ying to keep him company. Zhu Fenfang would be livid".


    Lu Yaozhu raised a brow in seeing the sudden spark in her eyes, "then I will leave it for you to handle".


    ***********


    Four days later, the Emperor''s audience hall, the Imperial Palace.


    Zhongshan Ling leaned by the bed frame, eyes closed, today was the fourth day since he woke up from the five days comma he had fallen into after the amputation. The first two days had been full of anguish for him, he had openly shown his discontent at his current conditions. He found out about the amputation a few hours after he woke up.


    Everyone tried so had to keep him from finding out that he was missing a body part and for some hours they succeeded. They didn''t count on him wanting to go to the outer house, late in the evening. He nearly fell on his face when he brought his right leg down from the bed, Zhongshan Ling sat up on the bed and tried to stand only to find nothing holding his right leg up.


    He fell forward, knocking the next to the bedside table containing his medicine over. The noise drew the outside maids over, Zhongshan Ling stretched out his hand silently to wedge his fall. The maids and guards outside rushed in as he was a short distance away from the ground. Everyone''s eyes fell on his bandaged right legs, a smart guard noticed his uneven leg and rushed forward.


    He held Zhongshan Ling up before his hands hit the ground and he injured himself harder. A make immediately ran out to report the situation to Xia Ying and the Empress. It cause some disturbance in the palace, as the Empress and Xia Ying ran other from the other side of the Palace. Before long news of the amputation was spread throughout the capital.


    Many rumours began to spread concerning the Crown Prince''s injury, it was rumoured that the Crown Prince got injured on his way back to the watchtower from visiting a brothel. While some rumoured that he was deserting the other soldiers out of fear. The fact that he was found many miles away from the watchtower did not help put him in a good light but just fueled the rumours.


    Soon the citizens grew dissatisfied with his performance, the rumours were also spread within the palace. Zhongshan Ling had a very difficult time adjusting to his new reality and the exaggerated rumours did nothing to help improve his mood.


    The more rumours came up the worse his mood got, his appetite gradually reduced and he began to talk less. Xia Ying got worried as she noticed the change in his attitude, she suspected that he was not taking the change properly. She would catch him looking in a distance most time. When he wasn''t doing that, she would see him look down.at his right foot.


    Although covered by a blanket Zhongshan Ling couldn''t help but glance longingly at the spot where his foot once was. He sometimes felt like they were still there but when he complained to the imperial doctors they informed him that it was normal to feel that way after losing a limb. They assured him that it would stop after some time.


    For the past four days, Zhongshan Ling had been under personalised bedrest. He tried to avoid meeting people as much as he could to avoid receiving pitiful looks from people. He didn''t want their pity either did he want them to see him in his present condition. That would just fuel the gossip mill further, he wanted to wait until he felt up to meeting anyone.


    He underwent frequent check-up around the clock from the imperial doctors. They monitored his progress to make sure that the injury at his angle was healing properly and didn''t get infected.


    While Zhongshan Ling recuperated, at court a lot of ministers submitted requests for the Emperor to dethrone him.

 Chapter 174: Sneak attack 2

    The next day, the imperial palace


    The voices shouting for the Crown Prince to be dethroned got louder as a minister reported some inconsistencies in the reports submitted by the Crown Prince''s office. The officials from the sixth Prince''s faction began pushing for the investigation of the Crown Prince. Fresh petitions were submitted by the schoolers every day demanding for Emperor Zhong to treat the Crown Prince fairly.


    There were new accusations submitted on the Crown Prince''s Office. Although the Crown Prince was not directly involved in these crimes, he couldn''t skirt any punishments given since he was the head of the office under fire. The louder the accusations got the more worried Emperor Zhong got. He didn''t want the citizens to get wind of the accusations, Emperor Zhong quickly ordered an investigation into the Crown Prince''s office.


    By the end of afternoon court, the news of the investigation spread throughout the capital. Everyone was curious how the Emperor would punish the Crown Prince if the accusations tired out to be true. A few days later the secret investigator submitted a detailed report, that although exempted the Crown Prince from taking part in the forgery and embezzlement of public funds.


    Provided the sixth Prince''s camp with another reason to support their demand for Crown Prince to be dethroned. When the Emperor once again dismissed their demand, they deliberately let it leak to the public. The Crown Prince absences provided an opportunity for his political opponents, which comprises the supporters of the other Princes, to bring him down.


    Everyday nee accusations and reports were submitted against the Crown Prince from various offices. Although his team worked hard to dismiss each false accusation, the Crown Prince''s reputation was ruined in the eyes of the public. Public Opinion wasn''t in his favours especially when the team at the watchtower nearly lost control of the watchtower after days of heavy attack from the Chu States navy.


    The war wasn''t going as Emperor Zhong expected, their opponents were well-coordinated and ruthless. They made use of various unexpected tactics, northern Wei had more losses when compared to other kingdoms. Emperor Zhong was always on edge and the current issues concerning the Crown Prince didn''t help alleviate his stress. It just added to it.


    The voices demanding that the Crown Prince be dethroned increased every day, Emperor Zhong feared that a riot may begin at the rate thing we''re going. The pressure from the public gradually got to Zhongshan Ling, although Everyone tried to keep it from him. Although his physical injuries healed quickly, his mental Injuries worsen every day.


    Emperor Zhong frequented the war room often, every time there was a new development in the war front he went into the war room to discuss the next strategy to take. During one of the late-night meetings, a young eunuch from Empress Lu''s palace rushed into the room.


    Empress Zhong like the other occupants of the room was taken aback when the eunuch slapped away the hands of the guards trying to hold him back and rushed into the room. The eunuch immediately fell on his hands and knees and before he is taken away by tbs guards to be published he said,


    "greetings your Majesty. Please forgive this foolish one for badging into your meeting but we have an emergency, your Majesty"


    Two guards rushed forward and put their arms through his as he spoke. The eunuch was newly appointed to a major palace like the Empress''s palace and was still green. He couldn''t stay calm because of the seriousness of the news he brought. The young eunuch was filled with fear and inexperience, he struggled fiercely to get out of the thought hold of the guards. Who promptly bowed to the Empress and tried to pull him away.


    The Young Eunuch tried to pull his hand away and when that wasn''t successful, he blurred the incident he was sent to report


    "Your Majesty! His highness attempted to take his own life!"


    The writing brush in Emperor Zhong''s hands fell and he looked up quickly, "What! How can that happen?"


    The other occupants of the rooms which were his advisers, various military officials and key ministers all gasped. Everyone knew to control their expression, they didn''t respond as obviously as the Emperor. I was frowned upon to do that, it was unsightly to cause a scene in the Emperor''s presence.


    The eunuch opened and closed his mouth a few times, his face pale and almost white. He looked at the two hefty soldiers standing at his sides and holding him up by his hand. Emperor Zhong glanced at the snow-white face of the eunuch and frowned. The eunuch looked like he would wet his if the guards held him longer. Emperor Zhong glanced at the guards, "let him go", he said in an exasperated tone.


    "Yes, your Majesty", The guards said as they dropped the eunuch''s arm and stepped back. The eunuch shivered, he stole a glance at the Emperor''s face and looked down immediately.


    Emperor Zhong glared down at the eunuch, "where is he?"


    "Answering Your Majesty, the Imperial doctors are attending to the Crown Prince at Xinfeng palace".


    "The meeting is adjourned!" Emperor Zhong stood and walked out of the room. His guards, maids and Eunuchs followed behind, the young eunuch tripped in a bid to follow behind. He bowed respectfully at the ministers and other officials and rushed out of the room.


    The officials were silent until they were sure that the Emperor had walked a certain distance away from the room before murmuring between themselves.


    The Emperor was not in a good mood and would easily make an example of anyone he caught talking. No one wished to take the risk when they were sure that the Emperor was no longer in the vicinity they turned to talk to each other. Before long news of the Crown Prince''s suicide attempt spread wide.


    *****


    The Sixth prince was pleased with the news, he was watching a shadow dance with Zhu Faye at Meirong brothel. When the news broke, Zhongshan Cheng dismissed the dancers and prostitutes that gently massaged his thigh and shoulders to give them some privacy. He waited some minutes for the dancers and brother girls to leave before a smile broke on his face.


    "You must be overjoyed, your highness" Zhu Faye picked up a jug of wine on the table and poured himself and the sixth prince a cup each. Be dropped the pitcher of wine on the table and passed the cup of wine to the sixth prince.


    Zhongshan Cheng took the cup of wine from him and quickly drank up. He held flipped the empty cup over and laughed, "you, my friend are a genius, Who knew that frustrating him a little for two weeks was all we needed to push him to the edge. Who knew cripples could be that spineless, He truly is nothing without the Lu family to protect him. Now if he could just stat dead, I wouldn''t have to go through with that plan".


    "Even if he survives, we already laid the groundwork to depose him, your highness. The public opinion hasn''t been in his favour for weeks, a suicide attempt would put a nail in the coffin" Zhu Faye smirked holding a cup of wine close to his lips.


    Zhongshan Chen placed his hands on his friend''s shoulder and leaned closer, "you are a mad genius, Faye. Who needs a military strategist when I have you!"


    Zhongshan Cheng placed his hands on the handle of the pitcher of wine, about to pour himself a cup of wine. When Zhu Faye, placed his hand on his hands and held him back. He looked up at Zhu Faye, who shook his head.


    "Not yet your Highness, the Crown Prince''s life is at risk. His Majesty would send word to you soon, even if he doesn''t. You should enter the palace and show concern for your elder brother. The Crown Prince is the Empress only son, you should go console her." Zhu Faye said softly.


    "Why do I have to do that!" Zhongshan Cheng pushed his head back and swore silently.


    "Your Highness, we are about to get all that want and some more. We can not draw attention to ourselves, you have to play the concerned younger brother to get on the Emperor''s good side. Don''t worry, I will take care of the rest"


    Zhongshan Cheng glanced at Zhu Faye''s calm expression and nodded. "Alright," he stood straightened up his clothes and walked out of the room.


    The sixth Prince stopped at his manor to wash up and changed into fresh clothes before going into the palace. By the time he arrived the Imperial Doctor had stabilized Zhongshan Ling and he had fallen into natural sleep.


    The Emperor and the sixth Prince left for morning court while the Empress and Xia Ying stayed back to keep the Crown Prince company.


    As soon as the Emperor was seated and the court began, a stout minister with white beards stepped out holding up his white plank bowed and shouted, "Your majesty, we have a huge problem in our hands. The citizens are demanding that the Crown Prince be disposed..."

 Chapter 175: Sneak attack 3

    Hours earlier, the Crown Prince''s palace


    "Your majesty", the maids and eunuch standing outside the common room chorused as the Emperor walked into the palace. Emperor Zhong paid no mind to their greeting as he walked past the long roll of palace maids and eunuchs stationed at Xinfeng palace. His maids and eunuchs stood back by the door leading into the room.


    While Emperor Zhong walked into the bedroom with only Caihong following him into the room. Empress Lu and the Crown Princess consort Xia Ying stood a short distance from the bed. While the imperial doctors walked around the bed as they tried to revive the Crown Prince.


    Empress Lu looked to the door as the door was pushed open, she stood and bowed as Emperor Zhong walked into the room.


    "Your majesty, she said head down, Everyone else in the room turned around and bowed as they heard her words.


    "Rise", Emperor Zhong placed his hands on Empress Lu''s shoulder and helped her up. "Empress, what happened?"


    Empress Lu glanced at the Crown Prince and sighed, "A maid came in to chance the incense when she found a pool of blood under the bed." Tears ran down her eyes as she continued, "He.... He.... He slit his wrists".


    Emperor Zhong''s lips folded into a thin line, he gazed straight at his unconscious son. "Coward," he muttered.


    Empress Lu looked up at him as soon as he said this. "Your majesty?"


    Patting her gently on the shoulders, Emperor Zhong walked forward. He looked down at the pale face of his unconscious son and frowned. He said loudly, "Do whatever you can to keep him alive".


    " Yes, your Majesty", the Imperial doctors chorused.


    Three hours later, the sun had already risen in the clear white sky. It was nearly daybreak when the crown Prince was discovered. The sky had brightened up during the long heart-wrenching wait. The chipping sounds of birds could be heard as they flew out of their nurture rest spots in search of food. The maids opened the windows and doors as they delivered a tray of tea into the room.


    Emperor Zhong and Empress Lu were both seated at both sides of the top seat in the main room, with Zhongshan Cheng and Xia Ying seating on the wooden settee. When the director of Imperial College of medicine walled out of the room. He bowed at the Emperor, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is now out of the woods. He has fallen into national sleeping".


    "Oh thank the gods" Empress Lu muttered.


    Emperor Zhong nodded and stood, "I am off to morning court", he glanced from Empress Lu to the open bedroom door and sighed. "My Lady, I will leave the Crown Prince to you".


    "Yes, Your Majesty" Empress Lu replied. She stood aside head bowed until the Emperor left the room. She waited a few minutes for the Emperor and his entourage to put some distance between them and Xinfeng palace. She rushed into the room, her fast heartbeat reduced as she got closer to the bed.


    Empress Lu sat on the stool next to the bed, Zhongshan Ling looked so pale lying in the bed silently. She leaned forward and pulled the blanket higher to his chin. She glanced at the quiet Xia Ying, "Ling''er isn''t in a good state of mind. He needs some time to adjust to everything, it can''t be easy getting used to not being able to do everything for yourself. Don''t leave him alone, try to prevent him from thinking so much".


    "Yes, mother" Xia Ying muttered eyes locked on the Crown Prince. Her heartbeat ran like a stopwatch, she had never felt like her life and future depended on the Crown Prince until now. She had resolved to her faith this last few weeks, although this was not where she wanted to be and the Crown Prince wasn''t who she wanted to be with. She was married to him now there was no changing that.


    Her grandmothers words to her on her wedding day replayed continuously in her head right this moment.


    "You are now married to the Crown Prince, Your position, life and every single piece of your being us tied to him. You are now one, everything that happens to him directly affects you. You must get accustomed to that if you want to survive ".


    She had forgotten her grandmother''s words until now but this was what she needed to slap herself back to reality.


    *********


    The Emperor''s audience hall


    The officials stood in small groups and discussed between themselves. Their conversation all focused on the Crown Prince''s suicide attempt, the citizens demanded the Crown Prince be removed from office. Things were not looking well for the Crown Prince and the Emperor, they had nearly given up on the morning court sessions holding after waiting for over an hour without a response from the Emperor.


    When a eunuch at the door announced, "play the music, the Emperor has arrived". The ministers immediately broke away from their groups and good their various positions on either side of the wide audience hall. The officials went on their knees, they rested their forehead and hands resting on the ground.


    "Long live the Emperor, Long Live the Emperor, Long live the Emperor," the officials all announced loudly. They stayed that way as the Emperor walked in with his small procession of maids and Eunuchs. Finally standing when the Emperor was seated and ordered them to rise.


    The officials picked up their white blanks and stood. The Eunuch standing on the last step below the dragon throne once again announced


    "Court has begun!!"


    Emperor Zhong looked and felt wary of these officials serving him. Because of the entire fiasco with the suicide, he had failed to control the spread of news regarding the Crown Prince''s health. The news of his suicide had already spread and as expected the demand for dethroning the Crown Prince''s was louder but he secretly hopes that no one would bring that up.


    He was only seated for ten minutes when an old courtier who had served under his father came forward and bowed.


    "Your Majesty, news of the Crown Prince''s suicide attempt has spread. While the entire citizens sympathise with your majesty, in these trying times. We need a Crown Prince both physically and mentally strong. If the Crown Prince isn''t up to the task, we could consider relieving him of these responsibilities".


    As the minister stepped back to his previous position, a stout minister with white beards stepped out holding up his white plank bowed and shouted,


    "Your majesty, we have a huge problem in our hands. The citizens are demanding that the Crown Prince be disposed of, I fear that if we ignore their cries a riot may begin. Your majesty should consider relieving the crown Prince of his position. This suicide attempt was unsuccessful this time, what about the next time he tried this. There are four mature princes to choose from. Any of them could easily fill up the position, please relieve the Crown Prince of his position".


    The officials in support of his request, which were more than half of the officials, stepped to the centre of the doom and knelt behind him. They shouted, "Please relieve the Crown Prince of his position".


    Emperor Zhong looked down at the long line of officials kneeling before him and sighed. He moved gaze to his good friend Minister Zhu who stood in the front lines. His old friend remained silent throughout the arguments these past few weeks. He was curious which side minister Zhu would take, he needed a level headed person to break the tie.


    His good friend was in-laws with one of the three princes that were vying for the Crown Prince''s position. Emperor Zhong was curious how his good friend would answer, he glanced at Minister Zhu and asked, "Maquis Zhu has been silent for some time, I am curious what you would suggest. Do you think that the Crown Prince should be relieved of duty or not".


    Minister Zhu Looked up, he saw the challenging look the Emperor gave him. He could tell that this was a trap that he couldn''t avoid easily. The Emperor wanted to play games with him, this was a question that had no correct answers. If he supported the removal of the Crown Prince, it would be seen by the Emperor as supporting the sixth prince.


    The Emperor would think that he did so for his benefit and if he supported the Crown Prince Emperor Zhong will assume that he did so to get on his good side and isn''t to be trusted. Both results were undesirable, so he might as well be undecided. Minister Zhu came forward, held up his white plank and bowed.


    "Your majesty the citizens are right to demand the Crown Prince''s removal from office. A good official is one of both sound mind and health. The Crown Prince should be removed if he is indeed found to be of sound health and mind. Although his suicide attempt calls for attention, I don''t think it is proper for him to be removed on just that ground.


    "When should focus on the war at our borders Instead of focusing on non-existent problems like this. After the war at the borders is settled we can take care of these other matters. It is my opinion that he highness the Crown Prince be given more time to get accustomed to his new reality before making any drastic moves".


    There were some seconds of silence as Emperor Zhong gazed at minister Zhu. Finally, his lips curved up and he laughed softly, "Well said, let us talk about this when the Crown Prince is healed and can defend himself".


    The small smile n the sixth Prince''s face fell and he turned to his left to glare at Minister Zhu.

 Chapter 176: Sneak attack 4

    En Route to Xinfeng palace


    The Morning court was shorter than usual since Emperor Zhong failed to entertain any long debates. After he had shot down two debates brought up by the two main opposing parties before it could be overblown. The officials quick understood that the Emperor was not in the mood to entertain any of their usual tactics.


    They didn''t bring up any issues that would result in an argument to prevent the Emperor from stepping in and making a permanent decision that would be unfavourable to the parties involved as he did in the previous two cases brought up. less than two hours later the court was dismissed and Emperor Zhong left with his entourage.


    Seating there and listening to the officials talk endlessly coupled with the Crown Prince''s issues left Emperor Zhong with a slight headache. Emperor Zhong loosened up the bottoms at the round collar of his official robes as he walked back to his palace.


    "How is the crown Prince?" Emperor Zhong asked Chief Eunuch Caihong who followed him closely.


    Eunuch Caihong like the other servants following the Emperor hastened their steps to match Emperor Zhong''s long strides. "Your Majesty, while morning court was ongoing Matron Min at Xinfeng palace sent word that the Crown Prince was awake".


    Emperor Zhong immediately stopped walking, he glance to his left at the path leading to Xinfeng palace in thought. The stop was so abrupt that the maids and guards following behind nearly fell on their faces, as a majority of them lost their footing. They tried to minimize the fall by holding onto each other, luckily Emperor Zhong was absorbed in his thoughts. The mishap escaped his attention, of not at his current mood. They would have spent the rest of the day at the household department and received heavy punishment


    After some thought, Emperor Zhong turned into the path leading to Xinfeng Palace. He ran into a long line of palace maids from the kitchen carrying several trays of untouched food. The maid was not very attentive and didn''t hear him coming so they continued with their conversation.


    When he heard the Crown Prince mention, Emperor Zhong stopped behind a tall tree. He wanted to hear what the maids were discussing. He raised his right hand, signalling the rest of his procession to be quiet. Their conversations filtered into his ear.


    "What do we tell Chef Jiang, sister Xiu. This is the third set of food the Crown Prince is rejecting. If his majesty finds put that his Highness hasn''t eaten anything. We might end up punished"


    "His Highness must not have found these dishes appealing, let''s report to the Chef and maybe get a new set of food that might be to his taste," the senior maid said.


    "Look at all these top-notch dishes made with the best quality ingredients, what about it isn''t appealing. I think his highness is just throwing a tantrum!" the first maid said.


    "This insolent little_" Eunuch Caihong stepped forward to caution the maid but was held back by Emperor Zhong. He turned to Emperor Zhong in shock, "Your majesty, that maid is being disrespectful, let me go discipline her_"


    "No need!" Emperor Zhong said stone-faced.


    "You! Be careful with your words! You must always remember your position. The walls have ears, his highness is the next Emperor. Lowly maids like us do not deserve to talk about him much less criticize him. Even if he keeps rejecting our food, you should shut up and just do your work!" the senior maid scolded.


    The mods were farther away so they no longer heard their voices so clearly. Emperor Zhong waited for them to be long gone before continuing forward. When he got to the front of Xinfeng palace, he dismissed his servants and infringing the greetings given by the servants stationed at Xinfeng Palace, he charged into the palace.


    Xia Ying held a bowl of porridge up while trying to feed Zhongshan Ling who sat upon the wide bed in loose clothes. She brought a spoonful of porridge to his lips but he frowned and turned away. As she borough the spoon back to the plate, the bedroom door was pushed back with force.


    Xia Ying shivered and sat up, the spoon in her hand fell into the plate with a clang and she looked to the door. She quickly stood and bowed deeply when he came face to face with the Emperor''s tight expression. "your_ Your Majesty!"


    "Leave us!" Without sparing her a glance, Emperor Zhong glared down at his son.


    "Y_Yes, Your Majesty;" she glanced at Zhongshan Ling for a second before picking up the spoon and retreating from the room.


    "Paa!!"


    She turned immediately and saw Zhongshan Ling turned to the side with the Emperor''s hands resting on his cheeks. She swallowed, ran out of the room and shut the door.


    "Coward! I should kill you myself!" Emperor Zhong slapped Zhongshan Ling once more. "You dare try to kill yourself? Better get your act together or I will wipe away your entire maternal family including the Empress. With you dead, what do I need her? She is of no use to me. You better get your act together in two weeks or I will make an example of you. The Zhongshan family doesn''t tolerate cowards, my little umbrella of protection ends in two weeks" Emperor Zhong glared at him once more and walked out of the room.


    **********


    Meanwhile, at the main courtyard of the Duke''s mansion.


    It was nearly noon, the day gradually got brighter as the intensity of the Sun increased. Zhu Fengyin reclined silently on her side head bent over a small-sized baby blouse. She carefully pierced a threaded needle through the blouse making slim straight stitches. The baby in her belly was growing every day, her stomach has gotten bigger and was now showing. she had switched out her fitted blouses and skirt for high neck maternity clothes that were loose at the tummy area.


    As She flipped the blouse to the side and pierced one e?d of a side cotton material with aim of connecting both ends of the blouse by running a long line of stitches to lock both ends of the blouse. There was a slight noise at the door, Zhu Fengyin looks up and watched her lady''s maid Aunt He walk in with a tray of cooling drinks.


    The maids standing at the side greeted her respectfully as she walked in. She replied respectively to the maids as she walked into the room. Zhu Fengyin smiled at her lady''s maid as she got closer. Aunt He picked up a small stool by the reading table and carried it to Zhu Fengyin side.


    She placed the circle-shaped tray on the stool, picked up the cup of cool raspberry juice and held it up to Zhu Fengyin. "Please have some coll drink, my lady"


    Zhu Fengyin paused her stitching and looked down at the bowl of juice, as she did Aunt He leaned closer and said calmly


    "A letter from the Duke just arrived, madam," Aunt He stood beside Zhu Fengyin and whispered into her ears. There was a lot of ears around, it was better to be careful. Zhu Fengyin glanced at the maids standing by the side and a small bowl of juice from Aunt He. She felt a piece of folded paper at the bottom of the bowl.


    Zhu Fengyin slipped the letter into her wide sleeve, brought the bowl to her like and tipped it over. She drank up the cool juice and passed the empty bowl back to Aunt He. Aunt placed the bowl on the tray and handed the tray to a maid standing by the side. Aunt He carefully send the maids away until it was only them in the room.


    Zhu Fengyin pulled the letter out of her sleeve and unfolded the letter. Apart from asking how she and the baby were, Lu Yingjie informed her of the progress up south. Lu Yingjie has been at the south borders fighting for over a month, they could only communicate through the weekly letters.


    Zhu Fengyin treasured each letter, after reading the letters she kept them in a small wooden box in the cupboard. She had been worried for days when she failed to receive a letter from Lu Yingjie. She read the letter three times before finally folding it up and putting it into a box.


    Zhu Fengyin Sat up, she brought her legs down to the ground, Aunt He rushed forward and held out her hand to Zhu Fengyin. Aunt He supported her up the seat and escorted her to the reading table at the other end of the room. She helped Zhu Fengyin to the seat and stepped aside to grind the ink.


    Zhu Fengyin waited for the ink to be ready, once Aunt He dropped the in stone beside the fresh sheet of paper and stepped back. Zhu Fengyin picked up the writing brush, she dipped the brush in ink and blended the ink before bringing it ti the paper. She held her sleeve back and began penning a response to Lu Yingjie, her strokes light like the brush was dancing on the paper.


    Zhu Fengyin hissed as she felt a slight jab at the side and borough her hand to her side. Aunt, He ran forward as soon as she heard Zhu Fengyin hiss, "eldest madam, what is wrong? Should I call the doctor?".


    The pain subsided and Zhu Fengyin pulled her hand away from her side and sat up, "no need, aunt He. It might be the baby kicking, nothing serious".


    "Oh... Okay"


    Zhu Fengyin sat straighter, picked up her abandoned brush and continued writing. She didn''t feel any more jabs so she just went about her usual activities. After writing the letter she handed it over to aunt He to deliver to steward Liu, she resumed her sewing while aunt He was gone. After an hour and a half of sewing, her legs were getting stiff, Zhu Fengyin set down the blouse in the basket and returned her needle and thread into the smaller basket.


    Two maids came forward, standing at her side they held her hands and helped her out of the seat. She decided to take a turn around the small garden next to her courtyard to stretch her muscles. As stepped down the first step in front of her Pavillion, she felt a sharp pain in her lower stomach.


    It felt like she was stabbed with a knife, "Ahh!'' Zhu Fengyin screamed and fell forward. The two maids supporting her up immediately held her up. "Your grace" they both called out.

 Chapter 177: Sneak attack 5

    The Main Courtyard, Duke Wu''s mansion. Some minutes before the incident.


    "There is a step ahead, Your grace. Please watch your step" the maid at Zhu Fengyin''s Left said holding her hands as they walked out to the balcony.


    "Mm," Zhu Fengyin slowed down her step once more as they got to the small five steps leading down the pavilion. The maids held her tighter as they carefully got down the stairs, she stretched out her leg to go down the second step when she felt a sharp pain in her lower stomach that knocked the Breath out of her.


    "Ahh!" She gasped pulling her hands away from the maid and placing them on the spot she felt the most pain. She felt a much sharper pain at the same spot, she took in some breath and clutched her gown tightly falling forward.


    "YOUR GRACE!!'' The two maids grabbed her hands and pulled her up immediately, the maid at her right glanced down at saw a small pool of blood on the step below Zhu Fengyin. " Blo_ blood!" The maid shouted pointing at the step. The other maid gazed from her colleague''s colour drained face to the step.


    She gasped when she saw the blood, she pulled back and shouted looking back at the maids that stood just behind Zhu Fengyin. They had come out when they heard Zhu Fengyin''s scream. Their gaze intently, eyes wide at Zhu Fengyin''s skirt. The maid didn''t follow their gaze, "Call the doctor, immediately!"


    Her loud cry seemed to get their attention away from whatever held their gaze previously. A maid stepped out of the line-up and ran down the side of the balcony towards the clinic located a short distance away to call imperial Physician Gu. The heartbeat of the maid standing at Zhu Fengyin''s left rushed forward as Zhu Fengyin lost blacked out and fell backwards. She quickly shifted to stand behind Zhu Fengyin while holding tightly to her left hand, in an attempt to wedge her fall.


    Her partner at her right, stood motionless and stared down at the pool of blood, on the ground below Zhu Fengyin. The other maid hissed when she saw her unproductive partner, "Hey, help me get her inside", the maid at the right didn''t move. An outside guard dressed in black who ran in as he heard the scream ran forward and Carefully carried Zhu Fengyin into his hands.


    "Lead the way", the guard said to the maid at her left. " Yes" the maid ran forward, she led him straight to the bedroom. She raised the sheer bed curtains, tired it to the side and stepped back while the guard laid Zhu Fengyin on the bed. Aunt He stopped at the step as she saw the pool of blood, without soaring the maids standing around sheepishly.


    Aunt He rushed in, "Your Grace!" She called out as she beelined to the bedroom. Her heart skipped when she saw Zhu Fengyin lying on the bed with a long line of blood darkening the wide skirt of her light blue gown. "oh no", she rushed to the clothing cupboard beside the bed and pulled a blanket out of the cupboard, rolled it up and placed it Zhu Fengyin''s under buttocks.


    She had served Madam Lu for decades, she more than most people understood the pain Zhu Fengyin was going through. She had witnessed Madam Lu go through multiple miscarriages before she gave birth ti the duke and her other children. She had a bit of medical knowledge and quickly applied that knowledge''s as she tried to save the baby.


    Minutes later, Physician Gu rushed in with the maid that had run to his quarters at the clinic to call him. He gave a lot of orders which the said promptly performed as he tried to save the child. Madam Lu and Lu Yiling rushed in minutes later and stood outside the bedroom in the main room. She placed around silently as she prayed in her heart that the gods save Zhu Fengyin and the baby.


    Her heart skipped a beat every time the bedroom door opened and a maid rushed in with a bowl of water. She felt even worse when the maid rushed out with a bowl of bloodied water. The wait seemed endless. Finally, an hour and a half later the running around stooped and Physician Gu rushed out with his medicine box.


    "Doctor! How is she! How is the baby?" Madam Lu said standing by the open window?


    Physician Gu cane forward, "Her grace is out of the woods, so is the baby. The child was disturbed in the womb my Lady, luckily it was discovered on time. I have treated her well so far but we have to be careful. I think that she should be placed on bed rest for a while until the baby is stable. She should get a lot of rest, I gave her something for the pain is she will sleep for a while"


    "Thank you, doctor, about this. What do you think caused this, she was doing well so far*


    "A lot of things can cause a miscarriage, it can range from stress to previous health conditions. However, it doesn''t seem to be caused by any previous health conditions. I checked on her grace yesterday and she was in good health, base on her symptoms. It doesn''t seem to be natural, was there anything different her grace ate today?"


    Madam Lu''s eyes narrowed, "are you suspecting poison". On receiving a nod from Physician Gu, she gazed at her dowry maid, " Did she eat anything different?"


    Aunt He shook her head, "no, my Lady. Everything she ate was carefully prepared. I prepared them myself to make sure of that, it can not be from her food".


    "if it isn''t from her food then how did this happen? Was there anything recently bought from outside the house?"


    Aunt He quietly thought back in the events of the past few weeks, they hadn''t gotten anything new apart from_ "my lady, there is something new that we recently ordered".


    "what is it?"


    "The new skincare and makeup products. We ordered a new set of ther pregnancy-friendly products because of the baby. The manager send down a mint and rose flavoured incense with our orders that the steward brought over A month and a half ago. The manager claimed that it was a complimentary gift given to their customers.


    Three weeks ago, Her grace complained that the scent of the previous incense made her nauseous. Since she didn''t like the scent of the previous incense so we took it away and brought this out. I remember that the mistress started sleeping longer after we started using the incense. We didn''t think anything of that and just assumed that it was because of the mint leaves in the incense."


    Physician Gu walked back into the bedroom, he searched the room with his eyes until his eyes fell on the lit incense close to the bed. Aunt He and two of Madam Lu''s dowry maids followed him in. He glanced at the senior maids, "bring the incense over and open the window so that the scent would go away."


    One of Madam Lu''s dowry maids picked up the incense and left the room with physician Gu, while the other dowry maid stayed back with Aunt He. A few maids stood in the hallway leading to Zhu Fengyin''s bedroom. Aunt He quickly ordered them to open the windows before leaving with the other dowry maid.


    Aunt He was no stranger to Madam Lu''s methods, the fact that her young mistress was poisoned on her watch did not look good for her. Madam Lu had all the right to be suspicious, many years of painful experiences thought them to trust no one. She already felt like she had failed her mistress by not protecting her daughter-in-law.


    Aunt He was led to stand by the side while physician Gu opened the incense at checked the ingredients. His lips tightened as he carefully searched through the ingredients, "these ingredients of this incense are very toxic to pregnant women my lady. The mint and rose flower were used to mask the scent of Gui flower".


    "Gui flower again, so it was the same person that is behind the previous attempt that is behind it this time?" Lu Yiling said.


    "It would seem so, young Miss" physician Gu replied.


    Madam Lu breathed in and out silently, she knew that it was the heir to minister Zhu that was behind the earlier poisoning, her men already found evidence but she stayed quiet out of respect to Zhu Fengyin. She felt that since it was her family issue, it was better to let her handle it but since he still tried to poison her again, she couldn''t let him go this time.


    ''I should have nibbed it in the bud when it happened last time'' madam Lu thought glancing at the bedroom.


    Aunt He immediately rushed forward at fell on her knees in front of madam Lu, "Madam I deserve ti be punished. I should not have let down my guards, because of my mistake you nearly lost your grandchild. Please forgive me!"


    Madam Lu glanced down at her maid and sighed, "stand, there is no way anyone would have suspected anything. Take care of Fengyin, as for your punishment. You wouldn''t receive any salary for four months"


    "Many thanks for your kindness, my lady" Aunt He said.

 Chapter 178: Endgame 1

    The main courtyard, Duke Wu''s mansion.


    Madam Lu won''t into the bedroom to check on Zhu Fengyin, the ascent of the poisonous incense had gradually diffused away but ther was still a faint scent in the air. She walked to the bed and looks down at the sleeping Zhu Fengyin, about from looking a little pale. She looked okay, Aunt He went in after madam Lu. She stood silently behind madam Lu, waiting to receive any orders from madam Lu.


    "You are not to blame for this happening. Honestly, if I am to blame someone, I would blame myself. For underestimating Zhu Faye, you were right when you suggested, I nib it at the board last time. Maybe if I did, this wouldn''t have happened," Madam Lu said without looking.


    "I don''t think you were wrong in deciding to let First young madam handle her family issues. Things are more delicate when it concerns family. I think that like you, first young madam hesitated considering her close relationship with him. It is not surprising. I have only stayed with the young madam for close to three months but I can already tell that she is not someone that would let these sort of things go"


    Madam Lu nodded, "I will let give her a few days if she doesn''t act quickly. I will step in, I am curious about what she would do. She is now a duchess and the future head of this family. A position that comes with a lot of responsibilities, making difficult decisions is a must. You cannot shoot from that, the sooner she learns that the better for us all".


    Aunt He glanced down at Zhu Fengyin and sighed, "she had gone through a lot, I honestly don''t know what ti make of such a family like the Zhu family. It feels like it is harder to survive in such a family than at a war front".


    Madam Lu laughed softly and looked back at her first ranked noble maid. "sadly that is the reality of most noble families since Zhu Fengyin and Zhu Faye had different birth mothers. Such rivalry is expected but to go to these extremes. Zhu Faye is an animal and like all deranged animals, he must be put down". She glanced at Aunt He and instructed "Keep watch and send word when she wakes"


    "Yes, my lady"


    Madam Lu nodded and after patting her on the shoulder left and returned to her room. Two hours later Zhu Fengyin woke, she was a little disoriented, Aunt He careful helped her get settled before sending word to Physician Gu and madam Lu. Physician Gu gave her a clean bill of health after checking her pulse and instructed her ti stay on bed rest for some days until the wound on the Uterus caused by the miscarriage was healed.


    Madam Lu visited her briefly before leaving her ti rest. Although no one said anything about the incident, Zhu Fengyin was a little curious. She asked a few questions, after trying to avoid each question. Aunt He finally told her everything two days later, Zhu Fengyin threw the ceramics cup ti the wall opposite the bad as soon as she heard everything.


    Aunt He and the maids in the room jumped in shock as that happened, Zhu Fengyin wasn''t known to cause such a scene when angry so they were taken aback at her response. Aunt, He tried as much as she could to lift Zhu Fengyin''s mood for the next few days but gave up after a few days. As long as Lu Yaozhu didn''t take it out on the maids and was only brooding. She kept to herself.


    *******


    Zhu Faye''s courtyard, at Minister Zhu''s mansion


    Zhu Faye was sealed in his study, carefully going through the account books of the Zhu family stores with the steward in charge of the books when A''Bao walked into the room. He looked up from the spread-out records and smiled. He swiftly dismissed the steward, these records were the least of his problems. He was curious how the morning court sessions went.


    Zhu Faye was yet to be appointed to a notable ministry that reported directly ti the Emperor and as such didn''t attend the morning court. Instead was forced to rely on his network of spies to find out what went on at court. As maddening as that was, it was the reality of his position.


    Although he had come fourth in the Imperial exam and made a few accomplishments in his department. His father held him down behind the scenes, under the pretence that he wasn''t ready but he knew better.


    His father didn''t want him to overshadow his legitimate born son, he lost all use to his father six years ago when that boy was born. It doesn''t matter how hard he worked he would never be as relevant as Zhu Fengyin and that brat. Even that fool Zhu feifei was considered a better breed than he was.


    Zhu Faye gestures for A''Bao to wait beside the door shut the open records book and kept it aside. He gazed up at the plump older man and with a friendly smile said "I won''t keep you anymore, you may leave. I will go through these records and get back to you".


    "Yes, then I will take my leave" the steward bowed at Zhu Faye and retreated. A''Bao waited a few minutes for the steward to be beyond hearing distance before walking forward.


    Zhu Faye threw the record beside the table. "Please tell me you are here with good news," he said to A''Bao grinning.


    "There is good news and bad news my lord" A''Bao said gently.


    "Hmm let me hear the good news first before whatever bad news you are here to deliver ruin my mood"


    "Our men up north reported that the Crown Prince of Chu state''s boat dropped anchor at Duanyue two day earlier. He is en route to Ningzhuo with his army just passed through Duanyue and is headed straight to Ningzhuo" A''Bao said.


    Hahaha, "that is truly a piece of good news, that should keep Lu Yaozhu and the Empress occupied. Empress Lu has is very smart, if I do not do this to keep her occupied. She might see through our plan if Empress Lu tried even a little bit to hide her affections for Lu Yaozhu. I never would have thought of using this plan against her. This is why one should never have any weakness".


    "His Majesty got a little suspicious of the sixth prince at today''s court session, my lord. It might not be a good time for us to challenge the Crown Prince''s position" A''Bao continued.


    Zhu Faye sat back on the seat, " don''t worry if everything goes as planned there will be no need for the Crown Prince to be dethroned. Just keep an eye on things in the north and inform me once Lu Yaozhu is trapped." When A''Bao didn''t budge from his position, he looked up. "Anything else?" He asked.


    "Yes, my lord. I just got word that her grace, the duchess of Wu nearly had a miscarriage"


    Zhu Fengyin hit his hand on the table hard, "why is it so difficult to kill that child. I was trying hard to spare Fengyin from the coming pain but it seems like I can''t. Let her be, we should let her enjoy her last days of freedom."


    ***********


    Four days later, at the Northern borders


    "Report report!!!" A military scout dressed in full armour shouted as he ran towards the commanding tent in the camp. Lu Yaozhu stood with the other commanders mapping the route for their troupe when the flaps of the leather tent were pushed aside at a soldier fell on his knees.


    "Report" the soldier shouted holding his hand forward.


    Lu Yaozhu looked up from the map and glanced at the soldier, "go on".


    "Ningzhuo is under attack from both ends, my lord. Commander Han requests for reinforcement."


    "What!" Lu Yaozhu dropped the map on the table, "how is that even possible. What about the soldiers stationed at Ningzhuo''s borders?"


    "They were outnumbered, the governor of Duanyue and Chuqain has deflected. They have turned against us, they gave Chu state''s Silver army a free entrance into the north"


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the bottle bitten Generals around him, they had been fighting non-stop for weeks to defend the borders. The once cheerful bunch was now more mellow, following the death of Commander Bai two days earlier. The men were tired after fighting for three days straight without much sleep.


    "Our borders have been compromised, brothers. Ningzhuo houses millions of citizens. Citizens that we have sworn to protect, we cannot let it fall into enemy hands" Lu Yaozhu said leaning forward and resting both hands on the table.


    General Zhang, a seasoned veteran and the most senior general after Lu Yaozhu cleared his throat. "Our numbers are smaller because of all the battles, we really cannot spare much. Even if we successfully defend Ningzhuo, if we lose this border. We would be back to square one, I volunteer to go there with a small team and offer some reinforcement until a new set is sent from the capital. We will hold on until our last breath".


    "No! I appreciate your courage but I cannot send you down there" Lu Yaozhu looked down at General Zhang''s injured hand. "You are injured and is needed here, I will lead a team of 10,000 men. That is the only number of men that can be spared, while you take guard of this border. I will write to his Majesty now to send more men".


    "I cannot let you go alone, General," Another general said. "I will go with you as to the number of soldiers, I think that we can spare 3000 more soldiers."


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the General, "it might be dangerous?"


    "And the battle here isn''t?"


    "Okay, then get ready. We leave in five minutes" Lu Yaozhu said.

 Chapter 179: Endgame 2

    NINGZHUO, NORTHERN WEI


    "Hold him steady!" The surgeon instructed Su Liya and two other attendants as he attempted to reset the soldiers bone. They were swamped with patients since the enemies had retreated at two and a half hours earlier. The soldier was among the last set of injured soldiers borough in, his leg was turned in an awkward direction as he was brought in and he was sporting a stab wound on the shoulder.


    Resetting a bone was very painful and most patients couldn''t handle the pain since any sudden movement could endanger the patient more. It was most preferred to have the patient held down until the bone was reset and bandaged. All of which the surgeon did in less than thirty minutes.


    The soldier fainted from pain as the bandage was set. Su Liya and the other attendance holding him down all stood, Su Liya felt a throbbing pain in her thigh and waist from running around the sickbay. She placed her hand on her waist a gently massaged her sore waist. Su Liya walked to the table at the side and poured herself a warm cup of water.


    She walked out of the tent to her some fresh air and sat on a chair outside the tent. Tipping the cup up and gulping down the water, Su Lita leaned backwards eye closed. The sound of hasty footsteps alerted her that she was about to have company.


    Her eyebrows switched a little when she heard a familiar female voice, "Your highness, I just heard from a soldier that the General is heading to battle in a few minutes".


    "Huh! Didn''t Yan state army just retreat? Don''t tell me they are back again, those perky little buggers" she muttered seating straight.


    "It is not them, my lady. Commander Bai at Ningzhuo just sent word asking for reinforcement at Ningzhuo. The Governor of Duanyue turned against us, he is helping the enemy".


    "Ha! The numbers here are not very high. Since it is not a smart move to leave the border unprotected, Yaozhu might not be able to go with anything more than ten thousand men. Boazhai, send word to Wu Yao to send in more reinforcements"


    "Yes, mistress" Baozhai bowed and hurried away. Su Liya watched her leave silently before standing and walking back to Lu Yaozhu''s tent. Su Liya pulled the flaps back and walked into the room. Yu Tao stood in front of Lu Yaozhu, helping him put on his heavy battle armour when she walked in. He quickly pulled back and bowed at Su Liya.


    "Your Highness!"


    Su Liya walked forward and smiling shyly said, "I heard that you are going with Yaozhu, go get dressed. I will take this from here"


    Yu Tao glanced at Lu Yaozhu before nodding "thanks, I will leave the rest to you", he said and left the tent.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled down at Su Liya as she pulled the wrist guard into his hands. Su Liya ignored his expression as she walked around him and helped him get into his full armour.


    Lu Yaozhu placed tried his hands on her cheeks but she quickly stepped away. After two more unsuccessful tries, he asked, "are you mad at me?"


    "No," Su Liya whispered and continued helping him out on his armour.


    "Then why the attitude?"


    "Do you have to away be the hero, I wish that you would be more selfish"


    "There are lives a stake, I cannot afford to be selfish but I can promise you that this is the last time I would take such a risk"


    "Why are you talking like you are writing a will?" She held his collars tightly and said, "don''t you dare die on me. If you do, I won''t even mourn you at all. I will just forget about you and marry someone else"


    He held her hands, "that is okay, I would never want you to be alone forever. I am not that selfish, it is okay that you had me in your heart while I was alive. After watching my mother leave in the past all these years since my father''s death. I don''t want that for you, if I die don''t let yourself fall into deep grief. Mourn me for a few years and then move on, if you see someone better. Go for it, I want you to be happy and not stuck in the past".


    Her eyes narrowed on him, "You! I bet you think that you are so cool right now. Acting all selfless and all but I better not find out when I die that you move on to someone new in the afterlife. You have two options, either you become a monk or you pine for me till we meet again".


    Hahaha, "that is so mean but okay. It is not like I can fall for someone else, you have spoiled me for other women"


    Su Liya blushed when she heard that, she leaned closer and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. As she pulled back, He hugged his hands around her wrist and pulled her closer. He placed his lips on hers and kissed her deeply. They pulled back when there was a good throat clear outside the tent. Lu Yaozhu geared at the flaps, he did not like the interruption.


    She pulled back and quickly righted her clothes, in case whoever that was at the other side of the tent walked in. Lu Yaozhu smiled and called out, "Who is it?"


    "It is Yu Tao, my lord. The soldiers are ready*


    Lu Yaozhu glanced down at her, " I will be there soon".


    "Yes".


    Su Liya stepped back as best as she could, with him holding on to her hands. She ran her eyes down his full-length checking if she got everything right with the armour. Lu Yaozhu pull her into a hug and whispered into her ear, "while I am gone, watch out for anyone or anything strange. I don''t think the governor of Duanyue is the only traitor we have in our means".


    "I will be careful, don''t worry, be careful out there. I will be waiting for you to return" she replied softly. she stood on her tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek.


    "I will be back" he smiled and rubbed her He rubbed his thumb on the top of her plan and slowly stepped back, put on his sword and walked out of the tent.


    Su Liya wrapped her hands around her chest for a few seconds before running out of the tent. She stood in front of the tent and watch Lu Yaozhu leave. She stood there until he was completely out of sight before returning to the medical tent.


    *****


    Meanwhile, at Lu Yaozhu''s end.


    Lu Yaozhu quickly came alert as he heard a faint sound of a dry tree branch getting crushed from the thick grass to his right. He skillfully moved his hands closer to his swords, while maintaining a calm expression. Yu Tao who was riding closer to him noticed his movement. He tensed up and looked around but didn''t notice anything odd.


    Yu Tao pulled his horse reins and rode closer to his master, "General are we being followed?"


    "Yes," Lu Yaozhu replied with a straight face.


    "Should I alert the men? It might be a sneak attack"


    "Don''t, whoever it is following us has no intention to attack us. Someone went exacted a lot of effort to get me to leave the camp and head to Ningzhuo, they won''t attack us yet"


    "Whoever is behind this, is going through a lot of effort. If you were the target, my lord, why cause all this mess?"


    "Why indeed, if not as a cover-up. He cares so much for public opinion and would not want to receive criticism for using the Imperial army for his personal Vindata. That is why he staged this attack as a front to get to me, sometimes people don''t know when to give up"


    Yu Tao titled his head a little bit, "you already know who is behind this attack".


    "Yes, doesn''t his military tactics seem familiar?"


    After some seconds of silence, Yu Tao face brightened. "It is the Crown Prince of Chu state isn''t it?"


    "Yes, this is his attempt at avenging his previous defeat. "


    "So he is as bad as the rumours said" Yu Tai shook his head, "this isn''t going to be easy, General".


    Lu Yaozhu Chuckled, "whoever said that it would be easy, I am abiding by the family rule which is to attempt the impossible. Inform the men to be on guard, we are getting closer to Ningzhuo. An attack is imminent"


    "Yes" Yu Tao nodded and pulling on his horse''s reins, he went back to deliver the news to the men.


    As Lu Yaozhu predicted, they were surrounded a few miles away from Ningzhuo. The Crown Prince of Chu stares at high on black stead, dressed in a silver full armour he came forward with his left and right-wing generals following him behind.


    "We meet again, General." Crown Prince Chu Xiaosi said smirking

 Chapter 180: Endgame 3

    Ningzhuo, Northern Wei.


    As Lu Yaozhu predicted, they were surrounded a few miles away from Ningzhuo. The Crown Prince of Chu state, Chu Xiaosi at high on black stead, dressed in a silver full armour he came forward with his left and right-wing generals following him behind.


    Every member of this army was personally trained by Chu Xiaosi himself and answered only to him. They were the famous Silver army of Chi state, a very elite team of soldiers


    We meet again, General." Crown Prince Chu Xiaosi said smirking. He had been looking forward to this showdown since Zhongshan Cheng approached him months ago. After some very careful planning, he had concocted a plan with high possibilities of success.


    Chu Xiaosi looked at the soldiers under Lu Yaozhu''s command and smiled. Their numbers were two times smaller than the soldiers he brought with him.


    "In war, numbered do not lie, General. You and your men are down to one person to six of my men. Which I must admit doesn''t seem fair. For old times sake. I am willing to let your men go if you surrender yourself to me. What do you think?"


    Lu Yaozhu''s Lips tugged up, "No, I swire to protect my fellow citizens of Northern Wei. Soldiers of Northern Wei does not take hand me downs. You should keep such worthless offers to yourself "


    Zhu Xiaosi chuckled, "You arrogant little_ I knew you would reject my offer but today that too. You have a lot of nerve but don''t worry. I will destroy your precious little pride" his gaze moved to the soldiers behind him him Lu Yaozhu, they looked exhausted. "The offer to join the winning side of this battle is open to everyone, not just General Lu. You have all been through a lot protecting Northern Wei for an Emperor that does not appreciate loyal officials".


    He glanced at Lu Yaozhu, holding Lu Yaozhu''s sharp gaze steadily as he said the next sentences. "Don''t bother waiting for reinforcements cause you won''t get any. You should have learned from your last battle, Emperor Zhong sees you as an eyesore. As long as you or your brother are the ones asking for reinforcements, he would never approve the transfer of any reinforcement.


    "Sad isn''t it that no matter what you do, his majesty would never see past your family name and relationship with the Empress. The worse person to be at odds with is a jealous Emperor, he prefers to lose a foothold in the north as far as it gets you killed. Bet you now wish that you had taken my offer, well it is too_"


    He was interrupted by arrows raining down on him from all angles, "Who? How is that possible" he exclaimed bending low on his horse to avoid an arrow. The sudden attack unsettled Chu Xiaosi, his commanders immediately rushed forward and surrounded him. They did up shield and knocked away the arrows aimed at him with their swords.


    Lu Yaozhu unsheathed his sword and raising it high shouted, "attack!!!"


    His men unsheathed their swords and rushed forward. A team of the Lu family''s special team rushed out of the bushes and joined in. They were able to push through until the silver army from Chu state were depleted to half of their numbers. Although they lost a considerable amount of men, Lu Yaozhu was able to pull his soldiers forward to the battlefield at Ningzhuo''s gate.


    Lu Yaozhu joined in with the rest of the team, Chu states had nearly broken past Commander Bai barricade. The soldiers surrounding Chu Xiaosi all moved out until it was down to Lu Yaozhu and Chu Xiaosi. Lu Xiaosi raised his sword to deflect Chu Xiaosi''s blow still on horseback. He charged forward with his award, nearly missing, Chy Xiaosi''s shoulder by a few inches.


    The force of the blow and the speed of his movement to avoid the hit, made Chu Xiaosi lose balance and nearly fall off his horse. Chu Xiaosi grabbed the reins of his horse to steady himself as he fell. The horse pull his head forward in protest but Chu Xiaosi resisted, hanging halfway down the horse. He used the reins and helped himself to his feet, a sword came towards his neck as soon as his foot touched the ground.


    Squatting quickly, Chu Xiaosi missed the stroke and rolled away. Lu Yaozhu rushed forward, he brought down his sword but was once again deflected by Chu Xiaosi who raised his sword over his head. The Sword dance between the two continued while the fighting continued around them.


    There was a sudden flash of light into his eyes from the side, blocking his line of sight. Lu Yaozhu instinctively raised his hands to shield his eyes, in that split second an arrow was shot from behind and in front of him. Lu Yaozhu heard a "swish" sound from in front and brought his sword down. He blocked the arrow but his back was quickly pierced by another arrow.


    Lu Yaozhu hissed in pain, his back curved in as the arrow dived into his back. A split second later another arrow pierced his right shoulders. The sword in his hand fell as the sword hit the tendon at his joints, Lu Yaozhu stepped aside with difficulty to avoid Chu Xiaosi''s sword. Based on the accuracy and direction of both arrows, Lu Yaozhu suspected that the archer must be next to or in front of Commander Bai''s barricade.


    Lu Yaozhu held his injured hands to his chest, tolerating the pain, he shifted sideways and moved about slowly to avoid Chu Xiaosi''s sword. All this he did to determine the direction of the archer, once he had the right direction calculated. Lu Yaozhu moved to stand at the archer''s sight, he reduced his pace to give a false sense of weakness.


    Based on the target accuracy of the archer, he could tell the true strength of the archer''s strength. Lu Yaozhu could tell that the archer wasn''t well trained and as such would rely a lot on the positioning of his target. He had practised archery for decades and could easily identify these things. Using himself as bait to convince both the archer and Chu Xiaosi to make a move. His reduced pace allowed Chu Xiaosi to slash him at the side and on his arm but he persisted. He stood in the sight long enough for the archer to shoot an arrow and Chu Xiaosi to rush forward sword raised.


    Once Chu Xiaosi was a few meters away, Lu Yaozhu squatted immediately. The arrow missed him and pierced the shorter Chu Xiaosi straight in the heart. The sword in Chu Xiaosi''s hands fell to the ground as he stopped moving. Lu Yaozhu pulled a dagger out of his boots, stood and slashed Chu Xiaosi at his jugular before turning around to throw it straight into the neck of the archer who stood motionless as he watched his master die. The archer fell forward as the dagger pierced his neck.


    "Your highness!!" Chu Xiaosi''s guard suddenly shouted, drawing everyone''s attention to the falling lifeless body of Chu Xiaosi. He ran forward to get to his master.


    Yu Tao who was fighting a few distances away from Chu Xiaosi''s guard was alarmed as he saw the arrows protruding from behind and in front of Lu Yaozhu. He rushed forward, he was closer than the other guards to where Lu Yaozhu stood. He ran forward still holding his sword, "young master", he called out when he got closer.


    Lu Yaozhu swayed as his vision doubled, the adrenaline was long gone in his system which meant that all the previously forgotten pain was brought up in two folds. Yu Tao increased his spread on seeing his master''s pale face, he immediately stepped forward and caught his master as he fell forward.


    "Young master" he cried out looking down at Lu Yaozhu''s face. Lu Yaozhu, who was already delirious from loss of blood and pain, smiled at him sheepishly before blacking out. Two commanders from the Lu Family''s private army Commander Wang and Commander Sun rushed forward to help Lu Yaozhu Up.


    Meanwhile, Chu Xiaosi''s guard knelt on his master''s side. He brought his hand up to Chu Xiaosi''s nose and felt for breath. Where he felt nothing he placed his head on his master''s chest and felt no heartbeat. "Your Highness is_" he stopped at glanced at the enemy soldiers standing around and shouted, "Retreat!! Let us get back to camp!"


    While the silver army retreated, the two commanders, led by Yu Tao carried Lu Yaozhu through the city gate. Commander Bau sent over a stretcher and they carried Lu Yaozhu straight to the governor''s mansion. You Tao immediately sent word for the Lu Family''s private surgeon, Surnamed Chen.


    The surgeon was currently stationed at the secret camp at the northern border with Su Liya. You, Tao, sent a small team to inform Su Liya of the general condition and transport her back to Ningzhuo. The battle gas ended following the crown prince''s death so the silver army stationed around Ningzhuo withdrew.


    Meanwhile back at the Capital the soldier with the request for reinforcement was received by the entire court.

 Chapter 181: The place of no return

    The Emperor''s audience hall, Northern Wei.


    "Report!!" An average height soldier in the standard dark brown armour belonging to the seventh rank soldier of the Northern Wei army, said as he stood by the entrance hall waiting to be granted an audience by the Emperor. Emperor Zhong''s lips thinned as he glance at the soldier. He had grown wary of military reports these past weeks but there was nothing that he could do to prevent them from coming.


    The officials discreetly glanced the soldier at the door and glanced away. This was the first time a messenger came to court to submit their military report. It had to be an emergency, they watched the Emperor''s expression. The change in the mood of the room was obvious.


    Resting his elbow on his lap, Emperor Zhong pinched the flesh between his brows a few times and sighed. Swearing under his breath, he glanced at the eunuch standing a step below his throne. "Let him in, Caihong" Emperor Zhong sat straight. The eunuch walked forward and announced that the soldier may come in.


    The Soldier ran forward without any delay, he stopped a few steps away from the steps leading to the dragon throne and stood at the centre of the room. He knelt on one knee and bent the other, then lifted his knuckles together in respect.


    "Urgent report from the northern borders. The Governor and Prefect of Duanyue have turned against the state and conspired with Chu state. We are surrounded by inside and outside. General Lu set off with only 10,000 men in response to Commander Bai request for help at Ningzhuo. The numbers of Chu state''s soldiers are more than double our soldiers, we request for a batch of soldiers to be sent to the north as reinforcement".


    "How are things in Duanyue?" Emperor Zhong asked.


    "Answering, your majesty. There us nothing out f place in Duanyue, no citizen was hurt. However, the governor has denied the request for reinforcement but provides the Crown Prince of Chu state and the silver army free passage through the seaports and into the North".


    "isn''t General Jiang stationed at Duanyue. How come no report from his end was sent to the capital to report this?" Emperor Zhong glanced at Minister He, who was in charge of the communications department that handled the important correspondence between the Emperor and his subjects.


    Minister He''s face paled at the Emperor''s intense stare, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He hid his shaking hands in his sleeve and tried hard to school his expression. He had indeed received intelligence from General Jiang reporting his suspicion of the governor''s actions bug because he was pressured by the sixth Prince. He swept it under the rock, he had hoped that nothing much would contour if that report and even if something is come out of that. He wouldn''t be implicated.


    Emperor Zhong''s eyes narrowed as he noticed the minister''s discomfort, "guards, take minister Jiang down to the Imperial prison and call Captain Mu to question him. I want to know how an important report from the north never got to this Emperor!"


    "No no no your majesty! Please forgive me! I was wrong. It won''t happen again! Your Majesty please" Minister Jiang cried out as two guards held him up by the arm and dragged him away. He glanced at the Sixth Prince when the Emperor didn''t spare him a glance. "Your highness please save me, Your highness!. I only did_"


    Without letting him complete his words, Zhongshan Cheng rushed forward, "Minister Jiang should be severely punished for not submitting the intelligence, Imperial father. However, we should address the situation before it worsens. I am willing to lead a troupe down there to provide reinforcement!"


    ''Paa'' Emperor Zhong slapped his hands on the dragon throne, the officials, Zhongshan Cheng included all jumped at the sound except Minister Zhu who stood silently at the front line. Emperor Zhong glared down at Zhongshan Cheng, "You dare make such a suggestion! Don''t you dare make the same mistake as your elder brother, do you think going to war is a joke. If you want to help just focus on your study, that way you can assist your brother in running the state."


    Zhongshan Cheng balled up his fist hidden inside his wide sleeve, "this prince was wrong" he said bowing but within him, his thoughts were dark. The Emperor''s words had poured something akin to cold water on him. He had only said those words to earn admiration from his father like he usually did when his grandfather was alive. Instead, he received the opposite reaction from his father.


    He stepped back into his previous position and stood silently while the ministers argued how best to handle the situation up north. He didn''t need a crystal ball to find out that his father had no intention of sending any reinforcement. If he did, he wouldn''t entertain any prolonged arguments between the ministers on first the number of reinforcement to send then the General to out j charge if the team.


    Emperor Zhong intended to drag it out and the ministers were aware of his majesty''s reservations towards the Lu Family most especially Lu Yaozhu. Emperor Zhong no longer bothered to hide his displeasure at Lu Yaozhu, all the praises the Citizens showered on Lu Yaozhu after each battle earned the young general his ire. The rumours about his suspicious relationship with the Empress didn''t help.


    After two hours of heated arguments between the ministers, Emperor Zhong adjourned morning court and dismissed the Officials. He postponed the decision of sending reinforcement to the next court session two days later. The next day was a free day, during which the official court was on break until the next day.


    Minister Zhu Left the audience gall as soon as the Emperor left, he ignore all the attempts made by other ministers to role him into conversations and walked into his carriage outside the palace gates. His Secretary Uncle Du rushed forward, "situation at the north is very Rocky my lord, Last we heard Chu Xiaosi aims at caging General Lu in. I already send half of our main forces to the north, they will get there in three days".


    Minister Zhu stopped briefly in glanced back toward the small gate leading to the inner palace. "Has her highness been informed of the situation?"


    "Not yet but it is only a matter of time before she gets word from her spies down there. I had our men hold them off for some hours".


    "You did well, I don''t want her to make any risky moves. Lu Yaozhu us her bottom line, if she finds out about this. She might cause a huge fuss, get my horse ready. I heading down there". Minister Zhu said and kept walking forward


    "Yes, one more thing, my lord. It is about the Eldest young mistress".


    "Fengyin? What is it?" Minister Zhu said?


    "Since we lost our Spy next to her, getting quick information hasn''t been easy. Our informant in the Duke''s mansion reported that the young miss nearly had a miscarriage a few days ago".


    Minister Zhu face squeezed, "a few days, how many days exactly!"


    "Five days, my lord".


    "How are she and my grandson?"


    "Good, my lord. The doctor was called over early so the baby was saved. Both mother and child are well".


    "Good, was it, Zhu Faye, again?"


    "Yes, my lord".


    Minister Zhu was silent, for some seconds. " I keep giving him chances but every single time, he never fails to disappoint me. Looks like I can not keep my promise to his mother any longer. Get rid of him, the sixth prince is becoming a nuisance. It is about time I got rid of his Strategist".


    ******


    Six hours later, at the Emperor''s study.


    Emperor Zhong was seated on his high seat with the five plates of premium dishes placed on the table in front of him. The food taster, a plump young eunuch in his twenties knelt on the ground next to him.


    The food taster picked up a piece of pickled cabbage from a small soup plate with a plain wooden chopstick and brought the Chopstick up to his mouth, taking a bite. He chewed and swallowed before picking up another fancier looking chopstick. He picked up a piece of pickled cabbage and placed it on the Emperor''s plate.


    As Emperor Zhong picked up the cabbage with his chopsticks and brought it to his open mouth. Loud noises were heard behind the shut screen door of his dining room and the door was pushed open with force. He jumped and looked straight at Empress Lu who stood at the open door frowning. His hands shook and the cabbage fell back into the plate.


    "Empress!" He said Empress Lu''s face was full of anger. This was the angrier he had ever seen her look, he glanced at the servants around him and ordered, "take the food away and leave us".


    The servants packed up the dishes and hurried out of the room. Empress Lu waited for the servants to leave before charging forward.


    "Why did you do it? Why do you always have to hurt the people I hold close to my heart. First, it was Hongli now A''Zhu, why? Why!!" She grabbed him by his collar.


    "Let go," Emperor Zhong said in a low tone when she didn''t budge. He pushed her hands away from his collar and pushed her aside. "Control yourself!"


    "I have kept silence while you did everything you could to destroy my family but I draw the line when it comes to my son!"

 Chapter 182 - The Place Of No Return 2

    The Emperor''s palace


    Let go," Emperor Zhong said in a low tone when she didn''t budge. He pushed her hands away from his collar and pushed her aside. "Control yourself!"


    Empress Lu grabbed the table by his majesty''s side and broke her fall, she chuckle before pushing herself up. She no longer feared hurting his feelings and just wanted to make him suffer.


    "I have kept silence while you did everything you could to destroy my family but I draw the line when it comes to my son!"


    Emperor Zhong opened and shut his mouth, like a fish a few times, "your your Son?" His heart skipped a beat and his breathing dropped. It was like he was falling into sinking sand. He found himself hoping that she had miss spoken but her next words left him speechless for some seconds.


    Empress Lu nodded, "Yes! Lu Yaozhu the person you hate the most is our Qiang, for a smart man I am surprised you didn''t notice the similarities he has to the former Emperor but I guess you just took it as being due to how long the Lu family''s blood has mixed with Zhongshan family. ;As he got older, I feared that you would get suspicious but you never did, because you never saw past his surname"


    Emperor Zhong fell backwards, his head hitting the back of the seat but he didn''t feel the pain. He was too focused on processing what she had said. He covered his eyes with his hands and rubbed his face in an attempt to clear his eyes. ;


    "You lie, How is that possible. Qiang died in the fire!" He said.


    Empress Lu chuckled, "No he didn''t, I got him out when ;the fire started and sent him to Hongli and his wife. I guess this is the point where you will accuse me of lying to you like you ever gave me a choice" she paced around the room for some seconds and looked back at him. ;


    Emperor Zhong narrowed his eyes at her and in a chilling tone said, "You lied to me for years and kept my child away from me all for what. So that you can make me suffer, WHY DID YOU DO THAT!"


    Empress Lu laughed softly and pointing at him shouted, "I DID WHAT I COULD TO PROTECT MY SON! We were all alone in this gilded prison you call your Imperial Haram. When he was born and you made him the crown prince, I thought that you would do right by him and protect him but you never did. Do you know what happens to princes that lack the Emperor''s protection at an early age in the haram?


    "They became targets! Your misplaced jealousy nearly harmed my child. Every day, I lost sleep just to protect my little boy. While the man that was supposed to protect the two of us lost himself in between a disloyal woman''s legs. Before the fire, there were four attempts on my boy''s life, all of which were arranged by your Precious little concubine, Imperial consort Shi. However, it was the moment I found out about Noble consort Tong''s plans to kill my son by setting the nursery on fire that pushed me to the edge.


    "I went to see you the day, I found out about that but you were with your precious consort. Do you remember the day, I stood outside her palace till night but you never came out to see me. That was when I was naive enough to believe you would protect me or my child. I am not so naive anymore, I would never regret meeting you because those years with you gave me my son and taught me a very important lesson.


    "Never trust anyone but yourself with your safety and the safety of your children. After that experience, I made up my mind to send my son away. A decision that frankly, I never regret making. It gave him a chance to live, because of your incompetence. I couldn''t raise my son myself but I always thanked the Gods for making him strong enough that he survived multiple attempts to kill him."


    Empress Lu walked closer to him, "isn''t it funny how the man you hated and killed, was the one to protect your son. Hongli and Madam Lu didn''t even waver when I asked them to protect my son. My best friend just lost her hind at seven months, but the moment I asked for help. She agreed no questions asked, I will always be indebted to her and my brother. They protected the two of us even better than my husband".


    Emperor Zhong felt like the carpet was pulled from under him as he heard her words. He couldn''t refute anything, she said because it had truly happened as she said. He suddenly felt so ashamed, a feeling that she hasn''t felt in decades. He looked up at the only woman he loved but couldn''t look her in the eye.


    He sighed, "please forgive me, Meirong. I was wrong. I was wrong then as I am wrong now, I should have protected you two. I will approve his request for reinforcement immediately".


    Empress Lu looked away and muttered, "A''Zhu needs more than just reinforcement, I got word that he was injured badly. My Son might die, I guess you will finally get your wish. Once he does, you can relax finally and let me go". Empress Lu left without looking back.


    Meanwhile, outside the door closed ajar. Zhongshan Ling limped back quickly while holding on to his cane and hid by the door as the Empress walked out of the room. He waited for some minutes before stepping out of his hiding spot and leaving the palace. He had come here to plead with the Emperor to protect Lu Yaozhu but instead overhead the Empress''s confession. ;


    He walked back to his Palace deep in thoughts, the things that had happened at he grew up with Lu Yaozhu suddenly made sense. ;Never in a million years would he think that Lu Yaozhu was the Empress''s biological son. He finally understood why the Empress was always more protective of Lu Yaozhu.


    The discovery came as a shock to him, he didn''t know what to make of the whole mess. He glanced at Fu Hong his new personal guard and asked, "what do you think father Emperor would do after this reveal. I am curious about that". Fu Hong didn''t respond, had understood that the Crown Prince did not want an answer. ;


    Zhongshan Ling had given up on committing suicide after he had received his father''s threat. While he had complicated feelings toward the Empress after discovering the part she played in his mother''s death. However, since he was responsible for Xia Ying''s well being, he couldn''t just think solely of his comfort. He decided to put all thoughts of ending this misery completely out of his mind.


    The first thing he had found after making that decision was to replace his deceased guards. He was more careful in selecting guards, he wasn''t fully recovered from the betrayal he had experienced at the hands of her former spymaster. Fu Hong was a talented guard trained personally by his former personal guard Xie Feng. ;


    Xie Feng had complimented the young guard and even recommended him to handle a few duties. Zhongshan Ling selected him as Xie Feng''s successor based on his achievement. Zhongshan Ling was escorted back to his palace.


    The next day he was amused as Fu Hong informed him that the Emperor sent Lu Yaozhu 50,000 soldiers. However, the discovery that the Emperor sent a veteran commanding general with the troupe made him pause. He hadn''t expected his father to keep his words but the fact that he did said a lot. ;


    A few hours later the Emperor received a message from Ningzhuo reporting that Chu state had to pull out all their soldiers following the death of the crown Prince. Emperor Zhong was more impressed when he found out that the Chu Xiaosi died at the hands of his long lost son. While everyone rejoiced at the good news, The sixth prince world gradually fell apart.


    ******


    Meanwhile at The sixth Prince''s end


    Zhongshan Ling felt uneasy during the last hours of the day since the Chu state pulled out of the war. He paced around his room, he had sent what to Zhu Faye to come over but gas failed to receive a response. He pulled at the collar of his shirt as he paced around the room, looking to the entrance intervals.


    He couldn''t wait any longer, Chu state sudden withdrawal put a huge dent in his previous plans. He looked at the door once more at the appearance of a male shadow that made him rush forward however he was surprised to find that it was his guard and not Zhu Faye as he hoped. His face fell and he glared at his guard.


    "Any word from Faye?" He asked.


    "No your Highness" his guard replied. He jumped suddenly as a cup flew past him to the wall opposite Zhongshan Ling.


    "Why isn''t he answering? What is taking him so long! Hashe betrayed me? Is that why he is silent?"


    The guard swallowed and summoning up much-needed courage came forward, "your highness, there was a fire at Minister Zhu''s house. Young Master Zhu is no more!"

 Chapter 183 - The Place Of No Return 3

    The Sixth Prince''s study


    Zhongshan Cheng walked forward and looked expectantly a the entrance of his sturdy. He frowned when the visitor turned out to be his guard and not Zhu Faye.


    "Why are you here? Is there any word from Faye?" He ran his hands thrive the back of his head.


    The guard bit the inside of his cheeks in fear of how his master would take the bad news, he was about to deliver. It was no secret that his master doesn''t take bad news well. The last person to deliver less than favourable news to his highness left on a stretcher.


    "Young master Zhu is yet to answer because_" he forced himself to stand still as a teacup was thrown at him. It wasn''t a good thing to dodge anything thrown at you by His highness. He shut his eyes and prayed silently in his heart that it would not heat him. He let out a breath when the cup hit the wall behind him. He didn''t budge when the shards of glass hit behind his ear as the cup shattered on hitting the wall.


    The sixth Prince glared at the guard and resumed his pacing, he didn''t want to look at this guard any longer. He stopped by the table, placed both hands on his table and muttered,


    "Why isn''t he answering? What is taking him so long! Hashe betrayed me? Is that why he is silent?"


    The guard swallowed, he glanced at his master and shut his eyes calmly. He glanced down at the letter in his palm and summoning up much-needed courage came forward, "your highness, there was a fire at Minister Zhu''s house. Young Master Zhu is no more!"


    "What!" Zhongshan Cheng grabbed the guard by the collar, "Faye is dead! How is that even possible! You must be in league with him,! This must be his play to let me go, I don''t care how you do that but get me, Zhu Faye!"


    The guard paled as he heard that, "your-your highness, I am loyal. I, it is true your business the news was delivered to his majesty. Young master Zhu''s funeral will hold in four days".


    Zhongshan Cheng blocked, he searched the guard''s face for even a small strand of unsteady movement but found nothing. He let go of the guard and stepped back. ''Dead... How come he died. What about our plans... How will I? FirstChu Xiaosi and now Faye? It is now or never it seams'' he thought tapping the table silently.


    "Was Faye''s man A''Bao also involved in the fire?" He asked.


    "No, your highness"


    "Call him over immediately"


    "Yes"


    After some thought, he called the guard back, "hold off calling A''Bao over yet. I need to go into the palace. Inform the footman to bring the carriage over.


    *********


    The Governor''s mansion, Ningzhuo Northern Wei.


    Su Liya jumped down from her horse as they rode into the governor''s mansion and ran straight to the main courtyard. She hadn''t bothered changing out of her plain gown and bloody apron when the soldier informed her that Lu Yaozhu was injured. It was like her whole world was falling apart, she ran her horse but stopped by the horse when she remembered that she couldn''t ride a horse.


    Luckily Baozhai ran after her, she helped Su Liya up the horse and climbed in behind her on the horse. They rode fast to Ningzhuo, arriving two hours later, they were delayed at the gate by the soldiers keeping guard. Security at the gate was very tight, they submitted a name tag and we''re cleared by Commander Bai before being let in. The usually busy streets of Ningzhuo was deserted as most citizens stayed back at their homes when the fighting began.


    They rode straight to the governor''s Mansion, finally coming to a stop at the door. While the footmen rushed forward to get the horses, Baozhai got down from the horse and helped Su Liya out of the horse. Su Liya ignored the greetings gr the guards and steward, without any delay, she ran into the house, heading to the main courtyard.


    Nothing had changed in the governor''s mansion since the last time she was here weeks ago. She paid no mind to the servants and refuges that walked about the compound. Her attention was fully focused on getting to Lu Yaozhu, she had a bad premonition that thinks might progress badly. Her thought was in turmoil, she couldn''t think past the news.


    Su Liya was someone that had been alone all her life until now, she never felt worried for another human being well being until now. This was a new feeling for her, she had gotten close to Lu Yaozhu. To her, he was both a friend and a husband, the thought of losing him... Was unimaginable for her. Her heartbeat increase as she ran into Lu Yaozhu''s courtyard, every step felt heavy.


    She felt a heavy chill down to her bones when two maids rushed out, carrying a bowl of bright red water. She glanced at the water and looked around the courtyard, she stepped by the entrance to the Pavillion for some seconds to collect her thought before going in. It was basic knowledge that as caregivers you are meant to uplift the spirit of your patient.


    She needed to put on a bold face, she couldn''t let Lu Yaozhu catch wind of other true feelings so as not to make him lose hope. Many studies have shown that a patient''s state of mind always affects recovery.


    After she felt calm enough, she took in a heavy breath and let it out before walking forward. A tick stench of medicine mixed with the metallic smell of blood rushed into her nose as she walked in. Her eyebrow twitched a little but she continued forward. Yu Tao cane forward as he caught sight of her at the door, "Your Highness". He ran forward and curtsied, glancing down at the apron shielding the front of her gown.


    That drew her attention to the neglected piece of white cloth, she quickly pulled at the strings tied around her neck and waist. She pulled the apron down and handed it to Baozhai. "How is he?" She asked her eyes locked on the tall male figure lying on the bed.


    Yu Tao glanced at his master, "young master''s injuries although serious are not life very threatening. He will recover but it will take a while. Once the surgeon is done with him, he will prescribe something for the pain." He glanced at her pale face, she had huge bags under her eyes and looked frail. "You must be tied after coming down here in such a hurry, why don''t you go into the other room and get some rest. The Surgeon is still busy, I will call you if there is anything serious".


    Lu Yaozhu walked around him went into the from, she stooped a short distance from the bed. Watching silently as the surgeon and doctors went about dressing Lu Yaozhu''s injury. This was a safe distance from the bed, while it gave her a good view of the doctors as they worked. It was also completely out of the way that she didn''t get in anybody''s way.


    "I cannot be as tired, as you are," she said as she heard Yu Tao walk closer. "Didn''t you just come out of battle, don''t worry. I will manage" she said looking over her shoulder.


    Yu Tao stood silently beside her until the doctors were done controlling the bleeding and dressing his wounds. Su Liya received the prescription from the doctors as they left. While Yu Tao sent them off, she sat by the bed and kept watch. Lu Yaozhu woke up the next morning, after a thorough check-up the doctors left with Yu Tao.


    Sometime before he woke, she had washed up and changed into fresh clothes. Su Liya sat silently on the seat beside his bed looking down at him. There was a little stare down before Lu Yaozhu broke it by smiling up at her sheepishly.


    "Looks like you are not getting rid of me that easily, YaYa."


    To which Su Liya rolled her eyes, she raised her hands to hit him on the shoulder but brought down her hand when her eyes fell on the bandage wrapped around his shoulder.


    "You are to joke about this? I don''t like the risks that come with your job, since I cannot convince you to resign. We must agree on some ground rules. Next time you want to be a hero, think twice. I don''t have any family except for you and the Lu family. If anything happens to you, I will be all alone. I don''t have a child so I will have to rely on your brother a fengyin forever. You better don''t take any foolish risks or every year on the anniversary of your death. I will visit your grave just so that I can insult you and dance on your grave"


    He laughed softly careful not to pull at his stitches, "I guess you won''t let me have peace even in death".


    "no, I won''t. You cannot be at peace while I am in pain, we share everything 50:50."


    "Alright, then it is settled"


    "What is settled?" She asked blinking twice.


    "Our next agenda, once the war has ended. We will start trying seriously to have a child that way you will not be alone and we can share everything 50:25:25 if it is a good thing and 10:75:15 if it is something bad. You only get to receive 10% I and our child will share the rest. Don''t worry, I will get 75%, while our child can take 15%. The extra 5% is because of the pain you felt during childbirth".


    Su Liya moved him and kissed him on the cheek, " I love you" she whispers.


    He held her back and kissed her squarely on the lips, "Not as much as I love you".

 Chapter 184 - The Return To The Capital

    The Governor''s mansion, Ningzhuo


    They pulled away and Lu Yaozhu grabbed her hands, he put his finger through hers. Flexing them a few times and tapped her knuckles. Even with his high pain tolerance, Lu Yaozhu could tolerate pain for long. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t awake for long, two hours later, he slept off. After taking another bowl of the prescribed medicine. For the next few days, Lu Yaozhu spent the majority of the day sleeping.


    Five days later, Lu Yaozhu sat up on the bed with his back leaning on the headrest of the bed while Su Liya fed him some cut fruit. The pain wasn''t as bad as it was during the first few days, according to the doctor during his visit a day ago, the injuries were healing properly. Luckily the scouts reported days earlier that the Chu state army had pulled back but Lu Yaozhu had the soldier on high alert, in case of a sudden attack.


    Su Liya picked up a slim half-moon shaped slice of Apple with the small fruit salad fork and brought it to Lu Yaozhu''s mouth. Biting into the piece of Apple, Lu Yaozhu took it into his mouth. When the door was suddenly pushed open and Yu Tao rushed in.


    "General the Emperor sent some reinforcement over, they are led by General Ma," Yu Tao said bowing.


    "Huh?


    "That was quick"


    Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu said respectively as soon as they heard the news, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya shared a look. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t expecting such a quick response from the Emperor neither was Su Liya.


    "How many men were sent?" Lu Yaozhu asked.


    "His Majesty sent down 50, 000 men"


    "Since the army from Chu state is leaving, it is about time we cleaned house. Call the Four commanders and General Ma over"


    "Yes", Yu Tao left the room.


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at Su Liya, " Yaya, I am curious about the game his majesty is playing. Sending a veteran like General Ma down here with double the number of the expected reinforcement. Is it completely out of character or is this a means of pleasing my aunt?"


    "Ha! I doubt his majesty can be that romantic. He must be up to something, the possibility of his Majesty suddenly growing conscience is rather slim. This screams of foul play"


    "Foul play or not, only time will tell. The commanders will be here soon, I don''t want them to know you are here. Go seat behind the screen until the leave" he said gesturing to the widescreen on the other side of the room that dedicated the bedroom from the Bathroom. Su Liya nodded and walked to the screen. She was about going on when Yu Tao rushed in to report


    "Young master, General Ma is here to announce an Imperial command"


    Su Liya glanced up to Lu Yaozhu eyes wide, this sudden decree was news to her. Lu Yaozhu caught her gaze and shook his head, he was as surprised as she was.


    "Let him in," he said


    A minute later Yu Tao led the General inside and stepped back. General Ma and Lu Yaozhu were not strangers to each other, General Ma had served under his father for over five years. He had high respect for this soft-spoken General, Lu Yaozhu although bed written hissed as he strained a stitch while making a move to put his hands together in respect to the general.


    He had a little bit of a relationship with General''s since he had served under the veteran twice at the start of his career


    Su Liya rushed forward immediately and helped him up. General Ma immediately waved his hands, "Aiyoo, you are injured. Don''t be silly these things aren''t necessary, Xiao Er. The old General doesn''t deserve such greetings".


    (T\\\\N: Xiao Er used by General Ma means Little second)


    Lu Yaozhu let Su Liya help him up, gently squeezing her hands in thanks when she was done. "Uncle is just like family, I can''t be so shameless as to let you greet me".


    "It is heartwarming to see that you haven''t changed, after all these years. Your father will be glad, Imagine my surprise when I received the military decree to come here. You did well for your self little second."


    "You flatter me, General. I am just trying to do my best"


    General Ma laughed softly, his gaze softened as it got to Su Liya, "I heard that you got married, this must be your wife!"


    "Yes, it is" Lu Yaozhu replied smiling.


    Su Liya bowed respectfully at the general, "Liya, greets General Ma".


    "You have huge luck, Xiao Er. Your wife is not only pretty but also well behaved"


    Su Liya blushed heavily, Lu Yaozhu glanced at her and smiled, "careful General, you will make my wife shy."


    "We won''t want that right, forget it" General Ma waves it away and with a more serious expression continued, "Xiao Er, his Majesty has relieved you of duty down her and called you back to the capital. Looks like you won''t be in charge of the troops again. I don''t know what his Majesty is up to but those were his instructions. I will take over things down here"


    Lu Yaozhu''s smile broke for a second before his lips were once again curved into a charming smile. "His Majesty must have his reasons, who am I to question that. I will inform the commanders when they get here. A will head for the capital in two days".


    "That is a wise decision, I no longer attend court regularly but things in court are not looking so well for the Crown Prince. It might not be a good idea to report to court so soon"


    "I understand, thank you, General.


    "Don''t mention it, it is the least I could do after your father saved my life multiple times. The world needs loyal officials, most especially in times of unrest. Right now, there aren''t many, we should preserve the few left" General Ma said, he gaze far away.


    Not long later, Yu Tao who stood by the entrance announced the arrival of the commanders. General Ma took out a stamped letter from the Emperor and handed it over to Su Liya. Su Liya took the letter from him and stepped away. Under the pretence of keeping the letter away, she went into the bathroom.


    The commanders and General Ma gave Lu Yaozhu a formal greeting and stepped back. Lu Yaozhu who sat upon the bed with two pillows placed at his back to support him stopped them from following the entire procedure. The commanders exchanged greeting with the general before the meeting commenced.


    "I have been called back to the capital by his majesty and will be leaving in a few days. However, I don''t feel comfortable leaving without handling The two traitors in our midst. Governor Wang of Duanyue withheld military intelligence and covered free passage to the enemy. He should be arrested and punished according to the law. We cannot be fooled by the Chu state''s sudden withdrawal from the battle."


    He glanced at General ma, "General Ma has been put in charge of the north, he will replace me. His Majesty wants everything handled properly and I believe that you are all up to the task. I am glad to leave it to you all to handle"


    The next day the governor of Duanyue and his accomplices were arrested, they were transported to the capital with Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya who left two days later.


    ********


    Madam Lu''s common room, the Duke''s mansion.


    Madam Lu leaned by her side as her maid massaged her shoulders gently. She was dressed in simple clothes and wore no other accessory apart from a small jade hairpin placed on her small high bun. A few steps away at her right a young maid read softly out of an open book in her hands.


    The arrival of steward Lu broke the serenity of the room, he didn''t mean to ruin the mood but he was left with no other choice. He stopped a few steps away from Madam and cupped a fist in one hand bowed, "My Lady, there has been an accident" he said softly.


    Her previously shut eyes opened and she sat forward, "did something happen to my boys?"


    "No, my lady. His grace is still in the south. While our second young master is on his way back to the capital. It is about the Eldest madam, we were just informed that there was a fire at the Minister of Finance''s mansion"


    "What! Was anyone injured?"


    "The eldest young master perished in the fire"


    "The eldest young master would be, Zhu Faye. Has Fengyin been informed?"


    "Not yet, my lady. I don''t want to make her worry".


    "The Doctor already cleared her move around, you can let her know.... or maybe let me take care of that. We need to ensure that she is calm before letting her go. Just keep an eye on everything, let me know if there is something new".


    "Yes, my lady" he bowed and left the room.


    Madam Lu watched him until he was out of sight before calling her decree guard over. "You reported that Fengyin paid a visit to the minister''s mansion a few hours earlier. Did she meet with Zhu Faye?"


    "Yes, madam."


    "For how long?"


    "She stayed for about twenty minutes before leaving".


    "That has to be the longest twenty minutes of Zhu Faye''s life. Surely she wouldn''t be behind this", she muttered been her breath, then dismissed


    her guard

 Chapter 185 - Wild Ambitions 1

    The main courtyard, Duke Wu''s mansion.


    Zhu Fengyin sat at her dressing table while her newly promoted maid Xiaonuo ran a fishbone shaped comb through her hair. She had promoted Xiaonuo a few days ago because of how well she handled the situation when she nearly miscarried her child. She didn''t mind that Xiaonuo wasn''t trained as a lady''s maid, with some directions Xiaonuo can become a capable Lady''s maid.


    As Xiaonuo brushed out Zhu Fengyin''s hair and began styling her hair into a loose braid, Aunt He rushed into the room. Zhu Fengyin opened her eyelids and glanced at the panting older female, "be careful not to gall aunt. wat is the matter, Aunt He, why are you in such a hurry."


    Aunt He bent forward, her hands resting just above her knees as she tried to catch her breath. Zhu Fengyin glanced at her and smiled, in the weeks they had stayed together. One thing she had picked up after getting to know this first rank Lady''s was that Aunt He was such a drama queen. She would put on such an elaborate show just because of one little news.


    Once her heartbeat was steady and she was no longer breathing so hard, Aunt He stood. She sighed on seeing, Zhu Fengyin''s relaxed expression. To her it was a good sign, according to madam Lu''s instruction, she was to observe Zhu Fengyin''s mood before relaying the sad news to her. Zhu Fengyin looked calm enough to her, she walked forward and stood by Zhu Fengyin''s side.


    She looked down at Xiaonuo''s neat braids and sighed, she said in an exhausted tone, "Your handwork is very neat, Xiaonuo. Too bad that it cannot stay, we have to style our madam into something more formal".


    Xiaonuo glanced from her fully completed braids at the right half of Zhu Fengyin''s hair and the hair completed second half to the right, to Aunt He in confusion. "Formal hairstyle? Are we going out again?"


    To which Aunt He nodded and then glanced at their eldest madam in concern. She didn''t like to be the bearer of bad news but in this case, they were left with little chance. She bent her knees down a little as she said, "There has been an accident at Minister Zhu''s house, madam. A fire broke out and the eldest young master, Zhu Faye perished in the fire. The minister''s family is in mourning."


    Without raising her gaze, Zhu Fengyin opened her eyes. "Zhu Faye died in a fire? How surprising, I am heavy with child, it is not convenient to run around. I will go pay condolence to madam Zhu tomorrow, prepare a good gift to present. It must not be too flashy, our Faye was so young."


    Aunt He watches her expression, eyes wide. She was not expecting such a calm reaction from her madam. Even someone as reserved as their eldest madam would show a little bit more concern. ''I guess our young mistress''s suspicion was correct. Eldest madam had something to do with Zhu Faye''s death but when we were at the ministers house young master Zhu was still alive.''


    Aunt He''s impression of Zhu Fengyin increased at this moment. While she wasn''t a fan of killing people recklessly, she did not hold it against Zhu Fengyin because Zhu Faye had tried to hurt Zhu Fengyin and her baby a few times. Aunt He nodded and went off to arrange everything and left.


    Zh Fengyin smiled as she watched the older woman leave, "I am a little thirsty, Xiaonuo. Please get me a cold beverage".


    "Yes, madam," Xiaonuo replied and retreated.


    Zhu Fengyin waited a few seconds before calling her private guard Chonglin out inside. She had seen him sneak in as she addressed Aunt He. Chnglin must gave something to report, plus she also had some questions for him, "Shouldn''t Zhu Faye had died three days from now. How come he was in a fire?"


    "The poison, I forced down the young master''s throat should have kept him bedridden for three days then finished him off by the fourth day but our spies reported that uncle Lu went in two hours after you left and had a word with the young master. Minister Zhu must have arranged for Zhu Faye to be killed before leaving for Ningzhuo." He took out a letter from his robe and handed it to her. "This was based on to me at the market today by a servant from the minister''s courtyard".


    Zhu Fengyin took the letter from him, flipped it around and saw her name written in neat letters. It was her father''s handwriting, near and bold. It had always amazed her that father wrote like a General. His handwriting was firm, each letter written boldly. She unsealed the letter and unrolled the letter. A small name tag fell out of the letter, Chonglin picked up the name tag and handed it back to her. "Thanks," she said holding on to the name tag and reading through the letter.


    ****


    ''Fengyin


    Father wasn''t able to protect you as I should have and for that, I must apologise. I have taken care of the rotten egg but I fear that things haven''t gotten better. I don''t have much time to stay with you in this life but I already made the necessary arrangements. The Sixth Prince plans to rebel, now that things aren''t going according to the plans made by Faye. He will be desperate and a desperate man is the most dangerous to be around. I already arranged with General Lu and the Duke but in a situation when our plans fall apart and the Lu family''s life is in danger ant word to her highness the Empress to reveal the truth.


    One more thing, do not trust the Crown Prince. The apple doesn''t fall far away from the tree, his highness''s present company will lead to his ruin."


    Love


    Dad


    *****


    Zhu Fengyin put the letter into her sleeve together with the name tag. She felt tears roll down her face at the finite way her father spoke, almost like he was going to die. She wiped the tears away with the back of her hands and glanced at her waiting guard.


    "Chonglin, was A''Bao also killed in the fire?"


    "No, mistress"


    "Looks like the heavens is on our side, get him and keep him at Yun''an temple. I need to have a word with him, inform the abbot that we might need to get some men into the capital. Have you heard anything from Liya?"


    "Her highness sent word that they would be at the capital in two days."


    "Good, once the arrangement is made let me know".


    "Yes"


    ********


    Imperial Consort Shi''s palace


    "Your Highness", the palace maids and eunuchs stationed at his mother''s palace chorused as the Sixth Prince walked into his mother''s palace. He was surprised to see his mothers maid standing guard at the door. "Why are you here, Nanny. Where is my mother" he asked? His eyes narrowed when he saw her jump and look away immediately.


    She looked very guilty and kept shifting to cover the door with her body, "Where is my mother!" He shouted. His Nanny jumped and walked forward, "your highness, the Imperial consort cannot receive any guest right now because she is asleep. Please come back tomorrow".


    He glanced down at the elderly maid that had followed his mother for decades. There was great fear in her eyes, her unsteady gaze said it all. " what aren''t you telling me? Why are you here while my mother is inside? Answer me!!


    The nanny jumped at his harsh tune and took a step back until she was just a few steps away from the door. When she remained silent, Zhongshan Cheng pushed her aside, pushed the door open and walked into the room. He stopped at the sight in front of him, the smell of blood was thick in the air as his mother knelt in sharp nails.


    "Mother!" He shouted and rushed towards his mother. He knelt beside her, "mother! Why are you like this".


    He tried to pull her up but Imperial Consort Shi pushed his hand away, "no! Chang''er, let go! You cannot help me, it was his Majesty that ordered this. If you do this, it can be seen as challenging his authority. Just let me be, it is only for a few hours, he will let me go by night time"/


    Zhongshan Cheng tried once more to help his mother up, "this isn''t right, why is he doing something like this. Even if grandfather committed treason, he still can not treat you like this. You are the mother of a prince, he should treat you with respect!"


    "A''Cheng, his Majesty already gave me face by sending away all my maids and grounding me in here. Do not let your emotions get the best of you, we have to follow our plans to the end. Your grandfather already sacrificed himself for our future. Do not let his sacrifice go to waste", she pulled him closer and whispered, "attack the capital now that all the capable military officials are away from the capital. His majesty got rid of all his shield, now it is only him and the lame Crown Prince. Instead of causing a huge scene here, Attack now and claim your throne. We have the element of surprise, once the old fool and the Empress a taken care of. Northern Wei will be yours to rule".


    The Sixth Prince looked at his mother''s calm expression and sighed, "what about the Lu Family".


    "Don''t worry about them, we can get rid of them after you have taken the throne.

 Chapter 186 - Wild Ambition 2

    Hanli inn, pu''an village.


    "You have a guest, General" the innkeeper an elderly woman in her sixties said as Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya checked into the inn. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya exchanged surprised looks before turning back to the innkeeper. They had just arrived at Pu''an, the possibility of having a guest waiting was strange.


    This was their rest spot for the night, they would continue their journey back to the capital the next day. Lu Yaozhu immediately gave the lobby a quick survey for secret weapons but there wasn''t anything in sight. He glanced at the innkeeper, he squeezed Su Liya''s hands to reassure her. Eyes lucked on the in keeper, he placed his left hams on the table while his right hand crept up the short sword at his waist.


    "Who is it?" He asked in a soft tone. He sounded relaxed and unsuspecting as he did at making the innkeeper let down their guard. Since there was no doubt that she was working with whoever was waiting for them. His question was a test to see her response to a challenging question. However, when she responded normally, he pulled his hand away from the short sword.


    "The man did leave a name, he just booked a room upstairs and informed me to direct you to the room once you arrive", the unsuspecting woman said smiling wide. To her, the man looked like a father''s figure, he was very good looking for someone a few years younger than her and was very charming. She had agreed to his request because she felt that he was very respectful and seemed like a gentleman.


    Lu Yaozhu smiled, "You offer really good service, please direct us to the room".


    "Oh yes, right this way" the innkeeper walked out of the counter and led them up the step, they were led down the hall, to the last door at the end of the hall. She paused at the door, raised her hands and knocked gently on the door, waiting patiently for an answer.


    "Who is it," a male voice said from the other side of the door.


    "It is I, the innkeeper. General Lu and his wife has arrived, may they come in?" she said softly.


    "Yea, please let them in" as the male voice spoke the sound of a bolt lifting was heard as the door was opened by a guard in a dark blue military uniform.


    The uniform although of similar design to most military uniforms from this time was nothing like that of northern Wei soldiers. This soldier had to be a member of a private army. Most families kept those secret but usually disguised them as guards. The soldier bowed and stepped aside, he bowed and said, "General, your highness, please come in".


    "mm", Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya replied. They thanked the innkeeper and stepped into the room. The guard stepped out and shut the door as they walked in. He stood guard outside the door to keep intruders away, the innkeepers left as soon as he came out.


    Su Liya frowned and looked towards the door as the guard stepped out. She was not fun of the games, this sudden visitor was playing. She turned around to the male silhouette standing by the window. She searched the room for any available weapon, her lips tugged up as her eyes fell on the fruit knife on the table. The knife was at safe distance from her, once the security sweep was settled, she Smile softly.


    "I won''t keep you waiting, please have a seat," the man said turning away from the window and moving out of the dark.


    "Minister Zhu!" Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya chorused in unison. They glanced at each other before returning their gaze to the older male.


    "Sorry for the sudden visit, I needed to have a word with you two before you get to the capital," he pointed at the seats on the other end of the table. Su Liya looked up at Lu Yaozhu, she continued forward after she received a nod. Minister Zhu sat on the seat opposite them, he quietly poured out two cups of tea and passed them to them.


    Su Liya accepted the cup of tea and placed it on the table in front of her. She felt a little awkward sitting next to minister Zhu, who went about like he wasn''t always out to get the Lu family killed. Minister Zhu didn''t look worried at all, he acted naturally like it was every day he had tea with his enemy.


    Su Liya looked away awkwardly when their eyes met, her mouth curved into an oh. Minister Zhu''s smiled down at her amused at her reaction. He quickly ran his eyes down Lu Yaozhu, "how are your injuries?"


    "Good, it is healing" Lu Yaozhu replied smiling softly.


    "I cannot stay long so I will get down to business. Be careful once you get to the capital, tension has been very high since the Crown Prince''s accident. Be careful out there, the Crown Prince is not the man he previously was. He has been looking into his mother''s death for weeks now and I fear that someone intends to stir up trouble by painting the Empress and your father as the person responsible for his mother''s death.


    "Before your father died, I promised that I would protect you and the Entire Lu family. Although it didn''t look like it. However, I have been doing exactly that for years. Brother Hongyi was my best friend, I always regretted not doing more. When the Emperor began going down the same route the crown prince is now headed, I should have said something. Instead of just keeping silent and hoping that he would get better.


    "I could protect your father but I can protect you, before you get to the capital there is something that you must know concerning the Sixth Prince. I hoped that things wouldn''t come to this but sadly it looks like it cannot be avoided. My men interrupted some communication between the sixth Prince and the deceased crown Prince of Chu state. His highness has plans to rebel, with Chu Xiaosi dead.


    "I suspect that he would attack soon, I fear that with his majesty fully focused on the ongoing war. He might not be prepared for the attack, which is why I am giving you control of 5,000 of my elite forces. Add them to yours, I neutralized all of the additional forces under that traitorous son of mine before leaving the capital. Zhu Faye has been taken care of so the sixth prince does not have access to a large number of forces.


    "At most he should only have 15, 000 men give or take, excluding the mercenary under his control. The mercenaries won''t be a problem since I already paid them off."


    "I guess we should thank you for cleaning up a mess you are partly responsible for", Lu Yaozhu said smirking.


    "You were already aware of the sixth prince plans weren''t you. You are too smart to miss such a sloppy cover-up like the one put on by Faye and Zhongshan Cheng".


    "I would be stupid to miss something like that, if you found out about the sixth prince''s plans, how come you kept it to yourself. You gave his majesty''s ears, why not just inform him of the betrayal. Why come to me? What is your angle?"


    Minister Zhu smiled, "Her highness was right, you are a tricky one, why do you always hold your cards close to your heart. Even her highness thought you were unaware but you know everything."


    His lips curved up, "when you don''t know who to trust, you learn to trust yourself ".


    " well you don''t have to doubt my loyalties, I am one of the good ones."


    "I don''t doubt that you have been a good help to my aunt, but considering that your wonderful idea got my father killed. I think I will take my chances and do things my way. Even if you didn''t advise my father to kill himself just to avoid his majesty''s wrath. I still cannot trust you because compare to everyone involved, you have more to lose if the sixth prince''s crimes are brought to light. How sure am I this not a lie to save yourself?"


    "Zhu Faye is dead even if his involvement is discovered, I cannot be held responsible. It is in your best interest to trust me if I was on the sixth prince''s side. I would have kept this to myself and taken steps against you and your family but I never did that. I never will take such steps not when we are family, plus my daughter lives you. If you die it would break her heart, I don''t want her to be hurt", his eyes fell on Su Liya as he mentioned his daughter.


    Lu Yaozhu turned to her immediately only to meet an equally shocked expression.


    "Did you say, your daughter? How is that even possible" Su Liya said eyes narrowed.


    Minister Zhu just smiled and replied, "all your questions would be answered when am done with Lu Yaozhu.. You are the main reason, I am here".

 Chapter 187 - Wild Ambition 3

    Hanli inn, Pu''an town Northern Wei


    Did you say, your daughter? How is that even possible" Su Liya said eyes narrowed?


    Minister Zhu just smiled and replied, "all your questions would be answered once I am done with Lu Yaozhu. You are the main reason, I am here".


    Su Liya looked at him sceptically, she didn''t know what this old man was playing at. Suddenly announcing she was his child when they had never interacted one bit. As far as she was aware even the Su Liya from this world never had a relationship beyond that of employee and employer. She gazed at him from beneath her lashes, silently trying to get a reed of him.


    Lu Yaozhu narrowed his eyes at the older male, he silently accesses the situation. While he does not trust Minister Zhu for obvious reasons, he couldn''t dismiss the fact that the minister gave good suggestions. He wasn''t so stubborn as to insist on doing things his way, he decided to give minister Zhu the benefits of the doubt, especially when he had nothing to lose.


    He accepted Minister Zhu''s help, they spoke for some time before concluding. Su Liya stood up to leave with Lu Yaozhu once the plan was concluded but was called back by Minister Zhu.


    "Liya please hold on, I would like to have a word with you, privately," he looked instantly at Lu Yaozhu as he said the last way.


    "What are you playing at Old man?", Lu Yaozhu asked, looking down at Minister Zhu''s serene expression.


    Minister Zhu smiled, "no need to be on edge, I won''t hurt her. I just want to talk privately with her, nothing else. I won''t hurt her, it is not in my benefit to do so. Not like I could ever hurt her without you finding out since you would be standing outside the door in hearing distance."


    Lu Yaozhu opened his mouth to say more but was held back by Su Liya, she placed her hands on the loose sleeve of his robe and pulled gently. She shook her head, "don''t. It is alright, Yaozhu." Lu Yaozhu looked down at her pleading face, his heart softened on seeing her relaxed expression.


    "Okay, you two can talk. If you need me just call, I will be waiting outside", He said shooting Minister Zhu glare before leaving the room. Su Liya watched hum leave and shut the door behind him. She returned to her seat, feeling more self-conscious than ever. Minister Zhu had his eyes locked in her, she found his gaze was a little bit unnerving.


    After what felt like an eternity, Minister Zhu finally broke the silence, he had observed that she had no intention of starting up a conversation with him. He picked up his cup of tea and brought it to his lips, taking a sip of tea then returned the cup to its previous position on the table in front of him.


    "You must have a lot of questions for me, ask away, I promise to answer honestly".


    "Am I supposed to take your word for it?" Su Liya said watching him for any sudden change in expression but there was none, he just nodded.


    "Don''t be so suspicious Liya, I am being honest. I have no intention of lying to you like I said you mean a lot to me"


    "Then in the spirit of honesty, answer this one question. Am I your daughter?"


    "Technically yes"


    "Wrong, I not relayed to you in any way. Last I checked I have a deadbeat father that refuses to acknowledge me and a mother that abandoned me. How could be related to you?"


    "Oh, but you are, the Su Liya from this time is not related to me but you, my dear daughter are. You are not from this time are you?"


    Her beat increased rapidly but she refused to let it show. She wasn''t about to let him find out anything that can be used against her. Her shoulders shook as she laughed, "wow, how amusing. Do you have any idea how far fetched that sounds, from another world... How fantastical!"


    "It is amusing isn''t it but you know that I am right. Don''t be scared, we share a mutual friend. You must be familiar with the name Mazu"


    The smile fell off he face and her eyes widened but only for some seconds. She quickly covered up her shook, blinking her eyes a few times. She said, "Mazu? Who is that? I haven''t heard that name!"


    "Really? Isn''t Mazu the Empress of the heavenly realm, even a toddler has heard of her".


    "Everyone may have heard of her as you said but for you to claim that I know her. I am not that special".


    "Oh but you are, why do you think she chose you. Mazu doesn''t make rash decisions. You were chosen for a reason, I bet you still think this is a book but have you ever wondered why nothing followed the original plot of the Emperor''s cunning Bride".


    Su Liya''s face pales, "how_ who are you? How do you know that?"


    "Now you are asking the important questions. I am Su mo, I am responsible for the fate of humans and gods".


    " if you are responsible for our fates how come I was abandoned at an orphanage. How come I had to go through so many horrible experiences, you claim that you care about me but if you did why did you leave me to suffer?"


    Minister Zhu Looked away, his face a mask of pain. "Do you know the one thing I hate most about my life, it is that no matter how much I care about anyone. I can never get directly involved with their life. Even now I cannot do anything to help Fengyin, I can only stand and observe."


    He looked up at her with a sad smile, "You looked a lot like your mother When you were born. You might not be wearing your original face but you have your mothers spunk. We were never meant to be together but I fell madly in love with her and I got cursed for that. Cursed to keep going through these long painfully lifetimes. Cursed to watch my children die but finally, I broke the curse, I can finally go and spend the rest of my life with the love of my life. Too bad it was at the cost of not staying with you, I could once again break the rules but I fear that you might have to pay the cost with me."


    "I can''t just accept you, you must understand that growing up. I thought I was abandoned. That my parents did not like me, thoughts like that. Changes someone, so it will take some time for me to accept you but I will try. About my mother... What happened to her?"


    "Your mother wasn''t very strong, health-wise that is. She fought hard to carry you to term after the accident, sadly she didn''t last so long after you were born. Please do start thinking that you killed your mother, you had absolutely nothing to do with her death. If someone should be blamed, it is me for not protecting you and your mother."


    "Wait didn''t Fengyin''s mother die while giving birth? Is that part of your curse but if that was how it works. Why didn''t it affect Madam Zhu or Zhu Fenfang''s mother, little madam He?"


    "Because I didn''t love them so much, I could never fall in love with another woman after meeting your mother"


    She tilted her head to the side, "that is odd, isn''t Mawa Fengyin''s mother. She is the heavenly Empress and is married to the heavenly Emperor. Ha! Don''t tell me you two had an affair and got caught. Is that why you are cursed!"


    A laugh burst out of his lips as he saw her serious expression. "Please rein in your overactive imagination, I didn''t cheat with Mazu. One can not cheat with their wife now can they"


    "Mazu is your wife? But that would make you...."


    "The Heavenly Emperor, yes. I broke the rules and got involved in Mazu''s trial. That is how we got into this mess."


    "But that means that Fengyin and I are... Sisters"


    "Yes, you are."


    "Who is older between the two of us?"


    He looked at her like he was looking at an idiot and shook his head. "You just found out that Fengyin is your sister and the first question that came to your mind was ''Who is older?'' Who do you think it is. Judging from your question, it must not be you. Sally girls"


    "Well can you blame me for trying to understand our weird sibling dynamics?"


    "Your mother should have eaten a lot healthier when pregnant. This is what happens when she doesn''t!" He muttered rolling his eyes.


    "Are you implying that I am stupid" when he failed to respond, she hit him on the arm. "Don''t glare at me, remember that no matter how angry you are, you cannot smite me!"


    "Unfortunately! Get going before your dear husband succeeds in boring a hole through the door".


    Su Liya smiled, stood and walked to the door.. She stood by the door and waved at him before leaving.

 Chapter 188 - Wild Ambition 4

    Yu''an Temple, Northern Wei


    *Kun Kun Kun Kun*


    The sound of wooden knackers was heard throughout the small warship room as Zhu Fengyin sat barefoot on the flours reciting chants. She faced the golden buddha statue and listened to the monks seated around the room recite mantras. An hour later Zhu Fengyin was helped up by her lady''s maid Xiaonuo and supported out of the room by her arm.


    She was approached by the abbot of the temple pm her way out, the Abbot was a bald elderly male dressed in a one-handed uniform and neck beads followed her out of the praying room. "Your Grace," He said in a gentle tone bowing at her.


    Zhu Fengyin stopped walking forward and glanced at her side, "Abbot Chen!" She cried out, bowing respectively.


    "Your Grace, I received your request for an audience," he said gently.


    "Yes, these past few weeks haven''t been easy. I just lost my older brother, it was quite a shock to my Zhu family, not just myself. It was a fire Abbot, I am not at ease. in my present situations, spiritual guidance is necessary"


    "Say no more my child, I understand. Please step this way, I am free to give you a counselling session" he stepped sideways while measuring to the path leading to the meditation room.


    Zhu Fengyin nodded and walked towards the path, Abbot Chen walked beside her as he led her to the meditation room. Zhu Fengyin took off her shoes at the entrance of the meditation room, she instructed her maids to wait outside before going in. It was standard practice for the servants of the noble visitors of the temple to wait outside during quiet meditation and counselling. Since it was meant to be a one on one meditation session between the abbot and the visitor.


    Zhu Fengyin walked into the meditation room and shut the door, abbot Chen bowed to the ground as soon as they were alone. "Everything has been set, your grace" he whispered.


    "Did you run into any problems?"


    "No my lady, A''Bao is already in the secret room. We are awaiting your return".


    She glanced at the door, "I hope you are not holding me for too long" she spotted her maid standing outside the door, "keep watch, I will be back soon".


    " Yes, your grace"


    She walked past him to the altar and pulled the candle stand beside the altar to the side. The wall gave in and the entrance to the underground secret longer located beneath the meditation room opened. Abbot Chen passed a small lit lamp to her and stepped back. Zhu Fengyin accepted the lam and proceeded down the stairs leading to the secret room. The Entrance was shut as she pulled at the candle stand ahead of the last step.


    Chonglin walked forward to receive her, he bowed to the ground, "thus way, Mistress".


    "mm," she replied handing the small lamp over to Chonglin and continuing forward. She walked into the well-lit detainment cell, a bloody A''Bao sat forward as he was tired up to a seat. One of his eyes was shut, while the other was swollen. His face was battered with bruises and cuts, with his left side taking the full brunt of it all. Blood dried down from his injury to the ground, there was a long line is blood at the side of his lips.


    Based on the stench coming off him and the room in general, he had to have lost control of his pee a few times. The putrid smell in the room made her gag as she came in but she held it in and soldiered in. All eyes were on her and She didn''t want to cause a scene. If she engaged, she would be feeding into the stereotype of women being weak.


    Her ever-observant personal guard, Chonglin pulled out a seat and placed it a safe distance from A''Bao. Zhu Fengyin, whispered thanks audible to only him as she took a seat in front of A''Bao. A''Bao stiffened as an embroidered show came into view, he looked up from the ground. He squinted his one good eyes to get a clear view of the new arriver.


    "Youn... Young... Young Mistress" he was taken aback as he came face to face with the eldest young mistress of the minister''s house. He was not expecting her to be the one behind this, he has assumed it was Chen Yao when a female shoe came into sight. He had underestimated this young mistress, do did his master. That miscalculation had cost his master his life.


    Zhu Fengyin clicked her tongue, "what is wrong with your expression, I guess you weren''t expecting me" she flexed her hands, "who were you expecting?"


    She smiled as his gaze lowered, she had only said that as a test but his reaction spoke volumes. A''Bao shook his head, "no one, I was just surprised to see you".


    "were you, you know A''Bao. By now you should understand your present situation, is it in your best interests lie?"


    "I am not lying, young Miss"


    "oh, but you are or are you just having a case of memory loss" as she said the last word, two hefty men came forward with whips and knives. Zhu Fengyin saw the lying servant visibly pale, as the men got closer he began to push himself back. Trasting in the chair but Zhu Fengyin ignored him. She shifted her seat back to get out of the way of blood splatters and any other dirt that might stain her clean gowns.


    The ever-watchful servants from Duke Wu''s mansion would notice any stains on her clothes. Chonglin walked forward and whispered in her ear, "things are about to get messy mistress. Let''s step out and give tge man space to work".


    Zhu Fengyin nodded, using his arm as support. She got up from the seat and walked to the door. She stopped a few steps away from the door, glancing over her shoulder, " Be careful not to leave any visible injuries on his face and hands. I still have use of him", she called out.


    Chonglin led her into the next room, it was a lot smaller than the other room but was as well lit. He helped her to a couch and stepped back. "Chonglin, what do you think of the sixth Prince. I am curious how people see him".


    Chonglin smiled, "Madam must be curious if the ordinary citizens are fooled by his Highness. Don''t worry they aren''t so easily fooled, mistress. There is a lot of gossip going around about the sixth prince, immoral activities. Most citizens are as displeased with him as they are with the Crown Prince"


    "The Crown Prince has a better reputation than the Sixth Prince, why are they all displeased with him. It can''t just be because of his limp"


    "Oh most citizens are not displeased because of that, only a select few are. Their problem with the Crown Prince stems from his political activities, most of the policies brought up by the Crown Prince made life difficult for striving families. He championed a lot of tax increments, that although aimed at the wealthy indirectly affected the poor citizens who depend on these families. Most wealthy families increase their rents and reduced the wages paid to their staff.


    "It is obvious that He doesn''t pay close attention to the normal citizens. He relies on his advisers but from my observation, his advisers have long been comprised. Then there is the mess he caused at the seaport, a lot of soldiers lost their lives because of his sudden departure. Everyone was focused on finding him that no one paid any attention to the soldiers at the seaport. The surprise attack by the Droko tribe got a lot of people killed. Many citizens lost their sons and fathers to that attack".


    "The Crown Prince ruffled a lot of feathers, how did I miss that. He has a lot of potential, it is a pity that he went down this path".


    Minutes later one of the hefty men torturing A''Bao walked in to report that the Prisoner was ready to talk. Zhu Fengyin smiled and holding Chonglin arm for support, got up from the seat and walked into the other room.


    A''Bao sat there panting heavily, Zhu Fengyin paused by her abandoned seat and glared at the blood on the ground. She raised her gown and took a seat, " are you ready to talk"


    "Yes!" A''Bao exclaimed in-between pants.


    "Okay, let''s hear it. Tell me who is the Anonymous person, communicating with the Crown Prince. I know that Faye was working with whoever that is"


    "It is a girl.....


    *******


    Chen Yao''s small courtyard, the Jiang family mansion


    "Mistress, we have an emergency," said a small ladies maid dressed in brown uniform cried as she ran into the room. She stopped a few stepped away from her mistress. Chen Yao frowned as her hands shook, paint dripped off the paintbrush in her hand, staining the spread out painting on the table in front of her.


    Chen Yao hit the paintbrush on the table with force, the loud sound startled her maid making her jump.


    "What is it" Chen Yao shouted.


    "M_mistress the eldest young master of the Zhu family is dead"


    "What!!"

 Chapter 189 - Wild Ambition 5

    Chen Yao''s small courtyard, the Jiang family mansion.


    "Mistress! Mistress! we have an emergency," said a petite maid dressed in brown uniform cried as she ran into the room.


    The maid was none other than Lian, who was Chen Yao''s maid of over 12 years. She rushed back to her mistress after receiving she had overheard the cook and housekeeper conversation while returning her mistress''s empty breakfast plates. Unlike in other courtyards, there were only two maids on sight


    She rushed into the house and ran straight to Chen Yao''s room. Her mistress was seated at the small table next to the open windows. Chen Yao held a painting brush, moving her wrist gently as she drew the beautiful sight outside the open window.


    Lian stopped a few steps away from her mistress and bowed, "mistress!", she called.


    Chen Yao frowned as her hands shook and the paint dripped off the paintbrush in her hand staining her nearly completed painting on the table in front of her.


    Chen Yao slapped the paintbrush on the table with force, the loud sound startled her maid Lian making her jump.


    She glared at the overdramatic maid, "You had better have a good reason for all this noise. What is it!" Chen Yao shouted.


    Colour drain off the maid''s face as she locked eyes with her mistress, Chen Yao looked like she wanted to snuff the life out of her. She glanced down at the painting, stepping back when she saw the ink splattered across the nearly completed illustrated replica of the small yard outside the open window.


    "M_mistress, sorry to disturb you. It is about the eldest young master of the Zhu family mistress. I heard the housekeeper inform the cook that madam Jiang went over to visit them." Her heartbeat increased as she saw her mistress''s expression darken. She quickly blurted out, "Young master Zhu is dead!"


    "What!!" Chen Yao exclaimed seating forward, eyes narrowed. "How? When? You better be telling the truth!"


    "I am being honest young Miss! The story is all over the capital. Accounting to the housekeeper, a fire broke out at the minister''s mansion and young master Zhu was involved."


    "No no no, why! This is not how it went last time! He isn''t meant to die now! Why are things changing like this, quick go check if he sent us any later" she said pacing around her small room.


    "Yes young Miss", Lian replied and rushed out of the room. Chennai didn''t spare her any glance, she was still focused on tbs news that was just delivered to her.


    ''Why did he die this early, he wasn''t meant to die yet before Zhu Fengyin died. Did Zhu Fengyin not getting married to the sixth prince change everything? Why does she have to change everything! I had everything planned out in detail'' she thought kicking at Chen Yao''s bed. A loud sound was heard at one end of the bed as the bed fell at an end.


    "Damn it, is nothing high quality in this pile of trash house" she exclaimed angrily.


    "Why couldn''t I be reborn into someone much better than this worthless orphan'', she thought glancing around the small cramped room. It was nothing like Zhu Fengyin''s room at Zhu mansion. This girl she got stuck in her body was no good, although she was the daughter of a noble family.


    Chen Yao''s position in the Jiang family was less than Ideal, she was only a step or two higher than that of a servant. No one paid her any mind, she was nothing more than a poor relative of madam Jian. Everything she owned was either hand me downs or rejected by Young master Jiang. When she had been reborn as a young lady from a noble family.


    She had relaxed because she thought she had hit jackpot. Her reasoning had changed after less than a day, she had discovered that the situation of this young miss was worse than her previous life as a servant. The Jiang family never treated this young miss good, everything about her was sub-par.


    From her clothes down to the shoes she wore, even her food was low grade. Servants at Minister Zhu''s mansion are better food than she did. Even her rooms were falling apart, the faint damp smell in the house indicated that the roof leaked. Her clothes were low-quality silk, nothing like the high-quality silk she was used to wearing as Zhu Fengyin''s ladies maid.


    This young miss had only three maids in her courtyard and had no power in this house. Even the servants in this house bullied her, every meal and amenity sent down here was low quality. She didn''t know if her rebirth was a blessing or a course to her, Ste had jumped at the rebirth pool thinking that she would get back into her body.


    Who knew that nothing went as she had planned, she was surprised when instead of getting a second chance to get her revenge on Zhu Fengyin for killing her. She was stuck in this sickly young mistress''s body, while some strange girl placed about in her body. All this won''t have happened if Zhu Fengyin hadn''t killed her, why did she have to suffer while Zhu Fengyin and whoever it was that now occupied her body enjoyed comfort and wealth.


    That girl was now a princess and was married to one of the wealthiest generals, all this she had achieved while taking over her life. Chen Yao walked to the mirror, the pale sickly face with pretty common features particular to women born in the south looked at her. Chen Yao was no unique beauty, at most she looked pleasing to the eyes nothing much.


    Just the sight of this unappealing face that she currently wore left a bitter taste in her mouth. She pulled away from the table and walked to the tea-table directly opposite the fallen bed. She tossed as her eye caught the falling end of the bed, "what is even good about this sickly young miss" she mattered looking away.


    ''It is bad enough that I have lost my beautiful face and body but now I lose a reliable partner like Zhu Faye. This girl has bad luck, how am I to make any progress with the Crown Prince. It is not like I can send him any letters at the palace'', she glanced at her pale hands, "this girl has absolutely no good connection. She is so useless, why did brother Faye have to die. Why did Zhu Fengyin find out about my activities, all this happened because of Zhu Fengyin!''


    Her thoughts were paused when Lian rushed back in, ''this low-class maid is so useless. Does she have to announce herself from the door? She is no good but since I just took over Chen Yao''s body. I need to keep up the innocent facade set up by this young miss. It won''t help to draw attention to myself, I will tolerate her incompetence for now''.


    Her lips curved into a fake smile as she looked towards the door. Lian''s rapid heartbeat reduced as she saw that expression, since her mistress''s brush with death she had changed. Her young miss had become like a completely different person even her habits had changed. Her mistress never cared for her appearance before but now she did.


    Neither did her mistress lose her temper as she did differently if she wasn''t with her mistress that day. She would have suspected that her mistress was replaced but she wasn''t. Lian just assumed that the near-death experience had changed how her mistress behaved. '' although her mistress was now erratic and mean. At least, she is no longer such a pushover'', she thought bowing and walking closer to her mistress.


    "Was there anything?" Chen Yao asked as Lian got closer. Her fake smile fell as she saw the maid sad expression, even before the maid spoke she could tell that this maid came to deliver nothing but bad news.


    "There was no news Mistress" Lian replied, she stepped back as her Mistress''s expression darkened. She had never seen her mistress this mad, her face was a mask of anger. She shut her eyes as she saw her mistress flip the tray of fruit beside her hands and pour out the content. She knew what to expect by now, her mistress was a thrower of recent. Her temper tantrums were as bad as Madam Jiang.


    She took a step back and shut her eyes, expecting to hear the sound of ceramics hitting the wood but after a few minutes, she heard nothing. She opened one eye and saw her mistress shaking the bed behind her. Her eyes were opened fully when she heard the loud sound of one end of her bed falling apart.


    "Mistress, no!" She cried rushed to her mistress. She heard a hiss as she got closer, "Young miss, are you hurt. No no?" She grabbed her mistress''s arm and led her to the seat. " I will go get some medicine and ice. Hold on" she called out and ran out of the door. The sky was getting darker, she stepped back as she opened the door and a sword was held to her neck.

 Chapter 190 - Wild Ambition 6

    Chen Yao''s small courtyard, at the Jiang family mansion.


    "Mistress, no!" She cried rushed to her mistress. She heard a hiss as she got closer, "Young miss, are you hurt. Oh no", She grabbed her mistress''s arm and led her to the seat. "I will go get some medicine and ice. Hold on" she said rinning out of the room. There was no medicine in the house, the last set they received the day they arrived at the capital was now depleted.


    The previous batch wasn''t much, since every necessity given to her mistress were usually smaller. She was left with only one option, which was heading to the steward to ask for a fresh batch. She pushed the door back and stretched out her leg to leave but gasped as she came face t face with a strange man. The man held a sword to her neck, "get inside " the man said bringing the sword closer.


    She glanced from the sword at her neck to the masked man holding it to her neck and swallowed. She slowly took a step back inside, then another. Six men equally masked men followed in with the first man, her heartbeat increased as she saw them. "Stop!" The first man ordered as they got to the middle of the living room. Lian immediately stopped without making him repeat himself.


    Her life was too precious to lose on a fruitless attempt to run. She stood still, trying so hard to keep her shaking body in check. The sword looked sharp enough to cut skin if she made any sudden movement. Tears ran down her face. She watched four men rush towards the bedroom swords in hand. They must be headed to get her Mistress, she was scared for her mistress.


    She glanced at the masked man, "please don''t hurt my mistress! She has been sheltered since birth, she cannot take such hardship. If you want money or jewellery, please tell me! I will get it for you please let my mistress go", she burst into audible cries.


    The masked man moved the sword closer to her arteries, He ignored her sudden gasp, stepped closer handheld up her chin. "I would stop thinking about someone else when your life is on the line, don''t waste your breath girl. Trust me when I say this, ''Your mistress'' is not worth your concern. We both know that if it comes down to you or her, she wouldn''t think twice about letting you go".


    Lian Shivered as he dropped her chin, she let out a whimper and glanced up at the masked man. Meanwhile, in the bedroom. Chen Yao sat on the seat, hissing silently while gently rubbing her foot. Her toes hurt after making contact with the bed, she had kicked the bed blindly in anger. Her toes were hot like it was put inside hurt water, she had broken two toenails in the heat of the moment.


    Chen Yao glanced down at her foot and as expected, there was a little bleeding on a toe, she took out her silk handkerchief from her sleeve and held it to the bleeding toe. She hissed as her finger touched the injury on her toenail, hitting her lip gently and looking towards the door expectantly.


    "Where is that maid, why isn''t she back yet? Don''t tell me that she ran off to her the medicine? Just how bad was this girl treated, how could she also lack medicine for a simple cut. What have I gotten myself into", she muttered eyes narrowed at the door.


    Living as Chen Yao was looking more difficult than even her previous life as a servant. The girl''s life wasn''t as comfortable as she had hoped, she sat forward when she heard some noise from outside the door. "Lian! Is that you? Please hurry up, my foot is bleeding!" She said glancing at the door.


    She frowned when she got no response, holding onto the table she stood carefully. She had made up her mind to walk out of the door and check what was keeping Lian. She liked forward, hissing at the pain she felt from her injury. She was halfway to the door when four masked men all dressed in black walked into the room.


    She paused for a few seconds, eyes wide before running to the window as fast as she could with her injured foot. Her injuries affected her head greatly, she had only taken a few steps when she was pulled into a right embrace and a knife was placed on her neck. She struggled but her having and switching made no difference, the hold on her only got tighter after each attempt to pull free.


    Finally, she was knocked over the head by another masked man and knocked out. Lian gasped, ''mistress!" She called out as she saw the men drag an unconscious Chen Yao into the room. The masked man next to her rolled his eyes and immediately knocked her out.


    The sky had gotten darker, the servants went around placing lit lamps around the compound. Yet while the rest of the Jiang mansion was well lit, the small courtyard behind the small garden and fish pond was still dim. This was because both the owner of the courtyard was always forgotten. Since she is of no importance to the family, no one paid her any mind.


    Her absence wasn''t noticed until four days later when her house arrest was lifted by Madam Jiang. The Empire was going through sudden reconstruction, after the treason attempt by the sixth Prince hours earlier.


    **********


    Many hours before, Chen Yao was discovered to be missing, at the Imperial Palace.


    A few minutes after sundown, the palace servant went around the palace, placing lit lamps on the various pathways and private palaces of the members of the royal family. The first set of lamps was set up at the Emperor and Empress''s palace and the path leading to both Palaces. Kitchen maids delivered food to various palaces in foot packs. Emperor Zhong looked up from the report spread out on the table as Cuihong reported that the kitchen maids had delivered dinner.


    He looked out the window and glanced around the room, surprised to see that it had gotten dark. He had buried himself in work any free time he got to avoid facing his demons. It didn''t help that the Empress ignored him every time he came over to see her. He was familiar with her temper but this was the first time she refused to save him any face. She didn''t even bother to make excuses and just send him back at her palace doors.


    Although she didn''t say anything, he could tell that her aim was to any him enough that he would let her go. Emperor Zhong had no intention of letting her go on instead kept going to her every day. Emperor Zhong placed the brushes by the brush holder and sat up. He glanced down at the gradually drying line of words, he had just written. This was the last of the reports submitted by the minister of revenue.


    There were a few discrepancies in the allocation of resources at the various military camps but luckily he had straightened it all out. "Send the food to the Empress''s Palace, I will be eating there" he instructed without looking up from the document.


    ''Yes," Cuihong replied. The elderly eunuch stepped back and relayed the instruction to the kitchen maids standing outside the door. Minutes later Emperor Zhong left for the Empress''s palace with his servants. When he got to the Empress''s palace, he was once again sent away by the Empress''s Eunuch. However, unlike the previous visits, he didn''t and instead brushed forward until he was inside the palace.


    Empress Lu Set down chopstick, stood and bowed as Emperor Zhong walked in. "Your Majesty" her maids chorused bowing lower than Empress Lu''s half bow. Emperor didn''t break eye contact with Empress Lu as he walked in, "leave us", he said to the maids. The maids retreated without much delay, leaving only the Emperor and Empress in the room.


    "Rise", Emperor Zhong said seating on the high seat next to Empress Lu.


    "thanks" Empress Lu replied and returned to her seat. She opened her mouth to say a few words but stopped as the door was gently pulled open and Cuihong directed the kitchen maid inside. Two young eunuchs carried a small table inside and placed it in front of the Emperor. The kitchen maids packed the meal boxes and arranged each dish carefully on the table.


    They all retreated, Cuihong included once the table was set. "Did you have to come here, you Majesty?" She asked softly minutes after the servants had retreated.


    "Yes, it has been six days. How long are you going to throw a tantrum?" Emperor Zhong said after eating a few bits of food and taking a sip of tea


    Empress Lu slapped her chopsticks on the table with great force and glared at the Emperor. "If you don''t like me throwing a tantrum then please let me go!"


    "No! I am never letting you go!"


    "Why keep me around when you are so scared I will take your throne. You are not happy and neither am I. Why frustrate each other?"


    "Meirong, can''t you give me a chance to make this work?"


    "How many chances have I given you", she shook her hand, "I am tired, A''Jun please let me go!"

 Chapter 191 - The Tides Has Turned

    Dinner time at the Empress palace


    "Meirong, can''t you give me a chance to make this work?"


    "How many chances have I given you", she shook her hand, "I am tired, A''Jun please let me go!"


    "No!" Their eyes met, he ignored her glare. "You are my Empress till the day I die then you become the Empress dowager. Get those foolish ideas out of your head".


    He continued eating without sparing her a glance. Empress Lu sent him a dark glared before turning away to look at the door opposite her seat. Breathing in and out deeply to steady her temper, Empress Lu set the chopstick aside and stood. " leave once you are done eating".


    Emperor Zhong grabbed her hand as she turned to leave, "What is it?" She asked in a tired tone.


    Emperor Zhong glanced down at her nearly full tray of food, "hold on Meirong, please eat some more. I don''t feel at ease just to let you go this way not when you only ate just a few bites".


    "That''s okay, I am already full" she shook her hands out of his hold but he didn''t budge.


    "Seat down and eat a little, Meirong. Don''t let your anger get the best of you. I accept that I was wrong but considering I lost a chance to watch my son grow up. Cut me some slack, Qiang will be here in a few days. If he sees you thinner, how would he feel?" Emperor Zhong said softly.


    "Weren''t you suspicious of my relationship with him? A''Zhu doesn''t come here often so I doubt he would see me like this" she shook his hands away and walked into her bedroom.


    Her words tugged at his heart because there was truth in every word she said. He had let the rumours going around affect his judgment and banned her from meeting their son. He lost all appetite and looked away. Her anger was valid, considering how badly he had treated her. It would seem that it would take a while before things got better between them.


    He brought a handkerchief to his mouth and dabbed gently at the side of his life when Cuihong rushed into the room. The eunuch nearly fell over his own feet as he rushed into the room, Emperor Zhong clocked his tongue and glanced down at the kneeling eunuch.


    "What is It?" He asked.


    "Y-Your Majesty, the palace is surrounded by the sixth Prince''s private soldiers. We must leave to safety!"


    "What? How could this happen? What happened to the Imperial soldiers at the gate?" Emperor Zhong stood and walked to the eunuch.


    "The Garrison commander is in league with the sixth Prince, your majesty we must hurry and go through the secret passage before they get here! I already made the arrangement, the secret guards will hold them off while you escape in secret"


    "Hold on" Emperor Zhong ran into the Empress''s bedroom. Empress Lu had changed into a simple gown and was stood by the window facing the Imperial garden. She looked to the door when she heard footsteps, "why are you here? Please leave!" She said turning back to the window.


    Emperor Zhong grabbed her hands and pulled her away, "there is no need for this, we have an emergency. Meirong, the palace is surrounded by soldiers led by the Sixth Prince".


    "What!" Empress Lu shook his hand away and ran into her cloakroom. She pulled out a sword belt and wrapped it around her waist before running back to the living room. Emperor Zhong glanced down at the sword on her waist as she rushed over, "there is no need for that, we have our guards to protect us".


    "What happens if our guards were compromised or worse they were all killed. I rely on no one for protection but myself. Let us get going" she changed into a leather boot and walked out of the room.


    Emperor Zhong and Cuihong followed her behind. This was the first time Emperor Zhong was seeing her with a sword since they had gotten married. He had watched her spar a few times with her brother is he knew she was a highly talented swordswoman. She was good as a general when it came to either archery or sword skill.


    The commander of his guard stood outside the palace with a small team of guards. He bowed to the Emperor as they walled out before escorting them out of the palace. They walked through the Imperial garden, as they got to the secret path leading back to the Emperor''s palace where the entrance of the underground pathway out of the palace was located. They were surrounded by soldiers.


    The Emperor''s secret guards immediately drew out their swords and began to fight under the leadership of the assistant commander of the secret guards. While the commander and a small team of elite guards escorted the Emperor and Empress to the Emperor''s palace. However, they met a group of well-armed soldiers led by Imperial consort Shi at the entrance to the palace.


    Imperial consort Shi glanced down at their fewer numbers and laughed, "looks like you have reached the end of the Line, Your Majesty. What a pity, I thought that you would put on a little fight." She glanced at her men and instructed, "get rid of the rest and bring in only the Emperor and Empress" she went into the palace with a team of soldiers following her behind.


    The secret guards formed a protective circle around the Emperor and Empress. Empress Lu ran her eyes through the enemy soldiers surrounding them. Their numbers were not very good, she drew her sword in anticipation of the fight that was about to begin.


    Everyone fought as hard as they could with Empress Lu deflecting a few sword strikes aimed at the Emperor with her sword. Her leather boots came in handy as she kicked the men on their knees before slitting their throats and running them through with her sword. She fought as hard as she could taking a few cuts on her arm and tight.


    Gradually their numbers dwindled until only a handful of guards remained, yet they persisted. Empress Lu pushed the Emperor behind her when he was surrounded by four men. She flexed her hands on the sword before raising it the deflect their strikes. She took a few steps back as she cut their sword strikes off, her leg hit a flower pot as she went back.


    She glanced down and hooking her sword at the top of the flower pot, she swung her sword up, carrying the flower pot up on the process and throwing it towards the men. The sand entered the eyes of two of the men blinding them momentarily while hitting one of the men at the side of his head. Empress Lu immediately rushed forward and slit the throat of the two men blinded by the sand before running her sword through the unconscious man.


    She turned to pull the Emperor and Eunuch Cuihong away when she was run through on her side with a sword by an enemy soldier. The sword fell out of her hand as the soldier pulled the sword out of her. Empress Lu gasped and fell forward, seconds letter they were all surrounded and she was dragged into the Emperor''s palace with Emperor Zhong.


    Imperial Consort Shi sat on the Emperor''s throne, she smiled as her eyes fell on the injured Empress Lu. Her smile fell and her heart tugged as her gaze fell on Emperor Zhong''s worried filled face. She suddenly felt like finishing off the Empress, this woman was a pain to her. No matter what she did, the Emperor''s affection never strayed from her.


    "What a sight, your Majesty. You two are the golden couple, aren''t you? Even in the end you two are going down together. I never intended to involve you in this, Your Highness. You are as much a victim of his jealousy as I am."


    Emperor Zhong looked away from the Empress and glared at the ungrateful girl he had married. She looked so ugly in his eyes as he glared at her. None of her false youthful glee was in sight, he immediately understood that this was her true face. He had only deluded himself into thinking that she was just a spoiled young lady.


    "How dare you a low-class woman seat on the dragon throne! Have you no respect?"


    Imperial consort Shi chuckled and glanced down at the Emperor, "you have a lot of nerve saying that to me when your life is in my hands. I guess you still think you have all the cards when you don''t. Dragon throne? Like you are even worthy of seating on this throne. How many people had to die for you to keep this throne?"


    "You dare!" Emperor Zhong exclaimed.


    "Yes, did you honestly think I loved you? Please I only humoured you to get what I wanted, I never even wanted to marry you but no one can reject the Emperor''s proposal. You turned me into what I am today so get off your stupid high horse. Once you die, my Cheng''er will become Emperor.. That will be an end to your reign" she glanced at her most trusted commander and instructed, "Hold him down, I want to give him the final blow."

 Chapter 192 - The Tides Has Turned 2

    Amidst the bloodshed, at the Emperor''s palace


    "Did you honestly think I loved you? Please I only humoured you to get what I wanted, I never even wanted to marry you but no one can reject the Emperor''s proposal. You turned me into what I am today so get off your stupid high horse. Once you die, my Cheng''er will become Emperor. It will be an end to your reign"


    Imperial Consort Shi stood from the dragon throne and walked down the stairs leading. She drew a sword out of her private guard''s belt and walked to where the Emperor was held up. Lips curved up, she glanced at her most trusted commander and said, "Hold him down, I want to make the final blow."


    She flexed her hands on the sword before raising it over her head, Empress Lu gradually went in and out of consciousness as she gradually bleed out on the ground. She could barely move her body as she watched silently as Imperial Consort Shi slowly brought down her hand.


    Eunuch Cuihong struggled out of the soldier''s stronghold but failed. The soldier held him tighter and in an uncomfortable position, he glanced from the pool of blood under the Empress to the Emperor. Things weren''t looking well for the couple, the Empress''s wound was quite deep and he feared that she would bleed out on the carpet if help doesn''t come.


    His heart beat faster as he watched the sword come down. Emperor Zhong shut his eyes in anticipation but the sword never came down. A loud intake of breath from Imperial consort Shi and the sound of the door hitting the wall made him open his eyes.


    He watched as Imperial Consort Shi fell backwards, with an arrow piercing her chest. A hand pulled him up and dragged him to the side as a team of we''ll armed soldiers surrounded him he looked to his side and met the cold gaze of a stone-faced soldier with a long line of blood splattered on his face.


    The soldier bowed his head, "Your Majesty. Please excuse my intrusion, we were ordered by General Lu to protect you".


    Emperor Zhong nodded and searched silently for the Empress, apart from Imperial consort Shi who was held back by soldiers dressed in the blue tiger Garrison soldiers uniform. The Empress was nowhere in sight, he glanced at the soldier standing guard beside him and asked, "the Empress is heavily injured, I don''t see the Empress anywhere" he glanced around the room once more.


    "Answering your Majesty, her highness was taken away for immediate treatment, she is with the General''s wife".


    He let out a heavy breath and placed his hand on his chest, "okay that is good". His gaze moved to the ongoing fight taking place around him, Lu Yaozhu''s men made a quick work of the soldiers in a few minutes the last of Imperial consort Shi''s commanders were subdued and chained. He suddenly felt a strong sense of pride at the speed and efficiency exhibited by Lu Yaozhu in handling these men.


    ''Such skill is needed in a monarch'' Emperor Zhong suddenly found himself thinking. He had only discovered Lu Yaozhu''s true identity days earlier but he was slowly gravitating towards this son of his. He suddenly wanted to be reunited with him but that didn''t seem possible.


    The men standing guard in front of him gradually separated in two as Lu Yaozhu stepped forward. They fell on their knees as Lu Yaozhu fell on his knee. Lu Yaozhu ignored the pain as his stitches pulled, he dropped his sword in front of him and bowed to the ground.


    "Sorry for coming late, your Majesty. I gave handled all the traitors including their ring leader, we are awaiting your orders. Your Empire is forever yours. Long live the Emperor, Long life the Emperor, Long live the Emperor!" He shouted eyes locked on the Emperor''s gold thread embroidered boots. His men chorused with him as he shouted long live the Emperor.


    "Don''t stand on ceremony A''Zhu, you did a commendable job by getting rid of these traitors. Get up"


    Lu Yaozhu nodded and stood, still bowing eyes focused on the carpet. He was a little taken aback when the Emperor called him A''zhu but didn''t let his shock show. Although it was odd, he dismissed it as a mistake caused by shock.


    Emperor Zhong frowned as he glance from imperial Consort Shi to her men held down by the soldiers. "Take the rebels to the ice prison, I want them all questioned and their accomplices and families arrested. Leave no stone unturned!" He instructed glaring down at Imperial Consort Shi.


    The soldiers immediately carried the men away until it was only Lu Yaozhu in the room with the Emperor and Cuihong. Even now, Lu Yaozhu maintained his bow. "Stand properly, Yaozhu. There is no need to be so proper, how are your injuries" Emperor Zhong asked walking to the dragon throne. He sat on the throne and glanced down at Lu Yaozhu.


    Lu Yaozhu looked slimmer, his skin was a little pale. He looked battle ridden and weak, nothing like the robust General that volunteered to go north mouths ago. It wasn''t every day that they got to be alone together, so he took a good look at him. Suddenly, he noticed a few features similar to that of the Zhongshan family. He didn''t have a muscular body structure, typical to the men from the Lu family.


    His facial features were softer than was typical for the Lu family, apart from his different coloured pupil. He had his high nose bridge and high cheekbones. These two features were prominent in the Zhongshan family. ''Meirong was right, he is a spitting image of my deceased older brother. The eye colour and sharp shin was the only thing a little different. How did I miss this'' he thought.


    Lu Yaozhu stiffened a hiss as he felt a jab at the wound at his side, he moved slightly, leaning towards his uninjured side. The Emperor didn''t look like he would be releasing him any time soon. Emperor Zhong asked about his journey and said a few words before dismissing him.


    By the time he got back to the Duke''s house, it was almost daybreak, the sky had gotten brighter and the moon gradually descended. Su Liya stood outside their courtyard waiting for him. She has nearly bored a hole into the ground with her foot as she paced around the compound. She rushed up to him as he walked into the courtyard, she quickly gave him a look down with her eyes before supporting him to the living room.


    Meanwhile, there was a widespread unease among the noble families in the capital most especially those that were in good relationship with the sixth Prince and Imperial consort Shi. Their previous supporters changed camps and tried to avoid drawing attention to themselves. A lot of arrests were made during the past few day''s while a few families were put under investigation.


    Everyone knew that the plight of tbs sixth prince and the officials that openly supported him were bleak with their entire family losing their titles and getting slid into slavery. The sixth Prince and the Imperial consists were both put to death a few days later together with the officials and military commanders that took part in the attack.


    Members of the nobilities residing in and out of the capital with even a small inch of relationships with the sixth prince or any of the families arrested or sanctioned scrambled around in search of help. Among those families was the Jiang family, the Jiang family had only been in the capital for a few months during which they had spent no time trying to attach themselves to notable families in an attempt to build connection.


    It was no secret that madam Jiang the patriarch of the family had spent no effort in trying to arrange a match between her eldest son and the third granddaughter of the former secretary of state who was the sixth prince''s maternal grandfather. The marriage was still in talks but was well known, as soon as the Secretary of state was arrested, she shamelessly broke the engagement.


    The Secretary of state was discovered to be innocent but resigned as soon as the investigation ended. Madam Jiang was in a problem control mood, she ran about trying to make use of any available connection she could find but was unsuccessful. Left with no other choice but to make use of her niece, she was forced to lift the house arrest she placed on Chen Yao.


    However, she was surprised when the maid reported that the young mistress and her maid was nowhere to be found. Madam Jiang rushed to the outer courtyard with her hands as soon as she heard that. Fully prepared to give her ungrateful little niece an earful but was shocked to find the entire courtyard empty.. The entire house was tidy, there was nothing out of place, breathing heavily she ordered the naifs standing behind her, "Search this place thoroughly, I was yo fund out where that slut could be.

 Chapter 193 - Who Is She?

    Yu''an Temple


    Kun* *Kun* *Kun*


    Su Liya bent slightly to the side and skillfully massaged her aching thigh gently. She glared at the back of Zhu Fengyin''s head, she glanced around the room once more before rolling her eyes. Everyone in the room looked so serious praying, it was irritating. Their seriousness made her look bad, Shu Liya immediately updated her previously abandoned list of things she hated about transmigrating into the past.


    The prolonged prayer time rose to the top of the list right before the horrible bath culture for the lower class. She has been kneeling for so long that she could barely feel her legs. She stiffed a sigh and continued glaring darkly at Zhu Fengyin who knelt behind her.


    "Why did I let Zhu Fengyin convince me to escort her here? Seriously of all the places, she could use as a secret hideout did she have to pick a temple... Ah, my knee hurts. Oh merciful Buddha, please let this session be concluded, if I kneel any longer my skin might just become permanent fixtures to this mat''


    Buddha must have gotten tired of her complaints which seemed to come every minute because the season was concluded some minutes earlier and everyone stood. Su Liya immediately got off her knees and lead backwards such that she was seated on her butt. Her two maids rushed forward when they saw their mistress''s sorry expression.


    "Madam," they said helping her up gently, Su Liya let out a heavy breath and leaned heavily on Rong Rong. Rong Rong took a step back due to the sudden weight but quickly adjusted and held her up. Zhu Fengyin glanced at Su Liya and shook her head, "have some shame, Yaya. How is it that you are finding it more difficult than I am even with my pregnancy".


    "You are used to these extra-long prayers, I on the other hand are not. It also doesn''t help that I am about as religious as a child", the last sentence she muttered under her breath. Rong Rong smiled as she heard that, her mistress''s thought process was amusing.


    Zhu Fengyin said nothing and instead shook her head as she was approached by the Abbott. Su Liya immediately stood straight as the Abbott got closer. "The temple is too serious, Fengyin. Even the Abbott looks a little scary and very uptight. No! I cannot handle this man in high doses."


    Zhu Fengyin looked narrowed her eyes at Su Liya and muttered, "Behave, Liya or I will make you come back every day!"


    "Every day? Oh lord no! Don''t do this to me. I promise to be good Fengyin".


    Zhu Fengyin balls up her fist and lifted it slightly in threat, "You had better behave or else!"


    Su Liya clicked her tongue and smiled softly at Zhu Fengyin "easy girl, let us not get so worked up.".


    Zhu Fengyin glanced at her, " You Little..... Abbott, I enjoyed the mantra." She grabbed Su Liya''s hand and pulled her forward, "let me introduce you to my sister-in-law Princess Qin, Yaya this is the Abbott of this temple".


    Su Liya didn''t wait to be told twice, Zhu Fengyin''s painful pinch was all the tell she needed. She exchanged a respectful greeting with the Abbott and stepped back to give Zhu Fengyin and the abbot some space to talk. Su Liya looked around the room with her eyes silently, there were a few madams present in the room.


    Few of them raised their hands and greeted her silently as her eyes met theirs. They looked like they wanted to come over and have a talk with them. They were forced to entertain visitors these past few days thanks to the recent ongoing political unravelling. Everyone wanted to save their political positions by associating with the Lu Family.


    "Yaya" Zhu Fengyin called softly.


    Su Liya looked away from the landscape painting hanging on the wall opposite her that momentarily caught her attention. She turned back to Zhu Fengyin and answer "mm".


    "It is time to head to the meditation room for private spiritual counselling with the Abbott", Zhu Fengyin said smiling.


    "Oh, okay" Su Liya nodded, smiling nervously. She fell into step with Zhu Fengyin and followed the abbot''s lead. The madam standing around the room sighed as they watched their targets leave. They had waited patiently for a chance to approach the two young madams but it seemed that their wait was a waste since their target left before they could approach them.


    Su Liya let out a heavy breath as they left the vicinity of the prayer room. Zhu Fengyin''s lips twitched as she saw the relieved expression on Su Liya''s face. She moved closer and mattered, "I guess I wasn''t the only one that felt the predator eyes on me back at the prayer room.".


    Su Liya shivered, "geez that was... Those women are determined, this has to be the temples'' busiest day outside of normal festivals."


    The Abbot turned around and replied, "Yes, your highness. The other guests were quite adamant about getting her grace''s prayer schedule. They insisted on coming every day when we refused their requests".


    "Don''t let there visit any you, in a few days they will move on" Su Liya left her maids by the door and walked into the meditation room with Zhu Fengyin.


    "Chonglin is with the prisoner, your grace. Please get going, I will stand guard here".


    "Okay," Zhu Fengyin replied. Su Liya glanced at her eyebrow raised as she heard that, she glanced around the to bit found no semblance of a secret door. Zhu Fengyin just rolled her eyes, grabbed Su Liya''s arm and dragged her behind the altar and through the secret passage leading ti the holding cell. She let go of Su Liya''s hands as she stopped just outside the room where Chen Yao was kept.


    Su Liya looked around the secret passage, "wow! The architecture in here is really good, how long did it take you to build such a masterpiece".


    Zhu Fengyin narrowed her eyes, "if you like the architecture that much, I could lock you up in here that should give you enough time to admire the architecture".


    "Yeah, please don''t" Su Liya replied. She walked closer and whispered to her, "you said that you capture the person behind those anonymous letters".


    "Yes, it was Chen Yao" Zhu Fengyin whispered.


    "How odd, I thought it would be someone older," Su Liya said.


    "Me too, I want to question her myself and find out why she is targeting the Lu family. It can''t be because of second brother-in-law rejected her?"


    Su Liya glanced from the closed door to the door opposite it, "this might not be a good place to talk, let''s go in there" she gestured to the door behind them with her head.


    Zhu Fengyin looked at her eyebrows raised but got nothing other than a nod towards the door behind them. "Fine!" She sighed and walked into the room. Su Liya followed behind her and shut the door behind her. She pulled a sear forward for Zhu Fengyin, after cleaning it with her handkerchief. She gestured for Fengyin to sit.


    Zhu Fengyin rolled her eyes and sat on the seat, "what is it?"


    "Fengyin you had Chen Yao Locked in here for four days right?"


    "Yes, why do you ask".


    "Call your man in, I have some questions"


    Zhu Fengyin took a whistle out of her sleeve a blew it once. A few seconds later there was a knock n the door, "come in" she said frowning slightly at Su Liya.


    Su Liya unlocked the door and stepped back while Chonglin walked in silently and shy the door behind him. "my Lady!" He said bowing.


    "Chonglin, Yaya has some questions for your concerning the Prisoner"


    Chonglin bowed to Su Liya, "please ask your Highness"


    "About the prisoner, how was her mannerism since she has been here?"


    Chonglin tilted his head ti the side, "she has been over rude and demanding like a typical young miss from a noble family. She bragged to be connected to the Crown Prince".


    Su Liya wiggled her eyebrows at the surprised Zhu Fengyin as she replied, "Did she now," to Chonglin she said, " put her maid in a separate room and question her on her young Mistresses Behaviour these past few months. You should start with asking her if her mistress has been very sick recently".


    "Yes," Chonglin bowed as them before leaving. Su Liya locked the door behind him.


    "Do you suspect that the person in Chen Yao''s body might not be the real Chen Yao?" Zhu Fengyin sat up.


    "Yes, we met Chen Yao during all of madam Jiang''s unwanted visits, does she seem like the kind that would mastermind a campaign against the Ku family just because of a rejection?"


    Zhu Fengyin shook her head, "no, the Chen Yao back then is too shy"


    "You mean spineless, it is just us. Don''t bother mincing words. I thought about those letters while at Ningzhuo, they all seemed too detailed. Almost like the sender witnessed the whole thing, I don''t think that she is still the Chen Yao we met five months ago"


    "If you are right then things just got complicated".

 Chapter 194 - Prince Wu 1

    Yu''an Temple.


    "If you are right then things just got complicated".


    Su Liya pulled out a second chair for herself and sat opposite, Zhu Fengyin, "Things won''t necessarily get complicated if we can find out who this new player is and what her primary goal is. We already know that she had a grudge with the Lu family so she must be someone that had belongs with members of the Lu family."


    "That about narrows it down to a lot of people, it would be easier if we just questioned her" Zhu Fengyin sighed.


    "Like she would be honest, Fengyin, if we want to outsmart her. We need to have the element of surprise in our hands, I don''t want to let all our cards show until we know who and what we are dealing with."


    "That is reasonable, I guess we will have to wait for Chonglin to question the maid" Zhu Fengyin, massaged her next gently. Su Liya glanced at her and kicked her ankle with her foot, "don''t worry, it won''t take long. The maid would be an easy read, she is not a well-versed criminal".


    Zhu Fengyin nodded, she glanced at Su Liya. " you are looking a lot better than when you came back from Ningzhuo".


    Su Liya placed both hands on her cheeks, "really, it was so rowdy at Ningzhuo, the sixth prince concocted baulk load of trouble for everyone. Are you hearing from his grace?"


    "Yes, he is on his way back with the soldiers, all the Droko tribe soldiers retreated as soon as Chu state pulled out. I guess they were the people behind the Sixth prince."


    "Chu state lost their Crown Prince, that was major damage to them since he was the Emperor''s only son. Chu state won''t be a problem for some time, I heard that there is a lot of internal shuffles within the royal family of Chu state. That will keep the Emperor occupied for some months or years depending on how things go". Su Liya stopped talking when she saw the amused expression on Zhu Fengyin''s face.


    "Wha_what? She asked.


    "Nothing, you have changed Yaya. General Lu is a good influence on you, he got you to be more involved in things outside of your circle. I am glad, you were too Uninterested in these things."


    She sighed and muttered, "That was because I thought that I won''t be here for long".


    "Oh, and now? Are now interested in staying?"


    "Yes, I guess it is nice here plus I have family here." The last one she said in a very low tone that was close to a whisper.


    "I am glad that you decided to stay, I have gotten used to your....."


    "Spunk, talents, sense of humour_"


    "Trouble! I have grown to tolerate your ever-increasing issues"


    "Hey!"


    "What? You know that I am being honest. You are a handful, General Lu has a lot on his hands. Talent? Please be honest."


    "You_" a knock on the door interrupted Su Liya, she glanced at the door and stood. "That must be Chonglin", she walked to the door, unlocked it and stepped back for him to come in.


    "How did it go," Zhu Fengyin asked seating straight.


    "The maid initially refused to answer our questions but after scaring her a little, she finally opened up. According to the maid, her mistress fell ill a few months ago, she nearly died but was revived by the doctor. When I asked if her mistress behaved out of character after she was revived, she initially hesitated but after some time she gave me an answer". He glance at Su Liya and continued, "her highness was right, according to the maid her mistress acted like a different person these past few months".


    Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin exchanged a gaze, "looks like we have a mystery in our hands. Let''s start by tracing all her movements, Chonglin find out all that you can about Chen Yao. Find out what Chen Yao has been up to these few months, ask her maid. We need to know everything, nothing is to be taken lightly"


    "Yes," he bowed and left the room.


    "This can''t be happening, Yaya. How will we ever find out who she is?"


    "By tricking her into revealing it to us, since the target is the Lu family. It has to be someone with a grudge against the family. Have your men question her until she cracks"


    Zhu Fengyin narrowed her eyes at Su Liya, "how odd, I thought you were not a huge fan of using violence to intimidate people?"


    "I guess you can say that time here has changed my outlook on life. I can''t keep judging you all by the rules from my time, life here requires a different set of rules. I don''t like using violence but this time I have no choice but to resort to violence. it concerns the safety of the members of my family and Chen Yao or whoever is in her body is a threat to our safety."


    Zhu fengyin shook her head in amazement, "I like this version of you, she is fun. I will drop the instruction before we leave. It is getting late, the servants will get suspicious if we stay any longer".


    "Alright"


    Some minutes later, they stepped out of the secret pathway, the abbot stood by the door as they walked out. Zhu Fengyin said a few words to him before leaving.


    **************


    The next day, at the Duke''s mansion


    Rong Rong ran into Yu Tao at the door leading into the living room early the next day as she carried a blanket of Su Liya''s washed clothes from the Laundry department. The sun was already high up in the sky or was only a matter of time before the kitchen maids delivered breakfast yet their master and mistress were still asleep. She smiled as her brother''s exhausted face came into view.


    She glanced at the door, "Tao gege take a seat and maybe have a calming drink, pacing around out here won''t make them get up early. This is our Second Young Master first break from court since he got back to be capital, who would get up early on their day off. Get some rest, while the young master is resting, don''t walk around like a security guard", Rong Rong carried the basket through the small door at the side leading to the cloakroom.


    Yu Tao open his mouth about to scold his sister but gave up once her word sank in. He sighed and walked to the shade opposite the door. There was some noise from behind the closed door an hour later. Yu Tao stood and walked to the door expectantly, suspecting that it was his master.


    Meanwhile, behind the closed door, Su Liya made a move to get up from the bed but was held back by Lu Yaozhu who hugged her from behind. Kissing her softly on her shoulder and resting his chin on her shoulder her whispered, "hey not so fast, get back to bed. Today is my day off, let''s spend time together".


    Su Liya glanced down at him, "we can not possibly stay in bed all day, we have to get up. Day off or not, It is getting late. I need to show my face or I am bound to receive an ear full from mother tomorrow".


    He pulled her closer, "it is still too early to get up, come back to bed. If there ask any questions tomorrow, just tell her that I kept you in bed till evening" he kissed her neck as he said the last few words.


    "You!" She pulled away from him a got out of the bed. "You can stay in bed till evening because I am not doing any of that. I only barely get your mum to see me as more than the seductress that lost her son and adventurous marriage. I stay here any longer and your mother will pay me a special visit".


    Su Liya walked to the door a pulled the bell hanging at the end of the hallway. Rong Rong and Baozhai rushed in a few minutes later. Yu Tao came in after them and helped Lu Yaozhu get dressed. Minutes after they were both properly dressed the kitchen maids delivered their breakfast and they sat to eat.


    The mansion steward uncle Lu ran in as the plates were cleared, Lu Yaozhu glanced at the elderly man as he walked in.


    "Why the haste, Uncle Lu?" Lu Yaozhu asked.


    "General, Madam, officials from the ministry of rites are here with Chief Eunuch Cuihong to announce an imperial edict."


    "What!" Lu Yaozhu said frowning slightly


    "An edict", Su Liya glanced at Lu Yaozhu, they silently exchanged a look. There wasn''t any chatter of the Emperor delivering an edict, based on their rocky relationship. This Imperial edict was like a hot potato, yet it wasn''t something that they could escape.


    "An Imperial Edict represents the Emperor himself.. We will head out and receive the edict", Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya stood and followed the steward to the main courtyard to receive the edict.

 Chapter 195 - Prince Wu 2

    The Duke''s mansion.


    Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin stood in front of the Main Courtyard with Lu Yiling and Lu Yong when Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya arrived. They all knelt to receive the edict, while Cuihong read out the Emperor''s edict. The officials from the ministry of rites stopped behind him in two rolls while carrying a carrying size of wooden boxes.


    Such procedure indicated that someone in the family or the entire Lu family was getting rewarded. Since both brothers had contributed to the national growth both on and off the battlefield, getting rewarded was expected.


    However, most rewards pass through some official channels before being presented. Everyone was curious about what the edict said, news of the Lu family getting rewarded spread as soon as the long line of palace officials arrived at the Duke''s mansion while carrying gifts.


    Chief Eunuch Cuihong waited for Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya to arrive before reading the Edict. He stepped forward and said,


    "Hear my Decree!!" As soon as his announcement was heard, everyone fell on their knees. The Entire Lu Family and their servants all fell on their knees and bowed to the ground in respect to the Emperor''s decree. An Imperial decree carried the Emperor''s seal and hence represented the Emperor.


    Chief Eunuch Cuihong, spread out the written decree and read out the decree,


    "General Lu Yaozhu has contributed a lot to the progress and protection of northern Wei both on and out of the war front. I appreciate his hard work and unwavering loyalty to the country and myself. For the part placed in subduing the rebels during the previous invasion attempt.


    "I reward Lu Yaozhu the hereditary title of Prince of the First rank, Prince Wu. He is allocated the royal estate at Duanyue with the lands and stores included and a yearly salary of 100,000. He is also gifted the reabsorbed mansion previously belonging to the former duke Ding at the capital. Attached to this edict is a list of the gifts awarded to Prince Wu.


    "His wife Princess Qin, nee Su is conferred Princess of first rank Princess consort Wu, with the estates and stores that come with her new position", the Chief Eunuch rolled up the edict and the attached lists of gifts and handed it over to Lu Yaozhu. He placed it on Lu Yaozhu''s raised hands and stepped back.


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya felt uneasy about this promotion, they both exchanged a disturbed look. They were not in a position to air their true feelings because of the nature of the reward. The Emperor''s decision is final, to question his decision is to challenge the Emperor and us a capital offence that can result in death.


    The Emperor put on such a huge show to ensure that they couldn''t turn down his reward. They could only come forward and accept the edict, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya bowed and chorused


    "Yaozhu accepts the command and thanks his majesty for his special grace! Long Live his Majesty the Emperor and her highness the Empress".


    "Liya accepts the command and thanks his majesty for his special grace. Long live his majesty the Emperor and her highness the Empress".


    Chief Eunuch Cuihong took note of the couples initial reluctance, he remembered to mention that to the Emperor when asked. He was surprised as everyone else when he was instructed to deliver this edict by the Emperor. The Emperor''s sudden change of heart was unexpected. It was a change that he was gradually getting used to. After handing the edict to the couple, he left with the palace official.


    Lu Yaozhu had offered to give him a cup of tea but was rejected by the Chief eunuch with the excuse of getting back to continue his duties. Lu Yaozhu escorted the chief eunuch to the mansion gates before returning to his mother''s courtyard. As he walked in, his mother, Madam Lu silently looked through the gift list with a slight frown.


    He sat on the free seat next to Su Liya, they exchanged a silent look before moving their gaze forward to his mother who closed the gift list and passed it to her maid to return it to Lu Yaozhu. Madam Lu seemed to have aged a few years in just a few minutes, she most of all was sceptical about this promotion. It brought back the painful memories from the last year before her husband had died.


    He too had received a promotion but unlike Lu Yaozhu who was made a prince, her husband was promoted to the position of Minister of war. Experience had thought her that the Emperor''s gift was often a double-edged sword.


    "Yaozhu about this promotion...." Madam Lu said


    "I can not turn down this new position, mother but I can step out of harm''s way. There is no need to be worried, mother. After some thoughts, I have decided to retire from my position".


    Everyone gasped as they heard that and glanced at him. Madam Lu glanced at Su Liya in question. Su Liya just shook her head in response as their eyes met. Lu Yaozhu hadn''t mentioned his plans to retire to her during any of their conversations, this was the first she was also hearing of this.


    Madam Lu sighed, "Yaozhu, isn''t this going to the extreme. Retiring now is a little premature, the Lu family has protected Northern Wei for generations. Retiring early isn''t the norm, I doubt his Majesty would let you retire early. Don''t make such rash decision".


    "This is not a rash decision mother, I have planned for years to retire and start a family. Doing this with a family... Is not ideal. The Lu Family would not lose their military power so we have nothing to lose."


    "Start a family.." Her face lit up as she looked down at Su Liya''s flat tummy. Su Liya immediately blushed and covered her tummy with her hands. "Not yet mother!" Su Liya replied shyly.


    "Not yet... But soon right"


    "Yes mother, we are working hard towards that!" Lu Yaozhu said placing his hands on Su Liya''s. He held her hands gently, "don''t worry, we will inform you once there is good news". Su Liya looked at her side to glare at him but met his wide smile, she rolled her eyes and looked away from him.


    Madam Lu''s Lips were curved up as she observed the couple''s interaction, however, the smile fell when she remembered the Empress and the Emperor. "His Majesty suffered a lot of loses thanks to the war, I don''t think he will let you retire. This promotion means that he has some plans left for you".


    Lu Yaozhu nodded, "after the Crown Prince''s injury and the current shift in public opinion. I think his majesty will be at ease once I submit my requests. I think that is a wise decision for our family, I don''t want any of us to be caught in that mess once the Crown Prince resumes duties. It is a good idea to step back from everything and return to Duanyue. That way I will be out of sight and out of mind plus it will help Yong''er get settled".


    He said the last sentence while smiling at her younger brother. The Imperial exam was only four weeks away, as far as he appeased the Emperor maybe he would let his younger brother off. This was the last Imperial examination his brother can take part in if his brother can get placed in this exam. He would relax, he glanced at his younger brother and sister and sighed.


    "Mother, we should settle everyone in the family now that we are in favour. Yiling is nearly 18 and well past the marriageable age, it is about time we settled her marriage", he glanced at his quiet sister whose face had gotten red at his previous statement.


    Lu Yiling immediately felt self-conscious as everyone seemed to focus on her suddenly. She opened her mouth to put them off her case but was interrupted by her older brother Lu Yong.


    "After the Imperial Examination, I would like to get married, mother"


    "Married?"


    "Yes, mother. Father arranged a suitable union between Miss Jiang and I. I have dallied for too long, it is about time I did right by her. "


    "Oh, that is a good idea. Marriage is something good", Madam Lu glanced at Lu Yaozhu, "your elder brother is still on his way back to the capital, meeting her family would be a little_"


    "Mother, I can meet her family in Yingjei''s stead. We cannot keep delaying these things" Lu Yaozhu said quickly.


    "Okay, then I will arrange the gifts and we can visit them two days from now," Madam Lu said.


    Zhu Fengyin cleared her throat, "mother, his grace is not around but even if he was. He would be in support of this marriage. I will meet with the abbot at Yu''an temple to pick an auspicious day for the ceremony".


    "There is no need to stress yourself to do that Fengyin. You have been going there to pray frequently these past few weeks, you are with child. It is not good to overwork yourself like this. Don''t worry, I will pick a day and do it myself", Madam Lu said gently.


    "That won''t be a problem mother, I don''t mind"


    "Then I will trouble you to handle that".


    "Yes mother"

 Chapter 196 - The Sudden Fire 1

    The two days at the Emperor''s palace


    *Clack!!!*


    "Your Majesty!" Cuihong shouted as he ran into the Emperor''s Study. He glanced from the Emperor to Lu Yaozhu and the shattered teapot on the ground next to the wall opposite the Emperor''s table. He moved closer and looked down at the letter Emperor Zhong threw on the table. He didn''t need to read through the letter to understand what got the Emperor angry.


    Emperor Zhong saved him the trouble as he exclaimed, "you want to retire and leave the capital to live a simple life? Why? Why would you make such a foolish decision? What would you possibly achieve by leaving a successful career? Please don''t tell me it is to start a family because we both know that you are not even expecting a child. You have been married for months without any happy news, yet you won''t go quit and do what? That wife of yours is a bad influence maybe I should get you, proper wife. An ambitious maid like that cannot be worthy of a Prince!".


    Chief Eunuch Cuihong glanced at the Emperor''s annoyed expression and sighed. Even a blind man can see that prince Wu and his wife were very much in love. Isn''t his majesty acting too stubborn by threatening to get him a new wife? The while thing few wrong on every level. The Chief eunuch bent low by the wall to pack up the broken teapot.


    Lu Yaozhu balled up his feet as he heard the Emperor''s word, he glanced at him and looked away. His majesty was acting completely out of character, he had expected the Emperor to jump up at his retirement. The Emperor has seen him as an eyesore for as long as he could remember, his leaving should be a dream come true for his majesty.


    He waited for the Emperor to get his breathing under control before replying gently, "my decision to retire comes in response to the last medical check-up I had after my injuries. Your majesty, my retirement is the best for my current health conditions."


    "Your retiring from the military may be a good health decision but you completely abandoning your duties for the easy life in the countryside is unacceptable. I will never approve your retirement!" Emperor Zhong picked up the abandoned letter and tore it into pieces.


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at his destroyed later, he had submitted this letter to the minister of War today for formality. The response was too quick which was unexpected he had been taken aback when the Emperor called him over after morning court ended.


    "Your majesty is busy with official duties, this general will take my leave," Lu Yaozhu said, he waited to receive the Emperor''s nod before he walked out of the room.


    Chief Eunuch Cuihong led palace maids in to clean the broken shards of the teapot. He supervised them until everything was cleaned up then dismissed the maids. Emperor Zhong stood by his desk looking out of the open window while his chief eunuch dismissed the maids.


    Emperor Zhong turned away from the window to face Cuihong a few minutes after the maids were gone. He walked to his desk and picked up the cold cup of tea, "look into everything you can about Yaozhu and the Lu family. I need to know what he is up to, he can not leave the capital until I say so!"


    "Yes," Chief Eunuch Cuihong said.


    **********


    The Jiang family mansion.


    Madam Jiang leaned forward on the top seat at the main room of her well-furnished living room, her head resting gently on her upraised hands. She ran her hand through her face, sighing heavily. For the past two days, she had been searching for her runaway niece. A young unmarried lady running away from home was a big scandal that could affect her family.


    Madam Jiang couldn''t report her missing because of the implications and sent it would put on the reputation of her family. Her son had just started moving up the ladder, a scandal like that would affect his chances of marrying a girl from a reputable family. While her daughter, although engaged to the last so of the Lu family, could lose her engagement if a scandal like this broke.


    Everyone would look down on her and her entire family, they would assume that her Goddaughter deliberately running away from home was due to her home training and assume that her children were untrained. Since they couldn''t openly report Chen Yao missing, Madam Jiang could only secretly send out servants secret to search for Chen Yao.


    The social calendars would soon begin, it was only a matter of time before the invitations began to avoid. Everyone would notice if Chen Yao was missing at the events, even if she lied about her absence by claiming Chen Yao was sick. They would get suspicious when she was absent for too long finding her unruly gd daughter was imperative.


    Madam Jiang looked up from the small wooden table as she heard hurried footsteps, she sat straight as she saw her daughter Jiang Hua rush into the room in hurried steps. Her daughter''s ladies maid and their steward uncle Bo rushed in behind her daughter.


    Her heart sank when she saw her daughter''s worried expression, she held the arm of the chair tightly, "Hua''er, what is wrong? Have you found that unruly girl? Don''t tell me that she is dead.... No_ she had better be dead. That way I won''t have to deal with her mess".


    Jiang Hua rushed up to the high seat at grasped her mother''s hands tightly. "Mother, this is not about Sister Yao! It is about the Lu family, they are here mother. Uncle Bo informed me on my way here that Madam Lu and Prince Wu is at the door asking to see you!"


    "See me" Madam Jiang glanced at the plump steward who nodded. She gasped and Belcher daughter''s hands tightly, "Hua''er the Prince just got bestowed his title which elevated the Lu family high that all other families. So you think that they found out about that missing skank, is his Highness here to cancel your wedding. Oh no no this can not be happening".


    "I don''t think they are here for that mother, I asked uncle Bo and he said that they came over with some gifts. It is just the what are we going to do if they ash about Sister Yao?" Jiang Hua said in a shaky tone.


    "Don''t worry about that, I will distract them as best as I can." She caught the steward''s eyes and instructed, "let them into the side room and serve them some snacks."


    "Yes, mistress" the steward bowed and left the room leaving mother and child to discuss between themselves.


    Jiang Hua squeezed her mother''s hands gently, "mother what are we to do".


    "You stay calm, mother will handle everything. Just stay calm, I will just tell them that Chen Yao is ill. If we control the number of servants that interact with them, no one would ever find out about our situation. When u find that unruly girl, I will make her regret trying something like that".


    "Mother, Sister Yao isn''t the type to do something like this. Maybe we should look into this, she could have been kidnapped" Jiang Hua said softly.


    "Kidnapped? Why would anyone kidnap her when you are here? She has nothing to her name apart from a small fortune, the more profitable person to be kidnapped would be you not her. You are at least what something especially since you are engaged to third young master Lu. Did you see her well-arranged her room was? I think that she eloped with someone, uncle Bo found some clues which point to the fact that she has been exchanging letters with a young man".


    "That doesn''t sound like sister Yao, mother. Could uncle Bo be wrong? Maybe she was exchanging letters with her cousins, the Tong family is in the capital and she once mentioned that she was close to her aunt".


    "Don''t be so naive Hua''er if she was indeed close to her mother''s family how come she is staying with us? The Tong family are comfortable thanks to the Crown Prince, how come they don''t take care of her? Please her mother was just a concubine born daughter of the Tong family. Her standing in that family was lower than hers in the Chen family. Chen Yao wasn''t being honest, at all"


    "If you are right then this must be her plan. She wants to drag us down with her" Jiang Yao said, eyes stinging with tears.


    "Yea darling" madam Jiang held her daughter''s cheeks gently. "Don''t let all this worry you, I will handle it".


    Madam Jiang consoled her daughter until a maid reported that the Prince and madam Lu were waiting at the side room. She separated from her daughter once she heard that and left for the side room to meet with Madam Lu and Prince Wu.


    ************


    Meanwhile, at Yu''an temple.


    A fire broke as Zhu Fengyin arrived at the temples with Su Liya and Chonglin.. The fire was already under control but the meditation room at two close by pavilions was destroyed by the fire.

 Chapter 197 - The Sudden Fire 2

    Hours before the fire outbreak at the Crown Prince''s mansion.


    Zhongshan Ling moved back into his mansion a week earlier, following the sixth prince''s failed attempt overthrowing the Emperor. He left the palace as soon as he was cleared to leave by the doctors before his father Emperor thought of a reason to keep him in the palace. No, that it mattered anymore since he was the last person in his father''s mind.


    Zhongshan Ling was used to being the second choice child of his father and mother. First, he was forced to always concede to the sixth prince because he was the emperor''s favourite son. Now that the sixth Prince and the imperial consort are out of the question, he was once again kicked aside by the Emperor for someone else.


    Although he was aware of Lu Yaozhu''s true identity Zhongshan Ling never said anything and just kept it to himself. Instead, he began to look into the Lu family influence. He did not count on the Emperor promoting Lu Yaozhu to a first-rank prince. He had been initially worried that the Emperor would try to reinstate Lu Yaozhu but let down his guard after the Emperor did make any move toward that however this new promotion just put him on edge.


    The crown Prince was seated on his wooden wheeled seat going through a report when his new spymaster Fu Lang came in to give a report. He had been recommended by his new guard Fu Hong, the two men were both from the Fu clan that has served his mother''s family the Tong family for generations. From his overall assessment, both men were efficient workers whose loyalty could not be doubted.


    Zhongshan Ling pushed the report aside as the younger man stopped a few steps away from him and bowed. "What is it," he said calmly.


    "Your highness, our spy in the ministry of works reported that Prince Wu submitted an official letter of retirement to the minister of war earlier today".


    "Huh? He submitted a letter,? Didn''t he just get promoted to a first ranked Prince, how come he is already planning to abandon his position? It must be all a show, no one would leave this early in his career. How can he retire at the top of his career, it must be a game. How did father Emperor react to his request?"


    "His Majesty was very angry, your highness because our spy at Xincheng palace reported that his majesty rejected his request and threw a fit. Prince Wu was called over to his majesty''s study straight from morning court and scolded heavily. According to our spies, his majesty ordered for the Chief Eunuch to investigate the Lu family and find out what they are up to"


    Zhongshan Ling felt a slight pain in his amputated Foot as soon as he heard that, it was like that which was removed was still there. He glanced down at his blanket-covered legs and frowned. "It seems that I underestimated Lu Yaozhu again. First, it was when I assumed that father Emperor wouldn''t try to push him forward and then now when I thought he would be smart enough to not fall for the temptation of power. All this was his plan, he knew that denying such a position would-be suspicious. That was why he instead pretended to resign, I should have expected something like this".


    Fu Yang felt relaxed as he saw the look of obvious displeasure on his master''s face, he had expected a reaction like this. When he had been offered this position, Old Master Tong instructed him to create a rift between the crown prince and the Lu family. After the sixth prince''s arrest, the Crown Prince''s Position was stabilized. Out of all the other princes, the Crown Prince was the most qualified to inherit the throne.


    It was in the Tong family''s best interest to keep the Crown Prince closer and the best way to do that was to get rid of all other competitors like the Ku family. With that thought in mind, Fu Yang brought up an interesting bit of information he had discovered about the Lu family, specifically the young Duchess.


    "Your Highness, I looked into the affairs of the Lu family and while I could find anything about the brothers. I was able to discover something odd about Eldest Madam Zhu".


    "Oh, do tell", Zhongshan Ling said leaning forward and resting his hands on the table in front of him. He wasn''t surprised that Fu Lang was unable to track Lu Yaozhu''s movement. Lu Yaozhu was a very smart man who kept his cards close to his heart, finding anything on him would be difficult but Zhu Fengyin was a different case. She wasn''t as skilled as her husband and brother-in-law in hiding secrets.


    "I discovered that her grace frequents Yu''an temple of late, I bribed a servant at the temple and discovered that during her visits to the temple she always meets the Abbot privately at the meditation room".


    The smile on Zhongshan Ling''s face fell as he sighed and leaned back on the seat, he had gotten his hope up for nothing, "Most madams meet with the abbot privately, that doesn''t prove anything other than the fact that she is a little religious or pretends to be. Since most madam like to pretend to be religious as a means of passing time. It is nothing unique. She could just be one of those, even the Imperial concubines all pretend to be religious as a means of uplifting themselves. Zhu Fengyin frequent visits to Yu''an temple is nothing special at all".


    Zhu Fenfang was on her way in with a tray of nutritious soup, she was at the door when she overheard the Crown Prince''s last sentence. The mention of Zhu Fengyin and Yu''an temple made her pause at the door. She didn''t know why the Crown Prince was mentioning that sister of hers but based on his tone of voice.


    It couldn''t be for anything good, the Crown Prince''s guards next words were all she needed to step forward and store the pot a little. She never forgot how Zhu Fengyin had put her down before her wedding and wanted to make her pay. She walked inside, smiling as Zhongshan Ling caught her gaze.


    "Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness. I made some nutritious soup and brought a bowl over for you. You have been busy since morning, you must be famished" she placed the tray on the table and placed the white bowl of soup and spoon on the table in front of him.


    Fu Lang bowed at her, "Madam Zhu".


    Zhu Fenfang smiled and waved him off before he could make a full bow, "it alright, don''t stand on ceremony." She placed at him before turning back to the Crown Prince. "Your highness forgive me for interrupting, I overheard you mention Yu''an temple"


    Zhongshan Ling felt his lips twitch but maintained his neutral expression, "Yu''an temple is the closest temple to the capital apart from the Imperial temple. Since the Imperial temple isn''t open to the public, you must be familiar with the temple".


    "Your Highness is right, Yu''an temple is the most frequented temple. We always frequented that temple because of the last madam." She bit her lips gently, "I don''t know if I should say this but Sister Fengyin like the main madam is the main patron of the temple. You see it was the late madam that funded the building of the temple, so Sister Fengyin has quite a personal relationship with the abbot".


    Zhongshan Ling glanced at Fu Lang and back at Zhu Fenfang, "I didn''t know that Princess Bai was behind the construction of the temple. It wasn''t written in any of the official documents concerning the temple".


    "Princess Bai was very low key, or was deliberately kept hidden to prevent any bad talk, your Highness. Only the immediate family members are aware of her relationship with the temple".


    "And now I do? I guess I should count as a close family member".


    "You are my husband and a son-in-law to the late madam, she won''t mind you being told. You must be busy, I will leave you two to talk" after receiving a nod, she picked up the tray, turned around and left the room. Her lips tugged up as she walked out of the room, she did not know what the Crown Prince was up to but she hoped that it would put Zhu Fengyin in her place.


    Zhu Fengyin smiled as he watched the scheming woman leave, he glanced at Fu Lang and said, "looks like we will be paying that temple a visit".


    Fu Lang frowned as he watched the madam leave, "your Highness, don''t think keeping such a manipulative woman like that close is a good idea. She could become a problem for you down the line".


    Zhongshan Ling laughed softly, "don''t worry about her, I have her completely under control. She is still of use, why get rid of her, yet. As far as I keep an eye on her, she cannot cause any problems for me.. I will get rid of her before she becomes a problem for me."

 Chapter 198 - The Sudden Fire 3

    Yu''an Temple hours before the fire


    Chen Yao lay on her side on the slim straw mat eyes locked on the locked door at the other end of the room. Her entire body felt sore with her wrist and ankle bearing the most pain, after fours of painful questioning she was finally returned to her cell but her maid was not so lucky. Her stomach hurt as her worms began to attack the walls of her stomach in search of food.


    Chen Yao held her stomach only to soak in am some breath as she felt a jab at her side from the painful ministrations of her abductors. She couldn''t take any more of their questioning considering that the only way out of the constant questioning was to reveal her biggest secrets. Chen Yao was left with no other choice but to think of a way to escape.


    She had observed her abductors and based on her observations, apart from the masked man always dressed in black that sat in on her "Questioning" in the dark overseeing the other two guards who questioned her. She had never seen the person behind her abduction but she suspected that whoever it was visited regularly. The masked man often left the room during her questioning to report to whoever was behind this.


    The masked man was usually present in the room but he had been noticeably missing since yesterday. Some days he was absent for hours only to come back later, when she hadn''t seen the masked man for hours, Chen Yao decided to go forward with her plan and convince one of the guards to let her out. It has been over an hour since she had done that and she was yet to get an answer.


    Chen Yao sat up as she heard the locks at the door pull away loudly, her heartbeat increased as she looked expectantly at the door. She hissed angrily as the heavy wooden door was pushed open from the outside and instead of the guard as she had expected. Her foolish maid was kicked into the room, Liang looked worse to wear. She had been subjected to a more painful treatment than she was.


    Chen Yao watched the petite girl roll to her side and bend into a protective position. She glanced toward the open door and came face to face with the guard she had approached. The guard pulsed his lips and said, "young Misstress Chen, you better get the silver ready because I am breaking you out today. It is the only chance we will get since my boss is out of town".


    Chen Yao heart lifted as soon as she heard that, she nodded happily. The guard threw a bag of hot buns to her before shutting the door and stepping out to the hallway. A few hours later a fire broke out at the coal room close by and spread gradually to the meditation room and two other prayer rooms close by.


    While everyone sampled to put out the fire, the guard rushed into the room and helped Chen Yao out. Before leaving, Chen Yao shock her maid awake, she felt bad leaving her to suffer here and decided to help Liang since she was partly responsible for her current situation. The guard led them through many intricately designed smoky hallways.


    The fire made the hallways hot and smoky, Chen Yao covered her nose and mouth with the sleeves of her gown as they ran towards the exit. They stood back while the guards climbed up the stairs and unlocked the wooden door. He got out first before holding out his hands and helping them out.


    The exit opened up at the other side of the temple, a bit far from where the fire ranged on. The sent of ash filled the air. Chen Yao and Liang on a tree branch and caught their breath. Chen Yao took the emergency silver coins she always carried out of her inner clothes and threw them to the guard who helped them out. " Here you go," she said leaning back on the tree


    The Guard caught the pouch mid-air. He pulled on the ties holding the pouch closed and opened the small pouch. The pouch felt heavy one could hear a jiggle of metal hitting metal. He poured out the content onto his opened palm, counting each coin as they fell. In the end, he counted forty pieces of new-minted silver coins. His lips curved up and he returned the coins into the pouch before putting the couch into his tunic. He glanced at the two girls leaning on the tree trunk, "this is forty-five pieces short of the agreed amount".


    Chen Yao opened her eyes and replied, " I have been stuck in there for days, I don''t have much on you. This is the only money on me right now, don''t worry, I will give you the rest once I am settled". She looked around, "I don''t know my way out, I need to get back to Jiang mansion. Please lead the way".


    The guard snared at her, "lead the way for just Forty pieces of new silver? That is not even close to half. Forty pieces of silver get you out of the cell, the rest is left to you. I already did a lot by getting you out of your prison even with all the risks. Have my money in eight days" he dusted his shirts and trousers before leaving. He didn''t bother looking back at her and just continued out of the vicinity completely ignoring her cries


    "No! Hold on! You cannot just leave me out he!" She cried out standing up for the tree trunk. She ran after him, only to watch him jump over the wall. "Ahh! That thug!" She stumped her feet multiple times while waving her hands, the sound of soft footsteps and Liang''s voice made her pause, "there is a fire out there mistress, a lot of people must be trying to put out the fire. If we get closer to where people are, we might be able to get some help from someone".


    Chen Yao glanced towards the noisy scene up ahead and them at her maid''s lean face, "why didn''t I think of that! Less go" she grabbed Liang''s hands and pulled her toward the other end of the small garden. They saw a lot of monks and servants running around as they got closer. They all ran with buckets of water to put out the fire.


    Amidst the running around and noise, no one noticed two unkempt looking girls walk past them. They kept moving, finally stopping as Chen Yao caught sight of a familiar slim tale male seated on a wheeled chair. Chem Yao stooped moving for a few seconds as she silently contemplated asking the Crown Prince for help. She searched around with her eyes but found no other person but him.


    Chen Yao took in a breath and let it out before walking towards him. The guards who stood behind the Crown Prince came forward and pulled up his sword as they got closer.


    He glanced down at them in disgust, "Stand back!"


    Chen Yao ignored the disgusted guard and fell on her knees. As far as she was concerned the guard was as insignificant as they come, as far as she got the Crown Prince''s pity she was safe. She had heard a few things about the Crown Prince from Zhu Faye during her time with him and understood the kind of person he was.


    "Your Highness, please save me. I was captured by some bad people. I need to get back home!" She cried, holding on to his coat.


    Zhongshan Ling frowned slightly as he looked down at the weeping girl, he was surprised to come face to face with a familiar face. ''Isn''t this my younger female cousin, old master Tong introduced me to her at the royal banquet a few months earlier '', he thought. He immediately remembered that she had been introduced as his mothers younger sister''s only child. He had been informed that she was leaving with her godmother.


    "Aren''t you Chen Yao? How come you are here?" He asked.


    Fu Lang stood back and glanced properly at the kneeling girl as soon as he heard that. Old master won''t have informed him about this cousin of his Highness, specifically of his plans to make her an imperial concubine to represent the Tong family.


    Chan Yao was surprised to hear the Crown Prince mention this name. She has no idea that the owner of this body was familiar with the Crown Prince. "Since she is familiar with him, I can use their relationship to my advantage'', she thought.


    "Your Highness, remembers me. Oh thank merciful Buddha, please help me, your highness. I have been locked up here by bad men, please get me out of here!"


    "You were locked up in here?" Zhongshan Ling asked and received a nod. He glanced at Fu Liang in question, Fu Liang shook his head indicating that he had no idea that there was anyone kept against their will.. Zhongshan Ling glanced down at her tear-filled face and sighed "You are my maternal cousin, I won''t leave you here to suffer"/ he glanced at Fu Liang, "help Miss Chen up, we are leaving".

 Chapter 199 - Imperial Examinations And Royal Threats 1

    Yu''an Temple some minutes before the Crown Prince left the temple.


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya sat facing each other inside the Duchess''s carriage when they arrived at the gates of the temple. Zhu Fengyin was tbs first to notice the fire as the smell of burned wood sipped into her nose as the carriage got close to the temple. Su Liya noticed her wrinkled nose and took in a deal breath.


    She was immediately assaulted by the breath-stealing scent of burned wood and incense. "What is this awful smell", Su Liya said raising her handkerchief to cover her mouth as she coughed. The perfume on her handkerchief was quite calming, she moved it higher to cover her nose this offering herself some needed relief.


    However, the noise outside coupled with the increase in the awful smell as the carriage got closer to the temple got her suspicious. Su Liya moved closer to the window, raised the curtain and looked out the window. "What in the" she muttered as she saw the smoke going up in the sky above the temple.


    "What is wrong?" Zhu Fengyin rushed to the window on the other side of the carriage and looked out. She gasped and knocked heavily on the carriage a few times, "stop!" She cries out.


    Su Liya pulled back in as she heard that and glanced back at Zhu Fengyin in concern, "What are you planning on doing, Fengyin. Don''t tell me you plan on jumping out on the carriage and magically putting out the fire. For Pete''s sake stay calm, we are almost at the temple, stopping the carriage at this distance just so you can run there and be of no help to anyone makes no sense. Don''t forget that you are with child, be careful. Please don''t stress yourself over a burning temple, there are hundreds of monks and servants in there that can help put out the fire. They don''t need a worried pregnant woman!"


    Zhu Fengyin glanced at her silently eyes wide, she opened and closed her mouth as she tried to make sense of this version of Su Liya. This was her first time seeing her this way, "I, what about Chen Yao. The prisoner, she may get still be in there_"


    "So what if she is in there, she is still a problem either living or dead but honestly, I would prefer her dead because then she can''t send the Crown Prince malicious anonymous messages aimed at blackening our family. Plus are three guards stations down there, I am sure one of them is smart enough to get her and the maid out before they turn into human barbecues", Su Liya breathed on deeply and let out the air to calm herself.


    "Please stay still and don''t cause you and the family any more trouble, you nearly had a miscarriage, let''s not tempt fate again. Damn, I can''t believe that I am suddenly the voice of reason. If someone ever told me this day would come I would have laughed them away and yet here we are" she said calmly.


    Zhu Fengyin chuckled before progressing into a full-on laugh. Su Liya looked at her strangle and just shook her head, the carriage came to a stop and the driver brought down the seat. "Stat here while I check out what is going on", She stood and walked out of the carriage. A grandly designed carriage with the royal crest caught her eyes as she got down the stairs. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the crown prince gently climbing onto the carriage with a staff.


    "What is he doing here of all places," Su Liya glance from the departing carriage to the burning temple, "Is this his doing".


    "What is wrong Yaya? Why are you standing there?" Zhu Fengyin asked as she noticed that Su Liya stood on the steps for some seconds. Su Liya glanced over her shoulder and calmly assured her that it was nothing before continuing down the short step.


    Su Liya called over a footman who had accompanied them from the mansion to the temple and instructed him to find out what happened. The footman rushed back minutes later and reported,


    "Your Highness, according to the steward at the gate, a fire broke out suddenly at the coal room a quickly spread to the pavilions close by. The servants and monks immediately rushed to put them out before it spread further!"


    "Was anyone hurt?" Su Liya asked looking ahead.


    "No, your highness. They were able to put out the fire but the meditation buildings were destroyed_"


    The footman was interrupted by Zhu Fengyin who had come down the carriage at some point, "how come the fire spread so fast? Call the abbot over no let us go meet him". Zhu Fengyin grabbed Su Liya by the arm and dragged her forward.


    Su Liya looked down at Zhu Fengyin''s tight hold and sighed, she tapped Zhu Fengyin on her palm to get her to stop. Zhu Fengyin was too worried to stop and instead slowed down and glanced over her shoulder. "The secret room is under the meditation room, Yaya. I can not stay still until I find out what went down there".


    "Hey, slow down would you. We can find out what happened here even if we went slower. The slop is not smooth, you could get hurt if you keep moving that fast!" Su Liya said.


    "Fine! Okay, I will slow down!" Zhu Fengyin said finally slowing her pace. Su Liya held her hand and walked into the temple, she stopped running servant to ask for directions to where the Abbot was before continuing forward. The abbot rushed over on seeing them, he bowed at 90 degrees to Su Liya then Zhu Fengyin.


    Zhu Fengyin moved closer and whispered, "Abbot about the prisoner, did you get her out?"


    Su Liya noticed that the abbot expression got a little complicated as soon as Zhu Fengyin said that. He looked like he had swallowed something bad. Su Liya suddenly got an ominous feeling, she moved closer and asked, "how long has ate been missing?"


    The abbot''s face fell immediately, he did not know how to inform Zhu Fengyin of what happened but since the Princess already guess their situation there was no need to hide it anymore. "She has been missing since the fire started, together with one of the guards!"

 Chapter 200 - Imperial Examinations And Royal Threats 2

    Yu''an temple


    "how long has she been missing?"


    The abbot''s face fell immediately, he initially did not know how to inform Zhu Fengyin of what happened but since the Princess already guessed their situation there was no need to hide it anymore. "She has been missing since the fire started, together with one of the guards!"


    There was a few seconds of heavy silence as Zhu Fengyin tried to wrap her head around this bumbling mess they had gotten into. There was no possibility she had thought that they ended up in a good situation. She had a missing prisoner and guards, a human-sized recipe to deserter if she was being honest and she was.


    After spending a few months together Su Liya could read. Zhu Fengyin properly by now and understood what disastrous conversations were running through her mind. She needs to draw the attention away from the problem and towards a solution. Starting by clearing her strange suspicion.


    Su Liya glanced at the Abbot and held his gaze looking to find out if he was a part of the escape plan. "Abbot, I saw the Crown Prince''s carriage outside when we arrived. When did he arrive?"


    "The Crown Prince was here?" Zhu Fengyin asked glaring at Su Liya.


    "Yes, his carriage left just as we arrived" Su Liya replied.


    "That is odd. The royal family don''t normally frequent other temples except the Imperial temple. What brought him here and today of all days" she gazed expectantly at the abbot.


    "I was about to get to that my lady, the crown Prince arrived a few minutes before the fire started. He didn''t come with much crowd, it was only him and his two private guards, I just finished a session with Madam Yang when he arrived. A young monk informed me of his request to have a word with me. He sounded pretty short-timed so I went over as soon as I was done with the session which was a few minutes before the fire started."


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya exchanged a look, Su Liya thought that the timing of the fire was too suspicious to be a coincidence but before airing, her thought out she thought to get a few things straight.


    "What did his highness discuss with you. Did he have any questions about madam Lu and the Lu family?"


    "Yes he did, his highness asked about madam Lu and the temple. The fire started while he was asking his question but each question seemed like trick questions used to mask his real target. However, It was obvious that he was curious about the temple and her grace''s involvement in the temple".


    Su Liya glanced at Zhu Fengyin, they were both in agreement that the Crown Prince''s visit was strange. "investigate how the fire started but before doing that, wrap everything up here. His highness will be back again but before that, I think it is time you went on an extended vacation. Chonglin will make the arrangement".


    "Yes".


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya left minutes later, there was no need to start long or it would raise suspension.


    *************


    The Emperor''s palace hours later.


    Emperor Zhong picked up the bowl of fish feed from the reserved sport in a small wooden compartment opposite the fish rank. He picked up the small spoon and scooped up a small portion of fish feed. He stretched out his hands and moving in sequence, threw the pieces of fish food into the ceramic fish tank set up at the centre of the small garden that separated his palace from the Empress''s palace.


    He watched as the beautiful koi fish swam to the fish feed. Fishing these fishes was calming and after the bomb Lu Yaozhu had thrown at him today, he needed to unwind. He watched the little fishes swim around, silently contemplating in his heart why Lu Yaozhu couldn''t just stay put in the capital. He had just discovered that his son was still alive and wanted to get reunited with his son but that was proving difficult.


    He needed to spend time with Lu Yaozhu and get back the years lost, he had given Lu Yaozhu a title to give him a better standing and also spend more time with Him. However, Lu Yaozhu was acting too stubborn.


    " Your majesty", Cuihong said distracting the Emperor from his Flow of thought. After a few hours of investigation, Cuihong had discovered the Lu families plans and was here to report them to the Emperor. He stood, while silently bowing to the ground.


    Emperor Zhong glanced beside him, "you are back". Emperor Zhong returned the wooden spoon into the jar of fish feed and shut the lid. He glanced at the younger bunch standing at his other side and passed the fish feed to him. The Eunuch bowed and stepped back to return the fish feed to its usual spots.


    Cushing stepped closer as the younger eunuch stepped back and whispered to the Emperor, "I asked around and the Lu family hasn''t made any major political moves. However_" he paused as he observed that the younger eunuch was attempting to blatantly listen to their conversation.


    Emperor Zhong noticed the pause in his words and followed his gaze to the eunuch. The eunuch shivered as he glanced up and met Emperor Zhong''s narrowed gaze. It was like he had received a Zap, he blinked and looked away immediately. Emperor Zhong stared him down silently, the young eunuch began shaking at the heat from the Emperor''s gaze.


    He felt like his death was imminent and suddenly felt like digging a hole to hide inside and get out of the Emperor''s sight. Emperor Zhong was irritated by the eunuch''s weak character, he rolled his eyes and said, "Everyone leave!?"


    "Yes" the servants all chorus as they retreated. Emperor Zhong waited for the last servant to leave before he side-eyed Cuihong and asked


    "That nosy eunuch, find out who is behind him before the end of the day!"


    "Yea, your majesty" Cuihong replied. All the emperor''s servants were changed following the failed invasion attempt by the sixth prince. They had lost a few loyal servants during the attack and as such the loyalty of these servants were untested. It was pretty obvious that most of them were fixed in her to get information by staying close to him but their various masters were yet to be discovered.


    Emperor Zhong walked to the seat next to the flower bed at the side of the garden and sat. The seat put him directly opposite the entrance and kept his waiting entourage of servants and guards in sight. Cuihong stood a few steps away by his side.


    "Did you find any angle that could work with Yaozhu?", Emperor Zhong asked locked his eyes on the young eunuch.


    Chief Eunuch Cuihong followed the Emperor''s gaze to the eunuch as he replied, "I discovered that the youngest son of the family is about to get married. Prince Wu and the Dowager Duchess met with the brides family today. Word on the street is the wedding will take place after the Imperial Examination since the groom is taking part in the examination".


    "The third young master is still taking the Imperial examination?"


    "Yes, your Majesty".


    "He is the one that cane after Yaozhu right?" Emperor Zhong tapped his hands on the backrest of the bench after receiving his chief eunuch''s nod. "Isn''t he in his early twenties by now, I know that he is only a few years younger than Yaozhu. How come he is still taking the imperial Examination?"


    Cuihong was silent for some seconds as he tried to think of the most appropriate answer to give Emperor Zhong. He more than most was aware of the ministration orchestrated by Emperor Zhong to keep the talented third young master Lu from placing in every Imperial examination he had taken so far.


    Although he didn''t understand the Emperor''s newfound affection for Prince Wu, he was smart enough to know that the Emperor wouldn''t respond well to the truth if said bluntly so she decided to play it down a little.


    "Your majesty must no be aware but although third master Lu has such a promising future based on the praises he had been given by his teachers. Sadly third master Lu has been unlucky during the Imperial exams and is yet to place anywhere" he replied making sure to put on his most mellow expression.


    Emperor Zhong frowned as he remembered the third master''s issue. He glanced at the older male and as usual, was greeted by a calm expression.


    "If you want to scold me just scold me! No need to go through all that bend", Emperor Zhong spat our glaring at the eunuch''s wrinkled face.


    "I don''t dare do that, your majesty!" Cuihong replied softly.


    "It is not that you don''t dare do that but you do not dare do that to my face! You already do that in your heart what is in bringing it out in the open?"


    Cuihong bowed lower, "your majesty is divine, this little one doesn''t dare!"


    Hmph, Emperor Zhong glared at Cuihong and sighed. "Call Prince Wu into the palace first thing tomorrow morning!"

 Chapter 201 - Imperial Examinations And Royal Threats3

    Minutes later in the carriage en route to the Duke''s mansion.


    Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya had been seated in silence since they got into the carriage. A lot of thought ran through their minds since they left the temple none of which they wished to air for fear of it winding up to be true. Zhu Fengyin did want to admit the possibility of Su Liya''s suspicions being true because that would ruin everything she planned for the future.


    Su Liya looked away from the window and put down the curtain she had gotten tired of this uncomfortable silence between them. She cleared her throat to get Zhu Fengyin''s attention and said in a very serious tone. "Fengyin about the fire ... I don''t think that was the Crown Prince''s doing. However, his visit to that temple had nothing to do with a sudden need for divine guidance and everything to do with his hunt for dirt on the Lu family. He has an axe to grind, fengyin.


    "Things are not as they were in your previous life, the Crown Prince and the Lu Family will break off. Even Yaozhu is suspicious of his highness and so is Minister Zhu. The man thinks that the Empress and the Lu family killed his mother, I didn''t have a mother growing up but I know that if I suspected that someone hurt someone I care about. I won''t sit still, now imagine if you were the Crown Prince.


    "What would you do and please do not even suggest investigating what happened! It has been decades since Noble consort Tong died, the only people with evidence would be the Empress and your father. The same two people accused of being involved, I doubt he would accept their word for it. The world is already rigged against us, we need to protect ourselves".


    Zhu Fengyin glanced at her silently for some seconds, shut her eyes and gently rubbed her temple while leaning on the wooden wall of the carriage. "Yaya, what do you want me to do, without any proof? Everything is based on suspicion plus the Crown Prince hasn''t done anything against the Lu family_"


    "Yet! The keyword here is yet" Su Liya interrupted.


    "Yaya!" She cried out.


    "Hey! Let us be real here. The Crown Prince suddenly visits your temple and attempts to get information on you from the abbot. All for what? To get to know his best friend''s wife? I think he was looking for a way to get information through the abbot. Which means that he no longer trusts the Lu family!"


    "Yaya, I know where you are coming from. I am equally suspicious but I just can''t do anything about this. Yingjei will be mad if he finds out about this. You know that he is a lot closer to the Crown Prince than second brother-in-law since they are much closer in age and spend more time together. I don''t know how he would take it when he finds out!"


    Su Liya pulsed her lips, "I think you are overthinking this, Eldest brother-in-law is a reasonable person. He won''t make things difficult for you. I cannot force you to see things the way I do but I think that you should sleep on it before making any decision".


    "Thank you!" Zhu Fengyin replied softly. They exchanged a soft look before looking away. Zhu Fengyin felt her heartbeat hasten, she didn''t know what the future held for them but she feared that life would never be as calm as it was right now. It was like they had gotten rid of an enemy only to get a new one.


    *********


    Su Liya''s pavilion at the Duke''s mansion.


    A few minutes later, they arrived at the duke''s mansion Su Liya was helped down the carriage by her maid. The steward, uncle Lu stood at the gates with the guards. He rushed forward as Su Liya walked closer, "You had a few visitors, while you were out, Your Highness."


    Su Liya caused and glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, "visitors? Who came?"


    "Madam Li came over with an invitation to a banquet at her house" he took out an envelope from inside his tunic and handed it over to her. Su Liya accepted the envelope, she looked down at the envelope, quickly reading through the characters written on the envelope.


    "Thanks, uncle Lu," she said passing the envelope to Rong Rong. "Is mother and his highness back?"


    "No, they are still at Jiang mansion", uncle Lu replied.


    "Okay, if there is nothing else. I will get going" she glanced back at Zhu Fengyin who walked ahead and said, "have Aunt He, prepare a small lunch and calming tea for her grace".


    "Yes!"


    Su Liya continued to her room with her maids, she needed to wash off the soothe and smell of smile that clung to her staying for some time at the burning temple. She was greeted by the courtyard maid as they went about cleaning the compound. As soon as she got into the room she got out of her clothes and changed into a silk dressing gown.


    Su Liya moved onto the bathroom with her maids. She sat on the chair by the window reading through the invitation delivered by the Li family while Rong Rong and Baozhai went about mixing her bathwater in the bathroom. She opened the envelope and pulled out the letter within, while the sound of water getting mixed could be heard from behind the screen.


    The room got warmer as Baozhai and Rong Rong poured warm water into the wooden bathtub behind the screen. Su Liya''s eyes narrowed as she read the invitation, with the original Su Liya''s terrible relationship with the Li family. She had assumed that the family wanted nothing to do with her but based on the content of the invitation. It seemed that get had gotten over their ''feeling''.


    Since the invitation was addressed to her and Lu Yaozhu, she folder the invitation and returned it into the envelope. Ever since Lu Yaozhu was made a First rank prince the dynamics of everything had changed. Even in the duke''s mansion, the servants treated them more respectfully. Lu Yaozhu was rewarded a large royal mansion a street away from the Duke''s mansion with his new title.


    They were set to move out of the duke''s mansion in a few days. Their new mansion was getting cleaned up and renovated before they move in. The mansion was previously occupied by a second-ranked prince who had served under the previous Emperor. After his death, the mansion was required by the Emperor and left unoccupied. The mansion was left unoccupied for over a decade and a half, a lot of work needed to be done to make it habitable.


    Lu Yaozhu was overseeing the renovation, the construction was handled by a private company belonging to one of their distant relatives in the merchant class. Once the mansion was set they would move in but until then they stayed back at the Duke''s mansion.


    The spread of rose water alerted her to the fact that her bath water was set. Su Liya placed the invitation on the table and gazed towards the screen. She touched the hair clip holding up her hair and smiled. The hair clip was a gift from Lu Yaozhu while they were at Ningzhuo, it was a long clear jade hair clip shaped like a lotus flower designed with small little flowers with the name bright inscribed on the hair clip.


    She had fallen in love with it the first time she saw it. It was handcrafted by a master, Lu Yaozhu never told her where he found it but had given it to her one morning. Su Liya was never the type that was moved by jewellery but she felt her heart soften as she opened the slim box he had handed out to her and saw this masterpiece lying inside.


    It was breathtaking but it was the next thing that happened that touch her heart. Lu Yaozhu made her hold still while he packed up her hair in a lazy bun. That morning and what she felt as he gently pulled her head up was all she remembered every time her hair was packed in a bun.


    "The bath is set, your highness", Baozhai said dragging her away from her thoughts. Su Liya felt her cheek heat as she was dragged away from her daydream. She glanced and Baozhai and nodded, smiling softly. Su Liya stood up from the seat and walked to the screen.


    "Baozhai, please put the invitation away before it gets wet", She said as she untied her dressing gown and walked to the bathtub.


    "Yes, your Highness", Baozhai said and walked to the table. She picked up the invitation and left the room, leaving Rong Rong to help their mistress into the bathtub.


    Su Liya held onto Rong Rong''s hands as she climbed up the bath. She laid back, her head resting on the side of the bath while her body was fully immersed in the water.. She shit her eyes and let herself silently immerse in the water.

 Chapter 202 - Imperial Examinations And Royal Threats 4

    Su Liya''s pavilion


    Su Liya held on to Rong Rong''s arm as support as she climbed up the small step leading to the rim of the bathtub. She paused briefly at the last step just a few inches away from the rim of the bathtub, stretched out her legs and stepped into the water until she was fully submerged in the water.


    She sighed as she came in contact with the warm water. She felt laid back, lips tugged up as she felt the warm soothing water sip into her skin and untangle the nuts inside her. It was a beautiful feeling, she felt light-hearted and calm, her mind relaxed as sleep began knocking at her psyche. It was heartwarming, Su Liya pulled herself into a more comfortable position, her head resting on the side of the bath while her body was fully immersed in the water.


    Her eyelid got heavier and heavier until she could barely keep awake. Fighting nature wasn''t easy, minutes later, she finally gave in to her body''s natural need. She shut her eyes and let herself fall into a serene sleep. Rong Rong controlled the temperature of the water, pouring in soothing scents and herbs to help her mistress relax.


    Rong Rong stepped out of the screen and looked towards the food as she heard Footsteps, the footsteps sounded nothing like Baozhai''s footsteps. She bowed her head as soon as she caught sight of Lu Yaozhu, "Your Highness!".


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the shadow reflected on the screen behind the maid and smiled. "You are dismissed!" He said in a quiet tone and walked forward.


    Rong Rong looked up with wrinkled brows, "what about her highness... Bath. I can''t_"


    "Don''t worry, I will handle that" he replied interrupting her.


    "Yes", she bowed and retreated. Boazhai and Yu Tao both retreated with her until it was only Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya in the room. He shrugged his outer coat off his shoulder and hung it on the free cloth hanger opposite the hanger where Su Liya''s dressing gown hung. He rolled up his sleeve until his elbows as he walked behind the screen, his gaze softened as her serene expression came into view.


    He liked how at peace she looked, he picked up the basket containing the sponge and soaps as he walked to the bathtub picked up the sponge, poured in the rose-scented liquid soap and began to gently sponge up her body. He was so careful not to wake her, however, the feel of warm water on her shoulder drew her away from dreamland. She opened her eyes halfway, she saw a hazy glimpse of big male hands on her shoulder.


    Her eye shut as her sleep-filled head cleared slowly, after a few more tries she finally got her eyes to open halfway. She felt as a wet liquid dropped on her hair, the sweet smell of peaches registered in her mind. which quickly reminded her confused brain of the familiarity of the scent. She smiled and shifted into a good position muttering in a slurry voice, "easy there, Rong Rong. Don''t let the soap enter my ear".


    She felt hands rub her scalp and hair gently, "ahh that feels so good!" She leaned backwards eyes closed, lips spread into a wide smile. "Now this is good".


    Lu Yaozhu chuckled and glanced down at her. He watched her brow wrinkle but continued washing her hair. Su Liya finally opened her eyes wide and pulled out of his reach. "Yaozhu!" She glanced around the room, "how come it is you? Where is Rong Rong and Baozhai?"


    Lu Yaozhu bent forward smirking, he glanced down at the hand Su Liya use to cover her breast. "I have seen it already, why cover yourself?"


    "You!", She swiped some water at him with hands into the water and glared at him. Lu Yaozhu saw that coming and stepped back, laughing softly.


    "Hold on with the waterworks, I haven''t finished rinsing your hair," he said making her pause and raise her hands to her hair. Her action revealed all that she kept hidden previously but he didn''t draw her attention to that. He placed both hands on his waist, "don''t be so upset about this, we are married. It is okay to get a little intimate with each other, it is alright to enjoy this".


    "ahh! You_ Lu Yaozhu! Get out" she shouted rising out of the water and pointing at the door. When Lu Yaozhu failed to budge and instead grinned down at her eyes locked at her. She followed his gaze, gasped and brought down her hands to cover herself.


    "Please don''t do that on my account" Lu Yaozhu teased, which earned him a near assault with a wooden scoop. He bent low as soon as he saw it coming at him a stepped said. The force from the scoop coupled with the weight of the scoop tore through the screen. Lu Yaozhu stood and walked to the screen, he ran his finger through the hole on the screen.


    He glanced from the hole to Su Liya, an eyebrow raised. Lu Yaozhu rolled her eyes and sunk back into the water. He smirked at her, "that was quite the throw wife, your aim is....Very accurate".


    "Shut up! You keep asking for trouble!" She hissed at him, feeling her hair, it indeed felt soapy. "I guess he wasn''t lying, she thought glaring at him, her eyes couldn''t narrow any further but it would have if that was possible given his rather annoying face. ''He has a lot of nerve smiling so innocently. What a handful'' she thought glaring at him.


    "There is still ladder on your back, let me help you wash that off", he said walking closer but paused when he saw her raise a tray. "or maybe not", he smiled at her. They got into a silent battle of will for a new seconds before she gave in. "I will leave you to clean up here while I wait outside for you, Wife" he smiled as he left the room but not before blowing her a kiss.


    Su Liya could barely hold in her laugh, she laughed softly and muttered, "rascal!"


    Lu Yaozhu chucked ad he left, he knew that she wouldn''t stay mad for long. Rong Rong and Baozhai heard the squabbles inside the bathroom room but pretended otherwise. They exchanged a gaze as he left before going back into the bathroom to help their mistress.


    Twenty minutes later Su Liya walked into the living room dressed in a simple gown, with her hair packs high and braided into a loose single braid. A ribbon was intertwined with the sulky strands of her hair as her hair was braided. Lu Yaozhu glanced over the cup of tea close to his lips and watched her walk in.


    Su Liya sat on the cushioned seat next to his and leaned on her side lead resting on her raised hand. His lips tugged up as he glanced at her pout, he took a sip of tea before returning the cup to the tray on the table between their seats. He leaned closer and inhaled deeply, "you smell nice, I like that." He glanced at Baozhai who stood father away by the side, "Baozhai, whoever is responsible for this scent deserves a reward".


    "Thanks, your Highness", Baozhai replied without a single shift in her expression.


    Su Liya didn''t respond and instead just rolled her eyes at him. "silly man", she muttered picking up the fresh cup of tea that had been poured out as she got seated by Rong Rong.


    Lu yaozhu leaned to the other side of the chair and watched her while rubbing his chin gently. Su Liya glanced at him and blushed, "why are you looking at me that way. Are you enchanted by me?"


    "Yes, I can not stop thinking how someone could look so innocent yet be scary at the same time_ ahh!" He rubbed his arm, hissing. His smile fell as he watched Su Liya flex her wrist eyes locked on him. "Stay calm, Yaya. We have company!" He said shifting out of her reach.


    "Shut it or I will dive at you", she glanced at her two maids and Yu Tao who both had straight-faced as they looked away from them. "They have followed us for so long, what haven''t they seen?"


    "True", he replied. "I heard about the fire at the temple? You two were not caught in there, right?"


    "No, the fire was already put out when we arrived" she flexed her hands.


    "Good, Sister-in-law should be careful as should you. You still haven''t given birth to a grandchild yet?"


    Su Liya glared at him, "And whose fault is that? You must be out to fight today!"


    "Wait don''t get mad, I was only kidding. I like the time we have to ourselves, but don''t let mother hear that!"


    "Sure, I won''t" she smirked at him.. A chill ran down his spine as he watched her smile down at him coldly.

 Chapter 203 - Imperial Examinations And Royal Threats 5

    Su Liya''s pavilion


    "Good, Sister-in-law should be careful as should you. You still haven''t given birth to a grandchild yet!"


    Su Liya dropped the cup of tea with a loud noise, bent at her side and glared at him, "And whose fault is that? It takes two to tangle! You must be out to fight today!"


    "Wait, hold on! Please don''t get mad, I do not mean any trouble. I was only kidding! I like how things are right now, I am not in a hurry to change things at all. I like that it is just the two of us and we have time for ourselves, but just don''t let mother hear that. I will no end well if she does".


    "Sure, I won''t do that! I won''t like to get you in trouble, it is okay if I am the one your mother holds responsible for the lack of grandchildren," she smirked at him.


    A chill ran down his spine as he watched her smile down at him coldly. "You know what don''t bother hiding that little slip from mother. Just let it out" he said in a low tone.


    Her lips tugged up as she replied, "okay!"


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the maids standing around and back at Su Liya, "have you eaten?"


    "Oh, not yet" she looked out the window and as expected the initially harsh sun rays had gotten milder. "It has gotten late, I will just have dinner".


    "Okay, but let''s eat some fruit while you wait," he glanced at the maids as he said that. As soon as Su Liya gave her approval, the two girls retreated and left to get the fruit tray.


    Su Liya could tell that he sent the maids away because he wanted to have a private word with her without fear of anyone listening in. She waited for the two maids to put some distance away from the living room before asking calmly, "has your retirement request been approved?"


    "Not yet, it might never be approved. I was called in by the Emperor and he was not pleased with my request" Lu Yaozhu leaned backwards on the seat as the Emperor''s strange response played out vividly in his mind.


    "He rejected your request? How odd, here I was thinking that he would be overjoyed since you will be getting out of his head. I mean hasn''t that been his dream?"


    "Well not anymore it seems, I guess getting betrayed by his son and his favourite concubine changed his perspective. He must have decided to make good use of me"


    "We should have suspected that after he jump promoted you up by four ranks. Do you think that maybe be was possessed by a spirit or something?"


    A laugh bursts out of Lu Yaozhu suddenly as he heard that, "don''t let anyone here you sat that! The Emperor''s strange behaviour although odd isn''t that surprising. Every once in a while he gets a phase for a few weeks or months where he grows a conscience. After some time he goes back to his old ways, it has happened a few times and honestly, I don''t care anymore.


    "I will wait a few months and then submit another request, he would have gotten over this phase by then. Forget about him let''s focus on A''Yong''s future, we''re you able to get a wedding date?"


    "Oh no we weren''t", the mention of getting a wedding date reminded her of the real reason they had gone to the temple and the aftermath of the fire. Although she was a little suspicious of the Crown Prince based on what had happened at the end of the first volume of the original book.


    Since nothing was confirmed, Su Liya felt the need to scratch one of her many suspicions off her ever-growing list. Su Liya set down the cup of tea in her hand and placed both hands on her lap. She glanced up at Lu Yaozhu, wishing to maintain eye contact.


    "How was your visit to the Jiang family?"


    "The visit went well, we will send down the bride price and the other requirements in a few days".


    "I guess madam Jiang didn''t make things difficult for you"


    "She wouldn''t dare do that, madam Jiang like most likes to get closer to people with power. Thanks to the sixth prince, she was in a little bit of a bind is this marriage is a lot more beneficial to her and her family than it is to us. She understands that better than most and was smart enough to know not to make trouble for us".


    "And her Goddaughter? Did she bring up her initial plans to make her a concubine?"


    "No she didn''t even mention the young Miss Chen at all and when mother asked about the two young mistresses. Madam Jiang replied that Juang Hua was taking a music class with a retired palace Momo. However, she was pretty tight-lipped about Miss Chen. She said ten miles long sentences all of whom gave a rundown of what her daughter was activities but only a few words were said when it came to Miss Chen".


    "Just a handful? What did she say about her and did you see Miss Chen?"


    Lu Yaozhu felt a little suspicious of her questions but decided to ignore her, she would tell him once she was ready for him. He replied, "I didn''t meet her but that was because madam Jiang informed us that Miss Chen had fallen ill. Since she wasn''t connected to the marriage, we didn''t dwell on that".


    "Okay, I thought she would try to get her in here again"


    Lu Yaozhu chuckled, "I doubt she would try that again, she is not so shameless".


    "Ha! That is what you think because you haven''t met enough shameless people. Trust when I tell you that anything is possible, she may have already made a plan to keep pushing her goddaughter in your face after the marriage until you bite the bone"


    Lu Yaozhu tilted his head to the side, "that is one very graphic thought, no that it matters. I am a one-woman man, I won''t bite that bone ever".


    Su Liya blushed feeling got like she was on fire as he kept his eyes on her. She looked down at her hands and said in a voice close to a whisper, "okay".


    Lu Yaozhu held her chin, leaned closer and kissed her softly on the lips. He whispered a breath away from her lips, "Don''t worry about any of those ambitious women, you are the only woman that will ever have a place in my heart."


    ***********


    The next day.


    Lu Yaozhu was summoned into the palace by Cuihong early the next morning. Cuihong escorted him to the palace after he got dressed, the Emperor wouldn''t have it any other way. He was led straight to the Emperor''s palace as soon as he arrived at the palace. He stood at the door for a few seconds, Po while Cuihong went in to report his arrival to the Emperor.


    A few seconds later he was allowed into the Emperor''s living room. Emperor Zhong was seated at the smaller replica of the dragon throne, Lu Yaozhu fell on one knee and bowed his head.


    "This prince greets, His Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long Live the Emperor!"


    "Raise, have a seat", Emperor Zhong said gesturing to the seat by his right.


    Lu Yaozhu stop and sat on the seat, the door was pushed open as he was seated. He watched as a long line of palace maids carried trays of well-balanced palace breakfasts into the room. He was shocked as a table was set in front of him, he stole a glance at Emperor Zhong then Cuihong. Both men wore calm expressions as did the palace maids like it was every day the Emperor had breakfast with one of his least favourite officials.


    He never saw Emperor Zhong as someone kind so this sort of treatment was out of character for him. He waited for the Emperor''s food raster to taste for poison and for the Emperor to take his first two bites before he picked up his chopstick and took his first bite. Emperor Zhong smiled as he watched him lower his head and eat, he felt at ease at the sight.


    Since this was the first time he was eating with his second son, the various royal banquets they had both attended was nothing compared to this. They ate silently until they were done and the plates were all cleared.


    Emperor Zhong pulled out a rolled-up Imperial decree and passed it to Cuihong, who handed it to Lu Yaozhu and returned to stand behind the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty this_" Lu Yaozhu said as he unrolled the decree, he paused as he read who was writing on the high-quality royal paper used for drafting Imperial decrees.


    Emperor Zhong looked down at him and said, "Your younger brother has been writing the Imperial examination for close to eight years. This year is his last chance or he could let go of any dreams of becoming a government official. With his upcoming wedding, he has a lot to lose.. Drop that foolish dreams of retirement and remain in the capital or your brother can forget about the Imperial Exams and look into starting a business".

 Chapter 204 - The New Imperial Concubine 1

    The Emperor''s palace, the Emperor''s living room.


    Emperor Zhong picked up the freshly drafted rolled-up Imperial decree lying on the stool beside his throne and handed it over to Cuihong. He glanced at Lu Yaozhu, which was all Cuihong needed. Holding the Decree, he went down the stairs and passed the decree to Lu Yaozhu. He went back up the low stairs and stood behind the Emperor.


    Lu Yaozhu looked down at the scroll with a wrinkled eyebrow, he didn''t understand the reasoning behind this move made by the Emperor. He didn''t understand why the Emperor would invite him into the palace first thing in the morning and even provide him with breakfast only to hand him a decree.


    "Your Majesty this_" Lu Yaozhu said as he unrolled the decree, he paused as his eyes caught the first few sentences. Each word was like bricks dropped from a distance on his back. It rolls of sentences each containing veiled threats written on the high-quality Imperial issued paper used for drafting Imperial decrees.


    Emperor Zhong looked down at him and said, "Your younger brother has been writing the Imperial examination for close to eight years. This year is his last chance or he could let go of any dreams of becoming a government official. With his upcoming wedding, he has a lot to lose. Drop that foolish dreams of retirement and remain in the capital or your brother can forget about the Imperial Examination and look into starting a business".


    Lu Yaozhu''s hands on both sides of the spread-out scroll shook as his grip tightened on each end. He immediately tried to contain his anger, it took a lot of control not to let his anger show to the Emperor. He could only glance away, ball up his fist and count to them in his mind. He failed to register anything else the Emperor said next, as far as he was concerned everything said within the next minute would be detrimental to his sanity.


    Within Lu Yaozhu it was like the Emperor dragged him around by the neck. He had unknowingly let down his guard and this was the result. Emperor Zhong glanced down at the quiet younger man and pursed his lips. When he failed to receive any response from Lu Yaozhu after some seconds he took the initiative to say a few more words.


    "You don''t have to give me an answer, Yaozhu. Take two days to think and give me an answer after two days".


    Lu Yaozhu rolled up the scroll and bent his head low, there was no other way out he could think of. The Emperor had successfully thought of a good way to make him stay back, he did not doubt that the Emperor would make good on his threat. Lu Yaozhu flexed his finger while silently tapping his foot.


    After some thought, his hands tightened on the scroll and stood. Emperor Zhong sat straighter as he walked forward, he was expecting to dismiss Lu Yaozhu but was surprised when instead of giving his final greetings and Leaving. Lu Yaozhu fell on both knees, held the scroll forward and bowed to the ground.


    "This prince thanks, his Majesty for his good thoughts. I will retract my request for a retirement as soon as possible".


    Emperor Zhong smiled, he was glad that Lu Yaozhu didn''t make things any harder for him and was reasonable. "There is no need for that, I think it is a good idea to resign from active duty. We are short of administrators and ministers, you should assume a more political position such as taking over the ministry of justice".


    Lu Yaozhu breathing paused as he heard that, he had never thought there would be a day his majesty would consider putting him in a position of power. Emperor Zhong was unaware of Lu Yaozhu''s thoughts not like it mattered since his mind had begun working overtime to determine the best office to place his long lost son under. He wanted an office that would offer him a good opportunity to work closely with Lu Yaozhu.


    Emperor Zhong glanced down at Lu Yaozhu''s ink-black head of hair and smiled. " you go back, Yaozhu. I will send word once I have made my decision."


    "Yes," Lu Yaozhu replied and retreated. He walked briskly heads down as a storm brewed inside his mind. He maintained a calm expression until he got back to the Lu Family, he ignored the greetings from the attending maids. Pausing at the door of his study, he breathed in deeply, eyes shut before saying to Yu Tai who followed him closely Silently.


    Yu Tao didn''t follow him into the Emperor''s Living room, he wasn''t allowed inside and instead stood outside the door waiting for his master to be dismissed. He stepped into line behind Lu Yaozhu as soon as he stepped out of the Emperor''s palace.


    Throughout the ride back to the Duke''s mansion, Lu Yaozhu was quiet. He didn''t even react when Yu Tao reported anything to him. However, Lu Yaozhu picked up his swords soon as he got back from the palace and left for the training ground a few short distances away from his courtyard. Yaozhu went into heavy training for the next two hours, he went at it until his muscles were sore and he was covered in sweat.


    Yu Tao said nothing and instead stood at the side carrying the wet towels, water and other necessities his master would need at the end of this heavy session. A few minutes into the training, the news of Lu Yaozhu''s bad mood had spread around. Rong Rong reported the situation to Su Liya as soon as she heard the talk.


    Su Liya was taken aback as soon as she heard that because this was the first time it was happening. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t temperamental, it was difficult to get this sort of response from him. Which made her more worried especially since this reaction came after a visit to the palace.


    Su Liya paced around her room, hitting her lip gently as she tried to think of a way to get Lu Yaozhu out of the slump he had found himself in. After some thought, she finally settled on the one thing she thought would get the job done. Su Liya glanced at Rong Rong, "instruct the cook to make some sweet pastry..... or better let''s make it ourselves. That is much better, as for the beverage... I think wine is a better option"


    "I will go earlier and make the arrangements at the kitchen while you and Baozhai-jei get ready," Rong Rong said, Su Liya did not see anything wrong with her statement and just nodded. Some minutes later Su Liya left for the kitchen with Baozhai.


    Two hours later, Lu Yaozhu walked down the hallway from his private bathroom and into his bedroom. Lu Yaozhu held a soft cotton towel to his wet hair, running the towel through his neck and dabbing his hair gently as he walked into his bedroom. The scent of hotcakes made him pause, his eyes immediately fell on the tray of hot snacks and jar of end on the tea table at the centre of the room.


    He glanced to the window and saw a slim petite female standing by the window. His lips tugged up at the sight, he turned to Yu Tao who followed him inside. He had opened his mouth to dismiss Yu Tao when the taller male beat him to it.


    "I won''t take any more of your time, your Highness", Yu Tao bowed and retreated. Su Liya turned around and leaned by the window as she heard that. She smiled sweetly at him, "I hope you don''t mind, I came in while you were in the bathroom."


    "I don''t mind, you know I cannot say nor to siege treats or you" Lu Yaozhu grinned, hanging the towel on his neck, he walked towards the tea-table. He pulled back a seat and sat, picking up a cake and taking a bite while resting both elbows on the table. He watched as her cheek lit up, the sight always made his heart tingle a little. He watched her step away from the wall and walk to the table.


    Lu Yaozhu picked up and cake and brought it to her lip when she was seated. Su Liya glanced down at the cake and took a small bite. "Eat more, it is all yours", he whispered eyes locked on her. Su Liya chewed carefully, luckily the cake was still warm and very fluffy.


    It melted into a very tasty honeyed goodness in her mouth. Su Liya took another bite, this bite was much bigger. Soon it was only a small bit remaining, Lu Yaozhu there it into his mouth and pure to cups of wine. "The snacks are very tasty, thanks for bringing them. It has been a while since we drank hasn''t it" he handed a cup to her. "I could use a drink right now. You always know what I want".


    Su Liya took a sip of the peach flavoured alcoholic and smiled, "l guess our minds are in sync".


    "Among other things," he said eye locked on her plump pink lips, there was a drop of wine on her lips.. Lu Yaozhu stretched out his hand and rubbed the drop of wine away.

 Chapter 205 - The New Imperial Concubine 2

    Lu Yaozhu''s room, the Duke''s mansion.


    Su Liya took a sip of the peach flavoured alcoholic and smiled, "l guess our minds are in sync".


    "Among other things," he said eye locked on her plump pink lips, there was a drop of wine on her lips. Lu Yaozhu stretched out his hand, rubbed the drop of wine away and brought his hand into his mouth. He licked the peach flavoured taste off his thumb while grinning down at her.


    He broke their gaze and glanced at the tray of cake, he picked up a piece at brought it up to his lips. He took a bite. The smile previously on his face had disappeared, Su Liya could feel the air around them get meaner. Lu Yaozhu waited until he was done with the cake before pouring himself a fresh cup of wine.


    "You must have been informed of my bad mood, not that I am surprised. I didn''t exactly try to hind it", he picked up the cup, brought it to his lips and tipped it over, finishing the wine in one go.


    Su Liya smiled, "the servants were scared, according to them your killing intent was too high." She picked up the jug of wine and filled up their empty cups. "What happened at the palace that got you so mad that you wanted to chop the wooden training dummies to pieces?"


    He picked up his cup and took a sip, "nothing good". He downed the remaining quantity of wine in the cup and poured out a fresh set. "His Majesty doesn''t wish for me to retire and decided to make his stance known".


    Her lips pursed, eyes narrowed as she set down her half-filled cup of wine. "What did he do?"


    He poured a fresh cup of wine for himself and after tipping the cup over his mouth, poured himself a fresh cup. He was drinking alcohol like water, which spoke volumes. As he stretched out his hands to pour himself a fresh cup of wine, Su Liya placed her hands on his hand. "No! Do drink alone. If you are feeling down, tell me. Don''t just hit the alcohol hard", she took the jug of wine from him and poured herself a fresh cup.


    Lu Yaozhu watched her silently as she drank two cups of wine, he knew that she had come here to cheer him up. Usually, he went out with his brother when he felt frustrated but with his brother still on his way back to the capital. He didn''t have a drinking partner, the fact that she thought of helping him out even with his temper. Made him fall in love with her more than before, she was like a ray of sunlight in this pitch-black room he often felt stuck inside.


    He took the jug away from her and placed it at the centre of the table. Lu Yaozhu sat back and leaned backwards, "don''t drink so much, it is bad for your health", he muttered as he took the jug of wine away from her hand. Su Liya looked at him with wrinkled brows and giggled, she was getting a little lightheaded and her cheek getting all rosy.


    She leaned forward, resting both elbows on the table and placed her head in her hands. "We are supposed to share a drink, I cannot let you drink alone. That defeats the purpose", she murmured smiling with a saccharine-sweet smile on her face.


    "That is okay, I am done drinking for now. I doubt any amount of alcohol could permanently dull the pain", he glanced up at her and sighed. Lu Yaozhu leaned backwards, "his majesty is very serious about keeping me here, Yaya. He threatened me with A''Yong''s upcoming examination, he already had an imperial decree drafted out".


    "Huh! Why is his Majesty threatening you not to leave? I thought it would be the other way around, I guess I was wrong. His Majesty is quite an unlikeable person, what has Lu Yong got to do with you leaving. I would be pissed off if someone did that to me, so I guess we are staying?"


    "Yes, for now. Once I get an opportunity, I am getting us away from here. There is no real future in politics in the capital, I prefer to become a country gentry. At least I won''t have to always be on edge, I can relax and spend time with my family", he shook his head and looked away. " let us wait for A''Yong to get settled, then we will get out of here".


    "Okay, you know, I am happy wherever you are.".


    "Me too! As long as we are together, who cares about what others say".


    ***************


    Many streets away, at the lower rings of the capital. At a small compound at the centre of the street, A Crested carriage stopped at the small odd gates. The guards at the gates all stood at attention as the carriage appeared, it wasn''t every day they received such an honoured guest. The stewards, Uncle Yi rushed up to the gate as soon as he was informed, he pulled at his clothes trying to look as arranged as he could.


    He had run straight to the old master''s study to inform him of their guest before heading out to greet the guest. He stood by the gates while the well-dressed servants that had accompanied the guest brought down a wooden half step and a wheeled seat. The Royal crest of the Zhongshan family was known to even the rural farmers, everyone understood the carrying styles of that crest.


    It was easy to identify who the special guest was based on the number of guards following the carriage and the royal crest. Since apart from the Emperor, the Empress, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess consort no one was allowed to use their crest in gold. The gold coated metal royal crest on the carriage glittered in the sun, apart from members of the royal family no other persons dared put this crest on their carriages.


    Everyone knew that things belonging to members of the royal family were grander than that of normal people. Uncle Yi waited for old master Tong and the eldest master to arrive before walking forward. He stood two steps behind them at the side while old Master Tong interacted with the Crown Prince.


    Old master Tong stepped forward with his two sons following him behind, he bowed at the Crown Prince as soon as he was helped down the carriage by his guard.


    "Good day, your Highness", he said cautiously.


    "Please get up, Secretary Tong. Please don''t stand ceremony, you are my senior kneeling this way..... That doesn''t seem right" Zhongshan Ling said.


    "That is okay, you are the Crown Prince. It is right to give you the proper amount of respect you deserve. Please come this way", he stepped aside and gestured inside the house.


    "Not just yet, I came with someone important" Zhongshan Ling said glancing at the carriage behind him. Old master Tong and everyone glanced up, they watched as a maid in pigtails helped a hooded woman down the carriage.


    Old master Tong gazed back at The Crown Prince, "Your Highness, this is_"


    "Let us go in and talk, it is a little chill out here", Zhongshan Ling said glancing around.


    "Oh that is right, how could I be so insensitive. Please this way" Old master Tong said featuring inside.


    He directed Zhongshan Ling and Chen Yao to his study. He dismissed the servants as soon as the tea and snacks were delivered. Although everyone was curious about the identity of the hooded female guest, they all pretended otherwise. Old master Tong on the other hand put on a serene expression and kept his eyes focused on the Crown Prince, he was smart enough to know not to be overly attentive. Since the Crown Prince brought her here, he must have his reasons.


    Zhongshan Ling smirked as he observed the older man''s actions, he could already guess what was going through the old man''s mind even without him saying anything. He had decided to come here after some thoughts, his men had already investigated Chen Yao''s claims of being kidnapped and found there was proof of that happening.


    Bringing her here was the best option for both of them, He couldn''t leave her in the inn for a long time. The fact that her godmother kept it under the wraps was to their advantage since it would help them avoid any unnecessarily scandals for as long as they could.


    A woman''s reputation was the most important for her in their society, the quicker he created a suitable narrative the better for Chen Yao. Which is where the Tong family came in, Zhongshan Ling glanced at the quiet Chen Yao and smiled.


    "I am sorry for the sudden intrusion, my lord", Zhongshan Ling said.


    "That is okay, your highness is family. I can never take that to heart". He glanced at the hooded female, "this is_"


    "There is no need for an introduction between you two. It is Chen Yao, she came upon misfortune a few days ago and was kidnapped by scoundrels. Luckily I ran into her as she escaped, Chen Yao is a young unmarried woman. It is not proper for her to stay long with me without a scandal breaking out".


    "No need to explain, we are family. This is nothing however, I don''t think we can avoid a scandal this time. There has been talk of her going missing among some circles. Her godmother didn''t do a good job a job as you think in keeping it under wraps. Her servants told a few of their friends working at other mansions, although things have not blown out since we have tried to keep it contained I fear that it is only a matter of time before it does"


    "I didn''t know that talk had spread already?"


    "It has, your Highness. These past few days, I have been trying to keep it contained as best I could. I think that we should have her married before it spread wide. I can look into it and find someone suitable for her".


    "Then, I will have to trouble you", Zhongshan King replied frowning slightly.

 Chapter 206 - The New Imperial Concubine 3

    Old master Tong''s side hall


    "These past few days, I have been trying to keep it contained as best I could. I think that we should have her married before it spread wide. I can look into it and find someone suitable for her".


    "Then, I will have to trouble you", Zhongshan Ling replied frowning slightly. He glanced at the quiet young girl seated on the sear next to him, he thought they could avoid this but it seem like they couldn''t. He glanced at his grandfather, " please let me know once you have found any candidate. I feel a little responsible for her since I was the one that found her so I should ensure that we do right by her".


    "I understand, your Highness. I will draft a list and send it down to you", old master Tong replied.


    Zhongshan Ling waved his hand signalling Fu Lang that he was done here and was about to leave. Zhongshan Ling wheeled himself forward with Fu Lang following him close. Fu Lang caught old master Tong''s eye as he followed the Crown Prince outside. Old master Tong and his two elderly sons saw the Crown Prince out to the gates while Chen Yao was left seated in the side hall.


    Chen Yao barely notice anything after old master Tong mentioned that the news of her missing was leaked. It was like she was struck by lightning, she couldn''t get her mind out of the past. Nothing good happens once a young noble lady''s reputation was destroyed. No one cared that it wasn''t her fault, yet she was forced to pay.


    She had been glad to get a second chance at life but this would put a dent in her huge plans. Her reputation was now damaged, it would be difficult finding a prestigious family that would marry her. Given the Tong family''s declining position and Chen Yao''s even lower social standing and wealth. Whoever she married wouldn''t be of high rank, Chen Yao felt like throwing herself off a cliff.


    ''What a load of bad luck! Why did I have to get stuck in such a low-level noble lady''s body'' Chen Yao thought balling up her first behind her handkerchief.


    She glanced towards the entrance of the room as she heard the door being pulled open from outside. Chen Yao watched as the grey-haired man that she had learned to be old master Tong, the retired former royal Secretary walk into the room alone. The two middle-aged men that had followed him previously were absent.


    Old master Tong stopped a few steps away from her and turned around, he glanced at the shivery maid behind her and snorted. The maid already had two lines of tears running down her eye to her chin and even took a step back at his stare. He moved his gaze to the hooded girl, "get rid of that outrageous hood! It is not like much mystery is needed for someone like you with her reputation in tatters!"


    Chen Yao''s hand resting on her lap shook as she heard that, she let go of the handkerchief she previously held on her lap and pulled the hood off her head.


    Old master Tong glanced at her and sighed, "well at least you are attractive although not a beauty" he glanced at the wimpy maid standing behind her and said, "get out, I don''t have patients for crybabies".


    "Yes," Liang muttered, bowed and retreated.


    Old master Tong went to the high seat usually occupied by the master of the house and sat straight. He poured a fresh cup of tea for himself and took a sip eyes locked on Chen Yao who sat stiffly on her seat.


    "You seem like a smart girl so I wouldn''t mince my words and will jump right to the situation at hand. Your reputation is in the line and while the news of your "abduction" isn''t well known. It will be in no time. You have only two options to choose from, either you follow my lead and do as I say or you stay back and marry an old widower looking for a fresh new wife to give him a son or worse a near do well. Those are the only people that will accept someone like you with a ruined reputation. The decision is yours to make".


    "I will take your lead" She replied quickly without many thoughts, not that she needed to think much. To Chen Yao joining hands with him was better than marrying a low-level nobleman who might not even be wealthy enough to give her the life she felt that she deserved.


    "Good, you are smart. It is good that you got His highness attention, at least we won''t have to do much to let him fall for our plan. I will make sure that the news of your abduction is made public. That would put your godmother on edge especially with her daughter''s upcoming wedding to the Lu Family''s third young master. I know how women like her think, she is bound to make you take all the blame and once she does that. Our plan will get in full swing, don''t worry I won''t let you. You are my granddaughter, I will personally take care of your marriage".


    ***********


    Two days later news of Chen Yao running away from home was spread. The weather was gradually getting colder as they got closer to winter. The war coupled with the sixth prince''s rebellion but a dent to the usually active social calendar of the noble families in the capital. Which meant that most noblewomen had few activities to keep them occupied.


    As soon as a juicy scandal like this broke, they all held on tightly, many other possibilities began to spread with each "truth" juicier than the other. No matter how hard Zhongshan Ling and the Lu family tried to suppress the new continued to spread. Zhongshan Ling was in a carriage on his way to take part in morning court when his carriage was stopped by a maid who cried out to speak with him.


    "Wait! Please hold on! I must speak with his highness the Crown Prince! Your highness, please spare me some time, it is an emergency! The life of my poor young miss is on the line, your highness please save her for old times sake. I am afraid that she has done something drastic!"


    Zhongshan Ling frowned and raised the curtain. He paused when he saw that it was the little maid that followed his cousins Chen Yao. He raised his hands to the roof and slapped the roof loudly, signalling to his driver to stop. Fu Lang rushed to the window as soon as his name was called. After exchanging a few words with the Crown Prince he rand to Liang who knelt fearful at the side of the road and brought her over to the window.


    She bowed as she saw the Crown Prince, she immediately ratted on, "Your Highness please save my young mistress. She has been acting out of character for days, this morning she she"


    "Slow down, I don''t understand what is going on. What happened to your Mistress?" Zhongshan Ling asked.


    Liang whipped her eyes with her damp handkerchief, her lower lips shaking badly. "You_ Your Highness... my mistress.... she_ I think that she is going to try to take her own life. You have to talk sense into her. I tried to do that but she is not listening, this morning caught her trying two yards of white clothes together"


    "what?" He said eyes wide.


    "Don''t worry I took the clothes away but am scared she will do something worse"


    "Tell the driver head straight to Tong mansion m" he instructed Fu Lan who nodded and ran to the driver. Then to Liang, he said, "get in front".


    The maid crying out to the Crow prince had occurred on one of the busiest streets in the capital and attracted a lot of attention. Before long the identity of the maid was discovered, soon a new set of rumours began to spread. The rumours claimed that Chen Yao had run away from the Jiang mansion to elope with the crown prince.


    The rumour was brought up at morning court not long after it began by an official on the fifth prince''s camp following a petition submitted at court.


    An hour before the petition was reported at court, at Tong mansion, Zhongshan Ling arrived in full-on chaos. As soon as he walked into the compound a courtyard maid stationed at Chen Yao''s pavilion rushed forward. The maid reported to the steward that she found the oldest young mistress with her wrist slit.


    Liang rushed to the Pavillion to check on her mistress while Zhongshan Ling and Fu Lang followed at a slower rate. The Imperial doctor arrived not long later, 45 minutes later he came out and reported that Chen Yao was now stable.. Zhongshan sat at old master Tong''s side hall as he waited for Chen Yao to wake up.

 Chapter 207 - The New Imperial Concubine 4

    An hour later at Old master Tong''s side hall.


    "Master, the seventh young miss is now awake" the Tong family steward uncle Yi reported.


    "Xiao Yao is awake" Old madam Tong shouted from her seat at her husband right. She sat surrounded by her three daughters-in-law who fanned her face gently and dabbed away the sweat running down her face. She had rushed back to the mansion from the temple as soon as she was informed of the situation.


    Old madam Tong was a dedicated Buddhist, she had turned to Buddhism after losing her two daughters and spent most of her time at the temple. Although she wasn''t always at home she had been informed of everything that happens. Old master Tong had sent word to her the day Chen Yao arrived at Tong mansion. She had arrived a few minutes later and after he had introduced her to Chen Yao.


    Both of them hit off immediately, Chen Yao looked a little like her mother who old madam Tong raised and was quite fond of. Madam Tong tried to keep Chen Yao''s mind from the scandal when it broke and for the few days she stayed at Tong mansion, Chen Yao seemed to be doing well.


    Chen Yao''s suicide attempt shooked her to her bones that nearly an hour later she was still trying to calm down. Old madam Tong held the armrest of her seat and pulled herself up but stopped as she heard the Crown Prince say


    "Grandfather, Grandmother, if you don''t mind. I would like to have a word with Chen Yao now. I need to get back to morning Court".


    "Oh, that is alright. I don''t mind", Old madam Tong replied smiling, she sat back. Her husband had thrown her a look, she didn''t want to mess up her husband''s plan if she agreed to the Crown Prince''s request.


    Zhongshan Ling glance over his shoulders at Fu Lang who stood behind him and muttered, "let us go".


    Fu Lang wheeled him from the side hall to Chen Yao''s quarters. When they arrived Chen Yao sat up on the bed, while Liang fed her a bowl of medicine. Although the doctor reported that her vein wasn''t cut since the cut wasn''t deep, he still advised her to lay off her hand and not make use of that hand so as not to deepen the wounds and caused a complication.


    Zhongshan Ling had prevented the maids he had met on his way in from announcing his presence so Chen Yao had no idea he was there until she was done drinking her meds and Liang pulled back to pack up the bows and spoon. The medicine was very bitter so Liang came over with a small paper bag of sweets. As she bend down her head to unwrap the paper bag, Chen Yao gasped as she saw the Crown Prince just by the open door.


    "Your Highness!"


    Liang looked up as she heard that and glanced at the door, she stood up immediately bowed and muttered, "Your Highness!"


    Chen Yao hissed as she pulled back the blanket wrapped around her legs, she had unknowingly touched her bandaged hands.


    "Don''t stand on my account, you are injured. It is alright to take things easy. I will come to you", Zhongshan Ling placed his hands on the big wooden wheels on either side of his wheeled wooden seat and wheeled himself forward. Fu Lang stepped out, he got the hint that his master wanted to have a word with the young miss in private.


    Liang turned to the side as she heard the hiss, bent down and checked Chen Yao''s wounds. "Hold still my lady," she said carefully holding up Chen Yao''s bandaged arm to check her injury. She didn''t seem to have to pull any of her stitches and the bleeding hasn''t worsened at all. She placed Chen Yao''s arm gently on the bed and pulled up the blanket to cover her legs before bowing and leaving the room.


    Chen Yao held the tip of the blankets, head bent down as her eyes focused on her laps. Zhongshan Ling frowned slightly as his gaze fell on the bandage wrapped around her wrist. Chen Yao felt his gaze on her arm and covered the white bandage with her uninjured arm. Her un-injured hand did a pretty poor job since the bandage was wider.


    "How are you doing?" He asked in a quiet tone.


    Chen Yao glanced up at him, "good. I am good your Highness. Thanks for asking", she glanced around the room cheeks red. She glanced at anything but at him, then glancing down at her bandaged arm. She bit her lower lips, " your Highness, sorry for doing this. You must have many other places and things to do, you didn''t have to come here. I feel like I keep doing things that cause trouble for you".


    "That is okay, I don''t mind. There is no need to apologise, you were going through a lot. Don''t let those rumours affect your peace of mind, people always talk no matter what you do".


    "It is so hard, it is not my fault. I didn''t ask you to be abducted, that was something I had no control over. I feel like I have nothing left, my life is over. Who would want me now, grandfather said that all the marriage offers fell through. Everyone believes that I ran away from home with a boy, what am I to do. Just how am I going to live now?''


    Zhongshan Ling watched as a long line of tears fell down her face making his heart soften, he sighed and ran his hand down his face. "Don''t ever say that no one wants you, that is a lie. Because I want you, it is not your fault that you were abducted so don''t take anything they said to heart. Don''t worry about your future, you won''t ever be in pain. I will always protect you because you are my family".


    Chen Yao gazed at him, "really?"


    "Yes, I will marry you a fake you an imperial Concubine that way no one can hurt you".


    Chen Yao''s eyelid but she quickly shook her head, "no, no I can not let you do that. You would be sacrificing your future and reputation for me, with my reputation... I am not worth it, just let me join the temple".


    "You are worth every problem and more. Forget about what others say, I will be the judge of my life not others".


    "Okay".


    Zhongshan Ling returned to the side hall after saying a few more words to her. Old Master Tong and everyone else present in the room was shocked when he informed them of his decision. Although there were a few concerns among the members of the won''t family concerning Chen Yao''s reputation.


    All their concerns were smoothened out by the Crown Prince who assured them that it wouldn''t be a problem. After speaking with them, he returned to his residence. He was already too late to make it to morning court, he sent word to the royal Secretary requesting leave. Zhongshan Ling went straight to the main courtyard to speak with Xia Ying about the marriage.


    Xia Ying was sewing a hand warmer when she heard the servants chorus greetings to the Crown Prince from the open window. Xia Yong dropped the half sown hand warmer in the seeing basket and held up to her maid''s hands for support as he got up. She straightened up her clothes before leaving her bedroom for the living room.


    She arrived as Zhongshan Ling wheeled himself into the living room. Xia Ying cane forward and standing a short distance away from him, curtsied while holding her maid''s hand as support.


    "Your highness", she said softly.


    "Consort, you look well. I am sorry for not visiting you as often as I should"


    "Your highness doesn''t need to apologise, I understand that you were busy with work. It would be unreasonable for me to hold grudges"


    He smiled and glanced at her face, "you look paler and even slimmer, please take care of your health. I would be hurt to see you get sick".


    She touched her lips self consciously and smiled, "I understand, please come in. You must be tired, I will have my maids get us some wine and snacks".


    He held up his hands, "hold on consort, just tea please. I am not hungry".


    "Oh, that''s good too", she glanced at Daiyu, " please get us some tea".


    "Yes," Daiyu Murmured and left the room.


    Zhongshan Ling followed her inside and wheeled himself to a comfortable position. Since his accident Xia Ying had gotten a lot more careful. She didn''t go close to the high seat and instead sat on the seat opposite him. She noticed that he glanced intently at the painting behind her, it was from one of the great masters and was a colourful landscape painting.


    Zhongshan Ling rubbed his neck and pursed his lips, "I wanted to inform you of my plans before following it through. My younger female cousin has met with a misfortune of late, I don''t want her to suffer from all that scrutiny alone. I intend to take her in as a concubine, that is the only way to give her a way out. I thought that you as my wife deserves to be informed before I take any other steps further."


    Xia Ying had already heard the rumours concerning this cousin in question and while she was sympathetic. She couldn''t help but worry that this cousin of his might not be that simple and might cause a mess but she doesn''t dare say anything and instead just replied, "I will support whatever decision you make concerning this, Your Highness.. We must not allow Miss Chen misfortune to kill her light."

 Chapter 208 - Public Uproar 1

    XIA YING''S Quarters, the Crown Prince''s Resident.


    Xia Ying had already heard the rumours concerning this cousin in question and while she was sympathetic. She couldn''t help but worry that this cousin of his might not be that simple and might cause a mess but she doesn''t dare say anything and instead just replied, "I will support whatever decision you make concerning this, Your Highness. We must not allow Miss Chen misfortune to kill her light."


    Zhongshan Ling relaxed at her response, she didn''t seem worked up a looked like she genuinely wanted to help him out. ''Yes, this is the type of consort I need. How did I think that someone as erratic as Zhu Fenfang could do the job? Xia Ying is the most level headed woman I knew and I appreciated her for that'' He thought as he watched her carefully brew the tea and pour him a cup.


    Her actions were delicate and gracefully, with each step perfectly executed to achieve success. He accepted the cup of tea she handed to him and took a sip. "You tea making skills are top-notch even a well-trained palace maid can''t compare to you. It tastes good", he raised his teacup as he made the last statement, scanning the room quietly.


    "Thanks", she replied smiling shyly. She carefully poured herself a cup of tea.


    Xia Ying''s room was as graceful and simple as she was, their storeroom didn''t lack beautiful artwork or painting that could make any room look lavish. However, Xia Ying chose a more elegant and simple set of room decorations. It was a breath of fresh air from Zhu Fenfang''s crowded replica of the Royal Treasury.


    Since she helped him this time Zhongshan Ling intended to give her a gift to thank her for her help. Zhongshan Ling left as soon as he was done drinking the cup of tea. Xia Ying waited for some minutes after he left before standing and walking back to her bedroom. She held onto Daiyu''s hand and held on to it for support as she sat on her cushioned sofa at the centre of the room.


    "Daiyu instructed the men to look into this new Imperial concubine. I need to find out everything about her, starting with how she got close to Crown Prince. I don''t like surprises and would prefer not to get any of those from her"


    "Yes mistress"


    The next day, Chen Yao was married into the Crown Prince''s mansion. The news of the marriage caused an uproar in the capital, most especially among the common people who were struggling to adjust following the end of the war. Most families lost an able-bodied male or two to the war and the few that didn''t were in dire straits financially.


    The commoners all protested, demanding that the Crown Prince be removed from his seat. The crown prince was already in their bad books following the results of his injuries from the war. Soon many complaints were submitted against the Crown Prince''s verdicts on cases under the judicial council with each complaint drawing light to the corruption within his leadership.


    The next few days were hectic for everyone, as the petitions lead to a lot of heated debates that dragged the time of each court session. Meanwhile, among the citizens, public opinion was against the Crown Prince and so was most ministers. The Sixth prince''s death gave rise to a stronger opposition from the other princes, with a few using the opportunity to destroy the Crown Prince''s reputation a take his position.


    **********


    Days later at the Emperor''s Audience Hall.


    An elder statesman, Minister Zhen walked out of the long role of civilian ministers and holding his white plank up bowed and said in a clear voice


    "Your majesty, shouldn''t let close ties with the Crown Prince prevent you from making a decision. The Crown Prince continuous mismanagement and misjudge meant of the offices under him cannot be ignored. He should be punished accordingly to act as a good example to the citizens. His highness should give his Majesty and the court an adequate explanation on every charge brought up against him or risk getting impeached".


    As he said that quiet discussion among officials rose in the hall, although they had similar thoughts with the minister that said that no one dared say anything until now. A few ministers nodded and supported his words between their pears. Emperor Zhong''s hands tightened on the armrest of his throne as she watched every single one of the ministers display a large degree of their wild ambition.


    While he found the other princes undermining action and the minister''s sneaky actions irritating. He couldn''t dismiss the fact that this problem was caused by the Crown Prince''s incompetence in handling these minor issues. He glared at his eldest son who stood at the front roll of the line. Zhongshan Ling took his eyes away as soon as they met his father''s eyes.


    These days the Emperor didn''t bother concealing his dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince. It had gotten so bad that even the other Royal Princes had noticed that and used it to their advantage. Since the sixth Prince who was the Crown Prince''s biggest competition is no more the other princes got more confident and made a play for the throne.


    To them the Crown Prince was seating docks, he had no real backings apart from the Empress who ever since the invasion attack had moved residence to the royal temple. The move had caused quite the stir in the capital because it was unexpected. Everyone watched the Crown Prince closely and when he became noticeably distant from the Lu family. The other royal Princes saw it as an opportunity to attack him and take his place.


    Each political calm came out to point out the Crown Prince''s mistake, it didn''t matter to them that they were also throwing dirt on the Emperor who had fought tooth and nail to keep the Crown Prince''s position. At the end of the day, they were surprised when the Emperor shut it all down.


    "This session has gone on for too long. I am exhausted, let us call it a day" Emperor Zhong didn''t wait for Caihong to make the formal announcement, he was too annoyed to stay there and listen to the ministers half baked excuse. He stood, walked down the step leading to the Dragon throne and walk out. He stopped in front of the Crown Prince and glanced down at him, with a tight face he said, "follow me".


    "Yes, Imperial father", Zhongshan Ling replied and followed the Emperor behind. The Ministers dispersed in groups after the Emperor and his company had all left. Lu Yaozhu was on his way down the stairs when he was approached by the fifth Prince and his Grandfather, Minister Sheng.


    He stood and saluted the Fifth Prince and Minister Sheng. Minister Sheng had been recalled back to the capital a few weeks ago and was already making major moves. There were rumours that he was shortlisted to be appointed the next Prime Minister.


    Nothing has been verified but Lu Yaozhu didn''t doubt the possibility of that happening considering how much the Emperor trusted this minister. He had learned to never trust the Emperor''s judgement, there were many instances where his decision was worse than ideal. One of which was letting the fifth prince resume court appearances, to Lu Yaozhu''s understanding, the fifth prince creates more problems than solve them.


    Lu Yaozhu put on a neutral expression as he spoke to the pair. Minister Sheng was the one that spoke first, he didn''t trust his grandson not to mess things up by saying something wrong.


    "I noticed that your highness was quiet during today''s session, this matter is very delicate as it concerns the future of Northern Wei. I am curious about your take on this since you didn''t make any statement on the ground".


    Lu Yaozhu smiles, while thinking, ''it seems that minister Sheng isn''t going to out on a game of smoke a shadow. What a pity, I have missed his miserable attempts at playing smart''. He knew of the little games the two senior princes were playing in the shadows. His spies informed him of every single move they played while he remain neutral in everything. He has to applaud minister Sheng for all the bold moves he was making.


    Too bad it was all bound to fail, which was why he didn''t take countermeasures. He suspected that the Emperor wanted to taste the capability of each prince''s camp by seeing how far they were all willing to go to achieve their idea of success. These princes were too far gone on greed that they failed to see things rather clearly. Although Emperor Zhong was currently dissatisfied with the Crown Prince, Zhongshan was still his first choice for the position.


    Lu Yaozhu sounded very relaxed and upbeat as he replied, "Minister Shen only wishes to flatter me, I am just a lowly military officer. I really cannot say anything on such a high profile case. I think I will accept whatever decision his Majesty makes" he glanced into the sky and continued, "it is getting late, I should take my leave".


    He left without waiting to get a response and got into his carriage.. Leaving the pair stewing in anger.

 Chapter 209 - Public Uproar 2

    The Imperial Palace, the Emperor''s study


    Emperor Zhong was fuming as he left the audience hall, he didn''t bother answering any of the salutes given by the palace servant. News of the current bad mood had spread all over the palace, most servants avoided taking any of his usual routes. Emperor Zhong was too angry to notice the scarceness of the palace servant.


    He walked past the palace office and the other head offices, each stride longer and firmer than the rest. The Emperor''s palace servant registered under his household that was part of his regular company hastened their steps, a few resulted in running to catch up with him. But the Crown Prince who wasn''t mobile when compared to the others fell behind on the way.


    He was the last to arrive at the Emperor''s Palace which further irritated Emperor Zhong. who without waiting for the servants to leave slapped the Crown Prince on the cheeks. There was a breathless silence as the servant glanced at the emperor''s eyes wide. This was the first time they had seen his Majesty react this way in public, his majesty wasn''t the type to air his dirty laundry in public.


    It was obvious to everyone present that the tension between the father and son had gotten much higher these past few weeks. The servants and guard retreated silently without any instruction. They all preferred to be distances away from this scene, they were all familiar with the exploding temper most embers of the royal family possessed.


    Emperor Zhong and the Crown Prince barely noticed anything different, Emperor Zhong shook his hands as if to get the dust off his sleeve and walked into his study. Zhongshan Long wheeled his seat inside behind the Emperor. Emperor Zhong barely acknowledged his presence, he walked around the wooden table and sat behind the desk.


    He glared at his son and sighed, picking up a scroll lying to his right and threw it at the crown prince. "Do I have to clean up every single mess you create? A concubine? Do you dare take a concubine in such a lavish way when the commoners are all trying to get their life in order after the war? Can''t you even pretend to be considerate of their loss? Even if you wanted to take a concubine, why make it so public?"


    Zhongshan Ling caught the scroll mid-air and unrolled the scroll. His hand shook as the Emperor Chastised him, he dropped the scroll on his lap. He barely held back the sneer as he thought of all he had gone through all through his life. He was yet to get over the embarrassment he faced a few minutes earlier. This was the first time the Emperor slapped him in public much less in the presence of the servant.


    He glanced at the scroll and ground his teeth, "I wasn''t aware of the corruption among my staff in my office, but the report drew my attention to that. I will take care of that, I am sorry for causing trouble".


    "Do you think just an apology will cut it", Emperor Zhong picked up a stationary and hit the table loudly. The sound was loud enough to make even seasoned servant like Chief Eunuch Caihong who stood just outside the door jump. " Are you so stupid or do you not understand what those officials and the commoners are asking for! Maybe you do not deserve your position, you have four days to find a solution to the problem at the ministry of justice or you lose your position. Get out!"


    Zhongshan Ling balled up his fist, "yes, your Majesty".


    ****************


    The main courtyard of Duke Wu''s residence


    The day before Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu moved to their new Residence, Su Liya paid her respects to Madam Lu. Madam Lu knew that with the final moving day just hours away Su Liya would have a lot of things in her mind. She didn''t make things hard for Su Liya, after saying a few words of advice to Su Liya on home management. She dismissed everyone, Zhu Fengyin included.


    Lu Yiling stayed back to keep her mother company so, Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya left together. They were walked silently at a slow pace, both hesitating to speak to each other. They had met a few times but we''re yet to decide on how they were going to handle Chen Yao. However, with the new development on that end, that conversation could no longer be avoided.


    "Yaya about_"


    "Fengyin, I think that_"


    They both said at the same time, Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin glanced at themselves and laughed.


    "You go first," Su Liya said smiling.


    "Oh, you don''t want to..... Okay, that is good too", Zhu Liya glanced at her hands before looking up at Su Liya. "About Chen Yao... She got married to the Crown Prince"


    "I heard, it caused quite the stir. Things do not look good for our dear Crown Prince, I heard it was a glamorous affair. He must be very in love, either that or he must be stupid. The war caused a lot of people to lose their homes and properties, people are yet to recover yet he dared to take in a new concubine and in such a lavish way" Su Liya shook her head, "His highness has stepped on a landmine by doing that".


    Zhu Fengyin nodded, "I hoped that Chen Yao wouldn''t get the crown prince involved in her mess but she did".


    "Wasn''t he already involved? You say this like she didn''t convince him that the Empress and the Late duke got his mother killed. He was already involved, for all we know, this may be the reason he took her as a concubine."


    "Looks like she is going to be more of a trouble than we thought" Zhu Liya sighed.


    "How about the Abbot? Has everything been taken care of?"


    "Yes, he has arrived at western Liang, he won''t be a problem but I doubt the Crown Prince would quit that easily. Creating some countermeasures might be a good idea".


    "Yeah... Fengyin I got an invitation to the Yuan family banquet in three days, given Su Liya''s relationship with that family. I don''t know if I should not attend that event"


    "That is not a good idea, the Yuan family are a reputable family although they are now in decline you cannot ignore their history with the Lu family. You cannot miss that except you are sick or dying. Second brother-in-law is a newly titled Prince, although he is many ranks higher, you still need to gain strong backing in society. General Yuan is an important border general that served together with the late duke.


    "You need to give him some face but that does not mean you should tolerate any behaviour from that family. Knowing when to attack and retreat is the one advice that most women adhere to those events. You need to learn that but don''t worry I will also attend that garden party. It might be my last event before my confinement".


    Su Liya looked down at Zhu Fengyin''s bulging belly and smiled, petting Zhu Fengyin''s tummy gently, she said, "my nephew must be growing well. You look like you swallowed a person".


    "You little", Zhu Fengyin slapped Su Liya on her arm. Su Liya chuckled at stepping back. She stopped as a maid ran to them and relayed


    "Eldest master is back, Your Grace"


    "Yingjie is back" Zhu Fengyin''s face lightened up and she held Su Liya''s hands tightly.


    "Yes mistress, he is at the palace gate. His Grace sent word that he would return after paying his respects to his majesty" the maid said head bowed low.


    "Oh then instruct the cook to make all his favourite food, I will inform mother".


    "Madam Lu has already been informed, your grace"


    "Oh, that is okay", she let go of Su Liya''s hands and turned to her, "Yaya, you go back first. I will go get things ready for Yingjie".


    Su Liya smiled down at her friend and nodded. The joy written all over Zhu Fengyin''s face was great, this had to be the happiest news she had received in weeks. Su Liya left her to her joy and returned to her courtyard.


    *""****"******


    Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince mansion.


    The mood at the mansion was sombre, most especially at Zhu Fenfang rooms. Within the last few days, Zhu Fenfang had lost her well train mask. It had taken her years to master this mask of poise and grace but in just a few days she had lost it. The first crack in her mask came as the news of the Crown Prince taking another concubine was delivered. She didn''t care that the Crown Prince promoted her to a senior concubine of the first rank.


    That didn''t matter to her not when the new concubine was made a senior concubine of the second rank. It was like the carpet was pulled under her feet, she felt more threatened than she ever felt in her short year on earth. However, there was nothing she could do to stop that union and in the days after the marriage she had been ignored by the Crown Prince


    The maids in her palace all walked on eggshells as she became short-tempered.. Our punishing them for the littlest of things but it was the news of the Crown Prince turning down her invitation to have dinner that broke the camels back.

 Chapter 210 - Frenemies 1

    The Crown Prince''s mansion, Zhu Fenfang''s bedroom.


    Zhu Fenfang sat on a stool in front of a long brass mirror, dressed in a fitted silk low cut gown. Three well trains palace main stood around her, silently helping her apply her make up and style her hair in a simple yet seductive hairstyle. Zhu Fenfang''s lady''s maid Xiao chu went about arranging the refreshments and the room ahead of the Crown Prince''s visit.


    All the pampering these past few minutes had succeeded in getting rid of the frown that seemed to have permanently clung to Zhu Fenfang''s face since the Crown Prince married in another concubine. The change in her mood was obvious to everyone around her, Xiao Chu included but the mood broke as one of the two second rank maids stationed inside her room rushed in to deliver bad news


    The maid met Xiao Chu in the small living room before the bedroom, Xiao Chu held a fresh bouquet of flowers over a small flower bowl containing water. The flowers were inches away from the rim of the flower vase when the maid ran in, Xiao Chu looked up at the sound of hasty footsteps. Her eyes narrowed at the sweaty maid, she quickly recognised the maids at the maid sent to deliver Zhu Fenfang''s invitation to the Crown Prince.


    Xiao Chu''s eyes fell on the maid''s mellow expression, she immediately deducted that things didn''t go as planned. She peeked discretely over her shoulder, relieved to find that Zhu Fenfang was busy getting prepared and wasn''t alerted by the maid''s arrival. She kept the bouquet into the flower vase and walked around the table.


    Xiao Chu grabbed the maid by the arm and pulled her aside to the next room, ensuring that they were out of their mistresses eyesight. The maid broke down as soon as they were out of sight, tears ran down her face as her hand shook. Xiao Chu rolled her eyes at the sight, frowning. She was too short-tempered to deal with these theatrics, she muttered, "tell me what you are here to report before you cause a scene".


    Xiao Chu glanced backwards, took a few silent steps back and peeped into the room, Zhu Fenfang remained seated in front of the mirror while the maids went around her, switching places to get her ready for the Crown Prince''s usual visits. She walked back to the maid, "what is it? Is the Crown Prince not yet back from court?" She asked in a low tone.


    "Sister Xiao Chu, it is not that his majesty is not back. If that was the case, things won''t be so bad. It is just that", the maid bit her lips gently. " his highness is not coming sister Xiao Chu".


    Xiao Chu opened her mouth about to ask why, when a high pitched voice beat her to it. Xiao Chu and the maid both turned back to face Zhu Fengyin


    "Why is his highness not coming "


    "Mistress"


    "My Lady!"


    Xiao Chu and the make said at the same time, eye locked at Zhu Fenfang''s angry face. They looked down immediately, Zhu Fenfang who felt her heart harden as she overheard their conversation. she had stood to instruct Xiao Chu to get the gold necklace the Crown Prince had given to her when they had first gotten married a few months ago when she heard the maids words.


    It was like the breath was sucked out of her lungs, she could barely stay still, although she had her suspicion. Zhu Fenfang wanted to hear it from a reliable source before jumping to conclusions. She prayed in her mind that the maid would prove her wrong, she didn''t want her suspicion to become a reality because that would mean that her life was changing and she never wanted that to happen.


    The maid glanced at Xiao Chu before stepping forward, her legs shook violently at each step. These last few days had been hell on all the servants serving her, Madam Zhu had been short-tempered and harsh. The maid feared that Zhu Fenfang wouldn''t take this news she had to deliver very well and might end up punishing the messenger in the heat of the moment.


    However considering that Zhu Fenfang was now aware of everything, she was left with no other choice but to deliver the bad news. The maid bit her nails into her hands hard, head bent as she said in a shaky voice.


    "Madam, when I went to deliver your invitation to his highness. I was stopped at the door by his highnesses guard Fu Hong, he..... He informed me that his highness wasn''t receiving any guests." She glanced at Xiao Chu and bit her lips, "Madam Chen was inside the study, they seemed to be...."


    "They seemed to be what exactly, What are you hiding? Tell me!" Zhu Fenfang picked up a flower face on a small table by the wall and threw it down. It shattered completely, with the shard flying around.


    The maids hissed as a few cut her leg but she remained at that spot, she had served under this Zhu Fenfang long enough to know that stepping out of the way when being harmed by her mistress never ends well. It was in her best interest to stand there and recurve whatever injury Zhu Fenfang intended to give her.


    A single tear ran down her cheeks as she took in a deep breath and let it out before continuing, she muttered in a low voice, "his highness seemed to be getting intimate with Madam Chen". She bent her head and shut her eyes in expectation of the paint at was to come. Zhu Fenfang screamed as she rushed to the table next to Her and pushed everything on the table down.


    "Ahhh! That bitch! Why why does this keep happening to me!"


    Xiao Chu noticing that her mistress was on the verge of a breakdown dismissed all the maids and shy the door. She rushed to Zhu Fenfang''s side and hugged her closely, rubbing her back gently as Zhu Fenfang broke into tears. "Don''t be sad mistress, His highness has not forgotten you. He is a man, it is normal for him to be fascinated by a new toy. Once you get pregnant his highness will forget about her and come to you".


    "how..... would I get pregnant if he doesn''t visit me so often. That slut has him wrapped around her finger, he has been spending every night in her room since they were married. How can I get his attention back, when she is monetizing his attention"


    "Mistress throwing a fit won''t help you, don''t you see how the Crown Princess consort is behaving? Just act like her, his Highness will appreciate that, this madam Chen is not to be taken lightly, mistress. I asked around, that Madam Chen attempted to commit suicide just to get the Crown Prince''s attention. Why don''t we let his majesty find out about that? His Highness doesn''t like being lied to plus with the current tension in the capital. Madam Chen won''t get away that easily".


    Zhu Fenfang pulled away from her maid''s chest and wiped her tears away, "that is a good idea, why didn''t I think of that. Let us do that".


    **************


    Chen Yao''s room, the next day


    The reflection of light from the open window woke Chen Yao as she lay by her side on the four-post bed. The red bridal bed curtain wasn''t thick enough to keep the light away, Che Yao rolled to the other side trying to get back to dream and but the door seemed to be permanently shut to her. Finally, she gave up on falling back asleep and sat up on the bed.


    The red blanket fell aside revealing her snow-white slender shoulders, Chen Yao blushed when she saw the red finger marks on her skin. The Crown Prince was insatiable last night, maybe it was because of the stress he had been placed under. After a few days at the Crown Prince''s residence, she had gotten used to everything here. Life here was better than her life at Zhu mansion, just as she had expected.


    Everything from her clothes to her food and her jewellery was luxurious and rich, this was the kind of life she had dreamt of since she was a child. She got down from the bed walked to the tea table, picked up the cup and poured herself a cup of warm water. Liang met her mistress drinking water, "Young miss, you are awake".


    Liang laid the dress in her hands on the chair and walked up to her mistress, " you must be starving, I will send for a light breakfast, is there anything, in particular, you want to eat? His highness gave orders to the kitchen to prepare anything you ask for. His highness must have fallen in love with you my lady".


    "In love? Please, at most he is fond of me or maybe this is his guilt speaking. His highness is yet to give me his heart, I should get ready to greet her highness"


    "Oh, you don''t need to do that. Her highness went into the palace to pay respect to her highness the Empress".


    "The Empress is back?"


    "Yes".

 Chapter 211 - [Bonus ] The Day Off (Valentine Day Gift)

    (Hello lovelies, on the spirit of Valentine day here is a little gift from me to you. This is one of the stories in the collection of Romantic scenes between Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu, stretch out for your enjoyment)


    ******************


    Prince Wu''s mansion, the main Courtyard.


    After weeks of construction, Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu''s new residence was set. Throughout the construction, Lu Yaozhu brought Su Liya with him to check the progress of construction. The first time the couple visited their new home was three days after Lu Yaozhu was newly conferred Prince Wu.


    Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu sat on the carriage as they rode slowly to their new home. The residence was a street away from the Duke''s mansion at the golden section of the capital. Su Liya had passed this street a few times on the way to the palace. It was homes to the senior members of the royal family, the roads were squeaky clean. There wasn''t a single vendor on sight and security was almost as tight as it was in the palace.


    The residence in this section of the capital was magnificent with one grander than the other. Su Liya who sat next to Lu Yaozhu leaned to the side, her head resting on Lu Yaozhu, firm shoulders. Lu Yaozhu held her closer, his chin inches away from her hair. The sway of the carriage was calming, Su Liya had grown to appreciate cuddling with Lu Yaozhu.


    She played gently with Lu Yaozhu''s hair while breathing gently. This was a position she now preferred these past few months. Lu Yaozhu rubbed her back gently, there was no need to few the silence with words. They had grown past that stage and were used to quiet company. Su Liya pulled away from his holiday the carriage stopped, she drew a stay strand of her hair behind her ear as she tried to make herself decent.


    Lu Yaozhu came down the carriage as soon as it came to a stoop and the step was set by the footmen. He stretched out his hand and helped bring her down the carriage, the Elderly steward Uncle Xie stood by the gate as they arrived. He gave them a salute before giving them a tour of the residence. Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu walked into the residence hand in hand. They looked around and took note of the parts of the residence that needed to renovate.


    The steward led them to various parts of the residence before coming to the main courtyard. Lu Yaozhu dismissed the servant as they got in, instructing them to wait outside while they accompanied Su Liya to explore what was to be their new residence. They had let go of each other''s hands at some point, with Su Liya walking ahead.


    The courtyard was spacious and grand, unlike the usual arrangement of most residents at this time. The main courtyard was constructed as a single building as opposed to the usual separate pavilion used by most couples. Small flower beds surrounded the building, which was a sight to behold. Su Liya stood back and admired the scene in front of her.


    She began to imagine the little touches and adjustments that she could make to their residence to improve it and make it more their taste. She jumped and glanced up as a hand wrapped around her waist. She smiles up at him stepping into his hold. Lu Yaozhu pulled her close and kissed her softly on the forehead.


    "I lost you for a second there, like what you see", he said raising her chin and moving closer. Su Liya sensing that he was going in for a kiss pulled back, cheeks heating up. She glanced over her shoulder but didn''t see any of their servants behind them. Su Liya gaze moved back to Lu Yaozhu with creased brows, "where are the servants, I don''t see them behind us".


    "I sent them away, needed to have you all to myself without an audience", he pulled her tighter and brought down his lips to hers. Her temperature heated up, as they got closer. Su Liya held the front of his shirt and wrapped her hands around his shoulder. Lu Yaozhu socked gently on her lower lips, Su Liya stood on the tip of her toes slipping her tongues past his lips.


    Their tongues tangled, he pulled her off the ground their lips still merged. Su Liya hooked both legs around his waist as he stepped forward. Finally stopping at the balcony and placing her on the balcony as he deepened the kiss. Su Liya pulled away to breathe, eyes locked on his while breathing fast. Lu Yaozhu glanced around them and moved his lip a few inches from her ears.


    "It is too open here, once you have gotten your breathing in check, let''s go inside. I bet there is a bed in there"


    Su Liya blushed at that and glanced down. She jumped to her feet and ran into the living room. Lu Yaozhu grinned and walked in calmly. Su Liya leaned lightly on a table and glanced at him. "This courtyard isn''t like the usual".


    Lu Yaozhu walked to the table and leaned over her, both hands placed at her sides. Grinning he replied, "Yes, the former Prince that occupied this residence was a romantic", he moved close to her ear and whispered, "like me".


    Su Liya smiled, "so you are a romantic? How cute, what is his story".


    "He was a doctor and fell in love with the only child of his teacher. She was quite the beauty, well according to people. Don''t know it was long before my time. She had a genetic illness that left her bedridden most of the year, this also meant that she could never have a child. Her body couldn''t stand that, most people would leave when they discovered that but he never did. He was madly in love with her as I am with you.


    "The Emperor back then was very fond of this son of his so he gave a decree and married the two love birds, together with a concubine. You see he hoped that his son would get the concubine with a child but that never happened because the couples were inseparable. They stayed together for a decade and even after his five died. He never remarried, like I said a romantic".


    "Like you", she chuckled, blushing.


    "No not completely like me, I would never marry a concubine. One woman is enough from me" he moved closer and pecked her cheeks.


    Su Liya bend over his hands and stepped away, "I guess they shared a room, cute".


    "My parents also shared a room, they were each others soul mate. Sometimes I feel that my mother only stayed alive because of us. My dad died in battle, I still remember the day my mother was informed of my father''s death. It was like her world had come to an end, she refused to eat or sleep. She just sat by the door, waiting for my father to return. Nobody could convince her to get up, my sister was only 5 and a half years old but my mother barely looked at her.


    "She was in her a world of her own, one night I sneaked into her room and found my mum holding a knife. She wanted to join my dad, I was so scared and ran to her and hit the knife away. She looked at me silently for minutes before finally breaking into tears. I never told anyone about this but given our relationship, I feel we should talk about that."


    He walked to her and held her hands, "don''t act like my mother, if anything happens to me one day. You are allowed to cry but don''t try to end your life. I would never want you to do that, don''t lose yourself in me. Love me but save a little of yourself and hold on. Life is precious, so don''t let go. I love you so much but I don''t ever want you to let go.


    "I want you to be alive and visit my grave yearly to complain about me. I want to hear you tell me about how things are, inform me when our child makes you angry. Tell me when our children are getting married and if you want to remarry introduce me to him. I should have the last say in these things, I need to check that new man and make sure he is right for you. I don''t know how long I have here but I want to spend every waking moment with you. I love you".


    Su Liya helped his shirt and pull him down, " me too" she kissed him gently. They stopped before it got more heated up, after tidying up their clothes they left the room hand in hand.. The servants didn''t notice anything out of place although they were a little suspicious.

 Chapter 212 - Frenemies 2

    Chen Yao''s bedroom, the Crown Prince Residence


    "In love? Please, at most he is fond of me or maybe this is his guilt speaking. His highness is yet to give me his heart, I should get ready to greet her highness" Chen Yao Stood, walked to the window. She looked out the window, watching the maids as they swept and groomed the flower bushes. She had slept for a while and it was already mid-morning everything was in full swing.


    Liang walked to the window on the other end of the room and pushed it open, cool breeze rushed into the room as she pushed the lid backwards. Liang Pulled back and turned around on hearing Chen Yao''s words.


    "Oh, you don''t need to do that. Her highness went into the palace to pay respect to her highness the Empress".


    Chen Yao looked away from the window and moved her gaze to Liang who stood by her dressing table. "The Empress is back?"


    Liang looked up from the grooming kit set up on the table and darted her eyes back to her mistress, "Yes".


    "Oh, took her long enough", Chen Yao walked to the fruit bowl on the table and picked up an Apple. "She must have heard of the Crown Prince''s issues, though she left for good. I guess she wants to protect her investment".


    Liang picked up a thin brush, "her highness seems kind, I think she genuinely likes his highness and treats him like her biological son. I don''t think her highness sees him that way".


    Chen Yao felt her lips twitch as she heard that, she started at her maids. The mains innocent expression and words were amusing, she couldn''t hold in her laugh. Chen Yao moved closer to her maid and leaned by the table, her eyes followed Liang every move as she went about preparing the tools for Chen Yao''s morning grooming.


    "Ha, you sound so naive. Do you think her highness would treat the Crown Prince thus good if she had her child? What good is an Empress without a male child? Taking in the Crown Prince was the best way to protect herself, it works well for her if you think of it. His Highness doesn''t have a mother so he had no loyalty to anyone but her. She did that to secure her position, she is only an Empress as long as the Emperor is alive. By doing that, once his Highness takes the throne she becomes the well respected Empress dowager. So don''t let her pretence fool you".


    Liang looked up from the basket of scent pack she carried on one hand and glanced at her mistress. Her mistress''s words shocked her, it was like she was speaking with a completely different person than the young Miss she grew up with. However, no matter how suspicious she was, with her low status. Liang could do anything about that and just lose away.


    The sound of hurried footsteps from outside the door drew their attention, they both glanced at the door. A second rank maid walked into the room, head bowed low she reported,


    "My Lady, Madam Zhu''s ladies maid, Xiao Chu came over with a gift"


    Chen Yao tilted her head to the side, one eyebrow raised. She caught Liang''s gaze and gestured to the door. Liang nodded and walked out of the door with the maid following her. Chen Yao sat on the seat next to the tea table and poured out a cup of water.


    She was curious what Zhu Fenfang sent over, although the maids tried to keep it under the wraps. She had overheard them talking between themselves about Zhu Fenfang throwing a huge fit a few days before she was married. Chen Yao wasn''t surprised to hear that, she had expected a reaction like that from the Crown Princess and Zhu Fenfang. However, apart from Zhu Fenfang. The Crown Prince treated her fairly, she barely paid her any mind.


    Chen Yao tapped her fingers on the table silently, eyes locked on the food. Minutes later, Liang carried a wooden box, Chen Yao sat straight as she placed the box on the table.


    "Open it", Chen Yao said.


    "Yes", Liang open the lid and brought out a beautiful medium-sized porcelain vase. She placed it carefully on the table and glanced up to watch her mistresses reaction.


    Chen Yao was taken aback by the beautiful vase, she never expected a gift of this variety. Her lips tugged up, "it seems that Zhu Fenfang is still as naive as ever, there is no need to guard against someone as foolish as her. Who gives their competitor an art piece as precious as this. Place the vase in good sight".


    "Yes, Mistress" Liang said picking up the vase carefully and moving it to a table at a corner of her bedroom. Chen Yao Walked into the room to check if the arrangement suited her before leaving.


    *******************


    Four days before, the Imperial Examination began.


    A dead body was abandoned at the middle of the junction directly opposite the front doors of the minister of justice. The body was bloody with cuts bruises, the victim was missing a few fingers and an eye. It was a gruesome sight that left the vendors with stalls around the ministry of justice nauseated. The case was reported to the Emperor as soon as he woke up, the Crown Prince had jurisdiction over the ministry of justice so He was called in as soon as the body was discovered.


    However, as soon as he arrived he was attacked by the family of the deceased who accused him of being involved in the killing. The deceased was identified as the only son of Minister Ning and the lead officer in charge of the investigation of the corruption at the Crown Prince''s office. The deceased Ning Boran was a dedicated officer who was a rising star at the ministry of Justice. His father was one of the loudest voices demanding for the Crown Prince''s removal from office.


    The Crown Prince reputation which was barely hanging on a thread, make a nosedive.. An hour later a petition was submitted demanding that the Crown Prince be removed completely from the case.

 Chapter 213 - Frenemies 3

    Prince Wu mansion, the main courtyard.


    Su Liya sat at the wooden table opposite the stove while Rong Rong stood on the raised platform containing the stove while stirring the steaming pot of porridge. She leaned forward, her elbows on the table with her head resting on her hands. Lu Yaozhu had come down with a slight cold a few days earlier. Su Liya planned to make him some porridge to help warm him up before he left for morning court.


    After stirring the porridge for some minutes the consistency had gotten better, Rong Rong looked up from the steaming pot and glanced to Su Liya and Baozhai who sat by the table. "Mistress the porridge is ready".


    Su Liya raised her hand from the table and sat up straight, "finally, pour out two bowls for his highness and I" she glanced out the window, the sun had risen and the day had gotten brighter. "His Highness must be awake by now, let us not keep him waiting. When you are done with ours, pour out two bowls for yourself and Baozhai".


    "Thanks, your highness" Rong Rong said smiling.


    Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the front door of the main courtyard, Su Liya took the tray of porridge from Baozhai and went into the bedroom. Lu Yaozhu was seated on a stool in fresh clothes with his hair half packed up instead of the usual upward bun he wore for court sessions. He looked up as the door was pulled aside, his lips tugged up as she walked in. Lu Yaozhu passed the scroll in his hands to Yu Tao and stood.


    Yu Tao who knew better than to stay back in here as a sore thumb retreated silently. Su Liya placed on the table, picked each bowl of porridge off the tray and kept them one-two side of the table. Lu Yaozhu took a set on one side of the table, she picked the small spoon lying beside the bowl and put it inside the bowl. He scooped a spoonful of porridge and brought it close to his lips, blowing gently to cool the temperature to a more tolerable temperature before putting the teaspoon into his mouth.


    "How is it", she asked putting the empty tray said. She pushed the stool out and sat opposite Lu Yaozhu.


    "mm, not bad" he grinned above the rim of the bowl of porridge. Lu Yaozhu narrowed her eyes at him and picked up the spoon next to her plate. She ignored his jab at her and are a spoonful, nodding as the taste rushed to her brain. Su Liya was proud of her handwork although she didn''t prepare it alone she had directed Rong Rong on the recipe since preparing the porridge herself from scratch would be hard because she wasn''t familiar with the way the kitchen and kitchen stove at this time worked.


    She pursed her lips as her eyes fell on the scroll he left in the bed, the official red stamp from the ministry of appointment drew her attention. She held the spoon in the bowl and gazed up at "I thought today was your day off, why the official documents."


    Lu Yaozhu frowned and dropped the spoon, "his Majesty has appointed me as a civilian official. He approved my withdrawal from active duties at the military. I will resume active duty at court".


    "Oh", she nodded, "that is okay for now. How are things with the Crown Prince, I heard that things were not looking well".


    "it is not, the evidence is looking very true. Even I am surprised at what is being discovered, it seems that I don''t know the crown prince as well as I thought" he sighed looking away. "It won''t be easy to get him out of this without making a few sacrifices".


    "Sacrifices? Please tell me you are not thinking of getting rid of the witnesses"


    Lu Yaozhu laughed softly as she heard that, "no I am not, that will make it too obvious. Since the accusers have had dealings with the other princes, discrediting them won''t be that hard."


    "I don''t know how I feel about you doing that, I think that we are enabling the Crown Prince by doing that. If he did something wrong, he should pay for that and even though he might not have been directly involved in the act. I think he is watching his subordinates and thereby allowing them to commit these crimes".


    "I wouldn''t normally result to such methods if there was a better option, his highness although naive in certain areas is the best choice out of the other princes to inherit the throne after the Emperor. If I thought that there was someone better out there I would have turned a blind eye.


    "He is the best option we have got if he loses his position. Northern Wei might just become a war zone. Those other three princes will get into a blood bath and after the war, the citizens cannot handle another war."


    Su Liya nodded, "I just hope that we are making the right decisions right now".


    Lu Yaozhu held her hands and rubbed her knuckles gently, "some times there is no clear right choice, you just have to choose the best of the worse. This is a good example of a situation like that, we just have to trust that we have made the right decision".


    "And if we didn''t?"


    "Then we have a hot mess in our hands"


    Yu Tao rushed in as Lu Yaozhu spoke, "Your highness!"


    Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya both turned to the door, Lu Yaozhu let go of Su Liya''s hands, pulled back his seat and stood. "What is it?"


    "There has been a murder, your highness. The body was dropped at the intersection opposite the ministry of justice"


    "Has the victim been Identified?"


    "Yes, it is Team leader Ning Boran of the ministry of investigation".


    Lu Yaozhu sighed rubbed in between his eye, "call in the leader of the team I put on the Crown Prince. I need to know where and what his highness did it has been".


    "Yes, your highness" Yu Tao nodded and left the room.


    Su Lita pushed the bowl forward, "isn''t Ning Boran the man in charge of investigating the Crown Prince''s case? Things just took a turn for the worse, since you want to look into the Crown Prince actions. You must suspect his involvement in this, I don''t think discrediting the witnesses will cut it.. His highness just created human-sized evidence, he is done for".

 Chapter 214 - The Appointment

    Prince Wu''s mansion, the main courtyard.


    Su Liya pushed the half-eaten bowl of porridge aside and sat straight, she had lost the appetite to eat and was just concerned about how to help Lu Yaozhu get out of this mess. While she understood the reasoning behind Lu Yaozhu''s decision to help the Crown Prince get out of this mess. Su Liya couldn''t ignore her knowledge of the plot, although there gave been various changes and differences pointing to the uniqueness of this world.


    She wasn''t confident in the Crown Prince strained relationship with the Empress these past few weeks. So far his highness seemed to have raised a shield around himself and his activities. Playing it down as it being because he was closer to the Duke compared to Lu Yaozhu seemed too far fetched to her. She never forgot her fathers warning before he left, the Crown Prince had changed and it in a positive way.


    "isn''t Ning Boran the man in charge of investigating the Crown Prince''s case? Things just took a turn for the worse, since you want to look into the Crown Prince actions. You must suspect his involvement in this, I don''t think discrediting the witnesses will cut it. His highness just created human-sized evidence, he is done for"


    Lu Yaozhu frowned, "I need to speak to my brother before making any moves" he held her hands gently in his and smiled, "I understand how you feel and why you are thinking this way but I want to believe that brother Ling hasn''t changed and is still the brother I know. If he killed Ning Boran then he must have done so far a reason. I have to trust his decision" l, he rubbed her knuckles gently before he stood to leave.


    He was a few steps away from the door, when Su Liya said, "I know that you choose to believe in him and honesty, I admire you for that, you are a very good friend. However, what I am about to say might make you doubt him and wisely so but I cannot let you go on without airing my suspicions. If you don''t want me to say anything about that, I can keep quiet and keep it to myself. The Choice is yours," she said rolling the jade ring on her left fingers.


    He turned away from the shut door and glance at her, his hand still resting on the door handle. His heart soften as he saw her troubled eyes, he pulled his hand out of the door and walked back to his seat. "Tell me," they both exchanged gazes as he continued, "you wouldn''t bring it up if you didn''t think it was important. What is it?"


    She looked away from him, sighed and eyes locked on the door ahead replied, "on the day of the fire at Yu''an temple a few weeks ago, the Crown Prince visited the temple and asked to speak with the abbot. You must be aware of Fengyin''s involvement in the management of that temple. His Highness didn''t start the fire, it was caused by one of Zhu Fengyin''s guards that had betrayed her.


    "That is a story for another day, however, according to the former abbot, his highness called him into a private prayer room and questioned him about Fengyin and the Lu family. The sudden closeness between his highness and the Tong family was suspicious. I needed to keep watch of the chatter between those two camps. Hence, I asked Rong Rong to look into what his highness and the Tong families actions.


    "Although there were no detrimental actions between the two made against our Lu Family. Rong Rong reported that his highness and the Tong family has been investigating our dealings and asking about us. It has been subdued since they are pretending to do so because they had plans of forming a union through Yiling''s future marriage but the questions they ask have nothing to do with marriage.


    "It might be in our best interest to re-evaluate our relationship with his Highness before we make a dangerous mistake. You said so yourself that his Majesty and your father started as friends before their relationship was destroyed. His highness although the best choice out of the other princes might not be the best for us".


    Lu Yaozhu was silent for seconds, Su Liya glanced at him and looked away. Lu Yaozhu wasn''t very easy to read and while she was worried about what he thought about what she had said. She felt a lot better after she had aired put her opinion, even if he chose to do nothing by saying these things she had planted a few seeds of doubt in his mind. Lu Yaozhu wouldn''t just believe everything the Crown Prince said and his guard would be raised.


    Meanwhile, within Lu Yaozhu. He struggled to accept what his wife said, not because he fully trusted the Crown Prince but because it legitimised his second thoughts and suspicion. He wasn''t ready to face these thoughts because it would mean going against his brother. He had grown up beside the Crown Prince, although they weren''t so close as they were growing up. He couldn''t ignore the bond they shared.


    In the end, Lu Yaozhu chose to take the first step and look into the Crown Prince activities before deciding because he hoped that Zhongshan Ling would not prove him right. He stood and gazed down at Su Liya before leaving. He was a short distance away from the main courtyard when the Steward reported that he had been called into the palace.


    *******************


    At Chen Yao''s room the Crown Prince''s residence.


    Zhongshan Ling sat by the brass standing mirror hand spread out while a servant put his hands through the wide sleeve of the purple official royal robes. His expression was icy, although he had gotten somewhat adjusted to the change in dynamics. He couldn''t help but feel disheartened every time he did things as small as dressing, it was maddening that he couldn''t even do that for himself.


    Although he didn''t normally do it himself before his accident, he felt hurt as the memory of himself standing proudly while the servants got him ready for court. He frowned as a met kicked over a tray of warm water spilling the content on one end of his robe. Eunuch Lan the Crown Prince''s personal eunuch immediately noticed the young Prince''s impending loss of temper and jumped into anger management and situation control. He scolded the maid and send the maid away before instructing two other maids to clean up the mess.


    Zhongshan Ling noticed his sneaky actions but pretended not to, he didn''t want to dwell on such irritating events. He shrugged the wet robe off his shoulders and in a cold tone instructed, "get another one".


    "Yes," Eunuch Lan replied, glancing at the mid-rank Eunuch following him behind. The eunuch rushed to the main courtyard immediately and pulled out a fresh set of clothes before returning to the room. Minutes later Zhongshan Ling was dressed in another purple royal robe, he picked up his cane which was left beside the mirror and stood. Using the wooden cane as support, he stood and limped to the bedroom door.


    He paused briefly as his eyes fell on the porcelain bowl at the side of Chen Yao''s bedroom. At this point, Chen Yao who had woken up a short while ago and was seated at her dressing mirror noticed the Crown Prince sudden stop. She followed his gaze to the porcelain bowl, smiled and said, "does your highness like the bowl, it is a beautiful work of art, isn''t it. Who knew senior Concubine Zhu had such a treasure. Well, it is now mine, not everyone can treasure unique treasures like this. The senior concubine must not be used to such things given her low status of birth. It is truly a work of art".


    Zhongshan Ling''s free hand clenched at his side as he heard the word "low born status". However, there wasn''t any change in his expression. He just glanced at the foolish girl in front of the dressing mirror and asked, "you are right, not everyone can identify good art if you like it so much them enjoy it. At least you have it to keep you company when I am gone". He smiled and left the hall.


    The smile fell off his face as he walked towards his gate, he had forgone his wheelchair in anger. Eunuch Lan who always followed him sighed in his mind, he didn''t understand how this new concubine was too stupid to understand that her words had struck a nerve. "Although the senior concubine was a crafty woman, eunuch Lan preferred her to this new concubine who was too dumb to read social cues.


    "Who doesn''t know that the Crown Prince had struggled with being insulted for being of low birth because his mother was a low-level concubine from a small clan already in decline? All his life he struggled to get out of the mould placed on him by society.. Calling someone Low born just because she was born of a concubine was a low belt insult and that new concubine is about to find out how disastrous his highness''s temper was", eunuch Lan thought shaking his head.

 Chapter 215 - The Appointment 2

    The Crown Prince''s mansion


    Zhongshan Ling was very angry after hearing Chen Yao''s words, his mind too far gone to register the strain on his lame foot. However, a short while after, his shaky legs broke the fog of anger in him. His hand on the wooden cane shook and he bit his lips gently. Eunuch Lan noticing these signs signalled for one of the low ranked eunuchs that followed behind him to bring the wheelchair forward.


    He took control of the wheelchair and moved closer to the Crown Prince, he stooped a few steps away and bowed. "Don''t strain your muscles, your highness. Please have a seat" he gestured to the wheelchair beside Zhongshan Ling. His words seemed to draw Zhongshan Ling away from his thought. The shift in attention made Zhongshan Ling conscious of the sharp pain below his knee, from the wooden foot he had on hitting his joints.


    He nodded and holding on to Fu Hong who stood at his right moved to the side and sat on the wheelchair. He felt relieved as he sat and leaned backwards, the gate was a short distance away. Eunuch Ling pulled out the folded blanket in the compartment behind the wheelchair, unfolded it and wrapped it around Zhongshan Ling''s legs before putting his leg on the leg brace.


    He walked around the wheelchair to stand behind the chair and placed his hand on the handle behind the chair. Eunuch Lan paused as Zhongshan Ling said, "eunuch Lan since Madam Chen likes the company of treasures so much please deliver a few to her hall tomorrow. They can keep her company from now on, I want her nameplate removed from the nighttime duties until she has her priorities in order".


    Eunuch Lan felt his lips twitch as he received the order, he did not like the new little madam, this was music to his ears. This new madam to eunuch Lan was an opportunist, although he did always accompany the Crown Prince of late. He was still very well informed about everything concerning the Crown Prince and hence was aware of how the Crown Prince acquired that concubine.


    To a man, as experienced and calculating as eunuch Lan he knew that this concubine had gotten into the mansion by playing little tricks. Tricks that could only be carried out with Old master Tong''s direction. Old master Tong was gradually expanding his control in the mansion, it was difficult to tell who to trust. Eunuch Lan carefully controlled his expression and maintain a relaxed expression as he replied, " Yes, your highness. This lowly servant will make the arrangements".


    He held the handle of the wheelchair located behind the chair and began to push the chair forward. They had covered a significant distance when Secretary Qi the Crown Prince Secretary run up to them. Zhongshan Ling frowned as he saw his usually calm Secretary running forward, he raised a hand and everyone stopped moving.


    "Your Highness", Secretary Qi said in-between pants, he bent forward with his hand resting on his laps as he tried to catch his breath.


    "Why the panic?" Zhongshan Ling asked frowning slightly.


    Secretary Qi stood straight, glanced at the servants behind before walking closer. "Your highness, Chief Ning Boran''s body was abandoned at the intersection opposite the ministry of justice".


    Zhongshan Ling looked up quickly and glands over his shoulders at the servants behind him. "head back to the study", he instructed.


    Minutes later, He was wheeled into his study by eunuch Lan. The Secretary and Fu Hong followed him behind, he had instructed Eunuch Lan to gather information on the rumours going around so only his closest subordinates followed him into his study while the rest of his attendants stood outside.


    "Explain why that fool''s body out there, didn''t I instruct you to take care of that mess carefully! Why is he out there right now?" He asked Fu Lang who walked in and shut the door behind him seconds earlier.


    Fu Lang clenched his hands at the Crown Prince''s tone of voice, Zhongshan Ling sounded like he could kill him with his bare hands, not that he could stop his boss from thinking this way. Getting rid of Ning Boran''s body after the questioning was the main order the Crown Prince gave him yesterday night. This was after Zhongshan Ling tried to get the truth of the identity of the person behind the accusations.


    "I got rid of the body your Highness before the end of the night. I had the body buried at the right spot. I don''t know how this happened. I cleaned up the body after the questioning but this morning the body appeared mutilated. Whoever is behind this made it to look like he was tortured."


    Zhongshan Ling looked up with narrowed gaze, "the body was mutilated?" To which Fu Lang nodded, he sighed and looked away. "I watched you clean up the body, someone is playing games with us. I cannot let whoever this is win not to my expense, I need to see the body. Identifying whoever that is behind this is the number one priority."


    Zhongshan Ling placed his hand on the wheel of his chair about to wheel himself forward when Fu Lang said, "there is one more thing your Highness, it is about Prince Wu".


    Zhongshan Ling paused and looked up at his spymaster, " what is it?"


    "Your highness, his Majesty pulled you off the case. Prince Wu was invited into the palace not long ago and appointed to investigate the case", he said.


    "What? Why is it him? How is that even possible? Once again, Imperial father is using every opportunity to uplift him even at my expense", Zhongshan frowned. ''I have tried so hard to get Imperial father''s trust but even after decades, I hasn''t earned even a sliver of that. Yet, father, Emperor is putting in every effort to draw Lu Yaozhu a forgotten prince closer. Why must I be forced to bow down every single time? It seems Lu Yaozhu is slowly becoming a problem, father Emperor must wish to replace me with him, he thought silently.


    Fu Lang who unlike his younger cousin Fu Hong, like everyone else wasn''t aware of Lu Yaozhu''s true identity but had a deep hatred for Lu Yaozhu. He was under the Tong family''s team and as such saw Lu Yaozhu as an enemy who was out to monopolize power in the capital. A power that the Tong family believed was meant to be theirs since they were the Crown Prince''s maternal family.


    He could let an opportunity to cause a rift between the Crown Prince and Lu Yaozhu go. He glanced at the Crown Prince and said, "this appointment was orchestrated, your highness. I suspect that Prince Wu had a hand in this case and even if he didn''t, he will use this for his benefit. The Ning family accused your highness of torturing and killing their son to get ".


    "What? How is that possible? Looks like I need to look into Lu Yaozhu''s activities."


    "Your Highness, should I send someone to follow him?"


    "No, don''t. At least not yet, I am the Crown Prince even if they somehow find out my involvement.. Imperial father would never let me get killed, I want to use this case to test Lu Yaozhu. Let''s see how he handles this case, for old times case"

 Chapter 216 - Bad Blood Kills 1

    Duke Wu''s study


    An hour after the official curfew ended, the busy capital was now asleep with no one roaming around the streets apart from the patrol guards on duty and officials on special duty like Lu Yaozhu. For the past two days, Lu Yaozhu worked around the clock to investigate Ning Boran''s murder. During his investigation, he met a lot of dead ends with each being more dangerous than the other and even when there were leads it rose more questions than answers.


    At the end of the day, all evidence and logical thinking point to the Crown Prince. Lu Yaozhu was left with no other choice but to bring his concerns up to his elder brother. Lu Yaozhu stood by the open window at one side of the room, looking up at the bright full moon in the sky. He stood by the window with his back facing Lu Yingjie who was seated behind the table opposite him.


    Lu Yingjie read through the bulk of reports handed to him by his brother for the fourth time. Every single time it was still the initial result, no matter how he read it the Crown Prince come out guilty. Gritting his teeth, he placed the report on the table and leaned backwards sighing. He glanced at his younger brother, "this is no good, is there no other solution. Must we do this".


    "It either we do this or someone else does. We are stuck between a small setback and a disaster, we can not afford to let him go on like this", he said without looking away from the view in front of him.


    Lu Yingjie stood and walked to the window, "this isn''t just anyone we are talking about but Brother Ling. This may cause bad blood between us, is there no other way?"


    Lu Yaozhu turned to his side and looking straight at his brother replied, "Bad blood? There is already bad blood between us*. He placed his hands on his brother''s right shoulder, "He already has his men spying on us and searching for a weakness. We should at least try to be proactive in protecting ourselves, brother Ling is a lot like his father". He looked away as he said the last sentence.


    Lu Yingjie glanced at Lu Yaozhu with one eyebrow raised, "you talk like his Majesty is not your father too? How long are you going to pretend not to know that her highness is your mother?"


    "As long as I can keep her from getting hurt, his Majesty is paranoid about 95% of the time. Did you forget that he believed the rumours that her high_ mother and I had a dirty relationship? With everything he has done to me, I no longer see him as a father. To me his nothing but a mad dog that would bite even his owner, I don''t want a father like him. The Zhongshan genes are polluted, maybe Northern Wei needs better rulers than them" he said looking up ahead but his eyes not focused on anything up ahead. Instead, the conversation he had overheard between the Emperor and his father at the Emperor''s study replayed in his mind.


    Lu Yingjie watched his younger brother quietly, no matter what he says his brother refused to cut the Emperor any slack. No child deserved to find out negative things about their parents, the way his brother did. Lu Yingjie always wished that he had been able to shield Lu Yaozhu from finding out the Emperor''s true identity. Although they never talked about how these things made Lu Yaozhu feel, he always felt like Lu Yaozhu got the short end of the stick because his vie of his biological father was ruined at childhood.


    Lu Yingjie looked away from his brother and glanced at the abandoned report on his table. Patting Lu Yaozhu on the back gently, he said, "let us hold off this case for a day and just rethink our actions before making any moves. Maybe you missed something during the investigati_"


    Lu Yaozhu didn''t wait for him to complete his statement, he felt too fired up for that. "I didn''t make any mistake! There were no mistakes, didn''t you read through the six reports two are from our experts while the other four are from my allies and yours. Did six different parties make the same mistake? I didn''t even add my report in there but I can assure you that it was not different from these. Brother Ling has changed, if we do not curtail his actions, things might get worse. If we don''t let his Majesty know before another faction submits it to court. He will lose not just his position but also his life. Part of caring about someone is saving them even from themselves".


    Lu Yingjie sighed and looked into the night "I keep forgetting that you have a much closer relationship than I. Forget about saving him from himself, have you thought about how this would affect her highness. She raised him, she just cut her recuperation short to come back and save him. She won''t like it, they have a bond Yaozhu"


    Lu Yaozhu glared at him, "and I don''t? Once she sees it from my angle, she will understand. We can not let any of the other princes capitalize on this case. If he didn''t want to lose his position, he should have thought of that before killing such a notable official. He has been taking stupid risks since he received that Anonymous letter".


    Lu Yingjie frowned and asked, "I hope you are not letting your personal feelings affect your judgement?"


    Lu Yaozhu rolled his eyes, "no I am not, Brother Ling is not his mother. I don''t blame children for their parent''s crimes. That is not how I was raised, if it was mother wouldn''t let me live all these years in comfort in the Lu family. I cannot believe that you dared to ask me that."


    "Sorry, I was worried about everything going on. If there is no other choice then let us do it your way"


    "Okay", Lu Yaozhu glanced at his brother and squeezed his shoulder gently, " I don''t like this plan too but it is the only way.


    ***************


    Minutes later at the main courtyard of Prince Wu''s mansion.


    Moongazing was the mood of the night as Su Liya leaned by the balcony outside looking up at the star-filled sky. She pulled the thick shaw wrapped around her shoulders closer as a cool night breeze swept through quickly. Baozhai who stood beside her narrowed her eyes sharply as she noticed that stealthy mood. She wasn''t pleased with her Mistress''s current position for obvious reasons but after nagging for some time decided to give in and look away.


    They were gradually entering into winter and although the first snow was yet to fall. The weather was getting colder by the day, she didn''t like that her mistress stood outside in the cold at night instead of the warm room inside. Her eyebrows furrowed as she noticed her mistress''s reddening nose. She glanced at the courtyard gates and back at her mistress who leaned forward bundled up in a thick shaw, eye locked on the open gates.


    "Your highness, it is getting colder, please go inside at wait for his highness. Staying here this long will make you sick. I can keep watch of the gates and inform you when his highness gets back."


    "No", she replied with a slight frown and continued stubbornly, " I am not going back inside, I don''t want to miss him again. If I go inside, I will only get sleepy and fall asleep. Then I won''t get to talk to him because he is always gone when I wake up. If the other side of the bed next to me isn''t still warm and scattered. I won''t know if he came back home the night before. These past few days Yaozhu is like a ghost coming back at night and leaving before sunrise. I am worried about his health, I hope he is eating and taking care of himself. Do you know how this makes me feel right now? I must see him for myself, I cannot keep relying on other people''s reports or hearsay. This case has me worried, I will not leave until I see him".


    "Okay, but if you are staying out here in the cold. You must cover up" Baozhai replied.


    Su Liya smiled and nodded, she was okay with that as far as Baozhai stops nagging her. She faced the gate while Baozhai rushed into the room and picked up a thick blanket. She rushed back out seconds later holding the blanket to her chest rubbing her lips together as she unfolded the blanket and placed it on Su Liya''s shoulder before stepping back.


    Su Liya glanced at the blanket and smiled. She looked over her shoulder at Baozhai and whispered, "thank you".


    Baozhai nodded and returned to her previous sport beside her mistress.

 Chapter 217 - Bad Blood Kills 2

    The main courtyard of Prince Wu''s residence


    Su Liya glanced down at the thick blanket on her shoulder and smiled. She brought up her hand to the blankets and rubbed her fingers on the fabric, getting a good feel of the texture of the blanket before looking over her shoulder at Baozhai and whispering, "thank you".


    Baozhai smiled, nodded and returned to her previous sport beside her mistress. She looked up to the sky, "how breathtaking" she muttered mouth open. Su Liya glanced at her maid and smiled, she rubbed both hands and sighed. She glanced at the vast compound surrounding the Pavillion, it was well graded and decorated with peach trees l, flowers and sculptures.


    She liked to look out the window regularly, the view under the full moon felt magical to her. Like it stepped out of a painting hanging at the museum. Sometimes she wished that she had crossed over with her phone just so that she could take a picture of the natural sights she had seen at this time. Certain sights were nearly impossible to find at modern times. Thanks to the rapidly developing future, science and technology brought both positive and negative impacts on humanity.


    Back at the massive gates, Lu Yaozhu rode into the street at a considerably high speed pulling the rains and bringing his horse to a stop at the gates to his residence. The horse stopped in front of the strong wooden gate, written on the nameplate on top of the gate was "Prince Wu''s Residence". The six guards at the gate stood at attention as he got down the horse. Two low-level guards rushed forward to rein in Lu Yaozhu and Yu Tao''s horses, while two other muscular guards pulled the gate open for Lu Yaozhu


    "Welcome home, Your Highness", the guards chorused as he walked in.


    "mm, keep up the good work", he replied as he walked past them. Long lines of Lamps were lit from the pathway from the gate to different courtyards and sections of his new residence.


    The steward caught up to him as he neared the main courtyard. It was already very late and like most servants, the steward, uncle Xie had turned in for the night but was awoken by sudden loud knocks on his room doors by the guard who came over to alert him of his Lu Yaozhu''s return.


    "Your highness, welcome home your highness. I am sorry for coming back so late, is there anything I can do for you?"


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the older man''s wrinkled face, he liked this older man''s work so far. He was neat and efficient in his work. He slowed down his pace to a much more manageable pace for the older man, "it is alright, I don''t need anything else. I will be turning in for the night, is Liya asleep", he quickly remembered that it was very late in the night, glanced up at the sky and continued, "my bad, it is already so late. She should be asleep", he glanced down at his steward and smiled, "as should you, turn in for the night. There is no need to follow me around, you work hard enough to make life comfortable for me. You deserve longer hours of rest".


    Uncle Xie smiled, cheeks red, "oh I don''t mind your Highness. It is my duty to serve you, I can accompany you for as long as you like".


    Lu Yaozhu paused and turned to the older man, he placed both hands at her waist and smiled, " uncle Xie, I understand that you want to put on a brave face with me but there is no need for that. It is late, you are not getting any younger. Please turn in for the night, I would hate for you to risk your life for me".


    Uncle Xie pulled back and nodded, smiling sheepishly he replied, "oh, okay.... Then I won''t keep you here". He gave a deep bow, turned around and continued down a well lit slim pathway at the side that led to the servant waiters. Lu Yaozhu watched him leave until he was completely out of sight before continuing on the path to the main courtyard.


    The cool night breeze blew, raising a few loose strands of his hair, "Yu Tao, find out when his Majesty will be free tomorrow and inform Yu Fang to get ready. We will be entering the palace tomorrow unfailingly", Lu Yaozhu said without looking back.


    "Yes, your Highness", Yu Tao replied. His forehead furrowed as he remembered a noteworthy fact concerning the murder case his young master was investigating. He but his lips as he contemplated reminding Lu Yaozhu of this issue or maybe letting it go since it was a rather delicate situation. The Crown Prince''s little act of rebellion against the Lu Family and the Empress had complicated things for everyone. He glanced at his master''s expression a sighed thinking, ''Zhongshan Ling was a loose cannon that aimed at even his allies, in the end, is such a man worth saving''.


    In the end, he decided not to bring up a hurtful fact like this to his young master, it was his understanding that his young master doesn''t wish to abandon the Crown Prince just yet. Sometimes you act dumb to make someone you care about happy.


    Lu Yaozhu paused briefly at the entrance of the compound of the main courtyard on seeing Su Liya leaning forward on the balcony. The moonlight on her flawless face was a sight to behold, she was brighter than the moon itself. Her lips tugged up as their eyes met. All the worry in his mind slipped away and his lips tugged up involuntarily, she was like a beacon in his eyes.


    Baozhai and Yu Tao exchanged gazes and silently retreated to give the couple their privacy. The couple were stuck in their world they barely noticed any of their personal servant''s little actions. Lu Yaozhu ran walked to Su Liya and pulled her into his arms. He hugged her tightly lifting her in his arms.. Su Liya wrapped her hands around him and kissed him gently.

 Chapter 218 - His First Strike

    The next day, the Emperor''s Study


    Emperor Zhong sat hind his table, head bent over the detailed report of the activities of the Crown Prince''s office which was presented to him by Lu Yaozhu who stood a few steps opposite him on the other side of the table. He clenched his fist and sighed, these documents looked worse than he thought. He glanced up at Lu Yaozhu and his guards before looking down at the document and pushing it aside.


    "Are you positive that no one has connected the dots between them?" Emperor Zhong asked his expression cold as they come.


    "Yes, your Majesty. I have been holding it off so far"


    "Good, Ling''er made a big mistake this time, if I don''t handle this it could get messy. Thanks for bringing this up to me, you may leave".


    Lu Yaozhu bowed, "I will take my leave first your highness".


    "mmm," Emperor Zhong replied watching him leave. He waited for a few minutes before calling his secretary inside.


    The next day everyone in the capital was shocked by the news of the Crown Prince''s suspension from official duty and court. The news was met with mixed reactions from officials and the commoners alike especially since Lu Yaozhu was placed in charge of the ministry of justice and department that was previously under the Crown Prince''s control.


    No one was more surprised than Zhongshan Ling, his facial expressions went from shock to betrayal and disappointment before finally settling in anger as the appointment was announced. He glared at Lu Yaozhu who stood at the centre of the room. The ridiculing laughter and jabs made by his royal brothers replayed in his mind throughout his journey back home. He held in his anger until he returned to his study, he pulled the dagger from his table and threw it at Fu Lang who didn''t even dodge the hit but instead shut his eyes.


    The knife missed him by the hair and stuck into the wall behind him. Fu Lang fell on his knees immediately and cried out, "Your Highness, I was wrong. Please forgive this incompetent servant for not handling this properly."


    "How was the last found, there must be a spy among us. Find out who that is and get rid of him"


    "Get rid of him", Fu Lang shared a worried gaze with his cousin, Fu Hong. "Your highness killing the spy might not be a good idea, his majesty and the other princes are watching you like hawks. Doing that might draw unnecessary attention to you. They might use it against you".


    "It is a little too late for the concern, father Emperor and those hyenas disguised as brothers have already made a move against me. Since they already know about my less than honourable past why bother pretending otherwise. The innocent act won''t work anymore, they already know what I am capable of why pretend otherwise. Get rid of him" Zhongshan Ling balled both hands on his laps into fists, frowning and glaring at Fu Lang.


    "Yes, Your Highness" Fu Lang replied, he glanced at his cousin before leaving the room.


    Zhongshan Ling wheeled himself to the open window overlooking the small garden beside his Pavillion. "Fu Hong, what are the odds that Lu Yaozhu wasn''t the one that dumbed the body at that intersection".


    Fu Hong was quiet for some seconds before finally answering, "the odds are very low your highness, I looked into Prince Wu and discovered that the night the body was dumped. He met with the victims to try to convince them to change their stories. He already had his team looking into each of the victims, plus the Lu Family invested a lot into your highness. He has no reason to betray you".


    "But he did betray me, name one Crown Prince in the history of northern Wei that ever lost control of the three offices of justice. He might not have dumped the body but he still betrayed my trust and for that, he must pay. Oh and Fu Hong, about the body. You claim that Yaozhu has no reason to betray me but we both know that is not true, isn''t he father Emperor''s beloved long lost Crown Prince.


    "All the moves Imperial father has made so far was to help him get settled. He must be holding onto the hope that he can reinstate Yaozhu as the Crown Prince. These days Father Emperor looks at him the same way mother Empress does. He has never looked at me this way, Can you believe that they had breakfast a few times. Father Emperor has never had a meal alone with me by choice, the few time he did. It was on Imperial Mother''s request. Tell me Fu Hong how do you think that makes me feel? No, Lu Yaozhu must pay for this embarrassment".


    ****************


    The main courtyard, the Crown Princess Pavillion.


    "Young miss, his highness is back!" Daiyu said to her mistress lay silently on her side on the recliner. She checked before speaking to ensure that she didn''t wake her mistress and as expected her young mistress was still awake. Xia Ying rose to a seating position and sighed, she glanced at her maid and stretched out her hand. Daiyu held her hand and helped her up without any delay. She led her mistress to the dressing table and helped her freshen up.


    Xia Ying glanced at the maids standing head bowed to the ground behind Daiyu and said, "Go get a jar of watermelon juice and a tray of light snacks."


    "Yes, Mistress," they chorused and retreated.


    When it was only her and her maid Xia Ying pursed her lips, "this suspension was the best option for his highness, as expected, Prince Wu did a good job".


    Daiyu looked around before replying, "mistress, I just heard from our eyes there. His highest didn''t take the news well, he threw a dagger at one of his guards".


    "What? How foolish of him. It seems that His highness is not as smart as I thought he was. Hopefully, he will get around. In the meantime, I will bring him these tasty snacks to help him calm down. He will think clearly once he has relaxed".


    "Mistress has his highness in her heart," Daiyu said cheerfully.


    Some minutes later Xia Ying arrived at the Crown Prince''s study with Daiyu. There wasn''t any servant close by to announce her, most of the servants made themselves scarce as soon as they noticed the Crown Prince''s bad mood. The Crown Prince''s temper got a lot more explosive ever since his accident. The servant was forced to adjust to his mood by avoiding him.


    Xia Ying instructed her maid to wait outside while she walked into the Crown Prince pavilion to deliver the snacks. She was at the door when the heard the words,


    "You claim that Yaozhu has no reason to betray me but we both know that is not true, isn''t he father Emperor''s beloved long lost Crown Prince_"


    Her hand that held the tray up shock as she heard that but she quickly steadied her hold to hear the rest of the Crown Prince''s statement. Xia Yong waited for the Crown Prince to give Fu Hong his instructions before waiting to go in.. When she went, Xia Ying acted as natural as she could to prevent Zhongshan Ling from getting suspicious.

 Chapter 219 - The Battle Lines Are The Easiest To Draw When There Are Misunderstandings 1

    Three days later at the Yuan family mansion.


    Su Liya sat next to Lu Yaozhu on the moving carriage as they rode to the recently retired General Yuan''s mansion. Su Liya straightened out her wide sleeve for the nth time, it was the most age could do the calm herself. She was very nervous to attend this garden party given her experience with Eldest madam Yuan and the Yuan family. Lu Yaozhu glanced up in concern as he observed her nervous fidgeting.


    He saw the slight furrow between her eyebrows and placed his hands on hers, rubbing her palm gently. Su Liya looked up eyes wide at his sudden action, her heartwarming as he gave her a warm smile. Su Liya looked away quickly, her cheeks heating up. Lu Yaozhu placed her hands on his laps grinning as their eyes met, he moved closer to her ears and whispered.


    "Don''t worry about anyone out there, I have got you. If they are rude or try to make fun of you. You are allowed to go off on them, I will always support your decisions".


    Su Liya gazed at him silently for some minutes before nodding, "En, I hope that you won''t regret saying that to me".


    He laughed softly, pecked her on the cheeks and whispered, "I won''t".


    Minutes later they arrived at the General''s mansion, there was a long line of carriages qued up in a straight line leading to the mansion. Old Madam Yuan and Eldest madam Yuan wasted every effort to ensure that they got every single high ranking noble including senior members of the royal families invited to their house party. The party was held to celebrate the birthday party of old madam Yuan.


    Although the Yuan family were not as influential as they were in the past everyone honoured the invitation to give face to old master Yuan and old madam Yuan. Everyone still remembered the contributions master Yuan made to the progress of Northern Wei in the past and Madam Yuan''s powerful maternal family. Madam Yuan was the only daughter of third rank Princess Yun''s household.


    The recent generation of the Yuan family was not as influential as their predecessors and instead lived off the previous achievement of their parents and grandparents. The number of attending dignitaries and high ranking officials meant that the welcoming process was longer. As per social requirements, the guests were introduced by rank with the arrival of the higher ranking guests taking more precedence.


    Lu Yaozhu''s title as Prince Wu being a first-rank prince meant that he was to enter after the total dukes. Normally during these events, the admitting of carriages belonging to low ranking nobles were held back as are held back on the arrival of high ranking nobles. There was absolutely no exception, with the Sixth prince''s death and most of the royal princesses either married into the royal families of other nations or in faraway counties.


    Apart from the Crown Prince, the fifth and ninth Princes the most high ranking noble after the royal princes and their consorts was Lu Yaozhu. Prince Ye and General Yuan were close friends hence he had already arrived earlier and was inside old master Yuan''s study playing Chess. A guard was sent to apologise to Lu Yaozhu in his carriage and bring him forwards to the front of the gates.


    Lu Yaozhu pursed his lips at the request but agreed to avoid making things difficult for Yuan Family. They had arrived a few minutes after the Crown Prince and Crown Princess consort. Lu Yaozhu and the Crown Prince exchanged a nod as they got down from the Carriage. This was their first time meeting since Zhongshan Ling was suspended, the air around the Crown Prince was chilly.


    Their strained relationship was quickly noticed by Eldest madam Yuan and Assistant minister Yuan who stood at the door to welcome the guests. A spark lit on eldest madam Yuan''s heart as she observed that. Like a child that just received an early Christmas present, her lips tipped up into one of her widest smiles. The ever-ambitious eldest daughter-in-law to the enigmatic Yuan couple was finally pleased with the arrangement made by her mother-in-law to invite Su Liya ti the party.


    Eldest madam Yuan stole a glance at her husband standing next to her to check if he gave off any strange reaction on meeting his bastard child. The sincere smile on his face like a shocker punch made her heart hurt, the wide smile on her face fell for a second and she glared at Su Liya. Su Liya missed the glare as she saluted the Zhongshan Ling and Xia Ying. However, Xia Ying who was closest to eldest madam Yuan failed to miss that glare. Her lips twitched at that but she maintained a serene expression.


    Xia Ying immediately noted that reaction and made a plan in her mind to look into that little interaction. She glanced at Su Liya and smiled, although she had given up on her wild dreams she still didn''t like this maid turned Phoenix. After both couples exchanged salutes they separated, Zhongshan Ling and Xia Ying went inside while Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya greeted the hosts at the door.


    Su Liya was quiet throughout the salute, choosing not to let her true feelings show, she wore the typical small smile until the end. A young maid in plain service uniform led them into the mansion. The setting of the Yuan Family mansions was wide and Strategically designed but unlike the Duke''s mansion and Prince Wu''s mansion which was designed in a maze-like manner. The Yuan mansion had a simpler layout, this was due to the strong military background of the Yuan family.


    Su Liya stepped closer to Lu Yaozhu eye focused on the maid leading them to the garden as she whispered, "based on the little exchange between high highness and you at the gate, looks like you he is still holding grudges about your appointment. His highness is a sad loser, with the mess he made. Did he think he would go scot-free, he was lucky he didn''t lose his position".


    His lips tipped up as she said, "I understand why he is angry, I would be mad if I was the first Crown Prince in the history of northern Wei to lose control of the ministry of justice. Brother Ling will come around once he understands that everything did was for his good."


    They had arrived at the garden so they quickly concluded the conversation.. Su Liya took ins da eep belt before stepping away from Lu Yaozhu''s side.w

 Chapter 220 - The Battle Lines Are The Easiest To Draw When There Are Misunderstandings 2

    At Zhongshan Ling and Xia Ying''s end. After the salute.


    Zhongshan Ling and Xia Ying separated as they arrived at the garden, the male and female guests were hosted at different locations as per usual practice. Usually, during house parties that involved both unmarried and married male and female guests, delegate events were held a short distance away from each other. As a means to protect the reputation and virtue of the unmarried young ladies present at the parties.


    There were already a few elderly ladies around the same age as old madam Yuan that sat around her. For the banquet held for the ladies Old madam, Yuan was the main host, she sat at a high seat at the centre of the pavilion where she had a clear view of all the female guests as they arrived. Old madam Yuan glanced up as her granddaughter standing beside her drew her attention to Xia Ying''s arrival. Old madam Yuan''s grandaughter Yuan Liqiu, a pretty slender young lady stood beside her in a light blue silk gown.


    Yuan Liqiu was the eldest daughter of the old madam''s First son, Assistant minister Yuan. Like most unmarried young ladies, she idolised Xia Ying and Zhu Fengyin, who were popular for being the perfect example of talented and gracefully young ladies of noble families. Yuan Liqiu stood straighter eyes bright as Xia Ying saluted old madam Yuan.


    Daiyu who followed Xia Ying closely carried a painting chosen by her mistress to be presented to old madam Yuan as a birthday gift on a tray. She stepped forward and passed the tray to an elderly maid serving old madam Yuan. The elderly maid presented the gift to old madam Yuan who nodded and instructed her to open up the painting. It was a small painting of a set of famous mountains close to old madam Yuan''s paternal house. Old madam Yuan hasn''t gone back there since her father the last marquess Yin died over two decades ago.


    Old madam Yuan although a member of the Imperial family from her mother''s side, wasn''t close to the royal family. It was well known that old madam Yuan and her deceased mother had fallen out with the royal family after her father''s death. However, old madam Yuan was quite influential in the royal family thanks to her close relationship with the deceased Empress Dowager. The sight of the mountain in the painting brought up some good memories of her carefree childhood. This immediately endeared coating to her, old madam Yuan had gotten more sentimental as she got older.


    Her eye slanted into two slim half-moons as she smiled widely, this was the first sincere smile she had since the banquet started. She glanced at the maid standing by the side and called them over. "Don''t leave her highness standing for so long, quickly get her a seat close to me".


    "Yes", the maids chorused and quickly brought over a free seat and placed it at the old Madam''s side.


    Xia Ying bowed and sat on the designated seat beside the old madam, her gaze met the spiteful gaze of the Fifth Princess Consort who was seated a few seats away on the rolls of seats at old madam Yuan''s left. She ignored the glare shit her way and looked away, she didn''t see the Fifth Princess consort as someone relevant. To Xia Ying that older woman was as uncultured as they come and judging by status, Xia Ying considered the fifth Princess consort to be many classes below her given that her family were from the so-called new nobles with titles only gotten a generation ago.


    As the battle between the three remaining princes got heated, their wives and family got involved. Although she maintained a calm and respectful image, Xia Ying was no angel. She held her own when placed among the two uncut wives of the other princes. She suspected that the fifth prince was involved in the current misfortune, The Crown Prince was facing due to the close relationship of the Ning family and his wife''s maternal family the Wang family.


    Xia Yong attended the birthday party to deliberately bait the fifth Prince''s side and prove her suspicion. She immediately sought the Eldest madam of the Yang family seated two tables away from the Fifth Princess consort and nodded holding the eldest madam''s eyes. However, before they could go forward with their plans, Su Liya was announced.


    There was a noticeable shift in the mood at the Yuan family''s end as Su Liya walked in. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from the cold smile on Yuan Liqiu''s face to the unwavering fake smile on old madam Yuan''s face. The tension in the air could be cut in two with a knife, she brought her cup of tea to her like to mask her smile. ''Seems like there is bad blood between this maid at the Yuan family'', Xia Ying thought as she watched Su Liya walk closer.


    Two beautiful maids followed behind Su Liya, as she passed there was an awkward silence as the other guest was aware of the unorthodox relationship between the Yuan Family and Su Liya. They all waited to witness a drama as they had the last time Su Liya attended a banquet hosted by the Yuan family. A few madams looked Su Liya down and began to judge her started with the two maids following her.


    A madam seated on the second roll a few seats away from Su Liya commented, "these types of people don''t deserve to be invited to high society, apart from her beauty what exactly does she gave to offer. It is a pity that an honourable man like Prince Wu fell petty to her tricks".


    "They have been married for over a year now, how come there is no news from her, even her Eldest Madam Zhu will give birth soon. What does this girl have to offer? His Highness should just get himself a proper senior concubine of better birth to further his family line," another Madam said.


    "Since there have been no results all these while given how in love the rumours claim they are. Do you think that it might be a problem for her, maybe she cannot give birth after the promiscuous life she had lived". Another madam commented.


    "If that is true then she had better do her duty and get his highness a more suitable match, these two maids of hers are pretty. She should put one forward, which Prince''s side courtyard is empty didn''t the Crown Prince just stuff another concubine inside his?" A madam chuckled


    "Hush! Her highness is seated just a few seats away. She might hear you", the first madam said eyeing Xia Ying who was seated a few seats away.


    The woman remained silent for some seconds as they started at Xia Ying cautiously. When they didn''t notice any strange movement from her end they continued taking jabs at Su Liya.


    "Given how she got into her position, I doubt she would let anyone get closer. I heard that they share a courtyard, this must be a trick to keep the maids away. Pathetic!"


    The madams all burst into low laughter at that. Xia Ying on the other hand was yet to recover from the previous statement the madam made about the Crown Prince and didn''t get the humour. She just felt a sudden sadness as she thought of the path not taken.. These past few days she found herself thinking of how things would have been if she had married Lu Yaozhu not the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 221 - The Battle Lines Are The Easiest To Draw When There Are Misunderstandings 3

    General Yuan''s mansion


    The madams all burst into low laughter, their laughter irritated Xia Yong who was yet to recover from the previous statement one of the madams made about the Crown Prince his new concubine. It felt like an indirect insult to her, although Madam Chen was yet to make any moves against her, Xia Ying was on edge. She did not like the means at which this new madam got married into the haram but to maintain her image in the eyes of the Crown Prince and society. She was forced into this mess, forced to entertain an unfaithful man.


    She felt a sudden sadness as she thought of the path not taken. These past few days she found herself thinking of how things would have been if she had married Lu Yaozhu not the Crown Prince. The discovery of Lu Yaozhu''s real identity was the catalyst that pushed her further into those woods. Xia Ying glanced away from Su Liya and focused her gaze on her nearly empty cup of tea on her table while flexing her hands.


    Daiyu bent low and whispered, "Your Highness, is there any problem", she glanced at the nearly empty cup of tea and quickly picked it up. Daiyu kept it aside, picked up the small pot of tea on the stove beside her mistress and poured her a fresh cup. Xia Ying frowned as she watched the golden brown liquid fill the cup, she bit her lips gently and glanced at Daiyu.


    Daiyu placed the pot of tea back on the fire, adjusting the fire to a lower temperature before turning around to face her mistress. She moved closer to Xia Ying and bent low as she noticed the heated gaze from her young mistress, "The tea was almost finished but I just ordered fresh pot for you. Your Highness, Is there anything else, you would like from me?"


    Xia Ying moved her gaze from Su Liya who was making her salute to the celebrant back to the cup of tea within arms reach.


    "The relationship between Su Liya and the Yuan family seems rather tense, don''t you think?"


    Daiyu glanced at the scene in front, the interaction between Su Liya and the old madam was as cold as it gets. She looked away a whispered to Xia Ying, "Such a reaction from both sides are expected give their relationship. Princess consort Wu is the love Child of eldest master Yuan and his concubine Su Xiaonuan".


    "huh? How is that possible, wasn''t she a lady''s maid before her little upliftment? How come she had such a relationship with the Yuan family?" Xia Ying glanced from Su Liya to the old madam. Her brow furrowed as she remembered something, her gaze fell on Yuan Liqiu. "If I am remembering correctly although General Yuan heir is registered under the Eldest madam as her child. Small madam Su is his birth mother, with a huge contribution like that how come her eldest child was sold into servitude?"


    Daiyu glanced around with her eyes, "your Highness is right, while Small Madam Su made such a huge contribution. It did nothing to improve the princess consort''s standard of living, you see the princess was conceived two months after Eldest madam Yuan was married into the family. Although the old madam tried to keep it under wraps well it blew out of potion thanks to small madam Yuans public cries at the Yuan family gate. Eldest madam Yuan''s family is very influential so as you can imagine. Small madam Yuan stood no chance against her and neither did the princess consort".


    Her lips tip up, Xia Ying''s was held at Su Liya as she brought the cup of tea to her lips and took a sip. "This Su Liya is full of surprises, isn''t she. These days I am learning that people in the capital are not always as they seem. Keep an eye on those two sides".


    "Yes"


    After greeting Old madam Yuan and presenting her birthday gift, Su Liya was led to her seat by a maid. Soon all the guests were seated and the banquet began, there were various performances from the local theatre crew ranging from singing to dancing. Soon refreshments were served to the guests, the Yuan family spared no effort in ensuring that every single refreshment was tasty.


    An hour and a half later the tranquillity of the birthday party was destroyed by the arrival of old madam Ning and Ning Boran''s pregnant widow. This was a major event for the Yuan family and as such everyone of means and class were invited including the Ning family. The invitation was sent days before the Murder occurred and like other guests the Ning family RSVP to the event.


    However, in the heat of the scandal, the Ning family pulled out of the party or at least that was what Eldest madam Yuan assumed. She was put in charge of the arrangements for the birthday party. As the eldest daughter-in-law, this was one of the responsibilities she had taken up in preparation to take over running the family with her husband.


    Since the Ning family were in mourning for their son, it was assumed that they would pull out of taking part in social events for some months. Based on the long-standing tradition that was expected, Eldest madam Yuan didn''t bother guarding against them. Their sudden arrival caused quite the stare, the steward sent over some servants to report to the Eldest madam as the two women got down from the carriage.


    The steward initially had the situation under control but the tables turned when the Ning family servants that escorted the two madams pushed through their hold and created an opening for their madams to get into the mansion. Eldest madam Yuan stood to leave when two slender women dressed in mourning clothes rushed in. Everyone gasped shifting back in shock, a few stood as they tried to watch where both women were headed. Both women were identified by Eldest madam Yuan''s words as they rushed in.


    "Old madam Ning! Madam Ning hold on!"


    Whispers began as the madams began muttering between themselves. Su Liya stood as she watched the two women in mourning closes fall on their knees in front of Xia Ying.


    Old madam Ning grabbed Xia Ying''s hand and cried out loudly, "my son died a painful death, your Highness please uphold mercy for us".


    Her pregnant daughter-in-law joined her immediately, "your highness! Please get justice for my child''s father. He has already lost his father unjustly, must his father''s murderers also not get punished!"


    The whispers increased and became louder after she had said that. Xia Ying glanced at Daiyu with a tight expression.

 Chapter 222 - A Golden Opportunity

    General Yuan mansion


    "your highness! Please get justice for my child''s father. He has already lost his father unjustly, must his father''s murderers also not get punished!"


    Everyone gasped when the pregnant young madam fell on her knees and grabbed Xia Ying''s sleeve. Su Liya glanced at the young madam''s bulging tummy and sighed, she looked away immediately catching Zhu Fengyin''s eyes. Zhu Fengyin was seated next to madam Lu who thanks to her relationship with the Yuan family was among the small group of madams seated closer to old madam Yuan.


    The two exchanged concerned gazes but quickly wiped their concerns off their face and looked away. In these situations, it was best not to show any emotion which can be taken out of context. Su Liya glanced at Rong Rong, signalling for her to send word to Lu Yaozhu.


    The man has entertained a short distance away and hence we''re yet to be alerted of this. Su Liya frowned slightly as she caught the fifth Princess consort and second madam Yuan exchanging knowing gaze. She quickly worked out how both women came into the equation, "looks like the fight for the throne is getting more heated," she muttered sighing.


    Acting quickly to reduce the level of damage this would make on the Yuan family. Old madam Yuan stood from her seat, she glared briefly at her eldest daughter-in-law. She looked over her shoulder to her lady''s maid standing behind her,


    "Call some Guards to escort madam Ning and the young madam back to their carriage", minutes later a group of guards rushed in, pulling both women up from their knees and dragging them away. The woman cried out at the top of their voices, preventing the two women from calling out to Xia Ying.


    Eldest madam Yuan rushed to appease Xia Ying, issues like this could lead to Misunderstanding which would put the Yuan family at odds with the future Empress. Xia Ying balled her fist as she tried to control her nearly exploding temper. However, like a seasoned socialite, she controlled her expression. Maintaining a calm expression as she stopped eldest madam Yuan from apologizing.


    The fifth Prince''s camp had put a lot of attention on this plan, no matter how hard The Yuan family and the sixth prince''s side tried to suppress the news. The News of the disturbances spread around, even reaching the palace before the banquet ended. The Crown Prince didn''t stay long, thirty minutes later, he departed for the Yuan family mansion. The other guest left not long after the Crown Prince and Crown Princess consort departed.


    Any attempt at damage control by Zhongshan Ling failed, public opinion was more difficult to control due to the current influx of citizens for the Imperial Examination. The damage to the Crown Prince''s reputation was irreversible as it fueled the demand for the dethroning of the crown prince.


    Things were more heighted with the upcoming imperial Examination which was only three days away. Scholars from all over the province came in masses for the examination. Guesthouses and inns were filled due to the crowd, to ensure that no mischief occurred security around the capital was increased. The daily curfew was increased and the crime rates were significantly lower.


    Two days to the Imperial examination the scholars taking part in the examination were admitted into the examination camp. Among the aspirants admitted was Lu Yong, the scholars were thoroughly searched to prevent malpractice. Those found with contraband were dismissed and banned for taking the examination. The disqualification of a candidate caused a stare in the capital as both the candidate and their families bore the brunt of any attack from the public.


    The Imperial Exam was a three days event with the candidate tested for three subjects. The Lu family were on edge throughout three days exam, previous experiences troubled them. Especially Madam Lu who had gone into three days prayers from the first day of the examination to the third day. On the third day, madam Lu stood in front of her marriage with the rest of the crowd waiting for the candidates to be released. She ran up to her he walked out of the venue.


    Days after the examination, everyone was on edge waiting expectantly for the results the capital was on-hand still until the result was released four days later.


    **********


    Three days before the result was released at the Examination office located within the palace. Emperor Zhong was seated on a high seat at the office of the Examination supervisor, Councillor Zhang. Emperor Zhong held up Lu Yong''s unmarked answer sheet for the final paper of the examination. He had heard a lot of teachers at the academy praise, Lu Yong, for his intelligence and was curious how the young scholar would answer the question he had set personally.


    Emperor Zhong''s lips tugged up as he read through the three papers long answer, counsellor Zhang on the other hand his legs shake. Although the supervisor maintained a calm expression, the back of his blue official uniform was soaked in sweat. He was slowly on the verge of collapsing, he had been since the Emperor appeared at the door of his office.


    The Emperor had never made such a visit n in the ten years he had overseen the examination. Usually, whenever the Emperor wished to see him on any issue, he was called over to the Emperor''s study. He already had Lu Yong''s answer sheet kept aside, it had become a usual practice whenever the Imperial was held after he had been instructed multiple times to cancel the young scholar''s answer sheet. Councillor Zhang as a scholar himself did not like to manipulate these results but was forced to do so at the Emperor''s request.


    His dislike for that did nothing to stop the Emperor from giving those instructions and after some time he just went on with whatever was requested of him. He watches silently as the Emperor read through the sheet before returning it to the tray at the table opposite him. He shivered as the Emperor glanced up, "your your Majesty, how do I? should I cancel the answers as usual?" He asked eyes locked in the answer sheet.


    Emperor Zhong glanced down at the sheer shook his head, "no need, give him the full mark. He got all his answer right, what an insightful young man", he pushed back his seat and stood.


    "Yes, your Majesty!" He said bowing deeply.

 Chapter 223 - A Golden Opportunity 2

    The Imperial palace


    Emperor Zhong left the examination office after giving His instructions. His entourage of guards and palace servants fell into step with him as he walked out of the pavilion through the compound to the gate. During Imperial Examination the scholars working at the examination office were housed at the palace till the end of the exams to prevent leaks. Guards were stationed at every corner of the compound to keep off intruders, security around the palace were tight.


    The guards at the gate bowed as Emperor Zhong got closer, they opened the gate and stepped aside for him. Emperor Zhong stopped abruptly as he crossed one leg over the threshold, he suddenly felt light-headed and held the wooden frame of the gates tightly until the feeling subsided.


    Meanwhile, Caihong rushed to his side, "any problem your Majesty." Caihong glanced discreetly at the servants standing a few steps away and stepped closer to whisper, "I have your medicine here, your Majesty. Would you like a pill or is it too bad? Should I send for the physician".


    Emperor Zhong held the frame tightly, breathing deeply as he struggled to steady his heartbeat. He glanced at the eunuch and shook his head. Minutes later his vision was clearer and his breathing steady. Emperor Zhong stood carefully and continued walking but this time at a slower pace. Caihong walked closer to the Emperor, he was not as easy and kept a close eye on the Emperor.


    He didn''t relax but instead watched the Emperor like hawk, he more than most was aware of the Emperor''s real health condition. There wasn''t any incident so Caihong gradually relaxed, His heart can''t as the Emperor paused suddenly but he relaxed when he noticed the direction of the Emperor''s gaze was turned towards the Empress''s compound.


    It has been over two weeks since the Empress returned to the palace but apart from when the first day she visited the Emperor''s study for her official greeting. The couple had never spoken since that day, this was the longest-lasting cold war between the Emperor and Empress in years. Which was worrying to the servants of both sides who were stuck in-between.


    Emperor Zhong watched the light at the Empress palace blink and sighed. He contemplated visiting her but gave up as he remembered the result of their last conversation. She was too angry with him to have a conversation with him. He looked away continued walking towards his palace. He was a few steps away when the works around him rolled and he blacked out. Caihong rushed forward and held him up before his head made contact with the floor.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Two royal guards rushed forward and helped the Emperor up. Caihong immediately ordered two eunuchs to send for a litter to transport the Emperor to his palace. His assistant already ran to get the doctor, minutes later Emperor Zhong was carried into his bedroom and placed on a bed. The Imperial physician was checking his pulse when he regained consciousness.


    "Your Majesty" Chief Eunuch Caihong and the Imperial Physician said as his eye opened.


    Emperor Zhong felt a little disoriented but his head settled minutes later and he gazed at the doctor standing beside Eunuch Caihong. Eunuch Caihong rushed forward and helped him seat up before stepping back. Emperor Zhong glanced around in shock frowning slightly as he quickly recognised his bedroom. "Did I black out again?" He said asking no one in particular, Imperial Physician Jin didn''t answer and instead waited for Eunuch Caihong to reply.


    "Yes, Your Majesty", Eunuch Caihong replies calmly.


    Emperor Zhong hissed and looked away, "news of that must gave spread by now, why did it have to happen this way".


    "We were in a haste a failed to keep the news in check. For that I deserve to be punished, Your Majesty" Eunuch Caihong cried our head bowed.


    "It is alright, you did your best." He gazed at the imperial physician, "I thought the drugs were working, how come I blacked out again?"


    "The drugs are not a permanent solution, your majesty. During the check-up last time, I informed you that your condition has progressed too far. There is no permanent solution, all that can be done is to control the sickness for some time. The attack last time worsened your condition, your body has gotten weaker. Blacking out like this will become more frequent as time goes by, there is nothing I can do apart from trying to extend your life span" Imperial physician Jun said slowly.


    Emperor Zhong grew stiff on hearing that, he watched at the painting opposite his bed silently for some minutes. The painting was one of the first gifts Empress Lu gifted him during the first year of their marriage. Like her, this was one of his most valued paintings out of all the paintings in his collection. He looked away when Lu Yaozhu and the Empress''s face flashed quickly in his mind.


    "My beloved daughter has married far, Yaozhu us the only one of our offspring that remains. I missed out all these years, can''t fate spear me some time with him", he glanced at the Imperial doctor and said, "keep the full details of my health condition to yourself or risk getting arrested for treason. I don''t want to destabilise Northern Wei, you had better buy me a few years or it is over for you"


    "Your Majesty_ I don''t_ it might not work out"


    "Why? Are you not the best doctor in northern Wei, find a way!"


    The Imperial physician fell on his knees immediately, "forgive me, your Majesty, I tried but your condition has gotten worse. I have done my best, it is now left to the heavens".


    Emperor Zhong leaned his head backwards on the bed, " how long do I have?"


    "At most, a year and a half. If you are very careful, maybe 2 years" Imperial physician Jin bowed his head to the ground crying softly.


    Emperor Zhong glared down at the man, "Get out of my sight" he spat out.


    "Your majesty, I was wrong", Imperial Physician Jin cried out.


    "GET OUT!!!!"


    "Y-yes your Majesty!" the physician crude out and rushed out of the room.


    Eunuch Caihong poured the Emperor a cup of warm water and handed it over to him. After drinking Emperor Zhong passed the cup back to him.


    "Your Majesty shouldn''t give up just yet. You are the son of heaven, the gods will heal you"


    "Not this time Caihong, I fear that u am nearing the end of the line. Keep this from her highness, I cannot have her tied down again. They don''t deserve it after what I put them through. Call Yaozhu and his into the palace tomorrow morning, it is time for a family breakfast ".


    "Your Majesty, won''t it be suspicious if his Highness is called in after news if your condition has spread".


    "Your right, I should make it a full family event. Inform everyone. Instead of breakfast, let us make it a dinner.. We should eat as a family at least once."

 Chapter 224 - A Golden Opportunity 3

    Just as Emperor Zhong predicted by the time he had regained consciousness the news of his blackout had spread. Speculation was ripe among the citizens, more so in the camps of the four princes. The Crown Prince tried to get information about the Emperor''s current condition but in the end, got no results as Chief Eunuch Caihong cut out all information as per the Emperor''s order.


    Zhongshan Ling felt a lot more uneasy as his spies returned with no information, he was left with no other choice than to brave the public scrutiny and entered the palace. Unlike his three Imperial brothers, Zhongshan Ling had certain special privileges that they lacked. One of these privileges enabled him to make such a daring visit without any heavy repercussion. Apart from fueling certain rumours about his morality, he wasn''t affected as much since he could claim to enter the palace for official purposes.


    This is because according to the ancient rules most senior princes must leave the palace and decide in their mansion after their coming of age ceremony. Only the Crown Prince had an official residence and office within the palace due to the nature of his job. This was a rule made to prevent strife among the princes that would cause unrest and destabilise the country.


    The fifth and seventh princes were senior members of the royal family, hence they were stuck in their residence and could enter without the Emperor''s permission. However, since the ninth prince was still very young and lived with his mother imperial consort Ning within the palace. He was not affected by that rule but since he was only 6 years old apart from requesting to visit the Emperor with his mother, there wasn''t much that could be done.


    Zhongshan Ling ran into his youngest brother Zhongshan Jun at the entrance to his father''s palace. The young prince stood at the gate in his cream coloured little official tunics with his mother Imperial Consort Ning holding his hands steadily. The Young Imperial Consort Ning was the youngest daughter of the Ning''s from the south that was in charge of a section of the trade route located at the south.


    They were a merchant family and apart from sharing the same name as the Ning family located at the capital. They had nothing in common and were one of the major merchant families. Imperial consort Ning was a level headed woman who was smart enough to understand the importance of knowing one''s place in the royal family. She never overstepped her bounds and was a rational thinker. Unlike the other royal concubines that flocked to the Emperor''s palace as soon as they held the news.


    She has stopped by at the Empress''s palace and arrived with the Empress. The Ning family in the south were not as established as most of the families backing the other royal concubines. She had gotten into the palace by luck and understood the importance of having good allies. Unlike the other concubines, she tried to maintain a good relationship with the Empress since she entered the palace. It was her good relationship with the Empress that kept her son alive in the palace.


    It was no secret that the reason only five princes out of the nine princes born by the royal concubines survived was because they had favoured concubines as mothers. When even the Empress lost her son, the Imperial haram was a blood bath. Imperial Consort Ning stood behind the other concubines who were left at the gate. Apart from the Empress, Emperor Zhong refused to see anyone else.


    They could only stand at the gate and wait for the Empress to return with any instruction from the Emperor. Imperial Consort Ning and her son bowed low as the Crown Prince got closer. "Your highness", she said softly.


    Zhongshan Ling glanced at the quiet child standing next to her, he frowned as his eyes fell on the silver crown on Zhongshan Jun''s head. It was as exquisite as he remembered, as expected of a crown from the Emperor''s collection. The Crown Prince''s pro-longed silence kept her bowing and had Imperial consort Ning worried, she looked up discretely. Imperial consort Ning belched and her grip on her son''s hands tighten as she took a step back, legs shaking. Only one word could describe the look in the Crown Prince''s eyes as he looked down at her son.


    The undisguised Hate scared her, she suddenly felt the need to run far away with her son. With how bloodthirsty the Crown Prince was these says she feared for the safety of her son. The hand holding her son shook as she prayed silently that the Crown Prince won''t set his gaze on her son. She had instructed her brother not to accept any promotion to the capital with hopes that it would keep the other princes from attacking her son.


    The sudden emergence of Chief Eunuch Caihong from within the Emperor''s rooms drew Zhongshan Ling''s attention away from his somewhat well favoured younger brother. Zhongshan Ling approached the Chief Eunuch and asked, " Eunuch Caihong, how is my father? May I go in for a visit?"


    Eunuch Caihong gazed from the small crowd of royal concubines surrounding the entrance to the Crown Prince and ninth prince and sighed. Dealing with an uncomfortable situation was nothing new for Eunuch Caihong but that didn''t mean that he enjoyed the process. Maintaining a friendly smile he replied, "His Majesty understands how filial his highness, however after taking his medicine. His Majesty has turned in for the night." He glanced at the royal concubines standing around and continued, "it is getting late, his majesty has dismissed everyone for the night".


    This statement left them with no road to take, everyone began to withdrew and return to their palaces. Zhongshan Ling stayed for only a few minutes before leaving the palace


    ******


    Meanwhile at the main courtyard of Prince Wu''s mansion.


    Lu Yaozhu held the deer fur brush steady over the spread-out white calligraphy paper holding back his wide sleeve, he gently brought down the brush. He held back his sleeves to prevent staining the light coloured silk wide sleeves with black ink as he wrote a few auspicious words in board handwriting. Beside him, kneeling silently was Su Liya grinding and mixing the ink.


    The news of the Emperor fainting put everyone on edge, Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya included. Lu Yaozhu was suddenly faced with the thought of the future. He had never thought of what would happen if Emperor Zhong was no more. After spending over a decade and a half hating his estranged father, he had grown comfortable with the feeling that he never thought of the End. It was easier to hate a person than to forgive, not that he ever considered forgiving the Emperor until today.


    Su Liya on the other hand felt like a stop watched gas began running, as she was suddenly plagued by the events that occurred at the end of the Crown Prince''s cunning consort. She had begun grinding the ink to centre her mind and keep her thoughts from running wild. After spending nearly 3 years in this strange world, she had more questions than answers. She has assumed that all the questions she had concerning the Crown Prince and the Lu family would be answered by now but it was like every answer lead to bigger questions.


    Su Liya pushed the inkstone aside and sat straighter. Her little actions made Lu Yaozhu stop his calligraphy and set down the brush. He was curious what she had to say, "what is it Yaya?"


    Su Liya gazed down at the white jade ring on her finger and rolled the jade ring gently, she bit her like gently. "What is your plan, what do you have planned? Look at me repeating my question, way to ask the same question in two different ways."


    She raised her gazed and looked him straight in the eye as she asked "what happens to us when his Majesty dies?"

 Chapter 225 - A Golden Opportunity 4

    Lu Yaozhu''s study, the main courtyard of Prince Wu''s mansion


    Su Liya raised her gazed and looked him straight in the eye as she asked "what will happen to us when his Majesty dies?"


    He leaned back and tilted his head to the side, eyes locked on her stubborn expression. His lips tugged up, "Yaya, isn''t it funny how our thoughts are always in synch. I also find myself thinking of the what if''s, do you know that one never quite enjoys life as much as a person who had just survived a near-death. His Majesty''s little accident has got me thinking and honestly with his majesty gone. We won''t have to stay back in the capital, I can retire and travel the world with you. No one would stop us and I dare say Brother Ling would appreciate that"


    Su Liya nodded, "you have thought of the future? Honestly, I am glad that you did some thinking. Getting away from all these political struggles would be the best. I think his highness would feel more comfortable with us out of the way, after what happened with his majesty and your father. I believe a distant friend is a million times better than a close enemy"


    A knock at the door made them pause and looked at the closed door. Lu Yaozhu see down the brush and replied, "come in".


    "Yes", Yu Tao pushed the door aside and walked in holding a paper envelope in a serving dish. He handed the envelope over to Lu Yaozhu, "your highness, there are two letters." He raised a blain paper envelope, "this is from Yu ke", then holding up a red silk envelope with the Imperial Emperor''s official stamp, "while this was delivered by a Eunuch. It is from his Majesty".


    "His Majesty? Guess his condition isn''t so serious. I will go through this Majesty''s letter first", he took the red envelope from Yu Tao, untied the do-over it and pulled out an invitation. "Looks like the kitchen staff will be working a half day''s shift tomorrow" he turned the invitation over to show her what was written. "We are joining his majesty for dinner", he glanced up at Yu Tao, "we cannot go empty-handed, make the necessary arrangements"


    "Yes, I will get to it now", Yu Tao bowed and quickly retreated.


    Lu Yaozhu watched him leave silently before picking up the envelope from the table. He tore off the seal and pulled out the letter inside, frowning as he read through the letter. Su Liya stiffened at the change in his expression, "what is it?" She asked in a shaky voice. Lu Yaozhu rumbled up the letter and threw it into the fire, "looks like things are not looking good for his Majesty".


    Su Liya was quiet for some minutes as his words sunk in, "what is wrong with him... His Majesty... I mean"


    "He is sick, he is keeping it under the wraps. My spies can''t find any official health records on his majesty''s health condition so he must not want the news to spread. Which is more worrying..... I guess that explains his recent odd behaviour."


    He looked at her and then out the window, "it is getting late, you should be in bed. Get some sleep we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. I will join you once I am done reading these reports".


    Su Liya gazed at him with narrowed eyes silently, searching for a tell. She searched for something that would betray his thought, she could tell that whatever he read about the Emperor''s health got him worried. She also observed that took the Emperor''s news a little personal, he wasn''t acting like a general who just discovered his master was sick. Given the strained relationship between his majesty and the Lu family, such a reaction was strange.


    She wasn''t one to dwell on fruitless endeavours, she stood and walked to his side. She bent low, placed her hands n his cheeks and held him as she kissed him lightly on the lips. "Don''t stay late".


    "I won''t", he replied smiling gently as he watched her leave. His expression changed as she walked out of his study and shut the door behind him. He looked at the time he had thrown the letter into and sighed rubbing his face gently. The head of his intelligence unit, Yu Ke jumped into the room through the open window.


    "Yaya is suspicious of my reaction", chuckling he continued, "she is so smart, nothing escapes her notice. Telling her about my true identity might not be a bad thing, then there will be one more person that knows my true identity"


    "Her highness is trustworthy she won''t betray you but are you not scared the Madam Lu and her Majesty would find out that you are aware of your true identity?"


    "Since her highness has already come clean to the Emperor, It is only a matter of time before becomes publicly known. His Majesty''s invitation could tip-off even a blind fool, I guess being as close to death''s door as he is has made him emotional".


    "Your highness, how do you plan to answer his Majesty?"


    Lu Yaozhu stood and walked to the window, he look down at the flower bed beside the pavilion. "I plan on not letting him discover that I am aware of my identity just yet. Brother Ling has met with a lot of problems these past months if he suddenly discovers that I am aware of the big secret. I hear that he might attempt to reinstate me as the Crown Prince, judging from the big moves he pulled recently. He certainly has thought of replacing Brother Ling. Even if brother Long and I are not on good terms, I don''t want to rob him of his position. It is not like I want to be Emperor?"


    Yu ke nodded, "your highness is wise in your decision, I will make arrangements to smitten things our for the crown prince among the ministers from the labour council".


    "Good and the Ning family? Have you been able to get to the bottom of that mess?"


    "Yes, your Highness. I have arranged for the Ning family to adopt from a scholarly branch family. The young man is the only child in his household so there won''t be any difficulties".


    "You did well, once the Ning family is settled the malicious rumours about his highness wound reduce considerably"

 Chapter 226 - A Golden Opportunity 5

    The next day, hours before the dinner at the Empress palace


    Empress Lu stood still while her lady''s maids helped her undress, she had just spent the night taking care of the Emperor. Those hours spent with the Emperor to a toe on her, both mentally and physically. No matter what she did or said, she was forever connected to the Emperor. It was difficult to wipe off decades of experiences and feelings. The time spent at the Imperial temple didn''t change him she felt about the Emperor, it was Embarrassing that he still held quite a grip on her.


    Empress Lu held on to her lady''s maid''s outstretched hand as she got into the wide wooden bathtub. The water was warm, chasing away the coolness at her bones. She sighed as she was fully submerged and leaned back in the bathtub, resting her head on the rim of the bathtub.


    "Leave", she said, "just Xuanyi is enough to help me take a bath".


    "Yes, your highness", the maids bowed and withdrew silently. Xuanyi stepped forward and picked up the toiletries in the wooden basket beside the bathtub and brought in close. She poured the scented liquid bath gel on Empress Lu''s hair, scrubbing gently to get the oil and dirt out of her hair. Empress Lu moved closer to the edge of the bathtub and leaned her hair towards the small bowl. She shut her eyes as Xuanyi poured warm water down her hair with a wooden scoop and washed the ladder off her hair.


    Noticing her mistress''s bad mood Xuanyi immediately tried bringing up the young prince. Mentioning her son always lifted the Empress''s mood. Since the young prince was joining her Majesty for dinner today, reminding her of that would put her in high spirits.


    "Your highness, Xiaobao at the imperial kitchen reported that his majesty instructed the cooks to take care in preparing the meal for today''s dinner. I took a sneak peek at the set menu and a majority of the dishes are all Prince Wu''s favourite. His majesty put a lot of effort into setting that menu, he was also the one that took the initiative to arrange this dinner. His Majesty must still hold his highness close to his heart"


    "Ha! Close to his heart? Please!" Empress Lu Sighed, "although Yaozhu was raised in the palace, did his highness ever pay him any attention much less have a meal with him? It was a miracle when I got him to even have a meal with the Crown Prince. When he cannot even tell his eldest son''s favourite food, do you think he would remember his supposed enemy''s son''s favourite dishes? I was the one that arranged everything".


    Xuanyi paused as her cheeks brightened up, she tried to cheer the Empress up but failed miserably. She felt embarrassed and truly saddened because of the hurt she heard in the Empress''s voice. Although she couldn''t say it out loud for fear of harsh punishment, Xuanyi couldn''t help but think, ''it is a pity, his highness for all his year on the throne was neither a good Ruler nor a good father. My young miss would have been happier with someone else than this man''.


    Empress Lu as if reading Xuanyi''s thoughts said, "I hope my bad luck in marriage would somehow shield my children from any love trials. Although it wasn''t sunny I cannot regret it when I got four beautiful children out of this sham of a marriage", she pursed her lips as she remembered her conversation with the Emperor. Whenever they met she was shown one more reason why she and the Emperor were not suited for marriage. Her eyes fell on the painting hanging on the wall opposite the bathtub, it was painted by the Crown Prince a few months earlier, "Ling''er has not had an easy few months, speaking with him privately today is a good idea. Call him over once he arrives at the palace"


    "Yes, your highness".


    .***********


    Hours later, the hall of Splendour.


    The hall of splendour was a small hall located at the heart of the inner Palace behind the Emperor''s palace where banquets and family dinners for the members of the imperial haram and the royal offsprings were held. There were a lot of rules that regulated the members of the Imperial family, rules that Su Liya was forced to learn those few days she prepared for marriage. She hasn''t had much use of the knowledge until now as she was stuck in what she had come to understand as the world''s most awkward family dinners.


    She as per normal arrangement in any dinner formal or informal shared a table with Lu Yaozhu but for some strange reason, their table was set opposite the Crown Prince''s table. Lu Yaozhu was as shocked as she was at the arrangement but wisely kept silent to avoid falling into a trap. Although the proper seating arrangement was observed, they were still placed in a noticeably good position considering the Emperor''s undiagnosed dislike for Lu Yaozhu and the Lu family in general.


    Su Liya felt on edge as they waited for the Emperor and Empress to arrive as she expected a servant to sent them back but that was the only unoccupied table at this end. It didn''t seem like they would be pushed back. However, as the tables were gradually occupied, it became obvious that they were the only other guests present apart from the Royal Princes and Princesses. A few could argue that since she was the Empress''s adopted daughter she was also a member of the total family.


    The other guests although surprised at their presence kept silent and instead muttered between themselves however the fifth prince questioned their presence as soon as he was seated.


    The Fifth Prince Zhongshan Zuo wasn''t one to shy away from airing his view and like most members of the royal family, he saw Lu Yaozhu as an uncultured barbarian who did not deserve to be invited to certain events. He usually made snide comments to Lu Yaozhu whenever they met out of jealousy.. The Emperor''s absence gave him the best opportunity to attack Lu Yaozhu mercilessly.

 Chapter 227 - Borrowing A Hand To Hurt Your Enemy 1

    The Imperial Palace, the hall of splendour.


    Everyone was seated when Zhongshan Zuo arrived just like he liked it, he wasn''t the most favoured prince but then apart from the dead sixth prince who was. The sixth prince''s death was just the opportunity Zhongshan Zuo needed to step out of the shadows into the light. Zhongshan Zuo has never felt happier than he had these past few months. He grinned as he walked through the line of bowing servants in arriving at the hall of splendour.


    His mood soured as he walked to his seat, his smile fell on making eye contact with Lu Yaozhu. The sight of an improvised prince like Lu Yaozhu seating among the real dragons and Phoenix left a bitter taste in his mind. He hissed silently as he walked around the table and took a seat.


    During family dinners like this, Zhongshan Zuo usually targeted the Crown Prince but given the fact that his most preferred target was present. He ignored the other princes, only exchanging formal greetings with the Crown Prince, he responded half-heartedly to the greetings from the other princes. Once he was settled, he dived in for the kill. His gaze fell on Lu Yaozhu''s table with his eyes lingering on the beautiful woman seated next to him.


    His lips twitched as he remembered the colourful details written in the report his men had submitted about this beautiful woman. He suddenly felt like fate had intervened by putting Lu Yaozhu in his place. He was happy that all the intelligence in the world couldn''t keep Lu Yaozhu from falling for a gold digger''s tricks. The fifth Princess consort glared at Su Liya as she noticed her husband''s gaze going to the Su Liya a few times. However, her husband''s next words stilled her suspicion.


    "Brother Yaozhu is also here, I didn''t expect to run into you here and with your wife no less. You must have metal hard skin joining the family dinner like this given your Past", he said with a wide smile.


    Lu Yaozhu glanced at the young prince seated at a table ahead of the Crown Prince. He ignored the insult hidden in the younger man''s words and lips tugged up he replied respectively, "His majesty requested my presence, how could I dismiss an official invitation like that".


    "An official invitation", Zhongshan Zuo glanced around and caught the eye of the Eunuch Chen who was the official steward that managed the affairs of the Emperor''s social events. He was shocked to receive a nod from Eunuch Chen and even after receiving the nod he still glanced at his mother Imperial concubine Sheng to verify if that was true.


    "Imperial Father invited you? He must have his reasons to invite you or maybe he wants to reward you for cleaning up the mess with the Ning family" at the mention of the Ning family everyone unanimously glanced at the Crown Prince. The Ning family''s matters were considered a sore subject for Zhongshan Ling who had taken a huge hit to his reputation following the accusations of foul play.


    Zhongshan Zuo grinned as his elder brother''s expression stiffened at the mention of the Ning family. He was happy to receive the desired response from his brother, he rubbed his nose gently and sat forward. Watching his brother''s expression closely, "Brother Ling and Yaozhu bond are very strong, it is expected since you two grew up together. What a good dog you raised brother Ling, I thought that dogs don''t bite their owners yet Yaozhu did exactly that and some more".


    Zhongshan Ling maintained a soft small, only his clenched fist betrayed his true feelings. "Yaozhu is a hard-working official for Imperial father and Northern Wei. A Good official works for his majesty and the people of Northern Wei without considering personal relationships, brother Zuo as a royal offspring should understand that best. That my dear brother us what makes one a good official".


    Zhongshan Zuo''s expression darkened as he glared at Zhongshan Ling, however before he could reply the Eunuch at the door announced that the Emperor and Empress had arrived. Everyone stood and bowed as Emperor Zhong and Empress Lu walked to their throne.


    "Long Live the Emperor and Empress", Everyone chorused loudly.


    "Please rise", Emperor Zhong said. On the Emperor''s order, Everyone stood and returned to their seat. A few minutes after he was seated, Emperor Zhong instructed the servants to start to serve the dishes. The kitchen maids came forward with different dishes and distributed them around. Zhongshan Ling frowned as two vegetable dishes, soup, a bowl of rice and a simple meat dish were placed on the table. He opened his mouth to complain but was held back by his wife who shook her head. She gestured to the Emperor who silently scanned the room and moving closer said, "your highness, please don''t forget his majesty situation last night".


    Zhongshan Zuo''s eyes widened and he nodded, he faced forward and picked up the chopsticks beside the bowl. From the side of his eyes, he could see his brother luck up their chopsticks silently, he gritted his teeth and took a bit of his food. Although he preferred a richer food menu he ate silently and avoided drawing attention to himself. However, at the end of the meal, he once stock his head forward as he observed that the Emperor had let down his guard.


    Zhongshan Zuo stood, "this prince thanks father Emperor for inviting us to dinner".


    Emperor Zhong smiled but his gaze kept moving to Lu Yaozhu, he wanted to check how Lu Yaozhu reacted to the dishes. He heard from Eunuch Caihong that a majority of the dishes on the menu were all Lu Yaozhu''s favourite. He hoped that Lu Yaozhu would be pleased but when he failed to get any reaction from Lu Yaozhu that would show how he felt but as usual he got no reaction. The smile on Emperor Zhong''s face fell and he looked away angrily.


    The Emperor''s action was clear to Zhongshan Zuo who was watching him closely, he had been looking for an opportunity to get on his majesty''s good graces.


    Zhongshan Zuo glanced at Lu Yaozhu and smirked, "Father Emperor is always above board in everything, as opposed to most people. Don''t you agree Yaozhu?"


    Lu Yaozhu smiled as he set down his teacup and glanced at the proud smile on Zhongshan Zuo''s face. There were very few people that he considered competitors but Zhongshan Zuo wasn''t one of them. Lu Yaozhu and Zhongshan Zuo were always at odds growing up which never changed even after they were adults. Instead, the animosity worsened since Lu Yaozhu and Zhongshan Zuo were always on opposite sides.


    "No one can compare to his Majesty", he replied smiling softly and Emperor Zhong continued, "it is an honour to work under his Majesty".


    Emperor Zhong''s mood lifted as Lu Yaozhu smiled at him, "don''t be so modest, Yaozhu. You are a most valuable talent to me, talents like you are necessary for a smooth-running nation". His gaze fell on Zhongshan Ling, "I feel at ease whenever I remember that you are here to assist the Crown Prince".


    Zhongshan Ling brought down his hand to rest on his laps and clenched his fist tightly. He did not like how close the Emperor seemed with Lu Yaozhu, judging by the looks shared between just Brothers. He was not the only one that found it odd, Zhongshan Ling quickly marked his anger.


    "It is my duty to server his majesty".


    After conversing for some time, Emperor Zhong left with the Empress.

 Chapter 228 - Borrowing A Hand To Hurt Your Enemy 2

    The Emperor''s palace.


    Emperor Zhong and Empress Lu left the hall of splendour together but separated as they got to the Emperor''s palace. Once they were out of sight from the guests, Empress Lu left with her servants after giving the Emperor a deep bow. Emperor Zhong stood in front of his palace entrance as he watched his wife leave without looking back. There was a slight tug on his heart to follow her but he looked away determined to respect her wishes for once and let her be.


    He glanced at the elderly EU much that had accompanied him since birth and sighed. "Caihong, call Yaozhu over before he leaves."


    "Yes", Caihong bowed as he walked away. Emperor Zhong watched him go out of sight before continuing forward. He instructed his two Junior eunuch to help him undress as he walked into his bedroom.


    Emperor Zhong stood still, hands stretched out as two junior Eunuchs helped him change out of his ceremonial clothes to more casual clothes. After folding the clothes the eunuchs placed them on the changing trays and carried them out to get washed. Emperor Zhong shook the wide sleeve of his tunic as he walked to the padded couch. He leaned back on the seat eyes shut quietly waiting for the maids and eunuchs present in the room to leave.


    The servants saluted Eunuch Caihong as he rushed into the Emperor''s room, his green uniform stuck to his back, wet with sweat as he rushed in. The sound of hurried footsteps alerted Emperor Zhong of his return, however, the Emperor kept still. He made no move to acknowledge the older man''s presence, Eunuch Caihong kept quiet and waited patiently for the Emperor to respond.


    Finally, seconds later Emperor Zhong opened his eyes, he gazed up to the wooden roof frame


    "The dinner went smoothly, it was a good idea roping her highness in on the plan", his head turned to the side and looking straight at the older male in green Eunuch uniform. He said, "how come Yaozhu is not here yet, didn''t I send you to get him?"


    Eunuch Caihong walked closer, "Prince Wu had already left when I got to the hall, Your majesty. According to Eunuch Chen, his highness was called back home by Madam Lu. The Young Duchess went into labour prematurely and Duke Wu was out on a business trip. His highness left to take charge of the necessary arrangement in his brother''s absence".


    Emperor Zhong clenched his fist and punched the pillow beside him, "His Brother''s absence? It is not like they are brothers, Yaozhu is my son. A royal prince, why does he have to subjugate himself to that bunch? Get him here immediately!"


    "Please calm down, Your majesty. There is no doubt that His highness is the deceased Crown Prince, however, you must remember that he is registered under the Lu Family''s records. Her grace pregnancy hasn''t been easy, she has been bedridden for the last few weeks. This is not something that could be ignored, he had to do his part for the Lu Family. I fear that if his Majesty insists on calling him over, it might cause some friction between not just your Majesty and the Lu family but also Prince Wu and your Majesty", Eunuch Caihong said.


    Emperor Zhong''s angry expression fell on hearing that, " we can not have that," Emperor Zhong muttered, "let him be, there will be other opportunities to bond with Yaozhu".


    Unbeknownst to Emperor Zhong and Eunuch Caihong, outside the Emperor''s palace by the window opened ajar at the side stood Zhongshan Ling. Hidden behind the purple wide sleeve of his purple and gold coloured ceremonial uniform, Zhongshan Ling clenched his fist tightly until it drew blood. He had followed his father as he left the banquet hall, hoping to speak with him for a few minutes before he left the palace. Zhongshan Ling followed his father intending to find out how the Emperor faired after fainting the day before but his good intention was insulted as he overheard the conversation between the Emperor and Eunuch Caihong.


    He suddenly felt foolish, Zhongshan Ling frowned and turned around to leave but came face to face with his younger brother Zhongshan Zuo. Based on the bitter expression on his brother''s face, he was not the only one the eavesdropped on the Emperor''s conversation. Zhongshan Zuo looked like he wanted to kill someone, his eyes narrowed as he met Zhongshan Ling''s calm expression. "You_," Zhongshan Zuo said but was cut short by Zhongshan Ling''s quick response


    "If you know what is good for you, you would keeper your mouth shut except you would like to explain to father Emperor why you are standing out here in the dark", Zhongshan Ling glared at his brother and wheeled himself away. Zhongshan Zuo stood for some seconds out open, his mind working quickly to process what he had overheard. He shut his mouth a second later and rushed after his elder brother.


    He finally caught up to Zhongshan Ling a short distance away at the small artificial lake near the Imperial Library. He pushed Fu Hong aside, placed his hand on the back handle of Zhongshan Ling''s wheelchair to stop his move movement.


    " who dare_?" Zhongshan Ling glanced over his shoulders. He hissed when he saw who it was, Fu Hong quickly pulled out his sword and placed it in Zhongshan Zuo''s jugular.


    "Wait, not so quick! I just want to have a word with you, brother Ling!" Zhongshan Zuo cried out hands raised.


    Zhongshan Ling glared at Zhongshan Zuo and nodded, "let him go".


    Fu Hong nodded and put his sword away, he bowed hands held up, "my apologies, your highness".


    "This way", Zhongshan Ling said, placing his hands on the wheels at the side of his seat and pushing his seat out of the stone pathway and into the garden. Zhongshan Zuo followed him inside while their guards stood out to keep watch. Zhongshan Ling stopped and looked up, "what is it!"


    Zhongshan Zuo ran his hands through his hair quickly, "What was that at Imperial fathers study, is it true.... That is Yaozhu" he shook his head, "no no no, that can''t be true_" he stopped on seeing Zhongshan Ling''s unchanged expression.


    "Father Emperor must have his reasons for keeping this hidden, I suggest you act like you heard nothing and don''t get any bad thoughts. Yaozhu is registered under the Lu family''s record, he cannot lay any claim on the throne. He is not a threat, don''t do anything stupid. If there is nothing else, It is late. I must be on my way" Zhongshan Ling pushed the wheelchair towards the entrance and left with his guard. Some minutes later, his lips tugged up into a smirk.


    "Keeping fools like Zuo is a necessary evil since they make the best weapons", he thought as he got into his carriage and leaned back on the seat.

 Chapter 229 - The Lu Families Heir Is Born

    The Dukes mansion


    Throughout the carriage ride from the palace to the Duke''s mansion, Su Liya could barely seat still. Her foot shook quickly loud enough to draw attention to her. Lu Yaozhu glanced at her foot and grabbed her hand silently, he tightened and loosened his hold on her hands to calm her but that only lasted the few seconds it took her to glance at him seated next to her on the cushioned seat.


    He smiled softly and squeezed her hands gently, "the imperial physician has been invited, there won''t be any mistakes".


    She signed and nodded "okay, you are right. I should try to have hope I guess but I keep getting worried especially since the child came early. The mortality rate of women and children during childbirth is higher at premature birth and given the present development health practices of this time... No Fengyin won''t face any difficulties".


    Lu Yaozhu held her chin up, "don''t worry my love, mother and Yingjie already arranged for sister-in-law to receive the best care possible. She is in safe hands".


    She glanced at his calm expression and smiled, nodding silently she leaned back on the back of the seat. Lu Yaozhu leaned closer, gave her a peck on the cheek, and sat straight. Minutes later the carriage arrived at the mansion gate, Su Liya rushed out of the carriage as the moving half step was set. She jumped down from the carriage and rushed to Zhu Fengyin''s courtyard, turning a deaf ear to the greetings from Duke Wu mansion servants she met as she rushed in. Su Liya stepped aside for two maids who hurried out the door carrying a full basin of bloodied water at the entrance of the courtyard.


    Everyone ran around to ensure that the labor went safely, She ran up the stairs leading to the balcony, pushed the door open, walked in, and shut the door behind her. She ignored the greeting from the maids and ran towards the bedroom, Madam Lu sat straight and glanced backward at the bedroom door as she heard the hurried footstep.


    "Liya", her brows furrowed as her gaze fell on Su Liya''s sweaty face. "You should be careful, why run. Fengyin just went into labor a short time ago, it will take some time before the baby is out", she said to the maid standing by the wall, "get a seat for the Princess consort".


    Seconds later a comfortable cushioned seat was placed next to Madam Lu''s seat. A maid reported to madam Lu that Lu Yaozhu was standing in front of the Pavillion. Madam Lu stood and walked outside to meet Lu Yaozhu while Su Liya stood guard outside the bedroom door. Lu Yaozhu didn''t waste any time, he reported the result of his arrangements to his mother. They conversed for some minutes before he left and Madam Lu went inside the room.


    Hours later, the sound of a loud cry was heard from the bedroom, Su Liya and madam Lu stood and looked at the bedroom door expectantly. Minutes later, the door was posted open and the midwife walked out with a baby swaddled in blankets. "Congratulations Madam, it is a boy", she carefully handed the baby to Madam Lu.


    Su Liya moved closer to her mother-in-law who gazed lovingly at the baby in her hands. Su Liya''s heart sorted at the sight of the baby''s wrinkled Little face. The baby was just born at didn''t open his eyes fully, "he is so beautiful, congratulations mother".


    Madam Lu smiled at her and brought the child closer to Su Liya, "he looks quite healthy, one could hardly tell he was for weeks earlier. Do you want to carry him?"


    "No no, not yet. He looks so delicate, I don''t want to hurt him" she touched his cheeks softly, "I will go check on Fengyin".


    "Okay, Fengyin did well. You go first, you must have a lot to catch up on. Giving birth is very stressful, she should rest, I will visit her after her nap" Madam Lu said holding the baby close to her chest.


    Su Liya glanced at the baby, "but the baby.... Won''t it be hungry".


    "Don''t worry, I will take care of him. It takes a while for the mother''s breastmilk to flow, Yaozhu already called in the wet nurses, I will get him fed and asleep while Fengyin sleeps".


    "Alright but if you need any help let me know"


    "I will... Oh and Liya. Thank her for me"


    "Yes, mother".


    Su Liya opened the room door a little and walked in, the maids already cleaned Zhu Fengyin up and dressed her in a loose gown. The bed was cleaned up and set so Zhu Fengyin was helped gently up the bed. They went about cleaning the room and setting up a heater close to the bed as Su Liya walked in. Zhu Fengyin lay by her side while covered in layers of blankers, she was too tired and could barely raise her legs without missing in pain. She smiled as Su Liya walked closer, flexing her fingers gently.


    The maids quickly packed up and left, closing the door behind them as they left. The midwife before leaving had given them strict instructions to let the young madam rest.


    Su Liya rushed to the side of the bed and sat at the edge of the bed, she grabbed Zhu Fengyin''s hands and squeezed gently. "I just saw your son Yin''er, you did well. He is beautiful, he looks a little like you but most of his features are similar to his father''s".


    "Thank you", she whispered, smiling softly. She glanced at Su Liya''s ceremonial silver threaded Phoenix gown, "you did not get changed, I hope I didn''t interrupt?"


    "You didn''t, we were already done with the dinner when we were called over. Even if you interrupted, I don''t mind. You are family, no one else matters when it comes to family."


    "Even the Emperor?"


    She scoffed, "especially the Emperor, who cares about that paranoid old man. I was begging for someone to save me from that horrid dinner, you are lucky you weren''t invited or you might go into labor earlier due to anger".


    "That bad?"


    "You have no idea, it must have been painful".


    "Yes but that doesn''t matter because the pain was worth it, Yingjie would be beyond the moon. Although I don''t know how he will feel when he finds out it wasn''t a daughter. He kept calling the baby Yin Yin, so silly".


    Su Liya chuckled, " Yin Yin? Really? He better not let mother hear that, she was so happy that the Ku family now has an heir".


    "I am glad that she is happy", she yawned.


    "You must be exhausted, I will let you rest".

 Chapter 230 - The Die Is Set 1

    The next morning at the Crown Prince''s mansion


    Chen Yao sneered at the eunuch standing guard at the Entrance to Zhu Fenfang''s courtyard. Liang walked forward and raising her head proudly at the Eunuch said, "Don''t you know who my mistress is how dare you to stop her from going in? She is his highness favoured concubine, do you lack respect? Let her in, she is here with the breakfast she specially made for his Highness! Who would be held responsible if his highness misses his breakfast because of your stupidity".


    The Eunuch glanced down his nose at then and snorted, "what favoured concubine? Do you not know the rules, how date you a mere concubine age into a senior imperial concubine''s waiters? This residence has rules that have been held up for year''s how can a newly acquired concubine challenge a system as old as the establishment of Northern Wei" he turned to Chen Yao and with mocking tones said,


    "Madam, his business got back from the banquet late. Even Eunuch Lan is cautious please don''t make things difficult for me. His highness breakfast is always prepared by the chef, no need to worry yourself. Please go back to your quarters and wait for his highness to call on you"


    Chen Yao''s hand holding the tray up tightened but she maintained a serene smile, she had no intention of making g her pain show. She glared at the launch once more before turning around and leaving. The Eunuch''s lips tugged up as she left, he walked back into the compound and shut the door.


    Chen Yao left angrily, she quick three the tray of food to Liang once they were out of sight. She had made a lot of noise as she left for Zhu Fenfang''s courtyard with the food which attracted a lot of attention from the servants. Her Embarrassment was twofold as she made the short trip back, there were loud whispers among the servants after she left.


    By the time she arrived at her compound, the Jews had spread and she became the laughingstock of the entire residence. The servant''s impression of her immediately declined, although they never poked fun at her to her face. The servant still made things a little difficult for her in secret. Chen Yao who. Had assumed that the world receives preferential treatment because of her close ties to the Tong family quickly learned that she could never compare to the child of a favoured first rank minister like Zhu Fenfang.


    Back at Zhu Fenfang''s courtyard, Eunuch Lan the long time personal eunuch that has served the Crown Prince since birth stood by the balcony looking towards the entrance of the company. He tiptoed to the door and listened in to check if the noise from the gate interrupted the Crown Prince''s sleep. Luckily it didn''t, he let go of the breath he unknowingly held and walked back to the balcony.


    The Crown Prince stayed out in his study till late almost daylight, it was understandable if he slept in, he didn''t want to wake the crown Prince. The little third-ranked eunuch who attended to Chen Yao at the gate rushed to Eunuch Lan''s side, "teacher Lan, can rest assured now. I just sent Madam Chen away, she initially wanted to cause a scene but I was smart and settle everything".


    Eunuch Lan nodded, "you did well, although his Highness didn''t say it plainly. He had hunted to me a few times that he did like that concubine and based on the stunt she just pull today, she lacks the elegance needed to stand next to his highness. Her shamelessly trying badge into a senior concubine''s courtyard was eye-opening. People like her should be put in their place_" he was cut shut as one of his disciples Eunuch Xiaoyi ran into the compound and rushed to him.


    His brow furrowed as the younger eunuch got closer, "what is it, Xiaoyi". His disciples bowed and held out a written letter to him, "Master, Xiaobao sent this down from the palace", he glanced at the closed door leading into the pavilion as he continued, "it is very urgent, his highness must read this".


    Eunuch Lan, took the letter from him, "urgent..... This is a serious" he glanced at the door and them to the two eunuchs standing by his side he said, "get some water heated and form the kitchen to get a light breakfast delivered. Oh and Xiaoyi go heat a hangover soup for his highness. Make haste we don''t have much time. One more thing Xiaoyi, inform the maids to get his fitness grooming things and official uniform ready".


    "Yes, master" both Junior eunuchs chorused and hurried away.


    Eunuch Lan walked closer to the door and knocked gently, on the other side of the door Zhongshan held Zhu Fenfang closely, his hands resting on her thigh as she sat astride. She bent over him and kissed him softly, his hands crept up her thigh to rest on her butt as he deepened the kiss. The knock didn''t register in his head until he face little butterfly kisses from her chin down to her neck. He pulled away and glanced at the doors as he heard a loud knock. Through the paper frames of the door, a bent shadow of a slightly plum male could be seen.


    "Who is it!" He spat out harshly, irritated that his fun was interrupted.


    "Pardon my interrupt, your highness. It is A''Lan, I have urgent news" Eunuch Lan replied softly.


    Zhongshan Ling pushed Zhu Fenfang who currently sat astride seductively to the side and felt around the head of the bed for his walking stick. He had completely forgotten that he was restless, Zhu Fenfang pushed the shirt off his silk undergarments off his shouldn''t seconds earlier. The sudden chill breeze on his naked chest alerted him of his current state of undress. He glanced down at his milk coloured chest and pursed his lips. Zhu Fenfang noticing his little actions smiled and picked up his shirt.


    "Here you go, your highness", she said in a soft voice as she draped the shirt on his shoulders.


    Zhongshan Ling put his hand into the sleeves of the shirt and holding his walking stick pushed himself up from the bed. He hissed as he felt a slight pain in his legs, he stood and flexed the muscles of his good leg to allow the flow of blood to kickstart before stepping forward. "come in", she said loudly as he walked out of the bed to the cushions seat by the tea-table.


    Eunuch Lan was a seasoned servant, he took his time before going it. He stood in front of Zhongshan Ling and bowed, "good day, Your Highness", said backing Zhu Fenfang''s bed-chamber.


    "No need to be so formal, you have urgent news".


    "Yes, Your Highness. However..." He glanced skillfully at the bed-chamber.


    Zhongshan Ling nodded, "help me get dressed".


    Forty minutes later, after freshening up and eating breakfast, Zhongshan Ling left for his study. Zhu Fenfeng escorted him to the entrance of her compound.. She waited by the gates until he was out of sight before walking back to her room.

 Chapter 231 - The Die Is Set 2

    The Crown Prince mansion, Zhu Fenfang''s courtyard.


    Zhu Fenfang returned to her room once Zhongshan Ling was out of sight, she walked slowly. Measuring her steps to avoid hitting her sour areas, Zhongshan Ling had been quite worked up of late and whenever he spent the night he took his feelings out on her. They had rolled around the sheet so many times last night, it would have been the case this morning if the Crown Prince wasn''t called away by Eunuch Lan.


    Zhu Fenfang yawned as she walked to the recliner at the side of her bedroom. She stretched and sat on the recliner, it was quite comfortable with soft cushions that would cause her any more aches.


    "Xiao Chu", she called as she leaned back on the recliner. She lay down on her side and shut her eyes, breathing in gently. Xiao Chu rushed forward and massaged her shoulders, "Madam mist be tired, although I was outside the hallway with the servants, it was obvious that things were very heated between you and his highness".


    Zhu Fenfang''s cheeks heated upon hearing that, her lips tugged up gently. "So you heard everything, his highness was relentless last night. I can only imagine how loud we were and you were with the servants how embarrassing. The gossip today must be explosive".


    "Don''t worry your highness, I monitored the talk from the servants. It would be a problem, if anything it did quite the opposite".


    Zhu Fenfang rose her eyelids, "the opposite?"


    "Yes, my lady, by daybreak the message spread around. I heard that the new concubine, Madam Chen caused quite a scene in her room and our gates. She must have wanted to prove a point because she came charging in under the pretence of delivering a personally cooked breakfast his Highness. She made a lot of noise but was embarrassed in the end, she didn''t even pass the threshold before being sent away by one of his highness junior eunuchs"


    ''Ha Ha Ha'', Zhu Fenfang sat up and leaned forward as she burst into laughter. "Shameless! That should put her in her place. I guess she thought she had a place in his high heart because she was his cousin. Her childish mechanisms can never compare to mine, without any tricks left. I guess that she might result in the trucks she used to get married into the royal family. Keep an eye on her, Xiao Chu I must know what she plans even before it is executed"


    "Yes, Mistress", Xiao chu who had taken a step back and stood hands raised as Zhu Fenfang sat up.


    "Good, I would like to waste an opportunity to permanently get rid of Chen Yao. I guess that she is yet to figure out the game I played by gifting her such a valuable art piece. A shortsighted woman like her lacked to discerning ability to see a none over the top actions", she smirked, " I don''t know why I over-reacted when she joined the side hall. I guess I can call that a moment madness".


    Zhu Fenfang leaned back on the chair, her mood lifted while Xiao Chu gently unknitted her shoulders. The arrival of one of her many informants at the mansion, a junior maid stationed at the main court brought the satisfactory massage to a halt. The maid''s arrival was announced by a second rank inner room maid, Zhu Fenfang and Xiao Chu exchanged a surprised expression at their new guest.


    For the past few months, the Crown Princess consort has been quiet. The sudden visit by the maid piqued her interest, Zhu Fenfang gestured silently for Xiao Chu to go check it out. She leaned back, shifting her body to a more comfortable position as she gazes at the door. Seconds later, when there was no sight of Xiao Chu, She sat up and raised her head trying to get sight of Xiao Chu but there was no one in sight. She sighed and leaned back on the seat, tapping her finger on the wooden hands of the recliner.


    Her fidgeting stopped at Xiao Chu walked into the room, she sat forward, "Xiao Chu, why did that maid come over? The Princess consort has been calm for the past few months, what brought that girl running over. It cannot be that she is up to something?"


    "Please rest easy, your highness. This time the news is not about her highness but our Eldest Young miss".


    "it is about, Zhu Fengyin jei-jei?"


    Xiao Chu Nodded, "Yes Mistress".


    Zhu Fenfang snorted and leaned back, "what about that snub is worth repeating apart from her early demise". She Frowned, picking up a few strands of her hair and rubbing it through her fingers, "it is not like the universe has been merciful to get rid of her. That low-class slut, Su Liya is now a Princess consort, like that wasn''t bad enough Zhu Fengyin is expecting a child" her face brightened as she continued, "don''t tell me that she was here to report that Zhu Fengyin does a gruesome death during childbirth now that is a piece of news that would make my day. As much as I want her dead, I would prefer to have my revenge on Zhu Fengyin and Su Liya. His Majesty''s health is declining, it is only a matter of time before she dies and his highness takes over then I will make them pay".


    Xiao Chu sighed, biting her lips gently. She knew how badly her Mistress took any positive news concerning Zhu Fengyin but a piece of news as big as this could not be ignored with consequences. When there was no further word from her maid, Zhu Fenfang turned to the maid standing beside her. The pained expression on her face was all the forbearance she needed, "what is it?" She asked scowling at the quiet maid.


    "My lady, the maid came over to report that news was delivered early this morning from Duke of Wu mansion that the Duchess delivered a baby boy last night."


    Zhu Fenfang slapped her hand on the couch, eyes narrowed, "What horrible luck! Why did she have to give birth to a male child, now she has a solid footing in the Lu Family".


    "My lady, a lot of madams have sent gifts in congratulations to the Duke mansion. We can not delay or there will be talk".


    "Who Cares what they think! Why do I always have to bow to her? Why! Why!" She kicked her leg angrily.


    "Be careful my lady, since his toughness is already aware. It is only a matter of time before she comes over, what if she hears you!"


    Breathing heavily, Zhu Fenfang stood and walked to the window. There was reason in Xiao Chu''s words so Zhu Fenfang calmed her anger, minutes later she said, "I cannot look any cheap, pick out some of the best gifts from my storeroom and send it over. It should not be over the top, just standard gifts".


    "Yes madam".


    A few hours later Zhu Fenfang''s gifts were delivered to the Duke''s mansion.

 Chapter 232 - The Die Is Set 3

    The Crown Prince mansion, the Crown Prince''s study.


    Zhongshan Ling dismissed the inner room makes cleaning the study on arrival, to ensure that there were no ease droppers. He wheeled himself to the other side of the reading table, the cluster of empty wine jars and cups had already been removed apart from the faint smell of alcohol that hinted to his late-night drinking everything else were in order. The official reports were piled up and arranged on one side of the table while on the opposite end was the inkstone, ink, brush and paper.


    He glanced down at the flower kept by the table and frowned, "was a new maid posted here?"


    "New maid..." Eunuch Lan glanced at the flower vase, "my apologies, your highness. I will make sure to educate the new maids. It won''t happen again". Eunuch Lan quickly picked up the flower vase and kept it by the window before returning to stand by the Crown Prince''s table.


    Zhongshan Ling picked up the report at the top of the pile on one end of the table and opened it up. " why were you in such a hurry this morning?"


    "Ah yes, it is about the instructions you gave me yesterday. I looked into the Emperor''s recent activities leading to the night he fainted, he paid a visit to the Examination council. One of the clerks at the council that night reported that the Emperor read through third Young master Lu''s answer sheet".


    Zhongshan Ling dropped the report in her hands on the table, " father Emperor reading an answer sheet for a top scholar like Lu Ying is not strange, it is no secret that Imperial father has singled him out for the past six years".


    "Your highness is right but this time he didn''t have his essay cancelled as usual but instead instructed the chief examiner to give him the full marks".


    "What?" Zhongshan Ling leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table. "Has the Imperial examination results been compiled?"


    "Yes, your highness, my subordinate intercepted it before it left his Majesty''s office. This was the note that was sent over" Eunuch Lan took the letter out of his sleeve and handed it to the Crown Prince.


    Zhongshan Ling unfolded the letter and read through it, seconds later is squeezed the paper into a ball and threw it into the fire. "Lu Yaozhu! Why does he keep testing me!"


    "Your Highness, Xiaobao sent word that his Majesty called the head of Ministry of rites over at daybreak. They spoke privately for an hour before Minister An left but right after the meeting, Prince Wu was called into the Palace."


    "Why is he making all these major moves, is his health in decline. A''Lan get our man at the Ministry of Health to look into his Majesty''s medical records, I want to know the Emperor''s condition".


    "Yes. Em, your highness about the Fifth Prince. He has is men looking into Prince Wu''s issues".


    Zhongshan Ling smirked, "A mad dog can bite even its master, he is reacting exactly as I expected. People like Zuo are the easiest to manipulate, everyone has been watching me since Lu Yaozhu''s promotion. They are expecting me to make a move against him but I don''t intend to make such an obvious move that would put me in a bad light instead I will leave that to Zuo.


    Disclose the Emperor''s activities this morning to his end, he will take care of the rest".


    Eunuch Lan replied with a smile, " Yes, your highness"


    ************


    Two days later the result of the Imperial Examination was released, the list of the successful candidates was written in order of rank and posted on the notice board at the Imperial College. Noble families whose sons took part in the examination send their servants to check the result. The Imperial Examination for the first time in a few years left everyone shocked, after writing the exam for six years Lu Ying''s name made it to the top of the list as the highest-ranking candidate.


    His name was number one, Madam Lu lost her footing as the news was delivered by the steward. She sent her lady''s maid to check the results once more before she finally accepted the news. A lot of families sent over gifts and congratulatory messages to the Duke''s mansion. The top three schoolers in the Imperial examination always received special appointments and lucrative positions from the Emperor. To rank among the top three meant that your political career was set so most noble families tried to curry favours from the candidates.


    Two days later Lu Ying and the two other top scholars went into court to greet the Emperor and the ministers. It was an elaborate event and in the end, the Emperor''s decree announcing the appointment of each scholar was read in front of the entire court. Everyone looked forward to that last stage of the event, there was a lot of speculation on the Emperor''s appointment this year. There were so many ongoing bets in all the major gambling dens since the result was posted on the position that would be appointed to each candidate.


    Many rumoured that since the Lu family were now being favoured and since the third young master of the Lu family, Lu Ying ranked first his majesty would appoint him to a lucrative office. Since Lu Ying''s strong suit, unlike his brothers that were both civil and military officials leaned more to the civil side of things. It was predicted that height is sent to the ministry of finance but his appointment as a Vice-minister of reform shocked everyone most, especially Zhongshan Zuo.


    This appointment would put the Lu family in charge of three of the four lucrative offices. His Imperial father''s statement that night immediately replayed in Zhongshan Zuo''s head. As soon as he returned to his mansions called for a meeting of all his advisers.


    Zhongshan Zuo had his men keep an eye on his father and Lu Yaozhu and for the past few days, the two had interacted regularly. Their sudden closeness left him on edge but it was Lu Ying''s appointment that pushed him over the edge.


    After weeks of looking for loopholes in Lu Yaozhu''s office, an opportunity presented itself in the form of the investigation into the death of the head of the Examination councils who was found dead at a tea house days after a petition accusing the examination council of rigging the examination to favour the children of noble families over the commoners that took place in the examination.. The petition was submitted by the Head of the Examination councils, Councillor Zhang.