Princess Ningde harbored an inexplicable sense of foreboding. She felt things were not as simple as they seemed. Zhan Tianye's silence and his allowance of the rumors hinted at something unusual. Yet, they could not fathom why Zhan Tianye remained as steady as a mountain. She pondered, guessing one reason: Zhan Tianye neither wanted to be the Night King of Dongning nor the Prince Jin of Xixia, preferring to relinquish everything and become a commoner just to be with Yun Shu. When a man can abandon power, it signifies he no longer cares.
The Emperor glanced at Princess Ningde, discerning her thoughts from her expression. He asked coldly, "You believe Prince Jin intends to forsake everything? That he will be neither the Night King nor Prince Jin?"
Princess Ningde bit her lip and nodded. "Yes, I truly believe His Highness Prince Jin has been inactive because he made this decision."
"He intends to destroy the entire Sha Gong. Do you think he is someone who can abandon power? No, he is my son, he carries my blood. He cannot detach himself from power," the Emperor declared passionately.
Princess Ningde stared at the Emperor blankly, unsure of what to say. After speaking, the Emperor also fell silent. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed her. "As long as I am alive, he will not bring that woman Yun Shu into the palace. You will be his only Princess Consort. You may leave."
Princess Ningde opened her mouth, and for a fleeting moment, she almost blurted out that she did not want to marry Zhan Tianye. However, the words turned into a "Yes" before they left her lips, and she retreated from the imperial study.
From leaving the palace to getting into the carriage back to the Prince Pingyang's mansion, Princess Ningde remained dazed. Only upon entering the gates of Prince Pingyang's mansion did her feet feel as if they were made of lead, weighed down by a thousand pounds. She even had a fleeting desire to return to the Emperor. But reason brought her back to her senses.
A servant looked at her with confusion. "Is the Princess feeling unwell? Shall I send someone to help you?" Seeing the servant's concern, Princess Ningde became even more rational. She shook her head. "No need." Then, without further hesitation, she walked in.
...
Three days later. The capital of Xixia was peaceful. Zhan Tianye, under everyone's watchful eyes, remained unfazed. The rumors in the capital had become wild and varied. Everyone knew the true identity of the Night King of Dongning. But they could not understand why, with his true identity revealed, he still did not return to the palace to resume his position as Prince Jin. Amidst these lingering questions, people were shocked by something else: the medical skills of the Night King's consort!
News from the General's mansion reported that the General's wife woke up one morning and suddenly lost her sight. Imperial physicians and renowned doctors in the capital were consulted, but all declared she would remain blind, with no hope for recovery. However, what happened next? The General's wife sought help from the Night King's consort, renowned throughout the land as a divine physician. Her miraculous skills were legendary, and countless people sought her treatment. With effortless grace, she healed the General's wife, restoring her sight in mere moments. Her medical skills were truly divine!
Folk tales spread, suggesting that Prince Jin's reluctance to return to the palace was because of the Night King's consort. Not only did she possess unparalleled beauty, but her mastery of medicine also made her the envy of all women and the desire of every man.
The rumors outside grew with each passing day, giving an impression of impending unrest. It was as if the emperor was not worried, but the eunuchs were. Everyone waited for Zhan Tianye's response, but he remained silent.
Qiu Lu, after gathering intelligence from various sources, approached Zhan Tianye and Yun Shu. He reported all the news from outside, the palace, and other factions. Zhan Tianye's expression was indifferent and detached. After listening, Yun Shu glanced at the sky. "The weather is good today. It's time to settle some minor matters."
Zhan Tianye softly hummed in agreement. "We will enter the palace shortly."
"Alright."
As Yun Shu and Zhan Tianye prepared to go to the palace, those watching their every move were informed. They immediately relayed the news to Li De. Li De was practicing calligraphy, trying to calm his spirit. He had felt a twitching eyelid since morning, as if something significant would happen today. Practicing calligraphy was a method he had found over the past two days. Each stroke helped to calm his restless heart. After filling a page, his mind became tranquil, and his thoughts clearer. It seemed he would soon resolve the issues that had been troubling him! Just as he was about to start another page, he heard a servant's report. He immediately ordered preparations, stating he was going to the palace. He had a premonition that all matters would be settled today!
In no time, Yun Shu and Zhan Tianye were on their way to the imperial palace by carriage. Shortly after they departed, Li De also set off. At the same time, Princess Ningde received the news. She quickly changed her clothes. As she stepped out of her room, Zhen Lin stopped her.
"Ningde, it is best if you do not involve yourself in some matters. There will be turmoil in the palace later. You can avoid this storm," Zhen Lin said gravely.
Princess Ningde replied with some helplessness, "Brother, I thought..."
"These past two days, I have thought a great deal and come to understand some things. Have you considered that the Night King might not be the true Prince Jin you are looking for? I mean, the Emperor's biological son is not the Night King. Have you never considered this, or thought it impossible?" Zhen Lin voiced a seemingly unbelievable conjecture.
Princess Ningde was stunned at first, then gave a wry smile. "Brother, you are overthinking. That is absolutely impossible."
Zhen Lin knew his speculation sounded outlandish, and it was just a sudden thought, but it did not deter him from his immediate priority. "Ningde, do not go to the palace. Feign illness and stay home. It would be beneficial for you."
"Brother, I must go to the palace. I want to witness that person abandon his past and truly become Prince Jin. If the Emperor or General Li troubles him, I, as the future Princess Consort, can help," Princess Ningde said, her lips pressed together tightly.
Zhen Lin sighed and could only move aside. He watched as Princess Ningde hurried away.