Chapter 23: The Princess Must Be Laid to Rest

In the study of the Prince’s residence that night, Mr. Zhang stood with his head bowed, reporting to his master.

"Your Highness, the Princess Consort has been extremely diligent, handling everything personally. Not only did she choose the Lake Island for the birthday banquet, but she also arranged the seating with great care. It truly seems she is set on winning your favor."

Xiao Yuanchi continued writing his letter, his hand not faltering in the slightest. "How has she arranged those young women?"

"Two are to sing, and two are to perform a sword dance. The Princess Consort has placed particular importance on the dancers, visiting them often to supervise. They have been practicing quite arduously."

"In that case, she is indeed paying them more attention than necessary."

Mr. Zhang replied in a low voice, "Indeed."

Xiao Yuanchi’s brush paused. "Old Zhang, why is she being so attentive?"

Mr. Zhang understood the intent behind the question and spoke calmly, "Your Highness, in my view, the Princess Consort is completely unaware of the truth. Her current goal is simply to oppose you."

"To oppose me?" Xiao Yuanchi asked. "Why would she suddenly decide to do that?"

"This..." Mr. Zhang hesitated. There were many reasons, and he was unsure which one Xiao Yuanchi wished to hear. "If I may speak plainly, Your Highness, a woman as infatuated as the Princess Consort would not behave this way if she were playing a game of feigned retreat. Most likely, she has... given up."

A strange silence filled the study. A moment later, Xiao Yuanchi echoed the words, "Given up..." He seemed to smile, though it did not reach his eyes. "If she gave up so easily, it would have saved me a great deal of trouble."

Mr. Zhang’s heart sank, feeling a sense of unease. "Your Highness, forgive me for saying what perhaps I shouldn't, but the Princess Consort has a pure and honest heart. Among the noble ladies of the Eastern Capital, she is truly of the highest character and beauty. She has been single-minded in her devotion to you, and you, too, care for her. Why must it be—"

*Clack!* Xiao Yuanchi set his brush down heavily. "You are right; you should not have said that."

Mr. Zhang trembled and quickly knelt. "I have transgressed!"

"Care for her?" Xiao Yuanchi stood up abruptly. "When did your eyes fail you?"

"Forgive me, Your Highness!"

Xiao Yuanchi’s expression was dark and grim. "See that you do your duty tomorrow, and keep those misguided thoughts to yourself."

...

Meanwhile, in the inner chamber of the West Garden, Lady Gu Xuezhi reclined against the headboard, holding a book.

Han Yan walked in excitedly. "I have just confirmed with Xia Lan that everything is proceeding according to your plan, Lady. Yin Jiaojiao does not have the slightest suspicion."

"Is that so?" Gu Xuezhi kept her eyes on her book. "Ever since she was rescued from the bandit stronghold, her behavior has been strange and her attitude contrary. Does the girl still have no explanation for that?"

"According to observation, it is merely an act of venting—hatred born from love, directed at you and the Prince."

"It is natural for her to hate me, but to hate the Prince? After all she did for him—the reckless things she did, even sneaking off to the battlefield, putting her own life aside—would she really hate him?"

"It is precisely because she tried so hard that she is now desperate and resentful, having realized that what she cannot obtain, she will never obtain," Han Yan laughed. "My Lady, you have always been a winner; you could never understand the mindset of a perpetual loser."

Gu Xuezhi found these words pleasing. She put down her book and said softly, "That makes sense. I truly do not understand why she lacks any self-awareness. The more she does, the more foolish she appears, and Seventh Brother detests fools."

"How could she ever compare to you? She was never liked since childhood; even her father, Prime Minister Yin, couldn't be bothered with her. In the Prime Minister’s estate, she lived worse than a concubine’s daughter. Such a fool, yet she dared to steal a man from you! If not for the stroke of luck that led the Emperor to betroth her to the Prince, she would never have been able to hold a position above you."

Han Yan spoke with such fervor that she accidentally said something she shouldn't have. Gu Xuezhi shrieked, "Hold a position above whom?"

Han Yan shuddered and immediately knelt. "I misspoke!"

Gu Xuezhi scoffed, "The mere title of Princess Qin will be mine sooner or later."

"Exactly! She only holds it temporarily. As long as you desire it, Your Highness will surely give it to you."

Though flattering, these words did not improve Gu Xuezhi’s mood; instead, her expression darkened. She furrowed her delicate brows. "The imperial decree of marriage was suspicious from the start. I have never been able to figure out why Seventh Brother did not refuse it. Was there truly a reason he could not decline?"

Han Yan dared not speak further, only offering, "The Prince is a prince, after all. If the Emperor was insistent, how could he refuse?"

Gu Xuezhi did not seem to be listening. She stared blankly for a moment before saying, "Enough. The matter is settled; I should not fret over it. Besides... Yin Jiaojiao only has until tomorrow."

Han Yan smiled. "It is good that you think that way, my Lady."

...

That night, the East Garden extinguished its lamps early, but Yin Jiaojiao tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Every time she closed her eyes, old memories surfaced, all involving Xiao Yuanchi. Her life before meeting him was a blur, but after meeting him, the pursuit—though filled with setbacks—had been full of anticipation. Xiao Yuanchi was a dream, both unreachable and tangible, stirring up turbulent waves in her stagnant life.

It was better than her life in the Prime Minister's estate.

After their marriage, as the Princess Consort, her life in the Prince’s residence had actually been quite comfortable. Mr. Zhang was steady and experienced, managing the household with strict order. The servants never gossiped in front of her, and her needs were always met. Xiao Yuanchi did not mistreat her; he simply did not love her.

But was not loving her a sin?

Looking at it from another perspective, to love only one's childhood sweetheart from beginning to end was a sign of great loyalty. If she hadn't intervened, perhaps the lovers would have been united. Was she really worthy of death just because they were unwilling to let go and wanted to return the title of Princess Consort to his true love?

Yin Jiaojiao turned over, her thoughts shifting.

*How foolish,* she thought. *Let them return whatever they want, but why must they use my life to do it? Am I not innocent?*

Yin Jiaojiao buried her face in the quilt. "Do not be soft-hearted, Yin Jiaojiao. They are real murderers. He could have chosen to divorce, but he chose to kill. A life must pay for a life!"

Struggling with these chaotic thoughts, she eventually drifted into a fitful sleep. Her dreams were tangled and dark, filled with the sight of the residence draped in white mourning cloth.

Tall white banners fluttered in the main hall, and in the center sat a heavy coffin, with many people kneeling and wailing before it.

Only one man stood facing the coffin, dressed in white hemp mourning clothes. His fists were clenched so tightly that the veins on the back of his hands bulged, as if he were restraining himself.

Even though the dream was blurred and distorted, and she could only see his back, Yin Jiaojiao recognized him instantly: it was Xiao Yuanchi.

Had the Emperor passed away? No, if it were the Emperor, Xiao Yuanchi should be at the palace.

Who was it then?

As she wondered, Mr. Zhang walked in, knelt with a thud, and said in a hoarse voice, "Your Highness, the Princess Consort must be buried!"

Yin Jiaojiao looked toward the coffin, a massive, overwhelming terror filling her heart.

*Is it... me? Have I died again?*

...

Yin Jiaojiao sat up with a start, startling Qiu Ming.

"Princess Consort, are you alright?"

Yin Jiaojiao took a deep breath. It was just a dream. She was still alive. This time, she would not be the one to die.