Concubine of the Eastern Palace (Qing Dynasty Time Travel)

Perhaps because she had already experienced childbirth once, the sudden arrival of her second pregnancy did not leave Cheng Wanyun panicked for long. Although the memory of the pain of giving birth still made her tremble a bit, she wasn’t irrational enough to consider abortion or anything similar.

E Linzhu was already over nine months old, and her body had fully recovered to the point where she could fight freely. Sparring with the crown prince every few days was practically inevitable!

‘Sigh’, but when the crown prince came over, she couldn’t just push him out—wouldn’t that make her a fool? Besides, his charm was undeniable. Ahem, she was quite captivated by him…

Having faintly anticipated this, she calmly dismissed the overjoyed Qingxing and Bitao’s suggestion to summon the imperial physician.

“The time is still early; the physician might not detect anything,” Cheng Wanyun instructed them to carry on as usual outside. “Let’s wait until the crown prince returns to discuss anything further…”

Still, for reasons she couldn’t explain, an unshakable unease lingered in her heart.

Rumors about the selection of the crown princess, Wanhe’s continued presence in the palace awaiting reevaluation, and minor incidents related to Side Concubine Li in Yuqing Palace all combined to give her a sense of an impending storm.

After Mama Ling left the palace, all the palace managers were replaced. Tang Gege had taken on a new assignment to oversee a newly built courtyard and was so busy she barely had time to share gossip. Things remained stable on Cheng Wanyun’s end, untouched by the upheaval. However, Side Concubine Li’s situation took a turn for the worse.

Sanbao came to play yesterday as usual and casually mentioned that Li had requested extra snacks from the imperial kitchen. The delivery was delayed by half an hour, though it couldn’t be considered negligence since the crown prince had guests and the head chef eunuch was preoccupied.

On another occasion, Tang Gege shared some minor gossip. Recently, Side Concubine Li sent a cloak to the laundry bureau for mending and cleaning, but the hem stitching came undone upon return. Since the current steward of the Internal Affairs Office wasn’t aligned with Yuqing Palace, the laundry bureau claimed it was already like that when received. The maid who delivered the cloak couldn’t argue her case, and making a scene over such a trivial matter would only bring embarrassment. Li had no choice but to swallow her anger.

Then, during the few days when the crown prince was away escorting the third princess for her marriage, it rained. One of Li’s trusted eunuchs slipped and fell on the wet ground while on an errand, fracturing his pelvis. He’s been bedridden ever since.

Although the Internal Affairs Office quickly assigned another eunuch to assist her, Li left him idle and unused.

And… her little prince had a persistent cough, which led to the crown prince harshly reprimanding her.

In short, Side Concubine Li had been plagued with bad luck recently, encountering misfortune at every turn.

After spending so much time in the palace, Cheng Wanyun had learned to uncover subtle hints from seemingly unrelated incidents.

Taking advantage of Mama Ling’s departure and the transition of “old and new leadership,” all the department heads of Yuqing Palace had been replaced. However, since the women in the inner courtyard were managed by Li, this restructuring felt like “brandishing a sword with a hidden agenda.”

Furthermore, Li’s capable and close confidants had suffered mishaps and were replaced one by one.

The targeting was quite obvious.

Li’s position in Yuqing Palace wasn’t exactly unshakable, but she had managed it for many years. Moreover, Cheng Wanyun always thought Li was a woman with considerable skill. Yet this time, after suffering so many setbacks, she remained silent. Was she secretly planning a counterattack, or did she know who was displeased with her and dared not resist?

The thought was deeply unsettling!

Cheng Wanyun couldn’t help but wish she could return to her naive self from when she first entered the palace. Sometimes, seeing things too clearly only brought unnecessary worry. Stroking her belly, she sighed quietly. Although it had only been eight months since her last delivery, she felt oddly grateful for the timing of her second pregnancy. If something major were to happen, she could simply retreat behind closed doors and focus on nurturing her unborn child.

It had to be said that Cheng Wanyun possessed a certain mysterious intuition.

Her instincts were unusually sharp.

As dark clouds churned in the sky, the oppressive weather of the past few days finally gave way to heavy rain.

Raindrops the size of beans landed on Yinreng’s shoulders just as he stepped out of his sedan chair in front of the Qianqing palace. From a distance, he immediately noticed Liang Jiugong waiting at the door under the eaves of the palace.

Yinreng’s brows furrowed slightly, and he quickened his pace.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince,” Liang Jiugong stepped forward with a respectful bow, his expression kind and composed. “His Majesty is waiting for you in the Western Chamber.”

That was Kangxi’s study, where he read and wrote. This urgent summons likely wasn’t about state affairs.

Yinreng nodded and entered the main hall, heading along the western corridor. Liang Jiugong accompanied him closely. Suddenly, in a very low voice, Liang said, “On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, after watching the Han Army’s Plain White Banner troops, His Majesty spent a long time reviewing the roster of court-selected women.”

Yinreng paused mid-step, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind, though his face betrayed nothing. He gave a slight nod, signaling he understood.

Liang Jiugong said no more.

With a growing sense of disbelief, Yinreng entered the Western Chamber.

Inside, the room housed a large bookshelf that Yinreng had specially commissioned years ago, modeled after A Wan’s storage designs. Kangxi was seated in front of the enormous shelf, holding a rolled pancake in one hand and a book in the other. Hearing Yinreng’s footsteps, he looked up, gestured to a chair nearby, and smiled. “You’re here, Baocheng. Sit down. Have you eaten yet?”

Yinreng bowed deeply and took his seat, replying sheepishly, “In response to Imperial Father, not yet.”

“Liang Jiugong, have the kitchen bring another plate of rolled pancakes,” Kangxi said, clearly in high spirits, even teasing him. “That Gege of yours, Cheng, might not have many other talents, but she’s certainly skilled at satisfying the stomach.”

“She has a simple heart,” Yinreng replied with a smile. “She heard our son wasn’t eating well, so she’s been thinking of ways to improve his diet. It’s fortunate that she knows her place and behaves appropriately.”

“Hmm, you’re right about that.”

The kitchen soon delivered freshly made rolled pancakes, which Kangxi pushed toward Yinreng with a warm expression. “Eat first. I’ve already had two and am full.”

Yinreng ate two as well, but his mind was preoccupied, and he barely tasted them as he swallowed hurriedly.

Once he finished and rinsed his mouth, Kangxi casually handed him a roster of names. “This morning, Concubine Rong and Concubine Yi urged me to finalize marriage arrangements for the Third and Fifth Princes. I’ve reviewed it—there are noble daughters from reputable families. Along with your Fourth Brother’s consort, I plan to issue the marriage decrees in a couple of days.”

Yinreng took the roster and flipped through the names and family backgrounds circled in red. They matched the rumors exactly, confirming that these leaks were intentional.

“Since your brothers’ marriages are being settled, it wouldn’t make sense for the eldest to remain undecided.” Kangxi wiped his hands with a handkerchief, speaking slowly. “I’ve had my eye on several noble daughters for years. But your consort is different from your brothers’. She’s destined to become Empress and must embody all the virtues expected of a mother to the nation. Her character, appearance, and talents must meet the highest standards of propriety.

“I’ve spent years investigating and deliberating. After much consideration, there’s only one candidate…”

Kangxi retrieved another roster from his desk, the cover bearing the title “Han Army Plain White Banner.”

“Father’s choice is, of course, the best,” Yinreng replied with a forced smile, doing his best to remain composed. But as he reached for the roster, his fingertips couldn’t help but tremble slightly. “As is tradition, I will follow your will in this matter.”

“Take a look first,” Kangxi said, waving him on.

Yinreng opened to the folded page. His gaze fell on a name circled in red by the Emperor’s own hand:

“Shi Ruomin, of the Han Army Plain White Banner, daughter of Shi Wenbing, a Dutong (Commander) and Third-Rank Earl. Fifteen years old.”

The guillotine that had been hanging over Yinreng’s head finally dropped, and paradoxically, he felt a sense of calm.

“Her great-grandfather was Shi Tingzhu?” Yinreng asked, lifting his gaze to Kangxi. He stared at the slightly wrinkled face of his father, searching for the affection he once knew. Instead, all he saw was calculation and probing.

His heart sank further.

“The Shi family has the merit of aiding in the founding of the dynasty. A woman from such a household…” Yinreng’s heart felt like a gaping chasm from which an endless stream of sorrow poured. Yet, he forced all his emotions down, maintaining a composed smile. “Truly a distinguished family with noble lineage.”

Yinreng masked his feelings well, and Kangxi seemed genuinely pleased. “You always understand my intentions, Baocheng.”

“Though the Shi family belongs to the Han Army Banner, they are of true Manchu aristocratic descent. Her father, though not a high-ranking official, was highly regarded for his governance in Hangzhou and Fuzhou. Shi has traveled extensively with her father in his postings, earning a reputation for intelligence and elegance. I specifically had people inquire about her in Hangzhou and Fuzhou; everyone says she excels in all the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and is exceptionally filial to her parents.” Kangxi pointed to the name Shi Ruomin and continued, “What you likely don’t know is that her mother is the great-granddaughter of Daisan, and her grandfather was a Heshuo Efu (imperial son-in-law). Her family has deep ties to the imperial clan. Do you now understand my efforts? By marrying this Han Army Banner woman, who is also of Manchu and royal heritage, you will gain tremendous benefits on all fronts.”

Yinreng listened intently and replied with genuine enthusiasm, “Such a family, with such talent and character—how fortunate I am that Father found her. To have such a virtuous wife is entirely due to your care and love, Imperial Father. I am deeply grateful.”

Kangxi saw the Crown Prince’s delight and let out a breath of relief. While he could have issued the marriage decree without consulting Yinreng, Shi’s affiliation with the Han Army Banner required a clear explanation to avoid unnecessary gossip. He also did not want any misunderstandings to linger in Yinreng’s mind. Hence, this meeting and his carefully chosen words.

Kangxi truly believed Shi Ruomin was an excellent choice and was quite proud of his ability to secure such a remarkable daughter-in-law.

The Shi family’s connections to both Manchu and Han imperial clans made them an ideal ally. If used wisely, they could provide the Crown Prince with significant support in the future. Most importantly, Shi Wenbing’s father, Shi Huashan, was deceased, and the Shi family no longer held high-ranking positions in court. Even their presence in the capital was minimal. Selecting a Crown Princess from such a background would neither disrupt the current political balance nor provoke resentment among the Eight Banners, avoiding any sense of favoritism.

Kangxi’s selection of a Crown Princess naturally required far greater consideration than the consorts of other princes. Choosing a daughter from a prominent Manchu noble family risked creating another powerful figure like Suoetu. Yet, he did not have another Mingzhu to counterbalance such a threat.

While the Shi family had been illustrious in the past, their current decline was not a concern. In time, when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the imperial favor could elevate and strengthen the Shi family once again.

After all, during the late emperor’s reign, even the Tongjia clan had been obscure. It was Kangxi himself who had promoted Tong Guogang and Tong Guowei to prominence.

Kangxi reviewed his decision once more, feeling confident that nothing had been overlooked.

This Crown Princess was indeed an excellent choice!

“I’ve already discussed this with Concubine Rong,” Kangxi continued, speaking leisurely. “As the eldest brother and Crown Prince, your marriage should naturally take precedence. We’ll arrange for your third brother’s wedding at the end of next year. That way, he and your eldest brother can leave the palace and establish their households at the same time. Their residences can be built side by side, saving us from doing it twice.”

Yinreng maintained his smile. “I will follow Imperial Father’s arrangements.”

Kangxi was extremely pleased with their conversation that night. He had initially thought that Baocheng’s pride might make him resistant, requiring more effort to persuade. To his surprise, everything had gone so smoothly! With his worries resolved, Kangxi felt at ease enough to resume his late-night review of memorials. Since the palace gates had not yet been locked, he dismissed Yinreng, instructing him to return to Yuling Palace to rest rather than staying overnight.

Yinreng bowed deeply and declined Liang Jiugong’s offer to escort him. Accompanied only by He Baozhong, he crossed the corridors and exited Qianqing Palace. Not until he was seated in the sedan chair did the smile frozen on his face dissipate into the night breeze.

Turning his gaze outward, he looked past the palace walls, layer upon endless layer, like mountains and seas stretching beyond sight.

In the end, as Crown Prince, he would inevitably become the laughingstock of the entire court.

But by the time Yinreng returned to Chunben Hall, the turbulent emotions within him had already settled.

After experiencing the strange dreams that had shaken his sense of reality, he had developed a level of detachment—what some might call the ability to remain unshaken by joy or sorrow.

Recalling the two name lists Kangxi had shown him earlier, Yinreng smiled bitterly.

The Crown Princess’s family background was only slightly better than that of his fifth brother’s fiancée.

Kangxi had spoken at length but had failed to mention one crucial fact: Shi Tingzhu, while an early supporter of the Qing dynasty, had originally been a Ming dynasty defector.

The Shi clan, originating from the Suwan Guwalgiya family, had been reassigned to the Han Army Banner and given a Han surname due to this history. The ancestors of the Shi family, originally residing in Suwan, had served as military officials under the Ming dynasty, adopting Han surnames after moving to Liaodong.

Shi Tingzhu and his elder brother were military officers under the Ming. Even after Shi Tingzhu defected to the Qing early on, he was punished by Emperor Hong Taiji for failing to pursue Ming soldiers who had escaped through a secret route. His title was stripped, and he was fined. Later, during the Qing attack on Songshan, Shi Tingzhu showed reluctance to fight his former Ming comrades and was again dismissed and fined by Hong Taiji.

These were the “meritorious deeds” of the Shi family’s ancestors that Kangxi had mentioned.

How could such a reputation earn the Shi family acceptance among the prestigious Manchu nobility? Since the late emperor’s reign, no Shi daughters had been brought into the palace as concubines, and the family had held no significant positions in the court. The lack of prominence said it all.

And among Han officials, the Shi family fared no better. There were many more distinguished families—Li Guangdi, Chen Tingjing, and Zhou Peigong, to name a few. Why choose the Shi family, which belonged to neither world? The Han officials would likely prefer a family like Mingzhu’s over the ambiguous Shi clan.

As for the supposed imperial ties, Shi Ruomin’s grandfather, Shi Huashan, had married into the royal family and became a son-in-law of the notorious Prince Dodo, known for his scandalous behavior. Dodo had once knelt with Ajige to urge Prince Regent Dorgon to seize the throne—a betrayal that left the late emperor and the Empress Dowager filled with hatred.

Shi Ruomin’s mother, though a great-granddaughter of Daisan, had no title or rank. In the capital, there were countless noblewomen with the title of “Doroi Gege” or higher. Her lineage was insignificant compared to them.

Having a wife with such tenuous royal ties, Yinreng would rather do without.

When carefully examining the family history of his future Crown Princess, the only noteworthy ancestors were far removed, and by the time of Shi Wenbing’s generation, the Shi family had already fallen into decline. Shi Wenbing had been reassigned from Hangzhou to Fuzhou by Kangxi—why?

The Jiangnan region was culturally rich and deeply influenced by Han traditions, but it was also a hotbed for anti-Qing and pro-Ming movements, such as the White Lotus Society. Shi Wenbing, a Manchu official, had earned an impeccable reputation and was greatly loved in Hangzhou. Yinreng knew Kangxi must have connected this to his family’s historical ties with the former Ming dynasty and had grown uneasy about leaving Shi Wenbing in such a sensitive military post in Hangzhou.

Yinreng sighed and declined He Baozhong’s assistance. He ground ink and spread paper, taking up his brush to write through the night in an effort to calm his mind.

In Kangxi’s eyes, the Shi family’s combined Manchu, Han, and royal lineage was a great advantage. But to Yinreng, things looked very different.

For him, an ideal Crown Princess should be someone like his fourth brother’s wife, Lady Ulanara. She came from a prestigious and unblemished Manchu family with ancestors of high repute. Her father and brothers held significant posts, wielded real power, and were deeply trusted by Kangxi. She herself had grown up in Beijing, forming close connections with the imperial family and other noblewomen, even gaining favor with the late Empress Xiaoyi due to her mother’s royal Aisin Gioro lineage and regular presence at court.

Lady Ulanara had been selected by the late Empress at around five years old—partly because of her mother’s standing, which allowed her frequent visits to the palace.

The Shi family, in stark contrast, had none of this.

Shi Wenbing was far removed from the political heart of Beijing, serving as a mid-tier official rather than a trusted minister at court. His family had little influence in the capital. Meanwhile, Shi Ruomin, having grown up in Fuzhou, was entirely disconnected from the web of alliances forged through kinship among noble families in Beijing.

Yinreng recalled the dream.

In the dream, he was imprisoned, and the Crown Princess, along with other women of the household, was confined in the Xiefang Hall.

The only person by his side was A Wan.

Utter isolation—it was the harshest fate.

Yinreng had realized that his greatest disadvantage leading to such a tragic end would be the absence of allies.

The Hesheri clan, his maternal family, was not among the top Manchu noble families. Aside from his uncle Suoetu, who had risen to the position of Grand Minister of Internal Affairs through personal merit, there were no other promising young members in the Hesheri lineage.

His uncle’s other sons were utterly useless—hardly worth mentioning.

In contrast, Mingzhu, the father of his eldest brother’s wife, had one exceptional son: Nalan Rongruo. A literary genius, Nalan had won the hearts of many Han scholars and officials. Though he had died young, Mingzhu still had two other capable sons, Nalan Guixu and Nalan Guifang.

Guixu was currently serving as Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Rites and had previously held posts as an imperial diarist and tutor at the Hanlin Academy—roles close to the emperor. His current post in the Ministry of Rites was merely a stepping stone, and Yinreng knew it was only a matter of time before Kangxi granted him greater responsibilities. Guifang, meanwhile, had married the eighth daughter of Prince Kang Jieshu, becoming a consort of the highest rank. This marriage alliance had further strengthened Mingzhu’s influence.

“How does my eldest brother have such good fortune?” Yinreng sighed.

Aside from the Hesheri family, Yinreng had no other reliable allies. From a young age, he had understood that as the Crown Prince, his marriage was a political tool, devoid of romantic sentiment. Accepting this reality, he had devoted all his affection to A Wan, while his ideal Crown Princess was someone resilient and strong—a partner who could fight alongside him and whom he could entrust with his life.

He did not fear a Crown Princess with ambition; in fact, he hoped she would not be confined to the inner chambers but instead possess vision and courage.

Yet even that hope was now extinguished.

Yinreng picked up his brush and wrote the words “Strengthen the core, weaken the branches”, but immediately afterward, he burned the paper.

The Emperor did not want him to grow too powerful. The only option left for him was to feign weakness.

He must endure.

But Yinreng wasn’t willing to accept such a blatant disadvantage without a response. Of all the brothers whose marriages had been arranged, his Crown Princess was the most peculiar choice. Surely others would notice that the Emperor was guarding against his own Crown Prince, pushing him further into the spotlight.

Tonight’s private conversation with the Emperor, though presented as reassurance, was also an act of guilt.

Yinreng resolved to leverage that guilt to secure a secondary concubine position for A Wan!

Perhaps the Emperor also understood—if Empress Hesheri was still alive, she would never have agreed to such a match for her son.

Forget Yinreng; if the Emperor were to pair the fifth prince with such a wife, Concubine Yi would probably drag the sixth princess and the ninth prince to the Qianqing Palace to weep and protest in a dramatic outburst.

But Yinreng had no mother to advocate for him…

The lamp on the table had long gone unattended, its flame dim and flickering in the wind. The tiny wick cast shadows across Yinreng’s face, alternating between light and darkness. Setting down his brush, he let out a bitter laugh. He could only blame himself for being born under an ill-fated star, one that had taken his mother’s life.

—

Qianqing Palace

After the Crown Prince left, Kangxi picked up the registers of the candidates who had passed the initial selection in recent days and began reviewing them again. Liang Jiugong stood nearby, ready with ink and brushes, and watched as Kangxi frowned while looking at the “Plain Blue Banner of the Han Army” register.

“The daughter of Master Cheng?” Kangxi muttered in displeasure. “Who marked this name?”

“Your Majesty,” Liang Jiugong quickly bowed and stepped forward, stealing a glance at the register. Anticipating questions over the past few days, he had already instructed the eunuchs to document the circumstances of every candidate’s selection. After a moment of recollection, he replied, “On the 18th of August, only two candidates were marked for further consideration, both on the authority of Noble Concubine Niu Hulu.”

Kangxi let out a cold snort, immediately seeing through Niu Hulu’s intentions. “Does she think I’m blind and deaf?”

The remark carried a heavy tone, and Liang Jiugong immediately knelt, lowering his head, unwilling to listen further.

“Niu Hulu…” Kangxi dipped his brush in red vermilion and forcefully crossed out the Cheng family girl’s name. His voice carried a faint trace of anger as he said, “Her ambitions are growing larger by the day.”

For Niu Hulu to bet on Yinreng in this manner—it was enough to make Kangxi’s heart pound with alarm.

What a bold Niu Hulu!

Kangxi’s expression grew increasingly unpredictable, dark clouds seeming to gather in his eyes.

He sat with a somber expression, contemplating for a moment. Then, he selected several other registers and crossed out additional names, handing them to Liang Jiugong. In a calm tone, he instructed, “Take these to Yongshou Palace for the Noble Consort. She’ll understand what to do.”

—

Yuqing Palace, Chunben Hall

Yinreng finished writing fifty sheets of calligraphy, his mood finally calming.

At that moment, footsteps sounded outside. Kneeling at the doorway, He Baozhong announced, “Your Highness, the task you assigned has been largely completed.”

Yinreng, fatigued, rubbed his temples. “Come in.”

He Baozhong, looking somewhat uneasy, entered with two stacks of blood-stained confessions and bowed as he presented them.

“Your servant investigated everything about Side Concubine Li since she entered the palace five years ago. The stewards left behind by Chief Eunuch Ling were quite resourceful. After interrogating a few, the full picture emerged,” He Baozhong said cautiously as Yinreng glanced over the confessions. “From Lady Lin’s illness to Lady Yang contracting ringworm and discarding her cat, to Lady Wang’s difficult childbirth—it’s all been clarified. I also tracked down a palace maid named Liu’er…”

“Who is Liu’er?” Yinreng asked as he read through a confession bearing the name Kang Liu’er.

“She was originally a maidservant to Lady Lin but was later recruited by Lady Li and reassigned to serve Lady Yang,” He Baozhong explained, recounting the sequence of events. “When Lady Yang passed, all her maids and eunuchs were sent back to the Imperial Household Department. Liu’er was no exception. But while tracking down those servants, I noticed something strange. Most were reassigned to serve other masters or tasked with menial labor, but Liu’er smoothly left the palace, returned to her hometown in Henan, bought land and property, married a husband who joined her household, and even had a child. She’s living quite comfortably.”

“That struck me as odd. She left the palace at just the right age, but according to the rules, she should have served until the following year when she turned twenty-five. Even if she bribed the Office of Records, where would she have gotten the money for that?” He Baozhong rambled on, seemingly caught up in his own thoughts. “So I dug deeper, and sure enough, it led back to Lady Li—”

“Oh? How much would it cost to bribe the Office of Records?” Yinreng suddenly interrupted.

Caught off guard, He Baozhong reflexively replied, “At least a few hundred taels… Ah!”

A paperweight flew across the room and hit He Baozhong squarely on the head.

Realizing he’d spoken too freely, He Baozhong quickly knelt, trembling in fear. “Your servant… Your servant swears I never received such bribes!”

Yinreng knew He Baozhong didn’t have the nerve for such corruption, but bribery among eunuchs was clearly rampant. The Office of Records fell under the Imperial Household Department’s jurisdiction, which had long been plagued by Chief Steward Ling’s mismanagement. Ling had set the tone with his own embezzlement, making it inevitable for his subordinates to follow suit. Dismissing Ling and punishing him with twenty lashes would barely scratch the surface.

“Continue,” Yinreng said, suppressing his anger. These systemic issues were beyond his control, and his father had no desire for him to intervene in the Imperial Household Department. Refocusing on the current matter, he returned his attention to the confessions.

From what he read, Lady Li was even more audacious and ruthless than he had imagined.

“Lady Li arranged for Liu’er to leave the palace and provided her with a substantial settlement. Liu’er’s family is originally from Luanchuan County in Henan, so I sent people to detain her entire household and bring them to the capital. It didn’t take much effort before Liu’er confessed,” He Baozhong continued, though he appeared slightly uneasy. Quickly, he added, “I swear no lives were harmed; we simply separated the family members and detained them. Liu’er was defiant at first, but when we brought her son to her cell and she heard his cries, she confessed.”

Yinreng shook the confession paper. “Where did this blood come from?”

He Baozhong chuckled awkwardly. “It’s chicken blood. Used it to scare people. While interrogating one, I’d say another already confessed under torture, and vice versa. Honestly, your servant wouldn’t dare use real torture. Even if I had ten times the courage, I wouldn’t dare! But this method works…”

Yinreng looked at him disdainfully and threw the brush at him.

He Baozhong instinctively dodged and covered his head.

“You dare dodge?” Yinreng’s anger boiled over.

He Baozhong quickly knelt back down. “Your servant dares not! If Your Highness throws it again, I swear I won’t dodge this time!”

“…” Yinreng was speechless. “Where’s Liu’er and her family now?”

“They’re still being detained,” He Baozhong said with a flattering smile, shuffling forward on his knees. “Awaiting Your Highness’s instructions.”

Yinreng remained silent for a moment. The timing of this discovery was convenient. He tossed the confession back to He Baozhong and stood up. “Take Liu’er’s signed and stamped confession to Lady Li. She’ll understand what it means. If she’s smart and knows her place, release Liu’er and let her return home. But if Lady Li has any other improper ideas…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but He Baozhong understood and immediately replied, “Understood, Your Highness.”

“Go handle it discreetly. I’m heading to the rear quarters to rest,” Yinreng said with a wave of his hand. Oddly, he seemed less angry than before. Perhaps the outcome was close to what he had expected, or maybe he had already grown too disappointed in Lady Li to feel much of anything.

He walked out of the room and added as an afterthought, “Once you’ve finished, report back tomorrow. Don’t alarm Lady Cheng.”

Hua La appeared outside, following closely behind Yinreng, attentive and ready to serve. As Yinreng exited, Hua La glanced back at He Baozhong with a smug smirk, making He Baozhong grind his teeth in frustration.

Why was it that he did all the dirty work while Hua La got to accompany the Crown Prince, leisurely drinking tea every day?

No, he couldn’t let Hua La steal all the glory. He had to finish the job quickly and win back the Crown Prince’s favor!

Seething, He Baozhong clutched the confession and stormed off toward Lady Li’s east wing.