Chapter 152: Marry into the Palace as Soon as Possible

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Consort Zhuang leisurely poured a cup of tea and placed it before Gu Shengyu. The steam rose gently, softening her delicate features in a hazy mist. She turned her gaze to Gu Shengyu.

“Gu Shengyan should be returning soon. The military campaigns have been one victory after another. His Majesty and many ministers hold him in high esteem. You must have sensed the recent shifts in court affairs. What do you think?”

Gu Shengyu lowered his eyes slightly. The water in his cup was still and calm, yet seemed shrouded in a shadow, much like the deep darkness outside. “If he returns...”

Then his position would be lost.

Even before his departure, subtle changes had begun in the court. Now, with his complete triumph, those ministers would surely praise him before the Emperor, pushing him closer to the throne.

Even with a betrothal to the Duke of Zhen’guo’s household, the danger remained great—especially since it was only a betrothal, not marriage.

The throne, nearly within reach, would never be handed to Gu Shengyu.

Consort Zhuang said coldly, “Therefore, he must not be allowed to return.”

She raised her eyes. “It is quite common for a commanding general to be secretly assassinated by the Sang Luo faction on the battlefield or during a triumphant return to the capital. His Majesty will undoubtedly be grieved and furious, but it is an unavoidable reality.”

“Yes, Mother Consort,” Gu Shengyu bowed his head. “I understand what must be done.”

The cold wind blew outside. Walking back to the palace, Gu Shengyu narrowed his eyes slightly and tilted his head. “Tomorrow, to the Mingyue Tavern.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The next day.

Wu Miaofu cast a subtle, careful glance around. Seeing no suspicious figures, she entered the Mingyue Tavern through a side door and, moving with practiced ease, proceeded directly to a private chamber and pushed the door open.

Upon seeing the occupant inside, a faint smile appeared on her face. She bowed gracefully. “Your Highness.”

—

Shen Nanyuan had occasionally heard from Meng Chuyue that the army would soon return in triumph.

After receiving a letter from Shen Sinen, she indeed read his mention of it, saying they should soon be able to enjoy home-cooked meals again.

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They had been away from the capital for months, and the day of their return was finally near.

Since learning the news, Shen Nanyuan’s smile was uncontrollable. Yet, just as she was about to rejoice, someone always arrived to disrupt her mood. Walking through the palace, following the lead of a palace maid, she felt a flicker of unease.

Consort Zhuang had sent for her, claiming to wish to speak—though Shen Nanyuan suspected it was no good news.

After the last incident, the Grand Dowager Empress, having heard that Consort Zhuang had summoned Shen Nanyuan again, stubbornly refused to let her go. Yet, since it was a summons from within the palace, the eunuchs eventually relented, allowing Qing Su to accompany her. Only then did the Grand Dowager Empress reluctantly consent.

It was Qing Su’s first visit to the palace. She was extremely nervous, fearing that any misstep or word might bring trouble to Shen Nanyuan. So she clung closely to her side.

The Grand Dowager Empress also warned her not to leave Shen Nanyuan’s side under any circumstances. Shivering, Qing Su whispered, “Miss, it feels so cold here.”

A chill spread through her entire body. She stepped forward again. Shen Nanyuan responded softly, “Indeed, it is colder than outside.”

It was likely because so many had perished here, leaving the place permeated by a chilling aura.

Ahead lay the palace where Consort Zhuang resided. As expected, the Second Prince was there as well.

As always, he greeted her with a smiling face, which only stirred her disdain. She concealed it well and bowed her head in greeting. “Consort Zhuang, Your Highness.”

“Sit,” Consort Zhuang said. Her fingernails were painted a vivid vermilion, her slender fingers sharp and somewhat intimidating.

Shen Nanyuan lowered her gaze and sat quietly, silently waiting for Consort Zhuang to speak. But she seemed intent on withholding her words, slowly lifting the tea cup to take a sip.

The silence was so deep that even the fall of a needle might be heard. After a long while, she finally spoke.

“The reason for summoning the County Lady today is not other than to hear news that General Shen and Captain Shen are soon to return to the capital in triumph. They have been campaigning for months, winning victory after victory. Now, as they return, His Majesty wishes to hold a grand banquet to reward them. The preparations have been entrusted to myself and the Empress. I do not know what General Shen and Captain Shen prefer to eat, so I have summoned the County Lady into the palace.”

Shen Nanyuan bowed her head. “Consort Zhuang, you trouble yourself.”

Consort Zhuang cast a cold glance at Shen Nanyuan, then beckoned a palace maid forward. “County Lady, please speak.”

As Shen Nanyuan began to reply, the Second Prince spoke softly, “I have some matters to attend to and will leave first. When the County Lady is ready to depart the palace, send someone to inform me. I shall escort you out.”

Before Shen Nanyuan could respond, Consort Zhuang nodded. “Go.”

In truth, the palace should have records of Shen Yi’s and Shen Sinen’s tastes. Consort Zhuang’s true reason for summoning her was certainly not this—this was merely a pretext.

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Shen Nanyuan looked to the palace maid. “That will be all.”

The maid bowed slightly. “I will deliver this to the Imperial Kitchen.” After a brief bow and a few steps back, she turned and left the chamber.

Consort Zhuang’s voice was cold. “The County Lady has always been General Shen’s most beloved child, so surely your bond with him is closer?”

“Replying to Consort Zhuang: such rumors come from outsiders. My father treats everyone equally. My elder brother and younger brother both share good relations with him, so there is no such thing as being favored above others.”

Shen Nanyuan’s voice was gentle. Her long lashes lowered, dimming the sparkle in her dark eyes, yet it caused Consort Zhuang’s brows to knit slightly.

She thought she might have guessed what Consort Zhuang truly wished to say.

“Is that so? I have heard many tales of how General Shen dotes on his only daughter.”

“I do not know who spreads such tales, Consort Zhuang, please do not believe them.”

Her gaze was clear. “But surely, Consort Zhuang, you would not believe such untrustworthy stories?”

Consort Zhuang’s frown deepened. She cast a sidelong glance at Shen Nanyuan. “County Lady, there is no need for such words. I have my own reasons.”

Her expression darkened, yet her voice remained steady. “General Shen once said he wished to witness your marriage with his own eyes. That moment should be near.”

“...”

Shen Nanyuan said nothing.

Consort Zhuang’s gradual probing only confirmed Shen Nanyuan’s suspicions.

“This time, the Sang Luo and Northern Liang forces have been severely weakened. For years to come, they will not dare attack again. General Shen can remain in the capital at ease, watching you wed.”

She continued, “Surely the County Lady wishes to enter the palace through marriage as soon as possible.”