Chapter 90: Victory Within Reach

Shen Sinian’s expression was ever so slightly grave; it was clear at a glance that this matter was of great importance. Shen Nanyuan’s heart could not help but tighten, her hand clenching: “Whose maid was she?”

“The Fifth Prince’s.”

Shen Sinian spoke in a deep voice: “The maid who died, and the one involved, both entered the palace not long ago. They worked in the Fifth Prince’s residence and were as close as sisters. The Fifth Prince promised her a large sum of money and freedom from the palace if she succeeded. When things went awry, knowing I had the maid’s portrait, he strangled her and threw her into the dry well. But he hadn’t counted on being exposed by another maid.”

Shen Nanyuan drew a deep breath. “Even if I had really died, the Fifth Prince wouldn’t have let her leave the palace either. He would have killed her as well. That way, I—who was the only one to have seen the maid’s face—would be dead, the maid would be dead, and the Second Prince would become the target of all accusations. The Fifth Prince could walk away unscathed.”

The Fifth Prince was certain she would drown.

So was it he who ensured the imperial garden was deserted at that time, working behind the scenes?

If Shen Nanyuan had truly drowned in the imperial garden, the relationship between the Second Prince and the Duke of Zhen’s household would surely have been shattered. If he gained the throne, the Duke’s household would become disloyal; Shen Yi held military power, and the Emperor would take this into account, never passing the throne to the Second Prince.

That would increase the Fifth Prince’s chances.

It turned out the Second Prince was not involved after all; it was fortunate he returned in time to save her.

Otherwise, she might have really died in that pond.

Shen Sinian said, “The Emperor issued a decree, punished the Fifth Prince with twenty strokes, and confined him to the palace for half a year. That’s all the punishment he’ll receive.”

He seemed somewhat remorseful. “Your brother is incompetent.”

“Brother, don’t say that,” Shen Nanyuan frowned. “He is, after all, a prince. And his punishment isn’t just limited to this.”

The Fifth Prince had always coveted the throne; but now, he was out of the running.

Though Shen Nanyuan knew the final victor would be Xiao Yan, for others, the Fifth Prince had already been eliminated from the list of contenders.

No doubt, he must be utterly hopeless by now.

Shen Nanyuan smiled, “Well, the weight in my heart has finally been lifted. Let’s eat; you must be tired.”

Shen Sinian nodded slightly, paused, and said, “Perhaps it’s because I’ve always harbored some prejudice against the Second Prince—before, I always felt this matter was connected to him.”

“Brother, so did I,” Shen Nanyuan replied. “I always suspected the Second Prince.”

Now, it seemed it truly had nothing to do with him.

—

Inside Huale Palace.

Gu Shengyu poured a cup of tea, steam curling upward, shrouding the chamber in a gentle haze.

“How is he now?”

“Your Highness, the Fifth Prince has just received twenty strokes; the imperial physicians are currently applying medicine.”

The eunuch bowed his head. “From tonight onward, the Fifth Prince is confined.”

Gu Shengyu’s lips curled into a cold smile; he placed the tea cup on the table with a crisp sound, echoing in the quiet hall.

“He must regret it bitterly and be consumed with rage. After all, everyone knows the throne is now out of his reach.”

The eunuch bent respectfully. “But it’s too late for the Fifth Prince’s regrets.”

Gu Shengyu’s tone was calm. “He could never have guessed that among his trusted followers, one was already mine.”

He wanted to sow discord between him and the Duke of Zhen’s household, so Gu Shengyu played along.

Not only did he eliminate the Fifth Prince, he also gained favor in Shen Nanyuan’s eyes.

He continued with a mocking sneer, “He was the one I feared most. Now, he’s out of the game; the others aren’t worth mentioning. Father should now know who is the best candidate for the throne.”

The eunuch replied, “Only Your Highness is worthy to enter the Eastern Palace.”

It seemed even heaven favored him.

The Empress’s only son had been lost since childhood, his fate unknown; now, the greatest threat to him had been removed.

Shen Yi’s love for his daughter was famed throughout the realm. When he returned triumphant and heard of Gu Shengyu’s rescue of his drowning daughter, he would surely come to the palace personally to give thanks. And with the Duke of Zhen’s support...

The Eastern Palace was now his for the taking.

—

Lately, Shen Nanyuan had been quite idle. The weather had grown increasingly hot, and each day she would sit for a while in the pavilion at the rear garden.

In the blink of an eye, August had arrived. Qingrui and Jin Zhu stood on either side, fanning Shen Nanyuan with round fans as she leaned her hand on the table, feeling a little drowsy.

Since her near-drowning in the palace, Shen Nanyuan had seldom left the estate. With the heat, she had even less inclination to go out.

By her calculations, she had now been in this book world for nearly a year.

Over the past year, she had grown accustomed to life here, though she still missed home on occasion.

Especially in such sweltering weather; how pleasant it would be to lounge in an air-conditioned room, cradling a watermelon and binge-watching dramas. Here, there was neither air conditioning nor a phone, but soaking a chilled watermelon in well water overnight was at least a consolation.

She yawned, forcing her eyelids open to glance around, but did not see Xiao Yan.

Ever since she learned that his storyline with Meng Chuyue had collapsed, she had ceased to concern herself with other matters. Whatever plotlines were broken, as long as the Duke of Zhen’s household escaped the fate written in the original novel, she was content.

Now, that was the only thing she cared about.

According to the original story, by now Xiao Yan should have been infatuated with Meng Chuyue—not just infatuated, but deeply trusting her. Yet, because of her status as a servant, he kept his feelings hidden.

At this point, Jun Ci was still enamored with Lin Yan.

And the Second Prince had not even appeared yet.

With these developments, even the author herself would not recognize her own story if she crossed over.

Upon reflection, Shen Nanyuan realized that her efforts to change the Duke of Zhen’s fate had caused the storyline to deviate dramatically from the original, leading to utter chaos.

Li Bo brought over a plate of neatly cut watermelon, bright red and juicy. Shen Nanyuan took a bite—sweet and refreshing, full of juice, chilled from soaking in well water, perfect for cooling off.

There was plenty more, so she puffed her cheeks and said, “You should eat some too; I can’t finish all this myself. Remember to save a piece for Xiao Yan.”

Jin Zhu grinned happily, “Thank you, Miss!”

Her face had grown noticeably rounder, giving her a cute appearance.

The plumpness in her cheeks was partly thanks to Shen Nanyuan feeding her.

In this period, she had managed to fatten up Jin Zhu and strengthen Xiao Yan, and felt quite accomplished.

Xiao Yan was likely visiting Shen Sinian.

After nearly a year of acquaintance, those two had become quite close.