In the eighth year of Jianwu, a mountain flood destroyed Qingxuan Temple. The crown prince, who was only five years old, was accidentally lost. Empress Dowager Yang naturally knew that he wasn't lost, nor was it an accident. But it was good that he disappeared. Without the word "crown prince" tormenting her every day, Empress Dowager Yang felt much better and smiled more often.
She was relieved to leave the harem in the hands of her niece. Then she waited for her niece to get pregnant and give birth to a prince with the blood of the Yang Family.
When the palace servants came to report the good news that the empress had given birth to a prince, Empress Dowager Yang and Yang Fucheng were certain that no matter if the child was smart or stupid, playful or ambitious, he would be the next emperor. Fortunately, the Second Prince was more promising than they expected. This was an unexpected surprise. Slowly, even the court officials acknowledged the Second Prince's position.
Empress Dowager Yang originally thought that they only lacked a title. There were no obstacles in the court or the harem. The Second Prince himself was also good. The so-called crown prince was just finding an auspicious day to do it.
However, they more or less had to consider the emperor's feelings.
Empress Dowager Yang felt that the emperor owed a debt of gratitude to her and that the emperor should repay the Yang Family. The Emperor was single-handedly supported by Empress Dowager Yang to ascend to the throne. His glory as the Emperor of the Nine and Five, as well as the good days when he called for help, were all bestowed upon him by Empress Dowager Yang. The Yang Family had given the emperor a new lease on life. Otherwise, with Li Huan's lowly background and mediocre qualifications, how could he sit on the dragon throne?
Empress Dowager Yang felt that all of this was what the Yang Family deserved. However, the emperor wasn't her biological son. As the ruler of the world, Empress Dowager Yang had to give face. Therefore, Empress Dowager Yang didn't force the emperor too much. Empress Dowager Yang was not in a hurry. After all, the Emperor only had one choice. Other than the Second Prince, who else could he pass the throne to? There was no need to shed all pretense of cordiality with the Emperor for something that was already in the bag. Therefore, Empress Dowager Yang had been waiting for the Emperor to announce the Crown Prince all these years.
Empress Dowager Yang had previously thought that perhaps the Emperor wanted to sharpen the Second Prince's temperament. After all, too much smoothness was not a good thing for a ruler. Thus, the Emperor had been reluctant to give the position of heir apparent to the Second Prince. Presumably, Empress Yang and the Second Prince thought the same. Therefore, the Second Prince studied even harder, and Empress Yang encouraged her son even more.
The Yang Family thought that they had reached a consensus with the Emperor, so they dragged it out year after year in their tacit agreement. Who would have thought that the Emperor did not announce the Crown Prince for so long not because he wanted to wait for the Second Prince to grow up, but because he had another successor in mind?
The eldest son who had been lost and had not shown his face for fourteen years, the Crown Prince Li Seung-kyung who had almost been forgotten, was still alive.
Empress Dowager Yang looked at the young man in front of her who had already grown very tall. She could not see the shadow of a young man at all. Her mouth twitched coldly. Ha, it was not that he had not shown his face for fourteen years, but that he had always been there! The child that she and Yang Fucheng thought had died a long time ago had actually been living under their noses all these years. He had even passed the Jinshi exam in front of all of them, entered the official position, and openly appeared in front of the Yang Family and Yang Fucheng.
This was simply a loud slap to the Yang Family's face in front of the whole world. It was laughable that the Yang Family was still waiting for the Emperor to announce the Second Prince. Little did they know that the father and son had worked together to tell a huge lie.
After Cheng Yujin saluted according to the instructions of the female official, the Empress Dowager did not respond for a long time. Cheng Yujin's eyebrows moved slightly. She noticed that Empress Dowager Yang's gaze was deeply locked down, falling on Li Seung-kyung.
Cheng Yujin understood. When enemies met, their eyes would turn red, especially when it was an enemy that you thought was dead. Cheng Yujin could roughly imagine Empress Dowager Yang's current mood. However, how could Li Seung-kyung feel any better?
He had been stripped of his identity, forced to conceal his identity, and used another person's identity to live for fourteen years. How could he endure these disasters? Empress Dowager Yang saw Li Seung-kyung as a thorn in her side. Li Seung-kyung saw Empress Dowager Yang and Yang Fucheng. How could it not be the same?
Empress Dowager Yang did not speak for a long time. Although she did not say any malicious words, everyone could understand the meaning behind her words. The atmosphere in the palace gradually became strange. The palace servants held their breaths, lowered their heads, and did not dare to look or listen.
Li Seung-kyung was very calm. Empress Dowager Yang did not speak, so he did not take the initiative to break the ice. Cheng Yujin and Li Seung-kyung were both very good at pretending. Their salutes were not messy at all. From beginning to end, they were skillful and polite. On the other hand, Empress Dowager Yang deliberately ignored the younger generation. She was also compared to the two Grandson, and was somewhat unpresentable.
Empress Dowager Yang finally spoke faintly, "You are considerate. Rise. "
Li Seung-kyung and Cheng Yujin unhurriedly bowed in salute. Only then did they slowly stand up straight. They did not show any signs of anxiousness or dissatisfaction. This time, even Empress Dowager Yang's mama saw this and couldn't help but sigh in her heart.
The Crown Prince was introverted and profound. The Crown Princess was beautiful and dignified. The two of them had the appearance of a wise ruler that everyone hoped for. Even the Yang Family members saw them and felt that they were flawless and perfect. Like this, what reason did they have to depose the Crown Prince?
Until the Donggong couple left, Empress Dowager Yang's face was cold. The mama helped Empress Dowager Yang back to the inner hall and carefully helped the Empress Dowager change her clothes. She probed, "Empress Dowager, you have everything you want now. There is nothing that is not going your way. What are you worried about? Don't make life difficult for your own body. "
Empress Dowager Yang sneered and said, "Aijia originally thought that everything would go smoothly. When the Second Prince was crowned, aijia would have no more regrets. Who would have thought that that person would silently conjure up the eldest son out of thin air. He and the Empress have been husband and wife for so many years, yet he was able to keep it a secret for so long. Ah, so it turns out that I have underestimated our Emperor. "
The mama did not dare to respond to this and did not dare to advise. She could only wait for Empress Dowager Yang to calm down before vaguely saying, "Empress is blessed. The Empress and the Second Prince are most filial to you. In the future, you will not have to worry."
She was already the Empress. How could she be blessed? Empress Dowager Yang heard this and did not respond. However, her attitude was silent. After a while, Empress Dowager Yang said heavily, "Things have already come to this. There is no point in saying anything. Since the Crown Prince is still alive, it is not a solution for him to wander outside. He must be found. When aijia first heard that the Crown Prince fell into the flood and his whereabouts were unknown, I felt that it was not so simple. Now that he is back, it is not a surprise. However, I really did not expect that he had been in the capital all this time and had been an official under Fu Cheng for so many years. "
Speaking of this, Empress Dowager Yang was angry. Her face was ashen and she calmed down for a while before continuing, "It is not too late to mend the pen after the sheep have been lost. Aijia originally wanted to marry Xi Yin to him. Unfortunately, our Yang Family does not have a girl in this generation. Xi Yin can be considered half a Yang Family member. With the Crown Princess as a link, the Crown Prince will not be alienated from the Yang Family. However, I did not expect that he had already found a candidate. Before aijia could prepare the decree to bestow a marriage, the Emperor had already issued an imperial decree to confer a consort. The Emperor's words were like nails on the ground. How can aijia mention Xi Yin's matter? "
The mama asked tentatively, "Empress Dowager, what do you think of the Crown Princess today …"
This was also what confused Empress Dowager Yang. She had been the Empress for many years and later became the Empress Dowager. Her pair of eyes had long been trained to be extremely sharp. However, Cheng Yujin made her very confused.
This woman was naturally beautiful and graceful. However, beauty was not a rare thing in the harem. Character and ability were the most important things. However, it was also strange that Cheng Yujin's character … seemed to have no character.
Her every move was too standard. She was simply like the virtuous, intelligent, capable, and dignified and beautiful first wife that the world imagined. Because everything was too much in line with imagination, there was no trace of personal characteristics, which made people feel that it was unbelievable.
Empress Dowager Yang had lived for so many years, but she had never seen such a perfect person. Empress Dowager Yang could not see the depth of the other party, so she did not know what to do with the other party. This feeling seemed to bring Empress Dowager Yang back to when the late Emperor was still alive, when she racked her brains to fight with the other concubines.
Empress Dowager Yang felt that it was ridiculous. How could a mere Crown Princess remind her of the feeling of fighting with her old enemy? Her former opponents had long been killed by her over the years. How could a mere Cheng Yujin cause any waves?
Empress Dowager Yang shook her head and smiled. She felt that she had been thinking too much these days and was paranoid. She did not care and said, "She's just a fifteen-year-old girl. What does it matter if she's a human or a ghost?"
Cheng Yujin and Li Seung-kyung came out of the Palace of Compassionate and Peaceful and went to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. The Emperor was also in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility today. When he saw Li Seung-kyung bring his wife to greet him, he seemed very emotional. Cheng Yujin had just bowed when the Emperor called her up. "We're all family, no need to be so courteous. Li Seung-kyung married late, and it hasn't been easy for him over the years. Since you're married, you must live well. "
The two replied, "Yes."
The Emperor said a few more words of encouragement and generously gave a greeting gift. Seeing the Emperor like this, Empress Dowager Yang could not say anything. She could only smile and say something nice.
Although Empress Dowager Yang was smiling, the expression on her face was very forced. On the contrary, her mood at the moment could be described as terrible.
Empress Dowager Yang looked at the Crown Princess in front of her. This woman was young, beautiful, dignified, and generous. She was what everyone imagined a Crown Princess to be. She wore a dress second only to the Empress, but she was younger and more lively than Empress Dowager.
Empress Dowager Yang had dominated the inner palace for many years. No one dared to compete with her for favor. Thus, Empress Dowager Yang could not feel the passage of time, nor could she feel the true evaluation. In reality, Empress Dowager Yang's appearance was only average. Her personality and methods were also very normal. However, with Empress Dowager Yang and Yang Fucheng supporting her, people could not wait to flatter her. Who dared to poke at her shortcomings?
Thus, Empress Dowager Yang had lived comfortably and contentedly over the years. Until this moment, when she looked at the young Crown Princess, she could clearly feel that she had grown old.
The weak and sickly child had grown into a handsome young man. Li Seung-kyung was growing up, but Empress Dowager Yang was growing old. Now, Li Seung-kyung had brought his wife, the Crown Princess's hair crown, clothes, and jewelry. All of this reminded Empress Yang that the Crown Princess was here to replace her.
The Crown Prince, the heir apparent. The Crown Princess was naturally the heir apparent.
Cheng Yujin had been woken up before the sun had risen yesterday. She had been tossed from the middle of the night until late at night. She had only closed her eyes for a while before waking up again. Today, she had been tossed around quite a bit. She wore a hair crown that weighed six to seven catties, and she had to drag a heavy dress on her body. Especially in front of Empress Dowager Yang and Empress Dowager Yang, she could not show any weakness. After a while, even if she was made of iron, she would not be able to hold on. She had to rely on her many years of willpower to hold on.
Fortunately, she did not have to be tense for the entire day. After seeing the Emperor, the Emperor did not make things difficult for them and quickly dismissed them. Empress Yang sat to the side. The smile on her face was slightly stiff. Naturally, she could not say anything.
Cheng Yujin and Li Seung-kyung went to another palace to see the princes and princesses. After the Emperor and Empress, they were not the ones to greet others, but others. Because of Empress Yang, there were not many people in the palace these years. Other than Li Seung-kyung, there was only one prince and two princesses. They were all born of Empress Yang.
The court greeting ceremony had ended. Cheng Yujin came to see the princes and princesses only to recognize them. After that, she could move freely. The Second Prince, Li Chengjun, came forward and said, "Congratulations to Imperial Brother on your marriage. This official wishes Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister-in-law a hundred years of happiness and a long life together."
Li Chengjun congratulated. Naturally, Li Seung-kyung came forward to accept, "Second Brother is considerate."
Although the two of them called each other brothers, their tone was cautious and distant. There was not the slightest intimacy between brothers. Thinking about it, when the Second Prince was born, Li Seung-kyung had already disappeared. The Second Prince had never seen this older brother of his, let alone talk about brotherhood. As for Li Seung-kyung, when he was five years old and was crowned Crown Prince, Empress Yang was pregnant. When he returned to the Cheng Family at the age of six, he happened to hear that a new legitimate prince was born in the palace. It was Li Chengjun. He had almost died at the hands of the Yang Family. He had no choice but to give up his identity and live in someone else's name. However, when he returned to the capital, he learned that Empress Yang had given birth to a prince.
The Yang Family's intention to replace him was clear as day.
It was difficult to count on Li Seung-kyung and the Second Prince's brotherly affection.
Li Seung-kyung and the Second Prince's positions were very delicate. Both of them were legitimate children, but their birth mothers were two generations of Empress. Their relationship was also mixed with the previous generation's grievances and interests. Originally, Li Chengjun was the popular choice for Crown Prince. Li Chengjun had considered himself as such for many years. However, Li Seung-kyung's appearance had undoubtedly shattered all of this.
As long as Li Seung-kyung did not die, the position of Crown Prince would not be changed.
When the two of them spoke, no one else dared to speak. The palace suddenly quieted down. Li Chengjun smiled warmly and said, "Imperial Brother's marriage is a joyous occasion for the whole world. Our dynasty has hope for the future. This official is unable to contain his joy and specially prepared a small banquet for Imperial Brother. I hope Imperial Brother will do me the honor."
The other two princesses and Cheng Yujin did not speak, but their eyes quietly moved back and forth between the two people. No one dared to meddle in the contest between the two legitimate princes, but they were also watching the battle with caution. The two princesses wanted to know how their new Crown Prince brother would respond.
If Li Seung-kyung refused the Second Prince's invitation, it would seem as if he was afraid. Cheng Yujin noticed the change in Li Seung-kyung's attitude and spoke at the right time, showing the image of a virtuous and magnanimous Crown Princess. "Your Highness and the Second Prince's brotherly affection is a blessing for the country. Since Your Highness and the Second Prince have an appointment, it is inconvenient for this concubine to disturb. This concubine will take her leave first. "
Cheng Yujin's words were very considerate, completely speaking in the tone of a sister-in-law. However, if one listened carefully, they would find that she was in the Eastern Palace. When the Second Prince heard this, he cupped his hands and bowed to Cheng Yujin. "Thank you, Crown Princess. The Crown Princess and Imperial Brother just got married, and this concubine has taken up Imperial Brother's time today. This concubine has let the Crown Princess down. "
"Second Prince, what are you saying?" Cheng Yujin said with a smile. "Your Highness's preferences are my preferences. You brothers reuniting is a good thing for the country and the people. How could I have any objections?"
Li Chengjun could not help but raise his head to look at this young sister-in-law. Cheng Yujin was about the same age as him. When Li Chengjun heard that his Crown Prince brother, who had appeared out of nowhere, had married his former niece, Li Chengjun was at first incredulous. Then, he despised him in his heart. He felt that this older brother of his had endured hardships for fourteen years and had not made much progress. He had wasted such an important position as Princess Consort.
But now, Li Chengjun somewhat understood why Li Seung-kyung had married her. If it were such a beauty, Li Chengjun would be willing to bear the infamy and marry her regardless of seniority. Moreover, from the looks of it, this beauty did not put all of her points into her looks. Her speech and manner of speaking were very good.
Li Chengjun's invitation was a must. Li Seung-kyung did not say anything before because he was worried about Cheng Yujin being alone. Since Cheng Yujin took the initiative to give him a way out, Li Seung-kyung did not decline. He swept a glance outside and said, "Thank you for your trouble, second brother. However, the Crown Princess has just entered the palace and is not familiar with the roads. This one will first send her back to the palace and then go to the banquet. "
Li Chengjun was stunned. The other two princesses also had looks of surprise. Cheng Yujin said, "Your Highness, there is no need to go to such trouble."
"Your matter is more important." Li Seung-kyung's tone was calm, but his tone was firm. "I will send you back."
Cheng Yujin was also stunned. She did not think that Li Seung-kyung would say "Your matter is more important" in front of so many people.
Li Chengjun could not stand it anymore. Could it be that the requirements to be the Crown Prince were this strict? Not only did he have to be diligent and self-disciplined, he also had to treat his wife with respect and maintain harmony in the family. He had to cultivate his body, govern the country, and develop in an all-round way. He had to be a role model for all the scholars in the world?
Li Chengjun originally felt that it was not urgent, but now he couldn't help but think, did he have to quickly marry a princess?
Cheng Yujin left under everyone's different gazes. Li Seung-kyung did as he said and personally sent her back to Ci Qing Palace. He changed into his normal clothes and left.
After Li Seung-kyung left, Cheng Yujin quietly let out a sigh of relief. The other servants in the hall also did the same. Suddenly, they had changed from uncle and nephew to husband and wife. Li Seung-kyung had also changed from her Ninth Uncle to the Crown Prince. Cheng Yujin did not know how to face him.
Without the Crown Prince, everyone was much more relaxed. Cheng Yujin had a servant girl take off her crown and take off her luxurious clothes. Finally, she could have a good rest. The Dugeaux came in and asked in a low voice, "Crown Princess, lunch is ready. Do you want to eat?"
Now that Li Seung-kyung had gone out to attend the banquet, Cheng Yujin was the only one eating lunch. Cheng Yujin had been tormented by the tedious etiquette yesterday. At night, because of Li Seung-kyung, she was tormented no less than during the day. Today, she had woken up very early. Cheng Yujin was already very tired. She just wanted to quickly go back to bed and catch up on sleep. She nodded and said, "Call the meal."
The Dugeaux complied. It was also quiet to eat alone. The palace servants all followed Cheng Yujin's preferences and served her. Cheng Yujin only ate until she was seventy percent full. She put down her bowl and chopsticks and returned to the inner hall to rest.
There was still a banquet in the evening. Cheng Yujin didn't dare to sleep too much. She had already instructed the Dugeaux to wake her up in the afternoon.
Without Li Seung-kyung's disturbance, Cheng Yujin finally had a good night's sleep. She slept very deeply. When she woke up, her eyes were dim. She couldn't tell the time from the bed. Cheng Yujin lay down for a while and called the servant girls outside in a low voice, "Dugeaux, water."
She had just woken up, so her voice was lazy and hoarse. Her tone was also soft. As soon as her voice fell, the outermost curtain was pulled open. Cheng Yujin covered her mouth and yawned. She propped herself up on her elbows and tried to sit up.
When she was halfway up, a strong hand supported her from behind and supported her firmly. This strength clearly didn't belong to the Dugeaux. Cheng Yujin turned around in surprise and found Li Seung-kyung sitting on the edge of the bed. He supported her with one hand and put the teacup on the table next to him with the other.
"You're awake?" After he put down the teacup, he freed a hand and very naturally touched her forehead. "Does your head still hurt?"
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