Chapter 196:

Not long after this conversation between Emperor Jing and Layue, one day while he was playing with several children inside his private quarters, he received a report from a palace servant that Princess Rosalind of Diwa had accidentally fallen into a pond in the courtyard and drowned.

Layue naturally did not believe this explanation. She knew well that the emperor must have done something, yet even so, she remained calm and composed.

After all, the second prince of Diwa was soon to arrive in the capital, and the emperor’s actions left Layue puzzled.

Still, she thought to herself, what difference did it make whether or not she understood such matters? She was merely a woman.

It would be better to feign ignorance and simply continue with her duties.

Both inside and outside the palace, many people speculated about Princess Rosalind’s death. Some suspected the Zhou family, while others suspected the An family, as the princess had indeed been a significant cause of their downfall—a great enemy indeed.

Layue heard that Emperor Jing had scolded several courtiers who spread rumors at the imperial court, so she followed suit. Anyone who spread rumors within the palace would be severely reprimanded without leniency. As a result, the gossip gradually faded away.

Since the second prince of Diwa was about to arrive and considering the political situation in Diwa, new speculations arose both inside and outside the palace—that it must have been Diwa’s own people who assassinated their princess. Only in this way would the second prince, as the princess’s elder brother, inevitably become hostile toward Emperor Jing, making it unlikely for him to achieve his intended purpose during this visit.

However, rumors remained just that—rumors. With the emperor and empress keeping a tight rein, people dared only to speculate quietly, never to spread false accusations recklessly.

Layue naturally understood the origin of these rumors.

She muttered a curse, calling the emperor an old fox, and began to take the matter even more seriously, determined not to allow any careless remarks from anyone.

This reaction only reinforced people’s suspicions. Otherwise, why would the empress act this way?

Time passed quickly, and within a few days, Layue heard that the second prince of Diwa had arrived in the capital, accompanied not only by his entourage but also by his princess consort and two young princes.

As empress, Layue naturally held a much higher status than theirs. However, Emperor Jing had decided they should temporarily reside within the palace, making it appear more cordial.

Earlier, Emperor Jing had discussed the political situation in Diwa with his ministers. At present, the two most suitable candidates for the throne in Diwa were the second prince and the fourth prince.

Although Diwa was not as powerful as Nanshen, Emperor Jing had no intention of provoking hostility between the two nations.

Maintaining good relations would ensure stability, and he understood this well.

The second prince was highly likely to ascend the throne. If Emperor Jing lent him a helping hand at this moment, things would naturally fall into place.

Now, Emperor Jing was simply waiting for the second prince of Diwa to seek his assistance.

Although he intended to help the prince, he naturally expected significant benefits in return.

As for Princess Rosalind, Emperor Jing had already laid out a narrative, and the second prince would inevitably believe it.

Layue was unaware of the details of the political discussions, but she had heard that the second princess consort of Diwa was a strong and robust woman, lacking any gentle or delicate beauty.

This intrigued Layue somewhat.

When it came to Diwa princesses, people generally imagined them as extremely delicate beauties. However, it was said that such women were not favored in Diwa.

Diwa’s aesthetic standards were entirely different from those of Nanshen; they preferred tall, strong, and robust women.

During the evening banquet, Layue finally met the second princess consort of Diwa, who indeed embodied Diwa’s ideal of beauty.

Layue glanced at the second prince, who was a slender and fair-skinned young man.

Truly extraordinary.

The two young princes accompanying them appeared physically strong as well. They were said to be two years apart in age, exactly two years younger than Yan Yu and Yan Jia. Although younger, they looked no less impressive.

The elder of the two, Prince Yixun, even seemed half a head taller than Yan Yu.

During the banquet, no one mentioned Princess Rosalind. Layue understood that such a topic was naturally inappropriate for discussion at a feast, as it could lead to disputes and unpleasantness.

Alternatively, perhaps the cause of her sister’s death was less important than securing Nanshen’s support.

Layue valued family ties deeply. If the second prince of Diwa was indeed such a person, Layue would naturally feel a sense of dislike toward him. However,

regardless of her feelings, she could not judge someone solely based on assumptions.

As the most honored woman in Nanshen, she had to perform her role well.

“Later, the empress will arrange accommodations for you. After much consideration, I believe it is better for you to reside within the palace rather than outside,” Emperor Jing said, appearing gentle and refined.

This was often the impression he gave to others, but only someone like Layue, who was close to him, truly knew his usual cold and decisive nature.

“Thank you for the emperor’s generosity.”

Layue observed the second prince of Diwa, who also appeared to be quite cunning.

With just a few words, he quickly became friendly with Emperor Jing.

There were other ministers present at the banquet, but no female guests.

Layue smiled at the second princess consort: “Your highness and the princess consort have traveled far. I imagine you have not yet had the chance to appreciate the beauty of the capital. However, spring has just begun, and the scenery is not yet at its best. It is indeed a pity. Still, the customs and architecture of Nanshen and Diwa differ greatly. Staying within the palace, I would be happy to show you around—it might still be a pleasant experience.”

The Diwa princess consort smiled: “Thank you for the empress’s kindness. You are too humble. In Diwa, we rarely experience rain or snow. We have long admired Nanshen’s frequent rains and snowfalls. I can only hope to witness them during my stay.”

Layue replied playfully: “Now that spring has arrived, snow is indeed rare, but rainfall will gradually increase. While it may not fully satisfy the princess consort’s wishes, it is at least halfway there!”

She covered her mouth with her handkerchief and giggled.

Then she added: “Still, it is not unheard of to have snow in early spring. Perhaps the princess consort will indeed get to see it.”

“May the empress’s words come true.”

Although the Diwa princess consort appeared simple and honest, her words were sharp and well-timed, indicating she was no simple person.

Layue never underestimated anyone.

As the Diwa princess consort observed the young empress, renowned throughout Nanshen, she couldn’t help but reflect on how appearances could be deceiving. Who would have thought that a woman without a prominent family background, young in age, and not even considered a typical beauty of Nanshen could rise so swiftly to become empress?

Along the journey, she had imagined what the Nanshen empress might be like, only to find upon meeting her that she appeared as harmless as a young girl.

Although she had heard the empress was eighteen, she looked no older than a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old girl.

Indeed, the emperor of Nanshen had tastes quite different from the norm. According to reports, traditional beauties of Nanshen did not resemble her at all, yet she had received the emperor’s favor.

The two women exchanged glances, each studying the other. Layue naturally noticed the princess consort’s inquisitive gaze.

What puzzled her was why they asked so little about Princess Rosalind’s death.

But that was none of her concern.

Perhaps she had simply been too nervous about the matter.

That evening, after properly accommodating the guests, Layue bathed and changed her clothes. Nowadays, Emperor Jing mostly stayed with her, either in Xuanning Hall or Fengqi Palace.

After everything was settled, as expected, the emperor entered the room with a smile.

Seeing his expression, Layue knew that many things had gone his way.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” she said.

Observing her demeanor, Emperor Jing chuckled and said, “Are you attempting to seduce me?”

Layue ignored him and simply lay down on the couch.

She muttered: “I was so tired entertaining them today. I have no intention of seducing you.”

How could the emperor resist such childishness?

Without even changing clothes, he lay on top of her, causing her to gasp in surprise.

“I’m tired too. What if I can’t move?”

Who would act so recklessly? Layue pushed him, but he deliberately refused to budge.

As they had grown closer, Emperor Jing believed he had discovered a side of Layue unknown to others. Yet how could he not know that he himself had changed as well? In the past, he would never have acted so playfully.

Seeing Layue staring at him blankly, the emperor innocently asked, “What are you looking at?”

Layue revealed her white teeth in a grin and playfully bit his shoulder through his clothes.

“You are my prey.”

“Pu!” The action was not seductive at all, but rather adorable.

“Is the little fox trying to eat me?”

“Don’t talk nonsense, old fox,” Layue retorted without yielding.

With a twist, Emperor Jing flipped them over so he was lying beneath her, whispering, “Isn’t the old fox and the little fox a perfect match?”

Layue giggled.

After they had played enough, Layue helped the emperor undress and wash up before lying down together.

At this point, Layue’s curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, “Your Majesty, why didn’t they mention Princess Rosalind at all today?”

After all, she had died in Nanshen under suspicious circumstances.

Emperor Jing glanced at her: “You’re quite curious. I could tell from your expression today that you would surely ask tonight.”

Layue smiled sheepishly.

The emperor did not hide anything from her, though his smile lacked warmth: “I already discussed it with him at Xuanning Hall earlier. Did you think he was foolish? But in the end, he was still deceived by me. I’m sure in his mind, it was the people of Diwa themselves who caused Rosalind’s death, in an attempt to prevent him from successfully competing for the throne.”

“Uh?” Layue was momentarily confused.

Then she understood: “But will they believe it?”

Emperor Jing sneered: “They will. I didn’t say much. I’m sure he will investigate on his own. Regardless of whether the evidence is conclusive or not, people tend to believe what they want to believe deep down.”

Layue agreed with this point.

“But Princess Rosalind changed so much after coming to Nanshen!” That part still didn’t make sense.

“So what? I told him that his dear sister sought to help him ascend the throne by cooperating with me, merely asking for my support. If those so-called pieces of evidence were the first blow, then this explanation will certainly make him believe that Rosalind’s death was orchestrated by Diwa itself—because Rosalind was paving the way for his ascension.”