A Precious Pearl in the Imperial City-Chapter 62

Jiuzhu noticed the Prince of Qi County looking at her.

She set down her chopsticks and met his gaze, blinking innocently.

His family's crimes had nothing to do with her—glaring at her was pointless.

"Fourth Brother..." Prince Chen, noticing Yun Yanze staring at Jiuzhu, rose to taunt him.

"Prince Chen, there's no need to plead for the Fourth Prince." Ming Jinghai, who had been silently sipping wine, stood and cut him off. "The state has its laws, and the family has its rules. Your Highness must understand."

Emperor Longfeng motioned for Prince Chen to remain silent. "Du Qing, I know you value kinship, but today’s matter cannot be decided by sentiment."

Consort Su lightly rested her hand on the emperor’s shoulder. "Your Majesty, you know Du Qing’s nature—he cherishes family above all. Lately, he’s been secluded in the palace and knows nothing of the outside world."

Prince Chen closed his mouth and stepped back.

He understood—tonight was not his place to speak. He had overstepped.

Yun Yanze withdrew his gaze and prostrated himself before the emperor. "Father… this son… this son…"

His words dissolved into sobs, so heart-wrenching that even the hardest heart would ache at his pain and helplessness. Yet, the crimes of the Zheng Family and Concubine Zheng were unforgivable.

"Vice Minister Yang." After silencing Prince Chen, Ming Jinghai showed no signs of stopping. He approached the dazed Vice Minister Yang. "Earlier, you asked my niece about the difference between Lingzhou lotus roots and those from the capital. Now, I’ll answer you."

"Lotus roots are lotus roots, no matter where they’re from. Whether the fibers are long or short doesn’t matter—what matters is that they taste good." Ming Jinghai rolled up his sleeves, causing Vice Minister Yang to flinch.

Others might roll their sleeves as a bluff, but Ming Jinghai could—and would—throw a punch.

Seeing this, Ming Jinghai sneered. "Just like all of us officials here. As long as we’re loyal to His Majesty, care for the people, and fulfill our duties, we’re good officials. Must we also divide ourselves by ancestral homes, north or south?"

"Vice Minister Yang, as a court official, you blindly accused His Majesty—that is disloyalty. You only lamented Prince of Qi County’s plight while ignoring the suffering of the people oppressed by the Zheng Family—that is inhumanity. Tell me, how can such a disloyal and inhumane man hold office?" Ming Jinghai pointed around the hall. "Today was meant to be a reunion for all of us. Jingzhou obtained evidence but did not reveal it publicly. His Majesty, despite his grief upon learning his consort and son were nearly assassinated, suppressed his anger. For what?"

"For the sake of a peaceful and joyous New Year’s Eve. For the harmony between ruler and subjects, for unity and joy. Yet you ruined it all. Do you feel no remorse?"

Under Ming Jinghai’s relentless accusations, Vice Minister Yang was left speechless. Whether it was Ming Jinghai’s overwhelming presence or the shock of the Zheng Family’s atrocities, Vice Minister Yang collapsed to his knees before Emperor Longfeng.

"Your Majesty… this humble official admits his wrongdoing." Vice Minister Yang muttered his plea, though he wasn’t entirely sure what his crime was.

"Your Majesty." Ming Jinghai glanced at the kneeling man. "Though Vice Minister Yang harbors no malice, he is impulsive and lacks discernment. The Ministry of Revenue oversees the empire’s taxes and requires meticulous caution. Thus, this official believes Vice Minister Yang is unfit for the Ministry of Revenue."

The Minister of Revenue’s expression flickered. He hesitated, considering whether to plead for his subordinate, but seeing the emperor’s thoughtful nod at Ming Jinghai’s words, he abandoned the idea.

Ming Jinghai was now the Minister of Personnel and deeply trusted by the emperor. There was no need to antagonize him for a mere subordinate.

"Jinghai, where do you suggest Vice Minister Yang be reassigned?" Emperor Longfeng ignored his prostrate son and instead patiently awaited Ming Jinghai’s reply.

"This official recalls that the Assistant Prefect of Lingzhou is elderly and recently submitted his resignation. Since Vice Minister Yang is so curious about Lingzhou’s lotus roots, let him take the post." Ming Jinghai cupped his hands. "May Your Majesty grant Vice Minister Yang’s wish to explore Lingzhou’s local customs."

What a ruthless demotion—from a third-rank vice minister to a sixth-rank assistant prefect. Even market grannies haggling over vegetables weren’t this harsh.

"Very well." Emperor Longfeng nodded. "After the New Year, Vice Minister Yang shall depart for Lingzhou."

"Vice Minister Yang, why don’t you thank His Majesty?" Ming Jinghai raised his voice. "His Majesty is so considerate—he sends you to Lingzhou to satisfy your curiosity. Yet you show no such consideration for His Majesty. Truly lamentable."

"Elder Brother, Vice Minister Yang is drunk." Ming Jingzhou interjected. "Your Majesty, wine often leads to impropriety. Please show mercy and have someone escort him home to rest."

From now on, he would never attend another palace banquet.

After Vice Minister Yang was led away, the Ming brothers glanced at the weeping Prince of Qi County before retreating to their seats.

The rest was up to the emperor.

The hall was unnervingly quiet—so quiet that Jiuzhu hesitated to reach for more food.

She whispered to Xiangjuan, "Auntie, the Prince of Qi County just glared at me again."

So his tears were an act. A truly grieving man wouldn’t have the focus to spare for others.

Xiangjuan smiled. Beneath the imperial roof, everyone was performing.

The Prince of Qi County’s sobs grew hoarse. Emperor Longfeng finished reviewing the evidence presented by Ming Jingzhou and looked down at his son. "Fourth Son, did you know of the crimes committed by the Zheng Family and your mother?"

"Father, this son… this son was unaware. But this son failed to notice and neglected his duty to advise. This son is guilty." Yun Yanze sensed someone kneeling beside him. He glanced at Sun Caiyao, then quickly lowered his head and kowtowed. "Father, this son is unworthy of his title. Please strip this son of his princely rank."

A clever retreat—with the Zheng Family and Zheng Lanyin’s crimes exposed, lowering his stance would at least earn him a reputation for repentance and accountability.

Consort Su chuckled, her eyes glinting with the practiced allure of a scheming concubine. "No matter your rank, you are still the emperor’s child. Fourth Prince, rise. Your face is bruised—your princess must be heartbroken."

She bent to help Sun Caiyao up, gently clasping her hand. "Fourth Princess, comfort your husband when you return. Ease his sorrow."

Consort Su’s hands were soft, but to Sun Caiyao, they felt like a serpent’s coils.

The woman before her—smiling sweetly—merged in her mind with the madwoman from her dreams, the one who had tormented every prince. Fear swelled in her chest. If not for the watching crowd, she would have yanked her hand away.

Others noted how effortlessly Consort Su addressed Yun Yanze as "Fourth Prince," without hesitation. They sighed inwardly—his title was as good as lost.

Such a talented and virtuous prince, brought low by his maternal family’s sins. Truly pitiable.

However, the officials who supported Yun Yanze had not given up hope. As long as the Emperor did not explicitly revoke the title of "Fourth Prince," there was still room for negotiation.

"Your Majesty," Consort Su released Sun Caiyao's hand and smiled warmly at Emperor Longfeng. "Please allow the Fourth Prince to rise. The urgent matter now is to settle the crimes of the Zheng Family and Concubine Zheng."

Lady Shen curled her lips slightly. With just a few words, Consort Su had thoroughly condemned Concubine Zheng and her faction. Truly befitting a favored consort—she showed no mercy when dealing with her enemies.

It seemed that unless the Zheng Family and Concubine Zheng were punished tonight, Consort Su would not relent.

And rightly so. If she were Su Meidai, she wouldn’t miss such an opportunity either. The stage had been set for her—if she didn’t know how to step up, that would be the real problem.

Emperor Longfeng took Consort Su’s hand and looked down at Yun Yanze. "Fourth Son, are you truly unaware of all this?"

"Your son knows nothing."

"Good." The Emperor closed his eyes briefly, wrapping Consort Su’s hand in his own. "Liu Zhongbao, help the Fourth Prince up."

The words "Fourth Prince" spoken from his lips were tantamount to a death sentence for Yun Yanze.

A prince who had already come of age and married, reduced from a titled noble to a mere prince with no authority—this was the Emperor’s blunt declaration to the world that he had abandoned him.

"Your Majesty!" Several officials from the Ministry of Revenue, along with others who favored Yun Yanze, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we beg you to reconsider!"

"Yanze," Emperor Longfeng ignored the ministers. "They ask me to revoke my decree. What do you think I should do?"

Yun Yanze’s hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched into fists. His eyes reddened as he kowtowed. "Your son is unworthy of the title. I beg Your Majesty to grant me this mercy."

"Very well, I grant your wish." The Emperor turned his indifferent gaze to the pleading officials. "I am merely fulfilling my son’s request. Must you interfere in matters between father and son?"

The ministers knew then that the Fourth Prince’s fate was sealed.

"We dare not, Your Majesty."

"The Zheng Family has committed countless atrocities, their crimes too numerous to record. Without punishment, the people’s anger will not be appeased," Emperor Longfeng declared. "The head of the Zheng Family shall be executed publicly. All descendants of the Zheng Family shall be registered as slaves. Males over the age of twelve shall be exiled three thousand li, never to return to the capital. For three generations, none shall leave the slave registry."

"As for Concubine Zheng…" The Emperor sighed. "After midnight tonight, she shall be granted a white silk cord."

"Father!" Yun Yanze’s eyes widened in shock. He crawled forward on his knees, clutching the Emperor’s legs. "I beg for mercy—spare my mother’s life!"

"Your mother has taken more than ten lives, including that of your elder sister’s birth mother." Emperor Longfeng placed the evidence presented by Ming Jingzhou into Yun Yanze’s hands. "How can I possibly spare her?"

Among the princesses seated at the banquet, one sitting toward the back covered her face as tears fell. She had lost her mother long ago. The maids who served her had said her mother fell ill and died shortly after giving birth to her. She had always believed her mother’s death was due to childbirth—never imagining it was Lady Zheng who had killed her.

When others had their mothers by their side, she had none.

When others sought comfort from their mothers, she had none.

Even on her wedding day, it was Consort Su who had overseen everything.

How could a prince like Yun Yanze, with a mother and a powerful maternal family, understand the hardships of a motherless child in the palace?

She lifted her head and glared hatefully at Yun Yanze. All of this was his mother’s doing.

"Fourth Princess Consort, accompany the Fourth Prince outside for a walk," Consort Su said gently to Sun Caiyao. "If you ever face difficulties in the future, you may come to me."

Yun Yanze clutched the yellowed evidence, stumbling out of the hall under the weight of countless gazes. A gust of wind scattered the papers into the air, sending them drifting in all directions.

He snapped back to awareness, frantically reaching out to catch them, but the wind carried the pages beyond his grasp, some even fluttering back into the hall.

No one dared to look at the contents, nor did anyone dare pick them up.

One sheet landed on Jiuzhu’s table. She reached out.

Xiangjuan opened her mouth as if to stop her, but seeing the paper already in Jiuzhu’s hand, she swallowed her words.

[In the twentieth year of Xiande, Consort Wang gave birth to a daughter. Due to her conflict with Lady Zheng…]

"County Princess Jiuzhu." Yun Yanze stood beside her, holding a handful of aged papers. "Thank you for retrieving this. Please return it to me."

Jiuzhu looked up at him. His hair was disheveled, his sleeves stained with mud, his face paler than the paper in his hands.

She glanced down at the sheet in her hand, her eyes skimming the words.

[Lady Zheng, consumed by hatred, killed her.]

In that moment, the paper felt as cold and chilling as snow. It slipped from her fingers, spiraling through the air before landing at Yun Yanze’s feet.

To everyone watching, it appeared as though she had deliberately humiliated him.

"County Princess," Sun Caiyao stepped forward, bending to pick up the yellowed page. "The winter air is cold—do not let your hands freeze. Dropping something is one thing, but if you accidentally hurt yourself, that would be most unfortunate."

Yun Yanze took the paper from Sun Caiyao’s hands and said quietly, "Let’s go."

Once outside, his entire body trembled. He crushed the evidence into a crumpled ball before turning to Sun Caiyao. "Return with the servants. I wish to walk alone."

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on novelbuddy.cσ๓.

"My Lord, let me accompany you—"

"No need!" Realizing his tone had been too sharp, he softened his expression. "Caiyao, I just need some time alone. Go back first, alright?"

"Very well." Reluctantly, she agreed, knowing he did not want her with him at this moment.

Yun Yanze walked westward until he reached the gate of Qianyi Pavilion. The red lanterns on either side swayed in the wind. As he stepped onto the stairs, he heard his mother’s furious shouts from inside.

He paused, listening silently.

Gradually, his expression calmed. He turned to leave—only to see Bai Shao emerging from the room, her face covered.

"My Lord." Bai Shao hurriedly bowed upon seeing him. "Please wait a moment. This servant will inform Her Ladyship."

"No need." He stopped her, noticing the reddened slap mark on her cheek. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Where is Hong Mei? Why are you alone?"

Bai Shao shook her head without answering.

Yun Yanze saw her disheveled hair and crooked hairpin, realizing the force of his mother’s slap must have been brutal. "Tomorrow, I will ask Consort Su to transfer you to Zhangliu Palace."

"But Her Ladyship—"

He did not answer, turning away and disappearing into the night.

Behind him, his mother’s enraged screams echoed once more.

In the darkness, Yun Yanze wiped away a single tear and strode away.

Bai Shao pressed a hand to her stinging cheek, listening to her mistress’s furious cries. A terrible premonition settled in her heart.

Two hours later, when she saw the eunuchs carrying the white silk cord into Qianyi Pavilion, she finally understood why Yun Yanze’s expression had been so grim—and why he had told her to go to Zhangliu Palace.

After listening to the eunuch finish reciting the Emperor’s oral decree, Bai Shao stared blankly at her mistress, who was laughing and crying in turns, her mind dazed as she wondered how things had come to this.

"I want to see His Majesty! I don’t believe it!" Zheng Lanyin shoved away the burly eunuchs trying to restrain her. In her frenzy, her strength was unimaginable. "This is all Su Meidai’s scheme! The Emperor would never kill me!"

"It is I who want your life. No one else is involved." Emperor Longfeng stepped into Qianyi Pavilion. The two of them had not spoken properly in years, and the way he looked at her was as if she were a stranger.

"Even a day as husband and wife binds us for a hundred days of kindness, Your Majesty." Zheng Lanyin wept bitterly. "Why are you so heartless to me?"

"Do you remember the saying, ‘Husband and wife are birds in the same forest, but when disaster strikes, each flies their own way’?" Emperor Longfeng gazed at her. "If I were truly heartless, there would have been no Consort Ning in the palace when I ascended the throne."

Zheng Lanyin stared at him in terror, scrambling backward on her hands and feet. "No, it wasn’t me! I never said those words back then. Your Majesty, I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong! Please, spare me! I don’t want to die—I really don’t want to die!"

Over a decade ago, she had indeed said those very words to her family.

"Lanyin, are you truly resolved to collaborate with us from within and seize control of the prince’s residence? You won’t regret it?"

"Why should I regret it? ‘Husband and wife are birds in the same forest, but when disaster strikes, each flies their own way.’ Besides, he was never the one I fancied. If not for the family’s interests, why would I have endured such humiliation?"

"I know you married into the prince’s residence for the sake of your family. As a woman, you had no choice." Emperor Longfeng sighed. "Under the weight of imperial power, both of us were mere pawns back then. I never intended to make things difficult for you."

"But you made too many mistakes." Emperor Longfeng closed his eyes. "It was I who favored Meidai and Du Qing. If you must hate someone, hate me. If you become a vengeful ghost after death, come for me."

With that, he turned and left.

"Yun Yixing!" Zheng Lanyin shrieked. "You were just luckier than your Third Brother! That’s all!"

"You’re right." Emperor Longfeng paused and glanced back at her. "I was luckier than all the princes. That’s why I am the final victor."

"No, no!" Zheng Lanyin’s eyes widened, her teeth chattering uncontrollably. "It was you… it was you…"

Emperor Longfeng gave her one last look, then draped the cloak Liu Zhongbao handed over his shoulders. "Let’s go."

"Your Majesty," Liu Zhongbao asked with a smile, "where to?"

"You old fool, of course to Bright Moon Palace." The Emperor boarded the imperial carriage. "On New Year’s Eve, one should be with family. Summon Du Qing as well. If he refuses to come, he won’t get his New Year’s money this year."

"Your Majesty, His Highness might take a while to return to Bright Moon Palace. This old servant just saw him accompanying the County Ming toward the Vermilion Bird Gate."

Emperor Longfeng smiled faintly. "Let him be."

After all, a grown son no longer heeds his father.

"Your Highness." Jiuzhu looked ahead. "The Vermilion Bird Gate is just up ahead. My father and mother are waiting for me outside. You should head back now."

"This prince knows the Vermilion Bird Gate is ahead." Prince Chen chuckled. "Look up."

Jiuzhu raised her head just as a loud bang echoed, and the sky blossomed with dazzling fireworks.

The flames painted her face crimson, and she stared unblinkingly. "Your Highness, did you set these off just for me?"

"The palace sets off fireworks every New Year’s Eve after midnight. Many places in the capital can see them."

"Oh." Jiuzhu nodded. So they weren’t just for her.

"Those weren’t, but these are." Prince Chen raised his hand, and a servant eunuch stepped forward with a pile of firecrackers.

‘With firecrackers ringing out the old year, the spring breeze brings warmth into the wine.’ He placed one firecracker on the ground. "Little Piggy Jiuzhu, light this firecracker, and it’ll be a new year. May all your wishes come true, and may you live in peace and joy."

He tied the firestarter to a long stick and handed it to her. "Here, give it a try."

Jiuzhu’s heart raced with excitement and fear as she shakily extended the stick, trying to light the fuse. But her hand wobbled, and she couldn’t quite manage it.

"Never played with firecrackers before?"

Jiuzhu shook her head. "Never."

Seeing her clumsiness, Prince Chen gently steadied her wrist. "I’ll teach you. Once this fuse is lit, we run. Got it?"

"Mm!" Jiuzhu nodded, staring intently at the fuse as if facing a great enemy.

Fizz!

The fuse caught fire. She dropped the stick, grabbed Prince Chen’s hand, and bolted.

"Don’t be scared." Prince Chen opened his cloak and wrapped it around Jiuzhu, covering her completely.

Boom!

The firecracker exploded in a burst of light.

"We did it!" Jiuzhu peeked out from the cloak, pointing excitedly at the spot where the firecracker had gone off. "That was so loud!"

"Fun?" Prince Chen looked down at the girl practically nestled in his arms and laughed.

"Very fun!" Jiuzhu tugged his sleeve. "Your Highness, let’s light another one, okay?"

"Alright." Prince Chen picked up the firestarter and handed it to her. "This time, do it yourself."

"Mm-hmm!" Jiuzhu blew on the firestarter a few times until it flared to life, then shakily lit the next firecracker.

This time, she managed to ignite the fuse on her own. With a yelp, she spun around and dashed straight toward Prince Chen without a second thought.

Seeing her run toward him, Prince Chen opened his cloak once more.

The girl barreled straight into his chest.

Laughing, he wrapped her tightly in the cloak as the firecracker exploded—its sound echoing like the pounding of his own heart.

"Your Highness, you should light a couple too!" Jiuzhu nudged him. "Go on, hurry!"

Prince Chen took the firestarter. "This prince can light three at once. Want to see?"

"Yes!" Jiuzhu set out three firecrackers, hesitated, then took one back. She glanced at him. "Your Highness, maybe just two? Three is too many."

"Little Piggy, are you underestimating me?" Prince Chen stepped closer and replaced the firecracker. "Stand back. I’ll show you what a real firecracker master looks like."

Jiuzhu scampered away, covering her ears. "Your Highness, be careful!"

Prince ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‍Chen waved dismissively, swiftly lit all three fuses, then stood and turned to Jiuzhu.

Three explosions rang out in succession. Jiuzhu lowered her hands from her ears and gazed at the elegant young man standing amidst the sparks, murmuring softly to herself, "Your Highness… is so handsome."

"What was that?" Prince Chen walked over and noticed her flushed cheeks.

She shook her head vigorously. "Nothing!"

"Eyes darting around, looking so guilty—and you claim it was nothing?" Prince Chen poked her cheek teasingly. "Little Piggy Jiuzhu, do you think this prince is easily fooled?"

"No, no!" Jiuzhu covered her face to block his poking, but when she couldn’t escape, she finally buried her face in his chest again.

Thump, thump, thump.

Those weren’t firecrackers—it was the sound of his heartbeat.

Jiuzhu lifted her head from his embrace, her eyes shimmering. "Your Highness…"

She wanted to say, Your heartbeat is so loud.

"You silly little fool." Prince Chen chuckled, his laughter tender and restrained, like peach blossoms blooming across a mountainside.