Chapter 37

“No.” He Qingning rejected.

Shen Wan asked in a compliant manner, “What does Your Highness want me to do?”

“Serve me.”

Shen Wan was a little surprised. She almost asked her: How am I supposed to serve you? What am I supposed to do? This kind of servitude, is this the same as the one I’m thinking of?

“Also, don’t tell me anymore lies. It’s not like you can fool me. You are not a simple person. You’re cunning. You don’t know how much of a conniving snake you are. ¹ You clearly have a lot of schemes and a lot of power. A person like you is just what I lack.”

Shen Wan: So, is this an insult or a compliment?

“You gave up on my third brother, but you still want to live your life in the palace safely. This is nothing but a pipe dream. Let me tell you now, my third brother wants to ascend to the highest position. In the future, you will have no choice, but to be involved in all kinds of things. I don’t like you, but my third brother is in the palm of Shen Shi’s hand. Shen Shi is his sun. You may be in a better position than her now, but one day he may replace you for Shen Shi. Shen Wan, do you understand what you represent? Your presence will always be a hindrance in their eyes.”

Advertisements

REPORT THIS AD

“What does Your Highness mean?”

“You have the talent and the means. You are trapped in the Royal Palace and you say you’re indifferent to a life of fame and fortune, but every day that you encounter situations that push you down, you find ways to turn it around instead. ² Isn’t this a contradiction? It seems that you don’t actually want to have such a dull life being controlled by somebody else. But as long as my third brother doesn’t like you and have more feelings for Shen Shi, having the title of princess will be removed sooner or later. Perhaps you have a means to escape, but I think that instead of waiting for death, it’s better to find another way.”

Without waiting for an response, He Qingning stepped up to Shen Wan and stared down at her pale little face, “Just throw away your title as the third princess and serve me. Once you help me out, I promise to provide you the glory you seek. Either you rot behind the scenes in the palace or you serve under me and get a place high enough to have ten thousand people below you. It’s your choice.”

Shen Wan: Actually, she didn’t care about having ten thousand people below her. Just the one. It doesn’t even matter if they take turns.

“What if I refuse?” Shen Wan asked tentatively.

He Qingning’s eyes turned cold, “I already know all of your little secrets and you also know mine. Shen Wan, we’re already tied together. You swore to me already. Do you agree to this or not?”

“I… I promise!”

Shen Wan quickly said. How could she not agree, she waited for this day for a long time. The little princess finally recognized her potential and came to pick her up to plot something big. She hasn’t experienced being a high official before, ³ especially one that is under one person and can govern ten thousand people. She wanted to try it.

He Qingning had long expected that Shen Wan would agree. Did she really have all of Shen Wan’s secrets in her hands? No, of course not. How could such a clever little person reveal all of her secrets at once and only reveal it to her alone? Her third brother is not a fool except when it comes to Shen Shi. After pulling out her brother’s people, even she would need to take time and think through inserting her own people in the palace.

And Shen Wan, her third brother didn’t even suspect her. Why would she let herself be found out by a royal princess living in the palace? From the day of their meeting, the other woman has already attracted her attention like it was magic. Now at her every step, she makes her doubt where she should go next.

As the Royal Princess of the Xiyun Kingdom, if she encounters a dangerous person such as her, she would need to dispose of them discretely or catch their mistakes and expose it. This would make sure they would not have any room to take over. However, she did not do any of this with Shen Wan. Whenever she was in proximity with her, she could not feel any malicious intent. But if she really did hurt the other woman, she feels as if she would regret it in the future.

She doesn’t know where the other woman came from, what secrets she has, and whether it has anything to do with her, so she may as well tie this person to her side. The other woman seemed to reject it on the surface, but from the looks of her eyes, it’s not difficult to see that she’d been looking forward to this decision for a long time.

“Your Highness, are you amazed by how beautiful I am today that you can’t help but look at me as if I’m a Goddess?”

Her thoughts were interrupted by Shen Wan, but He Qingning was not mad at the interruption. She carefully examined Shen Wan’s face and it indeed look a little bit pretty. Seeing the other woman’s eyes showed expectation, she laughed, “Are you saying that you’re more beautiful than I am?”

“Hey, Your Highness’ beauty is naturally beyond mine, but I don’t look that far off from you, just with a little less hair.”

He Qingning was amused, and then her expression became more serious, “Then you’ll do as I say. I’ll make arrangements for you. Once you’re free from the royal family, you’ll serve me.”

“What has Your Highness come up with to get me out?”

“Other than faking your death, there’s no other way.” He Qingning said bluntly, “I’ll arrange a new identity for you. You’ll be called He Wan. After leaving the palace, you will not be the third princess any longer. You’ll only be He Wan, do you understand?” She paused and patted Shen Wan’s shoulder, “I will restore your identity once I succeed. No one will dare defame you. Rumors steer clear from the powerful. If anyone dares to talk about you in the future, I will make them regret it for life.”

Shen Wan: “188, did you hear that? The little princess was so eager that she gave me her surname. My God, I’m really excited. As expected of the princess, she’s so virtuous to provide me her last name. Doesn’t “support the night” also mean He Wan?” ⁴ She squealed, stamped her feet, and called out “my little princess!”

[188 is helpless, “Wan Wan, don’t you think that your purpose is a little exposed now? Let’s respect the alarm and my system.”]

“Through previous events, I’ve tested the limits of the alarm. As long as I don’t tell people other than the male lead that I like them, love them, or tell them how they please me in a straightforward manner, the alarm wouldn’t go off. Rest assured.”

188: Rage!

I don’t want to do this! !

The host is really unscrupulous! ! !

Shen Wan felt 188’s dissatisfaction and anger, “Isn’t it enough if you get a high rating? You get more bonuses and benefits. After we finish this series, aren’t you up for an upgrade? I say the process isn’t important, what matters most are the results. What do you think?”

188 thought about it for a while and yes, his boss OOO didn’t even reproach him about this before. He only told him to support his host and make a big win. The alarms didn’t go off, so no one minded. The results satisfied the readers regardless of how they did it.

Squeal! Squeal! Cheers for the host! Cheers for the little princess!

The two women discussed the matter of leaving the palace. He Qingning only told She Wan to start pretending to be sick after two days. Once a few days has passed, she would give her pills to fake her death.

After a couple of days, He Qingning visited He Xiyan with Shen Wan. He Xiyan’s face looked a little pale.

Even as a strong man and taking tonics every day, bleeding a small bowl half full of blood will still have an impact on the body. If it was a delicate woman who did this after so many days, she would have been unable to bare it.

Shen Shi’s complexion did look much better. Because of He Xiyan providing her with blood to detoxify her, the feelings between the two improved a lot.

When Shen Wan came to visit, the air around He Xiyan felt like it was from a frozen block of ice. He didn’t look at her and only spoke a few words to her coldly. He told her to go away and stay in her own courtyard since she’ll make Shen Shi worry. A shadow brushed through He Qingning’s face as she heard these words. Her third brother really thought Shen Wan was insignificant and he didn’t even care about what this may do to her reputation. If General Shen was still here there would be people defending her from the Shen family. If only the senior lady of the Shen family cared more about her granddaughter, then surely He Xiyan would give Shen Wan a little respect.

He Xiyan hated Shen Wan. First, he didn’t have feelings for her. Second, he hated her because of Shen Shi. Third, he was beaten by Shen Wan on the night of their wedding. Until now, he still experienced pain and needed to recover. It would still be a while until he could raise it. He looked at Shen Wan with a raging hate that could cut people to death.

Recently, he’s been too busy with curing Shen Shi that he didn’t have time to avenge himself. He Qingning had her own plans. She did not point out any of this. She only consoled He Xiyan and left.

“In the future, it’s okay for you not to come here.” He Xiyan coldly made a glance then turned away, “Stay in your courtyard and don’t cause trouble for me.”

“Okay.” Shen Wan replied, then focused on Doctor Liu. “Your Highness, I’m feeling a little unwell. Could you please ask Doctor Liu to help me?”

“Shen Wan, you look like you have a healthy complexion and full of energy. Why would you feel unwell?” He Xiyan’s eyes fell on Shen Wan’s face. “Even if you pretend to be sick, you’d have to put more powder on your face before you come to me. Just give it up. You’re only pretending to be sick and weak to win over my sympathy.”

Shen Wan: It turns out that people aren’t easy to fool with only applying make-up and pretending to be sick and weak.

Shen Wan: “I’m really feeling unwell. It won’t take long for Doctor Liu to check my pulse.”

“Hong Zhu, your princess is unwell. Why don’t you hurry up and help her back to her room to rest. If you really do have a disease, what would you do if you infect Shi’er?”

Hong Zhu was about to explode.

However, she was only a small servant girl. She could only hold herself back and sulk as she helped Shen Wan return. Along the way, she quietly muttered how Shen Shi was a scheming vixen and He Xiyan not having any conscience.

After that day, Shen Wan pretend to gradually get more ill. Every day, her complexion would look worse. Hong Zhu turned very anxious, but she was helpless. He Xiyan heard this and only assumed that Hong Zhu was lying. Shen Wan was only pretending to be sick and trying to deceive him like what she did in the past.

He was not fooled.

That woman was so powerful that she could kill a cow with her bare hands. He didn’t believe that she could be ill. She definitely wanted to deceive him.

Shen Shi saw how He Xiyan didn’t care about Shen Wan at all and became more affectionate with him. Now that her body is much better, a man and a woman alone together should have amounted to something, but at every critical moment, He Xiyan would let her go. Shen Shi was somewhat dissatisfied about this, but He Xiyan told her that he was afraid of hurting her. This eased her dissatisfaction quite a bit.

In the past half month, He Qingning did not approach Shen Wan because of their plans, but she was still informed about Shen Wan’s condition every day.

Whenever she was free, she would see the emperor.

The emperor was aging. This, coupled with the death of the empress many years ago grew a wound in his heart. His body deteriorated quicker as the days go by. Since the empress passed, he could only put more attention to He Qingning. As the Royal Princess, no matter how much he pampers He Qingning, it wouldn’t cause others to be apprehensive. A princess can only take sides or get married to another family. She won’t be able to participate in the princes’ competition for the crown.

In recent days, He Qingning will accompany the emperor to the Imperial Garden every evening and talk with him.

“Why haven’t you visited He Xiyan recently? He married a few months ago. How is the girl from the Shen family coping?”

He Qingning paused and said, “Not very well.”

“How so?” The emperor turned more serious. Shen Wan was the daughter of General Shen and his third son was raised by the empress. When General Shen was still alive, he also valued He Xiyan before giving his daughter to him as his bride. It was so unexpected that General Shen would perish on the battlefield.

“The woman that He Xiyan likes is someone else.”

“So that’s how it is.”

The emperor didn’t question it further. He couldn’t intervene in his own son’s feelings. As long as his son treated the girl from the Shen family properly and he didn’t make any trouble, then he could love whoever he wanted.

After walking for a while, the emperor had to sit down and rest.

Seeing how exhausted the emperor looked, He Qingning felt sad, “Father, you still have to take care of your body. Your daughter is very worried.”

As he watched the sadness seeping from He Qingning, the emperor patted her hand, “I’m the emperor, so I can’t be idle. All of your brothers are salivating at the seat under me and I can’t show weakness when the ministers are all there in the court. In my mind, I always think that if I relax for a day, I will fall into all kinds of difficulties. Everything I have today is the result of your mother and I’s hardships. It’s fortunate that we’ve come so far in this life.”

“Qingning, you are already eighteen. Is there a man in the Xiyun Kingdom that you like? I’ll hear you out. If the person is good, I’ll recommend you to be their bride. The reason why I haven’t prepared a mansion for you as a royal princess is because I didn’t want you to be too far away. I wouldn’t be able to see you easily when I want to.”

“I have no interest in any men.”

“Then take your time to pick. You’re my favorite little princess and you deserve the best person in this world.”

He Qingning saw the most sincere affection coming from the emperor’s eyes. The amount of love shown made her a little flustered, she said, “Father, I don’t like looking at men. They flatter me, but they only do so because of greed. Their thoughts may as well be written across their eyes with how easily they can be understood with a glance. It’s impossible for me to like them.”

When the emperor heard this, he cheerfully said, “I am still the emperor here, I can protect you while I still rule. If I’m no longer here…”

“Father, do you think that once I have a husband, he would stay subdued and be satisfied with his life?”

“Your third brother will protect you.” The emperor said, “I will also provide you with a hidden decree. If your third brother fails you in the future, then you can reveal this and save your life.”

“Father, you yourself are the emperor. Would you tolerate your sister to have a decree that can pull you down at any time? What is the power of a mere decree before an army of thousands?”

The emperor’s smile faded and his faint gaze fell on He Qingning’s face. He Qingning was not afraid and looked directly into his eyes.

After a long time, the emperor suddenly sighed, “It’s unfortunate that you are not a man.” If she were a man, there wouldn’t be any trouble. Choosing his third son is a desperate move. He has several sons and they weren’t bad, but only his third son would treat Qingning properly.

“I heard that you’ve been worried recently about various corruption cases.” He Qingning whispered, “Have you sent someone to investigate?”

“It’s the same situation over and over again. Once we suspect enough to investigate, the accounting books are already tampered to hide any trace of leakage. Since there’s nothing wrong with what we can find, then there won’t be any reason to check further.” This is also one of the many things that the emperor feels helpless about.

“Father, let me go look into it.”

In the quiet of the imperial garden, despite the low quality of He Qingning’s voice, her point was loud and clear. Regardless of the emperor’s tired face, his eyes gleamed with a sudden fire. He slowly turned to look at He Qingning’s face. The two stared at each other for a long time and neither father nor daughter spoke.

The emperor sat with He Qingning kneeling beside him. Even as her legs fell numb, she would not show weakness. She said, “As your daughter, I want to carry your burdens.”

“Qingning.”

“Father, I’m here.”

“This road is not easy.”

“But I want to try.”

“Why?”

“I want to live well and not be taken advantage by others. I also want the ability to protect those who I wish to protect in the future.”

When the emperor heard this, he suddenly laughed. He gently patted Qingning’s head. He lovingly said, “Did I spoil you to the point where you can easily claw at my weakness?”

“Other than not being a man, is there anything that dissatisfies you about me?” He Qingning raised her chin and asked.

The emperor took a deep breath. He grabbed He Qingning’s hand and stood up, “It’s dark. Let’s go back.”

He Qingning assisted the emperor without a fuss.

“Qingning, are you willing to take my place and see how vast the world really is?”

He Qingning raised her head with tears in her eyes, “I’m willing.”

Shen Wan was sick for almost half a month. He Xiyan completely ignored her every word. He did not believe that she was really sick.

At first, Hong Zhu was able to notify He Xiyan. Later on, He Xiyan simply asked someone to stop her and prevent her from entering his courtyard.

Therefore, none but Hong Zhu knew the news of Shen Wan’s “serious illness”.

When He Qingning, who hadn’t visited for a long time, appeared again, Hong Zhu was so overjoyed that she cried as she quickly invited her inside.

He Qingning heart sank the moment she saw Shen Wan’s ghastly face. Then she saw Shen Wan’s playful wink which made her relax. This time, she was sure that Shen Wan didn’t apply any powder to her face, but she still managed to look really pale.

“Hong Zhu, go ask Doctor Liu to come over. If my third brother doesn’t allow it, tell him that I’m here and it was me who asked Doctor Liu to come and check the princess.”

Hearing this, Hong Zhu ran out quickly.

“What’s going on? Why do you have such a white face? I thought you were seriously ill.” He Qingning held Shen Wan’s wrist and it felt the same as before. She felt very relieved.

“I made myself thirsty.” Shen Wan replied, “Your Highness, I’ve been so stressed recently pretending to be sick. In the future, if you don’t give me an official title, I will be so upset with you.”

“I made a promise to you and I never break my promises. I already told you that you’ll only be under one person and above ten thousand.”

Shen Wan: Why does Her Highness always emphasizes this? Isn’t it better to exchange positions? She always tells me that I’m under one person, under one person. It’s irritating.

“Okay, let’s not say anymore, the doctor is coming. Don’t hesitate if Doctor Liu tells you to do something, just do as you’re told. He’s one of my people.”

Shen Wan nodded in relief. Oh, so it turns out that Doctor Liu is one of He Qingning’s people.

This doctor is really a multifaceted spy.

Doctor Liu was pulled along by Hong Zhu and they hurried inside. He Xiyan heard that He Qingning was visiting and with a look to Hong Zhu, it seemed that something really did happen.

When he came in, he saw Shen Wan looking very pale and lying on the bed as if dying with dry, cracked lips. Her condition was very bad. There was no evidence of the strength she possessed when she beat him that night.

Doctor Liu carefully took her pulse and then his face became ugly. He Xiyan felt that the situation was not very good. He Qingning also frowned while Hong Zhu cried anxiously.

No one noticed Doctor Liu turn his back to several people. The old man looked at Shen Wan without a word. Shen Wan made a small gesture on the quilt and he used his other hand to quickly hold the hidden object.

Doctor Liu: It’s really not easy being a doctor these days.

The crown prince thought that anyone he took from the imperial palace could be trusted. Little did he know that he was a pawn planted by the royal princess into the royal family. The royal princess thought he was her man, never imagining that the prince’s wife has already used more powerful means to turn him against the prince. Her means of temptation was so great that he had to turn against him.

As a mere doctor, he really felt like Alexander. ⁵ He didn’t really see why these three powerful people couldn’t get along and treat him like a simple doctor.

When Doctor Liu released Shen Wan’s wrist, Hong Zhu cried out and asked, “Doctor Liu, how is the princess?”

“My Prince, Your Royal Highness,” Doctor Liu said with regret, “It’s better to prepare for the princess’ passing. Her time is running out.”

“What?” There was no one more surprised than He Xiyan. Shen Wan was doing fine a while ago. She was powerful enough to beat him. How could she be running out of time?”

But Doctor Liu was someone under his hand. He would never lie to him.

“What’s going on?” He Xiyan asked.

Doctor Liu said, “The cause of the illness is unknown, but the third princess’ body is running out of energy as we speak, so…”

Only Hong Zhu cried out. He Qingning walked to Doctor Liu while He Xiyan was distracted with his astonishment. She turned her back to him and Doctor Liu hurriedly gave He Qingning what he had in his hand.

He Qingning hid the item before asking, “Is there really no other solution?”

“Yes.” Doctor Liu shook his head regretfully. The princess should leave the palace as soon as possible. While this dangerous person has a place here, he felt that it was not safe.

It took a long time for He Xiyan to react. Once he did, he finally accepted what was happening to Shen Wan. There was no movement in his heart, but he was still surprised. He thought of his blood’s new ability to detoxify. Was it because of the special circumstance of drinking her blood that the other woman’s energy was completely extinguished?

While He Qingning was with Shen Wan, He Xiyan called out to Doctor Liu and spoke about his speculation. Doctor Liu hesitated for a moment before he said that it might be so.

He Xiyan’s expression turned more problematic. Although he didn’t like Shen Wan, for some reason, he was nauseated by the thought. When this person dies, she’ll be dying because of him. Any human heart that’s not made of stone will still have some feelings.

“I saw how calm the princess was. She may have known.”

He Xiyan’s expression turned more torn. Although he didn’t like Shen Wan, for some reason, he was nauseated by the thought. When this person dies, she’ll be dying because of him. Any human heart that’s not made of stone will still have some feelings.

“You may go. Keep this matter a secret.”

Doctor Liu breathed a sigh of relief and hurried outside. Damn, being a doctor is really high risk. He’ll never be a doctor in his next life.

“What’s this?” Shen Wan asked. She looked at the familiar little brown pill in He Qingning’s hand and moved her face closer.

188: His host is truly resourceful. She’s going around sending things out, then let’s the little princess personally hand it back to her.

“This medicine can let you fake death. After taking it, you’ll fall into a state of death within twelve hours. You don’t have to worry about what happens next, I will let someone take you out of the palace.”

“Oh, okay.”

“My father has given me permission to get involved, but whether it will succeed or not will depend on us.”

Shen Wan: It must be a success!

He Qingning held Shen Wan’s hand and whispered, “From today on, you really won’t have a way back. No matter if it’s a success or failure, in life or death, you’re tied to me.”

Shen Wan: She’s been waiting for this day for a long time.

“As for Hong Zhu, I will arrange it for you. You don’t need to worry about her.”

Shen Wan: The little princess really knows me well. She’s so cute.

“You may encounter a lot of danger up ahead. Are you afraid?” The emperor was nominally giving her permission to travel around, but secretly he was asking her to investigate those salacious matters.

At first, her presence wouldn’t arouse any suspicion, but once she’s poked her head in a few more times, it’ll be more dangerous. Her brother’s would think nothing of it. They’ll assume that it’s just a countermeasure presented by her father to keep the situation hidden and investigate it himself. But even so, they still pose many dangers.

“Your Highness, I’m so powerful that my fist can break through a person’s chest.”

Shen Wan: She cheers as she exclaims, “Wife, I’ll protect you!”