After Cheng Fengyi fainted, the scene naturally turned chaotic. The neighbors couldn't bear to watch and began to criticize Madam Zhai for being heartless. Instead of acknowledging her mistake, Madam Zhai brandished a broom, shouting something about not dying in front of their door. Zhong Lüping was so furious she almost attacked the old woman.
"Deserves it! Such people should be beaten to death!" Xiaoqiu couldn't help but spit angrily.
Zhong Lüping sighed repeatedly, "Sister Cheng has suffered so much, yet the Zhai family still rejects her. I can't help her at all."
Chi Ying patted her shoulder, consoling her, "You've done well. Don't blame yourself. Even without Wen Juan, Sister Cheng would face contempt if she returned. Not going back might be better."
Cui Yi leaned against a soft couch, sighing, "Cheng's heart is kind, and she saved countless lives. Many soldiers owe their lives to her and would gladly sacrifice themselves for her. If they knew how the Zhai family treated her, they might raze the entire village to the ground."
Chi Ying immediately glared at him, "Your Majesty, food can be eaten recklessly, but words mustn't be spoken lightly. What if the eunuchs outside think it's an imperial decree and spread it to the camp?"
Cui Yi pursed his lips, refraining from further comments.
Zhong Lüping continued, "After Sister Cheng fainted, I wanted to put her on the carriage, but the old woman was vicious, swinging the broom. Two palace maids tried to block her but dared not hurt her. I alone couldn't lift Sister Cheng despite using all my strength."
"Didn't anyone nearby offer to help?" Chi Ying asked.
"Some wanted to," Zhong Lüping smiled, "Guess who came?"
Xiaoqiu blurted out, "Was it Zhai Zicheng?"
Cui Yi stroked his lips, "It must have been Gong Qi."
Zhong Lüping nodded, smiling, "The emperor is indeed wise. When we left the city, General Yang had been following us on horseback, probably following Master Bai Li's advice, fearing Sister Cheng might suffer. But under those circumstances, no one could help. If he intervened, things might have gotten worse."
Everyone nodded. Indeed, Madam Zhai already thought Cheng Fengyi unchaste; if a man helped her, it would make matters worse.
Yang Qiong could only watch as Cheng Fengyi was humiliated. His words were conveyed through Zhong Lüping. When Cheng collapsed, the old woman swung the broom at them. Finally, Yang Qiong couldn't take it anymore, stepping forward from his hiding place.
Two palace maids tried to block Madam Zhai, but she became more aggressive, knowing they wouldn't dare hurt her. Yang Qiong snatched the broom from her hand and threw it aside.
Zhong Lüping gasped, "General Yang?"
Seeing a fierce-looking man with a weapon, Madam Zhai finally backed off.
Yang Qiong knelt on one knee, taking the unconscious Cheng Fengyi from Zhong Lüping's arms.
Madam Zhai exclaimed, "Oh! Having men outside and coming back pretending to be pitiful..."
Before she finished, Yang Qiong looked up, his murderous gaze accompanied by the shadow of his spear slicing through the air. Madam Zhai felt a chill as half her hairpin was cut off, her gray hair falling loose.
Wen Juan, leaning against the doorframe, nearly fell over in fright.
The neighbors froze in fear.
Madam Zhai stood there, bewildered.
"If you dare speak rudely again, next time it'll be your neck," Yang Qiong said firmly.
He carried Cheng Fengyi towards the village entrance where the carriage waited. Zhong Lüping and the two palace maids hurried after him.
A while later, Madam Zhai's terrified wails echoed behind them.
"After helping Sister Cheng onto the carriage, General Yang rode ahead alone," Zhong Lüping said, twisting her hands, "Even now, he refuses to take advantage of the situation. I truly admire him."
Cui Yi commented, "Gong Qi is like that, never doing anything against his conscience. Without help, I fear he might spend his life watching over Mother and Daughter Cheng from afar."
Chi Ying agreed, "From what you say, Sister Cheng has thoughts of suicide. But with little Shujin, she won't abandon her daughter. We must prevent her from becoming completely despondent and possibly committing suicide, leaving her daughter behind. We mustn't stand idly by. Since Zhai Zicheng betrayed her, we must help General Yang at all costs. This benefits both Sister Cheng and him."
Xiaoqiu immediately supported Chi Ying, "Her Majesty is right! What should we do?"
Cui Yi and Zhong Lüping looked expectantly at Chi Ying.
Chi Ying paused, unsure how to proceed. Given Yang Qiong's character, he'd refused to remarry even when his elder sister-in-law was widowed. Cheng Fengyi still loved Zhai Rang, so Yang wouldn't interfere.
Persuading Cheng Fengyi? That idea was quickly dismissed. She was in deep mourning, making it inappropriate to suggest moving on. Perhaps in a year or two, but given her mental state, she might take drastic action sooner.
Just as everyone was stumped, a letter from Yan Prefecture arrived unexpectedly.
Receiving Shan Jian's letter surprised Chi Ying. Shan Jian rarely offered advice unprompted, and even when consulted, his suggestions were often ruthless. However, this letter was different. Shan Jian anticipated Cheng Fengyi's rejection by her family and potential suicide upon returning to the capital. Yet, since she hadn't died, Yang Qiong hadn't given up and might need help.
Chi Ying marveled at Shan Jian's insight into human nature, suggesting a practical solution.
On Winter Solstice, Cui Yi hosted a banquet for key figures in the recent coup, planning to send troops to eliminate remnants of the former dynasty in Qin Prefecture. Until Ji Jie was definitively dead, Cui Yi's throne wasn't secure.
"The list of generals for the western campaign includes Gong Qi," Cui Yi said, reading reports, "He volunteered, so I couldn't refuse."
Chi Ying stirred the ginseng soup, blowing on it, "Be careful with your pronouns, lest the censors hear and comment. So he's given up? A pity Shan advised us otherwise."
Cui Yi wrote, "Even if he's given up, he's not truly resigned. What did Shan write? He usually deals in shady affairs, but now he's playing matchmaker."
Chi Ying chuckled, "Who knows? Maybe he's changed. Ask Minister Bai Li to write him."
Bai Li Zan, an early advisor to Prince Wu, made significant contributions to Cui Yi's rise. Though young, he was highly capable. Despite efforts to appoint him to a powerful position, conservative ministers insisted he lacked experience. Eventually, he was appointed as tutor to Crown Prince Hao, ensuring future promotion.
Cui Yi, always interested in abdicating, was pleased with the current arrangement, especially having a crown prince and tutor. Privately informing Bai Li, the latter found Cui Yi's enthusiasm unsettling, feeling like a regent.
"Tonight's a good opportunity. I'll discuss with Sister Zhong. Whether it succeeds depends on fate," Chi Ying handed the soup to Cui Yi and left the study.
Outside, several ministers stopped discussing and bowed as she passed.
The Winter Solstice banquet was held at Lan Yue Terrace, traditionally reserved for imperial banquets. By hosting non-royal guests here, Cui Yi showed respect and signaled change.
Seven days later, Cui Yi would ascend the throne. Social interactions would become more formal.
Twelve seats were arranged, six on each side. After waiting, Cui Yi and Chi Ying arrived with their children.
"Everyone's here? Please sit," Cui Yi gestured.
Chi Ying sat beside him with Xiao Cui Hao, while Xiao Cui Xian was cared for by a nanny. Seeing Nian Jiaojiao, Xiao Cui Xian ran over.
Nian Jiaojiao, usually seen in skirts, wore a qūjū today, appearing slightly older but still innocent.
Lady Wang smiled, "Shouldn't you call her Aunt?"
Nian Jiaojiao pouted, "I'm not that old! I want to be Big Sister."
Everyone laughed.
"Big Sister it is. But remember our agreement with Sister Cheng. If either of us has daughters, they'll be sisters. So, you'll need to call Cheng Aunt," Chi Ying teased.
Nian Jiaojiao giggled, "So Cheng gets a free upgrade. Poor Xu Cheng loses a generation."
Baili Zan laughed, "Cheng isn't getting a free ride; Xu follows you down a generation, calling us Uncles."
More laughter ensued. Xu Chen blushed, distracted by a servant's whisper.
Nian Jiaojiao didn't notice his discomfort, insisting on equality in titles.
Lord Zhong Yuanshan suddenly asked, "Your Majesty will ascend soon. Have you chosen the empress?"
The room fell silent.
Since Cui Yi took the palace, everyone assumed Chi Ying would be empress. Zhong's question caught everyone off guard.
Prince Jing, Cui Xiang, glared, "Brother, only Consort Changsun has borne you children. Naturally, she's the empress."
Cui Xiang feared Zhong promoting Zhong Lüping to empress. Pursuing her romantically, he couldn't let her become a tool for Zhong's ambitions.
Cui Yi neither confirmed nor denied, "I have my plans. No need to worry, Uncle."
Zhong Yuanshan respected the boundary, "As long as Your Majesty has decided."
Cui Yi raised his cup, "Let's drink."
Soon after, Chi Ying excused herself to put Xiao Cui Hao to bed. Zhong Lüping received her signal and instructed her maid.
Back at Yao Hua Palace, Cheng Fengyi had just arrived, staring at a parrot.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Chi Ying handed Xiao Cui Hao to the nursemaid.
Cheng smiled faintly, assuming Chi Ying had gone to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Chi Ying engaged in conversation, hoping to lift Cheng's spirits.
"It's not what you think. You are now the empress, and although there aren't many people in the palace, there are still plenty of things to attend to. How can I compare to you? I'm just an idle person, waiting a bit longer won't hurt."
Chiyong held her hand and sat down, letting out a soft sigh, "The emperor is certainly confirmed as the emperor, but I may not necessarily be the empress."
Cheng Fengyi's eyes widened in surprise, "What do you mean by that? The emperor only has you by his side. If you're not the empress, then who will be?"
Chiyong smiled faintly, the question from Zhong Yuanshan earlier had indeed made her suspicious, but tonight was not the time to discuss this.
"Where is Shujin?" she asked.
Cheng Fengyi's gaze dimmed slightly, and she whispered softly, "She was playing in the yard before, but I found her too noisy, so I had the nanny take her to the imperial garden." She couldn't help but add, "When they left, the nanny specially put on a fox fur coat for her. Although it's windy at night, she shouldn't catch a cold."
Chiyong smiled helplessly, thinking that Zhong Lüping was right; Cheng Fengyi now treated little Shujin like a porcupine—holding her close would hurt, while putting her far away would make her worry. There was no perfect solution.
"Bring her back to rest. She must be tired after playing all day," Chiyong said, stopping Xiaoqiu who was about to leave after setting down the teacup, "Xiaoqiu, go to the imperial garden and ask Nanny Zhang to bring Miss Zhai back to the side hall to rest. I want to talk with Sister Cheng for a while."
Xiaoqiu accepted the order and left. Cheng Fengyi smiled bitterly, "She's no longer Miss Zhai. The Zhai family despises me, and they look down on her as well. It doesn't matter much to me, but it's pitiful for my Jincheng. At such a young age, she lost her mother first, then her father, and cannot live a peaceful life."
Chiyong reached across the table and held her hand tightly, "Sister, I have a question for you."
Cheng Fengyi lowered her eyelids, "Go ahead."
"Do you remember when I wanted to arrange a marriage for the prince? Back then, I went to your place, and you said that if Brother Zhai were to marry someone else, you wouldn't give up easily. But why now, are you giving up without a fight?"
Cheng Fengyi smiled silently, her eyes darkened, "Fight? How can I fight? I am a woman burdened with sin. Ever since Huerhana took me away by force, I knew my life was over. But I wasn't willing to accept it, I fought because I had a glimmer of hope that one day I could return to Central China, and maybe Zicheng wouldn't care that I had been defiled by another man…"
Seeing her heartbroken expression, Chiyong felt a pang of pain and tightened her grip on her hand.
"But I was too naive. How can there be a man who doesn't care that his wife has been violated by another? Even if he truly doesn't mind, those around him will point fingers and gossip. Who knows what might happen in the future?" Cheng Fengyi sighed, lowering her head, "Moreover…"
Chiyong carefully probed, "What is it?"
Cheng Fengyi took a deep breath, her eyes reddening and her voice choked with emotion, "In Changyao, that b*st*rd… every day… Though I was unwilling, I eventually became pregnant."
"I didn't want to bear such a cursed child, so I tried every means to abort it. To prevent any future problems, I deliberately angered the queen of that b*st*rd and drank a bowl of extremely cold medicine. For the rest of my life… I probably won't be able to have children again."
Chiyong trembled in shock, "This—!"
Cheng Fengyi smiled sadly, "If it were you, would you rather be rejected at the door immediately upon returning, or wait until later and see him surrounded by concubines and children?"
Chiyong nodded silently, "I understand."
Cheng Fengyi placed her other hand on top of hers, speaking warmly, "Chiyong, the emperor is a man of great affection and loyalty, such men are rare in this world. You must cherish him. Even if he can't make you the empress due to pressure, remember that as long as he loves and respects you, you still have a chance. After all, you've been with him through thick and thin, and you are the biological mother of the crown prince. No one can compete with you. Bear with it for now, everything will be better in the future."
Chiyong felt a mixture of emotions as Cheng Fengyi spoke. Although she had already prepared herself to tolerate him having multiple concubines, witnessing Cheng Fengyi's tragic fate made her question—Is it really good to watch the man you love have many concubines? Perhaps it would be better to retreat and never meet again?