Startled by Eunuch Yu’s exclamation, everyone’s eyes widened further. In an instant, all gazes locked onto the woman rolling in the snow before shifting toward Grand Preceptor An and his son.
Grand Preceptor An and his son quickly took a closer look. The sight sent a surge of rage through the elder man’s chest; his body trembled, his eyes rolled back, and before he could utter a word, he collapsed. A nearby minister rushed to support him. Meanwhile, An Lanxin’s older brother reacted swiftly, disregarding everything else. He removed his official robe, wrapped it tightly around her, and knocked her unconscious.
The emperor finally snapped out of his daze, his complexion turning several shades darker than before. “Everyone, withdraw! Today’s court session is adjourned. Summon the imperial physician. Arrange a resting chamber for Grand Preceptor An, and have the commander of the Imperial Guard report to the imperial study.” With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned and strode away.
An Huaiyuan, still cradling the unconscious An Lanxin, quickly knelt in the emperor’s path. “Your Majesty, something is amiss here. The Noble Consort appears disoriented, as though she has been manipulated by some villain!”
The emperor cast a cold glance at the unconscious consort. “I will get to the bottom of this,” he declared. “Eunuch Yu, escort Noble Consort An back to Lanxin Palace and have the imperial physicians examine her thoroughly. I want to know who dares to commit such brazen treachery!” With a grim snort, he left without looking back.
The officials dispersed, whispering in disbelief. Whether or not she had been framed, An Lanxin’s reputation was ruined. Her once-unchallenged favor with the emperor was now a distant memory. The An family, who had once basked in the glory of their daughter’s imperial affection, now faced an uncertain future. Some speculated that the emperor’s guilt might lead to new rewards for the family, but few envied Noble Consort An—once exalted, now disgraced in a single night.
The investigation, however, unearthed far worse secrets. Hidden within her palace were illicit drugs—including substances capable of clouding one’s mind. A testimony from Imperial Physician Wang revealed that the emperor himself had likely been unknowingly affected by such substances, explaining An Lanxin’s enduring favor.
The revelation enraged the emperor. He ordered her imprisonment in the Sky Prison, with the Grand Court of Judicial Review tasked with interrogating her. Worse, investigators discovered a token bearing the mark of Zhaoguo—evidence of potential treason. The An family was confined to their residence, awaiting trial for collusion with a foreign power.
The court was gripped with fear. Two prominent officials had now been implicated—first the prime minister’s assassination, and now treason within the An household. Whispers of an impending purge spread like wildfire, with many fearing the emperor might choose to execute broadly rather than risk missing a traitor.
Yet amid the palace’s suffocating tension, one corner remained untouched.
“You suspect the An family is merely a diversion?” Murong Qiufeng frowned, staring through the prison bars at the huddled figure of Noble Consort An, who sat like a broken doll in the corner of her cell.
Shangguan Ye rubbed his temples until his brow unfurrowed. “The An family is likely innocent.”
“But she…could she be a victim here?”
“No,” Shangguan Ye replied. “She was a pawn. A disposable one.”
He slid the window shut and took Murong Qiufeng by the arm. “No point interrogating her. She’s given up on life.”
Qiufeng glanced back at the iron door and sighed softly. “Then why keep her here?”
Shangguan Ye paused, then leaned close, his cool fingers teasing Qiufeng’s earlobe with a playful flick. “You’re still too green when it comes to palace intrigue. The emperor’s locked down information; all anyone knows is that Noble Consort An is imprisoned for treason. Now imagine what her co-conspirators might do upon hearing she’s alive and awaiting trial.”
Qiufeng’s eyes widened. “They’ll try to silence her… and we’ll be waiting to catch them in the act.”
“Smart boy,” Shangguan Ye said, smiling wickedly before stealing a quick kiss.
Qiufeng flushed scarlet and shoved him away. “Be serious!”
“I am serious.” He caught Qiufeng’s hand and nipped his knuckle. “Always.”
Blushing furiously, Qiufeng stormed ahead. Shangguan Ye, ever since confessing his feelings, had adopted a relentless strategy of teasing pursuit, leaving Qiufeng flustered and cornered.
Upon exiting the prison, they encountered a young official in a blue robe standing with hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the sky with a contemplative air.
Qiufeng recognized him instantly: Hou Qianxing, the cold, meticulous magistrate who had once interrogated him.
“Magistrate Hou,” Qiufeng greeted with a respectful nod.
Hou Qianxing inclined his head slightly in response, his expression as impassive as ever.
Shangguan Ye emerged next, draping an arm over Qiufeng’s shoulder. The casual intimacy made Hou Qianxing’s brows twitch, though his surprise vanished as quickly as it appeared.
“Your Highness,” he greeted formally, bowing.
“At ease,” Shangguan Ye said. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“The recent cases seem interlinked,” Hou Qianxing replied. “I need to question the prime minister, but access to the manor is restricted under your orders. I came to request permission.”
Shangguan Ye’s gaze softened. “Ah, yes. Convenient timing. We’re headed there now. Come along.”
He gave Qiufeng’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m sure you’re eager to visit home.”
Qiufeng’s heart warmed. He shot Shangguan Ye a grateful glance and nodded.
