Chapter 344

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

Liu Xiuwen's expression was grim. "The Eighth Prince is still inside the Secret Realm and hasn't come out."

This, this is terrible!

After hearing this, Liu Jingyan was dumbfounded, not understanding how the Eighth Prince had fallen in.

You have to know there are many capable people around the princes, and the Eighth Prince's mother consort comes from a great family of Luojing; the Eighth Prince himself is exceptionally talented, considered one of the top candidates among the many princes with a chance to ascend to the throne.

Even so, the Eighth Prince could still have an accident? Just how chaotic is the inside of this Secret Realm?

Liu Xiuwen calmed his expression. "Not only the Eighth Prince, but the Sixth Prince and Ninth Prince also failed to come out of the Secret Realm."

This time, when the Imperial Secret Realm opened, five of the Emperor's sons went in.

So far, only the Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince have returned safely. These two happen to be insignificant nobodies with no remarkable talents at all—the kind of existence that isn't even worth picking a fight with.

Princes, after all, are the Emperor's sons; no matter how humble they are within, they all like to put on airs to the outside world.

The Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince are exceptions. Their mother consorts were palace maids who died early in the harem struggles after giving birth to them. These two supported each other and stumbled their way to adulthood, having no confidence either inside or outside, and have tacitly accepted that they have no connection to the throne.

This time they were able to enter the Secret Realm only because of their status as princes; the three princes ahead of them were already too old, while the princes behind them were not yet of age.

"Grandfather, this is suspicious." The three princes capable of vying for the throne have most likely met with misfortune in the Secret Realm. Sigh—no one would dare believe this if it were said aloud.

"Mm, Jingyan, you just focus on recuperating. This matter hasn't fallen on your head yet."

"As for Jingyuan, it depends on his own fortune. I hope he doesn't bring trouble to our Liu Family."

After finishing his words, Liu Xiuwen turned and left the room, heading somewhere unknown.

Liu Jingyan stayed in the room filled with the scent of medicine and sighed helplessly.

Sigh

I never expected that I thought I had survived nine deaths and one life, already considering myself plagued by bad luck, but I didn't expect that princes of even more precious status would also fall inside the Secret Realm.

Who could lay a hand on a prince? Is it some other master in the palace who can't hold back?

Liu Jingyan couldn't help but speculate. The royal family has never had familial affection; patricide and fratricide are common. Wei State has a heritage of over two hundred years, during which many emperors have reigned, and only one had a peaceful succession.

Perhaps they three schemed against each other, and in the end, none of them could come out?

Liu Jingyan's imagination ran wild, with all sorts of ideas popping up one after another. Among them were some absurd notions, but he actually stumbled upon seventy or eighty percent of the truth.

You have to know that when Liu Jingyan came out, it was already late, and then he fainted for several days.

By the time Liu Xiuwen spoke to him, the three princes were still missing.

In the face of danger, everyone is equal. If they still haven't appeared by the deadline, even the Emperor can only announce their deaths.

Then... whether in the court or the harem, it will trigger a disaster like a mountain collapse and sea tsunami.

The families and forces behind the three princes won't let this go easily. Among the few princes still alive in the palace, most will probably be dragged down as well.

A drop of cold sweat slid down his temples and was soon drowned out around his collar.

Liu Jingyan calmed his mind, closed his eyes to rest his spirit, and constantly suppressed his wildly pounding heart.

Grandfather wasn't wrong at all. This matter has nothing to do with him, who is recuperating. He just needs to stay at home and be a deaf person who knows nothing.

…………

Liu Jingyan stayed at home to recuperate in peace, because Liu Xiuwen was his confidence.

As for the others who came out, some from less powerful families inevitably had their situations questioned by the government office.

After all, the palace was in an uproar. The imperial consorts are no fools; since their own sons didn't come out, they definitely believe some vile person deliberately designed it, and they demand the Emperor make decisions for them!

Outside was in an uproar, but the Liu Family lived in peace.

The only one wanting to cause trouble was Liu Jingyuan's birth mother, but unfortunately, before she could gain momentum, Lady Liu slapped her down. Lady Liu didn't want trouble at the Liu Residence at this time to implicate her two sons.

Let alone Liu Jingyuan, this cheap concubine son not coming out—even if her husband, Master Liu, were directly killed, not a whisper of wind could be let out.

Shen Yao had completed her one month of postpartum confinement, and on the day she went out, she happened to bump into Liu Jingyan returning to the courtyard.

They were a couple brought together by fate's twists: one recuperating in the front courtyard, the other in postpartum confinement in the room. Though living in the same residence, they didn't meet for over a month.

Shen Yao immediately shed tears, which dropped patteringly onto Liu Jingyan's chest.

"Yao Yao, I'm fine. How are you and the children?" Liu Jingyan had wanted to return early, but there were too many matters, and after his injury healed, Liu Xiuwen had conscripted him for labor.

Shen Yao obediently shook her head. "A Yan, I and the children are fine." Saying this, she took Liu Jingyan's wrist and went straight into the room to see the two children.

Liu Mingxuan and Liu Mingfei, now past their full month, were white and chubby little balls, a joy to look at.

Liu Xiuwen would come over to hold the two children whether he had business or not. Everyone in the residence knew of Liu Xiuwen's love for the dragon-phoenix twins.

Liu Jingyan was seeing the two children for the first time. During his recuperation, the children's daily amusements were mostly relayed by Liu Xiuwen and Lady Liu.

How can being told compare to seeing with one's own eyes? Liu Jingyan had long wanted to meet the children.

Now that his wish was granted, Liu Jingyan touched his chest, as if something had grown within him in the darkness. Was this the bond of bloodline and family affection?

He reached out to touch the two children's cheeks and little hands. Just as Liu Jingyan was about to make the children cry, Shen Yao hurriedly pulled him away.

It must not be done. Don't look at how they are good babies when asleep; once awake, if they're slightly displeased, they are heaven-and-earth provoking brat children.

Shen Yao had spent this month worrying so much over their crying that she had constant headaches.

They were truly too well-nurtured in the womb; even their crying was loud and deafening, truly a hardship for the servants serving in the small courtyard.

Shen Yao quietly spoke of the two children's black history, then began to care about Liu Jingyan's physical condition.

The situation outside is not optimistic. When the Secret Realm's time was up, many sons of great families still hadn't come out.

In contrast to the three princes, Liu Jingyuan, who also didn't come out, doesn't even deserve a name.

The people at home (specifically Liu Jingyuan's side) had indeed made a fuss over this, but this time Liu Xiuwen took action, cleanly and neatly suppressing the matter. Even the Minister's daughter who was betrothed has already broken off the engagement—truly not a moment of delay.

"It really can't be opened?" Weren't there still two months before the Secret Realm would close?

Shen Yao didn't understand, so she asked, waiting for Liu Jingyan to explain. Liu Jingyan didn't betray her trust; he sighed and laid out the crucial points.

"In the remaining time, the Emperor will arrange for the Army to press the border and conduct a sweep.

Even if the people inside can survive, having seen the Royal Family's secrets, there is only a dead end."

"The several Imperial Consorts in the palace are helpless too; the trouble is still to come." After Liu Jingyan finished speaking, he raised his head to glance at the bright, clear sky outside the Window, and gathered Shen Yao into his embrace.

Shen Yao obediently leaned in Liu Jingyan's embrace, listening to him talk about this gossip.

These were all channels Shen Yao couldn't access; now that she had Liu Jingyan, she could also probe the depth of the waters inside.

"A Yan, what does the top mean?" Shen Yao pointed at the top of her head, her beautiful eyelashes blinking.

Liu Jingyan shook his head slightly. "The Saint doesn't lack sons; he will only consider the overall situation." But the several Imperial Consorts who lost their children would go mad, reckless and heedless.

This is the difference between men and women; the investment differs, and the reactions vary.

"Yao Yao, Grandfather told me that several people in this Secret Realm acted too conspicuously; they might be dragged in." Liu Jingyan didn't know if these people were naive or simply stupid; how could they not think the timing was wrong? Even if they displayed talent, it would be ill-timed.

Who in Luojing City doesn't have eight hundred Xin Xin? Foolishly believing in Imperial Power, they will all ultimately become stepping stones on the road to Imperial Power.

Liu Jingyan doesn't think hiding one's abilities is right, but appropriate concealment is advantageous for protecting oneself.

The Emperor has dealt with quite a few people and families these years; Liu Jingyan has seen it all clearly.

"Who knows how long this will last. A Yan, let's stay in the Small Courtyard."

Shen Yao displayed her worry and fear to the fullest, completely the posture of a young daughter, greatly satisfying Liu Jingyan.

Men all have a bit of a hero-rescues-beauty complex; Liu Jingyan couldn't escape convention either.

"Yao Yao, with me here, I definitely won't let you and the children suffer." He had to be even more careful and cautious, striving to preserve himself in this storm.

The two people stuck together intimately for a good while, until someone came over, then they returned to normal.

Shen Yao's days staying in the Small Courtyard were still quite relaxed; even after the month of confinement passed, there was nothing major.

Daily routine was just taking care of the two children, keeping Mistress of the House company chatting, occasionally listening to Liu Jingyan talk about the turbulent situation outside.

The storm from the Secret Realm blew to the Court; the Emperor's front foot had just dispatched the Army to go there, and his back foot saw two young Little Princes lose their lives over various trivial matters.

The Emperor was furious, sparing no effort to investigate. Before any useful information could be found, the Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince who came out of the Secret Realm — one with a severed hand, one with a severed leg — slapped the Emperor's face *pa pa pa*.

Emperor: ……

The Emperor was truly angry; he issued a death Command for a thorough investigation, and conveniently replaced the entire batch of people serving in the palace.

Perhaps replacing people wasn't just convenience, but taking advantage of the momentum.

So many Imperial Consorts in the Huang Hou, all from different families, each with their own Forces and ambitions behind them. The Emperor worried his control was insufficient and would affect himself, so he borrowed the East Wind to stir up trouble.

But when immortals fight, mortals suffer. The Emperor and his Imperial Consorts in the Huang Hou battle wits and courage; the people in the Front Court can only tuck their tails and keep a low profile.

During this period, Shen Yao strangely discovered that even the Liu Family was permeated with a stifling Atmosphere. Either someone had an incident, or everyone was trembling with fear, not daring to enjoy themselves.

*Tsk tsk tsk*

It truly is an era of supreme Imperial Power; the Emperor is everyone's sky, holding the power of life and death over them. As long as he is slightly displeased, rivers of blood will flow.

Shen Yao held the cute child in her arms, lowering her head to softly coax.

Qing Shui came in from outside with a happy face, smiling and congratulating Shen Yao on the great joy.

Great joy? Where does the joy come from?

"It's Mistress of the House; Mistress of the House is promoted." Although she will be transferred away from the capital before long, it is still a good thing. You must know, promotion in the Wei State Court is difficult.

Qing Shui heard congratulatory voices coming from the Front Courtyard, and only then couldn't help running over to tell her master.

Shen Yao keenly sensed something was off. Promoting Liu Father at this time? Is it a good thing?

A while later, Liu Jingyan returned reeking of alcohol, and was pushed by Shen Yao to go wash up.

The Bathroom was filled with swirling Cloud Mist; Shen Yao wiped Liu Jingyan's body while asking about today's events in the Front Courtyard.

"It's the Emperor's compensation to the Liu Family; Grandfather and Father had no objections."

Liu Jingyan wanted to speak but stopped; in the end he didn't say what the reason for the compensation was. Anyway, it definitely has nothing to do with Liu Jingyuan.

Shen Yao recalled what the Liu Family had done these days, and speculated it should be related to the palace affairs.

Many Imperial Consorts in the Huang Hou were killed or injured; even the Front Court had people implicated.

The Emperor decisively raised his Knife and dropped it, beheading quite a few people in succession, successfully making everyone in Luojing live in fear.

Shen Yao never went out of Liu Fu; Qing Shui's range of activity was also Liu Fu, occasionally going outside to buy some daily necessities for her.

And Qing Shui is low in rank and light in words; the news she can hear is basically False.

Now linking these together, Shen Yao still had no clue.

"Father is transferred; do we have to follow?" Liu Father's enthusiasm toward Liu Jingyan has weakened somewhat recently, but is still much stronger than before.

Liu Jingyan has adapted to Liu Father's style, slowly getting a handle on the attitude toward the other party.

By rights, with Liu Father leaving the capital for office, they as children would definitely have to follow; even Mistress of the House couldn't stay in Liu Fu enjoying blessings.

But everything has exceptions. The children Shen Yao gave birth to are extremely valued by Liu Xiuwen. Liu Father's post away from the capital is at least Three Years. Liu Xiuwen is reluctant to let the two children follow and suffer hardship, so they don't need to leave Luojing.

"Grandfather feels heartache for us and the children; Father also lets us stay in Luojing." Liu Jingyan patted Shen Yao's Back of hand to give her Peace of Mind.

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao blinked, smiling as she reached out to encircle Liu Jingyan's slender Neck.

"How is Mother arranged?" Mistress of the House, most likely won't want to go.

Liu Jingyan's words also indicated Mistress of the House's attitude. She indeed doesn't want to go; she only arranged a few secondary wives and concubines to follow. Anyway, she and Liu Father have no feelings.

Shen Yao's eyes brightened slightly; she thought this way, her life in Liu Fu would be even more relaxed and free.

After all, Mistress of the House is her birth mother-in-law. And with Liu Father gone, the collateral Offspring and concubines in the Mansion won't stir up too much commotion. Wow, her life is simply perfect.

In a good Mood, plus her body recovering well, Shen Yao simply made a ruckus with Liu Jingyan in the Bathroom.

Liu Jingyan hadn't touched Shen Yao for a very long time; now that there was an opportunity, even if he wanted to be restrained, he couldn't hold out too long.

The two people emerged from the bathroom with flushed faces, and they did not idle in the evening either, continuing until Shen Yao got up one hour late the next morning.

Shen Yao is Liu Father's daughter-in-law; with Liu Father leaving the capital, she had to make a gesture no matter what.

First she went to the Main Courtyard to consult Lady Liu, then Shen Yao returned and prepared some things according to the normal standard.

The items were naturally handed over by Liu Jingyan to send a wave of goodwill, and he took the opportunity to pluck treasures back from Liu Father's storage room.

Liu Father holds absolute allocation authority over the Private Treasury's contents; Liu Jingyan will still gain younger brothers and sisters in the future, and he is not willing to let the benefits go to them.