Chapter 396

When Li Qingluo woke up, Duan Rongshi had already returned to Jinling first.

Translate: "Li Qingluo woke up, and Duan Rongshi had already returned to Jinling first."

When Li Qingluo woke up, Duan Rongshi had already returned to Jinling first.

Note: the phrase translates to "had already returned to Jinling first".

We must not add extra words. Keep concise.

Sha San came over and said, Zongzheng Wuheng was shouting that he wanted to see the two of them.

Translation: "Sha San came over and said, Zongzheng Wuheng was shouting that he wanted to see the two of them."

Sha San came over and said, Zongzheng Wuheng was shouting that he wanted to see the two of them.

Li Qingluo didn't want to deal with him anymore: "Even if he keeps shouting, there's no need to send him food."

Translation: "Li Qingluo didn't want to deal with him anymore: 'Even if he keeps shouting, there's no need to send him meals.'"

Li Qingluo didn't want to deal with him anymore: "Even if he keeps shouting, there's no need to send him food."

Sha San: "Yes."

Translation: "Sha San: 'Yes.'"

After a moment's hesitation, Sha San said again: "Miss, he says he wants to make a deal with you."

Translation: "After a moment's hesitation, Sha San said again: 'Miss, he says he wants to make a deal with you.'"

After a moment's hesitation, Sha San said again: "Miss, he says he wants to make a deal with you."

Li Qingluo: "It seems he's in a hurry."

Translation: "Li Qingluo: 'It seems he's in a hurry.'"

"If that's the case, let him be anxious for a while longer."

Translation: "Since that's the case, let him be anxious a bit longer."

Once he can't sit still any longer, he'll naturally spill more.

Translation: "Once he can't sit still any longer, he'll naturally spill more."

After saying that, Li Qingluo didn't linger, taking Sha Shi and Sha Shiyi back to Jinling.

Translation: "After saying that, Li Qingluo didn't linger, taking Sha Shi and Sha Eleven back to Jinling."

After saying that, Li Qingluo didn't linger, taking Sha Shi and Sha Shiyi back to Jinling.

Over the next few days, Duan Rongshi never came to the Xiuli General's Manor again.

Translation: "Over the next few days, Duan Rongshi never came to the Xiuli Jiangjun Fu again."

Li Qingluo suppressed all the invitations sent to the Xiuli General's Manor, refusing them all without exception.

Translation: "Li Qingluo suppressed all the invitations sent to the Xiuli Jiangjun Fu, refusing them all without exception."

Li Qingluo suppressed all the invitations sent to the Xiuli General's Manor, refusing them all without exception.

Soon it was the third day, the day to enter the palace and give thanks.

Translation: "Soon it was the third day, the day to go to the palace to give thanks."

Li Qingluo followed Pei Lao Furen and arrived at the palace gate early in the morning.

Translation: "Li Qingluo followed Pei Lao Furen to the palace gate early in the morning."

After the palace gates opened wide, officials entered the gates in order.

After the palace gates opened wide, officials entered the gates in order.

After the palace gates opened, officials entered the gates in order.

The grandmother and grandchild waited until all the officials had finished entering, then they exchanged their identification tablets to state their identities and entered the palace.

Translation: "The grandmother and grandchild waited until all the officials had finished entering, then they exchanged their tablets to verify their identities and entered the palace."

The grandmother and grandchild waited until all the officials had finished entering, then they exchanged their identification tablets to state their identities and entered the palace.

They also couldn't wander around.

Translation: "They also must not wander around."

After entering, they honestly waited for the steward eunuch to first lead them to the Ningshou Palace.

Translation: "After entering, they obediently waited for the steward eunuch to first lead them to the Ningshou Palace."

After entering, they honestly waited for the steward eunuch to first lead them to the Ningshou Palace.

The empress dowager didn't make things difficult for them.

Translation: "The Empress Dowager, however, did not make things difficult for them."

She kindly took their hands and chatted for a while, also bestowing two pieces of jewelry on Li Qingluo.

Translation: "She kindly took their hands and chatted for a while, also bestowing two pieces of jewelry on Li Qingluo."

She kindly took their hands and chatted for a while, also bestowing two pieces of jewelry on Li Qingluo.

"From now on, you will be my granddaughter-in-law."

Translation: "'From now on, you are my grandson's wife.'"

"If you come to the palace often, treat me as you would your grandmother. See this old lady who can hardly walk, and tell me about interesting things outside the palace."

Translation: "'If you come often to wander in the palace, treat me as you would your grandmother. See me, this old thing that can barely walk, and also tell me about interesting things outside the palace.'"

Li Qingluo respectfully replied: "Yes, Empress Dowager."

Translation: "Li Qingluo replied respectfully: 'Yes, Empress Dowager.'"

The sun was still early; the empress dowager worried they'd suffer from the heat later, so she had them hurry to the Zichen Hall to wait to see Emperor Yan.

Translation: "The sun was still early; the Empress Dowager worried they'd suffer from the heat later, so she had them hurry to the Zichen Hall to wait for an audience with Emperor Yan."

However, after waiting two hours, the scorching sun hung overhead, making people dizzy and faint, when Wang He came out and said: "Old General Pei, Princess of Yaoguang, Your Majesty, the emperor's health is poor; he just ordered that there's no need to go in to give thanks."

Translation: "However, after waiting two hours, the blazing sun hung overhead, making people dizzy, when Wang He came out and said: 'Old General Pei, Princess of Yaoguang, Your Majesty, the emperor's health is poor; he just ordered that there's no need to go in to give thanks.'"

However, after waiting two hours, the scorching sun hung overhead, making people dizzy and faint, when Wang He came out and said: "Old General Pei, Princess of Yaoguang, Your Majesty, the emperor's health is poor; he just ordered that there's no need to go in to give thanks."

"So as not to pass the illness to the two of you."

Translation: "'To avoid passing the illness to you two.'"

"You two shouldn't wait any longer; you should just go back."

Translation: "'You two don't need to wait any longer; just go back.'"

Li Qingluo could no longer stand.

Translation: "Li Qingluo could no longer stand."

But she was more worried about her grandmother's health.

Translation: "But she was more worried about her grandmother's health."

She suppressed her worries and could only force herself to, together with Pei Lao Furen, respectfully kowtow outside the hall; only then did the grandmother and grandchild support each other as they left the front of the Zichen Hall.

Translation: "She suppressed her worries and could only force herself to, together with Pei Lao Furen, respectfully kowtow outside the hall; only then did the grandmother and grandchild support each other as they left the front of the Zichen Hall."

She suppressed her worries and could only force herself to, together with Pei Lao Furen, respectfully kowtow outside the hall; only then did the grandmother and grandchild support each other as they left the front of the Zichen Hall.

Wang He waited until their figures disappeared, then turned and went back into the hall to report.

Translation: "Wang He waited until their silhouettes disappeared, then turned and went back inside to report."

"Your Majesty, they have already left."

Translation: "'Your Majesty, they and their grandmother have already left.'"

Emperor Yan coldly snorted: "Thinking of this marriage that the Fifth Prince forced upon himself annoys me."

Translation: "Emperor Yan snorted coldly: 'Just thinking about this marriage that the Fifth Prince himself insisted on annoys me.'"

"She's just a village girl raised in the countryside; what could the Fifth Prince possibly see in her?"

Translation: "'She's just a village girl raised in the mountains; what could the Fifth Prince possibly see in her?'"

"Even if she is somewhat attractive, there are countless women in Jinling more beautiful than her."

Translation: "'Even if her looks are somewhat pleasant, there are countless women more beautiful than her throughout Jinling City.'"

"She must have deep schemes, which is why the Fifth Prince has fallen for her and her grandmother!"

Translation: "'She must have deep schemes; that's why the Fifth Prince has fallen for her and her grandmother.'"

As Emperor Yan said this, his expression also carried a hint of gloom.

Translation: "As Emperor Yan said this, his expression also carried a hint of gloom."

He suddenly looked up at Wang He and said: "You say, if this woman ruins her own reputation, would the Fifth Prince still be willing?"

Translation: "He suddenly looked up at Wang He and said: 'You say, if this young woman ruins her own reputation, would the Fifth Prince still be willing?'"

Wang He thought of the Prince of Su, and cold sweat poured out uncontrollably.

Translation: "Wang He thought of Prince Su, and cold sweat poured out uncontrollably."

"Your Majesty, this woman's reputation... seems to have already been utterly ruined."

Translation: "'Your Majesty, this young woman's reputation... seems to have already been utterly ruined.'"

"When they brought in that fake miss to their family, because she seduced Prince Yun, the reputation of their Dongyin Lane General's Manor was completely ruined."

Translation: "'Originally, when they exchanged for that fake young lady from their family... it was because she seduced Prince Yun, causing the reputation of their East Yin Lane Jiangjun Fu to be completely ruined.'"

"Later, their family caused even more trouble."

Translation: "'Later, their family caused even more trouble.'"

"Rumor has it that the Li gentleman even had some sordid affair in a ruined temple; all these matters added together, how could the Prince of Su not know?"

Translation: "'Rumor has it that Li Gongzi also did something disgraceful in a ruined temple; all these things added together, how could Prince Su not know?'"

Emperor Yan, furious, swept aside the priceless inkstone on his desk.

Translation: "Emperor Yan, furious, swept aside the precious inkstone worth a fortune."

He stared darkly: "I used to be on guard against him."

Translation: "He sank into a dark face: 'I used to be on guard against him.'"

"Afraid he harbors schemes, wanting to investigate that past matter."

Translation: "'I feared he harbored schemes, wanting to investigate that matter from years ago.'"

"So he used the excuse of not wanting to marry, and I just let him be."

Translation: "'So he used the excuse of not wanting to marry, and I let him be.'"

"Who would have thought he'd find himself such a notoriously infamous consort!"

Translation: "'Who would have thought he'd find himself such a notorious princess as a consort!'"

"Look, when I summoned him back that day, I kindly wanted to grant him several high-born concubines; just look at his expression—who is he showing it to?"

Translation: "'Look, the day you summoned him back, I kindly wanted to grant him several high-born concubines; just look at his expression—who was he showing it to?'"

"This time I must deal with him!"

Translation: "'This time I must definitely deal with him!'"

"Let him know that I am the one who can control everything about him!"

Translation: "'Let him know that I am the one who can control everything about him!'"

Wang He dared not speak, only hurried to fetch hot tea.

Translation: "Wang He didn't dare speak, only hurrying to pour hot tea."

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

Translation: "'Your Majesty, please calm your anger.'"

"The Prince of Su will eventually understand your painstaking efforts."

Translation: "'Prince Su will eventually understand your good intentions.'"

"Giving him a few close confidants isn't for his own good, is it?"

Translation: "'Giving him more confidants isn't for his own good?'"

「Prince Su Your Highness is stubborn, nowadays he still hasn't tasted sweetness, wait until one day he tastes those flavors, will he not want to try each one? 」

Upon hearing Wang He say that, the Yan Emperor inexplicably snorted with laughter.

「You bastard, you also know what sweetness flavor is? 」

Wang He bowed lowly: 「I, your servant, don't understand. But I, your servant, also see clearly—otherwise, why would all men under heaven like having many wives and concubines? 」

「Isn't it just because there's only one woman, making life always boring and dull? 」

The Yan Emperor narrowed his eyes.

"Wang He, you talk too much."

Wang He trembled in fear, his legs went limp and he knelt on the ground.

"Your Highness, forgive me. I deserve to be beaten!"

Wang He only then recalled the time when Emperor Yan had exclusively favored the Moon Noble Consort for several years.

Isn't this implying that he, too, is someone who loves the new and despises the old?

Wang He felt that the head hanging on his neck was becoming unsteady.

It wasn't until Emperor Yan told him to get out that he hurriedly scrambled away.

When he emerged, his body was already drenched in cold sweat.

Here, Li Qingluo was supporting Pei Lao Furen at the palace gate when they met Qingyangzi and a white‑bearded old man.

The two made a grand procession, each riding in a soft sedan chair, moving back and forth toward the direction of the Purple Celestial Hall.

Seeing Li Qingluo and Pei Lao Furen, they pretended not to have seen them and, without a sideways glance, left.

When the grandmother and granddaughter exited the palace and got onto their own carriage, their bodies completely collapsed onto the soft cushions.

Although Pei Lao Furen was a martial practitioner, always strong and robust, she was nonetheless not young.

Li Qingluo, lacking training, found that standing for those two hours almost exhausted her vital energy.

After getting into the carriage, the two each drank a bowl of cold tea, then gradually recovered their strength.

When they returned home, just as they stepped into the residence, someone called out to them.

"Old Lady—"

"County Master—"

"Wait."

The one who caught up was, surprisingly, a young Taoist priest.

Xiao Shi slipped a letter into Li Qingluo's hand, "County Master, this is a letter from our master for you."

"You'll understand once you read it."

After saying that, the young Taoist fled, as if afraid anyone would know he had been here.

Master?

Could it be Qingyangzi?

Li Qingluo and Pei Lao Furen hurried into the residence, cleared people away in the front courtyard, and opened the letter.

"Trapped within the palace walls, unable to leave."

Those brief eight characters instantly made Li Qingluo understand.

"He is talking about Duan Rongshi."

Li Qingluo folded the letter and immediately asked Pei Lao Furen, "Grandmother, I need to go to Gui Garden."

Pei Lao Furen held her back: "Luo'er, have you understood today's situation in the palace?"

Li Qingluo nodded heavily.

"The Empress Dowager wants to win us over, but she may not be a good person."

"Your Highness deliberately made us stand under the scorching sun for two hours before saying we couldn't see, which must mean he despises me to the extreme."

"Luo'er, I understand."

Pei Lao Furen: "As long as you understand your own situation, that's good."

"Go, Prince Su's genuine feelings for you are evident even to your grandmother."

"Doing something for him is also appropriate."

"But in all actions, you must be extremely careful, ever more careful."

"Grandmother only wants my Luo'er to return safely each time."

Li Qingluo smiled, "Grandmother, rest assured."

After speaking, Li Qingluo went to summon Sha Qi and Sha Jiu, and they accompanied her out.

After arriving at Gui Garden, not long after, Zhui Yu arrived.

Seeing Li Qingluo waiting here, he knew it couldn't be concealed.

"Miss, after Your Highness entered the palace that day… he was imprisoned by His Majesty."

Li Qingluo hurriedly stood up, "Why?"

"But what happened?"

Zhui Yu hesitated briefly, then honestly said, "I am not entirely clear about what exactly occurred inside the hall that day."

"I vaguely heard something about a concubine… a consort…"

"Your Highness seemed to argue a few sentences, then was locked in Gui Fu Palace and forbidden to step out of the palace even a single step."

Gui Fu Palace?

Li Qingluo was startled, "But wasn't that the palace where the Moon Noble Consort once lived?"

Zhui Yu nodded, "However, the current Gui Fu Palace is a reconstruction, not the original Gui Fu Palace."

"Your Highness was born in Gui Fu Palace and grew there until six, but now, that place is long gone, nothing remains."

Li Qingluo: "Then why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"If Qingyangzi hadn't handed me the letter, wouldn't I still be kept in the dark?"

Zhui Yu chuckled, patting the back of his head, "It was Your Highness who forbade us from sending a letter to the miss. He said the miss needed to focus on nurturing her body, and we need not be too concerned about his affairs."

What does that mean?

Li Qingluo, angry, couldn't even swallow water.

A deep guilt began to spread in her heart.

She really rarely cared about him in her daily life, but this is also because he himself is busy with myriad affairs; even if she wanted to know his whereabouts, she could never catch them, ah.

But this matter has been going on for several days, and only now does she learn what predicament he is in.

Li Qingluo: "Is there any way to sneak me into the palace again?"

Zhui Yu's eyes lit up: "Yes, miss!"

Li Qingluo was dressed up as a little Taoist priest.

After nightfall, she followed Zhui Yu around the streets for two laps, then she encountered Ling Fengzi.

Ling Fengzi saw her and grinned: "Miss, come quickly with this humble Daoist!"

Ling Fengzi then brought Li Qingluo straight to the National Master's residence.

Along with a batch of little Taoists, they entered the palace together.

The Yan Emperor suddenly became obsessed with the Way of Longevity.

National Master Immortal Yunhe practically lived in the palace all day, began to concoct elixirs for the Yan Emperor, and led the Yan Emperor in cultivating the Dao.

Therefore, the little Taoists who came down from Green Pine Temple could leave the palace in batches, and could also enter the palace at will in batches.

At the palace gate, the guards merely did a quick check of their waist tablets and let them pass.

When their gaze fell upon Li Qingluo's overly handsome and beautiful face, the guard suddenly reached out to stop her.

"Wait!"

"This little Taoist priest looks a bit unfamiliar; have you come before?"