Chapter 343

The investigation into the origin of the pliers quickly revealed that they were indeed valuable items from a foreign region. However, before Prince Shui could be questioned, he was assassinated.

This brazen act further convinced the Hu Region of their suspicions. They sent evidence of their prince’s misdeeds to the region for investigation, along with recommended punishments, which only fueled the people of Wu Region’s hatred towards their own royal family even more.

Despite this, the matter concerning the princess from the Wang Region was resolved smoothly in the end. Her health gradually improved, and her relationship with Yueqian, her final support in life, grew stronger.

One afternoon, in the palace of the princess from the Wang Region:

“Royal Physician Mu, what is this dessert called?” The princess, now with a brighter voice than before, asked Yueqian. As her condition improved, Yueqian brought her various small desserts, which not only helped with her nourishment but also significantly increased her appetite.

“This is called ‘Banana Cake.’ It’s made from bananas, mashed finely, with a little added sweetness. It’s ready to eat.”

“You make it sound so simple to make.”

“Yes, it’s not difficult at all.”

“Really? But it’s very delicious and also very soft. Compared to the Toddy Palm Cake from yesterday, I like this one more.”

“Is that so?” Yueqian smiled at her. Seeing the princess healthy and well was a good thing. As they were happily conversing, a court lady entered with a smile.

“Your Highness, the Empress wishes to visit.”

The court lady announced. The princess nodded and gestured for Yueqian to step back. She thought of the Empress, the mother of the twins. If it weren’t for Xihao’s insistence on being betrothed to Princess Huan Huan... she wouldn’t have considered helping the princess escape death!

“Invite the Empress in. Let’s not be impolite.”

The princess said this as she slowly stood up to welcome the Empress. Although she had received many privileges from the Emperor, such as the ability to refuse visitors, even if that visitor was the Emperor himself, to make up for the previous dangers she had faced, she still behaved graciously. She knew well that being sent here to strengthen relations meant she would likely remain here until her death. Thus, if she had any problems with anyone, she just asked them not to cause trouble for her in the future.

Soon, the Empress slowly walked in, looking at the princess with a smile before nodding to Royal Physician Mu. Initially, she had despised her, but after she saved her life, and with her daughter betrothed to the other party’s son, the Empress had naturally developed a good relationship with Royal Physician Mu.

It was Royal Physician Mu who revealed that those who schemed against the region intended to destroy the Hu Region from within.

If the Empress had been punished, the Emperor would have had to appoint a new Empress. Given that the Empress’s original family already held all the power, there would have been no power struggle. However, if the Empress were truly punished, it would lead to a conflict among the region’s officials. Who would be affected the most if not the people of the Bai Region?

After hearing this and considering it, the Emperor realized it was possible. He was also now certain that a spy was closer to him than he had thought. Thus, he let the Empress off with minor penalties. Her family also sent many valuable items as an apology. As a result, the matter was resolved, and the Empress retained her position.

Even the Crown Prince’s position remained unchanged!

When Yueqian had saved her, even the Empress herself couldn’t believe it at first. But she later understood the physician’s nature. Yueqian was not one to seek power; she simply did her job well. As long as she wasn’t hindered in her duties or harmed first, she didn’t care about anything else.

This straightforward nature was quite intimidating. It meant that as long as she wasn’t hurt, others wouldn’t be hurt either. However, if someone caused her harm or displeased her, she had the capability to make them suffer thousands of times more! This feeling was called “fear!”

“How is the princess?” The Empress looked at the princess, who was now a crucial figure for the Hu Region.

“I’m much better now,” the young woman replied to the Empress politely, making the higher-ranking woman smile.

“Come, sit here. Besides coming to visit you today, I also wanted to introduce you to the Wang of our Hu Region. Perhaps...”

“Your Majesty, please don’t try to force a husband on me just yet.”

The princess quickly declined. She did not want to become someone’s wife right now. Although her initial purpose for coming was to marry a man from the Hu Region, after facing death, she realized she wanted to do more before being confined to a gilded cage again.

“In that case...”

“I would like to enjoy some freedom for a while, Your Majesty. How about until Royal Physician Mu returns to the Bai Region? I still want to enjoy sweets as I please. Besides, I have an appointment with Physician Mu to learn how to make desserts once I fully recover. Until then... may I have some more time to enjoy myself?”

Hearing the princess’s sincere plea, the Empress couldn’t help but sigh. She understood the princess’s feelings well. When she was young, in her quest to become a good empress for the region, she had learned many arts and sciences, hoping that once she achieved her desired position, she could enjoy the same freedom as other children.

But that was the most foolish thought of all!

If she could go back to her childhood, she would skip lessons once a week to live a life of her own. She would want to see where the river ended, try rowing a boat herself, and release small lanterns with kite tails. Sadly, time could not be turned back.

As an Empress, she was always under scrutiny. Wherever she went, she had to be careful of danger. Even eating and drinking required daily poison checks, and before sleeping, she needed someone to inspect for poison or dangerous insects near her pillow. Living a life always on the brink of death...It was torturous!

“Understood,” the Empress nodded, deciding not to pressure her anymore. This princess had just endured severe suffering and near death; perhaps she deserved some happiness in her life.

“In that case, Your Majesty, would you like to try the banana cake that Royal Physician Mu made? It’s very delicious. It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten.”

The princess made her recommendation. The Empress glanced briefly at Yueqian before picking up the dessert. Its color was somewhat unusual and unappealing, but since it was recommended by the princess herself, the Empress couldn’t easily refuse.

"Your Majesty," the court lady who accompanied her approached out of habit, and before allowing her mistress to eat anything, she had to check it first for safety.

However, this time the Empress simply waved her hand to stop the other party, not allowing the court lady to interfere.

It was inappropriate to show distrust towards someone who had saved her life. If Royal Physician Mu had wanted to harm her, she wouldn’t have kept her alive until now. And if there were claims that Royal Physician Mu’s confectioneries were tampered with, that would be impossible. How could Royal Physician Mu, who could detect the problematic incense burner when other physicians couldn’t, let anything dangerous be in the treats she brought?

"It’s very delicious. Is this banana cake?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Yueqian confirmed, and the Empress nodded in appreciation.

"It’s so tasty that it makes the princess want to be your student, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the princess smiled, taking another piece of banana cake.

The atmosphere in the palace was surprisingly pleasant, unlike the other palaces where tension was high. With over 70 concubines, 30 had already been dismissed. How could they not feel anxious? If anyone saw the Empress, considered the most cunning in the palace, sitting and enjoying sweets so calmly, they would indeed be surprised.

While the two were comfortably enjoying the sweets prepared by Yueqian, the court lady who initially welcomed the Empress ran in, looking alarmed. Her expression indicated that the situation was about to become serious.

"Princess, it’s terrible. Ah, Your Majesty, it’s terrible."

"What’s happened? Speak slowly."

"It’s terrible. A major incident has occurred."

"What do you mean? Explain the details quickly."

"Something has happened in the Wang Region, Your Majesty!"

“What, what happened?” The princess, who had been smiling happily, was now stunned, her heart sinking. Even if she were foolish, she understood that her Region, the Wang Region, had been under scrutiny.

From her own memories, when she was poisoned and those involved were certain she would die, they spoke openly. Their initial plan was to make the Wang Region hate the Hu Region, leading to war and the eventual downfall of the Wang Region, followed by the destruction of the Hu Region.

Since things had turned out well, the princess believed her Region would be safe. However, she did not expect that even before she had fully recovered, the Wang Region would face another crisis!

“Princess, calm down first. Court Lady, quickly finish explaining what happened. Don’t leave everyone guessing like this.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The soldiers were talking. Originally, a diplomatic mission from the Fu Region was visiting the Wang Region. Somehow, the Crown Prince of the Fu Region came personally. This should have been a good thing, but the Crown Prince was... was assassinated in the guest quarters and has died!!”

“What! No, no!” The princess felt faint upon hearing this.

The Fu Region was an ally of the Wang Region. It wasn’t unusual for them to send a diplomatic mission, especially in these times, to strengthen their bond and indirectly threaten the Hu Region by showing that if anything happened to the princess, the Fu Region would side with the Wang Region.

However, the Hu Region had saved the princess, preventing any conflict. They took this time to exchange knowledge and maintain relations. But who would have thought that at that moment... the entire plan had already been set in motion!

Yueqian clenched her fists upon hearing that. If the person behind these schemes were an ally, she would admire them greatly. Such a clever plan was indeed impressive.

Initially, they intended to take down both the Wang and Hu Regions. If the first plan failed, they had a second one ready!

With this incident in the Fu Region, war was inevitable unless the Wang Region offered something valuable—perhaps even the head of the Wang Region’s Crown Prince, which was impossible!

In the end, the Wang and Fu Regions would likely have to fight each other. Which side would the Hu Region join? Both the Wang and Fu Regions were allies to them.No, wait! The Wang Region now... it might be all alone! Didn’t they previously exert heavy pressure on the Hu Region? If the Hu Region were to hold a grudge... they might seize this opportunity to kill the princess and send her head to the Fu Region as a show of shared anger!