Let’s not talk about the chaos that ensued in the Duke An’s Mansion after the imperial edict was delivered. After Emperor Yongming issued punishments for the Duke An’s Mansion, he kept Shao Yunan alone, allowing Jiang Kangchen and Dai Yingsi to return first. 

 

Emperor Yongming didn’t even keep Guo Xun around to attend. Once everyone had left, Emperor Yongming asked, “Shao Yunan, do we still have the Immortal Fruit?”

Shao Yunan was startled and shook his head. “No, it’s gone.” Pausing, he spoke in a low voice. “But we kept the roots of the Immortal Fruit. After picking the fruit, the place collapsed, and the leaves of the Immortal Fruit withered instantly, leaving only the roots. Thinking that it might grow again, Big Brother Shijing buried it in the pond on the mountain behind our house.”

 

Emperor Yongming said, “Since it’s the Immortal Fruit, I believe there’s only one. The reason I’m asking you is because…” Emperor Yongming’s eyes turned cold. “The poison that struck the Empress was also the ‘Thousand Threads Entwined’!”

 

“Ah!” Shao Yunan truly hadn’t expected this. However, the Empress calmly patted Emperor Yongming’s hand and said, “Actually, after I consumed the grapefruit tea you sent before, I felt much better.”

 

Shao Yunan immediately said, “Wei Hongzheng spoke disrespectfully to Your Highness and I was angered. After returning, I discussed this with Big Brother Shijing, and Tiger Brother overheard. The next day, Tiger Brother brought back a few leaves. Knowing that I was making grapefruit tea for Your Highness, it threw the leaves into the pot. I thought Tiger Brother had found some medicinal herbs from somewhere, which had happened before. So, I ground those leaves into powder, boiled them, and added them to the grapefruit tea. Later, when I saw the Immortal Fruit, I realized those were the leaves of the Immortal Fruit.”

 

Emperor Yongming was furious. “I had suspicions about the Wu family’s involvement in the poisoning before and now there’s no need for suspicions! They not only harmed My Empress, but also caused the death of My Prince!”

 

Shao Yunan knew that the Empress had lost a child due to being poisoned. The Empress, enduring his sadness, still held onto Emperor Yongming’s hand, asking him to calm down and not dwell on that matter.

 

Shao Yunan could only console. “If Your Majesty and the Empress consume the Immortal Fruit, you should be immune to all poisons. If Your Majesty is concerned, I’ll have Big Brother Shijing dig out the roots of the Immortal Fruit and bring them into the palace.”

 

Emperor Yongming shook his head. “No, just leave it on the mountain at your home. However, you need to send water into the palace every month. It would be best if the Immortal Fruit can naturally make you immune to all poisons. If not, I can’t afford not to be cautious.”

 

Shao Yunan nodded vigorously. “That’s not a problem. Your Majesty can send a trustworthy person every month to collect the water. My family has few members and if I send someone to deliver water to the capital every month, I’m afraid it will arouse suspicion.”

 

Emperor Yongming said, “I will make the arrangements. Does anyone else know about this?” Shao Yunan did not conceal anything. “Big Brother Shijing told the Old General. We were afraid that the matter of the Immortal Fruit might attract the covetousness of other countries. Big Brother Shijing discussed it with the Old General, so we revealed it. No one else knows and we dare not speak of it.”

 

Emperor Yongming did not express dissatisfaction, only saying, “This matter must not be known to anyone else, not even your children.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty, rest assured.” The Empress spoke. “The matter of the Immortal Fruit is significant and other countries will undoubtedly react. The Emperor and I have undergone such a remarkable change in appearance after consuming the Immortal Fruit. It cannot be concealed. If they come, let them come. If they want war, then war!” The Empress did not mention that, with the various ears and eyes within the palace, the matter of the Immortal Fruit couldn’t be hidden.

 

Shao Yunan immediately declared, “Even though Big Brother Shijing and I have limited strength, as long as the country needs it, we will do our best.” The Emperor revealed a pleased smile. “The Empress and I believe in you both. Speaking of which, the Empress and I have benefited greatly from you both.”

 

Shao Yunan immediately (pretended to be) embarrassed, expressing sincere remorse. “Actually, I initially had the intention of seeking protection when I had Big Brother go find Old master Weng, and then we found you, Empress. My brother and I are ordinary commoners, with no powerful backing. We might have brought calamity upon ourselves due to my tea-making skills. I thought, the biggest backing in this world is Your Majesty and the Empress.”

 

“Hahaha…” The Empress’ laughter was brought forth by Shao Yunan’s honesty, even Emperor Yongming’s expression softened considerably. The Empress teased, “We have to let the people from the Duke An’s Mansion come and see where that robust and admirable Marquis Zheng, who made even the Empress self-admire, has gone.”

 

Shao Yunan blushed (indignant) and Emperor Yongming also chuckled. Shao Yunan’s words were actually a clever move, as sometimes, as leaders, blunt honesty was what they preferred to hear. Shao Yunan didn’t conceal his ulterior motives, which in turn made Emperor Yongming and the Empress believe in his loyalty beneath a series of actions. Because they were the biggest backing, Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing remained loyal to them.

 

After the laughter, the Empress reminded… “Now that you also have a noble rank, you should be mindful of your words when talking to others. At least claim to be attentive at all times.” Shao Yunan chuckled. “I can’t change this overnight. I will remember in the future, I promise.”

 

The Empress shook his head and with a somewhat resigned tone said, “Regarding Wu Jian, you can save him, but don’t do it too quickly, drag it out for a year or so. He is now a servant in your house, let Jiang Kangchen endure for the time being.” A year or so would be enough time for the Emperor to deal with the Wu family.

 

Shao Yunan immediately responded seriously. “I will remember the instructions of the Empress.” But as soon as he became serious, the Empress couldn’t help but be amused. Emperor Yongming’s mood had been consistently bad and the Empress didn’t keep Shao Yunan for much longer. Once Shao Yunan left, Emperor Yongming erupted in anger. “The Wu family deserves to die! They should die! They should die!”

 

This time, the Empress didn’t try to persuade him anymore. He got up, circled around the desk, and knelt in front of Emperor Yongming. “I implore Your Majesty, let me personally take the life of the Wu criminals.” He wanted to avenge his two tragically deceased princes! Emperor Yongming helped the Empress up and solemnly declared, “Anyone who caused the death of My Princes, none will be spared by Me!”

 

Leaving the palace and getting on the carriage waiting outside the palace, Shao Yunan was surprised to find Wang Shijing inside. Wang Shijing reached out, pulled him over, and said, “I came to pick you up.” Shao Yunan asked, “Do you know about the Duke An’s Mansion?”

 

“I know. Someone from the Duke An’s Mansion came. They are at the General’s Mansion. The Old General asked us to come out and avoid them. Brother Murong took Brother Kangchen and the three children away, saying that the General’s Mansion might not be peaceful lately, and they would be better off in the Wang Mansion. If we get annoyed, we can also move there. I thought we should stay in the General’s Mansion; what do you think?”

 

“Of course, we should stay. If I avoid them, it will seem like I’m guilty.” After saying that, Shao Yunan plunged into Wang Shijing’s arms. “It’s so annoying. I thought I could have some fun in the capital, but little did I know there are more troubles here than in Xiushui Village. The Wu family actually poisoned Wu Jian! What kind of people are they! This kind of palace intrigue, which should only happen in TV dramas, is happening right in front of me!”

 

Wang Shijing covered Shao Yunan’s mouth and whispered, “Be careful not to let others hear.” Shao Yunan pulled down Wang Shijing’s hand. “So, should we go back? What do you think?”

 

“Let’s go to the Wang Mansion first. Brother Kangchen wants to see you. This is the first time I’ve seen that child Moxi cry. When Nizi saw Moxi cry, she also cried. Wang Qing tried to comfort them, but ended up crying himself.”

 

“The people of the Wu family are worse than beasts! Let’s hurry over. I also need some peace and quiet. Dealing with the Wu family’s scheming and plotting is a hundred times more tiring than facing off against Old Lady Wang.” Wang Shijing kissed Shao Yunan and feeling sorry for his tired wife, wanted to know about Wu Jian’s situation. However, with other people driving the carriage, it wasn’t convenient to ask too many questions.

 

When the two arrived at King Luo Rong’s Mansion, the main gate opened just as they got off the carriage. Not long after Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan entered the mansion, Murong Yi came out. Upon meeting them, Murong Yi asked Shao Yunan, “Did the people from Duke An’s Mansion come looking for you?” Wang Shijing answered on his behalf. “As soon as Yunan left the palace, I came to pick him up.”

 

“Dad and Little Dad are waiting in the study.” As soon as Murong Yi  said this, Shao Yunan started coughing. Murong Yi immediately understood why he was coughing and smiled, saying, “Although Little Dad has not officially entered the family, it will happen soon. According to seniority, I should call him ‘Little Dad.'”

 

Wang Shijing subtly reminded, “In front of seniority, age is secondary.” Ancient people attached great importance to rules, etiquette, and seniority. Shao Yunan, a modern person, couldn’t accept being called “Dad” by someone younger than himself. But for ancient people, it wasn’t important. Moreover, Guo Zimu left all the spiritual water to King Luo Rong, and Murong Yi also fully approved of it. So, calling him Little Dad felt more natural.

 

To cover up the awkwardness, Shao Yunan said, “If Brother can accept the future position of Little Brother Guo, then I can rest assured. I was worried that you wouldn’t accept the future Little Dad your father chose. Hehe.” Murong Yi had a hidden meaning in his words. “If it were someone else, I might not agree. Dad and Little Dad are anxious, let’s go quickly.” What did that mean? Shao Yunan had a question mark in his mind.

 

Not liking to see outsiders, after Murong Yi reorganized the Wang Mansion, the servants didn’t dare to approach without the master’s summons. This made Guo Zimu much more relaxed. After entering King Luo Rong’s study, everyone was indeed there. The three children, Brother Tiger, and Little and Big Gold were also present, and Guo Zimu wasn’t wearing a mask. When Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing entered, Nizi rushed over and hugged Shao Yunan crying. “Little Dad, save Moxi’s dad.”

 

“Nizi, be good. Dad and Little Dad will find a way.” Shao Yunan squatted down to wipe Nizi’s tears. Wang Qing’s eyes were also red. The three children had a deep bond and seeing Moxi cry so sadly, even Wang Qing and Nizi were scared.

 

Wang Shijing picked up Nizi, pulled Shao Yunan over to sit down, and Jiang Kangchen hurriedly asked, “Yunan, where is Wu Jian? Is he still in the palace?”

 

King Luo Rong also asked, “Is Wu Jian’s situation really that bad?”

 

Shao Yunan replied, “Wu Jian’s poison needs to be treated by the imperial physicians in the palace first. But with the Emperor and the Empress speaking, the imperial physicians surely wouldn’t dare to neglect it. The Empress said that after Wu Jian’s poison is cured, he will be sent to the Marquis’s mansion. However, the mansion is still under renovation, so he will definitely be sent to the General’s Mansion first.” 

 

Saying this, Shao Yunan looked at the focused Jiang Kangchen and said, “Kangchen, I will definitely save him. During this period, you need to show indifference towards him. The Emperor and the Empress are going to deal with the Wu family. If you care too much about him, you might be used by the Wu family.”

 

King Luo Rong instantly became serious and Jiang Kangchen clenched his mouth, nodding vigorously. “I will endure.” Murong Yi  asked, “Yunan, did the Emperor tell you this?”

 

Shao Yunan replied, “The Emperor said that the Empress was poisoned the same way as Wu Jian. The Emperor has always suspected the Wu family’s involvement, but without actual evidence, there was no need to continue suspecting. The Empress made it clear that Wu Jian’s recovery would take at least a year or more, indicating that the Emperor and the Empress plan to take action against the Wu family during this time. The Empress also told me to tell Kangchen not to show too much concern for Wu Jian during this period.”

 

Jiang Kangchen took a deep breath. “I will endure.” Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan, thank you, thank you!”

 

“Kangchen, don’t be so polite with us.”

Jiang Kangchen didn’t know how to express his gratitude to Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan. The Emperor demoted Wu Jian to a servant of the Marquis, essentially removing him from the Wu family. Calling him a servant, would Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan really treat him like a servant? Jiang Kangchen told himself that whether he could endure it or not, he must endure it. The days of reunification for their family was near.

 

Edited by: Jaisland

Proofreader: 

 

Support translation: