Ch 86 – Return
After Cheng Yuanjing finished speaking, the room fell into a heavy silence. The Emperor's face turned dark. After a while, he frowned and asked: "What are you doing?"
"This son has been missing for fourteen years and suddenly come back alive. Even if Your Majesty acknowledges my identity, many people surely won't believe it. If this son is alone without any ties, others will think this is a scam. Even if some old officials are willing to believe, they must be uneasy seeing this son is still unmarried at the age of twenty. It's better if Your Majesty decreed this son's marriage at the same time with this son's return. With a Crown Princess, some of the problems will be resolved."
To get married and settle down had never been separable since immemorial. For example, the captives who surrendered. Even if they had been naturalized and lived in the country for many years, the authorities wouldn't be truly assured as long as they were unmarried. Only after they married a wife, had children, and built a family that they would truly be recognized as taking root and earned the trust from the court.
Although Cheng Yuanjing was not a naturalized foreigner, the Crown Prince was not an insignificant title. After missing for fourteen years, someone suddenly appeared and claimed to be the Crown Prince. Who would feel at ease? Had it not been for the Emperor to know the situation from the beginning, even he wouldn't accept it lightly.
Getting married and starting a family was indeed a magic weapon capable of calming the public's heart and ease conflicts. Besides, Cheng Yuanjing had disappeared for many years. The court had been in turmoil several times over the matter of imperial heir. After Cheng Yuanjing returned to his rightful identity, he really needed to have a son as soon as possible to stabilize his position.
The Emperor originally planned to wait a month or two after his return before announcing an edict for the Crown Princess selection. If Cheng Yuanjing had someone he liked, the Emperor was willing to fulfill his eldest son's wish as long as she was suitable. However, no matter what, the future Crown Princess must have come from a clan of nobility, with a clean background, and father and brothers serving as high-ranking officials in the court, which would be beneficial for the stability of the country.
Cheng family's daughter obviously was not qualified.
Cheng family had done a great service by sheltering the Crown Prince over the years. The Emperor of course would reward them handsomely, but this didn't include making their daughter a Crown Princess. Selecting the Crown Princess was a national affair, for she would be the example for the woman in the world. For this matter, the Emperor had put serious deliberation over and over again. How could he allow his son to make such a sloppy decision?
The Emperor calmed himself and asked, "Is this Cheng family's intention? How could they demand such a thing?"
"No. I am not gullible enough to be coerced by them." Cheng Yuanjing got up. He stood before the Emperor and said again: "The late Marquis Yichun was a cautious person and didn't have such courage. He kept the secret from his family even at death's door. Others in Cheng family are kept in the dark even now, so they have no way to talk about rewards and merits."
After a slight pause, Cheng Yuanjing calmly added: "It's me who asked the reward for life-saving grace."
The Emperor frowned, "What?"
"A child accidentally fell into the river last night. Cheng family's eldest daughter jumped into the freezing water to save him. I rescued her." Cheng Yuanjing said. "This way, I can be considered as her savior. To repay my life-saving grace, I want her to be my Crown Princess. After all, little help over time will provide greater returns."
The Emperor first was stunned, then furious. No wonder Cheng Yuanjing didn't come to the appointment last night. It turned out that he jumped into the freezing river to save a girl. Many strange signs that happened today could also be explained. But what did he mean by 'little help over time will provide greater returns'?
The emperor said: "Your Crown Princess selection is a matter of great importance. Don't rush it. When you return to the palace, I will decree an edict for Crown Princess selection. There are many virtuous girls with suitable backgrounds in the capital. You can choose slowly."
"I know. I have been living in the capital for more than ten years. I know what kind of women are there in this city." Cheng Yuanjing said. "However, since I already chose my Crown Princess, there is no need to waste money and effort for another selection. Your Majesty will also have it easier by issuing two edicts at once."
These words only fanned the anger in the Emperor's heart, and dissatisfaction gradually appeared on his face. The Emperor reluctantly held back his anger and dissuaded: "You and she are nominally uncle and niece. How do you think the public will react after the announcement?"
"Our blood relationship is fake." Cheng Yuanjing replied calmly. "What's more, with me marrying her, isn't it just right to prove that I am not surnamed Cheng?"
The Emperor reluctantly held back his anger and dissuaded: "You and her are nominally uncle and niece. How do you think the public will react after the announcement?"
"Our blood relationship is a fake." Cheng Yuanjing replied calmly. "What's more, with me marrying her, isn't it the just right to prove that I am not surnamed, Cheng?"
"You!" The Emperor was very angry. "Uncle marries his niece. Do you want to bear this infamy?"
"She is not my niece. Why not?"
The Emperor was so angry that he could no longer sit still. He stood up from his seat and scolded: "Absurd!"
The Emperor could see it. Although Cheng Yuanjing maintained minimal contact with the Cheng family, he had been nominally surnamed Cheng for almost fourteen years. During that period, he gradually fell in love with Cheng's eldest daughter. However, there were so many women in the world. Why would he be willing to ruin his reputation for a woman, and even block his future path?
The Emperor originally planned to send Cheng Yuanjing outside the capital. After disappearing for a period of time, he would return as Li Chengjing. The narrative they prepared was that the people the Emperor secretly sent over the years to search for the Crown Prince's whereabouts finally found him living among the common folks. As for the person named Cheng Yuanjing, he naturally would need to pass away during his travel.
However, people's appearance couldn't deceive. After Li Chengjing's return, people who knew Cheng Yuanjing's face would surely be able to guess what's going on. But some things could be known, yet there was no need to say it publicly. After all, more people didn't know the Crown Prince's face than those who knew, and the same was true for Cheng family's ninth son. Since that was the case, let's just say that everything was mere 'coincidence.'
The Emperor would eventually compensate Cheng family's meritorious deeds, but that would be far in the future. On the surface, the Crown Prince must have nothing to do with Cheng family. But once Cheng Yuanjing married Cheng family's eldest daughter, he would be bound to Cheng family forever. No matter how powerful an emperor was, he couldn't stop the public's tongues. Slowly, everyone would find that the Crown Prince looked exactly the same as Cheng family's deceased ninth son.
At that time, the Emperor's claim that the missing Crown Prince had been found living among the common folk after years of difficult search would lose all the credibility.
The Emperor naturally didn't want to see it happen. He took a deep breath, trying to restrain his anger. He sat down again. Having been sitting on the throne for twenty years, he was the best at forbearing. With a voice that devoid of emotion, the Emperor asked: "If you insist on marrying Cheng family's daughter, what will you do about your identity? You also know that this kind of thing cannot be concealed from the public. Sooner or later, someone will find out that you are Cheng Yuanjing."
Cheng Yuanjing's eyelashes drooped a bit as he slowly replied: "If we cannot conceal it, there is no need to conceal."
The Emperor frowned, "What did you say?"
"It's clear to everyone that I am also Cheng Yuanjing. In that case, why bother to deceive and let everyone accompany me in the act? Your Majesty accidentally met Cheng family's son in Xiangji Temple and became suspicious. After investigating, Your Majesty found out that he is the missing Crown Prince. Therefore, I can return to my identity as Cheng Yuanjing. It is more convincing than arranging another set of lies."
The Emperor and Cheng Yuanjing had always maintained contacts over the years. The so-called missing Crown Prince was no more than public deception. But now that the Yang family had not fallen yet, they absolutely couldn't admit that they had been acting for the past fourteen years.
The best method was to create an accidental happening. The Emperor came across a young man in Xiangji Temple. The blood connection between father and son made him suspicious of the young man's identity. After sending people to investigate, he found that this young man was his long-lost eldest son.
This would be the official version of Cheng Yuanjing's return of identity. In the future, even if the Yang family or other court officials turned over to investigate, they would only find this clue. After all, there really hadn't been intersections between Cheng Yuanjing and the Emperor before this event.
The Emperor felt that disclosing the fact that the missing Crown Prince had been growing up under Yang family's nose in the capital would be too provocative. Therefore, the Emperor wanted him to abandon the identity of 'Cheng Yuanjing' and made up an excuse of finding him among the common folks. With some investigation, Yang family would easily find up that the Crown Prince and 'Cheng Yuanjing' were the same people. But the Emperor had a golden mouth, jade words. Since His Majesty had said so, even if the courtiers knew the truth, they had to cooperate and follow the play.
This way, everyone could maintain their dignity on the surface.
But Cheng Yuanjing didn't think so. He had already given up his identity once. Now he also had to give up his decade of upbringing in the capital alongside an official career and experience with a jinshi background and returned to the Eastern Palace as a Crown Prince with common folks upbringing and no experience. Who would be willing to follow such a Crown Prince? Only a few people knew the truth. Only the confidants he nurtured during his appointment outside the capital would be his foundation.
Cheng Yuanjing's position was different than that of the Emperor. The Emperor ascended the throne as the unfavored Kang Wang. Over the years, he had been used in maintaining harmony with the Yang family. If Empress Dowager Yang and Yang Fucheng knew that the Crown Prince had been living in the capital for many years and even passed the imperial examination under their noses, it would be a huge slap on their face. The Empress Dowager would undoubtedly be greatly provoked. The Emperor didn't want to create another conflict, so he chose to wrong Cheng Yuanjing in order to preserve the Yang family's face.
However, from Cheng Yuanjing's point of view, preserving the Yang family's face was the same as showing his weakness to them. Before the battle truly even started, he already showed weakness to the enemies, which put him into an even more unfavorable situation.
Cheng Yuanjing had always disagreed with the Emperor's plan. But originally, he didn't have the intention to refuse directly. Of course he made this choice after weighing the pros and contras. He followed the Emperor's plan, which put him in an unfavorable situation. In the future, the Emperor, who felt guilty, would definitely give him a bigger compensation.
If it weren't for Cheng Yujin, Cheng Yuanjing would not come back after 'visiting friends' this winter. He came back abruptly, because he couldn't bear the thought of her being alone in the manor during the New Year's festivity. Because of his return, Cheng Yuanjing hadn't 'died' yet.
For each extra day he stayed in the capital, Cheng Yuanjing's pressure was getting bigger. The Lantern Festival was the absolute deadline. After tomorrow, he had to leave the capital and changed his identity. But now, Cheng Yuanjing had changed his mind.
He had been planning for a long time. But the moment he made the decision, Cheng Yuanjing felt refreshed, as if invisible shackles were suddenly unlocked. Cheng Yuanjing lowered his eyes slightly, avoiding looking directly at the Emperor. This was the rule when seeing an emperor. Before being a father and a son, they were a monarch and a subject.
Cheng Yuanjing said: "Your Majesty, I would like to return to my identity as Cheng Yuanjing, and marry the eldest daughter of Cheng family to prove that I am not Cheng family's blood."
The Emperor silently stared at his son. Sure enough, his hunch was correct. One by one, everything was going off track since yesterday.
The Emperor asked heavily: "Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes."
"Do you know how much help you gave up by doing this, and how much trouble you will cause to yourself?"
"I know." Cheng Yuanjing lowered his gaze. Under the cover of his eyelashes, other people could not see the emotions in his eyes. The perpetual cold aura on his body was slightly dissipated, and a trace of gentleness appeared on his voice: "My wife will accompany me through life and death. In the future, she is the one I will be sharing my tomb with. Until that time, she is the person sleeping next to my pillow. Therefore, if the person I marry is not her, what is the point?"
The Emperor was originally fuming with anger. But when he heard these words, he was suddenly startled.
Accompany in life and death, sharing the same tomb — when Zhong-shi was still alive, she had also said similar things. Back then, he was just an unfavored Kang Wang, and even his fief couldn't be said to be vast or wealthy. Zhong-shi was born and grew up in the capital. Once she followed him to the fief, she would never have a chance to come back.
All her parents, relatives, and friends were in the capital. This departure was equal to lifelong separation, as she wouldn't have a chance to see her parents again in this life. However, Zhong-shi was willing to go with him. She left the bustling capital behind and went through the journey without complaining from beginning to end.
That year, when they arrived at Kang Wang's manor, Zhong-shi was looking forward to planning for their future. She earnestly began to plan about what to do with this courtyard, and what to do with that pavilion. At that time, he also felt the anticipation of spending a lifetime together.
But later, none of Zhong-shi's plans came to realization, including the courtyard she wanted to prepare for their eldest daughter.
Because they never had a daughter.
She accompanied him through the valley of suffering, but died on the eve of happiness.
The Emperor obviously should scold the son for being willful and making trouble. Obviously, he should follow his parent's order and choose the Crown Princess most suitable for his status and position. But thinking of the early death of Zhong-shi, all the words were suddenly blocked by sadness.
The Emperor fell into thought for a long time, but finally could only sigh. After all, it was he, the Emperor, who was sorry for the mother and son. If the Empress was still Zhong-shi and Li Chengjing's Crown Prince position was secure, he naturally could marry anyone he wanted to marry.
The emperor sighed: "Have you thought well?"
Cheng Yuanjing lowered his head and said firmly: "Yes."
"You have grown up and can make decisions on your own. Zhen won't interfere with this matter anymore. Alright. Since you insist, then just do it according to your wish."
Cheng Yuanjing knelt down: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor seemed to want to say something else, but at this moment, the eunuch who was guarding outside the door came in and cautiously reminded: "Your Majesty, the Empress has been asking about your whereabouts."
The Emperor quickly swallowed back his original words and said loudly: "Zhen knows, step back."
"Yes."
Although the Emperor said so, he had stood up and walked out. After just two steps, he suddenly remembered that his eldest son was still here, and hesitantly paused his steps.
When the eunuch came, Cheng Yuanjing had already got up and stood aside. Sensing the Emperor was pausing his steps, Cheng Yuanjing was not surprised: "Many thanks for Your Majesty's grace. This son will send Your Majesty off."
In the end, the Emperor couldn't say what he originally wanted to say. Cheng Yuanjing's attitude and speech were respectful and polite, as should it be between the monarch and a subject. From beginning to the end, his son had never once called him 'Father.'
Ch 87 – Two Edicts
Cheng Yujin rarely fell ill since she was a child. Unexpectedly, her illness this time came fiercely. Although her fever had been controlled, her temperature didn't return to normal for several days, making her feel very weak and groggy.
Falling into the river during the winter was truly not a small incident. Cheng Yujin was so listless that she couldn't do anything except for staying on the bed. Servants in the yard didn't dare disturbing Cheng Yujin's recovery and were very cautious when talking and moving, trying to be as silent as possible. The yard was so quiet that people could even hear the sound of a feather falling on the floor.
After seven or eight days, Cheng Yujin's spirit gradually improved, and the yard became alive again.
The few days when Cheng Yujin was sick, she had no appetite to eat. Her two servant girls and the yard's small kitchen exhausted their means to improve Cheng Yujin's appetite. The food was changed day by day, trying to get her to eat more. Today, Cheng Yujin felt very refreshed, and even her tired body was much more relaxed, as if some intangible burden had finally left her. When Du Ruo and Lian Qiao noticed Cheng Yujin's changes, they were overjoyed. In less than two hours, the small kitchen delivered a complete set of meals, trying to make up for Cheng Yujin's lost nutrient over these few days.
Holding a hot-water bottle, Cheng Yujin leaned on the luohan couch and slowly stirring the almond barley porridge. She didn't know whether this was her first meal today or not. Anyway, she didn't have much appetite. While waiting for the porridge to cool down, she asked her servant girls to talk about anything new.
Cheng Yujin didn't ask about the news of these seven or eight days she had been bedridden. If she didn't take the initiative to send a messenger, people outside wouldn't be able to contact her. She completely cut herself off from the outside world and was able to recover in quiet and peace. At first, it was because of her lack of energy, but later, Cheng Yujin was too lazy to take care. She also hadn't seen Cheng Yuanjing these few days. He didn't come, and she didn't ask. All her attention was spent on recuperation.
Said to be recuperating, in fact, Cheng Yujin had been very comfortable these few days. Everyone in the house revolved around her. She only needed to say what she wanted to eat, and the small kitchen would deliver the meal after a while. She didn't need to deal with anyone she didn't like, and she didn't need to put on a mask to deal with incoming guests and elders. On top of that, she didn't need to ask other people's permission for anything she wanted.
This had never happened in her past fifteen years of life. Although she lived in an independent courtyard in the Cheng family's manor, there was basically no privacy or secrets in her every move. She was an adopted eldest daughter. She had no biological mother who would fend off troubles for her. She dared not act like a spoiled daughter to Qingfu, let alone brazenly asked for everything. The servants in her courtyard were people arranged by Old Madam Cheng and Qingfu Junzhu, and they basically were there to monitor her. Knowing who these people actually were, yet Cheng Yujin's only choice was to accept with a smile and put them in important positions.
The only people she could trust were the two personal servant girls who had been by her side for more than ten years. In fact, Du Ruo and Lian Qiao were also not her people initially, but after a long time, she had firmly gained their loyalty.
No matter what happened to herself, as long as she still had a single breath left, Cheng Yujin had to deal with relatives with their various minds and also had to go to Qingfu Junzhu and Old Madam Cheng to express her gratitude. If she were not careful, she would become Ruan-shi's knife to attack Qingfu Junzhu. In short, it was a very tiring life. Over the years, Cheng Yujin didn't dare to let herself fall sick.
But the past few days she spent in Cheng Yuanjing's private residence, Cheng Yujin finally felt what it meant to be protected tightly. The servants here were naturally Cheng Yuanjing's people, but when Cheng Yuanjing was not here, Cheng Yujin had the final say. It was extremely rare for Cheng Yujin to enjoy such a comfortable moment, and she devoted all her mind to properly recover from the illness.
The porridge in her hand had gradually cooled after some stirring and was now warm enough to be eaten. Cheng Yujin scooped a spoonful, listening to the servant girls while sipping the porridge. Du Ruo and Lian Qiao deliberately told a joke to make Cheng Yujin laugh. Cheng Yujin couldn't hold back and smiled slightly. The two servant girls were overjoyed and were about to continue when suddenly there were sounds of crackling firecrackers outside.
The sounds of firecrackers were so loud that everyone in the room was startled. Even Cheng Yujin put down the bowl and looked out the door. A clean-faced manservant guarding the courtyard's gate was very angry. He yelled with his squeaky voice: "The New Year is almost over. Who is putting on firecrackers outside? If Miss is shocked and fell ill again, do you think you can hold the responsibility?"
This person dressed as an ordinary servant, so Cheng Yujin didn't pay much attention. But at this moment, he spoke with a strong palace accent. But Cheng Yujin pretended not to notice it. She asked: "What's going on?"
"I don't know; maybe a family is celebrating a happy event." Du Ruo answered. She also had no clue.
Cheng Yujin didn't think so: "I don't think it's just one family setting off firecrackers. It's not an auspicious day, and there is no reason for so many people to have happy events simultaneously." Cheng Yujin called Lian Qiao and ordered: "Go outside and take a look."
"Yes."
Lian Qiao took the order and left. Cheng Yujin thought it would take only the time needed to go back and forth, but unexpectedly, Lian Qiao returned after a long time. When she came back, the expression on her face was...very indescribable. There was an obvious surprise, shock, and trance, but also seemed to be mixed with great joy.
What's happening?
Lian Qiao took the order and left. Cheng Yujin thought that it would take her only the time needed to go back and forth, but unexpectedly, Lian Qiao came back after a long time. When she came back, the expression on her face was...very indescribable. There was obvious surprise, shock, and trance, but also seemed to be mixed with great joy.
What's happening?
Cheng Yujin immediately asked, "What's wrong? Seeing your appearance, it's as if you cannot even speak properly."
Lian Qiao didn't waste her words. She quickly leaned closer to Cheng Yujin, her eyebrows fluttered with uncontrollable excitement: "Miss, you cannot blame this servant for being out of control. Two big events are happening outside!"
"Huh?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince, who has been missing for fourteen years, has just been found! The Emperor is overjoyed and releases an edict to exempt the taxes this year."
Cheng Yujin was stunned for a moment. It turned out to be so; no wonder people set off firecrackers in celebrations. She muttered dazedly: "So fast?"
This sentence was taboo to be spoken. The Emperor finally found the Crown Prince that had been missing for fourteen years. This was a great happy event for the whole country to celebrate. What Cheng Yujin meant was actually different. In fact, she initially thought that Cheng Yuanjing would still wait for a while before returning.
After all, Cheng Yuanjing still sent someone to inquire about her condition yesterday, yet he was now 'disappeared' overnight, which was too quick and abrupt.
Of course, he was no longer Cheng Yuanjing. He should be called by his real name, Li Chengjing.
Lian Qiao's face blushed with excitement. She deliberately held on a very important point, but after a long time, Cheng Yujin still didn't continue to question. Lian Qiao was very disappointed: "Miss, why don't you ask who the Crown Prince is?"
"Who else can he be." Cheng Yujin looked back at Lian Qiao puzzledly. "The Crown Prince's name is Li Chengjing, the eldest di prince of the late empress. Who else can he be?"
In fact, if changed to someone else or if Lian Qiao was more knowledgeable, they would notice something was strange. Cheng Yujin spoke the Crown Prince's name so naturally, as if she had known it a long time ago. The imperial family's names, especially important members such as the Crown Prince, were naturally not well-known outside the most elite of circles. Moreover, the Crown Prince had been missing for fourteen years. How could Cheng Yujin, a young girl raised deep in the inner courtyard, blurted out the Crown Prince's name as if it was the most natural thing to do?
However, Lian Qiao didn't understand this. She was dumbfounded for a while and found that Cheng Yujin's words could not be refuted at all. Lian Qiao gave up trying to be mysterious and immediately went on to share the shocking news she had just heard: "Miss, can you guess with what identity did the Crown Prince live over the years?"
Cheng Yujin suddenly had a premonition. Before she could react, Lian Qiao had already blurted out the answer: "He is our family's Ninth Master!"
Cheng Yujin's mind suddenly went blank. Even Du Ruo, who had always been steady and calm, was very shocked upon hearing it. After a long time, she stammered: "This...what's actually happening here?"
"It all started at the time we were visiting Xiangji Temple. His Majesty met Marquis Jingyong and Second Lady in the garden and found that Second Lady's paternal uncle — that is, our Ninth Master — somehow looks familiar. His Majesty became suspicious and sent people to investigate, and it turns out that the person is indeed the missing Crown Prince! Later, the Emperor met Ninth Master privately and asked about Ninth Master's childhood and experiences over the years. When Ninth Master was lost, he was still very young and couldn't remember much. He just remembered that he got lost in the rain and was already taken in by a kind woman when he woke up. When the woman saw the Crown Prince alone and helpless, she took him as her adopted son and treated him like her own child. After that, the woman moved into the capital with her husband, bringing the Crown Prince with her. The Crown Prince was later recorded in Cheng clan's genealogical book and became Cheng family's ninth son."
Lian Qiao talked like a firecracker, so fast and crackling, making it hard to comprehend. It could be seen how much this news made her lost her composure. Perceiving the change in Cheng Yujin's expression, Lian Qiao nodded vigorously, as if guessing what Cheng Yujin was thinking: "Yes, that kind woman is the little Xue-shi, the late Old Master's outside mistress. Oh, no, she is no longer an outside mistress. I heard that the manor had promoted little Xue-shi as an honorable concubine, and she can be re-buried next to late Old Master."
Old Madam Cheng hated little Xue-shi so much, but after the situation changed, her attitude also changed upside down. Cheng Yujin didn't bother to pay attention to the bad debts from the previous generation. What surprised her the most was that the current trend of events was completely different from the previous life she saw in her dream!
At least in the previous life, she was very sure that Ninth Uncle Cheng Yuanjing accidentally contracted an illness and passed away during a journey. His Highness the Crown Prince naturally had nothing to do with him and was found out living among common people by the Emperor's secret agents.
Why was it different now?
Cheng Yujin was listening lazily at first, but now she was sitting upright, asking with an extremely serious face: "Lian Qiao, tell me everything you hear from beginning to end."
Lian Qiao saw Cheng Yujin's serious expression and didn't dare to be careless. She reported everything she knew in an orderly manner. Cheng Yujin listened carefully and asked questions when she encountered vague parts. By the end, she roughly understood the official story of the Crown Prince's return.
The first half was exactly the same as Cheng Yuanjing's own experience, except the claim that the Crown Prince was still too young to remember his identity and had totally forgotten the event of that year. Didn't remember? Had forgotten? Even Cheng Yujin felt that the man was talking complete nonsense. From his performance, it was obvious that he remembered very clearly.
When visiting Xiangji Temple, the Emperor 'accidentally' met Huo Changyuan in the garden. Out of concerns of his courtiers, the Emperor stopped by to ask a few more questions, only to 'accidentally' found out that the family member of Marchioness Jingyong somehow looked familiar. After the Emperor went back, he thought deeply before finally sending some people to investigate in secret. In the end, all kinds of clues showed that this young man was indeed the Crown Prince who had been missing for many years.
In both lives, the diligent chess piece Huo Changyuan had done an excellent job to be used totally and thoroughly.
The Crown Prince whom the imperial court and Emperor had been looking for for many years actually had been living in the capital all this time. Without anyone noticing a thing, he passed the imperial examination and became an official. This twist and turn were even more bizarre than the plot of folk operas. People talked about it with great relish, and in no time, the story had spread wide and far.
Cheng Yujin repeatedly pondered the differences between the two lives and found that all the tracks were the same until the event in Xiangji Temple. In the previous life, she was not led to the garden by Zhai Yanlin and didn't witness the 'accidental' encounter between the emperor and the Crown Prince.
After that, things were different. After returning from Xiangji Temple in the previous life, Cheng Yuanjing received a transfer order to a post outside the capital and never returned. After another six months, the agents tasked by the Emperor to find the Crown Prince over the years finally found the person.
In this life, Cheng Yuanjing also went out after Xiangji Temple, but the reason was to visit friends, not by a transfer order. It might be that father and son had a little disagreement in this life, so they choose a vague reason as a middle ground. It stood to reason that 'Cheng Yuanjing' should have faded out of everyone's sight during this period, but for some reason, he appeared at the door of Cheng family's manor on a cold morning on the second day of the New Year.
Then, he rescued her on the Lantern Festival, and immediately afterward, the Emperor declared that Cheng Yuanjing was the missing Crown Prince.
Cheng Yujin sighed for a long time. If one must compare, it was obvious that the Crown Prince's appearance this time was much more dazzling and brilliant. The imperial examination was tantamount to a multitude of troops crossing a single-plank bridge multiple times. The Crown Prince could pass such a hellish ordeal and became a jinshi at a young age without noticing his identity. Obviously, this kind of story was very popular among common folks, especially grassroots scholars. He had also worked as an official for a few years, his performance was remarkable, and he had won himself a huge reputation. This situation was much better than the previous life, on which the Crown Prince was found living among the common people as a nobody.
Of course, since he won the favor of so many people, he had to sacrifice some other things, such as Yang family's face. Now, the Empress Dowager in the palace was certainly not in a good mood.
But the Crown Prince and Yang family were originally enemies. From the beginning, only one of them was destined to live in the end. There was no difference between being moderately hated or greatly hated by an enemy. Compared with the great popularity Li Chengjing gained from this operation, the Yang family's mood was simply not worth mentioning.
Cheng Yujin sighed. No matter what, she should congratulate Cheng Yuanjing for getting what he wanted. Watching the birth of a legend in real time truly couldn't be compared to accidentally catching a glimpse of previous life's memory.
Lian Qiao saw that Cheng Yujin was surprised at first, then her face became solemn. After a moment of contemplation, she sighed in delight before immersing herself in deep thoughts for a long time. Lian Qiao stood quietly without interrupting. A thought suddenly popped up in Lian Qiao's mind. Her Miss didn't seem to be shocked at all when hearing that the missing Crown Prince was actually Ninth Master, nor did she look surprised. She accepted the fact calmly, as if this was a matter of course.
Lian Qiao could not help but remember further. When Old Master was still alive, her Miss jumped through the Old Master's window to secretly listen to the conversation between Old Master and Ninth Master. Was it perhaps that she already knew...no, she had to stop. She shouldn't think further.
After Cheng Yujin thought for a moment, she suddenly felt that Cheng Yumo's fate was truly excellent. In this life, the Crown Prince was found in the Cheng family. Borrowing this limelight, Cheng Yumo should be able to have a very comfortable life afterward. She was indeed very lucky.
However, this benefit was mutual. In the future, Cheng Yujin could also enjoy the benefits brought by the Crown Prince's identity. Moreover, she even had a vested interest, so she wouldn't be jealous of Cheng Yumo.
Lian Qiao saw that after Cheng Yujin finished scooping the story about the Crown Prince's return in detail, she stopped talking and bowed her head to sip her porridge. Lian Qiao deliberately concealed the biggest explosion and had been holding it back for a long time. Seeing that Cheng Yujin didn't ask anymore, she finally said aggrievedly: "Miss, this servant just said that she brought back two news, didn't she? Why don't you ask what the second news is?"
"Huh?" Cheng Yujin was very surprised, "With your temperament, how can you hold back for so long? I thought it was already all."
Lian Qiao showed a complicated expression. As she spoke again, there was aggrievance mixed with beaming pride on her face: "Miss, you will definitely regret it if you don't ask."
Cheng Yujin had no choice but to follow up: "What is the second news?"
After Cheng Yujin finished speaking, she lowered her head to stir the almond porridge again. Lian Qiao suddenly had a headache. Who on earth made this porridge today? Why did Miss seem to like it so much?
But Lian Qiao's excitement still overwhelmed everything. She quickly opened her mouth again, "Miss, besides the edict to grant tax exemption, there is also a marriage edict! The two imperial edicts are announced simultaneously, and notices are posted everywhere next to the major city gates. You see, the Emperor has bestowed a marriage edict between you and the Crown Prince, and you will be titled Crown Princess after the marriage."
After Lian Qiao finished speaking, Du Ruo gasped in shock. Lian Qiao was very satisfied with this reaction. She stared at Cheng Yujin intently, waiting for Cheng Yujin's response.
However, Cheng Yujin's reaction was very bland. She just said "Oh," flatly and then put some already-cold porridge into her mouth. She thought to herself. After Cheng Yuanjing, oh no, after Li Chengjing regained his status, it was natural for him to marry a Crown Princess. There didn't seem to be a girl of the right age in the Yang family, but there were many candidates in other influential noble families. There were also daughters of powerful ministers. The choice was abundant. She wondered who did Li Chengjing choose...
Cheng Yujin didn't realize that she actually hated this topic. That's why she was inattentive and didn't catch the most important keywords in time. After a while, she suddenly realized something was wrong.
Wait, what did she hear just now?
Cheng Yujin suddenly coughed. The porridge got stuck in the trachea, causing her tears to come out. But Cheng Yujin didn't have time to bother about such a trivial thing. She grabbed Lian Qiao's hand and asked hurriedly: "What did you just say? Who is the Emperor bestowing the marriage to?"
This news was indeed too shocking.