“Have her killed?” Mo Heng shook his head with a faint smile. “My dear sister Ying Er, you’re thinking too simply about this. Not to mention how much Grandmother and Father dote on her, do you think the Hidden Guards of the Protectorate Duke’s Residence are just for show? The slightest misstep in this matter could set us ablaze. We cannot act impulsively in such affairs.”
“Does Crown Prince brother not intend to take action against her?”
“How could that be? You’re right—only Ye Yun’s death can resolve this matter and eliminate our concerns.” Mo Heng’s voice turned cold. “Even though Imperial Uncle has never shown any intention, some things must be guarded against. If the Protectorate Duke’s Residence and Prince Chen’s Mansion were to truly form a marriage alliance, even if I successfully ascend to the throne in the future, having such a powerful presence in the Imperial Capital would always be a hidden danger.”
Su Yuning looked at Mo Heng. She had already suppressed the previous incident since it concerned the royal family’s dignity, which was why the Ye Family hadn’t made a fuss. But no one expected Ye Yun to become involved with Mo Qingchen. “I’m relieved that Heng Er can consider things so thoroughly.”
“If we’re going to do it, it must be foolproof. Given how much the Protectorate Duke and his wife dote on Ye Yun, Hidden Guards must be following her secretly whenever she goes out. If, as Mother said, Ye Yun has become involved with Imperial Uncle, the Protectorate Duke will surely be even more cautious.”
“Therefore, we cannot act rashly. What we need to do now is monitor Ye Yun’s every move, find the right opportunity, and strike with one blow leaving no traces. That would be the best approach. What do you think, Mother?”
Su WanYing, standing nearby, seemed to recall something and said softly, “Aunt Empress, Crown Prince brother, a few days ago at the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion, I saw Ye Yun purchasing some medicinal herbs. Today at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, she also seemed to be targeting that Snow Spirit Grass. Perhaps we could have people keep a closer watch around the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion.”
Mo Heng pondered this. “That’s feasible. If Ye Yun is truly interested in medicinal herbs, she’ll definitely return to the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion. The pavilion is located in the busiest central market street of the Imperial Capital. There’s a sparsely populated section along the route from the Protectorate Duke’s Residence to the pavilion. As long as we confirm this detail, set up an ambush in advance, eliminate a few Hidden Guards, and get rid of Ye Yun, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
Su Yuning nodded in agreement. “Heng Er, I’ll have your grandfather and uncle make the arrangements. You must not be involved in this matter from start to finish. We cannot use any forces within the Imperial Capital for this. Our hands must remain completely clean.”
“Mother, rest assured. Your son understands.”
“Heng Er, you are the Crown Prince. Countless eyes are watching you. Remember, you must never be careless at any time.”
Mo Heng certainly knew his mother was reminding him about the previous incident with Ye Yun. “Yes, your son will be careful and will absolutely not make any more mistakes.””
“That’s good then.” Su Yuning said gravely. “Ying Er should return from the palace now. Heng Er, see her out.”
After these words, Mo Heng and Su WanYing bowed and withdrew from the hall.
At this moment, the matron standing beside the Empress asked quietly, “Does Your Majesty still intend for Miss Ying Er to become the Crown Princess?”
“When I had Father bring her back to the Su Family to be raised by my brother, this was always the intention. Heng Er and Ying Er also have feelings for each other. Since we cannot place any hope in the Protectorate Duke’s Residence, we’ll proceed as planned. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, the position of Empress must come from the Su Family.”
Su Yuning’s gaze turned icy. “Regarding the matter we just discussed, make sure Father and Elder Brother handle it properly.”
“I understand, my lady.”
Meanwhile, Mo Heng and Su WanYing had just exited Zhengyang Palace and were heading towards the palace gate.
“Crown Prince Brother, Ye Yun made a remarkable impression today. Do you regret…”
“What are you talking about, Ying Er? I never paid her any mind to begin with. No matter how impressive she seems, a sickly girl is still a sickly girl. Don’t you know, Ying Er, that you’ve always been my favorite?”
Su WanYing instantly blushed, lowering her head. “Crown Prince Brother, I’ll take my leave from the palace now. You should return to the Eastern Palace.”
“I’ll wait until you’re in your carriage.”
Only after Su WanYing’s carriage had disappeared into the distance did Mo Heng turn and head back towards the Eastern Palace.
…
In the blink of an eye, three days had passed since the Flower Banquet. Ye Yun had remained within the Protectorate Duke’s Residence all this time without stepping out.
She lay on the rocking chair beneath the corridor, basking in the warm spring sun accompanied by a gentle breeze. Even breathing felt utterly relaxing.
However, three days had gone by, and Mo Qingchen still hadn’t come to see her.
Hadn’t he promised to be true to his word? Was he only keeping his promise that day? He said he would handle things, yet there hadn’t been any movement since.
How boring. If she continued lazing around like this, she’d probably end up genuinely depressed.
Seeing Ye Yun get up, Lingzhi immediately followed. “Is Miss going out?”
“To the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion.”
“Miss, if you need any medicinal herbs, you could have the residence’s herbalist purchase them. There’s no need to go personally.”
Over the past few days, Ye Yun had read many texts from this era related to elixir making. Although there weren’t significant differences from her original world, the level of elixir making here couldn’t possibly compare to the technological civilization she came from. Her research would naturally require adjustments to fit this world. Coincidentally, she had been studying an interesting medicine. Hmph, since Mo Qingchen wasn’t taking the initiative to find her, she might as well go make some elixirs.
“How can having another herbalist go compare to going personally?”
“Is Miss truly planning to study elixir making?”
“Do you think I’m not up to it?”
“Not at all. Whatever Miss wishes to do, this servant believes it’s wonderful.”
Ye Yun simply smiled and then left her courtyard. However, just as she stepped out of the Protectorate Duke’s Residence’s main gate, she saw a familiar carriage stopping before her.
Mo Qingchen stepped down from the carriage and looked at Ye Yun. “Where are you going?”
“It’s been three days without seeing Wang Ye. I thought…”
“This prince is not one to go back on his word. These past few days, I wasn’t deliberately avoiding you but handling the matter.”
“Is it resolved?” Ye Yun was somewhat puzzled.
“Yes. In another two days, you’ll see the results—results that will satisfy you.” Mo Qingchen gazed intently at the woman before him. “I… we’ve already kissed. This prince will take responsibility.”
Ye Yun couldn’t help but laugh at Mo Qingchen’s sudden statement. She hadn’t expected such a handsome man to be so innocent. “Oh, then I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“Mm. Can you tell me where you’re going now?”
“To the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion. Would Wang Ye care to join me?”
“Of course.” Mo Qingchen agreed, and the two boarded the carriage together.
Outside the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion, Mo Qingchen and Ye Yun stepped down from the carriage.
Feng Ying stood to the side and said quietly, “Wang Ye, this subordinate finds it somewhat strange. On the way from the Protectorate Duke’s Residence to the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion, it seemed like someone was secretly watching us.”
“Send someone to investigate,” Mo Qingchen instructed, then walked with Ye Yun towards the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion. Glancing at Ye Yun beside him, he remarked, “You don’t seem the least bit worried about such a situation occurring?”
“Why worry about this? This is the Imperial Capital, where the powerful and noble gather, and anyone could become a target of surveillance. Besides, I recently broke off my engagement with the Crown Prince, and then stole the spotlight at the Hundred Flowers Banquet. It’s hardly surprising if someone wants to keep an eye on me.”
Ye Yun gave Mo Qingchen a light smile and, right in front of everyone, leaned directly against his chest without hesitation. “What’s more, with you protecting me, why should I be afraid?”