The Prince Consort's Secret (GL) - Chapter 24

I found a moment to ask Zhang Momo, as expected—she had nothing to report.

Qin Huaiyu had been behaving himself, spending most of his time at the Imperial Medical Bureau, only entering the palace when summoned. Occasionally, he’d sneak off for tea or wine, but he’d never met with either Li Shaoqing or Mu Han. Li Shaoqing, too, had been busy—after court, he remained at the Court of Judicial Review reviewing cases, then returned directly home. As for Mu Han, whenever she went out, it was simply to wander about. Like modern women, she was baffling—fond of window shopping but never actually bought anything.

No findings—that was, perhaps, the best possible outcome. But was this the end of it? No. I still had one final move.

The next morning, I entered the palace early. Father had not yet concluded court, so I waited in a side hall beside Chongzheng Hall, sipping tea idly. When I saw Father from a distance, I set my cup down and went to greet him.

Seeing me, he chuckled, half exasperated: “Why so eager?”

Once inside, with the maids and eunuchs dismissed, Father told me the Khitan captive knew very little. The only useful detail extracted was that Mu Han carried something of great value—something the Khitan desperately needed.

He then reassured me: Mu Han had made no suspicious moves. He had been loyal and had always acted in the interest of the state. A capable and upright official. If he ever deviated, he promised he would personally see him taken down.

I was quiet for a moment, then said, “If… if one day something really does happen, please, for my sake—spare his life.”

Father laughed. “Weren’t you dead set against this marriage? What, are you soft-hearted now?”

I smiled, “It’s because Your Majesty is too good at matchmaking.”

After I left, I stayed near a hall farther from Chongzheng Hall to observe the flow of officials. Since Li Shaoqing had been tied up at the Judicial Court for several days, today was likely his first return to the Ministry of Justice—he’d definitely have reports to make.

Sure enough, before long, I saw him approaching in his signature violet robes, making his way from the palace gates.

I exited the hall and began walking toward the outer palace gates, instructing the maids and eunuchs not to follow so closely—they were annoying. As expected, I encountered Li Shaoqing along the way. He bowed low in greeting, and I returned a smile, motioning for him to rise.

With customary politeness, I said, “Lord Li, you’ve worked tirelessly on the Du Ruo case these past days. It must have been exhausting.”

He responded with practiced decorum: “To receive the ruler’s favor is to shoulder the ruler’s burdens—this is simply my duty.”

I smiled faintly. “I’ve already spoken to His Majesty. On behalf of the prince consort, allow me to thank you. Don’t worry—regarding that matter, we will ensure it remains sealed.”

He froze, then slowly relaxed, bowing again: “Many thanks, Your Highness.”

I smiled as he departed—but my fists clenched tight, my entire body trembling uncontrollably.

If Mu Han had contacted Li Shaoqing, what would he think? She shouldn’t have known about that matter—about the risk of the Khitan exposing her secret. And yet, she knew. Among the few who were informed that day, I was the only one likely to have told her. And in fact, I had.

Li Shaoqing would naturally assume she and I were on the same side—that I was complicit.

And just now, his lack of objection to my words confirmed it—Mu Han was indeed hiding something. She truly held something over him and had used it to threaten him.

She had infiltrated the court with a purpose she dared not reveal.

Now what? Should I tell Father the truth and have her thrown into the Court of Judicial Review, subjected to harsh interrogation?

The pain of my fingernails digging into my palms did nothing to dull the ache in my heart.

I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t be the one to destroy her.

Then… should I let her go?

Perhaps letting her leave was the best choice.

Somewhat relieved, I steadied myself and walked forward, though my hands still trembled.

I reached the carriage, boarded, and left the palace for the manor.

Everyone was surprised—why had I returned so early today, instead of staying till noon as usual?

I smiled and replied lightly, “I saw something interesting on the way back. I plan to go out and have some fun today!”

When I saw Mu Han, I could still smile and tease her, but inside, I was overwhelmed with pain and resentment.

Of course I would let her go. But before I did, I wanted to leave her speechless—give her a farewell she would never forget, so she would always remember me.

I changed into my usual going-out attire, snapped open my ivory-handled folding fan, and laughed, “After being cooped up for days, this young master is ready for a full day of pleasure!”

Then I stepped into the front courtyard, gathered the guards I’d sent out earlier, and headed off.

We roamed the bustling streets of Bianjing. Along the Bian River, carts clattered and voices rang loud and clear—just like a living scroll of Along the River During the Qingming Festival. I chewed a stick of candied pear and, spotting a smooth, pretty stone on a street vendor’s table, casually picked it up. A guard immediately paid for it, and I laughed heartily before flinging the stone into the river behind me.

We wandered out of the busy market into a quieter lakeside area. The water shimmered; a familiar tune drifted across from a boat—some woman was singing:

“Back then, when I left, willows swayed gently in the breeze.

Now I return—snow falls, flake upon flake…”

I threw decorum aside and plopped down on a cool stone by the water, gazing blankly at the view. After a while, a guard approached, speaking cautiously: “Princess… the ground is cold. You’ll catch a chill.”

I didn’t respond, simply picked up pebbles and tossed them into the lake, one by one, watching the ripples scatter.

Time passed—how long, I wasn’t sure—until my body began to ache. I stood. The sunlight was no longer pale; it warmed my skin pleasantly. Stretching my numb arms, I asked the guard, “What time is it? Have we passed lunch?”

He glanced at me. “It’s already a quarter past noon, Princess. But not too late yet…”

I gave a soft “Oh”—so soon?

I told him to hire a carriage and take us to Drunken Immortal’s Delight.

The name rang a bell. Probably one of those taverns every transmigrator stumbles into. But I chose it not just for a meal. It also happened to sit along the road Li Shaoqing must take to return home.

We settled into a private room on the second floor. I instructed the guards to stop Li Shaoqing if they spotted him, then ordered a full meal. The table was soon filled with aromatic dishes, but I had no appetite.

After a few bites, I set my chopsticks down and poured myself wine. One sip—and I put the cup down again.

Better to drink with her later, back at the manor.

I ordered the food cleared, sat with a cup of tea, and gazed down at the bustling street outside. Time slipped by until finally, the door creaked open and Li Shaoqing stepped inside. He looked surprised, then composed himself. “Princess, what business might you have with me?”

I skipped the pleasantries. Once he shut the door behind him, I said, “That thing you said this morning—explain it.”

He frowned slightly, and I smiled coldly. “I didn’t know there was anything for the prince consort and me to thank you for. Nor did I know of any matter you were helping us to conceal.”

He stiffened. “Your Highness means to say…”

I sneered. “Well played, Lord Li. You’ve formed secret alliances with the prince consort and conspired to bury the truth. What would His Majesty say if I told him?”

With a thud, he dropped to his knees, trembling. “Princess… I deserve death. But I had no choice. Please—spare me.”

It felt meaningless. I gave a soft laugh. “Don’t worry. Neither you nor the prince consort will come to harm. But now—give me something. A token. Something that, when she sees it, she’ll know it’s over. That her secret has been exposed and there’s no point denying it.”

He hesitated. I continued, “If you give it to me, there’s still hope. If not, I’ll report everything to the Emperor. And don’t worry—I keep my word. What good would it do me to see you dead?”

He managed a weak smile. “It’s not hesitation, just curiosity—what does Your Highness intend to do with it?”

He reached for the bell on the wall but couldn’t quite reach from his knees, so he looked at me. I gestured for him to stand.

He rang the bell. A moment later, a waiter entered. Li asked for paper and ink, then waved him away.

He quickly scribbled something and handed it over.

I glanced at the paper. Two characters: “Yuezhou.” A place name.

I raised a brow. “This alone is enough?”

He nodded emphatically. “She’ll understand.”

I hummed, dismissing him. He bowed low again, as if to plead further, but seeing my disinterest, he left.

I leaned back, suddenly exhausted. The hardest part was yet to come.

I summoned the waiter, paid the bill, and flashed my token of identity. I instructed him to send the finest dishes and wine to the Princess’s Manor. He dropped to his knees in shock—I didn’t bother responding.

The palace’s wine was too weak, and my manor didn’t stock anything truly good. Mu Han, I’m being generous. Before I send you away, I’ll give you a proper farewell.