Arc 30Rebellion and Wedding

Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan endured a succession crisis, Xiao Lingyan’s poisoning, and Xiao Lingheng’s rebellion while remaining committed to their marriage. After the rebellion was defeated and the Cen Family’s influence was curbed, Xiao Lingyan recovered enough to marry Zhao Ruxi at the Prince of Qi’s Residence.

  • Xiao Lingyan and Zhao Ruxi agreed to stay out of the birthday banquet’s conflict, but the Crown Prince attacked the princes, killing the Prince of Qian and injuring the Prince of An.
  • Xiao Ge survived an assassination attempt, the Crown Prince died, and Xiao Lingheng was captured after Xiao Lingyan helped expose his role in the plot.
  • Xiao Lingyan was poisoned and fell unconscious, but Zhao Ruxi continued visiting him and insisted she would still marry him.
  • As Xiao Lingyan recovered, Xiao Lingheng escaped and rebels surrounded the palace, so Noble Consort Cen hid Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan in a secret chamber.
  • Xiao Lingyan revealed he could speak and told Zhao Ruxi that Xiao Ge was waiting to trap the rebels, and the system later reported that Xiao Lingheng’s forces had been defeated and he had died fleeing.
  • Noble Consort Cen refused to force a Cen daughter on Xiao Lingyan, while Xiao Ge weakened the Cen Family and Xiao Lingpu urged Cen Hanchang to accept the losses.
  • Xiao Lingyan recovered enough to speak and persuaded Xiao Ge to let the wedding proceed at the Prince of Qi’s Residence, where he and Zhao Ruxi completed their wedding rites.
  • In the bridal chamber, Zhao Ruxi ordered Qingfeng to prepare hotpot and went next door to eat while Xiao Lingyan received Noble Consort Cen’s senior maidservant.
Chapters 728–752 Vol. 8 Read

Ch. 728Testing the Waters

Zhao Ruxi refused to be drawn into Cen Peixuan’s affairs, and Xiao Lingyan sent her gifts in support. Xiao Lingpu recognized that his test had widened the rift with his younger brother and invited him to dinner, where Xiao Lingyan made clear he wanted Zhao Ruxi and Cen Peixuan to keep their distance.

  • Zhao Ruxi left Cen Peixuan after telling her not to worry about her affairs, then wrote to Xiao Lingyan, who sent fruit to the Earl of Suiping's Residence.
  • Cen Peixuan grew furious over Xiao Lingyan’s gift and asked Noble Consort Cen to summon and scold Zhao Ruxi, but Noble Consort Cen sent pregnancy supplements instead and left Zhao Ruxi alone.
  • Xiao Lingpu concluded that Xiao Lingyan had turned away from him after the test involving Zhao Ruxi, and invited him to share a drink.
  • Xiao Lingyan invited Xiao Lingpu to dinner at the Prince of Qi's Residence that evening.
  • Xiao Lingpu apologized on Cen Peixuan’s behalf, while Xiao Lingyan explained Zhao Ruxi’s intentions and suggested the two women see less of each other.

Ch. 729Borrowing Influence

Xiao Lingyan and Xiao Lingpu reconciled on the surface, and Xiao Lingyan accepted gifts for Zhao Ruxi from his sister-in-law. At home, Zhao Ruxi learned that Zhao Rurui had visited to gain the Zhao Family’s support and argued that they should first investigate whether she was truly being mistreated.

  • Xiao Lingpu apologized for his wife’s behavior and gave Xiao Lingyan inkstones, paper, and brushes for Zhao Ruxi.
  • Zhao Ruxi stayed home after visiting the Kang Residence and the Prince of An’s Residence, while Zhao Rurui came to pay her respects to Lady Zhu.
  • The old madam recognized that Zhao Rurui was borrowing Zhao Ruxi’s influence to improve her standing at the Marquis of Pingnan’s Residence.
  • Lady Zhu described Zhao Rurui’s complaints about being mistreated by Lady He and Tenth Miss Cen at the Marquis of Pingnan’s Residence.
  • Zhao Ruxi said the family should verify Zhao Rurui’s claims before sending gifts, since Zhao Rurui might misuse her name.

Ch. 730The Fu Family

Fu Yunkai and Mu Qingqiang discussed Zhao Ruxi and the political risks facing the Fu Family. Mu Qingqiang warned him that his family’s treatment of Zhao Rurui could offend Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan, so Fu Yunkai needed to address the matter with his mother and younger brother.

  • Fu Yunkai asked Mu Qingqiang about her friendship with Zhao Ruxi and explained that Xiao Lingpu had suggested she visit Zhao Ruxi.
  • Fu Yunkai told Mu Qingqiang he had declined the suggestion because she was pregnant and suffering from morning sickness.
  • Mu Qingqiang agreed with his decision and reminded him not to take sides too openly in the struggle for the throne.
  • Mu Qingqiang told Fu Yunkai that Lady He and Lady Cen had been tormenting Zhao Rurui.
  • Mu Qingqiang warned Fu Yunkai that the Fu Family could offend Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan, and urged him to speak with Lady He and Fu Yunlang.

Ch. 731Reflections

Fu Yunkai explained how Zhao Rurui had switched places with Zhao Ruyu and was forced to remain as Fu Yunlang’s concubine. Meanwhile, Zhao Ruxi used her system to investigate the princes and briefed Xiao Lingyan on their plans, leaving them prepared to respond as the political situation shifted.

  • Fu Yunkai recounted how Zhao Rurui had entered the Marquis of Pingnan's Residence in Zhao Ruyu’s place, and how Fu Yunlang had been compelled to let her stay after sleeping with her.
  • Mu Qingqiang guessed that Zhao Rurui had chosen concubinage to preserve her children’s noble status rather than marry a commoner.
  • Zhao Ruxi used her system to investigate the Crown Prince and the Second, Third, and Fourth Princes, then shared her findings and plans with Xiao Lingyan.
  • Xiao Lingyan asked why Zhao Ruyu had become a concubine despite having a system, and Zhao Ruxi guessed that Zhao Ruyu had hoped to become the Consort of Prince of Jingping.
  • Zhao Ruxi told Xiao Lingyan to keep communication open and promised to alert him when she received new information.

Ch. 732Unwilling to Accept It

As New Year approached, Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan agreed to let the planned coup unfold while protecting Xiao Ge and themselves. Meanwhile, Zhao Ruyu remembered the coming crisis but felt trapped and powerless to use it to improve her position.

  • Xiao Lingyan worried that Zhao Ruxi would consider him ruthless for allowing the coming bloodshed, but Zhao Ruxi argued that stopping the coup would leave the Crown Prince and Third Prince as future threats.
  • Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan agreed to stay away from the conflict during the emperor's birthday celebration and planned for Zhao Ruxi to pretend to be ill.
  • Zhao Ruyu paced in her courtyard as she recalled the coming coup and considered using her knowledge to gain favor with the Prince of Jingping.
  • Zhao Ruyu feared that revealing her information would expose her system and leave her trapped as a tool, while she believed Zhao Ruxi would use the coup to help the Prince of Qi become emperor.
  • Zhao Ruyu lamented that their fortunes had reversed since their previous lives, when she had enjoyed high status and Zhao Ruxi had suffered a miserable death.

Ch. 733The Longevity Festival

At Emperor Xiao Ge’s Longevity Festival banquet, Zhao Ruxi navigated a tense meeting with Noble Consort Cen and Cen Peixuan while protecting her family’s dignity. Noble Consort Cen reminded Cen Peixuan that Xiao Lingpu had been the one to seek marriage with Zhao Ruxi.

  • Emperor Xiao Ge held a grand birthday banquet and hoped his sons would renew their brotherly bonds despite their rivalry for the throne.
  • Zhao Ruxi arranged for Lady Luo and Lu Yun to guard the old madam and Lady Zhu, while Ma Ling'er accompanied her.
  • Noble Consort Cen welcomed Zhao Ruxi’s family and explained that Cen Peixuan would join them after resting; Zhao Ruxi answered her veiled apology firmly.
  • Lady Zhu offered Noble Consort Cen Zhao Ruxi’s sealed-jar wine as a possible remedy for her sleeplessness, and the old madam praised its effects.
  • Cen Peixuan arrived and failed to greet Zhao Ruxi’s family warmly, prompting Lady Zhu to leave with Zhao Ruxi and the old madam.
  • Cen Peixuan complained about their departure, but Noble Consort Cen told her that Xiao Lingpu had begged to marry Zhao Ruxi.

Ch. 734An Argument Breaks Out

At the Longevity Festival banquet, the Consort of the Prince of Ming insulted Zhao Ruxi for serving in government, and Zhao Ruxi answered by invoking Empress Shengyao and the emperor’s support. Grand Princess Shangde joined her, turning the dispute against Consort Jin and her leadership of the Capital Women's Academy.

  • Noble Consort Cen left Cen Peixuan to rest, and Cen Peixuan complained that Zhao Ruxi had no right to look down on princes.
  • Zhao Ruxi was seated among the imperial family’s principal wives and consorts, while the Consort of the Prince of Ming blamed her for the Third Prince’s recent misfortunes.
  • The Consort of the Prince of Ming mocked Zhao Ruxi for being a female top scholar and accused her of fooling around with men.
  • Zhao Ruxi replied that the emperor had named her top scholar, granted her an office, and approved her marriage, while Empress Shengyao had secured women’s right to study and hold office.
  • Grand Princess Shangde praised Zhao Ruxi, rebuked the Consort of the Prince of Ming, and threatened to ask the emperor to divorce her; she then criticized Consort Jin’s management of the Capital Women's Academy.
  • The Dowager Princess of Zhennan supported Grand Princess Shangde and said Empress Shengyao had been right to insist that the empress lead the academy.

Ch. 735Who Bullied My Fiancée?

At the imperial celebration, the Princess of Ming attacked Zhao Ruxi after their dispute escalated, but Noble Consort Cen intervened and forced an apology. Xiao Lingyan arrived just as the matter seemed settled and stood beside Zhao Ruxi, asking who had bullied his fiancée.

  • The Princess of Ming threw tea at Zhao Ruxi, who dodged and accidentally splashed the Princess of Qian.
  • The Princess of Ming tried to slap Zhao Ruxi but struck the Princess of Qian instead, prompting Noble Consort Cen to stop her and reprimand her.
  • Noble Consort Cen threatened to send the Princess of Ming to the Imperial Clan Court, while Consort Jin pleaded for the matter to end and the Princess of Ming apologized.
  • Xiao Lingyan arrived and stood beside Zhao Ruxi, confronting the Princess of Ming over bullying his fiancée.

Ch. 736Another Retort

The Consort of the Prince of Ming renewed her attack on Zhao Ruxi, but Xiao Lingyan defended his fiancée and condemned Lady Lu’s accusations. Consort Jin and Noble Consort Cen ended the quarrel and began the banquet.

  • The Consort of the Prince of Ming taunted Xiao Lingyan about Zhao Ruxi spending time among men at the Nanyang yamen.
  • Xiao Lingyan defended Zhao Ruxi and argued that Lady Lu’s standards would condemn women for dealing with male servants and guards.
  • Xiao Lingyan praised Zhao Ruxi’s service to Great Jin and told Lady Lu she was unworthy to call herself his third sister-in-law.
  • Lady Lu warned Xiao Lingyan that he would regret his words when her husband found out.
  • Consort Jin urged everyone to end the quarrel, and Noble Consort Cen agreed to let the matter rest and start the banquet.

Ch. 737Coup

At a palace banquet, the Crown Prince killed the Prince of Qian and injured the Prince of An, throwing the succession into turmoil. Zhao Ruxi returned home safely with her family, but the violence left her and her mother questioning whether her marriage to Xiao Lingyan could still be called off.

  • A eunuch reported that the Crown Prince had attacked the princes, and the Consort of the Prince of Qian fainted before being taken to the scene.
  • Xiao Lingyan went to check on the wounded while Noble Consort Cen sent guards to protect him; Zhao Ruxi learned from the system that the commotion had been quelled.
  • A messenger reported that the Prince of Qian had died, the Prince of An had lost three fingers, and the Crown Prince had stabbed the Prince of Qian after an argument.
  • Noble Consort Cen and Cen Peixuan were devastated as guests realized the attacks had reshaped the succession and left the Third and Fifth Princes as the remaining candidates.
  • After two hours, Xiao Lingyan escorted the women to the palace gates, and Zhao Ruxi rode home with Lady Zhu and the old madam.
  • At home, Lady Zhu asked whether Zhao Ruxi could call off her marriage to Xiao Lingyan, and Zhao Ruxi admitted that the palace violence had frightened her.

Ch. 738What Happened

Zhao Ruxi accepted that her marriage to Xiao Lingyan could not be undone and sought to learn whether he had harmed Xiao Lingpu during the banquet. The system explained how the crown prince killed the Fourth Prince and the Second Prince lost three fingers, then revealed Xiao Lingyan’s plan to expose the Third Prince, leaving Zhao Ruxi worried that the emperor’s response would not prevent a future coup.

  • Zhao Ruxi persuaded the old madam and Lady Zhu that Xiao Lingyan was a devoted husband and that she would accept the imperial marriage.
  • After returning to her courtyard, Zhao Ruxi asked the system whether Xiao Lingyan had engineered Xiao Lingpu’s injury at the banquet.
  • The system said the Third Prince had used the crown prince’s suspicion and a stolen dagger to provoke him into attacking the Fourth Prince, while the Second Prince lost three fingers trying to intervene.
  • The system revealed that Xiao Lingyan had arranged for the emperor to discover the Third Prince’s role in supplying the dagger and drugging the crown prince.
  • Zhao Ruxi worried that the emperor would imprison the princes rather than prevent the Third Prince from escaping and starting a coup.

Ch. 739Turning Their Scheme Against Them

Xiao Lingyan told Zhao Ruxi he planned to use the third prince’s planted spy to turn an assassination scheme against him, while Zhao Ruxi worried over the princes’ dangerous struggle and the emperor’s grief. After several quiet days, an attacker disguised as an imperial guard burst into Xiao Ge’s hall and swung a sword at him.

  • Xiao Lingyan visited Zhao Ruxi and explained that he would feign illness and let the third prince’s spy into his inner circle to seize the initiative.
  • Xiao Lingyan told Zhao Ruxi that the emperor suspected the Prince of Ming and that the Prince of An had survived but lost his fingers.
  • Xiao Lingyan and Zhao Ruxi shared their grief over Second Brother and their longing for their former age before he left, warning her to stay home.
  • Zhao Ruxi worried as the capital fell quiet and Kang Shilin was summoned daily to drink with Xiao Ge, but Xiao Lingyan remained safe through the sixth day.
  • Xiao Ge resumed court, handled delayed affairs, and stayed behind to review memorials before a man disguised as an imperial guard attacked him with a sword.

Ch. 740Taken Captive

Assassins attacked Xiao Ge, and the crown prince was exposed as one of them before killing himself. Xiao Ge then ordered the guards to seize Xiao Lingheng, whose deathsworn men awaited his command.

  • Assassins attacked Xiao Ge, but Eunuch Xie, Eunuch Zhang, and the concealed guards protected him and subdued the attackers with Xiao Lingheng's help.
  • Xiao Ge's guards unmasked the crown prince among the captured assassins, and Xiao Ge ordered him returned to prison.
  • The crown prince used a dagger to slit his throat, while the captured assassins died from poison.
  • Xiao Ge realized Xiao Lingheng had manipulated events and ordered the guards to seize the Prince of Ming.
  • Xiao Lingheng's deathsworn men waited for his signal to fight the emperor's guards.

Ch. 741Another Move

Xiao Ge captured Xiao Lingheng after the crown prince died, then feared Xiao Lingyan was in danger and sent a guard to check on him. At the Earl of Suiping's Residence, Zhao Ruxi learned that Xiao Lingyan had taken a drug that would leave him unconscious for three days and require a long recovery, while the system assured her he had an antidote and was being watched.

  • Xiao Lingheng admitted defeat and asked Xiao Ge why he was being treated this way, but Xiao Ge ordered the guards to take him away and sent a trusted guard to check on Xiao Lingyan.
  • The system told Zhao Ruxi that Xiao Ge had been rescued, the crown prince had died, Xiao Lingheng had been captured, and someone had tried to poison Xiao Lingyan.
  • The system explained that Xiao Lingyan had discovered the poisoning plot and switched the poison for a drug that would keep him unconscious for three days.
  • Zhao Ruxi considered going to the Prince of Qi's Residence, but the system warned that she could not explain how she knew Xiao Lingyan was unconscious.
  • The system revealed that Xiao Lingyan would need a year or two to recover but could take an antidote to wake immediately, and promised to watch over the people around him.

Ch. 742A Visit

After the failed coup, the emperor stripped the crown prince of his title and punished his supporters, while ministers privately suspected the Prince of Ming had played a role in the night’s events. When Zhao Ruxi learned Xiao Lingyan had been poisoned and fallen unconscious, she went to the palace to visit him and tried speaking to him in hopes of waking him.

  • At court, Eunuch Xie announced that the crown prince had been stripped of his title, his family confined, and his supporters punished.
  • After court, Wu Huaisi sent word to Zhao Ruxi that the Prince of Qi had been poisoned and fallen unconscious.
  • Zhao Ruxi asked Lu Yun to seek permission for her to visit Xiao Lingyan, and Noble Consort Cen later sent a palace maid to escort her.
  • At Xiao Lingyan’s palace residence, Noble Consort Cen told Zhao Ruxi that the imperial physicians could not identify the poison and that the emperor was searching for miracle physicians.
  • At Noble Consort Cen’s request, Zhao Ruxi spoke to Xiao Lingyan about their impending wedding and his interest in mechanisms, but he did not stir.

Ch. 743Testing Her

Zhao Ruxi insisted she would marry Xiao Lingyan as planned despite his unconscious state, reassuring Noble Consort Cen and her family. After two days of daily visits and efforts to find a physician, Xiao Lingyan woke up.

  • Noble Consort Cen tested Zhao Ruxi by asking whether she would still marry Xiao Lingyan, and Zhao Ruxi firmly said she would proceed with the wedding.
  • Noble Consort Cen told Zhao Ruxi that the wedding preparations would continue, and Zhao Ruxi returned to the Earl of Suiping's Residence.
  • Zhao Ruxi told the old madam and Lady Zhu that she would go through with the marriage, while they worried about her future and suspected Xiao Lingheng had poisoned Xiao Lingyan.
  • Zhao Ruxi visited Xiao Lingyan each day as the palace sought physicians and screened candidates.
  • Xiao Lingyan woke up before the physician screening was complete.

Ch. 744Who Should Marry the Prince of Qi as His Secondary Consort?

Xiao Lingyan woke from his unconscious state but could not speak or move, while Zhao Ruxi and Noble Consort Cen cared for him. The Cen Family then debated which woman should marry him as a secondary consort, with Cen Hanchang leaving their arguments unresolved.

  • Zhao Ruxi noticed Xiao Lingyan waking and called Imperial Physician Wen, who confirmed that he had regained consciousness.
  • Zhao Ruxi found that Xiao Lingyan could barely squeeze her hand and could not speak or move, while Imperial Physician Wen assured Noble Consort Cen that he might recover gradually.
  • Noble Consort Cen had Xiao Lingyan fed goat's milk and sent word of his recovery to the Cen Family.
  • Cen Hanchang gathered the Cen Family branches to discuss choosing a secondary consort for Xiao Lingyan before his wedding.
  • The Cen relatives argued over which candidate could best manage Zhao Zhiwei, while Cen Hanchang listened in silence.

Ch. 745The Prince of Ming Raised an Army

The Cen Family chose Cen Twelfth Lady to become Xiao Lingyan’s secondary consort, and Noble Consort Cen agreed to discuss the arrangement with the emperor and her son. Before she could do so, a rebel army surrounded the palace, and Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan realized Xiao Lingheng had been spared because he commanded troops.

  • Cen Peixuan sent word that Cen Twelfth Lady should become Xiao Lingyan’s secondary consort, and the Cen Family agreed.
  • The Cen Family informed Noble Consort Cen that Twelfth Miss should enter Xiao Lingyan’s household on the same day as Zhao Zhiwei.
  • Noble Consort Cen protested that the family had made the decision without consulting her, then said she would discuss it with the emperor and Xiao Lingyan after his health improved.
  • The imperial physicians told Noble Consort Cen that Xiao Lingyan’s condition had stopped improving.
  • A palace eunuch reported that rebels had surrounded the palace and that Xiao Lingheng had escaped prison.
  • Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan understood that Xiao Lingheng had been spared because he commanded troops.

Ch. 746Testing the Waters

As the Prince of Ming’s rebellion unfolded, Noble Consort Cen and Zhao Ruxi protected the recovering Xiao Lingyan and prepared for danger in the palace. Noble Consort Cen tested the loyalty of those around her and tried to send Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan into hiding, while Zhao Ruxi insisted on staying.

  • Zhao Ruxi continued feeding Xiao Lingyan his medicine and had helped ensure the imperial physicians treated him cautiously.
  • Noble Consort Cen ordered a eunuch to check on the emperor’s safety and offered the imperial physicians and palace servants the choice to leave and hide.
  • Several physicians and servants left, while Noble Consort Cen summoned more eunuchs and palace maids to guard the room.
  • Noble Consort Cen offered to escort Zhao Ruxi out of the palace, but Zhao Ruxi refused to leave her and Xiao Lingyan.
  • Xiao Lingyan finished his medicine and fell asleep, and Noble Consort Cen privately told Zhao Ruxi she would have them change clothes and hide.

Ch. 747The Secret Chamber

Noble Consort Cen disguised Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan and hid them in a secret chamber while the rebels threatened the palace. After Xiao Lingyan revealed that he could speak, he told Zhao Ruxi that Xiao Lingheng’s rebellion was part of the emperor’s plan to capture his remaining followers.

  • Noble Consort Cen persuaded Zhao Ruxi to protect Xiao Lingyan and helped disguise them as a palace maid and eunuch.
  • Noble Consort Cen opened a hidden chamber in Xiao Lingyan’s bedroom and stocked it with food, water, and medicine.
  • Noble Consort Cen told Zhao Ruxi to escape with Xiao Lingyan if she did not return within ten days, then left them inside the chamber.
  • Zhao Ruxi searched the chamber for another exit while Xiao Lingyan lay unconscious, then heard him tell her not to keep searching.
  • Xiao Lingyan revealed he had been able to speak since the second day after waking and said the emperor was waiting to trap Xiao Lingheng and his followers.

Ch. 748The Rebellion Ends

Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan waited out the rebellion in a hidden chamber while discussing why he was pretending to be ill and his plans to delay speaking. The rebellion was swiftly crushed, and Noble Consort Cen came to tell Zhao Ruxi that life could return to normal.

  • Xiao Lingyan explained that the secret chamber had been built before Great Jin and that Noble Consort Cen had arranged for it to be included in his residence.
  • Zhao Ruxi urged Xiao Lingyan to sleep, and he fell into a deep sleep after learning she was safe.
  • Zhao Ruxi learned from the system that Xiao Lingheng's rebel forces had been defeated and that he had been killed while fleeing.
  • Zhao Ruxi heard that Consort Jin had hanged herself in the cold palace and that the imperial guards were clearing the battlefield.
  • Noble Consort Cen opened the chamber and told Zhao Ruxi that the rebellion had been dealt with and there was no need to panic.

Ch. 749Finally Convinced

After the rebellion was put down, Zhao Ruxi returned safely to the Earl of Suiping's Residence and learned that her senior brothers were safe. As the court purged the Prince of Ming's followers and Xiao Lingyan slowly recovered, Zhao Ruyu accepted that Zhao Ruxi had changed Great Jin's political future and chose to keep her own family clear of court struggles.

  • Noble Consort Cen kept Zhao Ruxi in the palace until the roads were safe, then sent her home, where the old madam and Lady Zhu tearfully welcomed her.
  • Zhao Ruxi asked Xiang Ming to reassure Mister Kumu and check on her senior brothers; Xiang Ming reported that Lord Wu and Lord Gong were safe.
  • Noble Consort Cen recognized Zhao Ruxi's political value and devotion to Xiao Lingyan, so she told Zhao Ruxi to stay away from the palace while the capital was purged.
  • The Consort of Prince of Jingping asked about Zhao Ruxi after Zhao Ruyu's request, and the Prince of Jingping urged his wife not to offend her.
  • Zhao Ruyu learned that Xiao Lingyan was recovering and concluded that Zhao Ruxi had transformed Great Jin's political future, so she resolved to stay out of court affairs.
  • After the court settled down, Zhao Ruxi resumed visiting Xiao Lingyan in the palace and practicing calligraphy and painting at home.

Ch. 750The Cen Family Was Demoted

Noble Consort Cen accepted that Xiao Ge would weaken the Cen Family and asked only that he spare their lives. After Xiao Ge demoted and transferred Cen officials, Cen Hanchang sought Xiao Lingpu’s help, but Xiao Lingpu urged him to accept the family’s losses and preserve what remained.

  • Xiao Ge asked Noble Consort Cen whether she would allow a Cen daughter to become Xiao Lingyan’s secondary consort, and she refused, saying she would not force Xiao Lingyan or wrong Zhiwei.
  • Xiao Ge asked whether Noble Consort Cen would plead for the Cen Family if he weakened its power, and she asked only that he spare their lives.
  • Xiao Ge told Noble Consort Cen he would spare the Cen Family but could offer little else.
  • The next day, Xiao Ge issued an edict transferring or demoting Cen Hanchang and other powerful members of the Cen Family.
  • Madam Cen went to seek an audience with Noble Consort Cen, while Cen Hanchang went to Xiao Lingpu and asked him to plead with the emperor.
  • Xiao Lingpu told Cen Hanchang to accept the losses and withdraw from the struggle so the Cen Family might survive.

Ch. 751Persuasion

Noble Consort Cen persuaded Madam Cen to rein in the Cen Family’s ambitions and warn Cen Peixuan to get along with Zhao Zhiwei. As the court settled down and Zhao Ruxi prepared for her wedding, Xiao Lingyan surprised everyone by speaking.

  • Noble Consort Cen warned Madam Cen that pushing a Cen Family girl on Xiao Lingyan as a secondary consort could anger Mister Kumu and Minister Wu and endanger the family.
  • Madam Cen agreed to speak with her husband and Cen Peixuan, then went to the Prince of An's Residence to counsel her daughter.
  • Madam Cen warned Cen Peixuan to stop provoking Zhao Zhiwei and to get along with her, and Cen Peixuan reluctantly agreed.
  • Zhao Ruxi ignored the Cen Family’s troubles and spent her days visiting Xiao Lingyan, practicing calligraphy and painting, and inspecting her dowry and wedding dress.
  • As the imperial court returned to calm, Xiao Lingyan surprised everyone by speaking.

Ch. 752Getting Married

Xiao Lingyan persuaded Xiao Ge to hold his wedding at the Prince of Qi's Residence rather than keep him in the palace, citing his uncertain recovery and the risk of poisoning. After Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan married, she prepared to enjoy a hotpot while Xiao Lingyan summoned the senior maidservant sent by Noble Consort Cen.

  • Xiao Lingyan convinced Xiao Ge to let the wedding proceed at the Prince of Qi's Residence and agreed to remain outside the palace.
  • The Ministry of Rites prepared the residence, and Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan completed their wedding rites and returned there.
  • Zhao Ruxi teased Xiao Lingyan in the bridal chamber and ordered Qingfeng to prepare a spicy beef-tallow hotpot.
  • Qingfeng reminded Zhao Ruxi that Noble Consort Cen's senior maidservant was still waiting, so Zhao Ruxi told Xiao Lingyan about her.
  • Xiao Lingyan called for the senior maidservant, while Zhao Ruxi went next door to eat her hotpot.
Arc 30 of 33
Arc 30 of 33