Shen Yueyue thought for a moment and said, "Sister-in-law, I don't know if what I'm saying is right, but I think it would be good if such a day ever came. Women now listen to their parents before marriage, and after marriage, they listen to their husbands and in-laws. I feel so humble. If women could also enter the imperial examinations, perhaps their status would be higher?
In the past, I always thought that if women could be officials, I would do a good job and use all that I've learned. But… this is just a dream."
"It's not a dream, after all, Changning is the Empress now," Xue Zining said.
Shen Yueyue's eyes brightened, "Sister-in-law, I admire her greatly. To be able to eliminate the all-powerful Regent before she came of age, and to have issued so many imperial decrees that benefit the common people, I worship her. I have always had a wish, I want to meet her."
"You will soon," Xue Zining replied.
Shen Yueyue was startled, "Really?"
Xue Zining nodded, "Yes."
"That would be wonderful, I truly hope that day comes soon," Shen Yueyue said.
"Your Highness, Prince Changping has returned to Ancheng."
Han Xichen raised his eyes to look at the messenger and said, "Is that so?"
The messenger hesitated, and seeing this, Han Xichen asked, "Is there something else?"
The messenger nodded.
"Speak," Han Xichen commanded.
The messenger reported, "Reporting to Your Highness, Prince Changping suffered humiliation and was then taken back by Prince An. It is heard that no prisoners there survived."
Han Xichen was taken aback, "Didn't I send people to protect Prince Changping?"
He merely did not want Prince Changping to participate in the subsequent events, but he had not intended for Prince Changping to be humiliated. Therefore, he sent people to secretly protect Prince Changping, and to escort her back to Ancheng once she awoke.
"Your Highness, all those people were killed," the messenger said.
Han Xichen frowned upon hearing this, "Who did it?"
The messenger shook his head, "This subordinate does not know."
Han Xichen's heart sank, "Go and investigate. I want all news from Mòchéng."
"Yes, Your Highness." The messenger departed.
Han Xichen paced back and forth in the room.
Suddenly, there was a voice from outside the door, "Your Highness, there is a letter from Ancheng."
Han Xichen subconsciously wanted to refuse, but he still said, "Bring it here."
He took the letter and opened it. Inside was indeed An Ping's anger, stating that she would not let him off.
He would not care about these things, but he cared about the ending, where An Ping wrote that Xue Jingyun had likely already rushed to Zhaoping, and advised him to protect his head, lest it be separated from his body.
Han Xichen burned the letter. Xue Jingyun coming to Zhaoping meant only one thing: the Empress might appear here.
Han Xichen's gaze turned cold. How could he not know An Ping's intentions? She merely wanted him to clash with the Empress and Xue Jingyun, so she, An Ping, could reap the benefits.
He did not wish to comply with An Ping's wishes, but since Xue Jingyun had come, he could not afford to be unprepared, otherwise, he would not be able to contend with Xue Jingyun.
As long as he captured the Empress at this time, even if Xue Jingyun was powerful, she would not be able to cause much trouble.
"Someone…" Han Xichen said in a low voice.
Soon, someone entered from outside, "Your Highness."
"Go and send people to search for the woman in this portrait. Bring her to me, dead or alive."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Han Xichen looked up. If he captured the Empress and used her to threaten Xue Jingyun, wouldn't this world belong to him?
What he desired was far from enough; he wanted even more.
Shen Yunlan stayed in Wei Lihe's room for a day and a night. When the room door opened, the once elegant and refined young gentleman was now haggard and exhausted.
He carried Wei Lihe out of the room.
Outside the door, Madam Shen Er walked forward, "Yunlan, where are you going?"
"Mother, I want to bury Lihe with my own hands," Shen Yunlan said with empty eyes.
Madam Shen Er sighed but did not stop him. She knew that Yunlan would not listen even if she tried.
Therefore, it was better not to stop him, especially since Wei Lihe was already gone.
She was satisfied with Wei Lihe, but unfortunately, her fate was not good; she passed away after giving birth.
"Lihe, your husband will take you away," Shen Yunlan said, looking at the person in his arms with deep affection.
"Sister-in-law, elder brother…" Shen Yueyue was a little worried.
Xue Zining comforted her, "It's alright, he's just going through a difficult time. He'll be better soon."
"Sister-in-law, is a woman's destiny really only to give birth?" Shen Yueyue bit her lower lip.
"It won't be. In the future, women will definitely be able to participate in the imperial examinations and become officials, and their destinies will not be confined to the inner chambers."
"Really?"
"Really," Xue Zining affirmed.
"If women can truly participate in the imperial examinations, I will be the first to take the exam," Shen Yueyue said with renewed confidence.
"Aren't you afraid of being criticized by the world?"
"What is there to be afraid of? The path is forged by oneself. What does it matter to others whether it is good or bad?"
Xue Zining looked at Shen Yueyue's sparkling eyes and thought to herself, then I will be waiting for you, Shen Yueyue.
"Ning'an," Shen Yunxuan walked over. Shen Yueyue made an excuse about going to pay respects to Old Madam Shen and left.
Xue Zining knew that Shen Yunxuan must have something important to discuss with her and walked towards a room, saying, "Let's talk inside."
Shen Yunxuan followed her inside. Upon entering, he realized the room was not large, as he could smell the unique fragrance of the young woman in front of him.
"Is something wrong?" Xue Zining asked, seeing Shen Yunxuan remain silent.
Shen Yunxuan came back to himself, lowered his gaze, concealing the brilliance in his eyes, and steadied his mind before saying in a low voice, "Han Xichen has sent people to search for someone in Zhaoping."
"Searching for someone? Whom?" Xue Zining inquired.
Shen Yunxuan replied, "We don't know yet, but we've heard they are looking for a woman."
"A woman?" Xue Zining felt an inexplicable unease.
Shen Yunxuan nodded, "Yes. Does Your Majesty have any thoughts?"
"Has he discovered that I am here?"
"I have the same thought. I will send people to find out immediately."
"Be careful," Xue Zining said.
"When will Your Majesty cast the net?" Shen Yunxuan asked subconsciously.
"No rush," Xue Zining said slowly, lifting her head.
"Does Your Majesty have other plans?"
"Lord Shen, Miss Ning'an, Your Highness requests your presence!" a voice called from outside the door.
Xue Zining and Shen Yunxuan exchanged a glance. Shen Yunxuan replied, "Very well, we will be there shortly."
Upon arriving at Han Xichen's room, they saw a banquet laid out. Han Xichen was seated at the head table. Seeing them arrive, he stood up and said, "Lord Shen, Miss Ning'an, you have arrived."
"May I ask why Your Highness has summoned this minister and Miss Ning'an?" Shen Yunxuan stepped forward, blocking Han Xichen's gaze that was fixed on Xue Zining.
Han Xichen smiled faintly and stood with his hands behind his back, "How did Lord Shen and Miss Ning meet in An Country?"
Shen Yunxuan was slightly startled but maintained a calm demeanor. "Does Your Highness wish to hear the story of how this minister and Miss Ning met?"
"Is that not permissible?" Han Xichen asked with a smile.
"Of course, it is. If Your Highness wishes to know, perhaps this humble woman can tell you?" Xue Zining asked.
Han Xichen nodded, "That would be most agreeable."
Xue Zining stepped forward, smiling brightly, "Your Highness should have had me investigated."
Han Xichen looked up upon hearing this, meeting the clear eyes within the young woman's bright smile.
The young woman walked towards him, her unique fragrance once again invading his senses.
He instinctively took a step back. The young woman stepped forward, her voice clear and melodious, yet tinged with a hint of coolness, "Your Highness is paying so much attention to this humble woman, could it be that…"
Her voice was very soft, so soft that only he, standing so close, could hear it.