The Emperor learned of the news that very day, ordering the wedding date to be canceled. Lin Chenxi was temporarily imprisoned and sentenced to death pending further review.
In reality, the case was clear and straightforward, and could have been concluded within three days. The sentence of death pending review was merely to save face for Marquis Lin.
Lin Ze Qu was beyond the border at the time. By the time the news reached him and he rushed back, it would be at least two months.
One couldn't possibly execute a son while his father was away on official business and unaware of the proceedings.
The court officials understood this principle, though discussions about the matter were rife within the capital.
Compared to the court and the public, Su Yun Mo was far more composed.
The objective she had set out to achieve was already accomplished; Lin Chenxi's fate was no longer important.
"Master, a message has arrived from them, saying Young Master Lin wishes to see you. Will you go?" Zi Yuan had just returned from outside, having received news from the Ministry of Justice.
Su Yun Mo, holding a medical text, sat by the window. "No, let him wait a few days."
At this juncture, even if they met, nothing useful could be gleaned. It was best to let this potential Prince Consort calm down for a couple of days.
Zi Yuan had anticipated her master's reply and was not surprised. "A message has come from the palace; the Empress Dowager wishes for you to visit."
Su Yun Mo put down her book.
Counting the days, the Empress Dowager had been taking her medicine for some time, and it should be showing effects. It was indeed time to check on her.
The carriage sent by the palace to escort her was already waiting outside the mansion gate. By now, Su Yun Mo was quite familiar with entering the palace.
She proceeded directly to Ci An Palace.
Inside Ci An Palace, besides the Empress Dowager, the Empress was also present.
Su Yun Mo's eyes flickered slightly, and she stepped forward to pay her respects without betraying any emotion.
Upon seeing her, the Empress Dowager's stern expression softened considerably. She beckoned, "Little Mo, come here. These are new pastries from the small kitchen, come and try them."
"Thank you, Imperial Grandmother. Mo Mo loves the pastries here the most," Su Yun Mo said, running over with her short legs. She took the pastries and stuffed them into her mouth with both hands.
Seeing her with a face full of pastries, the Empress Dowager's mood lifted.
It had been a long time since such a delightful little child had been by her side.
Perhaps it was due to her age, but she found herself increasingly fond of spending time with young children. It reminded her of her younger days.
Back then, the late Emperor was still alive, and she had been forced into the palace by the Luo family...
"Mother, what do you think of this matter?" The Empress's voice interrupted the Empress Dowager's thoughts.
The Empress Dowager glanced at her, her expression darkening slightly.
The Empress continued, "This concubine believes the Qin family's daughter is a good match. I saw her at the last palace banquet. If Mother is not at ease, I will bring her to meet you at the next banquet."
The Empress Dowager wiped the pastry residue from Su Yun Mo's face with a handkerchief, without looking up. "You are now the mistress of the harem; the princes' marriages are naturally your concern. You need not ask this old woman."
"While that is true, Mother, now that you have returned to the palace, all matters still require your final decision." She adopted a very humble posture, showing the Empress Dowager ample respect.
She then paused, casting a deliberate glance at Su Yun Mo. "This concubine is also thinking that Prince Jing Yu has grown up, and it is time for him to have a marriage arranged."
Su Yun Mo's fingers stilled, and her eyes narrowed dangerously.
The Empress caught the fleeting cold glint in her eyes and deliberately raised her voice.
"The legitimate princes are already betrothed. Although Prince Jing Yu has not yet reached the age of capping, he has had his mansion established for almost a year. With the Emperor's current favor, this concubine does not wish for any favoritism to be shown."
Su Yun Mo sneered inwardly.
This Empress was truly fond of playing matchmaker!
"This old woman is aging and lacks the energy to manage these matters. You may decide on my behalf." The Empress Dowager's face was expressionless, revealing none of her true thoughts.
The Empress breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, saying "Yes."
For her, as long as the Empress Dowager did not explicitly refuse, it was sufficient.
"Then, Mother, please continue with your affairs. This concubine takes her leave."
The Empress departed.
Granny Rong Jin emerged from the back, carrying a plate of fruits. "The Empress Dowager is not in good health these days. It is good that she does not have to trouble herself with these matters."
The Empress Dowager sat up slightly, her expression growing colder. "How could this old woman not know what she is plotting? That Qin family girl is not worthy of the third prince."
Su Yun Mo pricked up her ears, still chewing on the food in her mouth.
Granny Rong Jin: "But the Empress Dowager still agreed to the Empress's wishes."
"If this old woman had disagreed, she likely wouldn't have been able to sleep soundly."
"Never mind. In any case, the Emperor no longer has any intentions for the third prince. Now that the child is betrothed, it will save her and her daughter from their constant longing."
From this, it seemed the Empress Dowager did not approve of the marriage, but was simply too lazy to intervene?
Su Yun Mo frowned, becoming increasingly curious about what had transpired between the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager did not continue the topic, merely coaxing Su Yun Mo to eat more pastries.
Su Yun Mo played in Ci An Palace for the entire morning and had lunch before leaving.
Ye Jing Guang was waiting outside early. The moment he saw her approach, he hurried forward. "I've done what you asked me to do. When will you take me to see Third Brother?"
Su Yun Mo walked past him, waving her hand. "After Consort Liang has recovered."
Ye Jing Guang watched her leave after uttering a single sentence, blinking his eyes. He then angrily threw the jade pendant on his waist to the ground. "That bean sprout is a big liar!"
He had waited for her all morning, and she had only left him with that sentence. Clearly, she didn't take his matters seriously. It was too much!
He wouldn't help her anymore!
Su Yun Mo left the imperial palace and headed straight for Prince Yu's mansion.
Today, Qian Xue was out on official duty, so Ying Xiao greeted her.
"Young Miss, His Highness is currently in Qing Liang Hall. You will need to wait in the reception hall for a moment."
Su Yun Mo: "Where is Qing Liang Hall?"
Ying Xiao vaguely pointed in a direction.
"Oh, then I'll find him myself." Su Yun Mo strode in that direction.
The new attendant was indeed not as considerate as Qian Xue. For other guests, it might be acceptable, but when she came to find Ye Jing Yu, she never had to wait.
Ying Xiao frowned slightly. "But that is..."
"I know, you don't need to worry about it." Su Yun Mo walked away.
Ying Xiao stood there, conflicted for a moment, then resigned himself.
As long as she knew, it was fine. They were both children, after all, so it wasn't a big deal.
Su Yun Mo followed the direction Ying Xiao had indicated and saw the plaque for 'Qing Liang Hall'. Without knocking, she pushed the door open and entered.
"Ye Jing Yu, I have good news for you. Do you want to hear it?"
The person inside seemed startled, then gritted his teeth. "Get out!"
"Who tells guests to talk outside? I'm not your subordinate." Su Yun Mo strode into the inner room and then froze.
The inner room was a spacious pool, empty all around, with only a screen placed in a corner.
Ye Jing Yu was currently in the pool, glaring at her with clenched teeth.
Su Yun Mo stared for a moment, then said, "Why are you bathing in broad daylight?"
"When has my bathing required your opinion?!" Ye Jing Yu's teeth itched with hatred.
Was this something someone who barged into another's bathroom would say?
"Get out!" the young man enunciated each word.
Su Yun Mo shrugged and spread her hands, unconcernedly walking in and sitting by the edge of the pool. "It's not like I haven't seen it before. Are you still shy?"
After all, they were both children. Looking at each other was nothing, it wouldn't hurt.