Jiang Yun Qiao was two years older than me and had been carefully cultivated. Had I not been found, the heir’s position would have been hers. However, she seemed completely indifferent to the heir’s position and often stayed close to me, taking me around Feng Zhu City.
I kept the secret about the fifth princess to myself, not revealing it to Emperor Hong. I was uncertain about An Jin’s plan, and although the second princess was my relative, royal family politics were complex. I couldn’t fully trust them, so I could only silently apologize to the fifth princess, waiting for the right moment to bring her back.
Since arriving in South Rui, I’ve been cautious and observant. I don’t necessarily want to become empress, but I must be capable of protecting myself and my family, of safely reuniting with An Jin. If wielding power is the only way to achieve this, then I must compete.
Was Emperor Hong’s intention of finding me back truly just about familial affection? Despite my repeated explanations that I had no interest in being heir and only wished to live a peaceful life with my family, he persistently granted me the ** Palace and publicly proclaimed me as the next heir. Was there some hidden scheme?
Escape was impossible. With Emperor Hong so determined to return the throne to me, if it was truly from the heart, I couldn’t refuse; if there was a plot, I couldn’t escape. The only option was to proceed carefully, follow his arrangements, and remain vigilant.
Assuming Emperor Hong truly had no ulterior motives and genuinely wanted to return the throne to the daughter of Emperor Xuan, what potential threats might I face? Undoubtedly, it would be Jiang Yun Qiao. Although she appeared normal, I had seen too much royal family hypocrisy to easily trust surface appearances. Since Jiang Yun Qiao often visited me, I would go with the flow and see what she was hiding.
I had thought Jiang Yun Qiao had feelings for General Shen, but surprisingly, she was already married with a son. When I mentioned my previous speculation, she laughed it off, saying they were merely friends. Although as a princess she could take a side consort, she clearly had no such intention, focusing entirely on her beloved animals.
