Reborn in the Cold Palace: The Emperor's lie

The Empress smiled and said, "His Majesty has always intended to arrange a marriage for Yingrong, but His Highness always finds excuses to avoid it. This morning during court, father and son argued over this matter, displeasing His Majesty. My sister and I thought that perhaps if you spoke to him, he might listen."

Oh, so the mother-in-law's test has begun. Heng maintained her composure but sneered inwardly. If she showed reluctance now, she would be seen as jealous, violating the virtues of a wife. However, if she appeared magnanimous, she might be suspected of not caring about Cui Yi. Moreover, having just taken in Baili Zan into the residence, if the Empress found any evidence, it could lead to accusations of infidelity, forcing Cui Yi to expel her. Then, the Changsun family would align with the Crown Prince once again.

"Your Majesties, I understand what you mean," Heng replied calmly. "With my imperfect body, I am grateful for His Highness's affection, allowing me to serve by his side. I am immensely thankful. If His Majesty arranges a marriage for His Highness, it is a good thing, and I dare not have any objections. However..."

The Empress adopted a gentle tone, "However, what? If you have any difficulties, feel free to speak up."

Heng stood up and bowed respectfully, "However, after a woman marries, her husband is her sky. I dare not contradict His Highness's will, nor can I promise anything to Your Majesties. If His Highness wishes to marry, I will serve the Princess faithfully. If he doesn't, there is nothing I can do."

The Empress elegantly waved her hand, "How can there be nothing you can do? I can see that Yingrong likes you very much. He will surely listen to you. As women, our duty is to bear children for the royal family. If His Highness refuses to marry, how can you, as his concubine, remain indifferent?"

Heng responded respectfully, "I dare not, Your Majesty. If you wish me to persuade His Highness, I will do so. However, managing the household and raising children are duties of the principal wife. As a concubine, I cannot overstep. If I can persuade him, that's fine. If not, please do not blame me, Your Majesty."

The Empress pursed her lips, unsatisfied with the outcome but helpless, nodding, "Do your best. It is natural for men to marry and women to wed. If His Highness insists on not marrying, angering His Majesty, both my sister and I will be in trouble."

Heng admired the Empress's shrewdness once more. Throughout the conversation, Consort Duan hadn't spoken a word and was ultimately trapped by her words. Although Heng could disregard the Empress, she couldn't let Consort Duan be punished by Emperor Jianyuan for this matter. Regardless of her willingness, she had to convince Cui Yi.

"I will do my best to persuade His Highness."

That night, when Cui Yi returned home past the hour of Hai, his expression was even worse than at noon. This surprised Heng, as he usually returned from the military camp in a relatively good mood. Could it be that Emperor Jianyuan's matchmakers had already reached the camp?

Heng was hesitant about whether to bring up the marriage issue now when a soldier came to report. Cui Yi, already undressed and ready for bed, immediately rushed out upon hearing the news. Surprised, Heng followed.

Cui Yi asked, "What happened?"

The soldier knelt on one knee, "Sir, the doctor has examined him and said it's just a cold. After taking medicine and resting for a few days, he should recover."

Cui Yi's grim expression slightly eased, waving him off.

"What happened? Who is sick?" Heng asked.

Cui Yi turned back to the room, still frowning deeply, "Zhongxing fell off his horse while practicing archery this afternoon. Fortunately, the people behind him managed to stop their horses in time, otherwise, his ribs might have been broken."

Heng began to understand, "General Cao practiced while ill?"

Cui Yi nodded, "He has been sick for several days. That brat!"

Cao Qian had been by Cui Yi's side for five years and was also a distant relative of her family. Naturally, Cui Yi cared for him more. With Cao Qian being sick and falling off his horse, Cui Yi was anxious. At such a time, bringing up the marriage issue would likely backfire. So Heng decided to postpone it.

Unexpectedly, after returning to the room, Cui Yi sat at the table lost in thought. Once she finished removing her makeup and letting down her hair, and the maidservants left, he suddenly asked, "What did you want to say earlier?"

Heng was surprised by his sharpness and tried to brush it off, "Nothing, I didn't want to say anything."

Cui Yi glanced at her, clearly disbelieving, and coldly said, "If you don't say it now, you never need to say it."

"...Alright," Heng gave in, "In the afternoon, the Empress and Consort Duan summoned me to the palace regarding your refusal to marry and asked me to persuade you."

As expected, Cui Yi's expression darkened instantly, slamming his palm on the table, "Will they ever stop meddling! Whether I marry or not is none of their business! And you!"

Heng immediately clarified her stance, "I didn't plan to say anything. You asked, so I answered."

Cui Yi narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "Is that so? I remember you started urging me to marry the second day after our wedding. Now with the Empress backing you, you're even more insistent?"

Heng smiled helplessly, "As a concubine, what use is a reputation for virtue?"

Cui Yi angrily waved his sleeve, "Then keep your mouth shut and never mention it again!"

Heng responded, "Understood." She approached to help him undress for bed, "But can you tell me why you refuse to marry?"

Cui Yi wore a blank expression, "For no reason, I just don't want to."

"Why did you marry me then?"

She had asked the same question on their wedding night, and his answer was, "Because I promised." However, such an answer was equivalent to saying nothing. Even if caught in a compromising situation with Changsun Tai, Cui Yi, as the Crown Prince's tutor, wouldn't disclose such scandalous matters. He could simply walk away without any responsibility.

Yet, he proactively proposed to marry Heng. At that time, it was uncertain who would become the Crown Princess, with countless noble ladies vying for the position. He couldn't have precisely predicted that Changsun Tai would become the Crown Prince and used her to counterbalance him.

On one hand, he refused to marry, yet on the other, he took a concubine... Was it merely to delay getting married for another year or half-year?

And what was the purpose of delaying?

"Why are you so fixated on why I married you?" Cui Yi grabbed her hand helping him remove his outer robe, pulling her onto the bed, "You still don't want to marry me, do you?"

Since their marriage, they had shared a bed but went no further. If Cui Yi had some hidden ailment, Heng doubted it. So why was he so resistant to marriage and intimacy?

Cui Yi pinned her hands above her head, looking down at her, "You dislike me, so you're eager to find me a wife, aren't you?"

Heng was speechless, retorting, "Don't you have any confidence in yourself?"

Cui Yi stared at her, and she stared back. After a moment, she bent her knee to rub against his inner thigh. His expression instantly changed, gripping her wrists tighter.

---

"Young lady, you are too naive," Heng chuckled inwardly. Unable to move her hands, she continued teasing him with her leg, finding his visibly moving Adam's apple amusing.

Contrary to Cui Yi, who had delayed marriage for years, Heng had undergone a full year of training before marrying into the Eastern Palace. From initially blushing to complete composure, she learned to cooperate, accommodate, and mastered the art of seduction—essential skills for surviving in the harem.

But what was the point? Cui Jie had planned from the start to prevent her from bearing his child. Firstly, to avoid obstacles when eliminating her. Secondly, being devoted to a childless Crown Princess was an excellent public image boost. With Cui Jie's intellect, he wouldn't miss such an opportunity.

Cui Yi stared at her, "I didn't expect you to be so experienced."

Heng smiled, "Thanks to the Spring Palace manuals hidden in Your Highness's study."

Cui Yi's expression twisted, realizing his secret stash had been discovered. "You dared to go through my things!"

"I wouldn't dare, Your Highness hid them poorly. When the steward brought in people to catch mice, they were found and chewed up. I thought it would be a waste to throw them away, so I took a look."

"..."

"Your Highness?"

Cui Yi gritted his teeth, pushing her aside, "Enough nonsense, sleep!"

Eh? What was this? He pushed her onto the bed, then turned to sleep. Was this some form of princely pride?

Thinking for a moment, Heng addressed his back, "Your Highness isn't attracted to men, is he?"

Cui Yi jumped up like a cat scorched by fire, pinning her beneath him and tearing at their clothes.

Heng clicked her tongue—this was more like it.

After their intimate encounter, Cui Yi sighed contentedly. Seeing her amused expression, he became annoyed, "What?"

Heng shook her head, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

"The reason I married you..."

Heng perked up her ears.

"...is because you don't hog the bed."

"Huh...?"

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Cui Yi's face. Turning away, he pretended to be nonchalant, "That's it."

Heng's lips twitched uncontrollably—so the martial prince was accustomed to sleeping alone and refused to marry because he disliked sharing a bed? And he chose her because he tested her sleeping habits and found them satisfactory?

What kind of logic was this!

Clearly, he wasn't as complex as she imagined. Thoughts of thwarting the alliance between the Changsun family and the Crown Prince or delaying marriage were beyond his capabilities. As Cui Jie once described his brother as "brave and strong but lacking in thought," Heng had dismissed it as mere criticism, but now she realized it was true.

Fortunately, she discovered this early. Her next plan needed adjustment.

The following day, which was a rest day, Cui Yi visited the military camp to check on Cao Qian. Heng took the opportunity to summon Baili Zan to discuss matters.

"His Highness refuses to marry?" Baili Zan held the cat from yesterday, sitting with her in the pavilion. "Normally, a disadvantaged prince would urgently seek a powerful father-in-law or a wealthy merchant to compete with the Crown Prince. His refusal to marry is rather..."

Heng rested her chin on her hand, "I thought the same, but he won't reveal why. This can't continue."

Baili Zan smiled, "Does Lady hope His Highness will achieve great things?"

Heng didn't hide her intentions, nodding, "The Crown Prince is not benevolent. If His Highness remains complacent, the consequences will be dire. But if he takes a risk, there might be opportunities."

Baili Zan stroked the cat, pondering, "His Highness disregards even His Majesty's wishes. He certainly won't heed advice from someone insignificant like me. Does Lady have a plan?"

"Not exactly a plan, but an idea."

Heng sipped her tea, explaining her thoughts. Baili Zan listened intently, nodding and considering carefully, "Why does Lady choose Miss Cheng? Did you know her before marriage?"

Naturally, she didn't know her. Heng couldn't explain it was to prevent Baili Zan's future death in Gan Prefecture. She vaguely explained, "Minister Cheng of the Ministry of Personnel is upright and well-versed in poetry, highly respected both in and out of court. His late wife, a disciple of Medicine King Kang Zao, is still remembered for reviving the dead. Considering these aspects, Miss Cheng is an ideal match for His Highness. If he marries her, the Cheng family's influence will greatly benefit him."

Baili Zan smiled, asking, "Lady is so dedicated to His Highness's future. Aren't you afraid he'll neglect you if he marries Miss Cheng?"

Heng shrugged indifferently, "Even a neglected concubine is better than dying alongside His Highness. Without life, what use is a man?"

Baili Zan chuckled, contemplating, "If this is Lady's true intention, I have a suggestion."

"Oh?" Heng's eyes lit up, "What is your strategy?"

Baili Zan leaned in mysteriously, whispering. Heng listened skeptically, "Will this work?" He confidently replied, "Human effort makes things happen."

Trusting him, they proceeded with their plans.

Before dinner, Cui Yi returned home, in a good mood due to Cao Qian's recovery. Sitting down for tea, he instructed the servant outside, "Call the person Lady invited back to meet me."

Heng interjected, "Mr. Baili took leave this afternoon, saying he was meeting a friend and would return later."

"Meeting a friend? Which friend?" Cui Yi rubbed his neck, "Massage my shoulders."

"He met Mr. Zhai Rang, a student of Minister Cheng of the Ministry of Personnel, at the inn. Your Highness saw him then, didn't you?" Heng moved to massage his shoulders.

Cui Yi vaguely recalled the meeting and accepted it, not pressing further.

A few days later, Baili Zan reported progress smoothly.

"Did you really meet him?" Heng was slightly surprised, "Didn't he notice anything?"

Baili Zan confidently replied, "Zi Cheng impressed Minister Cheng with his literary talent, becoming his disciple. Learning he lacked funds, Minister Cheng offered him lodging until the imperial examination. Zi Cheng agreed to gauge Minister Cheng's and Miss Cheng's intentions. Now it's up to you. When will His Highness see me?"

Reassured, Heng said, "He mentioned it a few days ago, but it didn't seem important. I told him you weren't available, and he hasn't brought it up since. I'll ask after lunch today."

That afternoon, pretending to casually mention Baili Zan, Heng asked Cui Yi if keeping cats in the residence was acceptable. Cui Yi casually agreed, then added, "Tell him to come after eating; I have questions for him."

Heng was taken aback, "Questions?"

Cui Yi sipped his soup, eyes glinting, "If he's a strategist, he should contribute. Otherwise, why keep him?"

Soon, Baili Zan requested an audience. Cui Yi allowed him in, standing near the door arrogantly, "I've heard you excel in strategic thinking. I have some questions."

Baili Zan bowed respectfully, "Please, Your Highness."

Cui Yi lounged on the couch, retrieving a scroll from a vase beside him, "A few days ago, Minister Cheng of the Ministry of Personnel sent someone to the military camp looking for me. Unfortunately, I was busy and couldn't meet him. He left this scroll without a word and hasn't contacted me since. What do you think he meant?"

Heng and Baili Zan were equally surprised—Minister Cheng had taken the initiative?

"May I examine the scroll?"

Cui Yi handed it to Heng, who passed it to Baili Zan.

Baili Zan unrolled the scroll to reveal a dying tiger being devoured by a jackal. The artist's skill made the scene vivid and disturbing.

Heng peeked and immediately thought of the proverb—"a tiger falls into the plains and becomes prey to dogs." Was Minister Cheng implying Cui Yi was the tiger?

"Your Highness, if I'm not mistaken, the tiger in this painting represents Your Highness," Baili Zan confirmed, echoing Heng's thoughts.

Cui Yi remained unmoved, clearly already aware, asking, "I didn't ask for that."

Baili Zan explained, "Minister Cheng uses this painting to remind Your Highness that as the legitimate son of Empress Xiaolian, you deserve greatness. However, unfortunate circumstances have led to your current predicament. If you remain complacent, you'll end up like the tiger in the painting, devoured by lesser beings."

Cui Yi squinted, silent for a long moment.

Baili Zan continued, "Minister Cheng wouldn't send this without reason. In my opinion, he intends to convey that..."

(Translation continues based on the provided text)

Perhaps they wish to form a marital alliance with Your Highness."

Cui Yi repeated, "A marital alliance?"

Baili Zan nodded and said, "Yes, Minister Cheng probably intends to marry his daughter to Your Highness. I wonder what Your Highness thinks about this?"

Without hesitation, Cui Yi said, "Not marrying. You go on my behalf and return the scroll."

"But..." Baili Zan did not expect him to refuse so decisively. After a moment, he continued, "Your Highness, Minister Cheng only gifted the painting without leaving any message because he didn't want to be too explicit. If Your Highness does not wish to marry, simply not responding would suffice. Returning it is too direct and will make it difficult for Minister Cheng to save face."

However, Cui Yi was completely unconcerned about whether the other party could save face: "By having you return it, that's already giving them face. Didn't you say you were close to Cheng Hu's disciple? Let him take the scroll back. No one outside will know. What difficulty would there be in saving face?"

Baili Zan smiled: "Your Highness, this has nothing to do with whether outsiders know or not. Minister Cheng marrying off his daughter is merely a means; showing loyalty to Your Highness is his true goal. Even if Your Highness doesn't marry Cheng's daughter, there's no reason to push Minister Cheng away. If you return the scroll, it would be like pouring cold water over him. The Cheng family, after hitting a wall with Your Highness, will surely turn to other princes for support. If they end up being recruited by the Crown Prince..."

Cui Yi frowned deeply and lowered his head in thought.

"If Your Highness thinks it doesn't matter if Minister Cheng allies with the Crown Prince, then I will return the scroll tomorrow."

"Wait!"