065. Identity Exposed

Slender... wasn't that her mother?

Le Qianxue was still a little shocked, unable to fully process what she'd heard.

After a moment, she stammered as she questioned the Empress Dowager, "What did you say? The Emperor wants to kill Slender? Are you talking about Tong Xianxian?"

The Empress Dowager's gaze seemed clearer now, as if her mind had returned to lucidity.

She stared blankly at Le Qianxue for a while, apparently forgetting what she had just said.

Her hand trembled slightly. "Xue'er, what did you say? It feels as though I've been asleep for so long... Today, at last, you've come to see me..."

Le Qianxue realized the Empress Dowager had suddenly become fully alert; her own heart could not settle.

She pressed on, "Empress Dowager, you said something to me just now. As your subject and granddaughter, I found it quite strange."

"What did I say?" The Empress Dowager was a little confused. "My memory has never been very good; whatever I just said, I’ve already forgotten."

Perhaps it was instinct, or perhaps her mind was muddled and she spoke without awareness.

Still, Le Qianxue said, "You told me the Emperor wants to kill Slender, to kill my mother."

As Le Qianxue spoke quietly, she saw the shock flicker across the Empress Dowager's face.

The Empress Dowager nearly lost her breath, clutching her chest.

She shook her head. "How could I say such things? Xue'er, I would never say that."

Seeing this reaction, Le Qianxue understood a little more.

Though she couldn't be certain, the truth of those words seemed almost undeniable.

Suddenly, Le Qianxue felt chilled to the bone. She possessed the original owner's memories, and though her recollections of Tong Xianxian, her mother, were vague, there was still genuine affection.

She smiled, "Yes, the Empress Dowager must have been confused to say such things. I don't believe it. My mother died of illness."

The Empress Dowager breathed a sigh of relief, her complexion improving as she nodded, "Exactly, that's how it was. I was merely rambling. Don't take it to heart."

Le Qianxue did not press further; she knew the Empress Dowager would not tell her the truth.

Yet, having learned this today, she could not accept it so easily. After all, everyone in the world—including her beloved father—had told her that her mother died of illness.

Le Qianxue sighed, then bowed and took her leave.

She walked slowly along the corridor, her mind still occupied by these thoughts.

Her mother, Tong Xianxian, had an unknown origin, no more than a wild girl. One year, when the Emperor and Empress Dowager went hunting, the Empress Dowager was attacked by a fierce beast, and it was Tong Xianxian who saved her.

Thus, the Empress Dowager favored Tong Xianxian, treating her like an adopted daughter.

But later, Tong Xianxian refused to accept a noble title, so she was never made a Princess.

Afterwards, she and Le Yongcheng developed feelings for each other. At that time, Le Yongcheng was just a minor soldier, so Tong Xianxian could be said to have married beneath her station.

Tong Xianxian gave birth to a daughter, but within a few years, Le Yongcheng went to guard the frontier. Tong Xianxian fell ill, her sickness lingering for a year until it claimed her life.

When Tong Xianxian was dying, Le Yongcheng could not return in time, but the Emperor left the palace to see her.

For reasons unknown, the Emperor dismissed everyone—even Le Qianxue herself was not allowed to stay.

She had cried and begged to see her mother, but that very day, Tong Xianxian passed away. When Le Yongcheng rushed back, all he found was his wife's spirit tablet and coffin.

Thinking on this, Le Qianxue realized a new clue: it was indeed possible the Emperor had killed her mother, though the reason remained unclear.

Her head throbbed as if caught in a whirlpool.

She had always believed Tianlong was a peaceful realm, yet now it seemed the Emperor might be her mother's murderer.

As the time seemed right, she went to ask the palace servants about the Crown Prince's whereabouts.

Sure enough, a timid eunuch replied, "Miss Le, the Crown Prince had some trouble and is now in the Imperial Study."

"What happened?" Le Qianxue feigned ignorance. "I was hoping to leave the palace with His Highness."

The eunuch dared not say more; in the palace, one must guard their tongue.

Le Qianxue produced a banknote and pressed it into his hand. "Little steward, just tell me. If it's something big, it can't be hidden. Tell me now, and you'll be doing me a favor."

Seeing it was worth a hundred taels, the eunuch's face lit up.

He quickly pocketed the note and lowered his voice, "The Crown Prince tried to force himself upon Lady Liang. He tore her clothes, and only the commander managed to restrain him. The Emperor is furious and is questioning the Crown Prince in the Imperial Study."

Hearing this, Le Qianxue couldn't help but smile.

She nodded, "So that's how it is. Well, I'd best not meddle. I'll leave the palace first."

The eunuch, delighted with his windfall, departed in good spirits. Le Qianxue was finally feeling better.

Having taught Yu Guhan a lesson was deeply satisfying.

He had tried to use gu worms against her, but she had countered with medicine. Clearly, her remedies were no less potent than his gu.

She hummed a little tune as she left.

At the side palace gate, she saw Yu Zhiyang waiting.

She asked, "Third Prince, you're leaving the palace as well?"

Yu Zhiyang was Yu Guhan's younger brother; ordinarily, he wouldn't abandon him.

He wore plain blue robes, but even in the simplest attire, his noble bearing and gentle grace shone through.

He spoke, "Qianxue, are you in good spirits?"

Yu Zhiyang smiled as he said this, with no hint of reproach.

Le Qianxue was puzzled, "What do you mean, Third Prince? Naturally, I'm in good spirits. If one doesn't keep cheerful, isn't that tormenting oneself?"

Yu Zhiyang shook his head, "I meant the Crown Prince's incident."

Le Qianxue froze, staring at him warily.

Yu Zhiyang was truly perceptive—he had seen right through her.

She said, "Third Prince, why not speak plainly? I prefer straightforwardness."

"I saw it in Phoenix Hall earlier. I knew you wouldn't punish someone without reason, so I kept silent," Yu Zhiyang replied, gesturing for her to walk with him.

Le Qianxue followed, her expression darkening, surprised that Yu Zhiyang had outmaneuvered her.

If Yu Zhiyang reported her to the Emperor, her plan would fail, and disaster would surely follow.

But Yu Zhiyang reassured her, "Qianxue, you needn't be afraid. I didn't expose you before, and I won't now. Just as I didn't hand you over when you were being hunted by the Prince of War's household."

Le Qianxue breathed a sigh of relief. In truth, Yu Zhiyang had always seemed to help her.

She smiled, "That's good. In fact, my actions today helped the Emperor catch an adulterer."

Yu Zhiyang glanced at her, "What do you mean?"

Le Qianxue explained, "My medicine isn't ordinary. It can cause the Crown Prince to hallucinate, but only if he's experienced such things before. I never expected Lady Liang, who has always been well-behaved, to be his lover."

A father's woman taken by his own son—what a scandalous disgrace.

Yu Zhiyang asked, "How did you know the Crown Prince had a lover in the harem?"

Le Qianxue replied, "I wasn't sure. But I noticed a few details: several times, I'd meet the Crown Prince, and a concubine would hurry away. I saw it twice, but didn't know who she was until now."

Yu Zhiyang was struck by realization. He had heard Le Qianxue was silly and obsessed with chasing Yu Nanfeng, but it was clear she was far from simple.

Underestimating Le Qianxue would only bring trouble.

He nodded, "It makes sense. Let's leave the Crown Prince's matter aside. There's something I wish to ask your help with, Ghost Physician."

Le Qianxue suddenly stopped walking.

Her gaze was calm, not surprised, but she no longer wished to walk alongside Yu Zhiyang.

She had outwitted Zhan Lianjing, yet neglected Yu Zhiyang.

Yu Zhiyang smiled at her, "Why stop? Are you surprised? Or do you think, now that I know your secret, you'll kill me to silence me?"

Le Qianxue pouted, "You're a prince—how could I dare? I'd lose my head and pay with my life. It's not worth it."

"Quite right. Since you've spared me, I'll be grateful," Yu Zhiyang said.

"You've got it wrong. You didn't expose me, so I owe you my gratitude," Le Qianxue replied helplessly. "If you ever reveal this, I'll be in trouble. Third Prince, I beg you—please don't."

Letting outsiders learn her other identity was truly vexing.

Yu Zhiyang laughed, "No need to worry. I want your help, not to work against you. We're friends, aren't we?"

"What kind of help?" Le Qianxue asked. "Let me be clear: once I help you, forget I'm the Ghost Physician! Never mention it again! If anyone else finds out, even if it costs my life, I'll kill you!"

She did not look as if she were joking.

Yu Zhiyang nodded seriously, "Of course. Come, let's discuss."

Le Qianxue, still full of doubts, asked, "Third Prince, how did you discover my identity? I thought I hid it well."

"Naturally, I'm a little cleverer than others, so I deduced it," Yu Zhiyang replied. "The first time I met you, the Prince of War's household was searching for the Ghost Physician, and you borrowed my cloak to hide yourself."