4 Times married to my enemy

Chapter 13: I remember

Chapter Thirteen

Wei Yan finished speaking while kneeling.

The situation was just as Qin Peng had guessed; on the second day after the palace coup, he received a letter from home stating that the old lady Wei was seriously ill and that Qin Ming had ascended the throne, but it did not mention that Qin Shu Huai had surrounded the imperial city with troops. According to his words...

"If I had known he was waiting in the imperial city with five thousand troops, I wouldn't have come even if you killed me! I'm not stupid..."

Qin Peng closed his eyes; currently, Qin Shu Huai probably dared not move. However, as long as his troops remained in Xuanjing, Wei Yan could not show himself, and there might be some danger.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Peng said, "You just hide in this room and don't show yourself, stay hidden."

Given Qin Shu Huai's abilities, the Wei family probably also had his undercover agents. Since they needed to hide Wei Yan, it was essential to do so thoroughly. Wei Yan felt a bit embarrassed and lowered his head, saying, "How about I go to my grandmother's room..."

"She is ill," Qin Peng glanced at him and said lightly, "Once you come in, don't run around. Just stay like this; I'll have someone bring water for you to bathe."

"Alright."

Wei Yan nodded, and Qin Peng stood up. Seeing him still kneeling, she raised an eyebrow and said, "What are you still kneeling for? Hurry up and hide!"

"Okay!"

Wei Yan immediately stood up and hid in the partition. Qin Peng had Chun Su and Qiu Su bring water, and the two were somewhat puzzled, saying, "Didn't the master just take a bath?"

"When did you two become so talkative?"

Qin Peng's tone was flat, but the two felt an invisible pressure bearing down on them and hurried out to fetch water. After fetching the water, Qin Peng took out Wei Yang's clothes from the wardrobe and threw them to Wei Yan. After Wei Yan took a bath and came out dressed, he wiped his hair and said, "After so many years, my sister-in-law is still keeping my elder brother's clothes?"

"Hmm." Qin Peng replied. Under the candlelight, Qin Peng's appearance was beautiful, with fair skin, and her calm demeanor suddenly tightened Wei Yan's heart.

He suddenly remembered that this woman had been guarding that memorial tablet for ten years.

He couldn't quite articulate his emotions; he felt a bit envious of Wei Yang and a bit pitying towards this woman. After thinking for a long time, he sighed and said to Qin Peng, "Sister-in-law, actually, my elder brother has been dead for many years. Our Wei family is not a rigid family..."

"Who were the supporters of the late emperor in court?"

Qin Peng interrupted him. Wei Yan hadn't expected Qin Peng to ask such a cold question so directly; he was momentarily taken aback before responding, "You want to ask who can force Qin Shu Huai?"

"Hmm." Qin Peng nodded, "His troops have always been in Xuanjing, which is too dangerous; they need to leave as soon as possible."

Wei Yan agreed and after thinking for a moment, mentioned a name: "Zhang Ying."

"Zhang Ying?"

"Yes," Wei Yan nodded, "The Grand Scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion, a leader of the righteous faction. He was also from an official family; his father served as a minister and was executed by Emperor Jing for his outspoken criticism. Therefore, he has always harbored deep hatred for the Jing line. He is quite talented and has a high reputation among the people. The late emperor valued him greatly and appointed him as the chief examiner for the imperial examinations multiple times, with students spread throughout the court."

"I see." Qin Peng stood up and pointed to the cabinet, saying to Wei Yan, "There's a quilt inside, and there's a small couch in the inner room. I will go find Zhang Ying tomorrow."

"Wait..." Wei Yan hesitated, "You'd better not go."

"Hmm?" Qin Peng was a bit confused, blinking. Wei Yan said, "He... doesn't really respect women."

Upon hearing this, Qin Peng was stunned for a moment, then understood Wei Yan's meaning, and scoffed, "This old fossil."

After saying that, she fell silent; for such innate gender discrimination, it seemed she really had no good way to deal with it.

The next morning, Qin Peng got up and decided that although she couldn't find Zhang Ying, she could still seek out Zhang Ying's students. She mentally compiled a list and planned to talk to those people and then persuade Zhang Ying through them.

Just as she finished washing up, news came from the palace that Li Shu wanted her to enter the palace.

This stepmother of hers never came to the palace without a reason. Qin Peng was having breakfast, nodded, and said, "Then go."

After speaking, Qin Peng entered the palace. As soon as she arrived, Li Shu hurriedly came to greet her, holding Qin Peng's hand and saying, "Pengpeng, Qin Shu Huai is coming today. What should we do?!"

"He can come; what are you afraid of?" Qin Peng's expression remained unchanged as she sat down. A maid poured her tea, and seeing Qin Peng's demeanor, Li Shu became anxious, jumping up and down, "How can you be so clueless? Is there any good coming from Qin Shu Huai's visit?! Do you think he's going to kill me..."

"You're overthinking it," Qin Peng raised her teacup, thought for a moment, and felt that Qin Shu Huai was definitely coming to discuss the regent issue with Li Shu. She took a sip of tea and looked up, saying, "Last time I mentioned to you about making me the Princess of Zhen Guo, do you remember?"

Li Shu was stunned for a moment before recalling, nodding, "I remember."

"Then that's enough." Qin Peng nodded, "As long as you remember, he must be here for this matter. Don't panic; he's coming, so there's nothing to be afraid of. Just do as I say; if it comes to it, you don't need to speak."

As they were speaking, Qin Shu Huai had already arrived. A eunuch came in to announce him, and Qin Peng raised her hand, saying, "Let him in."

As she spoke, Qin Peng pointed to the seat of honor, "Mother, please sit."

After both sat down, Qin Shu Huai walked in. Today, he was still dressed in a black luxurious robe, embroidered with cranes flapping their wings, and draped in a white fox fur coat, giving him an ethereal aura.

Upon entering, he bowed to both of them, and Qin Peng graciously returned the gesture. Then, Li Shu nervously invited Qin Shu Huai to sit down. After Qin Shu Huai took his seat, he glanced at Qin Peng but said to Li Shu, "I'm here today to discuss matters concerning the throne with the Empress Dowager; it may not be suitable for the princess to be here."

"It's fine," Qin Peng smiled and said, "There are some ideas that mother might not be accustomed to taking the lead on, so I'll accompany you. We're all family; there's no need for the lord to be so distant."

Qin Shu Huai understood Qin Peng's meaning; her words clearly indicated that she was in charge here. If he insisted on having her leave, it would probably not yield any effective results.

So Qin Shu Huai nodded and said directly, "The emperor is still young; he will need a few regents. I wonder if the lady has anyone in mind?"

Hearing this, Li Shu and Qin Peng exchanged glances. Qin Peng subtly turned her eyes away, while Li Shu, with a stiff expression, said, "About this matter, I wonder what the Huai'an Prince thinks?"

"I think that since the emperor is young, the regents should be close to him to assist him wholeheartedly," Qin Shu Huai said.

Close to him?

That means relatives.

Qin Peng listened quietly, tapping the armrest, her body unconsciously leaning slightly, resting against the armrest.

As Qin Shu Huai spoke, he couldn't help but glance sideways. He had only seen such small gestures from Zhao Peng before, and suddenly seeing Qin Peng act this way made him pause for a moment. Meanwhile, Li Shu, hearing Qin Shu Huai's words, nodded, saying, "What the lord says is right; it is indeed better to find a close relative to assist."

Qin Shu Huai retrieved his thoughts and turned his gaze back to Li Shu, continuing, "Since it's about regency, it naturally requires capable individuals, preferably those familiar with court affairs, who hold a certain position in the court, can suppress the officials, and can get things done."

Close relatives with ability and status basically equated to Qin Shu Huai.

Qin Peng listened to his words, a smile creeping onto her lips, feeling that after many years, Qin Shu Huai's face had grown thicker.

Although Li Shu was naive, she had been in the palace for many years and understood Qin Shu Huai's meaning after hearing his words. She turned her gaze to Qin Peng, seeking help, "Peng'er, what do you think..."

"The lord makes a very valid point," Qin Peng smiled and replied gently, "Who do you think would be more suitable? My mother and I are not familiar with the ministers in the court; why don't you recommend a few?"

Qin Shu Huai fell silent. He raised his eyes to look at Qin Peng, his gaze calm as he said, "I dare to ask the princess, what do you think of this prince?"

Qin Peng: "..."

He didn't even bother with pleasantries, so direct?

She had thought Qin Shu Huai would still beat around the bush, but unexpectedly he was so straightforward, so Qin Peng didn't hold back either.

She said directly, "The lord is naturally an excellent choice, but since it's about regency, one cannot monopolize power. While the court has you managing things, there should also be someone to balance and supervise. What do you say?"

"Are you not reassured about me?"

"Correct." Qin Peng smiled and replied, not backing down an inch. Since Qin Shu Huai had directly asked for this position, she had nothing to hide, saying directly, "Considering the position I hold, can you really feel at ease?"

As she spoke, Qin Peng leaned back against her chair, sizing him up, "As the sole son of Emperor Jing, with the royal bloodline and holding great power, how can I feel at ease?"

"Since you see it clearly," Qin Shu Huai's expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "Then do you still think I came here to discuss with you?"

"You certainly did not come to discuss with us," Qin Peng raised an eyebrow, "But do you think I am discussing with you?"

Qin Shu Huai said nothing, looking at Qin Peng and signaling her to continue. Qin Peng took a sip of tea, turned her head to put down the cup, and spoke slowly as if chatting casually, "Right now, you have no way to ascend the throne. If there were a way, you would have already dealt with us, the orphaned mother and daughter, instead of discussing the position of the regent with us. Let me be clear, if we cannot supervise you, who knows if you will use Ming'er as a puppet and kill him in a couple of years? If death is inevitable, whether it's sooner or later, it's better to die quickly now."

Qin Shu Huai listened to Qin Peng's words and looked at her, "You seem quite confident that I wouldn't kill you."

"Indeed," Qin Peng squinted and smiled, "After all, I am the lady of the Wei family."

Upon hearing this, Qin Shu Huai remained very calm.

Qin Peng's words hit the nail on the head; he indeed could not move against her, and he was also cautious of the Wei family. If someone else had heard Qin Peng's words, they might have been enraged and retaliated, but Qin Shu Huai was not that kind of person.

His emotional perception was too dull, and he was too calm. He rarely got angry, and it was difficult for emotions to sway his decisions.

He listened to Qin Peng's words and silently thought for a moment.

Now seeing Qin Peng's attitude, she would not budge on the regent position, but how much influence could Qin Peng have on the current political situation?

The court would not tolerate Qin Shu Huai monopolizing power. Even if Qin Peng did not come, others would. If it were seasoned politicians like Wei Yan or Zhang Ying, it would be easier to deal with Qin Peng than them.

So after a moment of silence, Qin Shu Huai slowly said, "What do you want?"

"I am the elder sister of the emperor. Since the emperor is young, I naturally need to attend court to assist him. Traditionally, when a young emperor ascends, his mother listens to politics behind a curtain. My mother, Concubine Shu, is unwell, so I will take her place, right?"

"Wait..." Li Shu immediately wanted to speak upon hearing this, but Qin Peng shot her a cold glance and lowered her voice, "Mother!"

Li Shu was startled by Qin Peng. She had never seen such a terrifying look in her daughter's eyes. It wasn't fierce, but there was an indescribable feeling of pressure that made her unable to speak.

She instinctively felt that if she didn't remain silent, Qin Peng might do something... unimaginable.

Qin Shu Huai watched the interaction between the two, turning his gaze to Li Shu, "Your Majesty, who will be in charge?"

"Uh... the Fourth Princess, I suppose..."

Li Shu lowered her head, somewhat unwilling. Qin Shu Huai nodded, "That's fine."

"Since I will be attending court, I naturally need a title," Qin Peng said with a smile, "What does the Huai'an Prince think? Is the title of Princess of Zhen Guo suitable for me?"

The Princess of Zhen Guo was not just a title; it was a position.

A first-rank title, capable of establishing a government and interfering in court affairs, existing as a sort of royal supervisory authority.

The Princess of Zhen Guo was rarely conferred; in nearly a hundred years, only one had been conferred in Northern Yan—Zhao Peng, posthumously conferred by her brother Zhao Yu.

Now that Qin Peng was alive and wanted this position, she sought not just a title, but power.

Upon hearing this request, Qin Shu Huai couldn't help but laugh.

That smile melted the ice and snow for miles, making it hard for anyone to look away.

Everyone was dumbfounded by his smile, but he looked at Qin Peng with a soft feeling inside.

In this world, there was actually such a similar person...

Calling her name, possessing her personality, and vying for the same position as her.

It was truly fascinating.