The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 230 - How to Handle It

The camp was in chaos.

A fire broke out, and the Third Princess was caught meeting Marquis Jinrong's heir, Yin Changce, at night. The scene was lively and chaotic.

Empress Li, already in bed, nearly fainted upon hearing the news. Her maid rushed to help, but Empress Li pushed her away.

"Hurry, get me dressed and send someone to protect the princess!"

The maid ran out, and Empress Li hastily dressed and rushed out of her tent.

She was both anxious and furious, focused only on reaching the scene quickly to take control and mitigate the situation for the Third Princess.

But when she arrived, Emperor Chengjing, Rui Pin, Pei Yao, and the Crown Princess were already there.

Emperor Chengjing looked furious, his hands trembling. The Third Princess knelt, shivering, while Yin Changce, with a broken leg, knelt beside her protectively.

Yin Changce, though surprised by the timing, knew this was his chance. If he could turn this around, he'd become the Third Princess's consort. Success meant wealth and honor; failure could doom his family. He had to take the risk.

"Your Majesty..." Empress Li began.

"Silence!" Emperor Chengjing roared, glaring at her. "Look at the daughter you've raised! What have you done? You've disgraced me and the royal family! How will I face our ancestors?"

Emperor Chengjing, trembling with rage, was beyond furious. The royal family valued reputation, and as an emperor who was technically holding the throne for his nephew, he valued it even more.

If he were a shameless man, he would have killed Pei Yao long ago to secure the throne for his own son. But he struggled to maintain his "noble" image, leading to this moment.

The scandal of the Third Princess and Yin Changce, witnessed by many guards and spreading through the camp, was a severe blow to his dignity.

Empress Li, her knees weak, looked pale. She glanced at the kneeling pair, suppressing her anger, and said, "Your Majesty, this is my fault for not watching Yu'er closely. She's always been respectful and well-mannered. She wouldn't do this unless someone led her astray. She's young and naive, easily influenced by ill-intentioned people."

She glared at Yin Changce and continued, "Your Majesty, I noticed Yin Changce bothering Yu'er days ago and placed maids to guard her. He took advantage of his injury and Yu'er's kindness, deceiving her. Such a person tarnishes the princess's reputation and deserves death!"

Before anyone else could speak, the Third Princess, tearful and desperate, cried out, "Mother!"

"Princess!" Yin Changce held her back, his eyes full of pain and determination. He turned to Emperor Chengjing and Empress Li, bowing deeply.

"Your Majesties, the princess and I are innocent. She visited me out of friendship, nothing more. Her kindness moved me, and I overstepped. It's my fault alone. I'm willing to die to preserve the princess's honor!"

The Third Princess felt a pang in her heart, hurriedly crawling on her knees to kneel beside Yin Changce, bowing to Emperor Chengjing and Empress Li.

"Father, Mother, I know I've been unfilial, but Master Yin and I truly love each other. Mother forbade me from seeing him, but when he fell and injured his leg, I was so worried that I disguised myself to visit him. We have feelings for each other but have not overstepped our bounds. Please don't harm him, I beg you!"

"You disobedient girl!" Empress Li, enraged, slapped the Third Princess. "How dare you speak for this scoundrel! Do you want to drive me to my grave? Guards, take the princess away and beat this scoundrel to death!"

Empress Li, furious and desperate to sever their ties, wanted to kill Yin Changce immediately to avoid future trouble.

But Rui Pin stepped in, opposing the move.

"Your Majesty, I believe the Empress's actions are inappropriate and will further damage the Third Princess's reputation. Please reconsider."

"What do you mean, Rui Pin!" Empress Li glared at her with murderous intent.

Rui Pin, playing the fragile woman, hid behind Emperor Chengjing and spoke cautiously.

"Empress, many witnessed the Third Princess and Master Yin together tonight. Killing Master Yin would only fuel speculation about the princess's reputation. The princess is still unmarried, how will we explain this to future in-laws? Even her royal status can't protect her from rumors."

Rui Pin had a point. Emperor Chengjing was focused on maintaining the royal family's dignity, not severing the Third Princess's ties with Master Yin.

So, Emperor Chengjing sternly ordered, "Rui Pin is right. Everyone, stop!"

Empress Li, about to argue, saw King Ming enter with Princess Ming and Fang Cien, all looking displeased.

Fang Cien, like Fang Yun, had no right to be there but was brought along as she had just served the prince.

King Ming, having overheard Rui Pin, looked at Empress Li, then addressed Emperor Chengjing.

"Father, I've heard about the Third Sister. I agree with Rui Pin. Killing Master Yin would raise more suspicion, implying an improper relationship with the princess, further tarnishing the royal family's reputation."

Hoping for her son's support, Empress Li's face fell when he said this.

"Zecheng, what are you saying? If we don't kill this scoundrel, how will we explain it to the public? Do you want Yu'er to marry him?"

"Mother," King Ming, looking somber, replied, "I think Third Sister and Master Yin truly love each other. If we announce that you and Father already arranged their marriage after the Taoist's prediction, their meeting won't seem inappropriate. It will preserve both their reputations."