Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 11

The Empress is from the Dai family. If she were to conceive a prince, it would be the perfect puppet.

Yet Dai Ru Yan claims it was the Dai family. Why would the Dai family personally remove their own carefully placed pawn?

If one were to think deeply, how terrifying is the Dai family’s influence that even the fetus in the Empress’s womb could be silenced without the Emperor’s knowledge? The implications are truly chilling.

Gong Yu stared blankly at Dai Ru Yan, her mind in turmoil. Swallowing hard, she replied,

“I’m a little scared.”

Dai Ru Yan’s fingertips lightly traced Gong Yu’s brow. The light fell upon her jade-like translucent skin, yet it cast Dai Ru Yan in an ambiguous glow, making her seem almost unreal.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here,” Dai Ru Yan murmured as she withdrew her hand.

The bright sunlight outside the window spilled onto the side of her hand. With her knees still aching, Gong Yu couldn’t move, so she could only ask, “Why do this?”

“A male infant would be far easier to control than the Eldest Prince.”

Dai Ru Yan picked up a thin blanket nearby and draped it over Gong Yu, answering, “Because my aunt was unwilling to remain a mere pawn of the Dai clan.”

So, was this about eliminating a traitor within the Dai family?

Gong Yu’s heart raced with lingering fear. She gripped Dai Ru Yan’s hand tightly and asked with utmost seriousness, “Ah-Yan.”

“Hmm?” Dai Ru Yan’s eyes reflected Gong Yu’s slightly nervous expression. Her fingers gently stroked Gong Yu’s palm as if to soothe her. “This is the consequence of betraying the Dai family.”

“Xiao Jiu, are you afraid?”

“I’m not afraid,” Gong Yu replied, her palm damp with sweat. “This makes it all the more thrilling, doesn’t it?”

Clearly, Gong Yu’s act wasn’t convincing enough. Dai Ru Yan softly embraced her and whispered, “Don’t be afraid. We will succeed.”

The faint fragrance lingering at the tip of her nose seeped into Gong Yu’s heart with each breath, inexplicably bringing her a sense of peace.

The court, like a receding tide, fell into an eerie calm. On the morning of the Cold Dew Festival, Gong Yu stepped out of her sedan chair into the thick mist outside.

The towering palace walls separated the imperial palace from the capital. Gong Yu hurried across the threshold attending court affairs was something she absolutely could not be late for.

“Long live His Majesty! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years!”

Gong Yu stood among the other imperial princes, slightly bowing her head as she curiously surveyed the resplendent hall. The Emperor seated on the dragon throne looked pale.

The losses from the recent war had been devastating for the Kingdom of Gong. Taxes grew heavier, yet the extravagance among the court officials remained rampant.

“Your Majesty, this minister proposes increasing land taxes to replenish the national treasury.”

“A wise suggestion, my lord. However, further tax hikes may incite public resentment and unrest.”

“Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. How dare the common folk disobey?”

“We second the proposal.”

All the officials knelt except for Chancellor Dai, who remained standing in the hall. This Chancellor Dai was none other than Dai Ru Yan’s father, Dai Li.

This scene had become the unchanging opening of court sessions in recent times. Gong Yu had once believed the Emperor to be the supreme ruler of the land, but now she witnessed firsthand how he was coerced by his ministers. So much so that even a simple decree could be obstructed by the officials and rendered unenforceable.

The Grand Tutor stepped forward, his gaze sharp as he swept it across the assembled officials. “This is absurd! Taxation should be planned by the Ministry of Revenue. How can we arbitrarily raise taxes when it’s not even the end of the fiscal year?”

“This minister proposes that the imperial household set an example of frugality, with all officials following suit. Wouldn’t that suffice to replenish the treasury?”

The grand hall fell into complete silence, broken only by the swift strokes of the historian’s brush. Gong Yu could distinctly sense an undercurrent of murderous intent in the air.

The Emperor cleared his throat lightly and said, “Regarding the matter of taxes, this issue still requires careful deliberation.”

After much discussion, they ended up back where they started. By the time the morning court session concluded, Gong Yu was already feeling hungry.

Outside, the mist gradually dissipated. Gong Yu stretched his arms and walked leisurely along the palace corridors. The officials moved in silence, much like modern-day office workers.

The acting Prime Minister exchanged a disdainful glance with the Grand Tutor before the two went their separate ways.

However, the Third Prince seemed unusually close to the acting Prime Minister. The Fourth Prince, walking nearby, scoffed, “What kind of person is this acting Prime Minister anyway? Does he really think the Gong Kingdom is surnamed ‘Dai’?”

Gong Yu walked with his back straight, neither hurried nor slow, keeping pace with the Grand Tutor. He heard the Grand Tutor sigh and say helplessly, “The people are already suffering from natural disasters with no harvest to speak of. Now, with power-hungry officials acting like bloodthirsty locusts, how can the citizens of Gong Kingdom not be miserable?”

“Your concern is noted, Grand Tutor. Since His Majesty has yet to make a final decision, there should still be room for negotiation.”

The Grand Tutor shook his head and walked away on his own. As Gong Yu reached the end of the corridor, he entered his sedan chair and ordered, “Take me to Sister Dai’s place.”

When the sedan chair stopped, Gong Yu stepped out to find another sedan chair already parked at the gate, its specifications suggesting it belonged to a member of the royal family.

“Your Highness Prince Rong, please take care,” a maidservant said, standing by the door.

Gong Yu hesitated before approaching, only for the maidservant to scrutinize him and say, “My lady is tired today and will not receive guests.”

“Ah…”

“Prince Rong was just admitted. How is it that by the time it’s my turn, she’s suddenly tired?”

“Ninth Prince, you visit my lady every other day. Isn’t that inviting gossip?”

Being spoken to so bluntly for the first time, Gong Yu felt a twinge of irritation. Summoning his courage, he took a step forward.

The maidservant retreated and said, “Does the Ninth Prince intend to trespass?”

“You have quite the nerve for a servant, daring to disrespect your superior. What punishment do you think you deserve?” Gong Yu scowled and reprimanded sternly.

Flustered, the maidservant dodged the question. “Ninth Prince, what do you intend to do?”

“I don’t intend to do anything.” Gong Yu snorted lightly, peeked inside, then turned and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Normally, Gong Yu could come and go freely in this courtyard, but today was strangely different.

Returning to his residence by sedan chair, Gong Yu pondered the large number of guards he had seen inside. It seemed a very important person was present.

Back at his mansion, Gong Yu frowned deeply, ignoring the scrutinizing gaze of the old steward as he walked straight into his study.

“Young Prince, aren’t you usually clamoring for food by this time?” the old steward asked as he approached.

Only then did Gong Yu realize and clutch his stomach. “I am a bit hungry.”

“Then let’s have the meal served,” Gong Yu said, sitting cross-legged.

Though the mansion was large, it was eerily quiet. Gong Yu sipped slowly from his soup bowl, his mind suddenly drifting to Prince Rong.

In modern terms, Prince Rong was a big shot among the old aristocracy—wealthy, though not particularly powerful. Still, as a prince, his status ensured no one would provoke him unnecessarily.

Lately, Prince Rong had shown no unusual behavior in court regarding the acting Prime Minister, but privately, they seemed quite close.

A prince cozying up to a powerful official could only mean two things: mutual benefit or a favor sought.

Rebellion?

Or some secret plot?

Gong Yu sipped his soup slowly, unable to decipher the Dai family’s intentions.

The court had been dragging its feet on the tax issue for over half a month. In the end, the Grand Tutor was dispatched to investigate the actual conditions of the disaster before further discussions could take place.

This was probably the downside of meetings. After all that time, no conclusion had been reached.

After the morning court session, Gong Yu nervously entered the main hall and requested to accompany the Grand Tutor on his inspection. The emperor, somewhat surprised, asked, “Xiao Jiu, you’re still young. Your elder brothers could easily accompany the Grand Tutor to observe the people’s hardships.”

“Your Majesty,” Gong Yu replied, “this child wishes to temper myself early so that I may share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

The emperor, whose temples had unknowingly turned gray, was moved as he gazed at his youngest child. Just as he was about to speak, the Grand Tutor at his side interjected, “Your Majesty, since the Ninth Prince has such intentions, why not let him accompany this old minister? It would also serve to comfort the people.”

“Then We grant permission,” the emperor relented.

“Many thanks for Your Majesty’s grace.”

When Gong Yu shared the news with Dai Ru Yan, the latter, about to place a piece on the board, paused and looked at Gong Yu with a puzzled frown. “This isn’t appropriate.”

“Huh?”

“Why not?” Gong Yu asked, equally confused.

Dai Ru Yan set down her piece and sighed softly. “This is my fault. I should have told you earlier it’s best not to get involved in disaster relief matters.”

“Are you saying there’s something suspicious about the disaster?”

“You shouldn’t meddle in this.”

Gong Yu placed her own piece on the board and said, “I’ll have to deal with these things sooner or later anyway.”

“Father is determined not to let anyone stand in his way. You don’t be reckless.”

“It’s fine. The Grand Tutor will be there. At most, I’ll just observe and keep my mouth shut.”

Dai Ru Yan’s eyes darkened slightly. Her fingertips brushed against a black piece as she set it down resignedly and murmured, “Xiao Jiu, you’re still too naive.”

Gong Yu asked, perplexed, “Then why don’t you just explain it to me clearly?”

“But right now, even I haven’t fully grasped the situation.” Dai Ru Yan began clearing the board, her brows furrowed with visible frustration, likely having lost all interest in the game.

The conversation came to an abrupt halt. Gong Yu’s heart felt as if it had been scratched by a cat, her eyes darting repeatedly toward Dai Ru Yan.

However, Dai Ru Yan’s patience far surpassed Gong Yu’s. Left with no choice, Gong Yu scooted closer and sat beside her. “Ah-Yan…”

“Elder Sister Dai?” Gong Yu tried different ways to address her, whispering, “Are you angry?”

Dai Ru Yan remained silent, showing no intention of responding.

“This is just for experience. At most, I’ll be back in a few months.”

“Think about it. Third Brother and Fourth Brother accompanied Father on the expedition, Sixth Brother is exceptionally talented. That leaves me with nothing. I need to build up some reputation and goodwill now so I’ll have the standing to marry you in the future.” Gong Yu shamelessly clung to her, stealing a kiss on Dai Ru Yan’s cheek and speaking pitifully.

Dai Ru Yan tilted her head slightly. Though she didn’t respond, her earlobes had already turned red.

Gong Yu grinned and half-embraced her. “Don’t worry, I’m tough.”

Being reborn in another world was something that might not happen once in eight hundred years. Surely she wouldn’t die so quickly, right?

A sigh escaped Dai Ru Yan’s lips as she suddenly pulled Gong Yu into her arms, leaving Gong Yu momentarily stunned.

Dai Ru Yan leaned close and said helplessly, “Xiao Jiu…”

“Hmm?” Gong Yu responded, her inexplicably racing heart calming slightly.

“Don’t trust anyone. The only one you can trust is yourself. Do you understand?”

Gong Yu nuzzled her nose against Dai Ru Yan’s gauzy skirt, intoxicated by the fragrance. Distractedly, she replied, “I know. I don’t trust anyone except you.”

“Best not to trust even me,” Dai Ru Yan said softly, her eyes dimming slightly.

“That won’t do.” Gong Yu leaned back slightly, her eyes curving into a smile. “We’re two grasshoppers tied to the same string naturally, we share both fortune and misfortune.”

Dai Ru Yan paused for a moment, then reached out to lightly tap Gong Yu’s nose, her gaze brimming with tenderness. Gong Yu was so entranced she nearly forgot to breathe.