An Zi yuan's expression grew cold as he raised one hand to shield Yun Rao behind him, his cold gaze fixed on Emperor Yan Jing: "Does the Emperor truly intend to let people die without cause?" Emperor Yan Jing met his gaze with equal coldness: "Zi yuan, I shall make my own decision." He gave a subtle signal to his attendants, who immediately stepped forward. Zi yuan positioned Yun Rao behind him, then with a powerful palm thrust, tore the bed curtain aside, channeling inner energy so that the curtain transformed into a sharp blade and struck the approaching attendants. Though recognizing Zi yuan as the heir of the An family, the attendants, despite having the Emperor's orders, hesitated to engage fully—initially hesitant, they soon paused mid-action. Yun Rao observed the scene, unwilling to see Zi yuan clash with the Emperor. After all, serving an emperor was like serving a tiger; even as brothers, Zi yuan's defiance would inevitably make the Emperor uneasy. Gently, she tugged at Zi yuan's sleeve and whispered, "I'll go with them." Zi yuan pushed her slightly back, saying, "Stop being foolish." His cold gaze remained fixed on Emperor Yan Jing. Emperor Yanjing grew angry: "Order them to keep a close watch on Yuehua Palace. No one shall enter or leave without my permission." He turned and walked away. "Your Majesty," Yun Rao suddenly spoke, stopping the Emperor, "I volunteer to accompany the Ministry of Justice and assist in their investigation." The Emperor paused. An Zi yuan glanced at her with mild annoyance: "Now you're showing off? After all, the investigation into De Consort's matter must begin with those closest to her." "An Zi yuan," Yun Rao smiled gently, "I know you mean well, but if you keep shielding me like this, others will only come to believe I am the one who poisoned her." An Zi yuan still clung to her arm, his voice tight: "Do you think going to the Ministry of Justice is just a matter of playing games? Once you join them, you'll be imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison. If it's not your doing, why endure such suffering?" Moreover, her health wouldn't withstand the harsh conditions of the prison. Emperor Yanjing glanced at An Ziyuan. "Moon Consort will always remain my consort. I've already stated that, as long as De Consort and her family behind her have firmly concluded that it's Moon Consort's doing, I must first provide them with a clear explanation. The imprisonment in the Heavenly Prison is merely a formality—though in the prison, Moon Consort's living conditions won't be much different from those in the Moonlight Palace." An Ziyuan still wished to object, but Yun Rao had already turned to face him, offering a gentle smile. "I won't have any trouble. This very crisis was caused by my own overactivity. If you truly wish to clear my name, then let the Ministry of Justice thoroughly investigate the matter. Perhaps the Chief Physician also has his own reasons." An Ziyuan sighed, placing his hand on her shoulder and gently pressing her closer to his chest. "I'll go with you." Emperor Yanjing furrowed his brow, intending to intervene, but An Ziyuan had already spoken: "Zi Mu, this is my final concession." When the Emperor Yan Jing called him by his given name, he knew that the request was being made not as a subordinate, but as a brother. The Emperor agreed, not actually imprisoning Yun Rao in the Heavenly Prison, but instead placing her under soft confinement in the Yuehua Palace, allowing only An Zi yuan to enter and exit. Though Yun Rao was escorted to the Heavenly Prison, the Emperor kept his word and had the prison thoroughly cleaned, furnishing it with comfortable bedding and arranging it almost indistinguishable from her own quarters—except for the restriction on movement, the conditions there were quite satisfactory. An Zi yuan remained concerned, wishing to bring Yun Rao back, but seeing her firm resolve, he accepted her decision. During the day, he investigated the matter of the Imperial Consort, and in the evenings returned to accompany her. All daily necessities and household items were handled personally by designated staff and only delivered after his personal approval. Yun Rao had grown accustomed to her life in the prison tower. Though An Ziyuan was busy during the day, he still sent someone regularly to deliver medicine to her. Her complexion had improved, and her abdomen had settled down—her unborn child remained calm and quiet, rarely disturbing her. Yet An Ziyuan himself grew steadily paler and more worn. Yun Rao noticed this change, but could do little about it. "Lady Yun, regarding the matter of the Imperial Consort, I do not intend to investigate it thoroughly, nor do I plan to have you serve as a scapegoat. Yet you have seen for yourself that Zi-Yuan has grown increasingly frail these days, sacrificing his own life to save yours. I do not fully understand why he has chosen to do so, but he is both my trusted brother and a loyal minister. I cannot allow him to risk his life and well-being for the sake of a single woman." Emperor Yanjing looked at her. "Do you understand my meaning?" Calmly meeting his gaze, Lady Yun asked, "Does the Emperor intend to sentence me to death?" A faint, subtle smile played at the corner of Emperor Yanjing's lips. "He would not dare to sentence me to death without causing upheaval throughout this realm. His hidden influence from the Wu Clan is no weaker than my own military strength." "Then does the Emperor wish for Lady Yun to take her own life?" Lady Yun inquired. "Can you do it?" Emperor Yanjing fixed his eyes upon hers. "Yes." "Yun Rao answered calmly and decisively," "Yun Rao does not wish to see him die because of me. He is the crown prince of the imperial family, and Yun Rao is merely of humble birth. If Yun Rao can ensure his survival, then even death would be a fulfillment of her purpose." Emperor Yan Jing stared at her, assessing the sincerity of her words. Yun Rao met his steady gaze without blinking, neither humble nor hesitant. "Don't you fear death?" the Emperor asked, then felt a touch of irony—how could she be so composed and resolute if she truly feared death? Yun Rao watched the self-mocking smile playing at his lips and gently pressed her lips together. "Your Majesty, Yun Rao has one humble request." "Speak." "After Yun Rao's passing, I beg Your Majesty to forgive Yun Rao's two personal attendants and allow them to leave the palace." The Emperor looked at her for a long while before agreeing. Yun Rao then produced a bottle of medicine and presented it to the Emperor. "Please have him take this." The Emperor lowered his gaze and reached to take it. "What is this?" "Perhaps it will help him forget his suffering." "Imperial Yan Jing took it, gazing steadily into her eyes: "Lady Yun, in truth, I do not absolutely need you to die. It's merely that Zi Yuan's health will surely fail under this relentless strain. I cannot persuade him, so I have to make you the one to bear the burden. Should your paths truly converge..." Imperial Yan Jing sighed helplessly, smiled slightly, and then turned to leave without further words. "An Zi yuan replied, saying that Yun Rao didn't know whether he was merely being polite to her. After taking her pulse each time, he always used this phrase to send her away, yet the medicines continued to arrive without fail. Yun Rao never pressed for further explanation, merely lifting her gaze to him: "How has the case of the Imperial Consort progressed?" After a moment of silence, An Zi yuan said: "It's certain that the incense was replaced by the Imperial Consort herself. Based on my examination, it appears that since her marriage into the palace, the Consort has suffered from a prolonged period of ill health, consistently treated by the young physician from the Bureau of Imperial Physicians, Liu. Liu frequently visits the Consort's quarters, so it's unclear whether there exists any personal connection between them. However, Zi Mu is likely aware of something. Otherwise, he wouldn't simply seek to make amends with her and the He family, but instead choose to direct his anger elsewhere." Currently, the main point is that Bian the physician firmly insists the incense was sent by your staff—he won’t budge. As a result, Zi Mu has stalled on this matter and insists on resolving it from Bian’s side. Since Bian is resolute and unyielding, both firm and inflexible, it will take more effort and thought. Therefore, you’ll have to endure a bit more inconvenience for another two days. Yun Rao smiled: “I’m fine here. I’m actually quite comfortable. Don’t worry too much about yourself.” She has some understanding of Bian. Initially, Bian probably genuinely believed that An Zi Yuan had mistaken her for a mere beauty who would sacrifice her life for the throne, and that he cared only for the empire and not for her—so much so that she was willing to go against him, even to the point of undermining him completely, to ensure she was no longer seen as a “beauty who ruined everything.” Now, however, under pressure from the Emperor Yan Jing, and also unwilling to see the well-respected Prince Zi Yuan suffer for a woman, Bian has simply decided to fully commit to and carry through this performance with the Emperor. Regardless of her own wishes, perhaps since the time of ten years ago, she Sighing softly from within, Yun Rao lowered her gaze and said nothing. An Zi yuan, sensitive to her unusual demeanor, looked down at her. "What's wrong? Are you unwell?" Yun Rao lifted her head and offered a gentle smile. "Not at all. I'm just feeling a bit moved. That day, I was overly concerned—watching the Empress Dowager, I thought she was so pitiable. Now, with things reaching this point, I have to have you worry for me." An Zi yuan reached up and gently rubbed her hair. "Just imagining things." His tone was exceptionally soft, even quietly satisfied. Since that day she had lost her composure, their relationship had grown much closer than before—though they still carefully avoided certain delicate topics, their interactions had become exceptionally harmonious. Yun Rao blushed slightly and stuck out her tongue. "Pregnant women tend to be more sentimental." An Zi yuan had not seen her look so at ease in a long time, and he found himself momentarily stunned. Yun Rao looked at him, puzzled, as An Zi yuan had already bent down, gently pressing his lips against hers. Yun Rao only stiffened for a moment before her arms wrapped around his neck, embracing him and willingly responding to his kiss. Her response surprised An Ziyuan, who then seized her firmly, deepening the kiss with passionate licks of her lips. Yun Rao clung to him tightly, her tongue entwining with his, and soon lost all control, kissing him with growing intensity—her cheeks already damp from the emotion. An Ziyuan released her, gazing down at her. "What's wrong?" Yun Rao shook her head, her voice caught in a soft sob, unable to speak, only pressing her lips to his again. An Ziyuan took the lead, and both of them became utterly unsteady. Fortunately, An Ziyuan still retained a measure of composure, mindful of her body, and at the crucial moment paused, holding her close through the night. The lingering anxiety that had plagued him for so long was unexpectedly smoothed out. When An Ziyuan awoke, Yun Rao had also awakened, gazing at him with a slightly dazed expression. He lightly kissed her lips. "What's wrong? You look troubled." "Yun Rao smiled at him: "I'm fine. It's just that I haven't felt this calm in a long time—I've been reflecting." An Zi yuan also smiled, kissed her lips again, and held her gently as they lay there for a while before finally rising with a lingering sense of reluctance. He accompanied her through breakfast and lunch. Thinking he still had an appointment with Bian Taiyi, Yun Rao urged, "Didn't we agree to meet with Bian Taiyi? Don't stay too late." "Yes," An Zi yuan lightly replied, suddenly pressing a kiss to her lips, his hand gently brushing her hair. "Rest a bit more. Tomorrow, I'll make sure you emerge in style." Yun Rao managed a smile. "Alright." An Zi yuan pressed another kiss to her lips before releasing her and stepped out of the palace. As soon as they reached the outer gate, a shadow appeared behind them. "Have any of the attendants visited Lady Yue recently?" "None," the shadow respectfully answered. "Keep a close watch. Report any developments to me." After speaking softly, An Ziyuan went to Bian the physician. Bian rose with the usual courtesy and respect. He was short and stout, round and compact, and often found it difficult to rise. An Ziyuan sat across from him, his clear, cool gaze scanning him steadily. "Have you thought it all through, Bian the physician?" he asked. Bian turned his head, his face earnest and composed. "Hasn't the matter already been clearly explained to the Ministry of Justice?" An Ziyuan glanced at him, then slowly lifted his tea cup, sipped it thoughtfully, and said nothing. Bian was somewhat startled by the gaze, and when An Ziyuan remained silent, he dared not speak further. The two sat in quiet silence for a while. "Bian the physician, your tea here grows more delightful with each cup," An Ziyuan remarked finally, as though he had finally sipped enough. "Then, Your Grace, shall I say it's to your liking," Bian replied, smiling awkwardly. "Is this the same kind of tea used in your family's home?" An Ziyuan asked. Bian's smile began to falter. An Zi yuan seemed entirely unaware of his changing expression: "Two days ago, the King sent someone to the old physician's hometown. They found the physician's granddaughter to be an excellent tea maker—quite coincidentally, the current steward of Zui Yi Xuan is short of someone skilled in tea preparation. Thus, I have arranged for the granddaughter to assist." An Zi yuan gazed at him calmly, his expression composed. "The physician, please don't be agitated. The prince just brought this man to the capital, and had intended to send him to the pavilion tonight. Perhaps the old physician and his granddaughter haven't seen each other in a while—why not join the prince at Zui Yi Xuan this evening? It would also be a pleasant way to relax." "You... you..." The flat-faced physician grew red in the face, visibly stirred. An Zi yuan gently set down his teacup, rose, and was about to leave. "Wait," the physician gritted out. An Zi yuan paused, turned to face him, about to speak. "Sir," a hurried call rang out just then. Before he could finish, Wuxiang stumbled in, breathless. "What is it?" An Zi yuan's gaze sharpened, fixed on him. "Something's happened..." Wuxiang, having rushed in, hadn't even caught his breath. "The prison has caught fire—Yun... Yun lady..." An Zi yuan's face paled instantly. Without waiting for further words, he moved swiftly, vanishing in a flash. — When An Zi yuan arrived at the imperial prison, the entire area was already engulfed in a sea of flames. The vivid red glow of the fire illuminated the sky, casting it in a deep crimson, while thick smoke poured into the palace, mingling with the rising cries of wails and screams, interwoven with the hissing sounds of the flames—scenes of utter devastation. An Zi yuan’s naturally pale complexion had turned nearly ashen upon seeing the vast expanse of fire, as if struck by lightning. His tall frame swayed slightly, and his dark eyes, now stained with the intense red of the flames, turned bloodshot. Without a moment’s hesitation, he moved forward, intent on plunging into the fire. Yet, he was blocked from both sides. “Too intense. The Prince must not approach.” “Let go!” An Zi yuan struggled wildly, raising both hands and channeling immense internal energy toward the two sides—regardless of whether he inadvertently injured anyone. Only once his limbs were freed did he rush again toward the flames, his face and eyes blazing red. Emperor Yan Jing had never seen An Zi yuan like this before. His expression changed instantly, and he urgently ordered, “Hold the Prince firmly.” The guards of Dabó surged forward, blocking An Ziyuan's path step by step, only to be one wave after another swept to the ground. An Ziyuan's eyes burned with intensity, seeing only the flames growing fiercer and the cries of the wounded growing weaker. A deep sense of despair filled his heart. The image of the delicate white figure who had left earlier remained vivid in his memory, yet now it was consumed within the roaring blaze.