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Compared to the increasingly prosperous days of the Rongguo House, the Ningguo House could only be described as falling rapidly. After Jia Jing's death, Jia Zhen strayed further down the path of self-destruction. Due to his previous role as a fence-sitter between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, as well as his mistreatment of Qin Keqing, Jia Zhen had already landed on the emperor's blacklist. However, he remained oblivious to the need for discretion and continued to flaunt himself throughout the capital. Unable to cling to the emperor's favor, he instead allied himself with the son of the deposed crown prince, contributing to his rebellious ambitions without realizing that all his actions were being reported back to Yongming Emperor. After the former emperor's funeral, Yongming Emperor began to take action against the powerful nobles he had always disliked, with the first target being Jiangnan Earth Emperor and the Zhen Family. The Ningguo House was honored to become the second noble family to be raided. Jia Zhen's crimes were numerous and serious, leading to his immediate execution; Jia Rong was exiled three thousand miles away, with no hope of pardon; Jia Qiang fared slightly better, as he was merely Jia Zhen's nephew and thus avoided shackles, becoming a commoner instead. Jia Lian bought a manor for Jia Qiang, who then brought You Shi into his home to care for her, and life continued in this manner.
Wang Ziteng was affected by the Madam Wang incident and faced difficulties in his official career, not attaining the high position and real power as in the original story. Because of this, he did not have to fear Yongming Emperor and managed to avoid losing his life in confusion, allowing him more energy to focus on educating his son. Although the Wang family could not surpass the Jia family or even match the later-rising Xue Family, at least they would not decline like in the original story, avoiding situations where heirs sold their nieces for money.
The Historical Family was most affected among the four great families. They clearly understood their position and remained stable, never involving themselves in struggles for succession. As a result, they smoothly transitioned from the Kangxi Dynasty into the Yongming era. Shi Xiangyun became engaged to Wei Ruolan just as in the original story. When Qixiang Kingdom invaded Da Shun, Wei Ruolan went to battle. The main commander was her future father-in-law, and in order to prevent his daughter from becoming a widow, Shi Nai kept a close watch on her future son-in-law's safety and saved Wei Ruolan at a critical moment, completely changing their fates.
Lin Ruhai and Bai Tang talked for a long time; their wine jug was nearly empty. Lin Ruhai looked at Bai Tang's flushed cheeks and hesitated for a moment before finally speaking: "Brother Xian, your timing for returning is not ideal."
"Eh?" Bai Tang raised her doubtful eyes while holding her wine cup.
Lin Ruhai sighed: "The emperor is currently gathering famous doctors and good medicines in hopes of saving someone, but unfortunately with no success; he has placed his hopes on you."
"You want me to save someone?" Bai Tang raised an eyebrow. "It seems you are not very willing for me to save that person?"
Lin Ruhai did not deny it but looked quite troubled: "We are worried about another Wu Zetian!"
"Oh? Which woman could receive such high praise?" Bai Tang became even more curious.
"Aside from having served the late emperor like Wu Zetian did, that woman has no other qualities that can compare."
"Then what are you worried about?"
"Sigh, that woman is too scheming; the emperor values her greatly. Although she has refused to become empress, we worry that he will make her son his heir." Lin Ruhai frowned; after all, a child from a woman close to the late emperor would be an obvious scandal!
"Can you specify who this person is?" Bai Tang's interest and curiosity were piqued; she felt as if she were about to witness some palace intrigue akin to a romance novel.
From Lin Ruhai's mouth, Bai Tang learned of the woman's identity—her name was Loxi. She had a father who was a general at the border and an older sister who was a consort of the Eighth Prince. Thus, before entering the palace, she had already known several princes who were close with the Eighth Prince and had particularly good relations with the Tenth Prince. Later on, when Tenth Prince married another woman by decree from the late emperor, Loxi was deeply affected and encountered Fourth Prince while riding out for solace; thus began her emotional entanglement with him. During selection time, Fourth Prince, Eighth Prince, and Tenth Prince all wanted her in their households; angered by their competition over one woman, the late emperor decided not to give any of them Loxi and instead kept her within the palace. Disliking her greatly, he placed her in Hanlu Palace—a place equivalent to a cold palace—where she had never been favored by him. Life in the palace was difficult for Loxi; even rough palace maids would scorn her. Once bullied by others, she was rescued by Fourth Prince passing by; upon learning that Loxi had never been favored by the late emperor and lived in hardship, Fourth Prince's affection and pity surged forth, leading them both into a secret relationship.
After Kang Yuan Emperor passed away, Yongming Emperor took Loxi out of cold storage but could not bestow her any title due to her past as Kang Yuan Emperor’s woman—albeit just a noblewoman without real status—so he could only keep her by his side under the guise of a lady-in-waiting at Yangxin Hall where no other women were allowed entry. In Yangxin Hall, Loxi effectively became another master. Loxi also proved fruitful by giving birth to Yongming Emperor’s fourth son. Yongming Emperor recorded this son under the empress’s name—since she had no biological children—making him equivalent to an heir apparent; this was a prelude to making him crown prince! Not only did this cause discontent among noblewomen but also among ministers from previous dynasties who could not accept that a son of an unvirtuous woman might become crown prince! Wasn't His Majesty afraid of ridicule from his subjects? Where had his wisdom gone? Why did he seem foolish when it came to this woman?
Fortunately for everyone involved—before ministers could gather their resolve to petition Yongming Emperor demanding that this femme fatale be removed—the femme fatale herself fell ill due to her poor fortune and quickly approached death; none of Yongming Emperor’s renowned doctors could cure her. The ministers rejoiced while those close to Loxi were even happier; they were ready to rid themselves of this enchantress when they learned someone had saved Loxi...
"If you don't save Loxi, it will be difficult for the Emperor to explain; if you do save Loxi, you'll offend many people..." Lin Ruhai kindly reminded Bai Tang.
Wow! Is this the Da Shun Dynasty version of "Scarlet Heart"? I wonder if Loxi is a time traveler? Bai Tang was very curious to meet her in person. To turn an emperor into a lovesick fool, this young lady must have some impressive skills!
"I want to meet this person; as for whether I will save her, that depends on my mood."
"Brother..." Lin Ruhai wanted to persuade him again.
Bai Tang waved his hand to stop him: "Lin, do you think with my abilities, who among the emperor and other ministers could do anything to me? But rest assured, I'm just going to join the fun. If you want me to step in and save someone, the price will be very high; I'm afraid His Majesty the Emperor won't be able to afford it."
"But when you saved my sister and Mo Yu and Zhu Er, you didn't make us pay any price." Lin Ruhai was taken aback. Did he pay any price? How come he didn't know?
Bai Tang smiled slyly: "That was then; this is now. I saved you all because of Lin Daiyu, so naturally, I wouldn't make you pay a price."
So even immortals value relationships! Lin Ruhai thought with immense relief that his daughter was favored by an immortal.
After leaving Lin Manor and returning to Qiqiao Pavilion, just as Bai Tang sat down, An Ping entered with a eunuch. Bai Tang raised an eyebrow. Should she thank Yongming Emperor for his thoughtfulness? At least he didn't force her into the palace while she was visiting someone else's home.
"Please lead the way," Bai Tang said without any discrimination against the eunuch. Besides, the eunuch before her was only in his early twenties, handsome and refined, which made her feel nothing but pity.
"Too kind, too kind. Young Master Bai, please get on the carriage." The eunuch had already been informed by the trusted eunuchs around the emperor that he was inviting a noble person; even the emperor had to show some respect. He had expected this noble person to be quite proud but was surprised at how amiable she was, not at all like those ministers who pretended to flatter them but turned their backs on them. Thus, the eunuch's fondness for Bai Tang skyrocketed.
The carriage entered the palace and stopped at the entrance of Yangxin Hall. Just as Bai Tang was led through the hall doors, Yongming Emperor hurried out.
"It’s been many years since we last met; Young Master Bai hasn’t changed at all!" Yongming Emperor said with a hint of jealousy.
Bai Tang smiled slightly: "Your Majesty has changed quite a bit."
His aura was much stronger now, and his face looked much older; he must be tired since he seemed like someone who preferred to handle things personally.
"We can catch up later; first, help me see how Qian Er is doing!" With that, Yongming Emperor actually reached out and grabbed Bai Tang's arm, pulling her toward the inner chamber.
On the bed in the Inner Chamber lay a beautiful woman, her pale and weak appearance only enhancing her delicate beauty.
"Young Master Bai, please save Qin Er. As long as you save her, I will grant you anything you desire!" The Yongming Emperor was actually pleading with Bai Tang. The Cold Noodle Emperor suddenly transformed into a passionate lover, and the scene felt completely distorted!
"I can't save her." Bai Tang had opened a certain setting in the game panel upon entering the Palace, and now she clearly saw the large characters above the woman's head—Loxi (Zhang Qian). She really was a time-traveling woman!
"How could you possibly not save her? Aren't you a deity? You saved Jia Zhu, Jia Min, and Lin Moyu; why can't you save her? Did the Empress tell you not to? What benefits did they give you? I can double it for you!" The Cold Noodle Emperor continued to roar, and Bai Tang felt she couldn't hold on any longer.
"Those three are from this world, while this lady's soul does not belong to this world." Bai Tang noticed that Loxi's health bar was nearly empty, while Zhang Qian's health bar was full, immediately recalling the ending of a certain time-travel drama.
"You might as well ask your lady about her origins." Bai Tang saw the woman's body tremble, likely out of fear after having her background revealed.
The Yongming Emperor followed Bai Tang's gaze and found that his beloved woman had awakened. He hurriedly rushed to the bedside: "Qin Er, you're awake? Did you hear what Bai Tang said? Tell me, is it true? Does your soul not belong to this world?"
Tears slid down the woman's cheeks as she sighed softly: "Your Majesty, please let everyone else leave; I will confess everything to you!"
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