ebookland Chapter 276 The Princess Who Protects the Nation
Chapter 276 The Princess Who Protects the Nation
Aunt Lin was so moved that her eyes reddened and tears welled up in them: "It is truly our blessing that the Marquis values us so much."
Su Yi (Su Yao) said, "If you need anything in the manor in the future, please feel free to ask."
Uncle Lin nodded repeatedly and said excitedly, "Thank you, Lord Marquis."
At this time, Princess Siran's maid had already found out Su Yi's (Su Yao's) identity.
She rushed back and reported to Princess Siran: "Princess, that man is Marquis Su Yao of the Su family, and also the elder brother of Princess Anguo, Su Yinyin."
Princess Siran bit her lip and said thoughtfully, "So he's Su Yinyin's brother. No wonder."
The maidservant asked cautiously, "Princess, should we still...?"
Princess Siran's eyes were firm, and she said without hesitation, "Yes, whoever I set my sights on, no matter who they are, will not escape."
Princess Siran suddenly remembered something and asked anxiously, "Is there any information about Her Majesty the Empress?"
The maid bowed her head and replied, "Reporting to the princess, no, Her Majesty the Empress should have arrived in the capital yesterday."
Princess Siran frowned, and after thinking for a moment, said, "Could we be in trouble? Quickly send people to investigate and provide assistance."
"Yes!"
After receiving her mistress's order, the maidservant dared not delay and left quickly.
At this moment, two people were kneeling in the imperial study.
One of the men's attire clearly identified him as an imperial guard.
The other person was dressed like a Taoist priest.
The emperor was staring intently at the two of them, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate their very souls, sending chills down their spines.
Despite the biting cold of winter, large beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads, as if they were in the sweltering heat of summer.
The emperor finally spoke, his voice deep and authoritative, like a muffled thunderclap in your ears: "Is everything you have said true?"
"Your Majesty, everything I have said is true." The one who spoke was a man dressed in a Taoist robe, his voice trembling slightly.
"Um…!"
After the emperor uttered a soft "hmm," the imperial study fell into a deathly silence once more, the atmosphere so oppressive that it was almost suffocating.
After a long silence, the emperor slowly said, "If anyone leaks even a fraction of this matter, you will all come back with your heads."
The guard and the Taoist priest trembled with fear and quickly kowtowed to express their gratitude: "Your Majesty, rest assured, we dare not."
The emperor waved his hand impatiently and said, "Go down."
The two men, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, quickly left the imperial study, as if a ferocious beast were chasing them.
The emperor stood up and paced back and forth in his study, his face so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it, his mind preoccupied with some unknown conspiracy.
Ultimately, the emperor decided to travel to the Empress Dowager's palace.
Meanwhile, Princess Siran was increasingly anxious because the people she had sent to meet the Empress had not yet returned.
"What exactly happened to Her Majesty the Empress? Could something have really gone wrong?"
Princess Siran paced anxiously back and forth in the room, her steps frantic, like an ant on a hot pan, revealing her extreme unease.
At this moment, Su Yinyin and Su Yi were in the study of the villa, discussing with serious expressions how to deal with Princess Siran.
Su Yi frowned and said seriously, "I'm afraid Princess Siran won't let this go easily. We need to be careful."
Su Yinyin nodded, a hint of murderous intent flashing in her eyes, and said, "Don't worry, brother, if she dares to provoke me, I'll kill her."
"Mother."
The Empress Dowager looked in the direction of the sound. She saw the Emperor walking quickly towards her with a hurried expression.
The Empress Dowager frowned slightly.
The Empress Dowager knew the Emperor all too well. Unless the Emperor was facing an extremely difficult situation, he would never barge in without informing the eunuchs.
The Empress Dowager asked, "My son, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"
The emperor strode to the empress dowager's side and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I have just received a secret report, and it is of great importance."
The Empress Dowager's expression tightened, and she said worriedly, "Tell me quickly."
The emperor looked around, and the empress dowager, understanding, waved away the attendants around her.
The emperor then said, "I sent people to Su Yinyin's village. Su Yinyin's house is built at the foot of the mountain."
But getting into the back of the mountain is impossible. Getting even close will mean certain death.
Afterwards, I sent a high-ranking Taoist priest to investigate. He has returned today.
The back mountain was protected by an array. Just like the house in Su Yinyin's residence, it was also protected by an array.
His tone was full of worry and doubt, his brows furrowed, as if he were deep in thought.
The Empress Dowager was startled and widened her eyes, saying, "Is this really true? Su Yinyin's abilities are truly unfathomable."
The emperor continued, "I am worried that Su Yinyin may have a greater power backing her, or that she herself harbors ulterior motives. If she is involved with…! Then our dynasty is in grave danger."
After a moment of contemplation, the Empress Dowager calmly said, "My son, this matter requires careful consideration. Let's not alert her yet, but secretly observe Su Yinyin's every move."
The Emperor nodded and said, "What the Empress Dowager says is absolutely right. I have already given orders to have people keep a close watch on Su Yinyin."
The Empress Dowager raised her hand to stop him, saying, "My son, I have thought of a better way."
The emperor's eyes lit up, and he said expectantly, "Mother...!"
"Issue an imperial decree to confer upon Su Yinyin the title of princess, and to bestow upon her the title of Princess Protector of the Nation. I wish to recognize her as my daughter."
The Empress Dowager's words startled the Emperor, who looked utterly incredulous.
The emperor asked, puzzled, "Mother, why is this?"
The Empress Dowager smiled slightly and patiently explained, "My son, if Su Yinyin really has powerful backers, our actions can both temporarily stabilize her and allow us to investigate her background."
If she has no ulterior motives, this is a great favor to her, allowing her to serve our dynasty.
The emperor suddenly understood and said admiringly, "Your Majesty's foresight is admirable. But what about Zhou Yuan and her?"
The Empress Dowager sighed, "There is absolutely no possibility between Zhou Yuan and Yin Yin, even though they have a son. How can they overcome that hurdle in their hearts, especially Yin Yin?"
"Mother, I understand." The Emperor nodded in agreement.
The Empress Dowager continued, "This matter needs to be handled as soon as possible; do not delay."
The emperor replied, "Your subject will issue the decree immediately."
That afternoon, the imperial edict conferring the title of Princess Protector of the Nation upon Su Yinyin was delivered to the Su residence.
Su Yinyin and Su Yi were both stunned when they received the imperial edict.
Su Yinyin frowned and asked, "What is the emperor up to?"
Su Yi pondered for a moment and said, "This matter is probably not simple; it may be a scheme by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."
Su Yinyin snorted coldly: "Who cares? We'll deal with whatever comes our way."
Just as the two were filled with doubt, the old man pushed open the door to the study.
The old man said directly, "Miss, someone has broken into the back mountain."
"Jin, are you injured?" Su Yinyin's first question was whether her own people were injured.
Knowing Su Yinyin's worries, the elder simply stated, "No, they tried to break in. They ultimately failed."
Su Yinyin also briefly explained the matter of the imperial edict to Lao Yi.
After exchanging glances, the three of them guessed what was going on.
Although Su Yinyin felt uncomfortable, she still decided to go to the palace to express her gratitude.
In the palace, when the Empress Dowager saw Su Yinyin, her face was full of affection, like a gentle spring breeze, and she said, "Yinyin, from now on you are my daughter."
Su Yinyin bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager held Su Yinyin's hand and said affectionately, "Don't be so formal in the future, call me Mother."
Su Yinyin was wary, but on the surface she still obediently called out, "Mother."
Meanwhile, Princess Siran was furious and gritted her teeth when she learned that Su Yinyin had been named the Protector of the Nation Princess.
"How can Su Yinyin be so lucky!" Princess Siran slammed the cup in her hand to the ground. The cup shattered instantly, and the shards scattered everywhere, just like her broken heart.