Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Upheaval in Jiangyuan Prefecture-Palace Servant(The Pig Who Fell in Love with Losing Weight)

After three days of urgent travel, Feng Yewu and her companions finally arrived in Jiangyuan, the domain of the Prince of Jiangyuan, and entered the main city.

The northwestern land was bitterly cold, wind and frost everywhere, and the three had already changed into northern attire. Feng Yewu had lived in the south since childhood; when she ascended the throne in Yechao, the central plains, it was already the northernmost point she’d known. Now, gazing at the high walls and white snow all around, she could not help but marvel inwardly.

Their party made their way to the Prince of Jiangyuan’s residence, only to find white lanterns hung everywhere, accompanied by wreaths and mourning banners. A wave of shock swept through them.

Zheng Tianlan could not help but whisper his inquiry to Lu Jue beside him. "Master Lu, could it be that the Prince of Jiangyuan has died?"

Lu Jue, hearing this, rolled his eyes at Zheng Tianlan and pointed to the nearby mourning banners. "Didn’t you notice the words lamenting an untimely death?"

Feng Yewu was the first to step into the Prince’s residence. Inside the courtyard, cries echoed from all corners, and the servants were busy in extraordinary ways.

At that moment, an elderly man approached and scolded the three. "Who are you?"

Feng Yewu did not respond. Lu Jue stepped forward, revealing the token from the palace that proved their identity. The old man, the steward of Jiangyuan Prince’s household, was startled upon seeing the palace insignia. He told them, half in doubt, to wait while he went to report their arrival.

The three stood quietly in the courtyard, watching the hurried servants come and go. They waited for a long time, yet the Prince did not appear.

Zheng Tianlan grew somewhat irritated and complained, "What grand airs the Prince puts on, making His Majesty wait so long!"

Feng Yewu said nothing, but unease crept into her heart. Lu Jue looked up at the garden, where fine snowflakes had begun to fall again, and sighed. "Your Majesty, the opportunity before us may succeed or fail in a single thought."

Zheng Tianlan heard Lu Jue’s words and looked confused, but Feng Yewu was briefly taken aback and then understood. The scene before them likely meant the prince’s heir had died.

Now, among the seven great vassals, each either has only one son or stands alone. With the Prince of Jiangyuan now bereft of his son, his temperament must surely change—either growing radical or sinking into despondency. Feng Yewu could only hope things would not unfold as Lu Jue feared.

After Lu Jue’s words, the steward finally returned, looked at them with helplessness, and said, "You three are from the palace, yes? My lord is overwhelmed by the pain of losing his son and cannot compose himself. Please, gentlemen, rest in the guest quarters tonight and meet him tomorrow."

Feng Yewu and Lu Jue exchanged glances, confirming their suspicions. Zheng Tianlan was highly dissatisfied and, before either could speak, blurted out, "We have urgent matters to discuss with the Prince—just lead the way!"

His outburst interrupted the mourning atmosphere of the household; all work ceased, and angry glares were directed at him. Feng Yewu and Lu Jue were at a loss for words. Zheng Tianlan, surprised by the hostility he provoked, grew flustered, drew his sword, and brandished it before him. "What—what are you planning? Treason?"

This action incited the servants further; bamboo brooms, dustpans, shovels were raised as they encircled him. The situation became tense.

"What bold words! Even palace guards have no right to insult us so and accuse the prince of rebellion!" A deep voice resounded from within the residence, brimming with indignation.

"Your Highness!"

...

As Zhu Bangyan, the Prince of Jiangyuan, emerged, the servants and maids bowed, offering passage, but their faces remained filled with resentment toward Zheng Tianlan. Zhu Bangyan’s expression was dark as he strode up to Zheng Tianlan, his presence commanding and intimidating. Due to Feng Yewu’s petite figure, she was hidden behind Zheng Tianlan and went unnoticed.

Zhu Bangyan snorted coldly, then scrutinized Zheng Tianlan. "Are you sent by the emperor?"

Zheng Tianlan was clearly cowed by Zhu Bangyan’s authority and faltered. Feng Yewu stepped out from behind, smiled gently, and said, "Prince of Jiangyuan, there are many people here; let us speak inside."

Zhu Bangyan was taken aback at the sight of Feng Yewu, clearly surprised. He then ordered everyone to disperse and led the three to his study.

Feng Yewu entered and, with a serious air, seated herself in the center, while Lu Jue and Zheng Tianlan stood to her left and right. Zhu Bangyan finally bowed deeply in respect.

"I did not know Your Majesty had arrived in person; I beg your forgiveness."

Feng Yewu’s expression was grave; she raised her hand to dismiss the formality. "I left the palace in secret; there is no blame. I simply did not expect your heir..."

She sighed softly; the death of the prince’s son had happened so suddenly.

Zhu Bangyan’s face was heavy with sorrow, and he remained silent. The atmosphere in the study was thick with grief.

Lu Jue, seeing this, took the initiative to ask, "Prince of Jiangyuan, we only learned of your heir’s fate upon entering the residence. Do you know who was responsible?"

Zhu Bangyan looked up at Lu Jue, finally recognizing him, and recounted the events through gritted teeth. When he finished, he was barely holding back his grief. For a parent to bury a child—a tragedy that would leave most in tears.

Lu Jue exchanged a glance with Feng Yewu; both sensed something was amiss. Zheng Tianlan, straightforward as ever, wore a despondent face alongside Zhu Bangyan and offered comfort. "Your Highness, please accept my condolences. I was reckless earlier—please forgive me."

Lu Jue pondered for a moment and voiced his suspicion. "Your Highness, the circumstances of your heir’s death are peculiar. Is there a traitor in your army?"

Zhu Bangyan nodded, replying dispiritedly, "I have already discovered the culprit. Military law will be enforced, but my son is gone forever."

Just as Lu Jue was about to probe further, the old steward entered. "Your Highness, the Prince of Beichang has sent a wreath and a letter."

A letter? A mourning wreath?

Feng Yewu and Lu Jue both sensed something was wrong. Their arrival was mere coincidence, but how did the Prince of Beichang act so quickly? There had to be more beneath the surface.

Zhu Bangyan took the letter from the steward and, without ceremony, read it before Feng Yewu. The three watched quietly as the prince finished reading, saying nothing.

"Would Your Majesty care to see it?" Zhu Bangyan asked Feng Yewu directly.

Feng Yewu nodded lightly, and Lu Jue took the letter. Its words were sincere, full of shared grief; not only Zhu Bangyan, but the three felt a surge of righteous indignation after reading it.

Wei Siyuan, Prince of Beichang, had written with great fervor, yet everything was within reason. The Tididi tribe had gone too far; they must unite to eradicate them and safeguard the people of Yechao.

What a rallying cry—unite and protect Yechao’s citizens.

Feng Yewu finished reading, a cold smile on her lips. For Zhu Bangyan, grieving his son, this letter was persuasive enough to sway him toward alliance.

Feng Yewu looked at the silent Zhu Bangyan, her expression solemn, and asked, "Prince of Jiangyuan, what is your decision?"