Chapter 14 — I heard that I had a loving husband and wife, and had many children and grandchildren. He crushed the white jade bowl in his hand.

Three days after the letter was sent, Han Chinh did not respond. Instead, ride back directly on horseback. He stood tired and exhausted in front of the palace gate, not even taking off his armor.

“Who dares to touch Thanh Uyen?”

His appearance startled me.

"Why are you back? Aren't you currently training in the barracks?"

“Practicing what?”

“Her business is more important than training.”

He took off his armor and threw it on the chair, sitting down across from me.

“Tell me, what happened?”

I'll tell you everything from beginning to end. After listening, his face immediately darkened. So quiet that this is the first time I've seen him with such an expression.

“You mean… the Queen is possibly poisoning your sister chronically?”

"I'm just suspicious. But I can't help but be wary."

“Then there is no longer any doubt.”

“She understands the tricks in that palace better than anyone.”

I was slightly stunned. He looked at me, his eyes much deeper than usual. That look, that expression, that way of speaking... were completely different from her usual lazy, naive appearance. Just like a general who once conquered the battlefield and won a great battle, just one look was enough to make three armies bow their heads and listen to orders.

"Do you think I don't know what relationship you had with the palace before? Tong Thanh Hoa, three years ago, before the selection list was issued, the whole capital knew that you were determined to enter the palace."

“You know all that… and still marry me?”

"I don't care who you want to marry before."

His voice was low and heavy.

“The person she is marrying now is me.”

“Her story is my story.”

“Your sister's matter... is also my matter.”

He stood up.

"Tomorrow I will go find General Manh. In his palace, there are a few old eunuchs who have deep friendships and can help spread the news."

“Han Chinh.”

“Aren't you afraid of offending the Queen?”

He turned his head to look at me.

"I'm afraid she will be resentful."

“As for other things… I'm not afraid.”

General Manh's relationship in the palace is much more trustworthy than what Han Chinh said. In just three days, a few trustworthy palace maids were rearranged next to Thanh Uyen. The news spread intermittently. Indeed, the Queen put her hands and feet into those bowls of "nutritious soup". It's not some kind of drama. It's a slow, gentle medicine that won't harm the body after taking it for a long time, but it makes it impossible to get pregnant forever. Just like the bowl of medicine I drank for fourteen years in my previous life. Now… it's my sister's turn. When I told this story to Han Chinh, he was silent for a long time.

“If this gets exposed…”

“It cannot be uncovered.”

"We don't have direct evidence. Her medicine was mixed with normal soup, even the royal doctor couldn't find anything. Besides... the Queen is the mother of the world. Sue her? Who to sue?"

“So what to do?”

“First tell Thanh Uyen not to drink anymore.”

“Then… we wait.”

“Wait for what?”

“Waiting for her to make a bigger mistake.”

Han Chinh did not understand what I meant. But he chose to believe me. After entering the winter, Tieu Duc sent word of mouth for the second time, summoning me to the palace. The reason is still the same before. Go see your sister. Han Chinh resolutely took me to the palace gate.

“I will stand here waiting for you.”

"There's no need to wait. I don't know how long it will take."

I won't refuse any more. After entering the palace gate, I immediately went straight to Thanh Uyen's palace. But just halfway there, he was stopped by a little eunuch.

"Lady Han, Your Majesty is in the Imperial Library, please come over there."

I stood still, looking at that little eunuch. He bowed his head low, his appearance extremely formal. This time I'm too lazy to even think about the excuse. Not to see my sister. It's Tieu Duc who wants to see me. In the Royal Library room, the charcoal stove is very warm. Tieu Duc sat behind the desk, with a chapter spread out in front of him. I went in to pay my respects, but he didn't let me get up. The two were silent for a long time.

“Ah Hoa, do you hate me?”

“No regrets.”

“Honestly.”

I raised my head.

"Your Majesty, hating someone is because you still care."

“Father God… no longer cares.”

His hand holding the lipstick stopped in mid-air.