She didn't know about what was happening in the palace, as she was then receiving the rewards sent by Emperor Qiming.
Accessories, textiles, figurines, rare medicinal materials, and various rare treasures.
All were packed in trays, covered with red cloth.
However, the medicinal herbs were packed in a large box, filled to the brim.
Premium lotus seed paste, ginseng, lingzhi, and other rare medicinal materials.
Seeing such generous rewards, Yu Yao felt very strange in her heart.
The rewards received by a royal concubine upon pregnancy might not be more than this.
As a prince's consort, receiving so many treasures seems excessive.
But looking at Nangong Yan's happy demeanor, he didn't feel anything was wrong.
Yu Yao suppressed the odd feelings in her heart and respectfully accepted the reward.
Later, the official addressed Nangong Yan and said, "Your Highness, the emperor and the empress dowager wish to see you. Please tidy up and follow me to the palace."
Nangong Yan smiled slightly, knowing that the attack incident had worried his uncle and grandmother.
He looked at himself and felt nothing was amiss, so he said to the eunuch, "There's no need to prepare; let's go like this."
"Alright."
The eunuch smiled and lightly waved his dusting brush, leading the way ahead.
Nangong Yan instructed Yu Yao with a few words and then followed the eunuch.
Yu Yao glanced at the departing figure of Nangong Yan and then turned her gaze away.
Later, let the servants of music and painting record the rewards into the warehouse.
Standing under the eaves of the doorway, she leaned her head to watch as each precious item was recorded and stored away, feeling increasingly strange in her heart.
She furrowed her brow and pondered deeply.
Ever since ancient times, emperors have always been wary of their younger brothers. Although Prince Jin is a idle prince, he is still the blood of the late emperor.
Or is Emperor Qiming truly so enlightened and kind to his brothers?
However, when thinking about the Yan King who is far to the northwest and the Ling King who is bedridden and never leaves the palace, having no sense of existence at all.
And again she was uncertain.
Suddenly, a memory flooded her mind of the lavish flowers presented to Prince Jin's mansion before the flower viewing banquet by Emperor Qiming.
She remembered there were more than a dozen peonies, two of which were extremely precious, known as Yao Huang and Wei Zi.
Peonies are the symbol of the queen, and even palace concubines might not be given such rewards. How much more so for a prince's consort.
She dimly remembers that Princess Jin's face was difficult to look at at that time.
At that time, she was only concerned with admiring the flowers and didn't give it much thought. Now, as she remembered, the sense of unease in her heart grew stronger.
There seemed to be some secrets that were unknown to others.
"Si Hua, come here."
Yu Yao suppressed the thoughts in her eyes, lifted her hand to call over Si Hua, who was busy working nearby.
"Madam, what would you like me to do?"
Si Hua glanced at her master, put down her work, and approached with respect.
Yu Yao raised her eyes to look at her, saying lightly, "Go to the main courtyard and find out if Princess Jin's concubine has also received the palace's rewards. Pay attention to whether she looks happy or not. Report back to me when you return."
She always felt that Princess Jin's concubine seemed to be the key to this secret.
She didn't know if this secret was the hidden task that the system had mentioned.
"Yes, your servant will do as instructed."
Si Hua, although curious in her heart, did not ask more questions and respectfully responded before leaving.
Si Hua returned quickly.
"What happened?"
Yu Yao leaned back on the soft couch inside the room, her eyes meeting with Si Hua's as she entered in a hurry, and asked.
Si Hua glanced at her master and reported, "The princess consort also received the emperor's rewards, which seemed much richer than what you received."
She paused for a moment, then suddenly leaned forward, getting close to Yu Yao, and whispered in her ear, "My lady, I noticed that the eunuch who delivered the rewards gave something to the princess consort before leaving. At that time, the princess consort's face turned very ugly."
Si Hua finished speaking and automatically moved back.
Yu Yao furrowed her brows in silence, understanding that the eunuch who delivered the rewards must be a close confidant of Emperor Qiming.
There must be something that cannot be displayed openly on the table. Otherwise, why would it have to be secretly given?
And Princess Jin's concubine's face looked very ugly.
"I understand. You may go."
Yu Yao summoned the system, and it appeared before her.
"Tongtong, come out quickly. I have something important to ask you."
Although the system is being capricious, it's necessary to ask what needs to be asked.
"What is it?" Although the system came out, its tone was not good.
Yu Yao heard this and knew that the system was still angry.
But she didn't care, just saying, "Is Princess Jin having an affair with Emperor Qiming?"
She thought of this because she had a hunch that Nangong Mo was also interested in herself.
She remembered that when they visited Wanan Temple, he had also sent ginseng to her through the guards.
"How do you know?" The system was surprised and raised an eyebrow.
"So it's true? Princess Jin is having an affair with Emperor Qiming? Then, Prince Jin must be wearing a green hat."
Yu Yao was shocked in utter disbelief. She had only guessed, but it turned out to be true.
The system sneered and said, "Prince Jin is not just wearing a green hat; his son is not his own. Prince Jin is so fond of Princess Jin's concubine that he exclusively favors her. He has no children of his own, which proves the saying 'a thousand-year turtle'."
"What did you say? What do you mean 'even his son is not his own'?"
Because she was so shocked, she spoke out the words directly.
"Hold on, are you trying to die? Just talk to me in your mind, that's fine. If you say this out loud, you're dead."
The system was also startled by the host and started to curse back without any hesitation.
Yu Yao realized that she had spoken out of turn and luckily, Si Hua had left the room. The house was now empty.
"I wasn't aware that I would say this out loud when I was so shocked. I'll be more careful next time."
Yu Yao admitted her mistake straightforwardly, then, thinking of the system's words, she added, "So Nangong Yan is a prince? He's the son of Emperor Qiming and Princess Jin?"
Although it was a question, it was phrased as a statement.
"Hmm, your husband is a prince. Otherwise, how could Emperor Qiming be so kind to someone else's son? It's because he knows it's his own blood."
The system said with a sound of disapproval.
Yu Yao leaned against the soft cushion, "Prince Jin and Princess Jin seem to be very loving and have a special bond. How could Princess Jin do such a thing? She even had an affair with Emperor Qiming and gave him a son."
Does Princess Jin's concubine think this is exciting? Does she want to experience something different?
The system was so amused by the host's thoughts that it laughed, saying, "You can too. The Crown Prince likes you, after all. As long as it doesn't affect the mission, you can do whatever you want, hahaha..."
"Get lost..." Yu Yao's face turned slightly red and she loudly cursed.
Although she had a tiny bit of desire in her heart, she always felt that it would be unfair to Nangong Yan and also felt unscrupulous.
After laughing, the system also spoke seriously, "After Princess Jin married Prince Jin, she was very loyal and did not have an affair with Emperor Qiming."
"No affair? Then how could Nangong Yan be Emperor Qiming's son?"
Yu Yao asked in confusion.
"Emperor Qiming fancied Princess Jin and pursued her, but Princess Jin felt the dangers of the palace and longed for a lifelong monogamous relationship, so she rejected Emperor Qiming and married Prince Jin, who also loved her."
The system then explained, "Emperor Qiming couldn't bear the thought of his beloved woman marrying another person, even his own brother. So, on the night of their new wedding, he raped Princess Jin, and that's how Nangong Yan came into being."
"Oh my God, so dramatic? It feels so explosive!"
Yu Yao was now thoroughly shocked, unable to believe that Emperor Qiming could be such a person.
Yu Yao suddenly felt sorry for Prince Jin, who had been bullied so badly.
"Does Prince Jin know that Nangong Yan is not his child?" she asked again.
"That's an obvious question, of course he doesn't know. How could Princess Jin tell him the truth?"
The system said with a face full of disbelief, "How can you be so foolish?"
Yu Yao blushed and laughed awkwardly, realizing she had asked a pretty stupid question.
I wonder what Prince Jin would be like when he finds out the truth, he must be very upset.
What if Nangong Yan knows he is a prince, what kind of emotions will he have?
Will he have thoughts of usurping the throne?
The Eastern Palace is very stable, and there's really no need to get involved in a struggle for the throne. If he fails, the consequences could be unpredictable.
The Prince Jin's mansion has already become a prince's residence, and Nangong Yan inheriting the title as a prince is also enough for a lifetime of wealth and luxury.
Yu Yao suddenly felt that the truth should be kept a secret, as it would be better for everyone.
"Tongtong, is this the hidden mission you mentioned earlier?"
She asked the system.
