Chapter 122: Conquest

“Aunt, do you really not know where Mother came from?” Zijun asked persistently.

Aunt shook her head. “All I know is that there were rumors back then, saying Shuyuan wasn’t born into the Jiang family, but those were suppressed by the emperor. I met Shuyuan many years ago, we exchanged handkerchiefs; she was much younger than me, yet far gentler. The ladies of the Jiang family were renowned for their beauty in those days.”

She trailed off, her gaze fixed on Zijun’s wrist, where he remained still.

“Aunt, what’s wrong?”

“Take off what you’re wearing on your wrist so I can see.”

Zijun quickly removed the item and handed it over. Aunt examined it carefully.

“These are indeed Shuyuan’s things. I remember there should be four.”

“There are two more that Mother gave to me, now worn by my son. Is there something wrong with these?”

“I don’t know, only that Shuyuan always wore them since I met her. Since they were left to you, you should take good care of them.”

With that, Aunt handed the items back to Zijun, who put them on again.

I had always thought Mother had them made by someone.

“Zijun, go rest first. I have something to discuss with Ziyun.”

“Alright.”

Zijun left.

“Aunt, I…”

“Kneel.”

Aunt was angry; I had no choice but to kneel. Fine, I admit I was wrong.

“Ziyun, don’t forget you’re a Huangfu. Having a child before marriage is something you should cherish yourself against! Though I, as your aunt, never spent a day with you, I’m still your senior. Do you realize how absurd this is? If Zijun ascends the throne one day, how can he face the world with an elder sister who bore a child out of wedlock?”

Her tone was reproachful yet sincere.

“Aunt, I know I was wrong. But I cannot ignore my son.”

“Stand up. I’m not blaming you, just worried about you.”

“I understand,” I said as she helped me up.

“Who is the father? Your cousin hasn’t told me clearly all these years, always dodging the question.”

I lowered my head in silence.

“Even now, you won’t tell me?”

“It’s the Regent Prince of Yuehua, Li Yexuan.”

“Does he know about the child?”

“I don’t want him to know.”

“What do you plan to do?” Aunt sat down as I hurriedly poured her some tea. She had been busy with our matters ever since she arrived, without a moment’s rest.

“Though it was forced at the time, I sank into despair for a while afterward. It was selfish of me; I didn’t want him to know. Once Zijun reclaims the kingdom, I plan to travel with the child, living freely. The Fantian Pavilion’s wealth will be more than enough for the child to live lavishly.”

“I think Dongfang Qingyu is a good man; he treats the child well. Maybe you should consider…”

“No, Aunt. Qingyu is the heir of Beian Kingdom. I truly don’t want to waste my life in the palace, and he deserves someone better. I have a child now, and that’s enough for me.”

“You, child.” Aunt patted the back of my hand, her affectionate gaze reminding me of Mother—though years ago, I was too ignorant to respond to even a trace of Mother’s love.

One cannot live in the past. The past me lived in an even earlier past. Now that I understand, I’m only deceiving myself and everyone else, convincing myself I can have a future—a future as long as I have my baby.

“The baby must be looking for me. I don’t know what’s wrong with him; he’s unusually clingy. He’s never met his father. Since coming to Central Plains, whenever I go out on business for days, he seems afraid I won’t come back.”

“Children’s nature, that’s all. Look at your cousin Guteng — he’d rather stay far away from me to avoid this old woman’s nagging.”

“Aunt, you’re not old at all—more like a sister…”

Before I finished, the baby’s voice called from outside.

Opening the door, he clung to me again, sweetly calling me ‘auntie’ before requesting to sleep.

After Aunt arrived, I felt much more at ease. She was truly the Empress Dowager of the Great Desert—far more capable than I. Dongfang Qingyu was astounded by her skills; Guteng smiled with pride, and Zijun exaggeratedly followed her every move, eager to learn. Aunt generously taught him everything. He’s so busy now I hardly see him.

Dongfang Qingyu often asked if I inherited Aunt’s sharp wit and competence. I was naturally capable. Within days of her arrival, Aunt won over several of my subordinates—a true woman of strength, a born leader, proving the old saying wrong: Women are inferior to men.

One day, I was playing with the baby in a pavilion.

“Ziyun, baby, look what I brought.”

Dongfang Qingyu held a basket, immediately capturing the baby’s attention. I covered my mouth, laughing. The elegant young gentleman in white, carrying a vegetable basket—so uncharacteristic, yet endearing.

“Godfather, what’s this?”

“Open it and see for yourself.” Qingyu squatted, gently patting the baby’s head.

The baby glanced at me.

“If you want to open it, go ahead. Don’t be afraid; Mommy and Godfather are here.”

“Okay.”

I didn’t understand why Qingyu was being secretive, but inside the basket, wrapped in a white fleece blanket, something stirred.

Small hands slowly reached out, unfolding the blanket.

“Wow…”

“So cute…”

Inside lay a tiny, trembling white puppy.

“Do you like it, baby?”

“Yes, godfather. Is this for me?” The baby’s gaze was fixed and unblinking.

“But you have to ask Mommy if you can keep it.”

The little one looked at me with pleading eyes.

“Mommy…”

“If you’re good, then yes.”

“Thank you, Mommy! I want to hold it.”

“Come, Godfather will teach you…”

Dongfang Qingyu patiently played with the baby and the puppy.

“Godfather, my name is Mufeng. What will the puppy be called?”

“Whatever you want to call it.”

“Let me think.”

After a long while, the baby looked troubled. “Mommy, what should I name it?”

“How about Milk?”

“Why Milk?”

“…” How could I explain that?

“Don’t you think it looks like milk?”

The baby nodded but clearly didn’t understand.

And just like that, the puppy was named Milk.

The baby quickly grew fond of Milk, hugging and playing with the little creature.

“Thank you, Qingyu. Baby hasn’t had many playmates his age. I’m afraid he’ll become lonely.”

“What are you thanking me for? I’m his godfather.”

Watching the baby’s joyful back, we exchanged a smile.

A month passed in the blink of an eye, and the banquet at the Yuehua Royal Palace was to be held that very night.

I changed into a blue dress, wearing the palace jade pendant.

“Ziyun, be extremely careful. Some things, whether blessings or curses, are unavoidable. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

“Don’t worry, Aunt. Guteng and Qingyu are coming with me.”

“Guteng’s presence is good, but what capacity will Dongfang Qingyu attend as?”

We both looked at Qingyu, dressed in dark robes, also wearing the palace jade.

“That depends on the situation.”

“Zijun and the baby will be with Aunt. The Twelve Killers and the Four Envoys remain at Fantian Pavilion. Aunt will command them as needed.”

“Okay. Just take care of yourself.”

We left without delay.

I knew what Aunt worried about: that I might slip up when meeting Li Yexuan. But to reclaim Lingyun Kingdom, I had to learn to face court affairs. As for Zijun, I preferred him to remain ignorant. His martial skills and character were lacking; if anything happened, I couldn’t bear it. Better to be safe and keep him away.

Later, I realized how right that decision was, and I silently thanked fate that Zijun did not come.

“Ziyun, remember, everything is covered between me and Guteng,” Qingyu reminded me.

“Does Dongfang Qingyu think I’m so incompetent? This little social event is nothing.”

“Qingyu is just worried about you,” Guteng added.

“Sigh, I get it. You two men are so naggy, more irritating than me.”

Feigning sleep, I closed my eyes.

Deep down, we all knew that this journey would confront everything from five years ago. All the people and events would surely resurface.

But so what? I was no longer Mu Fan. I am the head of Fantian Pavilion—one wave of my hand and I can command anything. At worst, if they discover I’m Princess Huangfu Ziyun of the fallen dynasty, who can do anything to me?

At the palace gates, I was surprised to see Shimo waiting personally.

“Head of Fantian Pavilion, please follow us inside.”

I nodded and followed.

The Yuehua Royal Palace was indeed vast. Behind me were Dongfang Qingyu and Guteng, both wearing palace jades, their status clear.

“Look, look, that’s someone from Fantian Pavilion…”

“Keep your voice down. That’s their head…”

“All three are so handsome…”

“Why is the one in front smaller…”

“I heard the head is the oldest, and she’s a woman…”

“Wow, a woman! I want to be a head too…”

“You! Accept your fate, go sweep the floor…”

“Waaah…”

Every word from the little palace maid echoed in my ears. I, too, once dreamed like that, happily serving as a little slave girl, fantasizing every day.

Ah, those days are gone.

In formal settings, Zijun, Dongfang Qingyu, and Guteng all treated me with the respect of subordinates to a leader.

When I first arrived on the island and established Fantian Pavilion, they didn’t fully submit to me. Only after I wrote a detailed plan and executed it did the shop I planned become a sensation within three days, earning much acclaim.

Since then, countless strategies flowed from my hands, winning their wholehearted trust.

To truly conquer subordinates, one must conquer their hearts.

As Fantian Pavilion gradually stabilized, I let my subordinates manage most affairs, occasionally offering guidance. The three pavilion heads—all became business prodigies under my tutelage.