As for the Death Crow, he seemed to have a close relationship with the Soul-returning Sparrow, almost like lovers. However, the Soul-returning Sparrow, this woman, appeared to have quite a few lovers. From their exchanged glances, it was evident that the Soul-returning Sparrow and the Death Crow had a cordial relationship, but it seemed more like the man was courting the woman, with the Death Crow trying to please the Soul-returning Sparrow.

Aside from this, when the Death Crow ate, he wouldn't wipe the grease from his mouth with his hand but instead used his arm.

It was such a subtle gesture, but Chen Yi felt that this man must be skilled in the use of poisons.

Using his arm instead of his hand was likely to avoid getting poison on his hands and accidentally contaminating his food.

A person's mouth can lie, can conceal, just as the Impermanent Falcon claimed expertise in firearms. However, habitual minor actions, subtle physical anomalies, these don't deceive.

Therefore, even without explicitly inquiring about their weapons, cultivation techniques, and such, Chen Yi could faintly discern their skills, gradually sketching their profiles in his mind.

And every conversation in the martial courtyard was reported in full detail to the Empress Dowager.

It wasn't just within the martial courtyard; the Empress Dowager was privy to many minute details as well.

Particularly every move Chen Yi made after entering the palace.

Whenever he entered the palace, his actions followed a pattern. He would often seek out Dong Guifei for a night of pleasure, indulging in the delights of the bed. Occasionally, he would hold a Korean concubine who couldn't recover from his torment, pouring out his heartfelt words.

Reading those pillow talks, the Empress Dowager could glimpse the deep confusion within Chen Yi.

Sometimes he was joyous, sometimes regretful, his emotions ever-changing. He would speak of his women, say sweet nothings to Dong Guifei, and even mention the Empress Dowager. At times, he would praise the Empress Dowager for treating him exceedingly well, and at other times, he would express bitter resentment toward her many constraints. Occasionally, he would fall silent, his fingers tracing the jade pendant engraved with the word "Yi"…

The Empress Dowager carefully read every word. The lifeless words on paper seemed to draw her onto the very bed, as if she were lying beside Chen Yi, listening to him quietly share his thoughts.

That sense of betrayal surged through her again…

A chill ran down the Empress Dowager's spine as she pressed her forehead:

"...I must have been too exhausted recently."

She gave herself an excuse, but deep down, she refused to confront her feelings, instead burying them even further.

These days, as Chen Yi's wedding approached closer, the Empress Dowager grew increasingly uneasy.

Every night, she would have the palace maids recite Buddhist scriptures to dispel her inner turmoil.

She always felt as if she were about to lose something.

But when it came to identifying what that "something" was, she couldn't articulate it.

The wind stirred the twenty-four carved flower windows of Xiang Kun Yuan Hall, sweeping across the pattern of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix. The palace maid sitting on the vine chair recited Buddhist scriptures steadily, lulling the Empress Dowager to sleep.

The palace maid's chant came to a natural close, halting on a verse:

"From love arises sorrow, from love arises fear; if one is free from love, there is no sorrow, no fear..."

...................

...................

The Lantern Festival was near.

Only five or six days away. Today, Chen Yi entered the palace and was brought to Jingren Palace.

Though it was a period of rest for the Lantern Festival, with officials and palace members alike taking a reprieve, the woman in the phoenix robe was still at her desk, diligently reviewing documents.

Chen Yi waited patiently. Though perplexed, he asked no questions nor urged her.

"Though King Jing has passed, the marriage must still proceed. Even though it violates protocol, no one with any sense would dare raise objections over such trifles."

The Empress Dowager didn't lift her head as she continued to write with her red brush.

A shadow of darkness flickered across Chen Yi's eyes, though he betrayed no emotion.

No matter how thoughtful the Empress Dowager was toward him, each calculated effort never wavered from her overarching designs—much less a sudden ploy from King Jing.

Since that was the case, the only recourse was to find the right opportunity to flee once and for all…

Just as this thought crossed his mind, the Empress Dowager suddenly looked up and said:

"During this time, how are the preparations going with King Jing? Outwardly, it seems you intend to retreat from the collapsing southwest region, but in reality, you've secured an escape route along the northern waterways of the Capital."

"...What?" Chen Yi's pupils contracted slightly.

"The sewer channels of the northern waterways... The spies have already uncovered it. You've been leaving hidden messages under the guise of waste disposal."

The Empress Dowager spoke evenly, her tone devoid of fluctuations.

"You've been visiting every few days. On the surface, it seems routine, but spies have investigated and seen through your scheme—there's a pleasure boat sailing along the northern waterways. Outwardly, it shows women of the brothel flaunting their charms. But in truth, you plan to escape Capital City by drifting downstream on that boat during the Lantern Festival."

Chen Yi fell silent, conflicting emotions flickering across his eyes.

The Empress Dowager curved her lips into a smile and set down the red brush.

She stepped away from her desk, descending slowly from the high platform. Standing before Chen Yi, she raised her hand to gently caress his cheek.

Her tone softened: "The spies couldn't deduce this, but I could. Tell me, isn't this mother of yours sharp?"

The man remained silent for an indeterminate period before finally admitting, "Your Majesty is indeed perceptive."

The Empress Dowager shook her head with a light laugh. Lowering her phoenix-like eyes, she noticed his trembling fingertips.

She suddenly burst into half amusement, half exasperation, saying, "What are you so afraid of? That I'd reprimand you? At the end of the day, it's just a minor misstep. Besides, you haven't even escaped yet."

Chen Yi seemed startled by her words. After a long pause, his lips quivered as he said, "If Yin Tingxue had fled halfway, I would still have punished her."

Gently, the Empress Dowager responded, "But I'm not you. I can't bear to punish you. No matter—let bygones be bygones. The Lantern Festival is approaching. These next few days, stay in the palace and formally wed Ruo Shu. Then remain here until February. Nurture your bond as husband and wife, and when you're ready, you can journey to the Western Jin."

Having Chen Yi and Dong Gong Ruoshu remain in the palace until February was not as simple as fostering affection. It was also to keep close watch over Chen Yi's movements and to ensure that news of the marriage between the two Chen Family heirs was transmitted to the royal court of the Western Jin, and subsequently, to the Chen Family there.

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