Chapter 14

Qin Xiyi’s desperate gamble yielded no results. Her deliberate provocation of the Emperor only resulted in an edict appointing the Crown Prince that sang the praises of the Empress and her son.

From that day on, Liang Shi’s health deteriorated daily. He saw Qin Xiyi less and less. Since that night of reflection, rumors circulated in the palace that the Empress had seemingly fallen out of favor.

Yet Qin Xiyi felt more at ease than ever before.

During her night in the Ancestral Hall, she had read the history of the Liang imperial family. The Liang royals were all madmen; every one of them had ascended the throne by stepping over the corpses of their kin.

In that moment, Qin Xiyi began to understand why Liang Shi tolerated her and her son’s existence. If Liang Shi died without an heir, the entire State of Liang would be swarmed by a pack of wolves and tigers from the imperial clan, tearing his lineage to shreds.

In the dead of night, Qin Xiyi coaxed the little prince to sleep. Looking at his tender face, he did indeed bear a slight resemblance to Liang Shi.

Perhaps this was fate’s arrangement. It was precisely this precarious situation, where one wrong step could lead to ruin, that had preserved the lives of her and her son.

Qin Xiyi pulled Liang Ying into her arms, gently rocking him as a flower of hope bloomed in her heart.

Perhaps, if they continued like this, everything truly would turn out peaceful and well.