Rebirth of His Royal Highness Prince Chenghu

Chapter 324

After a good night's sleep, the morning light filtered through the window, gently casting a shadow over the bed. Yaliqi slowly awoke, and beside her, Yinreng was still fast asleep, his handsome features softened in the morning light. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, and she rose gently, fearing to disturb his sweet dreams.

Yaliqi walked to the window and opened it. Fresh air, wrapped in the fragrance of flowers, filled her face. She looked down. The flowers in the courtyard were in full bloom, red like fire, pink like clouds, and white like snow. She was admiring them when suddenly a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Yinreng's voice sounded languidly in her ear: "Why don't you sleep a little longer?"

Yaliqi turned around, snuggled into his arms, and said with a smile, "The sun is shining brightly today. I saw the flowers in full bloom in the yard, so I wanted to get up early to see them." Yinreng bent down and kissed her forehead gently, saying, "Since you like these flowers, I'll ask someone to find some more rare varieties to make this yard more beautiful."

As the two were talking, the butler came in from outside the door and said respectfully, "Master, the people you ordered to trim the branches yesterday have arrived." Yinreng replied, "I see," and turned to Yaliqi, saying, "Come on, have breakfast with me, and then go see how they're doing."

Yalichi took Yinreng's arm and walked together to the dining hall. After dinner, the two walked hand in hand to the courtyard. The artisans trimming the branches were busy and methodical. Yinreng carefully observed them and was quite satisfied with their workmanship. Yalichi stood by, occasionally pointing out some details to make the trimmed courtyard more pleasing to his eyes.

After a busy period, everything was arranged. Yinreng took Yaliqi to sit in the pavilion, and the maid served them fragrant tea. A gentle breeze blew, bringing the fragrance of flowers and ruffling Yaliqi's hair. Yinreng reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear, saying affectionately, "With you by my side, these days are even more enjoyable." Yaliqi's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her eyes and smiled softly, "Being able to stay with you forever is my greatest blessing."

Just as the two were enjoying each other's affection, a servant suddenly ran over in a hurry and whispered something in Yinreng's ear. Yinreng's face instantly turned serious. Yaliqi's heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, "What happened?" Yinreng took a deep breath and said, "I've heard from the palace that the emperor is ill. I need to go to the palace to visit him immediately." Yaliqi looked at him worriedly and warned, "Don't worry. The emperor is a good man. Be careful when you go to the palace." Yinreng nodded, kissed her forehead, and hurried away. Yaliqi watched him retreating, her heart filled with worry. In the days that followed, she anxiously waited for news of Yinreng every day in the mansion. Finally, a few days later, Yinreng returned, his face tired but with a look of relief, and told Yaliqi that the emperor was fine. Yaliqi's heart finally settled down, and he hurried to prepare hot water and food for him. The two of them returned to their warm and cozy days, as if the previous little disturbance had never happened.

The days passed quietly in a state of tension and busyness. Although Yinreng temporarily resolved the crisis at the banquet, he continued to be attacked by attacks from all sides. One afternoon, Yaliqi was embroidering in the garden when she heard the housekeeper hurriedly report that a mysterious visitor wanted to see Yinreng, and his expression was extremely anxious.

Yaliqi felt uneasy and quickly put down his needlework and rushed to the front hall. He saw the visitor talking to Yinreng in low voices, his expression solemn. After the visitor left, Yinreng's face was gloomy. Yaliqi hurriedly asked, "What's going on?" Yinreng sighed and said, "My elder brother sent me news. Someone is secretly spreading rumors against me, saying that I am forming a clique for personal gain and have evil intentions."

Yaliqi frowned, and after a moment's thought, he said, "This rumor is spreading so violently, it must be someone deliberately spreading it. The most urgent task is to find the source of the rumor and then try to clarify it." Yinreng nodded. "I've asked my confidants to investigate. I hope you won't believe it, big brother."

Yaliqi gently held his hand and said softly, "Don't worry too much. You have been loyal to the emperor all these years, and everything you have done has been for the sake of the court and the country. The emperor will surely see clearly. We just need to follow the steps and find the mastermind behind this. The truth will come out."

Over the next few days, everyone in Yinreng's household was busy, secretly investigating the source of the rumors and preparing countermeasures. Yaliqi was also busy. She relied on her connections among the noble women to inquire about the situation from some ladies, trying to find some clues.

Finally, after much effort, it was discovered that the rumor had been spread by a minor official who had been bribed by hostile forces. Yinreng immediately went to the palace to report the matter to the emperor, presenting irrefutable evidence. The emperor was furious and severely punished the rumormonger, while also praising Yinreng's response.

Back at the mansion, Yinreng felt relieved. Yaliqi had already prepared his favorite snacks and greeted him with a smile: "Now that the crisis has been resolved, things will surely go more smoothly in the future." Yinreng embraced her and said: "If it weren't for you offering advice and comforting me, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to get through these difficult times."

However, the undercurrent of court struggle is still surging, and their future is still full of unknowns and challenges...