In this matter, he had instructions; the Crown Prince bringing people into the palace was not a big deal.

As for Old Third’s wife... The Emperor squinted his eyes; in the future, she must not appear as Old Third’s wife. There was one thing he was still clear about: his Crown Prince seemed to have some connection with Old Third’s wife in the past.

No wonder in this affair, the Crown Prince went to seek help from Old Third’s wife. It seems the feelings still lingered; otherwise, Old Third’s wife wouldn’t have been so dedicated to helping out.

The Crown Prince had probably been watching Old Third for a long time. Truly deserving of being called his good son, quietly bringing his own brother to such a point of no return.

It’s too eager, not leaving any way out for his brother; indeed, it’s somewhat indifferent, even reluctant to feign a plea on his behalf.

"Old Third’s wife and the Crown Prince seem to have some connection?" the Emperor asked the Grand Steward beside him.

The Grand Steward promptly bent over to respond, "I heard they have some acquaintance."

"More than just some acquaintance, they almost privately agreed for life. If not for Old Third’s interference, when the time was right, he would definitely bring Old Third’s wife to the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace. He had married the Crown Princess Consort only a few months prior, leaving him temporarily cautious." The Emperor nodded, "His attention on Old Third is mostly due to this matter; also Old Third’s own misconduct gave him away."

The Grand Steward only maintained a smile; this was something he dared not utter.

The Emperor could speak ill of his sons, but as a servant, he was not qualified. Serving at the Emperor’s side for so many years, he knew what to say and what not to say; otherwise, he would have long lost his life.

"Go and call the Crown Prince over."

Since these two have a connection, let the Crown Prince take Old Third’s wife back. With the Crown Prince watching over, she should understand what this means.

This would be considered fulfilling these lovers’ wishes.

Jing Yunzhou, upon hearing the rewards given by the Emperor, was not truly happy; he was well aware of his father’s nature. Even if outwardly smiling and seemingly unconcerned, inside he surely kept a note of it.

"Now, as for the affair with Old Third, it’s publicly declared that he contracted smallpox and was sent to the traveling palace to recuperate. He won’t appear in public again, so no one will suspect. Old Third’s wife had a significant contribution to the stability of Great Zhou, yet this affair cannot be made public, so no open rewards."

Jing Yunzhou had anticipated this but did not know how his father would reward Yanyan.

"Old Third’s wife cannot appear as Princess Consort Ling anymore," the Emperor continued, "I’ve heard you two were fond of each other once. If not for Old Third’s interference, you would have intended to bring her to the Eastern Palace, right?"

Jing Yunzhou immediately understood and answered honestly, "Yes."

"In that case, you take her back, give her the status of a concubine. Her rewards will be sent over at another time, ensuring she’s treated well. This time by joining hands, you both exposed Old Third, a traitor, and truly shared in adversity."

Though praised, Jing Yunzhou was not happy; his father clearly resented this matter.

Ironically, he had once greatly anticipated this matter; now, he did not want it at all, yet he could not refuse.

"She is entrusted to you," the Emperor said calmly, the implication clear that if anything went wrong, Jing Yunzhou would be held accountable.

Faced with this union, Jing Yunzhou felt nothing, even some aversion.

"I understand, Father," he said.

The Grand Steward was the first to carry the imperial edict and some rewards to where Qiann Yan resided.

Upon hearing the Emperor’s absurd imperial edict, she was not surprised; she had already anticipated this outcome.