Qiann Yan calmly accepted the Emperor’s decree, along with the rewards, and watched as the Grand Steward left. The steward was eager to go and set up a new identity for her and change her surname.

Qiann Yan casually tossed the decree onto the table, pondering that the rumors outside should be spreading soon.

Ashui didn’t announce the rumors immediately, fearing they might need more time to ferment; things would get out of control by then.

In fact, according to her speculation, even without Ashui’s involvement, the Emperor wouldn’t be able to keep this matter concealed.

Chen Country would not let this go easily after losing such a formidable spy.

Back then, before General Lin’s incident, he was deeply loved by the people. Once they learned he was wronged and the Emperor concealed it, Great Zhou was bound to be chaotic for a while.

Given Chen Country’s nature, they would certainly exploit this matter for trouble, making it difficult for the Emperor to cover up his mistake, and it would backfire.

Before long, Jing Yunzhou arrived.

He saw the decree on the table: "I suppose you already know, so come with me to the Eastern Palace."

Facing Qiann Yan, Jing Yunzhou was more impatient. If not for her foolishly exposing his involvement, would his father have looked at him so coldly?

He used to think she was clever, but now she seemed foolish, not as wise as Wenn Qiuyu.

If this matter had fallen on Wenn Qiuyu, she certainly wouldn’t have revealed the role he played in it.

Jing Yunzhou suddenly felt that perhaps their relationship was a mistake.

Qiann Yan stood up, casually taking the decree in hand: "Actually, I’m unwilling."

"You... why are you unwilling?" His dissatisfaction was one thing; her unwillingness equally upset him. How could she be unwilling?

Qiann Yan: "I stopped liking you a long time ago, how can I be willing? Since this is Father’s wish, I will return with you. For the greater good, I won’t do anything."

"Let’s go."

The anger in Jing Yunzhou’s heart rose rapidly, yet he had always been a warm and elegant man, not one to get angry over trivial matters. This was the Imperial Palace, with many ears and eyes; getting angry here would be a joke.

"You’re still upset over that incident, fine, I won’t ask you again. We still have plenty of time to resolve previous misunderstandings."

"Father is left with no choice; you can no longer use your original identity. Fortunately, the Eastern Palace is within the palace. If nothing unexpected happens, in the future, we might just relocate within, and no one will inquire who the Crown Prince Consort is." Jing Yunzhou explained, "Father will arrange an identity for you. Not many knew you before; in a few years, everyone will forget."

Qiann Yan followed Jing Yunzhou to the Eastern Palace, where Crown Princess Consort Wenn Qiuyu had already received word. She was one of the few who knew about the matter and greeted Qiann Yan warmly.

"Your Highness, the living quarters for the concubine sister have been arranged." Wenn Qiuyu appeared dignified and poised, evidently a capable manager of the household, and her gaze held no hostility.

Jing Yunzhou: "Yanyan, if you need anything, just let the Crown Princess Consort know. She will have everything arranged properly."

"Alright." Qiann Yan met Wenn Qiuyu’s gaze without much courtesy, "Crown Princess Consort, I need a small kitchen and to bring in a few personal attendants to serve in the palace. Sorry for the trouble."

Wenn Qiuyu smiled gently: "The small kitchen is no problem, but bringing people in requires His Highness’s permission." Saying that, she looked at Jing Yunzhou.

Qiann Yan’s gaze fell on Jing Yunzhou’s face, implying, do you agree?

Jing Yunzhou: "Are they the same ones from the previous courtyard?"