Ashui rarely made extra dishes while cooking specifically for the Wu siblings.

The Wu siblings were deeply moved as they ate the food Ashui had prepared.

Perhaps this meal was the only one of its kind in their lifetime. Usually, Wu Ling took care of their meals.

Regarding the matters of Qiann Yan and the Prince Ling Mansion, the Wu siblings were very discreet and did not ask much, doing only what needed to be done each day. This satisfied Qiann Yan.

The Wu siblings felt fortunate to serve a master like her, willing to do so for a lifetime.

In the city, opinions about Qiann Yan were varied.

Some said Cheng Qianyan had a great sense of the bigger picture, sacrificing family loyalty for the Greater Zhou’s cause, which was commendable. Once this matter was made public, even if she were rewarded, it would still be difficult for her to find a good family as a woman in the future.

The era’s limitations lay in the universal belief that it was tragic for a woman to have her reputation ruined and to be unable to find a good family.

Others said Cheng Qianyan was a venomous woman, not only a wife-killer but a husband-harmful one. Who would dare to marry such a woman? Of course, this group of people whispered in dark corners and did not dare to voice it openly.

In the circles of capital city ladies, Qiann Yan was excluded, even though she was now the emperor-appointed Princess Anning.

People outside thought Qiann Yan’s future would be difficult, but little did they know she didn’t care about any of it. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Whether people hated her or loathed her, she could live freely and fearlessly.

This was the lifestyle she enjoyed, which probably matched the original owner’s thoughts.

If she weren’t confined to that corner, she would prefer to travel through these small worlds, living different lives.

More interesting than being an emperor forever.

"Are Lin Family’s matters just left at that?" Qiann Yan was practicing calligraphy in the study, while Ashui ground the ink beside her.

Back when the emperor executed the Lin Family, he could justify it with evidence and witnesses, even the full court couldn’t find proof General Lin hadn’t colluded and committed treason. The biggest mistake in this matter was that the enemy’s plan was so deep that everyone was calculated into it.

This time, the emperor knew the truth but feared his long-standing reputation would be tarnished, wanting to gloss over the wrongs without caring for those wronged souls of General Lin’s family, which was truly unfair.

She didn’t believe Ashui was truly unconcerned about this; his original choice to make it public was to shame the emperor, but the other side pushed Jing Yunzhou to take the fall.

"Initially, I wanted to kill the emperor and Jing Lingyu," Ashui said, "but after careful consideration, if solved in that way, the Lin Family would still be traitors and bear the burden of infamy forever. My father was loyal and honest all his life for Greater Zhou, so I must first find a way to clear the Lin Family of disgrace."

"The emperor’s actions were indeed disheartening, but fortunately, the County Master gave guidance; otherwise, I might have fallen into a trap and been killed by the emperor."

Qiann Yan: "In the end, are you still somewhat unwilling?"

"How could I truly be willing?" Ashui said, "I have no thought of killing the emperor, but I want to expose his true face. I just can’t think of a strategy; he is the emperor, with many privileges to use, so it’s difficult to outwit him."

"Apart from the Lin Family incident, he hasn’t made serious mistakes. Targeting him intentionally might backfire, allowing him to gain public support."

Qiann Yan gently nodded, somewhat admiring Ashui for thinking of these things: "Did you forget Jing Yunzhou?"