Cui Yu explained everything to the Ning Family and then entered the palace the next day to meet Song Chong.

Song Chong’s attitude toward him remained unchanged, yet Cui Yu dared not lower his guard and asked Song Chong to dismiss the attendants, saying he had important matters to report.

"You may leave first."

After dismissing the people, Song Chong asked, "What is the important matter, Cui Qing?"

Observing Song Chong briefly without noticing anything unusual, Cui Yu inquired, "How did Your Majesty come to designate Princess An Ning as Crown Princess? Has Your Majesty forgotten that Princess An Ning is not the true Ninth Princess, and the true Ninth Princess should be Princess Changning?"

He had arranged everything before entering the palace, fearing neither to leave today. Regardless of life or death, he had to come today. If he couldn’t save himself, at least he could save the entire Cui Family. If he could preserve his life, it would be a blessing in disguise.

If he really couldn’t get out, his wife would reveal Princess An Ning’s identity based on the situation. With Chenchen’s little foundation, she could achieve nothing significant, leading only to utter ruin.

Cui Yu thought that saying this would elicit some reaction from Song Chong.

Unexpectedly, Song Chong frowned: "Whether she is my biological daughter or not, I shall appoint her as Crown Princess and let her inherit the great legacy of Nan Qi."

He’s gone mad, Your Majesty is truly mad.

No, he’s deeply bewitched.

"Your Majesty, she is not of Imperial blood, how can she inherit the great legacy? I urge Your Majesty to reconsider," Cui Yu advised, "Your Majesty, you have been bewitched by her tricks; continuing like this will bring great disaster to Nan Qi."

Song Chong then squinted: "Looks like I can’t let you leave today; if I let you go, won’t you hinder An Ning?"

"Guards, seize Cui Yu, imprison him, and allow no one to see him without my permission."

Cui Yu knew this was the likely outcome and was not surprised; Your Majesty was too deeply bewitched, and nothing he said would matter. He said no more, waiting for his wife to act.

Inside the palace, Lady Li was likely also bewitched, otherwise, she wouldn’t be unresponsive.

"Father, may I go see him?" Ah Chen walked out from behind the screen, smiling at Cui Yu.

Cui Yu broke out in cold sweat, was Chenchen there all along? Did she hear everything just now? Facing Ah Chen’s eyes, fear crept into Cui Yu’s heart.

Her demeanor didn’t suggest she had just learned the truth; could she have known earlier? Otherwise, with her personality, she wouldn’t have been so composed and would have surely rushed out to question.

When did she come to know?

Even though he arranged everything, Cui Yu was still worried, sensing things might not go as smoothly as he thought.

But on second thought, as long as her identity is revealed, she can’t inherit Nan Qi’s great legacy. Even if she has masters to bewitch people around her, it’s impossible to bewitch everyone. Resorting to such tactics now only means she has no other means.

If the opponent were a true Imperial princess, he would have no solutions, fortunate she’s not, and he’s grateful she’s not.

Song Chong spoke kindly to Ah Chen: "An Ning can go whenever she wishes."

Cui Yu remained silent as he was escorted to the prison.

Once he was locked in the cell, Ah Chen ordered everyone to leave, stood at the cell door, stared at Cui Yu and laughed aloud, responding calmly. He must have been prepared before entering the palace. He thought exposure of identity ensured worry-free thereafter?

Naive.

"So I’m Mr. Cui’s biological daughter, huh?" Ah Chen said, "No wonder you were so concerned about Cui Jing, you cared for her best since childhood, favored her in everything, turns out she was the true princess."

"Later when Bei Qi caused trouble, to prevent me from messing up, you claimed I was the Ninth Princess, right? As long as I believed it, Bei Qi would trust it more."

"No wonder how Cui Jing later became a Commandery Princess, and ultimately a princess herself, there’s quite a bit of intrigue here."

"Mr. Cui must greatly wish to honor the family name, turning the Cui Family into a prestigious clan, right?" Cui Yu remained silent, but Ah Chen wasn’t rushed, "Otherwise why strive so hard?"

"Actually, there’s a shortcut right now to elevate the Cui Family overnight." Ah Chen smiled, "I’m already Crown Princess, just one step away from becoming Emperor; you keep this secret hidden, don’t disclose it to others, once I ascend the throne, the Cui Family will surely be glorious."

"After all, I’m still a daughter of the Cui Family; what do you think, Mr. Cui?"

For a moment, Cui Yu was indeed tempted.

Indeed, this is his biological daughter; if she truly ascends, the Cui Family would rise overnight, unmatched by other families.

Yet reality quickly sobered him, this gamble was too risky. Just relying on those around her was insufficient, governing a nation isn’t easy. If rebellion were that easy, who wouldn’t rebel?

Now she’s clinging to being a true princess; with her being appointed Crown Princess, she still faces widespread opposition. It’s safe to say the entire court opposes her. Upon exposure of her true identity, all of Nan Qi would oppose her; she can’t become influential. Still too young, lacking experience, thinking these tricks would accomplish great deeds.

"Chenchen, turn back." Cui Yu closed his eyes, "It’s not too late now; undo the deception on Your Majesty and Lady Li, I’ll plead for you and hope to spare your life."

"Is Mr. Cui such a loyal subject?"

"Being loyal is what ministers ought to be."

Ah Chen scoffed, "So you can sacrifice me at will? Why? Just because I’m weak, unable to resist, must be at your mercy. When I’ve grown strong, able to protect myself, can resist, that’s no error either."

Cui Yu became silent, indeed it’s no error, yet she oversimplifies; choosing this path at its start was dire.

Had she behaved as a princess, perhaps she could end well.

"Is Mr. Cui unwilling to side with me?"

"Very well, don’t regret later; I’ve bestowed you an opportunity."

Ah Chen lifted her steps to leave; Cui Yu wouldn’t agree, she naturally knew. Just wanted to ask, giving him a surprise. If he truly agreed, she’d only need minor tweaks to the plan; Cui Yu would face utter ruin, a dog-eat-dog play that’d be quite interesting.

He doesn’t know her capabilities, choosing logically was hardly unexpected.

However, she’s not one who follows logic.

It was simply his misfortune.

"When did you learn of this?" Cui Yu still wanted to know.

Ah Chen turned back, exchanged glances with Cui Yu in the cell, eyes laughing: "Before returning to the palace."

Cui Yu paused, of course, it made sense, all made sense now. He finally understood why she sent Jing’er to Bei Qi.

Turns out, she knew this much earlier?

"You knew, why not reveal the truth to the Bei Qi people?" Cui Yu had one more unclarity, indeed given her personality, knowing the truth, she wouldn’t remain silent. Not only did she not reveal it to Bei Qi, but she even let Jing’er return safely.

What lay behind this?

Feels like mysteries are piling up, making Cui Yu increasingly uneasy.