Ah Chen had no intention of making things difficult for Cui Chen, having heard that the Cui Family was not easy on him.

He had always been somewhat rebellious, never thinking that others should die in place of the Princess.

In the commissioner’s previous life, she did many things to harm the Cui Family, hurting Cui Jing, and for this, Cui Chen hated her, but he also acknowledged that it was initially the fault of the Cui Family and the Royal Family.

Besides sending Cui Jing to Bei Qi once, she hadn’t done much else, so naturally, Cui Chen’s attitude was different.

To say he was noble, selfless, and righteous would be incorrect. Compared to other members of the Cui Family, he was slightly naive, less scheming, and tended to wear his emotions on his sleeve.

Watching Ah Chen leave, Cui Chen did not say much. Facing her now, he couldn’t honestly criticize her.

The one deceived and used from the beginning to the end was her.

Even now, she probably didn’t know the truth, nor would she have imagined that soon her dreams would end, even costing her her life.

And he couldn’t do anything, nor could he reveal the information to her.

"Second Young Master, shall we return?" Cui Zhao’s trusted aide cautiously reminded him, fearing Cui Chen might reveal something.

Cui Chen was a bit annoyed but didn’t argue, stepping toward the Cui Mansion. "Alright, let’s go back."

"Who would have thought that this Second Young Master of the Cui Family has a hint of conscience?" Lu Zhu sighed.

Hong Zhu replied, "But not much."

"In his position, he really can only conceal everything." Lu Zhu quickly added, "Your Majesty, you still have us."

The Cui Family did not consider Your Majesty at all. Although they have their own choices and pressures in that position, it still made Lu Zhu sad.

Luckily, Your Majesty was capable, otherwise, the outcome would have been dire. With the dispositions of the Emperor of Nan Qi and Consort Li, could they really let Your Majesty peacefully enjoy the glory of being a Princess?

They thought it impossible.

Even if Your Majesty did nothing, they would likely see her as a thorn in their side, possibly leading to her being poisoned to death someday.

After all, they had poisoned Your Majesty before, with a slow-acting, body-wasting poison.

As for the Cui Family, when they abandoned Your Majesty, they no longer considered her their daughter, let alone considered her plight.

"It’s fine." Ah Chen reassured them, the one truly suffering was not her, but the soul that commissioned everything, a soul that would never return. Even with a chance, that soul would never come back.

There really was nothing here that the soul missed. From childhood, she was never truly loved, and no one truly cared about her. From birth to death, she lived in deceit.

"I heard you met her today?" Cui Zhao came back and asked.

Listening to this, Cui Chen felt very irritable. "Rest assured, I didn’t reveal anything."

How would he dare?

Cui Zhao naturally knew, intending to say something, but Cui Chen returned to his room, leaving behind one last sentence: "I won’t be going out recently, elder brother, there’s no need to worry."

Cui Zhao said nothing more. Not going out was good. Even if the second brother said nothing, he worried that Ah Chen might see through something, which would be a problem. Currently, the medicinal herbs were gathered; just waiting for Doctor Chen to concoct the medicine, to clear the confusion for Your Majesty and Lady Li, and then everything could be resolved, and the Cui Family could remain unharmed.

Cui Jing had met Ah Chen several times. Compared to before knowing the truth, now she faced Ah Chen with more composure.

Thinking about how the other had chosen such a desperate path, she felt a bit melancholic.

But the truth must be revealed. Father and Mother Empress need to wake up, and Ah Chen’s current fate was something of her own doing, driven by ambition and greed, even desiring to become the Empress.

If Ah Chen could become Empress, then who knows how many women in the world could become Empress.

What boldness she had.

Five days later, Doctor Chen’s medicine was ready.

Cui Jing personally brought Doctor Chen into the palace, only to encounter Ah Chen at the palace gate, which gave her a fright.

Entering the palace together, Cui Jing went to Consort Li, always keeping an ear out for news of Ah Chen, and once learning she had left for errands, she finally breathed easy.

She then found a chance to give the medicine to Consort Li and Song Chong, both of whom quickly regained their senses.

Song Chong had no memory of prior events, only fragments of important matters, and still felt unfocused. As for the authenticity of the Princess issue, Ah Chen was unaware. After hearing Cui Jing’s explanation, he erupted in anger in the palace chamber once he understood.

Cui Jing then relayed the whole plan’s inception, and upon knowing the truth, Consort Li was finally reunited with her true daughter, and the mother and daughter embraced in tears. The family of three shut the palace doors, speaking for a long time, hearts filled with emotion.

With Song Chong awakened, he naturally became the leader of the next phase of the plan.

"Isn’t there a morning court session tomorrow?" Song Chong sneered, "Since she wants to be the Empress, let Us satisfy her and see if she can handle it."

At that moment, Cui Jing felt a secret, fleeting joy in her heart. If Ah Chen wished for her demise, what could be done?

Did she not say, a sovereign’s command is to a subject akin to death?

Before, she was sent away to suffer in her place, and now, as the true Princess, the other should pay her dues for that.

That night, many changes occurred in the palace.

Fearing Ah Chen might catch on to something strange, Song Chong temporarily avoided visiting Cui Yu, unknowingly passing by some happenings, although meeting Cui Yu wouldn’t have changed the outcome anyway.

Many received secret letters, learning the Emperor was awake again, breathing a sigh of relief. However, feelings were mixed for some, especially the Princes, as their father seemed still in good health and not too severely affected.

Cui Zhao soon learned of the situation, realizing Ah Chen’s identity needed public announcement the next day, making the presence of the Cui Family imperative.

Only by exposing Ah Chen’s identity could she be completely defeated.

Her plot to overthrow the state made the true and false Princess issue less significant.

That night, rest evaded many.

Cui Chen didn’t sleep at all, sitting by the window gazing outside. There was no moon tonight, only darkness, nothing visible.

By tomorrow, everything would be over. His sister would finally know the truth, and for her, it would indeed be cruel.

Why did she attempt to seize the throne?

Wasn’t being a Princess enough? At least then she could live in peace, with wealth and honor for a lifetime, and as long as she made no errors, the Emperor and Consort Li wouldn’t harm her.

The night passed, and before dawn, the Cui Family sprang into action.

In the Golden Throne Hall, all the court officials were present.

Ah Chen, as the Crown Princess, was naturally there, standing at the very front, with everything appearing just as normal as before, unchanged.

Once the matter was almost settled, Song Chong, seated on the dragon throne, suddenly said, "An Ning, I shall pass the throne to you, how about that?"

Ah Chen looked up, eyes smiling, "Really, Father? I’ve always wanted to be the Emperor."

Those in the know shook their heads, wondering if this false Princess mistakenly thought the Emperor was still under her spell, hence her audacity. Her bold words during recent court sessions had indeed been notable, with the Emperor, confused by her means, indulging her naturally.

But today was different.