Ling Mo Han slowly recounted the events of the past. Had Chu Chen Yi not been injured, he would likely have been crowned太子 long ago.
It was precisely because his prominence overshadowed all other princes that even the Empress Dowager and His Majesty held him in high regard. The Empress Dowager had more than once expressed her desire to make him太子, which had unfortunately garnered much jealousy and resentment.
Chu Yan Xi, the legitimate son of the Empress, on the other hand, appeared dull-witted and was thus disliked by the Empress Dowager.
How could the Empress tolerate a concubine's son constantly outshining her own legitimate heir? She had suppressed Chu Chen Yi both overtly and covertly. Numerous pieces of evidence from the past events pointed directly to the Empress.
In her fury, the Empress Dowager ordered a thorough investigation, even contemplating deposing the Empress. It was only because Emperor Xuan Wen vouched for the Empress's innocence, and the Empress Dowager wished to avoid familial discord, that the matter was settled with a minor reprimand.
"When a tree grows too tall, it attracts the wind. Moreover, Chu Chen Yi is a concubine's son. Would the Empress allow a concubine's son to overshadow her own heir? The position of the Emperor is so enticing. Why would the Third Prince not have aspirations for that position? Only by eliminating Chu Chen Yi could he have a chance to rise."
It was evident that with Chu Chen Yi crippled and incapacitated, the Emperor of Southern Chu would certainly not allow a cripple to ascend the throne. The most advantageous candidate, therefore, was naturally the Empress and her son.
Ling Mo Han was not surprised in the least by Feng Jin's analysis. He was entirely convinced that his wife was indeed such an intelligent and perceptive individual.
"My dear wife is truly astute, grasping things with such ease. However, such discussions about court affairs should not be spoken in the presence of outsiders."
"I am not foolish; I naturally understand the implications." She paused, then continued, "So, you truly stand with Chu Chen Yi's faction?"
She clearly recalled that when Madam Sun had arranged for her to marry Ling Mo Han, she had intended to leverage the Ling family's influence to have Feng Ruo Yan marry Chu Yan Xi and help him become Emperor.
Her father had already sided with Chu Yan Xi. Given the current political climate, Chu Yan Xi indeed had the highest probability of becoming太子.
However, the Empress Dowager, who had controlled the court for many years, was unwilling to see Chu Yan Xi become太子. Chu Yan Xi was narrow-minded and lacked exceptional abilities. If such a person were to become Emperor, the empire of Southern Chu would likely be in jeopardy.
Feng Jin deeply admired the Empress Dowager's foresight.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is truly a formidable woman. Her vision and foresight far surpass those of Emperor Xuan Wen by many levels. If not for the Empress Dowager supporting him, the throne would have changed hands long ago."
"Can't you be more guarded when you speak?" Ling Mo Han felt that he would eventually be ruined by Feng Jin's outspokenness. She dared to say anything, without considering the consequences.
Feng Jin pouted. "I am simply stating the truth."
It was no wonder ancient times had so many literary inquisitions. Not only did one have to be careful about miswriting a few characters in books, but even a spoken word had to be carefully weighed.
"The Empress Dowager has asked you to treat Prince Jing. Do you have confidence in that?"
Feng Jin's hand, holding the teacup, paused, and her eyes instantly shifted. After a moment of thought, she said, "Actually... I have secretly taken Chu Chen Yi's pulse. He has toxins in his body, likely accumulated over many years. His leg has been slow to heal precisely because of these toxins."
"If the toxins spread to his internal organs, even an immortal would be unable to save him. Judging by his pulse, the poison was likely administered when he was a child."
"Poisoned as a child!" Ling Mo Han exclaimed in surprise. Chu Chen Yi had lived in the palace during his childhood. Only consorts within the palace could have administered such poison.
Chu Chen Yi had lost his mother at a young age and lived alone in the palace, where he suffered much bullying. It wasn't until he was eight years old that he was taken in by the Empress Dowager.
"Indeed, it was during his childhood. I believe that only a select few could administer poison to a prince so stealthily."
Although Feng Jin did not explicitly name the perpetrator, Ling Mo Han's mind was already clear as a mirror.
"The imperial harem appears to be a place of peace and prosperity, yet behind the scenes, it is so sordid."
"You have always confined yourself to the imperial court and are completely unaware that the struggles among women are far more terrifying than battles on the battlefield. The imperial harem and inner courts have never known peace."
As a devoted fan of palace intrigue and domestic dramas, Feng Jin was well-versed in the stratagems employed in these women's disputes.
With just a glance, she could discern the tactics being used.
Ling Mo Han felt a chill run down his spine. Having multiple wives and concubines was truly not a good thing. He couldn't even fully understand one woman, Feng Jin. If there were more, he would likely go mad.
"My dear wife, I still think it's best to have only you as my spouse." Ling Mo Han said ingratiatingly, at least reducing the potential for conflict.
Feng Jin looked down at the man, deeming him quite teachable.
"It's getting late. Let's rest." Feng Jin rose and walked towards the couch.
It was difficult to drive Ling Mo Han away. Firstly, the bed was too small, and secondly, she was accustomed to being independent. Sleeping in the same bed as others made her uncomfortable.
This was why she had asked Cai Qing to find a couch for the room.
"We are husband and wife. Sleeping separately will affect our relationship."
Ling Mo Han grabbed Feng Jin's hand and pulled her towards the bed. If he had known who dared to place a couch in the room, he would have given them a few good whippings out of sheer frustration.
"I'm not used to sleeping with you..."
"You will get used to it with time. Have you ever seen a married couple sleep in separate beds?" Ling Mo Han stubbornly pulled Feng Jin, determined not to let her leave.
He cajoled and tricked Feng Jin onto the bed, then pulled her into his embrace.
With a beauty in his arms, and his own wife at that, Ling Mo Han, as a normal man, couldn't help but feel stirred.
He was initially very well-behaved, but gradually his hands and feet began to grow restless, slowly caressing Feng Jin's waist.
"If you dare to move again, I will make sure these hands can never move again!"
Feng Jin warned him fiercely, shrinking further inside to avoid too much contact with Ling Mo Han and the possibility of something unspeakable happening.
Fearing he might anger the woman he had just managed to appease, Ling Mo Han looked aggrieved. What a situation this was! He was legally married, yet he couldn't even touch his own wife. It was truly frustrating.
"I won't move. I'll just hold you while we sleep, okay?"
Feng Jin couldn't bear to see his pitiful expression and immediately softened. She took a step back. "Alright then. If you move, you know the consequences."
Receiving permission, Ling Mo Han's face lit up with joy. He opened his arms and embraced Feng Jin.
At least he was allowed to hold her; it was progress.
There was still plenty of time. With continued interaction, Feng Jin would eventually fall in love with him.
Lying in the man's embrace, Feng Jin's heart pounded rapidly as she gazed at his profile.
Heaven had indeed favored him. His face was exceptionally handsome, with a hint of heroic spirit in his eyes. Who wouldn't like such a young general?