Vague Memories

Shi Yi saw happy moments between the two of them. The Heir Apparent always stood up to protect her when she was bullied by others.

When she asked:
"Do you think I'm very stupid? Do you think I'm a laughingstock?"

Murong Qing only smiled gently, stroking her head and saying:
"Not at all, Taiping is the most adorable! Not stupid at all."

The two of them celebrated the Qixi Festival together in the forbidden palace, watching the stars, releasing lanterns... getting into trouble together, and being punished together when they were young.

Those times were so happy!

In the heart of the original owner, Princess Taiping had fallen deeply in love with this brother and wanted to live with him until their hair turned white. But from beginning to end, the Heir Apparent only saw her as a silly younger sister, wanting to be a good brother and take care of her for a lifetime, never thinking of marrying her. In the end, this affection was one-sided.

Another fragment of memory flashed in her mind. Contrary to his gentle and refined exterior, the Heir Apparent had a cruel heart, deep and unpredictable, full of schemes.

That day, the original owner—Princess Taiping—accidentally discovered Murong Qing's shocking secret. She hid behind a corner, eavesdropping on a conversation between him and the Empress Dowager.

That day, the original owner was strolling in the Imperial Garden. After a few rounds, she felt bored and sat down to rest under a cherry blossom tree. Looking around, her gaze suddenly stopped on the opposite side. A familiar back caught her attention. "Isn't that Brother Murong? It's been a long time since I saw him."

Her eyes lit up, and she decided to go over and surprise this brother. Taiping circled from behind, hiding behind a large rock nearby. Murong Qing was acting stealthily, looking left and right as if waiting for someone.

She was a bit suspicious: "What is he doing here? He looks so mysterious. I'll scare Brother Murong in a bit; he'll surely be surprised." She was excited, covering her mouth with her hand, trying not to make a sound.

But what happened next shocked her. A maidservant walked quickly from afar toward Murong Qing. The maidservant said respectfully:
"Heir Apparent!"

"How is the matter progressing?"

"The Empress Dowager asked me to relay to you that everything has been handled properly."

"Properly? Since when did he become so close to the Empress Dowager?" Princess Taiping was suspicious and didn't understand what was going on when Murong Qing spoke again:
"Good. All these years, Li Ciguang has always opposed me; it's time to make him pay the price. Although he holds the position of Minister, what would happen if he were accused of taking bribes and embezzling public funds? I have forged false evidence and will expose him at the grand hall today. I must thank the Empress Dowager for helping me with this great matter."

"The Empress Dowager has instructed that the Heir Apparent need not be formal. We are all one family. As long as the Heir Apparent follows the Empress Dowager's instructions, it will be fine. It is mutually beneficial."

Princess Taiping could not believe what she heard, stunned by the revealed truth. When the late Emperor was still alive, the Empress Dowager had committed many evil deeds that heaven and earth could not forgive. She bribed officials, forced loyal ministers to work for her, and plotted to put her son, Shi Guangming, on the throne. Ironically, Shi Guangming suddenly disappeared without a trace, and the throne was passed to the Third Prince, Shi Dong, the current Emperor.

She was dazed: "The Empress Dowager is cruel and ruthless, why would Brother Murong join hands with her? What is really going on? He even wants to frame the Minister? No, there must be a misunderstanding."

Then, what was meant to happen happened. Li Ciguang was accused of embezzling public funds and demoted from the second rank to the fourth rank. The Heir Apparent revealed a triumphant smile.

On this side, Taiping could not understand Murong Qing's actions and decided to ask for clarification. She stayed in the main hall, hiding to one side, waiting for him to come out. Finally, she saw him appear.

The Princess rushed over, pulling him into a corner. Before he could speak, she questioned him:
"Brother Murong, tell me, what exactly is going on?"

"What matter? What are you talking about?"

"You're still asking? Of course, it's about the Minister. Earlier in the Garden, I saw you and the Empress Dowager's maid meeting privately. You even talked about some scheme to frame Li Ciguang..."

She was about to say more but was stopped by the Heir Apparent. He hurriedly found an excuse:
"Taiping, this matter is not what you think. Li Ciguang was never a good person; he draws in other court officials and has no small ambitions. That's why I forged evidence to ruin his rebellious intentions. Believe me, my relationship with the Empress Dowager is really not what you think. She has changed now and wants to help the Emperor stabilize the court."

"Is what you say true?"

"Of course. Would I lie to you?"

Everyone knew Princess Taiping was a simple and somewhat foolish person. A few words from the Heir Apparent successfully dispelled her suspicions. Looking at the childhood sweetheart she had grown up with, she completely believed his words.
"Of course I believe you."

The Heir Apparent leaned into her ear and asked softly:
"Does anyone else know about this?"

She shook her head and replied:
"No, don't worry. I will definitely keep it a secret."

The Heir Apparent stroked her head and said gently:
"Good girl, you must remember well: only you and I know this matter. Absolutely no third person can find out."

Taiping nodded in agreement, foolishly believing Murong Qing's words. He wore a fake smile, but his eyes were sharp and unpredictable.