Chapter 102: Chapter 102

While the palace was still in chaos, An Ning lounged lazily on the soft couch by the window, reading a newly published storybook while occasionally nibbling on dried peaches handed to her by her maid Chun Xing.

Recently, due to the Ninth Prince's incident, not only had his elder brothers and their wives visited, but even her cousin the Third Princess Consort—who had just given birth last month—made a special trip back. However, judging by her cousin's expression, it was clear the situation in the palace wasn't optimistic.

An Ning wasn't surprised. After living through several worlds, if there was one skill she had mastered, it was medicine. As for the imperial physicians' capabilities—never mind the original body's memories—she had already gained a general understanding during her first transmigration. Naturally, her methods hit the mark every time.

Meanwhile, within her consciousness space, the system was utterly bewildered. "Wait, host, when exactly did you make your move?" It hadn't noticed anything! Moreover, during this period, apart from occasional outings, its host hadn't even asked it to gather information or arrange any coincidental encounters. How had she succeeded? And right under its nose too! The system simply couldn't comprehend.

Taking a sip of the chilled drink offered to her, An Ning sighed contentedly before explaining cheerfully: "Why bother arranging coincidental meetings? In truth, as long as you confirm where someone will appear during a specific time period, that's enough." Thanks to the strict Qing palace rules, even though this body had been summoned twice by Imperial Consort Yi before, she'd never once laid eyes on her future husband. The same went for the Ninth Prince regarding his fiancée.

Tell me, what young man wouldn't be curious about an unseen fiancée—his future primary wife? Especially when this particular lord wasn't one to follow rules. That he would sneak out of the palace for a "chance encounter" was entirely predictable. All she needed to do was frequent a particular antique shop during that period. Waiting for the rabbit? Who was truly the rabbit here remained to be seen.

As for how the Eighth Prince got caught? Blame it on how—whether in this life or the previous one—this lord was excessively devoted to his eighth brother. So much so that through the original body's memories, An Ning didn't even need to investigate to quickly identify his preferences. Imagine waiting idly for his "fiancée" to appear when he suddenly discovers an antique jade piece that would perfectly suit his eighth brother—wouldn't he purchase it? Naturally he would.

And this Eighth Prince, according to the original memories, had always been considerate. To show closeness to his ninth brother, he would definitely wear any recent gifts frequently. The jade pendant itself wasn't problematic, but combined with his favorite summer incense, storax... well... An Ning mused that the effect was probably similar to what she'd used on that scumbag Liu in her second-to-last life!

Temporarily weakened immunity wouldn't normally be an issue for someone with his constitution and cautious nature. Unfortunately, the virus from the epidemic-stricken suburbs was no joke. Moreover, based on original memories, while that suburban epidemic hadn't been particularly lethal in the previous life, it had been quite contagious. Combined effects? Of course something would happen!

The system: "!!!" "Wait, host!" It suddenly realized something: "Since you've already taken action, why specifically spare the Eighth Prince? Wouldn't it be better to make him childless too?" Without heirs, all ambitions would come to nothing—what satisfying revenge that would be, indirectly avenging the original host's past life.

An Ning: "......" She was utterly speechless. "Setting aside whether destroying the Eighth Prince's fertility through that suburban epidemic would raise suspicions given his usual robust health... just compare the outcome to his previous life..." "System, are you sure this wouldn't actually be helping him?"

In An Ning's view, the Eighth Prince's greatest misfortune in his past life stemmed from his ambitions. Without that hope, wholeheartedly pursuing the virtuous prince route might actually bring him fame and fortune. She'd have to be insane to do that.

Recalling how that man had doomed his wife and daughter in the previous life, An Ning's gaze darkened slightly as she suddenly asked with interest: "System, if one day you suffered the loss of something extremely important due to a close friend's actions—even enduring lifelong discrimination because of it—while the culprit remained completely unaffected..." Most crucially, that culprit would keep appearing before you constantly. Though all your misery originated from them, they could remain utterly unscathed. "System, would you feel happy about that?"

The system: "......" You'd have to be a damn ghost to feel happy about that! Indeed, An Ning thought, only ghosts could be happy about that. Even among the closest brothers, self-interest ultimately prevails. Moreover, people resent unequal distribution more than scarcity itself. Things like heirs—when you have them, you might not cherish them, but without them... especially in these circumstances...

Recalling the original host's experiences, a cold smile touched An Ning's lips: The knife always hurts most when cutting your own flesh. What did it matter making wives and daughters pay for such touching brotherly affection? His dear brother should enjoy the fruits himself. Slowly swallowing a cherry, An Ning finally murmured: "In countless days and nights to come, the agony of having no heirs, the discriminating gazes of those around him, the endless gossip—all will surely ferment this moving brotherly bond into something even more mellow."

The system: "......" It silently averted its gaze, not daring to look further. Yet remembering its host's earlier words, the dog-like system hesitated before curiosity drove it to activate the palace surveillance feed:

Just then, the Ninth Prince was regaining consciousness. His complexion remained poor—aside from the toll of severe illness, his formerly handsome face now carried an inexplicable gloom. Clearly, though unconscious, he hadn't been completely unaware during this period. Certain words must have reached his ears, especially with his mother's constant bedside chatter.

"Wonderful! His Highness has awakened! This servant will immediately inform His Majesty and Her Ladyship!" A young eunuch scurried out...

With the Ninth Prince's awakening, the quiet palace chambers instantly grew lively. Ignoring the servants' overjoyed expressions, the usually defiant prince sat quietly against the headboard, lowered eyes unreadable. After a long silence, he hoarsely asked the remaining attendant: "By the way... during my illness... how has Eighth Brother been?" After a pause, he added: "No... problems, right?"

His usual personal attendant Xiao Xia Zi had already rushed out to spread the news, leaving behind a baby-faced young eunuch. Remembering his master's usual regard for that Beile, Little He Zi immediately smiled reassuringly: "Rest assured, Your Highness! The Eighth Lord recovered days ago. In fact, he recently received much praise from His Majesty for handling official business exceptionally well!"