Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 89

News of Chi Yan’s impending retake quickly became the talk of the capital.

“His Majesty is overseeing the exam himself and even writing the questions on the spot! There’s no way Chi Yan can cheat this time. Let’s see if he’s the real deal or just a pretty face!”

“This scandal’s gotten way out of hand. If His Majesty finds out Chi Yan’s just an empty-headed pretty boy, it’ll be considered deceiving the emperor! Add that to the prior cheating accusations, and that’s a crime stacked on another!”

Some watched with schadenfreude. Others, with excitement.

There were even people openly taking bets.

“Place your wagers! Will Chi Yan rise like a dragon or fall flat on his face? Come on, don’t miss your chance!”

Baliang spat in indignation upon hearing this.
“Some people really are rotten to the core!”

He patted the silver pouch tucked under his robe, then grinned so wide it nearly swallowed his face.
“Watch how this lord takes all your coin—won’t leave you a single undergarment!”

…

That day, under the earnest urging of the Chi household, Shen Tangning and Chi Yan rode a carriage into the palace.

Shen Tangning was pondering her upcoming visit to the palace to see her aunt, while across from her, Chi Yan cleared his throat, looking uncharacteristically uneasy.
“You don’t have to go with me, you know. People will talk—it’s not… proper.”

Shen Tangning blinked, then smiled faintly.
“I’m not really accompanying you, husband. I’m entering the palace to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress. And while I’m there, I’d like to check on the Crown Prince’s injuries.”

Chi Yan: “…”

The Crown Prince?

His lips stiffened, and an odd twinge surfaced in his chest.

…Right, the Crown Prince was her cousin. It was only natural she’d be concerned.

Chi Yan straightened and spoke righteously.
“Of course—he’s family. Naturally you’d want to check on him.”

Shen Tangning nodded, unaware of his inner turmoil.

But Chi Yan was restless. After a moment, he said casually,
“I’ve heard the Crown Prince is a handsome, refined man… talented in both civil and martial arts, with quite the sterling reputation?”

She nodded without hesitation.
“My cousin has always been admired. The rumors aren’t exaggerated.”

Chi Yan subtly shifted his hand to support his chin with the other arm, clearly uncomfortable.
“So… I imagine many young women must be quite taken with him?”

Shen Tangning glanced at him, a subtle smile playing on her lips.
“I imagine so.”

His lips pressed into a tight line. She’d never praised him like that! Tch. That Crown Prince really must be something…

Noticing the storm brewing behind his expression, Shen Tangning smiled inwardly but didn’t point it out.
“Are you nervous about seeing the emperor, husband?”

Chi Yan’s eyes glazed over for a second before he quickly regained composure.
“Maybe… a little. But I’ll manage.”

She gave a soft laugh.
“No need to be nervous. But in front of His Majesty, you do need to be cautious.”

Chi Yan: “…”

Is this how you comfort someone?

—

Once they reached the palace gates, the two had to dismount and continue on foot.

Shen Tangning headed toward Kunning Palace, while Chi Yan made his way to the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Their paths diverged, and they had to part ways.

Before leaving, Shen Tangning glanced at him and smiled lightly.
“His Majesty is a fair ruler. As long as you stay within bounds, you may act as you will.”

Chi Yan nodded slowly.
“I understand.”

Just now she’d told him to be careful, and now she said to act freely. The two statements clearly contradicted each other.

Was her meaning that… although the emperor was unpredictable like a tiger, one could still hold on to their true self—so long as they didn’t provoke him?

Such a twisty line of thinking. And she wasn’t worried he wouldn’t catch the nuance?

Chi Yan glanced at the imperial guards and eunuchs stationed nearby.

He suddenly realized—from the moment they stepped foot in the palace, every move they made was likely already being watched.

He silently reminded himself—this is the palace. Every word, every step must be measured.

…

“The Empress heard the Young Lady was coming and ordered me to wait out here in advance.”

Shen Tangning looked at the elegant but sharp-eyed woman before her—her aunt’s trusted aide, Madam Wenlan.

She curved her lips politely.
“Her Majesty is too considerate. I’ve been to the palace before—it’s hardly worth troubling you to come meet me personally.”

Wenlan gave her a sideways glance, teasing.
“Still as graceful and well-mannered as ever. Look at you, acting all polite with me now?”

Shen Tangning simply smiled without answering.

They arrived at Kunning Palace, and Wenlan entered the hall to announce her. Shen Tangning waited respectfully at the entrance when a familiar voice called out warmly from within:

“Ningning is here? Hurry in and let me have a proper look at you!”

Shen Tangning’s expression twitched as she stepped inside and curtsied deeply.

The Empress, eyes tinged with affection and mock complaint, helped her up.
“You stubborn child. I have to summon you three times before you’ll come visit. Come here—let your aunt take a good look at you!”

Shen Tangning’s eyes curved with a soft smile as she stepped forward. The moment their gazes met, her eyes reddened uncontrollably.

This was the first time she’d seen her aunt since her rebirth. In her previous life, not long after the Crown Prince took his own life, terrible news came from the palace—the Empress had died in a fire in Kunning Palace.

The Xie family had been loyal and righteous to the end, and yet none of them met a peaceful end.

The Empress gently took her hand and used a handkerchief to dab at her tears, voice filled with concern.
“Look at you, all upset. Has someone bullied you? Tell your aunt—I’ll make it right for you.”

Shen Tangning lowered her tear-damp lashes and shook her head.
“I just… missed you.”

The Empress pulled her to sit beside her and sighed softly.
“You’ve always been strong-willed—even if you suffer, you never say a word. But now, let me ask—how has that Chi boy been treating you?”

A subtle smile lifted Shen Tangning’s lips.
“He’s treated me well.”

The Empress studied her face carefully and found what she was looking for. A smile tugged at her lips.
“So it seems I worried for nothing.”

But then her eyes grew colder.
“That little brat, Chi Jingyu… I once believed the rumors and thought he was a gentleman of fine character, worthy of entrusting one’s life to. Who would’ve thought he’d be a heartless, two-faced cur!”

Shen Tangning’s gaze dimmed. Her voice was quiet.
“It’s all in the past now…”

The Empress’s voice dropped into steel.
“Not so easily forgotten. He’s still favored at court, so I can’t move against him—yet. But his time will come. And that father of yours…!”

She glanced at Shen Tangning, whose lashes trembled like fragile butterfly wings.

The Empress’s heart ached.
“Ningning, your aunt won’t let you or your mother suffer in vain.”

Shen Tangning’s shoulders quivered slightly, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up.
“But… he’s still my father. What can we do?”

The Empress’s eyes darkened, flickering with unreadable emotion.
“If we can catch him in the wrong, your mother could petition for separation…”

A ripple of surprise stirred in Shen Tangning’s heart. Her aunt really was formidable—she had reached the same conclusion.

But divorce wasn’t easy. Her father prized his reputation above all and had clawed his way to where he stood now. He would never let himself be caught in a scandal—especially one where he was accused of abandoning his wife.

This matter would require time and patience.

Still—with her aunt’s support, the burden suddenly felt much lighter.

“I’m afraid it won’t be so easy,” Shen Tangning murmured, managing a weak smile as she changed the subject.
“Aunt, how is Cousin doing now?”

The Empress composed herself and let a smile bloom.
“He’s able to walk now. When he heard you were coming today, I suspect he’s already on his way to see you.”