TFWYH – Chapter 818 The Will of Heaven Is Hard to Defy

The Emperor stared coldly at the Crown Prince for a long moment before speaking in a deep voice.

“Summon the coachman to the palace.”

He already knew that Gu Xiyan was most likely telling the truth. She wouldn’t dare fabricate a story involving the Crown Prince.

However, Huangfu Xiao was the only son left behind by the late Empress. Ever since he was a child, the Emperor had treasured him like the apple of his eye.

He could be furious at his son for disappointing him.

But he could not ignore the only bloodline the late Empress had left in this world.

The moment the Emperor gave the order, Wan Zhenxiang hurried off to carry it out.

Everyone present immediately realized that, despite his anger, the Emperor was still protecting Huangfu Xiao.

Only Gu Xiyan and Madam Gu failed to notice.

The mother and daughter repeatedly thanked the Emperor.

Chancellor Gu lowered his head silently.

At that moment, he wished he could simply disappear on the spot.

He had been wise all his life.

How had he ended up with such foolish descendants?

Which side of the family did they take after?

Still, appearances had to be maintained.

After ordering for the coachman to be summoned, the Emperor turned to Tang Wan and an elderly palace matron who appeared to be in her sixties.

“Wan-niang, Aunt He, I’ll trouble the two of you to escort Miss Gu to the side hall and examine her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Aunt He kept her eyes fixed straight ahead as palace maids supported her frail body, helping her slowly shuffle into the inner chamber.

Before following, Tang Wan glanced at Ling Yu.

He gave her a slight nod.

Only then did she enter the chamber.

For those who knew nothing, waiting was agonizing.

Gu Xiyan and Madam Gu were perfect examples.

But for those who already knew the outcome…

It was merely a formality.

Inside the chamber, following Aunt He’s instructions, Gu Xiyan shyly removed her outer garments and lay down on the bed, her face flushed scarlet with embarrassment.

After conducting the examination, Aunt He calmly instructed a palace maid to bring water so she could wash her hands.

She carefully dried them before finally speaking in her hoarse voice.

“Report to His Majesty that Miss Gu is no longer a virgin.”

“However, she has not engaged in marital relations today.”

“What?”

Gu Xiyan was completely dumbfounded.

For a moment, she couldn’t even comprehend what Aunt He meant.

Aunt He paid her no further attention.

Having reached her conclusion, she turned toward Tang Wan with a smile.

Her coarse voice scraped like metal against metal, yet there was an unmistakable warning hidden in her eyes.

“Princess of Wengnai, this servant has completed the examination. Do you have any differing opinion?”

“You are a senior member of the palace with abundant experience,” Tang Wan replied obediently, remembering Ling Yu’s earlier signal. “I wouldn’t dare flaunt my limited knowledge before an expert.”

Aunt He let out a raspy laugh.

The thick white powder on her aged face flaked off as she laughed.

“Your Highness flatters this servant too much. Everyone knows your medical skills are extraordinary—even capable of bringing the dead back to life and restoring flesh to bare bones.”

“This servant is merely a palace maid who knows nothing of medicine. I wouldn’t dare compare myself to Your Highness.”

“Every profession has its specialists,” Tang Wan answered. “When it comes to matters like this, no one in the world surpasses Aunt He.”

As she spoke, her eyes fell upon Gu Xiyan’s pale, vacant face.

Changing the subject, she added,

“I would also ask Aunt He for a small favor. I’d like to speak with Miss Gu alone.”

“Very well.”

Aunt He nodded.

“As people, we shouldn’t covet what isn’t ours, nor think too highly of ourselves.”

“There is a saying: Heaven has its will.“

“In this world, who can truly defy Heaven’s intentions?”

As she spoke, she cast Gu Xiyan a mocking glance before slowly leaving with the support of a young palace maid, leaving Tang Wan and Gu Xiyan alone.

Tang Wan let out a quiet sigh.

She walked to the bedside and looked at Gu Xiyan.

Hidden deep within her eyes was a trace of pity.

Seeing Tang Wan, Gu Xiyan finally found her voice.

“Tang Wan… what… what did she mean by that?”

“She was talking nonsense… wasn’t she?”

“Your medical skills are excellent.”

“You should be able to tell that she wasn’t telling the truth!”

By the end of her sentence, Gu Xiyan had become hysterical.

She abruptly sat up, grabbed Tang Wan by the shoulders, and shook her violently, her expression teetering on the edge of complete collapse.