Chapter 86: Cruel Prince 35

Hearing the Second Prince’s question, Tang Qingzhu quickly replied:

“Qingzhu dreamed that the Crown Prince eventually went mad...”

“And that Second Prince became Crown Prince afterward and finally ascended the throne.”

The Second Prince’s expression remained unreadable.

“Really?”

“And was there anything else?”

Hearing this, Tang Qingzhu immediately nodded.

“Yes, there was more.”

“What was it?”

“There was a flood in Jiangbei.”

“And... at the end of the year, Zhao State started a war.”

“The Seventh Prince disappeared during battle, and afterward the Crown Prince personally led troops out and massacred two hundred thousand Zhao soldiers!”

After speaking, Tang Qingzhu suddenly pressed a hand against her forehead as if suffering from a splitting headache.

...

When the Second Prince saw this, his expression remained calm, but a dark light flashed through his eyes.

The news regarding the Jiangbei flood had only reached the capital last night.

Although the Emperor somehow learned about it earlier than expected, it was impossible for Tang Qingzhu—a secluded young lady from the inner residence—to know such information already.

Could it be...

she truly had dreamed of the future?

Still, the Second Prince remained cautious.

“The flood in Jiangbei is indeed real,” he said slowly.

“But if you overheard something from Elder Tang, that wouldn’t necessarily be impossible.”

“As for the war... it hasn’t happened yet. Who knows whether that part is true?”

...

Tang Qingzhu immediately shook her head.

“Grandfather never discusses court affairs with me.”

“But these truly were dreams...”

“Although...” She suddenly paused and deliberately pressed harder against her head as if trying painfully to recall something.

“I also seem to remember someone saying...”

“The old madam of the Zhongyong Marquis Residence would choke to death on a piece of rice cake...”

The moment those words fell, someone hurried into the room.

“Second Prince!”

“The old madam of the Zhongyong Marquis Residence has passed away!”

As soon as the announcement was made, the Fifth Prince immediately widened his eyes and grabbed the messenger.

“How did she die?!”

“I heard she accidentally choked to death on a rice cake last night.”

Instantly, both the Fifth Prince and Second Prince looked at each other in shock.

Then their gazes simultaneously turned toward Tang Qingzhu.

There was no possible way Tang Qingzhu herself could have murdered the old madam overnight.

In that case—

there was only one explanation left.

She really had foreseen the future.

At that moment, the way both princes looked at Tang Qingzhu completely changed.

...

“Qingzhu!”

“What else did you dream about?” the Fifth Prince asked excitedly.

“Quickly tell us everything you remember!”

“Even fragmented details are fine!”

Hearing this, Tang Qingzhu immediately shook her head weakly.

“Fifth Prince... my head hurts terribly...”

“Ah! Then rest first!” the Fifth Prince hurriedly said.

“Right—did you truly see the Crown Prince go mad and Second Imperial Brother ascend the throne?”

“Yes...” Tang Qingzhu nodded weakly.

Meanwhile, inwardly, she finally relaxed.

For now at least—

she was safe.

At that moment, even the Second Prince’s gaze toward Tang Qingzhu softened considerably.

“Rest well for now,” he said.

“You may stay here peacefully from now on.”

“As long as I am here, no one will harm you.”

Tang Qingzhu immediately looked at him gratefully.

“Thank you, Second Prince.”

Then the two brothers left the room together.

...

Outside the room, the Fifth Prince spoke excitedly:

“Second Imperial Brother, it seems everything Qingzhu dreamed about is actually true!”

The Second Prince nodded slightly.

“But whether every future event truly comes to pass... we still need to wait and see.”

If Tang Qingzhu’s dreams all proved accurate—

then naturally, he would have every reason to keep her by his side permanently.

The Fifth Prince immediately nodded in agreement.

Then he smiled at the Second Prince and said:

“In that case, we can finally feel at ease.”

“That throne was always destined to belong to you anyway, Second Imperial Brother!”

Hearing this, the Second Prince merely curved his lips slightly.

“Fifth Brother should speak more carefully.”

The Fifth Prince immediately shut his mouth.

Still—

the smile on his face only grew wider.