The events that followed were much simpler.
The prepared Prince Ai Ke had taken control of everyone in the castle. Duke Andophin and the witch under her command were captured. Both were temporarily imprisoned in the dungeon. Strangely, Andophin and the witch, however, acted as if they were mad, crying and wailing in agony all day long. They seemed mad, yet they weren’t; they were perfectly lucid.
Only Tianmiao knew that these two were being consumed by the resentment within the castle, repeatedly experiencing the brutal deaths of the young girls while fully conscious. This torment would persist for many years until their lives ended, and even then, their souls would continue to be punished.
Prince Ai Ke quickly launched a coup, seized the throne, and placed the King under house arrest. Prince Ai Ke’s ascension to the throne was the will of the people, and the entire nation was jubilant. Naturally, Lou Sha also became the Queen.
As for Tianmiao, Ai Ke conferred the title of Duke upon her. Tianmiao declined vast tracts of land and slaves, asking only for a castle. This decision left many nobles utterly bewildered.
Tianmiao wasn’t in a hurry to leave this world. She spent her days at her castle having afternoon tea with Lou Sha, going hunting together, and then admiring the jewelry and fine dresses passed down from the royal court.
Lou Sha often sent people to deliver a variety of exquisitely styled crowns, brooches, and necklaces, along with lace dresses with immense skirts to Tianmiao. Then, whenever she felt like it, she and Tianmiao would change clothes and dress up together. Yet, most of the time, she preferred watching Tianmiao wear those beautiful dresses and shine with jewelry. She believed Tianmiao was the most gorgeous person in the world, unmatched by anyone.
When Ai Ke finished his official duties, hoping to relax with his beloved, it had already become a luxury. After meetings, when he asked where the Queen was, the answer was always with Duke Tianmiao.
One day, Ai Ke finished dealing with documents sent from different regions, put down his quill pen, and stood up in good spirits, asking the person next to him, "Where is the Queen? Send someone to tell her that I’ll join her for afternoon tea today and ask if she wants to go hunting tomorrow to unwind."
The person questioned wore a complicated expression and hesitated to speak.
"What’s wrong? Is the Queen ill?" Ai Ke frowned.
"No, no, it’s not that. The Queen has gone to Duke Tianmiao’s again."
"What? Gone again? This Tianmiao is overstepping bounds, enticing the Queen every day. What is this?!" Ai Ke’s previously delightful mood turned foul in an instant, and he roared furiously.
Everyone around bowed their heads, not daring to make a sound. Yet, inwardly they were frantically critiquing. You’re acting so tough here, but why not shout at the Queen directly? In front of the Queen, you act like a meek little rabbit. And what do you mean by Duke Tianmiao enticing the Queen every day? Clearly, it’s the Queen who goes to "bother" Duke Tianmiao every day, isn’t it? When has Duke Tianmiao ever invited the Queen? It seems she never needs to; the Queen goes looking for Duke Tianmiao daily.
"Prepare the horse. I’m going to find the Queen." Ai Ke shouted vehemently.
When Ai Ke arrived with his entourage at Tianmiao’s castle, he dismounted, threw the reins to his guard, and walked briskly inside.
The housekeeper of the duchy hurried forward to greet them and was just about to bow when Ai Ke waved him off: "Where are the Queen and Duke Tianmiao?"
"In the back garden." The housekeeper followed close behind Ai Ke in response.
Ai Ke quickened his pace towards the back garden.
As soon as he entered the garden, he heard Lou Sha’s joyful laughter.
Hearing Lou Sha’s laughter, Ai Ke couldn’t help but smile.