The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband

21-25

Chapter 21 – Seduction

Not long after the royal court sent people to Lingnan, the whole matter had a sudden dramatic change. Several confidential letters of Bai Xingzhi colluded with the enemy were directly submitted to the Emperor's table by the Imperial Censor. Once the Emperor read it, he was furious and unknowing what had been discussed after an immediate audience with the Privy Envoy, Wang Jian, the Emperor charged from the imperial study to Pingyang Palace in rage.

Looking around at the inner courtyard of the Imperial Palace, there was nowhere that could compare to Pingyang Palace in terms of splendour. Not to mention the decoration and furnishings, solely the reception halls, there were three. Not even the Queen Mother's Hanzhang Palace had such specifications, which showed the Emperor's doting on Bai Zhixuan. But these tokens of splendor bestowment were now like the Yama's palace where it was gloomy and dark while the air was idling densely. The moment the Emperor walked passed, all the servants were kneeling prostrate in tremble and dared not take a deep breath, fearing of losing their heads.

[T/N: Yama (阎罗 – Yánluó) – King of Hell]

Who didn't know the Emperor was here to condemn?

When the last door was opened in front of the Emperor, a plainly dressed Bai Zhixuan barged into his sight. She was kneeling with a straight back at his feet, with an appearance of being contrite and asking for pardon. The Emperor halted his steps and sneered at her with a mocking smile, "Looks like the beloved Imperial Concubine is very well-informed with the news. Your stance was ready before We[1] has even arrived."

After that, his fierce eyes slightly narrowed as he coldly swept over everyone in the hall with a vaguely impending eruption of an unbridled fury. Under such a strong oppression, the air immediately became thinner and the sense of dreadness spread within everyone's mind.

"Your Majesty, Chenqie[2] is guilty."

Bai Zhixuan leaned over and kowtowed. Although her distinct voice broke through the tensed atmosphere, yet it was useless, just like pouring a bucket of water into the magma as it hadn't eased up the Emperor's expression. He even clasped his hands behind his back and stared at her condescendingly as he said, "Then beloved Imperial Concubine, do tell what is your crime?"

"Chenqie's clan younger uncle had committed a heinous crime disregarding the life and death of the common people. Chenqie has failed the Emperor's benevolence for being ignorant and never aware of it. Furthermore, Chenqie is ashamed to face the populace of Lingnan and is asking Your Majesty to also punish Chenqie to quell the people's grievances."

The words that Bai Zhixuan spoke were forceful and upright, with tears in her eyes as well as a straightened neck, as if she was truly determined to bear this heinous guilt and any of the Emperor's punishment. The Emperor was silent for a long while before he raised his sleeve slightly and waved for the retreat of the servants.

Bai Zhixuan's heart suddenly felt at ease.

Preemptive strike was always right. The fact of Bai Xingzhi colluded with the enemy had now been irrefutably proofed and there was no way to deny it. It would be better for her to admit it frankly while betting with her life that perhaps the Emperor would spare the crime of implication for the Bai family due to his favoritism on her. Looking at the current situation, the Emperor was likely relented and she wasn't wrong taking this step.

While she was having this thought, the Emperor's voice suddenly resounded in her ears like fluttering snowflakes with utmost chillness.

"Think carefully beloved Imperial Concubine, what else you haven't told Us?"

Bai Zhixuan immediately became alert. Both hands were trembling in her sleeves, yet she replied with unyielding calmness, "Chenqie dares not conceal anything and requesting Your Majesty to indicate clearly as Chenqie will certainly not hide anything."

As soon as the voice fell, the Emperor suddenly turned around and clutched her neck as he violently dragged her from the ground to face his ruthless expression. Her state of mind instantly became completely scattered as she reached out to push him. He stood absolutely still. Under such struggle, a thump sound was heard. A celadon crane lamp was flicked to the ground, broken into pieces.

Since retreating outside, Xing'er had been feeling restless while guarding the door. When she heard the loud noise, she rushed in regardless of the social etiquettes. Seeing the violence that the Emperor had against Bai Zhixuan, she immediately fell on her knees and cried out, "Your Majesty, Niang-niang truly didn't know anything! Please spare Niang-niang!"

"Damn Nucai[3], even you dare to bark in front of Us!"

With one foot, the Emperor kicked her away then immediately turned his head to scowl at Bai Zhixuan. The strength on his hand was getting stronger, seemingly wanting to throttle her to death here. Bai Zhixuan's face turned purplish as she gasped for breath. Both of her hands tightly clutched onto the Emperor's wrist when she squeezed out several words with difficulty.

"Chenqie..... Wronged...."