The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

76

It had already been more than half a month since Noble Lady Ye was murdered. However, there still hadn’t been much progress made in that case. Xihe Palace gradually grew unfrequented, so much so that other palaces borrowed their staff.　　

The change that occurred from merely half a month plus was this great. Zhuang Laoyan could not help but sigh in sorrow. In a place like the imperial harem, people’s masks changed so rapidly. People used all their efforts to curry favor and step on others.　　

In some cases, it was unsuitable to take the initiative to attack. However, it was also unsuitable to sit and wait for death. Therefore, it was usually best to take on a different approach. Zhuang Laoyan had never been the type of person who resigned to their fate or rashly attacked. As such, once she made a move, it had to be ruthless enough. Dependable enough.　　

At night, the temperature was akin to cold water. Reflected on the calm surface of the lotus pond was a crescent moon. A slight breeze, and the crescent moon swayed with the waves, a beauty that could not be put into words. It was at this moment that a bang erupted. The crescent moon on the pond surface shook violently, fracturing into many pieces of silvery light.　　

“Someone come! Her Highness Xianrong Zhao fell into the water!”　　　　

“Hurry! Hurry and save her!”　　

It was already the period of Zhi. Lying on Noble Lady Qian’s bed drowsily, Feng Jin heard sounds from the outside. He frowned and opened his eyes. “What’s making that ruckus outside?”

“Your Majesty, the steward eunuch of Xihe Palace requests for an audience,” said Gao Dezhong, beyond the curtains. “The steward eunuch’s expression seemed urgent. This slave thinks something serious happened.”　　

At the sound of the words, Feng Jin sat up. Noble Lady Qian, who had been lying next to him, also sat up. In a flurry, she draped his robe over his shoulders. “Your Majesty, it’s already the period of Zhi. How about we summon the steward eunuch inside and ask him what happened? It’s cold outside.”　　

“We know what kind of person Xihe Palace’s steward eunuch is. If it’s not something urgent, he won’t make a fuss to want to see Us.” Feng Jin had his servants help him dress as Gao Dezhong arranged for his imperial sedan.　　　　

Noble Lady Qian looked at the emperor’s bearing, her expression dimming a hint. At once, she stepped forward and helped Feng Jin dress. However, he waved her off. “These things can be done by the servants. You don’t have to lift a finger.” 

Was it that she didn’t need to lift a finger, or was it that he thought she wasn’t as nimble as the servants?　　

Watching as the emperor practically finished dressing in the blink of an eye, Noble Lady Qian hesitated for a moment, before following him out the bedroom. Once she exited the room, she saw a chubby eunuch kneeling on the ground. His hair was in disarray. The ends of his robes were peppered with mud. In all likelihood, he had rushed over. 　　　　

“Your Majesty, Her Highness is in danger. Begging Your Majesty to act for Her Highness—”　　

“Talk as we go. We can tell it’s something serious.” Feng Jin had merely stopped in his tracks for a moment, before continuing outside.　　

At first, Fu Bao was startled. Then he quickly got up and followed after him.　　

“Speak. Just what happened?” Feng Jin sat on his imperial sedan, expressionless. In the dim light of night, it seemed grave.　　 

“Reporting to Your Majesty, these past few days Her Highness was fond of sitting by the lotus pond before going to bed. Tonight, Tingzhu and Yunxi accompanied Master in sitting there. Her Highness said she felt a bit hungry, so one of the palace maids went to get some light refreshments. Shortly after Tingzhu left, Yunxi heard someone drop and shatter a teacup. She thought it was Miss Tingzhu, so went to take a look. Who would have known that during this period, they would hear a splash. When they ran back to the pond, they discovered that Master had fallen in,” said Fu Bao, tone one of urgency. It had been difficult being coherent and chronological.