The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 154 : An Unusual Move

Translated by : Mazu

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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As soon as Xiao Shao emerged from the palace and mounted his horse, Jin Er appeared and knelt in front of him. His always sardonic countenance displayed a rare solemnity. "It's bad, Master. Miss Jiang has been taken to prison."

Xiao Shao's eyes narrowed. "What happened?"

"Fourth Prince and several palace maids witnessed Miss Jiang kill Princess He Yi. People soon arrived, and the evidence was conclusive. Imperial Consort Shu was enraged and pleaded with the Emperor to make a decision. The Empress had no choice but to direct the Ministry of Justice officers to imprison Miss Jiang."

"When did this happen?" Xiao Shao asked with a frown.

"At noon." Jin Er answered. Xiao Shao had other business to attend to in the palace. Therefore, Jin Er was only able to catch up with him just before he left, three hours after Jiang Ruan had been arrested. The matter was much more urgent this time than in the past because Princess He Yi was the Emperor's beloved daughter. Despite her mischievous nature, the bond between father and daughter remained strong. Thus the murder of Princess He Yi was reason enough for the Emperor to deal with Jiang Ruan in a rage.

Xiao Shao reversed the horse's direction. "Go to the Ministry of Justice and look into it." Before he raised the whip, he heard another voice. "Master!"

Jin San rushed over, took a quick glance around, and whispered, "Tian Zhu wishes to see you."

Tian Zhu was Jiang Ruan's personal maid. Jin Er and Jin San exchanged glances. They were familiar with Jiang Ruan's character. As a person who refused to compromise, it was inevitable that she had not anticipated the situation, or else she had done it on purpose. Tian Zhu's current visit could only be to relay Jiang Ruan's message.

"Tell her to come to Yi Bao Pavilion," Xiao Shao said after a brief thought.

Outside, the more people there were, the more chances to be seen. Tian Zhu was, after all, Jiang Ruan's maid. If she were seen by a calculating person, it could inevitably cause them to raise a fuss. Therefore, by meeting at Yi Bao Pavilion, he would obtain the information unimpeded.

Jin San accepted the order and left.

Before the time it took for an incense stick to completely burn, Xiao Shao was sitting in Yi Bao Pavilion's secret room. Tian Zhu bowed and knelt. "Master."

"What did she say?" Xiao Shao asked.

"Miss didn't say anything.' Tian Zhu responded.

A strange glint flashed in Xiao Shao's dark eyes as he pursed his lips and lowered his gaze. Jin Er and Jin San, who stood nearby, were astonished. They assumed Jiang Ruan had requested Tian Zhu to bring a letter. What did it imply that she had said nothing? So, Jiang Ruan had no message to convey through Tian Zhu to Xiao Shao?

"Miss had already anticipated what would happen today." Without waiting for Xiao Shao to inquire, Tian Zhu revealed the information herself. "She indeed orchestrated the death of Princess He Yi. She did not, however, kill Princess He Yi. Someone else murdered the Princess, but she was framed. She has already made preparations. Long ago, she requested that I deliver a letter to Great Master Hui Jue who will serve as her trump card. Master should not be overly concerned."

After some consideration, Xiao Shao said, "Tell me everything that has happened over the past few days."

"Does Master want to help Miss?" Tian Zhu asked, raising her head.

Xiao Shao cast a glance at her. "Yes."

"You shouldn't do it, Master." Tian Zhu asserted. "Miss has made her decision. Master should refrain from intervening in this matter."