Intimidation Coming From Imperial Daughter Ji An
Fang Yi could see Feng Yu Heng's reaction but believed that she just wished to avoid doing anything to arouse suspicion, resulting in her no longer moving forward. Lifting the curtain, she went in first and said: "Your Highness, imperial daughter Ji An has arrived, saying that she will take a look at your illness."
At first, the Empress had been a bit unhappy from hearing what imperial concubine Yuan Shu had said. In addition to her body not being well, upon hearing that Feng Yu Heng had arrived, a bit of joy finally appeared on her face: "Quickly invite the imperial daughter in." After saying this, she glanced at imperial concubine Yuan Shu and warned: "When it comes to certain things, do not speak nonsense. Old ninth's wife is not someone that is easy to handle. Be careful that a dignified imperial concubine Shu will not be able to handle this situation."
Just after her warning was given, she saw Feng Yu Heng walking in behind Fang Yi. At first, she bowed to the Empress, saying: "A-Heng greets your Highness the Empress. Your Highness, please be assured."
The Empress was all smiles, quickly having Fang Yi help her stand up. She then said: "Over the past few days, this One has been thinking about you. If you didn't come for this illness, perhaps it could not be treated."
"Your Highness, don't worry. Hasn't A-Heng arrived!" She smiled and stepped forward. Looking at imperial concubine Yuan Shu, she grandly said: "This noble madam appears to be familiar. Thinking about it, I must have seen her at one of the imperial banquets; however, which imperial concubine is she?"
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu felt that she had lost face. In any case, she was the eighth prince's birth mother, yet this imperial daughter Ji An had said that she did not recognize her. With a fake smile, she said: "This One is his Majesty's imperial concubine Shu. You may greet me!"
Feng Yu Heng smiled and did not argue with her too much. She just bowed and said: "Greetings to imperial concubine Shu." She then stood up on her own without wasting any words with imperial concubine Shu. Walking over to the Empress' side, she did not say anything before grabbing the Empress' wrist to begin the examination.
While checking the Empress' pulse, imperial concubine Yuan Shu did not continue to speak; however, she continued to sit there, reluctant to leave. She wanted to see what sort of illness it was.
After being examined for a short while, Feng Yu Heng let go and told the Empress: "There isn't anything too seriously wrong. It's just physical weakness. You will just need to take some supplements."
The Empress sighed: "The imperial physicians also said this, and I haven't had any shortage of supplements, but it does not seem to be improving. This One always feels powerless. At the start, I could still walk around in the yard; however, even getting out of bed is difficult now."
"Oh?" Feng Yu Heng was not too surprised. Getting sick in the imperial palace made it harder to get better than getting sick outside. First, the imperial physicians were more conservative, not daring to use some of the more potent medicines. Second, there were too many steps in the preparation of Chinese medicine. Any mistake on any step would result in a change in the quality of the medicine. This small mistake was also quite unexpected. She said to Fang Yi: "I will trouble aunty with retrieving the medicine being used by her Highness. If there is a medicine that has been prepared, bring it over for me to see."
Fang Yi glanced at the Empress, and the Empress nodded: "Go ahead."
She turned around and left. When she returned, she held a medicine along with the prescription. Behind her was a palace maid carrying the prepared medicine. It had a thick and bitter smell that caused imperial concubine Yuan Shu to frown.
Feng Yu Heng looked at the prescription then looked at the prepared medicine. Without even needing to look, she could determine what kinds of medicinal herbs were placed inside. After verifying the prescription, she handed it back to Fang Yi and said to the Empress: "There's no real problem with the medicine. It's just that the imperial physicians have always been too conservative. The dosage of the medicine was a bit light, which caused the recovery to be a bit slower."
The Empress frowned: "The medicine is already so bitter, yet the dosage is still low?"
Feng Yu Heng told her: "It's not the case that the more bitter a medicine, the more medicine there is. Whether medicine is bitter or not is unrelated to the effectiveness of the medicine." While she spoke, she reached into her sleeve and felt around with her consciousness. Very quickly, she pulled out a few boxes of Chinese medical pills. "Your Highness, take these medicines." She placed the medicine on the table, "Three times a day, one pill each time. You will be better after finishing these boxes."
"Really?" The Empress' eyes lit up. After opening up the boxes to look at the medicine, she could not help but rejoice, "I finally don't need to drink those bitter medical soups. A-Heng, you don't know this, but someone that isn't sick will become a bit sick after drinking those medical soups. It's really your stuff that's the best. Even smelling it, there's a faint smell of fruit. This means it definitely won't be disgusting to eat."
Feng Yu Heng smiled and said: "There are some haws inside that help with the bitterness. When eating it, there won't be any bitterness. There will just be a bit of a sour taste. It will taste a bit like a plum."
Upon hearing this, the Empress immediately wanted to eat one, "It's perfect. I won't need to drink this bowl of medical soup. This One will eat one right now."
She helped to remove the packaging and placed a medical pill the size of a ping pong ball in the Empress' hand, "Your Highness can eat it like a fruit, one bite at a time. If you wish to drink water while eating it, you can drink water. If you don't want to drink water, just finish eating it all before drinking some."
The Empress went straight ahead. Sure enough, the taste was quite good. For someone that had become accustomed to drinking Chinese medical soups, this sort of medical pill that had some fruit taste added to it was truly a godsend.
Fang Yi saw that the Empress did not reject it and also felt at ease. She then began to thank Feng Yu Heng.
Feng Yu Heng politely said: "Aunty, there is no need to continue giving thanks. After returning from a trip far away, I should have brought some fresh things for her Highness. Unfortunately, there was an avalanche in Qian Zhou, and we were only focused on rescuing people from the disaster. We were unable to bring anything nice back."
The Empress quickly expressed herself: "The matters of the country are most important. This One has long since passed the age of those trinkets. Instead, I've troubled you with thinking about it. With a person like you at his Highness the ninth prince's side, thinking about it... younger sister Yun really can feel at ease."
After thinking about it long and hard, she still brought it up. After all, although what imperial concubine Yuan Shu had said was preposterous, imperial concubine Yuan Shu was someone that had been in the imperial palace for a long time. She should know what sort of thing she should not say. Over the years, she had never spoken carelessly. She was also worried that if this matter was true, as the Empress of the palace, she would be the one that had to bear the brunt of the responsibility!
Feng Yu Heng had been able to guess the gist of the situation; however, she continued to feign ignorance. She only replied to the Empress' question on a surface level: "A-Heng is very grateful to have received favor from his Majesty, your Highness and imperial concubine mother Yun."
The Empress praised her for being understanding. The two chatted very intimately for a while until Feng Yu Heng saw that the Empress looked a bit tired. Only then did she bring up the main reason she had entered the palace: "A-Heng came today with a request of your Highness."
"Oh?" The Empress heard this and rejoiced. Feng Yu Heng very rarely made any requests of her, thus she quickly said: "Speak. If it can be done, this One will definitely help you."
Feng Yu Heng said: "It's nothing major. My eldest cousin is about to get married, and my cousin's fiancee had some accessories made at my jewelry store. As a result, right before the wedding date, my clerk accidentally broke them. Having them fixed right now will not allow them to make it in time. The craftsmen in the shop do not have the skills, thus I wanted to ask your Highness to see if I could borrow craftsman Bai for a few days, have him help resolve A-Heng's problem."
The Empress was startled, "How big of a matter is this?" She then said to Fang Yi: "Immediately give the word. Have craftsman Bai leave the palace today to help imperial daughter."
Fang Yi nodded and went to inform the servants. Feng Yu Heng had already accomplished her goals, thus she did not continue to remain. It was just that right before leaving, she glanced at imperial concubine Yuan Shu and left behind: "Imperial concubine Shu, there are many disputes in the palace. Talking ill of someone behind their back is not good. I hope that imperial concubine will take care of yourself."
"You." Imperial concubine Yuan Shu never thought that Feng Yu Heng would suddenly counterattack like this. She immediately became furious and shouted: "Impudent! A lowly imperial daughter from outside the family actually dares to speak like this to this One! What sort of punishment do you think that is!"
Feng Yu Heng replied in an even tone, asking her: "Imperial concubine, what sort of punishment do you think it should be?"
"Of course, the death penalty!" Imperial concubine Yuan Shu's Yue Xiu interjected, "Even if imperial daughter is coddled outside, our imperial concubine is a proper master. She is someone that has given birth to a prince. Could it be that imperial daughter feels that your own identity is even more respectable than imperial concubine Shu?"
Feng Yu Heng sneered and turned to ask the Empress: "If a palace maid speaks like this to A-Heng, your Highness, how do you think it should be handled?"
The Empress took a few deep breaths. She knew that Feng Yu Heng had naturally heard what was said earlier. Now, she had set her mind on letting imperial concubine Yuan Shu get a good look. In truth, what imperial concubine Yuan Shu's group had said was not wrong. Even if the imperial daughter is coddled, her standing could not compare to that of an imperial concubine that had given birth to a prince. But this imperial daughter was not a normal imperial daughter. She was not the same as Qing Le of the past. She was someone that had produced steel for Da Shun and created the Divine Intent Army. During the disaster, she had saved refugees. She was someone with merits. Every single one of her accomplishments made it so that even she, the Empress, would need to welcome her with a smile, yet the lowly imperial concubine Shu did not even place her in her eyes.
The Empress did not think too much about it, her expression sinking, as she said to Fang Yi: "Slap her across the face."
Fang Yi did not say anything and went forward to slap Yue Xiu 20 times across the face.
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu was dazed in fear. She never thought that Feng Yu Heng would actually be so domineering. Nor did she think that the Empress would be so protective. How should she continue speaking?
Yue Xiu had already dropped to her knees in fear, no longer daring to say another word. Imperial concubine Yuan Shu looked at the scene before her and gritted her teeth, saying: "This One will definitely go to his Majesty to file a complaint! Imperial daughter Ji An, just you wait."
Feng Yu Heng, however, did not care for her words, only saying: "Imperial concubine Shu, do as you please. A-Heng will bid farewell."
She bid farewell then left the palace. Fang Yi personally sent her out. While walking, she quietly asked Feng Yu Heng: "Imperial daughter was a little vague earlier, and this servant wished to ask once more. Was there really nothing wrong with her Highness' medicine?"
Fang Yi had taken care of the Empress for over 20 years. She was very thorough in her thoughts. The matter of the medicine had left her feeling a little off.
Feng Yu Heng heard the question and did not hide it, saying: "In truth, what I said was not too vague. It was indeed the case that the imperial physicians did not use enough of medicine."
Fang Yi could catch a glimpse of the true meaning: "Just how little?"
She replied: "Aside from being bitter, there was no use at all."
"Hiss!" Fang Yi inhaled sharply. These words made it clear that it was not that the Empress' illness was not improving with the help of the medicine. Instead, it was that she did not take any medicine. She had just spent a few months drinking bitter soup. She became furious, "Who would be so bold? Have the people at the imperial physicians' college become tired of living?"
Feng Yu Heng lowered her voice and said: "The origin of this might not be related to the imperial physicians' college. Aunty, do not raise your voice. If you can't investigate this openly, you must defend against it secretly. Is this an infrequent occurrence in the palace?"
Fang Yi nodded and respectfully said: "Many thanks imperial daughter for the advice. This servant will definitely report on this advice to her Highness. Our Jing Ci Palace will remember it."
Feng Yu Heng smiled and did not say anything else. Only after she left the palace and was seated in her imperial carriage did Wang Chuan pat her chest and say: "Young miss is also quite bold. That imperial concubine Yuan Shu is the eighth prince's imperial concubine mother. She also has a bit of power in the palace, yet young miss actually dares to speak to her like that."
Feng Yu Heng's expression sank but helplessly shook her head. What could she do if she was not forceful? Although she did not hear too much about imperial concubine Yun's matters, it was not too hard to guess. She feared that imperial concubine Yuan Shu did not have any good intentions. She absolutely could not allow her to expose this matter. She hoped that the intimidation from today would cause imperial concubine Yuan Shu to think about it carefully. After all, whether it was imperial concubine Yun or the ninth prince, these were not people that could be offended lightly.
"Has his Highness said when he will be returning to the capital?" She asked Wang Chuan.
Wang Chuan smiled and said: "If we went to pick up imperial concubine, she should be able to return today."
Feng Yu Heng let out a long sigh and said: "I just hope that they can make it in time!"
However, at this time, the carriage that had been speeding along suddenly stopped. The horses cried out, and the driver shouted: "What sort of person dares to stop imperial daughter's carriage?"
The Emperor's Reverse Scale
Feng Yu Heng's imperial carriage was stopped, and the driver could not stop himself from cursing. Huang Quan quickly stood up and lifted the curtain to look outside. They heard her let out a shocked "ah" sound then turn around and say to Feng Yu Heng: "It's craftsman Bai." At the same time, she informed the driver: "It's someone that we know."
Feng Yu Heng said at this time: "Quickly invite craftsman Bai into the carriage." As she spoke, she stood up and personally helped craftsman Bai into the carriage, calling him: "Uncle Bai."
Craftsman Bai quickly waved his hands, repeatedly saying: "I don't dare, I don't dare. This old one will salute imperial daughter." As he spoke, he moved to kneel.
Feng Yu Heng quickly stopped him and urgently said: "Uncle, there is no need to be so courteous. Just based on the relationship between Fu Rong and me, I should be calling you uncle. Quickly come in and sit."
Craftsman Bai did not continue to act reserved. Moving into the imperial carriage, he sat to the side and happened to sit across from Wang Chuan and Huang Quan. The carriage then continued forward.
Wang Chuan saw that he was a little bit flustered, and there was a bit of sweat on his forehead. After sitting down, he would occasionally lift the curtain and look out. She could not help but feel curious and asked: "What sort of person is craftsman Bai trying to avoid?" While speaking, she used the teapot that had been prepared for the carriage to pour him a cup of tea.
Craftsman Bai received it and downed it in one gulp before saying: "Not to hide it from imperial daughter, but this old one just received an imperial order saying that imperial daughter invited me to help fix some jewelry, thus I was permitted to leave the palace. This old one has been kept inside the palace for nearly a year. Having finally been let out of the palace, I should have been waiting for imperial daughter at the gate of the palace, but because we did not exit through the same gate, with the workshop being on the opposite side of the inner palace, this old one was thinking of going back to the manor first to see Fu Rong. As a result, I kept feeling as though there was someone following me the entire time. After looking back a few times, I did not see anyone, but that feeling continued to linger. At that time, I happened to see imperial daughter's imperial carriage. Only then did I summon the courage to stop you."
"Someone was following?" Feng Yu Heng frowned then raised her voice to call into the air: "Ban Zou, go and take a look."
She just heard a faint sound that could hardly be noticed and knew that it had to be Ban Zou leaving. Calming herself down, she said to craftsman Bai: "I will naturally investigate this matter. Uncle can feel at ease."
Craftsman Bai nodded then asked Feng Yu Heng: "I heard that imperial daughter wanted to have this old one help with fixing some accessories?"
Feng Yu Heng recounted what had happened between the Lu family and Phoenix Pavilion from the previous day. Craftsman Bai heard this then snorted coldly, saying: "Since this is for imperial daughter and the Yao family, it should be done, but if it was for the Lu family alone, this old one definitely would not accept this."
Feng Yu Heng said with a smile: "If it was just for the Lu family, A-Heng would not have brought uncle out of the palace. Of course..." She lowered her voice and said, "Fixing the accessories is merely an excuse. Most importantly, I wanted to bring uncle out of the palace."
Everyone present was smart. Craftsman Bai had been in the palace for such a long time. There really were jobs that he could not finish and had been forcefully kept there. Although he did not have any clues, he was still able to more or less guess the reason. Hearing Feng Yu Heng speak, his thoughts became even more resolute. But the current imperial carriage was not a great place to talk. Changing the subject, he said to Feng Yu Heng: "The tools for working on accessories are all at my manor. Imperial daughter, do you want me to work from my manor or from Phoenix Pavilion?"
Feng Yu Heng shook her head, "Neither place is safe. Uncle will follow me back to the imperial daughter's manor as a guest. As for those tools, I will naturally send someone to fetch them."
The two continued along without saying another word, and they very quickly arrived in front of the imperial daughter's manor.
Huang Quan helped craftsman Bai out of the carriage, while Wang Chuan helped Feng Yu Heng out. Everyone went straight back to Feng Yu Heng's courtyard. Feng Yu Heng waved her hand and dismissed the servants that took care of the courtyard. Only then did she bring craftsman Bai into the hall of a smaller courtyard.
Craftsman Bai could no longer bear to wait. Upon entering the room, he immediately asked: "Imperial daughter, do you know where Fu Rong is?"
Feng Yu Heng replied with a question: "Where does uncle think she might be?"
"This..." Craftsman Bai was a little hesitant. Normally speaking, Bai Fu Rong ought to be in the manor, but he had been in the palace for numerous months, and things had become more and more dangerous over the months. At this point, even leaving the palace caused him to feel as though someone was pursuing him. Bai Fu Rong's safety was no longer ensured.
He discussed the feelings in his heart with Feng Yu Heng. Feng Yu Heng did not continue to hide it from him. She recounted how Qian Zhou's people had secretly found Bai Fu Rong and told her about everything. Aside from precisely which sort of poison Bai Fu Rong had been afflicted with, she did not hide anything.
Craftsman Bai never thought that the situation outside would have developed to such a degree. When he heard that Bai Fu Rong had actually followed the Army to Qian Zhou, he felt even more shocked; however, the things that Feng Yu Heng was talking about, even if he did not participate in them, he knew for certain that she was telling the truth. First, there was no need for Feng Yu Heng to trick him. Second, in regards to the things that had happened between him and Kang Yi many years ago, if Qian Zhou's side did not wish to expose it, it would have been impossible for Feng Yu Heng to find out.
He let out a long sigh then nodded. He acknowledged his ill-fated relationship. At the same time, he told Feng Yu Heng: "In truth, Fu Rong is older than Ru Jia. After we escaped to Da Shun, we feared that our identities would be exposed, thus I had her registration changed after she grew up a little more. I also registered her birth year as being two years later. Imperial daughter..." He asked a little anxiously: "How is Fu Rong currently?"
"Please be at ease." She told craftsman Bai, "My grandfather, Yao Xian, is doing his best to cure her. I am just keeping her alive. In regards to those accessories, fix them slowly. There is no rush."
Craftsman Bai let out a long sigh. He knew that the situation was complicated, thus he did not continue to ask. With Feng Yu Heng's guarantee, he trusted that everything would pass some day. Qian Zhou had fallen, and Kang Yi had died. Even his old bones began to smell of dirt. How many more years could he hold on for? Eventually, he hoped that he could see his daughter live comfortably in this life.
Huang Quan escorted craftsman Bai to the guest courtyard then brought all of the tools from the Bai manor to the courtyard. Craftsman Bai dove straight into his work and did not speak with another person.
After Feng Yu Heng and imperial concubine Yuan Shu finished arguing in Jing Ci Palace, the Empress leaned back against the heated brick bed with a look of anxiety. Fang Yi carefully took care of her from the side, peeling grapes for her, one at a time.
The Empress looked at the peeled grapes and suddenly asked Fang Yi: "Say, just how much do you trust what imperial concubine Yuan Shu said?"
Fang Yi momentarily stopped peeling grapes before starting up again. At the same time, she replied: "As this servant sees it, whether or not imperial concubine Yun is in the palace is another matter, but imperial concubine Yuan Shu's list of strange occurrences does not seem to have been made up on the spot."
"Saying it like this, there are indeed some strange movements from Winter Moon Palace?" She thought for a bit then asked uncertainly: "That imperial concubine Yun has always been odd. If she suddenly changed her disposition, that would not be too strange."
Fang Yi nodded, "Indeed, the place hardest to get a grasp on is the Winter Moon Palace, and his Majesty protects it fiercely. Not a single outsider is able to get inside. If we truly do believe imperial concubine Yuan Shu's words, and your Highness moves to take action, if imperial concubine Yun is still perfectly fine in her palace, that would be a huge crime. Wouldn't his Majesty end up punishing your Highness?"
"But what if imperial concubine Yun really is not there?" The Empress smiled bitterly, "If she really is not there, this One with my status as the Empress would also be punished severely for not even being able to keep an eye on imperial concubines that have escaped. Imperial concubine Yun, oh imperial concubine Yun, you really have caused a big problem for this One."
Fang Yi placed the bowl of peeled grapes in front of the Empress, "Your Highness, eat a bit. These are seedless grapes that were just brought into the palace. This servant found them to be sweet when peeling them."
How could the Empress be in the mood to eat. Looking at the bowl of grapes, it was as though she was looking at a bowl of bitter medical soup. This caused her to pick up the pills that Feng Yu Heng had left behind, saying with joy: "That girl really is resourceful. She's even able to produce this sort of medicine. It's really a good thing that she has some filial feelings. Otherwise, this One would have a hard time recovering."
Fang Yi helplessly said: "There is a matter that this servant did not want to mention, fearing that it would disrupt your Highness' recovery. I even thought about investigating it privately, only reporting once things were sorted out. But after thinking about it, I don't even know where to begin. I can only ask your Highness for some sort of ideas." She told the Empress about what Feng Yu Heng had said earlier then asked: "Your Highness, should the investigation of this matter start from the imperial physicians' college or the inner palace?"
The Empress did not speak for a long time. It seemed as though she was thinking about something. It was only when Fang Yi was about to ask once more did she hear her faintly say: "There are many things happening in the palace, and someone finally began plotting against this One. What can be done if it's investigated? If someone dared to do this, it means that they don't fear being investigated because nothing can be turned up. Over the years, has there been any shortage of unclear and unjust cases in the palace?"
"Your Highness means... that we won't investigate?"
"I did not say that we will not investigate. It's just that it's not a priority." The Empress' mind was filled with whether or not imperial concubine Yun was in the palace. If she did not figure this out clearly, she would be left feeling uneasy.
Fang Yi thought for a bit then said: "This servant feels that there is only one person that we can work with on this matter. That person is imperial daughter. Regardless of whether or not imperial concubine Yun is in the palace, we need to keep an eye on imperial concubine Yuan Shu's side. Once there is any movement from her side, we need to immediately send a message out of the palace. As for what should be done, thinking about it, if something really went wrong, imperial daughter and his Highness the ninth prince should be feeling even more anxious than we are. If nothing is wrong, it can be considered as providing her with a favor."
The Empress nodded, praising Fang Yi: "You really are getting smarter and smarter." Once this idea was brought up, her mood improved, and she began tossing grapes into her mouth, "Un, they really are sweet." After thinking a bit more, she reminded: "Watch your mouth. This matter must not make its way to his Majesty's ears. He is likely to become rash once he hears about imperial concubine Yun. The court must not fall into chaos because of this!"
Speaking of Cun Shan Palace, after imperial concubine Yuan Shu had been intimidated by Feng Yu Heng, she felt a little hesitant. Thinking carefully, she felt that she had been too rash earlier. Although imperial concubine Yun did not occupy the most powerful position in the palace, her value in the Emperor's heart was different. Not a single person in this palace, including the Empress, could get into the Emperor's heart. The reason for this was that the Emperor had once left the palace and met imperial concubine Yun in a mountain village. Ever since he had imperial concubine Yun, he did not add another concubine to the palace. Over the years, he had remained alone in Zhao He Hall, living like a eunuch. His interactions with the Empress were only for show. When it came to the imperial concubines, he did not even want to go through the motions.
This sort of existence, once she poked at it, regardless of whether or not it succeeded, she would have poked at the Emperor's reverse scale. If she succeeded, she would not be able to regain the Emperor's heart. If she failed, she would be beyond redemption.
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu thought it through carefully and could not help but begin to feel afraid. Trembling, her back straightened up completely. Just as she was about to tell Yue Xiu to never bring it up again, she saw the lame eunuch, Rong Zhen, enter once more and quietly say to her: "Master, there is movement over at Winter Moon Palace once more."
TN: A reverse scale refers to a spot on a dragon that, when touched, would result in the dragon flying into a rage.
The Emperor Attacks Winter Moon Palace
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu, who had just decided to give up on the matter, suddenly had her interest piqued by Rong Zhen. It would be fine just to listen, right? She asked Rong Zhen: "What happened?"
Yue Xiu quickly closed the door before Rong Zhen said: "His Majesty and Zhang Yuan went to the Winter Moon Palace. The two are causing a huge ruckus."
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu frowned: "What sort of movement is that? Isn't this something that happens quite often?"
Rong Zhen shook his head, "This time is different. Apparently, the Emperor went over angrily. While walking, he appeared angry, even saying how dare imperial concubine Yun leave the palace. It should be the death penalty."
"Hm?" Imperial concubine Yuan Shu was startled, "His Majesty knows?" She then thought of the Empress and sneered to herself, "That old woman. She even pretended during the day to be calm to put on a show for imperial daughter Ji An. Who knew that in the blink of an eye, she went to the Emperor's side to tattle." She stood up, "Let's go and take a look."
Yue Xiu and Rong Zhen both moved to stop her, with Yue Xiu saying: "Imperial concubine, you must not go! Did you forget what happened to high-ranking imperial concubine Li?"
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu suddenly stopped in her tracks, as a memory of this imperial palace that had become covered in dust suddenly re-emerged.
She could no longer remember which year it was. She just knew that the Emperor had gone to Winter Moon Palace to randomly cause a ruckus. The palace had a high-ranking imperial concubine Li that had wanted to watch the liveliness and went over. As a result, the Emperor did not manage to get imperial concubine Yun out of the building, yet who knew that the Emperor would grab her by the neck in anger and choked her to death.
Ever since that moment, there was nobody else that dared to mess with the Emperor when he went to Winter Moon Palace. Everyone just acted as if they could not see nor hear it.
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu retraced her steps and sat back down on her heated brick bed; however, she still did not give up. She told Rong Zhen: "Find someone agile to go over and ask around."
Rong Zhen complied and limped away.
It was currently evening, and the Emperor had brought a large group of imperial guards to stand at the entrance of Winter Moon Palace with a face filled with fury. Zhang Yuan stayed at his side. He had a heavy expression and did not want to speak.
Perhaps it was because he had stared at the gates of Winter Moon Palace for too long, as the Emperor swayed a couple times, feeling a little dazed. Finally managing to stabilize himself, he shouted loudly at Winter Moon Palace: "People inside, listen up! Open the gate! Imperial concubine Yun escaping the palace on her own is something that We already know about. We have come today to capture everyone here. Everyone that participated in hiding imperial concubine Yun leaving the palace will have their extended families executed!"
This was exclaimed using an internal strength that had not been used in many years. This shout had a bit of an imposing manner. There were also torches lighting up the area, giving the scene a very nervous feeling. It seemed as though something would break out at any moment.
However, there was still no movement from the inside of Winter Moon Palace.
The Emperor did not become dejected, continuing: "We are being considerate of how imperial concubine Yun has lived here for a long time, and We have no desire to ruin it. Open the door yourselves. If you cooperate, the punishment for your extended families can be negotiated."
Off to the side, Zhang Yuan rolled his eyes. What sort of situation was this? He had lost his imposing manner in just a few sentences?
The Emperor also felt that this was a bit improper, thus he raised his voice a bit more, shouting: "Quickly open the gate! It'd be best if you don't turn down a toast and instead yearn for a loss! You must know, in this palace, who it is that truly has the final say? Don't think that We do not dare to knock down your gate. We just feel sorry for this gate and feel distressed for this Winter Moon Palace. If you continue to act dull and stupid, don't blame Us for forcing Our way in to capture everyone!"
This time, it was the imperial guards that were surrounding the area that felt incredulous. They felt that there was a grand misconception. Were they not coming with the Emperor to capture an imperial concubine that had fled the palace? Why did they feel like bandits?
The Emperor continued to speak, saying: "Secretly letting out one of the palace's imperial concubines, do you know how heavy of a crime that is? The people of Winter Moon Palace really are getting bolder and bolder! We will give you a count of ten to open the gate; otherwise, We will have no choice but to force our way in!"
This time, there was finally a voice that came from the inside. It was a young girl's voice. The Emperor could tell that it was a female hidden guard that always spoke for imperial concubine Yun, but he heard her say: "Your Majesty, it's been over 20 years. These words that you have said have come in a constant stream! You've forgotten that ever since the day Winter Moon Palace was built, you said that we servants that serve imperial concubine Yun will only listen to imperial concubine alone. Not to mention helping her escape the palace, even if she wanted to commit regicide, we would help her. What is it, could it be that your Majesty has already forgotten what you had said 20 years ago?"
The Emperor angrily gritted his teeth: "Circumstances change! We have gotten old and cannot remember everything that was said in the past! Quickly open the gate and allow yourselves to be captured!"
The female hidden guard continued: "Your Majesty, there's no point in making use of battle formations. Our imperial concubine said that if you want to play, just play around outside. Either way, she has no intention of sleeping through the long night. Just treat it as relieving her boredom! Imperial concubine also said that you can ram this Winter Moon Palace if you want. Either way, it's the imperial family's land. If it's ruined, it will be repaired using funds from the national treasury. She just happens to think that this gate is ugly and wants to bring in a new one. Attack! But your Majesty must think it through carefully. Imperial concubine said that if there comes a day when you attack the gate, the respect that exists between you two will completely disappear! This servant has conveyed imperial concubine's message. Your Majesty, please do as you see fit!" After saying this, there were no longer any more sounds.
The Emperor froze in place. Looking at the gate of Winter Moon Palace, he began another round of internal struggles. Should he attack or not? If he did not, he would have wasted this chance. If he did attack, what would happen if the venerable ancestor became angry?
He continued to remain conflicted for a long time in place. Truly unable to continue enduring, he simply prodded Zhang Yuan with his elbow: "Think of an idea!"
Zhang Yuan's mind was collapsing, and he did not want to reply. He just told the Emperor, "You are the emperor. Have you ever heard of an emperor that asks his eunuchs for ideas?"
"Isn't there one now!" The Emperor spoke in a bold and reassured manner, "Quickly, think for Us. Should We attack this gate or not."
Zhang Yuan shrugged: "Might as well attack! Didn't imperial concubine say it? She wants a new gate. If you are afraid that she will pay even less attention to you in the future, just say that you aren't attacking Winter Moon Palace. You're just changing the gate for imperial concubine Yun. Un, to get in, let this servant calculate how much it will cost to enter this gate."
Once this was said, the female hidden guard raised her voice once more: "She wants a pure gold gate!"
"Forget it!" The Emperor waved his hand and turned to leave, "We're not attacking. A pure gold gate, if We were to put up a pure gold gate and word of this was heard by the citizens, they would definitely say that I am a self-indulgent ruler! No good, no good, this plan is no good. Let's go back and think it through carefully. Is there any other way of getting her out."
Zhang Yuan quickly followed behind; however, he let out a sigh of relief on the inside. He was not afraid of anything else. He was just afraid that the people in Winter Moon Palace would fall for the trick. If they truly believed that the Emperor found out about imperial concubine Yun leaving the palace then planned to lead an attack on the palace, wouldn't this past year of silence been in vain.
Fortunate, really fortunate. In the end, the people of Winter Moon Palace were just this firm. It was clear that it was an empty city, yet they were still able to perform so well.
After the Emperor left, the imperial guards also marched off. Not long later, the palace's gate was opened slightly, and a small head poked out to look around before pulling back. The gate was closed with a "clack."
"Too scary, too scary." Inside Winter Moon Palace, a palace maid that often took care of imperial concubine Yun patted her chest and said: "This time, I really was scared to death. I thought that imperial concubine's matters were finally exposed. If his Majesty endured just a little bit longer, we really would not be able to continue hiding it."
An old granny was even more frightened than her. Dropping to the ground, she repeatedly sighed: "This old life of mine! Sooner or later, it will need to provide an explanation to the Emperor."
The female officer in charge of Winter Moon Palace, Su Yu, had people help the granny up while helplessly saying: "We can only stall for time. His Highness the ninth prince has already left the capital to receive imperial concubine. They should be able to return in a few days."
"Really?" The young palace maid smiled brightly upon hearing this. She then quickly kneeled and bowed to the East, praying: "Heavens, bless and protect, please allow imperial concubine to return quickly and safely. Please allow imperial concubine to return quickly and safely!"
This was what everyone in Winter Moon Palace desired. They had been hoping for it for nearly a year; however, they still did not catch a glimpse of imperial concubine Yun's figure. Su Yu would occasionally become flustered, and she even felt that imperial concubine Yun might not return. From that moment forward, they would need to protect the empty Winter Moon Palace. They would need to protect a master that did not even reside there. Fortunately, his Highness the ninth prince and imperial daughter had returned to the capital. Winter Moon Palace finally had some hope.
The liveliness on this side was conveyed to imperial concubine Yuan Shu by Rong Zhen. After he finished speaking, he shook his head helplessly: "It's also this servant's fault for not being thorough with my work. I never thought that this would be another one of his Majesty's tricks."
Yue Xiu also sighed, saying: "Over the years, his Majesty has expended quite a bit of energy to try and trick imperial concubine Yun into coming out. Who knew that the people of Winter Moon Palace would be so hard to trick."
Yuan Shu listened to the two and did not speak the entire time. Only after Yue Xiu called her a few times did she finally react; however, she said: "This act tonight was not done for nothing."
"Hm?" Yue Xiu was stunned, "Imperial concubine, what did you think of?"
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu said: "Think of a way to send his Majesty inside. Only by having his Majesty get in will imperial concubine Yun's disappearance from Winter Moon Palace be exposed."
Yue Xiu frowned: "But how can his Majesty get in? For the sake of getting into Winter Moon Palace, he has already worked hard for 20 years. Now..."
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu's lips curled up slightly, "He can't get in, so let's think of a way to send him in. Do not feel anxious. Allow this One to think carefully."
Inside the imperial daughter's manor in the capital, Feng Yu Heng and Yao Xian were working together to bring Bai Fu Rong out of the space. For the time being, she would be placed inside the medicine storage room. Yao Xian handed Feng Yu Heng a few reagents to look at then told her: "Inject these into a muscle. Perform this injection once a day. I gave her an injection this morning at eight. You should also give her her injection tomorrow at around eight in the morning. When the two spoke, they spoke in a more habitual modern style. Feng Yu Heng could only search for her 21st-century style when she was with him.
She smiled bitterly. She had lived in Da Shun for too long. It had been so long that she nearly forgot who exactly she was.
After settling Bai Fu Rong, Yao Xian left the imperial daughter's manor for his own home. Feng Yu Heng also left the medicine storage room and ordered the servants to find a new set of bedsheets for the medicine storage room. At this time, a maidservant ran over to her and urgently said: "Young miss, quickly go and see. The eldest young master of the Yao family seems to have had too much to drink and said that he wants to see young miss!"
Yao Shu's Request
Feng Yu Heng met Yao Shu in the imperial daughter's manor's main hall. Yao Shu, however, appeared to have drank a lot of wine, precisely as the maidservant had said. It was to the point that although there was no signs of him being drunk, but she was still able to smell the thick scent of alcohol.
"It's already getting late. Is there a reason eldest brother has come to find A-Heng?" She faintly asked. Although the people of the Yao family were good, they could not compare to the feelings of grandparent and grandchild that she shared with Yao Xian. In regards to the other people of the Yao family, she only had a day to interact with them. It was not enough to get very close. She would just think about that family's atmosphere from time to time. This was the reason that she did not want Lu Yao to ruin it.
Before Yao Shu could speak, he burped a few times, causing the smell of alcohol in the hall to become even more noticeable. He felt a little embarrassed and used his hand to cover his mouth; however, he put it back down after a while, saying to Feng Yu heng: "I've allowed younger sister to see something ridiculous. I truly drank a little too much wine tonight, but there are some things that I fear I could not say without drinking a bit of wine."
"Does eldest brother blame me for interfering with the Lu family's matters?" Feng Yu Heng went straight to the main topic. She knew that Yao Shu coming to look for her at a time like this most likely meant that it was related to the Lu family. Rather than waiting for him stall then fail to mention it, it would be better if she brought it up first.
Sure enough, Feng Yu Heng's words allowed Yao Shu to begin setting his thoughts in motion. Not long later, it seemed that he was ready to go for broke. Stomping his foot, he nodded, "Younger sister Heng is right. That's exactly the case, but I do not blame you. Lu Yao bullied the Feng family's third young miss first. You are the elder sister and supported your younger sister after returning to the capital. This was something that is fine. Also, I heard that for the sake of repairing some accessories that Yao'er broke, younger sister Heng invited craftsman Bai from the palace. Eldest brother... came to thank you."
"Oh?" She laughed, Yao'er? Was the relationship between Yao Shu and Lu Yao already that intimate? "It's nothing but a trifle. It isn't worthy of eldest brother's thanks." Her tone was calm, and it did not sound too intimate.
The alcohol rushed to Yao Shu's head, and he did not notice the coldness in Feng Yu Heng's words. He just continued: "Aside from giving thanks, I wanted to ask younger sister Heng to forgive Yao'er. She is unreasonable and offended younger sister Heng, but it won't happen in the future. Eldest brother will promise you. It really won't. I ask... I ask younger sister Heng not to obstruct this marriage with Yao'er. I... really like her."
The creases between Feng Yu Heng's brow became deeper and deeper. She did not reply for a long time and began to reflect. Had her attitude toward Lu Yao's matter been too forceful? In regards to the Yao family, had she been a bit too presumptuous and usurped the position of the host without consideration for the Yao family's feelings? Was it the case that as the younger cousin, she should have taken a step back to give way after Lu Yao's matter and knowing the situation between Lu Yao and her eldest cousin? Xiang Rong had been bullied, and she should have advised Xiang Rong to bear with it a bit. Wasn't there an old saying, it's better to tear down a temple than tear down a marriage? Were her actions over the past few days wrong?
Feng Yu Heng looked at Yao Shu. People that had drank too much often spoke the truth. Yao Shu was an obedient person. He said that he liked Lu Yao, which meant that he really liked Lu Yao. Although she did not know where this fondness found its origins, but at this point, Yao Shu had come with this request. She could no longer easily continue to do things according to her own plans.
Lu Yao marrying into the Yao family was set in stone. It was just that... why did she have a bad premonition about it?
She sighed faintly. In the end, they had different surnames. The Yao family was different from the Feng family. When making a decision in the Feng family, she could use her position as the daughter of the first wife, but to the Yao family, she was nothing more than an outsider.
She stood up and took a few steps forward, stopping just before arriving at the entrance of the hall. Without turning back, she raised her voice and said: "I'll do as you wish."
Yao Shu let out a long sigh of relief and finally appeared to be a bit spirited, repeatedly giving his thanks: "Many thanks, younger sister Heng. This grace, eldest brother has remembered it."
Feng Yu Heng smiled bitterly, "If eldest brother says it like this, you're blaming A-Heng for being too nosy. I originally had no intention of interfering with you and Lu Yao. If it was not for her trying again and again to provoke me, I would not have gone tit for tat. Since she is the one that eldest brother likes, I can't really say much. The matters of the past will remain in the past. I just hope that we will be able to get along peacefully and harmoniously in the future. Also, eldest brother, do not blame me for speaking out of turn. As the eldest grandson of the Yao family, your actions, words and the person you marry will be responsible for the Yao family. From this moment, whether the Yao family prospers or falls will be closely related to you. Don't allow a marriage to cause strife in the Yao family."
Yao Shu was a sharp person. How could he not understand what Feng Yu Heng's words meant. He immediately said: "Younger sister Heng, don't worry. Eldest brother knows that you are doing it for the sake of the Yao family. I will make a vow today. If that Lu Yao does anything that is not beneficial to the Yao family, I definitely will not tolerate it!"
When Yao Shu left, he had already sobered up from the effects of the alcohol; however, there did not appear to be any signs of regret on his face. Feng Yu Heng could not help but praise the Yao family's upbringing of its grandchildren. Even if so many things happened, Yao Shu's conversation with her was just this facet. Yao Shu was a man of virtue. He was neither foolish nor unreasonable. She thought that the standard first rank Lu family wanting this marriage was definitely a result of their own plans. Lu Yao had successfully made her way into Yao Shu's heart before the big wedding. It was just that she definitely could not have expected that the people of the Yao family would be upright and have a clear distinction between right and wrong. By the sound of it, even if that Lu Yao married into the Yao family, her days would definitely not be as easy as she expected.
She returned to her own courtyard from the main hall. Ever since Yao shi moved out, the place where she had resided had remained empty. There were numerous people that returned with them this time, thus she arranged for Prince Lian and Li Sheng to stay there. It was just that the manor seemed very quiet on this night. She asked Wang Chuan: "Is Prince Lian not here?"
Wang Chuan nodded, "I heard that he already found a residence and is getting ready to move in. If he's not in the manor right now, he must be at his new residence."
She was a little surprised, "So quickly?"
"Un." Huang Quan interjected and said: "He was quite vigorous. Also, the location of that new residence should be of interest to young miss?"
"Oh?" She asked: "Where is the new residence?"
The two servants laughed, and Wang Chuan said: "It's just to the side of the Feng residence. They truly are neighbors."
After a good night's sleep, she found that Huang Quan had already placed breakfast on the table when she woke up. She got up, washed then got changed. After eating breakfast, she went straight to the medicine storage room.
Every morning, Bai Fu Rong would need to be given an injection at around this time. Who knew just how Yao Xian produced this sort of medicine, as the effects appeared to be very notable. Bai Fu Rong's muscular recovery could be seen by the naked eye. She calculated and figured that she would make a full recovery after three months. Although she did not know if she could return to her previous state, normal life and movement would both be fine. It would not be like the present, where her body and organs had aged, and she was always unconscious.
Just after leaving the medicine storage room, she saw Wang Chuan bring an unfamiliar girl over. Seeing Feng Yu Heng, Huang Quan quickly walked over and quietly whispered into her ear: "She's from the palace. She says that she came from the Empress and wanted to see young miss."
Feng Yu Heng nodded and said to the servant: "Come with me into the room."
She brought the person into the hall, while Huang Quan and Wang Chuan followed behind. When Feng Yu Heng was seated inside the room, the servant finally kneeled and said: "This servant pays respects to imperial daughter."
Feng Yu Heng nodded, "Get up to speak." Seeing the servant stand up, she asked: "You help take care of her Highness the Empress?"
The servant said: "I am not frequently at her Highness' side; however, I am responsible more for moving around outside the palace. Her Highness had a message that she wanted this servant to pass along to imperial daughter. Last night, his Majesty noticed that that imperial concubine Yun escaped the palace and brought a large group of imperial guards to surround Winter Moon Palace. After the matter, although it was later confirmed that this was another one of his Majesty's tricks to try and trick imperial concubine Yun into seeing him because imperial concubine Yuan Shu had someone observing it quietly, her Highness said that imperial concubine Yuan Shu is not someone that ever gives up on a goal. She hopes that imperial daughter can have a bit of an understanding."
After she finished speaking, she did not continue to remain, bowing, "This servant has passed along the message and will not be remaining. Imperial daughter, farewell." After saying this, she left on her own.
Feng Yu Heng gave Huang Quan a look, and Huang Quan took the hint to send her out. This left Wang Chuan in the room with her. Neither spoke for a long time.
After a while, Feng Yu Heng's rosy lips parted slightly, asking: "Has there been any news from his Highness?"
Wang Chuan shook her head, "Still nothing."
She quietly sighed. Nothing now, then when would there be something? How many more days could they stall in Winter Moon Palace? Imperial concubine Yun, oh imperial concubine Yun, if you don't come back soon, there's nothing else to fear but the Emperor rushing to leave the palace as well. When that happens, how could that be good?
Just after noon on this day, the top scholar Yao Shu returned from court. He did not go back to Yao family. Instead, he went straight to the Lu manor with a box of pastries.
Lu Song left the palace before him. Not long after he got home, he heard about Yao Shu's arrival. He rejoiced inside. After thinking for a while, he decided to personally welcome him. Regardless of how the two still had not yet married, welcoming him in was to give face to the Yao family and Feng Yu Heng.
Yao Shu was a man with virtue who was very sorted out. He handed the box of pastries to a servant and said with a bit of embarrassment: "I came to visit for the first time; however, because I came in a rush, I did not prepare a better gift. I hope that my lord will not blame this lowly official."
"Hah!" Lu Song waved his hand and said with a bit of unhappiness appearing on his face: "Why is it still lowly official. We do indeed need to observe these rules in court, but we are currently at home. Where is the need for such courtesy. To call me father-in-law is still a bit early, but if you do not dislike it, calling me uncle Lu is also fine."
Upon hearing this, Yao Shu quickly stood up and saluted; however, he changed the way he addressed him: "Uncle Lu."
After hearing this, Lu Song smiled extremely brightly. When he looked at Yao Shu, the look in his eyes became a little more intimate. He asked Yao Shu: "For nephew to have visited today, I fear there must be a purpose, right?"
Yao Shu did not hide it, saying: "Without fear of uncle Lu laughing, nephew came today to see Yao... Young miss Lu Yao. I hope that uncle Lu will allow it."
Upon hearing that he had come to see Lu Yao, he also heard what Yao Shu had said. It was clear that he was going to call Lu Yao by her name, but because of properness, he changed it. A bit of anger appeared in his face, but he was very happy on the inside. "That girl was unreasonable and has been locked up by this old father. To have offended imperial daughter Ji An, if she is not treated with some force, she won't know where she went wrong. I fear that nephew won't be able to see her!"
Just after he said this, a "clank" sound could be heard. The door to the study was knocked open by a servant. A maidservant stumbled in with her face covered in tears, saying: "Master, it's not good. Second young miss hung herself and committed suicide!"
Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu's Wild Strategy
News of Lu Yao hanging herself gave both Lu Song and Yao Shu a huge fright. The two did not say a word and began rushing in the direction of Lu Yao's courtyard.
When they were still quite far away, they could already hear the maidservants crying loudly. Yao Shu was unable to suppress his emotions, rushing into the courtyard ahead of Lu Song and pushing open the door. But it was also because he pushed the door hard that in the next instant, Yao Shu suddenly came to a stop, staring straight at the scene before him. His face and neck immediately turned red.
At the same time, the servants in the room began screaming. Their screams caused Yao Shu to quickly turn around.
Lu Song entered after him. At this time, the maidservants had managed to cover up Lu Yao. Lu Song was puzzled and asked: "What happened?"
A servant kneeled while crying in front of Lu Song and told him: "Young miss took things hard and sent us servants out. We servants thought that she just wanted to be on her own; however, we never thought that young miss would do something so shortsighted. Master, after we servants brought young miss down, young miss' neck had a red mark on it, and it seemed that she was having a hard time breathing. We servants removed young miss' clothes to help her breathe. After finally managing to help young miss begin breathing..." As the girl spoke, she looked at Yao Shu sadly: "But young miss was just seen by this young man!"
Lu Song thought that something big had happened. Hearing what he had just heard, he waved his hand: "Don't be so shocked over such small things. This is the Yao family's eldest son. He is the one that is set to marry Yao'er. He cannot be considered an outsider."
"This..." The maidservant said with difficulty: "But master, if word of this was to spread... young miss cannot afford to lose face!"
Lu Song heard this and felt his heart move. He then looked at Lu Yao, but he saw that the maidservants had already helped her put her clothes on. There was a red mark on her neck, but it was not very severe. If one did not look carefully, it would not be seen, but Lu Yao's eyes remained on Yao Shu. He immediately reacted and turned to ask Yao Shu: "Nephew, what did you just see?"
Yao Shu replied sincerely: "Uncle Lu, don't worry. Dignified men will not tell lies, nor will they not take responsibility. Yao'er was already my fiancee. To have been seen by me today can also be considered fate." He turned around slightly and said to Lu Yao: "Yao'er, I might not be able to provide you with something as grand as a betrothal gift that the imperial family can provide, nor can I provide as grand a wedding celebration as one put on for a prince, but Yao'er, I, Yao Shu, swear on my Yao family's name that your wedding definitely will not be bad. The day of the wedding cannot be changed by anyone. No doubt, I must take responsibility for today's actions, but me marrying you is something that I want. It's not just because it would be proper. I hope that you are also willingly marrying me, and that you will always be that beautiful girl from when we first met. Don't worry, I have already spoken to my cousin from the Feng family. She will not object to our marriage. Yao'er, do not be unhappy. No matter what happens, I will favor you."
These words left hot tears streaming down Lu Yao's face. It also caused Lu Song to nod his head. In an exchange of glances, father and daughter could see the words "at ease" in the other's eyes.
Yao Shu's visit this time had doubtlessly given the Lu family something to put them at ease. Lu Song comforted Lu Yao for a while then removed the restriction that he placed on her going out. Only then did he send Yao Shu out.
Lu Yao was brought back to her bed by her maidservants. Once the door was closed, the sneered and rubbed her neck, shouting: "It hurts so much."
The maidservant at her side, Chun Tao, quickly said: "Young miss, endure a little longer. If you didn't do it for real, how could that young sir from the Yao family believe it? I fear that it would not even be able to handle master."
Lu Yao snorted coldly, "What's there to fear with father. He is very clear that what I did was fake. Sending me into the Yao family is nothing more than a chess move. He wants to make use of the Yao family's relationship with the ninth prince to protect his future position. That's why father must help me. No matter what, this marriage must happen." She spoke while happily smiling, "Look, hasn't Yao Shu been properly tamed by me. That's to say that in this world, there is no man that cannot be tamed. It just depends on what sort of tactics the woman is willing to use."
Chun Tao nodded and praised: "Our young miss is really smart. After marrying into the Yao manor, the Lu family will still need to take care of young miss. No matter how happy the third young miss is, she is still just flaunting her superiority in her own home. Young miss is the true foundation of the Lu family."
Upon hearing mention of the Lu family's third young miss, Lu Yan, Lu Yao's gaze became a little bit colder. That younger sister that was also of the first wife really was an annoying one!
She found Lu Yan to be an eyesore, but at the same time, Lu Yan did not like Lu Yao. Back when she had sent her people to Phoenix Pavilion to ruin Lu Yao's accessories, she had wanted to create more trouble between her and imperial daughter Ji An. It would be best to have completely offended imperial daughter Ji An, resulting in the marriage being canceled.
Unfortunately, things did not go as desired. Lu Yao's marriage ended up becoming a little more stable because of this. Lu Yan leaned against a pillar in a long hall while looking at Lu Yao's courtyard and clenching her fists.
"Really a good play." Lu Yan squinted her eyes and looked forward, muttering: "It's fine. The winner of this game will not be decided by you marrying into the Yao manor, nor will it be decided with me marrying Prince Sheng. In the end, it will depend on who ascends the throne. My great elder sister, you must know that we are not competing as girls. We are comparing men!"
The Lu family had received Yao Shu's guarantee and had finally received some assurance. Back in the Yao family's side, they also began taking care of matters related to Yao Shu's wedding.
The Yao family had always been rather democratic. Aside from the rule set down by Yao Xian of "men will not take concubines, and women will not be concubines," they had always been rather respectful of the younger generation's desires. For example, Yao Shu and Lu Yao's marriage, even if Lu Song asked the Emperor many times, and even if the Emperor brought it up with Yao Xian many times, if Yao Shu did not want it, Yao Xian would definitely think of a way to refuse.
But it was because Yao Shu accepted it that the Yao family chose to respect the child's decision. As long as he wanted it, the Yao family wanted it. However, who knew that this person would want a wife that would cause them to feel a deep regret.
"Is young miss still feeling worried for the Yao family's young master?" It was now night time, and Feng Yu Heng sat next to her bed. Leaning close to the window, she did not want to sleep. Wang Chuan saw that she had no intention of sleep and simply prepared some light jasmine tea to chat with her.
Hearing mention of Yao Shu, Feng Yu Heng put on a helpless expression, "He himself wants it. What is there that I can say. I am just worried about grandfather. After that Lu Yao enters the manor, it would be good if she knows to restrain herself. If she continues to stir up trouble, with grandfather getting up there in age, how could he handle it. Forget it." She waved her hand, "In the end, this is all in the future. That is not the reason that I cannot sleep tonight."
"Then why is it?" Wang Chuan was puzzled, "Is there something else troubling young miss?"
Feng Yu Heng furrowed her brow, her face filled with hesitation. After a while, she said: "I also can't quite say. It's just a flustered feeling. I keep feeling as though something is about to happen, but I can't figure out what it is. With this on my chest, I can't quite feel at ease."
Wang Chuan pushed the cooled jasmine tea toward her: "This sort of tea tastes best at this sort of temperature. It helps reduce inflammation. Young miss, drink some."
Feng Yu Heng picked up the cup of tea and brought it to her lips; however, she could not bring herself to drink it. What could be the problem?
The night was starting to turn cloudy. The moon that could be seen was covered after a short while. Inside the imperial palace, all of the palaces had shut their doors and blown out their candles. Either way, the Emperor had not visited the inner palace for over 20 years. The imperial concubines were already accustomed to this sort of regulated life. There was no longer even a shred of expectation left in their hearts.
On a small path in the palace, a swaying lantern was held in a servant's hand, as they hurriedly moved forward. To this person's side was a woman wearing a cloak and hat. While walking, they looked around. Fortunately, this small path was always quiet. Because the Emperor did not visit, even the imperial guards relaxed their patrols. At this moment, aside from these two, not another person could be seen.
The two went straight to the entrance of a palace before stopping. There was a palace maid waiting in front of this palace. Upon seeing them arrive, she quickly pushed the gate open and brought them inside.
This was Yong Ning Palace. There was no palace princess. There was only a high-ranking concubine living here. That high-ranking concubine saw the people arrive then bowed, saying: "Paying respects to imperial concubine Shu."
The person that had come was imperial concubine Yuan Shu!
The two were seated, and imperial concubine Yuan Shu looked at the girl that was younger than her, yet the girl appeared to be older. Sighing, she shook her head and said: "Unfortunately, if we're comparing appearance, the high-ranking concubine Jing of that time would be the best at that time. What a pity! Without given a chance to meet, that imperial concubine Yun was brought back the second year after you entered the palace. You didn't even get a chance to get pregnant with a child. You didn't get a chance to get even closer. Like this, you've been here in the inner palace, wasting your time for twenty years. This is retribution!"
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu's laments covered the complaints that she had of imperial concubine Jing from the years. Imperial concubine Jing's lip trembled, and a fishy-sweet taste surged into her throat and was forcefully suppressed. She smiled bitterly, "That's right. In the end, my life was not as good as elder sister Shu's. No matter how it is, you still have a child. There are times when I think that even if I had a daughter, it would be great. But daughters in Da Shun are even harder to come by than sons."
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu looked at imperial concubine Jing, a look of viciousness flashing through her eyes, "Could it be that younger sister wishes to continue living like this? Without returning to your old home and remaining without hopes, just remaining inside this large palace. Even if you spent every day counting the pigeons, you should have finished counting all of them over the years. Now, your hairs about to turn white. Could it be that younger sister is giving up?"
Imperial concubine Jing was puzzled, "What can I do aside from accepting my fate? Over the years, it's not like there haven't been concubines that have had private encounters with imperial guards, but which of them wasn't dismembered by five horses? Could it be that elder sister has such a thing in mind?"
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu shook her head, "It's as you said. In any case, this One has a son. How could I have any other thoughts. This One is thinking for younger sister and wishes to provide younger sister with a way out."
"What does elder sister mean by such things?" Imperial concubine Jing became interested, "There was a servant that came by during the day to tell me that elder sister wanted to meet tonight, but younger sister could not figure out what is the reason elder sister wishes to see me?"
Imperial concubine Yuan Shu covered her mouth and smiled faintly, "That's right! You and I don't often speak, yet this One suddenly paid a visit. You wouldn't believe anything that was said, but this is a situation that would only occur once every thousand years. This One will not hide it from younger sister. The reason that you were chosen is that you have an elder brother working in the palace, and the person in charge of the imperial guards tonight is him."