Chapter 121: Chapter 59: Digging a Pit with a Backhand
Han Jinyi gave a distracted nod, her mind already wandering. Once Ying Chun had finished her report, she dismissed her. Leaning against a soft pillow, Han Jinyi began to carefully consider her future.
Although she didn’t consider herself stupid, after the day’s events, she felt she truly didn’t have what it takes to contend with the people in this palace and come out on top.
She needed to protect her life and her dignity. But when she recalled how decisively His Majesty had stormed off, she knew she couldn’t rely on the Emperor.
She could only find another path. The three concubines had survived in the palace for so many years; following them would not be easy. She would probably have to pay a great price and could very well end up as a stepping stone, which was not what she wanted.
She had originally been on good terms with Qin Xiyue and the others. They’d had a mutual understanding to support one another, so she grew close to them during the selection. But recalling the events that had transpired in Zhichun Palace, she now felt she had been far too idealistic.
At first, when Qin Xiyue spoke up for Beauty Zhen out of a sense of justice, she thought she hadn’t misjudged her character. But later, Qin Xiyue fell silent. Mulling it over now sent a chill through her heart.
’Why did Qin Xiyue play deaf and dumb afterward?’
It was simply because His Majesty had handed the matter to Consort Shu to handle, and Consort Shu had discovered that something was off with Cuiju. She must have felt that although Beauty Zhen was innocent, her reputation with His Majesty was ruined after this incident, and her future prospects were effectively destroyed.
A person with no future naturally has no value, so Qin Xiyue let her go.
’If I were to ally with Qin Xiyue, would she abandon me just as decisively if I ever lost my value?’
Although this was just her speculation, the more she thought about it, the more alarmed she became. Her plan to form an alliance with Qin Xiyue was completely shattered.
Then she thought back to Yun Zhao. His Majesty had singled her out at the time. Anyone else would have surely investigated the matter to the very end to take credit before His Majesty. But she didn’t. Instead, she immediately passed the buck.
Moreover, if Yun Zhao hadn’t intervened today, Cuiju might have gotten away with it. If things had continued to unfold as they were, it might have turned into a confrontation between Qin Xiyue and Princess Consort Zhuang. In that case, Qin Xiyue would have stolen the spotlight using Beauty Zhen’s case and would have naturally stood out from the rest of the new concubines.
Han Jinyi didn’t dare to think any further. The more she did, the more muddled her mind became.
She didn’t sleep well that night, her dreams filled with the day’s events.
Song Yunzhao, however, was different. Nothing, no matter how monumental, could disturb her sleep. She slept soundly and woke up the next day feeling refreshed and energized.
"Are there any updates on yesterday’s matter?" Song Yunzhao asked Xiangxue after breakfast.
Xiangxue was clearing the table with Shizhu and the others. Hearing the question, she shook her head. "There’s no news from Cuiwei Palace. Nanny Yu has Anshun keeping an eye on things. He’ll report back if there’s any news."
Song Yunzhao didn’t think it was possible they would unearth the mastermind. The Clothing Bureau only made clothes and accessories for the harem’s concubines. The place was crowded, disorganized, and chaotic; how could it possibly be easy to investigate every single person there?
This matter would most likely become a cold case. Even if Consort Shu investigated thoroughly, her reach wasn’t long enough. Not unless she had the Right Minister intervene. But if the Right Minister interfered in harem affairs, the Emperor would surely be displeased.
Why would Consort Shu be willing to have her father step in for a mere Beauty Zhen?
So, there was no need to even think about it. The investigation would certainly come to a dead end with Cuiju.
The Emperor had left so decisively yesterday because he must have foreseen this outcome and couldn’t be bothered to waste any more time.
Song Yunzhao had no interest in getting involved in these things either. She barely had the energy to protect herself, let alone be someone else’s hero.
She went back to her study to write her novels, hoping to have two volumes finished by the time she saw Xie Linlang. Palace intrigue and the Emperor were less appealing than Silver. If she wanted to live comfortably in this palace, with so many people to appease up and down the hierarchy, how could she not work hard to earn money?
It was better to rely on herself than on anyone else.
As Song Yunzhao cheerfully wrote her novel, the Emperor was in Taiji Palace, reading the report Consort Shu had submitted. After finishing it, a hint of ridicule appeared in his eyes. He knew it would turn out like this.
Meng Jiuchang sensed His Majesty was in a bad mood and didn’t dare to interrupt. After a long while, he finally heard His Majesty say, "Do as Consort Shu suggests."
"Yes." Meng Jiuchang quickly replied. When it was clear His Majesty had nothing more to say, he turned and left.
Feng Yi’s fingertips brushed over the report sent by Consort Shu, and he casually tossed it into the pile of useless, discarded memorials.
"Your Majesty." Zhang Maoquan walked swiftly into the hall, bowing to pay his respects.
Feng Yi glanced at Zhang Maoquan. "Well?"
"This servant had someone quietly inquire. The Clothing Bureau said that Cuiju started working there five years ago. She wasn’t transferred from the harem, but was assigned directly to the Clothing Bureau after being selected as a Palace Attendant." As Zhang Maoquan spoke, his palms began to sweat.
If Cuiju was indeed a plant, it meant the person behind her was meticulous and thorough. They hadn’t let Cuiju leave any trace in the harem, instead sending her directly to work at the Clothing Bureau. The trail left behind was too faint. To find the mastermind, they would need Cuiju herself to confess.
"Also, just this morning... Cuiju hanged herself," Zhang Maoquan forced the words out.
Feng Yi wasn’t surprised at all. He sneered, "What a grand gesture."
Zhang Maoquan didn’t dare say another word, keeping his head lowered in silence.
’But he secretly agreed with His Majesty. A human life, snuffed out just like that. Hanged herself? Who’s to say whether she did it herself or if someone else strung her up for her?’
’The lives of us servants are as worthless as weeds. Who would ever see us as human beings?’
"Have someone keep a close watch. Don’t alert the snake in the grass," Feng Yi instructed Zhang Maoquan.
"Yes, this servant will ensure it is handled properly," Zhang Maoquan immediately replied.
’We never paid much attention to the Clothing Bureau before. Who would’ve thought someone would use it to make their move? Now that someone has died, her death can’t be in vain. This is the perfect opportunity for me to cast a long line and reel in a big fish.’
"Consort Shu performed her investigation meritoriously. Select a few bolts of the newly arrived tribute silk and send them to her. There’s no need to send any to Princess Consort Zhuang. You may go."
"This servant obeys."
Zhang Maoquan took some men to open His Majesty’s private storeroom and, with great fanfare, carried the silks to Cuiwei Palace. He deliberately had them pass by Princess Consort Zhuang’s Zhaoyang Palace, making the whole affair a grand spectacle.
Princess Consort Zhuang flew into a rage in Zhaoyang Palace. Consort Shu, on the other hand, was quite pleased and grandly rewarded everyone in Cuiwei Palace, from top to bottom.
When Song Yunzhao heard the news, the corner of her mouth twitched. ’The Emperor’s attempt to sow discord isn’t very sophisticated, but it’s certainly effective.’
Now she had a better idea of the persona she should adopt in the harem. All that was left was to wait for the investiture ceremony.
’Because only after the investiture can I receive the Emperor’s favor. Since the Emperor threw me into this great whirlpool of a harem, he’ll have to pay a price for it.’
