Chapter 35:

The matter wasn’t completely resolved, yet it might not necessarily progress further. Layue analyzed that it was highly likely the blame would fall upon Xianfei, who was currently in disgrace in the Cold Palace.

She dimmed her gaze. In her opinion, De Fei was actually more suspicious than Xianfei, or perhaps De Fei had simply continued using the network previously established by Xianfei.

Regardless of why the Empress Dowager had summoned her to Huici Palace, after everything that had happened, she now felt drained. Nurse Gui dismissed everyone present.

At this point, none of the concubines had the heart to gossip or compete with each other—this matter certainly wasn’t resolved. Moreover, although some might know in their hearts that they hadn’t committed such acts, the saying “a straight body fears no crooked shadow” had no place within the palace walls.

Within this palace, who didn’t harbor special intentions? And if there was solid evidence, even if you hadn’t actually committed the act, you still wouldn’t escape punishment.

Layue’s eyes were red from crying, and she appeared generally haggard.

She hurried back to Tingyu Pavilion and found Jinxin anxiously waiting in the hall.

“Madam, you’re back.” Jinxin briskly ordered someone to prepare hot water. With eyes so red, how could they not apply a compress?

“Jinxin, summon everyone from Tingyu Pavilion,” Shen Layue ordered coldly.

Jinxin acknowledged and quickly went out.

Before long, Layue finished applying the compress to her eyes and entered the hall. She saw all the servants standing there with lowered brows and downcast eyes, seemingly well-behaved.

Sitting at the head position, Jinxin brought over a cup of tea, which Layue sipped slowly while observing everyone in the room.

No one knew what had happened, but the previous search conducted by Nurse Gui had raised suspicions among them. Seeing Shen Liangyuan in this mood now made them feel uneasy.

After a while, Layue set down her teacup and spoke slowly, “I remember telling you all that once you entered Tingyu Pavilion, you became part of it and are closely tied to me, Shen Layue. You should understand the principle that we rise and fall together.”

No one knew what had occurred. Many who had divided loyalties were secretly sweating.

“There is only one chance. Right now, I will give you all just one opportunity. Whoever has issues should step forward voluntarily. I will overlook past transgressions. However, if you remain obstinate and refuse to repent, I will not show mercy,” Layue’s tone wasn’t fierce; in fact, she even smiled slightly while speaking.

No one stepped forward, yet Layue didn’t become angry.

Her tone, however, grew colder: “Fine. Very well. Since you all believe you have no issues, then let’s continue.”

At this moment, a third-rank young eunuch named Xiao An suddenly knelt down, his voice trembling: “I… I… I have something to say.”

Layue’s expression remained unchanged.

Jinxin spoke coldly: “Speak.”

“I… I once received a gold melon seed from Cui’er, who serves Lady Xinxuan, and she asked me to spy on Madam’s movements,” he stammered, his voice trembling, sweat pouring from his forehead.

“Jinxin,” Shen Layue gestured. Jinxin led the eunuch into the inner room, and no one knew what questions she asked him. During this time, Layue remained composed, continuing to observe the others.

Shortly afterward, the two emerged, and Xiao An’s expression was noticeably calmer. He obediently returned to his place in the line.

“Does anyone else have anything to say?” Jinxin asked.

Except for Xiao An, the others all assumed expressions of loyalty. Layue’s face revealed a mocking smile.

“Those who know of others’ misdeeds can report them. Reporting will result in a promotion by one rank.” Don’t underestimate this one rank—without hard currency like gold melon seeds, other benefits couldn’t compare.

Moreover, if promoted to a first-class eunuch or maid, one’s status would naturally change.

Seeing no one speak, Layue understood that although tempting, it wasn’t certain anyone would betray another, since no one could know who stood behind someone else.

“I’ve given you all a chance,” Layue said indifferently, though everyone felt a chill.

Jinxin smiled gently at the bowed heads.

“Xiao Quan, half a month ago, you went to Shuning Palace to inform Lingyu, who serves Lady Fangjie, and received a jade ring in return.”

Xiao Quan was startled, about to explain, but upon meeting Jinxin’s knowing gaze, he, along with the others, instantly realized the truth. Today’s actions clearly indicated that Madam already knew everything beforehand.

Such a display was merely to remind them that no one in Tingyu Pavilion could harbor divided loyalties.

Xiao Quan immediately knelt down, but before he could speak, Jinxin stopped him.

“Li’er exchanged messages with Qiqiao from Lady Anjie’s palace.”

“Qian’er communicated with Jiuning, who serves Lady De Fei from Xian’an Palace…”

Jinxin spoke calmly, item by item, clearly detailing each incident, including dates and the content of the messages exchanged. Everyone was shocked. Jinxin had always appeared gentle and amiable, smiling warmly, strict about etiquette yet reasonable.

Yet no one had imagined she had known everything all along.

Looking at the scene now, seven or eight people were kneeling.

Nevertheless, none of Shen Layue’s two senior eunuchs and four senior maids were among them.

Layue smiled at them, “Could it be you actually thought I had chosen people randomly back then? Jinxin, send all these people to Lady De Fei.” She then tilted her head thoughtfully, as if speaking to herself, “Next time, send them directly to the Office of Discipline.”

Within the palace, the Office of Discipline was akin to hell itself.

Although this time they were being sent to Lady De Fei, everyone understood that with Shen Liangyuan making such a public display, Lady De Fei would certainly not treat them kindly. And the palace strictly forbade such activities, so even Qian’er felt uneasy.

No one knew how Lady De Fei would deal with them. The best course of action would likely be sending them all to the Office of Discipline.

Although they begged for mercy and swore oaths, Layue remained unmoved. The opportunity had been there, and they had failed to seize it. Now, what use was there in crying?

Looking at the remaining people, Layue said nothing further and rose to return to her inner chambers.

Jinxin remained in her usual manner: “Don’t think you can waver back and forth as a servant. Today’s escape doesn’t guarantee tomorrow’s safety. Please remember Madam’s words.”

Since Lady De Fei was currently managing the palace, she could handle these problematic individuals appropriately.

Soon, this drama concluded peacefully.

Not long afterward, Ta’er and Guo’er returned.

It was said that Lady De Fei had already sent these people back to the consorts they secretly supported. Qian’er, however, had been sent to the Office of Discipline. Layue hadn’t expected Lady De Fei to act this way. It seemed that Lady De Fei’s rise to her current position hadn’t been accidental.

Such a face-slapping move, she had executed with ease.

Wasn’t this exactly how the inner palace operated?

She dismissed everyone except Jinxin.

Jinxin, always meticulous, helped Shen Layue change clothes and then accompanied her for a walk in the garden.

“Madam, the matter of the incense and sachets within the palace was revealed earlier than expected. What should we do next?”

“I was drugged, naturally the victim, so we only need to appear indignant and wronged,” Layue smiled faintly.

Didn’t she know that the incense in Tingyu Pavilion had problems? But after learning the specific properties of the incense, she decided to go along with it. Previously, she hadn’t known, but after studying medical texts and listening to Madam Wan’s words, she now understood that it was not fortunate for a young woman to give birth at such an early age.

After all, a thirteen-year-old girl was still a child herself. If she became pregnant, it would greatly deplete her blood and energy, harming both mother and child.

She had originally been thinking about how to prevent pregnancy, and this incense had come in handy by coincidence.

As for the sachet Chen Yulan had given her, how could she possibly use it? She had already suffered from it in her previous life.

Compared to the incense, the sachet Chen Yulan had given her, which contained musk, seemed even more malicious. While it wouldn’t necessarily prevent conception, it would significantly increase the risk of miscarriage after pregnancy.

Comparatively, Layue found the latter more despicable.

“Madam, although your cousin was also punished, she remains in the palace. If one day she gains the Emperor’s favor, she certainly won’t be friendly toward us. On the contrary, she will definitely oppose us head-on. Shouldn’t we think of some measures?”

Layue shook her head: “No need. In this palace, aside from the Emperor, even the Empress Dowager cannot arbitrarily exile a concubine to the Cold Palace or have her beaten. As for the Emperor, I believe my cousin will soon be summoned for his night visit.”

Layue smiled as she spoke these words, while Jinxin remained puzzled.

“How could that be? She’s so malicious; how would the Emperor?”

“Why not? Jinxin, you must pay more attention to palace matters. Guifei Fu will soon rise rapidly, at the very least reaching the rank of consort. Otherwise, how could she balance against De Fei? Although I am somewhat favored, my rank is low, my family background isn’t prominent, and I can’t conceive in the short term! Moreover, I’m somewhat free-spirited and had a conflict with Lady Anjie. I also indirectly offended De Fei over the incense matter. Now, with all these checks and balances in the palace, isn’t this exactly what the Emperor enjoys? As for my cousin, tell me, if he wants to counter me, wouldn’t a cousin who grew up with me, knows me inside out, yet harbors mutual hatred, be another sword hanging over my head, placed there by the Emperor himself?”

Upon hearing her mistress’s analysis, Jinxin frowned and remarked, “They say the imperial family is the most heartless, and indeed it is so.”

“Jinxin, remember this: what I must do is walk steadily, step by step upward. What I need is the glory that comes with this status, not love—not the Emperor’s love. You are the one I trust most, so keep this in mind.”