Chapter 77:

Empress Dowager was filled with anger upon hearing about Layue’s incident. She had just instructed Layue to take good care of the Emperor when leaving the palace, yet someone dared to act like this, which was undoubtedly a slap on her face.

Others might not understand this, but she herself felt exactly like that.

Though she didn’t come in person, she sent her trusted nurse Gui to visit and convey her message.

This Lian Xiuyun could no longer be tolerated. Not only Shen Layue disliked her, but others as well. Despite her low status, she repeatedly considered herself superior, creating troubles within the palace. She was even late when they first met.

It seemed she didn’t even respect the Empress Dowager herself. Previously, the Empress Dowager had chosen not to speak much about these small matters, but if allowed to continue like this, it would be indulging her.

Who knew what more harmful actions she might take?

When Nurse Gui arrived, the Jing Emperor gave a faint smile.

Sure enough, Nurse Gui directly conveyed the Empress Dowager’s decree.

Such a woman with no virtue was unworthy of staying in the harem. Therefore, she was to be sent to the cold palace to accompany Consort Song.

Upon hearing this decision, Lian Xiuyun immediately collapsed to the ground. After regaining her senses, she kept shouting, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please, this concubine truly didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t do it on purpose…”

The Jing Emperor remained cold and silent.

Seeing this scene and realizing no one around was supporting her, Lian Xiuyun spat out harsh words, “I accidentally pushed her into the water, and you all secretly rejoice in your hearts. Why pretend to be so distressed? My fate today will be yours tomorrow. You won’t have a good ending either. I only regret not truly drowning her and that the rescuers arrived too quickly…”

“Crack.” The Emperor kicked her fiercely, and Lian Xiuyun fell to the ground.

She never expected the usually gentle man to treat her like this.

“What a malicious woman to have entered the palace. It’s truly an unfortunate event for the royal family. Lai Xi.”

Lai Xi, standing nearby, immediately dragged her out with several young eunuchs without waiting for further orders from the Emperor. Lian Xiuyun struggled continuously, but she was just a woman and was eventually pulled out.

The high-ranking consorts, including Virtuous Consort, Hui Consort, and Qi Consort, remained silent.

They didn’t want to speak about today’s incident. They had also knelt for quite a while because of Lian Xiuyun’s foolishness, and how could they not be angry inside?

“The inspection tour will proceed as originally planned. Chun Wanyong’s health is poor, so she won’t be able to accompany this time. Nurse Gui, please convey to the Empress Dowager to provide more support to Tingyu Pavilion. I don’t want any mishaps regarding Chun Wanyong.”

He glanced at everyone.

Even though Shen Layue couldn’t go, he wouldn’t let anyone else benefit from this incident. He had noticed the expressions of many people upon hearing about Shen Layue’s accident, feigning anxiety while their eyes clearly showed joy.

As for how much of that anxiety was genuine concern for Layue’s well-being remained unknown.

“As for Chun Wanyong, since entering the palace, she has been obedient and simple-hearted, which is why I specially bestowed upon her the name ‘Chun’. Despite many attempts to frame her, she has never spoken a word against anyone. She may not care, but I cannot allow her to keep suffering injustice. Lai Xi, issue an imperial decree. Chun Wanyong’s virtuous nature has earned her promotion to the rank of Guìyí at the fourth senior grade.”

Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, everyone was startled and grew even more resentful towards Lian Xiuyun.

She caused such chaos, the Emperor was unhappy, Shen Layue was rescued, and they were all affected by the Emperor’s anger. Now, she was even promoted several ranks to the fourth senior grade as a Guìyí. Everyone knew that a titled Guìyí was practically equivalent to a third junior grade Jiéyú.

At this time, Shen Layue had already fallen into a deep sleep and was unaware of everything happening outside. If she had known, she would have thought back to her previous life. In her previous life, Lian Xiuyun had also met the same fate, but the person she had framed back then wasn’t Shen Layue but Virtuous Consort.

Although the process had changed, her ending remained the same.

After handling everything, the Emperor left with the consorts.

The Emperor didn’t mention the punishment for the palace maids in Tingyu Pavilion. Whether it was Apricot’s negligence in serving the mistress or Jinxin’s unauthorized interruption, the Jing Emperor silently ignored them.

Seeing everyone leave, the ones who had collapsed quickly got up.

Jinxin looked at her young mistress, whose face was pale and fragile as she lay there, and tears fell from her eyes.

She tightly clenched her fists, blaming herself for not properly protecting her mistress.

When Layue woke up again, it was already the next morning. Jinxin was sitting on a small stool by the bed, leaning on her arms dozing off.

As soon as Layue moved, Jinxin woke up.

“Master, are you uncomfortable anywhere?”

Layue looked at the weary Jinxin and then around the room, forcing a smile, “No, I’m just weak all over.”

“I’ll have someone prepare some porridge for you,” she said and called for someone.

Layue didn’t stop her, as she was indeed hungry. She looked around and softly asked, “What happened to Lian Xiuyun?”

“Report to the master, Lian Xiuyun has already been sent to the cold palace.”

Upon hearing this, Layue wasn’t surprised. She didn’t say anything but started thinking carefully.

Jinxin spoke up, “Master, is there anything wrong?”

This confrontation between the two would surely lead Lian family to trouble the Shen family next. And this time, Layue never believed that Lian Xiuyun had pushed her simply because she wanted her dead.

“No, I need some time to think. You go ahead and do your tasks. This matter must not be simple. I need to think carefully.”

Jinxin nodded in agreement.

She was about to leave when she remembered the Emperor’s promotion and quickly spoke again, “Master, the Emperor has already promoted you to Chun Guìyí.”

Layue was momentarily stunned but then showed a slight smile.

She nodded, “I understand. You may leave now.”

Seeing her master was aware, Jinxin turned and left.

Although the promotion was a good thing, Layue was thinking about the events of the past two days.

Layue always felt something unusual about this matter. The Emperor had suspicions about it, and so did she. Initially, she had been misled by her past experiences, always feeling that Lian Xiuyun’s actions were justified. But upon further reflection, things might not be as they seemed.

Even if Lian Xiuyun had a terrible character, she wouldn’t commit such an obvious mistake, especially at this critical moment. Yet, the fact was that she had done exactly that.

If Chen Yulan might have been tricked by Bai Xiaodie, then could Lian Xiuyun have been tricked in the same way?

Even if not for this reason, Layue didn’t believe Lian Xiuyun acted without someone’s instigation.

No matter how you looked at it, Lian Xiuyun didn’t gain any benefit from this incident.

Therefore, Layue was certain that someone had used Lian Xiuyun. It could be due to drugs or her personality flaws; all were very possible.

Then there was the matter of trying to harm her.

If she had drowned and died, that would have been the best outcome. However, since Apricot was there and called for help in time, drowning was almost impossible. If she survived, she certainly couldn’t accompany the Emperor outside the palace.

Was that the ultimate goal? To prevent her from going outside the palace, giving someone else another opportunity. But Layue didn’t think that was the case. If it was just that, there were too many uncertainties. Even if the Emperor didn’t take her, he might not take anyone else.

Then, perhaps the ultimate goal was just to keep her in the palace? But what was the intention behind keeping her in the palace?

Suddenly, a thought struck Layue, and she thought of another person. Yes, Chen Yulan had come out, the Emperor had gone out, and Chen Yulan had resumed her normal life. If at this time Chen Yulan suffered a miscarriage and the blame was placed on her, it would be possible.

If the evidence eventually pointed to her, accusing her of causing Chen Yulan’s miscarriage, then it could be said that she deliberately stayed in the palace to do this. In that case, it wouldn’t be Lian Xiuyun harming her, but rather she had framed Lian Xiuyun.

She intentionally fell into the water to stay in the palace, not only harming Chen Yulan but also framing Lian Xiuyun.

Thinking about this, Layue felt a chill. Could it be like this? Could it be such a chain of plots?

If it was really like this, what should she do?

Staying in the palace had already become inevitable; she definitely couldn’t follow the Emperor out.

Since the incident hasn’t happened yet, she certainly didn’t need to worry too much. However, as the saying goes, “If one does not plan for the future, one will inevitably encounter troubles.” If she didn’t take precautions and make careful calculations now, she would surely become a victim of others’ schemes in the future.

“Jinxin—”

“I’m here,” Jinxin quickly entered.

“Go talk to Master Lai Xi and say I want to see the Emperor.” Layue wasn’t the type to sit idle and wait for things to happen. Since she had suspicions, she would definitely resolve all the potential threats to her safety.

Jinxin agreed and headed straight to Xuanning Hall.

The Emperor was about to leave the palace tomorrow; it was natural for his concubine to be thinking of him.

Sure enough, Lai Xi knew the situation. Since Noble Consort Chun was currently favored, he warmly agreed to Jinxin’s request and went in to report to Emperor Jing.

Upon hearing that Layue wanted to see him, the Emperor didn’t delay. Although she was still young, since entering the palace, she had first schemed in the “caught in the act” incident. Then there was the harassment from Virtuous Consort, which caused her to have an allergic reaction to rare flowers. There was also the issue of palace incense causing infertility, the musk pouch from Chen Yulan, and the continuous attempts to frame her, culminating in today’s drowning incident.

In his heart, the Emperor felt a bit of pity for this girl.

Even if she was indeed a little fox, she hadn’t done anything he disliked. On the contrary, she had constantly tried to please him. The hostility from others was merely due to his favor towards her.

After all, she was only fourteen.

Emperor Jing wasn’t entirely heartless and unfeeling. Whenever possible, he was willing to show a bit of tenderness to someone who loved him devotedly.

In fact, the Emperor was very busy today, but he believed he still had a little time to visit Xiaoyue.

“How is your mistress’s condition?”

Jinxin followed behind the Emperor respectfully and replied, “My mistress is weak. She was dazed as soon as she got up this morning, and then she wanted to see the Emperor. The physician hasn’t come to check on her yet.”

The Emperor frowned in displeasure, “Your mistress is unwell, and you haven’t called a physician yet. What kind of servants are you?”

His tone was very cold. Jinxin’s heart trembled, and she quickly replied, “Yesterday, Physician Wan said that my mistress inhaled cold from falling into the water. If she woke up today and took the medicine on time, there wouldn’t be a problem as long as she didn’t have a fever again. My mistress has always been somewhat reluctant to see a doctor and insisted we not call a physician.”

The Emperor snorted, “I see. This girl is deliberately trying to make me worry. Don’t talk nonsense. You must not listen to your mistress in this matter. Call the physician immediately. If Noble Consort Chun has any mishap, the punishment will be the Shenxing Si.”

Shenxing Si meant a fate worse than death.

Jinxin trembled again and quickly agreed.

“You read medical books every day, yet you haven’t figured out anything,” the Emperor added. Jinxin didn’t respond behind him, only lowered her head and followed quickly towards Tingyu Pavilion.

There was a strong medicinal smell inside Tingyu Pavilion.

Seeing her gazing at him with longing eyes, the Emperor felt his heart ache once more.

But even so, he still scolded her verbally, “You little girl, why don’t you like to see a doctor? Your body is so weak. How can you act recklessly like this?”

As if recalling the previous illness, the Emperor gently patted her little bottom.

“You still won’t behave obediently. I told you last time that if you keep neglecting your health, I will definitely punish you.”

Layue lay there with a pitiful look, “I’m already so pitiful, and you still bully me. It hurts so much.”

He was like this, and the Emperor couldn’t help but laugh, “I just gave you a light pat, and you exaggerate it like this. You’re such a cunning girl.” Although he said this, his actions were very gentle as he adjusted the slightly disheveled blanket for her.

“Do you feel a bit better now?”

Layue obediently nodded, “A bit better.”

He raised an eyebrow, “So you miss me. Since entering the palace, you haven’t sent anyone to Xuanning Hall to request a meeting with me.”

Layue pouted, “I wouldn’t want to bother Your Majesty with state affairs. But, but Your Majesty is leaving the palace tomorrow, and I’m afraid I won’t have time to say some things.”

This made the Emperor curious, “What do you want to say?”

She rubbed her little hands together and hesitated before speaking, “Before entering the palace, I went to a temple to make a wish. As long as I gained Your Majesty’s favor, I would keep vegetarian and recite Buddhist scriptures to thank the Buddha for granting my wish. But after entering the palace and gaining Your Majesty’s favor, I forgot all about it. Just now, I was thinking that maybe the Buddha was angry with me. My current status doesn’t allow me to leave the palace, but I heard there is a small Buddhist hall inside the Dowager Empress’s Huici Palace. Your Majesty, you care for me the most. Could you please talk to the Dowager Empress? I want to move in for a while, keep vegetarian and recite Buddhist scriptures, which would also fulfill my promise.”